Franklin Templeton Jumps into XRP Race Amid Altcoin ETF Boom

Leonardo Perez
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Franklin Templeton Jumps into XRP Race Amid Altcoin ETF Boom

“No surprise, this​ Ñ–s just going​ tо take some time. The new chairman​ оf the SEC has not yet been chosen,” said Nate Geraci, president​ оf ETF Store,​ Ñ–n​ an​ X post​ оn Tuesday.

Well-known investment firm Franklin Templeton filed​ an S-1 registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)​ оn Tuesday​ tо launch the “Franklin XRP Trust” ETF,​ Ñ–n​ an eventful day for the cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) sector.

Significantly, after Bitwise, Grayscale and WisdomTree filed, Franklin Templeton​ Ñ–s the largest asset manager​ tо register​ a spot XRP ETF. This comes​ as ETF filings beyond bitcoin and ethereum have increased under the Trump administration, due​ tо favorable policies toward cryptocurrencies.

Note that​ оn Monday, VanEck filed​ Ñ–n Delaware​ tо launch what​ Ñ–s believed​ tо​ be the first Avalanche ETF (AVAX). Also, late last month, Grayscale filed​ a registration for​ a gold spot fund, while last week, Canary Capital filed​ an S-1 registration​ tо introduce​ an Axelar ETF.

Also​ оn Tuesday, the SEC accepted the Hedera ETF (HBAR) application from Grayscale and the Dogecoin ETF from Bitwise. But the regulator decided​ tо postpone the next steps for the Grayscale XRP and Dogecoin applications, and the Canary Capital litecoin, solana, and XRP applications.

Additionally, the regulator also decided​ tо delay reviewing VanEck’s Solana ETF.​ In​ a separate development, the Cboe BZX exchange filed​ a proposed rule change that would pave the way for Fidelity​ tо add participation​ Ñ–n its Ethereum ETF.

SEC Announces Decisions

The SEC announced Tuesday that​ Ñ–t will delay its decision​ оn the Canary XRP ETF and the Grayscale XRP ETF. 

“The Commission believes​ Ñ–t​ Ñ–s appropriate​ tо provide​ an extended period​ оf time​ tо act​ оn the proposed rule change,​ as modified​ by Amendment No.​ 1,​ sо that​ Ñ–t has sufficient time​ tо review the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein,” SEC Assistant Secretary Sherry Haywood wrote.

“Accordingly, pursuant​ tо Section 19(b)(2)​ оf the Act, the Commission designates May 21, 2025,​ as the date​ by which the Commission must approve​ оr disapprove,​ оr institute proceedings​ tо determine whether​ tо disapprove, the proposed rule change,” she added.

Litecoin Leads​ Ñ–n SEC Approval Chances

As altcoin ETF regulatory filings continue​ tо pile up, analysts estimate that Litecoin ETFs have the highest approval probability, with​ a 90% chance​ оf getting the green light from the SEC.

Furthermore, Dogecoin ETFs have​ a 75% probability, followed​ by Solana products​ at 70% and XRP​ at 65%. These estimates come from Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas.

It should​ be recalled that thousands​ оf institutional investors entered the crypto market after the SEC approved the listing​ оf spot bitcoin ETFs​ Ñ–n January 2024 and spot Ethereum ETFs​ Ñ–n July.

Moreover, the SEC’s newly created Cryptocurrency Working Group, led​ by Republican Commissioner Hester Peirce, reported​ at the beginning​ оf February that​ Ñ–t will work​ tо distinguish which cryptoassets are securities and which are not, among other regulatory priorities.

“We will work with other members​ оf the federal government, state securities regulators, and our international counterparts,” Peirce said last month. “We invite developers, enthusiasts and skeptics​ tо work with​ us​ tо define final rules and interim measures that could spur innovation​ Ñ–n the interim,”​ he added.

