Telegram has officially launched its built-in crypto wallet, TON Wallet, in the United States, making it easier than ever for users to manage digital assets directly inside the app. The move marks a major step in bringing crypto to mainstream messaging platforms in the U.S., and allows users to send stablecoins, swap tokens, and manage assets without external apps, downloads, or logins.

TON Wallet, developed by The Open Platform, works seamlessly within Telegram and supports zero-fee crypto purchases through MoonPay, with debit card on-ramps and instant token swaps. It avoids direct regulation by outsourcing compliance-sensitive services. Telegram’s U.S. user base has grown to over 87 million, and many are already active in the crypto space.

CEO Andrew Rogozov said improved regulatory clarity made the U.S. rollout possible, and called the launch a chance to offer a smooth crypto experience. Onboarding is simple, with no downloads or seed phrases, using a secure split-key backup system that blends financial tools with everyday messaging.

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PNC Bank has teamed up with Coinbase to provide cryptocurrency services to its institutional and banking clients. The partnership will allow PNC customers to buy, hold, and sell digital assets securely using Coinbase’s Crypto-as-a-Service platform. This marks a major step as PNC becomes one of the largest U.S. banks to embrace crypto at scale.

PNC will also offer banking services to Coinbase, deepening their operational relationship. PNC CEO William Demchak said the partnership accelerates their ability to deliver secure, innovative crypto solutions. Coinbase’s backend tools for compliance, custody, and trading give PNC a complete infrastructure without having to build it internally.

As demand for regulated crypto services rises, this deal gives PNC a strategic entry into the digital asset market while avoiding complex regulatory hurdles. Coinbase gains access to PNC’s vast network of institutional clients. The timeline for launch hasn’t been announced, but both firms describe it as a long-term effort to support the future of crypto finance.

Bloomberg

Singapore-based edtech firm Genius Group has boosted its Bitcoin treasury to 200 BTC after buying 20 BTC last week. The AI-driven company aims to build a massive 10,000 BTC reserve within two years. The latest purchase follows a steady buying streak in July, including 20 BTC on July 2, 28 BTC on July 8, and 32 BTC on July 13. Genius Group acquired the new Bitcoin at an average price of $106,812 per BTC, up to 12% lower than the market rate, locking in an immediate profit of $216,000.

The company plans to grow its Bitcoin holdings to 1,000 BTC by the end of 2025. It also intends to leverage the newly passed GENIUS Act in the US to expand its blockchain-based education platform, Genius Academy. Students earn Genius Education Merits, or GEMs, which may later convert into a stablecoin if the company secures a permitted payment stablecoin issuer license.

Genius Group is also working toward a digital asset service provider license. The goal is to make its blockchain credentials legally recognized and enable educators and mentors to receive stablecoin payments directly to digital wallets.

Source

Electric vehicle maker Volcon has raised over $500 million through a private placement, marking a bold move into the crypto space. The Nasdaq-listed company is committing 95% of the proceeds to a new bitcoin treasury strategy, partnering with crypto exchange Gemini for custody and strategic support.

The funding round attracted major crypto venture firms, including FalconX, Pantera Capital, Borderless, and Relayer Capital. Traditional finance investors, along with Volcon’s management team and board of directors, also participated. Volcon has already begun acquiring bitcoin and currently holds 280.14 BTC in its custodial accounts at Gemini.

Volcon plans to rebrand as Empery Digital in the coming weeks, trading under the new ticker EMPD. Its powersports division will be renamed Empery Mobility. The company aims to build a trusted global bitcoin treasury strategy, offering investors exposure to crypto through listings on multiple trading markets.

Source

JPMorgan Chase is planning to offer loans backed by customers’ cryptocurrency holdings, marking a major step toward crypto adoption by traditional banks. According to the Financial Times, the bank is considering allowing clients to borrow against assets like bitcoin and ether as early as next year. While the plan is still in development, it shows a growing interest in digital assets on Wall Street.

The bank has already taken early steps in the sector, including discussions around lending against crypto exchange-traded funds. This would allow clients to access cash without selling their crypto, a service increasingly in demand. Though details remain under review, the move suggests a deeper commitment to crypto services.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has often criticized bitcoin, but in May, he acknowledged the bank would help clients access it. While JPMorgan does not plan to offer custody services, it is now signaling a more open stance on crypto, potentially reshaping the relationship between traditional finance and digital assets.

Financial Times

Western Union is embracing stablecoins as a major innovation in the financial space, as confirmed by CEO Devin McGranahan during a Bloomberg interview. The company is reshaping its infrastructure and building global partnerships to integrate stablecoin technology into its payment systems. McGranahan highlighted stablecoins as a tool to improve cross-border money transfers, convert digital assets into local currency, and offer customers a secure store of value.

The company is already rolling out new settlement processes in South America and Africa, aiming to reduce transaction times and improve currency conversion. Western Union is also working on ways to allow customers to buy and sell stablecoins using its platform. These steps mark a shift, as traditional financial firms adapt to meet the growing demand for digital asset services around the world.

Western Union is exploring digital wallet features and building partnerships with crypto infrastructure firms to bring stablecoin access to a global audience. Stablecoins are reshaping cross-border payments, offering faster and cheaper solutions compared to legacy systems.

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