News
9 Jun 2026, 05:03
Coinbase executive says institutions prefer Bitcoin at $60K over peak prices

Institutional investors are showing stronger interest in Bitcoin at lower price levels than at market highs, according to a senior Coinbase executive. There is a growing preference among large investors to accumulate the cryptocurrency during periods of weakness rather than chase rallies. John D’Agostino, Head of Institutional Strategy at Coinbase, says many investors see the recent Bitcoin correction to $60,000 as a prime accumulation window rather than a cause for alarm. Speaking about the market behaviour he contends that institutional confidence hasn’t wavered. D’Agostino notes that the big players have done their homework for years and actually prefer buying Bitcoin when it’s on a dip. He remarked, “Family offices, government funds, and sovereign funds that are trying to buy these assets can do so at a discount, and they are not discouraged by this. Lower prices are actually more favored.” Spot ETFs retain their billion-dollar exposure despite Bitcoin’s value dip D’Agostino also noted that spot ETFs still command nearly $100 billion in exposure, and retail interest has dropped by only 15% despite Bitcoin’s value being cut in half. According to the Coinbase executive, the Bitcoin industry is now backed by stronger institutional-grade infrastructure, evolving rules, and proposed legislation that could further support long-term growth. “I think both retail and institutional are signaling this is a long-term asset you want to hold,” he said. Moreover, he minimized the threat of forced selling, saying most major investors have sufficient financial backing to remain invested during market stress. He said that, in fact, the story is about accumulation: large buyers are hungry for cash and looking to build positions, and the $60,000 range is much more attractive than the six-figure peaks. This deep-pocketed confidence is playing out in real time, as Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) sustained its aggressive accumulation strategy with a fresh $101 million purchase of 1,550 BTC. At the moment, Bitcoin is trading at $62,724, down 22% in the last 30 days and around 50% from its October peak. Bernstein says BTC’s decline is a sign of a strong institutional foundation Earlier, analysts at Bernstein also recognized the Bitcoin dip, attributing it to sluggish inflows, as many retail investors chose to chase opportunities in the booming AI sector instead. Nonetheless, like D’Agostino, Bernstein does not see the decline as a threat. The asset’s muted activity in the early days of the year should be seen as evidence of a more solid institutional basis rather than a deep downturn, it said in its latest report. Bitcoin has attracted substantially fewer new capital this year, the report found, with net inflows from ETFs and corporate treasuries dropping from $60 billion in 2025 to $12 billion so far. But analysts say this pullback is a good thing. They say that every day traders have shifted from AI stocks to Bitcoin, and that this will put their money into institutional players, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and corporate treasuries. So this creates a much more stable base than the hype-driven crowds of the past. Additionally, it reaffirmed its target of $150,000 by the end of the year, even as market conditions remain challenging. It also asserted: “Bitcoin being boring this cycle should not be held against it, and does not take away from the long-term ‘store of value’ thesis, in our view.” Meanwhile, in a CNBC interview with D’Agostino, host Joe Kernen highlighted several reasons for Bitcoin’s current slump. The CNBC host cited general market risk aversion, capital flows toward alternative investments, elevated interest rates, and regulatory uncertainty as major factors driving the situation. D’Agostino supported his opinion but noted that volatility is always typical of commodity-type instruments. He added that the future of Bitcoin remains promising despite geopolitical issues, such as the situation with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .
9 Jun 2026, 04:20
RWA Token Market Surges 589% Since Start of 2025, Led by Bonds and Money Market Funds: Binance Report

BitcoinWorld RWA Token Market Surges 589% Since Start of 2025, Led by Bonds and Money Market Funds: Binance Report The market for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs) has expanded by approximately 589% since the beginning of 2025, according to a new report from Binance Research. The surge is largely attributed to institutional adoption of tokenized bonds and money market funds (MMFs), with major financial players including BlackRock, Fidelity, Circle, and Ondo Finance (ONDO) driving significant capital inflows into the sector. Bonds and MMFs Lead the Charge The report highlights that the growth has been most pronounced in dollar-denominated, yield-bearing instruments. Tokenized government bonds and MMFs have become the cornerstone of the RWA market, offering investors near-instant settlement and fractional ownership of traditionally illiquid assets. BlackRock’s BUIDL fund and Ondo’s USDY token are among the products that have seen substantial uptake, reflecting a broader trend of traditional finance merging with decentralized infrastructure. Public equity tokenization also experienced explosive growth, expanding by 422% over the same period. This segment includes tokenized shares of publicly traded companies, which allow for 24/7 trading and easier access for global investors. Diversification Beyond Government Bonds While government bonds and MMFs remain the dominant asset classes, the report notes a meaningful shift toward more exotic RWAs. This category, which includes tokenized reinsurance contracts, GPU computing power, and carbon credits, grew by 72%. This diversification suggests that the market is maturing beyond a structure solely centered on low-risk sovereign debt, moving into higher-yield and more specialized real-world assets. What This Means for Investors The rapid expansion of the RWA market signals a fundamental change in how assets are issued, traded, and settled. For institutional investors, tokenization offers operational efficiencies, reduced counterparty risk, and access to new liquidity pools. For retail participants, it opens doors to asset classes previously out of reach, such as high-grade corporate bonds or private credit. However, the market remains nascent, and regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions are still evolving. Conclusion The 589% growth in the RWA tokenization market since early 2025 underscores the accelerating convergence of traditional finance and blockchain technology. With established firms like BlackRock and Fidelity deepening their involvement, and newer protocols like Ondo expanding their offerings, the sector is poised for continued expansion. Investors should monitor regulatory developments and infrastructure improvements as key factors shaping the next phase of this market. FAQs Q1: What is RWA tokenization? RWA tokenization is the process of representing ownership of real-world assets, such as bonds, real estate, or commodities, as digital tokens on a blockchain. This enables fractional ownership, faster settlement, and broader accessibility. Q2: Why did the RWA market grow so quickly in 2025-2026? Growth was driven by institutional adoption, particularly in tokenized money market funds and bonds from major firms like BlackRock and Fidelity. Improved regulatory clarity in several jurisdictions also encouraged capital inflows. Q3: What are exotic RWAs? Exotic RWAs refer to tokenized assets beyond traditional financial instruments, such as reinsurance contracts, GPU computing power, carbon credits, and other niche real-world assets. They represent a diversification of the RWA market into higher-risk, higher-reward categories. This post RWA Token Market Surges 589% Since Start of 2025, Led by Bonds and Money Market Funds: Binance Report first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
9 Jun 2026, 04:03
Russia moves to penalize ‘unfriendly’ Western crypto tokens with new fees

The Russian government is poised to introduce fees and trade restrictions on cryptocurrencies issued by companies based in Western jurisdictions, a move that could shift billions of dollars in annual trading volume away from international exchanges and into domestic state-owned platforms. Russian Deputy Minister of Finance Ivan Chebeskov said that the new cryptocurrency bill will include “economic incentives, such as commissions or recommendations” to dissuade Russians from using tokens it views as “unfriendly,” namely those issued by entities that can lock up digital assets at the request of any foreign authority. The bill is expected to pass the State Duma in June and take effect July 1, 2026. Which cryptocurrencies does Russia consider ‘unfriendly’ Under the proposal, Russian citizens without qualified-investor status would be allowed to trade only three tokens: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Dollar-backed stablecoins like USDC and Binance’s BNB are kept off the retail whitelist, treated as higher-risk because their issuers can freeze assets at the request of foreign authorities. The rationale is straightforward. Tether, the issuer of USDT, has frozen funds at the request of law enforcement, including a $344 million freeze flagged by US authorities, Izvestia states. Circle, which issues USDC, holds the same power to freeze wallet addresses. Binance has already banned Russian users from its service. USDT carries that same freeze risk, and according to Chebeskov, regulators were initially ready to prohibit it entirely. When the industry pushed back, they kept access open while adding protections. How Russia plans to discourage use of foreign tokens There is no official fee yet for using foreign tokens. According to Freedom Global analyst Vladimir Chernov, it could range between 0.5% and 2% for unfriendly tokens and up to 3% for unfriendly stablecoins. Chernov warned that excessively high fees might drive people toward illegal transactions. Beyond fees, the bill is also likely to introduce mandatory investor tests, annual transaction-volume limits, a cool-down period for withdrawals, and restrictions on transferring assets to other wallets, according to Denis Astafyev, founder of the SharesPro fintech platform. How new Russian regulations could reshape cross-border crypto trading The stakes extend well beyond Russia’s borders. Chainalysis estimated that Russia received roughly $376 billion in crypto transactions between July 2024 and June 2025, the largest volume recorded across Europe, according to Cryptopolitan’s earlier reporting . Legal expert Yuriy Brisov told DL News that Russian traders pay an estimated $15 billion annually in fees to overseas crypto exchanges, revenue Moscow now wants routed to domestic licensed platforms. Russia’s broader regulatory push targets a July 1 start for mandatory exchange licensing. Foreign platforms without a Russian operating permit and physical offices could be blocked entirely, with Roskomnadzor reportedly preparing DNS-level filtering tools similar to those used against YouTube, according to DL News. For international platforms, it comes down to two choices: follow the licensing rules Russia sets out, or lose access to the millions of Russians who use cryptocurrency. Binance, which has scaled down its Russian services, and HTX, recently sanctioned by the UK, face the most direct pressure. How Russia’s crypto framework differentiates retail and institutional investors The bill will divide crypto access in Russia between retail and institutional investors. Retail investors must follow an annual investment cap of 300,000 rubles (about $4,080), pass a test, and stay within the small whitelist of approved tokens. Professional and institutional investors would retain broader access. According to TradingView, Russia’s Central Bank First Deputy Governor Vladimir Chistyukhin said there were no immediate plans to expand the retail list beyond Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT. Stablecoins linked to the ruble will take precedence over foreign ones. How UK and US sanctions complicate Russia’s crypto strategy The timing coincides with intensifying Western pressure on Russian crypto infrastructure. Britain sanctioned 18 entities in May, including HTX, for allegedly supporting Russia’s “shadow financial systems,” according to Reuters. The US-sanctioned Grinex exchange, linked to a ruble-backed stablecoin called A7A5, suspended operations in April after a cyberattack that cost it 1 billion rubles ($13.1 million). Russia’s domestic crypto investment market remains small in relative terms. The Financial Stability Report from Russia’s Central Bank, released June 1, estimated retail crypto investments at 3.8 billion rubles, roughly $44 million, essentially unchanged from six months earlier, Cryptopolitan reported . The gap between $376 billion in transaction flow and $44 million in domestic investment underscores that Russia’s crypto significance lies in cross-border volume, not retail portfolios. That volume is what global exchanges stand to lose. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
9 Jun 2026, 03:50
Bitcoin Magazine Contributor Warns Saylor Is Becoming the System Bitcoin Was Built to Oppose

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Magazine Contributor Warns Saylor Is Becoming the System Bitcoin Was Built to Oppose A prominent contributor to Bitcoin Magazine has publicly criticized MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor, accusing him of drifting away from Bitcoin’s foundational principles and adopting tactics that resemble the traditional financial system the cryptocurrency was designed to challenge. A Shift in Trust Zach Wischler, a long-time contributor to Bitcoin Magazine, voiced his concerns on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he had trusted Saylor for years and held MicroStrategy stock through its volatility, believing Saylor to be one of the few executives who truly understood the flaws of legacy finance. However, Wischler argued that recent actions by Saylor and MicroStrategy have undermined that trust. Wischler specifically pointed to the company’s name change, the launch of preferred stock, a new corporate dashboard, and a promotional video for the STRC preferred stock that he described as resembling an ETF advertisement. He argued that these moves echo the very system Bitcoin was meant to dismantle. The Core Principle Under Debate Wischler emphasized that sound money should be simple: a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a unit of account that no single entity can dilute or control. He expressed concern that recent trends in the industry, including Saylor’s actions, are moving away from this core principle. “Sound money should be simple,” Wischler wrote. “It’s a store of value, a medium of exchange, and a unit of account that no one can dilute or control. I feel like we are moving away from that.” Implications for the Bitcoin Community The criticism from a well-known figure within the Bitcoin community highlights a growing ideological divide. While Saylor has been one of the most vocal corporate advocates for Bitcoin, his methods—including aggressive capital raising and complex financial instruments—have drawn scrutiny from purists who believe Bitcoin should remain decentralized and free from corporate financial engineering. Wischler’s remarks also raise questions about the long-term direction of MicroStrategy and its influence on the broader cryptocurrency market. The company’s massive Bitcoin holdings make its strategic decisions a matter of interest for investors and enthusiasts alike. Conclusion The debate over Michael Saylor’s approach reflects a deeper tension within the cryptocurrency space: the challenge of scaling and institutionalizing Bitcoin without compromising the decentralized ethos that defines it. As the industry evolves, such ideological conflicts are likely to become more frequent, forcing participants to reconcile innovation with principle. FAQs Q1: Why did Zach Wischler criticize Michael Saylor? Wischler argued that Saylor’s recent actions, including a company name change, the launch of preferred stock, and a promotional video resembling an ETF ad, mimic the traditional financial system Bitcoin was designed to replace. Q2: What is the STRC preferred stock mentioned in the criticism? STRC is a preferred stock issued by MicroStrategy. Wischler and others have criticized its marketing as resembling an ETF advertisement, which they believe contradicts Bitcoin’s decentralized principles. Q3: Does this criticism reflect a wider sentiment in the Bitcoin community? Yes, the criticism highlights an ideological divide between those who support corporate adoption of Bitcoin through traditional financial tools and those who advocate for strict adherence to Bitcoin’s original decentralized and anti-institutional ethos. This post Bitcoin Magazine Contributor Warns Saylor Is Becoming the System Bitcoin Was Built to Oppose first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
9 Jun 2026, 03:00
Upbit to List Citrea (CTR) for Trading Against BTC and USDT

BitcoinWorld Upbit to List Citrea (CTR) for Trading Against BTC and USDT South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Upbit has announced the upcoming listing of Citrea (CTR), a blockchain project focused on scaling Bitcoin through zero-knowledge proofs. Trading for CTR will open against Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) at 6:00 a.m. UTC on June 9. What is Citrea (CTR)? Citrea is a layer-2 scaling solution designed to enhance Bitcoin’s programmability without altering its core protocol. By leveraging zero-knowledge rollups, Citrea aims to bring smart contract functionality to the Bitcoin network, enabling decentralized applications (dApps) while maintaining Bitcoin’s security and decentralization. The project has attracted attention for its potential to expand Bitcoin’s utility beyond simple transactions. Why This Listing Matters Upbit is one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea, a market known for its high retail participation and influence on global crypto prices. Listings on Upbit often lead to increased liquidity and price volatility for the listed token. For Citrea, gaining access to South Korean traders provides a significant boost in visibility and trading volume, potentially accelerating adoption of its technology. The addition of CTR/BTC and CTR/USDT trading pairs also offers traders direct exposure to the token against both the leading cryptocurrency and a stablecoin, catering to different trading