According to data from Lookonchain, a prominent whale identified as 12d1e4 recently transferred an additional 1,000 BTC valued at $106.06 million into the Binance exchange. This transaction, reported by COINOTAG
The SEC is under fire from Better Markets for sidelining public rulemaking in crypto oversight, raising alarms over transparency failures and investor risks. SEC Accused of Undermining Public Accountability With Informal Crypto Policies Policy advocacy group Better Markets, a nonprofit organization focused on financial market reform and public interest protection, submitted a comment letter to
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially withdrawn multiple regulatory proposals targeting decentralized finance (DeFi) and cryptocurrency custody, as reported by COINOTAG on June 13. These proposals, initially
BitcoinWorld Shopify Unleashes Exciting USDC Payments Pilot with Coinbase & Stripe Get ready for a significant shift in how you might pay online! One of the world’s largest e-commerce platforms is dipping its toes further into the world of digital currencies. We’re talking about Shopify, and they’re about to make paying with stablecoins a reality for many merchants and customers. What’s the Big News About Shopify USDC Payments ? According to reports citing Fortune and Wu Blockchain, Shopify is gearing up to launch a pilot program that will allow select merchants in the United States and Europe to accept payments using the USDC stablecoin. This isn’t just a theoretical concept; the pilot is slated to begin surprisingly soon, starting in late June of this year. Here are the core details of this upcoming pilot: What: Piloting the acceptance of USDC stablecoin payments. When: Starting late June this year. Where: Initially for select merchants in the U.S. and Europe. How: Developed in collaboration with Coinbase and integrated using Stripe’s payment infrastructure. On What Network: The protocol is built on Coinbase’s Base network, a Layer 2 solution. Key Feature: Designed to support features like refunds and chargebacks, crucial for e-commerce. Merchant Choice: This payment option will be entirely optional for participating merchants. This move signals a growing interest from major platforms in integrating digital assets into mainstream commerce, specifically focusing on the stability offered by stablecoins like USDC. Why USDC Stablecoin ? Understanding the Choice You might wonder why Shopify would choose a stablecoin like USDC over, say, Bitcoin or Ethereum. The answer lies in the fundamental nature of stablecoins. Unlike more volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are designed to maintain a stable value, typically pegged to a traditional fiat currency like the US dollar (as is the case with USDC, which aims for a 1:1 peg). This stability is absolutely critical for commercial transactions. Imagine buying a product online. You want the price you see at checkout to be the price you pay, without worrying if the value of your payment token will drop significantly in the minutes or hours it takes to process the transaction. Stablecoins eliminate this volatility risk for both the merchant and the customer at the point of sale. USDC, specifically, is one of the largest and most widely recognized regulated stablecoins, managed by Circle and Coinbase. Its reputation and widespread adoption make it a logical choice for a major e-commerce platform looking to experiment with crypto payments while minimizing volatility concerns. The Power Duo: Coinbase Stripe Partnership Explained This initiative isn’t happening in a vacuum. It’s a collaborative effort involving significant players in both the crypto and traditional finance/payment sectors: Coinbase: As a major cryptocurrency exchange and technology provider, Coinbase’s involvement is multifaceted. They co-manage USDC and have been instrumental in developing the underlying protocol for these payments. Crucially, the system is built on Base, Coinbase’s own Ethereum Layer 2 network. Building on Base likely offers advantages in terms of speed and lower transaction costs compared to transacting directly on the main Ethereum network, which is vital for high-volume e-commerce. Stripe: Stripe is a global leader in online payment processing. Their integration here is key to making this pilot functional within the existing e-commerce framework. Stripe provides the necessary infrastructure to handle the payment flow, potentially managing the conversion, settlement, and crucial features like facilitating refunds and chargebacks – aspects that are standard in traditional commerce but can be complex with native crypto transactions. Their expertise bridges the gap between the crypto payment rail and the merchant’s need for reliable financial operations. This partnership leverages the strengths of each company: Coinbase’s crypto expertise and network technology (Base), Stripe’s robust payment processing capabilities, and Shopify’s massive merchant base. How Does This Boost E-commerce Crypto Adoption ? A move like this from a platform as large and influential as Shopify has the potential to significantly impact the adoption of crypto payments in online retail. Here’s why: Normalization: When a mainstream platform like Shopify offers a crypto payment option, it helps normalize the idea of using digital assets for everyday purchases. It moves crypto beyond speculation and into practical utility. Merchant Access: Shopify provides tools and services to millions of businesses worldwide. Making it easy for these merchants to accept USDC removes a major barrier to entry for crypto payments. Merchants don’t need deep technical crypto knowledge; they can potentially opt-in through their familiar Shopify dashboard. Customer Access: For customers who hold USDC or other cryptocurrencies (which can be easily converted to USDC), this provides a direct way to