Crossmint Secures $23.6 Million to Facilitate the World’s Onchain Transition

With the participation of Ribbit Capital, Franklin Templeton, NYCA, First Round, Lightspeed Faction, and HF0, Crossmint will accelerate its mission to bring every business and AI agent onchain. Crossmint Raises $23.6 Million to Move Businesses to Blockchain The world is increasingly moving to include blockchain technology, and companies like Crossmint have risen to address this … Read more

Wages Paid in Bitcoin? Bill Introduced in Brazil Might Make It Possible

The bill seeks to allow wages and other labor-linked payments to be partially settled using virtual assets in Brazil and also calls for educating workers about volatility and transaction security issues. Lawmakers to Review Bitcoin Wages Bill in Brazil A new bill has been introduced in Congress to regulate the payment of wages and other … Read more

Steak ‘n Shake Teases Bitcoin Payments Again

On March 7, fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake posted a question on X asking, “Should Steak ‘n Shake accept bitcoin?” The post received a slew of responses from many well-known Bitcoin personalities including former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Bitcoin Core contributor Luke Dashjr. Steak ‘n Shake recently aligned itself with the pro-crypto Trump … Read more

Moonpay Acquires Iron to Strengthen Enterprise Stablecoin Payment Solutions

In a strategic move to enhance its enterprise payment solutions, crypto payments company Moonpay has acquired Iron, a startup specializing in stablecoin infrastructure, for at least $100 million. This acquisition, announced on March 13, 2025, marks Moonpay’s second significant purchase this year, following its acquisition of Helio in January. With Iron’s API-driven technology, Moonpay aims … Read more

Brazil to Push Cryptocurrency as a Priority for International BRICS Trade

Brazil will push crypto initiatives, including a blockchain payment system, to expedite international trading as part of its presidency at BRICS this year. Local media stated this would be a priority for the South American giant’s plans for the organization. Brazil to Push Hard for Crypto Implementation in BRICS Trade The agenda of Brazil as … Read more

Bezos-Backed Stark Bank Rises as a Crypto Enabler in Brazil

Stark Bank, a startup backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, has positioned itself as the go-to firm for serving cryptocurrency businesses in Brazil, filling the gap left by traditional institutions. The firm has built part of its business around this service offering, betting on the industry’s future as Brazilians become more comfortable with crypto. Bezos-Backed … Read more

Russia Begins Piloting Digital Gold System for International Settlements

The program, currently in its pilot stages, is part of a test to examine the feasibility of using gold assets for finalizing international exchanges involving Russia. Capital Lab partner Evgeny Shatov stated that digital gold assets can help the nation bypass sanctions and reduce its dependence on the dollar. Russia Is Testing Digital Gold-Based International … Read more

ECB Expands Digital Asset Settlement—A Major Shift in European Finance

The European Central Bank is advancing its digital asset settlement strategy, aiming to streamline transactions, enhance security, and strengthen financial stability across European markets. Digital Asset Settlement Transformed as ECB Embraces DLT Solutions The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Feb. 20 an expansion of its initiative to facilitate the settlement of distributed ledger technology … Read more

Ripple Expands in Europe—Its Payments Solution Hits Portugal for the First Time

Ripple expands in Europe, bringing instant, low-cost blockchain payments to Portugal and revolutionizing transfers on the Portugal-Brazil corridor. Ripple’s European Footprint Grows—First Ever Launch of Its Payments Solution in Portugal Ripple announced a partnership with Unicâmbio, a Portuguese currency exchange provider, on Feb. 10 “to support instant cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil using Ripple … Read more

Travala Partners With Trivago to Offer Cryptocurrency Hotel Bookings

Travala has integrated its hotel listings with Trivago, allowing users of the global accommodation search platform to book stays using cryptocurrency. Travala Expands Reach Through Integration With Trivago The collaboration merges Travala’s catalog of more than 2.2 million accommodations into Trivago’s interface. Travelers opting for a Travala-affiliated lodging via Trivago will seamlessly transition to Travala’s … Read more