In the volatile world of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins offer a haven by pegging their value to traditional assets like the US dollar. However, the dominant players, such as Tether (USDT), operate through centralized platforms, raising persistent questions about transparency and the true backing of their reserves. In response, MakerDAO created DAI, a stablecoin generated through a transparent, decentralized system of overcollateralized debt. This article explores how DAI maintains its peg, the mechanics of its collateralized debt positions, and how traders use it to create leveraged bets on assets like Ethereum and Bitcoin.
about DAI Stablecoin: How MakerDAO's Decentralized Debt System WorksMakerDAO
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekSmart Contract Wallets: The Gateway to DeFi and DApps
Smart contract wallets represent a fundamental evolution in cryptocurrency storage, transforming simple asset holders into active participants in decentralized finance (DeFi). Unlike traditional wallets that merely store private keys, these wallets interact directly with blockchain smart contracts, enabling complex financial activities like borrowing, lending, and token swapping. This article explores the defining features of smart contract wallets, profiles six leading options, and outlines critical considerations for users navigating this rapidly growing sector of the crypto ecosystem.
about Smart Contract Wallets: The Gateway to DeFi and DAppsEx-RWA Exec Sues Over M^0 Stablecoin Rights
Former RWA Company executive Max Glass has filed a lawsuit in Delaware Chancery Court alleging wrongful termination and breach of fiduciary duty by co-executives Gregory DiPrisco and Joseph Quintilian. Glass claims he was pressured to sign away his rights as the company developed stablecoin technology that later became M^0, a major stablecoin infrastructure provider backed by Bain Capital and Galaxy. The lawsuit alleges the executives diverted corporate opportunities from RWA Company’s partnership with German fintech CrossLend to create M^0, which has since facilitated significant DeFi integrations including MetaMask’s mUSD stablecoin launch. Glass seeks punitive damages, rescission of his termination, and disgorgement of gains from what he calls a ‘scheme of coercion and fraudulent inducement.’
about Ex-RWA Exec Sues Over M^0 Stablecoin RightsStablecoin Inflows Surge 324% in Q3 Led by USDT, USDC
The stablecoin market experienced explosive growth in the third quarter of 2024, with net inflows skyrocketing 324% from $10.8 billion in Q2 to $45.6 billion in Q3. This dramatic surge was led by established giants Tether’s USDT and Circle’s USDC, alongside the rapid emergence of Ethena’s synthetic dollar USDe, highlighting unprecedented institutional and retail demand for dollar-pegged digital assets in the evolving crypto landscape.
about Stablecoin Inflows Surge 324% in Q3 Led by USDT, USDCSparkLend Integrates PayPal’s PYUSD, Hits $135M in Deposits
SparkLend’s integration of PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin has rapidly attracted over $135 million in deposits, signaling a major inflection point for decentralized finance. This strategic partnership, forged after rigorous risk assessment, highlights the accelerating institutional demand for yield-bearing stablecoins and robust DeFi lending solutions. As the DeFi lending market surges over 70% year-to-date, the collaboration between SparkLend and PayPal positions PYUSD as a key player in the emerging ‘stablecoin 2.0’ era, where digital assets generate returns while maintaining crucial liquidity.
about SparkLend Integrates PayPal's PYUSD, Hits $135M in DepositsPayPal Boosts PYUSD Liquidity via Spark DeFi Partnership
In a significant move bridging traditional finance with decentralized protocols, PayPal has partnered with Spark to dramatically enhance liquidity for its PayPal USD (PYUSD) stablecoin. Since its August listing on Spark’s lending platform SparkLend, PYUSD deposits have surged past $135 million, signaling both institutional confidence and a strategic push into the DeFi ecosystem by the payments giant. This collaboration leverages Spark’s $8 billion-plus liquidity layer, marking one of the most substantial integrations between a major TradFi player and decentralized finance infrastructure to date.
