Crypto Briefs — Friday, September 18, 2026
Cryptocurrency markets faced significant headwinds today as Bitcoin dropped below its 200-week moving average—a closely watched technical level signaling potential bear-market conditions—while the broader crypto sector declined 36% year-over-year amid capital rotation toward equities and AI stocks. Bitcoin fell below $60,000 and is tracking toward consecutive quarterly losses, a rare pattern that deviates from historical performance, as the US Dollar Index breakout added macroeconomic pressure. Meanwhile, institutional activity continued in parallel, with S&P Global acquiring smart contract security firm OpenZeppelin and SBI completing a $289 million acquisition of Japanese crypto exchange Bitbank, reflecting ongoing consolidation in regulated markets.
Bitcoin Falls Below 200-Week Moving Average
Bitcoin has dropped below its 200-week moving average, a technical level traders watch as a bear-market indicator. The article notes the price action now depends on whether ETF outflows continue or reverse, which will determine whether the level becomes resistance.
Crypto Market Down 36% YoY as Capital Rotates to Equities
Cryptocurrency markets have declined sharply, with total market cap down 36% year-over-year and altcoins 45% below October 2025 peaks, while Bitcoin faces its worst annual start in over a decade. Capital is rotating away from digital assets toward AI stocks and major IPOs, suggesting equities may outperform crypto in the near-term recovery cycle.
Bitcoin Falls Below $60K, Heads for Consecutive Quarterly Loss
Bitcoin dropped below $60,000 and is down nearly 7% for the week, with altcoins declining more steeply. Both bitcoin and ether are ending the second quarter in negative territory, marking a rare back-to-back losing first half for the year, a pattern that deviates from historical norms.
Asus, Poesis Partner on AI-Driven Autonomous Trading Agents
Asus and Poesis are reportedly collaborating to develop self-driving trading agents powered by artificial intelligence. The effort signals growing interest in automated trading within crypto markets, though it raises questions about accountability, risk controls, and regulatory oversight of AI-directed financial transactions.
Aave V4 Arc Market Sits on $76M Unborrowedusdc
Aave V4's Arc market has accumulated $76 million in USDC deposits with minimal borrowing activity, leaving utilization near 0.1% and less than $100,000 borrowed. The disparity signals weak credit demand relative to available liquidity supply on the permissioned lending pool.
SBI acquires Bitbank for $289M amid Japan crypto consolidation
Japanese financial conglomerate SBI completed a $289 million acquisition of crypto exchange Bitbank, according to investment bank Architect Partners. The deal reflects a broader consolidation trend in Japan's digital asset sector as regulatory reforms drive the market toward licensed, scaled operators.
Ethereum MEV Bot JaredfromSubway.eth Drained of $15M in Honeypot
JaredfromSubway.eth, a prominent Ethereum maximal extractable value (MEV) bot, lost up to $15 million in a counter-MEV honeypot exploit. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in MEV bot operations and the risks of sophisticated smart contract traps targeting arbitrage and liquidation strategies.
US Dollar Index Breakout Pressures Crypto Markets
A breakout in the US Dollar Index is creating fresh macroeconomic headwinds for cryptocurrency markets, according to Bitcoinist's analysis. The report examines key technical levels in the dollar index alongside on-chain context and risk factors affecting trader positioning in crypto assets.
Ripple and SBI Holdings Launch RLUSD Stablecoin in Japan
Ripple has partnered with SBI Holdings to launch RLUSD, a yen-denominated stablecoin in Japan, following regulatory approval from the Financial Services Agency (JFSA). The collaboration marks Ripple's expansion into the Japanese stablecoin market through a major domestic financial services provider.
AMLBot Traces $3.1M Polymarket Phishing Attack to 11 Wallets
Blockchain intelligence firm AMLBot confirmed that the Polymarket supply-chain attack resulted in approximately $3.1 million in PUSD stolen across 11 user wallets, with stolen funds bridged from Polygon to Ethereum and converted to ETH. Polymarket has committed to full refunds but has not publicly identified the compromised vendor involved in the phishing attack.
EU exchanges compete for users ahead of MiCA enforcement
Licensed cryptocurrency exchanges in the European Union are offering incentives to attract users and deposits before MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) takes full effect on July 1, creating a competitive push for platforms to move before regulatory compliance deadlines. The regulation distinguishes between EU-authorized firms and those lacking bloc-wide approval, potentially restricting service to some existing platforms.
Bank of England drops per-holder stablecoin limits, sets £40B cap
The Bank of England removed proposed per-person (£20,000) and per-business (£10 million) stablecoin holding limits in its June 22 policy statement, replacing them with a single £40 billion aggregate cap on sterling stablecoins. The shift addresses industry opposition to individual limits while maintaining overall market controls.
UTXO's Hillery: Bitcoin Credit Market Could Rival BTC's $1.5T Cap
Dan Hillery of UTXO discusses the emerging Bitcoin credit market, which has grown to $16 billion from near-zero two years ago. Hillery suggests digital credit infrastructure could eventually reach a valuation comparable to Bitcoin's current $1.5 trillion market capitalization, highlighting rapid expansion in Bitcoin-native financial services.
GnosisDAO approves $223M treasury redemption via token burn
GnosisDAO passed proposal GIP-151 with 215% quorum, authorizing a one-time pro rata treasury redemption allowing GNO holders to exchange tokens for proportional shares of liquid assets worth approximately $223M. The vote represents a direct mechanism for token holders to extract value from the DAO's treasury, marking a significant governance action on treasury deployment.
Bitcoin falls with gold, silver as dollar-hedge trade unwinds
Bitcoin is declining alongside gold and silver as the trade positioning them as dollar hedges unravels amid hawkish Federal Reserve signals. The sell-off reflects a correlation between bitcoin and precious metals that challenges the narrative of bitcoin as a rival to traditional safe-haven assets.
Stablecoin Usage and Founder Geography Show Stark Mismatch
Decrypt reports that emerging markets account for the majority of real-world stablecoin transaction volume, while stablecoin founders and venture funding remain concentrated in the U.S. and Europe. The geographic disconnect suggests that venture capital and entrepreneurial activity have not followed actual user demand and adoption patterns in developing economies.
Coinbase partners with Stablecore for US community bank crypto integration
Coinbase has partnered with Stablecore to integrate cryptocurrency services into US community banks, a move the source describes as potentially accelerating crypto adoption in traditional finance. The partnership could influence both market dynamics and the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets in the banking sector.
S&P Global Acquires OpenZeppelin Smart Contract Security Firm
S&P Global agreed to acquire OpenZeppelin, a smart contract security firm, expanding its digital asset business into tokenized finance infrastructure. Announced on Sept. 17, OpenZeppelin will operate as a separate business unit under existing CEO Demian Brener. The acquisition follows S&P Global's earlier purchase of Kaiko, signaling the company's broader move into cryptocurrency markets.
Bitcoin Faces Liquidation Pressure Near Key Resistance, Support Zones
Bitcoin is consolidating near technical resistance and support levels while elevated liquidation risk looms, according on-chain analysis. The article maps cluster zones where traders have concentrated long and short positions, identifying price levels where cascading liquidations could trigger sharp moves. Analysts highlight the trapping dynamic as traders await directional breakout confirmation.
Sui's Hashi Bitcoin bridge gains institutional backing ahead of testnet
Sui Network's Hashi bridge, designed to connect Bitcoin to decentralized finance applications, has attracted institutional support as its testnet launch approaches. Hashi aims to enable Bitcoin holders to participate in DeFi protocols on the Sui blockchain while maintaining Bitcoin custody security.
Whale Activity: High-Leverage Shorts Reopened on BTC and ETH
Large traders have re-established high-leverage short positions on Bitcoin and Ethereum, according on-chain monitoring data cited by NewsBTC. The activity signals renewed bearish positioning among whales and highlights key price levels and liquidation risk zones for both assets.
Aave and Solana Rally as Bitcoin Stabilizes Above $60K
Aave and Solana led a broader cryptocurrency market rebound while Bitcoin maintained support above the $60,000 level. The price action reflects renewed buying interest in major altcoins and stabilization of the market's largest asset after recent volatility.
US Bitcoin ETFs see $6B in outflows over six weeks
US spot Bitcoin ETFs have experienced approximately $5.94 billion in redemptions over six weeks, the longest consecutive weekly outflow streak since the funds launched in 2024, with Galaxy Research noting a peak 30-day outflow of $6.35 billion through June 20. Bitcoin's price has declined in tandem with the redemptions, raising questions about investor confidence in the largest cryptocurrency.
Strategy's Bitcoin Treasury mNAV Falls Below 1 for First Time
Strategy's enterprise market-to-NAV ratio dropped below 1.0 on Thursday, marking the first time the combined value of its debt, preferred stock, and equity has exceeded its 847,363-bitcoin treasury. The move closes the equity-accretion channel that had funded the firm's purchasing activity.
Aave Activates Aavenomics 3.0 With Token Buybacks and Cost Cuts
Aave has activated Aavenomics 3.0, introducing automated AAVE token buybacks and reducing DAO operational spending as part of a governance roadmap initiated mid-2024. The protocol confirmed the update Saturday, marking completion of a planned economic model overhaul.
Long-Dormant Ethereum Wallets Dump 37.6K ETH Near $1,560
Four dormant Ethereum wallets sold approximately 37,602 ETH near $1,560, according to CryptoSlate. The sale tests whether fresh buyer demand can absorb supply from long-term holders during Ethereum's recent drawdown.
Polymarket Hack Loss Rises to $3.1M; Platform Faces Marketing Probe
Polymarket's security breach loss has increased to $3.1 million, days after the prediction markets platform pledged to reimburse affected users. The platform is under investigation for allegedly false or deceptive marketing practices, according to reports, adding regulatory pressure to the incident.
Tether Launches Bullion-Backed Loans for XAUT Gold Token Holders
Tether is expanding its tokenized gold strategy by enabling XAUT holders to borrow against their gold holdings without liquidating positions, similar to bitcoin-backed lending programs. The move puts Tether's $23 billion gold stockpile to work while allowing users to access liquidity through collateralized loans on their bullion.
Crypto.com's Nadex Registers With SEC for U.S. Stock Futures
Crypto.com's Nadex division registered with the SEC to offer security futures and disclosed plans to launch 10 cash-settled single-stock futures contracts in the United States. The registration represents an expansion of Crypto.com's derivatives offerings into regulated equity futures markets.
BitGo Appoints Ex-Exodus Executive as Compliance Chief
BitGo named Alex Rozman, formerly of Exodus, as chief compliance officer starting September 21. Rozman will lead the custody platform's global compliance, anti-money laundering, and financial crime programs, strengthening regulatory oversight amid industry scrutiny of compliance practices.
XRPL Introduces Closed-Ended Lending Vaults for XRP Lock-up
The XRP Ledger has unveiled a new lending mechanism using closed-ended vaults that would lock user funds for fixed terms ranging from minutes to decades, with interest accrual deferred until payment. The tool remains unactivated and unproven for XRP-denominated deployments, leaving its real-world utility and adoption timeline uncertain.
Bank of Japan Raises Rates to 31-Year High; Bitcoin Tops $77,000
The Bank of Japan increased interest rates by 25 basis points to their highest level in 31 years, prompting yen weakness and a simultaneous rally in Bitcoin above $77,000. The market movement suggests investors may be rotating into alternative assets following the BOJ's tightening stance, though causality between the two events remains unclear.
Bitcoin July Outlook Hinges on ETF Flows and Demand Signals
Market analysts are divided on bitcoin's near-term direction, with one noting an absence of clear buying pressure while others cite exchange-traded fund activity as a potential catalyst. The outlook for July depends on whether institutional demand through ETFs materializes and whether retail interest returns to support price discovery.
Lagarde Opposed Binance's Greek MiCA License Bid, WSJ Reports
Christine Lagarde opposed Binance's application for a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in Greece, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The exchange remains without EU-wide authorization after withdrawing its bid, facing continued regulatory scrutiny in the bloc.
