Bybit has added support for Western Union’s USDPT stablecoin, becoming the first major cryptocurrency exchange to list the dollar-pegged token for trading, transfers, and custody.

According to an announcement released on Thursday, users can now hold, transfer, and trade USDPT on Bybit. The integration gives Western Union’s newly launched stablecoin access to one of the crypto industry’s largest trading venues while adding another dollar-backed asset to Bybit’s stablecoin offering.

Crypto exchange Coinbase said it froze more than $3 million in cryptocurrency tied to a global operation targeting cyber-enabled crypto scam networks in Southeast Asia. 

The operation was part of Disruption Week led by the US Department of Justice’s Scam Center Strike Force, which brought together government entities and private industries to tackle crypto fraud targeting Americans. 

“This operation is proof that scammers can’t be stopped by any single company or agency acting alone,” said Coinbase. 

“It took social platforms, financial institutions, connectivity providers, and law enforcement working in lockstep to hit these networks at nearly every point in the fraud chain, online accounts, financial flows, and physical infrastructure all at once.”

The operation also involved Meta, Microsoft and Starlink, which worked together to take down servers and other hosting infrastructure linked to scam networks and disrupt criminal activity across more than 1.4 million social media and email accounts, leading to several arrests by the Royal Thai Police Anti-Cyber Scam Center.

Investment fraud and pig butchering are among the fastest-growing and most financially devastating forms of fraud targeting Americans, the DOJ said. The FBI reported earlier this month that Americans’ losses from crypto- and AI-related scams in 2025 exceeded $11 billion, with investment scams the most damaging.

Source: US Attorney DC

“We know crypto sometimes gets an unfair reputation when it comes to illicit finance. The reality is the opposite. Blockchain technology gives law enforcement something traditional financial systems often can’t: a transparent, immutable and permanent record of every transaction,” Coinbase added. 

Other members of the coalition included the FBI, the US Secret Service and law enforcement partners in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Thailand.

Related: OFAC sanctions Cambodian politician linked to pig butchering scam centers 

Meta said it shared “actionable insights” from all those involved, which helped “connect the dots between disparate pieces of information across platforms. The collective effort of these tech companies enabled the operation to target and disrupt criminals at nearly every point in the fraud chain.” 

Authorities around the world have been heavily targeting scam infrastructure this year. In April, the US Scam Center Strike Force and its law enforcement partners targeted scam centers and froze more than $701 million in crypto linked to investment scams.

Meanwhile, a Dubai police-led international crackdown on scam rings resulted in the arrest of 276 individuals and the shutdown of at least nine crypto scam centers.

In another police action involving Austrian and Albanian authorities, with support from Europol and Eurojust, 10 people were arrested in connection with three scam centers in Tirana, Albania.

Magazine: Big Questions: Do we really only need 2–5 cryptocurrencies?  

Bitcoin has fallen below $64,000 after Strategy’s small BTC sale intensified pressure on a market already facing ETF outflows and renewed criticism from high-profile skeptics.

According to Strategy’s latest disclosure, the Michael Saylor-led Bitcoin treasury firm sold 32 BTC after trading opened on Monday, days after BTC traded just under $74,000 on June 1. The sale was small compared with the company’s total holdings, but traders quickly focused on the timing because Strategy has long been viewed as one of Bitcoin’s most visible corporate backers.

Bitcoin dropped sharply after the announcement, while Strategy shares also came under pressure. Market data cited in the report showed MSTR down about 15% since the disclosure, with the company sitting on an unrealized Bitcoin loss of roughly $10.8 billion.

Cramer Says Strategy Sale Shook Bitcoin Confidence

CNBC host and former hedge fund manager Jim Cramer said Saylor’s decision has unsettled crypto traders because many investors believed Strategy helped support Bitcoin’s previous highs.

