BTguru partners with Chainlink to enhance tokenization in Turkey

  • BTguru and Chainlink have teamed up to promote asset tokenization in Turkey.
  • The crypto platform will tap into Chainlink’s key technology around interoperability, data feeds and proof-of-reserves.

Chainlink has joined forces with BTguru, Turkey-based virtual and crypto assets firm. The two firms aim at enhancing adoption of tokenized securities across the country for institutional investors.

Per details in a press release on Tuesday, BTguru seeks to tap on Chainlinks services for this goal. These are Chainlink’s flagship tech stacks, which include Chainlink’s proof-of-reserve technology, interoperability protocol CCIP, and Data Feeds.

To enhance digital assets solutions, BTguru borrows essential services from Chainlink to have enhanced security in its service delivery. It will have cross-chain interoperability protocol and make use of Chainlink’s tech infrastructure to the Turkish regulated financial firms.

A solution to challenges for institutions

The partnership seeks to offer solutions to the challenges affecting tokenized assets markets. With combined efforts, BTguru will seal the gap in tokenized assets markets by ensuring users have seamless data connectivity, enhanced security, asset utility, interoperability as well as getting reliable services.

BTguru managing partner Can Bukulmez in a statement noted that the two firms’ partnership will bolster BTguru’s growth.

He said, “The Chainlink standard will help BTguru provide financial institutions with the tools they need to unlock the full potential of tokenized assets while ensuring compliance and security at every step,”

The partnership goal is to provide real time solutions to emerging challenges associated with digital assets markets to banks and other financial institutions. Banks will have access to proof-of-reserves, price data and net asset value.

BTguru linking with Chainlink’s oracle network users will get multi-chain tokenized asset data synchronization allowing for off-chain connectivity.

David Fuchs, Head of business development for EMEA at Chainlink Labs could not downplay the importance the partnership brings onboard.

He noted that “Chainlink will enable BTguru to not only meet the stringent compliance and security requirements for institutional-grade digital assets, but also foster innovation and trust in the growing tokenized asset economy,”

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MoonPay kicks off 2025 with acquisition of Helio to advance the future of crypto payments

  • Helio is a blockchain-based platform built on Solana
  • It has handled more than $1.5 billion in transactions and supports over 6,000 merchants
  • Helio integrates with platforms such as Discord, Shopify, and WooCommerce

MoonPay, a crypto payments platform, has acquired Helio, a blockchain-based platform built on Solana, for a reported $175 million.

Ivan Soto-Wright, co-founder and CEO of MoonPay, posted the announcement on X, adding that “2025 is going to be [an] even bigger [year], and we’re kicking it off with a bang [with] the acquisition is HelioPay.”

Fox Business reported the acquisition was for $175 million.

According to a press release, the acquisition of Helio brings its technology, team, and ecosystem into MoonPay’s portfolio.

“This acquisition is an important step in advancing our vision for the future of payments,” said Soto-Wright. “Helio’s technology and expertise strengthen our ability to deliver efficient, secure, and scalable solutions for crypto commerce, trading infrastructure, and marketplaces. With MoonPay and Helio combined, we now offer the most comprehensive product for on-chain payments.”

Helio has already handled more than $1.5 billion in transactions, integrates with platforms such as Discord, Shopify, and WooCommerce, and supports over 6,000 merchants.

MoonPay receives MiCA approval

In December, MoonPay secured its Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) license in the Netherlands. By doing so, MoonPay can offer its services and products across Europe.

The granting of the MiCA license is a massive milestone for MoonPay as the approval means expansion across a large market where more people are tapping into crypto payments.

In June, MoonPay integrated with PayPal for on-ramp crypto purchases in the UK and the US. MoonPay also partnered with Ledger last April to bring instant crypto purchases to its Ledger Live users.

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Tether to relocate operations to El Salvador

  • Tether announces its service relocation plans after acquiring a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license.
  • USDT issuer Tether joins Bitfinex Derivatives in moving operations to El Salvador.

Tether is on its way to establishing new headquarters in El Salvador, the USDT issuer announced on Jan. 13, 2025.

According to details shared in a blog post, the relocation of services follows the acquisition of a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) registration in the crypto-friendly country. Tether’s entities have been incorporated in the British Virgin Islands.

The stablecoin giant recently acquired the Digital Asset Service Provider licence in El Salvador, the first country to adopt bitcoin as a legal tender in 2021.

Stablecoin giant moves to new home

Tether seeks to establish networks in digital assets in El Salvador which has Bitcoin friendly policies. The company further seeks to leverage bitcoin as a legal tender and spearhead the adoption of stablecoin on emerging markets.

The country opens up to business in the digital finance space by providing digital assets friendly policies as well as growing a digital asset liberated community. To enhance bitcoin adoption, the country seeks to formulate a policy requiring businesses to accept bitcoin as a legal tender.

Tether, the issuer of the global stablecoin with a market cap of $137 billion, said its plans to relocate to El Salvador aligns with the company’s goal to support financial inclusion by leveraging bitcoin adoption. By establishing networks in the digital assets friendly country, the company aims to align with the country’s regulatory policies while focusing on emerging markets.

