The world of blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) is witnessing a wave of innovation and institutional integration. Major players like Robinhood, Circle, and Polygon Labs are making strategic moves that signal a deeper convergence between traditional finance and Web3. From tokenized stocks to new Layer 2 solutions and regulatory advancements, the real-world asset (RWA) and DeFi sectors are evolving rapidly.
On July 1, both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) saw declines of over 1%, marking a healthy correction following recent price surges. This market adjustment coincided with several high-impact developments: Robinhood announced plans to launch its own Layer 2 blockchain and expand tokenized stock trading in the EU; Circle filed for a U.S. national bank charter to enhance USDC’s institutional credibility; and Polygon Labs, in partnership with GSR, unveiled Katana—a DeFi-optimized Ethereum Layer 2 chain.
These moves reflect a broader trend: the financial ecosystem is increasingly embracing blockchain technology not just as a speculative tool, but as a foundational layer for future asset management, settlement, and ownership.
Market Overview: BTC and ETH Correct Amid Stable Macro Conditions
- **BTC (-1.30% | $106,810)**: After a strong upward trajectory, Bitcoin pulled back slightly, now finding solid support around $106,000. Trading volume remains steady, indicating confidence among long-term holders. On June 30, BTC ETFs attracted $102 million in inflows, led by BlackRock’s IBIT with $112 million, while ARKB saw an outflow of $10.2 million.
- **ETH (-1.77% | $2,455)**: Ethereum broke below the key $2,500 level on increased selling pressure. The next critical support lies at $2,420. Despite the dip, ETH ETFs recorded $31.8 million in net inflows, with Fidelity’s FETH contributing $25.7 million—signaling sustained institutional interest.
- Altcoins: The broader altcoin market is consolidating. The Fear & Greed Index stands at 63, reflecting neutral-to-optimistic sentiment.
- Macro Landscape: Traditional markets remained resilient. On July 1, the S&P 500 rose 0.52% to 6,204.95, the Dow Jones gained 0.63% to 44,094.77, and the Nasdaq added 0.48% to 20,369.73. Spot gold held steady at $3,331 per ounce, up 0.86% over 24 hours.
👉 Discover how emerging blockchain platforms are reshaping financial access and efficiency.
Rising Tokens to Watch
PROM Prometeus (+12.91%, Market Cap: $115M)
Currently trading at $6.27, PROM has surged 12.91% in the past day. As a core component of the Web3 gaming ecosystem, Prometeus focuses on NFT trading and leasing through smart contract-powered wallets. It offers a full suite of tools including NFT marketplaces, aggregation services, educational resources, analytics dashboards, decentralized exchanges for GameFi assets, and portfolio management solutions—making it easier for gamers and collectors to enter the blockchain space.
Despite no major technical updates recently, a bullish social media post on June 30—"Stay bullish next week"—sparked investor enthusiasm. Technically, PROM has achieved six consecutive green daily candles, demonstrating strong momentum. Key support rests between $5.40 and $5.50.
BCH Bitcoin Cash (+4.66%, Market Cap: $10.39B)
Trading at $524.50, Bitcoin Cash posted a solid 4.66% gain. Originating from a 2017 hard fork of Bitcoin via the Bitcoin ABC protocol developed by ViaBTC, BCH emphasizes on-chain scalability through larger block sizes, improved transaction signatures, and dynamic difficulty adjustments.
The recent breakout above the long-standing $520 resistance level—now acting as support—signals strong bullish momentum driven by technical strength rather than news events.
ALGO Algorand (+3.55%, Market Cap: $1.64B)
Priced at $0.189, ALGO rose 3.55% amid broader market rotation. Founded by Turing Award-winning cryptographer Silvio Micali, Algorand operates on a Pure Proof-of-Stake (PPoS) consensus mechanism that enables fast, secure, and scalable transactions without sacrificing decentralization.
While no recent project updates have been released, ALGO’s rise appears tied to market recovery dynamics after months of decline—from a 2025 peak near $0.40 down to $0.15 earlier this year.
