BTCS Offers $0.40 Loyalty Payment as Metaplanet and Strategy Expand Bitcoin Holdings

SEC Delays Truth Social Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF Decision to Oct. 8, Extends Deadlines for XRP, Litecoin and Ethereum Staking Funds

The SEC has delayed its decision on Truth Social’s proposed Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF, extending the deadline to October 8 to allow more time for review. The regulator also postponed rulings on several other crypto products, including ETFs tied to Litecoin, XRP, and Ethereum staking. Truth Social, operated by Trump Media & Technology Group, filed its application in June, drawing limited public comment, though some critics warned Trump’s direct involvement in crypto could undermine market confidence. The delay comes amid a broader shift in SEC policy toward digital assets since Trump’s return to the White House, with recent approvals of spot crypto ETFs and rule changes allowing in-kind creations and redemptions. The Truth Social filing represents an unusual move for a social media firm and highlights Trump’s expanding influence in digital assets, placing the SEC under heightened political and market pressure.

Treasury Seeks Public Input on Detecting Crypto Crime Under New GENIUS Stablecoin Law, Banks Warn of Deposit Flight Risk

The U.S. Treasury Department is seeking public input on how financial institutions should combat illicit activity involving cryptocurrencies, as required by the recently enacted GENIUS Act, which established a federal regulatory framework for stablecoins. The request for comment focuses on areas like APIs, AI, digital identity verification, and blockchain monitoring. The law mandates stablecoins be fully backed by U.S. dollars or liquid assets, sets annual audit requirements for issuers with more than $50 billion in market cap, and introduces foreign issuance guidelines. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised stablecoins as a driver of global dollar adoption and U.S. Treasury demand, major banking associations have raised concerns that the law’s rules on interest payments to stablecoin holders are too weak and could destabilize deposits. Comments are due October 17, after which findings will be shared with Congress and could lead to further rulemaking.

BTCS Offers $0.40 Per Share in Ethereum Dividend and Loyalty Payment to Counter Short Sellers, Stock Jumps 9%

Ethereum treasury firm BTCS is offering shareholders a one-time $0.40 incentive split between a $0.05 Ethereum dividend in September and a $0.35 loyalty payment in January for moving shares into “book entry” with its transfer agent. The move aims to make shares less available for short sellers, as BTCS stock faces elevated short interest of 7.4%. CEO Charles Allen likened the initiative to GameStop’s share-registration campaign, saying hedge funds are betting against the firm despite its $303 million in Ethereum holdings. Shares rose nearly 9% Monday but still trade at a steep discount to crypto assets held, with experts warning such discounts could hamper growth.

Metaplanet Boosts Bitcoin Holdings to 18,888 BTC Worth $2.2B After $93M Purchase, Reports Record Quarterly Profits

Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has strengthened its position as a leading corporate Bitcoin holder by purchasing 775 BTC for $93 million at an average cost of $120,006, bringing its total to 18,888 BTC worth $2.2 billion. The company’s average purchase price now stands at $102,653 per coin, with nearly $1.94 billion invested since last year. Metaplanet’s aggressive strategy, often compared to MicroStrategy’s, is inspiring other Asian firms such as WiseLink, K Wave Media, and Genius Group to adopt Bitcoin-focused treasury models. The firm also posted its strongest quarter in history, with Q2 revenue up 41% to $8.4 million, net income at $75.1 million, and ordinary profit swinging to $117.8 million. Despite strong performance, its stock fell 8.6% last week before stabilizing. CEO Simon Gerovich emphasized that recurring Bitcoin income underpins the strategy, signaling continued accumulation despite BTC’s recent dip to $115,305.