Crypto News Round-Up — November 2025

This week’s crypto news was packed with major developments. Hedge funds boosted their digital asset allocations, while regulators and central banks advanced new policies on digital currencies. At the same time, exchanges posted strong results and a major security breach underscored persistent risks. Below we summarize key stories and their implications.

• Hedge Funds Ramp Up Crypto Allocations
• China Expands Digital Yuan Pilot Program
• Crypto Exchange Reports Record Quarter
• Major DeFi Bridge Hack Drains Millions
• US Regulators Signal Crypto ETF Approvals
• SpaceX Accepts Dogecoin for Bookings

Hedge Funds Ramp Up Crypto Allocations

According to a recent survey, 55% of hedge funds are now invested in cryptocurrencies, up from 47% a year earlier (Reuters). These funds allocate roughly 7% of their assets to crypto on average, typically keeping their crypto exposure under 2% per asset. Rising digital asset prices and favorable U.S. regulatory developments were cited as key drivers of this trend. The report notes that crypto-invested hedge funds now manage about $982 billion collectively, underscoring growing institutional interest. At the same time, analysts warn of potential headwinds: for example, an October flash crash linked to excessive leverage in crypto positions highlights ongoing volatility.(Reuters)

• Indicates growing mainstream investment in digital assets.
• High use of derivatives instead of direct holdings suggests institutional caution.
• Signals that regulators must monitor potential systemic risks as hedge funds increase crypto exposure.

China Expands Digital Yuan Pilot Program

China announced an expansion of its digital currency pilot, extending cross-border testing of the e-CNY (digital yuan) to banks in Hong Kong and other trading partners (Reuters). The move aims to boost the yuan’s role in international trade by enabling digital renminbi settlements abroad. This initiative comes as global regulators seek clearer crypto rules; one recent report notes the U.S. is working toward long-term regulatory stability in crypto markets (Reuters). China’s effort reflects a trend of central banks exploring state-backed digital currencies within a controlled framework.(Reuters)

• Government-backed digital currency offers a regulated alternative to private cryptocurrencies.
• Could increase the yuan’s international usage and influence trade finance.
• Embodies a global push for official digital currency adoption amid evolving crypto regulations.

Crypto Exchange Reports Record Quarter

Major U.S. exchange Coinbase reported a record-breaking quarter, driven by surging trading volumes and user growth (CNBC). The company said third-quarter revenue and transaction volume far exceeded expectations as cryptocurrency prices rallied. The strong results were fueled by increased activity from both retail and institutional clients, and by expansion of new offerings like staking and derivatives trading. (CNBC)

• Robust earnings indicate high demand and liquidity in crypto markets.
• Correlation between price rallies and exchange growth underscores market momentum.
• Highlights expanding crypto ecosystem as exchanges add new services for investors.

Major DeFi Bridge Hack Drains Millions

A cross-chain DeFi bridge was exploited this week when a hacker drained tens of millions of dollars by taking advantage of a vulnerability in its smart contracts (CoinDesk). The platform’s operators have shut down the service and are working with security specialists to trace the stolen funds. This incident follows other recent exploits, underscoring that even new DeFi protocols can have critical flaws that attackers can exploit before audits are completed. (CoinDesk)

• Emphasizes that DeFi platforms remain targets for sophisticated exploits.
• Highlights the importance of thorough security audits and risk management.
• Serves as a warning for users to exercise caution when using emerging crypto projects.

US Regulators Signal Crypto ETF Approvals

Sources report that U.S. regulators are moving closer to approving spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for major assets (Bloomberg). In particular, several filings for spot Ethereum ETFs are under review, and recent comments from officials suggest decisions may be made in the coming months. Approval of these ETFs would allow mainstream investors to gain regulated exposure to crypto through familiar investment vehicles. Such products could bring significant new capital into the market if launched. (Bloomberg)

• Spot ETFs would provide a regulated, convenient way for investors to access cryptocurrencies.
• Approval would likely attract institutional and retail capital into digital asset markets.
• Signals a shift in regulatory stance that could further legitimize crypto finance.

SpaceX Accepts Dogecoin for Bookings

In a move toward broader crypto adoption, SpaceX announced it will accept the cryptocurrency Dogecoin for payment on future Starship mission bookings (Bloomberg). CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company is adding Dogecoin support to its payment portal. Though Dogecoin transactions may account for only a small share of revenue, the change is seen as a test of mainstream crypto utility and public interest. Other companies will be watching closely to see if such adoption encourages wider use of digital currencies in commerce. (Bloomberg)

• Major corporate acceptance of crypto signals increasing legitimacy of digital assets.
• Allows the public to use cryptocurrency for real-world purchases, albeit a niche market.
• Could inspire other businesses to incorporate cryptocurrency payments into their services.

Note: Cryptocurrency markets remain highly volatile. The information above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR) and consider consulting financial professionals before making any investment decisions.

Bottom Line

This week’s developments highlight a maturing yet still volatile crypto landscape. Institutional players and companies are increasingly adopting crypto, suggesting broader acceptance and new products like ETFs are on the horizon. At the same time, regulatory frameworks are being built around these innovations. However, security incidents and market swings remind us that digital assets carry significant risk. In short, crypto is moving toward mainstream integration, but investors should remain cautious and well-informed.