The largest Bitcoin ETF in the world has just revamped its process for moving coins in and out of the fund. BlackRock’s IBIT, which has accrued more than $20 billion since launch, can now process creations and redemptions “in kind.” The SEC’s approval order quietly flipped the switch: IBIT’s authorized participants can now swap Bitcoin
An important step has been taken by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding cryptocurrency storage. The SEC has issued a no-action letter stating that investment advisors can use state-chartered trust companies as “qualified custodians” for crypto assets. Under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, investors’ assets must be held in qualified custodians, such
Bitcoin, a favorite among investors over the last five years, has outperformed gold ninefold and attracted attention with returns of up to 1,000 percent. However, 2025 has shifted the balance. While gold has risen 45 percent since January, Bitcoin has gained only 20 percent in the same period. Central banks and pension funds are turning
The bounce in crypto markets mostly stalled on Tuesday with the U.S. government on track to shut down at midnight Eastern time. BTC$114,195.26 — after earlier having slid about 2% from overnight highs near $115,000 – managed a late afternoon rally to $114,300, up marginally from 24 hours ago. ETH$4,155.46 traded just above $4,100, sliding
The ruble-pegged stablecoin A7A5 has been recognized as a digital asset under Russian law and will soon facilitate Russia’s cross-border settlements. The approval will allow Russian companies to use the cryptocurrency for payments in international trade deals, circumventing financial restrictions imposed by the West. Russia to employ ruble-backed stablecoin in settlements Russian firms doing business
Ethereum gaming metaverse The Sandbox will soon have its own creator-focused blockchain called SANDChain, an Ethereum layer-2 network built with the ZK Stack. SANDChain aims to become the home for creators on-chain, enabling them to own their content, generate money from their identities, and manage their communities without losing out to the platforms they create
Coinbase (COIN) said its bitcoin-backed loan program has surpassed $1 billion in originations since launching in January, underscoring growing demand for crypto as collateral. The exchange currently offers retail customers in the U.S. the ability to borrow cash against BTC$113,828.84 holdings through the on-chain Morpho platform. A spokesperson said the average loan size sits at
Two critical decisions recently made by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) have paved the way for a major expansion in exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These developments are paving the way for rapid diversification, particularly among cryptocurrency ETFs. The SEC has approved general listing standards for spot crypto ETFs. This step eliminates lengthy individual approval
Phantom has announced the launch of Phantom Cash, a new consumer payments offering that transforms its crypto wallet into a broader money app. The product allows users to fund balances instantly with a bank or card, buy and sell crypto without fees on stablecoins, pay with Visa through Apple Pay or Google Pay, and send