24 Mar, 2025

Crypto Visa Card Startup Rain Raises $24.5 Million From Norwest, Galaxy and Coinbase Ventures

Quick Take• Crypto Visa debit and credit card issuer Rain has raised $24.5 million in a funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners.• The firm is focused on providing consumers with a way to spend stablecoins with limited friction.Crypto Visa Card Startup Rain Raises $24.5 Million From Norwest, Galaxy and Coinbase VenturesAmid a broader trend of web3 firms attempting to make it easier for people to spend their crypto on everyday services, Visa card issuer Rain said Monday it had raised in a funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners.Rain appears particularly interested in providing consumers with a way to spend stablecoins with limited friction, according to a social media post announcing the new funding. "As stablecoin adoption continues to grow — powering diverse use cases such as cross-border payments, remittances, and dollar-based savings — so too does the demand for frictionless spending of stablecoins in everyday transactions," the company said in its announcement. "Rain is prepared to meet that demand. After 15x revenue growth in just 12 months and payments now processed in 100+ countries."While stablecoin supply and transfer volumes continue to grow, that also appears to be a renewed push to make it easier for crypto holders to spend their digital assets easily on everyday goods and services. Last year, stablecoin transfers surpassed the combined transaction volume of Visa and Mastercard. Earlier this month, the crypto payment platform RedotPay raised $40 million. Also this month, Mesh, the developer of a web3 payments system that streamlines transactions involving crypto assets and merchants' settlement requirements, raised $82 million."Powered by our Visa Principal Membership and our unique blockchain infrastructure, we’re accelerating the global rollout of stablecoin-enabled card issuance, unlocking faster, more efficient payments," Rain said on Monday.Other investors in Rain's latest funding round included Galaxy Digital, CompoSecure, BDMI Fund, Coinbase Ventures, Lightspeed, Goldcrest, Thayer, and Hard Yaka.In 2022, Rain raised $6 million in seed funding.

21 Mar, 2025

Pakistan Eyes Bitcoin Mining to Leverage Surplus Energy

Key Takeaways● Pakistan is exploring Bitcoin mining by utilizing surplus energy to attract investment and establish a foothold in the digital asset space.● The formation of the Pakistan Crypto Council signals a shift from the government's previous anti-crypto stance.● The initiative aligns with global trends, particularly in the United States, where regulatory frameworks are being reshaped to support cryptocurrency adoption.● Pakistan aims to develop a transparent and responsible crypto ecosystem to encourage foreign direct investment.Pakistan is positioning itself as a contender in the global cryptocurrency landscape by proposing Bitcoin mining operations powered by unused energy reserves. This initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), reflects a growing acceptance of digital assets within the country’s financial sector.The council’s inaugural meeting on March 21, chaired by Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, brought together key government and financial figures. At the event, Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, laid out a vision for integrating Bitcoin mining into Pakistan’s energy strategy.“This is the beginning of a new digital chapter for our economy. We are committed to building a transparent, future-ready financial ecosystem that attracts investment, empowers our youth, and puts Pakistan on the global map as a leader in emerging technologies,” said Senator Aurangzeb.A Political Shift Towards CryptoThe establishment of the PCC marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s stance on digital assets. In May 2023, then-Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Aisha Ghaus Pasha, asserted that cryptocurrencies would never be legalized due to concerns over anti-money laundering (AML) compliance and Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regulations. However, in a move signaling a new direction, Pakistan initiated the process of regulating cryptocurrencies as legal tender on November 4, 2024.The Potential of Bitcoin Mining in PakistanWith an abundant yet underutilized energy supply, Pakistan sees Bitcoin mining as a strategic avenue to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. The PCC aims to craft a regulatory framework that ensures responsible digital asset adoption while maximizing the country’s energy resources.High-ranking officials, including the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SECP), and the Federal Secretary of IT, attended the council’s first meeting. Discussions emphasized the importance of balancing global best practices with Pakistan’s economic realities. The goal is to develop a regulatory framework that enhances investor confidence and fosters a thriving crypto ecosystem.Pakistan Aligns with Global Crypto TrendsPakistan’s evolving crypto stance mirrors developments in the United States, where regulatory policies are shifting toward broader digital asset adoption. On January 23, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order forming the Working Group on Digital Assets, tasked with regulatory reforms. Additionally, in March 2025, an order was issued to establish a Bitcoin strategic reserve and a separate stockpile for digital assets.These global movements underscore the increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. By capitalizing on surplus energy for mining, Pakistan seeks to establish itself as a regional hub for digital assets, paving the way for economic innovation and international investment.

