Crypto Highlights: Ethereum Shift, Tether Profits, Trump Pardons CZ

The crypto market saw a mix of institutional adoption, government experimentation, and regulatory developments this week. From JPMorgan’s move into crypto collateral to Tether’s record profits and a surprise pardon for Binance’s founder, the industry continues to evolve rapidly. Here are the top headlines shaping the digital asset space.

JPMorgan Allows Bitcoin and Ethereum as Collateral

JPMorgan announced it will allow institutional clients to use Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for loans and other financial activities. The move signals growing acceptance of digital assets within traditional banking.

The bank will manage crypto-backed collateral through its blockchain platform, Onyx. This decision marks a significant shift in how legacy institutions interact with crypto markets.

Ethereum Foundation Moves $650 Million in ETH

The Ethereum Foundation transferred 160,000 ETH, worth about $650 million, to a wallet previously used for selling coins. Such large transfers by the foundation often raise speculation about potential market impacts.

Analysts are watching closely for signs of liquidation or reallocation to grants and ecosystem funding. The move highlights the foundation’s ongoing financial management ahead of future Ethereum upgrades.

Kyrgyzstan to Launch National Stablecoin on BNB Chain

Kyrgyzstan’s central bank announced plans to issue a national stablecoin on the BNB Chain and develop a central bank digital currency (CBDC) for government payments. The initiative aims to enhance financial transparency and streamline public sector transactions.

By choosing the BNB Chain, Kyrgyzstan signals its intent to align with scalable, interoperable blockchain infrastructure. The country is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital currency innovation.

Trust Wallet Introduces Decentralized Futures Exchange

Trust Wallet launched a decentralized perpetual futures exchange (Perp DEX) integrated directly into its app. Users can now trade crypto derivatives with leverage of up to 100x while retaining full custody of their assets.

The move expands Trust Wallet’s ecosystem beyond simple storage and swapping capabilities. It also reflects the growing demand for decentralized trading alternatives amid tighter centralized exchange oversight.

DEX Futures Volume Surpasses $1 Trillion in October

Decentralized exchanges handling futures trading have already surpassed $1 trillion in trading volume this October, setting a new industry record. This milestone underscores the rapid growth of DeFi-based derivatives markets.

Factors driving the surge include higher leverage availability, reduced counterparty risks, and increased institutional participation. The rise marks a pivotal shift from centralized to decentralized trading platforms.

Tether Forecasts $15 Billion Profit for 2025

Tether’s CEO revealed expectations of roughly $15 billion in annual profit driven by returns from reserve assets. Most of these profits come from interest on short-term U.S. government bonds held as backing for USDT.

The figure reinforces Tether’s dominance in the stablecoin market and highlights how rising U.S. interest rates have benefited its balance sheet. Tether continues to expand its transparency reports amid ongoing scrutiny.

Japan May Let Banks Invest Directly in Crypto

Japan’s financial regulators are discussing allowing banks to own and invest in cryptocurrencies directly. The potential policy shift would mark a major step toward integrating digital assets into the traditional financial system.

It follows Japan’s broader efforts to position itself as a global crypto-friendly jurisdiction. If approved, this could encourage significant institutional participation in Japan’s crypto markets.

Coinbase Launches Private Transactions Feature

Coinbase unveiled a new private transactions feature designed to enhance user privacy. The update follows concerns about the company’s earlier efforts to develop private stablecoins. Users will now be able to send crypto with limited visibility into transaction details, improving confidentiality. The move positions Coinbase as a privacy-conscious exchange amid growing regulatory debates.

Dormant Bitcoin Miner Transfers $440 Million After 14 Years

An ancient Bitcoin wallet belonging to an early miner has come to life after 14 years of inactivity. The wallet transferred 4,000 BTC, or around $440 million, to a new address. Such movements from early addresses often attract attention due to their rarity and potential market implications. Analysts suggest the miner may be securing funds using updated wallet technology rather than selling.

Donald Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao

President Donald Trump issued a pardon for Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, citing political persecution as the reason. Zhao had previously faced legal challenges related to compliance and regulatory violations.

The decision has sparked intense debate across both political and crypto communities. It represents a rare intersection between high-level politics and the global crypto industry.

About Paybis

Paybis is a global cryptocurrency exchange platform that provides fast, secure, and user-friendly digital asset transactions. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat conversions, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

With a strong focus on security and compliance, Paybis is registered with regulatory authorities and implements industry-leading AML/KYC procedures. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, 24/7 customer support, and competitive exchange rates, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced traders.

Final Thoughts

From institutional adoption to national stablecoin projects and major regulatory shifts, this week’s developments reflect the accelerating integration of crypto into mainstream finance and politics. With new records, policy changes, and headline-making moves, the digital asset landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed.

Written by

Rem Vasilenko

Rem Vasilenko is a Growth Operations Manager at Paybis. With a keen interest in FinTech, Rem brings a unique perspective to the evolving digital finance landscape. He combines his passion for FinTech with his marketing and business skills to drive innovative strategies. Find him on LinkedIn.