U.S. House declares July 14 ‘Crypto Week’ in advance landmark digital asset legislation

The U.S. House has announced July 14 will mark the beginning of a “Crypto Week” to advance key legislation on digital assets. The U.S. House of Representatives has officially designated the week of July 14 as “Crypto Week,” during which lawmakers will vote on three major pieces of digital asset legislation: the CLARITY Act, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, and the Senate’s GENIUS Act. Led by Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill and Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson, the initiative aims to establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, regulate dollar-backed stablecoins, and block the creation of U.S. central bank digital currencies. “These pieces of legislation further the President’s pro-growth and pro-business agenda, and provide a clear regulatory framework for digital assets,” commented Majority Leader Steve Scalise. You might also like: Senator Cynthia Lummis introduces crypto tax bill Each of the three bills heading to the House floor during “Crypto Week” targets a distinct aspect of digital asset regulation. The CLARITY Act proposes a comprehensive framework to define the regulatory boundaries between securities and commodities in the digital asset space. This would give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission clearer jurisdiction, ending years of ambiguity that have hampered innovation. After being reported out of both the Financial Services Committee (32-19) and the Agriculture Committee (47-6), the CLARITY Act is now scheduled for full House consideration. The GENIUS Act , which passed the Senate in mid-June, focuses on establishing a clear regulatory framework for dollar-backed payment stablecoins. It sets standards for issuance, reserves, and oversight to ensure stability and consumer protection, while encouraging innovation in U.S.-based stablecoin markets. The Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act seeks to prevent the Federal Reserve from issuing a U.S. central bank digital currency. The bill argues that a CBDC, if controlled directly by the Fed, could infringe on Americans’ financial privacy and be weaponized for government surveillance. This bill passed the Financial Services Committee by a narrower margin (27-22), signaling more partisan debate but strong support within Republican leadership. If enacted, it would make the U.S. the first major economy to legislate a prohibition on a CBDC. You might also like: U.S. Senate passes landmark Genius Act, aiming to bring clarity in stablecoin regulation

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Hong Kong poised to benefit from Singapore’s ‘crypto crackdown’: report

Analysts say that Hong Kong could gain the upper hand in its expansion into a global crypto hub in the wake of Singapore’s regulatory crackdown on unlicensed firms in the region. A recent report by the South China Morning Post revealed that the special administrative region’s web3 industry could see more crypto firms migrating to the region after Singapore closes its doors to offshore actors operating without a license. Analysts believe that the move could even lead to a boost in liquidity for Hong Kong’s crypto sector. As Singapore moves to double-down on unlicensed crypto firms through the deadline set on June 30, Hong Kong has been making regulatory advancements to further facilitate the sector. This is most evident in its latest Stablecoin Ordinance bill , which will come into effect at the start of August. Although the region is no less stringent on enforcing crypto licenses on firms that wish to operate locally compared to Singapore, co-chair of the Hong Kong Web3 Association Joshua Chu highlighted the shift in global trends which will lead to the selective nature of “weeding out bad actors.” This means that more crypto projects and platform will be forced to comply to local regulations one way or another if they wish to keep operating in the region. With Singapore’s crypto crackdown, more platforms will seek to be regulated. You might also like: Hong Kong SFC allows licensed crypto firms to provide staking services “In the current climate, regulatory actions across Asia are best understood as a region-wide game of ‘FATF musical chairs’, and nobody wants to be left standing when the music stops,” said Chu, referring to the Financial Action Task Force or FATF. By the end of 2024, Hong Kong was reportedly falling behind compared to Singapore with regards to the number of crypto licenses being issued. However, recent regulatory moves have brought the special administrative region into the spotlight as it seeks to further accommodate and grow itself into a crypto hub. Consultant at fintech-focused consultancy Prosynergy, Christie Liu, said that Hong Kong should seize the opportunity to get ahead by taking proactive steps to create more welcoming virtual asset legislation to entice the more firms from the crypto industry. “By fostering an innovative regulatory environment, the region can attract new investment and ensure it remains competitive on the global stage,” said Liu. Recently, crypto and financial technology firms like JD.com , Animoca Brands and Ant Group have been vying for stablecoin issuer licenses in Hong Kong as it anticipates a new wave of HK dollar-pegged stablecoins that will come after the Ordinance bill comes into effect. You might also like: Animoca Brands hopes to snag stablecoin issuer license through joint venture with Standard Chartered and Telecom