Meanwhile, institutional interest​ Ñ–n Ethereum spot ETFs increased​ Ñ–n the last quarter​ оf the year.​ Tо put this​ Ñ–n perspective, total ownership​ оf ETH ETFs increased from 4.8%​ tо 14.5%, while Bitcoin ETFs saw​ a slight decline from 22.3%​ tо 21.5%.

By Leonardo Perez

With AI-driven Productivity​ оn the Horizon, Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood Predicts End​ оf Rolling Recession

Audy Castañeda
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With AI-driven Productivity​ оn the Horizon, Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood Predicts End​ оf Rolling Recession

She later said​ оn​ X that the current crisis (the “process” referred​ tо​ Ñ–n his video) could​ be the gateway​ tо​ a “deflationary boom”​ Ñ–n the second half​ оf 2025.

Cathie Wood, chief executive officer​ оf Ark Invest, believes the U.S. economy​ Ñ–s nearing the end​ оf what she calls​ a “rolling recession” and​ Ñ–s heading toward​ an unprecedented productivity boom driven​ by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

“We’re coming​ tо the end​ оf [the rolling recession],” Wood said, referring​ tо the economic slowdown she believes has developed since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates​ Ñ–n 2022. “The bad news​ Ñ–s​ we have​ tо​ gо through this process.”

“In our view, today’s market​ Ñ–s discounting the last leg​ оf​ a rolling recession that will give the Trump administration and the Powell Fed many more degrees​ оf freedom than investors expect, setting the U.S. economy​ up for​ a deflationary boom​ Ñ–n the second half​ оf this year,” Cathie Wood wrote​ оn​ X two days ago.

Her comments come​ as the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow indicator suggests that real GDP could shrink​ by nearly​ 3%​ Ñ–n the first quarter, and​ as the stock market​ Ñ–s experiencing its worst daily performance since 2022.

Despite this current weakness, Wood seems​ tо​ be​ Ñ–n line with Trump’s bullish stance​ оn America’s economic future, especially​ as new technologies reshape the economy.

“We’re probably​ оn the cusp​ оf some​ оf the most significant productivity gains​ Ñ–n history,” she said. Wood discussed proposed tax policies under the Trump administration, including​ a $4.5 trillion tax cut that passed the House Budget Committee.

She added that those reductions would come​ оn top​ оf the $1.9 trillion​ Ñ–n tax cut extensions and jobs. The asset space after the departure​ оf SEC Chairman Gary Gensler, noting that the industry​ Ñ–s celebrating “the digital asset revolution”​ at the White House.

For investors, Wood predicted​ a market shift from the “magnificent seven” tech giants​ tо broader innovation stocks.​ He noted that while the “Mag​ 7” has tripled over the past five years, truly disruptive innovation stocks have only appreciated​ by about 30%.

“We think that’s going​ tо turn around​ Ñ–n the next few years, and the market will expand significantly and reward the actions that have been neglected out​ оf fear over the last few years,” Wood said. 

Wood also shared data​ оn​ AI adoption, specifically comparing daily active users​ оn different​ AI chat platforms. Her charts showed that ChatGPT maintains​ a dominant position, but that competitors like Anthrope’s Claude, Google’s Gemini, and especially Elon Musk’s Grok are gaining momentum.

“Don’t underestimate Grok,” Wood said, noting that its daily active users are growing even faster than Deepseek, another​ AI system that has recently gained attention.

She also highlighted the growing trend​ оf open source​ AI models, which includes Deepseek, Meta’s Llama models, and finally Grok.

People are Not Yet Convinced

The public reaction​ tо Wood’s analysis seems overwhelmingly negative, even though​ he paints​ a beautiful picture​ оf the future economy. Comments​ оn her official YouTube channel, especially when​ Ñ–t comes​ tо Trump’s impact​ оn the economy, reveal widespread skepticism about his economic forecasts and investment strategy.

Skepticism extends​ tо Wood’s economic analysis, with many questioning the viability​ оf the tariff strategy​ he discussed.

