1. Astropay launches multicurrency wallet for global users
Astropay has unveiled a new multicurrency wallet designed to streamline cross-border finance, making it easier for users to manage and exchange multiple currencies in one app. FinTech Global
2. Wefox secures €170M amid slow fintech start
Wefox’s €170M funding round leads the fintech sector’s modest start in 2025, highlighting cautious investment trends as the market enters the new year. FinTech Global
3. BillBoxx raises $1.6M to improve African SME cash flow
African fintech BillBoxx secured $1.6M in pre-seed funding to address cash flow challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises across the continent. FinTech Global
4. Ryan acquires Altus Group’s property tax unit for $518M
Ryan has completed a $518M acquisition of Altus Group’s property tax services, strengthening its position in property tax consulting. FinTech Futures
5. Thomson Reuters buys SafeSend for $600M
Thomson Reuters has acquired tax automation firm SafeSend for $600M, expanding its tax and accounting software offerings. FinTech Futures
6. Phantom dismisses token airdrop rumors
Crypto wallet Phantom refuted rumors of a token airdrop, clarifying that it has no plans for a distribution event amid speculation. Cointelegraph
7. Solana memecoin Focai faces insider trading claims
Solana’s memecoin Focai is under scrutiny for alleged insider trading, with reports of Solana insiders profiting from early positions. Cointelegraph
8. Aave faces pushback on USDE pegging proposal
Aave’s proposal to peg Ethena’s USDE stablecoin to USDT has sparked community concerns about decentralization and security risks. Cointelegraph
9. Solana claims quantum-resistant blockchain upgrade
A Solana developer claims the network has become quantum-resistant, aiming to protect against future threats from quantum computing advances. Cointelegraph
10. JPMorgan highlights bitcoin and gold’s growing role
JPMorgan emphasized that the “debasement trade” is set to continue, with bitcoin and gold becoming key assets amid currency concerns. The Block
11. Hyperliquid leads as DEX futures hit $285B
Hyperliquid has emerged as a leader in decentralized exchange (DEX) futures trading, with the market reaching $285 billion in 2024. The Block
12. Coinbase explores new “Base Coin” initiative
Coinbase’s latest venture, “Base Coin,” is still in its exploratory phase as the company seeks to expand its blockchain offerings. The Block
13. Memecoin index hits record highs in 2024
Community-driven tokens have propelled the memecoin index to a record-breaking year, reflecting increased investor interest in meme-based cryptocurrencies. The Block
14. Mara loans 16% of BTC reserves for yield
Mara revealed that 16% of its bitcoin reserves have been loaned out to third parties to earn modest returns. The Block
15. Gaming Layer 2 tokens post losses in 2024
Gaming-focused Layer 2 token indices recorded losses in 2024, while other crypto sectors posted gains. The Block
16. Ripple ramps up US hiring amid expansion
Ripple has launched a hiring spree in the US, signaling its plans for expansion despite ongoing regulatory challenges. U.Today
17. Doom becomes a CAPTCHA for verification
Classic video game “Doom” has been adapted as a CAPTCHA tool for verification purposes, requiring players to defeat demons to confirm their identity. Decrypt
18. Spirit Blockchain to generate yield on Dogecoin
Spirit Blockchain Capital is working on a strategy to generate yield from Dogecoin holdings amid rising demand for meme-coin investment products. Decrypt
19. ARIN announces policy changes for IPv4 transfers
The American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) has updated its policies for IPv4 address transfers, aiming to improve transparency and efficiency. ARIN
20. Foreign smartphone sales in China plummet
Sales of foreign-made smartphones in China are declining, as local brands dominate the market amid shifting consumer preferences. Telecoms.com
21. US court blocks latest net neutrality push
A US court has struck down the latest net neutrality proposal from Democrats, citing legal challenges to federal regulations. Telecoms.com
22. Vodafone, MásMóvil finalize Spanish fiber venture
Vodafone Spain and MásMóvil have signed an agreement to create a joint fibre venture, expanding high-speed internet services in Spain. Telecoms.com
23. Deadline for EU’s common charger rules passes
The deadline for EU manufacturers to comply with common charger rules has passed, signaling stricter regulations on device compatibility. Telecoms.com
