Stay current with the latest news, analysis, and trends in Decentralized Finance (DeFi). Explore the world of DeFi protocols and innovation.
DeFi
Balancer Labs will wind down after a $128 million exploit exposed structural and legal risks tied to its v2 pools. The move signals a shift toward DAO-led operations as protocols reconsider corporate wrappers after major security incidents. Co-founder Fernando Martinelli confirmed the decision in a forum post Monday, citing ongoing
DeFi
Polymarket has introduced stricter market integrity rules across its DeFi platform and U.S. regulated exchange, as prediction markets process record volumes exceeding $18.6 billion in February. The changes signal a shift toward institutional-grade compliance standards. Polymarket outlined new prohibitions targeting insider trading, fraud, and manipulation, applying across both
DeFi
Core Scientific has expanded its credit facility to $1 billion, marking one of the largest financing deals tied to the transition from bitcoin mining to AI-focused infrastructure. The scale reflects growing institutional conviction in compute-driven revenue models over traditional mining. Core Scientific secured an additional $500 million commitment from JPMorgan
DeFi
Rising geopolitical tensions around the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt up to 20% of global oil supply, amplifying risk across financial markets. The potential shock introduces renewed downside pressure for crypto assets already struggling for momentum. Arthur, CEO of DeFiance Capital, warned on March 20 that escalation in the Middle
DeFi
The World Gold Council has proposed a unified infrastructure to standardize tokenized gold markets, aiming to align digital issuance with physical custody systems. The initiative signals growing institutional focus on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization beyond crypto-native frameworks. Outlined in a March 18 white paper, the proposed “Gold as a Service”
DeFi
Long-term bitcoin holders reduced selling activity across all age cohorts in March, signaling easing distribution pressure in the market. The shift points to a more stable supply dynamic at a time of macro-driven volatility. VanEck reported that transfer volumes from long-term holders declined month-over-month, indicating fewer coins moving to market.
DeFi
The European Central Bank has opened applications to define digital euro infrastructure. The move signals continued progress toward a central bank digital currency despite unresolved legislative and market competition risks. The European Central Bank is recruiting experts for two workstreams under its Rulebook Development Group. One focuses on technical specifications
DeFi
S&P Dow Jones Indices has licensed its benchmark for the first officially sanctioned S&P 500 perpetual futures contract on a decentralized exchange. The product marks a direct bridge between traditional financial benchmarks and crypto-native derivatives markets. The license was granted to Trade.xyz, a perps provider
DeFi
Ironlight Group has secured $21 million in Series A funding to scale infrastructure for tokenized securities in the United States. The capital injection signals growing institutional interest in blockchain-based versions of traditional financial assets. The Texas-based fintech said the round included backing from former TD Bank president and CEO Greg
DeFi
A new decentralized finance protocol combining lending and trading systems has launched on mainnet after roughly a year of development. The release of Ammalgam introduces a unified architecture designed to reuse liquidity across multiple DeFi functions. The platform operates as a decentralized lending exchange, or DLEX, integrating borrowing, lending, and
DeFi
Ark Labs raised $5.2 million in seed funding to expand programmable finance infrastructure on Bitcoin. The round signals renewed interest in bringing stablecoins and financial applications directly onto Bitcoin’s security layer. The financing included backing from Tether, along with Ego Death Capital, Epoch VC, Lion26, Sats Ventures, and
DeFi
Mastercard has recruited more than 85 cryptocurrency firms and financial companies into a new partner program designed to integrate stablecoin payments into its global network. The initiative signals a strategic effort by card schemes to remain central to digital payments as blockchain settlement systems expand. Participants in the program include