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Tether is now the 11th largest bitcoin holder in the world

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Tether has become the 11th largest bitcoin holder in the world, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.
The stablecoin issuer currently holds about $1.6 billion worth of the digital asset.

Stablecoin issuer Tether has become the 11th largest bitcoin holder in the world in a move that will spark intrigue and speculation about its ability to impact the market.

While Tether hasn't officially disclosed its bitcoin addresses, Tom Wan, a research analyst at 21.co, said he discovered an address that potentially belongs to Tether that currently holds about 55,022 bitcoins worth around $1.6 billion.

A source with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed to The Block that Tether is the 11th-largest bitcoin holder — the rankings are also maintained on Dune Analytics by 21.co. Tether declined to comment.

The value of holdings matches with the total bitcoin mentioned in Tether's second-quarter reserves report published earlier this week. The company first revealed its bitcoin holdings in the first quarter of this year, when it said it will invest up to 15% of its profits in bitcoin on a regular basis as it shifts its reserves toward crypto and away from U.S. government debt.

The company said at the time that it "anticipates that the current and future BTC holdings in its reserves will not exceed the Shareholder Capital Cushion and will further strengthen and diversify the reserves."

Are Tether's large bitcoin holdings a cause of concern?

While bitcoin has been one of the best-performing assets in the last decade, overexposure to the cryptocurrency could pose risks given its highly volatile nature, research analysts said.

"According to Tether's statement, their bitcoin holding is part of the 'Shareholder Capital Cushion,' a liquidity cushion on top of the current market cap of all Tether's tokens. Being a high-beta asset, bitcoin could bring a higher return for Tether and a greater downside," 21. co's Wan told The Block.

A less volatile asset like cash is a safer option as a liquidity cushion, according to Wan. "Tether's bitcoin holding accounts for $1.67 billion, 50% of the liquidity cushion. Given that only 85% of Tether's reserve is in Cash & Cash Equivalents & Other Short-Term Deposits, if there is a price drawdown for their other reserve assets, a less volatile liquidity cushion would favor their position," he said.

Mikołaj Zakrzowski, research analyst at CryptoQuant, shared a similar view. "In a broader context, the increase of Tether's bitcoin holdings isn't necessarily a major concern, as Tether also possesses a significant amount of U.S. Treasuries and other dollar-denominated assets," Zakrzowski told The Block. "However, the key issue is that it contributes to compounding risk as it introduces additional volatility to the value of company's total reserves that back up the stablecoin."

Moreover, since Tether serves as a "foundational pillar" for the crypto market, any unfavorable events affecting Tether could potentially have a detrimental impact on the price of bitcoin and the entire cryptocurrency market, according to Zakrzowski.

Tether, a 'black box'?

Tether has been criticized for not publishing proper audits of its reserves, as it only publishes attestation reports. Earlier this week, Binance co-founder and CEO Changpeng Zhao called Tether a "black box" in an ask-me-anything session because it doesn't publish formal audit reports. Tether CTO Paolo Ardoino has previously said that "no stablecoin has a formal audit, only attestations."

Last week, Binance partnered with Hong Kong-based First Digital Labs or FD121 and listed its First Digital USD stablecoin and offered free trading for select FDUSD pairs. Binance doesn't offer free trading for Tether's USDT pairs.

Earlier today, Ardoino appeared to take aim at Binance's partnership with First Digital.

"Isn't it interesting that USDT is being pressured down (slightly, within 10bps [basis points], just to push market makers to react), and USDC, the main competitor that you would expect being gaining from the situation, is redeemed heavily nevertheless, while suddenly a competitor born 2 days ago is getting it all? Exactly! It feels definitely organic and not manipulative at all," he tweeted. "Some people never learn."

https://www.theblock.co/post/243310/tether-bitcoin-11th-largest-holder

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Brad Garlinghouse In Washington 🚀

It’s time for a fair and open level playing field.

Under Gary Gensler it was quite the opposite.

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🚨 JUST IN: Patriot Tom Fitton, who has been fighting DOJ and FBI to release documents for years, has practically thrown in the towel.

👉 "The justice department and the FBI are irredeemably compromised and corrupted.
The leadership needs to understand that and act accordingly." ~Tom Fitton

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👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading

Custom AI assistants that print money in your sleep? 🔜

The future of Crypto x AI is about to go crazy.

👉 Here’s what you need to know:

💠 'Based Agent' enables creation of custom AI agents
💠 Users set up personalized agents in < 3 minutes
💠 Equipped w/ crypto wallet and on-chain functions
💠 Capable of completing trades, swaps, and staking
💠 Integrates with Coinbase’s SDK, OpenAI, & Replit

👉 What this means for the future of Crypto:

1. Open Access: Democratized access to advanced trading
2. Automated Txns: Complex trades + streamlined on-chain activity
3. AI Dominance: Est ~80% of crypto 👉txns done by AI agents by 2025

🚨 I personally wouldn't bet against Brian Armstrong and Jesse Pollak.

