OKX and PayPal forge crypto on-ramp alliance in Europe

Bitcoin just smashed through another ceiling, hitting a record high of over $122,000 before easing back slightly. The surge is fueled by a wave of money pouring into Bitcoin ETFs—investment funds that make it easier for big players to bet on crypto—and growing enthusiasm from institutional investors. It’s another milestone in Bitcoin’s wild ride, with traders watching closely to see how much higher it can go.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto hype cycle—it’s a sign that Bitcoin is increasingly being treated like a mainstream asset. The ETF boom suggests Wall Street is warming up to crypto, which could mean more stability (or at least, bigger swings) in the long run. Whether you’re a true believer or just watching from the sidelines, this kind of momentum changes how people think about digital money.

Summer Mersinger, a commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), argues that Congress has a critical opportunity this "Crypto Week" to shape regulations that keep the U.S. financial system ahead of the curve. She emphasizes the need for clear, forward-thinking rules to avoid stifling innovation while protecting investors—basically, a chance to future-proof finance without playing catch-up later.

Editor’s Note: Crypto isn’t going away, and neither are the debates about how to handle it. Mersinger’s piece is a nudge to lawmakers: act now, or risk falling behind as other countries set the rules. For everyday folks, this could mean more stability (and fewer crypto meltdowns) if regulators strike the right balance. It’s a high-stakes moment for both Wall Street and your wallet.

SRM’s $100 million bet on Tron (TRX) is already looking smart—the investment has jumped 10% in just weeks as TRX hits its highest price since late 2024. The crypto is riding a wave of institutional interest, with big players starting to treat it like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto pump—it’s a sign that Tron is gaining serious credibility among institutional investors. If that trend holds, it could mean more stability and growth for TRX, which has often been overshadowed by bigger names. For crypto watchers, it’s a signal to keep an eye on how deep this institutional adoption goes.

U.S. banking regulators—including the Federal Reserve and FDIC—just released a joint statement clarifying how banks should handle crypto assets for customers. They’re not introducing new rules but emphasizing existing safeguards, like making sure banks properly segregate and account for digital assets. The message? Crypto isn’t getting special treatment—it’s subject to the same risk management standards as traditional assets.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t a crackdown or an endorsement—it’s a reminder that banks playing with crypto need to follow the same old-school rules. For the industry, it’s a sign regulators are watching closely but aren’t rushing to rewrite the playbook. For everyday folks? It means banks holding crypto won’t be a Wild West scenario (at least in theory). The subtext? Regulators are still figuring crypto out, but they want it on a tight leash for now.

Ethereum’s price just surged past $3,000 for the first time since January, riding the wave of Bitcoin’s record highs and sparking fresh excitement in crypto markets. What’s more, the amount of ETH locked up in long-term holdings has hit an all-time high—suggesting big investors are betting on its future growth. The timing’s interesting, too: U.S. lawmakers are gearing up for "Crypto Week," where they’ll debate regulations that could shape the industry for years to come.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about price pumps—it’s a sign that serious investors see Ethereum as a long-term play, even as regulatory uncertainty looms. If Congress moves forward with clear crypto rules, it could turbocharge this momentum or throw cold water on it. Either way, the stakes are high, and ETH’s rally is turning heads.