President Donald Trump reportedly has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder/ex-CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance.
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That’s according to a report Thursday (Oct. 23) by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), which noted that the pardon follows months of efforts by Zhao to bolster the Trump family’s crypto venture.
Trump signed the pardon Wednesday (Oct. 22), sources familiar with the matter told WSJ. One source said the president had recently indicated to advisers that he was sympathetic to arguments of political persecution connected to Zhao and others.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump had “exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden administration in their war on cryptocurrency,” a war that Leavitt added “is over.”
The Biden administration’s regulators had initiated several prosecutions, lawsuits and enforcement actions against the digital asset sector, many of which have been rolled back under the new administration.
“Deeply grateful for today’s pardon and to President Trump for upholding America’s commitment to fairness, innovation and justice,” Zhao wrote in a post on X. “Will do everything we can to help make America the Capital of Crypto.”
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According to WSJ, the pardon will likely help Binance, the largest crypto exchange in the world, to reenter the U.S. market two years after its criminal prosecution. The company pleaded guilty in 2023 to violating federal anti-money-laundering requirements and was blocked from doing business in the U.S.
Binance, the report added, has spent almost a year campaigning for a pardon for its founder, who exited prison last September following a four-month sentence on related charges.
Since Trump’s election, Binance has also been a major supporter of his family’s World Liberty Financial crypto venture, a business that has fueled a significant leap in the president’s personal wealth. That company, WSJ added, has produced substantially more income for the Trump family in the last year than their real estate holdings ever have on an annual basis.
In other digital asset news, PYMNTS wrote Thursday about the increasing confidence among incumbent crypto firms that the next wave of crypto adoption won’t come from day traders or DeFi evangelists, but from payroll departments, procurement teams, and accountants reconciling cross-border invoices.
“Businesses are looking for a better type of money,” Sid Coelho-Prabhu, senior director of product at Coinbase, who’s leading the charge on Coinbase Business, told PYMNTS.
Companies that “want to accept crypto” are drawn by two main use cases, he added. “Investment and payments.”
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A fresh battle over the future of money is brewing after gold advocate and longtime Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff publicly challenged Binance co-founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao to a live debate comparing Bitcoin and tokenized gold.
In an X post earlier this week, CZ to discuss “which best satisfies the conditions of money,” referring to the traditional economic functions of a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value.
I challenge to a debate: Bitcoin versus tokenized gold. Which best satisfies the conditions of money, which include being a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value? Who wants to moderate?— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff)
CZ, who earlier today received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, , saying he is in the mood for it.
I am in the mood for it. 😆As much as you voice against bitcoin, you are always professional, and non personal. I appreciate that. Can have a debate about it.— CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance)
He further added that “As much as you voice against Bitcoin, you are always professional and non-personal. I appreciate that. Can have a debate about it.“
The proposed debate comes at a time when both gold and Bitcoin are commanding global attention.
Gold recently hit a record high above $4,035 per ounce amid ongoing U.S. government gridlock and concerns over fiscal stability, while Bitcoin crossed the $126,000 mark earlier this month, its highest level ever.Schiff Pushes Tokenized Gold as the ‘Ideal Blockchain Asset,’ CZ Disagrees
Schiff, a well-known economist and CEO of Euro Pacific Asset Management, has spent years criticizing Bitcoin’s value proposition.
He argues that the cryptocurrency’s volatility, speculative nature, and lack of intrinsic value make it unsuitable as money or a long-term store of value.
By contrast, he views gold, particularly tokenized gold, as the superior asset, combining the tangible backing of precious metal with blockchain efficiency.
“Ideally, the one thing that makes sense to put on a blockchain is gold,” Schiff said in a recent interview, explaining that his upcoming tokenized gold platform will allow users to buy, store, and redeem gold through blockchain-based tokens issued by his company, Shift Gold.
Peter Schiff reveals he will be launching a tokenized gold product"You'll be able to buy gold on an app through your phone, the gold will be stored in a vault and then you will be able to effortlessly transfer ownership of gold to people you know or redeem it for physical gold" — Tengen (@Crypto_Tengen)
“You can use tokenized gold as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value.”
CZ responded sharply to Schiff’s claims, arguing that tokenized gold, while technologically interesting, is not truly “on-chain” since it depends on third-party custodians.
