CoinDesk

**Ripple expands stablecoin testing** across multiple blockchain networks as it prepares for broader market deployment. The payments company is currently testing its **U.S. dollar stablecoin** on four major platforms: - Optimism - Base - Ink - Unichain **More blockchains planned** for 2025, though expansion depends on regulatory approval. This multi-chain approach builds on Ripple's earlier announcement to launch the stablecoin on XRP Ledger and Ethereum. The testing phase suggests Ripple is taking a **measured approach** to stablecoin deployment while navigating regulatory requirements. The move positions Ripple to compete in the growing stablecoin market across multiple blockchain ecosystems.

Football clubs can now access immediate funding through a new DeFi model that converts future media and broadcasting revenues into **tokenized onchain assets**. This approach allows clubs to: - Unlock liquidity from future income streams - Access capital without traditional lending constraints - Leverage blockchain technology for financial flexibility The model represents a shift from previous player-focused tokenization to **revenue stream tokenization**, offering clubs direct access to working capital based on projected media earnings. This development could reshape how sports organizations manage cash flow and fund operations.

**MicroStrategy continues its Bitcoin acquisition strategy** despite ongoing share price challenges. - The company funded its latest Bitcoin purchase primarily through **common stock sales** - This marks the second consecutive week using the same funding approach - Share price struggles haven't deterred the company's Bitcoin accumulation strategy **Previous funding methods** have included combinations of common stock and preferred stock sales. The pattern suggests MicroStrategy remains committed to its Bitcoin treasury strategy regardless of market conditions.

Aave recently implemented what was described as an **execution upgrade**, but community delegates discovered an important side effect. **Key Issue:** - Swap-related fees are no longer flowing to the Aave DAO treasury - The change was initially presented as a technical improvement - Delegates raised concerns about the fee redirection This development comes after previous discussions about implementing a **fee switch** that would distribute DAO profits to token holders, as proposed by Marc Zeller in April 2024. The situation highlights the importance of transparency in protocol upgrades and their impact on DAO revenue streams.

Veteran trader **Peter Brandt** has issued a stark warning about Bitcoin's trajectory, suggesting the cryptocurrency's growth parabola has **fractured**. Brandt predicts Bitcoin could potentially drop to **$25,000** - a significant decline from current levels. This isn't his first bearish call; he previously warned traders about deeper downtrends in October 2024. Key concerns: - Growth pattern breakdown - Technical analysis pointing downward - Experienced trader's perspective The warning comes as Bitcoin faces increased volatility and market uncertainty. Brandt's track record as a seasoned trader adds weight to his technical analysis. Traders should monitor key support levels and consider risk management strategies as the market digests this bearish outlook.

A $4 trillion U.S. bank has launched its **tokenized money market fund** onchain, marking another major financial institution's entry into digital assets. The bank joins an expanding group of traditional finance giants offering blockchain-based MMFs: - **BlackRock** - **Franklin Templeton** - **Fidelity** This follows Goldman Sachs and BNY Mellon's collaboration on a similar tokenized money market product announced in July. The trend shows **mainstream adoption** of tokenized financial products as major banks integrate blockchain technology into traditional investment vehicles.

A significant short position placed during off-market hours caused EdgeX's XYZ100 perpetual contract to **decline nearly 4%**. The incident highlights **key risks** in equity-index perpetual contracts when traditional markets are closed: - Limited liquidity during off-hours creates vulnerability to large trades - Price discovery becomes less efficient without underlying market activity - Traders face increased slippage and volatility risks This event demonstrates how **24/7 crypto derivatives** can experience sharp moves when their underlying assets aren't actively trading. The timing suggests institutional or whale activity targeting periods of reduced market participation. Equity-index perps have grown popular for accessing traditional market exposure through crypto platforms, but this incident shows they carry unique risks during market closures.

The UK government will extend current financial regulations to cover cryptocurrency companies, following the **U.S. regulatory model** rather than the EU's approach. This decision represents a significant shift in the UK's crypto regulatory strategy. Instead of creating entirely new rules like the EU, Britain will adapt its existing financial oversight framework. **Key implications:** - Crypto firms will face similar compliance requirements as traditional financial institutions - The approach mirrors U.S. regulatory practices - Marks a departure from the EU's comprehensive new crypto legislation The move continues the UK's ongoing efforts to refine its cryptocurrency sector oversight, building on regulatory developments that have been evolving since 2024.

This week's web3 landscape brings fresh developments across crypto markets and blockchain technology. **Key Areas to Watch:** - Market movements and trading patterns - Protocol updates and governance decisions - Regulatory developments impacting the space - New project launches and partnerships The week of December 15-21 presents opportunities for investors and builders to assess year-end trends and position for 2026. **What's Different This Week:** Unlike previous weekly previews, this period may see increased volatility as markets approach year-end. Stay informed on the latest developments shaping the decentralized future.

Market indicators are flashing warning signs for Bitcoin investors as **Nasdaq and MOVE index patterns** suggest potential headwinds ahead. The MOVE index, which measures bond market volatility expectations, combined with current Nasdaq trends, is creating a cautionary environment for BTC bulls. These traditional market indicators often influence cryptocurrency movements. **Key concerns:** - Bond volatility expectations rising - Nasdaq showing concerning technical patterns - Cross-market correlation effects on Bitcoin This follows a broader pattern of traditional market stress impacting crypto, similar to previous periods when low trading volumes and equity market weakness pressured Bitcoin prices. Traders should monitor these traditional market signals as they may precede Bitcoin volatility.