Tag: cryptocurrency

  • XRP Ledger Sets Transaction Record as CLARITY Act Faces Senate Vote

    XRP Ledger Sets Transaction Record as CLARITY Act Faces Senate Vote

    XRP is back in the spotlight after the XRP Ledger recorded an impressive 3,254 validated transactions in a single block on September 14. This milestone coincided with the rollout of the fixCleanup3_3_0 amendment on mainnet. At the same time, traders are weighing mixed technical indicators while the US Senate prepares for a procedural vote on the CLARITY Act, which requires 60 votes to advance.

    XRP Ledger Hits New Single-Block High

    According to reports from Finance Biggo, the XRP Ledger achieved a new all-time high of 3,254 transactions in one block after the fixCleanup3_3_0 amendment went live. This surge in throughput highlights the network’s expanding capacity, which bolsters its technical credibility and makes it more attractive for transaction-heavy use cases.

    The record comes amid renewed market attention, but price action remains constrained. XRP is caught between supportive longer-term structure and short-term resistance, leaving traders uncertain about whether demand will strengthen further.

    Technical Indicators Mixed Near Resistance

    On the hourly chart, XRP is trading below the MA-20 at $1.4224 but remains above the MA-50 at $1.3847. The daily price also stays above the MA-200 at $1.2739, indicating underlying bullish structure. The Ichimoku Kijun line sits at $1.4337, forming immediate resistance.

    Momentum indicators are split: MACD shows a strong buy signal and ADX points to buying pressure, while RSI is at 47.913 and CCI along with Bull/Bear Power lean toward selling. Stochastic RSI is oversold, and the Awesome Oscillator remains neutral. This mixed picture suggests XRP could struggle to break higher without a clear catalyst.

    Garlinghouse Pushes for CLARITY Act Support

    Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has urged US senators to back the latest version of the CLARITY Act. The Senate is set to hold a procedural vote on September 15, with 60 votes needed for advancement. Garlinghouse noted that lawmakers made significant compromises during negotiations, including a revised version with 126 changes requested by Democrats, covering ethics, digital assets, decentralized finance, banking, and enforcement.

    “Perfect can’t be the enemy of good,” Garlinghouse said. He added, “The world is watching and voters are watching. Now is the time to vote yes.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also voiced support, stating the bill would help the US compete in digital assets while protecting community banks from stablecoin-related deposit risks. Bessent said it would grant him more authority if stablecoins cause deposit shifts away from community banks, tying the bill to the administration’s broader digital asset agenda following the GENIUS Act.

    Roundup

    XRP enters the September 15 Senate vote with a record transaction block and mixed technical signals. The CLARITY Act could gain traction if it secures 60 votes, with strong backing from both Garlinghouse and Bessent. Traders will be watching resistance near the $1.4337 Kijun level for any breakout or reversal.

  • BitMine’s Ethereum Holdings Approach 5% as Exchange Supply Slumps to 11-Year Low

    BitMine’s Ethereum Holdings Approach 5% as Exchange Supply Slumps to 11-Year Low

    BitMine Expands Ethereum Treasury, Eyes 5% Milestone

    BitMine Immersion Technologies has purchased an additional 27,180 Ether (ETH), worth approximately $68 million, boosting its total Ethereum reserves to 5.96 million ETH. This represents 4.9% of the total circulating supply, inching the company closer to its self-imposed 5% target—dubbed the “Alchemy of 5%.”

    Weekly Accumulation Strategy

    Since launching its crypto strategy on June 30, 2025, BitMine has executed weekly Ethereum buys. The latest transaction was roughly in line with the prior week’s $69 million acquisition. The company now needs only about 144,000 more ETH to cross the 5% threshold.

    BitMine already holds the largest Ethereum treasury of any company globally and ranks second among all corporate crypto treasuries, trailing only Strategy Inc., which holds 845,080 BTC valued at about $71 billion.

