Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed an executive order aimed at reducing what his administration described as the fragmentation of digital-asset regulation. The move is intended to align oversight across agencies, improve protections for consumers, and create a clearer compliance environment for businesses operating in cryptocurrencies and stablecoins.

According to a statement from Tinubu’s special adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the order—signed on Friday—sets out a framework to “harmonize” regulation of virtual assets, strengthen cooperation among Nigeria’s financial, revenue and capital markets bodies, protect citizens from fraud, and “safeguard the integrity of the financial system while enabling responsible innovation.”

Key takeaways

• Nigeria’s executive order is designed to coordinate existing regulators rather than create a new authority or transfer powers.
• A new virtual asset council will be chaired by senior representatives from major financial regulators to steer related policy.
• Registration requirements are expected to be tied to the “nature of the activity” and the specific asset involved, addressing gaps that previously allowed some operators to avoid oversight.
• Nigeria’s tax authority, the Nigerian Revenue Service, is preparing additional guidance following earlier reforms requiring crypto providers to link transactions to tax identifiers.
• The policy shift comes amid rapid stablecoin and crypto inflows into Nigeria, including a major share of sub-Saharan Africa’s stablecoin activity since 2019, per an IMF report.

Executive order targets regulatory gaps without changing mandates

Onanuga emphasized that the executive order does not create a new regulator or reallocate statutory powers. Instead, he said each institution retains its mandate and independence, while the new framework is meant to coordinate their work “rather than replacing it.”

The adviser also indicated that Nigeria plans to provide clearer certainty for market participants by basing registration on how an actor participates in the market and what type of asset is involved. In the administration’s framing, the order is intended to “close the gaps” that allowed certain unregistered operators to avoid supervision.

For investors, exchanges, payment firms, and other service providers, the core practical question is not whether regulators will become stricter overnight, but whether coordination will be more predictable. Fragmentation often translates into overlapping compliance demands or enforcement uncertainty; a harmonized approach can reduce friction while still increasing the barriers for entities that previously operated outside established oversight.

A virtual asset council to coordinate policy across regulators

The executive order establishes a virtual asset council, led by senior figures from Nigeria’s top financial regulators, with responsibility for directing related policies. The intention, as described by the administration, is to strengthen cooperation across agencies that oversee different parts of the broader financial system.

That matters because digital assets span multiple regulatory domains: market conduct, financial stability concerns, anti-fraud measures, taxation, and capital markets oversight. When these responsibilities are distributed without tight coordination, businesses can face inconsistent rules depending on which agency is driving enforcement at a given time.

Nigeria’s approach appears to be aimed at consolidating how policies are directed across agencies while leaving each regulator’s formal legal powers intact—an arrangement that could improve consistency without triggering the disruption that sometimes comes with sweeping institutional restructuring.

Tax reforms continue: Nigeria links crypto activity to identifiers

Beyond the coordination effort, the executive order also points to tax administration updates. Onanuga noted that the Nigerian Revenue Service would provide additional details about the effects on taxpayers, while earlier measures suggest the direction of travel is already underway.

In January, Nigerian authorities said that under the Nigeria Tax Administration Act, crypto service providers were required to link transactions to tax identification numbers. In some situations, national identification numbers were also required.

The policy emphasis on identifier-linked reporting is particularly relevant in a market where cross-border activity and informal rails can complicate compliance. If Nigeria tightens data requirements while harmonizing regulator oversight, firms operating locally may need to upgrade their onboarding and transaction-record systems to demonstrate that counterparties and transactions can be mapped to the relevant tax records.

The next watchpoint is how the “additional details” referenced in the executive order translate into enforceable operational requirements—such as what data formats will be expected, how compliance will be assessed, and how reporting obligations interact with existing rules for different classes of digital-asset services.

Rapid stablecoin adoption increases pressure for clearer rules

Nigeria’s regulatory attention comes as digital asset usage has expanded quickly. According to a June report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Nigeria accounted for about 60% of stablecoin inflows within sub-Saharan Africa since 2019. The IMF also reported that Nigeria had approximately $59 billion in crypto inflows between July 2023 and June 2024, citing the scale of activity tied to crypto demand in the region.

