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Kalshi Adds Solana Support, BMNR Buys Ethereum Amid Pump.Fun’s $10M PumP Buy

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Kalshi Adds Solana Deposit Support 

Kalshi, a U.S.-regulated prediction market platform overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), announced on May 23, 2025, that it now supports Solana (SOL) deposits, alongside Bitcoin (BTC), USD Coin (USDC), and Worldcoin (WLD).

This integration allows users to fund their Kalshi accounts directly from Solana-compatible wallets, with deposits instantly converted to U.S. dollars via Zero Hash for trading on real-world event outcomes. This move is expected to boost Solana’s liquidity and adoption by tapping into Kalshi’s growing user base, which saw $1.97 billion in trading volume in 2024.

BMNR Buys Over 78K ETH This Week

Posts on X indicate that BitMNR purchased 414,914 ETH, valued at approximately $1.85 billion, increasing their total holdings to 1,565,177 ETH (~$7 billion), a 36% increase in seven days. This suggests significant accumulation, with some claiming BitMNR is outpacing other institutional buyers like BlackRock, which reportedly stacked $2.31 billion in ETH this week.

Pump.Fun Buys Back Over $10M Worth of PUMP

Pump.Fun, a Solana-based memecoin launchpad, has been actively repurchasing its native token, PUMP, to counter sell pressure. Reports indicate buybacks totaling approximately $15 million over two weeks, with $6.68 million spent on August 8, 2025, to acquire 1.77 billion PUMP tokens using 33,000 SOL.

This contributed to a 22% price increase for PUMP, with its market cap climbing above $1 billion. Despite a drop in monthly revenue to $24.96 million in July 2025 (an 80% decline from January), Pump.Fun’s daily fees exceeded $1 million in early August, supporting these buybacks. The platform also launched the Glass Full Foundation to provide liquidity for promising projects, reinforcing its dominance in Solana’s memecoin ecosystem.

By integrating Solana (SOL) deposits, Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform, enhances Solana’s utility and accessibility. This could drive demand for SOL as users deposit tokens to trade on real-world event outcomes, potentially increasing its price and liquidity.

Kalshi’s move strengthens its position against competitors like Polymarket, which also operates on blockchain networks. Supporting Solana could attract crypto-native users, expanding Kalshi’s market share in the growing prediction market space.

The addition of SOL alongside BTC, USDC, and WLD signals a trend toward mainstream platforms embracing cryptocurrencies, potentially encouraging other regulated platforms to follow suit. This could legitimize Solana further in traditional finance circles.

BMNR’s purchase of 78K ETH (part of a reported 414,914 ETH, ~$1.85 billion) signals strong institutional interest in Ethereum. Such large buys could fuel bullish sentiment, potentially driving ETH’s price higher in the short term due to reduced circulating supply. BMNR’s aggressive buying, alongside claims of BlackRock’s $2.31 billion ETH purchases, suggests growing institutional confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value, possibly driven by its role in DeFi, NFTs, and layer-2 scaling solutions.

Large-scale purchases by a single entity could reduce ETH liquidity in spot markets, increasing volatility if BMNR later sells or if other whales follow suit. Pump.Fun’s $15 million buyback program, including $6.68 million in one day, aims to counter sell pressure and stabilize PUMP’s price.

The resulting 22% price surge and $1 billion+ market cap reflect boosted investor confidence in the token and platform. As a leading Solana-based memecoin launchpad, Pump.Fun’s buybacks and the Glass Full Foundation initiative demonstrate commitment to supporting its ecosystem. This could attract more projects and users, reinforcing Pump.Fun’s dominance in memecoin creation.

Despite high daily fees ($1 million+), Pump.Fun’s 80% revenue drop from January to July 2025 suggests potential sustainability concerns. Buybacks may strain liquidity if revenue continues to decline, risking long-term financial health. The buybacks, funded by SOL, highlight Pump.Fun’s reliance on Solana’s infrastructure. Increased activity could drive SOL demand, but heavy SOL liquidation for buybacks might temporarily depress SOL’s price.

Solana Mobile’s Seeker Season and Rabby Wallet’s Teased Hyperliquid Support Advance Web3 and DeFi

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Solana Mobile announced the launch of “Seeker Season,” starting September 8, 2025, to enhance the Web3 mobile experience for Solana Seeker phone users.

This initiative introduces weekly featured decentralized applications (dApps), exclusive rewards, and early access to new on-chain experiences via the Solana dApp Store. Users can expect enhanced DeFi yields, gaming perks, DePIN rewards, and social features, all tied to the Seeker’s ecosystem, including the Seed Vault Wallet, Seeker ID, and Genesis Token.

Over 100 dApps are already available, with more expected, aiming to drive engagement through a decentralized economy powered by the SKR token. Pre-orders for the Seeker phone have surpassed 150,000 units globally, reflecting strong demand for its crypto-native features like hardware-level security and seamless transaction approvals.

Rabby Wallet’s Teased Hyperliquid Support

Rabby Wallet, known for supporting over 110 EVM-compatible networks, has been highlighted in discussions for its potential compatibility with Hyperliquid, a decentralized trading platform.

Users report smoother integration with Hyperliquid compared to MetaMask, particularly for avoiding connection issues like recursive loops. However, challenges remain, such as tokens not populating in the wallet, indicating setup complexities. Rabby’s mobile app is noted as a work-in-progress, with its browser extension offering better functionality for EVM-based transactions.

By integrating features like the Seed Vault Wallet and Seeker ID, Solana reduces barriers for non-technical users, potentially attracting new demographics to DeFi, NFTs, and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks). However, the dApp Store’s limited functionality (e.g., only 24 of 141 apps updated recently) may hinder retention if user experience doesn’t improve.

The Seeker’s built-in Seed Vault Wallet uses a Trusted Execution Environment to isolate private keys, offering hardware-grade security with biometric authentication (e.g., fingerprint scanning). This simplifies secure transactions, making them as intuitive as mobile payments like Apple Pay.

Enhanced security could build trust among crypto enthusiasts and newcomers, reducing risks like phishing or malware attacks. This positions the Seeker as a compelling alternative to traditional software wallets, potentially shifting user preference toward hardware-integrated solutions.

However, reliance on a single device raises concerns about vendor lock-in or recovery challenges if the device is lost, despite seed phrase backups. Seeker Season’s economy, powered by the SKR token and Genesis Token (a soulbound NFT), offers exclusive perks like enhanced DeFi yields, gaming rewards, and DePIN incentives.

These rewards incentivize user engagement and dApp development. The token-based economy could drive a virtuous cycle of user retention and developer activity, mirroring the success of the Saga’s BONK airdrop, which sparked demand. However, the value of these rewards depends on the Solana ecosystem’s growth and the SKR token’s market performance, which could be volatile or speculative.

By offering a fee-free distribution platform, Solana Mobile challenges the 20–30% fees charged by Google Play and Apple’s App Store. This could attract developers to build on Solana, fostering a richer dApp ecosystem. A thriving dApp Store could disrupt centralized app marketplaces, aligning with Solana’s vision of a decentralized mobile ecosystem.

Implications of Rabby Wallet’s Teased Hyperliquid Support

Rabby Wallet’s potential support for Hyperliquid’s HyperEVM (Chain ID: 999) enhances its multi-chain capabilities, already covering 122 EVM-compatible networks. User reports indicate smoother integration with Hyperliquid compared to MetaMask, with features like automatic network switching and transaction signing via hardware wallets like Ledger.

This strengthens Rabby’s position as a go-to wallet for DeFi users managing assets across EVM chains and trading on high-performance platforms like Hyperliquid. It could attract users seeking seamless cross-chain experiences, especially for Hyperliquid’s gasless trading and perpetual futures. However, unconfirmed support and issues like tokens not populating in Rabby highlight integration challenges that need resolution for widespread adoption.

Rabby’s pre-transaction risk scanning, transaction previews, and multiple security audits (e.g., SlowMist, Cure53) make it a secure choice for Hyperliquid’s trading environment. Its ability to connect with hardware wallets like Ledger adds an extra layer of protection.

For traders handling significant capital on Hyperliquid, Rabby’s security features could reduce risks associated with DeFi exploits, appealing to institutional and high-net-worth users. However, the mobile app’s limitations (e.g., inability to sign transactions independently) may frustrate users seeking a fully mobile solution, potentially limiting its appeal compared to native Hyperliquid wallets like Okto.

Rabby’s teased Hyperliquid support, alongside its acquisition of Solsniper and integration of Phantom Perps for up to 40x leverage trading, positions it as a versatile wallet aggregator competing with MetaMask, Phantom, and Okto.

Increased competition could drive innovation in wallet functionality, benefiting users with better interfaces and features. However, Rabby’s reliance on user reports for Hyperliquid support (rather than official confirmation) risks creating uncertainty, potentially ceding ground to competitors like Okto, which offers native Hyperliquid integration with a mobile-first design.

