Fortune: "Circle in Private Negotiations with Coinbase and Ripple for Corporate Sale"
Fortune reported, citing multiple sources, that Circle (USDC), a dollar-based stablecoin issuer, has initiated unofficial negotiations with Coinbase or Ripple for a potential corporate sale. The media stated that "according to sources, Circle has proposed a corporate valuation of $5 billion to these companies. One source suggested that Circle would quickly proceed with the sale if Coinbase expressed acquisition interest, while another source explained that Circle is still more focused on an IPO. All three parties have declined to comment."
US SEC Cryptocurrency TF Team Leader: "Most Cryptocurrencies Are Not Securities... Clear Regulatory Standards Needed"
Hester Peirce, a commissioner who also leads the SEC's Cryptocurrency Task Force, emphasized at the 'SEC Speaks' event that "currently, most cryptocurrencies are not securities, and clear regulatory standards for cryptocurrency regulation in the US are urgently needed." She further pointed out that "the SEC's existing approach to cryptocurrencies has been ineffective, with many projects leaving the US or operating in ways that exclude US citizens. The view of regulating cryptocurrencies simply as 'digital securities' does not reflect reality." She proposed applying regulatory exceptions or exemptions for three items.
-Utility-focused Tokens: Initially considered securities, but should be excluded from securities regulation after effectively performing network functions and becoming sufficiently decentralized.
-Airdrops and Non-Fungible Tokens: NFTs with royalty structures for creators or simple reward-based airdrops do not have securities characteristics.
-Stablecoins: Dollar-based stablecoins designed as value storage and payment methods should not be considered securities.
Anti-Bitcoin JP Morgan CEO "Will Allow Customers to Purchase BTC"
According to multiple foreign media outlets like Wallstreet Bloomberg, Jamie Dimon, CEO of the largest US bank JP Morgan, who has previously been critical of Bitcoin, stated, "I am not a fan of Bitcoin, but we will allow our customers to purchase Bitcoin. However, we will not provide custody services for it." Previously, he had said, "While cryptocurrencies are being broadly accepted in the institutional realm, they have no intrinsic value, and (JP Morgan) is not preparing to adopt them." He has also previously commented that "cryptocurrencies are pet rocks", "Bitcoin is a bubble-filled scam", and "If I were a government official, I would have banned cryptocurrencies".
US Senate Democrats: "Stablecoin Bill Draft Inadequate... Lack of Consumer Protection Measures"
Eleanor Terrett, a Crypto in America host, reported that Senate Banking Committee Democratic members released a staff analysis of the draft Genius Act, commonly known as the Stablecoin Bill. The report noted that "the bill does not prohibit former President Trump from profiting through his own stablecoin, allows Elon Musk's X to create 'X Money', and raises concerns about expanding Tether's vulnerabilities for criminal misuse. Particularly, the bill lacks substantive consumer protection measures." The Genius Act proposed licensing requirements, 100% reserve maintenance, and disclosure obligations for stablecoin issuers, which had previously attracted industry attention as a potential US stablecoin regulatory benchmark.
US Senator: "Stablecoin Issuers Will Become Largest US Treasury Holders"
Bill Hagerty, a US Republican Senator, predicted in a CNBC interview that "stablecoin issuers will become the world's largest US Treasury holders".
US SEC Extends Review Deadline for Two SOL Spot ETFs
The Block reported that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to extend the review deadline for 21Shares' SOL ETF and Bitwise's SOL ETF. The SEC stated it will simultaneously seek public comments on these products while extending the review period.
Nasdaq-listed Quantum BioPharma Purchases Additional $1M in BTC
Cointelegraph reported that Nasdaq-listed biotechnology and medical research company Quantum BioPharma has purchased an additional $1 million worth of BTC. Currently, Quantum BioPharma holds BTC worth $4.5 million.
Strategy Investors File Class Action Lawsuit Against Michael Saylor
The Block reported that Michael Saylor, Strategy's founder, is facing a class action lawsuit for alleged securities law violations. The media explained that "plaintiffs claim Strategy provided false and misleading descriptions of the company's revenue prospects. They also alleged that Strategy exaggerated expected returns from its Bitcoin-centered investment strategy, resulting in investment losses." Besides Saylor, defendants include Strategy CEO Phong Le and CFO Andrew Kang.
Bybit Adds Stock Trading Function via USDT
The Block reported that cryptocurrency exchange Bybit is adding stock trading to its gold and foreign exchange product lineup. Users can now trade stocks from 78 companies like Coinbase using USDT. Bybit explained that this feature is based on a Contract for Difference (CFD) model, which allows users to bet on price changes without actually owning the underlying asset.
Immunefi Launches All-Star Program for Web3 Security Experts
The Block reported that Web3 security company Immunefi has launched an All-Star Program to gather top security experts in the Web3 industry. Security professionals can apply, and those selected as All-Star members will receive benefits such as high-paying job matches, code review program participation, and access to AI-based security program licenses.
Zelenskyy, in Call with Trump, Says "Working for Ceasefire... Must Continue Russia Sanctions"
According to foreign media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "in a call with US President Donald Trump, he urged efforts for a ceasefire while continuing sanctions against Russia. He also emphasized the importance of consulting Ukraine's opinion on all decisions related to Ukraine".
Trump: "Russia-Ukraine Will Negotiate Ceasefire... Conditions to Be Decided by Both Sides"
Donald Trump, through Truth Social, said, "I finished a two-hour call with Russian President Putin, and the conversation went well. Russia and Ukraine will begin negotiations for a ceasefire and end of war. The conditions will be determined through negotiations by both sides. Russia wants large-scale trade with the US once this disastrous situation is resolved, and I share the same thought".
BTC Surpasses $105,000
According to Coin Market monitoring, BTC has surpassed $105,000. On Binance USDT market, BTC is trading at $105,095.11.
