🇻🇪 Venezuela's Banking Revolution: Integrating Bitcoin and Stablecoins

🌍 Venezuela is on the brink of a banking revolution with the development of a system that integrates stablecoins and bitcoin into its traditional banking network. Conexus, a payment-processing company that facilitates 40% of the country's electronic transfers, is spearheading this initiative. Rodolfo Gasparri, the president of Conexus, emphasized that the growing adoption of stablecoins as a hedge against devaluation is driving this project.

💡 The proposed system aims to enable Venezuelan banks to offer custody and transfer services for cryptocurrencies, as well as exchange services with fiat currencies. Gasparri explained that the need for Venezuelans to manage these assets prompted the idea for a blockchain project. He stated,

We’re working on a blockchain project because currencies fluctuate so much, and these days people in Venezuela are using stablecoins for hedging;

highlighting the current reliance on stablecoins in the country.

🔒 This initiative could significantly transform the perception of cryptocurrencies in Venezuela. Gasparri noted that being backed by banking regulations would provide a high level of security for holders of these assets. He said,

This provides a great deal of security because it regulates the circulation of bitcoins and USDT with transparency and appropriate regulations. Holders of these monetary assets are truly protected.

⏳ While there is no official launch date for the platform, analysts speculate it could be operational by December. Gasparri believes this development could mark a turning point in the history of the Venezuelan banking system.

🌐 This initiative positions Venezuela as a pioneer in the integration of blockchain technology into banking. If successful, it could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other countries and pave the way for an interconnected international network utilizing blockchain for foreign settlements.

📈 The Venezuelan case is particularly unique as the urgent need for a stable store of value drives this push. Other nations facing similar economic challenges, such as inflation and devaluation, may look to Venezuela's example as they explore the adoption of blockchain technology to simplify and reduce transaction costs.

🚫 Russia Bans Cryptocurrency for Domestic Payments Amid Digital Ruble Launch

🚫 As Russia prepares to launch its digital ruble, the country's central bank has firmly rejected the use of cryptocurrencies for domestic transactions. Elvira Nabiullina, the governor of the Bank of Russia, emphasized that

cryptocurrency cannot be used for payments within Russia

during a session in the State Duma.

📉 This statement reiterates the central bank's long-standing position that cryptocurrencies should not be utilized for national settlements due to their lack of regulatory control. However, Russian institutions have shown support for the use of cryptocurrencies in international transactions. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov noted the significant role of the crypto market in import payments and currency withdrawal operations, advocating for the legalization and regulation of this sector.

🪙 The de facto ban on cryptocurrency for internal payments clarifies the central bank's stance as the launch of the digital ruble approaches. By eliminating the possibility of using competing currencies, the Bank of Russia is positioning itself for the full adoption of the digital ruble, which is expected to be launched by fall 2026. Despite an estimated 20 million citizens using crypto and holding over $10.15 billion in assets, this decision restricts the use cases for these holdings.

🔒 Currently, the use of cryptocurrency for retail payments in Russia is prohibited as regulators believe they cannot control these flows. This stance paves the way for the exclusive use of the upcoming digital ruble, establishing a monopoly on currency use within the country.

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🚀 XRP ETF Set to Launch: A Game Changer for Institutional Investment

📈 XRP is poised for a significant breakthrough with the potential launch of the first U.S. spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) as early as next week. This development has sparked considerable excitement among institutional investors and signals a shift towards mainstream adoption of digital assets.

💬 Canary Capital, an investment management firm, announced on November 5 during Ripple’s Swell conference in New York that it is preparing to launch an XRP ETF.

We just launched our first two ETFs last week and hoping to launch an XRP ETF next week,

said Canary Capital CEO Steven McClurg. He emphasized the importance of the XRP Ledger as

financial rails

that compete with traditional financial systems like Wall Street.

📊 Nate Geraci, President of Novadius Wealth, expressed optimism about the upcoming launch on social media platform X. He predicted,

Sometime in next two weeks, I expect launch of first spot XRP ETFs.

Geraci noted the recent legal victories for Ripple against the SEC and stated,

IMO, launch of spot XRP ETFs represents final nail in coffin of previous anti-crypto regulators.

📉 Bitwise has also updated its filing for an XRP ETF, indicating confidence in a swift launch and strong inflows following the success of its solana ETF. Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan stated that the fund could reach $1 billion in assets within months due to significant institutional demand and support from the XRP community.

🌍 The anticipated launch of the XRP ETF represents a major milestone for the crypto industry and could reshape institutional investment in digital assets. Analysts expect rapid asset growth and a broader shift towards regulated crypto investment products.

🇪🇺 Italian Banks Support Digital Euro CBDC with Cost Spreading Request

💰 The Italian Banking Association (ABI) has expressed its support for the European Central Bank's (ECB) digital euro project. During a press seminar in Florence on November 8, 2025, ABI General Manager Marco Elio Rottigni emphasized the high costs associated with implementing the system and suggested that these costs could be spread over time.

📅 The ECB has moved the digital euro project to its next phase following a Governing Council meeting on October 29-30. A pilot program is scheduled for 2027, with a full launch anticipated in 2029, contingent upon EU legislation in 2026.

🌍 The initiative aims to preserve monetary sovereignty in the euro area and reduce dependence on non-European payment providers while addressing the rise of stablecoins. ABI has highlighted the capital expenditure pressures faced by banks and has recommended staggered investment timelines.

🗓 The availability of the digital euro will depend on the adoption of EU legislation and the results of the pilot program. Additionally, Fernando Navarrete, a Spanish MEP, is exploring a scaled-down parliamentary approach for the participation of member-state commercial banks.

🚨 Breaking: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Buys 487 Bitcoin as Crypto Market Rebounds

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🪙 Wintermute Report: Bitcoin Set to Outperform Altcoins in the Near Term

📉 A recent Wintermute report indicates that current conditions in the crypto market do not favor an imminent altcoin season. Instead, it suggests that Bitcoin (BTC) is likely to outperform altcoins in the short term.

When BTC trades between 10% and 20% from its peak, it outperforms altcoins roughly 54% of the time,

the report states. At the time of writing, BTC's price was about 16% below its all-time high. However, it had recently slipped below the crucial $100,000 threshold due to persistent bearish sentiment.

📊 Despite a brief recovery rally that pushed it back above $100K, BTC has struggled to regain the bullish momentum seen in previous months. This stagnation supports analyses from firms like Wintermute, which point to exhaustion in buying pressure and a challenging outlook for significant price appreciation.

📈 However, macro factors may soon shift. A recent U.S. government funding deal sparked a BTC rally to $106,000, highlighting how political developments can influence the market.

For the next leg, majors need to lead. History suggests alts only follow once BTC trades closer to its highs,

the report notes. Some blue-chip altcoins like HYPE, ENA, and UNI continue to show relative strength amid clearer U.S. regulatory signals and optimism around domestic market reopening.

🗓 Wintermute concludes that the next wave of volatility will likely be driven by policy and politics rather than positioning.

📈 21shares Launches Two New ETFs for Regulated Crypto Access

🚀 A growing demand for regulated access to digital assets is transforming investor strategies towards multi-token exposure. On November 13, 21shares, a crypto exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer, announced the launch of two index funds under the Investment Company Act of 1940. These funds aim to provide adaptive access to major cryptocurrencies through a framework typically used for traditional ETFs.

📊 The newly introduced funds are the 21shares FTSE Crypto 10 Index ETF (TTOP) and the 21shares FTSE Crypto 10 ex-BTC Index ETF (TXBC). Both ETFs track FTSE Russell indices that are rebalanced quarterly to reflect changes in market capitalization. According to the announcement,

The 21shares Crypto Index ETFs, TTOP and TXBC, allow investors access to top digital assets – such as bitcoin as a store of value, ethereum and solana for smart contracts and DeFi, and dogecoin as a community asset – without the need to manage wallets or keys.

💬 Federico Brokate, global head of business development at 21shares, emphasized the benefits of index products:

Index products have proven to be an excellent way for investors to gain diversified exposure in traditional markets... The same principle applies to crypto investing.

He noted that many clients prefer a simple, regulated way to access the entire market rather than selecting individual tokens.

🤝 The launch of these ETFs is in partnership with Teucrium, an experienced ETF adviser focused on alternative markets. This initiative follows 21shares’ recent merger with Falconx to enhance services across various financial areas, furthering its global expansion strategy.

