Ethereum’s Layer 2 Arbitrum Gains Momentum with PayPal’s PYUSD Integration

PayPal's strategic deployment of its PYUSD stablecoin on Arbitrum, a Layer 2 blockchain known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, marks a significant shift in digital payments. This integration reduces transaction costs by over 90%, enhancing Arbitrum's position in the global crypto payments landscape. The launch of PayPal's 'Pay with Crypto' feature on July 28, 2025, is a pivotal moment for mainstream adoption, enabling 650 million users to seamlessly transact with cryptocurrencies. This development underscores the growing importance of Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions in driving scalability and affordability in the crypto ecosystem.

PayPal’s Crypto Rollout on Arbitrum Signals Major Shift in Digital Payments

PayPal has strategically deployed its PYUSD stablecoin on Arbitrum, a Layer 2 blockchain renowned for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This move slashes transaction costs by over 90%, positioning Arbitrum as a formidable player in global crypto payments.

The launch of PayPal’s 'Pay with Crypto' feature on July 28 marks a watershed moment for mainstream adoption. With 650 million users now able to transact directly with merchants, the tool bridges the gap between digital assets and real-world commerce. PYUSD volumes have already surged 160%, while Arbitrum’s DeFi activity reflects growing institutional confidence.

This integration addresses long-standing barriers—high fees, slow speeds, and complexity—that previously hindered crypto’s utility as a payment system. By leveraging Arbitrum’s infrastructure, PayPal is unlocking access to 90% of the $3 trillion cryptocurrency market.

eToro to Launch Ethereum-Based Tokenized Stocks with 24/7 Trading

Online brokerage eToro announced plans to introduce tokenized stocks on the ethereum blockchain, enabling round-the-clock trading of traditional equities as ERC-20 tokens. The Israel-based platform will initially offer 24/5 trading for 100 top U.S. stocks and ETFs, marking a significant convergence of traditional finance and decentralized technology.

"We're witnessing the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history, driven by retail investors adopting new financial paradigms," said CEO Yoni Assia during the product webinar. The MOVE follows eToro's 2019 acquisition of tokenization firm Firmo, through which it previously launched tokenized gold and silver offerings.

The announcement reflects growing institutional interest in blockchain-based asset representation, coming months after BlackRock's own tokenization initiatives. By leveraging Ethereum's infrastructure, eToro aims to bridge the accessibility gap between crypto-native traders and traditional markets.

SEC Reviews BlackRock's Ethereum ETF Staking Proposal Amid Regulatory Delays

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has acknowledged Nasdaq's proposal to allow staking for BlackRock's spot Ethereum ETF, marking a potential turning point for institutional crypto participation. Approval would enable the asset manager to engage in Ethereum's proof-of-stake consensus and distribute rewards to shareholders.

Regulatory timelines remain uncertain, with the SEC reserving 45 days for decision-making but frequently extending review periods. Similar proposals from Bitwise and Grayscale have faced repeated delays, creating an atmosphere of cautious anticipation across crypto markets.

Spot Ethereum ETFs have demonstrated remarkable market traction, attracting $9.4 billion in net inflows since launch. This institutional demand underscores growing confidence in Ethereum's infrastructure despite regulatory hurdles.

BitMine Immersion Technologies Approves $1 Billion Stock Buyback to Bolster Ethereum Treasury Strategy

BitMine Immersion Technologies has authorized a $1 billion open-ended stock repurchase program, signaling its aggressive pivot toward Ethereum accumulation. The Texas-based firm, chaired by Tom Lee, aims to stake and hold 5% of Ethereum's total supply—a target Lee refers to as 'the alchemy of 5%.'

With 625,000 ETH already in its treasury—acquired at an average price of $3,755 per token—BitMine is the largest corporate holder of Ethereum. The holdings, now valued at approximately $2.4 billion, underscore the company's conviction in ETH's long-term value. 'There may be times when the best expected return of our capital is to acquire our own shares,' Lee stated, framing the buyback as a strategic lever.

Ethereum's $458.9 billion market capitalization reflects the growing institutional interest in crypto treasuries. BitMine's move mirrors a broader trend among treasury firms reallocating capital to digital assets.

Biotech Firm Rebrands as ETHZilla, Raises $425M for Ethereum Treasury

180 Life Sciences, a publicly traded biotech company, is rebranding to ETHZilla and launching an Ethereum treasury with a $425 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) offering. The firm plans to use the proceeds to purchase ETH, citing Ethereum's potential for building financial tools and generating yield.

Shares of the company, which have plummeted over 99% historically, closed the day up more than 10%. ETHZilla's leadership includes Ethereum pioneers, DeFi founders, and Wall Street veterans, positioning the firm to capitalize on the growing institutional interest in cryptocurrency.

Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm Declines to Testify in $1B Money Laundering Case

Roman Storm, co-founder of privacy protocol Tornado Cash, opted not to take the stand in his criminal trial this week. Federal prosecutors allege the Ethereum-based mixing service facilitated laundering over $1 billion in illicit funds, including proceeds from major hacks.

Defense attorneys argued Storm merely created neutral financial infrastructure later exploited by bad actors. Witness testimony emphasized Tornado Cash's Immutable smart contracts prevented developer intervention, while message logs showed Storm's displeasure with criminal usage.

The case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto privacy tools. While no direct mentions of exchange listings or token markets occurred, the proceedings could influence how decentralized protocols are treated under money transmission laws.