PENGU, the token associated with the Pudgy Penguins NFT collection, experienced a significant surge in price, driven by a notable increase in NFT sales. On July 21, PENGU rose over 18% to an intraday high of $0.039, marking its highest price since January 8. This rally brought the token’s gains to around 360% since last month’s low and approximately 850% above its year-to-date bottom.

The price surge propelled PENGU to become the top performer among the top 100 crypto assets by market capitalization, ranking as the 59th largest crypto asset with a market cap currently standing above $2.3 billion. This surge was accompanied by a strong rebound in Pudgy Penguins’ non-fungible token sales over the past seven days, with sales climbing by 51.93% to $10 million. This performance ranked Pudgy Penguins as the fourth most popular NFT collection during this period, overtaking other popular projects.

Momentum for PENGU also picked up as Smart Money investors increased their exposure to the token. According to data, these wallets now hold $101.21 million worth of the token, marking a 6.7% rise over the last 7 days. Interest from Smart Money is often viewed as a bullish signal, as retail investors tend to follow their moves.

PENGU’s recent gains could also be driven by optimism surrounding the potential start of an Altcoin Season. According to several analysts, Ethereum (ETH) outperforming Bitcoin’s (BTC) daily performance in recent days may be inferred as a sign that momentum is leaning in favor of altcoins. The leading altcoin by market cap hit a 7-month high of $3,840 and holds gains of over 24.1% over the past 7 days, a stark contrast to BTC, which has dropped 0.3% during the same period.

On the daily chart, PENGU had earlier broken out of a cup and handle pattern, triggering a sharp 75% rally that hit the target price of $0.031. The token has since flipped a key ascending trendline, which had been acting as key resistance in recent weeks, into support, signaling a notable shift in market structure. It is also consolidating within a bullish pennant pattern, a continuation formation that typically precedes upward price movement.

More importantly, the 50-day simple moving average has crossed above the 200-day moving average, forming a golden cross, widely regarded by traders as a strong long-term bullish signal. Momentum indicators support this view as well. Both the MACD and RSI are trending higher, indicating strengthening buying pressure and sustained momentum.

Given these technical signals, the next likely target for PENGU is the $0.055 resistance level, which aligns with the 78.6% Fibonacci retracement. The level sits approximately 44% above the current price. With no other resistance levels remaining after the target, a clean breakout could push its price back to the all-time high of $0.069.

DeFi Development Corp, a Nasdaq-listed company, has acquired a substantial amount of Solana (SOL), reaching 999,999 SOL in its treasury. This significant purchase was made between July 14 and July 20, 2025, totaling 141,383 SOL. The acquisition was executed through a combination of spot market buys, discounted locked tokens, and staking or validator rewards. The company confirmed this development in an official statement on Monday, highlighting that all newly acquired SOL is being staked immediately to earn native yield and help secure the Solana network.

The timing of this move was particularly advantageous. Solana surged 12% on Monday, climbing above $202, reflecting strong bullish sentiment. This surge was partly fueled by DeFi Development Corp’s aggressive accumulation strategy. Over the past seven days, SOL has increased by more than 25%, indicating renewed investor confidence in the cryptocurrency.

DeFi Development Corp has also raised $19.2 million by issuing 740,000 shares of common stock this month. With $5 million in proceeds still available, the company could potentially acquire approximately 24,752 additional SOL at current market prices. The firm has publicly stated its focus on Solana, with no plans to expand to any other cryptocurrency in the foreseeable future. CEO Joseph Onorati emphasized that Solana’s native yield and price volatility offer a unique advantage, allowing the company to monetize volatility for the benefit of shareholders through convertible debt financing.

DeFi Development Corp, formerly known as Janover, transitioned from a real estate finance platform to a crypto-focused strategy firm. Its first Solana purchase was made on April 8, 2025, acquiring 2,858 SOL. Despite its bold move into the crypto space, the company’s stock (DEFC) dipped 3.65% on Monday, closing at $23.52. It slightly recovered in after-hours trading to $24.55, suggesting some investor skepticism toward short-term gains.

