🪙 Polymarket's Upcoming Token Launch and Airdrop

🚀 Polymarket is preparing for a token launch and an airdrop, as announced by its Chief Marketing Officer, Matthew Modabber. Speaking on the Degenz Live podcast, Modabber stated,

There will be a token, there will be an airdrop.

He emphasized the importance of creating a token with genuine utility that is designed to last, saying it should

be around forever.

💰 This announcement comes shortly after the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, invested $2 billion in Polymarket. Additionally, Bloomberg reported that Polymarket is in early discussions for a funding round that could value the company between $12 billion and $15 billion. Kalshi, Polymarket's main competitor, recently secured a $300 million raise.

💸 With this new capital and the upcoming token drop, Polymarket is poised for significant growth. The combination of ICE's investment and the anticipated airdrop could drive increased onchain activity as users seek to participate in the airdrop frenzy.

🇬🇧 Bitpanda's UK Launch: A New Era for Crypto Investment

🚀 The United Kingdom is emerging as a key player in the crypto market, with Bitpanda leading the charge by launching what it claims to be the largest cryptoasset offering in the nation. This move comes as institutional and retail interest in digital assets continues to grow across Europe.

📈 Bitpanda, an Austrian-based crypto platform with over 7 million users in Europe, now allows British investors to trade more than 600 digital assets. The platform is designed for both beginners and experienced investors, emphasizing security and education. Users have access to curated crypto indices and market insights to support informed investing.

With its focus on security, simplicity, and user-first design, Bitpanda sets a new standard for cryptoasset investing in the UK,

the announcement states.

📊 A survey conducted by Bitpanda revealed that 15% of UK adults plan to invest in cryptoassets in the future, indicating a growing public interest in digital finance.

💬 Pantelis Kotopoulos, Bitpanda's UK country director, stated:

UK investors deserve a platform that matches their ambition and at Bitpanda we’ve built a platform that does exactly that.

He added that Bitpanda offers a better user experience and zero tolerance for shortcuts.

🤝 Beyond retail investing, Bitpanda is strengthening its presence in the UK through partnerships. The company has teamed up with Arsenal Football Club and the National Football League (NFL) to promote crypto literacy. Additionally, its B2B division, Bitpanda Technology Solutions (BTS), will launch in the UK, providing white-label crypto integration tools for banks and fintechs.

Bitpanda’s entry reinforces its strategy to bridge institutional finance and retail crypto adoption,

the article notes.

📚 In summary, Bitpanda's UK launch marks a significant milestone for crypto investors. With its extensive asset offering and commitment to education and security, the platform is set to accelerate mainstream crypto adoption in the UK.

🔒 Binance's Essential Security Tips for Crypto Investors

🚨 With the rise in mobile and laptop thefts, Binance has issued urgent advice for cryptocurrency users on securing their accounts. On November 6, the exchange emphasized the importance of swift action to prevent unauthorized access and potential financial loss in the event of a lost or stolen device.

A stolen device can expose you to serious security threats, including unauthorized access and potential financial loss,

the company warned.

🛡 Binance recommended several proactive measures to enhance account security before any incident occurs. These include enabling Face Verification for app access, activating withdrawal address whitelisting to limit transactions to verified wallets, and using passkeys for cryptographic authentication instead of traditional passwords.

📱 Users are also encouraged to set up customized two-factor authentication (2FA) through Binance Authenticator, SMS, and email verification. Additionally, turning on auto-lock for the app can help secure it after periods of inactivity.

🚫 If a device is lost or stolen, Binance advises users to take immediate action. This includes disabling their accounts from another device, contacting Binance Support for assistance, resetting account passwords, and re-enabling 2FA with new credentials. Users should also revoke all API keys, log out of all active sessions, and review recent activity for any unusual transactions.

🔍 Binance further stressed the importance of regular security audits, keeping devices updated with the latest operating system patches, and avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing trading platforms.

Device theft can happen to anyone, but awareness and quick action make all the difference,

the exchange concluded.

By securing your account with multiple authentication layers and staying alert to suspicious activity, you help protect both your assets and the integrity of the broader crypto ecosystem,

it added.

🌍 Steak 'n Shake Expands into Latin America with El Salvador as Its First Stop

🍔 Steak 'n Shake, an American fast food chain aligned with bitcoin, has announced plans to open its first restaurant in El Salvador as part of its expansion into Latin America. During the Bitcoin Historico event, Dan Edwards, the COO of Steak 'n Shake, emphasized the company's commitment to entering El Salvador due to its reputation as a "bitcoiner country."

🌟 Edwards stated,

El Salvador is a country that is innovating and leading the way, and we greatly respect what President Bukele is doing here. This is Bitcoin Country, and we want our first restaurant in Latin America to be in El Salvador.

He reiterated that El Salvador would serve as their foothold in the region, expressing a desire to "grow together" with the country.

💰 The fast food chain recently announced a shift towards bitcoin payments and introduced a Strategic Bitcoin reserve strategy, becoming the first franchise of its kind in the U.S. to do so. This move aligns with El Salvador's favorable stance on bitcoin and cryptocurrency, driven by President Bukele's initiatives.

🚀 The upcoming opening of Steak 'n Shake restaurants in El Salvador could pave the way for other crypto-aligned companies to enter the country, leveraging its crypto adoption to create job opportunities and enhance welfare for the Salvadoran people.

📝 Can Smart Contracts Be Legally Enforced?

🤔 The enforceability of smart contracts, self-executing digital agreements stored on a blockchain, often hinges on traditional contract principles rather than their blockchain nature. This article explores the legal standing of smart contracts and offers practical drafting tips for enhancing their enforceability.

📜 Smart contracts operate through coded automation, but courts assess their enforceability based on established contract law criteria: offer, acceptance, consideration, and intent to be bound. A smart contract signed with a cryptographic key can satisfy the intent-to-sign requirement under UETA and the E-Sign Act, ensuring that digital contracts are not inherently unenforceable.

🏛 Some states have explicitly recognized the enforceability of smart contracts. For instance, Arizona Revised Statutes §44‑7061 states that a contract cannot be denied legal effect solely because it includes a smart contract term. Other states maintain that existing contract law sufficiently governs smart contracts without expressly affirming their enforceability.

⚖️ Recent case law indicates that courts prioritize consent and control over technical complexity when evaluating blockchain-based systems. In Van Loon v. Department of the Treasury, the Fifth Circuit ruled that Tornado Cash’s immutable smart contracts could not be considered “property” because no one exercised traditional ownership dominion over them. This reflects a judicial tendency to view immutable smart contracts as autonomous tools rather than conventional agreements.

🚧 Despite the potential for enforceability, smart contracts present unique legal challenges. The embedded nature of their terms can bind parties to conditions they may not fully understand, raising questions about meaningful assent. The immutability of blockchain contracts complicates liability analysis, especially in decentralized arrangements.

📝 To enhance the enforceability of smart contracts, parties should consider several strategies:

1. Include a plain-language agreement that mirrors the on-chain code.
2. Use a hybrid structure that combines off-chain contracts with on-chain execution.
3. Embed dispute-resolution clauses for arbitration or court fallback.
4. Ensure signing mechanisms comply with UETA or E-Sign.
5. Implement transparent governance for any upgrades or mutable features.

✅ In conclusion, smart contracts can be legally binding when they adhere to traditional contract-law standards. Courts will enforce them if they demonstrate clear consent, proper disclosure, and valid signing mechanisms. The mere fact that a contract operates on a blockchain does not automatically confer legal force. By integrating on-chain automation with off-chain legal clarity, parties can enhance the enforceability of smart contracts while mitigating legal risks.

