Bitcoin Magazine

TakeOver Successfully Hosts Second Annual BitGala Celebrating Bitcoin in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS, NV, May 26, 2025 – TakeOver, Magic Eden, Spark, and Stacks successfully hosted their second annual BitGala on May 26th at the Wynn in Las Vegas. The celebration brought together over 200 Bitcoin industry leaders and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating Bitcoin. 

The BitGala was designed as a curated gathering focused on inspiring continued development, education, and adoption while reflecting on the strides Bitcoin has made toward a future of open, decentralized money. The event successfully brought together key leaders, creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration and strategic partnerships within the Bitcoin space. 

“BitGala celebrates our partnership with Spark, marketing a major leap forward for Bitcoin DeFi,” said Elizabeth Olson, Head of Marketing for Bitcoin at Magic Eden. “As the #1 Bitcoin app, Magic Eden has spent the past few years pushing Bitcoin L1 to its limits, always with the goal of making Bitcoin more usable, fast, and fun without compromising its core ethos. We believe Spark has the potential to unlock a new era of building on Bitcoin, and we’re thrilled to be leading that charge together.” 

“The BitGala was a stunning celebration of Bitcoin culture where luxury meets the cypherpunk spirit. We’re proving that Bitcoin isn’t just a protocol, it’s a movement connecting freedom-minded people from art, fashion, finance, and more. To us, it was a pure signal that people are starting to see what Stacks has been building all along: a future where Bitcoin isn’t just held, but used for apps, defi, and real ownership.” – Rena Shah, COO of Stacks. 

Set against the backdrop of the Sphere, the evening brought together innovators, investors, and community leaders for a night dedicated to celebrating Bitcoin’s growth and the people driving its future. 

The program opened with a welcome reception, followed by gourmet hors d’oeuvres and vibrant conversations. A keynote and honors segment recognized those making meaningful strides in Bitcoin adoption and development. Guests were then invited to explore a premium tequila tasting experience curated by Reach, and indulge in interactive gourmet chef stations. 

“Our team has been fortunate to be part of the Bitcoin community since 2016, so we’re thrilled to see all the progress on display almost 10 years later at Bitcoin 2025. The energy in the room at BitGala was electric—from conversations sparking new partnerships to shared reflections on what’s next for Bitcoin—it was a powerful reminder of why we’re all here: to build an open, decentralized financial system that empowers everyone.” noted Kelley Weaver, Founder and CEO, Melrose PR and Founder, Bitwire. 

This unforgettable gathering—hosted in partnership with leading organizations including Magic Eden, Spark, and Stacks—was more than a celebration. It was a call to continue pushing forward innovation, education, and adoption in

the Bitcoin ecosystem. BitGala was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors and partners who share Takeover’s commitment to fostering connections in the web3 space. 

“We’re focused on making Bitcoin more useful for everyone, and events like this remind us that we’re not alone in that mission. It was inspiring to connect with others who share the vision of a more open, decentralized financial future powered by Bitcoin.” – Spark Team 

Presenting Sponsors: 

• Magic Eden – The largest NFT marketplace and Runes platform. 
• Spark – The fastest, cheapest, most UX-friendly way to build financial apps and launch assets on Bitcoin.
• Stacks – A Bitcoin L2 enabling smart contracts & apps with Bitcoin as secure base layer. 

Supporting Partners: 

• Reach Ventures – a gaming-focused VC firm that actively invests in both early-stage and demo-ready game studios.
• Arch Network – a Bitcoin-native platform for building decentralized apps and smart contracts directly on Bitcoin. 
• Melrose PR – An onchain communications firm that has been focused on the crypto industry exclusively for almost a decade. 
• Bitwire – The modern newswire reimagined for today’s communications professionals. 

The collaborative support from these organizations was instrumental in delivering a memorable event for all attendees. 

Actor and comedian T.J. Miller was also a speaker at the event: “The bitcoin conference 2025 was incredible for so many reasons. It was such a joyful journey to be with so many like-minded people (all of whom have been laughed at) who share the same values: freedom, community, hope, and getting rich- the highpoint was the BitGala. I bought incredibly large expensive shoes for the specific purpose of showing up to the gala non-verbally saying bitcoin destroying Fiat, well that’s big shoes to fill… and we’ll fill ‘em. I can’t wait to return next year. I will wear more orange.” 

About TakeOver 

TakeOver is the experiential agency at the forefront of culture and innovation in the crypto space, known for curating powerful moments that educate, connect, and inspire. With a global Bitcoin Dinner Series and their annual flagship event, BitGala, they’ve become a cornerstone of community-building in Web3. Last year, they made headlines with a dramatic takeover of Nashville’s Parthenon—setting the bar for what crypto gatherings can be. 

About Magic Eden 

Magic Eden is the easiest platform to trade all digital assets onchain. As the #1 Bitcoin app and largest NFT marketplace, we provide a seamless trading experience to everyone. Magic Eden’s acquisition of Slingshot has expanded their capabilities to offer frictionless trading of over 5,000,000 tokens across all major chains. Magic Eden’s expanded product suite includes a cross-chain wallet, powerful trading tools, and the ability to mint, collect, and seamlessly trade NFTs and tokens.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release. Readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence before acting on any information presented in this article.

This post TakeOver Successfully Hosts Second Annual BitGala Celebrating Bitcoin in Las Vegas first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by TakeOver.

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Bitcoin vs Stablecoins: Bitcoin is an Unreplicable Lifeline in Authoritarian Regimes

Eight years ago, I wrote a book about pitching technology. The core lesson was simple: To convince skeptics, you must show your solution’s value isn’t just better — it’s uniquely better. Years later, as I began advocating for Bitcoin’s role in humanitarian crises, this lesson resurfaced with urgency. Skeptical friends asked “Can’t stablecoins do the same?”, “What’s so unique about Bitcoin?”

The answer lies not in theory, but in the protest rallies of Abuja, the blackouts of Caracas and the underground schools that girls secretly attend in Kabul — places where 1.7 billion unbanked, 250 million battling high inflation or hyperinflation and 2.3 billion under authoritarian rule fight to survive. These stories rarely breach Western media algorithms, which act as a shadow-ban of the developing world, favoring headlines about ETFs over existential financial struggles. 

It doesn’t take too deep a look into these parts of the world to discover that Bitcoin is not only vital but uniquely vital in a way stablecoins and other altcoins do not and cannot replicate. Let’s look at three nations that are adopting Bitcoin over stablecoins and why.

Nigeria: Where Sovereignty Outweighs Stability

Context: 223 million people, 95 million live on less than $1.90 a day. 23.71% inflation (April 2025), 18.3-20 million children not in school. Only 30% have access to safe drinking water. 

In 2024, Nigeria faced severe economic and political upheaval, with the local currency naira crashing to a record 1,643 per dollar by August — down from 460 in early 2023. This not only eroded savings and purchasing power, it eroded trust in the government and led to widespread protests over soaring inflation and fuel costs. These protests were triggered by widespread anger at government economic mismanagement and policies that failed to halt the economic slide. 

On occasion a stable currency, the naira’s collapse left families and businesses struggling to afford imports into a dollar-dependent economy. Public frustration intensified and with it, political instability. This volatile climate of currency devaluation, restricted financial access and social unrest set the stage for Nigerians to turn to alternative financial systems like cryptocurrencies, seeking solutions to safeguard their wealth amid a crumbling economic framework.

But the government wasn’t about to make that easy for its citizens. Nigeria’s government restricted stablecoin. “Illicit flows,” aka money laundering, was often used as the government’s official reason for anti-stablecoin actions. More likely the Nigerian government took action because they viewed stablecoins as undermining its monetary policy by enabling unregulated capital flows and currency substitution, reducing its central bank’s control over money supply and exchange rates. 

No doubt, bitcoin can be seen as undermining monetary policy in some similar ways, the difference being, Nigeria’s government was not able to curtail bitcoin’s usage as effectively due to its decentralized nature. 

The specific actions Nigeria’s government took came in three forms:

• Banking Restrictions and U.S. dollar supply shortages had the effect of limiting fiat on-ramps/off-ramps for stablecoins like USDT, which required KYC-compliant exchanges. P2P bitcoin trading soared after the restrictions, as users bypassed banking controls using private wallets and DEXs.
• Regulatory Crackdowns: Nigeria’s government took specific legal action to sue unlicensed USDT traders. Nigerian authorities then launched a broader attack, accusing crypto-trading platform Binance of “exploitation, devaluation of the naira and money laundering.”
• Premiums and Volatility: Regulatory pressures and FX shortages likely inflated premiums, making them less practical than bitcoin, which operates without centralized dependencies.

All three measures — banking restrictions, regulatory crackdowns and premiums/volatility — impacted bitcoin a lot less than it impacted stablecoins. Stablecoins’ reliance on centralized issuers, banking rails and KYC-compliant exchanges made them vulnerable to government actions, as we saw when USDT trading was disrupted. By contrast, Bitcoin’s decentralized, permissionless nature enabled Nigerians to bypass restrictions via P2P platforms and private wallets, sustaining its adoption.

Afghanistan: How Bitcoin Was a Financial Lifeline After the Taliban Takeover

Context: Taliban rule, most women are unbanked, Afghanistan’s currency devalued 50% between 2021 and 2022. Eighty-five percent live on less than $1 a day, 80% of school-aged Afghan girls and young women are out of school. 

When the Taliban seized control in August 2021, Afghanistan’s banking system collapsed under sanctions, leaving citizens — especially women — with few options. Traditional remittance networks like Hawala charged exorbitant fees (5-20%), while frozen central bank reserves made dollar access nearly impossible. In this vacuum, bitcoin emerged as a critical tool for survival. In 2021, Bitcoin Magazine previously reported how women were safeguarding Bitcoin seed phrases as a last line of financial defense. After the Taliban banned crypto in 2022, peer-to-peer bitcoin trading persisted underground.

Why Bitcoin Outperformed Stablecoins in Crisis
Stablecoins, reliant on centralized issuers and dollar-backed banking rails, faltered under Afghanistan’s unique constraints. U.S. sanctions froze $7 billion in central bank funds, which cut off the dollar liquidity needed for stablecoins like USDT. While Forbes India noted isolated cases of stablecoin use for salaries, most Afghans found them unusable. Meanwhile, sanctions blocked fiat conversions and the Taliban’s November 2021 foreign currency ban further restricted access. Bitcoin, by contrast, once again thrived precisely because of its decentralized design: no intermediaries to freeze transactions, no KYC to expose users and a global network that resisted shutdowns. Where stablecoins were hobbled by their ties to traditional finance, Bitcoin enabled direct, pseudonymous transfers.

Venezuela: Scarcity Trumps “Stability”

Context: The Venezuelan bolívar has lost 99.99% value since 2018; 76% of Venezuelans live on $1.90/day. Over 7.7 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014 due to economic collapse and political instability. Over 10% of children under five in Venezuela suffer from stunting due to chronic malnutrition.

Carlos, a Caracas mechanic, measures his life in bolívars — or rather, the absence of them. Since 2018, Venezuela’s currency has shed 99.99% of its value, Carlos explains, Carlos is an example of many Venezuelans who used bitcoin, not stablecoins, to preserve wealth as the bolívar continued to lose value. The government introduced strict capital controls into the market so that even if you somehow manage to earn USD, you can’t get the money transferred to your bank account.

Bitcoin provides a financial lifeline for people like Carlos, unlike stablecoins that are pegged to a USD that itself lost 18% in purchasing power since 2020.

That’s right: People like Carlos, schooled in the hard knocks of currency hyper-debasement, realized earlier than many in the West that stablecoins are not really stable. 

Stablecoins by their name present the appearance of being a safe harbor, because they are pegged to the USD, but this is akin to anchoring a ship to a midsized rock on the seabed. This is a lot better than not anchoring your ship at all, because you avoid the immediate tempestuous seas of your local currency’s hyperinflation. However, over time you still slowly drift into the open ocean of dollar debasement. Because the USD itself loses purchasing power, this slowly but inexorably drags stablecoin holders toward the same inflationary waters they sought to escape.

Venezuela’s lesson mirrors Nigeria’s: in economies gutted by hyperinflation, slow erosion of wealth is deadlier than volatility.

How Governments Target Stablecoin Liquidity in Authoritarian Regimes

What we’ve seen in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Venezuela are not anomalies. Around the world, authoritarian governments don’t just dislike stablecoins — they systematically dismantle access to them. Their tactics fall into six categories. Let’s take a look at these, using examples from authoritarian regimes around the world. 

1. Proposed Stablecoin Bans (e.g., Brazil): Criminalizing stablecoin trading or payments.
2. Banking Blockades (e.g., China): Severing fiat gateways to freeze stablecoin and crypto liquidity. While the ban in theory applied to Bitcoin too, the Bitcoin ban was not fully enforced due to Bitcoin’s decentralized architecture. Reuters for example commented, “repeated (Bitcoin) prohibitions highlight the challenge of closing loopholes and identifying bitcoin-related transactions.”
3. KYC Enforcement (e.g., Hong Kong): Forcing strict identity checks for stablecoin transactions, which discourages use in regimes with heavy surveillance.
4. State-sponsored hacks (e.g., North Korea): Drain stablecoin reserves and disrupt market confidence.
5. Licensing Strangleholds (e.g., Russia’s proposed rules): Imposing strict licensing for stablecoin issuers or platforms, to limit their operation.
6. Surveillance and Arrests (e.g., China’s OTC crackdowns): Monitoring and penalizing anyone involved in stablecoin trading.

The Lifeline: Why None of These Six Strategies Work On Bitcoin

Unlike stablecoins — which depend on centralized issuers and platforms vulnerable to regulation, hacking or shutdown — Bitcoin operates beyond any government’s grasp. Its decentralized network of miners and nodes has no single point of failure, no CEO to pressure and no intermediary to block. While authorities can freeze stablecoin transactions or impose strict licensing rules, Bitcoin transactions flow peer-to-peer, bypassing traditional choke points. Wallets remain private, miners are globally distributed and the network resists censorship by design.

Governments may restrict stablecoins with relative ease, but Bitcoin’s architecture ensures it stays out of their reach. 