spend those assets within the vast Shopify ecosystem. Infrastructure Development: The development of a payment protocol specifically designed for e-commerce, including features like refunds and chargebacks on a Layer 2 network like Base, builds crucial infrastructure needed for scaling crypto payments. While starting with a pilot, a successful rollout could pave the way for wider availability across Shopify’s platform, exposing millions of merchants and hundreds of millions of customers to crypto payments. Navigating Crypto Payments Shopify : Benefits and Considerations For merchants considering opting into this pilot (or a future wider release), there are several potential benefits, but also important points to consider. Potential Benefits for Merchants: Access to a New Customer Base: Tap into the growing number of individuals holding stablecoins or other cryptocurrencies. Potentially Lower Transaction Fees: Crypto transaction fees, especially on Layer 2 networks like Base, can sometimes be lower than traditional credit card processing fees, though the overall cost structure (including any conversion fees handled by the processor) needs to be evaluated. Faster Settlement? Depending on the exact implementation, crypto settlements can sometimes be faster than traditional banking channels, improving cash flow. Reduced Chargeback Risk? While the protocol supports chargebacks, the nature of blockchain transactions can potentially reduce certain types of fraudulent chargebacks compared to traditional methods, though this depends heavily on the integration details. Innovation and Brand Image: Position the business as forward-thinking and innovative by offering modern payment options. Optionality: Merchants aren’t forced to accept USDC; it’s an additional tool they can offer alongside existing payment methods. Considerations for Merchants: Operational Complexity: While the integration aims to be seamless, merchants need to understand how these payments will appear in their systems, how refunds work, and how settlement happens. Tax Implications: Accepting crypto payments has tax implications that merchants must understand and manage according to their local regulations. Customer Support: Be prepared to handle customer inquiries about paying with USDC. Market Demand: Assess if their target customer base is likely to use this payment method. For customers, the main benefit is having an additional, potentially convenient way to spend their digital assets on a platform they already use extensively. What This Means for the Future The Shopify USDC pilot is more than just a small experiment; it’s a strong signal about the direction of e-commerce and payments. It suggests that major platforms see stablecoins as a viable, less volatile entry point for integrating crypto into mainstream commerce. If successful, this pilot could lead to a wider rollout on Shopify, potentially inspiring other large e-commerce platforms to explore similar integrations. This could significantly accelerate the adoption of stablecoins and other digital assets for everyday transactions, blurring the lines between traditional finance and the crypto economy. The focus on Base also highlights the growing importance of Layer 2 scaling solutions for making blockchain transactions fast and cheap enough for high-frequency activities like online shopping. Summary Shopify is launching an exciting pilot program in late June, enabling select U.S. and European merchants to accept USDC payments. This initiative, developed with Coinbase and integrated via Stripe on the Base network, is a significant step towards mainstream e-commerce crypto adoption. By leveraging the stability of USDC and the infrastructure of its partners, Shopify is exploring a future where paying with digital assets is as common as using a credit card. While initially a pilot, its success could unlock new opportunities for merchants and customers alike, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of crypto into global commerce. To learn more about the latest crypto payment trends and their impact on the market, explore our articles on key developments shaping e-commerce crypto adoption in the digital age. This post Shopify Unleashes Exciting USDC Payments Pilot with Coinbase & Stripe first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
The US Senate has scheduled a final vote on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act for Tuesday, June 17. This legislation, designed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins, has garnered significant attention as it nears potential passage . The announcement followed a procedural vote for the GENIUS Stablecoin Act carried out by the US Senate on Thursday, June 12, which might lead to fresh crypto regulation. The bill seeks to introduce a regulatory landscape for stablecoins to the crypto space, a milestone for the growing industry as trading and on-chain activity are expected to rise. John Thune believes the GENIUS Act will make crypto a common part of daily life Addressing the Senate floor on Wednesday, Majority Leader John Thune called for members of Congress to vote to pass the bill. The action doubles down on many of US President Donald Trump’s talking points regarding digital assets, such as how the legislation will help bring the US to the crypto capital of the world. In a 68-30 vote, the US Senate voted to advance the GENIUS Act. This took place more than a month after it was introduced. Several senators, including Democrats, voted to invoke cloture for the bill, putting it on the path for debate and a full floor vote before potentially moving it on to the House of Representatives for further discussion. Thune highlighted that they aim to make cryptocurrency a common part of everyday life, and the GENIUS Act will assist them in achieving that. He further stated that Congress had more work to do on digital