News linked to both this project and an event.
research firm Benchmark Equity Research has highlighted that the market structure reform proposal put forward by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 11 could be one of the most far-reaching regulatory actions for the U.S. crypto industry this year. The proposal aims to abolish Rule 611 and Rule 610(e) of Regulation NMS, two core rules that have governed the routing and execution of U.S. stock trades since 2005, which are seen as having long constrained the development of tokenized stocks and on-chain trading.Rule 611 (Order Protection Rule) requires trading venues to avoid executing trades at prices inferior to "protected quotations" on other markets, thereby enforcing the National Best Bid and Offer (NBBO) system. Rule 610(e) prohibits locked and crossed markets, restricting quotation overlaps and price mismatches.Benchmark analyst Mark Palmer stated that if the rules are repealed, it would remove key legal barriers hindering DeFi trading models, such as automated market makers (AMMs), allowing them to operate without relying on traditional order routing systems. The regulatory changes would directly benefit infrastructure for tokenized stocks and crypto securities trading, with Securitize identified as the most immediate beneficiary. Additionally, Coinbase and Galaxy Digital could also benefit from the expansion of trading, custody, and market-making businesses.However, Benchmark also noted that even with looser rules, critical issues such as exchange registration, clearing and settlement, and custody frameworks remain unresolved. The market is still anticipating the SEC's potential introduction of an "innovation exemption" mechanism. The SEC has opened a 60-day public comment period, and Benchmark expects a final vote could take place in early 2027. (The Block)
the crypto market hopes to shake off months of geopolitical pressure this week. Following a temporary peace agreement between the US and Iran, Bitcoin rose to near $66,000 on Monday, up about 3.5% from Friday. Crypto-related stocks such as Strategy (MSTR) and Galaxy Digital (GLXY) also advanced in pre-market trading.However, the market remains cautious, as past ceasefire agreements have often collapsed. The April truce failed to hold, and last month's US military action broke another round of peace talks, which also dragged down crypto asset prices at the time.This week, the spotlight will shift to the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh will preside over the first rate-setting meeting, with the market widely expecting the Fed to hold rates steady in the 3.50%-3.75% range.Analysts point out that the release of the new “dot plot” (showing Fed officials' interest rate expectations) and the shortened trading day due to the Juneteenth holiday on Friday could reduce market liquidity. This week's economic data and Fed policy guidance will determine whether the crypto market can sustain a rebound on the back of easing geopolitical risks. (CoinDesk)
Galaxy stated in March this year, the New York State Supreme Court quietly accepted a lawsuit seeking to confirm the ownership of over 3.7 million Bitcoin (worth approximately $274 billion) associated with 39,069 Bitcoin addresses. This includes addresses belonging to Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto (a total of 21,744 addresses holding 1.09 million Bitcoin, valued at $83.7 billion at current prices).The plaintiff is Noah Doe (a pseudonym) and two unnamed Wyoming limited liability companies. Noah Doe requests the New York State Supreme Court to declare, via a declaratory judgment action (New York Civil Practice Law and Rules Section 3001) under the New York State Abandoned Property Law (Personal Property Law Article 7-B), that they possess ownership of these dormant addresses.In short, they seek a ruling from a New York court that the Bitcoin belonging to founder Satoshi Nakamoto (along with many other lost Bitcoin addresses) constitutes abandoned property. They argue they are entitled to legal ownership by virtue of "finding" these cryptocurrencies. From June 30 to July 10, 2025, they sent "disclaimer notices" to each found address via OP_RETURN.However, even if they win the case entirely, they will ultimately only obtain a court declaration. They will not receive any private keys, nor will they be able to transfer any Bitcoin from these addresses. But Galaxy states that the true value of the New York ruling lies in its ability to act as a "cloud on title." If these Bitcoins ever appear on any regulated platform, plaintiff Noah Doe could use this document to file a claim with an exchange or custodian.
