Strategy Bitcoin stack hits 3% as upgrade talks rise

Today’s Headlines:

Ethereum ETFs surge as Bitcoin cools

US and UAE top crypto job destinations

Cantor Fitzgerald eyes $3.5B BTC buy

Wall Street banks prepare for stablecoins

Australia launches Bitcoin-backed home loans

Strategy confirms it holds 3% of all Bitcoin

UK pushes tokenization plans

Michigan cracks down on crypto ATMs

BigONE suffers $27M hack

Quantum concerns resurface for Bitcoin

Tim Draper calls for broader crypto innovation

 

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Below is a breakdown of everything we covered today – Wednesday July 16, 2025 – from UK to UAE and crypto jobs to quantum computing. Make sure you tune in again tomorrow on YouTube and X to catch the news as it happens.

Ethereum ETFs surge as Bitcoin cools

Ethereum ETFs are pulling in strong inflows, helping push ETH above $3,100, up over 6% on the day and aiming for $3,200. This comes as Bitcoin consolidates around $118,000 after the recent all-time high of $123,000. Analysts point to a rotation of funds from Bitcoin into altcoins, with traders locking in profits and seeking new opportunities.

Despite the pullback, the total crypto market cap remains robust at $3.74 trillion. Bitcoin’s short-term outlook depends on reclaiming the $119,200–$120,700 range, with stronger bullish momentum possible if it pushes past those levels. Meanwhile, macro pressures like sticky U.S. inflation remain in focus, with no near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts expected.

U.S. and UAE lead in crypto job opportunities

The UAE has become a global hub for crypto talent, offering six-figure salaries and a rapidly growing blockchain sector. Photo: Unsplash / Karthik B K 

A new study by Taurex highlights the U.S. and UAE as top global destinations for crypto jobs. The U.S. leads with nearly 300 active listings and average salaries of $148,000, while the UAE follows with salaries of $111,000 and a fast-growing crypto ecosystem.

Other strong markets include India, the U.K., Germany, and Singapore, but the U.S. and UAE stand out for combining high pay with regulatory momentum and mainstream adoption. For crypto professionals, the report points to where the next wave of hiring, innovation, and industry leadership is emerging.

Cantor Fitzgerald plans $3.5B Bitcoin buy

Cantor Fitzgerald, a major U.S. financial services firm, is reportedly preparing to purchase $3.5 billion worth of Bitcoin from Blockstream, the company led by cryptographer Adam Back. The deal, if completed, would rank among the largest institutional Bitcoin buys to date.

The move signals continued institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure, especially through trusted intermediaries. For Blockstream, it underscores the growing demand for Bitcoin mining and custody solutions tailored to big players, as the broader market watches how large purchases might affect liquidity and pricing.

Wall Street banks prepare for stablecoins

Wall Street giants are preparing to adopt stablecoins, with major banks exploring digital dollars for faster, modern payments. Photo: Unsplash / Lo Lo 

Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, are signaling readiness to integrate stablecoins into their operations, according to a Cryptopolitan report. Internally, they are exploring use cases such as instant settlement, cross-border payments, and liquidity management.

Adding momentum, Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser confirmed in a Reuters interview that Citi is considering launching its own stablecoin, though no formal decision has been made. This marks a shift from earlier skepticism in the banking sector, reflecting how programmable digital dollars are moving from theory to boardroom plans.

Australia launches first Bitcoin-backed loans

Sydney-based fintech Block Earner has unveiled Australia’s first Bitcoin-backed home loan. The product allows borrowers to use their Bitcoin as collateral for up to 50% of a property’s value, without selling their crypto holdings. Repayments can be made in cash or crypto, with the underlying Bitcoin secured through Fireblocks custody.

The launch responds to growing interest in using crypto wealth for real-world needs like housing, particularly amid rising property prices. While details on lender partnerships remain limited, Block Earner says it has already attracted $110 million in early borrower interest.

Strategy confirms it holds 3% of Bitcoin supply

Strategy announced it now holds 3% of all Bitcoin in circulation, cementing its position as one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders globally. The company has steadily added to its Bitcoin reserves each quarter, reflecting its long-term commitment to the asset.

This concentration raises questions about market dynamics, as major corporate holders can influence liquidity, supply distribution, and even price movements. For retail investors, Strategy’s growing stake signals continued institutional belief in Bitcoin as a store of value.

UK pushes ahead with tokenization plans

The UK’s financial sector is testing blockchain solutions, aiming to make tokenized assets part of mainstream markets. Photo: Unsplash / Benjamin Davies

The U.K. government is advancing its wholesale market strategy to support experiments with distributed ledger technology (DLT) and tokenization, according to a new policy paper. The plan includes enabling tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and other digital assets, alongside drafting new crypto regulations.

This push aligns with the U.K.’s ambition to position itself as a global crypto hub. For financial firms and investors, it may open the door to faster, cheaper, and more efficient services, while shaping how digital assets are integrated into mainstream finance.

Michigan passes new rules for crypto ATMs

The city council of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, has passed a new ordinance regulating crypto ATMs. The rules include licensing requirements, warnings for users, and limits on first-time transactions, aiming to reduce the risk of scams.

The move follows reports of local residents being targeted at crypto ATMs in nearby towns, as well as statewide warnings from Michigan’s attorney general. While Grosse Pointe Farms currently has no crypto ATMs, officials say the rules are a proactive step to protect residents and improve transparency.

BigONE exchange loses $27 million in hack

Seychelles-based crypto exchange BigONE reported a $27 million hack after a supply chain attack targeted its hot wallet on July 16. The breach affected Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and other tokens, but has since been contained, with deposits and trading expected to resume soon.

The exchange has promised full refunds to affected users, but critics note past controversies around BigONE’s operations. For crypto holders, the incident underscores the importance of knowing where assets are stored and the risks associated with custodial platforms.

Quantum concerns resurface for Bitcoin

Around 25% of all Bitcoin, including Satoshi Nakamoto’s holdings, sit untouched in old, potentially vulnerable wallets

Bitcoin developers are working on proposals to phase out older address types vulnerable to future quantum computing attacks. Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Casa, has introduced a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) aimed at blocking transactions to and from these at-risk addresses.

While quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin’s cryptography are not yet here, experts warn the window to prepare is narrow. An estimated 25% of Bitcoin’s supply, including coins linked to creator Satoshi Nakamoto, could be exposed if no action is taken. The challenge now lies in building community consensus for potential upgrades.

Tim Draper calls for broader crypto innovation

Billionaire investor Tim Draper, known for early bets on Bitcoin, Skype, and Tesla, is pushing back against Bitcoin maximalism. Draper describes himself as an “innovation maximalist,” stressing that crypto’s real promise lies beyond just Bitcoin.

While he praises Bitcoin’s strengths – including its global reach, security, and ability to remove middlemen – he argues that the next big leap in crypto could come from other corners. Draper has previously backed projects like XRP and Tezos and has encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on direct payments, creator empowerment, and decentralized business models.

His message stands out at a time when Bitcoin is often seen as the sole benchmark for crypto’s future.

I do not like the label @Bitcoin maximalist.

I'm an innovation maximalist.

Bitcoin is incredible. It’s transparent, keeps perfect records, immutable, transparent, global, accepted everywhere and has a 63% market share in crypto.

One thing people don’t focus on is that Bitcoin…

— Tim Draper (@TimDraper) July 15, 2025