Get the latest updates from the crypto world! From policy changes to blockchain innovations, here’s a roundup of key events shaping the market this week.
Tron is set to launch a "Gas Free" feature for USDT transactions, allowing users to make transfers without needing TRX for gas fees. Tron founder Justin Sun announced that the feature will go live next week, inviting teams and wallets to support it through JustLend DAO, the official lending platform on Tron. This move aims to address the rising transaction costs on the network, which saw USDT gas fees soar above $9 in late 2024, making it one of the most expensive options for stablecoin transfers.
Once considered the most affordable blockchain for USDT transactions, Tron lost its edge due to increasing fees, prompting criticism from users. To solve this issue, Tron has been working on gas-free transaction tools since mid-2024, with plans initially set for a late-2024 rollout. Sun believes that this new feature will significantly benefit businesses and individuals, making blockchain transactions smoother and more accessible. By eliminating the need for TRX in USDT transactions, Tron aims to attract more users, restore its reputation as a cost-effective blockchain, and drive mass adoption of blockchain-based financial services.
Pakistan's Finance Ministry is considering a National Crypto Council to explore cryptocurrency legalization. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with a foreign delegation, including Trump’s advisers, to discuss crypto regulations and policies. The council will include government officials, regulators, and industry experts to shape a secure and sustainable crypto framework. With 20 million Pakistanis involved in crypto, the move aims to address high transaction fees, ensure economic viability, and prevent financial crimes. Previously, the State Bank of Pakistan opposed cryptocurrencies, even seeking a ban in 2022, but the government is now taking an open-minded approach. In November 2024, Pakistan’s central bank proposed a CBDC and legal crypto trading, aligning with global trends in the US, UAE, and Europe. The recent meeting with international crypto investors highlights a growing interest in Pakistan’s evolving crypto landscape.
Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has issued $13.4 million in 0% bonds to expand its BTC holdings, continuing its aggressive accumulation strategy. Since May 2024, the company has purchased Bitcoin 17 times, with its largest acquisition being 619.7 BTC in December 2024. Metaplanet now holds 2,235 BTC, valued at $192.4 million. The company, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, has seen a 3,225% stock price increase since adopting a Bitcoin-focused strategy, drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy. In February 2025, Metaplanet announced plans to acquire 10,000 BTC by Q4 2025 and expand its holdings to 21,000 BTC by 2026, worth $2 billion at current market prices.
Ripple Labs has partnered with South Korean digital asset custodian BDACS to provide institutional-grade custody for XRP and Ripple USD (RLUSD). Announced on Feb. 26, this partnership will integrate Ripple Custody, offering secure storage solutions for financial institutions in South Korea. Ripple's president, Monica Long, emphasized the growing institutional interest in crypto and the need for reliable custody services. The partnership aligns with South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) regulations, supporting the expansion of Ripple’s stablecoin (RLUSD) and the XRP Ledger ecosystem. BDACS CEO Harry Ryoo highlighted their commitment to secure crypto infrastructure. Ripple expects the total value of custodian cryptocurrencies to reach $16 trillion by 2030. Alongside this, Ripple has unveiled a roadmap for institutional DeFi on the XRP Ledger, including a permissioned DEX, a lending protocol, and a new multi-purpose token (MPT).
Hamster Kombat has launched a Layer-2 blockchain called Hamster Network on The Open Network (TON) to support Web3 gaming and decentralized applications. This network, developed in collaboration with TON, is the first gaming-focused Layer-2 blockchain in the TON ecosystem. The team stated that the network allows developers to create fully decentralized games with all logic stored in smart contracts. It also supports Solidity, making it easier for developers to build blockchain applications. The Hamster Network is part of a broader plan to expand Hamster Kombat beyond gaming, introducing an entertainment ecosystem called Hamster Verse.
To support this, the DAO proposed creating a Layer-2 network with key infrastructure, including a crypto wallet, bridge, and decentralized exchange (DEX). Users with a TON wallet can use the same address on Hamster Network. Despite facing a 35% price drop in February, the HMSTR token continues to play a key role in transactions, governance, and rewards. The team remains focused on maximizing the token’s utility and retaining its core users, even as competition within the TON ecosystem increases.
