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Experience Japan’s Finest Craftsmanship at Matsuya Ginza: The 3rd Annual Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan’s Street

Featuring over 90 exhibitors, live demonstrations, and interactive workshops to spotlight Japan’s artisans.

TOKYO, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The annual Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan’s Street National will be held for the third consecutive year at Matsuya Ginza, Tokyo, from Wednesday, February 19 to Monday, February 24, 2025. This prestigious event is one of the largest craft events in the country, bringing together pieces from approximately 90 craft regions across Japan. It provides visitors the rare opportunity to discover, purchase, and experience the countrys finest traditional craftsmanship, all in one place.

Official Website: https://meishoichi.kougeihin.jp/
Official Instagram: @kougei_event

Japan Traditional Crafts Ginza Artisan Street, hosted by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries, has a history of more than 20 years and continues to grow in scale and significance. Its purpose is to showcase the depth and breadth of Japanese art and platform the artisans who dedicate their lives to perfecting their craft. This years edition features an exhibition and sale of a carefully curated selection of traditional and hometown crafts, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops by skilled artisans, allowing visitors to engage directly with Japans highly-prized cultural heritage.

The festival will showcase a stunning array of iconic Japanese crafts, presented by around 90 exhibitors. For those seeking authentically Japanese souvenirs, the festival offers Mashiko pottery, which dates back to Japans earliest societies; luxurious Kanazawa gold leaf crafts; renowned Nara inksticks, a must-have for calligraphy enthusiasts; and world-renowned Nambu Tekki ironware from Iwate, prized for its durability and elegant design. QR codes are displayed by each product allowing easy access to English information.

Visitors can admire exquisite Wajima lacquerware from Ishikawa, which represents the pinnacle of Japans lacquer artistry, with its delicate, multi-layered finish. This area was deeply affected by the 2024 Noto Earthquake and the events support of its craftspeople helps ensure the continuation of these traditional crafts to protect them for future generations. 

Beyond browsing and purchasing, visitors can actively engage with Japanese craftspeople through live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. These include painting intricate Miyagi Kokeshi dolls, weaving Kurume Kasuri coasters, crafting a custom silver ring using traditional Tokyo silversmithing techniques, or crafting Edo woodblock prints. Advanced reservation is required for all workshops, which cost from 2,200 to 4,400 yen

Hosting this annual craft festival is a natural extension of Matsuya Ginzas longtime commitment to promoting artisans and craftspeople, which dates back to its origin story as a kimono retailer and continues with its Design Collection, which showcases pieces from around the world, hand-selected by The Japan Design Committee, an organisation formed by renowned Japanese designers such as architects Kazuyo Sejima, Kengo Kuma and Hiroshi Naito

Matsuya Ginza is proud of its enduring support of Japan’s artisans, whose dedication preserves the nation’s heritage for generations to come. Visitors to the Japan Traditional Crafts Artisan Street are invited to discover the beauty of Japanese crafts, meet the artisans who create them, and gain deeper insights into the history and skills that shape each piece.

About Matsuya Co., Ltd

Matsuya Co., Ltd has a 150-year legacy in Japan’s luxury landscape. Over the years, it evolved from a kimono retailer to two landmark department stores, in Tokyo’s Ginza and Asakusa districts. Its flagship store, Matsuya Ginza, opened in 1925 and has remained a prominent name in Japan’s luxury department store sector ever since. Its storied history and focus on forward-thinking retail have seen Matsuya continue to expand its global presence, driven by a vision to create lasting value.

More information about Matsuya Co., Ltd is available at https://www.matsuyaginza.com/en/

Press Releasehttps://x.gd/dk81k

Factbook:
https://bluemoonmarketing.jp/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Matsuya-Factbook-202411.pdf

Link to Images:  https://x.gd/1mIOk

NetApp Revolutionizes Block Storage to Meet Demands of Modern Workloads

New simple, powerful, affordable block storage systems power critical applications


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – NetApp® (NASDAQ: NTAP), the intelligent data infrastructure company, today announced updates to its enterprise storage portfolio, expanding the NetApp ASA A-Series with new systems designed to accelerate and consolidate block workloads for organizations of any size. Alongside the announcement of new cyber resiliency capabilities, these systems enable customers to create a silo-free data infrastructure that both runs on and is built for intelligence.

Organizations have to reimagine their data strategy to access the data flexibility and confidence they need to successfully modernize their IT operations to drive efficient innovation. Today, NetApp launched three new enterprise storage systems that give customers even more options for simple, powerful, and affordable storage that is part of an intelligent data infrastructure framework capable of meeting workload-specific requirements now and for years to come.

