Daily Brief: October 5, 2025
Coinbase, Bitcoin ETF Boost, Walmart's Crypto Move
TL;DR: Coinbase is seeking a National Trust Charter to merge crypto with traditional finance more efficiently, mirroring moves by other firms like Circle and Ripple. Bitcoin ETFs have gained $3.2 billion in inflows, driven by optimism surrounding potential interest rate cuts and forecasts of Bitcoin price increases. Meanwhile, Walmart's OnePay app plans to launch crypto trading by 2025, aiming to simplify digital currency transactions for its vast customer base, signaling a shift towards mainstream crypto adoption.
🏦 Coinbase Pursues National Trust Charter
Coinbase is pursuing a National Trust Company Charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). This step aims to bridge cryptocurrency with traditional finance, enabling Coinbase to manage assets and payment services more independently. With this charter, Coinbase could reduce its reliance on partner banks, offering more streamlined services under clearer regulatory oversight.
Even with this application, Coinbase maintains it does not intend to become a bank. Instead, the company seeks federal oversight to boost operational efficiency and credibility. This move is part of a larger trend among crypto firms like Circle and Ripple, which are also pursuing similar charters to simplify compliance and attract institutional investors.
Coinbase's application reflects the industry's shift towards federal regulation following new stablecoin laws. The charter would enable Coinbase to offer more payment and trust-based financial products beyond just custody services. This development highlights the crypto sector's maturation and its readiness to integrate with traditional financial systems, potentially enhancing consumer protections.
Why it matters: Obtaining a National Trust Charter would allow Coinbase to operate with greater regulatory clarity, facilitating smoother integration between crypto and traditional finance, essential for mainstream adoption and innovation.
📈 Bitcoin ETFs Surge with $3.2B Inflows, Eyeing Q4 Rally
Bitcoin ETFs have seen an impressive $3.24 billion in inflows, marking the second-best week on record. This surge is fueled by expectations of a US interest rate cut, which has pushed Bitcoin's price above $120,000. Analysts believe this momentum could drive Bitcoin towards its all-time high of $150,000 by the end of 2025.
October is traditionally a strong month for Bitcoin, and this year is no different. The inflows into Bitcoin ETFs are viewed as a key sentiment indicator, suggesting a potential breakout in the fourth quarter. With major economic events on the horizon, like Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech, the market is set for significant movement.
Major financial institutions are optimistic about Bitcoin's future. Forecasts from JPMorgan, Standard Chartered, and Citigroup predict prices between $132,000 and $200,000 by year-end. This optimism underscores the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin as a strategic asset amid economic uncertainties.
Why it matters: The surge in Bitcoin ETF inflows and bullish forecasts from major banks reflect growing confidence in Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, signaling increased mainstream adoption and potential price growth.
🚀 Walmart's OnePay to Launch Crypto Trading
Walmart's fintech arm, OnePay, is preparing to launch Bitcoin and Ethereum trading within its mobile app by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to make cryptocurrency transactions as straightforward as using a gift card, targeting over 150 million weekly Walmart shoppers. By partnering with Zerohash for secure trading and custody services, OnePay is set to challenge existing platforms like PayPal and Cash App.
This move is a significant step toward mainstream crypto adoption, integrating digital currencies into a widely-used retail app. Walmart emphasizes security and regulatory compliance, incorporating features like KYC and multi-factor authentication. This development is expected to disrupt traditional financial services, prompting competitors to enhance their crypto offerings.
OnePay's strategy includes tapping into Walmart's vast customer base while maintaining its appeal as an independent financial service. The app already offers savings accounts, debit/credit cards, and payment options, aiming to become a comprehensive digital finance platform. This rollout reflects a growing trend among fintech apps to integrate cryptocurrencies, broadening access for everyday consumers.
Why it matters: By integrating cryptocurrency trading into a mainstream app, OnePay could significantly increase consumer access to digital assets, accelerating crypto adoption and reshaping financial services.