19 Mar, 2025

Ripple Wins Landmark Case Against SEC, XRP Price Surges

Ripple Labs, the company behind XRP, scored a decisive victory yesterday when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unexpectedly dropped its longstanding lawsuit, marking a major turning point in the cryptocurrency industry's regulatory landscape.Since the lawsuit began in December 2020, the crypto market closely watched developments, viewing the SEC's case as a crucial test that could shape the future of cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. Initially, the SEC accused Ripple of conducting an unregistered securities offering worth approximately $1.3 billion through XRP sales, creating uncertainty that negatively impacted XRP’s market valuation and investor confidence.However, Ripple gained partial clarity in July 2023, when U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres differentiated between institutional XRP sales, considered securities, and programmatic sales via public exchanges, which she ruled did not constitute securities offerings. The SEC subsequently appealed, prolonging uncertainty until yesterday's decision to fully withdraw the case, effectively ending litigation against Ripple.The crypto market reacted immediately and positively to this significant regulatory shift. XRP, the digital token associated with Ripple, surged approximately 13.73%, reaching as high as $2.54 shortly after the announcement. This rapid price appreciation reflected renewed investor confidence, signaling that the resolution was largely perceived as a major step toward clarity and regulatory stability.Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse underscored the importance of the moment, stating clearly, "I'm finally able to announce that this case has ended—it's over," highlighting the company's newfound freedom to focus fully on strategic business initiatives without legal distractions.Beyond XRP, major cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum also benefited from the improved sentiment, with Bitcoin rising by 2.2% to around $84,096 and Ethereum up by approximately 6.6%, trading above $2,031. This broader market reaction indicates the case's significance was widely recognized, alleviating broader fears of overly restrictive regulatory oversight.Analysts and industry experts view this outcome as critical for cryptocurrency adoption in the United States, anticipating increased institutional investor interest and greater innovation across digital asset markets. The conclusion of the Ripple-SEC litigation has established a clearer precedent, suggesting digital assets sold on public exchanges might not automatically be considered securities—a viewpoint that could positively influence future regulatory frameworks.However, some analysts warn that despite this major victory, cryptocurrencies must now deliver practical utility and compliance assurances to sustain investor interest and regulatory confidence. The focus will shift toward long-term market sustainability, practical use cases, and ongoing dialogue between regulators and crypto industry participants.

17 Mar, 2025

Digital Growth in Laos with Internet Faster by 17.8% in Early 2025

The internet and social media landscape in Laos experienced significant growth in 2025, driven by faster internet speeds and increasing mobile phone adoption.According to the State of Digital in Laos 2025 report, the country has 4.97 million internet users this year, with an internet penetration rate of 63.6 percent of the total population. However, 2.85 million people remained offline at the start of the year.Mobile cellular connectivity also saw a substantial rise, with 6.78 million mobile connections, equivalent to 86.7 percent of the population. Broadband networks, including 3G, 4G, and 5G, accounted for 95.1 percent of these connections. As a result, internet speeds in Laos improved significantly, with fixed broadband averaging 34.62 Mbps, a 17.8 percent increase from the previous year.The surge in internet access also fueled social media growth, with 4.25 million active users, representing 54.3 percent of the population. Nearly all users accessed social media via mobile devices, with the majority falling within the 25 to 34 age group.In terms of mobile web traffic, Android devices continued to dominate with a 68.7 percent market share, although this marked a slight decline from the previous year. Meanwhile, Apple iOS devices gained traction, increasing to 31.14 percent of total web traffic.These digital advancements in Laos reflect broader global trends. Worldwide, internet users reached 5.56 billion in 2025, covering 67.9 percent of the global population, while social media users surpassed 5.24 billion.

