Visa Integrates USDC for Faster Bank Settlements

Exodus, known for its user-friendly self-custody wallet supporting multiple blockchains, will integrate the new stablecoin into its product suite, providing its user base with seamless access to the digital dollar. MoonPay, which has established itself as a leading fiat on-ramp and off-ramp service, brings its payment rails and regulatory relationships to the partnership. M0, a newer entrant focused specifically on stablecoin infrastructure, provides the underlying technology stack.

The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio has collapsed by 50% in 2025, marking a dramatic reversal in the relative performance of the two assets often positioned as alternatives to traditional fiat currencies. Gold has surged to record highs on the back of unprecedented central bank accumulation and robust ETF inflows, while Bitcoin has struggled amid persistent ETF outflows and significant selling pressure from long-term holders. This divergence challenges the narrative that has gained traction over the past decade positioning Bitcoin as "digital gold"—a superior store of value offering gold's monetary properties with added portability, divisibility, and verifiability. In 2025, investors have voted decisively for the original over its digital challenger, at least in relative terms.

The holiday season has brought an unwelcome gift to the cryptocurrency community: a marked escalation in fraudulent activity across multiple attack vectors. Scammers are ramping up phishing campaigns, fake token presales, romance schemes, impersonation tactics, and malicious applications, all designed to separate distracted users from their digital assets during a period of reduced vigilance. The timing is deliberate. Holiday distractions, year-end financial activity, and the general atmosphere of goodwill create ideal conditions for social engineering attacks. Users juggling shopping, travel, and family obligations may exercise less caution when reviewing messages or evaluating opportunities. Scammers understand this seasonal psychology and calibrate their campaigns accordingly.