Around 33,000 Boeing union members launched a strike on Friday, marking the first walkout in 16 years. The move comes after an overwhelming rejection of Boeing’s proposed four-year contract, which aimed to offer union workers a 25% pay increase. The strike is expected to halt commercial aircraft production, further complicating Boeing’s already precarious position in the global manufacturing sector.
A 25% Pay Hike – Not Enough for Boeing Workers
The workers participating in the strike are members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a key labor union representing many of Boeing’s 150,000 U.S.-based employees. After weeks of negotiations, Boeing presented a contract offering a 25% pay raise, alongside promises of improved job security. Yet, despite these concessions, 94.6% of union members voted against the deal.
The rejection signals deep dissatisfaction within Boeing’s workforce, as many workers feel the offer fails to address their broader concerns. Union leaders had initially demanded a 40% wage increase, reflecting inflation concerns and the need for more competitive compensation in a tightening labor market. However, Boeing’s offer fell short of these expectations, triggering a near-unanimous decision to strike.
The Largest Strike in 16 Years
With 96% of the union’s workforce actively participating in the strike, the scale of the protest is unprecedented. The work stoppage is expected to cause significant production delays, affecting Boeing’s ability to meet delivery deadlines for its commercial aircraft. This comes at a time when the aerospace giant is grappling with a series of challenges, including technological setbacks, safety concerns, and recovering from the fallout of high-profile plane crashes in recent years.
Jon Holden, the president of IAM District 751, emphasized the critical nature of the strike, stating, “This is about fighting for our future. We strike at midnight.” He vowed to continue negotiations to push for the pay raises and job security improvements the workers have been demanding. “We will be back at the table whenever we can get there to drive forward on the issues our members say are important,” Holden told The Seattle Times.
Boeing’s New CEO Faces a Crisis
The strike poses a significant challenge for Boeing’s newly appointed CEO, Kelly Ortberg. Tasked with steering the company through turbulent times, Ortberg finds himself at the helm during a critical juncture. Plagued by technical difficulties and a tarnished safety record, Boeing is already facing uphill battles to restore its reputation and regain market trust.
Ortberg had urged union members to vote in favor of the proposed contract, expressing confidence that the 25% pay hike would satisfy worker demands. However, the overwhelming rejection of the deal highlights a broader disconnect between Boeing’s management and its workforce. Now, Ortberg must navigate the tense negotiations that lie ahead as the strike continues to disrupt production.
With no immediate resolution in sight, Boeing faces significant financial and operational disruptions. The company must now weigh its options—either concede to the union’s demands for a 40% pay increase or risk further production delays and a deteriorating relationship with its workers.
As the strike drags on, Boeing’s ability to recover from its recent troubles hangs in the balance. The company’s future, as well as its position in the competitive aerospace industry, could be determined by how it handles this escalating labor dispute.
Metaverse-based token Decentraland (MANA) is today’s top-performing asset. The altcoin’s value has soared over 10% in the past 24 hours, pushing it to a two-month high of $0.31 at press time.
With technical indicators pointing at renewed investor interest and a strong bullish trend, MANA price may be poised to extend its rally in the short term.
MANA Price Rally Supported By Demand
An assessment of the MANA/USD one-day chart reveals a steady uptick in the token’s on-balance volume (OBV), reflecting the rise in its demand. This momentum indicator is at 9.47 billion at press time, its highest level since December 2024.
The OBV indicator measures an asset’s buying and selling pressure. It adds volume on up days and subtracts it on down days. This dynamic helps traders determine whether volume supports the price trend at any given moment.
As observed with MANA, an asset’s OBV rising alongside its price signals strong buying interest. This effectively confirms the sustainability of a bullish move. The trend signals that traders’ demand backs the token’s double-digit price rally over the past day.
Moreover, MANA trades above its 20-day exponential moving average (EMA), supporting this bullish outlook. At press time, this key moving average forms a dynamic support level below MANA’s price at $0.26.
