bitcoinist.com

The Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) presale has raised over $3.1M in less than three months since its inception, which showcases both the project’s potential and investor trust in its development.

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) is Bitcoin’s most recent Layer-2 upgrade, which aims to address some of the most pressing issues within the Bitcoin ecosystem: subpar transaction speeds and scalability.

Bitcoin’s blockchain currently processes a max of 7 transactions per second (TPS), which is far below competitors like Solana, which has the highest TPS on the market, achieving a real-time TPS of 1,334 and a maximum of 2.909 across 100 blocks. The max theoretical TPS is 65,000.

This massive discrepancy highlights Bitcoin’s urgent need for a scalable upgrade to remain competitive in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract applications, and it’s Solana itself that comes to the rescue.

How Bitcoin Hyper Aims to Unlock Bitcoin’s Potential

Bitcoin Hyper positions itslef as a new Layer-2 upgrade for Bitcoin, aiming to use two key technologies from the Solana ecosystem to boost Bitcoin’s performance.

One is the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), a high-performance execution environment, designed for ultra-fast processing of smart contracts and decentralized apps (dApps). By integrating the SVM, Bitcoin Hyper intends to bring Solana’s efficient processing capabilities to the Bitcoin network, drastically speeding up confirmation times for various applications built on top of it.

The second tool is the Canonical Bridge, which will securely connect the Bitcoin Hyper Layer-2 network to Bitcoin’s mainnet. When you deposit your $BTC into the bridge, the bridge mints the same amount of tokens onto the Layer-2.

These ‘wrapped’ tokens can be used for faster, cheaper transactions and smart contract interactions. You can still withdraw the tokens back to the original $BTC whenever necessary.

Together, these tools transform Bitcoin into a high-performing protocol, addressing some of the limitations that have plagued other Bitcoin scaling solutions like the Lightning Network, which faced high security vulnerabilities and exorbitant fees.

Implemented correctly, Bitcoin Hyper will solve these problems by linking Solana’s top-tier performance to Bitcoin’s high-end security and brand trust, building the network that Bitcoin should’ve been years ago. A more versatile and efficient network ready for a new generation of dApps.

Why You Should Be Excited to Join the Bitcoin Hyper Presale

$HYPER has so far accumulated over $3.1M in its presale since May, which points at Bitcoin Hyper becoming one of the best crypto presales of 2025. It’s starting price was $0.011500 and it currently sits at $0.0123. This stage-based pricing model creates an incentive for early investors.

Beyond the initial price advantage, Bitcoin Hyper offers dynamic APY for stakers, currently at 285%, rewarding your early trust as you join the 183M-strong staking pool.

Bitcoin Hyper has also passed two independent security audits from reputable firms SpyWolf and Coinsult. Neither found any major vulnerabilities, deeming the project’s smart contract safe and trustworthy.

Will $HYPER Rally Post-Listing and How Much?

Given the presale’s success and the project’s ambitious goals, the likeliest answer is that $HYPER will rally post-listing, but it’s the ‘how much’ that gets us intrigued.

Assuming the project meets its expectations and following successful implementation and widespread adoption, $HYPER could reach $0.32 by the end of 2025.

Long-term, after several bear markets and normal price swings in between, $HYPER could break through $1.50 by the end of 2030, producing a 5-year ROI of 12,095% based on today’s price.

Of course, this is a reserved prediction, because there are no certainties in the crypto market; $HYPER could easily acheive even more substantial gains if it achieves its vision of seriously upgrading the Bitcoin network’s utility.

So, if you’ve decided to join the FOMO movement, go to the presale page and buy your $HYPER stack today.

Is Bitcoin Hyper Hype-Worthy?

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER) promises a compelling solution to Bitcoin’s long-standing scalability issues, delivering the Bitcoin experience we’ve deserved for years. It has an explicit plan in place, leveraging proven technology from Solana to achieve it.

The success of the presale, coupled with strong audit results, justifies our analysts’ prediction of a 12,095% 5-year ROI.

Remember, this isn’t financial advice. Do your own research (DYOR) and invest wisely.

The European Union (EU) has imposed restrictive measures on several individuals and companies that interfered with elections and spread pro-Russia disinformation. The entities have reportedly used crypto to circumvent sanctions and accept donations.

Australian Influencer Sanctioned For Misinformation

On Tuesday, the European Union announced it had imposed sanctions on multiple entities and individuals using cryptocurrencies to evade restrictions, spread pro-Russia misinformation, and interfere with elections.

The EU sanctioned nine individuals and six entities, including pro-Kremlin Australian influencer Simeon Boikov, also known as “AussieCossack,” for disinformation. Boikov was reportedly involved in supporting policies of the Russian federal government that “undermine or threaten democracy, the rule of law, stability or security in the Union or in third countries.”

Notably, the influencer has allegedly planned, directed, engaged in, supported, and facilitated the use of coordinated information manipulation and interference, including propagating pro-Kremlin narratives and misinformation related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Additionally, he was “implicated in spreading disinformation related to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, notably by paying an American influencer to post a Storm-1516 fabricated video falsely depicting voter fraud in Georgia.”

According to blockchain intelligence company TMR Labs, Boikov raised cash and crypto donations through multiple online channels. He has reportedly engaged directly with multiple high-risk, no-KYC (know-your-client) Russian exchanges, receiving funds via cash-to-crypto services and darknet markets, which were routed through intermediary addresses.

EU Targets Crypto-Linked Sanction Evasion

The EU also imposed restrictive measures against seven individuals and three entities for their actions aimed at “destabilising, undermining or threatening” the sovereignty, independence, democracy, rule of law, and stability of the Republic of Moldova.

The measure targets Ilan Shor’s associates, including leaders and members of successor entities of the banned ȘOR Party, a Moldovan pro-Russian populist political party founded by Shor that was declared unconstitutional in 2023.

Notably, Shor has already been designated by the EU due to his “involvement in illegal financing of political parties in the Republic of Moldova and for incitement to violence.” Among the listed entities, the European Council also designated A7, a company founded by Shor and previously listed by the United Kingdom.

The company has multiple ties to the Russian government and has been accused of influencing Moldova’s Presidential elections and the 2024 Constitutional referendum on EU accession.

AS TMR explained, A7 was conceived as a mechanism to facilitate cross-border trades due to the sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine. The company is linked to the ruble-backed stablecoin A7A5, which was used by sanctioned crypto exchange Garantex to transfer funds to Kyrgyz exchange Grinex.

A7A5 and Grinex both have been identified by TRM Labs as being part of a new nexus of Kyrgyzstan-registered entities with cryptocurrency connections to sanctions evasion and terrorist financing, and are also likely tied to the import of dual-use goods from China to Russia through Central Asia.

It’s worth noting that Russian companies started using Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in international trade to bypass sanctions. As reported by Bitcoinist, Russia’s Finance Minister Anton Siluanov revealed in December that companies had started officially using BTC and other cryptocurrencies for international payments following last year’s regulatory changes.

