Trump’s Fed clashes and rising deficits expose a politicized system, while Bitcoin stands as the only independent policy.

Key Takeaways
-------------

![Bitcoin Alpha - Trump & The Fed Just Triggered a Massive Bitcoin Move – 26 Days Left!](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/08/Bitcoin-Alpha-E010.jpg)

Trump’s public theatrics against the Fed, including pressuring Powell, targeting governors, and appointing Stephen Myron, show how monetary policy is now fully political. With U.S. interest costs surpassing $1 trillion and deficits at $2 trillion, the idea of an independent Fed is collapsing into a Treasury-Fed merger resembling a wartime economy. In this environment, Bitcoin stands alone as the only independent monetary policy, immune to political coercion, while institutions like Harvard signal its growing legitimacy by allocating to ETFs. At the same time, private innovation continues, Block’s new modular mining rig challenges the hardware duopoly and shows how Bitcoin infrastructure can advance regardless of state theatrics.

Best Quotes
-----------

“The global monetary system should not be beholden to the whims of theatrics between a sitting president and the Fed chair.”

“Bitcoin is the only truly independent monetary policy in the world right now, governed by math and physics, not politics.”

“Trump’s clearing house at the Fed shows us: meet the new boss, same as the old boss, different context, same consolidation of power.”

“There’s no Bitcoin CEO for the White House to bully. The U.S. government has to pay the market price like everyone else.”

“Harvard’s $100M ETF buy is a seismic signal. In the endowment world, Harvard is the BlackRock of higher education.”

“If Proto’s rigs really last 10 years with modular upgrades, that saves miners 20% on fleet refresh. That’s massive.”

Conclusion
----------

The U.S. is drifting toward empire-style finance, where deficits, consolidation of power, and politicized Fed decisions undermine any pretense of independence. Bitcoin remains the only monetary system resistant to manipulation, offering certainty in contrast to political chaos. Institutional adoption and hardware innovation show that while governments tighten control, Bitcoin continues to grow outside their grasp, positioning itself as the neutral anchor for the future.

Transcript
----------

(00:00) The following is forformational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. This discussion is a presentation by 1031, the leading institutional investor focused on the Bitcoin ecosystem. 1031 has over 10 years of experience in Bitcoin and has deployed nearly $150 million into the leading opportunities in the space. To learn more, visit 1031.vc.
(00:25) And uh it looks like it's about 3.1 billion. went up a little bit or a lot. Uh, so the 2.7 is now 3.1. I'm not aware of that. Yeah, it just came out. Yeah, I haven't heard that from anybody. Yeah, it just came out. Our about 3.1 as well. 31 3.2. This came from us. Yes. I don't know who does that. You're including the Martin renovation. You just added entire capital. Yeah, you just you just added in a third building is what that is.
(01:02) That's a third building. No, but it's it's a building that's being built. No, it's been it was built five years ago. We finished Martin 5 years ago. It's part of the overall work. It's not new. So, we're going to take a look. We're going to see what's happening. Uh, and it's got a long way.
(01:23) Do you expect any more additional costs? Don't expect them. Uh we're we're ready for them, but we we have a little bit of a reserve that we'll we may use, but no, we don't expect to be finished in 2027. Um I must admit, I saw a bunch of the clips on X and other parts of the internet. Never saw that part of the conversation. Didn't realize he was calling out line items of the renovation to him in person.
(01:48) Yeah. I I uh I gotta say some of the best whatever you think of Trump um and there there's a lot that can be said about Trump, the man has delivered some of the most iconic political moments of certainly this century. And I think that's that's a top fiverr for me without a doubt. It's so entertaining.
(02:12) I mean, I've I said before uh that I would have paid to see like big brother White House or something like when Joe Biden was in the the the White House just to like see what he was doing on a dayto-day basis. But I would probably pay more to see like big brother White House and just watch Trump all day. Brought in Tim Scott as the muscle to be like, "No, no, it's 3.1." Yeah. Right.
(02:37) who by the way doesn't have a hard hat on. Like the hard hats really make the whole thing that they're standing there in these hard hats and Tim Scott's right next to them with no hard hat. What's the what's the wardrobe choices? Like I mean the the theatrics behind it is uh you know it's something to behold. This is the setup for that.
(02:54) Like they're like okay we're going to we're going to put you on TV and just humiliate you in front of TV. So like get ready here here it comes. And we skip the part where he slaps his back at the end and says, "This guy's this guy's about to go lower interest rates." Um, some some really, you know, some some middle school uh hallway bully power games uh going on here.
(03:17) Well, it reminds me of the one there was one where he was in the was it was it the White House lawn where there was a lot of uh I think they were construction workers hanging around the background and uh they were going after Pal again or was that a different was that someone else? Yeah, we got uh I got lamb I think I talked about this I forget if it was here or RHR but I brought it up.
(03:41) We had cold opened with it on RHR and I made the uncou statement of why is uh why is Donald Trump asking construction workers about interest rate policy? It's probably not their core focus and had a bunch of construction workers on the YouTube comments saying, "Hey, I'm in construction and I understand interest rates." But yeah, that was a that was a scene as well.
(04:06) The fact that the fact that we can't even fully remember all the details of all the different times Trump has publicly uh limbasted or tried to humiliate or otherwise uh viciously critique the Fed chair. I think shows uh is a good indication of where we are right now with uh monetary policy in the US and its relationship to uh the rest of the government, the Treasury Department, etc.
(04:26) Yeah, it's a and just the news cycle, right? Because like when was this? This was It feels like forever ago. We put out our artisal alpha, you know, once every few weeks or once every month or we'll just see. But this seems like it was forever ago. I know it was it occurred since the last time we did Bitcoin Alpha. It was like, you know, a few a few days or maybe a week after the last episode of this.
(04:57) And I I remember um being very frustrated because I knew as soon as I saw it like that's the ultimate cold open and we just missed the chance to do it on the last one. So uh here we are back again and uh even though it's a few weeks old I think it's still it stands the test of time. It does and John I think you used the perfect word earlier theatrics.
(05:15) Uh and I think it's an incredible juosition of the world that we operate in and why we operate in this world. Many don't realize the global monetary system should not be beholden to the whims of the theatrics between a sitting president and sitting chairman of the Federal Reserve. That is essentially what we just witnessed was bullying tactics.
(05:39) For those who don't recall, they were there at the construction site as the government was trying to find a roundabout way to fire pal. Um, and I think at one point they were trying to pull the technicality of the Federal Reserve wasting money, taxpayer money with that that renovation they were doing on the reserve building in DC.
(05:58) Uh, theatrics, it's been happening between Powell and Trump since before Trump was even elected. And we're in the middle or tail end of the summer doldrums. I think this is like really the peak summer doldrums, but it ends next week. We've got Jerome Pal and others in Jackson Hole, Wyoming for their annual event.
(06:24) There will be no interest rate policy decisions made this month outside of some very extreme market volatility which doesn't look like it's going to materialize, but it's it's a pretty boring week. I think markets are down, Bitcoin's down, and I think it's just due to the overall uncertainty of the result of the theatrics that we've been seeing play out over the last 16 months.
(06:44) Yeah, I mean it's the theatrics word, you know, to stick with that. Um, I I do think is relevant to just kind of consider, you know, the the nature of where we are with the system. I think it's in some ways like instructive um for, you know, you could say Trump is violating norms and many people have made that um that case both in this in this term and his prior term.
(07:11) um and he's not, you know, respecting the the system and the way it's set up. Um, but I think it's it's interesting and notable that we this pulls back the curtain a little bit on the fact that this is a system where you know I think we have a it's easy to have a view especially coming from say mainstream academia from your college classroom um from working whether it's on Wall Street or corporate America a bunch of different kind of white collar jobs it's it's kind of very easy to imagine that the the men behind the curtain have uh
(07:42) have it all figured out And um you know they have all the dials properly calibrated and um you know they're they're sitting up there on uh you know Mount uh whatever Mount Olympus or Mount Marin Mariner Eckles building as the case may be in this in this situation and you know dispassionately evaluating every all the data flow that they're getting um and just making the the right decision at all the time or as right as possible based on the data they have with no kind


The country’s bitcoin reserves come mainly from mining operations, not from seizures as initially speculated. The post UAE holds $700 million in bitcoin from mining appeared first on Atlas21.

**_The country’s bitcoin reserves come mainly from mining operations, not from seizures as initially speculated._**
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to an [analysis](https://x.com/arkham/status/1960002768703270959) conducted by blockchain analytics platform **Arkham Intelligence**, the **United Arab Emirates** (UAE) owns around **$700 million** in bitcoin. This sum was accumulated primarily through mining activities.

> BREAKING: THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES IS NOW ON ARKHAM
>
> The UAE’s $700M BTC holdings are now labeled on Arkham. These holdings come from Bitcoin mining operations carried out by Citadel, a public mining company majority owned by UAE Royal Group through IHC.
>
> Arkham is the first to… [pic.twitter.com/eIGut5pJXN](https://t.co/eIGut5pJXN)
>
> — Arkham (@arkham) [August 25, 2025](https://twitter.com/arkham/status/1960002768703270959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Unlike other nations such as the **United States** and the **United Kingdom**, the UAE’s bitcoins do not come from the confiscation of criminal assets. Arkham Intelligence revealed in a post on X that the government’s wallets contain roughly **6,300 BTC**, all obtained through legitimate mining operations.

The main source of these bitcoins is **Citadel Mining**, a company **85%** owned by **2pointzero**, which in turn belongs to International Holding Company (IHC). IHC is **61%** owned by **UAE Royal Group**, a conglomerate controlled by **Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan**, a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family.

In total, Arkham estimates that through Citadel, the Emirates have mined approximately 9,300 BTC over the course of their operations.

