Institutional momentum in crypto intensified as Kraken unveiled a prime brokerage service targeting professional traders and tokenized funds surged to $5.7 billion, reflecting rising demand from major institutions. BCP Technologies launched the tGBP British pound stablecoin as a regulatory test case in the UK. Despite the recent positive development in the space, crypto venture capital deals fell to their lowest level in 2025 though May saw strong fundraising.

Exchange, Neobank and Major Business Movements

Crypto VC deals hit 2025 low despite strong May fundraising

Crypto venture capital deal activity dropped to its lowest in 2025, even as $909 million was raised in May. Analysts cite crypto and macroeconomic factors, along with typical summer illiquidity, as reasons for waning investor appetite.

Kraken launches prime brokerage service for crypto institutions

Kraken has introduced a prime brokerage service tailored for institutional crypto traders, featuring best execution, deep liquidity, financing, and 24/7 white-glove support. The move aims to enhance services for professional market participants.

Revolut explores crypto derivatives expansion

Digital bank Revolut may broaden its crypto exchange services to include derivatives, as suggested by a recent job posting. This move signals Revolut's continued interest in expanding its crypto offerings.

A16ZE token plummets after executive disavowal

The A16ZE token, recently launched on the Believe platform, saw its market cap crash from $12 million to $500,000 after an a16z executive denied any involvement with the project.

Regulation and Legistlation

UK FCA-registered BCP launches British pound stablecoin

BCP Technologies has introduced tGBP, a British pound-backed stablecoin. The company’s CEO describes tGBP as a 'live proof-of-concept' for potential future FCA stablecoin regulation. This move could influence the regulatory landscape for stablecoins in the UK.

California moves to allow crypto payments for state services

The California State Assembly unanimously passed a bill enabling state agencies to accept cryptocurrency payments. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration, marking a significant step toward integrating digital assets into state-level transactions.

Crypto legislation faces congressional hurdles as SEC shifts to rulemaking

The U.S. Senate is nearing a vote on stablecoin regulation, but key differences with the House bill remain, requiring further negotiation for unified oversight. President Trump is urging the Senate to accelerate both his tax and budget bill and pro-crypto legislation. House Democrats allege the SEC is withholding technical information on crypto market structure legislation, raising transparency concerns ahead of a major hearing. In a shift, SEC chair Paul Atkins told the Senate that crypto regulation will now rely on notice and comment rulemaking rather than enforcement actions, promising a more rational and transparent approach.

South Korea elects pro-crypto president Lee Jae-myung

Lee Jae-myung's presidential win signals a bullish shift for crypto in South Korea, with plans to allow state pension fund investments in crypto, approve Bitcoin ETFs, and launch a Korean won-backed stablecoin.

Coinbase data breach reignites KYC debate

A Coinbase insider scandal exposed personal data of 70,000 users, sparking renewed calls to overhaul or eliminate KYC requirements in crypto. Reports suggest Coinbase knew of the leak months before a $400M breach, intensifying scrutiny over user data security.

Security and Crime

Crocodilus malware expands global reach targeting crypto and banking apps

The Crocodilus banking trojan is launching new global campaigns, now targeting crypto wallets and banking apps in Europe and South America with enhanced theft features.

France charges suspects in Paris crypto kidnapping cases

French authorities have charged 25 individuals, including six minors, in connection with a series of crypto-related kidnappings in Paris. Most suspects are linked to a recent failed kidnapping attempt targeting a crypto figure.

Innovations

Symbiotic launches relay sdk for cross-chain staking

Symbiotic has introduced Relay, an SDK enabling protocols to stake assets on Ethereum and verify those stakes across any blockchain. This move positions Symbiotic as a competitor to EigenLayer in the universal staking space.

Trump-branded crypto wallet and trading app teased

A new website reveals a partnership between President Trump's memecoin team and Magic Eden to launch an official Trump-branded crypto wallet and trading app, amid ongoing controversy over Trump's involvement in crypto.

Berabaddies launch community-yield vault to simplify DeFi

The Berabaddies, a female-focused crypto community, have partnered with Concrete to introduce a community-yield vault on Berachain, aiming to make DeFi more accessible and user-friendly.

Opinion and Analysis

DeFi needs to return to p2p roots for mass adoption

Experts argue that DeFi must embrace its original P2P ethos, prioritizing permissionless interactions and transparency to achieve widespread adoption. Restoring these foundational principles could empower users and fulfill the early promises of decentralized finance.

Weighing institutional and retail demand for Circle IPO

As Circle prepares for its public debut, analysts note that retail investors may face challenges due to the company's lower brand recognition compared to Coinbase, potentially impacting demand dynamics for the IPO.

Blockchain's role in fighting food fraud faces cost hurdles

Blockchain technology has shown promise in combating food fraud and protecting consumers, but significant challenges and costs remain before its full potential can be realized in the industry.

Tokenized funds see rapid growth as institutional demand rises

Moody's reports tokenized money market funds have reached $5.7B, driven by institutional demand for improved liquidity, compliance, and operational efficiency.

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