Tag: cryptocurrency

  • Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Gains Japan Approval, First Foreign Stablecoin Under New Regulations

    Ripple’s dollar-backed stablecoin RLUSD has secured approval from Japan’s Financial Services Agency (JFSA), marking the first time a foreign-issued stablecoin has entered the Japanese market under the country’s new regulatory framework. SBI VC Trade, a licensed Electronic Payment Instruments Exchange Service Provider, has begun distributing RLUSD through its VCTRADE platform to both retail and institutional users.

    Japan Opens New Path for Foreign Stablecoins

    Japan has historically maintained strict rules for foreign stablecoins. RLUSD became the first stablecoin to enter through the newly established Electronic Payment Instrument (EPI) classification under the Payment Services Act (PSA). The approval process focused on regulatory alignment rather than direct acceptance. Ripple had to demonstrate that RLUSD operates under rules in its home jurisdiction that match Japan’s standards for reserve backing and user protection.

    This achievement gives RLUSD an early position in a market that foreign stablecoin issuers have found difficult to access. It also provides an initial test case for Japan’s new regulatory structure, and its performance may shape expectations for future entrants.

    Ripple and SBI Build on a Decade of Cooperation

    Ripple leveraged its long-standing partnership with SBI Group, which dates back to 2016, to establish the launch. Ripple and SBI announced a memorandum of understanding in August 2025, and nearly ten months later, RLUSD became available to users in Japan. The timeline reflected the compliance work required to satisfy regulatory obligations.

    Jack McDonald, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Stablecoins, stated that RLUSD will support payments, tokenization, and collateral management while connecting Japanese users to global liquidity. For the initial phase, RLUSD in Japan operates on the Ethereum network rather than the XRP Ledger.

    RLUSD Targets Payments and Institutional Use Cases

    Ripple and SBI have positioned RLUSD as infrastructure for financial services rather than a speculative asset. Business-focused applications include programmable trade settlement, collateral management for settlement and margin activities, and supply chain finance to enable faster, more transparent payments across trade networks.

    Tomohiko Kondo, Chief Executive Officer of SBI VC Trade, described the launch as a major milestone in the companies’ ongoing collaboration and digital finance initiatives.

    Since its initial launch, RLUSD has reached roughly $1.7 billion in market capitalization, with a growth pattern marked by steady increases rather than sharp speculative surges. The Japan rollout now places RLUSD inside one of the most tightly regulated digital asset markets, where its performance will help shape expectations for future foreign stablecoin entrants.

  • Strategy’s Bitcoin Treasury Turns Underwater as BTC Drops Below $75,651 Cost Basis

    Strategy’s Bitcoin Treasury Turns Underwater as BTC Drops Below $75,651 Cost Basis

    Strategy (MSTR), the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, has entered a critical phase after Bitcoin fell below the company’s average purchase price. The stock has dropped 78% from its cycle peak, while Bitcoin has declined 51%, according to data cited in a report by AxelAdlerJr. At the same time, Strategy has slowed Bitcoin accumulation and increased cash reserves, marking a notable shift in its treasury approach.

    The report said Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury now sits underwater for the first time since the 2022 bear market. The company holds 847,363 BTC at an average purchase price of $75,651, representing a total cost of $64.1 billion. Bitcoin’s move below that level has increased attention on Strategy’s financing model and future buying activity.

    MSTR Falls Faster Than Bitcoin

    Since launching its Bitcoin treasury strategy in 2020, MSTR has generally acted as a leveraged version of Bitcoin. The stock often outperformed Bitcoin during rallies but suffered larger losses during downturns. After the peak of the 2024-2025 cycle, both Bitcoin and MSTR moved lower, yet MSTR declined much faster than the underlying asset. The stock has now fallen 78% from its peak, compared to Bitcoin’s 51% decline from its cycle high. Although severe, the decline still remains above the 2022 bear market bottom when MSTR recorded an 89% drawdown while Bitcoin fell 77%.

    The report also pointed to March 2020 as a contrasting period. During the pandemic-driven market crash, Bitcoin dropped about 75%, while MSTR lost roughly 58%. At that time, the company had not yet adopted its Bitcoin treasury strategy.

