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Blockchain News
Blockchain News
Browse all Blockchain related articles and news. The latest news, analysis, and insights on Blockchain.
Major Liquidity Provider Chooses Solana
Large-scale liquidity provider B2C2 has announced its choice of Solana as its main network for stablecoin transactions. Founded in 2015 and serving only institutional clients, B2C2 will now primarily route and finalize high-volume stablecoin transfers through the Solana network. The company emphasizes that the advantages offered by Solana in terms of speed, scalability, and transaction costs were decisive in this decision. While B2C2's client portfolio is not fully publicized, the company's recent collaborations are noteworthy. Having partnered with significant institutions such as Standard Chartered, Anchorage Digital, and Bitget, B2C2 is also known as one of Robinhood's main market makers. This indicates that the decision is not merely a technical choice but also a strategy that could impact a broad institutional ecosystem. In a statement, the company's CEO, Thomas Restout, stated that Solana has now become a fundamental part of the financial infrastructure. According to Restout, networks offering speed, reliability, and scalability in line with customer expectations are coming to the forefront, and the future of stablecoin transactions is being shaped accordingly.Institutional interest is increasingThis move by B2C2 also supports Solana's recent increase in use by the institutional sector. Previously, Visa's preference for Solana for USDC transactions for banks in the US was seen as a significant milestone in the network's integration with traditional finance. In addition, the integrations of giant companies such as Mastercard, PayPal, SoFi, Western Union, and Worldpay with Solana are noteworthy. Data confirms this rise. In February, Solana broke its own record by reaching approximately $650 billion in stablecoin transaction volume. This figure is more than double the network's performance in previous months. On the other hand, the total stablecoin supply on Solana also showed a significant increase throughout 2025; its market value, which was around $5 billion at the beginning of the year, reached approximately $15 billion by the end of the year. Despite this, Solana still lags behind leading networks Ethereum and Tron. In terms of stablecoin market capitalization, Solana's ratio to Ethereum is around 9%, and this ratio hasn't changed significantly in the last year. So, although the network has experienced rapid growth, it still has a way to go to take the lead. Extensive stablecoin supportB2C2 announced that it will support many stablecoins on Solana, including USDC, USDT, PYUSD, USDG, USD1, EURC, and FDUSD. The company also stated that it may include other stablecoins issued and supported on Solana over time. This will allow institutional investors to trade more flexibly between different assets.On the other hand, PENNY, the zero-fee stablecoin exchange platform that B2C2 developed last year for banks and financial institutions, stands out as an important part of this strategy. The platform aims to increase efficiency in currency transactions, treasury management, and cross-border payments. One of the most important corporate backers behind B2C2 is the Japanese financial giant SBI Holdings. Having acquired a majority stake in the company in 2020, SBI played a key role in B2C2's global expansion process.
Franklin Templeton Chose Ondo for Tokenization
Franklin Templeton has partnered with Ondo Finance to tokenize five different ETF products, taking a new step that brings together traditional finance and the blockchain world. According to the company's announcement, these funds, which track stocks, bonds, and gold, are being restructured to be tradable directly on the blockchain.The tokenized funds will be traded 24/7 and integrated with DeFiThe new products specifically target crypto-native investors. Developed for users who prefer to invest through digital wallets instead of traditional brokerage firms, this model aims to make the investment experience more accessible and flexible. Thanks to the tokenized funds, investors will be able to trade 24/7 without being tied to classic market hours.One of the most important differences brought about by tokenization is the integration of these funds into the DeFi ecosystem. This means that investors will not only buy and sell these assets, but also use them in various decentralized finance applications as collateral, liquidity, or yield strategies. Ondo Finance is involved in the liquidity side. The company will support the continuous trading of these tokens through market makers and will continue to provide liquidity even when traditional markets are closed. Franklin Templeton's head of innovation, Sandy Kaul, states that this move is not limited to crypto trading alone, but signals a new era where the investment world is moving entirely onto the blockchain. According to Kaul, as digital asset users mature, expectations change, and financial products need to adapt to these new demands. The company aims to be a pioneer in this transformation by combining its nearly 80 years of traditional finance experience with blockchain-based solutions. Franklin Templeton is actually no stranger to the tokenization field. With the OnChain U.S. Government Money Fund (FOBXX/BENJI), which it launched in 2021, the company created one of the first registered investment funds to be traded on the blockchain in the U.S. Today, the BENJI fund is the fourth largest treasury product on the blockchain with a size exceeding $1 billion. The newly announced ETFs will allow the company to further expand its presence in this area. Among the five funds planned for tokenization are a growth-oriented US equity strategy (FFOG), a systemic fund investing in large-cap companies (FLQL), a gold fund (FGDL), a fund focused on high-yield corporate bonds (FLHY), and an income-oriented equity strategy (INCE). Under this structure, Ondo Finance will purchase the relevant ETF shares and issue tokens representing them through a special purpose vehicle. Similar moves are gaining momentum in the sector. WisdomTree recently moved its tokenized funds to the Solana network, while major platforms like Robinhood, Coinbase, and Kraken are also working on on-chain tradable stocks and ETFs. These developments demonstrate that moving real-world assets to the blockchain is no longer a niche area but a significant part of mainstream finance. Franklin Templeton's new tokenized ETF products will initially be launched in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. The regulatory framework for the US is not yet clear. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently reiterated that on-premise securities are also subject to existing regulations.At the time of writing, the ONDO token is trading at around $0.2597799.