For example, Russia has explored cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, to bypass Western sanctions — particularly since the 2022 Ukraine invasion. State-backed initiatives, like their proposed centralized exchange, were set up to facilitate cross-border payments in crypto to avoid SWIFT restrictions and frozen foreign reserves.

In parallel, Russia’s central bank has imposed restrictions on foreign stablecoins like USDT to tighten control over domestic financial flows. On 18 May, CoinTurk alleged that Russia is now seeking to limit USDT’s use in domestic transactions, encouraging the adoption of a state-controlled stablecoin. This aligns with efforts to prevent capital flight, ensure compliance with AML regulations and promote “friendly” digital assets that align with national security goals.

Why both? Russia’s dual approach reflects a fascinating strategic nuance: They leveraged bitcoin for international sanctions evasion while restricting foreign stablecoins domestically to maintain economic control and reduce reliance on USD-pegged assets ( as these are subject to foreign influence, for example Tether’s ability to freeze wallets).

When it comes to authoritarian regimes that want strict capital controls, bitcoin is antifragile; stablecoins are not.

The Altcoin Mirage

OK, so stablecoins don’t offer a viable alternative to bitcoin. But what about other altcoins?

It turns out these don’t work so well either because centralized altcoins such as XRP, Solana and Ethereum replicate stablecoins’ fatal flaw: dependency. Developers can reverse transactions (as Ethereum did in 2016), validators can freeze wallets and the often uncapped supply of altcoins mimic fiat currency debasement. 

The failure is systemic. For example, when Nigeria banned Binance in 2024, Solana-based USDC users found themselves stranded, but bitcoin traders simply pivoted to decentralized exchanges like HodlHodl. 

The common theme is that stablecoins do not replace bitcoin because: 

• Inflation hedges require scarcity and anchoring to an asset that’s not losing purchasing power itself. Stablecoins lack these two properties.
• USD scarcity in countries such as Nigeria makes stablecoins unreliable (premiums hit 60%+ during FX crunches).
• Political risk: The government can’t ban bitcoin, but it can (and does) target stablecoin liquidity.

People in autocratic nations use bitcoin not despite its volatility, but because its sovereignty-preserving properties outweigh short-term price swings. Stablecoins are tools for transactions; bitcoin is a tool for survival.

The Myopia of Privilege

The assumption that stablecoins can replicate bitcoin’s utility often stems from myopia shaped by stable currencies, functioning democracies and robust banking systems — luxuries foreign to the 2.3 billion people under authoritarian rule and the 250 million battling high inflation or hyperinflation. Western commentators, insulated by privilege, tout stablecoins as “good enough,” unaware that in Abuja, a frozen USDT account can erase a family’s savings overnight, or that in Kabul, stablecoins’ reliance on KYC checks excludes 80% of women from the financial system. Media algorithms impose an effective shadow ban by simply not reporting on parts of the world deemed “not of interest” to the West, exacerbating this disconnect.

To those shaping the narrative: Look beyond your banking app. Ask yourself why Nigerian P2P bitcoin volume dwarfs France’s, or why Afghan refugees memorize seed phrases instead of trusting Tether. The first-hand accounts are these. So is the data that shows these stories are not anomalies but rather evidence of Bitcoin uniquely meeting a pressing need to a huge user community in a way stablecoins cannot. Stablecoins and altcoins innovate within systems that have already failed the Global South. Bitcoin exists outside them. Better conclusions begin with curiosity, not assumptions. Bitcoin’s value isn’t in replacing stablecoins — it’s in doing what they fundamentally cannot do.

Let’s stop projecting our realities onto theirs and start listening.

This post Bitcoin vs Stablecoins: Bitcoin is an Unreplicable Lifeline in Authoritarian Regimes first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Daniel Batten.

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President Trump’s Truth Social Files S-1 Form For Bitcoin ETF

Today, Trump Media and Technology Group Corp. (Nasdaq, NYSE Texas: DJT) filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) a Form S-1 for their upcoming Truth Social Bitcoin ETF.

The ETF, which will hold bitcoin directly, is designed to track the bitcoin’s price performance. 

“Truth Social Bitcoin ETF, B.T. is a Nevada business trust that issues beneficial interests in its net assets,” stated the Form S-1. “The assets of the Trust consist primarily of bitcoin held by a custodian on behalf of the Trust. The Trust seeks to reflect generally the performance of the price of bitcoin.”

The ETF is sponsored by Yorkville America Digital, LLC and will trade under NYSE Arca. The Trust’s assets primarily consist of bitcoin held by Foris DAX Trust Company, LLC, the designated bitcoin custodian. Crypto.com will act as the ETF’s prime execution agent and liquidity provider.

“Shares will be offered to the public from time to time at varying prices that will reflect the price of bitcoin and the trading price of the Shares on New York Stock Exchange Arca, Inc. at the time of the offer,” mentioned the Form S-1.

While the ETF offers investors a regulated avenue for bitcoin exposure, the Trust warned of several risks related to digital assets:

• Loss, theft, or compromise of private keys could result in permanent loss of bitcoin.
• Bitcoin’s reliance on blockchain and Internet technologies makes it vulnerable to disruptions and cyber threats.
• Environmental and regulatory pressures tied to high electricity use in bitcoin mining could impact market stability.
• Potential forks or protocol failures in the Bitcoin Network may lead to volatility and uncertainty in asset value.

Last week, during an interview at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference, Donald Trump Jr. announced that TMTG and Truth Social were forming a Bitcoin treasury with $2.5 billion. “We’re seriously on crypto—we’re seriously on Bitcoin,” said Trump Jr. “We’re in three major deals. I believe we’re at the beginning of what will be the future of finance. And the opportunity is massive.”

The day after that interview, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., joined by American Bitcoin Executive Chairman and Board Member Mike Ho, CEO Matt Prusak, and Altcoin Daily founder Aaron Arnold, discussed the future of Bitcoin.

“The whole system is broken and now all of the sudden you have crypto which solves all the problems,” commented Eric Trump. “It makes everything cheaper, it makes everything faster, it makes it safer, it makes it more transparent. It makes the whole system more functional.“

“Everybody wants Bitcoin. Everybody is buying Bitcoin,” Eric added.

This post President Trump’s Truth Social Files S-1 Form For Bitcoin ETF first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Support The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) To Protect Noncustodial Services

With a lot of regulatory talk centered around The GENIUS Act and The CLARITY Act (the market structure bill) right now, it’s important that Bitcoin enthusiasts also pay attention to and support The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) — H.R. 1747.

The act, which was reintroduced to Congress on May 21, 2025 by Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) and Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY), provides “safe harbor from licensing and registration for certain non-controlling blockchain developers and providers of blockchain services.”

It also stipulates that no blockchain developer or provider of a blockchain service shall be treated as a money transmitter unless the developers or providers behind the project have control over user funds.

This bill is relevant because the developers for both Samourai Wallet and Tornado Cash are currently facing charges for operating unlicensed money transmitter businesses, despite the fact that the developers for neither of these technologies ever had control over user funds.

It’s also important because, under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) didn’t just classify privacy services as money transmitters, but ancillary services such as Lightning nodes, rollup sequencers, and other Bitcoin and blockchain technology, as well.

If the BRCA isn’t enacted into law, there is a risk that all Bitcoin and crypto wallets as well as other noncustodial services and technologies will be made illegal and/or subject to KYC/AML laws.

While Rep. Emmer and Rep. Torres’ reintroducing this bill is a positive step, the congressmen need our help in making the BRCA a priority for this current Congress.

To help, go to SaveOurWallets.org and follow the directions on the website to contact the elected officials that represent your district and state in the federal government and tell them that you would like to see them support the BRCA.

If this act doesn’t pass, we will face significant hurdles regarding the scaling of Bitcoin and other blockchains as well as around privacy.

Yes, yes, I know some of you are saying to yourselves Bitcoin will win regardless of our actions (or that it’s already won) and that we don’t need to engage with politicians in the process.

I’m here to say 1.) this isn’t necessarily true, 2.) there are four developers currently facing trial (the Samourai and Tornado Cash developers) and pushing to get this bill passed may help them, 3.) if this bill doesn’t pass, scaling Bitcoin may be much more difficult, and 4.) there’s a reality in which we give up a lot of our legal right to privacy when using Bitcoin if the bill doesn’t pass.

So, with these points in mind, pick up the phone and/or send an email to your elected representatives and tell them you’d like to see them support the BRCA.

This article is a Take. Opinions expressed are entirely the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.

This post Support The Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) To Protect Noncustodial Services first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Frank Corva.

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Adam Back Invests SEK 21 Million to H100 Group Bitcoin Treasury Strategy

Today, H100 Group AB announced it has entered a SEK 21 million convertible loan from an investment agreement with Adam Back, with the option to expand his investment to SEK 277 million through a five-tranche convertible loan deal. The proceeds will be used to buy Bitcoin in alignment with H100 Group’s long-term Bitcoin treasury strategy.

Under the agreement, Back may invest up to SEK 128 million across four additional tranches, with guaranteed participation of at least 50%. Each tranche is twice his committed amount, demonstrating his support for H100’s long-term growth.

The press release said, “Adam Back may request the Second Tranche within 90 days from signing of the Initial Tranche, the Third Tranche within 90 days from signing of the Second Tranche, the Fourth Tranche within 90 days from signing of the Third Tranche and the Fifth Tranche within ninety 90 days from signing of the Fourth Tranche. In the event Adam Back does not request a Future Tranche within the deadline, the right to request subsequent Future Tranches lapses.”

The convertible loans have no interest and have a five year maturity. At any time, Back may convert the loans into shares of the Company. Conversion prices are fixed per tranche: SEK 1.75 per share for the initial tranche, rising to SEK 5.00 by the fifth tranche. H100 retains the right to force conversion if the stock price exceeds the conversion rate by 33% over a 20 day period. Full conversion of the initial tranche would result in 12 million new shares and a 9.3% dilution.

“Upon request of a tranche Adam Back is obliged to invest in the relevant Tranche with SEK 15,750,000 in the second tranche, SEK 23,625,000 in the third tranche, SEK 35,437,500 in the fourth tranche, and SEK 53,156,250 in the fifth tranche,” stated the press release. “The contemplated size for each tranche is twice the entitled amount of Adam Back.”

“We have been around since 2014 and we work with our investors to put Bitcoin in a balance sheet back then and since then,” said Adam Back at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference. “I think the way to look at the treasury companies is that Bitcoin is effectively the harder rate. It’s very hard to outperform Bitcoin most people that invest in things since Bitcoin around thought I should put that in Bitcoin and not in the other thing.”

This post Adam Back Invests SEK 21 Million to H100 Group Bitcoin Treasury Strategy first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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How Strategy (MSTR) Built Their Capital Stack to Accelerate Bitcoin Accumulation

MicroStrategy—now operating as Strategy—has built the most aggressive Bitcoin treasury in the world. But its true innovation isn’t just holding Bitcoin. It’s in how it finances the accumulation of Bitcoin at scale without giving up control or diluting shareholder value.

The engine behind this? A meticulously designed capital stack—a multi-tiered structure of debt, preferred stock, and equity that appeals to different types of investors, each with unique risk, yield, and volatility preferences.

This is more than corporate finance—it’s a blueprint for Bitcoin-native capital formation.

What Is a Capital Stack?

A capital stack refers to the layers of capital a company uses to finance its operations and strategic goals. Each layer has its own return profile, risk level, and repayment priority in the event of liquidation.

Strategy’s capital stack is designed to do one thing exceptionally well: convert fiat capital into Bitcoin exposure—efficiently, at scale, and without compromise.

The Stack: Ordered by Priority

Strategy’s capital stack comprises five core instruments:

1. Convertible Notes
2. Strife Preferred Stock ($STRF)
3. Strike Preferred Stock ($STRK)
4. Stride Preferred Stock ($STRD)
5. Common Equity ($MSTR)

These layers are ranked from highest to lowest in repayment priority. What makes this structure unique is how each layer balances downside protection, yield, and Bitcoin exposure—offering institutional investors fixed-income alternatives with varying degrees of correlation to Bitcoin.

Convertible Notes: Senior Debt with Optional Upside

Strategy’s capital stack begins with convertible notes—senior unsecured debt that can convert into equity.

• Downside: Low risk, high priority in liquidation
• Upside: Modest unless converted
• Appeal: Institutional debt investors seeking protection with optional Bitcoin-adjacent upside

These notes were Strategy’s earliest fundraising tools, enabling the company to raise billions in low-interest environments to accumulate Bitcoin without issuing equity.

Strife ($STRF): Investment-Grade Yield

Strife is a perpetual preferred stock designed to mimic high-grade fixed income.

• 10% cumulative dividend, paid in cash
• $100 liquidation preference
• No conversion rights or Bitcoin upside
• Compounding penalties on unpaid dividends
• Low volatility, medium risk profile

Strife targets conservative capital—allocators who want predictable income without equity or crypto exposure. It’s senior to other preferreds and common stock, making it a high-quality fixed-income proxy built atop a Bitcoin treasury.

Strike ($STRK): Yield + Bitcoin Optionality

Strike is convertible preferred stock—bridging fixed income and equity upside.

• 8% cumulative dividend
• Convertible into $MSTR at $1,000 strike
• Paid in cash or Class A shares
• Bitcoin exposure via conversion option
• Medium volatility, low risk

Strike appeals to investors who want income with optional participation in Bitcoin upside. In bullish Bitcoin cycles, the conversion option becomes valuable—offering a hybrid between bond-like stability and equity-like potential.

Stride ($STRD): High Yield, High Risk

Stride is the most junior preferred—non-cumulative, perpetual stock issued with high yield and few protections.

• >10% dividend, only if declared
• No compounding, no conversion, no voting rights
• Highest relative risk among preferreds
• Liquidation priority above common equity, but below all others

Stride plays a crucial role. Its issuance improves the credit quality of Strife, adding a subordinate capital buffer beneath it—similar to how mezzanine debt protects senior tranches in structured finance.

Stride attracts yield-hungry investors, enabling Strategy to raise capital without compromising more senior layers.