    Cost Basis Becomes a Key Level

    Strategy’s average Bitcoin purchase price of $75,651 is a critical threshold. While an underwater position does not automatically force sales, it can affect corporate behavior and capital allocation. As Bitcoin trades below that level, pressure increases on Strategy’s ability to raise capital through its existing model. The report said a shrinking premium between MSTR shares and the company’s Bitcoin holdings reduces the effectiveness of aggressive stock issuance programs. Maintaining Bitcoin below the treasury cost basis could place additional strain on the company’s funding structure and future accumulation plans.

    Buying Activity Slows as Cash Reserves Grow

    The report described a broader shift in Strategy’s operating approach. Weekly Bitcoin purchases have fallen by roughly two-thirds compared with previous periods. Recent capital raises also show a different allocation pattern. Of the $335.5 million generated through stock sales, less than 11% went toward Bitcoin purchases. The remaining funds went into a dollar reserve. As of June 21, that reserve stood at $1.4 billion. The move is characterized as a transition from aggressive accumulation toward a more defensive posture.

    Meanwhile, Strategy recorded its first net Bitcoin sale since 2022. In late May, the company sold 32 BTC to cover dividend payments linked to STRC. The report also tracked the performance gap between MSTR and Bitcoin. That spread currently stands near 28 percentage points, meaning the stock has fallen substantially more than the asset it tracks. Historical data shows the spread has returned toward the upper end of its long-term range, reflecting continued pressure on the Bitcoin proxy stock.

    What’s Next?

    Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury has moved underwater after BTC fell below the company’s average cost basis of $75,651. Meanwhile, MSTR has dropped 78% from its peak and now trails Bitcoin by a wide margin. At the same time, Strategy has reduced Bitcoin purchases, increased cash reserves, and shifted toward a more defensive treasury approach as investors monitor the key $75,651 level.

  • Bitcoin Faces Risk of Brutal Liquidation Cascade If It Drops Below $59K

    Bitcoin Faces Risk of Brutal Liquidation Cascade If It Drops Below $59K

    Bitcoin recovered above $61,000 on Thursday after falling to nearly $59,000 in the previous session. The move followed long liquidations and spot ETF outflows. Analysts now question whether the decline has ended or another fall could follow.

    Analyst Flags Large Liquidation Zone Near $58,000

    Crypto analyst Reflection warned that Bitcoin could face a rapid liquidation cascade if price falls below $59,000. The analyst cited CoinGlass data showing more than $1.6 billion in long positions clustered near $58,000. Reflection described the concentration as unusually large, although the estimate can change as traders open and close positions.

    “In all my years trading, I’ve never seen this much long-side liquidity stacked in one single zone,” Reflection said.

    The analyst also claimed that traders who called the bottom early could face forced liquidations. Still, liquidation heatmaps show estimated risk areas, not confirmed price targets. Bitcoin fell to about $59,100 on Wednesday, while total crypto market liquidations reached nearly $984 million. Long positions made up more than 80% of the losses.

    ETF Outflows Add Pressure as Exchange Inflows Rise

    Institutional selling has weighed on Bitcoin. US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded about $469 million in net outflows on Wednesday, marking a fifth straight session of withdrawals. Cumulative ETF inflows fell to $52.8 billion, their lowest level since July 2025.

    Meanwhile, about 7,600 BTC moved into Binance, according to CryptoQuant. The transfer was worth nearly $479 million at the time. Higher exchange inflows can increase available supply, although they do not confirm that every coin will be sold. The pressure pushed Bitcoin below $60,000 before buyers returned, turning the former support area into a key resistance level.

    On-Chain Data Raises Questions About Capitulation

    CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost said annual realized profits usually fall below realized losses near the peak of bear-market capitulation. Current figures show realized profits at about $305 billion, compared with realized losses near $198 billion. The gap suggests that the market has not yet reached that past-cycle condition.

    “It is precisely at that moment that capitulation reaches its bear market peak,” Darkfost said.

    The analyst argued that losses could rise further before Bitcoin forms a lasting bottom, though earlier cycles do not guarantee the same result. Analyst Sykodelic also noted that only 46% of Bitcoin supply remains in profit, matching the 2022 bear-market low. Bitcoin reached that level after a 52% decline this cycle, compared with a 75% fall in 2022.

    Bitcoin Price Outlook Focuses on $59,000 and PCE Data

    Bitcoin traded near $61,700 on Thursday after recovering from the low. The immediate support zone sits between $59,000 and $59,300. A sustained break below that range could expose $57,000, followed by the two-year low area near $54,000. The realized price sits slightly above $53,000, another level watched during deep market declines.