According to **BitBo** [data](https://bitbo.io/treasuries/countries/), with these recently confirmed reserves the UAE ranks sixth among state-level bitcoin holders, behind Bhutan (10,565 BTC) and ahead of El Salvador (6,280 BTC).

BitBo estimates that governments collectively hold around **517,000 BTC**, representing **2.4%** of total supply with a value exceeding **$56 billion.**

The post [UAE holds $700 million in bitcoin from mining](https://atlas21.com/uae-holds-700-million-in-bitcoin-from-mining/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


Financial experts warn that yields on stablecoins could trigger a massive outflow of capital from traditional banks. The post Stablecoin yields: Citigroup warns of the risk of a bank deposit exodus appeared first on Atlas21.

**_Financial experts warn that yields on stablecoins could trigger a massive outflow of capital from traditional banks._**
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

According to a **Citigroup** executive, the introduction of **stablecoin yields** could spark a large-scale flight of deposits from banks, echoing what happened in the 1980s with money market funds.

On August 25, **Ronit Ghose**, head of Citi’s Future of Finance, published a report equating the potential outflows caused by stablecoin yields with the boom in money market funds in the late 1970s and early 1980s, as [reported](https://www.ft.com/content/7c4746d7-02e8-4c60-a96c-b51eb21a7bf1) by the _Financial Times_.

During that period, money market funds grew exponentially from about **$4 billion** in 1975 to **$235 billion** in 1982, surpassing banks whose deposit rates were tightly regulated. Federal Reserve [data](https://www.federalreservehistory.org/essays/glass-steagall-act) shows that withdrawals from bank accounts exceeded new deposits by **$32 billion** between 1981 and 1982.

### **The impact of stablecoins on funding costs**

**Sean** **Viergutz**, leader of banking and capital markets advisory at **PwC**, shared concerns about stablecoin yields. According to him, a shift by consumers toward high-yield stablecoins could create serious challenges for the banking sector.

_“Banks may face higher funding costs by relying more on wholesale markets or raising deposit rates, which could make credit more expensive for households and businesses,”_ Viergutz said.

### **The regulatory battle**

The **GENIUS Act** prohibits stablecoin issuers from offering interest to holders but does not extend this ban to exchanges or affiliated businesses. This regulatory framework has sparked a strong reaction from the banking industry.

Several U.S. banking associations, led by the Bank Policy Institute, have urged local regulators to close what they describe as a loophole that could indirectly allow stablecoin issuers to pay yields.

In a recent letter, the organization argued that this alleged regulatory gap could disrupt the flow of credit to U.S. businesses and households, potentially triggering deposit outflows of **$6.6 trillion** from the traditional banking system.

### **The crypto industry’s response**

The digital asset industry has not remained silent in the face of banks’ concerns. Two sector organizations have urged lawmakers to reject proposals aimed at closing the so-called _“yield loophole.”_

They warned that such regulatory changes would tilt the playing field in favor of traditional banks, stifling innovation and consumer choice in the stablecoin sector.

The post [Stablecoin yields: Citigroup warns of the risk of a bank deposit exodus](https://atlas21.com/stablecoin-yields-citigroup-warns-of-the-risk-of-a-bank-deposit-exodus/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms the “budget-neutral” strategy for the strategic bitcoin reserve. The post USA: no new purchases for the strategic bitcoin reserve appeared first on Atlas21.

**_Treasury Secretary Bessent confirms the “budget-neutral” strategy for the strategic bitcoin reserve._**
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In an [interview](https://x.com/CoinDesk/status/1955985768620454098) on _“Mornings with Maria”_ on _Fox Business_, Treasury Secretary **Scott Bessent** stated that the United States will not proceed with acquiring new bitcoins through direct market purchases.

> ![🇺🇸](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f1fa-1f1f8.png) NEW: Treasury Secretary claims on Fox Business the US "will not be buying" Bitcoin but will use "confiscated assets and continue to build that up" as a Bitcoin reserve. [pic.twitter.com/8A09BmzVYC](https://t.co/8A09BmzVYC)
>
> — CoinDesk (@CoinDesk) [August 14, 2025](https://twitter.com/CoinDesk/status/1955985768620454098?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

No taxpayer dollars will be used to increase holdings in digital assets, Bessent confirmed. He clarified that the strategy is based exclusively on a _“budget-neutral”_ approach, using only **bitcoins seized** through legal confiscation operations. The strategic reserve will therefore grow solely through the accumulation of digital assets obtained via legal actions and seizures.

The new policy outlined by Bessent calls for the **immediate halt of bitcoin sales** from the government’s holdings, marking a shift from previous practices, when U.S. authorities tended to liquidate seized digital assets. Currently, the U.S. government’s bitcoin holdings are estimated at between **$15 billion and $20 billion** at today’s prices, Bessent said.

The Treasury Secretary also noted that gold will continue to play its traditional role as a _“store of value”_ for the American people.

The post [USA: no new purchases for the strategic bitcoin reserve](https://atlas21.com/usa-no-new-purchases-for-the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve/) appeared first on [Atlas21](https://atlas21.com).


Michael Howell warns the liquidity cycle is peaking, debt risks are rising, and gold and Bitcoin are key hedges against monetary inflation.

Key Takeaways
-------------

![TFTC - 40-Year Wall Street Vet Warns: 6 Months Before the Bubble Bursts (Bitcoin Next?) | Michael Howell](https://www.tftc.io/content/images/2025/08/Michael-Howell.jpg)

Michael Howell warned that the global financial system is nearing the peak of its liquidity cycle, with debt refinancing risks mounting as trillions in cheap, long-dated obligations begin to roll over. The Fed and Treasury are effectively engaged in stealth yield curve control, suppressing volatility to keep the system stable, but this path risks “Japanification” and entrenched monetary inflation. With 80% of global lending collateral-based, stability in Treasury markets has become critical, while China’s aggressive liquidity injections and gold monetization signal a shift toward hard assets. Howell argued that gold and Bitcoin stand out as essential hedges, with Bitcoin’s strategic value rising as an independent, long-term safe asset outside government control.

Best Quotes
-----------

“Almost every financial crisis, if you look back, has been a debt refinancing crisis in some way.”

“In 4,000 years of recorded interest rate history, there’s no mention of zero rates, until COVID.”

“What they want is yield curve control. They can’t afford volatility in collateral markets because 80% of global lending now depends on collateral.”

“If I’m optimistic about gold, I have to be optimistic about Bitcoin.”

“What would happen if you could only invest in short-dated government debt or Bitcoin?”

“The U.S. may be the cleanest shirt in the laundry, but it’s still in the laundry.”

Conclusion
----------

Howell sees the system entering a dangerous phase where liquidity is peaking, debt pressures are intensifying, and policymakers have few tools left beyond suppressing volatility and monetizing debt. This will drive monetary inflation, erode real wealth, and make hard-asset hedges indispensable. Gold and Bitcoin, he argues, are positioned to benefit most, with Bitcoin in particular evolving from a liquidity-sensitive risk asset into a strategic safe haven in a world of accelerating debt cycles and weakening fiat credibility.

Timestamps
----------

0:00 - Intro
1:12- Big day at Jackson Hole
7:57 - Bessent’s contradictions
14:03 - Yield curve control
18:35 - Bitkey & Unchained
20:16 - AI and global liquidity cycle
35:01 - Stablecoins
38:44 - Obscura and Opportunity Cost
40:09 - Mechanics and future of liquidity cycles
46:42 - Questioning AI productivity
52:18 - China’s influence on liquidity cycle

Transcript
----------

(00:00) If you look at the last 5 to 10 years, we've labeled that the everything bubble. Fed liquidity was up 350 billion. The broad balance sheet fell by about 250. You've got liquidity and the balance sheet going in opposite directions. We're talking about taking 3 to400 billion out of money markets.
(00:18) Disconnection from financial markets and the real economy. Almost every financial crisis, if you look back, has been a debt refinancing crisis in some way. 80% of all lending worldwide now is collaterally based. Nowhere in that book is there any mention of zero interest rates. So in 4,000 years we haven't had it, but we did have it in CO. It's a form of yield curve control.
(00:37) What they'd like is JPAL to come interest rates. The US may well be the cleanest shirt in the laundry, but you know, hey, it's in the laundry. We are reaching a peak 6 months, 9 months time. We're clearly getting late in the cycle. Stable coin are a great mechanism to buy treasuries, but it basically creates a sort of virtual circle.
(00:53) So it's effectively printing money. What would happen in the world if you could only invest in shortdated government debt or you can invest in Bitcoin? Why was 2024 so depressed? The Chinese were trying to shadow a strong dollar and they couldn't do it. I'm very optimistic of gold. If I'm optimistic of gold, I got to be optimistic of Bitcoin.
(01:13) Michael How, thank you for joining me again. Big day. Yeah, big day today. Big day out in Jackson Hole. Everybody's waiting with uh baited breath to see what Jerome Pal is going to say. I was watching uh I couldn't sleep this morning. I woke up at 3:30 a.m. and just decided to get up and start working and have been watching CNBC and it's been funny watching their commentary.
(01:37) A lot of back and forth I think considering that this meeting is happening today. Um we'll post this on Monday and so I guess the pressure is on to sort of predict what Jerome Pal is going to do. How would you describe his current predicament and what he may or may not do later today? Well, I think it's it's it's clearly a difficult situation.
(02:01) You know, they uh they always say as an old Irish joke that um where they say to travelers, how do you get from here to Dublin? And the answer is uh well, if I was going to Dublin, I wouldn't be starting from here. And I think that, you know, that's pretty much what I would describe the Fed situation is.
(02:20) I mean Jerome Pal is in a difficult situation given the uh the sort of push back or aggressive push back he gets from the administration. Uh I mean that's for sure. U but I think the other thing is that they kind of painted themselves in a corner a bit. I mean on most on most counts rates should be lower than they are. I think he finds it difficult now to probably admit that.
(02:38) Um so there is some resistance but I think you can see within the FOMC uh there is a growing uh willingness I think to cut interest rates. I think given what's going on internationally and uh with rates and maybe as well what's happened lately to the dollar the rally uh the weakening in the US economy. I think there's grounds for for rates to be cut. That's for sure.
(03:01) I think the more difficult question, which is, you know, something I'm sure we're going to dig into, is really what happens to the Fed balance sheet, uh, the Fed operating system, you know, looking at longer term because they've been promising us some information about the new operating, uh, uh, procedures of the Fed for a long time now and nothing's come out. So I kind of expect or maybe maybe think that they're going to do something announce something at Jackson Hole about the new operating procedures that they've been talking and thinking about for some time now. Uh that that may come out in an
(03:31) announcement. But I think the the the more fundamental question is what happens to liquidity and really the size of the balance sheet. And I think that's relevant given the fact that if you look over the first six, seven months of the year, uh Fed liquidity, the amount of money that the Federal Reserve injects into money markets, actually was up 350 billion.
(03:59) Uh even though the overall balance sheet uh itself, the broad balance sheet fell by about uh 250 billion. So you've got liquidity and the balance sheet going in opposite directions. And that's kind of because uh there are you know other ways of injecting liquidity into the system apart from the headline balance sheet um you know number uh and that's things like the treasury general account the reverse repo program uh etc.
(04:19) And they've been actually positively buzzing and actually adding money to markets which is why risk assets have kind of done so well over the last few months. Uh the question is that if the Treasury is insisting on rebuilding that account, their account at the Fed, the Treasury General account which was forcibly run down because of the debt ceiling, if that now is rebuilt in the second half of the year, then a lot of liquidity is going to come out of markets.
(04:43) Now, that's what investors are fearing. I don't think it's going to come to that because I just don't think they're in a position where they can do that. And that's why I say I think the Fed has kind of painted itself into a corner a bit here. Yeah. in terms of choreographing or making the market aware of new operations.
(05:02) Can we dive into that in in terms of what they may or may not change or what the market is looking for them to change? Yeah, I think that a lot of the market talk is really about whether they're going to change, you know, average inflation targeting to, you know, maybe change the nuance of that.
(05:21) Could they, you know, change the symmetry in uh in that in that gold? That could be done. um you know for example I think that that's one of the things that is sort of high on the agenda as a change um there could be more technical things about um uh uh about how their operating procedures are changed I mean that that may be necessary but I would say you know one of the things that may come in and this has been mooted in terms of what the Fed has wanted to do is maybe they're going to announce that they're going to be uh a bigger buyer of Treasury bills in the market uh than
(05:52) they have been now one of the things that was suggested or has been suggested uh in speeches over recent months is that the makeup of the uh Federal Reserve's holdings of government debt the uh the SOM account, the so-called SO account is generally vested in longer duration treasuries. So things like 10-year notes for example, and that's not really um the sort of representative of the average mix of treasury debt uh out there in the market.
(06:23) uh there's as you know there's been a lot of very very short-term issuance uh operating particularly under Yelen but you know Scott Besson's continued that and so the treasury is slated to issue a lot more bills now on the one hand that's uh you know playing to this whole argument about stable coins being big buyers of treasuries in the future and they like bills sure I I go along with that but then the Federal Reserve should be matching if you like in it hold in its sr account u the average uh mix of debt in the market and the moment they're not
(06:55) uh their s account is too heavily weighted to longe


Bitcoin Treasury: Do Companies Now Exist Solely to Hold Bitcoin?

Bitcoin as a digital asset has grown from a niche technology to a recognized financial instrument over the…

Bitcoin as a digital asset has grown from a niche technology to a recognized financial instrument over the past decade. Unlike traditional currencies, no government or central bank controls it, and its supply is limited to 21 million coins. These characteristics have made it attractive to both individual investors and companies looking for new ways to manage their wealth.

In recent years, more businesses have started holding bitcoin as part of their financial reserves. From technology firms to payment companies and even mining operations, bitcoin is increasingly appearing on corporate balance sheets.

This raises an interesting question: Do companies exist just to hold bitcoin, or is holding bitcoin simply part of a broader [financial strategy](https://lightning.news/retail-investors-all-in-on-bitcoin-etfs/)?

This article explores that question by looking at what a Bitcoin treasury is, why companies adopt it, and whether some companies are now built entirely around this idea.

Table of Contents
-----------------

*   [What Is a Bitcoin Treasury?](#what-is-a-bitcoin-treasury)
*   [Why Companies Hold Bitcoin in Their Treasury](#why-companies-hold-bitcoin-in-their-treasury)
*   [Major Companies Holding Bitcoin in 2025 (With Real Examples)](#major-companies-holding-bitcoin-in-2025-with-real-examples)
*   [Publicly Traded Companies Actively Holding Bitcoin in 2025](#publicly-traded-companies-actively-holding-bitcoin-in-2025)
*   [Private Companies Actively Holding Bitcoin in 2025](#private-companies-actively-holding-bitcoin-in-2025)
*   [Institutional & Government Holdings of Bitcoin in 2025](#institutional-government-holdings-of-bitcoin-in-2025)
*   [Do Any Companies Exist Solely to Hold Bitcoin?](#do-any-companies-exist-solely-to-hold-bitcoin)
*   [The Risks and Criticisms of Bitcoin Treasuries](#the-risks-and-criticisms-of-bitcoin-treasuries)
*   [Conclusion](#conclusion)

**What Is a Bitcoin Treasury?**
-------------------------------

A Bitcoin treasury refers to a company holding bitcoin as part of its reserve assets. Instead of keeping all of its funds in traditional assets like cash, bonds, or real estate, it allocates a portion to bitcoin. This is usually a deliberate financial strategy designed to strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

Holding bitcoin in a treasury works much like other strategic asset holdings, such as gold or foreign currency reserves. It allows companies to diversify their assets, protect themselves from economic shifts, and potentially benefit from price growth over time.

There is an important distinction to make here:

*   **Some companies hold bitcoin as one of many assets.** For them, bitcoin is just a small part of a much larger strategy.

*   **Other companies or funds exist primarily to hold bitcoin.** These firms often raise capital with the specific intention of buying and managing bitcoin as their primary business activity.

This means that, unlike regular businesses (like Tesla or Coinbase) that have other core operations, these companies exist mainly to accumulate and manage bitcoin as an asset.

*   They usually raise money from investors (through stock sales, funding rounds, or other capital raises).

*   They use most of that money to buy bitcoin and then hold it as their primary asset.

*   Their business model is tied directly to the value of bitcoin; if bitcoin goes up, the company’s value rises, and vice versa.

Examples of such companies include:

*   **MicroStrategy (Strategy)** started as a software company, but it’s now primarily seen as a bitcoin holding company.

*   **Twenty One Capital** was explicitly created to build a large bitcoin treasury as its core activity.

*   **Bitcoin ETFs (like BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust)** exist solely to hold bitcoin on behalf of investors.

So, these companies don’t use bitcoin as a side asset; they’re built around the idea of holding and growing bitcoin reserves.

**Why Companies Hold Bitcoin in Their Treasury**
------------------------------------------------

Companies add bitcoin to their reserves for several reasons. Each reason reflects both financial strategy and how they see the future of money.

****1\. Hedge Against Inflation and Currency Risks****

Traditional currencies lose value over time due to inflation and economic fluctuations. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has a fixed supply, which makes it attractive to companies that want to protect part of their capital from currency devaluation.

This is particularly relevant in times when interest rates are low, and the value of holding large amounts of cash is eroded by inflation. Several companies view bitcoin as a way to preserve their purchasing power over the long term.

****2\. Potential for Long-Term Capital Growth****

Bitcoin has shown significant price growth over the years, despite its volatility. Companies like Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) have experienced substantial increases in their balance sheet value thanks to their bitcoin holdings.

For companies willing to take on the risk, holding bitcoin offers a chance to benefit from future price appreciation and increase shareholder value.

****3\. Diversification of Assets Beyond Fiat, Bonds, and Equities****

Relying too heavily on traditional assets can expose companies to market risks tied to those instruments.

By adding bitcoin to their reserves, firms introduce a non-correlated asset, one that doesn’t always move in the same direction as stocks or bonds. This diversification can make their overall financial position more resilient.

****4\. Brand Positioning and Innovation Appeal****

Holding bitcoin isn’t just a financial move; it also shapes how the public and investors view a company. Businesses that adopt bitcoin early are often seen as innovative and forward-thinking.

This can attract a new type of investor, strengthen the company’s brand, and generate media attention. For example, [Tesla’s announcement of Bitcoin purchases created global headlines and boosted its image as a tech pioneer](https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/02/08/tesla-buys-1point5-billion-in-bitcoin.html).

**Major Companies Holding Bitcoin in 2025 (With Real Examples)**
----------------------------------------------------------------

A wide range of companies, from publicly traded firms to private businesses and even institutional entities, now hold bitcoin on their balance sheets as part of a strategic reserve. This isn’t a fringe move: it’s becoming mainstream across industries.

Let’s look at the latest figures on bitcoin holdings (mid‑2025) to understand how significant this trend has become.