14 Mar, 2025

Ethereum and Bitcoin Navigate Critical Price Levels Amid Market Fluctuations

Key Takeaways● Ethereum faces resistance near $1,950, with a potential breakout toward $2,050 if momentum holds.● Bitcoin hovers around $80,000 and could surge to $85,000 if bulls gain control.● Bitcoin Pepe’s L2 network aims to bring DeFi and memecoin trading to Bitcoin’s blockchain, raising over $4.5 million in its presale.● Potential downturn for Ethereum if it fails to hold support at $1,800, with the next target around $1,750.Ethereum and Bitcoin are at pivotal moments, with both cryptocurrencies grappling with resistance and support zones that could define their next moves. Ethereum is showing signs of recovery but faces a formidable ceiling at $1,950. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is stabilizing near $80,000, with the potential to rally toward $85,000 if buying pressure intensifies.Ethereum faces stiff resistanceEthereum’s price action has been a delicate tug-of-war between bullish recovery and bearish pressure. After establishing a base above $1,760, Ethereum climbed past $1,820 and $1,850, signaling a recovery. Bulls managed to push the price above $1,920, but the rally stalled near $1,950 — the 50% Fibonacci retracement level from the $2,150 swing high to the $1,752 low.A short-term bearish trend line at $1,900 on the ETH/USD hourly chart reinforces the immediate challenge for buyers. A decisive break above $1,950 could set the stage for a push toward $1,990 and $2,050. If momentum holds, Ethereum could target $2,120 and potentially $2,250 in the near term.However, failure to clear the $1,950 level might trigger a pullback. Initial support sits at $1,845, followed by a key floor at $1,800. A break below $1,800 could deepen the correction toward $1,750 and possibly $1,720. Further downside could test the $1,650 level, increasing bearish sentiment.Bitcoin eyes $85K as market seeks bullish momentumBitcoin’s recent consolidation around $80,000 reflects the broader market’s cautious tone. After dipping to $79,000 earlier in the week, Bitcoin reclaimed ground and currently trades at $81,909. If bulls sustain pressure, a breakout toward $85,000 is within reach.The $82,000 threshold marks a psychological barrier that could unlock higher targets. A move past this level may drive Bitcoin toward new highs, but failure to sustain momentum could invite selling pressure, pulling the price back toward $79,000.Bitcoin Pepe introduces new dynamics to the Bitcoin ecosystemBitcoin Pepe is making waves as the first memecoin-based project on the Bitcoin blockchain. The project’s Layer-2 (L2) network is designed to enhance Bitcoin’s utility by enabling decentralized finance (DeFi) and memecoin trading — areas traditionally dominated by platforms like Ethereum and Solana.The presale for Bitcoin Pepe’s native token, $BPEP, has already raised over $4.5 million, with the current price set at $0.0281. Once the presale crosses $5.67 million, the price will increase to $0.0295. This surge in early interest reflects growing confidence in Bitcoin Pepe’s potential to unlock Bitcoin’s $2 trillion market cap for memecoin activity and DeFi expansion.Bitcoin Pepe’s L2 network will allow developers to launch memecoins directly on Bitcoin, enhancing market liquidity and expanding Bitcoin’s use cases. The project’s strategic positioning within the memecoin and DeFi space could make $BPEP a high-performing asset in the crypto market.Market outlook and future trendsEthereum and Bitcoin are navigating complex market conditions, with significant resistance and support zones shaping short-term prospects. Ethereum’s ability to clear $1,950 could spark a bullish breakout, while Bitcoin’s path to $85,000 hinges on sustained buying pressure above $82,000.Bitcoin Pepe’s L2 solution represents a transformative shift for Bitcoin’s ecosystem, bridging the gap between traditional cryptocurrency assets and the fast-growing memecoin sector. As market dynamics evolve, Bitcoin and Ethereum’s performance — along with emerging projects like Bitcoin Pepe — could define the next chapter in the cryptocurrency market’s growth trajectory.

12 Mar, 2025

Circle Trims USDC Cross-Chain Settlement Time Down to Seconds With Protocol Update

Quick TakeCircle, issuer of the world’s second-largest stablecoin USDC, has launched a protocol update it says reduces cross-chain transaction settlement time “to seconds,” compared to an average of 13 to 19 minutes for a typical blockchain transaction between Ethereum and Layer 2 blockchains.According to Circle, the newly launched Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol V2, or CCTP V2, improves upon the earlier version “with a new set of smart contracts and APIs.”Circle Trims Usdc Cross-Chain Settlement Time Down to Seconds With Protocol UpdateCircle, issuer of the world's second-largest stablecoin USDC unveiled a protocol update on Tuesday it says will reduce cross-chain settlement time from several minutes to a matter of seconds.The company's newly launched Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol V2, or CCTP V2, will improve upon CCTP V1 "with a new set of smart contracts and APIs," slashing cross-chain transaction settlement time from "an average of 13 to 19 minutes for a typical blockchain transaction" between Ethereum and Layer 2 blockchains to only seconds, according to a statement."CCTP V2 reduces the barriers that have hindered the fluid movement of digital dollars between supported blockchains," said Nikhil Chandhok, chief product officer of Circle, in the statement. "CCTP V2 gives developers greater flexibility to tailor cross-chain transactions to their specific needs and unlocks low-latency use cases in crypto capital markets, effectively abstracting away cross-chain complexities for developers and their users."As the USD-pegged stablecoin market, by most accounts, is poised to keep growing, improving transaction time could prove beneficial to Circle as competition potentially heats up in the coming months and years. Out of the roughly $235 billion worth of USD stablecoins in circulation, Circle's USDC accounts for $58 billion. USDC ranks a distant second to Tether's USDT, the clear market leader.Avalanche, Base and Ethereum to begin withCircle said CCTP V2 will initially be available for developers working on Avalanche, Base and Ethereum, but the plan is to add support for more blockchains as the year progresses. "CCTP V1 will remain available on 11 blockchains," Circle said, adding that since launched in 2023, "CCTP has facilitated more than $36 billion in transaction volume."Some of CCTP V2's new features Circle highlighted on Tuesday include "Hooks," which it said makes it possible for developers "to automate post-transfer actions on the destination blockchain."

