VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, today announced an industry-disrupting partnership with The Open Network (TON) that introduces a $1 million reward pool campaign and fundamentally challenges established exchange revenue models. Launching today and running through June 20, the “TON Triumph” campaign eliminates all trading fees on TON pairs while offering staking returns that dwarf typical yields by up to 100 times.

In an unprecedented move that signals a significant shift in exchange competition strategies, MEXC will offer new users access to staking opportunities with up to 400% APR on TON tokens—creating what analysts describe as the most aggressive user acquisition campaign in the cryptocurrency exchange sector this year.

“This partnership represents a strategic inflection point for both the TON ecosystem and the broader exchange landscape,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. “By eliminating all typical entry costs into TON trading for a full month while simultaneously offering returns that outpace all competitors, we’re not simply running a promotion—we’re fundamentally changing how users engage with emerging Layer-1 ecosystems.”

Campaign Transforms Market Access and Investment Returns

The 30-day campaign introduces multiple disruptive elements that directly challenge other exchanges’ TON market dominance:

Advertisement

• Zero-Fee Trading Structure: Complete elimination of fees on TON/USDT, TON/USDC, and TON/EUR spot pairs, TONUSDT futures, and all TON/USDE network withdrawals—removing traditional revenue mechanisms that have defined exchange business models.
• Industry-Leading APR: New users can stake TON tokens to earn up to 400% APR, positioning the offering at 100 times higher than typical cryptocurrency staking returns and several hundred times above traditional banking products.
• Democratized Trading Access: Zero-fee structure gives retail traders access to the same economics previously available only to professional and institutional traders, significantly leveling the playing field.
• Limited-Time, First-Come Allocation: High-yield staking pools operate on a first-come, first-served basis with participants limited to 250 TON tokens per user, creating immediate urgency for early participation.

The campaign also includes passive rewards of up to 8% daily APR for USDE holders, spot trading rewards from a pool of 32,500 TON, and a futures trading competition with 100,000 USDT in bonuses.

TON Ecosystem Expansion and Infrastructure Advancement

This partnership is pivotal for The Open Network, which continues to gain momentum through its connection to Telegram’s 900+ million users and growing developer ecosystem.

The collaboration represents a significant leap forward in TON’s accessibility and adoption curve. By drastically reducing barriers to entry while providing exceptional incentives, the campaign accelerates the integration of new participants into the TON ecosystem, coinciding precisely with the network’s rapidly expanding technical capabilities and use cases.

The campaign also showcases MEXC’s platform capabilities, demonstrating advanced infrastructure that can handle zero-fee trading across multiple markets simultaneously while managing high-volume staking operations with variable APR structures.

Time-Sensitive Opportunity with Global Access

Advertisement

The $1 million in rewards is available exclusively during the 30-day window, with certain high-value components like the 400% APR staking pool starting on May 21st and operating on a capped allocation basis.

MEXC has created a streamlined onboarding process that allows new users to complete registration and KYC verification in minutes, with the campaign accessible to eligible participants globally through both web and mobile interfaces.

About MEXC
Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 40 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

About TON 
The Open Network (TON) is a fully decentralized layer-1 blockchain designed for mass adoption. Originally conceived by Telegram and now developed by the open TON Community, the network offers exceptional scalability, accessibility, and ease of use.

Advertisement

Risk Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2690394/1920×1080.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2668118/MEXC_new_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mexc-partners-with-ton-for-groundbreaking-1-million-crypto-event-302461763.html

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange has officially  launched its new live talk show series Real Talk with HTX Executives. The premiere episode featured Justin Sun, Advisor to HTX, who provided an in-depth discussion on several recent platform highlights. HTX representative Molly also participated in the show, directly addressing user questions in real-time.

On The Launch of Mars Program Special Edition 

Justin Sun: A journey to Mars is actually a personal dream of mine. Interestingly,the Chinese names HTX and Mars form a natural alliteration.

For now, the first step is space travel. I believe it’s a pursuit worth sharing with the HTX community. If there’s ever an opportunity, I aspire to offer our users the chance to experience space as well. Our investment in the space sector is long-term. 