: Payment giant Mastercard has announced that it has obtained a BitLicense from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), allowing it to conduct digital asset-related businesses under a strict regulatory framework, including stablecoins and blockchain settlement infrastructure. The license was obtained by Mastercard Transaction Services (U.S.) LLC, marking the company's further expansion into digital payments and on-chain settlement infrastructure. BitLicense is one of the strictest crypto regulatory frameworks in the United States, requiring firms to meet multiple standards for capital reserves, compliance, security, and consumer protection.Mastercard stated that this approval will support its strategic layout in stablecoins and tokenized payments. Company executives pointed out that a clear regulatory framework helps drive digital assets from the experimental stage toward practical applications.Recently, several institutions, including Galaxy Digital and Strike, have also successively obtained BitLicenses, indicating that U.S. regulatory approvals are accelerating the opening up to compliant digital asset enterprises. (CoinDesk)
that, according to the latest report from crypto lending platform Ledn, the global market for Bitcoin-backed consumer lending could grow nearly 300 times over the next decade, reaching $1 trillion, while a significant amount of potential demand remains untapped.The report cites a survey conducted by consumer research firm Protocol Theory among 1,244 cryptocurrency holders in the United States and Australia. It shows that approximately 88% of respondents are willing to consider using crypto-backed loans or credit products, but only 14% have actually used such services, creating a so-called "6:1 interest-to-adoption gap."Ledn estimates that the current global market size for Bitcoin-backed consumer lending is around $3 billion. In comparison, Galaxy Research previously estimated the entire crypto lending market peaked at $73.6 billion in the third quarter of 2025. Ledn co-founder Mauricio Di Bartolomeo stated: "The demand-side problem has been solved. What the industry is truly missing right now is the trust infrastructure that allows borrowers to build confidence."The survey indicates that the core factors hindering user adoption of crypto-backed lending are not a lack of awareness, but concerns over price volatility, forced liquidation risks, and regulatory uncertainty. When choosing a lending platform, users prioritize platform reputation, custody security, transparency, and risk management over simple interest rates. The report argues that crypto-backed lending is essentially similar to "stock-backed financing" or "home equity loans" in traditional finance, allowing users to obtain liquidity without selling their long-term holdings. (CoinDesk)
: Galaxy Digital founder Mike Novogratz testified in the Delaware Court of Chancery that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) made it very difficult for the company to proceed with the planned $1.2 billion merger with BitGo in 2021. The merger was the largest cryptocurrency merger plan at the time. Galaxy Digital canceled the deal in August 2022, and BitGo subsequently demanded a $100 million termination fee from Galaxy Digital.Mike Novogratz stated that regulatory approval was unlikely to be achieved, and BitGo failed to provide the required financial information on time, thus forfeiting its right to the $100 million termination fee. BitGo CEO Mike Belshe, however, said BitGo had provided all necessary information. The trial is currently expected to conclude this week, and the judge will decide whether BitGo is entitled to the $100 million fee. (Cointelegraph)
Galaxy Digital founder Michael Novogratz and BitGo CEO Mike Belshe are currently litigating over the failed $1.2 billion merger deal from four years ago.According to reports, the transaction was originally intended to take the combined company public on Nasdaq, but was later terminated due to adjustments in SEC accounting guidance and market liquidity crises triggered by the Terra/Luna collapse.BitGo is demanding that Galaxy pay at least $100 million in termination fees, and accuses Galaxy of failing to take reasonable steps to advance the transaction while concealing details of an investigation by U.S. regulators. In response, Novogratz stated that Galaxy was not the subject of the investigation, and argued that BitGo has lost its eligibility to claim the termination fee for failing to submit required financial statements on time. (Bloomberg)
According to Bloomberg, Michael Novogratz, founder and billionaire CEO of Galaxy Digital, faced off in court this week against Mike Belshe, CEO of BitGo Holdings, in a four-year-long merger dispute. BitGo is seeking at least $100 million in breach-of-contract damages from Galaxy, stemming from Galaxy’s $1.2 billion acquisition proposal for BitGo in 2021—the largest deal in cryptocurrency industry history at the time—which ultimately collapsed amid the crypto market downturn. BitGo alleges that Galaxy failed to use reasonable efforts to consummate the transaction and concealed material details regarding U.S. regulatory investigations into Galaxy—investigations that could have significantly impacted the merger’s completion.
