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BlackRock is seeking approval to launch the iShares Bitcoin Trust.
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Deutsche Bank has applied for a new crypto custody license in Germany.
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AltSignals has raised more than $1 million in its token sale.
Major financial institutions are increasingly moving into cryptocurrencies even as regulators such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pursue enforcement actions against leading crypto firms. That mix of regulatory pressure and institutional interest has helped drive a market rebound in recent days: Bitcoin is trading near $29,000 and Ethereum has climbed toward $1,830. Meanwhile, AltSignals has announced it raised over $1 million from its token sale.
BlackRock and Deutsche Bank advance crypto plans
A defining development this month was the SEC’s lawsuits against Coinbase and Binance, two of the largest companies in the sector. The SEC has alleged, among other things, that some offerings constituted unregistered securities and that customer funds were commingled.
Those cases could reshape parts of the industry. If the SEC succeeds in its claims against Coinbase, for example, the company might be required to stop offering certain staking products unless those services are licensed or otherwise comply with agency rules.
At the same time, several major firms continue to pursue crypto-related products. BlackRock has filed for an iShares Bitcoin Trust, which—if approved—would function as a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). Such a fund would allow investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price without holding the underlying asset directly or using retail crypto exchanges.
Whether the SEC will approve a spot Bitcoin ETF remains uncertain, as the agency has rejected similar proposals in the past. BlackRock’s filing includes provisions intended to reduce the risk of price manipulation and provide market safeguards, which could influence the SEC’s decision.
Another notable industry move is the launch of EDX Markets, a non-custodial crypto exchange backed by major Wall Street firms including Schwab, Fidelity and Citadel Securities. The backing of established financial institutions underscores growing mainstream interest in building regulated, institution-friendly crypto infrastructure.
Deutsche Bank has also confirmed it applied to Germany’s financial regulator BaFin for a crypto custody license. The bank intends to offer crypto banking services to high-net-worth clients in Germany. Approval would be a meaningful signal for institutional adoption of digital-asset services in the European market.
AltSignals token sale raises over $1 million
AltSignals, a fintech provider of trading signals, reports it has raised more than $1 million through a token sale for its ASI token. In the initial phase, the ASI token is being offered at $0.015, and the team aims for a price increase in subsequent stages.
AltSignals positions itself as an AI-driven trading signals platform. The project plans to use funds from the token sale to advance development and expand its product offering.
The long-term roadmap envisions AltSignals evolving into a decentralized platform where ASI token holders participate in governance by voting on key decisions.
Supporters point to several reasons they view AltSignals as an attractive opportunity: the token’s low initial price, the company’s current profitability before full AI integration, and the potential to disrupt a sizable market for trading signals and analytics. As with any early-stage crypto investment, prospective buyers should weigh the risks and conduct due diligence before participating.