Summary
gm, PayPal expanded its cryptocurrency services through the launch of PayPal Links, enabling users to send Bitcoin, Ethereum, and PYUSD stablecoin directly through messaging channels with simplified tax reporting. Coinbase's Layer 2 network, Base, announced it is exploring a native token launch and unveiled an open-source bridge to Solana to enhance cross-chain interoperability. Additionally, a new "Fellowship PAC" launched with over $100 million to support pro-crypto political candidates, while institutional activity remained robust with Strategy adding to its Bitcoin holdings, now totaling 638,985 BTC valued at approximately $73 billion, and American Express introducing NFT passport stamps for travelers on the Base blockchain.

News Headlines
🤝 Symbiotic teams with Chainlink, Lombard for cross-chain Bitcoin security

  • Symbiotic has partnered with Chainlink and Lombard Finance to create a new security layer for cross-chain transfers of Lombard Staked Bitcoin (LBTC), integrating Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol with Symbiotic's restaking framework.
  • The partnership introduced two staking vaults—$100 million in LINK and $20 million in BARD—allowing users to earn yields up to 15% APY while strengthening cross-chain integrity through additional verification.

💹 First XRP and Dogecoin ETFs Set for US Unveiling This Week

  • XRP and Dogecoin exchange traded funds are launching this week from Rex Shares and Osprey Funds, allowing traditional U.S. investors direct exposure to these cryptocurrencies through regulated vehicles.
  • These ETFs differ from existing spot Bitcoin and Ethereum products as they invest through Cayman Islands-registered subsidiaries rather than holding assets directly. Rex-Osprey also plans ETFs for Solana and other tokens.

💡 Ethereum Treasuries Have Highest Probability of Being Sustainable

  • Standard Chartered's Geoff Kendrick predicts Ethereum treasury companies are more likely to succeed than Bitcoin counterparts due to potential staking yields that could enhance their market-to-net asset value (mNAV).
  • Digital asset treasury companies (DATs) own significant proportions of cryptocurrencies, with 4% of Bitcoin and 3.1% of Ethereum being held by these firms. Staking yields could boost Ethereum DATs' sustainability.

🏦 SEC, Gemini Trust Reach Agreement Over Lending Dispute

  • The SEC and Gemini Trust Company have reached a "resolution in principle" regarding a securities case related to Gemini's Earn product, nearly three years after the SEC's initial complaint.
  • The case stemmed from allegations that Gemini and Genesis Global Capital offered unregistered securities to US retail investors between February 2021 and November 2022, raising billions in crypto assets without proper registration.

🏦 Santander's Openbank Launches Crypto Trading in Germany Under MiCA

  • Openbank, Grupo Santander's digital banking arm, has launched cryptocurrency trading for customers in Germany, allowing direct trading of Bitcoin, Ether, and other tokens within bank accounts.
  • The service is backed by the EU's MiCA regulation and will expand to Spain in the coming weeks, with plans to add more tokens and enable crypto-to-crypto conversions.

Market Metrics

Fundraising & VC
1. Senpi (Seed, $4M) - On-chain AI assistant and wallet
2. Epoch Protocol (Pre-seed, $1.2M) - Universal coordination and intent-solving layer for Web3
3. Beezie (Strategic, Undisclosed) - Social marketplace for collectors and resellers
4. Meso (M&A, Undisclosed) - Payment infrastructure for crypto

Regulatory
🏛️ US House Considers Adding CBDC Ban to Crypto Market Structure Bill

  • US lawmakers are exploring adding the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act to the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, effectively prohibiting the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency.
  • While this could accelerate the CBDC ban through the House, Senate Republicans are working on a different bill, creating uncertainty about final legislation.

⚖️ UK Seeks Closer Crypto Cooperation with US

  • The UK government is reportedly set to enhance cooperation with US regulators on cryptocurrency oversight, focusing on market conduct, anti-money laundering, and stablecoin regulation.
  • This initiative aims to address growing complexities in digital asset markets and could help mitigate regulatory arbitrage as jurisdictions finalize their regulations.

🔄 Binance in Talks with DOJ to End Compliance Monitor Requirements

  • Binance is negotiating with the US Department of Justice to potentially lift a compliance monitor condition from its record $4.3 billion settlement reached in 2023.
  • The negotiations coincide with the DOJ reassessing corporate monitorships, which have been criticized for their cost and operational disruption to businesses.

🧠 Google Introduces AI Payments Protocol with Stablecoin Support

  • Google has launched an open-source payments protocol enabling AI applications to transfer money between themselves, with support for stablecoins.
  • Developed with Coinbase and Salesforce, the framework aims to integrate existing payment systems with new technologies, highlighting Google's increasing engagement with digital currencies.

🌐 UN Agency to Launch Government Blockchain Academy in 2026

  • The United Nations Development Programme is launching a "Government Blockchain Academy" to educate public sector officials about blockchain and AI technologies to drive economic growth.
  • The academy will focus on developing countries like India, Pakistan, and Vietnam and offer training on digital credentials, financial services, and blockchain for public procurement.

Technical Analysis
Bitcoin - Bitcoin is in a rising trend channel in the short term. Rising trends indicate that the currency experiences positive development and that buy interest among investors is increasing. The currency has broken up through resistance at points 115700. This predicts a further rise. In case of negative reactions, there will now be support at points 115700. The short term momentum of the currency is strongly positive, with RSI above 70. This indicates increasing optimism among investors and further price increase for Bitcoin. However, particularly for big stocks, high RSI may be a sign that the stock is overbought and that there is a chance of a reaction downwards. The currency is overall assessed as technically positive for the short term.

Ethereum - Ethereum has broken the floor of the rising trend channel in the short term, which indicates a weaker initial rising rate. The currency is between support at points 4300 and resistance at points 4800. A definitive break through of one of these levels predicts the new direction. Volume tops and volume bottoms correspond well with tops and bottoms in the price. This weakens the trend break. The currency is overall assessed as technically positive for the short term.