
Tech • IA • Crypto
Strike launched Bitcoin-backed loans across the U.S. and parts of the EU, offering liquidity without forcing asset sales. Rates start at 7.49%, aiming to compete with traditional credit markets. A new proof-of-reserves system will publish audited reports to verify collateral holdings. The move positions Strike as a vertically integrated Bitcoin financial services platform.
Morgan Stanley introduced MSBT, the first Bitcoin-backed ETP from a G-SIB bank, marking a major institutional milestone. The firm cites Bitcoin’s roughly $1.5 trillion market size as justification for prioritization. Regulatory easing over the past year enabled the launch after earlier delays. Executives emphasize education and clearer differentiation between Bitcoin and other digital assets.
Block enabled Bitcoin payments across 800,000 merchants via Square, with new activations every 8 seconds. Transactions offer 0% fees for merchants and up to 5% cashback for users. Features like Lightning Network payments and “dollars over Lightning” reduce friction and tax complexity. A Bitcoin Map for 60 million Cash App users is driving significant transaction growth.
Bitcoin ETFs have جذب roughly $60 billion in just 2.5 years, making them among the fastest-growing in history. Despite this, only 0.008% of advised portfolios currently hold Bitcoin. Firms like Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley oversee a combined $146 trillion, signaling massive untapped demand. A projected $124 trillion generational wealth transfer could accelerate adoption.