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Coinpedia Digest: This Week’s Crypto News Highlights | 19 July, 2025
This week was one for the books in crypto news, with a plethora of developments and updates that have significant implications for the industry. In this digest, we’ll be covering the most critical stories and insights from the past few days.
#1 Groundbreaking Development: GENIUS Act Officially Signed into Law
The US government has officially signed the GENIUS Act, marking a landmark moment in crypto regulation. The new law requires dollar-backed stablecoins to be backed by liquid assets like USD and short-term Treasuries, with monthly public reserve disclosures. President Trump hailed this move as a “giant step” towards cementing American dominance in global finance.
#2 Historic Decision: 401(k) Investments Opened Up to Crypto
President Donald Trump is paving the way for Americans to invest their retirement savings in crypto, gold, and private equity through an executive order expected soon. This unprecedented move will allow 401(k) plans to include alternative investments, which could have a significant impact on the sector.
#3 Milestone Achievement: Standard Chartered Offers Regulated BTC, ETH Trading
Standard Chartered has become the first global bank to provide spot trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum, offering institutional clients the ability to trade these digital assets alongside traditional currencies. This strategic move is part of a broader plan to integrate crypto into mainstream financial services.
#4 Unsurprising but Disappointing Inflation Data
As expected, June’s inflation data revealed an annual rate of 2.7%, with core inflation remaining steady at 2.9%. The Federal Reserve will likely keep rates unchanged for now, but market participants remain cautious due to the elevated price environment.
#5 $125 Million SEC Settlement for Ripple Confirmed
Ripple has paid off its debt in full by coughing up the $125 million penalty demanded by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It’s crucial to note that this settlement does not mark the end of proceedings, as both parties still need to withdraw their appeals. XRP responded by surging 29%, demonstrating renewed momentum.
#6 Bitcoin’s Stunning Rise: Top Asset in 2025
Bitcoin has officially surpassed gold as 2025’s top-performing asset, with a $123,000 peak and a whopping 30% year-to-date surge. Experts warn that this unusual pairing could be a sign of heightened uncertainty among investors seeking shelter.
#7 Elusive Crypto Crime: Elliptic Study Reveals Tripled Activity
A study by Elliptic highlights the alarming rise in cross-chain crime, with over $21.8 billion in illicit transactions moving through decentralized exchanges, bridges, and swap tools this year – a staggering threefold increase from 2023. This surge is driven by increased laundering and scams across multiple blockchains.
#8 Citi Joins the Stablecoin Bandwagon
Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi, confirmed that the financial giant will explore its own digital token and potentially launch crypto custody, deposits, and more amid Trump’s GENIUS Act and relaxed regulations.
#9 XRP News: Ripple’s RLUSD Launch Triggers Massive Rally
XRP has accelerated its price surge following Ripple’s announcement of RLUSD.
Source: coinpedia.org