The trend of building Solana treasuries is gaining traction among other companies as well. On July 10, Bit Mining, a Bitcoin mining company, announced a $300 million capital raise to pivot into the Solana ecosystem. Additionally, MemeStrategy, a company based in China Hong Kong, surged 28.5% in mid-June after acquiring 2,440 SOL, becoming the first publicly listed company in the region to back Solana directly.

The recent surge in Non-Fungible Token (NFT) sales has reignited discussions about the potential resurgence of the NFT market. This boom has not only shaken up the market but also brought back memories of the 2021 NFT craze, when digital art and collectibles were selling for astronomical prices. The current trend is marked by a renewed interest from both individual collectors and institutional investors, who are once again exploring the potential of NFTs as a viable investment asset.

The resurgence of NFTs can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the technological advancements in blockchain technology have made NFTs more secure and accessible. This has attracted a wider audience, including those who were previously skeptical about the technology. Secondly, the growing acceptance of digital assets by mainstream financial institutions has also played a significant role. Many traditional financial players are now exploring ways to integrate NFTs into their portfolios, further legitimizing the market.

NFT trading volume has hit record levels across multiple collections, with the sales of CryptoPunks increasing by more than 11,700 percent, which rallied the market. High demand is focused on top-tier and rare digital collectibles. The NFT market cap increased by $1 billion within a single day and rose by 17 percent, or by $5.1 billion to $6 billion. This sudden increase in the volume of NFT trading is noteworthy given the market’s relative stagnation. Investor interest is renewed and trade volume suddenly exploded.

Such blue-chip NFTs as CryptoPunks took the lead, provoking rumors that the NFT craze that has swept the digital asset market in the past years could make a comeback. CryptoPunks registered an amazing 11,737 percent growth in sales volume in 24 hours with total sales worth over $15.4 million. The transactions increased by 8,600 percent to 87 sales as opposed to a very low figure in the past. The activity of buyers increased by 1,800 percent, as 19 buyers bought desirable objects of collection. This activity notwithstanding, the holding period is relatively constant at 202 days.

At $179,000, the floor price of CryptoPunks has risen by 16%. This action spurred a buying spree, with one wallet alone paying more than 2,000 ETH to purchase 45 CryptoPunk NFTs in a matter of hours from the time it was made. This trade made the OpenSea platform shine and contributed to a wave in the market. Other prominent Ethereum-based collections also contributed to the rally. Floor pricing for Pudgy Penguins went up by 15 percent, reaching 16.6 ETH. On the other hand, the prices of Bored Ape Yacht Club and Moonbirds went up by 6.9 percent and 31.1 percent, respectively. The amount of sales of NFTs per day increased by almost 287 percent to more than $37 million.

The overall NFT market cap leaping to the level of $6 billion indicates that investors and collectors are becoming more confident. The boom comes after months of slowing down and declining volumes in most of the NFT industries. The analysts cite the increase in the prices of Ethereum that has seen the cryptocurrency increase by 55 percent in the last one month as one of the reasons behind this new NFT buying frenzy.

Yat Siu, a leader in digital entertainment, has underlined the importance of NFTs in the cultural economy of Ethereum and not necessarily as a financial speculation vehicle. The new wave of blue-chip NFTs demonstrates the continued popularity and worth of old collections in the new Web3 world. This sharp rise can introduce a new cycle of NFTs, as investors will begin to move capital back into the major digital collectibles that have proven to have long-term demand and cultural relevance.

However, the resurgence of NFTs is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the environmental impact of blockchain technology. The energy-intensive nature of mining and transaction verification has raised questions about the sustainability of NFTs. Additionally, the regulatory landscape for digital assets remains uncertain, with different regions implementing varying levels of oversight. These factors could potentially hinder the growth of the NFT market in the long run.

Despite these challenges, the current boom in NFT sales suggests that the market is far from over. The renewed interest from both individual collectors and institutional investors indicates that NFTs have the potential to become a mainstream investment asset. As the technology continues to evolve and more high-profile collaborations take place, the NFT market is likely to see further growth and innovation. The future of NFTs remains uncertain, but the current trend suggests that the market is poised for a resurgence, with new opportunities and challenges on the horizon.

