UK-based financial giant IG Group has officially entered the spot cryptocurrency market allowing retail investors to trade digital assets directly for the first time. The new service offers access to 31 crypto tokens including Bitcoin Ether XRP and trending altcoins like Bonk.

This move comes as the UK embraces digital asset innovation with growing public interest and ongoing regulatory developments. IG has partnered with US-regulated crypto firm Uphold which provides the infrastructure pricing and transaction handling. The new service is available on both the IG platform and IG Invest app offering users a seamless switch between crypto and traditional investment accounts.

Previously IG only offered crypto exposure through contracts for difference but this launch marks a major shift toward full crypto ownership. IG UK Managing Director Michael Healy called it a milestone for retail investors and the country’s crypto journey. As the UK advances crypto regulations this step by IG signals a bold commitment to supporting responsible crypto access and adoption.

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Japan’s Metaplanet has announced a major Bitcoin purchase of 1,088 BTC raising its total to an impressive 8,888 BTC worth $930 million. The latest acquisition cost 16.885 billion yen or $117.5 million with Bitcoin priced at 15.5 million yen per token or $108,051. This bold move comes just one week after the company issued $50 million in zero-interest bonds to support its crypto strategy.

Metaplanet is quickly closing in on its year-end goal of 10000 BTC. In 2025 alone the firm has added 7,126 BTC showing its strong commitment to Bitcoin as a treasury asset. Since adopting the Bitcoin strategy in April, 2024 Metaplanet has become Asia’s largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder and ranks among the top ten globally.

CEO Simon Gerovich credits MicroStrategy and its chairman Michael Saylor as key inspirations. Following Metaplanet’s lead more companies like Twenty One led by Jack Mallers are now building crypto-based treasuries using Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP and Solana.

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Wall Street is warming up to Bitcoin and getting closer and closer to it.

Cantor Fitzgerald, one of the oldest and most respected investment banks on Wall Street, has launched a $2 billion bitcoin-backed lending program.

They’ve reportedly already done their first deals, lending to two big digital asset companies: FalconX and Maple Finance.

This is a big step in connecting traditional finance to the fast-moving world of Bitcoin.

Cantor’s new service allows big investors, hedge funds and asset managers, to borrow money using bitcoin as collateral.

This is a game changer for institutions that hold bitcoin, as they can now access liquidity without having to…

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REXShares has filed a prospectus for new crypto staking ETFs tied to Solana and Ethereum signaling a major step forward for digital asset investing in the US. These funds could launch within weeks offering investors a new way to gain exposure to staking rewards through regulated markets.

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart confirmed the filing and noted the unique structure of these ETFs which do not require the lengthy 19b-4 SEC approval process. ETF expert Eric Balchunas added that this could be the first spot Solana ETF in the country giving investors access to real crypto assets rather than just futures-based products.

The ETFs will operate under the Investment Company Act of 1940 allowing a quicker path to market while maintaining strong investor protections. This move could bring more mainstream attention to crypto staking and provide a secure regulated option for those looking to invest in Solana and Ethereum.

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SharpLink Gaming has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to offer up to $1 billion in common stock. The company plans to use a major portion of the raised funds to expand its recently launched Ether treasury signaling strong confidence in the future of Ethereum and the broader crypto market.

The filing submitted under Form S-3 ASR allows SharpLink to raise capital flexibly in the future without needing prior approvals. The company confirmed that while a large part of the proceeds will go toward purchasing Ethereum the remaining funds will support general business operations. This bold move highlights a growing trend of public companies turning to crypto assets as a key part of their financial strategy.

SEC Filing

Amboss, a leader in AI-driven solutions for the Bitcoin Lightning Network, today announced Rails, a groundbreaking self-custodial Bitcoin yield service. According to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine, it’s designed to empower companies, custodians, and high net worth individuals. This allows participants to earn a yield on their Bitcoin.

Big news from @TheBitcoinConf !We’re thrilled to announce Rails—a self-custodial Bitcoin yield service that empowers you to earn on your BTC while supercharging the Lightning Network.

Let’s bring Bitcoin to the World.https://t.co/3WYYvB95hP

— AMBOSS ⚡ (@ambosstech) May 29, 2025

Rails also launched a secure way for Liquidity…

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