Finance

After moving through Web1, which focused on read only content, and Web2, which centered on social and mobile interaction, we are currently experiencing the decentralization wave of Web3. However, technology does not end there. Web4, the fourth generation of the internet, is emerging in the form of a “Symbiotic Web,” signaling an era where humans and artificial intelligence, as well as the physical and digital worlds, are deeply integrated.

Gate has officially launched AZTEC fixed-term investment products, featuring lock-up periods of 30, 45, and 60 days. Annualized yields reach as high as 101%, and users can participate with as little as 50 AZTEC. This article outlines the highlights of each offering, explains the yield mechanism, and details subscription rules, enabling users to quickly grasp the essential information and participation process for the AZTEC investment products.

Ripple is a global fintech company focused on building the “Internet of Value,” with a core mission to modernize cross border payments through blockchain technology. XRP is the native asset of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a key component of the Ripple ecosystem.

Ripple is a global fintech company focused on building the “Internet of Value,” with a core mission of transforming cross border payments through blockchain technology. XRP is the native asset of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), a key component of the Ripple ecosystem.

Ripple and SWIFT are the two core systems in the global cross-border payments space. They are often viewed as a competition between decentralized settlement infrastructure and traditional financial messaging networks. While both enable the movement of value across borders at a surface level, they differ fundamentally in underlying architecture, settlement speed, cost structure, and compliance design.

In January 2026, the public chain landscape showed structural reallocation rather than an overall cooldown, with on-chain activity concentrating in high-frequency and high-efficiency networks. Solana maintained strong activity levels, Ethereum reinforced its role as a settlement layer, and Base expanded on the back of narrative-driven momentum, while some traditional L2s and sidechains weakened. Market capital allocation logic is increasingly shifting toward real usage efficiency. On Bitcoin, price action continues to oscillate around the short-term holder cost basis, with profit-taking cooling and selling pressure easing. Stress remains concentrated among short-term holders, while long-term holder structure stays intact, suggesting a mid-cycle consolidation rather than a trend reversal. At the project level, the rebound in Solana meme activity has reignited launchpad ecosystems. Pump.fun remains dominant, while Bags App has scaled rapidly through its novel “donation-driven” mechanism, leaving the sector in a

The crypto market saw a broad sell-off, with BTC and ETH down 10% and 18% in January, respectively. Within Gate Private Wealth’s quantitative funds, the USDT strategy delivered a 6.7% return over the past year. The Interstellar Hedge (USDT) strategy stood out with a 5.0% monthly annualized return, while Quantum Leap (USDT) and Interstellar Hedge (USDT) have maintained a 100% monthly win rate since inception. The Top 30% portfolio achieved a 4.5% annualized return in January, significantly outperforming Bitcoin and U.S. Treasury yields. Overall, Walsh’s appointment does not imply a full shift toward monetary tightening, and the market consensus still points to two rate cuts this year.

Stable is a Layer 1 blockchain jointly launched by Bitfinex and Tether. It uses USDT as the native gas asset and supports free peer to peer USDT transfers.

Stablecoin payments are becoming one of the most important pieces of infrastructure in the crypto market. Within the Tether ecosystem, Stable and Plasma are currently the two most closely watched stablecoin payment blockchains.

In the digital finance landscape of 2026, stablecoins are no longer just a hedge within crypto markets. They are becoming the backbone of global cross border settlement and merchant payments. Backed by Bitfinex and Tether, Stable is a dedicated Layer 1 blockchain designed around USDT as the native settlement asset, combining USDT native gas with sub second finality to form a stablecoin first payment network.

Gate Research: Between 2025 and 2026, PayFi is evolving from a crypto payment tool into a next-generation payment and financial engine, with stablecoins achieving scale in high-frequency and cross-border payments and demonstrating clear efficiency and cost advantages over traditional systems. As Web2 and Web3 continue to converge, institutions such as Visa, PayPal, and emerging neobanks are becoming key gateways to mainstream adoption, while the combination of stablecoins, real-world assets (RWA), and AI is shaping PayFi’s foundational architecture by enabling automated, always-on settlement, asset mobility, and risk management. Looking ahead to 2026, regulatory clarity, scalable asset tokenization, and the maturity of AI-driven financial systems will be the primary determinants of PayFi’s competitive landscape and long-term barriers.

The crypto industry is expected to see a wave of IPOs in 2026. This article examines the listing strategies and projected valuations of top crypto firms including Kraken, Consensys, Ledger, Bithumb, and security audit provider CertiK. It discusses how these companies capitalize on regulatory tailwinds, institutional investment, and a maturing market to move from private fundraising to public capital markets, and analyzes the associated risks and investment logic.

Trade global assets like gold and stocks using USDT on Gate TradFi — one platform, one account, easy access to traditional markets.

By 2026, the Fidelity Bitcoin Spot ETF (FBTC) has established itself as a primary investment for institutional and retail investors alike. Ranked as the world’s second-largest Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, FBTC distinguishes itself among SEC-approved offerings through its exclusive self-custody approach via Fidelity Digital Assets and a highly competitive 0.25% fee structure. This article examines FBTC’s performance over the past two years and highlights key differences compared to peer products.

Drawing on the historical parallel of Regulation Q in the 1970s and the rise of money market funds, which amassed $8 trillion, it is predicted that the $300 billion market capitalization of stablecoins will reshape the financial landscape, potentially replacing low-interest banks with high-yield institutions.