Crypto News Round-Up — October 2025

Digital assets continued to grab headlines this week with major developments in regulation, market infrastructure and new token projects. From institutional inflows into bitcoin funds to a yen-backed stablecoin launch, the crypto sector showed both its growth potential and ongoing risks. Here are the top stories of the past 24 hours in crypto.

• Bitcoin ETFs See Record Inflows
• British Crypto Fund KR1 Plans Main Market Listing
• Japan Launches First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin
• DeFi Protocol Exploit Stirs Security Concerns
• Visa Pilots Stablecoin Payments
• Argentina’s Crypto Adoption Rises Amid Inflation

Bitcoin ETFs See Record Inflows

Institutional interest in bitcoin continued to grow. Data reviewed by CoinDesk shows that U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds attracted roughly $446 million in net inflows over the past week, a record surge that coincided with a rally in crypto prices. This buying pressure reflects confidence among investors that bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies still have upside potential (CoinDesk).

Why it matters:

• Heavy ETF inflows indicate robust institutional demand for bitcoin (CoinDesk).
• Bullish sentiment in these funds can help sustain positive momentum in crypto markets.
• Growth of regulated ETFs shows the maturing availability of crypto investment vehicles.

British Crypto Fund KR1 Plans Main Market Listing

London-based investment firm KR1 announced plans to move its stock listing from a smaller exchange to the London Stock Exchange’s main market. The uplisting, pending approval of a regulatory prospectus and shareholder vote, is designed to broaden KR1’s investor base and visibility (www.reuters.com) (Reuters). KR1 said the move comes amid "growing institutional interest in blockchain technologies" and reflects the UK's push to become a global crypto hub (www.reuters.com).

Why it matters:

• Listing on the main market could boost KR1’s credibility with mainstream investors (Reuters).
• KR1 also plans a share placement to fund expansion of its crypto staking services (Reuters).
• Part of a broader trend of blockchain firms tapping traditional finance channels (Reuters).

Japan Launches First Yen-Pegged Stablecoin

Japanese startup JPYC has begun issuing a yen-denominated stablecoin, making it the world’s first currency-pegged yen token (www.reuters.com) (Reuters). The JPYC coin is fully convertible to fiat yen and is backed by domestic bank deposits and Japanese government bonds (www.reuters.com). JPYC said it plans to issue up to ¥10 trillion (about $66 billion) in the coin over three years, initially waiving transaction fees to encourage widespread use.

Why it matters:

• Backed by government bonds and bank reserves, the yen stablecoin aims to ensure price stability (Reuters).
• Stablecoins are prized for their “low transaction costs and rapid settlement,” making them useful for payments (Reuters).
• This launch could accelerate Japan’s adoption of digital currencies and tie crypto more closely to the traditional economy.

DeFi Protocol Exploit Stirs Security Concerns

A recent exploit on a decentralized finance platform highlighted the ongoing security risks in crypto. Hackers took advantage of a vulnerability in a DeFi smart contract, draining funds before developers could shut it down. The incident, noted by security analysts, prompted renewed calls for stronger code audits and insurance for crypto projects (Cointelegraph).

Why it matters:

• Serves as a reminder of persistent security challenges facing blockchain projects (Cointelegraph).
• Underscores the need for robust auditing and risk management in decentralized finance.
• May shake confidence among users and institutional players eyeing DeFi opportunities.

Visa Pilots Stablecoin Payments

Major payment networks continue to embrace crypto. Visa announced a pilot program that will allow some merchants to accept stablecoin payments through its network (Bloomberg). Under the trial, merchants could choose to be paid in cryptocurrency tokens pegged to fiat currencies, with Visa immediately converting funds to the merchant’s local currency. The move is part of Visa’s broader strategy to integrate digital assets and blockchain into its payment infrastructure.

Why it matters:

• Bridges the gap between traditional finance and crypto, making it easier for businesses to use digital currencies (Bloomberg).
• Using stablecoins in payments could cut transaction costs and speed up settlement relative to conventional methods.
• A successful pilot would mark a significant step toward mainstream use of crypto in everyday transactions.

Argentina’s Crypto Adoption Rises Amid Inflation

Economic turmoil in Argentina is bolstering crypto adoption. Analysts report that with local currency inflation high, many Argentines are converting pesos into cryptocurrencies and dollar-backed stablecoins to preserve savings (CoinDesk). Trading volumes on local crypto exchanges and peer-to-peer platforms have grown sharply, reflecting crypto’s role as a hedge against currency devaluation (CoinDesk).

Why it matters:

• Highlights crypto’s use case as an alternative store of value in economies with rapid inflation (CoinDesk).
• Higher local demand may drive regulators to clarify crypto policies to better manage this trend.
• Demonstrates the global reach of crypto beyond major economies, reinforcing its potential as a cross-border financial tool.

Markets for digital assets are notoriously volatile and influenced by many factors. Prices can swing rapidly, and regulatory or technology changes can significantly impact the landscape. This roundup is for informational purposes only. Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before engaging with cryptocurrencies or related investments.

Bottom Line

Overall, this week’s news reinforced the picture of a crypto market in transition. Institutional adoption appears to be growing, as seen by major ETF inflows and firms moving toward mainstream exchanges. At the same time, innovative developments – like central-bank-connected stablecoins and new payment pilots – are pushing digital assets further into everyday finance. Notably, security incidents remind us that significant risks remain as the industry matures. Investors are advised to stay informed and exercise caution: the potential rewards of crypto innovation come with considerable volatility and evolving regulatory scrutiny.