Kraken Partners With Backed, Solana Foundation to Offer Tokenized U.S. Equities
Crypto exchange Kraken announced Thursday a partnership with tokenized asset firm Backed and the Solana Foundation to introduce tokenized U.S. equities to select non-U.S. markets through the Solana blockchain. The initiative was unveiled during the Solana Accelerate event. Through the partnership, Kraken will provide eligible clients outside the United States access to digital versions of U.S.-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The assets will be available via xStocks, a new brand launched by Backed, offering onchain exposure to traditional equities. xStocks to Launch on Solana Blockchain Backed will issue digital representations of equities in the form of SPL tokens on the Solana blockchain. Kraken will be the first exchange to support trading of xStocks, citing Solana’s speed, scalability, and active developer community as reasons for the chain’s selection. The tokenized equities aim to offer around-the-clock access to stocks typically traded within limited market hours. While xStocks are initially limited to Kraken users in select jurisdictions, expansion to additional regions and platforms is planned. Solana Foundation’s Head of Partnerships, Amelia Daly, said the initiative aligns with the organization’s goals of creating “global, 24/7, permissionless access to the financial system.” Broader Push Toward Onchain Financial Products The move is part of a broader trend by Kraken to expand access to equities-related products. In April, the company introduced traditional stock and ETF trading for U.S. clients, covering more than 11,000 listed instruments. Kraken has stated its intent to extend these services to markets in Europe, the U.K., and Australia. Adam Levi, cofounder of Backed, described the xStocks platform as a bridge between traditional and decentralized finance, enabling new forms of investment access. The firm views tokenized equities as public infrastructures, intended for use across multiple exchanges and chains. Kraken and Backed indicated plans to explore additional blockchain integrations beyond Solana, signalling a longer-term strategy to increase access to equity markets via tokenization. No timeline has been confirmed for expansion or listings on other platforms. Related News: Toncoin bridge shutdown
When Will the Crypto Bull Run Start in 2026, and What You Should Know
People have been asking and are curious about when the crypto bull run will start in 2026 and what will fuel it. Past cycles have shown that Bitcoin halvings often trigger massive price surges, so many investors are eager to understand if history will repeat itself. Will institutional interest, regulatory shifts, or new blockchain innovations set the stage for another explosive rally? Looking back, bull runs in 2017 and 2021 were marked by rapid adoption, media hype, and significant market movements. The 2024 bull run was marked by Bitcoin’s halving in April. This time, spot Bitcoin ETFs, Layer 2 advancements, and macroeconomic factors could play a key role. As retail and institutional investors position themselves, timing and preparation are critical. Let’s walk you through what you need to know to stay ahead of the market. Read Also: Pi Crypto: How Much Is It Worth in 2025 Key Takeaways When Will the Crypto Bull Run Start in 2025? Source: Freepik Investors, analysts, and enthusiasts are debating when the crypto bull run will start in 2026. As with any financial market, precise predictions are challenging, but several expert insights and key market indicators can clarify when we expect the next major rally to unfold. Let’s break down expert predictions, Bitcoin price forecasts, and altcoins with high growth potential, comparing previous cycles to set expectations for the coming year. Understanding the Crypto Market Cycle in 2026 The cryptocurrency market exhibits cyclical patterns, characterized by periods of rapid price appreciation (bull runs) and significant corrections (bear markets). As we look toward 2026, understanding these cycles becomes crucial for investors seeking to time their entry and exit points effectively. Historically, Bitcoin has followed a four-year cycle tied to its halving events, which occur approximately every four years. The most recent halving took place in April 2024, reducing the block reward from 6.25 to 3.125 bitcoins. This reduction in new supply typically sets the stage for the next major bull run, as scarcity increases while demand continues to rise. Expert Predictions and Market Analysis Early 2025 Scenario: Building on Halving Momentum Many experts believe the bull run has already begun following the April 2024 halving and will gain significant momentum in early 2025. According to data from various analysts, historical patterns suggest a substantial price surge approximately 518-546 days after each halving event. Peter Chung, head of research at quantitative trading firm Presto, has confidently predicted Bitcoin will reach $210,000 by the end of 2025. In an April 2025 interview with CNBC, Chung explained: CNBC’s comprehensive report on Bitcoin price predictions for 2025 reveals that most industry