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SEC seeks comment on in-kind redemptions for Bitcoin, Ether ETFs

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering allowing in-kind redemptions for spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a move that could significantly impact market liquidity and operational efficiency. Currently, spot crypto ETFs operate on a cash-creation and redemption model, requiring transactions to be settled in U.S. dollars rather than in cryptocurrency. Allowing in-kind redemptions—where ETF issuers could exchange fund shares directly for Bitcoin or Ether—could reduce costs and improve efficiency for institutional investors.

Industry experts suggest that if the SEC approves in-kind redemptions, it could bring crypto ETFs closer to traditional commodity-backed ETFs, which often allow redemptions in the underlying asset. This shift could make ETFs more attractive by eliminating the need for costly conversions between crypto and fiat currencies. Some analysts believe the SEC’s stance on in-kind transactions will be crucial in determining how the next wave of crypto-based financial products is structured.

While proponents argue that in-kind redemptions would enhance market stability and prevent unnecessary trading fees, critics warn of potential risks, including regulatory complexities and security concerns tied to direct crypto transfers. The SEC has remained cautious in its approach to crypto ETFs, and it remains unclear whether regulators will grant the change without additional oversight measures.

The potential policy shift comes as the SEC continues to refine its stance on digital asset regulations, particularly amid increasing demand for institutional crypto exposure. With the growing success of Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, any adjustment to redemption mechanisms could shape the future landscape of crypto investment products. Industry stakeholders are closely watching for further guidance from regulators in the coming months.

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Metaplanet now holds more Bitcoin than El Salvador

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Japanese investment firm Metaplanet has overtaken El Salvador in Bitcoin holdings, now possessing 6,796 BTC valued at approximately $707 million. This milestone follows Metaplanet’s recent acquisition of 1,241 BTC at an average price of ¥14.8 million ($101,843) per coin, marking its largest single purchase to date.

Since initiating its Bitcoin accumulation strategy in April 2024, Metaplanet has rapidly expanded its holdings, achieving an average purchase price of $91,000 per BTC. The firm’s aggressive approach includes a significant acquisition of 5,555 BTC on May 7, along with multiple purchases in April and March totaling over 37,000 BTC.

El Salvador, previously recognized for its national Bitcoin reserve, currently holds 6,714 BTC worth around $642 million. Metaplanet’s surpassing of this figure underscores its commitment to integrating Bitcoin into its corporate treasury strategy.

Metaplanet’s stock (3350.T) has experienced a substantial increase, reflecting investor confidence in its Bitcoin-centric approach. The firm reports a Bitcoin Yield—a metric indicating the percentage change in BTC holdings per fully diluted share—of 38% for the current quarter, following a 95.6% yield in Q1 2025.

As of now, Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $103,920, with a slight increase of 0.00053% from the previous close. The intraday high and low are $104,923 and $103,445, respectively.

Metaplanet’s strategic positioning places it as the largest corporate Bitcoin holder in Asia and the tenth largest globally, highlighting the growing trend of institutional adoption of cryptocurrency as a treasury asset.

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Ledger secures Discord after hacker bot tried to steal seed phrases

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Ledger, the hardware wallet provider, has confirmed that its Discord server is once again secure after a security breach on May 11. An attacker compromised a moderator’s account, using it to post phishing links designed to trick users into revealing their seed phrases on a fraudulent website.

Quintin Boatwright, a member of Ledger’s team, stated that the issue was swiftly addressed. The compromised account was removed, the malicious bot was deleted, the phishing website was reported, and all relevant permissions were reviewed and secured. Despite these measures, some community members reported that the attacker exploited moderator privileges to ban and mute users attempting to report the breach, potentially delaying Ledger’s response.

The hacker, posing as a Ledger community manager, informed users of a fictitious vulnerability in Ledger’s security systems and urged them to verify their recovery phrases via a scam link. Users were prompted to connect their wallets and follow on-screen instructions, which could have led to the compromise of their funds.

This incident follows a series of phishing attempts targeting Ledger users. In April, scammers mailed physical letters to Ledger hardware wallet owners, requesting them to validate their private seed phrases. These letters, bearing Ledger’s logo and business address, asked users to scan a QR code and enter their recovery phrases, aiming to access and empty their wallets.

The recent breach underscores the persistent threats facing the crypto community and the importance of vigilance against phishing attacks.

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Microsoft and OpenAI renegotiate investment deal

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Microsoft and OpenAI are currently engaged in discussions to revise the terms of their multibillion-dollar partnership. The renegotiation aims to align with OpenAI’s strategic shift towards establishing a public benefit corporation, while ensuring Microsoft’s continued access to OpenAI’s advanced AI technologies beyond the existing agreement, which extends through 2030.

Since 2019, Microsoft has invested over $13 billion into OpenAI, securing rights to integrate OpenAI’s models into its products and a share in the company’s revenues. Under the proposed new terms, Microsoft may consider reducing its equity stake in exchange for extended access to OpenAI’s technologies beyond the current contractual period. Additionally, OpenAI plans to decrease the revenue share allocated to Microsoft from the existing 20% to 10% by the end of the decade.

This restructuring follows OpenAI’s decision to abandon its earlier plan to convert into a purely for-profit entity. Instead, the company is transitioning to a public benefit corporation model, which allows for profit-making while being legally obligated to prioritize social good. This move has faced criticism from figures like Elon Musk, who argue that it deviates from OpenAI’s original mission to develop open-source AI for the benefit of humanity.

Despite the ongoing negotiations and differing perspectives, both Microsoft and OpenAI maintain a collaborative relationship. Microsoft continues to integrate OpenAI’s technologies into its offerings, while OpenAI benefits from Microsoft’s substantial computational resources. The outcome of these discussions is anticipated to significantly influence the future trajectory of AI development and commercialization.

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