Over the past month, corporate Ethereum treasuries have significantly expanded, collectively acquiring more than $1.6 billion in Ether (ETH).
Recent disclosures show that top firms have accumulated over 545,000 ETH in just 30 days, amid a surge in institutional interest driven by market optimism around Ethereum’s long-term utility.
One of the most notable disclosures came from BitMine Immersion Technologies.
The company, chaired by Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, reported total Ether holdings of 163,142 ETH.
At the current market valuation, this stash is worth approximately $480 million.
Lee compared this buying behavior to that of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy, suggesting that firms acquiring even 5% of Ethereum’s total supply may benefit from what he termed a “Wall Street put.”
He believes Ethereum is gaining similar institutional traction to what Bitcoin previously enjoyed.
SharpLink Leads Ethereum Accumulation
At the forefront of this Ethereum buying spree is SharpLink, a gaming platform founded by Joseph Lubin.
SharpLink purchased 10,000 ETH on July 11, followed by 16,370 ETH on July 13, and an additional 24,371 ETH worth $73.2 million on July 15.
These acquisitions bring its total ETH holdings to more than 255,000, making it the largest corporate holder of Ether to date.
Lubin, who is also the founder of Consensys, jokingly referred to himself as a “self-appointed representative of The League of Extraordinary ETH Accumulator Gentlemen,” acknowledging BitMine and others for ramping up their acquisitions.
Broader Corporate Interest in Ethereum
The Ethereum accumulation trend isn’t limited to just two firms.
Bit Digital, a digital asset platform, holds over 100,000 ETH.
Blockchain Technology Consensus Solutions (BTCS) has also moved aggressively, raising $62.4 million to grow its Ethereum reserves to 29,122 ETH.
Meanwhile, GameSquare announced on July 8 that it plans to build a $100 million Ethereum treasury as part of a broader strategic investment.
These moves reflect a growing belief in Ethereum’s role as a critical asset in the evolving digital economy.
ETH Funds See Record Inflows
This surge in corporate ETH acquisitions coincides with a strong performance in Ethereum-based digital investment funds.
CoinShares reported that these funds posted $990 million in inflows last week, marking their twelfth consecutive week of positive flows.
It was also the fourth-largest weekly inflow on record.
Year-to-date, Ethereum funds have attracted more than $4 billion in capital.
Nearly 30% of that came in the past two weeks alone, signaling a steep rise in institutional appetite.
According to CoinShares, Ethereum inflows now represent 19.5% of all assets under management for global Ether funds, compared to just 9.8% for Bitcoin funds.
ETH Price Action Reflects Growing Demand
Ethereum’s price climbed above $3,000 for the first time since February on July 11, though it later dipped slightly below that mark.
Despite the pullback, ETH still posted a 17% gain for the week, underlining renewed market confidence driven in part by these large-scale corporate and institutional investments.
Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey has issued a stark warning regarding the growing role of stablecoins in the financial system, arguing that banks should avoid issuing these crypto-linked tokens due to the systemic risks they pose.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Bailey said stablecoins could undermine the global financial system and weaken sovereign control over national currencies.
Instead, he believes the Bank of England should prioritize tokenizing deposits within traditional banking institutions.
Bailey emphasized that the UK central bank should not pursue a central bank digital currency (CBDC), distancing itself from the trend of government-backed digital assets.
New Role Brings Global Focus
Bailey’s remarks come as he steps into a new position as chairman of the Financial Stability Board (FSB), an international regulatory body tasked with monitoring and making recommendations about the global financial system.
This role gives him a platform to influence how stablecoins are treated not just in the UK but globally.
His comments suggest he may use the position to curb the rapid expansion of the stablecoin sector.
Stablecoins, which are typically pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar or euro, are a dominant force in the crypto market.
They enable cross-border transactions without relying on traditional banking infrastructure, which can increase access to stable currencies in regions with weak financial systems.
U.S. Embraces Stablecoin Regulation
Bailey’s warning contrasts with the approach taken in the United States.