10 Mar, 2025

Thailand Regulator Adds USDC, USDT Stablecoins to Approved Cryptocurrencies

What to know:Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is adding Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC to its list of approved cryptocurrencies for trading on digital asset exchanges.The decision, effective from March 16, follows a public consultation in February where the majority supported the proposal.The approval of USDT and USDC, with market capitalizations of $142 billion and $58 billion, respectively, aligns Thailand with global trends where stablecoins are increasingly significant in crypto trading and payments.Thailand’s financial regulator the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is expanding its list of approved cryptocurrencies with the two largest stablecoins, Tether's USDT and Circle's USDC as trading pairs on digital asset exchanges.Previously, only bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), XRP, stellar (XLM), and certain tokens used in the Bank of Thailand’s settlement system were approved by the regulator.The move comes after a public consultation in February, during which most respondents backed the proposal. The new rules from the will take effect on March 16.By recognizing USDT and USDC, Thailand is aligning itself with global trends where stablecoins play a key role in crypto trading and payments. Stablecoins are one of the fastest-growing sectors of crypto, driven by demand in developing regions such as Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America. USDT has a $142 billion market capitalization, followed by USDC with its $58 billion market cap.USDT issuer Tether said on Monday that the approval paves the way for broader acceptance of its token in Thailand’s financial sector.

07 Mar, 2025

The Evolving Landscape of Artificial Intelligence and Decentralization

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the technological landscape, with advancements in machine learning and automation influencing industries worldwide. However, much of AI’s development remains in the hands of a few major corporations that control the hardware, proprietary models, and funding necessary to drive innovation. This centralization raises concerns about accessibility, transparency, and long-term control over AI’s trajectory.The Push for Decentralized AIRecent discussions around AI governance have highlighted the potential of decentralization as a way to make AI more transparent and widely available. Decentralized AI (deAI) aims to distribute control over model development, infrastructure, and decision-making processes. This movement aligns with broader efforts in blockchain technology, which has long promoted open and verifiable systems.One company working toward this goal is Kava, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform established in 2018. Initially focused on enabling financial transactions through blockchain, Kava has expanded its vision to integrate AI into decentralized networks. At Consensus Hong Kong, Kava introduced a large-scale decentralized AI model powered by DeepSeek R1, positioning it as an alternative to proprietary AI systems. The model is designed to execute blockchain-based tasks, optimize DeFi strategies, and facilitate on-chain transactions without reliance on centralized oversight.DeepSeek R1 and Open-Source AIThe introduction of DeepSeek R1 marks a shift in how AI can be developed and deployed. Unlike traditional AI models that rely on proprietary cloud-based infrastructure, DeepSeek R1 is designed to function in an open-source environment. This approach challenges the notion that only large corporations with vast resources can produce advanced AI systems.A core question surrounding AI’s future is control—who gets to influence the model’s development and how its decision-making processes remain accountable. Open-source AI models offer greater transparency, allowing communities to verify, audit, and refine them without being dependent on a single governing body. In theory, this could reduce the risk of bias, censorship, and monopolistic control over AI applications.Kava’s Approach to Decentralized AIKava’s integration of AI within blockchain networks focuses on three key components:① AI Model Fine-Tuning for Blockchain Tasks – Optimizing AI to perform DeFi portfolio management, smart contract execution, and automated governance.② User-Centric AI Assistants – Decentralized AI tools designed to assist users in analyzing blockchain data and executing financial transactions.③ Decentralized Infrastructure – A blockchain-powered GPU-sharing marketplace aimed at reducing reliance on corporate-owned AI cloud services.Unlike centralized AI models that primarily analyze data, Kava’s AI is designed to interact directly with blockchain transactions. This could enable users to automate complex financial strategies, identify optimal staking opportunities, and execute trades without extensive technical expertise.Broader Implications of Decentralized AIThe push toward decentralized AI raises broader questions about the future of AI accessibility and control. A decentralized model could offer:① Censorship resistance – Preventing any single entity from unilaterally altering or restricting AI capabilities.② Ethical transparency – Allowing for open auditing of AI decision-making processes.③ Global accessibility – Expanding AI’s availability beyond corporate or government control.As decentralized AI evolves, it remains to be seen whether it will significantly disrupt traditional AI development or complement existing models. Kava’s initiative with DeepSeek R1 is one example of how blockchain-based platforms are experimenting with AI integration, highlighting both the potential benefits and challenges of decentralization in this space.The Future of AI in Decentralized NetworksThe intersection of AI and blockchain continues to be a growing area of interest, with projects like Kava demonstrating how decentralized networks could play a role in AI’s future. Whether decentralized AI will gain mainstream adoption depends on its ability to compete with existing corporate-backed models in terms of performance, usability, and trust.As AI becomes increasingly embedded in financial and technological systems, the conversation around decentralization will likely expand. Whether models like DeepSeek R1 set a precedent for open AI development or remain niche alternatives to centralized AI remains an open question, but the exploration of decentralized AI continues to shape discussions about control, transparency, and accessibility in the digital age.