experts are targeting the $180,000-$200,000 range: Mid-Year 2025 Scenario: Delayed Post-Halving Effect Some analysts propose that the full effects of the 2024 halving may not materialize until mid-2025, suggesting a slightly delayed bull run compared to previous cycles. ARK Invest, led by Cathie Wood, has analyzed Bitcoin’s historical performance following halvings and observed that by November 2024, Bitcoin had increased 41.2% since the April halving, which underperformed the last two post-halving periods (53.3% and 122.5% respectively). This suggests the major price appreciation may still be ahead in 2025. In their detailed analysis, ARK Invest pointed out: Late 2025 Scenario: The Full Cycle Effect A third perspective suggests that the major bull run may not fully materialize until late 2025, as macroeconomic factors and regulatory environments require time to align correctly. Raoul Pal, co-founder and CEO of Real Vision Group, has indicated that this crypto cycle could extend into 2026, contrary to the typical four-year pattern. Pal has drawn parallels between 2025 and 2017, suggesting that the market is following a similar trajectory but potentially with a longer timeframe. What Experts Are Actually Saying The cryptocurrency market in 2025 is being driven by a complex mix of factors, with leading experts offering varying perspectives on timing. Let’s examine what key figures in the industry are actually saying about the next bull run. Standard Chartered’s Geoffrey Kendrick on Institutional Flows Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets research at Standard Chartered, has emerged as one of the more bullish voices, predicting Bitcoin will hit $200,000 by the end of 2025. His analysis highlights that institutional bitcoin inflows have already reached 683,000 BTC since the start of 2024, primarily through U.S. spot ETFs, with a significant portion purchased by MicroStrategy. ARK Invest’s Market Cycle Analysis ARK Invest has provided a detailed analysis of Bitcoin’s cyclical patterns, noting that each phase of the market cycle exhibits distinctive characteristics: “Since its last cycle low, the price of bitcoin has increased 5.72x, not far from the 5.18x at this point in the 2015-2018 cycle and 5.93x in the 2018-2022 cycle.“ Their research suggests that Bitcoin’s performance in 2025 could follow historical patterns: “If bitcoin were to match the general historical average or the average of all halving years at December’s end, its 2024 performance multiple could hit between 2.48x and 2.94x, its price potentially reaching between $104,000 and $124,000.“ This creates a foundation for continued momentum into 2025, potentially leading to the peak of the bull cycle. Raoul Pal’s Extended Cycle Theory Raoul Pal has presented a contrarian view that challenges the traditional four-year cycle theory. In his analysis, Pal suggests: “The crypto bull market will extend into 2026, with Bitcoin and altcoins expected to surge in 2025 and 2026 as financial conditions ease significantly.” His perspective is based on observing changing market dynamics, including increased institutional participation and evolving macroeconomic conditions that might extend the traditional cycle length. Why the Early 2025 Altcoin Season Wasn’t Sustained The cryptocurrency market experienced a temporary surge in alternative coins (altcoins) in early 2025, but this momentum wasn’t sustained. Here’s why: Macroeconomic Headwinds The global economic landscape has presented challenges for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies. Persistent inflation concerns and uncertainty around central bank policies created a cautious investment environment, limiting the sustainability of early altcoin rallies. Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise, noted that the current Bitcoin rally is distinctive because it’s occurring with minimal retail participation: “The current
Meet the Winklevoss Twins: Olympians, Innovators, and Crypto Pioneers
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known as the Winklevoss twins, are notable figures in technology and finance. Born on August 21, 1981, in Greenwich, Connecticut, they have always been inseparable, sharing interests in sports and startups. They attended Harvard University, where they studied economics and rowed for the elite crew team, ultimately competing in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Their fame primarily stems from a legal battle with Mark Zuckerberg, whom they accused of stealing their idea for Facebook. They reached a multimillion-dollar settlement, which they used to become savvy tech investors. Today, the Winklevoss twins are recognized as pioneers in cryptocurrency, having founded Gemini, a leading crypto exchange, and being early investors in Bitcoin. They’ve also ventured into NFTs, venture capital, and football by investing in Real Bedford FC. Their journey from Olympic athletes to crypto billionaires exemplifies their ability to reinvent themselves. Key takeaway Early Life and Education Source: The verge Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss were born on August 21, 1981, in Southampton, New York, and raised in