PayPal's PYUSD0 Launches on Stable Mainnet
The PYUSD0 is the omnichain extension of PYUSD, the stablecoin from PayPal issued by Paxos. Users can transfer PYUSD0 via Stargate at a 1:1 rate, in any size, with zero slippage.
StableChain Mainnet launched as a new USDT‑powered Layer‑1 blockchain, using USDT for gas fees and introducing a governance token (STABLE) to separate payments from security operations.
👉 x.com/StargateFinance/status/2001876623965184368?s=20
The PYUSD0 is the omnichain extension of PYUSD, the stablecoin from PayPal issued by Paxos. Users can transfer PYUSD0 via Stargate at a 1:1 rate, in any size, with zero slippage.
StableChain Mainnet launched as a new USDT‑powered Layer‑1 blockchain, using USDT for gas fees and introducing a governance token (STABLE) to separate payments from security operations.
👉 x.com/StargateFinance/status/2001876623965184368?s=20
Ondo and LayerZero roll out a bridge for onchain securities
Ondo Finance has launched the Ondo Bridge, a LayerZero-powered cross-chain system that lets users transfer 100+ tokenized stocks and ETFs seamlessly between Ethereum and BNB Chain with more blockchain support planned for roll out soon.
👉 ondo.finance/blog/ondo-bridge-for-onchain-securities
Ondo Finance has launched the Ondo Bridge, a LayerZero-powered cross-chain system that lets users transfer 100+ tokenized stocks and ETFs seamlessly between Ethereum and BNB Chain with more blockchain support planned for roll out soon.
👉 ondo.finance/blog/ondo-bridge-for-onchain-securities
Bank of Japan raises Interest Rate to a 30-year high
BoJ raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995, as it continues normalizing monetary policy after decades of low rates. The move reflects persistent inflation above the BoJ’s 2% target and rising expectations for further tightening.
👉 cnbc.com/2025/12/19/bank-of-japan-boj-rate-cpi-inflation-takaichi-ueda.html
BoJ raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest level since 1995, as it continues normalizing monetary policy after decades of low rates. The move reflects persistent inflation above the BoJ’s 2% target and rising expectations for further tightening.
👉 cnbc.com/2025/12/19/bank-of-japan-boj-rate-cpi-inflation-takaichi-ueda.html
Bitcoin Volatility Rises Ahead of $23B Options Expiration
Around $23 billion in Bitcoin options are set to expire next Friday, potentially amplifying already-elevated market volatility.
BTC is down roughly 30% from its $126,000 all-time high, with positioning remaining firmly bearish. Sentiment remains fragile as traders brace for upcoming catalysts that could increase downside risk, Bloomberg reports.
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-18/bitcoin-volatility-rises-ahead-of-23-billion-options-expiration
Around $23 billion in Bitcoin options are set to expire next Friday, potentially amplifying already-elevated market volatility.
BTC is down roughly 30% from its $126,000 all-time high, with positioning remaining firmly bearish. Sentiment remains fragile as traders brace for upcoming catalysts that could increase downside risk, Bloomberg reports.
👉 bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-18/bitcoin-volatility-rises-ahead-of-23-billion-options-expiration
PayPal x USD AI Brings PYUSD for AI Infrastructure With $1B Incentives
The integration allows AI companies to fund GPU and data-center costs with PYUSD, with USD AI loans settled directly into PayPal accounts. A 4.5% incentive program on up to $1B in deposits launches in early January to drive adoption.
The partnership also supports agent-driven payments and onchain GPU-backed collateral, making PYUSD a core settlement layer for AI infrastructure.
👉 x.com/USDai_Official/status/2001680719098085384?s=20
The integration allows AI companies to fund GPU and data-center costs with PYUSD, with USD AI loans settled directly into PayPal accounts. A 4.5% incentive program on up to $1B in deposits launches in early January to drive adoption.
The partnership also supports agent-driven payments and onchain GPU-backed collateral, making PYUSD a core settlement layer for AI infrastructure.
👉 x.com/USDai_Official/status/2001680719098085384?s=20
Bybit returns to UK with 100 crypto trading pairs
Bybit has re-entered the United Kingdom after exiting in 2023 due to tightening local regulations, now offering spot trading on ~100 pairs for users. The comeback leverages a partnership with an FCA-authorized partner to meet financial promotion standards.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2025/12/19/bybit-returns-to-uk-with-100-crypto-trading-pairs-after-2-year-break
Bybit has re-entered the United Kingdom after exiting in 2023 due to tightening local regulations, now offering spot trading on ~100 pairs for users. The comeback leverages a partnership with an FCA-authorized partner to meet financial promotion standards.
