Kraken IPO Plans Heat Up with New Funding and $20B Valuation

Bitcoin has surged to a 50-day high above $95,000, driven by cooling U.S. inflation, reduced ETF outflows, and escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S. This increase reflects Bitcoin's dual role as a macroeconomic asset and a geopolitical hedge.

Ripple has received preliminary approval for an Electronic Money Institution license from the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier in Luxembourg, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy across Europe. This early nod is seen as a crucial development for the company as it seeks to enhance its operational capabilities within the European market.

A solo Bitcoin miner has achieved a significant milestone by winning a $300,000 block, marking a notable event in the cryptocurrency mining landscape. This victory highlights the potential for individual miners to compete against larger mining operations in an increasingly competitive market.

U.S. bitcoin buyers are currently driving a price rally, reversing a trend observed in late 2025 where the cryptocurrency faced significant declines. This resurgence is linked to the strength of U.S. equities, particularly influenced by the investment strategies of major players like Strategy.

Bitcoin's price has reclaimed the $95,000 mark, buoyed by strong demand for spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and a decrease in futures selling pressure, which has helped stabilize market sentiment after a period of volatility. As of the latest update, Bitcoin was trading at approximately $95,033, reflecting a 3.2% increase.

Revolut has reported a remarkable 156% increase in stablecoin payments in 2025, indicating a growing acceptance and utilization of cryptocurrency in real-world transactions. This surge reflects the company's strategic initiatives to enhance its digital payment offerings and user engagement.

Bitcoin has made its debut alongside gold exchange-traded products (ETPs) on the London Stock Exchange, with BTC USD approaching the significant milestone of $100,000. This development highlights the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in traditional financial markets.

ZKsync has unveiled its 2026 roadmap, aiming to enhance privacy on the Ethereum blockchain to a bank-grade level. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to transition from its original Lite network to newer platforms, Era and Elastic, while maintaining essential functionalities for users.