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Ripple Expands RLUSD to Layer 2 Networks
Ripple plans to extend its RLUSD stablecoin to major Layer 2 blockchains using Wormhole, signaling a push toward multichain institutional adoption.
Ripple said it plans to launch its RLUSD stablecoin on multiple Layer 2 blockchains next year, using Wormhole’s cross-chain infrastructure to support deployments on Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain. The company is currently testing RLUSD across these networks through Wormhole’s Native Token Transfers standard, with full launches subject to regulatory approval.
RLUSD currently circulates on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum and has grown to a supply exceeding $1 billion since its launch last year. By extending to Layer 2 environments, Ripple is positioning the stablecoin to meet demand from decentralized finance applications while maintaining compliance features designed for institutional users.
The move aligns with Ripple’s broader effort to strengthen its regulatory footing and expand the role of XRPL-linked assets in institutional finance. Recent progress toward a national trust bank charter in the US could further differentiate RLUSD within an increasingly competitive stablecoin market focused on scalability, interoperability, and regulatory oversight.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Bhutan Expands Green Bitcoin Strategy with Cumberland Deal
Bhutan has signed an MoU with Cumberland DRW to support Bitcoin reserve management and explore broader digital asset infrastructure tied to sustainability goals.
Bhutan has signed a multi-year memorandum of understanding with Cumberland DRW to collaborate on digital asset infrastructure in Gelephu Mindfulness City, a special administrative region focused on sustainability and technology. The partnership centers on Bitcoin reserve management, institutional expertise, and workforce development, according to officials involved in the agreement.
Cumberland, the digital asset arm of Chicago-based trading firm DRW, will support Bhutan’s efforts to build a regulated crypto ecosystem that includes sustainable mining, stablecoin infrastructure, yield strategies, and artificial intelligence compute. The initiative is being coordinated with Green Digital, a local infrastructure firm developing renewable-energy-powered facilities aligned with Bhutan’s environmental priorities.
The agreement reflects Bhutan’s long-standing approach to digital assets, which leverages surplus hydropower for Bitcoin mining and integrates crypto into broader economic planning. While the MoU is nonbinding, it underscores growing institutional interest in state-level digital asset strategies that prioritize governance, sustainability, and long-term utility over speculative activity.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Michael Saylor Signals Bitcoin Buy as BTC Slips Below $88K
Michael Saylor signaled a potential new Bitcoin purchase as prices briefly fell below $88,000 amid renewed weekend selling pressure.
Bitcoin briefly fell below $88,000 late on December 14, touching a two-week low near $87,600 before rebounding, according to market data. The move extended a pattern of thin-liquidity weekend declines and coincided with broader caution across risk assets.
At the same time, Strategy chair Michael Saylor hinted at another Bitcoin purchase, posting a chart of the company’s holdings with the message “Back to More Orange Dots.” Strategy last disclosed a purchase of 10,624 BTC on December 12 and now holds more than 660,000 BTC, making it the largest corporate holder globally.
Market participants pointed to macro factors behind the selloff, including expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike later this week. Analysts said concerns over a potential unwind in yen-funded carry trades could pressure risk assets, even as others argued the policy move is largely priced in.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
UK Plans to Bring Crypto Under Finance Laws by 2027
The UK government plans to extend existing financial services laws to cryptocurrencies by 2027, placing the sector under full FCA oversight.
The UK government is preparing legislation that would bring cryptocurrencies under the country’s existing financial services laws by October 2027. The bill, expected to be introduced to Parliament next week, would place crypto firms under the oversight of the Financial Conduct Authority, extending regulatory requirements beyond current anti-money laundering supervision.
Treasury officials said the move is intended to give crypto businesses clearer legal expectations while strengthening consumer protections. Draft proposals circulated earlier this year would subject exchanges, dealers, and intermediaries to similar standards as traditional financial products such as stocks, reflecting a shift toward full market regulation rather than registration-only oversight.
The initiative aligns the UK more closely with regulatory developments in the United States and follows the FCA’s recent roadmap for crypto rules covering stablecoins, trading platforms, and decentralized finance. It also comes amid debate over Bank of England proposals on stablecoin restrictions, highlighting ongoing tension between innovation and financial stability priorities.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Doha Bank Issues $150M Digital Bond on Euroclear DLT
Doha Bank completed a $150 million digital bond using Euroclear’s permissioned DLT platform, achieving same-day settlement within regulated market infrastructure.