Siluanov affirmed that international payments in crypto represented the future of finance, adding that the government believes “they should be expanded and developed further.”

In April, he announced a plan to establish a dedicated exchange for “highly qualified investors” alongside the Bank of Russia (BOR), aiming to “legalize crypto assets and bring crypto operations out of the shadows.”

Get Early Alpha with Our Immediate Analysis of Today’s Best Meme Coins

Check out our Live Update Coverage on the Best Meme Coins for July 17, 2025!

With Bitcoin merrily skipping past the $122K ATH, meme coins stand on the precipice of a potential explosion. Given the massive upside potential and low entry prices, meme coins have become a magnet for traders looking for quick gains.

Given their sky-high market cap, meme coins have Lamborghini potential (think 7-10x in a day). High-risk, high-reward players naturally love them, and so should you.

This page gives you the inside edge—live updates on trending meme coins, alpha from crypto degens, and whispers from FOMO-driven trading circles. If you’re hunting for the next 10x or 100x gem, you’re in the right place.

We update this page frequently throughout the day, as we get the latest insider insights on the best meme coins, so keep refreshing!

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk investment, and you may lose your capital. Our content is informational only, and it does not constitute financial advice. We may earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you. Galaxy Digital Just Bought $55M Solana in Two Hours as $SOL Volume Explodes: Snorter Token Next Meme Coin to Watch

July 17, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

Based on onchain data, Galaxy Digital bought around $55M worth of Solana in two hours. Consequently, Solana’s trading volume spiked to almost $9B from ~$5B two days ago.

$SOL’s price is currently $173, a 6% increase in the last day. Its 24h trading volume also shot up by nearly 50%, and community sentiment on CoinMarketCap is 85% bullish.

With multiple Solana ETFs potentially dropping in the future, and fueled by the wildly-successful $PENGU ETF, the Solana ecosystem could be ready for a breakout.

Already, Solana cryptos are seeing a 26% uptick in trading volume, with the likes of BONK and SPX6900 shooting up.

In this bullish context, one Solana multichain memecoin could rise as a top gainer – Snorter Token ($SNORT). Introducing the fastest and cheapest $SOL trading bot, $SNORT might become the next 1000x crypto at this rate.

Snorter Token is still in presale, available at its lowest prices, so go take a look.

Dogecoin Rally Above $0.2 Happening Right Now: Are Meme Coins Exploding?

July 17, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

Dogecoin has been rallying hard in the last two days, up from under $0.2 to over $0.21 today. The last week shows an uptick of over 17%, too.

$DOGE’s 24h trading volume almost doubled to $3.32B, with community sentiment at a healthy 86% on CoinMarketCap.

The $0.2 resistance line kept the old barker stuck in its cage for a long time but now, the dog of war is loose upon the world, and there might be no stopping it.

Technical analysis shows that $DOGE broke out of a falling wedge pattern. And this could further indicate a bullish rally, perhaps gunning for $0.43.

With all the red-hot investor interest in meme coins, one could rise above all – Token6900 ($T6900). In an industry where utility-driven coins disappear into oblivion, Token6900 makes no promises.

No utility, no profit guarantees, no use-cases. Just pure insanity and meme appeal taken to its natural finale.

Check out Token6900’s explosive presale that has raised over $500K on their official website.

Stay Ahead with Our Immediate Analysis of Today’s Best Crypto Presales

Check out our Live Update Coverage on the Best Crypto Presales for July 17, 2025!

As Bitcoin broke through a historical $123K level, crypto presales are ready to soar in the coming rally. These early-stage crypto projects are often significantly more profitable than established coins like Bitcoin.

We’ll give you live updates on the trending presales, whale activities, projected funding and development rounds, and critical alerts—everything you’ll need to get an edge.

We update this page frequently throughout the day, as we get the latest insider insights on the hottest presales, so keep refreshing!

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk investment, and you may lose your capital. Our content is informational only, and it does not constitute financial advice. We may earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you. Best Wallet Token Presale Gains Traction as Wall Street Eyes Stablecoins

July 17, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

Top US lenders are closely monitoring developments on Capitol Hill this week as they weigh up issuing stablecoins for digital payments.

That’s as a series of crypto-friendly bills progresses through Congress, which, if passed, will allow banks to further integrate digital assets into traditional finance.

Bank of America’s CEO Brian Moynihan said progress around stablecoins has been slow as the banks await legal clarity.

While TradFi builds slowly, top crypto wallets like Best Wallet are already live, multi-chain, and ready to go.

Fuelled by its native $BEST token, Best Wallet is on a mission to capture 40% of the global crypto wallet market by 2027. It’s even set to take on the banks directly, with a crypto wallet that’s secure, easy to use, and, unlike banking apps, non-custodial, meaning you control your funds, not the bank.

Price predictions for $BEST look promising; As regulations open the door to stablecoins, people will need reliable tools to transact with them safely. $BEST is set to benefit, offering safe and easy crypto payments and investment opportunities before the banks fully move in.

What is the Best Wallet Token? Get all the details.

Bitcoin Hyper Blitzed Through $3M Presale Target Amidst Investor Frenzy for Presales

July 17, 2025 • 10:00 UTC

Bitcoin Hyper ($HYPER), an innovative Bitcoin Layer-2 project, just sped through the $3M target in its presale. This shows immense investor confidence in the project, with whale buys peppering this red-hot presale:

• $74.9K
• $54.1K
• $53.9K

The ecosystem will integrate the Solana Virtual Machine to achieve faster speed, cheaper transactions, sub-second finality, and seamless Wrapped $BTC – $BTC bridging through a Canonical Bridge.

$HYPER aims to solve one of Bitcoin’s biggest challenges – lack of scalability.

Through zero-knowledge proofs and Solana-grade execution and development, BItocin Hyper wants to make Bitcoin truly usable in the Web3 ecosystem.

The presale has raised over $3.1M, and one token is currently worth $0.0123, with a staking APY of 286%. If you want to get it while it’s hot, visit its presale page.

Learn more about what Bitcoin Hyper is and what it aims to do.

 

The crypto market is pulsing with fresh momentum as major players make bold moves, causing prices to resume an upward direction. This rising participation implies that the market could be entering a new phase of activity, driven by improving fundamentals, stronger liquidity, and a macro backdrop.

Institutions Double Down on Bitcoin: Big Money Keeps Flowing In

According to DuckAI Agent’s post on X, he noted that the crypto space is buzzing with activity as Peter Thiel took a bold step in dropping a 9.1% stake in BitMine, which sent the company stock soaring as investor confidence surged. This is a strong signal from one of the tech influential players.

Meanwhile, the institutional flows are ramping up and reinforcing momentum in the market. Bitcoin price is holding above $118,000 and shows no signs of cooling off anytime soon.

