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Epstein eyed Coinbase, XRP, XLM, Circle in pre-mainstream crypto era

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Epstein eyed Coinbase, XRP, XLM, Circle in pre-mainstream crypto era

Epstein’s 2010s emails show Gensler talks, XRP/XLM bets, CBDC and stablecoin funding links.

Summary

  • 2018 emails show Epstein sought crypto talks with Gensler and briefed Summers on early digital currency discussions.
  • Records cite about $3m into Coinbase plus speculative exposure to XRP, XLM, Circle and early stablecoin structures tied to Brock Pierce.
  • Reports mention funding for MIT-linked CBDC pilots and private crypto ventures as crypto policy circles were still nascent.

Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case contain references to communications involving cryptocurrency policy discussions and Gary Gensler, according to reports published this week.

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The documents include emails dated 2018 that reportedly mention conversations between Epstein and individuals connected to policy and academic circles in the cryptocurrency sector. Gensler, who later served as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, appears among the names referenced in the materials.

According to the reports, the files contain correspondence suggesting Epstein discussed arranging a meeting with Gensler regarding cryptocurrency topics. Emails from 2018 indicate Epstein told former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers that Gensler had arrived early for crypto-related discussions, according to the documents. Summers reportedly responded that he knew Gensler and considered him intelligent.

No documents released to date have established a direct connection between Epstein and any specific cryptocurrency decision or project, according to available reports. However, records suggest Epstein invested millions in early cryptocurrency ventures, including approximately $3 million in Coinbase in 2014, reports stated.

Some emails reportedly referenced XRP and Stellar, leading to speculation about possible investments in those projects, though the documents do not provide clear confirmation, according to observers.

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Additional claims in the reports suggest Epstein provided funding for U.S. central bank digital currency pilot programs through MIT and certain Federal Reserve Banks. Gensler taught at MIT during that period and worked in academic policy circles before entering government service and participating in the development of U.S. cryptocurrency regulation.

Reports also indicate Epstein explored early stablecoin-related investments, including Circle, through connections associated with Brock Pierce. Pierce reportedly requested Epstein’s assistance in connecting with Lawrence Summers, according to accounts of the correspondence.

The documents suggest Epstein maintained investments in private cryptocurrency ventures while maintaining relationships with academic and policy circles involved in digital currency regulation, according to analysts reviewing the materials. The timing of these connections has drawn attention as they occurred before cryptocurrency markets achieved mainstream adoption.

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Bitcoin ETFs Retain $53B in Net Inflows After Sell-Off

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Bitcoin ETFs Retain $53B in Net Inflows After Sell-Off

US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) may be seeing heavy outflows lately, but the broader picture tells a different story.

According to Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, cumulative net inflows into Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs peaked at $63 billion in October and now stand at about $53 billion, even after months of redemptions.

“That’s NET NET +$53b in only two years,” Balchunas wrote on X, sharing data compiled by fellow analyst James Seyffart.

The figure far exceeds Bloomberg’s early projections, which had called for inflows of $5 billion to $15 billion over that time frame.

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In other words, recent withdrawals haven’t erased the bigger success story. Despite Bitcoin’s roughly 50% pullback from its highs, institutional money hasn’t fled at the same pace, suggesting many investors are holding for the long term rather than panic selling.

Source: Eric Balchunas

The US spot Bitcoin ETFs were approved in early 2024 and quickly became a dominant force in the market. Bitcoin went on to hit new all-time highs ahead of its April 2024 halving event, breaking historical trends, with ETF accumulation accelerating through 2025 and peaking in October as prices surged past $126,000.

The launches are widely considered among the most successful in US ETF history. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, in particular, became the fastest ETF ever to surpass $70 billion in assets, reaching the milestone in under a year.

Related: BlackRock sees record quarter for iShares ETFs as Bitcoin, Ether demand surges

Bitcoin faces an uncertain 2026 as cycle debate intensifies

To be sure, 2026 is shaping up to be a challenging year for Bitcoin and the broader digital asset market, following a renewed sell-off in late January and early February that sent the biggest cryptocurrency to about $60,000.

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Investor sentiment remains fragile, prompting some analysts to argue that the latest bull market, consistent with Bitcoin’s historical four-year cycle, may have run its course.

Others contend the cycle is simply evolving. They argue that a longer business cycle and changing macro conditions could be stretching Bitcoin’s traditional rhythm rather than ending it.

Bitwise analysts Matt Hougan and Ryan Rasmussen go further, suggesting Bitcoin may be breaking from its long-standing four-year pattern altogether due to the growing influence of institutional capital.

“The wave of institutional capital that began entering the space in 2024 is likely to accelerate in 2026,” the analysts said, pointing to expanded access on major wealth platforms such as Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch.

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Bitcoin and crypto more generally underperformed other risk assets in 2025. Source: Wintermute

Despite rapid institutional adoption through spot ETFs, Bitcoin appeared to lose retail attention in 2025 as investors gravitated toward other high-growth themes, according to data from crypto market maker Wintermute.

Related: Bitcoin mining’s 2026 reckoning: AI pivots, margin pressure and a fight to survive

Cointelegraph is committed to independent, transparent journalism. This news article is produced in accordance with Cointelegraph’s Editorial Policy and aims to provide accurate and timely information. Readers are encouraged to verify information independently. Read our Editorial Policy https://cointelegraph.com/editorial-policy

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ProShares launches money market ETF for stablecoin issuers

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Binance holds nearly 87% of USD1 stablecoin supply: Forbes 

ProShares has launched a new money market exchange-traded fund designed to help stablecoin issuers manage regulatory-compliant reserves backed by short-term U.S. Treasuries.

Summary

  • ProShares has introduced the IQMM ETF to meet reserve rules for stablecoin issuers under the GENIUS Act framework.
  • The fund invests only in short-term U.S. government securities and offers intraday trading and same-day settlement.
  • The product reflects growing ties between traditional asset managers and the digital asset sector.

The company said in a Feb. 19 statement that the ProShares GENIUS Money Market ETF, trading under the ticker IQMM, is built to meet reserve rules under the GENIUS Act. The fund invests only in short-term U.S. Treasury securities and is designed to serve as a low-risk cash management option.

ProShares described IQMM as a conservative product for institutions, financial advisers, and individual investors. A key target group is companies that issue dollar-backed stablecoins and need compliant ways to manage large reserve balances.

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Focus on stablecoin reserve management

IQMM holds only short-term government-backed securities, including Treasury bills and related instruments. This structure allows the fund to qualify as eligible backing for payment stablecoins.

Under current U.S. rules, stablecoin issuers must maintain one-to-one reserves in safe and liquid assets. These requirements have increased demand for products that combine regulatory compliance with operational flexibility.

The ETF allows investors to trade throughout the day and settle transactions on the same day. Weekly income distributions are planned, giving holders a steady return on idle funds.

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IQMM also uses a floating net asset value and dual NAV options. These features are intended to help institutions move large cash positions without disrupting daily operations.

ProShares said the fund carries a net expense ratio of 0.15%. While retail investors can access the product, the main focus remains on firms managing large reserve pools. Industry estimates suggest stablecoin issuers held more than $150 billion in U.S. Treasuries by late 2025.

“We believe that IQMM will be an attractive cash management alternative for institutional investors, including stablecoin treasuries,” said ProShares chief executive Michael L. Sapir.

Traditional finance deepens its crypto ties

The launch reflects closer links between traditional asset managers and the digital asset industry, as regulators demand higher standards for stablecoin backing.

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With IQMM, ProShares is offering a ready-made option for companies that prefer not to manage Treasury portfolios on their own. The ETF structure allows issuers to meet reserve rules while relying on familiar market infrastructure.

Analysts say such products could make compliance easier for crypto firms entering more regulated environments. Instead of building internal treasury operations, issuers can place reserves in approved funds with clear reporting and oversight.

Some market observers, however, note that heavy redemptions during periods of stress could put pressure on money market ETFs tied to stablecoin activity. Managing liquidity during volatile conditions will remain an important test.

ProShares manages more than $95 billion across its ETF and mutual fund platforms. In recent years, the firm has expanded into crypto-linked, income-focused, and tactical investment strategies.

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ProShares Launches Treasury ETF for GENIUS Stablecoin Reserves

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United States, Stablecoin, Grayscale, Bitcoin ETF, ETF, SUI, Genius Act

US-based exchange-traded funds issuer ProShares has launched a money market ETF designed to qualify as an eligible reserve asset under the GENIUS Act, positioning it for potential use by stablecoin issuers.

The ProShares GENIUS Money Market ETF, trading under the ticker IQMM, invests exclusively in short-term US Treasurys. Unlike conventional government money market funds, it uses a floating net asset value (NAV) based on market pricing and trades intraday on an exchange.

According to an announcement on Wednesday, the structure includes same-day settlement and dual NAV features designed for institutional reserve management.

The prospectus adds that because the portfolio is limited to reserve-eligible assets under the GENIUS Act, the fund’s yield may be lower than that of money market funds with broader mandates. It also says that shares are expected to be held primarily by one or more stablecoin issuers backing outstanding tokens.

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The prospectus further warns that future rulemaking under the GENIUS Act or other US legislation could affect how the ETF may be used as a reserve vehicle.

The US GENIUS Act, passed in July 2025, establishes federal standards for payment stablecoin reserves, including requirements that backing assets be held in high-quality, short-duration instruments such as US Treasurys.

Bethesda, Maryland-based ProShares was founded in 2006, and manages more than $95 billion in assets across its ETF and mutual funds, according to the company.

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Related: Ether bulls target $2.5K as staking ETF launch, RWA growth fuel optimism

New SUI staking ETFs launch as Bitcoin funds post weekly outflows

Several asset managers rolled out new crypto ETFs this week, including staking-focused SUI (SUI) products.

On Wednesday, Canary Capital Group launched the Canary Staked SUI ETF on Nasdaq under the ticker SUIS, offering exposure to the spot price of SUI while participating in the Sui Network’s proof-of-stake validation process to generate additional token rewards reflected in the fund’s net asset value.

According to data from Nasdaq.com, the ETF was trading between $23.42 and $23.71 on Thursday, with 3,633 shares changing hands at the time of writing. The ETF closed its first day of trading on Wednesday at $24.17 after opening at $25.00 a share.

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