KILT Protocol is launching a suite of next-generation products to bring decentralized identity (DeID) into mainstream use. The company will bring its core identity infrastructure to the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) world in 2025, allowing developers to integrate KILT credentials into smart contracts and applications with minimal overhead. KILT’s consumer products include Clans, Sporran 2.0, DIDsign 2.0, KILT Pay, and DID-as-a-Service. Clans is a mobile-first platform that rewards users for engaging with content and social campaigns, while Sporran 2.0 enables users to manage credentials, sign documents, and access services using decentralized sign-on. DIDsign 2.0 introduces decentralized document signing, while KILT Pay bridges the gap between credentials and financial transactions. The KILT Foundation will support these developments, focusing on growing the ecosystem and expanding partnerships.
Playtron rolls out Game Dollar programmable stablecoin for gaming to enable purchases, subscriptions and rewards, giving a seamless and consistent experience for payments and rewards
Playtron, a Web3 gaming operating system, announced plans to roll out Game Dollar, a stablecoin for gaming that will be used to power purchases, subscriptions, and rewards across Playtron’s and other gaming ecosystems in the future. Game Dollar will be used to power Playtron’s GameOS, aiming to unify gaming ecosystems across platforms, where gaming economies remain mostly siloed. With Game Dollar, Playtron seeks to create a neutral, programmable financial layer across games and gaming marketplaces, giving a seamless and consistent experience for payments and rewards. Game Dollar will be built on top of the M0 stablecoin platform with seamless payments APIs powered by Bridge-supporting game marketplaces, publishers, and gamers. Importantly, Game Dollar will be available for use in a new, first-of-its-kind handheld gaming console, the SuiPlay0X1, allowing for payments and rewards on a wide range of PC games as well as new titles developed using the Sui blockchain within the console. “Programmable stablecoins are the next evolution of digital assets, and Game Dollar is a powerful example of how this innovation unlocks real utility in one of the world’s most dynamic sectors,” said Adeniyi Abiodun, chief product officer of Mysten Labs. Game Dollar will initially launch exclusively on Sui. M0 is the universal platform powering builders of application-specific stablecoins. With M0, developers can build safe, programmable and interoperable digital dollars.
Superblock introduces tokenized open banking infrastructure integrating TradFi and DeFi through modular Web3 architecture and automated compliance
Tokenized Open Banking, a framework where real-world assets are tokenized and transactions are seamless across traditional and decentralized finance, is needed. The rise of central bank digital currencies, stablecoins, and tokenized real estate is challenging existing financial infrastructure. SUPERBLOCK, a next-generation Web3 infrastructure protocol, aims to unify these assets under a secure, modular, and regulation-ready architecture. It enables the exchange of programmable digital value, including tokenized real estate, stablecoins, programmable CBDCs, and smart contracts that enforce regulatory compliance. SUPERBLOCK combines digital asset management with real-time, secure financial transactions across traditional institutions and decentralized protocols. SUPERBLOCK delivers enterprise-grade infrastructure that enables governments, fintechs, and developers to build: CBDC-compatible digital banking rails; Tokenized asset issuance and settlement platforms; Stablecoin-powered global payment systems; Open APIs for seamless integration with TradFi and DeFi networks. Key Infrastructure Modules Include: $SBX Gateway APIs – Token minting, redemption, compliance, and smart contract execution; Digital Identity Layer – Integrated KYC/AML, eID, and SSI support; Tokenization Engine – Support for ERC-20, ERC-1400, and custom standards for RWAs; Stablecoin & CBDC Treasury System – Tools for lifecycle management of digital currencies; Smart Contract Orchestration – Composability and automation across permissioned and public chains.
