Bitcoin soars, exchanges breached, Trump signs stablecoin law | Weekly Recap

Hong Kong is taking a selective approach to stablecoin licensing, with regulators reportedly planning an invite-only system for potential issuers. The HKMA will handpick companies it deems suitable through a rigorous vetting process, rather than opening applications to all comers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—it signals Hong Kong’s cautious but deliberate push into the crypto space. By handpicking stablecoin issuers, regulators aim to balance innovation with financial stability, ensuring only well-vetted players enter the market. For crypto firms, it means fewer opportunities but potentially more legitimacy if they make the cut. For the broader market, it’s another step in Hong Kong’s effort to position itself as a regulated hub for digital assets.

Donald Trump stirred up speculation by sharing a 2018 video of crypto expert Peter Van Valkenburgh explaining Bitcoin during Senate testimony, calling it the "greatest Bitcoin explanation of all time." The clip, posted on Truth Social, outlines Van Valkenburgh’s pro-Bitcoin stance, leaving people wondering if Trump is signaling a shift in his crypto views—or just rallying his base.

Editor’s Note: Trump’s post is a head-turner because he’s been famously skeptical of Bitcoin in the past. Whether this is a genuine change of heart or just political posturing, it’s got crypto watchers talking—especially with the election heating up and digital assets becoming a bigger policy issue.

The crypto world is buzzing with memecoins again, this time with Dogecoin (DOGE) surging and newcomer Pepeto making waves with a purpose-driven angle. The article compares these two against PEPE, another popular memecoin, to see which might come out on top in the next bull run. It’s a classic showdown of hype vs. narrative—DOGE’s legacy, PEPE’s meme power, and Pepeto’s attempt to stand out with a mission.

Editor’s Note: Memecoins aren’t just jokes anymore—they’re serious business for traders looking for quick gains or betting on viral trends. With DOGE’s price jumping and new players like Pepeto trying to carve a niche, this piece taps into the speculative frenzy that keeps crypto markets unpredictable. Whether you’re a skeptic or a degen, these coins reflect how internet culture and finance keep colliding in wild ways.

ZORA crypto is on a serious hot streak—it shot up over 75% in just one day after hitting a three-month high. The rally comes after Zora rolled out Creator Coins, a new tool on Base that lets creators monetize their work directly. Basically, investors are betting big on this fresh way for artists and influencers to cash in.

Editor’s Note: When a crypto project introduces something that could actually change how people make money online (instead of just hype), traders pay attention. ZORA’s surge isn’t just random—it’s a sign that the market sees real utility in its new feature. For crypto watchers, that’s way more interesting than another meme coin pump.

Lightec's zkBTC bridge is now live on mainnet, a big deal for Bitcoin enthusiasts. This tech essentially lets Bitcoin move more freely across different blockchain networks, unlocking liquidity that was previously stuck in one place. Think of it like converting cash into traveler's checks—Bitcoin can now "travel" to other chains without losing its core value.

Editor’s Note: Cross-chain liquidity has been a holy grail for crypto, especially for Bitcoin, which has traditionally been siloed. This bridge could mean smoother DeFi integrations, better yields for BTC holders, and fewer hoops to jump through when moving value between ecosystems. For once, "bridging" doesn’t sound like a metaphor—it’s actually happening.