Hey crypto addicts,

Strategy has sold $104.7 million worth of Bitcoin to help fund dividends and share repurchases tied to its preferred stock program, marking another shift in the company's capital management strategy. While the sale represents only a small portion of its massive Bitcoin holdings, it signals a greater focus on balancing shareholder obligations alongside its long-term Bitcoin investment strategy.

The proceeds will support preferred stock dividends while strengthening the company's cash reserves. Despite reducing its Bitcoin position, Strategy remains the world's largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, with more than 842,000 BTC still on its balance sheet.

The move highlights how corporate Bitcoin treasuries are continuing to evolve as companies balance long-term conviction with financial flexibility. Although Strategy remains firmly committed to Bitcoin, the latest sale shows that even the biggest institutional holders may occasionally use their digital assets to support broader corporate objectives.. ☕

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Five men have been convicted over the kidnapping and blackmail of two French cryptocurrency investors who were held captive in London for more than two days. During the ordeal, the victims were assaulted, threatened and forced to transfer around $30,000 in cryptocurrency before police tracked down the gang and rescued them.

Prosecutors said the victims were allegedly targeted after displaying their wealth on social media, highlighting the growing risks faced by high-profile crypto holders. The case adds to a rising number of incidents worldwide where criminals have targeted digital asset investors through physical intimidation rather than cyberattacks.

The convictions serve as another reminder that personal security is becoming just as important as wallet security in the crypto industry. As digital assets become more valuable and widely adopted, investors are increasingly being urged to protect both their online holdings and their personal privacy. ☕

Robinhood has secured regulatory registration to offer cryptocurrency services in the United Kingdom, positioning the company ahead of the country's upcoming crypto regulatory framework. The approval allows Robinhood to legally expand its digital asset offerings while meeting the UK's anti-money laundering requirements.

The registration marks a significant milestone in Robinhood's international expansion strategy. By entering the UK before the new licensing regime takes effect, the company is well positioned to grow its presence in one of Europe's largest financial markets and compete with established crypto exchanges.

The move reflects a broader trend of major financial platforms seeking regulatory approval before stricter crypto rules are introduced. As the UK continues building a comprehensive framework for digital assets, licensed firms like Robinhood are expected to benefit from increased investor confidence and greater institutional participation. ☕

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Bitget has announced it will end cryptocurrency services for residents of Japan following ongoing regulatory pressure from the country's Financial Services Agency (FSA). The exchange has already stopped accepting new registrations and will begin a phased wind-down of existing accounts as it moves to comply with local regulations.

Under the transition plan, Japanese users will gradually face account restrictions before all remaining open positions are closed by the end of the year. The decision reflects Japan's strict licensing requirements, which require crypto exchanges to obtain regulatory approval before offering services to local residents.

The move highlights the increasing pressure on global crypto exchanges to comply with local regulatory frameworks rather than operate across borders without approval. As major jurisdictions continue tightening oversight, exchanges are increasingly being forced to either secure licences or withdraw from markets altogether.☕

Bitcoin has climbed back above $62,000, but underlying demand from US investors remains weak as the Coinbase Premium Index has now stayed negative for 77 consecutive days, its longest streak on record. The persistent negative premium suggests US institutions are still showing limited buying interest despite the recent recovery, with much of the demand coming from offshore markets instead.

Strategy has kept the dividend on its STRC preferred shares at 12% for August, despite the stock continuing to trade well below its $100 par value. Investors had expected another dividend increase after the shares spent much of July under par, but the company opted to leave the payout unchanged while reaffirming its long-term goal of returning STRC to the $99–$100 range.

This week's crypto headlines were dominated by a major Coldcard hardware wallet exploit that has now resulted in more than $70 million worth of stolen Bitcoin, reigniting concerns around self-custody and prompting many holders to move funds to exchanges or alternative storage solutions. At the same time, uncertainty continues to surround the US Clarity Act as time runs short for a Senate vote.

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