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Crypto Market Recap: Metaplanet Buys 1,005 Bitcoin, REX to Launch Solana Staking ETF
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$107,538, up 0.2 percent in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$106,831 and a high of US$107,802 at the opening bell.
Bitcoin price performance, June 27, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,510.38, up by 3.1 percent over the past 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$2,443.56.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$156.95, up by 4.1 percent over 24 hours. Its highest valuation as of Monday was US$158.34, and its lowest was US$150.53.
- XRP was trading for US$2.29, up by 5.5 percent in 24 hours and its highest valuation on Monday. The cryptocurrency's lowest valuation was US$2.17.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.82, showing an increaseof 0.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.75, and its highest valuation was US$2.83.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5829, up by 4.8 percent in the last 24 hours and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$0.5589.
Today's crypto news to know
REX to launch Solana staking ETF this week
The REX-Osprey Solana and Staking ETF is set to launch on Wednesday (July 2), as confirmed by issuer REX Shares on Monday. Analysts had predicted this news was imminent just days before its release.
This fund, the first US-staked cryptocurrency ETF, will enable investors to hold Solana and generate yield through staking, potentially fostering wider institutional adoption of cryptocurrency.
REX’s launch comes after thoughtful consideration by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The commission had previously asserted that the company’s unique C-Corp business structure could be in conflict with Rule 6c-11 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which governs how ETFs operate and are regulated. REX updated its prospectus with positive feedback, securing regulatory approval for the fund.
OSL soars after buying Canadian crypto firm Banxa
OSL Group (HKEX:0863), a Hong Kong-listed digital asset platform, saw its shares spike 10 percent after announcing it had acquired Canadian crypto payments firm Banxa. The acquisition supports OSL’s ambitious global expansion strategy, which includes applying for stablecoin licenses as new regulatory frameworks emerge.
Finance Chief Ivan Wong explained that acquiring Banxa would enhance OSL’s cross-border payments capabilities and boost its role in the growing stablecoin market.
Hong Kong’s stablecoin bill, set to take effect on August 1, is a major catalyst for this expansion, with Chinese giants already showing interest. OSL is already licensed in Australia, with deals in Japan, Europe and Indonesia soon to close. The company aims to be a key stablecoin issuer in Asia and beyond.
Metaplanet strengthens Bitcoin treasury with fresh bond issuance
Tokyo-based Metaplanet (OTCQX:MTPLF,TSE:3350) has added another 1,005 BTC to its corporate treasury, pushing its total holdings to 13,350 BTC. To further build its crypto war chest, the company announced a zero-interest bond issuance worth US$208 million, designed to finance additional Bitcoin purchases.
Metaplanet is well known for its aggressive Bitcoin strategy, which has made it one of the world’s largest corporate holders of the cryptocurrency. Just last week, the hotel and investment firm raised US$515 million through an equity issuance to support its Bitcoin ambitions.
At current market prices around, Metaplanet’s Bitcoin stash is worth well over US$1.4 billion.
The Blockchain Group expands Bitcoin holdings and capital pool
Paris-based the Blockchain Group has further strengthened its Bitcoin treasury with the purchase of 60 BTC for around 5.5 million euros, boosting its holdings to 1,788 BTC.
The firm also raised about 600,000 euros by exercising warrants, allowing it to buy an additional 6 BTC.
Blockstream CEO Adam Back invested in the firm’s share offering, subscribing to over 2.1 million new shares, while French asset manager TOBAM contributed nearly 143,000 euros, supporting the purchase of 13 more BTC.
The company conducted an “ATM-type” capital increase with TOBAM, raising 4.1 million euros to fund 41 BTC.
Altogether, the Blockchain Group has secured a BTC yield of roughly 1,270 percent so far this year, with gains amounting to about 46.7 million euros.
Backed Finance launches tokenized stock product
Backed Finance, a company focused on bridging traditional financial assets like stocks and ETFs onto blockchain through tokenization, announced the launch of its tokenized stocks product, xStocks, on Monday.
60 stocks are now accessible on Bybit, Kraken and several Solana DeFi protocols, providing users with exposure to traditional stocks through blockchain infrastructure.
