Fitness / Motivation / Technology & A.I / Crypto
Welcome to Edition 106 of the Powerbuilding Digital Newsletter
Your weekly guide for strength, innovation, and mindset. Whether you’re looking to level up your fitness, stay on top of the latest technology, or explore new trends in finance, this space is here to keep you informed and motivated.
In true Powerbuilding style, we break it down into four key areas—each supporting your growth and helping you stay ahead:
Fitness Insights & Strategies
This week’s focus: []. We’ll be exploring essential approaches that can help enhance your training regimen and improve overall results.
Motivation & Mindset
Building a resilient mindset is crucial to achieving success. This section highlights strategies to stay mentally strong, maintain focus, and push forward even when faced with challenges.
AI & Technology Updates
AI and technology are transforming industries every day. In this section, we dive into the latest advancements, trends, and tools that are shaping our digital future.
Crypto & Blockchain Use Cases
Forget the hype and focus on the facts. In this section, we explore the real-world applications of blockchain and crypto, examining how they are reshaping industries like finance, supply chains, and digital asset management.
Edition 106 is a reminder: progress is built on consistency and informed decisions. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue building momentum. Let’s dive in!
Fitness
How to Get the Most Out of Every Rep With Intentional Training
Ever leave the gym feeling like you “did a lot” but didn’t really make progress? The problem may not be your workout plan—it might be how you’re executing it.
Intentional training isn’t about doing more sets, lifting heavier weights, or exhausting yourself until failure every time. It’s about maximizing the quality of every rep so you get the highest return on your time and effort.
What Is Intentional Training?
Intentional training means every rep has a purpose—you’re fully engaged physically and mentally. Instead of rushing through movements, you focus on execution, form, and connection with the muscles you’re targeting.
Think of it as the difference between moving weight and training a muscle.
Why Training With Intent Beats Going Through the Motions
A 2018 Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research study found that lifters using focused mental engagement had greater muscle activation compared to those simply performing the movement.
Training with intent helps you:
- Maximize muscle fiber recruitment
- Reduce injury risk
- Improve technique
- See better results in less time
The Science Behind Rep Quality
Muscle growth (hypertrophy) and strength gains depend on mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress—all of which increase when you slow down, focus on control, and apply full range of motion.
Neurophysiologically, activating the motor cortex through conscious engagement sends stronger neural signals to muscle fibers, leading to better contraction quality.
Step 1: Start With a Clear Training Goal
Before you even touch a weight, ask:
- Am I training for strength?
- Am I training for muscle size?
- Am I training for endurance?
Your rep speed, load, and volume should all align with your goal.
Step 2: Dial In Your Form and Mechanics
Perfect form doesn’t just look good—it ensures you’re working the intended muscles without unnecessary strain.
Common Form Mistakes to Avoid
- Bouncing weights off your chest
- Using momentum instead of controlled movement
- Half-repping to lift heavier than you can control
How Proper Alignment Boosts Gains
When your joints are stacked correctly and your body is aligned, you transfer more force directly to the target muscles.
Step 3: Master the Mind-Muscle Connection
The mind-muscle connection (MMC) is about consciously contracting and feeling the target muscle work.
How to improve MMC:
- Visualize the muscle shortening and lengthening
- Lighten the load until you can feel the contraction
- Place a hand on the working muscle for feedback
Step 4: Control Your Tempo
The tempo of a rep—how long you take to lift, hold, and lower the weight—determines muscle tension.
The Power of the Eccentric Phase
The lowering phase causes more muscle damage and adaptation. A 3–5 second eccentric can boost gains significantly.
When to Use Explosive Contractions
For strength or power goals, lift explosively while still controlling the weight.
Step 5: Optimize Range of Motion
Partial reps have their place, but most lifters shortchange themselves by not using a full range of motion (ROM).
Full ROM benefits:
- Greater muscle activation
- Better mobility
- More joint stability
Step 6: Apply Progressive Overload With Purpose
Progressive overload doesn’t always mean more weight—it can mean:
- Slowing tempo
- Increasing reps at the same weight
- Adding pauses at peak contraction
Step 7: Use Breathing to Power Your Lifts
Breathing isn’t just survival—it’s performance.
- Strength lifts: Use the Valsalva maneuver (inhale, brace, exhale at the top).
- Endurance or hypertrophy: Steady breathing to maintain control.
Step 8: Minimize Distractions in the Gym
Your phone is the enemy of intentional training. Set it to airplane mode, prepare your playlist in advance, and keep your focus on execution.