💰 The Evolution of Stablecoins: From Trading Tools to Global Payment Backbone

📈 Stablecoins are transitioning from mere trading instruments to essential components of global payment systems. This shift is highlighted by increasing settlement volumes and widespread adoption, positioning Ripple’s RLUSD favorably as blockchain transactions surpass traditional networks.

🌍 Ripple's Senior Executive Officer, Reece Merrick, emphasized this evolution on November 28. He noted that stablecoins have evolved beyond their initial purpose as a simple entry point for cryptocurrency purchases.

Fast forward to 2025 → whilst a large portion is still used for this purpose, stablecoins are also being used for actual payments and we’re seeing this huge demand at Ripple.

💼 Merrick outlined various use cases driving this adoption:

Cross-border remittances, payroll in emerging markets, B2B settlements, merchants accepting stablecoins, and this is just the beginning.

He described stablecoins as “the internet’s new payment layer, growing 150% CAGR while legacy rails stagnate.”

🔑 He also highlighted the regulatory framework supporting Ripple’s dollar-linked asset, RLUSD:

RLUSD is issued under a New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) Limited Purpose Trust Company Charter.

This charter is recognized for its stringent regulatory standards, ensuring operational and compliance safeguards.

📊 Merrick pointed to significant growth in on-chain settlement trends. He cited data showing that annual stablecoin transfers have surged from approximately $0.5 trillion in 2020 to an expected $46 trillion by 2025. This growth indicates a shift towards blockchain-enabled settlement, driven by institutional adoption and cost efficiency.

🌐 Analysts suggest that this momentum supports the case for broader stablecoin use, especially in emerging markets. These markets are increasingly utilizing stablecoins for remittances, payroll, and efficient payment solutions.

🇦🇷 Central Bank of Argentina Considers Allowing Banks to Offer Cryptocurrency Services

📰 The Central Bank of Argentina is contemplating a significant shift in its regulatory approach by drafting a proposal that would enable private banks to provide cryptocurrency trading and custody services. This potential move could transform the country's crypto landscape and make it a pioneer in Latin America.

💬 According to Julian Colombo, Bitso’s manager for South America, the implementation of this measure

would encourage many more people to invest in crypto, by providing the ease and confidence of doing so through their bank.

This sentiment is echoed by members of the Argentine cryptocurrency industry, who believe that allowing banks to engage in crypto activities would broaden access to alternatives like bitcoin and stablecoins for the general public.

📈 Argentina is already one of the leading countries in crypto adoption, largely due to the use of stablecoins as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. In 2022, Banco Galicia became the first local bank to offer cryptocurrency trading services, allowing customers to trade BTC, ETH, USDC, and XRP. However, this initiative was short-lived as the central bank swiftly imposed a ban on such services under a previous administration.

🔍 If the Central Bank of Argentina decides to proceed with this new measure, it would not only reinstate banking involvement in the crypto sector but also position Argentina ahead of other Latin American countries like Bolivia and Venezuela, which have considered similar steps but have yet to act.

⏳ While no specific timeline has been announced, industry insiders anticipate that this measure could be implemented by April 2026. If realized, it would mark a significant milestone for Argentina's crypto ecosystem and provide citizens with new avenues for savings and investment through their banks.

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🌱 Sangha Renewables Launches 20-Megawatt Bitcoin Mining Facility in Texas

⚡️ Sangha Renewables has inaugurated a 20-megawatt bitcoin mining facility in West Texas, integrating renewable energy with flexible data-center operations. Located in Ector County near Odessa, the facility operates on a 150-megawatt solar farm and commenced full operations after a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony.

🔋 The site boasts a capacity of 19.9 MW and is powered by solar energy, supplemented by electricity and balancing services from Totalenergies. Under this partnership, Sangha manages the mining facility and provides its own hardware and load-management systems. Totalenergies offers retail power services, including firm power during non-solar hours and structured products to mitigate price volatility. The project was supported by Energy consultancy Links Genco for energy structuring and grid compliance.

