News Roundup — US Government explores crypto backed mortgages

Major news stories this week;

1. US Government Opens Door to Crypto Backed Mortgages
2. Texas Approves Bitcoin Reserves. Here’s What Makes It Different
3. Russia’s Central Bank Pushes CBDC Launch to 2026
4. Bitcoin Is Getting Native, Dollar-Backed Stablecoin USDB
5. India Urged to Follow US and Bhutan in Adopting a Sovereign Bitcoin Strategy

Story Summaries;

1. The U.S. government is exploring the viability of crypto-backed mortgages, signaling growing institutional interest in integrating digital assets into traditional finance. This potential shift could allow homeowners to use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum as collateral, offering new liquidity options while raising questions around regulation, volatility, and credit risk.
2. Texas has officially approved a bill to establish Bitcoin reserves, marking a major step in state-level digital asset adoption. What sets this initiative apart is its emphasis on self-custody, transparency, and collaboration with local crypto firms to store BTC securely. The move underscores Texas’s growing role as a Bitcoin-friendly jurisdiction focused on financial sovereignty and innovation.
3. Russia’s central bank has postponed the full launch of its digital ruble (CBDC) to 2026, citing the need for more thorough testing and legal clarity. While pilot programs will continue, the delay reflects cautious progress amid concerns over infrastructure readiness and potential risks to financial stability.
4. The Bitcoin ecosystem is getting its first native dollar-backed stablecoin, USDB, launched by the Bitlayer protocol. Unlike existing stablecoins on Ethereum or other chains, USDB will operate directly on the Bitcoin layer-2 network, aiming to enhance on-chain liquidity and DeFi functionality without compromising Bitcoin’s core principles.
5. A senior official from India’s ruling party has proposed the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve, citing its potential to strengthen financial sovereignty and innovation. The idea, still in early discussion stages, reflects growing interest within Indian political circles in leveraging Bitcoin as a strategic asset, despite ongoing regulatory uncertainty.

And that’s all for last week’s news! Wishing you a great week ahead!