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El Salvador's Bitcoin reserves have exceeded $760 million, nearly tripling its initial investment as Bitcoin's price surpassed $122,000. This significant increase validates President Nayib Bukele's controversial strategy to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, a move that previously drew criticism from international bodies such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and U.S. senators. The nation's success with its Bitcoin holdings suggests a potential long-term strategy for other countries considering sovereign Bitcoin reserves, positioning El Salvador as a key example in this emerging trend.
Beyond El Salvador's accumulation, the article highlights SharpLink Gaming, a Nasdaq-listed company that has aggressively shifted its treasury strategy to Ethereum. SharpLink has acquired substantial amounts of Ethereum, making its reserves the second largest globally, surpassed only by the Ethereum Foundation itself. This strategic pivot, influenced by the appointment of Ethereum co-founder Joe Lubin as chairman, signifies a deep commitment to the Ethereum ecosystem and could serve as a blueprint for other mission-driven organizations. The company's stock has seen a rally following these acquisitions, although there have been some discussions regarding large over-the-counter sales. The broader cryptocurrency market has also seen growth, with the total market capitalization exceeding $4 trillion, largely fuelled by increasing institutional investment in both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Source
The controversial Bitcoin upgrade proposal, BIP-119 (OP_CHECKTEMPLATEVERIFY or CTV), put forth by Jeremy Rubin in 2019, is gathering momentum with a potential decision by the close of the year. If activated, BIP-119 is anticipated to substantially improve Bitcoin’s scalability, security, and overall usability. Key advantages include enhanced self-custody solutions through the implementation of covenants and vaults, alongside the facilitation of more secure and intelligent layer-2 applications such as the Lightning Network and Ark. A collective of 66 Bitcoin application and protocol developers have signed an open letter advocating for the adoption of BIP-119 and another proposal, CSFS (BIP-348), citing considerable benefits for end-users, including bolstered layer-1 security and amplified layer-2 scaling.
The article further explains the inherent difficulties and extensive time required for Bitcoin protocol upgrades, often referred to as soft forks. This challenge primarily arises from Bitcoin's decentralized governance framework, which operates without a central authority for decision ratification, thus necessitating years of consensus-building across a distributed network. Despite these hurdles, there is a measured optimism that community agreement for BIP-119 could be achieved by the end of 2025, potentially marking a pivotal period for Bitcoin's ongoing development. Source
Decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs) are emerging as a critical component of national digital infrastructure, with Vietnam serving as a prime example of their adoption. This sector, currently valued at $50 billion, is projected to expand into trillions within three years, despite existing inefficiencies like the blockchain trilemma causing slow performance and high costs, along with fragmentation due to a lack of standardized protocols. Vietnam's recently enacted Law on Digital Technology Industry, effective in 2026, signals a national commitment to leverage DePIN technology for real-world applications, aiming to establish Vietnam as a digital hub by bridging Web2 and Web3 industries through blockchain-based infrastructure. Achieving this vision necessitates a scalable, secure, and user-friendly DePIN provider.
U2U Network is highlighted as a solution, offering a DePIN blockchain equipped with products such as U2DPN, DePIN Client Hub, and GroFi DEX. Traditional Vietnamese enterprises, including SSI Digital—the technology arm of the nation's largest financial institution—have already embraced U2U. SSI Digital also spearheaded U2U Network's Series A funding round, demonstrating a shared objective to accelerate decentralized solutions across public services, finance, education, and logistics. U2U Network functions as a layer-1 blockchain utilizing a DAG structure and EVM compatibility, enabling rapid transaction speeds and significant scalability. Its DePIN Client Hub enhances user experience, and the network currently hosts over 40 active DePIN projects and 200,000 active wallets, with U2DPN boasting 89,000 contributor nodes and 84 million sessions. Collaborations with entities like Staex, Nubila, and Crossmint are further embedding DePIN into practical, real-world applications, underscoring the future of DePIN in empowering individuals to own and operate infrastructure, with Vietnam and U2U Network pioneering the development of a decentralized economy. Source
Jakob Kronbichler, co-founder and CEO of Clearpool and Ozean, examines the current landscape and future prospects of real-world assets (RWAs) on the blockchain. It posits that a significant portion of current RWA implementations are underutilized because they are conceived as mere digital replicas rather than as composable components ready for integration into decentralized finance (DeFi). Stablecoins are presented as a successful model of tokenization, having evolved into essential financial infrastructure rather than simply digitized fiat currency. While RWA dashboards indicate growth in total value locked, much of this capital remains isolated, exhibiting minimal integration with DeFi ecosystems, effectively serving as "parked capital" rather than contributing to liquidity. A critical impediment to RWA expansion is identified as legal classification, which restricts the on-chain movement and utility of these assets. The piece suggests that emerging RWA designs are increasingly incorporating compliance awareness and DeFi compatibility, which will be crucial for broader adoption.