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MetaPlanet to Launch Bitcoin-Backed Stock Offering 10% Yield in Japan

The post MetaPlanet to Launch Bitcoin-Backed Stock Offering 10% Yield in Japan appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News A Japanese-listed company, MetaPlanet, is preparing to launch Bitcoin-backed preferred stock. This new financial product could reshape Japan’s fixed-income market. With interest rates in Japan staying historically low, MetaPlanet plans to offer yen-denominated securities with high annual yields of 9 to 10 percent, using Bitcoin as collateral. The Problem in Japan’s Financial Market Crypto expert Adam Livingston explains that Japanese households hold over 2,200 trillion yen in financial assets. A large portion of this money is sitting in cash or deposits that earn less than 0.23 percent interest. Meanwhile, Japan’s annual inflation rate stands around 3.5 percent. In October 2024, it was 2.3 percent. It peaked at 4 percent in January 2025 and then stayed between 3.6 and 3.7 percent in the following months. This means most savings are losing value in real terms. The yield on Japan’s 10-year government bond is currently at 1.45 percent. In March, it was slightly higher at 1.63 percent. Japanese life insurers, who manage about 390 trillion yen, are now seeking better returns to meet long-term obligations. Livingston also notes that regulators in Japan are encouraging the development of new financial products that offer higher returns without adding foreign currency risks. MetaPlanet’s Solution: Bitcoin-Backed Preferred Stock MetaPlanet aims to address this issue by launching a preferred stock backed by Bitcoin. The stock will be issued in Japanese yen and offer high yields of 9 to 10 percent annually. Bitcoin is known for its long-term price appreciation and is often seen as a hedge against inflation. This makes it an attractive asset to back fixed-income securities. [post_titles_links postid=”478498″] Strategic Growth and Bitcoin Accumulation MetaPlanet is already a major Bitcoin holder, with at least 13,350 BTC, valued at over $ 1.45 billion. Livingston says the company can use funds raised through these preferred stocks to buy more Bitcoin. As their Bitcoin holdings grow, the value of the collateral increases. This could allow MetaPlanet to reduce coupon rates in future offerings and lower its capital costs. The company’s long-term goal is to accumulate 210,000 BTC, which would comprise approximately 1% of the total Bitcoin supply. A Major Shift in Japan’s Financial System Livingston believes this new offering is not just another product. It represents a major shift in Japan’s financial system. A yen-denominated, Bitcoin-backed investment could provide better yields for savers, modernize capital markets, and avoid the risks of foreign currency exposure. This move could set a new standard for fixed income investments in Japan. [article_inside_subscriber_shortcode title=”Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!” description=”Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.” category_name=”News” category_id=”6″]

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XRP Ledger Payments Transaction Explodes

