Tag: expands

  • Strategy ramps up capital mix shift as Bitcoin-focused funding model expands

    Strategy ramps up capital mix shift as Bitcoin-focused funding model expands

    Strategy ramps up capital mix shift as Bitcoin-focused funding model expands

    • The company used common equity, preferred equity, and convertible debt this year.
    • Preferred equity became a major part of the 2025 structure.
    • Structured offerings included STRF, STRC, STRE, STRK, and STRD.

    Strategy has entered 2025 with a funding approach that looks markedly different from its previous cycle, using a wider mix of securities to accelerate its capital inflows.

    The company confirmed that it has raised $20.8 billion year-to-date in 2025.

    The pace brings Strategy close to its entire 2024 total despite being recorded within a shorter period.

    The latest breakdown signals how the firm’s financing activity is now tightly linked to its position in the corporate Bitcoin market, where it remains one of the largest holders globally.

    New mix

    Company data showed that Strategy raised $20.8 billion so far this year through a combination of common equity, preferred equity, and convertible debt.

    The largest component was $11.9 billion in common equity, followed by $6.9 billion in preferred equity and $2.0 billion in convertible debt.

    The preferred equity portion marks a notable shift for Strategy.

    In 2024, the company relied on common equity and convertible debt, raising $16.3 billion and $6.2 billion, respectively.

    The absence of preferred equity at scale in the previous cycle makes the new mix stand out as a structural change rather than a one-off adjustment.

    The company also detailed activity across structured offerings.

    These included $1.18 billion in STRF, $2.68 billion in STRC, $0.71 billion in STRE, $1.25 billion in STRK, and $1.07 billion in STRD.

    Each of these securities contributed to the overall capital formation that pushed the year’s total to $21 billion.

    Capital strategy

    The broader mix in 2025 indicates that Strategy is increasing its reliance on varied securities to support its plans linked to digital assets.

    Previous company statements have described Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, and the firm continues to align its fundraising operations with this approach.

    Industry tracking data shows that Strategy holds one of the largest corporate Bitcoin positions worldwide.

    This has drawn institutional participation into its offerings, as noted by the company.

    The expansion of preferred equity and the continued use of convertible debt point to a funding structure designed to maintain access to capital while supporting the company’s cryptocurrency allocation strategy.

    Although the company did not reference specific future goals in the latest update, the steady pace of fundraising and the widened mix suggest a model that can scale alongside digital asset accumulation.

    The company’s method offers flexibility in market conditions, allowing it to tap investors through different instruments depending on demand.

    Momentum

    Figures showed that Strategy’s 2025 capital raising is approaching its 2024 total of $22.6 billion.

    The rapid accumulation implies that if the current level continues, Strategy may exceed last year’s amount by year-end.

    The pace adds further weight to the shift in how the firm uses capital markets to manage its treasury positioning and broader financial structure.

    Investors have continued to participate across the company’s offerings as Strategy builds on its role in the Bitcoin market.

    With the capital raised this year coming from a wider range of instruments, the company has positioned itself to keep drawing institutional demand while supporting its ongoing cryptocurrency acquisition strategy.

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  • Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    Kraken expands regulated derivatives in Europe with Bitcoin and Ethereum collateral

    • The feature applies to more than 150 perpetual futures markets available to European users.
    • The exchange operates under MiCA and MiFID II regulations, with oversight from Ireland and Cyprus.
    • Kraken’s third-quarter revenue rose by 50% to $648 million following its acquisition of NinjaTrader.

    Kraken has expanded its regulated derivatives offering in the European Union, allowing traders to use Bitcoin, Ethereum, and approved stablecoins as collateral for perpetual futures on Kraken Pro.

    Announced on 3 November, the move makes Kraken one of the first licensed exchanges in Europe to support crypto-collateralised derivatives under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework.

    The feature strengthens Kraken’s position in Europe’s digital asset market by combining capital efficiency with regulatory compliance.

    By allowing clients to post crypto assets instead of converting them into fiat, the exchange provides faster access to liquidity while remaining under strict oversight from European regulators.

