Bitcoin Miner IREN Expanding Into AI as Hashrate Grows

Dogecoin and Ethereum led a surge in crypto prices, with DOGE rising over 8% to $0.171 and ETH gaining nearly 8% to above $2,590. Bitcoin also saw a more than 3% increase, nearing its all-time high of $111,814.

Erebor, a new commercial bank led by Palmer Luckey and supported by Peter Thiel's Founder Fund, has filed for a national bank charter with the OCC. The bank plans to cater to venture capital-backed startups in AI, defense, manufacturing, and cryptocurrencies, similar to the ill-fated Silicon Valley Bank.

The SEC has not yet fully approved the Grayscale Digital Large Cap Fund (GDLC) ETF, as an order to convert it was paused indefinitely. The agency may be developing a framework for digital asset ETFs before giving final approval.

DeFi Development Corporation increased its convertible notes offering to $112 million, with an option for an additional $25 million. The net proceeds will be used for a prepaid forward stock purchase and general purposes, including more Solana purchases.

JPMorgan's blockchain arm Kinexys and S&P Global Commodity Insights are collaborating to explore tokenization for managing and issuing carbon credits. The project aims to test creating and tracking tokenized carbon credits using blockchain infrastructure, focusing on credit lifecycle management and data compatibility.

Tim Heath, an Australian crypto entrepreneur, bit off part of an assailant's finger during an attempted kidnapping outside his apartment. The attackers had planned the assault meticulously, using GPS trackers and burner phones to monitor his movements.

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a rotation play as meme coins gain attention over blue chip tokens. Bitcoin and Ethereum show modest gains, with technical indicators suggesting potential for further upward movement. Meme coin SPX6900 stands out with a 12% surge, attracting traders with bullish indicators.

Tornado Cash founder Roman Storm has raised 88% of his $2 million legal defense fund before his US trial on July 14. Storm's recent call for legal backing raised $722,000 by June 25, with the Ethereum Foundation pledging to match $750,000.

Ripple has applied for a national bank charter with the OCC, aiming for both state and federal oversight. CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced the move, following a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Standard Chartered's Geoff Kendrick predicts Bitcoin will reach new all-time highs in the second half of the year due to increased institutional interest and treasury buying. Despite potential choppiness in late Q3 and early Q4, continued strong ETF and Bitcoin treasury purchases are expected to support an uptrend.