Crypto enthusiast Amelie recently shared a data visualization highlighting significant changes in transaction trends on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). The chart, titled “A weekly transaction count of the top 5 transaction types (by count) on XRPL,” displays the evolution of transaction types on the ledger from late 2012 through mid-2025. The dataset distinguishes between various transaction categories, including Payment, TrustSet, OfferCreate, OfferCancel, and NFTokenMint, with the aggregated total represented as well. In the tweet, Amelie wrote, “WOW! PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS ON THE XRP LEDGER HAVE EXPLODED, NOW MAKING UP NEARLY 60% OF ALL WEEKLY ACTIVITY ON THE NETWORK!” This observation was supported by a significant increase in the blue section of the graph, representing Payment transactions, particularly from late 2023 into 2025. WOW! PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS ON THE #XRP LEDGER HAVE EXPLODED, NOW MAKING UP NEARLY 60% OF ALL WEEKLY ACTIVITY ON THE NETWORK! https://t.co/i7rDnlx25m pic.twitter.com/lKiLCb1436 — 𝓐𝓶𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮 (@_Crypto_Barbie) July 2, 2025 The visual data suggests a structural shift, like transaction activity on the XRPL . While OfferCreate and OfferCancel transactions previously constituted a major portion of total activity, Payment transactions have grown steadily and are now the dominant category by volume. The chart also records intermittent spikes in other transaction types such as TrustSet and NFTokenMint, though none appear to rival the current volume of Payment transactions. Historical Context and Transaction Trends From 2013 through 2019, the XRPL’s transaction volume showed a gradual increase, with OfferCreate (grey) and OfferCancel (pink) transactions being particularly prominent. Payment transactions, while consistently present, remained relatively minor in comparison. A noticeable surge in total transactions occurred around mid-2020 and again between late 2022 and early 2023. These spikes were mainly driven by a broader combination of transaction types but were often short-lived. However, the trend beginning in late 2023 is notably distinct due to its sustained nature. Payment transactions began to rise steadily in proportion and have now reached a level where they constitute nearly 60% of all weekly XRPL activity. This increase has occurred concurrently with the overall growth in weekly transaction volume, which in recent months has surpassed 20 million and at times approached 30 million transactions. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Market Reaction and User Comments Amelie’s tweet received engagement from other users, including an X user named Jacob Jensen, who remarked : “So now that it’s actually being used a lot more than previously… and yet the price doesn’t go up even a little.” While the visualized data supports the claim that Payment transactions on XRPL have significantly increased, it also raises questions about the relationship between on-chain utility and market valuation. Jensen’s comment raises a familiar concern in the crypto space: the apparent disconnect between protocol usage and token price performance. Despite this observed transaction growth, the XRP market price has not demonstrated a consistent upward trajectory in parallel. Effect on the XRPL Ecosystem The surge in Payment transaction volume may have broader implications for XRPL’s utility profile. Originally designed for efficient cross-border value transfers , the XRP Ledger’s growing dominance in Payment transactions could be a reflection of increasing adoption in areas such as remittances, stablecoin issuance, or institutional settlement frameworks. The sustained nature of the growth suggests more than a temporary anomaly or spam-related activity. Moreover, the presence of other transaction types—such as OfferCreate and TrustSet—remains relatively stable, indicating a diversified range of ledger operations even as Payments take the lead. Amelie’s post brings attention to a measurable and ongoing trend on the XRPL that aligns with the network’s foundational use case. Whether this shift in activity results in changes to the asset’s valuation, ecosystem developments, or institutional adoption patterns remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the current data supports the conclusion that XRPL is experiencing a change in transaction behavior, with Payment transactions now forming the bulk of weekly activity. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post XRP Ledger Payments Transaction Explodes appeared first on Times Tabloid .

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US House Announces July ‘Crypto Week’

On the same day the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Donald Trump’s flagship piece of legislation, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” Republican House leaders also declared the week of July 14, “Crypto Week,” according to a press release published by Arkansas House Republican French Hill. Crypto Week will feature a marathon review of

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Analysts Name the 2 Best Cryptocurrencies to Buy and Hold for Maximum Profits in 2025

