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Circle’s In-Principle approval (IPA) Approval in Abu Dhabi Enhances USDC Global Reach

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has received in-principle approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) to operate as a money services provider in the UAE, announced on April 29, 2025. This is not a full license but a significant step toward obtaining a Financial Services Permission (FSP), allowing Circle to offer regulated financial services in the region. The approval follows Circle’s incorporation of a legal entity in ADGM in December 2024, aiming to expand its presence in the Middle East and Africa.

USDC, with a circulating supply of $62 billion (up 40% in 2025), is the second-largest stablecoin, backed by US dollar reserves. Circle’s CEO, Jeremy Allaire, stated that the approval aligns with the UAE’s push for innovation in digital finance and strengthens Circle’s commitment to global stablecoin oversight, trust, and compliance. Circle also partnered with Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem, to foster fintech innovation through ADGM’s digital regulatory sandbox, providing startups with resources and mentorship.

This move builds on Circle’s global expansion, including compliance with the EU’s MiCA regulations in 2024 and USDC trading approval in Japan in March 2025. The UAE’s crypto-friendly regulations and projected $254.3 million crypto market by 2025 make it a strategic hub for Circle’s operations. The in-principle approval (IPA) for Circle to operate as a money services provider in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) carries several implications for Circle, the UAE, and the broader stablecoin and fintech ecosystem.

The approval positions Circle to tap into the UAE’s growing crypto market, projected to reach $254.3 million by 2025, and expand USDC adoption in the Middle East and Africa. This strengthens USDC’s global footprint as the second-largest stablecoin. Establishing a legal entity in ADGM makes Abu Dhabi a strategic base for Circle’s operations, potentially attracting more institutional and retail users in a crypto-friendly jurisdiction.

Regulatory Legitimacy and Trust

Circle’s alignment with ADGM’s stringent regulations enhances its reputation as a compliant stablecoin issuer, especially after navigating the EU’s MiCA framework and Japan’s approvals. This could set a precedent for stablecoin oversight in the region. Regulated status in a reputable financial hub like ADGM may boost confidence among investors and partners, reinforcing USDC’s stability and reliability compared to competitors.

Circle’s partnership with Hub71 and participation in ADGM’s digital regulatory sandbox will drive fintech innovation, supporting startups and fostering blockchain-based financial solutions in the UAE. The UAE’s crypto-friendly policies, combined with Circle’s presence, could attract more blockchain firms, contributing to economic diversification and positioning Abu Dhabi as a global digital finance hub.

Circle’s regulatory milestones in the UAE, EU, and Japan give it a competitive advantage over other stablecoin issuers like Tether (USDT), especially in regions prioritizing compliance. USDC’s regulated presence in the UAE could accelerate its use in cross-border transactions and remittances, leveraging the UAE’s role as a global trade hub. While the IPA is a step forward, obtaining the full Financial Services Permission (FSP) requires ongoing compliance with ADGM’s rigorous standards, which could delay or complicate operations.

The crypto market’s volatility and potential regulatory shifts in other jurisdictions could impact USDC’s growth trajectory in the region. Circle’s regulated operations could encourage traditional financial institutions in the UAE to integrate USDC for payments, settlements, or DeFi applications, bridging traditional and decentralized finance.

The UAE’s progressive stance may inspire other Middle Eastern countries to adopt similar crypto-friendly frameworks, expanding the regional market for stablecoins. Circle’s IPA in Abu Dhabi enhances USDC’s global reach, strengthens the UAE’s position as a fintech leader, and intensifies stablecoin competition, while navigating regulatory and market challenges.

SpacePay Is Gearing Up to Be the Next Big Crypto: Here’s Why It’s Gaining So Much Attention

By
TI Partners
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0

SpacePay is starting to draw attention based on its offerings. The project has raised more than $1 million during its presale based on the hype around it and its practical approach to making crypto payments as easy as using a debit card.

That’s a big deal in a space that often feels confusing and technical for the average person.

SpacePay is basically a payment platform designed to make it easy for people and businesses to use crypto in real life. The project is based in London but has support from investors around the world.

The platform works with existing payment systems. Merchants don’t have to get new machines or change the way they do business. Instead, SpacePay uses a simple app that lets regular card machines accept crypto.

