Crypto Infrastructure

Prediction markets platform Polymarket will launch 'Polymarket USD', a USDC-backed collateral token that will serve as the settlement asset for all contracts. The move is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade intended to standardize settlements and improve liquidity.

Digital Ascension Group has selected Uphold to run its U.S. crypto platform for high‑net‑worth clients, prioritizing institutional-grade infrastructure over hype. The partnership aims to reassure affluent investors by leaning on custody, compliance and trading rails suited for advisory services.

Ripple published a whitepaper outlining a "Digital Prime Broker" model that positions XRP as a central liquidity and settlement asset for institutional clients. The plan aims to streamline custody, compliance and on‑ramps for large traders.

Robinhood led a financing that values trading infrastructure provider Talos at $1.5 billion and includes a $45 million Series B extension with new strategic investors.

A crypto infrastructure firm announced a $250 million initiative to expand stablecoin payment rails, aiming to let projects operate like digital banks on blockchain. The move underscores growing industry emphasis on payments built on crypto rails as an alternative to traditional banking.

A Kraken-backed SPAC is seeking to raise $250 million in an IPO to invest in companies building infrastructure and services for the digital asset ecosystem. The vehicle aims to accelerate consolidation and capital deployment into custody, trading, and middleware providers.

Coinbase said it is collaborating with leading U.S. banks on stablecoin projects and pilot crypto services, with CEO Brian Armstrong noting banks are "leaning into this as an opportunity." The move reflects a growing, if cautious, Wall Street interest in crypto infrastructure.

Visa has partnered with crypto infrastructure provider Aquanow to expand stablecoin settlement across the CEMEA region, aiming to cut cross-border costs and reduce operational friction. The move signals further mainstreaming of on-chain payment rails for regional transactions.