    Crypto as margin on Kraken Pro

    European traders can now use Bitcoin, Ethereum, or select stablecoins as margin across more than 150 perpetual futures markets.

    Collateral is converted to USD for liquidation and margin calculations, standardising risk management while maintaining crypto exposure.

    Kraken’s operations are covered by its MiCA licence from the Central Bank of Ireland and supervision by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The exchange uses volatility-based margin haircuts to manage exposure to price swings. All custody arrangements comply with the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II), ensuring full investor protection under European law.

    The feature allows traders to access up to 10x leverage using crypto collateral. It reflects Kraken’s ongoing strategy to align its trading products with Europe’s unified digital asset rules ahead of MiCA’s full rollout in 2025.

    A shift in EU derivatives

    Kraken’s expansion comes at a time when Europe is tightening oversight of crypto products while promoting innovation through consistent regulation.

    By offering crypto-collateralised futures under direct supervision, the exchange positions itself at the forefront of compliant derivatives trading in the EU.

    The integration benefits institutional and retail traders seeking efficient and legally sound ways to trade leveraged crypto products.

    Hedge funds and corporate treasuries can now operate within clear regulatory limits, signalling the increasing maturity of Europe’s digital derivatives market.

    This move also strengthens the region’s financial infrastructure. Transparent liquidation procedures and regulated custody standards align digital assets with traditional financial norms, helping reduce risk and improve trust.

    As other licensed exchanges follow Kraken’s lead, the EU could become a global hub for compliant digital asset trading.

    Growth supports expansion

    The announcement follows a strong financial quarter for Kraken. The exchange reported revenue of $648 million in the third quarter, a 50% rise from the previous quarter.

    The increase was driven by higher trading volumes and new product integrations following the acquisition of NinjaTrader, a futures and forex trading platform.

    This momentum underlines Kraken’s ability to grow while maintaining regulatory standards. By embedding compliance into its strategy, the company is building credibility and scale in an increasingly regulated environment.

    As MiCA rules continue to take effect, exchanges that prioritise both innovation and compliance are expected to capture greater institutional interest.

    Kraken’s integration of crypto collateral into a regulated derivatives framework demonstrates how digital assets can function securely within Europe’s financial system.

    The development marks a shift from speculative trading to a more structured market, where transparency and protection guide participation.

    For the European Union, this represents progress toward establishing a regulated, sustainable, and globally competitive digital asset economy.

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  • ZRO price outlook as PayPal expands PYUSD to more chains via LayerZero

    ZRO price outlook as PayPal expands PYUSD to more chains via LayerZero

    PayPal Logo

    • LayerZero and PayPal bring stablecoin PYUSD to nine new blockchains.
    • PayPal will use LayerZero’s Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) standard to expand PYUSD to Aptos, Tron and other networks.
    • Bulls could target $3.20 next before an extended rally brings $7.14 into play.

    PayPal is teaming up with LayerZero to expand its stablecoin PayPal USD (PYUSD) to an additional nine new networks, with this coming amid slight gains for LayerZero’s token ZRO.

    As LayerZero helps PayPal enhance the interoperability and accessibility of PYUSD through Stargate Hydra and the permissionless token, PYUSD0, what does this mean for ZRO?

    LayerZero and PayPal partner to expand PYUSD to 9 new chains

    LayerZero, a leading interoperability protocol, has partnered with PayPal to expand the reach of PYUSD across multiple blockchain networks.

    According to LayerZero’s blog post, this collaboration leverages LayerZero’s infrastructure to support real-world payments by combining it with PYUSD’s liquidity.

    The stablecoin initially launched on Ethereum and later expanded to Solana and Arbitrum.

    However, this expansion means it’s now available on nine more blockchain networks, including Tron, Avalanche, Aptos, Ink, Sei, and Stable.

    This expansion is facilitated through Stargate Hydra, a bridging platform that utilises LayerZero’s Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) standard, ensuring a permissionless and compliant token deployment from the outset.

    PayPal is making the expansion through PYUSD0.

