The Latremie Post

UAE’s Ultra-Rich Are Driving a Fierce Crypto Revolution in Private Banking

The traditional wealth management and private banking sectors—often cautious and skeptical when it comes to cryptocurrency investing—are facing increasing pressure to offer digital assets to wealthy clients. This demand is especially pronounced in crypto hotspots like Dubai, Switzerland, and Singapore.

### High Demand for Crypto in the UAE

Swiss software firm Avaloq, which serves numerous private banks and wealth managers, recently examined high-net-worth (HNW) investing attitudes in the UAE. Based on surveys conducted in February and March 2025 involving 3,851 investors and 456 wealth professionals, Avaloq found that demand for digital assets in the region is unusually high. Specifically, 39% of wealthy clients in the UAE hold cryptocurrency. However, only 20% of those crypto investors use a traditional wealth manager.

Known for its oil-rich ultra-high-net-worth family offices and a low-tax environment attractive to expats, the UAE is rapidly becoming one of the world’s hottest crypto hubs. Dubai, for instance, offers a clear regulatory framework through the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022.

### Crypto Education Within Families

Notably, the younger generations of ultra-wealthy families are now educating their elders about crypto investments. For example, even well-known families like the Trumps are part of this trend.

Against this backdrop, Avaloq’s UAE snapshot revealed that 63% of investors have either switched wealth managers or are considering doing so. The primary reason? Their questions about cryptocurrency remain unanswered.

### Traditional Wealth Managers Playing Catch-Up

“As crypto has evolved as an asset class, there has been a growing need among private banking relationship managers to cater to clients who are basically not being served,” said Akash Anand, Head of Middle East and Africa at Avaloq, in an interview with CoinDesk. “Hence, there has been a rush among traditional wealth managers to get equipped to offer crypto.”

### The Roadblocks to Crypto Adoption

Why have traditional financial institutions been slow to serve these clients? The answer lies largely in the nature of cryptocurrency itself—it is highly volatile, and the underlying technology can be complicated to navigate.

In addition to crypto’s notorious price swings, managing wallets, private keys, and unfamiliar custody arrangements presents significant challenges for both managers and clients. Avaloq’s survey found that among UAE investors who do not hold cryptocurrency, the top reasons cited were:

– Market volatility (38%)
– Lack of knowledge (36%)
– Distrust in exchanges (32%)

### Meeting the Gap: Avaloq’s Solutions

Avaloq is capitalizing on the growing gap between client demand and the products offered by traditional institutions. Over the past several years, the company has successfully integrated crypto custody platforms within financial institutions, leveraging crypto safekeeping technology from Fireblocks and collaborating with firms such as BBVA and Zurich Cantonal Bank.

### A Changing Landscape for Wealth Managers

As investor appetite shifts toward greater digital asset exposure, financial institutions are beginning to take notice. According to Anand, there is “a healthy pipeline” of private banks and financial firms looking to either customize their core systems with Avaloq’s crypto custody technology or adopt its pre-configured platforms.

However, many opportunities across the wealth sector remain untapped. “Firms are looking to create a one-stop shop integrated with their existing e-banking systems,” said Anand, emphasizing the growing demand from investors.

### Crypto Millionaires on the Rise Globally

Global interest in digital assets is booming. The number of crypto millionaires worldwide surged to 241,700 in 2025—a 40% increase from the previous year—according to the Crypto Wealth Report 2025 by Henley & Partners. The report ranks Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S., Switzerland, and the UAE as the top five destinations for digital asset investors.

### Digital Assets: A Serious Contender

Following the spectacular bull run of 2021 and subsequent market corrections, the digital asset sector has matured significantly. It has evolved into a serious investment class, increasingly dominated by institutional money.

“There have been some quite spectacular crashes involving certain crypto exchanges, and that has created a lot of trust issues,” Anand added. “Our research shows that there is an opportunity for banks and wealth managers to step in and provide that trust in the form of fully integrated, secure, and compliant custody.”

As the landscape evolves, traditional wealth managers who adapt to incorporate digital assets may find themselves well-positioned to serve an emerging generation of crypto-savvy clients.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/crypto/uaes-ultra-rich-are-driving-a-fierce-crypto-revolution-in-private-banking/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=uaes-ultra-rich-are-driving-a-fierce-crypto-revolution-in-private-banking

Can Pi Network’s ISO 20022 Move Catch Up to XRP and Stellar?

**What is ISO 20022, and Why Does It Matter?**

ISO 20022 is a global standard that defines how financial institutions exchange information for transactions such as payments, securities, and remittances. It replaces older, fragmented messaging systems with a unified, structured format that enables banks, fintech companies, and payment networks around the world to communicate using the same digital language.

Adopting ISO 20022 enhances cross-border compatibility by enabling secure and efficient sharing of richer, structured transaction data—such as payment purpose and sender and receiver information. This improves transparency, reduces errors, and accelerates the processing of international transfers.

The global shift to ISO 20022 marks a major milestone in modernizing finance. Many central banks and payment systems, including the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) and the US Federal Reserve’s Fedwire—which completed its migration in July 2025—are adopting the standard. Full implementation is targeted by November 22, 2025. After that date, most international financial institutions connected to SWIFT’s cross-border network are expected to use ISO 20022 as the common foundation for seamless, data-rich global payments.

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### What is Pi Network’s ISO 20022 Strategy?

Pi Network’s plan to adopt the ISO 20022 standard is divided into three key stages: preparation before November 2025, activation on November 22, 2025, and post-launch adoption.

Building on its large user base—with more than 50 million app downloads—Pi plans to introduce enhanced tools for cross-border payments, secure digital wallets, and a decentralized exchange (DEX) to support real-world transactions.

By adopting ISO 20022, Pi Network will gain easier integration with banking systems, enabling faster, cheaper, and more transparent digital transfers. This move could help Pi evolve from a community-driven project into a recognized participant in global payments, bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and regulated finance.

**Did you know?** Unlike Bitcoin, Pi Network doesn’t consume large amounts of electricity or require specialized hardware. Users “mine” coins simply by tapping a button, making it one of the largest social crypto experiments in history.

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### How Pi Network Compares with XRP Ledger and Stellar Network

Ripple’s XRP Ledger and the Stellar Network are well-established blockchain systems designed for cross-border payments and financial integration.

– **XRP Ledger** enables fast, institutional-grade remittance solutions with near-instant settlement for banks and payment providers.
– **Stellar Network** focuses on financial inclusion, offering low-cost transfers and increased banking access to underserved communities.

Both networks are compatible with the ISO 20022 standard. The XRP Ledger supports compliant messaging formats through Ripple’s enterprise solutions, while Stellar’s design aligns with standardized financial communication, making it interoperable with ISO-based systems.

Pi Network differentiates itself through its strategic alignment with the ISO 20022 transition and its focus on emerging markets. Its strengths include accessibility and broad community reach, but it currently lacks the institutional partnerships, liquidity, and proven track record of the XRP Ledger and the Stellar Network.

The critical challenge for Pi Network is to move beyond replication and build the trust, adoption, and robust ecosystem needed to compete with these established players in global payments.

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### Opportunities and Challenges for Pi Network

Pi Network is at a pivotal moment as it prepares for its ISO 20022 upgrade, presenting both major opportunities and potential risks.

Its mobile-first approach and base of more than 50 million app downloads position it well to promote financial inclusion across regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America—where access to banking remains limited in many areas.

The global shift to ISO 20022 by November 2025 offers Pi Network a timely opportunity to integrate with international systems and expand into cross-border payments and digital remittances.

However, Pi Network faces several key challenges:

– Building institutional trust
– Meeting regulatory and compliance requirements
– Ensuring sufficient liquidity within its token economy

The success of its mainnet launch, DEX performance, and merchant adoption will be crucial in establishing long-term credibility.

Potential applications include remittances, merchant payments, and future partnerships with governments or fintech firms. While ISO 20022 alignment opens new possibilities, Pi Network’s global success ultimately depends on achieving sustained, real-world adoption beyond the upgrade itself.

