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Ethereum Surge Underscores Its Growing Role In Finance And Technology

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Ethereum (ETH) has experienced a significant 20% surge in its price over this past week, with the price reaching around $3,028-$3,600. Several factors contributed to this rally: U.S.-listed Ethereum spot ETFs saw nearly $908 million in net inflows, with BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA) alone recording over $300 million in a single day. Corporate treasury companies, like SharpLink Gaming and BitMine Immersion Technologies, have accumulated substantial ETH holdings, with SharpLink surpassing the Ethereum Foundation as the largest corporate holder.

The rally aligns with a broader risk-on tone in the crypto market, with Ethereum outperforming Bitcoin, which saw a slight decline. The ETH/BTC pair printed its first higher low since 2023, indicating a shift in investor preference toward Ethereum. Posts on X also highlight bullish sentiment, with technical indicators like the Ichimoku golden cross and RSI breakout signaling potential for further gains. Ethereum’s network shows robust growth, with 327.97 million unique wallets (a 20% year-over-year increase) and $74.4 billion in total value locked (TVL) in decentralized finance (DeFi).

The Pectra upgrade and rising staking activity (over 34 million ETH staked) further bolster confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value. Ethereum’s derivatives volume surged by 2.20%, surpassing Bitcoin, with $236.86 million in liquidations and a high open interest-to-market cap ratio, reflecting strong trader participation. Despite the surge, some sources note a recent 2-3% daily dip, suggesting potential consolidation before further upward movement.

Analysts predict ETH could test resistance levels at $3,700-$4,000 by the end of July, supported by ETF inflows and regulatory optimism around staking. However, macroeconomic uncertainties and regulatory developments could introduce volatility. The rally, driven by ETF inflows and corporate accumulation, signals growing institutional trust in Ethereum as a store of value and DeFi backbone. This could attract more retail and institutional investors, potentially pushing prices toward $3,700-$4,000.

Ethereum’s strength relative to Bitcoin suggests a shift in market preference, potentially signaling altcoin season. Investors may reallocate capital to ETH and related tokens, boosting the broader altcoin market. Despite the surge, recent 2-3% daily dips indicate potential short-term consolidation. Macroeconomic factors or regulatory shifts could trigger corrections, requiring investors to stay vigilant.

With $74.4 billion in TVL and 327.97 million unique wallets, Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem benefits from increased liquidity and user adoption. Higher ETH prices could further incentivize developers to build on Ethereum, reinforcing its dominance over competitors like Solana or Binance Smart Chain. Over 34 million ETH staked reflects confidence in Ethereum’s proof-of-stake model. Rising prices may encourage more staking, reducing circulating supply and potentially supporting further price gains.

Nearly $908 million in U.S. Ethereum ETF inflows, particularly in funds like BlackRock’s ETHA, indicate mainstream adoption. However, regulatory clarity on staking in ETFs remains critical. Positive developments could sustain inflows, while restrictions might dampen enthusiasm. Companies like SharpLink and BitMine holding significant ETH suggest a trend of corporate treasury diversification into crypto, which could stabilize long-term demand but also raise concerns about concentration risks.

The upcoming upgrade could enhance Ethereum’s scalability and efficiency, further solidifying its position. Successful implementation may drive developer and investor confidence, while delays could temper optimism. Increased wallet growth and derivatives volume highlight Ethereum’s active ecosystem. However, high gas fees during peak activity could push users to layer-2 solutions or rival chains, impacting Ethereum’s dominance if not addressed.

Ethereum’s surge often precedes broader altcoin rallies, as capital flows into related tokens and projects. This could benefit Ethereum-based tokens and layer-2 solutions like Arbitrum or Optimism. Ethereum’s outperformance may challenge Bitcoin’s market dominance, prompting debates about whether ETH could flip BTC in market cap in the long term.

Implications of XRP Price Surge and Ripple’s Bank Charter

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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XRP is trading at approximately $3.42-$3.57, with a recent high of $3.66, marking its strongest performance in over six years. The price has surged significantly, up 300% over the past year, driven by Ripple’s application for a U.S. national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and growing optimism around potential XRP spot ETF approvals.

