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World Liberty Financial Partners with Pakistan Crypto Council to Boost DeFi

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  • WLF and Pakistan Crypto Council team up to drive blockchain adoption.
  • Strategic partnership set to accelerate DeFi and stablecoin growth.
  • Pakistani government embraces DeFi for economic growth and tech innovation.

World Liberty Financial (WLF) partnered with the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC). The two organizations seek to speed up blockchain adoption and integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) into Pakistan’s digital economy. The partnership was announced at an event attended by officials from both entities.

These agreements seek to promote innovation and international investment in Pakistan’s crypto market. The agreements aim to introduce regulatory sandboxes for blockchain financial products, foster stablecoin adoption and provide advice on global regulatory trends. The cooperation demonstrates Pakistan’s dedication to strengthen its position in the digital finance market.

Pakistan’s Blockchain and Tokenization Adoption

WLF Co-chairman Zack Vetkoff led the representatives to meet with top Pakistani prime minister and cabinet ministers. The two parties discussed the potential of blockchain to drive economic and technological growth in Pakistan. World Liberty Financial seeks to strengthen Pakistan’s position in digital finance across the world.

The partnership seeks to boost Pakistan’s tokenization of real-world assets(RWAs) such as real estate and commodities. Furthermore, stablecoins financial inclusion across Pakistan through seamless cross-border payments and trade transactions. This strategic alliance seeks to establish the required infrastructure for Pakistan to adopt emerging technologies.

Global Crypto Market Growth

Pakistan’s digital asset market has seen substantial growth. Minister for Information Ata Tarar stressed on the potential of Pakistan’s crypto space as he welcomed the collaboration between PCC and WLF. He stated that these initiatives could speed economic growth and attract international investors in Pakistan.

World Liberty Financial, a Trump Family crypto venture, continues to establish its footprint in decentralized finance(DeFi). The collaboration with PCC demonstrates the company’s efforts to establish dominance across the world. The agreement seeks to utilize WLF’s infrastructure and expertise in blockchain technology.

WLF and PCC seek to create a suitable regulatory environment for blockchain innovation. The parties are dedicated to foster DeFi growth as well as develop frameworks for tokenized assets.

The partnership demonstrates the increased interest by major industry players in Pakistan’s crypto market. Pakistan recently appointed Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao as the strategic advisor to the Pakistan Crypto Council . The increased involvement of global leaders in Pakistan’s crypto market could boost blockchain adoption in Pakistan.

ProShares XRP Futures ETFs Set for April 30 Launch in U.S.

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  • ProShares to launch 2x leveraged and short XRP ETFs on April 30.
  • SEC’s approval excludes spot XRP ETFs, still under review.
  • Teucrium launched the first XRP futures ETF earlier this month.

ProShares will debut three XRP futures-based exchange-traded funds(ETFs) on April 30, 2025. These ETFs will track the price of XRP and provide investors with leveraged and inverse exposure to XRP. The three  ProShares ETF products comprise the Ultra XRP ETF with 2x leverage, the Short XRP ETF and the Ultra Short XRP ETF with -2x leverage.

The approval of these exchange-traded funds(ETFs) marks an important step in the U.S. markets. ProShares submitted its applications in January and received implicit approval. The ETFs will launch as scheduled because the SEC has not submitted any objections.

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ProShares XRP Futures ETFs Set for April 30 Launch in U.S. 2

 

ProShares is the second asset manager to launch futures-based ETFs which track XRP in the U.S market. ProShares launches several  leveraged products to meet the increased demand for digital asset-based  investment products. The launch comes after Vermont-based Teucrium Investment Advisors LLC debuted futures-based XRP ETF earlier this month.

XRP Futures ETFs Outpace Spot XRP ETFs in Approval

Although ProShares has received approval for its futures-based products, its spot XRP ETF is still under review. ProShares submitted an application to launch a spot XRP ETF but this product has not yet been approved. Furthermore, the SEC has not approved spot XRP ETF applications filed by ProShares, Grayscale, 21Shares and Bitwise.

