‘’We’re embracing the future with crypto and leaving the slow and outdated big banks behind’’, President Donald Trump declared, signaling a shift in his administration’s approach to digital assets. 

The vision was formalized on Thursday, when signed an executive order establishing a working group on digital asset markets. The order reaffirms the administration’s commitment to key crypto principles, including coding transparency, self-custody, and fair banking access, aiming to integrate blockchain technology responsibly into the U.S. financial system.

This idea of blending blockchain with traditional financial systems is bold, and Graphite Network offers the means to make it happen with its scalable and compliant solutions tailored to meet the modern financial needs of banks and financial institutions of all sizes.

Speaking to crypto.news, Graphite Network CTO Marko Ratkovic said:

“While it’s clear that the world is changing and the new US administration is becoming more open to cryptocurrencies, concrete regulations are still up in the air. What’s certain, though, is that Graphite Network offers the infrastructure banks need to make this transition. We can help traditional finance connect with the decentralized economy, and this support is just as important for mass adoption as the regulations will be.”

Bank Integration Demo is built to address pressing challenges facing financial institutions as they struggle to implement blockchain adoption on their own through:

• Building Reliable Infrastructure: Graphite Network’s blockchain is built on a Proof-of-Authority Polymer 2.0 consensus mechanism, ensuring high security, scalability, and energy efficiency. This will assist financial institutions in adopting blockchain technology without compromising their existing and legacy business.
• Bridging Compliance and User Empowerment: By integrating ZKP-based KYC processes and reputation scoring, Graphite Network bridges the gap between institutional requirements and user autonomy.
• Strategic Partnerships: Graphite Network continues to collaborate with banks and other financial institutions and tailoring blockchain solutions to address any specific needs.

Other bank-compliant Graphite Network’s features

Predictable Fees, Even During Peak Activity

Graphite Network’s Layer 1 blockchain is built to keep fees reasonable, even during periods of high network activity. For banks and financial institutions, this predictability is crucial for managing costs and ensuring smooth operations. In contrast, Ethereum lagged in 2024, with fees spiking unpredictably — averaging $3.52 per transaction during peak times. Such volatility can disrupt cost projections and scalability, making Graphite Network a more reliable choice for institutions integrating blockchain technology.

Non-Intrusive KYC

Graphite Network’s optional KYC system is a game-changer for balancing privacy and compliance. The system is built with Zero-Knowledge Proof technology which allows third parties to verify user data such as age or location without revealing personal information. This ensures data security and privacy while providing regulatory agencies and financial institutions with a verifiable, compliant system. User data submitted during the KYC process is kept off-chain to minimize the likelihood of data breaches or unauthorized access.

Trust Score and Interaction Preferences

Graphite Network’s Trust Score reflects a user’s reputation based on things like their KYC status, transaction history, account activity, and interactions with others. It even looks at whether any fraud claims are associated with their account. However, Graphite Network doesn’t impose strict rules—it lets users decide how they want to manage their interactions. They can choose whether to complete KYC, who to engage with, how to filter transactions, and more. This flexibility is important because it gives users control over their own decisions.

For banks, this is useful because it allows them to have insight into the trustworthiness of users without forcing everyone into a one-size-fits-all system. Banks can also benefit from knowing that users can set their own preferences while still maintaining the ability to track and assess risk through the Trust Score.

Reputation-Based Smart Contracts

Graphite Network will also provide tools for banks and businesses to develop smart contracts that consider reputation metrics, enabling customization of services for targeted user groups. A bank, for example, could create a contract to issue loans only to customers with verified credit scores or a history of account activity, meeting both business objectives and regulatory standards.

Directed Fund Management

Graphite Network is planning to introduce tagged addresses to improve transparency and accountability in blockchain transactions. These addresses will be linked to specific purposes, such as business-related payments or loan servicing, ensuring that funds are directed where they’re intended. For example, if a bank transfers funds to a loan repayment-tagged address, it will be clear that the payment is for that purpose. If the funds are later misused — say, spent on unauthorized transactions — the system will flag it immediately.

Additionally, smart contracts will be able to block transactions from suspicious addresses, adding an extra layer of security. While this feature isn’t live yet, it’s a significant step toward making blockchain transactions more secure and trustworthy for financial institutions.

Equitable Rewards, Directly from the Blockchain

Earlier, crypto.news reported that Graphite Network is the first platform enabling transport (or entry-point) node operators to earn directly from its blockchain through a dual-layer node system. Entry-point nodes onboard transactions, earning 50% of transaction fees in @G, while authorized nodes validate blocks, earning 100% of fees for independent transactions and 50% for transactions involving entry-point nodes. 

This structure ensures fair rewards for both types of nodes, creating a secure, scalable, and incentivized network that transforms participation into an income opportunity. Marko Ratkovic, recently reiterated one of Graphite Network’s central visions, explaining:

“One of our key goals is to democratize access to blockchain revenue streams. With our dual-layer node system, we’ve ensured that participants at every level can earn rewards while supporting the growth and security of the network.” 

Bank Integration Demo is closely tied to @G, Graphite Network’s native token, which is weaved into key operations across the network as well, including paying fees, verifying accounts, distributing rewards, and more.

By prioritizing reputation, trust, and scalability, Graphite Network offers a clear path for financial institutions to integrate blockchain responsibly — an approach that could help leaders like Donald Trump turn his vision of blockchain’s role in traditional finance into a reality.

Cardano remains in a consolidation phase within a triangle pattern, reflecting indecision in the market. A breakout from this structure is critical for determining the cryptocurrency’s next significant move.

Technical Analysis

By Shayan

The Daily Chart

ADA’s price has been consolidating inside a triangle pattern following a rejection at the critical $1.2 resistance level. This rejection halted the prior upward momentum and introduced a prolonged period of market indecision. The price structure now suggests a balance between buyers and sellers, as evidenced by the RSI indicator hovering near the neutral 50 level.

The triangle pattern represents a coiling price action behavior, signaling that a decisive breakout is imminent. A successful bullish breakout would likely pave the way for Cardano to reclaim the $1.2 mark and initiate a sustained upward trend. Conversely, a bearish breakdown could lead to heightened selling pressure, delaying a recovery.

The 4-Hour Chart

On the 4-hour timeframe, ADA encountered rejection at the $1.2 critical resistance zone after a bounce from the 0.5 Fibonacci retracement level at $0.8. It resulted in a period of sideways consolidation, with the price forming a slight ascending wedge pattern within the broader triangle.

The current market conditions suggest that a bullish breakout is the more probable scenario, as the wedge’s structure often signals a continuation of upward momentum. If buyers succeed, the asset will likely surge toward and potentially break above the $1.2 resistance zone.

On the other hand, if selling pressure intensifies, Cardano’s 0.5-0.618 Fibonacci retracement range will serve as a critical support level, potentially absorbing downward momentum and preventing a deeper decline.

This breakout will heavily influence the market’s next move, making the current phase critical for traders and investors.

Ronaldo’s journey began with a spark of curiosity, which soon transformed into a deep passion for understanding the intricacies of this groundbreaking technology.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Ronaldo has delved into the depths of the crypto space, exploring its various facets, from blockchain fundamentals to market trends and investment strategies. His tireless exploration and commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest developments have granted him a unique perspective on the industry.

One of Ronaldo’s defining areas of expertise lies in technical analysis. He firmly believes that studying charts and deciphering price movements provides valuable insights into the market. Ronaldo recognizes that patterns exist within the chaos of crypto charts, and by utilizing technical analysis tools and indicators, he can unlock hidden opportunities and make informed investment decisions. His dedication to mastering this analytical approach has allowed him to navigate the volatile crypto market with confidence and precision.

Ronaldo’s commitment to his craft goes beyond personal gain. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge and insights with others, empowering them to make well-informed decisions in the crypto space. Ronaldo’s writing is a testament to his dedication, providing readers with meaningful analysis and up-to-date news. He strives to offer a comprehensive understanding of the crypto industry, helping readers navigate its complexities and seize opportunities.

Outside of the crypto realm, Ronaldo enjoys indulging in other passions. As an avid sports fan, he finds joy in watching exhilarating sporting events, witnessing the triumphs and challenges of athletes pushing their limits. Furthermore, His passion for languages extends beyond mere communication; he aspires to master German, French, Italian, and Portuguese, in addition to his native Spanish. Recognizing the value of linguistic proficiency, Ronaldo aims to enhance his work prospects, personal relationships, and overall growth.

However, Ronaldo’s aspirations extend far beyond language acquisition. He believes that the future of the crypto industry holds immense potential as a groundbreaking force in history. With unwavering conviction, he envisions a world where cryptocurrencies unlock financial freedom for all and become catalysts for societal development and growth. Ronaldo is determined to prepare himself for this transformative era, ensuring he is well-equipped to navigate the crypto landscape.