The new high-performance NetApp ASA A20, A30, and A50 systems make block storage available to companies of every size for mission-critical apps like databases and virtual machines. They are ideal for smaller deployments including remote or branch offices with a starting price as low as $25K. The NetApp ASA systems deliver:

  • Simplicity: Customers can use the NetApp ASA systems to modernize their operations with effortless storage which they can deploy in minutes, provision in seconds, and protect with one click. Common management workflows across the entire storage environment, including NAS and SAN, enable customers to enjoy simplicity at a scale that can grow into the future.
  • Power: Customers can operate faster and more agilely with a storage architecture that delivers consistent performance and the flexibility to start small and scale to PBs of capacity. Built-in business continuity, a 99.9999% data availability guarantee, and a ransomware recovery guarantee help reduce operational risks for customers so they can operate worry-free.
  • Affordability: Customers benefit not only from upfront costs 30-50 percent lower than competitive systems but also from a better return on investment driven by up to 97 percent lower power consumption and low operational overhead when modernizing to all-flash ASA.

“In less than a year, NetApp has refreshed our entire unified, block-optimized, and object portfolio and highlighted our commitment to relentless innovation,” said Sandeep Singh, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Storage at NetApp. “With the industry’s most comprehensive storage lineup with built-in cyber resiliency, we offer systems that are faster, simpler, more scalable, and more affordable than the competition—tailored to any workload or budget. NetApp enables customers to rise to the challenges and opportunities of modern data management with an intelligent data infrastructure that optimizes operations, reduces risks, and accelerates AI transformation.”

These new ASA systems will also be available in a FlexPod converged infrastructure, delivering additional benefits of simplified data center operations and accelerated deployment of enterprise applications through pre-tested and validated architectures.

“NetApp’s portfolio of block-optimized, all-flash platforms ensures that our customers can address a wide range of needs,” said Dhruv Dhumatkar, CTO, Asia Pacific & Japan, NetApp. “From business-critical systems to AI workloads, NetApp sets the industry standard for performance, scale and reliability.”

NetApp is continuing to enhance the built-in cyber resiliency capabilities of its enterprise storage portfolio. Later this year, NetApp will release NetApp ONTAP® Autonomous Ransomware Protection with artificial intelligence (ARP/AI) for Block. This update will build on the existing capabilities of ARP/AI, the first real-time threat detection and response for NAS systems, expanding its cyber resiliency protections to SAN customers.

To further reduce the operational risks for businesses, NetApp is launching the Ransomware Detection Program. In the event that certain ransomware attacks are not detected, this program assists with recovery using NetApp Professional Services free of initial charge.

“As the preferred data infrastructure provider for Aruba, NetApp is enhancing our IT offerings with an intelligent data infrastructure that helps us optimize data center solutions and deliver joint innovation across Europe,” said Fabrizio Garrone, Enterprise Solution Director, Aruba S.p.A. “As we scale operations to meet the growing demand for cloud services, maintaining scalability and flexibility is critical. NetApp ONTAP stands out for its exceptional usability, simplicity, and uniformity, allowing us to devote technical resources to customer service instead of training or tedious operations.”

“SAN modernization is a huge opportunity as the data needs of growing businesses expand with their operations,” said Scott Sinclair, Practice Director, Cloud, Infrastructure and DevOps, Enterprise Strategy Group. “Companies need a comprehensive data strategy that will carry them into the future. At the same time, a shortage of IT skills and tight budget constraints means that many small businesses don’t have storage specialists available to develop an intelligent data strategy. The new ASA A-Series provides a simple, powerful, and affordable foundation to carry them into the future.”

To learn more about these enhancements and other updates across the NetApp portfolio, visit: https://www.netapp.com/product-updates

Statements by NetApp about unreleased offerings and future plans are for informational purposes only, are subject to change without notice, and should not be relied upon for purchasing or other decisions. Such statements do not constitute a commitment, obligation, guarantee, or warranty of any kind by NetApp, including about availability, functionality, pricing, or timing.

Terms and conditions apply to the Ransomware Detection Program. No ransomware detection or prevention system can completely guarantee safety from a ransomware attack. Although it’s possible that an attack might go undetected, NetApp technology acts as an important additional layer of defense, and our research indicates NetApp technology has resulted in a high degree of detection for certain file encryption-based ransomware attacks.

