SEC EXPLORING GENERIC LISTING STANDARD FOR TOKEN-BASED ETFS TO STREAMLINE APPROVAL PROCESS: ELEANORTERRETT
Bitcoin is gaining momentum in Q3 2025, driven by strong US economic growth and promising legislative developments, signaling renewed investor confidence. Market analysts highlight the potential for Federal Reserve rate
Jito Foundation , the organization that works to accelerate the adoption of Jito protocols via the Jito DAO , has announced that JitoSOL mint and redeem operations are now live, supported by Anchorage Digital . The latter encompasses the Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. , the only federally chartered crypto bank in the US. In January 2021, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) granted Anchorage Digital a national trust charter. Now available: Minting and redeeming @jito_sol directly from the Anchorage Digital platform Liquid staking & MEV rewards on @solana No third-party apps needed Unlock your SOL at any time pic.twitter.com/234opZF4ND — Anchorage Digital (@Anchorage) July 1, 2025 Thanks to this latest partnership, Anchorage Digital now offers access to the complete lifecycle of Solana’s leading liquid staking token. Institutions and SOL holders can custody, mint, and redeem JitoSOL. They can do so via Anchorage Digital Bank N.A. or Anchorage Digital Singapore , a payment institution with a licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore . These actions allow them to maintain SOL liquidity and capture staking and protocol revenue, the team argues. The partnership overall, it adds, paves “the way for broader adoption by regulated financial entities.” Moreover, JitoSOL mint and redemptions will soon be available through Porto , Anchorage Digital’s self-custody wallet, for those who want to self-custody. JitoSOL is the 1st Solana LST with support from a federally chartered bank! Institutions can custody, mint, & burn JitoSOL via @Anchorage , home to the only federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S. More on this below pic.twitter.com/ZS7T0YxkrO — Jito (@jito_sol) July 1, 2025 “Anchorage Digital is proud to offer expanded support for JitoSOL, starting with custody and now delivering a seamless, custom-built mint and redeem experience right from our platform,” said the former’s CEO Nathan McCauley. “This latest integration marks our growing support for the Solana ecosystem. We’re excited to make liquid staking and the Solana DeFi ecosystem accessible to a growing number of institutions.” You may also like: Anchorage Digital Acquires Mountain Protocol to Expand Stablecoin Services Anchorage Digital, the only federally chartered digital asset bank in the United States, is expanding its stablecoin capabilities through the acquisition of Mountain Protocol, a regulated stablecoin issuer.The deal, announced on May 12, is subject to regulatory approval and standard closing conditions.While financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed, Anchorage confirmed it will integrate Mountain Protocol’s team, technology, and licensing framework into its broader... JitoSOL on Path Towards Staking ETFs with Anchorage Digital Per the announcement , the integration includes institutional-grade security features, such as hardware security modules (HSMs), biometric authentication, and behavioral analytics. Moreover, the Jito Foundation says it has published the JitoSOL Securities Classification Report . It “outlines why JitoSOL does not constitute a security under US law.” It has also published a memorandum to guide the tax treatment of liquid staking. These moves help “position JitoSOL as one of the most accessible and well-prepared assets for integration into mainstream financial products,” the team argues. 4/6 Why does this matter? Institutions previously faced a tradeoff: • Direct staking: locked capital and operational complexity • LSTs: lacked qualified custody solutions Now JitoSOL offers liquid staking with institutional-grade custody via Anchorage — Jito (@jito_sol) July 1, 2025 And speaking of regulations, the latest partnership comes amid discussions around staking-enabled exchange-traded funds (ETFs) . According to Thomas Uhm, Chief Commercial Officer at Jito Foundation, “with support for in-kind creation and redemption, primary and secondary market liquidity, and compatibility with a trusted partner like Anchorage Digital, JitoSOL satisfies many of the operational requirements that modern ETF issuers — and other developers of regulated financial products — must address.” The team also argues that liquid staking tokens are increasingly seen as a practical alternative to direct staking. “With Anchorage Digital’s qualified custody infrastructure now in place, JitoSOL is positioned to meet many of the operational requirements that regulated financial product developers must address,” it concludes. You may also like: SEC’s Staking ETF Pushback Shows Regulatory Uncertainty, Says Ripple-Backed Custodian The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has raised fresh concerns around the classification and legality of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that use staking, casting doubt on proposals from REX Financial and Osprey Funds.Both firms recently submitted amendments for ETFs that would incorporate staking mechanisms for Solana (SOL) and Ether (ETH), but the SEC has argued that the funds may not meet the requirements to be classified as traditional ETFs under current U.S.... The post JitoSOL Partners with Anchorage Digital as “First Solana LST with Support from US Federally Chartered Bank” appeared first on Cryptonews .
