Squid Raises $4m to Expand the Capabilities of the Cross-Chain Do-Anything Layer 9968

Squid, the cross-chain do-anything router, today announces $4m in strategic funding led by Polychain Capital with participation from Nomad Capital, North Island Ventures, Maelstrom, Chorus One, The Department of XYZ, Breed, Binary Builders, and Typhon Ventures, along with follow-on investments from Distributed Global, Fabric Ventures, Node Capital, and Chapter One. Squid has established itself as the fastest, most frictionless, and most secure way to swap tokens across blockchains, empowering users of thousands of assets on over 60 chains. This raise enables the team to continue its expansion in supporting chains in the EVM and Cosmos ecosystems and beyond. Additionally, the team will build deeper integrations with more decentralized applications (dApps), allowing users to easily interact with those applications in a wide variety of ways, including depositing into DeFi positions, purchasing NFT collectibles and in-game items, and more.

“Our vision for Squid is to create the UX layer for interoperability among blockchains and the apps built on them,” said Christina Rud, Co-Founder of the protocol. “Like servers on the internet, blockchains are proliferating, and Squid is unifying that landscape, allowing apps to operate across chains with ease and users to have delightful, frictionless Web3 experiences.”

“We’re proud to support the team building Squid as they enable compelling cross-chain experiences by making interoperability among blockchains intelligent and powerful,” said Olaf Carlson-Wee, founder of Polychain Capital. “In making complex cross-chain activities frictionless, Squid is unlocking the design space for application developers, allowing them to escape the confines of siloed blockchains.”

Squid has rapidly grown in its first year, facilitating over 500,000 cross-chain token swaps, LP deposits, and NFT purchases, representing over $950M in volume for over 200,000 users. The one-click flow for taking these cross-chain actions offers a dramatic improvement over clunky, frustrating experiences when interacting with blockchain bridges and multiple application interfaces. In pursuit of even further optimized UX, the team launched Squid Boost, a novel system that brings cross-chain swap times under 20 seconds without reducing security for users.

“Squid is designed as a general-purpose cross-chain router, and we’re excited to build support for a wide variety of activities,” said Co-Founder Fig. “Already with Squid you can swap tokens, you can purchase NFTs, and you can even combine actions, like swapping assets and depositing into DeFi protocols, in a single click. Step by step, this is how we enable better application experiences and abstract away the complexity of the underlying blockchain infrastructure.”

Web3 applications are becoming increasingly capable and diverse, but the barrier to accessing them remains high, with only a dedicated subset of users willing to surmount a number of technical hurdles to use them. Squid is playing a key role in alleviating that complexity in one of the most user-challenging parts of the space–moving between blockchains. The team is dedicated to making cross-chain actions feel just as simple and be just as secure as doing things on a single blockchain. This frees developers to harness the power of specialization among different chains to deliver users the best possible experiences.

With this raise, Squid will accelerate development to enable more complex bundling of transaction sequences and more efficient routing of assets. Additionally, the team is building integrations with more interoperability networks and has its sights set on bringing Squid to more blockchain ecosystems beyond Ethereum and Cosmos.

About Squid

Squid is a secure cross-chain router on Axelar Network that enables interoperability between blockchains and applications. Squid is easily integrated via their API, SDK, and front-end tools that facilitate fast and reliable single-click transactions and token transfers. Developers can use Squid to onboard users from any ecosystem and create scalable, seamless user experiences for anyone with a crypto wallet.

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Anchorage Digital Adds Support for Native DYDX Staking 2611

Institutional crypto platform Anchorage Digital has announced support for native DYDX staking. Now, institutions can stake DYDX from safe and secure custody at Anchorage Digital and earn staking rewards distributed by the protocol in USDC.

As home to the only federally chartered digital asset bank, Anchorage Digital provides crypto custody, staking, and other services for some of the top names in traditional and decentralized finance. As the partner of choice for crypto innovators, Anchorage Digital has supported ethDYDX custody since mainnet launch in August 2021 and native DYDX custody since the launch of the dYdX Chain in Q4 last year. The expansion into staking support marks a major step forward in advancing safe and secure institutional participation in the dYdX ecosystem.