"xStocks represent a monumental leap forward in democratizing access to financial markets," said Adam Levi, co-founder of Backed, in a press release. "By bringing familiar assets onto the blockchain with unprecedented accessibility, we are not just bridging traditional finance and DeFi; we are building the foundational blocks for a truly open, efficient, and inclusive global financial system where everyone can participate in wealth creation."
Chainlink rolls out Automated Compliance Engine
Chainlink announced an early access rollout of its Automated Compliance Engine on Monday.
Built on the Chainlink Runtime Environment and launched in collaboration with Apex Group, GLEIF and ERC-3643 Association, the system automates the process of checking and enforcing financial rules for both traditional and blockchain-based financial activities, making it easier for established financial institutions to use new blockchain technologies in a compliant and safe way.
Topnotch Crypto launches adaptive yield contracts
Topnotch Crypto has launched its new adaptive yield contracts, which the company says are aimed at helping crypto investors maintain returns despite ongoing market volatility.
The contracts use proprietary predictive yield-switching artificial intelligence to automatically rotate customer funds between cloud mining and staking, depending on which is more profitable in real time.
The company’s strategy analyzes a range of on-chain data, from network congestion to staking rates, to continuously optimize yields. Unlike many passive strategies, the adaptive yield approach gives investors exposure to multiple cryptocurrencies to spread out risk. Another highlight is Topnotch’s use of geothermal and solar energy, which helps keep costs down while supporting sustainability goals.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Logs Weakest Monthly Growth in a Year Despite Strong ETF Inflows
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$107,027, trading flat in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$106,709 and a high of US$107,884.
Bitcoin price performance, June 27, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,449.37, trading flat over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$2,402.46 and its highest valuation was US$2,459.96 at the opening bell.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$142.26, down 0.6 percent over 24 hours. Its highest valuation as of Friday was US$143.46, and its lowest was US$143.46.
- XRP was trading for US$2.10, down by 1.3 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency's highest valuation was US$2.08, and its lowest price on Wednesday was US$2.14.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.63, showing an increaseof 1.4 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.59, and its highest valuation was US$2.67.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5580, trading flat in the last 24 hours. Its highest valuation as of Friday was US$0.5631, and its lowest was US$0.5496.
Today's crypto news to know
Trump’s World Liberty adds UK DeFi partner, eyes stablecoin vault
World Liberty Financial, the crypto venture connected to Donald Trump’s family, has secured a partnership with Re7 Capital, a London-based decentralized finance hedge fund, in a bid to scale its USD1 stablecoin.
Backed by up to US$10 million in investment from Hong Kong’s VMS Group, Re7 Capital will work with World Liberty on deploying a stablecoin vault on the Euler and Lista protocols, while also expanding to Binance’s BNB Chain.
VMS Group, a family office for wealthy Hong Kong clients, is making its first crypto move through its stake in Re7.
Meanwhile, the Middle East’s Aqua 1 Foundation disclosed a US$100 million investment into World Liberty tokens, becoming its largest single investor.
UAE’s Aqua 1 buys US$100 million of Trump’s World Liberty Tokens
The Aqua 1 Foundation, a relatively low-profile fund based in the United Arab Emirates, confirmed a US$100 million purchase of World Liberty tokens, linked to Donald Trump’s family-backed crypto initiative.
The tokens, known as $WLFI, function as governance tokens, meaning holders vote on protocol changes but cannot yet freely trade them. World Liberty said it hopes to eventually allow these tokens to become transferable.
The partnership will also help identify and develop blockchain projects across South America, Europe, and Asia. The fund also plans to launch a separate vehicle to advance Middle East digital economic initiatives using blockchain and artificial intelligence.
Despite the investment, Aqua 1 maintains a very minimal online footprint, with only three posts on X and a website registered just weeks ago.
World Liberty says Aqua 1’s teams will support its compliance and expansion efforts going forward.
Bitcoin logs weakest monthly growth despite strong ETF flows
Bitcoin’s performance is stalling despite massive inflows to spot ETFs, pointing to shifting market forces.
The leading crypto asset has climbed just 2 percent for the month, marking its smallest gain since July 2023, even with US$3.9 billion in inflows over recent weeks.
Data shows that whales holding over 10,000 BTC have leaned toward selling, dampening bullish momentum. Smaller wallets have also been net sellers, further pressuring prices as opportunistic traders take profits.