The Trump administration has placed stablecoin regulation high on its policy agenda, viewing the technology as a strategic asset.
At the White House Digital Asset Summit in March, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said stablecoins would help cement the dollar’s role as the global reserve currency.
Stablecoins Backed by Traditional Assets
Most stablecoins in circulation are overcollateralized, backed by cash or highly liquid instruments like short-term U.S. Treasury bills.
This model has gained favor among U.S. regulators, who argue it could reduce inflationary pressure by increasing the global demand for American debt securities.
With widespread access to these instruments via mobile devices and digital wallets, the U.S. government sees an opportunity to expand dollar reach and influence.
Calls for Cohesive U.S. Policy
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has also voiced support for a comprehensive approach to stablecoin regulation in the U.S., calling for clearer and unified policy measures.
However, officials in Europe, including Bailey, have expressed concern that widespread adoption of dollar-based stablecoins could destabilize other currencies such as the euro.
There are growing fears within the EU that stablecoins could disrupt financial sovereignty and shift economic control away from national institutions.
Diverging Approaches Signal Global Debate
Bailey’s firm opposition to stablecoins, combined with his leadership role at the FSB, sets the stage for further regulatory scrutiny of the crypto industry.
While the U.S. moves to integrate stablecoins into its financial strategy, European officials are signaling resistance to allowing such assets to gain widespread use without stronger oversight.
The differing approaches suggest that stablecoins will remain a hot-button issue in global financial policy for the foreseeable future.
Despite Bitcoin hitting new all-time highs last week, retail investors have been notably absent from the action, according to market analysts.
Meanwhile, institutional interest has surged, particularly in the form of spot Bitcoin ETFs, which saw more than $1 billion in inflows on both Thursday and Friday — a back-to-back milestone never previously achieved.
Institutional Surge Behind Latest Price Move
Bitwise head of research André Dragosch observed in a Friday post that although Bitcoin is soaring, mainstream interest has yet to catch up.
“Bitcoin is at new all-time highs but retail is almost nowhere to be found,” he wrote, referencing data showing weak Google search trends for the term “Bitcoin.”
This suggests the current rally is primarily fueled by institutions, not individual investors.
Search Trends Fail to Reflect Price Surge
Google Trends data supports this narrative.
Between June 29–July 5 and July 6–12, global searches for “Bitcoin” increased by just 8%, even as Bitcoin’s price broke past its previous all-time high of $111,970 and continued climbing to $118,780 by Friday.
This subdued retail interest contrasts sharply with the surge seen in November 2024, when search interest peaked following Donald Trump’s election win.
At that time, retail engagement helped propel Bitcoin past the $100,000 mark for the first time.
Retail Sentiment: “Missed the Boat”
Some crypto commentators believe that retail investors are sitting out because they feel priced out of the market.
“I think a lot of retail folks find out the price of one Bitcoin is 117k and think, nahhh I missed the boat and don’t even give it a second thought,” said Bitcoin analyst Lindsay Stamp.
Cedric Youngelman, host of the Bitcoin Matrix podcast, shared a similar sentiment, asking his followers, “At what Bitcoin price do you think retail wakes up? I’ll go first. I don’t think they’re coming for a long time.”
Analysts Say Rally Still Has Momentum
Despite low retail participation, market experts believe the current rally has more room to run.
Bitcoin on-chain analyst Willy Woo commented, “This run has plenty of legs left in it.”
The continued interest from institutional players suggests that Bitcoin’s momentum is far from over.
Spot ETFs Remain the Main Driver
Spot Bitcoin ETFs had an exceptionally strong week, pulling in a total of $2.72 billion over five trading days, according to Farside data.
This wave of capital suggests institutional demand remains robust.
However, the trend has raised questions about how to measure actual retail interest in the current market landscape.
Cointelegraph recently noted that if the ultimate holders of Bitcoin ETF shares are retail investors, then interpreting on-chain data could become more complex.
Conclusion
While Bitcoin continues to scale new heights, the retail crowd appears hesitant to reenter the market.
