The Defiant
DeFi and decentralized finance news and analysis
Celo Proposes Shifting Opera to 'Long-Term Stakeholder' With 160M CELO Grant
Celo has submitted a governance proposal to replace Opera's quarterly CELO grants with a one‑time allocation of 160 million tokens, valued at roughly $13 million. The grant would shift Opera from a distribution partner to a long‑term network stakeholder, with the tokens coming from Celo's unreleased treasury. At the time of the announcement CELO rallied over 7%, despite the broader market downturn. The deal represents about 27% of the token's circulating supply and requires community approval.
EtherFi to Tap Plume's Nest Vaults for Real-World Asset Yield
EtherFi, a crypto neobank with roughly $6 billion TVL, is integrating Plume Network’s Nest Vault infrastructure to offer tokenized real‑world asset yield via the nBASIS vault powered by Superstate’s USCC fund. The partnership will initially re‑allocate capital to the vault, followed...
Kraken Shelves IPO Plans Amid Market Headwinds: CoinDesk
Kraken has suspended its planned initial public offering after filing a draft S‑1 in November 2025 that targeted a $20 billion valuation. The decision reflects broader market headwinds that have made crypto‑focused IPOs increasingly risky. While the exchange had been exploring...
Ethereum Foundation Deposits Another $7.5M in ETH From Its Treasury Into Morpho
The Ethereum Foundation announced a fresh deposit of 3,400 ETH—about $7.5 million—into DeFi lending protocol Morpho, bringing its total commitment to the platform to just under $19 million. The allocation follows the foundation’s June 2025 “Defipunk” treasury policy, which prioritizes permissionless, open‑source projects over...
Kraken Pro Expands Margin Trading to 44 Pairs in Largest Leverage Expansion: Kraken
Kraken Pro announced its largest leverage expansion, adding margin trading to 44 additional pairs across five asset categories, including stablecoins, gold tokens, BTC/ETH regional pairs, mid‑cap assets, and DeFi blue‑chips. The move brings the platform’s total margin markets to over...
DAO Governance Platform Tally Shuts Down After Six Years, Citing Lack of Viable Market Demand: Tally
DAO governance platform Tally announced it will cease operations after six years. The service had over one million users, supported hundreds of DAOs, and processed more than $1 billion in payments. Co‑founder and CEO Dennison Bertram cited reduced demand, a relaxed...
Ethereum's Fast Confirmation Rule Targets 13-Second Bridge Times with 98% Reduction: Ethereum Foundation
Ethereum Foundation unveiled a Fast Confirmation Rule (FCR) to slash bridge times between Layer 1 and Layer 2 to roughly 13 seconds. The new mechanism promises an 80‑98% reduction compared with current finality, leveraging attestations rather than traditional blocks. Importantly, the upgrade...
OpenSea Delays Token Launch Again, Citing Market Conditions
OpenSea has postponed the SEA token generation event originally slated for March 30, citing unfavourable market conditions and will not announce a new date. The platform is ending its current Treasure rewards wave and will allow users from Seasons 3‑6 to claim...
Venus Protocol Exploited for $3.7M Through Supply Cap Manipulation: On-Chain Analysis
Venus Protocol on BNB Chain suffered a $3.7 million exploit that manipulated its supply‑cap controls. The attacker leveraged Thena (THE) tokens to bypass maximum supply limits and borrow multiple assets, likely using flash‑loan or price‑manipulation techniques. In response, Venus paused borrowing...
Crypto Rally Fizzles on Iran Escalation Fears
Crypto markets opened Friday strong, with Bitcoin climbing to $71,200 and the broader market cap hitting $2.51 trillion. A Wall Street Journal report of increased U.S. military presence in the Middle East sparked a rapid reversal, erasing most gains as Bitcoin...
AI Tokens Surge as Crypto Market Rallies
AI-focused cryptocurrencies outperformed the broader market on March 13, with the sector’s total market capitalization rising 5% to $15.1 billion. Bittensor’s TAO token led gains, up nearly 9% in a day and 33% over the week, while FET and RENDER posted...
TRUMP Surges Over 50% on Mar-a-Lago Conference News
The official Trump memecoin surged more than 50% in under 24 hours after announcing an exclusive conference at Mar‑a‑Lago for the top 297 token holders. The token rose from $2.76 to a peak of $4.35 before settling around $3.82, still...
