• XRP is rapidly gaining traction in decentralized finance with strong community support.
• Ethereum faces challenges due to high transaction costs, which limit its efficiency for DeFi users.
• Solana delivers speed and low fees but struggles with network outages and concerns about centralization.
• XRP Ledger offers fast and reliable transactions with minimal fees, making it attractive for DeFi platforms.
• The upcoming XRPL Hooks feature aims to bring smart contract capabilities in a lightweight and efficient form.

XRP is gaining momentum in the decentralized finance (DeFi) and could soon challenge Ethereum (ETH) and Solana’s (SOL) dominance. A well-known XRP community member outlined specific advantages that place XRP Ledger (XRPL) ahead of its competitors. With speed, cost, and regulation improvements, XRP may secure a stronger position in the DeFi ecosystem.

⚠️🚨 ETHEREUM’S TOO EXPENSIVE. SOLANA’S TOO UNSTABLE.

But XRP might be DeFi’s next dark horse.

Let me explain why XRPL could win this race. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/e9cNmDQUGV

— All Things XRP (@XRP_investing) May 10, 2025

Ethereum Faces Cost and Efficiency Issues

Ethereum has led the DeFi space for years, but its rising transaction fees create limitations for users and developers. Current gas fees on Ethereum range between $20 and $70, making it expensive for regular DeFi transactions. These high costs reduce efficiency and deter smaller participants from using the network consistently.

Ethereum relies on the proof-of-stake model, prioritizing security but slowing processing speed during network congestion. While it remains highly decentralized, this architecture limits its scalability in real-time DeFi applications. Users often wait longer for confirmation, which affects time-sensitive financial operations.

Despite its wide adoption and developer activity, Ethereum struggles to provide affordable and fast services in the current DeFi landscape. As competition grows, its inability to address these limitations may weaken its market grip. XRPL’s low fees and faster settlement offer a more practical alternative for daily DeFi tasks.

Solana Battles Outages and Centralization Concerns

Solana offers fast and low-cost transactions, but its history of outages raises concerns about reliability. The network has experienced multiple downtimes, disrupting DeFi applications and affecting user trust. These outages limit its ability to serve high-volume, real-time financial services efficiently.

SOL also faces questions about centralization, with a few validators controlling most of the network’s activity. This model can reduce transparency and expose the system to potential manipulation during critical events. Users seeking stable DeFi platforms may hesitate to rely on a network with such vulnerabilities.

Although Solana has built a strong ecosystem, these structural concerns remain unresolved. As DeFi requires both speed and security, platforms with consistent uptime and decentralized governance gain an edge. XRP Ledger’s consensus model aims to deliver both with fewer technical failures.

XRP Offers Speed, Low Cost, and Strong Backing

XRP Ledger settles transactions within seconds, with negligible fees compared to its rivals. This speed allows DeFi applications to operate more efficiently, especially during high user activity periods. Unlike Ethereum and Solana, XRPL has never experienced a major network outage.

XRPL will soon integrate XRPL Hooks, which add smart contract functionality using lightweight and efficient code. These Hooks are designed for specific tasks like lending, payments, farming, and improving DeFi use without high costs. As a result, the network could attract more DeFi projects seeking optimized performance.

XRP also benefits from strong institutional backing and favorable regulations in regions like the UAE and the EU. These factors position XRPL as a bridge between decentralized and traditional finance. With real-world traction and ongoing development, XRP continues to gain relevance in the evolving DeFi space.

The post XRP Gears Up for a DeFi Takeover—Will It Beat Ethereum and Solana? appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Uniswap has become the first decentralized exchange (DEX) to reach $3 trillion in all-time trading volume
• Current daily volume is around $3-3.3 billion with 23% DEX market share
• Total Value Locked (TVL) is just under $5 billion, about half of its 2021 peak
• UNI token trades at $7.03, down 84% from May 2021 peak of $45
• Uniswap plans to launch its own EIP-7702 compatible smart wallet with one-click swapping

Uniswap has made history by becoming the first decentralized exchange (DEX) to hit $3 trillion in all-time trading volume. This milestone was announced by Uniswap founder Hayden Adams on May 12, 2025, showcasing the platform’s growing role in the decentralized finance ecosystem.

The exchange currently processes about $3.3 billion in daily transactions according to Dune Analytics data, while DeFiLlama reports a slightly lower figure of $3 billion over the past 24 hours. These numbers put Uniswap at the top of the DEX market with a 23% share of daily volumes.

PancakeSwap trails behind as the second-largest DEX with $2.7 billion in volume and a 21% market share. This competitive positioning highlights Uniswap’s leading role in the decentralized trading landscape.

