BOB, a Bitcoin DeFi protocol merging Bitcoin's security with Ethereum's DeFi capabilities, has raised $9.5 million to launch the BitVM bridge, aiming to enhance Bitcoin DeFi accessibility. This brings its total funding to $21 million, with the mainnet launch set for year-end.

Short-term traders are exiting the market while institutional investors increase their buying, keeping the total cryptocurrency market cap stable between $3.6 trillion and $3.8 trillion. Bitcoin shows signs of depletion, testing the 50-day moving average repeatedly, despite ongoing institutional purchases, while stablecoin market cap rises significantly.

Monex Group reported a segment loss of 1.25 billion yen in its crypto asset business for Q1 of FY2026, a significant decline from a profit of 644 million yen the previous year. This downturn is attributed to decreased revenue and increased expenses, largely due to costs related to the Coincheck Group's NASDAQ listing.

KakaoBank is preparing to enter South Korea's stablecoin sector, considering its role in issuance and custody. This follows the Bank of Korea's pause on CBDC trials amid evolving digital asset regulations, positioning KakaoBank favorably with its compliance experience.

G.U.Group has launched a new ERC-20 token, JOCX, linked to the JOC coin of Japan Open Chain, enabling multi-chain support. This allows JOC coin to be traded on platforms like Ethereum, enhancing liquidity and accessibility.

Mac House announced that it will change its company name to "G-8" and is planning to promote strategies related to Bitcoin as a new business venture. It has also amended its articles of incorporation to indicate its intention to invest funds in the cryptoassets business.

Digital Securities Co. has launched an official website for its retail digital security service "renga," starting member registrations on August 1. This service enables small investments in large assets using blockchain technology, enhancing liquidity and investor returns, with account openings set for September 1.

The book "Web3・cryptoassets 13人の未来予測" explores the transformative potential of digital assets and blockchain technology through insights from 13 industry experts, providing valuable knowledge for business professionals and investors.

The Midnight network has launched its first token distribution phase, the “Glacier Drop,” targeting users on eight major blockchains. Eligible wallets must hold over $100 in native tokens as of June 11. NIGHT tokens will unlock progressively after the mainnet launch, promoting engagement while preventing speculation.

Michigan's state pension fund significantly increased its investment in the ARK Bitcoin ETF, tripling its holdings. Despite this, Bitcoin exposure remains minimal, at only 0.03% of the fund's $79 billion assets, reflecting cautious optimism towards crypto's future.

Marex becomes the first clearinghouse to integrate JP Morgan's blockchain-based payment system, Kinexys Digital Payments, enhancing payment infrastructure and reducing risks through a 24/7 digital clearing mechanism.

Bakkt has acquired approximately 30% of the shares of Japan's Hottamarumasa, becoming the largest shareholder and indicating its intention for strategic expansion into the Asian cryptoassets market.
Horita Marumasa has changed its company name to "bitcoin.jp", and Phillip Lord, the President of Backto International, has been appointed as CEO. They plan to hold Bitcoin as a financial asset.
The Bitcoin treasury company BitBridge has announced a Green Mountain Merger

The blockchain game "Brilliantcrypto," which allows players to mine, process, and trade digital gems, celebrated its first anniversary in June. To commemorate the anniversary, a new mining area, Region 2 "Southeastern Tanzania," has also been released in the game.
This game, developed by Brilliantcrypto, a subsidiary of the major gaming company Colopl that advocates for "sustainable Play to Earn," aims to create valuable gems in the digital world and establish a digital jewelry industry in the metaverse.
Currently, Japanese Practical Blockchain games (BCG) are expected to play a leading role in driving Web3 mass adoption.

Standard Chartered's analyst Geoff Kendrick emphasizes that Ethereum treasury firms, like SharpLink, present better investment opportunities than Ethereum ETFs due to their returning NAV multiples and appealing financial structures.

SBI is developing an ETF integrating Bitcoin and XRP, aiming to launch it alongside the RLUSD stablecoin by the end of the year. Their recent earnings report showed significant revenue growth despite declines in the cryptocurrency segment, while user accounts at their exchanges rose markedly.

The essay discusses the rise in Bitcoin's realized prices, highlighting figures for short-term and long-term holders. Despite recent volatility, demand from both new and long-term investors indicates growing confidence in the market.

Convano, which operates the nail salon "FASTNAIL," announced on August 6 that it will start a "green Bitcoin Mining business" utilizing its data center.
This was resolved at the board of directors meeting held on the 5th, and the company intends to position this business as a new growth engine for the entire group.
According to the announcement, the business will be developed in regions of the United States where electricity prices are relatively low. Utilizing long-term purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy and green rate plans, it aims to balance the reduction of environmental impact and operating costs.
Furthermore, during times of power grid strain, a system of "demand response control" will be implemented to halt Mining and contribute to grid stabilization. The company calls these initiatives "in green."

China's Ministry of State Security warns against the misuse of biometric data by foreign companies, particularly highlighting concerns related to iris scanning for cryptocurrency rewards, referencing the Worldcoin project.