The cryptocurrency market kicked off July with positive momentum as both Bitcoin and Ethereum posted notable gains. At the time of writing, Bitcoin (BTC) had climbed 0.94%, trading at approximately $106,610, while **Ethereum (ETH)** surged 1.73% to reach $2,442.24. This upward movement reflects growing investor confidence amid evolving regulatory clarity and institutional adoption.
SEC Releases New Crypto ETF Disclosure Guidelines
In a significant regulatory development, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued updated guidance on July 1 for issuers of cryptocurrency-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The new framework outlines detailed disclosure requirements covering net asset value calculations, custodial practices, service provider selection, and potential conflicts of interest.
The SEC emphasized that disclosures must be tailored to the specific structure of each ETF, with particular attention to asset selection, custody arrangements, and creation/redemption mechanisms. This move signals a step toward standardization in the rapidly expanding crypto ETF space.
👉 Discover how new ETF rules could shape your investment strategy.
Notably, the SEC also approved Grayscale’s proposal to convert its Digital Large Cap Fund into a spot ETF. The fund, currently traded over-the-counter among qualified investors, is heavily weighted toward Bitcoin (nearly 80%) and Ethereum (~11%), with smaller allocations to Solana, Cardano, and XRP.
Push for Standardized Token-Based ETF Listings
According to reports from crypto journalist Eleanor Terrett, the SEC is collaborating with major exchanges to develop universal listing standards for token-based ETFs. If implemented, this framework would allow qualifying tokens to bypass the lengthy 19b-4 filing process and proceed directly to an S-1 registration, shortening the approval timeline to just 75 days.
While exact criteria remain undisclosed, market participants speculate that factors such as market capitalization, trading volume, and liquidity will play key roles in determining eligibility. This streamlined approach could significantly reduce administrative burdens for issuers and accelerate product launches.
Institutional Adoption Accelerates
Institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow. Deutsche Bank is reportedly preparing to launch cryptocurrency custody services by 2026, partnering with Bitpanda Technology Solutions and Swiss firm Taurus SA to build a secure infrastructure for institutional clients.
Meanwhile, public companies have dramatically increased their Bitcoin holdings. In the first half of 2025 alone, corporations purchased 245,510 BTC, more than double the 118,424 BTC acquired by ETFs during the same period. This represents a 375% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This shift suggests that Bitcoin is increasingly being viewed not as a speculative asset but as a legitimate reserve of value—driven by board-level decisions focused on inflation hedging, cross-border liquidity, and alignment with digital finance trends.
Global Regulatory Shifts
Singapore Tightens Crypto Licensing Rules
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has tightened regulations for crypto service providers catering exclusively to overseas clients. As of June 30, these firms must obtain a license to operate in or from Singapore. However, MAS has raised the bar significantly, stating it "will generally not grant such licenses" due to heightened money laundering risks and limited oversight over offshore operations.
This move underscores Singapore’s commitment to maintaining financial integrity while managing cross-border crypto exposure.
South Korea Repeals 14-Year Ban on "Korean Won Bonds"
In response to rising demand for dollar-denominated assets and stablecoins, South Korea has lifted its 14-year ban on domestic financial institutions purchasing "Korean won bonds"—onshore foreign currency bonds designed for conversion into KRW.
Previously restricted due to currency mismatch concerns, this reversal aims to improve foreign exchange liquidity and stabilize the weakening won. Analysts expect increased issuance of these instruments, although high U.S. dollar financing costs may temper immediate enthusiasm.
Market Dynamics and Mining Trends
Bitcoin Network Hash Rate Drops Amid Heatwave
A recent JPMorgan report revealed that Bitcoin’s average monthly hash rate declined by about 3% in June due to extreme heat affecting mining operations. Despite reduced computational power, miner profitability hit a high not seen since January.
On average, miners earned $55,300 per EH/s in daily block rewards—a 7% increase from April—with gross profit margins rising 13% month-over-month. Among publicly traded mining firms tracked by the bank, total market capitalization grew by 23%, reaching $5.3 billion. Notably, IREN led gains with a 67% surge, while Bitfarms saw a 19% drop.
Ethereum Community Foundation Launches
Core Ethereum developer Zak Cole has announced the formation of the Ethereum Community Foundation (ECF)—a nonprofit aimed at boosting ETH adoption through strategic funding. The foundation has already raised several million dollars worth of ETH to support projects focused on immutable and tokenless infrastructure, particularly those bridging real-world assets like stocks, bonds, and real estate onto the blockchain.
ECF will also back public goods initiatives, including improvements to blob-carrying capacity pricing. Governance will be decentralized via token voting, ensuring transparent decision-making. Its first initiative—the Ethereum Validator Association—will empower validators to influence development priorities through staked ETH participation.
Bullish Outlook for July
Historical data from Matrixport indicates that Bitcoin has risen in seven out of the past ten Julys, averaging a 9.1% gain during that month. Even in down years, losses have been minimal. With market sentiment turning increasingly optimistic, analysts project that BTC could challenge the $116,000 resistance level in the coming weeks.
👉 See how market cycles could impact your portfolio this summer.
Figma Discloses Major Bitcoin ETF Holdings
In its latest IPO filing with the SEC, cloud-based design platform Figma revealed it holds approximately $69.5 million in spot Bitcoin ETFs**. Furthermore, its board has authorized an additional **$30 million investment in BTC, to be executed using USDC stablecoin—a clear signal of long-term confidence in Bitcoin’s role as corporate treasury reserve.
Core Keywords:
- Cryptocurrency market
- Bitcoin price
- Ethereum ETF
- SEC guidelines
- Institutional adoption
- Crypto regulation
- Bitcoin mining
- Ethereum Community Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What do the new SEC ETF guidelines mean for investors?
A: The updated rules enhance transparency and standardization for crypto ETFs, helping investors better understand risks related to custody, valuation, and conflicts of interest—ultimately fostering greater trust in regulated products.
Q: Why are companies buying more Bitcoin than ETFs?
A: Corporations are increasingly viewing Bitcoin as a strategic treasury asset for hedging inflation and improving global liquidity. Unlike ETFs focused on retail access, corporate purchases reflect long-term balance sheet planning.
Q: How might standardized token-based ETF listings affect the market?
A: A universal listing standard could accelerate product innovation and reduce regulatory uncertainty, making it easier for compliant projects to reach mainstream investors efficiently.
Q: Is Ethereum becoming more institutionalized?
A: Yes. The launch of the Ethereum Community Foundation shows growing structural support for ecosystem development through transparent funding—similar to models seen in traditional finance.
Q: What impact did the heatwave have on Bitcoin mining?
A: While hash rate dipped slightly due to operational adjustments during extreme temperatures, miner revenues and profitability actually increased thanks to favorable market conditions and improved efficiency.
Q: Could Bitcoin reach $116,000 this year?
A: Based on historical July performance and current momentum, analysts consider this a realistic possibility if bullish sentiment persists and macro conditions remain supportive.
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