**Did you know?** XRP (XRP) transactions on the XRP Ledger typically settle in 3 to 5 seconds, compared with many traditional bank transfers, which may take hours or even days for cross-border payments—marking a significant improvement in global payment efficiency.

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### Benchmarks and Three Scenarios for Pi Network’s Global Payments Future

Pi Network’s path to global relevance will depend on turning technical ambition into measurable adoption. To do this, it must meet the same credibility benchmarks that define Ripple’s XRP Ledger and the Stellar Network.

Key benchmarks include:

– Building partnerships with banks and financial institutions
– Achieving meaningful cross-border transaction volumes
– Securing visible adoption by merchants or government entities
– Maintaining robust token liquidity
– Fostering active participation in its DEX and a thriving app ecosystem

Currently, key metrics to monitor are announcements of bank or fintech integrations, progress on mainnet activation and open-market trading, and adoption in emerging-market remittance corridors. These developments will reveal whether Pi can evolve from potential to proven performance.

**Three Possible Scenarios for Pi Network:**

1. **Best Case:** Pi Network becomes a third major ISO 20022-aligned payment network alongside the XRP Ledger and the Stellar Network.
2. **Moderate Case:** Pi Network establishes a significant niche in developing-economy remittances but does not reach the institutional scale of the XRP Ledger or the Stellar Network.
3. **Worst Case:** Technical, regulatory, or ecosystem-adoption challenges prevent Pi Network from achieving meaningful cross-border scale.

**Did you know?** Stellar was founded by Jed McCaleb, Ripple’s co-founder, with a mission to promote financial inclusion. It has been used by the UN to deliver aid payments to Ukraine, serving as a real-world example of crypto’s humanitarian potential.

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By adopting ISO 20022, Pi Network aims to position itself as a forward-thinking player in the evolving global payments landscape—one that bridges digital currency and traditional finance while promoting greater inclusion worldwide.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/can-pi-networks-iso-20022-move-catch-up-to-xrp-and-stellar/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=can-pi-networks-iso-20022-move-catch-up-to-xrp-and-stellar

Boston Celtics Injury Report: Concerns Linger for Jaylen Brown With Multiple Players Listed vs. Cavaliers (Oct. 29)

The Boston Celtics are set to renew their rivalry against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday in what promises to be a marquee matchup.

Ahead of the game, the Celtics have released their latest injury report. Both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are listed as questionable, adding an element of uncertainty to the lineup.

Fans will be closely watching for updates on these key players as the game approaches. Stay tuned for more information on their status leading up to tip-off.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-boston-celtics-injury-report-concerns-linger-jaylen-brown-with-multiple-players-listed-vs-cavaliers-oct-29

How Dad Reacts to Toddler Cutting Her Own Hair in ‘The Most Hilarious Way’

Once the toddlers are tucked up in bed, parents can finally relax. Right? Wrong.

Amanda Hawkins, 32, shared a now-viral moment with Newsweek when her daughter Juniper decided against going to sleep and chose to play hairdresser instead. The mom-of-eight initially thought Juniper, then 3, had fallen asleep as it was “quiet” in her room. But she went to check on her anyway.

“That’s when I discovered she had seriously hacked her hair,” Hawkins, from California, said.

Juniper had chopped off her golden-blonde locks—once past her shoulders—into a short bob at the front with uneven chunks missing from her fringe. The back was left longer with makeshift layers.

The grand reveal was recently posted on TikTok by Juniper’s aunt Holly (@hollymellissamae), who captioned it: “The one time my niece cut her hair in the most hilarious way.” The clip has since earned over 3 million views.

The footage shows Juniper wearing a brown dress and looking glum while her sisters giggle around her. One sibling suggests a wig, while her dad, Patrick Hawkins, 36, can be seen picking her up and lovingly saying, “She still looks beautiful.”

Amanda told Newsweek, “I was happy, though not surprised, by how gracious my husband was with her. He is always so sweet with our daughters and naturally responds so well when things happen.”

She added, “There may have been some minor incidents with scissors before, but this one by far takes the cake. I was mostly just sad because that same day I was admiring how long and beautiful her hair had gotten while she was spinning on our outdoor swing.”