The IMF also framed Nigeria’s policy challenge as balancing innovation with risk control. In its discussion of stablecoin adoption, the institution said the problem is to “narrow the gap that made the workaround attractive” in cross-border payments while ensuring that “new risks remain contained.” The IMF added that doing so requires “a clear strategy: open to innovation but anchored in sound macroeconomic policy and effective regulation.”

That framing highlights a tension policymakers often face: stablecoins can meet real user needs—especially when traditional payment channels are costly or slow—but they can also introduce compliance, consumer protection, and financial integrity risks if governance is unclear. Nigeria’s executive order is positioned as an attempt to bring those risks under a more coordinated regulatory umbrella while keeping the market open for “responsible innovation,” in the administration’s wording.

The meaningful change from a practical standpoint will be whether harmonization leads to consistent enforcement and clearer registration pathways. The administration’s commitment that registration follows the nature of the activity and the asset suggests rules may be tiered rather than one-size-fits-all, which could help regulators target higher-risk activities while reducing uncertainty for lower-risk providers.

What to watch next

Market participants should focus on how the new virtual asset council operationalizes guidance, how registration requirements will be defined by activity type and asset category, and what specific compliance and reporting updates the Nigerian Revenue Service issues following earlier identifier-based tax reforms.

Polymarket traders sharply raised the odds of the Clarity Act becoming law this year after reports that President Trump reportedly agreed to the ethics provision that had stalled the bill.

The market pricing whether the crypto market structure bill is signed into law in 2026 rose to about 43% on the predictons market on Monday, compared to 32% on Friday. This was its lowest level since the market started trading in January.

The jump tracked a series of reports that the final sticking point in months of negotiations had been cleared.

Democrats have not seen the bill text, a source familiar with the matter told CoinDesk, and no text has been publicly released. The White House and the offices of the senators involved had not commented.

Ethics has been the last major obstacle to the Clarity Act, which would create the first comprehensive federal framework for digital assets and split oversight between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).

Bitcoin pushed past one-month highs on Tuesday, breaking above the $65,000 area and reaching $66,000 on the back of strengthening short-term momentum. According to TradingView data cited by the market, BTC/USD hit a high of $66,306 on Bitstamp—levels last seen on June 17.

The move appears to be drawing in traders who were previously watching for confirmation through nearby resistance. At the same time, derivatives activity suggests the latest breakout is beginning to spill over into liquidations and higher-beta positioning heading into the end of July.

Key takeaways

• BTC/USD traded at $66,306 on Bitstamp, the first time above $66,000 in more than a month.
• Traders cited $67,000–$68,000 as the next resistance zone, with one analyst suggesting 5%–6% upside could follow if reclaimed.
• CoinGlass reported roughly $200 million in cross-crypto liquidations over 24 hours as the breakout accelerated.
• QCP Capital flagged “some demand” for higher Bitcoin options pricing into late July, implying dealers may be positioned in a way that can amplify upward moves.

From failed $65,000 attempts to a clean break higher

Price action had repeatedly met resistance around $65,000, with a “series of rejections” in that zone failing to fully cool enthusiasm. Still, traders continued to reference upside levels above $67,000, while pointing to upcoming psychological markers such as $70,000.

One widely followed market commentator, trader Jelle, wrote on X that BTC had “reclaimed the range lows” and was “now pushing higher.” In the same analysis, Jelle described the 65,000 to 67,000 band as resistance from the earlier Q1 range, adding that it “might not put much of a fight” given how quickly BTC moved through it on the way down.

“The area between 65 and 67k is resistance from the Q1 range, but given how we sliced through it on the way down – it might not put much of a fight up here either. Eyes on those 70k range highs if so.”

Liquidations rise as traders reposition

As Bitcoin moved through range highs, short liquidations began to build. CoinGlass data, cited in the article, put total cross-crypto liquidations at about $200 million over the prior 24 hours—an indicator that leverage is being stress-tested as the market reprices.

Another trader highlighted the same nearby structure. Ted Pillows argued that reclaiming $65,000 shifts attention to $67,500–$68,000 as the next major resistance, framing the breakout as leaving Bitcoin “some room to pump.” Pillows further suggested that if BTC can reclaim the $68,000 level, a fast continuation higher could follow.