The ProShares Ultra XRP ETF enables investors to achieve 2x leverage to the XRP price movement. However, the Short and Ultra Short XRP ETFs are inverse products that enable investors to profit when prices decrease. These leveraged products target active trade traders and offer them high-risk high-reward trading opportunities.

The SEC has demonstrated a lenient approval process of futures-based ETFs compared to spot products. The spots ETFs must adhere to a formal SEC approval process unlike the futures ETFs. The approval of ProShares’ futures ETFs demonstrates the SEC’s cautious approach to cryptocurrency investment products.

ProShares’ Crypto Product Lineup

The ProShares’s XRP futures ETFs diversifies the cryptocurrency-based financial products available in U.S. markets. ProShares, a major player in the crypto ETF market, seeks to expand its XRP product lineup as well as broaden market participation.

ProShares’s latest move matches its approach for crypto-based investment products diversification. The company continues to develop products that provide investors with increased access to digital assets. ProShares expects increased demand for regulated investment options due to the digital asset market growth.

Stripe Launches New Stablecoin to Revolutionize Cross-Border Crypto Payments

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  • Stripe tests new stablecoin product for businesses outside major markets
  • Stripe’s $1.1B Bridge acquisition powers new global payment solution
  • Stripe’s stablecoin initiative accelerates its global crypto payments expansion

Stripe, a major global payments platform, has announced plans to launch a new stablecoin product. Stripe will use Bridge stablecoin payments network, which it acquired  in October 2024, to test the product. Stripe intends to expand the adoption of US dollar-backed stablecoin outside the current United States, Europe and UK markets.

Stripe’s stablecoin product comes after the firm acquired Bridge for $1.1 billion. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison announced the initiative on X and stated the planning for the product has taken about a decade. With the Bridge’s infrastructure, Stripe seeks to deliver cross-border payments and compete with established traditional financial systems like SWIFT.

Bridge streamlines global money transfers using stablecoins to compete with traditional financial institutions. The firm was founded by former Coinbase employees, Zach Abrams and Sean Yu in 2022. The acquisition bolsters Stripe’s initiative to integrate cryptocurrencies in its payment framework.

Stripe Crypto Market Expansion

Stripe continues to expand its crypto operations and has launched stablecoin payments in more than 70 countries. The company aims to provide fast, low cost and accessible cross-border payment solutions to businesses. Stripe has received regulatory approval to expand its business operations across the world.

The adoption of stablecoins has recently seen substantial growth especially in the financial operations of many companies and countries.  Stripe’s stablecoin product enables businesses to access digital assets that are backed by stable fiat currencies such as the US dollar.

Stripe has partnered with Coinbase to enable fiat to crypto conversions which strengthens its position in the cryptocurrency industry. In 2024, Stripe introduced crypto payments which enables customers to make payments using USDC and Pax Dollar on Ethereum, Solana and Polygon blockchains. This initiative is part of Stripe’s efforts to develop seamless cross-border crypto payment solutions.

Stablecoin Market Growth

Stripe’s new product positions it as a major player in the stablecoin market. The company aims to leverage stablecoins to boost innovation in financial services as well as provide fast and low cost transactions across the world.

The stablecoin market has witnessed increased interest from regulators and industry players as well as massive growth with a current value of $237.5 billion in market capitalization. 

As stablecoin regulations become more established, Stripe’s current approach could set a precedent for other payment companies. 

Nasdaq Demands Clear Regulations to Guide SEC’s Crypto Classification

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  • Nasdaq calls for SEC to categorize digital assets as financial securities.
  • New SEC position on memecoins and stablecoins shifts regulatory approach.
  • Nasdaq proposes a clear jurisdiction division between SEC and CFTC for crypto.

Nasdaq has asked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to develop clearer regulatory policies for digital assets. Nasdaq emphasized the importance of clear classification of digital assets as well as proposed that some be classified as financial securities. Nasdaq believes this classification will establish unified regulatory standards for crypto assets and traditional securities.

Nasdaq Calls For Standardized Digital Assets Classification 

On April 25, Nasdaq submitted a letter to the SEC to request for detailed classification of digital assets. The document proposed the classification of cryptocurrencies into financial securities, digital asset investment contracts, digital asset commodities and other digital assets. The exchange proposed that assets which exhibit similar qualities to traditional securities should be treated as securities whether tokenized or not.