SEC Chair Paul Atkins wants to let DeFi thrive with fewer rules and a potential “innovation exemption” aimed at protecting developers
The U.S. SEC may soon ease the regulatory burden on decentralized finance platforms as Chairman Paul Atkins outlines a potential “innovation exemption” aimed at protecting developers and enabling new blockchain-based systems to thrive. In the final session of a five-part crypto roundtable series, SEC Chairman Paul Atkins signaled a notable shift in regulatory tone, especially regarding decentralized finance (DeFi). Atkins said he has directed SEC staff to explore exemptions or guidance that would let DeFi platforms operate with fewer barriers. The proposal seeks to support on-chain financial systems and reflect the technological shift toward decentralized models. He emphasized that this principle should not vanish online, especially in a financial ecosystem increasingly powered by decentralized technologies. The comments mark a stark contrast with previous SEC leadership, which leaned heavily on enforcement and broad interpretations of securities laws. He rejected the notion that writing code constitutes a regulated activity if that code enables financial transactions. Commissioner Hester Peirce echoed this view, warning against infringing on First Amendment rights. Atkins called for reevaluating legacy frameworks and asked staff to assess whether new guidance or rulemaking would help entities interact with DeFi tools while remaining compliant.
Visa invests in Stabelcoin infrastructure platform BVNK that processes more than $12 billion annually for companies like Ferrari and Rapyd
Stabelcoin infrastructure platform BVNK received an investment from Visa. The new capital comes on the heels of a $50 million Series B funding round in December. “We’re proud to support BVNK as they help accelerate global adoption of stablecoin payments,” Rubail Birwadker, head of growth products and partnerships at Visa, said. “Stablecoins are fast becoming a part of global payment flows, and Visa invests in new technologies and builders like BVNK, staying at the forefront of what’s next in commerce to better serve our clients and partners.” There was $27 trillion in total stablecoin transaction volume globally across 1.25 billion transactions in 2024, per Visa Onchain Analytics. BVNK processes more than $12 billion annually for companies like Ferrari and Rapyd. “We’re experiencing a once-in-a-generation shift to a new foundational payment technology, powered by stablecoins,” BVNK co-founder and CEO Jesse Hemson Struthers said. “At BVNK, we’re building the infrastructure to make these new rails accessible to businesses, empowering them to operate at the speed of today’s economy.”
Kraken partners Backed Finance to offer tokenized versions of popular US equities on Solana’s blockchain; to be compatible with wallets and protocols on the network
Crypto exchange Kraken plans to offer tokenized versions of popular U.S. equities. Kraken will list a new suite of tokenized equities dubbed xStocks in partnership with Backed Finance. The assets will reportedly be live on the Solana blockchain and represent actual shares held 1:1 by Backed. Clients in selected non-U.S. jurisdictions will reportedly be able to trade more than 50 U.S. stocks and ETFs, including Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF, outside traditional market hours. The launch positions Kraken among the first exchanges to successfully list tokenized U.S. equities since Binance’s short-lived effort in 2021. Unlike earlier iterations, Kraken’s approach relies on real securities held in custody and tokenized on a fast, low-cost blockchain. Mark Greenberg, Kraken Global Head of Consumer said, “Access to traditional U.S. equities remains slow, costly, and restricted. With xStocks, we’re using blockchain technology to deliver something better, open, instant, accessible, and borderless exposure to some of America’s most iconic companies.” The xStocks tokens are reportedly issued as SPL tokens on Solana, meaning they are compatible with wallets and protocols on the network. This integration also allows users to leverage their tokenized stocks in decentralized finance environments, including as collateral.
Fresh institutional inflows and rising demand for tokenization driving Ether’s outperformance vis-à-vis Bitcoin; likely to reach and/or surpass its all-time high price by the end of the year
Ether outpaces bitcoin on fresh institutional inflows and rising demand for tokenization, signaling a potential push towards its all-time high. ETH zoomed 5% in the past 24 hours, leading gains among majors. Ether ETFs have attracted more than $800 million in the past two weeks alone, outpacing bitcoin’s sub-$400 million, according to SoSoValue data. That’s helped the spread between ether’s implied volatility and bitcoin’s reach its highest level since late 2022 — a sign traders expect bigger price swings ahead. “Investors are finally recognizing the compelling investment opportunity that Ethereum presents. It’s still trading well below its all-time highs, while bitcoin is already near its ATH levels,” said Jeff Mei, COO at BTSE. He pointed to Ethereum’s growing role in tokenizing real-world assets like stocks, money-market funds, and U.S. Treasuries, adding that it was “very likely that Ethereum will reach and/or surpass its all-time high price by the end of the year.” Open interest in ether perpetuals on Kraken hit an all-time high of 30,000 ETH this week, said Alexia Theodorou, Head of Derivatives at Kraken. “This signals a notable uptick in speculative activity around the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap,” she noted. However, she cautioned that the market “has yet to form a clear directional consensus,” with the long/short ratio still well below January levels.