The article further contends that RWA liquidity has been hindered by a lack of interoperability and the siloed nature of regulated assets within the DeFi space. It argues that institutions require a "step-change" in efficiency, cost, or compliance to incentivize their migration to blockchain-based systems. To facilitate this, the author advocates for RWA infrastructure specifically designed for institutional workflows, incorporating integrated compliance features and seamless connectivity to liquidity and custody solutions. The article concludes by stressing the imperative for every institution to develop a comprehensive tokenization strategy. It highlights the importance of adopting a platform-centric approach to effectively participate in, and potentially control, the burgeoning tokenized economy. Source
Stablecoin issuer Tether is discontinuing support for USDT on five "legacy" blockchains: Bitcoin Cash, Algorand, EOS (now Vaulta), Kusama, and Omni Layer Protocol. This decision aligns with previous actions to cease minting new stablecoins on these networks. As of September 1, 2025, Tether will halt redemptions and freeze any remaining assets on these blockchains. This strategic move is part of Tether's broader effort to streamline its infrastructure, adapt to current community usage patterns, and reallocate resources towards actively developed and high-utility blockchains. Although these networks were instrumental in Tether's early expansion, their contribution to USDT's overall trading volume has substantially decreased.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino articulated that phasing out support for these older chains enables the company to concentrate on platforms that offer superior scalability, increased developer activity, and greater community engagement, all of which are vital for the future adoption and utility of stablecoins. Holders of USDT on the affected blockchains are advised to either redeem their tokens or request an issuance on a currently supported blockchain. Moving forward, Tether intends to prioritize support for layer-2 networks and expanding blockchain ecosystems. USDT maintains its position as the largest stablecoin in the cryptocurrency market, boasting a market capitalization of nearly $160 billion. Source
Markethive operates as a decentralized platform that seamlessly integrates cryptocurrency and social networking, empowering entrepreneurs through a comprehensive ecosystem with various tokens and payment methods. The Markethive Credit (MHC) functions as the native stablecoin, pegged to $1, and is utilized for purchasing platform products and services, as well as for staking to earn daily Markethive Tokens (MHV). The Hivecoin (HVC), Markethive's primary cryptocurrency, is traded on exchanges and serves as a utility token for payment processing, smart contract execution, and commerce token integration, with its value underpinned by practical applications and adoption. Users can accrue HVC through content creation, social interactions, and referrals, and benefit from a 20% discount on Markethive services when paying with HVC.
Beyond its native tokens, Markethive incorporates traditional and alternative payment systems to enhance accessibility. Bitcoin can be used to purchase Markethive Credits via a "Vault Funding Threshold" feature that automatically converts Bitcoin to MHC upon reaching a specified amount. Conventional credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex) are consistently accepted for purchasing Markethive Credits and subscriptions, ensuring familiar and reliable payment options. Furthermore, integrations with alternative payment systems like Google Pay and Yandex Pay address geographical and financial access barriers for its diverse global user base, simplifying cryptocurrency acquisition for newcomers. The ecosystem also employs mechanisms such as faucets, allowing users to earn small quantities of Hivecoin as rewards for platform activities, and a tipping system where members can reward valuable content creation and social engagement with Hivecoin, fostering a self-sustaining economy and community-driven development beyond just social media. Source
Tether plans to cease USDt redemptions on five older blockchains—Omni Layer, Bitcoin Cash SLP, Kusama, EOS (now Vaulta), and Algorand—effective September 1, 2025. This strategic decision, according to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, aims to reallocate resources towards platforms that exhibit superior scalability, increased developer activity, and stronger community involvement. This move follows a phased approach, with Tether having already stopped issuing new USDt on some of these chains in August 2023 and halting minting on others by June 2024.
The affected blockchains currently hold varying amounts of USDt, with the Omni Layer notably having the largest circulation among them. Despite the impending discontinuation, the Algorand Foundation has indicated that its users should not experience any disruptions, as Tether provided a year-long window for redemptions, and Algorand's stablecoin volumes have shown continued growth. One of the primary reasons cited for discontinuing support on these networks, particularly for the Omni Layer, was a decline in USDt usage on those specific blockchains. Source
New Zealand is implementing a new $3,000 cap on international money transfers as part of a broader strategy to combat money laundering and other serious financial crimes. The government's objective is to bolster its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CFT) framework, thereby preventing criminal exploitation of the financial system and offering clearer guidelines for businesses. Key legislative actions include the introduction of a bill to strengthen enforcement capabilities for police and regulatory bodies, the establishment of a new supervisory system for financial sanctions, and discussions around a sustainable levy to finance enhancements to the AML/CFT system.
The $3,000 USD (5,000 NZD) limit on international money transfers is designed to impede criminal organizations from moving illicit funds out of the country. Furthermore, the plan includes measures to make it harder for criminals to convert cash into high-risk assets like cryptocurrencies, specifically through a ban on crypto ATMs. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) will also gain authority to request pertinent information from banks and businesses under the AML/CFT Act concerning individuals of interest. These reforms aim to establish a more adaptable AML/CFT system that effectively targets money laundering while ensuring New Zealand businesses can operate efficiently. Source
The recent surge in Bitcoin's price, which saw it exceed $117,500 after a 6% increase on Thursday, is largely attributed to the liquidation of over $1 billion in short positions within the derivatives market. This short-covering rally, rather than robust underlying spot market demand, has led analysts to describe Bitcoin's current state as "fragile." The significant forced liquidation of short positions, totaling $963 million, resulted in a notable decrease in open interest, which measures the number of outstanding derivatives contracts. This dynamic suggests that the price appreciation was primarily driven by activity in perpetual futures rather than a fresh influx of spot demand.
Further indicators from the derivatives market support this cautious outlook. The aggregated spot order book remained "ask-heavy," reinforcing the idea that the rally was not propelled by new buyers in the spot market. Additionally, funding rates on major centralized exchanges remained low, indicating a mild bullish sentiment without signs of market "overheating" and suggesting that momentum might wane without new capital inflows. While some analysts, like Wenny Cai of SynFutures, advise caution, others, such as Georgii Verbitskii of TYMIO, maintain a more optimistic view, anticipating the uptrend to persist into the summer and early fall due to strong positioning in higher strike calls in the options market. External factors like a weakening U.S. economy and a depreciating dollar are also noted as historically conducive to increased risk appetite and stronger Bitcoin performance. Cooper Research, for instance, projects Bitcoin could reach $140,000 in September and $150,000 by early October, fueled by substantial inflows into Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Source
Coinbase has integrated with Copper's ClearLoop network to provide institutional clients with off-exchange settlement capabilities, addressing the significant demand for more efficient and secure infrastructure in crypto trading. This collaboration enables institutions to manage their collateral and settle trades almost instantly without the need to transfer funds directly onto an exchange. The primary goal of this integration is to mitigate counterparty risk and enhance capital efficiency for large-scale crypto transactions. Ethena has been identified as a day-one launch partner for this new service, which is regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority and currently supports USDC, with future plans to expand to include additional collateral assets.
ClearLoop, a technology developed by Copper, utilizes multiparty computation (MPC) to facilitate virtual balance trading on centralized exchanges, while the actual settlement of funds occurs securely on Copper's own infrastructure. Coinbase International Exchange, established in 2023, is a prominent entity in the global crypto derivatives market and is now part of ClearLoop's expanding network, which already includes several other major exchanges. This move comes at a time of increasing institutional interest in the cryptocurrency space, evidenced by surveys indicating intentions for greater crypto allocations in 2025 and a notable rise in stablecoin usage among institutions. Source
Crypto security researchers successfully neutralized a widespread threat that could have led to over $10 million in stolen crypto across thousands of smart contracts. The pseudonymous Venn Network researcher Deeberiroz revealed in an X post that a backdoor exploit, silently active for months, targeted uninitialized ERC-1967 proxy contracts. This allowed attackers to hijack contracts before proper setup, with malicious implementations injected as attackers front-ran contract deployments. The exploit granted the attacker an undetected, unremovable backdoor, making malicious activity nearly invisible once a contract was initialized. Venn Network discovered this vulnerability on a Tuesday, initiating a 36-hour rescue operation with the collaboration of other security researchers like Pcaversaccio, Dedaub, and Seal 911, to evaluate affected contracts and secure vulnerable funds, ultimately outmaneuvering the attackers by keeping the operation discreet.
The operation successfully secured at-risk crypto for several decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols before attackers could siphon assets, with tens of millions of dollars potentially at risk, according to Or Dadosh, co-founder and president of Venn Network. Affected protocols included Berachain, which promptly paused its incentive claim contract and transferred funds to a new one, confirming no user funds were lost. David Benchimol, another Venn Network security researcher, suspects the North Korean Lazarus Group due to the attack's sophistication and deployment across every EVM chain, noting the attacker seemed to be awaiting a larger target. However, this suspicion remains unconfirmed. Source
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
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