Nasdaq insisted that digital assets that match the securities standards should be regulated similar to stock and bonds. It emphasizes that whether an asset exists as a paper share, digital share or a token its value remains unaltered. Therefore, such assets should be subjected to similar trading and regulatory standards as traditional securities.

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Nasdaq Demands Clear Regulations to Guide SEC's Crypto Classification 4

Shift in SEC’s Crypto Regulations

The SEC continues to face increased pressure to establish clear policies for digital assets. Under the leadership of former Chair Gary Gensler, the SEC classified most cryptocurrencies as investment contracts. This approach led to several lawsuits against crypto companies for violation of securities laws. However, the appointment of Paul Atkins as SEC Chair has shifted the commission’s regulatory approach to focus on specific cryptocurrencies.

Nasdaq’s letter comes amid a shift in SEC’s regulatory approach towards digital assets. The SEC recently stated that memecoins, which are speculative assets, do not qualify as investment contracts. Moreover, stablecoins marketed primarily as payment tools do not constitute securities. The SEC continues to change its regulatory approach to protect investors and foster innovation.

Impact of Clear Digital Asset Classification and Regulation

Nasdaq emphasized that appropriate classification standards could enhance the integration of digital assets into traditional finance. Nasdaq referenced the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) which seeks to integrate blockchain technology in regulated markets. The DTCC has implemented Ethereum’s ERC-3643 standard for  permissioned security tokens.

The letter requests the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) to establish clear divisions in their regulatory jurisdictions. This approach would outline the roles of different agencies in terms of digital assets regulation. Moreover, Nasdaq proposed that platforms which manage multiple digital assets should have a standard regulatory framework.

Hashdex Debuts World’s First Spot XRP ETF on Brazil’s B3 Exchange

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  • Hashdex’s XRP ETF tracks Nasdaq Reference Price Index for XRP.
  • Brazil’s CVM approval sets stage for global crypto ETF growth.
  • ETF fee structure includes 0.7% management, 0.1% custodian.

Brazil has launched the first ever spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the cryptocurrency market. On April 25th 2025 the new ETF, under its ticker symbol XRPH11 debuted on the B3 stock exchange. Hashdex Asset manager,which launched the ETF, has partnered with Genial Investimentos which will manage the fund’s assets.

The Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Fund de Índices provides investors with indirect exposure to XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency in market capitalization. This ETF tracks the Nasdaq XRP Reference Price Index that shows XRP’s spot price across major exchanges. The ETF invests at least 95% of its assets in either XRP and related elated assets such as futures contracts and securities.

XRP ETF Approval 

In February 2025, Hashdex obtained approval to launch the XRP ETF from the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). The launch follows the approval of Hashdex’s Solana spot ETF in 2024. The XRP ETF launch is part of Hashdex’s efforts to diversify its product line-up which include Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana ETFs.

XRP ETF investors must pay an annual 0.7% management fee and an additional  0.1% fee for asset custody. The fee structure aims to provide investment opportunities for institutions and retail investors who seek diversified exposure to the cryptocurrency market.

Impact of XRP ETF launch On Crypto Markets and Brazil

The  ETF launch has prompted  the U.S to speed up the approval of similar products. Although XRP originates in the U.S the country has not launched any spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). 

Ripple, which operates XRP, recently resolved regulatory issues with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) . The U.S continues to face increased competition from international markets such as Brazil. 

The debut of the XRP spot ETF in Brazil could influence the global financial markets. JPMorgan analysts state that the SEC approval of spot Solana and XRP ETFs could attract up to $14 billion in investments. Major assets managers such as Grayscale and Franklin Templeton have submitted applications for XRP ETFs in the  U.S.

The first ever spot XRP ETF  launch  strengthens Brazil’s position as a crypto hub in Latin America. Hashdex continues to expand its crypto-based ETFs portfolio and offer investment products that focus on investor needs. The spot XRP ETF launch in Brazil puts pressure on the U.S. to deliver similar opportunities for investors in future.

