A prominent DeFi project, World Liberty Finance, has made a significant $18.6 million investment in Ethereum (ETH) and Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC), according to on-chain data from Onchain Lens [1]. The transaction involved the conversion of $18.6 million in USDC stablecoin into 1,911 ETH, valued at $8.6 million, and 84.5 WBTC, worth $10 million. This move has sparked discussions among market participants and analysts regarding the broader implications for institutional adoption and DeFi market dynamics.

The acquisition reflects a strategic approach to securing exposure to high-liquidity digital assets. By investing in ETH and WBTC—two foundational cryptocurrencies—World Liberty Finance is positioning itself to benefit from decentralized finance protocols, including liquidity provision, collateral opportunities, and yield-generating strategies. These assets are critical to the DeFi ecosystem, enabling participation in lending, borrowing, and trading platforms.

The transaction also highlights the increasing confidence in digital assets among high-profile entities. While the project is reportedly linked to the Trump family, its substantial capital deployment into ETH and WBTC underscores a broader trend of traditional finance circles recognizing the potential of blockchain-based financial systems. Such investments suggest a shift toward long-term value rather than speculative short-term gains.

Institutional crypto adoption has been a key theme in recent market developments. When well-capitalized entities commit significant resources to digital assets, it often signals a growing acceptance of blockchain technology within traditional financial frameworks. This particular transaction further reinforces that narrative, demonstrating that DeFi is no longer a niche sector but a viable alternative to conventional financial services.

For the DeFi market, this move provides insight into ongoing trends. The purchase of core assets like ETH and WBTC indicates a belief in the continued growth and utility of decentralized protocols. It may also reflect an intent to participate more actively in the DeFi ecosystem, whether through liquidity pools, asset-backed lending, or other innovative financial models.

Despite the potential benefits, DeFi remains a complex and evolving landscape. Smart contract vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, and impermanent loss in liquidity pools are challenges that must be carefully navigated. However, large-scale investments like this one suggest that the perceived advantages—such as financial autonomy, yield generation, and decentralized governance—outweigh the risks for some major players.

The broader implications for the crypto market are also noteworthy. Increased capital inflows from projects like World Liberty Finance could lead to improved liquidity, price stability, and greater institutional interest. This trend may contribute to the long-term maturation of the market and the integration of digital assets into mainstream financial infrastructure.

In summary, the $18.6 million investment by World Liberty Finance into ETH and WBTC represents a bold and strategic move in the DeFi space. It reflects both the growing confidence in digital assets and the accelerating pace of institutional adoption. As more traditional players enter the crypto market, the sector is likely to see further innovation and expansion.

Source: [1] World Liberty Finance: A Monumental $18.6M Crypto Investment in ETH and WBTC Signals Bold DeFi Move (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/689fecf9b4904459a1de3ca8/)

Miomi Game, a web3 esports platform launched on multiple blockchain across the ecosystem, has integrated Polygon to bring gaming prizes in Agora’s stablecoin AUSD to players.

The esports online arena announced the integration with Polygon on Friday, and eyes fast, low-cost, and secure transactions for players. With this move, Miomi Game players can now create, join matches and win using AUSD on the Polygon network

AUSD is an institutional-grade U.S. dollar pegged stablecoin backed 1:1 with USD. The stablecoin’s reserves are backed with assets held in Agora’s reserves, including USD and cash equivalents. Miomi Game’s tapping into the AUSD token on Polygon comes as the platform ramps up its traction across the blockchain ecosystem.

Apart from Polygon, the game is live on SKALE, Manta Network, TON Blockchain, Tezos and Mango Network.

The eSports platform allows gamers to join player versus player matches, tournaments and social features. With AUSD, Miomi can offer real crypto prizes to winners directly on the Polygon network. Games include first-person shooter title Counter Strike: Global Offensive and FIFA.

Multichain and USDT support

The Miomi Game platform, which offers both web2 and web3 games, boasts over 950,000 users and has seen more than 4.8 million matches played.

Meanwhile, players have created over $143 million in prize pools. Integrating crypto prizes via platforms such as Polygon adds to its growing adoption.

Miomi recently added support for Tether (USDT), currently the largest USD-pegged stablecoin with over $165 billion in market cap. USDT support for Miomi Game on Manta Network went live on Aug. 13.

The esports market, valued at $2.1 billion in 2024, is among the fastest-growing gaming sectors and projects such as Miomi Game are taking advantage. 

