USDT and the Challenges of Crypto Adoption in Ukraine: Weld Money’s Exit Highlights Regulatory Hurdles

Ukraine’s crypto card market faces further contraction as Weld Money, a fintech firm offering Mastercard-linked crypto spending cards, announces its exit by June 30, 2025. The company cites military controls under martial law and unclear regulations as primary reasons for ceasing operations. Users are advised to withdraw funds by the deadline to avoid losing access. This development underscores the ongoing challenges for crypto adoption in regions with regulatory uncertainty and geopolitical instability, even as stablecoins like USDT continue to gain global traction.

Crypto Firm Weld Money Exits Ukraine Amid Regulatory and Military Challenges

Ukraine’s crypto card market continues to shrink as Weld Money becomes the latest fintech firm to exit. The company, which offered Mastercard-linked crypto spending cards, will cease operations by June 30, citing military controls under martial law and unclear regulations. Users must withdraw funds by the deadline or risk losing access.

The five-year-old startup initially launched as a super-app for bank accounts before partnering with Unex Bank in 2022 to offer cards linked to WhiteBIT and HTX (formerly Huobi) wallets. The service allowed payments in stablecoins including USDT, USDC, BUSD, and DAI at Mastercard merchants.

Service disruptions emerged as military checkpoints and enhanced transaction monitoring slowed operations. User complaints about delayed withdrawals surfaced on Telegram channels as early as March. The exit comes as Ukraine’s securities regulator proposes increasing crypto taxes to 18% and raising defense surcharges from 1.5% to 5%, while lawmakers stall on comprehensive digital asset legislation.

Tether Deploys $5B in U.S. Tech, Mining, and Bonds as CEO Outlines Aggressive Growth Strategy

Tether has channeled nearly $5 billion of its profits into U.S.-based companies and infrastructure over the past two years, signaling a strategic pivot toward domestic innovation. The stablecoin giant’s investments span video platform Rumble, brain-interface startup Blackrock Neurotech, and multiple Bitcoin mining operations.

CEO Paolo Ardoino framed the moves as a "pro-America" initiative, disclosing major stakes including $775 million in Rumble and $200 million in Blackrock Neurotech through subsidiary Tether Evo. The announcements come as USDT maintains dominant stablecoin transaction volumes despite ongoing scrutiny about reserve transparency.

The capital deployment highlights crypto’s growing convergence with traditional tech sectors. Tether’s mining ventures particularly underscore Bitcoin’s institutionalization, while its neurotech bet positions the company at the intersection of blockchain and advanced biotechnology.

Alchemy Pay Partners with MiniPay to Enhance Stablecoin Accessibility

Alchemy Pay has forged a strategic alliance with MiniPay, a stablecoin wallet designed for everyday transactions, to streamline access to major stablecoins like USDC, USDT, and cUSD. The integration allows MiniPay users to convert fiat currencies directly into stablecoins within the app, eliminating the need for external platforms.

This collaboration underscores the growing demand for stablecoins in real-world applications. By leveraging Alchemy Pay’s fiat on-ramp and off-ramp solutions, MiniPay aims to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets for millions of users.

The MOVE reflects a broader industry trend toward simplifying crypto adoption. Stablecoins, often seen as the gateway to decentralized finance, are increasingly becoming a cornerstone of everyday financial tools.