Between January and April, most market participants had offloaded assets until accumulation restarted near US$76,000 in April.
Now, Bitcoin is consolidating with realized profits in the current cycle hitting US$650 billion, higher than last cycle’s $US550 billion.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Hashrate Drops, Coinbase Shares Hit New All-time High
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$107,736, an increase of two percent in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$107,027 and a high of US$108,116.
Bitcoin price performance, June 23, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,432.58, trading flat over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$2,403.59, and its highest valuation was US$2,441.16 at the opening bell.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$144.38, down 0.6 percent over 24 hours. Its highest valuation on Wednesday was US$147.61, and its lowest was US$143.28.
- XRP was trading for US$2.20 as markets wrapped, down by 0.3 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency's highest valuation was US$2.23, and its lowest price on Wednesday was US$2.18.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.76, showing an increaseof 0.1 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.73, and its highest valuation was US$2.84.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5709, down by 1.9 percent in 24 hours. Its highest valuation on Wednesday was US$0.5838, and its lowest was US$0.5678.
Today's crypto news to know
Trump Media’s Bitcoin-Ethereum ETF gains NYSE support
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has formally submitted a rule change to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to allow the listing of the Truth Social Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF.
The dual-asset exchange-traded fund (ETF), which is backed by Donald Trump’s media company, would be held in a 3:1 BTC to ETH ratio, is to be custodied and executed by Crypto.com. The rule change was filed under the SEC’s 19b-4 process, signaling the NYSE’s commitment to fast-track the listing pending regulatory review.
This development follows Trump Media’s previously announced plan to raise US$2.4 billion for its own bitcoin treasury.
Although that fund remains inactive, the ETF proposal is part of a larger suite of politically branded crypto products in the pipeline. So far, only the Truth Social ETF filings have been formally submitted to the SEC.
Bitcoin hashrate drops amid Iran attacks and heatwave
Bitcoin’s hashrate has dropped 15 percent since June 15, and some in the community point to the attack on Iran as a primary reason, although the exact cause hasn’t been confirmed.
“Hashrate dropped right after Israel's initial strike on Iran. It's not talked about often but Iran has been mining for many years now (over 5 years).. its likely that Israel hit part of Iran's power grid and disrupted some of their mining operation,” an X user known as daniel wrote on Sunday (June 22).
“Can't say whether disrupting (their) mining was part of their plan or simply a secondary effect of the strike, but I think it's likely this is what caused the drop in hashrate.”
However, only 3 percent of the hashrate decrease precisely coincided with events related to attacks on Iran.
According to TechCrunch, the Iranian government imposed a near-total internet blackout on as a precaution against potential cyberattacks, which coincided with a 2.2 percent decline in global hashrate from Thursday (June 19).
The US strike on Iran’s nuclear facility then led to power grid outages in the country, coinciding with a one percent decrease in global hash rates from Saturday (June 21) to Sunday (June 22).
The hashrate had already fallen by over 6.25 percent between June 15 and June 19, before the internet blackout and the US bombing. The current heatwave covering the Eastern coast of the US and Canada could be another contributing factor, as elevated temperatures can lower the efficiency of high-performing technology.
Coinbase surpasses all-time high
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) surpassed its all-time high on Wednesday, reaching US$369.25, more than three percent above its previous record of US$357.39 recorded on November 9, 2021.
The move marks a strong resurgence from its year-to-date low of US$151.47, recorded in April.
Coinbase’s stock price has grown by 38 percent since the start of the year and 134 percent from its closing price on April 8 following the imposition of additional tariffs on China by the US, an event that triggered broader market anxieties and impacted several tech-related equities.
Norwegian deep-sea miner commits to US$1.2 billion Bitcoin strategy
Green Minerals, a deep-sea mining firm listed in Oslo, has kicked off its US$1.2 billion Bitcoin treasury plan with an initial purchase of four BTC, spending roughly US$420,000. The company said it aims to hedge against fiat currency risk and inflation while building a tech-forward balance sheet. Executive Chair Ståle Rodahl called Bitcoin “non-inflationary” and “decentralized,” framing the strategy as a long-term financial hedge.
