Highlights of the week (November week 3)

🐝A popular Filipino fast-food chain, Jollibee, is launching a new global rewards program.

Jollibee is a globally loved Filipino fast-food chain famous for its signature dishes like the crispy Chickenjoy, sweet-style Jolly Spaghetti and the irresistible Peach Mango Pie. Known globally for its rich-flavor dishes, Jollibee has grown into an international iconic chain with a loyal fanbase that spans the globe. To make the Jollibee experience even more rewarding, the brand has introduced an innovative Global Rewards Program, designed to enhance customer satisfaction and build deeper connections with its audience. The program is starting to roll out in North America and marks a significant milestone in Jolibee’s international expansion. This program isn’t just about earning points; it’s about amplifying the joy that Jollibee brings to its customers. Members gain access to exclusive perks such as discounts, personalized promotions, and exciting offers that celebrate their membership. By rewarding customers across different markets and cultures, Jollibee strengthens their bond with the brand, amplifying the joy they experience and enhancing community connections. The program also unites Jollibee fans worldwide, enabling them to enjoy these benefits regardless of where they dine, creating a sense of global community and connection. It reflects Jollibee’s commitment to giving back to its customers while ensuring a consistent and joyful dining experience, no matter where in the world you are. The narrative of this program focuses on spreading Jollibee’s distinctive brand of joy and fostering a sense of family and community—resonating deeply with audiences seeking authentic and joyful experiences, particularly in the North American market. The strategic implications of this program are significant: boosting engagement, fostering loyalty, and reinforcing Jollibee’s status as a joyful global brand. As Jollibee continues to grow and expand, this program signifies a step toward creating a more personalized and engaging relationship with its fans. By blending nostalgia, innovation, and global accessibility, Jollibee strengthens its bond with customers who hold the brand close to their hearts.

👛Coinbase Wallet recently introduced a brand new rewards program made for USDC holders. 

Coinbase Wallet has introduced an exciting rewards program for USDC holders, making waves in the cryptocurrency community. The program offers users an opportunity to earn rewards simply by holding USDC in their wallets, promoting a user-friendly and inclusive approach to crypto participation. With this new feature, Coinbase continues to bridge the gap between everyday users and the broader digital asset ecosystem. This program is part of Coinbase’s efforts to expand the utility of stablecoins like USDC. By incentivizing users to hold USDC, the platform emphasizes the benefits of decentralized finance (DeFi) while supporting financial independence for individuals. The rewards program underscores the growing importance of stablecoins in facilitating secure, stable transactions within the crypto economy. What makes this initiative stand out is its simplicity. There’s no need to lock up funds or go through complex staking processes—users earn rewards passively, allowing even crypto newcomers to benefit. This accessibility reflects Coinbase’s commitment to onboarding a wider audience to the digital economy. The program also showcases the evolving role of stablecoins in promoting financial inclusion and innovation. With USDC’s stability and reliability, users can explore decentralized financial opportunities with minimal risk, making crypto adoption less intimidating for mainstream users. As Coinbase continues to roll out features like these, it sets a precedent for innovation in the industry. By prioritizing user engagement and utility, the platform is paving the way for a future where digital assets are seamlessly integrated into daily life. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or just getting started, Coinbase Wallet’s rewards program for USDC holders is worth exploring. According to the blog post, rewards will be paid out monthly, directly into user wallets. This feature will also be available in most regions worldwide and is being offered to American users starting this week.

🍩The iconic doughnut brand Krispy Kreme, has delighted its customers worldwide with its program.

Krispy Kreme, known for its iconic Original Glazed Doughnuts, has delighted customers worldwide for decades with its melt-in-your-mouth treats. To make the Krispy Kreme experience even sweeter, the brand has introduced a revamped points program for the OG Card, enhancing its rewards offerings and giving customers more reasons to indulge in their favorite doughnuts. The new points program is designed to reward loyal customers with every purchase. Members earn points that can be redeemed for exciting perks, making each doughnut run more rewarding. Whether it's a morning coffee and doughnut combo or a treat to share with friends, OG Card holders now enjoy even more value with their purchases. What sets this program apart is its ease of use and accessibility. Signing up for the OG Card is simple, and the points quickly add up, encouraging customers to make Krispy Kreme a part of their daily routine. It’s a great way for fans to feel appreciated while staying connected to the brand. The initiative also reflects Krispy Kreme’s commitment to keeping up with modern consumer expectations. Rewards programs have become a staple in today’s competitive market, and Krispy Kreme’s refreshed approach ensures it remains a favorite in both taste and customer engagement. The brand’s senior marketing manager stated that the OG card has become a fan favorite since it was launched five years ago, so that’s why the brand wants to make this even more rewarding as a way to thank their faithful and loyal customers in the past years. Whether you’re a long-time Krispy Kreme enthusiast or new to the brand, the OG Card's updated program is a sweet deal. 

