Trump Signs Bitcoin Reserve Order
President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a U.S. government Bitcoin reserve, marking a major shift in the country’s financial strategy. The move signals growing recognition of Bitcoin as a strategic asset, potentially positioning the U.S. as a global leader in digital currency holdings. While details on acquisition and management remain unclear, supporters argue it strengthens financial resilience, while critics warn of volatility risks. The order is expected to spark intense debate over Bitcoin’s role in national reserves and monetary policy. (AP News)
Japan Moves to Ease Crypto Taxation
Japan’s ruling party has introduced an executive order aimed at reforming the country’s tax policies on cryptocurrencies, particularly for corporations holding digital assets. The measure seeks to decrease the maximum tax cap from 55% to 20%, addressing a major concern for crypto-related businesses. Supporters believe this move will encourage innovation and retain blockchain companies in Japan, making the country more competitive in the digital asset space. If fully implemented, the policy could drive institutional adoption and long-term growth in Japan’s crypto sector. (Yahoo Finance)
Bitcoin Surges Ahead of White House Crypto Summit
Bitcoin surged past $92,000 amid growing anticipation for the upcoming White House crypto summit, which is expected to address regulation and industry growth. While BTC gained momentum, XRP remained relatively stagnant despite broader market enthusiasm. Analysts suggest traders are positioning themselves for potential policy shifts that could emerge from the high-level discussions. The summit’s outcome could significantly impact institutional sentiment and regulatory clarity for the crypto space. (CoinDesk)
El Salvador Expands Bitcoin Holdings Amid IMF Talks
El Salvador has announced new Bitcoin purchases, reinforcing its commitment to BTC as a national asset while assuring the IMF of its fiscal stability. The government reiterated that Bitcoin remains a long-term investment strategy despite global economic uncertainty. Critics argue the nation’s Bitcoin strategy could strain relations with traditional financial institutions, but President Nayib Bukele remains steadfast. The IMF has acknowledged El Salvador’s efforts to balance BTC adoption with economic stability, leaving room for further negotiations. (Reuters)
Ripple-Backed NCA Launches Crypto Education Platform
The New Crypto Academy (NCA), launched with a $50 million grant from Ripple, aims to educate the public on blockchain technology and digital assets. The platform will focus on dispelling myths about crypto while highlighting its real-world applications. Industry leaders believe this initiative could boost mainstream adoption by providing reliable educational resources. The NCA is expected to collaborate with universities and financial institutions to expand its reach. (The Block)
Reddit Co-Founder Bids for Blockchain-Powered TikTok
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian has expressed interest in acquiring Tiktok to integrate blockchain technology. His vision includes tokenized content ownership, decentralized governance, and new revenue models for creators. The acquisition bid aligns with a broader trend of blockchain-based social media innovations aiming to reduce platform dependency. If successful, this project could reshape the digital content economy by giving users greater control over their data and monetization. (CryptoSlate)
MegaETH Gears Up for Public Testnet
MegaETH, a next-generation Ethereum scaling solution, is set to launch its public testnet, aiming to enhance network efficiency and lower transaction costs. The platform boasts improved smart contract functionality, faster processing times, and reduced gas fees. Developers and validators will soon have access to test MegaETH’s capabilities, which could influence Ethereum’s broader ecosystem. If the testnet proves successful, it may become a critical layer for future Ethereum scaling solutions. (The Block)
$500 Million in ETH Liquidated Amid February Market Crash
The crypto market saw $500 million in Ethereum liquidations, marking the second-largest DeFi liquidation event in the last 12 months. Analysts attribute the crash to a combination of leveraged positions, macroeconomic uncertainty, and declining investor confidence. Ethereum’s sharp drop has reignited discussions on the risks of over-leveraged trading in DeFi markets. This event serves as a stark reminder of the volatility and cascading effects that sudden market downturns can trigger. (The Block)