Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has significantly expanded its Bitcoin acquisition strategy, announcing plans to hold 100,000 BTC by the end of 2026. This ambitious target represents a substantial increase from its previous goal of 21,000 BTC.

As of early June, Metaplanet holds 8,888 BTC, following a recent purchase of 1,088 BTC. To achieve its new objective, the company intends to acquire an additional 91,112 BTC over the next 18 months. This move is part of Metaplanet’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading corporate holder of Bitcoin globally.

The firm’s CEO, Simon Gerovich, cited global economic shifts and concerns over traditional financial assets as key motivators for this aggressive expansion. He emphasized Bitcoin’s attributes—such as scarcity, ease of custody, and lack of credit intermediaries—as increasingly valuable in the current financial landscape.

To fund these acquisitions, Metaplanet plans to issue up to 555 million new shares, supplementing the 210 million shares previously issued. This capital raise is expected to generate approximately 770.3 billion yen (around $5.32 billion) based on the initial share price. Looking further ahead, the company aims to hold over 210,000 BTC by the end of 2027, joining the exclusive group of entities that possess at least 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply.

Yuga Labs is proposing a significant restructuring of the ApeCoin ecosystem by dissolving the existing ApeCoin decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) and introducing a new entity named ApeCo. This initiative, presented by CEO Greg Solano, aims to address concerns over the DAO’s current inefficiencies and redirect focus towards more impactful projects.

Solano criticized the DAO’s operations, describing them as “sluggish, noisy, and often unserious,” with resources being allocated to low-impact initiatives. He emphasized the need for a more streamlined and professional approach to governance, stating, “It’s time for a leaner, faster org to take the reins.”

Under the proposal, all governance rights held by tokenholders would be eliminated, previous Ape Improvement Proposals (AIPs) nullified, and existing working groups and elections dissolved. The DAO’s assets, including ApeCoin tokens, intellectual property, smart contracts, and infrastructure, would be transferred to ApeCo. This new entity, directly established by Yuga Labs, would adopt a more disciplined approach to funding, focusing on supporting high-caliber builders and bolstering ecosystem projects like ApeChain, Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC), and Otherside.

The community’s response to the proposal has been mixed. While some members welcome the shift towards a more focused structure, others express concerns about the optics of Yuga Labs absorbing the DAO and the implications for decentralized governance. The proposal is currently under consideration, with discussions ongoing within the community.

Circle Internet Group, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, experienced a remarkable debut on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker “CRCL.” On its first day of trading, Circle’s shares surged from an IPO price of $31 to close at $83.23, marking a substantial gain of approximately 168%. This performance reflects growing investor confidence in stablecoin businesses and the broader cryptocurrency sector.

The IPO raised approximately $1.1 billion through the sale of 34 million shares, with significant backing from major underwriters such as J.P. Morgan, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs. Notably, asset management firm ARK Invest expressed interest in purchasing up to $150 million of Circle’s stock at its IPO price. The strong demand led Circle to increase both the number and price of the shares offered.

Circle’s USDC stablecoin, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, has facilitated over $25 trillion in transactions since its launch, including $6 trillion in the first quarter of 2025 alone. With $61 billion USDC in circulation as of May 23, Circle trails only Tether in the stablecoin market. The company’s robust financials, including a net income of $64.79 million on $578.57 million in Q1 revenue, underscore its growing significance in the fintech space.

The successful IPO comes amid a favorable regulatory outlook under President Donald Trump’s administration, which supports a more relaxed approach to crypto oversight. Pending legislation like the GENIUS Act aims to establish a federal framework for stablecoin regulation, potentially benefiting companies like Circle by offering regulatory clarity.

Circle’s public debut reflects increasing investor confidence in stablecoins and digital assets, signaling a broader trend of cryptocurrency legitimization. The IPO’s success may pave the way for more fintech firm debuts, including Chime and Klarna.