Digital Assets news and trends

This Week in Web3: Bitcoin Price, Crypto Interest Hit All-Time Highs
Cryptocurrency // December 18, 2024

As the world of digital payments evolves, crypto payments and stablecoins are emerging as twin engines driving innovation in consumer and business transactions across both Main Street and Wall Street. For consumers, the allure of cryptocurrencies lies in their ability to bypass traditional financial systems,...

Crypto Bank BVNK Expands to US After Raising $50 Million
Cryptocurrency // December 17, 2024

Stablecoin payments infrastructure firm BVNK is expanding to the U.S. after raising $50 million. The company’s Series B round, announced Tuesday (Dec. 17), was led by Haun Ventures, with participation from Coinbase Ventures, Scribble Ventures, DRW VC and existing investors Avenir and Tiger Global. As...

Ripple Prepares to Bring Stablecoin to Global Exchanges
Cryptocurrency // December 16, 2024

Blockchain firm Ripple says it is preparing to bring its stablecoin to the world’s exchanges. The dollar-backed Ripple USD (RLUSD) will be available beginning Dec. 17, the company announced Monday (Dec. 16), in the latest example of rising enthusiasm in the digital asset sector following the election of Donald...

Banks Eye Stablecoins to Accelerate Cross-Border Innovation
Cross-border Payments // December 09, 2024

Few bottlenecks across the payments landscape have been more intractable than that of cross-border payments. But with the news Thursday (Dec. 5) that the U.S. licensed FV Bank is now supporting direct USDT stablecoin deposits to simplify cross-border transactions by reducing reliance on traditional wire transfers...

Interviews & Exclusives
Banks Eye Stablecoins to Accelerate Cross-Border Innovation

December 09, 2024
Few bottlenecks across the payments landscape have been more intractable than that of cross-border payments. But with the news Thursday (Dec. 5) that the U.S. licensed FV Bank is now supporting direct USDT stablecoin deposits to simplify cross-border transactions by reducing reliance on traditional wire transfers and fees, cross-border payments optimization could be arriving — for […]

How Blockchain Tech Can Streamline Treasury Operations

November 20, 2024
Blockchain is entering its institutional era. And the enterprise treasury function is all eyes and ears to the innovation. For example, news came this week that enterprise software maker MicroStrategy,...

Fed Action Against Customers Bank Underscores Crypto’s Challenges

August 12, 2024
Despite the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, Web3 businesses need banking partners. But on Thursday (Aug. 8), news broke that Pennsylvania-based Customers Bank, one of the only...

Fed Enforcements Now Focus on Instant Payments and Tokens

August 09, 2024
A recent enforcement action by the Federal Reserve taken against Customers Bancorp and its Customers Bank subsidiary has taken note of the risks and challenges inherent in handling digital assets...

Quick Reads
Luxury Brands Consider Accepting Crypto Payments

December 18, 2024
With bitcoin rising, the luxury world is reportedly showing more interest in allowing cryptocurrency payments. As Reuters reported Wednesday (Dec. 18), until recently just a handful of brands — including Gucci and LVMH watch labels Hublot and Tag Heuer — had permitted crypto payments. But now, with the price of bitcoin hitting record highs, others […]

Crypto Bank BVNK Expands to US After Raising $50 Million

December 17, 2024
Stablecoin payments infrastructure firm BVNK is expanding to the U.S. after raising $50 million. The company’s Series B round, announced Tuesday (Dec. 17), was led by Haun Ventures, with participation...

Ripple Prepares to Bring Stablecoin to Global Exchanges

December 16, 2024
Blockchain firm Ripple says it is preparing to bring its stablecoin to the world’s exchanges. The dollar-backed Ripple USD (RLUSD) will be available beginning Dec. 17, the company announced Monday (Dec. 16), in the...

Brazil Considers Banning Stablecoin Withdrawals to Self-Custodial Wallets

December 02, 2024
The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) reportedly aims to prevent centralized exchanges from allowing their users to withdraw stablecoins to self-custodial wallets. Transfers of stablecoins between residents would be restricted...