Ukraine has imposed sanctions on 60 crypto firms in Russia, including officials in the Central Bank of Russia. Will these sanctions be successful? Russia and Ukraine have been in conflict since February 20, 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. The invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a major escalation. As of July 7, 2025, the conflict has remained for over three years, with daily attacks causing casualties and property damage on both sides. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Ukraine Sanctions Crypto Firms In Russia On July 6, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a comprehensive sanctions package targeting 60 Russian crypto firms and 73 individuals, including Central Bank of Russia officials. These sanctions aim to disrupt Russia’s ability to evade Western restrictions through crypto assets. If successful, these sanctions could strengthen Ukraine’s efforts to isolate Moscow’s financial infrastructure in the ongoing conflict. Specifically, Ukraine targeted Russian crypto mining firms and digital asset issuance processors.   Russia has already been disconnected from the SWIFT global payment network, and restrictions have been imposed on its $640 billion foreign currency reserves. DISCOVER: Best Meme Coin ICOs to Invest in Today Russia Turns To Crypto However, Russia has increasingly relied on BTC ▲0.19% and some of the best cryptos to buy to circumvent these sanctions to facilitate trade and maintain economic stability. Russian oil companies have reportedly used Bitcoin and top cryptos to settle transactions with non-sanctioned countries like China and India. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.16T24h7d30d1yAll time In July 2024, the Duma passed a bill legalizing crypto payments for international trade. The Central Bank of Russia, now targeted by Ukraine’s sanctions, was authorized to oversee an experimental infrastructure allowing approved businesses to use crypto assets for cross-border transactions. In August 2024, President Vladimir Putin approved crypto mining, allowing firms to mine Bitcoin provided they register with tax authorities and comply with energy consumption regulations. By December 2024, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov confirmed that domestically mined Bitcoin was being used in foreign trade under a trial setup with the Central Bank. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Will These Sanctions Be Effective? It remains uncertain whether Ukraine’s sanctions on Russian crypto firms will be effective. Crypto transactions, including those of the top Solana meme coins, are borderless and difficult to block unless intermediaries are directly targeted. To succeed, Ukraine must collaborate globally to pressure non-sanctioned countries to limit dealings with Russian crypto firms. However, Russia’s partners, such as China and the UAE, may continue engaging with these firms. Additionally, Russia has developed an alternative payment system, the Financial Messaging System (SPFS), and proposed crypto exchanges in major cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow, demonstrating growing resilience to Western sanctions. Combined with BRICS initiatives to develop an alternative payment currency and system, Russia is increasingly shifting away from the U.S.-dominated financial system, giving it a strategic advantage. DISCOVER: Next 1000x Crypto – 11 Coins That Could 1000x in 2025 Ukraine Sanctions Crypto Firms In Russia: Will They Succeed?

• Ukraine sanctions crypto firms in Russia
• Ukraine aims to further isolate Russia from the global USD-dominated payment system 
• Russia turns to crypto to bypass sanctions 
• Will Ukraine’s efforts be successful?

Tesla CEO and tech mogul Elon Musk has officially confirmed that his newly formed political party, the America Party, will accept BTC ▲0.19%. Responding to an X user who asked whether his party would embrace BTC, Musk replied bluntly: “Fiat is hopeless, so yes.” — Elon Musk Pitched as a jailbreak from the Democratic-Republican duopoly, the America Party announcement came alongside a sudden surge in Dogecoin. Whether coincidence or calculated, the signal was clear that Musk still has enormous market sway in crypto. DogecoinPriceMarket CapDOGE$25.72B24h7d30d1yAll time DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Tesla’s Bitcoin History and Musk’s Crypto Legacy Elon Musk made waves in early 2021 by parking $1.5 billion of Tesla’s treasury into Bitcoin. Fast forward, Tesla’s 11,509 BTC stash is now worth roughly $1.26 billion, which is enough to place it ninth among public companies holding crypto. While the company briefly accepted BTC for vehicle payments, it later paused the program citing environmental concerns. However, the infrastructure for future integration may still be in play. JUST IN: Elon Musk said his new political party will embrace #Bitcoin “Fiat is hopeless” pic.twitter.com/LGpFEugTvs — Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) July 7, 2025 Musk’s decision to launch a new political party comes amid growing tensions with former President Donald Trump. The friction escalated after Trump unveiled his “One Big Beautiful Bill,” a proposed economic plan projected to add $3.3 trillion to the U.S. national debt. “Utterly insane and destructive.” — Elon Musk Political Rift with Trump Over Crypto and Debt Musk began his split from Trump when he questioned the logic of launching initiatives aimed at reducing the debt while simultaneously inflating it with such policies. “When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy,” Musk posted online shortly after criticizing Trump’s landmark ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’ These comments reflect a broader dissatisfaction with both political parties and laid the groundwork for Musk’s America Party, which he describes as one that “actually cares about the people.” DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Dogecoin Price Surges on Political Speculation The crypto market responded quickly to Musk’s political move. Dogecoin rallied more than 5% following the announcement, rising from $0.163 to $0.171. Trading volume exceeded $1.1 billion, with whale wallets aggressively accumulating DOGE even as smaller holders sold off positions. Bitcoin’s sitting comfortably above $108,000, but the bigger setup may be geopolitical. Musk’s renewed crypto activity, combined with dovish Fed rumors, all hint at a convergence of forces that could light a fire under BTC in the coming months. EXPLORE: Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino Hopes For Net Positive From US Elections, Says Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Is A Great Idea: 99Bitcoins Exclusive Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

• Tesla CEO and tech mogul Elon Musk has officially confirmed that his newly formed political party.
• All eyes are on Powell this month. As inflation lingers and labor metrics soften.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin is calling on developers to reconsider how they license open-source software. In a new blog post, he argued that permissive licenses may no longer be enough to protect innovation in a world where tech giants have become increasingly dominant. Instead, he believes more projects should adopt “copyleft” licenses that require any modified version of the code to remain open. Why Buterin Thinks It Matters Buterin’s concern is that large platforms are now in a position to quietly absorb useful open-source code and lock the benefits behind closed systems. He acknowledged that permissive licenses like MIT and Apache helped grow the open-source ecosystem in the past, but warned that today’s environment looks very different. Powerful companies are now using he openness that made those licences attractive to build walled gardens around community-built tools. Source: Shutterstock He pointed to copyleft licenses like the GNU General Public License (GPL) as a way to stop this from happening. These licenses force anyone who builds on the code to share their work under the same terms. The system forces improvements and extensions to remain public, allowing smaller developers to compete and preventing better-funded players from boxing them out. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in July2025 Implications for Crypto Projects This conversation hits close to home for crypto, where open-source principles are supposed to be at the core. Buterin argued that large entities that don’t share the same values will repackage and commercialize decentralized apps and protocols if they lack protective licensing.  Ethereum has long promoted transparency and community ownership, but that ideal can be undermined if big firms build proprietary layers on top of public infrastructure. According to Buterin, copyleft tools can help make sure innovations remain part of a shared commons, not fenced off behind corporate terms of service. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Real-World Examples Buterin referenced real examples, like the social protocol Farcaster, which recently made a move toward a stronger license after debates over downstream use. He also noted that companies with commercial agendas are picking up and reshaping open tools in artificial intelligence and decentralized identity, raising similar licensing questions. EthereumPriceMarket CapETH$315.08B24h7d30d1yAll time This is not about creating more rules for the sake of it. It’s about defending the spirit of collaboration that open-source communities rely on. Buterin is not saying everyone needs to switch to copyleft overnight. Instead, he wants developers to weigh the risks of permissive licensing in an era where major players are watching closely and moving quickly. What Happens Next The rise of Web3, along with the spread of AI and digital infrastructure, is pulling more attention toward how code gets reused and who gets to benefit. As the web’s next phase takes shape, licensing decisions will play a big role in shaping who has control. Buterin’s message is a reminder that the tools developers choose today will determine whether the future stays open or becomes another centralized system in disguise. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