    On the upside, Bitcoin must reclaim $63,000 to weaken the current bearish structure. Traders are also watching the US Personal Consumption Expenditures inflation report on June 26. A hotter reading could raise interest-rate concerns and pressure risk assets. Softer data could support a recovery, although ETF flows, exchange inflows and leverage levels may remain the main short-term drivers.

  • Ethereum Holds Key $1,500 Support; $5,100 Breakout Target Remains in Focus

    Ethereum Holds Key $1,500 Support; $5,100 Breakout Target Remains in Focus

    Ethereum traded near a critical support zone on June 24 as ETF outflows, weak momentum, and a break below the 200-day simple moving average kept pressure on the asset. The token stood at about $1,670, below $1,700 and near a level that has shaped its wider recovery since 2022.

    Key Support Defines the Near-Term Setup

    Ethereum has repeatedly bounced from the $1,500 to $1,650 area since the 2022 bear-market bottom. The zone protected every major low during the past several years. It also notes that Ethereum reached about $1,618 on the weekly chart. Earlier rebounds from this area came in 2023, late 2023, and 2025.

    According to analyst Ardi, weekly closes below $1,500 would mark a clear structural breakdown. He said that holding above that level would keep the broader support pattern intact.

    Chart Traders Compare ETH With the Russell 2000

    A separate chart view compares Ethereum with the Russell 2000. Both assets formed rounded bases after major declines, then recovered toward long-standing resistance. The Russell 2000 has already moved above its horizontal resistance near 2,500. That breakout strengthened its broader bullish structure.

    Ethereum has not matched that move. It still trades below a resistance band ranging from $4,300 to $5,100 and remains within a short-term descending channel. James Easton said the Russell 2000 pattern could offer a roadmap for Ethereum.

    If ETH breaks above the falling channel, traders would first watch the previous all-time-high region. A confirmed move above roughly $5,100 could place Ethereum in price discovery.

    The data also points to a speculative long-term path toward five-figure levels, including prices above $10,000. Even so, the outcome remains unconfirmed.

    ETF Outflows Add Pressure on Price

    Ethereum’s weakness also comes from continued ETF outflows. On June 23, Ethereum ETFs recorded $82 million in net outflows, their fourth straight day of withdrawals. Market caution has grown amid uncertainty tied to Iran and the outlook for U.S. interest rates. ETH also fell below its 200-day simple moving average, which signals short-term weakness.

    Analysts say some bulls want to see ETH break above $1,800 before momentum returns. Others point to the broader support near $1,500 as the key line to defend.

    The asset traded at an all-time high of $4,953.73 on August 24 of last year. For now, the market continues to watch whether Ethereum can reclaim nearby resistance around $1,900 to $2,000.

    What’s Next?

    Ethereum remains under pressure as ETF outflows persist and the price trades below key resistance levels. At the same time, the $1,500 support zone continues to hold, preserving the broader recovery structure. Traders now focus on whether ETH can defend support and regain momentum above $1,800 while keeping longer-term targets in view.

  • Dogecoin Trading Volume Surges 116% as Price Holds Near Critical Support Level

    Dogecoin Trading Volume Surges 116% as Price Holds Near Critical Support Level

    Dogecoin has drawn renewed attention after trading activity rose sharply while its price remained near local lows. Major exchanges recorded a more than 116% jump in DOGE volume over the previous day. The coin still trades below key moving averages and remains in a clear downtrend.

    As of June 25, 2026, DOGE is trading near $0.076 (approximately Rs. 7.15 to Rs. 7.50), down nearly 11% over the past seven days. Despite this decline, daily trading volume has stayed high at roughly $900 million to $950 million. Dogecoin’s market capitalization stands near $11.7 billion, keeping it among the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. However, price action remains weak, and the asset struggles to recover after losing a key support level.

    The sharp volume increase is significant because active markets often signal stronger participation. Traders are watching not just the price but also whether sellers continue to dominate or if buyers begin to absorb supply.

    Key Support and Resistance Levels

    The most important price band now sits between $0.075 and $0.085. Traders view this zone as DOGE’s main support area. The 200-day moving average also sits near $0.0859, adding weight to that level. DOGE has stayed below major moving averages for some time, keeping the broader trend negative. Buyers have not yet forced a sustained recovery, and sellers still control short-term momentum.

    If DOGE loses the support zone, analysts see further downside ahead. The first lower target is near $0.070, and if selling pressure deepens, the next area of interest lies around $0.065.

