Weekly Crypto and Web3 Highlights: Key Dates from November 18–22

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The week of November 18–22, 2025, brings a wave of pivotal developments across the blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 ecosystems. From major token launches and network upgrades to high-profile legal rulings and innovative NFT collaborations, this period marks a dynamic chapter in digital innovation. Whether you're an investor tracking token unlocks, a developer engaging with Layer 2 ecosystems, or a collector interested in crypto-art, there’s significant momentum building across multiple fronts.

This comprehensive overview highlights essential events by date, offering clarity on economic model releases, exchange listings, staking opportunities, regulatory updates, and more—all while maintaining a clear focus on transparency, user participation, and market evolution.

November 18: Tokenomics Launches and Major Unlock Events

Magic Eden Unveils $ME Token Economic Model

Magic Eden, one of the leading NFT marketplaces, officially launched the economic model for its native token $ME on November 18. This marks a strategic step toward decentralizing governance and enhancing community engagement within its multi-chain ecosystem. The release includes details on token distribution, utility, vesting schedules, and incentives for marketplace contributors and traders.

As part of its long-term vision, Magic Eden aims to empower users through transparent reward mechanisms and on-chain decision-making. The introduction of $ME reflects broader industry trends where platforms transition from centralized operations to community-owned protocols.

👉 Discover how emerging token models are reshaping user incentives in Web3.

Avalanche (AVAX) Token Unlock

A significant token unlock occurred on November 18 at 08:00 UTC+8, with approximately 1.67 million AVAX tokens released into circulation—representing 0.41% of the current circulating supply and valued at around $61.3 million. While the percentage is relatively small, such events can influence short-term price volatility depending on holder behavior and market sentiment.

Investors are advised to monitor post-unlock trading volumes and wallet movements to assess potential selling pressure.

McDonald’s x Doodles: A Cultural Crossover

In a bold fusion of pop culture and Web3, McDonald’s partnered with NFT brand Doodles to launch limited-edition collectible coffee cups across all 13,500 U.S. locations starting November 18. The collaboration features vibrant Doodles-themed designs, blending fast-food accessibility with digital art appreciation.

This move underscores how mainstream brands are leveraging NFT culture not just for marketing, but as a bridge to younger, tech-savvy audiences. It also hints at future integrations between physical products and digital ownership layers.

November 19: Exchange Listings and Network Upgrades

Binance Launches Usual (USUAL) on Launchpool

Binance introduced Usual (USUAL), a decentralized fiat-backed stablecoin project, via its Launchpool platform on November 19. The盘前 trading (pre-market trading) for USUAL/USDT began at 18:00 UTC+8.

With a total supply capped at 4 billion USUAL, the initial circulating supply at listing was 494.6 million (12.37%), including 300 million tokens (7.5%) allocated for Launchpool rewards. Participation eligibility varies by region due to compliance requirements.

BNB Chain Completes BEP2 Network Fusion

At 14:00 UTC+8 on November 19, BNB Chain finalized the fusion of the BEP2 (BNB Beacon Chain) network into its unified architecture. Users were strongly encouraged to withdraw BEP2-based assets before the deadline to avoid technical complications. Post-fusion, BNB operates solely under the BNB Smart Chain framework, streamlining operations and improving cross-chain interoperability.

Bitwise Launches World’s First Aptos Staking ETP

Bitwise Asset Management listed the Bitwise Aptos Staking ETP (APTB) on the Swiss Stock Exchange on November 19—the first exchange-traded product offering exposure to staked Aptos (APT) tokens. Backed by regulatory-compliant infrastructure, this product opens institutional-grade access to Proof-of-Stake yields without requiring direct custody.

November 20: Legal Milestones and Gaming Innovations

Gary Wang Sentencing in FTX Case

On November 20, Gary Wang, co-founder of FTX, faced sentencing after cooperating extensively with U.S. federal prosecutors in the case against Sam Bankman-Fried. Prosecutors praised Wang’s “exceptional assistance,” particularly his development of forensic tools used to detect financial fraud in crypto markets.

Despite limited direct evidence linking him to intentional deception, the ruling holds implications for accountability in high-profile crypto collapses.

FTX Settlement Hearings and Asset Recovery

FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings advanced with settlement hearings involving Evolve Bank and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) on November 20. Under agreed terms:

These recoveries contribute to ongoing efforts to repay creditors and restore trust in failed crypto entities.

Web3 Gaming: MapleStory Universe & XOCIETY Tests

Two notable Web3 games launched new test phases:

These initiatives highlight gaming’s role as a key adoption vector for blockchain technology.

November 21: Mainnet Launches and Digital Art Meets Finance

Lisk Launches Ethereum Layer 2 Mainnet and Airdrop

After transitioning from a Layer 1 to an Optimism-based Ethereum Layer 2, Lisk officially launched its mainnet on November 21. Simultaneously, it initiated a four-month airdrop program distributing 15 million LSK tokens.

Users earn points by completing educational tasks on the Lisk platform, with final point tallies determining airdrop allocations. Designed as an accessible entry point into real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, Lisk emphasizes usability and developer onboarding.

👉 Explore how Ethereum L2 solutions are scaling real-world asset integration.

Sotheby’s Auctions Iconic Banana Artwork with Crypto Payments

Global auction house Sotheby’s began bidding on Maurizio Cattelan’s famed artwork "Banana & Tape"—a banana affixed to a wall with duct tape—on November 21. With an estimated value between $1 million and $1.5 million, the auction accepts cryptocurrency payments, reinforcing institutional acceptance of digital assets.

Filecoin Network Upgrade

Binance paused FIL deposits and withdrawals starting at 06:00 UTC+8 to support Filecoin’s scheduled network upgrade at block height 4,461,240 (~07:00 UTC+8). Such upgrades enhance storage efficiency and protocol security.

November 22: New Listings and Migration Deadlines

OKX Lists MEMEFI (MemeFi) Token

OKX launched spot trading for MEMEFI (MemeFi) on November 22:

MEMEFI powers a Telegram-based gaming ecosystem and ad network, driven by community engagement and meme culture.

Fuel Network Migration Deadline

Users had until November 22 at 23:59 UTC to migrate their assets from Ethereum to the Fuel Ignition network to retain first-quarter Fuel Points. Missing the deadline forfeits early-stage rewards but does not impact future participation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the significance of Magic Eden launching its $ME token model?
A: The $ME economic model introduces governance rights and incentive structures for users, marking Magic Eden’s shift toward decentralization and long-term community ownership.

Q: Why are token unlocks important for investors?
A: Large unlocks can increase sell pressure if recipients liquidate holdings. Monitoring unlock size relative to circulating supply helps assess potential market impact.

Q: How does Lisk differ from other Ethereum Layer 2 networks?
A: Lisk focuses on real-world asset tokenization using modular blockchain design and offers gamified onboarding via task-based point systems leading to token rewards.

Q: Can I still participate in Fuel Points after missing the migration deadline?
A: Yes—while first-quarter points are lost if unmigrated by November 22, second-phase activities remain accessible regardless of migration status.

Q: Is Sotheby’s acceptance of crypto payments widely adopted?
A: Major auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s now routinely accept cryptocurrencies, signaling growing legitimacy of digital assets in traditional finance and art markets.

Q: Are Coinbase insiders’ stock sales a bearish signal?
A: Pre-arranged sales by executives are often routine compliance measures rather than sentiment indicators. Context—such as timing and volume—is key to interpretation.

Core Keywords

👉 Stay ahead of the next wave of Web3 innovation—track real-time launches and listings here.