MOODENG surged significantly following a donation from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who adopted Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus, and contributed a substantial amount to support wildlife conservation. 

The S&P 500 dropped 0.04%, halting a potential "Santa Claus rally." It has risen 26% in 2024, with attention now turning to the Fed's 2025 policy and geopolitical risks. Coindesk Indices, an index measuring broader cryptocurrency market performance was down by 3.15%, with Bitcoin and Ether dropping by 3.65% and 3.81%, respectively in the past 24 hours.

Today's top performer is ME, which surged 13.9% following the launching of 'Mooz' by Cool Cows on the Magic Eden Launchpad.

Magic Eden (ME), launched in September 2021, is the largest NFT marketplace on the Solana blockchain, allowing users to buy, sell, mint, and manage tokens. Cool Cows announced the launch of "

" on Magic Eden Launchpad on December 27th. They encourage joining their Discord for a chance at WL or OG spots before launch day.

Check Out the Latest Prices, Charts, and Data of 

MOODENG surged significantly following a 

 from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, who adopted Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus, and contributed a substantial amount to support wildlife conservation. Despite the explosive price increase, analysts warn that the gains may be temporary due to broader market volatility and overbought conditions. Trading volumes spiked, but technical indicators suggest potential corrections. Overall, market sentiment remains cautious, with predictions of possible price dips before stabilization.

Yesterday, the total flow for BTC Spot ETFs was 418.7 million, with 442.9 million in non-GBTC and a -24.2 million flow in GBTC.

 is scheduled for January, with draft criteria revealed during an AMA. Participants can earn JUP tokens based on their swapping volume, starting at $800 for 50 JUP. Higher volumes can earn up to 20,000 JUP. Additional allocations are available for users of Jupiter's Perps, DCA, Limit Orders, or VA features, as well as JUP stakers and governance participants. These criteria are draft and may change.

Beginner

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MOODENG Soars After Vitalik Buterin's Wildlife Donation

Ripple USD (RLUSD) is a stablecoin designed to provide efficient, low-cost solutions for cross-border payments and DeFi, backed by U.S. dollar reserves.

 are the key to solving major financial challenges such as cross-border payments, and may soon replace many traditional fiat uses. 

 (RLUSD) aims to play a central role in this shift, offering stability and efficiency for global transactions and 

 (DeFi). This article will dive into what Ripple USD is, how it works, its main features, use cases and its potential impact on the broader stablecoin market.

Ripple USD is a stablecoin from Ripple Network, designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the U.S. dollar for stability. This stability is achieved through a collateralization mechanism supported by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term government treasuries, and other cash-equivalent assets, offering a secure and reliable digital currency.

Ripple USD is designed to provide a reliable digital currency for everyday use and to solve several challenges in the crypto and financial worlds:

Ripple introduced RLUSD in June 2024 primarily to streamline cross-border transactions for institutional players. The stablecoin has been in beta testing since August on XRP Ledger and the Ethereum blockchain, and achieved a significant milestone in December 2024 when it received approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). This regulatory nod highlights RLUSD's commitment to meeting stringent standards, strengthening its credibility and earning trust from users and investors alike.

With the NYDFS approval in place, RLUSD is set to launch on both the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum’s blockchain. Ripple will follow up with listings on exchanges including Uphold, Bitstamp, Bitso, MoonPay, Independent Reserve, CoinMENA and Bullish, with plans to expand its presence across other platforms and DeFi protocols in the future. Given Ripple's strong reputation for collaborating with financial institutions, RLUSD is poised to give established stablecoins like 

The Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin is built for efficient and reliable cross-border transactions. Each RLUSD is fully backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries and cash equivalents, ensuring it maintains a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar. This backing provides the stability users need for secure and predictable transactions.

RLUSD will run on the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchains as an 

 token to maximize compatibility with a wide range of wallets and DeFi applications. Transactions are processed via Ripple’s decentralized network, which uses a unique 

 to achieve near-instant settlement times — typically within three to six seconds. Unlike traditional blockchain systems, this process doesn’t rely on energy-intensive mining, making it faster and more eco-friendly.

 integration adds another layer of functionality, enabling RLUSD to power automated financial operations. This opens the door to innovative DeFi products and services, from lending and borrowing to yield farming. Currently in beta testing with enterprise partners, RLUSD is undergoing rigorous testing to meet high standards of security and efficiency before its official launch.