Ronaldo also recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy body and mind, regularly hitting the gym to stay physically fit. He immerses himself in books and podcasts that inspire him to become the best version of himself, constantly seeking new ways to expand his horizons and knowledge.

With a genuine desire to become the best version of himself, Ronaldo is committed to continuous improvement. He sets personal goals, embraces challenges, and seeks opportunities for growth and self-reflection. Ultimately, combining his passion for cryptocurrencies, dedication to learning, and commitment to personal development, Ronaldo aims to go hand-in-hand with the exciting new era that the emerging crypto technology is bringing to the world and societies.

The DePIN revolution is coming to a fast food franchise near you. The movement that started with Helium and has spread to numerous categories, including mapping and car data, this year is now spreading to hospitality. The initiative shows how quickly DePINs — or decentralized networks of physical infrastructure — are becoming mainstream.

The fast food and hospitality industry, often associated with consistency and efficiency, is quietly upgrading as decentralized technologies make their way into the mainstream. The adoption of DePIN by major franchises like Taco Bell and KFC signals a shift in how these businesses operate and engage with technology.

At the core of this transformation is the integration of DePIN devices — sensors, routers, and other physical infrastructure — powered by blockchain and token-based incentives. These networks enable businesses to contribute to shared ecosystems while gaining real-time operational insights and being rewarded for their participation. It’s a forward-thinking approach that combines cutting-edge technology with the practical needs of fast-food and hospitality businesses, paving the way for greater efficiency, sustainability and customer satisfaction.

With DePIN, the industry is embracing a strategic evolution — one that reflects the growing potential of decentralized technologies to enhance traditional models while creating new opportunities for growth.

For franchisees, the potential benefits of DePIN are significant. By integrating DePIN devices into their operations, they can unlock a wealth of opportunities:

• Enhanced operational efficiency: DePIN devices, such as air quality sensors from Ambient Network, can provide real-time data on environmental conditions. This information can be used to optimize HVAC systems, improve indoor air quality, and reduce energy consumption.
• Increased customer satisfaction: By leveraging DePIN-powered solutions, franchises can offer a more personalized and convenient customer experience. For instance, indoor cell site deployments from Helium Mobile or XNET can provide reliable connectivity, while blockchain-based supply chain management can ensure product quality and freshness.

A case study: the power of collaboration

A prime example of DePIN’s impact on the franchise industry is the partnership between major fast-food chains and Ambient Network, the largest decentralized air quality network on Solana. By deploying air quality sensors across hundreds of stores, from coast to coast, these franchises are not only improving air quality for their customers but also contributing to a cleaner environment. Moreover, they are generating valuable data insights that can be used to optimize operations and reduce costs.

“With the growing maturity of tokens and decentralized technologies, we’re seeing a shift in how we can use these assets within our stores and properties,” explains Pushpak Patel, Founding Principal at CMG Companies, one of the largest operators of KFC, Taco Bell, Sonic, Little Caesars, Rent-A-Center, and Ace Hardware franchises in the US.

“By installing 1,000 DePIN devices from Ambient Network, we’re enhancing our ability to gather operational insights across our locations. Having air quality sensors installed doesn’t just provide real-time conditions, both outdoor and indoor — it also enables us to participate in demand-response programs. And with the strategic density of our locations, we can help unlock greater coverage for the network, which in turn generates additional data insights. This is a game-changer.”

Franchisees may partner with third parties to deploy and manage the infrastructure, or they can manage the devices in-house to improve operational efficiency with the devices and potentially generate an excellent return on investment. With Helium, these deployer participants are seeing ROI from a few dollars to tens of dollars per day based on factors like location, miner density and network demand.

Parami Investors, one of the largest deployers of Helium and Ambient devices in North America, has also been bullish on DePIN opportunities for franchise locations. We are clearly seeing greater adoption by retailers and hospitality providers to adopt and deploy decentralized solutions such as Helium and Ambient. Ambient is now deployed across highly dense commercial shopping and dining centers like the Japanese Village Plaza in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district, hotels like the Best Western in Las Vegas and fast food chains like Taco Bell, KFC and Five Guys. Revolutions start on the street with franchisees pushing the envelope for wider corporate adoption.

The road ahead

As DePIN technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the franchise industry. From decentralized energy grids like Powerledger and community-powered solar from Glow, to blockchain-based loyalty programs from Hang, the possibilities are endless.