    Staking Generates Recurring Revenue

    BitMine’s total crypto portfolio is valued at $15.8 billion, comprising 5.96 million ETH, 212 BTC, and $549 million in cash and securities. The company also holds equity stakes in Beast Industries and Eightco Holdings, valued at roughly $180 million and $98 million, respectively.

    Approximately 85% of BitMine’s ETH (5,067,309 ETH) is currently staked, yielding a seven-day annualized return of 2.62%. That translates to annualized staking revenue of $334 million. Chairman Tom Lee has indicated that if all ETH were staked, revenue could reach $392 million annually. BitMine uses its institutional validation platform, MAVAN, which launched in early 2026.

    This scale makes BitMine a major Ethereum validator, but it also raises concerns about concentration risk, given that the firm aims to control nearly 5% of the total supply.

    Exchange Supply Hits Multi-Year Low

    Ethereum balances on centralized exchanges have fallen to just 14.88 million ETH as of September 8—the lowest level in 11 years, according to CryptoQuant. Since July 2025, over 6.42 million ETH has left exchange wallets. While reduced exchange supply suggests fewer tokens are readily available for sale, it does not guarantee higher prices. Tokens can return from private wallets or staking platforms, and the ultimate price impact depends on whether demand rises in tandem.

    Market participants are closely monitoring spot volumes, ETF flows, whale activity, and price momentum as signals of genuine demand. If buying pressure increases while exchange supply remains constrained, Ethereum could see upward price support. Conversely, weak demand could render the supply drop irrelevant.

  • KULR Technology Group Exits Bitcoin Holdings, Sells 764 BTC for $58.6 Million

    KULR Technology Group Exits Bitcoin Holdings, Sells 764 BTC for $58.6 Million

    US-listed KULR Technology Group has fully exited its Bitcoin position, selling its remaining 764 Bitcoin between August 20 and September 11 for gross proceeds of approximately $58.6 million. The weighted average sale price was about $76,633 per Bitcoin, according to a regulatory filing.

    KULR Cuts Bitcoin Holdings to Zero

    As of September 11, KULR held no Bitcoin after completing open-market sales to unrelated buyers. The company described the transactions as part of its treasury management activities. The filing did not disclose the cost basis for the coins sold or indicate whether the final disposal resulted in a realized gain or loss. However, the average sale price was below KULR’s reported average acquisition cost of about $100,579 per Bitcoin at the end of the second quarter.

    KULR first purchased Bitcoin in December 2024 and steadily increased its holdings. By August 2026, management had begun reversing that strategy as financial priorities shifted.

    Company Ends Mining and Repays Coinbase Loans

    The Bitcoin sale followed other steps that reduced KULR’s cryptocurrency exposure. The company ended its Bitcoin mining operation after the second quarter and repaid its Coinbase loans in full.

    Chief Executive Michael Kimmel said the measures aimed to limit stock dilution while reducing balance-sheet volatility. KULR also introduced a policy designed to improve financial visibility. Management redirected funds and operational resources toward growth in the company’s core energy business.

    The September 11 Bitcoin sale completed the treasury side of that shift, removing KULR’s remaining direct exposure to Bitcoin price changes. Previously, movements in Bitcoin could increase or reduce the value of assets on its balance sheet.

    USD 58.6 Million Sale Adds Liquidity

    The Bitcoin disposal generated approximately $58.6 million in gross proceeds and increased KULR’s available liquidity. The filing did not explain how the company plans to use that cash, leaving investors without details on whether the proceeds will go toward operations, debt reduction, acquisitions, or other balance-sheet priorities.

    KULR has not ruled out future Bitcoin purchases. The filing records the sale of its remaining holdings but does not prevent the company from rebuilding a position later.

