Solana TVL Reaches $12.7B As Global Stablecoin Supply Hits $280B

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August 28, 2025

Solana’s decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem has seen a significant milestone, with its total value locked (TVL) reaching $12.7 billion, the highest since January 2022, according to DeFiLlama.

This marks a substantial increase from earlier figures, such as $6.1 billion in October 2024 and $8.6 billion in Q2 2025, driven by platforms like Raydium, which accounts for over $1.8 billion of the TVL. The surge reflects growing user trust and engagement, fueled by Solana’s high-throughput blockchain and low transaction fees, despite challenges like declining DEX volumes and NFT trading.

Global Stablecoin Supply Hits $280B

The global stablecoin supply has reached a new high of $280 billion, indicating robust growth in stablecoin adoption. Solana’s stablecoin supply alone exceeds $11.4 billion, with $215 billion transferred in July 2025, highlighting its significant role in the stablecoin ecosystem. This growth aligns with broader market trends, including institutional interest and increasing DeFi activity.

Solana’s DeFi TVL growth outpaces many competitors, positioning it as a leading blockchain for DeFi, second only to Ethereum in some metrics. The stablecoin supply milestone underscores the increasing reliance on stablecoins for DeFi liquidity and cross-chain transactions. However, Solana’s DEX volumes and NFT markets have faced declines, suggesting that while DeFi fundamentals are strong, speculative trading has cooled.

Solana’s DeFi TVL reaching $12.7 billion signals robust growth and increasing user confidence in its ecosystem. This could attract more developers and projects, further expanding DeFi offerings and potentially challenging Ethereum’s dominance in the sector.

Higher TVL suggests significant capital inflows, likely driven by Solana’s low-cost, high-speed transactions. This makes Solana appealing for yield farming, lending, and other DeFi activities, potentially drawing institutional and retail investors seeking efficient blockchain solutions.

The milestone could fuel bullish sentiment for Solana’s native token, SOL, potentially driving price appreciation. However, declining DEX volumes and NFT trading indicate that speculative fervor may be cooling, which could temper short-term price volatility.

Solana’s DeFi growth puts pressure on rival layer-1 blockchains (e.g., Avalanche, Polygon) to innovate or risk losing market share. It also highlights Solana’s edge in scalability, though network stability concerns from past outages could resurface if growth strains infrastructure.

Implications of Global Stablecoin Supply Hitting $280B

A $280 billion stablecoin supply reflects their critical role in DeFi, enabling seamless transactions, lending, and trading. Solana’s $11.4 billion stablecoin supply and $215 billion in transfers (July 2025) suggest it’s a key hub for stablecoin activity, enhancing liquidity for its DeFi protocols.

The surge in stablecoin supply points to growing institutional interest, as stablecoins are often used for cross-border payments, remittances, and as a hedge against crypto volatility. This could drive further integration of blockchain into traditional finance.

A larger stablecoin market may attract stricter regulatory oversight, especially given concerns about reserve backing and systemic risks. Jurisdictions may impose new rules, impacting stablecoin issuers and platforms like Solana that rely on them.

Stablecoins facilitate access to dollar-based assets in regions with unstable currencies, potentially reshaping financial inclusion. However, over-reliance on stablecoins could expose users to risks if major issuers face liquidity or compliance issues.

Solana’s DeFi TVL growth and the stablecoin supply surge are interconnected, as stablecoins fuel DeFi liquidity. Solana’s ability to handle high transaction volumes positions it to capture a larger share of the stablecoin-driven DeFi market.

Both trends face risks from market volatility, regulatory changes, and potential technical issues (e.g., Solana’s past network outages). Investors should monitor these factors closely. If Solana sustains its DeFi growth and leverages the stablecoin boom, it could solidify its position as a DeFi leader. However, competition, regulatory hurdles, and market dynamics will shape its trajectory.

Spot Ethereum ETFs Continue Inflows Rally Amid Jupiter Lend Public Beta Launch

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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August 28, 2025

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Spot Ethereum ETFs have shown strong momentum, continuing a five-day inflow streak with $307 million in net inflows, reflecting robust institutional interest.

BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) has been a key driver, with significant contributions to the inflow trend, alongside other funds like Fidelity’s FETH. This follows a broader pattern of Ethereum ETF inflows, with cumulative totals reaching over $12 billion since their launch, despite occasional outflows earlier in August.