Mastercard and Western Union Users Flocked to Solana
The Solana ecosystem is making headlines with a new, noteworthy move on the corporate side. Global payment giants like Mastercard, Western Union, and Worldpay are among the first users of a next-generation platform developed by the Solana Foundation. Called the “Solana Developer Platform” (SDP), this infrastructure stands out as an AI-powered toolset aimed at facilitating blockchain product development for organizations. According to Tuesday's announcement, SDP brings together different infrastructures within the Solana ecosystem under one roof, offering organizations a simpler and more integrated development experience. The platform focuses on areas such as the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA), payment systems, and the creation of on-chain financial products.A New Era Focused on Stablecoins and TokenizationMastercard plans to use SDP specifically to expand its work in the stablecoin field. Raj Dhamodharan, the company's Vice President of Blockchain and Digital Assets, emphasized that practical use cases will be decisive in the future of digital assets. According to Dhamodharan, the speed and programmability advantages of blockchain technology, combined with Mastercard's global network, create a new payment layer. In this context, Mastercard aims to offer direct stablecoin settlement on select blockchain networks, starting with Solana. This approach is seen as a significant step in accelerating the integration of blockchain with traditional financial infrastructures. The technical infrastructure offered by SDP consists of three main modules. The "Issuance" module enables the issuance of assets such as GENIUS-compatible stablecoins and tokenized deposits. The "Payments" module supports on-ramp and off-ramp transactions by managing fiat and stablecoin flows; it also covers B2B payments. The "Trading" module offers advanced financial functions such as atomic swaps, custody solutions, and foreign exchange transactions. Western Union: "Not a replacement, but an improvement"On the Western Union side, the blockchain approach is more focused on modernizing existing systems. Malcolm Clarke, the company's Vice President of Digital Assets, stated that SDP offers a layer that strengthens existing money transfer infrastructures. According to Clarke, the Solana Developer Platform makes cross-border money transfers, where Western Union is already strong, even more efficient. Thanks to its API-based structure, fiat and stablecoin flows can be managed end-to-end. This enables the company to develop new use cases and move more transactions to the blockchain.AI integration and broad ecosystem supportOne of the notable aspects of SDP is its direct compatibility with artificial intelligence tools. The platform can work "out of the box" with coding tools such as Claude Code developed by Anthropic and Codex by OpenAI. This integration allows developers and institutions to bring blockchain-based products to life much faster. More than 20 infrastructure partners are involved in the platform's launch. On the node and wallet infrastructure side, there are major custody service providers such as Anchorage Digital, BitGo, and Coinbase, while non-custodial solutions such as Fireblocks also offer support. On the compliance side, companies such as Chainalysis, Elliptic, TRM Labs, and Range are involved; It provides services for KYC, KYB, and FATF Travel Rule requirements. On the payment side, companies like Bridge, BVNK, Lightspark, Modern Treasury, and MoonPay support SDP's financial flows. Institutional interest continues unabatedAll these developments show that institutional interest in tokenization and stablecoin usage continues to grow. Representing real-world assets on the blockchain is creating a new wave of transformation in the financial sector. Although Solana's share in this market is still limited, the speed and low-cost advantages offered by the platform make it stand out.Last week, Mastercard announced that it would acquire BVNK in a deal that could reach up to $1.8 billion, and Stripe's earlier acquisition of Bridge also shows that competition in this area is intensifying. The intersection of corporate finance and blockchain is expanding day by day.
NYSE Makes Huge Move: Shares Are Moving to Blockchain
According to the latest report by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has taken a significant step toward bringing together traditional finance and blockchain technology. The exchange announced that it has partnered with digital asset firm Securitize to develop a platform for trading tokenized securities.Details of the agreementUnder the agreement, Securitize will become NYSE’s first “digital transfer agent.” This role will allow the company to issue financial instruments such as stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as digital tokens on a blockchain. In other words, investors will be able to access assets that function like traditional equities but are represented on a blockchain-based infrastructure.Transfer agents play a critical role behind the scenes in the financial system. They maintain investor records, issue and cancel ownership certificates, facilitate dividend payments, and manage shareholder communications such as annual reports. Rebuilding this process using blockchain technology could make transactions faster, more transparent, and more cost-efficient.The collaboration goes beyond technical integration. NYSE and Securitize will also develop a framework of standards for digital transfer agents. These standards aim to enable other transfer agents to issue and manage tokenized stocks on blockchain in a compliant manner, helping establish a consistent and regulated structure across the industry.Another key component of the platform will be Securitize’s broker-dealer entity, which is expected to connect to NYSE’s tokenized securities platform. The platform is expected to operate as an alternative trading system under the name “Digital Trading Platform.” This structure could offer a parallel trading channel to traditional exchanges, powered by blockchain technology.NYSE’s move follows a regulatory filing made earlier this year. In January, the exchange sought approval for a new platform that would allow tokenized securities to be traded. The goal is to enable companies to issue their shares directly on a blockchain in the form of digital tokens.In recent years, the concept of tokenization has gained traction across various asset classes, from real estate to bonds. Tokenization refers to the representation of traditional financial assets as digital tokens on a blockchain. This approach allows assets such as stocks and bonds to be traded more efficiently and at lower cost, while ownership records remain transparent and immutable. It is increasingly seen as a way to broaden market access and improve overall efficiency in financial systems.At the same time, this transformation raises several important questions. How regulations will evolve, how investor protection will be ensured, and how existing market infrastructure will integrate with this new model are all issues that will be closely watched in the coming period.
FBI Issues Warning About Tron Network: 728 Wallets Scammed
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned of a new scam targeting cryptocurrency users. These attacks, particularly spread through fake tokens on the Tron network, aim to deceive users into giving away their personal information and wallet access. The FBI's New York office emphasized that users should absolutely not trust any token claiming to be affiliated with the agency. While technically simple, this scam is notable for its elements of psychological manipulation. In the first stage of the attack, fake "FBI tokens" are sent to users' wallets, even though they haven't made any transactions. These tokens, using the TRC-20 standard, appear as completely legitimate assets on Tron wallet interfaces and blockchain explorers. This can initially cause users to become suspiciousThe real danger begins in the second stage. The transaction data or description fields accompanying the token claim that users' wallets are under investigation for anti-money laundering (AML) violations. These messages typically threaten users with having their assets frozen if they fail to complete a specific verification process. The links provided in the messages redirect users to fake websites. These sites operate as phishing platforms designed to steal login credentials and wallet access data. According to information shared by the FBI, this fraud campaign has reached at least 728 different wallets. Moreover, the fact that the targeted wallets include high-balance addresses containing over $1 million in USDT indicates that the attack targets not only small investors but also large portfolio holders. This suggests that the attackers are employing a widespread and random distribution strategy. Authorities state that this type of fraud has increased significantly in recent years. In particular, attacks involving corporate identity impersonation are projected to increase by 1400% annually by 2025. The use of government agency names creates a perception of strong authority among users, triggering panic and hasty decision-making. The use of a highly reputable institution like the FBI further amplifies this effect. The FBI, in its statement, draws a very clear line: the institution does not issue any tokens and does not request identity verification via blockchain. Therefore, any token claiming to be FBI-linked should be considered outright fraud. This clarity is critical in mitigating the impact of the attack, as fraud largely thrives on uncertainty. Recommendations for users are also quite clear. First, it is crucial not to interact with such tokens received in the wallet. It is extremely important not to click on links associated with the token, and not to share any personal information or wallet data. Furthermore, users are asked to report suspicious activity through the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Experts particularly emphasize that an unauthorized token sent to a wallet alone does not constitute a security vulnerability. The real risk arises when users interact with these tokens. Therefore, the safest approach is to completely ignore such assets.
SEC Takes Historic Step: Tokenized Shares Launch on Nasdaq
A notable step has been taken in the US financial markets. The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Nasdaq to establish a tokenization-based trading infrastructure for certain stocks. This development is considered a concrete step demonstrating the increasing intertwining of traditional finance and blockchain technology. The regulation, approved by the SEC on March 18, 2026, actually comes after an approximately seven-month review process of an application made in September 2025. Under the new system, certain investors will be able to conduct stock transactions in tokenized form. These transactions will go through clearing and custody processes via a pilot program run by Depository Trust Company (DTC). One of the most striking points is that tokenized shares will operate on the exact same trading infrastructure as traditional shares. These assets will share the same order book, be subject to the same priority rules, and use the same ticker and CUSIP numbers. Investors will also have the same ownership rights in tokenized shares as in classic shares. The scope of the pilot program is currently limited. Accordingly, large-cap company stocks included in the Russell 1000 index, as well as ETFs tracking major indices such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, will be part of this system. This indicates that more liquid and regulated assets are preferred in the initial stages.Stocks are being moved to the blockchain and will be traded with the same rightsThis decision by the SEC signals a more constructive period in its approach to crypto and blockchain-based financial products. While the institution emphasizes that existing securities laws will continue to apply to tokenized assets, it is also working on new regulatory headings such as "innovation exemption." SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that their goal in this process is to both ensure investor safety and make the US a center of financial innovation.On the other hand, the tokenization process is not entirely smooth. Some market participants express concerns that price differences may arise between tokenized shares and traditional shares, that investor rights may not be fully protected, and that market oversight may become more difficult. However, the SEC stated in its approval text that these risks have been largely addressed and that necessary measures are planned.Market data also supports growth in this area. The total value of the tokenized stock market has reached $1.09 billion, recording an increase of over 15% in the last 30 days. Monthly transaction volume has exceeded $2.48 billion, while the number of users has risen to approximately 197,000 addresses. Ondo Finance leads in this area with a 61% share, while xStocks is in second place with approximately 24% share.It is also known that Nasdaq is working on an infrastructure called the "equities transformation gateway" together with Kraken's parent company, Payward. This initiative aims to create a faster and more integrated bridge between traditional finance and crypto markets.This move by the SEC is seen as a critical threshold in terms of bringing tokenized financial products to mainstream markets. Now, attention is focused on whether other major players, such as the New York Stock Exchange, will take similar steps. How quickly this process progresses will determine whether tokenization moves beyond the pilot phase and becomes a part of daily financial transactions.
