Ripple has launched Ripple Prime, an institutional brokerage platform, following its $1.25 billion acquisition of Hidden Road completed in October 2025. The platform integrates multi-asset trading, custody, and collateral services with Ripple's payment infrastructure and RLUSD stablecoin. Michael Arrington, founder of Arrington Capital, described the acquisition as Ripple's smartest move to date, citing synergies between Hidden Road's brokerage capabilities and Ripple's blockchain technology.

China accounts for 14.05% of Bitcoin's global hashrate as of Q4 2025, ranking third behind the United States and Russia. The figure represents approximately 145 exahashes per second, according to Luxor's Q4 2025 Global Hashrate Map. The activity persists despite a comprehensive 2021 ban on cryptocurrency mining and transactions, which authorities implemented citing financial crime risks and systemic stability concerns.

Japan's 2023 Payment Services Act amendment restricts stablecoin issuance to banks and trust institutions, establishing a conservative regulatory regime. Experts warn the framework's exclusion of global stablecoins like USDC and its inward focus may constrain DeFi innovation compared to Hong Kong and Singapore's more open approaches.

Custodia Bank and Vantage Bank Texas have launched a nationwide platform enabling U.S. banks to issue blockchain-based tokens backed by FDIC-insured deposits. The tokens function as traditional deposits within participating institutions and convert to stablecoin-like instruments during inter-institutional transfers. Three trial transactions were completed on Ethereum in March, with Bitcoin integration currently in development.

Video platform Rumble has partnered with stablecoin issuer Tether to introduce Bitcoin tipping for content creators. The feature is scheduled to launch between early and mid-December 2025, following testing phases. Viewers will be able to send cryptocurrency tips directly through Rumble's native wallet, bypassing traditional payment processors.

Jane Street Capital disclosed passive investments in three Bitcoin mining companies through SEC 13G filings, including approximately 19.68 million shares representing 5% of Cipher Mining. Mining stocks surged following the disclosure, with Cipher Mining advancing nearly 20%, Bitfarms rising 10.68%, and Hut 8 gaining 17.27%. The investments signal growing institutional interest in the sector following Google's 5.4% stake acquisition in Cipher Mining in late September.

Coinbase Global Inc. shares jumped over 9% on Friday after JPMorgan Chase upgraded the cryptocurrency exchange to "Overweight" from "Neutral" and raised its price target to $404. The upgrade reflects anticipated monetization opportunities from the Base network and potential changes to USDC rewards distribution. JPMorgan analysts estimate a potential Base token launch could represent a market opportunity valued between $12 billion and $34 billion.

Swiss digital asset bank Sygnum has unveiled a Bitcoin-backed lending solution that allows borrowers to retain custody of their private keys while accessing fiat credit. The product, developed in partnership with blockchain platform Debifi, uses a three-of-five multisignature custody model to prevent third-party collateral reuse. The platform, branded MultiSYG, is scheduled for early 2026 release and targets institutional clients seeking liquidity without surrendering asset control.