NYSE-listed Asian food giant reveals $528 million Bitcoin strategy
BitcoinWorld Ethereum Transactions Soar: Unveiling Remarkable Network Growth Are you keeping an eye on the pulse of the crypto world? If so, you might have noticed a significant milestone recently achieved by one of the industry’s titans. The Ethereum network, a cornerstone of the decentralized web, just experienced a monumental surge in its daily operations. On June 29, the number of daily transactions on the Ethereum network astonishingly reached 1.45 million. This isn’t just a casual uptick; it marks the highest level of activity recorded since 2021, according to insights shared by crypto analyst Ted (@TedPillows) on X. This surge isn’t just a statistic; it’s a powerful indicator of the vibrant and evolving landscape of decentralized finance, NFTs, and beyond. Why are Ethereum Transactions Surging? Unpacking the Drivers of Unprecedented Activity The news of 1.45 million daily Ethereum transactions has sent ripples of excitement through the crypto community. But what exactly is fueling this remarkable comeback in network activity? To truly understand this phenomenon, we need to look beyond the surface and delve into the multifaceted factors contributing to Ethereum’s resurgence. The Rise of Layer-2 Solutions: Scaling Ethereum’s Potential One of the primary drivers behind the increased activity, ironically, isn’t just on the Ethereum mainnet itself, but on its burgeoning ecosystem of Layer-2 (L2) scaling solutions. Platforms like Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, and zkSync have been instrumental in offloading transaction volume from the mainnet while still leveraging Ethereum’s robust security. Lower Fees and Faster Speeds: L2s offer significantly reduced transaction fees and faster confirmation times, making everyday interactions on decentralized applications (dApps) more accessible and user-friendly. Increased Accessibility: By lowering the barrier to entry, L2s enable a broader range of users to participate in the Ethereum ecosystem, from gaming to DeFi. Ecosystem Expansion: As more projects launch on L2s, they contribute to the overall transaction count and value flowing through the broader Ethereum ecosystem, even if the final settlement happens on the mainnet. This symbiotic relationship means that while individual transactions might occur on an L2, the underlying security and finality are still derived from Ethereum’s Layer-1, contributing to the overall health and perceived activity of the network. DeFi and NFT Resurgence: Reigniting Passion for Decentralized Assets Beyond L2s, the resurgence in decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has played a crucial role. After a period of cooling, interest in these sectors has begun to pick up: DeFi Innovations: New protocols, yield farming opportunities, and liquid staking derivatives (LSDs) have drawn users back into the DeFi space, generating a consistent stream of transactions. NFT Marketplace Activity: While not at their peak, specific NFT collections and marketplaces (like Blur and OpenSea) continue to facilitate trades, mints, and transfers, each contributing to the transaction count. Gaming and Metaverse: Blockchain-based gaming and metaverse projects are slowly gaining traction, with in-game transactions and digital asset ownership adding to the network load. General Market Sentiment and Anticipation A broader positive shift in crypto market trends and investor sentiment also plays a subtle yet significant role. As the overall market shows signs of recovery, confidence in leading assets like Ethereum grows, encouraging more users to engage with its ecosystem. Furthermore, anticipation around upcoming Ethereum upgrades, such as Dencun, might also be spurring pre-emptive activity as developers and users prepare for future enhancements. What Does This Blockchain Growth Signify for the Ecosystem? The surge in Ethereum’s daily transactions is far more than just a number; it’s a profound indicator of the network’s vitality and evolving maturity. This robust blockchain growth signals several critical developments for the entire decentralized ecosystem. A Healthier, More Utilized Network High transaction volume is a direct reflection of utility. It means that more people are actively using Ethereum-based applications, interacting with smart contracts, and transferring value. This increased utilization is a strong indicator of the network’s fundamental health and its growing adoption as a foundational layer for various decentralized services. Developer Confidence and