“For many institutions, custody is just the start. Increasingly, institutions want to engage in staking, earn rewards, and contribute to the long-term scaling of innovative networks like dYdX. By adding staking support for its native token, DYDX, Anchorage Digital is proud to help unlock a new era of institutional participation in the dYdX ecosystem.” — Nathan McCauley, CEO and Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital

Anchorage Digital supports hundreds of top assets, which are selected on the basis of institutional demand and must meet rigorous quality and safety standards. Clients can easily stake DYDX to earn staking rewards, with both the underlying assets (DYDX tokens) and staking rewards (USDC tokens) held in safe and secure custody on the Anchorage Digital platform.

“Anchorage Digital’s integration of native DYDX staking initiates a new era of institutional engagement with dYdX. Staking involves more than just the accumulation of USDC rewards; it is a proactive effort to enhance the growth and sustainability of the dYdX ecosystem. This collaboration provides best in class custody solutions and boosts the attractiveness of the protocol.” — Charles d’Haussy, CEO of dYdX Foundation

The dYdX Chain is the world’s leading DeFi protocol focusing on perpetual futures, fully decentralized and community-governed. It distributes 100% of protocol fees to DYDX stakers for bolstering the dYdX Chain’s security. Since its launch six months ago, the dYdX Chain has generated over $136 billion in cumulative trading volume and has distributed over $23 million in USDC as staking rewards to nearly 20,000 stakers, with a current annual return rate of 18% as of May 13, 2024, according to Mintscan. The integration of Anchorage Digital’s staking support for native DYDX enhances institutional interest through Anchorage’s secure and regulated custodial services. This partnership provides a compliant staking solution for DYDX token holders and supports institutional adoption, contributing to the ecosystem’s growth.

About Anchorage Digital

Anchorage Digital is a crypto platform that enables institutions to participate in digital assets through custody, staking, trading, governance, settlement, and the industry’s leading security infrastructure. Home to Anchorage Digital Bank N.A., the only federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S., Anchorage Digital also serves institutions through Anchorage Digital Singapore, Porto by Anchorage Digital, and other offerings. The company is funded by leading institutions including Andreessen Horowitz, GIC, Goldman Sachs, KKR, and Visa, with its Series D valuation over $3 billion. Founded in 2017 in San Francisco, California, Anchorage Digital has offices in New York, New York; Porto, Portugal; Singapore; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Learn more at anchorage.com, on X @Anchorage, and on LinkedIn.

About the dYdX Foundation

The dYdX Foundation’s purpose is to support and grow the dYdX protocol ecosystem by enabling communities, developers, and decentralized governance.

The dYdX Chain software is open-source software to be used or implemented by any party in accordance with the applicable license. At no time should the dYdX Chain or its software be deemed to be a product or service provided or made available in any way by the dYdX Foundation. Interactions with the dYdX Chain software or any implementation thereof are permissionless and disintermediated, subject to the terms of the applicable licenses and code. Users who interact with the dYdX Chain software (or any implementations thereof) will not be interacting with the dYdX Foundation in any way whatsoever.

Liminal Custody Secures Key ADGM FSP License, Reinforcing Leadership in Digital Asset Custody 3140

Liminal Custody, a leading provider of digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure solutions, announced a landmark achievement today, the acquisition of Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). This prestigious license is a significant milestone in Liminal’s journey, solidifying its commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation within the burgeoning digital asset space.

Obtaining the FSP positions Liminal as a trusted partner for institutions seeking secure and compliant solutions for safeguarding their valuable digital assets. Notably, the license grants Liminal the ability to operate as a regulated custodian within the Middle East, a rapidly growing financial hub. This expansion broadens Liminal’s reach and allows it to serve a wider range of clientele seeking best-in-class digital asset custody solutions.

Building Trust Through Regulatory Compliance

Mahin Gupta, Founder of Liminal Custody, expressed his satisfaction with the achievement, stating, “We are honored to receive the ADGM FSP license. This accomplishment represents the culmination of significant effort on behalf of our entire team, all dedicated to upholding the highest regulatory standards. Building trust within the digital asset industry, which is undergoing rapid evolution, is a core tenet of our mission. The ADGM FSP license serves as a powerful validation of our commitment to compliance. We are confident that this achievement will further empower us to deliver best-in-class custody solutions to our clients, ensuring the continued security and integrity of their digital asset holdings.”

The Symbiosis of Compliance and Innovation

The digital asset industry is experiencing exponential growth, with a corresponding demand for regulatory clarity to foster long-term stability and mainstream adoption. Liminal believes that a robust regulatory framework, when coupled with continuous innovation, is the cornerstone for building a secure and thriving digital asset ecosystem. By adhering to stringent regulations, Liminal ensures the safety and security of client assets, while its unwavering commitment to innovation allows it to develop cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the digital asset landscape. This two-pronged approach – prioritizing both regulatory compliance and technological advancement – positions Liminal as a leader in the digital asset custody space.