Ether and Dogecoin are leading the charge, and showing modest notable gains amid a potential interest rate cut. Ethereum’s current price is at $3,136.54, with a 5.24% increase in the past 24 hours. This has been fueled by renewed optimism around Layer 2 scaling and institutional accumulation.

Dogecoin is also making moves, and is up 2.82% over the same period and now trading at $0.197145, while reflecting steady momentum.

The XRP price is currently trading at $2.92, forming higher lows, which suggests growing bullish pressure and a potential breakout on the horizon. A confirmed breakout above $2.93 could clear the way for a trend shift and potentially open the door for a higher target in the short term.

GameStop has invested $500 million into Bitcoin, which signals a vote of confidence in the leading cryptocurrency’s role as a hedge against inflation. This strategic allocation puts the legacy gaming retailer firmly in the growing camp of corporate Bitcoin holders.

At the time of the post, BTC price was trading at $117,950, and showing a 0.62% increase under 24 hours. While the move hasn’t triggered explosive upside, it adds to the bullish narrative of institutional adoption and treasury diversification.

SharpLink Gaming Now Largest Corporate Holder Of Ethereum

In an X post, Arkham also revealed that SharpLink Gaming has significantly increased its Ethereum exposure, purchasing and staking an additional $15.8 million worth of ETH into LSETH. This latest move brings the company’s total holdings to $700 million, which signals growing confidence in Ethereum’s staking ecosystem and long-term value proposition.

The company has now become the largest single corporate holder of ETH, and holds more than the Ethereum Foundation. This move signals confidence in ETH and other broader Ethereum ecosystem.

Grosse Pointe Farms, a small town just outside Detroit, has passed a local ordinance aimed at controlling crypto ATM use—even though the town doesn’t have any yet. The city council voted unanimously on the new rules after hearing about a scam that targeted a resident in nearby St. Clair Shores.

The incident involved a crypto ATM, which scammers instructed a local to use for sending money. That case helped push council members to act early, hoping to protect their residents from similar schemes.

New Rules Target Scam Risks

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, concerns were raised about how easily scammers convince people—especially the elderly—to use crypto ATMs to send money. Council member Lev Wood said the machines create a situation that lacks transparency, making people easy targets.

The new rules require any crypto kiosk in town to be registered with the Department of Public Safety. Operators must also apply for a business license and provide written warnings on the machines about the risks of fraud and irreversible transactions.

One of the biggest parts of the ordinance is a spending cap for new users. The law sets a $1,000 daily limit and a $5,000 cap over the first 14 days of use. After that period, those restrictions are lifted. The idea, according to city attorney Bill Burgess, is to give new users time to understand how the machines work before making larger transactions.

Several other states are also taking action. Arizona, Nebraska, California, and Washington have all stepped in this year to add restrictions or outright bans on certain types of crypto ATM operations.

Coinflip Shares Firsthand Scam Story

Carson Gat, a representative from Coinflip—a Chicago-based digital currency ATM operator—attended the meeting to give his perspective. He told the council about a time he personally helped stop an elderly woman from getting scammed at one of their machines.

Gat said Coinflip has explored similar limits on new users to reduce fraud, since most scams happen during a customer’s first visit. Coinflip has been operating in Michigan since 2019 and was granted a money transmitter license in April.

While the company didn’t oppose the town’s new rules, it did highlight the importance of finding a balance between access and safety. Gat’s appearance also added weight to the council’s concern that this type of scam isn’t just theory—it’s happening.

State And National Action Picking Up

This move by Grosse Pointe Farms comes after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a statewide alert about crypto ATM scams back in April. Nessel’s office has warned residents to stay away from machines when someone instructs them to deposit money under pressure.

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

Джеймс Винн, известный криптотрейдер с высокой кредитной нагрузкой, который ранее в этом году потерял $100 млн после ставки в $1 млрд на длинные позиции по Bitcoin (BTC), снова оказался в центре внимания. Спустя несколько недель молчания после крупных торговых потерь, Винн вернулся к трейдингу, на что указывают данные из блокчейна. На этот раз он делает рискованные ставки на PEPE и BTC.

BTC-трейдер отвечает ставкой 10x на PEPE

После исчезновения из соцсетей в начале 2025 года и одной из самых драматичных катастроф в криптотрейдинге, Винн возвращается и теперь делает крупную ставку на высоковолатильную мем-монету PEPE. Сообщается, что трейдер стал снова торговать PEPE с использованием кредитного плеча на децентрализованной деривативной платформе Hyperliquid.

По данным аналитической платформы Lookonchain, Винн вернулся на рынок с тем же криптокошельком, что использовал для предыдущих сделок. Данные в блокчейне показывают, что его последняя позиция,10x лонг по kPEPE, почти целиком финансируемый за счет недавно полученной реферальной награды в 6,792.53 USDC, заметно скромнее миллиардных позиций, которыми он управлял раньше.

Обновленная информация с HyperDash сообщает, что трейдер открыл длинную позицию примерно на $89 000 по kPEPE. При кредитном плече 10x реальный капитал составляет около $8 800, а экспозиция превышает $89 000. Примечательно, что Винн приобрел более $6,8 kPEPE, полностью поставив на рост монеты. При таком плече падение стоимости PEPE всего на 10% может полностью уничтожить залог, сделав эту ставку крайне рискованной.

Интересно, что возвращение Винна происходит после его публичного краха в мае 2025 года, когда его миллиардные лонги по BTC с плечом были ликвидированы при снижении цены ниже $105 000, что привело к потере в $100 (949 BTC). Этот инцидент вызвал широкое обсуждение в криптосообществе, спровоцировав критику и споры. Сейчас Винн вновь оказывается под пристальным вниманием, некоторые называют его “дегенеративным” трейдером, а другие усомнились в его управлении рисками.

Трейдер снова рискует миллионами: смелая ставка Биткоин

Несмотря на колоссальные убытки, из-за которых он временно покинул рынок, Винн снова делает сверхрискованную ставку на биткоин. На этот раз он вложил $468 000 с кредитным плечом 40x, открыв лонг-позицию с ценой ликвидации на уровне $115 570. По данным Lookonchain, трейдер перевел средства на платформу Hyperliquid, демонстрируя готовность к новым свершениям.

Свежие данные HyperDash показывают, что Винн увеличил позицию до $23,9 млн (202 BTC), сохраняя максимальное плечо 40x. Это означает его полную уверенность в дальнейшем росте биткоина. Однако такая стратегия крайне опасна: даже незначительная коррекция в 2,5% приведет к мгновенной ликвидации всей позиции.

BTC-рынок  известен своей волатильностью, а торговля с таким плечом не оставляет места для маневра. Винн либо сорвет крупный куш, либо повторит печальный опыт, потеряв еще миллионы. Эксперты предупреждают, что подобные ставки больше напоминают игру в рулетку, чем взвешенные инвестиции.

