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Breaking Down The FCA’s Lift on the Crypto ETN Retail Ban in UK

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The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) officially ended its four-year ban on retail access to crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) on October 8, 2025.

This move, announced in August following a June consultation, reflects the regulator’s view that the crypto market has “matured” enough to allow safer, indirect exposure for everyday investors—without them needing to hold actual cryptocurrencies.

IG Group, a major UK-based trading platform, has indeed forecasted a 20% surge in the domestic digital asset market as a result, driven by increased retail participation and institutional inflows.

What Are Crypto ETNs and Why the Ban Lift?

Unlike spot ETFs which hold the underlying assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum, ETNs are unsecured debt instruments issued by financial firms. They track the price of digital assets but don’t require physical custody, making them simpler to list on exchanges.

However, they introduce issuer credit risk—if the issuer defaults, investors could lose everything. Imposed in January 2021 amid crypto’s wild volatility and complexity concerns, the restriction limited these products to professional investors only.

This was part of broader FCA efforts to shield retail clients from high-risk derivatives. Effective October 8, retail access is now permitted only for ETNs listed on FCA-approved Recognised Investment Exchanges (RIEs), like the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

Products must be fully physically backed no leverage, with strict financial promotion rules ensuring clear risk disclosures. The ban on riskier crypto derivatives (e.g., futures, options, CFDs) remains firmly in place.

This isn’t a full green light for crypto—it’s a calibrated step to foster innovation while prioritizing consumer protection. As FCA Executive Director David Geale noted, the market is now “more mainstream and better understood.”

IG Group, a FTSE 250-listed firm with deep roots in CFDs and spread betting, bases its optimistic outlook on several factors: About 12% of UK adults roughly 7 million people already own some crypto, up from 4% in 2021. ETNs lower barriers by allowing tax-efficient exposure via pensions from October 2025 and Stocks & Shares ISAs from April 2026.

Issuers like 21Shares, WisdomTree, ETC Group, BlackRock launching its iShares Bitcoin ETN, Bitwise, and CoinShares are gearing up for LSE listings. This could mirror the 2024 US spot Bitcoin ETF inflows, which topped $15 billion in months.

The change positions London as a European crypto hub, potentially drawing post-Brexit capital back onshore. Analysts expect short-term Bitcoin price pressure upward due to heightened trading volumes, though volatility warnings persist.

Combined with the new “Digital Markets Supervisor” role for blockchain in wholesale markets, this could accelerate hybrid products and stablecoin rules, injecting fresh liquidity.

IG’s 20% estimate aligns with global trends—Europe’s crypto market grew 15-25% post-similar approvals in places like Germany and Switzerland. However, it’s tempered by risks: no Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection means full exposure to crypto swings and issuer failures.

Easier, regulated entry to BTC/ETH price tracking; tax wrappers enhance appeal for long-term holds. High volatility crypto can drop 50%+ in days; double risk from issuer default; no FSCS safety net.

20%+ growth via £5-10B in new inflows; boosts London’s fintech status. Initial volatility from “FOMO” buying; ongoing FCA scrutiny could tighten rules if issues arise.

Encourages EU peers; contrasts US ETF focus by emphasizing debt-based products.
Lags behind US spot ETFs; derivatives ban limits advanced trading.

This is a bullish signal for UK crypto adoption, validating IG’s growth call while underscoring the FCA’s risk-averse evolution. If you’re eyeing investments, start with diversified platforms like IG or Hargreaves Lansdown— but DYOR, as crypto ETNs aren’t for the faint-hearted.

“Don’t Stop Believing”: MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor Maintains Bullish Stance Amid Crypto Market Meltdown

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MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor has continued to maintain his bullish stance on Bitcoin, after the crypto market last week, endured one of its most brutal sell-offs of the year, wiping out $20 billion.

The massive sell-off was reportedly triggered by U.S President Donald Trump’s announcement of a new 100% tariff on China, coupled with fresh export restrictions that sent shockwaves across global financial systems. Data from Coinglass revealed that more than 1.6 million traders were liquidated as panic swept through global markets.

While billions were erased in liquidations and other top assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and SUI plunged dramatically, Saylor’s message to the Bitcoin community was simple yet defiant.

Amid the market bloodbath, he wrote on his X profile, “Don’t Stop Believin.” This was accompanied by a chart that showed the growth trajectory of Strategy’s Bitcoin purchase since 2020.

Unlike previous dips, Saylor refrained from posting a new orange dot on his well-known Bitcoin accumulation chart signaling that MicroStrategy made no new Bitcoin purchases last week. Despite a staggering $6.4 billion dip in paper gains from MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings, Saylor’s conviction in the world’s largest cryptocurrency has not wavered.

With over 640,000 BTC under management and an unrealized profit still exceeding $24 billion, the outspoken Bitcoin evangelist continues to embody the unwavering faith that has defined his strategy even as the broader market reels from a liquidation shock.

His company Bitcoin holdings currently stand at 640,031 BTC, valued at $71.71 billion with an average purchase price of $73,983. Despite the market downturn, the firm still holds an unrealized profit of approximately 51.44%, or about $24.35 billion.

However, the numbers also reveal the magnitude of the recent correction. Earlier this month, when Bitcoin traded near $122,000, the company’s holdings were worth around $78.1 billion. At current levels near $112,000, that value has dropped by roughly $6.4 billion, a sharp paper loss, though not a realized one.

On the equity side, MicroStrategy carries a market capitalization of $87 billion ($97 billion on a fully diluted basis) and an enterprise value of $101 billion, with more than two-thirds of its valuation directly tied to Bitcoin.

Notably, MicroStrategy is the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, with 638,460 BTC. Saylor sees Bitcoin as a long-term asset. He believes it offers a hedge against inflation and an unparalleled store of value. The company’s Bitcoin strategy started in 2020. Since then, it has spent over $40 billion on growing its Bitcoin treasury.

In August 2020, MicroStrategy shocked the financial world by announcing its initial purchase of 21,454 Bitcoin for $250 million. Over the following months, MicroStrategy doubled down, adding another 48,916 BTC through subsequent purchases. This initial foray was fueled by Saylor’s belief that Bitcoin was a better store of value than cash.

In 2021, the company purchased nearly 54,000 BTC, further solidifying its position as a corporate whale in the crypto market. By 2022, the crypto market had entered a bearish phase, but that didn’t deter MicroStrategy, as the company still managed to add over 8,000 BTC to its holdings.

Despite market volatility, 2023 marked another active year for MicroStrategy. The company added over 56,000 BTC during periods of price consolidation, expanding its already substantial position.

In 2024, MicroStrategy went all in, acquiring 234,509 BTC. Following President Trump’s victory, MicroStrategy purchased more Bitcoin, a profitable strategy as the price of Bitcoin went up. In February 2025 MicroStrategy, rebranded as Strategy and has aggressively expanded its Bitcoin holdings throughout 2025 as part of its “42/42” capital plan, aiming to raise $42 billion in equity and $42 billion in fixed income to acquire more BTC.

As of September 29, 2025, Strategy holds 640,031 BTC, acquired at an average price of $66,384.56 per coin for a total cost of $33.139 billion. This staggering amount underscores its long-term commitment to the cryptocurrency. Just recently, reports reveal that Strategy has purchased 220 Bitcoin worth $27.2 million.

While MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin holdings are impressive, Michael Saylor’s personal investments in Bitcoin are equally noteworthy. Saylor has revealed that he owns 17,732 BTC, purchased for $175 million at an average price of $9,882 per Bitcoin.

Amid Saylor’s bullish stance on Bitcoin, several other analysts remain optimistic. They argue that the current downturn is a temporary pause in a larger bullish cycle, with one final surge potentially pushing Bitcoin to new all-time highs before a true bear phase begins.

Portfolio Manager at Bitwise Investments, Jonathan Man, described the $20B liquidation as “the worst in crypto history” but a net positive, arguing it flushed out overleveraged positions without structural damage. He highlighted Bitcoin’s rapid rebound as evidence of maturing market infrastructure. “The aftermath matters more than the drop, leverage is reset, and institutional flows will drive the next leg up”. He estimates $150,000–$180,000 by end-2025, driven by ETF inflows matching 2024’s $35B+ pace.

Also, in-house analysts at CoinDCX, one of India’s largest crypto exchanges, in their October 8, 2025, weekly prediction report called the liquidation a “temporary consolidation” in an uptrend, with RSI at 58 signaling neutral-bullish sentiment and 24-hour volume at $74B confirming renewed interest. They stressed the “Uptober” seasonal factor (historical 20% October gains) and ETF rebound potential post-fiscal clarity.

Outlook

The message from Saylor is unmistakable, even after a $20 billion market-wide sell-off and a $6.4 billion hit to his firm’s Bitcoin valuation, he remains steadfast urging the crypto community to keep believing in Bitcoin’s long-term vision.

From Stock to Smart: Toyota Tundra Tesla-Style Screen Upgrade Breakdown

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For many Toyota Tundra owners, driving is more than transportation. It reflects power, reliability, and comfort. Yet, even the most capable trucks can seem behind in entertainment and connectivity. If you’ve wanted your Tundra’s cabin to match its performance, now is the ideal time for a touchscreen upgrade for Toyota Tundra that transforms your dashboard into a modern command center.

Why Tundra Owners Choose Screen Upgrades

Tundra drivers trust their trucks for strength and dependability, but the stock infotainment often feels dated. Older systems limit app use, map access, and audio streaming. A Tesla-style display brings responsive technology that updates the experience without replacing the vehicle.

This change doesn’t only refresh appearance; it delivers convenience, safety, and smoother control on every trip.

What Sets a Tesla-Style Display Apart

Picture a tablet built directly into your dash. This advanced display provides a clear, responsive interface supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It connects easily with navigation, music, and communication apps.

The larger screen keeps all essential functions in view, allowing easier adjustments and fewer distractions.

Main Advantages of the Tundra Touchscreen Upgrade

  1. Effortless Smartphone Connection
    Operate navigation and music through Siri or Google Assistant while keeping your hands on the wheel.
  2. High-Definition Visuals and Fast Touch Response
    The display offers bright, sharp detail and reacts instantly to every tap.
  3. Keeps Factory Controls
    You retain steering wheel buttons, climate settings, and the rear camera, preserving original comfort.
  4. Simple Plug-and-Play Setup
    Most units connect using existing wiring, eliminating complicated installations.
  5. Personalized Interface Options
    Customize themes and layouts to match your preferred style and routine.

A Smarter Daily Drive

After installation, your truck feels entirely new. Road trips become easier with live navigation and streaming services. City drives feel more manageable with quick touch commands. When paired with cameras and sensors, even tight parking becomes stress-free.

This is a true improvement to function and comfort, not just appearance.

Installation: Straightforward and Quick

Many assume adding a new screen requires professional rewiring. In reality, most Tesla-style kits are made for direct connection to the factory harness. Some owners install theirs at home using online guides, while professionals can complete it within hours.

Where Innovation Meets Quality

MergeScreens designs systems that combine advanced software with precise fitment. Each screen matches your truck’s original setup for stability and long-term reliability.

Choose from 12-inch or 16-inch options to give your Tundra a refined interior and improved usability. Explore more options at Mergescreens.

Spotlight Feature: Toyota Tundra Tesla-Style Display

The touchscreen upgrade for Toyota Tundra merges elegant design with reliable engineering. It aligns perfectly with your truck’s dashboard and adds GPS, app compatibility, and media features—all through a simple plug-and-play system.

Why Choose Tested Equipment

Not all aftermarket screens perform equally. Cheap versions can lag, freeze, or interfere with built-in controls. MergeScreens products undergo quality testing to ensure consistent performance during daily use. That reliability builds confidence and safety on the road.

What Drivers Say

Owners highlight several improvements:

  • A sleeker dashboard and brighter visuals
  • Faster system response and quick startup
  • Smooth compatibility with factory features
  • Clearer sound from advanced audio processing

The change brings real value and a modern touch without buying a new truck.

Final Thoughts: Upgrade with Confidence

Adding a Tesla-style display turns your Toyota Tundra into a more connected and capable vehicle. It enhances comfort, navigation, and entertainment while maintaining safety and ease of use.

Browse current models at MergeScreens and see how an intelligent display can make your Tundra feel future-ready today.

FAQs

  1. Does the Tesla-style screen fit every Tundra model?
    Most kits fit 2014–2021 models. Confirm compatibility before ordering.
  2. Will my steering wheel controls still work?
    Yes, quality upgrades keep your original functions, including climate and camera controls.
  3. Do I need professional installation?
    Not always. Plug-and-play kits are easy to set up, though professionals ensure perfect alignment.
  4. Does this affect my vehicle warranty?
    Usually not, as these systems install without cutting wires. Check with your dealer for details.
  5. Does it include navigation?
    Yes, GPS and app navigation like Google Maps and Waze are supported through CarPlay or Android Auto.

A Shocking $14 Prediction for Digitap ($TAP) as it Begins to Disrupt the Banking Sector

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When analysts first started calling for $TAP to hit $14, most people didn’t believe it. After all, Digitap ($TAP) is a new project still in its presale phase. But the more investors look into what Digitap is building, the clearer it becomes: this isn’t just another altcoin; it could be the start of a financial revolution.

In every bull run, a handful of projects break away from the noise and create a new narrative. In 2017, it was Ethereum. In 2021, it was Solana. In 2025, that breakout could very well be Digitap as it’s bridging the worlds of banking and blockchain into a single platform.

The Banking Problem Everyone Ignores

The worldwide financial system is enormous and still it takes 2-3 working days for the cross-border payments to be completed. The fees are very high, ranging from 6-7% for international payments.

Yet the dream of crypto becoming a means of daily payment is now a reality. Digitap combines the best of both worlds. Users get the freedom to use crypto with the convenience of banking-grade services. Its goal is very clear: to make money borderless, instant, and private again.

Digitap’s presale is already a huge success, with more than $675,000 raised so far. The present price of $0.0159 is going to increase to $0.0194 in the next presale round.

What Digitap Is Building

Digitap’s foundation is powerful yet elegant. The platform provides users with the integration of crypto wallets, bank accounts, and payment cards in one single interface.

Individuals may have crypto as well as fiat in the Digitap app. They can swap between them in real time and use a Digitap Card (a Visa-powered card) for spending.

Digitap does not put users in a position where they have to undergo KYC processes over and over again. It provides an onboarding facility without KYC, thus users may keep their anonymity, and enjoy instant payments and transfers. Here, privacy is not one of the features but one of the basic fundamentals.

Why Analysts Are Predicting a Huge Rise for Digitap

The prediction of the $14 price was not without reasons. It is based on math, market logic, and momentum. The $14 value at the presale price of $0.0159 seems very far to many users. But analysts forecast that Digitap will be able to achieve this huge increase if it can only capture a tiny share of the global payments market.

This is the reason:

The global cross-border payments market is expected to reach $250 trillion per year by 2027. The total value of remittances alone is $860 billion annually.

This represents a vast potential market for mobile-first financial apps like Digitap to grow exponentially in the coming days. This is a crypto project targeting markets with trillions of dollars of annual flow.

Digital Has AI and Banking-Grade Security

Digitap is more than just a crypto wallet. It operates on a Zero-Trust Security Framework to provide bank-level safety for the users. AI Smart Routing is applied to every transaction, which helps in locating the cheapest and fastest route.

By using this system, transaction costs are reduced to less than 1% of the total, compared to the global average of 6.2% charged by banks. This is a game-changer for freelancers, businesses operating globally, and cross-border workers.

What is even more impressive is that the platform’s multi-rail settlement engine can use both on-chain and off-chain payment rails. Thus, it is bridging the gap between DeFi and traditional finance.

This is the reason why some analysts refer to Digitap as the “very first real omni-bank.” Then there are staking rewards (early adopters can get up to 124% APR) and cashback incentives that have real utility.

The Shift Has Already Begun

Digitap’s momentum is undeniable. The presale has recently crossed the $675,000 mark with the thousands of new investors. They are seeing the same thing that the analysts are seeing: a project that has real-world use, low entry price, and huge growth potential.

The crypto market has had 100x winners in the past like Solana, Polygon, and Avalanche. What made them succeed was utility and timing. Digitap has both. It is coming into the market at exactly the point when people want to use crypto in their daily lives.

Digitap is Live NOW. Learn more about their project here:

Presale https://presale.digitap.app

Website: https://digitap.app

Social: https://linktr.ee/digitap.app

Crypto Markets Rebound from $3.6T Lows As Equities Pre-Market Flip Positive

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The cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp pullback over the past week, dipping to a total market capitalization low of approximately $3.6 trillion amid a broader leveraged liquidation event totaling around $19 billion.

This drop was largely confined to mid- and low-cap altcoins down ~30%, while major assets like Bitcoin held above $115,000 and Ethereum above $4,000, preserving much of the bull market structure.

By October 13, 2025, the market has staged a quick recovery, with the total crypto market cap climbing back to $3.93 trillion—a 5.13% gain in the last 24 hours alone. This rebound reflects renewed buying interest, particularly in high-cap tokens, as the Fear & Greed Index hovers at a neutral 40, signaling balanced sentiment without extreme fear or euphoria.

Bitcoin (BTC): Trading around $121,800–$124,000, up significantly from the dip and maintaining its position as “digital gold” with strong institutional inflows via ETFs.

Ethereum (ETH): Hovering near $4,350, benefiting from staking rewards and DeFi activity. Overall Volume: 24-hour trading volume surged to $270.55 billion, indicating heightened liquidity.

The Altcoin Season Index sits at 45/100, still favoring Bitcoin dominance, but analysts eye a potential Q4 pump as leverage clears out. This shakeout appears engineered to flush weak hands, setting the stage for further upside toward the all-time high of ~$4.3 trillion.

Broader factors like stabilizing global politics and rising Web3 adoption continue to underpin optimism.

US Equities Flip Positive in Pre-Market Trading

US stock markets are set for a green open on Monday, October 13, 2025—Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day—with NYSE and Nasdaq operating on regular hours (9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET), unlike the bond market which remains closed.

Pre-market futures have turned positive after a choppy Friday close, buoyed by retreating Treasury yields and softer crude oil prices amid ongoing government shutdown concerns.

The positive flip comes despite a stronger dollar pressuring export-heavy sectors like materials and tech, but overall, equities are holding near record highs. Investors are watching for any shutdown-related volatility, with focus shifting to upcoming earnings season.

The rapid bounce-back from a $19 billion leveraged liquidation event suggests strong underlying demand, particularly for high-cap assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. This resilience reinforces the narrative of crypto as a maturing asset class, capable of absorbing shocks without breaking key support levels.

The Fear & Greed Index at 40 neutral indicates a balanced market, avoiding the overheated sentiment that often precedes major corrections. This could pave the way for sustainable growth toward the all-time high of ~$4.3 trillion.

The 30% drop in mid- and low-cap altcoins highlights their higher volatility and sensitivity to leverage-driven sell-offs. The Altcoin Season Index at 45/100 suggests Bitcoin dominance persists, but a potential Q4 altcoin rally could emerge as leverage clears and speculative capital rotates back into riskier assets.

Investors should remain cautious of over-leveraged positions, as liquidations can trigger cascading declines in smaller tokens, though the current recovery signals opportunity for selective altcoin exposure.

Continued institutional inflows via Bitcoin ETFs and Ethereum’s staking rewards bolster the case for crypto as a portfolio diversifier. Rising Web3 adoption and stabilizing global politics further support long-term growth.

However, macro risks like a potential US government shutdown or unexpected monetary policy shifts could reintroduce volatility, particularly if they impact risk appetite across asset classes.

The surge in 24-hour trading volume $270.55 billion reflects heightened liquidity, creating opportunities for short-term traders to capitalize on momentum. Long-term investors may view this dip-and-recovery as a buying opportunity, especially for Bitcoin and Ethereum, which held key levels.

Monitoring on-chain metrics like whale activity, exchange inflows and sentiment indicators will be crucial to gauge whether this rebound has legs or if another shakeout looms.

The positive pre-market action in US equities futures S&P 500 +0.4%, Nasdaq 100 +0.6%, Dow +0.3% on October 13, 2025, despite holiday-thinned trading— Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day, has its own set of implications.

The flip to green in pre-market trading, driven by retreating Treasury yields and softer oil prices, signals a return of risk-on sentiment. This aligns with the crypto market’s rebound, suggesting a broader appetite for growth assets as macro fears temporarily ease.

Equities holding near record highs indicate investor confidence in the US economy, though the absence of major economic data or earnings today may keep moves modest.

The Nasdaq’s stronger pre-market gain +0.6% points to tech sector resilience, potentially fueled by a weaker yen boosting export competitiveness for US tech giants. Energy stocks may see gains despite lower oil prices, as supply concerns linger.

The looming threat of a US government shutdown introduces uncertainty. A prolonged standoff could disrupt federal spending, rattle consumer confidence University of Michigan sentiment expected at 54.5, and pressure equities, particularly cyclical sectors.

A stronger dollar, while supporting pre-market gains, could weigh on multinationals and exporters, potentially capping upside in indices like the Dow. The positive pre-market flip suggests a potential green open, but thin holiday volume may exaggerate moves.

Day traders should monitor intraday volatility, especially post-open, as the lack of major catalysts could lead to choppy trading. Long-term investors may focus on tech and growth stocks, given Nasdaq’s outperformance, but should hedge against shutdown-related risks via diversified exposure or defensive assets.

The simultaneous rebound in crypto and equities signals a coordinated risk-on move, likely driven by easing macro pressures yields, oil and renewed liquidity. This could amplify momentum if global markets follow suit, particularly in tech-heavy indices and crypto majors.

Both markets remain vulnerable to external shocks—crypto to leveraged liquidations and regulatory noise, equities to shutdown fears and dollar strength. Investors should maintain disciplined risk management, using stop-losses and diversified portfolios.

The crypto recovery and equities’ resilience set a constructive tone for Q4, with potential for new highs if macro conditions stabilize. However, vigilance is warranted as earnings season and policy developments unfold.