Ripple, a leader in digital asset infrastructure recently licensed by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), has partnered with Zand Bank and Mamo to deploy its blockchain-enabled cross-border payment solutions in the UAE. This collaboration, leveraging Ripple’s new DFSA license to provide end-to-end payment services, aims to reduce transaction times and fees while boosting transparency. It highlights the expanding adoption of blockchain for financial transactions in the Middle East, supporting the region’s ambition to become a global crypto innovation hub. Vitalik Buterin has proposed updates to Ethereum’s scaling roadmap that prioritize local node usability without compromising traditional Layer 1 (L1) scalability. The proposal underscores the advantages of users operating full nodes for trustless, censorship-resistant, and private blockchain interaction. It includes technological enhancements like more efficient gas pricing, EIP-4444 to reduce storage demands, and partially stateless nodes, enabling users to maintain relevant blockchain state subsets. This approach improves local RPC capabilities while keeping node sizes manageable as L1 gas limits rise. Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has acquired an additional 1, 004 Bitcoin for about $97. 5 million, increasing its total holdings to 7, 800 BTC. Its overall Bitcoin investment now stands around $726 million, aligning with a strategy to maintain Bitcoin as a core balance sheet asset, similar to other firms such as Strategy. Vladimir Smerkis, co-founder of crypto gaming app Blum and former Binance Russia general manager, was arrested in Moscow on large-scale fraud charges linked to his prior crypto ventures, including The Token Fund and Tokenbox. Following his arrest, Blum announced that Smerkis has stepped down and no longer participates in the project, prompting concerns among users regarding the planned crypto airdrop’s future. Jordan Fish, known as Cobie, prominent crypto trader and founder of Echo, was appointed advisor at Paradigm. Paradigm cofounder Matt Huang expressed enthusiasm about this collaboration. Echo offers retail investors and the crypto community early-stage funding opportunities comparable to venture capital access. Paradigm recently led a $50 million funding round for Nous Research, reinforcing its role in supporting innovative crypto projects. Galaxy Digital is negotiating with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to potentially tokenize its own shares and other equities via blockchain. Managing roughly $7 billion in assets, Galaxy aims to enhance trading and lending within decentralized finance (DeFi). Preparing for a Nasdaq listing after moving from Canada, the firm is exploring tokenization of multiple asset classes—including stocks, fixed income, and ETFs—for US markets. The US Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating whether Coinbase misled investors by initially reporting over 100 million verified users in its 2021 IPO filings but later omitting this figure. The inquiry began under President Joe Biden’s administration and continues despite changes to a more industry-friendly regulatory environment. Coinbase has since shifted reporting focus to monthly transacting users instead of verified user counts. Singapore’s High Court approved Sonic Labs’ request to liquidate Multichain Foundation following a $210 million exploit in July 2023. Sonic Labs, seeking to recover lost funds, will collaborate with KPMG Singapore as joint liquidators. The liquidation resulted from Multichain’s failure to address accountability, compounded by the arrest of CEO Zhaojun He prior to the exploit. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan stresses the importance of diversified crypto investment, comparing current opportunities to investing in the internet in 2004.

While Bitcoin remains the most prominent and liquid asset, akin to “digital gold, ” the rise of Ethereum and upgrades like Pectra illustrate benefits from broadening crypto portfolios. Hougan argues that early internet investors profited by diversifying beyond Google into other key tech leaders; similarly, modern investors may gain from spreading investments across varied blockchain technologies and applications. Bo Hines, White House official and executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, stated that despite delays, President Donald Trump is expected to sign legislation on stablecoins and market structure before Congress’ August recess. Speaking at Consensus 2025, Hines conveyed optimism about ongoing negotiations and emphasized establishing the US as a leader in digital asset financial technology. He also addressed potential conflicts of interest linked to Trump’s family’s crypto involvement, affirming none exist as their activities are private businesses. DeFi Development, formerly Janover, acquired 172, 670 SOL valued at about $23. 6 million, raising its total Solana holdings to over $100 million. This acquisition supports a strategic shift toward a Solana-focused treasury, following its purchase of a Solana validator business. Funded by a recent $24 million private placement, the company’s current Solana balance is 595, 988 SOL, worth approximately $102. 7 million. Thailand’s Finance Ministry, led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, plans to issue $150 million of digital investment tokens called G-Token within two months. Cabinet-approved, this initiative aims to offer returns exceeding bank deposits and raise budget funds without incurring debt. It aligns with rising global interest in government-backed cryptocurrencies and digital investment vehicles. Cantor Equity Partners revealed a $458. 7 million Bitcoin acquisition tied to its upcoming merger with Twenty One Capital, a crypto investment firm backed by Tether, Bitfinex, and SoftBank. The deal involves Tether Investments, Tether’s El Salvador affiliate, and iFinex (Bitfinex’s parent) purchasing and escrow-holding 4, 812 BTC, later to transfer to the merged entity. Blockchain data confirmed receipt of these BTC from a Bitfinex hot wallet. The new SPAC-led company, headed by Strike CEO Jack Mallers, plans to control over 42, 000 BTC. Bitcoin surged to roughly $104, 500, propelled by positive inflation data, supportive comments from President Trump, and Coinbase’s recent inclusion in the S&P 500. Though it pulled back before reaching $105, 000, most altcoins gained significantly. Analysts anticipate the rally continuing, fueled by rebounding global risk appetite and greater mainstream crypto adoption. Key factors include easing consumer inflation and upcoming remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which may impact future policy. GD Culture Group, via subsidiary AI Catalysis, secured up to $300 million in funding through a Common Stock Purchase Agreement to support its crypto treasury strategy. The plan involves acquiring and holding Bitcoin and Trump Coin to strengthen its balance sheet and align with decentralized finance trends. This initiative reflects confidence in crypto’s role in advancing decentralization and enhancing long-term shareholder value.