**Company**

**Industry**

**BTC Held**

**Estimated Value (2025)**

**Notes**

**1\. Strategy (MicroStrategy)**

Software / Treasury firm

[628,791BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$73 billion

Largest corporate holder (3% of supply)

**2\. Marathon Digital (MARA**)

Bitcoin mining

[50,000 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$5.7 billion

Mining-based treasury holdings

**3\. Twenty One Capital (XXI)**

Bitcoin-native treasury

[43,514BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$5.15 billion

Backed by Tether/SoftBank, Jack Mallers’ firm

**4\. Trump Media & Technology (DJT)**

Trump Media & Technology (DJT)

[18,430 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$2 billion

Raised capital to build BTC reserves

**5\. Metaplanet Inc.**

Hospitality & crypto

[17,595 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$2 billion

“Bitcoin hotel” venture

**6\. Riot Platforms**

Bitcoin mining

[19,225 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$2.2 billion

Miner-turned-BTC treasury firm

**7\. CleanSpark**

Solar + mining

[12,608 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$1.45 billion

Energy-mining operations hold bitcoin

**8\. Coinbase**

Crypto exchange

[11,776 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$1.35 billion

Natural reserve for exchange operations

**9\. Tesla**

Electric vehicles

[11,509 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$1.32 billion

Strategic diversification into bitcoin

**10\. Hut 8 Mining Corp.**

Canadian mining company

[10,273 BTC](https://bitcointreasuries.net/?utm_source=)

$1.18 billion

Large miner holding bitcoin reserves

******Quick Analysis******

MicroStrategy (now Strategy) leads by a wide margin, holding nearly 3 % of the total bitcoin supply, valued at over $70 billion, clearly setting the tone in the corporate bitcoin narrative.

*   Mining companies like Marathon, Riot, CleanSpark, and Hut 8 naturally accumulate bitcoin through their operations, turning it into a treasury asset.

*   Bitcoin-native firms like Twenty One Capital (founded by Jack Mallers and backed by Tether/SoftBank) are explicitly built to hold bitcoin as their core business model.[
    ](https://treasuries.bitbo.io/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
*   Non-crypto businesses, such as Tesla and Metaplanet, use bitcoin as strategic diversification rather than core operations.

*   Trump Media represents a newer entrant that raised $2 billion specifically to build a bitcoin reserve, highlighting how media or thematic firms are entering this space.

**Publicly Traded Companies Actively Holding Bitcoin in 2025**
--------------------------------------------------------------

Publicly traded companies are businesses listed on stock exchanges that issue shares to the public. When these companies hold bitcoin in their treasuries, it’s a strategic decision that impacts not only their balance sheets but also their stock prices, since investors closely watch their exposure to bitcoin. Examples include;

****1\. MicroStrategy (Strategy)****

Leading the pack, this software company has transformed itself into a bitcoin treasury powerhouse. With over 628,000 BTC and billions in unrealized gains, it’s redefining what it means to be a public company in today’s bitcoin-infused economy.

****2\


Why ParmanodL is the Best Choice for Your Bitcoin Node Setup

Running a node can be expensive, right? Imagine a computer with open-source bitcoin software pre-installed. Enter ParmanodL; this…

Running a node can be expensive, right? Imagine a computer with open-source bitcoin software pre-installed. Enter ParmanodL; this computer designed for running nodes is changing the game by making the intricacies of node set-up simple and way cheaper.

For most enthusiasts, setting up a [node](https://lightning.news/is-it-legal-to-operate-a-lightning-node/) can be costly due to:

**Hardware Requirements:** Storage of an entire copy of the Bitcoin block chain requires powerful hardware that is expensive both to purchase and maintain.

**Storage Costs:** The Bitcoin blockchain is large and consumes a lot of disk space that depending on the disk that is used this may accrue to very high charges.

**Technical Expertise:** Operating and maintaining a bitcoin node depends on certain exclusive technicalities that may warrant the contract of experts or professional technicians.

Why ParmanodL?
--------------

Designed for non-technical enthusiasts, the ParmanodL comes with an automated wizard and menu. No manual configuration is needed since the menus provide options where users can verify their bitcoin and bitcoin related transactions. The technology even goes further and automatically connects a node to your wallet once you set it up.

Tech bros fear not, ParmanodL has not left you behind. You can build your own ParmanodL from scratch. For those interested you could find out more [here](https://parmanode.com/). However, purchasing the already configured ParmanodL comes with a nice package. Included in the package is; the shipping cost, Raspberry Pi 4 ( with power supply), a [FLIRC](https://flirc.tv/products/flirc-raspberry-pi-4-case-silver?variant=43085036454120) aluminium case (Fanless and silent – uses metallic body as heat sink to cool the device).

That’s not all, the ParamnodL comes with a 1TB external SSD (optional upgrade to 2 TB) drive and guess what? Direct line customer support to the brains behind ParmanodL technology, [Mr. Parman](https://armantheparman.com/about-contact/)( email, twitter and telegram). That’s not all, Arman also offers real time guidance through videos to first time users. A lightning node can also be provided upon request.

ParmanodL’s setup distinguishes itself as the best out of other nodes for the following good reasons. It is created with the emphasis on the simplicity of use, so the essence of its functions is comprehensible to ordinary users. For those ready to enhance their bitcoin experience with a reliable node setup, you can purchase the ParmanodL directly [here](https://parmanode.com/buyparmanodl/).


What are the best Stripe alternatives today? When it comes to online payment processing, Stripe has long dominated…

Table of Contents
-----------------

*   [Why Consider Stripe Alternatives?](#why-consider-stripe-alternatives)
*   [The Complete List of Best Stripe Alternatives](#the-complete-list-of-stripe-alternatives)
*   [Additional Notable Mentions](#additional-notable-mentions)
*   [How to Choose the Right Stripe Alternative](#how-to-choose-the-right-stripe-alternative)
*   [Conclusion](#conclusion)

What are the best Stripe alternatives today? When it comes to online payment processing, Stripe has long dominated the conversation. However, with its complex pricing structure and limited customization options for certain businesses, many entrepreneurs and companies are actively seeking viable Stripe alternatives. Whether you’re a SaaS startup, e-commerce store, or global enterprise, choosing the right payment processor can significantly impact your bottom line and customer experience.

> [Flash Launches Free Bitcoin Invoicing Tool](https://lightning.news/flash-launches-free-bitcoin-invoicing-tool/)

Why Consider Stripe Alternatives?
---------------------------------

Before diving into our comprehensive list of the best Stripe alternatives, it’s worth understanding why businesses are exploring [alternatives to Stripe](https://lightning.news/stripe-alternatives-2025/). While Stripe offers robust features and excellent developer tools, some businesses face challenges with [pricing transparency](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/top-stripe-alternatives/), limited global coverage, or specific industry requirements that Stripe doesn’t fully address.

![best stripe alternatives - Woman using smartphone for online shopping with credit card in hand, festive background lighting.](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/230544-1024x683.jpeg "27 Best Stripe Alternatives To Accept Payments In Your Business 11")

The Complete List of Best Stripe Alternatives
---------------------------------------------

Based on extensive research and analysis of the payment processing landscape, here are 27 proven best Stripe alternatives that could be the perfect fit for your business:

### 1\. **[Frame](https://framepayments.com/)** – Simplified Payment Solutions

Frame positions itself as making “payments easier” with a streamlined approach to payment processing. This platform focuses on reducing complexity while maintaining robust functionality for modern businesses, offering straightforward pay-as-you-go pricing with no setup charges or monthly fees.

### 2\. **[Lemon Squeezy](https://www.lemonsqueezy.com/)** – The SaaS-Focused Alternative

Dubbed as “acq’d by Stripe,” Lemon Squeezy offers a comprehensive solution specifically designed for digital product sales and SaaS businesses. It provides strong customer support, built-in analytics, and handles payments, subscriptions, global tax compliance, and fraud prevention in one platform.

### 3\. **[Gumroad](https://gumroad.com/)** – Creator Economy Champion

Gumroad has carved out a niche serving creators and small businesses by providing tools for selling digital products, physical goods, and subscriptions. It’s particularly popular among content creators, artists, and independent entrepreneurs who want to experiment with various ideas and formats. Therefore it should be considered as one of the best Stripe alternatives.

### 4\. **[Paddle](https://www.paddle.com/)** – All-in-One SaaS Commerce

Paddle caters to SaaS and software companies by offering a comprehensive platform with billing, licensing, and global tax handling capabilities. It’s designed to be a complete solution for subscription-based businesses, handling payments, tax, and subscription management in one platform.

### 5\. **[FastSpring](https://fastspring.com/)** – Global E-commerce Specialist

FastSpring specializes in e-commerce solutions for software and SaaS companies, with a focus on global payments and subscription management. According to [TechnologyAdvice](https://technologyadvice.com/blog/sales/stripe-alternatives/), it’s particularly strong for international transactions and helps companies sell more, stay lean, and compete big.

### 6\. **[2Checkout](https://www.2checkout.com/)** – Versatile Payment Solutions

2Checkout (now part of Verifone) offers versatile payment solutions excelling in global payments, subscription billing, and digital commerce. It’s an all-in-one monetization platform that maximizes revenues and makes global online sales easier, supporting over 200 countries and territories.

### 7\. **[Payoneer](https://www.payoneer.com/)** – Cross-Border Payment Expert

Payoneer simplifies cross-border payment solutions, offering local payment ease globally with a focus on market expansion and multi-currency support. It’s trusted by small to medium-sized businesses for global payment solutions and international money transfers.

### 8\. **[Chargebee](https://www.chargebee.com/)** – Subscription Management Leader

Chargebee is a subscription management platform perfect for SaaS and SMBs, with robust billing and revenue management features. It streamlines revenue operations and helps businesses grow efficiently with comprehensive subscription billing capabilities. It definitely should be considered as one of the best Stripe alternatives.

### 9\. **[Maxio](https://www.maxio.com/)** (formerly Chargify) – B2B SaaS Billing

Maxio offers a robust platform for B2B SaaS billing and financial operations, focusing on growth and efficiency for subscription businesses. It’s the most complete financial operations platform for B2B SaaS, bringing core financial operations into one platform.