Step 9: Track Your Training Metrics
Log sets, reps, tempo, rest times, and how each set felt. Tracking lets you see patterns and avoid wasted effort.
Step 10: Train for Recovery as Much as Performance
Recovery isn’t passive—it’s active training. Prioritize:
- Sleep (7–9 hours)
- Nutrition aligned with goals
- Mobility and stretching
Common Myths About “Training Hard” vs. “Training Smart”
- Myth: “Heavier is always better.”
Truth: Quality trumps load when it comes to muscle activation. - Myth: “Failure every set builds more muscle.”
Truth: Strategic failure works—constant failure burns you out.
Building an Intentional Training Mindset Outside the Gym
Intentionality is a skill you can train. Practice it in daily life:
- Be present in conversations
- Focus on posture while sitting or walking
- Approach meals with mindfulness
Make Every Rep Count
Your body doesn’t know how many reps you did—it only knows the quality of the stimulus you give it. When you train with purpose, each set becomes a step toward your goal rather than just time spent in the gym.
Intentional training is the bridge between average results and exceptional progress.
Motivation
How to Protect Your Peace in a World That Won’t Slow Down
We live in an age of constant notifications, never-ending to-do lists, and a culture that glorifies “busy” as if it’s the ultimate badge of honor. But here’s the truth: peace doesn’t just happen—it’s something you must actively protect.
If you don’t set the terms of your mental and emotional space, the world will do it for you. And in a world that won’t slow down, that means you’ll constantly feel drained, distracted, and disconnected.
Why Protecting Your Peace Is Non-Negotiable
When your inner world is calm, you:
- Think more clearly and make better decisions
- Handle stress without burning out
- Have more energy for what actually matters
- Build stronger, healthier relationships
Chronic stress—without intentional peacekeeping—has been linked to anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and even cardiovascular disease (American Psychological Association).
Understanding the Sources of Mental Noise
Your peace isn’t just disrupted by major crises—it’s eroded by daily micro-stressors:
- Digital overload (constant pings, doomscrolling, news updates)
- Boundary violations (people overstepping your time or energy)
- Overcommitment (too many yes’s, not enough breathing room)
- Comparison traps (social media highlight reels)
Recognizing these sources is the first step toward reclaiming your mental space.
Step 1: Define What “Peace” Means to You
Peace is personal. For one person, it might mean a quiet home; for another, it’s freedom from unnecessary obligations.
Write down your personal definition of peace. This becomes your filter for decisions: “Does this choice support or steal my peace?”
Step 2: Set Boundaries Like Your Life Depends On It
Boundaries are not walls—they’re gates that protect what matters.
Digital Boundaries
- Limit notifications to essential apps
- Set “Do Not Disturb” windows
- Have tech-free zones (like the bedroom)
Personal Boundaries
- Be clear about what behaviors you will and won’t accept
- Use assertive, not aggressive, communication
Time Boundaries
- Time block your day for focused work, rest, and play
- Protect breaks as fiercely as meetings
Step 3: Practice Intentional Slowing
The world runs at 5x speed—you don’t have to.
- Eat meals without screens
- Drive in the slow lane occasionally
- Take a breath before responding to texts or emails
Slowing down interrupts the automatic rush and helps you move from reaction to choice.
Step 4: Simplify Your Commitments
Every “yes” is a “no” to something else.
Audit your calendar monthly:
- What commitments feel life-giving?
- What obligations cause dread?
Cut or delegate what doesn’t serve your peace.
Step 5: Audit Your Digital Consumption
Constant exposure to negative news and online drama hijacks your nervous system.
- Unfollow accounts that spark comparison or outrage
- Set specific times to check news or social media
- Replace digital clutter with uplifting content
Step 6: Master the Art of Saying “No” Without Guilt
“No” is not rejection—it’s protection.
Practice phrases like:
- “I’m at capacity right now.”
- “That’s not a fit for me at the moment.”
Confidence in “no” builds self-respect and keeps resentment at bay.
Step 7: Use Mindfulness to Create Inner Space
Mindfulness isn’t just meditation—it’s paying attention on purpose.
- Focus on your breath while washing dishes
- Notice your surroundings during walks
- Do one thing at a time without rushing
Even two minutes of mindfulness can reset your nervous system.
Step 8: Protect Your Physical Health to Protect Your Mental Health
Physical and mental peace are intertwined.
- Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep
- Eat balanced meals that support stable energy
- Move daily—yoga, walking, or strength training
A healthy body is less reactive to stress.
Step 9: Guard Your Energy by Choosing Your Company Wisely
You become like the people you spend the most time with.