Our focus on space does not imply any deceleration in our core product development. On the contrary, HTX remains aggressive and ahead of the curve in new asset listings. As a Top 10 exchange, HTX possesses both significant momentum and established credibility. Regarding the speed and quality of token listings, our competitiveness matches, if not surpasses, that of any other exchange in the market.

Advertisement

The Mars Program symbolizes our vision for the future, reaching for the stars and beyond. Simultaneously, we remain firmly grounded in our commitment to our community. Our ongoing reward campaigns and $HTX token empowerment initiatives continue to operate at full capacity, delivering tangible value to our users.

On the Partnership with Trump Family’s Crypto Project

Justin Sun: We were one of the earliest players to recognize the significance of the Trump family’s involvement in crypto. From the beginning, I believed that Donald Trump’s influence would bring a huge wave of positive momentum into space, and now we’re seeing that come to life.

I am honored to serve as an advisor to the Trump family’s crypto team. I’m actively involved in providing insights and helping bridge the gap between crypto and traditional politics and, in a broader sense, possibly even between the two major economies. Our objective is to establish a robust, long-term relationship with the Trump family and onboard individuals from traditional industries into Web3.

On HTX’s Performance and Growth Strategy

Advertisement

Justin Sun: I’m confident that as long as HTX stays on the right course, sustainable growth will follow. Our strong brand influence, coupled with established reputation as a veteran exchange, fosters deep and enduring trust among our user base. What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on doing what’s right, especially in security and risk controls. HTX has maintained an unblemished security record for over twenty months, a significant accomplishment considering the frequency of security breaches within the industry. 

We will soon launch a major win-back campaign for dormant users. If you’ve been away from HTX, there’s never been a better time to come back and rediscover what we offer.

The “Real Talk with HTX Executives” program was conceived based on my conviction that security is the paramount concern for cryptocurrency users. A lack of public engagement from exchange leadership can potentially erode user trust. This on-camera series will enable HTX executives to speak directly to our users, share important updates, and listen to their thoughts and concerns firsthand. This commitment to open communication is fundamental to how HTX continuously builds and reinforces user trust.

In response to inquiries about the future role of exchanges and HTX’s potential redefinition of the “trading platform,” HTX representative @HTX_Molly explained that HTX is evolving beyond the traditional exchange model, aiming to be a builder driving the industry’s long-term progress. By cultivating DAO culture and prioritizing community engagement, HTX is forging deeper connections among miners, developers, and users. This collaborative approach aims to facilitate the integration of Web3 into mainstream adoption through genuine consensus-building. 

Meanwhile, with Justin Sun’s recent efforts to expand HTX’s reach into the U.S. market, the exchange is making a strategic move to send a global message — that Chinese exchanges offer not only speed, but also conviction and long-term vision.

Advertisement

About HTX

Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2692709/image.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2391903/image_ID__Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/htx-executives-go-face-to-face-justin-sun–molly-dive-into-market-strategy-space-visions-and-more-opportunities-302461345.html

Advertisement

Blockchain innovation continues to accelerate, weaving together emerging technologies, sustainability goals, and new financial models. In today’s Blocks & Headlines briefing—May 20, 2025—we explore five groundbreaking stories: Cerebra Supernova’s AI-blockchain energy convergence, Chainlink/Kinexys/Ondo’s blockchain DVP trial, the launch of Blockchain Cloud Mining’s “Master” digital-gold platform, Sakhila Mirza steering Responsible Gold’s blockchain expansion, and Automobili Estrema’s NFT-powered “Dizzy Viper” art drop. Each development signals how Web3, DeFi, and NFTs are reshaping finance, supply chains, and creative industries. Below, we strip away hyperlinks, offer concise coverage, and provide op-ed insights on the broader implications for blockchain’s next chapter.

1. AI & Blockchain Convergence for Sustainable Energy Systems

Key News: Cerebra Supernova, a French startup, has unveiled a pilot platform that combines AI-driven grid optimization with a blockchain-enabled energy-credit marketplace. By using reinforcement-learning algorithms to forecast renewable output and smart contracts to automate peer-to-peer energy trades, the system aims to reduce curtailment and incentivize prosumers.

