Author: Stephanie Bedard-Chateauneuf

Ethereum Institutional Adoption Hits New Heights in Cannes

Ethereum institutional adoption is moving from theory to reality, as the network proves its staying power in the evolving world of global finance. At the recent Ethereum Community Conference (EthCC) held in Cannes, France, industry leaders, developers, and institutional giants gathered to spotlight Ethereum’s growing role as the infrastructure layer of Wall Street and beyond.

The scene was more Cannes Film Festival than crypto conference — with the iconic red-carpeted Palais des Festivals hosting keynotes instead of movie premieres. But the real star of the show was Ethereum’s accelerating transformation from decentralized experiment to the foundation of institutional finance.

Robinhood’s Bold Crypto Pivot

One of the most striking moments of the week came when Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) announced it would launch tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs for European users via Arbitrum, a Layer 2 protocol built on Ethereum. This marks a historic milestone — making Robinhood the first publicly traded U.S. company to launch tokenized equities on a blockchain.

The move not only fueled a rally in Robinhood stock — pushing it over $100 for the first time — but also underlined the momentum of Ethereum institutional adoption. Rather than speculative hype, the conversation this year centered on Ethereum’s practical use as Wall Street’s new plumbing.

Ethereum as a Treasury Asset

Several public companies are already reshaping their financial strategies around Ethereum. BitMine Immersion Technologies (OTC:BMNR) saw a meteoric 1,200% gain after declaring ether as its primary treasury reserve. Similarly, Bit Digital (NASDAQ:BTBT), which shifted away from bitcoin mining to focus solely on Ethereum staking, climbed over 34% in a single week. SharpLink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET) added more than $20 million worth of ether to its balance sheet, gaining over 28% in one day.

These bold moves signal a growing trend: Ethereum is not just a technology platform; it’s an emerging financial asset and strategic pillar for companies embracing the future of decentralized finance.

Institutions Bet on Ethereum’s Stability

While Ethereum’s price remains down over 20% year-to-date and trails Bitcoin in market cap, its utility and reliability are winning over institutional players. Ether ETFs have seen two consecutive months of net inflows, signaling renewed investor confidence. According to CoinGlass, these funds now manage around $11 billion in assets — a modest sum compared to $138 billion for Bitcoin ETFs, but growing steadily.

Paul Brody, Global Blockchain Leader at EY, emphasized Ethereum’s long-term appeal: “Institutions are plugging Ethereum into core financial systems not just because it’s fast or cheap, but because it offers dependable, programmable functionality.”

Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s co-founder, echoed the sentiment. In his keynote at EthCC, he said institutions consistently praise Ethereum’s reliability: “They value that it doesn’t go down.”

The Tokenized Future Is Being Built on Ethereum

The momentum behind Ethereum institutional adoption is not just theoretical. Deutsche Bank is developing a tokenization platform on zkSync, a Layer 2 network on Ethereum, to help manage tokenized funds and stablecoins. Meanwhile, Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) has filed with the SEC to offer trading of tokenized public equities, and Kraken is preparing to launch 24/7 tokenized stock trading in select international markets.

Stablecoins continue to dominate Ethereum’s financial rails. Circle’s USDC — the second-largest stablecoin — still processes about 65% of its volume on Ethereum. And BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) is pioneering institutional finance on Ethereum with its BUIDL fund, offering real-time redemptions in USDC.

The Road Ahead: Scaling Without Compromise

Despite competition from faster blockchains like Solana, Ethereum’s core values — neutrality, censorship resistance, and security — remain its greatest strengths. Tomasz Sta?czak of the Ethereum Foundation noted that institutions choose Ethereum because it guarantees fairness, reliability, and transparent execution.

The final takeaway from Cannes? Ethereum institutional adoption isn’t a trend — it’s a structural transformation. With developers, regulators, and corporations aligning behind Ethereum, the network is poised to power the financial systems of the future.

As Buterin put it: “We don’t just want to succeed. We want to be something that is worthy of succeeding.”

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BlackRock Bitcoin ETF: Catalyst for Crypto’s Mainstream Moment?

The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has rapidly emerged as a transformative force in the financial world. Since its launch just 18 months ago, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has ballooned to over $75 billion in assets under management (AUM). This meteoric rise signals a powerful shift: crypto is no longer a fringe asset—it’s becoming a core component of institutional portfolios.

The BlackRock Bitcoin ETF now generates more annual fee revenue than its own flagship equity fund, iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV), despite managing just a fraction of the assets. As the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) mulls the approval of BlackRock’s proposed in-kind redemption model, investors and analysts alike are watching closely. Could this change mark the final step toward full crypto mainstream adoption?

Demand Defies the Fee Structure

IBIT’s 0.25% management fee may seem high compared to traditional ETFs, but it hasn’t scared off investors. In fact, the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF has captured $52 billion of the $54 billion total inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs to date. Its fee revenue—an estimated $187 million annually—has already outpaced the long-established IVV.

This speaks volumes: investors are willing to pay more for secure, regulated access to Bitcoin. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink’s characterization of Bitcoin as a “flight to quality” and a modern diversification asset only underscores this strategic repositioning.

In BlackRock’s latest Q2 report, analysts highlight Bitcoin’s growing role in diversifying portfolios in an age when traditional asset correlations—particularly between stocks and bonds—are breaking down. Bitcoin’s relatively low correlation with both equities and bonds makes it an increasingly attractive hedge in today’s volatile macro environment.

The SEC and the Future of In-Kind Redemptions

The SEC’s decision on whether to allow in-kind redemptions—where investors can exchange actual Bitcoin for ETF shares—is delayed until late 2025. The outcome could be a game-changer for the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF and the broader crypto investment landscape.

Currently, cash-based redemptions are standard for spot Bitcoin ETFs. But in-kind functionality could:

  • Lower operational costs for institutions

  • Enhance liquidity and scalability

  • Attract even more conservative capital, such as pension funds and endowments

Approval would send a strong message that regulators see Bitcoin not only as a viable asset but as a foundational building block for the next generation of investment products.

Portfolio Revolution: The 60/40 Model Under Pressure

For decades, the 60% equity/40% bond portfolio mix has ruled institutional investing. But IBIT’s performance—and Bitcoin’s inverse correlation with both major asset classes—suggests a shake-up is underway.

BlackRock’s internal data shows that adding 1–2% Bitcoin allocation to a 60/40 portfolio meaningfully boosts risk-adjusted returns. With the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF acting as the bridge between crypto and traditional finance, asset managers are starting to rethink allocation frameworks.

While IBIT’s $75 billion AUM is still small compared to BlackRock’s total ETF footprint, it represents a significant toehold—and a beachhead for crypto’s institutional conquest.

Key Takeaways for Investors

  • Watch the SEC: The late-2025 ruling on in-kind redemptions could unleash a wave of new inflows—or force a regulatory rethink.

  • Consider IBIT for Regulated Exposure: Investors wary of self-custody or unregulated exchanges can rely on the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF for credible crypto access.

  • Track Macro Trends: Economic slowdowns, central bank policy shifts, and geopolitical uncertainty all favor Bitcoin as a “crisis hedge,” reinforcing IBIT’s appeal.

Conclusion: Crypto’s Institutional Era Has Begun

The success of the BlackRock Bitcoin ETF marks a turning point in crypto’s evolution. It’s not just about price action anymore—it’s about legitimacy, scale, and integration into the financial mainstream. With the SEC’s decision looming and institutional interest accelerating, IBIT could become the blueprint for a new era in digital asset investing.

The message for investors is clear: crypto’s fringe days are over. Whether through fee-generating ETFs or core asset allocations, Bitcoin has entered the institutional conversation—and it’s here to stay.

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Bitcoin Price Forecast: Arthur Hayes Warns of Dip to $90K

Bitcoin (BTC) may be hovering near record highs, but crypto entrepreneur and BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes is issuing a word of caution. According to Hayes, the Bitcoin price forecast now includes a possible retracement to $90,000—even as the long-term trend remains bullish.

The warning comes in the wake of the passage of President Donald Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill”, which combines tax cuts with an increase in the U.S. debt ceiling. While this may sound like a market-friendly move, Hayes argues it could temporarily drain liquidity from financial markets—and drag down Bitcoin with it.

Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” and the Treasury Impact

On Wednesday, July 2, the House passed Trump’s new fiscal bill, which had already cleared the Senate. President Trump is expected to sign it into law on Independence Day, July 4. The bill, which aims to cut taxes and raise the debt ceiling, may sound pro-growth at first glance. But Hayes warns of short-term fallout for risk assets, including Bitcoin.

In his latest blog post titled “Quid Pro Stablecoin,” Hayes said that the U.S. Treasury would likely refill its General Account (TGA) after the bill passes. Doing so would require the Treasury to issue new debt, soaking up liquidity from the financial system—capital that would otherwise flow into risk assets like crypto.

“Proceed with caution,” Hayes wrote. “The bull market might be interrupted for a short period of time.”

Bitcoin Near Highs—But a Dip Could Follow

As of Thursday, Bitcoin was trading at $109,594, according to CoinGecko, just 2% off its all-time high of $111,814 set in May. The coin has gained over 2% in the last seven days, but momentum is slowing.

Despite the recent rally, Hayes believes the Bitcoin price forecast includes a pullback to $90,000 in the near future. However, he maintains a long-term bullish stance, calling any correction a temporary shakeout.

Hayes: Bitcoin Still on Track for $1 Million by 2028

This isn’t the first time Hayes has made bold predictions. In May, he stated that Bitcoin could hit $1 million per coin by 2028. The rationale? A combination of central bank money printing, growing distrust in U.S. Treasury securities, and increasing demand for decentralized stores of value.

According to Hayes, as investors flee U.S. treasuries, they’re likely to pour money into alternative assets like Bitcoin. While the Bitcoin price forecast may include turbulence, the long-term trajectory remains upward—particularly if fiscal and monetary policy continue to devalue fiat currencies.

Stablecoins and Fiscal Control: What the GENIUS Act Means

Hayes also warned that the U.S. government’s interest in stablecoins is less about innovation and more about fiscal manipulation. In the same blog post, he argued that the GENIUS Act, passed by the Senate last month, is designed to limit private issuance of stablecoins.

Instead, the legislation would allow large banks to issue stablecoins—which could then be used to purchase U.S. Treasuries, effectively helping the government finance its growing debt. While it provides regulatory clarity, Hayes argues this shift could centralize control and suppress innovation in the crypto space.

Should You Buy Bitcoin Now?

The short answer: proceed with caution. The Bitcoin price forecast suggests potential for a short-term drop due to macro liquidity shifts, but the long-term picture remains bright.

Traders should prepare for volatility as the Treasury ramps up borrowing and stablecoin regulation evolves. Hayes’ projection of a dip to $90,000 might unsettle some investors—but for long-term believers, it could offer a buying opportunity before the next leg up.

Final Thoughts

Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” is set to reshape fiscal policy and market liquidity in the months ahead. While Bitcoin remains a top-performing asset, Arthur Hayes’ Bitcoin price forecast urges patience amid a shifting macro landscape.

In his view, a short-term dip is not a reason to panic—but a reminder that even bull markets come with bumps. For now, crypto investors would be wise to keep one eye on the charts—and the other on Washington.

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Ethereum Tokenization Sparks Stock Rally

A renewed surge of interest in Ethereum tokenization has given a strong boost to ether and several related stocks, marking a turning point for the world’s second-largest blockchain platform. As Ethereum (ETH) nears its 10th anniversary at the end of July, investors are revisiting the network’s potential—not just as a cryptocurrency platform but as the foundation for a new era of digital finance.

On Wednesday, the price of ether rose 5%, according to Coin Metrics, helping drive gains across stocks linked to the Ethereum ecosystem. This price action came despite the coin still being down 24% year-to-date.

Crypto Stocks Soar on Tokenization News

Several companies with exposure to Ethereum saw notable stock gains on the day. BitMine Immersion Technologies (OTC:BMNR), which recently announced plans to adopt ETH as its primary treasury reserve asset, surged nearly 20%. The stock has skyrocketed over 1,000% since its Ethereum pivot.

SharpLink Gaming (NASDAQ:SBET), which also integrated an ETH treasury strategy, jumped more than 11%. Bit Digital (NASDAQ:BTBT), which just exited bitcoin mining in favor of Ethereum staking, climbed over 6%.

The gains underscore a growing theme: as Ethereum tokenization gains traction, firms realigning their strategies around the Ethereum blockchain are being rewarded by investors.

Stablecoins Open the Door to Real-World Asset Tokenization

According to Devin Ryan, head of financial technology research at Citizens, “We’re finally at the point where real use cases are emerging, and stablecoins have been the first version of that at scale.”

Stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) are both issued on the Ethereum network and are seen as early examples of real-world assets being tokenized on-chain. These coins provide the basis for broader Ethereum tokenization applications—including tokenized stocks, bonds, and real estate.

The momentum is gaining institutional support as well. BlackRock’s (NYSE:BLK) tokenized money market fund, BUIDL (USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund), launched on Ethereum in 2023 and has since expanded across other blockchains. Meanwhile, ether ETFs attracted $40 million in inflows this week, led by BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, after fears that ETH ETFs were turning into “zombie funds.”

Robinhood and the Tokenization Trend

Further fueling optimism, Robinhood (NASDAQ:HOOD) announced it will enable the trading of tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs across Europe. The move comes amid a spike in demand for tokenized financial products following the Senate’s advancement of the GENIUS Act stablecoin bill and Circle’s IPO filing in June.

These developments represent a key validation of Ethereum’s role in the future of finance. As Tom Lee of Fundstrat put it, Ethereum is “the backbone and architecture” of the stablecoin economy.

Ethereum’s Comeback Story?

Despite its 5% rally, ether remains roughly 75% off its all-time high and continues to face headwinds—including weaker revenue, uncertainty about the network’s direction, and increasing competition from blockchains like Solana.

Still, as more institutions and fintech platforms adopt Ethereum tokenization strategies, ETH is poised to reassert itself as the go-to infrastructure for digital asset innovation.

The tokenization process itself—the act of issuing blockchain-based versions of real-world assets—has been heralded as a multitrillion-dollar opportunity by firms like Citi and BCG. While holders of tokenized assets don’t own the underlying assets outright, the increased liquidity, transparency, and accessibility they offer are driving rapid adoption.

Ethereum’s smart contracts make it the ideal network for building and managing these tokenized ecosystems. And with legislative momentum and rising institutional interest, the latest rally may be more than just another crypto fad.

As Ethereum turns 10, the excitement around Ethereum tokenization could mark the beginning of a new growth phase—not only for ETH but for the broader digital asset market it anchors.

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Bitcoin Price Forecast Eyes $110K Breakout

The Bitcoin price forecast is gaining bullish momentum as BTC rebounds strongly from weekend losses, trading at around $106,839. With geopolitical tensions easing—particularly the ceasefire between Israel and Iran—investors appear more confident, propelling cryptocurrencies into recovery mode.

Leading the charge is Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC), backed by solid institutional flows and rising spot ETF interest. Meanwhile, altcoins like Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) and XRP (CRYPTO:XRP) show signs of recovery as derivatives markets heat up.

Institutional Inflows Support the Bitcoin Price Forecast

Despite global unrest, Bitcoin remains a hedge against uncertainty. According to SoSoValue, weekly net inflows into Bitcoin treasury funds reached $198 million, boosting total holdings to approximately $70 billion across 21 companies.

Among the top corporate holders:

  • MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) holds 592,345 BTC valued at around $63 billion.

  • Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) owns 11,509 BTC worth $1.23 billion.

  • Metaplanet follows with 11,111 BTC, currently valued at $1.18 billion.

These large positions underscore growing confidence in BTC as a long-term asset, further fueling a bullish Bitcoin price forecast.

ETFs Add Fuel to the Rally

Bitcoin spot ETFs saw renewed interest this week, with daily net inflows hitting $589 million on Tuesday, up from $350 million the day before. BlackRock’s IBIT led the way with $436 million, followed by Fidelity’s FBTC with $85 million.

This ETF momentum is not only attracting new investors but also legitimizing Bitcoin as a mainstream asset. As these products gain traction, analysts expect volatility to decline and price trends to strengthen.

Technical Setup Signals More Upside

Technically, Bitcoin is approaching its next resistance level at $107,000. A confirmed breakout above $110,000—last tested in early June—would mark a new psychological and technical milestone.

The MACD (Moving Average Convergence Divergence) indicator is nearing a bullish crossover. If the blue MACD line crosses above the red signal line, traders may increase their exposure, accelerating the rally.

Key levels to watch include:

  • 50-day EMA: $103,365

  • 100-day EMA: $99,571

  • Weekend low support: $98,227

A move above $110,000 could open the door to retesting all-time highs near $110,980, while failure to hold $106,000 could trigger another round of profit-taking.

Ethereum and XRP Join the Derivatives Rebound

While Bitcoin leads the charge, Ethereum and XRP are also showing signs of life. Ethereum is trading just under the 200-day EMA resistance at $2,470, with immediate support at $2,424 (50-day EMA).

Although the MACD and RSI suggest indecision, a notable rise in futures Open Interest (OI) from $28.19 billion to $31.53 billion signals a growing appetite for ETH exposure.

XRP, meanwhile, has struggled to push past resistance at $2.21 (50-day EMA) but remains supported by the 200-day EMA at $2.09. Its OI increased from $3.54 billion to $3.76 billion, suggesting a tentative revival in investor interest.

If XRP fails to gain momentum, the $1.90 support level could be tested again.

Outlook: Bitcoin Still in the Driver’s Seat

For now, all eyes remain on Bitcoin as the broader crypto market takes its cues from the leading digital asset. With institutional inflows rising, ETF momentum building, and technical signals aligning, the Bitcoin price forecast remains bullish—especially if BTC can push past the $110,000 threshold.

If that happens, the next leg of the bull cycle could be underway, pulling altcoins like Ethereum and XRP along for the ride.

As macro conditions stabilize and crypto infrastructure continues to mature, Bitcoin may evolve further into a mainstream asset class. Long-term investors are watching closely, as sustained momentum could mark the beginning of a new growth phase—one that reshapes digital asset valuations and investor expectations for years to come.

This potential shift could also influence regulatory frameworks, institutional portfolio strategies, and public perception of cryptocurrencies. If current trends hold, Bitcoin’s role in global finance may extend beyond speculation and into permanent allocation strategies, reshaping how wealth is preserved and grown in a digital-first economy.

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