Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

This week highlighted how crypto regulation continues to shape the future of digital assets. From the Federal Reserve spotlighting stablecoins to the SEC and CFTC paving the way for spot trading, policymakers are taking center stage. Meanwhile, the Trump family cashed in on Bitcoin mining, and Hollywood became entangled in a crypto fraud scandal.

Fed Elevates Stablecoins in Crypto Regulation

The U.S. Federal Reserve announced it will host a Payments Innovation Conference on October 21, with stablecoins at the forefront. This follows the passage of the first U.S. regulatory framework on stablecoins, giving the Fed a key role in defining how issuers are judged.

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher J. Waller emphasized balancing innovation and stability. He noted that innovation has always reshaped payments to serve both businesses and consumers. Panels at the event will cover topics like tokenization, artificial intelligence in payments, and how traditional finance and decentralized finance (DeFi) are converging.

For companies like Circle and Tether, the Fed’s scrutiny could prove pivotal. Regulatory clarity on reserves and banking access will not only affect stablecoin issuers but also ripple across exchanges, institutions, and central banks monitoring U.S. policy.

Trump Sons Score in Bitcoin Mining

In market news, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr. saw staggering paper profits after shares of American Bitcoin, a mining venture they co-founded, surged on its debut. The company went public through a merger with Nasdaq-listed Gryphon Digital Mining, sending shares up by as much as 110%.

At its peak, their combined stake was valued at $2.6 billion, though it later settled closer to $1.5 billion. Still, the venture positions the Trump family firmly at the intersection of politics and crypto wealth.

The development is double-edged: it injects crypto into the U.S. political narrative but also raises questions about potential conflicts of interest. If Donald Trump (NASDAQ:TSLA’s outspoken supporter and crypto advocate) seeks the presidency again, expect American Bitcoin to attract even more scrutiny.

SEC and CFTC Open Door for Spot Crypto Trading

In a rare joint move, the SEC and CFTC announced that registered exchanges under either regulator may facilitate spot crypto trading. After years of uncertainty, this statement offers long-awaited clarity.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins hailed the decision as a step toward bringing innovation back to the U.S. Meanwhile, acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham declared that the era of telling innovators to “go elsewhere” is over.

For investors, this represents a structural shift. Regulated spot trading would bring digital assets into environments resembling traditional stock markets, strengthening investor protections while making U.S. markets more competitive with offshore exchanges.

Hollywood Tangled in Crypto Fraud

The week’s most bizarre twist came from Hollywood. Kevin Spacey’s comeback project, Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force, was revealed to involve Vladimir Okhotnikov—better known as “Lado.” Okhotnikov faces DOJ charges for his role in Forsage, a $340 million DeFi Ponzi scheme.

Prosecutors allege that Okhotnikov and other Russian nationals defrauded thousands of investors. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.

The partnership highlights how the entertainment industry sometimes overlooks due diligence in pursuit of sensational projects. For regulators, it is another example of how crypto’s cultural presence can become entangled with scandal.

The Bigger Picture on Crypto Regulation

The stories of the week show crypto regulation is entering a new phase. The Fed is moving stablecoins from the fringes into policy discussions. U.S. agencies are signaling readiness to legitimize spot crypto trading. At the same time, crypto continues to straddle the line between opportunity and risk, with fortunes made by the Trump sons and reputations stained by Hollywood fraud.

For investors and policymakers alike, the message is clear: crypto is no longer niche, and regulation will determine how far—and how fast—the industry evolves.

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Penny stocks are no strangers to high-risk maneuvers, but few have sparked as much intrigue as CleanCore Solutions (ZONE) and its pivot toward a Dogecoin Treasury strategy. This move has Wall Street questioning whether the company is making a visionary bet on the future of crypto or setting itself up for disaster.

CleanCore’s Bold Dogecoin Treasury Strategy

Earlier this week, Omaha-based CleanCore Solutions announced plans to raise $175 million through a private placement. The funds will be used to create the first official Dogecoin Treasury, a project backed by both the Dogecoin Foundation and House of Doge. By tying its identity to Dogecoin (DOGEUSD), CleanCore hopes to rebrand as a player in the digital payments ecosystem.

The company described this as a “watershed moment” in its history. CEO Clayton Adams emphasized that the Dogecoin initiative could transform CleanCore into more than just a cleaning products firm—it could make the company a recognized name in crypto. To reinforce its strategy, CleanCore also brought in Marco Margiotta, CEO of House of Doge, as Chief Investment Officer and appointed attorney Alex Spiro, known for representing Elon Musk (NASDAQ:TSLA), as board chairman.

Market Reaction to the Dogecoin Treasury Plan

Despite the ambitious vision, the market reacted harshly. Shares of ZONE plummeted nearly 60% following the announcement, dropping from $6.86 to $2.69. The decline reflects investor skepticism toward the viability of a Dogecoin Treasury as a sustainable business model.

ZONE stock’s volatility mirrors the performance of other crypto-treasury-themed plays such as Spirit Blockchain Capital (OTCMKTS:SBLCF) and Dogecoin Cash (DOGP), both of which have faced sharp declines when sentiment around Dogecoin shifted.

Fragile Fundamentals Behind the Hype

The financial picture at CleanCore explains why management felt compelled to make a radical move. Fiscal 2025 revenue totaled just $2.07 million, a 29% improvement year-over-year but still insufficient to cover expenses. Net losses widened to $6.74 million, with operating cash outflow hitting $2.34 million. By June, CleanCore reported just $1.46 million in cash left on hand.

These numbers raise serious concerns. Without fresh capital, the company admitted it had “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue as a going concern. The Dogecoin Treasury is, in many ways, a lifeline: if Dogecoin’s price rises, CleanCore could report stronger equity and balance sheet stability. If the cryptocurrency falls, however, the firm will still face its underlying financial weaknesses.

Can the Dogecoin Treasury Make ZONE a Buy?

For investors, the central question is whether the Dogecoin Treasury approach makes ZONE stock worth the risk. On one hand, CleanCore has positioned itself as a unique crypto play in the penny stock universe. If Dogecoin adoption expands and gains institutional credibility, CleanCore could see its treasury value multiply.

On the other hand, the strategy essentially turns CleanCore into a crypto speculation vehicle rather than a traditional cleaning technology company. With limited revenue from its eco-friendly product line and ongoing losses, there is no clear roadmap for sustainable profitability outside of Dogecoin’s success.

The Bottom Line on ZONE and Dogecoin

CleanCore Solutions’ Dogecoin Treasury gamble has undeniably captured attention. However, investors should view ZONE as a speculative bet rather than a core portfolio holding. The company’s fundamentals remain fragile, and its fate is now largely tied to the unpredictable trajectory of Dogecoin.

Unless you are highly confident in the long-term adoption and value growth of Dogecoin, ZONE stock is best considered high-risk. Investors intrigued by the story may choose to allocate only speculative capital while waiting to see if CleanCore’s crypto pivot delivers results—or leaves shareholders holding the bag.

CleanCore’s risky Dogecoin Treasury strategy remains speculative, uncertain, and highly volatile.

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Cryptocurrency investors are watching closely as Google Gemini crypto predictions signal potential gains for XRP (Ripple), Solana (SOL-USD), Pepe (PEPE-USD), and the emerging Maxi Doge (MAXI) by the end of 2025. Amid recent market volatility, Gemini’s AI suggests that long-term bullish momentum could prevail across major altcoins and memecoins.

XRP Targets New Highs

XRP has already enjoyed a breakout run in 2025, climbing 400% after surpassing $1 and overcoming regulatory challenges. Google Gemini forecasts a conservative price target of $4.00, with potential to push past $5 if key resistance levels are breached.

Institutional adoption continues to support XRP’s bullish case. The XRP Mastercard positions the cryptocurrency in the trillion-dollar credit card market, while an upcoming ETF approval could attract significant inflows. B3 Network’s partnership with XRP Commons aims to enhance game development on the Ripple blockchain, adding real-world utility and bolstering investor confidence.

Support zones at $2.30 and $2.50 have historically acted as reversal points, while clearing $3.60 resistance could open the door to further gains, eventually reaching $10 if bullish momentum persists.

Solana Positioned for Major Upside

Solana’s blockchain has remained resilient after its 2024 rally. Revenue has continued to grow, with the network generating $5M over the past 30 days. Google Gemini predicts that Solana could outperform Ethereum by year-end due to upcoming upgrades.

The Alpenglow upgrade, approved with over 98% support, will reduce transaction finality to just 150ms, paving the way for AI integration and on-chain LLM applications. Liquid staking is also at record levels, with 57M SOL staked, approximately 13.65% of total SOL supply.

Technical indicators show strong support above $200, with a supply zone around $250–$285 serving as the next challenge. If Solana surpasses this range, Gemini anticipates a breakout toward $400.

Memecoin Momentum: Pepe and Maxi Doge

Pepe remains a strong player among memecoins. Despite recent 15% drops in price and volume, key support zones at 830 and 600 provide a floor, while resistance lies near 1,900–2,500. RSI levels indicate potential for rebounds, particularly when Ethereum shows strength.

Maxi Doge is emerging as the next alpha memecoin, with presale funds surpassing $1.84M. Unlike DOGE, Maxi Doge features a fair distribution with 40% allocated to the public presale, reducing whale manipulation risk. Presale participants can also earn staking yields up to 171% annually.

Google Gemini’s model highlights the likelihood of memecoin growth alongside major altcoins, with Maxi Doge potentially offering exponential returns. The combination of strong distribution, staking rewards, and market hype positions it as a high-risk, high-reward investment in 2025.

Investor Takeaways

While short-term volatility remains, Google Gemini crypto predictions suggest substantial upside for select altcoins and memecoins. XRP and Solana show fundamental and technical strength, while Pepe and Maxi Doge provide opportunities for aggressive traders. Investors should carefully manage risk and consider both macroeconomic factors, such as potential Fed rate cuts, and token-specific developments when entering these markets.

With AI-driven forecasts offering new insights, the cryptocurrency landscape in 2025 could reward those who balance research, timing, and exposure to emerging digital assets.

Investors should remain cautious despite the promising Google Gemini crypto predictions. Market volatility can be sudden, particularly for memecoins like Maxi Doge, which are susceptible to sentiment swings and speculative trading. Monitoring regulatory developments, adoption trends, and technical support levels is crucial to avoid significant losses. Diversifying across major altcoins like XRP and Solana while maintaining smaller, high-upside positions in emerging memecoins may balance risk and reward. As AI-driven insights become more integrated into trading strategies, combining these predictions with sound portfolio management will be key to navigating the cryptocurrency market throughout 2025 and beyond.

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Cryptocurrencies and related equities struggled Thursday as Trump-linked crypto decline hit both tokens and publicly traded treasury companies. Despite broader market optimism fueled by expectations of future Federal Reserve rate cuts, digital assets refused to join the rally.

Trump-Associated Tokens See Sharp Losses

Shares of ALT5 Sigma Corp. (NASDAQ:ALTS), a treasury firm holding the WLFI token tied to the Trump-affiliated World Liberty Financial Inc., plunged roughly 12%, marking a steep weekly loss exceeding 50%. The WLFI token itself fell about 25%, down roughly half since its Labor Day debut. Meanwhile, American Bitcoin Corp. (NASDAQ:ABTC), a crypto mining outfit involving Eric Trump, dropped 22% in trading.

World Liberty Financial attempted to soothe investor concerns through a live event on CoinMarketCap’s website attended by over 2,000 participants. A company spokesperson emphasized efforts to deliver products like USD1 to expand DeFi access globally.

Regulatory Oversight Weighs on Treasury Companies

The pullback in Trump-linked crypto decline is also linked to potential regulatory scrutiny. Nasdaq is requiring some token-holding companies to obtain shareholder approval before issuing additional shares for token purchases. This slows the pace at which treasury firms can use equity offerings to buy more cryptocurrency, a strategy popularized by Michael Saylor of Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR).

To date, 184 publicly traded companies have announced plans to raise over $132 billion to acquire cryptocurrencies, according to financial advisory firm Architect Partners. Eric Risley of Architect Partners noted that shareholder oversight is beneficial for transparency, even if it reduces transaction velocity.

Broader Crypto Market Impact

Other treasury companies have also suffered, dragging down underlying token prices. Sharplink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET) fell nearly 10%, and its Ether (ETH-USD) holdings dropped 3.3%. DeFi Technologies (NASDAQ:DEFT), holding Solana, saw a 4.6% decline, while Solana fell 3.8%. Investors are recalculating token values based on balance sheet exposure, according to WLFI investor Morten Christensen.

Some traders in WLFI tokens were discouraged by a higher-than-expected circulating supply. Early investors who purchased between 1.5 cents and 5 cents began taking profits, adding to the selling pressure.

Macro Factors Intensify Volatility

The Trump-linked crypto decline coincides with cooling U.S. labor market data. August hiring and unemployment figures indicated muted employer enthusiasm for new hires. With Fed policymakers having held rates steady after a full percentage-point cut last fall, investors are cautious ahead of the next Fed meeting.

Shiliang Tang, managing partner at Monarq Asset Management, noted that some market participants are “derisking a bit ahead of tomorrow’s employment data,” highlighting macroeconomic factors influencing crypto and equity movements.

Bitcoin and Market Benchmarks

Bitcoin (BTC-USD), often a market bellwether for digital assets, declined roughly 2% to around $109,800, sitting at the lower end of its recent trading range. The cryptocurrency traded at approximately $69,000 before last year’s election and reached a record just above $125,000 on August 14, illustrating the ongoing volatility in the sector.

Outlook for Investors

The combination of regulatory scrutiny, cooling labor market data, and volatile token supply underpins the ongoing Trump-linked crypto decline. Investors in crypto-related treasury stocks and tokens should carefully monitor both macroeconomic signals and company-level developments to gauge potential recovery or further downside.

Looking ahead, the path for Trump-linked crypto decline remains uncertain. Investors should watch regulatory developments, token supply adjustments, and overall market sentiment closely. Treasury companies tied to high-profile figures may see heightened volatility, while broader digital assets could rebound if macroeconomic conditions improve. Risk management and careful position sizing will be critical, as short-term swings may offer trading opportunities but also amplify potential losses in this fast-moving, politically influenced segment of the cryptocurrency market.

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The passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act on July 18 marked a turning point for stablecoin regulations in the United States. Signed by President Donald Trump, this law is among the first major cryptocurrency-focused legislations in America. While its scope is limited to stablecoins—digital assets pegged to currencies like the U.S. dollar or commodities like gold—it signals Washington’s entry into a space where Europe has already taken significant steps.

How the GENIUS Act Shapes U.S. Stablecoin Regulations

The GENIUS Act provides a regulatory framework for stablecoins, aiming to reduce risks of fraud, increase consumer protections, and legitimize the asset class in domestic markets. Before the law, stablecoins operated in a fragmented and uncertain environment, with oversight split between different regulators. Now, issuers must meet clearer compliance requirements.

Despite this progress, critics highlight limitations. The law largely supports privately issued stablecoins, rather than exploring alternatives such as a U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC). This approach underscores America’s reliance on the private sector to innovate in digital finance—an approach that could create both opportunities and vulnerabilities.

Europe’s Comprehensive MiCA Framework

In contrast, the European Union (EU) has established the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation, which took effect on December 30, 2024. MiCA introduces uniform standards across member states, setting rules for digital asset issuers and service providers. Its goal is to protect investors, strengthen market integrity, and foster innovation without threatening financial stability.

According to Chatham House, MiCA is one of the most comprehensive frameworks globally. Beyond stablecoins, it also paves the way for innovations like a potential “digital euro.” A CBDC would provide an official, government-backed digital alternative to cash, directly competing with privately issued stablecoins.

European leaders, including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde, have expressed skepticism about U.S.-backed stablecoins. Lagarde has warned that dollar-linked assets could undermine European monetary sovereignty, reinforcing her push for a digital euro as a “strategic priority.”

Key Differences in Stablecoin Regulations

The divergence between U.S. and EU approaches reveals deeper philosophical differences about the role of digital assets.

• United States: Focuses on enabling private stablecoin issuers with regulatory guardrails under the GENIUS Act. The framework positions stablecoins as a potential geopolitical tool, particularly because many are tied to the U.S. dollar.

• European Union: Prioritizes investor protections and financial stability under MiCA. European regulators are cautious of private tokens, favoring state-backed digital assets like a CBDC.

For investors, this split could mean more clarity in the U.S. but also increased tension internationally, especially if competing regulatory philosophies clash.

What Investors Should Consider

According to McKinsey & Company, stablecoins represent less than 1% of all global money transactions—around $30 billion. While small relative to traditional finance, the sector’s rapid growth and political implications make it one to watch.

In the short term, U.S. investors may benefit from the GENIUS Act’s consumer protections, which aim to reduce scams and improve transparency. However, those engaging in European markets must navigate stricter oversight under MiCA and prepare for the potential launch of the digital euro.

Analysts suggest a cautious approach: stick to regulated domestic stablecoin offerings while monitoring developments abroad. Until there is alignment between U.S. and EU stablecoin regulations, strategies may need to remain localized.

Bottom Line

The GENIUS Act represents progress for U.S. stablecoin regulations, but its focus on private issuers contrasts sharply with Europe’s comprehensive MiCA framework and push toward a digital euro. Investors must weigh these differences carefully, as regulatory divergence could influence both opportunities and risks in the global digital asset market.

For now, the best strategy may be to stay informed, monitor policy shifts, and adapt your crypto portfolio based on the evolving legal landscape.

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