Commenting on Liminal achievement, Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief of Market Development at ADGM said: ” We congratulate Liminal on completing its licensing process and receiving the required Financial Services Permission (FSP) from the FSRA of ADGM. Liminal’s focus on regulatory compliance and innovative solutions in the space of digital assets aligns with ADGM’s vision for fostering a dynamic and trusted financial ecosystem that prioritizes upholding the highest standards of security and innovation. We look forward to witness Liminal’s contribution to the growth of the digital asset industry in Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Amir Tabch, CEO of Liminal Custody Middle East and Senior Executive Officer of the Category 3C ADGM-regulated entity First Answer Middle East Limited, remarked: “Earning the ADGM FSP license is a clear indicator of Liminal’s ironclad dedication to compliance and innovation. This achievement not only positions us at the forefront of digital asset custody but also signals our pivotal role in its future evolution. By equally valuing regulatory compliance and technological progress, we aim to equip institutions with the confidence to explore the digital asset realm, tapping into its vast, transformative potential. This milestone is a springboard for Liminal’s continued growth and a significant contribution towards the digital asset industry’s maturity.”

About Liminal Custody

Liminal is a compliant and insured digital asset custody and wallet infrastructure provider that provides both MPC wallets and multi-sig wallets. Launched in April 2021, Liminal is a CCSS Level 3, SOC Type 2 and ISO 27001 & 27701 certified organization. Liminal is based in Singapore, has operations spread across APAC MENA and Europe, along with offices in Singapore, India and UAE.

Liminal takes pride in supporting businesses with their qualified and insured digital asset custody platform, which enables stress-free safekeeping of digital assets for institutions. Liminal also provides a cutting edge wallet infrastructure platform that is secure, compliant and automated and comes with a plug-and-play architecture for faster onboarding of developers, business partners and government agencies.

About Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM)

The Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), an international financial center (IFC) located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, opened for business on 21 October 2015. Established by a UAE Federal Decree as a comprehensive financial center, ADGM enhances Abu Dhabi’s stature as a global trade and business hub. It serves as a strategic connector between the burgeoning economies of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and the rest of the world.

ADGM’s strategy leverages Abu Dhabi’s key strengths in areas such as private banking, wealth management, asset management, derivatives and commodities trading, financial innovation, sustainability, and more. It comprises four independent authorities: the ADGM Authority, ADGM Courts, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority, and the Registration Authority. As an IFC, ADGM governs the entire 114 hectares (1.14 square kilometers) of Al Maryah Island, a designated financial free zone.

$GTAI Listing on a New CEX: 2 Days Left 3434

Exciting news is coming for the cryptocurrency market as $GTAI, a token of GT Protocol, is preparing to get listed on a new CEX in just 2 days. After its successful debut on top platforms like Bybit, Kucoin, Gate.io, MEXC, HTX, and Bitget, $GTAI has emerged as one of the most promising token launches of 2024.

In celebration of this imminent listing on a new CEX, GT Protocol has announced a $10,000 giveaway as a sign of appreciation for the community’s support and enthusiasm for the project. The event details and instructions on how to participate in the giveaway can be found on GT Protocol’s official X channel.

On May 15th at 12:00 UTC, we will unveil a new CEX, where $ GTAI will be listed. This strategic expansion is not just a move but a leap towards enhancing $ GTAI’s liquidity and accessibility. It’s a step that will further establish $ GTAI’s presence in the global cryptocurrency market.

GT Protocol is a game-changer, pioneering an AI Layer for Web3, aiming to onboard 100 million users with its innovative technology. GT Protocol offers an AI model specifically designed for Web3 investments, trading, and portfolio management. It is also developing an AI tool similar to ChatGPT for the cryptocurrency market that will enable users to manage their crypto portfolios, execute trades on CEX and DEX, or engage with NFT platforms through simple text or voice commands. This tool will easily answer any query and fill up the gap in your crypto knowledge.

$GTAI proudly announces its partnerships with industry giants such as Binance, OKX, and Tron blockchain, leveraging these relationships to enhance the GT Protocol and expand its user base. Furthermore, GT Protocol has over 90,000 users of GTAPP and a vibrant community of 900,000 followers across various social media platforms.

Stay tuned for more updates on this promising project as it continues to make waves in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space.

XREX Singapore Receives MAS Major Payment Institution Licence 3429

XREX Singapore, a blockchain-enabled financial institution specialising in cross-border payments in emerging markets, announced today that it has obtained the Major Payment Institution (MPI) Licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the nation’s central bank and financial regulator. This comes after it received its in-principle approval from the MAS in November last year.

Commenting on XREX’s engagement with the MAS, XREX Singapore Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Christopher Chye said, “Our engagements with the MAS have repeatedly shown us why they are internationally revered as a leading central bank and financial regulator. With this licence in hand, XREX Singapore will endeavour to bring blockchain-enabled digital payment currencies to ubiquity.”

XREX Singapore facilitates frictionless cross-border payments for import and export transactions, particularly for small-medium businesses (SMBs) in emerging markets. This strategic emphasis aligns with XREX’s mission to foster financial inclusion in emerging markets.

“The MPI licence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the highest regulatory compliance standards. We look forward to working with one of the world’s leading regulators to make blockchain finance safe and accessible to the general public,” said XREX Co-founder and Group CEO Wayne Huang.

XREX Singapore will launch XREX Pay, a platform providing cross-border B2B payment features for corporates, as well as remittance solutions, such as helping migrant workers send money home. XREX Pay will support Singapore Dollar (SGD) and U.S. Dollar (USD) payment rails and stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, all while demonstrating a robust and practical implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) travel rule.

XREX Singapore’s licence encompasses a total of six payment services, namely:
i) Account issuance service;
ii) Domestic money transfer service;
iii) Cross-border money transfer service;
iv) Merchant acquisition service;
v) E-money issuance service; and
vi) Digital payment token service.

“XREX is approved for six of the seven payment services under the MPI licencing regime. With XREX Singapore as the group’s Asia Pacific headquarters, XREX looks forward to expanding its partnership with major banks, credit card institutions, and payment institutions to build next-generation financial systems that integrate traditional and blockchain finance,” said XREX Co-founder and Group Chief Revenue Officer Winston Hsiao.

About XREX

XREX Singapore is an MAS-regulated financial institution that leverages blockchain technology to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and safer for businesses globally. Its proprietary escrow payment feature, BitCheck, empowers enterprises to switch flexibly between digital currencies, stablecoins, or traditional currencies, thereby ushering their businesses into the new era of digital money. XREX Singapore also specializes in working with emerging markets businesses to help solve their issues with USD liquidity access.

XREX Group, is a blockchain-enabled financial institution working with banks, regulators, and users to redefine banking together. It provides enterprise-grade banking services to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in or dealing with emerging markets, and novice-friendly financial services to individuals worldwide.

Founded in 2018 and operating globally under multiple licences, XREX offers a full suite of services such as digital asset custody, wallet, cross-border payment, fiat-crypto conversion, cryptocurrency exchange, asset management, and fiat currency on-off ramps.

Sharing the social responsibility of financial inclusion, XREX leverages blockchain technologies to further financial participation, access, and education.

The new energy index trading platform PHPGOV has announced a strategic partnership with leading energy companies to promote the development and application of energy globally 4389

As global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, the new energy sector has become a focal point for development by governments and corporations worldwide. Recently, PHPGOV, a leading new energy index trading platform, announced strategic partnerships with several top energy companies to jointly advance the development and application of new energy globally and contribute to building a clean and sustainable energy future.

PHPGOV, recognized as a pioneer in the new energy sector, is committed to establishing a globally leading new energy index trading platform that offers investors a secure and convenient channel for investing in new energy. By forming strategic alliances with top energy companies, PHPGOV aims to leverage its strengths and consolidate resources to explore development opportunities and innovative models within the new energy sector.

This strategic cooperation will encompass various areas including, but not limited to, technology research and development, market expansion, and industrial collaboration. PHPGOV and its partners will jointly conduct research and innovation in new energy technologies, pushing for breakthroughs and applications to enhance energy efficiency and utilization. Moreover, the parties will intensify market cooperation, collectively penetrate new energy markets, and expand sales channels for new energy products, thus promoting the healthy development of the new energy industry.

Additionally, PHPGOV will engage in industrial collaboration with leading energy companies to build a new energy industrial chain, fostering mutual growth within the industry. The partners will enhance collaboration in project investment, financial operations, and risk management to advance the realization of new energy projects and ensure the sustainable development and profitability of the new energy sector.

