Invest ideasNews
21 Jan 2026, 18:00
WalletConnect Integrates TRON Network to Expand Global Payments
Wallets and dApps can now tap TRON Network’s global stablecoin rails and DeFi ecosystem Lisbon, Portugal, January 21, 2026 — WalletConnect , the infrastructure powering crypto payments, today announced support for the TRON network, expanding institutional access to DeFi on TRON and extending payment connectivity across one of the world’s largest blockchain networks. The TRON network is governed by the TRON DAO , a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet through blockchain technology and decentralized applications (dApps). The integration connects over 600 WalletConnect-enabled wallets and 70,000 dApps directly to the TRON ecosystem, reinforcing stablecoins as a global payment rail. Users now gain access to seamless TRC‑20 token transfers from any supported wallet, along with direct access to native DeFi, NFT, and GameFi dApps on the TRON network through WalletConnect. Enhanced multi-wallet connectivity across mobile and desktop ensures a smooth experience for both consumers and developers. “Stablecoins are proving they can move money faster and more efficiently than traditional payment rails, the next step is making them universally accessible,” said Jess Houlgrave, CEO of WalletConnect. “Each new integration gives more users access to crypto and to faster and cheaper payments. Adding TRON expands the global stablecoin rails available to our ecosystem and strengthens everyday payment adoption.” Stablecoins have evolved from a niche crypto tool into mainstream digital payments, emerging as a credible medium for consumer transfers, merchant settlement, cross-border payments, and digital commerce. WalletConnect’s TRON integration expands ecosystem access for developers and institutions, allowing custodians and fintech apps like Fireblocks and Trust Wallet to support TRON without additional development. Recently, Ingenico announced an integration with WalletConnect Pay to enable stablecoin payments across more than 40 million point-of-sale terminals worldwide, marking one of the largest expansions into physical retail to date. TRON has already become the major settlement network for USDT, processing an estimated $7.9 trillion in USDT transfer volume in 2025 alone to enable high-frequency value transfer across consumer and business use cases worldwide. The network serves as a primary rail for moving digital dollars quickly and affordably, powering P2P transfers, remittances, merchant settlement, exchange payouts, and “digital cash” transactions. Its widespread adoption in emerging markets underscores TRON’s staying power as a reliable high-throughput, and scalable payment infrastructure. “Stablecoins have reached real mainstream use, with the TRON network handling more than $21 billion in stablecoin transfers each day,” said Justin Sun, founder of TRON. “TRON was built to operate at scale, and integrations like WalletConnect help bring that scale directly into the wallets and applications people use for everyday payments.” WalletConnect support for TRON is now available across leading wallets in the ecosystem, including Trust Wallet, which has processed over $20 million in transactions since October; Binance Web3 Wallet, with $3 million; and SafePal, with $1.7 million. The integration is also rolling out to applications such as Sun.io, JustLend, Bridgers, Symbiosis Finance, and Debridge to enable fast and affordable payments via TRON, seamless stablecoin transfers, and broader DeFi participation. About WalletConnect: WalletConnect, founded in 2018 is the connectivity layer for the financial internet, enabling seamless, encrypted connections between wallets and applications across ecosystems like Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin and more. WalletConnect is used by traditional enterprises, custodians, institutions and onchain applications and wallets. Media Contact Aaron Dodd [email protected] About TRON DAO TRON DAO is a community-governed DAO dedicated to accelerating the decentralization of the internet via blockchain technology and dApps. Founded in September 2017 by H.E. Justin Sun, the TRON blockchain has experienced significant growth since its MainNet launch in May 2018. Until recently, TRON hosted the largest circulating supply of USD Tether (USDT) stablecoin, which currently exceeds $81 billion. As of January 2026, the TRON blockchain has recorded over 359 million in total user accounts, more than 12 billion in total transactions, and over $25 billion in total value locked (TVL), based on TRONSCAN. Recognized as the global settlement layer for stablecoin transactions and everyday purchases with proven success, TRON is “Moving Trillions, Empowering Billions.” TRONNetwork | TRONDAO | X | YouTube | Telegram | Discord | Reddit | GitHub | Medium | Forum Media Contact Yeweon Park [email protected]
21 Jan 2026, 17:31
SKR is available for trading!
