Crypto firm Xeltox fined record C$177M by Canadian AML regulator

  • Xeltox/Cryptomus fined C$177M for failing to report 1,000+ suspicious crypto transactions.
  • Violations involved child abuse, fraud, ransomware, and sanctions-related transactions.
  • Firm previously faced BC Securities Commission action over unrecognized exchange operations.

Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (Fintrac) has imposed the largest penalty on record against Xeltox Enterprises Ltd., operating as Cryptomus, after the firm allegedly failed to comply with anti-money-laundering (AML) regulations.

The Vancouver-based cryptocurrency services provider was fined C$177 million ($126 million) for multiple violations involving suspicious transactions, according to a statement released Wednesday.

Widespread reporting failures

Fintrac’s investigation determined that Cryptomus failed to report thousands of transactions in a single month, raising serious compliance concerns.

The agency noted that the company neglected to submit reports on more than 1,000 transactions in July 2024 that raised reasonable suspicion of connections to money laundering, including proceeds linked to child sexual abuse material, fraud, ransomware payments, and sanctions evasion.

Additionally, the regulator found that Cryptomus failed to report over 1,500 transactions in which clients transferred virtual currency of C$10,000 or more in a single transaction during the same period.

These reporting lapses triggered Fintrac to take what it described as “unprecedented enforcement action,” reflecting the severity of the potential financial crime risks involved.

Fintrac CEO Sarah Paquet emphasized that the scale and nature of the violations compelled the agency to act decisively, citing the firm’s repeated failures to meet AML obligations.

Prior regulatory scrutiny on Cryptomus

Cryptomus, formerly known as Certa Payments Ltd., provides a range of cryptocurrency services including trading, payments, wallets, and a peer-to-peer exchange.

The firm has previously drawn regulatory attention in Canada.

In May, the BC Securities Commission accused Cryptomus of potentially operating as an unrecognized exchange.

The provincial regulator issued a temporary order suspending the firm from trading securities or derivatives until June, underscoring ongoing concerns about its compliance with financial regulations.

Cryptomus’s operations in Canada and its previous enforcement history highlight the challenges regulators face in overseeing cryptocurrency platforms, particularly when transactions may intersect with illicit activity.

The latest fine represents a major escalation in enforcement, signaling the Canadian authorities’ intent to hold crypto firms accountable for strict adherence to AML rules.

Implications for the cryptocurrency sector

The record-setting penalty against Xeltox and Cryptomus sends a clear signal to cryptocurrency businesses operating in Canada: compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations is mandatory, and failures carry substantial financial and operational risks.

The firm’s alleged lapses illustrate the risks posed by platforms that handle high volumes of unmonitored digital transactions.

Fintrac’s decision underscores that cryptocurrency platforms must treat regulatory compliance as a central operational priority, not an afterthought, to avoid similar penalties in the future.

The C$177 million fine represents the largest enforcement action in Fintrac’s history and sets a new benchmark for regulatory consequences in Canada’s growing digital asset industry.

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APT price soars as BlackRock’s BUIDL fund expands to Aptos

  • BlackRock deploys $500M BUIDL fund on the Aptos blockchain.
  • Jump Crypto launches Shelby, boosting Aptos’ enterprise appeal.
  • Aptos price has rebounded, testing the key $3.50 resistance level.

The APT price is showing renewed strength as Aptos gains major institutional backing from global giants like BlackRock and Jump Crypto.

After dipping to a yearly low earlier this month, Aptos has staged an impressive comeback, fueled by real-world asset tokenisation and enterprise-grade innovation across its ecosystem.

Institutional backing revives Aptos’ momentum

Aptos has outperformed a sluggish crypto market, gaining around 5% in the past 24 hours to trade near $3.32.

This sharp rebound follows BlackRock’s expansion of its Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) to the Aptos blockchain, a move that has injected $500 million worth of tokenised Treasuries into the network.