about PayPal Boosts PYUSD Liquidity via Spark DeFi PartnershipDAI Stablecoin: Decentralized Finance & Leveraged Positions
Stablecoins like DAI offer a solution to cryptocurrency volatility by maintaining a stable value pegged to the US dollar. Unlike centralized stablecoins such as Tether, DAI is created through a decentralized system where users lock collateral (like ETH or WBTC) to mint DAI. This collateral must be overcollateralized to ensure stability, and if its value drops too much, it gets liquidated via auction. DAI can also be used for leveraged trading—users borrow DAI against their collateral, trade it for more of the underlying asset, and profit if the asset’s price rises. MakerDAO’s transparent and decentralized approach provides an alternative to traditional stablecoins, though it involves debt and liquidation risks.
about DAI Stablecoin: Decentralized Finance & Leveraged PositionsCoinbase Adds Sky (SKY) & USDS to DeFi Offerings
Coinbase has announced the listing of Sky (SKY) and its associated stablecoin USDS, marking a significant addition to its DeFi portfolio. Formerly known as MakerDAO, Sky rebranded in August 2024 as part of its ‘Endgame’ strategy to foster growth and broader adoption. Despite the listing, SKY saw only a modest 3% price increase, while USDS remained pegged to the US dollar. Analysts suggest the rebrand aims to attract traditional finance users, though challenges in community acceptance persist. This strategic shift underscores MakerDAO’s ambition to strengthen DeFi’s resilience and accessibility.
about Coinbase Adds Sky (SKY) & USDS to DeFi OfferingsStablecoin Surge Signals Potential Altcoin Rally in 2025
Stablecoin issuance has reached new highs, with USDT leading the market at 66% dominance and a total market cap nearing $250 billion. Analysts like Joao Wedson suggest that the massive liquidity and investor hesitation could spark an altcoin rally in Q3 2025. Bitcoin and stablecoins currently make up 74% of the crypto market, but historical trends indicate funds may soon rotate into smaller tokens. Key signals to watch include stablecoin inflows to exchanges and DeFi platform activity, which could hint at an impending altcoin surge. The market appears to be in a holding pattern, awaiting clearer signals before capital moves decisively.
about Stablecoin Surge Signals Potential Altcoin Rally in 2025How Bitcoin and DeFi Saved Mariano Conti in Argentina’s Crisis
Mariano Conti leveraged Bitcoin and DAI as financial lifelines during Argentina’s inflation crisis, avoiding the pitfalls of a weakening local currency. As Head of Smart Contracts at MakerDAO, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing DAI, even during market chaos like Black Thursday. Post-MakerDAO, Conti became a mentor and investor in DeFi projects like mStable and Lido, advocating for decentralized finance as a practical alternative for those excluded from traditional banking. His approach blends technical expertise with personal experience, making complex concepts accessible. Conti remains actively involved in the crypto space, merging code contributions with mentorship—proving DeFi’s value beyond theory.
about How Bitcoin and DeFi Saved Mariano Conti in Argentina's CrisisSmart Contract Wallets: Features, Pros, and Top Picks
Smart contract wallets are specialized crypto wallets that interact with smart contracts, enabling functionalities such as borrowing, lending, trading, and Dapp interactions. Unlike traditional wallets, these are controlled by smart contracts, offering advanced features but may face compatibility issues with some exchanges. Top wallets like InstaDApp, Zerion, Metamask, Poketto, Argent, and Braavos provide unique benefits, from liquidity pool earnings to free ENS names and low transaction fees. While they support Ethereum-based activities, future growth may expand their capabilities across multiple blockchains. However, users should verify exchange support for smart contract transactions to avoid complications.
about Smart Contract Wallets: Features, Pros, and Top PicksEthereum Foundation Borrows $2M in GHO Stablecoins via Aave
The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has entered DeFi by borrowing $2 million in GHO stablecoins on Aave, using wETH as collateral. This aligns with Aave’s value proposition, allowing ETH holders to access liquidity without selling their holdings. Aave founder Stani Kulechov praised the move as a demonstration of DeFi’s full utility cycle. The EF has not officially commented, but the crypto community supports the strategy as a sustainable treasury approach. This follows EF’s recent DeFi engagements, including deposits into Aave, MakerDAO’s Spark, and Compound. The borrowing reflects a shift from liquidating ETH to leveraging DeFi for yield generation, distancing EF from past criticism over ETH sales. Aave remains Ethereum’s top lending protocol with $43B in TVL, while GHO’s circulating supply stands at $249M.
about Ethereum Foundation Borrows $2M in GHO Stablecoins via Aave