Australian police crack coded wallet, seize $5.9M in crypto

Uphold has reintroduced its XRP rewards debit card in the U.S., just as more consumers and merchants are embracing cryptocurrencies for payments. This launch is significant because it taps into the increasing trend of crypto adoption, making it easier for users to spend their digital assets while earning rewards. As the market heats up, Uphold's initiative could encourage even more people to explore and utilize cryptocurrencies in their daily transactions.

Coinbase's Chief Product Officer has stepped up to defend stablecoins against the banking sector's concerns about their potential impact on bank deposits and community banks. He argues that these fears are unfounded and could hinder the growth of the emerging stablecoin market. This discussion is crucial as it highlights the ongoing tension between traditional banking and innovative financial technologies, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective on the role of stablecoins in the economy.

Ripple's CTO David Schwartz, known as 'JoelKatz', recently discussed the value of XRP on X, emphasizing that its worth isn't solely determined by the ledger itself. Instead of using typical marketing jargon, he focused on deeper concepts like power, control, and speculation. Schwartz's insights are significant as they challenge conventional views on cryptocurrency valuation, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of what drives the worth of digital assets like XRP.

The U.S. is facing a significant disruption in its inflation reporting due to a government shutdown that has led to the furlough of Bureau of Labor Statistics staff. This unprecedented situation means there will be no Consumer Price Index released, leaving markets without a crucial measure of the cost of living. This lack of data could create uncertainty for investors and policymakers alike, highlighting the broader implications of the shutdown on economic stability.

Nordea, a leading Nordic bank, is set to launch a Bitcoin-linked synthetic exchange-traded product (ETP) on its platforms, marking a significant step in the integration of cryptocurrency into traditional finance. This move not only reflects the growing acceptance of digital assets among mainstream financial institutions but also provides investors with a new way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the cryptocurrency. As more banks embrace such innovations, it could pave the way for broader adoption of cryptocurrencies in the financial sector.

In a significant breakthrough, the Australian Federal Police successfully cracked a coded crypto wallet backup, seizing an impressive $5.9 million in cryptocurrency. This achievement was made possible by a skilled data scientist who deciphered a complex numerical sequence on a phone. This event highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to tackle cybercrime and recover stolen assets, showcasing the intersection of technology and policing in the fight against financial fraud.

NEO Legacy, often referred to as the Chinese Ethereum, is officially shutting down its original blockchain, marking a significant transition for the platform that began in 2016. This shutdown is occurring in two phases, with the first phase already completed in June 2025. As the crypto community watches closely, the future of NEO may hinge on upcoming plans from Xi Jingping, which could potentially influence NEO's price in 2026. This development is crucial as it reflects the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and the impact of governmental strategies on digital assets.