Ondo Finance and SEC Discuss Tokenized U.S. Securities Compliance

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  • Ondo Finance discusses tokenized U.S. securities with SEC’s crypto task force.
  • ONDO token sees a 10% surge after SEC memorandum release on April 24.
  • SEC and Ondo Finance explore compliance and regulatory sandbox for DeFi products.

The U.S Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC) met Ondo Finance representatives on April 24 to evaluate compliance procedures for tokenized U.S. securities. The attendees discussed how the decentralized finance (DeFi) platform could legally issue tokenized U.S. Treasuries as well as other publicly-traded assets. The dialogue is part of continuous initiatives to unite decentralized finance with traditional finance.

Ondo Finance, a real-world assets(RWA) tokenization platform, seeks to develop  investment products on blockchain networks. The company aims to tokenize U.S. securities such as stocks, bonds and exchange-traded funds(ETFs) in compliance with the SEC standards. The meeting was attended by SEC’s Crypto Task Force led by Hester Peirce, Ondo Finance’s CEO Nathan Allman, CSO Ian De Bode and general counsel Mark Janoff.

The discussion centered around issues such as the registration requirements, market structure regulations and financial crimes compliance related to tokenized securities. Moreover, the meeting discussed regulations in the issuance of tokenized assets and a potential regulatory sandbox to test innovative financial products. A sandbox provides a controlled environment to test new services before introduction to the market. 

SEC Meets Ondo Finance Amid Regulatory Shift

The SEC continues to collaborate with digital asset companies to explore favourable regulations in the crypto sector. Ondo Finance proposes the issuance of wrapped tokenized versions of U.S. securities which reflects the increased integration of blockchain technology with traditional finance. The platform must adhere with the SEC rules as it explores the launch of new financial products.

Moreover, Ondo Finance has discussed procedures about tokenized securities operations with the SEC. The company intends to adhere to broker-dealer requirements and state corporate laws to ensure compliance with the U.S. financial regulations. The law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP which supports Ondo Finance sent representatives to participate in these discussions.

ONDO Price Action

Ondo Finance’s ONDO token experienced a 10% price increase after the SEC released the memorandum on April 24. The price of ONDO token rose to $1.01 but still remains more than 50% below its peak value of $2.14 in December 2024. The price movement shows increased interest in the platform and its role in the tokenization of traditional financial assets.

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Ondo Finance and SEC Discuss Tokenized U.S. Securities Compliance 6

The meeting is part of SEC’s shift in crypto regulatory approach under the new Chairman Paul Atkins. Notably, the SEC has withdrawn various complaints such as the HEX founder Richard Heart’s case. 

Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Restrictions, Boosts Bitcoin Adoption

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  • Fed removes advance crypto notification requirement for banks.
  • Federal Reserve eases restrictions on stablecoin activities.
  • Regulatory shift supports innovation in the U.S. banking sector.

The Federal Reserve has withdrawn its anti-crypto policies, marking a shift in guidelines toward digital assets and stablecoins. On April 24, 2025 the Federal Reserve announced the removal of restrictions that prohibited banks from crypto asset operations. The Federal Reserve decision supports innovation in the U.S banking sector. 

Federal Reserve Rescinds Crypto Banking Rule

In an official statement, the Federal Reserve eliminated the requirement for state member banks to inform the central bank before any venture in crypto-based activities. In 2022 the Fed issued a guidance that required banks to inform them ahead of digital asset initiatives. After the withdrawal of the supervisory letter, the Federal Reserve will supervise banks’ digital asset operations through its regular framework.

Furthermore, the Federal Reserve withdrew a 2023 supervisory letter that limited the participation of state member banks in stablecoin activities. The letter expressed concerns about the risks connected to widespread adoption of digital assets such as stablecoins. The supervisory letter listed risks that could disrupt the financial system such as asset instability and payment system issues.

Shift in Digital Asset Regulation

The Federal Reserve’s decision follows similar actions from other federal banking regulators such as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). These agencies have withdrawn their 2023 joint statements that warned banks not to deal with firms involved in digital asset scams. The joint statements cautioned that inaccurate disclosures by crypto firms could hurt investors and the financial markets.

The decision matches the Trump administration’s efforts to build friendly regulations for crypto businesses. The actions build on efforts to promote innovation and develop an inclusive financial system. The Federal Reserve’s decision reflects the increased acceptance of blockchain and crypto innovations to improve banking and financial operations.

The Federal Reserve’s move follows the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision to remove a rule that required financial firms to list digital assets as liabilities. The rule made it difficult for financial institutions to enter the crypto banking market which slowed digital asset adoption. The decisions by the Federal Reserve and SEC could boost growth of banks in the digital asset industry.

Experts believe this adjustment will help boost the integration of digital assets with  traditional finance. The decision enables banks to offer more digital asset services which include digital assets custody and stablecoin transactions. The Federal Reserve’s updated policies could foster innovation amid the increased demand for digital assets across the world. 

OKX Announces Launch of Pay Wallet to Boost Crypto Adoption

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  • OKX Pay Wallet to support stablecoins like USDT and USDC.
  • Integration with the OKX exchange app ensures seamless payments.
  • Wallet will feature instant fiat on/off-ramps and P2P transfers.

OKX cryptocurrency exchange is set to launch the OKX Pay Wallet in the next week. Star Xu, CEO of OKX, announced these plans via X, which aim to speed up crypto adoption across the world. The Pay Wallet is a keyless payment solution that enables users to conduct seamless transactions through both USDC and USDT stablecoins.

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OKX Announces Launch of Pay Wallet to Boost Crypto Adoption 8

The decision is part of the exchange’s strategic approach to separate its crypto payment services into an independent business unit. In March, the company launched an independent Wallet app. The latest move indicates the company’s commitment to expand its position in the crypto payment market and attract more users.

OKX Pay Wallet will integrate with the exchange’s application so users will not encounter a separate operation. The wallet enables users to initiate peer-to-peer (P2P) funds transfers and merchant payments through QR codes and NDC checkouts. The new wallet will primarily focus on payments to provide instant stablecoin-to-fiat and fiat-to-stablecoin conversions.

OKX Pay Wallet to Run on Ethereum’s X Layer

Xu stated that the Pay Wallet will operate on X Layer, the exchange’s Ethereum Layer 2 network. The X Layer will deliver fast transactions and allow users to earn returns through decentralized finance (DeFi) services. The app provides users with a built-in chat feature, which enables real-time payment confirmations.

The wallet’s use of USDT and USDC matches OKX’s plans to promote the use of these stablecoins for daily transactions. The wallet utilizes X Layer to make these stablecoins more accessible for crypto payment transactions. XU aims to position X Layer as the “global payment chain,” which facilitates efficient and flexible payment systems.

Planned Product Lineup Expansion

OKX CMO Haider announced that more updates would be made on the wallet. The initiative matches the company’s efforts to expand its product lineup. The exchange seeks to offer a complete, easy-to-use payment platform in order to compete with major players such as Binance Pay and Coinbase Pay in the cryptocurrency payment sector.

OKX offers an innovative payment system to speed up the adoption of crypto payments. The wallet’s simple-to-use payments interface makes it attractive to both novice and professional users. Moreover, the addition of the chat menu function to the platform could boost user experience and user participation.

REX Shares Unleashes 2x Leveraged ETFs for GameStop and Snowflake

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  • New ETFs offer 2x leverage for GameStop and Snowflake stocks.
  • REX Shares continues first-to-market innovation with leveraged funds.
  • Leveraged ETFs target volatile stocks for short-term traders.

REX Shares announced the launch of two new T-REX ETF products which offer 2x leveraged exposure to GameStop Corp. (GME) and Snowflake Inc. (SNOW). 

The T-REX 2x Long GME Daily Target ETF (GMEU) and the T-REX 2x Long SNOW Daily Target ETF (SNOU) deliver double exposure to daily stock price fluctuations. 

These funds are the first to offer 200% leveraged exposure to GameStop and Snowflake in the U.S highlighting the increased demand for investment products on volatile assets.

