The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is set to become a cornerstone of Japan’s emerging blockchain ecosystem, following a new strategic partnership announced September 30, 2025, between SBI Ripple Asia and Tobu Top Tours, a major Japanese travel agency.

The partnership aims to build a payment platform that not only uses digital tokens but also connects them with NFTs, opening doors for creative new use cases

XRPL Partnership to Launch in 2026

SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture between Ripple and SBI Holdings, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Tobu Top Tours. Their shared goal is to launch a new platform by the first half of 2026. 

Each partner company will be able to issue its own unique tokens, which can then be linked with NFTs carrying added functions. XRPL will power a new payment platform that links unique tokens with NFTs.

NFTs as Digital Souvenirs and Vouchers

One of the most exciting ideas being explored is NFTs that double as “digital souvenirs” or discount vouchers for future travel bookings. This new platform leverages XRPL’s speed, low fees, and eco-friendly design, proven earlier this year when SBI minted over 900 Expo 2025 NFTs. 

Now with 28.2 million visitors expected at events like the Osaka World Expo, this system shows real potential for large-scale use.

For Tobu Top Tours, it’s a new way to engage travelers, while also supporting Japan’s fan economy and local communities.

Beyond Travel: Wider Use Cases

The platform won’t be limited to tourism. Customers could eventually use it for dining, shopping, and regional services, making payments more seamless while also unlocking new possibilities for businesses and local communities. 

By tying tokens and NFTs together, the project is aiming to deliver more than just faster transactions, it’s about creating real-world utility.

XRP Ledger’s Growing Capabilities

The initiative represents a departure from traditional NFTs as pure digital art collectibles. Since the introduction of NFT support in 2022 through XLS-20, developers have been able to build features like royalties and anti-spam protection. 

More recently, DynamicNFTs (XLS-46) have enabled NFTs that can change over time, opening new opportunities in gaming, ticketing, and identity solutions.

Crypto market is showing mixed signals today with Bitcoin rebounding 2.39% to break past $114,000, while Ethereum also climbed above $4,200. Gains were seen in CeFi, Layer 1, Layer 2, and PayFi sectors, with tokens like Aster and Mantle posting strong moves. However, the AI and DeFi sectors slipped nearly 3% and 1% respectively, though select tokens such as KAITO and Lido DAO bucked the trend with double-digit and mid-single-digit gains.

But what else is happening in crypto news today? Follow our up-to-date live coverage below.

The post [LIVE] Crypto News Today: Latest Updates for Sept. 30, 2025 – Bitcoin Tops $114K, Ethereum Above $4.2K While AI and DeFi Sectors Face Losses appeared first on Cryptonews.

The non-fungible token (NFT) market endured a turbulent seven-day tank as leading collections recorded double-digit percentage floor price declines, joining Ethereum’s retreat from the recently achieved $4,957 all-time high, just a day ago.

Data from DeFiLlama and CryptoSlam show significant floor price drops across the top 10 blue-chip projects, along with heavy volatility in blockchain sales rankings.

According to CoinGecko data, the total NFT market cap now stands at $6.46 billion, down from $8 billion recorded on August 18. The figures show a 4.71% decline in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, total daily NFT sales volume reached $19.8 million.

The weakness comes as Ethereum, the dominant blockchain for NFTs, reached a record high of $4,957 on August 24, but has since pulled back to trade near $4,400. Market analysts have spotted its support between $3,900 and $4,000, and holding this zone could set the stage for a move toward the $6,000 to $8,000 range. 

However, a breakdown below $3,900 risks exposing the asset to downside movements below $3,500.

Blue-chip NFT collections feel the brunt of market corrections

The objective flagship collection of the NFT market, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), saw its floor price tumble 8.30% in the past day, leaving it at 9.5 ETH. Over the last week, BAYC has fallen 14.41%.

Another legacy project, CryptoPunks, registered a 2.61% decline in the last 24 hours and a 1.39% slide over the week. Its floor price is still comparatively high at 48.2 ETH. 

