Crypto News Today Heats Up as Binance Makes $100M Circle Move and XRP Surges 6%

Binance has paid $100 million for a stake in Circle, the company behind USDC, marking a major bet on dollar coins even as BNB trades about 42% below its record level. The deal reportedly closed on September 17 and was disclosed by CoinDesk on September 22. Binance bought roughly 1.24 million Circle shares at $80.84 each and entered a five-year agreement that will drive USDC distribution across Binance’s platform. Circle pays Binance a monthly fee linked to USDC held there, and Binance is barred from selling the shares for two years. The article then shifts to presale Pepeto, claiming a no-swap-fee trading venue and a staking pool at 162% APY. It also notes BNB around $764.14 and XRP up 6% to just above $1.62, citing falling oil and a Congressional Bitcoin reserve bill as part of the backdrop.