Pokémon TCG marketplaces near record as tokenized collectibles show staying power
The Block·60-word summary·1 min read
NFT marketplaces for Pokémon TCG cards are nearing record trading volumes, driven by tokenized collectibles. These platforms use tokenization as a liquidity tool rather than purely speculative assets. The trend indicates growing mainstream interest in digital collectibles, with increased trading activity and liquidity in the Pokémon community, highlighting the staying power of tokenized gaming assets.
The House passed the CLARITY Act, a crypto bill, but the Senate has yet to schedule a markup, casting doubt on its passage in 2026. Coinbase now supports the bill, reducing industry opposition, while the White House backs a stablecoin compromise. Senate delays have kept the bill’s approval odds near 50%, highlighting ongoing legislative uncertainty.
Coinbase has expanded its USDC loan offerings to the UK, following strong demand in the US. The move allows borrowing against BTC, ETH, and cbETH, broadening access to on-chain liquidity. This international expansion signals Coinbase’s ongoing growth in crypto-backed lending, with the UK now joining the US in adopting its proven decentralized credit model.
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ZEC's price recently broke out of a descending triangle in early April, pushing toward $400 and signaling a potential shift from its long-term bearish trend. The breakout has sparked a liquidity war, raising questions about whether ZEC will continue its upward momentum or face a fall. The move marks a significant moment for ZEC in the DeFi space.
Nasdaq-listed Antalpha disclosed nearly 2 million shares in Tether’s holdings, linked to its growth despite a 27% stock price drop. The move highlights Tether’s strategic stake in Antalpha, a key player in crypto lending. The disclosure emphasizes Tether’s expanding influence in the DeFi sector, with Antalpha’s lending business thriving amid market volatility.
The US Senate may delay the stablecoin bill’s review until May as banks lobby Congress to tighten rules on yield-bearing tokens. The Senate Banking Committee considers marking up the measure the week of April 27, but a crowded schedule and ongoing lobbying efforts could postpone the process. The bill’s delay impacts stablecoin regulation prospects this spring.
