‍Argentine Energy Giant YPF Explores Crypto Payments Argentina's state-controlled energy company YPF is reportedly considering integrating cryptocurrency payments for fuel purchases at its stations. This initiative, which may involve third-party processors like Lemon, Ripio, or Binance, would expand payment options beyond the company's recent adoption of USD transactions. Customers could use QR codes for transfers, with amounts displayed in pesos based on Banco Nación's reference rate. Argentina ranks 20th in the 2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index, showing growing interest in digital assets despite recent challenges like the LIBRA memecoin controversy. This exploration of crypto payments aligns with broader economic pressures and the search for innovative financial solutions within the country.
‍Portal to Bitcoin Secures $25M, Launches Atomic OTC Desk Portal to Bitcoin, a Bitcoin-native interoperability protocol, has raised $25 million and launched an atomic over-the-counter (OTC) trading desk. This initiative aims to facilitate trustless, instantaneous, cross-chain settlement for large volume trades involving native Bitcoin and other digital assets. The platform utilizes Hashed Timelock Contracts (HTLCs) and Bitcoin Taproot contracts to ensure direct, non-custodial exchanges, positioning Bitcoin as a potential settlement layer for global financial markets. The funding round was led by JTSA Global, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, OKX Ventures, and Arrington Capital.
‍TrueNorth Raises $3M to Tackle AI Hallucinations in Finance TrueNorth has secured $3 million in pre-seed funding to develop domain-specific AI for financial markets. The company aims to address inaccuracies in generic AI models, with 54% of investors using AI but only 11% trusting its outputs. TrueNorth's platform achieves 98% accuracy on finance tasks, outperforming general models by 28% and reducing latency by 80%. The funding will support a public beta launch for over 40,000 users.
‍Ika Integrates EdDSA Signatures, Enhancing Cross-Chain Control for Solana, Zcash, Cardano Ika, a parallel MPC network, has upgraded its mainnet to integrate EdDSA signatures into its dWallets. This expansion broadens native cross-chain control to ecosystems like Solana, Zcash, Cardano, Stellar, and Near, allowing for cross-chain asset control without relying on bridges or intermediaries. The upgrade enables "zero-trust signing and programmable control" across more networks, facilitating multi-ecosystem coordination and execution logic. Ika's Co-Founder, Omer Sadika, stated this allows developers to orchestrate real cross-chain actions with native assets. Utilizing a 2PC-MPC cryptographic scheme, Ika splits authorization into user and network shares, never reconstructing the private key. This zero-trust model now extends to EdDSA support, offering enhanced security and decentralization across a wider range of blockchain networks.
‍Thailand Seizes $8.6M in Bitcoin Mining Gear, Disrupting Transnational Scam Networks Thai authorities have seized $8.6 million worth of Bitcoin mining equipment suspected of funding Chinese transnational scam gangs operating from Myanmar. The operation, which targeted seven locations, uncovered sophisticated, soundproofed facilities. This crackdown highlights the evolving role of crypto mining in international cybercrime, serving both as a revenue stream and a money laundering tool. Experts describe a "transnational franchise model" where these networks invest in physical infrastructure like data centers and mines. The action aligns with a broader regional effort in Southeast Asia to combat crypto-linked power theft and money laundering, with countries like Malaysia also reporting significant losses. The UNODC and Interpol have also raised concerns about illegal crypto mining facilitating illicit proceeds laundering.
‍Gate US Expands US Operations with 31 Licenses and 100.14% Proof of Reserves Gate US has secured 31 licenses across 42 states, significantly expanding its US regulatory footprint. The platform also maintains a 100.14% proof-of-reserves ratio, underscoring its commitment to compliance and transparency. Launched on August 1, 2025, Gate US utilizes advanced compliance tools like Chainalysis, KYC, and AML checks. Mid-November 2025 data shows reserves exceeding $80 million, covering over 200 assets. The exchange offers features like "NextUp," staking, instant swaps, and two-way crypto-fiat transactions, alongside tailored solutions for institutional clients. Gate US lists over 310 spot trading pairs, focusing on regulatory adherence and market access.
‍Seed-Phrase-Free Wallets: Paving the Way for Mass Crypto Adoption The traditional challenge of seed phrases in cryptocurrency is evolving. Wallet providers are developing programmable smart accounts with streamlined recovery, shifting self-custody from technical to user-friendly. This aims to make digital asset management more accessible and secure for a wider audience. Innovative models like Ready are creating smart accounts independent of a single secret phrase. These offer diverse recovery methods, integrated spending, and the ability to use Bitcoin without selling. This approach allows users to borrow against BTC holdings and spend via a linked card while maintaining direct custody. Simplifying the crypto experience is crucial for mass adoption, blending intuitive design with genuine ownership.
‍COINPAYMENTS Partners with Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team COINPAYMENTS has been announced as the Global Digital Payments Processing Partner for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. This collaboration unites entities focused on innovation, speed, and high performance, aiming to integrate cryptocurrency and digital payment solutions within mainstream sports. The partnership will feature COINPAYMENTS branding on the Aston Martin F1 car and team race suits. Ali Rafi, CEO of COINPAYMENTS, stated, "This partnership represents a powerful alignment of our values – innovation, performance, and precision." Jefferson Slack from the Aston Martin F1 Team added, "Partnering with COINPAYMENTS is a natural fit for us as a team, as we continue to push boundaries." Established in 2013, COINPAYMENTS has processed over $50 billion in transactions for more than 250,000 merchants.
‍Federal Reserve Expected to Cut Rates by 25 Basis Points in December Economists widely anticipate a 25 basis point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve at its December meeting, with 82% of surveyed economists predicting this move. This anticipated easing is driven by a cooling labor market and signals a potential end to aggressive monetary tightening. While the December cut is largely expected, future policy remains uncertain, with differing views on further easing in 2026. A reduction in interest rates could increase liquidity and risk appetite, potentially benefiting the cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin and Ethereum.
‍Bitget Launches BSUUSDT Futures with 20x Leverage and Bot Integration Bitget has listed the BSUUSDT perpetual contract on its USDT-margined futures market. The new derivative is available for trading with up to 20x leverage and integrates with Bitget's trading bots for automated strategy execution. The BSUUSDT contract is settled in Tether (USDT) and offers 24/7 global accessibility. This launch expands Bitget's futures offerings and reinforces its commitment to advanced trading solutions and innovation in the crypto landscape. Bitget serves over 120 million users globally.