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Espresso Token Launches at $275 Million Valuation

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ESP Tokenomics - Espresso Foundation

Launchpad buyers are down 30% with a 2-year vesting period ahead of them.

Espresso, a decentralized rollup base layer, launched its native ESP token this morning at a valuation of roughly $275 million following its token airdrop and distribution.

The token debuted at $0.072 before jumping up to $0.083 shortly after its launch and has reported $115 million in trading volume over its first 7 hours across CoinGecko-tracked platforms.

The protocol is designed to support rollups and appchains with everything they need from a base layer to ensure high performance, including finality, data availability, and real-time interoperability.

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Today’s ESP token launch enables the network to transition to proof-of-stake, and the protocol has distributed 10% of the token supply in an airdrop to more than one million eligible addresses.

ESP Tokenomics - Espresso Foundation
ESP Tokenomics – Espresso Foundation

There was also a Kaito Launchpad sale in July 2025, which sold 1% of the supply at a $400 million valuation, leaving launchpad investors with a 31% loss at current prices.

The ESP token is the latest in a line of ICOs and token sales that are opening underwater, with Infinex and Aztec being two other recent examples.

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SpaceX IPO Signals Major Capital Inflow; Crypto Funds Watch Closely

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Crypto Breaking News

SpaceX, Elon Musk’s aerospace powerhouse, has reportedly filed confidentially for an initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The move, described by Bloomberg as citing people familiar with the matter, positions the company for what could be one of the largest public listings in U.S. history and signals a potential shift in how a private space and AI conglomerate marshals capital for its next phase.

According to Bloomberg’s reporting, the IPO could be timed for a June close, should the process move forward as planned. While details remain shielded behind confidentiality, insiders told Bloomberg that the offering could value SpaceX well above $1.75 trillion and could raise as much as $75 billion, a scale that would dwarf many prior debutings and reimagine the company’s public-market footprint.

The listing could feature a dual-class share structure designed to preserve control for insiders, including SpaceX founder Elon Musk, even as public investors participate. In line with such structures, the offering is expected to allocate up to 30% of shares for individual investors, according to the coverage.

On the banking and advisory front, the process is anticipated to involve a cadre of Wall Street firms, with Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup commonly cited as likely participants in steering SpaceX through its transition to a public company.

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Beyond the IPO chatter, SpaceX’s crypto footprint remains a recurring point of interest. The company is widely reported to hold a substantial Bitcoin position—8,285 BTC on its balance sheet, valued at more than $565 million at current prices. Notably, SpaceX moved its Bitcoin to a new wallet address in October, fueling speculation about whether the company intends to maintain a long-term crypto strategy or adjust holdings in response to market conditions.

Market structure and access to private holdings are also on the radar as SpaceX eyes broader investor participation. Trading venues and tokenization platforms have been examining opportunities to offer tokenized shares or similar vehicles for high-profile private companies, including SpaceX and other AI leaders. Robinhood and Kraken, among others, have discussed how retail investors might gain access to nonpublic companies through blockchain-based tokenized instruments, a development Robinhood’s CEO has described as potentially widening participation even as high-profile private tech firms pursue public-market exits.

Key takeaways

  • SpaceX reportedly filed confidentially for an SEC IPO, with a possible June timeline and a valuation above $1.75 trillion; potential raise up to $75 billion.
  • The deal could use a dual-class structure preserving insider voting control, with up to 30% of shares reserved for individual investors.
  • Major banks—Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup—expected to advise on the transition to a public company.
  • SpaceX reportedly maintains 8,285 BTC (worth over $565 million) on its balance sheet, with a October wallet move prompting questions about long-term crypto strategy.
  • Tokenized private-share concepts are circulating in crypto markets, with Robinhood and Kraken cited as exploring access to SpaceX, OpenAI and other nonpublic firms for retail investors.
  • In the AI space, SpaceX’s acquisition of xAI places it in a broader race with OpenAI and other private AI labs; OpenAI recently closed a funding round with about $122 billion in committed capital, lifting its implied valuation toward the hundreds of billions, and Bloomberg notes potential IPO activity for both OpenAI (as early as 2026) and Anthropic (potentially as soon as October).

