Fresh figures shared by an XRPL validator show detailed insights into the XRP Ledger’s electricity consumption. According to the data, the ledger consumes approximately 493,677 kilowatt-hours per year. When measured per individual XRP, the consumption equates to 0.0000224054 watt-hours, while per transaction, the figure stands at 0.0201078255 watt-hours. This represents an extremely low energy demand compared with other blockchain networks, particularly those that rely on proof-of-work consensus. The validator emphasized that a single transaction on the XRP Ledger consumes about the same amount of electricity as running an LED light for one millisecond. Fresh Data on XRP Ledger electricity consumption and carbon emissions. Whole network has a carbon footprint of one transatlantic flight with a Boeing 747. One XRPL transaction consumes electricity equal to running a LED light for 1 milisecond. pic.twitter.com/FG3PRbZMyA — Vet (@Vet_X0) September 2, 2025 Carbon Footprint Assessment The same report outlined the XRP Ledger’s carbon emissions. Annual emissions were measured at 63 metric tons of CO₂ equivalent. On a per-unit basis, emissions per XRP amount to 0.00903 milligrams CO₂ equivalent, while each transaction accounts for 8.10258 milligrams CO₂ equivalent. The validator compared the entire ledger’s yearly footprint to that of a single transatlantic flight with a Boeing 747. This underscores how the XRP Ledger maintains an environmentally efficient profile despite handling large-scale transactions and supporting global usage. Broader Comparisons with Bitcoin The post attracted further commentary when another user asked how the Bitcoin network compares in terms of emissions. A response referencing Digiconomist’s recent data explained that Bitcoin’s annual carbon footprint is approximately 104 million tons of CO₂ equivalent, with electricity consumption of about 187 terawatt-hours. In contrast, the XRP Ledger’s 63 tons of CO₂ equivalent amounts to a footprint roughly 1.6 million times smaller than Bitcoin’s. The same comparison highlighted that a Bitcoin transaction emits an estimated 578 kilograms of CO₂ , while an XRP Ledger transaction requires only a negligible 0.00002 kilowatt-hours of energy. Significance of the Data The release of these updated figures underscores the environmental position of the XRP Ledger. With blockchain technology often scrutinized for its energy usage, the reported statistics emphasize the differences between proof-of-stake or consensus-based systems and proof-of-work models. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 The validator’s presentation of electricity and carbon data, combined with independent references to Bitcoin’s consumption, illustrates a substantial gap in efficiency and sustainability between the two networks. This latest data reinforces the case for the XRP Ledger as a low-impact blockchain, both in terms of electricity use and carbon emissions. 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 Fresh Data on XRP Ledger Electricity Consumption and Carbon Emissions appeared first on Times Tabloid .
The cryptocurrency market is filled with projects battling for attention, but not all are delivering equal results. Cardano and Stellar continue to attract speculation, with both tokens locked in technical crossroads that shape their near-term growth. Cardano is struggling to hold critical support levels while Stellar prepares for ambitious upgrades and tokenization partnerships. These factors keep optimism alive, but momentum is lacking. BlockDAG, on the other hand, is advancing with certainty. With over $395 million raised, a flat $0.0013 deployment price, and a confirmed $0.05 launch target, BlockDAG has simplified its offering while providing real-world delivery through miner shipments. Its upcoming Deployment Event in Singapore, hosted in partnership with Coinstore, places it firmly at the center of investor attention. For many, BlockDAG now stands as the crypto with the most potential in 2025. Cardano Growth Outlook Faces Pressure at Key Support Cardano recently hit $1.01 but has since slipped to around $0.82, with the all-important $0.80 level acting as immediate support. Analysts highlight that failure to defend this zone could see ADA test deeper levels at $0.71 or even $0.57. Despite the risk, the Cardano (ADA) growth outlook remains cautiously optimistic in the broader picture. Traders believe the pullback