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Is Bitcoin Secretly Powering Ripple's Liquidity Network?
A controversial theory by Versan Aljarrah, founder of Black Swan Capitalist, suggests that Bitcoin could be acting as a digital collateral for Ripple's On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) channels. According to his hypothesis, BTC might be funding Ripple's ODL system and playing a more active role than previously assumed. This challenges the notion that Bitcoin and Ripple operate in isolation, instead hinting at strategic connections between major digital assets and a deeper integration into the global financial infrastructure.
Aljarrah proposes that Ripple's global payment network, built around XRP as a bridge asset for cross-border transactions, may be quietly supported by Bitcoin. In this scenario, BTC serves as background collateral, bringing stored value into Ripple's ecosystem to facilitate institutional payments. This process could occur without public acknowledgment, allowing Ripple to scale its system while leveraging Bitcoin's relative price stability. Such a structure could optimize the use of both assets and enable a hybrid financial architecture, connecting crypto systems with traditional finance for faster and more scalable international capital flows.
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Aljarrah previously claimed that global institutions had pre-set the XRP price and that central banks might already be covertly using XRP, comparing its current market value to a pre-IPO phase.
- Bitcoin could serve as decentralized reserve collateral for Ripple's ODL.
- This model may allow for more efficient real-time financing and integration with TradFi systems.
Summary: According to BeInCrypto, Aljarrah's theory suggests a hidden synergy between Bitcoin and Ripple, potentially transforming BTC from a passive store of value into an active liquidity source for institutional payments.
Trump's Executive Order: Bitcoin and Crypto Enter U.S. Retirement Plans
Donald Trump has officially signed an executive order instructing the U.S. Department of Labor to reassess guidelines for alternative investments in retirement plans governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974. This move, first reported by the Financial Times, aims to open 401(k) retirement accounts—used by around 90 million American workers—to alternative assets such as cryptocurrencies. The order also calls for collaboration with the Treasury, SEC, and other agencies to determine if regulatory adjustments are needed to integrate these assets into professionally managed funds.
Approximately $9 trillion is held in 401(k) accounts, more than four times Bitcoin's market capitalization. Even a small allocation of this capital to Bitcoin could significantly impact its price. However, Bloomberg ETF expert Eric Balchunas believes most investors will stick with standard portfolios, such as target-date funds, despite the expanded options. Fidelity already allows customers to hold Bitcoin directly in their 401(k)s, but many savers have previously resorted to buying shares in companies like Strategy to gain exposure to Bitcoin's success.
| 401(k) Assets | Bitcoin Market Cap |
|---|---|
| $9 trillion | Less than $2.25 trillion |
- The executive order could make the U.S. a "crypto capital" and "Bitcoin superpower."
- SEC has already overturned SAB 121, easing crypto custody for banks.
Summary: As reported by Blocktrainer, Trump's executive order marks a significant step toward integrating Bitcoin and crypto into mainstream U.S. retirement planning, potentially unlocking massive new demand.
The Largest Crypto Heist in History: Bybit and Safe
A Berlin-based startup has been linked to the largest crypto theft of all time, with a reported haul of $1.5 billion. The incident, involving major platforms such as Bybit, has drawn significant attention in the financial and crypto sectors. Details about the mechanics of the hack and the parties involved remain limited, but the scale of the theft sets a new record in the history of cryptocurrency heists.
The event has raised concerns about the security of digital assets and the vulnerability of even well-established platforms. The aftermath is expected to have lasting effects on industry practices and regulatory scrutiny.
- Amount stolen: $1.5 billion
- Involvement: Berlin startup, Bybit, and others
Summary: According to Manager Magazin, the $1.5 billion crypto theft underscores ongoing security challenges in the digital asset space and may prompt further industry reforms.
Bitcoin ETFs See Four Consecutive Days of Billion-Dollar Outflows
The crypto market sentiment has turned negative as U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs have experienced significant capital outflows for the fourth consecutive day. On Tuesday alone, net outflows totaled $196 million. Over the past four days, spot Bitcoin ETF outflows have reached approximately $1.5 billion, marking the largest outflow streak since April. BlackRock's IBIT and Fidelity's FBTC were particularly affected.