strategies. Implications for Traders South Korean exchanges frequently see premium pricing compared to global averages due to local demand dynamics. Traders should monitor price spreads between Upbit and other exchanges after the listing. Additionally, new listings often experience initial volatility, so caution is advised. Conclusion Upbit’s decision to list Citrea (CTR) reflects growing interest in Bitcoin layer-2 solutions and their potential to expand the network’s capabilities. The listing provides South Korean traders with early access to a project aiming to bring smart contracts to Bitcoin, while also highlighting the continued importance of the Korean market in shaping cryptocurrency trends. Trading begins June 9 at 6:00 a.m. UTC. FAQs Q1: What is Citrea (CTR)? Citrea is a layer-2 scaling solution for Bitcoin that uses zero-knowledge proofs to enable smart contracts and decentralized applications on the Bitcoin network. Q2: When will CTR be available for trading on Upbit? Trading will begin at 6:00 a.m. UTC on June 9. Q3: Which trading pairs will be available for CTR on Upbit? Upbit will support CTR trading against Bitcoin (CTR/BTC) and Tether (CTR/USDT). This post Upbit to List Citrea (CTR) for Trading Against BTC and USDT first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
9 Jun 2026, 02:45
Coinbase Strategist: Institutional Investors Are Actively Buying Bitcoin in the $60K Range

BitcoinWorld Coinbase Strategist: Institutional Investors Are Actively Buying Bitcoin in the $60K Range Institutional investors are not retreating from Bitcoin despite its recent price decline below $60,000. According to John D’Agostino, head of institutional strategy at Coinbase, family offices and sovereign wealth funds are actively buying into the dip, viewing the current price level as a strategic entry point. Institutional Demand Remains Strong Speaking to CNBC, D’Agostino noted that the buying interest from these sophisticated investors has actually increased as Bitcoin’s price fell. He observed that many of these institutions were comfortable purchasing Bitcoin at $125,000, continued buying at $100,000, and are now showing even more aggressive interest near the $65,000 mark. This pattern suggests a long-term conviction that is not easily shaken by short-term price volatility. Retail Demand Holds Up Better Than Expected While Bitcoin’s price has dropped roughly 50% from its all-time high, the decline in demand from retail investors has been surprisingly contained. D’Agostino estimated that retail interest has only decreased by about 15% during the same period. This divergence between price action and demand indicates that a significant portion of the market remains committed, even during downturns. Spot BTC ETF Holdings Signal Stability D’Agostino also highlighted that current spot Bitcoin ETF holdings are being maintained at approximately $100 billion. This figure represents a substantial base of institutional capital that has not been liquidated despite the price decline. The stability of these holdings suggests that ETF investors are largely taking a long-term view rather than trading on short-term price movements. Why This Matters The commentary from Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the United States, provides a window into the mindset of institutional capital. If family offices and sovereign wealth funds are indeed accumulating Bitcoin at current levels, it could signal a floor for prices and a potential catalyst for the next upward move. For retail investors, understanding the behavior of these large players offers valuable context for their own strategies. Conclusion Bitcoin’s drop below $60,000 has not deterred institutional investors. Instead, it has created what many perceive as a buying opportunity. With ETF holdings remaining stable and retail demand holding up better than expected, the market may be building a foundation for recovery. However, as with all market commentary, these views represent one perspective and should be weighed against broader economic factors and individual risk tolerance. FAQs Q1: Are institutions really buying Bitcoin at current prices? According to Coinbase’s head of institutional strategy, family offices and sovereign wealth funds are actively buying Bitcoin in the $60,000 range, viewing the dip as a buying opportunity. Q2: How much have retail investors reduced their Bitcoin demand? D’Agostino estimates retail demand has declined by only about 15%, despite Bitcoin’s price falling roughly 50% from its peak. Q3: What is the current value of spot Bitcoin ETF holdings? Spot Bitcoin ETF holdings are being maintained at around $100 billion, according to Coinbase’s institutional strategy head. This post Coinbase Strategist: Institutional Investors Are Actively Buying Bitcoin in the $60K Range first appeared on BitcoinWorld .









