We’re thrilled to announce that SKR is available for trading on Kraken! Funding and trading SKR trading is live as of January 21, 2026. To add an asset to your Kraken account, navigate to Funding, select the asset you’re after, and hit ‘Deposit’. Make sure to deposit your tokens into networks supported by Kraken. Deposits made using other networks will be lost. Trade on Kraken Here’s some more information about this asset : Seeker (SKR) Seeker (SKR) is the native utility and governance token of the Solana Mobile ecosystem, designed to power a decentralized, open mobile economy. SKR serves as the coordination layer for the Seeker smartphone, aligning incentives between users, developers, and hardware manufacturers. As the primary utility asset, SKR enables decentralized dApp curation and governance, allowing holders to influence platform policies and visibility within the Solana Mobile dApp Store. Users can stake and delegate SKR to decentralized operators responsible for verifying device authenticity and maintaining platform integrity to earn network rewards. Built on the Solana blockchain, SKR underpins a mobile-native Web3 stack that integrates hardware-level security via the Seed Vault with on-chain identity and verification protocols. Please note: Trading via Kraken App and Instant Buy will be available once the liquidity conditions are met (when a sufficient number of buyers and sellers have entered the market for their orders to be efficiently matched). Geographic restrictions may apply Get Started with Kraken Will Kraken make more assets available? Yes! But our policy is to never reveal any details until shortly before launch – including which assets we are considering. All of Kraken’s available tokens can be found here , and all future tokens will be announced on our Listings Roadmap and social media profiles . Our client engagement specialists cannot answer any questions about which assets we may be making available in the future. The post SKR is available for trading! appeared first on Kraken Blog .
21 Jan 2026, 17:30
WEF Document Name-Drops Ripple’s XRP, What Does It Say?
A decade-old report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) is resurfacing in the crypto space, highlighting early recognition of Ripple and XRP’s potential in the banking sector. Analysts say the document illustrates how decentralized networks like Ripple may allow institutions to settle payments faster and more directly in the future. WEF Spotlights Ripple For Settlement Case Study A crypto market analyst identified as ‘SMQKE’ on X recently revived a 2015 WEF report, sparking fresh discussions in the crypto community. The document explores how traditional banks could interact with emerging payment technologies, and it specifically mentions the company as a system capable of transforming interbank settlement . The WEF report revealed that, as alternative payment methods, such as decentralized networks , grow in popularity worldwide, banks have the opportunity to integrate them into their services. By adopting these technologies, institutions can make it easier for customers to move value in and out of non-traditional networks while also exploring new financial products. Ripple is cited as an example of a protocol that could serve as one of these alternative rails. Beyond customer use, these networks can also improve how banks operate internally. By leveraging non-traditional networks , banks could streamline processes and offer smoother, faster products and services. Ripple’s protocol, for instance, enhances this process by enabling real-time settlement between banks, eliminating the need for traditional clearinghouses or correspondent banks. A case study in the WEF report focuses on German-based Fidor Bank, an online full-service bank that implemented the payment firm for its internal settlement operations in 2014. According to the World Economic Forum, broader adoption of Ripple could enable other banks to settle payments instantly with one another. This early example demonstrates how the crypto payments company was already seen as a practical tool for improving banking efficiency . Though the WEF report is over a decade old, its insights remain relevant as financial institutions continue exploring blockchain-based payment solutions . Notably, this is not the first time the World Economic Forum has mentioned Ripple in its reports. In its May 2025 report, the international organization highlighted Ripple and the XRP Ledger (XRPL) as key technologies in the future of asset tokenization. How XRP Fits In The Bank Settlement Scheme As the native token of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) , XRP is designed to serve as a digital bridge for fast, low-cost cross-border payments between financial institutions. By leveraging XRPL, Ripple enables banks and payment providers to settle transactions in seconds rather than days. Due to its high throughput and ability to handle large transaction volumes with minimal effort, the XRP Ledger appears well-suited for the demands of modern banking. Its efficiency and speed have led many to compare Ripple to SWIFT , the long-standing messaging network used by banks worldwide for international transfers.
