Asset Managers: Blockchain Can Modernize Your Operations and Reinvigorate Your Product Line

The IMF has shot down Pakistan’s plan to use its extra electricity to subsidize power for crypto miners, arguing it could disrupt energy markets. Pakistan, which has a surplus of power, wanted to attract crypto mining businesses with cheaper electricity, but the IMF isn’t on board, fearing unintended consequences for the broader economy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about crypto—it’s a clash between a country trying to leverage its resources for economic growth and an international watchdog worried about stability. Pakistan’s energy surplus could’ve been a golden opportunity for crypto miners, but the IMF’s rejection signals broader skepticism about mixing volatile digital assets with fragile energy markets. For crypto advocates, it’s another setback; for regulators, it’s a cautionary move. Either way, it shows how tricky it is to balance innovation with financial oversight.

Bitcoin's recent price drop wasn't caused by panicked newcomers—it was long-term holders (the so-called "HODLers") cashing in some gains, according to on-chain data from Glassnode. These veterans, who've held through multiple market cycles, seized the opportunity to take profits during the latest rally, suggesting they're still confident but locking in some wins.

Editor’s Note: This isn't your typical "whale dump" scare story. When seasoned Bitcoin investors take profits, it’s more like a strategic breather than a loss of faith. It hints at a maturing market where long-term players are calmly managing their positions, not fleeing. For everyday crypto watchers, it’s a reminder that big moves aren’t always driven by fear—sometimes, it’s just smart money doing its thing.

A Swiss bank called AMINA Bank, which specializes in crypto services, just became the first traditional bank to support Ripple USD (RLUSD), a dollar-backed stablecoin. Starting July 3, they’re offering custody and over-the-counter trading for the token, giving RLUSD its first big break in mainstream banking.

Editor’s Note: This is a big deal because it’s rare for a regulated bank to openly back a crypto token—especially one as new as RLUSD. It signals growing trust between traditional finance and digital assets, which could pave the way for more banks to jump in. For Ripple, it’s a credibility boost; for crypto users, it’s one step closer to seamless banking integration.

Silicon Valley’s heavyweights—Palmer Luckey, Peter Thiel, and Joe Lonsdale—are stepping into the banking world with Erebor Bank, a new venture designed to cater to crypto firms, AI startups, defense tech, and advanced manufacturing. This comes as a direct response to the gap left by SVB’s collapse, offering a financial lifeline to sectors often sidelined by traditional banks.

Editor’s Note: When SVB went under, it left a ton of startups scrambling for banking partners willing to take on their niche risks. Erebor isn’t just another bank—it’s a bet by tech insiders who get these industries and are willing to back them. If it works, it could stabilize funding for the next wave of moonshot companies. If it doesn’t? Well, at least someone’s trying.

Binance is turning the French Riviera into a crypto playground by teaming up with payments app Lyzi. Over 80 merchants—from chic Nice boutiques to Cannes beach shops—now accept stablecoins via Binance Pay, letting users ditch traditional cash for digital currency while sipping rosé or buying designer sunglasses.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about fancy vacations—it’s a real-world test of whether crypto can seamlessly replace everyday spending. If successful, it could nudge other regions to follow suit, making "paying with crypto" less of a novelty and more like swiping a debit card. For now, though, it’s a win for crypto enthusiasts who want their digital wallets to work where the jet set plays.