The cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve rapidly, shaped by regulatory shifts, institutional adoption, and macroeconomic trends. This comprehensive update explores the latest developments across global markets, offering insight into how policy changes, financial innovation, and investor behavior are redefining the digital asset ecosystem.
SEC Issues New Guidelines for Crypto ETFs
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released updated guidance for issuers of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The directive, published on July 1 by the Division of Corporation Finance, outlines detailed disclosure requirements covering net asset value calculations, custodial practices, service provider selection, and potential conflicts of interest.
Issuers must now tailor disclosures to their specific fund structures, with particular emphasis on asset selection, custody arrangements, and ETF creation/redemption mechanisms. This move signals a more structured approach to crypto ETF oversight.
In a significant development, the SEC also approved Grayscale’s request to convert its Digital Large Cap Fund into a spot ETF. The fund, currently traded over-the-counter among qualified investors, is composed of approximately 80% Bitcoin, 11% Ethereum, and smaller allocations to Solana, Cardano, and XRP.
👉 Discover how institutional ETF approvals are reshaping crypto investment strategies.
Singapore Tightens Crypto Trading Regulations
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has strengthened its regulatory stance on cryptocurrency trading. As of June 30, digital token service providers catering exclusively to overseas clients must obtain a license to operate in Singapore. Unlicensed platforms are required to cease operations.
MAS has also raised licensing thresholds, stating it will generally not grant new licenses for such business models due to elevated money laundering risks. The authority emphasized that regulatory oversight becomes ineffective when most activities occur outside Singapore.
This tightening reflects a broader trend among financial regulators prioritizing compliance and risk mitigation in the rapidly expanding digital asset space.
U.S. Anti-Crypto Corruption Amendment Fails in Senate
Senator Jeff Merkley’s proposed amendment to ban elected officials from promoting cryptocurrencies for personal gain was rejected in the U.S. Senate. The vote concluded with 46 in favor and 54 opposed, largely along party lines.
Merkley argued that public officials should not be allowed to "monetize influence" through crypto endorsements. While the amendment did not pass, it underscores growing scrutiny over ethical conduct in the intersection of politics and digital finance.
The debate highlights increasing demand for transparency as crypto gains mainstream visibility.
Deutsche Bank to Launch Crypto Custody Service by 2026
Bloomberg reports that Deutsche Bank AG plans to roll out digital asset custody services by next year. The bank has partnered with Bitpanda Technology Solutions and Swiss firm Taurus SA to develop the infrastructure.
This move follows the bank’s 2022 announcement of its enterprise banking division’s intent to enter the digital asset space. Institutional custody solutions are seen as critical for broader adoption, providing secure storage and compliance frameworks for corporate clients.
👉 Learn how traditional finance is integrating crypto custody solutions.
Companies Buy BTC at Double the Rate of ETFs
Corporate Bitcoin accumulation is outpacing ETF purchases. According to Cryptoslate, public companies acquired 245,510 BTC in the first half of 2025—more than double the 118,424 BTC purchased by ETFs during the same period.
This marks a 375% increase compared to the first half of 2024, when firms bought 51,653 BTC. In contrast, ETF inflows declined by 56% year-on-year. These trends suggest a strategic shift: Bitcoin is increasingly viewed not as a speculative asset but as a long-term treasury reserve.
Key drivers cited include inflation hedging, cross-border liquidity, and alignment with digital financial transformation.
SEC Exploring Standardized Process for Token-Based ETFs
The SEC is reportedly collaborating with exchanges to establish universal listing standards for token-based ETFs. If implemented, compliant tokens could bypass the lengthy 19b-4 approval process and proceed directly to S-1 registration, reducing time-to-market from months to just 75 days.
Though details remain undisclosed, potential criteria may include market capitalization, trading volume, and liquidity metrics. This initiative could dramatically streamline future crypto ETF launches.
"A standardized framework would reduce regulatory friction and accelerate institutional participation," noted an industry analyst.
South Korea Lifts Ban on 'Korean Bonds'
In response to rising demand for dollar-denominated assets and stablecoin speculation, South Korea has lifted its 14-year ban on domestic institutions purchasing “Korean bonds”—onshore foreign currency bonds designed for conversion into won.
Originally prohibited in 2011 due to currency mismatch concerns, these instruments are now seen as a tool to improve foreign exchange liquidity and counteract won depreciation. The won strengthened to an eight-month high following the announcement.
Despite this shift, analysts expect limited immediate issuance due to higher U.S. dollar financing costs compared to local rates.
Bitcoin Hashrate Drops Amid Summer Heatwave
JPMorgan reported a 3% decline in Bitcoin’s average monthly hashrate in June, attributed to heatwave-related operational adjustments by miners. However, mining profitability hit a nine-month high, with average daily revenue reaching $55,300 per EH/s—a 7% increase from April.
Mining firms’ combined market cap grew by $5.3 billion (23%) last month. Operators with high-performance computing divisions outperformed pure-play miners; IREN surged 67%, while Bitfarms dropped 19%.
Bitcoin’s Historical July Performance Hints at $116K Target
Matrixport analysis reveals that Bitcoin has risen in seven of the past ten Julys, averaging a 9.1% gain. Even in down years, losses were minimal. With bullish sentiment building in early July 2025, analysts suggest BTC could challenge $116,000 in the coming weeks.
Seasonal trends, combined with strong corporate demand and regulatory clarity, may fuel upward momentum.
Ethereum Community Foundation Launched
Core developer Zak Cole has established the Ethereum Community Foundation (ECF), a nonprofit aimed at boosting ETH adoption and value. Funded with millions of dollars worth of ETH, ECF will support "immutable and tokenless" projects—particularly real-world asset (RWA) tokenization involving stocks, bonds, and real estate.
The foundation will also fund public goods like blob space optimization and empower validators through the “Ethereum Validator Association.” Governance will be transparent, using token-based voting for funding decisions.
Figma Discloses $69.5M in Bitcoin ETF Holdings
Design software company Figma revealed in its IPO filing that it holds $69.5 million in spot Bitcoin ETFs. Its board has also approved purchasing an additional $30 million in BTC using USDC—highlighting growing corporate appetite for regulated crypto exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does the SEC’s new ETF guidance mean for investors?
A: It enhances transparency and standardization across crypto ETFs, helping investors better understand risks related to custody, valuation, and conflicts of interest.
Q: Why is corporate Bitcoin buying outpacing ETFs?
A: Companies view BTC as a strategic treasury asset for inflation protection and global liquidity—motivations distinct from short-term ETF speculation.
Q: How might standardized ETF rules impact altcoins?
A: If adopted, smaller cryptocurrencies meeting listing criteria could gain faster access to regulated investment products, boosting legitimacy and demand.
Q: Is South Korea’s bond policy shift bullish for crypto?
A: Indirectly—by easing forex constraints and encouraging dollar asset use, it supports stablecoin adoption and capital inflows into digital assets.
Q: Can Bitcoin maintain momentum through July?
A: Historical patterns and rising institutional interest suggest favorable conditions—though macroeconomic factors remain key variables.
Q: What role do foundations like ECF play in Ethereum’s growth?
A: They drive innovation by funding critical infrastructure projects that enhance scalability, security, and real-world utility without introducing new tokens.
👉 See how top institutions are positioning themselves ahead of the next market cycle.
Core Keywords: Bitcoin ETFs, cryptocurrency regulation, institutional adoption, Ethereum development, corporate Bitcoin holdings, crypto market trends