Doha Bank has completed a $150 million digital bond issuance using Euroclear’s distributed ledger technology, achieving same-day, or T+0, settlement on a permissioned platform rather than a public blockchain. The digitally native notes were listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market, with Euroclear providing post-trade infrastructure through its Digital Financial Market Infrastructure.
The transaction highlights a broader institutional shift toward regulated DLT systems that integrate with existing custody, settlement, and legal frameworks. Standard Chartered acted as sole global coordinator and arranger, reflecting continued demand from issuers for tokenization models that deliver efficiency gains without introducing regulatory uncertainty.
Across the Middle East and Asia, banks and regulators are increasingly embedding DLT into established capital markets rather than building parallel crypto-native systems. The Doha Bank deal adds to a growing pipeline of digital bond issuances that prioritize legal finality, controlled access, and interoperability while delivering faster settlement and operational efficiencies.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Brazil’s Largest Private Bank Recommends Bitcoin Allocation
Itaú Asset Management has advised investors to consider allocating up to 3% of portfolios to Bitcoin, citing diversification and currency hedge benefits.
Itaú Asset Management, the investment arm of Brazil’s largest private bank, has recommended that investors allocate between 1% and 3% of their portfolios to Bitcoin in 2026. In a recent research note, the firm cited geopolitical uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and persistent currency risk as factors strengthening Bitcoin’s role as a complementary asset.
According to Itaú, Bitcoin offers diversification benefits due to its low correlation with traditional asset classes such as equities, fixed income, and domestic markets. Renato Eid, a portfolio manager at Itaú Asset, said the asset’s global and decentralized nature gives it potential value as a currency hedge, despite its volatility over the past year.
The recommendation comes as Itaú continues to expand its digital asset presence. The bank recently launched a dedicated crypto unit and has broadened its offerings to include Bitcoin exchange-traded products and retirement funds with crypto exposure, signaling growing institutional acceptance of digital assets in Brazil.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Tether Moves to Take Full Control of Juventus
Stablecoin issuer Tether has submitted a bid to acquire a controlling stake in Juventus FC, signaling a major expansion beyond its core crypto business.
Tether, the issuer of the USDT stablecoin, said it has submitted a binding proposal to acquire Exor’s 65.4% stake in Juventus FC through an all-cash offer. If successful, the firm plans to launch a public tender offer for the remaining shares, potentially taking full ownership of the publicly listed football club.
Juventus has a market capitalization of roughly $925 million, and Tether said it is prepared to invest up to $1 billion in the club following completion of the transaction. The crypto firm already holds a stake exceeding 10% and has previously indicated interest in playing a more active role in the club’s future.
The bid underscores Tether’s broader diversification strategy as it expands into payments, artificial intelligence, and non-crypto assets. The company reported more than $10 billion in profits this year, largely driven by yields on U.S. Treasurys backing USDT, the world’s largest stablecoin by market value.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
World App Adds Encrypted Chat and Integrated Crypto Payments in Major Upgrade
World App introduced encrypted chat, virtual accounts, and expanded crypto payments as part of a major upgrade aimed at merging verified identity with global transactions.
World, the biometric identity platform led by Sam Altman, released a major upgrade to its World App that introduces encrypted chat, virtual accounts, and expanded crypto payment features. The update brings verified identity, messaging, and financial transactions into a consolidated interface as the company broadens its ambitions beyond digital identity services.
The new chat feature marks verified humans with blue message bubbles and unverified users with gray ones, supporting privacy and limiting bot activity. The upgrade also adds virtual accounts that allow users to receive salaries or bank transfers directly in the app before converting balances into USDC, EURC, wrapped Bitcoin, Ethereum, and more than 100 other supported tokens. Profile photos are verified locally against Orb-captured biometric data stored on users’ devices.
The app now supports in-chat crypto payments, swaps, and trading across a broad asset range, including tokenized real-world assets. The company framed the release as a step toward a more integrated ecosystem combining identity verification and financial services, reflecting its strategy to expand partnerships and improve crypto accessibility for everyday users.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Coinbase-Backed x402 V2 Connects Base, Solana, and Card Networks for AI-Native Payments
Coinbase-backed x402 released its V2 upgrade, adding multi-chain routing and wallet-based sessions to support AI-native payments across crypto and traditional rails.