Decentraland (MANA) 20-day EMA
The 20-day EMA measures an asset’s average price over the past 20 trading days, giving more weight to recent prices. When it falls below the price, it suggests that the market is in a short-term uptrend, with recent prices higher than the average of the past 20 days.
This indicates strong bullish momentum, as MANA’s price currently outperforms the recent average.
MANA Bulls Maintain Control
On the daily chart, MANA was trading above an ascending trend line, accentuating its price surge. This bullish pattern acts as support and emerges when an asset’s price forms higher lows.
It indicates a consistent upward movement over time amid growing buyer momentum.
This technical formation suggests MANA buyers are in control, signifying bullish market sentiment. If this outlook sustains, MANA price growth will likely continue, with the trendline providing downward support.
Such an action could see the token’s price break above $0.34, potentially climbing toward $0.44. Such a move would constitute a 41% move above current levels.
In an exclusive AMA session hosted by BeInCrypto, Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex, unveiled the company’s bold expansion into the U.S. market. With a focus on self-custody, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions, and real-world usability, Wirex Pay is set to shake up how Americans interact with digital assets.
From spending stablecoins at 80 million merchants via Visa to instant on/off-ramp features powered by Bridge, Wirex is an all-inclusive payments platform. Lazarichev explained how this move addresses the growing U.S. demand for crypto solutions that combine speed, security, and control without sacrificing the convenience of traditional finance.
In this AMA, Lazarichev also shared how Wirex empowers users with full ownership of their funds, fosters DeFi adoption via its WXT token, and ensures enterprise-grade security. Let’s get into it!
Join the BeInCrypto Trading Community, participate in our AMA sessions, and earn cash prizes for your questions to our guest speakers!
AMA Session With Wirex
BeInCrypto: Today, we have a special guest speaker – Dmitry Lazarichev, Co-Founder of Wirex (@DmitryWirex)!
Ok, let’s start with this question
What motivated Wirex to expand its stablecoin payment platform to the U.S.?
Dmitry Lazarichev: The decision to expand Wirex’s stablecoin payment platform to the U.S. was motivated by the growing demand for seamless and secure crypto payment solutions in the country.
The U.S. has long been a leader in the adoption of digital assets, with both consumers and businesses seeking practical ways to leverage crypto in everyday transactions.
By bringing Wirex Pay to the U.S., we aim to meet this demand and offer users a simple, reliable way to use stablecoins in real-world payments while maintaining control over their assets.
Expanding to the U.S. was a strategic move to tap into a market that is rapidly evolving in terms of crypto adoption. The U.S. offers a unique combination of a large user base, innovation-driven businesses, and regulatory frameworks that support the growth of digital assets.
By providing Wirex Pay, we can facilitate the adoption of stablecoin-based transactions, which offer a more stable and secure alternative to traditional financial systems.
BIC: How does Wirex Pay differ from other payment platforms available in the U.S.?
Dmitry: Wirex Pay differentiates itself from other payment platforms by being a self-custodial solution. This means that users retain full control over their funds at all times, unlike many platforms that require users to trust a third party to manage their assets.
Additionally, Wirex Pay allows users to spend stablecoins at over 80 million merchants globally, thanks to its integration with Visa’s payment network. We also offer real-time conversions between crypto and fiat, ensuring smooth transactions without the need for complex wallet transfers or exchanges.
The core difference lies in the control we offer to our users. Most platforms are custodial, meaning they hold your assets in their wallets. Wirex Pay, however, allows users to retain ownership of their funds while making seamless payments through Visa’s global network.
This gives users the flexibility to spend stablecoins without needing to convert them to fiat first, making the process faster, simpler, and more secure.
BIC: What are the key features of Wirex Pay that U.S. users should be excited about?
Dmitry: U.S. users should be particularly excited about the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided through our partnership with Bridge, which allow for seamless, real-time conversions between stablecoins and fiat. This feature eliminates the delays typically associated with converting crypto to traditional currencies, making it easier to use digital assets in daily life.
In addition, users can benefit from real-time on-chain swaps for stablecoins and fiat, offering them greater flexibility and control. The ability to spend stablecoins directly at millions of merchants through the Visa network is also a standout feature.
The convenience of instant conversions ensures that users can access their funds in whichever form they need—whether crypto or fiat—without waiting for transactions to settle. This feature not only improves the user experience but also reduces friction in the transaction process.
Plus, having access to a wide range of merchants through Visa integration makes it incredibly convenient for users to pay with stablecoins wherever they go.
BIC: Can you explain how the collaboration with Bridge improves the user experience for U.S. customers and share more details about how stablecoin orchestration works through Bridge?
Dmitry: The collaboration with Bridge significantly enhances the Wirex user experience by making stablecoin transactions faster, more secure, and hassle-free. Bridge allows for real-time orchestration of stablecoin conversions, meaning users don’t have to manually swap assets or rely on third parties for transactions.
This process is automated and seamless, enabling users to convert between stablecoins and fiat instantly. For U.S. customers, this integration ensures that their funds are always available and ready to be spent, reducing wait times and simplifying the entire experience.
Bridge’s technology essentially streamlines the conversion process, so users don’t have to worry about manually exchanging stablecoins or worrying about market fluctuations. This automated orchestration provides a frictionless experience for users, ensuring that their transactions are not only fast but also secure.
By handling conversions behind the scenes, Bridge allows us to offer a more intuitive and efficient platform for U.S. users.
BIC: What are the benefits of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers while maintaining full control over funds?
Dmitry: The main benefit of using Wirex Pay via card and bank transfers is that it allows users to maintain full control over their funds while still making payments in a way that feels familiar. Users don’t need to trust a third party with their assets, as they can link their non-custodial wallets directly to the platform.
This gives them the flexibility to spend stablecoins at millions of merchants, without losing control of their crypto. Additionally, Wirex Pay offers seamless integration between crypto and traditional finance, so users can convert funds as needed without extra steps or delays.
The self-custodial nature of Wirex Pay is a game-changer for users who want to keep their crypto assets secure while still using them for daily purchases. This model eliminates the risk associated with custodial services, where assets are held by a third party.
Plus, the flexibility to use cards and bank transfers makes the platform accessible for a wider range of users, offering them the convenience of traditional payment methods while still enjoying the benefits of using stablecoins.
BIC: What kind of impact will the instant on/off-ramp solutions provided by Bridge have on U.S. users’ ability to convert crypto to fiat and vice versa?
Dmitry: The instant on/off-ramp solutions offered through Bridge will have a significant impact on U.S. users by removing the friction typically associated with crypto-to-fiat conversions.
Users can instantly convert their stablecoins into fiat, and vice versa, without waiting for transactions to settle or worrying about exchange rates.
This will make it much easier for users to use crypto in everyday life, whether they’re paying for goods, sending money, or managing their finances. The instant liquidity ensures that users can access their funds in the form they need, right when they need them.
This functionality is particularly beneficial for users who need to make quick payments or transfer funds between different currencies.
It eliminates the delays usually associated with conversion services, ensuring that users always have immediate access to the currency they require.
As a result, it also helps to make crypto more practical for everyday use, enabling faster transactions with fewer barriers.
BIC: Will the integration with Bridge allow U.S. businesses to accept payments in stablecoins directly? If so, what are the benefits for them?
Dmitry: Yes, U.S. businesses will be able to accept payments in stablecoins directly through Wirex Pay, thanks to our integration with Bridge.
The benefit for businesses is that they can avoid the volatility often associated with traditional cryptocurrencies, as stablecoins are pegged to fiat currencies.
This offers businesses the ability to accept digital payments while maintaining predictable value. It also allows them to tap into a growing customer base that prefers to use crypto for transactions, opening up new revenue streams.
By accepting stablecoins, businesses not only offer a modern payment method but also reduce transaction fees and payment processing times compared to traditional methods.
This can lead to greater efficiency, lower costs, and faster payments, which are key advantages for businesses looking to innovate and attract a tech-savvy customer base.