    “As the stablecoin market continues its rapid growth beyond $270 billion, innovations like this are essential for creating the seamless, interoperable financial infrastructure that users and developers demand. By working together, we will enable PYUSD to reach new markets faster while maintaining compliance and composability from day one,” said David Weber, head of ecosystem at PayPal USD.

    ZRO price outlook amid notable LayerZero integrations

    The integration of LayerZero’s technology with major players like PayPal could help spark further interest in ZRO.

    Already, recent developments, including the launch of Stargate Fast Swaps, have highlighted LayerZero’s ambition to dominate the cross-chain swap market.

    The Fast Swaps feature, which offers sub-second quotes, guaranteed pricing, and single-second execution, is built in partnership with Aori and powered by LayerZero’s messaging capabilities.

    LayerZero’s revenue generated from Fast Swaps will be channelled into ZRO buybacks, potentially impacting the token’s market dynamics.

    As LayerZero continues to integrate with high-profile projects, the ZRO token’s value may benefit from increased utility and demand.

    The token rose to nearly $2.10 following the news of PayPal USD integration, and although bulls have failed to hold onto the gains, the price remains nicely poised for an uptick.

    Bulls could target $3.20 next before an extended rally brings $7.14 into play.

    On the other hand, key levels to watch may include the March 2025 lows of $1.50.



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  • INJ price eyes $20 as Republic expands RWA with Injective

    INJ price eyes $20 as Republic expands RWA with Injective

    Injective Bulls Take On Bears

    • Injective (INJ) price outlook as Republic expands RWA integration with Injective.
    • The INJ token trades around $13.38 after dipping from highs of $16 amid crypto sell-off.
    • ETF anticipation, tokenization growth and other catalysts may help INJ bulls.

    Injective price hovers around $13.38 on Thursday evening, about 3% down in the past 24 hours and over 12% down in the past week, but could Injective’s integration with Republic help INJ price bounce to $20?

    Over the past week, Injective has dipped from highs of $16, with sell-off pressure across the market adding to the declines.

    This is despite the finance-focused layer 1 blockchain’s notable milestones across the ecosystem.

    Now with Republic, a leading tokenized investments platform, bulls may fancy higher marks if markets flip bullish.

    Injective integrates with Republic

    While the crypto market bleeds, platforms are taking time to build.

    Integrations are among the critical elements, and Injective has added to this with its official integration with Republic.

    The platforms announced the collaboration on Aug. 21 and aim to bring Injective’s Layer 1 ecosystem into Republic’s on-chain investment infrastructure.

    Specifically, the goal is to enable Injective-based projects to fundraise via Republic’s Launchpad, utilize Republic Wallet for asset management, and benefit from Republic’s validator support.

    Why is this integration notable?

    Republic and Injective are building on an earlier collaboration that saw Republic become an INJ validator.

    However, and notably, the integration is a step forward in expanding private markets on-chain.

    “With 3 million+ community members across 150+ countries and a portfolio that includes 27 unicorns such as SpaceX, Robinhood, Carta, and Dapper Labs, Republic’s integration with Injective represents a pivotal moment in bridging traditional finance with onchain innovation,” Injective wrote.

    INJ price outlook: Can bulls reclaim $30?

    The technical outlook for INJ is leaning bearish in the short term, with RSI and MACD both handing bears the upper hand.

    Currently trading near $13 means the Injective price is closer to the lows of $6.90 seen in April 2025 than the recent peak of $34 hit in December 2024.

    The sell-off that has hit Bitcoin and altcoins does not help bulls.

    Injective price chart from CoinMarketCap

    However, if sentiment flips, a breakout to $20 could allow bulls to target the $30 level.

    Other than the Republic integration, other significant upward drivers will be overall institutional interest and demand amid tokenization and real-world assets.

    Injective’s quest to dominate with new financial primitives designed to expand its DeFi capabilities, and the Nvidia GPU derivatives market add to the positives.

    Also bullish for Injective price is anticipation around ETF filings and expected approvals and whale accumulation will be key.

