Ethereum’s price reached $4,201.46 on August 9, 2025, marking a 7.84% increase in the previous 24 hours [1]. This surge stands in stark contrast to the broader NFT market, where participation has plummeted. According to data from CryptoSlam, NFT buyers dropped by 89.83% to 73,900, while NFT sellers fell by 91.14% to 42,878 [3]. Total NFT sales declined 11% to $134.9 million, despite Ethereum’s price rally [3].

Ethereum remains the leading blockchain in NFT sales, with $58.5 million in volume, although this represents a 23.43% drop compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, wash trading on the network has fallen by 61.64% to $5.5 million, suggesting reduced speculative activity [3]. Polygon (POL) climbed to second place with $17.8 million in sales, a 56.90% increase, while Bitcoin and BNB Chain also saw shifts in market share [3].

A notable highlight of the week was the sale of CryptoPunks 1021 for 720 ETH ($2,569,908), marking a new high-water mark for the collection [3]. However, the broader CryptoPunks collection saw a 43.68% decline in sales to $11.4 million, with drops in transaction volume, buyers, and sellers [3]. Pudgy Penguins, on the other hand, showed a modest 12.76% recovery, maintaining relative stability amid the downturn [3].

The drop in buyer and seller counts is not limited to Ethereum. Across major blockchains, buyer participation has fallen drastically, with Polygon seeing the largest decline at 97.43%. BNB Chain followed closely with a 95.64% drop, and Bitcoin with 94.41% [3]. These figures underscore a broader trend of reduced activity across the NFT space.

Institutional interest in Ethereum has grown, with over 18 publicly listed firms now holding more than $500 million in ETH each [2]. Arthur Hayes, a prominent figure in the crypto industry, has also re-entered the market by purchasing Ethereum, despite previously forecasting a drop to $3,000 [4]. This institutional and individual re-entry highlights a shift in sentiment, with some analysts noting that 2025 is witnessing a more legitimate and mainstream adoption of crypto compared to earlier cycles [5].

The divergence between Ethereum’s price surge and declining on-chain activity raises questions about the sustainability of the rally. While macroeconomic factors and speculative trading are driving the price upward, the Ethereum network’s core use cases—such as NFTs and DeFi—appear to be losing momentum [3]. This suggests that the current price increase may be driven more by external capital flows than by fundamental improvements in network usage.

As Ethereum continues to climb, the market remains cautious. The decline in network participation highlights the risks of overreliance on speculative sentiment and raises doubts about whether Ethereum can maintain its leadership in the smart contract space [3].

Source:

[1] Cryptocurrency Live News & Updates : Ethereum’s Rally (https://m.economictimes.com/crypto-news-today-live-09-aug-2025/liveblog/123195194.cms)

[2] ETHUSDT_531FEB.USD trade ideas (https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/ETHUSDT_531FEB.USD/ideas//page-7/?asset=base)

[3] https://en.coinotag.com/ethereum-price-surge-contrasts-with-nft-market-decline-as-participation-drops-significantly/

[4] Arthur Hayes Rebuys ETH Amid Price Rally and Swears … (https://cryptoadventure.com/arthur-hayes-rebuys-eth-amid-price-rally-and-swears-off-profit-taking/)

[5] The crypto bros are back: ‘The hubris never really left’ (https://www.straitstimes.com/life/the-crypto-bros-are-back-the-hubris-never-really-left)

World Liberty Financial (WLF), a DeFi platform with high-profile ties to the Trump family, is preparing to launch a public listing aimed at raising $1.5 billion. The company, which has already raised nearly $600 million through the sale of 25 billion WLFI tokens, plans to transition these tokens into publicly tradable securities. The move, reported by Bloomberg on August 9, 2025, is seen as a landmark step in the convergence of traditional finance and decentralized technologies [1].

Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., sons of former U.S. President Donald Trump, serve as advisors to the project, lending it significant political visibility. The initial token sale attracted over 85,000 investors, including notable figures like Justin Sun, founder of TRON, who invested $75 million [2]. This strong participation signals growing confidence in the platform’s vision of promoting financial independence through DeFi.

WLFI, the platform’s native token, is an Ethereum-based ERC-20 asset. Initially restricted to governance functions, the token became tradable after a 99.94% approval in a community vote in July 2025. Experts forecast that WLFI could reach a price range of $8 to $12 in the medium term, positioning it as a potential top 10 cryptocurrency by market capitalization [1].

The platform has also established a Strategic Reserve Fund worth $76.9 million in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Chainlink, and it supports a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin secured by U.S. Treasury securities. The stablecoin, currently ranked fifth in the stablecoin market with a $2.21 billion market cap, underscores the growing institutional confidence in WLF’s financial model [1].

