OKX has launched a crypto exchange and wallet in the US, headquartered in San Jose, offering advanced trading tools and a secure environment. Metaplanet issued $10 million in zero-interest bonds for Bitcoin purchases, while Semler Scientific seeks $500 million in securities to expand its Bitcoin holdings. Volatility impacted the market following significant sell-offs in Nvidia stocks, and major crypto exchanges faced disruptions due to an AWS outage. Additionally, regulatory discussions indicate a shift towards a more crypto-friendly approach by the SEC.
OKX has officially launched its centralized crypto exchange and Web3 Wallet in the US, with a new regional headquarters established in San Jose, California. The exchange offers US customers advanced trading tools, reduced fees, and robust liquidity options. OKX underscores its commitment to security and compliance with a rigorous KYC process, fraud detection mechanisms, and monthly proof of reserves transparently verified by Hacken. Furthermore, the OKX Wallet supports more than 130 blockchains and incorporates a DEX aggregator for enhanced token access.
In an interesting move, Metaplanet has issued $10 million in zero-interest bonds targeting Bitcoin purchases, as part of its broader investment strategy. This issuance, comprising the 11th series of ordinary bonds, is intended to fund the acquisition of Bitcoin while ensuring that the redemption, scheduled for October 14, 2025, will be facilitated through proceeds generated from subsequent stock acquisition rights.
Semler Scientific has filed with the SEC to offer $500 million in securities to augment its Bitcoin portfolio and cover corporate expenditures. The proceeds will come from a mix of debt securities, common stock, and warrants to expand its Bitcoin investments initiated in May 2024. Currently, Semler holds 3,192 BTC, reflecting an unrealized loss of approximately $14 million.
The market has recently experienced volatility, notably following a significant sell-off of Nvidia shares after a substantial charge associated with the US government’s ban on chip sales to China. This downturn saw Bitcoin’s value fall to $83,600, alongside decreases in the prices of XRP and Cardano’s ADA, creating a risk-off sentiment that affected the broader CoinDesk 20 Index.
An AWS outage in Singapore caused disruptions across major crypto exchanges, including Binance, which temporarily halted withdrawals while services were quickly resumed. KuCoin and MEXC experienced interruptions as well, affecting asset transfers and order cancellations, although MEXC’s futures trading remained operational.
On a positive note, Janover has significantly increased its holdings in Solana (SOL) to $21 million amidst a surge in its stock prices. This acquisition aligns with the firm’s strategic focus on Solana post its acquisition by key figures from Kraken, and indicates a strong commitment to the crypto space through validator operations.
Kraken has taken a big step by launching US equities trading in partnership with Alpaca, offering more than 11,000 stocks and ETFs without commissions. This service rollout aims to unify trading opportunities for crypto and equities under one account, appealing to the growing demand for seamless trading across asset classes.
NVIDIA is advancing its manufacturing capabilities by establishing its first US-based AI supercomputer manufacturing facilities, including Arizona and Texas for chip production. This initiative partners with major manufacturers to ramp up production and is aimed at establishing a formidable AI infrastructure in the US over the next few years.
In an innovative financial move, Bybit has formed a partnership with Avalon to integrate a CeDeFi solution into Bybit Earn, allowing yield generation on Bitcoin investments. This new protocol creates a bridge between centralised finance (CeFi) and decentralised finance (DeFi), optimising asset management through high-yield strategies.
JPMorgan has expanded its blockchain services by launching GBP-denominated deposit accounts in the UK, adding to its existing euro and dollar services. This new feature will facilitate around-the-clock cross-border payments and improve flexibility in foreign exchange transactions, significantly boosting Kinexys’s capabilities since its inception.
Despite a challenging atmosphere, CoinShares reported that global crypto funds encountered net outflows totaling $795 million due to adverse sentiment from political tariff developments. These outflows have accumulated to $7.2 billion overall since early February, overshadowing earlier gains, although market prices experienced a resurgence at the end of the week.
The price of the Mantra token (OM) on Binance plummeted by 77% following a sudden sell-off by key holders, illustrating the volatility and risks associated with cryptocurrency investments.
Waylon Wilcox from Pennsylvania has pleaded guilty to tax evasion for failing to declare over $13 million from the trade of 97 CryptoPunk NFTs. This case has garnered attention in the ongoing discussion about tax implications in the burgeoning NFT market.
Lomond School in Scotland is making strides in crypto acceptance by becoming the first UK educational institution to accept Bitcoin payments. The phased integration will see Bitcoin converted to pound sterling to mitigate risks, while the school explores the possibility of establishing a Bitcoin reserve asset in response to increasing acceptance.
The SEC’s recent roundtable discussions, led by Acting Chair Mark Uyeda, indicate a shift towards a more innovation-friendly regulatory approach for blockchain technology in the US. This transition may encourage increased participation from significant industry stakeholders, hinting at a potentially more accommodating regulatory climate ahead.
