Following a week dominated by stablecoin headlines — including the launch of GlobalX, a pound-pegged alternative to USDC and Tether — the crypto space continues to show signs of structural maturity. The stablecoins move to the centre of upcoming regulatory strategies and Bitcoin outperforms U.S. stocks amid Middle East tensions. Investor attention is now shifting toward rapid growth in AI crypto apps, renewed institutional interest in Bitcoin futures, and big moves by Mastercard to simplify crypto access for billions worldwide. Here’s what shaped the crypto landscape this week.
AI crypto users nearly double as funding tops 2024 total
Artificial intelligence-powered crypto apps are booming in 2025.
According to a new report from DappRadar, daily users of AI decentralized applications (DApps) have surged to 4.5 million — marking an 86% increase since the start of the year. AI now holds a 19% share of the DApp market, nearly overtaking blockchain gaming at 20%.
The growth isn’t just driven by hype. Analysts say it reflects a real shift in how users engage with crypto. From DeFi trading agents to autonomous gaming bots, AI is becoming a key interface for onchain activity. Funding backs this trend too: AI agent projects have raised $1.39 billion so far in 2025, a 9.4% jump from last year.
Europe currently leads the charge in user activity, followed by Asia and North America. With investors treating AI agents as the next big Web3 primitive, 2025 could be a breakout year for AI in crypto.
Russia speeds up Bitcoin futures and crypto fund plans
The Moscow Exchange is stepping deeper into the crypto world.
After launching its first Bitcoin (BTC) futures contract on June 4 — now trading at nearly $90 million in volume — the exchange plans to roll out new futures, mutual funds, and structured bonds tied to cryptoasset indices.
The next BTC product will be based on a new Bitcoin index, with development already underway since June 10. According to Managing Director Vladimir Krekoten, more than 10,000 investors have jumped into the initial BTC futures offering. While the exchange awaits regulatory approval, it says it’s technically and legally ready to expand.
Russia is clearly warming up to crypto investment tools — and fast.
Chainlink and Mastercard simplify crypto buying for billions
Mastercard is making it easier than ever for users to access crypto. Through a new partnership with Chainlink and other Web3 companies, Mastercard will now let its 3 billion cardholders buy crypto directly onchain. The integration is live on Swapper Finance, where users can convert fiat to crypto using a non-custodial app powered by Chainlink’s oracle tech.
The push builds on Mastercard’s broader crypto efforts, including partnerships with Kraken and MetaMask in Europe. With its rival Visa also investing heavily in digital assets, the competition to bring crypto to mainstream users is heating up — and so is global adoption.
Stay informed,
Rodcas Consulting Group