On July 31, 2025, GK8 by Galaxy, a top-tier digital asset custody platform for institutions, announced it would add safe access to Solana’s decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. This change lets banks and crypto funds use GK8’s trusted infrastructure, which was previously used for Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible chains, to interact with Solana’s fast and cost-effective environment. The connection meets the increased demand from institutions for Solana’s DeFi apps, like Orca, Radium, and Jupiter, while keeping security and regulatory standards high. Integrating DeFi Without Any Problems  Institutions can use MetaMask and WalletConnect to connect directly to Solana DeFi protocols through GK8’s platform, eliminating the need for third-party wallets. GK8 employs its proprietary Unlimited Multi-Party Computation (uMPC) framework to ensure the secure routing of all DeFi activities.  It can handle up to 7,500 signatures per second for high-performance tasks. This structure lets institutions keep complete control of their assets while also imposing their own rules, such as multi-step approvals and transaction-based permissions. Essential Parts of GK8’s DeFi Solution Direct Protocol Access: Institutions can make trades, swaps, and other liquidity activities directly from accounts managed by GK8. Governance Controls: Role-based permissions and multi-step approvals ensure adherence to internal rules. High Performance: The platform can handle up to 7,500 signatures per second, making it perfect for large-scale operations. Unified Infrastructure: Solana DeFi access is built into GK8’s current EVM-compatible chain support, which makes operations less fragmented. Overcoming Institutional Barriers The extension solves some of the most significant problems that institutions have when they join Solana’s DeFi ecosystem. Solana’s unique architecture needs additional security methods that are different from those used by EVM-based chains. GK8’s uMPC wallets offer institutional-level security without slowing down or making it harder to access. This method lowers the risks that come with using third-party wallets and ensures that Solana DeFi follows the rules. This makes it a good choice for institutional digital asset strategies. Lior Lamesh, co-founder and CEO of GK8 by Galaxy, said, “Crypto funds are getting more involved in DeFi, not just for yield but also as part of their main trading and investment activities.” Effect on the Use of DeFi by Institutions GK8’s integration with Solana DeFi makes it a frontrunner for connecting traditional banking with decentralized ecosystems. GK8 gives institutions access to Solana’s developing DeFi landscape, which is known for being scalable and cost-effective, and it does this by providing a secure, compliant, and high-performance platform. This growth fits with Galaxy’s larger goal of making it easier for institutions to get involved in the digital asset economy. Its parent firm has a market capitalization of $10.8 billion, which has grown by 141% in the previous year. Galaxy’s GK8 move into Solana DeFi protocols is a big step towards decentralized finance becoming more widely used by businesses. GK8 gives financial institutions a safe means to look into Solana’s DeFi prospects by combining cutting-edge security, easy integration, and strong governance.

Churney and DemandBox Launch Strategic Partnership to Bring pLTV-Driven Growth to Performance Marketing Churney, the predictive lifetime value (pLTV) platform backed by TLV Partners, is partnering with DemandBox to offer brands a full-stack solution that connects deep predictive insights with high-impact execution across creative, funnel design, and media strategy. The partnership begins August 3rd, 2025, and marks Churney’s first formal collaboration in demand generation. It’s designed to help both companies’ clients scale customer acquisition strategies focused on long-term value instead of short-term wins. “Working with DemandBox has been refreshingly direct,” said Dr. Noy Rotbart, CEO and Co-Founder of Churney. “They cut through the noise, understand what matters, and get things done fast. As we expand our client portfolio, we want partners who move at our pace. DemandBox does exactly that.” Churney currently drives predictive growth for brands like Underoutfit, Zapier, and Leadtech, and is integrated with performance teams across e-commerce, gaming, and fintech. The company also works directly with Meta, Google, and TikTok to help advertisers activate pLTV data for better bidding, targeting, and measurement. DemandBox, founded by Avishai Sam Bitton (co-founder of Oribi), has helped companies like Insurify, Singular, and MoneyLion scale through performance marketing rooted in business fundamentals, not just creative churn. “We’re excited to work with one of the most innovative tech teams in performance marketing,” said Bitton. “This is a major opportunity to bring our creative and funnel execution to Churney clients who are ready to turn insights into results.” This partnership ensures that Churney clients don’t just know which customers are most valuable, but also have the creative systems and campaign velocity to act on that intelligence in real-time. About Churney Churney is a predictive lifetime value intelligence platform that helps marketers anticipate customer value from the earliest point in the funnel. Backed by TLV Partners, Churney enables brands to optimize acquisition, bidding, and retention strategies through real-time, science-backed modeling. Clients include Underoutfit, Zapier, and Leadtech, and the company works in direct partnership with Meta, Google, and TikTok. About DemandBox DemandBox is a performance marketing firm working with some of the most ambitious growth-stage brands in the market. Founded by Avishai Sam Bitton, DemandBox combines funnel strategy, high-performing creative, and rigorous execution to deliver measurable business outcomes. Clients include Insurify, MoneyLion, Cymulate, and Singular. Contact DemandBox press@demandbox.co Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

ResearchCoin (RSC), the rewards token tied to scientific publishing platform ResearchHub, jumped 15% after Coinbase said it would list the asset on Base, the Ethereum Layer 2 network incubated by the exchange. The token rose from around $0.67 to a high of $0.77 following Wednesday evening’s announcement. RSC is now up nearly 100% since Coinbase added it to its listing roadmap on July 25, and was trading around $0.76 on Thursday morning. Spot trading on Coinbase is expected to begin at 9 a.m. PT, subject to liquidity. ResearchHub was co-founded in 2019 by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and scientist Patrick Joyce. The platform rewards users with RSC for sharing and reviewing academic content. Users can also tip others or pay for peer review and scientific input. While the Coinbase listing sparked price gains, it also raised familiar questions over Armstrong’s dual roles. The exchange moved quickly to distance itself from the token. “ResearchCoin (RSC) is not affiliated with Coinbase,” the company posted on X. “ResearchHub is funded and co-led by Brian Armstrong in his personal capacity, separate from his Coinbase role.” Coinbase also noted that Armstrong is not part of its Digital Asset Support Group (DASG), the internal committee that approves asset listings. Armstrong echoed that in a separate post, saying all assets go through DASG reviews for legal, compliance, and security vetting — and that his ties to ResearchHub were disclosed to Coinbase’s board. Still, critics questioned whether those safeguards go far enough. “Isn’t DASG part of Coinbase and ultimately reports to Coinbase’s CEO? How is this not a conflict of interest?” one user posted in response. Armstrong pointed to a 2022 blog post in which he pledged not to sell RSC for at least four years — a lock-up that expires in March 2026. In the same post, he warned that RSC’s price could be volatile due to its limited supply, especially if it landed on major exchanges. RSC is now listed on several centralized and decentralized platforms, including Gate.io, XT.com, CoinEx, and Aerodrome, but Coinbase marks its first listing on a top-tier U.S. exchange. The listing comes amid a broader debate over how crypto exchanges handle asset approvals. Armstrong has previously suggested Coinbase should move toward an open model with automated reviews, noting the explosion in new tokens makes manual vetting increasingly unrealistic. “There are ~1m tokens a week being created now,” he wrote in January. ResearchHub raised $7 million across two rounds, including backing from Open Source Software Capital, Boost VC, and tech founders like Garry Tan and Amjad Masad. The project pitches itself as an “academic town square,” that brings open-source principles to scientific publishing.