Surround yourself with:
- Uplifters, not complainers
- People who respect your time
- Friends who celebrate your boundaries
Step 10: Build a Restorative Environment at Home
Your home should recharge you, not drain you.
- Declutter regularly
- Use calming scents like lavender
- Create a “quiet corner” for reading or reflection
Daily Practices That Strengthen Your Inner Calm
- Morning journaling
- Gratitude lists
- Nature exposure
- 5-minute breathwork breaks
- Evening digital detox
Tools and Apps That Support Peace of Mind
- Calm – guided meditations and sleep stories
- Forest – stay focused and off your phone
- Headspace – quick mindfulness sessions
- Daylio – track mood patterns
Common Myths About Peace and Productivity
- Myth: “Peace is laziness.”
Truth: Peace is the foundation for sustainable productivity. - Myth: “I’ll find peace when life slows down.”
Truth: You create peace now, regardless of life’s pace.
Living Peacefully in an Unpeaceful World
You don’t need the world to slow down for you to feel centered. By defining your version of peace, setting boundaries, and practicing intentional slowing, you can create an inner sanctuary that no amount of external chaos can touch.
Your peace is your responsibility—and your greatest power.
Technology & A.I
Scottish Researchers Develop AI-Powered “Smart Glasses” to Help the Hard of Hearing
Groundbreaking Lip-Reading Glasses Aim to Improve Hearing in Noisy Environments Using AI and 5G Technology
A team of Scottish scientists is developing AI-powered smart glasses capable of lip-reading in real time, aiming to help millions of people with hearing loss understand speech in crowded or noisy settings.
Led by Professor Mathini Sellathurai at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, the research project combines camera-enabled glasses, 5G connectivity, and cloud-based artificial intelligence to deliver clearer, more focused sound directly to hearing aids or headphones.
“We’re not trying to reinvent hearing aids — we’re trying to give them superpowers,” said Sellathurai.
“You simply point the camera or look at the person you want to hear. Even if two people are talking at once, the AI uses visual cues to extract the voice of the person you’re looking at.”
How the Technology Works
The smart glasses use built-in cameras to capture lip movements and facial cues. That video feed is then:
- Sent via smartphone and 5G to cloud servers, some located as far away as Stockholm.
- Processed by deep-learning AI, which isolates the voice of the speaker by translating their lip movements into text and matching them to audio signals.
- Returned to the user’s hearing device almost instantly as clean, intelligible audio.
Although some noise-cancellation tech already exists in hearing aids, these systems often struggle in complex environments — especially where multiple voices overlap or background noise is irregular. This AI-driven system aims to solve that challenge by focusing on who the user is looking at, not just what the microphones detect.
Prototype Progress and Industry Collaboration
The research is being conducted in collaboration with the Universities of Edinburgh, Napier, and Stirling. A working prototype of the glasses is expected to be ready next year, and the team is already in discussions with hearing aid manufacturers about potential partnerships.
To support the AI’s training, researchers have collected a wide range of environmental noise samples — from traffic to household appliances — ensuring robust performance in everyday settings.
“There’s a slight delay, since the sound travels to Sweden and back,” Sellathurai explained.
“But with 5G, it’s fast enough to feel instant.”
Use Cases Beyond Hearing Loss
While the primary goal is to help people who use hearing aids or who have severe hearing impairments, the researchers see broader potential for the technology.
“It could help anyone working in noisy environments — from oil rigs to hospital wards,” said Sellathurai.
Because the heavy processing happens in the cloud rather than on the glasses themselves, the hardware remains lightweight and cost-effective — a crucial step toward mass-market affordability.
Aiming to Break the Noise Barrier
The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and addresses a critical gap in hearing support: the inability of traditional hearing aids to handle noisy, real-world environments.
According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, more than 1.2 million adults in the UK experience hearing loss severe enough to make normal conversation difficult, and hearing aids alone often prove insufficient in crowded spaces.
“We want to break that barrier and help more people — especially children and older adults — access affordable, AI-powered hearing support,” said Sellathurai.
Final Outlook
As AI and wearable technology continue to evolve, smart glasses that lip-read could mark a transformative step in assistive hearing devices — bringing the power of real-time AI to people who need it most. With clinical testing underway and industry partnerships forming, this innovation could soon become a widely accessible tool for enhancing communication and inclusion.
GPT-5 Launches with Major Upgrades Across ChatGPT and Developer Tools
OpenAI’s Most Advanced Model Promises Smarter, Safer, and More Personalized AI Experiences
GPT-5 is here. OpenAI has officially launched its most powerful model yet, introducing sweeping improvements across the ChatGPT interface, the API, and developer infrastructure. This release marks a major leap forward in usability, performance, and trust — and it’s rolling out to all ChatGPT tiers, including Free, Plus, Pro, and Team, starting today.