Crypto Platform Handling $1B Shuts Down Operations
Tally, a provider of governance infrastructure in the crypto ecosystem, has decided to cease operations after more than five years. CEO Dennison Bertram announced the closure via a statement on the social media platform X, stating that the platform would gradually cease operations starting at the end of this month.Tally was particularly known for its governance tools developed for decentralized finance (DeFi) projects and DAOs. The platform played a significant role in the Ethereum ecosystem by offering interfaces and voting systems that facilitated user participation in protocol decisions. According to the statement, Tally reached over 1 million users during its operation and was preferred by hundreds of organizations.A total of over $1 billion in payment flows occurred through the company's infrastructure. Furthermore, leading Ethereum-based projects such as Uniswap and Arbitrum also utilized Tally's solutions in their governance processes. This demonstrated the platform's influence and reliability within the sector. What's behind the decision?The decision to close Tally stems from challenges related to its business model. CEO Bertram stated that the company had previously planned an ICO (Initial Coin Offering) but abandoned the process. According to Bertram, current market conditions and uncertainties regarding the sustainability of promises to investors were decisive factors in this decision. Bertram explained, “After completing almost the entire process, we concluded that it didn’t make sense under current market conditions. More importantly, we weren’t confident enough about our ability to fulfill the promises we would make to token holders.” This approach sheds light on the token economy and sustainability issues that have been frequently discussed in recent years. The company’s vision was based on Ethereum’s so-called “infinite garden” approach. This vision envisions an ecosystem where different protocols and communities grow together, requiring advanced coordination and governance tools. However, according to Bertram, this future has not yet materialized on the expected scale, or at least it is still in its early stages for such initiatives. The CEO summarized the issue more clearly with these words: “For decentralized protocols, there is no sustainable business model supported by venture capital in governance tools, at least for now.” This assessment is seen as an important signal not only for Tally but also for other projects operating in the same field. As part of the closure process, the Tally team is working on transition plans with existing institutional clients. It was stated that the platform interface will remain active for a while longer until these transitions are completed. This aims to prevent any sudden interruption in the governance processes of the projects. In his farewell message, Bertram thanked his team and the communities they worked with, emphasizing Tally's role in the crypto ecosystem. He summarized the company's journey with the words, "We may not be part of the future of crypto, but we were part of its story."
Mastercard Acquires Stablecoin Platform for $1.8 Billion
Mastercard is preparing to make one of its biggest moves yet towards digital assets, and specifically stablecoin-based payment infrastructure. The company announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire stablecoin infrastructure provider BVNK in a deal that could reach up to $1.8 billion. The agreement also includes an additional $300 million in performance-based payments. This acquisition stands out as a key part of Mastercard's goal to build a direct bridge between its global fiat payment network and blockchain-based systems. The company states that BVNK's technology will complement its existing infrastructure, thus opening a new era where traditional finance and onchain payment rails can work together seamlessly. The rapid increase in stablecoin usage in recent years is one of the main motivations behind this move. According to Boston Consulting Group data, stablecoin transaction volumes alone will reach at least $350 billion by 2025. Financial institutions and fintech companies are increasingly turning to stablecoin and tokenized deposit-based services as regulations become clearer. According to Mastercard, BVNK's infrastructure; This will enable new use cases in areas such as cross-border money transfers, corporate payments, peer-to-peer transfers, and bulk payment solutions. In the longer term, the goal is to reduce existing inefficiencies in areas such as capital markets and treasury management thanks to the advantages of programmability and rapid reconciliation.One of the most critical points emphasized by the company is the secure and compatible integration of blockchain-based payment systems with traditional financial infrastructure. With this acquisition, Mastercard aims to provide “scalable and reliable interoperability” between different blockchain networks and existing financial systems.Mastercard Product Director Jorn Lambert states that they believe the vast majority of financial institutions will offer digital currency services in the future. According to Lambert, these services, offered through stablecoins or tokenized assets, will bring speed and programmability to payment systems. This can make almost every type of financial transaction more efficient.Founded in 2021, BVNK operates in more than 130 countries and provides infrastructure that allows businesses to send and receive payments across different blockchain networks. The company's CEO, Jesse Hemson-Struthers, states that the merger with Mastercard will create an unprecedented infrastructure for digital currency-based financial services.Coinbase CompetitionThis acquisition also shows how intense the competition has become. It was previously known that Coinbase was in talks to acquire BVNK for approximately $2 billion, but this process ended unsuccessfully in November. In addition to Mastercard and Coinbase, it was stated that other players were also interested in the company, and the valuation ranged between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion.The wave of consolidation in the sector is not limited to this. In 2024, Stripe's acquisition of Bridge for $1.1 billion showed the increasing appetite for stablecoin infrastructure. Mastercard has also recently strengthened its presence in this area by launching a partnership program with more than 85 digital asset companies.
