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The Stacks Asia DLT Foundation has become the first Bitcoin-based organization to establish an official presence in the Middle East, aiming to promote institutional Bitcoin adoption through expanded educational initiatives.

Stacks Asia has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) — one of the world’s fastest-growing financial centers — in a move that could boost the adoption of its Bitcoin (BTC) layer-2 (L2) solution in the Middle East and Asia.

The new partnership will play a “pivotal role” in shaping the future of Bitcoin’s “programmability and adoption” in these regions through educational programs and support for Bitcoin builders, according to an April 28 announcement shared with Cointelegraph.

Through the collaboration, Stacks and the ADGM aim to make it easier for institutions and investors to participate in the growing Bitcoin economy and help set “new standards for regulatory clarity and technical growth” for the rising global Bitcoin capital, according to Kyle Ellicott, executive director at Stacks Asia DLT Foundation.

Related: Crypto options desk QCP Capital wins Abu Dhabi license: Report

“Stacks and ADGM are a powerful combination for accelerating Bitcoin adoption across the Middle East and Asia,” Ellicott told Cointelegraph, adding:

“ADGM has established itself as a world-class global financial hub at the heart of the United Arab Emirates, known as the ‘Capitol of Capital,’ where capital and innovation are brought together to shape the future financial landscape.”

“We’ll be working to enable the launch of educational programs, regional developer communities, and create opportunities for the real-world adoption of Bitcoin-powered applications,” he said.

Starting in May, the foundation will host a series of live and virtual events to “empower institutions” with the knowledge to integrate Bitcoin into their operations and learn about the “opportunity of productive Bitcoin capital,” Ellicott added.

Related: Nomura crypto arm Laser Digital bags Abu Dhabi license

Stacks Foundation pushing for a “progressive” regulatory environment worldwide

As the leading Bitcoin scalability solution, Stacks is also pushing for progressive global regulations that will cement Bitcoin’s role in the future of the financial landscape.

“We’re not just focused locally — our team is engaged in global conversations, advocating for frameworks that balance decentralization, security, innovation, and compliance surrounding the unlocking of Bitcoin capital,” Ellicott said.

A key part of the strategy involves knowledge sharing with local regulatory bodies to build understanding among government officials about Bitcoin’s characteristics and potential economic impact.

The foundation is also developing the Bitcoin Capital Activation Framework, described as a comprehensive policy blueprint to help regulators enable Bitcoin utility in their jurisdictions.

The Stacks Foundation will also launch the Bitcoin Policy Bridge in May, a working group uniting regulators from all key jurisdictions across the Middle East and Asia.

In February, ADGM signed a memorandum of understanding with the Solana Foundation to advance the development of distributed ledger technology.

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Key takeaways:

• XRP futures ETF approval fuels bullish momentum ahead of April 30 potential launch.

• Whales are stacking XRP despite recent sharp corrections.

• A technical breakout hints at a potential 55% rally toward $3.63.

XRP (XRP) rose by nearly 5% to hit an intraday high of $2.36 on April 28, extending a three-week rebound that has lifted its price by over 46%.

ProShares’ XRP futures ETF buzz boosts price

XRP’s price rise today follows a fundamental boost from the potential launch of three XRP-based futures exchange-traded funds (ETFs) by ProShares.

The ETFs—ProShares XRP Strategy ETF, ProShares Short XRP Strategy ETF, and ProShares XRP Blend Strategy ETF—will likely go live on April 30, offering investors indirect exposure to XRP market.

Last week, CME Group announced the addition of XRP futures to its US derivatives exchange, with trading set to begin next month alongside new BTC, ETH, and SOL contracts.

Progress on a spot XRP ETF remains stalled, however. The SEC has acknowledged multiple spot XRP ETF applications, but none have been approved yet. Grayscale’s application faces a critical decision deadline on May 22.

“The real catalyst will come when a Spot XRP ETF gets approved,” argues market analyst John Squire, noting that a futures ETF won’t lead to “real market impact.”

XRP whales are on the rise

The number of XRP addresses holding at least 10,000 tokens has continued to rise, especially during its 30% price correction from the January’s top of $3.40, according to Glassnode data.

This steady accumulation by larger holders suggests growing confidence in XRP’s long-term upside prospects.

It also indicates that selling pressure remains limited even during market pullbacks, providing a strong foundation for continued upside.

XRP price: falling wedge breakout

XRP rally is part of what appears to be a falling wedge breakout, confirmed by the price breaking above the bullish reversal pattern’s upper trendline with a slight increase in volumes.

The breakout target, determined by measuring the maximum wedge height and adding it to the breakout point, stands near $3.63, a 55% gain from current price levels.

The price now holding above the 50-3D exponential moving average (50-3D EMA; the red wave)—a historical support level—is furthering the wedge’s potential of reaching its $3.63 target.

Related: XRP futures open interest surges by 32% — Are traders bullish or bearish?

XRP’s relative strength index (RSI) is neutral with a reading between 30 and 70, suggesting the price has adequate room to grow.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) bounced back with their third-largest inflows on record last week, according to CoinShares.

Global crypto ETPs collectively posted $3.4 billion of inflows in the trading week of April 21–25, marking the highest level since December 2024, CoinShares reported on April 28.

The inflows were just 13% below the all-time high of $3.85 billion seen in the trading week of Dec. 2–6, 2024, CoinShares previously reported.

Renewed investment interest in crypto ETPs came as Bitcoin (BTC) broke back above $90,000 last week for the first time since briefly retesting the price mark in early March, according to CoinGecko.

Bitcoin ETFs lead as price consolidates above $90,000

Bitcoin was the primary winner among crypto ETPs last week, with investors pouring as much as $3.18 billion into BTC ETPs.

The fresh inflows covered all the previous outflows seen since the beginning of April, with year-to-date (YTD) inflows extending to $3.7 billion.

Bitcoin ETP’s assets under management (AUM) have reached $132 billion, while total AUM surged to $151.6 billion.

Solana was the only loser

Bullish sentiment was seen in all crypto ETPs except for Solana (SOL), with Solana-based investment products seeing $5.7 million of outflows last week.

Meanwhile, Ether (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, saw $183 million inflows in the past trading week, breaking an eight-week streak of outflows.

Related: Solana's Loopscale pauses lending after $5.8M hack

Other notable gainers among altcoins were Sui (SUI) and XRP (XRP), which saw $20.7 million and $31.6 million of inflows, respectively.

All issuers see healthy inflows

The fresh crypto ETP flows were distributed across all major issuers, including those in the United States and Europe.

BlackRock’s iShares ETFs saw the largest inflows last week at $1.5 billion, with ARK and Fidelity following at $621 million and $574 million, respectively.

