‍Phantom Wallet Integrates Kalshi for Prediction Markets Phantom Wallet has partnered with regulated prediction market Kalshi to embed event-based trading within its interface. This integration introduces "Phantom Prediction Markets," enabling users to trade on real-world outcomes without leaving the app. This move aligns with a broader trend, as major crypto exchanges like Gemini and potentially Coinbase also explore offering prediction markets. However, the sector faces regulatory scrutiny, with ongoing legal challenges regarding classification as derivatives versus gambling.
‍Jiuzi Holdings Secures $1 Billion for Crypto Custody Expansion Jiuzi Holdings, Inc. has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand private placement financing to US$1 billion. This significant capital injection, a substantial increase from a previously planned $12 million placement, signals strong investor confidence in the company's pivot to digital asset services, with a focus on secure custody infrastructure and advanced storage solutions. The funding underscores Jiuzi's strategic transformation into the high-growth cryptocurrency market, aiming to meet the increasing demand for reliable and secure crypto asset services. Mr. Tao Li, CEO of Jiuzi, stated, "The strong trust placed by investors validates our strategic vision and execution capabilities." This substantial capital will enable the company to build secure crypto asset custody infrastructure and pursue strategic acquisition opportunities.
‍Byreal DEX Surpasses $1 Billion Trading Volume on Solana in 10 Weeks Byreal, a decentralized exchange (DEX) incubated by Bybit, has achieved $1 billion in cumulative trading volume on the Solana blockchain. This milestone was reached just 10 weeks after its mainnet launch in early October 2025. The platform's success is attributed to its hybrid model, combining centralized exchange liquidity with DeFi transparency. Byreal consistently ranks among the top Solana DEXs for trading volume, fees, and revenue generation. Emily Bao, Founder of Byreal, expressed gratitude for the rapid growth and user support.
‍Phemex Celebrates 6th Anniversary with AI Security & New Wallet Launch Phemex has announced a significant advancement in cryptocurrency security, introducing an AI-powered "Predictive Security Architecture" to proactively counter evolving threats. This innovation was unveiled during the LONGITUDE conference in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with the platform's sixth anniversary. Additionally, Phemex revealed plans to incubate a new Account Abstraction wallet, aiming to bridge the Web2 and Web3 user experience and foster a holistic financial ecosystem. These developments underscore Phemex's commitment to innovation and security for its 10 million global users.
‍Coinbase to Launch Prediction Markets & Tokenized Stocks on Dec. 17 Coinbase is reportedly set to launch prediction markets and tokenized stocks on December 17, 2025. The exchange has also joined the Coalition for Prediction Markets (CPM). The move positions Coinbase to compete in rapidly growing sectors of on-chain finance, with prediction market trading volumes nearing $4 billion weekly and tokenized equities seeing $1.45 billion in monthly transfers.
‍BBVA Expands OpenAI Partnership, Boosting AI in Mainstream Finance BBVA is significantly expanding its collaboration with OpenAI, providing ChatGPT Enterprise to all 120,000 employees globally. This move aims to enhance customer experience and streamline internal processes by integrating generative AI into traditional banking. The initiative follows a successful pilot that saved employees nearly three hours weekly. BBVA has a decade-long history with AI, operating "AI Factories" and employing around 1,000 data scientists. This aligns with AI's growing role in crypto for trading, security, and fraud detection. BBVA has previously offered Bitcoin and Ether services, and recently added USDC, highlighting its forward-thinking approach in both AI and digital assets.
‍Bank of Japan Rate Hike Looms, Potentially Affecting Bitcoin The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is signaling a potential interest rate hike, which could introduce volatility into the cryptocurrency market. Japan's ultra-low rates have supported the "yen carry trade," a source of liquidity for crypto. A rate hike would increase borrowing costs, potentially leading to unwinding of these trades and a sell-off in assets like Bitcoin. While the BOJ emphasizes a cautious approach, investors are watching the upcoming policy meeting on December 18-19 for definitive announcements. This policy shift could dampen risk appetite globally.
‍WSPN Secures ISO 27001 Certification, Enhancing Stablecoin Trust Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN) has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its Information Security Management System, verified by BSI. This global standard validates WSPN's robust security protocols across governance, risk management, and incident response. "This milestone strengthens confidence among our partners, institutions, and users," stated Raymond Yuan, Founder and CEO of WSPN. The certification underscores WSPN's commitment to secure infrastructure, supporting regulated stablecoin operations and expanding its product suite, including WSPN Checkout and its WUSD stablecoin. This achievement contributes to greater trust and maturity within the digital asset industry.
‍CFTC Scraps Crypto 'Actual Delivery' Guidance, Boosting Exchanges The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has withdrawn its five-year-old guidance on the "actual delivery" of cryptocurrencies in commodity transactions. Acting Chairman Caroline Pham stated this move aims to eliminate outdated guidance that stifles innovation and provides digital asset exchanges with greater operational flexibility. While welcomed by the industry, the lack of replacement guidance has created some regulatory ambiguity regarding registration requirements for exchanges. This decision is seen as a positive step towards a more innovation-friendly regulatory framework for digital assets in the U.S.
‍YouTube Adopts PYUSD for Creator Payouts in the USA Video hosting giant YouTube has introduced a new payout method for its U.S. creators, enabling them to receive earnings in PayPal's stablecoin, PYUSD. This integration leverages YouTube's existing partnership with PayPal for AdSense payouts. PayPal's head of crypto, May Zabaneh, emphasized the system's simplicity: "YouTube doesn’t have to touch crypto, and so we can help take away that complexity." Launched in mid-2023, PYUSD has seen significant growth, with its market capitalization reaching $3.9 billion. This move could act as a catalyst for broader stablecoin adoption.