TOP Trending, December 17, 2025 

$U: A New Institution-Grade Stablecoin Launching December 18

$U is a next-generation stablecoin launching globally on December 18, 2025, positioned as a unified, institution-ready asset for trading, payments, wealth management, and AI-driven use cases. Its core differentiators are near real-time Proof-of-Reserves, a security-first reserve framework, and a collaborative liquidity model that works with exchanges, market makers, and payment providers instead of fragmenting liquidity across silos.

It’s trending in crypto due to its imminent launch and strong perceived links to the BNB Chain ecosystem, amplified after CZ followed the project ahead of rollout. This has sparked speculation that $U could become a strategic stablecoin layer for BNB Chain—powering DeFi, RWAs, prediction markets, and cross-border payments. Rapid follower growth, blue verification, BNB Chain promo signals, and heavy KOL engagement have pushed $U into the spotlight as a potential infrastructure-scale play rather than just another stablecoin.

Dougie DeLuca: “Crypto Is Dead” and the Case for Maturity

Dougie DeLuca is a venture capital investor at Figment Capital, where he focuses on crypto and blockchain investments. On X, he shares thoughtful analysis on market structure, tokenomics, vesting schedules, and the long-term evolution of the industry, building a reputation for measured, fundamentals-driven commentary rather than hype.

He’s generating buzz after a mid-December 2025 post titled “Crypto is Dead,” which sparked widespread debate. DeLuca clarified that he doesn’t mean blockchain has failed or prices are going to zero, but that the era dominated by yield farming, memecoins, and short-term speculation is ending. His argument—that crypto is entering a more mature phase centered on real-world applications, while facing pressures like token unlocks and consolidation—resonated strongly amid ongoing discussions about sustainability and what comes after hype-driven trading.

Moto: Solana’s Premium Onchain Credit Card Goes Mainstream

Moto is a Visa-branded, onchain credit card built on Solana and aimed at crypto-native users, founders, and high-end consumers. Instead of traditional credit, users deposit stablecoins or digital assets that collateralize spending anywhere Visa is accepted, with no credit checks or revolving debt. Deposits earn 2–5% yield depending on tier, paired with a flat 5% cashback, zero FX fees, and premium perks like airport lounges, concierge access, and subscription reimbursements. Spending is settled automatically from deposits at month-end, positioning Moto as a capital-efficient, self-custodial alternative to legacy cards.

Moto is trending following its December 16, 2025, announcement of a $1.8M pre-seed round co-led by Eterna Capital and cyberFund, alongside notable angels and ecosystem backing. Public praise from Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko amplified attention, with many highlighting Moto’s sustainable rewards model driven by onchain yield rather than temporary subsidies. Combined with sleek luxury branding, a premium metal card, and an open waitlist, Moto has quickly emerged as one of the most compelling consumer crypto products bridging DeFi and real-world payments.

Brix: Bringing Emerging Market Carry Trades Onchain

Brix is a DeFi project tokenizing high-yield financial products from emerging markets, creating yield-bearing stablecoins accessible onchain. Built on MegaETH through the MegaMafia 2.0 accelerator, its first product is iTRY—a Turkish Lira–pegged stablecoin backed by tokenized money-market funds from major banks. By capturing Turkey’s elevated interest rates, iTRY offers real yields around 40% annually, with additional upside when used in DeFi strategies, positioning Brix as a bridge between traditional carry trades and composable crypto assets beyond USD stables.

The project gained attention after emerging from stealth on December 16, 2025, with a polished launch that resonated across DeFi and MegaETH circles. At a time when users are seeking sustainable, uncorrelated yield, Brix’s focus on institutionally backed returns and underserved markets has driven strong interest from builders and KOLs. Its bank partnerships and plans to expand into other high-rate economies like Brazil frame Brix as a potential foundation for onchain FX and next-generation capital markets.

Other trending accounts

• Konstantin Lomashuk: Cyber Fund founder. 

• Gabe: DeFi growth lead at Securitize.

• Ernesto: contributor to the Aave ecosystem.

• TigerPayX: cross border neobank.