05 Mar, 2025

Ripple: Expanding Digital Asset Adoption Across the EU

The recently announced partnership between Ripple and Unicâmbio, Ripple’s first in Portugal, will provide a faster, cheaper and more transparent payment corridor with Brazil. This latest milestone is part of Ripple’s growing momentum in Europe as the region capitalizes on the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and its increasing importance to expanded adoption of digital asset services. Modernizing Cross-Border Payments Between Portugal and BrazilPortugal and Brazil boast strong economic and cultural ties today, with millions of dollars in payments flowing between the two countries every month. But like with many payment corridors, money movement is often a slow, expensive proposition because of outdated international payment mechanisms—burdening recipients with long settlement times and high fees. Now, Ripple and currency exchange provider Unicâmbio are bringing crypto-enabled cross-border payments to Portugal to modernize this payment corridor and support fast, reliable, affordable transactions. With Ripple Payments, Unicâmbio’s corporate customers can move funds affordably and in mere minutes, 24/7/365. Commenting on the new partnership, Adriana Jerónimo, Executive Board Member at Unicâmbio said: “Ripple’s crypto-enabled payments solution enables near-instant settlement and drastically reduces costs compared to traditional payments channels, delivering real value to our customers."This efficiency and cost-savings is possible because Ripple’s global payment network reduces the number of counterparties in a payment flow to lower costs, minimize points of failure and streamline the payment experience. Ripple Payments also provides near real-time settlement and complete visibility into fees and payment status throughout a transaction for better cash flow management. Businesses that transact across borders can do so safely and with confidence knowing that Ripple Payments is highly secure and fully compliant with global regulations. Key to the success of this partnership is Ripple's established presence in Brazil. Leading providers like Travelex Bank and Mercado Bitcoin—Latin America’s largest cryptocurrency exchange—are already active members of the Ripple network and will serve as partners to Unicâmbio for payments between the two countries. Europe Moves to the Fore of Crypto While the partnership marks the introduction of Ripple Payments into Portugal, it’s only the latest example of Ripple’s growing presence in Europe. Ripple Custody partnerships with European-based banks like DZ Bank and BBVA Switzerland, the addition of Societe Generale’s new stablecoin to the XRP Ledger, and Ripple’s recently opened office in Geneva are just a few of the company’s European milestones from the past year. It’s evident that blockchain and digital assets are transforming financial services, and growing adoption rates coupled with the rapid pace of innovation has finance leaders eager to implement their own digital asset strategies. A week following the partnership announcement, Ripple and PwC brought regional business leaders—including Unicâmbio—together in Lisbon to discuss key blockchain use cases including crypto-enabled payments, digital asset custody, and tokenization of real-world assets. The event offered attendees an opportunity to network with leading blockchain experts, fintech innovators and industry peers to explore how collaboration can accelerate Portugal’s rapidly evolving digital landscapeThe importance of the European market to the future of digital assets is due in large part to growing interest and commitments from business leaders across the region. According to Ripple’s latest New Value Report, more than 90% of global finance leaders believe blockchain will have a significant impact on finance and business, with 89% of European leaders indicating an openness to adopting crypto, stablecoins or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Drilling down into specific use cases, 41% of European leaders surveyed said they plan to use crypto for cross-border payments. Another key to Europe’s appeal is a maturing digital asset regulatory framework that has made it easier to do business across the region. MiCA is now fully in effect, providing legal certainty and harmonizing rules in the EU so that businesses can gain full access to the bloc by becoming authorized in any one of its 27 European member states. The guidelines also touch on stablecoin issuance, tokenization and more—serving as a powerful blueprint for encouraging innovation through regulation.