Ripple emphasizes transparency, with third-party audits of RLUSD’s reserve assets and regular progress updates. This commitment positions RLUSD as a trustworthy and versatile player in the growing stablecoin market.

Ripple USD (RLUSD) offers strong liquidity for key trading pairs on select 

 (CEXs). This feature ensures that users can buy and sell RLUSD with ease without causing major price fluctuations, resulting in a smooth and efficient trading experience.

RLUSD is issued on both the XRP Ledger and Ethereum blockchain, giving it broad compatibility across multiple ecosystems. This dual issuance ensures that RLUSD can easily be integrated into various platforms and applications, increasing its accessibility and usability across different networks.

With RLUSD, transactions can be settled almost instantly and at minimal cost, no matter where you are in the world. It reduces fees and speeds up cross-border payments and makes the process faster and more cost-effective by cutting out traditional banking intermediaries.

Integrating RLUSD into smart contracts enables automated financial operations, which are more efficient and accessible. This enhanced accessibility empowers users to easily buy, on-ramp, trade and engage in other activities within the DeFi ecosystem. RLUSD thus simplifies financial transaction management to create a more user-friendly DeFi experience.

, a trusted platform for securely managing digital assets, is already widely used by financial institutions and innovators. It combines institutional-grade security with 24/7 real-time execution, ensuring assets are safe while also easily accessible for fast transactions. Ripple Custody’s advanced governance framework streamlines operations, integrates seamlessly into existing technology systems and offers valuable additional services.

Designed for efficiency, Ripple Custody automates manual tasks and simplifies back-office operations, making asset management smoother and faster. The platform also supports flexible deployment options — Software as a service (SaaS), customer-hosted or hybrid models — so organizations can customize it to their needs. Whether for tokenization, stablecoin issuance or overall asset management, Ripple Custody is a key tool for building a strong digital asset strategy.

Ripple Custody plays an essential role in managing the security and integrity of Ripple USD (RLUSD). It ensures the underlying assets — such as U.S. dollar deposits, short-term Treasury bonds and other cash equivalents — are securely held and transparently managed, providing the stability needed for RLUSD to function effectively.

Ripple USD is designed to streamline various financial applications within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Following are some of the key use cases for RLUSD.

Ripple USD has received final approval from NYDFS and is expected to launch soon. Initially planned for a Dec 4, 2024 release, the launch was delayed due to regulatory processes, but is now anticipated to occur before the end of 2024, as 

Ripple USD is a stablecoin designed to offer a reliable, low-cost solution for cross-border payments and DeFi. Backed by U.S. dollar reserves, it ensures stability while offering quick transactions and broad blockchain compatibility. With regulatory approval and strong institutional backing, RLUSD is positioned to challenge established stablecoins. However, its success will depend upon widespread adoption and effective integration into Ripple's ecosystem, making it a promising yet competitive investment.

Intermediate

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Ripple USD (RLUSD): A Stablecoin Built for Payments

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how you can complete a series of tasks in Suilend for Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade.

Task: Complete Suilend Bybit Wallet Check-In for Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade

button in the top right corner of the page, and connect your 

: Stake at least 10 SUI to deposit sSUI in Suilend, click on 

 to confirm the transaction request in your Bybit Wallet.

: Once the deposit is completed, you’ll receive a confirmation message. 

10 SUI is now staked as sSUI via Suilend. Please navigate back to the Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade campaign page to check your completion status and earn your reward.

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How to Complete Suilend Tasks for Bybit Web3 Airdrop Arcade

Smart contract platforms serve as decentralized frameworks that enable self-executing contracts, with terms directly embedded in code

Smart contract platforms serve as decentralized frameworks that enable self-executing contracts, with terms directly embedded in code. This functionality is crucial for the operation of numerous on-chain applications, including 

, facilitating transactions without intermediaries. The landscape is divided into Layer 1 (L1) and Layer 2 (L2) networks.

L1 blockchains, such as Ethereum and Solana, provide the foundational infrastructure for 

 (DApps), while L2 networks like Arbitrum and Optimism enhance the capabilities of L1s by improving scalability and efficiency. 

Heading into 2025, Ethereum remains the dominant L1, holding a 70% share of total TVL within DeFi. However, the market is evolving, with new entrants like 

The competitive L2 space is also transforming, with 

 leading the pack, boasting a market cap exceeding $5 billion. Newcomers such as 

 are reshaping the landscape, demonstrating a trend toward diversification and innovation in blockchain technology.