Tapzi, a next-generation decentralized gaming platform, has officially rolled out its platform along with an early access presale, aiming to redefine the Web3 gaming space. With its launch scheduled for 21st July 2025 at 18:00 UTC, the platform is positioning itself as a high-skill, fair-play alternative to the typical GameFi landscape.

This new platform distinguishes itself by offering real-time, player-versus-player (PvP) experiences that emphasize competitive integrity over chance-based mechanics or passive income models. Unlike many Web3 games that depend on idle rewards or random number generation, Tapzi focuses on skill-based matches in games such as Chess, Checkers, Rock-Paper-Scissors, and Tic Tac Toe. A robust anti-cheat system and secure matchmaking are built into the gameplay to ensure that every win is genuinely earned through performance rather than probability.

Cross-Platform, Instant Gaming with No Gas Fees

Accessibility stands at the core of Tapzi’s strategy. The platform requires no downloads and offers seamless, gasless gameplay across devices, including web browsers, Android, and iOS. With a user-friendly interface and minimal entry barriers, Tapzi aims to attract both casual and competitive players from regions such as the U.S., U.K., South Korea, and Europe.

The platform has been designed to provide instant game access without the complexities of traditional blockchain onboarding. This makes it particularly attractive to users unfamiliar with Web3 technology but interested in competitive gaming.

Supporting Developers with an Integrated Launchpad

Tapzi is not just a gaming destination; it also functions as a launchpad for independent Web3 game developers. The platform includes integrated development kits (SDKs), staking modules, and tools that support the rapid creation, deployment, and monetization of new skill-based games.

According to the development team, the goal is to create an arcade ecosystem that promotes fair competition and simplifies the development process. The platform encourages developers to focus on building quality gameplay experiences rather than navigating complex blockchain infrastructure. Community visibility tools are also included, enabling new games to gain traction quickly among Tapzi’s growing user base.

Competitive Ecosystem and Player Recognition

Tapzi’s ecosystem supports a global leaderboard and regular tournaments, offering players the opportunity to compete for recognition and rewards. These features are expected to promote engagement and skill progression, giving players tangible goals beyond mere entertainment or speculative gains.

Early Access Presale Now Open

As part of its launch campaign, Tapzi has initiated an early access presale through its official website. Participants will receive access to upcoming tournaments, platform-specific rewards, and competitive features designed to enhance the gaming experience from the start.

Tapzi enters the Web3 space with a unique approach—one that combines real-time skill games with a developer-first mindset. By eliminating luck-based mechanics and introducing gasless, instant play across devices, the platform offers a modern solution for gamers and creators seeking substance and fairness in decentralized gaming.

The blockchain industry is no stranger to disruption, but Solana’s recent evolution under Jito’s Blocksmith Auction Market (BAM) marks a paradigm shift. By redefining how blockspace is allocated and monetized, BAM is not merely optimizing transaction sequencing—it is constructing a new economic layer for decentralized finance (DeFi). For investors, this innovation represents more than technical novelty; it is a catalyst for a flywheel of value creation that could redefine the competitive landscape of blockchain ecosystems.

The MEV Bottleneck and Solana’s Unique Position

Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) has long been a contentious force in blockchain networks. On Ethereum, MEV has led to front-running, censorship, and inefficient resource allocation, undermining user trust and developer innovation. Solana, with its high throughput and low latency, has avoided some of these pitfalls—but not all. The challenge has been to harness MEV as a positive force rather than a destructive one.

Jito’s BAM addresses this by introducing a programmable, verifiable framework for transaction sequencing. Unlike traditional block builders, BAM uses Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to simulate and rank transaction bundles without exposing sensitive data. This ensures fairness while preserving the confidentiality of private strategies. The result is a system where MEV becomes a tool for efficiency rather than exploitation.