MicroStrategy, now Strategy, just reported a jaw-dropping $14 billion in unrealized gains for Q2 of 2025, thanks to the BTC price climbing. This move shows that Saylor’s bullish thesis has been spot on. To keep the momentum, the firm launched a $4.2 billion stock offering aimed at gaining even more BTC ▲0.19%. It appears that Saylor’s strategy of leveraging stock to acquire more BTC is effective, and volatility is no stranger to him. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.16T24h7d30d1yAll time $14 Billion BTC Gain in Q2: Strategy Bold Bet Pays Off In Q2 2025, Strategy locked in a massive $14 billion unrealized gain on its Bitcoin Holdings, showing just how powerful its BTC strategy has become. Bitcoin price jumped from $82,000 to $108,000 between April and June, putting its massive stash on huge profit. As of the 6th of July, Strategy is holding 597,325 BTC, acquired at an average price of $70,982, totalling $42.4 billion in cost basis. This move from BTC made the previous Q1 unrealized losses of $5.91 billion to staggering winning in Q2. JUST IN: Michael Saylor's Strategy announces $4.2 Billion $STRD ATM program to buy more Bitcoin They recently posted $14 Billion in unrealized Q2 profits. pic.twitter.com/U22s3AKpdx — Roxom TV (@RoxomTV) July 7, 2025 DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Accounting changes also played a role. The adoption of ASU 2023-08 made a change in $4.04 billion deferred tax expenses and $6.31 billion in deferred tax liabilities. But even with that cleared of a picture, the bullish picture remains. During Q2, Strategy scooped another 69,140 new BTC worth $6,77 billion, funded through stock sales, reflecting their aggressive approach. Prices for BTC during the quarter swung between $74,420 and $112,000, with $107,700 right now clearly giving them a huge stock of unrealized gains. This aggressive buying is not just about holding. It is about leveraging price action and deploying capital raised from equity markets to buy dips. Turning corporate finance into a Bitcoin-maxi playbook. So far, Saylors’ thesis that BTC outperforms cash is validated by those $14 billion. “It’s definitely not rocket science…” John Haar makes Saylor’s Bitcoin thesis crystal clear for anyone still catching up. pic.twitter.com/8sIpsOreNg — Swan (@Swan) June 5, 2025 DISCOVER: The 12+ Hottest Crypto Presales to Buy Right Now $4.2 Billion Stock Offering: Fuel For The Bitcoin Fire Looks like Strategy doesn’t have a break. Right after reporting its Q2 gains, the company announced a $4.2 billion stock offering. Selling 10% Series A Perpetual Stride Preferred Stock (STRD) through an at-the-market (ATM) program. This isn’t just some standard raise. It is a deliberate push to keep stacking sats while the market is hot. Proceeds will go towards buying more BTC, managing working capital, and even potentially paying dividends. It is the same formula Saylor has used and refined quarter after quarter. Using equity markets as a funding vehicle to deepen BTC exposure. BREAKING: Strategy has announced plans to launch an IPO for its 10% Series A Perpetual STRD Stock to raise funds for general purposes, including buying more #Bitcoin. pic.twitter.com/kyUkIdM06P — Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) June 2, 2025 This latest ATM follows a busy Q2, where Strategy raised $6.8 billion in net proceeds. $5.2 billion from common stock programs and nearly $980 million from a previous STRD offering. With the preferred stock portfolio now totalling $3.4 billion and having $315 million in annual dividends, the company is leaning towards a high-leverage, high-conviction play. As of the end of Q2, it still had over $40 billion in unused ATM issuance capacity across various programs, giving it plenty of firepower for future moves. Bulls see this as a genius move to ride Bitcoin bull run, while bears warn of dilution risks and overexposure to a volatile asset. But for Saylor and Strategy, the play is clear: double down when conviction is high. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in 2025 Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

Trump Media & Technology Group, the company behind Truth Social, is expanding deeper into the crypto space. It has filed paperwork with the SEC for a new exchange-traded fund called the Crypto Blue Chip ETF. This new filing builds on earlier efforts by the company to launch Bitcoin-only and Bitcoin-Ethereum ETFs, but this time it goes further by including a wider range of major tokens. The Truth Social ETF is Trump Media’s latest step into crypto, offering a simple way to invest in big-name tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum. What’s in the Fund The Crypto Blue Chip ETF proposes a mix of five digital assets. Bitcoin would make up the majority at 70 percent, followed by Ethereum at 15 percent. Solana, Cronos, and XRP would round out the portfolio with smaller allocations. Source: SEC.gov The fund would be managed by Yorkville America Digital, and custody services would be handled by Crypto.com’s Foris DAX Trust Company. Investors would get broad exposure to several top crypto assets without needing to buy or manage them individually. Why Now This move comes as the SEC has shown more willingness to greenlight crypto-related ETFs. The timing suggests that Trump Media is positioning itself to ride the wave of investor interest that has grown since spot Bitcoin ETFs entered the market last year. These new products have opened up crypto exposure to a broader set of investors, and the idea behind this fund is to simplify access to multiple top-performing coins in one place. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in July2025 A Bigger Push into Crypto The ETF filing is not a one-off. It fits into a larger strategy by the Trump-linked company to make crypto a bigger part of its overall business. Alongside the ETF filings, the company recently announced plans for a large Bitcoin treasury product and a new fintech platform called Truth.Fi. These developments suggest a clear focus on combining political capital with growing digital asset interest, particularly among retail traders and crypto-aligned voters. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.16T24h7d30d1yAll time Former President Trump, once skeptical of Bitcoin, has more recently taken a friendlier stance toward the space. Ripple, the company behind XRP, reportedly donated to his inaugural committee. That change in tone has not gone unnoticed by the crypto community or by his critics. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 There is Some Pushback Not everyone is comfortable with the overlap between politics and finance in this case. Critics argue that using political momentum to drive interest in financial products creates potential ethical issues. There are concerns about whether this strategy blends campaign goals with investment promotion in a way that raises questions about fairness and transparency. What Are the Next Steps? For the ETF to go live, it will need regulatory approval from the SEC, both for the fund registration and for the exchange listing. If approved, the Crypto Blue Chip ETF would likely be listed on NYSE Arca. That would place it among a growing group of crypto ETFs already gaining traction, though this one would stand out for its political connection and multi-asset design. Whether the ETF gets the green light or not, it signals something bigger. Crypto is no longer sitting quietly at the edge of politics. It is increasingly becoming a talking point, a campaign topic, and now, a potential investment offering from a former president’s media company. If the SEC signs off, the Truth Social ETF could land on the NYSE and bring crypto investing one step closer to the mainstream. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

Institutional money is pouring back into  U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs at record rates. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds kicked off the week with a combined $217 million in net inflows, while Ether ETFs added another $62.11 million, continuing a strong start to July. BTC ▲0.19% volatility may be on summer break, but with this sort of volume, Q3 and Q4 are set to send many coins to all-time highs. Increasingly, investors are asking: Why wouldn’t the world adopt the Bitcoin standard instead of impotently complaining about the inflation of fiat currencies year after year? Here’s what’s next for the price of Bitcoin: BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF Smashes Through 700,000 BTC According to Glassnode data, BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) now holds over 700,000 Bitcoin, equivalent to 3.52% of the total circulating supply, a milestone reached just 18 months after launch. With nearly $53 billion in net inflows, IBIT has become the fastest-growing ETF in financial history. According to financial analyst Jamie Elkaleh, Bitget Wallet, “If ETF inflows continue, we could be entering the early stages of a structural supply squeeze.” BlackRock holds 700k btc now, and is 62% of the way there to passing Satoshi as world's largest single holder of bitcoin (ETFs as gp already there). IBIT has gobbled up 40k btc a month (or 1.3k/day) on pace to hit 1.2m in May '26 (not bad for 2yr old infant) h/t @EdmondsonShaun pic.twitter.com/hwpHExznF7 — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) July 8, 2025 Ether funds are also gaining traction. BlackRock’s ETHA saw $53.21 million in new inflows, with Fidelity’s FETH adding $8.9 million. The fund reported zero outflows for the week, indicating growing investor confidence in Ethereum’s long-term prospects. Market Calm May Mask Coming Volatility Despite the bullish inflows, 99Bitcoins analysts warn that current price stability may not last. Bitcoin is trading within 2% of its all-time high, but volatility is near historic lows. According to QCP Capital, the market has priced in a “Goldilocks” scenario if we are to see delayed tariffs, rate cuts, and sustained fiscal spending. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.16T24h7d30d1yAll time Total ETF trading volume for Tuesday exceeded $2.89 billion, with net assets across all crypto-linked products rising to $135.71 billion for Bitcoin and $10.71 billion for Ethereum. Bitcoin ETFs Aside, Trump’s Tariff Deadline Looms as Macro Wildcard Markets are watching closely as President Donald Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline approaches. So far, risk assets, including BTC, have brushed off the threat, assuming a delay or backpedal. As the “Taco” saying coined by the Financial Times goes: TRUMP
ALWAYS
CHICKENS
OUT However, should Trump follow through, it could reshape the second half of the year. For now, crypto ETFs are thriving on calm macro conditions and bullish momentum. But with volatility compressed and geopolitical risk brewing, investors should be prepared for sharp moves in either direction for the summer. EXPLORE: XRP Price Jumps 11% After SEC Crypto Unit Tease XRP ETF Progress Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

• Institutional money is pouring back into  U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs at record rates.
• Markets are watching closely as President Donald Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline approaches. So far, risk assets, including BTC, have brushed off the threat.

Binance Pay is making crypto spending a real-world experience on the French Riviera. In a new push to bring stablecoins into daily life, Binance has partnered with payments app Lyzi to enable crypto transactions at more than 80 merchants across southern France. From small boutiques in Nice to beachfront shops in Cannes, users can now pay in stablecoins like USDT or FDUSD with the tap of a phone. Crypto Meets Everyday Spending This expansion is more than a novelty. It’s part of Binance’s broader effort to demonstrate that crypto can do more than just sit in a wallet or trade on exchanges. The French Riviera rollout allows users to spend stablecoins on food, fashion, wellness, and entertainment, categories that tourists and locals regularly engage with. With the summer travel season underway, it’s a timely move. Source: Shutterstock Binance Pay works like any other QR-based mobile wallet, but with one difference: the funds come directly from a crypto balance, and payments are settled in seconds. Users can choose from a list of supported stablecoins and pay in-store without converting to euros first. That simplicity is key to making digital assets usable beyond speculation. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Why France? France has quietly positioned itself as one of Europe’s more crypto-friendly countries. Regulatory clarity and growing fintech support have helped projects like this one move forward faster than they might elsewhere. Binance’s local team, operating under full registration with French regulators, is using the region to pilot new consumer payment flows before bringing them to bigger cities or international markets. Binance CoinPriceMarket CapBNB$96.66B24h7d30d1yAll time The choice of the Riviera is strategic. The area pulls in millions of visitors each year, many of whom are already familiar with crypto. By launching here, Binance gets real-time feedback from a global audience without needing a massive nationwide rollout. It’s a contained but high-impact setting that gives the company room to iterate. Stablecoins in the Spotlight The payment method here is intentional. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies, stablecoins offer price predictability. That matters when you’re selling a product with a fixed euro price. The system currently supports major stablecoins like USDT and FDUSD, both of which are pegged to the U.S. dollar and widely used for transactions in crypto markets. Binance Pay and Lyzi are using this as a proof of concept: if users are comfortable paying in stablecoins and merchants are happy with fast, low-fee settlement, there’s no reason the model can’t expand across Europe. That said, adoption still depends on ease of use, education, and a sense of trust in both the technology and the coins themselves. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in July2025 Looking Ahead More regions could follow if this pilot succeeds. Binance has hinted at plans to broaden merchant support, add more stablecoin options, and expand into other European cities. As stablecoin regulation tightens across the EU, early rollouts like this could give Binance an advantage in understanding what users want from crypto payments. This is not a flashy PR campaign or tech demo. It’s a quiet, steady step toward mainstream utility. On the Riviera, paying in crypto is no longer an idea. It’s just part of the checkout process. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

• Binance Pay is now live at over 80 merchants across the French Riviera, enabling real-world crypto payments in USDT and FDUSD.


• Users can spend stablecoins in categories like food, fashion, and wellness, making crypto part of everyday transactions.


• France’s clear crypto regulations and tech-friendly ecosystem made it an ideal testing ground for this stablecoin payment rollout.


• Stablecoins provide price stability, allowing merchants to accept crypto payments without worrying about volatility.


• If the pilot succeeds, Binance may expand stablecoin payments to other parts of Europe with broader merchant support.

A fresh banking venture is taking shape in Silicon Valley. This time, it’s coming from some of the most recognizable names in tech. Palmer Luckey, Peter Thiel, and Joe Lonsdale are backing Erebor Bank, a new institution aimed at serving crypto firms, AI startups, defense tech, and advanced manufacturing, the types of companies that were left in limbo after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. Filling SVB’s Gap Before its downfall, SVB played a major role in financing early-stage tech. Its absence created a vacuum that traditional banks were not exactly eager to fill. Erebor Bank wants to step into that space. ICYMI: A new US bank backed by @PalmerLuckey and @JTLonsdale is aiming to fill the crypto sized hole left by SVB. Called Erebor the bank has filed for a national charter and plans to serve crypto AI and defense startups with a focus on stablecoins & digital assets. — levinocrypto (@levinocryp45219) July 3, 2025 It’s a digital-first operation with its main office in Columbus, Ohio, and a presence in New York. The goal is to build a modern institution that understands the speed and complexity of the startup world, especially in crypto. A Stablecoin-Backed Blueprint One thing that sets Erebor apart is its intention to actively support stablecoins. The bank has already applied for a national banking charter and plans to hold stablecoins on its balance sheet. That move could give it an edge when it comes to serving companies working with tokenized assets or global payments. Co-CEOs Owen Rapaport and Jacob Hirshman, both with experience in crypto infrastructure, are driving this plan forward. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Founders and Mission Palmer Luckey, known for Oculus and defense firm Anduril, is financially backing the project but will stay out of day-to-day operations. Peter Thiel and Joe Lonsdale bring deep ties to venture capital through Founders Fund and 8VC. The leadership team, including Rapaport, who previously worked at Circle, sees Erebor as a lifeline for tech sectors that have been underserved since SVB went under. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.15T24h7d30d1yAll time The aim is to create a bank that doesn’t flinch at innovation. Where others see risk, Erebor sees potential. It’s pitching itself as the first real banking option designed from the ground up to support the tools and trends defining the next decade. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Why Now May Be the Right Time The timing is no accident. The startup ecosystem has not fully recovered from SVB’s implosion. Founders still struggle to find banking partners that truly get their business models. On top of that, stablecoin regulation is finally starting to take shape, and several crypto firms like Circle and Anchorage are moving toward regulated banking models. Erebor wants to get ahead of that curve. The bank says it plans to become one of the most tightly regulated institutions working with stablecoins. If that happens, it could offer a blend of security and speed that few others can match. What Lies Ahead Even with strong backing, Erebor has a long regulatory road ahead. Getting a national charter means meeting standards set by the OCC, Federal Reserve, and other agencies. And since crypto is still a sensitive topic for many regulators, the bank’s digital asset strategy is likely to face heavy scrutiny. But Erebor is entering the space at a moment when the rules are clearer and the demand is higher. Circle’s expansion and Anchorage’s foothold have already proven there’s a real appetite for crypto-native banking options that play by the rules. Looking Forward Erebor is not trying to recreate the past. It’s stepping into the future with a clear focus on stablecoins, secure custody, and smarter lending. Whether it becomes the go-to bank for tech startups or just helps push the conversation forward, it’s already part of the next chapter in the crypto and fintech story. The gap left by SVB is still there. Erebor thinks it has the blueprint to finally close it. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways

The Trump family appears to have a much bigger stake in the crypto world than most people realized. New data from Arkham Intelligence shows that wallets linked to Donald Trump, his son Barron, and several associated tokens hold more than $620 million in crypto assets. Trump’s $620 million in crypto covers Bitcoin, Ethereum, and memecoins, making it one of the biggest political wallets on record. Barron’s Alleged Role Behind the Scenes One of the most surprising parts of the report is the alleged connection between Barron Trump and the Solana-based memecoin $DJT. The top wallet holding the token, currently worth around $170 million, is linked to other wallets previously tied to Donald Trump. Arkham Intelligence suggests this is no coincidence. Donald Trump Net Worth Gets a Crypto Boost, $620M in Just Months! US President Donald Trump’s name has long been tied to big hotels, golf resorts, and fancy condos. But now, in just a few months, Trump and his family have made more than $620 million by diving into the world of… pic.twitter.com/fA4MVb3m8j — Topnotch Crypto (@Topnotchcrypto_) July 3, 2025 Rumors have been swirling that Barron played a key role in the creation or launch of the coin. While nothing has been confirmed by the Trump team, on-chain behavior and overlapping wallet histories have fueled speculation. It would not be the first time the Trump family mixed branding with finance, but if Barron was involved directly, it signals a more active role in the crypto space than expected. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Breaking Down the Holdings The full breakdown reveals a wide net. Roughly $320 million is held in Ethereum, $180 million in Bitcoin, and the rest in memecoins like $TRUMP and $DJT. These numbers come from wallet analysis linked to past projects such as Trump’s NFT collection and recent token activity. The timeline of acquisitions and token launches lines up with public appearances and business initiatives tied to the campaign trail. BitcoinPriceMarket CapBTC$2.15T24h7d30d1yAll time Trump has made millions from NFT royalties alone, despite previously dismissing crypto. His recent tone has softened, likely in response to the growing support for digital assets among younger voters. The wallets connected to him and his brand suggest that behind the scenes, the former president and his circle are paying very close attention. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025 Memecoins, Politics, and Influence Memecoins tied to political figures have exploded over the last year, becoming a strange intersection of financial speculation and political tribalism. While coins like $TRUMP and $BODEN have been seen as jokes or campaign side-shows, $DJT is shaping up differently. Source: Shutterstock If Barron was indeed involved, this would be the first time a direct family member of a major presidential candidate helped create or advise a token that reached nine-figure territory. That’s a development with real financial and political consequences. Even without formal confirmation, the market is watching closely. What This Means The Trump family’s presence in crypto is no longer just about NFTs or fan-driven tokens. It now includes serious money, strategic wallets, and questions about where politics meets blockchain. If Donald Trump moves forward with a crypto-friendly agenda, these holdings could play a role in shaping public policy. At the same time, the $DJT story adds fuel to ongoing debates about transparency and influence in the digital asset world. Whether the coin remains a speculative bubble or becomes a campaign war chest, it puts the Trumps firmly in the crypto spotlight. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates

Ripple is making a serious move into traditional finance. The company behind XRP has applied for a national banking charter in the United States, aiming to bring its RLUSD stablecoin under direct federal oversight. This isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s a strategic attempt to give RLUSD a stronger foundation and open the door to a deeper role in the financial system. If approved, the Ripple banking license would allow the company to hold RLUSD reserves directly with the Federal Reserve. Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, confirmed the application publicly, pointing out that RLUSD already operates under New York’s financial regulators. Getting a national charter through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) would expand that coverage, blending state-level approval with federal credibility. It’s also a signal to investors, regulators, and institutions that Ripple wants RLUSD to be taken seriously. The Bigger Picture Behind the Charter So what does this actually mean? A bank charter gives Ripple a way to hold reserves directly with the Federal Reserve. That cuts out third-party banks, simplifies operations, and improves transparency. It also means RLUSD could be settled faster and more reliably, especially during nights or weekends when traditional systems shut down. NEW: Ripple has applied for a U.S. National Bank License pic.twitter.com/cMoTtdTrlJ — Ashjessy (@MS12326) July 3, 2025 Ripple would use its subsidiary, Standard Custody & Trust Company, to apply for the necessary Fed master account. If granted, the RLUSD reserves would move from commercial banks to the central bank, offering stronger protection and oversight. For a stablecoin trying to compete with the likes of USDC and Tether, this could be a major advantage. DISCOVER: Next 1000X Crypto: 10+ Crypto Tokens That Can Hit 1000x in 2025 Ripple Is Not Alone The timing is no coincidence. Earlier this week, Circle—the company behind USDC—also filed for a national trust bank license. Circle wants to create a fully regulated institution focused on digital dollars and tokenized assets. Both Ripple and Circle are reading the same playbook: take the stablecoin game into regulated territory before the rules get even tougher. XRPPriceMarket CapXRP$131.33B24h7d30d1yAll time So far, Anchorage Digital is the only crypto firm with a federal charter. Ripple’s move puts it in the race to be next. And with the GENIUS Act gaining traction in the Senate, regulation for stablecoins is no longer hypothetical. Standards around reserves, disclosures, and investor protection are already being written. DISCOVER: 9+ Best High-Risk, High-Reward Crypto to Buy in July2025 RLUSD’s Position and What Comes Next RLUSD launched in late 2024 and has already grown to a market cap of around $470 million. That’s not enough to challenge the top stablecoins, but it puts Ripple in the conversation. A federal charter could give RLUSD the edge it needs to appeal to banks, payment processors, and institutional investors. Source: Shutterstock Ripple also has plans beyond RLUSD. The charter would let it expand into cross-border payments and digital asset custody services, all under federal supervision. If the OCC and Fed approve the application, Ripple would be able to offer these services on the same regulatory footing as traditional banks. What to Watch Approval is not guaranteed. Getting the charter and a Fed account involves multiple agencies and months of review. Ripple also faces ongoing legal challenges tied to XRP, which could influence regulators’ decision-making. But if the license is granted, Ripple will have one of the strongest compliance setups in the stablecoin market. This is more than a regulatory milestone. It’s a sign that the stablecoin space is evolving fast, and only those who are ready to play by the rules will be able to scale. Ripple’s banking play is a bet that RLUSD is ready for that next step. The industry is watching closely to see whether the potential Ripple banking license opens the door to broader adoption of RLUSD. DISCOVER: 20+ Next Crypto to Explode in 2025  Join The 99Bitcoins News Discord Here For The Latest Market Updates Key Takeaways