Mastercard Launches Crypto Partner Program to Bridge Blockchain and Payments
Mastercard launches Crypto Partner Program with 85+ partners to connect blockchain systems with banks, merchants, and global payments for real-world use cases.
Smart contracts are self-executing programs stored on a blockchain that automatically run when predefined conditions are met. They remove the need for intermediaries by enforcing rules and agreements directly through code. Once deployed, smart contracts operate transparently and cannot be easily altered. They are widely used in DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized applications. By enabling trustless automation, smart contracts significantly expand what blockchains can do beyond simple transactions.
Mastercard launches Crypto Partner Program with 85+ partners to connect blockchain systems with banks, merchants, and global payments for real-world use cases.
Ripple plans to obtain an Australian Financial Services License through the acquisition of BC Payments Australia, expanding its regulated payments infrastructure in the region.
US prosecutors are seeking an October 2026 retrial for Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm on unresolved money laundering and sanctions charges after a hung jury in his initial trial.
US institutions invested $540 million in spot Solana ETFs during Q4, with investment advisers and hedge funds leading allocations, highlighting growing institutional engagement in SOL.
Bitwise Asset Management has contributed $233,000 to Bitcoin developers, marking its second annual donation tied to the success of its Bitcoin ETF.
Andreessen Horowitz is raising a fifth crypto-focused fund targeting $2 billion, amid declining venture activity and broader crypto market pressures.
A viral AI dystopia spoof is fueling debate across tech and crypto as automation-driven layoffs rise and projects promote user-owned AI agents as an alternative model.
MARA Holdings announced a partnership to convert select US Bitcoin mining sites into AI-focused data centers, sending shares up nearly 16% in after-hours trading.
NYDIG research indicates capital in crypto is concentrating around financial use cases, with fewer applications attracting durable investor interest. The shift may clarify long-term winners while reducing speculative breadth.
Binance says its exposure to sanctioned entities has fallen sharply since 2024 as the exchange intensifies compliance investments and regulatory alignment efforts.