Lending

Lending protocols form the backbone of the decentralized money market, allowing users to lend or borrow digital assets without intermediaries. Using smart contracts, platforms like Aave and Morpho automate interest rates based on supply and demand while requiring over-collateralization for security. The 2026 lending landscape features advanced permissionless vaults and institutional-grade credit lines. This tag covers the evolution of capital efficiency, liquidations, and the integration of diverse collateral types, including LSTs and tokenized RWAs.

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Created: 2026/02/02 18:52
Updated: 2026/02/02 18:52
Trillion-dollar market demand: Can the Bitcoin on-chain economy become the next hot narrative?

Trillion-dollar market demand: Can the Bitcoin on-chain economy become the next hot narrative?

By Felix, PANews Since its creation in 2009, Bitcoin, the first decentralized digital currency, has evolved from a niche experiment into a significant global store of value and settlement network, and has now grown into an asset class valued at approximately $2 trillion. Despite Bitcoin's numerous achievements, new investors eager for higher returns may not be able to achieve the same high returns as early investors at the current high Bitcoin price. Beyond passive asset appreciation, earning income from Bitcoin has become a major market demand. Data shows that over 98% of Bitcoin is currently idle. Unleashing its potential and transforming Bitcoin from a centralized store of value to a distributed internet infrastructure used by billions of people is crucial for its development to reach new heights. Perhaps inspired by the emergence of DeFi on Ethereum, the idea of building DeFi on Bitcoin emerged. Starting with tokenized Bitcoin, Bitcoin has gradually transformed from a static asset to programmable capital. Since the emergence of WBTC in 2019, the market has spawned 50 versions of tokenized Bitcoin across over 20 blockchains. After six years of infrastructure development (from WBTC to transparent, permissionless solutions), the technology has made tremendous strides, including cross-chain protocols, custody solutions, and regulatory frameworks. The current value of tokenized Bitcoin on-chain has reached $40.18 billion. The first "Bitcoin On-Chain Economic Report" was released, and capital is consolidating around three major competitive advantages. As more and more Bitcoin holders switch to other blockchain networks to unlock new features and realize returns, the development of the on-chain Bitcoin economy is gradually moving beyond its "grassroots" experimental stage. However, research on the Bitcoin on-chain economy has yet to form a systematic and organized form. Zeus Network, a Bitcoin infrastructure builder, recently released its inaugural "On-Chain Bitcoin Economy Report." The report comprehensively analyzes the Bitcoin on-chain economy, highlighting the growing importance of blockchain platforms adopting differentiated development strategies based on their respective strengths, leading to a gradual emergence of a survival of the fittest. The "On-Chain Bitcoin Economic Report" shows that the top four blockchains (Base, Ethereum, Stacks, and Solana) will increase by more than 26,000 BTC in 2025, while the bottom five blockchains will lose a total of more than 8,000 BTC. Source: 2025 On - Chain Bitcoin Economy Report ( Zeus Network ) The report mentioned that Bitcoin Capital is currently consolidating around three major competitive advantages: native Bitcoin integration (Stacks), mature user base access (Base), and superior DeFi performance (Solana). Among them, Base, driven by the advantage of Coinbase's user base, achieved a growth rate of 99.83%, providing convenient bridge access to millions of users and a way for institutional clients to deploy Bitcoin. Its outstanding performance shows that mature platforms have significant competitive advantages compared to pure technical solutions. Stacks followed closely behind with a growth rate of 79.65%, indicating a strong market preference for Bitcoin-aligned infrastructure that maintains a closer connection to the base layer while supporting programmability. The head platform effect is also gradually emerging. Compared with the more mature platforms mentioned above, weak participants such as Tron (-541%) and Merlin (-80%) have fallen sharply, which may indicate that the market is consolidating around mature solutions. Notably, Solana achieved a 76.56% growth rate, highlighting the performance advantages of blockchain. Bitcoin holders prioritize practical advantages such as speed, low costs, and robust DeFi functionality when choosing where to effectively deploy their assets. Currently, the Bitcoin tokenization options on the Solana platform have increased from 2 (WBTC and tBTC) in August 2024 to 8 in August 2025, forming a comprehensive ecosystem consisting of 21 projects, covering 4 DEXs (APOLLO, HawkFi, Jupiter and Meteora), 12 DeFi protocols (including btcSOL, Drift, Kamino, Orca and Raydium, etc.), 4 infrastructure projects (Portal/Wormhole, Zeus Network, Threshold) and 1 DAO (MonkeDAO). Among them, APOLLO, as the first Bitcoin on-chain exchange on the Solana platform, plays an important role in expanding the influence of native Bitcoin on Solana. Exchange APOLLO and the re-staking model btcSOL expand user base and application scope Zeus Network, the permissionless Bitcoin infrastructure protocol on the Solana platform, is committed to accelerating the development of Bitcoin's on-chain economy and applications. It not only launched zBTC, the first permissionless Bitcoin on Solana, but also released a series of dApp products, expanding zBTC's user base and application scope. Its role on the Solana platform is becoming increasingly prominent. In March 2025, Zeus Network released APOLLO Mainnet v1, the first Bitcoin on-chain exchange on Solana, designed to provide a seamless, permissionless way to trade and manage assets. As the flagship dApp of the Zeus Network, APOLLO allows Bitcoin holders to trade, exchange, and earn various Bitcoin variants on-chain, unlike centralized platforms, without intermediaries or restrictions. By introducing zBTC, an asset pegged 1:1 to Bitcoin, APOLLO seamlessly integrates Bitcoin liquidity into the Solana ecosystem, providing retail, developer, and institutional investors with a trustless, decentralized solution to unlock Bitcoin's full potential in DeFi. Notably, APOLLO also launched the Earn feature in August, providing users with a way to earn income. On APOLLO Earn, users can choose from lending, liquidity pools, or staking strategies, each integrated with protocols currently supporting zBTC. Going forward, APOLLO will continue to collaborate with DeFi protocols to update Earn and introduce new strategies, providing users with more diverse Bitcoin income options. Following the launch of APOLLO, Zeus Network's second dApp, btcSOL, a restaking model, launched in July, providing Solana users with a convenient, permissionless way to access BTCFi. btcSOL allows holders of SOL or LST-SOL (Solana's liquidity staking token) to stake their tokens and accumulate BTC. The system automatically converts the staked tokens into btcSOL restaking tokens based on a price index, generating on-chain returns that are automatically converted to zBTC. Additionally, btcSOL has partnered with Marinade Finance, a liquidity staking platform on Solana. 5.5% of users' staked SOL will be continuously converted into zBTC, allowing users to steadily increase their Bitcoin exposure without any additional steps. btcSOL v1.5, released on September 9th, also added jupSOL and kySOL. Currently, users can accumulate zBTC (Solana's native Bitcoin) by staking SOL, mSOL, JupSOL, and kySOL. Despite the fierce competition in the Bitcoin tokenization market, Zeus Network has found a differentiated market position through unique design choices and functional positioning. With its technological advantages, strong team and partner network, and the support of the Solana ecosystem, it has the potential to occupy a significant market share in this field. However, like all blockchain projects, Zeus Network faces certain risks and challenges, such as the risk of security vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainty, market acceptance, and partial dependence on the continued growth and success of the Solana ecosystem. In the future, Zeus Network plans to achieve multi-chain expansion and integrate more blockchain networks in addition to Bitcoin and Solana. In addition, it plans to cultivate a thriving developer community by releasing programming libraries and developer tools, and gradually achieve decentralized governance. Conclusion Bitcoin's transformation into a yield-generating asset is no longer a question of "if," but "when." Not only are institutions creating their own branded, wrapped Bitcoins, but the emergence of permissionless infrastructure also allows any community, protocol, or collective to create a transparent, verifiable representation of Bitcoin tailored to their specific needs. Zeus Network, by innovatively addressing the cross-chain communication issues between Bitcoin and Solana, offers a promising solution for unlocking Bitcoin's enormous potential value. Related Reading: Permissionless Bitcoin on Solana: Zeus Network Launches APOLLO Platform and zBTC

Author: PANews
Crypto groups urge BoE to scrap £10K limit, call stablecoin cap harmful and unenforceable

Crypto groups urge BoE to scrap £10K limit, call stablecoin cap harmful and unenforceable

The post Crypto groups urge BoE to scrap £10K limit, call stablecoin cap harmful and unenforceable appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Crypto firms across the UK and US are demanding that the BoE ditch its plan to cap stablecoin holdings at £10,000–£20,000 for individuals and £10 million for companies. This plan, according to Financial Times, would make the UK the only major jurisdiction trying to lock users out of full access to stablecoins, at a time when both the US and EU are expanding regulatory clarity without placing hard limits. The move, if enforced, would set the UK apart in a way that critics say looks paranoid and counterproductive. Officials inside the BoE argue that caps are necessary to keep Britain’s banking system stable as crypto expands. They say too much money flowing into stablecoins could drain bank deposits, cut off credit, and cause a ripple effect across lending markets. Sasha Mills, who heads financial market infrastructure at the bank, said the idea is to prevent “large and rapid outflows of deposits” and limit the impact of new payment systems while they scale. But she also called the measure “transitional,” suggesting it might not be permanent, though there’s no actual timeline or plan to phase it out. Coinbase says caps are bad for savers and the City Tom Duff Gordon, Coinbase’s policy chief outside the US, said, “Imposing caps on stablecoins is bad for UK savers, bad for the City and bad for sterling.” He pointed out that no other major country, not even under Donald Trump’s renewed presidency, has tried anything like this. And it’s not just about ideology; crypto payments are already global, and Tom made it clear that these limits would slam the UK into a corner while the rest of the world moves on. Simon Jennings, who leads the UK Cryptoasset Business Council, added that enforcing the BoE’s idea would be a technical nightmare. “Limits simply don’t…

Author: BitcoinEthereumNews
Crypto groups press BoE to drop £10K stablecoin limit plan

Crypto groups press BoE to drop £10K stablecoin limit plan

Crypto groups told the BoE to drop its plan to cap stablecoin holdings at £10K–£20K for individuals and £10M for businesses.

Author: Cryptopolitan
Best Cryptos Buy Now and Turn $500 into $25,000

Best Cryptos Buy Now and Turn $500 into $25,000

The post Best Cryptos Buy Now and Turn $500 into $25,000 appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Few projects are generating headlines as frequently as Pepe Coin (PEPE) and Mutuum Finance (MUTM). Mutuum Finance is emerging as the most-touted opportunity for retail traders considering the potential to turn low stakes into massive gains. The venture has raised over $15.8 million from over 16,300 supporters during presale. Aside from Pepe (PEPE), Mutuum Finance stands out as one of the innovators with its new positioning in a crowded market, fueling rumination on whether it would be the next giant breakout story in the crypto economy. PEPE Trades Near $0.000012 as Meme-Token Activity Persists PEPE (PEPE) is trading at $0.00001214. The token has recorded a double-digit 24-hour advance and high volume relative to its recent averages, suggesting short-term buying interest.  Because PEPE is a social meme token, the price remains sensitive to social and on-chain sentiment, which creates wild intraday whips within the range of the week.  Market watchers are monitoring volume and resistance at the recent weekly highs for follow-through, while new DeFi opportunities such as Mutuum Finance are also receiving attention.  Mutuum Finance Presale Speed up Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is performing well in presale phase six, securing tremendous traction as investors’ volumes keep soaring. The project has already hit over 16,300 recorded owners and has reached over $15.8 million in locked-up capital, with recent activities showing that the pace will continue to increase. Such a humongous boost is a clear indicator of growing investors’ confidence as the platform continues to inch closer to going live. Strategic Value for First Movers Not only are investors buying at the presale price exposing themselves to tokens at significantly lower cost, but they are also setting themselves up for astronomical short-term returns of up to 300% on launch day one, and even greater long-term opportunity as the ecosystem continues to expand. Early…

Author: BitcoinEthereumNews
dForce Proposes Onboarding Yuan-Pegged AxCNH Stablecoin

dForce Proposes Onboarding Yuan-Pegged AxCNH Stablecoin

The post dForce Proposes Onboarding Yuan-Pegged AxCNH Stablecoin appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. dForce proposes integrating AxCNH, a yuan-pegged stablecoin, to expand compliant CNH yield opportunities and reshape global DeFi markets. dForce, a well-known DeFi infrastructure platform, has put forward a new proposal. The proposal suggests integrating the offshore Chinese Yuan-pegged stablecoin, AxCNH, into its ecosystem. AxCNH is issued by a fintech company based in Hong Kong – AnchorX. This stablecoin will be initially introduced on the Conflux blockchain via Unitus Finance, one of the lending markets of dForce. AxCNH Stablecoin Launches on Conflux eSpace with Growing Support To begin with, this move makes dForce an early supporter of CNH-based DeFi products. According to the proposal, this strategy helps the platform to meet its goal of becoming the “Gateway to Compliant CNH Yield on Chain.” Although currently AxCNH has a low liquidity and trade activity, the long-term prospects of this look promising. As more people are interested in using CNH stablecoins, early adoption may bring about some great benefits. Related Reading: Intense Demand for Hong Kong’s New Stablecoin Licensing Program | Live Bitcoin News In addition, AnchorX is already recognized as a regulatory pioneer. In June 2025, the company got a stablecoin-related approval by the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) of Kazakhstan. This was an important step for its expansion in the world. AxCNH launched (July of 2025) on Conflux eSpace, with liquidity pools now live on Swappi DEX. Despite a small market cap, the stablecoin is well backed by CNH reserves and redeemable at a 1:1 ratio. Moreover, dForce believes that CNH stablecoins can form a major part of the global DeFi market. China’s overall ambition to pursue yuan internationalization is supportive of this trend. After a significant fall in the US dollar in early 2025, there was an increase in the interest in alternatives such as CNH. Financial institutions and tech…

Author: BitcoinEthereumNews
MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival: Unleash the Thrilling World of Memecoins at Lotte World!

MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival: Unleash the Thrilling World of Memecoins at Lotte World!

BitcoinWorld MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival: Unleash the Thrilling World of Memecoins at Lotte World! Are you ready for an event that truly merges the digital world of memecoins with real-world thrills? Get ready to mark your calendars! MemeCore, a groundbreaking global Layer 1 project dedicated to memecoins, is set to host an absolutely electrifying event: the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival. This unique celebration is designed specifically for its dedicated M token holders, promising an unforgettable experience at the iconic Lotte World in Jamsil, Seoul. What is the MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival All About? The upcoming MemeCore HALLOMEME festival is far more than just a gathering; it’s a pioneering fusion of internet culture, community engagement, and pure entertainment. Scheduled for September 23rd, this spectacular event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. UTC. Imagine an entire amusement park transformed into a hub where the vibrant energy of memes meets the competitive spirit of esports and the beloved appeal of fan-related intellectual property (IP). Attendees will have the unique opportunity to: Explore Lotte World, enjoying its thrilling rides and attractions. Network with fellow M token holders and the MemeCore team. Immerse themselves in a festival atmosphere that champions meme culture. This event represents a significant step for MemeCore, bridging the gap between digital asset ownership and tangible, exciting experiences. It’s a testament to the project’s commitment to building a strong, engaged community around its native M token. Who Can Join the MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival Fun? Access to this exclusive celebration is reserved for holders of MemeCore’s native M token. If you’re an M token holder, you’re invited to be part of this groundbreaking event. The process to secure your spot is straightforward, ensuring that genuine community members are prioritized for attendance at the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival. Here’s how M token holders can register: Step 1: Register your interest through the Luma platform. Step 2: Await approval from the MemeCore team to confirm your attendance. This selective approach ensures a high-quality experience for all participants, fostering a true sense of community among M token enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity not just to have fun, but to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for memecoins and the MemeCore vision. Preparing for Your Unforgettable HALLOMEME Experience To fully engage with all the exciting activities planned for the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival, there’s one essential digital tool you’ll need: the MeCo Wallet. This dedicated wallet will be crucial for participating in the on-site stamp event, a feature designed to add an interactive layer to your festival exploration. Before heading to Lotte World: Make sure to download the MeCo Wallet to your device. Familiarize yourself with its basic functions to ensure a smooth experience on the day. The stamp event encourages attendees to explore different areas of the festival, rewarding their engagement and adding an element of discovery to the day. It’s a fun way to interact with the festival’s various offerings and collect unique digital mementos of your time at the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival. Why the MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival Matters for Memecoin Culture The organization of the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival is a significant milestone for the broader memecoin ecosystem. It demonstrates a commitment to tangible community building beyond purely digital interactions. By bringing together elements of amusement, esports, and popular culture, MemeCore is setting a new standard for how blockchain projects can engage their user base. This event: Elevates the perception of memecoins from mere speculative assets to cultural phenomena. Provides a real-world platform for networking and collaboration within the community. Showcases MemeCore’s innovative approach to blending technology with entertainment. It’s an exciting time for M token holders and the wider crypto community, as MemeCore continues to push boundaries and create memorable experiences. The festival is not just about fun; it’s about solidifying the identity and community spirit of a rapidly evolving digital asset class. In conclusion, the upcoming MemeCore HALLOMEME festival at Lotte World promises to be a landmark event, perfectly blending the playful spirit of memes with the vibrant energy of a real-world celebration. For M token holders, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to connect, celebrate, and experience the future of memecoin culture firsthand. Get ready for an epic day of fun, community, and innovation! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival Q1: When and where will the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival take place? A1: The festival is scheduled for September 23rd, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. UTC, at Lotte World in Jamsil, Seoul. Q2: Who is eligible to attend the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival? A2: The event is exclusive to holders of MemeCore’s native M token. Registration and approval through the Luma platform are required. Q3: What kind of activities can attendees expect at the festival? A3: Attendees can enjoy amusement park rides, explore meme and fan-related IP integrations, participate in esports activities, and network with other M token holders. There will also be an on-site stamp event. Q4: Do I need a special app or wallet for the MemeCore HALLOMEME festival? A4: Yes, you will need to download the MeCo Wallet to participate in the on-site stamp event and fully engage with certain festival activities. Q5: Why is MemeCore hosting this HALLOMEME festival? A5: MemeCore is hosting the festival to foster community engagement, bridge the gap between digital assets and real-world experiences, and celebrate meme culture with its dedicated M token holders, strengthening the project’s ecosystem. If you found this article exciting and informative, consider sharing it with your friends and fellow crypto enthusiasts on social media! Let’s spread the word about the innovative spirit of the MemeCore community. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping memecoins institutional adoption. This post MemeCore HALLOMEME Festival: Unleash the Thrilling World of Memecoins at Lotte World! first appeared on BitcoinWorld.

Author: Coinstats
ETH treasury firm BitMine scoops $200M of ETH, yet many ask what crypto to invest in for instant 500% gains

ETH treasury firm BitMine scoops $200M of ETH, yet many ask what crypto to invest in for instant 500% gains

While institutional investors like BitMine are buying up hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of ETH, ordinary investors are looking for crypto ventures that will give them faster, more uneven gains. BTC and ETH price spikes have made the news, but a lot of new investors are wondering where they can put their money to make big profits without having to wait years. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is becoming a platform that offers just that: overcollateralized lending, stablecoin minting, and staking-based rewards. MUTM is a great alternative to storingETH passively since it has new mechanisms and institutional-level security. It also lets regular investors take part in faster growth.Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is designed to protect investors’ money while also providing a steady return. Borrowers have to overcollateralize, which makes a buffer that keeps the protocol safe from abrupt drops in asset values. Liquidation processes make sure that positions that drop below safety levels are dealt with right away, and liquidators are given bonuses to keep the system healthy. The stable interest rate model gives borrowers predictable repayment schedules and lets the protocol adjust rates when the market is very unstable. This combination makes sure that people may confidently earn yield, lend money, or stake mtTokens, even when crypto values go up and down or the market as a whole corrects itself.ETH treasury firm BitMine scoops $200M of ETHOn September 12, 2025, BitMine, a big treasury corporation, bought $200 million worth of Ethereum (ETH). This raised the price of ETH to about $4,400, with a trading volume of $37.07 billion in 24 hours. The purchase is part of a larger trend of companies building up their treasuries, which shows that institutions have a lot of faith in Ethereum’s DeFi and layer-2 ecosystems. Technical indications reveal that ETH is testing the $4,150 support level, with the RSI at 48 and the resistance level at $4,500. People on social media are excited about BitMine’s shift and the planned Pectra upgrade, but there are concerns about things like US tariffs and $346.46 million in liquidations. If $4,500 clears, analysts say the aim is $4,868. But if it drops below $4,150, it might drop to $3,950.Mutuum Finance (MUTM): presale momentum and retail windowThe presale for Phase 6 of Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is now open, and each token costs $0.035. There are more than 16,300 holders taking part, and $15.66 million has been raised so far. 38% of the 170 million token supply has already been sold. The price will go up to $0.040 in the following phase, which means this is the last chance to get tokens at a discount before launch. Investors who bought in Phase 1 at $0.010 are already seeing gains of more than 250%.When MUTM lists at $0.20, investors who bought in Phase 6 will be able to get 500% returns. The platform’s restricted quantity of 4 billion tokens, staking incentives, and protocol buybacks all work together to keep the token’s price going up.Mutuum Finance (MUTM) lets regular investors actively make money while whales keep a lot of ETH. Lending yields, stablecoin minting, and staking programs all make money all the time. This makes a system that is always changing, like early DeFi successes like AAVE and UNI, which saw their prices go up 5–10X in their first few months. MUTM gives regular investors a way to get into this kind of high-growth environment that is easy to understand and offers both safety and predictable returns. The platform’s improved collateral efficiency makes it easier to borrow more money for linked assets. At the same time, carefully controlled deposit and borrow caps lower exposure to volatile tokens, which keeps the protocol stable.Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is more trustworthy since it has a CertiK audit score of 95, an AI-powered helpdesk service, partnerships with institutional roadmaps, and a $50,000 USDT Bug Bounty Program. These protections provide investors even more confidence that the platform is intended to handle complex operational and security needs as well as large rewards. So, early participants are joining a system that balances development potential with strong risk management. This gives them an obvious edge over people who just keep crypto.ConclusionInvestors who get in during Phase 6 are putting themselves in a position to make money like ETH did. The lack of tokens, along with early staking payouts and buyback programs, ensures that the price trend is maintained from many directions. The price will soon go up to $0.040, and 38% of the current phase has already been sold. This opportunity is closing fast. People who wait will miss the chance to own MUTM at a lower price, while people who act quickly will get positions in a protocol where smart money is making 500% gains by moving profits around.Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is for investors who want to combine safety, yield, and the chance to grow. Institutional ETH accumulation gets a lot of attention, but MUTM gives regular investors the ability to get involved in a fast-moving ecosystem with predictable payouts and significant upward momentum. Now is the time to get in, join early staking programs, and get in line with the next wave of attractive crypto investments before listing increases yields.For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below:Website: https://www.mutuum.comLinktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinanceThe post ETH treasury firm BitMine scoops $200M of ETH, yet many ask what crypto to invest in for instant 500% gains appeared first on Invezz