For fast food retailers and franchisees, deploying DePIN devices is not just a technological trend — it’s an investment in a more efficient, profitable, and sustainable future. From generating passive income to collecting valuable data and optimizing operations, the benefits are clear. As the technology continues to evolve, franchisees and other small businesses will find even more ways to leverage DePIN devices to improve both the customer experience and their bottom line.

Decentralized solutions are building an ecosystem that benefits everyone, driving participation through incentives. And DePIN devices are a key part of that vision. By embracing these new technologies, franchisees are setting themselves up for long-term success, ensuring that they remain competitive in an ever-changing market.

CATZILLA is stealing the spotlight from Raydium’s $10 target with its high growth potential.

While Raydium sets its sights on a notable target, the real buzz centers around CATZILLA. This emerging contender has investors talking about its potential to surge by high values.

CATZILLA: The meme coin redefining success

CATZILLA is generating a seismic buzz in the crypto world with its growth potential. This emerging meme coin is more than just a flashy newcomer — it’s a bold, community-driven project poised to challenge crypto norms and deliver massive returns.

CATZILLA’s mission is to confront greed, expose scammers, and create a fairer crypto ecosystem. With a rebellious spirit and a fierce drive for innovation, its rallying investors, meme enthusiasts, and DeFi advocates to join its mission of decentralized financial empowerment.

CATZILLA isn’t just another fleeting meme coin. It’s designed with longevity and value at its core, offering early investors an incredible 88% presale discount. Starting at $0.0002, its 14-stage presale gradually increases prices, ensuring those who act early benefit the most.

Triple utility power:

1. Governance – Empowering the community to shape CATZILLA’s future.
2. Incentives – Rewarding active engagement and contributions.
3. Staking – Offering opportunities for passive income by holding and staking CATZILLA tokens.

By blending humor, financial opportunity, and a transparent roadmap, CATZILLA is turning heads as a serious contender in the meme coin arena.

CATZILLA’s strength lies in its passionate community and commitment to inclusivity. It’s a platform where creativity meets innovation, uniting seasoned investors and meme fans in a collective pursuit of financial freedom.

Whether for the laughs, the gains, or the mission, CATZILLA promises a fresh approach to crypto — a space where collaboration thrives and possibilities are endless.

Interested investors can join the CATZILLA movement via presale.

Raydium eyes further growth

Raydium’s recent surge is catching eyes as its price maintains between $5.79 and $8.67. With a 6-month climb of over 227%, the potential for more growth is compelling. The nearest resistance sits at $9.57, signaling a pivotal point. If broken, the path to the second resistance at $13.07 opens, hinting at more than a 50% gain from current levels. 

The RSI at 43.34 suggests room to run before overbought levels. The MACD’s positive nature bolsters this bullish sentiment. Recent 1-week and 1-month gains of over 39% and 54% respectively reflect growing momentum. As traders eye these levels, Raydium’s future looks promising in what could be shaping up to be an altcoin season.

Conclusion

While coins like RAY show limited short-term potential, Catzilla stands out as a meme coin aiming to bring financial freedom. With a 700% ROI potential during its presale — starting at $0.0002 and rising to $0.0016 over 14 stages — it offers governance features, rewards for loyalty, and staking options. Catzilla looks to unite enthusiasts to challenge toxic systems and reach new heights.

For more information on Catzilla, visit their website, X, or Telegram News.

Layer 2 protocols have played a critical role in scaling the Ethereum network. The blockchain’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin noted that Layer 2s in 2025 represents a significant evolution from their experimental beginnings in 2019, having achieved certain decentralization milestones, secured billions of dollars in value, and scaled Ethereum’s transaction capacity by 17-fold, all while simultaneously lowering fees.

However, Buterin stated that challenges remain, particularly around scaling and heterogeneity.

Blob Space and Interoperability Challenges

In his latest blog post, Buterin pointed out that Ethereum’s current blob space – a resource for storing and processing data on the blockchain – barely meets the demands of today’s Layer 2s and their use cases. As such, this limitation could hinder the platform’s ability to accommodate future growth.

Additionally, the heterogeneity of Layer 2s creates challenges when it comes to interoperability, composability, and user experience.

While Ethereum’s initial vision for scaling involved a shard-based system of homogenous blockchains, Buterin noted that Layer 2s have instead evolved into a fragmented ecosystem of chains created by different actors, each with different standards and infrastructure requirements.

To address these challenges, the Ethereum co-founder outlined several key steps. On the Layer 1 side, Ethereum must accelerate scaling blobs and expand the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) and gas limits to handle activities such as proofs, large-scale DeFi, deposits, withdrawals, and mass exit scenarios.

