Coinbase Prime, the institutional arm of the popular cryptocurrency exchange, has announced it will end custody support for 49 altcoins by the end of this month.
The move will affect a range of lesser-known tokens. These include assets associated with niche blockchain projects and even real estate-related tokens.
49 Altcoins Lose Custody Support on Coinbase Prime
“We regularly evaluate the assets we support to ensure they continue to meet our standards. Based on recent reviews, Coinbase Prime will end custody support for 49 assets, effective the end of the month,” the post read.
The impacted tokens include BOSAGORA (BOA), 0chain (ZCN), pNetwork (PNT), Telcoin (TEL), and Oraichain Token (ORAI). The list also mentioned Sentinel Protocol (UPP), Cellframe (CELL), Ideaology (IDEA), and RioDeFi (RFUEL), which cater to different use cases within the blockchain ecosystem.
Even real estate and investment-related assets were impacted. 1717 Bissonnet (1717), The Edison (EDSN), Draper Garland Apartments (GFDG), Forest Crossing Apartments (GFFC), Hello Albemarle (HLAB), etc were some of the mentioned tokens.
While some of the featured tokens saw modest declines, others remained unaffected. In addition, PNT, ORAI, IDEA, and TEL have apprecaited in price over the past day.
Nevertheless, the latest decision to remove these assets suggests that the platform is reassessing its offerings. Coinbase has not disclosed specific reasons for removing these particular assets.
Still, the move could be linked to factors such as low liquidity, market activity, or failure to meet institutional-grade compliance standards. For institutional clients using Coinbase Prime, this change means they will need to transfer or liquidate their holdings before the end of April 2025.
According to its website, Coinbase Prime currently supports over 430 assets. Thus, the shift represents a relatively small adjustment in the broader offering.
However, broader market conditions have negatively impacted the exchange. BeInCrypto reported that Coinbase’s stock experienced a 30% dip in Q1 2025. Moreover, the period marked the company’s worst quarter since the defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed.
As Coinbase moves forward in a volatile cryptocurrency market, this decision to delist certain assets seems to be part of a larger strategy to concentrate on more liquid tokens and better serve the needs of institutional clients.
The decentralized finance (DeFi) sector faced another major setback this weekend as two protocols, Loopscale and Term Finance, suffered exploits totaling over $7 million in losses.
These incidents have fueled growing concerns about the vulnerabilities of DeFi platforms in 2025.
Loopscale Loses $5.8 Million in Major Exploit
On April 26, Solana-based Loopscale reported a significant security breach impacting its USDC and SOL vaults.
The exploit drained around $5.8 million, representing roughly 12% of the platform’s total value. Notably, this attack came just two weeks after Loopscale’s official launch.
Loopscale’s co-founder, Mary Gooneratne, confirmed that an attacker exploited the system by securing under-collateralized loans.
Investigations revealed that the root cause stemmed from an isolated issue in the platform’s RateX-based collateral pricing system.
However, Loopscale clarified that RateX itself was not compromised.
“The root cause of the exploit has been identified as an isolated issue with Loopscale’s pricing of RateX-based collateral. There is no issue with RateX itself related to this. Loss of funds explicitly affects depositors to SOL and USDC Genesis vaults,” Loopscale stated.
Following the breach, Loopscale temporarily halted all markets to assess the damage.
The platform has since resumed partial operations, enabling key functions like loan repayments, top-ups, and loop closures, while vault withdrawals remain restricted.
The platform requested the return of 90% of the stolen assets and warned of legal action if the attacker did not respond by April 28.
“We agree to allow you to retain a bounty of 10% of the funds (3,947 SOL) and release you from any and all liability regarding the attack,” Loopscale added.
Loopscale is currently working with security firms and law enforcement agencies to manage the situation.
Term Finance Suffers $1.5 Million Liquidation Loss
Meanwhile, Ethereum-based Term Finance, a pioneer in scalable fixed-rate lending, also reported a security incident on April 26.
Blockchain security firm TenArmorAlert identified two suspicious transactions linked to Term Labs, resulting in losses of about $1.5 million.
“It appears that something is wrong with the liquidation. Someone spent a very small amount of ETH to liquidate over 586 Treehouse collateral,” TenArmorAlert stated.
Term Finance later confirmed that a faulty update to its tETH oracle caused the problem. Fortunately, no smart contracts were exploited, and the issue was contained within the tETH markets.
The platform assured users that all other funds remain secure and has committed to a full reimbursement plan for those affected.
These attacks contribute to a worrying trend in 2025, with crypto projects losing close to $2 billion this year.
Bitcoin is stepping beyond its role as a store of value and into DeFi. BTCFi is bringing lending, staking, and yield opportunities directly to the Bitcoin network without middlemen. This shift not only unlocks new financial use cases for Bitcoin holders but also helps secure the network by keeping miners incentivized.
To understand where BTCFi stands today and where it’s headed, BeInCrypto spoke with industry leaders from 1inch, exSat, Babylon and GOAT Network. They shared insights on the current landscape, key challenges, and what’s needed for BTCFi to reach its full potential.
Key trends and explosive growth in 2024
The year 2024 marked a pivotal period for BTCfi, characterized by remarkable growth metrics. According toDefiLlama, the Total Value Locked (TVL) in Bitcoin-based DeFi protocols experienced an unprecedented surge, escalating from $307 million in January to over $6.5 billion by December 31, 2024, a staggering increase of more than 2,000%. This surge reflects a burgeoning interest and confidence in Bitcoin’s DeFi capabilities.
BTCFi’s growth is driven by a mix of institutional adoption, market performance, and technological advancements. The approval of Bitcoin ETFs has fueled institutional interest, pushing BTCFi’s total value locked (TVL) higher. Major exchanges like Binance and OKX are integrating BTCFi services, improving accessibility and liquidity. Bitcoin’s strong market performance, hitting an all-time high of $108,268 in December 2024 before closing at $93,429, has further boosted confidence.
Source: Glassnode
At the same time, innovations like Bitcoin-native assets, wrapped BTC, and staking solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s role in DeFi. Projects such as exSat, GOAT Network, Babylon and 1inch are leading the way with new protocols that enhance Bitcoin’s DeFi potential.
As BTCFi continues to evolve, one fundamental truth remains unchanged – demand for Bitcoin itself. Kevin Liu, co-founder of GOAT Network, encapsulates this sentiment: “All of us want more BTC, because it’s the king of all tokens. Whichever projects succeed in delivering real BTC yield will flourish, because they’re giving people exactly what they want. This is true now, and it will be true 3-5 years from now.”
Shalini Wood, CMO of Babylon, captures this shift, stating: “We’re seeing a shift where Bitcoin is no longer just something you HODL. Innovations in Bitcoin staking, lending, and trustless interoperability will define the next wave of BTCFi. BTCFi will evolve beyond traditional DeFi models, leveraging Bitcoin’s security to support sovereign applications, cross-chain liquidity, and more scalable, trust-minimized financial products. The goal is to carve out a distinct, Bitcoin-native approach that enhances security and decentralization across the entire crypto ecosystem.”
Tristan Dickinson, CMO exSat Network: “Enabling Bitcoin yield and DeFi-based strategies without sacrificing control of native Bitcoin is crucial. Bitcoin has fulfilled its original purpose as a store of value, evolving it into a tool for value creation requires meeting some very specific criteria: preserving native Bitcoin security, ensuring interoperability between ecosystems, and supporting complex smart contracts.
At the same time, regulatory developments in the U.S. are reshaping the BTCFi landscape. The prospect of a government-backed Bitcoin reserve lends legitimacy to BTC as a financial asset, potentially attracting institutional investors. However, as Sergej Kunz, co-founder of 1inch, points out, regulation remains a double-edged sword: “Some policies support innovation, while others could tighten controls on BTCFi. Clear regulations on existing DeFi and smart contracts will be crucial for its growth.”