These outflows coincide with growing fears of stagflation in the U.S., as recent ISM service sector data indicated weak employment growth, rising prices, and trade disruptions. Bitcoin is currently trading at $114,070, down 0.42% from the previous day and 3.38% week-on-week (as of 11:30 a.m. CEST). Notably, on August 5, blockchain analysts observed large transfers from BlackRock wallets: 2,544 BTC (worth about $292 million) and 101,975 ETH (about $372 million) were moved to Coinbase Prime, often a precursor to asset liquidation.
| Date | BTC Price | ETF Outflows |
|---|---|---|
| August 5 | $114,070 | $196 million (daily), $1.5 billion (4 days) |
- On-chain data: 3,000 BTC dormant for over 7 years moved on Tuesday.
- Analysts expect sideways movement for Bitcoin in August.
"The ISM numbers paint a classic stagflation scenario—a nightmare for risk assets," commented the LondonCryptoClub.
Summary: Wallstreet Online reports that persistent ETF outflows, macroeconomic uncertainty, and large asset transfers are pressuring Bitcoin, with analysts predicting continued volatility and consolidation.
Bitcoin Price Outlook: Consolidation Amid Trump's Tariffs
Bitcoin has been consolidating below the $116,000 resistance level this week, reflecting trader indecision amid growing macroeconomic uncertainty. President Trump's reciprocal tariffs have come into effect, and further trade-related announcements could introduce new volatility to crypto markets. BTC is currently trading in a low-liquidity "air pocket" between $110,000 and $116,000, a zone historically associated with opportunistic accumulation.
According to K33 Research, Bitcoin's 30-day volatility is at a yearly low of 1.33%, while 7-day volatility recently hit 1.2%, the lowest since September 2023. The CME Group's FedWatch Tool indicates a more than 90% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut rates at its next policy meeting in September, with at least two 25-basis-point cuts expected by year-end. Institutional demand is showing signs of recovery, with U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recording a $91.55 million inflow on Wednesday, ending a four-day outflow streak.
| BTC Price Range | Volatility (30d) | ETF Inflow (Wed) |
|---|---|---|
| $110,000 - $116,000 | 1.33% | $91.55 million |
- BTC closed below $116,000 at the end of July, dropping nearly 3% in two days.
- Key support: 50-day EMA at $113,182 and previous ATH at $111,980.
- RSI is flat near 50, indicating indecision; MACD remains bearish.
Summary: As reported by DE.COM, Bitcoin is consolidating in a low-liquidity range, with potential for renewed accumulation and volatility as macroeconomic and policy developments unfold.
Strategy Insiders Make Multi-Million Dollar Stock Purchases—Signal for Bitcoin Rally?
Strategy, one of the most successful crypto companies, continues to accumulate Bitcoin, now holding over 100 billion USD in market capitalization and 628,791 BTC—about 3% of all Bitcoins. Last week, two surprising insider stock purchases occurred: Director Peter Briger Jr. bought 220,000 shares at $90 each (totaling $19.8 million), and President & CEO Phong Le acquired 5,500 shares for $495,000. Insider purchases are generally seen as bullish signals, suggesting confidence in the company's prospects.
Meanwhile, Strategy itself acquired an additional 21,021 BTC for $2.5 billion at an average price of $117,256 per Bitcoin. This purchase was funded by issuing "Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock" at $90 per share, raising $2.5 billion—far exceeding the original $500 million target. The ongoing demand for Strategy's stock and Bitcoin accumulation could have a positive impact on Bitcoin's price.
| Insider | Shares Bought | Price per Share | Total Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Briger Jr. | 220,000 | $90 | $19.8 million |
| Phong Le | 5,500 | $90 | $495,000 |
- Strategy's total BTC holdings: 628,791 BTC
- Average purchase price: $73,000 per BTC
- Recent purchase: 21,021 BTC at $117,256 each
- Funds raised: $2.5 billion (planned: $500 million)
Summary: FinanzNachrichten.de highlights that significant insider buying and continued Bitcoin accumulation by Strategy may signal bullish sentiment and further support for Bitcoin's price.
Sources:
- Treibt Bitcoin heimlich Ripples Netzwerk an?
- Neue Executive Order: Trump bringt Bitcoin und Co. in Altersvorsorgepläne
- (m+) Bybit und Safe: So lief der größte Hack der Kryptogeschichte
- Verliert Bitcoin den Halt?: Bitcoin ETFs verzeichnen vierten Tag in Folge Milliardenabflüsse! - 06.08.2025
- Bitcoin-Preisprognose: BTC konsolidiert sich, während Trumps Zölle in Kraft treten
- Strategy-Insider tätigen millionenschwere Aktienkäufe - Signal für Bitcoin-Rallye?