Starknet Introduces New Privacy-Focused Technology: STRK20
Starknet, one of Ethereum's second-layer scaling solutions, is working on a new technology aimed at increasing privacy on the blockchain. Developed by StarkWare and called STRK20, the new framework aims to enable developers to launch stablecoins and other digital assets with privacy features.The new system aims to make user transactions private by default, while allowing regulatory bodies to access certain data when necessary. Thus, it is planned to strike a balance between blockchain privacy and regulatory compliance.The era of privacy at the token levelThe STRK20 framework developed by StarkWare is expected to be deployed on the Starknet network this year. The system works by integrating the privacy feature directly into token contracts.Thanks to this approach, transactions, balances, and transfer details can be hidden from publicly available blockchain data. However, this privacy does not eliminate compatibility with DeFi applications. According to StarkWare, STRK20 will also be compatible with ERC-20 assets, the most common token standard on Ethereum. The company stated that the technology will allow Ethereum and ERC-20 based assets to leverage privacy features. This is expected to create new use cases, such as private DeFi transactions.No additional infrastructure requiredAccording to the developers, the STRK20 system does not require the establishment of additional infrastructure. Since the privacy feature is directly embedded at the token level, applications can continue to run on the existing Starknet ecosystem.Technical goals are also quite ambitious. StarkWare aims for transactions to be completed in under five seconds and transaction costs to remain below $0.20. This performance level is thought to make privacy features more useful for financial applications.StarkWare CEO and Zcash co-founder Eli Ben-Sasson stated that this technology could particularly accelerate the adoption of stablecoins by institutional investors. According to Ben-Sasson, this structure can significantly accelerate institutional adoption by increasing privacy in transfers, swaps, staking activities, and other DeFi activities. Balancing DeFi Privacy with Regulatory ComplianceThe STRK20 framework works by integrating privacy into token contracts. This makes data such as the sender address, recipient address, type of token transferred, and amount invisible in public blockchain records.A key difference is that the system deviates from classic privacy tools. Instead of relying on external tools like crypto mixers, Starknet's solution offers privacy directly at the token level. This aims to prevent problems such as the splitting of assets into different pools or the fragmentation of liquidity.Ben-Sasson stated that privacy should not be an afterthought in the DeFi ecosystem, and that STRK20 will provide developers with "a ready-made infrastructure that offers privacy at the token level." According to him, this model allows transactions to remain anonymous while preserving the DeFi experience users are accustomed to. "Viewing Key" System for RegulationThe new framework aims not only to provide privacy but also to meet regulatory requirements. For this purpose, the system includes special access keys called "viewing keys". Thanks to these keys, authorized institutions can access the details of specific transactions in case of a court order or legal requirement. This allows transactions to remain private while enabling regulatory oversight when necessary.Stablecoin and Institutional Use CasesThe STRK20 framework is thought to create significant opportunities, especially for privacy-focused stablecoin projects. Such stablecoins can protect users against risks such as front-running while remaining auditable.In addition, institutional payment systems are seen as an important use case. Companies may not want sensitive financial data, such as employee salaries or payment flows, to be publicly visible on the blockchain. STRK20 can help to hide this data.A similar need exists in institutional DeFi transactions. Large investors or financial institutions may not want their transaction strategies to be publicly available on the blockchain.It is stated that the developed privacy technology can also be used for Starknet's recently announced Bitcoin-based asset called strkBTC. This asset aims to allow Bitcoin holders to participate in DeFi applications while keeping balances and transfers private. The Starknet team plans to expand Bitcoin's role in the decentralized finance ecosystem with solutions like these. Privacy features for DeFi users thought that this could make the experience more appealing. Following this development, there was no noticeable change in the price of the StarkNet coin, STRK.
