Crypto innovation improved rapidly, with new integrations across financial sectors. Regulatory activity remained limited.
The headlines:
- eToro launched staking services for America;
- The SEC announced relief for State-chartered crypto custody firms;
- SWIFT was in the news for all the right reasons;
- State-level crypto legislation efforts continued;
- Binance launched a TraFi-focused solution;
- Plus, a new privacy-focused stablecoin is coming to town! (more on that later);
- And much more!
As always, these are your Decentralized Diaries!
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Bitcoin is at $123k (as of 10/5/25)
The cryptocurrency markets staged a comeback, with Bitcoin reaching a high of $125,559.20, up from a low of $109,236.94. Bitcoin is currently at $123,271.84.
Altcoins are also experiencing upward momentum.
Ethereum (ETH) is at $4,549.48, Solana (SOL) is at $232.04, Chainlink (LINK) is at $22.57, Avalanche (AVAX) is at $30.23, and Polkadot (DOT) is at $4.24.
eToro Launches Crypto Staking with Six-Tier Reward System
Premier brokerage eToro introduced staking services for Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), and Solana (SOL) to its US customers. Users can earn rewards by participating in blockchain validation.
Moreover, the program features a six-tier structure from bronze to diamond. Higher tiers offer increased staking yields based on user activity and engagement.
Plasma Integrates Chainlink Oracles to Secure $6 Billion in Stablecoins
Boutique Layer-1 blockchain Plasma announced its integration with Chainlink’s decentralized oracle network to enhance the reliability and transparency of its $6 billion stablecoin reserves. The setup provides real-time, on-chain verification of collateral backing its stablecoins.
Additionally, the integration supports automated audits, improving trust and increasing transparency in DeFi ecosystems.
Brex Launches USDC Stablecoin Support Payments
Fintech Brex added support for USDC stablecoin payments. Businesses can send money globally with faster settlement and lower fees.
Furthermore, blockchain rails process transactions speedily, offering real-time tracking and eliminating traditional banking delays.
SEC Announces Relief for State-Level Crypto Custodians
On September 30, the SEC granted permission for state-chartered crypto custodians. State-based entities without a federal banking charter can now hold crypto tokens for clients.
Moreover, the agency used the Investment Advisers Act and the Investment Company Act as a basis for the approval.
SWIFT Collaborates with ConsenSys to Pilot Payments Via Ethereum
Global messaging network SWIFT partnered with ConsenSys to test a blockchain-based prototype for cross-border payments using Ethereum and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The initiative examines how financial institutions can utilize public blockchains to facilitate transactions across various networks.
Furthermore, the prototype leverages ConsenSys’s Quorum and Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to facilitate communication between multiple blockchains and traditional financial systems.
Coinbase-Backed Social Experiment Pilots a $12k Crypto Aid Program
A New York pilot program, funded by Coinbase, is distributing $12,000 in USDC stablecoins to low-income families. The initiative tests whether crypto-based aid can improve financial access and efficiency for underserved communities.
Recipients use digital wallets, enabling faster and lower-cost transfers than traditional aid systems. The program also examines how stablecoins can promote financial inclusion and reduce barriers to emergency assistance.
New York has a Bitcoin Mining Tax-Energy Aid Bill
On October 1, lawmakers in New York’s State Capitol introduced bill S.8518. The legislation aims to tax Proof-of-Work (PoW) crypto mining facilities and use the generated revenue to support energy aid programs.
Furthermore, the bill comes as New York’s crypto mining operations continue to come under increased scrutiny from State authorities.
CME Unveils 2026 Crypto Derivatives Trading Expansion Plans
On September 25, CME announced plans to enable continuous trading for its crypto products next year. Pending regulatory approval, clients will be able to trade crypto options and futures 24/7 in 2026.
Moreover, a two-hour weekly maintenance period will occur on weekends.
SWIFT and Chainlink Integrate to Enable On-Chain, TradFi Transfers
Chainlink partnered with SWIFT to enable on-chain fund transfers across multiple financial institutions. The setup utilizes Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to enable SWIFT messages to interact with both public and private blockchains.
In addition, the collaboration supports tokenized asset transfers, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and securities.
There will be a Hearing on Massachusetts’s Bitcoin Reserve Bill
On September 26, Massachusetts’ legislators updated the state’s Bitcoin reserve bill. The Massachusetts Joint Revenue Committee will hold a hearing to explore the bill at the State Capitol.
Furthermore, the proposed legislation aims to convert seized digital assets into state property stored in a strategic reserve.
There’s a New Wisconsin Crypto Exemption Bill
On September 29, Wisconsin legislators introduced Assembly Bill 471. The bill exempts individuals and businesses from special money transmitter licenses for crypto-related activities such as exchanging, staking, and mining.
Moreover, the bill considers zero-legal-tender token transactions as a basis for exemptions from the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI).
SEC Mulls Equity Tokenization Plans
The SEC is allegedly working on an initiative that will enable tokenized stock trading, The Information reported on September 30. The setup will allow the trading of digital twins of publicly held companies within approved cryptocurrency ecosystems.
Subsequently, the regulator has yet to confirm the program.
Binance Launches a TradFi Plug-and-Play Solution
Premier crypto exchange Binance introduced a Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) solution to help traditional financial institutions integrate cryptocurrency products. The service enables banks and fintechs to offer custody, trading, and wallet infrastructure under their own brand, with Binance managing backend operations.
The platform supports white-label customization, allowing partners to deliver services without needing to develop the technology from scratch.
Paxos Collaborates with Aleo Network to Launch a Privacy Stablecoin
Blockchain infrastructure firm Paxos Labs partnered with Aleo Network to launch USAD, a privacy-focused stablecoin. The token will maintain parity with the US dollar and leverage the fully regulated USDG stablecoin.
Additionally, the duo aims to enable end-to-end encryption and other privacy features for the token.
Samsung Integrates Coinbase Access for 75 million Wallet Users
Tech behemoth Samsung integrated Coinbase Wallet access into Samsung Wallet and Samsung Pay, reaching over 75 million users globally. Users can connect to decentralized applications, manage digital assets, and interact with Web3 services directly from Samsung devices, especially Galaxy phones.
The setup supports secure key management and aims to simplify crypto mobile onboarding.
Crypto ETFs Slowed
Ongoing budget issues in Congress have slowed digital asset ETF activity, although some progress has continued. DTCC listed several Solana-focused ETFs from Fidelity, 21Shares, and Franklin Templeton.
Kraken expanded its partnership with Backed to enable tokenized crypto ETFs on the Telegram messaging app. VanEck registered a Lido-linked Staked Ethereum ETF in Delaware as a statutory trust.