💰Web3 platform, Kalder, raises $10,5 million to transform the rewards program into revenue streams.

Kalder, a cutting-edge web3 platform, is on a mission to redefine how brands engage with their audiences. By providing tools for crafting personalized offerings and reward programs, Kalder empowers businesses to deepen customer relationships in the digital age. Recently, the company raised an impressive $10.5 million in seed funding, signaling strong confidence in its vision. The funding will help Kalder enhance its platform's capabilities, catering to the growing demand for innovative digital engagement strategies. This financial backing positions the company to scale its solutions and expand its reach globally. At its core, Kalder enables brands to build blockchain-powered rewards programs that are not only transparent but also highly adaptable to user preferences. This approach aligns with the rising consumer expectation for customized, value-driven interactions with their favorite brands. The platform’s user-friendly features make it accessible to brands of all sizes, helping even smaller businesses leverage advanced technology to boost customer loyalty. Kalder's focus on decentralized solutions ensures that users and brands maintain a sense of trust and authenticity. Its platform manages everything for both customers and brands, from sign-ups to purchase tracking and payments. The CEO and founders said that Kalder helps many brands turn their rewards program into direct revenue streams, which most brands haven’t had access to tools similar to yet. As Kalder continues to evolve, it’s clear the company is paving the way for a new era of digital brand engagement. With this latest funding, it’s poised to set new standards in how businesses interact with their customers in the ever-evolving web3 landscape. The brand also promises to deliver on the long-held promise of rewards monetization without the cost and complexity of traditional rewards programs. 

🍌A crypto executive buys banana duct-taped art for $6 million in crypto at an auction.

The art world recently witnessed a historic and eyebrow-raising moment when Maurizio Cattelan's conceptual artwork—a banana duct taped to a wall—was sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s. This piece, titled Comedian, has always been divisive, sparking heated debates about the definition of art and its valuation. The sale reached new levels of intrigue when a prominent crypto entrepreneur purchased it, paying entirely with cryptocurrency. The intersection of digital assets and contemporary art has once again underscored the transformative nature of both industries. For the buyer, the banana wasn’t just a fruit but a symbol of artistic freedom and financial innovation. The use of cryptocurrency to finalize the purchase was no coincidence; it was a statement about the growing acceptance of digital currencies in traditionally cash-dominated sectors. The buyer explained that the purchase wasn’t just about owning the piece but about demonstrating how blockchain technology and cryptocurrency are influencing even the most traditional industries. The artwork has always been more than it seems. Originally displayed at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, the banana sparked waves of critique, applause, and memes. Many saw it as a brilliant commentary on consumerism and the absurdity of wealth, while others dismissed it as a joke. This sale reaffirmed that the concept, not the material, is what collectors are willing to pay millions for, and digital currency is now part of that equation. Many crypto supporters applaud the fusion of blockchain's transparency and the conceptual ingenuity of Comedian. The banana has not just become a symbol of art’s subjectivity but also of crypto’s increasing role in high-stakes purchases. This fusion of art and cryptocurrency is reshaping how we think about both industries. From tokenized art pieces to auctions now accepting Bitcoin and Ethereum, the art world is rapidly becoming a playground for crypto investors. The sale of Comedian underscores how digital currencies are gaining credibility as a means for significant financial transactions, pushing both the art and crypto worlds into uncharted territory.

⚖️A Shanghai judge ruled that cryptocurrency is a commodity that can be legally owned.

China’s legal stance on cryptocurrency remains a fascinating paradox. While the country has banned crypto exchanges and related activities, the possession of cryptocurrencies is still legal and considered protected under property laws. This was recently reinforced in court cases, such as one involving unpaid Litecoin in a loan agreement where the courts recognized cryptocurrencies like Litecoin as “property,” emphasizing that they are safeguarded under traditional legal frameworks. Interestingly, China’s revised Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws now explicitly include virtual assets, categorizing them as a potential tool for financial crimes. This reflects the government’s stringent control over digital finance and its broader agenda of maintaining financial stability. These updates come amidst ongoing crackdowns on illicit crypto transactions, such as a recent Qingdao case where stablecoins were used in money laundering schemes. Despite these legal complexities, speculation about China potentially easing its crypto restrictions occasionally arise. Some industry figures have suggested that the country could unban Bitcoin and other digital currencies. However, experts argue that such a move would contradict the government’s existing policy framework, which heavily prioritizes control and oversight. For local crypto enthusiasts, the situation is a tightrope walk. While trading cryptocurrencies is not explicitly illegal, it often leads to practical challenges, such as frozen bank accounts during over-the-counter (OTC) transactions. This creates an environment where individuals tread cautiously, leveraging trusted but unofficial channels for trading. At the heart of this legal balancing act is China’s political and economic vision. By allowing ownership but curbing transactions, the country seems intent on fostering blockchain innovation while avoiding the financial risks often associated with cryptocurrencies. It’s a delicate strategy, blending opportunity with control. This evolving dynamic showcases how China continues to shape the global crypto narrative, combining regulatory crackdowns with selective legal recognition. The broader implications of these policies will likely influence crypto’s trajectory in China and beyond. 