“Tokenizing gold is NOT ‘on-chain’ gold,” CZ wrote on X. “It’s tokenizing that you trust some third party will give you gold at some later date—maybe decades later, during a war, after management changes, etc. It’s a ‘trust me bro’ token.”
🚨 Binance founder claims tokenized gold isn't truly 'on-chain,' dismissing it as a 'trust me bro' token. — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews)
He added that trust-based systems are precisely why “no gold coins have really taken off,” reaffirming his view that Bitcoin’s decentralized structure makes it a more reliable form of digital money.
The exchange reignited one of finance’s oldest debates: whether digital or physical scarcity will define the next era of monetary value. Schiff vs. CZ: Gold’s 5,000-Year Reign Meets Bitcoin’s Modern Challenge
Schiff maintains that gold’s history as a stable store of value over 5,000 years proves its reliability.
He also points out that Bitcoin so far in 2025 in terms of stability and price growth.
🚨PETER SCHIFF: “Gold is more likely to hit $1 million than .” — Coin Bureau (@coinbureau)
Data shows that while Bitcoin surged 150% since the start of 2024, gold rose by about 100% during the same period, though its recent rally has outpaced Bitcoin’s consolidation phase.Source:
Still, Bitcoin’s long-term performance has dwarfed that of gold. Since its creation in 2009, Bitcoin has risen from fractions of a cent to over $126,000, gaining millions of percent in value.
CZ has previously predicted that “flip” gold in market capitalization, though he admits it may take time. Gold’s current market cap stands near $30 trillion, compared with Bitcoin’s roughly $2 trillion.
Gold won’t go to zero. But bitcoin is better. — CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance)
In recent months, Bitcoin’s correlation with gold has also weakened. that while both assets were nearly perfectly correlated at the beginning of 2024, their correlation has since dropped to 0.19, indicating that the two now move mostly independently.As Tokenized Gold Booms, Analysts Say Bitcoin May Be Entering Its Next Phase
The debate also comes amid a surge in the tokenized gold market. , the combined market capitalization of gold-backed tokens such as Tether Gold (XAUT), PAX Gold (PAXG), and Kinesis Gold (KAU) recently crossed $3.75 billion, up from $3 billion earlier this month.Source:
Daily trading volumes for these assets topped $640 million, driven by investors seeking stability amid political and economic uncertainty.
Tokenized commodities, led by gold, account for more than $3.5 billion of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, which has seen a 36% increase in the past month.Source:
More than 150,000 holders and 20,000 active addresses interacted with gold-backed tokens over the same period, while monthly transfer volumes have climbed above $8.6 billion.
While gold-backed assets gain traction, some analysts argue that the Bitcoin market may be entering a new phase of maturity.
Lightspark CEO David Marcus recently said Bitcoin remains “severely undervalued” compared to gold and could reach $1.3 million per coin if it matched gold’s total market capitalization.
He called Bitcoin the “internet of money,” emphasizing its role as a global settlement layer for cross-border payments.
Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan that gold’s sharp gains in 2025 could offer clues to Bitcoin’s next move.Source:
He attributed gold’s rally largely to central bank accumulation since 2022 and suggested Bitcoin could see similar momentum once large-scale institutional accumulation begins.
Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2025 FactSet Research Systems Inc.Copyright © 2025, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC fillings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2025 TradingView, Inc.
Before Tyrone Tracy Jr. and his teammates take the field Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on FOX, there will be numerous player prop bets available. NFC East foes meet in Week 8 when Tracy and the New York Giants (2-5) take on the Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Thursday at 6:43 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
Before Tyjae Spears suits up Sunday, there will be player prop bet markets available for the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff, live on CBS. AFC South rivals meet in Week 8 when Spears’ Tennessee Titans (1-6) take the field against the Indianapolis Colts (6-1) at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.
National Football League odds courtesy of BetMGM. Odds updated Thursday at 6:17 p.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
Gambling involves risk. Please only gamble with funds that you can comfortably afford to lose. While we do our utmost to offer good advice and information we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling. We do our best to make sure all the information that we provide on this site is correct. However, from time to time mistakes will be made and we will not be held liable. Please check any stats or information if you are unsure how accurate they are. No guarantees are made with regards to results or financial gain. All forms of betting carry financial risk and it is up to the individual to make bets with or without the assistance of information provided on this site and we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of following the betting tips provided on this site. Past performances do not guarantee success in the future and betting odds fluctuate from one minute to the next. The material contained on this site is intended to inform, entertain and educate the reader and in no way represents an inducement to gamble legally or illegally or any sort of professional advice.
Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside. It is your sole responsibility to act in accordance with your local laws.
The world of cryptocurrency is buzzing, and at the heart of this fervor is the new Ethereum Spot ETF emerging in Asia. This isn’t merely another investment product; it has the potential to fundamentally alter how institutions approach crypto investments. As trust in the market solidifies and predictions for yield and value surge, analysts are turning their attention to altcoins like Solana and Chainlink. The impending shift towards 2025 could signal an unrivaled transformation for investor portfolios across various sectors, effectively rewriting the rules of engagement in digital assets.
The debut of the microBit Ethereum Spot ETF has stirred an electrifying wave of interest among institutional investors throughout the Asian landscape. Ethereum’s distinctive staking prospects not only promise capital growth but also substantial rewards from staking, which accounts for the recent $1.48 billion influx into crypto assets largely associated with Ethereum. As projections point toward an astonishing price target of $4,800 for Ethereum, the landscape for altcoins expands, buoyed by institutional enthusiasm. With the conversation around Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs gaining traction, the pathways for altcoins have proliferated, beckoning investors to chart new territories.
In this evolving cryptocurrency arena, altcoins such as Solana and Chainlink are emerging as formidable contenders. Currently valued at roughly $209, Solana is experiencing a flurry of institutional investment and heightened on-chain activity, putting it in prime position to leverage the optimistic ETF wave sweeping across Asia. Enthusiasts are abuzz with the potential for SOL to break past the $250 threshold soon, cementing its status as one of the most promising investments in the current altcoin landscape.
Chainlink (LINK), a stalwart in the decentralized finance sector, continues to show resilience amidst market fluctuations. With major players accumulating LINK tokens, forecasts are leaning toward a climb towards the $21 mark, and possibly beyond. Its central role in the evolving blockchain ecosystem enhances its appeal, making Chainlink a viable asset for those looking for stability amid volatility-focused gains.
In a sea of well-established cryptocurrencies, MAGACOIN FINANCE rises as an enticing opportunity for investors willing to look beyond the usual suspects. Touted as a presale or a golden “Market Dip Opportunity,” MAGACOIN invites discerning individuals to purchase tokens significantly below their projected value before an anticipated surge in listings. This combination of an undervalued entry point and a deflationary token model, backed by a dynamic community engagement approach, positions MAGACOIN as a standout contender for those scouting the altcoins that could yield a 50x return by 2025.
The palpable sense of FOMO is driving investors to secure their positions ahead of expected price rises. As institutional-grade products flood the market, MAGACOIN FINANCE finds itself perfectly aligned with the ongoing market dynamics, capturing the attention of investors eager to gain an edge.
Yet, amid this rapid expansion of crypto ETFs and surging institutional investment lies a complex regulatory landscape that U.S. Web3 startups and decentralized entities are grappling with. Many emerging businesses are struggling to implement compliant, real-time treasury management systems that correspond with changes rippling through Asian markets. Tackling these operational hurdles is crucial for companies committed to seizing growth opportunities in this shifting terrain.
The demand for fiat-crypto financial platforms has reached a tipping point, enabling organizations to deftly navigate the evolving complexities and harness market momentum. For institutions brave enough to delve into these spaces, prioritizing secure payment solutions becomes essential for enhancing operational efficiency and liquidity management.
As Asia paves the way for institutional growth with the advent of Ethereum ETFs, altcoins such as Solana, Chainlink, and the intriguing MAGACOIN FINANCE are set for remarkable advancements. The forthcoming altcoin rally of 2025 could herald a treasure trove of opportunities for savvy investors keen to diversify their holdings. However, in the midst of this excitement, it’s crucial for U.S.-based Web3 startups to embrace compliant strategies that resonate with the rapid expansion of crypto assets, ensuring a seamless dance with liquidity amidst a backdrop of evolving regulations. Investors who stay alert and adapt to the broader market phenomena will find themselves ideally positioned to capitalize on the new frontiers emerging in the global financial landscape.
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