“I’m Most Excited About Stock Tokens, As We Can Use Crypto For More Than Trading Assets,” Says Robinhood Crypto GM

Fintech firm Robinhood is taking the crypto industry by storm. On June 30, Robinhood announced a number of game-changing products and services for users in the United States and the European Union. Vlad Tenev, CEO and chairman of Robinhood, announced at Robinhood Presents: To Catch a Token event in Cannes, France , that the firm has officially launched U.S. stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) tokens for EU users. Robinhood has also introduced crypto perpetual futures in the EU to offer eligible customers access to a new class of derivatives. Other offerings include an AI agent to help eligible traders make informed decisions, along with new benefits associated with the Robinhood Gold credit card. Tenev further stated at Robinhood’s exclusive 300-person event in Cannes that EU users will no longer refer to the platform as “Robinhood Crypto,” but just as “Robinhood.” This is because the fintech giant is now offering traditional financial services to its EU users. https://t.co/GT8KHzZfyk — Robinhood (@RobinhoodApp) June 30, 2025 During the event, Cryptonews had the pleasure of speaking with Johann Kerbrat—GM and SVP of Crypto at Robinhood—to learn more about the firm’s new offerings. It was a pleasure speaking with @JohannKerbrat head of @RobinhoodApp crypto about the new product launches during the “To Catch A Token Event” in Cannes. So excited to see the crypto industry evolving. Read more here: https://t.co/eBlGNMZTBZ pic.twitter.com/6azLOzH0YD — Rachel Wolfson (@Rachelwolf00) June 30, 2025 Cryptonews: Please explain in detail the new products Robinhood has launched. Johann Kerbrat: In the U.S., Robinhood has launched Robinhood Legend, mobile chats for advanced traders, and tax lots, which enable users to sell specific lots at any time. We also have the Robinhood Gold credit card, where users can redeem cash or crypto after making purchases. This will be released in the fall. In the EU, Robinhood has launched perpetual futures for Bitcoin ( BTC ), Ethereum ( ETH) and on stock tokens, allowing users to get exposure to stocks using crypto. There are no fees or added margins—users just have to pay a small FX fee. Additionally, we enabled staking last year for EU users for Ethereum and Solana (SOL). This has become one of Robinhood’s main features, and we just launched this in the U.S. Users will get 2.5% for staking ETH. The Robinhood Gold credit card further allows 3% crypto back into the Robinhood brokerage account. We built this option so users can automatically invest in crypto and choose which tokens to invest in. CN: Amazing—What are you most excited about personally? JK: The stock token. This is because it represents the idea that Robinhood users can leverage crypto for more than just trading assets, but rather as a technology meant to rebuild the entire financial system. This technology can be applied to anything—any type of stocks, products, or private equity. CN: Does Robinhood Have Plans to Tokenize Other Assets? JK: Yes, there are certainly plans for this. You can imagine tokenizing anything from art to real estate to stocks from different markets. This doesn’t just apply to the U.S.—the technology is here and can be used anywhere. CN: Can you further discuss the Robinhood Layer-2 blockchain that remains in development? JK: Yes, as of now we are launching Robinhood stock tokens on Arbitrum. Arbitrum is also an ideal partner to build our chain on as well because of their regulatory and compliance structure. We don’t have a date yet as to when the Robinhood blockchain will be released. CN: What are the biggest challenges associated with these new products, and how will Robinhood overcome these challenges? JK: There are still many regulatory challenges in the U.S. For example, the Stablecoin Bill just passed , but a lot of work is still needed for the Market Structure Bill . Also, the accredited investor rule prevents a number of people from investing in stocks, as there is a minimum income or net worth requirement. Yet I believe that investing should be about a user’s knowledge, and if they are able to trade assets. All these things need to be overcome in order for crypto adoption to take off in the U.S. Most recently, we saw this with stablecoins. The idea of tokenizing the U.S. dollar really took off, and now corporations like Walmart and Amazon are starting to show interest in stablecoins . CN: Is Robinhood excited about the current regulatory environment in the US? JK: Our goal is to work closely with the new administration. But the fact that the US is finally creating rules that are similar to the Market in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) rule in the EU will undoubtedly increase institutional interest. This enables Robinhood to continue building new products and services. CN: Any final thoughts? JK: I think that there are many instances where people in crypto have been focusing on protocols and technology. However, there haven’t been a lot of real-world use cases. Robinhood showed during our demo at the event today that we are a classic brokerage working on a blockchain network. Everything still looks the same, though. At the end of the day, people won’t have to think about what’s happening behind the scenes and the technology will just work. That is what we are excited about. The post “I’m Most Excited About Stock Tokens, As We Can Use Crypto For More Than Trading Assets,” Says Robinhood Crypto GM appeared first on Cryptonews .

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Binance’s CZ donated $10M in BNB to Vitalik Buterin’s biotech efforts

Crypto billionaires are using their resources to fund a new type of paradigm in science, specifically focusing on biotech. Major players in the crypto industry are working on a new way to fund biotech and science. On Tuesday, June 1, Binance founder Changpeng Zhao revealed he personally donated $10 million in BNB (BNB) to Ethereum (ETH) founder Vitalik Buterin’s open-source biotech initiatives. Their goal, according to Buterin, is to apply blockchain’s principles to the most impactful fields in science. 🙏 Moved by this post👇. Just doing my little part. The best way to attract mission-driven talent is having conviction yourself. Likeminded people naturally come together. On top of YZiLabs investments, I personally donated $10m (in BNB) to Vitalik a couple of months back to… https://t.co/vGNdneoci7 — CZ 🔶 BNB (@cz_binance) July 1, 2025 This donation, which happened a few months ago, is on top of the investments that his family office, YZi Labs, made in similar initiatives in biotech. The tech billionaire, with a net worth of about $65 billion, called it doing his little part to help advance biotech and was likely inspired by Buterin. You might also like: Vitalik Buterin warns of AI risks while highlighting new opportunities Buterin’s vision for decentralized biotech Currently, important fields of science, especially biotech, are mostly in the hands of giant corporations. These develop treatments with a profit motive in mind, which can lead to negative outcomes for potential users. In Buterin’s view, there is a way to fix this, using decentralization. According to the Ethereum founder, blockchain principles, such as transparency, open source development, and privacy, are key to making scientific progress work for everyone. In a 2023 blog post , he explained several ways that “decentralized science” can benefit people in fields like biotech. You might also like: Exclusive: Vitalik Buterin’s take on the ‘AI versus humans’ debate For instance, zero-knowledge proofs can be used to protect public health from epidemics while also protecting user privacy. At the same time, independent researchers can develop tools like open-source vaccine protocols and pocket air testers quickly, saving lives in a future pandemic. What is more, he explained that crypto has a unique way to fund public goods, thanks to its focus on community. To that end, Buterin himself donated millions to his biotech fund, mostly with crypto he made from memecoins. Read more: Ethereum’s Buterin dumps 10b MOODENG tokens, donates $640k to his charity fund

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Bitcoin Faces Resistance Near $108,000 as Prediction Market Odds Shift Ahead of July 4 Deadline

Bitcoin’s price action is under intense scrutiny as the cryptocurrency approaches the critical $108,000 mark, with prediction markets showing a notable shift in sentiment. Recent technical indicators reveal a tug-of-war

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A Giant Company Listed on the New York Stock Exchange Makes a $528 Million Move into Bitcoin

DDC Enterprise, the company behind Asia-based brands DayDayCook, Nona Lim and Yai’s Thai, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “DDC,” has raised up to $528 million in capital commitments with the goal of growing institutional Bitcoin (BTC) reserves. The funding comes via a $26 million private equity investment (PIPE) with “leading” digital asset investors, a $25 million convertible note issuance, a $2 million private placement and a $200 million equity credit line with Anson Funds, the company said Tuesday. DDC also retains the option to raise up to $275 million in additional capital via convertible notes. DDC stated that it plans to purchase Bitcoin with these funds, and that the transactions will be carried out under the supervision of New York-based investment bank Maxim Group LLC. Related News: Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao Reveals He Sent Vitalik Buterin $10 Million Worth of BNB - Here's Why The company's founder, chairman and CEO, Norma Chu, made the following statement regarding the development: “This maximum capital commitment of $528 million is a milestone for DDC. With leading institutions like Anson Funds, Animoca Brands, and Kenetic Capital supporting our vision, we have an unparalleled ability to build one of the world’s most valuable institutional Bitcoin treasuries and execute on our mission to become one of the largest holders of Bitcoin globally.” DDC first announced its Bitcoin reserve strategy in May, when it sold 254,333 Class A shares to buy 21 BTC worth approximately $2.3 million. In mid-June, the company announced a $528 million funding target to expand the strategy. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: A Giant Company Listed on the New York Stock Exchange Makes a $528 Million Move into Bitcoin

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Solana Mobile App Kit Could Enable Cross-Platform Wallet-Integrated DApps in Under 15 Minutes

Solana’s new mobile-first developer toolkit revolutionizes how blockchain apps are built, enabling rapid creation of cross-platform mobile DApps with integrated wallet support and onchain functionality. By leveraging React Native and

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Moon or Doom: Will Bitcoin See Fireworks on July 4?

Will Bitcoin close the week above $108,000? The odds on the Myriad prediction market have swung dramatically.

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Korean Won Stablecoin: Upbit and Naver’s Revolutionary Partnership Unlocks Future Payments

BitcoinWorld Korean Won Stablecoin: Upbit and Naver’s Revolutionary Partnership Unlocks Future Payments A seismic shift is underway in South Korea’s financial landscape, as two of its biggest names, crypto exchange Upbit and tech giant Naver, join forces. This isn’t just another tech alliance; it’s a strategic move set to redefine digital transactions through a new Korean Won Stablecoin payment project. For anyone tracking the evolution of digital finance, this collaboration signals a significant leap forward, potentially bringing the stability of traditional currency to the speed and efficiency of blockchain technology. What is the Vision Behind the Korean Won Stablecoin? At its core, a stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value, typically by being pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar or, in this groundbreaking case, the Korean Won. The vision behind this Korean Won Stablecoin is to bridge the gap between the volatile world of cryptocurrencies and the predictable nature of traditional money. Imagine making everyday purchases, sending remittances, or settling business transactions with the speed of crypto, but without the price fluctuations. That’s the promise. This initiative aims to: Enhance Payment Efficiency: Facilitate faster and potentially cheaper transactions compared to traditional banking rails. Expand Digital Economy Access: Provide a stable, blockchain-based alternative for payments, accessible to a broader user base. Foster Innovation: Pave the way for new financial products and services built on a stable digital asset. While the specifics are still being ironed out, the very announcement of a won-backed stablecoin from such prominent players signals a strong intent to integrate digital assets more deeply into the mainstream economy. The Power Players: Dunamu Npay Collaboration Explained The architects of this ambitious project are Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, and Npay, Naver’s highly popular payment platform. This Dunamu Npay Collaboration brings together distinct yet complementary strengths. Dunamu boasts extensive expertise in blockchain technology, crypto exchange operations, and digital asset management. Upbit’s robust infrastructure and user base provide a solid foundation for any stablecoin issuance. On the other side, Npay, a subsidiary of Naver, commands a massive user base and a deeply integrated payment ecosystem within South Korea’s digital landscape. Naver’s services, from search to e-commerce, are ubiquitous, giving Npay unparalleled reach for facilitating payments. A spokesperson from Dunamu has indicated that Npay is expected to lead the project, with Dunamu playing a crucial supporting role. This division of labor makes strategic sense: Npay provides the consumer-facing payment infrastructure and user adoption, while Dunamu supplies the underlying blockchain and stablecoin expertise. The synergy between these two titans could be a game-changer for digital payments in the region. Revolutionizing Transactions: The Promise of Stablecoin Payments Korea The potential impact of this project on Stablecoin Payments Korea is immense. South Korea is already a highly digitized society with a high adoption rate of mobile payments and online commerce. Introducing a stablecoin that is seamlessly integrated into existing platforms like Naver’s could unlock a new era of digital transactions. Consider the possibilities: E-commerce: Imagine making purchases on Naver Shopping with a Korean Won stablecoin, potentially benefiting from lower transaction fees or instant settlements. Remittances: Facilitating faster and more affordable cross-border payments for individuals and businesses. Micro-payments: Enabling efficient small-value transactions for digital content, gaming, or streaming services. Financial Inclusion: Providing an accessible digital payment method for those who may be underserved by traditional banking. This initiative has the potential to streamline various financial activities, making them more efficient and user-friendly. It represents a significant step towards a future where digital assets are not just speculative investments but integral components of everyday commerce. Navigating the Landscape: South Korea Crypto Regulation’s Role While the ambition is clear, the path forward for this Upbit Naver Partnership is heavily dependent on the evolving regulatory environment. South Korea has a nuanced stance on cryptocurrencies, with strict anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and a cautious approach to new financial technologies. The two companies have explicitly stated their intention to formalize the details and scope of the partnership once a clear regulatory framework takes shape. Key regulatory considerations include: Stablecoin Classification: How will the Korean Won stablecoin be classified? As a digital asset, electronic money, or something else entirely? This classification will dictate the applicable regulations. Consumer Protection: Ensuring robust safeguards for users, including redemption mechanisms, reserve transparency, and dispute resolution. AML/CFT Compliance: Adhering to strict anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism protocols. Financial Stability: Assessing the potential impact of a widely adopted stablecoin on the broader financial system and monetary policy. The success and scalability of this project will hinge on the Korean authorities’ willingness to provide clear guidelines and a supportive legal framework that balances innovation with necessary oversight. Regulatory clarity is not just a hurdle but an essential foundation for building trust and ensuring the long-term viability of such an ambitious undertaking. What’s Next for the Upbit Naver Partnership? The announcement of the Upbit Naver Partnership marks a significant milestone, even if the full scope of their collaboration is yet to be defined. It signals a strong commitment from two industry leaders to explore the practical applications of blockchain technology beyond speculative trading. As South Korea’s regulatory landscape continues to evolve, the details of this project will undoubtedly come into sharper focus. This collaboration could serve as a blueprint for how traditional tech and finance companies can successfully integrate blockchain-based solutions into mainstream services. It highlights a growing trend where major corporations are moving from merely observing the crypto space to actively shaping its future, particularly in the realm of stablecoins and real-world payments. The world will be watching closely to see how this powerful alliance navigates the complexities and ultimately transforms the way South Koreans transact digitally. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping stablecoin adoption and institutional interest. This post Korean Won Stablecoin: Upbit and Naver’s Revolutionary Partnership Unlocks Future Payments first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

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The Smarter Web Company Increases Bitcoin Holdings to 773.58 BTC

On July 1, 2025, The Smarter Web Company PLC, a London-listed technology firm, announced the acquisition of an additional 230.05 BTC as part of its ongoing bitcoin treasury policy outlined in “The 10 Year Plan.” The company purchased the bitcoin at an average price of £78,103 ($107,126) per bitcoin, totaling £17,967,595 ($24,761,996). With this latest

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Analysts Are Tracking Cardano, SEI, and XRP Ahead of June’s Potential Multi-Coin Breakout

As the crypto market navigates June, analysts are watching for coordinated strength across several key tokens. Cardano (ADA), SEI, and XRP are flashing bullish signals across both technical and ecosystem indicators. Meanwhile, MAGACOIN FINANCE is emerging as a calculated early-stage opportunity, attracting attention for its structured positioning and potential for disproportionate upside. MAGACOIN FINANCE Gains Analyst Attention for Strategic Early-Stage Upside While larger-cap tokens prepare for potential breakouts, some investors are looking further ahead—toward calculated entries in high-upside opportunities. MAGACOIN FINANCE has been quietly drawing notice for its clean launch mechanics, smart release strategy, and potential for disproportionate returns. With previous phases selling out rapidly and upgrades on the horizon, interest has been steadily climbing. The project’s controlled rollout is designed to drive value at each stage, making it appealing for investors seeking exposure ahead of exchange listings. Summer entries into MAGACOIN FINANCE could still position early buyers for a projected 20x–33x return as the project advances toward public listings. Cardano Nears Critical Resistance as On-Chain Milestones Accumulate Cardano continues to trade near a key demand region, with analysts focused on whether it can break above major resistance in the coming weeks. The underlying ecosystem is expanding steadily, even as price momentum consolidates. The blockchain recently surpassed 110 million transactions, with more than 2,000 active projects building on it. Growth in delegated wallets and smart contract activity suggests a durable base for adoption. Brave Wallet’s beta integration of Cardano could further expand ADA’s exposure, reaching a user base of over 88 million. Meanwhile, Cardano Foundation’s “Originate” platform and Ford’s pilot for decentralized legal data storage signal rising enterprise interest. SEI Breaks Out of Multi-Month Downtrend With Institutional Tailwind Following a breakout from a continued descending wedge, SEI has been getting attention. The trend shift is reinforced by key technical indicators like the RSI rising and MACD crossover. A significant development took place when the Wyoming Stable Token Commission selected Sei Network, indicating that Sei Network may provide blockchain infrastructure for fiat-backed stablecoin. An institutional stamp of approval from regulators is quite powerful. SEI’s network growth has been equally compelling. We are seeing more than 35M monthly transactions and DeFi activity is rising. According to analysts, SEI is likely to strengthen further if the momentum holds, with TVL exceeding networks – Cardano and Hedera. XRP Strengthens With Legal Progress and ETF Optimism XRP manages to hold its support despite the broader volatility. Analysts believe a breakout could be in the cards as prices have been moving sideways while rising. Regulatory news has provided a major boost. Negotiations between Ripple and the SEC are making major progress, and it seems possible that the long-standing ban on institutional sales may be lifted. According to experts, this outcome could lead to a spot ETF in the future which would be exceptional. Ripple keeps on improving its infrastructure. The latest approval of its RLUSD stablecoin and other upgrades have contributed to XRP’s use case. Accumulation and rising network activity on-chain metrics also reinforce bullish expectations. Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out On This Gems Market analysts think June is a crucial month for established altcoins and upcoming altcoin plays. Cardano, SEI and XRP are exhibiting some structural strength on the back of legal and institutional as well as ecosystem catalyst. At the same time, a potential sleeper play is MAGACOIN FINANCE, which is gaining momentum through its gradual rollout and value-oriented roadmap. To learn more about MAGACOIN FINANCE, please visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Exclusive Access: https://magacoinfinance.com/entry Continue Reading: Analysts Are Tracking Cardano, SEI, and XRP Ahead of June’s Potential Multi-Coin Breakout

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Botanix L2 mainnet goes live, cuts Bitcoin block times to 5 seconds

Botanix isn’t the first to promise smart contracts on Bitcoin, but it may be the first to deliver them without centralization and possibly cut BTC block times to five seconds. Its mainnet launch signals a new phase in the evolution of Bitcoin’s utility beyond store of value. According to a press release , Botanix Labs has officially launched its Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible Bitcoin ( BTC ) Layer 2 mainnet, backed by a decentralized federation of 16 node operators, including Galaxy, Fireblocks, and Antpool. The network, which processed over 26 million testnet transactions since December 2024, now supports live applications like GMX and Dolomite, with average fees hovering at $0.02. Unlike other Bitcoin L2 solutions that launched under centralized control, Botanix’s “Spiderchain” architecture ensures no single entity, including its own developers, can manipulate user funds. “Too many Bitcoiners have been burned by centralized platforms, which is why Botanix is fully decentralized at launch. No single party, including us, can touch a user’s Bitcoin, and that’s why I’m incredibly excited to see mainnet go live and finally put real tools into the hands of Bitcoiners. If we want a world that runs on Bitcoin, we have to build systems that honor its core principles of self-custody, open participation, and global fault tolerance,” Willem Schroé, CEO and Co-Founder of Botanix Labs, stated. You might also like: DDC secures $528m for its corporate Bitcoin accumulation strategy The Spiderchain experiment: can Botanix finally make Bitcoin programmable? While other Bitcoin Layer 2 solutions have launched with trade-offs like centralized sequencers, federated bridges, or wrapped assets, Botanix took a different path. The network’s “Spiderchain” architecture, a novel cryptographic primitive, creates a web of multisig wallets that secure the network without relying on a single custodian. Every Bitcoin block triggers a new multisig setup, distributing control across its federation of node operators without resorting to centralized bridges. This structure underpins Botanix’s five-second finality and sub-cent fees while preserving native Bitcoin custody, putting it on par with Ethereum L2s like Arbitrum and Optimism. Already, major DeFi protocols like GMX and Dolomite have deployed on the network, offering Bitcoin-native trading and lending, something previously only possible through risky BTC-pegged tokens on Ethereum. If the network is successful, it could finally unlock Bitcoin’s dormant potential beyond being digital gold. But in a market where even Ethereum struggles with L2 fragmentation, Botanix’s real hurdle won’t be technology. It’ll be proving that Bitcoiners actually want smart contracts. The next few months will reveal whether this is the breakthrough Bitcoin needs or another ambitious solution in search of a problem. Read more: Base protocol Limitless raises $4M, backed by Coinbase Ventures and Arthur Hayes

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