Everything web3, crypto, defi, degen
In brief BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin ETP is now available to UK retail investors on the London Stock Exchange, backed by bitcoin held through Coinbase custody. BlackRock’s U.S. Bitcoin ETF became the firm’s most profitable fund in just 21 months, though it fell short of the $100 billion milestone amid last week’s market crash. BlackRock CEO…
In brief Bitcoin’s energy consumption remains large, at an estimated 138TWh as of 2025. Recent academic research explores the broader environmental cost of Bitcoin mining, adding in carbon dioxide, water, e-waste, and land impacts. Policy pressure is rising as governments focus on what kind of power Bitcoin mining uses, where it is sited, and what…
In brief Japan plans to ban insider trading in cryptocurrencies under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. The move empowers its financial regulators to investigate and penalize illicit trades, extending securities-style oversight to digital assets. Policy experts say Japan’s clarity could trigger “competitive convergence,” pushing other major markets to align on crypto regulation. Japan is…
In brief Visa reports stablecoins have originated $670 billion in lending over five years, with average loan sizes rising from $76,000 to $121,000. USDC and USDT dominate stablecoin lending, mirroring their share of the $307 billion total stablecoin market. The IMF warns that stablecoin growth could lead to excessive risk-taking and financial system vulnerabilities. Payments…
Morning Minute is a daily newsletter written by Tyler Warner. The analysis and opinions expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Decrypt. Subscribe to the Morning Minute on Substack.GM!Today’s top news: Crypto majors red again as Trump confirms trade war; Bitcoin at $111,200 Paxos accidentally mints $300T PYUSD onchain before burning Erebor Bank…
In brief More than 300 malicious code packages were uploaded to npm in what researchers call the “Contagious Interview” campaign. The fake job-recruitment lures targeted Web3 and crypto developers, stealing credentials and wallet keys. Security experts warn that software supply-chain attacks are becoming a preferred tool of state actors. A U.S. cybersecurity firm says North…
In brief Erebor became the first crypto bank to win a conditional federal charter under the Trump administration, and only the second ever after Anchorage Digital. Backed by Palmer Luckey and the firms of Joe Lonsdale and Peter Thiel, Erebor will soon likely join Anchorage in having certain advantages regarding the issuance of stablecoins under…
In brief Volatility Shares has filed to launch crypto ETFs that would give investors amplified exposure to Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, XRP, and various stocks. Such ETFs use leverage to maximize returns for investors. But investors can lose a lot of money buying such ETFs too. As if crypto trading isn’t already volatile enough, ETF manager…
In brief Bitcoin and Ethereum have stabilized after recent volatility, with BTC trading above $112,000 and ETH near $4,100. The two-week U.S. government shutdown has delayed key economic data releases, including the September CPI report now rescheduled for October 24. Despite data delays, Fed Chair Powell indicated the committee still has enough information to proceed…
In brief Deren Akyeam-Pong pleaded guilty to nine charges, including kidnapping and assault related to the December 2022 abduction of Ontario’s “Crypto King” Aiden Pleterski. The guilty plea prompted an immediate adjournment of the trial for co-defendants Akil Heywood and Alfredo Paladino, with no new trial date scheduled. Cybersecurity consultant warns oversharing crypto gains “practically…