BTC торгуется на уровне $119 158 на графике 1D | Источник: BTCUSDT на Tradingview.com

Пресейл Best Wallet собрал почти $14 млн: инвесторы подогревают интерес на финальных стадиях

Best Wallet этим летом становится не просто местом для хранения ваших цифровых активов, а полноценным инструментом для работы на современном крипторынке.  можно покупать, торговать и обменивать криптовалюту, а также получать доступ к лучшим предпродажам через Token Launchpad.

Приложение доступно как для iOS, так и для Android, что делает его удобным и при этом безопасным в использовании. Если вы хотите получить максимум от своего кошелька, можно приобрести нативный токен Best Wallet ($BEST). Владение этим токеном дает дополнительные преимущества: низкие комиссии за транзакции, ранний доступ к предпродажам и право участвовать в управлении экосистемой Best Wallet, голосуя по важным вопросам.

Токен $BEST сейчас продается по цене около $0.025345. Переходите на официальную страницу предпродажи или в приложение Best Wallet и присоединяйтесь к быстрорастущей экосистеме.

US law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking organizations, leading to a multi-state operation that included the seizure of over $10 million in cryptocurrency.

The action, carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), targeted the Sinaloa cartel’s operations in Miami, Florida.

This digital asset confiscation is part of a broader push to dismantle the financial infrastructure behind cartel activities, especially as traffickers increasingly turn to cryptocurrency to facilitate illegal transactions.

Seizures Extend Across Multiple States

The crypto-related seizure came amid a much larger crackdown that has taken place across the United States since January 2025. According to the US Department of Justice, law enforcement agencies have seized approximately 44 million fentanyl pills, 4,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, nearly 65,000 pounds of methamphetamine, and over 201,500 pounds of cocaine.

The operations have also led to more than 2,100 fentanyl-related arrests. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the scale of the effort in a public statement, noting that such coordinated actions are a critical part of the fight against addiction, overdose, and drug-related violence.

The $10 million cryptocurrency confiscation in Miami was one of several significant enforcement actions undertaken in recent weeks. In addition to Florida, operations took place across Texas, California, South Carolina, Georgia, Minnesota, Nebraska, and other states.

In Lexington County, South Carolina, DEA agents seized 156 pounds of fentanyl and 44 pounds of methamphetamine, along with firearms, resulting in one arrest. Similarly, in Gainesville, Georgia, 705 pounds of methamphetamine were found hidden in a truck transporting cucumbers.

In Austin, Texas, a refrigerated truck loaded with blueberries was discovered to be concealing 783 pounds of methamphetamine. In a separate Texas operation in Galveston, agents recovered over 1,700 pounds of methamphetamine valued at more than $15 million.

Meanwhile, in El Paso, 115 pounds of methamphetamine were intercepted in a vehicle equipped with a GPS tracker, an indication of the cartel’s attempts to maintain precise control over drug shipments.

In California, multiple seizures targeted methamphetamine labs and synthetic opioids. Kern County saw the dismantling of a meth conversion facility, with agents confiscating over 240 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and 151 gallons of its liquid form.

In Fresno, 24 pounds of carfentanil disguised as prescription pills were found, the largest such seizure in Northern California to date.

Crypto and the Changing Tactics of Cartels

The Miami crypto seizure shows how organized crime groups like the Sinaloa cartel are adapting their financial operations. Law enforcement agencies have observed a growing trend of using digital currencies to mask transactions, complicate traceability, and move large sums across borders.

While traditional drug trafficking methods persist, the introduction of blockchain analysis tools has made it possible for authorities to trace and seize crypto linked to illicit activity.

DEA Acting Administrator Robert Murphy highlighted the importance of these measures, stating that the agency is actively disrupting the financial underpinnings of cartel operations. “We are dismantling these networks piece by piece—and we won’t stop until the last brick of their empire falls,” Murphy said.

Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView

The overall cryptocurrency market made a strong recovery in Q2 2025, driven primarily by Bitcoin’s (BTC) historic price surge and robust inflows into exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, despite healthy digital asset performance, average daily trading volume in the market declined.

Bitcoin Record Highs Fail To Boost Daily Trading Volume

According to a report published today by TokenInsight, the crypto spot market trading volume experienced a decline in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 2025 – despite Bitcoin rising from a low of $83,000 to a high of $111,900, and closing the quarter near $106,000.

The report notes that average daily trading volume fell from $51 billion in Q1 2025 to around $40 billion in Q2 2025, representing a drop of approximately 10%. Meanwhile, total spot trading volume across all exchanges slumped from $4.6 trillion to $3.6 trillion over the same period.

Looking ahead, spot trading volume in Q3 2025 is expected to remain subdued, due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, weak liquidity, and sluggish trading activity in the altcoin market. TokenInsight predicts total spot volume in Q3 to range between $3 trillion and $3.5 trillion.

Interestingly, the spot market’s share of total trading volume declined across most exchanges. Only MEXC and Bitget bucked the trend, increasing their spot trading shares by 2.70% and 0.66%, respectively.

As traders continue to hedge risks and capitalize on volatility, high-frequency derivatives trading remained the preferred strategy, consistent with Q1 2025 trends. The report noted:

This trend also underscored a sharper downturn in the spot market, as liquidity and trading activity in many altcoins dropped significantly, in contrast to the relative resilience of derivatives markets.

That said, derivatives volume also pulled back slightly, falling 3.6%, from $20.9 trillion in Q1 2025 to $20.2 trillion in Q2 2025. While the US Federal Reserve’s temporary rate pause lifted markets in April, rising geopolitical tensions dampened investor appetite for risk-on assets.

Binance Reigns Supreme Amid Tumultuous Quarter

In Q2 2025, Binance remained the dominant exchange, capturing 35.39% of total trading volume – the only platform to hold more than one-third of the market. However, this marked a slight drop from 36.57% in Q1 2025.

Meanwhile, five exchanges – OKX, Bitget, HTX, Gate, and KuCoin – saw gains in market share. Gate led the pack with a 2.55% increase, followed by OKX with a 1.08% rise.

Despite the muted Q2 trading volumes, liquidity is expected to continue flowing into the digital asset space, fueled by the ongoing rise in stablecoin market capitalization. At press time, Bitcoin trades at $118,786, up 0.9% in the past 24 hours.

Data shows the XRP futures volume on CME has hit a new daily record, a potential sign of surging institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.

Total XRP CME Futures Volume Has Crossed $1.6 Billion

According to data from CME Active Trader, an official X handle of the CME Group focused on trading, the combined XRP and Micro XRP futures volume set a new record on Friday. The CME Group is the largest derivatives marketplace in the world, operating multiple platforms such as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The company offers regulated futures and options trading products across a wide range of asset classes, including cryptocurrencies.

Bitcoin futures trading was added to the platform back in 2017, with offerings for Ethereum becoming available in 2021. XRP futures finally launched in May of this year.

Futures trading is available in two forms for the asset: XRP and Micro XRP. The former features contracts sized at 50,000 tokens each, while the latter offers a smaller size of 2,500 tokens per contract.

