U.S. Aims to Become the World's Leading Bitcoin Nation: White House Official Announces Strategic Reserves and Regulatory Reforms

U.S. Aims to Become the World's Leading Bitcoin Nation: White House Official Announces Strategic Reserves and Regulatory Reforms

Trump Administration Shifts Gears on Digital Assets
Bo Hines, Executive Director of the U.S. Presidential Digital Assets Advisory Committee, has declared that the United States will become the world’s top Bitcoin-centric nation. Hines highlighted key achievements under President Donald Trump, including the issuance of a digital asset executive order, hosting the first-ever White House crypto summit, and lifting banking access restrictions for crypto companies — marking a significant policy shift towards digital assets.

Bitcoin Reserve Program Launched: Recognizing BTC as ‘Digital Gold’
Hines revealed that the U.S. government has initiated a national Bitcoin strategic reserve program, officially recognizing Bitcoin as "digital gold." He stated, "Bitcoin is scarce and carries intrinsic value; we will secure as much as possible." He also confirmed that the reserve accumulation would be pursued in a budget-neutral manner, echoing traditional gold reserve management practices.

Regulatory Goals: Stablecoin and Market Structure Bills
Hines set out legislative goals to solidify the U.S. regulatory framework for digital assets, targeting the passage of both a Stablecoin Bill and a Digital Asset Market Structure Bill by August recess. “We plan to get both bills signed by the president before the recess, followed by a 180-day review to finalize a new regulatory framework,” he explained. These initiatives aim to establish the U.S. as the global leader in fintech innovation.

Balancing Privacy and Crime Prevention
Hines stressed the importance of balancing privacy rights with blockchain transparency. He asserted, “Digital assets actually make it easier to block illegal activity than traditional finance does,” while pledging to "enhance anti-crime measures without compromising financial privacy.”

A Three-Phase Regulatory Roadmap
Hines outlined a phased approach to digital asset regulation, noting that the U.S. is transitioning from a ‘dismantling phase’ of outdated rules to a ‘building phase’ for new structures. The next step, the ‘integration phase,’ will focus on embedding digital assets within the broader U.S. financial system, completing the country’s transformation into a digital asset innovation hub.

BlackRock Leads the Fusion of TradFi and DeFi Through Tokenized Assets and Crypto ETFs

BlackRock Leads the Fusion of TradFi and DeFi Through Tokenized Assets and Crypto ETFs

As traditional financial institutions increasingly enter the cryptocurrency space, the boundary between Traditional Finance (TradFi) and Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is rapidly dissolving. BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with $11.6 trillion in assets under management (AUM), has emerged as a key player at this intersection by launching a suite of crypto-focused investment products.

Product Expansion into Crypto Markets
In 2024, BlackRock introduced two prominent spot cryptocurrency ETFs: the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). Furthermore, the firm partnered with blockchain asset tokenization platform Securitize to launch BUIDL, the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund. This money market fund is tokenized on-chain and aims to distribute U.S. Treasury yields to digital wallets.

BlackRock's long-term goal is clear: tokenize all asset classes to enhance market efficiency, transparency, and investor accessibility.

Rapid AUM Growth in Crypto and Stablecoin Markets
Within just one year of entering the crypto market, BlackRock's crypto-related assets under management grew to $55 billion. As of early 2025, the stablecoin market has reached a capitalization of $220 billion. BUIDL has played a pivotal role in bridging the TradFi-DeFi divide by bringing real-world yields on-chain. By the end of April 2025, BUIDL had surpassed $2.46 billion in AUM.

The Rise of Real-World Assets (RWA) in DeFi
Real-world assets (RWAs) refer to tokenized representations of tangible or traditional assets such as fiat currency, stocks, real estate, gold, or bonds. BlackRock’s BUIDL fund, backed by short-term U.S. Treasuries, is a prime example of successful RWA integration. This initiative coincides with a significant rebound in the DeFi sector, which reached a total value locked (TVL) of $95.6 billion by April 25, 2025.

Democratizing Investment Access
BlackRock believes that asset tokenization will democratize global investment opportunities by improving access to a broader range of assets through blockchain infrastructure. If successful, tokenized RWA funds could evolve into widely accepted investment vehicles, much like ETFs today.

BlackRock’s BUIDL is not just a fund — it represents the convergence of legacy finance and blockchain innovation. Its trajectory will likely set the tone for future developments in both traditional and decentralized finance ecosystems.

Grayscale Meets SEC to Discuss Integrating Staking Features into Ethereum ETPs

Grayscale Meets SEC to Discuss Integrating Staking Features into Ethereum ETPs

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cryptocurrency task force held a meeting with representatives from Grayscale Investments and NYSE Arca to discuss a proposal to add staking functionality to Ethereum-based exchange-traded products (ETPs). According to Crypto Times, key topics included Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust (ETHE) and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH).

Grayscale emphasized the value of integrating staking features, arguing that it would allow investors to participate in Ethereum’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) network validation process and earn additional returns.

Staking Platform and Asset Protection Measures
To ensure a secure and investor-friendly experience, Grayscale introduced a “Point-and-Click Staking Platform.” Under this model, asset managers retain full responsibility for Ethereum token custody, minimizing the security risks typically associated with traditional staking operations. Grayscale asserted that their platform meets both investor protection standards and operational norms for PoS networks.

Regulatory Developments
The SEC has postponed its decision on staking integration, extending the review deadline from April 17, 2025, to June 1, 2025. This extension is intended to allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of staking features within ETP structures. Notably, the delay coincides with the appointment of Paul Atkins, a figure familiar with digital assets, as the new SEC Chair.

Grayscale’s Strategy and Outlook
Grayscale is leveraging international regulatory precedents to advocate for its proposal, seeking to align U.S. policies with global standards. Ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Grayscale and the SEC are expected to play a critical role in determining whether staking functionality will be officially incorporated into Ethereum ETPs.

Coinbase Urges U.S. States to Withdraw Staking Lawsuits Amid Mounting Regulatory Concerns

Coinbase Urges U.S. States to Withdraw Staking Lawsuits Amid Mounting Regulatory Concerns

Summary of the Situation
Coinbase is actively requesting five U.S. state governments — California, Maryland, Wisconsin, New Jersey, and Washington — to withdraw ongoing lawsuits against its staking program. These lawsuits, originally initiated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and ten states in June, allege that Coinbase’s staking services constitute unregistered securities offerings. While the SEC and five states have since dropped their cases, half of the original jurisdictions continue to pursue legal action.

Coinbase’s Position
Paul VanGrack, Coinbase’s Vice President of Legal Affairs, emphasized that these lawsuits are deepening regulatory uncertainty and harming local consumers. According to VanGrack, cease and desist orders in certain states have resulted in residents missing out on tens of millions of dollars in staking rewards, reduced consumer choice, and worsened financial market clarity. Coinbase asserts that staking services are a legitimate part of modern financial innovation and should not be treated like illicit securities sales.

Economic Impact
Coinbase estimates that approximately $90 million in staking rewards have been lost nationwide due to these regulatory actions. The company warns that continued litigation could further increase consumer losses and inadvertently push users toward less-regulated and potentially riskier staking service providers.

Broader Regulatory Strategy
Beyond state-level disputes, Coinbase is intensifying its efforts to advocate for clearer digital asset regulations. It has initiated legal action against the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and sent a formal letter urging the SEC to permit its employees to hold digital assets. These moves underline Coinbase’s broader strategy to drive regulatory reforms that support the responsible growth of the cryptocurrency sector.

Brazil Launches World’s First XRP-Based ETF 'XRPH11' on B3 Exchange

Brazil Launches World’s First XRP-Based ETF 'XRPH11' on B3 Exchange

Brazil has become the first country in the world to launch an XRP-based exchange-traded fund (ETF), marking a significant milestone in crypto-backed financial products. The ETF, named XRPH11, was issued by asset management firm Hashdex and is now trading on Brazil’s B3 Stock Exchange.

Following regulatory approval from Brazilian financial authorities, Hashdex introduced XRPH11 as part of its broader strategy to expand crypto investment vehicles in the region. This launch comes after Hashdex's earlier ETFs for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Solana (SOL), further solidifying Brazil as a strategic market for crypto ETFs.

Institutional Focus and Market Impact

XRPH11 is structured to invest at least 95% of its assets in XRP, with a primary focus on attracting institutional investors. Hashdex’s continued rollout of diversified crypto ETFs reflects growing demand in Latin America and strengthens Brazil’s position as a pioneer in crypto finance.

The introduction of XRPH11 could also influence U.S. regulators, who are currently reviewing the possibility of approving a similar XRP ETF. While the approval probability in the U.S. stands at 74%, the exact timeline remains uncertain. Market watchers are closely monitoring the outcome, especially since Solana’s ETF debut had a limited market impact.

SOL Strategies and DeFi Development Corp Invest Nearly $600 Million in Solana, Signaling Long-Term Confidence

SOL Strategies and DeFi Development Corp Invest Nearly $600 Million in Solana, Signaling Long-Term Confidence

SOL Strategies and DeFi Development Corp have recently made a combined investment of $599 million to support Solana (SOL) incentives, in a move that resembles MicroStrategy's aggressive Bitcoin strategy—but this time, the focus is on Solana.

SOL Strategies Increases Holdings to Over $540 Million

SOL Strategies previously held approximately $40.4 million in Solana. On April 15, the firm acquired an additional $500 million worth of SOL, bringing its total holdings to over $540 million.

On the same day, DeFi Development Corp purchased around $9.9 million worth of locked Solana through BitGo’s OTC desk. These assets cannot currently be transferred on-chain, but were reportedly acquired at a discount. With this acquisition, DeFi Development has expanded its long-term Solana treasury to approximately $48 million.

SOL Surges 20% in Two Weeks Amid Institutional Inflows

Amid a wave of institutional capital inflows and improving market sentiment, SOL has risen 20% over the past two weeks, outpacing both Bitcoin and Ethereum. The scale of recent investments highlights strong confidence in Solana’s long-term growth potential. Some investors and analysts now speculate that Solana could eventually surpass Ethereum to become the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap.

Nasdaq recently noted, "Solana appears to be encroaching on Ethereum’s dominance. If more investors lose confidence in Ethereum, we could see a migration toward Solana, which would fuel further demand for SOL."

Additionally, Solana’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) has reached 66.54, approaching the overbought threshold of 70. This suggests strong buying momentum and growing market confidence.

XRP Could Become the Most Practical Cryptocurrency

Teucrium CEO: XRP Could Become the Most Practical Cryptocurrency

Sal Gilbertie, CEO of Teucrium, recently stated in an interview with Bloomberg that XRP has the potential to become the most practical and widely used cryptocurrency. He expressed strong confidence in XRP, saying, "We believe in XRP. We believe it will be the most useful coin." Gilbertie also described Ripple as "a company composed of highly professional individuals."

Launch of the First XRP ETF in the U.S.

Teucrium gained attention earlier this month by launching the first-ever XRP Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) in the United States. This innovative product offers leveraged exposure to XRP, which is closely associated with Ripple. According to Gilbertie, the XRP ETF has received an "outstanding response" from investors.

Strong Market Reception and Industry Recognition

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas noted that Teucrium’s XRP ETF ranks in the top 5% of newly launched ETFs by trading volume, underscoring its strong market performance. Additionally, crypto analytics firm Kaiko highlighted the successful launch as a potential advantage for XRP in the ongoing competition among spot cryptocurrency ETFs.

Bitcoin Surpasses Google to Become 5th Largest Asset Globally

Bitcoin Surpasses Google to Become 5th Largest Asset Globally

Bitcoin (BTC) has overtaken Google (Alphabet Inc.) to become the fifth most valuable asset in the world by market capitalization, reaching a record $1.864 trillion as BTC surged past $94,000.

Bitcoin Solidifies Position as a Top Global Asset

This latest surge reaffirms Bitcoin's status as one of the strongest-performing assets globally. While Alphabet Inc.’s stock also posted gains, it lagged behind Bitcoin’s price increase in scale and momentum.

According to Cryptopolitan, the broader cryptocurrency market saw a significant influx of capital. Total crypto market capitalization rose by nearly 7% over the past 24 hours, once again approaching the $3 trillion mark. Daily trading volume surged 53%, hitting $137 billion.

Bitcoin Achieves All-Time High in Asset Ranking

This is Bitcoin’s highest-ever placement in global asset rankings. Although its market cap has previously exceeded $2 trillion, that occurred during a broader tech stock rally. This time, Bitcoin’s standalone performance has propelled it to its new ranking.

As of April 23, BTC price rose over 6% in 24 hours to reach $94,132, with trading volume hitting $59.2 billion. Bitcoin’s market dominance also climbed to 63.41%. Despite the surge, the current price remains around 13% below its all-time high of $109,000.

According to Companies Market Cap, this fifth-place ranking places Bitcoin above Alphabet, whose market capitalization now stands at $1.859 trillion.

U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETF Sees Record Inflows

Fueling the rally is renewed institutional demand—particularly via U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs. Following former President Donald Trump's return to office, spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their highest net inflow since his inauguration, totaling $912.7 million.

Alphabet Stock Rebounds but Trails Bitcoin

After recent declines, Alphabet stock rebounded more than 2%, trading at an average of $153.90. In after-hours trading, the stock saw an additional 2.2% increase, suggesting it may surpass $157. However, its total market cap remains slightly below Bitcoin's.

Bitcoin’s climb in the asset rankings signals a major shift in global investor perception. It is no longer a fringe asset but a serious contender among the world’s most valuable entities—outperforming even tech giants in today’s capital flows. 

Bitcoin Rallies Despite Market Turmoil Amid Trump’s Pressure on Fed Chair Powell

While U.S. financial markets wavered following President Donald Trump’s criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Bitcoin (BTC) surged, reinforcing its position as a hedge against traditional financial risks.

Trump Targets Powell, Stoking Market Volatility

President Trump intensified his pressure on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him a “total loser” on his social media platform, Truth Social, and demanding aggressive rate cuts. This political move raised concerns about the central bank’s independence, fueling uncertainty across traditional financial markets.

Massive Short Liquidations Fuel Upward Momentum

According to data from CoinGlass, approximately $118.23 million in Bitcoin derivatives positions were liquidated in the past 24 hours—80% of which were short positions. This indicates that many traders had bet on a price drop but were caught off-guard by Bitcoin's unexpected rally.

Across the broader crypto market, total liquidations amounted to $274.54 million, signaling heightened short-term volatility.

Liquidity Expansion Driving Flight to Hard Assets

Vincent Liu, Chief Investment Officer at Kronos Research, commented that “rising global liquidity—driven by increased M2 money supply and a weakening U.S. dollar—is prompting a shift of capital toward hard assets like Bitcoin and gold.”

Bitcoin’s 24-hour trading volume exceeded $24.5 billion, while gold prices also surged to a record high of $3,400, reflecting growing investor preference for non-sovereign stores of value amid market uncertainty.

Political Risk Accelerates Demand for Alternative Assets

Juan Leon, Senior Analyst at Bitwise, noted that "waning trust in the U.S. government and growing political risks are fueling demand for alternative assets like Bitcoin and gold.” He added that “Trump’s attacks on the Fed’s independence are triggering a broader market reaction, which could serve as a bullish catalyst for Bitcoin.”

Market Sentiment Improves Slightly

The Fear & Greed Index provided by Alternative.me showed a reading of 47, indicating neutral sentiment, up from the previous day. This suggests cautious optimism may be emerging in the market as uncertainty begins to stabilize.

• The Federal Reserve’s next policy moves will likely influence crypto price action in the near term.

• Political developments, including Fed leadership and election dynamics, are becoming increasingly relevant for macro-crypto correlations.

• The simultaneous rally in Bitcoin and gold suggests growing investor appetite for non-correlated, hard assets.

XRP Emerges as the Most Popular Altcoin in Latin America: Bitso Report

According to CryptoPolitan on April 21, XRP has emerged as the most favored altcoin in the Latin America (LATAM) region. A new report by cryptocurrency exchange Bitso revealed that in 2024, 9% of all crypto transactions in the region involved the purchase of XRP — surpassing Ethereum (5%) and Solana (4%), making it the most popular altcoin among LATAM crypto investors.

Bitso is a leading crypto financial services provider in Latin America, with over 9 million retail users across Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. The report compared user purchase and holding behavior in 2024 versus 2023.

XRP Sees Recent Surge in Portfolio Share

Notably, XRP's popularity is a relatively recent phenomenon. In 2023, XRP held 0% of the average user portfolio; in 2024, that figure surged to 12% — largely attributed to a price rally at the end of 2023.

Why XRP Is Gaining Traction

XRP faced significant challenges after the U.S. SEC filed a lawsuit against Ripple in late 2020. However, a turning point came after Donald Trump’s presidential win in late 2023. Following the election, XRP surged more than 300%, reaching a multi-year high. Although the token has since corrected to around $2, it has only declined 10% year-to-date — a relatively strong performance.

This compares favorably to Bitcoin’s 9.56% drop, Ethereum’s 52% decline, and Solana’s 28% pullback in the same period.

Stablecoins and Bitcoin Still Dominate Portfolios

Despite XRP’s growth, Bitcoin (BTC) and stablecoins remain dominant in user portfolios. In 2024, BTC accounted for 49% of the average portfolio, down from 57% in 2023. This drop is likely due to the rise of meme coins, altcoins, and fiat-backed tokens.

There has also been a shift in the most purchased assets. In 2023, BTC led with 28% of all purchases. In 2024, Circle’s USDC became the most bought crypto at 24%, followed by Tether’s USDT at 15%. The increasing use of stablecoins and fiat-pegged tokens is attributed to high yields, declining local currency values, and a desire for diversification and profit realization.

Crypto Adoption Accelerates in Latin America

Bitso reported growing crypto adoption across all four of its operating countries. Argentina saw an 11% increase in registered users, Mexico 13%, and Brazil and Colombia 6% each.

By age group, users aged 25–34 made up 38% of the user base — the largest segment — followed by 18–24 and 35–44, each at 23%. Adoption was lower among older age groups, with users 65 and older accounting for only 2%.

Interestingly, trading activity among older users is increasing. The 45–54 age group saw its trading activity rise from 13% to 14%, while 55–64-year-olds increased from 5% to 6%.

While crypto adoption continues to grow rapidly among younger generations, older demographics are also gradually increasing their participation.

Bitcoin Whale Accumulation Hits All-Time High — Echoes of 2020 Bull Market

Bitcoin Whale Accumulation Hits All-Time High — Echoes of 2020 Bull Market

As Bitcoin continues to trade within a narrow price range, large-scale whale accumulation has reached record levels, potentially signaling the start of a major price breakout, NewsBTC reported on April 20.

Whales Accumulating Over 300% of Annual BTC Supply

According to on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, whales holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC have ramped up their accumulation efforts, now acquiring Bitcoin at a pace exceeding 300% of its annual issuance.

Simultaneously, major cryptocurrency exchanges are seeing continued BTC outflows. This suggests that large holders are transferring their assets to private wallets for long-term storage, indicating strong conviction in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

On-chain analysts noted that this behavior is reminiscent of early 2020, when similar patterns preceded Bitcoin's explosive rally to new highs.

Technical Resistance: $85,500

From a technical standpoint, Bitcoin is currently testing resistance at its 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages (EMAs), both hovering near $85,500. Failure to break through this resistance could lead to a short-term correction.

The next major support level is estimated around $80,000, which aligns with the upper boundary of a long-term ascending wedge pattern. Bitcoin has been trading in a tight range between $75,000 and $85,000, a sign of low volatility paired with strong accumulation pressure.

Many analysts interpret this as an accumulation phase — a quiet period before a potential major move.

Three-Month Pullback Mirrors Past Bull Cycles

After reaching nearly $100,000 earlier this year, Bitcoin has undergone a roughly 30% pullback over the past three months. Analysts suggest that such corrections are typical during mid-cycle phases of bull markets.

"Pullbacks of 25–35% are historically common during Bitcoin’s bull runs and often precede the next leg higher," noted one analyst.

With the convergence of low volatility, strong whale accumulation, and historical precedent, the Bitcoin market appears to be nearing a potential inflection point that could lead to significant upward movement.

Chainlink Eyes Dominance in Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Sector

Chainlink Eyes Dominance in Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization Sector

Chainlink (LINK) is emerging as a pivotal infrastructure provider in the rapidly growing tokenized real-world assets (RWA) sector. Analysts at The Coin Republic suggest that RWAs — physical assets represented on blockchains — could become one of the largest opportunities in the blockchain industry, with projected market sizes reaching tens of trillions of dollars by the 2030s.

Bridging Blockchain and Reality

Chainlink's core mission is to securely bridge real-world data and traditional assets with blockchain-based applications. As a leading oracle network, Chainlink provides the infrastructure necessary to ensure transparency, security, and interoperability for tokenized assets.

To date, Chainlink has helped secure over $20 trillion in transaction value across decentralized applications. The protocol offers various on-chain services, including:

• Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP)

• Proof of Reserve

• Price Feeds

• Chainlink Functions

These tools allow developers and institutions to tokenize, verify, and move real-world assets between public and private blockchain networks.

RWA Integrations

Chainlink's oracle services and CCIP are already powering major institutional efforts to bring tokenized assets to life:

• Coinbase’s Project Diamond utilizes Chainlink’s stack to manage the entire lifecycle of tokenized assets, providing cross-chain interoperability.

• Fireblocks is working with Chainlink Labs to help banks and financial institutions issue and manage stablecoins across compliant, secure environments.

• Taurus is leveraging Chainlink to solve critical issues in RWA, including asset pricing, security, and blockchain interoperability. The firm has tested USDC transfers across chains using CCIP.

• OpenEden is using Chainlink’s price feeds and CCIP to enhance its USDO stablecoin product, improving its cross-chain functionality and reliability.

• Backed has integrated Chainlink to support pricing, collateral validation, and interoperability for tokenized traditional assets brought into DeFi, in collaboration with Sonic and Fortlake Asset Management.

• Sygnum and Fidelity International are using Chainlink to bring the net asset value (NAV) data of a $6.9 billion liquidity fund on-chain, enabling real-time updates and transparent access to fund metrics.

With Chainlink establishing itself as the trusted data backbone for the RWA space, its role is poised to expand dramatically as traditional finance continues to integrate blockchain infrastructure. As tokenized securities, real estate, and funds gain traction, Chainlink’s oracle network may serve as the standard layer connecting traditional value with decentralized finance.

Binance Engaged in Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Talks with Multiple Nations

Binance Engaged in Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Talks with Multiple Nations

Binance CEO Richard Teng revealed that the exchange is in discussions with several governments regarding the establishment of sovereign Bitcoin reserves. According to Teng, multiple national entities — including sovereign wealth funds — have approached Binance for advisory on both Bitcoin accumulation strategies and crypto regulatory frameworks.

Governments Eyeing Strategic BTC Reserves

Teng emphasized that early adoption remains a key driver of long-term upside, echoing recent comments from Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley, who also noted that institutional and governmental interest in Bitcoin is accelerating.

“Countries are now recognizing Bitcoin as a long-term strategic asset, not just a speculative one,” Teng said, adding that Binance is providing technical and regulatory insight to facilitate sovereign-level adoption.

Zhao’s Legacy and Global Expansion

Former CEO Changpeng Zhao previously served as an informal advisor to governments such as Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Teng confirmed that Binance is actively exploring the establishment of a global headquarters — a move designed to strengthen compliance and provide a stable foundation for future crypto expansion.

U.S. Influence Rippling Globally

Binance noted that the regulatory momentum in the United States following the Trump administration has influenced other nations to take crypto adoption more seriously. This broader shift toward legitimizing digital assets has contributed to the recent surge in sovereign interest.

As global interest in Bitcoin reserves grows, Binance is positioning itself as a key partner in shaping national crypto strategies.

Bitcoin Sideways, Solana Pops 6% — Market Eyes Altcoin Rotation

Bitcoin Sideways, Solana Pops 6% — Market Eyes Altcoin Rotation

With Bitcoin trading sideways and broader digital assets staying relatively muted, Solana (SOL) is standing out as one of the few movers in an otherwise quiet market.

Bitcoin Stabilizes After Tariff Shock

Bitcoin is trading at $84,721.99 on Binance. After digesting losses from recent tariff-related volatility, BTC is consolidating in the low-to-mid $80K range. Technical indicators suggest the asset is preparing for a breakout.

Altcoins Flat — Except Solana

While major altcoins such as Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Binance Coin (BNB), and Tron (TRX) continue to struggle near key resistance zones, Solana rose 5.47% in the last 24 hours, reaching $133 — a level it has repeatedly tested in the past week.

• Ethereum is hovering around $1,590

• XRP is stable near $2.10

• TRX, DOGE, and ADA are showing sideways action, with some bottom-fishing evident among retail traders

Powell’s Inflation Warning Adds Macro Pressure

Market uncertainty remains high following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s warning on tariffs. Powell stated that heightened protectionism could dampen economic growth and fuel inflation, which has left investors cautious across risk assets. Bitcoin and Ethereum responded with slight gains amid the news.

Gensler Favors Bitcoin Over Altcoins

Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler weighed in on the long-term outlook for crypto, reiterating his pro-Bitcoin stance in a CNBC interview.

“Bitcoin is more like gold — it has enduring global appeal,” Gensler said. “Most altcoins, on the other hand, are unlikely to survive long-term.”

He added that most alternative cryptocurrencies are driven by hype and sentiment rather than fundamentals, advising investors to scrutinize each project carefully.

Despite his praise for Bitcoin, Gensler disclosed that he does not own any crypto.

Market Dynamics

Gensler’s remarks align with current market dominance trends. Bitcoin now commands 62.5% of total crypto market cap — the highest in nearly four years. The altcoin season index sits at just 16, suggesting very few alts have outperformed BTC over the past 90 days.

Still, some analysts note that historical patterns point to altcoin rallies often following BTC strength. If the trend holds, altcoins could see momentum pick up in the coming weeks.

Janover Buys $10.5M in Solana, Pushes DeFi Strategy — Stock Up 127% This Week

Real estate fintech platform Janover Inc. is making waves in the digital asset space after significantly expanding its crypto holdings — and the market is responding in kind.

Strategic Solana Acquisition

Janover has acquired 16,3651.7 SOL, worth approximately $10.5 million, as part of a broader strategy to deepen its position in decentralized finance (DeFi). The newly acquired Solana tokens will be staked immediately to generate passive rewards and support the network.

CEO Joseph Onorati wrote in a company blog post,

“We are at an inflection point for mainstream DeFi adoption.”

Validator Operations and Revenue Model

In a forward-looking move, Janover plans to launch its own Solana validator, reinforcing its commitment to long-term staking operations. The rewards generated from staking will be reinvested to further fuel the company’s financial services and expansion plans.

This places Janover among a growing list of public companies integrating crypto assets into their balance sheets, including Marathon Digital Holdings, Coinbase, Block, and Tesla.

The news has sparked strong bullish sentiment among investors. Janover’s stock closed at $74.45, marking a 13% daily gain and a 127% surge over the past week.

SEC: “Some Stablecoins Are Not Securities” — Regulatory Breakthrough for Crypto Industry

SEC: “Some Stablecoins Are Not Securities” — Regulatory Breakthrough for Crypto Industry

In a significant move, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially stated that certain stablecoins do not qualify as securities. As a result, they are not subject to traditional securities laws, according to a report from Bitcoin.com. This decision marks a pivotal step toward regulatory clarity for the digital asset space.

Key Takeaways

Stablecoins are widely used for payments, savings, and remittances. They are typically backed by the U.S. dollar or other low-risk assets to maintain price stability. The SEC’s declaration provides much-needed clarity, allowing companies to operate more confidently without fear of regulatory backlash.

This comes as the U.S. Congress is actively working to define the legal status of stablecoins through legislation.

Legislative Progress: STABLE Act and GENIUS Act

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee recently passed the “Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability Act” (STABLE Act), which seeks to enhance oversight and ensure reserve-backed stability. Meanwhile, the Senate is advancing a similar bipartisan bill known as the “GENIUS Act.”

These bills aim to

• Establish minimum reserve and audit requirements

• Define legal responsibilities for issuers and custodians

• Support the integration of stablecoins into the mainstream financial system

Global Implications: Use Cases in Emerging Markets

The SEC’s announcement is expected to have a wide-reaching impact beyond U.S. borders.

In Africa, Nigerian fintech firm Flincap is already leveraging stablecoins to facilitate cross-border payments. As adoption grows, several countries are expected to introduce local regulatory frameworks to ensure proper compliance with anti-money laundering laws and financial safety standards.

In parallel, BRICS nations continue to explore alternative cross-border payment systems that may include stablecoins, highlighting their increasing relevance in global finance.

This development represents a critical milestone for the crypto industry. By clarifying that some stablecoins fall outside of securities regulation, the SEC has opened the door for further innovation, institutional adoption, and financial inclusion — both in the U.S. and worldwide.

Trump-Linked WLFI Reports Over $145M in Crypto Losses as USD1 Stablecoin Sparks Political Controversy

World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a digital asset investment initiative reportedly backed by the Trump family, has recorded over $145 million in unrealized losses across its cryptocurrency holdings, according to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence.

As of April 14, WLFI’s portfolio—initially valued at approximately $347 million—has shrunk to just over $102 million, with daily losses averaging $580,000.

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Ethereum Losses Drive Underperformance

The biggest losses stem from the project's Ethereum investments, with over $114 million in cumulative losses on ETH alone. Ethereum’s sharp decline—from $2,879 (when Eric Trump publicly endorsed buying ETH) to around $1,635—has contributed significantly to the portfolio’s downturn, sparking criticism of the Trump family’s investment acumen.

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WLFI Expands Into Stablecoins: Introducing USD1

Despite ongoing losses, WLFI is aggressively expanding its crypto operations. The project has recently launched a proprietary stablecoin called USD1, raising red flags among policymakers.

During a U.S. House Financial Services Committee hearing, Rep. Maxine Waters warned that USD1 could potentially be used to "replace government-backed payment systems" and criticized what she called "a shadow attempt to privatize the U.S. dollar".

Images bearing the USD1 logo have already been spotted on platforms like Coinbase, Binance, and CoinMarketCap, though WLFI has not issued any formal announcement.

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WLFI's Ongoing Crypto Exposure

According to Arkham, WLFI currently holds a diversified portfolio that includes:

• Bitcoin (BTC)

• Ethereum (ETH)

• Tron (TRX)

• Ondo Finance (ONDO)

• Avalanche (AVAX)

• And a new position in Sei (SEI), with 4.89 million tokens worth $775,000 recently acquired.

The project’s moves suggest ongoing commitment to digital assets despite market volatility and regulatory uncertainty.

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Political and Market Implications

WLFI’s massive losses and stablecoin ambitions are likely to become a flashpoint in the U.S. political and regulatory debate around crypto. With Trump actively campaigning and the 2024 election cycle heating up, analysts will be watching closely how USD1 and WLFI factor into the broader crypto policy narrative.

Trump to Meet Bukele Amid Security Cooperation and Crypto-Policy Spotlight

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an upcoming meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, highlighting a growing partnership between the two nations in addressing cross-border crime and enhancing regional security.

In a post on his social media platform on April 13, Trump said he was “looking forward to meeting President Bukele on Monday,” and emphasized that both nations are working closely to “eradicate terrorist organizations and build a future of prosperity.”

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El Salvador Agrees to Detain Foreign Criminals Deported by the U.S.

Trump praised Bukele’s administration for agreeing to house dangerous foreign criminals deported from the United States:

“President Bukele has agreed to house some of the most violent foreign criminals in the world in his country's detention facilities,” Trump stated.
“They are now under the sole control of El Salvador, and their future lies in the hands of Bukele and his government.”

He further emphasized the national security implications

“These savages will never again threaten or harm U.S. citizens.”

The Biden administration had previously faced criticism from Trump and others for its handling of deportations and violent crime. This new arrangement with El Salvador appears to mark a tough-on-crime policy pivot from Trump’s camp.

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A Spotlight on El Salvador’s Bitcoin Policy

El Salvador is not only making headlines for its security measures, but also for its trailblazing crypto policy.

Under President Bukele’s leadership, the country became the first in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. The government has since

• Purchased Bitcoin using state funds

• Issued Bitcoin-backed “Volcano Bonds”

• Launched geothermal-powered Bitcoin mining operations

The meeting between Trump and Bukele could signal further alignment on issues related to sovereignty, financial innovation, and digital assets.

While Trump has historically taken a more cautious approach to crypto, his campaign has recently begun engaging with pro-Bitcoin constituencies, especially as crypto adoption becomes a growing topic among younger and libertarian-leaning voters.

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What's Next?

With Trump eyeing a potential return to the White House and Bukele cementing his influence in Latin America, the upcoming meeting could carry significant geopolitical and economic implications—particularly for the digital asset ecosystem.

Analysts will be watching closely for any comments regarding Bitcoin, cross-border financial policy, or the potential use of crypto in remittance and trade infrastructure between the two nations.

SEC Signals Openness to Regulatory Sandbox for Tokenized Securities Trading

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has indicated a potential willingness to introduce a regulatory sandbox for digital asset exchanges—a move that could allow trading platforms to experiment with tokenized securities under limited regulatory exemptions.

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A New Chapter for Blockchain-Based Securities?

Tokenized securities are traditional financial instruments like stocks or bonds issued and traded on blockchain networks. The idea is to leverage blockchain’s efficiency, transparency, and programmability while preserving the characteristics of traditional securities.

On April 11, during the second SEC Digital Assets Roundtable—this time focused on digital asset trading—Republican commissioners floated the idea of allowing exchanges like Coinbase to list and trade such tokenized securities alongside other crypto products.

Acting Commissioner Mark Uyeda delivered a pre-recorded statement encouraging market participants to submit input on areas where targeted regulatory relief might be appropriate:

“A time-limited, conditional exemption framework could allow unregistered exchanges to engage in innovation while broader regulatory structures are still being developed,” Uyeda said.

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Conditional Flexibility for Innovation

Hester Peirce, one of the SEC’s most crypto-friendly voices and head of the agency’s new Digital Assets Task Force, also supported the idea during the live event in Washington, D.C. She emphasized the value of experimentation:

“Participants would be able to test what works commercially and technologically. These insights could prove valuable for our future rulemaking efforts.”

Peirce previously proposed a “Digital Securities Sandbox” in 2023, inspired by the UK’s model, allowing firms to experiment with the issuance, trading, and clearing of tokenized securities. However, under then-Chair Gary Gensler, the initiative failed to gain traction.

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A Global Trend—and U.S. Caution

Countries like Colombia have already piloted digital asset-specific sandboxes. Even in the U.S., sandboxes have been used in traditional finance—most notably in loan underwriting—to promote innovation under monitored conditions.

However, allowing unregistered crypto exchanges to handle tokenized stocks and bonds poses regulatory risks, according to Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw, the SEC’s lone Democrat. Speaking at the roundtable, she warned:

“Digital asset exchanges often offer multiple services under one roof—this lack of separation significantly increases systemic risk.”

Crenshaw added that such risks could jeopardize not only the orderly functioning of digital asset markets but also pose threats to the banking and traditional financial systems.

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This development suggests a growing divide within the SEC over how to regulate digital assets. Yet, it also signals that the agency may be entering a more nuanced, innovation-friendly phase, especially amid increasing calls for the U.S. to catch up with global crypto policy standards.

Trump Signs Bill to Repeal IRS Reporting Rules on DeFi Platforms

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a bill repealing a controversial IRS regulation that required decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms to collect and report user transaction data. The rule, introduced during the final phase of the Biden administration, had drawn widespread criticism from both lawmakers and the crypto industry.

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Bipartisan Support and Industry Backing

The bill passed through Congress with bipartisan support and officially took effect with Trump's signature. Representative Mike Carey, a vocal critic of the regulation, stated:

“The DeFi broker rule would stifle American innovation, violate privacy rights, and overburden the IRS.”

Carey added that repealing the rule would allow the IRS to refocus on its core mission rather than enforcing complex crypto surveillance mandates.

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Crypto Industry Applauds the Move

The decision has been welcomed by the digital asset community. Amanda Tuminelli, legal director at the DeFi Education Fund, said the repeal reflects a more favorable U.S. stance toward digital assets under Trump’s leadership:

“President Trump’s signature signals a clear direction in how the U.S. intends to approach digital asset regulation.”

DeFi advocates had long argued that the IRS regulation would cripple decentralized platforms by imposing burdensome compliance requirements that conflict with their underlying architecture.

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This development adds to Trump’s growing pro-crypto stance and could play a pivotal role in shaping Web3 policy discussions in the lead-up to the 2025 election cycle.

SEC Approves Options Trading for BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved options trading for BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), marking a notable development in the institutional adoption of Ethereum-based financial products.

The approval, announced via CoinDesk on April 9, gives the Nasdaq ISE the green light to list options contracts for ETHA, following a request initially filed in July 2024.

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Options Open Doors for Institutional Strategies

Options contracts allow investors to hedge risk or gain leveraged exposure, making them especially attractive to institutional players managing large positions. With this approval, ETHA becomes the first and only spot Ethereum ETF with authorized options trading in the United States.

Other Ethereum ETFs are listed on platforms such as NYSE Arca and the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), which currently do not offer options trading for their respective ETH products.

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A Long-Anticipated Move

James Seyffart, ETF analyst at Bloomberg, commented that the decision was

“100% expected,”
emphasizing that the SEC’s approval came on the final deadline day allotted for a decision.

The move comes as Ethereum continues to gain traction within U.S. regulatory frameworks, following earlier approvals of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the expansion of crypto-related financial instruments.

BlackRock’s ETHA, which has quickly grown in assets under management since its launch, now stands to further broaden its appeal with the added flexibility of options trading.

Bitcoin Inflows to Binance Spark Debate Ahead of Key U.S. CPI Data

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen a significant increase in inflows to Binance over the past two weeks, raising questions among analysts as to whether this movement signals an impending sell-off or a potential rally.

According to Martijn Rechter-Schott, an analyst at CryptoQuant, Binance’s BTC holdings surged by 22,106 BTC—approximately $1.82 billion—over the past 12 days, bringing the exchange's total Bitcoin reserves to 590,874 BTC.

Rechter-Schott attributes this trend to heightened macroeconomic uncertainty, including anticipation surrounding the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on April 10, and ambiguity over President Donald Trump’s trade and tariff policies.

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Exchange Inflows: Sell Signal or Something Else?

Traditionally, large crypto inflows to exchanges are seen as a bearish indicator, signaling that investors may be preparing to sell. However, some analysts caution against drawing quick conclusions.

Pav Hundal, Lead Analyst at Swyftx, commented:

“A spike in exchange inflows doesn’t always mean a sell-off is imminent. Binance may simply be shifting assets into hot wallets to accommodate rising trading demand.”

Hundal emphasized that the next few days will be crucial in interpreting market sentiment, particularly following President Trump’s tariff adjustments.

On April 9, Trump announced a temporary 90-day suspension of his "reciprocal tariffs" policy, lowering tariffs to 10% for all countries except China. In contrast, he raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 125%, citing "retaliatory measures."

“Tensions between the U.S. and China remain a structural risk,” Hundal added.

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Inflation Data in Focus

Another key variable is the March Consumer Price Index (CPI), which will be released on Wednesday. Analyst Matthew Hyland believes a sharp drop in inflation, potentially to 2.5%, could act as a bullish catalyst for Bitcoin.

In March, CPI came in at 3.1%, slightly below the forecast of 3.2%, while the headline inflation rate dropped by 0.1%. These figures have historically had a strong impact on crypto market volatility.

As macroeconomic factors continue to shape investor sentiment, Bitcoin’s recent movements remain subject to multiple interpretations. Whether the inflows mark a strategic repositioning or a prelude to profit-taking, market participants are closely watching the next economic indicators for clues.

BlackRock Adds Anchorage Digital as Custodian for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs

BlackRock Adds Anchorage Digital as Custodian for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has expanded its digital asset custody framework by adding Anchorage Digital as a new custodian partner.

Previously relying solely on Coinbase, BlackRock has now adopted a dual-custodian approach to better support growing institutional and retail demand for digital asset exposure. The move is widely seen as part of BlackRock’s strategy to ensure greater security and operational resilience in its crypto asset management infrastructure.

With this shift, Anchorage will now co-manage custody for BlackRock’s flagship crypto products:

• The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), currently the world’s largest Bitcoin ETF with approximately $48 billion in AUM, and

• The iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), which has grown to around $2.1 billion.

Strengthening Infrastructure for Institutional Crypto Adoption

Robert Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, stated

“As BlackRock’s role in the digital asset ecosystem continues to expand, we are committed to working with top-tier custodial partners. Anchorage meets that high standard.”

Anchorage Digital is a regulated crypto-native custodian backed by leading global investors including Goldman Sachs, KKR, Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC, and Andreessen Horowitz. The company is currently valued at over $3 billion.

Nathan McCauley, Co-founder and CEO of Anchorage, noted

“We are seeing increased momentum among U.S. ETF issuers to expand their portfolios with a wider range of crypto assets. Services such as staking and other value-added features are also expected to grow alongside.”

Institutional Confidence Grows Despite Market Volatility

Despite heightened volatility in the crypto market in early 2025, BlackRock’s ETFs have continued to gain investor trust. According to Bloomberg, IBIT has seen $2.6 billion in net inflows year-to-date, while ETHA has attracted $500 million over the same period.

This trend signals that institutional investors are prioritizing long-term structural growth and regulatory clarity over short-term price fluctuations. BlackRock’s decision to strengthen its custody setup reflects this broader shift toward institutional-grade infrastructure and compliance, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing institutionalization of digital assets.

First XRP Derivatives-Based ETF to Launch in the U.S.

In a landmark move for the XRP ecosystem, Teucrium, an alternative asset management firm, is set to launch the first-ever ETF based on XRP derivatives in the United States.

According to Bloomberg on April 7 (local time), Teucrium will debut the ‘Teucrium 2x Long Daily XRP ETF’, which tracks twice the daily return of XRP via swap contracts. The ETF will be listed on the exchange starting April 9, under the ticker symbol ‘XXRP’, with an annual management fee of 1.85%.

This marks the first leveraged XRP product in the U.S., offering investors indirect exposure to the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. The launch comes on the heels of the conclusion of the legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reigniting hopes for a spot XRP ETF in the near future.

Teucrium emphasized that the fund will use XRP swap contracts to track the asset’s performance and may consider other methods, such as futures, if such markets become available. Notably, XRP futures are not yet actively traded on any major U.S. derivatives exchange.

Founded in 2010, Teucrium specializes in alternative ETFs, managing approximately $310 million in assets as of early April 2025.

Legal Clarity Opens the Door for XRP ETF Products

The ETF launch closely follows the recent dismissal of the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple Labs, which is widely seen as a regulatory green light for XRP-related products. With this legal overhang removed, multiple firms—including Grayscale, Bitwise, Franklin Templeton, Canary Capital, and 21Shares—have submitted applications for spot XRP ETFs, currently under SEC review.

Bloomberg ETF analysts Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart estimated in February that there is a 65% chance of a spot XRP ETF approval in 2025. Prediction market Polymarket currently prices the odds even higher, at 75%.

Analyst Views: A Gateway for More Altcoin ETFs?

Experts suggest the launch of XXRP could pave the way for other altcoin-based ETFs, such as those linked to Solana (SOL) and other high-performing layer-1 networks.

Stefan Ouellette, CEO of FRNT Financial, commented,

“The SEC’s ruling was a key factor enabling the launch of XRP-related products. However, given the limited demand for direct XRP holdings, investor appetite for an ETF may be muted.”

Teucrium founder Sal Gilbertie added,

“Launching a product when prices are relatively low can be a strategic advantage, and the leveraged structure may attract investor interest.”

Still, some observers noted the unusual nature of launching a leveraged ETF before a spot product. Balchunas noted,

“It’s highly unusual to see the first ETF for a new asset class take a leveraged form. That said, the probability of a spot XRP ETF remains fairly high.”

 

As with Bitcoin and Ethereum, where futures ETFs preceded spot approvals, XRP’s market trajectory could follow a similar path. The introduction of XXRP may serve as an important testing ground for institutional appetite and regulatory receptiveness toward XRP-based financial products.