PublicSquare, also known as PSQ Holdings, Inc., has taken a big step towards accepting cryptocurrency by putting Caitlin Long, a well-known player in digital asset banking, on its board of directors. This announcement on July 28, 2025, fits with PublicSquare’s plan to go into digital assets, namely Bitcoin and yield-bearing stablecoins, to improve its fintech skills and broaden its financial strategy. Caitlin Long’s Knowledge Caitlin Long is the founder and CEO of Custodia Bank. She has worked in the financial services industry for more than 30 years, including high-level positions at Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse, and Salomon Brothers on Wall Street. Long has been a supporter of Bitcoin since 2012 and has helped shape blockchain-friendly regulations in Wyoming, where she helped approve 13 laws connected to cryptocurrencies. Her knowledge of how to connect traditional finance with digital assets makes her a valuable asset for PublicSquare’s plans in the crypto area. The Digital Asset Strategy of PublicSquare In May 2025, PublicSquare announced plans to look into a Digital Asset Treasury Strategy. The goal was to put some of its corporate treasury into Bitcoin and stablecoins. This project aims to improve the efficiency of capital while keeping liquidity. Long’s appointment is expected to help the company manage its digital asset treasury and add stablecoins to its payment system, which will improve payment solutions for the next generation in its marketplace. Leadership and Strategic Alignment PublicSquare is an e-commerce site that started in 2021, connecting people and businesses that share conservative ideas. The company has three parts: Its Financial Technology section includes Credova, a platform for consumer lending. The other two segments are Marketplace and Brands. Michael Seifert, the CEO, stressed Long’s importance in improving PublicSquare’s fintech infrastructure, saying that her knowledge will be essential for the company’s expansion in payments and digital asset management. Broader Implications Long’s accession to the board, which includes Donald Trump Jr. and Blake Masters, who are cryptocurrency supporters, fits with PublicSquare’s plan to use cryptocurrency in its business. This action is in line with trends in the industry as a whole, as more and more organisations are looking to digital assets to diversify their reserves. PublicSquare hasn’t verified any Bitcoin purchases yet, but its strategy is similar to that of companies that are becoming more interested in Bitcoin. Figures like President Trump, who wants to make the U.S. a crypto hub, are supporting this. Caitlin Long’s selection to the board of PublicSquare is a big step forward for the company’s fintech growth. Her extensive knowledge of both crypto and traditional banking will likely accelerate PublicSquare’s digital asset projects, making it a leader in the e-commerce and payments industry. Long’s leadership could help PublicSquare find its place in the growing digital economy, as it keeps coming up with new ideas.

BMO has expanded its Global Money Transfer service in partnership with Mastercard, enabling Canadian personal banking clients to send money to nearly 70 new destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean. The expanded service, powered by Mastercard Move, integrates directly into BMO’s Mobile Banking app and offers 24/7 access to international payments without hidden fees. Clients can send funds directly to bank accounts, mobile wallets, cards, or pickup locations, backed by Mastercard’s global payment network reaching more than 200 destinations and over 10 billion endpoints. “We’re proud to provide a service through Mastercard Move” Gayle Ramsay, Head of Everyday Banking, Segment & Customer Growth at BMO, commented, “BMO is committed to helping our clients make real financial progress, and our expanded Global Money Transfer service embodies that commitment by helping them stay connected to what matters most: their families, friends, and financial commitments worldwide. Together with Mastercard, we’re proud to provide a service through Mastercard Move that’s fast, secure, and tailored for the needs of our clients in Canada.” The announcement reinforces BMO’s role in providing secure, accessible financial solutions for Canadian clients with global ties. For communities that rely on remittances for education, housing, and day-to-day expenses, the extended reach of the service is expected to play a significant role in supporting household financial resilience abroad. Darrell MacMullin, Senior Vice President, Commercial and New Payment Flows at Mastercard Canada, said, “We want to ensure that the digital economy enables the movement of money for consumers both in Canada and around the world. Reliable access to secure international money movement is essential for empowering people and supporting global connections, and Mastercard is proud to work with BMO to offer this innovative solution. Mastercard Move lets people send money affordably, while delivering speed, transparency and trust in every transaction.” Mastercard continues to invest in expanding its global money movement infrastructure, providing scale and compliance support for financial institutions like BMO that serve diverse, globally connected populations. The expanded partnership allows BMO to offer international money transfer capabilities that are integrated, cost-effective, and backed by real-time processing capabilities.

Coinstar has named Brandon Thompson as its new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), tasking him with accelerating the company’s global growth and steering its transition from a coin-counting network to a full-service digital financial platform. Thompson will lead Coinstar’s commercial strategy with a particular focus on expanding CINQ by Coinstar, the company’s digital wallet introduced in 2024. The wallet allows users to convert physical cash into digital funds for bill payments, online shopping, and everyday financial management. Coinstar operates nearly 24,000 connected kiosks across the world and processes more than 50 million transactions annually. “As we expand from a trusted physical network into a full digital financial platform” Kevin McColly, CEO of Coinstar, said, “We process more than 50 million transactions a year and partner with over 700 retailers worldwide. That kind of scale and the trust behind it gives us a unique opportunity to deliver even more value to customers. Brandon brings exactly the kind of leadership we need as we expand from a trusted physical network into a full digital financial platform. He knows how to build on that foundation and lead us through the next phase of growth.” Thompson joins Coinstar with over two decades of experience in fintech and digital banking, having previously served as Executive Vice President at Green Dot Corporation. His work included leadership across product, marketing, and commercial strategy for prepaid and mobile financial services. He also held senior roles at Netspend and EML, developing inclusive digital tools for underbanked and cash-reliant consumers. “Coinstar has the infrastructure and trust to do something very few companies can, bridge the gap between physical currency and the digital economy at scale,” said Thompson. “This is about more than just converting coins and cash. It’s about giving people real access to tools they can use to spend, save, and manage money however and wherever they want. We’re starting with the U.S., but the opportunity is global.” Coinstar’s next wave of product innovation is scheduled for late 2025 and will expand the company’s ability to serve customers’ financial needs beyond kiosk-based services. Thompson’s appointment signals a push to connect Coinstar’s physical footprint with a new suite of digital tools aimed at cash-preferred users, both in North America and abroad.