Author: Coinstats
From Small Beginnings to Big Returns: 8 High ROI Tokens in 2025 Ready for Explosive Growth

From Small Beginnings to Big Returns: 8 High ROI Tokens in 2025 Ready for Explosive Growth

Could choosing the right meme coin today set the stage for life-changing wealth tomorrow? Every crypto cycle sees a select few meme-driven tokens rise above the noise, rewarding early investors with extraordinary returns. As the search for high-ROI tokens intensifies in 2025, one truth stands clear: procrastination often means missing the next big cultural and […] The post From Small Beginnings to Big Returns: 8 High ROI Tokens in 2025 Ready for Explosive Growth  appeared first on Live Bitcoin News.

Author: LiveBitcoinNews
Stablecoin Regulations: UK’s Controversial Limits Ignite Industry Fury

Stablecoin Regulations: UK’s Controversial Limits Ignite Industry Fury

BitcoinWorld Stablecoin Regulations: UK’s Controversial Limits Ignite Industry Fury The digital finance world is currently abuzz with significant news from the UK. The Bank of England has unveiled plans for stringent stablecoin regulations, proposing strict limits on how much individuals and corporations can hold. This move has certainly stirred the pot, igniting a fierce debate within the burgeoning crypto industry. Understanding the Proposed Stablecoin Regulations: What’s the Limit? The Bank of England is actively pursuing new rules to limit individual and corporate holdings of stablecoins. These proposed stablecoin regulations aim to cover all stablecoins currently in use or those that could potentially be used for payments across the UK, as reported by the Financial Times. Individual Limits: Under the plan, individuals would be capped at holding between £10,000 and £20,000 (approximately $12,700 to $25,400). Corporate Limits: The limit for corporations would be £10 million (around $12.7 million). These caps are designed to manage potential risks, but they have quickly become a point of contention. Why Are These Stablecoin Regulations Sparking Such Strong Opposition? The local crypto industry has not taken kindly to these proposed stablecoin regulations. They argue that such strict measures would put the UK at a significant competitive disadvantage compared to other nations embracing digital assets more openly. Moreover, implementing these limits presents considerable practical challenges: Administrative Difficulty: Tracking and enforcing these caps across numerous platforms and wallets would be a monumental task. Excessive Cost: The administrative burden would translate into substantial costs for businesses, potentially hindering innovation and growth within the sector. Industry leaders believe these rules could stifle the very innovation the UK Treasury is trying to foster. The Central Bank’s Rationale: How Do Stablecoin Regulations Protect Traditional Finance? While the crypto industry sees hurdles, the Bank of England views these stablecoin regulations as essential for maintaining financial stability. Their primary concern revolves around the potential impact on traditional banking. The central bank believes that widespread adoption of stablecoins could: Reduce Bank Deposits: If people and businesses shift their funds into stablecoins, it could lead to a decrease in deposits held by commercial banks. Impact Lending: A reduction in bank deposits might, in turn, negatively impact banks’ ability to lend money to individuals and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth. From the Bank of England’s perspective, these regulations are a preventative measure to safeguard the existing financial ecosystem. Navigating the Divide: UK Treasury’s Vision vs. Strict Stablecoin Regulations This move by the Bank of England highlights a growing divide within the UK’s financial leadership. On one side, the central bank is pushing for cautious and stringent stablecoin regulations. On the other, the UK Treasury is actively working to support stablecoins and broader tokenization efforts, viewing them as key to the nation’s future as a global financial hub. The Treasury sees stablecoins as a foundational element for future financial innovation, enabling more efficient and cost-effective payments and asset transfers. This dichotomy presents a complex challenge for the UK as it seeks to balance innovation with regulatory oversight. What’s Next for Stablecoin Regulations in the UK? A Path Forward The debate around these proposed stablecoin regulations is far from over. The friction between the central bank’s cautious approach and the industry’s call for innovation underscores the need for careful consideration and dialogue. For businesses and individuals in the UK, understanding these evolving regulations will be key. Engaging constructively with policymakers and providing feedback on the practical implications of such limits could help shape a more balanced outcome. The future of digital assets in the UK hinges on finding a regulatory framework that fosters growth while ensuring stability. In essence, the Bank of England’s proposed stablecoin regulations represent a critical juncture for the UK’s crypto sector. While aiming to protect financial stability, these measures risk alienating an innovative industry. The ongoing dialogue between regulators, government, and the crypto community will ultimately shape the future trajectory of digital assets in the UK, determining whether it becomes a leader or a laggard in the global digital economy. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What are stablecoins? Stablecoins are a type of cryptocurrency designed to minimize price volatility. They achieve this by pegging their value to a stable asset, such as fiat currency (like the US dollar or British pound) or commodities (like gold). 2. Why is the Bank of England proposing these stablecoin regulations? The Bank of England is concerned that widespread adoption of stablecoins could reduce bank deposits, potentially impacting banks’ ability to lend money and thereby affecting financial stability and economic growth. 3. How do the proposed limits for individuals and corporations differ? Under the proposal, individuals would be capped at holding between £10,000 and £20,000 in stablecoins, while corporations would face a limit of £10 million. 4. What is the crypto industry’s main concern regarding these stablecoin regulations? The crypto industry argues that these stringent limits would put the UK at a competitive disadvantage globally, create significant administrative difficulties, and incur excessive costs for businesses, potentially stifling innovation. 5. What is the UK Treasury’s stance on stablecoins? Unlike the Bank of England’s cautious approach, the UK Treasury is actively working to support stablecoins and broader tokenization efforts, viewing them as crucial for the UK’s future as a global financial hub. If you found this article insightful, consider sharing it with your network! Your support helps us continue to bring you critical updates on the evolving world of cryptocurrency and financial regulation. Let’s keep the conversation going! To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping stablecoin regulations and their impact on institutional adoption. This post Stablecoin Regulations: UK’s Controversial Limits Ignite Industry Fury first appeared on BitcoinWorld.