“El Salvador represents a beacon of innovation in the digital assets space. By rooting ourselves here, we are not only aligning with a country that shares our vision in terms of financial freedom, innovation, and resilience but is also reinforcing our commitment to empowering people worldwide through decentralized technologies,” Tether chief executive officer Paolo Ardoino said.

Tether joins Bitfinex Derivatives which also announced moving its operation headquarters to El Salvador after it acquired its Digital Asset Service Provider licence. El Salvador has increasingly become a digital assets business destination for global bitcoin businesses, exchanges, and companies.

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Singapore blocks Polymarket, calls it an “illegal gambling site”

  • Singapore’s regulator said Singapore Pools is the only licensed gambling operator in the country
  • Anyone who uses an unlicensed gambling service is liable to face a fine of up to $10,000, six months in jail, or both
  • Other countries that have restricted access to Polymarket include France, Taiwan, and the US

Singapore’s gambling regulator has banned prediction marketplace Polymarket, defining it as an “illegal gambling site.”

Alex Zuo, Cobo’s vice president of investment and custody, posted a screenshot on X on Sunday showing a notice from Singapore’s Gaming Regulatory Authority (GRA). The GRA warned users that Singapore Pools is the only licensed gambling operator in the country and that Polymarket is considered illegal, adding:

“Under Section 20 of the Gambling Control Act 2022, a person convicted of gambling with unlicensed gambling service providers is liable for a fine of up to $10,000, or a jail term of up to six months, or both.”

Countries restricting Polymarket

Singapore is the latest country to take action to restrict access to Polymarket. In August, Polymarket was scrutinised as US lawmakers intensified efforts to ban gambling in American elections.

In November, Polymarket faced regulatory action in France after an anonymous trader, netted nearly $50 million wagering on Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. French authorities, particularly the Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), blocked the platform after breaching local gambling laws.

Deciding to take action, Polymarket opted to block France-based users at the end of November. France was a major market for the platform after it blocked US users under a 2022 settlement with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Also in November, the FBI seized CEO Shane Coplan’s phone and electronics after raiding his home. According to a report in the New York Post, unnamed sources said: “The government is likely trying to accuse Polymarket of market manipulation and rigging its polls in favor of Trump.”

Taiwan also restricted access to Polymarket in 2024.

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Ondo price prediction after token unlock as iDEGEN nears exchange listing

  • ONDO price faces more bearish pressure from upcoming token unlock.
  • Crypto investors also look forward to the upcoming iDEGEN (IDGN) token listing.
  • While the ONDO token unlock could lead to a price drop, the iDEGEN listing is expected to surge in price.

The cryptocurrency market is buzzing with anticipation as two distinct events loom on the horizon: the Ondo Foundation token unlock and the impending exchange listing of iDEGEN.

Ondo Foundation’s ONDO token has been under pressure, with its price declining amid bearish signals, while iDEGEN ($IDGN) is capturing attention with its innovative AI-driven approach and dynamic presale.

Ondo token unlock adds to its bearish stance

The Ondo Foundation is gearing up for a significant event where 20% of ONDO tokens are set to be unlocked on January 18. This unlock will increase the circulating supply to 134% of what it currently is, potentially flooding the market with new tokens.

Historically, such events introduce selling pressure as early investors, team members, or those who were holding locked tokens might decide to cash out.

The recent ONDO price performance where it has dropped by more than 21% over the past week, coupled with declining daily active addresses, and negative funding rates, suggests a bearish market sentiment.

The token unlock could exacerbate this, pushing the price further down if a large portion of these tokens are sold off immediately.

However, the reaction to the unlock isn’t solely dependent on the immediate sell-off. If Ondo can demonstrate strong fundamentals, perhaps through project updates or partnerships, it might mitigate some of the negative impacts. Yet, the immediate aftermath might still see a dip due to the increased supply.

iDEGEN presale could be a more stable investment opportunity

As ONDO faces its challenges, the crypto community’s eyes are also on iDEGEN, a unique AI-powered token that’s about to make its exchange debut.

iDEGEN has already stirred excitement with its community-driven learning model and a dynamic presale that adjusts price based on the number of purchases. This has not only raised significant funds but also built a narrative around community participation. The iDEGEN AI is designed to evolve depending on tweets from the community on X (formerly Twitter).

iDEGEN’s listing in January could divert some attention from ONDO. With the crypto market often influenced by hype and FOMO, the novel approach of iDEGEN might draw investment away from other tokens, including ONDO, especially if the community sees more potential in iDEGEN’s long-term narrative.

However, it’s not all about competition. The excitement around iDEGEN could also inject overall enthusiasm into the crypto market, potentially benefiting all tokens if the market sentiment improves.

While the Ondo token unlock seems poised to introduce short-term bearish pressure, the broader market dynamics, including the influence of iDEGEN’s exchange listing, will play a crucial role.

As investors watch how Ondo’s community and developers manage the upcoming token unlock, they should also keep an eye on how the market reacts to iDEGEN’s entry into the mainstream trading platforms.

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