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USA and Switzerland Build Bitcoin Reserves – JPMorgan Tests Blockchain for Government Bonds
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has taken a historic step by signing an Executive Order in March 2025 to establish a "strategic Bitcoin reserve." This reserve is composed of confiscated Bitcoins, which must be held long-term, with the possibility of additional purchases as long as they remain budget-neutral. Furthermore, the states of New Hampshire and Arizona have passed laws allowing a portion of public funds to be invested in Bitcoin. In Switzerland, an initiative committee is pushing to require the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to hold part of its currency reserves in Bitcoin. The collection period for the necessary 100,000 signatures runs until the end of June 2026, presenting a significant challenge. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing CVJ.CH)
- The Trump administration is positioning Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
- Switzerland is considering a public initiative to integrate Bitcoin into its national reserves.
Infobox: The USA and Switzerland are pioneering new financial policies by increasingly relying on Bitcoin as a strategic reserve.
JPMorgan Conducts Public Blockchain Test for US Government Bonds
JPMorgan has, for the first time, traded a tokenized US government bond fund over the public Ondo Chain Testnet. Payment settlement was handled by the new JPM unit, Kinexys Digital Payments. Previously, JPMorgan had only conducted blockchain transactions on private networks. This latest test highlights the growing importance of public blockchains for transparency, decentralization, security, and liquidity. Partners in this pilot project included Chainlink and Ondo Finance. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing CVJ.CH)
- First public blockchain test for US government bonds by JPMorgan.
- Integration of DeFi elements into the traditional financial world.
Infobox: JPMorgan’s test on the Ondo Chain signals a move towards opening traditional financial products to decentralized technologies.
Crypto Valley Grows Despite International Competition
The region of Switzerland and Liechtenstein, known as "Crypto Valley," remains an attractive location for blockchain companies. In the past year, the number of resident firms increased by 14% to 1,749, according to a report by Zug-based venture capitalist CV VC. However, industry representatives warn of growing competition from Asia and the Middle East, which are offering increasingly attractive conditions. In Switzerland, lengthy processes, regulatory uncertainties, and new international requirements are seen as challenges. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing CVJ.CH)
- Crypto Valley remains a leader but faces pressure from international competitors.
- Regulatory uncertainties are slowing growth potential.
Infobox: Despite 14% growth, Crypto Valley faces new challenges from global competitors.
Solana Dominates Web3 in Q1 2025
Solana has established itself as the leading smart contract blockchain in the first quarter of 2025, directly competing with Ethereum. The network impresses with high transaction speeds, low fees, and a monolithic architecture where all applications run on a single layer. Solana led in key metrics such as active wallets, NFT trading, and mobile applications. However, Ethereum remains dominant in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) sector. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing CVJ.CH)
- Solana offers a better user experience and performance than many competitors.
- Ethereum remains the leader in DeFi.
Infobox: In Q1 2025, Solana is considered the strongest Ethereum alternative, setting new standards in user numbers and performance.
CryptoPunks: NFT Icon Changes Hands for $20 Million
The NFT collection CryptoPunks, consisting of 10,000 unique characters, has achieved a trading volume of over $3 billion since its creation. The floor price is 46 Ethereum, equivalent to over $120,000. The Infinite Node Foundation has acquired the IP rights to CryptoPunks for $20 million from Yuga Labs and has provided $25 million in foundation capital to support exhibitions, research, and educational projects. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing CVJ.CH)
- CryptoPunks are considered pioneers of digital art culture.
- The Infinite Node Foundation aims to further establish the collection in the traditional art market.
Infobox: With the sale of IP rights for $20 million, CryptoPunks are moving closer to the established art market.
Tiger Royalties Acquires Blockchain Subnet in the Bittensor Network
Tiger Royalties and Investments Plc has acquired its own dedicated subnet in the Bittensor network, a proof-of-stake blockchain. The "Tiger Subnet" will issue its own Alpha token with a fixed supply of 21 million tokens, similar to the native cryptocurrency TAO. TAO currently has a market capitalization of about $3.3 billion, with daily transactions often reaching $100 million. Tiger benefits from dual revenue streams: TAO block rewards and a share of Tiger Alpha emissions and transaction fees. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing Investing.com Deutsch)
- Miners and validators can stake Tiger Alpha and participate in governance.
- CEO Jonathan Bixby sees great potential for the data economy in acquiring a subnet.
Infobox: With the Tiger Subnet, Tiger Royalties is expanding its position in the decentralized AI sector and focusing on innovative revenue sources.
The Economist: US Crypto Industry Described as a "Corrupt Swamp"
The British business magazine The Economist sharply criticizes the US crypto industry in a leading article, calling it the ultimate "Swamp Asset." The term, originally used by Donald Trump for politically tainted institutions, here stands for corruption and lack of transparency in the crypto sector. Major US crypto companies are accused of manipulating the regulatory environment in their favor through lobbying, personal contacts with politicians, and financial influence. The article warns that the industry is increasingly behaving like traditional financial players, betraying its original ideals of decentralization and transparency. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing BTC Echo)
- Multi-million dollar campaign donations and lobbying groups with former government officials are cited as examples.
- These developments threaten trust in the market.
Infobox: The Economist sees the US crypto industry on the path to an opaque power system that contradicts its founding ideals.
BTCS Invests $57.8 Million in Ethereum
Publicly traded blockchain company BTCS plans to invest up to $57.8 million in Ethereum (ETH) as part of a major infrastructure and staking expansion. The financing is being carried out together with ATW Partners via convertible bonds, starting with an initial tranche of $7.8 million. The bonds carry a 6% interest rate and include nearly 1.9 million warrants at a price of $2.75. CEO Charles Allen personally supported the measure with over $290,000. (Source: Blockchain Hero, citing Cryptodnes.bg)
- BTCS is betting on the long-term utility of Ethereum and aims to increase staking returns.
- After the announcement, BTCS shares rose by 5.5%, although they have fallen by 15% since the beginning of the year.
Infobox: BTCS is one of the few publicly traded companies to use Ethereum as a central financial instrument, setting an example for the industry.
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