Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

Ethereum ETFs Hit $21.8B in First Year of Trading

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency.

The rise of Ethereum ETFs marks a significant milestone in crypto’s march toward mainstream financial acceptance. A year after their Wall Street debut on July 23, 2024, nine U.S.-based Ethereum exchange-traded funds now collectively hold over 5.73 million ETH—equivalent to approximately $21.8 billion.

This growth reflects a sharp reversal from their early rocky start, when funds like Grayscale Ethereum Trust (OTC:ETHE) saw major outflows. Today, the narrative has flipped: institutional appetite for Ethereum is not only back—it’s booming.

From Early Outflows to Massive Inflows

Initially, Ethereum ETFs faced challenges. Grayscale’s ETHE, converting from a trust to an ETF, offloaded nearly $4.3 billion in ETH, sparking industry-wide outflows. Despite this rocky transition, ETHE remains the second-largest Ethereum ETF by holdings, showcasing the resilience of investor confidence.

Leading the pack is BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF (NASDAQ:ETHA), which holds a staggering 3,018,770 ETH, worth just over $11.47 billion. Since launch, ETHA has attracted $9.06 billion in net inflows—far surpassing its peers and underscoring BlackRock’s sway in the crypto investment market.

Grayscale’s ETHE follows with 1,129,021 ETH, valued at approximately $4.29 billion, while Fidelity’s Ethereum ETF (NYSE:FETH) rounds out the top three with 684,874 ETH worth around $2.6 billion.

Smaller Ethereum ETFs Add to the Surge

Beyond the top players, smaller funds are steadily contributing to the ETH accumulation. Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust adds another 666,074 ETH ($2.53 billion), while Bitwise Ethereum ETF (NYSE:ETHW) holds 138,264 ETH ($525.8 million).

VanEck’s ETHV manages 56,748 ETH worth $215.8 million, and Franklin Templeton’s EZET ETF (NYSE:EZET) adds 20,122 ETH valued at $76.5 million.

Meanwhile, 21Shares’ CETH ETF and Invesco Galaxy’s QETH (NASDAQ:QETH) hold 10,491 ETH and 10,074 ETH respectively—valued at just under $40 million each. In total, the nine Ethereum ETFs now control 4.75% of ETH’s circulating supply, which currently sits at around 120.7 million coins.

Ethereum ETFs Fuel Broader Market Momentum

The recent surge in Ethereum ETF holdings is part of a larger trend: institutions and crypto firms are quietly stacking ETH. Publicly traded Bitmine Immersion Technologies (OTC:BMNR) holds 625,000 ETH, while Sharplink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET) holds 449,276 ETH—further demonstrating the growing appetite for the asset outside the ETF space.

While these companies are not ETFs, they provide investors with indirect exposure to Ethereum, acting almost like crypto treasury proxies. As ETH gains institutional favor, its scarcity may increase, pushing prices higher and drawing even more interest from asset managers.

What’s Driving the Ethereum ETF Demand?

Several factors are fueling the renewed momentum in Ethereum ETFs:

  • Regulatory Clarity: The SEC’s recent greenlighting of ETH-based ETFs has provided confidence to institutional investors wary of unclear crypto policy.

  • Institutional Adoption: Firms like BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck lend credibility to Ethereum as an investable asset class.

  • ETH 2.0 and Staking: With Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake, ETH offers passive yield potential—making it attractive for long-term investors.

  • Macro Trends: In a high-inflation environment, crypto is once again being eyed as an alternative asset class with asymmetric upside.

Conclusion

In just one year, Ethereum ETFs have gone from a shaky launch to controlling nearly 5% of the ETH supply. With more than $21.8 billion in total assets under management, they’re becoming a crucial part of Ethereum’s market dynamics.

As traditional institutions deepen their involvement in the crypto space and more firms allocate ETH to their balance sheets, these ETFs are likely to serve as a barometer for broader Ethereum adoption—and possibly, long-term price appreciation.

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SEC Unveils Bold New Crypto Regulation Agenda

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency.

In a major win for the digital asset industry, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced sweeping plans for crypto regulation that could reshape how cryptocurrencies are governed in American capital markets. SEC Chair Paul Atkins revealed the details in Washington this week, outlining a bold vision for modernizing securities laws to align with blockchain-based innovation.

Crypto Regulation Reform Gains Momentum

Atkins announced that SEC staff have been directed to draft clear guidance on when a crypto token qualifies as a security. This move addresses one of the crypto industry’s longstanding grievances — the lack of clarity on how tokens are categorized under federal law.

He also proposed a slate of exemptions and disclosure rules tailored for blockchain-based assets. These measures would allow more flexible treatment of tokenized securities, such as blockchain-issued shares of companies or funds, which are gaining traction among major players in the crypto space.

“This represents more than a regulatory shift — it is a generational opportunity,” said Atkins during his speech at the America First Policy Institute.

Trump-Backed Push Accelerates Crypto-Friendly Reforms

The announcement comes just one day after a White House-backed working group formed by former President Donald Trump called on the SEC to establish specific crypto regulation guidelines. The group’s report urged federal agencies, including the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), to use their current powers to facilitate digital asset trading nationwide.

Trump has openly embraced digital assets, campaigning last year as a self-proclaimed “crypto president” and vowing to support blockchain innovation. This is a marked departure from the Biden-era approach, which saw the SEC aggressively pursue lawsuits against exchanges like Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) and Binance for allegedly violating securities laws.

Atkins has signaled that under his leadership, such adversarial tactics will be replaced by collaboration and innovation.

Introducing “Project Crypto”

Central to this vision is a new initiative called Project Crypto, aimed at modernizing outdated financial rules for a blockchain-driven economy. Project Crypto will serve as the regulatory hub for digital asset policy development at the SEC.

Atkins emphasized that the agency will immediately move to implement the White House’s crypto recommendations, including:

  • An “innovation exemption” to ease entry for startups testing new blockchain models.

  • Guidance on categorizing digital assets as commodities or securities.

  • Drafting rules for distribution, custody, and trading of crypto assets.

  • Exploring interpretative powers and exemptions to support innovation prior to formal rule changes.

Crypto Securities Could Soon Trade Alongside Commodities

A key development in Atkins’ plan is the proposal to allow certain crypto securities to trade alongside commodities on integrated platforms — a shift that would break down longstanding regulatory silos. Currently, U.S. law requires securities and commodities to be traded separately, creating compliance challenges for crypto platforms.

Atkins noted that “most cryptocurrencies are not securities,” aligning with industry sentiment and challenging the approach of previous SEC leadership. This change in stance could help ease the regulatory burden on firms offering digital tokens.

Industry Cheers, Critics Raise Eyebrows

The crypto industry has welcomed the proposed changes as a long-overdue modernization of U.S. financial laws. Lobbyists and executives have long argued that existing rules — many written decades before the advent of blockchain — stifle innovation and drive projects offshore.

The SEC’s new direction under Atkins addresses nearly all the items on the industry’s wish list, from regulatory clarity to streamlined compliance pathways.

Still, critics warn that the close alignment between crypto firms and the Trump administration raises ethical red flags. Trump’s family has launched meme coins, and he reportedly holds a stake in World Liberty Financial, a crypto platform. While the White House denies any conflict of interest, transparency advocates remain cautious.

Conclusion

Atkins’ sweeping crypto regulation agenda marks a turning point in the relationship between digital assets and traditional finance. If implemented, it could lay the foundation for a more integrated and innovation-friendly financial system — and dramatically shift the U.S. crypto landscape in the process.

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XRP Scams Trigger Panic as Ripple Cracks Down on Fraud

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency.

Ripple’s XRP (CRYPTO:XRP) has become the latest cryptocurrency in the spotlight—not for innovation, but for the growing storm of XRP scams that have rocked its community and rattled investor confidence. In July 2025, the XRP price dropped 10.34% following revelations that impersonation scams targeting XRP holders have cost investors an estimated $2.1 billion. Ripple Labs is now scrambling to contain the fallout, enhancing security protocols and calling for stronger enforcement as scam tactics grow increasingly sophisticated.

Deepfake Threats and Fake Giveaways on the Rise

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has issued repeated public warnings about fraudulent videos, deepfake impersonations, and fake XRP giveaways circulating on platforms like YouTube and X. Many of these XRP scams convincingly mimic Ripple’s official branding, often tricking even savvy investors into surrendering personal information or crypto assets.

Garlinghouse has urged community members—often referred to as the “XRP Army”—to stay vigilant, report suspicious accounts, and avoid engaging with any offer promising free XRP in exchange for small deposits. These scams not only harm individual investors but also erode trust in XRP itself, leading to greater volatility.

Ripple Tightens Security Amid $2.1 Billion in Losses

In response to the crisis, Ripple has taken measurable steps to mitigate further damage. The company has upgraded wallet security protocols, partnered with top cybersecurity firms, and is deploying AI-powered monitoring systems to detect fraudulent activity in real-time. Despite these efforts, scammers are evolving rapidly, now using artificial intelligence to create deepfakes that imitate Ripple executives with uncanny accuracy.

Ripple has also intensified community outreach to educate users about red flags and how to verify official communication. Community figures like MackAttackXRP have amplified these warnings, urging the XRP Army to practice “collective vigilance” in combating the rising tide of fraud.

DOJ Crypto Seizure Reveals Broader Enforcement Challenges

The rise in XRP scams reflects a broader systemic issue in crypto regulation. In a recent case unrelated to Ripple, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seized $7.1 million in crypto assets linked to a fraudulent oil and gas investment scheme. While that case didn’t involve XRP, it underscores how cross-border anonymity in blockchain transactions complicates asset tracing and recovery.

The DOJ’s actions point to a potential shift toward proactive enforcement. However, critics note that the recovery rate remains low—just a fraction of the $97 million stolen was returned to victims. These cases illustrate the limits of existing legal tools in an ecosystem designed around decentralization and pseudonymity.

Market Impact: XRP Price Volatility and Investor Sentiment

The combination of scam activity and a broader liquidity crunch contributed to the 10.34% price drop in XRP during July 2025. Analysts point to shaken investor confidence, especially among retail holders who have suffered significant losses. At the same time, uncertainty around global regulatory approaches to crypto fraud continues to put downward pressure on XRP.

Ripple’s leadership is attempting to stabilize sentiment by emphasizing long-term growth and transparency. But for many investors, the damage is already done. Rebuilding trust will take time and coordinated action from the private sector, regulators, and the broader crypto community.

Community Action Is the Best Defense

While Ripple boosts security and regulators pursue criminals, the community remains the first line of defense. Garlinghouse and other leaders are calling on XRP supporters to double down on reporting suspicious content and educating newcomers about the dangers of XRP scams.

As Ripple works to reinforce its legitimacy in a volatile crypto landscape, the battle against impersonation fraud is far from over. It will take collective vigilance, improved technology, and international cooperation to reduce crypto’s attractiveness to bad actors.

Until then, XRP scams remain one of the biggest threats to the digital asset’s future—and a cautionary tale for the entire cryptocurrency industry.

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PayPal Crypto Payments Expand to U.S. Merchants

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency.

PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL, ETR:2PP) is diving deeper into the cryptocurrency space with the launch of Pay with Crypto, a groundbreaking new service that enables U.S.-based merchants to accept payments in over 100 cryptocurrencies. This move marks a major step forward in the company’s strategy to modernize digital commerce and make cross-border transactions faster and cheaper through PayPal crypto payments.

A Game-Changer for Cross-Border Payments

Rolling out in the coming weeks, Pay with Crypto supports a wide range of digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT), and Solana (SOL). The service charges a flat 0.99% transaction fee—substantially lower than traditional international payment methods, which can run as high as 5% or more.

Merchants using PayPal’s new crypto payment solution will receive instant conversions of the digital assets into either fiat currencies or stablecoins, providing them with real-time settlement and protection from crypto price volatility. By cutting international payment fees by up to 90%, PayPal aims to attract businesses seeking to lower costs and streamline global commerce.

Broad Integration Through Major Wallets

To ensure wide accessibility, PayPal’s service integrates with major crypto wallets, including MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, and Binance Wallet. This broad compatibility makes PayPal crypto payments easier to adopt for merchants and consumers already operating within the crypto ecosystem.

This development aligns with a growing trend among fintech giants that are embracing decentralized finance and blockchain as key components of their future offerings. By becoming crypto-compatible, PayPal is positioning itself at the intersection of digital finance and traditional e-commerce.

Why PayPal Is Making This Move Now

The company estimates that over 650 million people worldwide currently hold cryptocurrency—a number that continues to grow. The global crypto market is valued at approximately $3 trillion, and PayPal sees enormous potential in enabling more seamless and affordable transactions using these assets.

The launch of Pay with Crypto follows the recent debut of PayPal World, a new platform integrating five leading digital wallets to simplify international money transfers. These back-to-back announcements make it clear that PayPal is going all-in on digital asset integration, and PayPal crypto payments are set to become a key pillar of the company’s global strategy.

Implications for PYPL Stock

For investors, this move may signal a turning point in PayPal’s growth narrative. After facing stiff competition from Block Inc. (NYSE:SQ), Visa Inc. (NYSE:V), and other fintech players, PayPal is reasserting itself as a pioneer in financial innovation.

Although PYPL stock has struggled in recent months, the company’s aggressive push into crypto could reignite investor interest. Analysts will be watching closely to see how quickly the new service gains traction among merchants and what kind of transaction volumes it generates.

By offering a unique value proposition—low fees, fast settlement, and broad crypto support—PayPal is attempting to carve out a niche that bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain technology.

The Future of PayPal Crypto Payments

With PayPal crypto payments, the company isn’t just facilitating purchases—it’s helping legitimize cryptocurrency as a mainstream payment method. If successful, this rollout could inspire a wave of adoption among both small businesses and large enterprises seeking to reduce costs and tap into global markets.

In the long term, this move could also pave the way for PayPal to introduce new services such as crypto lending, digital ID verification, and DeFi-style savings tools. For now, though, all eyes are on how well U.S. merchants respond to the company’s latest offering.

As the lines between fiat and digital currencies continue to blur, PayPal crypto payments may well be a critical part of the future of commerce—and a new growth engine for the fintech giant.

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Ethereum Bull Run Could Outshine Bitcoin Soon

Written by Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf on . Posted in Cryptocurrency.

As the cryptocurrency market shifts into a new phase, the spotlight is turning toward Ethereum (ETH). According to Galaxy Digital CEO Mike Novogratz, Ethereum may soon outperform Bitcoin (BTC), marking a major shift in investor sentiment. The term Ethereum bull run is no longer just hype—it’s gaining traction with institutions and analysts alike.

Ethereum Gathers Steam

In a recent CNBC interview, Novogratz explained why he believes Ethereum is poised to outpace Bitcoin over the next three to six months. A key reason is ETH’s limited float—fewer coins available to trade—as well as mounting institutional interest. If Ethereum breaks above the psychological barrier of $4,000, he argues, it could enter what traders call “price discovery,” potentially accelerating toward new highs.

Currently trading around $3,700, Ethereum still sits about 25% below its all-time high of $4,800 reached in 2021. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has already surpassed previous records this cycle, topping $123,000. But despite this lead, Novogratz sees ETH narrowing the gap rapidly.

Institutions Eye Ethereum

The Ethereum bull run is being fueled by institutional moves. Companies such as SharpLink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET) and BitMine Immersion Technologies (OTC:BMNR) are reportedly adding ETH to their corporate treasuries. This echoes early Bitcoin strategies by firms like Tesla and MicroStrategy, and it reflects a broader shift in how Ethereum is perceived.

Moreover, optimism around Ethereum spot ETFs is adding fuel to the fire. Novogratz notes that ETFs are a major gateway for institutional money, and Ethereum is now getting the kind of attention that was once exclusively reserved for Bitcoin.

Galaxy Digital’s Strategic Pivot?

Speculation is swirling about Galaxy Digital’s latest move. The firm recently shifted Bitcoin holdings tied to a Satoshi-era wallet to various exchanges. While the transaction raised eyebrows, some observers believe it signals a potential reallocation into Ethereum.

Though Galaxy has not confirmed a large-scale ETH buy, Novogratz’s public comments suggest growing confidence in Ethereum’s trajectory. “You’re seeing institutions getting interested in Ethereum just like they did with Bitcoin,” he said. “You combine that with limited float, and it’s a powder keg.”

ETH vs BTC: Not a Price Race, But a Percentage Game

Novogratz isn’t claiming that Ethereum will surpass Bitcoin in price per coin—that remains unlikely given BTC’s smaller supply. Instead, his bet is on percentage gains. With ETH trading at a fraction of Bitcoin’s price, smaller moves yield larger returns. That’s especially compelling for investors looking for short- to mid-term growth.

Recent market data supports this view. Ethereum has overtaken Bitcoin in trading volume on several major exchanges. It has also led ETF inflows over the past few weeks, suggesting growing confidence from both retail and institutional investors.

Ethereum Bull Run: What to Watch

As Ethereum edges closer to the $4,000 mark, all eyes are on whether it can sustain momentum and spark the next leg of this Ethereum bull run. For investors, the key indicators include:

  • ETF approval developments in the U.S.

  • Institutional wallet activity

  • Trading volume vs. Bitcoin

  • Technical breakouts above $4,000

If these elements align, Ethereum could not only match Bitcoin’s growth—it might lead the crypto charge into the next market cycle.

In the words of Mike Novogratz, “This could be Ethereum’s moment.”

For long-term investors, this moment could present a unique entry point before broader institutional adoption fully materializes. As Ethereum’s ecosystem continues to mature—with scaling solutions like Layer 2 networks, enterprise integration, and increasing developer activity—its use cases extend far beyond just a store of value. Decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and smart contracts remain Ethereum’s strongest value drivers, setting it apart from Bitcoin. If the Ethereum bull run continues, it could redefine portfolio strategies for both retail and professional investors. Whether you’re a crypto veteran or new to the space, keeping Ethereum on your radar may prove to be a wise move.

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