Bitcoin slipped about 21% over a 10-day stretch, briefly retesting the $61,000 area as MicroStrategy’s debt strategy unfolded and the broader market faced ongoing ETF and liquidity dynamics. The move came as Strategy announced it had tapped into cash raised from recent equity issuances to repurchase portions of its convertible debt, a step that paused fresh Bitcoin accumulation for the moment and fanned questions about potential future liquidations.

MicroStrategy has long been the most visible large-scale Bitcoin holder, with its treasure chest growing to 126,016 BTC, accumulated for roughly $9.31 billion since March. The company funded a portion of its strategy by raising capital via equity issuances and used about $1.38 billion of that cash to repurchase convertible debt, a decision announced in mid-May. At the same time, the Stretch preferred stock (STRC US) price has drifted away from the $100 mark, complicating the near-term risk calculus for holders of both the company’s stock and the associated preferred instrument.

With its Bitcoin reserve now backed by a smaller cash cushion, Strategy’s balance sheet remains under close scrutiny. The company has also disclosed that its cash position sits around $900 million, a level that can cover roughly six months of preferred-dividend payments, assuming current rates continue. The STRC preferred stock pays a monthly dividend at an annual rate of about 11.5%, with a mechanism that allows new share issuance if the price climbs back to $100, and a lower price could trigger adjustments in the dividend or share issuance dynamics. The interplay between STRC’s price, potential new issuances, and the flow of Bitcoin buys and sells is central to how investors gauge Strategy’s risk in a volatile macro backdrop. For context, Strategy has raised about $7.5 billion through STRC issuances in the first five months of 2026, a move that has been supportive of Bitcoin’s price trajectory to date. Further detail on the debt-repurchase move is noted in contemporaneous coverage from Cointelegraph.

Momentum in the market has also been influenced by the STRC’s price trajectory and the broader ETF environment. As STRC trades below $100 and spot ETFs remain net sellers, the odds of a sustained breakout for Bitcoin toward the $70,000 level have been read as limited for now. This framing is consistent with the observed liquidity dynamics around MicroStrategy’s equity and debt instruments and with market participants’ evolving view on the company’s ability to finance ongoing Bitcoin accumulation through equity-drawn cash and preferred-stock capital raises.

The balance sheet remains anchored by a key metric: 11% net leverage. Even at subdued Bitcoin prices, the value of Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings provides a significant cushion, though the company’s cash runway has thinned. A scenario analysis widely discussed among market participants suggests that the coverage provided by the Bitcoin reserve could be conservative even if the Bitcoin price were to dip meaningfully, such as toward $30,000. In other words, the reserve buffer has historically offered a margin of safety, even as cash and liquidity come under pressure from debt-service obligations and new capital-raising activities.

Key takeaways

• Conservative leverage with a Bitcoin cushion: Strategy reports an 11% net leverage, a key metric that is mitigated by the value of its Bitcoin holdings, which provides a conservative buffer even under stressed prices.
• Near-term upside tempered by STRC and ETF dynamics: A sustained rally above $70,000 is unlikely while STRC trades under $100 and spot ETFs remain net sellers.
• Cash runway narrowed by debt maneuvers: About $1.38 billion of cash was used to repurchase convertible debt, contributing to a cash balance around $900 million and roughly six months of dividend coverage at current rates; STRC issuances totaling $7.5 billion in early 2026 underpinned prior liquidity.
• No hard liquidation floor, but dilution as a risk tailwind: There is no contractual floor forcing Bitcoin sales, but if debt markets tighten, dilution of existing holders could become a lever, potentially influencing leverage perception and stock dynamics.

Debt moves, liquidity, and what comes next

The mid-May debt-repurchase decision — financed with cash raised from recent equity issuances — underscores MicroStrategy’s attempt to manage its capital structure in a period of tighter liquidity. By pulling cash from equity proceeds to repurchase portions of its convertible debt, the company sought to reduce the near-term debt burden and stabilize the balance sheet while continuing to pursue strategic Bitcoin accumulation under a changed liquidity backdrop. In turn, the STRC preferred stock’s price sensitivity to the $100 threshold complicates the financing calculus, because crossing that line can alter the timing and scale of new share issuance and the associated dividend dynamics. The dividend itself is currently set at an annual rate of 11.5% and is paid monthly, a feature that remains attractive to some investors but adds another layer of sensitivity to market price movements for STRC.

MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin position remains a central part of its narrative and risk/return profile. Holding 126,016 BTC with a reported value of about $9.31 billion as of March, the reserves continue to anchor the company’s asset base even as cash and liquidity face pressure from ongoing financing activity. The company’s strategy to deploy equity-derived cash toward debt repayments aligns with a broader aim to reduce financial fragility while sustaining Bitcoin accumulation over time. Related commentary from market observers notes that any eventual sale of Bitcoin from Strategy would not be automatic or guaranteed; rather, it would hinge on a mix of debt markets, equity financing options, and strategic risk assessments.

Market chatter around a potential “doom loop” — the idea that a large sale could push BTC price lower, prompting buyers to wait for lower prices — has been attributed to commentary circulating on social platforms. One widely cited thread suggested that a large, credible seller could depress prices more quickly, discouraging new accumulation and deepening liquidity challenges. While such a scenario remains speculative, it highlights how closely the price action of Strategy’s holdings is watched by traders and the broader market, particularly given the interplay between the STRC price, STRC’s dividend mechanics, and the path of Bitcoin prices.

Looking ahead, the main narrative remains: with STRC trading below $100 and ETF flows continuing to shape the immediate supply/demand balance for Bitcoin, the probability of a rapid move back toward $70,000 in the near term hinges on how Market participants interpret Strategy’s liquidity trajectory, potential debt-market reopening, and any policy shifts that affect crypto-backed balance sheets. As cash reserves erode and the debt-repurchase narrative unfolds, investors will be watching whether Strategy can sustain its Bitcoin accumulation without triggering forced liquidations or triggering dilution events that would alter the risk/return calculus for both equity and preferred-share holders.

For readers seeking context, Cointelegraph’s related coverage details Strategy’s debt-repurchase activity and the broader implications of favored instruments like STRC in the company’s funding mix. Additionally, market chatter around Strategy’s strategy and Bitcoin exposure continues to be analyzed across social channels, including commentary that points to the dynamic tension between price levels, dividend terms, and liquidity constraints.

What comes next will hinge on liquidity recovery, debt-market conditions, and the evolving price relationship between STRC, Bitcoin, and the broader crypto ecosystem. Stay attentive to updates around STRC’s price, the company’s cash runway, and any new debt or equity issuances that could recalibrate Strategy’s balance sheet and Bitcoin accumulation trajectory.

Sources and further reading: Cointelegraph coverage of Strategy’s debt repurchases and STRC dynamics; TradingView data on STRC price behavior; public disclosures on Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings and cash position; market commentary on the potential implications of a “doom loop” for Bitcoin and large corporate holders.

Michael Saylor’s Strategy has faced growing pressure to sell additional Bitcoin after a recent share price decline raised concerns about the sustainability of its financing structure, according to a new report from Grayscale Research.

Grayscale Research said the company’s ability to keep expanding its Bitcoin holdings has become more constrained as prices of both MSTR and STRC shares have fallen. The warning follows Strategy’s sale of 32 BTC, a move that drew attention because Saylor had spent years publicly arguing against selling Bitcoin.

The report linked the recent strain to weakness in Strategy’s preferred stock offering, STRC, which was designed to trade near $100 per share while paying an 11.5% dividend. With STRC changing hands at about $95.42, Grayscale head of research Zach Pandl said the structure creates additional pressure on the company.

Falling STRC shares increase cash flow demands

According to Grayscale, a decline below STRC’s intended trading level can force Strategy to raise the dividend offered to investors.

Higher dividend payments would increase the company’s cash obligations, potentially making future Bitcoin sales more likely if additional funds are needed.

Recent market turbulence has already weighed on Strategy-linked securities. Earlier reporting from crypto.news attributed the pressure on STRC to two developments. Strategy’s decision to sell Bitcoin was followed by a decline in BTC prices, a combination that raised questions among investors about risks tied to the company’s heavily leveraged Bitcoin accumulation model.

Adding to those concerns, STRC does not carry FDIC or SIPC protection. Strategy also provides no guarantee regarding the stock’s future market price or dividend payments.

Despite those risks, investor demand helped STRC grow rapidly. Grayscale noted that the preferred stock has reached a market capitalization of roughly $10 billion, more than three times its size at the beginning of the year. The report attributed that growth to investors seeking high yields alongside exposure to Strategy’s Bitcoin-backed business model.

The current bearish market conditions could also limit Strategy’s capacity to issue new shares and raise fresh capital for additional Bitcoin purchases. Grayscale said lower prices for both STRC and MSTR reduce the attractiveness of the company’s primary funding channels.

Bitcoin treasury accumulation remains uneven

While Grayscale sees short-term challenges for Strategy, the firm argued that the long-term impact on Bitcoin could prove constructive. The report said a reduction in Bitcoin held on highly leveraged balance sheets, combined with ownership spread across multiple corporate treasuries, may support a healthier market structure over time.

Grayscale also expects Bitcoin prices to recover in the coming months, although the firm said some crypto assets benefiting from regulatory developments could outperform during that period.

Not every corporate Bitcoin holder has responded to market stress by reducing exposure. While Strategy sold part of its holdings, Strive Inc. increased its position. The company disclosed that it purchased another 2,500 BTC between May 23 and June 1, lifting its total holdings to 19,000 BTC.

At the same time, views on Strategy’s outlook remain divided. Standard Chartered recently said Bitcoin’s bottom is likely approaching and maintained its year-end target of $100,000. Unlike Grayscale, the bank expects Strategy to resume aggressive Bitcoin accumulation, drawing comparisons with the company’s purchasing activity after a Bitcoin sale in 2022.

Bitcoin (BTC) changed hands at $63,560 at the time of writing, representing a 2.5% decline over the previous 24 hours.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce has said that software developers who publish open-source blockchain code should not face federal securities registration rules simply because others use their work.

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, speaking Tuesday at the IC3 Blockchain Camp at Princeton University, said the SEC should not treat code writers as brokers, dealers, exchanges, or other market middlemen when they only release software for public use.

Peirce said many blockchain projects involve open-source software, which she described as activity generally protected by the First Amendment. In her remarks, she argued that responsibility for securities law violations should fall on people who commit unlawful acts, not on developers whose code later appears in financial activity.

Peirce draws Lline between code and conduct

Peirce said decentralized protocols can operate without the same central parties found in traditional finance. In her view, securities laws should focus on conduct by market participants rather than neutral software tools.

The commissioner said the SEC rulebook was built around intermediaries such as brokers, dealers, exchanges, clearinghouses, transfer agents, investment advisers, and investment companies. She warned that applying those categories too broadly could pull blockchain developers and infrastructure providers into rules designed for centralized institutions.

Peirce also questioned whether distributed networks should face securities regulation just because users may access them for token-related transactions. She said blockchain systems support many uses beyond securities activity, which makes automatic classification under market rules difficult.

DeFi front ends face fresh SEC scrutiny

Her comments followed an April staff statement from the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets on certain crypto user interfaces. According to the SEC staff statement, some interfaces that prepare code for users to interact with blockchain protocols through self-custodial wallets may avoid broker-dealer registration if they meet stated conditions.

The staff statement said such interfaces may convert user-selected transaction details into blockchain-legible commands, provide market data, and show educational material. The staff also said the interface provider’s role matters when assessing whether broker-dealer rules apply.

Peirce’s remarks fit that debate because many DeFi users rely on front-end websites, browser extensions, wallets, and other tools to reach decentralized protocols.

Crypto Task Force reviews existing rules

The SEC’s Crypto Task Force has been reviewing how federal securities laws apply to digital assets, decentralized systems, and market infrastructure. The task force was created as the agency moved away from former Chair Gary Gensler’s enforcement-heavy crypto approach.