The platform works with many crypto wallets. Users can use MetaMask, Trust Wallet, Coinbase Wallet, and more than 320 others. You can walk into a store, scan a QR code, and pay just like you would with a bank card.

SpacePay supports many cryptos, including popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also accepts stablecoins and others. This also allows people to pay with the coins they are most comfortable with without the usual crazy fees.

The idea is to make crypto spending as easy and familiar as traditional money, both for customers and merchants.

Solving the Real Problems That Hold Crypto Back

A lot of people like the idea of using crypto, but there are still some problems. One of the biggest issues is price volatility. If you pay for something in Bitcoin, the price might drop before the store gets their money.

That’s risky for businesses. But SpacePay solves that by locking in the price at the moment of the transaction. So, the business gets exactly what it expects, regardless of what the market is doing.

Another common issue is speed. Crypto payments can take time to confirm, sometimes even hours. That doesn’t work when you’re buying an everyday item like groceries. SpacePay gets around this by settling payments instantly. You scan, pay, and it’s done.

This kind of convenience is what could help crypto go mainstream. People want things to be simple, fast, and reliable. That’s exactly what SpacePay is trying to deliver.

The SPY Token: What It Is and Why It Matters

Every project needs a fuel source, and for SpacePay, that’s the SPY token. It’s the native token of the platform, and it plays an important role in how everything works. The total supply is 34 billion tokens, and a good chunk of that is being used in the public sale and to reward users.

SPY isn’t just something you buy and forget. It actually comes with benefits. Holders can earn passive income, help vote on key platform decisions, and even get early access to features. There’s also a system that gives loyal users airdrops every month. So, the more you participate in the ecosystem, the more rewards you can earn.

It’s also worth mentioning that because SPY is tied directly to how SpacePay operates, it has real utility. This isn’t just another token for trading—it’s part of a payment system that people could use every day.

Why the Presale Buzz Is Just the Beginning

Raising over $1 million in a presale is no small feat, especially in a market full of noise. SpacePay’s early success also stands out because of its early success.

The team already has a working version of the platform. They’re securing IP rights, meeting regulatory requirements, and setting the stage for global use.

In fact, the platform has already picked up some recognition, winning the “New Payment Platform of the Year” award at the CorporateLiveWire Global Awards. That kind of early validation gives people more confidence that SpacePay isn’t just talk.

This is a project built for the real world, and that’s what makes it exciting. If it catches on, SpacePay could completely change the way people use crypto. It could turn it into something you actually spend, not just hold.

For businesses, this opens up a whole new group of potential customers. And for everyday users, it’s a smoother, more familiar way to use digital assets without dealing with all the usual crypto headaches.

How to Buy SPY in the Ongoing Presale

Being part of the presale gives you a chance to get involved early, possibly at a better price, and puts you in a position to benefit as the project grows. It also lets you be part of a community that’s focused on making crypto useful in everyday life.

Many are joining the SpacePay community before the launch. All they have had to do is create a crypto wallet like MetaMask or Trust Wallet. Visit the SpacePay presale website and connect your wallet directly. The interface makes it easy to buy SPY using various cryptocurrencies like ETH, USDT, BNB, or even with a regular bank card if needed.

Once your wallet is connected and funded, you just choose how much you want to spend, confirm the swap, and the tokens will be allocated to you. The transaction is smooth and quick, just like the platform aims to be.

 

JOIN THE SPACEPAY (SPY) PRESALE NOW 

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MoonPay’s Relocation to New York City Aligns With Growing Market Demand and Regulatory Clarity

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

MoonPay, a leading crypto payments company, has relocated its U.S. headquarters to New York City, opening a 5,000+ square-foot office in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. This move marks MoonPay’s largest U.S. office to date and serves as a hub for its growing U.S. workforce, which comprises nearly 20% of its global employees. The relocation from Miami aligns with New York’s status as a finance and tech hub, joining other crypto firms like Coinbase and Gemini.

MoonPay’s expansion follows a strong financial performance, with Q1 2025 being its most successful quarter, driven by a booming crypto market. The move also reflects strategic positioning amid increasing U.S. regulatory clarity for cryptocurrencies.

The crypto market has experienced significant growth in 2025, with Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs, trading between $90,000 and $103,000, and a market cap exceeding $2 trillion. The total crypto market cap has surpassed $3.5 trillion, reflecting a 70-100% increase year-over-year. Institutional adoption, with firms like BlackRock and Fidelity expanding crypto ETF offerings (e.g., spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs).

Macroeconomic factors, including U.S. interest rate cuts and a pro-crypto stance from the Trump administration, boosting investor confidence. Increased retail participation, fueled by user-friendly platforms like MoonPay, which reported its strongest quarter in Q1 2025.

MoonPay’s move to NYC aligns with this bullish market, positioning the company in a financial hub to capitalize on institutional and retail demand for crypto payment infrastructure. The U.S. is advancing toward clearer cryptocurrency regulations, with bipartisan support for frameworks like the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act (FIT21). The SEC and CFTC are collaborating to define crypto as a distinct asset class.

Political shifts, including pro-crypto policies under the Trump administration, encouraging innovation while addressing fraud. States like New York maintaining strict but navigable regulations (e.g., BitLicense), attracting firms like MoonPay, Coinbase, and Gemini to establish headquarters there. Regulatory progress reduces operational risks for crypto firms, making NYC an attractive base for MoonPay to engage with regulators and financial institutions.

Institutional interest in crypto is surging, with banks, hedge funds, and corporations integrating blockchain and digital assets. Tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) like real estate and bonds is gaining traction, with $10 billion in tokenized assets by mid-2025. Stablecoin adoption, with companies like Tether and Circle (USDC) processing $1 trillion in annual transactions, boosting demand for payment gateways like MoonPay.

Mainstream financial integration, with PayPal, Visa, and Mastercard expanding crypto services. MoonPay’s relocation to NYC positions it near Wall Street, facilitating partnerships with banks and fintechs integrating crypto payments. DeFi protocols and Web3 applications (e.g., gaming, NFTs, and social platforms) are driving crypto adoption. DeFi’s total value locked (TVL) exceeds $200 billion, while Web3 projects attract venture capital.

Improved blockchain scalability (e.g., Ethereum’s layer-2 solutions, Solana’s high throughput). Consumer demand for decentralized services, with MoonPay enabling fiat-to-crypto on-ramps for DeFi and NFT platforms. MoonPay’s NYC hub supports its role as a bridge between fiat and Web3 ecosystems, catering to developers and users in a tech-forward city.

Stablecoins dominate crypto transaction volume, with over 60% of on-chain payments. Companies like MoonPay facilitate seamless fiat-to-stablecoin conversions for remittances, e-commerce, and cross-border payments. Global demand for low-cost, fast transactions, especially in emerging markets. Integration of stablecoins into traditional finance, with MoonPay powering payments for platforms like OpenSea and Binance.

MoonPay’s NYC presence strengthens its ability to serve enterprise clients and expand stablecoin-based payment solutions. Blockchain scalability and interoperability are improving, with layer-2 solutions (e.g., Arbitrum, Optimism) reducing transaction costs by 90% compared to Ethereum’s mainnet. Cross-chain bridges and modular blockchains (e.g., Polkadot, Cosmos) enhance ecosystem connectivity.

Rising transaction volumes, necessitating faster and cheaper networks. AI integration in crypto trading and analytics, boosting market efficiency. MoonPay benefits from scalable blockchains, enabling faster fiat-to-crypto conversions, with NYC’s tech ecosystem fostering innovation. While the U.S. leads in institutional crypto adoption, Asia (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore) and Europe (e.g., EU’s MiCA framework) are advancing retail and regulatory frameworks. Emerging markets drive crypto remittances and microtransactions.

Varying regulatory approaches, with the U.S. catching up to global standards. Economic instability in some regions, increasing crypto’s appeal as a store of value. MoonPay’s NYC headquarters positions it to coordinate U.S. operations while maintaining global reach, leveraging New York’s international finance networks.

Despite growth, the crypto market remains volatile, with 20-30% price swings common. Risks include regulatory uncertainty, cybersecurity threats (e.g., $2 billion in hacks in 2024), and macroeconomic shifts. Speculative trading and leverage in crypto markets. Geopolitical tensions impacting global risk assets. MoonPay’s focus on compliance and security (e.g., SOC 2 certification) mitigates risks, with NYC’s regulatory environment supporting robust operations.

MoonPay’s relocation to New York City aligns with these trends by: NYC’s proximity to Wall Street and fintech hubs enables MoonPay to secure partnerships and serve institutional clients. Operating in a regulated state like New York ensures compliance while influencing U.S. crypto policy. The bullish market and MoonPay’s Q1 2025 success justify expanding U.S. operations to meet rising demand for crypto payments.

NYC’s tech ecosystem supports MoonPay’s Web3 and stablecoin initiatives, driving product development. The crypto market in 2025 is characterized by robust growth, institutional adoption, regulatory progress, and technological innovation, tempered by volatility and risks. MoonPay’s strategic move to NYC positions it to leverage these trends, strengthening its role as a leading fiat-to-crypto gateway in a maturing industry.

Investors Pour N1tn into CBN’s OMO Bills as Liquidity Surge, Inflation Expectations Drive Hunt for Yield

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) raised a total of N804.85 billion in its latest Open Market Operations (OMO) auction held on Monday, April 29, 2025, as investor appetite for high-yield, risk-free securities remained undeterred in the face of surging inflation and persistent excess liquidity.

The auction, which saw total subscriptions hit N1.057 trillion, was oversubscribed by 111 percent — a slight decline from the record N1.391 trillion bid during the previous auction on April 25. Then, the apex bank raised N1.008 trillion after offering two N500 billion instruments.

In this latest round, the CBN floated two long-tenor bills, a 329-day and a 350-day, with equal offers of N250 billion each. But the market made its preference clear: the 350-day paper attracted the lion’s share of attention, receiving a massive N923.60 billion in bids, over three times the offer, compared to the modest N133.25 billion bid for the 329-day paper.

The longer-tenor bill, maturing on April 14, 2026, was allotted N698.60 billion at a stop rate of 22.73 percent, with bids ranging between 22.4990 percent and 22.9700 percent. The shorter 329-day note, set to mature on March 24, 2026, was allotted N106.25 billion at a slightly lower stop rate of 22.69 percent.

The difference in investor behavior underlines growing expectations that Nigeria’s tight monetary stance, marked by historically high interest rates and an aggressive cash reserve ratio, is likely to persist, at least in the near term. This reflects market consensus that inflationary pressures are far from easing and that the CBN will maintain its hawkish posture to stabilize the naira and prevent capital flight.

Investors Betting on Prolonged Tight Monetary Conditions

The sustained demand for long-dated OMO bills underscores two critical trends: limited attractive investment alternatives amid global uncertainty, and a domestic macroeconomic environment defined by expanding money supply, weak fiscal buffers, and rising inflation.

According to the CBN’s own Money and Credit Statistics, Nigeria’s broad money supply (M3) rose by 3.2 percent in March to N114.22 trillion and has surged by 24 percent year-on-year. Net foreign assets have risen sharply by 38.9 percent to N45.17 trillion, indicating improved capital inflows and some buildup in external reserves. However, net domestic assets fell 11.7 percent to N69.05 trillion, suggesting continued fragility in domestic credit expansion.

In an attempt to rein in liquidity, the apex bank has kept the Cash Reserve Ratio at an unprecedented 50 percent, the highest globally, while the benchmark interest rate remains at a lofty 27.75 percent. But these measures have struggled to tame liquidity growth, let alone inflation.

Inflation climbed to 24.23 percent in March 2025, up from 23.18 percent in February. Month-on-month inflation rose 3.90 percent — the steepest jump this year — fueled by relentless food price hikes, higher transport costs, and the pass-through from currency depreciation. The real economy is feeling the squeeze, and the average Nigerian is left reeling from eroded purchasing power.

CBN’s Dilemma: Mopping Up Liquidity Without Choking Growth

The CBN’s increasing reliance on OMO auctions is not just a liquidity management tool; it has become a signal of policy intent. These frequent bill issuances serve as a brake on speculative activity in the currency market and help set a floor for short-term interest rates.

However, economists caution that the aggressive sterilization through OMO sales, while helping to manage inflation in the short term, may complicate broader monetary transmission and slow credit creation needed for growth. With banks locking up liquidity in government securities rather than lending to the private sector, the risk of crowding out productive investments looms large.

The asymmetric interest in the 350-day paper, compared to the weaker appetite for the 329-day note, also reflects how finely investors are calibrating duration in anticipation of future rate movements. There’s little optimism that inflation will ease significantly in the near term, so locking in longer-term returns is seen as a safer bet.

Macro-Policy Crossroads

This flurry of debt issuance comes amid broader questions about the sustainability of Nigeria’s policy framework. While the CBN has stepped up efforts to clean up excess liquidity and restore investor confidence, inflation remains stubborn, and fiscal pressures are rising.

The federal government’s growing reliance on domestic borrowing, alongside increased monetary sterilization by the CBN, may keep interest rates elevated for longer than anticipated. With global yields also on the rise, Nigeria faces the double-edged sword of needing to offer even higher returns to attract capital while also managing the cost of borrowing.

Many believe that the absence of coordinated fiscal discipline is undermining monetary tightening. The rising public debt stock and continued government spending, including large recurrent expenditures, threaten to dilute the CBN’s efforts to anchor inflation expectations.

Markets Wobble, But Lightchain AI’s Fusion of AI and Blockchain Stays Rock Solid

By
TI Partners
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0

While broader crypto markets experience turbulence and price swings, one project continues to build with unwavering focus—Lightchain AI. Amid market uncertainty, this AI-powered blockchain platform has shown remarkable consistency, both in its vision and traction.

Currently in presale at $0.007, Lightchain AI has already secured $18.4 million in funding, signaling deep investor conviction. Its unique architecture combines artificial intelligence with decentralized infrastructure, emphasizing transparency, scalability, and governance.

Rather than reacting to short-term market noise, Lightchain AI is steadily executing its roadmap. In a climate where many tokens falter, this project’s clear direction and growing support position it as a standout for long-term growth.

Markets Shake, Uncertainty Rises

?There is a dramatic increase in volatility in the world financial markets, mainly because of the trade policy tensions and the worries about inflation recently.

World markets suffer from increased volatility because President Trump’s tariffs have been implemented in the United States. Thus, the VIX index has risen to its peak which has not been experienced since December 2024. Moreover, this policy has had a negative impact on consumer confidence, which, in March, has come to the lowest point in four years as households are worried about a possible recession and higher inflation.

On a global level, the trade tension issue has shaken global supply chains and it has become the leading factor in the economic uncertainty. Hence, the investor’s advice would be to be cautious and to diversify their portfolios to deal with the ongoing market instability.?

How is Lightchain AI Enhancing Resilience with AI and Blockchain Integration?

Lightchain AI is at the forefront of innovation, seamlessly combining artificial intelligence with blockchain technology to create a scalable, efficient, and decentralized framework. By utilizing privacy-preserving AI model training powered by federated learning, it ensures data security while enabling collaborative computational intelligence.

Unlike traditional blockchain systems, Lightchain AI optimizes workflows and data allocation through dynamic AI-driven task distribution across nodes. This approach reduces network congestion and boosts computational performance. With an ultra-low-latency infrastructure delivering AI inference times under 300 milliseconds, it supports real-time operations, positioning itself as a leader in decentralized AI solutions.

The platform also promotes inclusive decision-making through its decentralized governance model, which incorporates quadratic voting to prevent centralization. By leveraging cross-chain interoperability and adaptive scalability, Lightchain AI strengthens blockchain resilience, ensuring long-term usability and solidifying its role as a pioneer in the fusion of AI and blockchain technology.

Turn Tough Times into Big Wins with Lightchain AI

When markets get rocky, smart investors know where to find solid ground—and Lightchain AI is rock solid. With its groundbreaking AI-blockchain fusion and next-gen tech, it’s built to not just weather the storm but rise above it.

Lightchain AI isn’t about just getting by—it’s about thriving. Leveraging federated learning and democratized governance (think teamwork that really delivers), it turns challenges into golden opportunities.

And the numbers speak for themselves: during its presale, Lightchain AI pulled in an impressive $18.4 million at just $0.007 per token. The buzz is real, and investors are lining up to join the action.

As the market cools and preps for the next big wave, Lightchain AI is already positioned as a game-changer—with real utility and massive potential. Don’t just stand by—be part of the future.

https://lightchain.ai

https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf

https://x.com/LightchainAI

https://t.me/LightchainProtocol

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