Web3 represents a transformative shift in how users interact with the internet, particularly through decentralized technologies like blockchain. Unlike earlier internet models, where centralized platforms controlled user data and financial transactions, Web3 empers users with control over their own digital identities and assets. This transition from Web2—where big tech firms dominate—to a decentralized, open internet is being actively explored in Türkiye and other regions, with growing interest among developers, investors, and regulators.

The technology underpinning Web3 is the blockchain—a shared, tamper-proof ledger of transactions that runs across a distributed network of computers. Users interact with this system through crypto wallets, such as MetaMask, and automated contracts known as smart contracts. These contracts execute predefined actions without the need for intermediaries. For instance, a smart contract can automatically transfer a digital asset upon receipt of payment. According to ConsenSys, over 30 million users engaged with Web3 applications in 2023, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down[1].

One of the most significant developments in Web3 is the emergence of decentralized finance (DeFi). Through DeFi, individuals can lend, borrow, and trade assets without relying on traditional banking systems. These services are powered entirely by smart contracts, which handle financial operations transparently and securely. DeFiLlama reports that DeFi applications currently hold over $80 billion in crypto assets[2]. Analysts monitor key metrics like total value locked (TVL), transaction costs, and code security to assess the reliability and growth of these platforms.

Türkiye, in particular, has become a notable player in the Web3 landscape. The country ranks among the fastest-growing crypto markets, driven by high youth participation and a response to macroeconomic challenges like inflation. Local artists are leveraging NFTs to monetize their work, while entrepreneurs and developers are creating Web3-based tools tailored to Turkish audiences. Educational institutions are also adapting, with some offering blockchain-related courses. Meanwhile, regulators in Türkiye are working to establish a legal framework aligned with international standards, including those set by FATF and the EU.

For developers, the Web3 ecosystem requires a solid understanding of smart contract programming, primarily using languages like Solidity. Security is a critical concern, as vulnerabilities in code can lead to significant financial losses. Firms like CertiK and Hacken specialize in auditing smart contracts to identify and fix weaknesses before deployment. Tools from OpenZeppelin provide standardized, battle-tested components to help developers build robust applications. Most projects are built on Ethereum or EVM-compatible chains, although newer blockchains like Aptos and Sui offer faster processing speeds and additional features.

A strong community is essential to the success of any Web3 project. Blockchains that engage users through regular updates, grants, and open discussions tend to grow more rapidly. For example, the Solana network has demonstrated resilience by maintaining an active and supportive community, even after experiencing technical setbacks. Solana also distinguishes itself with high transaction throughput—reaching up to 65,000 transactions per second—making it an attractive option for developers building scalable applications[3].

Despite its potential, Web3 is not without risks. Token values can fluctuate wildly, and poorly designed smart contracts can be exploited by malicious actors. Additionally, regulatory frameworks are still catching up with the pace of technological development, requiring users to stay informed about compliance requirements related to identity verification, taxation, and trading.

In summary, Web3 is reshaping the digital economy by decentralizing control and enabling new forms of interaction, finance, and governance. Its growth in Türkiye reflects a broader global trend as developers, users, and regulators work to define the future of the internet. Whether it succeeds depends not only on technological innovation but also on the collective effort of all stakeholders to build a secure, inclusive, and sustainable system.

Sources:

[1] ConsenSys

[2] DeFiLlama

[3] Solana block explorer

Liquid staking derivatives (LSDs) are tokens that represent staked cryptocurrency assets and can be used in decentralized finance (DeFi) activities. These tokens allow users to retain liquidity while earning staking rewards. LSDs are gaining traction in the crypto space, particularly in the Ethereum ecosystem, with a combined total value locked (TVL) of $21.6 billion, and Lido alone accounting for over $14 billion in TVL [1].

Ethereum’s transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus model through “The Merge” allowed users to stake ETH in exchange for staking rewards, which are projected to yield between 3-6% annually [1]. However, staked ETH is locked and not capital-efficient. Liquid staking solves this by issuing LSDs—liquid tokens that represent the staked ETH. These tokens can be used in DeFi protocols to earn additional yields, such as through lending, liquidity provision, or trading [1].

The Shanghai upgrade further enhanced the appeal of LSDs by enabling the withdrawal of staked ETH through a withdrawal queue, thereby reducing liquidity constraints [1]. Following the upgrade, platforms offering LSDs began to see increased adoption. These platforms typically charge a 5-10% commission fee on staking rewards, which contributes to their revenue and supports ongoing development [1].

Lido Finance is the leading provider of LSDs, with over 4.64 million ETH staked, equivalent to approximately $7.19 billion at current prices. Lido issues stETH (staked ETH), a token that accrues staking rewards over time. A wrapped version, wstETH, was later introduced to simplify integration with DeFi protocols [1]. Lido’s dominance in the market is significant, with 72.9% of the liquid staked ETH market share and 31% of all ETH staked on Ethereum. However, its centralization risk has raised concerns, particularly as it approaches a potential 33% threshold, beyond which network security could be compromised [1].

Rocket Pool is another major player in the LSD space, emphasizing decentralization. It allows users to stake ETH with lower entry barriers compared to Lido, requiring only 16 ETH plus RPL (Rocket Pool’s governance token). Rocket Pool offers a 5-20% commission structure and rewards node operators with additional RPL tokens [1]. Despite its decentralized approach, the platform faces risks related to inflation and the potential devaluation of RPL if market conditions turn unfavorable [1].

Frax Finance has rapidly emerged as a competitive option in the LSD space, having increased its staked ETH by 40% in early 2023 [1]. Frax offers frxETH, a liquid staking derivative that provides higher yields compared to other platforms. The sfrxETH variant, which accrues value over time, offers an annual yield of around 6.63%, outperforming Lido and Rocket Pool. Frax’s integration with Curve Finance and Convex Finance allows users to generate additional yields through liquidity provision and staking incentives [1]. However, as the TVL in frxETH grows, the APR may decline due to the distribution of incentives across a larger user base [1].

StaFi and Stader are newer entrants in the LSD space. StaFi, one of the earliest liquid staking protocols, allows staking with low ETH requirements, but its staking APR is relatively modest at 3.4% [1]. Stader, which previously operated on the Terra chain, is expanding into multi-chain staking and plans to launch ETHx in early 2023. Both projects face challenges related to liquidity, token supply, and market competition [1].

The growing popularity of LSDs is transforming the DeFi landscape by enabling users to generate multiple streams of income from their staked assets. Platforms such as Pendle Finance are also leveraging LSDs to tokenize and trade yield, further expanding the utility of staked assets [1]. As the market evolves, investors are advised to evaluate factors such as yield rates, liquidity, decentralization, and the risk profiles of individual platforms.

The Shanghai upgrade has catalyzed this trend by unlocking staked ETH and improving capital efficiency. As LSDs continue to gain adoption, the ecosystem is expected to see further innovation and competition, particularly in the areas of yield generation, tokenomics, and decentralization [1].

Source:

[1]title:What are Liquid Staking Derivatives (LSDs) and How Do They Unlock Liquidity?

url:https://www.coingecko.com/learn/what-is-liquid-staking-liquid-staked-derivatives-you-need-to-know

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)