A crypto kidnapping suspect is captured in Morocco in connection with a string of brutal abductions, including a €10 million ransom case (0:45). Meanwhile, Circle, the company behind USDC, officially begins trading on the NYSE under the ticker CRCL (2:22). JPMorgan prepares to offer financing backed by Bitcoin ETFs (3:58), and Hong Kong takes a major step toward institutional crypto derivatives (5:32).

This is your essential update on the forces shaping what’s next in money.

More on stories and articles mentioned or referenced in this episode:

Suspected Crypto Kidnapping Mastermind Detained in Morocco. Joseph Ataman and Saskya Vandoorne. CNN.

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2025/06/04/europe/france-crypto-kidnappings-detained-intl

Circle Prices IPO Above Range, Valuing It at $6.8 Billion. The Stock Starts Trading Thursday. Paul R. La Monica. Barron’s (paid subscription required).

https://www.barrons.com/articles/circle-crcl-ipo-stock-ticker-price-usdc-81a10761

JPMorgan to Accept Crypto-Linked ETFs as Loan Collateral. Murtuza J. Merchant. Benzinga.

https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/06/45777944/jpmorgan-to-accept-crypto-linked-etfs-as-loan-collateral

HK to Expand Crypto Offerings with Derivatives Trading for Investors. Li Xiaoyun. China Daily.

https://www.chinadailyasia.com/hk/article/613250

The music in this episode was composed by Liborio Conti, and you can find more of his fantastic work at his YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/liborioconti