Additional Resources

Hashtag: #NetApp #IntelligentDataInfrastructure

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About NetApp

NetApp is the intelligent data infrastructure company, combining unified data storage, integrated data services, and CloudOps solutions to turn a world of disruption into opportunity for every customer. NetApp creates silo-free infrastructure, harnessing observability and AI to enable the industry’s best data management. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s biggest clouds, our data storage delivers seamless flexibility. In addition, our data services create a data advantage through superior cyber resilience, governance, and application agility. Our CloudOps solutions provide continuous optimization of performance and efficiency through observability and AI. No matter the data type, workload, or environment, with NetApp you can transform your data infrastructure to realize your business possibilities. Learn more at or follow us on , , , and .

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

LuxenHome: Affordable, Trend-Driven Furniture for Modern Living in Compact Spaces

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In an era where career shifts and lifestyle changes are increasingly common, furnishing a home is no longer a one-time endeavor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the average person will change careers 5-7 times during their working life, with approximately 30% of the workforce changing jobs annually. This dynamic lifestyle demands furniture that adapts to evolving needs—affordable, stylish, and designed for flexibility. This is the problem that LuxenHome would like to solve.

The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.
The Theo collection and Janice swivel accent chair by LuxenHome.

Affordability

For decades, this specific furniture market has been dominated by brands offering functional but generic solutions. While affordability has been a priority, many consumers now seek options that balance cost with character and contemporary appeal. LuxenHome addresses this gap by leveraging the direct-to-consumer (DTC) model, eliminating middlemen, showroom costs, and excessive overhead. This streamlined approach allows the brand to deliver high-quality furniture and décor at accessible prices.

LuxenHome aims to provide customers with versatile, trend-forward designs that deliver enduring value.

Made for Compact Living Space

Modern living often means maximizing space without compromising style. Research shows that homes in urban and suburban areas average under 1,500 square feet, requiring furniture that prioritizes functionality and adaptability. LuxenHome’s collections are designed to enhance compact spaces—think modular storage units, space-saving seating, and décor accents like mirrors and decorative objects that add depth and personality. Every piece is crafted to ensure seamless integration into smaller layouts, offering practicality without sacrificing aesthetic appeal.

LuxenHome carries the mentality to not only save space, but also utilize and create space for your living and everyday storage in their design, sourcing, and product curation process.

Up-to-Trend

Interior design trends move as swiftly as the runway—one season it’s all about rustic farmhouse charm, and the next, sleek minimalism takes center stage. Only online brands like LuxenHome have the capability to follow the constantly shifting trends. Being an online seller means the brand essentially lives in the digital world, enabling it to capture every shift in trends much earlier than conventional furniture sellers.

Not only that, online brands are inherently agile, operating with streamlined structures that allow them to adapt quickly to changes in market demand and consumer preferences. This flexibility makes it possible to test new designs and bring them to customers faster than traditional furniture retailers. The chain of operation and reaction is just so much shorter. Many beautiful designs can even be shown to customers before they are produced and distributed to traditional furniture showrooms.

Assembly. It’s All About Experience.

One key hesitation people have about online furniture shopping is the assembly process. LuxenHome has tackled this challenge head-on by ensuring that its products are not only easy to assemble but also designed to optimize the overall experience.

Each piece starts with a well-sorted assembly process, including clearly labeled components and minimal required tools. The carefully crafted assembly instructions are straightforward, with diagrams and steps that ensure even first-time customers can follow along with ease. Beyond this, LuxenHome offers always-on customer service to provide assistance whenever needed. Whether you have a question about a step or encounter a challenge, support is just a call or a click away.

Details Matter

Beyond their dedication to crafting furniture that reflects an individual’s character, LuxenHome is deeply convinced that the smallest details can make the boldest statements. This belief has led to an abundance of decorative items for customers to choose from, allowing them to fill gaps and shelves while complementing their unique vibes. Their decorative collection includes, but is not limited to, planters and pots made from durable materials designed to withstand outdoor elements, vases and vessels that blend modern or antique essences into any interior, and even fountains and birdbaths that bring soothing water sounds to get you into Zen.

About LuxenHome

Owned by Winsome House Inc.—a trusted supplier for major e-tailers since 2017—LuxenHome combines affordability, modern design, and ease of assembly to meet the needs of today’s lifestyles. By embracing the DTC model, the brand delivers furniture and décor that adapts to compact living spaces and ever-changing trends.

Explore the full collection at http://www.luxenhome.com.

HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings Tournament Announces $200,000 Prize Pool, Champions will Secure Spot at Esports World Cup

  • Champion of the HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League Honor of Kings tournament will secure a spot at the Esports World Cup
  • The Tournament is set to take place from May 5 to May 18 2025

SHANGHAI, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The HERO ESPORTS Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier multi-title esports tournament hosted by Asia’s leading Esports company Hero Esports, has unveiled comprehensive details about the Honor of Kings tournament. This includes information on tournament format, schedule, prize pool, and available entry slots for the prestigious Esports World Cup.

The confirmed collaboration between the King Pro League (KPL), the most prestigious Honor of Kings league in China, ACL and the Esports World Cup marks a significant milestone in the Esports realm. The champion of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure a direct qualification at the Esports World Cup 2025, while the runner-up will earn a spot at the ACL Honor of Kings 2025 Finals.

The champion of ACL Honor of Kings will also gain direct entry to the Esports World Cup 2025, representing Asia’s top esports talents on the global stage and competing against top players from around the world.


ACL Honor of Kings will kick off on May 5, with the finals set for May 18, featuring a total of 12 competing teams. The prize pool amounts to $200,000, taking up one-tenth of the ACL total prize pool of $2 million.

The event will be divided into three stages: the Qualifiers, the Knockout stage and the Finals, all to be hosted in Shanghai.

According to the rankings of the regular season of KPL Spring 2025, teams ranked A5 and A6 along with all teams from Group B will compete in the qualifiers on May 5, 6 and 13, with only one team advancing. The format of the first round, second round and the last round will feature best-of-three (BO3) single elimination, best-of-five (BO5) single elimination and best-of-seven (BO7) respectively.

In the Knockout stage from May 14 to 16, the advancing team from the Qualifiers will face off the teams ranked from the 3rd to 5th in the playoff of KPL Spring 2025 (In the event of a tie, the team with the higher ranking in the stage 3 of the KPL Spring 2025 will secure the qualification). The four teams will compete in the format of best-of-seven (BO7) single elimination.

Ultimately, one team will reach the finals and compete for the championship of ACL Honor of Kings against the KPL Spring 2025 runner-up. The Final will also follow a best-of-seven (BO7) format.

As a long-time partner of Honor of Kings, Hero Esports consistently leverages its extensive industry experience to deliver outstanding esports events. This time, the inclusion of 12 top KPL teams adds excitement, elevating the competition to new heights.

ACL has already revealed six exciting game titles, including Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Honor of Kings, Teamfight Tactics, Delta Force, and Crossfire, with more popular titles expected to be announced soon.

About Hero Esports

Founded in 2016, Hero Esports is the biggest esports company in Asia, producing more than 7,000 matches every year that captivate an online fan base of over 800 million. With a global presence encompassing 12 office locations and eight top-tier esports arenas, Hero Esports offers a comprehensive suite of esports services, including tournament organization, marketing solutions, community development, and more. As a private company, Hero Esports counts Savvy Games Group and Tencent, among others, as investors, with Kuaishou and Huya as strategic partners.

Headquartered in Shanghai and employing more than 1,100 employees, Hero Esports is a fully integrated operator of esports tournaments and creator of esports content with global reach. The company has helped produce many prestigious tournaments including the Olympic Esports Week, the Esports World Cup as well as the esports series featured at both the Jakarta Asian Games 2018 and the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023. Hero Esports also worked with the world’s top-tier game publishers such as Tencent and Krafton in organizing popular esports leagues such as the Honor of Kings’ KPL series and PUBG’s PGC series, among many others. In 2024, Hero Esports launched Esports Asian Champions League (ACL), Asia’s premier international, multi-title esports tournament. Hero Esports is a member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand
Three Lao Nationals Arrested in Cross-Border Drug Bust in Thailand

On 11 February, Thai authorities arrested three Lao nationals during a cross-border drug smuggling operation along the Mekong River in Ban Phaeng district, Nakhon Phanom Province. 

Thai police intercepted the shipment and arrested three suspects, including two teenagers and one adult. 

The suspects are a 16-year-old male from Khammouane Province, a 17-year-old male from Bolikhamxay Province, and a 30-year-old male, also from Bolikhamxay Province.

During the operation, authorities seized 16 sacks of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice,” weighing a total of 658 kilograms. In addition, 58 bundles of methamphetamine tablets were confiscated, amounting to approximately 116,000 pills.