On the milestone-setting July 11th, more than 9,100 CME futures contracts for the asset were traded, equivalent to over 82 million coins or $235 million. “The record underscores the rapidly growing demand in our new XRP futures suite,” noted CME Active Trader in the X post. Since the launch, total notional traded has amounted to $1.6 billion.

The CME Group is widely considered to be the preferred derivatives platform for institutional traders, thanks to its regulated offerings. As such, the spike in the futures trading volume on the exchange can be an indication of rising demand among institutions.

Futures trading on CME reflects just one side of the sector. Here’s how the combined futures metrics related to the asset currently look for all platforms, according to Glassnode data:

While trading activity related to the token may have jumped high on Friday, the latest trend is that of a decline, as futures volume across exchanges has dropped by more than 40% over the last 24 hours.

That said, daily volume still stands at $8.4 billion for the cryptocurrency, which is larger than the other major altcoins save for Solana at $9.1 billion. Bitcoin has the highest volume at $78.6 billion, but its ratio relative to its market cap (0.033) is worse than XRP’s (0.048).

Funding rates are positive across the market at the moment, suggesting a degree of long-term dominance. Dogecoin and Tron seem to be receiving the most bullish bets, with the metric sitting at 0.0143% and 0.0121%, respectively.

XRP follows the two with a funding rate of 0.0113%. Thus, while trading activity may have plunged during the past day, sentiment around the asset remains positive.

Token Price

XRP has witnessed a sharp surge of over 24% in the last week, which has brought its price to $2.95.

A draft Bitcoin Improvement Proposal authored by Casa co-founder Jameson Lopp and five collaborators sets out the most forceful roadmap yet for hardening the network against quantum computing. Titled “Post-Quantum Migration and Legacy Signature Sunset,” the proposal was published on GitHub on 14 July and calls for a phased retirement of all outputs protected by today’s ECDSA and Schnorr signatures. The authors frame the move as a necessary pre-emptive strike: “It turns quantum security into a private incentive — fail to upgrade and you will certainly lose access to your funds.”

Plan To Secure Bitcoin From Quantum Threat

Because every public key that appears on-chain can, in principle, have its corresponding private key recovered by a sufficiently powerful quantum computer, the proposal warns that “roughly 25 % of all bitcoin have revealed a public key on-chain; those UTXOs could be stolen with sufficient quantum power.” That slice includes many early P2PK outputs, among them the roughly one million BTC widely believed to be controlled by Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto.

The authors note that NIST finalised three production-grade post-quantum signature algorithms in 2024 and that academic roadmaps now place a “cryptographically-relevant” quantum computer as early as 2027-2030. At the same time, quantum factoring algorithms “are improving up to 20×,” rapidly shrinking Bitcoin’s safety margin. To neutralise the threat, the draft prescribes a soft-fork sequence tied to the already-proposed P2QRH post-quantum output type (defined in BIP-360):

Phase A begins three years after P2QRH goes live and “disallows sending of any funds to quantum-vulnerable addresses,” forcing new coins toward quantum-safe scripts.

Phase B follows two years later, on a pre-announced flag day, when “nodes reject transactions that rely on ECDSA/Schnorr keys,” rendering legacy outputs unspendable.

Phase C is optional and, pending further research, could enable owners who missed the deadline to recover funds with a zero-knowledge proof of possession of their BIP-39 seed.

The document’s rationale is explicit: “A successful quantum attack on Bitcoin would result in significant economic disruption and damage across the entire ecosystem.” By imposing a known deadline, the authors hope to overcome what they describe as “upgrade inertia” among wallets, exchanges and custodians that historically stretches protocol roll-outs over many years.

Each stakeholder cohort is offered a blunt calculus. Miners risk producing “invalid blocks” after Phase B if they do not upgrade, but in the interim can expect heavier blocks and higher fees from the larger post-quantum signatures. Institutional holders face potential fiduciary liability should they ignore the migration timetable, while exchanges confront the prospect of overnight insolvency if quantum attackers drain custodial hot wallets. For individual users, the sunset date converts an abstract, far-off threat into a hard deadline.

A notable corollary is that coins abandoned in quantum-vulnerable scripts would become permanently frozen, echoing Satoshi’s early observation that “lost coins only make everyone else’s coins worth slightly more.” The proposal inverts that logic for quantum-recovered coins, calling them “a theft from everyone.”

The BIP remains a draft and has yet to receive a number or taproot-style activation path, but it is already shaping what is likely to become a contentious debate over backward compatibility and the treatment of dormant balances. If adopted, the migration would dwarf SegWit and Taproot in both logistical complexity and monetary stakes, directly affecting an estimated quarter of the 19.7 million BTC in existence.

For now, the authors have thrown down a clear gauntlet: either the ecosystem coordinates on a proactive timeline, or it faces the prospect of responding to an emergency only after the first quantum theft has occurred.

At press time, BTC traded at $118,623.

US firms are moving to shore up trust after past reserve mishaps. According to recent reports, Bitwise Asset Management has rolled out a daily proof‑of‑reserves check for its spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

This change swaps public wallet listings for a professional audit done every trading day. Investors will now see a clear match between on‑chain balances and ETF shares before the market opens.

Daily Checks To Boost Confidence

Based on reports, the new process taps The Network Firm, a US accounting company, to run on‑chain balance comparisons each day. The checks cover the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW).

Today, we’re introducing third-party Proof of Reserves transparency for the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF $BITB and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF $ETHW, provided by @The_NetworkFirm, a U.S.-based certified public accounting firm.

Live now, you can check daily balance updates on each fund’s…

— Bitwise (@BitwiseInvest) July 15, 2025

Bitwise holds $5  billion in its Bitcoin fund and nearly $360 million in its Ethereum fund. The audit matches these amounts against the number of ETF shares out there. It’s a simple idea, but it puts an expert eye on the numbers rather than leaving investors to track addresses on their own.

The move comes after the collapse of FTX in 2022 showed how blind spots in reserve reporting can leave investors stranded. Back then, missing assets only came to light when it was too late. By running daily checks, Bitwise is making sure it won’t face a surprise shortfall.

Adding CPA Attestations Soon

According to the firm, investors will also get CPA‑attested reports within weeks. Those reports will cover not only assets but also liabilities. That means you’ll see both sides of the balance sheet. With that extra layer, shareholders can see what the fund owes as well as what it owns.

This step isn’t just for show. It helps with regulatory reviews as US authorities tighten their grip on crypto products. Having a certified accountant sign off on the numbers gives regulators a clear path for verification. It also means more peace of mind for anyone wary of hidden risks.

Industry Reaction And Comparison

Based on expert commentary, other ETF issuers will likely take note. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) currently manages $86 billion—by far the largest fund in this space. But size alone won’t cut it if investors demand proof of reserves. Smaller players like Bitwise could outshine bigger rivals by being more open about their holdings.

