On June 25th, U.S. President Trump announced the commencement of interviews for the upcoming Federal Reserve Chair position. He confirmed that he has shortlisted several candidates, stating, “I know three
In crypto news today: Crypto market is red today Chainlink and Mastercard Enable 3BN Cardholders to Buy Crypto Onchain Decentralized Storage Platform Walrus Integrates with AI Development Platform OpenGradient Theta Labs Launches Decentralized GPU Marketplace __________ Crypto market is red today The crypto market has turned back to red over the last 24 hours. The global cryptocurrency market capitalization has dropped by 0.8% to $3.41 trillion. At the time of writing, the daily crypto trading volume is $94.5 billion. At the time of writing, all the top 10 coins per market capitalization have seen their prices increase. Bitcoin (BTC) is up by 1.6%, now trading at $107,014. Furthermore, Ethereum (ETH) is largely unchanged. It increased by 0.4%, now changing hands at $2,426. The highest increase Solana (SOL)’s 1.3% to $145. Also, the smallest rise is XRP (XRP)’s 0.1%, meaning it remains unchanged, standing at the price of $2.19. Meanwhile, most of the top 100 coins are red at the time of writing. Virtuals Protocol (VIRTUAL) decreased the most in this category, followed by Bittensor (TAO) . They’re down by 6.8% and 5.7% to $1.56 and $335, respectively. At the same time, two coins recorded double-digit rises and are today’s best performers. Pi Network (PI) is up 15.5% to the price of $0.615, while Aptos (APT) appreciated by 10.8%, now trading at $4.76. Read more: Why Is Crypto Down Today? – June 25, 2025 After a day of significant increases, the crypto market is down today. The majority of the top 100 coins have dropped over the past 24 hours. Moreover, the cryptocurrency market capitalization has fallen by 1.6% in that period to $3.4 trillion. The total crypto trading volume is at $99.8 billion.Crypto Winners & LosersSix of the top 10 coins per market cap are up, but with low increases of less than 1% per coin.Bitcoin (BTC) appreciated by 0.7%, now trading at $106,413. This is... Chainlink and Mastercard Enable 3BN Cardholders to Buy Crypto Onchain Decentralized oracle network Chainlink has partnered with payments giant Mastercard to enable 3 billion payment cardholders worldwide to buy crypto assets directly onchain through a fiat-to-crypto conversion. We’re excited to announce that Chainlink and @Mastercard have partnered to enable billions of cardholders to purchase crypto directly onchain. https://t.co/1pKz03jQ7t Chainlink verifies and synchronizes key… pic.twitter.com/5jfLAAYn4D — Chainlink (@chainlink) June 24, 2025 According to the press release, Chainlink’s interoperability infrastructure and Mastercard’s global payments network enable this move. They remove obstacles that have kept mainstream users from accessing the onchain economy for a long time. Moreover, zerohash provides the onchain service and liquidity needed to convert fiat into crypto with seamless smart contract execution. Shift4 Payments , Swapper Finance , and XSwap provide additional integration support. The app experience is powered by the Uniswap protocol. You may also like: Ripple’s RLUSD Adopts Chainlink Standard Ripple, a provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial services, announced that it has begun leveraging the Chainlink standard, aiming to bring the Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin pricing data on-chain.According to the press release shared with Cryptonews, Chainlink Price Feeds are now live and provide a source of verifiable RLUSD pricing data on the Ethereum mainnet.DeFi developers can integrate RLUSD support into their applications for various use cases, including trading... Decentralized Storage Platform Walrus Integrates with AI Development Platform OpenGradient Research lab OpenGradient has integrated with Walrus , the decentralized data storage protocol built on Sui . Per the announcement , OpenGradient’s flagship L1 network now uses Walrus as “its decentralized storage backbone.” With this move, it has replaced its legacy IPFS-based setup and enabled the platform to host over 100 AI models across multiple applications and ecosystems. OpenGradient will use Walrus’ programmable, verifiable storage layer to support private and proprietary models that use smart contract-enforced encryption and access control for users, it says. Therefore, it will add privacy and remove the need for centralized data storage solutions. @OpenGradient is building user-owned AI — and Walrus is powering it. We’re now the storage backbone for 100+ AI models across Web3. Private access. Tokenized inference. Verifiable compute. Your AI needs decentralization. pic.twitter.com/EaErcQ5oKr — Walrus /acc (@WalrusProtocol) June 25, 2025 Moreover, the move will enable new tokenization and monetization strategies, allowing users to maintain control over the development process. OpenGradient will also work to incorporate private and proprietary model support through Walrus’ programmable Sui smart contracts and to allow for larger, more complex AI models. Additionally, Walrus data storage and programmability are available now to OpenGradient users and developers. You may also like: Walrus Foundation Raises $140 Million for Decentralized Storage Networks The Walrus Foundation has raised $140 million to support the development of Walrus, a high-speed decentralized storage protocol designed to improve on existing blockchain-based storage networks, the company announced on March 20, 2025.The funding was secured through a private sale of Walrus’s native crypto, $WAL, ahead of the network’s official launch.Walrus Sets Goal for Faster, Cheaper Onchain File StorageStandard Crypto led the round, joined by Andreessen Horowitz’s... Theta Labs Launches Decentralized GPU Marketplace Theta Labs , the team behind the DePIN blockchain Theta , has announced the beta release of the hybrid edge cloud architecture for its Theta EdgeCloud network. The latest release introduces a new decentralized GPU marketplace, keeping “compute pricing competitive and transparent across the platform.” This is a computing platform that combines traditional cloud-based GPUs with a distributed network of over 30,000 community-operated edge nodes, the press release says. It provides “cost-effective access to high-performance computing resources” for AI model training, video processing, financial modelling, and other GPU-intensive tasks. “By integrating distributed computing resources from community members alongside conventional cloud infrastructure, the platform will provide similar capabilities at significantly reduced costs,” the team says. You may also like: AI Predicts 2026 Crypto Sector Surge as DePIN, RWA, SocialFi Steal Spotlight With crypto on the rise globally, it's hard to predict just what area of the blockchain sector will generate enough interest to become the next big thing. Using a ChatGPT analysis, we’ve broken down the most up-and-coming crypto trends you should know about before they likely dominate the industry in the years to come.“Narrative waves” have long dominated the crypto sector as a whole—think NFTs in 2021 or this year’s memecoin boom. However, with blockchain attracting more and more... __________ Bookmark this page and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest crypto news updates! The post What’s Happening in Crypto Today? Daily Crypto News Digest appeared first on Cryptonews .
We’ve moved from the one-way era of broadcasting (think TV, Radio), through the social media revolution, and now into a new frontier: adaptive, AI-powered media. The First Wave of Adaptive Media Today’s content platforms and creators are evolving to deliver personalized, responsive experiences that adapt in real-time to user needs. The earliest form of adaptive content? Human-driven livestreams, where chat feedback shapes the show as it happens. However, adaptive media is part of a much larger shift, representing more than just a new type of livestream with advanced features. This transformation is driven by the convergence of multiple technologies, changing how content is delivered and experienced. What Makes Media Adaptive? Adaptive media platforms share three core traits: Continuous learning from live data and user interactions Autonomous behavior modification based on what they learn Proactive delivery of insights and experiences, not just reactive responses Top 10 Brands Driving Adaptive, Agentic Media Virtuals Virtuals is a launchpad for creating, funding, and scaling autonomous AI agents using blockchain and tokenization. Each agent has a tradable token, enabling co-ownership, transparent revenue sharing, and real-time incentive alignment. AITV AITV is building an agentic media network of livestreaming AI agents for brands, creators, and communities. These animated agents co-host across platforms like YouTube and Twitch, driving engagement and interactive storytelling while boosting token activity. Journee.AI Journee.ai offers immersive, AI-powered virtual worlds for brands—no downloads required. Users can explore, interact, and co-create in real time, blending generative AI and 3D environments for deeply engaging, personalized experiences. Youmio.ai Youmio.ai is pioneering the development of autonomous AI agents for immersive 3D worlds, enabling users to design and deploy cross-platform virtual agents. Youmio’s agents operate seamlessly in Unreal and Unity environments, leveraging token-backed infrastructure to learn, interact, and entertain dynamically. Luna by Virtuals Luna is an AI-powered idol streaming live 24/7, singing, chatting, and collaborating with fans. Integrated with her own $LUNA token, Luna rewards participation and links every interaction to a dynamic, on-chain economy. AIXBT AIXBT is a fully autonomous crypto influencer on X, analyzing markets, detecting narratives, and posting real-time insights and replies to thousands of users daily, all without human intervention. Burnie Burnie is an autonomous AI agent for code review, delivering real-time, protocol-specific feedback with a signature “roast.” Integrated with the $ROAST token and Virtuals, Burnie rewards developers for fixes and data, fostering transparent, adaptive code quality. Odyssey ML Odyssey empowers creatives with interactive, AI-generated video. Users can watch and engage with video content in real time, shaping the story via keyboard, phone, or controller—blurring the line between film, gaming, and live participation. Soulbound.TV Soulbound TV is a decentralized, interactive livestreaming platform where creators and viewers shape the action together. With the $SBX token, anyone can go live, deploy AI agents, and launch channels where audiences bet, tip, and influence streams in real time. PAAL.AI PAAL.AI ’s bots handle everything from crypto research to community engagement and workflow automation. With over 17 million users and a native $PAAL token, PAAL powers real-time analytics, autonomous trading, and personalized AI assistants for brands and creators. Adaptive media is more than a trend—it’s a new paradigm, reshaping how we connect, create, and experience content in real time. 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.
BitcoinWorld Tether’s Bold Move: USDT Issuer Becomes Second-Largest Juventus Shareholder In a fascinating turn of events that underscores the growing intersection of traditional finance and the digital asset world, Tether, the issuer behind the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, has made a remarkable entry into the elite echelons of European football. The news of Tether Juventus partnership, specifically its emergence as the second-largest shareholder of the renowned Italian football club, Juventus, has sent ripples across both the cryptocurrency and sports industries. This isn’t just another sponsorship deal; it’s a profound crypto investment , signaling a deeper integration of blockchain technology into mainstream enterprises. Tether Juventus: A Landmark Partnership Unveiled The story of Tether’s significant stake in Juventus began quietly, with initial reports of an investment surfacing in February. By April, the El Salvador-based crypto firm had steadily built up a substantial 10.7% stake. This strategic accumulation culminated in a significant announcement: Tether now stands as the second-largest shareholder of Juventus, trailing only Exor NV, the long-standing majority owner of the Italian football giant. As of June 23, this substantial stake was valued at approximately 128 million euros ($149 million), marking a colossal commitment from the stablecoin issuer. This move positions Tether not just as a financial partner but as a key stakeholder in one of football’s most iconic clubs. It represents a bold declaration of intent from Tether, showcasing their ambition to diversify their portfolio and expand their influence beyond the digital asset ecosystem. For Juventus, this infusion of capital and the association with a leading crypto entity could unlock new avenues for growth and innovation. The Strategic Play: Why This Crypto Investment Matters Why would a stablecoin issuer like Tether make such a significant crypto investment in a football club? The reasons are multi-faceted, reflecting a calculated strategy to bridge the gap between digital finance and real-world assets. This partnership offers mutual benefits that extend far beyond simple financial transactions: For Tether: Mainstream Legitimacy: Investing in a globally recognized brand like Juventus enhances Tether’s public image and fosters trust, moving beyond the often-speculative perception of cryptocurrencies. Brand Visibility & Marketing: The association with Juventus provides unparalleled global exposure, reaching millions of football fans who may not yet be familiar with stablecoins or blockchain. Diversification: It allows Tether to diversify its reserves and investments beyond traditional financial instruments, adding a tangible asset to its portfolio. Pioneering New Markets: This move sets a precedent for other crypto firms to explore similar ventures, potentially opening up new investment frontiers. For Juventus: Financial Injection: The investment provides significant capital, which can be crucial for player transfers, infrastructure development, and overall club operations. Technological Edge: Partnering with a leading blockchain company can facilitate the adoption of new technologies, from fan engagement platforms to ticketing solutions. New Fan Demographics: It opens the door to a tech-savvy, digitally native audience, expanding Juventus’s global fan base into the cryptocurrency community. Innovation & Future-Proofing: Embracing digital asset firms positions Juventus at the forefront of financial innovation in sports. Understanding the USDT Stablecoin: A Pillar of the Deal At the heart of Tether’s operations is the USDT stablecoin , a digital currency pegged to the U.S. dollar. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum, USDT aims to maintain a stable value, making it a crucial tool for traders seeking to minimize price fluctuations and for facilitating quick, low-cost international transactions. Tether’s primary business revolves around issuing and managing this stablecoin, ensuring its peg to the dollar through a reserve of assets. The decision to invest in Juventus highlights Tether’s confidence in its operational stability and its long-term vision. It demonstrates that the substantial reserves backing USDT are not just idle assets but can be strategically deployed for significant, high-profile investments that enhance the company’s global footprint and reputation. This investment underscores the growing maturity of the stablecoin market and its potential to influence traditional sectors. Football Club Investment: A New Frontier for Digital Assets? Tether’s move into Juventus is not an isolated incident but rather a significant marker in a burgeoning trend: the increasing involvement of cryptocurrency and blockchain entities in sports. The concept of football club investment by crypto firms is rapidly gaining traction, moving beyond simple jersey sponsorships to more profound financial and strategic partnerships. While Tether’s investment in Juventus is a direct equity stake, other forms of crypto-sports partnerships include: Fan Tokens: Many clubs, including Juventus, have launched fan tokens (e.g., JUV token on Socios.com) allowing fans to participate in club decisions and access exclusive perks. Sponsorships: Numerous crypto exchanges and platforms have secured lucrative sponsorship deals with major sports leagues and teams worldwide. NFTs: Sports leagues and individual athletes are leveraging Non-Fungible Tokens for digital collectibles, memorabilia, and unique fan experiences. This trend signifies a mutual recognition of value: sports clubs gain access to new funding sources and tech innovation, while crypto firms achieve mainstream visibility and legitimacy. The table below illustrates the evolving landscape: Aspect Traditional Sports Investment Crypto Investment in Sports Primary Investors High-net-worth individuals, corporations, private equity Cryptocurrency firms, blockchain companies, DAOs Investment Focus Equity, debt, media rights, stadium naming rights Equity, sponsorships, fan tokens, NFTs, blockchain infrastructure Key Motivations Profit, prestige, brand alignment, market expansion Legitimacy, brand awareness, tech adoption, new revenue streams, community building Future Outlook Stable, incremental growth Rapid innovation, potential for disruptive change, integration of Web3 Blockchain in Sports: Beyond Just Sponsorships The investment by Tether in Juventus goes beyond a simple financial transaction; it’s a testament to the growing influence of blockchain in sports . This technology offers a myriad of applications that can revolutionize how sports clubs operate, engage with fans, and manage their assets. While sponsorships and equity stakes are visible entry points, the deeper integration of blockchain promises transformative changes: Enhanced Fan Engagement: Blockchain-powered fan tokens can offer voting rights on minor club decisions, exclusive content, and unique experiences, creating a more interactive relationship between fans and their teams. Transparent Ticketing: NFTs can be used for immutable, verifiable tickets, combating fraud and scalping while providing clubs with a transparent secondary market. Player Management & Data: Blockchain can secure player contracts, medical records, and performance data, ensuring integrity and privacy. Merchandise & Authenticity: NFTs can authenticate official merchandise, providing digital proof of ownership and rarity. Decentralized Governance: While nascent, the concept of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) could eventually allow fan communities to have a more direct say in club operations. What Does This Mean for Juventus’ Future? For Juventus, Tether’s substantial investment signifies a pivotal moment. It provides not only a significant capital injection but also a strategic partnership that could accelerate their embrace of digital transformation. This could lead to innovative fan engagement strategies, new revenue streams through blockchain-based initiatives, and a strengthened financial position to compete at the highest levels of European football. The club’s leadership will now be tasked with leveraging this unique partnership to unlock its full potential, navigating the complexities of integrating cutting-edge technology with a century-old institution. Is This the Dawn of a New Era for Sports Finance? Tether’s move into Juventus is more than just a headline; it’s a strong indicator of where the future of sports finance might be headed. As the digital asset space matures, and regulatory frameworks become clearer, we can expect more such deep integrations. This trend suggests a future where: Crypto firms become major institutional investors in traditional sectors, diversifying their portfolios and legitimizing their presence. Sports organizations increasingly adopt blockchain technology not just for marketing, but for core operational efficiencies and new business models. Fan engagement evolves into a more interactive, ownership-based model, blurring the lines between passive spectators and active participants. The challenges, of course, remain. Regulatory uncertainty, market volatility, and public perception of cryptocurrencies are hurdles that still need to be addressed. However, the bold steps taken by entities like Tether demonstrate a clear vision for a future where blockchain is an undeniable force in global industries. In conclusion, Tether’s emergence as the second-largest shareholder of Juventus is a landmark event. It powerfully illustrates the growing confidence and ambition within the cryptocurrency sector to transcend its digital boundaries and establish a significant presence in the traditional economy. This profound Tether Juventus partnership is a testament to the increasing synergy between blockchain technology and mainstream industries, particularly sports. It sets a compelling precedent for future crypto investment s and underscores the transformative potential of the USDT stablecoin , propelling football club investment into an exciting new era defined by blockchain in sports . As the worlds of finance, technology, and sport continue to converge, we can expect more such groundbreaking alliances that redefine value, engagement, and ownership. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping blockchain institutional adoption. This post Tether’s Bold Move: USDT Issuer Becomes Second-Largest Juventus Shareholder first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team
Two of crypto’s most trusted names just made Ethereum staking simpler and potentially more rewarding. By embedding MEV Max directly into Ledger Live, they’re cutting out the inefficiencies that plague traditional staking setups. According to a June 25 press release shared with crypto.news, Ledger has integrated Chorus One’s MEV Max Vault into its Ledger Live platform, allowing users to stake Ethereum ( ETH ) with MEV-boosted rewards directly from their hardware wallets. The move allows Ledger users to access Chorus One’s high-performance staking infrastructure natively through the “Earn” and “Discover” sections of the app. It eliminates the need for third-party dashboards or manual delegation, wrapping staking, MEV extraction, and security into a single interface. For Ledger’s millions of users, it’s a frictionless upgrade that could shift how retail investors approach Ethereum staking. You might also like: SharpLink strengthens ETH bet with additional $30.6M purchase Does this integration change the staking game ? For years, Ethereum staking has been a trade-off between convenience and optimization. Solo stakers chase MEV rewards through complex setups, while retail investors settle for basic yields from centralized platforms. Ledger and Chorus One’s integration disrupts that dichotomy by merging institutional-grade strategies with retail-friendly access, all without compromising self-custody. Per the statement, Chorus One’s MEV Max combines advanced infrastructure with proprietary research to maximize validator rewards. The system optimizes block proposals through close collaboration with Ethereum block builders, strategically selecting transactions to enhance staker returns. This approach has already delivered notable results, including two blocks this year yielding 159.9 ETH and 134 ETH, respectively, significantly outperforming typical staking rewards. The mechanics are straightforward but powerful. Users stake ETH through Ledger Live’s interface, and Chorus One’s validators bundle transactions to maximize MEV opportunities while sharing profits with stakers. As more users participate, the growing total value locked increases the pool’s block proposal frequency, creating a network effect where larger stakes can lead to more consistent rewards. Importantly, all this occurs without requiring users to manage validators or understand MEV complexities. The current integration is merely phase one. According to the release, Ledger and Chorus One are already exploring looped staking and osETH minting. osETH is a liquid staking token enabling re-staking and DeFi participation without unlocking ETH. Read more: Metaplanet to buy more Bitcoin with $515M share offering
In a market often dominated by high-priced giants, some of the most promising opportunities lie in undervalued tokens still trading under $1. These affordable assets offer a compelling blend of accessibility and potential, especially as investor sentiment starts shifting toward fundamentally strong, undervalued plays. This article spotlights four standout cryptos — Ethena (ENA), Cardano (ADA), Stellar (XLM), and Hedera (HBAR) — that not only remain under the $1 threshold but also show strong signs of technical setups and long-term value. Ethena (ENA): Rebound Potential From Oversold Levels Source: tradingview Ethena (ENA) remains one of the most affordable tokens with solid upside potential. Trading between $0.20 and $0.30, ENA is currently consolidating after a cooling-off period, setting the stage for a possible rebound. A breakout above $0.35 could trigger fresh bullish momentum, with a near-term target of $0.45—representing a potential 50% surge. While the market has been cautious, the RSI around 49 signals equilibrium, offering a prime entry point for investors eyeing a recovery wave. Cardano (ADA): Still Under $1, With Room for a Breakout Source: tradingview Cardano (ADA) , a long-time top 10 project by market cap, is still trading below the $1 mark—offering long-term holders a rare window to buy low. Despite recent consolidation between $0.40 and $0.72, ADA continues to show resilience as it holds key support. A strong push above $0.72 could open the path to the $0.85–$0.90 zone, unlocking a potential gain of over 30%. As development activity and institutional interest persist, ADA remains a solid under-$1 candidate with deep ecosystem strength. Stellar (XLM): Building Pressure for a Breakout Above $0.30 Source: tradingview Stellar (XLM) is quietly preparing for its next move, trading in the $0.21–$0.26 range. While recent months have seen some pullback, the project’s fundamentals and remittance use cases continue to attract attention. A push past the $0.29 resistance could mark the start of a strong upward leg, with the $0.35 level as the next milestone—over 30% potential upside. With macro conditions stabilizing, Stellar could benefit from renewed interest in real-world utility tokens. Hedera (HBAR): A Hidden Gem Poised for Upside Source: tradingview Hedera (HBAR) is forming a stable base between $0.12 and $0.16, showing signs of accumulation in anticipation of a breakout. While the broader market remains in a wait-and-see mode, HBAR’s fundamentals—including enterprise-grade partnerships and governance—remain strong. A move above $0.18 could send it toward $0.22, a 30% potential increase. With support holding well above $0.10 and no signs of overselling, HBAR stands out as a sub-$1 altcoin ready to surprise on the upside. Conclusion For investors hunting value in a volatile market, sub-$1 altcoins like ENA, ADA, XLM, and HBAR offer a unique mix of growth potential and low entry cost. Each project brings something different to the table—whether it’s ecosystem depth, enterprise use cases, or technical setups pointing toward a breakout. While risk remains, these four tokens could be well-positioned for outsized returns as bullish momentum builds and the market turns its focus to utility and adoption over hype. 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.
Hong Kong licensed exchange OSL saw its share price surge 18% to HK$14.6 on June 25, hitting a one-year high. The approval of a virtual asset license for Chinese brokerage Guotai Junan International boosted the exchange’s share price. Guotai became the first Chinese brokerage in the region to secure approval for virtual asset trading services, and its share price also jumped more than 200% after the announcement. HashKey, the token to the licensed exchange in Hong Kong, saw its token HSK climb over 50% today. Guotai Junan International upgrades its Type 1 license 国泰君安获批牌照升级为可提供交易虚拟资产服务，这个最利好的应该是耀才证券， 耀才证券被蚂蚁收购了， 最有想象力的事情就是支付宝可以通过耀才证券的牌照，在支付宝交易btc/eth. pic.twitter.com/NRvAV0j3RE — 川沐｜Trumoo🐮 (@xiaomucrypto) June 25, 2025 Guotai Haitong Group’s subsidiary, Guotai Junan Securities, received an upgraded Type 1 license on Wednesday from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to offer advice based on the provisions of virtual asset trading services. The license also helps the company offer access to Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and other virtual assets through approved trading platforms. The excitement of Guotai Junan’s upgraded license was reflected in exchanges’ share prices across Hong Kong, including OSL, a key player with SFC approval, which saw its share price jump 18% to hit HK 14.6, a one-year high. Hong Kong has been trying to standardize its crypto regulations, beginning in June 2023 when the SAR implemented its virtual asset licensing regulations. The rules required all service providers to obtain an SFC license under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Ordinance, aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing. The special administrative region has also previously enhanced regulations for stablecoins and tokenization. Hong Kong has also seen an increasing number of institutions entering the emerging sector, including virtual asset exchanges, Web 3.0 companies, and brokerages. At the time of publication, roughly 40 brokerage firms upgraded their licenses to offer virtual asset trading services in the country, including a Singapore-based Tiger Brokers unit, a Hong Kong-based Futu Securities subsidiary, and Thousand Whales Technology. Hong Kong sets high bar for stablecoin issuers Hong Kong’s stablecoin regulation is now law. Starting Aug 1, 2025, a license from HKMA is required to issue any fiat-pegged stablecoin. Pegged to HKD or any fiat? You're regulated—no matter where you're based. #Stablecoins #CryptoRegulation #Web3Compliance pic.twitter.com/7ieEp2V7FS — Shyft Network (@shyftnetwork) June 23, 2025 In May 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority passed the Stablecoin Ordinance, establishing a licensing regime for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong. Chief Executive at HKMA Eddie Yue revealed that the Ordinance is expected to come into effect on 1 August 2025, after which the HKMA will begin accepting license applications. Currently, the agency is consulting on the detailed implementation guidelines for early adoption. “The Ordinance marks a key step in enhancing the regulatory framework for digital asset activities, safeguarding monetary and financial stability, as well as strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre.” – Eddie Yue , Chief Executive at Hong Kong Monetary Authority. Yue added that HKMA has also been actively participating in the work of international organizations, including the Financial Stability Board (FSB) under the G20, which published the “Global Regulatory Framework for Crypto-Asset Activities” in 2023. He said the framework provides a set of guiding international standards for the regulation of stablecoins, on which Hong Kong’s regulatory regime is largely based. The HKMA noted that the Stablecoins Ordinance adopts the principle of ‘same activity, same risk, same regulation,’ which ensures alignment with international standards while adapting to local circumstances. The entity added that it provides proper safeguards against financial stability risks and money laundering, promotes investor protection, and lays a solid foundation for the industry’s sustainable development. Yue disclosed that HKMA plans to set a high bar for licensing while considering the need for user protection, market capacity, and long-term development. The agency said it expects only a handful of licenses to be granted in the first phase. The HKMA revealed that participation in its Stablecoin Issuer Sandbox launched early last year is not a prerequisite for receiving a license, nor is participation a guarantee for a license. The institution highlighted that it will be cautious when considering license applications. According to Yue, the question of how stablecoins will operate alongside CBDCs and bank-issued tokens remains unresolved. HKMA also hopes to promote the responsible and sustainable development of digital assets in Hong Kong, to consolidate the city’s role as an international financial center. KEY Difference Wire : the secret tool crypto projects use to get guaranteed media coverage
In a breakthrough move toward crypto acceptance, Mastercard and Chainlink have partnered to pilot a system that will allow its 3 billion cardholders to buy cryptocurrencies directly on-chain with their everyday payment cards. “This is the convergence of TradFi and DeFi that Chainlink was built for. We’re connecting 3 billion cardholders to on-chain trading.” — Sergey Nazarov, Chainlink Co-Founder The system employs Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) to enable banks to settle the exchanges on-chain while consumers utilize familiar Visa/Mastercard rails—collapse centralized finance and decentralized exchange (DEX) silos. How Card Payments Become On-Chain Swaps The procedure marries Mastercard's payment system with Chainlink's decentralized platform: Customer pays via Mastercard, settled by Shift4. Fiat converted to crypto and compliance managed by ZeroHash. XSwap (Chainlink-based) accesses liquidity from Uniswap for on-chain token trades. Chainlink's CCIP confirms and synchronizes transaction data across blockchains. Pilot Banks and Initial Rollout While Mastercard has not publicly identified all of the participating banks, the pilot has Shift4 as its primary card processor, supported by ZeroHash for regulatory support. Market sources indicate that JPMorgan Chase and BNY Mellon are exploring integration, but neither of them has officially announced it outside of the market. Phase one is targeting U.S., U.K., and European Union users, aiming for global rollout by 2026. By routing card transactions via Uniswap, Mastercard may offer DEXs tens of billions of monthly liquidity. Adoption by even 0.1% of cardholders would fuel more than $300M per day of DEX trading—possibly eclipsing Coinbase's spot trading. XSwap integration with Uniswap V4 supports gasless swaps and custom pools, optimizing liquidity for high-volume fiat-to-crypto flows. Utility Meets Speculation Chainlink's own token, LINK, surged 14% on the news to $13.51. The rally is attributed to two primary drivers: Utility Demand: Every on-chain exchange via CCIP burns LINK for oracle services and transactional fees. Staking Incentives: Node operators must stake LINK to participate, reducing circulating supply. CryptoQuant data show LINK's exchange reserves fell 7% in 24 hours, reflecting accumulation. If Mastercard's pilot expands, LINK could see sustained demand like Ethereum's gas fee model. The Bigger Picture: TradFi’s On-Chain Future Mastercard’s pivot signals a broader trend: traditional finance embracing public blockchains for settlement. With 30% of Mastercard’s 2024 transactions already tokenized, this partnership could accelerate the migration of $50T+ payment flows to chains like Ethereum, Solana, and Base. For Chainlink, it validates CCIP as critical infrastructure for hybrid finance—and positions LINK as a prime proxy for real-world adoption. Mastercard has been steadily building out its crypto integrations, announcing recently debit card partnerships with Kraken and MetaMask, and tokenizing 30% of its transactions in 2024. But the Chainlink deal is unique in its attempt to bridge the gap between conventional finance and decentralized exchanges, providing real-time, compliant fiat-to-crypto exchanges to billions of consumers. With the pilot already launched in the U.S., U.K., and EU, and global expansion on the cards, market analysts expect a boom of DEX activity and a fresh wave of adoption for Chainlink's LINK token and the broader DeFi ecosystem. The Bottom Line Mastercard's Chainlink integration is not merely a payment evolution but a tectonic plate movement towards on-chain finance. As banks join the pilot and liquidity floods into DEXs, the role of LINK as the backbone of movement in real-world assets can redefine the next bull run.
Bitcoin (BTC) extended its gains to cross $107,000 as the crypto market surged again. The flagship cryptocurrency was buoyed by easing geopolitical tensions as President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Iran had reached a ceasefire agreement. Institutional interest and sustained whale activity have also helped prices push higher. BTC is up nearly 2% over the past 24 hours, trading around $107,050. Bitcoin (BTC) And Crypto Markets Rise The crypto market cap is up nearly 1% in the past 24 hours as Bitcoin (BTC) extended its gains for a third day to reclaim $107,000. BTC regained $105,000 at the beginning of the week, rebounding from a low of $98,385 on Sunday. Bullish sentiment returned on Monday following the ceasefire announcement, as BTC rose over 4% to reclaim $105,000 and settle at $105,442. The likely catalyst for BTC’s latest rally is easing tensions in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran and urged both countries to respect it. The ceasefire announcement was made after US B2 aircraft targeted Iran’s nuclear facilities. The airstrikes prompted a symbolic response by Iran, which struck a US base in Qatar. However, it reportedly gave the US ample warning, allowing it to evacuate personnel and avoid major escalation. The ceasefire brought relief to traders as a full-blown conflict could have destabilized the global economy and sent prices skyrocketing. Iran also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, which sees around 20% of the global oil supply pass through it. Spot Bitcoin ETFs Near Two-Week Inflow Streak US spot Bitcoin ETFs continued to attract inflows as geopolitical tensions eased, nearing a two-week inflow streak. According to data from SoSoValue, US spot Bitcoin ETFs registered a combined $588.5 million in inflows on June 24. This was the strongest single-day performance in over a month, extending the current streak of inflows to 11 days. The ETFs have registered over $3.3 billion in inflows since the streak began. Not surprisingly, BlackRock’s IBIT led the daily inflow chart with $436.32 million in inflows, accounting for nearly three-quarters of the daily total. Fidelity’s FBTC registered $85.16 million in inflows, while ARK Invest’s ARKB registered $43.85 million. Meanwhile, Bitwise’s BITB, Grayscale’s GBTC, and VanEck’s HODL collectively registered $23.22 million in inflows. However, smaller funds did not register any inflows on the day. The spike in inflows was driven by easing tensions in the Middle East after Israel and Iran agreed to a ceasefire. Anthony Pompliano’s Crypto Venture Purchases 3,724 BTC Crypto entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano’s firm ProCap has announced its first Bitcoin purchase days after revealing its plan to go public later this year. The firm said Tuesday it purchased 3,724 BTC for $386 million. The company’s holdings are worth just shy of $400 million at current prices, with BTC gaining since the purchase. ProCap released a statement announcing the purchase, stating, “American investor and entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano today announced that ProCap BTC , LLC, a bitcoin-native financial services firm (the “Company”) has purchased 3,724 bitcoin at a time-weighted average price ("TWAP") of $103,785 per bitcoin, following the Company’s June 23, 2025 announcement of a proposed $1 billion business combination with Columbus Circle Capital Corp. The bitcoin was acquired as part of the Company’s ongoing Bitcoin purchase program.” ProCap plans to purchase $1 billion worth of Bitcoin as part of its ongoing business strategy. Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis Bitcoin (BTC) reclaimed $107,000 as it extended its gains for a third consecutive day. The flagship cryptocurrency faced considerable selling pressure over the weekend as the Middle East conflict escalated, falling 1.17% on Saturday. Bearish sentiment increased on Sunday after the US carried out airstrikes on key Iranian sites, prompting a symbolic retaliation. As a result, BTC plunged below $100,000, falling to $98,385 before recovering to reclaim $100,000 and settling at $100,982. However, President Trump announced a ceasefire, boosting market sentiment. As a result, BTC rallied on Monday, rising over 4% to cross $100,000 and settle at $105,442. Analysts believe BTC is primed to move past $110,000 after the latest exchange order book data from CoinGlass showed prime conditions for a new round of “liquidity grabs” up to $111,000. Popular trader and analyst Mark Cullen stated, “I wouldn't be surprised to see $BTC push a little higher into the 107K's before pulling back and taking the liquidity below 105-104K with a quick wick.” Another trader noticed that upside liquidity around current all-time highs had become significant relative to that sitting below price. This, according to the analyst, increased the odds of a move higher. “Downside liquidity is completely taken out. $111,000 looks eager to be tagged next. New all-time highs - sooner than you think?” Meanwhile, Trader Skew, another prominent analyst, flagged $103,000 as a key level in the event of a downside liquidity grab. “Currently, the market is pretty neutral in terms of positioning, longs opening targeting higher & shorts opening here as hedges. The more liquidity that gets attracted here = The greater the reaction.” BTC started the previous week on a bullish note, rising 1.18% to cross the 20-day SMA and settle at $106,808, but not before reaching an intraday high of $108,939. However, BTC lost momentum on Tuesday, falling over 2%, slipping below the 20-day SMA and $105,000 and settling at $104,519. The price recovered on Wednesday, rising 0.35%, but was back in the red on Thursday, registering a marginal decline and settling at $104,631. BTC raced to an intraday high of $106,513 but lost momentum after reaching this level. As a result, it fell 1.18%, slipping below the 50-day SMA and settling at $103,388. Source: TradingView Sellers retained control on Saturday as BTC fell 1.17% to $102,180, but not before dropping to an intraday low of $100,979. The price plunged below $100,000 on Sunday, falling to a low of $98,385 as markets tumbled after US airstrikes on Iran. However, BTC recovered from this level to reclaim $100,000 and settle at $100,982. Market sentiment flipped to bullish on Monday after Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. As a result, BTC surged over 4% to reclaim $105,000 and move to $105,442. The price continued to push higher on Tuesday, rising 0.66% to cross the 20 and 50-day SMAs, reclaim $106,000, and settle at $106,138. The current session sees BTC up nearly 2%, trading around $107,990. If bullish sentiment persists, the price could push to $110,000-$111,000. 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.
Trump's NATO summit speech sparked significant economic and political discussions globally. Updates on tariffs and international relations influenced market fluctuations, affecting Bitcoin's price. Continue Reading: Trump Stirs Global Markets With Bold Announcements at NATO Summit The post Trump Stirs Global Markets With Bold Announcements at NATO Summit appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .