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## The Event in Detail Grayscale Investments completed the third-quarter 2025 rebalancing of its three multi-asset funds: the Grayscale Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Fund, the Grayscale Smart Contract Fund, and the Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund. These adjustments were finalized at the end of the day on October 3, 2025, and announced on October 8, 2025. Within the **DeFi Fund (DEFG)**, **MakerDAO (MKR)** was removed from the portfolio. Concurrently, **Aerodrome Finance (AERO)** was added and now represents 6.60% of the fund's components. Other significant holdings in the DeFi Fund include **Uniswap (UNI)** at 32.32%, **Aave (AAVE)** at 28.07%, and **Ondo (ONDO)** at 19.07%. The rebalancing was conducted in accordance with the CoinDesk DeFi Select Index methodology. The **Decentralized AI Fund (AI Fund)** saw the inclusion of **Story (IP)**, which now accounts for 21.53% of its assets. The largest components in the AI Fund are **NEAR Protocol (NEAR)** at 25.81%, followed by **Bittensor (TAO)** at 22.15%. Other assets include **Render (RENDER)** at 12.91%, **Filecoin (FIL)** at 11.39%, and **The Graph (GRT)** at 6.21%. For the **Smart Contract Fund (GSC Fund)**, updated weightings were announced, with **Solana (SOL)** holding 30.97% and **Ether (ETH)** at 30.32%. Additional components include **Cardano (ADA)** at 18.29%, **Avalanche (AVAX)** at 7.57%, **Sui (SUI)** at 7.35%, and **Hedera (HBAR)** at 5.50%. As of September 30, 2025, Grayscale Investments reported approximately **$35 billion** in assets under management (AUM), solidifying its position as a prominent digital asset-focused investment platform. ## Market Implications The rebalancing actions by Grayscale Investments are expected to induce **increased trading volume and potential price fluctuations** for the directly affected tokens, notably **Aerodrome Finance (AERO)** and **Story (IP)**, as well as **MakerDAO (MKR)**. Grayscale's strategic allocations signal a notable **institutional interest** in specific sectors of the digital asset economy, primarily decentralized finance (DeFi) and artificial intelligence (AI) driven blockchain projects. This institutional endorsement could influence broader **investor sentiment** and potentially direct additional capital into these emerging ecosystems. The shift from **MakerDAO (MKR)** to **Aerodrome Finance (AERO)** within the DeFi Fund suggests a prioritization of protocols demonstrating robust liquidity and established governance frameworks, while potentially reducing exposure to projects perceived as having declining user activity. The integration of **Story (IP)** into the AI Fund underscores a growing recognition of **AI-driven blockchain solutions** as a critical growth sector, capable of bridging decentralized infrastructure with machine learning capabilities. ## Business Strategy and Investment Thesis Grayscale's Q3 2025 fund rebalancing reflects a strategic pivot towards digital assets characterized by **robust fundamentals, institutional-grade utility, and alignment with emergent technological frontiers**. This approach emphasizes **diversification and innovation** within the rapidly evolving digital economy. The firm's commitment to adapting its multi-asset portfolios to dynamic market conditions is evident through these adjustments. By prioritizing projects with demonstrated **real-world utility, potential for institutional adoption, and technological innovation**, Grayscale aims to position its funds to navigate both market volatility and regulatory uncertainty. The **DeFi Fund's** rebalancing specifically highlights a focus on protocols with **proven liquidity and active ecosystems**, indicating a mature investment perspective on the sector. Furthermore, the targeted allocation within the **Decentralized AI Fund** towards assets like **NEAR Protocol, Bittensor, and Story** aims to capture innovation and computing demand at the intersection of AI and blockchain. This strategic positioning anticipates significant growth in a sector projected to expand as enterprises seek decentralized solutions for AI training and inference. Grayscale's selections provide investors with diversified exposure across **DeFi, smart contracts, and AI-driven blockchain ecosystems**, while concurrently mitigating risks associated with more speculative tokens. ## Broader Context Grayscale Investments, established in 2013, operates as the world's largest digital asset-focused investment platform, leveraging a decade of experience in the sector. The firm's quarterly rebalancing serves as a significant barometer for **institutional sentiment** within the cryptocurrency market. These strategic allocations are consistent with broader **macroeconomic tailwinds**, including increased venture capital funding directed towards AI-native crypto projects and a trend towards clearer regulatory frameworks in key jurisdictions. The continuous evolution of the crypto market underscores that adaptability and innovation remain non-negotiable attributes for sustained growth and investor confidence.
## Executive Summary The crypto market maintains a bullish trend in September 2025, driven by global political stabilization and increasing institutional investment, fostering Web3 adoption. Bitcoin has traded above $112,000, and Ethereum remains strong above $4,100, reflecting investor confidence in high-market-cap tokens with demonstrable utility. This positive sentiment is underscored by significant corporate financing activities, advancing regulatory discussions in the United States, and core protocol enhancements within the blockchain ecosystem. ## The Event in Detail ### Tether Holdings SA Seeks Major Funding and Valuation **Tether Holdings SA**, the issuer of the **USDT** stablecoin, is in preliminary discussions with investors, including **SoftBank** and **Ark Investment Management**, for a substantial funding round. The company aims to raise between **$15 billion and $20 billion** by selling a **3% stake** in a private placement, which could push its valuation to **$500 billion**. Cantor Fitzgerald, which also manages Tether's assets, is advising on the deal. This potential valuation positions Tether among the world's most valuable private companies. The company recently introduced **USAT**, a fully regulated stablecoin in the U.S., further solidifying its market position. Tether's current token pile of **USDT** exceeds **$174 billion**, significantly surpassing its closest competitor, Circle's **USDC**, which has a market capitalization of **$73.7 billion**. ### Kraken Pursues Strategic Funding Ahead of Potential IPO Crypto exchange **Kraken** is reportedly in advanced talks to raise between **$200 million and $300 million** in new funding. This capital injection could value Kraken at **$20 billion** as it prepares for a potential public listing as early as 2026. This follows a previous **$500 million** funding round that valued the company at **$15 billion**. Kraken has engaged **Morgan Stanley** and **Goldman Sachs** to assist with the upcoming public offering. The exchange is also making strategic political moves, having pledged **$2 million** to pro-crypto political action committees in 2025, including the Digital Freedom Fund and Andreessen Horowitz's America First Digital initiative. **Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi** stated this aligns with the company's strategy to support candidates who promote industry growth. ### U.S. Regulators Advance Crypto Harmonization Efforts The **U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)** and the **U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)** are actively pursuing regulatory clarity and harmonization within the digital asset space. On September 2, 2025, their respective Divisions of Trading and Markets and Market Oversight/Clearing and Risk issued a joint statement announcing a cross-agency initiative. This initiative clarifies that existing law does not prohibit **CFTC-registered designated contract markets (DCMs)** and **SEC-registered national security exchanges (NSEs)** from facilitating the trading of certain spot crypto asset products. A joint roundtable, scheduled for September 29, 2025, will prioritize discussions on topics such as **24/7 markets, event contracts, perpetual contracts**, potential **portfolio margining**, and **innovation exemptions/safe harbors for Decentralized Finance (DeFi) protocols**. ### Solana's Firedancer Team Proposes Dynamic Block Scaling **Jump Crypto's Firedancer team**, a key developer for the **Solana** blockchain, has proposed removing the network's fixed per-block compute unit (CU) limits through **SIMD-0370**. This proposal aims to allow block sizes to scale dynamically based on validator hardware performance rather than a static cap, currently set at **60 million CU** (with a potential increase to 100 million). The **Alpenglow upgrade**, overwhelmingly approved by validators with **99.60%** support, introduces a **skip-vote mechanism** that enables validators with less powerful hardware to abstain from voting on oversized blocks. This incentivizes a "flywheel effect" where block producers continuously upgrade their hardware to process more transactions and earn higher revenues. While **Roger Wattenhofer**, head of research at Solana development firm Anza, expressed support for removing the limit, he also raised concerns regarding potential centralization and network stability if a super-advanced block producer could unduly influence the network. ## Market Implications These developments signify a maturing crypto market with increasing institutional integration and regulatory attention. **Tether's** pursuit of a **$500 billion valuation** and **Kraken's** strategic funding ahead of a potential IPO underscore a growing mainstream financial interest in the digital asset sector. Regulatory harmonization efforts by the **SEC** and **CFTC** could reduce market uncertainty, fostering a more predictable environment for innovation and investment in the U.S. The proposed **Firedancer** upgrade for **Solana** could significantly enhance network performance and scalability, potentially driving increased adoption and competition within the Layer 1 blockchain space. The confluence of these factors suggests a robust, albeit evolving, landscape for Web3 and digital assets. ## Expert Commentary **Roger Wattenhofer**, head of research at Anza, articulated a perspective on Solana's **SIMD-0370 proposal**, stating, "I think all these problems are solvable, so I've always been a big advocate of ditching the limit," while also flagging concerns about potential centralization and its impact on network stability. Separately, **Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi** commented on the exchange's political contributions, indicating the move "aligns with Kraken's strategy to support candidates who promote industry growth." ## Broader Context The crypto market's current bullish sentiment is reflected in **Bitcoin (BTC)** trading around **$113,242.82** and **Ethereum (ETH)** at **$4,176.72** as of September 24, 2025. This positive trend is supported by sustained institutional investment and a global political environment conducive to Web3 adoption. The focus remains on high-market-cap tokens with strong fundamentals and real-world applications. Upcoming industry events, such as **TOKEN2049 Singapore** in early October 2025, are anticipated to further drive networking, collaboration, and market activity.
## Executive Summary Valour, a subsidiary of **Nasdaq**-listed **DeFi Technologies**, has launched 13 new crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) on the regulated **Spotlight Stock Market** in Sweden. This initiative includes the introduction of Europe's first **IOTA ETP**, designed to facilitate regulated investment in digital assets through traditional brokerage platforms. The newly launched ETPs encompass a diverse range of assets, including **IOTA**, **PEPE**, **Flare**, **Optimism**, **Immutable**, **Quant**, **The Graph**, **Floki**, **Theta**, **Hyperliquid**, **Virtuals**, **Story**, and **Four**. This expansion increases **Valour's** total ETP portfolio to 99, consolidating its position as a prominent provider of digital asset ETPs across multiple European countries. ## The Event in Detail On September 24, 2025, **DeFi Technologies Inc.** (Nasdaq: DEFT), through its subsidiaries **Valour Inc.** and **Valour Digital Securities Limited**, announced the launch of 13 new SEK-denominated ETPs on **Sweden's Spotlight Stock Market**. The newly introduced ETPs provide exposure to various digital assets, specifically: **Valour PEPE (PEPE) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681615), **Valour Flare (FLR) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681656), **Valour Virtuals (VIRTUAL) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681664), **Valour Optimism (OP) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681672), **Valour Story (IP) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681680), **Valour Immutable (IMX) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681698), **Valour Quant (QNT) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681706), **Valour The Graph (GRT) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681714), **Valour Floki (FLOKI) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681722), **Valour Theta (THETA) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681730), **Valour Four (FORM) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681748), **Valour IOTA (IOTA) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681755), and **Valour Hyperliquid (HYPE) SEK ETP** (ISIN CH1108681532). This strategic addition expands **Valour's** total number of listed ETPs to 99, which are traded across major European exchanges including **Spotlight Stock Market (Sweden)**, **Börse Frankfurt (Germany)**, **SIX Swiss Exchange (Switzerland)**, **London Stock Exchange (England)**, and **Euronext (Paris and Amsterdam)**. ## Financial Mechanics Each of the newly launched **SEK-denominated** ETPs is structured to provide regulated, exchange-traded exposure to its underlying digital asset. Investors can access these products through standard brokerage platforms, thereby integrating digital asset investment within traditional financial frameworks. A **1.9% management fee** is applied to each ETP. This mechanism allows traditional financial market participants to gain exposure to the price movements of cryptocurrencies without directly holding the underlying digital assets, simplifying investment processes and addressing custodial concerns for institutional investors. ## Business Strategy & Market Positioning This expansion reinforces **Valour's** strategic objective to maintain its position as a leading global provider of digital asset ETPs, boasting the largest selection worldwide. The new listings are specifically targeted at **Nordic investors**, aiming to provide enhanced access to a diversified portfolio of digital assets. The product offering spans key sectors of the digital asset ecosystem, including Layer 1 and Layer 2 networks, modular data availability solutions, tokenization infrastructure, gaming and creator ecosystems, and high-engagement community tokens. This broad approach aligns with a market trend where investor preferences are evolving beyond established cryptocurrencies. Johanna Belitz, Head of Nordics at **Valour**, stated, "The Nordic market values breadth, clarity, and compliance. This launch delivers all three and marks an important milestone for our investors. We're proud to further bolster Valour's position as the issuer with the largest selection of digital asset ETPs globally." Nadine Kenzelmann, Managing Director at **Valour**, added, "This expansion showcases Valour's scale and execution. We will continue to broaden access while maintaining institutional standards in risk management, operations, and market quality." This proactive diversification positions **Valour** to capture emerging interest in a wider array of digital assets. ## Broader Market Implications The launch of these 13 new ETPs by **Valour** signifies a continued advancement in the institutional integration of digital assets into traditional financial markets across Europe. This move is anticipated to enhance liquidity for the underlying tokens, potentially fostering price stability and increased trading volumes due to broader investor accessibility. By offering regulated products on established exchanges, **Valour** lowers the barrier to entry for both institutional and retail investors seeking compliant exposure to the digital asset space. This development reflects a maturing digital asset ecosystem and a response to growing demand for regulated investment vehicles. The diversification across various asset categories, from fundamental Layer 1 protocols like **IOTA** to community tokens like **PEPE**, indicates a wider acceptance and understanding of the varied functionalities and market segments within the digital asset landscape.