Author: Coinstats
Figure founder's open letter on listing: Why DeFi will eventually become the mainstream method of asset financing?

Figure founder's open letter on listing: Why DeFi will eventually become the mainstream method of asset financing?

By Mike Cagney Compiled by: Zhou, ChainCatcher Figure, a blockchain lending company, went public on the US stock market on September 11th. Its stock price surged as high as 44% on its first day of trading, bringing its market capitalization to approximately $7.8 billion. At market close, its total market capitalization was $6.5 billion. This is an open letter from Figure founder Mike Cagney regarding the IPO: At the end of 2017, I had my blockchain "aha" moment. When I was CEO of SoFi, I'd always made rhetoric about Bitcoin and blockchain more broadly—"It's going to change financial services!"—but I had no idea how. This time, it was different. Ask any full-stack engineer, and most will say they'd rather not develop on the blockchain: it's slow, cumbersome, and, because of its immutable nature, has extremely low fault tolerance. But the blockchain has a superpower: it replaces trust with truth. Financial services have always been, and still are, markets based on trust. These markets require numerous intermediaries: a public stock purchase and sale can involve up to seven intermediaries; a debit card transaction can involve five. Many mega-cap companies are built around this rent-seeking dynamic. Blockchain has the potential to condense these multi-party markets into just two: the buyer and the seller. All room for rent-seeking will disappear. Blockchain can do more than disrupt existing markets. By putting historically illiquid assets (such as loans) and their historical performance on-chain, blockchain can bring unprecedented liquidity to these markets. This liquidity, combined with the ability to achieve true digital integrity and control over these assets, will open up previously inaccessible financing opportunities. The disruptive opportunities presented by blockchain are significant, but the untapped opportunities it creates are even greater. This was my "aha" moment. You can create natively digital assets where everyone knows true ownership, composition, and history, without relying on trust. Assets can be traded in real time and bilaterally, without counterparty or settlement risk. Lenders gain instant, true, and complete digital control over their collateral. Blockchain completely reshapes how assets are originated, traded, and financed. This isn't a "lipstick-on-a-pig" fintech remake of an old system, but a completely new capital markets ecosystem. I want to be at the forefront of this transformation. Figure: Reshaping the Capital Market with Blockchain In early 2018, I co-founded Figure with my wife, June Ou, and a few like-minded individuals. Figure's goal was simple: to transform the capital markets with blockchain. To do this, we had to bring a real, measurable use case to the market. 2018 was the year of the ICO (Initial Coin Offering), and crypto companies seemed to be able to raise an endless stream of capital by selling tokens. We chose a different path. We believed we could originate, aggregate, and securitize loans on the blockchain, saving up to 85 basis points (bps) in transaction costs. We presented this idea to banks, and they all said, "Great! We love it! We'd love to be the 10th bank to do this..." Clearly, this wasn't a "build it and they will come" situation—just building the system wasn't going to get people to buy it. Having built a market-leading lending business at SoFi, we weren't excited about creating another lender, but we recognized the need to prove to the market that blockchain would be superior. In 2018, we became one of the first teams to originate consumer loans on-chain. Figure began as a direct-to-consumer loan originator, albeit on a blockchain. We chose the home equity revolving line of credit (HELOC) as our first product because we felt no one had efficiently originated it (a greenfield initiative). We didn't want to immediately compete head-on with the giant consumer lenders or mortgage originators; we needed time to convince both buyers and sellers to adopt this new technology. We quickly expanded our model to B2B2C. Today, over 168 third parties use our technology to originate loans on-chain, including half of the top 20 retail mortgage lenders. Recently, we've also opened up blockchain-native capital markets for these originators: using our technology, they can sell assets directly (and soon, raise capital) bilaterally to the blockchain capital markets, without Figure acting as an intermediary. In 2020, we completed the industry's first blockchain-native consumer loan securitization; in 2023, we completed the industry's first AAA-rated securitization. Since our launch, we have originated over $15 billion in loans and completed over $50 billion in on-chain transactions. We are the largest player in the RWA space on a public blockchain, a position unmatched to date. In 2018, most mainstream blockchains were based on Proof-of-Work (PoW). PoW presented real challenges in implementing financial services: cost, speed, and, most importantly, predictability. PoS (Proof-of-Stake) was emerging at the time, offering a better response to these challenges. Following a misjudgment experiment with a quasi-permissioned blockchain, June and her team built and launched Provenance Blockchain. Provenance is a public, PoS-based, decentralized blockchain. Figure does not control Provenance, though we hold 20% of its utility token, $HASH, and continue to support the protocol's research and development. Built for financial services, Provenance is crucial to our efforts to drive institutional adoption. Blockchain and the Capital Market We believe blockchain brings three core values to the capital market. The first is at the transaction level—reducing costs for auditing, quality control, and third-party review; we've already benefited significantly from this. The second is liquidity—supporting a 24/7, real-time, two-sided market. We and our partners are building such a greenfield loan trading market. Finally, financing, which we believe is the greatest value. Putting native digital assets (such as loans) on-chain allows lenders to improve their security rights (for example, through Figure's Digital Asset Registry Technology, DART) and gain control. Lenders can directly assess the liquidity, volatility, and prepayment rate of the collateral to determine risk, rather than simply granting credit to borrowers. When we directly connect the supply and use of funds, we can create Pareto-like markets: lenders and borrowers benefit because they no longer bear the inefficiencies of capital allocators and other intermediaries. We first applied this decentralized (DeFi) approach to margin financing on our crypto exchange and recently introduced Figure's loans to our Democratized Prime, our DeFi lending marketplace. Just as we do with trading and liquidity, we are demonstrating the power of DeFi in financing with our own assets. We've long believed that DeFi would eventually become a mainstream method of financing assets, and recent legislation is accelerating this process. Following the passage of the GENIUS Act, the US Treasury Department indicated that trillions of dollars could flow into US Treasury securities via stablecoins. This would primarily come from bank deposits. A $1 trillion outflow of bank deposits in 2022–2023 nearly crippled the financial system. If the Treasury Department's assessment of the scale and path is correct, something new will have to fill the void. We believe that's DeFi, and we're leading the way in the RWA space. The “endgame” of blockchain We believe that blockchain's value proposition can be extended to all asset classes. Taking public equities as an example, beyond trading efficiency and liquidity, blockchain's most significant improvements in financing are likely to be found today. Imagine a scenario where you could seamlessly cross-collateralize your stocks with other non-equity assets to gain leverage, or where investors could directly control and earn the economic benefits of lending their stocks. Blockchain is the leveler in the financial arena. We pioneered on-chain lending, and next we hope to lead the way in bringing new asset classes, such as stocks, onto the blockchain. Just as Web 2.0 has seven major stocks today, I believe Web 3.0 will also have a peer group of companies representing blockchain technology. Our IPO brings us closer to becoming a leader in this group. While we have built a profitable and fast-growing blockchain-based company within an extremely stringent regulatory environment, we remain optimistic that regulatory changes and public market acceptance of blockchain will drive the industry and its opportunities in the coming years. This IPO is just one step in a long process of bringing blockchain into all aspects of the capital markets.

Author: PANews