may simply be part of a larger uptrend, with the potential to revisit $1.10 if momentum returns. However, the drop in trading volume and weakening momentum indicators show that buyers have stepped back in the short term. This lack of conviction underscores ADA’s dependence on renewed market enthusiasm to regain traction. While its fundamentals remain sound, ADA currently trails projects with clearer near-term catalysts. Stellar Growth Outlook Backed By Tokenization And Upgrades Stellar is trading near $0.36, still far below its all-time high of $0.93 but holding steady among growing adoption efforts. The Stellar (XLM) growth outlook has been lifted by developments such as the partnership with Archax to tokenize Aberdeen’s $150 million money market fund. Combined with an upcoming Protocol 23 upgrade aimed at scaling transactions to 5,000 per second, Stellar is building the technical and institutional foundation for long-term relevance. Price predictions reflect this potential, with targets of up to $1.29 by 2025 and as high as $6.19 by 2030 if adoption accelerates. Still, in the near term, XLM is dependent on upgrades and external sentiment to unlock new highs. Like Cardano, it remains in the conversation but lacks the immediate proof of delivery that investors are increasingly prioritizing. BlockDAG Deployment Event And Miner Shipments Secure Its $0.0013 Presale BlockDAG is rewriting expectations for presale projects through transparency and delivery. The project’s final presale stage has set a flat $0.0013 deployment price, eliminating confusing bonus tiers. This rate will remain fixed for the last 30 days before launch, allowing every participant equal access. With a confirmed launch price of $0.05, investors have a clear roadmap toward substantial upside potential. Combined with more than $395 million raised, BlockDAG has secured one of the largest fundraising campaigns of 2025. The centerpiece of this momentum is the upcoming Deployment Event in Singapore, hosted with Coinstore. After stepping back from Token2049 due to restrictions, BlockDAG opted to host its own flagship event, signaling confidence and independence. The event will showcase its ecosystem and serve as a public declaration that the project is ready to scale globally. By “owning the spotlight,” BlockDAG is aligning itself as a leader rather than a follower, a distinction that reinforces its position as the crypto with the most potential. Meanwhile, BlockDAG is also delivering tangible infrastructure. Shipments of its X10 miners have already begun worldwide, with production scaling to 2,000 units per week. The X30 miner is preparing for its initial deliveries, while the high-powered X100 is in final beta testing before mass rollout. Although miner shipments play a smaller role compared to deployment, they add proof that BlockDAG is executing on promises. By combining simplified presale pricing, a high-profile deployment event, and real-world product distribution, BlockDAG provides clarity that few other projects can match. It’s this mix of transparency and delivery that sets it apart from speculative plays like ADA and XLM. Final Word: Clear Leader Among All the Options Cardano and Stellar remain important players in the market, with ADA fighting to hold key support and XLM pushing forward with partnerships and upgrades. The Cardano and Stellar growth outlook both point toward long-term relevance, but their short-term paths are uncertain. BlockDAG, however, is offering something rare in presales: certainty. Its $0.0013 deployment price, over $395M raised in its Batch 30, and $0.05 launch target are matched by miner shipments and a high-profile Singapore event. This positions BlockDAG as the crypto with the most potential in 2025. For investors deciding where to commit, the choice is becoming clearer. ADA and XLM are still in the race, but BlockDAG is already proving it can deliver before launch; a quality that makes it stand out in today’s market. Presale: https://purchase.blockdag.network Website: https://blockdag.network Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetworkOfficial Discord: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu The post BlockDAG at $0.0013: Why It’s Outpacing Cardano and Stellar as 2025’s Top Crypto Contender appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .
Whales are cashing profits and opening heavy ETH shorts......could $4,415 spark a sharp recovery?
