A stark warning has been issued by Bitcoin advisor Terence Michael after a client lost his entire 1 BTC holdings—accumulated over years of saving—to a sophisticated ‘pig butchering’ romance scam. Despite employing a multi-signature wallet setup designed for enhanced security and inheritance planning, the victim was psychologically manipulated into authorizing the transfer by a fraudster posing as a trader who promised high returns and romantic involvement. This devastating case underscores a critical vulnerability in the crypto ecosystem: even the most robust technical custody solutions offer limited defense against emotionally-driven social engineering attacks.
about Bitcoin Advisor Warns: Pig Butchering Scam Steals Client's Life SavingsUnchained
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekBitcoin Dominates as XRP Gains Traction Amid ETF Inflows
Bitcoin’s institutional dominance is reinforced by sustained ETF inflows, with spot Bitcoin ETFs attracting over $1 billion in a single week. Bybit reports Bitcoin now represents about a third of crypto portfolios, while XRP gains traction due to regulatory optimism and retail interest. Institutions hold roughly 40% of their portfolios in Bitcoin, compared to just 12% for retail investors, who are shifting toward altcoins like XRP. Bitcoin’s price remains strong at around $106K, with projections suggesting it could rival gold’s market cap by 2035. Regulatory clarity and political support, such as U.S. policies under the Trump administration, further bolster Bitcoin’s position as a store of value and inflation hedge.
about Bitcoin Dominates as XRP Gains Traction Amid ETF InflowsBitcoin Market Timing: A Losing Game Says Blockstream CEO
Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream and an early Bitcoin adopter, cautions traders against attempting to time the market due to Bitcoin’s inherent volatility. In a recent interview with Unchained, Back likened selling Bitcoin to gambling in a casino with unfavorable odds, drawing from his experience during Bitcoin’s early years when prices surged exponentially but with wild swings. He emphasized that market timing strategies often backfire, as the odds are stacked against traders trying to capitalize on short-term price movements.
about Bitcoin Market Timing: A Losing Game Says Blockstream CEOBrown University Invests $4.9M in Bitcoin via BlackRock ETF
Brown University has made its first reported Bitcoin investment, allocating $4.9 million to BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), according to an SEC filing. The Ivy League institution acquired 105,000 shares, representing 2.3% of its $216 million equity holdings. This follows a broader institutional shift toward regulated Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock’s IBIT emerging as a top choice since its January 2024 SEC approval. Other universities, including the University of Austin, Stanford, and Emory, have also begun exploring Bitcoin exposure, signaling a gradual normalization of crypto in conservative portfolios. At the time of disclosure, Bitcoin traded near $97,000.
about Brown University Invests $4.9M in Bitcoin via BlackRock ETFWhy MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Buys Don’t Spike Prices
In a detailed analysis, Unchained’s Joe Burnett breaks down why MicroStrategy’s aggressive Bitcoin accumulation—now tens of thousands of BTC—hasn’t caused dramatic price spikes. Burnett argues that Michael Saylor’s purchases represent a reshuffling of existing Bitcoin exposure, not new demand. The firm’s disciplined, low-impact trading strategy and funding structure (issuing equity or convertible notes) mean dollars flowing into BTC often come from Bitcoin-proxy assets like MSTR stock, creating a neutral net effect. Burnett contrasts this with true price-moving demand, which would require capital entering Bitcoin without exiting another crypto-linked asset (e.g., sovereign wealth funds or corporate treasuries). While praising Saylor’s strategy, he notes the market impact is more subtle than perceived, with potential for exogenous demand from upcoming STRF funds to finally trigger parabolic moves. As of reporting, BTC traded at $94,971.
about Why MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Buys Don't Spike PricesBitcoin as Safe-Haven Amid US Bond Volatility
The article explores how US bond market volatility, driven by tariff escalations and reversals under the Trump administration, has renewed interest in Bitcoin as a safe-haven asset. Economist Saifedean Ammous argues that the bond market’s instability exposes flaws in traditional financial systems, making Bitcoin an attractive alternative. The 10-year Treasury yield surged following tariff announcements, contradicting the administration’s goals. Analysts suggest Bitcoin is behaving more like a hedge against economic uncertainty than a tech stock. The piece also revisits proposals for a Bitcoin-backed dollar, drawing parallels to the gold standard era. With Bitcoin’s fixed supply and growing institutional interest, some predict it could rival gold’s market cap within a decade.
about Bitcoin as Safe-Haven Amid US Bond VolatilityUniversity of Austin Invests in Bitcoin for Endowment Fund and Research
The University of Austin has committed $5 million to add Bitcoin to its $200 million endowment, partnering with Unchained to enhance education and investment in digital assets. This move reflects a broader trend in academia, as institutions increasingly recognize Bitcoin as a legitimate asset for research and investment, despite concerns over its volatility.
about University of Austin Invests in Bitcoin for Endowment Fund and ResearchObol Collective Launches Token Airdrop to Decentralize Ethereum Staking
Obol Collective is set to launch its OBOL token airdrop, distributing 37.5 million tokens, or 7.5% of the total supply, to various ecosystem participants. The airdrop allocates 40% to contribution holders, 30% to decentralized operator ecosystem members, and the remainder to solo stakers and Rocket Pool node operators.The OBOL token will provide governance rights and support incentive programs, with trading contingent on a governance vote. This initiative aims to decentralize Ethereum staking and enhance the resilience of the network through distributed validator technology.
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