The next phase of BTCFi will be defined by the balance between innovation and regulation. While Bitcoin’s decentralized nature makes it resistant to government interference, regulatory clarity could provide the stability needed for mainstream adoption. The question remains — will policymakers embrace BTCFi as a transformative financial force, or will they attempt to contain its potential?
How Much Starting Capital Do You Really Need?
The world of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) is evolving rapidly, offering opportunities for both institutional investors and everyday users. But how much capital do you actually need to get started?
Shalini Wood, emphasizes that “BTCFi is not just about individual participation—it’s about unlocking capital efficiency for Bitcoin at scale. BTCFi is designed to maximize security and reward opportunities while keeping Bitcoin’s core principles intact.” Platforms like Babylon, which holds “$4.4 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL),” are driving liquidity and accessibility.
One of the most significant advantages of BTCFi is its accessibility. Traditional finance often has high entry barriers, requiring investors to put down substantial capital to participate in meaningful ways. In contrast, BTCFi allows users to start with much smaller amounts, thanks to the efficiency of Bitcoin sidechains and second-layer solutions.
Sergej Kunz, highlights this shift, stating that “BTCFi platforms have low entry barriers, with some allowing participation with as little as $100 thanks to Bitcoin sidechains like Rootstock and Lightning-based protocols.” This means that retail investors, who may have previously been excluded from financial opportunities, can now leverage Bitcoin’s growing DeFi ecosystem without needing deep pockets.
This low entry threshold is particularly important in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is weak or inaccessible. BTCFi can provide people in emerging markets with new ways to save, earn yield, and access financial services without relying on intermediaries.
Kevin Liu, explains this philosophy: “The best BTCFi solutions won’t require users to be whales; rather, they’ll give both whales and guppies the opportunity to earn real BTC yield. A well-designed BTCFi-focused ecosystem will allot the exact same annual returns (by percentage) to a user who stakes $1 million, vs. another who stakes $100.”
This principle is crucial because it aligns with Bitcoin’s original ethos of financial fairness and open participation. In a world where traditional financial products often favor the wealthy with better interest rates and lower fees, BTCFi is aiming to level the playing field.
Ultimately, whether you’re a small investor or a deep-pocketed institution, BTCFi platforms are increasingly designed to accommodate all levels of participation, ensuring that Bitcoin’s financial ecosystem remains open and rewarding for everyone.
BTCFi: A Gateway to Earning Without Leaving Bitcoin
With the rise of Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi), crypto users now have more ways to earn from their BTC without relying on centralized platforms. “BTCFi is becoming more accessible, enabling users to lend, stake, and trade BTC without relying on centralized platforms,” explains Sergej Kunz. While APR programs and staking options on Ethereum or Solana may offer higher yields, he notes that “BTCFi allows users to earn on BTC without leaving the Bitcoin ecosystem, making it a strong alternative for long-term holders.”
Tristan Dickinson, highlights the rapid expansion of Bitcoin’s Layer 2 ecosystem: “Today, there are over 70+ Bitcoin L2 projects working to expand access to and from the Bitcoin ecosystem, but the ecosystem is immature. Basic DeFi instruments like staking are emerging, yet only a few players, maybe three to five, offer true staking with token and APY programs.”
He emphasizes that Bitcoin DeFi is on an inevitable growth trajectory: “First comes staking, then re-staking, followed by diversified yield, collateralized lending and borrowing, and eventually an explosion in structured financial products. Some projects are leading, others are following.”
exSat’s approach aims to accelerate this evolution by mirroring Bitcoin’s data while integrating it with DeFi innovations. “Creating a mirrored version of Bitcoin with identical (UTXO) data and similar partners is the first true scaling solution for the ecosystem. Combining the best parts of Bitcoin with the most powerful elements of DeFi is the only path to meaningful BTCFi growth,” Dickinson concludes.
As BTCFi continues to mature, its ability to offer decentralized yield opportunities without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles is positioning it as a compelling alternative for long-term BTC holders.