  • Filecoin (FIL) Jumps 22% as Trading Volume Pushes Price Toward $1

    Filecoin (FIL) Jumps 22% as Trading Volume Pushes Price Toward $1

    Filecoin’s native token FIL has surged more than 22% in the past day, climbing from the mid-$0.80 range to roughly $1.00. The sharp move was fueled by a massive spike in spot trading volume, which surpassed $500 million and jumped more than 1,000% compared with recent activity. Derivatives data also shows rising funding rates and elevated short liquidations, adding extra buying pressure during the rally.

    What Is Driving the Filecoin Rally?

    The latest price action did not follow a single major announcement. Instead, the move was driven by a combination of higher spot liquidity, forced buybacks from short sellers, and momentum-based trading. As FIL moved higher, traders with short positions were liquidated, creating additional demand and accelerating the climb.

    With the token now testing the psychologically important $1.00 level, the key question is whether buyers can hold the line or whether the market needs to cool off after such a rapid advance.

    Solstice Proposal and Network Developments in Focus

    The Filecoin team continues to work on long-term network improvements. The Solstice proposal, published on July 17, 2026, aims to remove bottlenecks in Filecoin Plus datacap approvals for storage providers. The governance plan is designed to improve storage efficiency and make it easier for providers to participate in the network.

    Filecoin is also expanding its role in decentralized storage as AI applications generate larger datasets and demand more reliable storage capacity. Activity around the Filecoin Virtual Machine is broadening the network’s use cases beyond simple file storage.

    Another key event on the horizon is the scheduled end of Filecoin’s vesting program on October 15, 2026. Market expectations point to a 75% reduction in FIL token emissions after that date, a supply-side change that could support the token’s longer-term outlook even as short-term trading stays volatile.

    FIL Price Levels and Technical Signals

    FIL traded near $0.9949, sitting just below the $1.00 resistance level. A sustained breakout above that area could open the path toward $1.05 and $1.10. However, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has reached 76.31, placing the market in overbought territory. The chart also shows bearish divergence, with momentum weakening even as price moved higher.

    If buyers lose control of $1.00, immediate support is expected near $0.95 and $0.90. Earlier technical analysis pointed to Ichimoku Kijun resistance near $0.96385, with FIL trading below its MA-20 and MA-50 on the hourly chart. The MA-200 remained intact as longer-term support, while MACD and ADX indicators suggested bearish momentum at the time.

    Before the latest surge, intraday oscillators including RSI, Stoch RSI, and CCI showed oversold conditions. Bull/Bear Power and the Awesome Oscillator reflected seller dominance, and the previous outlook projected a range of approximately $0.8289 to $0.9483 over two to three sessions, with a 60% probability of a support break and 40% probability of an upside move.

    Outlook

    Filecoin’s 22% rally has brought FIL to a critical decision point. Spot volume, short liquidations, and momentum buying powered the move, but overbought conditions and bearish divergence raise caution flags. Near-term volatility is likely to remain elevated as traders watch the $1.00 level, while Solstice developments and the expected reduction in token emissions continue to shape the longer-term narrative.

  • Bitcoin ETFs Adopt In-Kind Creations as BTC Holds Key Support at $74.5K

    Bitcoin ETFs Adopt In-Kind Creations as BTC Holds Key Support at $74.5K

    Bitcoin faces renewed volatility as the SEC approves in-kind creations for spot Bitcoin ETFs and the US Senate rejects the Clarity Act, leaving regulatory uncertainty. Despite these headwinds, ETF inflows remain strong, with BTC testing critical support levels.

    Bitcoin ETF Structure Changes as Inflows Recover

    The SEC’s approval allows authorized participants to create or redeem spot Bitcoin ETF shares using either cash or Bitcoin directly, rather than relying solely on cash. This structural change could influence Bitcoin movement between institutional holders and the broader market.

    Major Bitcoin ETFs are seeing a recovery in flows after recent market weakness. The iShares Bitcoin Trust has attracted approximately $3.5 billion in net inflows over the past month, bringing its year-to-date flow total close to break-even.

