Leaked passwords, new laws, whale activity, and Bitcoin in the spotlight — this week was anything but quiet in crypto market.
Over 16 billion credentials were exposed in a massive global data leak. The U.S. Senate passed the first major federal law for stablecoins.
The Fed may cut interest rates, potentially pushing Bitcoin toward $120,000.
Meanwhile, Ethereum gained its largest institutional investor, Ripple is close to settling its case with the SEC, and Thailand eliminated crypto taxes until 2029.
It’s a lot to unpack — and every headline could impact your wallet.
Here are the week’s biggest stories.
16 Billion Passwords Leaked: Apple, Google, and Facebook Among Those Affected
Source: Tom’s Guide
One of the largest data breaches ever recorded was discovered in June 2025, exposing over 16 billion email and password combinations.
The leaked credentials include login details linked to Apple, Google, Facebook, Telegram, GitHub, and other widely used platforms.
Unlike a direct attack on company servers, the data was harvested via infostealer malware — malicious software that infects devices, scans for saved passwords (including cookies and session tokens), and sends the data to servers controlled by cybercriminals.
The leak became even more serious as the stolen credentials were found stored in unsecured open cloud services.
Cybernews warned that the breach could serve as a foundation for “mass exploitation,” offering “new, weaponizable intelligence at scale.” Most of the exposed data reportedly came from unsecured Elasticsearch instances or open object storage.
Impact on Users — and the Risk for Crypto Holders
The leaked credentials are both recent and still active, significantly increasing the risk of large-scale account takeovers.
For users of crypto wallets, the threat is especially serious: if an attacker gains access to your email and finds a seed phrase or private key carelessly stored in the cloud, your funds could be irreversibly stolen.
Additionally, social media accounts and connected services like Gmail or iCloud could be compromised with little effort — especially if the same password is used across platforms or if two-factor authentication (2FA) is not enabled.
How to Protect Yourself Now
- Change your passwords immediately, especially for any services where you’ve reused login details.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) — preferably using an app or a physical key rather than SMS.
- Avoid storing sensitive information like wallet seed phrases, private keys, or login credentials in cloud notes or unencrypted files.
- Scan your devices with trusted antivirus software to detect and remove any infostealers.
- Use a reputable password manager to store credentials securely and consider switching to passkeys, a more secure and phishing-resistant login method.
GENIUS Act: U.S. Approves Federal Bill for Stablecoins and Establishes New Regulatory Framework
Source: Blocknews
On June 17, 2025, the United States Senate passed the GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins), a bipartisan bill that sets clear, nationwide rules for the issuance and operation of stablecoins.
The legislation is seen as a turning point for both the crypto and financial sectors, with direct implications for issuers like Circle (USDC), exchanges such as Coinbase, and major banks and retailers aiming to use stablecoins for payments and settlements.
What Does the GENIUS Act Establish?
- Only authorized entities — such as banks, licensed fintechs, or approved retailers — will be allowed to issue U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins.
- Reserves must be fully backed 1:1 by safe and highly liquid assets, such as U.S. dollars or short-term U.S. Treasury bills (T-Bills).
- Issuers will be subject to minimum capital requirements, monthly audits, and strict anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) compliance.
- Regulatory oversight will be carried out by agencies including the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
- In the event of a company failure, users will have priority access to redeem their stablecoins.
Direct Impact on Crypto and Financial Markets
With the GENIUS Act, institutional use of stablecoins gains legal backing and momentum. Major banks like JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, as well as corporate giants such as Amazon and Walmart, are already testing internal applications using stablecoins.
Citigroup projects that the stablecoin market could surpass $1.6 trillion by 2030, significantly impacting the U.S. Treasury bill market and broader monetary policy.
Market Reaction Was Immediate:
- Circle (USDC) shares — following its June IPO — have already surged 168%.
- Coinbase stock has climbed more than 17% since the bill’s approval.
Key Concerns and Controversies
Despite Senate approval, the bill still needs to pass in the House of Representatives. There, it may be incorporated into the broader CLARITY Act, which also addresses token security, exchange regulation, and investor protection.
Critics have flagged potential conflicts of interest, noting that President Donald Trump holds personal investments in USD1, a stablecoin issuer. Democratic lawmakers are calling for stronger safeguards against corruption and political influence.
Economists have also raised red flags about systemic risk: a sudden rush to redeem stablecoins could strain the Treasury market and put pressure on short-term interest rates.
If passed in the House, the GENIUS Act could cement the U.S. as the global hub for regulated digital assets — unlocking opportunities for the digital economy, but also introducing new regulatory and monetary challenges.
Bitcoin Price Could Surge if Fed Cuts Rates Due to War and Tariffs
Source: Cointelegraph
Bitcoin (BTC) could reach $120,000 in the coming months if the Federal Reserve moves to cut interest rates in response to rising geopolitical tensions and external economic pressures, such as trade tariffs and military conflicts.
According to a June 2025 analysis by Cointelegraph, a potential mix of lower interest rates, a weakening U.S. dollar, and increased demand for risk assets could drive Bitcoin to a new all-time high.
Why Might the Fed Cut Rates Earlier Than Expected?
The next Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is scheduled for July 30, and speculation is growing around a potential rate cut. The current benchmark rate sits at 4.25%.
Fed Governor Christopher Waller recently stated that current inflation “does not pose a significant risk,” opening the door to monetary easing.
Two global developments are increasing the likelihood of a rate cut:
- Military conflict involving Iran, driving oil prices higher and slowing global economic growth;
- Renewed tariffs on China, reigniting concerns over supply chains and global trade.
Lower Rates Could Weaken the Dollar — and Benefit Bitcoin
Historically, when the U.S. dollar (DXY) weakens, alternative assets like Bitcoin tend to appreciate. Investors often seek protection from currency devaluation and look for higher-yield opportunities in such scenarios.
In addition, lower interest rates increase market liquidity, boosting risk assets and accelerating capital inflows into the crypto sector — especially into BTC, Ethereum, and stablecoins.
Bullish Outlook: Bitcoin Could Hit $120,000
If the Fed begins cutting rates in 2025, analysts believe Bitcoin could not only break past $100,000, but climb toward the $120,000 range, fueled by:
- Rising institutional demand via spot ETFs and crypto funds;
- Capital flight from the dollar into alternative assets;
- A growing narrative of Bitcoin as a hedge against global instability.
This scenario sets the stage for a sustained rally — especially if paired with increased adoption of stablecoins, DeFi networks, and regulated crypto frameworks in the U.S.
Bitcoin Falls Below $104,000 During “Triple Witching” Options Expiration
BTC/USD Chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView
On Friday, June 20, Bitcoin (BTC) dropped below $104,000 amid the simultaneous expiration of trillions of dollars in financial contracts.
This occurred during “triple witching” — a quarterly event marked by the simultaneous expiration of stock options, index options, and futures contracts, often triggering significant market volatility.
Earlier in the day, BTC had touched $106,500, but failed to sustain the rally. As global markets processed the expiration of approximately $6.8 trillion in contracts, risk assets like cryptocurrencies came under pressure.
What Is Triple Witching — and How Does It Affect Bitcoin?
“Triple witching” refers to the expiration of three types of derivatives at once: stock options, index options, and futures contracts. It happens four times a year and typically results in high price volatility due to large-scale position adjustments by institutional investors.
In the crypto market, this can lead to:
- Forced selling of expiring positions
- Sharp short-term technical swings
- Temporary spikes in volume and liquidity
Despite the drop, Bitcoin is still holding key technical zones.
Analysts note that the price remains above the 10-day and 21-day moving averages, currently near $105,800, which act as both psychological and chart-based support for bullish traders.
BTC/USDT Weekly Chart. Source: Titan of Crypto/X
According to technical analyst Titan of Crypto, Bitcoin may be completing a broadening descending wedge — a pattern that historically precedes major bullish breakouts.
If confirmed and the price breaks upward, BTC could target the $135,000 level in the coming weeks or months.Bitcoin Sentiment Split as Crypto Market Holds Steady
General sentiment among Bitcoin bulls and bears is nearly even across social media. Source: Santiment
Investor sentiment toward Bitcoin (BTC) is nearly evenly divided, with bullish and bearish comments appearing in almost equal proportion across social media platforms.
According to an analysis by Santiment, this balance reflects a period of uncertainty in the crypto market — similar to what was seen in April 2025, when global tariffs imposed by Donald Trump triggered a downturn in financial markets.
Santiment’s marketing director, Brian Quinlivan, noted that the current social sentiment ratio is 1.03 bullish comments for every bearish one — a level not seen since the spike in FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) following U.S. tariff announcements on April 6.
Quinlivan emphasized that this type of sentiment often acts as a contrarian indicator — meaning that when public opinion is highly uncertain or leaning bearish, Bitcoin’s price has historically tended to perform better than expected.
BTC has remained relatively stable over the past week, trading around $104,500, with a slight +0.2% increase over the last seven days as of June 21.