According to CoinDesk, German stablecoin startup AllUnity plans to launch SEKAU—a Swedish krona-pegged stablecoin—in June, following final regulatory and operational approvals, and will issue it under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulatory framework. Meanwhile, AllUnity has also launched Agentic Payments, enabling businesses to receive transactions initiated autonomously by AI software agents and settle funds directly into local bank accounts. The system adopts Coinbase’s x402 payment standard and targets online digital services, content, and data sales. AllUnity is backed by DWS, Flow Traders, and Galaxy Digital, and is regulated by Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin).
Checker, a stablecoin infrastructure startup, announced the completion of $8 million in pre-seed and seed funding. Participants include Galaxy Ventures, Al Mada Ventures, Framework Ventures, Bitso, Airtm, DFS Lab, Onigiri Capital, SNZ Capital, and Velocity. The project's primary business is helping financial institutions launch and scale stablecoins and related products through a single API.It is reported that Checker has processed over $3 billion in transaction volume in the past 12 months. The company plans to use the new funds to expand its financial institution network to Brazil, Kenya, Hong Kong, and the United States, and also intends to launch AI agents for client onboarding, compliance assessment, and treasury operations. (theblock)
According to The Block, GalaxyOne Prime NY, a subsidiary of Galaxy Digital, has obtained both a BitLicense and a money transmitter license from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), officially authorizing it to provide digital asset trading and custody services to residents, institutions, and businesses in New York State.
Odaily Planet Daily: Galaxy Digital announced that it has obtained a BitLicense and money transmitter license from the New York State Department of Financial Services, allowing it to offer digital asset services in New York.The license applies to its subsidiary GalaxyOne Prime NY, which will provide trading and custody services to New York residents, institutions, and enterprises.Galaxy stated that New York is home to the deepest pool of institutional capital in the United States, and digital assets are gradually entering the mainstream allocation scope. With this approval, the company will be able to more directly serve institutional clients in New York.
Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, posted on X that the U.S. Senate Banking Committee voted 15–9 this week to advance the CLARITY Act to a full Senate vote. With time running short—approximately nine weeks remain—the projected timeline for next steps is as follows: June 1: Begin reconciling the Senate Banking Committee’s and Senate Agriculture Committee’s versions of the bill; June 15: Full Senate debate begins; June 22: The Senate may complete its final vote; July 13: Senate–House reconciliation concludes; Early August: President Trump signs the bill into law (assuming the schedule stays on track). Alex Thorn analyzed that Democrats are focusing heavily on “ethics provisions” designed to restrict digital asset holdings and profits by senior officials and their family members. Meanwhile, negotiations continue on the Decentralized Finance Regulation and Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA). The CLARITY Act will lay the groundwork for innovation in the U.S. digital asset market and for investor protection.
Turnkey, a company specializing in crypto wallets and key management infrastructure, has announced the completion of a $12.5 million strategic financing round. Archetype and Circle Ventures led the round, with participation from Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Crypto, Lightspeed Faction, Galaxy Ventures, and Variant. The project's total funding has now exceeded $65 million.The company's primary business involves developing wallet and key management infrastructure for crypto applications. This round of financing will be used to support the development and public launch of Turnkey Verifiable Cloud, a product focused on digital asset security computing. This product aims to provide enterprises with verifiable operating environments, encompassing functionalities such as transaction visibility, policy decisions, and agent-driven wallet activities. Turnkey's current clientele includes Polymarket, World App, and Anchorage Digital.
Brian Armstrong posted on platform X, stating that today's vote on the Clarity Act represents a significant opportunity to move the U.S. financial system forward.Previously, Galaxy Digital stated that seven Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee could play a key role in advancing the CLARITY Act. The bill will now enter the committee review stage; if passed, it will be submitted for a full Senate vote.
