Spring 2025 was marked by a wave of strategic launches that are changing the balance of power in the cryptocurrency infrastructure. It was not the hyped memecoins that came to the fore, but mature solutions for trading, storing and processing data.
From the largest European exchange Deutsche Boerse, bringing bitcoin to institutional clearing, to the ambitious DEX+ from MEXC – the first hybrid platform with the transparency of DeFi and the liquidity of CEX. They were joined by the Solana ETF, the strengthening of EDX Markets, and even Tether’s bold entry into the field of artificial intelligence.
If earlier crypto was “fighting for a place”, today it is building the architecture of future finances — together with traditional players.
Clearstream Goes Blockchain
Deutsche Boerse, one of the pillars of European finance, through its Clearstream division, announced the launch of services for storage and settlements in Bitcoin and ether. The launch is scheduled for April 2025 and is aimed primarily at institutional clients. This is one of the first real bridges between the world of traditional finance and digital assets in Europe — a signal that Bitcoin is no longer an experiment for major players.
“This is a shift from observation to action. Clearstream’s infrastructure will become an anchor for institutional capital flows in crypto assets,” commented an analyst from the Frankfurt School Blockchain Center.
Hybrid Trading Platform from MEXC
Decentralized exchanges became popular among traders, investors, and crypto enthusiasts in late 2024. However, for many users, DEXs remain complex and difficult to navigate. This complexity creates an issue of inequality amongst users because new tokens are often available first on decentralized exchanges before being listed later on centralized ones where most investors are registered. MEXC, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, addressed this problem by launching a next-generation decentralized exchange DEX+.
With institution-grade security as its foundation, DEX+ offers access to over 15,000 on-chain assets spanning major blockchains like Solana and BSC, along with seamless multi-chain trading that eliminates the need for wallet connections and manual signing. It combines the diverse asset options of decentralized platforms with the robust security and user-friendly experience of centralized exchanges, providing users with a streamlined and highly secure trading experience.
EDX Markets Expands Coverage
The American exchange EDX Markets, backed by Citadel Securities and Fidelity, continues to expand, adding new assets, including popular coins Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. At the same time, the exchange remains true to its model: a non-custodial approach and trading through authorized brokers. This makes it unique among centralized platforms and allows institutions to access crypto without compromising on regulation and custody.
Solana Goes Public
For the first time in history, Solana has become the underlying asset for an exchange-traded fund: in March 2025, the first spot ETF on SOL was launched. This is not just recognition — it is an opening of the door for capital that previously could not invest in Solana directly.
Solana’s appeal lies in the high performance of its network capable of processing thousands of transactions per second at minimal cost, making it ideal for decentralized applications, payments, and scalable financial solutions. With staking yields as a unique draw, Solana ETFs can attract institutional capital, shifting its narrative from a memecoin hub to a serious contender in global finance.
The ETF listing took place in Canada, but experts are confident that the United States may follow as early as 2025 if the SEC approval for the ETH ETF is successful.
Tether + AI: An Alliance with the Future
The largest stablecoin issuer Tether has launched its own AI platform, focused on data processing infrastructure and computing power. The company intends to use artificial intelligence to optimize financial processes and risk management. The platform will feature and integrate advanced AI tools like AI Translators, AI voice assistants, and AI bitcoin wallet assistants with a focus on enhancing user experience with real-time translation and streamlining crypto transactions. Built on Bare, Tether Data promises seamless compatibility across a wide range of devices from budget smartphones to powerful servers while prioritizing privacy and self-custody of data and funds.
In addition, Tether is investing in the development of open solutions to avoid dependence on ‘big tech’.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
