CFA Report Pegs US Crypto Fraud Losses at $80.7B

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.

Vitalik Buterin emphasized the need for the crypto industry to mature, shifting focus from decentralization as a buzzword to tangible user protections. He outlined essential tests for crypto projects to ensure asset security and resistance to insider attacks, cautioning against hidden vulnerabilities.

A U.S. bankruptcy judge ruled that Celsius can proceed with its $4 billion case against Tether, despite some elements of Tether's motion to dismiss being granted. Celsius alleges Tether liquidated 39,500 Bitcoin as loan collateral in 2022.

Cartwright Pension Trusts facilitated a UK pension fund's Bitcoin investment, yielding a 60% return in under a year. The firm's Annual Bitcoin Review aims to educate institutions on cryptocurrency benefits.

Liquifi, a token management platform, was acquired by Coinbase for an undisclosed sum after raising $5 million in a 2022 funding round. The platform assists in navigating legal and compliance challenges in the crypto space and is already utilized by entities like the Uniswap Foundation and OP Labs.

Flappy Racquet, a tennis-themed riff on Flappy Bird, offers players the chance to hit tennis balls and avoid drones. Top players can earn NFTs of real-world tennis stars with unique boosts and gems within the Scor on Sweet ecosystem.

Genius Group Limited, a Singapore-based AI-powered education firm, has doubled its bitcoin reserves since a US court lifted an injunction on Bitcoin acquisitions. The company aims to acquire 1,000 BTC within six months to further its mission of educating learners on AI, digital finance, and community values.

Deutsche Bank AG intends to introduce its digital assets custody service in 2026, collaborating with Bitpanda's technology unit and Swiss provider Taurus SA. The bank's corporate bank, which disclosed its custody plans in 2022, is progressing with the initiative.

Coinbase's recent acquisition spree continues, with the crypto exchange purchasing Liquifi, a token management platform. Liquifi last raised $5 million in a 2022 seed round led by VC firm Dragonfly. The acquisition is part of Coinbase's strategy to expand its services and compete with other major players in the crypto industry.