### 10\. **[Recurly](https://recurly.com/)** – Dynamic Subscription Management

Recurly offers dynamic subscription management platform, excelling in churn management and data insights for subscription growth. It’s the only proven platform that expands and protects your recurring revenue with subscription management, recurring billing, and payments orchestration.

### 11\. **[Braintree](https://www.paypal.com/us/braintree)** – PayPal’s Enterprise Solution

Braintree (by PayPal) provides a versatile global payments platform, integrating multiple payment methods with a focus on conversion and security. It delivers end-to-end checkout experiences for businesses, offering single-touch payments and mobile optimization.

### 12\. **[PayKickstart](https://paykickstart.com/)** – Modern Commerce Platform

PayKickstart offers a modern commerce platform for online billing and affiliates, focusing on revenue maximization and churn minimization. It’s the most complete checkout, recurring billing, affiliate management, and retention solution with global capabilities.

### 13\. **[PayPro Global](https://payproglobal.com/)** – Full-Service E-commerce

PayPro Global offers a full-service eCommerce solution for selling software and SaaS, focusing on global payments, tax compliance, and customer support. It provides flexible solutions with over 70 payment methods and great support for software companies.

### 14\. **[Shopify Payments](https://www.shopify.com/payments)** – E-commerce Integration

Integrated with Shopify, this service is ideal for SMBs in eCommerce, offering a seamless shopping cart and payment experience. It’s the simplest way to accept online payments, automatically set up for major methods with no fees for some payment types.

### 15\. **[Square](https://squareup.com/us/en/payments)** – Versatile POS and Payment Solutions

Square provides versatile POS and payment solutions for small businesses with a strong focus on retail and mobile payments. [Forbes Advisor](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/software/top-stripe-alternatives/) notes it as one of the top alternatives for businesses needing both online and offline payment capabilities.

### 16\. **[Zoho Billing](https://www.zoho.com/us/billing/)** – Integrated Business Solution

Zoho Billing is an online recurring billing and subscription management solution, ideal for small and medium-sized businesses seeking professional invoice creation, time and expense tracking, and improved cash flow management.

### 17\. **[WePay](https://go.wepay.com/)** – Chase Company Integration

WePay, a Chase company, provides integrated payment solutions for ISVs and SaaS companies with customizable payment solutions. It’s designed for platforms like marketplaces and small business tools, offering seamless user experience and fraud protection.

### 18\. **[QuickBooks Payments](https://quickbooks.intuit.com/payments/)** – SMB Accounting Integration

This service provides seamless accounting and payment solutions for SMBs and SaaS businesses, featuring real-time tracking and automated bookkeeping. It lets small businesses accept payments online from anywhere with easy integration into QuickBooks accounting.

### 19\. **[Mangopay](https://mangopay.com/)** – Marketplace Payment Infrastructure

Mangopay offers a modular payment infrastructure for marketplaces and platforms, emphasizing flexibility, global payouts, and AI-powered anti-fraud. It uses flexible wallets built to orchestrate fund flows and monetize payment experiences.

### 20\. **[Coinbase Commerce](https://www.coinbase.com/commerce)** – Cryptocurrency Payments

Coinbase Commerce enables businesses to accept payments from around the world using cryptocurrency. It offers instant settlement, low fees, and broad asset support, making it easy for merchants to accept digital currency payments globally.

### 21\. **[BTCPay Server](https://btcpayserver.org/)** – Open-Source Bitcoin Processor

BTCPay Server is a self-hosted, open-source cryptocurrency payment processor with 0% fees and no third-party involvement. It’s secure, private, censorship-resistant, and completely free for businesses wanting full control over their Bitcoin payments.

### 22\. **[Lago](https://www.getlago.com/)** – Open-Source Billing Alternative

Lago is an open-source alternative to Stripe Billing and Chargebee, specializing in billing and metering in one


Unbank CEO: “Keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default”

Emilio’s first bitcoin purchase felt like a drug deal – sweating in a parking lot, cash in hand,…

Emilio’s first bitcoin purchase felt like a drug deal – sweating in a parking lot, cash in hand, uncertain if cops would storm in. That visceral distrust of a broken system birthed Unbank: a guerrilla network turning CVS registers into sovereignty hubs.

While banks slammed doors, he retrofitted ATMs with bitcoin hearts, weaponized Lightning against poverty taxes, and built cash-to-bitcoin ramps where the unbanked shop daily. In a post-FTX world screaming ‘self-custody,’ Unbank delivers it with [Genmega](https://www.genmega.com) guts and [Voltage](https://lightning.news/unbank-chooses-voltage-to-bring-lightning/) veins – because financial inclusion shouldn’t require a passport or pedigree.

> What's your favorite new feature on the Unbank app? ![👀](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f440.png) [pic.twitter.com/vqdMJkxKZj](https://t.co/vqdMJkxKZj)
>
> — Unbank: Buy & Sell Bitcoin ![💵](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4b5.png) ![🏧](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3e7.png) ![🚀](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f680.png) (@unbankworld) [July 31, 2025](https://twitter.com/unbankworld/status/1951034541847503175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Unbank: From Cash to Sovereignty
--------------------------------

*   **You started in 2014 with a single bitcoin ATM in Albany, NY. What personal frustration with traditional finance forced you to bet on bitcoin ATMs? Was there a specific “cash to bitcoin is king” revelation?**

There was a moment the very first time I went to buy my first bitcoin, it was a nightmare. At the time, the easiest way for me to buy bitcoin was on [Localbitcoins.com](http://localbitcoins.com) which was peer-to-peer transactions in cash, meaning it had to be done face-to-face.

The location where I agreed to meet the guy was in a public area, but while doing the transaction, it just felt dirty, like we were doing something illegal. I knew there would be a market for an easier process to be able for every-day people to buy bitcoin with cash.

*   ****Early banks rejected you, and merchants feared bitcoin. How did you turn “No” into having services available in CVS, Walgreens, and Office Depot? What convinced these giants?****

We were pretty lucky to be honest. While we didn’t partner directly with these brands, we partnered with companies that already have services in these retail stores. That really opened up our ability to bring bitcoin and other top digital currencies to a much wider network.

*   **[Unbank](https://unbank.com/) has championed itself as being an easy on ramp for new users.  How does prioritizing cash, privacy, and self-custody reflect your vision of true financial inclusion?**

Most platforms claim they’re “for the people,” but then require a passport scan and a bank account before you can even get started. That’s not inclusion—that’s gatekeeping, not everyone has access to those. We took a different route: start with cash, lite KYC, and let people hold their keys.

Privacy isn’t just a perk—it’s protection for people in marginalized communities. Self-custody isn’t just a feature—it’s empowerment. By making bitcoin as easy to access as a soda or a bus ticket, we’re turning everyday people into participants in a borderless, censorship-resistant economy. That’s the mission: real freedom in the hands of real people.

![screen 1](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/screen-1-678x1024.png "Unbank CEO: "Keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default" 8")

**ATMs & Beating the Banks**
----------------------------

*   **Your [partnership](https://lightning.news/unbank-chooses-voltage-to-bring-lightning/) with Voltage powers instant bitcoin buys/sells through the Unbank mobile app. Why was Lightning non-negotiable for scaling? How does slashing fees/time disrupt the “bitcoin is slow” narrative?**

People don’t want to wait ten minutes to pay for something. Lightning fixes that. If we were serious about onboarding everyday users, we had to make bitcoin feel instant, like tapping a debit card.

The idea that bitcoin is slow or clunky? That’s legacy thinking. With Lightning, it’s as fast as cash and way more programmable. We knew we couldn’t scale without it—and honestly, we wouldn’t want to.

*   **Unbank never holds user keys or funds. In a post-FTX world, why is this the right model for mass adoption?**

 It’s honestly a very simple answer. We care. We care about our users’ well-being and financial longevity, and don’t want to risk their money by holding it hostage. After FTX, Celsius, and BlockFi, anyone still asking customers to “trust us” is missing the point. If we can’t build a business where people hold their own keys, then we’re not building for the future—we’re just repeating the past.

*   **You’re expanding your fleet together with partner a ATM network for cash-out. How did that accelerate growth? What features do you plan next – NFC taps?**

We worked with what was already out there. Partnering with existing networks made it faster and cheaper to scale, especially in cities farther away from our home base- to be able to have technicians and armored carriers be able to work with machines they already know is also another factor.

We don’t many features on our machines, what’s important is that it’s easy to use and we need functionality that works for real users. As for what’s next? We’re watching NFC stuff closely, but it’s gotta serve the user, not just look cool.

![Screenshot 2025 08 05 at 3.54.03 PM](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.54.03-PM-573x1024.png "Unbank CEO: "Keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default" 9")

**Serving the Unbanked: Privacy, Cash & Financial Refugees**
------------------------------------------------------------

*   **How does accepting physical cash protect marginalized users (e.g., people with less economic and financial means) from surveillance?**

Cash doesn’t ask questions. It doesn’t care where you’re from, what your credit score is, or whether you have a bank account account. For countless people, cash is the only tool they trust.

![Location Screen](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Location-Screen-500x1024.png "Unbank CEO: "Keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default" 10")

By keeping it in the mix, we give people a way to participate in the digital economy without being tracked, flagged, or denied. It’s about convenience, just as much as about holding consumer rights and protection high. Unlike digital fiat, we believe cash allows people to execute their right to financial privacy – as it should be.