👉 coindesk.com/business/2025/12/19/bybit-returns-to-uk-with-100-crypto-trading-pairs-after-2-year-break
Opinion Labs Spotlight. Recent News & Updates
Opinion rounds out the top three prediction platforms, driven by strong average volumes and growing platform traction. The Points Program is now live, featuring multipliers for selected markets, and the project has received support from YZi Labs and BNB Chain.
Explore the latest Opinion updates, partnerships, product launches, and ecosystem growth in the Spotlight below.
Opinion rounds out the top three prediction platforms, driven by strong average volumes and growing platform traction. The Points Program is now live, featuring multipliers for selected markets, and the project has received support from YZi Labs and BNB Chain.
Explore the latest Opinion updates, partnerships, product launches, and ecosystem growth in the Spotlight below.
Crypto Market Check-In. Major Events & Headlines
Crypto markets continue to show elevated volatility, with one potential driver being the $23B Bitcoin options expiry scheduled for next week.
Despite the ongoing pullback, builders remain active. The prediction markets narrative is gaining momentum, marked by a wave of fundraising rounds, doubling valuations, and multiple public testnet and mainnet launches. Let’s break down the most important market updates from the past 48 hours.
Crypto markets continue to show elevated volatility, with one potential driver being the $23B Bitcoin options expiry scheduled for next week.
Despite the ongoing pullback, builders remain active. The prediction markets narrative is gaining momentum, marked by a wave of fundraising rounds, doubling valuations, and multiple public testnet and mainnet launches. Let’s break down the most important market updates from the past 48 hours.
MAJOR UPCOMING EVENTS IN DECEMBER!
A full list of Major Upcoming Events, to be updated
👉 https://cryptodiffer.com/events
A full list of Major Upcoming Events, to be updated
👉 https://cryptodiffer.com/events
DraftKings unveils "DraftKings Predictions" under CFTC oversight
This strategic move bypasses state-level gambling bans, enabling DraftKings to compete with Kalshi and Polymarket in major markets where traditional online sports betting remains restricted.
👉 theblock.co/post/383326/draftkings-launches-standalone-predictions-app-under-cftc-oversight
This strategic move bypasses state-level gambling bans, enabling DraftKings to compete with Kalshi and Polymarket in major markets where traditional online sports betting remains restricted.
👉 theblock.co/post/383326/draftkings-launches-standalone-predictions-app-under-cftc-oversight
KGST (KGST) gets listed on Binance today, at 8:00 UTC
KGST is a fully-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Kyrgyz Som (KGS), designed to provide a digital currency solution for Kyrgyzstan and the broader Central Asian region.
👉 binance.com/en/support/announcement/detail/kyrgyz-som
KGST is a fully-backed stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the Kyrgyz Som (KGS), designed to provide a digital currency solution for Kyrgyzstan and the broader Central Asian region.
👉 binance.com/en/support/announcement/detail/kyrgyz-som
Eight CryptoPunks have found new home in the MoMA Museum in New York
The works were donated through an initiative led by Art on Blockchain, with participation from multiple crypto art collectors, and Larva Labs also contributed several pieces.
👉 x.com/cryptopunks/status/2002149824117031057?s=20
The works were donated through an initiative led by Art on Blockchain, with participation from multiple crypto art collectors, and Larva Labs also contributed several pieces.
👉 x.com/cryptopunks/status/2002149824117031057?s=20
Klarna partners with Coinbase to accept funding via USDC
Klarna is testing stablecoin-based funding via Coinbase, allowing institutions to provide capital in USDC. The collab gives Klarna access to a new pool of institutional capital denominated in digital assets.
👉 fortune.com/2025/12/19/klarna-coinbase-stablecoin-funds-institutional-investors/
Klarna is testing stablecoin-based funding via Coinbase, allowing institutions to provide capital in USDC. The collab gives Klarna access to a new pool of institutional capital denominated in digital assets.
👉 fortune.com/2025/12/19/klarna-coinbase-stablecoin-funds-institutional-investors/
PlusMore (PLUS) has launched whitelist to its application
PlusMore is a real-world utility rewards ecosystem and token project built around loyalty rewards. PlusMore aims to turn everyday card spending into on-chain earned rewards with tangible, merchant-funded value, rather than purely speculative tokenomics.
👉 x.com/plusmorexyz/status/2002007967437050085?s=20
PlusMore is a real-world utility rewards ecosystem and token project built around loyalty rewards. PlusMore aims to turn everyday card spending into on-chain earned rewards with tangible, merchant-funded value, rather than purely speculative tokenomics.
