Token2049- The Talk of the Town

PLUS: Token2049 lights up Dubai, MicroStrategy plans $21B BTC buy, Morgan Stanley eyes crypto for E*Trade, stablecoins top $200B, and the U.S. cracks down on North Korean crypto scams.

Author

Michael Stinson
May 02, 2025

Happy Friday, Maestros!

Welcome to another edition of the Bitcoin Renaissance!

This week, Token2049 kicks off in Dubai, uniting builders and investors ahead of its next stop in Singapore. MicroStrategy plans to raise $21B for more BTC, Morgan Stanley explores crypto trading via E*Trade, stablecoin supply crosses $200B, and the U.S. investigates North Korea-linked crypto fraud.

We’re busy cooking and just drop some new APIs!

PS. Don’t forget to follow us on X here.

🚀 Featured Stories

The combined market capitalization of the five biggest stablecoins passed $200 billion for the first time, with USDC nearing a $60 billion market cap. The U.S. Treasury views stablecoins as instrumental in maintaining the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency.

Morgan Stanley is reportedly planning to add cryptocurrency trading to its E*Trade platform, allowing clients to trade Bitcoin and other digital assets. This move signifies a significant step toward mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies by traditional financial institutions.

Despite a $4.2 billion loss in Q1 2025, MicroStrategy has announced plans to raise $21 billion to purchase more Bitcoin. The company currently holds 551,000 BTC and remains committed to its Bitcoin investment strategy.

A criminal network linked to North Korea has allegedly stolen billions from Americans through online romance and investment scams involving cryptocurrencies. U.S. authorities are investigating and taking measures to prevent such fraudulent activities.

💡 Spotlight: TOKEN2049

TOKEN2049 stands as a cornerstone in the global cryptocurrency and blockchain event landscape. Renowned for convening industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts, it offers a platform where the future of Web3 is actively shaped. With events held in major financial hubs, TOKEN2049 provides unparalleled insights into the quickly evolving digital asset ecosystem.​

Key Features

  • Global Reach: Hosting events in cities like Singapore, Dubai, and London, TOKEN2049 attracts a diverse international audience, fostering cross-border collaborations.​

  • Thought Leadership: The conference features a lineup of influential speakers, including founders, investors, and policymakers, who share their visions and insights on the industry's trajectory.​

  • Innovation Showcase: Attendees gain exposure to cutting-edge projects and emerging technologies that are set to redefine the blockchain space.​

  • Networking Opportunities: TOKEN2049 facilitates meaningful connections among participants, encouraging partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Recent News

The ongoing TOKEN2049 event in Dubai has transformed the Madinat Jumeirah into a vibrant hub for the crypto community. With over 15,000 attendees from 4,000+ companies and 150+ countries, the conference features more than 200 speakers, including industry leaders like Pavel Durov (CEO, Telegram), Raoul Pal (Co-Founder and CEO, Real Vision), and Balaji Srinivasan (Founder, Investor, Author)

TOKEN2049 Week in Dubai offers over 500 side events, including workshops, networking sessions, and entertainment activities, providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities to connect and collaborate. Something for everyone.

The Future

Following the success of the Dubai event, TOKEN2049 is set to return to Singapore, taking place at the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Anticipated to welcome 20,000 attendees from over 150 countries, the conference will feature more than 300 speakers and 400 exhibitors. Maybe we’ll see you there!

Find out more here!

📣 Trending on X

MicroStrategy has filed with the SEC to sell up to $21 billion in Class A stock, signaling continued aggressive Bitcoin accumulation.

The Swiss National Bank has dismissed proposals to include Bitcoin in its currency reserves, citing concerns over the cryptocurrency's volatility and liquidity.

BlackRock's spot Bitcoin ETF purchased 3,730 BTC valued at $351.4M on May 1.

Charles Schwab CEO says the $7 trillion firm is "on a clear path" to launching Bitcoin and crypto trading services, stating "we have a very green light from regulators to enter crypto."