Planck Network has launched what it describes as an industry-first modular layer‑0 blockchain designed specifically for AI-native services and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs). The protocol is intended to serve as the foundational infrastructure for AI-optimized layer‑1s, rollups, and decentralized services, allowing Web3 developers to integrate AI functionality directly without separately interfacing with external compute resources. $PLANCK Token: Functions as the native currency within the ecosystem. GPU Staking: Operators stake $PLANCK to manage uptime commitments and access workloads. Liquid Staking (LPLANCK): Users receive a rebasing token, earning rewards and additional protocol utilities. Delegation: LPLANCK holders may delegate to GPU pools, sharing protocol emissions and revenue. Governance Participation: LPLANCK holders participate in DAO decisions regarding token emissions, staking incentives, and ecosystem strategy. Buyback Mechanism: Income from GPU job execution (paid in USDC) is used to purchase $PLANCK tokens, reinforcing potential demand in the staking economy. Notable Developments and Platform Architecture: Modular Layer‑0 Base Layer: Planck Network’s core architecture offers shared validator infrastructure, interoperable GPU compute, and cross-chain messaging via the Planck Network Tunnel (powered by VIA Labs). It supports over 30 blockchain networks and integrates USDC payment rails for stablecoin interoperability. AI‑Optimized Layer‑1 Chain: An EVM-compatible layer‑1 chain (branded as Planck Network) is tailored for AI workloads—such as model training, inference, and fine-tuning—operating on enterprise-grade GPU nodes. This layer reportedly does not support independent token launches or additional layer‑2 rollups. Flagship Products: AI Cloud: Offers decentralized access to GPUs like H100, A100, B200, H200, RTX 4090, with service-level agreements and bare-metal compute. Pricing is reportedly up to 90% lower than conventional cloud providers, with users able to schedule AI jobs via a GPU Console using USDC or $PLANCK. AI Studio: Features a low-code platform for model deployment and pipeline automation—supporting open-source or proprietary models, on‑chain fine‑tuning and inference, dataset management, and custom orchestration modules.
Mantle launches a crypto-first neobank, bridging traditional finance and DeFi, featuring unified account for fiat and crypto balances; virtual and physical cards for multi-currency global spending; auto-allocation into MI4 fund or DeFi strategies
Mantle, a leading modular blockchain ecosystem, has launched UR, a borderless smart money app and crypto-first neobank, aiming to simplify and unify financial experiences. The initiative, which is currently in beta testing, is part of Mantle’s mission to bridge decentralized and traditional finance for real-world utility. UR combines the usability of modern neobanks with the infrastructure of DeFi, allowing users to spend, save, and invest across fiat and crypto within a single account. Mantle Network’s high-performance modular blockchain and one of the largest community-owned treasuries in the crypto space support the initiative. The initiative is part of Mantle’s strategy to position itself as the go-to infrastructure for crypto-native finance, further strengthened by MI4, a tokenized crypto fund for diversified exposure. Key Features: Unified Account for fiat and crypto balances; Virtual and Physical Cards for multi-currency global spending; Auto-Allocation into MI4 fund or DeFi strategies; Credit Lines backed by on-chain assets like mETH and FBTC; Cashback-Style Yield Rewards with the Mantle Rewards Station, where users can lock MNT to boost their “MNT Power” and earn rewards; Direct Salary Deposits with real-time tokenization options.