    Michael Bucella, co-founder and managing partner of Neoclassic Capital, attributed the rebound to renewed spot and ETF buying following the August 19 liquidation washout. BTC gained nearly 20% during the past month, briefly moving above $81,000 in late August, though it remains almost 10% lower in 2026.

    Senate Setback Keeps Crypto Policy Uncertainty Elevated

    The US Senate narrowly rejected the Clarity Act, leaving cryptocurrency market participants facing continued uncertainty around federal regulation. This regulatory setback coincides with the SEC’s ETF structure change, presenting traders with mixed policy signals.

    Grayscale Investments research head Zach Pandl noted that investors increasingly use crypto within broader portfolio allocation strategies, driven by diversification concerns involving technology, artificial intelligence, bonds, and the dollar. Institutional allocation through ETFs remains a key component of Bitcoin demand.

    However, leverage across the broader cryptocurrency market creates additional risk. Bucella expressed concern about altcoin open interest and leverage, which remain near levels seen before the October 2025 market crash.

    Bitcoin Price Tests Support Below Short-Term Averages

    Bitcoin currently trades below its hourly MA-20 at $76,204 and MA-50 at $77,307, but remains above its MA-200 at $70,274. The Ichimoku Kijun places immediate resistance near $76,440, while support sits at $74,544. The expected short-term trading range extends from $74,544 to $77,062.

    Momentum indicators remain weak: MACD carries a Strong Sell reading, ADX signals Sell, and RSI stands at 41.08. Stochastic RSI and CCI indicate oversold conditions, while Bull/Bear Power also sits in oversold territory. The Awesome Oscillator remains neutral. The supplied outlook assigns a 71% probability to a downside move and 29% to an upside breakout.

    A confirmed break above $76,440 would strengthen the bullish short-term scenario. Conversely, losing $74,544 could increase bearish pressure. Bucella identified $83,000 to $86,000 as the next key area, noting Bitcoin faces long-term supply there before accessing stronger technical territory.

    A Brief Roundup

    Bitcoin faces competing market forces as in-kind ETF creations expand while the Clarity Act setback keeps regulatory uncertainty elevated. ETF inflows have recovered, but BTC remains below short-term moving averages. Traders are watching $74,544 support and $76,440 resistance before attention can return to the $83,000–$86,000 range.

  • XRP Plunges 10% as US Senate Blocks CLARITY Act, Triggering Broad Crypto Selloff

    XRP Plunges 10% as US Senate Blocks CLARITY Act, Triggering Broad Crypto Selloff

    XRP led major cryptocurrencies lower on Wednesday after the US Senate failed to advance the CLARITY Act, a bill aimed at providing clearer regulatory guidelines for digital assets. The token dropped nearly 10% to $1.30 during Asian trading, marking the steepest decline among major cryptocurrencies.

    Broader Market Weakens

    The broader crypto market also weakened following the procedural defeat. Bitcoin slipped nearly 3% to just above $76,000, while Ether dropped almost 5% to around $2,410. Solana declined 5% to just above $97, and dogecoin lost nearly 5%. Zcash and Hyperliquid’s HYPE each fell close to 4%. BNB and Tron recorded smaller declines of about 1% each. The moves followed a broad reduction in risk exposure across major digital assets.

    XRP drew particular attention due to its connection with banking-focused digital asset activity and the RLUSD stablecoin. The CLARITY Act sought to establish clearer rules covering digital assets and their use within traditional finance.

    Senate Vote Falls Short

    The Senate failed to advance the bill in a 49-50 cloture vote, according to CoinDesk. The measure needed 60 votes to proceed to debate, and several Republicans joined the opposition. Negotiators had prepared more than 600 pages of compromise language, but disputes over ethics provisions became a central obstacle before the vote.

    Michigan Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin said the ethics safeguards were ‘simply too thin.’ She also raised concerns about CFTC staffing, money laundering controls, and terrorist financing provisions. Slotkin also pointed to crypto-related financial interests involving President Donald Trump, his children, and Cabinet members, forming part of broader Democratic objections to the legislation.

