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Host Tedd Huff & Robert Musiala, co-leader of Baker Hostetler’s Web3 Digital Assets team, break down May 2025’s crypto developments.

May 2025 just changed a lot for crypto and Web3. Bitcoin hit $111,970, total crypto assets reached $136 billion, & ETF inflows topped $3.3 billion in a 1 month. The SEC clarified that proof-of-stake mining isn't a security, while the DOJ dropped charges against Ethereum hackers, signaling a major shift in regulatory approach.

Ethereum's Petra upgrade increased validator staking limits from 32 to 2,048 ETH, opening doors for massive institutional operations. Yield-bearing stablecoins crossed $9 billion, proving they're no longer experimental tokens. Courts in the US, UK, and EU approved using NFTs for legal service of process, creating new accountability in crypto disputes.

The dark side persists: $244 million was stolen in hacks, with $157 million recovered. A Solana report found 98.7% of tokens on pump.fun showed pump-and-dump characteristics. Physical security threats against crypto executives are escalating globally.

Institutional investors now represent 50% of trading volume. Circle launched real-time payment APIs, Ripple acquired Hidden Road for $1.25 billion. The convergence of regulatory clarity, institutional adoption, and technical improvements is creating perfect conditions for mainstream crypto adoption.

Takeaways

1️⃣ Track Validator Staking Changes

2️⃣ Research Before Token Investments

3️⃣ Explore Programmable Wallet Features

4️⃣ Consider Legal NFT Applications

5️⃣ Prepare for Staking Compliance

Links:

Guest:

Robert A. Musiala Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-a-musiala-jr-esq-cfcs-b6534bb/

Company:

BakerHostetler: https://www.bakerlaw.com/

The Blockchain Monitor: https://www.theblockchainmonitor.com/

Fintech Confidential:

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Supporters:

DFNS - Offering Wallets as a Service with military-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability - https://fintechconfidential.com/dfns

Skyflow - Helping FinTechs build secure experiences without managing customer data directly - https://skyflowsecure.com

Under – Streamlines application and underwriting by digitizing PDF processes for fast digital signatures

https://under.io/ftc

Hawk AI - Providing real-time fraud prevention and AML compliance for FinTechs - https://getHawkai.com

About:

Guest: Robert Musiala has been working in the blockchain and digital assets market since 2012 and has led multiple digital asset investigations, including as the court-appointed receiver over cryptocurrency investment funds used in a major fraud. He advises on various regulatory compliance issues involving digital assets and has drafted/negotiated agreements for a wide range of transactions in the fintech, digital assets, Web3, and NFT markets. He is the inventor of two blockchain patents and co-leader of the Web3 and Digital Assets team at BakerHostetler.

Host: Tedd Huff is the founder of Voalyre and Diamond D3. He’s spent over 24 years helping fintechs grow by improving payments, user experience, and go-to-market strategies.

DD3 Media creates and produces content for Fintech Confidential.