Whether due to price anxiety or market fatigue, their absence is notable — especially in contrast to the flood of institutional capital pouring into ETFs.
As the rally unfolds, attention now turns to whether retail investors will follow — or continue to watch from the sidelines.
Cryptocurrency investment vehicles continued to attract significant capital last week, even as the broader market faced price swings.
CoinShares reported $1.04 billion in inflows into crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) for the week ending Friday.
Bitcoin Still Dominates, But Interest in Ether Grows
Bitcoin-related ETPs led the inflows, attracting $790 million, which represents 76% of the weekly total.
While this is a strong showing, it marks a slowdown from the previous three weeks, where average weekly inflows hit $1.5 billion.
CoinShares’ James Butterfill noted the decline may indicate investor caution as Bitcoin approaches its all-time high.
Ethereum-related products also saw sustained interest, with $225 million in inflows.
That makes it 11 consecutive weeks of gains for Ether ETPs.
Butterfill highlighted that weekly inflows during this run averaged 1.6% of AUM—twice the rate of Bitcoin’s 0.8%—suggesting a shift in investor sentiment.
BlackRock and the U.S. Lead the Charge
BlackRock was the top issuer last week, attracting $436 million in new funds, or 42% of the total inflows.
Regionally, the U.S. led with $1 billion in inflows, followed by Germany and Switzerland with $38.5 million and $33.7 million, respectively.
Crypto analyst Rekt Capital believes Bitcoin’s current bull market could be nearing its end, predicting that a price peak may come as early as October.
“We have a very small sliver of time and price expansion left,” Rekt Capital said on Thursday, comparing the current cycle to the 2020 rally.
According to his analysis, the cycle may top out roughly 550 days after the April 2024 Bitcoin halving.
“That’s already two to three months potentially that we have left in this bull market,” he added.
Debate Over Halving Cycle Relevance
While Rekt Capital emphasizes the importance of sticking to time-tested halving models, others are more skeptical.
He criticized the growing trend of abandoning the halving narrative in favor of newer metrics like Bitcoin’s correlation with global M2 money supply.
“Many people are happy to throw away time-tested principles… whereas it’s really important to rely on these sorts of metrics,” he said.
He also called the shift an emotional move that clouds sound judgment.
Alternative Views Highlight Institutional Impact
Some analysts argue that traditional halving cycles are less relevant today due to rising institutional interest.
Standard Chartered’s Geoff Kendrick said on Thursday that, “Thanks to increased investor flows, we believe BTC has moved beyond the previous dynamic whereby prices fell 18 months after a ‘halving’ cycle.”
In May, Standard Chartered forecast Bitcoin reaching $200,000 by year-end, while Bernstein made a similar prediction.
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes remains even more bullish, expecting Bitcoin to hit $250,000.
As of now, Bitcoin is trading at $109,155, just 2.5% below its all-time high of $111,970.
Crypto analyst Crypto Auris also commented recently that, “As global money supply expands, Bitcoin’s next target sits around ~$170K, following the flow.”
Analyst Emphasizes Caution Over Hype
Despite the bullish sentiment from others, Rekt Capital cautions against ignoring the halving-based cycle.
“It’s an emotional thing as well, and you don’t want emotional things clouding your judgement,” he reiterated.
Cryptocurrency-linked payment cards are rapidly gaining traction in Europe, particularly for small purchases typically dominated by cash.
According to a new report from CEX.IO, 45% of crypto card transactions fall under the 10-euro mark, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour and highlighting crypto’s growing role in day-to-day payments.
The report, shared with Cointelegraph, noted a 15% year-on-year increase in newly issued CEX.IO crypto cards across the continent in 2025.
This trend indicates a broader acceptance of digital assets as a means for routine purchases and suggests that crypto cardholders are now mirroring traditional banking habits, especially when it comes to online spending.
Online Spending Nearly Doubles Traditional Usage Rates
While the European Central Bank (ECB) reports that 21% of card payments in the eurozone are made online, CEX.IO data shows that 40% of crypto card transactions occur via the internet.