WLF is reportedly engaging with major investors in the technology and crypto sectors to finalize the structure of the listing, which would mirror strategies used by companies like MicroStrategy. The platform’s integration with Aave’s lending technology and its partnerships with Chainlink and the Aqua1 Foundation further enhance its credibility and appeal in the DeFi space [2].

The proposed Nasdaq listing aims to increase transparency, attract institutional investors, and align with the broader trend of crypto treasury strategies. With regulatory shifts such as the recent executive order allowing 401(k) plans to include crypto, WLF’s timing appears strategic. The firm’s ambitions not only reflect its own growth trajectory but also signal a larger trend of DeFi platforms seeking legitimacy and scale in the mainstream financial market [1].

World Liberty Financial’s public listing could serve as a template for other blockchain ventures seeking public market backing, accelerating the adoption of DeFi in the broader economy. The firm’s political connections, combined with its technological innovations and investor-friendly approach, place it in a unique position to influence the future of digital asset integration in traditional financial systems [2].

Sources:

[1] CoinDesk – [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/09/trump-linked-world-liberty-seeks-usd1-5b-for-public-crypto-holding-firm-bloomberg](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/08/09/trump-linked-world-liberty-seeks-usd1-5b-for-public-crypto-holding-firm-bloomberg)

[2] Cointelegraph – [https://cointelegraph.com/news/what-happened-in-crypto-today](https://cointelegraph.com/news/what-happened-in-crypto-today)

The next Ethereum rally is drawing attention from analysts who are closely monitoring price movements with an eye on the $4,800 level as a potential breakout point [1]. This upward trajectory is expected to generate momentum that could extend beyond Ethereum itself, with Cardano (ADA) also showing signs of growth, possibly pushing past $1.50 [1]. In parallel, the broader cryptocurrency market is witnessing renewed interest in decentralized finance (DeFi), particularly in projects that offer real-world utility and innovative solutions.

Ethereum is currently trading at $3,934.55, reflecting a 2.46% increase within the past 24 hours. Its market capitalization stands at $475.12 billion, with a trading volume of $41.05 billion in the same period [1]. Cardano has also shown strong performance, trading at $0.7811 with a 2.35% rise. Its market capitalization is $27.67 billion, and the daily trading volume has surged nearly 80% to over $1.5 billion [1]. These movements are seen as part of a broader bullish trend, driven by increased adoption of decentralized applications and Ethereum Layer 2 solutions.

The growing demand for DeFi platforms and low gas fee ecosystems is also benefiting ADA. The project has gained traction due to its smart contract capabilities and staking rewards, attracting both developers and long-term investors [1]. Analysts highlight that these developments are reinforcing a positive momentum in the crypto space, particularly for well-established assets.

Amid this backdrop, Remittix is emerging as a DeFi project with unique value. The platform enables cross-border crypto-to-bank transfers across over 30 countries, with real-time foreign exchange conversions and fiat integrations. This makes it a bridge between the decentralized and traditional financial worlds, addressing inefficiencies in global remittance systems [1]. Remittix is currently in its presale phase, with tokens priced at $0.0895 each. So far, $18.4 million has been raised, and over 585 million RTX tokens have been sold [1].

Looking ahead, the platform is set to launch its beta wallet in the third quarter of this year, offering a mobile-first interface for users including freelancers, remitters, and small businesses. This development, combined with a 40% token bonus for early participants, is contributing to its growing appeal [1]. Additionally, a $250,000 giveaway is further driving interest and visibility for the project.

The success of Remittix is attributed to its real-world application, distinguishing it from speculative projects. Its growth is aligned with key industry trends such as low gas fee transactions, early-stage investment opportunities, and practical crypto use cases [1]. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, Remittix is positioned to be a strong contender for the best DeFi altcoin in the coming year.

Source: [1] Next Ethereum Rally Could Push ETH Beyond $4,800, ADA Past $1.50 and Remittix Into a 50x Surge (https://coinmarketcap.com/community/articles/6896fc728074b81cd96992df/)

The DeFi landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as tokenized stocks and NFTs gain traction, according to recent reports. These innovations are attracting both retail and institutional investors, signaling a broader convergence between traditional finance and blockchain-based systems. The integration of real-world assets into DeFi platforms is enhancing liquidity and accessibility, while NFTs are extending beyond digital art to real-world applications like intellectual property and real estate.