The move places Green Minerals among 245+ companies holding over US$88 billion in BTC globally. However, the market did not immediately reward the announcement — shares dropped nearly 20 percent before stabilizing.
To increase transparency, the firm plans to report BTC-per-share data for investors going forward.
Metaplanet raises US$515 million in single-day stock exercise
Japan’s Metaplanet raised ¥74.9 billion (about US$515 million) in one day by exercising stock acquisition rights under its aggressive bitcoin treasury plan. The firm issued 54 million new shares, representing 29 percent of its current outstanding rights, as part of the so-called “555 Million Plan.”
While Metaplanet stock initially plunged 15 percent, it recovered and closed 4 percent higher after the announcement. CEO Simon Gerovich called it a “strategic milestone,” reaffirming the firm’s dedication to bitcoin-backed value creation.
Separately, France-based Blockchain Group also raised US$4.8 million via an equity issuance agreement with TOBAM. The two companies continue to expand their BTC-per-share holdings, with Blockchain Group now holding 1,653 BTC in Europe.
EU set to ignore ECB’s stablecoin warning, push ahead with new rules
The European Commission is preparing to introduce new stablecoin regulations despite repeated warnings from the European Central Bank (ECB). According to the Financial Times, the upcoming guidance would treat foreign-issued stablecoins as functionally equivalent to their EU counterparts.
The ECB has warned that this could disrupt monetary stability by encouraging deposit flight from banks into crypto.
ECB President Christine Lagarde recently urged lawmakers to fast-track the digital euro, arguing it would safeguard financial autonomy from US-dominated stablecoins.
Despite these concerns, Commission sources say the risk of a stablecoin run is minimal, and any redemptions would mostly occur in the US where reserves are held.
The new rules are expected to be unveiled within days.
South Korean banks collaborate on won-backed stablecoin
According to Econovill, a South Korean media outlet that focuses on economic and financial news, eight major South Korean banks are working together to introduce a won-pegged stablecoin
Expected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026, the project is backed by the Open Blockchain nonprofit, the Decentralized Identity Association and the Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute and is considered a significant pioneering step for traditional banks entering the digital asset space.
The announcement follows a report published in Yonhap News on Tuesday (June 24), which cited Bank of Korea Deputy Governor Ryoo Sang-dai’s suggestions that regulated banks be the main issuers of stablecoins.
He also advised beginning with won-denominated stablecoins before expanding into other areas. According to the report, this approach aims to create a safety net for the financial system.
Reuters reported that during a press conference in Seoul earlier this month, Governor Sang-dai expressed concerns about a won-pegged stablecoin, despite not opposing it. He noted that such a stablecoin could unintentionally facilitate the exchange of won for USD. Sang-dai added that this trend could negatively impact South Korea's currency and hinder the central bank's monetary management strategies.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Rebounds After Drop Below US$100,000, OKX Mulls IPO
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$102,876, an increase of 4.2 percent in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$100,177 and a high of US$103,154 as the market opened.
Bitcoin price performance, June 23, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Crypto markets are bracing for continued short-term volatility, heavily influenced by macro conditions and geopolitical developments, particularly the US-Iran situation. Traders are warning of a potential drop to US$95,000, with some even anticipating US$92,000, as only 3 percent of newer Bitcoin investors are currently profitable.
Despite immediate concerns, analysts remain constructive on Bitcoin's long-term resilience. Growing structural demand from public entities is solidifying Bitcoin's role as a strategic reserve. Longer-term metrics suggest 2025 could be the last bullish leg of this cycle, potentially driving Bitcoin prices north of US$200,000.
Over the weekend, Bitcoin fell below the US$100,000 mark for the first time since May following US President Donald Trump’s announcement that the US had bombed three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities.
The airstrikes, which reportedly targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, heightened investor risk aversion, triggering over US$1 billion in liquidations across crypto markets. Derivatives data from Coinglass shows that US$915 million of long positions and US$109 million worth of shorts were wiped out.
Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,308.07, a 6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$2,206.39, and its highest valuation was US$2,312.59, minutes before the closing bell.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$139, up 8.1 percent over 24 hours and its highest valuation for Monday. SOL experienced a low of US$131.53 during the day.
- XRP also reached its highest daily valuation at the closing bell. It traded at US$2.05 as markets wrapped, up by 5 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency's lowest valuation was US$1.97.
- Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.61, showing an increaseof 11.7 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.42, and it reached its highest valuation at the closing bell.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5527, up 5.7 percent in 24 hours to its highest value. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$0.5315.
Today's crypto news to know
Pompliano launches US$1 billion Bitcoin treasury firm
Crypto investor Anthony Pompliano has unveiled a new Bitcoin treasury company, ProCap Financial, via a merger with Columbus Circle Capital I, a special purpose acquisition company.
The venture will hold up to US$1 billion in Bitcoin, and aims to follow in the footsteps of Michael Saylor's Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), a software firm turned crypto juggernaut.
ProCap has already raised US$500 million in equity and secured a US$250 million convertible note in what Pompliano has called the largest-ever raise for a treasury-focused crypto firm.
Unlike traditional holdings strategies, ProCap intends to actively generate revenue from its Bitcoin through lending, derivatives and financial services.
Metaplanet buys US$117 million worth of Bitcoin
Tokyo-based Metaplanet (TSE:3350,OTCQX:MTPLF) has added 1,111 BTC to its reserves, spending roughly US$117 million during a weekend dip sparked by US-Iran tensions.
The firm purchased the Bitcoin at an average price of US$105,681 per coin, increasing its total holdings to 11,111 BTC valued at over US$1.1 billion. Metaplanet has embraced a bold Bitcoin-first treasury approach, positioning itself as Asia’s Strategy equivalent in the corporate crypto playbook.
OKX considers US IPO
Cryptocurrency exchange OKX is reportedly considering an initial public offering (IPO) in the US, according to an interview the Information conducted with an executive from the firm on Sunday (June 22).
“We will absolutely consider an IPO in the future,” Haider Rafique, chief marketing officer, told the outlet, without providing a potential launch date. “If we go public, it would likely be in the U.S.”
The exchange resumed operations in the US in April after the US Department of Justice found that it had actively pursued US customers without the required license. OKX pleaded guilty to one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business in February and agreed to pay over US$500 million in penalties.
Sequans plans Bitcoin treasury raise
Sequans Communications (NYSE:SQNS), an IoT semiconductor developer, is planning a US$384 million capital raise for a strategic Bitcoin treasury. This move is one of the latest in a growing trend of companies using Bitcoin as a reserve asset, which crypto analyst Adam Back has dubbed the “new ALT SZN for speculators."
The company issued a press release announcing the endeavor on Monday.
The raise includes US$195 million in equity and US$189 million in convertible debentures. The company is also partnering with Swan Bitcoin for its Bitcoin treasury management. CEO Georges Karam said this reflects “strong conviction in bitcoin as a premier asset and a compelling long-term investment.”
Fiserv to roll out Stablecoin platform for 3,000 US banks
Payments giant Fiserv (NYSE:FISV) is entering the stablecoin market with FIUSD, a new digital dollar offering aimed at thousands of main street banks. The platform will allow Fiserv’s banking clients — estimated at 3,000 institutions — to launch their own branded stablecoins or integrate FIUSD into their operations.
Built on top of Fiserv’s existing payments infrastructure, the platform will be interoperable with major blockchains and other stablecoins, including Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) USDC and Paxos.
The platform is set to go live by the end of the year.
Canaan completes US pilot production, exits AI business
In a statement sent to Cointelegraph on Monday morning, a representative from Canaan (NASDAQ:CAN), a tech firm primarily known for designing and producing application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for Bitcoin mining, said it “has successfully completed a pilot production run in the US.” Canaan also announced the discontinuation of its artificial intelligence semiconductor business in what it said is “a strategic realignment aimed at sharpening its focus.”
“I believe that doubling down on our core strengths in crypto infrastructure and Bitcoin mining is the most strategic path forward for Canaan,” said Nangeng Zhang, chairman and CEO of Canaan.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Crypto Market Recap: Bitcoin Price Stalls as Fed Holds Rates Steady, Circle Shares Jump
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$103,366, a decrease of 0.9 percent in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$102,624 and a high of US$106,042 as the market opened.