Rabby’s point system and Hyperliquid’s $HYPE token (a top-10 non-stablecoin by market cap) fuel speculation about future airdrops for users bridging or trading on Hyperliquid via Rabby. Airdrop speculation could drive short-term adoption of Rabby for Hyperliquid users, mirroring Solana’s BONK success.

Both announcements highlight a trend toward integrating DeFi into mobile-first experiences. Solana’s Seeker Season leverages a crypto-native phone to simplify on-chain interactions, while Rabby’s Hyperliquid support enhances cross-chain trading accessibility. Together, they bridge the gap between hardware and software solutions, potentially accelerating Web3 adoption.

Solana’s fee-free dApp Store and Rabby’s multi-chain support incentivize developers to build on their platforms, potentially leading to richer ecosystems. Solana’s developer tools (Solana Mobile Stack) and Rabby’s DeFi aggregation capabilities lower barriers for innovation.

Success hinges on improving the dApp Store’s quality and ensuring SKR token rewards are sustainable. The device’s niche appeal may limit its market unless broader use cases (beyond crypto enthusiasts) emerge. Users should monitor dApp updates and test exclusive features cautiously to avoid over-reliance on unproven apps.

Robinhood’s TON Listing and CyberKongz’s KONG Airdrop Fuel FOMO

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Robinhood has listed The Open Network (TON) for trading, as announced in a post on X on August 28, 2025. This allows users to trade TON on the Robinhood platform, expanding access to this cryptocurrency.

CyberKongz KONG Token Airdrop

CyberKongz announced a new token, KONG, which will replace their original BANANA token. According to reports from August 19, 2025, 2% of the total KONG token supply (1 billion tokens on the Ethereum mainnet) will be airdropped to active OpenSea users who have been engaged since 2023, during the bear market.

Further details about the airdrop process are expected to be shared closer to the token generation event (TGE). The KONG token aims to integrate DeFi and NFT features, including staking, reward distribution, and deflationary burn functions.

Robinhood’s listing of TON expands its availability to a broader retail investor base, as Robinhood is a popular platform known for low-cost trading. This move enhances TON’s legitimacy and visibility in the crypto market, potentially driving mainstream adoption.

TON, associated with Telegram’s blockchain ecosystem, benefits from integration with Telegram’s vast user base, making it appealing for applications like buying anonymous phone numbers or memes on-chain. The listing creates a sense of urgency among investors who fear missing out on a newly accessible, high-profile asset.

TON’s price and open interest have surged recently, signaling bullish sentiment. Investors may rush to buy TON, anticipating further price increases due to Robinhood’s large user base and the hype around Telegram’s ecosystem, fearing they’ll miss the next big crypto rally.

Listings on major platforms like Robinhood often act as catalysts for price surges due to increased liquidity and speculative trading. TON’s integration with Telegram’s GameFi and DeFi ecosystems (e.g., FOMO token’s success on TON) suggests potential for further growth, attracting speculators.

Robinhood’s decision to list TON signals confidence in its regulatory compliance and market potential, despite past scrutiny of crypto listings. This could encourage other exchanges to follow, further boosting TON’s credibility.

Investors may feel compelled to act quickly, fearing that TON’s growing legitimacy could lead to rapid price appreciation, especially if other platforms list it or if Telegram’s ecosystem expands further.

Implications of CyberKongz KONG Token Airdrop

CyberKongz’s announcement on August 19, 2025, to airdrop 2% of its 1 billion KONG token supply to active OpenSea users since 2023 rewards long-term NFT community members, particularly those who remained active during the bear market. This strengthens community engagement and incentivizes participation in the CyberKongz ecosystem.

The airdrop creates excitement among OpenSea users, who may fear missing out on free tokens if they don’t qualify or act swiftly. The exclusivity of rewarding bear market participants heightens the urgency, as users may rush to verify their eligibility or increase OpenSea activity to ensure future airdrop inclusion.

Revitalizing NFT Market Interest

The KONG token, replacing the BANANA token, aims to enhance the CyberKongz ecosystem with new utility (e.g., staking, rewards, and burns). This move, alongside the airdrop, could reignite interest in NFTs, especially after a bearish period, as seen with other projects like Pudgy Penguins facing sell pressure post-launch.

The promise of a new token with DeFi and NFT integration fuels speculation that KONG could appreciate significantly post-launch. Users may feel pressured to participate in the airdrop or buy related NFTs (e.g., Genesis or Baby Kongz) to gain access to future distributions, fearing they’ll miss a potential “moon shot.”

