A new study by the Defi Education Fund, carried out with Ipsos, reveals a strong appetite for alternative financial systems in the United States.

The survey shows that frustration with traditional banks is widespread, and many Americans want greater control over their money. At the same time, interest in decentralised finance is steadily rising.

Nearly one in five Americans has owned or used cryptocurrency, while a larger group is keen to explore DeFi as a way to manage transactions without relying on intermediaries.

The findings highlight the scale of financial dissatisfaction and the shift towards digital finance.

Growing demand for DeFi access

The study indicates that 42% of Americans would try DeFi if regulations made access easier.

Of those, 84% would use DeFi for online shopping, 78% for paying bills, and 77% for saving money.

Despite this, only 12% of respondents described themselves as very or extremely interested in learning about DeFi, showing a gap between potential use and deeper understanding.

Four in ten participants believe DeFi could help reduce transaction and service fees, which are often considered too high in the current banking system.

Around 22% of Americans are also curious about blockchain, crypto, and other non-traditional finance models.

The research underlines how people across different age groups and backgrounds are showing an interest, pointing to broad-based demand.

Weakening trust in traditional banks

Confidence in the banking sector remains low. Only 40% of respondents said they trust large national banks, and 43% trust regional or community banks.

Less than half of Americans feel the financial system meets their needs, while only 25% believe it benefits ordinary people.

The survey further shows that 56% of Americans want full control of their money, and 51% want the ability to send money digitally without third-party involvement.

Foreign-born Americans showed an especially strong desire for these features.

Security concerns are also pronounced, with only 29% of respondents believing the financial system is secure.

Many participants also said they see current fees as barriers to inclusion, underscoring the demand for alternatives.

Lawmakers weigh crypto regulation

The findings come at a time when lawmakers and industry leaders are actively shaping crypto policy in the US.

Efforts to regulate digital assets could have a direct impact on adoption rates, especially as 42% of Americans link their interest in DeFi to easier access through legislation.

The study highlights that 54% of Americans want complete control of their personal and financial data, reflecting broader concerns about privacy in digital transactions.

This intersection of public demand, regulatory debate, and emerging technology could play a critical role in determining how DeFi develops in the United States in the coming years.

The data suggests that the conversation around finance is no longer limited to banks and regulators, but increasingly includes everyday Americans who want a different kind of system.

Growing participation in crypto markets and the ongoing debate on financial rules will continue to shape how quickly DeFi moves into the mainstream.

The post Low trust in banks drives Americans toward crypto and DeFi adoption appeared first on CoinJournal.

Low trust in banks drives Americans toward crypto and DeFi adoption

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/low-trust-in-banks-drives-americans-toward-crypto-and-defi-adoption/

The meme coin market took a jolt on Monday when a big PEPE holder dumped about $4.8 million worth of tokens, sending the price down.

Even with that sell-off, PEPE is still holding up better than most of the meme coin pack, a sign that investors haven’t lost faith in it just yet.

Market data shows that one big PEPE wallet moved 500 billion tokens, worth about $4.8 million over to Binance, signaling a major sell or reshuffle.

The same whale has been in a slump for weeks, down around $450,000 on earlier PEPE trades, and big moves like this often shake up liquidity and prices.

Right after the transfer, PEPE slipped about 1% on the day, falling from highs near $0.00000992 to around $0.00000938 before clawing back some ground.

It’s still stuck below the $0.00001 resistance line, but even so, it held up better than the broader meme coin market, which sank nearly 3% in the same stretch.

Even with the recent selling pressure, other big wallets have been quietly adding to their stacks. On-chain data shows whale holdings of PEPE on Ethereum are up about 1.46% over the past month.

The token now carries a market cap of roughly $4.1 billion, with more than 420 trillion tokens in circulation, cementing its spot among the leading meme coins by value.

PEPE’s price outlook

In the short term, PEPE’s price path looks choppy, with traders watching support near $0.0000074 and resistance around $0.0000098 to $0.00001.

