A First Look At Form W-9, Updated To Include Info For Reporting Digital Assetshttps://t.co/QyBGEjxDea https://t.co/dcKUoVz8Wd ...

Crypto Market Legitimacy & Adoption - The crypto market is becoming increasingly legitimate, with 2025 seen as a pivotal year for mainstream recognition [1][2][3] - Stablecoin adoption is surging, exceeding $300 billion in market cap and representing over 1% of the M1 supply [4][5] - Stablecoin holders are approaching 200 million, indicating rapid adoption, with nearly 100 million new holders added in roughly 9 months of 2024 [7][8] - Major companies like Google are supporting stablecoins, integrating them into AI applications, signaling the convergence of TradFi/Web2 and Web3/DeFi [10][11] Ripple & Cross-Border Payments - Ripple is expanding its stablecoin offerings and network, attracting institutional interest and demand [19] - Thunes, a global payment platform, has partnered with Ripple and expanded into Saudi Arabia to roll out real-time cross-border payments [12][13] - Thunes' network includes 133 countries, 80 currencies, 4 billion bank accounts, 3 billion mobile wallet accounts, and 1.1 billion cards [15] - Swift confirms it will not generate digital assets, positioning its network to support assets like XRP instead of competing [30] Stablecoin Transaction Volume & Future Trends - Stablecoins are experiencing significant monthly transfer volumes, averaging $2 to $3 trillion, with peaks reaching nearly $4 trillion in December [17] - Ripple's XRP could potentially process 14% of Swift's global volume, estimated at $150 trillion annually, translating to $21 trillion yearly volume flowing through the XRP ledger [26][27][28] - ISO 20022 is identified as a key enabler for bridging traditional and decentralized finance, improving data and mandating the adoption of new technologies for efficient cross-border payments [35][36][37][38] - A Standard Chartered executive stated that ISO 20022 can be used to bridge between traditional and decentralized finance [37]

Franklin Templeton Head of Digital Assets says Bitcoin and crypto are growing faster than the internet 🔥 https://t.co/biFF7ea4k4 ...

Core Viewpoint - Thumzup Media Corporation is significantly increasing its involvement in cryptocurrencies, particularly Dogecoin, through investments and mining operations, despite a recent decline in its stock price [1][3]. Group 1: Investment in Dogecoin - Thumzup disclosed a $2 million investment in Dogecoin, acquiring approximately 7.5 million tokens at an average price of $0.2665 [1]. - The company's stock fell 7.7% to $4.61 following the announcement but recovered 4.5% in after-hours trading [3]. Group 2: Expansion into Dogecoin Mining - Thumzup is preparing to expand into large-scale Dogecoin mining with the acquisition of Dogehash Technologies, which operates around 2,500 Scrypt ASIC miners [2][4]. - The company plans to deploy 3,500 mining rigs by the end of the year and expects to add another 1,000 rigs by 2025 [3][4]. Group 3: Leadership and Strategic Appointments - Thumzup appointed Jordan Jefferson, CEO of DogeOS, to its Crypto Advisory Board, indicating a commitment to enhancing its digital asset strategy [5][6]. - Jefferson's experience in blockchain development since 2011 is expected to bolster Thumzup's efforts in increasing the utility of Dogecoin [5][6]. Group 4: Company Transformation - Thumzup has transitioned from a social media marketing firm to a crypto-focused company since its founding in 2020 [6]. - The company launched a crypto treasury in January with a $1 million investment in Bitcoin and has since diversified its holdings [7].

In today's article, we will analyze the Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund ( OTC:BITW ) trust, belonging to the digital asset firm Bitwise. Although many call it an “ETF,” the BITW is not technically an ETF to this day. ItAnalyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other tha ...

Core Viewpoint - Waton Financial Limited is expanding into the cryptocurrency sector by forming a Crypto Advisory Board to guide its strategic initiatives and enhance its position in the digital asset ecosystem [1][2]. Group 1: Advisory Board Formation - The newly established Crypto Advisory Board will oversee all cryptocurrency initiatives, including the development of a crypto reserve and institutional-grade solutions for clients [2]. - The Advisory Board aims to maintain high standards of innovation, transparency, and compliance in digital asset operations, with plans to add more industry experts as the company's crypto strategy evolves [2][3]. Group 2: Leadership Appointment - Arben Kane has been appointed as the first member of the Advisory Board, bringing expertise from his previous roles in blockchain infrastructure and Web3 investment strategies [3]. - His experience in cryptocurrency treasury management and decentralized finance is expected to help the company unlock new revenue streams and enhance its competitive advantage in digital asset markets [3][4]. Group 3: Strategic Goals - The company aims to develop proprietary AI agent technology and establish a robust digital infrastructure to create a unique competitive advantage in the digital asset space [4]. - With the enhanced regulatory capabilities following the approval of its Type 1 license upgrade, the company is positioned to participate in virtual asset trading platforms and crypto-related offerings in Hong Kong [2][4].

Company Overview - SharpLink Gaming, Inc. is one of the world's largest corporate holders of Ether (ETH) and a significant advocate for Ethereum adoption [1][2] - The company is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has adopted ETH as its primary treasury reserve asset, aligning itself with the future of digital capital [2] Recent Developments - SharpLink has launched a dynamic ETH dashboard to enhance transparency and investor engagement, providing market data, ETH concentration, and other relevant metrics related to its ETH treasury [3] - The company is actively participating in various digital assets conferences, including DATCON 2025 and Korea Blockchain Week 2025, to engage with investors and industry stakeholders [1][6] Industry Position - SharpLink is reimagining the future of online gaming by building scalable, secure, and transparent solutions that challenge outdated models and enhance user experience [4]

Core Insights - The US SEC has approved new listing rules for major exchanges, facilitating the launch of crypto spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) [1][4] - The new framework allows asset managers and exchanges to meet specific criteria without lengthy case-by-case reviews, significantly speeding up the process from filing to launch [2][5] - Analysts predict a surge in new crypto products, particularly those tracking Solana and XRP, which have been pending for over a year [3][6] Group 1 - The SEC's approval reflects a commitment to reduce barriers and foster innovation while maintaining investor protections, indicating a shift in US policy towards digital assets [4][8] - The streamlined rules could apply to any cryptocurrency with at least six months of futures trading on the Coinbase Derivatives Exchange, potentially qualifying over a dozen tokens for listing [6] - The SEC has also approved the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund, which tracks the CoinDesk 5 Index, expanding the range of crypto-linked derivatives available in regulated US markets [7]

Core Viewpoint - The SEC's approval of new rule changes for cryptocurrency and spot commodity ETFs marks a significant shift in regulatory approach, facilitating the launch of new products in the digital asset space [1][4]. Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The SEC voted to approve proposed rule changes by three national securities exchanges, allowing them to adopt generic listing standards for new cryptocurrency and other spot commodity exchange-traded products [1]. - The new listing standards will enable asset managers and exchanges like NYSE, Nasdaq, and Cboe Global Markets to have a streamlined approval process for new spot crypto ETFs, reducing the time from filing to launch from 240 days to a maximum of 75 days [2][3]. - This decision removes the last hurdle for numerous new spot ETFs linked to various cryptocurrencies, including solana and dogecoin [2]. Group 2: Market Impact - The first ETFs expected to launch under the new rules are those tracking solana and XRP, with asset managers having filed these with the SEC over a year ago [5]. - The approval is seen as a watershed moment, overturning over a decade of precedent since the first bitcoin ETF filing in 2013, and is intended to foster innovation in digital asset products [4]. - The Trump administration's favorable stance towards the crypto community contrasts with the slower approach taken under the Biden administration regarding spot crypto ETFs [6]. Group 3: Industry Perspectives - Industry leaders, such as Teddy Fusaro from Bitwise Asset Management, view this approval as a significant regulatory shift that could enhance the mainstream acceptance of digital assets [4]. - Steve McClurg, CEO of Canary Capital, emphasized that while the gates are now open for new products, there remains substantial work to be done in terms of marketing, legal filings, and coordination with service providers [7].

Core Points - The U.S. SEC has approved rules for exchanges to list exchange-traded products (ETPs) holding spot commodities, including cryptocurrencies, without requiring individual review for each listing [1][2] - This decision streamlines the listing process, allowing ETF issuers to propose products directly to exchanges, which can proceed with listing if the proposed strategy meets generic listing standards [2][3] - SEC Chairman Paul Atkins emphasized that the new rules aim to reduce barriers for accessing digital asset products in regulated U.S. markets [2][3] Industry Impact - The approval of generic listing standards is expected to facilitate a wave of spot-based altcoin ETFs entering the market, which have been awaiting regulatory approval [5] - Analysts and industry leaders express optimism about the SEC's decision, viewing it as a significant step towards enhancing access to digital assets for U.S. investors [5] - The SEC's actions, including the approval of the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund and options tied to the Cboe Bitcoin U.S. ETF Index, broaden the range of crypto-linked derivatives available in regulated markets [3][4]