The deployment of BUIDL has pushed Aptos into the top tier of real-world asset (RWA) blockchains, sitting just behind Ethereum and zkSync Era.

Data shows that more than $1.2 billion in RWAs are now tokenised on Aptos, a milestone that marks growing trust from traditional finance.

Notably, BlackRock’s involvement brings not only prestige but also liquidity and credibility to the network.

Jump Crypto’s Shelby adds more fuel

In parallel, Jump Crypto has launched Shelby, a decentralised, high-performance storage layer developed in collaboration with Aptos Labs.

Designed to rival traditional cloud providers such as AWS and Google Cloud, Shelby enables sub-second latency, low-cost reads and writes, and improved scalability.

Its architecture reduces redundancy while maintaining high data durability through erasure coding.

The new system could become a backbone for decentralised applications that require real-time data access and high-speed processing.

By combining Aptos’s parallel execution engine and Move programming language with Shelby’s efficient data design, the two firms aim to create infrastructure suited for enterprise and AI-driven decentralised finance (DeFi).

This blend of performance and programmability is helping Aptos carve a niche in a crowded Layer-1 field.

APT price outlook: eyes on key resistance levels

As institutional adoption accelerates and on-chain liquidity grows, the Aptos price could continue to benefit from renewed investor confidence.

While short-term volatility remains, the network’s long-term fundamentals appear stronger than ever — anchored by innovation, partnerships, and a clear path toward real-world integration.

The Aptos price is currently testing resistance near $3.50 after rebounding from a recent low of $2.22.

Technical indicators show mixed signals, with moving averages flashing multiple sell alerts, although oscillators remain neutral.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) hovers around 34, suggesting mild accumulation.

If APT breaks above $3.50, it could extend gains toward $3.85.

However, failure to maintain current momentum could see the token slip toward $3.00 or even retest its earlier lows.

Analysts like Michaël van de Poppe have noted that APT remains at one of its lowest valuations in years, hinting at potential upside if broader market sentiment improves.

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ASTER price outlook after Solana co-founder unveiled a rival perp DEX

  • The ASTER price is currently struggling near $1 amid heavy selling pressure.
  • A short squeeze above $1.39 could spark a sharp rebound.
  • Solana’s Percolator DEX threatens Aster’s market dominance.

The ASTER price is under pressure as new competition brews in the decentralized perpetual exchange market.

Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko has unveiled “Percolator,” a new L1-native perpetual DEX designed to run directly on the Solana blockchain.

This development introduces a powerful new contender into an already tense market dominated by Aster and Hyperliquid.

Aster, once celebrated for its dominance in the on-chain derivatives space, now faces a critical turning point.

The timing of Solana’s move couldn’t be more disruptive, coming as Aster grapples with a sharp price drop and declining user activity.

Solana’s Percolator shakes up the market

Yakovenko’s new project, Percolator, is still in its early development phase but has already attracted widespread attention.

Built directly on the Solana blockchain, it promises fast, low-cost perpetual trading without relying on external layer-2 networks.

Early GitHub data shows key modules for funding rates, account validation, and position management are already in place, with stress-testing expected soon.

The Solana ecosystem’s reputation for high throughput and low transaction fees gives Percolator a strong foundation to compete with existing players.

If it delivers on performance, the DEX could pull liquidity and traders away from Aster and Hyperliquid.

That potential shift adds pressure to Aster, which is already battling to retain users amid shrinking trading volumes and outflows.

ASTER price fights to stay above $1

At the time of writing, Aster is holding slightly above the $1 psychological support after two days of declines.

Technical indicators suggest the token is on shaky ground.

The MACD has crossed below its signal line, signaling weakening momentum, while the RSI sits near 31 — close to oversold levels.

Aster price analysis
Source: CoinMarketCap

A breakdown below $1 could send the token toward the next key support at $0.94, while a rebound could see a retest of $1.27.