Sentiment remains cautious: there’s some fear in the market, but not enough to trigger a full-scale sell-off. Many expect the token to drift sideways before any clear move higher.

Longer term, some analysts see scope for slow but steady gains as meme coins carve out a firmer place in the crypto market.

Forecasts point to PEPE potentially edging up toward $0.0000117 by the end of 2025, helped by community projects and continued retail interest in meme assets.

Crypto analysts warn that PEPE remains a high-risk, high-volatility asset, with large holders continuing to exert outsized influence on its price.

The latest whale selloff is a reminder of how quickly sentiment can turn in memecoin markets, where speculative trading and social buzz often drive short-term moves.

Even so, PEPE’s ability to hold up better than its peers after the September 1 sale points to steady underlying demand.

In the weeks ahead, the token’s trajectory will likely hinge on a mix of whale activity and broader adoption within the meme coin ecosystem.

Traders are expected to track major transfers and volume changes closely as potential signals of where the market heads next.

The post PEPE price outlook: $4.8M dump tests support, resistance near $0.00001 in focus appeared first on CoinJournal.

PEPE price outlook: $4.8M dump tests support, resistance near $0.00001 in focus

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/pepe-price-outlook-4-8m-dump-tests-support-resistance-near-0-00001-in-focus/

Webull Corp has reintroduced cryptocurrency trading services to its US customers, starting August 25, 2025.

Notably, the platform supported crypto trading until 2023.

However, regulatory uncertainty and IPO plans forced Webull Pay to become an independent entity.

According to today’s press release, the platform has relaunched trading services.

US users can now buy, sell, and trade digital coins like Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum.

JUST IN: 🇺🇸 Webull to allow U.S. customers to buy Bitcoin and crypto again.

They previously dropped the service due to regulatory concerns in 2023. pic.twitter.com/fr5YgsxzmG

— Bitcoin Archive (@BTC_Archive) August 25, 2025

For users, the crypto trading resumption feels like a homecoming and a new feature.

Webull CEO Anthony Denier commented on the crypto relaunch, stating:

Our Mission has always been to deliver a streamlined, user-centric investing experience. By integrating crypto trading into the Webull app, we are making it easier for customers to access and manage their entire portfolio, whether they’re trading stocks, options, or digital assets.

Building on Brazil’s comeback

The US reopening comes after Webull relaunched cryptocurrency trading services to users in Brazil in June.

The company used the Brazil comeback to highlight its intent to rejoin the fast-moving crypto industry.

Denier termed it an initial phase of a global push plan to offer clients advanced tools for long-term growth and investment management.

Shifting regulatory climate as a catalyst

Webull’s return to the United States’ cryptocurrency scene isn’t an accident.

The regulatory atmosphere in America has changed since Donald Trump’s victory.

Digital asset entities faced intensified scrutiny under the Biden administration.

Even Webull’s CEO declared that legal uncertainty surrounding crypto at the time partly delayed the firm’s IPO efforts.

However, everything changed since Trump’s inauguration in January.

He promised to make America the hub for digital currency undertakings.

Trump appointed Paul Atkins to replace anti-crypto Gary Gensler, who limited the sector’s growth with unclear policies.

Also, the latest GENIUS law made the US a lucrative nation for crypto activities.

Details of the launch

Webull users in the United States will access over 50 assets, including BTC, ETH, and SOL, at launch.

The platform plans to add more digital tokens and markets in the coming months.

For now, Webull’s over 24 million international customers can enjoy a one-stop venue for managing crypto holdings and traditional investments.

With that, individuals no longer have to depend on many platforms for their digital investments.

That aligns with Webull’s vision of becoming a one-stop shop, allowing investors to manage traditional and crypto assets.

For investors, the timing remains crucial.

Besides the softening regulatory climate in the US, Webull has relaunched amid bullish markets.

Cryptocurrencies have gained popularity in recent months, with most tokens outshining the financial landscape with significant rallies.

Webull Pay CEO Stephen Yip stated that rising crypto popularity fueled their service relaunch.

