‍North Korean Cyber-Theft Reaches Record $2 Billion in 2025 North Korean hackers have achieved a new record, stealing an estimated $2 billion in cryptocurrency in 2025, marking a 51% increase from the previous year. These actors are increasingly targeting centralized exchanges, with the Bybit breach alone accounting for approximately $1.4 billion in losses. To launder funds, threat actors are employing sophisticated techniques including cross-chain bridges, crypto mixers, and Chinese OTC platforms, often within a 45-day cycle. While attacks on individual wallets declined in value ($713 million), the frequency of such incidents remains high, with 158,000 individual thefts recorded.
‍Superform Labs Raises $4.7M in Token Sale, Launches SuperVaults v2 Superform Labs has successfully concluded a public token sale on cookie.fun, attracting $4.7 million in commitments, exceeding its $2 million target. The funds will support the launch of SuperVaults v2, an upgraded onchain yield generation platform. CEO Vikram Arun emphasized a merit-based distribution of the $UP token to reward genuine users. The project has previously secured $11.5 million from investors including Polychain Capital and Circle. SuperVaults v2 integrates variable lending rates and fixed-term yields from Pendle Finance, with all operations verified onchain.
‍CoinW Unveils 2025 "RISE" Strategy Amid $200 Billion Trading Milestone Global cryptocurrency trading platform CoinW has announced its strategic roadmap for 2025, dubbed "RISE." With over 20 million users and $200 billion in annual trading volume, the platform is transitioning into a comprehensive Web3 ecosystem, focusing on resilience, innovation, security, and expansion. The RISE framework emphasizes a robust security infrastructure, including a proprietary risk engine and a zero-trust framework, evidenced by an AAA security rating from CER.live. CoinW is diversifying beyond its CEX with products like GemW for gas-free on-chain transactions and DeriW for decentralized derivatives. The wealth management sector has seen rapid growth, with the CrazyEarn product attracting over $50 million. Strategic partnerships with LaLiga and EAFF E-1 Football Championship aim to introduce blockchain to a wider audience. CoinW, currently ranked 4th globally in derivatives by Coingecko, aims to foster sustainable growth and financial inclusion.
‍xStocks Launches Tokenized US Equities on TON Wallet The Kraken-backed platform xStocks has officially launched on TON Wallet, a self-custodial solution integrated within Telegram. This move brings tokenized US equities, including assets like Circle, Coinbase, and Robinhood, to The Open Network (TON). The service is available globally except in the United States, the European Union, and Australia due to regulatory restrictions. This initiative aims to democratize access to major equity markets via familiar digital tools.
‍Crybex Launches AI-Powered Exchange for Autonomous Crypto Trading Crybex has debuted as the first exchange featuring an autonomous AI trading engine, aiming to replace manual execution. Launched on December 18, 2025, the platform addresses the high rate of retail investor losses (70%-90%) often due to emotional trading. Crybex's AI analyzes liquidity, order books, and macro indicators 24/7, evolving over time to refine accuracy. The exchange offers specialized AI engines for trend-following, mean reversion, and volatility scalping. All transactions are visible to users in real-time, with assets secured via multi-layer encryption and cold-wallet safeguarding. Crybex is globally accessible with a free trial to promote market democratization and the integration of AI in finance.
‍Standard Chartered & Ant International Launch Tokenized Deposit Solution Standard Chartered has launched a blockchain-based tokenized deposit solution for Ant International, enabling 24/7 real-time fund transfers and liquidity management across HKD, CNH, and USD. This initiative is part of the HKMA’s “Project Ensemble,” aiming to promote tokenization and develop wholesale CBDCs. The integrated solution enhances operational efficiency and security within corporate treasury workflows.
‍Coinbase Expands Services: Stocks, AI, and Custom Stablecoins Announced Coinbase is making a significant strategic pivot, aiming to become an all-in-one financial super app. The company unveiled plans to introduce stock and ETF trading for U.S. users, entering direct competition with platforms like Robinhood. Additionally, Coinbase is venturing into AI with the beta launch of Coinbase Advisor, an AI-powered investment tool. The exchange also announced plans for custom stablecoins backed by USDC, enabling companies to create branded tokens. Further developments include Coinbase Tokenize for bringing real-world assets on-chain and integration with Solana's Jupiter aggregator for trading new tokens.
‍Caroline Pham, Former CFTC Acting Chair, Joins MoonPay as Chief Legal Officer Caroline Pham, previously the acting chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), has been appointed Chief Legal and Administrative Officer at cryptocurrency fintech company MoonPay. This move highlights the growing intersection of traditional financial regulation and the digital asset sector. Pham's tenure at the CFTC involved significant crypto-focused initiatives, including efforts to integrate listed spot crypto products into regulated markets and a pilot program allowing BTC, ETH, and USDC as collateral in derivatives trading. MoonPay CEO Ivan Soto-Wright stated that Pham's leadership "shaped policies that expanded financial freedom and drove crypto innovation." MoonPay, founded in 2019, facilitates the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, serving over 160 countries. Pham's expertise is expected to be crucial for MoonPay's global legal and administrative functions, as well as its regulatory strategy, particularly in Washington, D.C. Her transition reflects a broader trend of former regulators joining the crypto industry, signaling market maturation and a focus on compliance.
‍Coinbase Secures Approval for Stake in Indian Crypto Exchange CoinDCX The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Coinbase's acquisition of a minority stake in CoinDCX's parent company, DCX Global Limited. This regulatory green light signals a significant partnership in the growing Indian digital asset market. Coinbase's investment, first announced in October, values CoinDCX at approximately $2.4 billion. This move deepens a long-standing relationship, as Coinbase has been an investor since 2020. The partnership underscores Coinbase's confidence in India's crypto market, home to over 100 million users. CoinDCX reports $141 million in annualized revenue and over 20.4 million users. This development aligns with Coinbase's strategy to fully re-engage with India, with plans to reintroduce fiat on-ramps for Indian Rupees in 2026. The CCI's approval, based on a lack of competition concerns, offers a positive outlook for India's crypto regulatory landscape.
‍Bitcoin's $90K Surge Reverses, Dampening Holiday Rally Hopes Bitcoin experienced significant volatility, briefly touching $90,000 before falling to $85,000. This sharp reversal has dimmed prospects for a year-end "Santa rally." The downturn impacted altcoins, with Ethereum seeing a notable decline. Spot Bitcoin ETFs also recorded outflows totaling $634 million this week. Macroeconomic factors, including rising U.S. unemployment and potential Bank of Japan interest rate hikes, are contributing to market uncertainty. "It's a scary headline—Japanese interest rates at a 30-year high!—and in the current market environment, you could see short-term downward pressure," commented Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan.