Ethereum-Powered Base App: Coinbase’s Bold Fusion of Crypto and Social Media
Coinbase has unveiled its rebranded Base app, merging cryptocurrency, social media, and payments into a single platform. Powered by Ethereum's Layer 2 Base network, this innovative app aims to revolutionize how users manage digital assets, interact socially, and monetize content. The announcement was made during Coinbase's 'A New Day One' conference, signaling a significant step forward in the integration of blockchain technology with everyday digital experiences. This development highlights Ethereum's growing influence in the crypto space and its potential to drive mainstream adoption of decentralized applications.
Coinbase Rebrands Wallet to Base App, Merging Crypto and Social Media
Coinbase has launched its rebranded Base app, transforming the former Coinbase Wallet into an all-in-one platform integrating cryptocurrency, social media, and payments. The app, powered by Ethereum's LAYER 2 Base network, aims to create a seamless experience for users to manage assets, engage socially, and monetize content.
The announcement came during Coinbase's 'A New Day One' conference, where CEO Brian Armstrong emphasized the app's role in advancing economic freedom through crypto. The Base app, now in beta, features a social feed built on the Farcaster protocol, positioning itself as a potential foundation for a new kind of permissionless social network.
BlackRock Files to Enable Staking for Its ETH ETFs, Signaling Potential Approval
BlackRock has submitted a filing to allow staking for its ethereum ETF (ETHA), joining other issuers like Franklin Templeton, Fidelity, 21Shares, and Grayscale in seeking SEC approval. If greenlit, the firm could stake part or all of the underlying ETH through third-party providers—a significant development given BlackRock's near-flawless ETF approval record.
The move reflects broader regulatory shifts under the TRUMP administration, with the SEC dropping staking-related lawsuits against Coinbase and Kraken earlier this year. While some analysts view BlackRock's entry as a tipping point, Bloomberg's James Seyffart cautions that multiple staking ETF filings remain unresolved.
This comes after ETF issuers were forced to remove staking provisions from applications in 2024 amid SEC concerns about unregistered securities. The renewed push suggests institutional confidence in Ethereum's proof-of-stake model—though final approval hinges on regulatory clarity.
Ethereum Heats Up With Record ETF Inflows And 6-Month Price Peak
US Ethereum spot ETFs shattered records yesterday with $727 million in single-day inflows, eclipsing December's $428 million high. The surge caps an eight-day streak of consistent investment, signaling growing institutional and retail confidence.
BlackRock's iShares Ethereum Trust led the charge, absorbing nearly $500 million to reach $7.11 billion in cumulative inflows. Fidelity's Ethereum Fund followed with $113 million, while Grayscale's offerings and Bitwise's ETHW ETF contributed smaller but notable sums.
Market observers note the accelerating adoption curve - these products have gathered approximately $2 billion over just five trading sessions. Ether's price reacted accordingly, hitting six-month highs as capital flooded the ecosystem.
SharpLink to Raise $6 Billion via Stock Sales for Ether Acquisition as ETH Surges Past $3,500
SharpLink has amended its sales agreement with A.G.P. to pursue a $6 billion at-the-market (ATM) offering, selling common stock to fund Ether purchases. The decision coincides with ETH's rally to $3,592—a level unseen since November 2024—marking a resurgence in institutional crypto demand.
The Nasdaq-listed company will distribute shares through multiple channels, with A.G.P. managing execution parameters including volume caps and pricing thresholds. Settlement occurs within two trading days, bypassing escrow arrangements. Ether now joins corporate treasuries as a strategic asset class.
BlackRock Seeks to Integrate Ethereum Staking into iShares ETH Trust for Enhanced ETF Yield
BlackRock is advancing its crypto strategy with a proposal to stake ether holdings in its iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA). A revised Nasdaq filing reveals plans to participate in Ethereum's proof-of-stake mechanism, potentially making ETHA one of the first U.S.-listed Ethereum ETFs to generate staking rewards.
The MOVE signals institutional confidence in crypto yield products despite regulatory ambiguity. Franklin Templeton and Grayscale have floated similar staking-enabled Ethereum ETFs, but the SEC has not clarified whether such features constitute securities activity.
ETHA, launched in June 2024, currently holds $7.2 billion in assets and trades at $25.42 per share. BlackRock intends to collaborate with third-party staking providers for the initiative as Ethereum's staking ecosystem matures.
Ethereum ETF Inflows Surge to Record $726M as BlackRock Dominates
US Ethereum spot ETFs shattered records with $726 million in inflows on July 16th, propelled by massive demand for BlackRock's ETHA and Fidelity's offerings. Institutional appetite for crypto exposure through regulated vehicles shows no signs of slowing.
BlackRock alone captured $500 million of the total inflow, cementing its position as the dominant force in the nascent crypto ETF market. The surge comes nearly one year after SEC approval of Ethereum spot ETFs, with recent weeks showing accelerating institutional interest.
The convenience of spot ETFs continues to attract traditional investors seeking crypto exposure without direct asset custody. Market observers note this record-breaking day marks a significant maturation point for Ethereum's institutional adoption curve.
