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From crypto initiatives to web3 platform expansions, we’re tracking today’s most important crypto and AI stories as they unfold. This article will be updated throughout the day.
USDT Issuer Tether Hires Ex-Trump Official for US Expansion
Former senior White House official Bo Hines, who resigned from his role a month ago, is joining Tether to help lead the stablecoin issuer’s expansion into the U.S., reports revealed.
- It should be noted that Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said in July 2025 that the USDT issuer is aiming to set the stablecoin to comply with the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act, also known as the GENIUS Act, a federal law recently signed by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for stablecoins.
- Ardoino also hinted at the possibility of launching other stablecoins that are also compliant with the GENIUS Act.
Hines joined the Trump administration in January 2025 with the task of enacting the president’s crypto agenda, serving as executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets.
- As of writing, there is no confirmed exact title or job assignment for the newly hired official.
MetaMask Integrates TRON Through DAO Partnership
Aiming to let its users “interact directly with the TRON ecosystem,” web3 wallet MetaMask announced a strategic partnership with TRON DAO.
- This adds another blockchain expansion by MetaMask outside Ethereum, starting with Solana and Sei networks.
- The web3 wallet also said that it is aiming to integrate the Bitcoin network in the third quarter of 2025.
“The MetaMask integration reinforces interoperability across ecosystems. As stablecoin adoption accelerates, networks that can consistently deliver high throughput, liquidity depth, and low transaction costs are emerging as the backbone of digital finance.”
Justin Sun, Founder, TRON Blockchain
South Korea Tells Crypto Exchanges: Stop Crypto Lending Until Regulations are Clear
The Financial Services Commission has sent an order to local digital asset exchanges to temporarily suspend their crypto lending operations until South Korea establishes a proper set of guidelines on crypto lending.
- Before July 2025 ended, the regulator already told exchanges to reevaluate their lending operations, as these are high risk to South Koreans.
- There is also an ongoing proposal called the “Digital Asset Basic Act” by the country’s ruling party, which seeks to allow exchanges to engage in lending services and is said to influence the order.
SharpLinks Acquires 143,593 ETH, Now Holds 740,760 ETH
In an X Post, sports betting marketing firm SharpLink announced that it bought the asset at an average of $4,648 each.
- It also earned 1,388 ETH for staking rewards since June 2, 2025.
- SharpLink used its recently raised $537 million through ATM and direct offerings.
This article, which will be updated within the day, is published on BitPinas: USDT Issuer Tether Hires Ex-Trump Official for US Expansion | Live Crypto Updates | Aug. 20, 2025
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