    Long Positions Still Dominate

    Despite weak price action, long-to-short ratios remain tilted toward bullish bets across major exchanges. OKX shows an even stronger long bias, while Binance traders keep the ratio above 2. This setup creates risk if support breaks, as crowded long positions can fuel liquidations during a sharp move lower. However, the same positioning can also support a strong rebound if the price stabilizes near resistance.

    For now, $0.085 remains the first major hurdle for bulls. A break above that level could improve sentiment and attract more speculative demand. Until then, Dogecoin continues to trade under pressure while volume stays elevated.

    What’s Next?

    Despite the recent decline, trading volume surged more than 116%, showing renewed market participation. With bullish long-to-short ratios still dominant, traders are closely watching whether DOGE stabilizes for a recovery or faces further downside toward lower support levels.

  • RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    RLUSD Supply on XRP Ledger Surpasses Ethereum as XRP Utility Prospects Improve

    Ripple USD (RLUSD) has achieved a significant distribution milestone, with the XRP Ledger (XRPL) overtaking Ethereum as the stablecoin’s largest native network. On-chain data shows approximately $801.8 million in RLUSD on XRPL, compared to about $795.6 million on Ethereum, giving Ripple’s blockchain a narrow lead in the $1.6 billion RLUSD market.

    However, the shift is largely attributed to Ethereum token burns rather than a surge in new demand on XRPL. About three-quarters of the RLUSD removed over the past month came from Ethereum through redemptions and burns, making the ‘flippening’ partly a result of treasury operations rather than a clear migration of users or trading activity.

    RLUSD now ranks among the ten largest stablecoins, with daily trading volume reaching approximately $166 million. The stablecoin’s activity on XRPL can involve XRP directly, as users pay transaction fees in XRP and the network can route trades through XRP when direct markets between two assets lack liquidity. This could create additional XRP use across payments, exchange transfers, and decentralized trading, provided users actively move the stablecoin and create active markets.

    Meanwhile, RLUSD has expanded into Japan through SBI VC Trade after receiving regulatory clearance, with Ethereum serving as the initial network for the Japanese rollout. An XRPL Foundation representative noted that Ethereum’s early role was expected and that XRPL-based RLUSD could join the Japanese market later, though no fixed timetable has been confirmed.

    The central question remains whether RLUSD on XRPL will generate sustained trading, payment, and liquidity activity to drive XRP demand, or if the supply shift will remain a technical milestone without lasting external volume.

  • Bitcoin Dips Below $60,000 as Strategy’s Financing Model Triggers Fresh Market Jitters

    Bitcoin Dips Below $60,000 as Strategy’s Financing Model Triggers Fresh Market Jitters

    Bitcoin (BTC) has fallen below $60,000, trading at $59,900 with a 2.76% decline in the last 24 hours, intensifying stress on the cryptocurrency market. Investor concerns are now centered on the sustainability of Strategy’s Bitcoin financing model, which relies on raising capital through common shares, preferred stock, and other securities to buy Bitcoin.

    While this approach helped Strategy build one of the largest corporate Bitcoin treasuries, falling crypto prices and rising financing costs are testing its durability. The company’s preferred stock, STRC, has become a key pressure point. Designed to attract income-focused investors via monthly dividends while funding Bitcoin purchases, STRC has dropped from $100 to around $75, leaving many investors with unrealized losses.

    The yield on STRC has risen as demand weakened, potentially increasing Strategy’s cost of capital and reducing its future Bitcoin buying capacity. This, in turn, could dampen institutional demand for the cryptocurrency. Alex Blume, founder and CEO of Bitcoin asset management firm Two Prime, noted that Strategy’s recent downtrend reminds investors of past corrections. “The recurring issues at Strategy are unsettling the market and evoking memories of previous major crises in the cryptocurrency space,” he said.

    Adding to the unease, Strategy disclosed its first Bitcoin sale since 2022—a modest 32 BTC. However, the move broke founder Michael Saylor’s long-held “never sell Bitcoin” policy, signaling a potential shift in strategy. Analysts stress that STRC is not a traditional bond; it lacks a fixed maturity date, is not secured by Bitcoin collateral, and dividends may be cut or eliminated by the board. This makes the investment riskier than many income-focused investors originally anticipated.

    Andrejica Cobeljic, head of derivatives trading at Amina Bank, explained that the recent pullback is partly due to cyclical weakness, but more importantly reflects fading confidence in Strategy’s model. “The immediate trigger for this leg of Bitcoin’s decline is weakening market cycles, but the deeper underlying force is the erosion of credibility in Strategy’s approach,” he said.

    As retail participation cools and institutional demand for Bitcoin slows, the sentiment shift below $60,000 underscores that market confidence now hinges not only on price action but also on the vitality of Strategy’s financing engine.

  • Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings in Coinbase and Robinhood as Base Resumes Block Production

    Ark Invest Expands Crypto Holdings in Coinbase and Robinhood as Base Resumes Block Production

    Ark Invest increased its positions in several crypto-linked companies on Thursday, purchasing shares of Coinbase, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood after each stock closed lower. The buying activity was spread across three of Ark’s exchange-traded funds, coinciding with the restoration of block production on the Coinbase-backed Base network following a brief outage.

    Ark Invest Adds to Crypto-Linked Holdings

    Ark Invest’s latest trading disclosure revealed purchases of 9,014 Coinbase shares through the ARKK, ARKW, and ARKF ETFs, valued at approximately $1.28 million based on Thursday’s closing price. The firm also acquired 9,264 Circle shares worth roughly $637,455, 9,136 Bullish shares valued at about $199,895, and 35,023 Robinhood shares through the ARKK fund, totaling approximately $3.27 million.

    All four stocks ended the session lower: Coinbase fell 5% to $142.52, Circle lost 3% to close at $68.81, Robinhood dropped 3.85% to $93.47, and Bullish declined 6.77% to $21.88. Ark actively manages portfolio weightings, ensuring no single holding exceeds 10% of a fund’s assets.

    Cathie Wood Points to Slowing Inflation

    During a roadshow across Asia and Europe, Ark CEO Cathie Wood noted that many investors remain concerned about inflation. She expressed confidence that inflation could decline further, citing lower oil prices and improved productivity. Wood highlighted that unit labor costs, a key inflation measure, have already slowed to 0.5% year-over-year, attributing this trend to stronger productivity gains.

    She also commented on Kevin Warsh, suggesting he understands both the role in lowering inflation and weaknesses in government inflation measurements. Wood added that financial markets could benefit from a master class in monetary policy if Warsh pursues that approach.

    Base Network Restores Operations After Outage

    Coinbase-backed Base resumed normal operations after a consensus issue halted block production for nearly two hours on Thursday. The Ethereum layer-2 network confirmed that engineers resolved the problem, with blocks returning to normal production. Base first reported unhealthy block production at 4:03 p.m. UTC, later identifying a consensus issue involving an invalid block that entered sequencing, stopping new blocks after block 47,806,542.

    Base announced via X that block production had fully resumed, and the team will continue investigating before releasing a complete post-mortem. Base creator Jesse Pollak assured users that funds remained safe throughout the interruption, though he acknowledged that a network halt is unacceptable for a platform designed to support global financial activity. The outage temporarily paused on-chain transactions, and ecosystem node operators were instructed to restart their nodes to restore syncing.

    What’s Next?

    Ark Invest’s increased holdings in Coinbase, Circle, Bullish, and Robinhood reflect a strategic bet on crypto-related equities amid price declines. Meanwhile, Base’s swift recovery from the outage underscores the resilience of Layer-2 infrastructure. Investors will likely monitor both market movements and network developments closely in the coming days.

  • Brazil Reaffirms Ban on Cryptocurrency Donations for Presidential Campaigns

    Brazil Reaffirms Ban on Cryptocurrency Donations for Presidential Campaigns

    Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has reaffirmed its ban on cryptocurrency donations to political campaigns ahead of the country’s next presidential election. The announcement reinforces existing campaign finance rules and highlights ongoing concerns about donor identification and funding transparency.

    Authorities stated that candidates and political parties must continue using traditional banking channels and the Pix payment system for campaign contributions. The office emphasized that electoral authorities must identify every donor and verify the origin of each contribution, noting that cryptocurrency transactions often fail to meet those requirements because blockchain wallet addresses do not always reveal the identities behind them.

    Prosecutors confirmed that campaign financing must remain fully transparent throughout the election period, and authorities will closely monitor compliance with campaign finance regulations. The latest announcement does not introduce new legislation but instead confirms an existing prohibition outlined in Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court Resolution No. 23,607, issued in December 2019. This regulation bars political parties and candidates from accepting campaign contributions through virtual currencies.

    Election officials require every donation to include the donor’s taxpayer identification number, allowing oversight agencies to verify both the source and legality of campaign funds. Officials explained that while blockchain transactions are publicly recorded, wallet addresses alone do not always identify the individuals behind them, creating challenges for enforcing campaign finance laws designed to prevent illicit funding and protect public accountability.

    Candidates who fail to properly disclose campaign funding sources may face financial penalties and may need to return improperly received funds to the public treasury. However, Brazilian law still allows digital crowdfunding for political campaigns under specific conditions. Online fundraising platforms may collect contributions if every donor is properly identified and authorities receive reports on every contribution.

    Brazil introduced digital crowdfunding through electoral reforms in 2017, and campaign fundraising through approved platforms may begin on May 15 during each election year. Authorities clarified that the difference depends on transparency rather than technology itself—as long as officials can identify donors and independently verify contributions, digital fundraising remains permissible.

    The restriction applies only to election financing and does not affect cryptocurrency ownership, trading, or broader digital asset activity across Brazil. Brazil remains one of Latin America’s most active cryptocurrency markets, with retail investors, financial institutions, and fintech companies continuing to expand their participation. The country has also introduced regulatory frameworks for virtual asset service providers while exploring broader blockchain applications within financial services.

    Analysts view the campaign finance restriction as a targeted transparency measure rather than a broader shift in Brazil’s digital asset policy. Brazil’s approach reflects a wider international debate over cryptocurrency use in political finance, with supporters pointing to blockchain’s permanent transaction records alongside stronger identity verification systems, while critics argue that pseudonymous wallets continue to create challenges for full donor disclosure and campaign transparency.

  • Sharplink Resumes Ethereum Purchases After Eight-Month Pause, ETH Price Support at $1,500 in Focus

    Sharplink Resumes Ethereum Purchases After Eight-Month Pause, ETH Price Support at $1,500 in Focus

    Sharplink has resumed buying Ethereum for the first time in eight months. A wallet linked to the company received 5,000 ETH, worth nearly $7.85 million, from FalconX, according to Arkham data. The purchase marks Sharplink’s first ETH acquisition since October 2025. The company has not publicly confirmed the transaction, and The Block said it had reached out for comment.

    Sharplink now holds around 876,285 ETH and ETH equivalents. As of June 21, the company said that stash was worth roughly $1.3 billion.

    Treasury Position and Market Scale

    EmberCN estimated Sharplink’s average acquisition cost at $3,609 per ETH. That estimate points to an unrealized loss of about $1.79 billion on the treasury. Even so, Sharplink remains the world’s second-largest public ETH treasury company. Tom Lee’s Bitmine Immersion leads the category with 5.67 million ETH, or about $8.7 billion, as of June 14.

    Sharplink rebranded from SharpLink Gaming in February. Since then, it has moved beyond ether staking and into other on-chain yield strategies.

    The company also reported $12.1 million in first-quarter revenue this year. That total rose sharply from $742,000 in the same quarter last year.

    Ethereum Catalysts and Price Watch

    Sharplink pointed to regulation, improving market conditions, and real-world asset tokenization as long-term reasons for its Ethereum view. It also backed Ethlabs, a nonprofit formed by former Ethereum Foundation researchers.

    Ethlabs aims to prepare the network for its next stage of institutional adoption. Ethereum co-founder and Sharplink chairman Joe Lubin supports the group, along with Bitmine Immersion. At the same time, Ethereum price watchers remain focused on network upgrades that could speed transfers between Layer 1 and Layer 2 systems. Lubin said the goal is smoother coordination through zero-knowledge proofs, or ZK proofs.

    The planned changes could also reduce the need for bridges. In addition, they may connect liquidity more closely across the Ethereum ecosystem and support more activity on-chain. Can Ethereum keep its structure intact if the $1,500 level breaks?

    That question has traders watching the chart closely. Analyst Ardi said ETH should avoid closing below $1,500 over the next four months. He said the level has held through every major pullback since the 2022 bear market ended. For now, buyers are trying to keep ETH above that support zone while the market waits for stronger demand.

    What’s Next?

    Sharplink has resumed buying Ethereum after an eight-month pause and now holds more than 876,000 ETH and equivalents. The company cited regulation, tokenization, and network upgrades as long-term drivers. Traders are now watching whether ETH can hold the key $1,500 support level.