Kevin Liu, highlights the growing divide in user behavior: “We’ll likely see growth in both groups – people who simply buy BTC on centralized exchanges and either leave it alone or maybe ape into limited-time APR promotions on those CEXes, and people who watch centralized exchanges get hacked and/or appreciate the power of ‘not your keys, not your coins’ and thus seek out decentralized options.” As Bitcoin adoption increases, Liu predicts that more users will explore BTCFi solutions to generate yield without handing control of their assets to centralized exchanges.
With Bitcoin remaining “the single most powerful asset since it came into existence 16 years ago,” BTCFi is poised to attract both casual holders and those seeking decentralized earning opportunities, helping drive mass adoption in the process.
BTCFi vs. DeFi on Ethereum and Solana: Key Differences and Similarities
As Bitcoin Finance (BTCFi) continues to evolve, it is increasingly compared to the established DeFi ecosystems on Ethereum and Solana. While all three aim to provide financial opportunities beyond traditional banking, they differ in design, security, and user experience.
Ethereum has long been the dominant force in decentralized finance, known for its robust smart contract capabilities and extensive range of DeFi applications. “Ethereum has encouraged smart contract development and as many DeFi use cases as you can possibly imagine,” explains Kevin Liu. The ecosystem has fostered innovations in lending, automated market-making, and derivatives, making it the go-to platform for developers experimenting with new financial models. However, Ethereum’s strengths also come with challenges, high gas fees and network congestion can limit accessibility for smaller investors.
Solana, on the other hand, was designed with speed and efficiency in mind. Its high throughput and low fees make it an attractive choice for retail users and traders looking for fast execution times. “Solana stands out for its speed and low fees,” notes Sergej Kunz. This efficiency has allowed Solana’s DeFi ecosystem to flourish, with platforms like Raydium, Jupiter, and Kamino providing seamless trading and yield farming experiences. However, the trade-off comes in the form of higher hardware requirements for validators and periodic network outages, which have raised concerns about decentralization and stability.
Bitcoin, in contrast, follows a fundamentally different philosophy. It prioritizes security and decentralization above all else, which historically limited its ability to support complex smart contracts. “BTCFi is built on Bitcoin’s battle-tested PoW security, ensuring minimal trust assumptions and censorship resistance,” says Shalini Wood. Rather than trying to replicate Ethereum’s DeFi model, BTCFi is developing its own distinct approach, leveraging Bitcoin’s unparalleled security while introducing financial applications tailored for BTC holders.
“THORChain, Sovryn, and Stackswap are among the projects offering native BTC DeFi solutions, bridging the gap between Bitcoin’s security and Ethereum’s programmability,” adds SergejKunz. These platforms allow users to engage in decentralized trading and lending while keeping custody of their Bitcoin, avoiding the risks associated with wrapped BTC on other chains. As BTCFi infrastructure matures, it is expected to carve out its own niche, the one that remains true to Bitcoin’s principles while expanding its financial utility.
In the end, while Ethereum, Solana, and Bitcoin each offer unique strengths, BTCFi is proving that Bitcoin is no longer just a passive store of value. It is evolving into a fully functional financial ecosystem, leveraging its unmatched security to create decentralized applications that don’t compromise on decentralization or trust minimization.
As CoinGecko celebrates its 11th anniversary, the company is marking the milestone with a fresh new look and an eye on the future.
At Paris Blockchain Week, BeInCrypto sat down with Aimann Faiz, Head of Business Development at CoinGecko, to discuss the platform’s rebranding, evolving business model, and the state of the crypto market.
CoinGecko’s 2025 Rebranding
April 7 marked the 11th anniversary of CoinGecko. It was 11 years ago that our co-founders TM Lee and Bobby Ong started CoinGecko as a side project.
After 11 years, the market has grown a lot, and so have we, so we wanted to do our branding to reflect better who we are today and where we’re headed
The rebrand reflects our evolution as a company—we’ve introduced new products, expanded our reach, and felt it was the right time to rebrand as well as emphasize our core brand pillars: trustworthiness, ease of use, and empowerment.