“If BTC manages to reclaim the $68,000 resistance too, it could rally another 5%-6% very quickly.”

Not all voices were convinced the rally reflected broad spot demand. Commentator Exitpump cautioned on X that there was “very little real buying interest” and pointed instead to derivatives dynamics—specifically the idea that closing short positions can help drive price higher. That distinction matters for traders: rallies powered mainly by squeeze mechanics can accelerate quickly, but they may also reverse faster if spot participation doesn’t keep up.

Options positioning and the macro calendar ahead

beyond spot price levels, the article points to derivatives and options flows. Trading firm and market maker QCP Capital said it observed “some demand” for higher Bitcoin bets into the end of July, according to a “QCP Market Colour” note referenced in the report.

QCP’s framing is important because it implies not just directional interest, but a specific positioning profile in options markets. The firm said dealers are short upside gamma into the 28–29 July FOMC window, which can raise the odds of an “accelerated move higher” if market stress or macro uncertainty eases. In other words, if price starts climbing and options hedging flows kick in, volatility and directional momentum can reinforce each other.

“This positioning leaves dealers short upside gamma into the 28 to 29 July FOMC meeting, increasing the potential for an accelerated move higher should tensions around the Strait of Hormuz ease.”

QCP also connected the setup to the broader geopolitical situation, referencing an ongoing focus on the Strait of Hormuz and the potential impact on global oil routes. The link is indirect for crypto, but it feeds into macro risk appetite—something investors often watch for when crypto moves in tandem with wider risk assets.

Macro expectations were also part of the backdrop. The report notes that the US Federal Reserve would hold its next interest-rate meeting on July 29, with chair Kevin Warsh potentially providing additional guidance. It further cites CME Group’s FedWatch Tool probabilities: 83.4% that the Fed keeps the current policy target range of 3.50%–3.75% at the July 29 meeting, and 53.8% for a hike to 3.75%–4.00% at the Sept. 16 FOMC meeting.

That calendar is relevant to Bitcoin traders because catalysts around central bank policy can shift liquidity conditions and risk-taking behavior quickly—especially when derivatives positioning creates leverage to amplify price moves.

What to watch if the breakout holds

Bitcoin’s jump above $66,000 suggests momentum is returning, but the next phase hinges on whether the market can convert that breakout into a sustained trend. Traders cited $67,000–$68,000 as the most immediate hurdle; passing through that zone would likely determine whether the market stays in “squeeze and continuation” mode or transitions into a more stable range.

Heading into the end-of-July FOMC window, readers should also watch for signs of whether options-driven risk appetite grows—or whether commentary about “little real buying interest” proves more prescient. If upside gamma effects are indeed in play, volatility could rise sharply around key macro moments; if not, the move may fade after the initial liquidation wave.

Bernstein analysts have lifted their price target for Robinhood Markets to $160 from $130, arguing that the company’s next growth phase will be driven more by tokenized equities and prediction markets than by conventional crypto trading. In a research note released on Monday, Bernstein kept an “Outperform” rating on the stock, which was last seen trading around $101 at the time of publication.

The investment firm’s central thesis is that Robinhood’s expansion into financial applications on-chain is still early, and that prediction markets could become its fastest-growing segment. Bernstein forecasts segment revenue of $1.7 billion by 2028, implying a 64% compound annual growth rate.

Key takeaways

• Bernstein raised Robinhood’s price target to $160 from $130 and maintained an Outperform rating.
• Analysts expect prediction markets to become Robinhood’s fastest-growing business, reaching $1.7 billion in segment revenue by 2028.
• Tokenized equities are framed as a major long-term opportunity tied to Robinhood’s push into blockchain infrastructure.
• Bernstein points to Robinhood Chain—an Arbitrum-based layer-2—as the firm’s proprietary route to building on-chain financial products.
• Industry momentum is highlighted by new integrations aimed at bringing shareholder governance tooling to tokenized securities.

Why Bernstein is betting on prediction markets

Bernstein’s upgrade is rooted in a shift from “crypto trading first” to “financial markets on-chain.” While the report doesn’t suggest traditional crypto activity will disappear, it places prediction markets at the center of Robinhood’s near-to-medium term growth story.

