Despite a wave of optimism in mainstream financial markets following Nvidia’s robust earnings report and bullish forward guidance, the cryptocurrency market has charted a markedly different course. While the S&P 500, NASDAQ, and Dow Jones posted modest but clear gains, crypto traders navigated a landscape of institutional retreat, forced deleveraging, and growing scepticism around altcoin fundamentals.

The disconnect between AI-driven equity euphoria and crypto caution underscores a critical juncture. As traditional markets celebrate the next phase of artificial intelligence integration, digital asset markets confront a confluence of macro headwinds and structural vulnerabilities.

Crypto’s recent underperformance lies in a record-breaking institutional outflow. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust recorded a single-day withdrawal of US$523 million, the largest since its January 2024 debut. This outflow did not occur in isolation. US spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively shed US$1.3 billion in assets under management over the past week, a direct response to diminishing hopes for a December Federal Reserve rate cut.

Also Read: Celebrating innovation and momentum across Asia’s startup and SME ecosystem

Market participants now assign only a 27 per cent probability to such a move, a sharp reversal from the more dovish expectations held just weeks prior. For a market increasingly tethered to traditional financial sentiment, with crypto-equity correlations hovering near 0.65, the withdrawal of institutional capital has stripped away a critical support layer. When institutions step back, retail traders rarely fill the void with sufficient conviction, especially in volatile environments.

Compounding this institutional caution is a cascade of leveraged liquidations. Over US$127 million in Bitcoin long positions were forcibly closed in a short window, intensifying downward price pressure as Bitcoin dipped below the psychologically significant US$90,000 mark. This deleveraging occurred against a backdrop of rising open interest in crypto derivatives, which climbed 10.4 per cent to US$889 billion, suggesting that many new positions were opened on borrowed capital.

When volatility spikes or sentiment shifts, such positions become vulnerable. The result is a feedback loop. Price drops trigger margin calls, which force more selling, which pushes prices lower still. The market’s emotional state reflects this stress. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index plummeted to 15, entering the Extreme Fear zone, the lowest reading since March 2025. Technical indicators like the RSI14 at 37.95 signal oversold conditions, but they provide no clear reversal signal, leaving traders in a state of anxious limbo.

Altcoins have fared even worse, revealing the fragility of speculative narratives when liquidity dries up. Solana, once heralded as a high-throughput alternative to Ethereum, plunged 11.47 per cent over the week after Forward Industries, its largest corporate holder, transferred US$201 million worth of SOL to Coinbase Prime. Such large movements of tokens to exchange wallets are often interpreted as preludes to selling, igniting panic among retail holders. BNB and XRP mirrored these losses, declining 4.81 per cent and 12.14 per cent, respectively.

The Altcoin Season Index now stands at 27, well below the 75 threshold that typically signals a broad-based rally in alternative cryptocurrencies. This metric confirms what price action already suggests. It is firmly Bitcoin’s market, and even Bitcoin is struggling to hold ground.

Meanwhile, the macroeconomic backdrop offers little comfort. US Treasury yields remain elevated, with the 10-year at 4.14 per cent and the 2-year at 3.59 per cent. Fed officials have openly pushed back against rate-cut expectations, and the delay in key US jobs data further clouds the policy outlook.

Also Read: Crypto crashes 13 per cent as Fed rate cut hopes fade, S&P 500 correlation hits 0.95

In foreign exchange markets, the US dollar remains firm, while the Japanese yen hovers near 157.2, perilously close to levels that could trigger government intervention. Gold, often a refuge in uncertain times, holds just above US$4,000, reflecting a mixed risk environment where some investors hedge while others chase AI-linked equities.

The divergence between traditional tech and crypto markets raises a fundamental question. Is AI optimism truly a rising tide that lifts all boats, or does it primarily benefit assets with deep institutional integration and clear cash flow narratives? Nvidia’s forecast, projecting US$203 billion in annual revenue, speaks to tangible, near-term AI infrastructure demand.

Its chips power the data centres that train large language models and run inference workloads. Bitcoin and Solana, by contrast, offer no earnings, no dividends, and uncertain regulatory pathways. In a regime of higher-for-longer rates, such assets become less attractive relative to yield-bearing instruments or equities with demonstrable growth.

For investors, the path forward demands discipline. In equities, tech exposure remains compelling but warrants selectivity. In crypto, the current environment favours caution. Traders should monitor Bitcoin ETF flows closely. A reversal from outflows to inflows could signal renewed institutional appetite, especially if softer jobs data revives rate-cut hopes.

Similarly, sustained negative funding rates in perpetual futures markets might indicate capitulation and a potential short-term bottom. Until then, the market’s Extreme Fear reading is not just a metric. It is a warning. The AI boom may be real, but its benefits are not yet flowing into digital asset markets. Instead, crypto finds itself caught in a perfect storm of macro uncertainty, institutional hesitation, and speculative excess unwinding. The rally elsewhere is a reminder of what crypto could be, but not what it is today.

