Key Takeaways

• OpenAI is considering a public listing valued at up to $1 trillion, with filings possibly starting by the second half of 2026.
• The company may look to raise at least $60 billion, depending on market and business conditions.
• A recent corporate restructuring has reduced OpenAI’s dependency on Microsoft, signaling readiness for capital market entry.
• CEO Sam Altman confirmed that an IPO is the “most likely path” due to the company’s growing capital needs.

What Happened?

OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is laying the foundation for an initial public offering that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, according to several sources familiar with the matter. While still in early stages, the potential listing could begin as early as late 2026 or push into 2027, depending on internal growth and market factors.

BREAKING: OpenAI prepares for IPO targeting up to $1 trillion valuation, planning to raise at least $60 billion with a listing in 2027.

The company aims to file as soon as H2 2026. At $1 trillion, OpenAI would enter public markets as one of the most valuable companies ever to… pic.twitter.com/nE58E7Qtz3

— WOLF (@WOLF_Financial) October 29, 2025

OpenAI’s Push Toward the Public Markets

OpenAI’s IPO plans come at a time of explosive interest in artificial intelligence. Sources indicate that the company is engaged in early discussions with advisers and is preparing to file with securities regulators. Although still tentative, OpenAI is aiming to raise at least $60 billion in capital from public markets.

CFO Sarah Friar has reportedly told associates that a 2027 listing is the target, though some advisers believe the IPO could happen sooner. During a livestream event, CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the public offering as a likely move, saying, “I think it’s fair to say it is the most likely path for us, given the capital needs that we’ll have.”

A spokesperson for OpenAI emphasized that an IPO is not the current focus, stating:

Restructuring Clears Path for IPO

OpenAI’s IPO push follows a significant internal restructuring. Originally founded as a nonprofit in 2015, the company has undergone several transformations. Most recently, OpenAI restructured under a new entity called the OpenAI Foundation, which retains a 26 percent stake in the OpenAI Group and holds warrants to acquire more shares if certain milestones are met.

This shift maintains the nonprofit’s control but allows the for-profit arm more flexibility. It also reduces OpenAI’s dependence on Microsoft, which invested $13 billion and currently holds about 27 percent of the company.

Financials and Market Context

According to insider reports, OpenAI is projected to reach an annualized revenue run rate of $20 billion by the end of this year, although its expenses are also rising. The company is currently valued at around $500 billion.

An IPO would allow OpenAI to raise funds more efficiently and potentially pursue large-scale acquisitions. This is especially important given CEO Altman’s plans to invest trillions into AI infrastructure, including computing power and research.

The timing aligns with broader market enthusiasm for AI stocks. CoreWeave, an AI cloud company, recently went public at $23 billion and has since tripled in value. Meanwhile, Nvidia reached a $5 trillion market cap this week, underscoring the sector’s momentum.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

This move feels like a natural evolution for OpenAI. From a nonprofit to one of the world’s most valuable AI companies, the journey has been wild to watch. In my experience, companies that prepare this early and restructure to streamline their financials are serious about going public. Whether it happens in 2026 or 2027, the excitement is real. I found Altman’s openness about their capital needs refreshingly transparent. If they execute well, this IPO could be a defining moment not just for OpenAI, but for the entire AI ecosystem.

The post OpenAI Eyes Historic $1 Trillion IPO as Early as 2026 appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Mastercard is close to acquiring Zerohash for between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, marking one of its largest moves into blockchain infrastructure.
• Zerohash offers API-based crypto services, enabling trading, stablecoin payments, tokenization, and custody for financial institutions.
• The deal follows similar acquisitions by Stripe and Coinbase, reflecting intensifying competition over stablecoin infrastructure.
• Mastercard aims to strengthen its stablecoin settlement capabilities, amid rising demand for faster, cross-border digital payments.

What Happened?

Mastercard is in late-stage negotiations to purchase Zerohash, a Chicago-based blockchain infrastructure firm that enables financial platforms to offer digital asset services. The acquisition, valued between $1.5 billion and $2 billion, would represent Mastercard’s most aggressive investment in crypto payment infrastructure to date.

While the deal is not yet finalized, sources familiar with the matter told Fortune that discussions are in advanced stages, with Zerohash seen as a strategic asset in Mastercard’s stablecoin ambitions.

BREAKING: $500 BILLION MASTERCARD JUST SAID IT WILL ACQUIRE #BITCOIN INFRASTRUCTURE FIRM ZEROHASH FOR $2 BILLION

CREDIT GIANTS ADOPTING BTC. IT’S COMING 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CWsymgMkCp

— The Bitcoin Historian (@pete_rizzo_) October 29, 2025

Mastercard’s Crypto Infrastructure Play

Zerohash, founded in 2017, offers backend crypto services for banks, fintechs, and brokers, powering applications like tokenized payments, stablecoin transfers, and digital custody. The company enables firms to integrate blockchain features using APIs, without having to manage custody risk directly.