Common Equity ($MSTR): Pure Bitcoin Beta

At the base is Strategy’s common equity—the most volatile, least protected, but highest potential instrument in the stack.

• Unlimited upside
• No dividend, no priority
• Full exposure to Bitcoin volatility
• Voting rights, long-term ownership

Common equity is for conviction-driven investors. Over the past four years, this layer has attracted capital from funds and individuals aligned with Strategy’s Bitcoin thesis—investors who want maximal upside from a corporate Bitcoin strategy.

The Big Picture: Saylor Is Targeting the Fixed Income Market

This isn’t just a financing mechanism—it’s a direct challenge to the $130 trillion global bond market.

By issuing instruments like $STRF, $STRK, and $STRD, Strategy is offering Bitcoin-adjacent yield vehicles that absorb demand from across the capital spectrum:

• Institutional investors seeking investment-grade yield
• Hedge funds chasing structured upside
• Yield hunters willing to go down the stack for returns

Each instrument behaves like a synthetic bond, yet all are backed by a Bitcoin accumulation engine.

As Director of Bitcoin Strategy at Metaplanet, Dylan LeClair put it: “Saylor is coming for the entire fixed income market.”

Rather than issue traditional bonds, Saylor is constructing a Bitcoin-native capital stack—one that unlocks liquidity without ever selling the underlying asset.

Why It Matters: A Model for Bitcoin Treasury Strategy

Strategy’s capital structure is more than innovation—it’s a financial operating system for any public company that wants to monetize Bitcoin’s rise while maintaining capital discipline.

Key takeaways:

• Every layer matches a specific investor need: From low-risk debt to speculative yield
• Capital flows in, Bitcoin stays put: Preserving treasury position while scaling
• No single instrument dominates: The stack is diversified by design
• Control is retained: Most securities are non-voting, non-convertible

For corporations serious about building a Bitcoin-native balance sheet, this is the playbook to study.

Saylor isn’t just stacking Bitcoin—he’s engineering the financial infrastructure for a monetary paradigm shift.

Disclaimer: This content was written on behalf of Bitcoin For Corporations. This article is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be interpreted as an invitation or solicitation to acquire, purchase, or subscribe for securities.

This post How Strategy (MSTR) Built Their Capital Stack to Accelerate Bitcoin Accumulation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nick Ward.

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Tether Group & Bitfinex Transferred 25,812 BTC to Jack Mallers’ Twenty One Capital

Today, Tether Group and Bitfinex have transferred a combined 25,812.22 BTC to support their investment in Twenty One Capital, a newly formed Bitcoin-native company set to go public through a business combination with Cantor Equity Partners (Nasdaq: CEP).

Tether moved 14,000 BTC to an address of Twenty One Capital (XXI) and previously transferred 4,812.22 BTC to another address of Twenty One Capital as part of their investment in the company.

Bitfinex, in parallel, has sent 7,000 BTC to an address of Twenty One Capital, also as part of its investment.

These Bitcoin transfers come a little over a month after Twenty One Capital and CEP announced that it was raising $585 million in additional capital at the closing of the business combination. The raise was to feature $385 million in convertible senior secured notes and $200 million in PIPE (private investment in public equity) financing, with proceeds expected to be used for further Bitcoin purchases and general corporate purposes. Once finalized, the company anticipates launching with over 42,000 BTC, positioning it as the third-largest Bitcoin treasury in the world.

“Markets need reliable money to measure value and allocate capital efficiently,” said the Co-Founder and CEO of Twenty One Jack Mallers. “We believe that Bitcoin is the answer, and Twenty One is how we bring that answer to public markets. Our mission is simple: to become the most successful company in Bitcoin, the most valuable financial opportunity of our time. We’re not here to beat the market, we’re here to build a new one. A public stock, built by Bitcoiners, for Bitcoiners.”

The announcement comes just days after Mallers announced a new Bitcoin backed loan platform at Strike during the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. The system will offer interest rates between 9-13%, allowing clients to borrow between $10,000 and $1 billion using Bitcoin as collateral.

“All these professional economists, they are like Bitcoin is risky and volatile,” stated Mallers. “No it’s not. This is the magnificent 7 one year volatility and the orange one in the middle is Bitcoin. It’s no more risky and volatile. It’s a little bit more volatile than Apple, but is far less more volatile than Tesla.”

“Life is short,” commented Jack. “Take the trip, but with bitcoin you just get to take a better one.”

This post Tether Group & Bitfinex Transferred 25,812 BTC to Jack Mallers’ Twenty One Capital first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Amboss Launches Rails, a Self-Custodial Bitcoin Yield Service

Amboss, a leader in AI-driven solutions for the Bitcoin Lightning Network, today announced Rails, a groundbreaking self-custodial Bitcoin yield service. According to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine, it’s designed to empower companies, custodians, and high net worth individuals. This allows participants to earn a yield on their Bitcoin.

Rails also launched a secure way for Liquidity Providers (LPs) to hold all custody of their Bitcoin while generating returns from liquidity leases and payment routing, although they are not guaranteed. The implementation of Amboss’ AI technology, Rails strengthened their Lighting Network with more dependable transactions and larger payment volumes.

“Rails is a transformative force for the Lightning Network,” said the CEO and Co-Founder of Amboss Jesse Shrader. “It’s not just about yield—it’s about enabling businesses to strengthen the network while earning on their Bitcoin. This is a critical step in Bitcoin’s evolution as a global medium of exchange.”

The service offers two options: 

• Rails LP is designed for high net worth individuals, custodians, and companies with Bitcoin treasuries, requiring a minimum commitment of 1 BTC for one year. 
• Liquidity subscriptions are designed for businesses that receive Bitcoin payments, with fees starting at 0.5%.

Amboss partnered with CoinCorner and Flux (a joint venture between Axiom and CoinCorner), to bring Rails to the market. CoinCorner has incorporated it into both its exchange platform and daily payment services in the Isle of Man. Flux is jointly focused on advancing the Lightning Network’s presence in global payments. Their participation highlights growing industry trust in Rails as a tool to scale Bitcoin effectively. 

“Rails offers a practical way for businesses like ours to participate in the Lightning Network’s growth,” said the CFO of CoinCorner David Boylan. “We’ve been using the Lightning Network for years, and Rails provides a structured approach to engaging with its economy, particularly through liquidity leasing and payment routing. This aligns with our goal of making Bitcoin more accessible and practical for everyday use.”

This post Amboss Launches Rails, a Self-Custodial Bitcoin Yield Service first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Michael Saylor Presents The 21 Ways to Wealth at Bitcoin 2025

Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Strategy, took the stage at Bitcoin 2025 delivering a keynote titled “21 Ways to Wealth.” He stated: “This speech is for you. I’ve traveled the world and told countries, institutional investors, and even the disembodied spirits of our children’s children why they need Bitcoin. This is for every individual, every family, every small business. It’s for everybody.”  

He began with clarity. “The first way to wealth is clarity,” he said. “Clarity comes the moment you realize Bitcoin is capital—perfected capital, programmable capital, incorruptible capital.” For Saylor, every thoughtful individual on Earth will ultimately seek such pristine capital, and every AI system will prefer it as well. 

The second path is conviction. Bitcoin, he said, will appreciate faster than every other asset, because it’s engineered for performance. “It’s going to grow faster than real estate or collectibles. It is the most efficient store of value in human history.”

The third way is courage. “If you’re going to get rich on Bitcoin, you need courage,” he warned. “Wealth favors those who embrace intelligent monetary risk. Some people will get left behind. Others will juggle it. But the bold will feed the fire—sell your bonds, buy Bitcoin. An extraordinary explosion of value is coming.”

Fourth comes cooperation. “You are more powerful if you have the full support of your family. Your children have time and potential. The secret is transferring capital into their hands. Families that move in unity are unstoppable.”

The fifth is capability. “Master AI,” he said. “In 2025, everything you can imagine is at your fingertips—wisdom, analysis, creativity. Ask AI, argue with it, use it. You can become a super genius. Don’t put your ego first—put your interests first. Your family will thank you.”

Saylor’s sixth way to wealth is composition: construct legal entities that scale your strategy and protect your assets. “Ask the AI and figure it out. You can work hard, or you can work smart. This year, everyone should be operating like the most sophisticated millionaire family office.”

The seventh is citizenship. Choose your economic nexus carefully—“domicile where sovereignty respects your freedom,” he said. “This isn’t just about this year—it’s about this century.”

Eighth is civility. “Respect the natural power structures of the world. Respect the force of nature,” he explained. “If you want to generate wealth in the Bitcoin universe, don’t fight unnecessarily. Find common ground. Inflation and distraction are your enemies.”

Ninth is corporation. “A well-structured corporation is the most powerful wealth engine on Earth. Families are powerful. Partnerships are even more powerful. But corporations can scale globally. What is your vehicle? What is your path?”

The tenth way is focus. “Just because you can do a thing doesn’t mean you should,” he warned. “If you invest in Bitcoin, there’s a 90% chance it will succeed over five years. Don’t confuse ambition with accomplishment. Come up with a strategy—and stick to it.”

The eleventh is equity. “Share your opportunities with investors who will share your risk,” he said, pointing to MicroStrategy’s own rise from $10 million to a $5 billion market cap by aligning with equity partners who believed in the Bitcoin mission.

The twelfth is credit. “There are people in the world who are afraid of the future—they want small yield, certainty. Offer that. Give creditors security in return for capital. Convert their fear into fuel and turn risk into yield by investing in Bitcoin.”

The thirteenth is compliance. “Create the best company you can within the rules of your market. Learn the rules of the road. If you know them, you can drive faster. You can scale legally and sustainably.”

The fourteenth way is capitalization. “Velocity compounds wealth,” Saylor said. “Raise and reinvest capital as fast and as often as you can. The faster your money moves into productive Bitcoin strategies, the more it multiplies.”

Fifteenth is communication. “Speak with candor. Act with transparency. And repeat your message often,” he urged. “Creating wealth with Bitcoin is simple—but only if people understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing it.”

Sixteenth is commitment. “Don’t allow yourself to be distracted,” he said. “Don’t chase your own ideas. Don’t feed the trolls. Stay committed to Bitcoin. It’s the greatest idea in the world. The world probably doesn’t care what you think—but it will care when you win.”

The Seventeenth way is competence. “You’re not competing with noise—you’re competing with someone who is laser-focused, who executes flawlessly,” he said. “You must deliver consistent, precise, and reliable performance. That’s how you win.”

The Eighteenth is adaptation. “Circumstances change. Every structure you trust today will eventually fail. A wise person is prepared to abandon their baggage and adjust plans when needed. Rigidity is ruin.”

Nineteenth is evolution. “Build on your core strengths. You don’t need to start over—you need to level up. Leverage what you already do best, and expand it through Bitcoin and advanced technologies.”

Twentieth is advocacy. “Inspire others to walk the Bitcoin path,” he said. “Become an evangelist for economic freedom. Show others what this revolution really means. Show them the way.”

Finally, the twenty-first way is generosity. “When you’re successful—and you will be successful—spread happiness. Share security. Deliver hope. That light inside you will shine. And others will be drawn to it.” 

As he ended, Saylor smiled and quoted the very origin of it all: 

“It might make sense to get some, in case it catches on.” – Satoshi.

In Michael Saylor’s worldview, Bitcoin is not a get-rich-quick scheme—it’s the ultimate long-term play. It is the foundation of generational wealth, the engine of personal and institutional freedom, and the tool for those bold enough to lead humanity into a more sovereign, secure future. 

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Day 3 below: 

This post Michael Saylor Presents The 21 Ways to Wealth at Bitcoin 2025 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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The Debt Train Has No Brakes: Lyn Alden Makes the Case for BTC at Bitcoin 2025

“Nothing stops this train,” Lyn Alden initially stated at Bitcoin 2025, walking the audience through a data-rich presentation that made one thing clear: the U.S. fiscal system is out of control—and Bitcoin is more necessary than ever. 

Her first chart, sourced from the Federal Reserve’s FRED database, displayed a stark decoupling: the unemployment rate is down, yet the fiscal deficit has surged past 7% of GDP. “This started around 2017, went into overdrive during the pandemic, and hasn’t corrected,” Alden said. “That’s not normal. We’re in a new era.” 

She didn’t mince words. “Nothing stops this train because there are no brakes attached to it anymore. The brakes are heavily impaired.

Why should Bitcoiners care? Because, as Alden explained, “it matters for asset prices—especially anything scarce.” She displayed a gold vs. real rates chart that showed gold soaring as real interest rates plunged. “Five years ago, most would have said Bitcoin couldn’t thrive in a high-rate environment. Yet here we are—Bitcoin over $100K, gold at new highs, and banks breaking under pressure.”

Next came what she called “The Turning Point”—a side-by-side showing how public debt growth overtook private sector debt post-2008, flipping a decades-long norm. “This is inflationary, persistent, and it means the Fed can’t slow things down anymore.” 

Another chart revealed why rising interest rates are now accelerating the deficit. “They’ve lost their brakes. Raising rates just makes the federal interest bill explode faster than it slows bank lending.”

Alden called it a ponzi: “The system is built on constant growth. Like a shark, it dies if it stops swimming.”

Her slide showed a relentless rise in total debt versus base money—except for a jolt in 2008, and again after 2020. “This isn’t going backward. Ever.” 

So why Bitcoin? “Because it’s the opposite. Scarce, decentralized, and mathematically capped,” Alden concluded. “There are two reasons nothing stops this train: math and human nature. Bitcoin is the mirror of this system—and the best protection from it.” 

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Day 3 below:

This post The Debt Train Has No Brakes: Lyn Alden Makes the Case for BTC at Bitcoin 2025 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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The World’s Largest Bitcoin Conference Returns to Las Vegas in 2026

May 28, 2025 – BTC Inc., the leading provider of Bitcoin-related news and events, is excited to announce that the Bitcoin Conference, the world’s largest and most prestigious gathering of the Bitcoin industry, will be returning to Las Vegas next year. Next year’s conference will take place at the Venetian Las Vegas from April 27 – 29, 2026.