Western Union in the Stablecoin World: Solana-Based USDPT is Coming
Global money transfer giant Western Union has taken one of its most concrete steps towards blockchain-based payment systems. The company is partnering with crypto infrastructure provider Crossmint to build a new infrastructure that will support the development of USDPT, a US dollar-pegged stablecoin operating on the Solana network. Scheduled for launch in the first half of 2026, USDPT aims to connect Western Union's traditional money transfer network with blockchain-based digital asset systems. According to Wednesday's announcement, Crossmint's wallet and payment APIs will be integrated into Western Union's existing financial infrastructure. This will allow fintech companies and developers to conduct money transfers via blockchain using the USDPT stablecoin and gain direct access to Western Union's global payment network. The newly established Digital Asset Network aims to integrate stablecoins with the company's existing payment infrastructure. In this model, users will be able to convert money from USDPT on the Solana blockchain to local currency via Western Union's global network. Recipients will then be able to withdraw cash from hundreds of thousands of locations worldwide. Access to 360,000 Points of SaleWestern Union currently operates in over 200 countries and regions. The company's global network has over 360,000 cash payment points and supports more than 130 different currencies. Thanks to the new stablecoin infrastructure, digital dollars sent via blockchain can be easily converted to local currency through this physical network.The USDPT token will be issued on the Solana blockchain. The main reason for choosing Solana is the network's high transaction capacity and low-cost transfer structure. It was stated that the volume of stablecoins processed on the Solana network reached approximately $650 billion in February, indicating that the network is rapidly becoming a growing hub for stablecoin transfers.The token will be issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, a federally regulated bank in the US. Anchorage's participation in the project, which has a bank license from the US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), provides the initiative with additional regulatory credibility.On the Crossmint side, the company offers a broad blockchain infrastructure for developers. The platform is currently used by over 40,000 customers and provides services such as smart wallets, cryptocurrency gateways, and multi-chain stablecoin management.Stablecoins target the remittance marketThe international remittance market, which is Western Union's main area of activity, stands out as one of the areas that stablecoin projects focus on most. In traditional money transfer systems, transactions can often take several days. In addition, transfer fees can often reach several percent of the transaction amount, and transactions may not occur on weekends or holidays.According to World Bank data, global remittance flow reached approximately $905 billion in 2024. However, the average cost of a $200 international transfer is still around 6 percent.Stablecoins, on the other hand, allow the transfer of dollar-based value almost instantly and at very low cost over blockchain networks. Therefore, they are increasingly considered as an alternative payment infrastructure in cross-border payments.According to reports from the crypto analytics company Chainalysis, the use of stablecoins is rapidly increasing, especially in Latin America. More than half of crypto purchases made with Argentine pesos, Brazilian reals, and Colombian pesos consist of stablecoins. The main reason for this is the demand for dollar-denominated assets to counter high inflation and the devaluation of local currencies. Similarly, countries like Nigeria, Turkey, the Philippines, and Vietnam are among the markets where grassroots crypto adoption is strong. At a panel at the World Economic Forum, former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Vera Songwe stated that stablecoins are increasingly being used for remittances, especially in Africa, and that in some countries this money flow plays an even larger economic role than foreign aid.
Meta is Returning to the Crypto Space: All Eyes Are on Q2
Meta is preparing to return to the stablecoin market. However, this time, instead of issuing its own token, the company aims to establish a dollar-backed digital payment system in collaboration with a third-party provider. The plan is expected to be implemented in the second half of 2026.According to Bloomberg, Meta has submitted Request for Proposal (RFP) documents to various companies for stablecoin and digital wallet integration. The company is reportedly particularly keen on working with Stripe on the payment infrastructure side. Stripe's acquisition of stablecoin infrastructure firm Bridge last year and CEO Patrick Collison's joining Meta's board of directors in April 2025 have strengthened the strategic rapprochement between the two companies.This move puts Meta in the same league as other tech giants developing digital payment systems through social platforms. Telegram already has an integrated digital payment model, while X (formerly Twitter) has moved from internal testing to its first external beta phase. Strengthening the payment infrastructure of social media platforms creates an alternative to the traditional banking system, especially for cross-border money transfers and payments to content creators. From Meta's perspective, scale is the biggest advantage. The company has over 3.2 billion users worldwide. A stablecoin-backed wallet integrated into such a user base could provide instant access on a global scale. Furthermore, Meta could create a new revenue stream through transaction fees or platform commissions. The company recently announced revenue of $59.89 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025; this represents a 24% year-on-year increase. A more cautious turn after LibraMeta's stablecoin history, however, has been quite turbulent. In 2019, the company launched a fiat-backed stablecoin project called Libra. The project aimed to establish a global payment system via social media. However, intense pressure from regulators in the US and Europe, along with concerns about data privacy and financial stability, led to significant resistance. In 2020, Libra was renamed Diem; however, regulatory hurdles were not overcome. As a result, Meta completely terminated the Diem project in 2022 and sold the intellectual property rights to Silvergate Bank for $182 million. That same year, the company also shut down Novi, its digital wallet which had failed to deliver the expected performance due to its connection to Diem. This experience clearly demonstrated that the company needed to manage regulatory risks more carefully.Meta's decision to use third-party infrastructure instead of issuing its own stablecoin in this new venture is seen as a strategic step to avoid direct regulatory pressure. One source indicates that the company wants to run this project "at arm's length." This approach aims to prevent a repetition of the political and legal tensions experienced during the Libra era.The timing is also noteworthy. A clearer framework for stablecoin regulations is being established in the US; the GENIUS Act, introduced during President Donald Trump's administration, signals a more lenient approach to the sector compared to previous years. In 2019, when Libra was launched, the stablecoin market was approximately $1 billion. Today, that figure has risen to over $300 billion. The fact that major financial and technology companies like PayPal, Visa, and Stripe are expanding their stablecoin operations throughout 2025 makes Meta's move even more legitimate.
