A comprehensive overview of the week's events, updates and movements in the crypto space to stay up-to-date on the most important crypto stories and market-shaping events.

1. KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Crypto Optimism Under the Trump Administration
• SEC Appeals Ripple Ruling
• Hong Kong Leverages Blockchain for Legal Notices
• Philippine Banks Launch PHPX Stablecoin for Speedy Remittances
• Bitcoin Reserves Hit 7-Year Low As Hedge Funds Buy The Dip
• Coinbase Partners With Morpho to Introduce Bitcoin-backed Loans on Base

2. CONTENT

💰 The incoming Trump administration promises a pro-crypto agenda, with rumored executive orders on the adoption of a US Bitcoin reserve and increased regulatory clarity. Appointments like David Sachs as AI and crypto czar, and Paul Atkins as SEC Chair nominee, are fueling optimism for the industry’s growth. Some see a Bitcoin reserve as a solution to a stagnant economy while others warn of potential risks such as sliding the US dollar into hyperinflation. Adopting Bitcoin on a meaningful scale and accumulating reserves could give America an edge during a future appreciation of Bitcoin to offset or even eliminate some of the country’s debt.

⚖️ The SEC has filed an appeal challenging the district court's decision that XRP retail sales through exchanges did not breach securities laws. The agency claims that XRP investors were led to reasonably expect profits due to Ripple’s promotional activities and public statements, which they argue satisfy the Howey Test criteria for an investment contract. Specifically, the SEC asserts that Ripple’s efforts to boost XRP's market value fostered a reliance on the company's performance, equating the retail sales to securities transactions under the U.S. law.

🌏 Hong Kong courts have started utilizing blockchain to serve legal notices to anonymous crypto wallets involved in illicit activities. By integrating blockchain technology, this approach helps deal with the problem of hidden identities in crypto transactions. Hong Kong’s use of tokenized legal notices is a growing trend. As Hong Kong sets a new standard in applying blockchain for legal matters, similar initiatives are under exploration in the U.S. and UK.

💲 Philippine banks are collaborating to create PHPX, a Philippine peso-backed stablecoin built on the Hedera blockchain and intended to simplify cross-border payments. With international workers transferring $40 billion every year, PHPX wants to make real-time payments as simple as sending a text.

The project's scope extends beyond remittances, with intentions to enable payments such as school tuition and retail purchases while complying to worldwide regulatory norms. With this collaboration, the Philippines is paving the way for speedier and more inclusive financial solutions.

📊 Bitcoin exchange reserves have plunged to their lowest level since 2018, totalling roughly 2.35 million BTC. Hedge funds and institutional investors are buying Bitcoin at a discount, indicating a potential supply shock that might push prices higher.

While analysts see $100,000 as a crucial resistance level, low trade volumes could stall any major rally. Despite the slowdown, market observers remain hopeful, with some projecting Bitcoin could surpass $150,000 by 2025.

🔗 Coinbase has partnered with Morpho to launch on-chain USD Coin (USDC) loans backed by Bitcoin (BTC). Users can borrow up to $100,000 in USDC by pledging BTC as collateral, converted to cbBTC and managed via the Base layer-2 blockchain. Loans feature dynamic interest rates, no fixed repayment schedule, and require users to monitor collateral value to avoid liquidation. Morpho, now the 12th-largest dApp, reached $3.2 billion in total value locked in 2024, growing 444% per DefiLlama.

3. MARKET MOVES

📈 In the last 24 hours, Bitcoin's price moved +2.72% to $102.07k and trading volume moved +5.11% to $59.81b.

The crypto market remains as dynamic as ever, with new opportunities coming up every day. Whether you’re a seasoned trader, an investor or a beginner, this is your chance to stay ahead in the world of crypto.

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