Everything web3, crypto, defi, degen
In brief Perpetual futures, or perps, have been a big business in crypto this year, generating $1.27 trillion in trading volume over the past 30 days. Crypto wallets MetaMask and Phantom, as well as Telegram mini-app Blum, now offer perps natively within their apps. Analysts warn they present a “double-edged sword” to new users who…
In brief Alibaba upgraded Qwen Deep Research with one-click webpage and podcast generation. In testing, Qwen and Gemini tied for accuracy, both outperforming ChatGPT and Grok Overall, Qwen won for research depth and shareable web output, while Gemini led multimedia quality Qwen, the dedicated AI research group within the Chinese tech giant Alibaba, released a…
In brief Circuit breakers prevent panic selling on Wall Street, but some experts feel they are impractical, and potentially dangerous, in decentralized finance. DeFi protocols will always be open, even if “front ends” implement restrictions, Amanda Tuminelli of the DeFi Education Fund said. They could cause price dislocations to become worse, Gregory Xethalis of Multicoin…
In brief MrBeast filed a trademark for MrBeast Financial, a planned app offering crypto exchange, payment processing, banking, and insurance services. The YouTuber would need FinCEN registration, state money transmitter licenses, and SEC/CFTC approval to launch such a platform—none filed yet. This joins 52 trademarks owned by his company, though not all have become actual…
In brief Burke revealed Australia’s crypto ATM count has exploded from 23 machines six years ago to over 2,000 today, with 85% of top user transactions linked to scams or money mules. The proposed legislation would grant AUSTRAC the authority to restrict or prohibit “high-risk products,” with crypto ATMs specifically targeted. The move follows months…
In brief Coinbase is making a fresh investment in CoinDCX, building on prior investments through Coinbase Ventures, with the deal subject to regulatory approvals. The deal comes months after CoinDCX weathered a $44.2 million hack in July, which the exchange absorbed from its treasury reserves while dismissing acquisition rumors at the time. Industry experts view…
In brief Monad unveiled an eligibility checker and early claim portal for its upcoming MON airdrop. The portal will be open until November 3 in which eligible participants can register an early claim on their tokens. Monad is set to rival Ethereum and Solana and raised $225 million in 2024 to build its layer-1 network.…
In brief Ripple is teaming with blockchain security firm Immunefi to host an “attackathon” for the XRP Ledger lending protocol. If one serious bug is found, a full $200,000 will be provided to participants. The protocol aims to eventually offer fixed-term, uncollateralized loans on the XRP Ledger. Ripple is offering up to $200,000 to users…
In brief Bernie Sanders is calling for a 32-hour work week and a “robot tax” on corporations. Lawmakers are split over whether his plan helps or hinders tech growth. Experts say AI’s speed and long-term job impact remains uncertain. In a YouTube video released Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) warned that artificial intelligence could…
In brief Indonesia’s Universitas Gadjah Mada will pilot verifiable digital credentials, beginning with English proficiency courses. Students receive digital wallets preloaded with tokens for paying tuition and course fees, with no added costs. The pilot rollout will cover 60,000 students and run alongside a separate AI lab initiative. Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), one of Indonesia’s…