Context: SpaceX’s AI ambitions and the public market timing

The reported IPO comes on the heels of SpaceX’s February move to acquire xAI, Elon Musk’s AI venture, signaling a ramp-up in the company’s participation in the fast-evolving AI ecosystem. The combination of aerospace prowess and AI development positions SpaceX to leverage a broader technology and capital-market narrative as investors assess how private companies transition to public ownership.

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has been central to the AI funding landscape. Bloomberg notes that OpenAI concluded its latest funding round with about $122 billion in committed capital, driving its estimated value higher—a point underscoring the growing parallel between AI capital intensity and public-market appetites. The firm has been widely discussed as a potential IPO candidate in 2026, a signal to market participants that large AI players could become regulars on public exchanges in the coming years. Anthropic, another important name in the field, is also reported to be weighing a public listing, with Bloomberg indicating a possible listing as soon as October of this year.

As SpaceX contemplates a potential public listing, retail and institutional investors alike are watching how the company would balance the demands of a public-filed governance framework with its private-market strategies and multi-vertical ambitions. The prospect of a dual-class structure remains a point of contention for some market observers, given how it concentrates voting power among insiders even as it enables faster strategic execution and longer-term investment horizons.

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For crypto-market observers, the overlap between SPAC-like tokenization concepts and traditional IPOs adds another layer of consideration. Tokenized shares and blockchain-based participation could, in theory, broaden access to a private giant like SpaceX for retail buyers who traditionally have had limited entry points. While these products are still gaining regulatory clarity and market traction, the ongoing interest from platforms such as Robinhood and Kraken indicates a broader industry push to bridge private-market participation with public-market liquidity via tokenization tools.

What this means for investors and the AI ecosystem

If SpaceX proceeds with an IPO in the proposed size and structure, it would be among the largest listings in U.S. history and would place the company at a valuation tier previously seen with mega-cap tech and consumer platforms. For investors, the potential blend of aerospace breadth and AI stakes could create a diversified exposure within a single name, while the dual-class voting framework could shape how quickly and how decisively SpaceX can execute long-term strategy in a volatile market environment.

From a broader market perspective, the convergence of SpaceX’s public-market ambitions with the AI arms race highlights a trend where tech giants are building vertical integrations across space, transportation, and artificial intelligence. OpenAI’s and Anthropic’s public-market trajectories, while not guaranteed, add a tailwind to this narrative, suggesting that the next wave of big listings could include private AI labs alongside more diversified technology conglomerates. Investors should watch regulatory developments, the timing and terms of any anchor shareholders, and how SpaceX plans to balance public reporting requirements with its rapid, multi-domain execution plan.

Whether or not the SpaceX IPO materializes on schedule, the reporting underscores a larger dynamic: the market’s willingness to value private, highly strategic technology entities at multi-trillion-dollar levels and to explore new models of ownership and participation, including tokenized access to private-equity-like positions. For crypto markets, the ongoing dialogue around tokenization, crypto holdings, and public-market access remains a live space to watch as these conversations intersect with traditional capital-raising mechanisms.

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Readers should monitor upcoming disclosures and investor briefings, which Bloomberg notes SpaceX has signaled will occur later this month. How the market perceives SpaceX’s balance between leadership in aerospace and AI, and how the company navigates governance, capital structure, and crypto exposure, will likely shape the scope of future public-market activity among technology-first, asset-light conglomerates.

As the IPO discourse unfolds, investors and builders will need to weigh not only the size of the offering but also the governance implications, the strategic roadmap for AI initiatives, and the evolving role of crypto in corporate treasury strategies. The next steps—from regulatory filings to investor roadshows—will reveal how SpaceX intends to translate its private-market momentum into a lasting public-market narrative.

Stay tuned for updates on next steps, regulatory milestones, and any refinements to SpaceX’s proposed capital structure as the market awaits a potential landmark listing that could redefine the contours of big-tech and AI investing.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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A practical guide to building, using, and choosing the best AI crypto trading bots

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A practical guide to building, using, and choosing the best AI crypto trading bots

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

AI crypto trading bots reshape investing as automation replaces manual execution and emotional decision-making.

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Summary

  • AI crypto trading bots simplify investing by automating strategies and removing the need for constant monitoring.
  • SaintQuant targets beginners with pre-configured strategies and no coding or complex setup required.
  • Its fully automated system offers a hands-off approach for users seeking simple, consistent crypto trading.