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Beyond the headlines and hype cycles, a quieter kind of innovation is shaping the Philippines—one anchored in workflow automation, supply-chain transparency, inclusive commerce, and AI-enabled services. In Part 2 of our series, we highlight 15 more startups whose products reflect that shift: grounded, operational, and built for the everyday realities of Filipino consumers and businesses.

Here is the second set of 15 Philippine startups that are redefining local innovation. Generate a headline and intro to tie the listicle together:

Expedock

Expedock provides AI-driven automation for freight forwarders, digitising manual paperwork with high accuracy to speed up global cargo processing. Its system processes logistics documents for container movements and integrates data across platforms to reduce operational bottlenecks. The company is built by a team with AI and logistics backgrounds and works with international supply chain players.

Expedock is backed by investors, including Insight Partners, Neo and Pear, and Ali Partovi, who had previously backed notable startups including Airbnb, Dropbox and Facebook.

, an Artificial Intelligence startup working with supply chain companies, has secured US$13.5 million in Series A funding led by

The round also saw participation from existing investors

Also Read: Beyond the buzz: 15 ground-level startups solving real problems in the Philippines (Part 1)

SariSuki

SariSuki operates a community group buying model that lets neighbourhood “Ka-Sari” leaders sell fresh groceries at accessible prices. Launched during the pandemic, it enables local sellers to consolidate orders and distribute goods within their communities, offering a lower-cost alternative to traditional retail channels.

The social commerce startup counts among its investors, including Openspace Ventures, SIG, Global Founders Capital, Saison Capital, JG Digital Equity Ventures, and Foxmont Capital Partners.

ZipMatch

ZipMatch is a real estate platform designed to help homebuyers make informed decisions through curated listings, educational content, and access to homebuying consultants. Beyond property search, it offers guides, tips, and financing support to streamline the complex home acquisition process in the Philippines.

Monk’s Hill Ventures and 500 Startups are among ZipMatch’s investors.

MedGrocer

MedGrocer offers online medicine ordering and doorstep delivery through its FDA-licensed pharmacy, WellBridge Health. Simplifying the purchase process and reducing overhead provides a more efficient alternative to traditional drugstores while ensuring access to trusted medications.

Agro-DigitalPH

Agro-DigitalPH works to increase farmers’ incomes by digitising agricultural value chains. Its platform emphasises transparency and collaboration across stakeholders to address systemic inequities and improve food security. The company aims to integrate hundreds of thousands of small producers into more efficient, tech-enabled markets.

EDGE Tutor International

EDGE Tutor supplies global education companies with trained Filipino educators through its online tutoring outsourcing model. Operating across multiple regions, it offers scalable, white-labeled K–12 and adult English and math tutoring. A selective hiring process ensures consistent instructional quality.

MedCheck

MedCheck provides real-world clinical data and maintains disease registries for conditions like cancer and diabetes. With access to over a million medical records, it supports decentralised clinical research and helps position the Philippines as a competitive site for global trials.

Also Read: Beyond resilience: A call to action for a climate-proof Philippines to the tech ecosystem

Parlon

Parlon is a beauty services platform that aggregates salon and wellness deals, allowing users to book and pay across its large partner network. It also equips merchants with booking, payments, and operations tools, including its BSP-licensed Parlon Pay system. The platform is expanding regionally.

Parlon is funded by WIP Global Ventures and A2D Ventures, among other investors.

Tenext.ai

Tenext.ai develops an AI customer experience platform that unifies voice, chat, email agents, and an agent copilot. It provides context-aware support across channels for sectors such as finance, logistics, and government, with a focus on multilingual capabilities and enterprise compliance.

Serbiz

Serbiz is an AI-enabled gig marketplace where users can either earn from micro-jobs or outsource tasks. The platform recommends work opportunities based on local demand and uses dual AI models to match users, support skills discovery, and enable income progression.

Britana

Britana offers a customisable ERP system designed to be affordable and quickly deployable. Its no-code configuration tools let businesses adapt workflows without heavy development work, enabling faster implementations compared to traditional enterprise software.

ChatGenie

ChatGenie offers an AI-powered customer support platform designed around a multi-agent framework, aiming to minimise errors and ensure safe, accurate responses. Its specialised agents handle intent detection, content filtering, response generation, and oversight to deliver more reliable automated support.

Sprout Solutions

Sprout Solutions delivers HR and payroll software tailored for Philippine companies. Its platform automates timekeeping, attendance, payroll processing, and compliance—replacing manual systems with biometrics and data-driven workflows to reduce administrative load.

Sprout Solutions is backed by VC Kickstart Ventures, Wavemaker Partners, and Beenext.

MAYANI

MAYANI runs a B2B agriculture supply chain platform that links smallholder farmers and fisherfolk to institutional buyers. It supports producers by providing access to markets, farm inputs, and financing, with a focus on enhancing rural livelihoods and climate resilience.

In July this year, Mayani secured a philanthropic grant from HSBC Philippines.

Also Read: What Echelon Philippines taught me about building real moats in 2025

1Export

1Export helps Philippine MSMEs enter global markets by assisting with compliance, documentation, labelling, logistics, and order facilitation. It matches local products with international demand and supports businesses in meeting export standards across key markets, including the US, the Middle East, and Asia.

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Singapore’s cryptocurrency market has progressed beyond niche participation and is becoming an integral part of retail finance, according to a new report.

The report, which surveyed 3,513 active retail investors and members of the wider crypto-curious public in Singapore between 15 and 19 August 2025, found that 61 per cent of respondents reported holding crypto during the survey period. This level of participation indicates that the market has entered a new phase of maturity.

The Pulse of Crypto — Singapore 2025 survey report was jointly published by MoneyHero Limited and Coinbase Global.

Also Read: US$2.36 trillion: Asia Pacific becomes crypto’s growth engine

Key findings detail a measured and cautious approach among Singaporean crypto users:

• The average self-reported portfolio allocation to crypto was modest, ranging from six to 12 per cent.
• A strong “HODL bias” persists, with 58 per cent of respondents identifying as “long-term holders,” significantly outweighing the 22 per cent identified as “active traders”. (HODL refers to the practice of holding onto assets despite market volatility.)
• Furthermore, 42 per cent of holders reported being invested for more than two years.

Trust factors dominate exchange selection

The data shows that trust has become the primary factor for users when selecting exchanges, underlining the importance of regulated, onshore platforms for Singapore-based users. Trust ranked highest at 65 per cent, while fees, which traditionally might be expected to drive platform choice, followed at 42 per cent.

While the report confirms expanded participation and cautious allocations, it also highlights vulnerabilities, including education gaps, concerns about volatility, and reliance on social media. The survey found that most respondents learned about cryptocurrency through social media (62 per cent), highlighting accessibility alongside a notable risk of misinformation.

To support responsible development, the report outlines three critical priorities for Singapore’s financial and crypto ecosystem:

1. Education: Implement targeted initiatives to close knowledge gaps and reduce reliance on social media, including balanced content on risks, fees, and product features.
2. Trust: Platforms must emphasise security, transparency, and compliance with applicable regulations to reinforce consumer confidence.
3. Growth: Focus should shift towards inclusive access, diversified participation, and responsible, long-term allocation consistent with individual risk tolerance and regulatory compliance.

MoneyHero Limited operates as a leading tech- and AI-powered personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider, across the Greater Southeast Asia region. Its brand portfolios include SingSaver, Moneymax, and Seedly.

Also Read: Crypto’s crossroads: Tracking the surge in thefts, hacks, and violence

Coinbase is dedicated to promoting economic freedom by offering a secure platform for interacting with cryptocurrency assets.

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For many midlifers, the thought of making videos or presenting online comes with extra stress. It is not the speaking part that worries us. It is the preparation. Choosing clothes, getting the lighting right, touching up hair or makeup—sometimes that takes more time than the presentation itself.

Younger creators may find this fun. But for us, it often feels exhausting. Does every idea really need a full photo shoot and wardrobe change?

Enter AI generation

AI now makes it possible to create a “prettier” or “smarter dressed” version of yourself. With just a few tools, you can generate an avatar that looks like you, clone your voice so it speaks in your tone, and even dress your digital self in sharp professional outfits you don’t actually own.

It is not about faking who you are. It is about saving time, money, and energy. Why spend hundreds on new clothes for one video when AI can give you a polished look at the click of a button?

And let’s be honest. Your AI avatar never complains about bad hair days, wrinkled shirts, or unflattering camera angles.

More than vanity

This is not just vanity. It is about storytelling. Imagine presenting an idea where your AI avatar stands in front of a sleek stage background, speaking in your cloned voice, while animated visuals play behind you. Or turning your story into a short music video that brings energy and flair.

It is fun, it is creative, and it helps you share ideas in ways that catch attention. And yes, sometimes it is simply enjoyable to see your “digital twin” deliver the lines while you sit comfortably in your pajamas. I once tested an AI avatar in a crisp blazer and polished stage lighting while I was sitting at home in my old T-shirt. The result made me laugh, but it also made me realise how powerful and practical these tools can be.

Also Read: Beyond the inbox: How SEA startups can drive growth with AI-powered communication

Why it matters for midlifers

For midlifers, this is a game changer. No more worrying about “dolling up” for every online presentation. No more stressing over expensive photo shoots or feeling camera shy. AI can do the heavy lifting so you can focus on your message.

Instead of being held back by appearances, you can lean into creativity. Use AI to generate music, add animation, or experiment with storytelling formats you never thought possible.

A new world of storytelling

We are stepping into a new world where presentation, storytelling, and creativity can all be enhanced by AI. It does not replace your real self. It clears away the surface stress so your story, your voice, and your ideas shine through.

And this matters for the future of work. As more midlifers reinvent themselves in second careers, speaking, teaching, and content creation will become key. AI avatars and voice tools make sure you are not left behind. They make it easier to keep showing up, even when the mirror tells you otherwise.

Closing thought

So if you have ever hesitated to share your story because you did not feel “camera ready,” remember this. AI is ready for you. It can polish your look, smooth your voice, and even give you a stage you never had.

And as long as you are willing to try, it can be just as fun.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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