As the crypto market braces for a summer shake-up, analysts are pointing to two standout picks they believe could dominate the charts heading into 2025. Leading that shortlist is Mutuum Finance (MUTM) , a new coin that’s rapidly gaining traction as the best crypto to buy in 2025. The project is 5th stage of presale already sold out more than 60%. The present amount of money raised by Mutuum Finance is already more than $11.7 million with more than 12700 holders. While Shiba Inu (SHIB) continues to hold strong among meme coin loyalists, it’s Mutuum Finance that’s drawing the serious investor attention. MUTM is checking every box, making it a prime candidate for those chasing maximum ROI before 2025. Shiba Inu Remains a Top Hold as Analysts Eye 2025 Profit Potential Shiba Inu (SHIB) continues to hold its ground as one of the most held meme coins heading into 2025, with analysts still backing it as a long-term play for retail investors. Despite lacking the explosive momentum of its 2021 rally, SHIB has maintained a solid base and remains a favorite among meme coin loyalists due to ongoing burns and ecosystem development. Currently priced at $0.00001133, SHIB is seen as a low-entry asset with strong upside potential in the next bull cycle. Still, while SHIB holds appeal for patient holders, investor attention is increasingly shifting toward high-growth presale tokens like Mutuum Finance. Mutuum Finance Presale Smashes Record Figures More than $11.7 million and more than 12,700 investors were drawn during Mutuum Finance (MUTM) presale. This kind of winds is the sign of increasing confidence of investors in short-term success of the project and its long-term vision. $50K Bug Bounty as Mutuum Finance Continues Development Momentum Mutuum Finance has launched a $50,000 USDT Bug Bounty with CertiK. It is inclusive in the sense that, it is distributed according to the four variable degrees of severity that are, critical, major, minor and low. It is also the form of communicating the fact that the project is interested in security and transparency. Proven Dual-Lending Formula Transformation of DeFi Mutuum Finance (MUTM) is designed as a hybrid lending platform that will serve the active as well as passive DeFi users. The need of any investor to earn passive income by investing his USDT in smart contracts pools which provide stable passive income according to its interest rate that rises or falls depending on the fluctuation of the market conditions is met through its Peer-to-Contract (P2C) mechanism. In addition, the Peer-to-Peer (P2P) paradigm permits lenders and borrowers to be as engaged as they could ever be in reciprocating terms of a transaction and do not require a third party to act on their behalf. The paradigm is more prevalent for the clients of less secure assets. Leaderboard and $100,000 Giveaway Mutuum Finance values its first-time investors and has launched a $100,000 giveaway that will see 10 winners receive $10,000 MUTM. This is to celebrate the investors’ first trust in the project. While Shiba Inu (SHIB) remains a top meme coin pick for patient long-term holders, it’s Mutuum Finance (MUTM) that offers the most explosive short- and mid-term potential. With a dual-lending DeFi protocol, CertiK-audited smart contracts, a $50K bug bounty, and over $11.7 million raised in presale, MUTM is clearly attracting serious attention. Add in the $100K giveaway, a gamified leaderboard, and a Phase 5 price point primed for gains, and you have what could be one of the best tokens to buy before 2025 hits. If you’re building a high-upside portfolio, SHIB and MUTM might just be the perfect picks. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://mutuum.com/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance

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Crypto Regulations in Italy 2025