assets, referring to a separate market structure bill working its way through the House. Regarding the bill mentioned by Thune, two House committees voted on Tuesday to move forward with the CLARITY Act, clearing the way for a full floor vote soon. Analysts have pointed out the US could become a leader in regulating digital currencies worldwide if the law passes. Based on their argument, this important federal guideline might set new standards for regulators checking other cryptocurrencies. Senator Elizabeth Warren calls for the Senate to stop Trump’s corruption Despite the celebration behind getting the GENIUS Act through the final approval, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts took to the Senate floor to say there were “serious issues” with the GENIUS Act. Warren raised concerns tha t th e chamber did not tackle the issue by not voting on some bipartisan changes. She also echoed questions from many Democrats about Trump’s links to his family-backed crypto platform World Liberty Financial and accusations that supporters who hold his meme coin will be treated to dinner and have access to the president. Warren stated that Trump’s crypto business allows him to easily trade presidential favors like tariff breaks, pardons, and government jobs for hundreds of millions, maybe even billions, from foreign countries, wealthy individuals, and big companies. Therefore, according to her, by approving the GENIUS Act, the Senate will support this corruption and help it grow. Warren added that the GENIUS Act has many gaps and lacks strong protection, consumer protection security, and financial health. While many Democrats voted to invoke cloture, some still ask Republicans to consider amending the GENIUS Act. Still, it is unclear whether the bill will have the support in the chamber, where Republicans have a slim majority, to pass. Cryptopolitan Academy: Want to grow your money in 2025? Learn how to do it with DeFi in our upcoming webclass. Save Your Spot
Bitcoin’s price has declined slightly following recent gains, falling 2.3% over the past 24 hours to trade at approximately $107,205. This latest movement places the asset 4.1% below its all-time high of over $111,000 recorded last month. Despite the short-term dip, some analysts see familiar signs in derivatives data that could point to the next phase of market movement. Related Reading: Why Bitcoin’s Calm Rally Could Be a Setup for a Massive Breakout, Analyst Reveals Funding Rate Rebounds Signal Potential Upside for Bitcoin According to recent insights shared by on-chain analyst “nino” on CryptoQuant’s QuickTake platform, Bitcoin may be repeating a funding rate pattern that has historically led to price rebounds. The data shows the asset’s funding rate briefly dipping into negative territory before beginning to reverse, a pattern that has aligned with price recoveries earlier in the year. Nino’s analysis suggests this reversal, particularly the 72-hour moving averages exiting the oversold zone and producing a yellow-blue-black signal formation, could indicate a potential round of short position liquidations. The funding rate, still below levels typically associated with excessive bullish sentiment, may also imply that traders have yet to become overconfident, leaving room for additional upside without immediate overheating in derivatives markets. Nino’s observation focuses on market structure and derivative sentiment, highlighting how positioning in perpetual futures markets could precede notable spot price moves. In particular, when funding rates turn negative and then begin to climb, they often reflect the unwinding of overly bearish bets by traders who shorted BTC at high leverage. As these traders are forced to close positions, the resulting buy pressure can act as a short-term catalyst. This setup has played out multiple times earlier in 2025, and the current conditions suggest it may be occurring again. By keeping track of moving averages and sentiment zones, traders may interpret these signals as part of a broader cyclical trend. Binance Volume Share Signals Key Trends in Market Liquidity Separately, another analyst from CryptoQuant, Burak Kesmeci, addressed structural shifts in spot trading liquidity, particularly Binance’s share of global trading volume. Kesmeci emphasized that Binance’s dominance remains an important barometer of institutional participation and overall market health. He explained that an increase in Binance’s spot volume share is often associated with higher liquidity and smoother price discovery. Conversely, if Binance were to fall below a 30% volume threshold, it could signal a move toward more “fragmented liquidity” across exchanges such as Coinbase or Upbit. Such shifts could lead to more volatility and less predictable trading behavior. Related Reading: Bitcoin Options Traders Expect Quiet—But On-Chain Data Suggests Chaos At present, Binance’s volume share is showing signs of recovery, suggesting that capital is still flowing through the exchange and supporting a relatively stable trading environment. Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView
BlackRock’s ETHA has spearheaded a significant surge in Ethereum ETF inflows in 2025, marking a pivotal shift in institutional investment trends. This influx has notably enhanced market confidence in Ethereum,
CFTC acting chair Caroline Pham says the agency won't ease up on crypto just because the Trump administration has pledged to support the industry.
Sharplink Gaming’s recent SEC filing has sparked significant market volatility, highlighting the firm’s strategic pivot towards a substantial Ethereum treasury investment. Despite a sharp after-hours share price decline, company executives
Whale 12d1e4 deposited another 1,000 $BTC ($106.06M) to Binance 2 hours ago. This whale has been selling $BTC since April 3, 2024, selling a total of 6,500 $BTC ($585M) and