blockchain

Citi plans to launch a cryptocurrency custody service in 2026, driven by regulatory clarity and client demand, according to a senior executive. This service aims to provide institutional clients with secure management of digital assets. Citi is also exploring stablecoins for use in regions with less developed banking infrastructure and has invested in stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK. Other Wall Street firms, like JPMorgan and Bank of America, are also evaluating stablecoins, though approaches to crypto custody vary.

Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev predicts tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) will revolutionize global finance, impacting equities and real estate. He believes major markets will establish frameworks within five years. Robinhood already offers tokenized U.S. stocks in the EU. Tenev sees tokenization increasing liquidity and democratizing investment access. He anticipates a merger between cryptocurrency and traditional finance, driven by the advantages of blockchain technology. While Europe may lead in regulation, the trend seems unstoppable with involvement from institutions like Morgan Stanley and BlackRock.

SonicStrategy Inc. announced Dustin Zinger as CEO, replacing Mitchell Demeter who becomes Executive Chair and CEO of Sonic Labs. This aims to strengthen validator operations and network growth. The company also commenced trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and initiated a €100,000 marketing campaign to target European investors. The leadership shift and expanded market presence are designed to accelerate growth in the blockchain validation market.

Ant Digital Technologies introduced “Agentic Contract,” an AI-driven upgrade to smart contracts for its Jovay Layer2 blockchain, at the 2025 Inclusion·Bund Conference. Agentic Contracts enhance traditional smart contracts by integrating AI agents, enabling autonomous decision-making based on real-time data and logical reasoning. This evolution from pre-programmed automation to intelligent contracts aims to optimize asset flow and facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs), supported by verifiable computing engines (TEE & ZKP) to ensure trust and reliability. Ant Digital emphasizes open collaboration to drive this Web3+AI innovation.

Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives joins Eightco Holdings as chairman, coinciding with a $250 million private placement to strategically invest in Worldcoin (WLD). Eightco will rebrand to “ORBS,” mirroring Fundstrat’s Tom Lee’s previous move into blockchain. Ives believes Worldcoin offers critical identity verification in the age of AI, addressing a key limitation for AI’s growth. This trend reflects growing corporate interest in crypto treasury strategies beyond Bitcoin, fueled by increasing regulatory clarity and high-profile endorsements. Worldcoin aims to provide a “World ID” for human authentication in the face of deepfakes.

Robinhood is expanding its global reach with stock and ETF tokens for EU investors, marking a significant entry into the European market. The company is also developing its own Layer 2 blockchain for tokenized assets. Additionally, Robinhood is launching crypto perpetual futures in the EU and crypto staking for US customers, further broadening its crypto offerings and aiming to make investing more accessible worldwide.

SEALSQ Corp has acquired a 28.30% stake in WeCan Group SA, a Swiss blockchain innovator. This strategic investment aims to accelerate the development of quantum-resilient, blockchain-based security solutions for finance, IoT, and Web 3.0. The partnership will integrate post-quantum cryptography, PKI, and blockchain compliance platforms, enhancing KYC/KYB solutions, fortifying IoT devices, and expanding decentralized identity offerings.

WISeKey International Holding Ltd. announced a minor change to its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM), postponing it from June 19 to June 27, 2025, at the same time and location in Zurich, Switzerland. The agenda and proposals remain unchanged. WISeKey focuses on cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT solutions, securing digital identities and the Internet of Everything.

JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) reported mixed Q1 2025 results, with lower overall revenue but improved profitability driven by diversification and cost management. Non-livestreaming revenue surged. The company returned capital to shareholders via dividends and share repurchases. User metrics showed declines, but net cash remains strong. JOYY forecasts revenue growth for Q2, emphasizing its strategic shift and diversified business model, particularly in advertising.

Oyster Enterprises II Acquisition Corp upsized its IPO to $220 million (22M units at $10), listing on Nasdaq as OYSEU on May 22, 2025. The SPAC replaces traditional warrants with fractional share rights to minimize investor dilution, targeting AI, blockchain, media, and real estate sectors. Led by tech-linked executives including Divya Narendra, it leverages a $253 million potential warchest with underwriters’ 15% over-allotment option. While benefiting from recovering SPAC market trends and high-growth tech sectors, challenges include competition for acquisitions, undisclosed targets, and prolonged merger timelines prevalent in the post-2023 SPAC landscape. BTIG serves as sole bookrunner.