Best Places to Spend Crypto in France
France has 15,000 plus crypto-accepting businesses. Discover the best places to spend crypto in France, from Printemps to Beaugrenelle and local bars.
Crypto wallet for business: How it works and why you need one in 2026.
A business crypto wallet lets you accept Bitcoin, USDT, and stablecoins from global customers. Learn how it works, how to set one up, and the top mistakes to avoid in 2026.
Bitcoin Slips Late Friday as Kevin Warsh Takes Over Federal Reserve
Cryptocurrency markets weakened late Friday as investors reacted to leadership changes at the US Federal Reserve and growing uncertainty around inflation and interest rates. Bitcoin fell below key price levels during afternoon trading after Kevin Warsh was officially sworn in as the new Federal Reserve chairman by President Donald Trump. Key Takeaways Warsh Officially Takes Over Fed Leadership Warsh became the 11th chair of the modern Federal Reserve era during a White House ceremony attended by senior political figures and Supreme Court justices. Trump publicly stated he wanted Warsh to operate independently but also repeated his desire for lower interest rates during a later rally in New York. In his remarks, Warsh said he would lead a “reform-oriented Federal Reserve” focused on price stability, employment, and institutional credibility. Warsh replaces Jerome Powell, whose eight-year term as Fed chair ended this week. Powell will remain at the Federal Reserve as a governor. Bitcoin and Crypto Markets Turn Lower Crypto prices softened throughout Friday afternoon trading despite relatively calm equity markets heading into the Memorial Day weekend. Bitcoin declined about 2.4% over 24 hours to roughly $75,800, marking its weakest level in May. Other major cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, Solana, and XRP posted even steeper losses during the session. The decline threatens Bitcoin’s attempt to secure a third consecutive positive monthly close, something several market analysts had viewed as a bullish technical signal earlier in May. Weak Economic Data Adds Pressure Investor caution also increased following disappointing US economic data released Friday morning. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index reportedly fell to a record low of 49.8 in April, while inflation expectations moved higher. The data reinforced concerns that the US economy could face a difficult combination of slowing growth and persistent inflation. Rising oil prices linked to geopolitical tensions have further complicated the outlook for the Federal Reserve, especially as markets continue debating whether the central bank will cut, hold, or potentially raise interest rates in the coming years. According to market pricing data, traders are increasingly expecting the Fed to keep rates elevated through much of 2026. Markets Watch Warsh’s Policy Direction Warsh previously served as a Federal Reserve governor during the 2008 financial crisis and has since criticized aspects of the Fed’s long-running market intervention policies. He has also expressed support for reducing the central bank’s broader role in areas outside its core mandate, including climate-related and social policy discussions. For crypto investors, Warsh’s leadership could become an important factor in determining liquidity conditions, borrowing costs, and broader market risk appetite over the coming months. See More: Crypto Investing Tips Final Thoughts Friday’s decline in Bitcoin reflects broader market uncertainty as investors adjust to a major leadership transition at the Federal Reserve alongside worsening economic sentiment data. While Warsh has promised a reform-focused approach at the Fed, markets remain highly sensitive to any signals around future interest rate policy, inflation control, and economic growth prospects.
SEC Clarifies Limits of Proposed Tokenized Stock Exemption
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is moving to calm growing expectations around a possible regulatory exemption for tokenized stock trading, with Commissioner Hester Peirce emphasizing that any future framework would likely remain narrowly defined. The clarification comes after recent reports suggested the SEC was considering an “innovation exemption” that could allow blockchain-based trading of tokenized equities through decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Key Takeaways SEC Pushes Back Against “Hyperbole” Speaking after reports about the possible exemption surfaced, Peirce said the proposal has always been expected to remain “limited in scope.” According to her remarks, the SEC is primarily considering digital representations of existing equity securities that investors can already buy in traditional secondary markets. This means tokenized assets would likely need to provide the same shareholder rights associated with ordinary stocks, including dividends and voting rights. Peirce also signaled that synthetic tokens, blockchain assets designed only to mirror stock prices without direct ownership of underlying shares, may not be included under the exemption. Synthetic Tokens Face Uncertainty The clarification is significant because much of the current tokenized stock market relies on synthetic models. In these setups, third-party crypto firms issue blockchain-based tokens tied to the price movement of companies such as Apple, Tesla, or Google without involvement from the underlying company itself. Investors often do not receive traditional shareholder protections or direct ownership rights. Executives from tokenization firms welcomed the SEC’s cautious stance. Robert Leshner, CEO of Superstate, reportedly said the stricter framework could help decentralized finance grow “without compromising the standards that make the USA the center of capital markets.” Meanwhile, Carlos Domingo argued that limiting the exemption to legitimate tokenized equities could reduce ownership fragmentation and additional risks in the market. Tokenized Stocks Market Remains Small Despite strong interest from financial institutions, tokenized stocks remain a relatively small segment of the broader digital asset industry. Data from RWA.xyz estimates that approximately $1.48 billion worth of stocks are currently tokenized onchain. The market includes tokenized exposure linked to companies such as Circle, Strategy, and Google. However, the sector has yet to achieve the rapid growth once predicted by firms like Citibank and McKinsey, both of which projected tokenization could evolve into a trillion-dollar industry before the end of the decade. Bloomberg previously reported that the SEC has consulted hundreds of market participants while evaluating how tokenized equity trading could operate within existing securities laws. DeFi and Traditional Finance Could Converge The SEC’s approach suggests regulators are exploring ways to integrate blockchain infrastructure into traditional capital markets without removing investor protections. If implemented, the exemption could eventually allow compliant DeFi platforms to facilitate trading of approved tokenized equities while maintaining regulatory standards associated with conventional stock markets. Still, reports indicate that some SEC officials remain cautious about permitting tokenized stock trading on a broader scale.
Polymarket Eyes Japan Market Entry by 2030 Amid Regulatory Challenges
Prediction market platform Polymarket is planning a long-term push into Japan, targeting full regulatory approval to operate in the country by 2030. The move comes as the company faces rising global competition and tighter scrutiny of prediction markets in several jurisdictions. Key Takeaways Polymarket Targets Japanese Market According to multiple reports, Polymarket has appointed Mike Eidlin, former Head of Japan at Jupiter, to lead its efforts in the country and coordinate lobbying activities with regulators and policymakers. The company reportedly views Japan as an underdeveloped but potentially valuable market for prediction trading platforms. Japan has a population of about 124 million people and an estimated 12 million registered crypto accounts, making it one of Asia’s largest digital asset markets. Despite the interest, Japanese users have been blocked from accessing Polymarket for years because of local regulatory restrictions. Strict Gambling Laws Remain a Major Barrier Japan maintains some of the strictest gambling regulations in the world. Under current laws, betting is only permitted for government-approved activities such as horse racing, lotteries, and certain public sports events. Article 185 of Japan’s Penal Code prohibits unauthorized gambling activities, with repeat offenders potentially facing prison sentences of up to three years. Operating an illegal gambling business can carry even harsher penalties. The legal status of prediction markets remains unclear in Japan, creating uncertainty for platforms like Polymarket that allow users to wager on real-world outcomes. A spokesperson for Polymarket reportedly said the company has seen “meaningful organic interest” from users in Japan and across Asia, adding that it is exploring compliant ways to expand globally. Growing Community Despite Restrictions Although Japan is currently listed among Polymarket’s restricted jurisdictions, the platform has already built a sizable online community in the country. Its Japan-focused X account reportedly has more than 53,000 followers, highlighting growing local interest in prediction markets despite access limitations. Reports have also suggested that some users in restricted regions continue to access prediction market platforms through VPN services, although such activity may violate platform policies or local laws. Competition and Regulatory Pressure Intensify Polymarket’s expansion plans come at a time when prediction market platforms are facing increasing regulatory attention worldwide. Countries including India have recently moved to restrict or review access to such platforms, while regulators in other regions continue to examine whether prediction markets should fall under gambling or financial trading rules. At the same time, competition within the sector is increasing. Data from Token Terminal showed that Polymarket’s monthly notional trading volume declined in April, while rival platform Kalshi recorded growth during the same period. The shift suggests that competition for market share in the prediction market industry is becoming more intense as platforms seek expansion into new regions. Final Thoughts Polymarket’s interest in Japan reflects the growing global demand for prediction market platforms and the broader expansion of crypto-based financial products into Asia. However, Japan’s strict gambling regulations and unclear legal classification for prediction markets mean the company faces a difficult and potentially lengthy approval process. If Polymarket succeeds, Japan could become one of its most important international markets due to the country’s strong retail trading culture and active crypto user base. Until then, the company will likely need to balance expansion ambitions with increasing regulatory scrutiny and rising competition from rivals such as Kalshi.
Kraken Secures Regulatory Approval in the UAE Under Dubai’s VARA
Crypto exchange Kraken is expanding deeper into the Middle East after its parent company, Payward, secured preliminary regulatory approval from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) to operate digital asset services in the United Arab Emirates. The approval gives Kraken a pathway to launch a broad range of regulated crypto products in Dubai, including spot trading, margin trading, OTC services, staking, and institutional infrastructure through Kraken Prime. UAE users will also gain access to crypto transfers between users through Kraken’s Krak service, while local dirham funding and withdrawals will be supported through Payward’s regulated regional entity. The move marks another major step in Dubai’s push to position itself as one of the world’s leading regulated crypto hubs, attracting some of the largest global exchanges and digital asset firms. “Dubai wrote a rulebook for crypto before most jurisdictions even acknowledged the asset class.” That statement from Payward and Kraken Co CEO Arjun Sethi reflects a growing industry sentiment that regulatory clarity has become one of the most valuable assets for crypto firms navigating global expansion. Key Takeaway Kraken strengthens Middle East presence The VARA approval allows Kraken to operate under a locally supervised structure rather than serving regional clients from offshore jurisdictions. According to the company, UAE traders will gain access to the same liquidity pools, balance sheet infrastructure, and trading systems available to Kraken users across Europe, the United States, and Asia-Pacific markets. Clients in the UAE will be able to trade directly using AED through Payward’s Dubai regulated subsidiary, simplifying access to crypto markets for local participants. Kraken said the launch forms part of a wider strategy focused on building licensed operations inside major financial centers instead of relying on loosely regulated offshore models. The company plans to initially offer Buy, Trade, and Earn services, including spot trading and staking, with additional products such as derivatives, lending, and structured investment offerings expected to roll out over time for qualified users. Dubai continues attracting major crypto firms Kraken’s approval places the exchange among a growing list of major crypto companies establishing regulated operations under Dubai’s VARA framework. Binance, OKX, Crypto.com, Deribit, and HashKey are among the international firms already operating within the emirate’s digital asset ecosystem. Dubai’s regulatory approach has increasingly differentiated itself from jurisdictions where crypto rules remain fragmented or uncertain. VARA was established specifically to oversee virtual asset activities across Dubai and has since become one of the most recognized crypto regulatory bodies globally. The regulator currently supervises dozens of licensed firms across exchange, custody, lending, broker dealer, and investment categories. Industry executives have repeatedly pointed to the UAE’s transparent licensing process and institutional-friendly framework as key reasons global firms continue choosing the region for expansion. Kraken returns after earlier UAE restructuring The latest approval also represents a notable return for Kraken in the UAE market. The exchange previously secured authorization in Abu Dhabi through the Abu Dhabi Global Market framework in 2022, becoming one of the first global exchanges licensed to offer regulated virtual asset trading services in the region. However, Kraken later closed several international offices in 2023, including operations tied to the UAE expansion. Its new Dubai focused strategy signals a renewed commitment to the region as crypto adoption and institutional interest continue growing across the Middle East and North Africa. Kraken’s re entry comes during a period where the UAE is rapidly becoming a strategic base for crypto native firms, venture capital funds, tokenization companies, and blockchain infrastructure providers. Expansion comes amid broader global growth push The UAE approval arrives alongside a wider expansion strategy underway at Payward. Kraken has recently increased its focus on regulated infrastructure across multiple jurisdictions. Earlier this year, the company introduced CFTC-regulated crypto spot margin trading in the United States after acquiring derivatives platform Bitnomial. Payward has also pursued additional licensing pathways in the US financial system while expanding further into Asia through acquisitions and infrastructure investments. The company recently agreed to acquire Hong Kong based stablecoin payments firm Reap Technologies in a deal reportedly valued at approximately $600 million. That transaction marked Kraken’s first major infrastructure expansion in Asia and further highlighted its ambitions beyond operating solely as a crypto exchange. Instead, the company increasingly appears focused on becoming a broader digital financial infrastructure provider operating across regulated markets globally. Revenue growth and rising compliance costs Payward’s latest financial report showed adjusted revenue of roughly $507 million during the first quarter of 2026, alongside trading volumes surpassing $357 billion. The company also reported growth in spot market share and futures trading activity, although profitability declined sharply compared to the previous year as operational and compliance expenses increased. That trend reflects a broader shift happening across the crypto industry as exchanges invest heavily in licensing, acquisitions, compliance systems, and regulated infrastructure. For firms like Kraken, securing licenses in regions such as Dubai may not produce immediate revenue spikes, but it strengthens long-term positioning as institutional crypto adoption accelerates globally. UAE solidifies position as crypto hub Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue competing to attract digital asset businesses through dedicated regulatory frameworks designed specifically for virtual asset markets. The UAE’s combination of clear regulations, international capital access, and geographic connectivity between Europe, Asia, and Africa has helped transform the country into one of crypto’s fastest-growing operational centers. Kraken’s latest approval adds further momentum to that trend. As global exchanges continue searching for stable regulatory environments, Dubai’s crypto framework is increasingly becoming one of the most influential models shaping how regulated digital asset markets may operate in the years ahead.
Morgan Stanley’s MSBT now holds 3,472 BTC after adding 83 BTC, according to Arkham
Morgan Stanley’s spot Bitcoin ETF, known as MSBT, has continued its steady accumulation of Bitcoin, adding another 83 BTC on May 21. This latest purchase brings the fund’s total holdings to 3,472 BTC, underscoring a consistent inflow pattern just weeks after its market debut. Data referenced from Arkham shows that the trust has maintained a steady buying pace since launch, reflecting sustained investor demand and ongoing institutional participation in Bitcoin linked products. The accumulation comes at a time when Bitcoin continues to trade near recent highs, supported by strong ETF inflows across the broader US market. The fund only began trading on April 9, yet its growth has been rapid. Within a short period, MSBT has moved from initial inflows into a sizable Bitcoin position, signaling strong early adoption from investors seeking regulated exposure to the asset. Key Takeaway • MSBT added another 83 BTC, bringing total holdings to 3,472 BTC, reflecting steady accumulation since launch. • Since launching in April, the ETF has recorded consistent inflows, showing sustained investor demand for Bitcoin exposure. • The accumulation trend highlights strong institutional participation through regulated Bitcoin ETF products. • Low fees and Coinbase custody infrastructure have helped strengthen MSBT’s competitiveness and investor confidence, supporting early growth. Rapid expansion since launch Since its debut, MSBT has recorded a steady rise in both inflows and holdings. Early activity showed strong market interest, with initial trading volumes and inflows setting the tone for what has become a consistent accumulation trend. By late April, the trust had already built a meaningful position, and since then it has continued to expand its Bitcoin reserves through persistent net inflows. According to figures referenced in market reports, MSBT has added more than 850 BTC since its early stages, representing a growth rate of over 30% within weeks. The ETF structure requires the fund to purchase Bitcoin whenever new shares are created, meaning investor demand directly translates into on-chain accumulation. This mechanism has kept MSBT on a consistent buying path as inflows continue. Competitive fee structure and institutional backing MSBT entered the market with a 0.14% expense ratio, positioning it among the lower cost spot Bitcoin ETF offerings. This pricing structure has made it competitive against several rival funds that charge higher management fees. The trust also benefits from institutional grade infrastructure. Coinbase provides custody and prime brokerage services for the ETF, adding operational security and established digital asset management capabilities. These factors have contributed to early investor confidence, particularly among institutions and wealth managers looking for regulated Bitcoin exposure without direct custody risks. Broader ETF inflows support market strength MSBT’s accumulation trend is taking place alongside a wider wave of inflows into US listed spot Bitcoin ETFs. Recent market data shows that total net inflows reached hundreds of millions in a single day, contributing to a reversal of earlier outflow trends seen in prior months. BlackRock’s IBIT, Fidelity’s FBTC, and ARK 21Shares’ ARKB have also recorded strong inflows, reinforcing a broad based institutional appetite for Bitcoin exposure through ETF structures. On some trading days, no US spot Bitcoin ETF reported outflows, highlighting sustained demand across the category. Total assets under management across the ETF sector have climbed to multi month highs, reflecting renewed capital rotation into Bitcoin as market conditions improved. Bitcoin itself briefly moved above $75,000 during the period, marking one of its strongest levels in recent months before experiencing a mild pullback. Exchange flows and investor behavior shift Alongside ETF inflows, on-chain data indicates changing investor behavior. Transfers of at least 1 BTC to exchanges have been declining over time, suggesting fewer large holders are moving coins to trading platforms. This trend is especially visible among so called wholecoiners, where exchange deposits have dropped significantly compared to previous market cycles. On Binance, monthly averages of such inflows have fallen to levels last seen in earlier market periods, well below peaks recorded during 2021. The decline in exchange inflows, combined with rising ETF demand, points to a market structure where Bitcoin exposure is increasingly being obtained through regulated financial products rather than direct spot trading activity. Institutional positioning continues to grow Morgan Stanley’s entry into the spot Bitcoin ETF market reflects a broader shift among traditional financial institutions expanding their digital asset offerings. The firm previously allowed advisors to offer third party Bitcoin ETFs to clients before launching its own product in 2026. Now operating its own trust, Morgan Stanley has transitioned from distributor to issuer, signaling deeper involvement in the crypto investment ecosystem. The steady accumulation of Bitcoin within MSBT suggests a long term positioning strategy rather than short term trading activity. Market observers note that this type of consistent inflow behavior is typical of institutional funds responding to sustained client demand rather than speculative positioning. While individual purchases like the recent 83 BTC addition may appear modest in isolation, the cumulative effect over time has been significant. At current market levels, MSBT’s holdings are valued at roughly $269 million, based on reported pricing estimates. Outlook With Bitcoin trading near key resistance zones and ETF inflows remaining positive, MSBT’s continued accumulation adds another layer of institutional support to the market. The fund’s rapid growth since launch highlights how quickly regulated Bitcoin products are scaling when demand is present. As additional financial institutions explore similar offerings and existing ETFs continue to attract inflows, market structure is increasingly being shaped by institutional capital flows rather than retail-driven cycles alone.
SEC Moves Toward Allowing Blockchain-Based Trading of Tokenized Stocks
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is preparing a new regulatory framework that could open the door for blockchain-based trading of tokenized stocks, marking one of the clearest signs yet that traditional financial markets and crypto infrastructure are beginning to converge. According to multiple reports citing people familiar with the matter, the SEC is considering an “innovation exemption” that would allow tokenized versions of publicly traded equities to trade on blockchain platforms under a lighter regulatory structure. The proposal could be unveiled as early as this week. If implemented, the framework would create a legal pathway for digital representations of stocks to trade outside traditional exchange infrastructure while still operating under SEC oversight. The move comes as Wall Street firms, crypto exchanges, and financial infrastructure providers accelerate efforts to bring equities onto blockchain rails. Key Takeaway SEC Signals Shift Toward Blockchain-Based Markets SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently indicated that the agency is actively exploring rulemaking for blockchain-based trading, settlement, and custody systems. Speaking at the Economic Club of Washington, Atkins argued that existing securities rules were designed for older market structures and may not fully accommodate blockchain networks that combine exchange, clearing, and settlement functions into a single system. Rather than relying on enforcement actions, Atkins said the SEC intends to provide clearer regulatory standards for tokenized finance through formal policy frameworks. Under the reported proposal, crypto platforms could potentially offer tokenized equities tied to publicly traded companies such as Tesla, Nvidia, or Alphabet. Some reports suggest third parties may even be allowed to issue tokenized stock products without direct approval from the underlying companies. However, the structure remains controversial because certain tokenized products may not provide investors with traditional shareholder rights such as voting power or dividend access. Instead, some tokens may simply track the economic value of a stock without representing direct ownership. That distinction could become one of the biggest regulatory and legal debates surrounding tokenized equities in the months ahead. Wall Street Firms Are Already Moving The SEC’s reported plans arrive as major financial institutions deepen their involvement in tokenization infrastructure. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, which processes the majority of U.S. securities transactions, plans to begin limited production trades involving tokenized assets in July, with broader rollout plans expected later this year. Nasdaq also received SEC approval earlier this year for its own tokenized securities initiative designed to preserve traditional ownership rights while enabling blockchain-based settlement. Intercontinental Exchange, the parent company of the New York Stock Exchange, has also entered the race through a partnership with crypto exchange OKX focused on tokenized securities and digital asset products. Together, these initiatives signal that tokenization is no longer confined to crypto native firms. Traditional market operators are now building infrastructure that could eventually support around-the-clock trading and near instant settlement of stocks and exchange traded funds. Faster Settlement and Global Access Supporters of tokenized stocks argue that blockchain infrastructure could modernize equity markets by reducing settlement delays, lowering operational costs, and expanding access to investors worldwide. Traditional U.S. stock trades currently settle on a T+1 basis, meaning transactions finalize one business day after execution. Blockchain-based systems could potentially reduce settlement times to near instant completion while also supporting continuous trading outside standard market hours. Proponents also argue tokenized equities could broaden access to U.S. financial markets for users who lack access to traditional brokerage systems. The growth of real world asset tokenization reflects that momentum. Industry data from RWA.xyz shows tokenized asset markets now account for roughly $1.4 billion in value spread across more than 2,200 assets, with transfer volumes climbing sharply over the past month. Industry Concerns Remain Despite growing enthusiasm, the proposal has also sparked concern among parts of the financial industry. Brett Redfearn, president of tokenization platform Securitize, warned that allowing third parties to tokenize equities without issuer involvement could create fragmentation and uncertainty around shareholder rights. Critics argue that investors may struggle to fully understand what they actually own if tokenized products only provide synthetic exposure to stock prices rather than legal ownership claims. Questions also remain around custody standards, disclosure requirements, settlement finality, and oversight responsibilities for platforms offering tokenized securities. The SEC is expected to require tokenized products to comply with reporting and transparency obligations similar to those governing traditional securities markets. Crypto Policy Momentum Builds in Washington The tokenized stock proposal arrives during a broader shift in U.S. crypto policy. Earlier this month, the Senate Banking Committee advanced the CLARITY Act, legislation aimed at establishing clearer regulatory rules for digital assets and crypto market structure. Several industry figures have argued that traditional financial institutions are unlikely to fully embrace tokenization without clearer federal frameworks governing ownership rights, custody, and market oversight. The SEC’s reported innovation exemption suggests regulators are now moving toward formal integration of blockchain infrastructure into mainstream capital markets rather than treating digital assets as a parallel system operating outside traditional finance. If adopted, the framework could become one of the most significant structural changes to U.S. securities markets in decades. For Wall Street and the crypto industry alike, the message is becoming harder to ignore: tokenization is moving closer to the financial mainstream.
Revolut Launches Dogecoin Branded Crypto Card With LED Tap-To-Pay Features in Europe
Revolut is pushing deeper into crypto payments with the launch of a physical Dogecoin themed debit card that lights up during tap-to-pay transactions, bringing one of the market’s most recognizable meme coins into everyday retail spending. The London based fintech confirmed that the card is rolling out across the United Kingdom and most countries within the European Economic Area. The launch marks Revolut’s first physical crypto branded card and comes as competition among crypto payment providers intensifies across Europe and other major markets. The new product works on existing Visa and Mastercard payment rails, meaning users can spend anywhere those networks are accepted. Despite the Dogecoin branding, merchants do not receive DOGE directly. Revolut converts the user’s crypto balance into fiat currency at the moment of payment, allowing the transaction to settle like a standard debit card purchase. The card’s most visible feature is its LED tap-to-pay display, which lights up when users make contactless payments. Revolut appears to be positioning the product as both a functional payment tool and a branding move aimed at crypto native consumers who want a more visible connection to digital assets.Revolut launched a Dogecoin themed crypto debit card with LED tap-to-pay functionality across the UK and EEA. Key Takeaway Revolut turns crypto balances into spendable payments The launch builds on Revolut’s broader crypto expansion over the last several years. The company first introduced cryptocurrency trading support in 2017 with Bitcoin and has since expanded its offering to more than 280 digital assets. Users can connect the physical card to different crypto balances within the Revolut app. At checkout, the platform automatically converts the selected asset into local currency using real-time exchange rates. Revolut said users will not face additional exchange fees beyond the live conversion pricing applied during payment processing. The company also noted that crypto spending may trigger tax obligations depending on local laws. In several jurisdictions, spending crypto is treated as a taxable disposal event, meaning users could owe capital gains tax if the asset increased in value before the purchase. That tax treatment remains one of the biggest barriers to wider crypto payment adoption, especially for users making frequent low-value transactions. Dogecoin branding reflects retail crypto culture Revolut’s decision to use Dogecoin branding is notable given the token’s long standing retail popularity. While Dogecoin was originally created as a joke cryptocurrency, it has remained one of the most recognized digital assets globally due to its online community and repeated endorsements from high profile figures including Elon Musk. The launch does not introduce new functionality to the Dogecoin blockchain itself. Transactions made through the card remain off chain because Revolut handles the conversion internally before settlement. That distinction matters for investors. Increased usage of the card does not directly increase Dogecoin network activity. Instead, each purchase effectively converts crypto holdings into fiat currency, creating sell side pressure within Revolut’s system whenever users spend from DOGE balances. Still, the branding could strengthen Dogecoin’s visibility among retail consumers at a time when crypto firms are increasingly competing for mainstream payment adoption. Crypto card competition continues to grow Revolut’s launch arrives as crypto linked card activity continues to rise across the industry. Data referenced by several market reports shows daily crypto card transactions recently surpassed 100,000 on multiple occasions. Major crypto firms including Coinbase, Crypto.com and Gemini have all expanded their crypto payment card programs over the past year as companies look for ways to connect digital assets with traditional payment infrastructure. The wider industry trend reflects growing interest in using crypto balances for everyday transactions rather than limiting digital assets to trading and speculation. Revolut has also expanded its crypto services beyond simple buying and selling. In 2025, the fintech integrated Polygon based services into its app, allowing users to access remittances, staking and in-app crypto payments. The company is simultaneously broadening its banking ambitions. Earlier this year, Revolut secured approval to launch a fully licensed bank in the UK and has also submitted a banking license application in the United States. Payments infrastructure becomes the next crypto battleground The Dogecoin card launch highlights how crypto companies and fintech firms are increasingly competing through payment infrastructure rather than blockchain innovation alone. Instead of asking merchants to accept cryptocurrencies directly, firms are relying on existing payment networks while handling conversions behind the scenes. That approach lowers friction for retailers while giving users exposure to crypto linked spending. For Revolut, the strategy could increase customer engagement and transaction activity within its ecosystem. For the broader market, it signals continued efforts to normalize crypto spending through familiar financial products. The long term impact on Dogecoin itself may be more symbolic than technical, but the launch reinforces how meme coins continue to hold cultural and commercial value inside the digital asset industry. As crypto payment products expand across Europe and other regions, the success of these programs may depend less on branding and more on whether firms can reduce conversion costs, simplify tax reporting and make spending digital assets feel as seamless as using traditional bank cards.
Michael Saylor’s Strategy Now Holds 4% of the Total Bitcoin To Ever Exist
Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy has reached another milestone that few corporate treasuries in financial history have ever approached in scale or concentration. Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, now holds approximately 843,738 BTC after its latest acquisition of 24,869 Bitcoin worth about $2.01 billion. The company paid an average price of roughly $80,985 per coin during the most recent purchase window between May 11 and May 17, according to the firm’s latest SEC filing. With Bitcoin’s total supply permanently capped at 21 million coins, Strategy now controls more than 4% of all BTC that will ever exist. The scale of the accumulation has turned Strategy into far more than a software company with crypto exposure. Under Michael Saylor’s leadership, the firm has become the dominant corporate Bitcoin treasury vehicle in global markets, with institutions, hedge funds, and retail investors tracking its purchases almost weekly. The latest acquisition pushed Strategy’s total Bitcoin cost basis to roughly $63.9 billion, with an average acquisition price near $75,700 per BTC. Even after recent market volatility, the company remains in profit on its overall holdings. Saylor hinted at the purchase before the announcement, posting “Big dot energy” on X alongside the company’s Bitcoin tracker chart, a pattern that has become closely watched by traders and analysts expecting another large buy. Key Takeaway Strategy’s accumulation machine keeps accelerating What makes Strategy’s Bitcoin campaign unusual is not just the size of the holdings but the consistency of the buying. The company has continued purchasing Bitcoin through rallies, corrections, regulatory uncertainty, and periods of sharp volatility. Since beginning its accumulation strategy in August 2020, Strategy has completed more than 100 separate Bitcoin purchases. The latest $2.01 billion acquisition is now among the company’s largest ever and follows another multibillion dollar purchase earlier this year. Strategy financed the recent buy primarily through capital raises tied to its MSTR common stock and STRC perpetual preferred shares. Between May 11 and May 17, the company sold nearly 19.52 million STRC shares, generating approximately $1.95 billion in proceeds. An additional $83.7 million came from sales of MSTR common shares. The funds were quickly converted into Bitcoin. STRC has become a major engine behind Strategy’s acquisition model in 2026. The preferred stock currently offers investors an annualized dividend yield of around 11.5%, attracting demand from income focused investors while simultaneously funding additional BTC purchases. Analysts have pointed to an emerging pattern where Strategy raises capital through STRC offerings ahead of monthly dividend dates before deploying proceeds directly into Bitcoin. The approach has allowed the company to maintain a near-constant pace of accumulation even during periods when Bitcoin prices remain elevated. A corporate treasury strategy unlike any other Saylor’s long term thesis has remained largely unchanged since the company first entered Bitcoin nearly six years ago. He has repeatedly argued that Bitcoin represents superior monetary property compared to cash, bonds, or even gold. In his view, holding large fiat reserves exposes companies to inflation and long term currency debasement, while Bitcoin offers scarcity and protection against monetary expansion. That philosophy has fundamentally transformed Strategy’s identity. The company’s stock now trades largely as a proxy for Bitcoin exposure, attracting investors seeking indirect access to BTC through traditional equity markets. The strategy has also inspired a wave of copycat treasury models among public companies exploring digital asset reserves. According to industry tracking data, nearly 200 public firms now hold Bitcoin on their balance sheets in some capacity, though none come close to Strategy’s scale. The company’s influence over the Bitcoin market has become impossible to ignore. Holding more than 4% of the total supply gives Strategy one of the largest known corporate positions in the asset globally. Its purchases are now treated as major market events capable of influencing sentiment across both crypto and traditional finance sectors. Institutions continue backing the strategy Despite criticism surrounding concentration risk and debt funded accumulation, institutional appetite for Strategy exposure remains strong. BlackRock recently increased its position in Strategy by purchasing an additional 3.14 million MSTR shares valued at roughly $535.6 million. The move raised the asset manager’s total stake to approximately 17.75 million shares worth more than $3 billion. The investment came during a period when MSTR stock experienced short term weakness following a failed breakout above the $200 range. Still, Strategy shares remain among the strongest performing major equities tied to the digital asset sector over the longer term. Since its first Bitcoin purchase in 2020, the stock has dramatically outperformed many traditional benchmarks, fueled largely by Bitcoin’s appreciation and investor demand for BTC-linked exposure. Meanwhile, Bitcoin itself continues trading below some of Strategy’s recent purchase prices. At the time of reporting, BTC hovered near the $77,000 level, lower than the company’s latest acquisition cost but still comfortably above its overall average entry price. Critics warn about concentration and volatility Not everyone views the strategy positively. Critics argue that concentrating such a large portion of corporate resources into a highly volatile asset exposes shareholders to substantial downside risk, especially during prolonged market downturns. Others have questioned the company’s growing reliance on preferred shares, debt issuance, and equity offerings to finance additional purchases. Short seller Jim Chanos has publicly criticized the premium attached to Strategy’s valuation relative to the underlying Bitcoin it holds, while some analysts warn that heavy dilution through new share issuance could pressure shareholders over time. Still, Saylor has shown no indication of slowing the pace of accumulation. The company continues describing itself as a long term “net accumulator” of Bitcoin rather than an active trader. The road ahead Strategy’s growing Bitcoin reserve is reshaping conversations around corporate treasury management and institutional adoption. JPMorgan analysts recently projected that the company could purchase as much as $30 billion worth of additional Bitcoin during 2026 if current fundraising conditions remain favorable. Some market observers now believe Strategy could eventually reach the symbolic milestone of one million BTC, a figure that would represent nearly 5% of Bitcoin’s total fixed supply. Whether the strategy ultimately becomes a historic financial success