XRP’s Big Win: Federal Reserve Confirms Compatibility with Secure Payment Systems

Posted on December 9, 2025December 9, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

A lesser-known but significant Federal Reserve research paper examining Byzantine Fault Tolerant (BFT) consensus mechanisms as part of a broader framework for secure payment systems was recently revisited by crypto researcher SMQKE.

According to SMQKE, the paper emphasized the advantages of BFT-based models over mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), identifying them as the most efficient and scalable options for distributed network operations.

BFT is now the preferred architecture for processing transactions quickly and securely in financial networks. SMQKE noted that XRP, XLM, and HBAR already use variations of Byzantine Agreement models within their respective consensus frameworks.

The researcher suggested that these assets have long been technically aligned with the requirements for secure digital payment systems by citing the Federal Reserve’s findings. As a result, this recognition was seen as an early endorsement.

Furthermore, the discussion addressed the relationship between these BFT-based assets and the ISO 20022 messaging standard—currently widely adopted across international payment systems.

According to SMQKE, the combination of ISO 20022 compliance and Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus supports the feasibility of integrating XRP, XLM, and HBAR into modern financial infrastructure.

This compatibility provides a framework for aligning distributed ledger technology with institutional and regulatory standards, while also promoting interoperability. The researcher indicated that this link between consensus efficiency and compliance might explain why these resources are frequently discussed in the evolving landscape of digital payments. As payment authorities and central banks update their systems, the technical characteristics outlined in the Federal Reserve’s earlier study become increasingly relevant.

Nvidia’s China Comeback: H200 AI Chips Get U.S. Export Nod with 25% Uncle Sam Cut

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

President Donald Trump authorized Nvidia to export its H200 artificial intelligence chip to China with a 25% surcharge fee. This decision could help the highly valued company recover billions of dollars in lost revenue from an essential international market.

Trump announced this decision in a post on his Truth Social network after weeks of discussions with advisors about whether to allow H200 exports to China. He mentioned that he informed Chinese President Xi Jinping about the action, and Xi responded positively.

Trump specified that only “approved customers” would receive these shipments, and noted that companies Intel Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. would also be eligible.

Nvidia’s efforts to convince Trump and Congress to ease export restrictions that have hindered its ability to sell AI chips to the world’s largest semiconductor market have finally paid off. Since November, the relationship between Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Trump has strengthened.

Democratic senators, including Elizabeth Warren, quickly criticized Trump’s decision, calling it a “colossal economic and national security failure” that provided China with resources to develop next-generation artificial intelligence.

The H200 is at least a generation ahead of what Chinese companies, such as Cambricon Technologies Corp. and Huawei, currently offer, along with Moore Threads Technology Co. Additionally, China currently requires more chips than its domestic businesses can supply. However, Beijing has previously discouraged the adoption of Nvidia’s products, particularly among state-affiliated corporations and agencies, in an effort to reduce the country’s reliance on American technology

In his post, Trump stated, “We will protect national security, create American jobs, and maintain America’s lead in AI.” He added that NVIDIA’s American customers are already making progress with their advanced Blackwell chips, which are not included in this agreement.

XRP: Ripple Guarantees Double-Digit Returns in Half-Billion Dollar Sale

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Ripple structured its November funding round to ensure minimum returns for institutional investors by incorporating various contractual protections.

Ripple provided participants, such as Citadel Securities and Fortress Investment Group, with put options and liquidation preferences. Investors can sell their shares back to Ripple after three or four years at a guaranteed 10% annual return, unless an IPO occurs.

The company has retained buyback options at the same intervals; however, if these options are exercised early, it would result in a 25% annualized return obligation for Ripple. In the case of an acquisition or bankruptcy, liquidation clauses prioritize new investors over existing shareholders. To repurchase the entire stake at the minimum return rate after four years, Ripple would need to pay approximately $732 million.

Other participants in this funding round included Marshall Wace, Brevan Howard, Galaxy Digital, and Pantera Capital, all of whom valued the company at $40 billion. Investors sought protection against potential downside risks.

According to due diligence materials, participating funds have concluded that Ripple’s XRP holdings account for at least 90% of its net worth. This investment effectively depends on the token’s appreciation while offering protection against unfavorable outcomes thanks to guaranteed exit options.

Ripple had $124 billion in XRP holdings as of July’s corporate disclosures, with a sizable portion either locked in escrow or released in accordance with predetermined schedules. The token’s value has decreased by more than 40% from its peak in July and by about 16% since the funding round was announced in late October.

