Is the Fed becoming the gateway to the future of payments?

Fed opens the door for crypto innovators.

The Federal Reserve is exploring a model that would allow payment companies to open accounts directly with the central bank, removing the need for traditional banking intermediaries. Governor Waller stated that blockchains and crypto are becoming increasingly integrated into daily payments and the broader financial system.

This marks a major shift in how central banks view innovation. Instead of keeping crypto at the fringes, they are beginning to see it as a key component of a more efficient and resilient financial infrastructure that connects both traditional and digital money.

Decentralized exchanges surpass $1 trillion in trading volume.

In October, trading volume on decentralized derivatives exchanges surpassed $1 trillion, with a week still remaining in the month. It’s a landmark moment that reflects how quickly trading activity is shifting away from centralized platforms. The surge is driven by a new wave of decentralized exchanges that now rival traditional ones in speed, design, and ease of use.

Hyperliquid is leading this transformation, offering transparency, liquidity, and a user experience that appeals to professional traders. The shift toward decentralized trading shows growing confidence in open and fair markets, where users retain more control over their own assets.

Aave expands into consumer finance.

Lending protocol Aave has acquired consumer app Stable Finance to launch easy-to-use stablecoin savings products without the technical complexity of DeFi. The goal is to bring secure, yield-generating opportunities to everyday users rather than just the crypto-savvy.

Until now, Aave has mainly targeted crypto natives and institutions. This move shows that stablecoin interest products are entering the mainstream, with consumer-friendly solutions bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital economy.