Public companies holding Bitcoin as a treasury asset are facing increased scrutiny from activist investors who are challenging these balance-sheet bets due to market volatility.
Empery Digital is facing a shareholder revolt, with a nearly 10% investor demanding the sale of the company's 4,081 Bitcoin holdings and the resignation of its CEO and board. The investor argues the Bitcoin strategy has not maximized shareholder value.
Meanwhile, stablecoin issuer Circle reported a stronger-than-expected fourth quarter, with revenue reaching $770 million and net income totaling $133.4 million. USDC supply expanded 72% to $75.3 billion by year-end, indicating sustained demand.
PayPal is reportedly attracting takeover interest after a significant stock decline. Potential buyers are evaluating full acquisitions or specific business segments, with Stripe emerging as an interested party. This comes as PayPal continues restructuring and expanding its digital asset offerings, including its own stablecoin.
Separately, mortgage lender Better and Framework Ventures are launching a $500 million initiative to channel stablecoin liquidity into U.S. mortgage lending, bridging decentralized finance with traditional housing finance.