Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas estimate a 90% probability that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve a spot Litecoin (LTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) by the end of 2025. They believe Litecoin’s approval process may be more straightforward compared to other cryptocurrencies due to its established regulatory filings and the SEC’s likely classification of it as a commodity.
In contrast, Seyffart and Balchunas assign lower approval probabilities for spot ETFs of other cryptocurrencies: 65% for XRP, 70% for Solana (SOL), and 75% for Dogecoin (DOGE). The analysts note that the SEC’s acknowledgment of Grayscale’s 19b-4 filing to list a spot Litecoin ETF indicates that Litecoin is next in line for approval, following Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The anticipated approval of a Litecoin ETF is part of a broader trend, following the strong demand for spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, which have seen significant net inflows since their launches in January and July 2024, respectively. While a Litecoin ETF may not attract the same level of demand, Seyffart suggests that even with modest inflows, such ETFs can be worthwhile for fund companies. He states, “They don’t have to hit it out of the park on a flows basis to be worthwhile from an issuer perspective.”
The final SEC decision deadlines for the proposed Litecoin, Solana, XRP, and Dogecoin ETFs are scheduled between October 2 and October 18, 2025. Seyffart indicates that a Litecoin ETF could potentially launch before these dates.
The analysts also highlight that prior to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the approval odds for these crypto ETFs, except for Litecoin, were below 5%. The election outcome appears to have positively influenced the perceived likelihood of their approval.
However, regulatory uncertainties persist for other cryptocurrencies. For instance, the SEC’s ongoing lawsuit against Ripple raises questions about XRP’s status, which may need resolution before an XRP ETF can be approved. Similarly, Solana’s classification must be clarified before the SEC can evaluate it under a commodities ETF framework.
Analysts are optimistic about the approval of a spot Litecoin ETF in 2025, viewing it as a significant development in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment products.
On February 10, a solo Bitcoin miner achieved a remarkable feat by successfully mining block 883,181, earning a reward of approximately 3.15 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at over $300,000. This block contained 3,071 transactions and was mined by an individual identified as “unknown.”
Bitcoin miner Marshall Long noted that the miner utilized an implementation of the CKPOOL but appeared not to be directly associated with it. He speculated that the miner might have employed a Bitaxe device, which can be used for solo mining or in mining pools where computational power is combined to enhance the likelihood of solving a block.
The current Bitcoin network hashrate stands at approximately 788.86 million terahashes per second (TH/s), reflecting a slight decrease from the previous day’s 795.29 million TH/s but marking a significant 53% increase compared to the same period last year. A higher hashrate necessitates greater computing power, leading to increased energy costs and longer verification times, which pose challenges for solo miners attempting to validate blocks independently.
Solo miners solving blocks is a rare occurrence due to the substantial hashrate requirements. Typically, large mining firms such as Bit Digital, Riot Blockchain, and Marathon Digital dominate block validation, given their extensive hash power.
As of now, over 19 million of the 21 million total Bitcoin supply have been awarded to miners through block rewards. This event coincides with a recovery in the cryptocurrency markets, following a temporary decline after U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on aluminum and steel, escalating trade tensions. Bitcoin’s price has rebounded, currently trading above $98,000, though it remains below its all-time high of over $109,000 reached on January 20.
This instance underscores the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin mining, where even individual miners with limited resources can occasionally achieve significant rewards.
Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman of MicroStrategy, has resurfaced on social media after a week-long break, sharing a Bitcoin price chart in his first post since his absence.
On Feb. 10, Saylor posted a Bitcoin chart on X (formerly Twitter) without any accompanying text, marking his return after an unusual period of inactivity. Prior to this, his last post was on Feb. 3, when he reaffirmed MicroStrategy’s long-term Bitcoin investment strategy, stating, “We are not sellers.”
Saylor’s social media presence is typically consistent, making his week-long absence stand out. His return to X has sparked speculation among Bitcoin supporters, with some interpreting his silence and subsequent post as a reflection of market developments.
MicroStrategy’s Growing Bitcoin Holdings
Saylor has been one of Bitcoin’s most vocal advocates, with MicroStrategy continually increasing its Bitcoin holdings. As of its most recent purchase, the company owns over 190,000 BTC, cementing its position as the largest publicly traded corporate holder of the asset.