🚨 Breaking: Michael Saylor’s Strategy Buys 8,178 Bitcoin Despite Crypto Bear Market Jitters

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📉 Bitcoin Dips Below $90K Amid Bearish Market Sentiment

📉 Bitcoin has fallen below $90K for the first time in seven months, reflecting a bearish sentiment in the crypto market. On Monday night, it dropped to $89,649, turning its year-to-date performance negative.

🔍 Despite the downturn, analysts struggle to identify a clear cause. Many believe that there has been significant positive news for Bitcoin this year, making the fall seem unwarranted. However, fears of an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble, an impending liquidity crisis, issues with some market makers' balance sheets, and uncertainty regarding the Federal Reserve's stance on interest cuts are cited as potential factors.

Bitcoin’s collapse relative to gold exposes the digital-gold hype as a fraud. Those who bought into it will sell,

said known Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff.

💪 Despite the decline, Bitcoin advocates remain optimistic. Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, noted that positive news about Bitcoin is being overshadowed by the uncertain macroeconomic environment. He stated that once this suppression is lifted, Bitcoin could surge to $200K by year-end.

This will be the last time anyone will be able to purchase Bitcoin below $90K,

predicted Gemini co-founder Cameron Winklevoss.

🛡 Bitcoin Cash Pioneers Post-Quantum Security with Quantumroot

🚀 Developer Jason Dreyzehner has introduced Quantumroot, marking a significant milestone as the first fully implemented post-quantum vault system integrated directly into Bitcoin Script. This innovation positions Bitcoin Cash as a leading cryptocurrency with a viable migration strategy for its users against impending quantum threats.

🔗 Bitcoin Cash is taking proactive measures for its long-term viability in the post-quantum era. The release of Quantumroot establishes it as the first major blockchain to offer a scalable and fully-implemented security solution against quantum computing risks.

⚠️ As advancements in quantum computing accelerate, concerns grow about their potential to target cryptocurrencies. Dreyzehner emphasizes that "quantum readiness" involves more than just updating cryptographic methods; it requires ensuring a smooth transition for users to prevent mass theft and network disruptions.

Cryptocurrencies that aren’t quantum ready would be vulnerable to mass theft,

he explained. He noted that Proof-of-Stake networks could even have their consensus compromised. Decentralized systems cannot simply patch centralized servers, making proactive preparation essential.

🌟 Quantumroot distinguishes itself from other proposals through its design and execution. By leveraging the UTXO model and CashVM’s introspection features, it offers 100–1000× lower fees than similar vaults on Ethereum while maintaining privacy and providing cost savings compared to current BCH/BTC wallets.

🔒 Dreyzehner describes Quantumroot’s cryptography as “maximally conservative.” The upcoming upgrades for Bitcoin Cash in 2025 and 2026 have facilitated this without requiring further consensus changes. Quantumroot vaults are already operational, equipped with contracts, test suites, and transaction-generation tools for wallet developers.

📈 CashVM’s efficiency allows for significant aggregation, enabling up to 800 inputs or 400 unique addresses in a single 100KB post-quantum transaction. This scalability enhances the capacity of fully validating BCH nodes, resulting in lower fees and improved censorship-resistance.

That translates to higher capacity, lower fees, and stronger censorship-resistance,

Dreyzehner said. He emphasized that these features are crucial for migrating millions of users to post-quantum vaults.

⏳ The timeline for quantum threats remains uncertain, with CRQCs potentially emerging within decades or as soon as 2030. However, much of the global infrastructure is already adopting quantum-safe systems. In contrast, Bitcoin Cash can start integrating post-quantum vaults immediately, with Quantumroot offering instant benefits in user experience and fees.

🌍 If widely adopted across wallets, Quantumroot could transform Bitcoin Cash’s role in the digital economy. Dreyzehner stated,

It reinforces BCH’s position as a multi-decade reserve asset.

He added that Quantumroot enhances Bitcoin Cash’s reliability as both sound money and a peer-to-peer cash system.

🎁 Crypto Takes Center Stage in Holiday Spending

💸 A growing enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies is reshaping holiday spending trends in the U.S., with consumers increasingly opting for digital assets over traditional gift cards. Recent research by Paypal in collaboration with the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) reveals that 17% of Americans prefer crypto as a holiday gift, while 31% believe it is less likely to go unused.