Despite significant inflows, some issuers continue to see outflows month-to-date, or since April 1. Among those issuers are Grayscale with $84 million in outflows, ProShares with $18 million in outflows, and CoinShares with $7 million in outflows.

Reasons for the spike

The latest inflows mark a notable trend reversal in crypto ETPs as the majority of issuers were seeing massive YTD inflows in the previous week, following a series of outflows in 2025.

According to CoinShares’ James Butterfill, the new inflows likely came from concerns over the tariff impact on corporate earnings as well as a notable weakening of the US dollar, fueling demand for safe-haven assets.

The inflows also came as gold prices saw a notable decline last week after breaking new highs at nearly $3,500 on April 22, dropping to as low as $3,275 on April 23, according to TradingView.

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Switzerland has long been seen as a beacon of privacy where companies, organizations and wealthy people put down roots in an effort to avoid the prying eyes of the rest of the world. Joining this cohort are many Web3 projects, which also appreciate the Swiss government’s generally positive stance toward blockchain and digital assets.

The country’s reputation as a privacy haven has resulted in Switzerland becoming a hub for privacy projects establishing their foundations or development entities there, including Nym, Session and Hopr — joining traditional privacy software companies such as Proton and Threema.

Now, a proposed change to a Swiss surveillance ordinance is worrying these same projects, as it would spell a marked increase in the government’s user monitoring requirements. But the decentralized nature of crypto may offer a solution for those wishing to preserve their privacy in a climate of increasing surveillance.

Switzerland is a privacy haven — or maybe not

Switzerland has long been considered by many to have some of the world’s strongest privacy protections. As Proton, the company behind the encrypted Proton Mail email service, argued in a 2014 blog post titled “Why Switzerland?”, the Central European country offers several advantages: Companies are outside of the jurisdiction of the US and EU, the country is politically neutral, there are strong constitutional privacy protections, and there is established infrastructure.

Kee Jeffries, technical co-founder of decentralized private messaging app Session, recently told Cointelegraph’s The Agenda podcast that it was important to establish the foundation “in a country which has a long history of preserving people’s personal privacy and freedom of speech.”

However, all governments must ultimately balance citizen privacy and national security concerns. In Switzerland, surveillance is governed by the Ordinance on the Surveillance of Correspondence by Post and Telecommunications (OSCPT).

In January, the Swiss Federal Council proposed a revision to the OSCPT that would increase user monitoring requirements for telecommunications service providers and widen the definition of who meets these requirements to include services such as VPNs, social networks and messaging apps.

In short, as they are currently written, the changes would require service providers that serve at least 5,000 users to identify all users and willfully decrypt all communications that are not end-to-end encrypted.

Privacy projects fight back against surveillance

The move has been met with widespread backlash from the privacy community. Proton CEO Andy Yen has threatened to fight the government in court and potentially pull the company out of the country. Decentralized VPN provider Nym issued a public call to action for Swiss citizens to contact their representatives and oppose the action.

In a statement, Nym’s chief operating officer, Alexis Roussel, said the ordinance by the Federal Council “is destroying an entire sector,” adding:

“This ordinance directly endangers the people who use these services.”

Sebastian Bürgel, vice president of technology at Gnosis and founder of decentralized mixnet Hopr, echoed the concerns of Yen and Roussel, telling Cointelegraph the move would likely backfire.

“If the intent is to limit the privacy and anonymity that services such as Proton Mail, Proton VPN and Threema are providing, that will not change much because those entities will potentially leave Switzerland if that were to happen,” he said. “But again, the consequences will be borne by everyone out there and everyone who’s actually in Switzerland.”

Related: Keeping crypto cypherpunk protects users from censorship and corporatism — Gnosis VP

Meanwhile, Ronald Kogens, a legal partner at Swiss law firm MME who focuses on Web3 and fintech, told Cointelegraph that it’s unclear whether the Swiss Federal Council even has the authority to implement such changes. 

“In an ordinance, you cannot include any heavy rights or obligations which have a strong impact on individuals in Switzerland,” he shared, saying that the Federal Council is essentially an executive body and that laws must pass through parliament. 

“One question you could ask is, does the Federal Council have the power, based on the laws where it stated that they can enact an ordinance, the power to do this, what they’re doing now?”

Are Swiss crypto projects at risk?

The move by the Swiss Federal Council is damaging Switzerland’s privacy reputation, but decentralized technologies like blockchain networks may offer a lifeline. According to Kogens, truly decentralized projects should be exempt from the new surveillance requirements.

“In my opinion, most Web3 activities are not affected because [...] the pure offering of software without running any infrastructure for the whole messaging or communication system is not covered by this,” he told Cointelegraph. “You have to have specific servers or clients that you operate that are an essential part of the communication or messaging service.”

Either way, the more decentralized a project is, the less any government can influence its operations. Take, for example, Tornado Cash, which has continued chugging along for years despite multiple developers being arrested and the US sanctioning its smart contracts at one point.

Nym CEO Harry Halpin told Cointelegraph in March that “in theory, we should be able to get run over with a car, and the network would keep operating.”

“Hopr, as an example of Web3 infrastructure, does not operate infrastructure, right?” said Bürgel. “Hopr Association is involved in software development and research and development, but we are not an operator of a network.”

The fact that the Hopr network is fully decentralized and anonymous means the Hopr Association could not actually give any information about its users to Switzerland, even if it were legally compelled.

“Individual node runners which are participating in it, or other third parties, cannot tell who is using the Hopr network to access any kind of web service. That is the explicit goal of what we are undertaking.”

The future of privacy in Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Council’s proposed changes to the OSCPT are still in the consultation phase, with the public encouraged to offer feedback on the proposal through May 6.

Kogens told Cointelegraph that the council will review the feedback, create a final report, and decide whether to adjust the proposal. “That happens quite a lot,” he said, “because in the end, it’s not in the interest of Switzerland to do something which harms the industry, as long as they still can fulfill their goal, which they have with this surveillance act.”

But even if the changes go through as written, there could be some positive knock-on effects for the crypto space. “It may be that the silver lining is that it will drive users to decentralized and privacy-facilitating solutions instead,” said Bürgel.

“It is clear to everyone that more surveillance is bad,” he added. “Every single individual understands that.”

“Taming the surveillance machinery is a goal of Web3. It’s not just about magic internet money. And yeah, I think we need more people working towards that.”

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Onchain sleuth ZachXBT has flagged a suspicious transfer involving 3,520 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $330.7 million, that may indicate a major theft. The transaction, reported on April 28, saw funds moved from a potential victim’s wallet to the address bc1qcry...vz55g.

Following the transfer, the stolen stash was quickly laundered through over six instant exchanges and swapped into privacy-focused cryptocurrency Monero (XMR).