BVNK’s integration of its embedded stablecoin wallets with Bitwave’s SOC-compliant tax, accounting and compliance platform to enable finance teams to send and receive stablecoin invoice payments with compliance, security, and speed
BVNK announced a strategic partnership with Bitwave, the enterprise digital asset finance platform. The integration will empower enterprise finance teams to send and receive stablecoin invoice payments with compliance, security, and speed. Together, BVNK and Bitwave are redefining what’s possible for modern finance operations by embedding stablecoin wallets with Bitwave’s SOC-compliant tax, accounting and compliance platform. BVNK delivers stablecoin-native infrastructure for global financial services, powering the flexibility and control enterprises need to modernize their payment operations. Through this integration, Bitwave customers will gain access to BVNK’s embedded stablecoin wallets to: Pay invoices in USD, settle in stablecoins; Accept payments in stablecoins, receive fiat; Simplify reconciliation and automate GAAP/IFRS reporting; Access automated workflows for simplified tax, accounting, and compliance. This capability allows finance teams to take advantage of the speed and efficiency of blockchain-based payments without sacrificing audit-readiness or security. By bringing stablecoin-native infrastructure into Bitwave’s accounting and finance stack, the partnership enables finance teams to: Accelerate settlement cycles; Modernize treasury operations; Eliminate the complexity of manual financial reporting workflows
Cash App’s new P2P payment feature enables creating a pool, setting a target amount, and inviting contributors who can make group payments in seconds using Apple Pay or Google Pay through a shareable link
Cash App announced the launch of pools, a new peer-to-peer payment feature that enables group payments with just a few taps. Organizers can start a pool through the Cash App payment tab. From there, organizers can create and name a pool, set a target amount, and invite contributors. Members can be invited in-app via their $cashtag, or the organizer can text or share a link to request a contribution using Apple Pay or Google Pay. The organizer can close the pool at any time and then transfer the money to their Cash balance. With pools, members can contribute within seconds so the group can focus on the experience and not on stressful payment logistics: Proactive payment collection: Our market research shows that 60% of U.S. adults participate in some form of group money pooling, or one person has typically needed to volunteer to make the payment up front. Pools were designed for groups to easily plan, collect, and track contributions before the event occurs so that nobody has to front the entire cost. Integrations with Apple Pay and Google Pay: If members of the group use different payment solutions, the organizer has historically needed to download multiple apps to collect the money from each person resulting in confusion, time wasted, and risk for all participants. Now, the organizer can create a shareable link for group members to contribute to a pool in seconds using Apple Pay or Google Pay. Easy progress tracking: The organizer can name, set a goal amount, and invite members to join the pool and track the group’s contributions, removing unnecessary logistics and guesswork. End-to-end payment flows: Each pool seamlessly connects to the Cash App’s suite of banking and peer-to-peer payment tools, so the organizer can instantly use that money toward the group’s goal.
Spire’s platform offers unified wallet interface with multi-chain compatibility to enable cross-network asset transfers without third-party applications with support for cross-chain swaps, staking options and centralized access to embedded Web3 apps
Spire is a platform designed to integrate digital assets into mainstream financial discourse, offering robust infrastructure and compatibility with decentralized technologies. Its architecture is globally distributed for low latency, high uptime, and fault tolerance, supporting sub-second trade execution. Spire’s unified wallet interface with multi-chain compatibility enables cross-network asset transfers without third-party applications, streamlining asset management and reducing operational complexity. The platform accommodates diverse user needs in a unified environment. Tools Supporting the Full Asset Lifecycle Spire offers a consolidated interface for a range of asset-related activities: Trading Suite: Access to spot and margin markets across multiple digital assets Portfolio Analytics: Tools for tracking performance, analyzing positions, and reviewing trade history Earning Functions: Includes staking options and fixed-term savings features integrated within the platform environment. Users can allocate assets, monitor performance, and implement earning strategies without switching platforms or tools. Embedded Web3 Access: Spire incorporates access to decentralized applications within its centralized interface. Features include: Cross-Chain Swaps: Enables token movement across supported blockchains without exiting the platform DeFi Vaults: Curated strategies designed to provide exposure to decentralized yield mechanisms with built-in risk parameters. These integrations lower technical barriers and offer streamlined access to blockchain-based finance.
Cogni AI’s autonomous agents for Web3 integration can perform tasks such as monitoring blockchain transactions, triggering contract executions, processing data, and interacting with decentralized applications
Cogni AI, a technology company, has announced the next phase of its platform for automating processes across the Web3 ecosystem. The platform’s AI Agents are designed to perform tasks independently, integrating with decentralized protocols, smart contracts, and blockchain-based systems. These agents can perform tasks such as monitoring blockchain transactions, triggering contract executions, processing data, and interacting with decentralized applications. The technology aims to reduce friction in blockchain workflows and enable new use cases for businesses and individuals. Cogni AI emphasizes fully autonomous execution, allowing agents to make decisions, initiate actions, and adapt to changing conditions in real time. The platform supports multiple blockchain environments, enabling cross-chain interoperability. The company’s roadmap includes expanding agent capabilities, decentralized governance participation, and integration with enterprise systems. The $COGNI token is a central element of the ecosystem, serving as an access key for agent deployment and resource allocation. AI Agents have the potential to transform sectors like decentralized finance and supply chain management, reducing costs, improving speed, and enabling services that would be impractical through manual processes alone.