    Crypto Stocks Slide as Fed Decision Looms

    Crypto-related equities recorded even steeper losses than major tokens. Coinbase fell nearly 9% to $174.42, while Circle dropped more than 9% to $88.26. Galaxy Digital declined 8%, Gemini lost 7%, and Bullish and Riot Platforms each fell 5%. Robinhood, MARA Holdings, CleanSpark, IREN, and Core Scientific dropped between 3% and 4%.

    Attention now shifts toward federal regulators. The Securities and Exchange Commission continues work on its proposed Reg Crypto framework and rules covering tokenized securities. At the same time, markets await the Federal Reserve’s rate decision Wednesday. Traders placed the probability of a rate increase near 93%, while the 10-year Treasury yield hovered around 5%.

  • XRP Ledger Transaction Value Surges: Are Institutions Driving Network Activity?

    XRP Ledger Transaction Value Surges: Are Institutions Driving Network Activity?

    Market Structure Shifts as Trading Volume Grows

    The XRP Ledger is processing larger transactions through a shrinking number of accounts, a pattern that aligns with professional participation but also raises concerns about market concentration. Distinguishing genuine institutional adoption from automated activity requires more than a rising transaction count.

    Order Book Volume Climbs While Active Accounts Decline

    Evernorth’s second-quarter 2026 liquidity update reported an average daily order book volume of 3.57 million XRP, a 79% year-over-year increase. Meanwhile, the number of accounts executing those trades fell from 1,864 to 1,111. Average daily volume per trading account nearly tripled, rising from 1,072 XRP to 3,217 XRP. Order books also increased their share of on-chain trading from 54% to 81%.

    These figures describe a meaningful change in market structure: fewer participants are supporting considerably higher order book turnover.

    Stablecoin Liquidity Expands

    Evernorth also reported that RLUSD balances on the ledger averaged USD 539 million during the quarter, compared with USD 73 million a year earlier. Growing dollar liquidity can facilitate settlement and trading without requiring participants to hold equivalent exposure to XRP’s price.

    Separately, 21shares reported that the XRP Ledger settled USD 159.9 billion during the first half of 2026. By June 30, the network held 52% of RLUSD’s USD 1.56 billion supply. The two RLUSD measures are not directly comparable—one is a quarterly average, the other a point-in-time snapshot—but together they indicate an expanding stablecoin presence on the ledger.

    Automated Activity Clouds the Picture

    A September 8 analysis from Bitquery attributed 93.2% of August transaction traffic to 793 accounts and described substantial automated order activity. This finding concerns transaction traffic, not executed order book volume, but it shows why raw transaction counts can exaggerate the breadth of adoption.

    Institutions commonly automate trading, so automation alone does not invalidate economic activity. However, repeated orders or transfers cannot establish meaningful customer demand without examining execution, counterparties, and purpose.

    Network Usage vs. Token Returns

    Network usage and token returns are separate questions. According to 21shares, reported first-half revenue declined 81.6% year-over-year to USD 1.18 million despite substantial settlement value. Low fees can make a network attractive for payments while limiting revenue per transfer. Consequently, higher settlement totals should not automatically be interpreted as forecasts for XRP appreciation.

    A stronger institutional thesis would combine sustained liquidity, identifiable participants, repeat commercial settlement, and diversified activity. Researchers should also separate XRP transfers from stablecoin movements and tokenized asset transactions.

    Current evidence supports a narrower conclusion: the XRP Ledger is processing concentrated financial activity with growing stablecoin liquidity. Whether that becomes broad institutional adoption depends on durable usage, transparent measurement, and demonstrable economic purpose.

    Why This Matters

    Growing transaction value and stablecoin liquidity could strengthen the XRP Ledger’s role in institutional finance. However, concentrated activity means investors must distinguish genuine commercial adoption from automated trading before treating network growth as evidence of broader institutional demand.

    Final Thoughts

    The XRP Ledger is handling greater financial value with expanding stablecoin liquidity, but institutional adoption remains difficult to quantify. Sustained commercial settlement, broader participation, and identifiable institutional activity will provide stronger evidence of long-term adoption.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is institutional activity increasing on the XRP Ledger?

    XRPL data shows higher order book volumes, growing stablecoin liquidity, and substantial settlement value. However, available figures do not conclusively identify whether the activity comes from banks, funds, trading firms, or other participants.

    How much XRP trading volume did XRPL record in Q2 2026?

    Evernorth reported an average daily order book volume of 3.57 million XRP, representing a 79% year-over-year increase. At the same time, the number of accounts placing those trades declined from 1,864 to 1,111.

    How important is RLUSD to XRP Ledger activity?

    RLUSD is becoming an increasingly important source of dollar-denominated liquidity on XRPL. Evernorth reported average balances of USD 539 million during Q2, compared with USD 73 million during the corresponding period a year earlier.

    Does higher XRPL transaction value mean XRP’s price will rise?

    Not necessarily. Network settlement value and XRP investment returns are separate measures. Higher activity can demonstrate blockchain usage without automatically generating equivalent network revenue or demand for the XRP token.

    What should investors watch for evidence of XRPL institutional adoption?

    Investors should monitor identifiable institutional participants, sustained liquidity, commercial settlement, and diversified activity involving XRP, stablecoins, and tokenized assets. Broader participation would provide stronger evidence than transaction counts alone.

  • Bitcoin Steady Near $77,000 as Fed Rate Hike Probability Climbs to 85%

    Bitcoin Steady Near $77,000 as Fed Rate Hike Probability Climbs to 85%

    Bitcoin held near USD 77,000 on Monday as cryptocurrency markets braced for a crucial Federal Reserve meeting this week. Rate markets now place an 85% chance on a 25-basis-point rate increase. The leading cryptocurrency traded between roughly USD 77,000 and USD 77,200 during Monday morning and remains about 6% below its three-month high above USD 82,000 set earlier this month.

    Meanwhile, Ethereum traded near USD 2,540, while Solana held above USD 101. According to CoinDesk’s market snapshot, Ethereum gained about 2.9% and Solana rose 1.4%, while Bitcoin slipped slightly.

    Fed Rate Decision Takes Center Stage

    Traders are now focused on the Federal Reserve’s September 15-16 meeting after stronger inflation data shifted expectations. August consumer prices increased 0.4% from July and 3.4% from a year earlier. As a result, interest-rate markets moved toward expecting another rate increase, with the probability of a 25-basis-point hike climbing to roughly 85% before the meeting.

    Higher rates can affect cryptocurrency markets because Treasury securities become more attractive to yield-seeking investors. At the same time, borrowing costs rise for leveraged and speculative positions. Goldman Sachs reportedly abandoned its previous forecast for unchanged rates, shifting instead toward expecting a 25-basis-point increase as persistent inflation strengthened the case for tighter policy.

    Altcoins Rise as Technology Stocks Retreat

    Crypto markets showed relative strength even as technology shares weakened. Bitcoin gained about 1% over 24 hours to roughly USD 77,800, while Ether rose about 1% to USD 2,500. In contrast, the Invesco QQQ ETF fell 1.5% in U.S. pre-market trading. South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 3%, and memory-chip producer SK Hynix declined 6%.

    Those moves followed renewed concerns about artificial intelligence development. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for slower development so safety measures could catch up. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk also voiced agreement. Separately, Anthropic reportedly selected Nasdaq for its expected IPO, while Altman said OpenAI would not go public in 2026.

    Bitcoin had already faced pressure from hotter inflation, rising Treasury yields and higher oil prices. Those forces repeatedly blocked attempts to reclaim the USD 80,000 level.

