Crypto Watch #1
Record inflows in Crypto ETFs, Bitcoin Rockets Past USD 126K
In the week ending October 4, 2025, crypto-backed ETFs pulled in a record USD 5.95 Bln in global inflows, with the U.S. accounting for roughly USD 5 Bln. Bitcoin itself surged to a new peak of USD 126,223 on October 5, driven by growing institutional demand and broader adoption of digital assets. Of the ETF inflows, USD 3.55 Bln went to Bitcoin, USD 1.48 Bln to Ethereum, and USD 706.5 Mln and USD 219.4 Mln to Solana and XRP, respectively. Analysts see the trend as a signal that digital assets are being increasingly embraced alongside traditional hedges like gold, and project that central banks may someday hold Bitcoin on their books.
Coinbase Deepens Bet on India with USD 2.45 Bln CoinDCX Deal
Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges, has announced a significant new investment in its Indian counterpart CoinDCX, pushing its post-money valuation to USD 2.45 Bln – up from USD 2.15 Bln in its April 2022 round. The move expands on Coinbase Ventures’ prior backing and underscores its strategic intent to strengthen presence in India and the Middle East. As of July 2025, CoinDCX reported ~USD 141 Mln in annualized revenue, USD 1.2 Bln in assets under custody, and over 20 Mln users. Coinbase emphasizes that India and its neighboring regions will play a key role in shaping the “global on-chain economy.” The deal is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions.
Wall Street Enters the Prediction Game: ICE Invests USD 2 Bln in Polymarket
Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), parent of the New York Stock Exchange, has made a landmark USD 2 Bln investment in Polymarket, a leading prediction-market platform which allows users to profit from betting on future events. The deal, valuing Polymarket at around USD 8 Bln, marks one of the strongest endorsements yet of blockchain-based market innovation. ICE plans to integrate Polymarket’s real-time event data into its global financial ecosystem and co-develop tokenization infrastructure that bridges traditional and digital markets. Industry analysts view this as a defining moment for institutional crypto adoption, showcasing how major financial players are embracing blockchain technology to power the next generation of predictive analytics and decentralized finance.
Crypto Becomes Mainstream in Venezuela Amid Economic Crisis
In Venezuela, cryptocurrencies have become essential financial tools as hyperinflation and the bolívar’s devaluation erode traditional currency value. Citizens increasingly use Bitcoin and stablecoins like USDT for daily purchases, savings, remittances, and even wages, with businesses and universities adopting crypto payments. Crypto adoption surged over 100% in the year leading to mid-2024, driven by limited access to foreign currency and black market restrictions. Educational programs on digital assets are expanding, empowering users to navigate the ecosystem. Despite challenges, cryptocurrencies provide financial autonomy and a reliable alternative in Venezuela’s unstable economy, highlighting their growing role as practical, real-world solutions in regions facing economic crises.