Hyperliquid is slowly building a name within the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. In August, the platform recorded nearly $400 billion in perpetual trading volume and more than $106 million in revenue, according to DefiLlama. Related Reading: Ethereum price Crash To $4,081: Why The Bears Are In Charge This milestone not only cements Hyperliquid’s dominance in the decentralized perpetuals market, where it now controls around 70% of market share, but also signals growing adoption by both retail and institutional investors. A key driver of this success is its proprietary HyperEVM blockchain, designed for speed, scalability, and zero gas fees. These features replicate the performance of centralized exchanges while maintaining DeFi’s transparency and user custody, making Hyperliquid an appealing alternative to platforms like Binance or Solana-based DEXs. Whale Activity and Market Sentiment Despite its strong fundamentals, HYPE, the platform’s native token, is facing volatility. Currently trading around $44, HYPE has retraced from the $51 mark but remains on track for a possible breakout. Analysts point to resistance at $48.73, with upside targets at $52, $55, and even $73 if bullish momentum persists. HYPE's price trends to the upside on the daily chart. Source: HYPEUSD on Tradingview Whale activity has added intrigue to the token’s outlook. Recently, a whale deposited over $3 million USDC into Hyperliquid and opened a leveraged short against HYPE, sparking debate about near-term price action. While shorts suggest caution, derivatives data shows rising open interest and a slight long bias, hinting at sustained optimism among traders. Can Hyperliquid Become the Next “Killer App”? BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has gone as far as calling Hyperliquid a “decentralized Binance,” projecting the HYPE token could rise over 100x if adoption keeps pace. The launch of a 21Shares Hyperliquid ETP on the SIX Swiss Exchange also signals mounting institutional confidence. Still, challenges remain. Hyperliquid has faced brief outages and accusations of whale manipulation in newly launched futures markets. To counter this, the team has implemented stricter safeguards, including tighter price caps and external data integrations. These moves aim to balance rapid growth with market integrity. Related Reading: One Major Reason Bitcoin Hasn’t Reached $150,000, According To Trump’s Crypto Advisor With trading volumes surging, institutional adoption growing, and technical indicators hinting at a potential HYPE breakout toward $55, Hyperliquid stands at a defining moment. If it maintains momentum while addressing risks, it could cement itself as crypto’s next true “killer app.” Cover image from ChatGPT, HYPEUSD chart on Tradingview
APPLE, GOOGLE REACH DEAL TO EVALUATE GEMINI MODEL FOR NEW SIRI APPLE PLANS TO ROLL OUT AI SEARCH FEATURE IN SIRI NEXT YEAR $AAPL $GOOG #GOOG #AAPL
BitcoinWorld CoreWeave Unleashes Strategic Advantage with OpenPipe Acquisition, Boosting AI Agent Training In a rapidly evolving digital landscape where the demand for sophisticated artificial intelligence capabilities is skyrocketing, companies are constantly seeking an edge. For those deeply invested in the transformative power of technology, including the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors that rely on cutting-edge infrastructure, the latest strategic move by CoreWeave is highly significant. The specialized cloud provider, renowned for its high-performance servers tailored for large-scale AI model training, has announced a pivotal agreement to acquire OpenPipe . This acquisition marks a crucial step in enhancing the infrastructure that powers the next generation of intelligent systems, promising to deliver unparalleled advantages for developers and enterprises alike. CoreWeave’s Strategic Leap into Advanced AI Agent Training CoreWeave , a key player in providing robust cloud infrastructure for demanding AI workloads, has officially announced its acquisition of OpenPipe . This two-year-old startup, backed by the prestigious Y Combinator, has carved a niche for itself by empowering enterprises to develop highly customized AI agents. Their innovative approach leverages the power of reinforcement learning, a method that is rapidly gaining traction for its effectiveness in enhancing model performance on complex, reasoning-based tasks. The terms of the deal remain undisclosed, a common practice in such strategic acquisitions. However, the intent is clear: CoreWeave aims to integrate OpenPipe’s specialized expertise to broaden its service offerings and solidify its position as a go-to provider for advanced AI development. This move is not just about expanding services; it’s about providing a more comprehensive ecosystem for AI innovation, from foundational model training to the intricate development of intelligent agents. Understanding Reinforcement Learning: The Core of OpenPipe’s Innovation At the heart of OpenPipe’s value proposition is its proficiency in reinforcement learning (RL). But what exactly is RL, and why is it considered a “pivotal force” in AI development? Unlike traditional supervised learning, where models are trained on labeled datasets, reinforcement learning involves an AI agent learning to make decisions by performing actions in an environment and receiving rewards or penalties based on its outcomes. This trial-and-error process allows the AI to learn optimal behaviors over time, much like how humans learn from experience. Brian Venturo, Co-founder of CoreWeave, articulated