The charter, if approved, would allow Ripple to operate as a federally regulated trust bank, enabling nationwide services, custody of its RLUSD stablecoin reserves, and deeper institutional partnerships. This move is seen as a step toward integrating crypto with traditional finance, boosting investor confidence. However, some analysts caution that the bank charter may have limited immediate impact on XRP’s price, as it doesn’t directly alter its regulatory status or enable institutional sales in the U.S. without SEC approval.

Technical indicators suggest bullish momentum, with potential targets of $5 or higher if XRP breaks key resistance levels around $3.34-$3.84. Posts on X reflect strong community optimism, with some speculating prices as high as $10-$100, though these are speculative and lack concrete evidence. Regulatory hurdles, including the ongoing SEC lawsuit, and competition from traditional banks could temper short-term gains.

XRP’s price, currently around $3.42-$3.57 (as of July 19, 2025), reflects a 300% yearly gain, fueled by Ripple’s bank charter application and ETF speculation. Breaking the $3.34-$3.84 resistance could push XRP toward $5 or higher, per technical analysis, boosting investor confidence. A bank charter would position Ripple as a federally regulated entity, potentially attracting institutional investors by offering a bridge between crypto and traditional finance. This could increase XRP’s utility in cross-border payments and RLUSD stablecoin custody.

Speculative X posts predict XRP reaching $10-$100, but these lack evidence and highlight volatility risks. A failure to sustain momentum or regulatory setbacks could trigger sharp corrections. A national bank charter from the OCC would allow Ripple to operate nationwide, bypassing state-by-state licensing, and custody RLUSD reserves securely. This could enhance Ripple’s credibility and enable partnerships with traditional banks.

By integrating with the U.S. banking system, Ripple could outpace competitors like Stellar or SWIFT in cross-border payments, leveraging XRP’s speed and low cost. The ongoing SEC lawsuit remains a hurdle. A charter doesn’t resolve XRP’s security status, potentially limiting institutional sales in the U.S. unless resolved. Approval of an XRP spot ETF, as speculated on X, could drive mainstream adoption, similar to Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. This would likely increase liquidity and price stability.

Ripple’s charter pursuit could set a model for other crypto firms seeking banking integration, potentially normalizing crypto in traditional finance. X posts show a mix of euphoria and skepticism, with some users calling XRP a “game-changer” and others warning of regulatory risks or centralized control concerns.

Many XRP holders (“XRP Army”) on X are optimistic, citing the charter and ETF hopes as catalysts for parabolic growth. Some extrapolate prices to $10-$100, driven by community enthusiasm and Ripple’s institutional moves. Others on X and analysts argue the charter’s impact is overstated, as it doesn’t directly affect XRP’s regulatory status. They warn of overbought conditions (RSI nearing 80) and potential dumps if ETF approvals falter.

Supporters view Ripple’s charter as a step toward regulatory clarity, potentially easing tensions with the SEC and fostering crypto-friendly policies under a new administration. Some banks and regulators may oppose Ripple’s entry, fearing disruption to legacy systems. The SEC’s lawsuit reflects ongoing friction over crypto’s role in finance.

Some crypto enthusiasts criticize Ripple’s centralized control over XRP (holding ~40% of supply) and its banking ambitions, arguing it betrays blockchain’s decentralized ethos. Others see Ripple’s strategy as necessary for mainstream adoption, bridging crypto with real-world finance to drive utility and value.

Ripple’s bank charter and XRP’s price surge signal a pivotal moment for the company and the crypto market. The charter could solidify Ripple’s role in global finance, boosting XRP’s adoption, but regulatory and competitive challenges persist. The divide—between bullish investors and skeptics, pro-crypto advocates and traditional finance, and decentralization purists versus pragmatists—underscores the uncertainty.

Bitcoin Surges Past $122K, $2.4tn Cap as Trump Signs Sweeping Crypto Laws During “Crypto Week”

By
Samuel Nwite
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Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of $122,838 on Monday, briefly pushing its market capitalization above $2.4 trillion, and for a moment, making it more valuable than Amazon. The rally marks a nearly 100% increase since July 2024, and has catapulted Bitcoin into the ranks of the world’s top five most valuable assets.

The surge coincided with a pivotal moment in Washington, as the U.S. House of Representatives passed three landmark cryptocurrency bills: the GENIUS Act, CLARITY Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act. The trio of legislation was approved as part of what House leaders dubbed “Crypto Week,” aimed at reshaping how digital assets are treated in the American financial system.

“These pieces of legislation further the President’s pro-growth and pro-business agenda and provide a clear regulatory framework for digital assets,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, underscoring Republican enthusiasm for the bills.

President Donald Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law on Friday, July 18, following its earlier approval by the Senate. This marked a historic step in the integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional finance and reinforced Trump’s evolving posture as a champion of the crypto industry.

“I pledged that we would bring back American liberty and leadership and make the United States the crypto capital of the world, and that’s what we’ve done,” Trump said during a signing ceremony for the GENIUS Act at the White House.

The GENIUS Act, which passed the House in a 308–122 bipartisan vote, lays the foundation for a regulated stablecoin market, mandating 1:1 reserves and independent audits. The CLARITY Act delineates federal agency jurisdiction over crypto assets, addressing years of ambiguity that have fueled lawsuits between the SEC and major exchanges.

Meanwhile, the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, which narrowly passed by 219–210, bans the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC), amid growing privacy concerns among conservatives and libertarian lawmakers.

In a now-deleted Truth Social post earlier in the week, Trump claimed to have personally met with “11 of the 12 Congressmen/women necessary to pass the GENIUS Act” to secure final support. Though the details of that meeting remain unverified, multiple reports confirm Trump took an active role in lobbying holdouts, positioning the legislation as a win for innovation and American competitiveness.

The ripple effect in the markets has been dramatic. Bitcoin’s price has far outpaced even the broader equities market, which itself is hovering near record highs. Ethereum, XRP, and Solana also posted strong gains as investors celebrated what appears to be the clearest legislative signal yet that the U.S. is ready to embrace digital assets.

While the market rejoiced, some lawmakers were less enthusiastic. Rep. Maxine Waters sharply criticized the GENIUS Act, calling it a “Trojan horse for deregulation” that endangers consumers. She warned that the bill strips the Federal Reserve of sufficient oversight, and that it may allow stablecoin issuers to operate like shadow banks under state supervision.

Yet for crypto’s biggest backers, this week delivered the certainty they had long lobbied for. Forbes estimates that the biggest billionaire winners over the past year include prominent Bitcoin holders, although Changpeng Zhao, crypto’s richest individual and founder of Binance, appears to hold little or no Bitcoin himself. The Forbes Billionaires List also noted that Bitcoin’s sharp rise has led to a massive jump in the net worth of several U.S.-based crypto investors, venture capitalists, and early adopters.

The passage of these laws may also benefit Trump personally. Earlier this year, his investment vehicle World Liberty Financial launched a U.S.-based stablecoin named USD1, which Forbes has valued at more than $100 million. While there is no confirmed link between the legislation and USD1’s market performance, insiders estimate its value has surged by more than 30%, adding tens of millions to the president’s net worth. However, these estimates remain speculative and unverified by independent financial disclosures.

Even so, the broader message is clear: Washington is no longer ignoring crypto. With Bitcoin leading the charge and policy finally catching up to innovation, a new chapter has opened for digital finance in the U.S.

The Great Modern Business Models – Ndubuisi Ekekwe

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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The landscape of business has been profoundly reshaped by technology, geopolitics and other factors, enabling new variants of business models. These models move beyond traditional revenue generation, emphasizing agility, foresight, and a keen understanding of interconnected value streams. Companies that succeed today often leverage a visible “oasis” product or service to support a less apparent, yet highly profitable, core. This strategic approach allows them to adapt quickly to market shifts and unlock new avenues for growth. More than 80% of leading technology web companies utilize one business model!

Tekedia emphasizes that these modern models often involve a “Double Play Strategy,” where one aspect of the business, while popular, serves as a catalyst for another, more lucrative one. This is exemplified by tech giants where user engagement on one platform fuels the success of a backend service. The key lies in identifying and scaling a unique business model that capitalizes on these interconnected opportunities, ensuring long-term profitability and resilience in an increasingly complex global economy. For example, Dangote Group is anchored on its peerless supply chain powered by trucks across Nigeria.

In this lecture, I will explain the leading business models of the 21st century, and why how you make money is more important than how much money you make because over time, your business model – the logic of how you capture value as a business – will define your future and business sustainability. If you run the wrong business model, you will fail irrespective of how hard working you may be!

Sat, July 19 | 7pm-8.30pm WAT | The Great Modern Business Models – Ndubuisi Ekekwe | pick a seat at next Tekedia Mini-MBA https://school.tekedia.com/course/mmba18/

FirstBank Surpasses N1 Trillion in Instant Digital Loan Disbursements, Pioneering Credit Access in Nigeria

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

FirstBank, a Nigerian multinational bank and financial services company has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in Nigeria’s financial sector, surpassing N1 trillion in cumulative instant digital loan disbursements.

This historic feat cements the bank’s leadership in innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion across Africa.

FirstBank introduced its first digital lending service in 2019, marking its entry into instant, collateral-free digital credit. This later expanded into a full ecosystem of digital credit offerings, including FirstAdvance, FirstCredit, and AgentCredit, delivered through USSD (*894#), FirstMobile, LitApp, and Firstmonie Agent platforms.

Since the launch of the digital loan, FirstBank has transformed credit access in Nigeria. By harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the bank created a robust, automated lending ecosystem that eliminated traditional barriers like collateral, paperwork, or in-person interactions.

This has empowered 1.5 million unique borrowers, ranging from salary earners to micro-entrepreneurs, with seamless, secure, and instant credit through products like FirstAdvance, FirstCredit, and AgentCredit. Whether using the *894# USSD code, FirstMobile App, LitApp, or FirstMonie Agent platform, users receive funds in seconds.

Commenting on the milestone, Chuma Ezirim, group executive, e-Business & Retail Products at FirstBank said,

“This milestone is not just about numbers. It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, customer empowerment, and financial inclusion. We are proud to be enabling the dreams of millions by offering real-time access to credit, particularly to those often excluded from traditional banking channels.”

As the global pandemic has accelerated digitalization, the need for accessible, efficient, and reliable financial services has never been more crucial. The shift towards digital banking in Nigeria has been both rapid and transformative.

With the increasing penetration of mobile phones and internet access, more Nigerians are embracing digital solutions for their financial needs. Also, in a country where traditional lending processes are often bogged down by paperwork, collateral requirements, and lengthy approval times, FirstCredit emerges as a beacon of innovation.

With over N1 billion in daily digital loan disbursements, FirstBank meets the rising demand for fast, tech-driven financial solutions in Nigeria. Its strategy focuses on empowering everyday Nigerians from small traders in Kano restocking inventory to young professionals in Lagos managing expenses fostering financial resilience and economic inclusion.

“We aim to further expand digital lending, particularly for underserved and high-risk segments,” Ezirim noted. “Our mission is to democratize credit access responsibly and at scale.”

Notably, for FirstBank, the move towards digital lending is not just a strategy for retaining market share or amassing more revenue, rather it is also a means to drive business growth and profitability. By leveraging technology, banks can offer personalized, efficient, and scalable financial services that meet the evolving needs of their customers, which FirstBank has leveraged on.

Moreover, the broader adoption of digital lending solutions like FirstCredit can have a transformative impact on Nigeria’s economy. It can empower small businesses often described “as the backbone of an Economy”, with the capital they need to grow, support individuals in financial need, and foster a more inclusive economic environment.

As Nigeria’s economy digitizes, FirstBank remains a key driver of financial empowerment. Through ongoing investments in intelligent infrastructure and customer-focused design, the bank is not only providing loans but also building confidence, enhancing livelihoods, and unlocking opportunities for millions.

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