The fmls:25 London Summit will happen once again later in the year this November at a new location, Magazine London. Categories Academy International encompass the world-renowned B2B summit which gathers together senior executives of the trading, fintech, digital assets, and payments worlds. The agenda of this year has been tactically laid down to address themes of high impacts in the financial ecosystem. Among the topics, there are market liquidity, regulatory framework, artificial intelligence, profitable trading opportunities, and cross-asset strategy design. It will be attended by those in the investment houses, hedge funds, brokerages, exchanges and foreign regulatory bodies. Organizations will also have the opportunity to showcase their latest solutions and innovations within the vibrant exhibition floor of the summit, where their solutions would be supportive of companies that are trying to conquer the industry. Considered as one of the most important ventures that can enable profitable and sustainable business partnerships, fmls:25 is an excellent meet that business executives should not miss to exploit the new opportunities and striking business alliances with the leading players in the industry. To know more about the event and reserve your place, go to the official fmls:25 site.

BISON, the crypto trading platform operated by Boerse Stuttgart Group, is expanding its lineup with the addition of six new cryptocurrencies: Lido DAO (LDO), Binance Coin (BNB), Avalanche (AVAX), Ondo (ONDO), Pepe (PEPE), and NEAR Protocol (NEAR). The new assets will be available for trading on the platform by the end of July. This expansion brings BISON’s offering to over 30 cryptocurrencies, all available without trading fees and underpinned by regulated custody. “Relevant cryptocurrencies in a regulated and reliable environment” Benjamin Kruk, Chief Product Officer and Head of BISON, commented, “This expansion reflects the growing interest in innovative projects that are shaping the crypto market across a range of sectors. These six new coins were carefully selected by our expert teams based on market capitalization, regulatory compliance, secure custody, and our users’ needs. Our goal is to give users access to relevant cryptocurrencies in a regulated and reliable environment. Security, transparency, and ease of use remain our top priorities.” Each new addition represents a distinct area of crypto innovation: Lido DAO (LDO) is the governance token of the largest liquid staking platform on Ethereum, enabling users to receive liquid stTokens for staked ETH. Binance Coin (BNB) is the native utility token of the Binance ecosystem and powers transactions across its proprietary blockchain. Avalanche (AVAX) is a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain known for its scalability and subnet architecture, with applications across DeFi and NFTs. Ondo (ONDO) serves as the governance token for Ondo Finance, a platform providing tokenized access to real-world financial assets, such as bonds and funds. Pepe (PEPE) is a memecoin with a large online following and its own Layer-2 network, “Pepe Unchained.” NEAR Protocol (NEAR) is a Layer-1 blockchain focused on usability, AI integration, and scalability, designed for developers building Web3 applications. The cryptocurrencies on BISON are traded with no commission fees, only the standard market-based spread. All assets are held by Boerse Stuttgart Digital Custody GmbH, the first German crypto custodian to receive a license under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). “Especially when it comes to speculative assets like cryptocurrencies, a reliable trading platform is essential,” said Kruk. “BISON stands for secure crypto trading made in Germany with vetted coins, transparent pricing, and a platform trusted by more than 960,000 users.” With this update, BISON reinforces its role as a regulated gateway for retail investors in Europe seeking straightforward and secure access to the crypto market.

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading around $118,500 after briefly retreating from a mid-July high of $123,000. The asset has shown resilience in holding support near $116,000, with intraday price action ranging between $116,040 and $118,891. Despite broader market caution, BTC remains up over 78% year-to-date, supported by strong ETF inflows and investor demand. Technical indicators across daily, weekly, and monthly charts remain overwhelmingly bullish. Notably, BTC has broken above a descending channel pattern, signaling a potential trend reversal. Analysts are watching for a decisive breakout above the $120,000 resistance level, which could trigger a rally toward $130,000 or higher. Support remains firm in the $111,000 to $115,000 zone, aligning with previous resistance and fair value gap demand levels. A cup-and-handle formation on longer timeframes further reinforces the bullish continuation thesis, while momentum indicators show no major bearish divergence. Bitcoin’s recent gains have been bolstered by renewed ETF inflows and increasing institutional interest. Traders are also closely monitoring U.S. macroeconomic signals and regulatory developments, including the White House’s digital asset framework. Analysts believe these catalysts could significantly influence short-term price direction. As Bitcoin consolidates just below key resistance, the market remains on edge. A break above $120,000 may validate bullish targets up to $146,000. Conversely, failure to hold above $116,000 could open the door to a retest of deeper support levels. For now, the trend remains upward—with the bulls in control. Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading around $3,860, holding firm after a slight pullback from recent highs. Intraday price action has ranged between $3,689 and $3,875, and the asset remains comfortably above the crucial $3,800 support zone. Despite mild selling pressure, ETH is up substantially in 2025 and continues to attract institutional interest amid staking-led accumulation and ETF exposure. Across daily, weekly, and monthly timeframes, Ethereum maintains a “Strong Buy” rating based on MACD, RSI, ADX, and multiple moving averages. Ethereum is currently pressing against the upper boundary of a multi-year symmetrical triangle formation. A successful breakout above the $3,900–$4,000 resistance band could unlock a bullish target range starting at $4,100, with the potential to rally toward $5,000 and beyond if momentum accelerates. Rising institutional demand has underpinned ETH’s resilience, bolstered by the approval and launch of Ethereum-based ETFs and increased staking activity. Market participants are also watching macroeconomic indicators and regulatory shifts in the U.S., which could act as short-term catalysts or headwinds. Momentum indicators show strength, with RSI holding in the 70s and no major bearish divergences. As ETH continues to consolidate above $3,800, bulls are looking for confirmation of a breakout move in the coming sessions. If confirmed, Ethereum could reclaim key psychological levels and renew its long-term bullish trajectory. With technical structure aligned and market flows supportive, Ethereum remains poised for a breakout—assuming key resistance levels can be decisively breached.