This period of price stability underscores the lack of consensus among investors, who are now waiting for major macroeconomic triggers — such as interest rate cuts from the Fed or new inflation data — to determine the asset’s next move.
TikTok Denies Buying Trump Memecoin Following Allegations by U.S. Congressman
General sentiment among Bitcoin bulls and bears is nearly even across social media. Source: Santiment
Investor sentiment toward Bitcoin (BTC) is nearly evenly divided, with bullish and bearish comments appearing in almost equal proportion across social media platforms.
According to an analysis by Santiment, this balance reflects a period of uncertainty in the crypto market — similar to what was seen in April 2025, when global tariffs imposed by Donald Trump triggered a downturn in financial markets.
Santiment’s marketing director, Brian Quinlivan, noted that the current social sentiment ratio is 1.03 bullish comments for every bearish one — a level not seen since the spike in FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) following U.S. tariff announcements on April 6.
Quinlivan emphasized that this type of sentiment often acts as a contrarian indicator — meaning that when public opinion is highly uncertain or leaning bearish, Bitcoin’s price has historically tended to perform better than expected.
BTC has remained relatively stable over the past week, trading around $104,500, with a slight +0.2% increase over the last seven days as of June 21.
This period of price stability underscores the lack of consensus among investors, who are now waiting for major macroeconomic triggers — such as interest rate cuts from the Fed or new inflation data — to determine the asset’s next move.
TikTok Denies Buying Trump Memecoin Following Allegations by U.S. Congressman
Source: TikTok Policy
TikTok has officially denied allegations made by U.S. Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA), who claimed the platform had invested $300 million in the TRUMP memecoin — allegedly as a political show of support for former President Donald Trump.
In a post on its official TikTok Policy account on X (formerly Twitter), the company called the claims “clearly false and irresponsible,” stating it had not purchased any memecoins and that the accusation stemmed from a misinterpretation of a letter signed by Sherman himself.
Where Did the Accusation Come From?
The confusion began after GD Culture Group, a Nasdaq-listed company, announced plans to invest $300 million in TRUMP tokens and Bitcoin.
GD Culture develops AI-generated content for platforms like TikTok but has no formal ties to TikTok or its parent company ByteDance.
Despite this, Rep. Sherman described the investment as a “disguised bribe,” claiming that the memecoin was “created out of thin air” and that any profits would directly benefit Trump.
He further suggested TikTok was attempting to influence U.S. political decisions in favor of the former president — a claim the platform firmly rejects.
Ripple and SEC Request End to Lawsuit Ongoing Since 2020
On June 15, 2025, Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jointly filed a request to officially end their legal battle — a case that has stretched on for nearly four years.
Filed in the Southern District Court of New York, the case has become one of the most pivotal in the history of U.S. crypto regulation.
What Are They Requesting?
According to the document submitted to the Manhattan federal court, the parties are asking for:
- Dissolution of a previous injunction that had frozen Ripple’s assets;
- Release of $125 million held in court custody;
- Payment of a $50 million fine by Ripple, replacing the $2 billion penalty initially pursued by the SEC.
If approved, the agreement would officially close the case without Ripple admitting that XRP is a security.
Background: Ripple vs. SEC
The case began in December 2020, when the SEC accused Ripple of raising $1.3 billion through unregistered XRP sales, claiming the token constituted a “security” under U.S. law.
In July 2023, Judge Analisa Torres ruled that retail sales of XRP did not qualify as securities, although she upheld restrictions on institutional sales.
That partial ruling opened the door to settlement discussions, which have now resulted in a proposed resolution — pending court approval.
Why This Agreement Matters
- Sets a legal precedent: The case outcome may influence how other cryptocurrencies are classified and regulated in the U.S.
- Reduces regulatory risk for XRP: The token could regain market strength and investor trust.
- Signals a shift in the SEC’s approach: Under new leadership and following Trump administration crypto policy changes, the SEC appears more conciliatory.
- Avoids massive penalties: The agreed fine is just 2.5% of the amount originally sought by the SEC.
Next Steps
The agreement still requires formal approval by Judge Analisa Torres. Until then, the case remains technically paused.
If approved, the lawsuit will be officially closed — bringing one of crypto’s most high-profile legal battles to an end.
SharpLink Becomes Largest Public Holder of Ethereum (ETH) in 2025
Source: Cryptonews.net
SharpLink Gaming, a Nasdaq-listed company, has officially become the largest public holder of Ethereum (ETH) in the world.
On June 13, 2025, the fintech announced its acquisition of 176,000 ETH — valued at approximately $462 million — placing it ahead of all other publicly traded companies in terms of institutional Ether holdings.
This move is part of a bold digital treasury strategy focused on Ethereum.
The company stated that over 95% of the ETH acquired is already staked or in liquid staking, which supports network security while generating passive income for the company’s treasury.
According to CEO Rob Phythian, Ethereum is now “the primary asset in the company’s capital management strategy,” drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy’s approach with Bitcoin.
How Was the Purchase Made?
The 176,000 ETH acquisition was executed through:
- A private investment round (PIPE) launched in May
- An at-the-market (ATM) offering, which raised an additional $79 million
The average purchase price was $2,626 per ETH.
Stock Plummets After Announcement
Despite the bullish signal for Ethereum, SharpLink shares dropped by as much as 70% in after-hours trading, following the filing of an S-3 registration statement — which some investors misinterpreted as a sign of a potential stock sell-off.
The company clarified that the filing is a standard regulatory procedure, and that it has no plans to liquidate its ETH positions.
Why This Matters for the Crypto Market
SharpLink’s decision underscores three major trends in the crypto space:
- Institutional adoption of Ethereum as a reserve asset
- Integration of staking strategies for secure yield generation
- Transformation of corporate treasuries with a crypto-focused approach
The move could also inspire other publicly traded companies to follow suit, directly influencing ETH’s market value and liquidity.
Thailand Eliminates Crypto Capital Gains Tax Until 2029: Here’s What the New Law Says
Source: ADVFN
On Tuesday, June 17, the Thai government approved new measures to boost the cryptocurrency market. The key highlight is a personal income tax exemption on profits from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies — as long as transactions are made through licensed exchanges.
The tax exemption will remain in effect until December 31, 2029, making Thailand one of the most competitive countries in the world when it comes to crypto taxation.
What Are the Goals of the Tax Exemption?
According to Deputy Finance Minister Jullapan Amornwiwat, the policy aims to:
- Strengthen the domestic crypto market
- Attract foreign investors and institutional capital
- Boost Thailand’s digital economy
- Position the country as a digital asset hub in Southeast Asia
The government also hopes to increase transaction transparency and promote the legal adoption of digital assets within a regulated ecosystem.
Thailand’s government expects the exemption to increase trading volume on regulated exchanges, which could indirectly generate over 1 billion baht (~$28 million) in tax revenue from related sectors — even without directly taxing crypto gains.
This policy could also attract blockchain companies, crypto exchanges, investors, and developers looking to operate in a safe and regulation-friendly environment.
Tax Exemption Rules and Limits
The tax break only applies to trades conducted on platforms officially registered and licensed by the Thai government.
Transactions carried out via unlicensed exchanges, peer-to-peer (P2P) markets, or informal channels will remain taxable and may incur legal penalties.
In addition, the government has committed to following OECD guidelines and implementing tools for tax compliance and monitoring — including future VAT rules on digital assets.
XRP Whale Record: 2,700 Wallets Now Hold Over 1 Million Tokens
Source: Webitcoin
The XRP ecosystem has just reached a major milestone.
According to Santiment data published on June 17, 2025, the XRP network now has 2,700 addresses holding at least 1 million XRP tokens — the highest number of whales ever recorded since the cryptocurrency’s inception.
Each of these wallets represents approximately $2.2 million at current exchange rates, signaling a wave of institutional and large-scale accumulation of the asset.
XRP Network Activity Also Surging
In addition to the rise in whale addresses, the XRP network has seen a significant uptick in usage.
The average number of daily active addresses jumped to 295,000 over the past week, compared to a previous average of just 35,000 to 40,000.
This on-chain growth suggests increased user participation, higher token circulation, and rising confidence in the XRP ecosystem.
What’s Driving the Rise in XRP Whales?
Experts point to three key drivers behind this trend:
- Resolution of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit, reducing legal uncertainty surrounding XRP
- Potential XRP ETF approval in the U.S., with the WisdomTree XRP Trust under SEC review since May 2025
- Upgrades to the XRP Ledger protocol and new strategic partnerships announced by Ripple, boosting long-term attractiveness of the token
The growth in large XRP holders typically signals long-term investor confidence.
In previous cycles, such accumulation trends have often preceded major price rallies.Moreover, the rise in high-balance wallets suggests growing institutional interest, especially as spot ETF approvals — which fueled Bitcoin and Ethereum gains in 2024 and 2025 — become more likely for XRP.