BAM’s Modular Architecture: A Developer’s Playground

The BAM system is composed of three pillars: nodes, validators, and plugins. Each plays a distinct role in unlocking new revenue streams and composability for developers.

1. BAM Nodes: These act as schedulers, optimizing transaction order using secure hardware. By prioritizing bundles that maximize blockspace value, nodes ensure that the most economically beneficial transactions are executed first.
2. BAM Validators: Running the updated Jito-Solana client, these validators execute the optimized block structure on-chain. Their role is critical in ensuring that the theoretical gains of BAM are realized in practice.
3. Plugins: This is where the magic happens. Developers can now build custom logic into the blockspace economy, creating applications that monetize transaction priority, arbitrage, and even infrastructure-level tasks like oracle updates. The plugin architecture turns blockspace into a programmable asset, enabling a new class of DeFi primitives.

The implications are profound. Developers are no longer constrained by the rigid rules of traditional blockchains; they can now design applications that dynamically respond to market conditions, user behavior, and network demand. This shift from static to programmable execution is the cornerstone of Solana’s competitive advantage.

The Flywheel of Value Capture

What makes BAM particularly compelling is its potential to create a self-reinforcing cycle of value. As developers build more sophisticated applications on BAM, they generate additional MEV, which in turn attracts more users, validators, and liquidity. This flywheel effect mirrors the growth dynamics of successful platforms like Amazon or Meta, where network effects compound over time.

Consider the evolution of Jito Tips, the precursor to BAM. Initially a tool for MEV extraction, Jito Tips now account for over 60% of Solana’s priority fee volume. Their adoption has transitioned from tactical (winning a single transaction) to structural (ensuring consistent execution), and from manual to ambient—embedded in wallets and infrastructure. This shift reflects a broader transformation: blockspace is becoming a coordination layer, where tipping behavior is no longer about outpacing competitors but about maintaining reliability in high-contention environments.

Investment Implications: Solana as the New MEV Frontier

For investors, the BAM-driven revolution presents two key opportunities:

1. Longing Solana (SOL): As BAM enhances the utility and demand for blockspace, SOL’s value proposition strengthens. The token’s role in staking, governance, and transaction fees becomes more critical, potentially driving upward pressure on its price.
2. Supporting BAM Ecosystem Projects: Startups and protocols leveraging BAM’s plugin architecture could become the next generation of DeFi leaders. Early-stage investments in teams building arbitrage bots, oracle networks, or liquidity protocols on BAM could yield outsized returns.

However, risks remain. Centralization concerns persist if Jito’s dominance in blockspace grows unchecked. Additionally, regulatory scrutiny of MEV mechanisms could disrupt the ecosystem. Investors should monitor these dynamics closely while assessing Solana’s technical and governance resilience.

Conclusion: A New Era for Blockspace

Jito’s BAM is more than an upgrade—it is a reimagining of what blockspace can be. By transforming MEV into a programmable, transparent, and secure asset, BAM empowers developers to create applications that were previously impossible. This innovation not only enhances Solana’s efficiency but also positions it as a leader in the next phase of DeFi evolution.

For those willing to look beyond the hype, the BAM-driven flywheel offers a compelling case for Solana’s long-term potential. In an industry where first-movers often dominate, Solana’s ability to adapt and innovate may prove to be its most valuable asset.

The non-fungible token (NFT) market has witnessed a remarkable surge, with its capitalization exceeding $6 billion, marking a 28% increase within a 24-hour period. This rapid growth is largely attributed to the performance of blue-chip NFT collections, which have led the rally. Daily sales in the sector jumped by 191% to $46 million, indicating a strong revival in market activity. The market cap has continued to rise, reaching $6.4 billion, driven by higher prices for blue-chip NFTs, increased trading volume, and a bullish sentiment in the broader cryptocurrency market.

The surge in the NFT market is not an isolated event but part of a broader trend. Global NFT sales increased by 14% to $165 million over a week, signaling a market revival after a period of stagnation. Ethereum-based collections have been at the forefront of this resurgence, with Ethereum dominating the market with $96 million in sales, reflecting a 59% weekly growth. This dominance is further underscored by the fact that Ethereum retained its position as the leading blockchain for NFT transactions, notching $32 million in NFT sales over 24 hours, a 339% spike.

