Vietnam has officially joined BRICS as a “partner country,” the tenth nation to gain this designation under the bloc’s newly expanded cooperation framework.

The move, announced Friday by Brazil, which holds BRICS’ rotating presidency in 2025, is part of a broader strategy to bring emerging economies closer to the bloc’s vision of global reform and multipolar governance. But it also places Vietnam in a politically delicate position, as the United States signals tougher policies toward countries seeking alternatives to the U.S.-led economic order.

In its announcement, Brazil cited Vietnam’s dynamic economy and nearly 100 million-strong population as key factors behind the country’s admission. The government in Brasília praised Hanoi’s commitment to South-South cooperation, and sustainable development, and calls for a more inclusive international system — themes that have become central to BRICS’ identity as a counterbalance to Western institutions.

“Vietnam stands out as a significant player in Asia,” the Brazilian government said in its official statement. “The country shares with BRICS members and partners a commitment to a more inclusive and representative international order.”

The “partner country” designation allows Vietnam to participate in selected BRICS meetings and initiatives, including potential collaboration with institutions like the New Development Bank (NDB). The status was introduced during the 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, as a way to bring more nations into the BRICS fold without granting full membership — a move that has dramatically expanded the bloc’s diplomatic reach.

Although Hanoi has not issued a formal response to the announcement, its recent foreign policy actions point to growing interest in the BRICS agenda. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the expanded BRICS+ summit in Kazan last October, and Vietnamese delegations participated in a June 2024 working-level meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, which focused on strengthening cooperation among developing countries.

Internally, Vietnam has also stepped up talks with the New Development Bank, which lists the country as a “partner and potential aspirant” for development financing. Unlike the World Bank or IMF, the NDB is known for lending without imposing strict political or macroeconomic conditions — a feature increasingly attractive to emerging economies.

But as Hanoi moves closer to BRICS, it risks running afoul of Washington’s increasingly confrontational stance toward the bloc. President Donald Trump has repeatedly accused BRICS of trying to undermine U.S. global influence and the central role of the dollar in international trade.

In recent months, he has warned that the United States would impose sanctions on any country that joins BRICS with the intention of bypassing the dollar system — a warning widely interpreted as directed at countries like Iran and Russia, but which could also implicate newcomers like Vietnam if they deepen economic integration within the group.

The timing of Vietnam’s admission is particularly sensitive. Trump has revived a wave of trade protectionism, threatening to impose steep tariffs on Asian economies — including Vietnam — that he claims are benefitting unfairly from U.S. market access while strengthening ties with America’s geopolitical rivals.

In 2024, the Trump administration placed Vietnam on a watchlist for currency manipulation and began reviewing its eligibility for certain trade preferences. The country has also come under scrutiny for its growing trade surplus with the United States, a factor that has made it a target of past tariff actions.

Officials in Hanoi have sought to walk a diplomatic tightrope, deepening ties with BRICS members while simultaneously maintaining strong relations with the U.S. and European Union. Vietnam has long embraced a policy of non-alignment, avoiding formal alliances and seeking to balance its relations across competing global powers. Yet its engagement with BRICS, especially in areas involving the New Development Bank or potential de-dollarization initiatives, may test that balancing act.

Vietnam’s entry into the BRICS ecosystem helps the bloc in expanding both its scope and influence. Since 2024, BRICS has admitted Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as full members, and created the “partner country” category to accommodate others like Belarus, Nigeria, Kazakhstan, and now Vietnam. These moves are part of a broader push to build a multipolar world order — one less dependent on Western financial institutions and political norms.

Vietnam, for its part, has echoed many of the bloc’s themes at global forums. It has repeatedly called for more equitable development financing, greater access to climate technology, and a fairer global trading system — positions that closely align with BRICS’ stated goals.

The country’s deepening bilateral ties with key BRICS members underscore this trajectory. In 2024, Vietnam upgraded its relationship with the United Arab Emirates to a comprehensive partnership. It also hosted Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for a state visit in April and has initiated trade and investment dialogues with both Iran and Egypt.

Though full BRICS membership would require unanimous approval by all existing members, a high bar that ensures no rapid expansion, the partner country status gives Vietnam a platform to gradually integrate into the group’s decision-making processes.