Aster’s market data paints a worrying picture.

The token trades at $1.01, down more than 34% over the past month. Its market cap has slipped to about $2 billion, with daily trading volume at $805 million.

Aster’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has also contracted to $1.805 billion at press time, reflecting waning engagement from traders and liquidity providers.

Aster’s Total Value Locked (TVL)
Source: DefiLlama

Sentiment sours as usage crumbles

Over the past week, Aster has experienced $326 million in TVL outflows and a dramatic collapse in daily trading volume to just $78 million.

That compares poorly with Lighter and Hyperliquid, which still handle over $10 billion in daily trades.

This falloff in activity has raised concerns that traders are fleeing the protocol amid doubts about the sustainability of its incentive-driven growth.

Technical momentum remains bearish, with the formation of a MACD death cross and an Aroon Down reading near 93% reinforcing the downward bias.

Aster now trades in a weak demand zone between $1.03 and $1.14 — an area that historically offers little support.

If selling continues, analysts warn that the token could slide toward $0.70 or even $0.50.

Can a short squeeze save ASTER’s price?

Despite the gloom, some traders see a potential rebound setup forming.

The Money Flow Index (MFI) has dropped sharply from 80 to 38, suggesting retail investors are exiting.

However, derivatives data show that roughly 80% of positions remain short.

If the ASTER price climbs above $1.39, about $34 million in short positions could be liquidated on Binance alone, triggering a short squeeze.

A bullish RSI divergence adds weight to this scenario, showing sellers may be losing control.

If momentum shifts, a break above $1.39 could send prices toward $1.88 and $2.22.

But if the token falls below $1.05 or $0.92, the recovery setup would collapse, deepening the bearish trend.

For now, investors are watching whether Aster can stabilize and regain momentum before Percolator reaches full launch.

If Solana’s new DEX lives up to expectations, it could redefine the competitive balance across the entire decentralized derivatives landscape — and determine where the ASTER price heads next.

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Binance expands global crypto access with new USD transfer feature

  • Fee-free USD deposits offered for faster crypto conversions.
  • Binance partners with PayPay in Japan for direct crypto purchases.
  • Plume Network integration enables gas-free tokenised asset payments.

Binance has unveiled a new feature enabling direct USD deposits and withdrawals through its regulated subsidiary, BPay Global.

Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain, BPay Global strengthens Binance’s position in bridging traditional finance with digital assets.

Announced on October 22, the feature is now available to users in over 70 countries.

It offers fee-free SWIFT transfers and integration with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and debit or credit cards, creating a smoother experience for both retail and corporate users seeking secure fiat-to-crypto transactions.

Seamless integration of USD and crypto payments

The new service allows Binance users to deposit and withdraw USD directly through BPay Global, bypassing traditional intermediaries.

Users can store funds in a regulated e-wallet and utilise them instantly for trading or conversions on the Binance platform.

By eliminating deposit fees for SWIFT transfers, Binance aims to reduce the cost and friction of moving between fiat and crypto markets.

This initiative caters to the growing global demand for accessible, compliant, and cost-efficient payment channels.

The move aligns with Binance’s broader strategy to expand its fiat gateway infrastructure while maintaining compliance with international financial standards.

Building on recent payments and compliance initiatives

The launch follows a series of updates strengthening Binance’s payments ecosystem.

Earlier in October, Binance.US introduced dynamic withdrawal fees for ERC-20 tokens and reduced trading fees on major pairs including Ethereum, Solana, and BNB.

These changes were designed to create a more efficient environment for traders and liquidity providers across markets.

In Japan, Binance deepened its reach through a partnership with PayPay, the country’s largest cashless payment platform.

This collaboration enables users to buy cryptocurrencies directly using PayPay Money, which is then credited to their Binance accounts.

The partnership highlights Binance’s growing integration with regional payment systems to make digital assets more mainstream.