Innovation Where users go, developers follow. The sustained high level of activity on Ethereum and its L2s reinforces developer confidence in the platform. It suggests a fertile ground for innovation, encouraging new projects to build on Ethereum’s robust infrastructure. This continuous influx of new dApps and protocols further fuels transaction volume, creating a positive feedback loop. The Scalability Vision Becoming a Reality For years, Ethereum faced significant scalability challenges, often leading to high gas fees and network congestion. The current surge, especially when considering the role of L2s, demonstrates that Ethereum’s long-term scalability roadmap is effectively coming to fruition. The ability to handle millions of transactions daily, even across different layers, validates the architectural choices made by the Ethereum Foundation and its community. To illustrate the distribution of activity, consider how L2s have changed the game: Network Layer Primary Role Impact on Transaction Volume Typical Gas Fees (Relative) Ethereum Mainnet (L1) Security, Finality, Data Availability Core settlement, high-value transfers, L2 deposits/withdrawals Higher (variable) Layer-2 Solutions (L2) Scalability, Faster Processing Everyday dApp interactions, gaming, smaller transfers Significantly Lower This table highlights how L2s enable a vast number of transactions to occur efficiently, which then batch and settle on the mainnet, contributing to the overall narrative of a highly active Ethereum ecosystem. Navigating the Latest Crypto Market Trends : Opportunities and Challenges The impressive surge in Ethereum’s daily transactions positions it at the forefront of current crypto market trends. This heightened activity brings forth a unique blend of opportunities for users and developers, alongside persistent challenges that the ecosystem must continue to address. Opportunities for Growth and Innovation Enhanced User Experience: The success of L2s in handling transaction volume means a smoother, more affordable experience for end-users, potentially onboarding millions more into the decentralized space. New Business Models: Lower transaction costs open doors for entirely new categories of dApps and business models that were previously unfeasible due to high gas fees, such as micro-transactions in gaming or social media. Increased Interoperability: As the L2 ecosystem matures, the focus shifts towards seamless interoperability between different scaling solutions, creating a more cohesive and efficient decentralized network. Enduring Challenges on the Horizon Despite the positive momentum, several challenges remain that require ongoing attention: Decentralization vs. Scalability: Ensuring that scaling solutions do not compromise Ethereum’s core principles of decentralization remains a critical balancing act. User Education and Onboarding: While L2s simplify things, the overall complexity of the crypto space can still be daunting for newcomers. Better educational resources and intuitive user interfaces are crucial. Regulatory Scrutiny: As blockchain activity grows, so does the attention from global regulators. Navigating evolving regulatory landscapes will be vital for sustained growth. Competition: Other Layer-1 blockchains continue to innovate and compete for market share. Ethereum must maintain its technological edge and community support. Understanding the ETH Price Impact : What Does High Activity Mean for Investors? For many, the question naturally arises: what does this surge in Ethereum network activity mean for the ETH price? While correlation is not causation, increased utility and demand for a network’s native token often have a positive long-term impact on its value. The dynamics of Ethereum’s EIP-1559 upgrade, which introduced a burning mechanism for transaction fees, further complicates this relationship. Demand for ETH as Gas Every transaction on the Ethereum mainnet, and increasingly for L2 solutions that batch transactions to the mainnet, requires ETH to pay for gas fees. Higher transaction volume directly translates to increased demand for ETH, as users need it to interact with the network. This fundamental demand can create upward price pressure, especially if the supply of ETH remains constrained or becomes deflationary. The Deflationary Aspect of EIP-1559 Since the implementation of EIP-1559, a portion of every transaction fee is ‘burned’ or permanently removed from circulation. When network activity is high, more ETH is burned. This reduction in supply, coupled with consistent demand, can lead to a deflationary environment for ETH, theoretically increasing its scarcity and value over time. This makes Ethereum a unique asset among major cryptocurrencies. Staking and Supply Reduction The transition to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) with the Merge has also introduced ETH staking, where users lock up their ETH to secure the network and earn rewards. A significant portion of the ETH supply is now staked, further reducing the liquid supply available on exchanges. Combined with high transaction volume and burning, this creates a compelling narrative for long-term price appreciation. Market Sentiment vs. Fundamentals While fundamental factors like network activity and supply/demand dynamics are crucial, it’s important to remember that crypto prices are also heavily influenced by broader market sentiment, macroeconomic factors, and speculative trading. However, a strong foundation of high utility and robust network activity provides a more resilient base for ETH’s value, distinguishing it from purely speculative assets. Looking Ahead: The Future of Ethereum’s Dominance The current surge in Ethereum transactions is a testament to its enduring relevance and adaptability in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. As we look to the future, Ethereum’s roadmap, characterized by continuous upgrades and a vibrant developer community, positions it for continued dominance. The ‘Surge’ and Beyond The Ethereum roadmap includes future phases beyond the ‘Merge’ and ‘Shanghai’ upgrades, focusing on ‘Surge’, ‘Scourge’, ‘Verge’, ‘Purge’, and ‘Splurge’. These upgrades aim to further enhance scalability, security, and decentralization. The ‘Surge’ phase, for instance, focuses on sharding, which promises to exponentially increase transaction throughput. A Global Settlement Layer Ethereum is increasingly solidifying its position as a global settlement layer for various decentralized applications and financial instruments. Its robust security, battle-tested smart contract capabilities, and extensive developer tools make it the preferred choice for building the next generation of the internet. User Experience and Accessibility The focus on L2s and future scaling solutions indicates a clear path towards making Ethereum more accessible and user-friendly for a mainstream audience. Simplified onboarding, intuitive interfaces, and reduced costs will be key to unlocking mass adoption. In conclusion, the recent surge in Ethereum’s daily transactions is more than just a fleeting moment of excitement; it’s a powerful affirmation of the network’s resilience, its successful scalability solutions, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized technology. From driving DeFi and NFT innovation to demonstrating robust blockchain growth, Ethereum continues to evolve, promising a vibrant and dynamic ecosystem for years to come. For investors, developers, and everyday users alike, understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the exciting world of crypto. To learn more about the latest Ethereum trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum network activity. This post Ethereum Transactions Soar: Unveiling Remarkable Network Growth first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
As the U.S. struggles with rising debt and interest costs, a new idea is gaining traction: Bit Bonds. These are treasury bonds partially backed by Bitcoin . The pitch: Let investors accept lower yields in exchange for upside exposure to the world’s most volatile digital asset. How Bit Bonds Work Bit Bonds function basically like standard Treasuries. The U.S. Treasury issues bonds at a reduced interest rate (say 1%) and allocates a portion of the proceeds to purchase Bitcoin. If Bitcoin appreciates over the term, bondholders receive a bonus on top of their principal. If not, they still receive full repayment plus the fixed coupon. It’s effectively a low-risk bond with an embedded call option on Bitcoin without the complexity of options trading. At current debt levels, interest costs are a growing threat to fiscal stability. Swapping a portion of traditional debt for Bit Bonds could shave billions off the annual interest bill. If Bitcoin rallies, the Treasury’s retained share of the upside could be used to reduce the national debt or fund public programs without raising taxes. Even if Bitcoin underperforms, the interest savings from lower coupons may outweigh losses from the crypto exposure. A Safer Path to Bitcoin Exposure For investors, Bit Bonds are a novel middle ground. They offer upside exposure to Bitcoin without the self-custody, exchange risk, or volatility of direct ownership. That makes them attractive to institutions, like pensions or insurance funds, that want Bitcoin exposure but can’t take on full crypto risk. Skeptics point to past gold-backed bonds as similar experiments. However, Bitcoin’s higher upside potential could make Bit Bonds far more popular. If demand grows, yields across all Treasuries may fall, giving the U.S. even more fiscal breathing room. Bit Bonds won’t fix everything. But in a world where debt grows faster than solutions, they might be the start of something big.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite opened mixed on Tuesday, July 1, with the third quarter of 2025 having a slow start amid jitters around President Donald Trump’s budget bill and looming tariffs deadline. Dow Jones Industrial was 75 points up, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were at -0.2% and -0.3%, signaling a potential pullback. The largely lower trading comes after a second quarter 2025 run that saw stocks recover from a major dip in April to end the period emphatically in the green. Notably, Wall Street saw all three major indices rise on Monday, with the benchmark index S&P 500 hitting record highs above 6,204. Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs had seen a bloodbath across the market, pushing the index into negative territory by early April. However, resilience even during recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East meant the S&P 500 closed the three-month period in bullish mood. The blue chip Dow also ended the second quarter on a high with over 270 points on Monday, with this putting it up 5% over the period. Meanwhile, Nasdaq clawed back gains to close Q2 18% higher. You might also like: Dow Jones up on strong trade news, Trump’s tax bill Q3 starts slow While investor sentiment remains largely upbeat, Wall Street is starting slow for Q3 amid potential headwinds around trade talks. Focus on Trump’s mega budget bill, which had the U.S. Senate vote overnight, and fresh feuding between the president and Tesla and SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has markets a little on edge. This indeed saw the Tesla stock price pare gains on Tuesday, with Trump suggesting DOGE may have to take a look at the subsidies offered to Musk’s companies. The outlook in the cryptocurrency market signalled a lack of upside conviction, with Bitcoin ( BTC ) shedding gains to below $107k. Analysts at Bitfinex say BTC could see range-bound trading amid a historically unimpressive Q3 for bulls. Tariffs and Jerome Powell’s speech As noted, market attention has shifted from the hostilities in the Middle East, with the Israel-Iran hostilities down, to potential downside catalysts. The tariffs front has Trump’s July 9 deadline in focus, with reports suggesting White House is eyeing “narrowed” deals. Financial Times reported this to be the administration’s goal well before the date of the “reciprocal” tariffs rolls in. Elsewhere, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell will speak on Tuesday, with this coming amid the latest push from Trump regarding interest rate cuts. While the Fed hasn’t signalled such a move, investors are betting on a cut in coming months. Investors will also be keen on this week’s economic data reports, including the June jobs report. You might also like: Senator Lummis pushes for crypto-friendly amendments in Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill
Deutsche Bank plans to roll out a crypto custody service in 2026, partnering with Bitpanda’s technology arm to build the platform, Bloomberg reported Tuesday , citing sources familiar with the matter. Key Takeaways: Deutsche Bank will launch a crypto custody service in 2026 with support from Bitpanda and Taurus. The bank is exploring stablecoins and tokenized deposits, signaling a deeper commitment to digital assets. Major German banks, including Sparkassen and DZ Bank, are also moving into crypto services. The German banking giant’s corporate division will also maintain its collaboration with Swiss provider Taurus SA, which has been involved in Deutsche Bank’s custody plans since they were first unveiled in 2022. The custody push comes as major financial institutions ramp up digital asset efforts, spurred by evolving regulations in Europe and supportive moves in the U.S. following Donald Trump’s reelection. Deutsche Bank Expands Crypto Footing Deutsche Bank confirmed earlier this month that it is exploring stablecoins and tokenized deposits, which could involve issuing its own token or joining broader industry initiatives. The bank is also weighing the development of a tokenized deposit solution for payments. Notably, Deutsche Bank was among investors backing a $65 million funding round last year for Taurus , reflecting its growing commitment to the digital asset space. BREAKING Germany's largest bank, Deutsche Bank, to launch crypto custody services in 2026 pic.twitter.com/Bx0UbFcJMF — Quinten | 048.eth (@QuintenFrancois) July 1, 2025 Deutsche Bank’s crypto expansion comes as a number of major German banks have already begun integrating crypto services. Just recently, Germany’s Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe announced plans to launch crypto trading for its 50 million customers by summer 2026. Dekabank, owned by Sparkassen, will oversee the crypto offering through the group’s mobile banking app, enabling direct trading of Bitcoin and Ether. Likewise, DZ Bank, Germany’s second-largest lender, partnered with Boerse Stuttgart Digital last year to pilot crypto trading and custody services, aiming to expand offerings across its 700 cooperative banks after initial trials. Meanwhile, Landesbank Baden-Württemberg, the country’s biggest federal bank, announced plans in April 2024 to provide crypto custody services for institutional clients in collaboration with Bitpanda. The momentum isn’t limited to Germany. Speaking in April, Eric Trump warned that banks resisting crypto could become obsolete within a decade, highlighting issues of speed and cost in traditional finance. Big Banks Change Stance Toward Crypto Major banks including JPMorgan, Citigroup, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo are meeting with officials in Republican-led states like Texas and Oklahoma to address accusations of political bias, especially toward fossil fuel and firearms industries. Some states have blacklisted these banks from contracts, prompting banks to defend or adjust their policies. Citigroup ended its restriction on working with firearms vendors selling to buyers under 21, while JPMorgan and others clarified they don’t base lending decisions on political views. Banks are also retreating from climate-focused alliances and easing restrictions on coal financing to avoid further backlash. At the federal level, the Trump administration is considering an executive order to prohibit banks from denying services based on political or religious beliefs, which could affect banks’ participation in government business, including selling Treasury bonds. The post Deutsche Bank Taps Bitpanda to Launch Crypto Custody Service in 2026: Bloomberg appeared first on Cryptonews .
On July 1st, Webus International Limited (WETO), a US-listed mobile transportation service provider, experienced a significant intraday surge, peaking at an 87.44% increase before settling at a 22.4% gain. The
GameStop is diving deeper into Bitcoin. The retailer has raised over $4 billion through convertible note sales this year, and it plans to use a chunk of that to build a Bitcoin treasury . GameStop’s Convertible Note Play In March 2025, GameStop issued $1.48 billion in convertible notes, a type of debt investors can later turn into equity. A filing with the SEC revealed that proceeds would go toward “general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of Bitcoin.” That promise became reality in May when GameStop purchased 4,710 BTC, worth roughly $513 million at the time, marking the company’s first official Bitcoin buy. This month, GameStop doubled down. A second convertible note offering raised $2.25 billion, with investors quickly exercising an option to purchase an additional $450 million, bringing the total raised to $2.7 billion in June alone . GameStop’s move mirrors MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy, which used corporate debt to accumulate over 200,000 BTC. Strategy’s stock now effectively trades as a Bitcoin ETF with leverage. While GameStop hasn’t gone that far, its board appears to see Bitcoin as a potential lifeline. The company has faced years of declining retail performance and sees crypto as a hedge, a growth bet, or maybe even both. If the company allocates most of its new war chest to BTC, its holdings could rival Strategy’s on a relative basis, representing nearly a third of GameStop’s total market cap. A Company-Wide Pivot? For now, GameStop is a retailer with a speculative treasury strategy. But if Bitcoin appreciates and GameStop continues to issue debt to buy more, it could evolve into a crypto proxy, a high-beta Bitcoin stock, or even a new kind of hybrid public company.