### What to Do if Your Child Cuts Their Own Hair

Newsweek consulted parenting expert Ana Aznar for insight. She explained several reasons why toddlers might cut their own hair:

– **Experimentation:** “Preschoolers are little scientists, constantly investigating cause and effect—for example, ‘What happens if I cut my hair?’, ‘How would I look?’, or ‘How would my mom react?’”
– **Independence:** “This little girl could also have been asserting her independence.”
– **Pretend play:** “She may have been role-playing as a hairdresser until she realized it wasn’t actually pretend!”

London-based Aznar, founder of REC Parenting—an online platform supporting parents and caregivers—advised parents to avoid overreacting.

“Calmly explain that it is not OK for them to cut their hair. Then explain that scissors are to cut paper, string, cardboard, but not hair. It may also be a good idea to secure scissors for the time being!” she recommended.

### Lesson Learned

Now, two years on, Juniper’s hair still hasn’t grown as long as it used to be. Hawkins, a homemaker, shared, “She has definitely learned her lesson, and this has just become a funny memory captured on camera for our family.”

The moment has become a hysterical hit online too. Since it was posted on October 24, the clip has racked up over 325,000 likes, along with countless comments praising her dad’s response instead of focusing on the haircut.

One user wrote, “I have never understood parents getting SO upset about kids cutting their hair. It’s hair. They’re experimenting, and it will grow back. A hug and some nice affirmations, like Daddy did, are all that’s needed.”

Another commented, “Her father was so loving—he said the perfect words, exactly what she needed to hear.”
https://www.newsweek.com/how-dad-reacts-toddler-cutting-hair-10956536

5 WWE women who will likely become Champions before the end of 2025

The WWE women’s division has been red-hot lately, capturing the attention of fans everywhere. Several intriguing feuds and storylines are currently brewing on the main roster, adding new layers of excitement to the competition.

With dynamic rivalries unfolding week after week, the women’s division continues to showcase some of the most compelling action in WWE today. Fans can look forward to intense matches and surprising developments as these storylines progress.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-women-will-likely-become-champions-end-2025

Electronic Arts (EA) won’t post earnings results or host conference calls pending leveraged buyout

Electronic Arts (EA) is currently undergoing a significant acquisition, and as a result, the company will not be hosting earnings results for the time being. The ongoing leveraged buyout has effectively put a halt to conference calls and insights into EA’s quarterly performance.

Shacknews confirmed with Monica Roldan, Program Manager and Executive Assistant at Electronic Arts (EA) Investor Relations, that the company will not be posting earnings results or hosting conference calls due to the pending leveraged buyout. Investors and consumers had been eagerly awaiting the Q2 FY26 earnings results, but those updates will be delayed amidst the acquisition process.

EA recently announced a $55 billion sale involving Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. This leveraged buyout is set to be an all-cash transaction, promising to return $210 per share to the company’s stockholders.

However, the deal has not been met with universal approval. Worker unions and several U.S. senators have expressed concerns and pushed back against the acquisition. Their apprehension centers around fears that some studios under EA may be labeled as “less profitable,” despite these studios playing a crucial role in shaping EA’s reputation and contributing significantly to its success.

As the acquisition progresses, more details and updates are expected, but for now, EA’s earnings disclosures remain on hold.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146563/electronic-arts-ea-wont-post-earnings-results

Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux set to face major AEW stars after WWE exit

Karrion Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux are former WWE stars who showed immense potential as a duo. Their unique chemistry and captivating presence made them stand out in the wrestling world.

Despite their talent, many fans and critics feel that Triple H did not book them to their full potential. The creative direction for Kross and Bordeaux fell short of expectations, limiting the impact they could have had during their time in WWE.

As a result, this promising pairing left fans wondering what could have been if given better opportunities and storytelling.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-karrion-kross-scarlett-bordeaux-set-face-major-aew-stars-wwe-exit

10 college degrees with the best return on investment

From Engineering and Tech to Finance and Data Science: 10 College Majors with High ROI in 2025

Choosing the right college major is a critical decision that can significantly impact your future earnings and career opportunities. As we move through 2025, certain fields continue to stand out for delivering a high return on investment (ROI), combining strong salary potential with growing job demand.