Integrating real-world assets through blockchain innovation

Beyond fiat transactions, Binance has also advanced its blockchain payment infrastructure through the integration of Plume Network.

This collaboration allows gas-free transactions for tokenised real-world assets (RWAs) across thousands of merchants, broadening the usability of digital currencies in real-world commerce.

Such developments mark a strategic evolution in Binance’s long-term objective — merging traditional and digital economies.

By combining global compliance oversight, regulated financial channels, and blockchain innovation, Binance is positioning itself at the forefront of Web3-driven financial systems.

Expanding global reach through BPay Global

The introduction of BPay Global’s USD transfer capabilities marks a critical step toward a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

By extending access to users across 70 countries, Binance not only simplifies global payments but also demonstrates its commitment to offering secure, regulated, and cost-effective cross-border financial tools.

The expansion reinforces Binance’s ongoing transition from a pure crypto exchange to a comprehensive financial services provider.

With fiat and digital assets increasingly intertwined, BPay Global serves as a bridge between legacy systems and decentralised finance, further establishing Binance’s influence in shaping the next generation of global payments.

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Jupiter DEX partners with Kalshi to launch F1 Mexico Grand Prix prediction market on Solana

  • Jupiter DEX has teamed up with Kalshi to launch a prediction market for the Mexico Grand Prix.
  • Users can trade shares on race outcomes on the F1 race slated for Oct. 27, 2025.
  • Jupiter has seen its total value locked rise to $3.76 billion.

Solana’s leading DEX, Jupiter, has unveiled a new prediction market in partnership with the US-compliant platform Kalshi.

The move comes as the crypto market witnesses a notable surge in overall adoption, including via prediction marketplaces.

Jupiter’s launch of its prediction market in beta marks yet another milestone for the DEX platform.

Jupiter DEX launches Kalshi-powered prediction market

Jupiter Exchange, the prominent Solana-based decentralized exchange known for its liquidity aggregation prowess has today, October 22, 2025, announced the rollout of its inaugural prediction market, seamlessly powered by Kalshi.

Jupiter, which has amassed billions in trading volume since its inception, has positioned this launch as an important expansion beyond traditional token swaps.

By integrating Kalshi’s robust regulatory framework, the platform ensures adherence to federal standards while harnessing Solana’s high-speed, low-fee architecture.

Kalshi supplies event data and verification, while Jupiter’s smart contracts handle trading and payouts as part of the integration model.

Users  will connect through familiar Solana wallets as Phantom, executing trades through the DEX’s V6 aggregator for optimal liquidity routing.

Jupiter brings F1 Grand Prix trading to users

The debut market targets the Formula 1 Mexico Grand Prix, set for October 27, 2025, at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.

On the card for the race are top contenders like Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc.

The new prediction market on Jupiter empowers users to speculate on the Mexico Grand Prix winner through intuitive, binary-style contracts.

Traders purchase shares priced from $0.01 to $0.99, where the value mirrors collective market sentiment on a driver’s victory odds.

If Verstappen’s shares trade at $0.65, for instance, it implies a 65% perceived chance of him claiming the checkered flag.

According to details, trading commences immediately and continues until the race starts, with no upper limit on positions beyond available liquidity.

Notably, Jupiter has minimum bets set low, which should see it appeal to both casual F1 enthusiasts and seasoned DeFi traders.

Kalshi will verify the official F1 result via its API, triggering on-chain redemptions.

Kalshi is one of the top prediction markets in the space and recently raised $300 million in a series D funding round amid its global expansion.

The funding valued Kalshi at $5 billion, with leading venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz, Sequoia Capital, Paradigm and Coinbase Ventures backing it.

Jupiter Exchange, meanwhile, has remained a top DeFi protocol on Solana. Currently, Jupiter ranks second behind Kamino in terms of total value locked, with over $3.76 billion.

TVL has grown in recent months as activity soared – particularly following the launch of the DEX protocol’s Jupiter Lend product.

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