Some of Zerohash’s notable infrastructure powers tokenized fund projects like:

• BlackRock’s BUIDL
• Franklin Templeton’s BENJI
• Hamilton Lane’s HLPIF

Its $104 million Series D funding round in September 2024 included backing from financial giants like Morgan Stanley, SoFi, and Fifth Third Bank, valuing the firm at $1 billion.

For Mastercard, bringing Zerohash’s capabilities in-house could fast-track its efforts to offer always-on, stablecoin-based payment options. As businesses increasingly explore tokenized treasury tools and programmable payouts, Mastercard is betting on a future where digital assets settle as easily as fiat payments.

Stablecoin Race Among Payment Giants

Mastercard’s move follows a series of aggressive plays in the stablecoin space:

• Stripe acquired crypto startup Bridge for $1.1 billion.
• Coinbase entered exclusive talks to acquire BVNK in a $2 billion deal.
• Visa announced support for four more stablecoins across four blockchains.

Though Mastercard had also been in talks with BVNK, Coinbase ultimately secured exclusivity. The current push to acquire Zerohash appears to be part of Mastercard’s strategy to stay competitive.

Recent regulatory clarity from the GENIUS Act has also sparked renewed investment interest in stablecoins. Mastercard has since expanded its partnership with Circle, enabling stablecoin-based merchant settlements across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Why Zerohash Makes Strategic Sense?

Zerohash serves as a turnkey provider that bridges traditional finance and blockchain technology. Its infrastructure allows Mastercard to:

• Accelerate stablecoin settlement for marketplaces and enterprises.
• Offer 24/7 programmable payouts.
• Provide crypto services without requiring clients to rebuild their systems.

Given Mastercard’s existing experiments with crypto cards, on-chain settlements, and tokenized fund integrations, Zerohash fits as a natural extension to its digital strategy.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my experience, when legacy payment networks go this deep into crypto infrastructure, it’s a sign that real change is underway. Mastercard isn’t just experimenting anymore. They’re pulling crypto rails directly into their global network, which could make stablecoin-powered payments mainstream. I found it particularly interesting that they chose Zerohash, a company known more for its white-label infrastructure than for any consumer-facing product. That shows Mastercard is thinking long-term, betting on a future where blockchain quietly powers everything behind the scenes.

The post Mastercard Sets Sights on Crypto Rails with $2B Zerohash Acquisition appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• NVIDIA is acquiring a 2.9 percent stake in Nokia with a $1 billion investment to embed its AI and computing tech into Nokia’s network infrastructure.
• The companies will co-develop AI-native 5G-Advanced and 6G technologies, including the new NVIDIA ARC-Pro RAN platform.
• T-Mobile U.S. will begin field trials in 2026, while Dell Technologies will provide infrastructure support with PowerEdge servers.
• This partnership aims to reestablish U.S. leadership in telecommunications and drive next-gen mobile AI experiences.

What Happened?

NVIDIA and Nokia have announced a billion-dollar strategic partnership to merge NVIDIA’s powerful AI and computing capabilities with Nokia’s telecom infrastructure technologies. This investment will fund the development of AI-native Radio Access Networks (AI-RAN) and prepare the groundwork for global 6G deployment.

We are thrilled to announce that @NVIDIA will invest $1 billion in Nokia to accelerate AI-RAN innovation and lead the transition from 5G to 6G as part of a new strategic partnership. https://t.co/pxGT5DYsA2 #NVIDIAGTC #Nokia pic.twitter.com/XBtsQgNuBw

— Nokia (@nokia) October 28, 2025

Nokia and NVIDIA Join Forces to Build AI-Native 6G Networks

Nokia, once known for its mobile phones, has evolved into a major player in telecom infrastructure. Now, with NVIDIA’s backing, the company is stepping into the future of mobile connectivity. The investment will accelerate Nokia’s 5G and 6G software development, tailored to run on NVIDIA’s CUDA computing architecture.

The collaboration includes the launch of the NVIDIA ARC-Pro (Aerial RAN Computer), a 6G-ready telecommunications platform that will serve as the backbone for AI-RAN systems. Nokia plans to expand its portfolio with new AI-RAN products based on this platform.

T-Mobile and Dell Join the Push Toward 6G

T-Mobile U.S. is the first carrier to commit to this ambitious vision. It will conduct field tests of the AI-RAN technology starting in 2026. T-Mobile’s CTO John Saw noted that the move reinforces the company’s leadership as the U.S. transitions into the 6G era.

Dell Technologies is also playing a key role by providing its PowerEdge servers, supporting the infrastructure needed to bring the AI-RAN platform to life.

A $200 Billion Opportunity

According to research firm Omdia, the global AI-RAN market could surpass $200 billion by 2030. This partnership not only positions Nokia and NVIDIA as early movers in this lucrative space, but also as drivers of what Jensen Huang, NVIDIA CEO, calls “a generational platform shift.”