Fund issuers in the US have watched closely since the FTX fallout. Many have toyed with monthly or quarterly attestations, but daily checks raise the bar. Investors who want real‑time peace of mind might soon expect proof of reserves on a daily basis.

Featured image from Coinmama, chart from TradingView

In a recent post on the social media platform X, Ripple Chief Technology Officer David Schwartz lent his voice to the discussions regarding XRP’s price and its true value. Based on his remarks, the Ripple CTO insinuated that XRP’s price movements often do not align with its “true value” or utility. His remarks came as part of a larger thread reacting to Ethereum’s recent break above $3,000 and questions about XRP touching the $3 price level again.

Ripple CTO Highlights Price And Utility Disconnection

Recent price action saw XRP trade at $3 again on July 14 for the first time since February 1. This came off the back of an interesting price surge that saw XRP increase by about 25% within a short timeframe. Amidst these price movements. Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, responded to a user’s question on the social media platform X about his views on XRP reaching $3 again by expressing mixed feelings about focusing on price.

Schwartz stated that he always feels good when prices are increasing, but it’s difficult to judge the right amount of focus that should be placed on price, given how inconsistent it is with underlying progress and it doesn’t seem to correlate very much with other good things like solving real-world problems. He continued by noting that this disconnect isn’t necessarily permanent, but it is very noticeable in the short term. 

In an effort to explain how XRP’s use cases extend beyond the XRP Ledger (XRPL), Schwartz made a comparison to how Bitcoin functions beyond its native blockchain. The Ripple CTO pointed to the XRP Ledger’s Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain, where XRP is being used as a currency despite not being directly tied to XRPL transactions in that environment. According to him, this indirect usage still contributes meaningfully to the token’s utility.

“A good analogy is XRP being used as a currency on the EVM sidechain. It’s not a direct use of XRP on XRPL, but it’s still part of the utility and value of XRP as a currency,” Schwartz said.

What Does This Mean For XRP?

Basically, David Schwartz pointed out the fact that XRP’s value generation is not restricted to where it is natively hosted. This is much like how Bitcoin derives functional value across centralized exchanges, wrapped versions, and other layer-2 solutions. Therefore, XRP’s application beyond the XRP Ledger still represents a meaningful measure of its utility, even if it doesn’t currently reflect in market pricing.

Although many XRP investors are currently tied to short-term price milestones, Schwartz’s comments point to real-world usage and cross-chain adoption as better indicators of XRP’s ‘true value’ in the long term. In terms of true value, the best true value could come if XRP and the XRPL are fully adopted by banks. Interestingly, central banks are already tapping in.

At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $2.96, up by 2.2% in the past 24 hours.

The broader cryptocurrency market has gone extremely enthusiastic following the current rallies from mainly Bitcoin and Ethereum. Along with this notable upward price performance of BTC and ETH is a persistent flow of huge capital into the spot funds of the two crypto leaders.

Spot ETF Inflows For Bitcoin And Ethereum Extend

Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two leading digital assets in the crypto market, are witnessing remarkable growth not just in terms of price. With the market regaining bullish traction, ETH and BTC Spot Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have maintained a positive outlook for a notable period.

Such a development implies that investors’ appetite for crypto exposure through regulated vehicles is not abating, with BTC and ETH spot ETFs seeing steady inflows. These investors, both institutional and retail, appear to be keen on capitalizing on the long-term growth story of the two crypto giants.

Data from Farside Investors shows that Bitcoin Spot ETFs recorded yet another day of inflows, worth $297.4 million. This bullish close marked 8 consecutive days and 5 straight weeks of positive inflows for the products.

While the spot ETFs pulled a net inflow of $297.4 million, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) fund once again dominated the market with an inflow of $394.7 million. Presently, BlackRock’s IBIT is the largest spot BTC fund after amassing more than $54 billion in cumulative net inflows and over $76 billion in assets under management (AuM).

Following BlackRock’s lead are Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust (BTC), VanEck BTC Trust (HODL), and Bitwise BTC ETF (BITB), with $12.7 million, $8.5 million, and $7.2 million inflows, respectively. Meanwhile, other funds either recorded 0 inflows or huge outflows.

According to Farside data, Ethereum spot ETFs also recorded a daily inflow of about $256 million. With $151.4 million absorbed, BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) led the charge and outshone other funds. ETH, FETH, ETHW, ETHE, ETHV, and EZET saw inflows of $43.8 million, $31.4 million, $11.2 million, $8.9 million, $6.6 million, and $5.7 million, respectively. 

Investors’ Demand For BTC Spot ETFs At A Historic Level

Bitcoin spot ETFs are making headlines in the crypto sector as demand for these products continues to grow. A recent report from The Bitcoin Magazine on the X platform shows that the demand for funds has surged to a new all-time high of $94.2 million.

Furthermore, CryptoRank reported that BTC spot ETFs’ cumulative inflows are at an all-time high. These funds keep posting record-breaking cumulative inflows, which increases purchasing pressure and drives up the price of BTC to new thresholds.

As inflows into spot ETFs remain consistent, the ongoing momentum across Ethereum and Bitcoin funds supports the idea that the adoption of crypto ETFs is still a strong and long-lasting trend that is far from subsiding.

Bitcoin is entering a pivotal moment as the US Congress kicks off “Crypto Week,” where lawmakers will debate and vote on landmark cryptocurrency legislation. The decisions made this week could shape the regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States for years to come—and investors are watching closely.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin is holding above critical support levels after recently setting a new all-time high of $123,200 and retracing to key demand near the $116,000–$118,000 zone. Despite the pullback, the broader trend remains bullish, with the price structure intact and support levels being defended by buyers.

However, fresh data from CryptoQuant reveals signs of investor capitulation following Tuesday’s sharp correction. On-chain metrics show a significant spike in volume, with large sales recorded as Bitcoin fell, an indication that some holders may have exited positions in panic. This wave of selling added short-term pressure but also potentially flushed out weaker hands, setting the stage for a more stable recovery.

Panic Selling Surfaces As Investors Dump 50K Bitcoin At A Loss

Top analyst Axel Adler has shared key data revealing that nearly 50,000 BTC were sold at a loss in the last 24 hours—one of the largest capitulation events seen in recent months. This sharp wave of selling came on the heels of Bitcoin’s retrace from its all-time high of $123,200, and it reflects clear signs of panic in the market. The data suggests many investors exited positions below their entry points, a classic sign of capitulation among weaker hands.

While this might appear alarming, such events often precede a continuation of bullish price action, especially in strong uptrends. By shaking out uncertain holders, the market may now be positioned for healthier, more sustainable growth, driven by long-term conviction rather than speculative noise.

However, broader uncertainty remains. On Tuesday, all three major crypto bills were rejected in the US Congress during the opening of “Crypto Week,” raising concerns over the lack of regulatory clarity for digital assets. This unexpected legislative setback could fuel short-term hesitation from institutional investors awaiting clearer rules of engagement.