Despite the volume achievement, Uniswap’s Total Value Locked (TVL) sits at just under $5 billion. This figure represents approximately half of what it was during its peak in 2021. The drop mirrors the overall DeFi sector, which has seen its total value locked fall to around half of late 2021 levels.

Current industry data shows the total DeFi TVL between $124-132 billion, with more than half concentrated on the Ethereum blockchain. These figures reflect the sector’s partial recovery from previous market downturns.

Token Performance and Technical Analysis

The UNI token hasn’t matched the platform’s operational success. It currently trades at $7.03, which represents an 84% decrease from its all-time high of $45 reached in May 2021. The token showed a 3.4% loss on the day of the volume announcement.

Recent price action has been more positive for UNI holders. The token has increased 6% over the last 24 hours and registered an impressive 38.6% gain over the past week. These movements have brought its market cap to $4.42 billion with 24-hour trading volume of $485.64 million.

Technical indicators present mixed signals for UNI. The token recently reached a peak of about $7.12 before pulling back slightly to the $7.01 level. Bollinger Bands have widened, indicating increased volatility, with the price touching the upper band around $7.62 – typically considered an overbought signal.

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) supports this view, having decreased from an overbought reading of 78.58 to 68.67. This suggests the rally’s momentum may be slowing. However, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) remains above zero, indicating ongoing bullish sentiment despite a narrowing histogram showing diminishing momentum.

Support levels at $5.43 and $4.74 could provide a safety net if prices retrace further. Market analysts suggest that a healthy pullback to the $6.40-$6.80 zone might help the market reset before continuing upward.

Upcoming Smart Wallet Development

Alongside the volume milestone, Adams announced plans for Uniswap to roll out its own “7702 wallet” and support other wallets using this standard. The goal is to enable one-click swapping for all users, potentially lowering barriers to entry for decentralized trading.

we're rolling out our own 7702 wallet and supporting other 7702 wallets through EIP 5792

with the goal being 1 click swapping for all users

— Hayden Adams 🦄 (@haydenzadams) May 12, 2025

EIP-7702 is an Ethereum Improvement Proposal that was implemented with the Pectra upgrade on May 7. Led by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, this proposal enhances Ethereum accounts to better withstand potential quantum computing threats and allows externally owned accounts to temporarily function as smart contracts during transactions.

Trust Wallet has already launched a smart account-compatible upgrade, with Uniswap set to follow. This development could further streamline the user experience on the platform, potentially driving additional volume growth.

The $3 trillion volume milestone and wallet development come as Uniswap maintains its leadership position in the DEX market. While the UNI token price remains well below all-time highs, recent price action and continued platform development suggest ongoing momentum for the pioneering decentralized exchange.

The post Uniswap Reaches $3 Trillion Milestone as First DEX to Hit All-Time Volume Mark appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Spark allocated an additional $1 billion into tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)
• Total allocation now reaches $2 billion, with $2.4 billion in total value locked
• Initial Grand Prix funded BlackRock’s BUIDL ($500M), Superstate’s USTB ($300M), and Centrifuge’s JTRSY ($200M)
• Spark generated approximately $40 million in revenue in Q1 2025
• Spark has expanded to Base and Arbitrum networks and launched a USDC Vault product

Spark has announced a major expansion of its tokenized asset strategy, allocating an additional $1 billion to real-world assets (RWAs). The move follows the company’s initial $1 billion deployment through its Tokenization Grand Prix initiative launched in Q1 2025.

This latest capital injection brings Spark’s total allocation in tokenized assets to $2 billion. The company now has $2.4 billion in total value locked (TVL) across its platforms, establishing its position as a leading onchain capital allocator.

The expanded allocation comes during a period of growing momentum in onchain finance. Markets in Asia Pacific and emerging economies are showing particular interest in these financial services.

Spark’s suite of products includes the Spark Liquidity Layer, Spark Savings, and SparkLend. These offerings aim to solve common issues in decentralized finance (DeFi) such as liquidity fragmentation and inefficient use of idle capital.

Partners and Allocation Strategy

The original Tokenization Grand Prix saw funds distributed among several partners. BlackRock’s BUIDL received $500 million, Superstate’s USTB got $300 million, and Centrifuge’s JTRSY was allocated $200 million.

These same partners will continue to manage the additional capital from the new $1 billion allocation. This continuity suggests Spark is satisfied with the performance of these initial partnerships.

Sam MacPherson, CEO and Co-Founder of Phoenix Labs, explained the strategy behind the expansion.

“Spark’s capital expansion is both a response to growing market demand and a strategic decision to scale what’s working,” he said.

MacPherson added that the company is “leading the charge in demonstrating the real utility of onchain capital allocation, moving from mere experimentation to real market endurance.”

Expanding Ecosystem and Revenue Growth

Spark has been active in building partnerships across the DeFi ecosystem. Recent collaborations with Maple Finance, RedStone, and other protocols highlight the company’s commitment to expanding access to decentralized liquidity.