👉 Coinbase just launched an AI agent for Crypto Trading

🎁 As of July 8th there have been 84 VERI SmartMetal NFT Activations (1.3%). With shipments ramping up, we witness the corresponding jump in activations.

Need help getting started? Check out our knowledge base to get the info you need: https://veridao.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/51000487052-what-are-the-nft-activation-steps

👉Interested in which NFTs have been activated? Check them out here:
https://basescan.org/token/0x4516a5d613c30a36d157d3b579813734cbb929a4

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🚨BREAKING: The US House Committee on Financial Services says that next week the House will deliver on President Trump's call to make the US the "crypto capital of the world!

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Brinc Launches Web3 Accelerator with Octopus, XDC & IDA

Brinc Launches Web3 Accelerator with Octopus, XDC & IDA to Transform Hong Kong’s Loyalty and Payment Systems.

Read more: https://www.brinc.io/blog/brinc-launches-octopus-backed-web3-accelerator-program-to-revolutionize-hong-kongs-retail-loyalty-and-payment-ecosystem-with-xdc-and-ida-as-key-web3-infrastructure-partners/

🔗 Startups can apply from July 10

📅 Launching Sept 8

Learn more about the Web3 Accelerator program and apply now: https://www.brinc.io/stablecoin-accelerator/

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Musk Turns On Starlink to Save Iranians from Regime’s Internet Crackdown

Elon Musk, the world’s richest man and a visionary behind SpaceX, has flipped the switch on Starlink, delivering internet to Iranians amid a brutal regime crackdown.

This move comes on the heels of Israeli strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, as the Islamic Republic cuts off online access.

The former Department of Government Efficiency chief activated Starlink satellite internet service for Iranians on Saturday following the Islamic Republic's decision to impose nationwide internet restrictions.

As the Jerusalem Post reports, that the Islamic Republic’s Communications Ministry announced the move, stating, "In view of the special conditions of the country, temporary restrictions have been imposed on the country’s internet."

This action followed a series of Israeli attacks on Iranian targets.

Starlink, a SpaceX-developed satellite constellation, provides high-speed internet to regions with limited connectivity, such as remote areas or conflict zones.

Elizabeth MacDonald, a Fox News contributor, highlighted its impact, noting, "Elon Musk turning on Starlink for Iran in 2022 was a game changer. Starlink connects directly to SpaceX satellites, bypassing Iran’s ground infrastructure. That means even during government-imposed shutdowns or censorship, users can still get online, and reportedly more than 100,000 inside Iran are doing that."

During the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests, Starlink enabled Iranians to communicate and share footage globally despite network blackouts," she added.

MacDonald also mentioned ongoing tests of "direct-to-cell" capabilities, which could allow smartphone connections without a dish, potentially expanding access and supporting free expression and protest coordination.

Musk confirmed the activation, noting on Saturday, "The beams are on."

This follows the regime’s internet shutdowns, which were triggered by Israeli military actions.

Adding to the tension, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people on Friday, urging resistance against the regime.

"Israel's fight is not against the Iranian people. Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you,” he said.

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, called on military and security forces to abandon the regime, accusing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a Persian-language social media post of forcing Iranians into an unwanted war.

Starlink has been a beacon in other crises. Beyond Iran, Musk has leveraged Starlink to assist people during natural disasters and conflicts.

In the wake of hurricanes and earthquakes, Starlink has provided critical internet access to affected communities, enabling emergency communications and coordination.

Similarly, during the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Musk activated Starlink to support Ukrainian forces and civilians, ensuring they could maintain contact and access vital information under dire circumstances.

The genius entrepreneur, is throwing a lifeline to the oppressed in Iran, and the libs can’t stand it.

Conservative talk show host Mark Levin praised Musk’s action, reposting a message stating that Starlink would "reconnect the Iranian people with the internet and put the final nail in the coffin of the Iranian regime."

"God bless you, Elon. The Starlink beams are on in Iran!" Levin wrote.

Musk, who recently stepped down from leading the DOGE in the Trump administration, has apologized to President Trump for past criticisms, including his stance on the One Big Beautiful Bill.

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Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

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GENIUS Act lets State banks conduct some business nationwide. Regulators object

The Senate passed the GENIUS Act for stablecoins last week, but significant work remains before it becomes law. The House has a different bill, the STABLE Act, with notable differences that must be reconciled. State banking regulators have raised strong objections to a provision in the GENIUS Act that would allow state banks to operate nationwide without authorization from host states or a federal regulator.

The controversial clause permits a state bank with a regulated stablecoin subsidiary to provide money transmitter and custodial services in any other state. While host states can impose consumer protection laws, they cannot require the usual authorization and oversight typically needed for out-of-state banking operations.