The recent streak aligns with Ethereum’s price surge, with analysts suggesting potential for further gains toward $5,000-$6,000 if inflows persist. On the other hand, Jupiter Lend’s public beta launch marks a significant step for the Jupiter ecosystem on Solana.

Announced recently, Jupiter Lend allows users to lend and borrow assets, expanding DeFi capabilities within the Jupiverse. This launch follows other developments like Jupiter Send, indicating ongoing growth in their product suite. Posts on X highlight community excitement around the beta, though specific details on participation or initial performance are still emerging.

The five-day inflow streak of $307 million into spot Ethereum ETFs signals strong institutional and retail investor confidence, with several implications for the crypto market and Ethereum’s price dynamics.

The consistent inflows, led by funds like BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), indicate growing institutional interest in Ethereum as a legitimate asset class. This bridges traditional finance and crypto, potentially stabilizing Ethereum’s market perception and attracting more conservative investors.

The $307 million net inflows over five days reflect bullish sentiment, countering earlier outflows in August (e.g., $2 billion reported earlier in the month). This shift suggests investors are regaining confidence, possibly driven by macroeconomic factors like anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts or Bitcoin’s parallel rally to $80,000.

ETFs make Ethereum more accessible to investors who avoid direct crypto ownership due to custody or regulatory concerns. Increased liquidity from ETF trading can reduce volatility over time and support price appreciation.

Strong ETF inflows may indirectly boost Ethereum’s ecosystem, encouraging development in DeFi, NFTs, and layer-2 solutions, as investor interest often correlates with on-chain activity. Ethereum’s price recently approached $4,800, with intraday highs near $4,820, up significantly from lows around $2,100 earlier in the year.

This rally aligns with the ETF inflow streak, as rising prices often attract momentum-driven investors. Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 has fueled broader crypto market optimism, with Ethereum benefiting as the second-largest cryptocurrency. The ETF inflows amplify this, as institutional buying via ETFs reinforces price gains.

Despite Bitcoin ETF outflows in some periods (e.g., $81.36 million recently), Ethereum ETFs have maintained positive flows, suggesting Ethereum is capturing market share. This is partly due to its unique value proposition (smart contracts, DeFi) and lower market cap, offering higher growth potential.

Jupiter Lend

Jupiter Lend’s public beta launch on Solana adds to the broader DeFi narrative. It highlights competition among blockchains, but Ethereum’s ETF-driven capital inflows give it a unique edge in attracting institutional funds, unlike Solana-based projects which rely more on retail DeFi adoption.

Ethereum’s price strength could indirectly pressure competing ecosystems to innovate faster, as seen with Jupiter’s expansion. If broader market sentiment shifts (e.g., due to unexpected macroeconomic data), ETF inflows could slow, impacting Ethereum’s price.

Ongoing SEC scrutiny of crypto products could affect ETF performance or investor confidence. Technical indicators like RSI suggest Ethereum may be nearing overbought territory, which could lead to a short-term pullback despite ETF support.

Ethereum’s price rally, driven by technical breakouts and broader market optimism, has fueled ETF inflows, creating a virtuous cycle of institutional interest and price growth. The $307 million inflow streak underscores Ethereum’s growing role in traditional finance, while projects like Jupiter Lend highlight the competitive DeFi landscape, where Ethereum’s ETF advantage gives it a unique position.

Both developments underscore the growing integration of traditional finance with crypto (via ETFs) and the expansion of decentralized finance platforms like Jupiter, signaling a dynamic period for the crypto market.

Sandbox Layoffs 50% of Its Workforce Amid Gemini Relaunching ETH and SOL Staking in UK

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Paul Ugbede Godwin

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August 28, 2025

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The Sandbox, a blockchain-based metaverse platform, is undergoing a significant restructuring, laying off over 50% of its approximately 250 employees and closing offices in Argentina, Uruguay, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and Lyon, France, with further cuts expected in Paris.

Co-founders Arthur Madrid and Sébastien Borget have stepped down from operational roles, with Madrid transitioning to non-executive chairman and Borget becoming a global ambassador. Animoca Brands, The Sandbox’s majority shareholder, has assumed direct control, with its CEO Robby Yung taking over as The Sandbox’s CEO. The restructuring is driven by low user engagement, with only a few hundred daily active users, many reportedly bots, despite $300 million in funding.

The platform is shifting focus from its metaverse roots to broader Web3 applications, including a memecoin launchpad on the Base blockchain. The SAND token, trading at around $0.28, has dropped 95-97% from its all-time high, reflecting market challenges.