Two Crypto Platforms Shut Down This Week
While the crypto market continues its volatile course, two major platforms decided to cease operations this week. ZeroLend, which provides lending services in the decentralized finance space, and Parsec, an on-chain analytics company, announced that they are shutting down due to increasing costs, decreasing liquidity, and changing market dynamics. These recent developments have also strengthened expectations that the consolidation process in the sector may accelerate.ZeroLend closes after three yearsZeroLend announced that it will cease operations after three years of activity. In a message shared on Discord, the project's co-founder and CEO, Ryker, stated that the current business model is not sustainable. The team announced that a "orderly and transparent liquidation process" will be carried out and that users should withdraw their funds from the platform. Positioned as a multi-chain lending protocol that does not offer custody services, ZeroLend offered products in areas such as Layer 2 solutions, liquid restakeable tokens, real-world assets, and BTCFi. The project, which completed a $3 million seed funding round in 2024 at a valuation of $25 million; Consensys had received support from investors such as Polygon Ventures and Morningstar Ventures. However, increasing operational difficulties, decreasing on-chain activity, and security risks led the project to a dead end. Ryker stated that liquidity had dropped significantly on some supported networks, some oracle providers had terminated their services, making revenue generation difficult. The team noted that lending protocols were already operating with low margins, and that the increasing risk of attacks and fraud attempts had worsened the situation.Following the news of the closure, the platform's native token, ZERO, experienced a sharp decline in value. The token fell by 45 percent in the last 24 hours, while the monthly loss reached 91 percent and the annual loss exceeded 99 percent. ZeroLend joined the ranks of DeFi startups such as Alpaca Finance, which closed after announcing losses, and Polynomial, which chose to end the project rather than issue a token.Parsec bids farewell after five yearsParsec, which operated in the field of on-chain analytics, also announced that it has ceased operations after five years. The company announced its closure via X, stating, "Parsec is closing." CEO Will Sheehan stated that the market had shifted direction and that they had not been able to adapt sufficiently to this change. Founded in early 2021, Parsec was known for its DeFi and NFT-focused data streams. However, the failure of leverage demand in the spot DeFi lending market to return to previous levels after the FTX crash, and the decline in NFT volumes, weakened its business model. In 2025, NFT sales volume fell to approximately $5.63 billion, while average sales prices also decreased compared to the previous year.Parsec, which received investments from major players such as Uniswap, Polychain Capital, and Galaxy Digital, grew rapidly during the bull run when Bitcoin rose from $36,000 to $60,000. However, with the shift in the sector, the company struggled to maintain product-market fit. Industry representatives argue that the fragmented liquidity structure is at the root of the closures. The distribution of liquidity among different exchanges, custodians, and blockchains; This makes price stability and a sustainable revenue model more difficult. The need for a more integrated and reliable infrastructure for institutional participation is emphasized. On the other hand, the generally weak market outlook also exacerbates the situation. As the Bitcoin price has declined in recent months, the increase in search trends for phrases like "Is Bitcoin heading for zero?" reflects the deterioration in investor psychology.
Societe Generale Selected XRP Ledger For Its EUR Stablecoin
Societe Generale-FORGE (SG-FORGE), the digital asset subsidiary of French banking giant Societe Generale, announced the launch of its euro-backed stablecoin, EUR Coinvertible, on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The announcement, made on February 18th, marks a new phase in the company's multi-chain strategy. SG-FORGE stated that EUR Coinvertible is now active on XRPL, emphasizing that the integration process was supported by Ripple's custody infrastructure. This provides the technical foundation for secure storage and institutional-standard use of the stablecoin. New step in multi-chain strategyEUR Coinvertible was previously launched on the Ethereum and Solana networks. The XRPL integration strengthens SG-FORGE's strategy of having a presence on different blockchains. With this move, the company aims to both increase adoption and benefit from XRPL's scalability, speed, and low transaction costs. XRP Ledger has long stood out as a preferred layer-1 blockchain for financial institutions in cross-border payment solutions and tokenization projects.SG-FORGE CEO Jean-Marc Stenger, in his assessment following the launch, stated that the successful launch of XRPL reinforces the company's commitment to offering next-generation, regulated crypto assets. Stenger said they will continue to expand the scope of digital asset solutions in line with the principles of transparency, security, and scalability.Ripple infrastructure and new use casesOne of the notable aspects of the integration was the custody solution provided by Ripple. Cassie Craddock, Ripple's General Manager for the UK and Europe, stated that SG-FORGE is one of the leading institutions in the institutional crypto asset space in Europe. She noted that Ripple has long provided SG-FORGE with digital asset infrastructure and offers technology that meets the highest security and operational standards. According to the statements, EUR Coinvertible is not only being considered as a payment instrument, but also for integrated use in Ripple products and as trading collateral. This indicates that the stablecoin could play a more active role in derivative transactions and institutional trading platforms.A wave of regulation-compliant stablecoins in EuropeEUR Coinvertible is positioned as a stablecoin pegged one-to-one to the euro and designed for institutional use. SG-FORGE emphasizes that the product has been developed in compliance with regulations and is structured to meet the needs of institutional investors in particular.With the clarification of the regulatory framework for digital assets in Europe, banking-based stablecoin projects have become more visible. The shift of traditional financial institutions towards blockchain-based assets is accelerating the institutionalization process of the market.XRPL integration expands the reach of EUR Coinvertible while also creating liquidity and use case diversity among different blockchain ecosystems. SG-FORGE's move indicates that European-based banks are preparing to take a more active role in stablecoin competition. In the coming period, EUR Coinvertible is expected to see increased use in various financial products, including collateral, payment instruments, and tokenization projects. The multi-chain approach provides flexibility for institutional players and could increase the weight of blockchain-based solutions in the European financial system.