Coinbase-backed x402 released its V2 upgrade, expanding the protocol’s role as a unified payments layer for AI agents and web services. The update standardizes network and asset identifiers, enabling a single format to settle HTTP 402 payments across Base, Solana, stablecoin rails, ACH, and card networks. The protocol has processed more than 100 million API and agent-based transactions since launching six months ago.
V2 introduces wallet-based sessions that allow subscription-like access and repeated API calls without restarting onchain flows. The design reduces operational overhead for high-frequency workloads such as model inference and automated agent operations, shifting authorization from API keys to wallet ownership. The upgrade also separates clients, servers, and facilitators so developers can add new chains and assets as modular components.
A new Discovery extension enables x402-integrated services to publish metadata that facilitators can index, giving AI agents the ability to locate services, understand pricing, and initiate payments autonomously. The protocol continues to rely on HTTP 402 as a settlement trigger, typically using stablecoins on Layer 2 networks. The x402 Foundation, formed in September, includes Cloudflare, Google, and Visa as members supporting the standard’s development.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Hex Trust Launches Wrapped XRP to Expand Cross-Chain DeFi Access
Hex Trust will issue and custody wrapped XRP to extend the token’s DeFi utility across multiple blockchains, launching with more than $100 million in locked value.
Hex Trust is set to issue and custody wrapped XRP, or wXRP, as part of a broader effort to expand the asset’s reach across DeFi and cross-chain markets. The 1:1-backed token will allow XRP to operate beyond the XRP Ledger and trade alongside Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin on chains such as Ethereum, where RLUSD is already active. The firm said authorized merchants will be able to mint and redeem wXRP in a regulated environment designed to support institutional use.
The launch will begin with more than $100 million in total value locked, which Hex Trust says establishes a liquidity base for trading and pricing across supported ecosystems. wXRP will initially be available on Solana, Optimism, Ethereum, and HyperEVM, with additional integrations planned. The firm emphasized that all wrapped tokens correspond to XRP held in segregated custody accounts with full auditability and compliance controls.
The move follows rising demand for XRP utility across DeFi, as new staking protocols, wrapped assets, and US-listed spot ETFs expand market access. Hex Trust said the initiative provides a regulated alternative to unverified bridges, offering institutions a structured path to liquidity provisioning, swaps, and yield strategies across multiple networks.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Stablecoin Rules Face Pushback from Cross-Party UK Lawmakers
UK lawmakers urged revisions to proposed stablecoin rules, warning current limits could stifle innovation and drive capital to dollar-based tokens.
A coalition of UK lawmakers is pressing Chancellor Rachel Reeves to revisit the Bank of England’s draft rules for stablecoins, arguing that the current proposals could weaken the nation’s position in fintech and digital finance. In a joint letter signed by senior MPs and peers, the group said restrictive measures risk curbing the appeal of pound-backed stablecoins at a time when digital tokens are gaining traction across global markets.
The lawmakers highlighted that stablecoin transactions reached $27.6 trillion in 2024, which surpassed major card networks, and cited projections showing continued growth. They warned that limits on wholesale usage, a ban on interest for reserves, and a GBP 20,000 cap on holdings could divert market activity toward dollar-denominated alternatives outside UK oversight.
Their appeal comes as the US advances a clearer regulatory path through the GENIUS Act, raising concerns that London’s competitiveness could erode without a more forward-looking framework. The lawmakers urged the Treasury to ensure that regulation supports innovation, attracts investment, and sustains the UK’s role as a global fintech center.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
YouTube Enables US Creators to Receive Earnings in PayPal’s PYUSD Stablecoin
YouTube has activated a new payout option allowing US creators to receive earnings in PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin. The move follows broader institutional adoption of regulated digital dollar tokens.
YouTube has enabled US-based creators to receive earnings in PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin, marking one of the most prominent uses of regulated digital dollar tokens within a major technology platform. The feature follows PayPal’s rollout of PYUSD payouts for payment recipients earlier in the third quarter. PayPal’s head of crypto confirmed the capability is now active for eligible US creators.
The update reflects accelerating adoption of stablecoins as payment infrastructure, particularly after the GENIUS Act established a federal framework for their issuance and oversight. Large platforms typically adopt new settlement rails only once operational maturity, compliance readiness, and low-friction user experience are assured. PYUSD’s integration allows creators to access faster settlement while keeping custody and compliance flows within PayPal’s existing systems.