    Bitcoin Faces USD 81,700 Breakout Test

    Bitcoin briefly approached USD 80,000 after Friday’s consumer inflation figures before giving back much of the advance. Traders now face a narrow range before the Federal Reserve decision. CryptoQuant identified approximately USD 81,700 as the next major level Bitcoin must clear before a new bullish phase gains stronger confirmation.

    The analytics firm described Bitcoin’s underlying trend as constructive after a roughly 24% rebound across two weeks. Still, several resistance levels remain above the current price. Additional resistance sits near USD 83,600 and USD 88,700. On the downside, CryptoQuant identified USD 70,000 as a potential support level. A stronger accumulation area sits between USD 62,000 and USD 65,000. Long-term holders have accumulated about 476,000 Bitcoin around that broader zone this year.

    Can Bitcoin clear USD 81,700 while markets adjust to another Federal Reserve rate increase? For now, Bitcoin remains between resistance near USD 80,000 to USD 82,000 and major support below the current market price.

    Final Thoughts

    Bitcoin remains near USD 77,000 as traders prepare for a Federal Reserve decision that markets increasingly expect will deliver a 25-basis-point rate increase. Ethereum and Solana have outperformed Bitcoin, while USD 81,700 remains the key upside level and USD 70,000 marks important downside support.

  • RLUSD Hits Record $2.44B Supply as Ripple Targets $13T Corporate Treasury Market

    RLUSD Hits Record $2.44B Supply as Ripple Targets $13T Corporate Treasury Market

    Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin has reached a new all-time high in supply, climbing to nearly $2.44 billion as the company accelerates its push into corporate treasury services, payments, and capital markets.

    Speaking on the Thinking Crypto podcast, host Tony Edward said Ripple’s Stablecoin Chief Jack McDonald sees a customer base handling roughly $13 trillion in annual transactions. Edward linked that opportunity to the rising adoption of stablecoins in payments and institutional finance.

    The milestone comes as Ripple expands RLUSD across multiple blockchain networks and institutional products, with the U.S. Senate scheduled to vote on the CLARITY Act on Sept. 15.

    RLUSD Supply Jumps 41% in 30 Days

    Data aggregators recorded an RLUSD all-time high of $2.442 billion this week. DeFiLlama showed about $2.42 billion in circulation on Monday, Sept. 14.

    That figure stood near $2.41 billion a week earlier and $1.72 billion a month ago, meaning RLUSD supply rose by roughly 41% over 30 days. The stablecoin crossed the $2 billion mark on Aug. 25 after ending July near $1.58 billion. The key question now is whether Ripple can convert this rapid supply growth into sustained corporate treasury activity.

    Ethereum Takes the Lead in RLUSD Distribution

    The distribution of RLUSD across networks has shifted significantly. In July, the XRP Ledger held $907.2 million, or 58.9% of total supply, while Ethereum held about $632.2 million. By Sept. 14, trackers showed approximately $1.37 billion on Ethereum and $1.05 billion on the XRP Ledger.

    Ethereum added roughly $737 million since July, while the XRP Ledger gained about $146 million. Ethereum captured most of the approximately $840 million in new supply. The on-chain data does not identify which customers minted the tokens, so it only reflects where RLUSD currently sits across supported networks.

    Meanwhile, the XRP Ledger holds about $1.14 billion in total stablecoins and ranks 11th among networks, ahead of Aptos and Plasma. Robinhood Chain, which launched on July 1, holds about $1.04 billion and ranks three places lower.

    Ripple Expands RLUSD Across Institutional Markets

    Edward said McDonald views payments and capital markets as major drivers for stablecoin adoption. He also pointed to Ripple’s banking relationships, payment partners, and the acquisition of GTreasury as key strategic advantages.

    Edward connected RLUSD’s growth with broader XRP Ledger development, citing Clearpool Finance’s proposal to migrate to XRPL using new lending standards for institutional credit products. Ripple has also committed investment toward XRP and RLUSD yield products, according to Edward.

    Additionally, Ripple expanded RLUSD through Wormhole in June, adding access to Optimism, Base, Ink, Unichain, and the XRPL EVM Sidechain. RLUSD already operates on Ethereum and the XRP Ledger.