Recently, the platform  collaborated with Fortify Labs to integrate Etherlink, a Tezos-powered Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible non-custodial layer 2 blockchain. Miomi will leverage the partnership to expand its user growth.

DeFi Development Corp. has executed a $112.5 million convertible notes offering to fund its Solana (SOL) acquisition strategy, marking a significant step in its treasury diversification and operational focus on the Solana ecosystem. The 5.5% convertible senior notes due 2030, marketed under Rule 144A, were upsized from the initial offering target, reflecting strong investor interest in the company’s long-term positioning in the DeFi space. The offering is expected to close on July 8, subject to customary conditions [1].

Net proceeds from the transaction are projected at approximately $108.1 million, with a potential increase to $132.2 million should the $25 million option be fully exercised. Of the initial amount, $75.6 million will be allocated to a prepaid forward stock purchase transaction with an initial investor, a structure designed to facilitate hedging for note holders. The remaining capital is earmarked for general corporate purposes, including the continued accumulation of SOL [1].

The notes feature an initial conversion price of $23.11 per share, representing a 10% premium to the company’s stock price of $21.01 on July 1. The conversion feature allows investors to benefit from potential upside in DFDV’s stock while providing the company with a flexible funding mechanism. The notes are set to mature on July 1, 2030, with optional redemption features available from July 5, 2026 [1].

The company has recently purchased an additional 110,000 SOL tokens for around $22 million, bringing its total holdings to 1.42 million SOL and equivalent assets. The Solana portion of its treasury is now valued at $263 million, reflecting a strategic pivot toward becoming a full-time Solana-focused accumulation and staking entity. DeFi Development Corp. has also reported daily staking revenue of approximately $63,000, with an Annualized Organic Yield (AOY) of 10% [1].

The convertible offering in July 2025 has enabled the firm to expand its Solana exposure while reinforcing its influence in the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. The company’s strategy includes offering staking services to third-party investors, leveraging its growing asset base to generate additional income streams [1].

DeFi Development Corp.’s accumulation pace has outstripped that of similar firms like Upexi and Sol Strategies, establishing it as one of the most active corporate buyers of Solana in the current DeFi expansion phase. Multiple independent platforms, including Coingecko, The Block, and Coinlive, have documented the company’s growing Solana holdings, reinforcing the credibility of its public disclosures [1][2][3]. The firm’s financial performance further validates its strategy, with Q2 net income reaching $15.4 million, largely driven by $21.2 million in fair-value gains from its Solana holdings [4]. As of the latest report, DeFi Development Corp. holds $89.2 million in Solana-related assets out of total assets of $107.2 million [4].

The use of convertible notes as a financing tool demonstrates the company’s ability to adapt to market conditions while pursuing a long-term growth strategy. By securing stable capital at a favorable rate and offering investors the option to convert into equity, DeFi Development Corp. is positioning itself to navigate volatility while maintaining a strong balance sheet [5]. This approach aligns with broader DeFi trends emphasizing liquidity management and strategic treasury planning [1].

Source:

[1] title1 (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/08/16/solana-treasury-defi-development-corps-holdings-rise-to-263-million/)

[2] title2 (https://www.coinlive.com/news-flash/872214)

[3] title3 (https://www.coinlive.com/en/news-flash/872140)

[4] title4 (https://www.stocktitan.net/sec-filings/JNVR/10-q-janover-inc-quarterly-earnings-report-4d1342d75bb5.html)

[5] title5 (https://www.bankless.com/read/the-strategy-and-bitmine-playbook-showdown)

In 2025, BNB Chain emerged as the leading platform for decentralized applications (DApps), surpassing Ethereum in the top 10 dApp rankings. According to data from August 2025, BNB Chain hosted 5,836 DApps, compared to Ethereum’s 5,096 [1]. This shift highlights the growing preference for platforms offering low transaction fees and high throughput, particularly in the DeFi and Web3 sectors.

The transition is attributed to BNB Chain’s competitive advantages, including significantly reduced transaction costs and rapid processing times. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Blockchain Research noted that such efficiency could boost DApp adoption by up to 40%, underscoring the strong link between cost-effectiveness and decentralized development [1]. Additionally, the rise of Layer-2 solutions such as Polygon, Arbitrum, and Base—hosting 2,473, 762, and 740 DApps respectively—has further accelerated the move toward scalable, low-cost infrastructure without compromising Ethereum compatibility [1].

Ethereum remains a dominant force in the DApp ecosystem, particularly in technical security and institutional adoption. However, BNB Chain’s focus on cost-efficiency has enabled it to attract developers seeking to build fast and affordable applications, especially in DeFi and NFTs. Meanwhile, Polygon, Arbitrum, Base, and others have carved out niche roles in the ecosystem, each offering distinct advantages based on speed, cost, or development tools [1].

This development marks a broader trend toward a multi-chain future, where users and developers are increasingly selecting networks based on efficiency, flexibility, and market reach, rather than defaulting to a single chain. The DeFi market has also shown resilience, with projects from the 2020–2022 era regaining momentum. Aave, for example, reported a total value locked (TVL) of $38.04 billion as of 2025, representing nearly a quarter of all DeFi TVL [3]. Uniswap’s v4 version, launched in early 2025, has driven a TVL of over $1 billion and cumulative trading volume exceeding $11 billion [3].

Euler Finance, despite a major 2024 hack, has rebounded strongly. Its TVL reached $1.2 billion by 2025, and its native token, EUL, surged over 950% from its 2023 low, hitting a high of over $15 [3]. The protocol also launched EulerSwap, a decentralized exchange that processed more than $1 billion in cumulative trading volume since May 2025 [3].

Pendle has leveraged the Boros platform to drive both TVL and price growth. Pendle’s TVL hit $8.8 billion in 2025, fueled largely by Boros’ innovation in converting BTC/ETH funding rates into tradable assets [3]. Spark Protocol, a project evolving from MakerDAO, has also seen a sharp rise, with SPK’s price surging over 400% in a month to a high of $0.18 [3]. Spark’s TVL grew by 250% since April 2025, reaching $7.4 billion by July [3].

In the DeFi trading space, Fluid has emerged as a strong contender, with daily on-chain trading volumes surpassing Uniswap at approximately $1.5 billion in August 2025 [3]. Fluid’s innovative Liquidity Layer has enabled shared liquidity across multiple chains and contributed to its 55.5% share of stablecoin trading volume on major chains [3].

The broader DeFi market has demonstrated strong resilience, with cumulative TVL approaching $206 billion in 2025, nearly matching its all-time high [3]. This resurgence has been driven by the return of institutional capital into crypto through real-world asset (RWA) and compliant lending products, as well as renewed retail interest in yield-generating protocols [3].

BNB Chain’s ascent as the top DApp platform underscores the evolving dynamics of the blockchain ecosystem. While Ethereum continues to lead in smart contract innovation and institutional use, BNB Chain’s focus on scalability and cost-efficiency has allowed it to capture significant market share in 2025 [1]. The DeFi sector, meanwhile, continues to show adaptability and growth, with both veteran and emerging projects playing key roles in the ecosystem’s evolution.

Source:

[1]title1 BNB Chain leads dApps in August 2025 (https://coinfomania.com/bnb-chain-leads-dapps-aug-2025/)

[3]title3 2025 Summer Counterattack and Ecosystem Innovation (https://www.odaily.news/en/post/5205673)

Polemos and Civitas, the first ever blockchain-based co-created 4X strategy game, have just announced a new cooperation. This cooperation will make Web3 gaming more tangible for users, thereby increasing interactions and collaboration.

Civitas combines the classic 4X experience; explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate with blockchain-underlying ownership and community governance. 

Players will be able to develop towns, trade resources, and form partnerships, all without losing their actual economic incentives in the game.

Bringing Communities Together With Polemos

The Polemos infrastructure will simplify the management of wallets, asset transfers, and in-game payments within Civitas, allowing users to focus on their gaming experience.

It will simplify the integration of new and experienced players, allowing them to join Civitas, manage assets, and take part in the process without experiencing the complexity of the blockchain interaction normally.

Simplifying Web3 Gaming for Everyone

Polemos has been building the tools to reduce the barrier of entry into blockchain gaming to enable the players to experience it without having to know everything about cryptocurrencies. 

The collaboration with Civitas is consistent with this mission because the tools will be utilized in the game, requiring players to think socially and develop dynamic player-driven economies.

This approach simplifies the gameplay for Civitas players, allowing them to either build a prosperous town, compete for limited resources, or pursue larger ambitions. 

To Polemos, it is one more step toward its wider penetration into the Web3 gaming industry and the economy to promote games with rich and solid gameplay and the benefit of the blockchain.

As Web3 gaming continues to develop, these partnerships reaffirm that the industry will offer more convenient experiences and become a more secure environment supported by an interest group. 

The technology developed by Polemos and the innovative game design employed by Civitas will make it easier and more pleasant to play in the blockchain game.

New York State lawmakers are advancing a proposed tax on digital asset transactions, marking a significant step in the state’s ongoing efforts to regulate the rapidly growing cryptocurrency market. Assemblyman Phil Steck, a Democrat, introduced Assembly Bill 8966, which would impose a 0.2% excise tax on the sale and transfer of cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within New York. The bill aims to generate additional revenue for state programs while bringing digital assets under a more structured tax framework [1].

The proposed legislation applies broadly to both individual and institutional participants in the crypto market, including those engaging in frequent trading or large-volume transactions. While the tax rate itself is relatively modest, the cumulative impact for active traders could be significant. The bill also raises questions about how it will affect the behavior of crypto users in the state. Some analysts suggest that the tax could encourage users to move their activities to jurisdictions with more favorable regulatory environments [2].

The legislative process for Assembly Bill 8966 includes several key steps. The bill must first be reviewed and approved by a New York State Assembly committee. If successful, it will move to a full vote by the Assembly, followed by the governor’s signature or veto. The outcome will depend on the balance of political will and stakeholder input, particularly from the crypto industry and financial regulators. Given the evolving nature of digital assets, any changes to the bill during these stages could alter its final form and impact [1].

The timing of the proposal is notable, as crypto prices remain elevated. Bitcoin recently reached a new all-time high of $124,000, signaling continued investor confidence and a broader appetite for digital assets [2]. This trend has intensified regulatory interest in the sector, with lawmakers in both New York and Washington calling for increased oversight. The proposed tax aligns with a growing global movement to integrate crypto markets into traditional financial systems, though its execution remains a subject of debate.

New York’s regulatory focus extends beyond digital assets. Lawmakers are also advancing measures to enforce federal tax rules at the state level, including stricter oversight of politically active nonprofits. While these initiatives are separate, they reflect a broader strategy to close perceived regulatory gaps and enhance financial transparency [1].

The potential passage of Assembly Bill 8966 could set a precedent for other states seeking to regulate crypto markets. However, the bill is likely to face legal and political challenges. Critics argue that imposing a tax on digital asset sales could discourage innovation and investment in the sector, especially if the policy is viewed as overly burdensome or retroactive [2]. The final outcome will depend on how lawmakers and regulators balance these competing interests.

As the bill moves through the legislative process, stakeholders will closely monitor its progress. The decision will not only impact New York residents but also influence the trajectory of digital asset regulation across the U.S. For now, the proposal underscores the increasing role of state governments in shaping the future of cryptocurrency and highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory oversight and market innovation [1].

—

Source:

[1] Bill targets politically active nonprofits in New York (https://www.news10.com/news/ny-capitol-news/johnson-amendment-state-enforcement/)

[2] Bitcoin climbs to all-time high of $124000 as investors snap … (https://m.economictimes.com/markets/cryptocurrency/crypto-news/bitcoin-climbs-to-all-time-high-of-124000-as-investors-snap-up-riskier-assets/amp_articleshow/123293154.cms)

Investments in Web3 gaming projects surged to $60 million in July, after a three-month lull, with investors focusing on games built around fun, according to blockchain analytics platform DappRadar.

March still had the highest month for Web3 gaming funding this year at $69 million, but after a slump in April, May and June, capital was flowing again “primarily to projects with proven teams, strong IP, or infrastructure supporting multiple games,” DappRadar analyst Sara Gherghelas said in a report published on Thursday. 

However, smaller studios were suffering, and projects without traction or sustainable economies were closing or pivoting, according to Gherghelas.

“It’s a Darwinian stage for Web3 gaming: tough for small players, but potentially healthy for long-term stability.”

Investors backing “fun-first” Web3 games

Investors have also shifted to favor games that focus on fun first rather than as an afterthought, with optional blockchain elements, back-end tech like wallets, artificial intelligence tools, and cross-chain systems.  

Gherghelas said in the short term, there will likely be fewer but stronger Web3 game releases, cross-platform launches, and brand-driven titles to attract mainstream audiences.

“The hype cycles may be behind us, but what we are witnessing is a more grounded, sustainable foundation being built, one that could make the next wave of Web3 gaming bigger and more resilient than ever.”