The large-scale conversion led to a 50% spike in XMR’s price with the token reaching an intraday high of $339, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

At the time of writing, XMR has settled slightly but remains up 25% in the past 24 hours, trading at $289.

When asked whether North Korea’s Lazarus Group was behind the attack, ZachXBT dismissed the theory, stating it was “highly probable it’s not,” suggesting independent hackers were responsible.

Related: Kraken to end Monero support in European Economic Area

Vast majority of hackers use mainstream cryptos

In a recent comment to Cointelegraph, Chainalysis noted that most criminal transactions still rely on mainstream cryptocurrencies.

“While there are concerns of more criminals moving to privacy coins for anonymity, the vast majority of criminal activity still uses mainstream cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum and stablecoins,” Chainalysis said.

The firm added that these assets remain attractive because they offer the same benefits to bad actors as they do to legitimate users — cross-border functionality, instant settlement, and high liquidity.

Chainalysis noted that privacy coins pose limitations for criminals due to reduced liquidity and the fact that many major exchanges have delisted assets like Monero.

“Cryptocurrency is only useful if you can buy and sell goods and services or cash out into fiat, and that is much more difficult with privacy coins, especially as many mainstream exchanges have offboarded the use of privacy coins, such as Monero,” they explained.

The firm even said that blockchain transparency allows law enforcement to trace and recover illicit funds, regardless of the cryptocurrency used.

In 2024, a leaked Chainalysis video suggested that Monero transactions could be traceable despite the privacy-preserving nature of the blockchain.

The video reportedly showed how Chainalysis could track transactions back to 2021 via its own “malicious” Monero nodes.

Related: The IRS offers a $625,000 bounty to anyone who can break Monero and Lightning Network

Monero accepted at Spar stores in Switzerland

The suspected laundering operation comes as Monero is gaining wider retail acceptance. Two Spar supermarket locations in Switzerland recently began accepting XMR for payments.

The announcement, shared by Monero’s official X account, credits partnerships with DFX Swiss and OpenCryptoPay for enabling the integration.

One user, posting on April 25, shared their experience of purchasing organic cacao using XMR at a Spar store in Kreuzlingen.

In April 2025, Spar first tapped into the crypto market by introducing Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network at outlets in Zug, Switzerland.

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Key takeaways

• Crypto-backed mortgages let you use assets like Bitcoin or Ether as collateral to secure a loan without selling your holdings.
• The process involves choosing a lender, securing your crypto in custody, appraising the property and finalizing loan terms.
• These mortgages offer tax advantages, streamlined approvals and the ability to retain crypto investment value while accessing liquidity.
• Platforms like Nexo provide tailored solutions, but thorough research is essential to ensure security and regulatory compliance.

Crypto-backed mortgages are a watershed moment in real estate financing because they let you use digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH) as collateral for a home loan.

Instead of selling your cryptocurrency, you pledge it to secure funds for buying property. This approach has been gaining traction as more people explore alternatives to traditional financing.

Furthermore, as the adoption of cryptocurrencies grows, crypto-backed mortgages are positioning themselves as a bridge between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional property markets, offering a unique solution for crypto holders looking to diversify their investments without forfeiting their digital wealth.

What are crypto-backed mortgages?

Crypto-backed mortgages are home loans where digital assets are used as collateral instead of cash or traditional assets. 

Surprisingly, the process is straightforward: You transfer your cryptocurrency to a lender, who locks it up as collateral. In return, they provide a loan, often in fiat currency, to finance your property purchase. As long as you make timely payments, your crypto stays intact. 

If the value of your collateral drops due to market volatility, you might need to add more assets to maintain the loan’s security — this is called a margin call.

What role does blockchain play in crypto-backed mortgages?

Blockchain technology makes this system transparent and efficient. Smart contracts, for example, automate much of the loan process, reducing paperwork and speeding up approvals. The blockchain’s immutable nature ensures every transaction is secure and verifiable, building trust between lenders and borrowers.

Crypto-backed mortgages are still emerging, but various platforms have already entered the market, offering tailored solutions for crypto investors. 

As the adoption of blockchain in real estate grows, this innovative financing model is becoming more and more attractive. 

Did you know? In 2012, BTCJam launched as one of the earliest platforms facilitating Bitcoin-backed loans, enabling individuals worldwide to borrow funds using Bitcoin as collateral. By 2016, BTCJam had serviced over 16,000 loans across more than 120 countries, with the average loan size ranging from $400 to $600.

The crypto-backed mortgage process 

Navigating a crypto-backed mortgage involves several key steps:

1. Eligibility criteria: Lenders typically accept major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether as collateral. The required collateral value often exceeds the loan amount to account for market volatility. For instance, a lender might require collateral worth 150% of the loan value.
2. Financial stability and regulatory compliance: Beyond crypto holdings, lenders assess your overall financial health, including income stability and credit history. Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations is crucial; you’ll need to provide thorough documentation tracing the origin of your crypto assets to ensure they are legitimate.
3. Application steps: Start by identifying lenders or platforms that accept cryptocurrency as collateral. Options may include specialized crypto lending platforms and certain traditional financial institutions. Once approved, you’ll transfer your crypto assets to a secure escrow or custodial account designated by the lender. This step ensures the lender can access the collateral if necessary.
4. Property appraisal and loan finalization: The lender will conduct a property appraisal to confirm its market value. Afterward, you’ll finalize the loan terms, including interest rates and repayment schedules.
5. Repayment and collateral management: Repayment structures vary; some loans may offer interest-only payments with a lump-sum principal repayment at the end, while others follow traditional amortization schedules. Interest rates can differ based on the lender and the loan’s specifics.

Given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, lenders monitor the value of your collateral. If its value drops below a certain threshold, you may face a margin call, requiring you to add more collateral or risk liquidation of your assets.

Did you know? When a homeowner fails to make mortgage payments, the lender may initiate a foreclosure to recover the outstanding loan balance. This legal process allows the lender to take ownership of the property and sell it to recoup losses. 

Advantages of crypto-backed mortgages

• Preserving your crypto investments: Using your cryptocurrency holdings as collateral for a mortgage allows you to access funds without selling your assets. This means you can continue to benefit from any potential appreciation in value while securing the financing you need.
• Potential tax benefits: By leveraging your crypto assets as collateral instead of selling them, you may avoid triggering capital gains taxes. This strategy can be more tax-efficient, especially in jurisdictions where selling digital assets incurs significant tax liabilities.
• Streamlined approval process: Crypto-backed mortgages often place less emphasis on traditional credit scores. Lenders focus more on the value of your crypto collateral, which can simplify and expedite the approval process, making it more accessible for individuals with varying credit histories.

