Urea Prices Have Spiked Due to Iran Conflict—And Traders Expect More Pain

The collaboration between Solana meme coin brand Ponke and streetwear label RIPNDIP introduces a blind-box collectible starting on store shelves before integrating blockchain technology for ownership verification and digital claims. This Web2 product with a Web3 backend aims to make crypto invisible to consumers.

Merkle Manufactory, the company behind Farcaster, will repay venture investors the full $180 million raised as the project transitions to new ownership under Neynar. The protocol will continue to operate as Neynar plans to shift Farcaster towards a more developer-focused direction.

PwC's report states that institutional adoption of crypto has reached a point of no return, with large financial players integrating digital assets into long-term strategies and systems. This structural shift includes sustained engagement in custody, trading, settlement, and tokenization, making a full retreat impractical even in volatile markets.

Binance has applied for a MiCA license in Greece, establishing a holding company in the EU member state. The HCMC is fast-tracking the licensing process, with no MiCA licenses awarded in Greece yet.

Bitcoin's failure to surpass $90,000 has heightened bearish sentiment among investors, with a growing segment of Myriad users predicting a crash to $69,000 rather than a rise to $100K. The market volatility, triggered by geopolitical uncertainty and Trump's announcements, led to a $2 billion liquidation of positions.

The FTC complaint against Illusory Systems for lacking a kill switch in the Nomad hack has sparked backlash from crypto trade associations. The complaint alleged the company failed to secure its software, causing a $200 million hack in 2022.

Ledger has reportedly tapped Goldman Sachs, Jefferies, and Barclays for a potential U.S. IPO, aiming for a valuation exceeding $4 billion. The move aligns with the growing importance of crypto custody for institutional investors.

Caroline Ellison, former co-CEO of FTX-affiliated firm Alameda Research, has been released from federal custody after serving 14 months for her involvement in the FTX fraud scandal. Ellison, sentenced to 24 months in prison in 2024, cooperated with prosecutors in the case against Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and CEO of the defunct crypto exchange.

The U.S. Department of Justice's 2025 Year in Review highlighted three fraud cases involving cryptocurrency, as digital assets are increasingly used in traditional fraud schemes. The report details aggressive actions taken against fraud, with a record-breaking year of 265 defendants charged with over $16 billion in intended fraud loss.

Bitcoin holders are experiencing net realized losses for the first time since October 2023, with approximately 69,000 BTC totaling $6.18 billion in losses. Analysts suggest short-term holders are selling, potentially signaling a shift from the previous bullish trend.