🔮 Dinner at Trumps, No More Choking, USDC Traction, Token Creation, Strategy Type SPAC, Atkins Framework

Top Stories

USDC Surges 39% YTD as Institutions Favor Regulation and Transparency

USDC supply has grown nearly 39% year-to-date, reaching just under $61 billion by April 19, 2025, while USDT rose more modestly from $138 billion to $145 billion. Ethereum remains the primary stablecoin hub, hosting $130 billion of the $226 billion total supply. USDC’s growth is increasingly driven by regulatory clarity, Circle’s transparent reserves, and its upcoming IPO, attracting institutional players in the U.S. and EU. While USDT still leads in size, a clear preference for USDC among regulated entities and DeFi protocols is emerging, signaling a maturing shift in stablecoin market dynamics.

Source: The Block

Breakfast at Tiffany's or Dinner at Trumps

President Trump's official Solana-based meme coin, TRUMP, surged after announcing a private dinner at Trump National Golf Club for the top 220 token holders. TRUMP hit $14.72, its highest price since early March, with daily trading volume topping $295 million. Eligible holders must register via the GetTrumpMemes website, linking their Solana wallets and providing personal information. A VIP reception for the top 25 holders was also announced. The rally follows news that token unlocks would be delayed by 90 days, helping ease prior sell-off fears. Despite the jump, TRUMP remains more than 80% below its January all-time high.

Zora Frenzy Fuels Record Token Creation Surge on Base

Base saw an all-time high in token launches last week, with over 239,000 new tokens minted, largely driven by Zora, a Coinbase Ventures-backed platform. Zora, described as an "onchain Instagram," lets users tokenize posts, and activity exploded after the viral “Base is for everyone” token pumped from $0 to over $20 million in market cap overnight. The frenzy intensified with Zora’s announcement of an upcoming $ZORA token airdrop, incentivizing users to mint tokens en masse. While excitement grows, questions swirl about whether the surge was an organic phenomenon—or a coordinated effort tied to Base and Coinbase Ventures.

Source: Blockworks

Helium Teams Up with AT&T to Expand Decentralized Wireless Coverage

Solana-powered decentralized network Helium announced a major collaboration with telecom giant AT&T, allowing its 118 million mobile subscribers to access Helium’s community-operated wireless hotspots. Hotspot operators will benefit from increased data traffic, earning rewards via Helium’s HNT token. The partnership aims to extend AT&T’s coverage, especially in underserved areas, using Helium’s “mini cell tower” infrastructure. Following similar initiatives with Telefónica in Mexico, Helium views AT&T as a long-term strategic partner. Meanwhile, Helium’s network activity and HNT token have surged after the SEC dismissed its prior lawsuit against the project.

Regulation

Trump Media Finalizes Crypto ETF Deal with Crypto.com and Yorkville

Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) has finalized a binding agreement with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital to launch a suite of crypto-focused ETFs and financial products under its fintech brand, Truth.Fi. The ETFs, emphasizing a "Made in America" theme, will include cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Cronos. Crypto.com will handle custody, backend technology, and asset supply, while Charles Schwab will serve as custodian and advisor. TMTG plans to invest up to $250 million into these offerings, which are expected to launch later this year pending regulatory approval in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Tether, SoftBank, Cantor Fitzgerald Launch $3.6B Bitcoin Public Company "Twenty One"

Tether, Bitfinex, SoftBank, and Cantor Fitzgerald are teaming up to launch Twenty One, a bitcoin-native public company valued at $3.6 billion via a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners. Twenty One will start with over 42,000 BTC, aiming to maximize bitcoin holdings rather than traditional fiat earnings metrics. Tether will contribute $1.5 billion, SoftBank $900 million, and Bitfinex $600 million worth of bitcoin, with all investments converting into equity at $10 per share. Cantor Fitzgerald will raise an additional $585 million for bitcoin purchases. Strike CEO Jack Mallers will lead the company, which plans to develop bitcoin-focused financial products and media under a "built by Bitcoiners, for Bitcoiners" ethos.

Paul Atkins Sworn in as SEC Chair, Promises 'Rational' Crypto Framework

Paul Atkins, a longtime crypto advocate and former SEC commissioner, was sworn in as the SEC's 34th chairman after a 52-44 Senate vote. Atkins replaces Gary Gensler, pledging a "rational, coherent, and principled" approach to regulation, sharply contrasting the previous enforcement-heavy strategy. Atkins promises to clarify rules that many say stifled innovation. With over 70 crypto ETF applications awaiting review and regulatory attitudes softening, Atkins' tenure could mark a pivotal shift for U.S. crypto policy.

Federal Reserve Ends 'Choke Point' Crypto Policies for Banks

The Federal Reserve announced it will no longer require member banks to provide advance notice before engaging with crypto or stablecoin-related activities, treating digital assets like any other banking service. This marks the Fed’s official withdrawal of Biden-era guidance that had discouraged crypto involvement following FTX’s collapse. The move follows similar shifts by the FDIC and OCC, aligning with President Trump’s efforts to dismantle “Operation Chokepoint 2.0.” While banks no longer need explicit permission for crypto activity, access to master accounts for crypto-focused banks like Custodia and Kraken remains restricted.

CME to Launch XRP Futures, Signaling Growing ETF Momentum

CME Group plans to launch XRP futures in May, pending CFTC approval, adding to its lineup alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana futures. The offering will include both micro (2,500 XRP) and standard (50,000 XRP) cash-settled contracts based on the CME CF XRP-Dollar Reference Rate. The move follows the recent debut of Solana futures and is seen as another step toward potential U.S. spot ETF approvals. Ripple’s regulatory settlement with the SEC and aggressive lobbying efforts have improved XRP’s prospects, with analysts now viewing it as one of the most likely candidates for ETF approval. XRP, the fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, continues to generate debate within the broader crypto community.

Other Domestic Regulation Updates

• SEC charges crypto exec over alleged $198 million fraud scheme
• SEC Still Plans on Charging Miami Crypto Company—But It's Vowing to Fight Back
• LAPD Seizes Stolen Bitcoin Miners Worth $2.7 Million in Cargo Theft Investigation

Other International Regulation Updates

• South Korea's central bank vows to 'actively participate' in stablecoin legislation development
• Metaplanet hits 5,000 BTC milestone as corporate bitcoin accumulation race heats up

Pain & Gain

Pain

• Bybit CEO says nearly 28% of $1.4 billion hacked crypto 'gone dark'
• North Korean hackers created fake US companies to target crypto developers
• Coinbase and Zora Accused of Shady Marketing Ahead of ZORA Token Launch

Gain

• MANTRA founder will burn $82 million worth of his OM tokens
• Bitcoin ETFs Add $381 Million in Biggest Day Since January
• Standard Chartered says bitcoin likely to keep rising amid Fed independence risks
• Ark Invest outlines $2.4 million bitcoin bull case
• Crypto Market Tops $3 Trillion for First Time in Six Weeks as ETF Inflows Pick Up
• Ethereum Leadership Seeks to Reverse Rock-bottom Sentiment with New Roadmap