Did you know? Mississippi has one of the lowest mortgage approval rates in the US, with only 52.14% of applications approved between 2018 and 2022. This low approval rate is influenced by factors such as higher poverty levels, lower median incomes and elevated debt-to-income ratios among applicants. Additionally, racial disparities persist, with Black applicants facing higher denial rates compared to white applicants. 

Risks and considerations

Despite the advantages, there are some risks you should be aware of:

• Cryptocurrency volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly. If the value of your collateral drops below a certain threshold, lenders may issue a margin call, requiring you to provide additional assets to maintain the loan. Failure to do so could result in the liquidation of your crypto holdings.
• Regulatory and legal landscape: The regulatory environment for crypto-backed mortgages varies by jurisdiction and is continually evolving. It’s essential to understand the legal implications and ensure compliance with local laws, including AML regulations.
• Understanding loan terms: Thoroughly review the loan agreement to comprehend all terms, including interest rates, repayment schedules and conditions for margin calls. Being well-informed helps prevent unexpected challenges during the loan term.

Where can you leverage your crypto assets for real estate financing?

Several platforms already offer crypto-backed mortgages, allowing you to leverage your digital assets to purchase real estate. Here are some options:

• Nexo: Nexo provides crypto-backed loans compatible with over 40 different currencies. Borrowers can receive quick approvals and flexible repayment plans, making it a viable option for those looking to finance real estate using their crypto holdings.
• Ledn: Ledn offers Bitcoin-backed mortgages, allowing clients to use their BTC holdings as collateral to secure loans for real estate purchases. This service is designed to help crypto investors diversify into property without selling their digital assets.
• Salt Lending: Salt Lending facilitates crypto-backed loans, including options for real estate financing. By using your crypto assets as collateral, you can access funds for property purchases while retaining ownership of your digital investments.

Key considerations 

• Reputation and security: Research the platform’s track record and security measures to ensure your assets are protected.
• Interest rates and terms: Compare interest rates, loan-to-value ratios and repayment terms to find a platform that aligns with your financial goals.
• Supported cryptocurrencies: Ensure the platform accepts the specific digital assets you intend to use as collateral.
• Regulatory compliance: Verify that the platform operates within legal frameworks applicable to your jurisdiction to avoid potential legal issues.
• Customer support: Assess the availability and quality of customer service to assist you throughout the loan process.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a reputable and secure platform that suits your needs for obtaining a crypto-backed mortgage.

Wishing you joyful house hunting!

If you’re following developments in the cryptocurrency market, you’ve likely noticed that Coinbase Derivatives has introduced XRP futures contracts to its US derivatives exchange. This move is part of a broader trend where regulated platforms are expanding access to futures trading, giving investors new ways to engage with digital assets like XRP (XRP).

But what exactly are XRP futures? And how do you get involved as an investor or trader?

Let’s take a closer look.

What are XRP futures?

XRP futures are standardized financial contracts that allow you to agree to buy or sell XRP at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Rather than trading the actual token, you’re trading a contract that tracks the price of XRP.

These contracts are overseen by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), meaning they operate within a regulated framework. That adds a level of oversight and structure that appeals to many investors, particularly those wary of the risks tied to unregulated platforms.

On April 3, 2025, Coinbase Derivatives announced it had filed with the CFTC to self-certify XRP futures contracts, and the contracts were launched on April 21, 2025.

Types of XRP futures contracts offered by Coinbase

Coinbase’s offering includes:

• Nano XRP futures represent 500 XRP per contract, cash-settled in US dollars. These are designed for retail traders and smaller institutions, offering lower capital requirements while still providing exposure to XRP price movements.

• Standard XRP futures cover 10,000 XRP per contract, are also settled in USD, and are aimed at larger institutions and active traders.

This variety lets you choose a position size that matches your risk tolerance and investment strategy. 

But what do terms like “cash-settled” actually mean?

Both Nano and Standard XRP futures are contracts that let you trade based on the price of XRP — but you don’t actually own or receive XRP. You’re trading contracts that track XRP’s price.

And, when the contract closes, the difference between your entry and exit price is calculated (profit or loss) and settled in USD — this is what cash settlement means. 

Did you know? Other products offered by the Coinbase Derivatives exchange include more than 20 futures contracts on assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Chainlink (LINK) and Stellar (XLM).

Why choose XRP futures contracts over buying XRP?

You might be wondering why someone would choose futures over simply buying XRP on the spot market.

Here are a few reasons:

• Leverage: Futures often allow you to control a large position with a relatively small amount of capital. While this can amplify gains, it also increases potential losses.

• Hedging: If you already hold XRP and expect short-term volatility, futures can be used to protect your portfolio.

• Speculation: Futures allow you to take both long (bullish) and short (bearish) positions, so you can potentially benefit from market moves in either direction.

• No wallet or storage needs: Buying XRP requires a secure wallet and managing private keys, which carries risks like hacking or loss. Futures contracts are financial instruments traded on exchanges, eliminating the need for direct XRP custody.

• Liquidity and accessibility: Futures markets often have high liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit positions. Some exchanges offer XRP futures with lower barriers than buying XRP on certain crypto platforms, especially in regions with regulatory restrictions.

• Cash settlement: Many XRP futures are cash-settled, meaning you settle profits or losses in fiat or stablecoins without handling XRP itself, simplifying the process for traders avoiding crypto custody.

When to choose futures contracts:

• You want to trade XRP price movements with leverage or flexibility to go long or short.

• You prefer not to deal with crypto wallets or custody.

• You’re hedging an existing XRP position or portfolio.

• You’re comfortable with the risks and complexities of derivatives.

When to buy XRP:

• You believe in XRP’s long-term value and want to hold it as an investment.

• You plan to use XRP for transactions or in its ecosystem (e.g., Ripple’s payment network).

• You want to avoid the risks of leverage and futures margin calls.

Ultimately, futures suit active traders or those seeking leveraged exposure, while buying XRP could be ideal for long-term holders or users of the asset. You must always assess your risk tolerance and goals before deciding whether to invest in XRP or XRP futures.

Did you know? The MarketVector™ Coinbase XRP Benchmark Rate provides a robust USD price reference exclusively for XRP traded on the Coinbase Exchange. It includes no other assets and no other exchanges — just XRP, just Coinbase.

Where to invest in XRP futures

If you’re looking to invest in XRP futures, there are several platforms (other than Coinbase) offering access depending on your location and trading needs.

• Kraken Futures: Kraken provides XRP futures with leverage. In Australia, access is limited to wholesale clients through Beaufort Fiduciaries Pty Ltd (AFSL no. 545124). In the United Kingdom, only clients classified as Professional Clients under Financial Conduct Authority rules can trade through Crypto Facilities Limited (FRN: 757895).