Crypto is a modern take on a classic holiday gift—it’s fast, secure, and can be used or saved with the opportunity to grow in value,

said Stuart Alderoty, Ripple’s chief legal officer. He noted that education remains a barrier for many consumers who are interested in cryptocurrencies but unsure about their mechanics and security.

📊 Survey data indicates that 24% of adults have given or are considering giving crypto this season. Nearly one-third see it as less likely to go unused than a gift card. The findings show that 23% intend to shop with crypto during the holidays, with younger adults aged 18–54 displaying significant enthusiasm for its flexibility and excitement. However, older consumers remain more cautious.

The holidays highlight the power of giving, and digital currencies are quickly becoming a preferred choice,

said May Zabaneh, Vice President and General Manager of Crypto at Paypal. She emphasized that crypto makes transactions faster and easier than ever, and Paypal is focused on making these experiences simple and accessible for everyone.

🚀 Despite some lingering skepticism, crypto's potential for appreciation, digital convenience, and low-friction global settlement continue to support its integration into consumer behavior during the holiday season.

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🗳 Prediction Markets vs. Traditional Polling: Insights from Crypto

📈 Travis McGhee, the Global Head of Predictions at Crypto, asserts that prediction markets are more accurate than traditional polling methods, particularly in forecasting events like the 2024 U.S. presidential election. He emphasizes that the financial stakes involved in prediction markets motivate participants to seek accurate information, leading to more reliable outcomes.

💰 Unlike polls that rely on limited samples, prediction markets aggregate data from a diverse range of sources, including retail traders and global news cycles. This combination of financial incentives and broad participation allows for sharper forecasts.

⚖️ However, prediction markets face legal challenges. Despite being registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), they are often embroiled in disputes with state gaming commissions. Recent court rulings have highlighted the tension between federal oversight and state regulations.

🗣 McGhee acknowledges the impact of legal uncertainties on Crypto's platform but remains optimistic about the industry's future. He stated,

We believe that courts will ultimately rule in our favor. We are bullish on our growth plans for our prediction markets offering.

🎬 To demonstrate this optimism, Crypto continues to operate within the existing regulatory framework and has partnered with Hollywood to launch an entertainment-focused prediction market. This initiative aims to provide fans with a legal way to trade on outcomes related to movies and music.

🔍 Addressing concerns about market integrity, McGhee argues that prediction markets pose similar risks to any CFTC-regulated derivative. He emphasized that Crypto conducts real-time market surveillance to identify and address inappropriate behavior.

🌍 Looking ahead, McGhee sees significant growth potential for prediction markets. He anticipates that as these markets become more integrated into mainstream digital engagement, they could evolve into a trillion-dollar industry connecting real-world events.

🚀 The Rise of Crypto-Driven Perpetual Futures in Global Markets

📈 Perpetual futures are becoming a significant force in global price discovery, challenging traditional exchanges to adapt or risk obsolescence. Arthur Hayes, co-founder of Bitmex, emphasized this shift in a recent publication, stating that crypto-native structures are rapidly surpassing legacy derivatives.

Why will derivatives trading volume across the world and across all financial assets migrate from dated futures and options contracts to never-expiring perps?

Hayes posed this question to highlight the growing tension between conventional clearinghouses and the new margin systems designed for high-leverage, round-the-clock participation.

📊 He pointed out that equity perpetuals are expected to see significant growth by 2026 as their continuous access and concentrated liquidity draw in both speculative and hedging activities.

Equity perps will become the hottest product of 2026,

he predicted, noting that both centralized and decentralized exchanges are poised to expand their offerings in response to rising interest in these instruments.

🌍 Hayes also discussed how perpetual contracts could become the preferred method for managing overnight and weekend index risks, particularly during geopolitical or macroeconomic events that occur outside the operating hours of traditional exchanges.

I predict that by the end of 2026, price discovery for the largest US tech stocks and the key US indices (i.e. S&P 500, Nasdaq 100) will happen on perps markets serving retail,

he projected. He suggested that political momentum in the United States could support the development of crypto markets through 2029,allowing international regulators to align with this stance.

🚨 Hayes warned traditional exchanges that failure to adapt to continuous, crypto-style derivatives could lead to a loss of relevance as liquidity shifts towards platforms offering deeper leverage and uninterrupted access.

Therefore, in 2025, it’s time for the TradFi to adapt or die to perps and other crypto innovations,

he stated.