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Coinbase Expands to UK With Crypto-Backed USDC Loans

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Coinbase has launched crypto-backed loan services in the United Kingdom, allowing users to borrow USDC using digital assets like Bitcoin, Ether, and cbETH as collateral.

The move marks another step in Coinbase’s push to expand lending products globally as the UK develops its crypto regulatory framework.

Borrowing Against Crypto Holdings

The new service lets UK users access loans of up to $5 million in USDC, depending on the value of the collateral they provide.

Bitcoin-backed loans offer the highest borrowing limits, while Ether and Coinbase Wrapped Staked Ether can also be used.

Loans are issued through Morpho, a decentralized lending protocol operating on Coinbase’s Base network.

Flexible Terms With Market-Based Rates

Coinbase said interest rates are variable and determined by market conditions on Morpho.

There is no fixed repayment schedule, giving borrowers flexibility, but users must manage their loan-to-value ratios carefully.

If collateral values drop too much, positions may be liquidated to cover the loan.

Building on US Rollout

The UK launch builds on Coinbase’s earlier rollout of crypto-backed loans in the United States.

Since 2025, US users have been able to borrow up to $1 million in USDC using Ether as collateral, with similar lending mechanics.

The expansion reflects Coinbase’s broader strategy of integrating decentralized finance into its product offerings.

Launch Comes Amid Regulatory Developments

The timing aligns with ongoing regulatory progress in the UK.

The Financial Conduct Authority recently opened consultations on a comprehensive crypto framework expected to take effect in 2027.

Until then, the UK operates under partial regulation, mainly covering financial promotions and anti-money laundering requirements.

Expanding Coinbase’s UK Presence

The lending product adds to Coinbase’s growing suite of services in the UK.

The company secured FCA registration in 2025, allowing it to offer both crypto and fiat services to retail and institutional users.

Since then, it has introduced features such as decentralized exchange trading and crypto savings accounts in the region.

Bridging DeFi and Traditional Finance

Coinbase is also exploring broader use cases for crypto-backed lending.

Earlier this year, the company partnered with Better Home & Finance to allow borrowers to use Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for mortgage-related loans.

Growing Role of Onchain Finance

The UK launch highlights a larger trend of bringing traditional financial services onto blockchain infrastructure.

By enabling users to borrow against crypto assets without selling them, Coinbase is positioning itself at the intersection of DeFi and mainstream finance.

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Strategy Buys $2.5B in Bitcoin, Holdings Surpass 800,000 BTC

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Michael Saylor’s company Strategy has made another massive Bitcoin purchase, pushing its total holdings past 800,000 BTC and reinforcing its position as the largest public holder of the asset.

Massive $2.5 Billion Bitcoin Purchase

Strategy acquired 34,164 Bitcoin for approximately $2.54 billion between April 13 and April 19, according to a recent SEC filing.

The purchase ranks as the company’s third-largest Bitcoin buy ever, highlighting its continued aggressive accumulation strategy.

The coins were bought at an average price of $74,395 per BTC, slightly below Strategy’s overall average purchase price.

Total Holdings Now Above 800K BTC

Following the latest acquisition, Strategy now holds:

  • 815,061 BTC total
  • Purchased for roughly $61.56 billion

This milestone comes just one week after the company revealed a separate $1 billion Bitcoin purchase, showing how rapidly it continues to scale its position.

Funded Largely Through STRC Offering

A significant portion of the latest purchase was funded through Strategy’s preferred stock offering:

  • $2.18 billion (85.7%) came from STRC issuance
  • $366 million came from selling Class A shares (MSTR)

The STRC program has become a core funding mechanism for Strategy’s Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Record-Breaking Buying Activity

The company also set new internal records during the buying period.

On April 13 and 14 alone, Strategy executed massive purchases tied to its at-the-market (ATM) program:

  • ~7,741 BTC in one day
  • ~9,364 BTC the next day

Combined, these two days accounted for over 17,000 BTC, marking a sharp increase compared to previous weekly averages.

Saylor Teased the Move

Michael Saylor hinted at the purchase ahead of time with a cryptic “Think Even Bigger” post, a pattern he has used before major acquisition announcements.

Dividend Strategy to Boost Demand

Alongside its Bitcoin buying spree, Strategy is also exploring changes to its investor offering.

The company recently proposed semi-monthly dividend payments for its STRC preferred shares, aiming to:

  • Stabilize share price
  • Increase liquidity
  • Attract more investor demand

If approved, Strategy would become one of the few companies globally to offer such frequent dividend payouts.

Strategy Doubles Down on Bitcoin Conviction

This latest purchase reinforces Strategy’s long-term bet on Bitcoin as a primary treasury asset.

Despite market volatility and unrealized losses in prior quarters, the company continues to accumulate aggressively, signaling strong confidence in Bitcoin’s future value.

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Poland Fails Again to Override Presidential Veto on Crypto Bill

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Poland’s parliament has once again failed to overturn a presidential veto blocking a major crypto regulation bill, prolonging uncertainty around the country’s approach to digital assets.

The latest vote highlights an ongoing political deadlock between lawmakers and the president over how crypto should be regulated.

Parliament Falls Short of Required Votes

In Friday’s vote, lawmakers did not reach the 263 votes needed to override President Karol Nawrocki’s veto.

A total of 243 members voted against the veto, while 191 supported overturning it, leaving the bill stalled once again.

This marks the second failed attempt to push the legislation through despite government backing.

Bill Aims to Align With EU Rules

The proposed law, supported by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is designed to bring Poland in line with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.

Introduced in 2024, MiCA sets out rules for crypto issuance, custody, and market oversight across the EU.

Poland is currently the only EU member state yet to implement the framework.

President Raises Concerns

President Nawrocki has defended his veto, citing concerns about overregulation, lack of transparency, and the potential burden on smaller businesses.

He has repeatedly rejected the bill, arguing that passing the same legislation again does not address its underlying flaws.

Government Warns of Risks Without Regulation

Government officials have warned that the absence of clear crypto rules could leave investors exposed.

Finance Minister Andrzej Domański reportedly said the current situation risks turning the market into an “El Dorado for fraudsters,” emphasizing the need for stronger protections.

Ongoing Legislative Standoff

The political impasse dates back months.

After an initial failure in December, lawmakers quickly reintroduced a revised version of the bill, though critics argued it was largely unchanged.

The president vetoed the updated version again in February, reinforcing his opposition.

Crypto Industry Caught in the Middle

The debate has also drawn in Poland’s crypto sector.

Zonda, the country’s largest crypto exchange, has reportedly opposed the bill, adding another layer of tension to the situation.

The exchange has denied political allegations and pushed back against claims linking it to illicit activity.

Regulatory Uncertainty Continues

With no resolution in sight, Poland remains without a clear regulatory framework for crypto.

The ongoing standoff leaves businesses and investors operating in a legal gray area, while the rest of the EU moves ahead under unified rules.

Until a compromise is reached, Poland’s crypto market is likely to face continued uncertainty.

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Saylor Signals Another Major Bitcoin Buy After $1B Purchase

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Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor has once again hinted at a major Bitcoin purchase, just days after the company revealed a $1 billion acquisition earlier this month.

The teaser suggests the firm may be preparing to expand its already massive Bitcoin holdings even further.

“Think Even Bigger” Hint Sparks Speculation

Saylor posted “Think Even ₿igger” on X alongside a chart of Strategy’s past Bitcoin purchases, a move he has historically used to signal upcoming buys.

The post follows a similar message shared just before the company disclosed its latest purchase of 13,927 Bitcoin worth $1 billion between April 6 and 12.

That acquisition was made at an average price of $71,902 per coin.

Strategy Doubles Down on Bitcoin

Strategy remains the largest public holder of Bitcoin, with a total of 780,897 BTC valued at over $58 billion.

The company has built its reputation on consistently accumulating Bitcoin, often making regular weekly purchases regardless of market conditions.

Dividend Plan Aims to Boost Demand

Alongside its aggressive Bitcoin strategy, the company is also exploring changes to its shareholder payouts.

Strategy recently proposed shifting to semi-monthly dividend payments, with distributions planned twice a month instead of the traditional quarterly schedule.

CEO Phong Le said the move is designed to stabilize the stock price, increase liquidity, and attract more investor demand.

If approved, the company would offer 24 dividend payments per year at a current rate of 11.5%.

Addressing Demand Fluctuations

Le noted that investor demand tends to drop after dividend eligibility periods pass, slowing share purchases.

The proposed change aims to smooth out that cycle by creating more frequent incentives for investors.

Strategy considered several options, including weekly and even daily dividends, before settling on the semi-monthly approach due to exchange rules.

Approval Process Underway

A preliminary filing has already been submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Voting on the proposal is expected to begin on April 28 and conclude on June 8 at the company’s annual shareholder meeting.

If approved, the new dividend schedule could take effect as early as mid-July.

Stock Performance and Market Context

Strategy’s stock recently jumped nearly 12%, though it remains down more than 47% over the past year.

The company’s aggressive Bitcoin strategy comes despite reporting over $14 billion in unrealized losses on its digital asset holdings in the first quarter.

Bitcoin Accumulation Continues

Saylor’s latest hint reinforces Strategy’s long-term commitment to Bitcoin accumulation.

With ongoing purchases and new financial strategies aimed at attracting investors, the company appears set to continue playing a major role in shaping institutional demand for Bitcoin.

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