Several emerging platforms are redefining the smart contract landscape through unique technological innovations and community engagement. 

, derived from Meta's Diem project, utilizes the Move programming language to enhance security and scalability. With over 200 projects in its ecosystem, Aptos has seen a 13.5x increase in TVL, reflecting strong growth.

Sui, which shares a similar heritage, focuses on scalability through its object-centric model and unique consensus mechanism that allow for individual transaction confirmation. This innovative approach has led to a remarkable 14.9x increase in TVL, signaling Sui’s potential as a formidable player in the market.

 introduces a modular blockchain architecture that bridges Move and 

 (EVM) ecosystems, aiming to enhance DeFi 

 and NFTs. Launched in late 2024, Movement emphasizes community building through hackathons and developer engagement, while its unique features appeal to a diverse user base.

 technologies with Telegram's vast user base, and 

, an L1 solution designed for high throughput and low latency. Finally, Berachain introduces a Proof-of-Liquidity consensus mechanism that focuses on aligning liquidity and security within its DeFi-centric ecosystem.

As the landscape of smart contract platforms continues to evolve, several challenges must be addressed. Security vulnerabilities remain a significant concern, as smart contracts are prone to bugs that can be exploited. Continuous auditing and robust security practices are essential to mitigating these risks.

Market saturation poses another challenge, as the influx of new platforms intensifies competition for developers and users. To stand out, new entrants are forming strategic partnerships and focusing on niche markets to differentiate themselves from established players. 

Centralization is also a critical issue, and governance structures and validator reliance must be scrutinized in order to ensure long-term viability.

Looking ahead, the outlook for smart contract platforms remains promising. Innovations in modular architectures and interoperability are improving user experience within web3, while increasing institutional interest could bring additional resources and innovation to the space. As the ecosystem continues to mature, these platforms are likely to play a pivotal role in redefining interactions with digital assets, driving demand within DeFi and beyond.

Advanced

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Smart Contract Platforms Report: Up-and-Coming Challengers to Ethereum and Solana

Crypto

Authorized push payment scams has become a significant concern not only in the traditional finance, but in crypto as well. Learn how to protect yourself against these frauds. 

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The digital age has brought about a multitude of conveniences, one of the most prominent being instant, real-time payments. However, as with most technological advancements, this convenience is not without its drawbacks. The rise of authorized push payment (APP) scams has become a significant concern worldwide.

This article will explore the risks associated with APP scams and provide valuable prevention tips to help you safeguard your finances against these fraudulent activities.

What Is an Authorized Push Payment Scam (APP)?

An authorized push payment (APP) scam is a fraudulent scheme whereby a scammer manipulates a person or business into transferring money to an account controlled by the scammer. This scam has become a prevalent form of online fraud, targeting individuals who then transfer money directly from their bank accounts to another account at the request of a scammer. 

APP scams have been around for many years, but the advent of real-time payment systems worldwide has made them increasingly attractive to criminals. Systems such as Faster Payments in the UK, PIX in Brazil, the New Payments Platform (NPP) in Australia and the recent launch of FedNow® Service in the USA have inadvertently contributed to making real-time payment fraud a reality.

In the first half of 2023, APP scams accounted for reported losses of more than $185 million, a 

 compared to the same period in the previous year. Only a fraction of funds from these losses were returned to victims, underscoring the severity of this growing problem.

APP fraud affects individuals and businesses alike. As more consumers and businesses adopt simple ways to send money in real time, the pool of potential victims increases. While crypto boosts convenience in transferring and receiving money, fraudsters can exploit this vulnerability to cheat users into different payment schemes.

Invoice and mandate schemes typically entail criminals manipulating genuine payment requests and tricking victims into rerouting the payments to the scammers’ personal accounts. This type of scam is often directed at people who settle invoices or businesses working with conveyancing attorneys, construction workers and others. Fraudsters may impersonate these professionals and assert that there’s been a change in bank account information. To counteract this type of fraud, it’s crucial to 

always confirm any modifications in payment details directly with the initial recipient

CEO fraud is a scam whereby a fraudster assumes the identity of a top-level executive (such as a CEO or CFO) within a company, and tricks individuals into processing immediate transactions to the scammer’s account. This kind of fraudulent activity’s predominant impact is on businesses. To deter acts of CEO fraud, it’s advisable to implement rigid payment approval processes within your company and motivate staff members to corroborate and document any irregular payment demands directly with the alleged sender, using reliable communication methods.

