Coins.ph and HashKey Open 24/7 PH-HK Crypto Remittance Corridor
Coins.ph has teamed up with Hong Kong’s licensed HashKey Exchange to launch a regulated remittance corridor between the Philippines and Hong Kong. The partnership enables near-instant, 24/7 fund transfers between PHP and HKD, aiming to make remittances faster, cheaper, and more accessible especially for Filipinos with ties to Hong Kong. Backed by regulatory licenses from both countries, the corridor will also support digital asset flows and B2B cross-border payments, positioning itself as a foundation for broader digital finance across Asia. (Fintech News Philippines)
US House Passes Three Major Crypto Bills Ahead of August Recess
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed three key crypto bills—CLARITY Act, GENIUS Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act—as part of the Republicans’ “crypto week” agenda. The bipartisan-backed CLARITY and GENIUS Acts aim to establish clear frameworks for crypto markets and stablecoins, while the Anti-CBDC bill, which drew more partisan division, seeks to ban U.S. central bank digital currencies. Industry leaders praised the move as a win for innovation and financial freedom, though critics warn of regulatory loopholes and potential financial risks. (Cointelegraph)
Ethereum Surges to $3,342 as Spot ETFs See Record $726M Inflows
Ethereum jumped 7% to $3,342—its highest since January—fueled by a record $726 million in daily net inflows into spot ETH ETFs. BlackRock’s ETHA led with $499 million, as institutional interest in ETH accelerates, with total July inflows hitting $2.27 billion. Analysts say ETH is gaining traction as a long-term asset, not just a trading play, supported by bullish fundamentals, capital rotation from BTC, and growing corporate treasury holdings. As Bitcoin dominance dips, experts see signs of an altcoin season underway. (The Block)
Bitcoin-Backed Mortgages Launch in Australia to Tackle Housing Crisis
Australia’s Block Earner has introduced the country’s first Bitcoin-backed mortgage, offering crypto holders a way into the housing market without liquidating their assets. Enabled by a recent court win exempting the firm from needing a financial license, the product allows borrowers to use Bitcoin as collateral for loans covering up to 50% of a property’s value. With home prices soaring to nearly 10x household income, the move reflects growing global interest—mirrored in the U.S.—in using crypto for home financing as traditional affordability barriers worsen. (Cointelegraph)
PayPal Adds Arbitrum Support for PYUSD Stablecoin
PayPal has quietly updated its cryptocurrency terms to include Arbitrum as a supported network for its U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, PYUSD—joining Ethereum and Solana. While the company hasn't made a formal announcement, the update dated July 16 marks a key expansion into the Ethereum Layer 2 ecosystem. Originally launched in August 2023 via Paxos and later expanded to Solana, PYUSD aims to power stable, commerce-ready digital payments. The move signals PayPal's continued push to broaden the stablecoin’s usability across faster, lower-cost networks. (The Block)
XRP Surges to New All-Time High Amid Regulatory Breakthroughs
XRP soared past $3.5 for the first time in seven years, pushing its market cap beyond $200 billion and becoming the third-largest crypto by value. The rally was fueled by the US House passing the GENIUS Act, which provides a clear regulatory framework for stablecoins—boosting Ripple's RLUSD ambitions. Momentum further intensified with reports that former President Trump may open the $9 trillion retirement market to crypto through an executive order. With the SEC case nearing resolution and ETF prospects on the horizon, XRP’s future looks increasingly bullish. (Crypto Briefing)