Hey Cardanians! Welcome aboard the Weekly Cardano Digest #54!!

We've filtered through all the noise to distill crucial updates into a breezy, 5-minute read. No need for you to sift through endless info — we've got you covered. Ready to delve into this week's top Cardano news? Let’s dive in.

Here are the topics of the week:

• Strike Finance Launches First Derivatives Product on Cardano

• Coins.ph Lists Cardano for Filipino Crypto Enthusiasts

• Wanchain Bridges PayPal USD Between Ethereum and Cardano

• & More!

This newsletter is segmented into categories of less technical news topics to those that are more technical, in an effort to make it easier for our readers to follow. The first category will focus on news involving the Cardano ecosystem, while the second category will focus on projects that have been announced recently. The third category, which will be found towards the end of the newsletter, will focus on the most technical topics.

Strike Finance Launches First Derivatives Product on Cardano

Strike Finance has made waves by launching the first derivatives product on the Cardano blockchain. This major milestone introduces forward contracts to Cardano's mainnet, significantly expanding the ecosystem's DeFi offerings. Announced on December 26, 2024, Strike Finance is also rolling out $STRIKE staking to foster greater user engagement. Currently, desktop users can access these features, with mobile support expected soon. Looking ahead, perpetuals are on the horizon, promising even more robust financial tools for Cardano users. Learn more here.

Coins.ph Lists Cardano´s ADA for Filipino Crypto Enthusiasts

Coins.ph, one of the Philippines' largest cryptocurrency exchanges with 18 Million users, now supports Cardano (ADA). With over 130 tokens already on the platform, this inclusion gives Filipino traders another opportunity to explore ADA's secure, scalable, and sustainable blockchain. Check out the announcement.

Wanchain Bridges PayPal USD To Cardano

Wanchain's integration of PayPal USD (PYUSD) into its cross-chain bridge now facilitates seamless transfers of PYUSD between Ethereum and Cardano. This update enhances PYUSD's utility and emphasizes Wanchain's focus on blockchain interoperability. Additional cross-chain routes are expected in the future, further bolstering liquidity and connectivity for users. Find out more here.

Interesting Stories:

🎊 A Message from Lucas

As we close the chapter on an extraordinary year for Cardano, I want to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come together. In 2024, we witnessed groundbreaking innovations, saw our ecosystem grow stronger, and continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible with blockchain technology.

From the launch of revolutionary DeFi products to new partnerships that expand our global reach, Cardano is proving its resilience, innovation, and community-driven spirit. Each update, integration, and proposal has brought us closer to a decentralized future that empowers individuals and fosters inclusivity.

But what truly sets Cardano apart is us — the community. Our passion, creativity, and commitment have been the driving force behind every milestone we’ve achieved. It’s our ideas, votes, and voices that continue to shape this ecosystem and inspire the world.

As we step into 2025, let’s keep the momentum going. The challenges ahead are opportunities for growth, and the possibilities are boundless. Together, we’re building not just a blockchain but a legacy — one block, one project, and one connection at a time.

Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to a new year filled with collaboration, innovation, and more reasons to celebrate the power of Cardano.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and prosperous 2025!

With gratitude,

–Lucas Macchiavelli