21 Jan 2026, 17:23
Winklevoss Twins Donate $1.2M to Zcash’s Shielded Labs Amid ECC Exodus
Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss donated 3,221 ZEC (approximately $1.2 million) to Shielded Labs on Tuesday, the Swiss-based nonprofit confirmed , marking their second contribution to the independent Zcash development organization. https://t.co/iRx986OwCr — Shielded Labs (@ShieldedLabs) January 20, 2026 Zcash (ZEC) is currently trading around $368.85 and is up about 3.01% over the past 24 hours. The funds will support three protocol-level initiatives: the Network Sustainability Mechanism (economic health upgrades), Crosslink (a hybrid PoW/PoS layer), and Dynamic Fees. Shielded Labs operates entirely outside Zcash’s Dev Fund structure, relying solely on donations from ZEC holders. “A healthy Zcash ecosystem depends on multiple independent organisations contributing at the protocol level. Shielded Labs plays an important role in that effort, and we’re glad to support their work,” Cameron Winklevoss said. Cameron Winklevoss also added that the twins have backed Zcash for years, calling privacy “the point at which government and corporate overreach end and your freedom and self-sovereignty begin.” Timing and Context The donation lands two weeks after the entire Electric Coin Company development team (roughly 25 members, including CEO Josh Swihart and Chief Scientist Chelsea Komlo) resigned on January 7, citing what Swihart described as “constructive discharge” following a governance dispute with Bootstrap, ECC’s nonprofit overseer. Over the past few weeks, it's become clear that the majority of Bootstrap board members (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to support Zcash by governing the Electric Coin Company), specifically Zaki Manian, Christina Garman, Alan Fairless, and Michelle Lai (ZCAM), have moved into… — Josh Swihart (@jswihart) January 7, 2026 The departing developers immediately formed a new startup , cashZ, and announced plans for a wallet built on the existing Zashi codebase. ZEC dropped 20% following the announcement, briefly touching $385. Shielded Labs, led by Zcash founder Zooko Wilcox as Head of Product, now represents a parallel development path. The organization received its first Winklevoss donation in 2023 to seed the Crosslink team. Winklevoss-Backed Accumulation The brothers’ support extends beyond donations. Winklevoss Capital led a $58.88 million private placement in October 2025 for Cypherpunk Technologies (NASDAQ: CYPH), a company that shifted to a Zcash treasury strategy. Cypherpunk purchased 56,418 ZEC last month and now holds nearly 2% of the circulating supply. Zooko Wilcox joined Cypherpunk as Strategic Advisor in December 2025. Regulatory Tailwind The SEC closed its two-year investigation into the Zcash Foundation on January 14, 2026, without enforcement action. The probe, initiated via subpoena in August 2023, examined whether ZEC constituted a securities offering. The closure aligns with broader SEC pullback on crypto enforcement under Chair Paul Atkins. ZEC surged 14% on the SEC news but has since retraced as governance uncertainty persists. What This Means for Desks The Winklevoss donation shows institutional confidence in Shielded Labs as the de facto development anchor for Zcash. With ECC’s team now operating independently under cashZ and regulatory clarity secured, ZEC’s path forward hinges on execution of the Crosslink hybrid PoS upgrade. Liquidity providers watching the privacy coin sector should note the twins’ coordinated accumulation via Cypherpunk and direct protocol funding. The governance fracture introduces development risk, but also decentralizes the previously ECC-centric structure. The post Winklevoss Twins Donate $1.2M to Zcash’s Shielded Labs Amid ECC Exodus appeared first on Cryptonews .