This figure nearly doubles the regional average, showcasing the comfort crypto users have with digital platforms.
“What we’re seeing in Europe is that crypto card users aren’t just experimenting with new tech — they’re showing us what everyday spending might look like in a truly cashless future,” said Alexandr Kerya, Vice President of Product Management at CEX.IO.
He also revealed that average payment volumes have jumped 24% in the past month alone.
Crypto Spending Patterns Mirror Traditional Banking
The data further illustrates how crypto cardholders are incorporating digital currencies into their daily routines.
Groceries represent 59% of crypto card purchases, which is close to the ECB’s 54% average for traditional bank cards.
Spending at restaurants and bars accounts for 19% — a higher figure than typical bank card usage in that category.
The average crypto card transaction stands at €23.70, lower than the €33.60 average for traditional bank card payments, based on Mastercard’s Q1 2025 data.
Stablecoins Lead Transactions as Other Cryptos Gain Ground
Stablecoins play a dominant role in these transactions, powering 73% of all crypto card activity.
Nevertheless, other leading digital assets such as Bitcoin, Ether, Litecoin, and Solana are also being used for essentials like groceries, dining, and transport.
This mirrors broader usage trends across the crypto sector.
For example, platforms like Oobit and Crypto.com are also reporting strong transaction volumes related to everyday spending and online shopping across their European user base.
Institutional Pushbacks Continue Despite Adoption Gains
However, not all financial institutions are welcoming this trend.
Barclays has announced that it will block crypto purchases on its Barclaycard credit cards.
The bank cited concerns over the volatility of digital assets and the lack of consumer protections available through traditional financial mechanisms.
Barclays emphasized that crypto transactions are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, leaving users exposed in case of disputes or losses.
Despite such institutional caution, the momentum behind crypto card usage continues to grow, reflecting an evolving financial landscape that is increasingly embracing digital innovation.
Bitcoin experienced significant volatility at the start of the week, leading to a dramatic shakeout in the derivatives market and underscoring a growing phase of market uncertainty.
On-chain analytics firm Glassnode reported that within 24 hours, long positions worth $28.6 million and short positions worth $25.2 million were liquidated.
This rare two-sided flush left many leveraged traders caught off guard and highlighted the fragility of current sentiment.
Speculative Leverage Clears as Open Interest Falls
The volatility also led to a 7% decline in BTC-denominated open interest, which dropped from 360,000 BTC to around 334,000 BTC.
This decline indicates a reset in speculative leverage, potentially paving the way for a more stable market structure.
Bitcoin’s price remained within the $100,000 to $110,000 range, with reduced on-chain activity hinting at a consolidation period rather than the beginning of a new rally.
Glassnode noted that both profitability metrics and user participation are currently subdued.
Technical Indicators Point to Key Support Levels
From a technical viewpoint, Bitcoin’s failure to surpass external liquidity near $109,000 triggered a gradual decline in the short-term trend.
On the 4-hour chart, BTC remains trapped within a descending channel, with a key support zone identified between $103,400 and $104,600.
This area coincides with a daily fair value gap (FVG) and is backed by the 200-day exponential moving average (EMA), raising the likelihood of a short-term bounce if momentum returns.
Market Awaits Breakout as Bullish Momentum Stalls
If BTC can collect internal liquidity within this critical zone, a bullish breakout above the descending channel remains plausible.
However, the current lack of trading momentum and subdued on-chain activity suggests that the market could remain range-bound until stronger demand emerges.
Inflation Concerns Weigh on Sentiment
Adding to the uncertainty are macroeconomic headwinds.
The latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data, the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge, showed an increase to 2.3%, matching expectations.
However, Core PCE rose to 2.7%, slightly above forecasts.
This marked the first increase in core inflation since February 2025, reinforcing the Fed’s cautious stance.
As a result, expectations of an imminent interest rate cut have been tempered.
Tight Financial Conditions Create Pressure for Bitcoin
With inflation proving sticky, the Fed is unlikely to lower interest rates soon, keeping financial conditions tight.
This environment is generally unfavorable for risk assets like Bitcoin.
Glassnode’s quarterly data further highlights the tepid sentiment, with spot trading volume rising only slightly by $7.7 billion in Q2, while transfer volumes declined 36% earlier in the quarter.
This combination of macroeconomic pressure and market consolidation suggests that Bitcoin’s next move remains uncertain.
Cryptocurrencies have rapidly gained popularity over the past decade, evolving from a niche concept to a global phenomenon. As digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum become increasingly mainstream, more people are looking to participate in this exciting market. At the heart of this participation are crypto exchanges—platforms that serve as gateways for buying, selling, and trading digital currencies. Whether you’re interested in investing, trading, or simply exploring the world of crypto, understanding these exchanges is crucial. This guide is designed to help beginners navigate the complexities of crypto exchanges, providing a clear and straightforward explanation of what they are, how they work, and what features to look for when choosing the right platform. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the foundational knowledge needed to confidently engage with the cryptocurrency market.
What is a Crypto Exchange?
A crypto exchange is an online platform that facilitates the buying, selling, and trading of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. These exchanges act as intermediaries, matching buyers with sellers and enabling transactions in various digital currencies. Unlike traditional financial exchanges, which deal with stocks, bonds, or commodities, crypto exchanges exclusively handle digital assets. They offer users the ability to convert fiat currency (like USD or EUR) into cryptocurrency and vice versa, as well as trade one cryptocurrency for another. This makes them essential tools for anyone looking to participate in the cryptocurrency market.
Types of Crypto Exchanges
Crypto exchanges come in various forms, each offering unique features and catering to different user needs. Understanding the types of crypto exchanges is essential for choosing the right platform for your trading or investment goals.
Centralized Exchanges (CEX)
Centralized exchanges (CEX) are the most common type of crypto exchange, operated by a central authority or company. These platforms, such as Binance and Coinbase, act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers, providing a user-friendly interface and robust security features. Users trust the exchange to manage their funds, which often includes fiat-to-crypto conversions and advanced trading tools. While CEX platforms are known for their ease of use and high liquidity, they come with drawbacks such as potential security risks due to centralization and the need to comply with regulatory requirements, which may limit privacy.
Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)
In contrast, decentralized exchanges (DEX) operate without a central authority, relying on blockchain technology to facilitate peer-to-peecr transactions. Platforms like Uniswap and PancakeSwap allow users to trade directly from their wallets, ensuring greater privacy and control over their assets. DEX platforms eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing the risk of hacks and censorship. However, they often lack the liquidity and user-friendliness of centralized exchanges, making them more challenging for beginners to navigate.
Hybrid Exchanges
Bridging the gap between CEX and DEX platforms, hybrid exchanges combine the benefits of both. These exchanges offer the security and decentralization of DEX platforms while maintaining the liquidity and user experience of CEX platforms. By integrating the strengths of both types, hybrid exchanges provide a balanced approach, catering to users seeking a secure yet accessible trading environment.
Understanding these types of exchanges helps you choose the one that aligns best with your needs and trading preferences.
How Crypto Exchanges Work
Understanding how crypto exchanges operate is crucial for effectively navigating the platform and making informed decisions.
Account Registration
To start using a crypto exchange, the first step is account registration. This typically involves providing personal information, creating login credentials, and setting up security features like two-factor authentication (2FA). Most exchanges require compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations to prevent fraud and ensure legal compliance, meaning users must verify their identity before trading.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Once registered, users can deposit funds into their exchange account. This can be done using fiat currency or transferring cryptocurrency from an external crypto wallet. Understanding wallet addresses is key—these are unique identifiers used to send and receive crypto securely. When withdrawing funds, it’s important to double-check these addresses to avoid errors. Additionally, enabling security features, such as 2FA, is essential to safeguard your assets.
Trading on a Crypto Exchange
With funds in your account, you can start trading. Crypto exchanges offer various types of trading, including:
- spot trading;
- margin trading;
- futures.
Spot trading involves buying or selling cryptocurrencies for immediate delivery, while margin trading allows users to trade with borrowed funds, increasing potential profits but also risks. Futures trading involves contracts to buy or sell assets at a future date. Understanding trading pairs—like BTC and ETH—and how to execute different orders, such as market orders, limit orders, and stop-loss orders, is crucial for managing your trades effectively.
Key Features to Look for in a Crypto Exchange
Choosing the right crypto exchange involves evaluating several key features that can significantly impact your trading experience.
Security Measures
Security is paramount when selecting a crypto exchange. Essential features include two-factor authentication (2FA), cold storage for storing assets offline, and encryption to protect sensitive data. These measures help safeguard your funds and personal information from potential threats.
User Interface and Experience
A user-friendly interface is crucial, especially for beginners. A well-designed platform should be intuitive, easy to navigate, and provide clear access to trading tools and account management features. This ensures a smooth and efficient trading experience.
Fees and Charges
Understanding the fee structure of an exchange is vital. This includes trading fees, withdrawal fees, and deposit fees. Fees can vary widely between exchanges, so it’s important to compare them to find the most cost-effective option for your needs.
Liquidity
Liquidity refers to how easily an asset can be bought or sold without affecting its price. High liquidity on an exchange means quicker transactions and more stable prices, which is essential for active traders.
Customer Support
Reliable customer support can make a significant difference, particularly in resolving issues quickly. Look for exchanges that offer responsive and helpful support through multiple channels, such as live chat, email, or phone.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Before choosing an exchange, check the list of supported cryptocurrencies to ensure it offers the assets you want to trade. Additionally, consider emerging new crypto exchanges that may provide unique or niche cryptocurrencies not available on more established platforms.
Pros and Cons of Using Crypto Exchanges
Using crypto exchanges offers numerous benefits, but it also comes with potential risks. Here’s a breakdown of the main advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
- Accessibility and Convenience: Crypto exchanges provide a user-friendly platform for trading digital assets, making it easy for users to buy, sell, and manage their cryptocurrencies from anywhere.
- Wide Range of Cryptocurrencies and Trading Options: Exchanges offer access to a diverse selection of cryptocurrencies and various trading pairs, catering to different investment strategies and preferences.
- Potential for Profit: Engaging in crypto trading can offer significant profit opportunities, especially with price fluctuations and market trends.
- AI-Powered Cryptocurrencies: Advanced AI-powered cryptocurrencies can enhance trading strategies by utilizing predictive analytics and automated decision-making, offering more sophisticated trading opportunities.
Disadvantages
- Security Risks: Centralized exchanges are susceptible to security breaches and hacks, which can lead to significant financial losses and compromised personal information.
- High Volatility: The cryptocurrency market is highly volatile, which can result in substantial financial losses due to sudden price swings.
- Regulatory Concerns: Regulatory issues can impact exchanges and users, including potential legal implications and compliance requirements that vary by jurisdiction.
How to Choose the Right Crypto Exchange for You
Assessing Your Trading Needs
Before selecting an exchange, consider your investment goals. Determine whether you’re interested in long-term investment strategies or more active trading. Your objectives will influence which exchange features are most important to you.
Researching Exchange Reputation
Thoroughly investigate the reputation of potential exchanges. Read user reviews and consider industry recognition. Pay attention to factors such as security history, customer support quality, and overall user satisfaction. A well-regarded exchange is crucial for a positive trading experience.
Testing the Platform
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, test the exchange with a small investment. This allows you to evaluate the platform’s functionality, user interface, and trading process without significant financial risk. Use this opportunity to ensure the exchange meets your needs before committing larger sums.
Conclusion
Crypto exchanges are essential platforms for anyone venturing into the world of digital assets. By understanding the types of exchanges, their features, and the pros and cons of using them, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your trading goals and risk tolerance.
As you begin your cryptocurrency journey, remember to prioritize security, research thoroughly, and start small. The crypto market offers exciting opportunities but comes with risks. Approach it with knowledge and caution, and stay informed about new developments like AI-powered cryptocurrencies.
Choosing the right exchange is a crucial step in your crypto journey. With the right platform and a clear strategy, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate this dynamic and potentially rewarding financial landscape.
World, the blockchain initiative formerly known as Worldcoin, has officially launched “Priority Blockspace for Humans” (PBH) on the mainnet of its World Chain network. The innovation aims to strengthen the platform’s mission of building a decentralized system anchored in human identity, with 13 million verified users now benefiting from this rollout.
PBH is an infrastructure layer that elevates transactions from verified individuals above others during periods of network congestion. Rather than relying on high gas fees to prioritize activity, PBH ensures a portion of every block is reserved exclusively for Orb-verified users—those who have authenticated their identity through World’s unique biometric verification system.
This design guarantees timely access to essential network functions, such as identity verifications, decentralized applications (Mini Apps), and grant systems, without additional financial barriers.
“Priority Blockspace for Humans effectively makes World Chain fairer and more efficient,” said Steven Smith, vice president of Engineering and Protocol at Tools for Humanity, one of World’s main contributors. “We believe this reflects a step forward in creating systems where humans and AI thrive together.”
PBH has been extensively tested on an incentivized testnet, with input from teams like Flashbots and Alchemy. It’s fully open-source and integrates with Rollup Boost, a customizable tool built on OP Stack that allows for flexible transaction sequencing. Both components have undergone independent audits conducted by Nethermind.
World Chain is a Layer-2 solution secured by Ethereum and designed for global accessibility. Tied to the Worldcoin protocol and powered by the World ID, it supports everyday use cases such as stablecoin payments and remittances, all accessible via supported wallets like World App.
The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to develop proposals for including cryptocurrencies in their mortgage risk assessments.
This move could allow potential homebuyers to use crypto holdings as reserves when applying for a loan—without needing to convert those digital assets into U.S. dollars.
FHFA Director William J. Pulte issued the directive via letter on Wednesday, asking both government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) to explore how digital currencies might be treated as part of single-family mortgage loan assessments.
The letter calls on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to “prepare a proposal for consideration of cryptocurrency as an asset for reserves in their respective single-family mortgage loan risk assessments, without conversion of said cryptocurrency to U.S. dollars.”
Historic Shift in Mortgage Criteria
This order marks a significant departure from traditional mortgage qualification standards, where crypto assets have typically been excluded unless liquidated into fiat currency.
The FHFA has overseen Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since the 2008 financial crisis, when both entities were placed under federal conservatorship.
Since then, the two have provided vital liquidity and stability in the housing market by purchasing loans from lenders, allowing banks to issue more credit.
By considering crypto as part of a borrower’s financial profile, the FHFA aims to modernize underwriting practices in line with broader digital asset adoption.
Aligning with Pro-Crypto Policy Goals
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Pulte emphasized that this decision was made “after significant studying” and aligns with former President Donald Trump’s ambition to establish the U.S. as the “crypto capital of the world.”
The directive also includes a condition: only cryptocurrencies that are “evidenced and stored on a U.S.-regulated centralized exchange subject to all applicable laws” will be eligible for consideration.
This restriction is designed to ensure compliance and reduce risks associated with unregulated crypto markets.
Broader Acceptance of Crypto in Finance
The FHFA’s order reflects a broader trend of digital assets becoming more integrated into mainstream financial practices in the United States.
Recent reports from Cointelegraph note that JPMorgan plans to allow select wealth management clients to use crypto-backed products, such as Bitcoin ETFs, as collateral for financing.
In another development, Circle’s USDC stablecoin will soon be eligible collateral for futures trading, through a collaboration between Coinbase Derivatives and Nodal Clear.
Crypto-backed mortgage lending, though still niche, has already begun to emerge.
Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder of Bitcoin lending platform Ledn, told Cointelegraph that many Bitcoin holders are using digital assets to secure real estate loans without selling their crypto.
“Bitcoin holders have used their digital assets as collateral to purchase real estate,” he said.
As digital finance continues to evolve, this latest FHFA move signals a shift in how traditional financial institutions might assess and interact with cryptocurrencies going forward.