Despite these headwinds, Bitcoin’s fundamentals and on-chain metrics remain strong. Exchange reserves are low, long-term holder supply remains steady, and network activity continues to rise. Moreover, the recent uptick in retail demand and altcoin participation points toward a potential expansion phase, not just for Bitcoin, but for the broader crypto market.

BTC Holds Strong After Sharp Correction

The 8-hour Bitcoin chart shows that BTC is holding up well after a volatile drop from its all-time high of $123,200. The price retraced sharply to the $115,700 level but found immediate support, printing a bullish wick and now trading around $118,800. Despite the correction, the structure remains bullish, with higher lows and higher highs still intact.

Importantly, the 50, 100, and 200-period SMAs (Simple Moving Averages) are aligned to the upside, confirming a strong uptrend. BTC is also holding well above the key support level of $109,300, previously a major resistance zone, which now acts as a crucial demand area. If bulls manage to maintain momentum and reclaim the $120,000 zone, a retest of all-time highs is likely.

Volume during the drop spiked significantly, suggesting either panic selling or a well-executed shakeout of weak hands. However, the fast recovery indicates strong underlying demand and continued conviction among long-term holders.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

James Wynn, the notorious high-leverage crypto trader who lost a staggering $100 million earlier this year after betting $1 billion on Bitcoin (BTC) longs, is back in the spotlight. After weeks of silence following his steep trading losses, on-chain data now shows Wynn has returned to trading again—this time placing risky bets on PEPE and BTC. 

Overleveraged Bitcoin Trader Hits Back With 10x PEPE Bet

After vanishing from social media earlier in 2025 and experiencing one of the most dramatic crypto trading collapses, Wynn is making a comeback, and this time, he’s betting big on a volatile meme coin, PEPE. The notorious Bitcoin trader has reportedly resumed trading the perpetual version of PEPE with fresh leveraged exposure on the decentralized derivatives platform Hyperliquid. 

According to blockchain analytics platform Lookonchain, Wynn returned to the market through the same crypto wallet address tied to his previous trades. On-chain data reveals that his latest position involves a 10x long on kPEPE, funded almost entirely by his recently claimed referral reward of 6,792.53 USDC—a striking contrast to the billion-dollar positions he previously commanded.

Updated information from HyperDash reveals that the trader opened a long position of approximately $89,000 on kPEPE. The position is running at 10x leverage, meaning the actual capital backing it is around $8,800, while the exposure exceeds $89,000. Notably, Wynn had bought over 6.8 million kPEPE, betting entirely on the token’s upside. At this leverage level, just a 10% drop in PEPE’s price could entirely wipe out the margin used to back this trade, making this an extremely high-risk move. 

Interestingly, Wynn’s comeback follows his public fallout in May 2025, when his massive $1 billion leveraged BTC longs were liquidated during a price dip below $105,000, resulting in a staggering $100 million (949 BTC) loss. This incident caught the attention of the crypto community, sparking controversy and widespread discussions. Now the Bitcoin trader is facing renewed scrutiny from various crypto community members, with some labeling him a degen trader and others questioning his risk management skills.

Wynn Makes Bold 40X Bet On Bitcoin

Despite accruing massive losses that forced him offline, Wynn is making another extremely high-risk Bitcoin trade, involving a $468,000 position and 40X leverage. In an earlier post, Lookonchain reported that the trader had deposited 468,000 USDC into Hyperliquid and opened a new leveraged long on Bitcoin, with a liquidation price of $115,570. 

Updated data from HyperDash revealed that Wynn has opened a $23.9 million long position on Bitcoin with 40x leverage on Hyperliquid. The position size includes over 202 BTC, and the trader is fully committed to the cryptocurrency’s potential upside movement. 

At 40x leverage, only 2.5% price movement against the trade would be enough to trigger a complete BTC liquidation, wiping out the entire margin backing Wynn’s position. This significantly high-risk strategy leaves no room for error, especially in a market as volatile as Bitcoin.

In a surprising turn of events during the highly anticipated “Crypto Week,” the US House of Representatives voted against the GENIUS Act yesterday, despite widespread expectations that it would pass alongside two other crypto-related bills. The decision sent ripples through the crypto market, catching many investors and industry participants off guard, as the GENIUS Act was seen as a key step toward establishing clearer regulatory guidelines for stablecoins.

One of the most vocal opponents of the bill was US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who represents Georgia’s 14th District and currently serves as Chairwoman of the DOGE Committee. In a statement following the vote, Greene explained that her opposition stemmed from the bill’s failure to include a ban on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). She emphasized that Americans do not want a government-controlled digital dollar and that Republicans have a duty to defend financial freedom and privacy by opposing CBDCs.

The unexpected rejection of the GENIUS Act raises new questions about the direction of crypto regulation in the United States and highlights the growing divide over CBDC policy. As lawmakers continue to debate the future of digital finance, the spotlight now turns to how Congress will proceed.

CBDC Debate Ignites As Trump Asserts GENIUS Act Vote Will Pass

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also criticized Speaker Mike Johnson for not allowing members of Congress to submit amendments to the legislation.

“Americans do not want a government-controlled Central Bank Digital Currency,” Greene declared. “Republicans have a duty to ban CBDC.” She pointed to former President Donald Trump’s executive order from January 23, which explicitly called for a CBDC ban, arguing that Congress should reflect that position within the GENIUS Act.

The dispute over CBDCs has now emerged as a key dividing line within the broader crypto policy debate. For critics like Greene, a CBDC represents government overreach and a direct threat to individual financial privacy, concerns that have gained traction among conservatives.

Despite the failed vote, US President Donald Trump struck an optimistic tone on his Truth Social account, signaling that the legislative push is far from over. “I am in the Oval Office with 11 of the 12 Congressmen/women necessary to pass the GENIUS Act and, after a short discussion, they have all agreed to vote tomorrow morning in favor of the Rule,” he wrote.

If Wednesday’s vote succeeds, it could breathe new life into the GENIUS Act and reframe the discussion around crypto regulation. However, the growing insistence on a CBDC ban may continue to complicate bipartisan support, especially as the issue becomes more deeply entangled in the 2024 presidential race and the future of financial sovereignty in the US

Stablecoin Dominance Drops To 7.08% As Risk Appetite Rises

The weekly chart of stablecoin dominance shows a clear downward shift, with the metric currently sitting at 7.08%, marking a steady decline from its recent highs above 9%. This trend suggests that capital is rotating out of stablecoins and into more volatile crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, a common pattern during periods of renewed market confidence.

Stablecoin dominance is now trading below all key moving averages: the 50-week (7.72%), 100-week (7.97%), and 200-week (9.31%) SMAs. This technical breakdown highlights a weakening position for stablecoins relative to the broader crypto market. Historically, when dominance falls below these levels, it signals growing risk appetite and a shift toward the accumulation of growth assets, which aligns with current bullish momentum across altcoins and ETH.