From engineering and technology to finance and data science, here are 10 college majors that offer some of the best ROI this year:

Engineering: Various disciplines such as electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering remain in high demand, offering lucrative salaries and diverse career paths.
Computer Science and Information Technology: With the tech industry booming, majors in computer science and IT provide excellent job security and high earning potential.
Data Science and Analytics: As businesses increasingly rely on big data, specialists in data science are crucial for extracting insights and driving decision-making.
Finance and Accounting: Strong fundamentals in finance open doors to roles in investment banking, corporate finance, and financial planning.
Healthcare and Nursing: Healthcare professions continue to grow, offering rewarding careers and excellent salary prospects.
Information Systems and Cybersecurity: With the rise in cyber threats, cybersecurity experts and information systems professionals are highly sought after.
Mathematics and Statistics: These majors provide a solid foundation for careers in research, analytics, and financial modeling.
Marketing and Business Analytics: Combining creativity with data-driven strategies, this field is pivotal for companies looking to grow their market presence.
Economics: Economics majors develop analytical and critical thinking skills that are valuable in various sectors including policy, business, and finance.
Environmental Science and Engineering: Growing concerns over sustainability make this an increasingly relevant and rewarding field.

When selecting a major, consider not only potential earnings but also your interests and strengths. High ROI majors in 2025 offer a combination of financial benefits and the opportunity to engage in dynamic, impactful work.

https://qz.com/college-degrees-highest-best-return-on-investment

Escape from Duckov: How to get and use gems

Gems in Escape from Duckov: A Comprehensive Guide

Gems in Escape from Duckov introduce an additional layer to the game’s loot and weapon systems. They possess the real ability to enhance your close-combat weapons and can provide significant advantages during fights if used correctly. However, gems are uncommon to find and come at a high cost. Learning their locations and the proper methods to use them becomes essential for maximizing their potential.

Note: This article is a work in progress. More information will be added later.

How to Get Gems in Escape from Duckov

Gems are rare but can be found if you know where to look. During scavenging runs, you might occasionally spot gems as high-value loot drops, especially in secure or high-risk areas. It’s worthwhile to check every chest, crate, and enemy drop carefully, since the game does not give them out generously.

A more reliable way to obtain gems is through the Black Market Contact located inside your hideout. This NPC sells some of the rarer gems, including the coveted Gold Badge, but be prepared to spend a significant amount of in-game currency. If you’re saving up for a special upgrade, the Black Market is one of the few consistent methods to acquire specific gems without relying solely on luck.

How to Use Gems in Escape from Duckov

Gems can be slotted into melee weapons that have modification slots. Not every weapon supports gems, but weapons like the Goose Axe do. To equip a gem, simply drag and drop it onto a melee weapon with an open gem slot.

Once equipped, the gem provides a direct stat boost, transforming an ordinary melee weapon into a powerful backup tool — or even a main weapon if you prefer close combat.

What Do Gem Effects Do?

Each gem offers unique bonuses, but the Gold Badge stands out as one of the most powerful. Equipping the Gold Badge boosts your melee damage by 10%, increases your critical hit chance by 10%, and adds a 100% bleed effect to your attacks. This bleed effect can quickly tear through tougher enemies if you consistently land hits.

Given how strong these boosts are, it’s wise to keep a gem-equipped melee weapon handy for emergencies. Even if you mainly rely on guns, a powered-up melee weapon can be a lifesaver when you run out of ammo or when enemies close in too quickly.

More Game Guides You May Like

https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/escape-duckov-how-get-use-gems

Stop using Facebook for public announcements | Letter

This letter is a plea to local communities and businesses to stop using the corporate, for-profit information-gathering platform, Facebook, as their sole means of announcing local events.

I do not want to visit a town’s website only to be redirected to Facebook for further information about local recreation or entertainment opportunities. Relying exclusively on Facebook limits accessibility and excludes those who do not use the platform or prefer not to share their information with it.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/29/stop-using-facebook-for-public-announcements-letter/