The move aligns with PayPal’s broader expansion of PYUSD, including plans to support additional networks and embed the token across merchant and mass-payout products. PYUSD’s market capitalization now exceeds $3 billion amid its growing availability across multiple blockchains.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Klarna Partners with Privy to Explore Integrated Crypto Wallet Features
Klarna is partnering with Privy to test crypto wallet functionality within its financial ecosystem, building on the recent launch of its dollar-backed stablecoin.
Klarna is advancing its push into digital assets through a new partnership with Privy, a wallet infrastructure provider backed by Stripe. The collaboration will focus on testing wallet features that allow users to store, send, and use crypto directly within Klarna’s financial products. The initiative follows the company’s recent introduction of KlarnaUSD, a dollar-backed stablecoin designed to support low-cost digital payments.
The companies said the goal is to integrate crypto functionality natively into Klarna’s ecosystem rather than offering a standalone product. Privy, whose infrastructure supports more than 100 million accounts, will provide the underlying tools. Klarna executives highlighted that the firm’s large retail user base positions it to incorporate digital assets into everyday transactions, potentially enabling users to hold stablecoins, send peer-to-peer payments, and transact globally.
The partnership reflects a broader movement among major financial players exploring ways to merge digital assets with traditional consumer finance. While any new features will require regulatory approvals, Klarna’s engagement indicates rising interest in crypto for reducing payment friction and lowering cross-border transaction costs. The company, once cautious about digital assets, is now positioning wallets and stablecoins as components of its long-term product strategy.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Coinbase Picks Chainlink CCIP as Exclusive Bridge for Wrapped Assets
Coinbase selected Chainlink’s CCIP as the exclusive bridge infrastructure for its wrapped assets, enabling expanded cross-chain functionality across multiple ecosystems.
Coinbase has selected Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol as the exclusive bridging solution for all Coinbase Wrapped Assets, a move aimed at expanding their reach across blockchain ecosystems. The wrapped asset suite, which includes cbBTC, cbETH, cbDOGE, cbLTC, cbADA, and cbXRP, currently represents roughly $7 billion in market capitalization. Coinbase said the decision reflects its focus on infrastructure reliability and alignment with institutional security standards.
Chainlink’s CCIP is built on decentralized oracle networks that secure more than 70% of global DeFi and have supported over $27 trillion in transaction volume. By integrating CCIP, Coinbase gains a standardized framework for cross-chain transfers, enabling its wrapped assets to scale into new environments with lower operational risk. Executives from both firms highlighted security, market readiness, and interoperability as central factors driving the partnership, adding to recent developments such as the Base-Solana bridge launch.
The collaboration underscores a broader trend of exchanges and infrastructure providers prioritizing unified cross-chain standards as tokenized and wrapped assets gain institutional traction. Chainlink’s expanding roster of enterprise users, including major financial institutions, reflects increasing adoption of onchain interoperability frameworks. For Coinbase, the exclusive integration supports its strategy to enhance onchain activity and expand institutional-grade asset infrastructure.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.
Norway Central Bank Defers CBDC, Cites Strong Payments
Norges Bank says a central bank digital currency is unnecessary for now, citing a secure and efficient domestic payment system while keeping future options open.
Norway’s central bank, Norges Bank, concluded that issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) is “not warranted at this time,” highlighting the efficiency, security, and low costs of the existing payment system. Governor Ida Wolden Bache emphasized that while a CBDC is unnecessary now, the bank remains prepared to implement one if future conditions require it to maintain an effective financial infrastructure.
The updated stance follows several years of testing, including Project Icebreaker in 2023, which explored cross-border retail CBDC architectures. While wholesale CBDCs could modernize interbank settlement, Norges Bank cited unproven benefits and the absence of mature infrastructure or widely accepted technical standards as barriers to immediate deployment.
Norway’s approach contrasts with the European Central Bank’s digital euro plans, which could see pilot programs start in 2027 and potential issuance by 2029. The ECB’s timeline underscores the gradual adoption of CBDCs across Europe, while Norges Bank’s measured stance reflects confidence in domestic payment rails and a cautious, data-driven approach to digital currency adoption. The central bank maintains flexibility to adjust its position as technological and regulatory conditions evolve.
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: CoinScreamer is an independent media brand owned by NuvexMedia LLC, providing news, research, and market insights. NuvexMedia LLC invests in and collaborates with various companies across the digital asset and technology industries. Despite these partnerships, CoinScreamer operates with full editorial independence to deliver accurate, timely, and objective information about the crypto market. Below are our current financial and business disclosures. © 2025 NuvexMedia LLC. All Rights Reserved. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other form of professional advice.