CyberKongz received a Wells notice from the SEC, indicating potential regulatory action, which introduces uncertainty. However, the project’s defiance and hope for a more favorable stance under a new administration could rally community support.

The regulatory scrutiny paradoxically amplifies FOMO, as some investors may perceive CyberKongz as a high-risk, high-reward opportunity. The fear of missing out on a project that could overcome regulatory hurdles and thrive drives speculative interest, especially among “degen” investors.

The KONG airdrop’s limited 2% allocation to active OpenSea users creates a sense of scarcity, as only a select group qualifies. Similarly, TON’s listing on Robinhood feels like an exclusive opportunity for early adopters before broader market adoption. This scarcity drives FOMO, as users fear missing out on limited rewards or early investment opportunities.

Both events leverage strong community-driven narratives. CyberKongz emphasizes NFT culture and rewards loyal users, while TON benefits from Telegram’s massive user base and integration with apps like the FOMO token platform. Social media buzz, such as CyberKongz’s X posts and Robinhood’s announcements, amplifies hype, pushing users to act quickly to avoid being left out.

Airdrops and exchange listings historically trigger price surges, as seen with tokens like Pudgy Penguins’ PENGU (despite its later crash). The anticipation of KONG’s launch and TON’s price momentum on Robinhood fuels speculation that early participation could yield significant returns, driving FOMO among traders and NFT enthusiasts.

The crypto market thrives on trends, and airdrops are a leading driver of liquidity and user acquisition. The success of projects like FOMO on TON and the buzz around CyberKongz’s airdrop create a bandwagon effect, where users fear missing the next big project or token rally, prompting impulsive participation.

While these events drive FOMO, they also carry risks. TON’s price surge may be tempered by declining network activity, suggesting hype-driven rather than fundamental growth. Similarly, CyberKongz’s SEC scrutiny could deter cautious investors, and the KONG token’s success depends on effective execution of its DeFi and NFT features.

American Bitcoin Backed By Eric and Donald Trump Jr to Debut on NASDAQ Next Month

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American Bitcoin, a bitcoin mining company backed by Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., is set to go public on the Nasdaq in September 2025 through an all-stock merger with Gryphon Digital Mining.

The merged entity will retain the name American Bitcoin and trade under the ticker ABTC. Hut 8, a major crypto miner, owns 80% of the firm, with the Trump brothers holding the remaining 20%. Existing shareholders, including the Trumps and Hut 8, will control 98% of the new company.

The firm aims to become the world’s largest and most efficient bitcoin miner, accumulating bitcoin through mining and direct purchases. It raised $220 million from investors and $10 million in bitcoin for its treasury earlier this year. The merger, bypassing a traditional IPO, offers faster access to capital. Critics have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest due to the Trump family’s involvement and President Trump’s pro-crypto policies, though the company denies government ties.

By going public via a merger, American Bitcoin gains faster access to capital markets compared to a traditional IPO. The $220 million raised from investors and $10 million in bitcoin for its treasury strengthens its financial position, enabling expansion of mining operations and infrastructure.

Listing on Nasdaq under the ticker ABTC enhances the company’s visibility and legitimacy, potentially attracting institutional investors and partnerships. The Trump family’s involvement, including Eric and Donald Trump Jr.’s 20% stake, may draw attention but also scrutiny due to their political ties.

With Hut 8’s 80% ownership and expertise, American Bitcoin aims to become the world’s largest and most efficient bitcoin miner. This scale could lead to economies of scale, reducing operational costs per bitcoin mined. The company’s dual strategy of mining and purchasing bitcoin directly for its treasury positions it to capitalize on potential price appreciation, diversifying revenue beyond mining rewards.

Impacts on Bitcoin Mining Industry

American Bitcoin’s ambition to dominate the industry could intensify competition among miners, particularly in North America. Its access to capital and scale may pressure smaller miners to consolidate or innovate to remain competitive.

The high-profile nature of the Trump-backed venture could boost investor interest in bitcoin mining stocks, especially if it performs well on Nasdaq. This may drive capital inflows to other publicly traded miners like Marathon Digital or Riot Platforms.

The Trump family’s involvement, combined with President Trump’s pro-crypto policies, raises concerns about conflicts of interest. This could lead to heightened regulatory oversight of the mining sector, particularly regarding transparency and environmental impact, as mining is energy-intensive.

American Bitcoin’s emphasis on efficiency may push the industry toward adopting greener technologies or relocating to regions with cheaper, renewable energy. This aligns with broader trends, as miners face criticism for high energy consumption.

