Cryptocurrency index investing is emerging as a strategic solution for managing the volatility of the digital asset market. By bundling multiple cryptocurrencies into a single investment vehicle, index funds allow investors to diversify risk and gain exposure without the complexities of managing individual assets. It approach is particularly appealing to institutional investors looking to include crypto in their portfolios.
The growing popularity of crypto index funds reflects their ability to streamline investment strategies. These funds offer a range of options, from focusing on stable assets like Bitcoin and Ether to targeting high-growth sectors such as decentralised finance. As the market matures, crypto index investing continues to attract professional investors seeking a balanced and risk-managed entry into the digital economy.
Stablecoins are now a crucial part of Sub-Saharan Africa’s crypto economy, representing 43% of the region’s total transaction volume, according to a report from Chainalysis. In nations struggling with unstable currencies and limited access to US dollars, dollar-pegged tokens like Tether and USDC are helping businesses and individuals manage value and carry out international trade.
Due to foreign exchange shortages, with 70% of African countries affected, many are turning to stablecoins as an alternative to traditional financial systems. Ethiopia, which recently devalued its currency by 30%, has experienced a 180% rise in stablecoin transfers, signalling growing reliance on this digital solution.
Experts believe stablecoins will continue to shape the region’s financial future. Rob Downes, head of digital assets at ABSA Bank, expects these tokens to be the primary crypto use case in South Africa within the next few years, as the need for dollar equivalents rises.
Kazakhstan’s financial regulators have frozen $1.2 million in cryptocurrency and shut down 19 illegal over-the-counter platforms, marking a significant step in their ongoing crackdown on unlicensed crypto activity. These platforms, with a combined turnover exceeding $60 million, were operating illegally and posed risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
In addition to freezing funds, the Financial Monitoring Agency has targeted illegal crypto-mining operations. Since the start of the year, authorities have dismantled nine mining sites and seized around 4,000 mining rigs. Furthermore, more than 5,500 unlicensed online exchangers have been blocked as part of this broad regulatory effort.
Kazakhstan’s attempts to tighten its control over the crypto industry extend to major international players. In December 2023, the country banned the US-based crypto exchange Coinbase, accusing it of violating local laws regarding the trading of uninsured digital assets.
Ohio Senator Niraj Antani has introduced a bill to allow residents to pay their state and local taxes using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. Announced at the end of September, the proposal aims to push Ohio into the digital age by embracing cryptocurrencies for government transactions, giving taxpayers a modern option to settle their obligations. Senator Antani emphasised the importance of keeping the state’s economy innovative, stating that cryptocurrencies represent both the present and the future.
The new proposal follows a similar attempt in 2018, which was short-lived due to bureaucratic issues. Antani’s bill is designed to avoid the hurdles that caused the previous initiative to fail. By explicitly mandating the acceptance of crypto payments for taxes, the legislation seeks to establish Ohio as a leader in crypto integration for public services. The bill also proposes allowing state universities and pension funds to invest in digital assets, offering more financial flexibility.
However, concerns have emerged about potential privacy risks, with critics arguing that the move could expose taxpayers’ crypto transactions to government scrutiny. The bill is currently awaiting committee assignment and must navigate the legislative process before being enacted. If successful, Ohio would follow in the footsteps of states like Colorado, which introduced a similar programme in 2022.
Bithumb, one of South Korea’s leading crypto exchanges, has announced plans for an initial public offering on the Nasdaq stock exchange, aiming for a listing in the second half of 2025. The announcement was made during a shareholders’ meeting, where Bithumb confirmed it is actively pursuing this IPO with Samsung Securities as its lead underwriter.
In a strategic move to enhance its IPO prospects, Bithumb has implemented a 60:40 corporate share split, allowing the exchange to concentrate on its core business while spinning off non-essential activities, such as investment and real estate leasing. This newly formed entity is set to be named Bithumb Korea or Bithumb Investment.
This isn’t Bithumb’s first attempt at going public; the exchange previously sought a Kosdaq listing in 2020 but abandoned the effort due to regulatory uncertainties. With South Korea‘s crypto regulations remaining tight, the firm hopes to find a more favourable environment in the US, following in the footsteps of Coinbase, which is already listed on Nasdaq.
Despite facing challenges, including an operating loss of $11 million in the last fiscal year and a steep decline in revenue, Bithumb remains optimistic about its future growth and is gearing up for this significant transition to the public market.
