US Bitcoin ETFs first anniversary: A surge far above expectations  

Banking giant Morgan Stanley reportedly plans to list cryptocurrencies on its E*Trade investment brokerage and trading platform.According to a May 1 Bloomberg report, the firm intends to list crypto assets on E*Trade in 2026. The plan is still in early development, and the bank is said to be exploring partnerships with established crypto firms to power the service. Internal discussions about cryptocurrency support reportedly began in late 2024.E*Trade homepage. Source: E*TradeThis would not be Morgan Stanley’s first exposure to digital assets. The bank’s wealthiest clients have had access to crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and futures for some time, with the firm’s advisers allowed to pitch Bitcoin ETFs since August 2024.Related: Morgan Stanley to explore crypto offerings for clients — CEORegulatory tailwinds push crypto forwardThe news follows previous reports that Morgan Stanley was considering adding cryptocurrency trading to its E*Trade online brokerage platform in early January. The reports at the time cited the expectations of a friendlier crypto regulatory environment.The move comes amid an increasingly favorable regulatory environment in the United States following the election of President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a pro-crypto platform and is personally involved in several blockchain ventures. Related: Morgan Stanley discloses $188M in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF holdingsThe first 30 days of the Trump administration brought significant changes to the local crypto industry. More recently, US crypto proponents have shown optimism following the swearing-in of pro-crypto Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Paul Atkins.The SEC had significantly changed its stance even before Atkins took office. In late February, the agency had already paused multiple cryptocurrency enforcement cases with imminent deadlines.This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.Magazine: ZK-proofs are bringing smart contracts to Bitcoin — BitcoinOS and Starknet

Abu Dhabi-based investment firm MGX will be tapping a US President Donald Trump-related stablecoin to settle its $2 billion investment into Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.The World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) US dollar-pegged stablecoin was launched by the Trump-linked World Liberty Financial (WLFI) crypto platform in March 2025.MGX will use the USD1 stablecoin for its $2 billion investment into Binance exchange, announced Eric Trump, the son of the US president and the executive vice president of the Trump Organization, during a panel discussion at Token 2049 Dubai.Source: CointelegraphMGX announced its $2 billion stablecoin investment into Binance on March 12, marking the first institutional investment in the exchange and potentially the biggest funding deal in the entire Web3 industry.At the time, Binance declined Cointelegraph’s request to disclose what stablecoin was used in the transaction.  This marks the Abu Dhabi-based investment firm’s first venture into the cryptocurrency space.Related: Trump turned crypto from ‘oppressed industry’ to ‘centerpiece’ of US strategy

North Carolina’s House of Representatives has passed a bill allowing the state’s treasurer to invest public funds in approved cryptocurrencies, which will now head to the Senate.The House passed the Digital Assets Investment Act, or House Bill 92, on its third reading on April 30 by a vote of 71 to 44.Republican House Speaker Destin Hall introduced the bill in February, which would allow the treasurer to allocate 5% of the state’s investments into designated digital assets.The investments can only be made after obtaining an independent third-party assessment confirming that the crypto holdings are maintained with a secure custody solution and risk oversight and regulatory compliance standards are met. New amendments allow the treasurer to examine the feasibility of allowing members of retirement and deferred compensation plans to elect to invest in digital assets held as exchange-traded products (ETPs).The House also passed a related bill, the State Investment Modernization Act, or HB 506, with little discussion on April 30, in a 110 to 3 vote.The bill aims to create the North Carolina Investment Authority (NCIA) to take over investment management from the treasurer.If passed into law, authority to invest in digital assets would transfer from the treasurer to NICA, and it would require approval from its board of directors based on third-party assessments to make crypto investments.Local news outlet NC Newsline reported that Treasurer Brad Briner supports both bills.Crypto legislation race. Source: Bitcoin LawsArizona leads the crypto bill raceNorth Carolina is second to Arizona in the state-level race to approve legislation allowing local governments to invest in cryptocurrencies. Related: New Hampshire Bitcoin reserve bill heads to full Senate voteOn April 28, Arizona’s House approved two bills, SB 1025 and SB 1373, proposing different methods for the state to establish a crypto reserve.Arizona is the only state whose House and Senate have passed crypto-related bills, which are both awaiting Governor Katie Hobbs’ decision.Magazine: ZK-proofs unlock trillions in Bitcoin for DeFi — BitcoinOS and Starknet