Bitcoin Universe Update

Ross Brand
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The Bitcoin updates you need to know —in under 3 minutes — to make your next move with confidence. Hosted by Bitcoin investor and veteran broadcaster Ross Brand, "Bitcoin Universe Update" delivers sharp, broadcast-quality headlines trusted by serious listeners who value signal over hype. rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

  1. 11 AUG

    Harvard Buys $116M in Bitcoin — Could 401(k) Plans Be Next?

    1. 401(k)s Add Bitcoin President Trump has signed an executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include Bitcoin alongside traditional investments. Tens of millions of Americans participate in these plans, meaning the move could dramatically expand Bitcoin’s exposure to mainstream retirement savings. Bitcoin briefly surged past $122,000 overnight before pulling back to around $120K this morning — enough to push its market cap above Amazon at roughly $2.45 trillion. Analysts estimate as much as $18 billion in BTC shorts could be liquidated if bullish momentum resumes. “It was inevitable that bitcoin would make its way into American 401(k)s… especially from younger, tech-savvy workers who want hard money, not melting ice cubes,” says Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten. 2. Harvard’s Big Buy Harvard University’s endowment disclosed a purchase of $116 million worth of Bitcoin ETF IBIT in Q2. While the allocation is a fraction of its $50 billion portfolio, it’s a powerful symbol of legacy institutional adoption. Harvard joins a growing list of major institutions signaling Bitcoin is no longer a fringe asset. 3. Banks Still “Debanking” Crypto Firms Despite White House orders to curb politically motivated “debanking,” crypto companies say they’re still losing bank accounts and facing higher transfer fees. Unicoin reports being shut out by Citibank and Chase without explanation. Industry insiders warn that without enforcement, banks may remain reluctant to serve crypto — potentially limiting adoption even with new policy support. 📅 Monday, August 11, 2025Get the full breakdown at rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com ⚠ Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  2. 7 AUG

    Bitcoin Demand SHOCK: OTC Desks are Running Dry

    1. U.S. State Pension Fund Invests $11M in BTC ETF Michigan’s public pension fund has quietly become one of the first in the U.S. to allocate to Bitcoin. According to a new SEC filing, the State of Michigan Retirement System purchased nearly $11 million worth of ARKB, the Ark 21Shares spot Bitcoin ETF. That makes it the second-largest public pension buyer of Bitcoin ETFs, just behind Wisconsin — and the first to back Cathie Wood’s offering. Why does this matter? Because it shows Bitcoin exposure is becoming normal for traditional retirement portfolios. These are conservative institutions, managing the futures of thousands of workers — not headline-chasing traders. Michigan’s move builds on a growing wave of institutional trust. And it sends a message: Bitcoin isn’t a fringe bet anymore. It’s part of the portfolio. That kind of validation could open the door for more public funds to follow — and, potentially, for regulators to reevaluate how they define fiduciary duty when it comes to Bitcoin. 2. OTC Desks Running Dry Behind the scenes, Bitcoin may be entering a demand shock. Cointelegraph reports that over-the-counter trading desks — where large institutions quietly buy Bitcoin — are running low on supply. And that’s a big deal. OTC activity doesn’t show up on exchanges, but it can have a powerful ripple effect. As whales and funds scoop up available coins, less Bitcoin is left floating — tightening the supply pipeline just as institutional demand ramps up. Some analysts believe this could be an early sign of a major price breakout in the making — assuming macro conditions don’t throw a wrench in the gears. 3. Miners Tap Into AI’s $35B Gold Rush Bitcoin mining firms are cashing in on the AI boom. With data centers in high demand, several major miners are now leasing out their infrastructure to AI companies — tapping into a $35 billion opportunity, according to Cointelegraph. These partnerships are a smart hedge. Mining revenue can be volatile, especially in bear markets, but AI services bring in stable, high-margin cash flow. It’s a trend that could reshape how mining firms operate — and keep them profitable even when Bitcoin’s price cools off. "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  3. 4 AUG

    The Lost $950M Bitcoin Drive Saga

    7,000 Bitcoin hit Binance in a single day — are holders panicking, or just taking profits? Hey gang, Ross Brand with your Bitcoin Universe Update. Here’s today’s top three Bitcoin stories you need to know before you make your next move: 1. Seller Panic | 7K BTC to Binance Bitcoin holders are sending coins to exchanges at the highest rate in over a year, sparking concerns of a panic sell-off. According to Cointelegraph, Binance saw nearly 7,000 BTC in net inflows over a 24-hour period — a level not seen since the 2022 bear market. The rush to exchanges often signals sellers looking to unload fast, especially when fear spikes or liquidity is needed. That’s exactly what seems to be happening now as prices dip and macro uncertainty builds. Analytics firm CryptoQuant says this inflow is part of a broader multi-week trend of exchange deposits steadily rising. Sentiment in some corners of X is turning grim, with traders warning: “Hodlers are bleeding Bitcoin. Panic is in control.” That said, not everyone’s hitting the panic button. Some traders are rotating into stablecoins temporarily, others are waiting to buy the dip. But with volumes rising and outflows from cold wallets accelerating, today’s mood feels more defensive than opportunistic — and that often means further downside pressure. 2. Metaplanet Makes First Major Buy of August Last week we told you about Metaplanet adopting a Bitcoin treasury strategy… now they’ve backed it with action. Over the weekend, the Tokyo-listed firm purchased 463 Bitcoin, bringing its total holdings to 17,595 Bitcoin, worth close to $2.0 billion. This acquisition positions Metaplanet as one of the largest public corporate holders globally and makes it the first major corporate buyer in August. The firm is also planning a preferred share issuance to fund further Bitcoin accumulation toward its goal of 210,000 BTC by 2027 — equaling roughly 1% of Bitcoin’s total supply. 3. The $950 Million Hard Drive is Missing — Again One of Bitcoin’s strangest sagas is back in the news. James Howells, the man who accidentally tossed out a hard drive containing 8,000 BTC, now says local authorities in Newport, Wales, have rejected his latest plan to excavate the landfill where it’s buried. The drive’s estimated value is 950-million dollars — and Howells has spent the last decade lobbying to dig it up. He’s even brought in AI and robotics partners to minimize environmental impact, but city council says the risk to public land is too great. For now, the treasure remains lost — and the legend of crypto’s most expensive trash accident lives on. "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    4 min

  4. 31 JUL

    Is the U.S. Backing Off Its Bitcoin Reserve Plan?

    1. Trump’s Crypto Report Drops — But Offers No Plan for Bitcoin Reserve The Trump administration released its long-awaited crypto policy report yesterday — but offered no new details or action plans for the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. That rattled Bitcoin advocates, especially since the reserve was formally established months ago by executive order. In response, Bo Hines, Executive Director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, told Cointelegraph the reserve remains a priority. He emphasized it’s already in place and initially funded through forfeited Bitcoin, with future accumulation potentially backed by tariff revenue or gold certificate revaluation. “We do believe in accumulation … Bitcoin is in a class of its own … we’ll start moving on that in short order.” — Bo Hines Hines’ comments underscore the administration's intent to treat Bitcoin as a strategic national asset — and to position the U.S. for mining leadership in a multipolar digital world. 2. Bitcoin Falls Below $116K on Fed & Policy Uncertainty — Treasuries Buy the Dip Bitcoin tumbled nearly 2%, testing intraday lows in the $115K–$116K range before recovering to around $119,000 overnight. The dip followed both the crypto policy report and hawkish Fed commentary, with the central bank holding rates at four and a quarter to four and a half percent. The lack of Bitcoin reserve guidance — combined with macro caution — sparked fresh market anxiety. Even so, corporate treasuries stepped in, buying 28,000 BTC during the pullback and reinforcing just how firm institutional demand remains. 3. Phoenix Group Formalizes $150M Crypto Treasury Abu Dhabi–listed Phoenix Group launched a $150 million digital asset treasury, anchored by 514 Bitcoin and 630,000 Solana tokens. The company reported strong second-quarter results, including 336 BTC mined and a 72% jump in share price, even as updated accounting rules led to a net loss on paper. Phoenix is now the first company on the Abu Dhabi Exchange with a formal Bitcoin treasury. “Holding Bitcoin and other strategic digital assets isn’t just about exposure. It’s about alignment.” — CEO Munaf Ali "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  5. 30 JUL

    White House Crypto Plan, Saylor's 629K BTC, & SEC's Greenlight!

    Hey gang, Ross Brand with your Bitcoin Universe: Daily Update! Today, we're covering monumental developments that could fundamentally reshape Bitcoin's future—from high-level government policy and unprecedented corporate accumulation to critical regulatory advancements for crypto ETFs. Here are the top three stories you need to know before you make your next move: 1. The White House Preps Sweeping Crypto Policy Plan The Trump administration is expected to release a comprehensive crypto policy roadmap very soon, a move signaling a pivotal moment for digital assets in the U.S. Projected highlights include crucial stablecoin reform, enhanced interagency coordination, clearer tax guidelines, and, notably, a proposal for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve – potentially funded through government-held BTC acquired from seizures. This initiative underscores Bitcoin's growing importance, positioning it to become an integral part of national strategic planning and potentially a sovereign asset. 2. Michael Saylor Doubles Down: Strategy's New STRC Buys 21,000 More BTC Michael Saylor and Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) continue to make bold moves, further solidifying their position as the leading corporate Bitcoin treasury. Their new vehicle, STRC (aka Stretch), just raised an impressive $2.5 billion through a preferred stock offering, immediately deploying the proceeds to purchase another 21,000 Bitcoin at approximately $117,000 per coin. This brings Strategy’s total holdings to an astonishing nearly 629,000 BTC! As James Butterfill of CoinShares observes, “MicroStrategy continues to blur the line between tech company and Bitcoin holding vehicle. With STRC, they’ve added a powerful new tool to do it at scale.” 3. SEC Greenlights In-Kind Redemptions for Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs In a significant regulatory development, the SEC has greenlit in-kind redemptions for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. This means that ETF shares can now be created and redeemed directly for Bitcoin or Ethereum themselves, rather than solely for cash. This crucial alignment with traditional commodity ETFs (like gold) offers substantial benefits. Analysts anticipate improvements in tax efficiency, lower operational costs, and smoother operations for institutional participants. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins remarked, “It’s a new day at the SEC, and a key priority is developing a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for crypto asset markets.” 📌 Also Worth Noting: * Trader Rekt Capital predicts a possible 7% pullback for Bitcoin before it makes a run to $141,000, characterizing it as a “healthy retest” on the way to higher highs. "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  6. 29 JUL

    Is the 4-Year Bitcoin Cycle Dead?

    Welcome to today's Bitcoin Universe: Daily Update, where we delve into critical discussions and data points shaping Bitcoin's trajectory amidst its continued integration into global finance. Here are the top three stories you need to know before you make your next move: 1. Challenging the 4-Year Bitcoin Cycle: Bitwise Bitwise CIO Matthew Hougan presents a compelling argument against the traditional 4-year Bitcoin cycle, predicting the next major upside to manifest in 2026 and beyond. This perspective, influenced by macro factors, ETF demand, and global adoption, suggests a departure from historical patterns and warrants a re-evaluation of long-term investment strategies. 2. BlackRock's IBIT Amasses Over 304,000 BTC BlackRock’s IBIT ETF has reached 304,000 BTC in holdings, putting it on par with major crypto-native entities. This highlights a critical trend: the accelerating concentration of Bitcoin within established institutional frameworks. 3. Coinbase Bitcoin Premium Under Pressure The recent 60-day run of Bitcoin trading at a premium on Coinbase, a strong indicator of U.S. demand, appears to be softening. This potential cooling of buying pressure serves as a real-time sentiment gauge for institutional and high-net-worth appetite, signaling that a market shift may be underway. Also Worth Noting: * Billionaire Ray Dalio's recommendation for a 15% portfolio allocation to Bitcoin or gold underscores growing concerns about fiat currency devaluation. * The strengthening 10-year correlation between Bitcoin and the Nasdaq further solidifies its ties to mainstream financial markets. "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  7. 28 JUL