According to the analysts, prediction markets are positioned to scale faster than many other adjacent lines of business because they map closely to trading behavior and user engagement patterns already familiar to Robinhood customers. Bernstein’s segment revenue projection—$1.7 billion by 2028—also signals that it views this category as more than a pilot product.

Investors will likely focus on whether Robinhood can convert early adoption into durable volume and retention, particularly as the competitive landscape evolves. The report frames prediction markets as a “battleground” area alongside other market products that can benefit from on-chain infrastructure, but the key question remains whether growth matches Bernstein’s expectations as the category matures.

Tokenized equities and Robinhood Chain’s role

Beyond prediction markets, Bernstein highlighted tokenized equities as a long-term opportunity. The analysts connected this to Robinhood’s investment in blockchain infrastructure, specifically calling out Robinhood Chain—an Arbitrum-based layer-2 network—as the company’s proprietary foundation for tokenized real-world assets.

The report’s emphasis is not only on tokenization itself, but on the ability to build on-chain financial products without relying on third-party blockchains. That distinction matters commercially: if Robinhood can control key infrastructure layers, it may reduce integration friction and speed up product iteration, though the market will still require regulatory and operational clarity as tokenized securities expand.

Bernstein also argued that tokenization is becoming a foundational layer for capital markets. It projected that on-chain real-world assets could rise to between $2 trillion and $4 trillion by 2030, compared with roughly $35 billion today. The analysts further expect tokenized equities to capture an increasing share of that growth as adoption extends beyond areas such as Treasury instruments and private credit.

For traders and builders, the practical implication is that tokenized equities are increasingly tied to mainstream market infrastructure—not just crypto-native rails. If that plays out, Robinhood’s strategy would benefit from the broader shift toward digitized settlement, programmable compliance, and infrastructure that can support capital markets workflows end-to-end.

Wall Street accelerates governance for tokenized securities

The Bernstein note landed amid continued progress in tokenization infrastructure—particularly around the capabilities needed for investors to exercise rights in tokenized formats. On Monday, brokerage infrastructure provider Alpaca and Broadridge Financial Solutions announced they integrated Broadridge’s shareholder governance tools into Alpaca’s Instant Tokenization Network.

Per the announcement, the integration adds functions such as proxy voting, investor communications, and regulatory disclosures for tokenized securities. The stated goal is to offer governance rights comparable to those available to holders of traditional shares.

That matters because governance is one of the most concrete “real world” hurdles for tokenized markets. It’s not enough to tokenize ownership; participants also need operational pathways for voting, disclosures, and other mechanisms that align with existing securities frameworks.

The integration follows a partnership disclosed last week between tokenization platform Securitize and investment bank Cantor Fitzgerald, aimed at developing infrastructure for blockchain-based initial public offerings and follow-on equity offerings while operating within existing US securities regulations. Together, these developments suggest an increasing focus on making tokenized instruments usable at scale, not just technically feasible.

Momentum in the tokenized stocks category is also reflected in market sizing. According to RWA.xyz, the asset class has grown to nearly $2 billion in market value this year, underscoring that tokenized equities are still early but no longer confined to isolated experiments.

What to watch as Robinhood’s thesis meets execution

Bernstein’s upgrade frames Robinhood’s roadmap around two overlapping themes: prediction markets as the fastest path to meaningful segment revenue growth, and tokenized equities as a longer-duration structural bet supported by infrastructure investments such as Robinhood Chain. The next phase for investors will be whether execution and regulatory readiness can keep pace with the market narrative.

Key signals to monitor include product rollout and performance in prediction markets, plus measurable progress toward wider tokenized equity adoption—particularly where governance tooling and compliant issuance infrastructure are required. With Wall Street simultaneously building the connective tissue for tokenized securities, the competitive advantage may shift toward companies that can operationalize these capabilities quickly and reliably.

• Cardano (ADA) gained 7.8% in 24 hours as buying momentum returned.
• Van Rossem upgraded Cardano with faster smart contracts.
• Whale accumulation has put the $0.20 level back in focus.