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors welcomed some changes in the GENIUS Act but remains adamantly opposed to this particular provision. In a statement, CSBS said:

“Critical changes must be made during House consideration of the legislation to prevent unintended consequences and further mitigate financial stability risks. CSBS remains concerned with the dramatic and unsupported expansion of the authority of uninsured banks to conduct money transmission or custody activities nationwide without the approval or oversight of host state supervisors (Sec. 16(d)).”

The National Conference of State Legislatures expressed similar concerns in early June, stating:

“We urge you to oppose Section 16(d) and support state authority to regulate financial services in a manner that reflects local conditions, priorities and risk tolerances. Preserving the dual banking system and respecting state autonomy is essential to the safety, soundness and diversity of our nation’s financial sector.”

Evolution of nationwide authorization

Section 16 addresses several issues beyond stablecoins, including preventing a recurrence of the SEC’s SAB 121, which forced crypto assets held in custody onto balance sheets. However, the nationwide authorization subsection was added after the legislation cleared the Senate Banking Committee, with two significant modifications since then.

Originally, the provision applied only to special bank charters like Wyoming’s Special Purpose Depository Institutions or Connecticut’s Innovation Banks. Examples include crypto-focused Custodia Bank and crypto exchange Kraken in Wyoming, plus traditional finance player Fnality US in Connecticut. Recently the scope was expanded to cover most state chartered banks with stablecoin subsidiaries, possibly due to concerns about competitive advantages.

Simultaneously, the clause was substantially tightened. The initial version allowed state chartered banks to provide money transmission and custody services nationwide for any type of asset, which would include cryptocurrencies. Now these activities can only be conducted by the stablecoin subsidiary, and while Section 16(d) doesn’t explicitly limit services to stablecoins, the GENIUS Act currently restricts issuers to stablecoin related activities.

However, the House STABLE Act takes a more permissive approach, allowing regulators to decide which non-stablecoin activities are permitted. If the House version prevails in reconciliation, it could result in a significant expansion of allowed nationwide banking activities beyond stablecoins.

Is it that bad?

As originally drafted, the clause seemed overly permissive.

The amended clause makes sense for stablecoin issuers. They want to have a single regulator and be able to provide the stablecoin services throughout the United States. But it also leans into the perception outside of crypto that this is just another form of regulatory arbitrage.

The controversy over Section 16(d) reflects concerns about creating a regulatory gap that allows banks to operate interstate without the oversight typically required from either federal or state authorities. As the two Congressional chambers work toward reconciliation, lawmakers must decide whether stablecoin legislation should include provisions that effectively reduce traditional banking oversight requirements.

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If you find value in my content, consider showing your support via:

💳 PayPal: 
1) Simply scan the QR code below 📲
2) or visit https://www.paypal.me/thedinarian

🔗 Crypto – Support via Coinbase Wallet to: [email protected]

Or Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedinarian

Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

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Dubai regulator VARA classifies RWA issuance as licensed activity
Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) leads global regulatory framework - makes RWA issuance licensed activity in Dubai.

Real-world assets (RWAs) issuance is now licensed activity in Dubai.

~ Actual law.
~ Not a legal gray zone.
~ Not a whitepaper fantasy.

RWA issuance and listing on secondary markets is defined under binding crypto regulation.

It’s execution by Dubai.

Irina Heaver explained:

“RWA issuance is no longer theoretical. It’s now a regulatory reality.”

VARA defined:

- RWAs are classified as Asset-Referenced Virtual Assets (ARVAs)

- Secondary market trading is permitted under VARA license

- Issuers need capital, audits, and legal disclosures

- Regulated broker-dealers and exchanges can now onboard and trade them

This closes the gap that killed STOs in 2018.

No more tokenization without venues.
No more assets without liquidity.

UAE is doing what Switzerland, Singapore, and Europe still haven’t:

Creating enforceable frameworks for RWA tokenization that actually work.

Matthew White, CEO of VARA, said it perfectly:

“Tokenization will redefine global finance in 2025.”

He’s not exaggerating.

$500B+ market predicted next year.

And the UAE just gave it legal rails.

~Real estate.
~Private credit.
~Shariah-compliant products.

Everything is in play.

This is how you turn hype into infrastructure.

What Dubai is doing now is 3 years ahead of everyone else.

Founders, investors, ecosystem builders:

You want to build real-world assets onchain.

Don’t waste another year waiting for clarity.

Come to Dubai.

It’s already here.

 

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🙏 Donations Accepted 🙏

If you find value in my content, consider showing your support via:

💳 PayPal: 
1) Simply scan the QR code below 📲
2) or visit https://www.paypal.me/thedinarian

🔗 Crypto – Support via Coinbase Wallet to: [email protected]

Or Buy me a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/thedinarian

Your generosity keeps this mission alive, for all! Namasté 🙏 Crypto Michael ⚡  The Dinarian

 

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