21 Jan 2026, 16:45
Iran’s Central Bank Makes Stunning $507M USDT Purchase to Bolster National Currency and Trade
BitcoinWorld Iran’s Central Bank Makes Stunning $507M USDT Purchase to Bolster National Currency and Trade In a significant development that highlights the evolving role of digital assets in global finance, Iran’s central bank acquired approximately $507 million worth of Tether (USDT) over the past year to defend its national currency and facilitate international trade payments, according to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. This revelation, reported by Decrypt on March 15, 2025, provides concrete evidence of how sovereign nations are increasingly turning to cryptocurrency solutions amid economic pressures and international sanctions. Iran’s Central Bank USDT Strategy Revealed Blockchain analytics firm Elliptic identified a specific cryptocurrency wallet used by Iran’s central bank to receive the substantial USDT holdings. The purchases occurred in two major transactions during April and May of 2024, with most funds subsequently transferred to the local cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex. According to Elliptic’s analysis, the central bank then converted the USDT into other assets using a cross-chain bridge, a process that continued through the end of last year. Ultimately, this activity resulted in a total outflow of 507 million USDT from the identified wallet. The timing of these transactions coincides with significant pressure on Iran’s national currency, the rial, which has faced substantial devaluation in recent years. International sanctions have complicated Iran’s ability to conduct conventional international trade, creating a challenging environment for the country’s financial institutions. Consequently, the central bank appears to have turned to cryptocurrency as a practical solution for both currency defense and trade settlement purposes. Understanding the Economic Context Behind the Move Iran’s economy has faced mounting challenges due to a combination of domestic factors and international restrictions. The country has experienced persistent inflation, currency devaluation, and limited access to the global financial system. Traditional methods of defending a national currency typically involve using foreign exchange reserves, but sanctions have restricted Iran’s access to conventional financial channels. This situation has created a compelling need for alternative financial instruments. Several factors make USDT particularly attractive for Iran’s financial strategy: Stability: USDT maintains a 1:1 peg with the US dollar, providing relative stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies Accessibility: Tether operates on multiple blockchain networks, offering flexibility in transactions Borderless Nature: Cryptocurrency transactions can bypass traditional banking restrictions Settlement Speed: Blockchain transactions typically settle faster than traditional international transfers The Iranian government has shown increasing interest in digital assets in recent years. In 2023, Iran officially recognized cryptocurrency mining as a legitimate industrial activity, though it maintained restrictions on cryptocurrency trading. This regulatory framework suggests a nuanced approach to digital assets, recognizing their potential utility while attempting to manage associated risks. Expert Analysis of the Blockchain Evidence Elliptic’s identification of the central bank wallet represents a significant development in blockchain analytics capabilities. The firm used sophisticated tracking methods to connect wallet activity to institutional entities, demonstrating how blockchain transparency can provide insights into state-level financial strategies. This capability has important implications for regulatory compliance and international financial monitoring. Financial experts note that Iran’s move reflects broader trends in global finance. Several countries facing economic sanctions or currency instability have explored cryptocurrency solutions. Venezuela launched its Petro cryptocurrency in 2018, while Russia has discussed digital asset strategies amid international restrictions. However, Iran’s substantial USDT purchase represents one of the most significant documented cases of a central bank using stablecoins for official purposes. The table below illustrates key aspects of Iran’s USDT acquisition: Transaction Period Amount (USDT) Primary Destination Purpose April-May 2024 507 million Nobitex Exchange Currency Defense & Trade Through December 2024 Converted via Bridge Multiple Assets Asset Diversification Technical Execution and Blockchain Mechanics The central bank’s use of a cross-chain bridge represents a sophisticated approach to cryptocurrency management. Cross-chain bridges enable the transfer of assets between different blockchain networks, allowing users to access various decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and liquidity pools. This technical capability suggests that Iran’s financial authorities have developed substantial expertise in cryptocurrency operations. Nobitex, the Iranian cryptocurrency exchange that received the transferred funds, has become one of the country’s leading digital asset platforms. The exchange operates within Iran’s regulatory framework for cryptocurrency, which permits trading under specific conditions. Nobitex’s involvement in processing central bank transactions indicates the growing integration between traditional financial institutions and cryptocurrency ecosystems in Iran. The conversion process through the cross-chain bridge likely served multiple purposes: Asset Diversification: Spreading holdings across different cryptocurrencies Liquidity