UK Takes a Step Towards Blockchain-Based Bonds: HSBC Selected
His Majesty’s Treasury has taken a significant step towards its goal of moving government bonds to a blockchain infrastructure. The Treasury has selected HSBC’s tokenization platform, Orion, as the official provider for a pilot program called the Digital Gilt Instrument (DIGIT). With this move, the UK is on track to become the first G7 country to issue tokenized sovereign bonds on the blockchain. The DIGIT pilot aims to test how distributed ledger technology (DLT) can be used in UK government debt processes. Through this process, the Treasury aims to both develop DLT infrastructure in local financial markets and expand the tokenization ecosystem. What is HSBC’s role?In a statement, HSBC emphasized that issuing digital government and corporate bonds on the blockchain could provide structural improvements in debt capital markets. In particular, it was noted that transaction settlement times could be significantly shortened. Settlement processes, which can take days in traditional bond markets, can be completed much faster thanks to on-chain settlement. As part of the DIGIT pilot, a short-term and “digitally native” government bond will be issued. This instrument will operate within the Digital Securities Sandbox and will function independently of the government’s main debt management program. Thus, the pilot will allow for the testing of an innovative model, detaching itself from the existing system. UK Economy Secretary Lucy Rigby said the project aligns with the goal of attracting investment and making the country a more attractive place to do business. Rigby stated that DIGIT will concretely demonstrate how the UK can benefit from this technology. The government believes that financial innovation will increase competitiveness in global capital markets. HSBC shared that its Orion platform has already facilitated over $3.5 billion in tokenized bond issuances across various jurisdictions. The platform has been used in digital bond projects in various financial centers, including Hong Kong and Luxembourg. This experience provides a technical and operational foundation for the UK’s pilot program. Patrick George, Head of Global Markets and Securities Services at HSBC, stated that the UK is one of the bank's main markets. George expressed his satisfaction with contributing to the development of the bond market and, more broadly, the growth of the country's economy.The pilot project strengthens not only the technology but also the legal infrastructure. Global law firm Ashurst has been appointed to provide legal advice in the DIGIT process. The firm's expertise in digital assets will play a critical role in terms of regulatory compliance and contractual structures.This step by the UK is seen as part of the global trend towards the tokenization of government debt instruments. In recent years, central banks, investment banks, and governments have been conducting pilot studies to issue bonds, money market funds, and other securities on the blockchain. The aim is to reduce costs, increase transparency, and strengthen secondary market liquidity.The DIGIT pilot is more than just a technical trial; it is part of the country's capital market strategy. If successful, it could pave the way for broader digitalization steps in the UK bond market. This could redefine London's position as a global financial center through a new generation of financial infrastructure.
Ripple Prime Chooses Hyperliquid: Integration Completed
Ripple, a global player in digital asset management, has made a significant breakthrough through its Ripple Prime service platform for institutional investors. The company has achieved its first direct integration in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space with the Hyperliquid platform. This step is seen as a tangible reflection of Ripple Prime's vision to bring together both traditional financial markets and on-chain DeFi products under a single infrastructure. According to a Ripple Prime spokesperson, the Hyperliquid integration provides users with access to on-chain derivatives markets. This allows clients to manage their positions on Hyperliquid alongside other asset classes they trade through Ripple Prime. These assets include cryptocurrency exchanges as well as traditional instruments such as currencies and fixed-income securities. Systemically, Ripple Prime remains the counterparty for its clients. Users transact through Ripple Prime, not directly with Hyperliquid or another exchange. This structure allows for the management of positions in different markets within a single risk and collateral framework. This eliminates the need for users to perform separate collateral or risk calculations for each platform. Processes are becoming simpler and more secure.The path to Institutional DeFiRipple Prime's move coincides with a period when interest in DeFi at the institutional level is rapidly increasing. In a statement, the company's international CEO, Michael Higgins, said, "As Ripple Prime, we continue to lead the way in combining decentralized finance with traditional prime broker services. This strategic expansion will offer our clients broader access to liquidity, higher efficiency, and innovation."Ripple Prime was rebranded following the $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road, completed in October 2025. Hidden Road was known as an unbanked prime broker operating in multiple asset classes. Following the acquisition, the rebranded Ripple Prime currently serves more than 300 institutional clients and, according to Ripple's website, handles over $3 trillion in transaction volume annually.It is stated that Ripple Prime's transaction volume has tripled since the announcement in 2025. The platform offers services including exchange, prime brokerage, and financing operations. Ripple's native digital asset, XRP, along with its stablecoin RLUSD, plays an active role in the solutions offered on this infrastructure.In recent years, Ripple has attracted attention not only for its activities in the field of payment solutions but also for the blockchain-based technologies it integrates into the corporate finance ecosystem. The company aims to revolutionize cross-border payments in terms of speed, cost, and transparency, acting as a bridge currency for banks and financial institutions through the XRP Ledger. In addition, it focuses on developing stable digital asset solutions with its stablecoin called RLUSD.XRP is currently trading around $1.56.