## Executive Summary Aria, in collaboration with **Contents Technologies**, has launched **Aria PRIME**, an institutional-grade on-chain intellectual property (IP) investment platform. This initiative has tokenized a **$100 million Korean music copyright library** on the **Story blockchain**, leading to a significant surge in the **$IP token** value. ## The Event in Detail Aria PRIME’s launch marks a significant step in the tokenization of real-world assets. The platform has partnered with **Contents Technologies** to tokenize a **$100 million Korean music copyright library**, converting these high-value IP assets into digital tokens on the **Story blockchain**. This strategy aims to create transparent, liquid, and composable financial assets for copyright holders and new investment channels for institutional investors. Aria plans to extend its tokenization efforts beyond music to include film and art, with an objective to become a leading global institutional IP tokenization platform. Aria Protocol Labs and Aria Foundation have collectively secured **$15 million** in seed and strategic funding rounds, valuing the company at **$50 million**. The funding participants include **Polychain Capital**, **Neoclassic**, and **Story Foundation**. Aria’s revenue model encompasses origination fees for new IP tokenization launches, transaction and platform fees from secondary trading and staking, and management fees for curated IP vaults and structured products like Aria PRIME. The project has prioritized ecosystem growth, waiving early origination fees to demonstrate its model. David Kostiner, Co-Founder and Chief IP Officer of Aria Protocol Labs Inc., compared Aria's ambition to Web2 platforms such as Masterworks, which fractionalize art ownership, stating Aria is "more ambitious." ## Market Implications Following the announcement, the **$IP token** surged over **24%** within 24 hours, briefly exceeding **15 USDT**. This price action suggests strong market interest in the on-chain IP and Real World Asset (RWA) sectors. The launch of Aria PRIME is positioned to attract substantial institutional capital, potentially establishing a precedent for tokenizing diverse cultural assets. The increased interest could draw more developers and investors into the **Story ecosystem** and the broader RWA narrative. South Korea has been actively pursuing blockchain integration into its financial system, with regulatory clarity and pilot programs for tokenized securities. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) released guidelines for security tokens in late 2023, with pilot programs in 2024 involving assets like real estate, artwork, and bonds. The **Bank of Korea** is also exploring central bank digital currency (CBDC) systems with tokenized securities settlement. Furthermore, the **K-pop industry** has begun incorporating blockchain technology, including NFTs and blockchain-based voting, indicating a broader cultural and financial shift towards digital asset integration in the region. ## Expert Commentary David Kostiner of Aria Protocol Labs Inc. stated, "Onchain IP isn't just a creative frontier, it's a financial one. By turning IP into liquid, fungible tokens with embedded licensing logic, Aria creates capital formation rails that protect creative integrity and reward participation." S.Y. Lee, CEO of Story, added, "The market is finally waking to IP as a real-world asset class. Aria is showing what's possible when historically illiquid IP is brought onchain in a programmable, rights-respecting way. They are building the future of IP finance and the IP economy." ## Broader Context **Story Protocol**, the underlying blockchain infrastructure for IP tokenization, has gained significant momentum. It has attracted over **$130 million** in funding, including an **$80 million Series B round** led by **a16z Crypto** and **Polychain Capital**, achieving a post-funding valuation of **$2.25 billion**. The platform enables creators to tokenize their IP, establish usage rules, and automate revenue sharing through smart contracts. Its IPFi (IP Finance) ecosystem is currently adopted by over **200 teams** managing **20 million IP assets**. The **Story blockchain** is hosting its **"Origin Summit"** during Korea Blockchain Week 2025 on September 23rd in Seoul. This event will gather institutional investors, AI builders, and IP holders to explore the programmable IP economy, focusing on unlocking the estimated **$80 trillion IP asset class** through blockchain technology. The **$IP token** has seen significant rallies, with an all-time high of **$11.66** on September 10, 2025, driven partly by **Heritage Distilling's $82 million token buyback program**. The token exhibits technical resistance near **$12.50** and support at **$9.80**, with a current Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 79 indicating overbought conditions. The ongoing **Heritage** buyback, targeting **$82 million by November 24, 2025**, signals corporate demand for **$IP**.
Story (IP) current price is $5.72, up 3.05% today.
Story (IP) daily trading volume is $55.7M
Story (IP) current market cap is $1.8B
Story (IP) current circulating supply is 321.6M
Story (IP) fully diluted market cap (FDV) is $5.8B