Crypto markets never sleep, but traders still do. As volatility spikes and on-chain signals fly by the second, the idea of ‘always-on’ trading has moved from aspiration to necessity. The most important “screen” in trading is no longer a heatmap or an order ticket; it’s an AI that understands intent, watches continuously, and, within the limits you set, acts. J.P. Morgan’s e‑Trading Edit makes the subtext explicit – institutional traders overwhelmingly say AI and machine learning will shape the future of trading more than any other technology. This view has held for three consecutive years and, in earlier survey editions, clocked in at 61%. The center of gravity has shifted from building pipes to building cognition.  The largest banks are already operationalizing this shift. Bank of America’s “Maestro,” Goldman’s firmwide GS AI Assistant, and Citi’s AI rollouts join JPMorgan’s vast LLM Suite, now touching over 200,000 employees, AI is no longer limited to back-office automation — it’s influencing research, risk management, and execution. Citi’s pilot with Ant International, for instance,led to a 30% reduction in FX hedging costs for a client. That’s not theoretical; it’s a P&L statement.  The genie is out; the only debate is how fast we move from co‑pilots to genuine autonomy under human supervision. Why Crypto Is the Beachhead for Agentive Trading Crypto is where agents will mature first because the market itself is an unforgiving stress test. It trades around the clock, narratives shift constantly, and a single strategy can span perpetuals, options, funding rates, on‑chain liquidity, and social sentiment. That surface area is too vast for humans to monitor and too fluid for rule-based systems. Meanwhile, the institutionalization of crypto accelerates: as reported by TheStreet and echoed across syndications, Bitget is making a significant push into institutional trading and payments in 2025, a signal that the UX standards of retail crypto and the rigor of professional desks are converging. Agents won’t just accompany that convergence; they’ll drive it, because they make complex strategies easier to execute and track. Exchanges Need to Design for Intent, Not Clicks Most “AI on exchanges” today is still a chatbot skin on top of legacy workflows. These tools surface data, summarize markets, and offer prompts, useful, yes, but fundamentally passive: they talk, you click. The agent era is different. In an agent‑native exchange, the user states the outcome and the constraints: “Don’t let me get wicked out, but protect me if the weekly trend truly breaks”. The system translates that into layered orders, dynamic sizing, and time‑in‑force logic, then monitors until the conditions are met.  Bitget chose to go a step further with GetAgent, an AI trading agent that merges real‑time analysis with in‑chat execution and continuous learning, so the same conversation that captures your intent can also pull the trigger you’ve authorized. One mention is enough to make the point: the direction of travel for serious exchanges is agents, not chatbots. Time, Risk, and Accountability: What Agents Really Solve and Complicate For retail traders, the dividend is time reclaimed from triaging alerts, cross‑checking funding flips, and reconciling open interest spikes. You define outcomes, caps, and horizons; the agent filters the noise and executes when the preconditions you set are met. For professionals, the edge is increasingly time efficiency (not a secret data feed), and banks are already quantifying the gains in real budget lines. JPMorgan’s multibillion‑dollar AI push and Goldman’s firmwide rollout are proof that the productivity curve has inflected.  But autonomy raises hard, solvable questions. Accountability and auditability matter: who effectively “signed” the order the agent placed at 02:14, and can you reconstruct its chain of reasoning? Model drift and overfitting matter: an agent that “learns you” can also learn your worst habits. Regulatory clarity matters: suitability, best execution, and disclosure need agent‑aware specifications.  Security matters as well: agents that ingest external data must be hardened against prompt injection and adversarial inputs. Rigorous logging, policy constraints, and firmwide governance are the muscles traditional finance is already building to scale AI safely. Crypto can adapt that playbook faster, precisely because its stack is newer and more flexible. The Quiet Takeover Already Underway Traders have told us where this is going, and the numbers are unambiguous: AI and machine learning are the technologies they expect to dominate the next chapter of market structure. The only real strategic question for exchanges is whether they will keep grafting conversational tools onto dashboards designed for clicking, or rebuild the trading experience around agents that can think, watch, and execute, with transparent guardrails and the human firmly in command.  Seems like the latter is in favor since markets are too fast, and humans are too valuable, to be stuck doing what a well‑designed agent can do better.

Online trading is more accessible than ever. But even with the ease of getting started with a trading account, there are still risks involved. If you’re wondering how to start online trading without putting too much at stake, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through smart steps to begin trading while keeping your risk low and your confidence high. Understand the Basics Before You Begin To begin trading the right way, you first need to know how it works and what you’re getting into. What Is Online Trading? Online trading means buying and selling assets in the financial market through the internet. You can do this using websites or mobile apps from brokers. Everything happens in real time, and you can trade from your computer or phone. Common Types of Assets to Trade There’s more to online trading than the stock market. Here are some of the most popular asset classes that people trade online: Stocks: Shares of companies that change in value. ETFs: Bundles of stocks or other investments grouped together. Forex: Currency pairs like USD/EUR or GBP/JPY. Cryptocurrencies: Digital coins such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Each asset behaves differently, so it’s a good idea to focus on one or two at the start. Maybe try forex trading first and then work your way to the other asset types. How Online Trading Platforms Work Online trading platforms connect you to the market. They let you view prices, place trades, and track your performance. Some are made for beginners, while others have advanced tools for experienced traders. Set Clear Goals and a Budget Before you trade, take a moment to define your goals and limit how much money you’re willing to risk. Know Why You’re Trading Ask yourself what you hope to get from trading. Are you aiming to grow your savings slowly, or are you looking for quicker profits? Your goal will guide your decisions moving forward. Only Use Money You Can Afford to Lose This part is very important. Never trade with money meant for rent, food, or emergencies. Use only extra cash that won’t hurt you if it’s lost. Decide on a Trading Style Different trading styles fit different lifestyles. Here are three common ones: Day trading: Active traders buy and sell on the same day. This style is fast and risky. Swing trading: Swing traders hold trades for a few days or weeks. Investing: This style is holding for months or even years. It’s slower and steadier. Pick the trading strategy that matches your time, goals, and comfort with risk. Learn the Risks and How to Manage Them Every trade comes with risk. That’s why learning how to manage risk is just as important as knowing how to trade. Market Volatility and Price Swings Prices can move quickly. News, reports, or world events can cause sudden jumps or drops. Be ready for the ups and downs with a technical analysis of real-time market data. Emotions Can Lead to Mistakes Fear and greed often get in the way of good decisions. When emotions take over, traders tend to panic or chase losses. Staying calm and following your plan will help you avoid this. Risk Management Tools There are a few simple tools that can help reduce your losses: Stop-loss orders: These sell your trade automatically if the price drops too much. Position sizing: Only risk a small part of your account on each trade. Risk-reward ratio: Aim for trades where the potential reward is greater than the possible loss. You can also consider using a risk calculator to fine‑tune your trade size and protect your account even more. Using these tools won’t prevent all losses, but they will help you stay in control. Start Small and Practice First You don’t need to jump in with real money right away. It’s better to practice and build confidence first. Use Demo Accounts Many trading platforms offer demo accounts. These let you trade using fake money in real market conditions. It’s a safe way to get used to the tools and test your strategy. Start with Low-Stakes Trades When you switch to real money, keep your trades small at first. This limits your risk and helps you learn the market dynamics without heavy pressure. Build a Simple Trading Plan A good plan helps you avoid guessing and stay consistent. Have Rules for When to Buy and Sell Decide ahead of time what makes a trade worth taking. Set rules for when to get in and when to get out. Avoid trading on impulse or hype. Track Your Results Keep a log of your trades. Note why you entered, how it turned out, and what you learned. Over time, you’ll notice patterns and get better at spotting good opportunities. Keep Learning and Stay Updated The market changes every day. That’s why ongoing learning is part of smart trading. Follow Market News Economic updates, company earnings, and world events can all affect the market. Stay updated so you’re not caught off guard. Study Trading Basics Regularly Make time each week to read or watch trading content. Stick to trusted sources. The more you learn, the more confident and careful you’ll be with your decisions. Conclusion If you’re wondering how to start online trading, the answer is: take it slow, stay informed, and protect your money. Focus on learning before earning. Start small, use risk controls, and stay patient. Over time, your skills will grow, and so will your confidence.

Trading Technologies (TT) has announced that Thoma Bravo will become its new strategic partner alongside current owner 7RIDGE, as the capital markets technology firm prepares for its next phase of growth. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approval. Financial terms were not disclosed. Thoma Bravo is a global private equity firm with a focus on software investments. TT’s current owner, 7RIDGE, acquired the company in December 2021 and has since supported its transformation into a broad multi-asset platform serving institutional clients worldwide. “TT is in its strongest position to date to become the operating system for the capital markets” Justin Llewellyn-Jones, CEO of Trading Technologies, commented, “We’re thrilled to welcome Thoma Bravo to the TT team. The combination of TT’s business and technology experience, 7RIDGE’s deep sector knowledge, and Thoma Bravo’s strategic and operational expertise will truly make us an extraordinary force. With the backing of these two great partners, TT is in its strongest position to date to become the operating system for the capital markets.” Carsten Kengeter, founder of 7RIDGE, said, “Our confidence in TT’s role within financial markets infrastructure is as strong as ever. TT has come a long way in a very short period of time, and we look forward to guiding the company to the next level with Thoma Bravo. This process attracted deep and wide expert interest in TT. Thoma Bravo brings the fitting ingredients as TT’s and our strategic partner.” Thoma Bravo said it sees TT as well-positioned to meet growing demand for fast, reliable, and scalable trading solutions across asset classes. A.J. Rohde, Senior Partner at Thoma Bravo, stated, “TT has rapidly evolved into a modern, industry-leading platform with a loyal customer base, and we believe it is poised for meaningful and accelerated growth. There is a compelling market opportunity for TT to meet the growing demand for speed, reliability and next-generation innovation. TT will be better able to capitalize on this opportunity through the expertise, operational rigor and long-term investment that our partnership with 7RIDGE will bring.” George Jaber, a Principal at Thoma Bravo, added, “Through our collaboration and deep software expertise, we can provide TT with the operational guidance and resources to accelerate innovation and strengthen its market leadership. Together, we will unlock new avenues for company growth while continuing to deliver exceptional value to customers.” Since being acquired by 7RIDGE, TT has expanded its offerings into additional asset classes and capabilities, delivering Software-as-a-Service solutions that serve banks, brokers, hedge funds, and proprietary trading firms across global markets. The platform now provides services across listed derivatives, fixed income, FX, and cryptocurrencies, with additional functionality including transaction cost analysis, compliance, clearing, post-trade, and infrastructure support. Houlihan Lokey served as lead financial advisor and Barclays as financial advisor to TT. Proskauer provided legal counsel, and Oliver Wyman advised on market and commercial aspects. Thoma Bravo was advised by Ardea Partners LP and legal firm Goodwin Procter LLP. The agreement signals confidence in TT’s technology stack and business strategy as it aims to become the backbone infrastructure for trading operations across asset classes and geographies.

The Central Bank of Bolivia and El Salvador’s National Commission of Digital Assets (CNAD) have signed a sweeping Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a pivotal shift in Bolivia’s stance on cryptocurrency. The agreement, finalized on July 16, 2025, establishes an open-ended partnership focused on developing a comprehensive crypto regulatory framework, technical infrastructure, and financial inclusion strategies. This collaboration follows Bolivia’s historic reversal of its decade-long crypto ban in June 2024. With the legal path cleared for regulated use of digital assets, Bolivia has publicly recognized cryptocurrency as a “reliable alternative” to traditional fiat currencies—a significant shift for a nation that had once prohibited all crypto-related activities. The partnership underscores Bolivia’s ambition to leapfrog years of regulatory and technological backlog by leveraging El Salvador’s experience as the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. Through this alliance, Bolivia aims to strengthen its digital financial ecosystem and provide a lifeline to its ailing economy. From Sanctions to Solutions: Bolivia Accelerates Digital Finance Integration The MoU lays the groundwork for wide-ranging collaboration between the two nations. Key areas of focus include the co-design of regulatory frameworks, mutual sharing of blockchain intelligence tools, joint development of public education programs, and innovation in crypto-financial infrastructure. El Salvador’s CNAD will play an advisory role, helping Bolivia construct compliance protocols, licensing regimes, and secure custody systems that mirror El Salvador’s evolving crypto economy. Bolivia’s Central Bank, in turn, will integrate these frameworks into national policy discussions, potentially opening the door to broader institutional adoption. The timing of the partnership is crucial. Bolivia is currently grappling with a severe economic crisis. Inflation has reached multi-decade highs, foreign exchange reserves dwindled to just $165 million as of April 2025, and the national currency, the boliviano, faces intense downward pressure. In this context, the appeal of decentralized finance and borderless transactions has grown significantly. Crypto adoption has surged within Bolivia’s private sector over the past year. According to official estimates, transaction volumes rose from approximately $46.5 million in June 2024 to nearly $294 million by June 2025. Small businesses, freelancers, and remittance recipients are increasingly turning to digital assets to hedge against inflation and bypass traditional banking friction. Hope and Hurdles: Experts Caution Against Over-Reliance on Volatile Assets Despite the optimism, experts urge caution. While digital assets offer potential relief, their volatility can also amplify economic inequality. Critics have warned against adopting frameworks wholesale without tailoring them to Bolivia’s unique socioeconomic conditions. Some have labeled such moves “crypto-colonialism,” where external systems are imported without adequate localization. Moreover, while the MoU signals strong political intent, it lacks a concrete implementation roadmap. There are no specific timelines for regulatory rollout, legal approvals, or technology deployment. Bolivia has not yet declared any cryptocurrency legal tender, meaning use remains regulated and voluntary. Nevertheless, the partnership marks a strategic milestone in Latin America’s growing crypto movement. As Bolivia seeks financial stability and greater inclusion, digital assets are no longer seen as fringe experiments—but as building blocks for a new economic future.

WazirX, one of India’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, could resume operations as early as September or October 2025—contingent on the outcome of a critical creditor vote currently underway. The company began a revote on its revised Scheme of Arrangement on July 30, which will continue through August 6. If approved by a majority of creditors and sanctioned by the Singapore High Court, the plan will allow Zanmai India, WazirX’s Indian operating entity, to take control of token recovery distribution and oversee the exchange’s operational relaunch. The proposed Scheme outlines a roadmap for compensating affected users and restoring functionality to the platform, which has been largely inactive since regulatory scrutiny and liquidity issues brought operations to a halt. Under the terms of the revised proposal, token distributions are set to begin within 10 business days of the Scheme taking legal effect. Platform functionality is expected to follow shortly after, with a full relaunch potentially occurring within Q4 2025. A Delayed Restart, Now Back on Track WazirX initially projected a restart in April or May 2025, following the announcement of its original restructuring plan. However, court feedback in Singapore led to delays, as regulators requested additional clarity on fund custody, governance, and operational safeguards. In response, WazirX amended its Scheme to address these concerns, introducing improved transparency measures, updated recovery terms, and new oversight mechanisms through Zanmai India. According to company statements, the current vote is the final procedural hurdle before relaunch activities can begin. “This is the last step,” WazirX noted in a recent blog post. “If the Scheme is approved, the platform can begin returning assets to users and move towards full operational readiness.” User sentiment has been cautiously optimistic, with many welcoming the company’s transparency during the restructuring process. Nonetheless, some remain skeptical about the platform’s ability to restore trust and compete in an increasingly crowded and regulated Indian crypto landscape. Cautious Optimism for Q4 2025 While no firm date has been announced, observers and industry participants suggest that a September or October relaunch is feasible if the current vote is successful and the court grants final approval in August. The proposed timeline would allow WazirX to capitalize on growing retail and institutional interest in digital assets during the last quarter of the year. WazirX’s return could mark a major milestone for the Indian crypto sector, which continues to grapple with regulatory ambiguity and shifting market dynamics. A successful relaunch would not only restore a key player to the market but also serve as a test case for crisis recovery and restructuring within the digital asset space. As the revote progresses, all eyes remain on the Singapore High Court and the creditors whose decisions will shape the next chapter for one of India’s most high-profile crypto platforms.

Damisa has announced the launch of local payment rails and on/off-ramp services across all six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, enabling instant domestic and cross-border financial flows in native currencies. The launch covers Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait. The expansion allows Damisa’s partners to initiate and settle transactions directly through local bank accounts in Bahraini dinar, Omani rial, Qatari riyal, Saudi riyal, UAE dirham, and Kuwaiti dinar. This eliminates the foreign exchange friction and settlement lags typically associated with regional cross-border payments. “We’re removing the friction that has historically slowed down international payments” Jordan Lawrence, CEO and co-founder of Damisa, commented, “This is a foundational step in our mission to simplify asset and data transfers globally. By integrating directly with local financial systems across the GCC, we’re removing the friction that has historically slowed down international payments. Traditional cross-border banking can be costly, time-consuming, and opaque—especially for businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions. Our new infrastructure solves that.” The firm said its new rails empower clients to bypass delays and FX markups by allowing them to transact in native currencies with full transparency. According to Lawrence, the goal is to support sectors such as real estate, travel, education, and e-commerce, where timely and local settlement is operationally critical. He added, “We’re helping local and international businesses unlock new markets, streamline operations, and fully participate in the digital economy with speed, transparency, and trust.” Alongside the new GCC rails, Damisa is offering a wider suite of services through its API gateway, Damisa Connect. These include cross-border payments, global collections, international payouts, and escrow services. The platform supports more than 25 currencies and includes automated anti-money laundering compliance, reconciliation tools, and customizable terms for milestone-based or high-value transactions. Escrow functionality is already in use for real estate purchases, education payments, and B2B contract settlements. Global collection and payout services also support both fiat and crypto flows with real-time reporting and minimal fees. The company said industries operating across emerging and frontier markets are adopting Damisa to increase settlement speed, reduce operational overhead, and integrate local partners without building separate in-country infrastructure. Damisa describes itself as an orchestration network for moving money and data across borders. With this expansion, it positions itself as a financial infrastructure provider for businesses seeking to operate in the Gulf region with fewer banking dependencies and greater automation.

In a dramatic revelation that has sent shockwaves across India’s cryptocurrency sector, a software engineer at leading crypto exchange CoinDCX has been arrested following an investigation into a $44 million (approximately ₹380 crore) hack. The engineer, identified as Rahul Agarwal, was taken into custody by Bengaluru police on allegations of facilitating the breach, albeit unintentionally, through compromised credentials and malware infection. The incident occurred on July 19, 2025, when CoinDCX detected a large unauthorized outflow of funds from its wallets to multiple external addresses. The company’s parent organization, Neblio Technologies, reported the breach to Bengaluru authorities three days later, triggering an expansive cybercrime investigation. Investigators believe that Agarwal was targeted by attackers posing as freelance recruiters. Under the guise of part-time software gigs, the perpetrators allegedly tricked Agarwal into installing malicious software on his company-issued laptop. The malware, reportedly a sophisticated keylogger, enabled remote actors to extract his login credentials, granting them unauthorized access to CoinDCX’s internal systems. Criminal Charges and Recovery Efforts Underway Authorities have filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Agarwal under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. These include charges of identity theft, criminal breach of trust, cheating, and personation. While Agarwal claims ignorance of the breach until confronted by authorities, investigators have uncovered financial transactions suggesting otherwise. According to sources familiar with the investigation, at least ₹17,131 was found in Agarwal’s personal bank account traced to the freelance contacts linked to the malware scheme. Further, over ₹15 lakh was received over the past year from various freelance gigs—a potential front for credential-harvesting operations. Cybercrime units, in collaboration with blockchain forensic experts, are now attempting to trace the flow of stolen assets. The funds were reportedly routed through a series of intermediary wallets, likely in an effort to obfuscate the trail and evade recovery. In a bid to accelerate the retrieval of assets, CoinDCX has launched a Recovery Bounty Program. The initiative offers up to 25% of any successfully recovered funds—amounting to more than $11 million—as a reward for credible tips and cooperation. The program is open to the public, including ethical hackers and blockchain researchers, and marks one of the largest bounty programs initiated by an Indian crypto firm. Broader Implications for India’s Crypto Sector The breach has raised serious concerns about the cybersecurity infrastructure of Indian crypto exchanges. Experts warn that insider vulnerabilities, whether malicious or negligent, represent a major threat vector in digital asset security. CoinDCX, which has long touted its robust security practices, is now under scrutiny to reassess its internal controls and employee vetting protocols. As the investigation unfolds, regulatory bodies are also expected to weigh in on compliance measures and risk frameworks for exchanges operating in India. With the country emerging as one of the fastest-growing crypto markets globally, the outcome of this case could influence future policy and investor confidence in the sector. For now, the arrest of a CoinDCX employee has laid bare the human factor in cybersecurity—an Achilles’ heel in even the most technologically fortified systems.

The Ether Machine, an institutional-grade Ethereum treasury platform, has executed a major ETH acquisition to commemorate Ethereum’s 10th anniversary. Through its subsidiary, The Ether Reserve LLC, the company purchased 15,000 ETH valued at approximately $56.9 million. This purchase increases its total holdings to 334,757 ETH, overtaking the Ethereum Foundation’s estimated treasury of 234,000 ETH. The transaction is part of a broader accumulation strategy aimed at positioning The Ether Machine as the largest decentralized ETH treasury vehicle in the world. Backed by an elite group of investors—including Pantera Capital, Kraken, Blockchain.com, and Dragonfly—the firm has now committed over half a billion dollars to Ethereum exposure. With an estimated $407 million in remaining dry powder, more acquisitions are expected in the near term. The purchase also comes at a pivotal moment for Ethereum, as institutional interest in the asset continues to rise alongside developments in staking, ETFs, and scalability. The Ether Machine’s long-term strategy goes beyond simple accumulation. According to co-founder Andrew Keys, the firm is building a vertically integrated platform for staking, custody, and yield generation that will allow it to support the Ethereum ecosystem while generating ETH-denominated returns. Nasdaq Listing on Horizon for ETH-Focused Vehicle The Ether Machine is in the advanced stages of a SPAC merger with Dynamix Corporation, which will take the company public under the ticker symbol ETHM. The deal is expected to raise over $1.5 billion in committed capital and could close as early as Q4 2025. Upon listing, The Ether Machine is projected to hold more than 400,000 ETH on its balance sheet, making it one of the largest public holders of Ethereum globally. Unlike traditional treasury vehicles that rely on fiat reserves or Bitcoin, The Ether Machine is focused entirely on Ethereum’s programmable and yield-bearing nature. The platform plans to stake a significant portion of its ETH holdings, participate in validator operations, and deploy capital to decentralized protocols that align with its thesis. The Nasdaq debut will mark a major milestone in Ethereum’s institutionalization, providing a new entry point for traditional investors seeking ETH exposure through regulated equity markets. Ethereum’s Corporate Treasury Era Gains Momentum The Ether Machine’s aggressive strategy comes as more firms begin to adopt Ethereum as a reserve and operational asset. Companies such as BitMine Immersion Technologies, Bit Digital, GameSquare, and SharpLink Gaming have all disclosed ETH treasury positions in recent months. Some are turning to Ethereum not just for price appreciation but for its ability to generate native yield via staking and liquidity provisioning. This institutional embrace reflects Ethereum’s evolution from a smart contract platform to a cornerstone of decentralized finance and financial infrastructure. With stablecoins, NFTs, and DeFi protocols relying on Ethereum as their foundational layer, ETH is increasingly viewed as a productive, scarce, and programmable asset. As Ethereum enters its second decade, The Ether Machine’s growing role signals the emergence of a new class of crypto-native institutions—ones that don’t just hold ETH, but build and operate on top of it.

Traders Edge Inc., a New Jersey-based introducing broker and NFA member since 1998, has been ordered by the National Futures Association (NFA) to permanently withdraw from membership. The decision follows a disciplinary proceeding that revealed a range of violations related to misleading advertising, deceptive sales practices, failure to disclose fees, inadequate supervision, and unregistered advisory activity. The NFA Hearing Panel issued the decision on July 30 after reviewing a settlement offer submitted by Traders Edge and its principals Edward Francis Carr Jr., William Michael Chieco, and Eugene Anthony Ratti. The firm neither admitted nor denied the charges, but the offer was accepted and resulted in formal findings against all four respondents. The Business Conduct Committee’s Complaint, filed on September 25, 2024, stemmed from a 2023 NFA examination triggered by Traders Edge’s disciplinary history and uncovered multiple violations. At the core of the case were misleading promotional claims and deceptive client communications that distorted the actual performance of client accounts and concealed key trading costs. Traders Edge portrayed most trades as profitable, but… The Complaint stated that Traders Edge published trading results on its website that portrayed most trades as profitable, despite the fact that a majority of the firm’s discretionary accounts lost money when commissions and fees were taken into account. In 2022, for example, 69 percent of discretionary accounts experienced a trading loss before fees, contradicting the firm’s claim that 85 percent of its trades were winners. In 2021, while most accounts appeared profitable before fees, over 60 percent lost money once fees were included. Moreover, these performance figures were presented without deducting commissions and fees, in violation of NFA Compliance Rule 2-29(b)(5). The only mention of fees was a small-print asterisk directing users to a disclaimer elsewhere on the page. The Complaint also pointed out that profit claims on the website lacked an equally prominent discussion of the risk of loss, breaching Rule 2-29(b)(3). Sales calls by Traders Edge representatives further revealed misleading statements, according to the Complaint. In multiple instances, Associated Persons Chieco and Ratti described the firm’s fees as simple commissions while omitting or obscuring the existence of a $4.80 per-contract transaction fee. These omissions contravened NFA Compliance Rule 2-4, which requires clear pre-trade disclosure of all costs. Chieco, for example, told a prospective client that fees consisted of “a round turn commission and about $7 in exchange fees,” omitting the firm’s own transaction fee. Ratti similarly referred only to commissions and exchange fees, despite the firm collecting over $1.6 million in transaction fees from 2021 through 2023. Several of the firm’s promotional pages made statements about profit potential with little or no acknowledgment of downside risk. One webpage suggested that during times of geopolitical instability, options trades could generate returns of 250 to 400 percent. Another claimed that such trades carried “limited predetermined risk and can be done in a retirement account,” downplaying the actual risk profile. The NFA also found that Traders Edge functioned as a commodity trading advisor (CTA) without being registered as such, as required under Compliance Rule 2-2(i). The firm held power of attorney for the majority of its active discretionary accounts and issued public trade recommendations via its website and a client text message service, activities which exceed the scope of an introducing broker exemption under CFTC regulations. On the issue of supervision, the Complaint noted that Carr, the firm’s president and head of operations, failed to adequately oversee staff conduct. He delegated critical compliance duties to an unqualified office manager-turned-compliance officer, Katherine Alexander, who failed to detect issues in client solicitations. Neither Carr nor Alexander identified any compliance deficiencies during their 2023 internal reviews, even though NFA’s own sampling revealed repeated violations of sales and disclosure rules. In the final decision, the NFA Hearing Panel found that Traders Edge had violated Compliance Rules 2-2(a), 2-4, 2-9(a), 2-29(a)(1), 2-29(b)(1), 2-29(b)(3), and 2-29(b)(5). The CTA-related charge under Rule 2-2(i) was not upheld as part of the settlement, though NFA noted that it reserves the right to consider the matter in future disciplinary or regulatory actions. Under the terms of the settlement: Traders Edge must withdraw from NFA membership within 30 days and is permanently barred from reapplying or acting as a principal of another NFA Member. Carr must resign as principal and associate member, with a five-year prohibition on principal status and a 180-day prohibition on reapplying for associate membership. If he reapplies, he must pay a $40,000 fine. Chieco must step down as principal and associate member, with a 60-day prohibition on reapplying and a $5,000 fine if he seeks reentry. Ratti is barred for 30 days and must also pay a $5,000 fine to rejoin. The decision also renders all three individuals ineligible to serve on disciplinary or governance panels of self-regulatory organizations for three years or until all sanctions are satisfied, whichever is later. This case is the latest in a string of enforcement actions involving Traders Edge and its principals. Carr and affiliated firms have been named in five prior NFA actions dating back several years. The NFA stated that this decision, while final, may be used as disciplinary history in future proceedings.

The White House released a landmark digital asset policy report on July 30, 2025, laying out a comprehensive blueprint aimed at positioning the United States as a global leader in crypto regulation and innovation. Compiled by the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets, the 160-page report presents a robust vision for the future of finance, offering recommendations that span regulatory oversight, banking modernization, taxation, and stablecoin strategy. Referred to by insiders as a “regulatory Bible,” the report proposes a foundational legal framework that aligns with the administration’s ambition to foster innovation while mitigating systemic risks. At its core, the report advocates for a clearer division of responsibilities between the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), suggesting that the CFTC oversee commodity tokens like Bitcoin, while the SEC regulate digital securities. To formalize this structure, the administration is urging Congress to pass the CLARITY Act. Key Proposals Target Stablecoins, Banking Access, and DeFi Oversight Among the most notable recommendations is the administration’s strong endorsement of stablecoin adoption. Through the GENIUS Act, the White House seeks to establish a regulatory framework that supports dollar-backed stablecoins issued by private-sector entities, while opposing the development of a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). The report describes CBDCs as potentially redundant in the presence of effective private solutions that maintain the U.S. dollar’s global influence. In the banking sector, the report encourages regulators to modernize existing frameworks to accommodate digital asset custody, stablecoin issuance, and access to Federal Reserve master accounts. This includes enabling banks to integrate crypto services without facing regulatory uncertainty, thereby promoting institutional trust and participation in the digital asset economy. The report also addresses decentralized finance (DeFi), calling for tailored updates to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations. It urges agencies to preserve user self-custody rights while clarifying how Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) obligations apply to permissionless protocols and non-custodial platforms. Tax Reform and the Missing Bitcoin Reserve The policy document outlines several tax reforms aimed at reducing friction in crypto adoption. These include updates to the treatment of staking and mining income, application of wash-sale rules, and a de minimis exemption for low-value transactions. These measures are intended to provide clarity for retail users and encourage broader economic integration of digital assets. However, conspicuously absent from the report is any detail on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, announced earlier in March via executive order. The initiative, which called for the federal government to hold Bitcoin acquired through seizures, was expected to be a centerpiece of the administration’s crypto agenda. Treasury officials have since stated that a separate update on the reserve will be issued in the coming months. Initial responses from the crypto industry have been cautiously optimistic. Many stakeholders praised the administration for providing a clear regulatory direction, though concerns remain over implementation timelines and political appointments. The nomination of Brian Quintenz to lead the CFTC, for example, has drawn criticism from some crypto-native firms concerned about potential policy shifts. As the U.S. accelerates its push to embed digital assets across financial, commercial, and governmental systems, this report marks a pivotal moment. While the roadmap is comprehensive, its success will depend on how swiftly and effectively its recommendations are translated into actionable policy and legislation.

At its July 30 meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve opted to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.25% to 4.50%, resisting pressure from both markets and political circles to lower borrowing costs. The decision was widely expected, but the tone of the post-meeting communication signaled a more cautious and less committal Fed heading into the fall. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell emphasized a data-driven approach, noting that upcoming economic reports will heavily influence future policy actions. “We are prepared to adjust our policy stance as appropriate,” Powell said, “but we’re not on a pre-set course. The data will guide us.” While inflation has shown signs of easing, it remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Meanwhile, the labor market, though beginning to cool, continues to show resilience. Powell acknowledged the complexity of interpreting recent data and stressed the importance of avoiding premature moves that could reignite inflationary pressures. Market Odds Reprice as Uncertainty Mounts In the wake of Powell’s comments, traders rapidly adjusted their expectations for a September rate cut. The CME FedWatch Tool, which tracks futures market sentiment, showed the probability of a cut falling from roughly 65% to around 46% overnight. Investors now await key indicators such as the July jobs report and June inflation data, which are expected to heavily influence the Fed’s next steps. This re-pricing in market expectations also hit equities, with the S&P 500 slipping modestly after the announcement. Bond yields moved higher, reflecting diminished expectations of near-term easing. Unprecedented Dissent Reveals Fed Division In a rare move, two sitting Federal Reserve governors—Christopher Waller and Michelle Bowman—dissented from the decision, advocating for a 25-basis-point rate cut. This marked the first dual dissent from the Board of Governors in over three decades, highlighting growing division within the central bank. The dissenters argued that recent economic data, including moderating inflation and signs of labor market softening, warranted a more proactive approach. Their stance contrasts sharply with the broader committee, which remains focused on ensuring inflation is sustainably moving toward target before loosening policy. The Fed’s next policy meeting is scheduled for September 16–17. Until then, officials and markets alike will be closely watching key economic data releases, including job growth, wage inflation, and consumer prices. Any notable shifts in these metrics could tilt the balance toward—or away from—a September rate cut. For now, the Fed appears content to wait and see. Whether that patience holds in the face of evolving economic conditions remains to be seen.