The suspects, along with the seized drugs, were immediately taken to Ban Phaeng Police Station for further investigation and legal proceedings. They remain in police custody and are facing prosecution under Thai law.

The operation was carried out following intelligence reports about an imminent drug shipment from Laos into Thailand’s interior through this border area.

This is not the first case in 2025 involving Lao nationals getting arrested for crimes in Thailand. 

On 5 February, Thai authorities also arrested eight Lao nationals in a raid on an illegal online gambling operation in Nong Khai Province. The arrested suspects are set to face charges for organizing illegal gambling and promoting it through electronic media, as well as violating immigration laws.

CHINASHOP 2025: Record 120,000 sqm to Open in Shenzhen, China, May 9-11

SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CHINASHOP, Asia’s premier retail industry exhibition, will host its 25th edition at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from May 9-11, spanning a record-breaking 120,000 sqm.

2025CHINASHOP
2025CHINASHOP

Marking its 25th anniversary, the event will showcase China’s retail innovations ——from technologies, infrastructure, to commercial design, supply chain solutions, merchandising strategies, logistics, loss prevention, and asset protection solutions, alongside concurrent forums including the Consumer Goods Channel Selection Conference, Consumer Goods Channel Marketing Innovation Summit, China Supermarket Conference, and the debut of the All-Retail AI Spark Conference. The flagship CHINASHOP Golden Wings Awards will also spotlight industry excellence.

Why Shenzhen?

As China’s technology and manufacturing powerhouse, Shenzhen offers unparalleled insights into AI applications and smart supply chains. Its strategic proximity to Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia positions, the city as an ideal hub for global retail collaboration. CHINASHOP 2025 will emphasize AI integration, digital retail transformation, and supply chain optimization, aligning with Shenzhen’s role as a leader in tech-driven industry advancements.

Expanded Focus for 2025

  • Product Innovation Hub: A 20,000-sqm dedicated pavilion will showcase trending goods—from private-label products and health-focused items to regional specialties and coffee—catering to China’s booming discount stores, membership clubs, and convenience chains.
  • AI-Driven Retail: An AI Zone will debut live demonstrations of AI-powered tools, while the All-Retail AI Spark conference convenes 100+ tech leaders to share AI implementation strategies.

CHINASHOP 2025 expects over 900 exhibitors, 200+ industry experts, and 70,000+ attendees worldwide. Join us in Shenzhen from May 9-11 to explore the future of retail and source tomorrow’s best-selling products. CHINASHOP 2025 will redefine retail innovation.

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai Set to Open its Doors this March

Experience Sakai’s vibrancy at Japan’s First Dorsett Hotel overlooking the stunning Sakai harbour


OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Following the success of the G7 summit at Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai in October 2023, Agora Hospitalities looks forward to welcoming Osaka’s World Expo 2025 on Yumeshima from April to October 2025. With the debut of our latest venture and the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai, opening on March 25, 2025, the hotel will offer ticket sales for a direct ferry service running four times daily, conveniently connecting guests from the pier just outside the hotel to the Expo within 30 minutes.

Dorsett Facade v3

Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is ideally located just three train stops from the shopping district of Namba and a 30-minute ride from the airport, perfect for both leisure and business travellers.

Guests will be welcomed by 321 stylish rooms and suites, a meeting room for up to 42 seated guests, and an all-day dining restaurant with an outdoor harbourfront terrace for 120 guests. Half of the guestrooms, ranging from 22 to 44 sq.m, offer stunning views of Sakai harbour. Each room features compact minibars, window-side seating, and sofa beds.

Sustainability and local culture inspire the design with ‘Greenery, Earth and Sea’ elements. Eco-friendly materials such as ceramic tiles, bricks and upcycled denim cushions sourced from Japanese brand Rekrow, ensure a comfortable and an eco-conscious stay for our visitors.

Guests booking directly with the hotel will enjoy the brand’s signature Dorsett 26 Hours – offering a flexible check-in or out time and a full 26-hour stay. Dorsett Discoveries, a curated insider guide will provide guests with unique access to experiences around Sakai and Osaka.

“This debut, in partnership with Dorsett Hospitality International, marks Agora’s 10th, and introduces the first Dorsett Hotel in Japan. Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai reflects our commitment to exceptional hospitality and showcasing the best of Japan,” said Michael Xian, CEO and President of Agora Hospitality Group.

BOOK NOW to celebrate the hotel’s opening with the Soft Opening Special 38% discount for stays from March 25th to December 31st, 2025, available for booking until April 30th, 2025. Be among the first to experience Japan’s first Dorsett by Agora!