Strategic Developments in Blockchain Infrastructure
Robinhood’s Move Into Tokenized Stocks and Layer 2
Robinhood has announced it will allow EU customers to trade tokenized U.S. stocks and ETFs on-chain—featuring zero commissions and direct dividend payouts within its app. These assets, branded as “Robinhood Stock Tokens,” represent fractional ownership of real equities backed by regulated custodians.
More significantly, Robinhood plans to migrate these tokens onto its own Layer 2 blockchain, named Robinhood Chain, which will be built using Arbitrum’s technology stack. This approach promises faster settlement times, lower fees, and seamless integration with existing financial products.
👉 See how tokenization is unlocking new investment opportunities across global markets.
This dual strategy—offering accessible stock tokens while building dedicated blockchain infrastructure—positions Robinhood at the forefront of RWA adoption. By leveraging Layer 2 efficiency and regulatory compliance, the platform could set a new standard for how traditional securities interact with decentralized networks.
Circle Seeks U.S. National Bank Charter for USDC Growth
In a landmark step toward institutional legitimacy, Circle has applied for a U.S. national bank charter under the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). If approved, the entity—tentatively named First National Digital Currency Bank, N.A.—would serve as the official custodian of USDC reserves and offer crypto custody services to institutional clients.
Although the charter won’t permit traditional banking functions like lending or deposit-taking, it would significantly boost trust in USDC’s reserve transparency and operational resilience. This move aligns with growing demand for compliant stablecoin solutions in cross-border payments, treasury management, and DeFi integrations.
With increasing global scrutiny on stablecoin regulation, Circle’s proactive approach strengthens USDC’s position against competitors like Tether (USDT), especially in regulated environments.
Polygon Labs Launches Katana: A DeFi-Focused Layer 2 Chain
Polygon Labs has partnered with leading crypto market maker GSR to launch Katana, a new Ethereum Layer 2 chain designed specifically for DeFi optimization. Unlike general-purpose rollups, Katana adopts a curated model—supporting only select high-quality financial applications—to combat liquidity fragmentation and unsustainable yield models driven by inflationary token emissions.
Katana uses a unique mechanism called VaultBridge, which channels user funds into Morpho’s lending protocol on Ethereum mainnet for low-risk yield generation. Returns are then funneled back to Katana to boost incentives for core DeFi protocols.
This closed-loop system enhances capital efficiency and reduces systemic risk—appealing to institutional investors seeking stable returns in DeFi. By focusing on quality over quantity, Katana aims to become a trusted hub for sustainable yield generation within the Ethereum ecosystem.
👉 Explore next-gen DeFi platforms redefining yield and security in crypto finance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a tokenized stock?
A: A tokenized stock represents fractional ownership of a real-world equity asset (like Apple or Tesla shares) issued on a blockchain. It allows investors to trade shares without traditional brokers and enables features like instant settlement and programmable dividends.
Q: How does a Layer 2 blockchain improve performance?
A: Layer 2 solutions process transactions off the main chain (like Ethereum), reducing congestion and lowering fees while maintaining security through periodic rollups or proofs published on Layer 1.
Q: Why is Circle applying for a bank charter?
A: To increase regulatory oversight, enhance transparency of USDC’s reserves, and expand its ability to serve institutional clients with compliant digital dollar infrastructure.
Q: Can anyone build on Robinhood Chain?
A: Details are still emerging, but early indications suggest it may initially prioritize internal use for stock tokens before opening to external developers.
Q: Is Katana fully decentralized?
A: Currently, Katana uses a centralized validator model with GSR playing a key role in node operation—a trade-off made for stability during early stages. Long-term decentralization plans are expected to follow adoption growth.
Q: Will tokenized stocks replace traditional brokerage accounts?
A: Not immediately—but they offer compelling advantages in speed, cost, and programmability that could gradually shift user behavior toward hybrid on-chain/off-chain investment models.
The convergence of traditional finance and blockchain continues to accelerate. With Robinhood bridging equities and crypto, Circle advancing stablecoin regulation, and Polygon Labs refining DeFi architecture through Katana, we’re entering a new era where digital assets aren’t just speculative instruments—but foundational components of modern finance.