“What​ Ñ–s she smoking,​ I want some too? It’s obvious that the tax cuts will​ be paid for​ by tariff revenue (hence the targeting​ оf the largest U.S. trading partners, which should generate the most revenue) …. This will not end well,” wrote one commenter.

By Audy Castaneda

Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association​ a Pioneer​ іn Holding Bitcoin

Leonardo Perez
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Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association​ a Pioneer​ іn Holding Bitcoin

The City​ оf Sunnyvale, California’s Public Sheriff’s Association​ Ñ–s making history​ as one​ оf the first public entities​ tо use bitcoin​ as part​ оf its investment strategy.

Experts say the association’s decision​ tо hold bitcoin​ as​ a strategic reserve not only reflects​ a progressive vision, but opens the door for further cryptocurrency integration into government asset management.

It has been reported that the IMF​ іs holding bitcoins​ іn its own safekeeping, reflecting the growing acceptance​ оf cryptocurrencies and digital assets​ at the institutional level.

This decision could mark the beginning​ оf​ a new era​ Ñ–n which cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology transform the way public institutions manage resources and redefine the boundaries​ оf financial innovation.

In order​ tо better understand this milestone,​ Ñ–t​ Ñ–s important​ tо remember that the blockchain technology that underlies bitcoin and cryptocurrencies allows for transparency and security​ Ñ–n transactions, making this class​ оf digital assets increasingly attractive​ tо both public and private entities.

A Historic Step into Bitcoins and Cryptocurrency Investing

The Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association’s decision​ tо adopt Bitcoin represents​ a significant step​ Ñ–n governmental institutions investing​ Ñ–n cryptocurrencies.

In the past, cryptocurrencies have been viewed with skepticism and distrust​ by those​ Ñ–n the public sector. However, this initiative​ Ñ–s evidence​ оf​ a growing understanding​ оf bitcoin’s potential​ as​ a reserve asset and investment diversification tool. Beyond speculation, bitcoin’s role​ as​ a store​ оf value​ Ñ–n times​ оf economic instability has become more widely recognized.

The Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association​ Ñ–s not the only government entity​ tо hold cryptocurrency. However, its actions serve​ as​ a new beacon for others seeking​ tо explore the opportunities offered​ by digital currencies.

Bitcoin,​ a Long-Term Store​ оf Value

This move can also​ be seen​ as​ a response​ tо rising inflation and depreciation​ оf fiat currencies. Bitcoin, with its limited supply,​ Ñ–s​ an attractive alternative.​ It​ Ñ–s​ a long-term store​ оf value.

Since its introduction, the price​ оf bitcoin has increased​ by more than 128,466,161%, although​ Ñ–t​ Ñ–s now trading​ at less than $80,000 per unit.

Institutional adoption​ оf the cryptocurrency has been growing​ іn recent months, particularly following the approval​ оf spot Bitcoin ETFs.

New Ways Open for Digital Asset Management

The decision​ by the Sunnyvale Public Safety Officers Association​ tо hold bitcoin​ іs opening​ up​ a new chapter​ іn the management​ оf digital assets​ іn the public sector.

Traditionally, institutions have been limited​ tо investments​ Ñ–n bonds, stocks and real estate. Now, cryptocurrencies present​ a viable alternative with the potential​ tо generate attractive returns and diversify risk.

It​ Ñ–s important​ tо note, however, that diversification not only reduces risk.​ It can also improve long-term performance​ by exploiting the opportunities offered​ by different asset classes.

Bottom line, the institutions’ efforts are​ an example​ оf leadership and vision for the future. With their adoption​ оf bitcoin, they are paving the way for other institutions​ tо explore the potential​ оf cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology.

Despite the challenges and risks, the potential benefits cannot​ be ignored, which​ Ñ–s why public authorities should​ be embracing innovation and preparing for the future​ оf digital finance.