Cardano has bounced back after a sharp sell-off, with ADA climbing nearly 8% over the past 24 hours to trade around $0.1747.

The recovery comes amid a combination of strong whale accumulation, a major network upgrade, and renewed buying interest, even as lingering security concerns persist in the broader ecosystem.

Notably, the recovery has also brought a key level back into focus.

After gaining 11% over the past seven days and reaching an intraday high of $0.1774, focus is now on whether ADA can build enough momentum to challenge the $0.20 mark in the coming sessions.

Whale accumulation and price recovery strengthen bullish sentiment

Cardano’s recent rebound comes after a period of heavy selling that pushed ADA to a 24-hour low of $0.1615 before buyers stepped in.

The token has since recovered to around $0.1747, reflecting a 7.8% daily gain and signalling that demand has returned after the decline.

One of the biggest developments supporting the recovery is increased whale activity.

Large holders have reportedly accumulated substantial amounts of ADA during the recent weakness, a trend that is often viewed as a sign of confidence from long-term investors.

The accumulation has fueled speculation that Cardano could attempt a move toward $0.20, a level that has emerged as an important psychological resistance.

Trading activity has also remained strong. Cardano recorded approximately $435 million in 24-hour trading volume, highlighting continued participation as the token recovered from recent lows.

Van Rossem hard fork marks a major milestone for Cardano

Beyond price action, Cardano has received a fundamental boost through the successful activation of the Van Rossem hard fork, which upgraded the blockchain to Protocol Version 11.

The upgrade introduces several technical improvements designed to enhance the network’s efficiency.

These include lower-cost and faster execution of Plutus smart contracts, updated cost models, additional built-in functions for developers, and stronger node security.

Perhaps more importantly, the upgrade represents a governance milestone for the blockchain.

It is the first Cardano hard fork approved entirely through the network’s on-chain governance system, with participation from Delegated Representatives (DReps), Stake Pool Operators (SPOs) and the Constitutional Committee.

The successful implementation reinforces Cardano’s transition toward community-led governance while providing developers with improved tools for decentralised finance, NFT applications and other blockchain-based services.

Hoskinson shifts focus to long-term network development

As ADA experienced heightened volatility, Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano and chief executive of Input Output Global (IOG), urged investors to focus on the network’s long-term development rather than short-term price swings.

Hoskinson said Cardano should be measured by the strength of its technology and the continued decentralisation of its ecosystem.

He also explained that IOG intends to place greater emphasis on research and innovation while more organisations take responsibility for maintaining Cardano’s core infrastructure.

According to Hoskinson, development of Cardano’s Haskell-based node software is already being shared among multiple companies, reflecting the project’s broader push toward decentralised development.

These comments came as the network continued expanding its governance model following the Van Rossem upgrade, adding another layer to Cardano’s long-term roadmap.

Bridge exploit adds caution despite improving outlook

While Cardano has benefited from positive developments, the ecosystem also faced negative headlines after an exploit involving Wanchain’s Cardano bridge.

The incident resulted in the theft of approximately 515 million NIGHT tokens, valued at around $9 million. However, the exploit affected the bridge infrastructure rather than Cardano’s Layer 1 blockchain itself.

That distinction is important because cross-chain bridges operate independently from the underlying blockchain.

The incident therefore did not indicate a flaw in Cardano’s consensus mechanism or protocol, although it highlighted the security risks that continue to surround interoperability platforms across the cryptocurrency industry.

Wanchain @wanchain_org Cardano bridge was reportedly being attacked, with ~515M $NIGHT drained from the bridge Treasury.

Our initial investigation suggests that the root cause seems to be a non-injective signed-message encoding in the TreasuryCheck validator. The signed message… https://t.co/bnWEnw3Dxc pic.twitter.com/PQFAN6lRn9

— BlockSec Phalcon (@Phalcon_xyz) July 21, 2026

For investors, the exploit served as a reminder that infrastructure built around a blockchain can still introduce risks even when the core network remains unaffected.

Cardano price prediction

Cardano enters the coming sessions with improving momentum after recovering from its recent lows.

ADA’s move from $0.1615 to around $0.1747, combined with an 11% weekly gain, suggests buying interest has strengthened following the latest market correction.

