- BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF holds over $45B in assets; new BTC derivatives launch in August for institutional hedging via CME Group.
- Amazon Global Logistics pilots Bitcoin payments using Lightning Network for vendors in Singapore, Brazil, and Turkey, indicating corporate adoption.
BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBTC) now holds over $45 billion. This positions it as the largest U.S. cryptocurrency ETF. The firm also plans new Bitcoin-backed derivatives. These tools for institutional risk management start trading in August via the CME Group.
Meanwhile, Amazon Global Logistics is testing Bitcoin payments. The pilot involves logistics vendors in Singapore, Brazil, and Turkey. Amazon uses the Bitcoin Lightning Network for these smaller transactions. This indicates larger companies exploring Bitcoin for specific business functions.
Separately, the U.S. Federal Reserve included Bitcoin in its global risk report. The July document identifies Bitcoin as a financial asset not tied to any government. The Fed states Bitcoin holds potential effects for long-term money movement and cash management in developing economies. The report suggests monitoring and modeling Bitcoin’s role but does not classify it as a direct risk.
Additionally, Bitcoin mining activity is growing in the Middle East. Mining groups in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have secured licenses through the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). These licensed groups combine more than 18 exahashes per second (EH/s) of mining power.
Panel discussion titled ‘The Regulated Future of Crypto with BurjX’ at BurjX launch event in Abu Dhabi, July 15, 2025.@burjxofficial #CryptoLaunch #crypto #Bitcoin #cryptocurrencynews #digitalassets #fintechnews #AbuDhabi @ADGlobalMarket #Investing pic.twitter.com/sYTjvVH6nv
— Middle East News 247 (@menews247) July 18, 2025
This regulated approach is attracting mining investment previously located in areas with less oversight.
Finally, pension funds in Latin America are gaining Bitcoin exposure. Retirement funds in Chile, Colombia, and Brazil now hold Bitcoin. They access it through regulator-approved versions of spot Bitcoin ETFs. These packaged products include features like currency protection and set redemption terms. They aim to appeal to cautious, long-term investors.
Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at $118,593.59, marking a 0.51% increase over the past 24 hours. The 24-hour trading volume has reached $68.98 billion, reflecting a 6.19% rise, indicative of strong ongoing market engagement. The circulating supply stands at 19.89 million BTC, close to the 21 million maximum cap, emphasizing the scarcity principle central to Bitcoin’s valuation thesis.
Technical momentum favors further upside if $120,000 is cleared with volume. However, any failure to hold above $114,500 may trigger corrective dips toward $110,000.