👉 x.com/plusmorexyz/status/2002007967437050085?s=20
Ethereum is shifting priority from proving speed to security
Ethereum Foundation is prioritizing security over speed by setting a strict 128-bit provable security standard for zkEVMs to be met by 2026. The move is designed to reduce systemic risks and align Ethereum with mainstream cryptographic benchmarks.
👉 cryptoslate.com/ethereum-foundation-refocuses-to-security-over-speed-sets-strict-128-bit-rule-for-2026/
Ethereum Foundation is prioritizing security over speed by setting a strict 128-bit provable security standard for zkEVMs to be met by 2026. The move is designed to reduce systemic risks and align Ethereum with mainstream cryptographic benchmarks.
👉 cryptoslate.com/ethereum-foundation-refocuses-to-security-over-speed-sets-strict-128-bit-rule-for-2026/
Top 10 Spot DEXs by Trading Volume in the last 30 days
Uniswap and PancakeSwap dominated trading volume this month, outpacing HumidiFi and other exchanges. Only Pump saw volume growth this month, while all other DEXs experienced sharp decline.
Uniswap and PancakeSwap dominated trading volume this month, outpacing HumidiFi and other exchanges. Only Pump saw volume growth this month, while all other DEXs experienced sharp decline.
Netflix announced the acquisition of Ready Player Me
Netflix is expanding its gaming ambitions with the acquisition of Ready Player Me, a popular avatar creation platform. The deal highlights Netflix’s focus on building persistent digital identities across games and interactive content.
👉 techcrunch.com/2025/12/19/netflix-acquires-gaming-avatar-maker-ready-player-me/
Netflix is expanding its gaming ambitions with the acquisition of Ready Player Me, a popular avatar creation platform. The deal highlights Netflix’s focus on building persistent digital identities across games and interactive content.
👉 techcrunch.com/2025/12/19/netflix-acquires-gaming-avatar-maker-ready-player-me/
Opinion Launches Christmas Carnival With 100,000 Extra PTS Drop
Starting today, OGs and newcomers will share an additional 100,000 PTS via Daily Warriors (20K PTS, 3+ trades/day for 10+ days), Volume Kings (20K PTS, $2K+/day for 10+ days), Binance Wallet Elite (10K PTS), Diamond Hands (20K PTS, Open Interest), and Mystery Finale (30K PTS) incentives.
The incentive will last for 2 weeks, until January 5.
👉 x.com/opinionlabsxyz/status/2002980697762607433?s=20
Starting today, OGs and newcomers will share an additional 100,000 PTS via Daily Warriors (20K PTS, 3+ trades/day for 10+ days), Volume Kings (20K PTS, $2K+/day for 10+ days), Binance Wallet Elite (10K PTS), Diamond Hands (20K PTS, Open Interest), and Mystery Finale (30K PTS) incentives.
The incentive will last for 2 weeks, until January 5.
👉 x.com/opinionlabsxyz/status/2002980697762607433?s=20
Mezo Unveils MEZO Tokenomics and Earn Incentive System
The total supply of 1,000,000,000 MEZO is allocated across Community (40%), Investors (30%), Thesis (20%), and Foundation (10%).
Mezo transforms Bitcoin from a store of value into a full banking experience, introducing MUSD, veBTC, and veMEZO, available through Mezo Earn Yields.
To date, Mezo has raised $28.5M in total commitments, backed by Pantera Capital, GSR, Bybit, Mantle EcoFund, Flowdesk, and other partners.
👉 x.com/MezoNetwork/status/2001733419378905474?s=20
The total supply of 1,000,000,000 MEZO is allocated across Community (40%), Investors (30%), Thesis (20%), and Foundation (10%).
Mezo transforms Bitcoin from a store of value into a full banking experience, introducing MUSD, veBTC, and veMEZO, available through Mezo Earn Yields.
To date, Mezo has raised $28.5M in total commitments, backed by Pantera Capital, GSR, Bybit, Mantle EcoFund, Flowdesk, and other partners.
👉 x.com/MezoNetwork/status/2001733419378905474?s=20
Treasuries & ETFs Board. Crypto Accumulation and Capital Flows
Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded approximately $497M in net outflows last week, aside from a single $457M inflow midweek. Ethereum ETFs saw continued selling pressure, with net outflows totaling around $643M.
In contrast, XRP spot ETFs posted a weekly net inflow of $82M, while SOL ETFs recorded $66.5M in net inflows, with none of the seven SOL ETFs registering outflows during the period.
Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded approximately $497M in net outflows last week, aside from a single $457M inflow midweek. Ethereum ETFs saw continued selling pressure, with net outflows totaling around $643M.
In contrast, XRP spot ETFs posted a weekly net inflow of $82M, while SOL ETFs recorded $66.5M in net inflows, with none of the seven SOL ETFs registering outflows during the period.