The debate surrounding stablecoin regulation has reached new heights as several crypto executives are pushing Congress to allow stablecoin issuers to pay interest on their U.S. dollar-pegged tokens. This proposal has ignited heated discussions among lawmakers, financial institutions, and crypto industry leaders alike.

What Are Stablecoins?

Stablecoins are digital assets pegged to stable assets, such as the U.S. dollar, to minimize volatility. They are widely used for transactions within the crypto space and serve as an alternative to traditional banking systems. Stablecoin issuers hold large reserves, often in U.S. Treasury bonds or other cash equivalents, to maintain the peg to the dollar.

Currently, these issuers generate interest from their holdings but do not share the returns with token holders. Instead, the interest earned remains within the issuing companies. The crypto executives advocating for change argue that it’s unfair for crypto firms to be excluded from offering interest payments while traditional banks do so for their depositors.

The Proposal: Paying Interest on Stablecoins

Proponents of the proposal believe that stablecoin issuers should be allowed to share the interest they earn with token holders. One prominent voice in this push is Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who has criticized the government’s stance on the issue. Armstrong stated, “The government shouldn’t put its thumb on the scale to benefit one industry over another,” highlighting the need for equal treatment between the banking and crypto sectors.

By offering interest, stablecoin issuers could create a new incentive for users to hold digital assets, which could, in turn, encourage broader adoption of cryptocurrencies. This move could potentially open the door for new financial innovations within the crypto space, making stablecoins more competitive with traditional banking products.

Concerns From the Banking Sector

Opponents of allowing interest payments on stablecoins argue that this could disrupt the traditional banking system. The American Bankers Association has voiced significant concerns, suggesting that paying interest on stablecoins could lead to the migration of deposits away from regulated financial institutions, thus destabilizing the banking system.

The banking sector’s main fear is that the ability of crypto companies to pay interest could attract a large number of consumers, diverting capital from banks. This could limit the banks’ ability to provide loans and other financial services, potentially reducing their ability to act as the backbone of the economy. Furthermore, there is concern that such a move could place taxpayers at risk of bearing the costs of any financial losses should stablecoins face issues with liquidity or other risks.

Stablecoin Regulation: Congressional Bills

As the stablecoin regulation debate intensifies, Congress is actively considering bills that would establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins. However, these bills have varied approaches to the issue of interest payments.

The House Financial Services Committee approved a bill on April 2, 2025, that would explicitly prohibit stablecoin issuers from paying interest. This bill seeks to maintain the traditional role of banks in offering financial products and services. Conversely, a bill that passed through the Senate Banking Committee in March 2025 is less clear on this issue, with the GENIUS Act (Growing the Economy with New and Innovative Uses of Stablecoins) being on a fast track for approval due to its bipartisan support.

Despite the differences in the bills, both sides agree that stablecoin regulation is essential for ensuring the stability of the crypto market. However, the inclusion of interest payments as part of this regulatory framework remains a contentious point that will likely continue to be debated in the coming months.

The Future of Stablecoin Regulation

The push for stablecoin issuers to pay interest highlights the evolving nature of cryptocurrency regulation. As the market for digital assets grows, regulatory bodies face increasing pressure to adapt traditional financial rules to accommodate these new technologies. The debate over interest payments underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in the financial ecosystem.

As Congress continues to review the bills and stakeholders on both sides present their arguments, the future of stablecoin regulation will shape the broader crypto landscape. Should interest payments be allowed, it could mark a significant shift in how digital assets are integrated into the global financial system.

Ultimately, the resolution of this debate will have long-lasting implications for the stability and growth of both the crypto and traditional banking sectors.

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SINGAPORE, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — AEON, the next-generation payment protocol supporting all major chains to simplify crypto payments and drive crypto mass adoption, is now extending its comprehensive crypto payment solutions to support $TON and TON-native USDT. This strategic move will enable seamless in-store crypto payments and reinforce AEON’s role in transforming the crypto landscape, enhancing the real-world usability of TON and TON-USDT. With this development, AEON’s cutting-edge payment suite will empower millions of users within the TON ecosystem and Telegram’s growing crypto community, facilitating seamless and efficient digital asset transactions.

