Latest news with #MaximilianCrown


Arabian Post
25-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
TON to Discontinue Toncoin Bridge to Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain on May 10
The Open Network has announced that its Toncoin Bridge, facilitating transfers between the TON blockchain and Ethereum and BNB Smart Chain , will be permanently shut down on May 10, 2025. Post this date, users will no longer be able to bridge Toncoin from TON to these networks. However, assets already bridged will remain claimable. Bridging into TON will still be available temporarily, with a separate end date to be announced. The Toncoin Bridge has been a pivotal component in TON's cross-chain interoperability, enabling users to transfer assets between the TON blockchain and Ethereum and BSC. Its discontinuation marks a significant shift in TON's approach to cross-chain interactions. In anticipation of the bridge's shutdown, TON has been promoting alternative bridging solutions. These include platforms like Symbiosis, Layerswap, Rubic, and Retro Bridge, which offer support for a wide range of networks beyond Ethereum and BSC. These alternatives aim to provide users with continued access to cross-chain functionalities, albeit through different channels. The decision to discontinue the Toncoin Bridge comes amid broader strategic changes within the TON ecosystem. The TON Foundation recently appointed Maximilian Crown, co-founder of MoonPay, as its new CEO. This leadership change follows a $400 million investment from global venture capital firms, signaling a renewed focus on scaling blockchain adoption and integrating with Telegram's extensive user base. Market reactions to these developments have been measured. As of April 25, 2025, Toncoin is trading at approximately $3.25, with a market capitalization of around $8.15 billion. While this reflects a decline from its all-time high of $8.27 in 2024, the cryptocurrency has shown resilience amid the evolving landscape. Price Prediction 2025 – 2030 – 99Bitcoins) Arabian Post – Crypto News Network
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TON Foundation Appoints MoonPay Co-Founder as CEO After 46% Token Drop and 400 Million Investment Boost
The TON Foundation has appointed Maximilian Crown, co-founder of MoonPay, as its new CEO, following a period of slowed activity on its blockchain. Crown's appointment comes shortly after the foundation named Manuel Stotz as president of the board earlier this year. The foundation, which oversees the development of the Telegram-linked TON blockchain, has experienced a slowdown in daily fees and transaction volumes, despite a sharp increase in its user base. According to TonStat data, while the number of active users has surged from 4 million to 41 million over the past year, activity on the chain has not kept pace. Toncoin, the network's native token, has also dropped 46% in value during the same period. Crown, who will remain on MoonPay's board, previously served as CFO and COO of the crypto infrastructure provider. In those roles, he handled finance and operations while building links with banks, payment companies, and regulators. The TON Foundation credited him with helping scale MoonPay into one of the world's largest crypto payments platforms and establishing it as a trusted name in fintech. The TON ecosystem experienced a temporary boost in activity last year due to Telegram-based mini apps and games such as Notcoin and Hamster Kombat. However, that momentum has since slowed. The foundation, nonetheless, claims 121 million unique holders of Toncoin and maintains a long-term growth strategy that includes bringing 30% of Telegram's user base—estimated at over 1 billion people—onto the blockchain by 2028. Crown described TON's integration with Telegram as a strategic advantage. 'TON's speed, scalability, and exclusive integration with Telegram set it apart in the blockchain space. With access to over 1 billion Telegram users, TON has a unique opportunity to expand its ecosystem globally and redefine how blockchain technology is adopted at scale,' he said. In February, former TON president Steve Yun launched a $100 million fund called TVM Ventures, targeting startups within the TON ecosystem. Yun expressed confidence in TON's future role in the stablecoin sector, predicting it would capture a significant market share in the coming years. Meanwhile, investor interest in the project remains strong. Just last month, several major venture capital firms, including Sequoia Capital, Ribbit, Benchmark, and Kingsway, collectively invested more than $400 million into Toncoin through direct token purchases. The leadership changes and influx of capital signal a recalibration at the foundation as it seeks to reignite momentum and scale its blockchain infrastructure in partnership with Telegram's extensive user network.


Arabian Post
24-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Maximilian Crown Takes Helm at TON Foundation Amid Strategic Expansion
Maximilian Crown, co-founder of MoonPay, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the TON Foundation, marking a significant leadership transition for the organisation. Crown, who previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at MoonPay, will continue to hold a board position at the fintech firm while steering the TON Foundation's strategic direction. The TON Foundation, originally developed by Telegram and now operating independently, aims to advance the adoption of The Open Network blockchain. Crown's appointment is viewed as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience in financial technology and regulatory compliance to bolster the foundation's growth and integration within the global financial ecosystem. Crown's tenure at MoonPay, a company he co-founded in 2019, has been marked by significant achievements, including expanding the platform's services to over 160 countries and facilitating the transfer of $2 billion in cryptocurrency. Under his leadership, MoonPay achieved a valuation of $3.4 billion and developed partnerships with major payment providers such as Mastercard, enhancing its capabilities in the NFT space through the launch of the HyperMint platform. The TON Foundation's decision to appoint Crown reflects its commitment to strengthening its position in the blockchain industry by integrating traditional financial systems with decentralized technologies. Crown's expertise in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and building robust financial infrastructures is expected to be instrumental in achieving the foundation's objectives. The Open Network, known for its scalability and efficiency, has been gaining traction as a viable blockchain solution for various applications, including decentralized finance and digital identity verification. Crown's leadership is anticipated to accelerate the development and adoption of TON-based solutions, fostering greater collaboration between the blockchain community and traditional financial institutions. Industry analysts suggest that Crown's dual role at MoonPay and the TON Foundation could facilitate synergies between the two entities, potentially leading to innovative payment solutions that bridge the gap between fiat and digital currencies. Such integration could enhance user accessibility and drive broader adoption of blockchain technologies in everyday financial transactions. Crown's appointment comes at a time when the blockchain industry is experiencing increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. His proven track record in ensuring compliance and fostering transparent operations positions the TON Foundation to navigate these challenges effectively. Furthermore, his leadership is expected to instill confidence among stakeholders and attract strategic partnerships that align with the foundation's mission. Arabian Post – Crypto News Network