Rather than choosing between models, GPT-5 introduces a unified system that automatically delivers the best version of ChatGPT for your query — no manual switching required.
Key Highlights of GPT-5
1. Smarter Reasoning and Fewer Hallucinations
GPT-5 introduces a significant boost in accuracy and contextual reasoning, especially in real-world tasks like writing, coding, and health-related queries.
2. Safe Completions and Transparent Boundaries
One of the most notable features is safe completions — a system that ensures responses stay within clear, responsible boundaries. If ChatGPT can’t provide an answer, it now explains why, offering greater transparency.
3. Personalization Features
OpenAI is making ChatGPT feel more like a personal assistant, introducing:
- Custom chat colors (available to paid users)
- Pre-set personalities, including Cynic, Robot, Listener, and Nerd
- Voice upgrades, with adaptive tone and broader access
- Upcoming Unified Voice Mode for all users
4. Integrated Productivity Tools
Pro users now get integrations with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Contacts, making ChatGPT a more functional hub for everyday tasks.
Major Developer Upgrades
Developers using the OpenAI platform get several key enhancements:
- Free-form function calling
- Verbosity control for tailored output
- 256K token context window, allowing far longer and more complex interactions
These updates expand GPT-5’s capabilities for building custom AI agents, coding assistants, and full-stack software generation tools.
What Early Leaks and GitHub Revealed
While OpenAI kept much under wraps, leaks from GitHub and other sources hinted at advanced “agentic capabilities” in GPT-5. A since-deleted GitHub blog post claimed GPT-5 could handle complex coding tasks with minimal prompting and even build apps from scratch.
That post also referenced four variants of GPT-5, potentially optimized for different use cases — though OpenAI has not officially confirmed those variants yet.
Rollout and Availability
GPT-5 is rolling out now across:
- Free and Plus plans (with usage limits)
- Pro and Team plans (with advanced features and integrations)
Users should expect progressive access throughout August, with new tools and interface features arriving in waves.
First Impressions and What’s Next
Early testers and developers report faster response times, more accurate answers, and better performance in coding, design, and health workflows. With live demos and community feedback pouring in, GPT-5 is shaping up to be a pivotal release that redefines what’s possible with AI.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a casual ChatGPT user, a productivity-focused professional, or a seasoned developer, GPT-5 represents one of the most important updates in AI this year. With its focus on intelligence, safety, and usability, OpenAI’s latest model could set a new standard for how humans interact with machines.
Stay tuned for more updates, deep dives into new features, and real-world applications as GPT-5 adoption accelerates.
MIT Uses AI to Discover New Antibiotics for Drug-Resistant Gonorrhea and MRSA
Researchers use generative AI to explore over 36 million novel compounds, uncovering powerful new candidates for antibiotic development
In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers at MIT have leveraged artificial intelligence to design entirely new antibiotics capable of killing two of the world’s most challenging drug-resistant bacteria: Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
The study, published in Cell, showcases how generative AI algorithms can explore vast areas of “chemical space” to discover new molecular structures with antimicrobial potential. The effort is part of the larger Antibiotics-AI Project, aimed at addressing the rising global crisis of antibiotic resistance.
“Our work shows the power of AI from a drug design standpoint,” said James Collins, the senior author of the study and Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering and Science at MIT. “It enables us to exploit much larger chemical spaces that were previously inaccessible.”
Why It Matters: A Global Health Crisis
Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to modern medicine. Drug-resistant infections cause nearly 5 million deaths per year, yet very few truly novel antibiotics have been developed in the past 45 years — and most are just modified versions of existing drugs.
This new research offers a radically different approach, using AI to invent new compounds rather than search through known ones.
Step 1: AI-Driven Discovery for Gonorrhea Treatment
Target: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
To find new antibiotics against the Gram-negative bacteria that causes gonorrhea, the team used machine learning models trained on existing data to analyze 45 million chemical fragments. They focused on discovering novel molecular structures unlike any existing antibiotics — and with no human toxicity.
After filtering, the researchers identified a promising fragment dubbed F1, then used two powerful generative AI tools:
- CReM (Chemically Reasonable Mutations) – creates variations of molecules by intelligently swapping atoms or functional groups.
- F-VAE (Fragment-Based Variational Autoencoder) – builds full molecules from fragments using learned chemical patterns.