BIC: How does Wirex envision the future of crypto payments in the U.S., and what role will Wirex play in it?
Dmitry: Wirex envisions a future where crypto payments are integrated seamlessly into everyday life. As more people adopt digital currencies, we see a growing demand for stablecoin payments that are easy to use and widely accepted.
Wirex’s role will be to make these payments as simple and accessible as traditional card payments or bank transfers. We aim to provide the infrastructure and user-friendly tools that make it easy for individuals and businesses to use stablecoins in real-world transactions.
The future of crypto payments is about making digital currencies as easy to use as cash or credit cards. Wirex aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, providing U.S. users with the tools they need to transact easily and securely in a digital economy.
As the market evolves, we’ll continue to refine our platform and expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of both consumers and businesses.
BIC: What updates and new features can U.S. users expect from Wirex in the next six months to a year?
Dmitry: In the next six months to a year, U.S. users can expect a variety of exciting updates and new features. We’re focused on expanding the range of stablecoins available on the platform, improving transaction speeds, and integrating with more payment systems to enhance user experience.
We’ll also be refining our platform’s security features and introducing additional tools that will make managing crypto assets even easier. These updates will ensure that Wirex remains a top choice for crypto payments in the U.S.
In addition to these enhancements, we’ll be rolling out improvements based on user feedback, ensuring that our platform meets the evolving needs of our growing U.S. user base.
The goal is to make Wirex Pay even more accessible and feature-rich, making it easier for U.S. users to navigate and manage their digital assets with confidence.
BIC: Now, my favourite part — questions from our Community
@Nauraa42: How does WXT bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi), and what role does it play in Wirex’s long-term vision of integrating crypto into everyday financial transactions?
Dmitry: WXT, Wirex’s native token, plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance, acting as the bridge that connects these two worlds within the Wirex ecosystem. Through its utility, WXT helps to simplify the user experience, making DeFi more accessible to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional finance users.
One of the key ways WXT bridges this gap is by offering users a seamless way to participate in DeFi services while also engaging in everyday financial transactions. WXT can be used for earning rewards, and accessing exclusive benefits within the Wirex platform.
These features enable traditional finance users to explore DeFi in a straightforward and familiar manner. For example, users can earn rewards by staking WXT, gaining exposure to DeFi principles like yield farming, without needing to fully immerse themselves in complex DeFi protocols. This hands-on approach provides an easy entry point for those new to the space.
In the long run, WXT plays a key role in Wirex’s mission to make digital finance mainstream. By incorporating WXT into both DeFi activities and everyday transactions, Wirex is positioning itself as a bridge that connects users to the benefits of decentralized finance while ensuring they have the tools and rewards they need to make crypto a regular part of their financial lives.
BIC: @PaulTan001: Wirex is fantastic, and it has good ideas. Each project has interesting stories before it is created. So can you tell us about the story, problems, difficulties, etc., that gave you the motivation to build and develop Wirex?
Dmitry: Absolutely! Pavel Matveev and I, in fact, discussed the inspiration and journey behind Wirex in a recent anniversary episode of the Wirex Crypto Podcast.
We reflected on the exciting moments and the challenges we faced along the way in building the platform from the ground up. If you’re curious about our journey, the lessons we’ve learned, and the vision behind Wirex, make sure to check out the full episode here:
BIC: @tamishabaumann2: How can we trust WIREX and believe it is not a scam project? A lot of rug pulls and exit scams are happening these days.
Dmitry: It’s completely understandable to be cautious, especially with the rise of scams in the crypto space.
However, Wirex is a fully regulated and trusted platform with a proven track record of transparency, security, and compliance. We’re committed to safeguarding our users’ assets and providing them with a reliable, long-term solution for managing both crypto and traditional finance.
At Wirex, security is a top priority. We deploy multiple layers of advanced security measures to protect our customers and their assets. For example, we use Fireblocks Secure MPC Technology, which leverages Multi-Party Computation (MPC) to ensure private keys are never exposed and eliminate any single points of failure. This technology helps secure your assets with institutional-grade protection.
Additionally, all significant withdrawals from Wirex require multi-signature and multi-approval processes, which involve strict approval by authorized personnel using verified devices. This ensures that unauthorized transactions are prevented. We also utilize whitelisted and time-locked transactions, restricting withdrawals to pre-approved addresses and applying time delays for high-value transactions to further mitigate risks.
To further protect our users, Wirex has an advanced fraud and risk management system in place. We continuously monitor transactions for suspicious activity and use automated risk controls and fraud detection algorithms to block unauthorized transfers in real time. We also collaborate with leading cybersecurity and blockchain analytics firms to stay ahead of emerging threats and malicious actors.
Wirex operates in compliance with the highest industry standards. We are ISO 27001 and PCI DSS 4.0 certified, adhering to globally recognized cybersecurity and privacy management standards. Our commitment to regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and Australia, ensures transparency and resilience. Additionally, our security infrastructure undergoes regular third-party audits to validate and strengthen our defenses against evolving threats.
Wirex has been operational for over 10 years, and with the combination of these security protocols, regulatory adherence, and industry best practices, we offer our users peace of mind that their assets are in safe hands. We believe in the power of transparency and security, and we work tirelessly to provide a platform that users can trust.
BIC: @ngocsont993: Can you tell us about WIREX’s team members? Are they qualified and professional in their fields? What are the recruiting qualifications for team members of WIREX?
Dmitry: Absolutely! At Wirex, we are incredibly proud of our team, which is made up of highly skilled and qualified professionals who bring a wide range of expertise from fields like finance, technology, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and more.
Our team members share a common passion for transforming the financial landscape, and together, we work toward our goal of bridging the gap between traditional finance and the world of cryptocurrency.
Wirex has built a global presence with offices in key locations such as London, Italy, Singapore, and Ukraine. Each office plays an integral role in our operations, helping to ensure we can serve our diverse user base across various regions and maintain a high level of service and innovation. Our teams in these offices bring a wealth of regional expertise while contributing to Wirex’s overarching vision of revolutionizing digital finance on a global scale.
Recruiting at Wirex is a highly selective process, and we seek individuals who not only have strong technical expertise but also align with our values of transparency, security, and innovation.
We are open to accepting brilliant minds from around the world to join us in creating a new story. We believe in building a diverse and dynamic team that reflects the global nature of the crypto ecosystem. You can check out our job openings here https://wirex.bamboohr.com/careers
BIC: @trgdoa: Can you provide WIREX’s official Telegram group links and social media links? I have seen many similar groups.
Dmitry: Sure! For official communication and updates, here are the links to Wirex’s official Telegram group and social media profiles:
Make sure you’re following these official channels for the latest news, announcements, and support. If you see other similar groups, please be cautious and make sure they are not unofficial or potential scams. Always rely on the official Wirex links for your safety and security!
BIC: It was the last question of our AMA session!
@DmitryWirex thank you for being here today
Conclusion
Wirex’s move into the U.S. marks a thoughtful step toward making stablecoin payments more accessible and user-friendly. By offering self-custodial control, seamless crypto-to-fiat conversions through Bridge, and integration with Visa’s payment network, Wirex provides a practical solution for those looking to use digital assets in everyday life.
As Dmitry Lazarichev highlighted in the AMA, the focus is on combining the convenience of traditional payments with the benefits of stablecoins, without compromising on security or user control.
With clear use cases for both individuals and businesses, Wirex Pay shows potential to support wider adoption of crypto payments in a way that feels familiar, yet future-ready.
For years, crypto in Africa was synonymous with Bitcoin (BTC). Today, that narrative has flipped, with companies like Yellow Card, a crypto exchange operating in Africa, clearly reflecting this shift.
In an exclusive with BeInCrypto, Yellow Card co-founder and CEO Chris Maurice reveals how it is building a pan-African stablecoin network to leapfrog traditional finance (TradFi). This is amid growing regulatory clarity, collapsing fiat systems, and a remittance revolution.