Increased mining capacity and treasury accumulation by large players like American Bitcoin could influence bitcoin’s market dynamics. If the company holds significant bitcoin reserves, its buying or selling could impact price volatility.

The move comes amid a favorable political climate for crypto in the U.S., with Trump’s administration reportedly supporting pro-crypto policies. However, critics argue this could blur lines between political influence and business interests, potentially affecting market fairness. Additionally, bitcoin mining’s environmental footprint remains a contentious issue, with global energy costs and regulatory pressures shaping the industry’s future.

American Bitcoin’s Nasdaq debut could reshape the competitive landscape, attract investment, and amplify scrutiny on the mining sector, while its scale and strategy may set new benchmarks for efficiency and market influence.

U.S. Ends Duty-Free Postal Exemption: Nigerians to Pay $80 Customs Fee on Parcels

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The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has announced that Nigerians sending parcels to the United States will now pay $80 (or its Naira equivalent) in prepaid customs duty, effective August 29, 2025.

The new charge, which excludes letters and documents, follows the enforcement of a U.S. Executive Order suspending the de minimis exemption on duty-free postal shipments.

NIPOST, in a public notice issued on Friday, clarified that the duty is not unique to Nigeria but applies to all countries under the U.S. directive issued through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The order requires all postal operators and designated postal administrations worldwide to collect the levy before dispatch.

Possible Delays in Delivery

The agency also cautioned that global logistics operations are being affected, as airlines and cargo carriers adopt stricter procedures for U.S.-bound parcels.

This could extend both transit and processing times, resulting in potential delivery delays. In addition, all shipments will undergo customs checks upon arrival in the U.S.

To mitigate disruptions, NIPOST said it is engaging with the Universal Postal Union (UPU), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and airline partners. The agency assured customers that it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient postal and courier services despite the global regulatory change.

The U.S. decision to suspend the de minimis rule is part of the Donald Trump administration’s wider trade policies and affects all countries sending parcels through postal services. Analysts say the policy will have ripple effects on cross-border e-commerce, small businesses, and individuals who rely on international shipping for personal and commercial needs.

Earlier in April, global logistics giant DHL announced a temporary suspension of business-to-consumer (B2C) shipments to private individuals in the United States, following the new U.S. Customs regulations that significantly lower the threshold for formal customs processing.

The company explained that the regulation had caused a surge in formal entry processing, stretching its resources and causing multi-day delivery delays for high-value shipments.

What is de minis?

The de minimis exemption is a trade rule that allows goods valued below a certain threshold to enter a country without customs duty or tax.

In the U.S., the threshold was previously set at $800 per shipment, meaning low-value parcels often entered duty-free. With the new Executive Order, all parcels, regardless of value, will now attract a flat $80 customs duty when sent through postal services.

This is expected to increase costs for individuals and businesses shipping small packages, including online purchases.

A Backstory: America’s Changing Trade Posture

The de minimis threshold has long been a cornerstone of U.S. trade policy, particularly in the age of e-commerce. By allowing low-value goods—often consumer items ordered online—to enter duty-free, Washington sought to encourage cross-border commerce, ease customs bottlenecks, and reduce administrative costs.

For decades, the U.S. kept its de minimis threshold relatively low compared to peers. However, in 2016, Congress dramatically raised the threshold from $200 to $800, a move widely welcomed by online retailers and global exporters, who saw it as a way to accelerate deliveries and expand the American consumer market.

But as global trade shifted, especially with the surge of Chinese exports through platforms like Alibaba, Shein, and Temu, U.S. officials began to reconsider the policy. The current U.S. government argues that foreign sellers were exploiting the high threshold to flood the American market with cheap goods while sidestepping tariffs and undercutting domestic manufacturers.

The shift away from de minimis exemptions is therefore not just about revenue collection, but part of a broader recalibration of U.S. trade policy—one that increasingly ties customs enforcement to national security, industrial policy, and digital-era competition.

Washington is thus signaling its intent to close what it views as loopholes in the global e-commerce supply chain by requiring a flat $80 duty on all postal parcels. Analysts suggest the move may be aimed at leveling the playing field for U.S. producers while simultaneously tightening oversight of goods entering the country.

However, economists have warned that this shift risks stoking inflation as the small businesses that rely on inexpensive parcel shipping are expected to pass the hike to consumers. In many developing countries like Nigeria, where online shopping and cross-border trade have surged in recent years, the policy could prove especially disruptive.