Listen to today’s podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nqwUyvLDEvs7bV985k-gQ
Bitcoin/Crypto Daily Podcast 12/14/2025
Welcome back! Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories: a mix of macro shifts, regulatory moves, market structure updates, and on-the-ground developments shaping digital assets.
Bank of Japan set to hike rates to 30-year high, posing another threat to Bitcoin
Nikkei reports the BoJ is poised to raise its policy rate to 0.75%, a 30-year high, potentially pressuring Bitcoin via yen strength and a carry-trade unwind. Unlike the 2024 hike that spurred a risk-off episode, current positioning, already-higher JGB yields, and a fresh Fed cut may cushion the impact. Still, Japan’s heavy debt load and policy credibility remain key wildcards into 2026.
OCC clears Circle, Ripple and others to launch crypto national banks
The OCC has reportedly granted national banking charters to firms including Circle and Ripple, allowing broader services under federal oversight. It’s a milestone for crypto–bank convergence that could widen access to compliant dollar rails and institutional-grade custody.
U.S. market structure bill may slide to January as talks continue over several points
Senate negotiations on a sweeping crypto market-structure bill are slipping into January amid unresolved disputes over ethics rules, stablecoin yield, SEC authority, and DeFi treatment. Despite friction, momentum is high after a White House meeting, with staff eyeing committee markups early in the new year.
Strategy survives first Nasdaq 100 shakeup since entering the index
Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) kept its Nasdaq 100 spot while amassing 660,624 BTC, even as shares slid and MSCI considers rules that could force passive outflows. Leadership insists it’s an operating enterprise, not a passive BTC vehicle, and raised $1.44B to strengthen financing and counter market concerns.
Bitcoin is a “digital labubu,” says Vanguard — yet it opens ETF trading
Vanguard now allows clients to trade spot Bitcoin ETFs even as leadership remains openly skeptical of the asset’s investment merit. The move highlights Wall Street’s access-versus-attitude split while deepening the institutional plumbing around spot ETF products.
Spot volumes drop 66% in ‘lulls’ that often precede next cycle leg: Bitfinex
Bitfinex reports crypto spot volumes are down about 66% from January peaks, echoing prior “lull” phases that often precede the next cycle leg. With BTC coiling near key levels and a 25 bps Fed cut largely priced in, traders are watching $89K–$92K for a decisive break toward six figures or a reset lower.
Stablecoin giant Tether makes $1B bid to buy Juventus FC
Tether moved to acquire Juventus FC with an all-cash bid for Exor’s controlling stake, reportedly rebuffed for now. The issuer says it’s ready to invest €1B in the club and has been increasing influence via equity stakes and board appointments.
Bitcoin mining news: ERCOT queue up 270%, IREN raises $2.3B, Whatsminer M70 launches
Mining revenues remain squeezed near lows even as Texas’ ERCOT sees a 270% surge in large-load interconnection requests led by AI data centers, with crypto mines around 9% of demand. Luxor launched a GPU trading desk, IREN raised $2.3B in converts to refinance debt, and MicroBT debuted its M70 series—moves aimed at straddling mining and AI while navigating tight margins.
Brazil’s largest private bank advises investors to allocate 3% to Bitcoin in 2026
Itaú Asset recommends a 1%–3% Bitcoin allocation for 2026, citing diversification and currency-hedging benefits despite a choppy year. The firm also launched a dedicated crypto unit to expand offerings from ETFs to income-style products and derivatives.
US banks warn OCC crypto charters could weaken the banking system
The ABA and ICBA blasted the OCC’s conditional trust charters for crypto firms, arguing they create a two-tier system without FDIC insurance or full bank standards. They also challenged the OCC’s authority under Interpretive Letter 1176 and called for approvals to be paused and rescinded over consumer-protection and resolution risks.