🗽 New York's Southern District is reducing its priority for cryptocurrency crimes.

New York’s Southern District, known for its aggressive stance on cryptocurrency crimes, is signaling a notable shift in its enforcement priorities. According to Scott Hartman, co-chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force, the district will scale back its heavy focus on crypto-related cases. This decision follows an era marked by significant market turbulence, especially during the crypto "winter" of 2022. During that time, high-profile fraud cases, including the downfall of FTX and the indictment of Sam Bankman-Fried, dominated headlines. While these events highlighted the need for strong oversight, the district's current reassessment reflects a changing crypto landscape and a recalibration of priorities. Hartman stated that while his office will continue to prosecute critical crypto fraud cases, the overall volume is expected to decline. This shift acknowledges that other entities, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), have become increasingly active in the regulatory space. Hartman emphasized that their regulatory partners are well-positioned to handle a significant portion of the workload. This collaborative approach ensures that while fewer cases may go to criminal court, oversight and accountability remain robust. Despite the reduced focus on crypto crime, the Southern District still has several key cases in progress. Upcoming trials include Alex Mashinsky, former Celsius CEO, who faces charges over alleged fraudulent activities. Additionally, Ripple Labs and Coinbase continue to grapple with legal battles over their operations. These cases demonstrate that while the district is scaling back, it remains committed to addressing significant issues in the industry. The shift is more about the strategic allocation of resources rather than a softening of enforcement. Adding to the complexity is the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump’s administration on crypto regulation. Trump’s nomination of Jay Clayton, the former SEC Chair, as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, could significantly influence the direction of crypto crime enforcement. Clayton, known for his balanced approach during his tenure at the SEC, could steer the district toward a more integrated strategy, blending regulatory oversight with criminal prosecutions. This development has sparked conversations about how federal policies might evolve under new leadership. For the crypto industry, New York’s recalibration could mark the beginning of a broader shift in how authorities address digital asset crimes. As the market matures and technology advances, enforcement strategies must evolve to keep pace with innovation. The reduced crackdown may foster a more favorable environment for legitimate crypto businesses, encouraging growth while maintaining accountability for malicious actors. This balance is critical for the industry’s long-term credibility and adoption. Ultimately, the Southern District’s decision reflects the growing complexities of regulating cryptocurrencies. By leaning on regulatory bodies like the SEC and focusing on major criminal cases, the district aims to adapt to a rapidly changing digital landscape. The industry, regulators, and investors will be watching closely to see how this approach influences the future of crypto enforcement both in New York and beyond. 

🥇Polish candidate pledges Bitcoin Reserves Plan  

Polish presidential candidate Sławomir Mentzen has unveiled a bold plan to integrate Bitcoin into the country's financial strategy if elected. Mentzen proposed establishing a national Bitcoin reserve as a hedge against financial crises. This initiative reflects the growing global interest in cryptocurrencies as a tool for economic stability, particularly amid market uncertainties. The Bitcoin reserve idea aims to position Poland as a forward-thinking nation embracing financial innovation. By diversifying its reserves with digital assets, Poland could reduce its dependency on traditional fiat systems. Mentzen has emphasized Bitcoin's potential as "digital gold," a secure and deflationary asset ideal for long-term economic planning. Critics, however, question the feasibility and risks of implementing such a plan. They highlight the volatility of Bitcoin and the challenges of integrating it into national fiscal policies. Despite this, Bosak argues that early adoption and a structured approach could provide Poland with a competitive edge in the global financial landscape. His proposal also aligns with the Confederation Party's broader vision of decentralization and reduced government control. This vision includes fostering blockchain technology development and creating a regulatory environment that encourages crypto innovation while ensuring security and transparency. The announcement has sparked debate in Poland and beyond, with proponents applauding the candidate's progressive stance and detractors cautioning against potential risks. Regardless of the outcome of the election, his plan brings attention to the shifting dynamics of national financial strategies and the role of digital currencies in shaping future economies. As the campaign unfolds, the Bitcoin reserve proposal could serve as a litmus test for Poland's willingness to embrace modern financial innovations. It underscores the growing influence of cryptocurrencies in global politics and the potential for digital assets to transform traditional economic frameworks.