The cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with major exchanges like Binance driving innovation while tightening listing standards. This week brings a mix of exciting launches, strategic delistings, and key developments across Layer 1 protocols and decentralized finance (DeFi). From new token listings and mainnet rollouts to regulatory shifts and platform upgrades, here’s everything you need to know about the most impactful events shaping the market in mid-April 2025.
🔺 Binance Launches KERNEL Amid Megadrop Expansion
On April 14, 2025, Binance officially listed KernelDAO (KERNEL), marking the debut of its fourth Megadrop campaign. KERNEL is the native token of KernelDAO, a re-staking protocol that enhances capital efficiency by enabling users to stake across multiple yield-generating products such as Kernel, Kelp, and Gain.
Users could begin participating in the KERNEL Megadrop starting April 9 at 08:00 (UTC+8), with the app interface going live approximately 12 hours after the initial announcement. The listing went live on April 14 at 20:00 (UTC+8), with trading pairs including KERNEL/USDT, KERNEL/BNB, KERNEL/USDC, KERNEL/FDUSD, and KERNEL/TRY under the Seed Tag program.
👉 Discover how next-gen staking platforms are reshaping yield opportunities in DeFi.
This move underscores Binance's growing focus on integrating innovative Web3 projects directly into its ecosystem through incentive-driven campaigns. By leveraging user engagement via Megadrop, Binance not only rewards early adopters but also strengthens its position as a launchpad for cutting-edge blockchain infrastructure.
📅 Key Dates: Shardeum Mainnet and WalletConnect Listing
April 15: Shardeum Goes Live
Layer 1 blockchain Shardeum launched its mainnet on April 15, 2025, introducing an EVM-compatible, auto-scaling network designed to solve long-standing blockchain trilemma issues—scalability, security, and decentralization.
Shardeum’s dynamic state sharding allows linear scalability, meaning transaction throughput increases alongside network demand. This makes it particularly attractive for dApps requiring high throughput and low latency. Prior to launch, the project opened an airdrop pre-registration window, incentivizing early community participation.
WalletConnect (WCT) Lists on Binance
Also on April 15, Binance added WalletConnect (WCT) to its trading roster at 11:00 UTC. Trading pairs include WCT/USDT, WCT/USDC, WCT/BNB, WCT/FDUSD, and WCT/TRY.
Ahead of the listing, Binance hosted a Launchpool event starting April 11 at 00:00 UTC, allowing users to stake BNB, FDUSD, and USDC to earn WCT rewards. WalletConnect is a widely adopted open-source protocol that enables secure connections between wallets and dApps across platforms—making this listing a nod to infrastructure-level innovation.
⚖️ Regulatory and Platform Shifts
Coinbase Suspends Several Tokens in New York
Coinbase announced the suspension of trading for FLOKI, TURBO, and GIGA in New York State, effective April 14 at 14:00 ET (April 15, 02:00 Beijing Time). This change follows Coinbase’s ongoing compliance review process and applies exclusively to New York residents due to state-specific regulatory requirements.
Additionally, Media Network (MEDIA) was suspended across Coinbase platforms—including Coinbase.com, Advanced Trade, Exchange, and Prime—on April 16 at approximately 02:00 Beijing Time. The order book shifted to limit-only mode ahead of full withdrawal.
These moves reflect increased scrutiny over asset compliance and highlight how regional regulations continue to influence global crypto exchange operations.
🔻 Binance Delists First Batch of 14 Tokens After Community Vote
In a landmark decision reinforcing community governance, Binance delisted 14 tokens on April 16, 2025, based on the results of its first public "vote-to-delist" initiative. The affected tokens are:
- BADGER
- BAL
- BETA
- CREAM
- CTXC
- ELF
- FIRO
- HARD
- NULS
- PROS
- SNT
- TROY
- UFT
- VIDT
This action follows a comprehensive evaluation of each project’s team activity, liquidity, transparency, and long-term viability. While controversial among some communities, the vote-based approach signals a shift toward more transparent and participatory listing policies on major exchanges.
Users were advised to withdraw their holdings before delisting deadlines to avoid potential loss of access.
🔧 Protocol Upgrades and Rebranding
NEAR Spin-off MoreMarkets Launches Testnet
On April 19, MoreMarkets, formerly known as Nuffle Labs—a spin-off from the NEAR Foundation—launched its mainnet test version. The rebrand reflects a strategic pivot toward building a cross-chain DeFi stack focused on unlocking yield for non-EVM assets like XRP and DOGE without requiring them to leave their native chains.
By combining deposit vaults, cross-chain messaging, and yield aggregation, MoreMarkets aims to provide liquidity solutions that bridge fragmented DEX ecosystems. The project previously raised $13 million in strategic funding in June 2024.
👉 Explore how cross-chain interoperability is fueling the next wave of DeFi innovation.
Binance Adjusts Portfolio Margin Collateral Rates
On April 18, Binance updated collateral ratios for several assets under its Portfolio Margin system. Affected tokens include:
- DENT
- ENJ
- NOT
- DASH
- CHZ
- AXS
- ENS
- SAND
- THETA
- QNT
The adjustment took place at 06:00 UTC and was completed within one hour. These periodic updates help maintain risk management standards in volatile markets and ensure margin systems remain resilient against price swings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Why did Binance delist 14 tokens after a community vote?
A: Binance introduced a "vote-to-delist" mechanism to enhance transparency and involve users in platform governance. Tokens were evaluated based on team activity, liquidity, transparency, and overall project health before being put to vote.
Q: What is WalletConnect (WCT), and why is it important?
A: WalletConnect is an open protocol enabling secure communication between cryptocurrency wallets and decentralized applications. Its listing recognizes the critical role infrastructure tools play in improving user experience and security in Web3.
Q: How does Shardeum achieve auto-scaling?
A: Shardeum uses dynamic state sharding, where new shards are created automatically as network load increases. This allows transaction capacity to scale linearly with demand—offering high throughput without sacrificing decentralization.
Q: Can I still trade delisted tokens like BAL or BADGER?
A: After delisting, trading is no longer available on Binance. Users must withdraw their tokens before the deadline or risk losing access. Other exchanges may still support these tokens.
Q: What is the significance of MoreMarkets launching a testnet for non-EVM assets?
A: It opens new yield opportunities for large-cap assets like XRP and DOGE within DeFi ecosystems while preserving their native chain integrity—potentially bridging gaps between isolated blockchain economies.
Q: How can I participate in future Binance Megadrops?
A: Stay active on Binance by holding qualifying assets (like BNB or staked products) and monitor official announcements. Participation typically requires enrollment during specified windows.
Final Thoughts
This week highlights a maturing crypto ecosystem where innovation coexists with increased accountability. From Binance’s community-driven delisting model to the launch of scalable Layer 1 solutions like Shardeum and utility-focused tokens like WCT, the space is moving toward greater transparency, efficiency, and interoperability.
As platforms refine their offerings and regulatory landscapes evolve, staying informed becomes even more crucial for investors and builders alike.
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