The first quarter of 2025 proved productive for Spark. The company generated approximately $40 million in revenue during this period.

Network expansion has been another focus area. Spark recently extended its services to the Base and Arbitrum blockchain networks, increasing its cross-chain presence.

The launch of Spark’s Savings USDC Vault has been well-received by the market. This yield product has attracted over $41 million in deposits, demonstrating user demand for stable returns in the DeFi space.

Since its launch, Spark has been generating steady revenue. The company reports an estimated annualized revenue of $164 million since December 2024.

The additional capital reinforces Spark’s foundation at a time when liquidity coordination is becoming essential for cross-chain performance. The company’s focus on solving liquidity challenges positions it to play a key role in the next phase of DeFi growth.

The post Spark Doubles Down on Tokenized Assets with $1 Billion Capital Expansion appeared first on CoinCentral.

• World Liberty Financial signed an agreement with Pakistan Crypto Council to accelerate crypto adoption
• The partnership aims to develop regulatory sandboxes, expand stablecoin use, and explore asset tokenization
• Pakistan ranks ninth globally for crypto adoption with 25 million users and $300B in annual transactions
• World Liberty founders recently met with former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao in Abu Dhabi
• DWF Labs purchased $25 million in WLFI governance tokens as part of its expansion strategy

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, is rapidly expanding its global presence through strategic partnerships and high-level meetings. The crypto lending and borrowing platform has recently made major moves in Pakistan and met with key industry figures to accelerate its growth strategy.

On April 27, WLFI signed a Letter of Intent with the Pakistan Crypto Council to boost cryptocurrency adoption in the South Asian nation. The agreement was signed by WLFI founders Zach Witkoff, Zak Folkman, and Chase Herro during a meeting with the Council’s CEO Bilal bin Saqib.

Today marks a major step forward for Pakistan’s digital economy.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, led by CEO @Bilalbinsaqib, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with @worldlibertyfi, a decentralized finance (DeFi) platform backed by @realDonaldTrump, to accelerate blockchain… pic.twitter.com/zVFKnMsHzu

— Pakistan Crypto Council (@cryptocouncilpk) April 27, 2025

The partnership aims to help Pakistan establish regulatory sandboxes for testing blockchain products. These controlled environments will allow for innovation while managing potential risks to the broader financial system.

WLFI will also assist Pakistan in expanding stablecoin applications for remittances and trade. This could potentially reduce costs and increase efficiency for the country’s large remittance market.

Growing Presence in Pakistan

Pakistan represents a strategic market for WLFI. Blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis ranked the country ninth globally for crypto adoption last year. The nation has approximately 25 million active crypto users with $300 billion in annual crypto transactions.

Pakistan’s demographic profile makes it particularly attractive for crypto adoption. About 60% of its population is under 30 years old, creating a tech-savvy user base ready to embrace digital currencies.

“Pakistan’s youth and technology sector are our greatest assets. Through partnerships like this, we are opening new doors for investment, innovation, and global leadership in the blockchain economy,” said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, which signed the agreement with WLFI, is a government-backed organization. It oversees crypto regulation and initiatives aimed at increasing adoption and attracting foreign investment.

Industry Connections

WLFI’s expansion strategy extends beyond Pakistan. The company’s founders recently met with Changpeng Zhao (CZ), former CEO of Binance, in Abu Dhabi. According to an April 27 post on X, they discussed ways to grow global crypto adoption and next steps for innovation in the industry.

CZ was recently appointed as an adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council. His role involves assisting the country with crypto regulation and innovation efforts, creating a potential synergy with WLFI’s Pakistan initiatives.

WLFI’s founders @ZachWitkoff @zakfolkman @WatcherChase met with @cz_binance, the founder of Binance, to talk about growing global adoption, setting new standards, and pushing crypto to the next level.

This is just the beginning.https://t.co/I7r5w4JWQq

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) April 27, 2025

Financial Backing

WLFI is also attracting institutional interest. On April 16, DWF Labs, a market maker and web3 investment firm, purchased $25 million worth of WLFI governance tokens as part of its U.S. expansion strategy.

The partnership with DWF Labs includes plans to support WLFI’s DeFi products. This includes the USD1 stablecoin, which is backed by U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents.

According to Arkham data, WLFI currently holds over $102 million in cryptocurrency assets. These include 22.7 million USD Coin, $15.1 million in Wrapped Bitcoin, 13.9 million in Ethereum, and 9.93 million in Tron, among others.

Regulatory Balance

While embracing crypto innovation, Pakistan is also focused on responsible regulation. The country’s Federal Investigation Agency proposed a crypto regulatory framework on April 10. The proposal addresses terrorism financing, money laundering, and Know Your Customer controls.

FIA Director Sumera Azam indicated the framework aims to balance technological advancement with national security considerations. The proposed regulations will require legislative approval and input from crypto firms operating in Pakistan, with implementation expected to begin in 2026.

This new approach marks a major shift in Pakistan’s stance on cryptocurrencies. In May 2023, former finance minister Aisha Ghaus Pasha had stated the country would never legalize cryptocurrencies due to concerns over bypassing Financial Action Task Force regulations.

The post Trump-Backed WLFI Expands into Pakistan’s $300B Cryptocurrency Market appeared first on CoinCentral.

• World Liberty Financial, a crypto project linked to the Trump family, purchased 4.89 million SEI tokens worth $775,000.
• WLFI has spent $346.8 million accumulating 11 different cryptocurrencies but is currently down $145.8 million across its portfolio.
• The SEI token surged over 27% in the past week following WLFI’s purchase.
• Eric Trump previously endorsed Ethereum in February, but ETH has since fallen 55% from its price at that time.
• WLFI’s portfolio includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tron, Ondo Finance, Avalanche, and now SEI.

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a cryptocurrency project backed by the Trump family, has added another digital asset to its growing portfolio. On April 12, the project purchased 4.89 million SEI tokens valued at approximately $775,000, according to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence.

The purchase was made using USDC from one of WLFI’s trading wallets, which has been used for previous altcoin acquisitions. This wallet received the funds from the project’s main wallet before executing the transaction.

This latest addition expands WLFI’s crypto holdings, which already include major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as well as several altcoins including Tron, Ondo Finance, and Avalanche.

Trump's World Liberty(@worldlibertyfi) spent 775K $USDC to buy 4.89M $SEI again 1 hour ago.

In total, #WorldLiberty has spent $346.8M on 11 different tokens—but every single one is in the red, with a total loss of $145.8M!https://t.co/IzbZt1afkV pic.twitter.com/1lZchggiK5

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) April 12, 2025

Investment Losses Mount

Despite its extensive investment activity, WLFI’s crypto portfolio has not performed well. According to blockchain researcher Lookonchain, the project has spent a total of $346.8 million accumulating 11 different tokens but has yet to see a profit on any of them.

The company’s Ethereum investments are particularly underwater, with paper losses exceeding $114 million. Overall, WLFI’s portfolio is down about $145.8 million based on current market prices.

The losses come just two months after Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, publicly encouraged his followers to buy Ethereum. In a February 3 post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote: “In my opinion, it’s a great time to add $ETH.”

That endorsement hasn’t aged well. Since Eric Trump’s tweet, Ethereum’s price has dropped approximately 55%, falling from $2,879 to around $1,611 at the time of writing, according to data from CoinGecko.

Market Impact

The SEI token has seen a major price increase following WLFI’s purchase. The cryptocurrency has surged over 27% in the past week and is currently trading above $0.17.

Some technical analysts suggest SEI may be breaking out of a “falling wedge pattern,” potentially indicating a positive reversal. However, the token has been creating lower highs and lower lows since November 2024.

If the current momentum continues, some analysts project a short-term target of $0.34, which would represent a 100% increase from current levels. There appears to be buyer interest in the $0.13-$0.15 range, which has established a price floor.

Derivative market data from Coinglass shows that SEI’s funding rate has been negative for the past three months, indicating a bearish sentiment among traders. However, the rate is now nearly neutral, suggesting a possible shift in market dynamics as short positions close or reverse.

For SEI to confirm a bullish trend reversal, analysts recommend it must hold and close above $0.22, which represents a critical structural pivot point. If broken, future resistance levels to watch include $0.28, $0.40, and eventually $1.04.

On the other hand, failure to maintain support above $0.15 could lead to a retest of lower support zones near $0.10-$0.09.

USD1 Logo Appears

Meanwhile, an icon for WLFI’s stablecoin, USD1, has appeared on major cryptocurrency exchanges including Coinbase and Binance, as well as on the crypto aggregator website CoinMarketCap. This appears to be an unofficial unveiling of the coin’s logo, as WLFI has made no formal announcement about it.

Trump’s involvement with USD1 has drawn criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum. During an April 2 U.S. House Financial Services Committee hearing on stablecoin legislation, Democratic Representative Maxine Waters suggested President Trump might be planning to use USD1 to replace the U.S. dollar.

“Trump likely wants the entire government to use stablecoins, from payments made by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to Social Security payments to paying taxes. And which coin do you think Trump would replace the dollar with? His own, of course,” Waters said.

The committee’s Republican chair, French Hill, expressed similar concerns: “If there is no effort to block the president of the United States of America from owning his stablecoin business […] I will never be able to agree on supporting this bill, and I would ask other members not to be enablers.”

World Liberty Financial recently denied reports that it had sold Ethereum or any of its other positions after some suggested a wallet belonging to the project sold around $8 million worth of the second-largest cryptocurrency.

The post Trump-Linked World Liberty Financial Adds SEI to Growing Crypto Portfolio with $775K Purchase appeared first on CoinCentral.

• World Liberty Financial, Trump’s DeFi venture, reportedly sold 5,471 ETH for $8.01 million at a loss
• The project initially invested $210 million in 67,498 ETH at an average price of $3,259 per token
• World Liberty is currently facing an estimated $125 million unrealized loss on its crypto investments
• A long-term Ethereum whale sold 10,000 ETH for $15.71 million after holding for over 900 days
• Analysts predict ETH could find support at $1,200, with possible recovery after May Fed rate cuts

World Liberty Financial, the DeFi project endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has reportedly begun selling its Ethereum holdings at a loss.

According to blockchain analytics firm Arkham, a wallet linked to the project sold 5,471 ETH worth approximately $8.01 million at $1,465 per token about 4-5 hours ago.

This sale comes as Ethereum has crashed to around $1,400, marking a 56.86% drop since the beginning of 2025. The crypto market downturn has affected even institutional investors, with World Liberty Financial appearing to cut their losses.

The project had previously invested heavily in Ethereum, spending about $210 million to acquire 67,498 ETH at an average purchase price of $3,259 per token. With Ethereum trading well below this acquisition price, World Liberty currently faces an estimated unrealized loss of $125 million.

Has Trump's World Liberty(@worldlibertyfi) started selling $ETH at a loss?

According to Arkham, a wallet possibly linked to #WorldLiberty sold 5,471 $ETH($8.01M) at $1,465 30 minutes ago.#WorldLiberty previously spent ~$210M to buy 67,498 $ETH at an average price of $3,259,… pic.twitter.com/jPMqCiADvt

— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) April 9, 2025

Long-Term Holders Liquidating

It’s not just World Liberty Financial feeling the pressure. A long-term Ethereum whale has also exited their position after holding 10,000 ETH for over 900 days, according to Arkham Intelligence.

This whale sold their entire ETH holdings for $15.71 million earlier today. They managed to lock in a profit of $2.75 million, having initially purchased the 10,000 ETH for $12.95 million at an average price of $1,295 in two transactions back in late 2022.

What’s interesting is that this whale continued holding even when ETH reached $4,000, which would have represented a $27.6 million profit. Their decision to sell now for lesser gains suggests growing pessimism about Ethereum’s near-term prospects.

The actions of World Liberty Financial and major whales could potentially trigger more selling pressure. Retail investors are watching closely, and these high-profile sales might lead to a broader market dump.

Market Outlook and Analysis

Ethereum has broken below multiple support levels in 2025, causing concern among investors. Crypto analyst Ali Martinez has identified $1,200 as a potential key support level for Ethereum amid its ongoing downtrend.

This level could prove crucial for ETH to stabilize and potentially reverse its decline. Another analyst known as venturefounder believes Ethereum may be at or approaching its cycle bottom, potentially reaching its lowest point by the end of April.

However, there’s a potential catalyst on the horizon. The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates in May, which could be accompanied by a new round of quantitative easing. This injection of liquidity might help Ethereum and the broader crypto market recover.

The crypto market as a whole is experiencing a sharp decline. Bitcoin has fallen over 20% since early February. Other major cryptocurrencies have fared even worse, with XRP and Cardano each losing around 30%.

Solana has been hit especially hard with a nearly 50% drop, matching Dogecoin’s 47% decline. Among the top 10 cryptocurrencies, only TRON and Binance Coin have shown relative resilience during this market downturn.

World Liberty Financial has previously been involved in controversies regarding token sales and management. However, the project has strongly denied allegations of unauthorized token sales or swaps.

As Ethereum continues to struggle, investors are left wondering whether this is just another dip in the volatile crypto market or the beginning of a more extended bear market. The next few weeks, particularly around the anticipated Fed decision in May, could prove pivotal for ETH’s price trajectory.

With World Liberty Financial potentially continuing to offload its ETH holdings and other large holders following suit, Ethereum faces increasing selling pressure in the short term. Many analysts are now watching the $1,200 level as critical support that must hold to prevent even deeper losses.

The post Trump-Backed World Liberty Financial Offloads Ethereum (ETH) at Heavy Loss appeared first on CoinCentral.

• World Liberty Financial plans to airdrop its USD1 stablecoin to WLFI token holders as a system test
• The Trump-linked project has already raised $550 million, with $390 million reportedly going to Trump family entities
• USD1 stablecoin launched in late March on Ethereum and BNB Chain
• The proposal comes amid congressional debates over the STABLE Act and potential conflicts of interest
• Democrats are pushing for amendments to bar sitting presidents from launching stablecoins while in office

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a decentralized finance project backed by President Donald Trump, has proposed distributing a small amount of its newly launched USD1 stablecoin to eligible WLFI token holders. The announcement, made on Monday, frames the distribution as both a technical test of its airdrop system and a gesture of gratitude to early supporters.

🦅 We just posted a new governance proposal:

To test our airdrop functionality by distributing USD1 to all $WLFI holders — rewarding our earliest supporters and preparing for future growth.

Join the discussion 👇https://t.co/NDg5yMYUrM

— WLFI (@worldlibertyfi) April 7, 2025

The proposal states the test would “validate the technical functionality of its airdrop system in a live environment while thanking early supporters of the project.” It also aims to boost “visibility and awareness” of the USD1 stablecoin before full-scale deployment.

“Testing the airdrop mechanism in a live setting is a necessary step to ensure smart contract functionality and readiness,” WLFI explained in the proposal.

The exact amount of USD1 to be distributed and the timing remain under development. The airdrop will occur on the Ethereum Mainnet and be funded directly by WLFI.

WLFI maintains the right to “discontinue, suspend, modify, or terminate the test airdrop at any time as well as to establish any additional eligibility requirements,” even if the proposal receives approval.

Project Growth and Structure

The Trump-backed project launched its USD1 stablecoin in late March on both Ethereum and Binance’s BNB Chain, according to on-chain data. This development follows months of planning by the Trump family and business partners.

WLFI was initially launched last September and has attracted substantial investment. The project has raised $550 million through token sales, with $390 million reportedly paid to DT Marks DEFI LLC, an entity linked to the Trump family.

The USD1 stablecoin is backed by U.S. Treasuries and managed by custodian BitGo. However, the platform’s governance token currently remains non-transferable, raising questions about transparency and decentralization.

The proposal for the airdrop outlines a detailed plan that includes community discussion, finalizing the distribution amount, determining the execution method, holding a governance vote, and publicly announcing the distribution details.

Political Controversy

The project’s close ties to President Trump have sparked political debate. The launch of USD1 coincided with congressional discussions of the bipartisan STABLE Act, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Lawmakers have expressed worry that Trump’s financial stake in WLFI could compromise the integrity of stablecoin regulation. These concerns intensified during a recent House Financial Services Committee markup session.

Democrats have pushed for amendments to the STABLE Act that would bar sitting presidents, cabinet members, and their families from launching stablecoins while in office.

Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Maxine Waters recently demanded that the SEC turn over all records related to WLFI. They cited concerns about potential “regulatory favoritism” and the agency’s decision to pause certain enforcement actions.

One such paused action involved WLFI investor and Tron founder Justin Sun. This has added to the controversy surrounding the project’s regulatory treatment.

Despite these political headwinds, the governance proposal for the test airdrop appears to be gaining support. Since being posted, the majority of voters have selected “Yes” from the three available options: Yes, No, or Abstain.

The test airdrop represents a step toward wider adoption of the USD1 stablecoin. WLFI has also tested stablecoin transfers between BNB Chain and Ethereum, with market maker Wintermute participating in these tests.

The post Trump’s Crypto Venture WLFI to Reward Early Supporters with USD1 Airdrop appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Senate voted 70-28 to repeal Biden-era IRS rule requiring DeFi platforms to report taxpayer information
• The rule was criticized as “fundamentally unworkable” because DeFi platforms operate through automated code without human oversight
• After passing both House and Senate with bipartisan support, the resolution now heads to President Trump’s desk
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously indicated plans to work with IRS to rescind related crypto tax rules
• Critics argued the rule would harm innovation and push crypto technology offshore

The U.S. Senate voted 70-28 on Wednesday to overturn a controversial IRS rule that would have required decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to collect and report taxpayer information. The resolution now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk, where he is expected to sign it as early as March 28.

The rule, finalized by the IRS in December 2023 under the Biden administration, sought to expand the definition of “brokers” to include DeFi platforms. This would have forced these platforms to implement Know Your Customer (KYC) standards and report transaction data to tax authorities.

Critics of the rule have long maintained that it was “fundamentally unworkable” for the DeFi sector. They point out that DeFi platforms operate through automated code on blockchains without human intervention or visibility into user identities.

1/🚨 New “Broker” CRA Milestone 🚨

With *another* bipartisan super majority of 70 Senators, Congress has repealed the IRS “broker” rule requiring DeFi front-ends to KYC users – ultimately reaffirming that Americans should have the freedom to decide how they transact. pic.twitter.com/AOZttE9Sio

— DeFi Education Fund (@fund_defi) March 27, 2025

The repeal effort gained momentum in early 2025. The U.S. House of Representatives began considering the measure in February, setting the stage for congressional action.

The Trump administration threw its support behind the repeal on March 4. White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks stated that Trump “strongly supports” the resolution to undo the rule.

The legislative process hit a procedural snag due to a “blue slip” issue. The House cited constitutional concerns over how budget matters are handled, arguing that the repeal should have started in the House rather than the Senate.

A parallel version of the resolution passed the House earlier this month. The bipartisan vote showed broad support with 292 lawmakers voting to overturn the rule and 132 opposing it.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that his office plans to work closely with the IRS and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Their goal is to “rescind and amend” related crypto tax rules that impact how crypto and digital asset firms do business in the United States.

DeFi Brokers

The broker rule’s language about “DeFi brokers” as “front-end service providers” for digital asset transactions was a key point of contention. Many in the industry felt this unnecessarily broadened regulatory definitions.

Former SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce condemned the rule in February last year. She warned it would harm market participants who had unwittingly found themselves “transformed into dealers.”

By April 2024, crypto lobbyists sued the then-Gensler-led SEC over the broad language and definitions. The DeFi Education Fund warned that the requirements would “push this entire, burgeoning technology offshore.”

Blockchain Association CEO Kristin Smith celebrated the Senate vote. In a statement, she said the advocacy group looked forward “to taking this harmful rule off the books for good.”

The following statement is attributed to Blockchain Association CEO @KMSmithDC following today’s second Senate vote to roll back the DeFi broker rule: pic.twitter.com/S632l8sFAb

— Blockchain Association (@BlockchainAssn) March 27, 2025

Eli Cohen, general counsel of the RWA tokenizing platform Centrifuge, called the rule unworkable. He stated that it “never made any sense and was unworkable in practice.”

Not everyone supports the repeal. Democratic Representative Lloyd Doggett opposed the resolution, calling it a “special interest exemption” from IRS disclosures. He claimed it would make “tax evasion and money laundering so much easier.”

Doggett also argued that killing the rule would create a “loophole that would be exploited by wealthy tax cheats, drug traffickers and terrorist financiers.” These concerns did not sway the majority of lawmakers.

The crypto industry has argued that DeFi protocols lack centralized control or custodial authority over user funds. This makes traditional broker reporting requirements impossible to implement in a decentralized environment.

The post DeFi Industry Celebrates as Congress Votes to Repeal IRS Broker Rule appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Uniswap’s governance approved $165.5 million in funding for ecosystem growth, including $95.4M for grants and $45M for liquidity incentives
• The “fee switch” initiative is moving closer to activation, which would allow UNI token holders to earn a share of protocol fees
• UNI token price jumped approximately 10% following the announcement, trading at around $7.01
• The funding will support Uniswap v4 and Unichain Layer 2 network growth
• Open interest in UNI derivatives increased by 17.69%, reaching $196.96 million

Uniswap, the leading decentralized exchange (DEX) on Ethereum, has taken a big step forward with its community approving $165.5 million in funding for ecosystem development. This decision, part of the “Uniswap Unleashed” initiative, has caused the UNI token to rise about 10% in value over the past 24 hours.

The price increase follows two major governance proposals that were greenlit by UNI holders. These proposals allocate substantial funds to various aspects of the Uniswap ecosystem, with a focus on growth following the launch of Uniswap v4 and the Unichain Layer 2 network.

We're thrilled to announce that last night, both UF governance proposals passed quorum.

This marks the beginning of our community's next era: one that unlocks new opportunities to build, grow and to create and capture value.

→https://t.co/h1NnLUFskL
→https://t.co/kchEqv2PDH pic.twitter.com/udvUgdA3TR

— Uniswap Foundation (@UniswapFND) March 19, 2025

Of the total $165.5 million, $95.4 million will be directed towards the Uniswap Foundation’s grants budget. This money will help fund projects that add value to the Uniswap protocol and community.

Another $45 million has been set aside for liquidity incentives. These incentives will be managed by Gauntlet, a Web3 risk management protocol, and aim to attract new users to the Uniswap v4 and Unichain platforms.

The remaining $25.1 million will cover operational costs for the Uniswap Foundation over the next two years. The Foundation is an independent non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the growth of the protocol.

Fee Switch

One of the most important aspects of this governance decision is the advancement of the “fee switch.” This feature would direct a portion of protocol fees toward UNI token holders. Currently, these fees are earned exclusively by liquidity providers.

The fee switch has been a topic of discussion within the Uniswap community for some time. Previous proposals to activate it were unsuccessful, but now the Uniswap Foundation has stated that it will proceed with the necessary legal steps to make it happen.

At the time of writing, UNI is trading at around $7.01, with a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $292 million. The price jump reflects growing optimism among investors as the fee switch moves closer to reality.