OCC clarifies banks may buy and sell assets crypto-assets; can also outsource custody to third parties
The OCC has clarified that institutions under its oversight can now buy and sell crypto assets on behalf of their customers. In addition, the OCC stated that national banks may outsource crypto-asset services to third parties, including custody and trade execution, provided those third parties maintain sound risk management practices. The latest OCC letter follows a similar directive issued in March, which rescinded the 2021 policy requiring banks to seek prior supervisory approval before engaging in crypto-related services. “The services national banks may provide in relation to the cryptocurrency they are custodying may include services such as facilitating the customer’s cryptocurrency and fiat currency exchange transactions, transaction settlement, trade execution, recordkeeping, valuation, tax services, reporting, or other appropriate services,” the March letter stated. It further clarified: “A bank acting as custodian may engage a sub-custodian for cryptocurrency it holds on behalf of customers and should develop processes to ensure that the sub-custodian’s operations have proper internal controls to protect the customer’s cryptocurrency.” Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve recently dropped its supervisory guidelines that previously required American banks to notify it in advance of any crypto-asset activities. Banks are also no longer required to obtain formal approval from the Fed before engaging in stablecoin-related operations. The decisions by both US regulators reflect the broader shift toward more crypto-friendly policies under the Trump administration.
Congressman reintroduces bill on blockchain regulation that exempts digital asset developers and service providers who do not custody consumer funds from compliance applicable to money transmitters
Congressman Tom Emmer has reintroduced the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA), which clarifies that digital asset developers and service providers who do not custody consumer funds are not money transmitters. This legislation provides legal clarity that will unlock blockchain development in the United States and is co-led by Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). The bill aims to protect American crypto developers and innovators from undue regulation by prosecution, ensuring that they are not unfairly treated as financial intermediaries. The BRCA provides clear rules for developers who never take custody of consumer funds, preventing them from being unreasonably defined as operators of an “unlicensed money services business” under the Bank Secrecy Act. The bill also ensures that non-custodial blockchain participants, including developers, node operators, miners, validators, and wallet providers, are not subject to unnecessary and technologically infeasible compliance burdens that would significantly impede American innovation. The development of digital assets in the United States is critical to national and economic security, and the BRCA will help establish the necessary confidence required to keep non-custodial blockchain developers or service providers from seeking more straightforward regulatory environments overseas.
RISE leverages Ethereum’s network and Shreds transaction architecture to enable real-time transactions on standard hardware with ultra-low latency of 5-milliseconds and throughput of over 50,000 TPS
RISE, a real-time blockchain scaling Ethereum with record throughput and ultra-low latency, has secured a $4 million investment from Galaxy Ventures, raising its total funds to $8 million. RISE’s breakthrough transaction architecture, powered by Shreds, enables record-breaking latency as low as 5-milliseconds, making it ideal for advanced DeFi use cases like orderbook strategies, options, high-frequency trading, and market making. The blockchain addresses the tradeoff between low latency and high throughput, ensuring real-time transactions on standard hardware. RISE will also implement performance-compatible sequencing to leverage Ethereum’s network of validators and unlock synchronous composability between Ethereum and RISE. Key Differentiators of RISE: Shreds: Sub-blocktime transaction confirmations enabling as low as 5ms round-trip latency; Scalable Throughput: Currently benchmarked at over 50,000 TPS, with plans to exceed 100,000 TPS; Based Sequencing (Coming Soon): Unlocking a true extension of Ethereum and solving liquidity fragmentation for users; Secured Shreds (Coming Soon): Preconfirmations economically secured by Ethereum Validators, significantly improving the security profile.