#MetaMask Announces U.S Debit Card Pilot Program MetaMask Card is already live in the EU, UK, Brazil, Mexico and Colombia - The Defiant.
Ethereum-based crypto wallet MetaMask has launched a pilot program in the U.S. for its MetaMask card, a crypto debit card for online and real-life payments. The move comes a week after MetaMask, Mastercard, and Crypto Life launched the MetaMask Card pilot on Dec. 11.
Interested users must fill out a form and, if selected, will get to try out the card before its wider release. The post also mentions that the MetaMask card is unavailable in some states like New York and Vermont, but users can sign up to join the waitlist.
The MetaMask card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and is already available in the EU, UK, Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia. There are also plans for a global rollout in the coming months.
“MetaMask Card represents a major step to removing the friction that has traditionally existed between the blockchain and real-world commerce. This is a paradigm shift that offers the best of both worlds,” said Lorenzo Santos, Senior Product Manager at Consensys, in a MetaMask blog post.
How It Works The MetaMask card simplifies the crypto off-ramping process by abstracting away tedious steps, such as transferring funds to a centralized exchange (CEX) or bank to spend crypto.
The card provides an easier payment experience by leveraging Mastercard’s global merchant network and MetaMask’s security. All transactions are settled on Linea, an Ethereum Layer 2 (L2) network built by Consensys, the development company behind Metamask.
The card can be used via digital wallet integrations with Apple and Google Pay. It currently supports three currencies: USDT, USDC and wETH, a wrapped version of Ether on Linea.
#Flare Integrates XRP on Test Network - Times Tabloid.
Flare, a blockchain platform, has officially launched FXRP, a tokenized representation of XRP, on its Songbird test network. This release marks a significant milestone following the completion of an open beta phase involving 48,000 participants.
During the beta testing period, the system processed over 263,000 mints and 395,000 redemptions, highlighting the potential for broader adoption.
Integration Details and Features The FXRP integration incorporates a unique verification feature called the “handshake” mechanism, which allows authorized agents to validate wallet addresses participating in minting and redemption activities.
This system is a step toward bridging non-smart contract cryptocurrencies, such as XRP, Bitcoin, and Dogecoin, with decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Testing on Songbird will span six weeks for each asset, operating under specific financial parameters to ensure security and reliability.
Flare has introduced a $2 million issuance cap per asset and offers $300,000 in loss protection through Flare Labs, providing an added layer of security for participants.
Collateral for this testing phase will be backed by Songbird’s native token (SGB) and USDX, a stablecoin linked to U.S. Treasury values.
#Patriot Memecoin Soars to $73 Million Market Cap Amid Trump Election Buzz - The Defiant
Patriot, a political finance (PolitiFi) memecoin, surged to a record $73 million market capitalization early Wednesday.
The memecoin, created after Donald Trump's presidential win on Nov. 6, hit an all-time high of $0.0073 around 12 p.m. EST, before dipping to $0.0068, pushing Patriot's market cap to over $73 million.
#The Cold War Of National Bitcoin Reserve: Global Race For Digital Gold - Forbes by Tomer niv
As the global economy evolves, a new arms race is emerging, not in conventional weaponry but in Bitcoin. The world's most prominent cryptocurrency is now at the center of geopolitical strategies, with nations vying to establish national bitcoin reserves that may redefine their financial sovereignty. In this new "Cold War of Bitcoin," the United States, Russia, China, Japan, and other countries are staking claims.
Countries with significant technological infrastructure, such as Japan and South Korea, could enhance their reserves through government-backed mining initiatives, similar to Bhutan’s model. Meanwhile, nations like Russia and Iran might focus on state-sponsored mining to bypass sanctions and acquire Bitcoin covertly.
This movement could also have profound implications for geopolitics. Smaller, economically agile nations might gain a competitive edge by adopting Bitcoin early, leveraging it as a hedge against inflation and a tool for economic empowerment. In contrast, larger economies would face increasing pressure to incorporate Bitcoin into their reserves to avoid losing influence in a changing financial landscape. As Bitcoin becomes integral to national treasuries, it could reduce dependence on traditional financial systems and institutions like central banks, altering the dynamics of international trade, diplomacy, and sanctions.
The era of national Bitcoin reserves would also usher in new challenges. Nations would need to address security risks, volatility, and public trust in a decentralized asset. However, those that successfully navigate this shift could achieve unprecedented monetary sovereignty, fostering resilience against economic crises and external pressures. The geopolitical strategies of the digital age would revolve around technological innovation, crypto infrastructure, and the race to dominate the decentralized financial ecosystem, fundamentally reshaping the global order for decades to come.
#Bitcoin to Skyrocket to $210,000 in 2025, Presto Research Predicts - Bitcoin.com News
Presto Research, the analytical division of the algorithmic trading firm Presto, has just dropped its debut annual report titled “From Chaos to Clarity,” shining a spotlight on the wild ride of crypto trends in 2024 and throwing some daring forecasts for 2025.
Presto Research 2025 Predictions: Bitcoin to Break $200K Barrier While Solana Becomes a 4-Figure Token
#RLUSD Launch Globally tomorrow Tuesday! The wait is over!
Why RLUSD?
✅ Fully backed by US dollar deposits, US govt bonds and other cash equivalents with monthly third-party audits ✅ Multi-chain support ✅ Built for cross-border payments, DeFi integration, and bridging between fiat and crypto
RLUSD is a step toward the future of finance.
In addition to Sheila Bair, David Puth and Chris Larsen — the Ripple stablecoin Advisory Board welcomes:
➡️Raghuram Rajan (former Reserve Bank of India Governor) ➡️Kenneth Montgomery (former First VP and COO, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston)