SEC ETFs, MetaMask Token & a $40M Crypto Seizure

22-Sep-2025

The crypto world moves fast. Every week, new stories shape the future of this space. StealthEX and CryptoDaily keep you updated with the key highlights. We break down the most important news and explain what really matters. No fluff. No jargon. Just clear updates that help you stay on top of the market. Ready to dive in? Let’s begin.

Latest Cryptocurrency News: SEC ETFs, MetaMask Token & $40M Crypto Seizure

MetaMask Token Rumors Heat Up as Lubin Drops Fresh Hint

Joseph Lubin, CEO of Consensys and co-founder of Ethereum, has given the strongest signal yet that a MetaMask token could launch soon. Speaking in an interview, he said the token is “coming sooner than expected,” sparking fresh excitement across the crypto community.

Although he avoided exact dates, Lubin noted the token will connect closely to decentralization features within MetaMask. His comments align with growing speculation that a launch may finally arrive after years of rumors. Dan Finlay, MetaMask’s co-founder, confirmed that any token launch would be promoted directly inside the wallet.

MetaMask is already one of the most widely used crypto wallets, giving millions access to digital assets and DeFi platforms. The wallet has also rolled out features such as MetaMask USD (mUSD), a stablecoin for payments and trading, and security improvements aimed at protecting users.

Another piece of the puzzle could be Linea, Consensys’s zkEVM-based layer-2. Lubin suggested Linea will play a major role in reward systems and governance once the token arrives. Industry watchers believe this could link MetaMask users more tightly to Consensys’s broader ecosystem.

Talk of a MetaMask token has circled since 2021. With Lubin’s latest remarks, the long wait may finally be drawing to an end.

Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Operations with Miami Subsidiary

Metaplanet, Japan’s leading Bitcoin (BTC) treasury firm, has unveiled plans to strengthen its U.S. presence. The Tokyo-listed company confirmed the launch of a new unit in Miami called Metaplanet Income Corp., designed to focus on revenue growth and derivatives trading.

The firm already controls 20,136 BTC, valued at over $2.3 billion. Its new subsidiary starts with $15 million in capital and will target income-generating opportunities tied to Bitcoin. CEO Simon Gerovich described the U.S. venture as the company’s next growth driver, pointing to positive cash flow and consistent revenue.

This announcement follows a massive international equity raise where Metaplanet secured $1.4 billion, far above its $880 million target. Backing came from sovereign funds, hedge funds, and large asset managers, underlining institutional confidence in the company’s Bitcoin-first approach.

Metaplanet views the U.S. expansion as a natural next step, helping it diversify operations and strengthen its net asset value. The company has already been actively purchasing Bitcoin and selling derivatives, especially put options, to increase income streams.

Despite these moves, Metaplanet’s stock has faced pressure, sliding nearly 70% over the past three months. Yet, shares remain up significantly this year, reflecting strong investor appetite for Bitcoin-focused corporate strategies.


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SEC and Gemini Reach Breakthrough in Earn Program Case

The long-running legal battle between Gemini and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission may soon be over. Both sides have reached a “resolution in principle” regarding the exchange’s controversial Earn program.

The agreement, revealed in a court filing, still requires commission approval before becoming final. Lawyers for Gemini and the SEC jointly requested that the case be paused indefinitely until details are confirmed.

The SEC first sued Gemini in January 2023, accusing it and Genesis Global Capital of offering unregistered securities. Their Earn product, launched in 2021, promised U.S. investors yields of up to 7.4% on deposited crypto. By late 2022, the program had gathered nearly $900 million from over 300,000 customers.

Genesis later collapsed into bankruptcy, trapping Earn users’ funds. Gemini pledged to return over $1 billion, depending on the outcome of restructuring efforts. Genesis separately settled with the SEC in 2024 for $21 million.

If finalized, the Gemini settlement would close one of the most prominent enforcement actions against a U.S. crypto exchange. The outcome could mark a shift in the regulator’s approach, moving from aggressive lawsuits toward clearer frameworks for lending products.

For crypto businesses, the case highlights both the opportunities and the risks of offering yield-based services without proper registration.

Galaxy Digital Buys $306M in Solana, Boosts Treasury Speculation

Galaxy Digital has snapped up 1.2 million Solana tokens in a single day, valued at $306 million, according to blockchain records. The purchase adds to its recent spree, bringing total acquisitions to $1.55 billion.

The tokens were transferred to custody provider Fireblocks, signaling a long-term holding strategy. The move comes shortly after Galaxy partnered with Multicoin Capital and Jump Crypto to form a treasury-focused venture, sparking speculation about coordinated institutional strategies.

Attention is also turning to Forward Industries, which recently bought 6.8 million SOL worth $1.58 billion. The medical device maker has pivoted into crypto treasuries, pushing its stock up more than 600% this year. Yet filings show the firm’s core business remains under strain.

Galaxy has not confirmed whether its purchases are linked to Forward’s strategy, but the timing has raised eyebrows among analysts. Similar plays by DeFi Development Corp and others suggest a broader trend of institutions stockpiling Solana.

Institutional demand is rising as Solana strengthens its DeFi presence. With more than $12 billion locked across protocols and a 30% price gain in a month, SOL is consolidating its role as Ethereum’s main rival.

BTCC Shows 143% Reserves in September Proof Report

BTCC, the world’s oldest operating crypto exchange, has released its September Proof of Reserves showing a 143% reserve ratio. The report confirms that user assets remain overcollateralized across all major tokens.

Figures show Bitcoin at 111%, Ethereum at 152%, XRP at 166%, and stablecoins like USDT and USDC at 156% and 121% respectively. Cardano also posted strong backing at 153%.

Alex Hung, BTCC’s Head of Operations, said maintaining reserves well above 100% was vital during volatile periods. He stressed the exchange’s commitment to user trust and long-term protection.

This is the fifth straight month BTCC has published such data. Earlier reports showed similarly strong coverage, with ratios never dropping below 132%. Transparency remains a cornerstone of the exchange’s operations as it scales globally.

BTCC now serves over 10 million users and supports hundreds of trading pairs. In the first half of September alone, it handled $41 billion in spot trades and $315 billion in futures volume.

The company will also showcase its progress at TOKEN2049 Singapore, alongside an NBA partnership with Jaren Jackson Jr. A poolside networking event in October will further highlight BTCC’s growing global community.

UFC Expands Blockchain Partnership with Fight.ID

Fightfi, the company behind Fight.ID, has expanded its partnership with the UFC to deepen blockchain-based fan engagement. The collaboration builds on UFC Strike, the organization’s digital collectibles platform.

The new agreement introduces a loyalty program, prize pool for fighters, and exclusive merchandise tied to Fight.ID membership. These initiatives aim to give fans greater interaction and ownership within UFC’s digital ecosystem.

To back the expansion, Fight.ID recently raised funding from investors across sports and technology. Notable names include Anthos Capital, Aptos Foundation, Blockchain Coinvestors, and Memeland. UFC fighters Gilbert Burns and Alexandre Pantoja also joined as individual backers.

Other investors include former NBA star Baron Davis, NFL Pro Bowler Cam Jordan, and Animoca Brands Chairman Yat Siu. Their involvement signals growing crossover between sports and Web3.

Funds will support new products focusing on ownership rights and programmable rewards. CEO James Zhang said the project reflects UFC’s spirit of innovation, while UFC executives described Fight.ID as a trusted partner.

Canada Seizes $40M in Crypto from TradeOgre Exchange

Canadian police have seized $40 million in crypto from TradeOgre, marking the country’s largest crypto seizure ever. The operation ended with the complete shutdown of the exchange.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed the seizure after a year-long probe. Investigators began following TradeOgre in June 2024 after a tip from Europol. Authorities alleged the exchange was used heavily for laundering funds by criminal groups.

TradeOgre, founded in 2018, offered anonymity-focused tokens such as Monero. It became popular among privacy-seeking traders but avoided regulatory registration and Know-Your-Customer checks. Investigators said most funds moving through the platform were tied to illegal activity.

Signs of trouble emerged in July when TradeOgre’s website and social media accounts went offline. Some users suspected an exit scam. Soon after, blockchain analysts found messages embedded in transactions that read “Crypto assets controlled by the RCMP.”

Police later confirmed the messages were genuine. They also revealed support from Arkham Intelligence in tracing transactions. Data from the platform is now being reviewed, with criminal charges expected to follow.

Officials described the operation as a landmark moment in Canadian enforcement against unregistered exchanges.

Warren Demands DOJ Confirm Binance Compliance with Deal

Senator Elizabeth Warren is pressuring the Department of Justice to confirm whether Binance is fulfilling its $4.3 billion settlement obligations. She is joined by Senators Mazie Hirono and Richard Blumenthal.

Their letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi questions whether the exchange is following compliance rules set in its 2023 plea deal. Reports have surfaced suggesting the DOJ may ease Binance’s monitor requirement, sparking criticism from lawmakers.

The 2023 deal forced Binance to admit to sanctions violations and weak anti-money-laundering controls. Founder Changpeng Zhao stepped down and served jail time. The company also agreed to pay hefty fines and accept independent oversight.

Warren and colleagues argue the DOJ’s prior responses lacked clarity. They set an October 1 deadline for updated answers, stressing the need for accountability.

Concerns also extend to alleged ties between Binance and members of the Trump administration. Reports claim financial links through World Liberty Financial, raising questions of political influence.

The senators are also seeking confirmation on whether a pardon for Zhao has been considered. Their push underscores growing scrutiny over Binance’s future in the U.S. and whether oversight is being weakened.

SEC Approves New Standards to Speed Up Spot Crypto ETFs

The SEC has approved generic listing standards designed to fast-track spot crypto ETF approvals. The new rules mean exchanges no longer need separate reviews for each product.

Chair Paul Atkins said the decision reduces barriers for investors and helps U.S. markets stay competitive. Applications will now be processed under Rule 6c-11, cutting approval times from 240 days to around 75.

The change arrives as ETF proposals for Solana, Ripple, and Litecoin await decisions. Analysts predict a flood of new filings in the coming weeks, describing the move as a turning point for U.S. crypto markets.

However, not all commissioners supported the shift. Caroline Crenshaw warned it could lead to rushed products without proper investor protections.

The standards require underlying assets to meet certain criteria, such as trading on regulated markets or having surveillance agreements in place. If not, exchanges must still submit additional filings.

So far, only Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have received approval. Solana and XRP are expected to be next in line under the new framework.

Industry figures call the move long overdue, with some describing it as the biggest regulatory change since the first Bitcoin ETF attempt in 2013.

UK and US Finalize New Deal on Digital Assets and Stablecoins

The U.S. and U.K. are preparing to announce a new cooperation deal on digital assets, with stablecoins at the center. Talks concluded this week in London between Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Executives from Coinbase, Ripple, and Circle joined the discussions, alongside major banks such as Barclays and Citigroup. Sources said the agreement was pulled together quickly after lobbying from crypto industry groups.

The deal will focus on aligning rules for stablecoins, which officials believe could improve cross-border access to liquidity. Reeves already flagged the issue during prior meetings, framing stablecoin policy as vital for capital market alignment.

The announcement is expected to feature during President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to London, where digital assets will be on the agenda.

Some worry the U.K. is falling behind the U.S. on crypto frameworks. Former Chancellor George Osborne recently warned that Britain risks losing relevance without urgent reforms.

The deal also ties into global discussions on sandbox initiatives, including proposals for joint regulatory programs. Industry leaders in Washington continue to push for legislation supporting a strategic bitcoin reserve, showing how fast crypto policy is evolving on both sides of the Atlantic.

Crypto Leaders Push for U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

Top crypto executives are heading to Capitol Hill to lobby for a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. The roundtable is hosted by Senator Cynthia Lummis and Representative Nick Begich.

Attendees include Michael Saylor of Strategy, Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson, Fundstrat CEO Tom Lee, and Marathon CEO Fred Thiel. The meeting also involves Riot, Cleanspark, and Bitdeer executives.

The proposed BITCOIN Act calls for one million BTC to be purchased by the Federal Reserve and Treasury through budget-neutral means. Options include using tariff revenues or repurposing gold certificate reserves.

The bill expands on an earlier Trump executive order requiring seized crypto to be held permanently in government funds. Advocates say the reserve would strengthen U.S. economic security and global competitiveness.

Currently, only Republicans back the bill, with no Democratic support. Lobbyists aim to frame the reserve as a bipartisan issue to gain traction. No committee hearings are scheduled yet, but today’s roundtable is seen as a key moment.

Industry leaders argue the timing is right given rapid growth in digital assets. They plan to emphasize national security and innovation as reasons to move forward with the reserve proposal.

This article is not supposed to provide financial advice. Digital assets are risky. Be sure to do your own research and consult your financial advisor before investing.

Tags: Bitcoin crypto world CryptoDaily Metamask SEC
The post SEC ETFs, MetaMask Token & a $40M Crypto Seizure first appeared on StealthEX. Also read: XRP Price Prediction: Which Crypto Has Attracted Almost 40,000 Presale Holders & Raised Over $26,3 Million
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