Moreover, I’ve been with the company for six years. The Gecko has also always scared me a little bit. So now it’s a lot friendlier.
We have two products: CoinGecko and GeckoTerminal. The two products also have their own mascots that are aligned with the two brands.
As for the rebranding, it’s more than just a refresh of our logos. If you look at it, it’s a bit sleeker now. We look a lot younger, more trendy, and… less geeky.
It solidifies the fact that in 11 years, we’ve grown from what was a side project to something that’s trusted by millions of users
The rebranding doesn’t affect the business itself. The business remains the same. We focus on the marketing services that we extend to our clients and our API business.
All About CoinGecko’s Business Model
We attract many crypto enthusiasts to our website. Our business model is to capture the value from all visitors—we monetize this through banner ads, buttons, and content.
We were inspired by BeInCrypto’s editorial content. At the same time, we also offer a crypto API service.
All the data, prices, and information about tokens on CoinGecko and GeckoTerminal are made available via the CoinGecko API.
If you were attending Paris Blockchain Week, I dare say that our API powers 20-30% of the projects there.
GeckoTerminal: Playground for Degens?
GeckoTerminal is our DEX aggregator, designed to serve a very different audience compared to CoinGecko. The tokens that you see on CoinGecko are curated. They go through an extensive evaluation and listing process.
On GeckoTerminal, we track data on-chain. While CoinGecko lists around 15,000 carefully curated tokens, GeckoTerminal dives straight into the on-chain world, currently tracking over 6 million tokens.
It appeals to different types of users – GeckoTerminal is more for degens. Even the mascot reflects that energy—his name is Rex, and he proudly sports eyebags from too many late-night trading sessions.
The Future of Crypto and Mainstream Acceptance
We believe in a future where everything and anything will be tokenized.
The industry always talked about mass adoption, and I personally think we’re at the cusp of that.
Also, I believe we’re on the right track towards onboarding the first billion crypto users. Sure, we’re going through a bit of a rough patch right now, but you have to go through the bad to get to the good.
When I first entered the industry in 2019, Bitcoin was hovering around $8,000. Today, you’re looking at nearly a 1,000% return. That’s the beauty of it.
Funny story—when my family used to ask what I did, I’d hesitate to say I worked in crypto because of the negative stereotypes. It was always, ‘Oh, you’re in crypto? You must be some kind of scammer.’ But now, with more regulatory clarity coming in—whether that’s good or bad—it’s suddenly respectable.
My family is like, ‘Oh, okay, you’re in crypto!’ Even my siblings, who once looked down on it, are now in the industry.
I remember the first time they asked me to recommend a good hardware wallet – that was a proud moment, and I’ve actually got them Ledger wallets.
It’s a real sign of the times, and I’m genuinely excited to see where things go in the next year—or the next five.
The Recent Market Turmoil
I’m a conservative investor, and I like it when things are red; it’s a signal that it’s time to buy. It’s the discount season. I was sharing with someone earlier that I think it’s all about your time horizons. If you’re looking at short-term gains, then yes, it can feel scary.
But I take the long view. Just look at how far we’ve come in the past six years—Bitcoin went from $8,000 to an all-time high of $107,000, Ethereum from around $150 to $4,800.
The key thing is not to get greedy. Believe in the bigger picture and the future this industry is building.
Reflecting on Paris Blockchain Week
This is our first time setting up a booth at a conference, so it’s very exciting and nerve-wracking. What makes it even more special is that it coincides with our anniversary and rebranding—so the timing couldn’t be better.
It feels like the perfect moment to share our refreshed identity with the world.
More importantly, meeting our users, getting their feedback, and hearing what we can do better are incredibly valuable for us. We’re always building, but we want to make sure we’re building in the right direction.
Many of the projects here are already our clients, but because Web3 allows us to work from anywhere, we often don’t get to meet in person. That makes events like this even more special.
For instance, I just met Alena from BeInCrypto for the first time—even though we’ve worked together for six years! This is essentially about taking advantage of an opportunity to connect with our partners and friends.
