Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes Edition #46

Bhutan Adopts Bitcoin, Corporate Holdings Climb, and Custody Insights

January 11, 2025

Hello Fellow Enthusiast,

Welcome to Edition #46 of Blockchain & Web3 Weekly Bytes! Bhutan is integrating Bitcoin and Ethereum into its reserves, Kenya is advancing with crypto-friendly policies, and corporate Bitcoin holdings continue to grow—highlighting the increasing trust in digital assets.

Tech Spotlight: Bitcoin Custody 101—breaking down the options for safeguarding your holdings as more individuals and institutions embrace decentralized finance.
Weekly Highlights: Standard Chartered introduces crypto custody services in Europe, Hong Kong supports blockchain adoption with a dedicated incubator, and Oklahoma tables a bill to legalize Bitcoin payments.
Affiliate Spotlight: Keep your online activities secure and private with NordVPN—a reliable solution for safer browsing and access.
Chart of the Week: Corporate Bitcoin holdings have surged past 590,000 BTC, doubling in the last year—a testament to its growing role in institutional portfolios.

As a SoCal resident, my heart goes out to everyone impacted by the LA wildfires this week. Let’s prioritize safety and look out for one another during these challenging times.

🧠 Weekly Trivia

Which wallet type allows users to store private keys offline for enhanced security?

A) Software Wallet
B) Paper Wallet
C) Hardware Wallet
D) Mobile Wallet

*Find the answer at the end of this newsletter.

🌟 Tech Spotlight – Bitcoin Custody 101 – Choosing the Right Option

Keeping your Bitcoin secure comes down to choosing a custody option that fits your needs. Here’s a simple guide to help.

1. Self-Custody: You Hold the Keys

How it works: Use hardware or software wallets like Ledger or Trezor to store Bitcoin offline.
Why it’s great: You’re in full control.
Heads up: Lose your keys, lose your Bitcoin.

2. Custodial Wallets: Leave it to the Pros

How it works: Platforms like Coinbase or Kraken store your Bitcoin and keys.
Why it’s great: Easy to use and recover.
Heads up: Trust in the provider is key.

3. Multi-Sig Wallets: Shared Security

How it works: Transactions need multiple keys to approve. Services like Casa or Unchained Capital can help.
Why it’s great: Reduces risk of a single point of failure.
Heads up: Slightly more complex to manage.

ℹ️ Quick Tip

For personal use, self-custody offers control. Businesses often prefer multi-sig for added security.

Choose wisely—your Bitcoin’s safety starts here.

📰 This Week’s Blockchain and Web3 Highlights

Standard Chartered Rolls Out Crypto Custody in Europe: The bank has expanded its digital asset offerings, including custody services for EU clients.

Bhutan to Add Bitcoin and Ethereum to Strategic Reserves: Bhutan’s special administrative region bolsters its crypto strategy with significant Bitcoin and Ethereum holdings.

Hong Kong Launches Incubator for Blockchain Adoption: A new initiative aims to assist banks in navigating risks tied to blockchain technologies, focusing on tokenized deposits.

UK Clarifies Crypto Staking Rules: Crypto staking is now exempt from collective investment scheme regulations, as clarified by the UK Treasury.

Oklahoma Senator Proposes Bitcoin Payment Bill: Legislation could allow employees to be paid in Bitcoin and enable vendors to accept it.

Bitcoin Climbs Despite Market Headwinds: Bitcoin’s value rose following strong U.S. jobs data, even as equities declined. However, traders anticipate a temporary dip in bullish sentiment.

Kenya Moves Toward Crypto Legalization: The government signals a significant shift in policy by preparing to regulate and embrace cryptocurrencies.

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😂 A Little Blockchain Humor Break 🤣

Source: Naiive

📊 Chart of the Week: Corporate Bitcoin Holdings Surge

Corporate Bitcoin holdings have reached an all-time high, with companies holding over 591,000 BTC as of early 2025. More than doubling over the past year.

Key Insights:

Steady climb: Starting from 262,635 BTC in Q4 2023, businesses have continually added Bitcoin to their reserves across 2024, citing its long-term value.
Why it matters: Bitcoin's adoption as a corporate asset highlights a growing recognition of its role beyond traditional markets.

This trend signals a broader interest in Bitcoin as a dependable financial asset among businesses worldwide.

Source: Cointelegraph

Thanks for tuning into the Edition #46! This week, we covered practical insights on Bitcoin custody, analyzed the rise in corporate Bitcoin holdings, and spotlighted key developments like Standard Chartered’s custody service and Bhutan’s Bitcoin reserves.

Trivia Answer: C) Hardware Wallet

As a Southern California resident, my thoughts are with everyone affected by the LA wildfires. These moments remind us to stay connected, offer support, and prioritize what truly matters—each other’s safety and well-being.

Stay safe, stay informed, and take care!

Until next time,
Ajay Tomar

Disclaimer:

Content in this newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as financial, tax, or legal advice. Always do your research and consult with a professional before making financial decisions. As a solopreneur, I may earn commissions from affiliate links in this newsletter at no extra cost to you. This support helps me bring you valuable content. I only endorse products I trust and believe could benefit you.