Token Map

🖥Phantom Launches Desktop Trading Terminal

🚀Phantom has introduced a new desktop trading terminal that consolidates spot tokens, perpetuals, and charting tools into a single browser-based interface. This move marks a significant shift from its mobile-first approach. Announced on December 13, the terminal allows users to trade, track portfolios, and manage positions on a larger screen while staying synchronized with Phantom’s mobile and web experiences.

📊 The terminal aggregates thousands of crypto markets, including spot tokens and perpetual contracts, into one interface. It features real-time charts with drawing tools and technical indicators, as well as common order types like limit, stop-loss, and take-profit for perpetuals. Phantom emphasizes low-latency execution and real-time data, positioning the terminal as a faster option for users who prefer browser-based trading.

📈 In addition to execution, the terminal offers portfolio monitoring features such as profit-and-loss tracking, wallet visibility, and customizable watchlists. Users can explore trending tokens, newly launched meme coins, and a variety of perpetual markets without leaving the terminal.

🔗 Accessing the platform requires connecting a Phantom wallet or another supported wallet through trade.phantom. Once connected, balances and positions sync automatically, allowing users to switch between desktop, mobile, and web seamlessly.

⚖️ The launch reflects a broader industry trend of wallets evolving into full-service trading desks. As competition among crypto platforms intensifies, the distinction between wallet providers and trading terminals continues to blur. Phantom has indicated that additional features are in development, including support for more blockchains and expanded order types, suggesting that the desktop terminal is just the beginning of its evolution.

🌐 The debut of Phantom’s desktop terminal aligns with a wider shift in the crypto landscape, where wallets, exchanges, and trading platforms are converging. As more players enter this space, the competitive edge may depend less on the number of tools offered and more on the ability to deliver them without overwhelming users in an increasingly complex market.

💵Youtube Enables Stablecoin Payouts for U.S. Creators through Paypal

🌐Youtube has started allowing U.S. creators to receive payouts in Paypal's stablecoin, Paypal USD (PYUSD), marking a significant shift towards the use of regulated digital currencies in mainstream payment systems. This move highlights the growing acceptance of stablecoins as practical payment methods rather than mere speculative assets.

🗣May Zabaneh, Paypal's head of crypto, stated that this feature builds on Paypal's established partnership with Youtube for payout services.

It enables Youtube to offer a stablecoin option without the need to directly manage crypto assets,

she explained. This approach minimizes operational and compliance challenges for the platform.

📈 The report indicates that Paypal introduced the option for payment recipients to receive funds in PYUSD earlier in the third quarter. This prompted Youtube to extend this option to its creators. The decision comes amid increasing interest from technology firms in stablecoins following recent regulatory changes in the U.S.

🔗 The integration of PYUSD payouts represents a significant milestone for regulated stablecoins, reinforcing their role as essential payment infrastructure in the digital economy. It allows Google to meet creators' demands for quicker settlements while relying on Paypal as a licensed intermediary to limit custodial risks.

🌍 For Paypal, this partnership enhances PYUSD's position in everyday commerce, distinguishing it from stablecoins primarily used in decentralized finance. It positions PYUSD as a compliant and cost-effective remittance option with potential for expansion to international creators in the future.

📉Bitcoin's Volatile Price Movement Amid Saylor's Purchase Announcement

💰 On December 8, Bitcoin briefly surged to $92,000 before retreating to around $90,000. This price movement coincided with the announcement from Michael Saylor's firm, Strategy, regarding their acquisition of 10,624 bitcoins, increasing their total holdings to 660,624 BTC. However, the market reaction was mixed, with some analysts suggesting market manipulation while others indicated a potential bear phase for the crypto economy.

📉 Despite the initial jump, Bitcoin ended the day lower, highlighting its volatile nature. Historically, Saylor's announcements have often correlated with positive market momentum, especially during periods of aggressive debt-funded accumulation. However, as Strategy reduced its leveraged purchases, the impact of Saylor's statements diminished, failing to counter Bitcoin's downward trend.

📉 The bearish sentiment in the market can be traced back to an October 10 crash that wiped out over $19 billion in leveraged positions. This event led to a significant drop in Bitcoin's value, falling to $80,500 from an October peak of over $126,000. Since hitting a low on November 21, Bitcoin has shown some signs of appreciation but struggles to maintain upward momentum.

📉Strategy's recent purchase of nearly $1 billion in Bitcoin was anticipated to provide a boost to the cryptocurrency's price. However, it coincided with a downward trend, raising questions among analysts and influencers. Andrew Tate expressed his confusion on social media, stating,

I'm huge on BTC, but micro strat buy 10k btc in a single day, and the price doesn't move. Explain that to me.

📉 Some analysts attributed Bitcoin's lackluster performance to potential market manipulation by a large trader. In contrast, Jacob King, a financial analyst, argued that the crypto economy might be entering a bear market. He suggested that Saylor's recent purchase could be a "staged pump" aimed at offloading assets at a higher price. King warned investors, saying,

His latest buy was a staged pump, hoping the market blips enough so he can offload at a higher price.

🚀 XRP Ledger: Infrastructure for Tokenized Finance

🌍 The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is increasingly recognized as a specialized infrastructure for high-volume financial settlements, particularly in the context of tokenized activities and real-world value transfers within institutional settings. Reece Merrick, Ripple's Senior Executive Officer for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized on December 5 that the XRPL is designed for scaled financial operations and is capable of supporting tokenized instruments.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is designed for high-volume, real-world utility settlement, with proven scalability for tokenized assets and payments. It’s not just a ledger; it’s infrastructure for moving value and tokenized financial products,

said Merrick. His statement highlights XRPL's role as a foundational infrastructure rather than merely a record-keeping system, which is crucial for firms considering factors like execution speed, cost efficiency, and settlement reliability.

📈 The XRPL is witnessing significant growth beyond its initial use case of cross-border payments. There is a surge in institutional adoption, particularly with the tokenization of Real-World Assets (RWAs) such as U.S. Treasuries. Recent developments include the introduction of the XRPL EVM Sidechain for smart contract compatibility, which is attracting a wider array of developers and decentralized finance (DeFi) projects. The user base is also expanding, as evidenced by millions of active wallets.

🔧 With ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the growth of Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin, the XRPL is solidifying its position as a versatile, high-speed, and low-cost platform for global finance and various Web3 applications. Advocates argue that its speed, transparency, and interoperability can significantly enhance liquidity and streamline institutional workflows.

🌍Coinbase's November Expansion: A Strategic Leap in Global Crypto Markets

🚀 In November, Coinbase significantly enhanced its global presence by introducing new lending tools, onchain features, and expanding international access. This move reflects the company's growing momentum across retail, institutional, and developer markets.

📅 On December 2, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced on social media that November was a pivotal month for the company, with December expected to be even more impactful. Key developments included ETH-backed loans for U.S. users (excluding New York) and the acquisition of Vector, an onchain trading platform on Solana. This acquisition aims to boost activity in a vital crypto ecosystem. Additionally, Coinbase reincorporated in Texas to align with a more innovation-friendly regulatory environment.

💼 Other notable advancements included Base facilitating institutional transfers of J.P. Morgan’s USD deposit token, expanded decentralized exchange (DEX) access in Brazil, and the introduction of daily-interest GBP savings in the UK through Clear Bank. Coinbase also collaborated with R[3]sidency to support early web3 founders and launched token sales starting with Monad, which attracted approximately 86,000 participants and $269 million in commitments.

🌐 The post highlighted a Dec. 17 system update event while acknowledging concerns from critics about potential regulatory scrutiny due to rapid product expansion. However, supporters argue that Coinbase's diversified global reach and enhanced onchain tools position it for sustained adoption in the crypto markets.

💡Key Takeaways for Investors:
1. Coinbase's November progress indicates stronger revenue pipelines and broader global market capture.
2. New institutional products like cbBTC and J.P. Morgan deposit-token transfers enhance long-term value by strengthening enterprise activity and liquidity.
3. International expansion into Brazil, the UK, Singapore, and Texas reflects a strategic push to operate in growth markets with clearer regulations.
4. Acquisitions like Vector and accelerated Base development improve Coinbase's onchain footprint and user engagement.

🚨Upbit's Cybersecurity Breach: Immediate Actions and Implications

🔒South Korean crypto exchange Upbit recently faced a cyberattack that led to the suspension of digital asset deposits and withdrawals. CEO Oh Kyung-seok publicly acknowledged the breach, stating it was a result of inadequate security management on Upbit's part. He emphasized the company's commitment to protecting member assets and assured customers that no damage would occur to their holdings.

“This breach is a direct result of Upbit’s inadequate security management, and there is no room for excuses,”

Oh stated. He also mentioned that the incident had been reported to relevant authorities for investigation.

🔍 The breach was triggered by unusual activity involving a Solana-linked wallet on November 27. In response, Upbit conducted an internal review, froze questionable transfers, and implemented containment measures. The CEO detailed that approximately 44.5 billion won (around $30 million) in assets were affected, but reassured that members’ damaged assets have been fully compensated with Upbit-held reserves.

💼South Korean authorities have launched a formal investigation into the breach, with early indications pointing to potential involvement by the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-backed hacking organization. In light of the incident, Upbit activated emergency protocols, strengthened its custody systems, and began a comprehensive review of its security measures.

“Upbit has identified approximately 44.5 billion won [$30,311,090] in damaged assets. Members’ assets amounted to approximately 38.6 billion won, of which approximately 2.3 billion won has been frozen. Our own assets amounted to approximately 5.9 billion won,”

the CEO explained.

⚠️ This incident underscores the risks associated with centralized crypto platforms. However, proponents of blockchain technology argue that its transparency allows for effective post-incident analysis and that diversified custody structures can mitigate risks associated with concentrated exposure.

When $OPEN keeps climbing during a sideways market it usually means the breakout is already being prepared

The buyback event could be the ignition point everyone is waiting for

Check it : Buyback | X | Telegram

🇪🇺Blockrise: A Regulated Bitcoin-Only Platform in the EU

🌍Blockrise, a Rotterdam-based Dutch startup, has secured a license from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) under the European Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). This license allows Blockrise to offer Bitcoin financial services across Europe, marking a significant step towards the institutionalization of Bitcoin.

💼CEO Jos Lazet emphasized the company's commitment to being a Bitcoin-only platform aimed at institutional investors, corporate clients, and high-net-worth individuals. Alongside the licensing, Blockrise is launching Bitcoin-backed business loans starting at €20,000 and is preparing for a €15 million Series A funding round.

🔑 What sets Blockrise apart is its assurance that clients retain full ownership of their Bitcoin collateral while adhering to a strict Bitcoin-only approach. Lazet stated,

Our clients want transparency, risk management, and security,

underscoring the company's dedication to providing regulated Bitcoin financial services.

🛍 Spain Expands Bitcoin Integration in Retail Through seQura’s Smart Shopping App

🌍 Spain is becoming a meaningful testing ground for Bitcoin-integrated consumer infrastructure with the launch of seQura’s Smart Shopping app, which introduces up to 10% Bitcoin rewards across a network of more than 500 retail brands. While not a financial product, the initiative reflects a growing effort to embed digital-asset functionality inside traditional commerce.

🔍 Through the app, users earn “Qoins,” seQura’s internal balance, which can be used as a discount or later converted into Bitcoin after merchant return periods conclude. seQura emphasized that the Bitcoin transfer is executed by a registered crypto-asset service provider and delivered directly to the user’s personal wallet, clarifying that it does not hold or manage crypto-assets itself.

💳 In addition to the rewards component, the app centralizes retail activity by allowing shoppers to view payments, adjust plans, and benefit from buyer protection for purchases up to €500 during 30 days. With more than 10,000 stores accessible through the platform, seQura describes this transition as part of its evolution toward a broader Smart Shopping Technology model focused on loyalty, transparency, and user control.

🌐 While the program is currently limited to Spain, seQura intends to expand into additional European markets in 2026, alongside planned support for Lightning Network transfers. These developments come as European fintechs increasingly explore the operational value of tokenized rewards and direct-to-wallet digital-asset distribution.

📊 Although BTC volatility and operational risks remain relevant considerations, initiatives like seQura’s highlight how consumer-facing applications can adopt Bitcoin in a controlled, non-speculative format. This model demonstrates how digital-asset tooling may gradually extend into broader segments of retail infrastructure without requiring users to engage in trading or custodial platforms.