Bitcoin’s price has seen significant fluctuations in recent weeks, briefly surpassing $48,000 before experiencing a pullback. Despite the volatility, institutional interest in Bitcoin remains strong, fueled in part by the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S.
While Saylor did not provide any direct commentary on Bitcoin’s price action in his latest post, his chart post aligns with ongoing discussions about Bitcoin’s trajectory. The cryptocurrency recently approached key resistance levels, with analysts closely monitoring whether it can sustain momentum in the face of macroeconomic uncertainty.
Community Reactions and Speculation
Saylor’s return to X was met with intrigue from the crypto community, with many questioning the significance of his week-long silence. Some users speculated that he may have been finalizing new Bitcoin acquisitions for MicroStrategy, while others suggested he was simply taking a break.
“Well, if Saylor is back, something big must be coming,” one user commented, hinting at the possibility of an impending announcement from MicroStrategy. Others interpreted his chart post as a bullish signal, viewing it as a subtle endorsement of Bitcoin’s long-term growth potential.
Saylor has long maintained that Bitcoin is the most reliable store of value, frequently criticizing traditional fiat currencies for their inflationary risks. His consistent messaging has made him one of the most influential figures in the cryptocurrency space.
MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Strategy Remains Unchanged
Despite market fluctuations, Saylor and MicroStrategy have remained steadfast in their approach, continuing to accumulate Bitcoin as part of their corporate strategy. The company’s decision to hold rather than sell its BTC holdings underscores its confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition.
With Bitcoin’s price movement attracting increased attention from both institutional and retail investors, Saylor’s reappearance on social media has reignited discussions about the asset’s future trajectory. While his week-long absence remains unexplained, his return with a Bitcoin chart suggests that his focus on the cryptocurrency remains as strong as ever.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global hub for innovation, with its rapid adoption of cryptocurrency, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence (AI) reshaping its economy. In its pursuit of technological supremacy, the UAE is actively fostering an environment conducive to digital transformation, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from around the world.
A Crypto-Friendly Economy
The UAE has positioned itself as one of the most progressive nations in terms of cryptocurrency adoption and regulation. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have introduced comprehensive legal frameworks to regulate and encourage the crypto industry. The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), established in 2022, provides clear guidelines for crypto exchanges, digital asset firms, and blockchain enterprises. This regulatory clarity has made the UAE an attractive destination for crypto startups and institutional investors alike.
In addition, Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) has developed a robust regulatory framework for digital assets, enabling businesses to operate with legal certainty. Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has secured operational approval in Dubai, while Kraken and other major players have established a presence in Abu Dhabi. By embracing digital currencies, the UAE is cementing itself as a financial innovation hub, encouraging both institutional and retail adoption.
Beyond regulation, the UAE government has actively explored the integration of blockchain technology within public services. The Dubai Blockchain Strategy aims to transition government transactions onto blockchain platforms, enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency. Furthermore, the UAE Central Bank is developing a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to modernize the financial system and improve cross-border transactions.
The Metaverse Revolution
The UAE is not only embracing crypto but also investing heavily in the metaverse, with Dubai leading the charge. In 2022, Dubai launched its ambitious Metaverse Strategy, which aims to generate 40,000 virtual jobs and contribute $4 billion to the emirate’s economy by 2030. The initiative seeks to make Dubai one of the top 10 metaverse economies globally, fostering innovation in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and Web3 technologies.
Government-backed entities, including the Dubai Future Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, are investing in metaverse startups and infrastructure. The Dubai Municipality has even announced plans to create a virtual city where residents can interact in a fully immersive digital environment. Businesses are also leveraging the metaverse, with real estate developers showcasing virtual properties and luxury brands launching digital stores tailored for metaverse consumers.
Tourism and retail, two of the UAE’s strongest economic pillars, are also set to benefit from metaverse integration. Airlines such as Emirates have announced metaverse-driven experiences to enhance customer engagement, while retail giants are adopting virtual shopping platforms to cater to tech-savvy consumers. These initiatives highlight the UAE’s vision to be at the forefront of digital innovation.
Artificial Intelligence As a Priority
AI is at the heart of the UAE’s digital transformation strategy. The country’s leadership has made AI development a national priority, exemplified by the appointment of the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017. The UAE AI Strategy 2031 aims to position the nation as a global leader in AI, with plans to integrate AI across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and public services.