Together, these tools generated 7 million F1-based candidates, of which one — NG1 — showed strong efficacy in both lab and mouse models of drug-resistant gonorrhea.
How It Works
NG1 appears to disrupt the synthesis of the outer membrane of N. gonorrhoeae by targeting a protein called LptA—a previously unexplored drug target.
Step 2: Unconstrained AI Design for MRSA
Target: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
In the second phase, the team applied the same AI models without constraints, generating 29 million theoretical molecules aimed at Gram-positive MRSA infections.
From these, they synthesized and tested 22 compounds. Six showed potent antibacterial activity, and one — DN1 — successfully cleared MRSA skin infections in mice.
These molecules work by disrupting bacterial membranes in a broader fashion, rather than targeting a single protein.
From Discovery to Development: What’s Next?
The most promising compounds, NG1 and DN1, are now being further developed by Phare Bio, a nonprofit partner of the Antibiotics-AI Project. Their goal is to refine the molecules through medicinal chemistry and advance them to preclinical trials.
“We’re also applying the same AI tools to tackle other dangerous pathogens like Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” said Collins.
Broader Implications for AI in Drug Development
This study highlights how AI can dramatically accelerate the discovery of novel antibiotics — especially for bacteria that are resistant to all known treatments.
It also underscores a new paradigm in drug development: exploring hypothetical chemical structures instead of limiting discovery to compounds that already exist in databases or libraries.
Funding and Support
This pioneering work was supported by a wide range of organizations, including:
- U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- The Audacious Project
- Flu Lab
- Sea Grape Foundation
- Wyss Foundation
- Anonymous donors
Final Thoughts
As antibiotic resistance surges and global pharmaceutical pipelines dry up, MIT’s AI-driven approach could revolutionize how we discover, test, and bring new medicines to market. By tapping into uncharted chemical spaces, researchers have opened the door to a new era of antimicrobial discovery — one where AI may hold the key to saving millions of lives.
Perplexity AI Eyes $20B Valuation Amid Bold $34.5B Bid for Google Chrome
AI-powered search startup could reshape the web as it challenges Google’s dominance with a surprise acquisition attempt
Perplexity AI, the rising star in AI search technology, is reportedly preparing for a fresh funding round that could value the company at a staggering $20 billion—just days after it made headlines with a $34.5 billion unsolicited offer to acquire Google Chrome.
This jaw-dropping move positions Perplexity not just as a competitor to Google, but as a potential disruptor of one of the most widely used web browsers on the planet.
From $520M to $20B in 18 Months: Perplexity’s Meteoric Rise
According to Business Insider, Perplexity’s target valuation is up from $18 billion in July 2025, marking a 3,746% increase from just $520 million in early 2024.
This funding round would help finance the Chrome acquisition, should a U.S. federal court ruling force Google to divest the browser amid ongoing antitrust proceedings.
The court is expected to decide in the coming days whether Google must relinquish control over Chrome to address concerns about its search engine monopoly.
OpenAI and Yahoo Also Reportedly Eyeing Chrome
Perplexity isn’t the only bidder with eyes on Chrome. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is also reportedly interested in buying the browser. Other names like Yahoo and Apollo Global Management have been floated as possible suitors.
If the acquisition goes through, it would not only shake up the browser market but also reshape the future of web search, where AI is playing an increasingly central role.
Why Chrome? Why Now?
The move comes at a time when AI is fundamentally altering how users search the web. Tools like ChatGPT and Google’s own Gemini model pull information directly from the internet, often citing sources in ways that mimic traditional search engines—but with added personalization and summarization.
In July 2025, OpenAI announced its plans to launch a dedicated web browser, a direct challenge to Chrome. Meanwhile, Perplexity has already released its AI-native browser, dubbed Comet, which integrates search, answers, and real-time data generation.
Acquiring Chrome would instantly grant Perplexity a massive user base and distribution network, putting it on equal footing with Google, at least in terms of reach.
Financials and Traction
Perplexity has rapidly built momentum, reaching:
- $80 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR)
- 22 million monthly active users
These numbers underscore how quickly AI-native platforms can scale—especially when backed by leading-edge technology and aggressive growth strategies.
Security in the Spotlight
The browser space has also become a battleground for cybersecurity. Google Chrome has been a frequent target for hackers, including a notable incident in October 2024, when North Korea’s Lazarus Group exploited a Chrome flaw in an NFT game to carry out attacks.
Earlier in 2024, another vulnerability in a Chrome plugin allowed cybercriminals to breach Binance accounts, spotlighting the urgent need for stronger browser security as AI-driven tools become more embedded in user activity.