SeQura does not provide custody or transfer services, nor does it offer cryptoasset services on behalf of customers. SeQura is not licensed to provide cryptoasset services. Cryptoassets involve risks and may not be suitable for everyone. SeQura does not provide financial or investment advice.

Check it out: https://www.sequra.com/en/cashback-bitcoin?utm_source=Cointelegraph&utm_medium=TokenMap&utm_campaign=seQura-app

🚀Hellotrade Secures $4.6 Million Seed Funding for Mobile Trading App

💰Hellotrade has successfully completed a $4.6 million seed funding round, led by Dragonfly Capital, in less than a week. The platform, founded by former Blackrock crypto directors Wyatt Raich and Kevin Tang, aims to provide a mobile-first trading experience. It will offer leveraged access to stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), commodities, and crypto using MegaETH’s high-throughput infrastructure, eliminating the need for wallet setup or gas fees.

🌍 The app seeks to remove geographic and capital barriers to leveraged trading by providing 24/7 access to real-world assets (RWAs) through perpetual futures. The founders' Blackrock experience informs the platform's institutional security posture, ensuring that launch timing, regional availability, and regulatory compliance align with market entries and local rules. Kevin Tang stated that the platform applies the crypto-derivatives ethos to equities to broaden access.

📱Hellotrade plans to roll out its services on iOS and Android with support from industry advisors, including Arthur Hayes. Users interested in early access can join a waitlist, with regional availability dependent on local regulations.

🚀U.S. Digital Asset Policy: A Shift Towards Clarity and Innovation

🔍 The momentum for digital assets in the U.S. is gaining speed as regulators move towards establishing clearer, market-driven rules. This shift is expected to enhance innovation in crypto trading, custody, and issuance.

📅 On November 20, during the SIFMA Market Structure Conference, Jamie Selway, Director of the SEC's Division of Trading and Markets, emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust in the crypto market. He stated,

Since the summer, the Division has engaged a wide variety of market participants regarding digital assets... Our goal is to advise the Commission on how to facilitate ‘innovation without arbitrage,’

highlighting the need for a balanced approach as policies are updated to include digital assets.

⚖️ Selway cautioned against regulatory overreach, asserting,

We should not impose ourselves between commercial competitors. And we should trust market forces as the ultimate arbiter of value.

He also reminded attendees of the historical skepticism in crypto markets, referencing Ganson Purcell’s 1938 warning about regulatory fears that have long affected market behavior.

🌐 He pointed out the rapidly changing competitive landscape in the crypto space, stating,

Today, in place of New York floor brokers... we have global exchanges, DeFi platforms, app-based brokers, and non-custodial wallets.

Despite ongoing industry skepticism, Selway argued that predictable standards and ongoing engagement can strengthen U.S. leadership in digital assets and restore confidence in regulatory direction.

🔗 In summary, the SEC is actively evaluating various aspects of digital assets, including issuance, secondary trading, and custody across both centralized and DeFi platforms. The aim is to establish clearer standards that will boost U.S. leadership in the digital asset space and rebuild market confidence.

📉 Bear market? Perp DEXs are still racing ahead!

2025 shifts the battle from performance → ecosystem growth.

🚀 Highlights:

- Hyperliquid: Developer-driven B2B2C, $1.5-2.5B daily volume, high retention
- Aster: Socially-driven retail, multi-chain, ~$1B daily volume
- Lighter: L2, low fees, HFT & quant adoption
- GRVT: Privacy + compliance, institutional-focused

💡 Key insight: Winners now compete on trust, ecosystem depth, and token sustainability, not just speed. Even in a bearish market, these Perp DEXs are quietly shaping the next era of on-chain finance! 🌊

📖Full Analysis on CoinEx📲: https://www.coinex.com/s/4EG8
CoinEx- Your Crypto trading expert.

OpenLedger just went LIVE with its OPEN Mainnet.

It is the blockchain designed to make AI data trustless.

With backing from major investors, $OPEN is gaining attention naturally.

Check it out:Mainnet | X | Telegram

🚀 Discovery Bank Integrates Crypto Trading with Luno

🏦Discovery Bank has partnered with crypto exchange Luno to offer crypto asset trading directly through its mobile app. This initiative, described by Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner as a response to the growing mainstream acceptance of crypto, positions the bank as the first major financial services provider in South Africa to do so.

📅 Starting in December 2025, Discovery Bank clients will be able to link their accounts to Luno for seamless trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The integration aims to enhance user experience by allowing real-time tracking of crypto balances alongside traditional banking accounts. Users can also transfer funds between their bank accounts and Luno wallets instantly and without fees. Additionally, clients can trade over 50 crypto assets and earn Vitality Money Savings points based on their crypto holdings.

💬 Kallner emphasized the importance of this integration, stating,

The financial world is evolving fast, and crypto assets have matured to become an accessible, mainstream asset class.

He noted that 1 in 10 South Africans already hold crypto assets. Luno CEO James Lanigan described the partnership as a pioneering move in Africa, stating,

This partnership is a clear signal that crypto has moved from a niche to a mainstream investment choice.

🔒 The collaboration will utilize Luno’s security framework, which serves over 15 million customers globally, ensuring compliance with South African regulations and maintaining high safety standards.

🛡 In addition to the Luno integration, Discovery Bank has introduced TRUST Alert, a new anti-fraud system that uses real-time analysis for transaction risk warnings. The bank also announced new rewards partnerships, including earning up to 50% back in Discovery Miles on DStv subscriptions.

🌍 This move solidifies Discovery Bank's position as a leader in merging traditional financial services with digital assets in the region.

📉 Bear market? DeFi doesn’t pause!

Perp DEXs are leveling up in 2025: Hyperliquid, Aster, Lighter, GRVT are bringing CEX-level speed + on-chain transparency.

🚀 Highlights:

- Hyperliquid: Full on-chain CLOB, up to 40% fee discount
- Aster: Simple & Pro modes with MEV protection
- GRVT: ZK privacy + institutional yields
- Lighter: L2 high-frequency, ultra-low fees

💡 Tokenomics: From short-term rewards → deflationary loops & sustainable growth.

Even in a bearish market, these Perp DEXs are quietly closing the gap with CEXs—ready for the next DeFi wave! 🌊

📖Full Analysis on CoinEx📲: https://www.coinex.com/s/4EG4
CoinEx- Your Crypto trading expert.

🪙Czech National Bank Launches Digital Asset Pilot

🏦 The Czech National Bank (CNB) is taking significant steps towards tokenized finance by launching a $1 million digital-asset test portfolio. This marks the first time the bank has purchased digital assets, which include bitcoin, a USD stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit on the blockchain. The portfolio was created outside of its international reserves to explore the operational, supervisory, and technological implications of holding digital assets.

Through this USD 1 million investment, the CNB has created a test portfolio of digital assets based on blockchain

the central bank stated. The primary goal of this initiative is to gain practical experience with digital assets and to test the necessary processes related to their management.

🔍 The CNB emphasized that this pilot program is not intended to shift its reserve management strategy or to include digital assets in its international reserves in the near future. Instead, it is framed as an analytical tool for understanding the custody processes, approval workflows, settlement routines, crisis procedures, and AML checks associated with digital assets.

It is not planning to include bitcoin or other digital assets in its international reserves in the near future

the bank clarified. This statement underscores the research-focused approach of the pilot, rather than a move towards immediate reserve diversification.

📊 In conjunction with the pilot, the CNB has launched CNB Lab to evaluate blockchain systems, AI tools, and payment technologies. While acknowledging the volatility and operational risks of digital assets, the bank recognizes that structured trials can enhance supervisory capability and potentially improve the efficiency of financial-market infrastructure as tokenization evolves.

Although CNB highlighted volatility and operational risks, proponents of digital assets maintain that structured trials strengthen supervisory capability

the report noted. This pilot program by the CNB signifies a growing institutional engagement with tokenized assets and could pave the way for future enhancements in market infrastructure.

🌍 Brian Armstrong Advocates for Capitalism and Cryptocurrency

🗣Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, has called for a global increase in capitalism to prevent economic crises like those experienced in Venezuela. He believes that cryptocurrency can play a pivotal role in this shift by simplifying the process of injecting capital into struggling nations.

📉The recent election of Zohran Mamdani, a self-identified socialist, as mayor of New York has sparked debates in the U.S. about the merits of socialism versus capitalism. In this context, Armstrong has inserted cryptocurrency into the discussion. He responded to a comparison of the GDP of Poland, a capitalist country, and Venezuela, a socialist one, stating,

If we want greater prosperity, especially for the poorest people in society, we need more capitalism, and less socialism. It’s counterintuitive for many, but true.

💬 Armstrong further explained that cryptocurrency can be a significant tool in spreading capitalism worldwide. He said,

Crypto helps with this by injecting economic freedom (and capitalism) into every country around the world (as long as people have a smartphone and the internet),

emphasizing its potential to promote economic freedom.

💪Venezuela has faced severe economic decline over the past decade, with hyperinflation and currency devaluation. In this situation, cryptocurrency has provided a lifeline for individuals seeking to preserve their purchasing power when the local currency, the bolivar, has failed. Armstrong argues that crypto can benefit society by promoting economic freedom and offering an alternative to state planning.

🔧While capitalism is often viewed as the superior economic system, it has shown vulnerabilities when it fails to address people's needs. Armstrong suggests that cryptocurrency and blockchain technology can serve as tools to rectify these shortcomings. By leveraging their inherent characteristics, they can help correct the deficiencies of the capitalistic system.

🌎Latin America: A Promising Alternative for U.S. Investors

📈Latin America is emerging as a viable option for U.S. investors, according to Otavio Costa, a macro strategist at Crescat Capital. The region is undergoing a structural transformation, with Argentina and El Salvador at the forefront. Despite a 15% year-to-date (YTD) increase in the U.S. stock market, Latin American markets have outperformed this growth. The iShares Latin America 40 ETF, which tracks the 40 largest companies in the region, has risen over 45% YTD.

Latin America is open for business, and the US administration increasingly recognizes the region’s importance in supplying the natural resources critical to current technological advancements and reshoring efforts

Costa stated. He emphasized that this growth is not isolated to a few companies but is indicative of a broader transformation across Latin American markets.

🌍Argentina and El Salvador are highlighted as key examples of this transformation, with potential spillover effects to Bolivia following its recent presidential election, and possibly Chile as well. This presents a unique opportunity for U.S. investors looking to diversify their portfolios. Investing a small portion of U.S. capital into these markets could significantly boost the market capitalization of Latin American companies.

⚠️ However, challenges remain. The region has a history of instability, which can deter investors. While current market conditions are favorable, there are still significant barriers to Latin American markets becoming a reliable hedge for U.S. investors. As the region continues to evolve and build trust, more capital may flow into these emerging markets.

🚀Ripple's Record Growth and Strategic Investment: A New Era for Crypto

🌟Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has expressed a strongly optimistic view on the company's performance and the crypto market as a whole. On November 5, Ripple announced significant achievements, including a $500 million strategic investment, which Garlinghouse described as crucial for the "future of crypto."

2025, without a doubt, has been an incredible year for Ripple, and a record year for crypto as a whole

Garlinghouse stated. He emphasized that this investment not only validates Ripple's growth strategy but also represents a clear bet on the future of crypto.

📈 The recent funding round has strengthened Ripple's balance sheet and supports its long-term expansion plans. The company reported impressive figures, including over $95 billion in total Ripple Payments volume, a $1 billion RLUSD stablecoin market cap, and a threefold growth in its Ripple Prime business. Additionally, Ripple has made six acquisitions in just over two years, completed a 25% share repurchase, and obtained 75 regulatory licenses worldwide.

💼 The investment round was led by Fortress Investment Group and Citadel Securities, with participation from notable firms like Pantera Capital, Galaxy Digital, Brevan Howard, and Marshall Wace. This move is seen by industry analysts as a strong indication of institutional confidence in Ripple's infrastructure and the future of digital finance.

This investment isn’t just validation of Ripple’s growth strategy and business built on the foundation of XRP, but also a clear bet on what the future of crypto will look like

Garlinghouse added. Supporters of crypto argue that Ripple's focus on regulated, utility-driven use cases illustrates how blockchain technology is evolving from a niche to a fundamental component of the global financial system.