Circle Files for IPO, Eyes Public Market Expansion
Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has officially filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking a major step in its bid to expand its reach in financial markets. While specific terms have not been disclosed, this move signals increasing convergence between crypto-native firms and Wall Street. Circle’s IPO could serve as a bellwether for broader institutional trust in blockchain-based financial infrastructure. The offering is expected to proceed once regulatory approvals are secured. (Business Wire)
B2B Stablecoin Payments Reach $36 Billion Annual Run Rate
A recent survey by analytics firm Artemis shows B2B stablecoin transactions are surging, with payment volumes now tracking at an annual run rate of $36 billion. Enterprises are increasingly turning to stablecoins for cross-border transactions and operational efficiencies. This trend signals growing adoption of crypto payment solutions in traditional business settings. (The Block)
NYC Proposes Bitcoin Bond and Crypto Reforms
New York City has unveiled a sweeping crypto reform plan that includes the issuance of a Bitcoin bond and updated digital asset regulations. These efforts aim to position NYC as a global crypto innovation hub, balancing investor protections with blockchain-driven growth. The Bitcoin bond will fund infrastructure and tech projects while offering a new path for municipal investment. Officials highlighted the potential for broader adoption through regulatory clarity. (FX Street)
Tokenization of $240B in Real Estate Begins in New Jersey
Bergen County, New Jersey, is set to tokenize over $240 billion worth of property deeds using the Avalanche blockchain. This initiative aims to modernize public record systems, enhance security, and reduce processing costs in the real estate sector. By leveraging Avalanche's smart contract capabilities, the project is one of the largest government-backed blockchain efforts in the U.S. to date. (CoinDesk)
Pakistan Allocates 2,000 MW for Bitcoin Mining and AI
Pakistan has announced plans to dedicate 2,000 megawatts of electricity to support the development of Bitcoin mining and AI-focused data centers. The initiative is part of the country’s digital economic roadmap aimed at attracting foreign investment and advancing tech infrastructure. By leveraging its energy capacity, Pakistan positions itself as a potential mining hub in South Asia. (Reuters)
VivoPower Raises $121M to Build XRP-Focused Crypto Treasury
VivoPower International, a Nasdaq-listed energy company, has secured $121 million through a private share placement to fund its transition into a digital asset treasury model centered on XRP. The round was led by Saudi Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Abdulaziz Al Saud, who invested $100 million. VivoPower plans to become the first publicly traded company with a crypto treasury strategy focused on XRP and will spin off its traditional energy business. The company has also appointed Adam Traidman, former SBI Ripple Asia executive, as chairman of its board of advisors. (Yahoo Finance)
Russian Central Bank Greenlights Crypto Derivatives for Qualified Investors
The Russian central bank will now allow licensed financial institutions to offer crypto derivatives to qualified investors. This new policy opens the door for institutional products tied to digital assets. Officials framed the move as a step toward balancing innovation with systemic risk controls. (The Block)
