Democrats propose ‘restricted list’ for DeFi protocols, sparking outcry

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has strongly criticized a Senate Democratic proposal aimed at regulating decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms as brokers, labeling it a 'bad proposal' that could stifle innovation in the U.S. crypto space. Armstrong's remarks, made on social media, highlight the ongoing tension between regulatory bodies and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency industry, emphasizing the need for policies that support rather than hinder technological advancement.

Mutuum Finance is making waves in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space with a remarkable 14% rise and $17 million raised through its innovative presale model. This growth not only highlights the increasing interest in DeFi but also sets the stage for what many are calling one of the most anticipated launches of 2025. As the market evolves, Mutuum's success could pave the way for future projects and investments in the sector.

Polymarket has successfully transitioned from a decentralized finance (DeFi) startup to a globally recognized platform backed by the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). This evolution is significant as it highlights the growing acceptance and integration of blockchain technology in mainstream finance, providing users with innovative ways to engage in prediction markets. The backing by ICE not only enhances Polymarket's credibility but also opens up new opportunities for growth and expansion in the competitive landscape of digital finance.

AAVE, a leading DeFi token, has recently fallen below crucial support levels due to significant selling pressure, reflecting broader weaknesses in the cryptocurrency market. This decline is concerning for investors as it indicates potential instability in the DeFi sector and raises questions about the future performance of similar tokens.

Little Pepe is making waves in the memecoin market, attracting new investors with its strong community backing and practical token use. As a DeFi-powered memecoin built on the Ethereum blockchain, it stands out for its genuine support from fans, making it an exciting option for those looking to dive into the world of cryptocurrency. This growing popularity not only highlights the potential of Little Pepe but also reflects the increasing interest in community-driven projects within the crypto space.

APENFT has rebranded to AINFT, marking a significant shift towards integrating artificial intelligence into the Tron ecosystem. This move is expected to enhance Tron's attractiveness in the NFT and DeFi markets, potentially leading to increased user engagement and innovation. As the digital landscape evolves, this strategic pivot could position AINFT as a key player in the rapidly growing intersection of AI and blockchain technology.

Coinbase has made a significant move by launching decentralized trading for nearly all U.S. customers, marking a major step in its product offerings. This new feature, which is now available in the main Coinbase app, allows users to engage in decentralized exchange (DEX) trading, enhancing their access to innovative financial tools. However, users in New York are excluded due to state regulations. This development is important as it reflects the growing trend of decentralized finance (DeFi) and provides users with more options in a rapidly evolving market.

In the third quarter of 2025, DeFi's total value locked (TVL) soared to an impressive $237 billion, marking a significant milestone for the decentralized finance sector. However, this growth comes with a caveat as daily active wallet usage has dropped by 22%, indicating a decline in user engagement, particularly in SocialFi and AI DApps. This trend is noteworthy as it highlights the challenges faced by certain segments within the DeFi ecosystem, despite the overall increase in value.

Grayscale Investments has made notable adjustments to its multi-asset crypto funds for the third quarter of 2025, adding Aerodrome Finance and Story while removing MakerDAO. These changes, implemented on October 3, are in line with Grayscale's index methodologies and highlight the evolving trends in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector and smart contracts. This rebalancing is significant as it reflects the firm's response to market dynamics and investor interests, potentially influencing the future landscape of crypto investments.

Jupiter, a decentralized finance aggregator on the Solana blockchain, is set to launch its own stablecoin, JupUSD, in the fourth quarter of 2025. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Ethena Labs, is significant as it aims to integrate JupUSD as a fundamental component of Jupiter's platform, enhancing its functionality and user experience. The introduction of JupUSD could potentially strengthen the DeFi ecosystem on Solana, providing users with more stable options for transactions and investments.

Changpeng Zhao's family office, now known as YZi Labs, has launched a $1 billion builder fund aimed at fostering long-term growth on the BNB Chain. This initiative is particularly significant as it targets founders in innovative sectors like trading, real-world assets, artificial intelligence, decentralized science, and DeFi. By investing in these areas, the fund seeks to strengthen the BNB ecosystem and support emerging technologies, which could lead to substantial advancements in the blockchain space.

Jupiter's collaboration with Ethena to launch the Solana stablecoin JupUSD is a significant development for the DeFi ecosystem. This new stablecoin could attract more institutional interest and diversify the range of financial products available on Solana, enhancing its appeal in the competitive crypto market.

Crypto expert Zach Rector believes that XRP is on the verge of a significant turnaround. He suggests that the prolonged selling pressure has diminished, indicating that sellers are exhausted. This shift could pave the way for renewed institutional interest in XRP, which is crucial for its recovery and future growth. As the market dynamics change, investors are keenly watching to see if this trend will lead to a resurgence in XRP's value.

Bitcoin has recently dipped to $118,497, reflecting growing concerns over trade tensions that are impacting the cryptocurrency market. This decline is significant as it highlights the volatility of Bitcoin and the influence of external economic factors on its value. Investors are closely monitoring these developments, as they could signal further fluctuations in the market.

The cryptocurrency market recently experienced a staggering $200 million in liquidations within just 15 minutes, showcasing the extreme volatility and risks associated with leveraged trading. This sudden downturn raises concerns about investor confidence, as such rapid fluctuations can deter potential investors and create a sense of instability in the market.

Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, and other major banking institutions are coming together to explore the potential of reserve-backed digital money. This collaboration is significant as it could speed up the adoption of blockchain technology in traditional finance, leading to improved competition and efficiency in global payment systems. As these banking giants work together, it may pave the way for a new era in digital finance that benefits consumers and businesses alike.

Morgan Stanley has announced that it will now provide cryptocurrency access to all of its clients, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape. This move is important as it opens up new investment opportunities for a broader audience, allowing more individuals to participate in the growing crypto market. By embracing digital assets, Morgan Stanley is positioning itself as a forward-thinking institution, potentially attracting new clients and enhancing its reputation in the evolving financial sector.

The recent threat of tariffs from Trump on China has caused Bitcoin's value to drop below $119,000, highlighting the cryptocurrency's vulnerability to geopolitical tensions. This decline is significant as it reflects how external factors can impact digital currencies, which are often seen as a hedge against traditional market fluctuations. Investors are now more cautious, and this situation raises questions about the stability of Bitcoin in the face of political decisions.