SEC Chair Paul Atkins has criticized “regulation by enforcement” and has called for clearer rules for digital assets. Peirce, who leads the task force, has long argued that crypto firms and developers need clearer legal boundaries.

Even as Peirce pushed back against automatic registration duties for code writers, the SEC has kept crypto on its policy agenda. In its draft Strategic Plan through fiscal 2030, the agency said blockchain and crypto asset technologies could reshape America’s financial infrastructure.

XRP has fallen to around $1.16 after losing more than 3% in a day, while an analyst argues that a retreat toward the $1.03 area could form part of a longer consolidation rather than the start of a deeper downtrend.

According to data from crypto.news, XRP (XRP) price traded near $1.16 on June 4, extending a pullback that has accompanied renewed weakness across the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin (BTC) briefly slipped below $62,000 during the session as risk appetite deteriorated amid concerns over global growth, elevated oil prices, and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve’s rate-cut path.

The decline comes even as the XRP Ledger ecosystem prepares for another network upgrade. Earlier this week, XRP Ledger Operations announced that version 3.2.0 will soon be deployed, introducing a transition from the long-running “rippled” software name to “xrpld.”

Infrastructure providers, validators, and node operators will be required to update their systems ahead of the migration.

Commenting on the latest price structure, crypto analyst The Great Mattsby argued that XRP may be approaching a key technical test on higher timeframes.

“At this point it would make sense for $XRP to backtest the monthly cloud around 1.03.”

The analyst added that traders familiar with market structure and Ichimoku analysis should not view the setup as bearish from a macro perspective, describing the current chart as a prolonged consolidation phase.

Monthly Ichimoku cloud highlights $1.03 as key support

The monthly Ichimoku chart shared by The Great Mattsby shows XRP trading above a major support zone created by the cloud structure that has developed over several years.

A move toward $1.03 would place the token near the upper region of that support area and could serve as a backtest of a level that previously acted as resistance before the latest rally.

On the daily timeframe, XRP remains below the Supertrend indicator, which currently sits near $1.34. The indicator has remained in bearish territory since late May and continues to cap recovery attempts. Any sustained rebound would likely require buyers to reclaim that level before attention shifts toward the $1.45-$1.50 region.

Momentum indicators have also weakened. The daily MACD remains below the zero line, while the signal line continues to trade above the MACD line. Histogram bars have expanded into negative territory, showing that selling pressure has yet to fully subside.

Recent derivatives activity has reinforced the cautious outlook. Leveraged long positions across the market faced another round of liquidations during the latest crypto sell-off, reducing speculative exposure and contributing to weaker price action across major altcoins, including XRP.

Recovery above $1.34 would improve the technical outlook

Despite the recent decline, several developments continue to support the long-term XRP narrative. The upcoming XRP Ledger 3.2.0 upgrade follows the successful activation of version 3.1.3 in May, which introduced the fixCleanup3_1_3 amendment and improved network reliability after receiving full validator consensus.

Institutional adoption of Ripple’s ecosystem has also expanded in recent months through the growth of RLUSD and additional infrastructure partnerships. While those developments have not translated into immediate price strength, they have helped maintain attention on the XRP ecosystem during a period of heightened market volatility.

Downside risks remain tied to both technical and macroeconomic factors. A decisive break below the $1.03 support area would weaken the consolidation thesis presented by Ichimoku analysts and expose XRP to a deeper retracement toward psychological support near $1.00.

External risks could also add pressure. Higher energy prices, escalating geopolitical tensions, and any indication that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer could weigh on risk assets and limit demand for cryptocurrencies.

For now, traders appear focused on whether XRP can stabilize above the monthly cloud support region. While a drop toward $1.03 would represent another leg lower from current levels, proponents of the bullish long-term view argue that such a move would remain consistent with XRP’s existing macro structure unless that support ultimately fails.