The post Crypto Regulations in Italy 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Italy has established an organized framework for crypto regulations as part of the European Union (EU). Driven by the EU’s Market in Crypto Asset Regulation (MiCAR) standards, Italy can now benefit from the provisions of investor protection, transparent practices, and stablecoin guidelines, contributing to a secure environment for crypto and other digital currencies. As of 2025, Italy has implemented a few regulations on taxes and licenses to develop the framework, aligning it with global standards. Table of contents Crypto Regulations in Italy What the Italian Government is saying about Crypto in 2025? Crypto Tax in Italy 2025 Crypto License in Italy 2025 Crypto Adoption in Italy 2025 Conclusion FAQs Crypto Regulations in Italy June 25, 2025- Law Decree 95/2025 The Italian government published in the Official Gazette (official publication of the government) on June 30 that it has passed the law Decree with number 95/2025. The provision extends the time for virtual asset service providers (VASPs) registration and license operating in Italy to December 30, 2025, which was initially set for June 30, 2025. June 4, 2025- Decision No. 330 The Italian data protection authority, the Garante, provided important clarifications regarding the requirement for collecting valid privacy consent to process personal data for marketing purposes. This law likely applies to crypto, particularly in the context of crypto asset service providers (CASPs) and the handling of personal data within the crypto ecosystem. January 1, 2026- Crypto Tax Under the new budget law of Italy, the capital gains tax on crypto has increased to 33%. However, there is still a possibility that it will be brought back to 26%. It also abolishes the law of “only exceeding €2,000 is taxed,” which will take place from next year. What the Italian Government is saying about Crypto in 2025? As of 2025, the Italian government is embracing cryptocurrency while tightening security, ensuring investors’ protection. With stricter regulations, it is focusing on: Compliance with MiCA: The Italian government approved a legislative decree in 2024 to adapt national legislation to MiCA regulation , aiming to enhance transparency, investor protection, and the management of financial assets. Compliance with OAM: It is forcing all crypto business operators to join the Organismo Agenti e Mediatori ( OAM ) system for anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. Crypto Tax in Italy 2025 Tax Year Capital Gains Tax Emeption Alternative Tax Option Wealth tax 2025 26% €2,000 18% of asset value 0.2% From 2026 33% None 18% of asset value 0.2% New Tax Proposal of 2025: A higher tax rate of 42% was proposed this year, but was not implemented following industry criticism. Taxable Events: Selling crypto for fiat, using crypto to pay for goods and services, and receiving crypto as payment are considered taxable under Italian law. Uncertain events: Some events like– Bitcoin mining, airdrops, NFTs, lending, staking, bounties, hardforks, and receiving crypto as a gift– are not clarified whether they are subject to tax or not. Reporting Deadline: Crypto taxes must be reported to Agenzia Entrate by October 15 each year. Crypto License in Italy 2025 In Italy, crypto asset service providers (CASPs) must comply with MiCA’s EU-wide licensing requirements and register with the Financial Services Supervisory Authority (CONSOB) for local operations. Existing CASPs registered in Italy have until 30 December 2025 to apply for authorization under MiCA. Crypto exchanges, digital wallet providers, and other entities providing crypto-related services need to adhere to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know your customer (KYC) compliance. Types of Crypto Licenses in Italy Crypto exchange and storage license: Allows companies to exchange crypto and store digital assets on behalf of customers; this can be combined with a wallet to store assets. License for stablecoin: Companies operating with stablecoins or issuing stablecoins linked to real assets can apply for such a license. License to issue digital securities: It allows companies to issue digital securities, such as stocks or bonds. MiCA also published guidance on ‘how to apply for a crypto license .’ Crypto Adoption in Italy 2025 Crypto adoption rate: Over 3.6 million Italians will hold digital assets, including cryptocurrency, in 2025, as predicted by the experts. User penetration rate is expected to be 27.98% in 2025 and is anticipated to increase to 28.93% by 2026. The user rate of cryptocurrency is forecasted to reach 17.05 million by 2026. Crypto Revenue: Projected revenue for crypto in Italy is expected to be US$3.0 billion in 2025, which is expected to experience an annual growth of 3.03%, resulting in US$3.01 billion by 2026. Conclusion Driven by concerns over public debt, centralized financial control, and economic instability, Italians are prompted to explore cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, in 2025. With growing interest in virtual assets, the government felt compelled to enact stricter laws to maintain a balance between security and innovation. Now, Italy is gradually aligning with global trends in cryptocurrency, from regulations to adoption rate, it appears to be getting closer to global standards. [article_inside_subscriber_shortcode title=”Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World!” description=”Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more.” category_name=”Crypto Regulation” category_id=”6″] FAQs Does Italy accept crypto as a form of payment or investment? Yes, Italy accepts crypto for both payment and investment purposes. Cryptocurrencies are legally recognized as digital assets, though not legal tender. More businesses in cities like Genoa, Milan, and Florence are accepting crypto payments, and the country has one of the highest on-chain transaction volumes in the EU. Is Italy considered a crypto-friendly country for investors and businesses? Italy is increasingly crypto-friendly, especially with its adoption of the EU’s MiCAR framework in 2025. This provides a clear legal foundation for crypto, focusing on investor protection and transparency. While regulations are tightening, they aim to foster a secure environment, making Italy welcoming for crypto enthusiasts within defined legal boundaries. How do you pay crypto taxes in Italy, and what is the reporting deadline? In Italy, crypto taxes are paid via a “self-assessment” method through your individual tax return, typically using the LIFO (Last In, First Out) accounting method. Capital gains are considered “miscellaneous income.” Crypto taxes must be reported to Agenzia Entrate (the Italian tax authority) by October 15 each year. What countries currently have no or very low crypto taxes for individuals? Several countries currently have no or very low crypto taxes for individuals, making them attractive for crypto investors. Examples include Monaco, the UAE, Portugal, Malta, Singapore (no capital gains tax), Gibraltar, El Salvador (Bitcoin legal tender), and Belarus. Some of these may still tax crypto if it’s considered business income.

