Fintech PR
HTX Ventures Identifies Five Rapidly-Growing Sectors in 2024, Expects Positive Crypto Regulations Driven by Trump Next Year
SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark on December 5, 2024, this landmark year for the crypto industry is closing on a high note. It has also been a fruitful year for HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, which supported a total of 28 leading crypto projects and funds, continually exploring new frontiers of crypto utility. Recently, HTX Ventures released its 2024 Year In Review, highlighting this year’s key developments in the crypto industry and forecasting market trends for the upcoming year.
Within this report, HTX Ventures highlighted five key sectors that showed encouraging progress in 2024 – the Bitcoin Ecosystem, Infrastructure, Meme Coins, AI, and the TON Ecosystem – and will continue to closely monitor these areas in 2025.
Bitcoin Ecosystem
With Bitcoin dominance reaching 56.81% and Bitcoin spot ETFs now accounting for 5.3% of the total Bitcoin supply, a new market trend has emerged. Bitcoin has solidified its position as the core asset, with spot ETFs acting as liquidity channels, and U.S. listed companies such as MicroStrategy (MSTR) serving as the vehicles to absorb unlimited dollar liquidity.
As a result, it is increasingly essential to further develop Bitcoin’s ecosystem and enhance capital utilization efficiency. It has driven infrastructure projects, including Layer 2s, execution layers, interoperability solutions and security layers, to continuously emerge.
With strong support from macro markets and infrastructure support, HTX Ventures anticipates a further surge in Bitcoin demand over the next two years.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure remained a cornerstone in this year’s crypto investments and funding. The synergy between capital and technology has driven the rapid development of Layer 1, Layer 2, and middleware projects, among others.
Through ongoing upgrades and construction, the Ethereum ecosystem has improved Layer 2s’ performance and reduced network fees. Other Layer 1s, such as Solana and TRON, achieved active on-chain transactions, attributable to the development of meme coins, and infrastructure like Pump.fun and Sunpump. Layer 0 and cross-chain middleware have made breakthroughs in interoperability, expanding the multi-chain landscape. Modular public blockchains, like Celestia and Monad, offered exceptional performance and flexibility, thus attracting diverse applications. Restaking projects, which aim to enhance network security and capital efficiency, has seen speedy development and gained market attention. Bitcoin Layer 2 has emerged as a new focus in the primary market for its attempt to combine Bitcoin’s security with high-performance scaling solutions.
As HTX Ventures stated, infrastructure is still imperative in this year’s crypto investments and funding. Layer 1 solutions, in particular, now represent the focal point of technical development and exploration within the crypto space, and it is expected to remain a priority for development resources and capital investment in the future.
Meme Coins
The Meme coin sector emerged as a hotspot in the crypto market in 2024, fostering community consensus while integrating with fields like DeFi and GameFi to create new use cases. For example, Solana has actively championed the innovation and growth of meme projects, successfully energizing its ecosystem. As the crypto market environment grows increasingly favorable, more retail investors are expected to enter the market, positioning Meme projects as vital channels for capital inflows.
The Meme coin fair launch sector has gained significant market attention and attracted substantial participants this year. Infrastructure projects such as Pump.fun and SunPump have emerged as top-performing cash flow generators, injecting fresh momentum into Meme coin development. As multi-chain ecosystems mature and real-world use cases expand, Meme coin infrastructure will continue injecting more vitality into this sector.
AI
In 2024, the intersection of Crypto and AI sector has been driving the exploration of several segmented fields such as ZK/OPML for enabling AI on-chain, AI data crowdsourcing, decentralized computing power rental, AI data trading, AI games, and AI agents.
One of the hottest segmented fields is AI agents, which are put on chains to take advantage of the token mechanism to incentivise and bootstrap certain behaviors with the agents, including interacting with smart contracts, trading and querying on behalf of users. In the future, AI agents will gradually become personal butlers and assistants for users, serving them with comprehensive capabilities, such as independent asset issuance, initiation of viral marketing campaigns, formation of DAOs, and even fund management and investment decision-making. Over time, they may develop unique cultures and religions. This deep integration of AI and encryption technology is a groundbreaking evolution that is unattainable within Web2 and cannot be achieved by Web3 relying solely on encryption technology.
TON Ecosystem
Attributable to Telegram’s hundreds of millions of users and robust technical support, the TON (The Open Network) ecosystem has progressively developed into a multi-layered blockchain ecosystem. In 2024, it experienced a full-scale boom in its ecosystem and market presence. From DeFi and meme coins to NFTs and gaming, TON leveraged its massive user base to achieve significant milestones in various fields, pioneering the monetization of Web2 social applications through crypto.
One standout success was the adoption of “tap-to-earn” games with token airdrop incentives, which effectively onboarded a large number of Web2 users. However, as the TON ecosystem moves into 2025, it must explore and find new business models to improve user retention and identify its next growth curve.