Impersonation Scams — Police or Organizations

In this fraudulent scheme, lawbreakers usually pose as representatives from banks or exchanges, employees or government authorities. They trick individuals into transferring funds to accounts under their control by alleging penalties, outstanding taxes or refunds, or claiming to provide help in “resolving your account problems” remotely. To keep from falling prey to these impersonation frauds, exercise prudence when contacted by people professing to be from authorized institutions. Authenticate their identity independently via formal routes prior to committing any payments, or permitting access to your computer system.

Impersonation Scams — Family or Friends

Scammers frequently pose as relatives or friends and concoct tales to coerce targets into executing bank transactions. These appeals usually arrive via social networking sites, or via SMS or quick messaging services. To avoid these deceptions, always use caution when dealing with a monetary request from anyone claiming to be an individual who is familiar with you. Confirm their authenticity through other channels, for instance a direct call or face-to-face meeting, prior to engaging in 

Scams involving advance payments for undelivered products or services are common, particularly on digital platforms such as social media, auction sites or 

 trading platforms. To safeguard yourself from falling victim to such fraud, it’s crucial to 

be vigilant when making online transactions

. Thoroughly investigating the credibility of the seller, scrutinizing customer feedback and considering employing secure payment options can provide additional layers of protection for buyers.

Fraudsters employ bogus investment schemes to persuade people into putting their money into phantom funds or counterfeit investments, luring them with the prospect of significant profits. These deceptive ploys can encompass several types of investments, including gold, real estate, cryptocurrencies, land banking or even wine. In order to safeguard against such investment frauds, it’s advisable to carry out meticulous investigations on potential investment avenues, solicit counsel from reliable financial consultants and maintain a healthy level of suspicion toward offers that appear overly attractive.

Swindlers often set up counterfeit profiles on social networking or matchmaking platforms and spend a great deal of time cultivating relationships with unsuspecting individuals. Once they’ve successfully built a bond of trust, these con artists invent personal issues and seek financial help to address them. In order to protect yourself from these deceptive love or friendship scams, exercise prudence when interacting online. Refrain from transferring money, investment plans, property or even cryptocurrencies to anyone you haven't physically met, and promptly inform the website administrators of any dubious activities.

The Role of Technology in Preventing APP Scams

Modern technology offers promising possibilities for preventing APP scams. Banks and crypto exchanges are now leveraging sophisticated fraud prevention software, incorporating machine learning and contextual data to identify and flag suspicious transactions. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can process data points faster and enhance fraud detection capabilities, mitigating identity risk and safeguarding customer accounts.

Clear communication with customers is crucial in the fight against APP scams. Customers should be made aware of the risks and signs of APP scams and learn how to protect themselves. Businesses can play a crucial role in educating their customers and promoting awareness around this increasingly common type of fraud.

Always independently verify any payment requests you receive — especially if they’re unexpected or seem out of the ordinary. Contact the individual or company directly using trusted contact information to confirm the legitimacy of the payment request.

Never disclose sensitive personal or financial information — such as your bank account details, birthdate, Social Security number or passwords — to unknown or unverified individuals or organizations. Scammers may use this information to perpetrate APP scams or other forms of identity theft.

Pay close attention to email addresses, phone numbers or website URLs provided in payment requests. Scammers may use slightly altered or misleading contact details to create a sense of authenticity. In addition, independently verify all contact information before proceeding with any transactions.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Enable MFA for your online banking and payment accounts whenever possible. This additional layer of security requires multiple forms of verification, such as passwords, codes or biometrics, making it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts.

For example, Bybit protects users’ funds by preventing

 unauthorized online access through a combination of advanced multi-signature Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and Threshold Signature Schemes (TSS). Users are also advised to turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure their accounts from unauthorized access.

If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts. Take a step back and carefully evaluate the situation before proceeding with any financial transactions. If in doubt, consult with a trusted friend, family member or financial advisor for guidance. Likewise, if you suspect a friend or relative is being scammed, take action to intervene before the scammer has insinuated themselves into your friend’s or loved one’s finances through ill-gotten methods.

While the advent of real-time payment systems has brought about a multitude of conveniences, it’s also opened up new avenues for fraudsters to exploit. APP scams pose a significant threat to both individuals and businesses. However, through a combination of consumer education, technological advancements and layered security measures, we can fight back against APP scams and protect our financial systems.

How to Avoid Authorized Push Payment (APP) Scams

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards

Grab Up to 5,000 USDT in Rewards