WednesdayđWeb3 Roundup: Bitcoin ETFs Surge, Coinbase Unveils Instant Funding, and Florida Eyes Crypto for Pension Funds
1. Bitcoin ETFs rake in $870M as BTC nears record highs
2. Coinbase & Visa Direct enable instant funding to meet rising Bitcoin demand
3. VanEck & Kiln team up to boost institutional Solana staking
4. Florida CFO calls for crypto investments in public pension funds
đ Read on for the full scoop!
Welcome to this weekâs edition of Web3 Highlights! As the digital landscape continues to evolve, weâre witnessing significant movements that could reshape the future of finance. Today, weâll delve into the latest developments, including the impressive $870 million inflows into Bitcoin ETFs as the cryptocurrency nears its all-time highs. Weâll also explore how Coinbase has partnered with Visa to offer instant funding options, making it easier than ever for users to engage with the crypto market. Plus, VanEckâs exciting collaboration with Kiln for institutional staking and Florida's push to evaluate crypto investments for public pension funds are poised to make waves. Letâs dive into the details!
1. Bitcoin ETFs rake in $870M as BTC nears record highs
Bitcoin ETFs saw a massive surge in inflows, totaling $870 million, with BlackRock's IBIT leading the charge at $629 million. This spike comes as Bitcoinâs price nears its all-time high, driven by pre-election market volatility and investor FOMO. Other major inflows include Fidelityâs FBTC with $133 million and Bitwiseâs BITB at $52 million. Total ETF trading volumes soared to $4.75 billion, with IBIT alone accounting for $3.3 billion. Analysts expect inflows to continue rising throughout the week, as traders anticipate BTC hitting $80,000 in November, regardless of election outcomes. The rally reflects growing confidence in Bitcoinâs market potential.
2. Coinbase & Visa Direct enable instant funding to meet rising Bitcoin demand
Coinbase has launched real-time account funding through Visa Direct for U.S. and European users, enabling instant deposits with eligible Visa debit cards. This update allows users to seize trading opportunities without traditional delays, especially as Bitcoin nears its all-time high of $73,700. In addition to instant funding, users can also purchase crypto directly with their debit cards and withdraw to bank accounts seamlessly. While Coinbase recently discontinued its Paycheck Direct Deposit service, it aims to reintroduce an improved version soon. The new Visa Direct integration reinforces Coinbaseâs commitment to enhancing user experience amid growing crypto market activity.
3. VanEck & Kiln team up to boost institutional Solana staking
VanEck has teamed up with Kiln to integrate Solana staking into its institutional Solana Strategy, offering products like ETFs and ETNs. This partnership simplifies staking for investors by removing technical complexities, allowing them to gain exposure to Solana with ease. Kilnâs expertise, managing over 2.5% of the Solana network, ensures reliable performance with secure, SOC 2 certified infrastructure. The collaboration reflects VanEckâs effort to bridge traditional finance with the evolving digital asset ecosystem, empowering institutions to participate in Solanaâs growth. As crypto markets expand, VanEckâs move highlights the rising demand for accessible and innovative staking solutions.
4. Florida CFO calls for crypto investments in public pension funds
Floridaâs Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, has proposed adding Bitcoin to the stateâs pension funds to support teachers, firefighters, and police by reducing traditional asset volatility. He urged the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) to explore the feasibility of allocating part of the $205 billion Florida Retirement System Trust Fund to digital assets. Patronis also suggested a pilot program allowing up to 1.5% of trust fund assets to be invested in high-growth digital assets. If approved, Florida would join states like Wisconsin and Michigan, which recently added Bitcoin investments to their pension portfolios. A report is expected by March 2025.
As we wrap up this weekâs Web3 Highlights, itâs clear that the digital asset landscape is buzzing with activity and opportunity. From Bitcoin ETFs drawing record inflows to innovative partnerships like VanEck and Kiln enhancing institutional staking, the momentum in the crypto space is palpable. With Coinbase and Visa facilitating seamless funding and Florida's exploration of crypto investments for public pensions, we are witnessing a pivotal moment in the integration of digital assets into mainstream finance. Stay tuned as we continue to track these trends and their implications for the future of investing. Donât forget to subscribe for more updates!