BitcoinWorld USDC North Korea: Alarming Claims Rock Circle’s Compliance Efforts In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrencies, where innovation often outpaces regulation, bombshell allegations can send ripples across the entire industry. Recently, a prominent blockchain security researcher, ZachXBT, dropped a claim that has put one of the biggest names in stablecoins, Circle, directly in the spotlight. The core of the controversy? Allegations that USDC North Korea usage is rampant among North Korean IT workers, and that Circle, despite its public commitment to compliance, might be turning a blind eye. This isn’t just about a few transactions; it raises critical questions about the efficacy of current compliance frameworks in the digital asset space and the broader implications for global sanctions enforcement. Are stablecoins becoming an unwitting tool for illicit activities, and what does this mean for the future of regulated crypto? Unpacking the Allegations: Is USDC North Korea ‘s Preferred Payment Rail? ZachXBT, known for his meticulous on-chain investigations and exposing various scams and illicit activities in the crypto world, made a bold assertion via a post on X (formerly Twitter). He claimed that North Korean IT workers are primarily utilizing Circle’s USDC stablecoin to facilitate their payments. For those unfamiliar, North Korean IT workers are often deployed globally, sometimes under deceptive pretenses, to earn foreign currency that is then funneled back to the regime, circumventing international sanctions. The use of cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins, offers a perceived advantage of speed, lower transaction costs, and a degree of anonymity compared to traditional banking channels. The specific accusation against Circle is not just that USDC is being used, but that the company is allegedly failing to detect or freeze these transactions, despite its public emphasis on robust compliance efforts. USDC, as a centralized stablecoin, is issued and redeemed by Circle, which means the company theoretically has the power to freeze addresses and prevent transactions if they are deemed illicit or in violation of sanctions. This power is often touted as a key advantage for regulatory compliance compared to decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum. If ZachXBT’s claims hold true, it suggests a significant gap in the enforcement of these controls, potentially allowing a sanctioned regime to operate with relative ease within the crypto ecosystem. The prevalence of USDC North Korea transactions, if proven, would represent a serious breach of international financial protocols. The Core Challenge: Circle Sanctions Compliance Under Scrutiny Circle, the issuer of USDC, has consistently positioned itself as a leader in regulatory compliance within the crypto space. They frequently highlight their adherence to AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations, working closely with law enforcement and government agencies. Their public statements emphasize a commitment to preventing illicit finance and maintaining the integrity of the financial system. So, why are these allegations surfacing now, and what makes Circle Sanctions Compliance particularly challenging in this context? The challenge lies in the nature of blockchain transactions. While transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain, identifying the real-world entities behind addresses requires sophisticated analysis and often relies on off-chain information. North Korean IT workers are notoriously adept at obfuscating their identities, using shell companies, VPNs, and various techniques to hide their true origins and purposes. Even with robust KYC/AML checks at the initial onboarding stage, funds can be moved through various intermediaries, mixers, or decentralized exchanges (DEXs) to obscure their trail. Furthermore, simply knowing an address is linked to North Korea is one thing; proving it definitively to freeze funds requires legal justification and a high degree of certainty, which can be time-consuming. Here’s a simplified look at the compliance challenges for centralized vs. decentralized crypto entities: Feature Centralized Entities (e.g., Circle/USDC) Decentralized Entities (e.g., Bitcoin/Ethereum) Control over Funds Can freeze accounts/assets, reverse transactions (under specific conditions). Cannot directly freeze or reverse transactions; control lies with private key holders. KYC/AML Implementation Mandatory for onboarding and often for high-value transactions. Not inherently built into the protocol; relies on user behavior and third-party services. Sanctions Enforcement Direct responsibility to comply with OFAC and other sanctions lists. Indirect; relies on exchanges/services interacting with the blockchain. Transparency Internal ledgers are private; on-chain transactions are public. All transactions are public on the blockchain. This table highlights why centralized stablecoins like USDC are under particular pressure to demonstrate robust Circle Sanctions Compliance . Their ability to act directly on suspicious addresses makes them a key point of control for regulators. Safeguarding