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NewsBriefs - Standard Chartered sees growing sovereign Bitcoin exposure via MSTR, backing $500,000 target

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    Standard Chartered sees growing sovereign Bitcoin exposure via MSTR, backing $500,000 target

    Sovereign entities have increased their indirect exposure to bitcoin by purchasing shares in Strategy (MSTR), according to Standard Chartered Bank. This trend underpins the bank's projection of a $500,000 bitcoin price before President Donald Trump's term ends in 2029. The observations were based on recent 13F filings, highlighting a shift from direct bitcoin ETF investments towards significant holdings in MSTR, viewed as an indirect bitcoin proxy. Standard Chartered anticipates this move will broaden institutional attraction to bitcoin, stabilizing its market and pushing prices towards their target.

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      Telegram founder Pavel Durov allowed France exit under strict conditions

      French authorities have permitted Telegram CEO Pavel Durov a second exit from France since his detention in August 2024. Durov, under investigation for alleged illicit activities related to Telegram's services, can visit Dubai, where his company is based, for a maximum of 14 days. This travel is primarily for managing personal affairs, including spending time with his newborn and his injured teenage son.

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    • Cointelegraph

      Bitget secures regulatory license in Georgia to expand Eastern European operations

      Bitget has obtained a license in Georgia to operate as a digital asset exchange and custodial wallet provider, expanding its presence in Eastern Europe. This move aligns with the region's precise crypto regulatory environment and support policies. Bitget, already holding licenses in the UK, Italy, Poland, Bulgaria, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic, can now offer Georgians access to spot trading, futures, and copy trading within a locally regulated framework. Additionally, enhanced security measures, including proof of reserves and a protection fund, are now available to Georgian users.

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      President Trump pushes for House approval of GENIUS Act to lead US in stablecoins

      US President Donald Trump has urged the House of Representatives to swiftly pass the GENIUS Act, emphasizing that the legislation will establish the US as the leader in digital assets, particularly stablecoins. The GENIUS Act focuses on creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for dollar-pegged stablecoins and has passed the Senate with bipartisan support, now awaiting a House decision. Trump highlighted the potential for massive investments and innovations that would come with the bill's enactment.

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      Treasury Secretary Bessent backs Trump's stablecoin strategies to ensure US dollar dominance

      US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supports President Donald Trump's pro-innovation stance on crypto, particularly stablecoins, as a strategic move to affirm the supremacy of the US dollar globally. Bessent highlighted the potential of stablecoins to be major investors in US Treasuries, a factor that could enhance dollar dominance. The legislative push for stablecoin regulation follows with both the Senate and the House progressing bills, amidst predictions of substantial market growth with traditional financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America poised to enter the market.

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      Paxos launches Paxos Labs to facilitate institutional DeFi integration

      Paxos has introduced a new subsidiary, Paxos Labs, designed to enable institutions to integrate decentralized finance (DeFi) and onchain products into their applications effortlessly. Paxos Labs offers APIs for issuing branded stablecoins, deploying tokenized yield strategies, and managing digital assets. Focused on serving consumer fintech apps, exchanges, and blockchain networks, Paxos Labs aims to simplify the incorporation of DeFi elements into traditional platforms, enhancing user engagement and monetization.

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      K33 predicts new strategic opportunities with upcoming spot altcoin ETFs

      K33 highlights that pending approvals for new spot altcoin ETFs by a more supportive SEC could enable innovative long/short trading strategies. Multiple filings for Solana and other crypto ETFs suggest increased SEC involvement and a potential inclusion of staking in these products. Differences in market dynamics from previous Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF launches, known as the "Grayscale effect", may influence new ETF setups, specifically impacting how Solana and Litecoin are positioned in the market.

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      DTCC lists VanEck's proposed spot SOL ETF, signaling potential SEC approval

      DTCC has placed VanEck's proposed spot Solana ETF, labeled VSOL, on its list tracking 'active and pre-launch' funds, signaling a probable near-future approval by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Although currently non-redeemable, its inclusion on the list generally indicates readiness for SEC review. This action reflects DTCC's growing involvement in the crypto sector, amidst a broader context of the SEC considering similar crypto asset funds.

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    • Pump.fun

      X reinstates Pump.fun account, ElizaOS still blocked

      Pump.fun and related profiles, including those of its key executives, were reinstated on X after a recent suspension. The unblocking occurs just before Pump.fun plans a $1 billion token sale. Revenue-sharing mechanisms involving PUMP tokens and PumpSwap are also under consideration. However, ElizaOS accounts remain suspended.

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    • Alchemy Pay

      Alchemy Pay collaborates with Ripple to integrate RLUSD for simplified fiat on-ramp

      Alchemy Pay has partnered with Ripple to facilitate fiat on-ramp access through Ripple USD (RLUSD), enabling users in over 173 countries to purchase the USD-denominated stablecoin across its extensive fiat-crypto payment network. This integration supports various payment methods and strengthens the adoption of RLUSD, enhancing the bridge between traditional finance and crypto through a stable and regulated platform.

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    • Strategy

      Strategy buys 10,100 BTC for over $1B, achieves 19% YTD yield

      Strategy has acquired 10,100 bitcoins for approximately $1.05 billion, costing about $104,080 per token and achieving a Year-To-Date (YTD) yield of 19.1% as of June 15, 2025. The total holding stands at 592,100 bitcoins, purchased for around $41.84 billion at an average price of approximately $70,666 per bitcoin.

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      Vietnam legalizes crypto as property, introduces tax incentives

      Vietnam has passed the Digital Technology Industry Law, recognizing cryptocurrencies as property and creating a regulatory framework effective January 2026. This new legislation categorizes crypto into security, payment, utility, and mixed tokens, while offering tax exemptions and other incentives to bolster the digital economy and retain local talent. This move aligns Vietnam with other regions like the European Union and Dubai in establishing dedicated crypto regulations.

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      Metaplanet surpasses Coinbase in BTC holdings with new acquisition

      Metaplanet's stock rose by over 17% after the firm announced purchasing 1,112 additional Bitcoin, boosting its total holdings to 10,000 BTC and surpassing Coinbase's 9,267 BTC. The Japanese investment firm acquired this batch for $117.2 million and plans further crypto investments, having launched a $5.4 billion equity offering aimed at expanding its Bitcoin portfolio. Metaplanet's aggressive acquisition strategy includes a revised target of holding over 210,000 BTC by 2027.

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    • Europe 1

      TikTok trader with 40,000 followers kidnapped for crypto ransom in France

      A crypto trader with 40,000 TikTok followers was kidnapped in Juvisy-sur-Orge, France, by four individuals. The captors, who forced the trader into a stolen car, demanded a ransom of €50,000 in crypto. Upon finding his account balance insufficient, they released him. The trader received a six-day medical leave, and the case has been escalated to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division.

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    • New York Post

      Trump reports over $57M from World Liberty Financial crypto venture

      President Trump declared an income exceeding $57 million from World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture involving his family. This income, disclosed in his financial documentation released by the Office of Government Ethics, marks one of his most substantial earnings. World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance platform, was co-founded by his three sons and others, consolidating its status as a major income source.

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      Franklin Templeton, Galaxy Digital, VanEck, and Fidelity submit updated filings for Solana ETFs

      Franklin Templeton, Galaxy Digital, VanEck, and Fidelity have submitted updated S-1 filings for US Securities and Exchange Commission approval to list spot Solana ETFs. The updates come after the SEC, which has approved Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs, requested adjustments in filings related to in-kind redemptions and staking. The move suggests increased likelihood of approval for Solana ETFs, potentially within two to four months.

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