In addition to the price increase, the open interest in UNI derivatives has seen a major rise. It has increased by 17.69%, reaching $196.96 million, which shows growing investor confidence in the token.

Uniswap v4, which was launched in mid-January 2025, introduced the concept of “hooks.” These are contracts that allow developers to customize interactions within pools, swaps, and fees, making the platform more flexible.

The launch of Unichain, built on the Optimism tech stack, further enhances Uniswap’s capabilities. This Layer 2 network can support more transactions at lower fees, addressing one of the main challenges faced by users on the Ethereum mainnet.

The Uniswap Foundation has outlined four key areas of focus for its strategy. These include scaling network supply by optimizing liquidity across active Ethereum Virtual Machine chains and scaling network demand by developing platforms that encourage DeFi innovation.

Additionally, the Foundation aims to strengthen governance by activating revenue sources and onboarding new protocol contributors. It also plans to establish a Core Contributor Program to create incentive-aligned development teams.

To ensure transparency and control, the Aera platform will be used to manage the funds. This setup will allow Uniswap Governance to recall unused funds if necessary, providing an extra layer of security for the community’s investment.

The decision to invest $165.5 million in ecosystem development marks a key milestone in Uniswap’s journey. It shows a clear commitment to growth and innovation in the decentralized finance space.

With over $1 billion in annualized fees generated by the Uniswap protocol, the activation of the fee switch represents a major opportunity for UNI token holders. They will soon be able to capture a portion of that revenue, aligning their interests with the protocol’s long-term success.

The post Uniswap (UNI) Price: Token Surges 10% as $165.5M Funding Package Gets Green Light appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Coinbase has launched Verified Pools, a KYC-verified liquidity service for DeFi transactions built on Base and Uniswap v4
• The non-custodial pools aim to reduce counterparty risk while maintaining DeFi’s efficiency
• Initially available in select regions including the US, Singapore, and Netherlands
• The service targets both retail and institutional traders with Prime Onchain Wallet integration
• Coinbase plans to expand its offerings with 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures trading and US perpetual futures

Coinbase has launched a new service called Verified Pools that requires users to complete identity verification before accessing decentralized finance (DeFi) liquidity pools. The exchange announced the new offering on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

The new service aims to reduce risks for DeFi users. It requires all participants to complete Coinbase’s know-your-customer (KYC) process before they can access the trading pools.

Verified Pools work with both institutional and retail traders. The service lets verified users trade digital assets in what Coinbase describes as a safer environment.

The pools are built on Base, which is Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 network. They use the Uniswap v4 protocol to handle the actual trades between users.

Coinbase has also partnered with risk management firm Gauntlet. This partnership helps make sure the pools have enough liquidity and are properly set up.

Non Custodial

One key feature of Verified Pools is that they are non-custodial. This means users keep control of their own assets while trading, rather than handing them over to Coinbase.

The exchange is launching Verified Pools in several regions to start. These include the United States, Singapore, Netherlands, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Channel Islands.

Users need to connect through Coinbase’s Prime Onchain Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, or any wallet that has a Coinbase Verifications credential. This credential acts like a badge that shows the user has been verified.

For institutional investors, Verified Pools offers features like concentrated liquidity. This lets liquidity providers set price ranges for their capital to improve efficiency.

Retail traders can use Coinbase Wallet to access the pools. The company says this makes on-chain trading simpler and more accessible for everyday users.

KYC to Stay Compliant

The KYC requirement is part of Coinbase’s efforts to stay compliant with regulations. The exchange has recently limited some offerings in New York, where it will suspend trading of meme coins Floki, Turbo, and Gigachad starting April 14.

Coinbase appears to be doing well under President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump has stated he wants to make America the “crypto capital of the world” with pro-crypto policies.

The exchange recently had a legal win when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its lawsuit against the company. This allows Coinbase to operate with fewer restrictions in the country.

Beyond Verified Pools, Coinbase has more plans to expand its trading options. The exchange will soon offer 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures trading on its Derivatives platform.

Coinbase also plans to launch perpetual-style futures in the U.S. These futures will have extended expiration dates, giving traders more flexibility.

Investment firm Bernstein recently gave Coinbase stock a “buy” rating. The firm set a price target of $310, nearly 70% higher than its recent trading price of around $182 per share.

Bernstein’s analysts cited the more crypto-friendly environment under President Trump as a major factor in their positive outlook for Coinbase. This suggests the exchange may continue to expand its offerings in the coming months.

For users who want to start using Verified Pools, they must first complete Coinbase’s identity verification process. Once verified, they can connect their wallet and begin trading on the platform.

The post Coinbase Introduces KYC-Verified Liquidity Pools for DeFi Trading on Base appeared first on CoinCentral.