Most Interesting Crypto Airdrops to Watch This Year

Lucrative crypto airdrops might continue their run in 2025, according to recent report. Pump.fun, the top meme generator with $1.9 million in total revenue is probably the most anticipated one on the list, while Phantom, a multi-chain wallet with $118 million in funding might delight its users.

Other upcoming airdrops could include Morph, a Layer 2 that raised $20 million and emphasizes NFT utility through its Mystery Box campaign and the cross-chain Morph Bridge; Eclipse, an SVM-based L2 for DeFi; and Polymarket, the leading decentralized prediction platform.

Abstract leverages zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to enable scalable transactions, requiring users to join its Early Bird Badge waiting list and engage in cross-chain testing. Berachain, with a three-token model and $140 million funding, emphasizes liquidity through its v2 Bartio testnet events.

The list also highlights Nillion, which focuses on secure decentralized computing, requiring verifier participation and staking. For investors, early participation and careful research are key to maximizing rewards in these diverse blockchains.

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Crypto Acquisitions Expected to Surge in 2025

Crypto mergers and acquisitions (M&A) reached 248 deals in 2024, up from 221 in 2023, but still below 2022’s peak of 271 deals. Dragonfly’s Rob Hadick predicts exchanges, brokerages, and data providers will drive growth in 2025, with at least one unicorn-sized deal expected. Hack VC’s Ed Roman foresees Web2 companies returning to crypto acquisitions.

On-chain M&A, revitalizing tokens and projects, is another trend gaining traction, according to Roman. Galaxy Ventures’ Will Nuelle highlights stablecoin and payment sectors as primary consolidation targets, fueled by renewed fintech interest. Analysts agree that declining interest rates and regulatory clarity will create a fertile environment for increased M&A activity in 2025.

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IRS Grants Temporary Relief for Crypto Cost-Basis Changes

The US IRS’s initial rule requiring centralized exchange users to default to FIFO (First In, First Out) cost-basis accounting has been postponed until December 31, 2025. This decision allows brokers time to implement alternative accounting methods like HIFO (Highest In, First Out) or Specific ID, reducing potential tax burdens for investors.

FIFO would have unintentionally increased taxable capital gains for many during a bull market. Crypto tax experts, including Shehan Chandrasekera, welcomed the temporary relief, emphasizing its importance for fairer taxation. Brokers must still comply with expanded reporting requirements starting in 2027, disclosing taxpayer information and gross proceeds from crypto sales.

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Illegal Crypto Ads Persist in the UK Despite FCA Warnings

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) issued 1,702 alerts against illegal crypto advertisements between October 2023 and October 2024, but only 54% resulted in removals. Despite regulatory requirements mandating FCA approval for crypto promotions, many ads remain active. The FCA has yet to impose fines or pursue legal action against persistent violators.

Google updated its ad guidelines to require FCA approval for UK crypto-related promotions starting January 15, 2025, aligning with regulatory standards. The FCA’s warnings include specific projects like the Retardio meme coin. Consumers dealing with unauthorized projects lack protection under the UK’s financial compensation schemes.

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Data of the Day

Decentralized finance fees surged to record levels in late 2024, peaking at $55 million daily and $893 million monthly in December. Solana outpaced Ethereum in monthly decentralized exchange volumes, with Solana reaching $100 billion versus Ethereum’s $55 billion. Platforms like Raydium and Jito contributed significantly to Solana’s $211 million and $199 million in fees, respectively.

Researcher Eden Au attributed the surge to Solana’s low fees and user-friendly ecosystem, which gained traction during a memecoin frenzy. As retail interest in high-yield opportunities grows, Solana is positioned to maintain its momentum in the anticipated 2025 bull market. Ethereum’s Uniswap also saw increased activity, generating $152 million in December.

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More Breaking News

• Bitget burned 40% of its BGB tokens, removing 800M from circulation to stabilize value, with plans for quarterly token buybacks starting in 2025.
• China’s new forex rules mandate banks to track crypto trades, tightening oversight and making cross-border crypto activities more challenging.
• Fartcoin surged 21% to $1.02, fueled by bullish sentiment and high demand for long positions in derivatives markets.
• Vitalik Buterin criticized Elon Musk’s tone on free speech and cautioned against excessive use of the “banhammer” on X accounts.
• Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) hit a record high of $4, supported by the growing AI agent trend and plans for major expansion in 2025.
• Elon Musk’s name change to Kekius Maximus on X caused the KEKIUS meme coin to soar 504%, with trading volume reaching $35.2M in 24 hours.

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