Neutrl Opens NUSD Redemptions at 0.51 Rate Through November
Neutrl has enabled redemptions of NUSD and sNUSD tokens for USDC, with an on-chain redemption rate of 0.51 tied to liquid reserves. The redemption window runs through November 14, according to contract data cited by the source.
WisdomTree to offer MoonPay access to WTGXX tokenized fund
WisdomTree and MoonPay announced plans to provide U.S. access to WTGXX, a tokenized Treasury fund. MoonPay signaled intent to incorporate WTGXX into stablecoin reserve management, expanding utility for the on-chain Treasury product.
Galaxy Launches USDC and USDT Lending Vaults on Kamino
Galaxy deployed two stablecoin lending vaults on Kamino, a Solana-based lending protocol, offering USDC and USDT yield strategies backed by the firm's institutional risk framework. The move expands Galaxy's presence in Solana's DeFi ecosystem and provides institutional-grade yield opportunities for stablecoin holders.
Analyst flags bullish XRP technical signal amid price recovery
A cryptocurrency analyst highlighted what they characterized as an extremely bullish technical signal in Ripple's XRP token, suggesting potential buying opportunity. The analyst noted that by the time market sentiment shifts to confidence, early investors may already be positioned ahead of price gains. The commentary reflects ongoing technical analysis discussions around XRP's price action.
Ether and XRP ETFs post outflows as bitcoin tops $77,000
Ether ETFs experienced outflows for a third consecutive session despite the token's price gains, while XRP ETF outflows also occurred as bitcoin climbed above $77,000. Major cryptocurrencies gained overall value, with zcash continuing its recent upward momentum.
Chainlink Posts Two Highest Network Growth Days of 2026
Chainlink recorded its two highest network growth days of 2026 despite a broad cryptocurrency market price correction. The growth metric suggests increasing adoption or activity on the network independent of near-term price movement.
Hoskinson Explores Zero-Knowledge Wallet Recovery for Cardano
Charles Hoskinson, founder of Cardano, is investigating zero-knowledge proof technology to enable wallet recovery without exposing seed phrases, addressing a major user-experience pain point in crypto asset custody. The approach would reduce the risk of seed phrase compromise while maintaining security guarantees, potentially lowering barriers to mainstream adoption.
Chainlink Whales Move Millions of LINK to Binance Before Pangea News
Large Chainlink holders transferred millions of LINK tokens to Binance exchange ahead of a TradFi Pangea disclosure announcement. The timing of whale movements to an exchange typically precedes volatility events, suggesting insiders may have positioned ahead of material news.
New Wallet Accumulates $28M in Ethereum, On-Chain Data Shows
On-chain analysis detected a newly created wallet acquiring more than $28 million worth of Ethereum, according to NewsBTC's review of blockchain data. The accumulation pattern may signal whale activity or institutional interest, though the source does not clarify the wallet's origin or intent.
Bitcoin Mining Profitability Underwater as Production Costs Exceed Price
Bitcoin trades near $60,000 while the network's estimated all-in production cost per coin stands at approximately $84,300, creating a $24,300 gap that has pushed much of the mining network into unprofitable territory. The situation challenges long-held assumptions about a production cost floor and is differentiating between miners with sufficient capital reserves to weather losses and those forced to sell holdings.
Zcash Targets November 5 for NU7 Mainnet Upgrade
Zcash developers plan to activate the NU7 upgrade on the mainnet on November 5, featuring 25-second block times and preserved halving schedules. A testnet rollout is scheduled for October 6 ahead of the mainnet deployment.
Cardano's IOG warns users after YouTube channel hijack
Input Output (IOG) alerted users to avoid its official YouTube channel following a suspected hijack that broadcast a fake crypto giveaway livestream impersonating Charles Hoskinson, Cardano's founder. The incident highlights ongoing security risks to high-profile cryptocurrency project accounts and the prevalence of scam streams targeting crypto communities.
Ethereum flags abuse risk in Glamsterdam testnet
Ethereum scheduled October 6 for Glamsterdam deployment on Sepolia testnet, with developers warning that free test ether could enable disposable builder accounts to disrupt payload delivery. The testnet rollout aims to stress-test protocol changes ahead of mainnet implementation.