the upscale town of Greenwich, Connecticut. Growing up, they had access to a world of opportunities, thanks in part to their father, Howard Winklevoss, a successful academic and entrepreneur in the field of actuarial science. From a young age, the twins showed a strong drive to excel not just in school, but in sports and technology too. At the age of 13, they taught themselves HTML and started a web-page company, which developed websites for businesses. As identical twins, they’ve always done everything together: they have the same hobbies, sports, and even the same schools. That bond would later shape their careers and business ventures. Academic Journey When it came to education, the Winklevoss twins didn’t settle for anything less than the best. They attended some of the top prep schools in the country. They attended Greenwich Country Day School, then Brunswick School for high school, and eventually landed spots at Harvard University in 2000, one of the most prestigious schools in the world. At Harvard, they both majored in economics, which helped lay the groundwork for their future in business and investing. But they didn’t just bury themselves in books, they were also standout athletes, joining Harvard’s elite rowing team and making a name for themselves on the water. After graduating from Harvard in 2004, the twins kept pushing forward. In 2010, they both earned their MBAs from Oxford University’s Saïd Business School in England. While at Oxford, they didn’t just hit the books, they also competed for the university’s rowing team, keeping their athletic edge alive. By the time they finished their education, Cameron and Tyler had developed a powerful combination of intelligence, discipline, and competitiveness. It was clear they weren’t just going to follow someone else’s path, they were going to forge their own. Rowing Career Source: The Guardian Before they made headlines in tech and finance, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss were stars in rowing. Their journey began in high school, where they didn’t just join the team, they actually helped start the rowing program at their school. That early dedication to the sport set the stage for something much bigger. The Winklevoss had an impressive rowing journey. They spent four years at Harvard, training under coach Harry Parker. In 2004, they were part of the Harvard men’s varsity heavyweight eight, known as the “God Squad,” which had a stellar season: they won the Eastern Sprints, the Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship, and the Harvard–Yale Regatta. That summer, Winklevoss and their team headed to Lucerne, Switzerland, where they faced off against Olympic teams and placed sixth in the grand final. They then competed at the Henley Royal Regatta, defeating Cambridge before losing to the Dutch team, who later clinched silver at the Athens Olympics. In 2007, Winklevoss represented the U.S. at the Pan American Games in Brazil, winning a gold medal in the men’s eight and silver in the coxless four. The following year, they competed in the Beijing Olympics in the men’s coxless pair. After a rocky start, they fought their way to a sixth-place finish in the final. Winklevoss continued to excel, winning a bronze medal at the 2009 World Cup in Lucerne in the men’s coxless four event. Their dedication and achievements in rowing showcase an inspiring athletic career. The Facebook Controversy Source: CCN.com While they were students at Harvard, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss teamed up with fellow student Divya Narendra to create a new kind of website—one that would connect college students online. This project became ConnectU, a social networking platform designed to help students meet, message, and build connections on campus. At the time, the idea of online social networking was still new, and the twins believed they were building something truly unique. To help with the coding, they hired another Harvard student named Mark Zuckerberg. That decision would change everything. Legal Dispute with Facebook Not long after Zuckerberg started working with them, he launched his own website: TheFacebook.com. It looked and worked a lot like ConnectU, and the twins felt that their idea had been stolen. In 2004, they filed a lawsuit against Zuckerberg, claiming he had used their concept to launch Facebook behind their backs. After years of legal back-and-forth, the case was finally settled in 2008. The settlement was worth $65 million, paid partly in cash and partly in Facebook stock—stock that would later become incredibly valuable as Facebook grew into one of the biggest tech companies in the world. Media Representation The dramatic battle between the Winklevoss twins and Mark Zuckerberg didn’t just play out in court, it hit the big screen, too. Their story was featured in the 2010 movie The Social Network, which portrayed the early days of Facebook and the legal fight that followed. In the film, both Cameron and Tyler were played by actor Armie Hammer, using clever special effects to make it look like two different people. The movie helped bring their story to a global audience and made the “Winklevii” (as some fans