Tokenized stocks, which represent fractional ownership of traditional equities on the blockchain, have seen a surge in activity. Platforms like PancakeSwap have launched tokenized futures for major corporations including Apple, Tesla, and Amazon, indicating a growing appetite for blending conventional financial instruments with decentralized infrastructure [6]. However, some experts caution that many tokenized stocks function more as on-chain promissory notes rather than actual ownership shares, raising concerns about regulatory clarity and utility [1].

In parallel, NFTs are experiencing a resurgence in user engagement. In July, NFT transactions reached $530 million, reflecting renewed interest in the space [6]. These digital assets are now being used in DeFi protocols for yield farming, liquidity provision, and governance rights, enhancing the functionality of NFTs beyond collectibles. For example, SolanaFloor is tracking and analyzing trends in NFT and DeFi activity on the Solana network, underscoring the platform’s growing role in the ecosystem [5].

The surge in DeFi adoption is also attracting institutional attention. Ethereum treasuries have seen increased activity, with on-chain assets being explored for diversification and yield generation [4]. Analysts suggest the DeFi market remains in its early stages, with room for expansion as regulatory frameworks evolve and user adoption grows. As the ecosystem matures, more traditional financial instruments are expected to enter the DeFi space, further blurring the lines between centralized and decentralized finance.

The performance of major cryptocurrencies mirrors this DeFi boom. BNB, the native token of the Binance ecosystem, has seen its market capitalization reach $106 billion amid rising institutional interest [3]. XRP is also showing potential, with positive investor sentiment and forecasts of a potential breakout. However, analysts emphasize that while these tokens are performing well, they remain subject to broader market dynamics and regulatory developments.

Despite the momentum, challenges persist. The absence of clear regulatory guidelines for tokenized assets and NFTs poses a risk to long-term adoption. Additionally, the distinction between rankings and indices is crucial for investors, as rankings do not reflect performance metrics or returns, unlike indices that are designed to track market movements.

In summary, DeFi is at a pivotal moment driven by tokenized stocks and NFTs. These innovations are reshaping how investors engage with digital assets and traditional markets. However, the industry must address regulatory uncertainties and technical limitations to ensure sustainable growth.

Source: [1] Make-it Capital Edition 50. THE WORLD AS (https://medium.com/coinmonks/make-it-capital-edition-50-3adddad196e6)

[2] Messari Research (https://messari.io/research)

[3] Best Crypto To Buy Now: BNB, XRP Target New Highs But (https://coincentral.com/best-crypto-to-buy-now-bnb-xrp-target-new-highs-but-rtx-is-eyeing-an-8000-explosion/)

[4] Binance report: historic record Bitcoin, altcoin and DeFi (https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/08/07/binance-report-historic-record-bitcoin-altcoin-and-defi-drive-the-market/)

[5] SolanaFloor: Solana News and Insights on DeFi and NFTs (https://solanafloor.com/)

[6] News (https://cryptoslate.com/news/)

The crypto venture capital landscape has seen a significant shift back to Bitcoin, driven by its growing acceptance as an institutional asset. In the first half of 2024, the Bitcoin DeFi sector attracted $175 million in funding across 32 venture capital deals. At the same time, Bitcoin treasury companies have injected billions into the market by purchasing BTC for long-term reserves. This trend reflects a broader shift in the crypto industry, with demand for BTC-focused financial services continuing to surge [1].

Beyond Bitcoin, several recurring themes dominated VC activity in July. Investors continued to favor startups in tokenization, stablecoin infrastructure, and settlement technologies. These areas have shown consistent traction, with projects aiming to bridge traditional finance and blockchain infrastructure [1].

Inveniam Capital, a decentralized data infrastructure provider, has committed $20 million to layer-1 blockchain Mantra, aiming to bring institutional-grade real-world assets (RWAs) onto the blockchain. The partnership is expected to boost total value locked (TVL) on Mantra Chain while promoting compliant tokenization. By integrating data sovereignty and asset surveillance capabilities, the collaboration is designed to support more advanced DeFi applications and regulatory-grade transparency. The initiative seeks to expand institutional access to RWAs in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Industry research cited by Inveniam suggests the RWA market could reach $18.9 trillion in value within a decade, with some estimates projecting as high as $30 trillion as traditional institutions increase participation [1].

Stable, a layer-1 blockchain network built around Tether’s USDt (USDT), has raised $28 million in a seed funding round to expand its infrastructure and accelerate global USDt adoption. The investment was led by Bitfinex, Hack VC, Franklin Templeton, Castle Island Ventures, Susquehanna Crypto, KuCoin Ventures, and angel investors. The project positions itself as a “stablechain,” emphasizing payment simplicity and instant transactions. The recent passage of the US GENIUS Act is seen as a key regulatory milestone supporting the growth of stablecoins in payment infrastructure [1].