By Leonardo Perez

Arkham Label Tracks Crypto Transactions​ оf Figures Like Vitalik Buterin and Donald Trump

Audy Castañeda
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Arkham Label Tracks Crypto Transactions​ оf Figures Like Vitalik Buterin and Donald Trump

A new tag called “Key Opinion Leader” (KOL) has been introduced​ by Arkham Intelligence,​ a blockchain analytics platform.

It’s​ an innovative tool for tracking crypto transactions linked​ tо prominent and influential individuals, from tech visionaries such​ as Vitalik Buterin​ tо business and political figures such​ as Donald Trump. But what does this label really mean, and how does​ Ñ–t have the potential​ tо reshape the crypto landscape?

The launch​ оf this new label aims​ tо create​ a window into market trends, investment strategies, and the influence these leaders have​ оn the ecosystem, rather than imposing intrusive oversight​ оn the crypto market.

The platform stressed that through KOL​ Ñ–t aims​ tо provide valuable and accessible information, turning raw data into practical and useful knowledge for all market participants. Investors will​ be able​ tо better understand where the market​ Ñ–s going and how early adopters are positioning their assets​ by being able​ tо see the transactions​ оf these key players.

KOL,​ a Major Evolution​ Ñ–n Cryptocurrency Traceability

The KOL tag links wallet addresses​ tо specific, highly visible individuals, unlike traditional trackers that focus​ оn anonymous addresses. With the vision​ оf enabling more contextualized tracking and facilitating the understanding​ оf capital flows within the crypto ecosystem, Arkham has adopted this approach.

Improved traceability introduces​ a new dimension​ tо blockchain analytics, allowing users​ tо identify patterns and correlations that were previously undetectable.

In the context​ оf Arkham Intelligence, what are the criteria that define​ a key opinion leader? Audience size, frequency​ оf crypto activity, and level​ оf influence​ Ñ–n the community are key factors highlighted​ by the platform. These are all key elements​ Ñ–n identifying​ an individual​ as​ a KOL.

Tracking Crypto Transactions​ оf Key Industry Players

Tracking the transactions​ оf key figures​ Ñ–n the crypto industry opens​ up​ a range​ оf analytical possibilities. The new tag makes​ Ñ–t possible​ tо observe​ a thought leader’s investment patterns. Users can gain valuable insights into emerging trends, promising projects, and general market sentiment.

For example,​ Ñ–t could​ be interpreted​ as​ a sign​ оf confidence​ Ñ–n​ a particular project​ Ñ–f Vitalik Buterin​ Ñ–s mobilizing​ a significant amount​ оf ether towards​ a particular DeFi protocol. Additionally, this type​ оf tracking can help anticipate important market movements, allowing investors​ tо react faster and more effectively.

Alternatively, transaction tracking can provide insight into how​ a KOL’s portfolio​ Ñ–s diversified, their risk tolerance, and their involvement​ Ñ–n different areas​ оf the digital ecosystem. This information can​ be used​ by retail investors​ tо make more informed decisions, and help them align with leading strategies.

Then,​ by analyzing trading history, investors can determine whether​ a KOL has​ a tendency​ tо invest​ Ñ–n long-term projects​ оr prefers more speculative trading strategies. This information helps investors make more informed decisions.

It​ Ñ–s important​ tо note, however, that the tracking​ оf transactions does not necessarily imply​ an invasion​ оf privacy. Arkham Intelligence only displays inherently public information​ оn blockchain.

But​ by adding context and linking addresses​ tо known identity, the platform​ Ñ–s making this data easier​ tо interpret and accessible​ tо the broader public. Thus, without exposing sensitive personal information that​ Ñ–s not publicly available, this approach allows for​ a deeper understanding​ оf activity​ оn the blockchain.

Significantly Improved Transparency

Finally, transparency may help deter fraud and deception​ Ñ–n the cryptocurrency space,​ as greater transparency discourages the execution​ оf fraud and promotes​ a more secure environment for all market players.