What This Means for the Future of Search
The browser is the gateway to the internet. Whoever controls it holds the keys to how information is accessed, monetized, and now—interpreted through AI.
If Perplexity succeeds in its bid for Chrome, it could mark a historic shift in the power structure of the internet, redefining how billions of people interact with search engines, browsers, and information itself.
Whether or not the deal goes through, one thing is clear: the battle for AI dominance is spilling beyond models and into the fabric of the internet itself.
Crypto
Coinbase Acquires Deribit for $2.9B, Expanding Its Global Crypto Dominance
Coinbase has officially completed its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, the world’s largest crypto options exchange by volume. This move marks a major milestone in the company’s international expansion strategy and further strengthens its position as a one-stop shop for digital asset services.
Deribit Brings $1 Trillion in Volume and Institutional Loyalty
Deribit, which handled over $1 trillion in trading volume during 2024, boasts a loyal user base of institutional and high-level professional traders. By integrating Deribit’s capabilities, Coinbase adds crypto options trading to its robust portfolio—which already includes spot trading, perpetual futures, staking, prime brokerage, asset custody, and institutional lending services.
This acquisition reinforces Coinbase’s push to dominate multiple verticals in the evolving crypto ecosystem.
2025: A Busy Year of Acquisitions for Coinbase
Deribit is just one of five companies Coinbase has acquired in 2025 as it rapidly expands and diversifies. Other notable acquisitions this year include:
- Spindle – A blockchain-based advertising platform designed to boost creator visibility. Acquired in January.
- Roam – The team behind a blockchain-native web browser, acquired in January.
- Liquifi – A platform focused on managing early-stage token startups. Acquired in July.
Each of these deals reflects Coinbase’s strategic intent to control more of the crypto stack, from advertising and browsing to token lifecycle management.
The Crypto Exchange Race to Expand Services
Coinbase isn’t alone in widening its scope. Other leading exchanges are also venturing into new areas of digital finance:
- Kraken launched tokenized stock trading for non-U.S. customers in May and continues to offer services including crypto futures, OTC trading, staking, and custody solutions.
- Robinhood blurred the line between traditional and digital finance by introducing mixed-asset trading and a layer-2 blockchain for tokenized stock trading in Europe.
- Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, has steadily expanded through acquisitions of wallet providers, analytics platforms, exchanges, and blockchain development teams since 2018. It now offers options, futures, token launchpads, and a vast suite of institutional and retail services.
Coinbase’s Vision: A Full-Service Crypto Ecosystem
With Deribit under its belt, Coinbase is building a vertically integrated platform that services all facets of the crypto economy—from retail trading to sophisticated institutional derivatives. The company’s aggressive acquisition strategy positions it to lead the next phase of crypto adoption, both in the U.S. and internationally.
As regulatory clarity improves and competition intensifies, Coinbase is betting big on infrastructure, optionality, and access—offering users a comprehensive suite of tools to navigate the fast-moving world of digital finance.
Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and S&P Signal Major Push Into Crypto With Senior Hires
Traditional U.S. financial giants—including Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Standard & Poor’s Global—are ramping up recruitment for senior crypto-related roles, signaling a stronger commitment to digital asset integration. The move comes amid growing regulatory clarity in the U.S., opening the door for TradFi (traditional finance) to expand deeper into the Web3 space.
Schwab and Fidelity Build Out Crypto Teams
Charles Schwab, which manages over $10 trillion in assets, is currently hiring for two pivotal positions:
- Senior Product Manager: Crypto Trading
- Senior Product Manager: Onchain Experiences
These roles are reportedly tied to Schwab’s planned launch of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) spot trading services, with BTC trading expected to go live by April 2026, according to Cointelegraph.
Fidelity, another U.S. powerhouse managing $6.4 trillion in assets, is actively seeking a Crypto Technology Risk Analyst, reinforcing its long-term interest in digital asset infrastructure and security.
Wall Street and Tech Join the Web3 Talent Hunt
It’s not just Schwab and Fidelity. Other major players are making moves:
- Booz Allen Hamilton, a leading U.S. tech consulting firm, is hiring a Cryptocurrency Subject Matter Expert.
- Standard & Poor’s Global is looking for a Senior Analyst in Crypto and DeFi Research & Development, furthering its involvement in decentralized finance analytics.
These positions reflect a broader trend of traditional institutions adapting to the evolving digital economy and preparing to offer crypto-native products and services to their clients.
The Trump Administration’s Push for Crypto Regulation
The hiring surge coincides with increased efforts by the Trump administration to regulate digital assets and offer clearer policy direction. On July 18, President Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law—legislation aimed at regulating stablecoins and their issuers.