The announcement comes on the heels of a highly successful Bitcoin 2025 event, which saw over 35,000 attendees descend to Las Vegas to participate in valuable networking and community building events, experience leading-edge technology showcases, and hear insights from policy leaders, business executives, and celebrities across the Bitcoin industry.

“Bitcoin 2025 was the largest event in Bitcoin’s history and arrived at a pivotal moment for the industry,” said Brandon Green, Chief of Staff at BTC Inc. “Next year, we are going to compound it into not only the biggest event in Bitcoin’s history, but one of the largest and most important events globally.”

“Our city and state were delighted to host the Bitcoin conference this year,” said Governor Joe Lombardo. “Las Vegas is home to groundbreaking innovation and exciting new ideas, and we’re the perfect forum for the 2026 Bitcoin conference. We look forward to welcoming the conference to our state again next year.”

Tickets for Bitcoin 2026 are available for purchase on the official conference website. Interested individuals and organizations are encouraged to secure their spots early, as demand is expected to be unprecedented. 

For sponsorship opportunities, media inquiries, or further information about The Bitcoin Conference, please contact us or visit https://b.tc/conference/2026. 

About The Bitcoin Conference: 

The Bitcoin Conference is the world’s largest and most influential gathering of Bitcoin professionals, investors, and thought leaders. Committed to fostering Bitcoin adoption and industry innovation, the conference has grown into a global phenomenon since its founding in 2019. Learn more at https://b.tc/conference/2026

This post The World’s Largest Bitcoin Conference Returns to Las Vegas in 2026 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Bitcoin Magazine.

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Adam Back Said It’s Still Early For the Retail Investors To Buy Bitcoin

At the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, the Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy Digital Alex Thorn, Founder and Managing Partner of Pantera Capital Dan Morehead, Managing Partner, CEO, CIO of 10T Holdings + 1RoundTable Partners Dan Tapiero and the Co-founder & CEO of Blockstream Adam Back discussed the future of Bitcoin treasury companies.

Dan Tapiero started by sharing his opinion on how he sees Bitcoin in comparison to gold: 

“I really have always believed in that physical ownership that the individual has the right and should be able to own his own asset and so I started this physical gold business years ago,” said Tapiero. “I think our focus today is further adoption and the elevation of Bitcoin. I think the understanding of Bitcoin as an important asset.”

Adam Back was asked what he thought about Bitcoin treasury companies and he responded, “in effect, Blockstream is one of the first Bitcoin treasury companies. We have been around since 2014 and we work with our investors to put Bitcoin in a balance sheet back then and since then. I think the way to look at the treasury companies is Bitcoin is effectively the harder rate. It’s very hard to outperform Bitcoin most people that invest in things since Bitcoin around thought I should put that in Bitcoin and not in the other thing.”

Then Adam continued by explaining what treasury companies do.

“That’s why you get companies switching to the Bitcoin standard because it’s the only way for them to keep up with Bitcoin,” stated Back. ”They start with a Bitcoin capital base. They use the operating in-revenue to buy more Bitcoin and then they are able to participate in this kind of micro arbitrage.”

Finishing the panel, Alex Thorn asked, “Five years from now what is the price of Bitcoin?”

Dan Morehead predicted $750,000k, Tapiero $1,000,000 and Back said, “a million easy.”

Adam back closed by saying, “It’s still early for the retail investors.”

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Day 2 below:

This post Adam Back Said It’s Still Early For the Retail Investors To Buy Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Leaders Rally Behind BTC at Bitcoin 2025 Conference: Strategic Reserves, Market Clarity, and Legislative Momentum

At Bitcoin 2025, top U.S. lawmakers and Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer discussed the U.S. government’s shifting tone on Bitcoin, strategic reserves, regulatory frameworks, and legislation—all pointing toward a bullish future for digital assets.

In a panel moderated by Grant McCarty, Co-President of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, the Bitcoin 2025 Conference saw a major spotlight on U.S. policy shifts surrounding digital assets. U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds and Bryan Steil were joined by Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, to highlight what they described as a watershed moment for Bitcoin in Washington. 

“What the president and his team are doing is choosing to step into the digital assets marketplace,” said Byron Donalds. “Bitcoin is a key asset because it has demonstrated to be a holder of value outside of fiat currency and central banking.” Donalds emphasized that President Trump is taking the long view—strategically recognizing Bitcoin’s role in a national reserve capacity.

Bryan Steil pointed to Trump’s media magnetism and political leverage as the driver behind recent legislative momentum: “What he’s done is put a spotlight on the exact three bills… giving us the ability to drive forward.” He noted that legislation is difficult to pass, but with executive support, there’s newfound energy and opportunity to cross the finish line.

Shirzad echoed that sentiment: “The tone from the top point is exactly what Donald Trump has showed us… He wants a market structure built. He wants a much more strategic approach.” Coinbase, Shirzad added, sees the impact firsthand—legislators now recognize the need to support innovation rather than stifle it.

Donalds added: “If you talk to any business owner in the world, the number one thing they desire more than anything else is certainty and consistency.” That, he said, is what will turn Bitcoin into a trillion-dollar industry in the U.S., instead of one bogged down by regulatory ambiguity and legal overhead.

On the regulatory front, Steil noted: “Under the Biden administration, policy was being developed through enforcement actions. Bitcoin is decentralized and should be treated as a commodity.” Shirzad agreed, pushing for “regulatory therapy” to unleash billions still sidelined.

McCarty closed with mention of the Blockchain Regulatory Clarity Act—legislation that would protect open-source developers from rogue regulatory action: “It allows developers to operate without being punished.”

Donalds summed it up: “There’s only going to be 21 million ever in creation. That can’t be eroded by central banks. A strategic reserve for Bitcoin is critical in my opinion for the United States.” 

This post Leaders Rally Behind BTC at Bitcoin 2025 Conference: Strategic Reserves, Market Clarity, and Legislative Momentum first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Exodus Launches XO Pay, An In-App Bitcoin And Crypto Purchase Solution

Exodus has officially launched XO Pay, a new crypto purchasing feature that allows users to buy and sell digital assets directly within the Exodus mobile wallet, and is now live across the United States. XO Pay aims to simplify the process for its users to easily purchase cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. 

XO Pay is powered by Coinme’s Crypto-as-a-Service (CaaS) API platform and is a self custody Bitcoin wallet. This means customers can now purchase BTC within the wallet without going through third-party exchanges while keeping full control of their assets. 

“XO Pay represents our commitment to making cryptocurrency more accessible to everyday customers,” said JP Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Exodus, in a recent press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. “By integrating the purchasing process directly into our mobile wallet, we’re removing barriers and simplifying the journey from fiat to crypto, and back.” 

With XO Pay, Exodus offers a self custodial way to complete Bitcoin transactions. This rollout is part of Exodus’ broader mission to make digital assets more secure, as the demand for Bitcoin is increasing. 

“By creating a Web2 checkout experience into a Web3 self-custody wallet, Exodus has set a new bar for crypto user experience,” said Neil Bergquist, CEO and co-founder of Coinme. “Exodus’ innovative integration of Coinme’s APIs delivers the seamless in-app purchase flow users expect while keeping them in full control of their assets.” 

This post Exodus Launches XO Pay, An In-App Bitcoin And Crypto Purchase Solution first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Jippi Launches Pokémon GO-Style AR Bitcoin Education Game at Vegas’s Bitcoin 2025

Jippi, a mobile augmented reality (AR) game developer, will debut its Bitcoin education game at the Bitcoin Conference 2025, held at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas from May 27-29. Inspired by Pokémon GO, the game blends location-based gameplay with financial literacy, aiming to engage over 30,000 attendees by making Bitcoin education fun and accessible.

Using the app, players can explore The Venetian’s grounds to hunt digital “Bitcoin Beasts,” answering Bitcoin-related trivia to capture them and earn 1000 satoshis (sats) per catch. The game is designed to deliver concise lessons on sound money principles, targeting younger audiences, with Jippi’s research showing 90% of Gen Z play mobile games. This approach aims to make learning about Bitcoin intuitive and engaging.

“We’re excited to turn Bitcoin education into an adventure,” said Oliver Porter, Jippi’s Founder and CEO. “Our game meets players where they are, making complex concepts approachable.”

Jippi partnered with six Bitcoin companies—Bitcoin Well, Beyond The Checkout, Bitcoin Trading Cards, Geyser, SHAmory, and 21M Communications—to sponsor unique Beasts. Each is tied to a specific location, offering tailored trivia that highlights the sponsor’s mission. For instance, Bitcoin Well’s Beast teaches wallet security, while SHAmory’s content suits all ages. “Jippi’s game is a fresh way to onboard new users,” said Adam O’Brien, CEO of Bitcoin Well.

The game stems from over a year of development, including university testing and on-site surveys. Jippi’s efforts earned it the top prize at PlebLab’s Top Builder competition in March 2025, a hackathon for Bitcoin startups, cementing its role in gamifying education.

With 30,000 attendees expected, the conference is an ideal stage for Jippi to showcase AR’s potential in Bitcoin adoption. The game promises to transform The Venetian into a dynamic learning hub, encouraging players to explore while grasping Bitcoin’s real-world applications. Jippi aims to expand the game post-conference, adding more educational content.

This post Jippi Launches Pokémon GO-Style AR Bitcoin Education Game at Vegas’s Bitcoin 2025 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

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Something is Brewing in Ireland: A Sound Punt Is Released, As Bitcoin Enters The National Conversation

For years, Bitcoin in Ireland has quietly simmered at the grassroots level—discussed in pubs and meetups, debated in Telegram groups, and occasionally splashed across headlines with predictable suspicion. But recently, the temperature is beginning to rise. With the release of “A Sound Punt: The Case for Ireland’s Interest in Bitcoin” by Bitcoin Network Ireland (BNI), and a weekend that sees both the Bitcoin Ireland Conference and Aontú’s Ard Fheis, it’s clear momentum is building on the Emerald Isle.

A Sound Punt: A Paper for the Citizens of Ireland

The new paper, released today by Bitcoin Network Ireland, is a concise, accessible document crafted to cut through the noise and present the merits of Bitcoin to the general public and politicians alike. Its aim is straightforward: provide a rational, jargon-free entry point into why Bitcoin matters, especially in an era of euro debasement and rising living costs.

The name itself is a clever pun—while it is a nod to both “sound money” and Ireland’s former currency, the punt, it also playfully suggests that although the majority of people view it as associated with risk, this may be worth reevaluating. It’s a signal that this is about more than technology: it’s about claiming monetary sovereignty and re-examining what makes money “good” in the first place.

What BNI is attempting to accomplish is bridging an important gap in understanding, helping citizens seeking change and government officials looking for solutions to recognize that sound, stateless money has value for everyone. As Parker Lewis famously noted, “Like all successful monies, Bitcoin is money for enemies“—a neutral system that serves all participants regardless of their political stance.

Ireland’s Long and Complicated Relationship With Money

To appreciate the significance of this moment, it’s worth noting that Ireland’s relationship with money has always been distinct from its European neighbors. While the Romans introduced coinage to Britain over a thousand years before it was adopted in Ireland. The native Irish resisted state-issued money, relying instead on barter and bullion well into the second millennium.

In ancient Ireland, the absence of coinage was a testament to a society that was stateless, highly decentralised, and it embraced a polycentric legal system varying between clans. The ideal of that society was that no man in society has rule over others, and even kings could be disposed of if they abused their power.

So it’s perhaps no coincidence that Ireland was the last European society to adopt coinage, as coinage gives power to rulers. Eventually, it was forced upon the land by the English crown in 1601, this period coincided with the final stages of the Nine Years’ War (1594-1603) and the increasing English control over Ireland. To this day, Ireland has never had its own free-floating currency; it has always been tethered to external powers: first the pound sterling, then the European Monetary System, and now the euro under the ECB. So it should come as no coincidence that in recent years, the EU is growing unabated in power and influence over Ireland.

“Give me control over a nation’s currency, and I care not who makes its laws.” — Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1743–1812)

Perhaps, given this historical context, Ireland is uniquely positioned to understand the value of sound, stateless money. Bitcoin represents a return to the monetary independence that preceded state-issued currencies, but with the technological advantages of the digital age. Where ancient Irish kingdoms used market goods that couldn’t be manipulated by distant authorities, Bitcoin offers a modern equivalent: a system that can’t be debased or controlled by any power, whether domestic or foreign.

This historical skepticism toward centrally-controlled currency is resurfacing in the present, as the Irish state and its citizens face a new wave of economic uncertainty via euro debasement and tariffs. Geopolitical and economic tensions have rarely felt less stable. Tariff disputes, renewed questions over Ireland’s foreign direct-investment model, and potential tech and pharma layoffs are sure to sharpen the focus on sovereignty and resilience. The release of “A Sound Punt” is timely, inviting the nation to once again question the wisdom of tying its fortunes to distant monetary authorities.

A Political Crossroads

Coinciding with the release of “A Sound Punt,” Dr. Niall Burke—a respected academic and BNI member—will be putting forward two motions at the Aontú Ard Fheis (party conference). Aontú, the party that saw the largest surge in votes in the last general election, has shown itself to be receptive to Bitcoin and is opening its doors to conversations that, until recently, were relegated to the margins. That Bitcoin motions are being presented and accepted at a major party conference is a marker of how the conversation is turning.

Meanwhile, the Bitcoin Ireland Conference is gathering the country’s growing community of plebs, builders, and advocates. These circles, once on the periphery, are now finding doors opening in political circles.

Public Discontent and a Call for Financial Autonomy

It’s not just Bitcoiners who are seeking alternatives. Ireland is witnessing its largest public demonstrations since the post-GFC days of 2012. Recent marches have drawn in excess of 100,000 people to the streets of Dublin. These protests reflect deep frustration and a sense that the political establishment is no longer in alignment with its people.

What’s particularly striking is how Bitcoin could serve as common ground for seemingly opposing interests. For protesters, Bitcoin offers protection from inflation and defends against government overreach. For a government concerned about economic stability and growth, Bitcoin may be the very solution it needs, especially to protect pension funds and indeed the state’s very own investment fund—ISIF, from inflation over the coming decades. This is the paradox and promise of sound, stateless money. It serves everyone’s interests because it enforces property rights, and can’t be captured or controlled by any single faction.

Last, but not least, MMA star Conor McGregor’s foray into both politics and Bitcoin is something few would have predicted a year ago, but for those with an ear to the ground, this has been a developing story for some time. His proposal for a national Bitcoin reserve is emblematic of a broader national shift: Bitcoin is finally entering the Zeitgeist and perhaps he, like BNI, has a part to play in keeping it there.

Bitcoin is an open-source monetary protocol, and adoption comes from all quarters, irrespective of politics. Bitcoin is neutral, it supports no partisan cause. What’s perhaps not recognized enough is how empowering Bitcoin can be and we should focus on its ability to unite rather than divide, giving every Irish citizen—regardless of their political views—tools for individual liberty, inflation protection, as well as practical solutions for businesses.

Back to “A Sound Punt” Paper

The paper itself makes a compelling case for Ireland’s interest in Bitcoin:

• Sound Money Principles: It evaluates Bitcoin against the six characteristics of “good money”—durability, divisibility, uniformity, portability, verifiability, and scarcity.
• Store of Value: The document highlights Bitcoin’s fixed supply as protection against rising inflation and currency debasement.
• Practical Examples: It provides evidence of Bitcoin’s monetization, comparing the costs of buying a home in Euros vs. Bitcoin over the span of a decade.
• Common Concern Rebuttals: The paper addresses the most common objections to Bitcoin—energy usage, volatility, criminal activity, undermining traditional currencies, and speculation—offering balanced counterarguments to each. 
• Action Steps: Rather than just theoretical arguments, the paper outlines specific actions for individuals, businesses, and the government to consider, from education to strategic Bitcoin reserves.

The Beginning of a Process

No one expects the Irish government to announce a Bitcoin treasury next week, and it’s debatable whether it should establish one at all. But “A Sound Punt” marks the beginning of a process that could, in time, help reshape Ireland’s approach to money and economic sovereignty.

This accessible primer is just the first step in Bitcoin Network Ireland’s broader educational mission. BNI plans to publish a much more comprehensive policy paper for policymakers in the coming months, which is currently going through the editing phase. While “A Sound Punt” introduces the concepts to the general public, the forthcoming document will provide the detailed analysis and policy recommendations that decision-makers need.

As BNI works to elevate this conversation through both public education and policy analysis, the goal remains clear: helping all citizens recognize Bitcoin’s universal value proposition. Holding a modest strategic allocation of bitcoin—at either the individual or institutional level—offers some protection against uncertainty and hope in a time of growing concerns.

Download A Sound Punt: The Case for Ireland’s Interest in Bitcoin from the Bitcoin Network Ireland website.

This post Something is Brewing in Ireland: A Sound Punt Is Released, As Bitcoin Enters The National Conversation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Conor Mulcahy.

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Semler Scientific Buys Additional $50 Million Worth of Bitcoin

Medical equipment provider Semler Scientific has acquired 455 Bitcoin for $50 million, marking it one of the largest purchases as more publicly traded companies continue to adopt Bitcoin treasury strategies.

According to a Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 23, the company purchased the Bitcoin between May 13 and May 22 at an average price of $109,801 per coin, including fees. The acquisition brings Semler’s total Bitcoin holdings to 4,264 BTC, acquired at an aggregate cost of $390 million.

The purchase was funded through Semler’s at-the-market (ATM) equity offering program, which has raised approximately $114.8 million since its launch in April 2025. The company has issued 3,003,488 shares under the $500 million program to date.

“$SMLR acquires 455 Bitcoins for $50 million and has generated BTC Yield of 25.8% YTD. Now holding 4,264 $BTC. Flywheel in motion. ,” said Eric Semler, Chairman of Semler Scientific. The company’s Bitcoin holdings are now valued at approximately $474.4 million based on current market prices.

Semler reported its Bitcoin Yield – a key performance indicator measuring the year-to-date percentage change in total Bitcoin holdings relative to diluted shares outstanding – has reached 25.8% in 2025. The metric has become a standard measure among public companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets.

The company maintains a Bitcoin Dashboard on its website to provide transparent information about its holdings, including market data, performance metrics, and acquisition details, as part of its Regulation FD compliance strategy.

Semler’s move comes amid accelerating corporate Bitcoin adoption in 2025, with over 40 public companies announcing Bitcoin treasury programs this year alone. The market has shown increased sensitivity to corporate treasury activities as institutional adoption continues to grow.

The company’s latest Bitcoin purchase reinforces the growing trend of public companies using equity offerings to fund Bitcoin acquisitions, a strategy pioneered by larger players like Strategy, which recently added 7,390 BTC to its holdings through a similar funding mechanism.

This post Semler Scientific Buys Additional $50 Million Worth of Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Vivek Sen.

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The Freedom Issue: Letter From the Editor

Bitcoin is freedom money, a censorship-resistant form of digital cash allowing anyone with an internet connection to send money to anyone else, regardless of nationality, borders, or other arbitrary restrictions.

I personally first heard about Bitcoin in early 2013, through friends who were buying… stuff from Silk Road, the darknet marketplace helmed by the mysterious Dread Pirate Roberts. Although Silk Road was controversial (the “stuff” most people bought and sold was, of course, illegal drugs), it represented a radical example of the form of freedom that Bitcoin provides.

Later in 2013, Silk Road was shut down by the FBI, and Ross Ulbricht was revealed as the market’s founder and the true identity behind the Dread Pirate Roberts pseudonym — although he claims several people operated the account. Ulbricht was sentenced to two life sentences plus forty years in prison without the possibility of parole.

In my view — and that of many Bitcoiners — it was excessive. Even if you believe Ulbricht was guilty of everything he was convicted of (all nonviolent crimes), he was made an example of, and didn’t actually deserve to be locked up for the rest of his days.

Fortunately, Ulbricht was granted a full and unconditional pardon from President Trump in January of this year. The founder of Silk Road, in a very literal sense, has regained his freedom.

This edition of Bitcoin Magazine celebrates and highlights the freedom aspect of Bitcoin with a range of articles and artwork focusing on the people and projects that use bitcoin to advance liberty, and those who make this possible… with a special focus on Ulbricht and Silk Road.

For other stories about bitcoin as freedom money, flip the magazine around!

Welcome to The Freedom Issue.

Aaron van Wirdum

Don’t miss your chance to own The Freedom Issue—featuring never-before-seen letters from Ross Ulbricht and his mother, Lyn. Limited run. Only available while supplies last.

This piece is the Letter from the Editor featured in the latest print edition of Bitcoin Magazine, The Freedom Issue. We’re sharing it here as an early look at the ideas explored throughout the full issue.

This post The Freedom Issue: Letter From the Editor first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Aaron Van Wirdum.

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Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) Opens $2.1B ATM Program for Strife Preferred Stock 

Strategy has launched a $2.1 billion At-The-Market (ATM) equity program for its Strife (STRF) preferred stock, marking another step in the firm’s long-term strategy to build a Bitcoin-backed financial architecture.

The announcement was made by CEO and President Phong Lee during an investor update alongside Executive Chairman Michael Saylor. According to Lee, strong year-to-date results from the firm’s Bitcoin-linked securities Strike (STRK) and Strife (STRF) gave Strategy the confidence to expand its fundraising strategy. 

“We’re currently at 16.3% BTC yield for the year, against a 25% target,” Lee said. “BTC dollar gain is $7.7 billion so far, on track toward our $15 billion target.”

Both instruments have outperformed expectations since launch. Strike is up 24% from its initial price of $80 to nearly $100. Strife, which was priced at $85 just two months ago, now trades around $98.80, a 16% increase. By comparison, similarly structured preferreds in the market have declined by 3–5% over the same period. 

In the last 30 days alone, Strike rose 17% and Strife 12%, bringing both close to par value. Lee emphasized the liquidity profile of these instruments, citing average daily trading volumes of $31 million for Strike and $23 million for Strife. “That’s 60x what we typically see in comparable preferreds,” he noted. 

The company previously issued $212 million through Strike’s ATM, with no adverse pricing pressure. Based on the trading volume and investor demand, Lee said the company believes the $2.1 billion Strife ATM can be executed in a similar fashion.

Strife is a perpetual preferred stock with a 10% coupon and sits at the top of Strategy’s capital stack. Saylor described it as “the crown jewel” of the company’s preferred offerings. “We’re going to be ten times as careful with Strife,” he said. “Our goal is for it to be seen as investment-grade fixed income — a high-quality instrument with robust protections.”

Strike, by contrast, is positioned for what Saylor called “Bitcoin-curious” investors. It carries an 8% coupon and includes upside through Bitcoin conversion. “Think of it like a Bitcoin fellowship with a stipend,” Saylor said. 

Strategy now operates three ATM programs: $21 billion each for MSTR equity and Strike, and $2.1 billion for Strife. These are rebalanced daily, with issuance adjusted based on market conditions, volatility, and investor demand. According to Saylor, this dynamic structure allows the company to optimize Bitcoin acquisition and capital deployment across changing market environments.

Behind this strategy sits Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury, now totaling 576,230 BTC — roughly $60 billion in value. “That permanent capital is the foundation for everything we’re building,” Saylor said.

While spot Bitcoin ETFs cater to investors looking for direct price exposure, Strategy continues to offer a more nuanced set of instruments — each targeting different levels of risk, return, and compliance. The Strife ATM is the latest move in that broader strategy.

This post Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR) Opens $2.1B ATM Program for Strife Preferred Stock  first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Spark Partners with Breez to Launch Bitcoin-Native SDK for Lightning Payments

Today, Breez and Spark have announced a new implementation of the Breez SDK, built on Spark’s Bitcoin-native Layer 2 infrastructure. According to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine, the update is intended to make it easier for developers to integrate self-custodial Bitcoin Lightning payments into everyday apps and services.

“This is what the future of Bitcoin looks like — fast, open, and embedded in the apps people use every day. By teaming up with Breez, we’re expanding the ecosystem and giving developers powerful, Bitcoin-native tools to build next-generation payment experiences. Together, we’re building the standard for global, peer-to-peer transactions,” said the creator of Spark Kevin Hurley.

The SDK supports LNURL, Lightning addresses, real-time mobile notifications, and includes bindings for all major programming languages and frameworks. It is designed to allow developers to build directly on Bitcoin without relying on bridges or external consensus. This collaboration gives developers tools to add Bitcoin payment features to apps used for monetization social apps, cross-border remittances, and in-game currencies.

“We need developers to bring Bitcoin into apps people use every day,” said the CEO of Breez Roy Sheinfeld. “That’s why we built the Breez SDK. We’re excited to build on Spark’s revolutionary architecture — giving developers a powerful new Bitcoin-native option and continuing to strengthen Lightning as the common language of Bitcoin.”

Breez will also operate as a Spark Service Provider (SSP), alongside Lightspark, to help support payment facilitation and the growth of Spark’s ecosystem. The new implementation is expected to be released later this year.

“We’re excited to see what developers build with Spark; it’s very exciting to see this come to the world,” said the co-founder and CEO of Lightspark David Marcus.

Yesterday, Magic Eden also partnered with Spark to improve Bitcoin trading by addressing issues like slow transaction times, high fees, and poor user experience. The integration will introduce a native settlement system aimed at making transactions faster and more cost-effective, without using bridges or synthetic assets.

“We’re proud to be betting on BTC DeFi,” said the CEO of Magic Eden Jack Lu. “We’re going to lead the forefront of all Bitcoin DeFi to make BTC fast, fun, and for everyone with Magic Eden as the #1 BTC native app on-chain.”

This post Spark Partners with Breez to Launch Bitcoin-Native SDK for Lightning Payments first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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How Zeus is Redefining Bitcoin with Cashu Ecash Integration

The U.S.-based Bitcoin and Lightning mobile wallet Zeus recently announced an alpha-release integration of Cashu. The move marks the first integration of ecash into a popular Bitcoin wallet, breaking new ground for potential user adoption to Bitcoin.
Cashu is a hot new implementation of Chaumian ecash, a form of digital cash invented by David Chaum in the ’90s that has incredible privacy and scalability properties, with the trade-off of being fundamentally centralized, requiring a significant amount of trust in the issuer.

In a counterintuitive move for Zeus, known as the go-to tool for advanced Lightning users seeking to connect to their home nodes, the integration of Cashu acknowledges a “last mile” challenge Lightning wallets face when delivering Bitcoin to the masses.

“We basically started off as the cypherpunk wallet, right? You got to set up your own Lightning node and connect to it with Zeus. The last two years, we put the node in the phone with one click, you can run it all in a standalone app without a remote node,” Evan Kaloudis, founder and CEO of Zeus, told Bitcoin Magazine.

“Cashu addresses uneconomical self-custody for small bitcoin amounts. On-chain, the dust limit is 546 satoshis, and Layer Two systems like Lightning have costs for channel setup or unilateral exits that aren’t widely discussed,” Evan explained, highlighting a major point of friction in noncustodial Lightning wallets: the need for liquidity and channel management. While these esoteric aspects of the Lightning Network have been mostly abstracted away since its invention in 2016, these fundamental trade-offs continue to manifest even in the most sophisticated and user-friendly wallets.

In the case of both Phoenix and Zeus, two of the most popular noncustodial options in the market, users must pay up to 10,000 sats upfront to gain spending capacity. These fees are necessary to cover the on-chain fees spent to open a channel for the user against the wallet’s liquidity service provider, unlocking a noncustodial experience.

The required up-front fee is difficult to explain and represents a painful onboarding experience for new users who are used to fiat apps giving them money to join instead. The result is the proliferation of custodial Lightning wallets like Wallet of Satoshi (WOS), which gained massive adoption early on by leveraging the global, near-instant settlement power of Bitcoin combined with the excellent user experience centralized wallets can create.

Major developments have been made over seven years after the Lightning Network’s inception, however, and Zeus is pushing the boundaries.

“With Ecash, we make it so easy that anyone can set up a wallet and start participating in our ecosystem, which I really think is going to become more and more prevalent,” Evan explained.

Today, at roughly $100,000 per bitcoin, 1,000 satoshis are equivalent to $1. Transactions of these sizes are known as microtransactions — a popular example are Nostr social media tips known as Zaps. But finding the right tool for this use case is not simple. Self custodied wallets like Phoenix charge transaction fees in the hundreds of satoshis, even with open channels, and on-chain fees often cost the same and are slower to settle. As a result, there’s an entire category of spending that is only served by cheaper alternatives such as custodial lightning wallets like WOS or Blink, but result in significant privacy tradeoffs, often requiring phone numbers from users and in some cases more advanced KYC and IP tracking. Cashu hopes to serve this market with lower privacy costs, the same ease of use, speed and competitive fees.

Digging deeper into the Cashu integration, Evan explained that “for users this means being able to pick and switch between custodians in a single app. For developers this means being able to defer custodial responsibilities to third parties and not have to wire up a new integration when your current custodian halts operations.”

Zaps are satoshi-denominated rewards delivered as “likes” or micro-tips for content in the Nostr social media ecosystem. A Zap can be as small as one satoshi, the smallest amount of bitcoin that can be technically transferred, equivalent today to about a tenth of a penny. “But I think if we look at Nostr and you’re seeing how many people are Zapping and how big a part of that ecosystem it is. It’s like, people are willing to do it,” Evan explained.

“Cashu, while custodial, lets users accumulate small amounts — say, via Nostr Zaps — without needing 6,000 satoshis to open a Lightning channel. Zeus prompts users to upgrade to self-custody as their balance grows,” he concluded, explaining that the wallet will effectively annoy users into self custody, one of several design choices made to mitigate the risks introduced by Cashu.

Ecash

The trade-offs introduced by Cashu challenge the common understanding of custody as an either-or in Bitcoin. Historically you were either a centralized — custodial — exchange, or you were a noncustodial Bitcoin wallet. In the former, you entrust the coins to a third party; in the latter you take personal responsibility for those coins and their corresponding private keys. Cashu changes this paradigm by introducing bitcoin-denominated ecash notes or “nuts,” which are bearer instruments that should be backed by a full bitcoin reserve and Lightning interoperability for instant withdraw.

Similar to fiat cash, you must take control and responsibility over these notes, but there’s also counterparty risk. In the case of Cashu, there are certain things the issuing mint can theoretically do to exploit their users — akin to how a bank can run on a fractional reserve. 

The big difference between Cashu or custodial Bitcoin exchanges and fiat currency is that Cashu is open source, is designed around user privacy, and scales very well. It makes the cost of running a mint lower than either alternative, a feature that makes mint competition easier, in theory countering the centralizing network effects of specific mints.

Finally, the user experience of storing Cashu tokens has been attached to known forms of Bitcoin self custody such as the download of 12-words seeds via various mechanisms, though implementations still vary from wallet to wallet and the whole ecosystem is in its early stages. 

To further mitigate the custodial risk of Chaumian-style ecash in Bitcoin, the Cashu community has developed various methods for automatically managing custody risk.

“Users can split risk by using multiple mints, switching between them in the user interface. Soon, ZEUS will guide users to select five or six reputable mints, automatically balancing funds to minimize exposure,” Evan explained, referring to a particular approach called automated bank runs. The idea is that as some Cashu mints may hold more of your funds, Zeus de-ranks them and rotates value out to minimize risk. 

“I think the idea is going to be that we guide users to pick five or six reputable mints… And from there, users will be able to have the wallet automatically switch between those mints and determine which mint should be receiving the balance depending on the balance of all the mints presently. So you’ll be like, OK. MiniBits has way too much money. Let’s switch the default to one of the mints that doesn’t have a lot. So that way you can sort of mitigate or rather distribute the rug risk there,” Evan explained, adding, “Our Discover Mint feature pulls reviews from bitcoinmints.com, showing vouch counts and user feedback, like mint reliability or longevity,” describing the reputation layer stacked on top of the various other risk management mechanisms.

There is no known way to use Chaumian-style ecash in an entirely noncustodial way. So as long as the custody risk can be minimized, the scaling and privacy upside becomes remarkable. 

Microtransactions

One of the opportunities that ecash unlocks is microtransactions, the most popular example of which are Nostr Zaps often in single dollar ranges of value transferred, though it applies to small Lightning transactions as well. This use case triggers an important technical question that predates Bitcoin, do microtransactions actually make economic sense?

There’s a long-standing argument about the user experience friction inherent in microtransactions. The term dates back to 1999, when Nick Szabo, one of the intellectual fathers of Bitcoin, wrote a thesis on “Micropayments and Mental Transaction Costs,” explaining that if a payment is too small, the mental cost of calculating it becomes higher than the value at stake.

In his paper, Szabo recommended that developers focus on minimizing these cognitive costs from a design perspective, as the user interface posed a much more serious challenge to the theorized use case of microtransactions than anything else. Szabo’s thesis has stood as a key explanation for the failure of microtransactions to gain adoption. Bitcoiners have been thinking about the problem for a long time, and some believe they might have solved it.

Zeus’s integration of Cashu could mark an important moment in bringing Bitcoin to the mainstream via Zaps. Echoing the proliferation of emojis and Facebook’s iconic “like” button, entrepreneurs like Evan and Calle, the founder of Cashu, believe Zaps could make bitcoin easy to use. Zaps present a specific opportunity, a new way for the public to acquire and experience bitcoin that doesn’t come from exchanges or brokerages as a legacy-wrapped investment product.

Rather than a $100,000 asset, Zaps are internet-tipping technology. It means sending a few satoshis to a friend for posting a funny meme on a Nostr app or producing high-quality content, knowing you could be rewarded directly with bitcoin from those who find it valuable.

Evan believes that with the right interface, it is possible, and Szabo’s warning about microtransactions may have been addressed.

“If it’s as mindless as one click, like pressing the heart button — you press the Zap button, it doesn’t require you to fire up your wallet and choose the destination. If it’s just a press away, then I think a lot of that mental burden Szabo talks about gets pushed aside because you don’t have time to think about it. Nostr’s Zap feature shows people are willing to send small amounts — like 1,000 satoshis for a good post — if the UX is seamless, with a single click.”

Open Source

Delivering a Wallet of Satoshi-style user experience via a fully open-source and trust-minimized software stack is no easy feat; in fact, it’s arguably the hard path.

When WOS first launched, it made waves in the Bitcoin world. No 12-word seed download? No account creation page? Just receive and send sats with instant settlement and barely any transaction fees?

The experience was so amazing it is still one of the most popular Bitcoin wallets. But this was only possible at the time due to the centralized, entirely custodial and closed source approach taken by the creators of WOS. They defined the standard and set the bar of user experience, but now open source is catching up.

Zeus has been walking this fine line between working in public and running a profit-motivated start-up, and so far so good.

“The wallet is fully open-source, verifiable on GitHub, with 50+ external contributors. Open-source builds trust, attracts users to our paid services, and prevents black-box risks,” Evan explained about why open source matters when it comes to Bitcoin software.

While the downsides of open source are self-evident to many developers — others may copy your code and outcompete you, and the code has to be good enough that hackers can’t easily break it — the upsides have now started to snowball.

“We have a few employees right now that are hacking on the Zeus code every day, but we’ve got 50+ external code contributors that have worked on the project,” Evan explained when asked about the upsides of open source, adding that “being open source also allows you to iterate on the wallet and the feature set and that attracts more users too. And meanwhile, we’re able to plug in our paid services like the default options.”

From a business model perspective, they are following the industry path of becoming liquidity providers for the lightning network:

“Revenue comes from our LSP, where users lease channels for two weeks to a year, renewable indefinitely. Our White Glove service supports clients like PubKey with node management,” Evan explained.

Samourai Wallet Arrests

However, Zeus’s greatest challenge came during the spring of 2024 with the arrest and prosecution of the Samourai Wallet developers — a shot across the bow that intimidated many Bitcoin entrepreneurs out of the U.S., inducing Zeus’ top competitors, Phoenix Wallet and WOS. Many companies had already hedged their bets by incorporating offshore. Zeus, founded and built in the U.S., was not one of them; they said they would be going down with the ship.

“It was a scary time, with Wallet of Satoshi and Phoenix pulling out, causing panic. I was about to have my first kid and feared the consequences, but folding out of fear felt worse. We wanted to push back and give users confidence that ZEUS wouldn’t abandon them,” Evan recalled. And the courage it took to stay in the U.S. under such hostility paid off. With the top competitors out of the U.S., Bitcoiners looking for noncustodial software and good user interfaces had very few options.

“It was insane — at the time the LSP was just getting started, but at that time, probably 250 to 300% growth in the first six months. So we saw a ton of activity on the LSP,” Evan added, “So looking back at it, I wouldn’t change a thing… That was peanuts. We are going to have to make some much more difficult decisions down the road, potentially. And we need to be prepared for when those days happen. So, I think, in a lot of ways, this was just like a trial run and we passed.”

This post How Zeus is Redefining Bitcoin with Cashu Ecash Integration first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

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Not ECDSA. Not Schnorr. Meet DahLIAS.

Aggregate signatures aren’t new. They’ve been around since the early 2000s. But building one that actually works in Bitcoin’s security model, with Bitcoin’s elliptic curve, has never been proven. Developers speculated it might be possible. They shared hand-wavy sketches and said, “maybe it’d work like MuSig2, but across transaction inputs.” The idea lingered for years as developer folklore, close, never provably confirmed.

That changed recently, when Jonas Nick and Tim Ruffing of Blockstream Research, together with Yannick Seurin of Ledger, published a paper that turned this cryptographic ghost story into a concrete, provable result. DahLIAS is the first formal, secure construction of a full constant-size aggregate signature (CISA) scheme that works on Bitcoin’s native curve! 

But that’s a lot of words, so let’s break that down:

• Full aggregation: Multiple signatures across different inputs are combined into one — and the result is a 64 byte signature whose size stays constant, no matter how many signers or inputs. 
• Cross-input: Each signer can authorize different inputs, and all combine into one signature.

It adds no significant new assumptions beyond those already relied on by Bitcoin. DahLIAS builds a new cryptographic primitive using the same math Bitcoin already relies on, unlocking an entirely new kind of signature.

Let’s Talk About Curves and Signatures

Digital signatures are how Bitcoin proves that a user has authorized a transaction. When you go to spend bitcoin, your wallet uses a private key to sign a message, and the network verifies that signature using the matching public key.

Bitcoin uses the secp256k1 curve. It is fast, efficient, and has been battle-tested over time. It supports signature schemes like ECDSA (Bitcoin’s original signature algorithm) and Schnorr (added through Taproot in 2021), which are currently the only signature schemes permitted by Bitcoin consensus.

Traditionally, full signature aggregation relied on mathematical operations not supported by Bitcoin’s curve, secp256k1, which made it seem out of reach. These features have typically relied on other types of elliptic curves. For example, BLS (Boneh–Lynn–Shacham) signatures use a special kind of curve called a pairing-friendly curve, which enables advanced operations like combining many signatures, even on different messages, into one.

The problem is that BLS signatures do not work on secp256k1. While Schnorr was a natural upgrade from ECDSA, since both rely on the same kind of elliptic curve, adding BLS would be a much bigger leap and a departure from Bitcoin’s existing security model. Though technically possible, it would introduce new cryptographic assumptions and add significant complexity to the protocol. Supporting a curve that is pairing-friendly, like BLS12-381, would be a major change for Bitcoin.

This is part of why full signature aggregation has never been done on secp256k1.

Until now.

What Aggregate Signatures Actually Do

Most Bitcoin users are familiar with multisignatures. In a multisig wallet, multiple people jointly authorize the spending of a single UTXO or some specific “coin”. Everyone signs the same input data. This setup is useful for things like shared custody wallets.

Aggregate signatures work differently. Instead of multiple people signing the same input or coin, each signer authorizes a different UTXO in a transaction. These separate signatures are then compressed into one compact proof. With DahLIAS, that means a single 64-byte signature on Bitcoin’s secp256k1 curve that verifies all inputs at once.

That means if you have five inputs from five different people, the transaction needs five different signatures. With an aggregate signature, all of those can be bundled into one. Even if each signer is spending a different input and signing a different part of the transaction, the result is one signature that proves the entire transaction was properly authorized.

It’s like zipping a whole list of approvals into one file. The signature is compact, but still verifiably proves that each signer authorized their specific UTXO.

Instead of verifying 10 separate signatures, you verify one.

This helps realign incentives for privacy. By reducing the signature overhead to a single 64-byte proof, DahLIAS lowers the cost of combining inputs in CoinJoins, making it financially smarter to choose privacy than to go without it.

Why Half-Aggregation Got Close

Shortly after Schnorr signatures were introduced on Bitcoin, developers explored half-aggregation, as a way to compress multiple signatures but they were not fixed size. Each input contributes to the size of the signature, so the transaction still grows with every participant. DahLIAS fixes this by enabling full-aggregation across inputs and signers. No matter how many people are involved or what they’re signing, all their signatures compress into one constant-size, 64-byte proof.

What DahLIAS Actually Unlocks

The main benefit here is that DahLIAS are reducing the size of complex transactions.

DahLIAS uses a two-round interactive signing process. It’s similar to MuSig2 in that regard, but it isn’t a multisignature protocol because it doesn’t require all participants to co-sign the same message. Instead, it aggregates different signatures on different messages across the transaction.

DahLIAS is also faster to verify than checking each signature individually, up to twice as fast in some cases. Lower verification costs make it easier for more people to run full nodes, which helps preserve Bitcoin’s decentralization over time.

Importantly, DahLIAS comes with strong cryptographic guarantees. The scheme includes formal security proofs. Earlier ‘folklore’ approaches to full signature aggregation lacked this, and some were even later shown to be insecure. Fortunately they weren’t adopted prematurely.

It’s worth repeating: DahLIAS is not a multisig protocol. It isn’t comparable to MuSig2 or FROST from a functional standpoint, even if it shares similar cryptographic building blocks. It serves a different purpose. It offers a new way to encode many independent approvals into one clean, verifiable package.

Future Directions

You might think: if DahLIAS is so powerful, why isn’t it a BIP? Why not propose it for Bitcoin consensus?

DahLIAS signatures don’t look like Schnorr or ECDSA signatures. The verification algorithm is different. Instead of taking a single public key, message, and signature, a DahLIAS verifier takes lists of public keys and messages, and a single 64-byte proof.

This makes DahLIAS incompatible with Bitcoin’s current consensus rules. Supporting it at the base layer would require a consensus change. This paper doesn’t propose that change, but it does something equally important.

This paper shows that a full signature aggregation scheme for Bitcoin’s native curve is possible.

That alone is a major step forward.

To make DahLIAS part of Bitcoin, someone would need to write a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP), maybe even using secp256k1lab. That means specifying the scheme in detail, considering its implications for consensus and implementation, and building community support. This paper lays the cryptographic foundation for that conversation.

The real value of the DahLIAS paper is what it proves. Full signature aggregation on secp256k1 is not just a thought experiment. It’s concrete. It’s efficient. It’s secure. For years, the idea lived in developer folklore. Now, it’s written down, analyzed, and proven. All that’s left is to bring it to Bitcoin—if we want it.

This is a guest post by Kiara Bickers. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.

This post Not ECDSA. Not Schnorr. Meet DahLIAS. first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Kiara Bickers.

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Texas Legislature Passes Bitcoin Reserve Bill

Texas has passed Senate Bill 21, a measure establishing the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This makes Texas the third U.S. state to adopt Bitcoin as part of its state investment strategy, following Arizona and New Hampshire. The bill, officially titled the “Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Investment Act”, has cleared both legislative chambers and now heads to Governor Greg Abbott’s desk for final approval.

SB21 authorizes the creation of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, a special fund outside the state treasury, which allows Texas to invest directly in Bitcoin and other approved cryptocurrencies, according to the legislation. The measure gives the State Treasurer full authority over the reserve’s administration, including acquiring, managing, staking, and potentially liquidating digital assets.

“The establishment of a strategic bitcoin reserve serves the public purpose of providing enhanced financial security to residents of this state,” declares the legislation.

The State Treasurer will manage the fund under strict conditions:

• Only cryptocurrencies with a 12-month average market cap of at least $500 billion can be purchased.
• Assets must be stored using “cold storage” technology to prevent unauthorized access. 
• Third-party partners, including qualified custodians and liquidity providers, may be contracted for operations.
• The use of staking, and derivatives is allowed if it benefits the reserve.

Funds can come from legislative appropriations, donations from Texas residents, and returns on investments. While the reserve operates independently, the State Treasurer can temporarily liquidate it for state cash management under limited conditions.

Governor Abbott has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill, but his past support of Bitcoin suggests a favorable outcome is likely.

“Texas is getting involved early on in this process because we see the future of what bitcoin and blockchain means to the entire world,” said Governor Abbott in an interview. “Texas wants to be the centerpiece of that. So we are promoting it, we are advancing it.”

When New Hampshire passed their bill on May 6, 2025, CEO and Co-Founder of Satoshi Action Dennis Porter remarked that it was just the beginning and now we’re seeing that vision unfold.

“Satoshi Action drafted the model, New Hampshire engraved it into law, and now every treasurer nationwide can follow that roadmap,” stated Dennis Porter on X. “HB 302 proves you can protect taxpayer money, diversify reserves, and future-proof state treasuries—all while embracing the most secure monetary network on Earth. New Hampshire didn’t just pass a bill; it sparked a movement.”

This post Texas Legislature Passes Bitcoin Reserve Bill first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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$10.4B Bitcoin Firm Unchained Announces First Regulated Bitcoin-Native Trust Company

Today, the State of Wyoming has officially chartered Gannett Trust Company, the first bitcoin-native trust company in the United States, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine. Backed by Unchained, a leader in bitcoin financial services, Gannett Trust is purpose-built to serve individuals, family offices, and businesses integrating bitcoin into estate and inheritance plans, investment portfolios, trusts, and treasury strategies.

The launch of Gannett Trust directly addresses a growing need for secure, compliant, bitcoin-native solutions for long-term wealth management. Estimates say around 3.7 million bitcoin may be lost forever, largely due to poor planning and the absence of trusted custodial tools. Gannett Trust seeks to prevent future loss by offering a suite of fiduciary services tailored to the unique needs of bitcoin holders. Gannett Trust will offer both qualified custody and non-custodial configurations, enabling clients to manage, protect, and transfer their bitcoin with confidence. Gannett Trust advances Unchained’s long-term vision of building a durable foundation for multigenerational Bitcoin wealth.

“Bitcoin is becoming a pillar of long-term wealth,” said CEO of Unchained Joe Kelly. “With Gannett Trust, we’re combining the regulatory clarity of a trust company with the proven security of Unchained’s collaborative custody – a major step forward for bitcoin as a generational asset that holders have been waiting for.”

Prioritizing sovereignty, control, compliance, Gannett Trust aims to equip families and businesses with clear, tax-optimized strategies tailored to every aspect of bitcoin-based planning and wealth management.

“Most trust companies don’t understand bitcoin, and most crypto custodians don’t offer true fiduciary services,” said CEO of Gannett Trust Joshua Preston. “Gannett Trust bridges the gap – giving existing bitcoin holders and those interested in allocating bitcoin a path to protect and grow their legacy.”

With the launch of Gannett Trust, Unchained adds another layer to its bitcoin-native infrastructure, contributing to the development of institutional tools designed to support the long-term custody and management of bitcoin wealth.

For more information about Gannett Trust, visit here.

This post $10.4B Bitcoin Firm Unchained Announces First Regulated Bitcoin-Native Trust Company first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Attendees At First New York City Crypto Summit Implore Mayor Adams To End The BitLicense

Today, New York City hosted its first ever crypto summit.

The event took place at Gracie Mansion, the mayor’s residence, and was attended by prominent figures from the crypto industry, many of whom are based in New York.

At the event, Mayor Adams made the case that he felt the attendees’ pain, stating that they’ve wrongfully been persecuted, and he claimed that it’s now safe for those in the Bitcoin and crypto industry to both speak up and set up shop in New York.

“Look how they’ve treated you,” said Mayor Adams.

“You were treated as though you were the enemy instead of the believers,” he added.

“You’ve been hiding in the shadows, afraid to come out — come out now.”

As Mayor Adams continued, he recommitted to making New York the “crypto capital of the world,” something he first claimed he’d do in 2021, though not much has materialized on this front since then.

New York has continued to be a jurisdiction that’s nearly impossible for Bitcoin and crypto start ups to do business in thanks to the BitLicense, a license required to operate a digital asset company within the state.

Obtaining a BitLicense often costs upwards of $100,000 and takes months, if not years, of cutting through red tape and hopping over bureaucratic hurdles to attain.

Most start ups don’t have the time or funds to obtain one.

So, when Mayor Adams and New York City’s Chief Technology Officer, Matthew Fraser, tasked the attendees at today’s event, with coming up with solutions that would help to make New York City a more crypto-friendly jurisdiction, many brought up the need to abolish the BitLicense — or to at least make New York City immune to its reach.

New York City As A Bitcoin And Crypto Sanctuary City

“To build a thriving [crypto] economy, we have to get rid of the BitLicense,” said one attendee. “We at least need to build a regulatory sandbox in New York City.”

Another attendee argued that “New York City should become a sanctuary city from the BitLicense.”

Attendees made comments like these after sessions of roundtable discussions during which the attendees discussed different issues related to Bitcoin and crypto before having a representative from their table share proposals with the room at large. (Because the attendees agreed to honor the Chatham House Rule, I cannot offer the names of those who spoke on behalf of their groups at the event. However, I can offer the names of the keynote speakers.)

Another attendee who said that New York should become a “crypto sanctuary city” pointed out that there is precedent for this, as the city allowed the cannabis industry to operate within its borders while the rest of the state did not.

Nick Spanos, who founded the first in-person exchange and the earliest in-person Bitcoin meeting space in New York City, the Bitcoin Center, in 2013, also made the case for New York as a crypto sanctuary city.

“We’re giving sanctuary to immigrants — we can give sanctuary to crypto companies,” he said in an impassioned tone.

Spanos went on to critique the BitLicense, calling into question its legitimacy.

“What kind of license is it when, after 12 years, there are only 30 of them?!” cried Spanos. “That’s an insider license!”

Now Is The Time To Pass Crypto Legislation In New York State

Galaxy CEO Mike Novogratz highlighted that now is the time for New York to pass legislation that will benefit the crypto industry.

“After five difficult years, DC has said let’s embrace this technology,” said Novogratz, alluding to the notion that New York should follow the federal government’s lead.

“New York State has not made crypto easy — it’s taken a long time for people to get licenses,” he added.

Novogratz also shared that the crypto industry is “ready for take off,” though he also put the onus on the industry to prove itself by creating products that provide real value to users.

He concluded by saying that, thus far, he’s only really seen value in Bitcoin and stablecoins.

On the topic of stablecoins, Brock Pierce, co-founder of Tether, called on Albany (New York’s capitol) to pass Assembly Bill 6266 and Senate Bill 3262, both of which would establish requirements for the creation and operation of limited purpose trust companies if enacted into law. Such a law would seemingly play a role in enabling Tether to operate in New York.

Other Suggestions For Crypto Applications From The Attendees

A number of attendees also suggested creating crypto products that would help offer financial services to New York City’s approximately 305,000 residents who do not have a bank account (though, none suggested including bitcoin in these services).

Many also stressed the importance of “crypto and blockchain education” within New York’s public school system.

Even Mayor Adams touched on this in his talk.

“Every young person in the DOE [Department of Education] should know about blockchain and crypto,” he said.

And one attendee suggested using blockchain to safeguard the city’s public records.

(I piggybacked on this idea by suggesting that the city consider employing Simple Proof, a company that utilizes the OpenTimestamps protocol on Bitcoin to safeguard public documents, including election results, to help safeguard its important documents.)

Call To Action

Mayor Adams said that when he, the “mayor of the greatest city on the globe,” starts talking about Bitcoin and crypto the rest of the world will pay attention.

For this reason, he said he wanted the best and brightest to help guide him as he broaches the topic.

At the conclusion of the event, attendees were asked to share their notes so that Adams’ team could review them and potentially call on certain attendees to help the mayor forge a more favorable regulatory path forward.

It seems his staff was primed to help, as Fraser asked the attendees to “help the city deregulate the industry.”

Only time will now tell if Mayor Adams and his team will follow through on working with the Bitcoin and crypto industry to make it easier for companies to operate in New York City, or if he’ll lose interest in such an initiative, like he did four years ago.

This post Attendees At First New York City Crypto Summit Implore Mayor Adams To End The BitLicense first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Frank Corva.

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The Blockchain Group Secures €8.6 Million to Boost Bitcoin Strategy

The Blockchain Group (ALTBG), listed on Euronext Growth Paris and known as Europe’s first Bitcoin Treasury Company, has announced a capital increase of approximately €8.6 million as it pushes forward with its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy. The funding was raised through two operations, a Reserved Capital Increase and a Private Placement, with both priced at €1.279 per share.

This price represents a 20.18% premium over the 20-day volume-weighted average share price but a 46.26% discount compared to the closing price on May 19, 2025, reflecting recent high share price volatility.

“The Company’s Board of Directors decided on May 19, 2025, using the delegated authority granted by the shareholders’ meeting held on February 21, 2025, under the terms of its 5th resolution, on an issuance, without pre-emptive rights for shareholders, of 3,368,258 new ordinary shares of the Company at a price of €1.2790 per share, including an issuance premium, representing a premium of approximately 20.18% compared to the weighted average of the twenty closing prices of ALTBG shares on Euronext Growth Paris preceding the decision of the Company’s Board of Directors, corresponding to a total subscription amount of €4,308,001.98,” said the press release. 

In the Reserved Capital Increase, 3.37 million shares were issued to selected investors, including Robbie van den Oetelaar, TOBAM Bitcoin Treasury Opportunities Fund, and Quadrille Capital, raising over €4.3 million. The Private Placement raised another €4.35 million via the issuance of 3.4 million shares, targeting qualified investors.

“The Board of Directors also decided on a capital increase without pre-emptive rights for shareholders through an offering exclusively targeting a limited circle of investors acting on their own behalf or qualified investor, ” stated the press release.

The funds will support The Blockchain Group’s ongoing strategy of accumulating Bitcoin and expanding its subsidiaries in data intelligence, AI, and decentralized tech. Following this capital increase, the company’s share capital stands at €4.37 million, divided into over 109 million shares.

“The funds raised through the Capital Increase will enable the Company to strengthen its Bitcoin Treasury Company strategy, consisting in the accumulation of Bitcoin, while continuing to develop the operational activities of its subsidiaries,” said the press release.

Additionally, on May 12, The Blockchain Group announced it secured approximately €12.1 million through a convertible bond issuance reserved for Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream.

This post The Blockchain Group Secures €8.6 Million to Boost Bitcoin Strategy first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Building FUN! on Bitcoin: Parker Day and Casey Rodarmor Talk Collaboration and the Future of On-Chain Art and Auctions

Parker Day and Casey Rodarmor’s FUN! Collection is an unprecedented synthesis of photographic maximalism and protocol-level innovation—a work that stands alone within the landscape of Bitcoin-native art. Saturated with Day’s bold color palette, surreal personas, and layered identity play, the collection is anchored by Rodarmor’s foundational role as the creator of the Ordinals protocol. Most notably, the series is inscribed directly under Inscription 0—the first inscription ever made using the Ordinals Protocol—marking it as an ontological outlier in the digital art canon. No other collection occupies this same foundational location on-chain, making FUN! a conceptual and technical landmark in Ordinals history.

Now expanded with new reflections from both collaborators, this interview explores the project’s deeper ideological dimensions—from the mechanics of trustless auctions to the ethics of artistic compensation, from pro wrestling and portraiture to capitalist generosity and the social roots of value. Together, Day and Rodarmor form a rare creative pairing: artist and dev, photographer and protocol architect, equal parts absurdity and rigor.

One of the collection’s most iconic works—featuring Rodarmor himself—is set to headline the Megalith.art auction, a Bitcoin-native sale structure that concludes on June 3rd and will be showcased at both Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas and its satellite event, Inscribing Vegas. The piece anchors a broader lineup that includes standout contributions from leading digital artists such as Post Wook, Coldie, Ryan Koopmans, FAR, Rupture, and Harto.

It’s less an interview than a glimpse into a high-voltage collaboration:

Parker, your photography is known for its bold color, eccentric characters, and fearless exploration of identity and persona. How did this collaboration with Casey come about, and what visual or cultural influences helped shape The FUN! Collection?

PARKER: Casey and I have known each other since high school. You could even say he was one of my first models—I shot his portrait for my sophomore year darkroom photography class. We kept in touch over the years, and in 2017 he encouraged me to turn my ICONS series into crypto art. I passed on that at the time, but in 2021 I did release an Ethereum NFT collection of ICONS. Right after that, Casey called me and said, “Yo! You need to go even bigger! Do 10k!” And I’m like, “You know these are all unretouched and shot on film, right?” But with his encouragement and funding, we figured out how to produce 1,000 unique portraits.

The visual and cultural influences behind FUN! are too numerous to name—just a mishmash of pop culture that’s been stewing in my brain since childhood.

The FUN! collection was released under a CC0 license, meaning anyone can reuse, remix, or recontextualize the work without restriction. In a project so rooted in persona, authorship, and performance, what led you to make that decision—and how do you think about authorship or artistic control in the context of open licensing on Bitcoin? What would you find interesting to see done with the collection beyond your original photography methodology? What kinds of reinterpretations or mutations of the collection would genuinely intrigue you?

PARKER: I love it. As an artist, once you create something and it leaves the studio, it’s out of your hands. The audience shapes the work in their own interpretations. You have no control over it. It seems silly to say “this is my IP, you can’t do anything with it.” We live in a world of memes, of reproduction ad infinitum. It seems anachronistic in today’s world to clutch copyright with an iron fist. And it’s perfectly in keeping with the ethos of Bitcoin to make the work CC0. In terms of value, the inscriptions are the scarce collectibles. Even more so than any editioned prints will ever be. Their inscriptions’ provenance is on chain, directly descended from inscription 0. 

There’s nothing in particular that I’d like to see or not like to see done with FUN! I just hope people find meaning in it, and make meaning from it. 

You two have an unusual creative relationship: artist and protocol dev, patron and co-conspirator. Casey, you basically invented a new medium to support Parker’s work. What does it mean to build something enduring together in a space that often prizes individualism?

CASEY: I love it. I mean—I really love it. Parker and I are super complementary. We each have our own strong wheelhouses, and we’re always engaging with each other’s work, but in this very chill, supportive way.

Like, when we’re shooting, I’ll tell her what I think looks cool or what might work well in the collection—but it’s never directive. It’s more like, “Hey, here’s some data. Do with it what you will.” And same goes for the technical stuff. We’ll talk about metadata, domains, the website layout—she gives me her thoughts, and it’s just… input. Take it or leave it.

We’re both so solid in our own lanes that it makes collaboration easy. There’s no weird insecurity. She’s the creative force behind the collection—I know that. I’m the technical backbone—and she knows that. That kind of clarity makes it fun.

And honestly, I’m just really proud of this partnership. We’ve been in each other’s lives in a positive way for so long—since high school. Parker’s given me Bitcoin haircuts. I was bugging her to do NFTs in 2017. Even when we’d go long stretches without talking, we always checked back in.

“Hey, how’s it going?”
“Saw you on Twitter.”
“Saw you on Instagram.”

It’s just one of those great, long-running collaborations that’s rooted in mutual respect—and a shared willingness to go weird.

Casey, did you draw on any past modeling experience—or take notes from Raph? And what was it like working under Parker’s direction: more Kubrick or camp counselor?

CASEY: I think I was pretty self-directed for the shoot. I wasn’t drawing on past modeling experience exactly—more like theater kid energy. I’ve always loved professional wrestling. It’s incredibly cool… and also incredibly formulaic, so I get bored if I watch too much. But every couple of years, I check back in, see what the storylines are.

For this shoot, I knew exactly how I wanted to ham it up—like a professional wrestler. That wild, sweaty, insane energy. The spiked ball pressed against my face. All the weird faces. American pro wrestling is super operatic, honestly.

The character I was channeling? Mostly Ultimate Warrior. Parker really nailed the eyes—those classic, intense Ultimate Warrior eyes. He wore wild makeup and had that jacked-up look. Ric Flair was another influence—mainly for the hair. He had this long blond hair, and when it got bloody in the ring, it looked insane.

As for Parker—definitely more camp counselor than Kubrick. She sets the scene: everything ready, hair and makeup dialed, wardrobe laid out. We talked through the costumes a bit. She’ll give direction, a few hints here and there—but it’s really up to the model to bring it.

You can include that (Casey snaps his fingers.)

Yeah. You know? You know.

The FUN! collection features an interactive website where visitors can filter portraits by mood, prop, background color—even astrological sign. What inspired that kind of functionality?

PARKER: Before FUN!, I had been thinking about an exhibition that grouped photos based on emotional expression. Even though the personas may appear wildly different, the core humanity is the same. I’ve always tried to equate disparate identities by shooting people in the same way—with simple fabric backdrops that strip away time and place.

The FUN! website (fun.film), reflects this idea: difference in sameness, or sameness in difference. It’s a tool for play—but also a way to reflect on identity in a fragmented age.

Casey, you’ve described yourself as a capitalist—but you’ve also given away tools for free and pursued an almost obsessive elegance in your work. How do you reconcile market belief with this ethic of generosity? And what does that tension mean for the future of Ordinals?

CASEY: There’s absolutely no tension—and that’s because most people just don’t understand what capitalism is. Like, I can’t even begin to unpack what people think capitalism means.

Capitalism simply means the means of production are privately controlled. That’s it. That’s the whole definition. The alternatives? You’ve got two: either (1) violent chaos, or (2) the government owns and allocates all capital. That’s it. Those are your three options.

So when people say they’re “anti-capitalist,” what they usually mean is: “I want the government to control who gets what.” I’m not about that. I’m a staunch capitalist. I allocate my own means of production—my computers, my resources, my energy—how I see fit, not how the state tells me to.

And sometimes? That allocation includes giving things away. That’s not anti-capitalist. If the government confiscated my stuff and handed it out? Sure, that’s anti-capitalist. But me choosing to make something—sometimes selling it, sometimes not—is 100% aligned with the spirit of capitalism.

People need to get with the program.

You asked about the tension between generosity and profit in Ordinals? There isn’t one. We’re social creatures. It’s great to make money—money’s fun. But the real magic is the people you meet along the way. You’re not gonna be on your deathbed wishing you made more money. You’ll wish you spent more time with people who matter.

The beauty of capitalism is that it gives us so much productivity that we can afford to be generous. You build so much surplus, you can finally do things that aren’t transactional—mentorship, gift-giving, weird creative stuff just because it feels good. That’s the bounty of capitalism. It enables non-market joy.

Honestly? The best moments in this space haven’t been about money. Yeah, the rare times I’ve made some have been fun. But the truly great stuff? The fun projects, the weird experiments, the friends. That’s the soul of it.

Like, if I had to live in some crummy little place—but had healthcare, enough to get by, and this incredible network of people and ideas—I’d take that any day over ten times the money and no friends.

So I hope the degens are listening.

Megalith.art’s auction model introduces a novel approach by leveraging atomic swaps for settlement. Could you elaborate on how this mechanism ensures trustless, on-chain finality for high-value digital art transactions, and how it contrasts with the delayed, custodial settlements typical of traditional auction houses like Sotheby’s or Christie’s?

CASEY: So, normally, when you swap goods—say you walk into a pottery store and want to buy a pot—you hand the guy a dollar. Now he’s got your money… but you don’t have the pot. He could just yell, “Get out!” and poof—you’re down a buck, no pottery.

Or maybe he gives you the pot first, but you don’t hand over the dollar. You run out the door. Same problem. This is what we’d call a non-atomic swap—one party has to trust the other to follow through.

Bitcoin changes that. With Bitcoin, you can set up atomic swaps. Meaning: the artist gives up the art and the buyer gives up the bitcoin, and either both things happen or neither do. Fully trustless.

It doesn’t guarantee the art will sell, but if it does, the artist definitely gets paid. And the buyer definitely gets the piece. No middlemen. No weird escrow.

What’s even better is that in this setup—like the way we’re doing it with Megalith—you can literally see the platform’s cut. It’s all baked in and visible. Super transparent. No funny business. It’s just… a great way to do things.

Megalith.art implements immediate, protocol-level split payments to artists and collaborators, minimizing KYC exposure and reducing reliance on centralized intermediaries. How does this system enhance transparency and efficiency in artist compensation compared to the conventional post-auction invoicing and payout processes?

CASEY: Yeah, the problem with traditional auctions is they’re just super opaque. Every artist ends up negotiating a different deal with the auction house. If you’re selling a high-value piece, maybe you can negotiate a better cut. But if you’re a newer artist—or your work sells for less—you’re probably giving up a bigger chunk.

What we’re doing here is way more transparent. It doesn’t mean you can’t do variable arrangements in theory—but in this case, everyone’s getting the same cut, and you can see that they’re getting the same cut. I think that matters—a lot.

I’ve done events before, usually VJing, and sometimes I’ve done it for free. Then I’d find out later that some of the DJs got paid, and I didn’t. That sucks. It just puts a bad taste in your mouth. Either everyone gets paid, or no one gets paid—especially if it’s supposed to be a volunteer thing. I feel pretty strongly about that.

Same goes for auctions. Some artists will sell for more than others—that’s fine. But they should all get the same percentage cut. That should be enforced on-chain, and it should be fully transparent.

With this system, you can actually see what each artist is getting from each auction. That’s how it should be.

See more from Parker and Casey at Inscribing Vegas on May 27th, and the Bitcoin Conference Las Vegas May 27–29th. Bidding for all Megalith.art auction lots concludes June 3rd.

Want to experience it in person? The Bitcoin Week pass gives you full access to both Bitcoin 2025 and Inscribing Vegas—plus top-tier afterparties: https://b.tc/conference/2025/bitcoin-week

This post Building FUN! on Bitcoin: Parker Day and Casey Rodarmor Talk Collaboration and the Future of On-Chain Art and Auctions first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Dennis Koch.

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Magic Eden Partners with Spark to Bring Fast, Cheap Bitcoin Settlements

Magic Eden is integrating with Spark to improve Bitcoin trading by addressing issues like slow transaction times, high fees, and poor user experience. According to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine, the integration will introduce a native settlement system aimed at making transactions faster and more cost-effective, without using bridges or synthetic assets.

The integration will enable users to buy, sell, and earn Bitcoin-native assets more efficiently through Spark’s infrastructure, starting with support for stablecoin-to-BTC swaps and expanding to additional use cases over time.

Spark is built entirely on Bitcoin’s base layer. It provides transaction finality in under a second and fees below one cent.

“We’re proud to be betting on BTC DeFi,” said the CEO of Magic EdenJack Lu. “We’re going to lead the forefront of all Bitcoin DeFi to make BTC fast, fun, and for everyone with Magic Eden as the #1 BTC native app on-chain.”

The collaboration between Spark and Magic Eden will officially begin at BitGala on May 26th. At this event, they will host a joint gathering to mark their partnership and engage with the Bitcoin community. This event will also serve as the starting point for further integration, the development of new tools for developers, and expanded opportunities within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

“Spark is a completely agnostic protocol, it’s  purpose-built for developers to create the next generation of financial applications,” said the CEO & Co-founder of Lightspark David Marcus. “We’re incredibly excited to see Magic Eden building the future of on-chain Bitcoin DeFi directly on Spark.”

This post Magic Eden Partners with Spark to Bring Fast, Cheap Bitcoin Settlements first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Standard Chartered Backs $500K Bitcoin Target, Citing Growing Government Exposure Through MSTR

Sovereign investment in Bitcoin is accelerating—just not always in the most direct way. In a new report, Standard Chartered Bank says indirect exposure via Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) is quietly increasing among government entities, reinforcing the bank’s long-standing price prediction that Bitcoin will reach $500,000 before President Donald Trump leaves office in 2029.

“The latest 13F data from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) supports our core thesis that Bitcoin (BTC) will reach the $500,000 level before Trump leaves office as it attracts a wider range of institutional buyers,” wrote Geoffrey Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s global head of digital assets research. “As more investors gain access to the asset and as volatility falls, we believe portfolios will migrate towards their optimal level from an underweight starting position in BTC.”

Q1 13F filings revealed a slowdown in direct bitcoin ETF buying—Wisconsin’s state fund exited its entire 3,400 BTC-equivalent IBIT position—while government-linked purchases of MSTR shares were on the rise. Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, for instance, upped its IBIT exposure to 5,000 BTC equivalent, but Kendrick says the bigger story is elsewhere.

“We believe that in some cases, MSTR holdings by government entities reflect a desire to gain Bitcoin exposure where local regulations do not allow direct BTC holdings,” he said.

France and Saudi Arabia took first-time MSTR positions in Q1. Meanwhile, Norway’s Government Pension Fund, the Swiss National Bank, and South Korea’s public funds each added exposure equivalent to 700 BTC. U.S. retirement funds in states like California and New York added a combined 1,000 BTC equivalent via MSTR. Kendrick called the trend “very encouraging.”

“The quarterly 13F data is the best test of our thesis that BTC will attract new institutional buyer types as the market matures, helping the price reach our USD 500,000 level,” Kendrick said. “When institutions buy Bitcoin, prices tend to rise.”

This isn’t Kendrick’s first bullish call. Last month, he admitted his prior $120K forecast for Q2 2025 was “too low,” citing surging inflows into U.S. spot BTC ETFs—totaling $5.3 billion over just three weeks. At the time, Kendrick revised his 2025 year-end target to $200,000.

Standard Chartered’s latest analysis shows that Bitcoin’s role in institutional portfolios is maturing beyond tech volatility correlation—now increasingly seen as a macro hedge. “It is now all about flows,” Kendrick said. “And flows are coming in many forms.” 

This post Standard Chartered Backs $500K Bitcoin Target, Citing Growing Government Exposure Through MSTR first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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