the Ecosystem: The Role of Cryptocurrency Security Experts ZachXBT’s work is a prime example of the vital role played by independent blockchain security researchers and analysts. In an ecosystem where financial activity is increasingly transparent on the ledger but opaque in terms of real-world identities, these experts act as digital detectives. They meticulously trace funds, identify patterns, and link on-chain addresses to real-world entities, often uncovering illicit activities that might otherwise go unnoticed. Their contributions are crucial for enhancing overall cryptocurrency security . The methodologies employed by these researchers often involve: On-chain Analysis: Tracing transaction flows across different addresses, protocols, and blockchains. Pattern Recognition: Identifying unusual transaction volumes, timing, or sequences indicative of illicit activity. OSINT (Open Source Intelligence): Cross-referencing on-chain data with publicly available information from social media, forums, and news reports. Wallet Profiling: Building profiles of suspicious addresses and linking them to known entities or criminal groups. These efforts not only expose bad actors but also provide valuable intelligence to law enforcement and compliance teams within crypto companies. Without such vigilant oversight from the broader community, the crypto space would be far more susceptible to exploitation. The continuous evolution of illicit techniques means that cryptocurrency security is an ongoing arms race, requiring constant innovation and collaboration. Navigating the Landscape: What Do Stablecoin Regulations Mean for the Future? The allegations against Circle come at a time when global regulators are intensifying their focus on stablecoins. Governments worldwide are increasingly concerned about stablecoins’ potential use in illicit finance, their systemic risk to traditional financial systems, and their role in facilitating sanctions evasion. The debate around stablecoin regulations is heating up, with different jurisdictions proposing various frameworks, from strict banking-like oversight to more tailored approaches. This incident, if substantiated, could accelerate the push for stricter rules. Regulators might demand: Enhanced Due Diligence: More stringent KYC/AML checks, not just at onboarding but throughout the customer lifecycle. Real-time Monitoring: Requirements for stablecoin issuers to implement more sophisticated real-time transaction monitoring systems. Faster Response Times: Mandates for quicker action on suspicious transactions and freezing of assets linked to sanctioned entities. Interoperability of Sanctions Lists: Better integration of global sanctions lists (like OFAC’s SDN list) into blockchain analytics tools and company compliance protocols. The challenge for regulators is to strike a balance: ensuring financial stability and preventing illicit activities without stifling innovation. However, incidents like the alleged USDC North Korea usage strengthen the argument for more robust and globally coordinated stablecoin regulations . Companies like Circle are walking a tightrope between maintaining the decentralized ethos of crypto and meeting the stringent demands of traditional financial compliance. Beyond the Headlines: The Power of Blockchain Investigations The ZachXBT claim underscores the growing importance of specialized blockchain investigations . These aren’t just for law enforcement anymore; they are becoming a crucial tool for compliance teams, financial institutions, and even individual investors looking to understand the provenance of funds or the legitimacy of projects. The transparency of public blockchains, while sometimes seen as a privacy concern, is also its greatest strength for forensic analysis. For companies operating in the crypto space, robust blockchain investigation capabilities are no longer optional. They are essential for: Risk Management: Identifying and mitigating exposure to illicit funds or sanctioned entities. Compliance: Demonstrating adherence to regulatory requirements and international sanctions. Reputation Protection: Quickly responding to allegations of illicit activity and proving due diligence. Fraud Detection: Uncovering scams, hacks, and money laundering schemes. While ZachXBT operates as an independent researcher, his work highlights a critical gap that companies themselves must fill. The ability to proactively identify and act on suspicious patterns, especially concerning state-sponsored illicit finance, is paramount. This requires significant investment in technology, skilled personnel, and continuous adaptation to new evasion tactics. The future of a trustworthy crypto ecosystem heavily relies on the effectiveness and widespread adoption of advanced blockchain investigations . A Call for Greater Vigilance in the Crypto Frontier The allegations regarding North Korean use of USDC serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in enforcing global sanctions within the decentralized, yet increasingly centralized, world of cryptocurrencies. While companies like Circle strive for compliance, the ingenuity of bad actors, particularly state-sponsored ones, continues to test the limits of current systems. This incident underscores the critical need for continuous innovation in blockchain forensics, stronger collaboration between private entities and law enforcement, and a clear, globally coordinated approach to stablecoin regulation. As the digital economy evolves, so too must our tools and frameworks for ensuring its integrity and security. The battle against illicit finance in the crypto space is far from over, and vigilance remains our most powerful weapon. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping stablecoin regulations and institutional adoption. This post USDC North Korea: Alarming Claims Rock Circle’s Compliance Efforts first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Bitcoin's price remains stable amidst the U.S. holiday, with low trading volumes. Continue Reading: Cryptocurrencies Surge: XRP, SOL, and ADA Take Center Stage! The post Cryptocurrencies Surge: XRP, SOL, and ADA Take Center Stage! appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
President Trump has ordered the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to review federal subsidies awarded to Elon Musk’s companies, notably impacting Tesla and SpaceX. This unprecedented scrutiny introduces financial uncertainty
According to various reports on X, including from Eleanor Terrett, the SEC is currently trying to find ways to streamline the approval process for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), especially those related to cryptocurrency-related products. The agency, which just came under new leadership, has been swamped with crypto ETFs that need approval and has been criticized for dragging its feet on the filings before it. However, if the rumors circulating on X are true, the SEC may be getting ready to clear the backlog of ETFs on its plate, essentially ushering the industry into a new age. 5. “The outcome of our rules is not effective when companies require highly specialized lawyers and compensation consultants to prepare disclosure that the reasonable investor struggles to understand.” — U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (@SECGov) June 26, 2025 The SEC may streamline the ETF approval process According to Eleanor Terrett, the SEC’s plan to create a generic listing standard for token-based ETFs in coordination with exchanges is still in the early stages. “The thinking, I’m told, is that if a token meets the criteria, issuers could skip the 19b-4 process, file an S-1, wait 75 days, and the exchange could list it,” she wrote . The reporter went on to highlight how the approach has the potential to save the issuers and spare the regulator the horror of doing all that paperwork or going back and forth on comments. Terrett also clarified that the listing standards that will determine if a token meets the criteria are not yet known; however, market cap, trading volume and liquidity are reportedly all under consideration. The SEC has declined to comment on the topic, but speculation has continued on X with users weighing in with thoughts on the odds of it really happening. Sentiment is optimistic, but more critical users have highlighted the importance of clarity, especially where factors like the market cap, trading volume, and liquidity are concerned. Others are just curious to see what tokens, if any, will meet the criteria, whatever they are. Approval odds for crypto ETFs, especially Solana-based ones, are soaring As things stand, nine Solana-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have been filed with the SEC from issuers like VanEck, 21Shares, Bitwise Asset Management, Canary Capital, among others. Odds of ETF approvals submitted to the SEC. Source: Satoshi Club The filings primarily focus on spot Solana ETFs , with some including provisions for staking Solana tokens to generate yield. Last month saw the SEC request amended S-1 filings from Solana ETF issuers within a week, causing some to speculate that an approval timeline as early as July is possible. Bloomberg analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart have also just raised their approval odds for altcoin ETFs to over 90% by the end of 2025, thanks to constructive engagement with the SEC. Analysts also revealed that among the ETFs currently awaiting approval, most have above 90% chances of getting approved, with the exception of the Sui ETF, which has 60% odds, and Tron/Pengu ETFs with their respective 50% chances. The Solana ETF filings that now seem to be on the verge of being fast-tracked for approval were initially met with skepticism since Solana was classified as a potential security in lawsuits against exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken. SEC allows Grayscale to convert its large-cap fund into an ETF Meanwhile, Grayscale received good news from the SEC after the regulator greenlit the conversion of Grayscale’s Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) into a spot exchange-traded fund. The approval means that Grayscale can list the fund on the NYSE Arca. The ETF will provide public investors with regulated exposure to a basket of major cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (approximately 80%), Ethereum ( around 11%), Ripple (about 5-6%), Solana ( roughly 2-3%), and Cardano ( about 1%). This approval follows an amended S-3 filing by Grayscale, with the decision made on an accelerated basis, reflecting ongoing dialogue with the SEC. The fund, which previously operated as a private vehicle with over $760 million in assets, will now be accessible to a broader investor base. KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage
BitcoinWorld Bitcoin’s Momentum Challenge: Why the Epic BTC Rally Faces Profit-Taking Pressures The cryptocurrency world has been buzzing with excitement as Bitcoin (BTC) embarked on a remarkable three-month rally, captivating investors and analysts alike. After a challenging period, the king of cryptocurrencies surged an impressive 41% from its April low, pushing its Bitcoin price well above the $107,000 mark. This incredible ascent fueled optimism, leading many to anticipate a continued parabolic rise. However, as with any dynamic market, the tides can turn, and recent signals suggest a potential shift in momentum. Is this merely a pause, or are we witnessing a more significant change in Bitcoin’s trajectory? Understanding the Current Bitcoin Price Action: A Shift in Dynamics? For weeks, the narrative surrounding Bitcoin was one of relentless ascent. Every dip was met with strong buying interest, propelling the Bitcoin price higher and higher. This robust performance cemented its position as a leading indicator for the broader crypto market. Yet, recent observations from prominent analysts, including those at Bitfinex, indicate a subtle but crucial change in market dynamics. The once-unwavering buying pressure appears to be weakening, giving way to an increase in selling activity, particularly from a specific segment of holders. This isn’t necessarily a cause for panic, but rather an invitation for careful consideration. Markets rarely move in a straight line forever. Periods of rapid appreciation are often followed by phases of consolidation or even correction. The current sentiment suggests we might be entering one such phase, where the market digests its recent gains and re-evaluates its direction. Why is the BTC Rally Losing Steam? The Role of Profit-Taking One of the primary drivers behind the perceived loss of momentum in the BTC rally is the noticeable increase in profit-taking . While a healthy part of any market cycle, its intensity and source can offer valuable insights. Analysts point to short-term holders, those who entered the market when Bitcoin was trading below the $80,000 level, as key contributors to this selling pressure. Having witnessed substantial gains, these investors are now cashing out, securing their profits. Consider the following dynamics contributing to this trend: Short-Term Holder Behavior: These investors are typically more reactive to price movements, aiming to capitalize on quick gains. Once their target profit margins are met, they are more likely to sell. Market Psychology: After a significant run-up, there’s a natural inclination for some participants to lock in gains, especially if they anticipate a potential pullback or simply wish to de-risk. Lack of New Catalysts: While the rally was strong, a lack of immediate, powerful new catalysts might lead existing holders to believe the immediate upside is limited, prompting them to sell. This behavior, while understandable from an individual investment perspective, collectively creates selling pressure that can slow or even reverse a rally. The Critical Role of Crypto Market Analysis in Spotting Trends How do experts like those at Bitfinex identify these shifts? It boils down to meticulous crypto market analysis , which involves scrutinizing various on-chain and off-chain metrics. It’s not just about looking at the price chart; it’s about understanding the underlying forces of supply and demand, investor sentiment, and liquidity. Key indicators that signal a potential shift include: Spot Trading Volume: A decline in spot trading volume often suggests reduced conviction among buyers and sellers. When volume drops during an uptrend, it can indicate that fewer new participants are entering the market to sustain the rally. Conversely, a high volume during a price drop can signal strong selling pressure. Taker Buy Pressure: This metric reflects the aggressive buying activity in the market. Taker buys are market orders that immediately execute against existing limit orders. A diminishing taker buy pressure indicates that buyers are becoming less aggressive in their purchases, or there simply aren’t enough new buyers willing to ‘take’ the available sell orders at current prices. Funding Rates and Open Interest: While not explicitly mentioned in the original snippet, these derivatives market metrics are also crucial. Negative or declining funding rates in perpetual futures, coupled with decreasing open interest, can signal a bearish sentiment or reduced speculative interest. By observing these and other metrics, analysts can paint a clearer picture of the market’s health and anticipate potential turning points, helping investors make more informed decisions. Navigating Increased Profit-Taking: What