The rise of AI trading bot crypto solutions has transformed how people approach cryptocurrency trading. What once required deep technical knowledge, constant monitoring, and emotional discipline can now be handled by intelligent automation.

Today, both beginners and experienced traders are exploring automated crypto trading platforms to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort. But key questions remain:

  • Do AI trading bots work?
  • Can you build one without coding?
  • Is there a free crypto trading bot worth trying?

In this guide, we’ll break down everything that is needed to know — from how these bots work to how to choose the best platform — while sharing practical insights to help anyone get started.

What is an AI trading bot in crypto?

An AI trading bot is a software program that uses artificial intelligence to analyze market data and execute trades automatically. Unlike traditional bots that follow fixed rules, AI-powered bots adapt to changing market conditions using:

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  • Machine learning algorithms
  • Predictive analytics
  • Real-time data processing

These bots are widely used in:

  • Crypto trading online for automated execution
  • Portfolio management
  • Arbitrage opportunities across exchanges

In essence, an AI-powered Bitcoin bot acts as a 24/7 trading assistant, capable of making decisions faster than any human trader.

Do AI trading bots work? (Realistic expectations)

The short answer: Yes — but with limitations.

Advantages

  • 24/7 trading without downtime
  • Emotion-free decisions, reducing impulsive trades
  • Fast execution in volatile markets

Limitations

  • No guarantee of profits
  • Performance depends on strategy quality
  • Vulnerable to extreme market conditions

AI trading bots work best when used as tools to enhance strategy, not as “set-and-forget money machines.”

How to build an AI Crypto trading bot without coding, and are there free options?

One of the biggest myths in crypto trading is that there’s no need for programming skills to use automation. Fortunately, that’s no longer true.

Simple no-code setup process

For those wondering how to build an AI crypto trading bot without coding, here’s a simplified path:

  1. Choose a platform
  2. Select pre-built AI strategies
  3. Configure risk settings
  4. Backtest strategies
  5. Deploy live trading

Modern platforms now provide intuitive dashboards, making the process accessible even to complete beginners.

Tools that make it easy

  • Plug-and-play platforms
  • Strategy marketplaces
  • Managed cryptocurrency trading services

These tools eliminate complexity and allow users to focus on outcomes rather than technical setup.

Is there a free crypto trading bot?

Yes — but most “free” options come with trade-offs.

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What “Free” Usually Means:

  • Limited features
  • Trial-based access
  • Restricted performance tools

Hidden Costs to Consider:

  • Exchange fees
  • Spread and slippage
  • Paid upgrades for full functionality

Real example: Try before committing

Some platforms offer a better alternative through trial-based access to premium features.

For instance, SaintQuant provides a beginner-friendly experience with:

This allows users to experience a real automated crypto trading platform — not just a limited demo.

When free bots make sense

Free or trial bots are ideal for:

  • Beginners exploring AI trading bots
  • Testing strategies safely
  • Learning how automation works in real markets

Key takeaway

There is no need for coding skills or a large upfront investment to start using an AI trading bot crypto solution. With no-code tools and trial offers, entry barriers are lower than ever.

Best AI trading bot crypto platforms (expert insights)

Choosing the right platform is critical. Based on usability, features, and accessibility, here are some top options:

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1. SaintQuant – Simplified AI Trading for passive income

SaintQuant stands out as a beginner-focused platform designed for simplicity and efficiency.

Key Features:

  • Pre-configured AI trading strategies
  • No coding or complex setup required
  • Fully automated trading system

Advantages:

  • Ideal for beginners and passive investors
  • Quick onboarding process
  • Focus on consistent, automated performance

If you’re looking for a hands-off automated bitcoin trading platform, SaintQuant offers one of the easiest entry points.

2. Cryptohopper – Advanced customization

Cryptohopper is a well-known platform offering:

  • Strategy customization
  • Signal marketplace
  • Advanced trading tools

Pros:

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners

3. Other AI trading bots worth considering

There are also various:

  • Bots for sale in strategy marketplaces
  • Hybrid platforms combining AI and manual controls

When evaluating options, always prioritize:

  • Security
  • Exchange integration
  • Transparency

Key features to look for in the best AI trading bot

When choosing the best AI trading bot crypto, consider:

  • Automation quality
  • Backtesting capabilities
  • Risk management tools
  • Exchange compatibility
  • Performance transparency

These features determine whether a bot is truly effective or just hype.