Earlier this year, Brevan Howard’s investment in Berachain included similar protective arrangements. The traditional finance sector’s appetite for cryptocurrency exposure, coupled with contractual safety nets, was evident in that deal, which featured a $25 million refund mechanism that offered recourse under certain conditions.

Morgan Stanley Slams Brakes on Tesla Hype: Downgrades to Hold at $425 on Overheated Valuation

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Elon Musk is keen to transform Tesla into a robotics and AI company. Morgan Stanley noted that the electric car manufacturer’s stock price already reflects its involvement in these sectors and is currently at a “full valuation.”

The investment bank downgraded Tesla’s rating to “hold” for the first time since June 2023. Tesla is currently the second-most expensive company in the S&P 500 Index, following Warner Bros., with shares trading at approximately 210 times projected earnings over the next 12 months. Discovery, Inc. leads at a valuation of 220 times, while Palantir Technologies Inc. ranks third with a multiple of 186.

In his initial report to clients as the new head of Tesla coverage, analyst Andrew Percoco commented, “While it is well understood that Tesla is more than an auto manufacturer, we expect a choppy trading environment over the next year.” He acknowledged the limitations of estimates and noted that the catalysts for Tesla’s non-auto businesses appear to be priced into the stock at current levels.

Percoco has set a price target of $425 for Tesla, suggesting a potential decline of 6.6% from Friday’s closing price. According to data compiled by Bloomberg, he has taken over from Adam Jonas, a long-time Tesla analyst at Morgan Stanley, who maintained an “overweight” rating on the stock since September 2023. Percoco’s current assessment assigns Tesla an “equal-weight” rating. At present, the company has 28 buy ratings, 19 hold ratings, and 16 sell ratings, with an average price target of $388.

Percoco estimates that Tesla’s Optimus initiative is valued at $60 per share and believes the company is well-positioned to lead in the humanoid robotics market.

However, he anticipates a 12% decline in electric vehicle sales volume in North America over the coming year, citing a general downturn. Despite CEO Musk’s focus on AI initiatives, including self-driving cars and humanoid robots, Tesla shares have largely disregarded a meltdown in profits this year. The stock has risen roughly 10% this year, following significant increases of 63% in 2024 and 102% in 2023. Nonetheless, it has experienced a turbulent year within the S&P 500 Index.

Netflix Under Siege: Paramount’s $30/Share Strike, Powered by Trump Ally, Rocks Warner Auction

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Paramount Skydance made a hostile takeover bid for the company on Monday, days after Warner Bros. Discovery reached an agreement with Netflix, offering $30 per share in cash. Warner Bros. is valued in the offer. at $108.4 billion, debt included.

Netflix’s offer of $27.75 in cash and stock, with an enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion including debt, is comparable to the bid. Warner Bros. as a whole is included in Paramount’s offer. Netflix, on the other hand, is solely focused on the streaming industry, HBO, and Hollywood studios.

David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, has highlighted the positive relationship between his family and President Donald Trump. According to financing terms released on Monday, Jared Kushner, the president’s son-in-law, is taking part in the Paramount bid through his Affinity Partners.

Trump stated that he would participate in the Warner Bros. approval process. Sale claimed he hasn’t spoken to Kushner about the subject. Warner Bros. Investors “deserve a chance to think about our superior all-cash.”

The conflict began several months ago when Paramount, the parent company of CBS, MTV, and other media companies, made several bids for Warner Bros. Netflix and Comcast Corp. were among the companies that submitted multiple rounds of bids after the company decided to put itself up for sale in October. Warner Bros. makes it difficult to compare the two offers, despite Paramount’s claim that its $30-per-share offer is higher than Netflix’s. intends to split off cable networks like the Discovery Channel, CNN, and TNT.

Warner Bros. would sell those networks before the proposed merger. Paramount Chief Operating Officer Andrew Gordon informed investors that the spinoff is worth $1 per share for Warner investors. Each Warner Bros. cable channel is worth $4. share, increasing Netflix’s bid. Additionally, Paramount stated that its offer gives Warner Bros. $18 billion more for shareholders.

Ripple’s Fear Factor: Brace for XRP’s Epic Comeback?