A major catalyst for this surge was a high-profile transaction involving CryptoPunks. A newly created wallet spent approximately $5.87 million to purchase 45 CryptoPunk NFTs within a few hours. This transaction significantly impacted OpenSea, where the wallet now holds assets valued at over $6.5 million. CryptoPunks led the rally, with floor prices climbing 14% from the previous day to $175,320. This surge pushed the project to the top of the 24-hour sales leaderboard, clocking in over $14.7 million in volume. Other Ethereum collections also saw gains, with Moonbirds recording a 31.1% increase, Pudgy Penguins rising 2.7%, Bored Ape Yacht Club seeing a 6.9% increase, and niche collections like Infynex Patron gaining 9.4%.

The broader uptick in the NFT market signals a shift in sentiment as investors appear to be rotating capital back into high-value NFT assets. The rise in activity coincides with a sharp increase in wallet activity and a visible uptick in both buyer and seller participation. Ethereum alone saw over 5,400 buyers and 6,000 sellers across NFT marketplaces within the same period. While it remains unclear whether this momentum will sustain, the sharp uptick shows how quickly sentiment can shift in the NFT space.

Not all platforms or blockchains experienced the recovery to the same extent. While Ethereum-based collections surged, others like Immutable and Polygon recorded smaller gains or minor dips, showing Ethereum’s ongoing lead in high-value NFT transactions. CryptoPunks’ leading role in the recent surge shows the enduring appeal of iconic collections with cultural significance, particularly when major investors join the action.

This rapid influx of funds and interest might indicate the onset of a wider market recovery. However, experienced analysts warn that the NFT market remains unpredictable and closely tied to overall cryptocurrency trends. The market had been mired in sluggishness for months, with volumes declining and floor prices softening across major collections. The recent surge highlights the potential for quick shifts in market sentiment and the influence of high-profile transactions on overall market dynamics. The 24-hour NFT volume spike to over 412% implies a rapid influx of capital, possibly from sidelined investors re-entering the market.

The recent commencement of options trading for DeFi Technologies (Nasdaq: DEFT) on the Nasdaq Options Market marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of decentralized finance (DeFi). By enabling investors to trade options with standardized expiration dates and strike prices, the listing not only enhances liquidity in DEFT’s shares but also signals growing institutional confidence in the integration of DeFi assets into traditional capital markets. For investors, this development represents a strategic inflection point, offering tools to hedge risks, leverage positions, and capitalize on the long-term potential of a company uniquely positioned at the intersection of Web3 and Wall Street.

The Mechanics of Enhanced Liquidity

Options trading introduces a new layer of market depth to DEFT’s stock. With the ability to trade calls and puts, investors can express directional views on the company’s future performance while mitigating downside risk. This is particularly significant for DeFi Technologies, which operates a diversified ecosystem spanning digital asset management (via Valour’s ETPs), institutional-grade custody (Stillman Digital), and AI-driven trading strategies (Neuronomics). The inclusion of options on Nasdaq—facilitated by the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) and governed by standard regulatory frameworks—ensures that these tools are accessible to both retail and institutional participants.

The liquidity boost is not merely theoretical. DeFi Technologies’ robust balance sheet, with C$61.9M in cash and digital assets as of April 2025, provides a solid foundation for investor confidence. This financial strength, coupled with the options listing, creates a self-reinforcing cycle: greater liquidity attracts more institutional participation, which in turn reinforces the stock’s stability and long-term value. For context, the average daily trading volume of DEFT has surged by 40% post-listing, according to Nasdaq data, a trend that aligns with broader market adoption of DeFi-focused equities.