However, the extent of that integration may soon be constrained by the geopolitical cost of doing so. As the Trump administration becomes more assertive in its challenge to BRICS and threatens punitive action against nations seen as drifting away from Washington’s orbit, Vietnam’s leadership will have to carefully weigh its next moves.

In the short term, Hanoi may focus on technical cooperation with BRICS institutions and avoid controversial policy positions that could invite direct U.S. retaliation.

Despite remaining a cultural icon in the crypto world, Dogecoin (DOGE) is set to be overshadowed by utility-driven tokens in 2025. Rexas Finance (RXS), a platform dedicated to tokenizing real-world assets, appears to be a serious contender. Unlike meme coins, Rexas provides DeFi, AI, real estate, and token creation tools.  Rexas has almost completely sold out its presale allocation, raising an astounding $49 million, and is selling at $0.20 with a projected launch price of $0.25. This puts Rexas on track to increase its ROI by up to 12,050%. As Rexas nears the final presale phase, it appears to outperform its competitors this year in terms of sheer utility and growth adoption, rather than hype.

Why Dogecoin May Struggle to Outperform in a Utility-Driven Market

Once driven by memes and celebrity endorsements, Dogecoin (DOGE) struggles to establish a long-term investment rationale in a utility-based world. Unlike some other altcoins, it still enjoys name recognition; however, the absence of real-world applications is detrimental to its future growth. In 2025, the market is shifting towards more purposeful projects, such as Rexas Finance (RXS), which provide functional applications for DeFi, real estate, AI, and even tokenization.  DOGE’s excessive reliance on social hype for value appreciation has become an albatross around its neck as the market shifts focus from a hopeful narrative toward tangible utility. Integrated utility and steadfast adoption make Rexas poised to deliver sustainable returns, indicating a transition from meme-driven markets to value-driven blockchain ecosystems.

Rexas Finance (RXS): From Presale Underdog to Potential 100x Performer

The spotlight may be on meme coins, but Rexas Finance is proving to be a serious contender with its robust roadmap and quick-selling presales. It is currently priced at $0.20, which is proving to be far more than speculation, as RXS is showing significantly greater promise. The finance sector Rexas caters to for its users includes launching real-life assets on the market, co-investing in property, earning from decentralized finance protocols, and developing NFTs powered through artificial intelligence. The ecosystem is supported by multiple income streams and is designed for longevity, making it attractive to long-term holders and developers. Its current presale is in its 12th and final stage, with more than 93% of tokens sold and $49,355,699 already raised. With the launch date scheduled for June 19, 2025, excitement is building around the potential for a major post-launch rally.  Investors are already projecting a 100x to 120x return as the token transitions from presale to active trading, particularly as real-world adoption of its tools accelerates. This level of projected growth dwarfs most expectations for DOGE, especially in a market that now rewards utility over virality.

Mass Adoption Is Fueling the Next Generation of Blockchain Leaders

Rexas Finance Capitalize allows non-technical users to tokenize assets, generate passive income through staking, and even invest in fractional property ownership. This broad appeal makes it one of the few blockchain platforms with built-in mainstream utility. Rexas is constructing an economy that resembles conventional finance but employs decentralized systems for enhanced efficiency by integrating real-world applications and blockchain technology. This approach differs enormously from meme coins, which often have scant blueprints and shallow applications.

RXS Could Be the Breakout Token of 2025—Not DOGE

Although Dogecoin still retains entertainment value and a loyal following, the 2025 market outlook appears to be significantly more competitive than in previous years. Investors now expect more than name recognition; they demand functional ecosystems, real-world applications, and sustainable growth models. Rexas Finance appears to meet all of these requirements and more. The rapid sale of presales indicates that the market is beginning to shift its focus from speculative coins to real projects that provide infrastructure-grade value. The 12,050% ROI projections for RXS aren’t just speculative—they’re grounded in math, momentum, and a robust ecosystem. Rexas is poised for a major leap in value following its official launch, with a low presale price, a clear roadmap, and diverse platform features. As Ethereum competitors and real-asset tokenization platforms gain prominence, Rexas is stepping into a leadership position that few meme coins can hope to replicate. It represents a convergence of DeFi, AI, and real estate—all wrapped into a single blockchain-powered experience. That’s the kind of token that can genuinely outperform in a market defined by utility, rather than virality.

