DeFI News by Thebittimes.Com

The Chainlink (LINK) cryptocurrency is up big following its announcement of a new partnership with credit card provider Mastercard. The two are partnering to enable Mastercard cardholders to purchase cryptocurrency directly on-chain. The two companies shared the announcement on Tuesday morning, signaling a “major step forward in the mainstream adoption of Web3.” Since the announcement, LINK has climbed nearly 20%, showcasing interest in Chainlink’s big move. At press time, the asset is up 3% in the past week after a brief slide in mid-June. LINK’s trading volume is down to $397.12 million as transactions begin to slow, likely meaning investors are awaiting a point where Chainlink’s price goes up or down. The cryptocurrency currently sits at $13, reclaiming that mark after a stint around $12. As adoption of crypto assets continues to grow, collaborations like the one between Mastercard and Chainlink are helping drive a new wave of users that bridge the gap between crypt...

Figure Technologies Inc., a blockchain-oriented startup established by ex-SoFi Technologies Inc. CEO Mike Cagney, has retracted its application for a nationwide bank charter to concentrate on diversified growth opportunities with existing banking partners. Figure applied with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in 2020 aiming to simplify operations and expand its service scope across the country.  However, the fintech firm withdrew its application on July 31. Big news in the #blockchain world! Figure Technologies, led by ex-SoFi CEO Mike Cagney, has withdraw n its application for a national bank charter . A bold move, signaling a possible shift in their strategic direction. Stay tuned for more updates! #fintech #cryptocurrency pic.twitter.com/sgaVYXnERW — Blockchains Now (@BlockchainsNow) August 1, 2023 The fintech firm, embedded in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, has faced significant obstacles amidst a sector-wide slump.  Fundraising and ta...

Paris Blockchain Week founder Michael Amar believes large Web2 companies entering the Web3 space bring resources capable of increasing mass adoption. Paris Blockchain Week (PBW), an annual gathering of professionals within the blockchain industry, has kicked off its fourth edition, with industry leaders and entrepreneurs from across the world gathering to discuss the latest trends and developments impacting the digital asset space. In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, Michael Amar, the founder and chairman of Paris Blockchain Week, shared that the original vision for the Conference was to put Europe on the map, as it was previously “nowhere on the map for blockchain.” Cointelegraph's Joe Hall with Michael Amar. Founded in 2019, PBW was created with the vision of bringing together professionals within the industry to advance blockchain awareness and adoption. According to Amar, the aim of the conference was to progress the industry as a whole, addressing topics like regu...