While the crypto industry excels at attracting new users, a critical vulnerability has emerged in its ability to keep them engaged. Data from prediction markets reveals a stark reality: retaining active users beyond the initial month is one of the sector’s most formidable challenges. However, amidst this widespread struggle, the performance of prediction market platform Polymarket stands out as a notable exception, offering a potential case study in sustained engagement.
about Crypto Retention Challenge: Why Users Leave After First MonthKeyrock
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekConvertible Bonds Pose Hidden Risk to Bitcoin Treasury Firms
Corporate Bitcoin strategies face a hidden threat beyond price volatility—convertible bond financing. H100 Group’s Brian Brookshire warns that these popular funding instruments could trap companies during market downturns. The very tools accelerating BTC accumulation may create dangerous refinancing cliffs, with a $12.8 billion debt maturity wall looming for Bitcoin-focused companies in 2027-2028.
about Convertible Bonds Pose Hidden Risk to Bitcoin Treasury FirmsBitcoin vs Ethereum: Savings Asset vs Utility Engine
Bitcoin is transforming into a savings-focused digital asset while Ethereum evolves into a high-velocity utility engine, creating what analysts call an emerging structural risk. According to a new joint report from Glassnode and Keyrock, the two leading cryptocurrencies now operate in fundamentally different monetary universes with distinct market behaviors, with Bitcoin’s dormancy and turnover patterns now more closely resembling gold than traditional fiat currencies.
about Bitcoin vs Ethereum: Savings Asset vs Utility EngineCrypto’s Future: Embrace Imperfect Regulation Now
Crypto’s advancement hinges on accepting imperfect regulatory frameworks rather than waiting for perfection. Delays risk stalling adoption, innovation, and the tokenization of real assets. Industry leaders like BlackRock and Circle are already driving this shift with tangible products.
about Crypto's Future: Embrace Imperfect Regulation NowCrypto Funding Hits $176M, DeFi Innovation Surges
This week saw $176 million raised across 24 crypto projects, signaling robust venture interest despite market conditions. Major treasury allocations and strategic acquisitions highlight sector maturation, while thought leaders debate DeFi’s competitive edge against traditional finance.
about Crypto Funding Hits $176M, DeFi Innovation SurgesBitcoin Treasuries Face $12.8B Debt Crisis by 2028
A Keyrock report highlights a looming $12.8 billion debt maturity crisis for Bitcoin Treasury Companies (BTC-TCs) by 2028, threatening firms like Marathon Digital and Nakamoto. These companies, which collectively hold over 725,000 BTC, have relied on debt and equity to fuel their Bitcoin acquisitions, creating significant refinancing risks. Strategy, the sector leader with 597,000 BTC, dominates but faces similar vulnerabilities. Convertible notes, though popular, depend on high stock prices to avoid forced BTC sales or distress refinancing. Newer entrants like Metaplanet are exploring alternative strategies, but the sector remains heavily dependent on market access. The report also notes that while investors currently value BTC-TCs at a 73% premium to their Bitcoin holdings, a downturn could force firms like Marathon and Nakamoto to liquidate assets or dilute shares, eroding investor value. Strategy, due to its size and investor trust, is better positioned but not immune to risks.
about Bitcoin Treasuries Face $12.8B Debt Crisis by 2028Bitcoin Could Hit $160K by 2025, Says Keyrock Report
A research report by Ben Harvey and Will Clemente III, commissioned by Keyrock, predicts Bitcoin could reach $160,000 by 2025—but only if Bitcoin Treasury Companies (BTC-TCs) maintain their capital structures. These firms, led by MicroStrategy (now Strategy), hold 725,000 BTC (3.64% of supply) and rely on NAV premiums to fund acquisitions. However, $33.7 billion in debt and convertible notes due in 2027-28 pose risks. The bull case (30% probability) assumes strong liquidity and demand, while the base case ($135K BTC) sees premiums cooling. A bear scenario warns of collapsing premiums and forced Bitcoin sales. The report frames BTC-TCs as high-beta plays, amplifying Bitcoin’s upside and solvency risks. Keyrock warns that equity sentiment and refinancing risks could unravel the sector.
about Bitcoin Could Hit $160K by 2025, Says Keyrock ReportBitcoin Treasuries’ Muted Market Impact Despite Heavy Buying
According to a Keyrock research report, Bitcoin (BTC) treasury companies added roughly 725,000 BTC to their balance sheets in 2025 but only moved BTC’s spot price by an average of 0.59% per day. The muted impact stems from structured orders, over-the-counter swaps, and stock-for-coin deals that kept volume off public markets. While occasional large acquisitions—like Strategy’s 9.05% swing—did occur, most corporate buying was staggered or hedged to minimize slippage. The report also highlights sustainability concerns, as these firms trade at a 73% premium to their BTC holdings and rely heavily on debt and stock issuance. Concentration risk is another issue, with 82% of treasury BTC held by a single entity. Corporate buying remains a sporadic, rather than constant, price catalyst for Bitcoin.
about Bitcoin Treasuries' Muted Market Impact Despite Heavy BuyingBitVault Raises $2M to Launch BTC-Backed Stablecoins
BitVault, a DeFi protocol focused on Bitcoin-backed stablecoins, has closed a $2 million pre-seed round with strategic investors including GSR, Gemini, and Auros. The funding will support the launch of bvUSD, an overcollateralized stablecoin, and sbvUSD, its yield-bearing variant. BitVault will operate on Katana, a DeFi-centric chain incubated by Polygon Labs and GSR, leveraging a licensed fork of Liquity V2. The protocol targets institutional borrowers while allowing DeFi users to earn yield through staking. BitVault’s approach addresses growing demand for crypto-native stability, positioning BTC as a productive asset within DeFi ecosystems.
about BitVault Raises $2M to Launch BTC-Backed StablecoinsMelania Coin Unlock Schedule and Its Potential Market Impact
MELANIA Coin, linked to Melania Trump, will initiate a token unlock on February 19, 2025, releasing 3% of its total supply, with 30% unlocked over 13 months. Analysts predict this will increase selling pressure, as historically, 90% of token unlocks lead to negative price impacts. Currently trading at $1.28, MELANIA has seen significant declines, with an 82% drop over the past month.
about Melania Coin Unlock Schedule and Its Potential Market ImpactRipple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Expands Exchange Listings and Market Presence
Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is set to expand its presence on major cryptocurrency exchanges, with new listings expected imminently, according to President Monica Long. Currently holding a market cap of $71.8 million, RLUSD is primarily traded on Bullish, which accounts for over 76% of its volume. Ripple’s payments business has doubled in size, driving demand for RLUSD, while a partnership with Chainlink aims to enhance its utility through accurate price feeds. Additionally, an XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) may receive approval soon, with several applications already submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC](https://www.sec.gov).
about Ripple's RLUSD Stablecoin Expands Exchange Listings and Market PresenceRipple’s RLUSD Stablecoin Set for Imminent Exchange Listings and Growth
Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin is set to be listed on more major exchanges imminently, according to President Monica Long. Launched on December 17, RLUSD is currently available on several platforms, with a market cap of $71.8 million and over 76% of trading volume on Bullish. Ripple’s payments business has doubled, driving demand for RLUSD, while a partnership with Chainlink aims to enhance its utility through accurate price feeds. Long also hinted at the potential for an XRP ETF, suggesting approvals may accelerate with a change in administration.
about Ripple's RLUSD Stablecoin Set for Imminent Exchange Listings and Growth