Regulatory Alignment and Institutional Trust

A critical factor underpinning DEFT’s options listing is its adherence to U.S. and Canadian securities regulations. The company’s Form 40-F registration with the SEC and its compliance with Nasdaq’s corporate governance standards demonstrate a commitment to transparency—a non-negotiable requirement for institutional investors. This regulatory alignment is especially important in the DeFi space, where volatility and regulatory uncertainty have historically deterred large-cap investors.

The Nasdaq options market itself has undergone recent reforms to accommodate rising trading volumes. For instance, the reduction of the Options Regulatory Fee (ORF) from $0.0016 to $0.0014 per contract in May 2025 reflects Nasdaq’s proactive approach to maintaining a competitive edge in the options market. These adjustments, while technical, reduce transaction costs for investors and signal a maturing infrastructure capable of supporting DeFi’s institutionalization.

A Broader Trend: DeFi’s Mainstream Inroads

DeFi Technologies’ options listing is emblematic of a larger shift. Institutional investors, long skeptical of crypto’s speculative nature, are increasingly allocating capital to DeFi assets that offer regulatory clarity and diversified exposure. Valour’s exchange-traded products (ETPs), for example, provide access to over 65 digital assets through a familiar ETF structure, bridging the gap between traditional and decentralized finance. Similarly, Stillman Digital’s institutional-grade custody solutions address a key barrier to adoption: secure asset management for high-net-worth clients and institutional funds.

The company’s AI-driven quantitative trading arm, Neuronomics, further underscores its appeal to institutional investors. By leveraging machine learning to analyze market sentiment and execute trades in real time, Neuronomics exemplifies how DeFi is not just a speculative trend but a technology-driven evolution of capital markets. This technological sophistication, combined with regulatory compliance, positions DeFi Technologies as a bellwether for the sector.

Investment Implications and Strategic Considerations

For investors, the options listing presents multiple avenues for participation. Conservative strategies could involve purchasing put options to hedge against market downturns, while more aggressive investors might use call options to amplify gains if DEFT’s stock continues its upward trajectory. The key is to align these strategies with the company’s long-term fundamentals: a growing AUM (up 132% to C$1.18B in 2024), strategic acquisitions (e.g., Stillman Digital), and a diversified revenue stream across ETPs, custody, and research.

However, risks remain. DeFi’s inherent volatility—driven by crypto price swings and evolving regulatory landscapes—means DEFT’s stock could experience sharp corrections. Investors should also monitor the SEC’s stance on crypto ETFs and the broader Nasdaq options market reforms, which could impact trading dynamics.

Conclusion: A Gateway to the Future of Finance

DeFi Technologies’ Nasdaq options listing is more than a technical milestone—it is a harbinger of how traditional markets are beginning to absorb DeFi’s innovations. By offering investors structured tools to engage with the stock, the company is democratizing access to a sector that was once the domain of niche traders. For institutions seeking exposure to the future of finance without sacrificing regulatory compliance, DEFT represents a compelling, albeit complex, opportunity. As the lines between Web3 and Wall Street blur, those who recognize the strategic value of this convergence may find themselves well-positioned for the next phase of market evolution.

TORONTO, July 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – DeFi Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “DeFi Technologies“) (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B), a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance, today announced that the Company’s common stock is now available for options trading on the Nasdaq Options Market (“Nasdaq”).

Trading in DeFi Technologies’ options commenced on June 21, 2025 under the ticker symbol “DEFT” and include a range of standard expiration dates and strike prices. This listing of options is expected to expand investor access and may enhance liquidity in the Company’s shares, providing investors with added flexibility to manage risk, leverage positions and express views on the Company’s future stock performance. DeFi Technologies believes this milestone reflects continued growth in investor interest and confidence in the Company’s long-term strategic outlook.

Options trading on DeFi Technologies is available through the Options Clearing Corporation (“OCC”) and will be subject to standard rules and regulations established by Nasdaq and the OCC.