: Galaxy Research Head of Research Alex Thorn stated that the U.S. Senate Banking Committee has released the first updated complete draft of the CLARITY Act since January. The new draft features significant adjustments in several key chapters, including:A substantial rewrite of Chapter I concerning definitions and the scope of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) authority; the addition of Section 109 on insider trading; an update in Chapter II changing "common control" to "coordinated control"; a rewrite of Section 301 to further clarify the regulatory boundary between DeFi and CeFi; an update to Section 404 incorporating the compromise proposal from Tillis and Alsobrooks; adjustments to Section 505 narrowing the scope of SEC authority limitations in the tokenization field; and a restructuring of the bankruptcy and insolvency framework in Sections 701 and 702. Additionally, Section 904 is a new addition, namely the "Build Now Act."Alex Thorn also noted that the developer protection provisions in the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, found in Section 604, remain largely intact with only minor modifications, without weakening their core protections.
Odaily Planet Daily reported that Galaxy Digital stated that 7 Democratic senators on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee may play a crucial role in advancing the CLARITY Act. The bill will enter committee review this Thursday; if it passes, it will be submitted for a full vote in the Senate.Galaxy listed Ruben Gallego and Angela Alsobrooks as "pro-crypto framework" senators, and considers Mark Warner, Catherine Cortez Masto, Andy Kim, and Raphael Warnock as "negotiable," potentially supporting the bill after the inclusion of additional anti-money laundering and risk control provisions.The report noted that the Senate Banking Committee has 24 members, consisting of 13 Republicans and 11 Democrats. The bill needs at least a majority of support to proceed to the next stage. Coinbase's policy head previously stated that the CLARITY Act ultimately needs at least 60 votes and bipartisan support to become law. (Cointelegraph)
U.S. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce stated in a speech that she does not endorse certain speculative phenomena currently present in the market; financial products that function like lotteries—sparking hopes of short-term wealth—may fade as investor interest wanes. Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy Digital, shared the remarks, noting that Peirce anticipates the underlying legal, technological, and market infrastructure supporting these products could be repurposed in the future for more enduring investment and risk-management products. Meanwhile, Nate Geraci, President of The ETF Store, commented that the SEC’s balancing of regulation and innovation is reassuring, and he speculates that the compliant yet controversial products described by Peirce are in fact “prediction-market ETFs,” which he expects will soon receive approval for listing.
Alex Thorn (@intangiblecoins), Head of Research at Galaxy Research, published a post revealing that Galaxy Research has released a new report refuting banking industry claims that the GENIUS Act would erode U.S. bank deposits—and providing quantitative estimates. Key findings from the report include: - Under the GENIUS Act framework, 60%–70% of new stablecoin issuance would originate overseas; inflows of foreign deposits would be approximately twice the volume of domestic deposit migration—indicating a net increase in total deposits rather than a zero-sum reallocation. - Each newly minted GENIUS stablecoin would generate approximately $0.32 in net credit for the U.S. economy. - In the base-case scenario, total credit expansion by 2030 would reach roughly $400 billion; under the optimistic scenario, it could reach $1.2 trillion. - Short-term U.S. Treasury yields (T-bills) would compress by 3–5 basis points, potentially saving taxpayers up to $3 billion annually in borrowing costs. - The report also notes that the interest pass-through mechanism does not pose an existential threat to U.S. banks—it merely represents a reallocation of profit margins and will not reduce overall credit capacity.
Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, posted on X stating that the CLARITY Act has taken on heightened urgency, partly due to the exceptionally tight race for control of the U.S. Senate. If Democrats regain control of the Senate, former Senator Sherrod Brown could resume his role as Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; alternatively, if Brown fails to win re-election to the Senate from Ohio but Democrats still secure Senate control, the committee may instead be led by Elizabeth Warren. Such potential leadership changes could significantly influence the regulatory direction for the crypto industry, thereby increasing the practical urgency of advancing the CLARITY Act. Note: Elizabeth Warren is not friendly toward the crypto industry. She has urged the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue stringent implementing rules for the GENIUS Act and explicitly issued guidance prohibiting the use of federal resources—including the Exchange Stabilization Fund or Federal Reserve emergency lending facilities—to backstop stablecoins or the broader crypto industry.