From Pump.fun’s launch of PumpSwap on Solana to Trump’s ambitious crypto pledge for the U.S., this week delivered major developments in the crypto landscape. Record revenues for Internet Computer, regulated XRP futures debuting in the U.S., and Microsoft’s warning of the StilachiRAT threat rounded out a week of notable advancements and ongoing security challenges.
Here’s a roundup of the top crypto stories you may have missed.
PumpSwap DEX Launch
Pump.fun introduced PumpSwap, a decentralized exchange (DEX) on the Solana blockchain designed to improve meme coin trading. This launch aims to provide a more efficient trading experience with key advantages over existing platforms.
Key Features of PumpSwap:
- Instant token migrations – Enables seamless migration from bonding curves.
- No migration fees – Eliminates the previous 6 SOL fee, making it cost-effective for users.
- Competitive trading fees – Charges a 0.25% trading fee, with the majority benefiting liquidity providers.
- Creator revenue sharing (upcoming feature) – A planned feature to incentivize token creators.
Internet Computer Revenue Hits ATH
The Internet Computer (IC) blockchain reached record-high quarterly revenues for three consecutive quarters, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Revenue Growth Highlights:
- Previous cycle high: $1.16 million (Q1 2022).
- Recent revenues:
- Q3 2024: $1.25 million
- Q4 2024: $4.1 million
- Q1 2025: $5.7 million (with over a week remaining)
- The chain has generated 82% of its total $13.4 million revenue in the last three quarters alone.
Key Growth Drivers:
- DEX Trading Boom:
- Monthly DEX trading volume hit $70 million in December 2024, a massive jump from $5.5 million in December 2023.
- Infrastructure Developments:
- The Ninja upgrade was launched to improve the developer experience, featuring an AI-powered tool suite and a UI overhaul.
Trump to Make U.S. the “Undisputed Bitcoin Superpower”
U.S. President Donald Trump made history as the first U.S. president to speak at a crypto conference, delivering a virtual address at the Blockworks Digital Assets Summit on March 20, 2025.
Key Takeaways:
- Bitcoin & Crypto Leadership:
- Trump promised to make the U.S. the top global power in Bitcoin and crypto.
- He said crypto would help strengthen the U.S. dollar and economy.
- Regulatory Changes:
- Pledged to end the SEC’s crackdown on crypto.
- Announced the shutdown of Operation Choke Point 2.0, a policy limiting crypto firms’ banking access.
“We’re ending the last administration’s regulatory war on crypto and Bitcoin, and that includes stopping the lawless Operation Choke Point. Operation Choke Point went beyond regulation, and I mean far beyond. Frankly, it was a disgrace, but as of January 2025, all of that is over… It’s an honor to speak with you about how the United States is going to dominate crypto and the next generation of financial technologies.”
Donald Trump, President, United States of America
XRP: First US Regulated Futures
The first-ever regulated XRP futures contracts are now live in the U.S., marking a significant step for the cryptocurrency and its mainstream adoption.
- Bitnomial Exchange launched CFTC-regulated XRP futures on March 20.
- These contracts are physically settled, meaning they are delivered in actual XRP instead of cash.
How does it work?
- Unlike offshore or unregulated futures, these contracts follow strict U.S. compliance standards under Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight.
- Traders and institutions can now hedge their XRP exposure or speculate on future price movements in a legally compliant environment.
Microsoft Warns of New Remote Access Trojan Targeting Crypto Wallets
Microsoft identified a new remote access trojan (RAT) called StilachiRAT, which targets 20 cryptocurrency wallet extensions in Google Chrome, including Coinbase Wallet, Trust Wallet, MetaMask, and OKX Wallet.
- Microsoft cannot yet identify the attackers but warns of the evolving threat landscape in crypto security.
How StilachiRAT Operates:
- Infiltrates systems via malicious downloads or phishing links.
- Scans device settings for installed crypto wallet extensions.
- Steals stored credentials, digital wallet information, and clipboard data.
- Hides its presence using anti-forensics techniques.
This article is published on BitPinas: Crypto News You May Have Missed This Week | March 22, 2025
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