the significance of this technology in a statement to Bitcoin World, noting, “ Reinforcement learning is emerging as a pivotal force to strengthen model performance on agentic and reasoning tasks.” This highlights RL’s critical role in building AI systems that can not only process information but also understand context, make decisions, and interact intelligently with their environment. OpenPipe’s popular open-source toolkit, ART (Agent Reinforcement Trainer), exemplifies this approach, providing developers with robust tools for creating sophisticated AI agents. Empowering the Next Generation of AI Agents with CoreWeave’s AI Cloud The synergy between OpenPipe’s agent-training capabilities and CoreWeave’s high-performance AI cloud is a powerful combination. Developing and deploying effective AI agents , especially those trained for specific enterprise needs, demands immense computing resources. Reinforcement learning, by its very nature, is computationally intensive, requiring significant processing power to simulate environments, train agents, and iterate on learning algorithms. By bringing OpenPipe under its wing, CoreWeave is not just acquiring technology; it’s integrating a specialized skillset and a proven methodology directly into its cloud ecosystem. Venturo further elaborated on this synergy: “By combining OpenPipe’s advanced self-learning tools with CoreWeave’s high-performance AI cloud, we’re expanding our platform to give developers at AI labs and beyond an important advantage in building scalable intelligent systems.” This means that developers will have direct access to the specialized tools and the underlying compute power needed to push the boundaries of AI agent development, all within a unified platform. This strategic integration offers several key advantages: Accelerated Development: Developers can rapidly train and iterate on AI agents without worrying about infrastructure bottlenecks. Optimized Performance: Leveraging CoreWeave’s GPU-accelerated cloud ensures that reinforcement learning algorithms run efficiently, leading to faster and more effective agent training. Scalability: The combined platform provides the flexibility to scale agent training from small proof-of-concept projects to large-scale enterprise deployments. Customization: Enterprises can develop highly specialized AI agents tailored precisely to their unique operational requirements, driving efficiency and innovation. CoreWeave’s Expanding Horizon: From Foundational Models to Enterprise Solutions The acquisition of OpenPipe is the latest in a series of strategic moves by CoreWeave to expand its offerings “down the stack,” meaning it’s moving beyond simply providing raw compute power to offering more specialized platforms and tools. This strategy was evident earlier in March when CoreWeave acquired Weights & Biases, a prominent AI developer platform known for its experiment tracking and model management tools. These acquisitions collectively position CoreWeave as a comprehensive ecosystem for AI development, rather than just a hardware provider. While CoreWeave counts leading AI labs like OpenAI among its biggest customers, the company is also actively trying to appeal to smaller enterprises. The demand for customized AI agents is not limited to tech giants; a growing number of businesses across various sectors are recognizing the potential of AI to automate tasks, improve customer service, and enhance decision-making. These smaller enterprises often lack the internal resources or specialized infrastructure to build and train sophisticated AI agents from scratch. CoreWeave, by acquiring OpenPipe, aims to bridge this gap, offering accessible yet powerful solutions. The idea is to train AI agents specifically for a company’s needs, whether it’s for customer support, data analysis, or process automation. This kind of customer-specific training, as noted, requires substantial computing resources. By acquiring OpenPipe, CoreWeave not only hopes to power these services with its robust AI cloud but also to directly offer the expertise and tools required to develop them. This creates a powerful value proposition for a wide range of customers. OpenPipe’s Journey: A Testament to Innovation in AI Despite being a relatively young company, OpenPipe has quickly made a name for itself in the AI community. In March 2024, the Seattle-based startup successfully raised a $6.7 million seed round, attracting a stellar lineup of backers. These included prominent venture capital firms like Costanoa Ventures and Y Combinator, along with influential individual investors such as Google DeepMind’s Logan Kilpatrick, GitHub co-founder Tom Preston-Werner, and co-creator of GitHub Copilot Alex Graveley. This significant investment underscored the industry’s recognition of OpenPipe’s innovative approach to reinforcement learning and its potential to revolutionize AI agent development. The talent behind OpenPipe will now seamlessly integrate into CoreWeave. This means that OpenPipe’s team of experts, who have been at the forefront of developing tools like ART, will join CoreWeave, bringing their specialized knowledge and experience. Furthermore, existing customers of OpenPipe will transition to become CoreWeave customers, ensuring continuity and expanded access to CoreWeave’s extensive cloud infrastructure and support. The Future Landscape: CoreWeave’s Impact on the AI Cloud Market This acquisition has significant implications for the broader AI cloud market. As the demand for specialized AI solutions intensifies, providers capable of offering