Deep in the Swiss Alps, a nuclear bunker serves as an ultra-secure home for Xapo Bank’s Bitcoin vault. The hidden facility, originally designed to withstand nuclear attacks, now protects millions in Bitcoin, utilising top-tier security technology. With layers of protection ranging from biometric ID checks to Faraday cages, the bank ensures no unauthorised access.
Xapo Bank employs multiparty computation (MPC) to secure its Bitcoin holdings. Instead of using traditional multisig methods, MPC breaks up private keys into parts stored in different locations. This method eliminates the risk of any one person controlling the full key, offering unmatched protection.
The bunker itself is a marvel of engineering. Outfitted with HEPA filters, underground lakes for cooling, and military-grade defences, it’s designed to survive anything from natural disasters to attacks. Xapo Bank’s clients enjoy peace of mind, knowing their Bitcoin is housed in one of the most secure facilities in the world.
Cybersecurity experts have uncovered a novel tactic used by hackers to deliver malware for covert crypto mining. Hackers are now exploiting automated email replies from compromised accounts to infect businesses in Russia, including financial institutions, with the XMRig mining tool. Since May, over 150 emails containing this malicious software have been detected, but most were blocked by Facct, a leading threat intelligence firm.
This technique is particularly dangerous as it involves victims initiating contact, and expecting a reply from their initial email. Due to this established communication, many are unsuspecting of the malware attached. Facct urges organisations to stay vigilant by conducting regular cybersecurity training and adopting strong passwords with multifactor authentication.
The XMRig software, often used in crypto mining attacks, has been part of several widespread malware campaigns since 2020, highlighting the persistent threat of cybercriminals using innovative methods to target vulnerable systems.
TRON DAO recently took centre stage as the title sponsor at TOKEN2049 Singapore, the largest Web3 conference globally, held at Marina Bay Sands. During the event, Community Spokesperson Dave Uhryniak delivered an enlightening keynote about TRON’s commitment to enhancing blockchain security. He announced the establishment of the T3 Financial Crime Unit (T3 FCU) in collaboration with Tether and TRM Labs, aimed at combating illicit activities involving USDT on the TRON blockchain.
The conference brought together prominent figures from the crypto industry, fostering discussions on innovation and growth in the digital asset space. TRON founder Justin Sun delivered opening remarks at multiple events, including an afterparty co-hosted with HTX DAO, which featured live music, complimentary refreshments, and a lively atmosphere for attendees to network and celebrate.
In addition, TRON DAO supported Google Cloud’s event titled ‘AI and Web3: Building a Trusted Digital Future,’ where Sun discussed the transformative potential of merging AI and blockchain technologies. The DAO also participated in Crypto Fight Night, highlighting the resilience of builders in the TRON ecosystem through a unique boxing tournament that integrates cryptocurrency.
TRON DAO’s involvement in TOKEN2049 emphasises its dedication to community empowerment and innovation, positioning the organisation as a leader in the evolving blockchain landscape.
Solana has emerged as the leading blockchain in terms of daily active addresses, surpassing established players like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Recent data reveals that Solana recorded 3.04 million active addresses, showcasing its increasing traction in the blockchain space. In comparison, Toncoin and Tron also showed impressive numbers with 2.89 million and 2.5 million active addresses, respectively, highlighting their growing ecosystems and user engagement.
While Bitcoin and Ethereum maintain strong market positions, their daily active addresses lag significantly behind newer competitors. Bitcoin registered about 779,650 active addresses, while Ethereum saw around 417,900. This trend suggests that newer blockchains may be drawing users away, likely due to factors such as lower transaction fees and faster processing times.
Other noteworthy blockchains, including Litecoin, Algorand, Dogecoin, and Avalanche, displayed varying levels of daily activity, reflecting a diverse landscape in user engagement. As blockchain technology continues to advance, the competition among these networks is set to intensify, potentially reshaping the future of digital asset interactions.
Visa has launched a new platform to help banks test tokenized assets and smart contracts, marking a significant step in its growing involvement in the digital asset sector. The payment giant’s tokenised asset sandbox has already been trialled by Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, to guide banks in navigating the evolving financial landscape. Visa’s initiative is part of a broader push to integrate fiat-backed tokens into the blockchain, offering regulated solutions for banks to issue their tokens and engage in on-chain capital markets.
Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Crypto, highlighted the growing opportunity for banks as real-world assets become tokenised on blockchains. He stressed that a regulated approach is essential, ensuring customers can access these digital markets safely. Visa’s move aligns with trends in traditional finance, where firms like BlackRock see immense potential in tokenising financial assets, a development that could revolutionise the industry. Central Banks are also exploring how tokenisation can modernise finance, with Visa playing a key role in advancing this transition.