Spiko, a French fintech firm, has raised $22 million in a Series A round led by Index Ventures, with participation from White Star Capital and Blockwall. The funding will support Spiko’s mission to expand access to tokenized money markets, particularly in Europe. The company has already processed over $900 million in working capital, with assets under management expected to exceed $1 billion by the end of the year [1].

Dakota, a stablecoin-powered business banking platform, has raised $12.5 million in a Series A round led by CoinFund. The company, founded by former Coinbase Custody CEO Ryan Bozarth, provides global banking services through digital dollars. With over 500 businesses already on its platform, Dakota aims to improve the speed and efficiency of cross-border transactions. The funding comes as global stablecoin market capitalization reaches $268 billion, with expectations of further growth driven by regulatory developments such as the GENIUS Act [1].

Jarsy, a digital investment platform, has raised $5 million in a pre-seed round led by Breyer Capital, with participation from Mysten Labs, MoonPay, and Anchorage Digital. The platform allows retail investors to access pre-IPO private equity markets via tokenized shares, with a minimum investment of $10. These tokenized opportunities are backed by real shares held in custody, and users can fund their investments with stablecoins like USDC [1].

BridgePort, an off-exchange settlement layer, has secured $3.2 million in seed funding led by Further Ventures, with participation from Virtu, XBTO, and Humla Ventures. The platform provides middleware to connect crypto exchanges, trading firms, and custodians, aiming to improve capital allocation and settlement efficiency. It is now live on Amazon Web Services and is actively expanding its network [1].

Source: [1] VC Roundup: Bitcoin DeFi surges, but tokenization and stablecoins gain steam (https://cointelegraph.com/news/july-vc-roundup-bitcoin-tokenization-stablecoins?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound)

By The DeFi Investor

Compiled by Tim, PANews

2025 to date has been a very friendly year for DeFi.

Our regulatory environment has shifted from a hostile stance under Gary Gensler’s SEC to the crypto-friendly landscape we have today, and by almost every metric, DeFi adoption is increasing.

So I thought it was time to take a closer look at these seven charts on the state of DeFi.

The transaction volume from decentralized exchanges to centralized exchanges is reaching new highs

 Source: The Block

Although the progress is slow, the trend is clear: decentralized exchanges are continuously eroding the market share of centralized exchanges.

In June 2022, perpetual DEX held a mere 0.98% market share in the derivatives sector. Three years later, this figure had grown 11-fold.

Fluid is the fastest growing DEX

 Source: DeFiLlama

It is reported that less than a year after Fluid was launched, its daily trading volume once surpassed Uniswap, the leading DEX on Ethereum.

Fluid DEX V2 is about to launch, and I wouldn’t be surprised if Fluid ultimately wins the DEX war on Ethereum.

In terms of capital efficiency, V2 is expected to be much higher than V1.

Interest-earning stablecoins topped the capital inflow list for the first time

 Source: Artemis

Recently, Ethena’s stablecoin USDe surpassed the two major stablecoins USDT and USDC in two-week net inflow for the first time.

Why is this change so important?

USDT and USDC have long led the market in the stablecoin sector, but now crypto-native solutions are emerging to challenge their dominance.

My prediction is that Resolv, Ethena, and Falcon Finance will continue to grow exponentially in the coming months.

Spot Ethereum ETFs Perform Well, But Rally Is Slowing

 Source: Coinglass

After several weeks of continuously breaking the record high for daily inflows, the Ethereum spot ETF recently recorded the largest single-day outflow on record.

The reason may be that some traditional financial giants have already taken profits.

However, if we take a macro view, the past two months have been the best performance period for spot Ethereum ETFs to date.

DeFi is approaching AI’s mind share

 Source: Kaito

For over a year now, AI has been leading in mind share.

But this situation is changing. In the past few months, the attention paid to DeFi has more than tripled. At the same time, the attention paid to meme coins has dropped significantly.

Fundamentals become important again.

Projects with token buyback plans will outperform in 2025

 Source: Dexu AI

This marks the beginning of the market’s preference for tokens with solid fundamentals. Protocol subcategories that conducted token buybacks include Hyperliquid, PumpFun, Maple, EtherFi, Kaito, AAVE, and other projects.

Exchange BTC reserves continue to decline

 Source: Crypto Quant

Since February 2024 (shortly after the launch of the first Bitcoin spot ETFs in the United States), exchange BTC reserves have continued to decline, a trend that is exactly the opposite of the previous bull market.

During this cycle, the inflow of funds into Bitcoin ETFs and the purchasing demand generated by crypto asset reserve companies had a huge positive impact on BTC prices.

To sum up, the above are all the data charts to be presented in this issue.