Brave, the privacy-centric web browser, has announced the integration of the Cardano blockchain into its native and standalone wallets. This development enables users to directly access Cardano’s assets and participate in its governance features without leaving the Brave interface.

The integration results from a partnership between Brave and Input Output (IO), the development firm behind Cardano. According to Brendan Eich, co-founder and CEO of Brave, this move not only expands multi-chain access but also enhances security, governance participation, and the overall user experience.

Users can now manage ADA and other Cardano-native tokens, execute swaps, and engage in on-chain governance directly through the Brave Wallet. This addition complements Brave’s existing support for Ethereum and Solana, furthering its commitment to providing a comprehensive multi-chain experience.

Robert Roose, founder of Cardano interoperability protocol Mynth, commented that this integration is a significant step toward making Cardano more widespread and interoperable. He noted that most of the necessary infrastructure and tooling are already in place, positioning Cardano for broader adoption.

The partnership also sets the stage for future innovations, particularly concerning Midnight, a privacy-focused Cardano sidechain developed by Shielded Technologies, an IO spinout. Midnight aims to facilitate confidential smart contracts and data protection, with potential applications including free transactions for NFT ticket holders.

This collaboration marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between Brave and IO, with plans to further integrate Cardano’s governance features and expand the functionalities of the Brave Wallet.

Dubai’s Department of Finance (DOF) has entered into a strategic partnership with Crypto.com to facilitate cryptocurrency payments for government services. The agreement, announced during the Dubai Fintech Summit on May 12, aligns with the emirate’s ambition to become a fully digital, cashless society by 2026.

Under this initiative, individuals and businesses will be able to pay for government services using cryptocurrencies via Crypto.com’s digital wallets. These crypto payments will be converted into United Arab Emirates dirhams and transferred to the DOF’s accounts, ensuring seamless integration with existing financial systems.

Amna Mohammed Lootah, Director of Digital Payment Systems Regulation at the DOF, emphasized the significance of this development, stating that it would substantially accelerate the advancement of Dubai’s Cashless Strategy. The DOF has indicated that the service will accept “stable cryptocurrencies,” suggesting that stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies may be utilized, although specific digital assets have not been disclosed.

This move is part of Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance its fintech sector and stimulate economic growth. The DOF projects that the cashless initiative could contribute at least 8 billion dirhams (approximately $2.1 billion) to the economy by fostering the development of financial technology services.

Ahmad Ali Meftah, Executive Director of the Central Accounts Sector at the DOF, noted that the government is actively developing a regulatory framework that promotes innovation while ensuring the highest standards of security and efficiency in digital financial transactions.

Dubai’s progressive approach to digital assets is further evidenced by its recent initiatives, including the pilot phase of a project to tokenize real estate assets on the blockchain and the hosting of the Token2049 conference, which underscores the city’s commitment to embracing emerging technologies.

The collaboration with Crypto.com marks a significant step in Dubai’s journey toward integrating cryptocurrency into its public services, reflecting the emirate’s position as a forward-thinking leader in digital finance.

Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN) is set to become the first cryptocurrency company included in the S&P 500 index, effective before trading opens on Monday, May 19, 2025. The crypto exchange will replace Discover Financial Services, which is being acquired by Capital One Financial Corp.

The inclusion of Coinbase in the S&P 500 signifies a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency sector, reflecting its growing integration into mainstream financial markets. As a result, index funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track the S&P 500 will incorporate Coinbase shares into their portfolios, potentially increasing demand for the stock.

Following the announcement, Coinbase’s stock experienced a notable uptick, rising 8.8% in after-hours trading to $225.40. During the regular trading session, the stock closed at $207.22, up nearly 4% from the previous close. As of May 13, 2025, Coinbase’s stock price stands at $234.84.
Investor’s Business Daily

Coinbase’s addition to the S&P 500 comes amid a broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional finance. The company’s inclusion is expected to further legitimize the cryptocurrency industry and may pave the way for other crypto-focused firms to enter major financial indices in the future.

The S&P 500 is a market-capitalization-weighted index comprising 500 of the largest publicly traded companies in the United States. Coinbase’s inclusion reflects its substantial market capitalization and its role as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading and services.

This development underscores the evolving landscape of the financial industry, where digital assets and traditional finance continue to converge.