Does it Mean for Investors? The rise in profit-taking , particularly from short-term holders, is a natural part of the market cycle. It suggests that a significant portion of the recent gains has been realized. For investors, this means the market might be entering a phase of consolidation. What does consolidation entail? Consolidation is a period where the asset’s price trades within a relatively narrow range, often after a significant upward or downward move. It’s a time for the market to ‘catch its breath,’ absorb new information, and for supply and demand to find a new equilibrium. This can be a healthy development for long-term sustainability, as it helps to shake out weaker hands and build a stronger foundation for future growth. During consolidation, investors might observe: Reduced volatility compared to the preceding rally. Price bouncing between clear support and resistance levels. A period of uncertainty, as the market awaits new catalysts or a clear breakout direction. For those looking to enter the market or add to their positions, a consolidation phase can present opportunities to buy at more stable price points, rather than chasing a rapidly rising asset. What Declining Trading Volume Tells Us About Market Health The decline in trading volume is a significant indicator that should not be overlooked. Volume is often considered the ‘fuel’ of price movements. A strong rally typically sees increasing volume, indicating broad participation and conviction. When volume starts to wane during an uptrend, it suggests that fewer participants are willing to buy at higher prices, and the existing rally is being sustained by a smaller pool of committed buyers. Here’s a simple analogy: Imagine a car climbing a hill. If the engine starts to sputter and consume less fuel, it’s a sign that the ascent might be slowing down or even reversing. Similarly, declining volume in an uptrend can signal that the underlying buying power is diminishing. This makes the price action less reliable and more susceptible to sudden reversals or corrections. Conversely, if a price drop occurs on high volume, it signals strong selling conviction. If a price drop occurs on low volume, it might indicate a temporary pullback rather than a strong bearish reversal. In the current scenario, the declining volume accompanying the weakening rally suggests a decrease in overall market participation and enthusiasm at these higher price levels. Actionable Insights for Investors in a Shifting Market So, what should investors do when the BTC rally shows signs of fatigue and profit-taking becomes prevalent? Here are some actionable insights: Re-evaluate Your Strategy: If you’re a short-term trader, this might be a time to consider securing some profits or adjusting stop-loss orders. For long-term holders (HODLers), consolidation can be a test of conviction, but also an opportunity to accumulate more Bitcoin if you believe in its long-term potential. Focus on Key Support Levels: Identify crucial price levels where strong buying interest has historically emerged. These can act as potential floors if the price continues to decline. For example, the $80,000 level, where many short-term holders bought in, could become a significant psychological and technical support level if the market pulls back further. Diversify (Carefully): While Bitcoin remains dominant, consider if your portfolio is overly concentrated. However, avoid panic-selling into other assets without thorough research. Stay Informed: Continue to follow reliable crypto market analysis from reputable sources. Understanding macro-economic trends, regulatory news, and on-chain data will be crucial. Practice Risk Management: Never invest more than you can afford to lose. Use stop-loss orders, manage your position sizes, and have a clear exit strategy. Patience is Key: Markets move in cycles. A consolidation phase can be frustrating, but it’s a natural part of healthy growth. Impulsive decisions often lead to losses. The Road Ahead: Consolidation or Correction? The current signals suggest that Bitcoin is likely entering a consolidation phase rather than immediately resuming its sharp upward trajectory. This period of sideways movement can be beneficial, allowing the market to build a stronger base before its next significant move. However, there’s always the possibility that increased profit-taking and sustained low trading volume could lead to a deeper correction. The key will be to watch how demand responds at critical support levels. If buying interest returns strongly at these levels, it could confirm a healthy consolidation. If these levels break, it might signal a more pronounced pullback. Ultimately, the market is a complex interplay of human psychology, economic factors, and technological developments. Conclusion: Navigating Bitcoin’s Evolving Landscape Bitcoin’s recent rally has been nothing short of spectacular, but the emerging signs of weakening momentum and rising profit-taking warrant attention. As trading volume declines and buyer enthusiasm wanes, the market appears to be transitioning into a consolidation phase. This shift, highlighted by astute crypto market analysis , is a natural part of market cycles, offering a chance for the Bitcoin price to stabilize and gather strength for its next move. For investors, understanding these dynamics and adopting a patient, informed approach will be crucial to navigating the evolving landscape of the BTC rally . While the immediate future might involve less dramatic upward movements, the long-term narrative for Bitcoin remains compelling for many, predicated on its fundamental strengths and growing adoption. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action. This post Bitcoin’s Momentum Challenge: Why the Epic BTC Rally Faces Profit-Taking Pressures first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Solana could be reaching new heights soon, driven by a potential breakthrough. The anticipated ETF launch might unlock opportunities within the DeFi space. Explore how this development could accelerate Solana and other cryptocurrencies. Delve into the coming surge and discover which digital coins are poised for growth. Solana Price Range Dynamics: Bulls and Bears in a Tight Battle Solana experienced a 1.72% drop in the past month and a more significant 20.71% decline over the last six months. The weekly change of 6.40% indicates some short-term recovery amid a longer-term downtrend. Price action has been volatile, with periods of consolidation following sharp moves. Recent performance highlights the coin’s mixed dynamics, showing resilience during brief rallies while facing consistent bearish pressure over a prolonged period. The current price is trading between $131 and $173. Immediate resistance is noted at $191.77, with a second barrier around $233.73, while support is identified at approximately $107.87 and a lower level near $65.93. The market shows a struggle between bulls and bears. The RSI of 53.99 indicates a balance, but the Awesome Oscillator reading of -0.60 reveals bearish sentiment. The Momentum Indicator at 18.41 suggests some upward energy. Traders may consider buying at support levels or watching for a breakout above $191.77 for further buying interest. A dip below support could prompt short-term selling, creating a range-bound setup that requires careful positioning until trends clarify. Jupiter: Price Dynamics Amid Altcoin Season Prospects Jupiter prices saw a mixed journey over the last month and half-year. Over one week, prices spiked 12.07% before pulling back with a 13.68% drop in the past month. The half-year trend shows a more challenging picture with a 46.77% decline. The coin hovered within a price range of $0.34 to $0.57, reflecting substantial fluctuations. This behavior underscores the volatile nature of emerging altcoins, with rapid movements in both directions over short periods and extended intervals. Current price observations reveal distinct support and resistance levels that shape trading opportunities. The coin finds support near $0.21 and encounters resistance at $0.69, with a second resistance level around $0.92. The price range between $0.34 and $0.57 offers a tactical window for short-term trades, where buying near support and selling within the resistance zone remains viable. Indicator readings show slightly negative momentum and a modest RSI at 53. Market sentiment leans toward caution, as bears have influenced recent trends, though a clear direction is not yet established. Traders could consider accumulating during dips and testing resistance levels. Conclusion The upcoming ETF could be a game-changer for SOL and JUP . It might drive significant interest and investment. SOL has shown strong upward momentum, and the ETF launch could push it to new highs. JUP also stands to benefit from increased exposure. Both coins could see significant growth, opening up new opportunities in the crypto sphere. The future looks promising for these assets. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
The U.S. Senate’s recent passage of President Trump’s massive reconciliation bill marked a pivotal moment, yet crucial crypto tax amendments aimed at benefiting miners, stakers, and retail users were ultimately
XRP remains confined within a narrow trading range between $2 and $2.35, with market participants closely watching for a breakout potentially fueled by ETF approval speculation. The increasing likelihood of
Crypto asset manager Bitwise believes Bitcoin ( BTC ) remains on track to hit its price target in 2025. In a new report, Bitwise executives Matt Hougan and Ryan Rasmussen double down on their prediction that Bitcoin will hit $200,000 within six months, a more than 88% increase from its current value. “It’s been a mixed year for crypto asset prices… We’re optimistic, however, that things are setting up for a very strong H2 (second half of the year). Progress in D.C. around crypto legislation, rising demand from institutional investors for crypto exposure and extreme bullishness around stablecoins are combining to create a strong environment for gains. The bottom line: we’re holding firm to our BTC $200,000 prediction, as there is simply too much institutional demand for BTC to keep prices flat for long.” The investors also say that there are bullish catalysts that may spark explosive rallies for Ethereum ( ETH ) and