more than just generic compute power will gain a competitive edge. CoreWeave’s strategy of acquiring companies that enhance its AI development stack positions it as a leader in providing end-to-end solutions for AI innovation. The increasing interest from AI labs and startups in building enterprise products around reinforcement learning signals a maturing market where general-purpose AI models are being refined for specific, high-value applications. CoreWeave’s move to integrate OpenPipe’s capabilities means it is directly addressing this growing need, enabling businesses to deploy more intelligent, adaptive, and task-specific AI systems. This will likely drive further innovation in how AI is developed, deployed, and utilized across industries, making sophisticated AI more accessible and powerful for a wider array of users. A Unified Vision for Advanced AI The acquisition of OpenPipe by CoreWeave is a testament to the accelerating pace of innovation in artificial intelligence. By combining CoreWeave’s robust, high-performance AI cloud with OpenPipe’s cutting-edge expertise in training sophisticated AI agents through reinforcement learning , the combined entity is set to deliver an unparalleled platform for AI development. This strategic alignment promises to empower developers and enterprises alike, providing them with the tools and infrastructure necessary to build the next generation of intelligent systems that can learn, reason, and adapt. As AI continues to permeate every aspect of technology, CoreWeave’s proactive expansion ensures it remains at the forefront, driving the future of AI innovation. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features and institutional adoption. This post CoreWeave Unleashes Strategic Advantage with OpenPipe Acquisition, Boosting AI Agent Training first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
PayPal and Venmo have struck a deal with Perplexity AI to offer their customers early access to the AI startup’s new browser, Comet. The agreement will give eligible users in the US and select international markets early access to the $200 premium tier 12-month trial of Perplexity Pro, directly through the PayPal and Venmo apps. The tie-up also marks one of the first offers available via PayPal’s new subscriptions hub, which is designed to simplify the management of recurring payments. The initiative could serve as a potential route for Perplexity to bring in Paypal’s 430 million users into its platform. Perplexity markets AI-first browsing experience Perplexity launched Comet in July and opened access last month to users on its Pro and Max tiers. Unlike conventional browsers, Comet integrates generative AI tools directly into the browsing experience. Users can query personal data such as emails and calendars, generate summaries of webpages, or automate routine tasks like scheduling. The startup, backed by Nvidia, has pitched Comet as an alternative to both Google’s search dominance and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The partnership with PayPal ensures that a large pool of users will be able to skip the waiting list and experience Comet’s premium features. In addition, US customers linking and paying for three or more subscriptions through PayPal’s hub will be eligible for a $50 cashback incentive, creating further pull toward the service. AI and fintech make moves together For PayPal, the arrangement increases the appeal of its new subscriptions hub, a feature the company is promoting as a one-stop dashboard for managing recurring charges, from streaming platforms to software packages. Offering a sought-after AI service helps to differentiate PayPal’s platform at a time when competition in payments and consumer finance apps is intensifying. For Perplexity, access to PayPal’s user base could accelerate adoption. The browser market is difficult to crack, with Google dominating the market by a very large margin, but the company is betting that embedding AI into browsing will create a compelling enough reason for users to switch. Beyond distribution, Perplexity has also been experimenting with new revenue models. Its recently unveiled Comet Plus tier, priced at $5 per month, directs 80% of revenue to participating publishers. The goal is to position Comet as a more sustainable partner for the media industry, which has voiced concern about AI systems summarizing content without adequate compensation. Comet has drawn mixed reviews Comet has drawn scrutiny from cybersecurity pros after Windows Central reported that the browser is vulnerable to indirect prompt injection and phishing exploits. While Perplexity has pledged to address these flaws, the findings also highlight the risks of deploying AI agents that interact with personal data. Looking forward, Perplexity is developing a mobile version of Comet and has been in discussions with smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the browser. The PayPal-Perplexity agreement is emblematic of how quickly AI is becoming entangled with consumer finance, digital commerce, and media distribution. For PayPal, it offers a chance to increase engagement with its vast user base; for Perplexity, it delivers the scale needed to compete with Silicon Valley’s largest players. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites
2025 has shaped up to be a defining year for the emerging digital asset treasury movement, widely referred to as DATs. Research indicates that more than 100 publicly traded firms have embraced the DAT strategy, with a significant portion of them in the biotech sector—a field grappling with financial headwinds this year. Biotech’s Crypto Play:
Oil took a hit on Wednesday after word broke that OPEC+ is weighing another production boost for October. Brent dropped by $1.54, closing at $67.60 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $1.62, ending the day at $63.97. That’s a 2.23% and 2.47% decline, respectively. The timing? Just days before an online meeting on Sunday, where eight members of OPEC+ will decide whether to bump up output again, according to Reuters. Traders didn’t see this coming. The market had priced in a steady stance, but now there’s a real chance OPEC+ might change direction. Phil Flynn, a senior analyst at Price Futures Group, said the odds of a production hike “have gone up” ahead of the weekend. The cartel wants its market share back, and a fresh increase would fast-track plans to ease a major supply cut that was supposed to stay in place through 2026. OPEC+ weighs early exit from second cut layer This isn’t just a small tweak. The potential move on Sunday would mean OPEC+ starts unwinding the 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) of extra cuts it had agreed to keep until the end of 2026. That number covers 1.6% of the world’s oil demand. If the group lifts quotas as expected, it’s jumping ahead by more than a year. The bloc already approved a 2.2 million bpd increase from April through September. That was on top of a 300,000 bpd bonus quota for the UAE. At their last meeting in August, the eight core members also bumped production by 547,000 bpd for September, pushing the total increase this year to 2.5 million bpd, including the UAE’s allocation. But the reality hasn’t matched the promises. Some members are still offsetting previous overproduction, while others can’t hit their quotas due to technical or capacity problems. Ole Hvalbye, an analyst at SEB bank, warned: “If output is raised in line with new quotas, we see the market moving into a sizeable surplus from September 2025 through 2026, with inventories building unless countered by renewed restraint.” The group, which includes OPEC, Russia, and other partners, pumps about half of the world’s total oil. Until recently, it had been holding back barrels to keep prices from collapsing. That strategy could be reversed if Sunday’s decision goes through. But even as they talk about pumping more, the fact that actual output has lagged behind pledges has been helping support prices for now. Other data adds to pressure on oil prices The oil dump wasn’t just about OPEC+. There’s more hitting the demand side. U.S. job openings in July came in at 7.181 million, way below the expected 7.378 million, according to the Labor Department. Weak labor numbers raise concerns about consumption and economic momentum. Manufacturing’s also struggling, with U.S. factory activity shrinking for the sixth straight month, signaling more demand weakness ahead. The market is still waiting for inventory numbers from the American Petroleum Institute (API), expected to show a dip in crude, gasoline, and distillate stocks. A drop like that normally supports prices, but with this OPEC+ move looming, supply headlines are dominating demand ones. Over in Nigeria, things aren’t running smooth either. The massive 650,000 bpd Dangote refinery is facing downtime. A catalyst leak and other technical faults have taken parts of the plant offline. Fixes could take two weeks, putting a dent in local refining but not enough to balance what could come from OPEC+. That said, there’s still another 2 million bpd of group-wide cuts on the books. Those are separate from the 1.65 million being debated this weekend. Both layers were meant to run through the end of 2026, but the group now seems eager to move faster. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
U.S. Bancorp, the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, has relaunched its institutional Bitcoin custody service after a three-year pause, citing renewed clarity from Washington and rising demand from investors. The Minneapolis-based lender said the service will initially cover Bitcoin for registered investment funds and spot Bitcoin ETF providers, with plans to expand if conditions allow. Institutional Bitcoin Storage Market Heats Up as U.S. Bancorp Rejoins Race The bank first rolled out crypto custody in 2021 through a partnership with fintech firm NYDIG. Those efforts were quickly put on hold when the Securities and Exchange Commission introduced rules requiring banks offering custody to hold equivalent capital on their balance sheets. The requirement proved too restrictive, pushing the bank to suspend the program. That changed this year when the SEC rescinded the rule shortly after President Donald Trump began his second term, opening the door for large banks to reenter the digital assets space. “We had the playbook and it’s sort of opening it up and executing it again,” said Stephen Philipson, head of wealth, corporate, commercial, and institutional banking at U.S. Bank. He added that the bank expects to scale the business more broadly as demand grows, while also exploring possible applications of crypto and stablecoins across wealth management, payments, and consumer banking. The relaunch places U.S. Bancorp among a growing list of major financial institutions reactivating or expanding digital custody services. Bank of New York Mellon, the country’s oldest bank, introduced a custody platform in 2022 to safeguard Bitcoin and Ether for select institutional clients. Fidelity Investments also offers custody services, while crypto-native