As a result, traditional financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have begun exploring new financial products tied to digital assets, including stablecoin-based instruments and tokenized securities.
The U.S. Senate is also expected to consider a market structure bill in September, which would define legal frameworks for digital assets, exchanges, and custody solutions—likely accelerating TradFi adoption of blockchain technologies.
Web3 Job Market Maturing Rapidly
According to a recent report from Web3.career, the job market in crypto is evolving quickly:
- Remote-first roles are declining, with most companies now preferring hybrid models to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- AI expertise is no longer optional. Many roles now require fluency in artificial intelligence tools for automation, analytics, or product development.
- Entry-level positions are shrinking, with crypto companies and TradFi alike showing a clear preference for senior-level candidates capable of navigating complex tech and regulatory landscapes.
- Geographic salary arbitrage remains common. Crypto jobs in emerging markets often pay higher than traditional jobs in the same region, especially in roles tied to engineering and cybersecurity.
What It Means
The line between traditional finance and crypto is blurring fast. As regulatory guardrails solidify, legacy institutions are moving from experimentation to execution—hiring, building, and preparing for large-scale Web3 integration.
If the Senate passes the upcoming crypto market structure bill, we could soon witness the most significant wave of TradFi crypto adoption to date—bringing digital assets to 401(k)s, wealth portfolios, and institutional finance at scale.
Google Backs TeraWulf’s $3.7B Data Center Deal in Landmark HPC and Crypto Infrastructure Partnership
In a major leap for Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing (HPC), TeraWulf has secured a strategic infrastructure partnership with Google, aligning two powerhouses at the intersection of digital assets and advanced cloud workloads.
Announced on August 14, the deal centers around co-location agreements with cloud infrastructure firm Fluidstack—a collaboration that could reshape the future of crypto mining, AI, and Web3 infrastructure.
Google to Back $1.8 Billion in Lease Obligations for Fluidstack
As part of the arrangement, Google will backstop $1.8 billion of Fluidstack’s lease obligations, effectively providing credit security for TeraWulf’s HPC expansion. This move helps secure project-related debt financing and affirms Google’s growing role in digital infrastructure and AI compute markets.
In return, Google receives warrants to acquire approximately 41 million shares of TeraWulf stock, which could equate to an 8% pro forma equity stake if fully exercised.
TeraWulf to Deliver 200+ MW of AI and HPC Power
This strategic alignment enables TeraWulf, a top U.S.-based Bitcoin miner and digital infrastructure provider, to activate two massive 10-year HPC colocation contracts with Fluidstack. The agreements are based at TeraWulf’s Lake Mariner data center campus, one of the largest domestic sites powered by renewable energy.
- Initial 10-year value: ~$3.7 billion
- Potential total value (with 2x 5-year extensions): ~$8.7 billion
Deployment is already underway, with 40 MW of IT capacity scheduled to go live in early 2026. The full 200+ MW is targeted to be operational by the end of 2026, signaling a rapid ramp-up in capacity.
Strategic Implications: Bitcoin Meets Cloud Compute
TeraWulf’s pivot into the HPC market—while still maintaining its Bitcoin mining operations—reflects a growing trend of digital asset infrastructure providers evolving into multi-service compute powerhouses.
With AI workloads, cloud rendering, and decentralized infrastructure demands surging, the ability to offer low-cost, renewable-powered compute at scale positions TeraWulf as a serious player beyond crypto.
This also positions Google as a significant backer of next-generation data center development, particularly at a time when demand for AI compute and sovereign digital infrastructure is at an all-time high.
Google Clarifies Crypto Wallet Policy Update on Play Store
In parallel with this announcement, Google Play has updated its crypto wallet policies for developers in over 15 jurisdictions, including the U.S. and EU. Starting October 29, all custodial crypto wallet apps must comply with local licensing laws:
- U.S. developers must register as money services businesses (MSBs) or money transmitters.
- EU developers must register as crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) under MiCA regulations.
The change initially created confusion, with some in the industry fearing that non-custodial wallets might be banned or restricted.
However, Google Cloud’s Head of Web3 Strategy, Rich Widmann, clarified:
“The policy was not intended to cover non-custodial wallets… The language lacked nuance, but we’re actively working with developers and protocols to support the ecosystem.”
What This Means for the Future of Crypto Infrastructure
This partnership between TeraWulf, Google, and Fluidstack isn’t just about Bitcoin or cloud storage—it’s a blueprint for how digital assets, AI, and big tech will converge over the next decade.