Moonbirds, a collection that surged in popularity in early 2022, dropped 7.86% on the day and 9.29% across the week, bringing its floor to 2.93 ETH. Meanwhile BAYC offshoot Mutant Ape Yacht Club (MAYC), shed only 0.39% in the last 24 hours but has fallen 16.57% in seven days, one of the steepest weekly drops among top-tier collections.

Even Pudgy Penguins, one of the few NFT projects that has steadied its community momentum this year with product launches, has not escaped the downturn. The collection’s floor sits at 10.27 ETH, up 2.78% on the last day but down 15.75% in the last seven days.

Smaller projects Lil Pudgys climbed 5.89% daily despite a 12.51% weekly loss, while Azuki gained 5.72% on the day though still posting a 4.18% intraweek decline. Quills Adventure stood out as a rare gainer, soaring 6.01% in 24 hours and an impressive seven day 72.39% uptick, though from a much lower base with a floor at 0.29 ETH.

Other collections such as Memeland Captainz and Otherdeed Expanded fared poorly. Memeland Captainz dropped 15.66% on the last day and 23.91% over the week, among the sharpest losses recorded. Otherdeed Expanded managed a small 3.16% daily uptick but shed over 18.33% since August 19.

Amid plunging floor prices, total NFT sales across blockchains have gone up in the last 24 hours. Data from CryptoSlam shows $12.88 million in sales happened on Ethereum within the time frame, up 48.51%. Including $3.7 million in wash trades, Ethereum’s total NFT activity reached $16.61 million.

KEY Difference Wire helps crypto brands break through and dominate headlines fast

Stellar (XLM) is flashing bullish signals in the last 24 hours. The coin has seen an uptick in decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption within this period, leading to a price surge. DefiLlama data shows that approximately 400 million XLM have been locked in Stellar by investors.

Stellar’s total value locked (TVL) gains momentum

Notably, this refers to the total value locked (TVL), which measures the value of crypto assets deposited on the DeFi protocol. The fiat value of this stands at $143.35 million, a 1.56% increase within the last 24 hours.

This increase in the amount of TVL staked XLM signals that DeFi apps on Stellar are gaining traction and attracting more users and liquidity. It indicates growing investor confidence in Stellar’s DeFi ecosystem, and this is beginning to impact the price outlook.

As of press time, Stellar is changing hands at $0.3658, marking a 3.74% increase within this time frame. The asset previously jumped to a peak of $0.3708 before its slight dip to the current level. Meanwhile, trading volume has spiked by a significant 61.9% to $184.2 million.

The uptick in these metrics suggests that the asset has the potential for bullish growth. If the momentum is sustained, Stellar could climb toward the $1 mark in the next couple of weeks.

Last week, when Stellar’s volume rose by 36%, it created a resultant upsurge in price. With approximately double the volume increase triggered by the DeFi growth, XLM is likely to continue on an upward trajectory.

Market analysts believe that if Stellar could cross the $0.40 price resistance level, it could catalyze the $1 target.

Institutional adoption strengthens Stellar’s outlook

Recent institutional adoption of Stellar by traditional players could support the price outlook. Visa and PayPal’s recent partnerships could further expand XLM’s real-world utility. These integrations confirm the asset’s role in cross-border payments and DeFi.

Stellar investors are anticipating this uptick as October is set to roll in in less than 48 hours. With an average growth rate of 6.79%, XLM is likely to make an attempt to soar upward, particularly as October is considered a bullish month for crypto assets.

If history repeats itself, Stellar could record increased capital inflows that might positively impact the price outlook in October.

Stellar (XLM) is flashing bullish signals in the last 24 hours. The coin has seen an uptick in decentralized finance (DeFi) adoption within this period, leading to a price surge. DefiLlama data shows that approximately 400 million XLM have been locked in Stellar by investors.

Stellar’s total value locked (TVL) gains momentum

Notably, this refers to the total value locked (TVL), which measures the value of crypto assets deposited on the DeFi protocol. The fiat value of this stands at $143.35 million, a 1.56% increase within the last 24 hours.

This increase in the amount of TVL staked XLM signals that DeFi apps on Stellar are gaining traction and attracting more users and liquidity. It indicates growing investor confidence in Stellar’s DeFi ecosystem, and this is beginning to impact the price outlook.

Singapore, 28th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, It’s time to explore the non-traditional ways of gaming with the decentralized mechanics, no more play stations, no joysticks – with the blockchain the evolution of gaming is going to be bigger. Web3 Gaming Labs, sponsored by Global Games Show, is all set to host gamers, investors, innovators, developers for an astonishing afternoon that will leave you bewildered as to what more you can do through innovation and gamification.

The event will host some of the most exciting sessions that will engage the room with –

Expert panel discussions with leading Web3 gaming founders and investors

Educational workshops on in-game economy, NFTs and player owned assets

Open forum networking with top 1% Web3 investors, founders and gamers

Mock demos from gaming experts’ projects

Powered by the Times Of Games, this event will surely shift the growth and accelerate innovation in the gaming world through Web3.

So no more playing traditional games, evolve into digitalization of playing, earning and owning all through blockchain, NFT and immersive communities of next-gen gamers.

Get into an experiential and interactive gaming zone, and witness how Web3 and blockchain technologies are powering the next generation of gaming; from idea incubation to live, playable ecosystems.

Join Web3 Gaming Labs this September in Singapore and be part of the revolution in interactive entertainment.

Venue: Guoco Midtown, Singapore

Contact: contact@web3gaminglabs.com

This release was published on openPR.

Singapore, Singapore, September 29th, 2025, Chainwire

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), the tokenized version of Bitcoin used in Decentralized Finance (DeFi), has announced its expanded integration across several blockchain networks and protocols. This expansion is part of an effort to improve cross-chain functionality and support broader usage of Bitcoin within the DeFi ecosystem. By increasing compatibility with high-performance networks, WBTC continues to serve as a standardized vehicle for representing Bitcoin across diverse decentralized applications.

Launched in early 2019, WBTC enables Bitcoin holders to access decentralized applications with a fully custodied, verifiable 1:1 token. Today, WBTC represents approximately USD 14.5 billion in market capitalization, offering some of the deepest liquidity across DeFi markets.

WBTC is Setting a New Bitcoin Standards, Bitcoin Multichain

Building on its recent native launch on Solana, WBTC continues to expand into additional chains, enabling developers and users to transact Bitcoin with lower costs and higher efficiency. Its design emphasizes institutional-grade custody, transparency, and compatibility across ecosystems.

By anchoring Bitcoin in the multichain economy, WBTC extends the utility of the world’s largest digital asset and sets a benchmark for tokenized assets at scale.

Protocols Engaging with WBTC This Season:

WBTC is integrated across hundreds of protocols in DeFi, powering exchanges, lending, staking, and cross-chain applications. During the New Bitcoin Era season, a number of protocols are introducing opportunities where WBTC plays a role, including Tapp Exchange, Hyperion, NAVI protocol, Volo, Thala, Echelon, Shadow Exchange, Beefy, PancakeSwap, Sonic Labs, TeleSwap, Hemi, Renzo Protocol, Structured, Saros, Concrete, Starknet.

About WBTC – Bitcoin’s Passport to DEFI

WBTC is the new Bitcoin standard. A singular identity for Bitcoin across multiple chains. It brings Bitcoin into environments where speed, capital efficiency, and scale are essential, while maintaining fidelity to Bitcoin’s original principles. There is no second. WBTC stands alone in its role, trusted, verifiable, and engineered for a multichain world.

Website: wbtc.network

Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Participation in DeFi protocols carries risks, and users should conduct their own research before engaging with any DeFi protocols.