*   **Unbank offers zero fees on sell transactions. How does this attack the “poverty tax” seen on digital currency exchanges?**

We’ve watched it with other exchanges: people getting hit with high fees while trying to use your money. That’s a poverty tax, plain and simple. Our zero-fee sell option was our way of saying, “You’re not less important because you’re moving $20 instead of $2,000.” Everyone should have a way out—and it shouldn’t cost them extra to take it.

Another reason is that we typically see more demand for buying bitcoin than selling so instead of buying back from exchanges we created a win-win, no fees for users to cash-out, no fees for us to buy back what we sold.

*   **With KYC minimalism, how do you walk the tightrope between regulator demands and Bitcoiners’ right to privacy?**

We comply—but we don’t overreach. We collect only what’s necessary by law and nothing more. In my experience, regulators want to prevent crime, not catalog everyone’s life. There’s room to meet the law and still protect user dignity. Our job is to hold that line and keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default. It’s not.

> There’s room to meet the law and still protect user dignity. Our job is to hold that line and keep pushing back on the idea that surveillance is a default. It’s not.

**Growth & Grit: Scaling Amidst Skepticism**
--------------------------------------------

*   **What tough moment while building a bitcoin centered business in such a volatile market has taught you the most?**

There were weeks when we thought we’d have to shut it all down. ATMs would get vandalized, banks would freeze our accounts with no notice, and headlines would scare off merchants and users alike. But those moments teach you to double down on the mission at hand. You realize real change doesn’t happen without resistance. Every “no” we heard made the next “yes” matter even more.

*   **The Unbank app supports Lightning, has referral codes, and allows you to buy bitcoin with cash at the register or sell bitcoin and withdraw cash from 23,000 ATMs’s without a card. You also support electronic methods for cashout such as PayPal, Venmo, and push to debit card. Why focus on unifying fiat rails instead of digital assets only?**

Because people live in fiat—rent, bills, groceries. If we want bitcoin to work for real people, it has to bridge, not replace, their daily life. Building strong fiat off-rails is what makes bitcoin usable, not just holdable. You can’t have financial inclusion if your only audience is digital asset-native. The app is our way of saying, “Bitcoin is ready for the world. Let’s meet it there.”

**Future of Finance: Bitcoin, Borders & Beyond**
------------------------------------------------

*   **With rising inflation, could Unbank’s network become a Plan B for financial refugees (e.g., Argentina, Lebanon)?**

It already is for some. When your bank account gets frozen or your currency loses half its value overnight, Bitcoin stops being speculative—it becomes survival. Our network, especially the cash-to-crypto infrastructure, gives people a path that doesn’t rely on broken institutions. That’s what makes it powerful. It’s borderless and bankless. While this might only apply to those people in the US right now, we are looking to expand inte


It’s not every day you hear about someone taking four round-trip flights from Dublin to Prague to buy…

It’s not every day you hear about someone taking four round-trip flights from Dublin to Prague to buy bitcoin.

Or a barber at a bitcoin castle meetup charging sats for a haircut. Or someone holding up a frozen octopus bought through a bitcoin app.

But these stories aren’t urban legends; they’re real and they’re happening through [Vexl](https://x.com/vexl), a nonprofit, privacy-first peer-to-peer trading platform.

To understand what makes Vexl different, Lightning News sat down with Vexl’s Head of Growth [Grafton](https://x.com/satsdisco?t=m586s5CCzp7JhfvC3-57_A&s=09); who shared the mission, stories, and vision behind the platform that’s quietly building circular bitcoin economies worldwide.

*   **And we began with a simple but important question: what is Vexl, and how does it stand out from other peer-to-peer trading platforms?**

_[Vexl](https://vexl.it/) is a nonprofit app that lets people buy and sell bitcoin privately with friends and friends of friends. No KYC, no middlemen, no data collection._

_What makes it different is the way it works: instead of relying on reputation scores or anonymous strangers, Vexl connects you through your web of trust or your (social graph)._

_That means you see offers from people you’re already connected to directly or through mutual contacts, which makes trading more natural, safer, and closer to how cash works in the real world._

*   **Vexl emphasizes privacy and the concept of building a “web of trust.” Could you explain why these principles are so important to the platform’s vision?**

_Bitcoin was built to be peer-to-peer cash, not a product for financial institutions. Privacy matters because money without privacy is surveillance._

_Trust matters because trading with people in your circle is how real economies grow, and that is what we have truly seen._

_I only trade with people that I am direct friends with or have mutual contacts with._

_This gives me peace of mind that I know the trade is going to go smoothly. We believe this is closer to the spirit of bitcoin than any regulated exchange could ever be._

**Memorable Stories**
---------------------

*   **We’ve heard there are some incredible stories connected to Vexl, involving horses, fish, an octopus, and even a donkey. Could you share one or two of the most remarkable experiences from the platform?**

_I mean, this is the most fascinating part of the app. Originally, we planned for it to be just for buying and trading bitcoin._

_However, we soon discovered that people wanted more. They wanted to grow local circular economies, to trade things other than bitcoin, and to earn bitcoin along the way._

_I think in the first week after the marketplace went live, we started to see offers for things like raw milk and honey, and it just grew from there until we eventually added a dedicated marketplace feature for products and services._

_You can see this now in the app — you open it and choose: I have a product and I want bitcoin, or I have bitcoin and I want a product._

_For me, one of the most remarkable stories I’ve ever heard and personally experienced was when I met a taxi driver in Dublin, Ireland._

_He told me he’d been saving his cash tips for years under his mattress and wanted a way to buy bitcoin without having to KYC on an exchange._

_As a foreigner living in Ireland, he couldn’t purchase from exchanges anyway. We swapped contacts, and he quickly found one of my friends who was willing to sell him bitcoin._

_But because he didn’t have much of a network in Ireland yet, he actually made several trips to Prague to meet one of my friends and buy bitcoin in person._

_To me, this is one of the most amazing stories because it shows how much bitcoin means to some people, and what they’re willing to do to acquire it without permission or KYC._

_I met him for coffee while he was in Prague, because I was blown away by his story. He showed me a photo of his family with his wife and three children. In the photo, his wife was holding a pregnancy test, and he said: “This is why I did it — not for me, but for them.”_

_I mean, imagine that: taking four round-trip flights from Dublin to Prague just to buy bitcoin without KYC._

_Most peer-to-peer apps require you to trade with strangers using a bank account or something that connects to your real name. But on Vexl, you always trade with people you can trust._

_For me, I knew he was a trustworthy guy, and now I always have a great taxi driver in Dublin when visiting. We remain in contact and speak often, and I would even consider him a good friend now._

![image](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/image-1024x607.jpeg "The Octopus Purchase: How Vexl Redefines Peer-to-Peer Bitcoin Trading 1")

Screenshot

*   **What’s the most unexpected or creative trade you’ve seen happen through Vexl?**

_I mean, I’ve seen a lot over the years now, but I mean, things like plumbing and heating services stick out because that is like what I want._

_I don’t want to look on the Internet for a plumber who has Google reviews and try to determine what’s real and what’s fake reviews._

_If I need one or an air conditioner repairman, I would love to be able to find one through friends and friends of friends._

_I mean, that’s basically what we do anyway, we’re all familiar with that right? I mean, we meet somebody and we share our experiences, and then we want our friends to have a good time._

_So I think one that surprised me most is recently, I was looking for a physiotherapist and had a difficult time finding one, much to my surprise, but one day I opened (vexl), and there it was low and behold, a physiotherapist offering their services on Vexl for Bitcoin and we had quite a few mutual friends._

_These are the kind of stories that I think are truly amazing. It shows people understand what is possible with (vexl) and are interested in building something different and better than what we currently have, which is gamified ratings systems full of stars and empty trust. I want a world where I am always getting quality trades with people I can trust._

*   **How do these unique trades reflect the culture of peer-to-peer bitcoin transactions?**

_Well, as bitcoiners, we believe in value for value, and I think that’s what Vexl allows us to do. When I connect with people who are connected with me through mutual friends, it’s kind of like having my little support network of people who have skills and services and who trade something that we all value with each other._

_Take Hairtoshi, for example. Recently, I was at a Bitcoin event in Germany, and fiat currency was banned for three days. The only thing that you could spend was Bitcoin._

_I got a haircut with Bitcoin, and this is absolutely part of our culture. It was one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had in my life, and I’m not joking, and what it made me realize is that this is exactly the world that I wanna live in._

_I struggle to find a good barber, and I’ve been to many, many different ones over the years, but I found the best barber at a Bitcoin event in the middle of nowhere, at an old historic castle._

_I paid 21,000 satoshi for a haircut, and I walked away satisfied. I think that this is what we all want to experience, and we all experience our whole life when asking our friends for advice._

_Well imagine not having to ask every time, you just pull up on Vexl and you see a network of people and their skills and services that are in your network and you can see how many mutual friends you have and you can vouch for each other and create a true circular economy that’s based on real experiences and trust with people that you know, but it’s all done in a way that’s private and not annoying._

_No one gets messages when you join Vexl. It’s truly a purely peer-to-peer economy that we can create with this. And by the way, if you want to follow the barber I’m talking about, his X account is_ [**_@Hairtoshi\_2_**](https://x.com/Hairtoshi_21)

**The Octopus Purchase**
------------------------

*   **There’s a fascinating example of someone buying an octopus using bitcoin through Vexl. Can you tell us the full story behind that trade?**

_I mean, this was a wild one. So I’m browsing Vexl, and I see the offer for frozen octopus. Someone, I guess, had been fishing in Croatia or somewhere else, and I couldn’t believe it was frozen octopus for sale on Vexl…. why? It had to be a joke, right???_

_But it wasn’t because a few days later, I saw a guy on Twitter holding the octopus up in his hands and saying look what I bought on Vexl._

