White House adviser: Cryptocurrency bill is "very close" to passage

The post UK Looks to US to Adopt More Crypto-Friendly Approach appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The UK and US are reportedly preparing to deepen cooperation on digital assets, with Britain looking to copy the Trump administration’s crypto-friendly stance in a bid to boost innovation.  UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed on Tuesday how the two nations could strengthen their coordination on crypto, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.  The discussions also involved representatives from crypto companies, including Coinbase, Circle Internet Group and Ripple, with executives from the Bank of America, Barclays and Citi also attending, according to the report. The agreement was made “last-minute” after crypto advocacy groups urged the UK government on Thursday to adopt a more open stance toward the industry, claiming its cautious approach to the sector has left the country lagging in innovation and policy.  Source: Rachel Reeves Deal to include stablecoins, look to unlock adoption Any deal between the countries is likely to include stablecoins, the Financial Times reported, an area of crypto that US President Donald Trump made a policy priority and in which his family has significant business interests. The Financial Times reported on Monday that UK crypto advocacy groups also slammed the Bank of England’s proposal to limit individual stablecoin holdings to between 10,000 British pounds ($13,650) and 20,000 pounds ($27,300), claiming it would be difficult and expensive to implement. UK banks appear to have slowed adoption too, with around 40% of 2,000 recently surveyed crypto investors saying that their banks had either blocked or delayed a payment to a crypto provider.  Many of these actions have been linked to concerns over volatility, fraud and scams. The UK has made some progress on crypto regulation recently, proposing a framework in May that would see crypto exchanges, dealers, and agents treated similarly to traditional finance firms, with…

Ethereum’s (ETH) rally has no signs of letting up as analysts eye a climb to $10,000. However, attention is not only drawn to ETH. Mutuum Finance (MUTM), a recent entrant into decentralized finance (DeFi), is drawing attention for its lending and borrowing protocol that offers real-world utility within an increasingly crowded market.  Mutuum Finance is […]

By David Unyime Nkanta Compiled by: TechFlow The Pokémon trading card game is extremely popular around the world, especially in Japan. These cards are very valuable, especially the rare ones. (Image source: Twitter / FADA Pack Magic @FadaPackMagic) Pokémon trading cards have gone from amusement park items to one of the world's hottest alternative investments. According to data from analytics firm Card Ladder, the Pokémon card market has grown 3,821% in value since 2004, far outpacing the S&P 500's 483% increase and Meta Platforms' 1,844% growth. From hobby to high-yield asset Pokémon trading cards, launched by Nintendo in 1996, have become a popular investment, traded across platforms including eBay, TCGplayer, and international expos. The market has seen explosive growth during the pandemic, as stimulus policies and lockdowns have driven collectors toward alternative assets. For some, the investment has yielded life-changing returns. Lucas Shaw, a 27-year-old account manager in Ohio, said the profits from selling the cards helped him pay for his wedding rings and celebrations. Similarly, Justin Wilson, a 32-year-old advertising manager in Oklahoma City, estimates the total value of his collection of 500 cards and 100 sealed items at about $100,000. He considers Pokémon cards part of his investment portfolio, alongside his Roth IRA and securities accounts. The appeal of Pokémon cards lies not only in financial gain but also in their emotional resonance. "You have to collect them all," Wilson said, referencing the series's classic slogan. For many, the cards represent both childhood nostalgia and speculative opportunity. Where does the value of rare Pokémon cards come from? A classic Poké Ball toy with matching Pokémon trading cards. Zapdos, Ninetales, and a trainer card are clearly visible. Image credit: Thimo Pedersen/Unsplash Unlike stocks, Pokémon cards don't generate dividends; their value depends on their rarity, condition, and cultural significance. Cards graded as perfect PSA 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) often fetch exorbitant prices. The most dramatic example occurred in 2022, when influencer Logan Paul purchased a near-perfect "Pikachu Illustrator" card for $5.3 million, setting a Guinness World Record for the most expensive Pokémon card ever sold privately. This event further ignited market interest and highlighted the speculative potential of high-level cards. Risks of the Pokémon Card Market Financial advisors warn against considering collectibles as the core of a portfolio. Card prices are extremely volatile, influenced by hype, media coverage, and collector sentiment. Counterfeit cards also remain a potential threat, with scams frequently occurring. Image source: Flickr/c0rnnibblets Still, the resilience of the Pokémon brand provides some stability to the market. Pokémon spans video games, movies, and merchandise, and unlike sports trading cards, the characters are immune to scandals, making them a safer investment for some collectors. The Future of Collectibles Investing The rapid rise of Pokémon cards reflects a broader shift in people's perception of value. As digital assets like Bitcoin face regulatory scrutiny and tech stocks undergo a market correction, tangible collectibles offer a nostalgic and potentially profitable haven. While the sustainability of its value remains uncertain, the 3,821% growth over the past 20 years has established Pokémon trading cards as the most vivid example of how a childhood hobby can transform into a multi-million dollar investment.