At the same time, whale accumulation, the successful rollout of the Van Rossem hard fork and continued development under Input Output Global have provided supportive fundamental developments for the network.

The next major level remains $0.1917, with the next higher level at $1.20. A sustained move above that price would represent the next significant technical milestone after ADA’s recent recovery.

Until then, traders are likely to watch whether buying volume remains strong enough to maintain the current rebound while the market continues to digest both the positive network upgrades and the recent bridge-related security incident.

Ripple’s native token pushed back toward $1.13 on Tuesday as buyers defended the $1.08-$1.10 area and tried to turn a short-term recovery into a breakout. 

At press time, crypto.news market data showed XRP near $1.13, up about 4.1% over 24 hours.

The rebound has improved short-term momentum, but the larger structure remains weaker. The token still trades inside a descending channel that has limited rallies, leaving the market with two different signals: a possible near-term breakout and a broader trend that has not yet turned bullish.

XRP tests $1.13 as traders watch $1.35

Crypto analyst Ali Martinez said XRP’s monthly chart had produced a TD Sequential buy signal, while the hourly chart showed price compressing inside a symmetrical triangle. He said a sustained move above $1.13 could open a roughly 20% rally toward $1.35. The setup gained attention as the token climbed from the lower end of its recent range.

However, $1.13 is only the first test. A recent crypto.news analysis placed resistance near $1.17, followed by about $1.27 and $1.37 if buyers continue to gain control. The supplied daily chart also shows XRP above the middle Bollinger Band near $1.11 but below the upper band around $1.16. A close above $1.16 would strengthen the recovery, while a drop below $1.11 would weaken momentum.

The Balance of Power indicator near 0.86 points to strong buying pressure on the latest candle. Still, one strong reading does not confirm a trend reversal. XRP has produced several relief rallies during its wider decline, so buyers still need to hold reclaimed levels and build volume above resistance.

ETF inflows support the rebound

U.S.-listed spot XRP ETFs recorded $2.49 million in net inflows on July 20, according to SoSoValue data. Bitwise’s fund was the only product to record net buying for the session, lifting its cumulative inflows to about $501 million. Total XRP ETF assets stood near $1.017 billion, while cumulative net inflows remained around $1.489 billion.

That demand continues a pattern seen through much of 2026. XRP ETFs have absorbed close to one billion tokens while exchange reserves have fallen to multi-year lows. Yet the tighter available supply has not produced a sustained rally. XRP has remained far below its July 2025 peak despite steady ETF demand.

U.S. spot XRP ETFs attracted $6.78 million last week while the listed products held about 971 million XRP. That steady demand provides support, but price still needs a clear technical break before traders can treat the current move as more than another rebound inside a larger decline.

Analysts split over the larger trend

The latest bounce has produced sharply different long-term forecasts. EGRAG CRYPTO said XRP may be forming a third macro bottom around the $0.90-$1.00 area, supported by long-term exponential moving averages. His roadmap places $1.23 as an initial reclaim level and $1.56 as a stronger confirmation before much higher long-term targets.

Those projections remain speculative. EGRAG said the third bottom has not yet been fully confirmed, while his targets of $9, $15 and $31 rely on Fibonacci extensions and a future macro breakout. 

Chart analyst ChartNerd has taken a more cautious view, arguing that XRP remains in a long-term downtrend after a bearish 20-week and 50-week EMA crossover formed earlier in 2026.

ChartNerd said rallies toward roughly $1.29 or even $1.60 could still face heavy resistance unless XRP breaks above its larger descending structure. The broader technical picture also remains cautious, with recent analysis placing XRP beneath descending resistance despite improving short-term price action.

A move toward $1.35 would confirm the short-term triangle breakout described by Martinez, but XRP would still need to reclaim higher weekly resistance before the larger trend changes. The divide between improving momentum and continued long-term weakness remains central to the current setup.

XRP bulls need to clear $1.16

The clearest short-term levels sit close to the current price. The $1.11 area, which aligns with the middle Bollinger Band, acts as the first support. The $1.16 area marks the upper band and a nearby resistance zone. A sustained move through that level would strengthen the case for a push toward $1.20, $1.27 and eventually $1.35.