He said:

Cryptocurrencies have become an essential part of today’s diversified investment strategy. We are excited to again offer crypto trading through Webull to deliver a more unified and convenient experience that reflects how modern investors want to manage their portfolios.

Bitcoin trades at $112,000 after an over 75% increase in the past year. Analysts expect it to close 2025 above $150,000.

Also, Webull’s comeback coincides with the community bracing for a potential altcoin season, which could translate to significant gains for investors.

The post Webull reopens crypto trading for US users following 2023 suspension appeared first on CoinJournal.

Webull reopens crypto trading for US users following 2023 suspension

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/webull-reopens-crypto-trading-for-us-users-following-2023-suspension/

Donald Trump Jr. has sparked fresh interest with a $4 million stake in Thumzup Media Corp., a little-known Los Angeles startup navigating the crowded world of social media and advertising tech.

Thumzup, which pays everyday users to promote brands on Instagram, hasn’t made much noise financially as it reported just $151 in revenue and over $2 million in losses in the first quarter of 2025.

Still, the company has become a curious symbol of a rising trend: businesses stockpiling cryptocurrency as part of their corporate strategy.

Trump Jr.’s 350,000 shares’ worth move seems less about short-term earnings and more about backing a new kind of digital play.

Thumzup’s board has greenlit a bold shift in strategy: allowing up to 90% of the company’s liquid assets to be held in Bitcoin.

As of early July, the company held 19.106 BTC, roughly $2.1 million at current market value.

While the “Bitcoin treasury” playbook has been popularized by companies like MicroStrategy, Thumzup appears to be taking it a step further.

After raising $6 million in a recent private funding round, the board gave the go-ahead to diversify its crypto holdings to include Ethereum, Solana, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Ripple, and USD Coin.

Company leaders say the expanded portfolio is designed not just to hedge against Bitcoin’s volatility, but also to tap into the broader upside of the crypto market.

It also opens the door for accepting crypto payments from Thumzup’s growing base of over 1,000 advertisers.

Trump family’s growing interest in crypto

The Trump family is making deeper inroads into the crypto world.

Both Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric are advising Dominari Securities, the firm that led Thumzup’s recent funding round and began investing in a Bitcoin ETF earlier this year.

Eric has also taken a seat on the board of Metaplanet, a Japanese company that pivoted from the hospitality business to becoming a major Bitcoin holder.

At the same time, Trump Media & Technology Group, which owns Truth Social, recently locked in $2.3 billion in funding, much of it reportedly aimed at Bitcoin-related investments.

The Trump family’s deepening ties to cryptocurrency mark a sharp shift from their earlier stance. Once a vocal skeptic, former President Donald Trump now says he wants to make the US the “crypto capital of the world.”

For the Trumps, embracing crypto isn’t just about financial opportunity, it’s also a strategic move to connect with a growing base of digital asset enthusiasts and stay relevant in a fast-changing economic landscape.

The post Donald Trump Jr. backs social media startup aiming to become a crypto powerhouse appeared first on CoinJournal.

Donald Trump Jr. backs social media startup aiming to become a crypto powerhouse

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/donald-trump-jr-backs-social-media-startup-aiming-to-become-a-crypto-powerhouse/

Meme coins are stealing the show as Bitcoin tests $109,000, trading at $108,955.

Meanwhile, FLOKI appears poised to lead the potential bull run as its metaverse game, Valhalla, sees explosive growth following the mainnet launch.

The game has seen over 100,000 Veras minted since the June 30 mainnet launch, marking a massive entry into the online gaming sector.

Further, the team has announced a $10,000 reward to celebrate this milestone.

Early players who complete the tutorials qualify for the giveaway.

The official announcement reads:

Valhalla launched with a BANG on opBNB mainnet on June 30th and has just passed the 100K minted Veras milestone. To celebrate, we’re giving away $10,000 in prizes to the earliest players.

These steps are crucial in attracting and retaining participants.

Meanwhile, analysts watch FLOKI’s price charts amidst the optimism.

A potential upside reversal pattern is emerging on the weekly timeframe after extended downtrends.

A confirmation could trigger explosive moves and propel the meme token’s price to the key resistance at $0.00019082.

That would mean an approximately 124% gain from Floki Inu’s current market price of $0.00008452.

Let’s check how FLOKI could attain such a remarkable rally as its ecosystem gains strength amid Valhalla hype.

Floki Inu ushers in utility with Valhalla

Valhalla was among the most-awaited upgrades by the meme token community.

It is beyond a game, representing a key foundation of Floki Inu’s long-term mission to transform into a utility-driven project.

That matches the broader trend, where market participants are opting for crypto ecosystems with real-world utility.

Valhalla gamers gather and battle with Veras, upgrade in-game assets and finally interact with other players.

It leverages opBNB to guarantee smooth gameplay and low fees.

That reduces entry barriers for new participants often turned off by expensive gas charges.

That positions the dog-themed crypto project to grab mainstream attention, which will likely fuel long-term growth.

The Floki Inu team has been consistent in delivering tangible value through launches like Valhalla, and the explosive activity surge shows the plan could be working.

FLOKI price outlook: massive rally impending?

Besides web3 gaming, Valhalla’s impressive growth has renewed sentiments around the native FLOKI.

The meme coin shows signs of life after prolonged dips.

It trades at $0.00008452 after gaining nearly 20% in the past week.

Source – Coinmarketcap

The bullish momentum follows the latest rebound from the support zone at $0.00003996.

Floki Inu used this foothold to support massive rallies in late 2023, and that could be materializing.

Continued Valhalla success and broad market surge could confirm a bullish reversal emerging on FLOKI’s weekly chart.

That might trigger explosive gains toward the first crucial resistance zone at $0.00019082.

That would mean an approximately 124% increase from the alt’s current price.

The next resistance is at $0.00023966, beyond which FLOKI could witness a full recovery to $0.00029775.

However, breaching $0.00003996 may cancel the bullish formation, catalyzing notable dips or sideways actions.

The post FLOKI eyes 120% rally as Valhalla launches $10K giveaway after explosive weekly growth appeared first on CoinJournal.

FLOKI eyes 120% rally as Valhalla launches $10K giveaway after explosive weekly growth

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/floki-eyes-120-rally-as-valhalla-launches-10k-giveaway-after-explosive-weekly-growth/

And with only two days left, investors are fighting to join at discounted prices before the May 31 official launch.

The project has raised over $12.1 million from future-oriented investors, reflecting the massive appetite for unlocking Bitcoin’s $2 trillion dormant capital.

Notably, Bitcoin Pepe is a one-of-a-kind meme ICO that aims to unleash BTC’s full potential through speculative undertakings such as staking, NFTs, DeFi, and meme trading.

The prevailing Bitcoin bullish momentum, CEX listing rumors, and massive community support position BPEP for impressive performance after its debut.

Thus, could this be the last chance to capitalize on BTC’s momentum through Solana-like functionalities?

Let us discover more.

BPEP’s last call at $0.0377

Bitcoin Pepe ICO has entered its last two days, with the native coin currently trading at $0.0377.

This remains the perfect time to grab the assets before the price discovery phase starts on live exchanges.

The ICO remains a few hundred to reach the $12.7 million presale cap, meaning BPEP can sell out before the countdown hits zero.

Meme enthusiasts who missed out on established projects such as Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, and PEPE view Bitcoin Pepe as a rare second chance.

Moreover, analysts believe BPEP’s unique approach will outshine top assets in the themed crypto sector.

Some expect it to hit the $1 milestone quicker than rivals, with potential listing on leading CEXs, key partnerships, and reliance on Bitcoin’s robustness as top catalysts.

Rumors suggest that OKX and Bybit will be among the first trading platforms to list Bitcoin Pepe once its presale ends this Saturday.

OKX and Bybit have gained popularity (in recent years) due to their security and user-centric approaches.

Thus, accepting Bitcoin Pepe could see top platforms like Binance and Coinbase following suit.

