Bridging the divide: Merchant adoption of digital assets has stalled | Opinion

Chainlink has teamed up with the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) to enhance the verification of legal identities in the realm of digital assets and smart contracts. This partnership is significant as it aims to provide a reliable on-chain solution, which could bolster trust and transparency in the growing digital asset market. By ensuring that the identities behind these assets are verified, it paves the way for more secure and compliant transactions, making it a crucial development for institutions looking to engage with blockchain technology.

US Senator Cynthia Lummis is advocating for a new law to modernize the tax treatment of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The proposed legislation includes tax exemptions for smaller transactions under $300, reflecting a bipartisan effort in the Senate to create a new framework for digital assets. This is significant as cryptocurrencies have evolved beyond a niche phenomenon, gaining increasing attention and acceptance in the US financial landscape.

Cronos has teamed up with AWS to enhance institutional tokenization and the adoption of real-world assets (RWA). This partnership is significant as it aims to streamline the integration of blockchain technology into traditional finance, making it easier for institutions to leverage digital assets. By collaborating with a major cloud provider like AWS, Cronos is positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving financial landscape, which could lead to increased efficiency and innovation in asset management.

Ripple's Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, has announced that he will be stepping back from his day-to-day responsibilities to join the company's board. This transition is significant as it reflects Ripple's ongoing evolution in the cryptocurrency space, allowing Schwartz to focus on strategic oversight while still contributing to the company's vision. His extensive experience in blockchain technology will be invaluable as Ripple navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The White House has withdrawn the nomination of Brian Quintenz for chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), a move that could significantly impact the regulation of cryptocurrencies and innovation in the sector. This decision raises concerns about the future direction of the CFTC's oversight of digital assets, which is crucial for the evolving crypto market and its participants.

The U.S. SEC has taken a significant preliminary step by indicating that state-chartered trusts can handle digital asset custody, as evidenced by another no-action letter from the agency staff. This move is important because it opens up new avenues for crypto custody, potentially increasing institutional participation in the digital asset space and providing more secure options for investors.

Chainlink, in collaboration with Swift and UBS, has successfully piloted a groundbreaking tokenized fund solution that could transform the $100 trillion global fund industry. This innovative system allows banks and asset managers to handle tokenized fund subscriptions and redemptions using existing messaging infrastructure, effectively removing a significant technical barrier. This advancement is crucial as it paves the way for increased adoption of digital assets, potentially revolutionizing how funds are managed and traded.

JPMorgan Chase has announced the launch of Agentic AI, aiming to become the first fully AI-powered megabank. This innovative step is significant as it positions the bank at the forefront of financial technology, potentially transforming how banking services are delivered and enhancing customer experiences. By leveraging AI, JPMorgan Chase seeks to streamline operations, improve decision-making, and offer personalized services, which could set a new standard in the banking industry.

IG Group has received a cryptoasset license from the UK Financial Conduct Authority, which is a significant step for the company as it allows them to expand their retail crypto trading services. This development is important because it not only enhances IG Group's offerings but also provides broader access to leading digital assets for consumers, reflecting the growing acceptance and regulation of cryptocurrencies in the financial market.

Circle is gaining attention as stablecoin adoption continues to rise, and supportive regulations are paving the way for growth. While the company’s valuation already accounts for much of this potential upside, its positioning in the market suggests it could still benefit significantly from these trends. This matters because as stablecoins become more mainstream, companies like Circle could play a crucial role in shaping the future of digital finance.

SWIFT's announcement of a new blockchain-based ledger marks a significant shift in its operations, aiming to connect banks and digital asset platforms to its extensive payments network. This development is crucial as it could enhance the efficiency of global transactions, impacting the $150 trillion annual payment landscape. By integrating blockchain technology, SWIFT is positioning itself at the forefront of financial innovation, potentially boosting the adoption of digital currencies and improving transaction speeds.

A new bill in Wisconsin aims to simplify the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency activities by exempting individuals and businesses from needing a money transmitter license for tasks like exchanging digital assets, staking, and mining. This move is significant as it could encourage more innovation and participation in the crypto space within the state, making it easier for residents to engage in these emerging financial technologies.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are experiencing significant rallies, with Bitcoin surpassing $116K and Ethereum nearing $4.3K. Amid this positive momentum, Tapzi is gaining traction with its presale, offering potential returns of 185% for early supporters. This is particularly noteworthy as many new cryptocurrencies struggle to demonstrate real value. Tapzi's focus on structure, scarcity, and practical use cases sets it apart in a market often driven by hype, making it an exciting opportunity for investors.

Bitcoin's impressive rally at the end of September 2025 has sparked excitement in the crypto community. After a period of heavy selling, the market saw a significant rebound, driven by factors that eased selling pressure and attracted new investments. This surge has traders debating whether it's just a temporary bounce or the beginning of a more sustained upward trend as we head into Q4 2025. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone involved in cryptocurrency, as they could signal important shifts in market sentiment.

World Liberty Financial is showing a rare pattern as it holds strong at the $0.19 support level, indicating bullish sentiment among investors. This development is significant as it suggests potential for upward movement, attracting attention from traders looking for promising opportunities in the market.

The recent IRS guidance has created a positive shift for corporate strategies involving Bitcoin, allowing companies to navigate tax implications more effectively. This development is significant as it encourages innovation and stability in the adoption of digital assets, making it easier for businesses to engage with cryptocurrencies without the burden of excessive taxation.

Machi Big Brother has reported a significant downturn, with profits plummeting from $44 million to a $9 million loss due to issues with Hyperliquid. This news is crucial as it highlights the volatility in the cryptocurrency market, prompting concerns among investors. Despite the loss, Machi and other major investors remain optimistic about a potential recovery in the price of the XPL token, indicating a belief in the long-term value of their investments.

Metaplanet has made headlines by surpassing 30,000 BTC, solidifying its status as one of the largest corporate holders of Bitcoin globally. This significant milestone was achieved after the Tokyo-based firm purchased an additional 5,268 BTC for around $616 million. This move not only showcases Metaplanet's aggressive investment strategy but also highlights the growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency, which could influence market dynamics and investor confidence.