NEAR Protocol implemented a network upgrade on October 30, 2025, reducing annual token inflation from 5% to 2.4% without securing community vote approval. The decision drew criticism from validators including Chorus One, which warned the move undermines decentralized governance principles. Staking yields dropped from 9% to approximately 4.5%, while NEAR's price fell 8% following the controversy.

Coinbase Asset Management and Apollo Global Management announced on October 28 a stablecoin-based credit strategy targeting high-quality credit opportunities in digital currency markets. The collaboration integrates stablecoins with private credit and asset tokenization. Products are expected by 2026.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao received a presidential pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump on October 21, 2025, for failing to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program. The pardon, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice's clemency register, follows Zhao's previous sentence of a $50 million fine and four months of imprisonment. Zhao plans to focus on his family office, YZi Labs, and advisory roles in the cryptocurrency sector.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, who served four months in prison for violating anti-money laundering laws. The pardon could enable Binance to reenter the U.S. market, though Treasury approval remains required to end the Justice Department's three-year compliance monitoring.

JPMorgan Chase announced on October 24, 2025, that institutional clients can now use Bitcoin and Ethereum as collateral for loans. The bank partners with third-party custodians including Coinbase and Anchorage Digital to manage custody risks. The move marks a significant integration of digital assets into traditional banking services.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said the U.S. cryptocurrency market structure bill is 90% finalized with bipartisan support, according to his communications with Senate Democrats and Republicans. Armstrong aims to submit the legislation before Thanksgiving and expressed optimism for passage by year-end. The bill would establish clear DeFi regulations and protect users' rights to earn stablecoin rewards.