While most meme projects underperform after hype-driven debuts, Bitcoin Pepe’s team has prioritized real-world use cases.

They have signed key deals with AI, gaming, DeFi, and web3 companies, including Crypto Hunter Game, Plena Finance, and BASE’s fair launch network Catamoto.

Such moves reflect a project prioritizing long-term growth, underscoring BPEP’s objective of transforming the meme cryptocurrency industry with top-notch utility.

Why is Bitcoin Pepe heating up: should you join the craze?

One of the main catalysts behind BPEP catching fire is the potential for exchange listing.

Initial support from leading CEXs remains paramount for the success of any early-stage crypto project.

Also, the token sees robust appetite as presale closure triggered a sense of urgency and scarcity.

Furthermore, BPEP’s launch comes as Bitcoin explores record highs above the $110,000 vicinity.

Bitcoin Pepe could be a lucrative investment for anyone looking for a smaller-cap token to capitalize on BTC’s potential in the coming months and years.

You can learn more about BPEP on their official website.

The post Bitcoin Pepe (BPEP) presale enters final 48 hours with CEX listing buzz appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bitcoin Pepe (BPEP) presale enters final 48 hours with CEX listing buzz

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/bitcoin-pepe-bpep-presale-enters-final-48-hours-with-cex-listing-buzz/

Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, concluded TOKEN2049 Week with its flagship Institutional (INS) Symposium—an exclusive, invite-only event aimed at strengthening collaboration and innovation within the institutional crypto space.

Targeted at hedge funds, family offices, and high-net-worth investors, the symposium brought together Bybit’s top institutional clients and ecosystem partners for a day of strategic dialogue under the theme Bridges of the World.

The event underscored Bybit’s commitment to connecting traditional finance with the digital asset ecosystem and fostering inclusive, forward-looking financial growth.

The agenda featured actionable insights on macroeconomic trends and in-depth sessions on Bybit’s institutional-grade offerings.

Attendees explored partnership opportunities across several strategic areas, including advanced derivatives, unified loan account, API infrastructure, custody solutions, as well as stronger security and wallet solutions.

Shunyet Jan, Head of Institutional and Derivatives at Bybit, said:

Bybit’s 100% growth in institutional clients in 2024, surpassing 2,000 active entities, reflects the growing trust in our platform. This momentum is strengthened by strategic partnerships, including our collaboration with Zodia Custody for off-venue settlement solutions, responding to industry security concerns. Alongside partners like Fireblocks and Copper, we continue to ensure secure, institutional-grade custody for our clients.”

Throughout the event, leading industry figures shared their insights, including Paul Kremsky, Head of Business Development at Cumberland; Jordi Alexander, CEO of SLN Selini Capital; and Dom Longman, Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Zodia Custody.  

Their participation reinforced the growing importance of institutional involvement in shaping the digital asset landscape and emphasized the critical role of regulated entities in bridging the divide between traditional finance and crypto.

The post Bybit wraps TOKEN2049 week with flagship institutional symposium appeared first on CoinJournal.

Bybit wraps TOKEN2049 week with flagship institutional symposium

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/bybit-wraps-token2049-week-with-flagship-institutional-symposium/

Robinhood, a popular retail investing platform, has revealed plans that could see it expand its crypto product offering to Singapore before the end of 2025.

In a report on Tuesday, Bloomberg said Robinhood Markets was eyeing the entry into Singapore via its recently acquired crypto platform Bitstamp.

Robinhood’s expansion plans through its European-based digital-assets exchange will also include a foray across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Robinhood Crypto VP and general manager Johann Kerbrat, the company’s effort will involve local local regulators. While the platform has not offered a specific launch date, the expectation is that the crypto services and products will be available to Singaporean customers before the end of 2025.

Kerbrat shared the overall plan during an interview with Bloomberg News.

The Bitstamp deal

Robinhood announced its acquisition of the Luxembourg-based Bitstamp in June 2024, with the $200 million deal expected to close in the first half of 2025.

At the time of the initial announcement, Robinhood’s plans were to leverage Bitstamp’s exchange technology to accelerate its global expansion. Bringing crypto products to users in Singapore is part of this goal.

In October last year, Robinhood Crypto unveiled crypto transfers for its customers in Europe. The update allowed EU users of the app to deposit and withdraw over 20 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and the USDC stablecoin.

Robinhood’s business is regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The company also holds the BitLicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Meanwhile, Bitstamp has secured more than 50 regulatory approvals, with licenses in Singapore, the United Kingdom and the EU.

The post Robinhood to launch crypto products in Singapore in 2025: report appeared first on CoinJournal.

Robinhood to launch crypto products in Singapore in 2025: report

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/robinhood-to-launch-crypto-products-in-singapore-in-2025-report/

Tether has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see it collaborate with the government of the Republic of Guinea to promote blockchain adoption in the country.

According to Tether, the strategic collaboration will explore blockchain and peer-to-peer (P2P) technologies. Guinea’s government looks to tap into this partnership to enhance economic growth and drive digital transformation.

Tether’s MoU with government of Guinea

The MoU focuses on initiatives across education and innovation, as well as sustainable technology practices, Tether said in blog post.

However, the target also includes enhancing adoption of blockchain technologies, with collaboration also potentially involving joint efforts on Guinea’s City of Science and Innovation.

With these programs and support in place, Tether’s aim will be to accelerate the country’s adoption of blockchain and to position it as a hub of crypto, research and entrepreneurship.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said:

“We are thrilled to collaborate with the Republic of Guinea to possibly unlock the immense potential of blockchain and digital technologies across Africa. This MoU reflects our commitment to helping countries build resilient digital economies. Together, we aim to implement efficient blockchain solutions that benefit both public and private sectors, paving the way for economic growth and establishing Guinea as a leader in technological innovation.”

Tether’s growth in recent years has included establishment of key partnerships and support programs with governments and institutions around the world. These include Plan ₿ Forum in Lugano, Switzerland, a crypto education program in Türkiye and P2P telecommunication infrastructure initiative in Uzbekistan.

USDT issuer Tether has also launched education courses and programs in Indonesia, Vietnam and Ivory Coast among other countries.

Its partnership with the Guinea government comes amid growing adoption of crypto in Africa. Guinea wants to tap into this trend for its digital transformation.

The MoU “lays the foundations for a solid technical framework,” added Pr Abdoulaye Baniré Diallo, project coordinator of Guinea’s City of Science and Innovation.

The post Tether, government of Guinea partner to accelerate digital transformation appeared first on CoinJournal.

Tether, government of Guinea partner to accelerate digital transformation

Source: https://coinjournal.net/news/tether-government-of-guinea-partner-to-accelerate-digital-transformation/

The team as FalconX, a digital-assets prime brokerage for institutions, has revealed that it is expanding its cryptocurrency services and products to Hong Kong. FalconX shared the news via a post on its X account.

Hong Kong’s growing as a crypto hub

FalconX announced that the expansion plans come amid rising demand from global institutions for an efficient, safe and regulated exposure to the crypto asset class. The platform shared its plans via an announcement on Thursday.

It noted that the goal is to extend its over-the-counter (OTC) brokerage and crypto derivatives products to institutional investors. These include fund managers, proprietary trading firms and family offices among other professional investors.

Hong Kong continues to grow into a leading crypto innovation hub, FalconX general manager for Asia Pacific region Matt Long said. His firm’s move into the region will see its position as Hong Kong brings further regulatory clarity, with Web3 set to benefit.

FalconX is looking to make inroads in the Hong Kong market after its entry into Singapore in February 2023.

In January this year, FalconX inked a strategic partnership with Fusion Digital Assets, an FCA-registered spot crypto asset exchange of the London-based financial services firm TC ICAP.

According to a press release published on January 31, FalconX said the integration would bring competitive pricing and liquidity to its platform.

The post FalconX announces expansion into Hong Kong appeared first on CoinJournal.

FalconX announces expansion into Hong Kong