Emerging markets are not just adopting crypto, they’re redefining it. People in high-friction economies set new standards for the global crypto ecosystem. Opinion by: Youngsun Shin, Head of Product, Flipster Where friction is the highest, previously marginalized users are empowered to utilize crypto as an effective hedge against dollar devaluation. As emerging economies look at new ways to accrue value and create wealth through digital assets, these markets have not just entered as participants in the crypto ecosystem — they are designing the next generation of financial platforms. These trends continue to prevail, especially in the global token economy. A confluence of the world’s financial markets and regional spheres of influence is afoot. This is a complementary force that profoundly influences the trajectory of global finance, expanding and improving upon the legacy of institutional markets to create a place for crypto as a financial pillar. Read more
Crypto cards now rival banks for everyday purchases in Europe, with nearly half of transactions under $12 and online spending far above the eurozone average. Crypto cards are beating traditional banks in Europe when it comes to small purchases, with 45% of crypto-linked card transactions under 10 euros ($11.7) — a category where cash has historically dominated. According to a report by CEX.IO shared with Cointelegraph, crypto card holders are showing spending patterns that mirror traditional bank card users while embracing online payments at a faster pace. The report noted a 15% rise in newly ordered CEX.IO crypto cards across Europe in 2025, signaling growing interest as more Europeans turn to digital assets for everyday payments. Read more
Vitalik Buterin warns that single digital IDs could erode pseudonymity, proposing pluralistic systems to safeguard privacy and fair access. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has introduced a new kind of digital identity system dubbed “pluralistic identity,” arguing it could protect privacy while enabling fair participation in digital life. In a blog post published Sunday, Buterin explored the promise and pitfalls of zero-knowledge (ZK) proof-wrapped IDs, warning that even privacy-preserving systems can carry serious risks if they rigidly enforce one identity per person. The Ethereum (ETH) mastermind noted that many new digital ID projects use zero-knowledge proofs to let users prove they have a valid ID without revealing personal details. Examples include World ID, which has surpassed 10 million users, Taiwan’s digital ID project, and European Union initiatives increasingly adopting ZK technology. Read more