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.
Zero-knowledge applications (zkApps) are blockchain-based programs that use zero-knowledge proofs to validate computation and data without revealing the underlying information. They allow users or applications to prove that certain conditions are met while keeping inputs private. zkApps typically perform complex logic off-chain and submit cryptographic proofs to the blockchain for verification. This approach reduces on-chain data requirements and improves efficiency. zkApps are commonly used to enhance privacy, scalability, and security in decentralized systems.
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.
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.
Google searches for “Bitcoin going to zero” have reached their highest levels since 2022, reflecting retail concern amid sharp BTC declines and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.