On the downside, losing $1.11 would weaken the latest recovery and put the $1.08-$1.10 area back in focus. A deeper breakdown could return attention to the $1.05-$1.00 zone, where buyers have recently defended the market.

Meanwhile, institutional demand remains a supporting factor rather than a confirmed breakout driver.

Ant International has completed a roughly $1.2 billion Series A funding round, securing backing from Ant Group, Alibaba, existing shareholders, and global investment firms to expand its international fintech business and AI capabilities.

Chinese media outlet Yicai reported on Tuesday that the financing will support Ant International’s global expansion, increase investment in artificial intelligence, and extend services including cross-border payments and global accounts. The company said the capital will also help merchants grow through its international financial technology offerings.

The financing follows months of investor interest in Ant International as the Singapore-based unit continued expanding outside mainland China. In June, Bloomberg reported that the company had been exploring a fundraising round of about $1 billion at a valuation of at least $10 billion after recording eight consecutive quarters of profitability, citing people familiar with the matter.

Funding backs AI and international payments strategy

The newly completed Series A round included participation from Ant Group, several existing shareholders including Alibaba, and multiple international investment institutions, according to Yicai. The company did not identify the outside investors participating in the financing.

According to the report, the fresh capital will be directed toward growing Ant International’s presence across overseas markets while increasing spending on AI technologies. The company also plans to expand inclusive fintech products focused on cross-border payments and global account services for businesses operating internationally.

Ant International has become the centerpiece of Ant Group’s overseas business after the parent company reorganized several units into independently governed businesses. On March 19, 2024, Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing announced that Ant International, OceanBase, and Ant Digital had each established separate boards of directors to operate independently in the market.

The current leadership team includes Jing as chairman, Yang Peng as chief executive officer, and Douglas Feagin as president, according to the local report.

Operating from Singapore, Ant International now serves markets across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. The company says its network connects more than 150 million merchants with over 2 billion consumer accounts through innovation, settlement, and operational centers in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Its business is organized into four operating units: Alipay+, merchant payments platform Antom, cross-border financial services provider WorldFirst, and Bettr, which develops AI-powered treasury management and fintech products for businesses.

Global expansion builds on blockchain and stablecoin plans

The latest financing comes as Ant International continues expanding its blockchain-powered payments infrastructure and regulated digital asset initiatives.

Bloomberg reported in June that Ant International generated an estimated $3.7 billion in revenue during 2025, an increase of about 25% from the previous year. Although the business accounted for roughly one-tenth of Ant Group’s total revenue, Bloomberg said its international operations had been growing faster than several of the company’s domestic businesses.

A large part of that international strategy centers on cross-border payments. Ant International previously said its Alipay+ network operates in more than 100 markets, allowing consumers to pay with their existing digital wallets while merchants receive settlements through local payment systems.

Supporting that network is Whale, the company’s blockchain platform. According to previous company figures cited by Bloomberg, Ant International processed more than $1 trillion in global transactions during 2024, with about one-third of those payments settled through blockchain infrastructure.

The company has also been extending the platform into enterprise treasury management. Previous collaborations with Standard Chartered included blockchain-based liquidity transfers denominated in Singapore dollars after earlier Hong Kong dollar settlement trials under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Ensemble Sandbox initiative for tokenization.

At the same time, Ant International has been incorporating regulated digital assets into its payment infrastructure. Earlier this year, the company integrated Circle’s USDC stablecoin into parts of its cross-border settlement network, allowing selected transactions to settle over blockchain rails instead of relying entirely on traditional correspondent banking systems.

Regulated stablecoins are expected to become another part of Ant International’s international strategy. Bloomberg reported in June 2025 that the company planned to apply for stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Luxembourg. A company spokesperson confirmed at the time that it would seek a fiat-referenced stablecoin issuer license in Hong Kong after the city’s Stablecoins Ordinance took effect, with applications in Singapore and Luxembourg expected to follow.

Speaking previously at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Ant Group Chairman Eric Jing said artificial intelligence and tokenized settlement technologies could make financial services more accessible, underscoring the technologies the company continues to prioritize as it expands its international business.