This decline in dominance—despite total stablecoin supply continuing to rise—is a bullish macro signal. It shows that liquidity is present and moving into the market, not out of it, supporting the case for further upside in the months ahead.

Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView

XRP community member Avengers has drawn attention to how the altcoin is playing a major role in on-demand settlements. This comes as crypto firm Ripple gains ground in its bid to topple SWIFT, which currently leads the way with its payment rails. 

XRP’s Role As Ripple Looks To Compete With SWIFT

In an X post, Avengers said that XRP is quietly becoming the new backbone of cross-border finance as on-chain settlements, which are faster and cheaper, gain traction. He made this statement while also suggesting that SWIFT is losing transactions to Ripple. The crypto commentator noted that SWIFT transaction volume is down 15% while XRP Ledger (XRPL) activity is surging. 

Based on this, he declared that global payments are shifting on-chain. Ripple uses the XRP Ledger for its payment services, which explains the momentum shift as the crypto firm gains ground. Meanwhile, as the XRPL’s native token, XRP is also crucial to the crypto firm’s payment services. The altcoin also plays a key role in the settlement of cross-border transactions. 

It is worth noting that Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse had predicted that XRP could take up to 14% of SWIFT’s volume in the next five years. He explained that liquidity is what drives these payment solutions and that the altcoin could gain significantly if it drives the liquidity layer. This could also serve as a catalyst for the XRP price to rally higher. 

A Ripple document also recently surfaced, highlighting how the XRP price could increase due to organic demand. The firm expects demand for the altcoin to surge as it expands its payment services. Meanwhile, the report also noted that XRP already serves two functions: security and acting as a bridge currency on the XRPL. 

XRP Gains Boost With Ripple’s MiCA Plans

XRP is poised to gain momentum as Ripple seeks to acquire a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, thereby expanding its operations into Europe. The crypto firm has already registered its business in Luxembourg and will look to acquire this coveted European license through the country. 

With a MiCA license, Ripple will be able to serve around 450 million users across the 27 European Union member states, a move that will further boost XRP’s adoption. It is also worth mentioning that Ripple has applied for a US national banking license, which could give the XRP price a lift. 

Ripple is expected to secure more institutional partners once it secures this banking license, with these institutions also adopting XRP in the process as part of the crypto firm’s payment services. Partners like Japan’s SBI are already betting big on the altcoin, thanks to its partnership with the crypto firm.

At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $2.91, up almost 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap.

With its recent powerful upward move to a new all-time high within the week, Bitcoin has reignited interest from both retail and institutional investors in the flagship crypto asset. Many public companies are starting to express their trust in BTC as a value asset by engaging and acquiring the crypto king at a significant rate, either directly or through Spot ETFs.

Ryan Cohen Considers Bitcoin An Inflation Hedge

Bitcoin continues to demonstrate its position as a valuable asset in the financial landscape following its robust upward trend. Despite changing market sentiment and changing macroeconomic tides, Bitcoin’s appeal as a hedge against inflation remains unwavering.

Lately, several prominent investors in the crypto and financial sectors are considering BTC a tactical defense against the erosion of fiat currency. The most recent claims come from billionaire investor and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GameStop, Ryan Cohen. Cohen has endorsed the long-standing claim that Bitcoin is an inflation hedge in an interview on Fox Business News. “I look at Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and global money printing,” the CEO stated.

This persistent view demonstrates how firmly Bitcoin’s perception as digital gold has established itself within the broader financial landscape. Cohen’s remarks also demonstrate how influential financial figures still view the flagship cryptocurrency as an essential asset for protecting wealth at a time of growing economic uncertainty and enduring inflationary threats.

This endorsement from Cohen, which is capturing headlines, comes after GameStop, a leading gaming firm, acquired a huge chunk of BTC, valued at over $513 million. While the billionaire investor views BTC as a hedge against inflation, he stated that whether or not the company continues to buy Bitcoin depends on the price.

The strategic action being carried out by the gaming merchandise is meant to tackle the loss of capital. According to Cohen, something could be a really intelligent investment at one price, and at another price, it might be really foolish.

While the company ponders whether to buy more BTC or not, the CEO stated that he considers buying the crypto king at the right price as an opportunity. In this scenario, an additional purchase of Bitcoin becomes a possibility for GameStop. 

Strategy Is Still Buying BTC In Large Quantities

Bitcoin’s perception as an inflation hedge is largely reinforced by the leading treasury company, Strategy, co-founded by Michael Saylor. After BTC gained notable upside traction, the company purchased an additional 4,225 BTC, worth over $470.50 million at a value of about $111,827 per coin. This latest acquisition essentially reflects the business’s long-held belief in BTC’s prospects and crucial role in the industry.

Presently, the firm now owns over 601,550 BTC, which were purchased for around $42.87 billion at an average cost of $71,268. By steadily increasing its Bitcoin holdings, Strategy keeps up its position as a dominant player in the cryptocurrency market and attracts the attention of investors and industry analysts.

Hungary has taken a hard line on crypto trading. On 1 July 2025, the country’s updated criminal code kicked in. Anyone caught trading on an unlicensed crypto‑asset exchange could face jail time.

That applies even if a trader swaps just HUF 5 million (about $14,600) worth of tokens. Hungary is now one of the strictest places in Europe for private crypto users.

Strict Penalties For Crypto Traders

According to the new code, anyone swapping between HUF 5 million and HUF 50 million on an unauthorized platform may be sentenced to up to two years in prison.

Anybody whose trading volume falls between HUF 50 million and HUF 500 million (about $145,950–$1.46 million), could serve up to three years behind bars.

And those moving more than HUF 500 million face a term of up to five years. Each tier scales the penalty based solely on how much money changes hands.

Service Providers Face Harsher Terms

Based on reports, companies running unlicensed exchange services are in even deeper trouble. Providers handling up to HUF 50 million risk a prison sentence of up to three years.

If they process between HUF 50 million and HUF 500 million, they might spend as long as five years in jail. And any firm that handles more than that amount can be penalized with up to eight years in prison.

Revolut Pulls Crypto Services

The fallout has already begun. Revolut, the UK‑based fintech app used by many Hungarians, stopped all crypto buying, selling and staking. A notice to local customers blamed “the recently introduced Hungarian legislation.”

Users now can’t deposit or cash out their digital tokens until Revolut sorts out its legal position. For some, that means weeks or even months of waiting.

Comparisons With Other Markets

Other parts of the world have criminalized unlicensed crypto services. The US, the UK, Hong Kong, and South Korea all fine or jail unlicensed operators, but they rarely go after everyday traders.

Singapore recently warned its local firms to quit serving overseas clients without a license, under threat of up to three years in prison or a fine of SG$250,000. Yet Hungary stands out for targeting private users based on their transaction amounts.

Hungary’s Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs has 60 days from 1 July to set clear rules. Until then, nobody knows how to get the mandatory “validation certificate” that every authorized exchange must hold.

Featured image from Goway, chart from TradingView