Meta has purchased Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup, for $2 billion. Manus's technology allows for more autonomous decision-making compared to traditional chatbots, which could enhance Meta's platforms and user engagement. The acquisition faces potential regulatory scrutiny due to Manus's Chinese connections.

Polymarket is planning to return to the U.S. after acquiring QCEX, enabling American users to trade prediction market contracts with regulatory compliance. The platform gained popularity during the 2024 presidential election but had been restricted from operating in the U.S. for several years. CEO Shayne Coplan emphasized the goal of becoming a fully regulated platform, potentially impacting the U.S. sports betting landscape.

Kraken has acquired the derivatives platform Small Exchange from IG Group for $100 million, enabling the launch of a U.S.-based derivatives product suite. This acquisition will enhance Kraken's regulatory compliance and market structure by integrating various trading products under CFTC oversight. The deal is part of Kraken's broader strategy to expand its operations and improve trading efficiency in the U.S. market.