Mastercard has introduced a euro-denominated debit card that enables cryptocurrency spending from self-custodial wallets at over 100 million merchants globally. This initiative strengthens the bridge between traditional financial systems and cryptocurrency by partnering with European crypto payments firm Mercuryo. Users can now directly spend digital assets like Bitcoin without first transferring them to a centralized exchange.

The launch follows Mastercard’s recent efforts to enhance self-custody solutions, highlighted by collaborations such as the pilot program with MetaMask and the introduction of the “Mastercard Crypto Credential” for blockchain-friendly transactions. These advances emphasize user autonomy in managing their crypto assets, aiming to simplify and secure the intersection of blockchain technology and everyday financial activities.

Mastercard’s commitment to fostering seamless integration between blockchain and conventional payment methods marks a significant step towards widespread crypto adoption. By allowing direct transactions at a vast network of outlets, Mastercard is set to significantly boost the practical use of cryptocurrencies in daily commerce.

Today, Blockstream opens the series 3 round for its second Mining Note — the BMN2.

The note will be available to eligible non-US investors and has been repriced from the series 1 and 2 rounds, which occurred on July 18. This round of the BMN2 is priced at $31,000 petahash per second (PH/s), or a hash price of $21.23. Investors who purchased the BMN2 in the series 1 and 2 rounds, during which the note sold at a higher price, will be awarded extra BMN2 to make up for the difference in price between the first two rounds and the third.

The issuance of the BMN2 comes on the heels of the success of the first Blockstream Mining Note, the BMN1, which provided a 32% return over BTC.

Details of the… Read more on BitcoinMagazine

Monochrome Asset Management, in partnership with Vasco Trustees Limited, has applied to list the Monochrome Ethereum ETF (Ticker: IETH) on Cboe Australia. Designed to passively hold Ethereum, the IETH ETF offers retail investors a regulated pathway to invest in the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization. This move is set to provide a secure and structured investment opportunity in the burgeoning crypto market.

Following the successful introduction of the Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (Ticker: IBTC) in June, the new Ethereum ETF aims to enhance the spectrum of regulated cryptocurrency investment vehicles available to Australians. The ETF’s structure as a dual-access fund will further accommodate both cash and in-kind transactions, making it accessible for diverse investor needs.

Pending regulatory approval, IETH is expected to begin trading on Cboe Australia by the end of September 2024. Upon launch, it will be accessible through major brokerage platforms, marking a significant milestone in mainstream crypto investments in Australia.

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