Solana ( SOL ) in the second half of 2025. However, they are unsure if ETH and SOL can hit fresh all-time highs. “We’re less confident on ETH and SOL, but hope that rising interest in stablecoins, ETF (exchange-traded fund) approvals and the emergence of ETH and SOL treasury companies can drive prices substantially higher.” Bitcoin is trading for $105,996 at time of writing, down 1.5% in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, ETH is trading for $2,423 at time of writing, down 2% on the day, and SOL is trading $147 at time of writing, down 6.8% in the last 24 hours. The analysts also believe that top US crypto exchange Coinbase will eventually trade for $700 per share and surpass Charles Schwab’s total value, but that it’s unlikely to occur this year. “COIN’s stock has done well, doubling Schwab’s market return (44% against 22% for the old-school brokerage)… Schwab’s stock has done a bit better than we expected. As a result, the gap between Coinbase’s value ($90 billion) and Schwab’s value ($164 billion) is probably too wide to cross by year-end.” COIN is trading for $337 at time of writing. Lastly, the executives are also staying committed to their prediction that the market cap of tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) will surpass $50 billion this year. “Tokenized RWAs were a $13 billion market at the start of 2025. Today, they’re at roughly $25 billion. We think adoption here will accelerate in H2.” Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: DALLE3 The post Bitwise Doubles Down on $200,000 Bitcoin Price Target, Reveals Predictions for Ethereum Solana, Coinbase and More appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
Key Takeaways: Zhongtai Financial International Chief Economist Li Xunlei argues China should pursue a yuan-pegged stablecoin strategy to counter U.S. dollar dominance. Li recommends pilot programs in free trade zones and Belt and Road countries, with legal and regulatory frameworks in place. He urges the People’s Bank of China to apply unified regulatory principles and consider broader capital market reforms. A stablecoin strategy is necessary for the Chinese yuan to increase its international influence and counter the dollar’s overrepresentation in global finance, according to an article published by Zhongtai Financial International Chief Economist Li Xunlei on July 1. Li writes that the dollar’s dominance is partly sustained by its extensive role in stablecoin issuance. Over 80% of the world’s stablecoins are pegged to the U.S. dollar, which he says contributes to excessive dollar liquidity. By contrast, the yuan remains underrepresented in cross-border payments, trade finance, and reserves. Li Calls for CNY Stablecoin Strategy The Chinese yuan’s market exchange rate is undervalued compared to the country’s purchasing power parity (PPP), Li states in the piece. “This undervaluation is mainly due to the renminbi’s insufficient global liquidity, which results in an elevated liquidity premium,” said Li. He notes that while other jurisdictions are advancing regulatory frameworks for stablecoins, citing recent developments in the U.S. and Hong Kong , China has yet to introduce formal legislation. The U.S. Senate has passed the GENIUS Act in a 68–30 vote, marking the first major digital asset legislation and drawing praise from industry leaders. #regulation #stablecoins https://t.co/OSjotzTnUa — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) June 18, 2025 He recommends pilot programs in free trade zones and Belt and Road markets, backed by clear rules on reserve management and legal definitions. According to Li, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) should explore issuing yuan-pegged stablecoins under a regulatory framework aligned with the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation.” He says such a move would expand the yuan’s cross-border use in settlements, financing, and digital payments without undermining monetary control. “The core function of stablecoins is not to replace fiat, but to provide a digital, efficient cross-border form of fiat circulation, enhancing the liquidity of the pegged currency and its global status,” he writes. Yuan’s Path to Internationalization Li also recommends broader steps to support the yuan’s internationalization, including increasing capital account openness and adjusting China’s foreign reserve structure. He concludes that without such measures, the gap between the yuan’s economic weight and its international usage will persist, leaving China at a disadvantage in shaping the future of global currency systems. The yuan’s absence in stablecoin markets limits its role in digital finance. Without a compliant, widely used digital form, the currency cannot easily scale in cross-border payments or compete with dollar-backed tokens. Regulation will determine how stablecoins evolve. If China delays action, others will set the standards. A clear framework for yuan-denominated stablecoins would let China shape digital payment flows and reduce reliance on dollar-based systems. The post Dollar-Pegged Tokens Beat Yuan 80:1 – Can China’s Stablecoin Strategy Close Gap? appeared first on Cryptonews .