Crypto World Sees ETF Gains, DeFi Growth and New Global Policies

Bitcoin ETF Inflows Continue Despite Global Uncertainty

Despite ongoing geopolitical instability—particularly rising tensions in the Middle East—Bitcoin ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have now seen eight straight days of positive inflows, signaling resilient investor confidence in digital assets. This ongoing streak suggests that institutional and retail investors remain committed to Bitcoin as a long-term asset, viewing it as a hedge or diversification play even amid uncertainty.

Industry analysts credit this optimism to continued interest in regulated crypto investment vehicles, as well as the broader market’s growing maturity. Even with risk-averse behavior rising globally, crypto appears to be holding a steady course—at least for now.

TAC Raises $11.5M to Bring DeFi to Telegram’s Massive Audience

In one of the most eye-catching developments this week, TAC, a rising decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol, secured $11.5 million in funding. Its mission? To integrate DeFi tools directly into Telegram, which boasts over 1 billion global users.

The project aims to make decentralized trading, lending, and yield farming accessible through Telegram’s familiar chat interface. If successful, TAC could open the doors for mainstream crypto use, especially in regions where banking infrastructure is weak but mobile internet use is high.

“TAC’s approach merges daily communication with decentralized finance,” said tech strategist Mira Han. “This could be a game changer in onboarding the next wave of users into Web3.”

Ohio Passes Tax-Friendly Bill for Small Crypto Transactions

In the U.S., Ohio’s House of Representatives has passed a crypto-friendly bill that exempts transactions under $200 from capital gains tax. If signed into law, this would make small-scale crypto payments—such as buying coffee with Bitcoin—more practical and tax-efficient for users.

Currently, most countries treat crypto as property, requiring capital gains tax reporting on even minor purchases. Ohio’s bill challenges this, positioning the state as a progressive crypto hub.

The move has already caught the attention of entrepreneurs and developers seeking a more innovation-friendly legal climate. “It’s small, but symbolic,” said policy expert Jonathan Reyes. “And it could inspire other states to follow suit.”

Mantle Unveils UR: The First Fully Blockchain-Based Neobank

In fintech news, Mantle has launched UR, which it claims is the world’s first fully blockchain-based neobank. This means everything from customer onboarding to transactions, savings, and even credit scoring is done on-chain, ensuring transparency and eliminating middlemen.

UR aims to offer global financial access, especially in unbanked regions. Its launch comes at a time when demand for decentralized financial solutions is growing, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial users seeking alternatives to traditional banks.

Dubai’s Crypto Regulator Sets Final Compliance Deadline

Meanwhile, Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has given crypto firms until June 19 to fully comply with its updated regulatory rulebooks. These new rules include stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols, enhanced custody standards, and broader reporting obligations.

Dubai continues to position itself as a global crypto capital—but with firm guardrails. The compliance deadline is part of a larger push to attract serious players while weeding out bad actors.

Failure to meet the requirements could lead to fines or operational suspension, officials warned.