• Binance: Binance offers XRP/USDT perpetual futures contracts, allowing users to trade XRP without an expiry date. These contracts support leverage, giving traders flexibility in managing exposure. However, as of May 28, 2024, Binance no longer supports XRP as a margin asset under its “Multi-Assets Mode,” though XRP futures remain available in other trading modes.

• OKX: OKX also provides XRP/USDT perpetual swaps, which let traders speculate on XRP price movements continuously. While OKX delisted XRP expiry futures contracts in December 2024, perpetual swaps are still supported. Traders can apply leverage and adjust positions based on their risk strategy.

• Bitget: It is a globally accessible platform that offers XRP futures with options to take long or short positions. It features a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both new and experienced traders, though availability depends on regional regulations.

• KuCoin Futures: KuCoin supports XRP perpetual contracts (XRP/USDT) with leverage. The platform is known for low trading fees and offers various features for different trading strategies. It’s accessible in many countries, with some regional restrictions.

• MEXC: It provides XRP futures in both USDt-margined and coin-margined formats. MEXC supports high leverage and offers educational tools, catering to traders of all levels. The platform is available in most regions, though users should check for local compliance.

• Delta Exchange: It lists XRP perpetual futures with leverage up to 100x. It’s known for low fees and advanced risk management tools. The platform is available to traders in several countries, depending on local laws.

• Bitfinex: Lastly, Bitfinex offers XRP futures as part of its broader derivatives portfolio. Its platform caters to advanced users with customizable strategies. Access is region-dependent, and traders must ensure eligibility based on their location.

Did you know? Coinbase crypto derivatives are not available to retail clients based in the United Kingdom or Spain due to local regulatory restrictions. 

How to invest in XRP futures 

If you’re interested in trading XRP futures, here are general steps to get started:

1. Choose a platform: Select a regulated exchange offering XRP futures, such as Coinbase’s US Derivatives Exchange. Create an account and complete identity verification, which typically involves submitting a valid ID and proof of address.

2. Understand the product: Research how XRP futures contracts work, including contract sizes (e.g., Coinbase offers standard contracts of 10,000 XRP or nano contracts of 500 XRP), margin requirements, leverage options and fees. Futures are complex, so review the exchange’s documentation and understand risks, such as liquidation.

3. Fund your account: Deposit USD or another accepted currency to use as collateral (margin) for trading. Check the platform’s minimum deposit and margin requirements. For example, Coinbase settles futures in USD, and you can fund via bank transfer or debit card.

4. Place your trade: Use the platform’s trading interface (e.g., Coinbase Advanced) to select XRP futures contracts (symbol: XRL for standard XRP contracts on Coinbase). Decide whether to go long (buy) or short (sell), set your position size, and apply any leverage if available. Confirm the trade after reviewing details.

5. Practice risk management: Futures carry high risks due to leverage and volatility. Set stop-loss orders, limit position sizes based on your risk tolerance, and avoid risking more than you can afford to lose. For instance, some exchanges pause trading if the underlying asset’s price moves over 10% in an hour to mitigate volatility risks.

6. Monitor the market: Track XRP’s price, market sentiment, funding rates and external factors like regulatory news or macroeconomic trends. Use tools like candlestick charts or technical indicators on the platform to inform your strategy. Stay updated to adjust positions and avoid unexpected losses.

Oregon targets Coinbase over XRP, cites securities violations

Oregon’s Attorney General has sued Coinbase, claiming the exchange offered unregistered securities, including XRP. The lawsuit argues that a wide range of digital assets traded on the platform qualify as investment contracts under state law.

State officials say the case is part of a broader effort to step in where federal enforcement has pulled back. Legal experts note that while the outcome won’t set a national precedent, it could influence how regulators and courts approach similar cases.

The timing is notable — just weeks after the SEC dropped its case against Ripple and days after Coinbase listed XRP futures on its US derivatives exchange.

Did you know? On March 25, 2025, Ripple Labs settled its long-standing legal dispute with the SEC. As part of the agreement, Ripple consented to pay a reduced fine of $50 million — down from the original $125 million — without admitting any wrongdoing.

CME’s XRP futures launch: A new era for institutional crypto trading?

CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, is set to launch XRP futures on May 19, 2025, pending regulatory approval. This move marks a significant milestone for Ripple’s native token, as it opens the door for institutional investors to gain regulated exposure to XRP for the first time through a trusted exchange.

The futures contracts will come in two sizes:

• 2,500 XRP (micro) 

• 50,000 XRP (standard)

These contracts will be cash-settled, using the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, calculated daily at 4:00 p.m. London time. Such contracts are designed to provide traders and institutions with a capital-efficient way to hedge or speculate on XRP’s price movements.

This launch follows CME’s expanding suite of crypto derivatives, which already includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana futures. With over 80 million XRP users globally and growing interest in Ripple’s technology, the addition of XRP futures positions CME as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.

How risky are crypto futures?

Futures trading offers opportunities, but it comes with significant risks — especially if you’re new to derivatives. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Leverage risk: While leverage can increase your returns, it also amplifies losses. A small price move in the wrong direction can quickly deplete your account.

• Volatility: XRP is known for its sharp price swings. Futures contracts can exaggerate the impact of volatility on your position.

• Funding rates: Perpetual futures contracts charge periodic funding fees, which can eat into profits if held long-term.

• Liquidation: If the market moves against you and your margin falls below the required level, your position may be automatically closed — often at a loss.

• Complexity: Futures are more complicated than spot trading. Understanding contract terms, funding rates and expiry dates is crucial to managing your trades effectively.

• Market liquidity: While XRP is a liquid asset, futures trading depends on active participation. Thin order books can lead to slippage and unexpected price movements.

• Emotional pressure: The fast-paced nature of futures trading can lead to impulsive decisions. Discipline and a clear strategy are essential.

If you’re new to this type of trading, consider starting with a demo account or using nano contracts to reduce your exposure while you learn. Trade smart — your safety’s on you!

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

If you’re following developments in the cryptocurrency market, you’ve likely noticed that Coinbase Derivatives has introduced XRP futures contracts to its US derivatives exchange. This move is part of a broader trend where regulated platforms are expanding access to futures trading, giving investors new ways to engage with digital assets like XRP (XRP).

But what exactly are XRP futures? And how do you get involved as an investor or trader?

Let’s take a closer look.

What are XRP futures?

XRP futures are standardized financial contracts that allow you to agree to buy or sell XRP at a predetermined price on a specific future date. Rather than trading the actual token, you’re trading a contract that tracks the price of XRP.

These contracts are overseen by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), meaning they operate within a regulated framework. That adds a level of oversight and structure that appeals to many investors, particularly those wary of the risks tied to unregulated platforms.

