Bitcoin News Today: GalaxyOne Challenges Banks with 8% Yields and Crypto-Stocks Integration

Galaxy Digital Inc. (NASDAQ: GLXY) (TSX: GLXY) has launched GalaxyOne, a financial technology platform designed to provide U.S.-based individual investors with access to high-yield fiat cash products, cryptocurrency trading, and U.S. equities brokerage services in a single digital ecosystem. The platform, available via iOS and Android apps and online, introduces four core offerings: Galaxy Premium Yield, GalaxyOne Cash, GalaxyOne Crypto, and GalaxyOne Brokerage. Accredited investors can earn up to 8.00% annual percentage yield (APY) through Galaxy Premium Yield, while all investors can access 4.00% APY on cash deposits via GalaxyOne Cash, which is FDIC-insured up to $250,000 through Cross River Bank [1]. The platform also enables trading of major cryptocurrencies like bitcoin (BTC), ethereum (ETH), and solana (SOL), alongside commission-free access to over 2,000 U.S. stocks and ETFs [2].

The launch of GalaxyOne reflects Galaxy Digital's strategic pivot to expand its services beyond institutional clients to individual investors. The platform was originally developed under the name Fierce, which Galaxy acquired in 2024 for $12.5 million. Zac Prince, Managing Director of GalaxyOne, emphasized that the platform addresses evolving investor expectations for "more yield, easier access from a single platform, and opportunities beyond traditional boundaries" [3]. GalaxyOne's infrastructure leverages the firm's institutional-grade security and risk management expertise, positioning it as a competitor to platforms like Robinhood and Kraken. The platform's focus on high-yield cash products aligns with broader market trends, as investors seek alternatives to low-interest traditional banking products [1].

Galaxy Premium Yield, exclusive to accredited investors, is structured as an investment note issued by Galaxy Digital LP, with a minimum investment of $25,000 and a cap of $1 million per investor. The yield is generated through Galaxy's institutional lending business, which has operated since 2018. While the 8.00% APY is effective as of September 23, 2025, the company noted it may adjust the rate with 30 days' notice. In contrast, GalaxyOne Cash offers a more accessible option for all investors, with interest accruing daily and paid monthly into the user's account [1]. The platform's brokerage services include fractional share trading and a stock-lending program, further diversifying income-generation opportunities for users [3].

The launch of GalaxyOne underscores Galaxy Digital's ambition to become a "full-spectrum financial services provider" serving all market segments. Mike Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Galaxy, highlighted that the platform extends the firm's institutional infrastructure to individual investors, reinforcing its mission to deliver "regulated, accessible products" [1]. The platform's integration of crypto and traditional assets reflects growing demand for hybrid investment strategies, particularly as yield-bearing stablecoins face regulatory hurdles. While GalaxyOne does not currently support stablecoin yields due to the U.S. GENIUS Act, analysts anticipate continued innovation in this space despite industry challenges [2].

GalaxyOne's competitive positioning is further strengthened by its leadership team, including Rob Cornish, former CEO of Fierce, who now serves as Chief Technology Officer. The platform's development team and institutional-grade oversight aim to differentiate it in a crowded market. With a total investment cap of $250 million for Galaxy Premium Yield and a focus on institutional-grade risk management, GalaxyOne targets accredited investors seeking higher returns while maintaining accessibility for a broader audience through its cash and brokerage offerings [1]. The platform's launch coincides with a surge in demand for yield-generating assets, as evidenced by record inflows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in recent months [2].

The press release attributes the platform's design to a strategic alignment with market dynamics. As institutional and retail investors increasingly seek diversified, high-yield opportunities, GalaxyOne's integration of crypto and traditional markets positions it to capture a segment of the $254 billion digital asset investment market [2]. The firm's emphasis on FDIC-insured cash deposits and institutional-grade custody practices addresses key concerns about security and regulatory compliance, which remain critical for mainstream adoption. By combining yield generation with trading capabilities, GalaxyOne aims to redefine the financial services landscape for individual investors [3].