Risks and best practices

Even the best bots require responsible usage.

Best Practices:

  • Start with a small capital
  • Diversify strategies
  • Monitor performance regularly
  • Use secure API configurations

Avoid relying entirely on automation—human oversight still matters.

AI trading bots vs manual trading

Factor AI Trading Bots Manual Trading
Speed Instant execution Slower
Emotion Emotion-free Emotion-driven
Control Less direct control Full control

Best approach: combine both for optimal results.

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Future of AI in crypto trading

The future of AI trading bots is promising, with trends including:

  • Integration with DeFi ecosystems
  • More advanced predictive models
  • Increased adoption among retail investors

As technology evolves, automation will likely become a standard part of crypto trading online.

Conclusion

AI trading bots are reshaping the crypto landscape by making trading more accessible, efficient, and data-driven.

  • They work — but require smart usage
  • They can be built and deployed without coding
  • Free and trial options make it easy to start

Platforms like SaintQuant are helping bridge the gap for beginners, offering a streamlined way to enter the world of automated trading.

If you’re new, start small, experiment with strategies, and gradually scale your involvement. With the right approach, AI-powered cryptocurrency trading services can become a valuable part of your investment toolkit.

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Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. Neither crypto.news nor the author of this article endorses any product mentioned on this page. Users should conduct their own research before taking any action related to the company.

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Art on Tezos turns Cannes into a live testbed for digital culture

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Art on Tezos turns Cannes into a live testbed for digital culture

Art on Tezos is no longer a niche experiment; at TezDev 2026 in Cannes, it felt like a working model of where digital culture is going next.

TezDev 2026 in Cannes shows how Tezos art has evolved from NFTs into global, politically charged and increasingly institutional grade digital culture and infrastructure.

Hosted at the Hôtel Martinez on March 30, “Art on Tezos: The future of digital creativity” unfolded as an immersive environment rather than a standard panel. Projection‑mapped works wrapped the room in moving images while a conversation between artists, curators, and ecosystem builders traced how on‑chain art has evolved from early NFTs into complex generative systems and responsive installations.

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For curator and art advisor Brian Beccafico, Tezos’ real innovation is who it brings into the conversation. Drawing on his work with marketplaces like Objkt, he stressed that on Tezos “you get to meet a lot of artists coming from places that usually just don’t have access to the broader art markets… artists from Africa… South East Asia, South America,” a sharp contrast with a global art economy where “pretty much 70 percent of global value auctioned… is auctioned in New York.” Lower costs and open tooling translate into economic reality: “even if you’re selling artwork for 100 bucks a piece… in a country where the average income is 300 bucks a month, that’s… sustainable for an artist.”

Aleksandra Art, Head of Arts at Trilitech, placed this shift in a longer media history that runs from early photography to Instagram and now blockchain. She reminded the audience that photography itself was once dismissed—“wait, photography is art? What? Like, no, it’s just a picture”—before fairs, critics, and collectors built a new ecosystem around it. The same dynamic is now playing out in digital art: “we had Instagram launch and all of a sudden there are Instagram artists… that don’t need gallery representation,” and blockchains plus marketplaces extend that logic by “creating these networks that congregate people who are passionate about it.” For her, the crucial break is that digital work “doesn’t have to be a confined gallery space… it can be a vertical screen, horizontal screen, HTML, site specific work,” accessible globally “at any point of time” with “similar experiences for different people.”

Beccafico pushed the political edge of this transformation. He recalled exhibitions where artists from Kurdistan “used crypto to flee terrorism, to flee ISIS during the war in Syria,” arguing that cypherpunk ideals still matter: “being able to free yourself from state‑owned currency, state‑owned control, and censorship is still very much a reality in today’s art world.” The result is a scene in which artists from Iraq, Turkey, South America, and beyond are no longer at the margins but, in his words, “the future of both crypto and the future of the art world.”