Gemini Launches SOL and ETH Staking in the UK

Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange led by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, has launched staking services for Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL) in the UK, allowing users to stake any amount of these assets to earn rewards.

Previously, UK users needed a minimum of 32 ETH through Gemini’s Staking Pro service, but this barrier has been removed, making staking more accessible. Solana offers up to 6% APR, while ETH provides a variable rate (reportedly around 2.61% in some sources). The service, integrated into Gemini’s app and web platform, emphasizes simplicity, no minimum requirements, and institutional-grade security.

This launch follows Gemini’s opening of its first permanent UK office in London and aligns with its European expansion, including a recent MiCA license from Malta. The move reflects growing competition among exchanges to offer accessible staking for passive income.

The Sandbox’s layoffs and leadership overhaul reflect broader struggles in the metaverse and Web3 gaming space. With low daily active users (reportedly a few hundred, many potentially bots), the platform’s pivot from its metaverse roots to broader Web3 applications, such as a memec breadcrumbs memecoin launchpad, signals a struggle to maintain relevance.

This suggests that the metaverse’s promise of immersive virtual worlds has not yet resonated widely with users, challenging the sector’s growth narrative. The SAND token’s 95-97% drop from its peak highlights the financial pressures facing metaverse projects.

The Sandbox’s $300 million in funding has not translated into sustainable user growth, indicating a potential overvaluation of metaverse assets during the 2021-2022 crypto boom. This could lead to a broader market correction for similar projects, with investors becoming more cautious about Web3 ventures.

Cutting over 50% of its 250-strong workforce, including key staff in multiple global offices, could damage morale and The Sandbox’s ability to innovate. The loss of institutional knowledge from co-founders Arthur Madrid and Sébastien Borget stepping down from operational roles may further hinder strategic execution.

Animoca Brands’ takeover, with CEO Robby Yung assuming leadership, suggests a shift toward tighter integration with Animoca’s broader Web3 portfolio. While this could streamline operations, it risks alienating The Sandbox’s community and developers if the new direction diverges from its original vision.

The Sandbox’s move toward a memecoin launchpad on the Base blockchain indicates a strategic pivot away from metaverse gaming toward more speculative Web3 products. This could diversify revenue streams but risks further diluting its brand identity if not executed well.

The restructuring under Animoca’s control could be seen as a pragmatic move to stabilize the company, but the significant layoffs and closure of global offices may project an image of instability, potentially deterring partnerships and users.

Implications of Gemini’s ETH and SOL Staking Launch in the UK

By removing the 32 ETH minimum requirement (previously ~$80,000), Gemini’s staking service for ETH and SOL makes proof-of-stake (PoS) networks more accessible to retail investors. With Solana offering up to 6% APR and Ethereum a variable rate (around 2.61%), this move could attract a broader user base seeking passive income, boosting crypto adoption in the UK.

The no-minimum staking model and user-friendly interface position Gemini as a strong competitor against exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken, which also offer staking. This could drive market share growth, especially among new crypto users looking for low-barrier entry points.

The launch, coupled with Gemini’s new London office and MiCA license from Malta, signals a strategic push to capture the UK and European markets. The UK’s relatively clear regulatory stance on staking compared to other jurisdictions provides a favorable environment for Gemini’s expansion, potentially setting a precedent for other exchanges.

Gemini’s ability to navigate past regulatory challenges (e.g., a $5 million CFTC settlement in 2025 and dropped SEC charges in 2023) suggests a robust compliance framework, enhancing its credibility among institutional and retail investors. This could attract more conservative investors to its platform.

With traditional UK savings accounts offering low returns, Gemini’s staking service provides an alternative for retail investors to earn yields on crypto holdings. This could drive demand for ETH and SOL, potentially stabilizing or increasing their market prices. Gemini’s emphasis on institutional-grade security and daily reward tracking enhances user trust, critical in a market wary of crypto scams.

However, the variable ETH staking rates and potential slashing risks (though mitigated by Gemini’s reimbursement policy) require users to stay informed about network dynamics. The staking launch intensifies competition among exchanges offering high-yield, accessible staking services.

Platforms like Binance and Kraken may respond with similar no-minimum offerings, potentially leading to a race for better yields and lower fees. Gemini’s staking service, alongside its XRP Edition credit card and RLUSD stablecoin integration, reflects a trend toward diversified crypto products that bridge traditional finance and DeFi.

Gemini’s financials show a $282.5 million net loss in H1 2025, despite its diversified offerings. Continued crypto market volatility could impact staking rewards and user participation, especially for ETH’s variable rates. While the UK’s regulatory environment is favorable, potential shifts in EU or global crypto regulations could affect Gemini’s European expansion, particularly post-MiCA compliance.

Bitcoin Climbs Above $113K as Retail and Institutions Accumulate Despite Whale Selling

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Ojukwu Emmanuel

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August 28, 2025

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Bitcoin extended its rebound on Thursday, building on daily gains of 1.6% to trade as high as $113,365, according to data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro.

The move came despite renewed selling pressure from a long-term “OG” whale entity, which sent another 250 BTC ($28.2 million) to Binance following a 750 BTC sale the previous day.

Bulls Defend Key Levels

The uptick forced about $40 million in crypto short liquidations within four hours, CoinGlass data showed, signaling bullish resilience even as resistance looms overhead.

Still, longtime market analyst Peter Brandt warned that whale activity reflects classic supply-driven market tops. “Tops in markets are created by SUPPLY or DISTRIBUTION,” he wrote in an X post, cautioning that Bitcoin needs to reclaim $117,500 to avoid confirming a bearish “double top” pattern.

Meanwhile, not all investors are reducing exposure. According to Andre Dragosch, European head of research at Bitwise, retail and institutional accumulation is at its highest since April, when Bitcoin last rebounded from a local low near $75,000. “Such high levels of accumulation tend to precede major breakouts to the upside,” he noted, suggesting growing confidence in a longer-term rally.

Retail Buying vs. Whale Selling

Data indicates that smaller retail and mid-size investors (holding 1K–10K BTC) have been aggressively buying the dip in both spot and futures markets, convinced they are entering at a discounted valuation. The anchored cumulative volume delta (CVD) shows steady net buying from this cohort, even as whales continue to dominate the selling pressure.

MH Markets analyst Mohammed Taha said risk sentiment is supported by expectations of imminent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. “A lower-than-expected PCE print could reinforce hopes for a September rate cut, historically a tailwind for risky assets like Bitcoin,” he explained.

Market Sentiment: Bitcoin vs Ether

While Bitcoin’s dominance is reasserting itself, Ether (ETHUSD) has been attracting significant capital inflows through its spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Since Aug. 21, 2025, Ether ETFs have recorded $1.83 billion in inflows, more than 10 times Bitcoin ETF inflows of $171 million over the same period, per CoinGlass.

On Wednesday alone, nine Ether funds pulled in $310.3 million compared to $81.1 million for Bitcoin’s 11 ETFs. Ethereum educator Anthony Sassano called the trend “brutal,” while Nate Geraci of NovaDius Wealth Management noted that Ether ETFs are nearing $10 billion in inflows since July.

Also, analysts interpret the massive inflow to Ether, as part of a “natural rotation” of capital out of Bitcoin and into altcoins. “A lot of this looks like investors locking in profits from Bitcoin’s run and moving into other tokens to catch potential upside,” said Nicolai Sondergaard, research analyst at Nansen.

He added that Ether in particular is benefiting from strong momentum, bolstered by demand from treasury companies and broader investor mindshare. Notably, the momentum has seemingly been shifting to Ethereum following the passing of the GENIUS Act stablecoin legislation in July, as the network has the largest market share of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.

The Road Ahead

Bitcoin’s current trajectory reflects a tug-of-war between whale-driven distribution and widespread retail and institutional accumulation.

While whales are capping rallies, dip-buying enthusiasm suggests that bulls are positioning for another breakout. A decisive move above $117,500 would likely invalidate bearish structures and could restore momentum toward retesting all-time highs.

Canary Capital Files S-1 Registration for TRUMP ETF As KindlyMD Announce a $5B ATM Offering for Bitcoin Treasury

By

Paul Ugbede Godwin

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August 28, 2025

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Canary Capital, a digital asset manager, filed an S-1 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 26, 2025, to launch a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) tied directly to the TRUMP meme coin, a Solana-based cryptocurrency linked to President Donald Trump.

Unlike previous filings by other firms (e.g., Rex Shares and Tuttle Capital), which proposed indirect exposure through Cayman Islands subsidiaries and U.S. Treasuries under the Investment Company Act of 1940, Canary’s filing under the Securities Act of 1933 aims for full, direct exposure to TRUMP tokens held under strict U.S. custody regulations.

The TRUMP token, launched in January 2025, briefly hit a $27 billion market cap but currently trades at around $1.67 billion, with its value driven by political affiliation and online sentiment rather than blockchain utility. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas expressed skepticism about SEC approval, noting that spot ETFs typically require a futures market for the underlying asset to trade for at least six months, which does not yet exist for TRUMP.

