BlackRock’s IBIT vaults over $80B in assets, breaks ETF speed record

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF, the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), just smashed records by hitting $80 billion in assets faster than any ETF in history—crossing the milestone in just 374 trading days. For perspective, Vanguard’s S&P 500 ETF (VOO) took nearly five times as long to reach the same mark.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a win for BlackRock—it’s a huge signal that institutional demand for Bitcoin is exploding. The speed of IBIT’s growth blows past even mainstream investment giants, showing how crypto is cementing itself as a legitimate asset class. For everyday investors, it’s another sign that Bitcoin’s staying power is being taken seriously by the big players.

Oak Grove Ventures is blending AI with crypto payments, aiming to revolutionize how digital transactions work. Think smarter, faster, and more automated money moves—like giving crypto wallets a brain upgrade. The details are still emerging, but the combo could streamline everything from trading to everyday purchases.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tech mashup. If AI can predict market swings or spot fraud in real-time while handling crypto payments, it could make decentralized finance way more user-friendly—and maybe even safer. For crypto skeptics, that’s a big deal. For believers, it’s proof the space keeps evolving. Either way, it’s worth watching.

The crypto world's buzzing with three big stories this week. First, Ego Death Capital just scooped up $100 million to fund Bitcoin startups—a major vote of confidence in the space. Meanwhile, Robinhood's getting side-eye from regulators over its equity token offerings, which might be sailing too close to the securities wind. And in a reality check, Binance's CZ poured cold water on rumors about a golden visa deal in Dubai, reminding everyone not to believe every flashy headline.

Editor’s Note: This mix of news shows crypto’s wild ride isn’t slowing down. The $100M fund signals growing institutional faith in Bitcoin’s ecosystem, but Robinhood’s regulatory headaches highlight how tricky it is to innovate without tripping over red tape. CZ’s debunking? A reminder that in crypto, hype often outpaces reality—so keep your skepticism handy. For investors and enthusiasts, it’s another week of balancing optimism with caution.

Congress is gearing up for a big week focused on cryptocurrency, with multiple hearings and discussions planned. Lawmakers will debate regulations, market risks, and the future of digital assets—basically, it’s a deep dive into how the U.S. might handle crypto moving forward.

Editor’s Note: This could be a turning point for crypto in the U.S. Depending on how these talks go, we might see clearer rules (or stricter crackdowns) that shape everything from Bitcoin trading to how blockchain startups operate. If you’re into crypto, it’s worth keeping an eye on.

Investment firm "Strategy" just dropped a bombshell—they're planning a $4.2 billion stock offering (STRD) to indirectly fund a massive Bitcoin purchase. If it goes through, they’ll snap up around 38,588 BTC at today’s price of ~$108,840 per coin. The announcement came on July 7, the same day Strategy reported a staggering $14 billion profit. Meanwhile, the buzz around their "Snorter" token is heating up, hinting at bigger crypto moves ahead.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another corporate Bitcoin bet—it’s a seismic vote of confidence in crypto from a major player. Strategy’s move could ripple through markets, nudging other institutional investors to double down on BTC. And with the "Snorter" token gaining traction, it feels like the firm is cooking up something bigger. For crypto watchers, this signals that the institutional floodgates might be opening wider.