Details:

Advertisement

• Reinforcement Learning Grid Management: AI agents predict wind and solar generation with 98% accuracy, dynamically adjusting dispatchable assets (batteries, gas turbines) to maintain stability.

• Energy-Credit Tokens: Green-energy surplus is tokenized as “SolarLoop” ERC-20 tokens, tradable among households, businesses, and utilities with settlement on an Ethereum Layer-2 network.

• Sustainability Impact: Early trials on Corsican microgrids reported a 12% reduction in fossil-fuel use and a 20% increase in renewable utilization.

Opinion & Implications:

The fusion of AI and blockchain in energy grids marks a pivotal shift toward decentralized, citizen-driven utilities. Traditional power markets struggle with intermittent renewables; embedding autonomy via smart contracts democratizes access and aligns incentives for cleaner output. However, real-world rollouts must address interoperability (across protocols), token volatility, and regulatory clarity on digital asset classification. Cerebra Supernova’s initiative may well set the template for community microgrids worldwide, but scaling will require standardized APIs, robust cybersecurity measures, and policy frameworks to integrate tokenized energy credits into broader carbon-pricing schemes.

Source: SiliconANGLE

2. Chainlink, Kinexys & Ondo Test Blockchain DVP Settlement

Key News: Chainlink Labs, Kinexys, and Ondo Finance have jointly piloted a Distributed Delivery-Versus-Payment (DVP) settlement mechanism on a public blockchain, targeting institutional bond and ETF trades. By leveraging Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and Kinexys’ settlement-oracle mesh, the trial achieved atomic settlements: assets and payments exchanged simultaneously, irrevocably on-chain.

Details:

Advertisement

• Atomic DVP Workflow: Upon trade execution in an off-chain matching engine, settlement instructions trigger on-chain via CCIP messages; Kinexys oracles confirm balances, and Ondo’s tokenized cash-equivalent stablecoins (nUSD) finalize payment.

• Performance Metrics: End-to-end latency clocked at 3 seconds per transaction, with sub-$0.50 gas costs due to Rollup-level batching.

• Risk Reduction: Eliminates counterparty and settlement-fails risk inherent in T+2 markets, enabling real-time finality and freeing collateral faster.

Opinion & Implications:

Bridging traditional capital markets and public blockchains has long been the Holy Grail of institutional DeFi. This DVP pilot demonstrates that rigorous market-standard settlement can coexist with open-ledger transparency and composability. Yet, regulatory acceptance remains the linchpin—securities regulators must endorse on-chain finality as equivalent to legal settlement. Moreover, interoperability across permissioned and permissionless networks will determine whether tokenized securities truly scale. If such trials proliferate, expect incumbent custodians and clearinghouses to partner with decentralized-oracle providers, laying the groundwork for a 24/7 global settlement infrastructure.

Source: The Paypers

3. Blockchain Cloud Mining’s “Master” Digital-Gold Platform Launch

Key News: Blockchain Cloud Mining has released Master, a turnkey cloud-mining and staking portal enabling users to allocate fiat and crypto into diversified mining assets—Bitcoin, Ethereum PoS, and a curated basket of altcoins—via a single, web-based dashboard.

Details:

Advertisement

• Encrypted Wealth Strategy: Master abstracts miner procurement, hosting, and maintenance; users simply choose “Digital Gold,” “Ethereum Yield,” or “DeFi Basket” plans.

• Revenue Sharing: Monthly returns distributed as tokenized dividends (DCM-TOKEN), tradable on major DEXs.

• Security & Compliance: KYC/AML integrated Sign-in, cold-storage custody of mined coins, and quarterly third-party audits published on-chain.

Opinion & Implications:

As retail investors seek passive crypto exposure, cloud-mining platforms promise hands-off rewards but often lack transparency. Blockchain Cloud Mining’s audited model and tokenized dividend structure could elevate trust—but token economics must guard against dilution and rug-pull risks. Moreover, the environmental debate around proof-of-work mining persists; integrating renewable-energy credits or carbon offsets into mining-assets offerings could be a differentiator. As staking yields compress and DeFi bear cycles loom, platforms like Master will need to innovate risk-adjusted return products and perhaps incorporate algorithmic governance to align user incentives.

