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Ripple secures EU MiCA license; Strategy sells Bitcoin; wallet vulnerability disclosed

Created at 7 Jul · 4:10 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Ripple has obtained a full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license to offer regulated services across Europe. Meanwhile, Michael Saylor's Strategy sold 3,588 Bitcoin for $216 million to fund dividends. Separately, a wallet vulnerability dubbed 'Ill Bloom' may have exposed thousands of users to theft.

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Key Numbers

75+Ripple's global regulatory licenses
280Licensed crypto service providers in the EU
3,588Bitcoin sold by Strategy
$216 millionProceeds from Strategy's Bitcoin sale
843,775Strategy's remaining Bitcoin holdings
$2.55 billionStrategy's US dollar reserve
$5 millionEstimated funds drained due to 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability

Who's Involved

Ripple
Secured full MiCA license for European crypto services
Strategy
Sold 3,588 Bitcoin to fund dividends
Michael Saylor
Founder of Strategy, which sold Bitcoin
Coinspect
Blockchain security research firm that disclosed 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability
Luxembourg's financial regulator
Granted Ripple its full MiCA license
European Securities and Markets Authority
Lists licensed crypto service providers in the EU

↳ Why This Matters

These developments highlight the evolving regulatory landscape in Europe with Ripple's MiCA license, corporate treasury management strategies involving Bitcoin, and ongoing security risks within the cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Key facts

  • Ripple has received a full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license from Luxembourg's financial regulator.
  • The license allows Ripple to offer regulated crypto services throughout the European Economic Area.
  • Strategy sold 3,588 Bitcoin for $216 million to fund dividend payments.
  • Strategy's Bitcoin holdings have decreased to 843,775 BTC following the sale.
  • A vulnerability known as 'Ill Bloom' affects thousands of crypto wallets across multiple blockchains.
  • The 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability is linked to weak randomness in recovery phrase generation on certain software wallets.

Ripple has successfully obtained a full Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license, enabling it to offer regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area. The authorization from Luxembourg's financial regulator completes Ripple's licensing process in the region and positions it among a select group of companies with full MiCA approval.

In a separate development, Strategy announced the sale of 3,588 Bitcoin for $216 million. The company stated the sale was to fund preferred stock dividend payments and maintain its cash reserves, which remain at $2.55 billion. This marks Strategy's first reported Bitcoin sale since a tax-loss transaction in 2022.

Meanwhile, blockchain security researchers at Coinspect have disclosed a vulnerability named 'Ill Bloom,' which could put thousands of crypto wallets at risk of theft. The exploit stems from the use of weak randomness in recovery phrase generation on certain software wallets, impacting various blockchains including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, Rootstock, Tron, and Solana. At least $5 million has reportedly been drained from affected wallets since May 27.

Frequently asked questions

The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework is a comprehensive regulatory regime in the European Union designed to govern crypto-asset service providers and issuers.

Strategy sold Bitcoin to fund preferred stock dividend payments and replenish its cash reserves, as part of a newly established capital framework.

The 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability is an exploit related to weak randomness in recovery phrase generation on certain software wallets, potentially exposing users' funds to theft.

What Happens Next

01Other crypto companies are expected to seek or finalize MiCA authorization.
02Further details on the 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability and affected wallets may be disclosed.
03Strategy's future Bitcoin transactions will be monitored.

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Cadence

How It Developed

Ripple secured a full MiCA license to operate across the European Economic Area.
Strategy sold 3,588 Bitcoin for $216 million to fund preferred stock dividends.
A wallet vulnerability named 'Ill Bloom' was disclosed, potentially exposing thousands of crypto users.
The 'Ill Bloom' vulnerability impacts wallets across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, Rootstock, Tron, and Solana.
At least $5 million has been drained from exposed wallets since May 27 due to the vulnerability.

Sources

T1
Here’s what happened in crypto todayCointelegraph

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