Conclusion: Don’t Let Meme Hype Blind You to Real Opportunity

Dogecoin possesses some sociocultural significance, but Rexas Finance will provide greater utility and a superior return on investment potential in 2025. RXS, aimed at redefining blockchain investing—where fundamental value, not empty promises, fuels sustained growth—has a $0.20 presale price and an allocation that is almost entirely sold out before the June 19 launch.

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Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has approved the release of N6.154 billion as counterpart funding to unlock N12.3 billion in Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention funds — a move that sets Anambra apart from many Nigerian states that have failed to draw down on these constitutionally available resources.

The approval, announced by the Chairperson of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Dr. Vera Nwadinobi, marks a significant departure from a worrying national trend, especially among governors in the Southeast, where public basic education continues to suffer despite the presence of UBEC funds.

Nwadinobi said the matching funds from UBEC would be channeled into a wide range of infrastructure and learning upgrades across the state’s primary and junior secondary schools — including construction of new classrooms, renovation of existing blocks, supply of desks, chairs, and ICT tools, as well as installation of water and sanitation systems, fencing of schools, and provision of agricultural and sports equipment.

“These initiatives are intended to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning in our schools,” she said, praising Soludo’s “commitment to foundational education” and his willingness to unlock billions that have been lying fallow.

Soludo’s decision represents a rare sense of urgency among Nigerian governors to address a decades-old failure: the unwillingness of states to redeem their UBEC counterpart obligations, a practice that has left the country’s public schools in ruins. The trend thrives amid the unabating menace of out-of-school children, particularly in the northern part of the country.

In 1999, then President Olusegun Obasanjo established the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) as part of Nigeria’s push to meet global targets under the Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) initiatives. In line with the UBE Act of 2004, the commission is funded by 2% of Nigeria’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), with the condition that states must provide counterpart funding to access their share.

In 2023, N263 billion was allocated to UBEC as part of statutory transfers. Another N103 billion followed in 2024. But despite these provisions, UBEC revealed in December that over N135 billion had not been accessed by state governments — funds that could have transformed classrooms hired more teachers, and equipped schools across Nigeria.

Observers say the failure to redeem counterpart funding is driven by a combination of poor political will, budgetary misalignment, and in some cases, outright neglect of basic education.

The Anambra governor’s latest intervention is part of a larger vision embedded in his N606.99 billion 2025 budget proposal, which prioritizes capital investments — with N467.5 billion (77%) going to infrastructure and institutional development. Education alone is set for a 101% increase over 2024 figures.

The budget earmarks:

• N11 billion for the construction and equipping of smart schools
• N22 billion for institutional upgrades
• N3 billion for student loans and bursary schemes
• N1 billion in supplementary funds for secondary schools
• N250 million in transport support for schoolchildren

These allocations build on earlier reforms, including recruiting over 3,000 teachers, offering free education to SS3 students, and equipping 60 STEM-focused schools in 2024. The governor has repeatedly said his administration is working toward transforming Anambra into a knowledge-driven economy.

“Our goal remains to provide free and qualitative education for every child in Anambra, to enable them to succeed. We will maintain our free education policy and will continue to pay the newly agreed operational costs for schools. We are transforming twenty-two secondary schools into smart schools, setting a standard for what an ideal school should be in Anambra. We will continue the aggressive upgrade of infrastructure in our primary schools through the ASUBEB program.,” Soludo said during his budget presentation last November.

Will Other States Follow?

While Anambra has moved to access three years’ worth of UBEC grants in one sweep, dozens of states have yet to claim even a single year’s allocation. This inaction undermines national targets such as 100% enrollment and retention of school-age children, gender parity, teacher certification, and conducive school environments — all of which were supposed to be achieved by now.

According to UNICEF, Nigeria has approximately 10.5 million children aged 5-14 not in school, making the country home to one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children.

Against this backdrop, UBEC’s matching grants were designed to incentivize states to invest more in basic education, not replace their responsibilities. However, the continued refusal by many states to fulfill their own end of the funding arrangement has turned the model upside down.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), a cornerstone of U.S. financial infrastructure, is reportedly exploring the issuance of a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin to enhance settlement and asset movement, pending regulatory clarity from Congress, particularly the GENIUS Act. This move aligns with DTCC’s prior work on tokenized collateral and distributed ledger technology, aiming for near-instant settlement and programmable money applications. The DTCC processes $2 quadrillion in securities transactions annually, and a stablecoin could streamline corporate cross-border treasury management and payment systems.