Contact

Director of Marketing Operation
YC Song Nadia
WBTC
nadia.song@wbtc.network

Singapore, 28th September 2025, ZEX PR WIRE- Web3 Gamers Hub, in partnership with Gamers Unchained, is set to host an exclusive Community Networking event that brings together gamers, developers, creators, and innovators shaping the next era of decentralized gaming. The gathering will take place on 29 September 2025 at Guoco Tower, Singapore, offering a dedicated space where conversations, collaborations, and creativity take center stage.

Unlike conventional gaming conferences filled with panels and product pitches, this event, powered by CryptoNewsZ, is built around authenticity and community. Attendees can expect a welcoming introduction followed by open networking and informal discussions, designed to spark genuine connections between Web3 gamers, blockchain developers, NFT creators, and project teams. The focus is on creating an environment where ideas flow naturally, partnerships form organically, and everyone walks away with new insights and opportunities.

Sponsored by the Global Games Show, the event is expected to attract a diverse mix of participants, from Web3 gaming enthusiasts and performance marketers to developers integrating blockchain into their games and community leaders driving engagement in NFT and play-to-earn ecosystems. Founders and project teams will also find fertile ground for building strategic partnerships, while gamers themselves will be at the heart of conversations about how decentralized technology is reshaping gameplay, ownership, and digital identity.

With exclusivity and intimacy at its core, Web3 Gamers Hub × Gamers Unchained ensures that every participant has the opportunity to connect meaningfully. The goal is not only to encourage networking but also to drive actionable collaboration, whether through co-created campaigns, strategic alliances, or new game concepts born from shared discussions.

By joining Web3 Gamers Hub × Gamers Unchained, participants step into a community shaping the next era of Web3 gaming. This is more than an event-it’s a space where ideas spark collaboration, and collaborations turn into real innovation.

Enter the arena where collaboration turns imagination into the next big Web3 game.

Event Details

Date & Time: 29 September 2025, 2:00 PM SGT

Venue: Guoco Tower, Singapore

This release was published on openPR.

Web3 Gaming Labs Event TOKEN2049 Singapore Highlights

Singapore – September 29 2025 – Central to reshaping entertainment into the future, Web3 Gaming Labs by Global Games Show invites you on a tour of decentralized gaming trends during an exclusive TOKEN2049 Singapore side event. Operating through Times of Games, Web3 Gaming Labs will observe how blockchain powers the creation of next-generation gaming. This immersive experience will bring together leaders, developers, investors, and gamers to explore gamification formed through blockchain innovation and the future of interactive entertainment. 

Step inside an experiential and interactive gaming zone that will allow you to witness, from first-hand tortures, the powers of Web3 and blockchain technologies in incubating next-generation gaming, all the way to shipping of live and playable game ecosystems.

The Web3 Gaming Labs side event allows attendees to ramp up their experiences, watch live demonstrations of the newest blockchain games, and hit the play zones offered by the hosts; workshops will equip them to learn from the throes with pros about gamification mechanics, tokenomics, and player engagement strategies.

There are expert panels and fireside chats on blockchain game economies, metaverse playgrounds, and venture funding; mentorship and networking intend to connect creators, studios, and other Web3 pioneers. Also, there will be exclusive alpha launches and giveaways, giving early access to some brilliant new titles and rare digital rewards. This is surely going to be the gaming innovation event of the next generation. 

Who must join the Web3 Gaming Labs 2025? 

Gaming & Web3 Founders 

Game Developers & Studios 

Investors (VCs, Angels, Gaming Funds)    

Web3 Gaming Labs is a global incubator dedicated to assisting and enabling the creators working in blockchain gaming. Through technical assistance, strategic mentoring, and community building, Web3 Gaming stretches the boundaries of creative thinking, from intent to actual engaging, immersive gaming experiences powered by decentralized technologies.

Join Web3 Gaming Labs this September in Singapore and be part of the revolution in interactive entertainment.

