The latest in digital assets, markets and regulation.
Strive raised $700 million via its SATS preferred stock IPO despite widening CCC credit spreads. CRO Jeff Walton explains how Bitcoin-backed preferred equity attracts institutional capital through structured risk management and dividend reserves.
JAN3 CEO Samson Mow claims Bitcoin treasury firms like Strategy are massively undervalued, acting as buyers of last resort. He argues their constant accumulation drives a scarcity race, making low-price periods ideal for launching new treasury vehicles or bonds.
Strive's new SATS preferred stock offers a 15% fixed cumulative dividend, potentially enabling Net Bitcoin Per Share accretion if traded above par. However, this strategy requires strict discipline regarding issuance costs, dividend reserves, and market demand to avoid dilution.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management projects Bitcoin to outperform stocks, gold, and bonds through 2036 in its 2027 Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions. Analysts cite a 10% base case and 16% bull case annual return.
PlayStation founder Ken Kutaragi calls fan anger over Sony's 2028 disc discontinuation a "mentality issue," citing smartphone norms. Critics argue the move boosts publisher profits and undermines ownership, amid a 385,000-signature petition.
The OCC finalized GENIUS Act rules for stablecoin issuers, setting standards for reserves and risk management ahead of the January 2027 effective date. Anti-money laundering regulations remain pending in a separate Treasury rulemaking, while the agency prepares to open applications soon.
Standard Chartered signed definitive agreements to acquire Zodia Custody's regulated entities, pending approvals. The deal integrates crypto custody into Securities Services and transfers tech assets to SC Ventures' Zodia Solutions, advancing the bank's institutional digital asset expansion.
The OCC finalized GENIUS Act rules requiring stablecoin issuers to hold full reserves and process redemptions within two days, effective Jan. 18, 2027. The agency dropped a proposed affiliate presumption but retained the ban on yielding interest for holding coins.
UK bank customers filed 10,092 complaints over blocked crypto transfers in 90 days, according to Stand With Crypto. Lloyds topped the list with 2,297 complaints despite no published restrictions, prompting calls for clearer FCA guidance before the new crypto regime launches.
Zcash rallied 12% after developers set the NU7 upgrade activation block at 3,543,405, targeting a November 5 launch. The update reduces block time to 25 seconds, though half of the readiness tasks remain incomplete due to node synchronization issues.
Shinhan Card and SBI entities will test yen stablecoin payments for tourists and trade. The pact follows over 10 million bilateral visits in early 2026 and builds on prior proofs-of-concept.
Glassnode identifies $87,700 as key Bitcoin resistance due to breakeven points for recent holders. Meanwhile, US spot ETF inflows strengthen support near $80,000, creating a tight trading range defined by institutional bids and overhead sell pressure.