On April 3, 2025, Coinbase Derivatives announced it had filed with the CFTC to self-certify XRP futures contracts, and the contracts were launched on April 21, 2025.

Types of XRP futures contracts offered by Coinbase

Coinbase’s offering includes:

• Nano XRP futures represent 500 XRP per contract, cash-settled in US dollars. These are designed for retail traders and smaller institutions, offering lower capital requirements while still providing exposure to XRP price movements.

• Standard XRP futures cover 10,000 XRP per contract, are also settled in USD, and are aimed at larger institutions and active traders.

This variety lets you choose a position size that matches your risk tolerance and investment strategy. 

But what do terms like “cash-settled” actually mean?

Both Nano and Standard XRP futures are contracts that let you trade based on the price of XRP — but you don’t actually own or receive XRP. You’re trading contracts that track XRP’s price.

And, when the contract closes, the difference between your entry and exit price is calculated (profit or loss) and settled in USD — this is what cash settlement means. 

Did you know? Other products offered by the Coinbase Derivatives exchange include more than 20 futures contracts on assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Dogecoin (DOGE), Solana (SOL), Chainlink (LINK) and Stellar (XLM).

Why choose XRP futures contracts over buying XRP?

You might be wondering why someone would choose futures over simply buying XRP on the spot market.

Here are a few reasons:

• Leverage: Futures often allow you to control a large position with a relatively small amount of capital. While this can amplify gains, it also increases potential losses.

• Hedging: If you already hold XRP and expect short-term volatility, futures can be used to protect your portfolio.

• Speculation: Futures allow you to take both long (bullish) and short (bearish) positions, so you can potentially benefit from market moves in either direction.

• No wallet or storage needs: Buying XRP requires a secure wallet and managing private keys, which carries risks like hacking or loss. Futures contracts are financial instruments traded on exchanges, eliminating the need for direct XRP custody.

• Liquidity and accessibility: Futures markets often have high liquidity, making it easier to enter and exit positions. Some exchanges offer XRP futures with lower barriers than buying XRP on certain crypto platforms, especially in regions with regulatory restrictions.

• Cash settlement: Many XRP futures are cash-settled, meaning you settle profits or losses in fiat or stablecoins without handling XRP itself, simplifying the process for traders avoiding crypto custody.

When to choose futures contracts:

• You want to trade XRP price movements with leverage or flexibility to go long or short.

• You prefer not to deal with crypto wallets or custody.

• You’re hedging an existing XRP position or portfolio.

• You’re comfortable with the risks and complexities of derivatives.

When to buy XRP:

• You believe in XRP’s long-term value and want to hold it as an investment.

• You plan to use XRP for transactions or in its ecosystem (e.g., Ripple’s payment network).

• You want to avoid the risks of leverage and futures margin calls.

Ultimately, futures suit active traders or those seeking leveraged exposure, while buying XRP could be ideal for long-term holders or users of the asset. You must always assess your risk tolerance and goals before deciding whether to invest in XRP or XRP futures.

Did you know? The MarketVector™ Coinbase XRP Benchmark Rate provides a robust USD price reference exclusively for XRP traded on the Coinbase Exchange. It includes no other assets and no other exchanges — just XRP, just Coinbase.

Where to invest in XRP futures

If you’re looking to invest in XRP futures, there are several platforms (other than Coinbase) offering access depending on your location and trading needs.

• Kraken Futures: Kraken provides XRP futures with leverage. In Australia, access is limited to wholesale clients through Beaufort Fiduciaries Pty Ltd (AFSL no. 545124). In the United Kingdom, only clients classified as Professional Clients under Financial Conduct Authority rules can trade through Crypto Facilities Limited (FRN: 757895).

• Binance: Binance offers XRP/USDT perpetual futures contracts, allowing users to trade XRP without an expiry date. These contracts support leverage, giving traders flexibility in managing exposure. However, as of May 28, 2024, Binance no longer supports XRP as a margin asset under its “Multi-Assets Mode,” though XRP futures remain available in other trading modes.

• OKX: OKX also provides XRP/USDT perpetual swaps, which let traders speculate on XRP price movements continuously. While OKX delisted XRP expiry futures contracts in December 2024, perpetual swaps are still supported. Traders can apply leverage and adjust positions based on their risk strategy.

• Bitget: It is a globally accessible platform that offers XRP futures with options to take long or short positions. It features a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for both new and experienced traders, though availability depends on regional regulations.

• KuCoin Futures: KuCoin supports XRP perpetual contracts (XRP/USDT) with leverage. The platform is known for low trading fees and offers various features for different trading strategies. It’s accessible in many countries, with some regional restrictions.

• MEXC: It provides XRP futures in both USDt-margined and coin-margined formats. MEXC supports high leverage and offers educational tools, catering to traders of all levels. The platform is available in most regions, though users should check for local compliance.

• Delta Exchange: It lists XRP perpetual futures with leverage up to 100x. It’s known for low fees and advanced risk management tools. The platform is available to traders in several countries, depending on local laws.

• Bitfinex: Lastly, Bitfinex offers XRP futures as part of its broader derivatives portfolio. Its platform caters to advanced users with customizable strategies. Access is region-dependent, and traders must ensure eligibility based on their location.

Did you know? Coinbase crypto derivatives are not available to retail clients based in the United Kingdom or Spain due to local regulatory restrictions. 

How to invest in XRP futures 

If you’re interested in trading XRP futures, here are general steps to get started:

1. Choose a platform: Select a regulated exchange offering XRP futures, such as Coinbase’s US Derivatives Exchange. Create an account and complete identity verification, which typically involves submitting a valid ID and proof of address.

2. Understand the product: Research how XRP futures contracts work, including contract sizes (e.g., Coinbase offers standard contracts of 10,000 XRP or nano contracts of 500 XRP), margin requirements, leverage options and fees. Futures are complex, so review the exchange’s documentation and understand risks, such as liquidation.

3. Fund your account: Deposit USD or another accepted currency to use as collateral (margin) for trading. Check the platform’s minimum deposit and margin requirements. For example, Coinbase settles futures in USD, and you can fund via bank transfer or debit card.

4. Place your trade: Use the platform’s trading interface (e.g., Coinbase Advanced) to select XRP futures contracts (symbol: XRL for standard XRP contracts on Coinbase). Decide whether to go long (buy) or short (sell), set your position size, and apply any leverage if available. Confirm the trade after reviewing details.

5. Practice risk management: Futures carry high risks due to leverage and volatility. Set stop-loss orders, limit position sizes based on your risk tolerance, and avoid risking more than you can afford to lose. For instance, some exchanges pause trading if the underlying asset’s price moves over 10% in an hour to mitigate volatility risks.