firms such as Coinbase, BitGo, and Anchorage Digital remain major players. Anchorage continues to stand out as the only federally chartered digital asset bank. Fresh regulatory guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in March further encouraged banks to participate in digital asset activities, stating that banks no longer need to seek prior approval to offer custody. Industry observers expect the change to accelerate adoption among mainstream banks, providing institutional investors with more familiar and regulated options for safeguarding assets. U.S. Bancorp said it will consider expanding custody services beyond Bitcoin, but only for assets that meet its risk and compliance standards. For now, the decision to restart operations shows a renewed willingness by traditional finance to compete with specialized crypto custodians. The timing also coincides with heightened activity in spot Bitcoin ETFs. Since their approval earlier this year, the products have attracted billions of dollars in inflows, driving institutional demand for secure storage solutions. Custody is viewed as a key piece of infrastructure to support that growth, and U.S. Bancorp is positioning itself to capture part of the market. Traditional Finance Firms Globally Shift Toward Crypto Integration Crypto is edging further into mainstream finance as U.S. banks and regulators move toward deeper integration with digital assets. In recent months, several large lenders have begun exploring crypto services, stablecoin issuance, and custody solutions once considered too risky. PNC Bank, which manages $421 billion in client assets, became one of the largest U.S. banks to launch crypto services after announcing a partnership with Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service platform. PNC Bank to add Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service platform for trading of digital assets, and would offer banking services to Coinbase. #PNCBank #Coinbase #CryptoServices https://t.co/a5vBf8o3Y8 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) July 23, 2025 Customers will soon be able to buy, hold, and sell digital assets directly through PNC. JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Bank of America are also studying stablecoin offerings , while Deutsche Bank has confirmed plans to launch a crypto custody platform in 2026 in partnership with Bitpanda. German institutions, including DZ Bank and Sparkassen, have indicated similar intentions, showing how traditional finance is rapidly adapting to demand. The shift is partly driven by regulation. In July, the first federal stablecoin law was signed , providing a framework for banks to explore dollar-pegged tokens. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC already support a $230 billion market, moving funds faster and cheaper than legacy rails. Citi executive warns stablecoin interest payments could drain bank deposits like the 1980s crisis amid GENIUS Act loophole concerns. #Stablecoin #Banks https://t.co/aaHxz9bXHM — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) August 25, 2025 Analysts warn that widespread adoption could reduce deposits and payment revenues for banks, but lenders see opportunity in capturing new flows before tech-native competitors dominate. Trump Pushes Sweeping Crypto Reforms in Second Term The regulatory environment has become friendlier as well. In August, the SEC and CFTC issued a joint statement clarifying that registered exchanges may facilitate spot crypto trades , a step intended to improve investor protections and encourage development in the U.S. For everyday users, this means being able to buy and sell crypto directly, similar to stocks, on licensed platforms that follow compliance rules. This growing institutional interest is unfolding against a broader political backdrop shaped by Donald Trump’s second administration. Since returning to the office, Trump has positioned himself as a champion of digital assets, in contrast to what he calls the “hostile” stance of his predecessor. The White House has already pushed through the GENIUS Act , the country’s first stablecoin law, and is lobbying Congress to pass the CLARITY Act, a comprehensive framework for digital assets. The administration has also introduced a strategic Bitcoin reserve and published a 160-page report outlining plans to support open-source infrastructure and safeguard user privacy. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins, a Trump appointee, announced “Project Crypto” in July , a sweeping effort to modernize securities rules and bring crypto asset distributions back onshore. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins launches 'Project Crypto' initiative to make America the 'crypto capital of the world' through comprehensive regulatory modernization. #SEC #Crypto #America https://t.co/7dVUQ2rEZ8 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) July 31, 2025 The project includes clearer categories for tokens, new disclosure standards, and safe harbors for coin offerings and airdrops, steps intended to make it easier for companies to include U.S. investors. At the same time, tensions with banks remain. In August, a coalition of crypto firms, including Gemini and Robinhood, urged Trump to block new “account access” fees proposed by lenders, arguing such charges would cripple innovation. Banks countered that the industry is asking for free services while profiting from user data. The post U.S. Bancorp Restarts Bitcoin Custody After SEC Rollback as ETF Demand Surges appeared first on Cryptonews .