26 Apr 2025, 12:25

Scott Bessent sees good progress with Japan and South Korea in trade negotiations

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said early talks with Japan and South Korea this week were “productive,” according to Reuters on Friday. After meeting with Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato in Washington, Bessent said he “welcomed the strong start” between the two countries as they opened new bilateral trade talks. The discussions focused on finding ways to boost trade between the allies, without new restrictions getting in the way. On Thursday, Bessent also met with South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, South Korean Trade Minister Ahn Duk-geun, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer . The Treasury said the group agreed to “further productive discussions, including on currency policy,” and made it clear that both sides want to push trade forward instead of putting up barriers. Bessent said he appreciated South Korea’s “fast and positive engagement” on tariff issues. Currency and tariff issues stay hot in Washington meetings Thursday’s talks also made it obvious that currency policy is going to stay a hot topic. Even though Japan avoided direct US pressure to boost the yen for now, officials said exchange rates and the Bank of Japan’s interest rate moves are going to be major issues in the bigger trade negotiations. After sitting down with Bessent for about 50 minutes, Katsunobu Kato told reporters that they didn’t talk about setting exchange-rate targets or creating any kind of system to control the yen. “There was no discussion on exchange-rate targets,” Kato said when asked about currency issues. A Japanese Finance Ministry official also confirmed that the US made no accusations that Japan was purposely weakening the yen. When reporters pressed for more, Kato stayed tight-lipped. Asked if the US made any direct demands, he said, “I can’t comment because that goes straight into actual discussions.” The meeting took place during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings in Washington. Yen discussions still on the table in Japanese talks Still, there were clear signs that money talk isn’t going away. Kato said that Japan and the US would “continue close and constructive dialogue on exchange rates” as part of the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations. Analysts took that as a hint that Washington might push for changes in the future to help US businesses. Next week, top Japanese trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa will head to Washington for the second round of talks. Things are expected to get rougher. President Donald Trump, who is back in the White House, has been loud about cutting the US trade deficit. His past claims that Japan keeps the yen weak on purpose have raised market expectations that Tokyo could be forced to let the yen rise, giving US exporters a better shot at beating foreign competitors. The meetings this week might have been calm on the surface, but the road ahead looks anything but smooth. With Trump’s team locked in on shrinking the trade gap, and old accusations still fresh, Japan could be facing real pressure to give ground in the talks. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More

26 Apr 2025, 11:55

Stripe to Launch USD Stablecoin for Global Markets Beyond US, UK, and Europe

Global payments giant Stripe is developing a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin aimed at companies operating outside the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Stripe CEO Patrick Collison confirmed the initiative in a recent post on X , inviting businesses to participate in early testing of the product. The announcement follows Stripe’s regulatory approval to acquire Bridge, a stablecoin payments network designed to rival traditional banking systems and SWIFT-based transfers. Bridge was co-founded in 2022 by former Coinbase executives Zach Abrams and Sean Yu. Stripe Pioneered Crypto Payments in 2014 with Early Bitcoin Support Stripe’s involvement in crypto dates back to 2014 when it became the first major payments processor to support Bitcoin (BTC) transactions. However, due to network inefficiencies and high fees, the company halted Bitcoin support before reviving its crypto ambitions in 2021 by rebuilding its blockchain team. Since then, Stripe has accelerated its crypto push. In October 2024, the firm launched stablecoin payment options , which saw rapid adoption across 70 countries on its first day. Earlier that year, Stripe partnered with Coinbase to facilitate fiat-to-crypto conversions. Collison remarked that this latest stablecoin project is something Stripe has “wanted to build for around a decade.” We've wanted to build this product for around a decade, and it's now happening. https://t.co/zK9dADvGhG — Patrick Collison (@patrickc) April 25, 2025 Stablecoins, which are pegged to assets like fiat currencies, continue to gain traction globally as efficient tools for cross-border payments and financial stability. In the U.S., regulatory focus on USD-backed stablecoins has intensified, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell calling for clear legislation. Meanwhile, companies like PayPal have entered the space , launching their own stablecoins and offering yield incentives to holders. As of April 25, the total stablecoin market capitalization stands at $237.5 billion, according to DefiLlama, signaling robust demand for digital dollar solutions in global finance. Jack Dorsey Urges Signal to Adopt Bitcoin for P2P Payments Earlier this month, Jack Dorsey, former Twitter CEO and outspoken Bitcoin advocate, publicly urged Signal Messenger to integrate Bitcoin for peer-to-peer (P2P) payments. Dorsey’s call was echoed by David Marcus, former president of PayPal and current CEO of Lightspark, who stated that “all non-transactional apps should connect to Bitcoin.” The comments reflect a growing sentiment among Bitcoin advocates to reposition BTC not just as a store of value, but as a practical payment tool. Venture capital firms are increasingly backing projects focused on stablecoin services and financial infrastructure. The sector’s potential was further underscored by payments giant Stripe’s acquisition of stablecoin platform Bridge for $1.1 billion last year, signaling strong institutional interest in blockchain-based financial solutions. Aside from Stripe, other payment companies have also adopted stablecoins as a means of payment. More recently, Singapore-based payments company Triple-A announced plans to integrate PayPal’s stablecoin into its list of supported tokens for customer payments. The post Stripe to Launch USD Stablecoin for Global Markets Beyond US, UK, and Europe appeared first on Cryptonews .

26 Apr 2025, 11:37

Firms Are Adding Solana to Corporate Treasuries, But Bitcoin Still Leads the Way

Adding crypto to corporate treasuries is a clear and growing trend. And it’s not just Bitcoin. Solana’s SOL is also entering the mix as companies build treasuries they can stake and as a gateway to the broader Solana ecosystem. “The recent increase in corporations allocating Bitcoin, and now Solana, to their treasuries, reflects a shift in how companies manage risk and seek growth,” said Todd Ruoff, CEO of Autonomys Labs, in comments to The Defiant “Bitcoin has been favored for its value proposition as ‘digital gold,’ acting as a hedge against currency devaluation.” To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io

26 Apr 2025, 10:47

Here’s How Ripple Plays 4D Chess While Others Debate Price

A recent tweet by prominent crypto commentator “All Things XRP” brought attention to Ripple’s expanding role in the digital asset industry, highlighting a strategic transformation many in the sector may have underestimated. The commentator presents a structured breakdown of Ripple’s development, tracing the company’s journey from its early focus on cross-border payments to its current ambition of becoming a foundational pillar in the global financial system. Early Vision: Streamlining Cross-Border Transactions According to the tweet, Ripple’s origins lie in providing a faster, cheaper alternative to traditional payment systems like SWIFT. Using XRP as a bridge asset, the company aimed to improve international money transfers through speed and efficiency. However, this phase, described as a prologue, represented only a narrow segment of the broader financial challenges Ripple set out to address. Expansion into Financial Infrastructure “All Things XRP” notes that Ripple’s strategic pivot came with its recognition that the pain points in finance extend far beyond payments. The company began building infrastructure supporting a wide range of financial services. This expansion now includes tokenization of real-world assets, securing digital asset custody, and the introduction of its own stablecoin. Tokenization and Institutional Partnerships The commentary emphasizes Ripple’s growing presence in tokenization, referencing projections of a $19 trillion tokenized asset market by 2033. Ripple is reportedly advancing this area through the XRP Ledger, which now supports tokenized financial instruments, including treasuries and real estate. One example provided is Ripple’s collaboration with Archax to tokenize money market funds—an initiative framed as laying the groundwork for a new digital financial system. Ripple Custody and RLUSD: Enabling Institutional Adoption Ripple has also launched Ripple Custody, a solution tailored for banks and institutions that require secure and compliant digital asset storage. The tweet mentions BBVA Switzerland as one of the early adopters. Ripple Custody is positioned as a bridge between traditional finance and digital asset markets, offering a product distinct from consumer-grade tools. The launch of RLUSD, Ripple’s U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, is presented as another cornerstone of this strategy. Released in late 2024, RLUSD is designed for interoperability, real-time settlement, and enterprise-grade payouts, aligning with the company’s focus on business-to-business financial use cases. Global Alliances and Regulatory Recognition “All Things XRP” also points to Ripple’s strategic alliances with major financial entities such as Santander, SBI Holdings, and Bank of America. Ripple’s addition to the U.S. Strategic Crypto Reserve in 2025 is evidence of its integration into mainstream financial architecture. Exploring Advanced Technologies and Acquisitions The tweet underscores that Ripple’s ambitions extend beyond blockchain itself. The company is exploring zero-knowledge proofs and has introduced AI-driven tools such as ExoraPad. These initiatives reflect a broader commitment to programmable, real-time financial infrastructure. Ripple’s acquisition of Hidden Road is another move highlighted. Some observers interpret this as a step toward integrating with SWIFT, while others view it as a signal that Ripple intends to replace legacy systems entirely. The tweet stops short of confirming either scenario, but affirms that Ripple’s goal is to lead, not conform. Reframing Ripple’s Role in Finance The commentator concludes by referencing Ripple’s legal milestone in 2023 when XRP was declared not a security, followed by a more favorable regulatory environment in 2025. Combined with the rising importance of asset tokenization, Ripple’s current positioning is critical. The message is clear: Ripple is no longer just a payments company—it is positioning itself as the infrastructure backbone for a rapidly evolving financial future. The advice is to focus less on short-term price movements and more on the company’s long-term strategy. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. The post Here’s How Ripple Plays 4D Chess While Others Debate Price appeared first on Times Tabloid .

26 Apr 2025, 10:25

Stripe Building First Stablecoin Product On Bridge

Stripe, a global payments platform, is building its first stablecoin financial product for companies based outside the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. The move could help further expand the footprint of the Dollar in global markets. The new stablecoin product will be powered by Bridge. In October 2024, after receiving regulatory approval, Stripe purchased the stablecoin payments infrastructure firm for $1.1 billion. Stripe Building New Stablecoin Product Stripe co-founder Jeff Weinstein and CEO Patrick Collison confirmed the project on X. Collison posted an invitation for companies interested in testing the solution, adding that the company had wanted to build such a product for over a decade. “We've wanted to build this product for around a decade, and it's now happening.” The project began gaining traction after Stripe acquired stablecoin payments network Bridge. The company’s acquisition of Bridge for $1.1 billion remains the largest crypto-related merger to date. Bridge focuses on using stablecoins to move money, providing APIs to businesses allowing them to accept and move stablecoin payments across the globe while minimizing complexities. Developer Jen Kim stated that the new product is ready for testing and that Stripe is actively collecting user feedback. Kim also added that users in over 90 countries have begun using stablecoins to make payments through Stripe since the launch of Bridge’s services. Bridge competes with banks and other financial institutions using the SWIFT payment system. SWIFT is a global financial messaging network facilitating international wire transfers. A New Revenue Stream Industry insiders believe the new product could unlock a significant revenue stream for Stripe through earnings on reserves held in US assets like US Treasuries. Some estimations put the figure at $40 billion. Stripe co-founders Jeff Weinstein and Patrick Collison highlighted the growing use of stablecoins from corporate treasury and remittances to savings in unstable economies. They have also gained traction as an alternative payment mode in markets with low credit card access. Bridge integrates stablecoins, including USDT and USDC, into traditional financial systems, enabling cross-border payments and currency exchanges. The firm has gained traction through several partnerships across crypto and finance. Stripe gained prominence in crypto after introducing support for Bitcoin payments in 2014. However, the feature was discontinued in 2018 due to declining demand, long transaction times, high fees, and volatility. However, the firm reintroduced crypto payments this month with USDC payments on Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies that maintain stability by pegging their value to fiat currencies. Dollar-backed stablecoins have gained traction at the federal level, with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell calling for dedicated legislation. According to data from DefiLlama, the stablecoin market cap sits at $237.5 billion as of April 25. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

26 Apr 2025, 10:00

Semler Scientific makes another $10M Bitcoin purchase

Healthcare technology company Semler Scientific has purchased Bitcoin worth $10 million. According to its latest statement, the company said it has been buying the stash since February 14. The statement mentioned that it bought 111 Bitcoin for $10 million, making the average price per coin $90,124. “Between February 14, 2025, and April 24, 2025, Semler Scientific acquired 111 bitcoins for $10.0 million with an average purchase price of $90,124 per bitcoin, inclusive of fees and expenses, using proceeds from its ATM offering and cash on hand,” the statement said. The company also said it now holds a little over 3,300 Bitcoin, worth around $300 million. The company prides itself in developing marketing technology products and services to help its users evaluate and treat chronic diseases. In his statement, Semler Scientific chairman Eric Semler mentioned that as a result of the purchases, stockholders have now earned a Bitcoin yield of 23.5% in the year to date. Semler Scientific makes big Bitcoin purchase According to the statement, the company uses Bitcoin yield as a key indicator to assess the performance of its strategy. “Semler Scientific uses BTC Yield as a [key performance indicator] to help assess the performance of its strategy of acquiring bitcoin in a manner Semler Scientific believes is accretive to stockholders,” the statement said. Bitcoin yield measures the ratio of Bitcoin holdings to outstanding shares, showing increased exposure per share for investors. The company also said that it believes that the KPI can be used to explain the company’s decision to buy additional BTC. “Semler Scientific believes this KPI can be used to supplement an investor’s understanding of Semler Scientific’s decision to fund the purchase of bitcoin by issuing additional shares of its common stock or instruments convertible to common stock,” the statement said. In its statement, the company mentioned that its Bitcoin treasury was acquired for an average price of about $89,000. According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin is presently trading at around $94,000 per token. The statement also added that the company partially financed its Bitcoin purchases by issuing about $125 million worth of new stock. Semler also said that the company has plans to raise $75 million through a private offering of convertible senior notes later. Corporate firms shift to Bitcoin Over the last few months, there has been a consensus for corporate firms to shift into the Bitcoin industry, especially with stakeholders calling on firms to hold a strategic Bitcoin reserve. The move was inspired by the rise in the price of Bitcoin in 2024, pushing the Michael Saylor-led Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) up by more than 350%. The move inspired many firms to start accumulating digital assets, especially Bitcoin, in a treasury. As a result of the move, public companies are now among the largest institutional Bitcoin holders. As of April 25, corporate Bitcoin holdings were worth approximately $71 billion, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.NET. Strategy remains the largest corporate company holding BTC, with its treasury worth more than $50 billion. During the week of April 14, Strategy bought 6,556 BTC, purchasing each coin at an average price of $84,785. However, among institutional players, corporate treasuries are still behind exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which hold about $110 billion worth of Bitcoin, according to CoinGlass data. The adoption has also spread to countries, with United States President Donald Trump leading the charge to see America become the headquarters of cryptocurrencies. The president recently signed the strategic Bitcoin reserve bill into law, adding assets like ETH, XRP, and ADA into the stockpile. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now