Bitcoin News Today: "JPMorgan: Crypto Inflows Reach $60B YTD as Regulatory Shifts Drive Growth"

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen has transferred approximately $140 million worth of XRP to exchange-linked addresses over the past week, according to blockchain investigator ZachXBT. The move, which included 50 million XRP split across multiple wallets, has drawn market attention due to XRP’s concentrated supply and historical regulatory scrutiny. Larsen-linked accounts still hold roughly 2.81 billion XRP, valued at around $9 billion, but large transactions from early Ripple insiders often raise concerns about potential selling pressure. XRP briefly reached an all-time high of $3.65 in July before retreating amid profit-taking and broader altcoin weakness. The SEC previously alleged that Larsen and his spouse sold $450 million in XRP between 2017 and 2020, adding to regulatory sensitivities surrounding the token [1].

Bitcoin treasury firm Strategy has significantly expanded its capital-raising efforts to accumulate more BTC, increasing its "Stretch" preferred stock offering to $2 billion from $500 million. The firm recently spent $740 million to purchase 6,220 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 607,770 BTC—approximately 3% of the total supply. The Stretch shares, priced at $90 each with a 9% annual dividend, rank above prior preferred stock series but below convertible debt. Analysts at TD Cowen forecast Strategy could hold up to 900,000 BTC by 2027, reflecting growing institutional demand for Bitcoin as a store of value. The company now operates four active preferred stock programs, underscoring its aggressive acquisition strategy [2].

Ethereum-based firm GameSquare has added a rare CryptoPunk NFT to its treasury, acquiring CryptoPunk 5577 in a $5.15 million deal. The NFT, a high-profile “Ape Punk,” will be held as a strategic asset, and the company plans to tokenize its shares on Superstate, a platform co-founded by Robert Leshner. Leshner, who initially bought the Punk in 2022 for 2,501 ETH (~$7.7 million), will also serve as an advisor. GameSquare has previously expanded its ETH treasury to $250 million and now holds over 10,000 ETH. The move highlights a broader trend of crypto firms diversifying treasuries into NFTs and other digital assets to hedge against volatility [3].

A dormant Bitcoin wallet dating back to 2011 moved $468 million worth of BTC after 14 years of inactivity, according to blockchain explorer Arkham. The wallet transferred 3,962 BTC following a small test transaction, marking the latest in a series of historic whale movements. The owner’s identity remains unknown, but the reactivation has sparked speculation about sales or strategic reshuffling. Over $1.7 billion in BTC has been moved in recent days by early holders, signaling increased liquidity in the market. The wallet’s BTC was accumulated when the asset traded at $0.37, suggesting potential long-term gains if the tokens are sold [4].

JPMorgan analysts reported that crypto inflows have reached $60 billion year to date, driven by ETF demand, CME activity, and renewed venture capital funding. The firm attributes the growth to evolving U.S. regulatory policies, including the GENIUS and CLARITY Acts, which could position the country as a more favorable jurisdiction for crypto firms compared to Europe’s MiCA framework. Ethereum has emerged as a key beneficiary, with its role in DeFi and smart contracts attracting institutional interest. Fund managers are also exploring altcoin ETFs with staking components, reflecting diversification beyond Bitcoin as investor preferences shift [5].

The movements underscore a dynamic crypto landscape shaped by institutional participation, regulatory developments, and technological innovation. Strategy’s Bitcoin expansion, GameSquare’s NFT integration, and JPMorgan’s market analysis highlight the sector’s maturation, while individual actions like Larsen’s XRP transfers and dormant wallet reactivations illustrate the interplay between micro and macro trends.

Sources:

[1] [Ripple Co-Founder's $140M XRP Transfer Raises Concerns] (https://x.com/theblock__?lang=en)

[2] [The Daily: Ripple co-founder moves $140 million in XRP] (https://x.com/theblock__?lang=en)

[3] [GameSquare buys $5.15M CryptoPunk as treasury asset] (https://x.com/theblock__?lang=en)

[4] [OG bitcoin wallet from 2011 moves $468M after 14 years] (https://x.com/theblock__?lang=en)

[5] [JPMorgan: Crypto inflows hit $60B YTD amid regulatory shift] (https://x.com/theblock__?lang=en)