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Alongside Aleksandra and Beccafico, the session’s participants—Vinciane Jones (Art Partner Manager, Trilitech), artists Patrick Tresset and Georg Eckmayr, and others—situated Tezos inside a broader genealogy of systems‑driven practices, from algorithmic drawing to AI‑assisted installations, now made verifiable and tradable on‑chain. Their discussion aligned with the wider TezDev 2026 program, which underscored how protocol upgrades like Tezos X and faster Etherlink confirmations are intended to support richer real‑time art and gaming experiences, not just finance.

Trilitech signaled that TezDev’s immersive exhibition is not a one‑off but part of a longer institutional arc. The team previously announced plans for a forthcoming Tezos‑powered show at HEK (Haus der Elektronischen Künste) in Basel, curated by the established duo Dr. Alfredo Cramerotti and Auronda Scalera, known for pioneering projects at Art Dubai Digital and other major venues that connect blockchain, NFTs, and critical media art. Their involvement points to a future in which on‑chain practices move even further into museum contexts, bringing Beccafico’s emerging‑market artists and Aleksandra’s “fluid,” screen‑native works into dialogue with decades of digital and conceptual experimentation.

If photography’s journey from “just a picture” to museum cornerstone took a century, Tezos (TEZ) artists are compressing that curve into a few intense years, using blockchains not only as markets but as infrastructure for new forms of authorship, community, and survival.

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Will Hedera price crash as stablecoin supply and app revenue decline?

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Hedera price has formed a descending parallel channel pattern on the daily chart.

Hedera price has been in a downtrend over the past month as the token continues to be bruised by the geopolitical concerns that have pushed investors away from risk assets.

Summary

  • Hedera price dropped to a six-week low of $0.083, down over 12% in a month amid weak market sentiment and geopolitical tensions.
  • On-chain activity declined, with DeFi app revenue falling nearly 70% and stablecoin supply dropping 6%, signaling reduced network usage and liquidity.
  • Technical indicators remain bearish, with price trading in a descending channel and key support seen at $0.087.

According to data from crypto.news, Hedera (HBAR) price fell to a six-week low of $0.083 on Tuesday, down over 12% in the past month and over 20% from its year-to-date high.

Hedera price fell amid weakness in its underlying ecosystem activity as key performance indicators started to flash red. Data from DeFiLlama shows that revenue generated by DeFi apps on the network had slumped nearly 70% from the previous month’s high.

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A drop in app revenue means that a lower number of users are interacting with the Hedera ecosystem, signaling weakening demand for its decentralized applications and reduced overall network usage.

Third-party data also show that the total supply of stablecoins on the network has fallen 6% over the past 7 days to $52.71 million. Declining stablecoin supply typically reflects reduced liquidity and capital inflows on the network, further reinforcing signs of slowing activity.

Hedera price has also remained in a downtrend due to reduced investor appetite for risk assets amid the ongoing U.S.-Iran war that has led to a flight to more traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and U.S. equities.

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On the daily chart, Hedera price has been trading within a descending parallel channel pattern, a formation where the asset consistently makes lower highs and lower lows. As long as an asset trades within such a pattern, it will likely continue to face persistent selling pressure as it bounces between the upper and lower boundaries.

Hedera price has formed a descending parallel channel pattern on the daily chart.
Hedera price has formed a descending parallel channel pattern on the daily chart — April 1 | Source: crypto.news

Technical indicators also appear to portray a bearish outlook for Hedera price in the upcoming sessions. Notably, the Bollinger Bands have begun to narrow, with the price trading below the middle band, suggesting contracting volatility while the short-term trend remains tilted to the downside.

The Aroon Down is at 92.86% while the Aroon Up remains at 0%, indicating strong downward momentum and that a recent low has likely been established within the current trend.

For now, the immediate support level for Hedera price lies at $0.087, which aligns with the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level. A drop below this level could increase selling pressure and open the door for a move toward lower support zones.

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Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only.

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Inside Coinbase’s push to bring prediction markets on chain and on venue

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Epstein files show crypto ties to Coinbase, Blockstream: DOJ

Coinbase is folding regulated prediction markets into its “everything exchange” vision, using The Clearing Company to clear on‑chain event contracts beside crypto and stocks.

Coinbase’s push to become an “everything exchange” will increasingly run through regulated prediction markets rather than just spot crypto, according to Côme Prost‑Boucle, the exchange’s head of international listings, speaking with crypto.news at ETHGlobal Cannes on March 31.

For Prost‑Boucle, prediction markets are not a novelty bolt‑on. They sit at the core of Coinbase’s plan to become what he calls an “everything exchange.” “The whole strategy is pretty simple,” he told crypto.news.

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“We want to build the everything exchange with Coinbase, meaning that we want to bring under one regulated umbrella all of the asset classes that you can imagine and offer this to both our retail customers and our institutional customers.”

Coinbase leading the way to become an ‘Everything Exchange’

That umbrella now stretches beyond spot crypto into derivatives, options, tokenized stocks and equities, token sales and, crucially, event‑based contracts that let users trade on future outcomes. “We have this whole breadth of different products that we’re bringing into one umbrella, which is Coinbase,” he said. “Our goal is to push this to as many users as possible across the world, and the reaction has been pretty tremendous so far.”

Coinbase’s debut in prediction markets was deliberately conservative. The initial launch in the U.S. leaned on Kalshi, the CFTC‑regulated event‑contract venue, giving the product an immediate regulatory backbone but also clear constraints on geography and design.

“The first iteration of the product is available in the US and in a couple of regions, but for instance, it’s not available in Europe because of lack of regulatory clarity,” Prost‑Boucle said. That version effectively pipes Kalshi’s markets into the Coinbase interface, letting users trade small‑ticket contracts on elections, sports, macro data and other real‑world events while staying inside a U.S. event‑contract framework.

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The second phase is more aggressive. In December, Coinbase agreed to acquire The Clearing Company, a specialist prediction‑market clearing startup with roots in the existing event‑contract ecosystem.

Prost‑Boucle referred to it in the interview as “a company called The Clearing House,” but the strategic intent is clear. “The goal is for us to bring these capacities internally so that we can develop this product on chain and we can develop with the DNA that we have to bring all asset classes on chain,” he said. In effect, Coinbase is moving from renting regulated rails to owning the clearing and risk stack, and then pushing more of the lifecycle on‑chain while staying within the event‑contract perimeter. That stands in contrast to crypto‑native venues such as Polymarket, which prioritizes unconstrained on‑chain liquidity first and only later began to grapple with regulatory structure.

Prediction markets dominate conversation at ETHGlobal

If prediction markets are to sit alongside crypto, derivatives and tokenized stocks in a single app, collateral efficiency will determine whether users actually route meaningful size through Coinbase. Here, Prost‑Boucle says institutional desks are already applying pressure. “That’s also something that institutional clients have been pushing for,” he noted when asked about cross‑margining prediction markets with other Coinbase products. “We’re currently doing cross‑margining for our perpetual futures product, and that’s something that our institutional clients have been craving,” he added, pointing to demand for “always‑on exposure possibilities, weekend hedging, all of this that perpetual futures have as internal features.” The logical goal is to have a single collateral pool backing BTC perpetuals, tokenized equity and a portfolio of geopolitical or macro event contracts, rather than trapping capital in isolated silos across venues. “At the moment we’re working on this product,” he said of cross‑margining, “but I think that’s a good vision for us in the longer term—to have cross‑margining across the different asset classes, I guess.”

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The main structural obstacle to that vision is Europe. “Prediction markets in the EU are pretty difficult to apprehend because there’s no unified regulatory framework,” Prost‑Boucle said. “It all depends on what you have as an underlying asset.” He draws a sharp line that mirrors emerging legal commentary: a contract on the future price of Bitcoin is treated as a financial derivative under MiFID, while a contract on an election or football match is pushed into gambling. “If the contract lies on a financial underlying asset, that would be regulated by MiFID,” he explained. “But all of the other classes, where currently all of the volumes are—on politics, on sports, this would be regulated under gambling laws in Europe.”

That split leaves most of today’s on‑chain volume—heavily skewed toward politics and sports—in regulatory limbo from the perspective of a regulated exchange. Any operator that wants to offer political or sports markets across the bloc has to navigate a patchwork of national gambling regimes, each with its own licensing, consumer rules and, in some cases, state monopolies. “It means you would have to go for every single European gambling law, because there is no unified regulatory framework,” Prost‑Boucle said. “These laws are pretty national, they’re quite country‑specific and they’re quite hard to get.” Despite that, he is not writing off the region. “I guess we’re still hopeful that at some point we’re going to have regulatory clarity on prediction markets and a better structure in Europe that enables this type of contract to flourish as well,” he said.

Beyond trading revenues, Coinbase clearly sees prediction markets as an information layer that competes with polling, research, and even traditional media. Prost‑Boucle points to cases in the U.S. where broadcasters are already embedding live market odds, such as CNBC, CNN, the Dow Jones and other media recently integrating Polymarket odds into the ‘traditional’ newscycle.

That, in turn, brings the problem of truth into focus. Once markets start pricing geopolitics, conflicts, and leadership changes, disputes over what actually happened can become payout disputes. That means oracles used to resolve contracts may be facing increasing scrutiny from not only bettors, but also regulators.

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Prost‑Boucle argues that most of the damage begins with poor contract design. “It’s crucial when you enter a contract to look at what the event criteria are,” he said. “Obviously you want to diversify sources of truth and have kind of fixed criteria to make sure there is no ambiguity when an event like this happens,” he added. Asked whether AI agents could help by aggregating across outlets and delivering a consolidated verdict, he is open but cautious. “Potentially, AI could be helping with sorting out across different sources‑of‑truth venues and making sure that we have a consolidated view and a fixed view that is not biased by any specific media or even a group of people,” he said.

For now, Coinbase’s approach is less about chasing the wildest version of prediction markets and more about proving they can live inside the same rule‑set as everything else on the platform: keep them in a regulated perimeter, pull clearing and risk in‑house via The Clearing Company, and wire the whole thing into a broader multi‑asset venue where collateral actually earns its keep across products. As Brian Armstrong has put it in other contexts, Coinbase wants to be “the most trusted bridge” into the crypto economy, and in that frame, everything else—from MiFID hair‑splitting in Brussels to the next generation of AI‑driven oracles—is just another set of constraints to engineer around, not a reason to sit out a market.

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CoinShares Stock Debuts on Nasdaq After $1.2B SPAC Deal

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CoinShares Stock Debuts on Nasdaq After $1.2B SPAC Deal

CoinShares, a European-based digital asset manager, is slated to make its US public markets debut today following the completion of a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, highlighting the crypto industry’s deepening ties with public markets.

The company announced Wednesday that it had finalized a previously announced business combination with Vine Hill Capital Investment Corp., resulting in the formation of a new holding entity, CoinShares PLC. The combined company begins trading on the Nasdaq on Wednesday under the ticker symbol CSHR.

The transaction, first unveiled in September, values CoinShares at approximately $1.2 billion and includes a $50 million capital commitment from institutional investors.

Although the Nasdaq debut marks CoinShares’ entry into US public markets, the company was already publicly traded in Europe prior to the listing.

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A US listing aims to attract institutional capital, wider analyst coverage and increased visibility, while positioning CoinShares to expand its footprint in the world’s largest financial market. The move also comes as the regulatory backdrop for digital assets in the United States continues to evolve.

CoinShares manages more than $6 billion in assets and is one of Europe’s largest crypto-focused investment firms. It is best known for its crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), which are listed on European exchanges.

Source: Eric Balchunas

A tougher backdrop for crypto stocks

The backdrop for digital asset companies has shifted dramatically since September, when CoinShares’ SPAC deal was first announced. 

The exchange-traded fund issuer’s CoinShares Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI) is down more than 22% in the last six months, Yahoo Finance data shows.

The crypto market has since lost more than half its value, following a broad correction in digital asset prices, declining trading volumes and the fallout from the Oct. 10 crypto liquidation event that triggered widespread deleveraging, alongside a more volatile environment for capital raising and investors.

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Crypto-linked equities have been among the hardest hit. Companies such as Coinbase, Gemini and Figure Technologies are down sharply this year, while Circle has bucked the trend amid continued growth in stablecoins.

Source: Brian Sozzi

However, analysts at Bernstein don’t expect the downturn to persist. In a recent note, they said crypto-related stocks could be nearing a bottom heading into first-quarter earnings, which are widely expected to reflect weak performance.

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