6. Monitor the market: Track XRP’s price, market sentiment, funding rates and external factors like regulatory news or macroeconomic trends. Use tools like candlestick charts or technical indicators on the platform to inform your strategy. Stay updated to adjust positions and avoid unexpected losses.

Oregon targets Coinbase over XRP, cites securities violations

Oregon’s Attorney General has sued Coinbase, claiming the exchange offered unregistered securities, including XRP. The lawsuit argues that a wide range of digital assets traded on the platform qualify as investment contracts under state law.

State officials say the case is part of a broader effort to step in where federal enforcement has pulled back. Legal experts note that while the outcome won’t set a national precedent, it could influence how regulators and courts approach similar cases.

The timing is notable — just weeks after the SEC dropped its case against Ripple and days after Coinbase listed XRP futures on its US derivatives exchange.

Did you know? On March 25, 2025, Ripple Labs settled its long-standing legal dispute with the SEC. As part of the agreement, Ripple consented to pay a reduced fine of $50 million — down from the original $125 million — without admitting any wrongdoing.

CME’s XRP futures launch: A new era for institutional crypto trading?

CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, is set to launch XRP futures on May 19, 2025, pending regulatory approval. This move marks a significant milestone for Ripple’s native token, as it opens the door for institutional investors to gain regulated exposure to XRP for the first time through a trusted exchange.

The futures contracts will come in two sizes:

• 2,500 XRP (micro) 

• 50,000 XRP (standard)

These contracts will be cash-settled, using the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate, calculated daily at 4:00 p.m. London time. Such contracts are designed to provide traders and institutions with a capital-efficient way to hedge or speculate on XRP’s price movements.

This launch follows CME’s expanding suite of crypto derivatives, which already includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana futures. With over 80 million XRP users globally and growing interest in Ripple’s technology, the addition of XRP futures positions CME as a key player in the evolving digital asset landscape.

How risky are crypto futures?

Futures trading offers opportunities, but it comes with significant risks — especially if you’re new to derivatives. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Leverage risk: While leverage can increase your returns, it also amplifies losses. A small price move in the wrong direction can quickly deplete your account.

• Volatility: XRP is known for its sharp price swings. Futures contracts can exaggerate the impact of volatility on your position.

• Funding rates: Perpetual futures contracts charge periodic funding fees, which can eat into profits if held long-term.

• Liquidation: If the market moves against you and your margin falls below the required level, your position may be automatically closed — often at a loss.

• Complexity: Futures are more complicated than spot trading. Understanding contract terms, funding rates and expiry dates is crucial to managing your trades effectively.

• Market liquidity: While XRP is a liquid asset, futures trading depends on active participation. Thin order books can lead to slippage and unexpected price movements.

• Emotional pressure: The fast-paced nature of futures trading can lead to impulsive decisions. Discipline and a clear strategy are essential.

If you’re new to this type of trading, consider starting with a demo account or using nano contracts to reduce your exposure while you learn. Trade smart — your safety’s on you!

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, has criticized the US Federal Reserve for quietly maintaining a key anti-crypto policy that favors big-bank-issued stablecoins, despite relaxing crypto partnership rules for banks.

In an April 27 thread on X, Long explained that while the Fed recently rescinded four prior crypto guidelines, it left intact a Jan. 27, 2023, statement issued in coordination with the Biden administration.

The guidance, according to Long, blocks banks from engaging directly with crypto assets and prohibits them from issuing stablecoins on permissionless blockchains.

“THE FED HAS MAINTAINED A REGULATORY PREFERENCE FOR PERMISSIONED STABLECOINS (ie, big-bank versions),” Long stated.

She warned that this move gives traditional financial institutions a “head start” in launching private stablecoins while the broader market waits for stablecoin legislation to pass through Congress.

Long urges Congress to pass stablecoin bill

Long noted that once a federal stablecoin bill becomes law, it could override the Fed’s stance. “Congress should hurry up,” she urged.

Beyond stablecoins, Long pointed out how the Fed’s policy hampers banks from participating in crypto markets as principals, preventing them from market-making in assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) or Solana (SOL).

Related: US banks are 'free to begin supporting Bitcoin'

She also noted operational challenges for banks looking to offer crypto custody services, particularly around covering gas fees for onchain transactions — a standard practice for crypto custodians but restricted under current Fed rules.

Summing up her concerns, Long argued that the Fed’s decision keeps “sand in the wheels” of banks entering crypto custody, while simultaneously advancing permissioned stablecoins backed by major financial institutions.

“The Fed definitely won on PR spin--its press release listed a long list of guidance it rescindedbut omitted ANY mention of the guidance it kept. That duped *a lot* of smart people, understandably,” she wrote.

Related: Fed's Powell reasserts support for stablecoin legislation

Senator Lummis calls Fed’s move as “lip service”

Senator Cynthia Lummis, a vocal supporter of digital assets, also condemned the Fed’s move as mere “lip service,” signaling potential legislative pushback in the near future.

Lummis mentioned the Fed’s policy statement in Section 9(13), which hasn’t been withdrawn, stating that Bitcoin and digital assets are considered “unsafe and unsound.”

However, other crypto executives praised the Fed’s announcement as a positive development for the industry. Strategy's Michael Saylor said in an April 25 X post that the Fed’s move means that “banks are now free to begin supporting Bitcoin.”

Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

Key points:

• High Bitcoin ETF inflows don't always signal a price top as historical data is mixed.

• Spot Bitcoin inflows often precede short-term price rises, not reversals.

• Bitcoin may hit $100K but faces resistance.

Bitcoin’s (BTC) price recovery may be stalled at $100,000 as questions emerge whether high ETF inflows have always marked the local top for the asset.

Does $1B Bitcoin ETF inflows signal a top?

Bitcoin has displayed bullish momentum after recovering from its multimonth lows of $74,400. BTC is up 8% over the last seven days, as per data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView. 

Bitcoin’s recovery was fueled by high investor appetite for spot ETFs, which recorded $3.06 billion net weekly inflows, the largest since December 2025.

Evidence of whether the high spot Bitcoin ETFs inflows could signal that the price is getting close to a local top could be determined by analyzing historical data.

While there have been instances where significant inflows coincided with or preceded Bitcoin price peaks, this has not always been the case.

The chart above shows that in March 2024, spot Bitcoin ETFs saw record inflows of over $1 billion on March 12, with BlackRock’s IBIT alone receiving $849 million.

This preceded Bitcoin’s new all-time high of around $73,300, suggesting a potential top signal. Similarly, on June 3, 2024, daily inflows hit $917 billion, aligning with Bitcoin’s rally from $67,000 to $72,000, followed by a 25% correction to $53,000. These cases support the idea of major inflows preceding local tops.

However, in November 2024, weekly inflows hit $3.38 billion, as Bitcoin hit one all-time high after another, but this did not immediately lead to a price top. Instead, BTC showed resilience crossing the $100,000 market for the first time to its previous all-time highs of $108,000 reached on Dec. 17, 2025.

Using a Vector Autoregression model, market analytics resource FalconX demonstrated the relationship between ETF net flows and Bitcoin price, and found that inflows have short-term predictive power for price increases, not necessarily reversals.

Related: A 'local top' and $88K retest? 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week

How high can Bitcoin price go?

Bitcoin’s 27% rally from the $74,400 range low saw it flip key levels into support, including the 50-day ($85,100), 100-day ($90,570), and 200-day ($89,300) simple moving averages (SMA).

Bitcoin was still consolidating under the resistance at $95,000 as observed by popular analyst AlphaBTC.

“The pink box [at the $95,000 level] has held $BTC’s price for the last few days, as expected,” AlphaBTC said in an April 28 post on X, hoping to see BTC move past it as the week opens.

Cointelegraph earlier reported that the $95,000 level marks the next significant resistance for Bitcoin and that continued ETF demand and other bullish factors would be key in overcoming it.

AlphaBTC added:

“I think we push to 100K, but then likely see a bigger pullback.”

Data from monitoring resource CoinGlass shows significant seller interest within the $97,000-$100,000 range over the past three months.

This suggests that Bitcoin’s price might rise further to take the liquidity at $100,000 before staging a pullback.

Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, doubted the ability of BTC/USD to sustain a trip above $95,000. While trading firm QCP Capital argued that Bitcoin lacked a “catalyst” to propel it toward $100,000 for the time being.

This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Opinion by: Ross Shemeliak, co-founder and chief operating officer of Stobox

The Trump administration is pushing a much-revived policy trajectory, marked by tariffs and sanctions that aim to reshore production. Despite exemptions favorable to technology, this dramatic turnaround may seem like a case of the White House treating global trade as its playground. The president’s tariff agenda is fracturing supply chains overnight and disregarding long-standing economic rules.

This latent, chaotic agenda also sees the quiet emergence of a new infrastructure in which blockchain is taking on a fresh role. Insofar as it is not purely focused on decentralization, the technology is geopolitically resilient. With global businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, increasingly pushed toward blockchain, we are witnessing a global economic map redrawing into one centered on Real-World Assets tokenization and stablecoins.

Secondary markets for tokenized trade assets

There are few winners in a trade war. Sanctions and restrictions disrupt international economic rules, and liquidity is one of the first victims. Companies struggle to finance their operations, while risk management models force banks to step back. With the fragmented economic order, a new era in which secondary markets for tokenized trade assets are prevalent is being ushered in. 

These tokenized real-world assets — receivables, commodities or shopping slots, for example — can be fractionalized and sold in global permissioned marketplaces. The resulting access to capital outside of sanctioned corridors grants companies liquidity. As sanctions reduce liquidity, tokenization creates it. Within the economic disruption from the US, there is a moment of opportunity for tokenization.

Onchain provenance

Another implication of sanctions relates to the existential significance of transparency and traceability. Traceability means companies importing goods must prove their origin and routing or risk secondary sanctions. Tokenization may be in a position to benefit.

Recent: US exchanges bet big on crypto derivatives amid tariff turbulence

This owes itself to tokenized assets having immutable metadata — certificates of origin, shipping routes, customs approvals. The result is real-time, tamper-proof compliance, which far outstrips outdated spreadsheets and siloed databases. Manufacturers can directly onchain verify that every component used — down to the source of its raw materials — fully complies with sanctions.

The peril of sanctions extends yet further, as trust in banks is eroded. Exiting high-risk corridors, banks leave companies without neutral payment intermediaries. DeFi Infrastructure and tokenized Escrow represent meaningful options for rebuilding trust without banks. Tokenized Escrow via smart contracts enables milestone-based payments to be enforced by code, not banks. International deals can be conducted without traditional clearing systems while maintaining trust and accountability. When sanctions gnaw away at trust in banks, code can step in as the counterparty.

Stablecoins are a new artery for sanction-neutral payments

Stablecoins do more still. The technology no longer just enables DeFi; it facilitates parallel international trade. While this may seem like the remit of the theoretical, it is happening. As fiat rails fall under geopolitical pressure, companies from Latin America to Southeast Asia adopt stablecoin-based invoicing to keep commerce alive.

While stablecoins began as something of a fintech novelty, the disruption of sanctions to SWIFT and frozen cross-border transfers means that stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and even EURC are emerging as financial lifelines. A shadow banking system has come into being for the sanctioned world. Faster, cheaper, borderless, this offers three serious advantages:

• Payments are processed 24/7, without banks or FX intermediaries.

• Counterparties can settle in neutral, dollar-pegged assets — outside traditional financial rails.

• Smart contracts and stablecoins enable programmable, conditional payments tied to compliance checkpoints.

Neutral blockchain hubs

The deepening fractures in geopolitics are leading to further opportunities for digital infrastructure. With supply chains increasingly politicized, the door is opening to greater use of tokenization by creating “compliance-first” trade hubs. 

This is significant because the trade hubs can be located in neutral countries like Singapore, the UAE and Turkey. These hubs tokenize ports, warehouses and logistics routes. As a result, they embed compliance and origin data directly into the asset lifecycle. Companies seeking a trustworthy alternative in a fraught geopolitical environment can turn to neutral blockchain hubs.  

Tokenized smart contracts

Sanctions carry disadvantages for legacy contracts — these agreements are static, complex to amend, and dependent on intermediaries — and freeze when restrictions are hit. By contrast, the logic embedded in tokenized smart contracts offers more dynamic reactivity to regulatory shifts.

Let’s briefly consider an example — a European supplier tokenizes its invoice and programs the contract to release payment only if goods clear non-restricted jurisdictions. This level of programmable compliance, enabled by the technology, reduces legal risk, operational lag and cross-border tension.

Building infrastructure from uncertainty

An unprecedented, challenging economic environment is emerging from US sanctions, which has painful implications for financial institutions and trade partners. As traditional infrastructure is broken, tokenization offers the possibility to build a new one.

On the surface, tokenization and stablecoins are about efficiency and transparency. Realizing the full benefits requires us to look deeper — they are becoming foundational layers in a parallel global economy. This new order adapts faster than banks, negotiates better than lawyers, and operates beyond the reach of sanctions.

Blockchain does far more than simply record trade. It enforces geopolitical logic at the asset level. With the next economic map being drawn onchain, tokenization's broad benefits are clear.

Opinion by: Ross Shemeliak, co-founder and chief operating officer of Stobox.

This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.