Decentralised finance stories

Openmarkets plans to raise USD $50 million to expand its DeFi capabilities and presence across Asia and the US, targeting crypto trading and asset tokenisation.

Aleo Network Foundation appoints Yaya Fanusie as Global Head of Policy to lead privacy-focused blockchain payments amid global regulatory push.

Tokenised funds are forecast to surge from $4 billion in 2024 to $235 billion by 2029, driven by growing links between traditional asset management and DeFi platforms.

OVHcloud was named a ‘Star’ for the second year as Asia's blockchain sector nears USD $57bn, boosted by Singapore’s rapid market growth and strong infrastructure.

Crypto adoption stalls near 20% in Australia amid regulatory fears, but clear rules could boost trust and unlock widespread growth and investment potential.

Hana Wallet launches its Web3 Debit Mastercard in Australia, letting users spend crypto like Bitcoin with USD $5 bonus on first use.

Australian crypto investors are shifting focus in 2025, favouring altcoins, DeFi lending, and stablecoins as the market matures and diversifies from Bitcoin.

Binance and Franklin Templeton partner to launch digital asset tools, merging crypto innovation with traditional investment for global investors.

Lazarus subgroup deploys three remote access trojans, including PondRAT and ThemeForestRAT, to target financial and cryptocurrency organisations with advanced cyberattacks.

Cybercriminals exploit AI website builder Lovable to swiftly create phishing and scam sites, lowering barriers for digital crime, warns cybersecurity firm Proofpoint.

Real estate tokenisation lets everyday investors buy property shares via blockchain, unlocking a $60bn market shift while regulation races to keep pace.

Coinme expands cash-to-crypto service to over 50,000 US retail locations, offering low fees and easy access for cash-preferred and unbanked consumers.

Blockchain and Web3 are reshaping global real estate by enabling decentralised, transparent transactions and boosting investment through digital asset tokenisation.

At AppWorks Demo Day in Singapore, 18 startups showcased AI, Web3 and deep tech innovations, highlighting Southeast Asia's rising influence in tech innovation.

Bitcoin soared to a record USD $112,000 in May, driven by USD $5.25 billion ETF inflows and rising corporate cryptocurrency holdings worldwide.

The crypto market saw a 9.9% rise in April, with Bitcoin hitting a four-year dominance high at 63%, amid economic uncertainty and cautious investing.

Interprefy enhanced multilingual communication at CoinDesk Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong with AI-driven captions and live English-Mandarin interpretation for 500+ attendees.

Ripple has announced the acquisition of Hidden Road for USD $1.25 billion, making it the first crypto firm to manage a global multi-asset prime broker.

NFTs are evolving beyond digital art, impacting sectors like music and finance, and offering unique opportunities for ownership in the digital future.

SMEs increasingly turn to fintech for faster, more efficient funding solutions as traditional banks' stringent requirements hinder access to capital.