Venue: Guoco Midtown, Singapore

Contact: contact@web3gaminglabs.com

In a significant development for cryptocurrency traders and blockchain enthusiasts, MistTrack has announced its integration into the Blockchair dApp Gallery, enhancing on-chain analysis capabilities across multiple networks. This move, shared by author @MistTrack_io on September 28, 2025, positions MistTrack as a powerful tool for identifying entities, exchanges, and wallets directly on address pages spanning 17 blockchain chains. With over 300 million labeled addresses and seamless counterparty insights, this update promises to revolutionize how traders monitor transactions and assess risks in real-time. For crypto traders, this integration means quicker access to vital data that can inform trading decisions, such as spotting whale movements or detecting suspicious activities that might signal market shifts in assets like BTC and ETH.

MistTrack’s Expansion Boosts Crypto Trading Intelligence

The core of this announcement revolves around MistTrack’s ability to provide detailed insights into blockchain addresses, which is crucial for traders navigating the volatile crypto markets. By joining the Blockchair dApp Gallery, users can now explore labeled data on entities and wallets without leaving the platform, covering major chains including Ethereum, Bitcoin, and emerging networks. This seamless integration allows for rapid identification of counterparties, helping traders avoid potential scams or high-risk transactions. Imagine analyzing a Bitcoin wallet’s history and instantly seeing if it’s linked to a known exchange or a sanctioned entity—this level of transparency can directly impact trading strategies, such as deciding when to enter or exit positions based on on-chain metrics. According to the announcement, the tool’s database of over 300 million labeled addresses offers unparalleled depth, enabling users to track trading volumes, transaction patterns, and even correlations with market indicators like RSI or moving averages.

On-Chain Metrics and Their Role in Market Analysis

Diving deeper into trading applications, MistTrack’s features align perfectly with current market demands for robust on-chain analytics. Traders can leverage this for monitoring key metrics such as transaction volumes on pairs like BTC/USDT or ETH/BTC, identifying support and resistance levels influenced by large wallet activities. For instance, if a cluster of labeled addresses shows increased inflows to exchanges during a price dip, it could signal an impending rally, providing actionable insights for day traders or long-term holders. Without real-time market data in this context, we can still highlight how such tools have historically correlated with market movements; for example, spikes in on-chain activity often precede volatility in altcoins. This integration not only enhances security by flagging risky counterparties but also opens up opportunities for arbitrage across chains, where traders can spot discrepancies in trading volumes and capitalize on them swiftly.

From a broader perspective, this development ties into the growing intersection of AI-driven analytics and cryptocurrency trading. As an AI analyst, I see MistTrack’s expansion as a boon for incorporating machine learning models that predict market trends based on labeled data. Institutional flows, often tracked through such tools, have shown patterns where large entities accumulate BTC during bearish phases, influencing overall market sentiment. Traders should consider resistance levels around recent highs, such as BTC’s hover near $60,000 in past sessions, and use MistTrack to validate these with on-chain evidence. The tool’s emphasis on seamless insights means less time spent on manual research, allowing focus on high-probability trades. Moreover, for stock market correlations, events like this in crypto can signal shifts in tech stocks, as blockchain adoption drives interest in related equities, creating cross-market trading opportunities.

Trading Opportunities and Risk Management with Enhanced Tools

Looking ahead, the implications for trading are profound. With MistTrack now accessible via Blockchair, users can integrate this into their workflows for better risk management, such as avoiding wallets tied to hacks or rug pulls that have plagued DeFi spaces. Trading volumes on major pairs often spike following such analytical enhancements, as seen in past integrations that boosted user engagement and market liquidity. For AI tokens, this could amplify sentiment, given the analytical prowess involved, potentially leading to upticks in tokens like FET or AGIX if traders perceive improved market intelligence. To optimize trading, focus on metrics like daily active addresses and their correlation to price action—data points that MistTrack excels at providing. In summary, this partnership empowers traders with precise, timestamped insights, fostering a more informed approach to navigating crypto’s dynamic landscape, while highlighting the need for continuous adaptation in strategies amid evolving tools.