Cryptocurrencies

Banks invest billions as blockchain goes mainstream

Traditional banks have invested over $100 billion in blockchain projects from 2020 to 2024, showing that digital assets are going mainstream. A report by Ripple, CB Insights, and the UK Centre for Blockchain Technologies reviewed over 10,000 deals and surveyed 1,800 finance leaders globally.

Despite regulatory uncertainty and market volatility, banks are boosting custody, tokenisation, and payment infrastructure investments.

Payment infrastructure attracted the most funding, followed by crypto custody and on-chain foreign exchange. About 25% of investments target firms supporting settlement and asset issuance rails.

Over 90% of finance executives expect blockchain and digital assets to have a significant impact on finance by 2028.

Banks focus on digital asset custody, stablecoins, and tokenised real-world assets, while consumer-facing crypto services remain less critical.

The report highlights that investment aims to modernise finance systems rather than fuel speculation. Many banks plan digital asset initiatives within three years, from tokenised bonds to interoperable layers for CBDCs and stablecoins.

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Largest Bitcoin transactions in history spark quantum security talk

Eight long-dormant Bitcoin wallets from the early days of the network moved a combined 80,000 BTC in early July 2025. Each wallet sent roughly 10,000 BTC to new SegWit addresses, which offer enhanced security against future quantum computing threats.

These transfers mark the most significant single Bitcoin transactions ever recorded, attracting intense speculation across the crypto community.

Shortly after the transfer, around 28,600 BTC were sent to Galaxy Digital, with about 9,000 BTC sold, likely contributing to a 5% price drop from Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $123,000.

Experts believe the security upgrade was a precaution against quantum computing risks, threatening Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations in the coming decades. Developers are working on proposals to protect vulnerable wallets and strengthen network security.

Blockchain analysis shows all eight wallets belong to one entity, with some suspecting Roger Ver, aka ‘Bitcoin Jesus,’ because of his early role and recent legal troubles. Around that time, OP_RETURN messages appeared on the blockchain, possibly a spam campaign pressuring the wallet owner to prove control.

While no evidence of hacking has emerged, these events have heightened attention on dormant Bitcoin holdings and quantum security.

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Project Crypto to simplify crypto regulations in the US

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has introduced ‘Project Crypto,’ a Commission-wide effort to update securities regulations and establish America as the world’s leading crypto market.

The announcement was made by SEC Chair Paul Atkins at the America First Policy Institute in Washington D.C. on 31 July. Atkins highlighted the rapid evolution of financial markets and stressed the need for the US to take a proactive role in the crypto revolution.

Project Crypto builds on recommendations from the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, focusing on clear rules for crypto custody, trading, and distribution.

The initiative marks a significant change in SEC policy, moving away from the strict enforcement tactics of the previous administration under Gary Gensler. Recent months saw the SEC drop lawsuits and ease probes, signalling support for innovation and urging crypto firms back to the US.

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Telegram-powered TON on track for mass adoption

TON, the blockchain natively embedded in Telegram’s app, is emerging as the most practical path to mainstream crypto adoption. With over 900 million users on Telegram and more than 150 million TON accounts created, the platform is delivering Web3 features through a familiar, app-like experience.

Unlike Ethereum or Solana, which require external wallets and technical knowledge, TON integrates features like tipping, staking, and gaming directly into Telegram. Mini apps like Notcoin and Catizen let users access blockchain without dealing with wallets or gas fees.

TON currently processes around 2 million daily transactions and may reach over 10 million daily users by 2027. Growing user fatigue with complex blockchain makes TON’s simple, mobile-first design ready to lead the next adoption wave.

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Deutsche Bank backs new euro stablecoin launch

A new euro-denominated stablecoin, EURAU, has launched on the Ethereum blockchain, backed by Deutsche Bank’s DWS, Flow Traders, and Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy. The regulated token is issued by AllUnity and complies with Germany’s BaFin and the EU’s MiCA rules.

Bullish Europe, a BaFin-regulated crypto exchange based in Frankfurt, will be the first to list EURAU. The exchange has secured four BaFin licences and is preparing for expansion across the EU under MiCA’s framework.

Key partners supporting EURAU’s launch include crypto custodian BitGo, Metzler Bank, and Fireblocks.

Euro stablecoins currently make up just 0.2% of the $273 billion global stablecoin market but have seen strong growth, increasing by nearly 60% since December 2024. Despite growth, European regulators stay cautious because US dollar stablecoins like Tether’s USDt dominate.

European Central Bank adviser Jürgen Schaaf has emphasised the need for international regulatory coordination to balance stablecoin markets and reduce reliance on the dollar.

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Bitcoin set for strong August after historic monthly close

Bitcoin finished July with its highest monthly close in history, settling around $115,800 on Coinbase. The milestone came despite a late dip linked to global economic volatility, including recent US tariff increases.

Market analysts view the drop as a bullish retest, signalling continued strength in Bitcoin’s uptrend.

Historical trends highlight August as a mixed month for Bitcoin, usually yielding modest gains. However, post-halving Augusts stand apart, with significant price surges seen in 2013, 2017, and 2021.

Analysts like Alpha Finder and Crypto B point to these patterns as reasons to expect strong performance this August.

Technical indicators suggest Bitcoin’s price could soon accelerate sharply, with some analysts forecasting a target near $172,000 — a 50% rise from current levels. Traders should expect some volatility, but Bitcoin’s outlook remains positive for the coming months.

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From concept to cornerstone, Ethereum turns ten

Ethereum has officially turned ten, marking a decade since the launch of its mainnet, Frontier, on 30 July 2015. Conceived by Vitalik Buterin in 2013, the platform was designed to surpass Bitcoin’s limitations by enabling smart contracts and decentralised applications.

The project’s early years were defined by significant milestones. A 2014 ICO raised over $18 million, but controversy soon followed. In 2016, a high-profile hack of The DAO led to a hard fork, splitting Ethereum into two chains.

During the 2017 ICO boom, Ethereum became the backbone for thousands of token launches, though the market later crashed under regulatory pressure. ETH’s price plummeted from near $1,450 to under $100.

Ethereum’s evolution has continued at pace. In 2022, the network transitioned to proof-of-stake through The Merge, cutting energy use by over 99%. Recent years brought soaring adoption, with DeFi, NFTs, and institutions cementing Ethereum’s place in crypto infrastructure.

Today, ETH trades near $3,800, with analysts forecasting potential highs of $15,000 within the next five years.

To commemorate its anniversary, the Ethereum Foundation has hosted global events and launched an NFT torch passed between community wallets, highlighting the network’s commitment to decentralisation and innovation.

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White House report outlines bold crypto reform plans

The White House has unveiled a cryptocurrency roadmap to help reshape the US digital asset industry. The report, spanning 160 pages, sets the foundation for realising President Donald Trump’s ambition to make the US a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation.

Compiled by a high-level task force that includes the Treasury and Commerce secretaries and the Attorney General, the document proposes major reforms to existing frameworks. It calls for clearer SEC and CFTC rules, quicker access for innovations, and formal DeFi integration into mainstream finance.

Lawmakers are also urged to modernise anti-money laundering regulations for crypto networks.

Despite being hailed as a landmark move by the crypto community, the report drew criticism for omitting details on Trump’s proposed Bitcoin reserve. Observers view the report as a strong crypto endorsement but say its success hinges on bipartisan support and effective regulation.

Concerns over conflicts of interest have emerged, as Trump and his family are involved in crypto ventures including a memecoin, mining firm, and stablecoin. Ethics groups warn the policy may favour Trump-linked firms, though the White House claims his assets are held in a blind trust.

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XRP community eyes potential surge ahead

Armando Pantoja, from Benzinga’s Crypto Advisory Board, sparked excitement in the XRP community by hinting at a major upcoming move for the token. He suggested that investors holding 1,000 XRP or more are in a strong position to benefit from what lies ahead.

The announcement triggered renewed interest as XRP trades around $3.

Holding 1,000 XRP has become a significant benchmark in the community, with data showing that most wallets contain fewer tokens. With over 6.7 million XRP wallets worldwide, only around 15% hold more than 1,000 tokens.

Experts like Jake Claver of Digital Ascension Group highlight how different holdings can align with financial goals, ranging from modest sums to millions, depending on price movements.

Some community members recommend even larger holdings, reflecting confidence in XRP’s long-term potential. Despite the uncertainty, early accumulation, especially at or above 1,000 XRP, is widely seen as a potentially rewarding strategy should demand surge.

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Google Gemini aids crypto traders with research and strategy

Google Gemini Flash 2.5 is emerging as a helpful AI assistant for crypto traders seeking smarter, data-driven decisions. It simplifies complex project details, compares tokens, and analyses social media sentiment to provide deeper market insights.

While Gemini offers useful summaries and strategy suggestions, it does not predict prices or access live blockchain data, so traders must still verify its output with current sources.

The AI tool also helps in understanding technical analysis patterns. It assists in spotting correlations between assets like Bitcoin and traditional markets, and supports managing portfolio risks through diversification advice.

Gemini can review past trades to highlight lessons and improve timing, making it a valuable companion for both new and experienced traders.

Despite its capabilities, Gemini’s limitations mean it should be used alongside live charting, onchain analytics, and news platforms. Traders should combine AI insights with their own judgement and real-time data to navigate crypto’s fast-moving market.

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