Rug Radio Faces of Web3

DeFi Development Corp has announced plans to raise $1 billion specifically for expanding its Solana-focused treasury strategy. This move follows their previous commitment to Solana's ecosystem. - The investment aims to increase DeFi liquidity and staking yields - Implementation will be supported by EMMA AI infrastructure - Strategy represents a significant institutional bet on Solana's future For real-time yield tracking and analysis, visit [SafeYields.io](https://www.safeyields.io)

Ripple, the crypto payments firm, made a significant acquisition offer to Circle, the company behind USDC stablecoin. The proposed deal was valued between $4-5 billion. Circle declined the offer, stating it undervalued their company. The news was first reported by Bloomberg and later confirmed by multiple sources. Key points: - Offer made: $4-5 billion - Target: Circle (USDC issuer) - Status: Rejected - Reason: Perceived undervaluation [Read more on Decrypt](https://decrypt.co/317169/ripple-5-b)

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) discusses his prison experience in an exclusive interview with Farokh. The conversation follows CZ's legal troubles and subsequent plea deal with US authorities in late 2023. - CZ stepped down as Binance CEO after pleading guilty to money laundering charges - The interview provides firsthand insights into his time in custody - Discussion includes comparison to SBF's case and prison sentence Watch the full interview: [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1W5VbLFZtw)

Robinhood is expanding its global presence with a new platform targeting European traders. The development follows their recent EU crypto trading launch. Key features: - 24/7 trading capability - Access to US equities and ETFs - Licensed operations through Bitstamp acquisition This strategic move builds on Robinhood's December 2023 EU crypto expansion, which included 25 cryptocurrencies and bitcoin rebate incentives. The platform aims to diversify its offerings while establishing a stronger international presence.

- Bitcoin reaches **$96.6K** amid improving US-China trade relations, with dominance exceeding 65% (4-year high) - New Hampshire makes history by passing first Bitcoin Strategic Reserve legislation - Institutional moves: Citi plans onchain pre-IPO credit, Bitwise files NEAR ETF, company plans $500M stock sale for BTC purchase - Stablecoin market grows 14% in 2025; WorldLibertyFi plans ETH mainnet airdrop - Notable events: CZ seeks US pardon, SNS announces surprise airdrop, Doodles' DOOD token launch set for May 9 - FOMC decision due today with only 3% odds of rate cuts

- US government signals potential tariff relief for Mexico & Canada, driving major cryptocurrencies up 6-10% - Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Lutnick reveals Trump's upcoming Bitcoin Reserve announcement, with distinct treatment planned for other cryptocurrencies - Reddit co-founder expresses interest in TikTok acquisition, proposing blockchain integration - AVAX ecosystem sees new token $Blub reach $100M fully diluted valuation at launch - Mexican billionaire Ricardo Salinas moves 70% of portfolio ($3.5B+) into Bitcoin - USDC makes history as Japan's first approved stablecoin

Key developments in the web3 space today: - **Kaito Token Launch**: Successfully debuted with $1.5B fully diluted valuation in early trading - **Virtuals Platform**: Introduced foundation for autonomous agent-based economy, marking a significant step in AI-web3 integration - **Memeland Updates**: Revealed new roadmap featuring MemePay and Meme Strategy initiatives - **Monad Progress**: Testnet now live, featuring Fantasy Top's free-to-play game launch Recent Context: - FTX initiates $1.2B repayment to small claim holders - Charles Schwab establishes Head of Digital Assets role - Michael Saylor's firm plans $2B Bitcoin acquisition [Full details available at LuckyTrader](https://newsletter.luckytrader.com)

Key market updates for December 21, 2024: - $HYPE token reaches $9B market capitalization, continuing its upward trend - Ripple announces $5M XRP donation to Trump's inaugural fund according to Fox - *BlackRock CEO Larry Fink frames crypto as digital gold alternative* - MetaMask expands pilot testing of crypto payment card across US markets This follows recent developments including Bitcoin's new ATH of $106.6k and significant movements in the memecoin sector. MetaMask's payment card expansion signals growing mainstream adoption of crypto payment solutions.