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Ethereum Shows Potential for Continued Growth Amid Strong Developer Activity and Institutional Interest

Ethereum and Cardano have demonstrated significant rebounds in July 2025, driven by robust developer activity and growing institutional interest, signaling sustained momentum in the crypto market. Cardano’s elevated GitHub ranking

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Upcoming Bills Promise Major Shifts in Cryptocurrency Landscape

Cryptocurrency Week focuses on three major legislative bills in the US. GENIUS Act aims to integrate stablecoins into the US financial landscape. Continue Reading: Upcoming Bills Promise Major Shifts in Cryptocurrency Landscape The post Upcoming Bills Promise Major Shifts in Cryptocurrency Landscape appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

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‘If I lose, DeFi dies with me:’ Tornado Cash co-founder doubles down on innocence ahead of trial

With his criminal trial just weeks away, Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm is speaking out and denying any wrongdoing. In a recent interview with Crypto in America, Storm said the U.S. government is prosecuting him for writing open-source code, not for any actual criminal conduct. Facing three felony charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to violate sanctions law, federal prosecutors allege that Tornado Cash , founded by Storm and two others, was used to launder more than $1 billion in illicit funds, including money linked to North Korea’s infamous hacker group Lazarus . Storm denies knowingly facilitating criminal activity. According to him, Tornado Cash was built to protect user privacy, and once it was deployed, it operated autonomously and outside of his control. “I did not have any contact whatsoever with any criminals, any criminal organizations, any illicit actors, or any North Koreans,” he said, adding “We didn’t have control over what happened. If someone did something illicit, we couldn’t stop it.” "When Tornado Cash became fully decentralized and trustless, there wasn’t much activity going on at that time. We thought it was just going to be another project that would sit in our junkyard. We have so many projects like that as software engineers. We did not anticipate that.… pic.twitter.com/7fiurmkojn — Roman Storm 🇺🇸 🌪️ (@rstormsf) July 4, 2025 The co-founder was arrested in August 2023. His fellow developer, Alexey Pertsev, was convicted of money laundering last year in the Netherlands and sentenced to 64 months in prison. Tornado Cash’s third co-founder, Roman Semenov, is also charged but remains at large. Since his arrest, Storm says he’s been under strict bail conditions and has been cut off from the financial system, with no bank accounts, no access to crypto wallets. “I’m being punished before being proven guilty,” he said. You might also like: Cork Protocol exploiter launders stolen funds via Tornado Cash, donates 10 ETH to developers’ legal fund When asked about the broader stakes of the case, Storm warned that a conviction could harm developers and open-source innovation in the U.S. crypto space. “If I lose my case, DeFi dies with me,” he said, arguing that treating developers like criminals sets a dangerous precedent. Storm’s trial is set to begin on July 14 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. While the co-founder kept much of his defense strategy under wraps, such as whether he’ll testify, he stated his team will argue that writing code is free speech and that creating open-source tools isn’t a crime, even if misused. Meanwhile, support for Storm has continued to grow. Industry figures including Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin have publicly backed his defense and donated to his legal fund. Read more: Ethereum Foundation donates $500K to Tornado Cash co-founder’s defense ahead of trial

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