Gamestop’s Volatility Ideal For Leveraged ETFs

The ETFs use derivatives to produce 2X returns from their base asset daily. This approach offers investors enhanced exposure to price changes in stocks such as the volatile GameStop and Snowflake, a top cloud data service provider. GameStop’s addition of Bitcoin as well as Snowflake’s position in AI and cloud storage offers investors unique high-growth potential opportunities.

The two ETFs are part of REX Shares’s mission to launch first-to-market leveraged investment products to retail investors. REX Financial has already launched ETF products that target high-demand companies such as Tesla, Nvidia and Microsoft. REX Financial COO, Scott Acheychek stated the new funds enable investors to capitalize on high-growth companies.

Investment Risks of 2x Leveraged ETFs

These leveraged ETFs pose substantial risks to investors especially when used to track  highly volatile stocks. The T-REX 2x Long GME Daily Target ETF focuses on investors who want to benefit from GameStop’s daily price fluctuations. 

GameStop’s highly volatile stock, similar to meme stocks, can lead to substantial losses, according to warning materials. Moreover, experts caution that leveraged ETFs could increase stock trading risks and investors could lose their entire investment if the value of base stock plummets.

These ETFs are not suitable for long-term investors. REX Shares states that the funds could lead to losses beyond one day even if the value of the base stock rises. Investors should understand that the leveraged funds will not match the long-term performance of GameStop and Snowflake stocks.

REX Shares Leveraged ETFs Lineup

REX Shares offers retail investors increased access to enhanced trading opportunities  through its  leveraged products portfolio. REX Shares currently operates more than 20 products which consist of short and long leveraged ETFs. Moreover,  REX offers leveraged products that track the price of Bitcoin and Ethereum. The company continues to add its product lineup to address the changing needs of retail investors.

Rex Shares’ leveraged ETFs are high-risk investment products that could amplify potential profits as well as losses.

TON Foundation Appoints Maximilian Crown as CEO to Accelerate Growth

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  • Crown leverages his experience from MoonPay to boost TON blockchain
  • TON blockchain users surge to 41 million, despite token dip
  • TON Foundation aims to onboard 30% of Telegram’s active users by 2028.

The TON Foundation has selected Maximilian Crown, co-founder of MoonPay, as the new CEO. The foundation appointed Maximilian Crown after the former CEO, Manuel Stotz, became president of the board. This move seeks to strengthen the position of the TON blockchain in the market.

As the CEO of TON Foundation, Maximilian Crown will contribute his extensive experience from his position as CFO and COO at MoonPay. He spearheaded the company expansion and forged partnerships between MoonPay and banks, payment companies, as well as regulatory authorities. Crown’s business connections and experience could fuel the growth of the TON blockchain.

TON Foundation’s Global Expansion

The TON Foundation seeks to develop its blockchain services as well as increase its adoption among Telegram users. The TON blockchain plans to utilize its fast and scalable blockchain to onboard 30% of Telegram’s users by 2028. Crown believes TON’s distinctive integration with Telegram provides the blockchain with a competitive advantage to grow internationally.

The TON blockchain has experienced major growth, with an increase from 4 million to 41 million in its active users over the past year. However, the TON token encountered a 46% price drop in the same period. The increase in active users and investor interest indicates future potential in the blockchain.

Maximilian Crown’s appointment follows a major capital investment in the TON network. Furthermore, venture capital firms such as Sequoia Capital and Benchmark invested $400 million in the Toncoin cryptocurrency. The investment will drive further development and expansion of the ecosystem.

TON Eyes Payment Growth Under Crown

Crown will lead the development of foundation payment systems. His expertise to navigate complex regulatory challenges will be essential in TON’s integration of blockchain technology. His ability to obtain regulatory approvals in various jurisdictions makes him suitable to manage TON’s expansion hurdles.

The TON Foundation’s leadership changes match its mission to transform Telegram into a multifunctional “Super App.” This approach seeks to improve user experience and add features such as blockchain-powered payments, games, and shopping. The partnership with Telegram will play a major role in the expansion of the ecosystem.

The TON blockchain continues to pursue its objectives despite fluctuations in daily fees and transactions.