Welcome to This Week in Crypto, where we break down the biggest headlines shaping the digital asset space. From network upgrades to treasury moves and key regulatory moments, here’s what’s been making news this week:
Here’s a quick look at what’s new:
- Strategy adds more Bitcoin: The company behind one of the largest Bitcoin holdings made another small purchase, bringing its total closer to 700,000 BTC.
- BlackRock launches Bitcoin ETP in UK: The new listing follows a regulatory shift that now allows crypto-linked investment products on the London Stock Exchange.
- Bitcoin mining difficulty drops: Mining just got slightly easier, even as the network’s total computing power reaches new highs.
Let’s take a closer look at what it all means for the crypto space this week!
Michael Saylor’s Company Keeps Buying Bitcoin, But at a Slower Pace
Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, just made another small Bitcoin purchase. This brings their total holdings to over 640,000 Bitcoin, as they continue working toward a target of 700,000. The buy came after a dip in the crypto market last week, which saw prices drop sharply.
- Strategy added 168 more Bitcoin, now holding a total of 640,418.
- Their recent monthly purchases have been smaller compared to earlier this year.
- Based on recent buying trends, it could take around 11 months to reach 700,000 Bitcoin.
Even with the slowdown, Strategy continues to lead as the largest public holder of Bitcoin. Other companies, like Japan’s Metaplanet, have also adopted Bitcoin treasury strategies in recent years.
BlackRock Lists Bitcoin Product as UK Loosens Crypto Rules
BlackRock has launched a new Bitcoin-linked product on the London Stock Exchange. This follows a decision by UK regulators to ease rules around certain crypto investment products. The new product gives investors a way to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly buying the asset.
- The iShares Bitcoin ETP is now available on the London Stock Exchange.
- It allows buyers to invest in Bitcoin through small units starting around $11.
- The launch came after the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) lifted a four-year ban on crypto-linked notes.
The FCA said the market has matured, and some crypto products are now better understood. While the regulator still restricts certain crypto derivatives for retail investors, it is taking steps to support innovation in the space. This includes allowing asset managers to explore blockchain-based fund tokenization.
Bitcoin Mining Gets a Temporary Break as Network Power Surges
Bitcoin mining just got a little easier, at least for now. The network’s mining difficulty dipped slightly last week, even as the total computing power behind Bitcoin hit new highs. That mix could offer some short-term relief for miners, but the bigger picture is still tough.
- Bitcoin mining difficulty fell by 2.7% while network hashrate reached over 1.2 trillion hashes per second.
- A higher hashrate means stronger network security, but also more work for miners to earn rewards.
- Some mining firms are shifting into AI data centers and other tech to help make up for lower profits.
The drop in difficulty won’t last forever. Between rising energy demands and trade policies affecting hardware costs, miners still have plenty to deal with.
