The post Coinpedia Digest: This Week’s Crypto News Highlights | 12 July, 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News
It’s been a packed week in crypto.
Ripple grabbed headlines again, Ethereum got a corporate boost, and the Fed may be facing a shake-up of its own.
It’s a mix of regulation, big money, and even bigger signals about where the market could be headed.
Here are the top stories you need to know.
#1 Fed Chair Jerome Powell May Resign
Jerome Powell may be preparing to step down as Chair of the Federal Reserve.
Fannie Mae Chairman William Pulte said he’s “encouraged by reports” of Powell’s possible resignation, adding it would help the economy “boom.” The pressure has been building. President Trump has sharply criticised Powell’s refusal to cut rates, calling it a costly mistake, and saying he is “terrible”.
Powell also faces accusations of misleading Congress over a $2.5 billion Fed renovation. Lawmakers are now calling for a formal investigation. A decision could impact both markets and crypto flows.
#2 Justin Sun Commits $100M to Trump Memecoin
Justin Sun plans to buy $100 million worth of Donald Trump’s memecoin, just days before a $474 million token unlock. The Tron founder made the announcement on X, calling it a step to “grow the crypto landscape with communities such as GetTrumpMemes.”
The move comes as the token prepares to launch on the Tron blockchain. Sun’s history with Trump-linked projects runs deep – including over $90 million spent across earlier ventures. It’s still unclear whether the funds will come from him directly or through the Tron DAO.
#3 Ripple CEO Becomes One of Crypto’s Wealthiest Leaders
Brad Garlinghouse is now among crypto’s richest figures, with an estimated net worth of $10 billion. The Ripple CEO’s equity and XRP holdings saw a sharp boost following Ripple’s partial legal win against the U.S. SEC. The company settled for $50 million – far less than the original demand.
Garlinghouse, who has led Ripple since 2016, continues to push for crypto-friendly regulations and stronger global partnerships.
#4 Musk Names Bitcoin in America Party Agenda
Bitcoin gained fresh momentum after Elon Musk confirmed it will be part of his new America Party’s official platform. “Fiat is hopeless so yes,” he said when asked about supporting BTC, a remark that quickly pushed Bitcoin close to $110,000. Dogecoin also jumped 6%.
The move follows Musk’s split from the Republican Party over Trump’s controversial $3.3 trillion tax bill. With Tesla still holding over 11,500 BTC, Musk’s stance adds new political weight to Bitcoin’s future in the U.S.
#5 Japan’s Metaplanet to Use Bitcoin for Business Acquisitions
Japan’s Metaplanet is entering the next phase of its Bitcoin strategy.
After adding 2,205 BTC this week, the Tokyo-based company now holds 15,555 BTC, making it the largest corporate holder outside North America. Metaplanet will now use its Bitcoin holdings as collateral to finance acquisitions of profitable businesses.
“We need to accumulate as much bitcoin as we can… to reach escape velocity,” said CEO Simon Gerovich.
The company has set a bold target: 210,000 BTC by 2027.
#6 WazirX, Binance Face Heat as FIU Flags Terror Finance Concerns
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) is investigating Binance and WazirX over concerns that crypto transfers may be linked to cross-border terror financing. The focus is on unhosted wallets possibly connected to Pakistan, with increased activity flagged in sensitive regions like Jammu & Kashmir.
Binance is cooperating with authorities, a year after settling a ₹18 crore penalty to resume operations in India. WazirX is also under scrutiny, with an upcoming Singapore court hearing and claims that TRX tokens may have been used to fund ISIS-linked activity.
#7 Ripple Picks Top U.S. Bank to Strengthen RLUSD Trust
Ripple has partnered with BNY Mellon to custody reserves for its stablecoin, RLUSD – a move that boosts regulatory credibility and institutional trust. The announcement came as RLUSD crosses a $500 million market cap just seven months after launch.
BNY Mellon will handle reserve assets like cash and U.S. Treasuries.
“We are thrilled to support the growth and adoption of RLUSD,” said BNY Mellon’s Emily Portney.
Ripple is also pursuing a U.S. banking charter and Fed master account.
#8 Nasdaq Firm Goes All-In on Ethereum, Dumps BTC
Bit Digital, a Nasdaq-listed firm, has sold off all 280 of its Bitcoin to build a massive Ethereum treasury. After raising $172 million in a public offering, the company now holds over 100,600 ETH, aiming to become the largest corporate holder of Ether.
CEO Sam Tabar said the move reflects Ethereum’s long-term value, citing smart contracts and staking rewards. Bit Digital’s stock jumped nearly 18%, as markets responded to the strategy.
#9 TON’s Viral Golden Visa Pitch Got Denied by UAE
Toncoin surged nearly 12% after TON Foundation’s CEO claimed that staking $100,000 worth of the token could get investors a UAE Golden Visa. But UAE authorities quickly denied it. The country’s top regulators – ICP, SCA, and VARA – issued a joint statement calling the claim false, clarifying that TON is not licensed or approved in Dubai. No such visa route exists for crypto investors.
#10 Tokenized Securities Still Count as Securities, Says SEC
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, known as “Crypto Mom,” has warned that tokenizing assets doesn’t change their legal status.
“As powerful as blockchain technology is, it does not have magical abilities to transform the nature of the underlying asset,” she said. Her comments come amid rising interest in blockchain-based stocks, with firms like Coinbase seeking approval to offer tokenized equities. Peirce also flagged risks tied to third-party tokens, saying buyers could face added legal and financial uncertainty.
In the Spotlight
Here’s a few quick hits you shouldn’t miss!
South Korea to Grant Crypto Startups Venture Status: A new government proposal could give digital asset firms access to tax breaks, funding, and loan guarantees for the first time under the national venture ecosystem.
New Zealand Bans Crypto ATMs in Money Laundering Crackdown: Authorities halt 220+ crypto kiosks and limit overseas transfers to $5,000, aiming to tighten controls on illicit fund flows and boost financial crime enforcement.
Trump Media Files for ‘Crypto Blue Chip ETF’ with SEC: The proposed fund would track five major tokens including Solana and XRP, with Crypto.com set to serve as digital custodian if approved.
Hong Kong’s Stablecoin License Race Draws 40+ Global Players: Top firms like JD.com, Ant Group, and Circle are competing for fewer than 10 stablecoin licenses as Hong Kong rolls out its new digital asset regime this August.
Tether CEO Says “We Will Be the Largest Bitcoin Miner by End of 2025”: The USDT issuer is expanding fast with 15+ sites across Latin America, betting big on mining to protect its reserves and meet stricter stablecoin rules under the GENIUS Act.
What’s Next for Crypto?
Major shifts to expect ahead
Bitcoin could see fresh institutional flows as political endorsements stack up, from Musk’s America Party platform to Japan’s Metaplanet doubling down on BTC-backed acquisitions.
Ripple’s stablecoin ambitions may accelerate now that BNY Mellon is on board. With a $500M cap hit and U.S. bank charter in progress, RLUSD could push deeper into regulated finance.
Ethereum’s corporate appeal is gaining ground, as Bit Digital ditches BTC for ETH to bet on staking and smart contracts.
Tokenization efforts may face more resistance after SEC’s Hester Peirce reaffirmed that digital wrappers don’t dodge securities laws. Platforms like Coinbase will need sharper legal strategies.
Memecoins may blur lines between community hype and political narrative, as Justin Sun’s $100M pledge to Trump’s token raises new questions.
Stablecoin compliance will tighten globally with new acts coming into play
That’s it from me this week. Read smart, trade smarter – back again next Saturday!