About DeFi Technologies
DeFi Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq: DEFT) (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) is a financial technology company bridging the gap between traditional capital markets and decentralized finance (“DeFi“). As the first Nasdaq-listed digital asset manager of its kind, DeFi Technologies offers equity investors diversified exposure to the broader decentralized economy through its integrated and scalable business model. This includes Valour, which offers access to over sixty-five of the world’s most innovative digital assets via regulated ETPs; Stillman Digital, a digital asset prime brokerage focused on institutional-grade execution and custody; Reflexivity Research, which provides leading research into the digital asset space; Neuronomics, which develops quantitative trading strategies and infrastructure; and DeFi Alpha, the Company’s internal arbitrage and trading business line. With deep expertise across capital markets and emerging technologies, DeFi Technologies is building the institutional gateway to the future of finance. Follow DeFi Technologies on LinkedIn and X/Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/ 

DeFi Technologies Subsidiaries

About Valour
Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, “Valour“) issues exchange traded products (“ETPs”) that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies. For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com. 

About Stillman Digital
Stillman Digital is a leading digital asset liquidity provider that offers limitless liquidity solutions for businesses, focusing on industry-leading trade execution, settlement, and technology. For more information, please visit https://www.stillmandigital.com

About Reflexivity Research
Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/

About Neuronomics AG
Neuronomics AG is a Swiss asset management firm specializing in AI-powered quantitative trading strategies. By integrating artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience and quantitative finance, Neuronomics delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive superior risk-adjusted performance in financial markets. For more information please visit https://www.neuronomics.com/

Analyst Coverage of DeFi Technologies

A full list of DeFi Technologies analyst coverage can be found here: https://defi.tech/investor-relations#research.

For inquiries from institutional investors, funds, or family offices, please contact: ir@defi.tech 

Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information: 
This press release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the commencement of option trading on the NASDAQ; the potential benefits of the option trading on NASDAQ; the Company’s business and future growth prospects; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited to the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and digital asset sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and digital assets; fluctuation in digital asset prices; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

THE CBOE CANADA EXCHANGE DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

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SOURCE DeFi Technologies Inc.

Animoca Brands co-founder and executive chair Yat Siu has expressed his belief that a resurgence in the NFT sector could push Ethereum to new all-time highs, surpassing its previous peak during the 2021 bull run. In a recent post, Siu highlighted the historical relationship between Ethereum’s price and NFT market activity, noting that Ethereum last hit its all-time high of around $4,800 in November 2021, coinciding with the peak of the NFT boom.

Since then, both Ethereum and the broader NFT sector have faced a prolonged downturn. However, signs of a revival are emerging, with blue-chip NFT collections like CryptoPunks recently seeing double-digit floor price gains. The total NFT market capitalization has surpassed $10 billion and is steadily approaching its 2021 high of $15.6 billion. This sector uptrend has also coincided with Ethereum crossing the $3,800 mark for the first time since December 2024.

Siu believes that ETH’s price could rise if the community taps into NFTs as cultural items to be embraced rather than viewed solely as financial instruments. He argued that NFTs embody identity, social status, and community belonging, which drive real economic value. Siu acknowledged that NFT trading has become increasingly fragmented across different blockchains, with Ethereum’s dominance in the sector now accounting for less than half of all NFT trading volume when excluding Layer 2 networks.

Despite the fragmentation, Siu sees Ethereum’s cultural influence as a long-term advantage. He compared the cultural role of NFTs to luxury brands such as Hermès and Rolex, which are valued for symbolism rather than utility. He stated, “You don’t buy a Birkin bag to put stuff in it just as much as you don’t buy a Rolex to tell the time. NFTs represent the cultural, social and symbolic power of a community.”

Siu also emphasized ETH’s unique role as a spending token, unlike Bitcoin, which he described as rooted in a “HODL” culture. According to him, “ETH is a utility token and holding it is for the opportunity to engage in something important i.e to spend such as in DeFi, some token and yes also NFTs. This is also the reason why ETH rising is bullish on-chain because we spend unlike BTC users whose culture is infinite HODL.”

Considering this, he urged Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin to embrace NFTs as financial assets and pillars of Ethereum’s cultural economy. He stressed, “NFTs are the backbone of the Ethereum cultural economy much more than just financial, it’s about culture, status and ultimately belonging.”