CoinDesk

A new integration allows users to **move assets across different blockchain networks** and applications using Chainlink's secure oracle infrastructure. The development builds on previous work connecting traditional finance with DeFi through Chainlink's NAVLink oracle technology. Key benefits: - Cross-network asset portability - Enhanced security through proven oracle networks - Broader application compatibility This integration represents continued progress in making blockchain assets more **interoperable and accessible** across the ecosystem.

A major figure who helped shape South Korea's dominant cryptocurrency exchange has stepped down this year, but the country's **highly active retail trading market** shows no signs of slowing. South Korea has become known for its **hyperactive retail crypto trading**, with local investors driving significant volume on domestic exchanges. Key developments: - Major exchange leader exits position in 2024 - Retail trading momentum remains strong - Market structure continues operating independently The departure highlights how **institutional momentum** in Korea's crypto sector has become self-sustaining, with retail participation driving continued growth regardless of leadership changes. This follows earlier political developments, including the election of crypto-friendly leadership promising Bitcoin ETFs and won-backed stablecoins.

**Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood continues her unwavering support for cryptocurrency** despite the industry's volatile price swings and market uncertainty. Wood has consistently maintained her bullish stance on crypto throughout various market cycles, demonstrating long-term confidence in the sector's potential. **Key points:** - Wood's position remains unchanged despite crypto market fluctuations - Ark Invest previously invested $172M in Bullish exchange shares - Her firm continues backing crypto-related investments This sustained optimism from a prominent institutional investor signals continued institutional interest in cryptocurrency assets, even during periods of market instability.

**Arthur Hayes maintains his position** as one of crypto's most influential macro analysts, years after co-founding BitMEX. The former exchange executive has **successfully transitioned** from platform operator to respected market commentator. - Hayes regularly publishes detailed macro analysis - His predictions often move markets and influence trader sentiment - Previously made headlines with bold calls like 126x HYPE prediction - Sold entire HYPE position for $800K+ profit in September His **continued relevance** demonstrates how crypto leaders can reinvent themselves beyond their original ventures.

**Social media traders transformed their X profiles into live trading shows in 2025**, broadcasting real-time wins and losses to massive audiences. **Key developments:** - Traders publicly shared their profit and loss (PnL) statements on X dashboards - **Billions in trading volume** flowed through memecoins and perpetual DEXs - Real-time transparency created a new form of financial entertainment **The phenomenon builds on DEX growth:** - DEXs now handle 25% of global spot trading volume - Perpetual DEXs recently surpassed $1 trillion in monthly volume - Non-custodial trading continues gaining mainstream adoption **This trend represents a shift toward:** - Public accountability in crypto trading - **Social proof-driven investment decisions** - Gamification of decentralized finance The combination of social media transparency and DEX accessibility has created a new category of public trading performance, where traders build audiences around their real-time financial decisions.

**Polymarket's remarkable turnaround story** Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket, has successfully navigated through significant legal challenges to build a thriving prediction market platform. **From legal troubles to success:** - Previously faced federal investigations and law enforcement raids - Overcame regulatory scrutiny that once threatened the platform - Has grown Polymarket into a major player in the prediction market space **Current status:** - Coplan has joined the **billionaire club** alongside notable crypto figures - Ranks among industry leaders like Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Michael Saylor, and Satoshi Nakamoto - Successfully transformed regulatory challenges into growth opportunities The transformation demonstrates how persistence and adaptation can turn regulatory headwinds into business success in the evolving web3 landscape.

**Major cryptocurrencies declined last month** as trading activity cooled across the board. Bitcoin and ether led the downturn among major digital assets. The selloff coincided with: - **Reduced trading volumes** in spot and derivatives markets - **Declining stablecoin activity** signaling less market participation - **Heavy outflows from U.S. crypto ETPs** as institutional investors pulled back This follows November's trend where spot bitcoin ETFs saw **$3.55 billion in outflows** and stablecoin supply contracted, indicating sustained capital flight from crypto markets according to NYDIG. The combination of falling prices and reduced trading suggests **weakening investor sentiment** heading into year-end.

A prominent decentralized exchange is making a **significant strategic pivot** by expanding beyond its core derivatives business. The platform, previously known almost exclusively for derivatives trading, is launching new services that mark a notable shift in its business model. This expansion comes as the broader crypto derivatives market sees increased institutional adoption, with recent moves to align Bitcoin derivatives with traditional equity markets. **Key implications:** - Diversification of revenue streams for the DEX - Potential increased competition in non-derivatives DeFi sectors - Signal of maturation in decentralized trading infrastructure The launch represents the exchange's effort to capture market share beyond its traditional derivatives stronghold.

**Nexo has acquired Buenbit**, gaining access to the Argentine exchange's user base and expanding its presence in Latin America. The acquisition enables Nexo to offer: - Crypto-backed loans - High-yield savings accounts - Advanced trading tools This move aligns with **Nexo's broader transformation** into a premier digital assets wealth platform, reflecting the growing convergence between traditional finance and crypto services. The deal positions Nexo to better serve Latin American markets while strengthening its global footprint in the evolving digital assets landscape.

**Klarna pushes deeper into crypto** with a new project designed to make digital assets more accessible to mainstream users. The Swedish fintech giant is building on its recent **KlarnaUSD launch** - a dollar-backed stablecoin that debuted on the Tempo layer-1 network in November. - The initiative targets everyday consumers rather than crypto natives - Leverages Klarna's existing buy-now-pay-later user base - Represents a significant move by traditional fintech into digital assets This expansion signals Klarna's commitment to bridging traditional finance and crypto, potentially bringing millions of users into the digital asset ecosystem through familiar payment interfaces.