TechFiWire

Vanguard is preparing for one of its biggest policy changes as the firm gets ready to enable trading of Vanguard crypto ETFs and other digital-asset-linked funds on its brokerage platform. The update, going live on December 1, 2025 , will allow tens of millions of clients to buy and sell regulated crypto ETF products for the first time. This shift marks a major departure from Vanguard’s long-held stance that crypto exposure does not align with its long-term investment approach. Brokerage platform to support crypto ETF trading Vanguard confirmed that its customers will soon be able to access ETFs and mutual funds that hold assets such as Bitcoin , Ethereum, XRP and Solana, provided they meet regulatory standards. The decision follows rising user demand, growing clarity around crypto ETF rules, and the increasing role of digital-asset funds in global markets. Reports indicate that Vanguard’s internal assessment concluded the infrastructure supporting crypto-focused ETFs has matured eno...

  Ethereum fell below the $3,000 mark, dropping to around $2,800 as global macroeconomic jitters — including concerns over a potential rate hike by the Bank of Japan (BoJ) — triggered selling pressure in risk assets. The slide erased a recent rebound from the $2,620 low seen in late November. According to on-chain statistics and technical indicators, the price move reflects a mix of caution and opportunity — pointing to conflicting signals for traders and investors. On-chain data shows mixed signals Blockchain metrics suggest that ETH might be carving out a local bottom. The token’s MVRV Z-Score, a measure of profit vs. market value for holders, is nearing historically significant accumulation zones — a hint that long-term investors may see the current dip as a buying opportunity. At the same time, network demand seems soft: transaction fees and usage data have dropped, which indicates weaker short-term on-chain activity. On the technical side, Ethereum remains caught between ...

 According to Shane Molidor, the founder of advisory firm Forgd, the shift from token launches to institutional-grade products like DATs has brought crypto’s chronic insider-trading problem into traditional finance. Molidor argues that early corporate crypto purchases — especially by DATs — often carry asymmetrical information. He notes that insiders sometimes know in advance when a DAT plans to buy certain tokens. That foreknowledge can allow them or external parties to buy ahead of the purchase. Once the DAT executes its large buy order, liquidity being thin, the price jumps. Then the insiders or front-runners benefit. This pattern mirrors what happened with token-launch markets: underpriced offerings or thin liquidity at launch meant early buyers often enjoyed outsized gains. The same structural risks — lack of transparency, limited disclosure, and speculative demand — now threaten institutional crypto products.  What this means for crypto treasuries DATs previously foc...

 Animoca Brands is positioning itself as a gateway for investors seeking exposure to altcoins rather than relying solely on a single asset like Bitcoin. According to recent statements by co-founder Yat Siu, the firm believes that altcoins — taken collectively — have greater potential than Bitcoin over the long term. As part of its plan to go public via a reverse-merger in 2026, Animoca Brands aims to build a diversified treasury of Web3, gaming, infrastructure, and DeFi-related altcoin investments. Siu compared Bitcoin to gold, noting that while Bitcoin may serve well as a reserve asset, it does not represent the full breadth of Web3 ecosystem activity — that is where a diversified altcoin portfolio could deliver stronger growth. Market context: Bitcoin, altcoins and investor sentiment The renewed interest in altcoins comes at a time when some analysts expect Bitcoin to stabilize or even rally. That backdrop may provide a window for altcoins to outperform. Animoca’s strategy r...

 South Korea is approaching a key deadline on December 10 for the proposed legislation that would regulate issuance and circulation of stablecoins nationwide. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and lawmakers behind the Digital Asset Basic Act are seeking to finalise rules that define who can issue stablecoins, how collateral and reserve management must be maintained, and under what conditions tokens may be circulated. Under the draft bill, companies — even non-bank entities — with minimum equity capital (as low as 500 million won) could potentially qualify to issue stablecoins. Proposals also include regulatory safeguards such as collateral requirements, reserve backing, internal control systems and disclosure norms aimed at protecting users and ensuring stability in the nascent stablecoin market. What’s at stake for digital assets in Korea If the South Korea stablecoin bill becomes law, it could trigger a wave of new stablecoin issuances — including tokens pegged to the K...

  Sony Bank , the financial-services arm of Sony Group , plans to launch a U.S. dollar–pegged stablecoin as early as fiscal 2026. The stablecoin will be used across Sony’s entertainment ecosystem — including games on PlayStation , anime streaming , subscriptions and other digital services — giving users an alternative to traditional credit-card payments . Sony Bank reportedly filed for a U.S. banking license in October — via a proposed subsidiary Connectia Trust — to handle issuance and compliance To build the required infrastructure, Sony has partnered with Bastion , a U.S.-based stablecoin infrastructure provider . Bastion’s platform will support the technical and regulatory backbone for the new coin. The rationale behind the stablecoin: U.S. customers represent over 30% of Sony Group’s external sales, making the U.S. an important market for digital content payments. A stablecoin could reduce transaction fees from credit cards and enable smoother digital commerce. Regulat...