PayPal stablecoin expands operations to Arbitrum’s blockchain network to offer users faster transaction confirmations and reduced costs by leveraging multi-chain operations
PayPal PYUSD has expanded its operations to Arbitrum’s blockchain network, addressing concerns about high transaction fees and slow processing speeds. The move has accelerated solutions for these issues, allowing users to perform faster and more cost-effective transactions. PayPal’s expansion was facilitated by changes to its terms of service document, which now explicitly mention Arbitrum network support across key operational areas. This shift has transformed strategic approaches towards multi-chain operations, allowing users to benefit from Arbitrum’s Layer 2 efficiency. Arbitrum blockchain technology has revolutionized transaction fee structures, addressing barriers to widespread PYUSD stablecoin adoption. Users can expect faster transaction confirmations and reduced costs when conducting PayPal PYUSD transfers on the network. PayPal’s Arbitrum integration has optimized the PYUSD stablecoin’s position as a more competitive option in the digital payments space, demonstrating how major financial institutions leverage multi-chain strategies to enhance user experience. The move validates Arbitrum blockchain as a viable platform for enterprise-level applications and may inspire other companies to follow PayPal’s lead in crypto stablecoin news development.
Binance unveils RWUSD comparing the performance of real-world assets (RWAs), such as tokenized U.S. Treasury notes, to provide a stable investing choice; allows users to earn up to 4.2% APR by signing up with stablecoins like Tether or Circle
Binance has introduced RWUSD, a yield product that protects the principal, to its Binance Earn platform. Starting on July 28, 2025, RWUSD allows users to earn up to 4.2% annual percentage rate (APR) by signing up with stablecoins like Tether or Circle. The product compares the performance of real-world assets (RWAs), such as tokenized U.S. Treasury notes, to provide a stable investing choice. Users can subscribe with stablecoins that meet the requirements, which are then turned into RWUSD tokens at a 1:1 ratio. The product earns daily incentives in RWUSD, and users can trade their holdings for USDC at the same 1:1 ratio. Binance offers two ways to cash out: Fast Redemption (0.1%) and Standard Redemption (0.5%), making its ecosystem a closed loop. The RWA tokenization market surged 260% in the first half of 2025, with tokenized U.S. Treasuries playing a significant role in this expansion. RWUSD connects traditional finance with cryptocurrency, appealing to investors seeking stable returns without the risks of speculative assets. Its flat 4.2% APR applies to subscriptions up to $5 million, and it can be used as collateral for Binance VIP Loans without affecting the amount made.
Fintech Due’s API integrates local payment rails, liquidity markets, and blockchain networks into a single endpoint and offers mid-market FX rates, saving businesses up to 90% compared to traditional wires by routing transactions through stablecoin and on-chain rails
London-based fintech startup Due has launched its Stablecoin Payments API, aiming to revolutionize cross-border payments by leveraging blockchain technology and stablecoins. The API integrates local payment rails, liquidity markets, and blockchain networks into a single endpoint, allowing businesses to send, receive, and settle payments in over 80 countries. Due’s API simplifies global treasury operations, slashing fees by up to 80% compared to traditional banking systems. Transactions settle in seconds, slashing fees by up to 80%. The $7.3 million seed extension, led by Speedinvest and supported by investors like Semantic, Fabric Ventures, Strobe Ventures, and Polymorphic Capital, will fuel Due’s aggressive expansion plans, including scaling its API infrastructure to cover over 100 countries by year-end and developing additional payment solutions. Due’s focus on underserved markets positions it to democratize access to global liquidity.
Wirex integrates Circle’s EURC stablecoin with Visa’s settlement pilot, introducing on-chain automation and unified account management for fast, cost-effective, and transparent cross-border digital currency payments
Wirex is supporting EURC settlements through Visa’s stablecoin settlement pilot, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of blockchain-based payments in Europe. Following the successful completion of a testing phase, Wirex is now live with EURC settlement capabilities via the Visa Network. This collaboration enables near real-time settlement using EURC, a fully backed stablecoin issued by Circle and pegged 1:1 to the euro. The integration of EURC settlement allows Wirex to further streamline cross-border payments and enhance the efficiency of its crypto-to-fiat conversion infrastructure—enabling fast, secure, and cost-effective transactions for users. Benefits for the payments industry include: Fast settlements with near-instant processing times; Enhanced security and transparency through blockchain technology; Seamless user experience across crypto and fiat transactions , enabled by instant conversions at the point of sale, unified account management in a single app, and stablecoin-based settlement that eliminates traditional cross-border frictions. “Partnering with Visa to enable EURC settlements is a major step forward in our mission to make digital currencies practical for everyday payments,” said Svyatoslav Garal, Global Head of Payments at Wirex.