Token2049, TON Gateway Cancel Dubai Events Amid Iran Conflict
Two major Dubai‑based crypto events have been cancelled or postponed due to the escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict. Token2049’s Dubai edition, originally set for April 29‑30, 2026, has been pushed to April 2027, while the TON Gateway conference scheduled for May has been scrapped entirely....
Pumpfun Launches Automated Buyback Tool for AI Agent Tokens
Pumpfun, a Solana‑based memecoin launchpad, has introduced Tokenized Agents, a tool that automatically channels AI‑generated revenue into token buybacks and burns. Developers set a revenue‑share percentage, and once at least $10 in SOL or USDC is accumulated, a centralized authority...
Bitcoin Holds Above $70,000 as U.S. Inflation Remains Subdued
Bitcoin held above the $70,000 mark on Wednesday, trading around $70,500 after the U.S. consumer price index rose 0.3% for the month, keeping annualized inflation at 2.4% in line with expectations. The broader crypto market nudged higher, with total market...
Ethena's Deployed Capital Slumps as Demand for Leverage Dries Up
WuBlockchain’s latest analysis shows Ethena’s deployed capital, a proxy for excess long demand, has collapsed to $791 million, an 85 % drop from its peak. The decline follows a 60 % reduction since Bitcoin fell to $60,000, leaving directional longs and shorts nearly...
AI Agents Can Now Transact Via MetaMask Without Accessing Private Keys, Says CoinFello
CoinFello unveiled an open‑source OpenClaw skill that lets AI agents, known as MoltBots, execute on‑chain transactions through MetaMask without ever accessing private keys. The skill leverages MetaMask’s Smart Accounts Kit, employing ERC‑4337 smart accounts and ERC‑7710 delegations to grant narrowly...
Across Protocol Proposes Shift From DAO to Private Company
Risk Labs, the team behind the Across cross‑chain bridge, has submitted a proposal to dissolve its token‑based DAO and re‑incorporate as a U.S. C‑corporation. ACX token holders may either swap tokens for equity at a 1:1 ratio or sell them...
Ledger Uncovers Security Vulnerability That Could Affect 25% of Android Phones
Ledger’s in‑house security team disclosed a critical flaw in Android phones powered by MediaTek chips, potentially affecting up to 25% of devices. The vulnerability lets attackers extract root cryptographic keys and decrypt full‑disk storage even when the phone is off,...
Wells Fargo Files Trademark for 'WFUSD,' Signaling Stablecoin Ambitions
Wells Fargo filed a trademark application for the ticker “WFUSD,” covering cryptocurrency exchange services, blockchain payment verification, hardware wallets and NFT software. The naming aligns with conventional stablecoin tickers, suggesting the bank may be preparing a dollar‑pegged digital token. The move...
Circle Launches Nanopayments on Testnet
Circle has introduced Nanopayments on a testnet, providing developers with a gas‑free infrastructure for ultra‑small USDC transfers. The solution aggregates off‑chain transactions and settles them in periodic on‑chain batches across multiple L2 networks, eliminating per‑transaction fees. Built on the Circle...
Jito Foundation Acquires Solana News Outlet SolanaFloor
The Jito Foundation, which runs Solana’s second‑largest liquid staking protocol, announced the acquisition of SolanaFloor, a Solana‑focused news outlet. SolanaFloor, which had announced its shutdown two weeks earlier, resumed publishing on March 10 under Jito’s stewardship. The foundation pledged to preserve...
Treasury Report Identifies Technology Tools to Counter Digital Asset Crime
The U.S. Treasury submitted a congressional report under the GENIUS Act outlining how emerging technologies can combat digital‑asset crime. It disclosed over $9 billion in digital‑asset fraud losses in 2024, with investment scams rising 47% and North Korean actors stealing $2.8 billion....
Nasdaq Taps Kraken as Settlement Layer for Tokenized Stock Initiative
Nasdaq announced a partnership with Kraken’s parent Payward to build a settlement layer for its new equity‑token design. The collaboration will connect Nasdaq’s infrastructure with Kraken’s xStocks platform, enabling tokenized stocks to move between regulated, permissioned markets and permissionless DeFi...