With TeraWulf set to power hundreds of megawatts of HPC demand—backed by one of the world’s most influential tech companies—the industry is witnessing a shift:
- From mining to multi-use infrastructure
- From regulatory tension to structured compliance
- From retail apps to global-scale partnerships
As crypto matures and AI accelerates, infrastructure will be the battleground—and TeraWulf’s $3.7 billion deal may be just the beginning.
Bitcoin Spot ETFs on Track to Hold Over 1.5 Million BTC by Year-End
Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are rapidly accumulating BTC and could surpass 1.5 million BTC in total holdings by December 2025, according to data tracked by WalletPilot. If this trend continues, ETF-held Bitcoin would exceed the widely cited estimates of lost coins, which are believed to total around 1.4 million BTC.
U.S. Spot ETFs Already Hold Nearly 6.5% of Bitcoin Supply
As of August 13, U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs collectively hold around 1.296 million BTC, which accounts for approximately 6.5% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply.
In the past 30 days, net inflows across all spot ETFs totaled 17,393 BTC, or an average of nearly 580 BTC per day. At this pace, funds would accumulate approximately 70,000 BTC by year-end, pushing total ETF holdings beyond the 1.5 million BTC threshold.
BlackRock’s IBIT Leads With Over 744,500 BTC Under Management
The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), managed by BlackRock, holds the largest share of Bitcoin among ETFs with about 744,500 BTC under management. This alone represents 3.3% of total circulating supply, and has been amassed since the fund launched in January 2024.
- IBIT’s monthly inflow rate: ~4,300 BTC/month
- Projected year-end holdings (if steady): ~874,500 BTC
This level of concentration highlights the growing influence of a handful of large issuers in shaping Bitcoin’s supply dynamics.
ETF Inflows Now Outpacing Bitcoin Mining Supply
The inflows into spot ETFs are also outpacing Bitcoin’s daily issuance, which sits at approximately 450 BTC per day following the April 2024 halving. This supply-demand imbalance is tightening the available float in secondary markets, contributing to upward price pressure.
- 30-day ETF net inflow: 17,393 BTC
- 30-day mining issuance estimate: 13,500 BTC
- ETF-to-mining ratio: ~1.29x
With ETFs absorbing more BTC than is being created, long-term scarcity is becoming a growing concern among market analysts.
Institutional Demand Driving Price to Record Highs
The rise in ETF demand has coincided with Bitcoin reaching all-time highs above $124,000, driven by optimism surrounding expected Federal Reserve rate cuts and renewed institutional interest in alternative stores of value.
Over the past year, spot ETFs have attracted more than $50 billion in assets under management (AUM)—a level of capital inflow that has brought Bitcoin further into mainstream finance.
Scenario Forecasts: 1.5M to 1.6M BTC Within Reach
If inflows remain flat, ETFs are likely to add at least 70,000 BTC by December. However, should flows accelerate to double the current pace—about 34,000 BTC per month—ETF holdings could reach or exceed 1.6 million BTC by year-end.
This would put ETF holdings:
- Above all known exchange balances
- Greater than Bitcoin’s estimated lost supply (~1.4M BTC)
Such concentration would intensify the impact of ETF activity on both price action and liquidity dynamics.
Structural Implications for Bitcoin’s Market Liquidity
While ETF growth enhances accessibility for institutional and retail investors alike, it also reshapes Bitcoin’s market structure:
- ETF-held BTC is not directly redeemable by retail holders, removing it from immediate circulation.
- Large-scale ETF rebalancing or outflows could exacerbate market volatility due to low exchange liquidity.
- Price discovery may become increasingly ETF-driven, especially during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty or regulatory changes.
Regulatory and Macro Risks Still in Play
While momentum favors continued ETF inflows, several downside risks could impact the trajectory:
- Macro shifts such as rising interest rates or geopolitical shocks
- Profit-taking from early ETF investors
- Regulatory adjustments, particularly around ETF redemption rules or digital asset classification
Upcoming legal decisions and potential adjustments to securities law may affect how ETFs operate and how Bitcoin is treated within portfolios.
ETFs Are Shaping the Future of Bitcoin’s Supply Dynamics
With just under five months left in 2025, Bitcoin spot ETFs are poised to cross 1.5 million BTC in holdings—a milestone that underscores the increasing role of regulated institutional vehicles in the crypto ecosystem.
As ETF participation deepens and supply becomes more constrained, price sensitivity to investor flows, macroeconomic signals, and regulatory clarity will likely intensify, further intertwining Bitcoin with broader financial markets.
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