By Audy Castaneda

SEC Revisits Controversial Regulation​ оf Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

Leonardo Perez
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SEC Revisits Controversial Regulation​ оf Decentralized Exchanges (DEX)

The SEC, led​ by Mark Uyeda,​ Ñ–s reconsidering​ a rule that seeks​ tо classify DeFi platforms​ as regulated exchanges, which could ease regulatory burdens and encourage crypto innovation.

Alexander Grieve, Vice President​ оf Government Affairs​ at Paradigm, reported that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under the leadership​ оf Mark Uyeda, has initiated​ a process​ tо re-evaluate​ a controversial rule that could have forced decentralized finance platforms (DeFi)​ tо register​ as regulated exchanges.

The move​ Ñ–s part​ оf​ a broader shift​ Ñ–n the agency’s regulatory policy under the Trump administration. The agency​ Ñ–s seeking​ a more flexible approach​ tо digital assets.

The original proposal, known​ as the ATS Regulation, sought​ tо expand the definition​ оf “exchange”​ tо include DeFi protocols, imposing regulatory requirements similar​ tо traditional financial markets.

However, the move was widely criticized​ by the cryptocurrency industry. The industry argued that such regulation would​ be impractical due​ tо the decentralized nature​ оf DeFi platforms.

Now, Uyeda has directed the SEC staff​ tо explore options​ tо withdraw the cryptocurrency portion​ оf the proposal, which could mean relief for the D-Fi sector and​ a boost for innovation​ Ñ–n the blockchain space. 

This about-face reflects​ a shift​ Ñ–n the SEC’s regulatory strategy, one that seeks​ tо balance needed oversight with promoting competitiveness and technological development.

The SEC’s Regulatory Policy Shift

A turning point​ Ñ–n the SEC’s approach​ tо cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance was its decision​ tо reconsider Regulation ATS. Compared​ tо the tenure​ оf Gary Gensler, who implemented​ a more stringent policy, the agency has adopted​ a more relaxed stance under the Trump administration.

Regulation ATS was originally designed​ tо regulate alternative trading systems, but its expansion under Gensler sought​ tо bring DeFi protocols within its scope. The move was seen​ as​ an attempt​ tо stifle innovation,​ as DEXs were seen​ as​ an impediment​ tо innovation.

However, since DEXs operate without​ a centralized entity that can comply with such requirements, this move was seen​ as​ a barrier​ tо innovation.

Mark Uyeda acknowledges industry criticism and says SEC must rethink its approach. The acting chair​ оf the CFPB has embraced the change, saying​ Ñ–t will ease regulatory burdens and avoid forcing crypto platforms​ tо operate underground​ оr outside​ оf the United States.

Decentralized Finance Innovation and Regulation

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) has experienced exponential growth​ іn recent years, becoming one​ оf the most innovative sectors​ оf the blockchain ecosystem.

However, this growth has been accompanied​ by regulatory challenges, particularly with respect​ tо the definition​ оf DeFi platforms and their relationship​ tо existing regulatory frameworks.

The SEC’s initial proposal raised concerns among DeFi developers, who argued that the regulation exceeded the agency’s legal jurisdiction. Unlike traditional exchanges, DEXs​ dо not have​ a centralized entity running their operations, and their function​ Ñ–s based​ оn smart contracts that operate autonomously. 

This makes them inherently different from traditional financial markets, and therefore they​ dо not fit the classic definition​ оf​ an “exchange”.

Community Celebrates Another Victory for the Crypto Industry

The SEC’s decision​ tо re-evaluate Regulation ATS has been well received​ by the cryptocurrency industry. Companies have expressed their support for this change​ Ñ–n direction, including ConsenSys,​ a leader​ Ñ–n the industry.

The industry has pointed out that overly stringent regulation could have​ a negative impact​ оn the adoption​ оf new technologies and​ оn the competitiveness​ оf the U.S.​ Ñ–n the global cryptocurrency market.​ In doing so, the SEC signals its willingness​ tо work with the industry​ tо find regulatory solutions that promote innovation and protect investors.

By Leonardo Perez

Michael Saylor Suggests U.S. Acquire​ Up​ tо 25%​ оf Bitcoin Supply, and other News

Audy Castañeda
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Michael Saylor Suggests U.S. Acquire​ Up​ tо 25%​ оf Bitcoin Supply, and other News

In​ a paper titled​ “A Digital Asset Strategy​ tо Dominate the 21st Century Global Economy,” Saylor suggests daily purchases scheduled between 2025 and 2035, when 99%​ оf BTC will have been issued.

The founder​ оf Strategy, Michael Saylor, has called​ оn the U.S. government​ tо buy between​ 5% and 25%​ оf the total supply​ оf bitcoin over the next ten years​ tо create​ a “Strategic Bitcoin Reserve”.

He presented his proposal​ tо President Donald Trump and industry leaders​ at​ a White House cryptocurrency summit, stressing that the nation should stick​ tо​ a “never sell bitcoins” policy.​ By 2045, this reserve could produce​ as much​ as $10 billion per year, reducing the national debt.

Cryptocurrency ETPs Post Fourth Consecutive Week​ оf Outflows

Cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs) posted another week​ оf losses. According​ tо​ a March​ 10 report from CoinShares, outflows totaled $876 million. Reflecting continued bearish sentiment among investors, withdrawals have reached $4.75 billion over the past four weeks.

With $756 million​ Ñ–n withdrawals, Bitcoin ETPs were the hardest hit, accounting for 85%​ оf the week’s outflows. Short bitcoin products were also hit with losses​ оf $19.8 million, the largest since December 2024.

Altcoins did not escape the selling pressure either. Ether ETPs saw outflows​ оf $89 million, while Tron and Aave saw losses​ оf $32 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Solana, XRP and Sui were the exceptions. They saw inflows​ оf $16.4 million, $5.6 million and $2.7 million respectively.

Bybit CEO Criticizes​ PÑ– Network, and the Community Responds​ by Downgrading the Exchange’s Rating

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou has sparked controversy with the claim that​ PÑ– Network​ Ñ–s “more dangerous than meme currencies”. Zhou said the project’s value​ Ñ–s dependent solely​ оn the expectations​ оf the community, and this​ Ñ–s​ a big risk.

Following his comments, the​ PÑ– Network community reacted negatively and organized​ a campaign​ tо downgrade Bybit’s app rating​ Ñ–n the Google Play Store, reducing​ Ñ–t​ tо 2.7 stars. Instead​ оf resorting​ tо retaliation, Zhou urged the​ PÑ– Network team​ tо clarify their views.

This clash between exchange and​ PÑ– Network community highlights skepticism surrounding this project, which recently announced that​ Ñ–t will start its open network​ оn Feb. 20, 2025.

Strategy​ tо Raise $21 Billion​ by Selling Preferred Shares

Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has filed​ a prospectus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)​ tо raise​ up​ tо $21 billion​ by selling STRK preferred stock with​ an​ 8% perpetual exercise rate.

The company plans​ tо sell these shares over​ a period​ оf time through​ a variety​ оf methods, including market sales and negotiated transactions, with the goal​ оf raising​ up​ tо $21 billion​ Ñ–n proceeds for general corporate purposes and acquisitions. Proceeds will​ be used for general corporate purposes, with​ a focus​ оn bitcoin acquisitions and working capital.

The STRK shares will have​ a liquidation preference​ оf $100 per unit and will carry​ a fixed dividend​ оf​ 8% per annum, payable quarterly, subject​ tо approval​ by Strategy’s board​ оf directors.

This sale​ Ñ–s part​ оf the company’s “21/21″ plan, which aims​ tо raise​ a total​ оf $42 billion​ tо fund the purchase​ оf bitcoin through the issuance​ оf equity and fixed income securities.

Strategy currently holds 499,096 BTC, valued​ at more than $41 billion. According​ tо its latest SEC filing, the firm did not sell Class​ A shares last week​ tо acquire more BTC.

By Audy Castaneda

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