SuperRare Unveils Liquid Editions
SuperRare has launched Liquid Editions, ERC‑20 tokens with embedded liquidity pools that let artworks evolve based on live market data. The debut piece by artist Ripe visualizes real‑time value discovery, using on‑chain price and depth as creative inputs. Artists can...
Curve Accuses PancakeSwap of Using Stableswap Code Without Authorization
Curve Finance has publicly accused PancakeSwap of incorporating its StableSwap algorithm without obtaining a license, alleging a breach of the code’s open‑source terms. PancakeSwap rolled out the StableSwap feature on BNB Smart Chain on March 1, prompting Curve to reach out...
RedStone Oracle Infra Goes Live on Stellar to Boost DeFi on the Network
Oracle provider RedStone has deployed its price‑feed infrastructure on the Stellar blockchain, aiming to strengthen the network’s decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Stellar’s on‑chain real‑world asset (RWA) value recently surpassed $1.3 billion, a 25 % rise in the last month and 50 % year‑to‑date....
SoFi and Mastercard Join Forces to Integrate SoFiUSD for Global Settlement
SoFi and Mastercard announced a partnership to embed the neobank’s USD‑backed stablecoin, SoFiUSD, into Mastercard’s global payments network. The integration will allow SoFiUSD to be used for settlement across the network and on Mastercard’s Multi‑Token Network, a digital‑asset platform. Launched...
Aave Chan Initiative Announces Exit From Aave DAO Amid Governance Rift
The Aave Chan Initiative (ACI), responsible for 61% of Aave governance actions and nearly half of its revenue strategy, announced a four‑month wind‑down and will not renew its contract with the Aave DAO. The decision stems from perceived governance opacity...
Court Dismisses Class Action Lawsuit Against Uniswap
A New York federal court dismissed the class‑action lawsuit against Uniswap Labs, ruling that the decentralized exchange cannot be held liable for fraudulent activities carried out by third‑party users. The decision, issued by Judge Katherine Polk Failla, dismissed federal claims...
Crypto Worth $580 Million Seized From Chinese Transnational Criminal Networks
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of more than $580 million in cryptocurrency tied to Chinese transnational criminal groups. The operation was driven by the DC Scam Center and the Strike Force, a joint law‑enforcement initiative targeting cross‑border crypto...
Barclays Evaluates Blockchain-Based Settlement
Barclays is assessing blockchain‑based settlement platforms to integrate stablecoins and tokenized deposits, with a vendor expected to be chosen by April 2026. The move marks a reversal from its earlier cautious stance on crypto toward active blockchain investment. Barclays also...
MoonPay and M0 Launch PYUSDx Stablecoin Development Framework
MoonPay and M0 have introduced PYUSDx, a development framework that lets developers launch application‑specific stablecoins backed by PayPal’s PYUSD. The platform combines M0’s universal stablecoin engine with MoonPay’s distribution network, offering branded tokens, cross‑chain support, rapid time‑to‑market and transparent reserve...
Decibel Perpetuals Exchange Launches on Aptos
Decibel, an Aptos‑incubated perpetual derivatives DEX, went live on the Aptos mainnet alongside its Amps points incentive program. The platform debuted with a central limit order book model, on‑chain risk engine, and cross‑chain support for Ethereum and Solana deposits. Testnet...
Korean CEX Listings Continue to Boost Altcoins
South Korean centralized exchanges Bithumb and UpBit have again demonstrated their power to move altcoin prices, with recent listings of Centrifuge’s CFG and Espresso’s ESP driving 177% and 103% gains respectively. The spikes, however, are typically short‑lived as trading volumes...
PIPPIN Jumps 23% as AI and Meme Tokens Gain Momentum
PIPPIN, an AI‑driven memecoin on Solana, surged 23% in the last 24 hours, outpacing major cryptocurrencies. The token now trades around $0.87, marking a 70% weekly gain and a 169% rise over the past month. Its market cap sits near...
Circle Reveals Plans for Native Arc Token
Circle’s chief executive Jeremy Allaire announced on the Q4 2025 earnings call that the firm is actively exploring a native token for its Arc blockchain. The Arc network, launched on a public testnet in October 2025, is tailored for stablecoin issuance with...
Resolv and Centrifuge Launch $100 Million Tokenized Credit Strategy on Aave
Centrifuge and Resolv are deploying up to $100 million of JAAA, a tokenized AAA‑rated credit fund, as leveraged collateral on Aave Horizon, creating the largest real‑world asset loop in DeFi to date. Resolv will lock JAAA to generate yield for its...
ETH Slides 35% in a Month as ETF Flows Turn Negative
Ethereum’s spot ETFs saw a sharp contraction, with holdings falling from over 6.1 million ETH in late January to about 5.8 million ETH by Feb. 23, trimming total assets from $18.6 billion to roughly $11.9 billion. The price of ETH dropped about 35% over the...
Fluid Proposes Establishing a Foundation Funded by $3M Annual Grant From DAO
Fluid DAO’s governance has put forward a proposal to create a Cayman‑registered non‑profit foundation that would own the protocol’s smart‑contract code, front‑end, domains and trademarks. The foundation would be funded by a $250,000 monthly grant—about $3 million a year—drawn from the...
21Shares Launches TSUI ETF on Nasdaq
21Shares has launched the TSUI exchange‑traded fund on Nasdaq, giving U.S. investors a regulated, spot‑based way to own the Sui (SUI) token. The ETF trades alongside traditional equities, allowing brokerage accounts to access crypto without custodial hurdles. At launch, SUI...
Crypto Markets Struggle as BTC Slips Below $64K
Bitcoin slipped below $64,000 on Feb. 24, pulling the total crypto market down 2.5% to roughly $2.27 trillion. The decline marked a 3% daily drop for BTC and a 6% weekly loss, with Ethereum and other top‑10 tokens also posting losses. Analysts...
Meta Explores Stablecoin Revival, Eyes Partnership with Stripe
Meta has issued a request for proposals to launch a new stablecoin this year, signaling a revival of its earlier Libra/Diem ambitions. The company is reportedly exploring a partnership with payments leader Stripe to tap its infrastructure and expertise. This...
Crypto Traders Attempt to Frontrun ZachXBT’s Upcoming Exposé
Crypto traders dumped high‑revenue altcoins MET, HYPE and PUMP after on‑chain analyst ZachXBT announced a forthcoming exposé on insider trading within a major DeFi business. MET fell 6.5%, HYPE 4.4% and PUMP 6.6% as investors rushed to exit. A Polymarket...
Crypto.com Secures Conditional Approval for National Trust Bank Charter
Crypto.com has secured conditional approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to charter Foris Dax National Trust Bank, operating as Crypto.com National Trust Bank. The bank will deliver custody, staking and trade‑settlement services under OCC supervision,...
Trump's 'Board of Peace' Is Exploring a USD Stablecoin for Gaza: FT
A Trump‑initiated “Board of Peace” is studying a U.S.‑dollar‑pegged stablecoin for Gaza. Israeli entrepreneur Liran Tancman leads the effort, partnering with the 14‑member National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the UN Office of the High Representative. The digital...
Why DAO Governance Always Turns Political
The article argues that DAO governance inevitably becomes political because decision‑making power concentrates among token holders, developers, and early investors. It highlights how voting mechanisms, token distribution inequities, and off‑chain influence create factions and lobbying within decentralized communities. Real‑world examples...
Base AI Tokens Outperform Altcoin Market
AI tokens on Base are outpacing the broader altcoin market, with established projects VVV and TIBR posting 16% and 23% gains respectively over the past 24 hours. New entrant CONWAY briefly surged to a $12 million market cap before tumbling 55%...
Crypto Markets Tick Up Following Supreme Court Tariff Ruling
Crypto markets nudged higher on Friday after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated President Trump’s emergency tariffs. Bitcoin traded near $67,728, up 1.2%, while Ethereum rose 1.5% to $1,970, pushing total market capitalization to roughly $2.4 trillion, a 1.3% daily gain. Leveraged...
Fusaka Upgrade Fuels Record Address Poisoning on Ethereum
The recent Fusaka upgrade slashed Ethereum gas fees by sixfold, creating record‑low transaction costs. This price drop sparked a dramatic rise in address‑poisoning attacks, with daily dust transactions jumping from roughly 30,000 to 167,000 and peaking at 510,000. In just...