    CLARITY Act Vote Looms

    The U.S. crypto industry is facing a key regulatory test as the Senate plans to vote on the CLARITY Act on Sept. 15. Edward said negotiations continued before the vote, with ethics provisions emerging as a major issue. Patrick Whitt and Mike Novogratz also pointed to ongoing negotiations.

    Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently described the legislation as being near the finish line. Edward said approval could improve market sentiment and support Bitcoin and altcoins.

    Final Thoughts

    RLUSD has reached a record supply of nearly $2.44 billion while Ripple deepens its role in institutional payments, treasury services, and capital markets. Ethereum now holds a larger share of RLUSD than the XRP Ledger, and Ripple continues to add networks and products as the CLARITY Act vote approaches.

  • Bitcoin Faces Dual Catalysts This Week: Fed Rate Decision and CLARITY Act Vote

    Bitcoin Faces Dual Catalysts This Week: Fed Rate Decision and CLARITY Act Vote

    Bitcoin enters a volatile week with two major catalysts: the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and a Senate vote on the CLARITY Act. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Suisse plans to relocate up to 60 jobs abroad as part of its international expansion strategy.

    Fed Rate Decision Dominates Crypto Market Risk

    The Federal Reserve will announce its September interest rate decision on Wednesday. Markets currently assign an 85% to 90% probability of a 25-basis-point increase. The week’s calendar also includes August retail sales and an auction of 20-year securities, but the Fed decision remains the main event for crypto markets.

    Rate expectations strengthened after August employment data showed 162,000 new jobs—triple the forecasts. Producer inflation accelerated to 5.4% annually, while headline CPI reached 3.4%. Monthly core CPI also came in slightly hotter than expected. At the same time, oil stayed above USD 100, while U.S. diesel prices reached a new record.

    Bitcoin has already fallen from USD 82,400 to below USD 78,000 as rate-hike expectations increased. Crypto prices also fell after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech several weeks ago. Traders will watch Warsh’s post-meeting press conference for signals about whether Wednesday’s move stands alone or starts another tightening cycle.

    CLARITY Act Vote Adds Tuesday Catalyst

    Before the Fed decision, the Senate will hold a cloture vote on the CLARITY Act at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday. The motion needs support from 60 senators to advance debate. Republicans released updated legislation last week with new rules for non-decentralized DeFi protocols. The text also clarified how credit unions can participate in crypto activities.

    On Sunday, Republicans published another final draft that included an ethics proposal President Donald Trump supports. That vote places another major policy event immediately before the Fed decision. Bitcoin and altcoins have already shown strong sensitivity to changing policy expectations, and their recent declines came as markets increased the probability of tighter monetary policy.

    Bitcoin Suisse Plans Overseas Job Shift

    Separately, Bitcoin Suisse plans to relocate as many as 60 positions from its Zug headquarters. The company will move mainly back-office and administrative roles to Bratislava or Vietnam. Employees received the plan during a Friday town hall. Bitcoin Suisse will determine the final number after a 10-day consultation, while the first layoffs will begin before year-end.

    Bitcoin Suisse began operations in 2013 with crypto trading and custody before adding staking and lending. It now plans to serve private clients, family offices and institutions. The company has secured a MiCAR license in Liechtenstein, licenses in Bermuda and full regulatory approval in Abu Dhabi. Group CEO Andrej Majcen said international growth now ranks as a priority.

    Majcen linked the relocation to lower operating costs rather than the current crypto downturn. Zug will remain the headquarters, and the Bitcoin Suisse name will continue. The company also remains open to acquisitions in Switzerland as it expands beyond its original focus on the domestic crypto market.

    Final Thoughts

    Bitcoin enters the week with two immediate policy tests: Tuesday’s CLARITY Act vote and Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Suisse is moving part of its workforce abroad as it expands its international wealth and asset management strategy.