Stablecoins Are Transforming Africa’s Financial Scene
The pan-African exchange operates in over 20 markets, and Maurice says stablecoins now account for over 99% of its transactions. This makes Yellow Card a bellwether for what might be the most transformative trend in emerging markets finance.
“When we first launched Yellow Card in 2019, people were exclusively buying Bitcoin. Now, the most popular asset is Tether (USDT),” Maurice told BeInCrypto.
As it happened, necessity, not speculation, has driven this evolution. Africa leads the world in peer-to-peer (P2P) crypto trading volume. However, unlike global crypto hubs chasing volatile returns, Africans are choosing stablecoins out of financial survival.
Local currencies are eroding under inflationary pressure in countries like Nigeria, which ranks second globally in crypto adoption (per Chainalysis). Stablecoins offer a reliable store of value and seamless means of cross-border payments.
This is especially critical in a continent with $48 billion annual remittances and persistent banking limitations.
“Stablecoins are solving practical financial services challenges in Africa. People aren’t in love with the tech. They need faster, cheaper ways to move money to survive and thrive,” Maurice added.
Infrastructure Built for the Unbanked
Yellow Card has gone beyond trading services. Its infrastructure integrates mobile money systems (like M-Pesa in Kenya) and local fiat currencies such as the Nigerian naira and Ghanaian cedi. According to the firm’s CEO, this helps onboard users without bank accounts.
By managing compliance, currency exchange, and payments internally, the firm enables businesses to operate without battling unreliable local rails.
“Our mission is to let companies invest, hire, and grow in emerging markets without needing to stress over infrastructure. We’ve built the back office [meaning] cybersecurity, AML, [and] data protection, so they can focus on growth,” he articulated.
The Regulatory Dam Has Broken
Maurice also observed that African regulators kept crypto in limbo for years. In Yellow Card’s view, 2024 marked a tipping point.
“There is regulatory momentum in Africa that is only accelerating. The dam has broken,” he said.
South Africa now classifies crypto as a financial product. It has licensed major exchanges like Luno and VALR. Countries in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), Mauritius, Botswana, and Namibia have followed suit with licensing regimes.
Meanwhile, regulatory incubators are emerging in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Against this backdrop, Maurice says Yellow Card has actively helped draft legislation in Kenya and supports crypto frameworks in Morocco.
Fighting the Informal Market
Still, challenges remain. In countries like Ethiopia, Cameroon, and Morocco, outright bans have driven users underground into high-risk P2P networks. Yellow Card pushes for frameworks that level the playing field for compliant players.
“We face a lot of competition from companies that don’t maintain high AML standards…A level playing field is all we seek,” he said.
With $85 million in venture funding, Yellow Card is deploying capital into compliance and partnerships. With this, the company positions itself as the go-to infrastructure provider for global firms looking to tap African markets.
From Africa to Emerging Markets Everywhere
Cross-border payments are perhaps Yellow Card’s most powerful use case. The company’s co-founder says its stablecoin-powered rails are helping businesses reduce working capital needs, expand to new regions, and hire faster.
“We’ve had clients tell us we’ve enabled them to scale into new countries and reduce their costs dramatically. That’s real economic impact,” said Maurice.
The company is not stopping at Africa. Its infrastructure extends into other frontier markets, with a wave of strategic partnerships expected in 2025.
“Yellow Card has built a series of easy buttons for developed world companies to expand into complicated, high-growth markets,” he noted.
“Stablecoins are already a standard part of the financial infrastructure in Africa. CFOs and treasurers in traditional industries are now routinely using them to store and transfer value,” he added.
Africa’s crypto market is still small compared to global giants. Nevertheless, as the world shifts from speculation to utility, the continent’s fragmented financial systems may offer a glimpse into crypto’s most impactful use case: economic empowerment. For Yellow Card, the mission is clear and increasingly urgent.
“We’ve built a company for longevity and scale. Crypto adoption in Africa is stablecoin adoption,” Maurice concluded.