Bitcoin price performance, June 20, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
The Bitcoin price stalled after reaching around US$106,500, then sank below US$104,000 as an unusually large expiry of options and futures contracts worth US$6.8 trillion occurred on US stock indexes.
The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday (June 18), but Christopher Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, said a cut is possible next month if inflation remains controlled.
Cuts typically boost risk assets like Bitcoin. Markets have already pushed the US dollar index to a three year low, so a surprise rate cut could further weaken the dollar and propel Bitcoin forward.
Ethereum (ETH) is currently priced at US$2,415.98, a 3.5 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$2,396.50, and its highest valuation was US$2,556.46 as trading commenced.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$139.45, down 4.1 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$136.98 after peaking at its opening price of US$147.68.
- XRP pulled back from its opening price of US$2.17, its highest valuation of the day, to trade at US$2.12 as the markets wrapped, a 2.1 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$2.09.
- Sui (SUI) closed at US$2.72, a declineof 3.9 percent over the past 24 hours. Its price also peaked this morning at US$2.85 and its lowest valuation was US$2.66.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5783, down 3.6 percent in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$0.5636, and its highest valuation was US$0.6044.
Today's crypto news to know
Coinbase launches Stablecoin payments platform for e-commerce
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) has unveiled a new product called Coinbase Payments, designed to help online retailers accept stablecoins like USDC with minimal friction. The system is built to mirror traditional card infrastructure so that merchants can plug it in without having deep cryptocurrency knowledge.
The platform targets marketplaces such as Shopify (TSX:SHOP,NYSE:SHOP) and eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY), giving small to medium businesses a cost-effective alternative to credit card fees.
Shopify is the first to integrate the system, allowing merchants to accept USDC payments through Coinbase’s Layer 2 Base network. The platform supports crypto wallets like Coinbase Wallet, MetaMask and Phantom and includes features for transaction authorization, refunds and recurring payments.
Circle surges as Senate approves Stablecoin Bill
Circle (NYSE:CRCL) shares continued to rally on Friday, jumping another 11 percent after a 34 percent surge the day before, as momentum builds behind a Senate-approved bill to regulate stablecoins.
The GENIUS Act, a bipartisan effort, could bring long-awaited legal clarity to stablecoin issuers like Circle, which manages the US$32 billion USDC token. Although the bill still needs approval from the House and requires a signature from US President Donald Trump, investors are already optimistic.
Circle shares are now trading at US$221, up from an initial public offering price of just US$31 — signaling massive investor confidence amid a changing regulatory climate.
South Korea's central bank weighs in on stablecoins
Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong said at a press conference this week that the central bank is not opposed to a won-based stablecoin, but is concerned about managing the FX of the token, according to Reuters report.
"Issuing won-based stablecoin could make it easier to exchange them with a dollar stablecoin rather than working to reduce the use of a dollar stablecoin. That in turn could increase demand for dollar stablecoin and make it difficult for us to manage forex," Chang-yong told reporters in Seoul.
Earlier this month, South Korea’s Democratic Party proposed the Digital Asset Basic Act, which aims to establish a regulatory framework to enable local companies to issue won-denominated stablecoins.
Parataxis to launch institutional Bitcoin treasury company
Parataxis Holdings, an affiliate of digital asset-focused investment company Parataxis Capital Management, announced Friday that it has entered a definitive agreement to acquire a controlling interest in biotech company Bridge Biotherapeutics (KOSDAQ:288330) for an investment of 25 billion South Korean won, roughly US$18.5 million.
Following the closing of the deal, Parataxis will become Parataxis Korea and be repurposed as a treasury vehicle for institutional Bitcoin exposure, joining a growing list of companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheet.
“Inspired by the growing interest in BTC treasury strategies seen in companies like Strategy in the US and Metaplanet in Japan, we believe institutional interest in this space is increasing globally,” said Andrew Kim, a partner at Parataxis Capital. “We see South Korea as an important market in the evolution of BTC adoption.”
“We are incredibly excited to create the first BTC treasury company in South Korea backed by an institutional-grade platform. Given the strategic nature of BTC on the global stage and its finite supply, we believe that building and growing a company like Parataxis Korea and accumulating a BTC treasury will benefit our shareholders as well as the country over the long run,” echoed founder Edward Chin.