> Tak dobrú chuť! ![😎](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f60e.png) Máte rádi tyto potvory? ![🤔](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f914.png) A víte, že idú kúpit na [@vexlu](https://twitter.com/vexlu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) za bitcointy? ![😊](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f60a.png) [pic.twitter.com/pv5eDbt3BI](https://t.co/pv5eDbt3BI)
>
> — DědaBitcoiner (@dedabitcoiner) [June 7, 2024](https://twitter.com/dedabitcoiner/status/1799051354100682988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

_I think we were all shocked that something like that was possible, and this is what happens. It never ceases to amaze me that people take tools and build things with them, and that’s exactly what Vexl is._

_It’s a tool. It’s an open source tool, so if someone takes Vexl even further and builds something better than we always think, mission accomplished._

_We’re not a business trying to make money; we’re a foundation trying to create tools that empower the individual with the freedom to transact, and that is what people are doing. Here is a link to the tweet:_ [_https://x.com/dedabitcoiner/status/1799051354100682988_](https://x.com/dedabitcoiner/status/1799051354100682988)_._

*   **How did the community respond to this kind of transaction, and what does it say about the possibilities that Vexl enables?**

_Well, you know your network is your net worth, so you’ll never see so


Sazmining Sees $185k Invested In Equity Crowdfunding Round Through TimeStamp

Sazmining, the renewable-powered Bitcoin Mining-as-a-Service company, has attracted over $185,000 in crowd capital. The startup opened its equity…

[Sazmining](https://sazmining.com), the renewable-powered Bitcoin Mining-as-a-Service company, has attracted over $185,000 in crowd capital. The startup opened its equity crowdfunding campaign to the public on the bitcoin funding platform [Timestamp Financial](https://invest.timestampfinancial.com/offering/sazmining/details).

The firm seeks to complete a $618,000 in funding at a $30M valuation cap pre-money. The investment vehicle of choice is a SAFE note which will convert into equity later.

According to founder and CEO Kent Halliburton, the agreed pre-money valuation was determined by taking Sazmining’s proforma financial model projecting EBITDA for 2025 and multiplying it by an Enterprise Multiple. The enterprise multiple used was 75% of the average for AirBNB, Coinbase and MARA’s enterprise multiples.

The round gives anyone the chance to own a stake in Sazmining while supporting its mission: making Bitcoin mining decentralized, sustainable, and accessible.

**Why the Raise?**
------------------

Bitcoin adoption is accelerating, with governments and businesses building treasuries around it. Sazmining believes those treasuries should begin with bitcoin mined directly from the network, not coins bought through centralized exchanges.

“Mining is the most sovereign way to acquire bitcoin,” said Kent Halliburton, CEO and Co-Founder of Sazmining. “This raise allows more people to participate in that mission and benefit from the growth of the mining ecosystem.”

**Powered by Clean Energy**
---------------------------

All Sazmining operations run on renewable energy, with active sites across North and South America as well as Europe. The company has already shown 350% year-over-year growth and aims to use this raise to expand its reach even further.

**How to Participate**
----------------------

The crowdfunding campaign is open to the public and hosted by Timestamp:

[invest.timestampfinancial.com/offering/sazmining/details](https://invest.timestampfinancial.com/offering/sazmining/details)

For those who believe in decentralization, clean energy, and stacking sats the right way, this is the moment to get involved.


Bitvocation Report Reveals Strongest Growth of the Year, Signaling Major Industry Expansion Bitcoin’s job market shattered expectations in…

_Bitvocation [Report](https://bitvocation.substack.com/p/bitcoin-job-market-update-july-2025) Reveals Strongest Growth of the Year, Signaling Major Industry Expansion_

Bitcoin’s job market shattered expectations in July 2025, surging to 184 new roles – a 52% year-over-year jump and the highest monthly growth of 2025 – according to a report released by [Bitvocation](https://lightning.news/bitvocation-cure-for-bitcoin-employment-crisis/), a leading bitcoin talent analytics platform. The data signals accelerating confidence in bitcoin’s infrastructure and a pivotal shift in hiring priorities.

![bitcoin jobs](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bitcoin-jobs-1024x948.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 2")

**Key Findings from Bitvocation’s July Report:**
------------------------------------------------

1.  **Historic Hiring Momentum:**
    *   July listings soared to 184 (up from 135 in June), marking the second-strongest hiring month of 2025.
    *   Bitcoin-only companies held 43% market share, driving ecosystem-focused growth.

![bitcoin monthly jobs 1](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bitcoin-monthly-jobs-1-1024x846.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 3")

*   **Developer Demand Roars Back:**
    *   Developer roles surged to 33% of all listings (up from 25% in June), ending a multi-quarter slowdown.
    *   Non-dev roles (marketing, ops, compliance) still dominate (67%), but technical talent is now the fastest-growing segment.

![non dev vs dev](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/non-dev-vs-dev-1024x948.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 4")

*   **Remote Work Revolution:**
    *   45% of all roles are remote – Bitcoin-only firms lead with 54% remote offerings (vs. 38% at multi-asset companies).
    *   U.S. (59 roles), Singapore (13), Gibraltar (7), and Czechia (6) emerged as top hiring hubs.

![remote vs on site hybrid category split 1](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/remote-vs-on-site-hybrid-category-split-1-1024x703.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 5")

*   **AI’s Quiet Infiltration:**
    *   Roles like _AI Video Creator_ and _AI System Optimization Engineer_ appeared, signaling stealth integration of AI tools into bitcoin workflows.
*   **Experience Over Entry-Level:**
    *   Mid/senior hires prioritized; entry-level roles dropped to 11% of postings as companies focus on execution.

![seniority levels 2](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/seniority-levels-2-1024x482.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 6")

*   **Bitcoin-Only vs. Multi-Asset Firms:**
    *   ![🟠](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f7e0.png) **Bitcoin-only:** Focused on ecosystem growth (74% non-dev roles: community, marketing).
    *   **Multi-asset firms:** Driving developer hiring (37% tech roles) to expand infrastructure.
*   **Global Talent Shift:**
    Singapore solidified its position as Asia’s bitcoin hub, while Europe (Gibraltar, Czechia) and LatAm (Brazil) gained traction.

![bitcoin jobs with location 1](https://lightning.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bitcoin-jobs-with-location-1-1024x614.png "Bitcoin Job Market Explodes in July 2025 7")

#### ![🌟](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f31f.png) **Featured Talent Ready to Build:**

Bitvocation’s POW Lab – bitcoin’s talent pool – includes elite professionals open to roles:

**What’s Next?**
----------------

Q3 2025 is poised to become bitcoin’s strongest hiring quarter yet. Companies seeking data partnerships or custom hiring insights can contact Bitvocation to leverage their real-time job market intelligence.

**Get the Full Report & Talent Access:**

*   ![📱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4f1.png) Follow Jobs: [Telegram](https://t.me/bitvocation_jobs)
*   ![✨](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2728.png) Join POW Lab: [For Professionals](https://bitvocation.com/pow-lab)

**About Bitvocation:**
Bitvocation is the definitive source for bitcoin job market intelligence and talent connectivity. We track hiring trends, map global opportunities, and empower bitcoin professionals and companies to build the future of sovereign work.

_Data. Talent. Bitcoin._


Steak ’n Shake’s Cuts Payment Fees By 50% With Bitcoin

Steak ’n Shake, said it realized a 50% reduction in payment fees compared to traditional credit cards. The…

Steak ’n Shake, [said](https://paywithflash.com/bitcoin-payments-in-retail-steak-n-shake-enterprise/) it realized a 50% reduction in payment fees compared to traditional credit cards. The chain also said it saw sales spike 10.7% after integrating bitcoin payments.

Founded in 1934, the classic American burger restaurant embraced Bitcoin payments earlier this year across its U.S. and European company-operated restaurants.

This initiative is one of the [clearest examples](https://paywithflash.com/bitcoin-payments-in-retail-steak-n-shake-enterprise/) of Bitcoin moving beyond speculative investment into practical use as a retail payment method.

**Business Drivers Behind Bitcoin Adoption**

With card processing fees continuing to climb—merchants in the U.S. paid $172 billion in 2023 alone—retailers are always looking for ways to improve efficiency.

Steak ’n Shake’s experience confirms Bitcoin acceptance translates into tangible savings, with the company reporting up to a 50% reduction in payment fees compared to traditional credit cards.

In retail sectors where net profit margins typically range from 2% to 5%, halving payment costs can significantly enhance profitability or fund reinvestment in quality, technology, or customer experience.

But cost is only part of the story. Bitcoin transactions settle faster and are immune to chargebacks, offering operational benefits. For payments operations teams, this means fewer disputes, lower fraud risk, and more reliable cash flow—advantages that can reduce overhead and administrative burden.

**Meeting Customers Where They Are**

Perhaps most compelling from a revenue-growth perspective is how Bitcoin acceptance has influenced customer behavior. On the day of launch, Steak ’n Shake accounted for 0.2% of global Bitcoin transactions.

Following the rollout, the company observed a sustained spike in customer traffic, reflecting that bitcoin acceptance meets emerging consumer expectations, especially among younger demographics.

This dynamic underscores an important consideration for retail payment strategists: enabling Bitcoin payments is both a facility upgrade and a customer acquisition strategy focused on engaging tech-savvy, high-value segments increasingly comfortable with bitcoin and Lightning payments.

**Strategic Differentiation for Legacy Brands**

Steak ’n Shake’s decision to place Bitcoin on equal footing with cash and credit cards signals a shift. By normalizing bitcoin payments as a standard option, the company has positioned itself as a future-forward brand willing to adopt emerging technologies pragmatically rather than as a marketing afterthought.

This approach is instructive for enterprises weighing digital payment innovation. Bitcoin is no longer a fringe payment experiment but a legitimate component of an omnichannel payment strategy, capable of enhancing brand equity and competitive positioning.