As part of this expansion, AEON has been featured on TON’s official website, marking a significant step in the integration of AEON’s payment infrastructure within the TON network. This recognition highlights AEON as a key service provider supporting $TON and TON-native USDT for transactions within Telegram and beyond.

With the deep integration of TON into Telegram and the growing Web3 ecosystem, AEON is making it easier than ever for users to pay with cryptocurrency in their everyday lives. AEON’s latest development enables users to make in-store payments at a wide range of major retailers, including UNIQLO, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and more, using $TON and TON-USDT.

Through AEON Pay, available via popular Web3 wallets like Bitget Wallet and KuCoin Pay, customers can now purchase dining, shopping, and daily essentials in-store. This new functionality transforms TON and TON-USDT from digital assets into practical payment tools, bringing cryptocurrency into the heart of the retail experience.

AEON is at the forefront of redefining the crypto payment landscape by offering a flexible and scalable infrastructure that supports multiple blockchains and tokens. This allows users to pay with mainstream cryptocurrencies as well as project-specific tokens, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for crypto payments.

AEON’s ability to support diverse payment scenarios—from in-store purchases to online checkouts and emerging Web3 services such as subscriptions and tipping—accelerates the adoption of crypto in everyday life. Whether online or in-store, AEON’s ecosystem is fostering a seamless, borderless financial experience that enhances the utility of partner tokens and drives overall crypto adoption.

AEON’s full-spectrum crypto payment infrastructure is designed to make crypto payments as seamless as traditional finance, supporting diverse payment scenarios:

Web3 Mobile Payment: Enabling users to pay at physical retail locations using both mainstream cryptocurrency and the crypto assets they hold in popular wallets and exchanges with instant settlement. AEON Pay is also available through the Telegram Mini-App @AEONPay_pay_bot.

Online Web3 Payment: Powering e-commerce and digital services with a frictionless, secure Web3 checkout experience.

Swap Pay: Allowing effortless token conversions from different chains at the point of transaction, eliminating payment complexities and optimizing payment flexibility.

Emerging Payment Solutions: Continuously innovating to meet the evolving needs of the Web3 economy like subscriptions, tipping and pre-authorized service, ensuring scalable, borderless, and user-friendly crypto payment options.

AEON’s multi-chain interoperability, great reach and wide support for global merchants, and direct wallet and exchanges integrations make it one of the most advanced and user-centric crypto payment solutions available today.

By integrating with $TON and expanding the utility of TON-USDT, AEON is setting new standards for crypto payment accessibility, efficiency, and mainstream adoption. This development not only enhances the functionality of the TON blockchain within Telegram’s ecosystem but also reinforces AEON’s position as a pivotal player in the global shift towards crypto payment space.

As AEON continues to broaden its reach, more users and merchants worldwide will benefit from fast, secure, and borderless crypto payments, further bridging the gap between traditional finance and the Web3 economy.

The Open Network (TON) is a global, decentralized blockchain community focused on putting crypto in every pocket. By building the Web3 ecosystem in Telegram Messenger, TON’s vision is to empower 500 million users to own their digital identity, data, and assets by 2028. Learn more at https://ton.org/.

AEON is the next-generation crypto payment protocol built to streamline crypto payments and drive crypto mass adoption. Supporting all major chains, including EVM, SVM, BNB ecosystems, and emerging networks like TON, AEON simplifies blockchain complexities and lowers payment hurdles.

AEON streamlines crypto payments with a versatile product suite designed for real-world adoption. Its Web3 Mobile Payment solution enables users to seamlessly pay with crypto assets at local retail stores, covering 10,000 brands and millions of merchants across Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America. AEON’s AI Payment feature empowers AI agents to execute crypto transactions on behalf of users, enhancing convenience and automation. Additional solutions include Online Web3 Payment, Swap Pay, and emerging Web3 payment solutions.

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Cryptocurrencies have evolved from speculative assets to a legitimate investment class. However, investing in digital assets requires a well-structured crypto investment strategy to balance risk and reward. While Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) and Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) dominate the market, diversification across multiple cryptocurrencies can enhance portfolio stability.

Financial firms like WisdomTree (NYSE:WT) have recognized this trend, offering exchange-traded products (ETPs) to provide diversified exposure to digital assets. By integrating a crypto investment strategy, investors can minimize volatility while capturing the sector’s growth.

The Role of Crypto Indices in Portfolio Diversification

A strong crypto investment strategy includes exposure to multiple digital assets rather than relying solely on Bitcoin. Investors traditionally diversify equity and bond portfolios, and the same principle applies to cryptocurrencies. The CoinDesk 20 index, often compared to the S&P 500 for crypto, allows investors to track a broad selection of digital assets.

WisdomTree’s latest ETP, based on the CoinDesk 20, provides investors with a practical and diversified way to engage with the crypto market. This approach removes the complexity of selecting individual tokens while ensuring exposure to the broader digital asset ecosystem.

Trends in Crypto Adoption and Market Growth

Cryptocurrency adoption has surged globally, with institutional investors incorporating digital assets into their portfolios. The total crypto market capitalization has reached approximately $3 trillion, rivaling traditional investment sectors like high-yield bonds and emerging market equities.

While the United States leads in crypto regulation, Europe has been a pioneer in providing investment solutions such as ETPs. Since 2019, firms like WisdomTree have enabled investors to access crypto markets through structured financial products, enhancing accessibility and security.

Staking and Yield-Generating Crypto Investments

A comprehensive crypto investment strategy should also consider yield-generating opportunities such as staking. Certain crypto ETPs allow investors to participate in network governance while earning staking rewards. WisdomTree’s ETPs incorporate staking for select assets, providing an additional revenue stream alongside price appreciation.

By including staking in a diversified crypto portfolio, investors can optimize returns while supporting the underlying blockchain networks. This strategy is particularly relevant as decentralized finance (DeFi) continues to expand, offering new ways to generate passive income.

Conclusion: Building a Long-Term Crypto Investment Strategy

A successful crypto investment strategy involves more than just buying Bitcoin. Diversification across multiple digital assets, leveraging index-based investment products, and incorporating staking can create a well-rounded portfolio.

As institutional adoption grows and financial firms expand their crypto offerings, investors have more options than ever to build a sustainable crypto investment strategy that balances risk and reward.

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The rise of cryptocurrency has been a major financial trend over the past decade, and a new study highlights just how widespread crypto adoption in the U.S. has become. According to the 2025 State of the Crypto Holders Report, 55 million American adults now use digital assets, with a majority reporting positive experiences.

Crypto Ownership Is More Diverse Than Expected

The study, conducted by the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) in partnership with Harris Poll, surveyed 10,000 American crypto holders. It found that crypto adoption in the U.S. spans various demographics:

• 67% of crypto holders are under 45, but 15% are over 55. 
• 31% of holders are women, breaking the stereotype that cryptocurrency is male-dominated. 
• 12% of holders work in construction, compared to 7% in financial services. 
• 42% of crypto owners earn more than $150,000 annually, but 26% make under $75,000. 
• 40% hold less than $5,000 in digital assets, showing that crypto isn’t just for wealthy investors. 

Stuart Alderoty, President of the NCA, emphasized that crypto adoption in the U.S. is not limited to a single type of person. “People from all backgrounds are engaging with crypto in many ways, and they’re already benefiting from it today,” he stated.

High Trust in Crypto and the Role of Regulation

Despite concerns about volatility and security, trust in cryptocurrency remains high among holders:

• 76% trust crypto as much or more than traditional banks. 
• 64% support government regulation of crypto, but 67% fear it could stifle innovation. 
• 73% want the U.S. to become a global leader in crypto and blockchain technology. 

These findings suggest that while crypto holders recognize the need for regulation, they also want policies that encourage growth rather than limit adoption.

Why Americans Are Embracing Crypto

The survey revealed that crypto provides value beyond investment returns. The top reasons for adoption include:

• Learning opportunities and personal growth (45%) 
• Excitement about new technology (45%) 
• Sense of achievement from investment gains (44%) 

More than half (56%) of holders entered the market between 2020 and 2025. The most common reasons were investment potential (60%), curiosity (50%), and recommendations from friends and family (36%).

How Crypto Is Being Used Beyond Investing

While many view crypto as an investment, a significant portion of users are actively spending and engaging with digital assets:

• 39% use crypto to buy goods and services. 
• 96% of these buyers make at least one crypto purchase annually, and 9% use it daily. 
• 32% trade NFTs, while 20% participate in decentralized gaming. 
• 15% use crypto for real estate transactions. 