Dubai’s Smart City initiative and Abu Dhabi’s AI research efforts are driving AI adoption in governance and business operations. The country is also home to some of the world’s most advanced AI-driven projects, such as the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the first university dedicated solely to AI research.
AI is transforming industries across the UAE, from autonomous transportation solutions to AI-powered healthcare diagnostics. The UAE’s embrace of AI is evident in initiatives such as the Dubai Police’s use of AI-powered surveillance and the implementation of smart traffic systems to reduce congestion. In finance, AI-driven algorithms are optimizing investment strategies, fraud detection, and customer service automation.
A Magnet for Global Talent and Investment
The UAE’s proactive approach to crypto, the metaverse, and AI has positioned it as a prime destination for global talent and investment. The government has introduced business-friendly policies, including 100% foreign ownership in various tech-related sectors and long-term residency visas for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and investors.
International firms are flocking to the UAE to capitalize on its supportive regulatory environment, strategic location, and tax-friendly policies. Events like the Dubai Future Blockchain Summit and AI Everything attract industry leaders and innovators, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a technology-driven economy.
The University of Austin is set to establish a pioneering Bitcoin investment fund, reflecting the increasing integration of cryptocurrency within U.S. academic institutions. The university plans to allocate over $5 million to this fund, which will be part of its $200 million endowment.
Chun Lai, the foundation’s chief investment officer, emphasized the institution’s proactive approach, stating, “We don’t want to be left behind when their [cryptocurrency’s] potential materializes dramatically.”
This initiative follows recent developments in higher education’s engagement with digital assets. Notably, Emory University recently disclosed a $15 million investment in Bitcoin through Grayscale’s spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), marking it as the first U.S. university endowment to report such holdings.
The University of Austin intends to maintain its Bitcoin holdings for a minimum of five years. Chad Thevenot, senior vice president for advancement at the university, explained the strategy: “We think there is long-term value there, just the same way that we might think there is long-term value in stocks or real estate.”
Beyond academia, cryptocurrencies are gaining traction among retirement funds, indicating a broader shift in financial strategies. A recent Bitget Research report revealed that up to 20% of Gen Z and Alpha are open to receiving pensions in cryptocurrency. Furthermore, 78% of respondents expressed greater trust in “alternative retirement savings options” over traditional pension funds, highlighting a significant move towards decentralized finance and blockchain-based solutions.
Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, commented on this trend: “Younger generations are no longer content with one-size-fits-all pension systems. They’re looking for modern solutions that give them more control, flexibility, and transparency.”
As of January 2025, 40% of individuals in these younger demographics had already invested in cryptocurrency, underscoring the growing acceptance and integration of digital assets in various sectors.
The University of Austin’s initiative signifies a notable step in the evolving relationship between higher education and cryptocurrency investments, potentially setting a precedent for other institutions to follow.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase now holds over $420 billion in digital assets, making it larger than the 21st biggest bank in the United States by total assets. This milestone highlights the rapid expansion of the crypto industry and Coinbase’s growing influence in the financial sector.
As the third-largest centralized cryptocurrency exchange (CEX) by trading volume, Coinbase continues to solidify its position as a key player in the market. Its assets under management (AUM) surpass those of New York Community Bancorp (NYCB), which manages $112.9 billion in assets.
Coinbase’s Growth Compared to Traditional Banks
Coinbase CEO and co-founder Brian Armstrong emphasized the significance of the company’s AUM in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Feb. 7.
“If you think of Coinbase like a bank, we now hold about $0.42T in assets for our customers, which would make us the 21st largest bank in the US by total assets, and growing,” Armstrong wrote.
He also pointed out that Coinbase’s standing among brokerage firms is equally notable. “If you think of us more like a brokerage, we’d be the 8th largest brokerage today by AUM,” he added.
The comparison to NYCB is particularly striking, as the bank recently reported a $260 million quarterly loss in Q4 2023 following its acquisition of the failed Signature Bank, which had been known for its crypto-friendly policies. In contrast, Coinbase posted a $273 million net profit for the same quarter, marking its first profitable period since Q4 2021.
The Future of Crypto in Financial Services
Armstrong believes cryptocurrency will play a crucial role in reshaping financial services, ultimately consolidating multiple banking and investment functions into a single, crypto-powered financial account.
“With crypto, the line between these categories is blurring,” he explained. “In the updated financial system, you will have a single primary financial account which serves all these functions. A greater percentage of global GDP will run on more efficient crypto rails over time.”
He further argued that this evolution will lead to “sound money, lower friction transactions, and greater economic freedom for all.”
Challenges to Mass Adoption
Despite Coinbase’s success, Armstrong and other industry leaders acknowledge that cryptocurrency adoption still faces significant barriers. Chintan Turakhia, senior director of engineering at Coinbase, spoke about these challenges at EthCC.
“If our goal is to bring in the next billion users — and let’s start with just 100 million — we have to take all those friction points out,” Turakhia stated.
The cryptocurrency sector continues to evolve, and as companies like Coinbase expand their influence, the traditional financial industry is taking notice. Whether crypto exchanges will fully integrate into mainstream banking or continue operating as distinct entities remains to be seen, but for now, Coinbase’s growing AUM signals a shift in how digital assets are perceived in the broader financial landscape.
Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released its latest weekly crypto derivatives report in collaboration with Block Scholes. The report provides an analysis of the past week’s sell-off and movements in the options market.
A broad market retreat wiped out an estimated $10 billion in open interest, following an active Friday in the 24/7 crypto markets. Among major tokens, BTC was the only one maintaining positive funding rates, while ETH faced significant turbulence, with its options market signaling further downward pressure.
Trump Sell-Off
On Feb. 3, Trump’s tariff threats triggered a major sell-off across markets, including crypto and U.S. equities. The crash erased $3.1 billion in perpetual swap open interest across BTC, ETH, XRP, and SOL. Ben Zhou, co-founder and CEO of Bybit, noted, “$8-10B in total liquidations” as leveraged positions were wiped out. Trading volumes hit a monthly high of $31 billion in perpetual swaps on Feb. 2 as traders rushed to close positions.
Altcoins Struggle
The crypto market continued to struggle after another rough Monday. Funding rates for perpetual swaps dropped sharply as traders exited long positions. BTC, however, maintained neutral funding rates, showing relative strength amid the volatility.
Ethereum to Fall Further
ETH has been less resilient than BTC during the downturn. Spot prices dipped below $2.5K, though open interest remained stable due to lower-than-expected options market volatility. However, realized volatility surged to nearly 140%, and the options term structure suggests further downside risks that may not yet be fully priced in.
Enso, the leading provider of blockchain shortcuts, has reached a major milestone, processing over $3.1 billion in volume. This achievement placed Enso among the top three aggregators by 7-day volume in the blockchain ecosystem, according to DeFi Llama.
Enso Shortcuts: Powering DeFi at Scale
Enso simplifies onchain development by offering shortcuts—single transactions that compress multi-step DeFi interactions. By integrating with leading protocols, Enso provides the infrastructure for scalable and seamless Web3 applications.
Boyco: The Catalyst Behind the $3.1B Surge
Boyco, Berachain’s pre-launch liquidity campaign, played a pivotal role in this growth. Built on the Royco Protocol, Boyco is a collaborative effort involving Berachain, Enso, LayerZero, and Stargate. It revolutionizes liquidity security for new blockchains by allowing dApps to directly incentivize liquidity providers, eliminating intermediaries. Enso’s infrastructure efficiently routed billions in deposits across multiple DeFi protocols, underscoring its ability to manage large-scale onchain activity.
The Future of Onchain Execution
This milestone demonstrates Enso’s potential to enable frictionless, high-performance DeFi applications. As Enso continues to expand, its infrastructure is poised to reshape DeFi, making Web3 more efficient and accessible.
Missouri lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow the state to invest in Bitcoin as part of a strategic reserve fund. House Bill 1217, filed by State Representative Phil Christofanelli, aims to establish the “Missouri Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Fund,” making it one of the first such initiatives at the state level in the United States.
The bill proposes allocating a portion of state funds to Bitcoin, citing its potential as a long-term store of value. If passed, it would authorize the Missouri State Treasurer to invest in Bitcoin on behalf of the state, with the goal of strengthening Missouri’s financial position amid concerns about inflation and economic instability.
Bitcoin as a Hedge Against Inflation
Christofanelli emphasized the importance of adopting Bitcoin to protect state funds from economic uncertainties.
“Bitcoin is the best-performing asset of the last decade, and I believe it has a role to play in the financial future of our state,” he said.
Supporters of the bill argue that Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and fixed supply make it a strong hedge against inflation compared to traditional financial assets. The initiative follows similar moves by private institutions and foreign governments that have begun accumulating Bitcoin as part of their financial strategy.
Managing the Bitcoin Reserve Fund
Under the proposed legislation, the Missouri State Treasurer would be responsible for managing the Bitcoin reserve, ensuring the state’s investments are secure. The bill outlines measures to regulate how Bitcoin is purchased, stored, and utilized to prevent excessive risk.
Christofanelli stressed that the fund is intended as a long-term investment, stating that Bitcoin’s historical performance makes it a viable asset for state reserves.
“We’ve seen private companies and even some foreign nations move toward Bitcoin reserves, and Missouri should be ahead of the curve,” he added.
Concerns Over Bitcoin Volatility
While the bill has gained support from Bitcoin advocates, critics have raised concerns over the cryptocurrency’s price volatility. Bitcoin’s value has fluctuated significantly over the years, prompting some lawmakers to question whether it is a stable investment for government funds.
Despite these concerns, Christofanelli and other proponents believe Bitcoin’s long-term trajectory justifies the investment. They argue that Bitcoin’s adoption continues to grow, and its value is expected to appreciate over time.
A Growing Trend Among U.S. States
Missouri’s proposal comes as more U.S. states explore ways to integrate Bitcoin into their financial policies. States like Texas and Wyoming have introduced legislation supporting cryptocurrency use, while Florida has considered allowing residents to pay taxes in Bitcoin.
If Missouri’s bill is approved, it could set a precedent for other states to follow, further legitimizing Bitcoin as a viable financial asset at the government level.
The bill is currently under review and will need to pass through the state legislature before becoming law. If successful, Missouri would become one of the first states in the U.S. to officially hold Bitcoin as part of its financial reserves.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasing involvement in cryptocurrency has raised concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the risk of insider trading. With his reported holdings in digital assets and his vocal support for the industry, some experts are questioning whether his policies and actions could be influenced by personal financial gains.
Trump’s Crypto Holdings and Advocacy
Trump’s stance on cryptocurrency has shifted significantly over the years. Once a critic of digital assets, he has recently embraced them, particularly in relation to his NFT ventures and reported crypto holdings. The former president is said to own substantial amounts of Ethereum (ETH), largely linked to his NFT sales, as well as other digital assets.
His newfound support for the industry has coincided with political moves that could directly impact cryptocurrency regulations. In recent months, Trump has positioned himself as a pro-crypto candidate, promising a more favorable regulatory environment if he returns to the White House.
Conflict of Interest Concerns
As Trump continues to advocate for crypto-friendly policies, some analysts worry that his personal financial interests could create conflicts. If he were to hold significant cryptocurrency investments while shaping policies that affect the industry, critics argue it could lead to regulatory decisions that benefit his own portfolio.
One analyst stated, “If you’re making decisions that could impact the value of assets you hold, it raises serious ethical concerns. At the very least, there needs to be transparency about those holdings.”
The concerns echo broader debates about politicians and financial markets. Many have called for stricter disclosure requirements and regulations to prevent potential abuses of power.
Insider Trading Risks in Politics
Beyond conflicts of interest, Trump’s crypto holdings have also sparked discussions about insider trading risks. If a public official had access to regulatory changes before they were announced, they could potentially trade assets to their advantage.
The U.S. has seen increasing scrutiny on politicians’ financial activities, with some lawmakers pushing for restrictions on congressional stock trading. Crypto, being a highly volatile and largely unregulated market, presents even greater risks.
“Crypto markets react strongly to regulatory news,” one financial expert explained. “If policymakers or those close to them have advance knowledge of decisions that could impact prices, it creates an environment ripe for insider trading.”
Industry Reactions and Regulatory Outlook
The concerns surrounding Trump’s crypto involvement come at a critical time for the industry. With regulatory agencies tightening their grip on digital assets, the next administration’s stance could play a key role in shaping the future of crypto in the U.S.
Some industry leaders have welcomed Trump’s support, hoping it could lead to clearer regulations and a more business-friendly environment. Others, however, remain cautious about the potential for self-serving policies.