Ripple is scheduled to unlock 1 billion XRP from its escrow in July 2025, continuing the programmed monthly release that Ripple established in 2017. As is standard this release is expected to occur on July 1, 2025, in line with Ripple’s practice of unlocking 1 billion tokens on the first day of each month since there have been no announced deviations for July – Ripple is following the standard pattern of a 1 billion XRP escrow release, as the escrow mechanism “remains unchanged” and continues its regular monthly schedule. In other words, July’s escrow unlock will be business-as-usual, adhering to the long-standing plan of controlled XRP supply releases. Currently with the digital asset trading at $2.18 at the time of publication, 1 billion XRP tokens would be worth $2.8 billion. June 2025 escrow release and re-locking Postings of Ripple’s June 1, 2025 escrow unlock transactions (400M + 500M + 100M XRP) totalin 1,000,000,000 XRP released from escrow. Ripple’s June 2025 escrow event illustrated the typical pattern: 1 billion XRP was unlocked at the start of the month (split into multiple transactions) and then a majority of that was returned to escrow. Specifically, Ripple re-escrowed ~670 million XRP during June, which means roughly 330 million XRP from the June release was actually added to circulation or used for Ripple’s operations. This outcome, about one-third of the unlocked XRP entering the market and the rest being re-locked is consistent with Ripple’s routine. The company regularly re-locks 60–70% of the monthly unlocked amount to maintain a predictable supply, using only ~30–40% for liquidity, operational expenditures, and partnerships. As a result, June’s net addition to the circulating supply (~330 million XRP) fell in line with expectations. Rumors of U.S. government seizing XRP escrow In late June 2025, speculation on social media claimed that the U.S. government was planning to seize Ripple’s escrowed XRP holdings to use them as a national crypto reserve. However, no credible evidence ever surfaced to support these claims, and they were swiftly debunked by official sources. No it won’t. https://t.co/48zQvTBUg9 — bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) June 21, 2025 Ripple’s legal counsel Bill Morgan publicly refuted the seizure rumor, replying “No, it won’t” when asked if the government would take the escrowed XRP. The post Ripple set to unlock 1 billion XRP on July 1, 2025 appeared first on Finbold .
The post Israeli Arrested for Selling Secrets to Iran for Crypto appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News As global tensions increase and digital assets gain ground, a new front in warfare technique is emerging, one that’s funded by crypto. In an eye-opening instance, Israeli authorities have arrested a 27-year-old man from Tel Aviv, accusing him of spying for Iran in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. Though Trump announced an Iran-Israel ceasefire, this spy case has added a new twist in the global arena. Spying for Crypto Raises Red Flags As per the local media report , authorities claim that the man had been in contact with an Iranian agent for several months. During this time, he reportedly carried out several intelligence-related tasks at the agent’s request. These included photographing the homes of Israeli public officials, documenting military bases, and even spray-painting graffiti, possibly as a form of coded messaging or psychological warfare. According to investigators, the suspect received thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency as payment for his work. This digital trail has raised red flags, showing how cryptocurrencies can be used to fund covert and potentially dangerous activities. During a search of the man’s home, officials confiscated computers and digital storage devices believed to have been used to communicate with his Iranian handlers. While the full extent of his activities is still being investigated, the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court has extended his detention until June 26 to allow authorities more time to gather evidence. Iranian Recruitment Campaigns Targeting Israelis The Shin Bet and Israeli police issued a joint warning following the arrest, urging the public to remain cautious of foreign contact, particularly on social media. They revealed that Iranian intelligence and affiliated terror groups are actively trying to recruit Israelis through online platforms. Security officials emphasized that any citizen caught cooperating with enemy states would face severe legal consequences. Warning Call for the Public? This case surfaces amid growing crypto-related concerns on both sides. Just last week, Iran’s central bank imposed stricter controls on domestic crypto exchanges after a cyberattack drained $90 million from Nobitex, the country’s largest platform. As Iran tightens its oversight, the use of crypto in covert operations and illicit financing continues to blur the lines between financial freedom and national security threats. In a digital world where enemies may be only a message away, the role of crypto in global conflict is becoming harder to ignore. However, this is not the first time crypto has been used for illegal activities. There are many scams, terrorist fundings in the past have shaken the ground for crypto investors, and this new warfare psychology is something that needs to be taken seriously with grounded crypto rules.
Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has proposed a groundbreaking regulatory shift that could pave the way for Bitcoin ETFs and introduce a flat 20% tax rate on crypto gains, significantly
BitcoinWorld South Korea Crypto Regulations: Pivotal Banking Proposals Face Uncertain Delay Are you tracking the evolving landscape of South Korea crypto regulations ? The latest news from Seoul suggests a pause in anticipated reforms, leaving many in the digital asset space wondering about the path forward. This development comes at a crucial time when nations worldwide are grappling with how to integrate cryptocurrencies into their financial systems while ensuring stability and consumer protection. For a country as technologically advanced and crypto-aware as South Korea, every policy decision carries significant weight, influencing not just its domestic market but also setting precedents for the broader Asian crypto ecosystem. What’s the Latest on South Korea Crypto Regulations ? The core of the recent announcement centers on the South Korean Presidential Transition Committee. According to a report by Yonhap Infomax, the committee has clarified that it is not currently undertaking a detailed review of a proposal put forth by the nation’s influential banking sector . This proposal aimed to ease existing regulations on digital assets and non-financial businesses, a move that many had hoped would open up new avenues for growth and innovation within the financial technology space. Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae explained that the committee is still in the preliminary stages, meticulously sorting through various proposals and aligning them with broader policy areas and pledges. This process, while seemingly bureaucratic, is critical for ensuring that any new regulations are coherent and serve the long-term strategic goals of the new administration. The implication here is not a rejection of the proposals, but rather a deferral, suggesting that while the ideas are on the table, they are not yet prioritized for immediate action or deep dive analysis. This waiting game can be a source of anxiety for businesses and investors who thrive on regulatory clarity and certainty. The Banking Sector’s Bold Proposals: What Were They? While the exact specifics of the banking sector’s proposals have not been fully disclosed to the public, the general sentiment points towards a desire for more flexibility in handling digital assets . Historically, South Korea has maintained a relatively strict stance on cryptocurrencies, particularly concerning anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) requirements. Financial institutions have faced significant hurdles in offering crypto-related services due to stringent guidelines designed to protect consumers and prevent illicit financial activities. It is widely believed that the banking sector sought to: Expand Services: Allow banks to directly offer cryptocurrency trading, custody, and other related services to their clients, rather than solely relying on partnerships with external crypto exchanges. Integrate Digital Assets: Facilitate the integration of various digital assets, including NFTs and tokenized securities, into traditional financial products and services. Reduce Regulatory Burden: Streamline the compliance process for banks engaging with the crypto market, making it more feasible and less costly to operate within this nascent industry. Foster Innovation: Position South Korean banks at the forefront of digital finance innovation, allowing them to compete globally with more crypto-friendly jurisdictions. These proposals reflect a growing recognition within traditional finance that digital assets are not merely a passing fad but a transformative force. Banks, eager to capture new revenue streams and serve an evolving customer base, are keen to participate more actively in this space. The delay in reviewing these proposals means that these aspirations will have to wait, prolonging the period of uncertainty for the traditional financial sector’s deeper engagement with crypto. Navigating the Future of Digital Assets in Korea The committee’s current focus on ‘sorting proposals and aligning them with policy areas and pledges’ indicates a methodical approach to future policy-making. This holistic view is crucial for digital assets , which span a wide range of innovative technologies beyond just cryptocurrencies. This includes non-fungible tokens (NFTs), central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and tokenized real-world assets. Each of these categories presents unique regulatory challenges and opportunities. For non-financial businesses, especially those in the tech, gaming, and entertainment sectors that are increasingly leveraging blockchain and digital assets, this delay means continued ambiguity. Many of these businesses rely on clear regulatory frameworks to develop and deploy new products and services. Without a definitive stance, investment and innovation might proceed with caution, or even shift to more accommodating jurisdictions. The committee’s task is immense: to craft regulations that foster innovation without compromising financial stability or consumer protection. This balancing act is precisely why the review process is so complex and time-consuming. Why Are Stablecoins a Special Case for Scrutiny? Spokesperson Cho Seung-rae explicitly mentioned that stablecoins are ‘not an exception’ to the committee’s thorough review process. This highlights a global trend where stablecoins are increasingly under the regulatory microscope. Stablecoins, designed to maintain a stable value relative to a fiat currency or other assets, are seen as a critical bridge between traditional finance and the volatile cryptocurrency market. However, their growing prominence also brings significant concerns: Financial Stability: Large, widely used stablecoins could pose systemic risks if their reserves are not adequately managed or transparent. A ‘run’ on a major stablecoin could ripple through the broader financial system. Consumer Protection: Users need assurance that their stablecoins are truly backed one-to-one and that the issuers are financially sound and transparent. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF): Like other cryptocurrencies, stablecoins can be used for illicit activities if not properly regulated. Monetary Policy: The widespread adoption of private stablecoins could potentially impact a central bank’s ability to conduct monetary policy effectively. Given these concerns, it’s understandable why the committee would give stablecoins particular attention, ensuring that any easing of crypto rules for the broader digital asset market does not inadvertently create new vulnerabilities within the financial system. South Korea, with its history of robust financial regulation, is likely to take a cautious and comprehensive approach to stablecoin oversight, mirroring discussions in other major economies like the U.S. and the EU (with its MiCA regulation). Understanding the Current State of Crypto Rules in South Korea Currently, South Korea operates under a framework that largely treats cryptocurrencies as virtual assets, subject to strict anti-money laundering (AML) obligations. Crypto exchanges are required to register with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and adhere to stringent reporting requirements, including real-name account verification for transactions. While this has brought a degree of legitimacy and reduced illicit activities, it has also created a challenging environment for innovation and market expansion. The existing crypto rules have been criticized by some for being too restrictive, potentially stifling the growth of a domestic crypto industry that could otherwise compete globally. The banking sector’s proposals were likely an attempt to find a middle ground – a way to integrate digital assets more smoothly into the mainstream financial system without compromising the nation’s strong regulatory principles. The current delay, therefore, prolongs the status quo, leaving the industry to operate under the existing, often cumbersome, regulations. Challenges and Opportunities for South Korea’s Crypto Future The committee’s ongoing review process, while slow, presents both challenges and opportunities for South Korea’s crypto future: Challenges: Regulatory Uncertainty: The prolonged period of ‘not under review’ creates an environment of uncertainty, which can deter both domestic and foreign investment in the crypto space. Innovation Flight: Without clear and progressive regulations, innovative blockchain projects and companies might choose to set up shop in more crypto-friendly jurisdictions. Balancing Act: The inherent difficulty in balancing consumer protection and financial stability with the need to foster technological innovation remains a significant hurdle. Global Harmonization: Aligning domestic South Korea crypto regulations with evolving international standards is complex but essential for global interoperability. Opportunities: Thoughtful Policy-Making: The deliberate approach allows the committee to craft comprehensive, well-considered policies that avoid pitfalls seen in other nations. Strong Foundations: By taking their time, South Korea can build a robust regulatory framework that provides long-term stability and legitimacy for the digital asset market. Leadership in Web3: A well-designed regulatory environment could eventually position South Korea as a leader in the broader Web3 economy, attracting talent and capital. Enhanced Consumer Trust: Clear and effective regulations can build greater public trust in digital assets , encouraging broader adoption and participation. What Does This Mean for Investors and Businesses? Actionable Insights. For those invested in or looking to enter the South Korean crypto market, the current situation demands patience and vigilance. The delay signifies that significant regulatory shifts are not imminent, but it also doesn’t mean they won’t happen. Here are some actionable insights: Monitor Developments Closely: Keep a keen eye on official announcements from the Presidential Transition Committee and other relevant government bodies. Policy shifts can occur quickly once the review process is complete. Understand the Current Framework: Operate strictly within the existing crypto rules . Compliance remains paramount to avoid legal issues. Engage with Local Experts: Consult with legal and financial experts specializing in South Korean crypto regulations to understand the nuances and prepare for potential changes. Diversify and Adapt: For businesses, consider diversifying strategies to account for regulatory uncertainty. For investors, understand that regulatory news can significantly impact market sentiment. The path forward for South Korea crypto regulations is clearly a methodical one. While the immediate impact of this announcement is a prolonged period of regulatory ambiguity regarding the banking sector’s proposals, it also underscores the administration’s commitment to a thorough and considered approach to digital asset policy. The inclusion of stablecoins as a specific area of focus further emphasizes the comprehensive nature of this review. In conclusion, the South Korean Presidential Transition Committee’s decision to delay the detailed review of banking sector proposals to ease crypto rules for digital assets and non-financial businesses, including stablecoins , signals a period of careful deliberation rather than immediate action. While this might lead to short-term uncertainty for the market, it also provides an opportunity for the new administration to lay down a robust and sustainable framework for the future of digital finance in one of Asia’s most significant economies. The world will be watching closely as South Korea navigates this complex but crucial policy landscape. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping digital asset institutional adoption. This post South Korea Crypto Regulations: Pivotal Banking Proposals Face Uncertain Delay first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
The US Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is exploring the integration of cryptocurrency holdings, such as Bitcoin, into mortgage qualification criteria, signaling a potential shift in traditional lending practices. This
The crypto market is up today following a de-escalation in the Middle East. 98 of the top 100 coins have appreciated over the past 24 hours. Moreover, the cryptocurrency market capitalization has increased by 2.9% over the past day, now standing at $3.23 trillion. The total crypto trading volume is at $150 billion. TLDR: The crypto market records a sharp and notable upward swing; 30 coins saw double-digit rises BTC rose back up to $105,471, and ETH jumped 7.5% to $2,422; Markets reacted to de-escalation in the Middle East, with higher-risk assets benefiting; ”People aren’t panic selling like in previous cycles; they’re accumulating”; The market sentiment moves from the fear into the neutral zone; Investors are awaiting further signals. Crypto Winners & Losers The crypto market finally took a turn for the green today. All the top 10 coins per market cap are up and with notable increases. Bitcoin (BTC) appreciated by 3.5%, now trading at $105,471. For comparison, this time yesterday, the coin changed hands at $101,924. Furthermore, Ethereum (ETH) rose by 7.5%, now trading at $2,422. It’s one of the category’s best performers again. XRP (XRP) saw the highest increase in this category of 8.1% to the price of $2.2. Moreover, nearly all the top 100 coins saw their prices increase in the same period, and nearly 30 of them saw double-digit increases. The best performer is Sei (SEI) with a 36.1% rise to $0.2801. SPX6900 (SPX) follows with a jump of 27.8% to $1.31. At the same time, OKB (OKB) and WhiteBIT Coin (WBT) are the only two coins with drops, with decreases of 3% and 0.8% to $51.84 and $47.96, respectively. The market plunged nearly two weeks ago following a significant escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The ongoing geopolitical instability created uncertainty in the markets across the board. After more than a week since Israel had attacked Iran, US President Donald Trump claimed last night that a cease-fire between these two countries had started. However, uncertainty still looms as Israel didn’t comment, and Iran fired shots. President Trump says Israel-Iran ceasefire is “in effect." Follow live updates. https://t.co/bv18k3sEzW — CNN (@CNN) June 24, 2025 Nonetheless, easing geopolitical tension increases interest in higher-risk assets, which BTC benefits from. ‘People Are Accumulating, Not Panic Selling’ Commenting on altcoins, Tom Bruni, Editor-in-Chief and VP of Community at Stocktwits , said that one of the most interesting current developments is that Bitcoin’s dominance has been rising for 33 months. It hit a 4.5-year high at 65.73%. Typically, this spike would signal that altcoins were “dying off.” And even many altcoins are underperforming, the overall market cap is still sitting near historical highs. “That tells us capital is still flowing into altcoins, even if the performance hasn’t kept up,” Bruni said in an email. “Given how aggressively firms like BlackRock and Fidelity have moved into Bitcoin, it’s honestly surprising altcoins haven’t performed worse,” he writes. “On-chain data shows this is likely because most altcoins with market caps above $1 billion continue to grow with long-term holders. People aren’t panic selling like in previous cycles; they’re accumulating.” Meanwhile, Glassnode found that Loss Sellers rose 29% since 10 June. However, Conviction Buyers are also increasing. Since June 10, $BTC investors classified as Loss Sellers rose 29% (from 74K to 95.6K), showing growing pressure on weak hands. But Conviction Buyers also increased, suggesting sentiment isn’t collapsing. Some are cutting losses – others are actively lowering their cost basis. pic.twitter.com/cwuN8TBAe2 — glassnode (@glassnode) June 23, 2025 James Toledano, Chief Operating Officer at Unity Wallet , commented on the impact of the rising tension in the Middle East on the markets. Over the weekend, it created expected economic uncertainty. “The nexus between oil prices and the Bitcoin market is increasingly evident,” Toledano says. Higher oil prices mean higher energy costs, directly impacting Bitcoin mining profitability and network dynamics. If the production cost floor rises due to this, it could support prices but also increase volatility. “Even the whiff of higher oil prices can send the price of a Bitcoin lower, and we saw this play out over the weekend before markets re-adjusted upward this morning, possibly pricing potential crude oil price hikes in.” However, the recent drop coupled with sustained institutional inflows and rising correlation with gold signal “a maturing narrative. Its ability to rebound quickly like equities of late, also speaks to its mainstream financial adoption,” Toledano writes. Levels & Events to Watch Next At the time of writing, BTC trades at $105,471. It hit its intraday high of $105,927 earlier this morning (UTC), recovering from the all-time low of $100,183. Currently, it’s 5.7% down from its May all-time high of $111,814. The coin will test the resistance level of $106,000. Should it break it, it will retest $107,580 and $109,041. At the same time, the next support level is $103,965. Should it break this, it may fall to $102,199 and $100,487 Bitcoin Price Chart. Source: TradingView At the same time, Ethereum is currently trading at $2,422. This is a notable rise from the daily low of $2,206. The intraday high now stands at $2,425. Moreover, the crypto market sentiment has re-entered neutral territory, exiting the briefly visited fear zone. The Fear and Greed Index has increased from 37 yesterday to 47 today . Fear has stopped driving the prices lower, with investors now awaiting further signals. There is a potential of revisiting the greed zone. Source: CoinMarketCap Meanwhile, on 23 June, US BTC spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) recorded $350.43 million in inflows. While BlackRock and Fidelity lead the list with inflows of $217.6 million and $105.66 million, respectively. Source: SoSoValue On the same day, US ETH ETFs saw inflows of $100.78 million . Fidelity saw the highest amount, bringing in $60.48 million. Source: SoSoValue Meanwhile, American investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano announced a $1 billion business merger to create a Bitcoin-native firm, ProCap Financial . He said that the company raised $750 million “from some of the leading institutional investors on Wall Street.” Today I am announcing a $1 BILLION merger to create ProCap Financial, a bitcoin-native financial services. The company will be a publicly traded entity on Nasdaq at the conclusion of the proposed business combination between my private company ProCap BTC, LLC and Columbus Circle… — Anthony Pompliano (@APompliano) June 23, 2025 Moreover, Hong Kong multifamily offices VMS Group reportedly plans to allocate up to $10 million to Re7 Capital , a London-based hedge fund focused on decentralized finance strategies. “We thought this was the right time [to enter crypto] because of growing demand and because we see clearer legislative and government support from various jurisdictions, as well as large institutional support and endorsement,” VMS managing partner Elton Cheung said. Quick FAQ Why did crypto move with stocks today? Both the crypto and the stock market saw increases over the last day. The S&P 500 increased by 0.96%, the Nasdaq-100 went up by 1.06%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.89%. The rises followed the de-escalation in the Middle East, easing investors’ concerns. Is this rally sustainable? The overall macroeconomic and geopolitical situation is unstable at the moment and could go either way. Consequently, the market will react. That said, analysts remain bullish in the long term. The post Why Is Crypto Up Today? – June 24, 2025 appeared first on Cryptonews .
On June 24th, President Trump issued a cautionary statement to Israel, urging restraint to avoid breaching existing agreements. This geopolitical development underscores the complex interplay between global events and financial
The US Federal Housing Finance Agency is reviewing whether crypto holdings like Bitcoin could be used to qualify for mortgages.
BitcoinWorld Bybit Report Reveals Bitcoin Dominates One-Third of Crypto Portfolios as XRP Emerges as Third-Largest Asset DUBAI, UAE, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit , the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released a new report on crypto holders’ asset allocation for the first half of 2025. Based on data from October 2024 to May 2025, the report revealed significant shifts in investor patterns among digital asset holders. BTC and ETH remained the “power couple” that dominated 58.8% of the total non-stablecoin investment in May, while XPR overtook SOL in third place. ETH’s recovery story also stands out, with the asset rebounding from a low of 3.89% holdings in April 2025 to show substantial improvement by May, though it has not yet returned to its November 2024 peak of 11.12%. Key Findings: One-in-three crypto assets are now in BTC : As of May 2025, BTC accounts for 30.95% of total investor holdings, representing approximately one out of every three coins in portfolios — a notable increase from 25.4% in November 2024. The current ETH/BTC holding ratio stands at 0.27, meaning investors typically hold $4 in BTC for every $1 in ETH. XRP rode on its ETF momentum : XRP has overtaken SOL to claim the third-largest position among non-stablecoin cryptocurrencies, with holdings doubling from 1.29% to 2.42% by May 2025. This surge is largely attributed to growing institutional and retail optimism surrounding potential SEC approval of XRP Spot ETFs. Solana bulls in deep slumber : In contrast, despite its previous bullish momentum in Q3 2024, Solana holdings declined 35% from 2.72% in November 2024 to 1.76% in May 2025, reflecting a shift in investor sentiment and capital allocation. The full Asset Allocation Report (1H 2025) is available for download on Bybit Learn . #Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BybitLearn About Bybit Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube This post Bybit Report Reveals Bitcoin Dominates One-Third of Crypto Portfolios as XRP Emerges as Third-Largest Asset first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by chainwire
The ceasefire announcement by President Trump eased Middle East tensions, boosting crypto markets. Ethereum surged 9% as major investors aggressively accumulated during the market dip. Continue Reading: Ethereum Skyrockets: Discover What Powers This Unstoppable Surge The post Ethereum Skyrockets: Discover What Powers This Unstoppable Surge appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .