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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Robert MacDonald, Bybit Chief Compliance Officer, Makes Asian Legal Business’ Top 15 in 2025

DUBAI, UAE, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to share Robert MacDonald, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Bybit, has been featured by the prestigious trade magazine Asian Legal Business (ALB) among Asia’s top 15 chief compliance officers. The trailblazing changemakers are recognized for their pioneering work in redefining regulatory compliance as a strategic growth engine in the digital asset industry. 

Acknowledging the fresh challenges faced by chief compliance officers in an era of fragmented regulations, ALB Magazine highlights MacDonald’s demonstrable leadership in navigating cryptocurrency complexities through “regulatory diplomacy.” He has been instrumental in reinforcing Bybit’s commitment to legal integrity and robust governance while balancing sustainable growth. His background in regulatory compliance and combating financial crime has positioned Bybit at the forefront of industry best practices.

MacDonald’s extensive experience includes serving with the U.K. Ministry of Justice and engaging with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global financial crime watchdog, before transitioning to an international career in the private sector where he has applied his regulatory expertise to business growth strategies.

The list showcases Asia’s best compliance leaders from diverse sectors including the world’s leading financial service institutions, emerging cryptocurrency exchanges, technology giants, luxury brands, and multinational corporations, highlighting the strategic importance of compliance roles across industries in today’s complex regulatory environment.

“I’m truly honoured to be recognised in the June 2025 edition of ALB. Grateful to be featured among such esteemed peers and for the opportunity to contribute to the evolving crypto compliance landscape in Asia. My journey in crypto over the last 3 to 4 years has seen the adoption of crypto and practical use cases grow exponentially,” said Robert MacDonald, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at Bybit. “From ‘HODLing’, trading to daily spending via card partnerships to institutional adoption. This growth has led to greater awareness and understanding from global regulators and emerging market regulators keen to understand the technology for adoption and regulatory frameworks in their own jurisdictions,” he said.

“My journey with Bybit has seen Bybit grow from 30 million registered users to over 70 million users. This growth has seen Bybit obtain a number of new licences, to name a few: Austria (MiCAR), UAE, Turkey and Georgia. Obtaining and maintaining these licences aligns with our broader commitment to providing secure, compliant and regulated services across global markets,” MacDonald reflected on his Bybit experience.

Robert MacDonald was appointed Chief Legal and Compliance Officer of Bybit in September 2024. Prior to joining Bybit, MacDonald started his career in criminal justice as a UK-qualified barrister before transitioning to the public sector and later to multinationals in financial services, technology, and crypto and Web3.

The ALB Asia recognition underscores the growing importance of compliance leadership in the digital asset sector, where regulatory frameworks continue to develop across multiple jurisdictions. MacDonald’s work demonstrates how proactive engagement with regulatory challenges can create sustainable competitive advantages rather than simply managing operational risks.

Robert MacDonald, Bybit Chief Compliance Officer, Makes Asian Legal Business' Top 15 in 2025

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About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

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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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BC.GAME to Exhibit at iGB L!VE 2025 in London — Visit Booth L60

BELIZE CITY, Belize, July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BC.GAME, a global Web3 iGaming platform, will exhibit at iGB L!VE 2025, set to take place on July 2–3, 2025, at the ExCeL London exhibition centre. With over 15,000 attendees and 300+ companies expected, iGB L!VE 2025 is one of the most anticipated events in the iGaming calendar, bringing together operators, affiliates, tech providers, and game developers under one roof.

BC.GAME at iGB L!VE 2025: Showcasing Web3 Gaming Innovation

BC.GAME will be present at Booth L60, where it will highlight its latest developments in Web3 gaming — including the platform’s native token BC, proprietary game titles, and tools designed to support a decentralized, community-led gaming experience.

The company’s team will be on-site to meet with affiliates, partners, and service providers interested in exploring collaboration opportunities. With a growing international footprint and a strong focus on community engagement, BC.GAME aims to position itself as a key player in the convergence of blockchain technology and iGaming.

Strengthening Global Reach Through iGB L!VE

Participation in iGB L!VE 2025 reflects BC.GAME‘s commitment to expanding its presence in Europe and other regulated markets. The event offers a valuable platform for the company to connect with industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and forge new partnerships across the iGaming and Web3 sectors.

Attendees are encouraged to stop by Booth L60 or reach out in advance to schedule meetings with the BC.GAME team.

About BC.GAME

Founded in 2017, BC.GAME is a global Web3 gaming platform offering a wide range of casino, sports, and proprietary games powered by blockchain technology. With a strong focus on community engagement, transparency, and innovation, BC.GAME combines traditional iGaming experiences with decentralized features — including its native token $BC, integrated wallets, and on-chain gameplay. 

For more information, visit https://bc.game.

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