**Growth Metrics Affirming Cryptocurrency’s Role in Retail**

Broader market data reinforces the significance of Steak ’n Shake’s move. Crypto payment volume surpassed $1.3 trillion in 2024, with projections suggesting retail crypto transactions could exceed $4.5 trillion annually by 2030. Meanwhile, surveys show 75% of U.S. retailers aim to accept crypto or stablecoins within the next two years, reflecting mainstream momentum.

**Implications for Payments Executives**

For CFOs, CROs, CTOs, and payment strategists in retail, Steak ’n Shake presents a real-world benchmark:

*   **Cost Efficiency:** Cutting payment processing fees by half can materially impact margin in a low-margin sector.
*   **Operational Streamlining:** Faster settlements and reduced chargeback exposure improve liquidity and reduce administrative costs.
*   **Customer Engagement:** Meeting crypto-native customers where they prefer to pay unlocks new revenue streams.
*   **Brand Modernization:** Early adoption signals innovation leadership and future-proofs payment offerings.

As enterprise retail continues to digitize payments and diversify rails, the Steak ’n Shake example bolsters the argument for Bitcoin’s maturity as a commerce medium—ready to be [integrated](https://paywithflash.com/integrations/) into global payment portfolios beyond speculation and hype.

> [How Flash Enables Interoperable, Self-Custodial Bitcoin Commerce](https://lightning.news/interoperable-self-custodial-bitcoin-commerce/)


Bitcoin Tipping Is Now Live on X, Powered by BitBit and Spark

500 million X users can now receive bitcoin payments instantly, evenwithout a pre-existing wallet. LOS ANGELES (CA), 8/18/2025…

_500 million X users can now receive bitcoin payments instantly, even
without a pre-existing wallet._

**LOS ANGELES (CA), 8/18/2025** – BitBit, the self-custodial social wallet that lets users instantly send and receive bitcoin directly in their browser, today announced the launch of its X (formerlyTwitter) integration, [enabling](https://lightning.news/bitcoins-lightning-network-soars/) users worldwide to exchange bitcoin tips on the platform seamlessly. The payments will be associated with X usernames, allowing anyone to receive them, even without a wallet.

The integration leverages Spark,the fastest, cheapest, most UX-friendly way to build financial apps and launch assets on bitcoin. Spark is built by Lightspark, providing open, always-on payments solutions for the Internet powered by Bitcoin: the only open, neutral network for moving value. Lightspark powers integrations with partners such as Coinbase, NuBank, Bitso, and many more to enable payments on bitcoin.

“At Lightspark, we’re working tirelessly to ensure the future of money looks like the open Internet,” said David Marcus, Lightspark’s co-founder and CEO. “Spark is built on Bitcoin because it’s the only open, neutral network for moving value. By choosing Spark, the BitBit wallet builds on this openness and proves bitcoin’s potential to empower creators and the global X community.”

While tips have been available on X since 2021, this is the **first self-custodial tipping solution** available to the public. By leveraging Spark, the fastest, cheapest, and most UX-friendly way to build financial apps and launch assets on Bitcoin, the solution eliminates the technical friction and complexity associated with scaling solutions like the Lightning Network, providing users with a seamless and intuitive wallet experience. Tip receivers will have 21 days to create a wallet to receive the money; otherwise, a refund transaction will automatically be sent back to the sender.

“It’s very important to meet people where they are rather than assume they will learn how to use new technologies,” said Felipe Servin, Founder and CEO of BitBit. “With over 500 million people already using X and most of the bitcoin-focused conversations happening there, this is the ideal place to integrate bitcoin payments for the general public.”

The extension is now live for all Chrome-compatible browsers, with mobile support and stablecoin integrations coming very soon. Install it here:
[https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/fngpibmhccdaokelgaccddiehlggihlo](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/fngpibmhccdaokelgaccddiehlggihlo)

**About Spark**

Spark is the fastest, cheapest, most UX-friendly way to build financial apps and launch assets on Bitcoin. We’re building the Bitcoin internet. Follow on X [@spark](https://x.com/spark)

**About BitBit**

BitBit is a self-custodial social Bitcoin wallet that lets users send and receive bitcoin and stablecoins right directly in their browser. Powered by Spark, a next-gen Bitcoin Layer 2, BitBit integrates directly with X usernames for frictionless tipping, payments, and community engagement, all without sacrificing privacy or control of funds. To learn more about BitBit, visit [bitbit.bot](https://bitbit.bot/)

**Press Contact**
[press@sati.pro](mailto:press@sati.pro)


Bitcoin Indonesia Conference 2025 Returns to Bali: Weeklong Celebration of Financial Freedom

Bali, Indonesia — Bitcoin Indonesia proudly announces the return of the Bitcoin Indonesia Conference 2025, the country’s premier…

Bali, Indonesia — _Bitcoin Indonesia_ proudly announces the return of the Bitcoin Indonesia Conference 2025, the country’s premier bitcoin-only gathering, set to take place on September 5, 2025, at Bitcoin House Bali.

This year’s event is the centerpiece of Bitcoin Week Bali, a 10-day celebration of grassroots adoption, education, and real-world use cases in one of the world’s most vibrant bitcoin communities, Bali Bitcoin Island.

Themed **“Education, Community, and Driving Local Adoption,”** the conference brings together **250+ attendees** from Indonesia and around the world for a unique blend of talks, workshops, cultural experiences, and deep connection—all in the heart of paradise.

**“This isn’t just a conference—it’s a unique experience,”** says Diana, Co-Founder of Bitcoin Indonesia. _“We’re building a future where bitcoin empowers people, and Bali is where that revolution takes root.”_

> ![🏝](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3dd.png)![✨](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2728.png) Bitcoin Indonesia Conference is just 3 weeks away!
>
> Bitcoin meets Bali. From powerful talks to rice field views, from deep conversations to new friendships – this isn’t just a conference, it’s an experience!
>
> Are you ready to be part of it?
>
> ![🎟](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f39f.png) Last tickets available:… [pic.twitter.com/W7NTRrCMMo](https://t.co/W7NTRrCMMo)
>
> — Bitcoin House Bali (@btchousebali) [August 14, 2025](https://twitter.com/btchousebali/status/1955873293426135262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

**What to Expect:**
-------------------

 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Inspiring Talks & Workshops** – [Learn](https://lightning.news/the-bitcoin-way-path-to-true-sovereignty/) from international and local bitcoin experts
 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Networking & Social Events** – Meet bitcoiners from Indonesia & beyond in a relaxed, island-vibe setting
 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Bitcoin Market** – Redeem your bitcoin and support local merchants
 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Exhibition** – Discover bitcoin projects, companies & innovations
 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Cultural Experience** – Immerse yourself in Bali’s magical culture with performances, local cuisine & spiritual traditions
 **![✅](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2705.png) Afterparty** – Celebrate under the Bali sky with good vibes, great people & tropical drinks

This year’s event follows the momentum of previous conferences, which have hosted speakers such as Jack Dorsey, Alex Gladstein, Saifedean Ammous, and more. The 2025 edition promises even deeper community engagement, with events tailored for educators, developers, merchants, and everyday bitcoiners.

The conference is organized by Bitcoin Indonesia, a grassroots initiative and Human Rights Foundation grantee focused on bitcoin education, community building, and financial empowerment. With 36+ active meetups across the country, Bitcoin Indonesia is helping build a resilient circular economy from the ground up.

“Bali was once known as the ‘Bitcoin Island’ in 2014 before being shut down by the Central Bank. Now, the community is bringing it back—stronger and more sovereign than ever.”

**Want More? Stick Around for Bitcoin Week!**
---------------------------------------------

The Bitcoin Indonesia Conference is the highlight of Bitcoin Week Bali—a full week of exclusive side events celebrating bitcoin on the island. September 1-8, 2025 – Featuring:

![👩🎓](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f469-200d-1f393.png) AmityAge Educators Academy
![🌸](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f338.png) Women’s Brunch
![🙌](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f64c.png) Meetups
![🏝](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3dd.png) Island Explorations
![🧖🏼](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f9d6-1f3fc.png) Spiritual Spa Day
![🏄♂](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3c4-200d-2642-fe0f.png) Bitcoin Beach Run, Surf & Yoga
![🌱](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f331.png) Sovereign Gardening
![💜](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f49c.png) Freedom, Nostr & Nomad Day
![🎾](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3be.png) Island Padel Night
& much more!

 **![⚠](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/26a0.png)**Heads up! Your ticket only covers the main conference on September 5th. Other Bitcoin Week events are separately organized and require additional registrations.

**Tickets & Sponsorship**
-------------------------

Tickets for the conference are limited and now available at [www.bitcoinweekbali.xyz](http://www.bitcoinweekbali.xyz)

Sponsorship opportunities are open, with customizable packages that include brand exposure, speaking slots, and immersive activations throughout the week.

Join us & be part of Indonesia’s Bitcoin revolution!

 **![🏝](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3dd.png)![⚡](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/26a1.png) See you in Bali Bitcoin Island!**

**Contact:**

Diana, Co-Founder Bitcoin Indonesia & Bitcoin House Bali

![📧](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4e7.png) **Email** [diana@bitcoinindonesia.xyz](mailto:diana@bitcoinindonesia.xyz)

![🌐](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f310.png) **Website** [www.bitcoinweekbali.xyz](https://bitcoinindonesia.xyz/)

![🐦](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f426.png) **X** [@bitcoinindo21](https://x.com/bitcoinindo21) & [@btchousebali](https://x.com/btchousebali)

![📸](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4f8.png) **Instagram** [@bitcoinindo21](https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinindo21/) & [@bitcoinhousebali](https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinhousebali/)