Stablecoin Market Sees $4B Inflows Post-GENIUS Act as Bitcoin ETF Plans Face Regulatory Hurdles in South Korea

• The stablecoin market experiences a significant surge with $4 billion inflows following the GENIUS Act, underscoring increased institutional engagement in digital currencies.

• Christie’s International Real Estate launches a dedicated crypto division, marking a pivotal step in integrating cryptocurrency with luxury property transactions.

• South Korean asset managers withdraw Bitcoin ETF proposals amid regulatory resistance, reflecting cautious approaches in crypto investment strategies.

Stablecoin inflows hit $4B post-GENIUS Act; Christie’s embraces crypto real estate; South Korean firms retreat from Bitcoin ETFs amid regulatory challenges.

Stablecoin Market Sees $4 Billion Capital Inflow After GENIUS Act

The passage of the GENIUS Act has catalyzed a remarkable influx of $4 billion into the stablecoin market within just one week, as reported by DeFiLlama. This surge pushed the total stablecoin market capitalization beyond $264 billion, marking a 26.9% growth since January. The legislation has provided clearer regulatory frameworks, encouraging institutional players to increase their exposure to digital assets.

Notably, Anchorage Digital’s collaboration with Ethena Labs to launch the federally compliant USDtb stablecoin, alongside WisdomTree’s introduction of USDW, highlights a strategic pivot towards institutional-grade stablecoins. Furthermore, banking giants such as Bank of America, JPMorgan, and Citigroup have publicly acknowledged their initiatives to develop dollar-pegged stablecoins, signaling a broader acceptance and integration of these digital currencies within traditional finance.

Christie’s International Real Estate Embraces Cryptocurrency with New Division

Christie’s International Real Estate has officially launched its first dedicated crypto division, a strategic move that reflects growing acceptance of cryptocurrency in luxury real estate transactions. The division comprises specialized legal, analytical, and crypto expertise teams, spearheaded by CEO Aaron Kirman, who has successfully closed multiple high-value deals using digital currencies.

This initiative follows a landmark $65 million Beverly Hills property sale conducted entirely in cryptocurrency, with Kirman’s portfolio now exceeding $1 billion in crypto-accepting properties. High-profile listings such as the $118 million La Fin mansion and the $17.95 million Invisible House underscore the division’s focus on premium assets.

Regulatory advancements, including the GENIUS Act and the Clarity Act, have further facilitated this integration by providing clearer guidelines and protections for crypto transactions in real estate. Additionally, institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now recognize cryptocurrency holdings in mortgage applications, enhancing the legitimacy of digital assets in property financing.

Kirman projects that cryptocurrency could account for up to one-third of residential real estate transactions within the next five years, driven by benefits such as enhanced buyer anonymity and streamlined cross-border payments.

South Korean Asset Managers Withdraw Bitcoin ETF Plans Amid Regulatory Concerns

Leading South Korean asset management firms, including Samsung Asset Management, Mirae Asset Global Investments, and KB Asset Management, have voluntarily withdrawn their Bitcoin ETF proposals after encountering regulatory resistance. These firms had sought to leverage innovation finance exemptions to launch Bitcoin-focused allocation funds, aiming to pioneer crypto investment products within the country’s financial ecosystem.

However, existing capital market regulations prohibit cryptocurrencies as underlying assets for funds, and financial authorities expressed concerns during preliminary consultations. This feedback prompted the firms to retract their proposals, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework before proceeding.

Industry insiders suggest that these initial attempts were designed to set precedents for future crypto ETF approvals. The regulatory environment remains cautious, with authorities prioritizing procedural integrity amid ongoing legislative efforts such as the Digital Asset Innovation Act. Market participants anticipate that formal crypto ETF launches may materialize following legislative clarity, potentially by mid-2025.

Injective Protocol Advances Institutional Blockchain Adoption with Tokenized Equity

Injective Protocol has introduced its Digital Asset Treasury (DAT) platform, marking a significant advancement in institutional blockchain adoption by tokenizing equity stakes of Ethereum investment firm SharkLink Gaming. The tokenized shares, trading under the symbol $SBET, operate on Injective’s decentralized infrastructure, enabling real-time, 24/7 trading.

SharkLink Gaming, recognized as the world’s second-largest corporate Ethereum holder, exemplifies the growing convergence of traditional equity markets and decentralized finance (DeFi). Unlike conventional asset wrapping, Injective’s DAT platform integrates governance rights and multi-chain liquidity, enhancing both functionality and market accessibility.

This innovation sets new liquidity standards for equity-backed digital assets and exemplifies the practical application of blockchain technology in bridging traditional finance and DeFi ecosystems.

Conclusion

The recent developments across stablecoins, real estate, and institutional blockchain adoption illustrate a maturing crypto landscape shaped by regulatory progress and strategic corporate initiatives. The $4 billion stablecoin inflow post-GENIUS Act highlights growing institutional confidence, while Christie’s crypto real estate division signals expanding use cases for digital currencies. Conversely, South Korean asset managers’ cautious withdrawal from Bitcoin ETF plans underscores the importance of regulatory clarity. Injective’s pioneering tokenization of equity stakes further demonstrates the potential for blockchain to transform traditional financial instruments. Together, these trends suggest a dynamic yet measured evolution of the crypto market, inviting stakeholders to stay informed and engaged as regulatory frameworks and technological innovations continue to unfold.