2025 Outlook
Donald Trump’s expected repeal of SAB 121 after his inauguration on January 20, 2025, would allow traditional financial institutions to hold crypto assets on their balance sheets, further accelerating the institutionalization of crypto assets. The repeal will not only open up more financing options for crypto but also make spot cryptos more accessible through existing institutional exchanges and partnerships.
At the same time, this regulatory easing is poised to enhance the overall maturity of the institutional crypto market. With the entry of traditional financial institutions, Bitcoin is anticipated to gain stronger support and gradually establish itself as a core dollar-denominated asset, alongside others tied to the dollar industry cycles, such as AI.
HTX Ventures points out that the market is still far from its bull market peak. Against the backdrop of Trump’s fiscal expansion policies and unprecedented crypto-friendly signals, a robust bull market is expected.
To learn more, please visit: https://square.htx.com/htx-ventures-2024-year-in-review/
About HTX Ventures
HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With more than a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice.
HTX Ventures currently backs over 300 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most active Fund of Funds (“FOF”) investors, HTX Ventures invests in 30 top global funds and collaborates with leading blockchain funds such as Polychain, Dragonfly, Bankless, Gitcoin, Figment, Nomad, Animoca, and Hack VC to jointly build a blockchain ecosystem. Visit us here.
Feel free to contact us for investment and collaboration at [email protected]
Contact Details
Ruder Finn Asia
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Fintech PR
ZBD BECOMES FIRST TO RECEIVE EU MICAR LICENSE APPROVAL
– Approval positions the FinTech as a leader in crypto-asset innovation and compliance in the EU, allowing it to expand its transformative digital-native payments platform and enter new markets –
AMSTERDAM, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ZBD, the innovative payments company at the forefront of digital economies, today announced it has become the first company to receive approval for the new European Union (EU) crypto-asset service provider license under MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). This landmark achievement represents a major milestone both in crypto-asset regulation in the EU and in ZBD’s journey to build a digital-native payments platform on top of the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) has approved ZBD’s license application under MiCAR, and will issue its license when MiCAR takes effect on 30th December 2024. MiCAR is a new regulatory framework that all crypto-asset service providers in the EU must comply with. Securing a license under MiCAR allows ZBD to expand its capabilities by offering a wide range of services including crypto-asset custody, administration, transfers, and—crucially—fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange. It also demonstrates a strict adherence to the highest standards of compliance and consumer protection for ZBD’s EU users.
While many companies, including the world’s largest exchanges, are struggling to navigate MiCAR’s stringent requirements, ZBD’s comprehensive and proactive approach to compliance has positioned it to lead the way in crypto-asset innovation and better serve customers across the EU. MiCAR therefore presents a unique opportunity for ZBD as it begins its expansion into the EU market after establishing a strong presence in the US.
“Being the first to have received MiCAR license approval is a major leap forward for us,” says Marca Wosoba, COO of ZBD. “We’ve built a culture where compliance is at the forefront of what we do, and we see it as an enabler for new functionality, not a blocker. MiCAR gave us an opportunity to obtain licensing across all of the EU and facilitate our expansion in the region.”
This milestone aligns with ZBD’s broader vision to build digital-native payments infrastructure for the gaming and entertainment industries. Unlike traditional FinTech companies, which typically start with a fiat-first model and then add on crypto functionality, ZBD flips the script—building on Bitcoin’s Lightning Network to enable fast, low-cost, and globally scalable payments. This flexibility allows the company to find product market-fit in the gaming space, serving use cases that are simply not possible with traditional finance, such as instant reward payouts with no minimums – gamers can earn money playing games and cash out as soon as they’ve earned even a fraction of a cent.
“Having already built a stable revenue-generating business gives us a great entry point to expand what we do and move towards our vision of building a payments company that can instantly move money in any currency,” added Wosoba. “It’s not about being a crypto or Bitcoin business, it’s about being a digital-native payments business that happens to use Bitcoin on the Lightning Network as a core technology in our internal tech stack.”
ZBD took a proactive and strategic approach in anticipation of the new regulation, submitting its MiCAR registration application at the earliest opportunity. Its strong, collaborative relationship with The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM), which was the first in the EU to accept and process applications, was also instrumental in achieving this significant milestone.
The license under MiCAR primes ZBD to launch more complex payment products built around Bitcoin, as well as grow rapidly in the EU in 2025. It also brings ZBD one step closer to achieving its ambitious vision as a transformative digital-native payments company. Following its ethos of building crypto-first and then adding complementary fiat functionality, the company is also in the final stages of receiving an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license, which will complement the range of services ZBD can offer under MiCAR, by also granting it license to perform a wide range of fiat payments services in the EU.