Management: Accessing different trading pairs and markets Anonymity Enhancement: Potentially obscuring transaction trails Yield Generation: Possibly engaging in DeFi protocols for returns International Reactions and Regulatory Implications The revelation of Iran’s USDT purchases has generated significant discussion among international regulators and financial analysts. The United States Treasury Department has previously expressed concerns about cryptocurrency use by sanctioned entities, citing potential evasion of financial restrictions. However, effectively monitoring and regulating such transactions presents substantial challenges due to cryptocurrency’s decentralized nature. International financial organizations are increasingly examining how digital assets might affect global economic stability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published research on cryptocurrency adoption in emerging economies, noting both potential benefits and risks. Similarly, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has developed guidelines for cryptocurrency regulation, emphasizing the need for anti-money laundering controls. Several countries are now reevaluating their approaches to cryptocurrency regulation in light of Iran’s actions. Some nations may consider stricter controls on stablecoin transactions, while others might explore similar strategies for their own economic needs. This development highlights the complex interplay between technological innovation, financial strategy, and international regulation. Broader Implications for Global Finance Iran’s substantial USDT purchase signals a potential shift in how nations approach currency management and international trade. As blockchain technology matures and cryptocurrency adoption grows, more countries may explore digital asset strategies for economic purposes. This trend could have far-reaching implications for global financial systems and international relations. The use of cryptocurrency by central banks raises important questions about monetary sovereignty and financial independence. While digital assets offer potential solutions for countries facing economic challenges, they also introduce new vulnerabilities and dependencies. The concentration of cryptocurrency holdings by state actors could affect market dynamics and regulatory approaches worldwide. Furthermore, this development underscores the growing importance of blockchain analytics in understanding global financial flows. Firms like Elliptic provide crucial insights into cryptocurrency movements, helping regulators and financial institutions track potentially significant transactions. This capability will likely become increasingly important as digital assets play larger roles in international finance. Conclusion Iran’s central bank purchase of $507 million in USDT represents a landmark development in the intersection of traditional finance and digital assets. This strategic move to defend the national currency and facilitate international trade payments demonstrates how cryptocurrency solutions are being adopted at the highest levels of financial governance. The transaction, identified through sophisticated blockchain analysis by Elliptic, provides concrete evidence of evolving financial strategies in response to economic pressures and international restrictions. As global financial systems continue to evolve, such developments will likely influence how nations approach currency management, international trade, and financial innovation in the digital age. FAQs Q1: Why did Iran’s central bank purchase USDT specifically? Iran’s central bank likely chose USDT because it maintains a stable value pegged to the US dollar, operates on multiple blockchain networks for flexibility, and provides relative stability compared to more volatile cryptocurrencies. This makes it suitable for currency defense and international trade settlements. Q2: How did Elliptic identify the central bank’s cryptocurrency wallet? Elliptic used advanced blockchain analytics techniques, likely including transaction pattern analysis, wallet clustering methods, and correlation with known exchange addresses. The firm specializes in tracking cryptocurrency flows and identifying connections between wallet addresses and real-world entities. Q3: What is a cross-chain bridge and why was it used? A cross-chain bridge is a protocol that enables the transfer of cryptocurrency assets between different blockchain networks. Iran’s central bank used this technology to convert USDT into other assets, potentially for diversification, accessing different markets, or engaging with various decentralized finance platforms. Q4: How does this affect international sanctions against Iran? The use of cryptocurrency potentially enables Iran to bypass some traditional financial restrictions, though international regulators are increasingly focused on cryptocurrency compliance. This development highlights the challenges of enforcing sanctions in an increasingly digital financial landscape. Q5: Could other countries adopt similar cryptocurrency strategies? Yes, several countries facing economic challenges or international restrictions have explored or implemented cryptocurrency strategies. Venezuela launched its Petro cryptocurrency, while other nations have discussed digital asset approaches. Iran’s substantial USDT purchase may influence how other countries consider cryptocurrency for official purposes. This post Iran’s Central Bank Makes Stunning $507M USDT Purchase to Bolster National Currency and Trade first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
21 Jan 2026, 16:33
The Protocol: Staked ETH exit queue moves down to zero
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