On the Layer 2 front, he stressed the need for improved security, ensuring guarantees such as censorship resistance, light client verifiability, and the absence of trusted parties. Interoperability across Layer 2s and wallets must also be prioritized to enable easy interactions across chains through standardized addresses, message-passing protocols, bridges, and efficient cross-chain payments.

For users, Ethereum should feel like a unified ecosystem rather than a collection of disparate chains, Buterin added.

Strengthening ETH as a Triple-Point Asset

Buterin also stated that Ethereum’s future as a strong triple-point asset – functioning as a store of value, medium of exchange, and unit of account – requires a “multi-pronged” strategy to maximize the value of ETH.

The first step is to cement ETH as the primary asset across the combined Layer 1 and Layer 2 Ethereum economy. This includes prioritizing ETH, the main collateral for decentralized applications and financial ecosystems.

Next comes incentivizing Layer 2s to allocate a portion of their fees toward the broader Ethereum ecosystem, which could generate sustainable funding. This may involve burning part of the fees, staking them, or channeling proceeds into public goods for the Ethereum network.

Third, while rollups offer opportunities for Layer 1 to capture value through MEV, it’s important to maintain flexibility, recognizing that not all rollups can adopt this model due to different application requirements. Finally, Ethereum could explore raising the blob count as a potential revenue stream.

XRP is currently at a critical juncture, trading at a key level after breaking its all-time high just eight days ago. Despite the market’s inherent volatility, price action remains robust, fueling optimism among investors and analysts. As the broader crypto market enters a bullish phase, XRP is gaining attention as a potential leader in the next major rally.

Related Reading

Market sentiment is growing increasingly positive, with analysts predicting a massive move into price discovery. Among them, crypto expert Carl Runefelt has shared an intriguing technical analysis on X, highlighting a bullish setup for XRP. According to Runefelt, the price is forming a bullish pennant pattern on the 4-hour timeframe, a classic indicator of potential upward continuation. This pattern suggests that XRP is consolidating before a significant breakout, which could propel the price into uncharted territory.

As excitement builds, investors are watching closely to see whether XRP can sustain its momentum and capitalize on the bullish market environment. A breakout from the bullish pennant could confirm XRP’s trajectory toward new milestones, reinforcing its position as one of the market’s most dynamic assets. 

XRP About To Enter Price Discovery

XRP is on the verge of entering price discovery as the broader crypto market signals a bullish rally. Following a strong pump in early November, XRP’s price action has remained resilient, fueling optimism for substantial gains in the months ahead. As the market flirts with a decisive phase, XRP continues to stand out as a top contender for life-changing returns for investors and traders.

Renowned crypto analyst Carl Runefelt has shared an insightful technical analysis on X, highlighting a bullish setup for XRP. According to Runefelt, the price is forming a bullish pennant pattern on the 4-hour timeframe, a classic indicator of potential upward continuation. Based on this setup, Runefelt has set a price target of $4.20 in the coming weeks, aligning with broader expectations of a market-wide rally.

The bullish pennant suggests that XRP is consolidating before its next major move. If the pattern holds, the breakout could propel XRP into uncharted territory, confirming its position as a leading asset in this market cycle.

Related Reading

As the market gears up for a potentially explosive phase, XRP is well-positioned to capitalize on the momentum. With its strong price action and favorable technical setup, XRP has the potential to deliver significant returns. Investors and traders are closely watching as XRP prepares for its next move, with anticipation building for what could be a pivotal rally.

Price Testing Critical Levels

XRP is currently trading at $3.19, following a massive surge above its previous all-time high last week. The recent price action highlights XRP’s strength as it continues to attract investor interest during this bullish phase. However, the asset has entered a brief consolidation phase, which could signal preparation for its next move.

For bulls to maintain momentum and sustain the uptrend, reclaiming the $3.25 resistance level is critical. Breaking above this mark would likely reignite buying pressure and pave the way for another push toward new all-time highs. Achieving this would reinforce the bullish structure and solidify XRP’s position as one of the market’s top-performing assets.

Conversely, holding above the $3.05 support level is equally important to confirm the ongoing trend. This level has become a key line of defense, and a breakdown below it could signal weakness, potentially leading to a deeper correction and testing lower demand zones.

Related Reading

As XRP consolidates, investors are closely monitoring these crucial levels. A breakout above $3.25 or a strong defense of $3.05 will provide clearer direction for XRP’s next move. The coming days will be pivotal in determining whether XRP can sustain its bullish momentum or face temporary headwinds.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView