Anish Jain, Founder of W Chain, a leading hybrid blockchain network, sees this as a defining moment for financial modernisation. He explains:

“We strongly believe that blockchain has the potential to transform the capital markets and enhance user experience in a significant way. Integration of blockchain technology with traditional finance can streamline the process of issuing, trading and settlement of securities. By deploying the blockchain technology, the transactions related to securities/bonds etc can be executed quickly and at a much lower cost. BlackRock’s and other financial giants are realising the importance and power of blockchain technology and this will serve as a template for rest of the world.”

This vision goes beyond efficiency. It points to a larger re-imagining of how capital markets can be democratised breaking down barriers to entry that have kept many retail and smaller institutional investors at arm’s length.

BlackRock’s blockchain pivot is part of a broader trend: financial giants increasingly see tokenisation as the key to unlocking liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets. In March 2024, BlackRock had already launched its first tokenized fund on the Ethereum blockchain demonstrating its long-term commitment to digital transformation.

Beyond trade tensions, crypto markets are facing uncertainty over a potential US economic slowdown, exacerbated after a raft of weak readings on consumer sentiment.

Cryptocurrency investors could be in for a roller-coaster ride ahead with the crypto market hitting the “extreme fear” zone on concerns that the perceived exceptionalism of the US economy may be waning, while President Donald Trump moves forward with tariff plans, market experts said.

Bitcoin has fallen sharply, dropping over 20% from its January peak of $109,350, raising concerns about whether the crypto market has entered a bear phase.

On Thursday, February 27, Bitcoin hit an intraday low of nearly $83,000 before recovering to around $85,000. The sell-off has wiped out nearly $300 billion in market value, leading to increased volatility and investor anxiety.

Anish Jain, Founder of W-Chain, acknowledges the ongoing debate over whether Bitcoin’s recent drop signals a bear market. He emphasizes that macroeconomic factors, such as the adoption of blockchain technology by institutions and regulatory clarity, are crucial in determining the market’s trajectory. While some see this decline as the start of a bear phase, Jain suggests it could also be viewed as a buying opportunity, given the strong long-term fundamentals of the crypto market.

In the future, W Chain intends to expand its product line to include cutting-edge features including premium accounts, the W Chain bridge, and the decentralized exchange (DEX) called W Swap. The platform currently anticipates that the W Swap launch will provide customers complete control over their money while enabling smooth token exchanges and streamlining liquidity pools to minimize gas costs.

Hybrid blockchain designed for global payments, W Chain is planning on adding new features to its product list. The platform plans on introducing advanced features such as the W Chain bridge, decentralized exchange (DEX) known as W Swap, and premium accounts to its product offering in the future.

In an interview with UnoCrypto, Anish Jain, Founder of W Chain said “These enhancements will broaden our ecosystem and cater to a wider range of user needs, enabling us to seamlessly integrate new payment corridors.”

W Swap Launch to Support Easy Token Transfer

The platform at present hopes that the W Swap launch, scheduled for release in the third week of February 2025, will empower users with full control over their funds while facilitating seamless token swaps and optimizing liquidity pools for low gas fees.

Additionally, it will support a diverse range of tokens and offer lower transaction fees compared to centralized exchanges, enhancing user privacy and anonymity.

W Chain Eyes Emerging Market Expansion Amid Regions Promising Future

Apart from the addition to the product list, W Chain is also looking at expanding its userbase in the Emerging Markets.

Anish Jain explains, “To expand our customer base in emerging markets and regions with limited access to banking services, we will leverage the strengths of our hybrid blockchain architecture. Our platform is designed for global payments with unmatched scalability, speed, and security, which translates to lower transaction fees—an essential factor for users in these markets where cost is a significant barrier.”

The move will be exactly in tandem with market trends, which depict that emerging markets are poised for higher growth in the crypto sector.

W Chain Prioritizes Security and Transparency in Cross-Border Transactions

In the realm of cross boarder transactions, the main concerns of most customers lies in the fear of hacks, frauds and security issues. But W Chain aims at making security its top priority.

Anish Jain adds “We know that cross-border payments can be risky, with threats like fraud and cyberattacks. To tackle these challenges, we’ve put in place some advanced security measures. For example, we use multi-factor authentication to ensure that the right people are accessing their accounts.”

“We believe that trust is crucial when it comes to handling money across borders. That’s why our blockchain technology features an immutable ledger. Once a transaction is recorded, it can’t be changed or tampered with. This means there’s a clear and tamper-proof record of all transactions, so there are no hidden fees or surprises,” he concludes.

Pi Coin has sparked considerable interest due to its innovative mobile mining model and strong community support. However, as 2025 draws near, its investment potential remains uncertain when compared to established altcoins like Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano. Experts point out several challenges Pi Coin faces, such as its transition to an open market, regulatory hurdles, and the need for real-world adoption.

How Pi Coin Compares to Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano

Pi Coin’s community-driven mining approach makes it accessible, but experts argue that accessibility alone doesn’t guarantee success. In contrast, other established altcoins offer proven utility:

Solana is renowned for its high-speed transactions and thriving DeFi and NFT ecosystems. Dogecoin benefits from strong community-driven adoption and potential institutional interest.

Cardano focuses on scalability and smart contract development through a research-driven approach.

Anish Jain, CEO and Founder of W Chain, says, “Pi Coin remains an untested rival. Solana excels in scalability, Cardano in peer-reviewed innovation, and Dogecoin in cultural momentum. Although Pi is original, its value proposition lacks the track record of these assets.”

Brazil has approved its first spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF). Following the approval, XRP’s price increased by 8% within last 24 hours.

The Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund received approval from Brazil’s securities regulator, the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM), on Feb. 19. This means investors in Brazil will soon be able to trade an XRP-backed ETF on the B3 stock exchange. However, an official trading date has not yet been announced. Hashdex, the fund’s manager, will provide further details soon.

US President Donald Trump’s recent series of proposals aimed at integrating cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system has drawn mixed reactions from various sectors of the crypto industry. His suggestions ranging from the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve to sweeping regulatory changes have the potential to reshape the cryptocurrency landscape significantly. These moves not only reflect a new approach to digital assets but also emphasise the increasing importance of cryptocurrencies in global financial markets.

The centerpiece of Trump’s crypto agenda is the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve. By amassing Bitcoin as part of the US government’s reserves, the policy aims to legitimise cryptocurrency as a stable and secure asset, especially in the face of economic instability. This move could help stabilise volatile crypto markets while enhancing investor confidence. Moreover, it positions the United States to become a leader in the global digital asset space, a significant shift that could have lasting effects on the global economy. Alongside the Bitcoin reserve, Trump has also proposed the formation of a Bitcoin and Crypto Presidential Advisory Council. The council would provide a platform for industry leaders, regulators, and policymakers to work together to craft laws and regulations that support the growth of digital assets while safeguarding against financial risks. This advisory body would ensure that the cryptocurrency market is well-regulated, making it more attractive to institutional investors who are typically cautious about entering markets lacking regulatory clarity.

Another industry expert, Anish Jain, CEO of CoinDC, echoes this sentiment, stating, “The integration of cryptocurrency and traditional finance (TradFi) is a game-changer for the financial world. The recent push by the Trump administration to embrace crypto offers exciting opportunities for growth and innovation. However, it’s essential to find the right balance between innovation and regulation. Clear regulations will help protect investors while encouraging businesses to explore new technologies.”

While the potential benefits of Trump’s policy are clear, it is crucial to balance innovation with regulatory oversight. The cryptocurrency market is notorious for its volatility, and increased regulation could either stabilise or stifle its growth. As Anish Jain points out, “It is important that any regulations introduced do not stifle innovation or push smaller players out of the market. A healthy balance between regulation and freedom is key to the success of any cryptocurrency ecosystem.”