$ETH Subject: SoftBank Buys Bitcoin, Fed Eases Crypto Rules & Solana in the Spotlight | Weekly Highlights
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Weekly Market Highlights
SoftBank Enters the Bitcoin Game | 25 April 2025
Brought to you by Binance Research
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Macro & Traditional Finance
U.S.-China Trade Easing?
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signals that steep tariffs on China may not be sustainable. The Trump administration is reportedly open to softening the trade war—bringing a sigh of relief to investors worried about a looming recession.
Bitcoin as a Hedge
Standard Chartered reports that Bitcoin is regaining attention as a hedge against systemic financial risk, especially with concerns rising around the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
Big Bitcoin Move: SoftBank + Tether + Cantor Fitzgerald
The launch of Twenty One Capital, a $3.6B entity born from Cantor Fitzgerald's merger with Cantor Equity Partners, marks a major institutional bet on Bitcoin. With over 42,000 BTC, it’s now the third-largest Bitcoin treasury in the world.
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Crypto & Blockchain Highlights
Layer 1 / Layer 2 Buzz
SOL on Fire
SOL Strategies secures $500M in convertible notes to grow its Solana holdings.
Upexi is raising $100M, with the lion’s share going to Solana accumulation. $5.3M will be used for debt reduction and working capital.
Ethereum Scaling Upgrade: Scroll’s ‘Euclid’
Scroll rolls out a major Layer 2 upgrade that promises 90% lower fees and better security and throughput.
Beyond the Chains
DWF Labs Backs Mask Network
With a $5M investment, DWF Labs is betting on Mask Network to help bridge web2 and web3 with user-owned digital platforms.
Truth.Fi + Crypto.com = “Made in America” ETFs
Trump Media’s fintech arm joins forces with Crypto.com to launch ETFs focused on U.S. digital assets and energy. Offered through Foris Capital US LLC.
Fed Softens Stance on Crypto
In a major policy shift, the U.S. Federal Reserve has lifted 2022 restrictions on banks engaging with crypto and stablecoins. As of April 24, state banks no longer need to give prior notice for crypto