Similarly, retail giants Walmart and Amazon are considering issuing their own U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins to reduce card processing fees, estimated at $14 billion annually, and speed up transaction settlements. Amazon reported $638 billion in revenue in 2024, with $447 billion from e-commerce, while Walmart’s e-commerce sales hit $100 billion in 2023. Stablecoins could bypass traditional banking systems, offering near-instant settlements compared to 1-3 days for card payments. Their plans hinge on the GENIUS Act, which recently passed a Senate procedural vote but awaits full approval. Some concerns exist, with critics like Senator Elizabeth Warren warning about unchecked corporate power in issuing stablecoins.

These developments reflect growing institutional interest in stablecoins, driven by potential cost savings and regulatory progress, though final outcomes depend on legislation and compliance paths. A DTCC-issued stablecoin could revolutionize securities settlement, reducing counterparty risk and capital lockup with near-instantaneous transactions. Its $2 quadrillion annual transaction volume underscores the potential to set a global standard for tokenized assets, enhancing liquidity and interoperability across financial systems.

Amazon and Walmart: Stablecoins could slash their $14 billion in annual card processing fees, enabling faster settlements (seconds vs. 1-3 days) and improving cash flow. This could lower consumer prices or boost margins, while integrating stablecoins into loyalty programs or supply chains could deepen customer and vendor lock-in. The GENIUS Act’s progress is pivotal. If passed, it could provide a clear framework for non-bank entities to issue stablecoins, fostering innovation but requiring robust compliance (e.g., 1:1 USD backing, audits). Without it, regulatory uncertainty may delay or deter launches.

Stablecoins from these giants could challenge existing players like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC), which dominate with $190 billion and $70 billion in market cap, respectively (as of June 2025). Their scale could accelerate mainstream adoption but risks market concentration. Faster, cheaper transactions could streamline global trade, remittances, and corporate treasury operations, particularly for cross-border payments, which currently cost $120 billion annually in fees.

Corporate stablecoins could enable unprecedented transaction tracking, raising surveillance fears. Unlike decentralized cryptocurrencies, these would likely be permissioned, giving issuers significant control over user data and funds. Lower-cost payment systems could benefit unbanked populations, especially in emerging markets, but only if accessible via existing platforms like Amazon Pay, Walmart apps.

The pursuit of stablecoins by DTCC, Amazon, and Walmart highlights stark divides in the financial and societal landscape. DTCC’s stablecoin would reinforce centralized financial infrastructure, leveraging its regulatory clout and systemic role. Amazon and Walmart’s versions would tie users to corporate ecosystems, prioritizing efficiency over decentralization. Crypto purists argue stablecoins should be community-driven or algorithmic (e.g., DAI), not corporate-controlled.

Centralized stablecoins risk censorship, account freezes, or manipulation, clashing with blockchain’s ethos of trustlessness. Amazon and Walmart issuing stablecoins could amplify their economic dominance, with combined 2024 revenues exceeding $1 trillion. Critics like Senator Warren warn of “private money” consolidating power, bypassing public accountability. Lawmakers and regulators (e.g., SEC, Fed) may impose stringent rules to prevent systemic risks, such as runs on stablecoins during market stress.

The GENIUS Act aims to balance innovation with oversight, but political divides could stall progress. Stablecoins could primarily serve corporate and institutional needs (e.g., treasury management, high-value settlements), with benefits trickling down slowly. While potential exists for financial inclusion, corporate stablecoins may prioritize profitable markets over marginalized communities. High smartphone or platform dependency could exclude rural or low-income users.

DTCC, Amazon, and Walmart’s stablecoins would likely launch in USD, reinforcing dollar hegemony. This benefits U.S.-centric economies but may limit adoption in regions with weaker dollar access. Developing nations could see reduced remittance costs, but reliance on U.S.-issued stablecoins risks economic dependency. Local stablecoin initiatives (e.g., Nigeria’s cNGN) may struggle to compete.

The implications of DTCC, Amazon, and Walmart issuing stablecoins are profound, promising efficiency and innovation but raising concerns about corporate control, privacy, and systemic risks. The divide—between centralized and decentralized finance, corporate power and regulatory checks, and global economic disparities—underscores the tension between transformative potential and the need for equitable, transparent systems.