For details, please visit www.agoradorsett-sakai.com/en/.
Hashtag: #DorsettHospitalityInternational #Osaka

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Bitcoin and Beyond: Navigating the 2025 Crypto Bull Run with Global Broker Octa


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2025 – Coming into 2025, the cryptocurrency market is on the upswing. Bitcoin has reached another all-time high (ATH), surpassing $109,000 on 20 January 2025, ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration. The overall market growth is driven by institutional investors‘ crypto adoption, a change in regulatory sentiments, and general interest in digital assets, retail investors included. Considering this, many believe the crypto market is on a bullish run, which refers to the period of high demand for assets and their rising prices. Financial market analyst at Octa Broker, Kar Yong Ang, shares potential crypto market development and driving factors to consider.

Octa

Bitcoin Projections for 2025
Bitcoin’s (BTC) price increase to $100,000 and beyond has been anticipated for many years. Some factors contributing to such growth are increased institutional adoption, favourable regulatory changes, and retail traders’ overall interest in the crypto market. Experts are optimistic about the future BTC price increase.

For example, according to an opinion published by Forbes, Bitcoin can ‘blow past’ $150,000 in the first half of 2025 and may go up to $185,000 by the end of this year. It could also rise to $200,000 before the year closes, citing a surge in retail and institutional demand and a constricted supply.

Many believe that such an increase is also driven by Bitcoin’s halving, which took place in April 2024. Some see further upside ahead with limited supply and rising demand, while growing participation by institutional investors cements Bitcoin as a long-term store of value.

Positive changes in regulation also set Bitcoin’s future. In the U.S., the amicable approach toward cryptocurrencies in the Trump administration created a very friendly environment for investment in digital assets. The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets, or MiCA, regulation is expected to further boost investor confidence with the standardisation of a legal framework across the union.

Other Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2025
Ethereum (ETH), which has surpassed $4,100 in Q4 2024 for the first time in a long time, is the cornerstone of the DeFi ecosystem. Since the successful transition to Ethereum 2.0 in 2022, the network has continued to usher in the most important upgrades that help to scale better and improve user experience.

Recent developments on the chain include proposals to scale both Layer 1 and Layer 2 solutions to improve transaction efficiency at lowered costs. However, Ethereum is increasingly contested by emerging blockchains such as Solana (SOL), which boast faster transaction times and lower fees. This rivalry has been ever-growing as projects and investors seek more efficient blockchain solutions.

BNB, the native coin of the Binance Smart Chain, has almost reached $800, representing its integral value within the greater Binance ecosystem. The token’s price relies highly on the performances and growth that Binance achieves through its core exchange business and foray into DeFi. The more innovative tools and expanded offerings from Binance, the greater the utility and demand for BNB, thereby driving up its valuations.

Expectations During Crypto Bull Run
As cryptocurrencies rally, the broader market implications are becoming increasingly evident. For example, traders should expect higher volatility, with rapid price swings creating opportunities and amplifying risks. This is especially relevant for new crypto projects or meme tokens.

Bull runs typically attract new investors, bringing fresh liquidity into the market. However, heightened speculation also raises the risk of price corrections, making risk management crucial for traders. The increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin ETFs has further fueled market expansion as retail and institutional investors gain more seamless access to digital assets.

Beyond Bitcoin and the top 50 cryptocurrencies by market capitalisation, decentralised finance (DeFi) presents new investment avenues. DeFi platforms continue to offer lending, borrowing, and yield farming opportunities. For those looking for passive income strategies, staking and yield farming are becoming increasingly popular. By participating in network validation or providing liquidity to DeFi platforms, investors can earn returns while contributing to the stability of blockchain ecosystems.

The 2025 crypto bull run has gotten underway, setting the stage for never-before-seen market activity. Surging beyond $100,000, Bitcoin is but one indicator of an industry in rapid evolution: institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, and shifting macroeconomic conditions.

While this current rally does offer a lucrative opportunity, traders should be cautious. Market volatility needs to be tackled strategically by balancing risk versus informed decisions. The next few months are expected to prove critical for the long-term course of digital assets as projected regulations further unfold and major financial players further indulge in the crypto sector.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities.

In the APAC region, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.

This article is for informational purposes only and highlights general insights about the financial markets. It is not intended as financial advice or a solicitation of financial services in jurisdictions where such activities are prohibited, including the United Arab Emirates. Readers should seek independent advice and fully understand the risks involved before making any financial decisions.