Michael Saylor Buys $742M in Bitcoin, Growing Total Holdings to $46B

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📈 Preview On Today’s News:

1. - Michael Saylor Buys $742M in Bitcoin, Growing Total Holdings to $46B

2. - Ripple Expands Cross-Border Payments to Portugal with Unicâmbio Deal 

3. - 27 U.S. States Push for Bitcoin Reserve Legislation Amid Regulatory Hurdles 

Keep reading below for more!

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Today’s News:

1)

Michael Saylor Buys $742M in Bitcoin, Growing Total Holdings to $46B

Michael Saylor’s rebranded firm, Strategy, has continued its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation, purchasing 7,633 BTC for $742 million at an average price of $97,255 per BTC. This latest acquisition brings the company’s total Bitcoin holdings to 478,740 BTC, valued at approximately $46 billion. The firm recently raised $563 million through a preferred share offering, reinforcing its ambitious Bitcoin treasury strategy, which aims to accumulate over $42 billion in BTC over the next two years.

• Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has acquired 7,633 BTC for $742 million, increasing its total holdings to 478,740 BTC worth $46 billion.

• The company’s Bitcoin treasury strategy includes raising $42 billion over the next two years, with $563 million recently secured from a preferred share offering.

2)

Ripple Expands Cross-Border Payments to Portugal with Unicâmbio Deal 

Ripple has announced a strategic partnership with Unicâmbio to introduce cross-border payment solutions between Portugal and Brazil, marking its first client in Portugal. This expansion strengthens Ripple’s presence in Southern Europe, utilizing blockchain technology to enhance transaction efficiency, reduce costs, and speed up money transfers between the two nations. Ripple’s UK & European managing director, Cassie Craddock, emphasized the significance of this milestone, highlighting Portugal’s growing crypto ecosystem and the economic ties shared with Brazil. Unicâmbio board member Adriana Jeronimo noted that blockchain integration will improve financial transactions by making them near-instant and more cost-effective.

• Ripple's partnership with Unicâmbio enables blockchain-powered cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil, reducing costs and improving speed.

• This marks Ripple’s first client in Portugal and a key step in its European expansion, leveraging Portugal’s growing crypto ecosystem to enhance financial connectivity with Brazil.

3)

27 U.S. States Push for Bitcoin Reserve Legislation Amid Regulatory Hurdles 

A growing movement across the U.S. sees 27 states introducing bills to establish Bitcoin reserves, allowing up to 10% of state funds to be invested in BTC. Pennsylvania led the charge in November 2024, with states like Maryland, Kentucky, Iowa, and Ohio following suit. Despite this momentum, regulatory challenges remain, as concerns over Bitcoin's volatility and fiscal policies pose hurdles for lawmakers. Critics, including former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes, warn that these reserves could become political tools, further destabilizing BTC prices. However, supporters argue that widespread adoption at the state level could lay the groundwork for future federal Bitcoin reserves.

• 27 U.S. states have introduced Bitcoin reserve bills, with Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky, and Iowa leading efforts to integrate BTC into state financial policies.

• While supporters see it as a step toward broader adoption, critics warn of potential political manipulation and regulatory roadblocks.

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4)

South Korean Lawmaker Acquitted in Crypto Disclosure Case

South Korean lawmaker Kim Nam-kuk has been acquitted of charges related to concealing his cryptocurrency holdings, as a court ruled he was not legally required to disclose them at the time. Judge Jeong Woo-Yong of the Southern Seoul District Court found Kim not guilty of obstructing public duty by deceit, rejecting prosecutors’ claims that he hid assets worth $6.8 million while officially reporting only $834,000 in 2021. Prosecutors had sought a six-month prison sentence, arguing he evaded financial disclosure rules and obstructed legislative reviews. However, the court determined that cryptocurrency was not classified as a registered asset under South Korea’s Public Service Ethics Act at the time. Despite being cleared, prosecutors may still appeal, and the case has ignited debate over lawmakers' ethical responsibilities regarding crypto holdings and financial transparency.

• A South Korean court ruled that lawmaker Kim Nam-kuk did not have a legal obligation to disclose his cryptocurrency holdings, acquitting him of charges of obstructing public duty.

• The case has sparked discussions on lawmakers' financial transparency and ethical responsibilities regarding crypto ownership, with prosecutors considering an appeal.

5)

Metaplanet’s Bitcoin Bet Pays Off: $36M Gain and 3,600% Stock Surge

Metaplanet Inc. has reported a $36 million unrealized gain from its Bitcoin holdings in its 2024 financial results, with Bitcoin now comprising over 65% of its total revenue. Originally a hotel developer, the company pivoted to Bitcoin investment amid Japan’s economic uncertainty, leading to a 500% increase in shareholders, reaching 50,000 investors. Its stock has surged 3,600% over the past year, making it Japan’s fastest-growing stock. To expand its Bitcoin treasury, Metaplanet plans to raise $750 million through a 21-million-share issuance, targeting 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026. Additionally, it is integrating its hotel business into its Bitcoin strategy, rebranding a Tokyo hotel as “The Bitcoin Hotel” to host investor events.

• Metaplanet’s Bitcoin-focused strategy drove a $36M gain and a 3,600% stock surge, attracting 50,000 investors, largely due to Japan’s NISA tax-free investment program.

• The company plans to raise $750M to expand its Bitcoin holdings and is integrating its hotel business, renaming a Tokyo hotel as “The Bitcoin Hotel” to align with its crypto-driven vision.

6)

Klarna Embraces Crypto: CEO Confirms Plans for Integration 

Swedish fintech giant Klarna, valued at $14.8 billion, has announced plans to integrate cryptocurrencies into its platform. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski revealed the decision in a post on X, stating, “I give up. Klarna and me will embrace crypto! More to come.” While the specifics of Klarna's crypto adoption remain unclear, Siemiatkowski emphasized that the process may take time. The move follows increasing crypto adoption by other fintech firms like Robinhood, Venmo, and Revolut. Klarna, a leading "buy now, pay later" platform, has over 85 million users and $100 billion in transaction volume, with Sequoia Capital holding a 22% stake.

• Klarna’s CEO confirmed the company’s plans to integrate crypto but noted that implementation details are still being explored.

• With 85 million users and a $14.8 billion valuation, Klarna joins other fintech giants in embracing digital assets.

7)

North Carolina Joins State-Led Push for Crypto Investments 

North Carolina has introduced a bill proposing to allocate up to 10% of its general and highway funds into digital assets, making it the 19th U.S. state considering public investment in cryptocurrency. The bill, backed by Speaker of the House Destin Hall, limits investments to high-market-cap assets, currently only qualifying Bitcoin. This move follows a broader national trend, influenced by federal discussions on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve initiated by former President Donald Trump. While no state legislation has yet passed, Utah’s bill has advanced through its state house, and 23 states are now actively exploring crypto investment strategies, particularly within retirement funds.

• North Carolina's proposed bill would allocate up to 10% of public funds into high-market-cap crypto, currently only Bitcoin, following a broader trend among U.S. states.

• With 23 states now weighing crypto investment legislation and Utah leading the charge, the push reflects growing institutional interest, influenced by federal-level discussions on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

8)

GBTC Rebounds After Six-Day Losing Streak Amid Market Turmoil

Shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF (GBTC) surged 1.62% to $77.08 on Monday, ending a six-day losing streak driven by risk-off sentiment following new tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canada, Mexico, and China. Despite the broader market downturn, GBTC has gained over 4% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500. Hedge fund Elliott warned that Trump’s strong embrace of crypto could fuel a speculative bubble, raising concerns about future market stability. Seeking Alpha’s Quant rating maintains a “Strong Buy” score of 4.70 on the ETF, while analysts remain cautious, rating it a "Hold."

• GBTC rose 1.62% on Monday, snapping a six-day losing streak caused by market fears over new U.S. tariffs.

• Despite volatility, GBTC has gained 4% year-to-date, with mixed analyst sentiment as Seeking Alpha rates it a “Strong Buy,” but others suggest a cautious "Hold."

9)

Korea Exchange Chief Pushes for Urgent Crypto ETF Approval

Jung Eun-bo, Chairman of the Korea Exchange, has called for the swift approval of cryptocurrency ETFs in South Korea to modernize its financial market and align with global trends. Citing the nation's status as the third-largest player in real crypto transactions, Jung stressed the need to allow both futures and spot ETFs, similar to the U.S., to attract institutional investments and prevent the market from lagging behind. He also highlighted South Korea’s struggling stock market, urging regulatory reforms to eliminate failing companies, strengthen investor protections, and encourage financial innovation. With leading firms like BlackRock and Fidelity driving crypto ETF adoption worldwide, Jung insists South Korea must act quickly to remain competitive.

• Korea Exchange Chairman Jung Eun-bo is pushing for cryptocurrency ETF approvals, arguing they will modernize the financial sector and attract institutional investors.

• Highlighting South Korea’s lagging stock market, Jung also advocates for regulatory reforms to eliminate weak firms and promote investor-friendly financial policies.

10)

Vance Challenges Federal Judge’s Authority Over DOGE Case

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is questioning the power of federal judges after a court ruling blocked the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing U.S. Treasury data. The ruling, issued by Judge Paul Engelmayer, followed a lawsuit by 19 Democratic-led states arguing that Musk’s department lacked legal authority to handle sensitive government information. Vance criticized the decision as judicial overreach, comparing it to a judge interfering with military operations. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has escalated tensions by calling for the impeachment of federal judges, arguing that barring DOGE from accessing Treasury systems obstructs Trump’s cost-cutting reforms. With multiple lawsuits challenging Trump’s policies, legal experts anticipate some cases may reach the Supreme Court.

• JD Vance criticized a federal judge’s ruling that blocked Musk’s DOGE department from accessing U.S. Treasury data, calling it judicial overreach.

• Musk has called for the impeachment of federal judges, arguing that their rulings obstruct Trump’s cost-cutting reforms, with legal experts expecting further challenges in the Supreme Court.

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