RAVE surges 15% while ZEC climbs on software update

RAVE surged this week, rising 15% and reaching its peak performance on Wednesday as trading volumes jumped amid volatile market conditions and intensifying regulatory scrutiny.

RAVE rally: volume spikes and retail-led momentum

The move caught some traders off guard because most digital assets were struggling with broader volatility. RAVE’s momentum built steadily from Monday’s opening, with each session bringing additional buying pressure.

On Wednesday, the token hit its highest level in three weeks. Trading volumes spiked 40% above the monthly average, with retail investors driving much of the activity, according to data cited from major exchanges.

Binance reported a 20% jump in RAVE transactions on Thursday alone, describing a shift in sentiment toward assets showing recent strength.

ZEC also gained, climbing 8%.

ZEC rises after software update

The ZEC rally followed Tuesday’s major software update, which promised improved network efficiency and enhanced privacy features. Coinbase reported ZEC trading volume rose 10% on Wednesday as the upgrade spread through crypto circles.

Coinbase said user interest increased in assets focused on secure transactions. Emily Zhang of Coinbase attributed the trend to growing traction for privacy-focused tokens among users seeking stronger transaction security.

WLFI declines as technology concerns mount

WLFI fell 7% by Friday’s close as concerns grew about its underlying technology. Several blockchain developers criticized the project’s long-term viability.

The WLFI team announced plans for a complete system overhaul, but provided few details on what would change or when. Kraken reported the impact directly: WLFI trading volume fell 12% on Friday as confidence weakened.

Kraken’s analytics team attributed the decline to investor uncertainty following the technical criticisms. Despite the drop, Kraken CEO Jesse Powell said he remained optimistic that upcoming technology improvements could help rebuild market trust.

TAO, by contrast, stayed relatively stable during this period.

TAO gains on Goldman Sachs partnership

TAO posted minor gains of 2% after growing institutional interest culminated in a Thursday announcement. Goldman Sachs revealed a strategic partnership with TAO to explore blockchain solutions for traditional finance, described as a milestone for crypto adoption in Wall Street circles.

Huobi reported a 15% spike in TAO-related inquiries on Friday as institutional clients moved to understand the partnership’s implications. Li Wei, Huobi’s Chief Strategy Officer, said partnerships with established financial firms could help attract institutional capital to crypto.

The collaboration aims to integrate blockchain technology into Goldman’s existing infrastructure, potentially encouraging other major banks to follow. Even with the positive news, TAO’s trading volume remained modest, with the market seeking concrete results before committing more capital.

Regulatory uncertainty weighs on trading

Market participants are closely watching potential regulatory updates that could reshape the landscape. The SEC is expected to release new digital currency guidelines later this month, increasing uncertainty for trading desks and exchange platforms.

Exchanges are reportedly adjusting compliance frameworks in anticipation of the new rules. Bitfinex said overall trading volume decreased 10% on Thursday as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Ripple Labs also attempted to counterbalance the mood with a Wednesday fintech partnership aimed at expanding cross-border payment solutions. The announcement lifted XRP trading volume by 5% on Binance, though it did not fully offset broader regulatory anxiety.

Industry observers pointed to parallels with recent concerns in the market, including references to “Bitcoin Security Flaws” in prior weeks.

Broader institutional activity in crypto

Beyond Goldman Sachs, several major banks are reportedly evaluating blockchain partnerships. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have assembled blockchain research teams, while Morgan Stanley increased its digital asset research budget by 30% this quarter.

Institutional momentum also extended to asset services. Fidelity Investments expanded its crypto custody services to include TAO last month, and BlackRock filed preliminary documentation for a blockchain-focused ETF that could include TAO among its holdings.