Strategic Equity and Stakeholder Impact

NVIDIA will acquire 166,389,351 new shares of Nokia at $6.01 each, giving it a 2.9 percent stake in the company. Nokia’s shares jumped nearly 20 percent after the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the AI-driven transformation.

The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals, but it already marks a turning point for global telecom ambitions.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I think this move is more than just a business deal. In my experience covering AI and telecom trends, this partnership feels like the start of something transformative. NVIDIA isn’t just investing in Nokia, it’s betting on a future where AI doesn’t just run in data centers, but in the very fabric of mobile networks. I found the strategic inclusion of partners like T-Mobile and Dell really compelling, showing this isn’t theoretical anymore. It’s already building momentum.

The post NVIDIA Price Rise Reflects Bold $1B Bet on Nokia and 6G Future appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon will invest €1.4 billion in the Netherlands over three years to expand AWS and retail operations.
• The move supports Dutch small businesses, with 4,500 SMEs already using the platform and 90% exporting globally.
• Amazon stock rose 1.41% to $224.21 following the announcement.
• The investment is expected to boost local job creation, cloud innovation, and customer service infrastructure.

What Happened?

Amazon revealed plans to significantly ramp up its presence in the Netherlands by investing more than €1.4 billion through 2027. The investment was announced by Eva Faict, Country Manager for Amazon Belgium and the Netherlands, during Amazon.nl’s fifth anniversary event in The Hague. The initiative focuses on expanding both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and its retail division, aiming to better serve customers and strengthen support for Dutch entrepreneurs.

Amazon will invest €1.4 billion in its Dutch operations over the next three years. The company, which began operating in the Netherlands in 2020, is making its largest investment yet in Amsterdam, the fifth-largest economy in the Eurozone. pic.twitter.com/J9m1tOMbUD

— Swipeline (@Swipeline_Media) October 27, 2025

Amazon’s Bold Dutch Strategy

The new funding represents Amazon’s most significant commitment to the Dutch market to date and follows a similar €1.1 billion investment in Belgium earlier this month. This financial push is expected to enhance Amazon’s technology, infrastructure, and logistics capabilities, enabling:

• Faster and more convenient deliveries
• Lower product prices
• Broader product selection
• Improved customer experience

Amazon currently faces competition from local giants like Bol.com, but sees untapped growth potential in the Netherlands. The company already employs over 1,000 people across Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rozenburg, and its footprint is set to expand significantly with this investment.

Empowering Dutch SMEs and Entrepreneurs

A core focus of Amazon’s investment is to help Dutch small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive. More than 4,500 Dutch SMEs sell on Amazon.nl, and nearly 90% of them export internationally, reaching customers in 170 countries.

Amazon offers these sellers a robust set of tools and services including:

• Advanced logistics solutions
• Marketing and export tools
• Access to AI and cloud technology via AWS

Eva Faict emphasized that the new resources will “create opportunities for local businesses to grow” and support entrepreneurs through Amazon’s expertise and digital infrastructure.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

According to independent research by Keystone Strategy, Amazon’s existing operations already have a significant economic impact:

• Over €200 million added to Dutch GDP in 2024 alone.
• €1 billion cumulative contribution since 2013.
• More than 2,000 indirect jobs and 900 induced jobs supported in areas like construction and logistics.

With the new investment, those numbers are expected to rise even further as Amazon strengthens its role in the Dutch economy.

AWS to Drive AI and Cloud Innovation

Another major area of growth is AWS, Amazon’s cloud division. Dutch entrepreneurs will benefit from enhanced cloud computing, AI-powered tools, and data solutions to innovate and scale their businesses. This AI-driven focus was confirmed in Faict’s interview with Dutch newspaper Financieele Dagblad, where she highlighted that part of the investment would go toward AI capabilities tailored for local sellers.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I find this move by Amazon to be a clear vote of confidence in the European tech and e-commerce scene. In my experience watching tech giants expand globally, €1.4 billion isn’t just money, it’s a declaration. It signals that Amazon sees huge potential in Dutch innovation, logistics, and entrepreneurship. For small business owners in the Netherlands, this could be game-changing. The combination of AI tools, global reach, and infrastructure support makes Amazon not just a platform, but a partner. And with the stock ticking up on this news, it’s clear that investors are paying attention too.

The post Amazon Stock Surges as Company Commits €1.4 Billion to Dutch Expansion appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Aave Labs has acquired San Francisco-based fintech Stable Finance, bringing its full engineering team onboard, including founder Mario Baxter Cabrera.
• The acquisition focuses on building consumer-friendly DeFi apps, simplifying access to stablecoin savings and decentralized lending.
• Stable Finance’s app will be phased out, with its technology integrated into future Aave Labs products.
• This marks Aave’s third acquisition in the past three years and comes as stablecoin supply surpasses $308 billion globally.

What Happened?

Aave Labs, the organization behind one of the largest decentralized lending protocols, has acquired Stable Finance, a startup known for its user-friendly mobile app that simplified stablecoin savings. The entire engineering team from Stable Finance, including founder Mario Baxter Cabrera, will join Aave Labs to accelerate development of new consumer-focused DeFi tools.

Today, Aave Labs is announcing its acquisition of @GetStableApp.

The future of finance is onchain, and this acquisition reinforces Aave Labs’ commitment to turning onchain finance into everyday finance. pic.twitter.com/1FgsEv7URP

— Aave (@aave) October 23, 2025

A Strategic Move to Demystify DeFi

This acquisition aligns with Aave Labs’ long-term strategy of making onchain finance feel like everyday finance. While Aave has already built strong infrastructure through its protocol, the team acknowledges that user onboarding and experience remain major hurdles for mass adoption.

Stable Finance gained early attention for offering high-yield stablecoin savings accounts through a seamless mobile experience. The app enabled users to deposit from bank accounts, debit cards, or crypto wallets, abstracting complex DeFi mechanics into a familiar savings interface. Reportedly, Stable Finance’s platform handled up to $38 billion in deposits and offered yields as high as 16.52 percent by tapping into decentralized lending markets.

Aave Labs founder Stani Kulechov emphasized the importance of user-centric design in the DeFi space, stating:

Cabrera, now Director of Product at Aave Labs, echoed the sentiment, expressing excitement about scaling consumer-focused DeFi innovations under the Aave banner.

Stable App to Be Sunset, Tech to Live On

While Stable Finance’s standalone app will be phased out, its technology, UX design, and engineering team will power future Aave Labs consumer products. During the transition, users will continue to have full access to their funds, with no forced withdrawals or lock-ups. This thoughtful offboarding highlights Aave’s commitment to maintaining trust with early Stable users.

The acquisition also represents Aave Labs’ third talent-driven purchase, following Sonar in 2022 and Family in 2023. These moves reinforce its growing emphasis on product design and user accessibility across the decentralized finance space.

Aave Ecosystem Growth and Market Timing

The acquisition comes at a time when Aave is seeing significant traction across both retail and institutional markets. Its Horizon platform, launched in August 2025 for institutional lending, recently crossed $300 million in deposits. Meanwhile, Aave v3’s total value locked (TVL) hit a record $26.09 billion, generating $2 to $4 million in daily fees, according to The Block.

The deal also lands amid a broader wave of stablecoin-related mergers and acquisitions. With global stablecoin supply now over $308 billion, including $182.5 billion held in Tether’s USDT, many firms are racing to consolidate and improve infrastructure for stable asset usage.

Recent moves like Modern Treasury’s acquisition of Beam and reported bidding wars between Coinbase and Mastercard for stablecoin-focused fintechs show that Aave’s timing may be strategic for capturing mainstream user interest.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my experience covering DeFi, this is one of the smarter acquisitions Aave Labs has made. They’re not just buying tech, they’re investing in people who understand how to make complicated financial tools feel like everyday apps. That’s where the real DeFi battle will be won.

I found it particularly impressive that Aave isn’t rushing users off the old platform, and instead is integrating carefully. That’s a rare level of respect for product integrity in this fast-moving space. With stablecoins continuing to surge, Aave is positioning itself to be the go-to place for user-friendly, onchain financial tools.

The post Aave Labs Acquires Stable Finance to Push Consumer-Friendly DeFi Forward appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• ARK Invest acquired approximately 167,400 shares of Robinhood as part of its ongoing build up of the position.
• Robinhood’s business centers on a modern fintech platform, offering trading, crypto services, fractional shares, and more.
• The transaction follows strong performance metrics from Robinhood but comes amid insider selling and high valuation concerns.

What Happened?

ARK Invest disclosed that two of its exchange traded funds picked up sizable blocks of Robinhood shares. The purchase reflects the firm’s sustained interest in companies tied to financial technology and cryptocurrencies. Despite some recent insider exits and elevated valuation metrics, ARK appears to view Robinhood as a key long-term holding in its disruptive innovation strategy.

Cathie Wood and Ark Invest bought 167,489 more shares of Robinhood $HOOD today pic.twitter.com/n1Z7D2DEsH

— Evan (@StockMKTNewz) October 23, 2025

ARK’s Bigger Bet on Robinhood

ARK’s recent filings show the firm made the following purchases:

• The ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK) acquired approximately 131,049 shares of Robinhood.
• The ARK Next Generation Internet ETF picked up about 36,440 shares.

Together, these purchases total $21.3 million. This move builds on prior investments and reflects increasing confidence in Robinhood’s strategic direction. Robinhood now comprises around 19 percent of both ETFs.

This aligns with ARK’s broader push into crypto-related stocks, which includes stakes in Coinbase, Bullish, and BitMine.

Why Robinhood?

Robinhood aligns closely with ARK’s focus on disruptive finance innovation. The platform:

• Operates a cloud-based, vertically integrated infrastructure.
• Offers crypto trading, options, recurring investments, and fractional shares.
• Recorded $28.3 billion in crypto trading volume in Q2 2025, up 24 percent year over year.
• Acquired WonderFi for about $180 million and Bitstamp for $200 million earlier this year.
• Plans to launch its own Layer 2 blockchain based on Arbitrum.
• Recently added BNB trading support.

These strategic moves show Robinhood is pushing aggressively into crypto and blockchain infrastructure, an area ARK believes will be key to the next wave of digital finance.

Risks and Considerations

Despite the strong growth story, several risks remain:

• Valuation appears stretched with a P/E ratio of 64.58, P/S ratio of 33.05, and P/B ratio of 14.
• The Altman Z-Score of 2.73 places the company in a grey zone of financial stress.
• Insider selling is high with 17 insider transactions in the past three months.
• Return on invested capital is still below the weighted average cost of capital, pointing to inefficient capital usage.

Investors should weigh these risks carefully, particularly in light of Robinhood’s high beta of 3.35, which indicates elevated volatility compared to the broader market.

The Broader Market Context

This Robinhood purchase is part of ARK’s larger strategy to increase exposure to crypto-adjacent companies. In addition to Robinhood, ARK has also invested in Coinbase, Bullish, and other blockchain-linked ventures.

Robinhood’s evolving role from an app-based trading platform into a crypto-first finance ecosystem makes it an attractive asset for funds like ARK that focus on emerging tech.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my view, this move by ARK Invest shows a serious vote of confidence in Robinhood’s long-term vision. Having followed the fintech space for years, I found Robinhood’s evolution from a stock trading app into a next-generation financial platform genuinely impressive. Their crypto strategy is not just a feature, it’s a core pillar of growth. ARK’s $21 million buy-in suggests they see Robinhood as infrastructure for the future of finance, not just a broker.

That said, I would be cautious. The stock looks expensive, and insider selling is a red flag. Still, if Robinhood delivers on its crypto ambitions, it could become one of the most influential fintech players of the decade. For anyone eyeing crypto-related exposure, Robinhood might be a name to keep close watch on.

The post Ark Invest Doubles Down on Robinhood with Major $21 Million Stock Purchase appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Bybit EU partners with Ski Austria for the 2025/26 FIS World Cup season, expanding its brand across elite winter sports events.
• This is the first time a crypto company has partnered with a national ski federation, highlighting the growing intersection of sport and digital finance.
• Bybit EU holds a MiCAR license and is headquartered in Vienna, underlining its commitment to regulated crypto services in Europe.
• Brand visibility and joint digital activations will span major ski events and platforms across Austria.

What Happened?

Bybit EU has signed a landmark sponsorship deal with the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), making it the official partner of Ski Austria for the 2025/26 FIS World Cup season. This partnership marks the first time a crypto company has entered the world of national-level alpine skiing.

🏔️ Bybit EU x Ski Austria 🇦🇹

We’re proud to announce our partnership as the Official Partner of @Ski_Austria_ !

Together, we unite world-class precision on the slopes with innovation in finance — celebrating performance, excellence, and speed. ⛷️⚡️#BybitEU #SkiAustria pic.twitter.com/hCXPkZXZWB

— Bybit EU (@BybitEU) October 20, 2025

Crypto Enters the Winter Sports Arena

Bybit EU, the European arm of global crypto exchange Bybit, is now officially partnering with Ski Austria, one of the most accomplished winter sports federations in the world. The partnership was announced from Vienna, where Bybit EU is headquartered and operates under a MiCAR (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation) license, making it a regulated crypto-asset service provider in the European Union.

This deal reflects a strategic step forward in blending financial innovation with traditional European sporting excellence. Ski Austria has long been a dominant force in alpine competitions, and Bybit EU’s involvement aims to spotlight shared values of performance, discipline, and precision.

Brand Presence Across Iconic Alpine Venues

Under the new agreement, Bybit EU’s branding will feature prominently at select 2025/26 World Cup competitions. These include Sölden, Gurgl, Semmering, Stubai, Montafon, and Flachau, some of Austria’s most prestigious skiing locations. The sponsorship will also include joint digital campaigns and event activations on Ski Austria’s official platforms throughout the season, which begins on October 26, 2025.

Christian Scherer, CEO of the Austrian Ski Federation, emphasized the unique nature of this partnership, stating:

A Message of Trust and Innovation

Georg Harer, Managing Director of Bybit EU, echoed the sentiment, adding:

He also pointed to the significance of Bybit EU’s MiCAR license, which enables it to operate legally across EU nations and assures users of compliance, transparency, and long-term trustworthiness.

This partnership, while rooted in marketing, also signals a maturing crypto industry that is increasingly aligning itself with mainstream, trusted institutions in Europe.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I found this partnership exciting not just because of its novelty but because it shows how far crypto has come in gaining mainstream acceptance. As someone who tracks these trends daily, I can say that a MiCAR-licensed exchange like Bybit EU teaming up with a respected institution like Ski Austria is a major credibility boost. It blends high-performance sport with regulated digital finance, and that’s the kind of smart collaboration we’ll likely see more of in the future. This isn’t just about logos on banners; it’s about trust, visibility, and showing that crypto belongs in the mainstream.

The post Bybit EU Backs Ski Austria in First Crypto Partnership with a National Ski Federation appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Nvidia’s market capitalization declined by approximately $465 billion during the early 2025 correction in AI-related equities, reflecting the risks of speculative overvaluation.
• Retail investors may have lost up to $3.7 billion in July 2025 when a group of thinly traded Chinese penny stocks, driven by social media hype, experienced sharp declines.
• The Archegos Capital collapse triggered $10+ billion in losses due to over-leverage.
• Warren Buffett’s decision to hold large cash reserves in 2024–2025 resulted in an estimated $53 billion in missed gains, as major tech stocks surged.
• In the first half of 2025, investors lost an estimated $2.5 billion due to crypto-related scams and security breaches.

Why Investment Mistakes Are More Costly Than You Think

Small errors may seem harmless in the moment, but they can compound into devastating losses over time. The hidden cost isn’t just lost money; it’s lost momentum, opportunity, and confidence.

• Mistakes compound just like returns: A 10% loss requires more than an 11% gain to recover, which means setbacks are steeper than they appear on the surface.
• Opportunity cost is invisible but devastating: Holding cash or sitting out market rebounds can cost more than a bad investment, especially during high-growth periods.
• Emotional decisions lead to real financial losses: Panic-selling during downturns locks in losses, while FOMO buying during rallies sets investors up for overvaluation risk.
• Rebuilding trust takes longer than rebuilding money: Investors who lose big often delay re-entering the market, missing future gains due to fear.
• Mistakes create long-term drag on performance: Even a single misstep, like over-leveraging or chasing hype, can set a portfolio back by years.

Top 5 Most Expensive Investment Mistakes

Avoiding costly errors can make all the difference in growing your wealth. Here are the top five most expensive investment mistakes that even smart investors sometimes make, and how you can steer clear of them.

1. Investing in an Over-Hyped Sector or Bubble

Speculative bubbles attract enormous capital inflows at unsustainable valuations. When sentiment shifts or earnings fail to justify the hype, prices collapse, leaving investors exposed.

• Estimated Loss Amount: $465 billion (Nvidia market value wiped out in Jan 2025)
• Example: Nvidia’s stock plunge during the 2025 AI correction.
• Why it’s expensive: Investors often buy at peak valuations, and even quality companies can suffer massive short-term drawdowns in bubble bursts.
• How to avoid it: Focus on valuation metrics, long-term fundamentals, and avoid investing based on momentum or narrative alone.

2. Chasing Trends or Buying High

FOMO-driven investing often leads to entering late, when assets are overpriced and overbought. Once hype fades, prices collapse, leaving trend-chasers holding the bag.

• Estimated Loss Amount: $3.7 billion (losses from seven Chinese penny stocks in July 2025)
• Example: July 2025 collapse of social media-hyped Chinese penny stocks.
• Why it’s expensive: Investors overpay during peak mania and face heavy losses when speculative bubbles deflate.
• How to avoid it: Ignore social media hype, avoid price chasing, and base decisions on research and intrinsic value.

3. Over-Leveraging or Trading on Margin

Leverage can amplify gains, but it also turns small market corrections into devastating losses. Without safeguards, borrowed capital can wipe out entire portfolios.

• Estimated Loss Amount: $10+ billion (Archegos Capital collapse)
• Example: Archegos Capital’s margin-fueled losses in derivatives positions.
• Why it’s expensive: Margin calls force liquidation at market bottoms, turning temporary drawdowns into permanent losses.
• How to avoid it: Limit or avoid leverage, use strict risk controls, and understand the downside before amplifying exposure.

4. Sitting in Cash Too Long Instead of Investing

Holding too much idle cash during bull markets results in missed growth and lost compounding. Over-cautious investors often lose more to inaction than bad investments.

• Estimated Loss Amount: $53 billion (Berkshire Hathaway’s missed opportunity)
• Example: Berkshire Hathaway’s uninvested capital during the 2024–2025 market surge.
• Why it’s expensive: Cash erodes in value over time and can’t capture upside in recovering or expanding markets.
• How to avoid it: Deploy excess cash strategically, follow a set investment plan, and maintain diversified exposure across asset classes.

5. Falling Victim to Scams, Hacks, or Fraudulent Schemes

Bad actors exploit investor trust through phishing, rug-pulls, fake platforms, and social engineering. These losses are usually irreversible and widespread in high-risk markets like crypto.

• Estimated Loss Amount: $2.5 billion (crypto scams and hacks in H1 2025)
• Example: 2025 crypto wallet hacks, scam tokens, and phishing site exploits.
• Why it’s expensive: Funds are lost permanently, with little to no recovery, often impacting thousands of retail investors.
• How to avoid it: Use hardware wallets, stick to reputable platforms, verify transactions, and never trust unsolicited investment offers.

Common Warning Signs You’re About to Make an Expensive Mistake

Most costly investment errors are preceded by clear warning signs if you know what to look for. Recognizing these red flags early can save you from preventable loss.

• You feel pressure to act fast or “miss out”: Urgency is a classic sign of hype-driven environments, and a cue to slow down and do your research.
• You don’t fully understand the investment.
  If you can’t explain how it works, what it earns, or what could go wrong, you’re operating on blind risk.
• The investment promises guaranteed returns: Every investment carries risk; if someone claims otherwise, it’s likely a scam or Ponzi scheme.
• You’re risking more than you can afford to lose: Putting rent money, emergency funds, or borrowed capital into volatile assets is a recipe for disaster.
• You’re relying on anonymous tips, influencers, or viral content: Decisions based on unverified sources or trends often lead straight to overhyped, underperforming traps.
• You’re ignoring your original plan or asset allocation: Deviating from your long-term strategy in pursuit of short-term excitement typically ends in regret.

How to Build a Low‑Cost, Mistake‑Resistant Investment Process

A disciplined investment process doesn’t just protect your capital; it shields you from emotional decisions, high fees, and costly blunders. By focusing on simplicity, structure, and consistency, investors can minimize risk while maximizing long-term results.

• Start with Clear Investment Goals: Define your time horizon, risk tolerance, and end objectives before selecting any asset. This acts as your personal compass, helping you stay on course during volatile markets.
• Automate Your Contributions: Use automatic monthly deposits into your investment accounts to build wealth steadily. This removes emotion from the process and ensures consistency even when markets fluctuate.
• Keep Costs Low with Index Funds or ETFs: Avoid high-fee mutual funds or complex products that erode your returns over time. Low-cost ETFs give you instant diversification and better compounding potential.
• Limit Speculation and Stay Diversified: Allocate no more than a small portion of your portfolio to high-risk bets. Spread the rest across asset classes, sectors, and geographies to reduce the impact of any single loss.
• Avoid Market Timing and Stick to the Plan: Instead of trying to predict short-term market moves, rely on a rules-based strategy and long-term asset allocation. Staying invested through cycles typically outperforms reactionary trading.
• Rebalance Periodically: Review your portfolio every 6–12 months and adjust allocations if they drift from your target. Rebalancing helps lock in gains and reduces unintended risk exposure.
• Prioritize Security and Fraud Protection: Use two-factor authentication, reputable custodians, and offline storage where appropriate. A secure foundation ensures that your process isn’t undone by preventable fraud or theft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

The most expensive investment mistakes aren’t just financial, they’re psychological, structural, and entirely avoidable. Whether it’s chasing hype, overusing leverage, sitting on too much cash, or falling for scams, these errors can wipe out years of progress in moments. But with the right mindset, a low-cost strategy, and a disciplined process, you can sidestep the pitfalls that have cost others billions. Learn from real losses, stay grounded in fundamentals, and remember: in investing, protecting your downside is often more powerful than chasing the upside.

The post Most Expensive Investment Mistakes: The Price of Poor Decisions appeared first on CoinLaw.

Key Takeaways

• Evernorth Holdings will merge with Armada Acquisition Corp II to go public under the Nasdaq ticker symbol XRPN in early 2026.
• The deal is expected to raise more than $1 billion, with $200 million coming from Japanese financial group SBI.
• Proceeds will primarily fund XRP purchases, building a massive treasury to support XRP ecosystem growth and adoption.
• The firm is led by Asheesh Birla, former Ripple executive, and backed by major crypto players like Pantera Capital, Kraken, and GSR.

What Happened?

Evernorth Holdings Inc. announced its official public launch and a business combination agreement with Armada Acquisition Corp II, a SPAC listed on Nasdaq. Once completed, the combined company will retain the Evernorth name and begin trading under the ticker symbol XRPN, pending regulatory approvals.

The transaction is projected to raise more than $1 billion in gross proceeds. A significant portion will be used to buy XRP on the open market, establishing Evernorth as the premier institutional XRP treasury.

I’m proud to share that we’ve launched @evernorthxrp, a first-of-its-kind institutional vehicle built to accelerate XRP adoption. With over a decade of uptime and a rapidly growing DeFi ecosystem, XRP is well-positioned for adoption — and Evernorth is built to meet that moment.… pic.twitter.com/2YGgQsNWCd

— Asheesh Birla | CEO at Evernorth (@ashgoblue) October 20, 2025

A New Kind of Crypto Investment Vehicle

Evernorth is positioning itself as a first-of-its-kind treasury platform, offering investors regulated, liquid exposure to XRP without simply tracking its price like a passive ETF. Instead, the firm plans to increase the amount of XRP per share through active participation in:

• Institutional lending
• Liquidity provisioning
• Decentralized finance (DeFi) yield strategies

CEO Asheesh Birla, who previously led Ripple’s global payments division, stated:

The company aims to strengthen the XRP ecosystem by investing in validator operations, using Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin for DeFi integration, and participating in market development initiatives across payments, tokenized assets, and capital markets.

Strategic Backing from Crypto Heavyweights

The $1 billion raise includes a $200 million equity investment from SBI, formerly affiliated with SoftBank. Additional backing comes from Ripple, Rippleworks, Pantera Capital, Kraken, GSR, and Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen.

Evernorth will operate with independent governance. Although Ripple is a strategic investor, it will not control operations. Key Ripple executives, including Brad Garlinghouse, Stuart Alderoty, and David Schwartz, are expected to serve as strategic advisors.

Birla confirmed to Reuters that he is stepping down from Ripple’s board as he transitions to lead Evernorth. He also noted that the firm is actively hiring and evaluating acquisition opportunities.

Deal Timeline and Market Strategy

The merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of both Evernorth and Armada II. It is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. Upon closing, each Class A share of Armada II that is not redeemed will convert to a Class A share of Evernorth on a one-for-one basis.

Evernorth has engaged Citigroup Global Markets Inc. as its sole private placement agent and capital markets advisor. Legal counsel includes Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP for Evernorth and Ripple, with Skadden, Arps advising Citigroup and Wilson Sonsini representing Armada II.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

In my experience, we rarely see a launch this bold in crypto. Evernorth is not just another digital asset play; it is an ambitious bet on XRP’s long-term viability and utility in institutional finance. Backed by Ripple and heavyweights like SBI and Pantera, this venture could transform how institutional investors access and benefit from XRP. I found their approach to blending traditional finance strategies with DeFi particularly clever. If they execute well, Evernorth could become a model for crypto treasuries in capital markets.

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Key Takeaways

• Tempo raised $500 million in a Series A round led by Thrive Capital and Greenoaks, valuing the company at $5 billion.
• The blockchain project is backed by Stripe and Paradigm, though they did not invest in the round.
• Tempo is built as a Layer 1 blockchain optimized for high-speed, Ethereum-compatible stablecoin transactions.
• High-profile design partners include OpenAI, Visa, Shopify, Anthropic, and Deutsche Bank.

What Happened?

Tempo, a blockchain startup incubated by Stripe and Paradigm, has closed a $500 million Series A funding round. The round was led by Thrive Capital and Greenoaks, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Ribbit Capital, and SV Angel. Stripe and Paradigm did not participate in the funding, but remain deeply involved in the project’s development.

BREAKING:

Stripe-incubated @tempo chain raises $500M on $5B valuation

The same day Ethereum researcher Dankrad Feist announces joining the Tempo team

Not a good day for going bankless pic.twitter.com/5CWHXl907r

— Bankless (@BanklessHQ) October 17, 2025

Stripe’s Big Bet on Stablecoins

Stripe’s long-running interest in digital finance has culminated in the creation of Tempo, a new Layer 1 blockchain network engineered for real-world payments. With compatibility for Ethereum and a focus on stablecoins as native assets, Tempo aims to challenge incumbent blockchains like Ethereum and Solana, while offering an alternative infrastructure layer to stablecoin giants Tether and Circle.

Stripe’s CEO Patrick Collison previously described Tempo as “the payments-oriented L1, optimized for real-world financial-services applications.” Tempo is part of Stripe’s broader crypto strategy, which includes:

• The $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure provider.
• The purchase of Privy, a crypto wallet provider.
• Integration with Coinbase’s Base Layer 2, expanding Stripe’s crypto payment processing tools.

High-Profile Support and Technical Ambition

Tempo has attracted industry-leading partners including:

• OpenAI
• Shopify
• Visa
• Deutsche Bank
• Anthropic

These design partners are working closely with Tempo during its development phase, contributing insights to ensure the platform can meet enterprise-grade financial needs.

Tempo has also brought on Dankrad Feist, a senior researcher from the Ethereum Foundation, as a senior engineer. Feist said the project is “built for the next era of on-chain financial services” and praised its alignment with Ethereum’s permissionless ideals.

Paradigm’s Vision and Role

Matt Huang, co-founder of Paradigm and a board member at Stripe, is leading the Tempo initiative. Paradigm has been closely involved in shaping the blockchain’s roadmap, ensuring it remains stablecoin agnostic and developer-friendly while maintaining high performance and low transaction costs.

The involvement of generalist investors like Thrive and Greenoaks, as well as legacy venture firms like Sequoia and Ribbit, signals growing investor confidence in stablecoin infrastructure as a foundational layer for the next wave of fintech innovation.

CoinLaw’s Takeaway

I think this is a huge moment for blockchain payments. Tempo isn’t just another crypto project trying to ride a hype wave. It has real backing, real partners, and a clear mission: to make stablecoin transactions faster, cheaper, and enterprise-ready. In my experience, projects with this level of alignment between big tech, finance, and infrastructure don’t come around often. Stripe’s play here is clear. They’re not dipping their toes into crypto anymore, they’re going all in. I found the support from OpenAI and Visa especially interesting, because it signals serious real-world use cases from day one.

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