The global cryptocurrency landscape witnessed sweeping developments between July 16 and 21, marked by landmark legislation in the United States, massive corporate acquisitions of Bitcoin and Ethereum, strategic regulatory positioning, and on-chain movements that hint at both opportunity and risk. The week has proven to be one of the most consequential periods in recent crypto history, signaling a maturing market driven by institutional trust, legal clarity, and corporate treasury expansion.
On July 17, the U.S. House of Representatives passed three game-changing pieces of legislation aimed at reshaping the country’s approach to digital assets:
While procedural hurdles initially stalled progress on July 16, the legislation gained renewed momentum following direct support from the President, who signed the GENIUS Act into law on July 18.
These moves, which drew bipartisan praise, have energized the digital finance industry, suggesting that the U.S. is ready to take a leadership role in global crypto regulation.
Despite political momentum, the Federal Reserve is resisting efforts to open direct access to its clearing systems (e.g., FedWire) for stablecoin issuers. Analysts warn of a looming jurisdictional clash, particularly as regulated entities like Circle and Ripple prepare to request access under the new law.
Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), dominated headlines with its relentless Bitcoin accumulation:
In total, 10,445 BTC worth $1.21 billion was purchased within a week, pushing Strategy’s total Bitcoin holdings to a staggering 607,770 BTC, currently valued at $72 billion. The average cost stands at approximately $71,756 per coin.
These buys were fueled by equity and debt offerings totaling $740 million, reaffirming Strategy’s position as the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin.
Other notable corporate moves:
The Banking Industry Jumps Onboard:
In Europe, Société Générale is preparing to launch “USD CoinVertible”, a stablecoin backed 1:1 by USD and hosted on Ethereum and Solana blockchains.
Ether Machine, BitMine, and Treasury Inflows
Ethereum continued to gain ground among institutional investors:
Spot ETF inflows, improved regulatory clarity, and Layer 2 scaling have pushed ETH above $3,600, with technical indicators suggesting continued momentum.
BigONE Exchange Hack
On July 18, Seychelles-based BigONE Exchange suffered a $27 million hot wallet exploit. The hack, which was attributed to a supply-chain vulnerability, led to losses of BTC, ETH, USDT, and SOL. The exchange paused operations and pledged to reimburse affected users using reserves. Blockchain security firm SlowMist is assisting in funds tracing.
Soaring Crypto Crime
According to Chainalysis, crypto-related thefts in H1 2025 surpassed $2.17 billion, exceeding the full-year total for 2024. Major breaches included ByBit and India’s CoinDCX.
Whale Activity
XRP and SHIB Poised for Growth?
While optimism persists, analysts warn that Bitcoin could experience a healthy retracement. Current price action shows some fatigue near resistance levels. With an expected potential reaccumulating phase between $100–$105k.
A meme-inspired crypto token built on the Solana blockchain, named after Indonesia’s Pacu Jalur boat-race tradition, has drawn cultural influence from viral videos of a child dancer known as “the Boat Kid”, who leads the morale of rowers in ceremonies during annual races in Riau, Indonesia.
Aura Farming: the trend teaser buzzword associated with this token, where social-media engagement, especially TikTok dance content, inspires visibility and community-driven incentive culture.
The Pacu Jalur festival comes up next month, August 20th – 24th, 2025, with the original singer in the viral meme, Melly Mike (artist behind “Young Black & Rich”) set to perform live. This has added hype and momentum, pushing the token’s price up by 247%. Some are already cashing in, but how much higher can it go between now and the festival dates?
Company | Asset | Amount Purchased | Estimated Value |
Strategy (Michael Saylor) | BTC | 10,445 BTC | $1.21 billion |
Trump Media | BTC | Treasury + Options | $2.3 billion |
Sequans Communications | BTC | 1,264 BTC | $150 million |
Smarter Web Company | BTC | 325 BTC | $36.5 million |
GameStop | BTC | 32 BTC | — |
BitMine Immersion | ETH | 163,142 ETH | $500 million |
Ether Machine (SPAC) | ETH | 400,000+ ETH | $1.6 billion raise |
SharpLink Gaming | ETH | — | $68 million |
BTC Digital | ETH | — | $6 million raised |
Date | Major Events |
July 16 | U.S. House debates crypto laws; Fed tension begins |
July 17 | House passes GENIUS, CLARITY & Anti-CBDC Acts |
July 18 | GENIUS Act signed into law; BigONE hack reported |
July 20 | Strategy adds 6,220 BTC; XRP forecast rises |
July 21 | Trump Media reveals BTC treasury; institutional inflows peak |
Overall, security remains a challenge, and volatility (technical and legislative) continues to define this space. As institutions and sovereign actors stake deeper claims, the line between crypto-native innovation and traditional financial dominance grows ever thinner.
The future is being tokenized asset by asset, law by law, and block by block.
America has made history once again in the digital world! With the stroke of a pen, former President Trump ushered in a new era. The GENIUS Act, a law that brings long-awaited order, clarity, and redefinition to the volatile world of stablecoins. The coins, not made from ore, but minted from lines of code, are now backed by the U.S. dollar.
No more illusions. No more magic coins backed by whispers and hope!
Under this law, every digital dollar must stand on the strength of its reserve. Publish real numbers. Prove real value. Earn real trust. Everyone must prove their worth!
For too long, the Crypto space has been a haven for shadow trades and hollow assurances. The GENIUS Acts aims to dispel the fog, illuminate the markets, and anchor the future of digital finance in accountability.
To trade with the coin, there must be a dollar behind it. To lie about the coin is to invite the consequences of regulation. The age of wild promises is giving way to a digital age of trust, compliance, discipline, and transparency.
The long-awaited regulatory guardrails are here; banks can finally enter with confidence.
The language of law has replaced the noise of speculation.
Politics will stay out, except for the one who signed it in.
The rest? Hands off the gold.
By: Sandra A. Aghaizu