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Santiment, an intelligence platform, claims that the recent meltdown could boost Ripple’s token surge, although social sentiment toward XRP has plummeted into the “fear zone.” According to Santiment’s social data, XRP is experiencing “the most fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) since October,” the company said on Thursday. ”

XRP’s price immediately rallied 22 percent over the next three days, and the last time we saw near this level of fear from the crowd was November 21,” the statement continued.

An opportunity seems to be emerging as of right now. Among the top 10 cryptocurrencies by market value, XRP has performed the worst, falling 5% over the last day to below $2.10. The token’s current value is 42% below its July 2025 peak.

Net inflows to spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced a significant decline this week, with Thursday’s inflows totaling $12.8 million, the lowest level since November 21, as reported by SoSoValue. Despite this decrease, the funds have continued to generate positive inflows since their launch in mid-November, with the combined net assets of the five funds now reaching $881 million.

On December 2, CryptoQuant data confirmed a notable increase in XRP velocity, which reached its highest level of the year at 0.0324. High velocity typically indicates strong network engagement and rapid circulation. Additionally, this surge during a period of increased market volatility suggests greater participation from whales and traders. As investors monitored these changes, market activity intensified to assess their potential impact on short-term liquidity conditions.

Zcash Bloodbath: 40% Plunge Crushes Dreams—Recovery on the Horizon?

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Zcash (ZEC), known for its shielded transactions powered by zk-SNARKs, has experienced significant volatility in late 2025. The token dropped nearly 40% from its November peak of around $750, reaching lows of approximately $334 by early December.

ZEC is currently trading at $394.27, a 10.29% increase from the previous day, with a trading volume of $1.17 billion. However, it has decreased by 17% over the past week and more than 60% from its yearly highs.

Zcash has lost more than 17% in the past week. The stagnation in shielded pools and the crowded retail demand- potentially acting as exit liquidity for large wallet investors aiming to take profits- are behind the privacy coin’s second consecutive bearish week.

Reduced demand is signalled by inactivity in shielded ZEC pools. The nearly 1000 per cent rally between September and October was driven by a surge in demand for ZEC as a privacy coin. Shielded ZEC tokens in the Orchard pool surged during the rally, according to ZECHUB data, effectively reducing supply and creating a positive feedback loop to boost demand.

However, after reaching a peak of 4.21 million ZEC tokens on November 4, the Orchard pool has plateaued, indicating a decline in demand. If the plateau persists, ZEC prices might face further downward pressure due to a lack of new demand. Retail demand for Zcash is rising despite a decline in on-chain activity, allowing savvy investors to lock in profits.

According to CryptoQuant’s data, retail volume is overheating the futures and spot markets, leading to crowding in the purchase of privacy coins. Sharp corrections in cryptocurrency assets are often triggered by increased retail activity; this was seen during the cycle tops in May and November of 2021.

ZEC futures Open Interest (OI) has decreased 7.71 per cent over the past day, down to $977.4 million, according to CoinGlass data. A drop in futures OI indicates traders are reducing their capital exposure in case of a pullback or other uncertain events.

BlackRock’s Shadow Move on XRP: Sparking a Crypto Wealth Transformation

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Maxwell Stein, the Director of Digital Assets at BlackRock, caused a stir in the crypto market.

“Trillions of dollars are poised to enter the blockchain ecosystem, but in the short term, we need to demonstrate the technology’s utility,” stated Maxwell Stein. Meanwhile, Adena Friedman, President and CEO of NASDAQ, elaborated on how banks have begun tokenizing bonds, fixed income assets, and stablecoins, particularly Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs).

Ripple’s annual Swell conference is one of the most anticipated events in the cryptocurrency community. However, renowned analyst Digital Asset Investor recently noted that while the Swell conference may not directly impact prices, an announcement regarding an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) backed by BlackRock could have a significantly different effect. This comment reignited discussions about the factors that truly influence XRP’s market fluctuations and whether Swell WAS a meaningful price catalyst.

The consensus among digital asset investors is clear: the Swell conference typically does not lead to immediate changes in XRP’s value. The conference mainly focuses on cross-border payment innovations, blockchain integration, and industry collaboration—topics that support long-term fundamentals but rarely trigger short-term price spikes. Conversely, the analyst suggested that a formal XRP ETF, especially one backed by a major international investment firm like BlackRock, would dramatically transform the market landscape. Such an event would signify institutional support and regulatory recognition, potentially attracting significant capital inflows and influencing the token’s price.