Source: GlobeNewswire

4. Responsible Gold Taps Sakhila Mirza to Lead Blockchain-Powered Expansion

Key News: Responsible Gold, the tokenized-asset platform enabling fractional, KYC-compliant gold ownership, has appointed fintech executive Sakhila Mirza as Chief Growth Officer. Her mandate: scale the “Trusted Gold” ecosystem and forge partnerships with bullion exchanges, central banks, and luxury-goods providers.

Details:

Advertisement

• Trusted Gold Tokens (TGT): ERC-721 tokens representing audited, insured physical gold bars stored in vaults across Switzerland and Singapore.

• Expansion Strategy: Under Mirza, the platform aims to integrate with central-bank digital currency (CBDC) pilots, enabling gold-backed CBDC overlays. Plans include white-label solutions for jewelry retailers to mint fractional gold tokens at point-of-sale.

• Governance & Audits: Monthly on-chain proof-of-reserve updates via Merkle-proof contracts; annual audits by Big Four firms.

Opinion & Implications:

Tokenizing real-world assets like gold has been heralded as blockchain’s killer app—but adoption hinges on regulatory trust, custodial transparency, and consumer education. Mirza’s track record in partnerships could bridge the gap between crypto-natives and traditional finance, positioning TGT as a credible store-of-value for both investors and commerce. CBDC integration is particularly visionary: by tethering digital fiat to gold reserves on-chain, central banks could assuage inflation concerns and experiment with programmable money. However, geopolitical tensions around reserve asset denial and cross-border gold transfers may challenge such initiatives—making governance frameworks and legal clarity paramount.

Source: Business Wire

5. Automobili Estrema & Fabian Oberhammer’s “Dizzy Viper” NFT Collaboration

Key News: Italian hypercar maker Automobili Estrema has partnered with digital artist Fabian Oberhammer to launch “Dizzy Viper”, a limited-edition NFT art series minted on the NEAR Protocol, celebrating the brand’s cutting-edge “Fulminea” electric supercar.

Details:

Advertisement

• Collector Drops: 333 dynamic NFTs featuring generative-art viper motifs synchronized to real-time telemetry data from a Fulminea test run.

• Utility Perks: NFT holders receive VIP track day invites, factory tours, and a fractional stake in a bespoke Fulminea prototype.

• Environmental Offset: Minting energy consumption offset via NEAR’s carbon-neutral consensus and direct funding of reforestation projects in Italy.

Opinion & Implications:

Luxury automotive brands entering the NFT arena exemplify Web3’s fusion with experiential marketing. By linking on-chain art to real-world perks and data streams, Automobili Estrema deepens fan engagement while tapping new revenue from digital collectibles. NEAR’s eco-friendly blockchain underscores the need for sustainability in NFT minting—a growing concern among high-net-worth audiences. The fractional ownership model hints at broader use cases: tokenized access to exclusive assets (cars, yachts, art) could spur secondary markets and novel governance rights. For blockchain enthusiasts, this collaboration showcases how tokenomics and experiential utility can elevate brand loyalty beyond traditional merchandising.

Source: PR Newswire

Conclusion & Key Takeaways

Today’s headlines reflect a blockchain ecosystem maturing across multiple dimensions:

1. Sustainability & Decentralization: AI-blockchain energy grids and carbon-neutral NFT minting demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.

2. Institutional Integration: DVP settlement trials and tokenized gold underscore blockchain’s encroachment into capital markets and reserve assets.

3. Democratized Access: Cloud-mining platforms and fractional gold tokens lower barriers to crypto and real-asset investing, while highlighting the need for transparency.

4. Experiential Web3: Luxury brands and community microgrids leverage tokenized incentives to forge deeper user connections.

5. Regulatory & Governance Frontiers: From Massachusetts-style AI commissions to CBDC-gold overlays, legal frameworks will shape the pace and direction of blockchain adoption.

As blockchain transcends niche use cases, cross-sector collaboration and robust governance will determine whether these innovations realize their transformative promise. Today’s stories are more than headlines—they’re signposts pointing to a decentralized, tokenized future where AI, finance, sustainability, and creativity converge on the distributed ledger.

Advertisement

The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 20, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.