Approval could set a precedent for politically-linked digital asset ETFs, but the filing acknowledges the token’s extreme volatility.

KindlyMD’s $5 Billion ATM Offering for Bitcoin Treasury

On August 27, 2025, KindlyMD, a healthcare company that recently merged with Nakamoto Holdings, announced a $5 billion at-the-market (ATM) equity offering to fund its Bitcoin treasury strategy.

The SEC filing allows KindlyMD to issue and sell up to $5 billion in common stock, with proceeds earmarked for Bitcoin accumulation, working capital, acquisitions, and other corporate purposes. The company, led by CEO David Bailey (a crypto policy adviser to the Trump administration), already acquired 5,744 BTC for $679 million.

The announcement led to a 12% drop in KindlyMD’s stock price (NAKA) on the day of the filing, with a further 2.7% decline after-hours to $7.85, though the stock has risen 550% year-to-date due to its Bitcoin strategy. This move aligns with a growing trend of companies adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, following the approval of U.S. Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024.

Analysts warn that such strategies may reduce liquidity in altcoin markets due to heavy Bitcoin focus. The TRUMP ETF’s approval is uncertain due to regulatory hurdles, particularly the lack of a futures market, and its high-risk profile may deter traditional investors.

KindlyMD’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation via a massive equity offering raises concerns about market volatility and liquidity impacts on other cryptocurrencies. Both developments reflect a broader, crypto-friendly regulatory shift under the Trump administration, but their long-term viability remains speculative.

If approved, the TRUMP ETF could amplify the volatility of the TRUMP meme coin, as ETF accessibility would draw retail and institutional investors to a politically charged, speculative asset. The token’s $1.67 billion market cap and history of rapid swings (peaking at $27 billion) suggest significant price instability, potentially destabilizing related crypto markets.

A precedent for direct-exposure spot ETFs under the Securities Act of 1933 could spur similar filings for other meme coins or niche digital assets, fragmenting liquidity in the crypto market and increasing speculative trading.

Approval would signal a more crypto-friendly SEC under the Trump administration, potentially easing restrictions on digital asset ETFs. However, the absence of a TRUMP futures market complicates approval, as the SEC typically requires established derivatives markets for spot ETFs to ensure price stability and investor protection.

Rejection could reinforce regulatory caution, limiting ETF innovation to assets with robust futures markets and dampening enthusiasm for politically linked tokens. The ETF’s tie to Donald Trump’s political brand could polarize investors, attracting those aligned with his base while alienating others, creating a niche but emotionally driven market segment.

KindlyMD’s plan to accumulate Bitcoin with proceeds from a $5 billion equity offering could significantly boost Bitcoin demand, potentially driving up its price in the short term. With 5,744 BTC already acquired for $679 million, further purchases could strain available supply, especially given Bitcoin’s fixed cap of 21 million coins.

However, this concentration of corporate buying may reduce liquidity in altcoin markets, as capital flows disproportionately to Bitcoin, potentially stifling smaller cryptocurrencies’ growth. The 12% stock price drop post-announcement (and 550% year-to-date gain) reflects investor uncertainty about KindlyMD’s high-risk strategy.

Dilution from issuing new shares could further depress NAKA’s price, impacting shareholders while funding Bitcoin purchases. The move validates the trend of corporations adopting Bitcoin as a treasury reserve, potentially encouraging other firms to follow, which could mainstream Bitcoin as a corporate asset but also expose companies to its volatility.

KindlyMD’s strategy, led by a Trump administration crypto adviser, aligns with a pro-crypto policy shift, potentially encouraging looser regulations and more institutional adoption. This could strengthen Bitcoin’s role as a hedge against inflation or fiat devaluation.

However, the massive scale of the offering raises concerns about market manipulation risks and the sustainability of such aggressive treasury strategies, especially if Bitcoin’s price corrects sharply. Both developments underscore a crypto-friendly climate under the Trump administration, potentially accelerating institutional adoption but also increasing systemic risks due to speculative assets and concentrated investments.

The TRUMP ETF and KindlyMD’s Bitcoin treasury could divert capital from traditional markets, raising concerns about financial stability if speculative fervor outpaces regulatory oversight. Public perception of crypto as a politically charged or corporate asset class may intensify, potentially leading to greater scrutiny or calls for regulation to protect retail investors.