📉 This launch comes at a time when bitcoin miners are facing a historically low hash price due to a recent decline in bitcoin's price, despite the network's hashrate remaining near record highs. Although there was a slight downward adjustment in the Bitcoin network's difficulty earlier this week, the reduction was less than 1%, providing only limited relief for miners experiencing tight margins.

♻️ Sangha views this project as a model for future endeavors, utilizing bitcoin mining to monetize renewable energy assets that encounter congestion or pricing issues. The company emphasizes that the ability of mining operations to quickly adjust power consumption makes them ideal for collaboration with intermittent energy sources like solar.

🎉 The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local officials and representatives from Totalenergies and Links Genco.

📈 Bitcoin Mining Stocks Surge Ahead of Year-End

📊 On Friday, bitcoin mining stocks saw a significant increase, with a 9.43% rise in market cap. All of the top ten publicly traded miners ended the day positively, including three that experienced double-digit gains. As the year approaches its end, most miners are positioned to finish on a high note.

📈 IREN Limited, the largest bitcoin miner by market cap at $11.31 billion, closed at $39.92 after an 11.50% gain. Despite a slight dip of 0.52% over the past five days, the stock is up 306.51% year-to-date (YTD). Applied Digital also had a strong day, finishing at $27.85 with a 16.52% increase, while maintaining a 264.52% YTD rise.

📉 Cipher Mining ended the day at $16.21 with a 6.99% gain, despite being down 4.92% over the past week. Riot Platforms Inc. closed at $14.50 after climbing 8.37% on Friday, but saw a 5.22% decline over the week. Terawulf Inc. finished at $12.52 with a 6.19% gain, remaining up 121.20% YTD despite a recent drop.

📊 Core Scientific closed the week at $15.60 with a 7.14% increase, bringing its YTD gain to 11.03%. Hut 8 Corp. jumped 14.33% to close at $44.12, achieving a 115.32% YTD return. Other miners like MARA Holdings and Cleanspark Inc. also saw gains, although Bitdeer Technologies Group remained down for the year despite a 9.99% daily increase.

🔍 Overall, Friday's gains set a positive tone for bitcoin miners as they head into the final days of 2025. Despite some short-term fluctuations, most miners are in a strong position. Looking ahead to 2026, investors will focus on balance sheets, expansion plans, and bitcoin's price movements to determine which miners will maintain momentum and which may face challenges.

MarbleX (Netmarble) invests in $OPEN institutional trust in on-chain AI is here.

The market agrees: price is up ~15%, showing real strength. Current levels look like a prime holding zone as the story unfolds.

This isn't just a trend. It's structural, with the next evolution being a Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) for self-sustaining AI economies. Strength meets long-term vision.

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🚪 Bitfarms Exits Latin America with Sale of Paraguayan Mining Site

💼 Bitfarms, an American bitcoin mining company, has announced its exit from the Latin American (Latam) market by entering into a purchase agreement with the Sympatheia Power Fund (SPF) for its Paso Pe mining site in Paraguay. The site, which has a power capacity of 70 MW, is valued at $30 million. The transaction is set to close within 60 days and includes a cash payment of $9 million due in Q1 2026 and the remaining $21 million to be paid over the following 10 months.

🔄 Ben Gagnon, CEO of Bitfarms, described the sale as a significant step for the company as it shifts its focus entirely to North America. He stated,

The sale of Paso Pe is the culmination of a series of transactions to completely exit Latam, and refocus the company, its management team and capital on 100% North American power and infrastructure for HPC/AI.

This move aligns with Bitfarms' strategy announced last year to pivot towards the High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) sectors.

🔗 A representative from SPF, Josh Murchie, emphasized their commitment to ensuring a smooth transition, stating,

Our priority is to ensure an uninterrupted, seamless transition from day one — maintaining continuity at Paso Pe as we move into the next phase of growth.

This sale marks Bitfarms' complete withdrawal from the Latam region and its reconfiguration to operate solely within North American power infrastructure.