BitVault Secures $2M Funding to Launch Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoin bvUSD
BitVault, a DeFi protocol specializing in Bitcoin-based stablecoin infrastructure, has successfully raised $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by major crypto firms GSR, Gemini, and Auros, with participation from market maker Keyrock. This funding will accelerate the launch of bvUSD, an overcollateralized stablecoin backed by Bitcoin derivatives, and its yield-bearing counterpart, sbvUSD. The protocol aims to become a foundational component of the decentralized finance ecosystem, leveraging Bitcoin's liquidity and security to create innovative financial products. This development marks a significant step forward in bridging Bitcoin's value with the growing demand for stablecoins in DeFi. As of July 2025, BitVault's initiative could potentially unlock new use cases for Bitcoin holders while contributing to the stability and scalability of decentralized finance.
BitVault Raises $2M to Launch BTC-Backed Stablecoin bvUSD
BitVault, a DeFi protocol focused on Bitcoin-based stablecoin infrastructure, has secured $2 million in a pre-seed funding round. The investment was led by prominent crypto firms GSR, Gemini, and Auros, alongside market maker Keyrock. The capital will support the launch of bvUSD—an overcollateralized stablecoin backed by bitcoin derivatives—and its yield-bearing counterpart, sbvUSD.
The protocol will serve as a core component of Katana, a new DeFi-centric blockchain incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR. Katana leverages a licensed fork of Liquity V2 to enable features like permissioned borrowing and automated liquidations. "Bitcoin was built for moments of fracture. BitVault was built to make it usable," said a core contributor, emphasizing the strategic selection of liquidity-focused investors.
BitVault's launch coincides with growing demand for crypto-native stability solutions, positioning bvUSD as an alternative to fiat-pegged stablecoins like USDC and algorithmic options such as Ethena’s USDe.
HIVE Digital CFO Outlines Post-Halving Strategy: Hydro-Cooled Mining and AI Cloud Diversification
HIVE Digital Technologies is charting a disciplined path forward after Bitcoin's halving, targeting 25 EH/s in hashrate by 2025 while maintaining a debt-free balance sheet. CFO Darcy Daubaras emphasizes operational rigor and hydro-cooling efficiency as key differentiators in an increasingly competitive mining landscape.
The company's early bet on AI cloud services—powered by its sustainable data centers—provides a hedge against crypto volatility. "Our dual focus on BTC mining and high-performance computing creates structural resilience," Daubaras notes, highlighting how ESG priorities are reshaping industry leadership.
Supply chain risks loom large in HIVE's expansion plans, but the firm insists its phased procurement strategy and renewable energy infrastructure mitigate execution challenges. The interview reveals how traditional financial discipline intersects with crypto-native innovation at one of mining's most strategically agile players.
Bitcoin Airdrop Models Gain Traction as Retail Interest Surges
Bitcoin's recent price surge past $107,000 has reignited retail interest, with investors exploring innovative alternatives to direct BTC exposure. The BTC Bull Token, a meme coin tied to Bitcoin's performance, has raised $7.1 million in its presale ahead of a June 30 close, signaling strong market enthusiasm.
This activity coincides with a broader wave of presale launches, including tokens like Remittix, Kaanch, and BitcoinHyper, each targeting niche sectors such as remittances, sustainability, and infrastructure. BTC Bull Token distinguishes itself with milestone-based Bitcoin airdrops and token burns triggered at price thresholds like $125,000 and $150,000, blending meme coin appeal with tangible incentives.
The timing aligns with Bitcoin's bullish momentum, offering a unique value proposition amid speculative cycles. 'Hold $BTCBULL and earn real Bitcoin' encapsulates its mechanics—a hybrid model that could redefine retail participation in crypto markets.
UK Proposes Stricter Crypto Regulations for Banks by 2026
The Bank of England is preparing to introduce restrictive measures on banks' cryptocurrency exposure by 2026, aiming to safeguard financial stability. David Bailey, the executive director of prudential policy, emphasized a cautious approach during his speech at Risk Live Europe in London.
"We may start at the restrictive end of the spectrum and adjust as evidence emerges," Bailey stated, highlighting concerns over volatile assets where investors could face total losses. The UK plans to align with the Basel Committee's framework, which includes a proposed 1% cap on banks' exposure to high-risk cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
The Basel Committee's disclosure standards, mandatory by January 2026, will inform the UK's final rules. This MOVE reflects global efforts to balance financial innovation with systemic risk mitigation as crypto adoption grows.
Bitcoin Holds Steady as Fed Maintains Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainty
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%-4.5%, aligning with market expectations as inflation remains elevated. Bitcoin (BTC) showed resilience, trading at $104,364 with a 0.43% gain, while the broader crypto market edged up 0.22% to $3.23 trillion.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and potential oil price spikes loom as inflationary wildcards. Markets had priced in the Fed's decision, with CME Group data showing a 99.9% probability of unchanged rates. Political pressure intensified as former President TRUMP criticized Fed Chair Powell, demanding aggressive rate cuts.
Gemini Accuses CFTC of Seven-Year 'Lawfare' Campaign in Formal Complaint
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, has filed a formal complaint against the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), alleging a seven-year campaign of regulatory overreach. The 13-page letter to CFTC Inspector General Christopher Skinner claims the agency pursued a personal vendetta rather than legitimate enforcement, wasting taxpayer funds in the process.
The dispute stems from a whistleblower complaint by Benjamin Small, Gemini's former COO who was terminated for involvement in a $7.45 million rebate fraud scheme. Gemini asserts the CFTC's enforcement division ignored contradictory evidence and continued its investigation despite Small's discredited testimony. The case raises significant questions about accountability within financial regulators.