Reactions on X varied among users. While some see potential, one user noted that the current market trend indicates weakness and consolidation, suggesting that broader declines may overshadow any positive developments. They also mentioned that retail traders might react emotionally in the short term.

The overarching conclusion is that traders differentiate between significant financial advancements and mere symbolic events. Although Swell’s global reach and institutional partnerships are noteworthy, they rarely generate headlines that impact the market. In contrast, the possibility of a BlackRock XRP ETF would have much larger implications for investor accessibility, liquidity, and long-term valuation.

Market participants will likely continue to look for signs of progress in institutional integration as Ripple’s Swell 2025 conference in New York approaches. However, until an ETF or regulatory milestone is officially announced, expectations for substantial price movements remain low.

Oracle’s AI Bubble Bursts: Peak Glory at $345, Now a $217 Hangover

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

ORCL ended the week at $217.58, up 1.52 percent, but it still had a 37 percent hangover from its 52-week high of $345.72. This is a microcosm of growing concerns about debt loads, AI infrastructure spending, and whether the “infinite demand” narrative for AI compute can withstand real-world economics.

AI Hype Causes a 36 percent Single-Day Surge. Oracle’s best day since 1992 occurred in September 2025, when shares surged 36 percent in a single session, increasing the company’s market value by an astounding $244 billion and moving it closer to a $1 trillion cap. Blowout cloud demand figures and announcements of multi-billion-dollar AI contracts, such as an eye-catching $300 billion, five-year infrastructure agreement with OpenAI to construct enormous data centers for training and inference, were the catalyst.

Oracle’s recent decline in stock value reflects broader market concerns regarding the high valuations of AI-related companies, as its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio exceeds 33. The company projects revenues of $166 billion from cloud infrastructure and $20 billion. Investors adopted a “sell the news” mentality, raising questions about the sustainability of these forecasts.

Oracle’s fundamentals remain solid. The company experienced 52% growth in cloud infrastructure and has $455 billion in remaining performance obligations (RPO), largely due to its partnership with OpenAI. Currently, the stock is trading at 13.9 times projected earnings for the end of this decade, leading some investors to view the decline as a potential buying opportunity.

Analysts predict an average stock price of $253 for November 2025, with a possible low of $212 if enthusiasm for AI diminishes. The stock’s price-to-free cash flow (P/FCF) ratio of 15.44 suggests it may be undervalued compared to historical averages. Overall, the recent drop indicates that investors are reassessing the profit growth expectations to justify current valuations.

Oracle has significantly benefited from the surge in AI infrastructure. The company recently announced a five-year deal worth over $300 billion with OpenAI for access to AI chips. After reporting $455 billion in remaining performance obligations—a 359% increase from the previous year—Oracle’s stock enjoyed its best day since 1992 following its September earnings report.

Additionally, Oracle confirmed a cloud agreement with Meta and disclosed a commitment of $65 billion in cloud infrastructure during the current quarter.

From SWIFT to XRP: ISO 20022’s 90% Mandate Ushers in Ripple’s Revolution

Posted on December 7, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

SWIFT anticipates that by the beginning of 2026, 90% of all transactions will transition to ISO 20022.

The organisation responsible for overseeing ISO 20022 compliance is the Registration Management Group (RMG), which includes a range of members or parent companies associated with well-known Layer 1 blockchains. Notable members include Algorand (ALGO), Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR), Stellar Lumens (XLM), and Ripple (XRP), the latter two of which joined in 2020.

Stellar’s participation has provided both original altcoins with an opportunity to improve interoperability with SWIFT and other major financial institutions.

Financial giants like BlackRock and JPMorgan are actively acquiring ISO 20022-compliant coins. Stellar (XLM) has notable partnerships with companies like MoneyGram and IBM World Wire; however, its trading volume is lower than XRP’s. Ripple has established active partnerships with over 300 banks and financial payment solutions, including Santander and SEB, and is working on integrating its own RLUSD stablecoin.

Ripple’s (XRP) spot market volume consistently exceeds $2 billion, making it reasonable for the altcoin to grow with relatively low transaction fees. However, this $2 billion in spot trading is quadrupled by its futures market volume. XRP’s demand in perpetual contracts has hit $8 billion in a single day, highlighting a new trend among traders seeking larger gains.

Stellar Lumens (XLM) generally maintains a daily trading volume between $100 million and $200 million, even though both Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) chains process a block on average every five seconds. XRP’s ledger handles about 40 million transactions daily, significantly surpassing Stellar’s average of 7 million transactions daily