The Future of Crypto Adoption in the U.S.

Looking ahead, crypto holders believe digital assets will play an essential role in financial and technological advancements. Key expectations include:

• 45% believe crypto can improve financial inclusion and reduce poverty. 
• 38% see crypto driving innovation in digital transactions. 
• 33% expect crypto to enhance international trade. 

With growing adoption and strong optimism, the future of crypto in the U.S. looks promising. As regulations evolve and new use cases emerge, the digital asset economy is likely to expand even further.

As cryptocurrency adoption in the U.S. continues to grow, the focus will likely shift toward improving accessibility, security, and education. With millions of Americans already using digital assets, businesses and financial institutions may increasingly integrate blockchain technology into their services. Additionally, regulatory clarity could help legitimize the industry and attract more mainstream investors. However, challenges remain, including cybersecurity risks and fluctuating market conditions. Despite these obstacles, the enthusiasm for digital assets suggests that crypto is here to stay. As innovation drives further adoption, the U.S. could cement its position as a leader in the global cryptocurrency landscape.

Looking ahead, the role of crypto in everyday transactions, investment portfolios, and financial inclusion will likely expand. As more individuals and businesses embrace digital assets, education and regulation will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future. With growing awareness and adoption, cryptocurrency could become a fundamental part of the modern financial system.

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GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ostium, the pioneering leveraged trading platform for Real World Assets, today announced the launch of its Ostium Points Program, a competitive system tracking user activity and engagement across the platform designed to help incentivize trading, referrals, and liquidity provisioning across its ecosystem. Today the platform enables users to long or short stocks, commodities, indices and currencies.

The program officially launches on Monday, March 31, 2025, with an initial points distribution of 10 million points allocated retroactively to early adopters who have been active on the platform prior to the program launch. Retroactive points emphasize recognizing users on Ostium’s public Mainnet and private Mainnet, testnet, and pre-testnet phases. Visit ostium.app/points to check your points allocation.

500,000 points will be distributed weekly based on user activity. Weekly points distribution may increase and available points will be communicated at the start of each week.

The program is designed to recognize early adopters while creating an engaging competitive environment for all participants. By acknowledging users who contribute to the ecosystem through their trading activity, referrals, and liquidity provision, Ostium aims to further strengthen its community of traders and liquidity providers.

The Ostium Points Program features the following components:

• Real-time score tracking: Scores update immediately when users trade or provide liquidity. These scores are converted into points at the end of every week.
• Weekly conversions to points: Every Sunday at midnight UTC, accumulated scores convert to points based on relative participation levels. Score tracking then resets for the new week.
• Dual scoring system: The program tracks two types of scores: Trading/Referral scores and Liquidity Provision scores. While there are two score categories, they combine into a single points total.
• Competitive leaderboards: Users can monitor their real-time ranking against other participants in both score categories and in the global points leaderboard.
• Referral benefits: The program allocates 1 trading score for every 5 trading scores generated by referred users. Users who sign up with a referral code receive a 5% boost on all trading scores.
• Community contributions: A small portion of weekly points is optionally reserved for substantial open-source contributions to the protocol, such as critical bug reports and technical research.

The Points Program represents the next phase in Ostium’s community development strategy, building on its mainnet launch that brought access to global macro markets for the first time onchain.

The Ostium Points Program begins March 31, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET. Users can view their point allocations and track their scores on the platform’s interface. New points are allocated weekly on Sundays at midnight UTC.

For more information about the Ostium Points Program, visit www.ostium.app/points.

About Ostium

Ostium is the leading leveraged trading platform for Real World Assets offering the first onchain long/short exposure to markets like the Nasdaq, Gold, and Oil. The platform enables users to trade stocks, commodities, indices and currencies. Ostium was founded by alumni from Harvard, Bridgewater, and BlackRock and is supported by top-tier investors such as General Catalyst, LocalGlobe, Susquehanna (SIG), GSR, and Alliance DAO.

Note: The Ostium Points Program is designed for tracking engagement and participation. Points have no monetary value, cannot be transferred, sold, or exchanged for any consideration, and do not represent any ownership interest, investment opportunity, or any right to any future rewards. Ostium reserves the right to modify or terminate the program at any time.

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