About ZBD
ZBD is a leader in payments innovation, pushing the boundaries of how we move money across the internet. Within gaming, ZBD has made a name for itself by powering instant real-money rewards for partners ranging from Square Enix to 1047 Games. Beyond gaming, ZBD enables unique payments-based use cases across interactive entertainment and adjacent industries. Whether it’s streaming money alongside audio in podcasting apps like Fountain, or implementing instant revenue sharing for each ad impression for adtech innovators like Slice and AdInMo, ZBD makes money move online as seamlessly as information.
To learn more, visit https://zbd.gg/
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Fintech PR
Klarpay AG has officially transitioned to Bivial AG
ZUG, Switzerland, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bivial AG is proud to announce the successful completion of its rebranding from Klarpay AG. This transformation represents a major milestone in the company’s journey, aligning its identity with its vision to become a global leader in comprehensive financial solutions for digital businesses.
The name ” Bivial ” encapsulates the company’s commitment to enabling seamless multidirectional financial flows, a core principle that has guided its evolution. This new identity underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and trust while expanding its capabilities.
With the rebrand complete, Bivial AG is poised to enhance its services beyond its established expertise in cross-border corporate payments. The company is actively working to broaden its portfolio with a range of financial and treasury solutions tailored to meet the needs of modern online businesses. This strategic shift underscores Bivial’s commitment to becoming a one-stop financial partner for its clients.
“The transition to Bivial reflects not just a change in name but an expansion with purpose,” said Martynas Bieliauskas, CEO of Bivial AG. “Our clients can expect the same innovative and reliable service they’ve always trusted, now complemented by a broader suite of offerings designed to support their growth in an interconnected world.”
As part of its growth strategy, Bivial is seeking to extend its regulatory footprint. Building on its existing regulatory framework under the Swiss Federal Banking Act Art 1b, the company has initiated processes to secure additional regulatory approvals in Switzerland.
Bivial’s rebrand signals a bold vision for the future of business finance. By integrating new technologies, expanding its regulatory reach, and broadening its offerings, the company is uniquely positioned to lead the way in financial services.
For more information about Bivial AG, visit www.bivial.ch.
About Bivial AG.
Bivial AG, formerly Klarpay AG, is a deposit-taking financial institution authorised and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) under the Swiss Federal Banking Act, Article 1b, offering modern Swiss accounts and cross-border payment solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Bivial AG specialises in offering online businesses access to multi-currency IBAN accounts, global payment acceptance, and digital disbursement solutions. As the first Swiss-licensed fintech company to work exclusively with e-commerce, digital entrepreneurs, and social media influencers, Bivial seeks to empower digital businesses through borderless, scalable, bespoke business accounts and payment solutions.
CONTACT: [email protected], + 41 41 552 0093
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Fintech PR
FXCess CFD Broker Brings PMAM to the Market, Sets New Standards in the World of Trading Platforms
HAMILTON, Bermuda, Dec. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a step towards empowering traders who manage multiple accounts, FXCess CFD broker has introduced PMAM, its innovative Personal Multi-Account Manager platform. PMAM is built on an intuitive interface and seamlessly integrates with MetaTrader 4 for easy multi-account management. The new platform gives users advanced money management tools and consolidates account handling into one cohesive solution that simplifies complex trading for FXCess clients.
“We have launched PMAM to prioritize efficiency and simplicity for clients,” a spokesperson for FXCess shared. “This platform is built with convenience in mind, offering a powerful suite of tools for seamless account management. PMAM allows users to manage multiple accounts from one master account interface, freeing them from having to switch between accounts and giving them access to everything they need in one place. This launch marks another step in our commitment to delivering innovation for our clients.”
PMAM’s Unique Features
PMAM offers traders dynamic functionality tailored for professionals and account managers alike. The allocation methods on the platform are flexible, which lets the traders allocate trades across multiple accounts using Lot Allocation, Percent Allocation, and Proportional by Balance Allocation among others. These methods enable users to control trade volume and equity allocation per account, giving them a level of precision and customizability. Alongside its versatile allocation options, PMAM features one-click trading, real-time monitoring, and detailed activity reports.
“At FXCess, our aim is to keep improving our trading ecosystem continually,” the spokesperson for FXCess added. “The introduction of PMAM is a key part of this initiative, reflecting our dedication to improving user experience and offering advanced solutions for traders and managers alike.”
About FXCess
FXCess CFD Broker supports its clients with a variety of trading options and valuable tools. Clients have access to hundreds of assets and can diversify across six asset classes, including forex, commodities, indices, and Futures. The firm also provides tight spreads, bonuses, and a range of trading accounts to improve the trading experience. Through constant enhancements, FXCess CFD broker ensures that clients have everything they need to thrive in today’s trading environment.
All trading involves risk. It is possible to lose all your capital.
FXCess is a trade name of Notesco Int Limited; a company incorporated in Anguilla with registration number A000001800 and registered address The Valley, AI2640, Cosely Drive, 1338, AI.
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