For PHPGOV, this strategic partnership is of significant importance. It will not only elevate PHPGOV’s influence and competitiveness in the new energy sector but also accelerate its global expansion. Furthermore, collaboration with leading energy companies will provide PHPGOV with additional resources and support, fueling the platform’s growth and expansion.

For the top energy companies, partnering with PHPGOV represents a crucial strategic decision. As a leader in the new energy index trading platform market, PHPGOV offers extensive industry experience and superior service quality, providing professional services and support to explore opportunities and business models in the new energy sector.

In conclusion, the strategic partnership between PHPGOV and leading energy companies will inject new vitality into the global energy sector, promoting the healthy development and sustainable growth of the new energy industry. PHPGOV is poised to make a positive contribution to building a clean, sustainable energy future.

PHPGOV Exchange Co., Ltd was established in October 2020 in the United States with the company number: 20201931985. The registered address is 1670 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202, United States.

Discover the rise of Surf Protocol: Becoming the top perpetual Dex on Bitcoin Layer 2 4761

Surf Protocol has achieved significant milestones, with its total trading volume exceeding $200 million and its Total Value Locked (TVL) surpassing $30 million in May, making it the largest perpetual DEX on Bitcoin Layer 2.

As the largest Perp Dex on BTC L2, Surf Protocol distinguishes itself by being selected for Binance’s prestigious Most Valuable Builder (MVB) Season 7 program. This recognition by Binance Labs highlights Surf Protocol’s innovative approach and its contribution to the blockchain ecosystem, particularly in enhancing Bitcoin native on-chain leverage trading and offering single-currency liquidity provision yield solutions that eliminate impermanent losses.

The competition within the Perp DEX arena is fierce and dynamic. Historically, platforms like dYdX have dominated the scene, capturing a substantial 59.7% of the 30-day trading volume as of October 2023. However, the DeFi ecosystem is inherently fluid, with Hyperliquid clinching the top spot by February 2024, showcasing the market’s evolving preferences and the shifting dynamics that new entrants like Surf Protocol are adeptly navigating.

Despite the competition, Surf Protocol distinguishes itself through a relentless pursuit of innovation tailored to meet the changing needs of its users. As the first to introduce a Bitcoin-denominated vault with zero impermanent loss and to allow BTC as collateral for trades, Surf Protocol has not only addressed key market gaps but has also set new benchmarks for what on-chain traders can expect. This innovative streak has propelled Surf towards a trajectory of rapid growth, with the platform nearing an average of 1000 daily users and aiming for higher total value locked (TVL) and volume.

Moreover, Surf’s acknowledgment of the competitive landscape doesn’t detract from its vision; rather, it fuels its drive to innovate. In a market where Perp DEXes like GMX have captivated users with sustainable fees and earning mechanisms, and where dYdX has pushed the envelope towards complete decentralization and scalability, Surf Protocol has carved its niche. It has done so by not only matching the pace of innovation but by also introducing unique features that resonate with a broad spectrum of users.

In a bid to further energize its community and incentivize trading activities, Surf Protocol has launched a series of campaigns that are setting the platform apart in the competitive DeFi landscape. These initiatives not only reward active traders but also provide lucrative opportunities for liquidity providers (LPs) and early supporters of the platform.

Surf Protocol’s innovative campaigns and focus on user rewards demonstrate its commitment to building a thriving DeFi ecosystem. Highlighting this commitment, Surf airdropped 100,000 USD value of award tokens to the first two weeks’ traders after the mainnet launch, showcasing a tangible effort to reward early adopters. By prioritizing community engagement and fostering a culture of inclusion, Surf Protocol is well-positioned to play a leading role in the future of decentralized trading.

Surf Protocol’s vision has garnered the support of industry leaders. In October 2023, Surf secured $5 million in funding from prominent investors including ABCDE Capital and Amber Group. This vote of confidence underscores the potential of Surf Protocol to bridge the gap between traditional finance and DeFi, catering to a diverse user base.

Surf Protocol invites traders, liquidity providers, and DeFi enthusiasts to join its mission of revolutionizing the trading landscape.

For more information, visit https://surf.one/
X: https://twitter.com/surf_protocol
Telegram: https://t.me/surf_protocol
Discord: https://discord.com/invite/Ma2NjR9uMs
Medium: https://medium.com/@surf.protocol