    Bitcoin's Global Corporate Adoption

    Welcome to today's Bitcoin Universe: Daily Update, where we explore the latest indicators of Bitcoin's strengthening fundamentals, growing market maturity, and expanding global institutional adoption. Here are the top three stories you need to know before you make your next move: 1. Bitcoin Network Hits 1 Zettahash: A Vote of Miner Confidence The Bitcoin network recently achieved a new peak in computing power, reaching an 1 zettahash per second. This milestone signifies robust security and a strong commitment from miners like Marathon Digital, who continue to invest heavily even as Bitcoin's price holds steady. Marathon Digital CEO Fred Thiel says, "Miners are showing remarkable resilience... signaling strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value." This hash rate surge is a powerful indicator of fundamental strength. 2. $9 Billion Satoshi-Era Bitcoin Transfer: A Test of Market Maturity Roughly 80,000 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $9 billion, was recently transferred from a dormant Satoshi-era wallet, a move facilitated by Galaxy Digital. Crucially, the market absorbed this massive transfer without any significant downturn. This event highlights Bitcoin's increasing liquidity depth and resilience, proving its ability to handle large movements of capital. Will Foxley, editor-in-chief at Blockworks, says, "Watching this much Bitcoin move — and not tank the market — is a sign of how much stronger Bitcoin has become." 3. Japan's Metaplanet Goes All-In: Corporate Adoption Goes Global Japanese firm Metaplanet has significantly bolstered its corporate treasury, adding another 780 Bitcoin ($92.5 million USD) to its holdings, bringing its total to over 17,000 BTC. This aggressive strategy, reminiscent of MicroStrategy's pioneering moves, demonstrates a clear and growing institutional conviction, particularly from outside the U.S. Dylan LeClair, analyst at Bitcoin Magazine Pro, summarizes this trend: "Metaplanet is showing that corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a reserve asset is going global." "I’m Ross Brand — tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it." Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min

  8. 25 JUL

    Tesla's $1.27 Billion Miss, JPMorgan's BTC Loans & A Massive $23M Whale Bet!

    Hey gang, Ross Brand here with your Bitcoin Universe Daily Update! Today, we're diving into some fascinating market moves and strategic plays. From a surprising look at a tech giant's missed Bitcoin opportunity, to big bets on future prices, and a quiet entry by a major legacy bank into crypto lending – these are the top three Bitcoin stories you need to know before you make your next move. Let's get into today’s insights: 1. Tesla's $1.27 Billion Bitcoin Missed Opportunity According to CNBC, Tesla could have made an additional $1.27 billion if it had held onto the majority of its Bitcoin. The company famously sold roughly 75% of its holdings in 2022 for $936 million. With Bitcoin now trading around $116,000 this morning, that decision is widely seen as a major missed opportunity, highlighting the ongoing challenge of timing Bitcoin for corporate treasuries. While Tesla still holds about $240 million in BTC, the bulk was liquidated before this year’s significant rally. 2. A $23.7 Million Whale Bets Big on Bitcoin to $200,000 The conviction in Bitcoin's future remains strong! A single options trader has placed a massive $23.7 million bet on Bitcoin hitting $200,000 by the end of 2025. This is one of the largest bullish options plays seen in recent months, showcasing significant belief in Bitcoin's upside potential. As analyst James Van Straten notes, “It’s a high-risk bet, but it shows the kind of upside some traders are still targeting — even after this year’s surge.” 3. JPMorgan Quietly Enters Bitcoin-Backed Lending Adding another layer to Bitcoin's integration into traditional finance, JPMorgan is now quietly offering Bitcoin-backed loans to select private clients, according to multiple reports. This move sees one of the largest traditional banks joining Goldman Sachs and others that are cautiously stepping into the crypto lending space. It's a clear signal that legacy finance is increasingly warming to Bitcoin as collateral, even as their public messaging on crypto often remains conservative. Also Worth Noting: Robert Kiyosaki — author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad — has issued a warning that Bitcoin ETFs could potentially lead to centralized ownership, much like how Wall Street absorbed gold through ETFs. However, supporters strongly counter that ETFs are crucial for making Bitcoin more accessible to mainstream investors by offering a regulated and familiar entry point. ❓ Do you see Bitcoin ETFs as a path to wider adoption or a risk to decentralization? Share your take in the comments! 👇 And that’s your Bitcoin Universe Daily Update for Friday, July 25, 2025. Watch the full video update right here: Want to keep up with the latest in AI? Don't miss my AI Universe: Weekly Update for the top three stories moving artificial intelligence every week. 👉 Catch the latest AI insights: right here on Substack. Stay on top of new developments in livestreaming! Subscribe to my Livestream Universe: Update 2.0 for the top three stories impacting livestreaming and the creator economy every week. 👉 Catch the latest livestreaming insights right here on Substack. “I'm Ross Brand, tracking what matters in Bitcoin and helping you make sense of it.” Disclaimer: Bitcoin Universe is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

    3 min
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The Bitcoin updates you need to know —in under 3 minutes — to make your next move with confidence. Hosted by Bitcoin investor and veteran broadcaster Ross Brand, "Bitcoin Universe Update" delivers sharp, broadcast-quality headlines trusted by serious listeners who value signal over hype. rossbrandbitcoin.substack.com

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