Kraken introduces Bitcoin staking with Babylon partnership
Kraken, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, made a landmark announcement on Thursday (June 19), revealing a strategic partnership with Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon to introduce a staking product that allows Kraken users to earn interest on their Bitcoin holdings without the need for bridging, wrapping or lending.
These traditional methods, while enabling some forms of yield generation, can introduce additional risks and technical hurdles for users. Kraken and Babylon aim to provide a more streamlined, secure and accessible way for Bitcoin holders to generate passive income. The interest earned through this new product will come in the form of BABY tokens, the native cryptocurrency of the Babylon protocol.
Arizona advances bill to create state Bitcoin reserve
Arizona is one step closer to becoming the second US state with an official Bitcoin reserve, after its Senate narrowly passed House Bill 2324. The bill allows the state to hold abandoned digital assets as unclaimed property and establishes a Bitcoin and digital assets reserve fund for those holdings. The news comes on the heels of House Bill 2749, which was signed into law in April and amended Arizona's forfeiture laws to recognize digital assets.
HB2324 will now return to the House for final approval before heading to the governor’s desk. Earlier efforts to invest seized funds directly into BTC were vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs, who cited concerns over crypto’s volatility.
If passed, Arizona would join New Hampshire in formalizing a state-level Bitcoin reserve.
Similar legislation is pending in Texas.
Don't forget to follow us @INN_Technology for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Crypto Market Recap: Institutional Investments, Stablecoin News and ETF Activity
Bitcoin and Ethereum price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$104,043, a decrease of 0.8 percent in the last 24 hours. The day's range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$103,832 and a high of US$105,218.
Bitcoin price performance, June 18, 2025.
Chart via TradingView.
Bitcoin hovered around US$105,000 on Wednesday morning before pulling back to around US$104,000 in the leadup to the US Federal Reserve’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged.
The crypto market has displayed resilience despite mounting geopolitical tensions, which have been tempered in light of the Senate vote to advance the GENIUS Act. Institutional buying, partly fueled by an influx of corporate treasuries, is helping to support demand amid uncertainty.
Key levels to watch are US$102,000 to US$104,000 as support and US$106,000 as resistance.
A breakout above US$112,000 could trigger a liquidation cascade to US$114,000, while a drop below US$100,000 risks deeper downside toward US$98,000.
Ethereum (ETH) is currently priced at US$2,498.86, a 1.4 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$2.471.24, and it reached a high of US$2,533.07.
Altcoin price update
- Solana (SOL) was priced at US$145.22, down 2.7 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$144.08 and reached a high of US$146.55.
- XRP was trading at US$2.15, a 2 percent decrease in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$2.12, and it reached an intraday peak of US$2.16.
- Sui (SUI) was trading at US$2.78, showing a decreaseof 3.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.73 as the markets opened, and it reached an intraday high of US$2.80.
- Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5935, down 4.2 percent in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Wednesday was US$0.5908, and its highest valuation was US$0.6052.
Today's crypto news to know
Senate advances GENIUS Act
In a vote of 68 to 30, the US Senate passed the GENIUS Act, advancing the legislation to the House.
“With this bill, the United States is one step closer to becoming the global leader in crypto,” said Republican Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee from the Senate floor before the Tuesday (June 17) vote.
"Once the GENIUS Act is law, businesses of all sizes, and Americans across the country will be able to settle payments nearly instantaneously rather than waiting for days or sometimes even weeks," he added.
Ubyx platform aims to boost stablecoin adoption
Ubyx, a new stablecoin clearing platform designed to boost stablecoin adoption through face value redemptions, has secured US$10 million in seed funding, according to a company announcement made on Tuesday.
The round was led by Galaxy Ventures, and included participation from Coinbase Ventures, Founders Fund, VanEck and Paxos among others. Ubyx intends to launch its platform, which will enable regulated banks and fintech companies to redeem stablecoins directly for fiat currency at par value in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Ubyx's partners include stablecoin issuer Paxos and blockchain firm Ripple.
Ondo Finance launches alliance for on-chain asset adoption
On Tuesday, Ondo Finance introduced the Global Markets Alliance, a collaborative effort to encourage the adoption of on-chain financial assets. Founding members include eight crypto platforms: Solana Foundation, Bitget Wallet, Jupiter Exchange, Trust Wallet, Rainbow, BitGo, Fireblocks, 1inch and Alpaca, with expectations for additional members to join.
Ondo Finance specializes in real-world asset tokenization and recently launched a layer-1 blockchain designed for institutional on-chain assets. The platform provides tokenized treasury products collateralized by US government debt.
Corporate crypto investments exceed US$880 million in two days
Four publicly traded US companies announced a total of US$844 million in cryptocurrency investments on Tuesday, signaling a growing trend of corporations seeking returns through Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Hong Kong-based DDC Enterprise (NYSEAMERICAN:DDC) secured US$528 million via three securities purchase agreements, funding the company will use to acquire 5,000 Bitcoin over the next three years to fulfill with company's goal of building the "world's most valuable Bitcoin treasury.”
Major investors included Anson Funds and Animoca Brands' venture capital arm.
Fold Holdings (NASDAQ:FLD), recognized as the first publicly traded Bitcoin financial services firm, secured a US$250 million equity purchase facility. Net proceeds are primarily intended for further Bitcoin acquisitions.
BitMine Immersion Technologies (NYSEAMERICAN:BMNR), a firm specializing in Bitcoin mining equipment rentals, announced its purchase of US$16.3 million worth of Bitcoin, utilizing funds from a recent stock offering.
Eyenovia (NASDAQ:EYEN) disclosed a US$50 million private placement to establish a reserve for the Hyperliquid (HYPE) token. It intends to acquire over 1 million HYPE tokens to be staked on Anchorage Digital’s crypto platform.
In Europe, Paris’ Blockchain Group (EPA:ALTBG) expanded its Bitcoin reserves with the acquisition of 182 BTC for approximately US$19.6 million. This purchase increases the company's total Bitcoin holdings to 1,653 BTC and was financed through a series of convertible bond issuances.
Buying continued on Wednesday with the announcement of health services company Prenetics Global's (NASDAQ:PRE) US$20 million Bitcoin investment. This news coincided with the appointment of former OKEx COO Andy Cheung to Prenetics' board of directors, and Tracy Hoyos Lopez, chief of staff of strategic initiatives at Kraken, as an advisor to the company's Bitcoin strategy.
Crypto-finance integration deepens with collateral expansions
In a joint statement on Wednesday, Coinbase Derivatives and Nodal Clear announced they are expanding their partnership to allow Circle's USDC stablecoin to be used as collateral in US futures markets. This initiative is anticipated to be the first regulated instance of USDC being used as collateral, with Coinbase Custody Trust acting as the custodian.
The goal of this integration is to encourage wider acceptance of stablecoins within regulated derivatives markets. Pending approval from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the integration is scheduled to launch in 2026.
Meanwhile, ARK Invest, led by Bitcoin bull Cathie Wood, sold 642,766 shares of USDC issuer Circle (NYSE:CRCL), worth US$96.5 million, over Monday (June 16) and Tuesday.
This occurred as Circle's stock price declined by almost 12 percent during the same period. This marks ARK's first divestment of Circle since its explosive NYSE public debut on June 5. Circle’s share price has since recovered, ending the trading day valued at US$199.59, 35 percent above Monday’s opening price of US$147.54.
In other news, Deribit and Crypto.com will now begin accepting BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) tokenized US Treasury fund (BUIDL) as collateral for trading accounts held by institutional and experienced clients. This allows these traders to use a low-volatility, yield-generating asset to back leveraged positions, reducing their margin requirements.
These steps reflect a growing trend toward deeper crypto-finance integration.
New XRP ETFs launch on Toronto Stock Exchange
Three new XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) launched on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) on Wednesday, offering Canadian investors direct exposure to the XRP cryptocurrency.
- Evolve Funds Group launched the Evolve XRP ETF (TSX:XRP), which provides direct physical exposure.
- 3iQ introduced its 3iQ XRP ETF (TSX:XRPQ), notable for a 0 percent management fee for the first six months.
- Purpose Investments debuted the Purpose XRP ETF (TSX:XRPP), which offers spot exposure to XRP with various currency-hedged and non-hedged options.
These new ETFs expand accessibility to digital asset investments for Canadians within a regulated framework.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.