    Bulls nonetheless need to hold above $13 and potentially $10 so as not to hand greater initiative to bears.

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  • Grayscale expands altcoin list to 40 in April, adds Dogecoin, and PYTH trusts

    Grayscale expands altcoin list to 40 in April, adds Dogecoin, and PYTH trusts

    • Kaspa, THORChain, Starknet, and Worldcoin were removed.
    • 9 new unclassified projects include Babylon and Berachain.
    • The asset list may change intra-quarter with fund rebalances.

    Grayscale Investments has expanded its “Assets Under Consideration” list to 40 cryptocurrencies as of April 10, 2025.

    This marks a shift from its January list, which featured 39 tokens, and continues the asset manager’s quarterly strategy of reviewing potential future products.

    Alongside the expansion, Grayscale has formally launched single-asset trusts for Dogecoin (DOGE) and Pyth Network (PYTH), spotlighting the assets now making the leap from consideration to active investment vehicles.

    The revised list also includes new entrants like VeChain and Plume while removing tokens such as Kaspa, Starknet, and THORChain across various sectors.

    Dogecoin and PYTH enter trust products

    Dogecoin and PYTH were both upgraded from Grayscale’s consideration list to formal trust products in early 2025.

    The Grayscale Dogecoin Trust launched on January 31, followed by the Pyth Trust on February 18.

    Dogecoin continues to be one of the most actively traded meme coins, while PYTH’s growth reflects increasing demand for on-chain oracle services.

    Their addition follows Grayscale’s broader aim to diversify its offerings beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum-focused products.

    Removals across key sectors

    This quarter’s update saw multiple removals that indicate a narrowing of focus across Grayscale’s asset categories.

    Kaspa was removed from the currencies section, which now includes no assets. Sei, Sonic, and Starknet were cut from smart contract platforms.

    THORChain and Injective Protocol were dropped from financials, while Ai16z and Virtuals Protocol were removed from consumer and culture.

    Grayscale also eliminated Flock.io, Hyperbolic, and Worldcoin from its utilities and services.

    These changes reflect a redefined view of which assets Grayscale considers relevant to long-term product development.

    New additions include VeChain and Plume

    Several tokens have been added across sectors in this update.

    VeChain has been included in the smart contract platforms category, potentially due to its continued push into enterprise use cases.

    In financials, Plume Network and SYRUP have been added, while Aixbt by Virtuals has joined consumer and culture.

    Geodnet (GEOD) now appears under utilities and services, and IP has been reclassified from utilities to consumer and culture.

    In addition to reclassifications, nine new projects have been added that remain uncategorised under the Grayscale crypto sectors framework.

    These include Babylon, Berachain, Monad, Movement, Lombard, Mantra, Eliza, DeepBook, and Walrus.

    Projects like Prime Intellect, Sentient, and Space and Time, which appeared in the January list, remain present.

    Strategy shift in evaluation

    Compared with the 35 assets listed in October 2024, the increase to 40 in April 2025 reflects Grayscale’s ongoing effort to monitor the evolving crypto market.

    The firm has reiterated that this list may be updated as frequently as 15 days after quarter-end and is subject to intra-quarter changes, especially when multi-asset products are rebalanced or new single-asset trusts are launched.

    The current update, published on April 10, 2025, is part of Grayscale’s broader approach to regularly assess token viability, market demand, and regulatory alignment.

    The additions of VeChain and SYRUP, alongside the removals of Starknet and Worldcoin, signal a shift in focus toward tokens with clearer institutional relevance or growing retail traction.

    While inclusion in the list does not guarantee the launch of a trust, market watchers will likely monitor these assets closely for future product announcements.

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  • Strike expands Bitcoin services to Africa

    Strike expands Bitcoin services to Africa

    • Strike expands Bitcoin services to Africa, addressing financial challenges.
    • Introduction of Strike Africa offers Bitcoin-based solutions in nations with high inflation.
    • The move signifies Strike’s commitment to global financial inclusion and innovation.

    Strike, the Bitcoin-focused payments application, is making waves as it extends its full suite of services to the African continent, marking a strategic move to address financial challenges faced by many nations.

    In a recent blog post, Jack Mallers, the CEO and founder of Strike, announced the launch of “Strike Africa,” reaching countries including Gabon, Ivory Coast, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zambia, with plans for further expansion.

    Unlocking financial innovation in Africa

    Strike’s foray into Africa signifies the company’s commitment to leveraging blockchain technology to provide accessible and efficient financial solutions. With countries on the continent grappling with high inflation rates and devaluing currencies, Strike Africa aims to empower individuals to navigate these challenges by offering services such as buying and selling Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether’s dollar stablecoin (USDT), local fiat currency on-ramps and off-ramps, and global payments utilizing Bitcoin’s Lightning network.

    Cryptocurrency adoption in Africa has been on the rise, with Nigeria, the largest market on the continent, experiencing heightened interest. As the Nigerian naira recently plummeted by almost 50% against the U.S. dollar, people are turning to digital assets as a hedge against local currency devaluation. Strike Africa recognizes the immense opportunities for financial innovation and economic freedom on the continent.

    Seizing opportunities amidst economic turbulence

    Strike’s expansion aligns with a broader trend where Bitcoin and stablecoins are increasingly sought after for savings and remittances in developing countries facing financial instability. The introduction of Strike Africa comes as a response to the specific needs of African nations, providing them with tools to save and build wealth in an environment marked by economic uncertainties.

    The move not only caters to the demand for cryptocurrency solutions but also underscores the company’s commitment to being a global player, extending its reach beyond the initial markets in the U.S. and El Salvador. Strike’s approach of offering cost-effective and rapid transactions through Bitcoin’s Lightning network positions it as a potential game-changer in the financial landscape of African nations facing inflation and currency devaluation.

    As Strike enters these new markets, it is poised to contribute to the ongoing narrative of financial inclusion, providing individuals in Africa with the means to navigate economic challenges and explore innovative avenues for wealth creation.

    The journey into Africa is not just a strategic expansion for Strike but a step towards fostering economic empowerment in regions that stand to benefit significantly from the intersection of technology and finance.

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  • BitPay expands crypto offerings; now supports for UNI, BNB, LINK, and More

    BitPay expands crypto offerings; now supports for UNI, BNB, LINK, and More

    • BitPay expands crypto support, adding UNI, BNB, LINK, CRO, VERSE, BAT to its roster.
    • CEO Stephen Pair underscores commitment to user-friendly crypto payments.
    • Users to enjoy versatile options, from luxury purchases to practical expenses.

    BitPay, initially established as a Bitcoin-focused payment startup, has broadened its horizon beyond Bitcoin (BTC) by adding support for “dozens” of additional cryptocurrencies. Notable tokens like Uniswap (UNI), Binance Coin (BNB), Chainlink (LINK), Cronos (CRO), VERSE, and Basic Attention Token (BAT) are now included in the platform’s extensive list of supported digital assets.

    CEO Stephen Pair emphasized the company’s dedication to simplifying crypto payments, aiming to make them accessible to a broader audience. This strategic move aligns with the evolving demands of the digital currency market, showcasing BitPay’s commitment to user diversity and the need for greater accessibility in the crypto landscape.

    This expansion caters to a growing trend within the web3 space, where companies are increasingly embracing a range of digital tokens beyond Bitcoin. Recognizing the importance of user choice and accessibility, BitPay is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving digital economy.

    Versatile crypto payment solutions

    BitPay’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond mere token support. Users can now leverage their cryptocurrencies for a variety of purposes, from purchasing goods at renowned merchants like Gucci and Ralph Lauren to practical expenses such as car and mortgage payments. The company’s portfolio continues to expand with added support for tokens like Cronos and Basic Attention Token, further enhancing the utility of digital assets in everyday transactions.

    BitPay’s strategic expansion into supporting a wide range of cryptocurrencies signifies a pivotal milestone. The move caters to the diverse preferences of crypto users, positioning BitPay as a pioneering player ready to shape the future of digital transactions.

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