1. Binance launches Binance Alpha to spotlight new projects
Binance introduces Binance Alpha, a platform designed to identify and highlight upcoming blockchain and crypto projects with strong potential for growth and innovation. The Fintech Times
2. New Zealand reduces merchant fees for card payments
New Zealand’s government cuts merchant service fees for card payments, aiming to lower costs for businesses and consumers, and improve payment system efficiency. Finextra
3. Trillium and Kaiko partner on crypto trade surveillance
Trillium Surveyor and Kaiko team up to provide institutional-grade crypto trade surveillance solutions, addressing rising demand for compliance in crypto markets. Finextra
4. Bulgarian market joins EU’s instant payment system
Bulgaria successfully integrates with the EU’s TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) service, enhancing the country’s payment infrastructure and real-time payments. Finextra
5. Parafin raises $100M in Series C funding round
US fintech Parafin secures $100 million in Series C funding, aimed at expanding its embedded finance solutions and accelerating business growth. Fintech Futures
6. Solv launches native token HyperLiquid for Bitcoin DeFi
Bitcoin-based DeFi project Solv launches its native token HyperLiquid, promising enhanced liquidity and staking options within the decentralized finance space. CoinTelegraph
7. Mara and Hut 8 announce massive BTC purchases
Bitcoin miners Mara and Hut 8 disclose significant BTC purchases, signaling their confidence in the long-term value of Bitcoin amid market volatility. Decrypt
8. Bitcoin leads crypto plunge as Dogecoin, Solana fall
Bitcoin leads a market-wide crypto slump, causing significant declines in altcoins like Dogecoin, Solana, and XRP, with investors facing a volatile market. Decrypt
9. Best Egg secures $1B for vehicle equity loan expansion
Best Egg raises $1 billion to expand its vehicle equity loan services, strengthening its position in the growing alternative lending market. Fintech Global
10. Flyeasy debuts in Asia Pacific with new partnership
Flyeasy enters the Asia Pacific market, collaborating with Blink Parametric and Zurich Edge to offer innovative travel insurance solutions in the region. Fintech Global
11. Edinburgh’s WorkPro raises £500K for expansion
Edinburgh-based WorkPro raises £500K in funding to expand its case management solutions, targeting sectors that require streamlined work processes. Fintech Global
12. Arthur Hayes predicts crypto market dump post-inauguration
Crypto oracle Arthur Hayes predicts a market downturn following the 2025 US Presidential Inauguration, citing potential economic impacts on the crypto space. Bitcoin.com
13. RIPE NCC plans for Q1 2025 published
RIPE NCC outlines its strategic plans for Q1 2025, focusing on supporting the growth of the internet infrastructure and addressing member needs. RIPE NCC
14. US government funds RIP and replace program
The US government allocates funds for the “RIP and Replace” program, aimed at replacing Huawei and ZTE equipment in telecom networks. Telecoms.com
15. BT wins £1.3B lawsuit despite excessive pricing
BT wins a £1.3 billion lawsuit against its suppliers, despite claims of excessive pricing practices, strengthening its position in the telecom market. Telecoms.com
16. Tim explores $700M bid for Sparkle
Italian telecom provider Tim is considering a $700 million bid for Sparkle, seeking to expand its footprint in the global telecom market. Telecoms.com
17. One NZ claims direct-to-cell milestone over T-Mobile US
One NZ claims the first direct-to-cell service in the Pacific region, outpacing T-Mobile US in rolling out next-gen connectivity for mobile users. Telecoms.com
18. Nokia and e-UAE launch world’s first gaming network slicing solution
Nokia and e-UAE unveil the first end-to-end fixed network slicing solution tailored for gaming, enhancing network performance for gamers globally. Telecoms.com
19. Eutelsat to launch another 100 OneWeb satellites
Eutelsat announces plans to launch an additional 100 OneWeb satellites, aiming to extend its global coverage and improve satellite internet services. Telecoms.com
20. NTT Docomo backs Ayar Labs with new funding
NTT Docomo invests in Ayar Labs, focusing on advancing optical computing technology to improve data center performance and scalability. Capacity Media
21. Japan’s top telcos to restore networks post-disasters
Japan’s leading telecom providers collaborate to implement strategies for quickly restoring networks after natural disasters, enhancing national resilience. Capacity Media
22. KT boosts network speeds with Ciena’s WaveLogic 6
KT Corporation improves network speeds with Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 technology, aiming to enhance connectivity and support future high-demand applications. Capacity Media
23. Harrison Street and AREP plan $1B data center expansion
Harrison Street and AREP partner to invest $1 billion in expanding data centers in Virginia, responding
