Today in Crypto: U.S. Approves Staking ETF, Kazakhstan to Launch Crypto Reserve, Metaplanet Buys $108M in Bitcoin

July 1, 2025 – CryptoChronicle

Today marks a major step forward for global crypto adoption, as three key developments unfold across the U.S., Central Asia, and Japan. A new U.S. crypto ETF will offer staking rewards to investors, Kazakhstan has announced plans to build a national crypto reserve, and Japan’s Metaplanet has made headlines with a major Bitcoin purchase.

🇺🇸 U.S. Launches First Staking ETF

In a first for the U.S. financial market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the VanEck Ethereum Yield ETF (VEYE). This new fund allows investors to earn staking rewards through Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network without having to hold or manage cryptocurrency directly.

“This opens the door for everyday investors to benefit from crypto yields through a familiar and regulated product,” said VanEck CEO Jan van Eck.

The ETF will start with Ethereum but may include other staking assets like Solana or Avalanche in the future. It’s a sign that traditional finance is continuing to integrate digital assets.

🇰🇿 Kazakhstan to Create National Crypto Reserve

Kazakhstan, one of the world’s leading Bitcoin mining nations, is now planning to build a state-owned cryptocurrency reserve, according to its central bank. The reserve will include Bitcoin and Ethereum, and may also feature the country’s upcoming digital currency.

“Our goal is to strengthen Kazakhstan’s financial resilience through digital asset diversification,” said central bank chairman Aibek Kusherbayev.

This move could position Kazakhstan as one of the first countries to hold cryptocurrencies as part of its national reserves, setting an example for other emerging economies.

🇯🇵 Metaplanet Buys $108M in Bitcoin

Tokyo-based investment company Metaplanet has purchased $108 million worth of Bitcoin, increasing its total holdings to more than 13,000 BTC. With this move, Metaplanet became the fifth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.

“This is part of our long-term strategy to protect value in an uncertain economic environment,” said CEO Hiroshi Nakamura. The company’s stock surged 19% following the announcement.

A New Chapter for Crypto

With traditional finance entering crypto staking, nations adopting Bitcoin into their reserves, and corporations treating it as a core asset, it’s clear that crypto is becoming a more serious part of the global financial system.

This may just be the beginning of the next phase in digital asset adoption.