Circle launches Arc Studio AI agent for onchain app development
Circle introduced Arc Studio, an AI coding agent that generates full-stack onchain applications, smart contracts, and agents from natural language prompts, according to an Arc announcement on September 17. The tool produces frontend interfaces, backend logic, and smart contract code, targeting developers building blockchain applications.
JPMorgan: Bitcoin May Outperform Gold if ETF Hedging Eases
JPMorgan analysts suggest Bitcoin could receive stronger price support than gold if ETF hedging activity decreases, citing short interest in BlackRock's IBIT spot Bitcoin ETF reaching its highest level this year. The comparison implies differing market dynamics between the two traditional hedging assets.
Needle Stealer malware targets seven crypto wallets via fake AI software
A malware strain called Needle Stealer is using signed Microsoft software to replace browser wallet extensions and steal cryptocurrency from users, according to CryptoSlate. The attack has targeted seven browser wallets while leaving Coinbase and MetaMask uncompromised, representing a supply-chain focused threat vector against self-custody infrastructure.
Corporate Bitcoin Purchases Slump to 5,900 BTC in Q3
Corporate treasuries acquired only 5,900 bitcoin over three months, marking a significant slowdown in institutional adoption. The report notes broader demand signals are also weakening, suggesting cooling interest in bitcoin accumulation among large entities.
Basel Rules May Discourage Banks From Crypto Holdings Despite New Legal Paths
US, UK, and European banks now have regulatory permission to issue stablecoins, custody Bitcoin, and settle tokenized assets, but outdated capital requirements under the Basel Committee's cryptoasset standard—live since January 1—treat Bitcoin positions as near-certain losses, potentially deterring institutional adoption despite the legal green light.
Bitcoin tests $60k after PCE-driven selloff and ETF outflows
Bitcoin traded near $60,000 after failing to defend the $59,000-$62,000 range, pressured by May PCE inflation data showing core inflation at 3.4% year-over-year and heavy ETF outflows. Analysts assess whether the decline from $58,000 reflects capitulation or market exhaustion ahead of the weekend.
Dogecoin, HYPE tumble as crypto rotation diverges from stock rally
Dogecoin and Hyperliquid's HYPE token led crypto losses this week amid a broader rotation from chipmakers into AI stocks that lifted the equal-weight S&P 500 to a record. Ether declined 8% on the week, while memecoins suffered steeper declines as crypto markets failed to participate in the stock market's AI-driven rally.
Bitcoin Tops $77K Following BOJ Rate Hike to 1.25%
Bitcoin traded above $77,400 following the Bank of Japan's rate increase to 1.25%, with spot ETFs adding $159.5 million in inflows. The move marks continued strength in the asset, though momentum indicators suggest cooling pace.
Solana reduces slot time to 250ms in latest network speed upgrade
Solana has reduced its target slot time from 300 milliseconds to 250 milliseconds, representing a nearly 17% increase in the rate at which the network produces slots. The upgrade moves the blockchain closer to its 200ms performance target while maintaining existing processing capacity limits.
Bolivia commits to crypto regulation framework under IMF program
Bolivia has pledged to establish regulatory and supervisory oversight for cryptocurrencies as part of its IMF-backed economic reform program, aiming to curtail illicit capital flight through digital assets. The Bolivian government's framework development is tied to broader macroeconomic stabilization commitments under the IMF arrangement.
dtcpay closes $25M Series A with SBI Group investment
dtcpay announced completion of a $25 million Series A funding round with SBI Group as a strategic investor. The capital will support expansion of stablecoin payment infrastructure across Asia and Europe, according to Crypto.news.
Iran Reportedly Uses Bitcoin for Strait of Hormuz Transit Tolls
US claims Iran is using bitcoin to collect tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially circumventing traditional sanctions and financial oversight. The reported practice could strain US-Iran relations and test the effectiveness of existing economic restrictions on the Islamic Republic.
U.S. Treasury Sanctions Iran's BitBank Over Revolutionary Guards Transfers
The U.S. Treasury sanctioned BitBank, a Tehran-based cryptocurrency exchange, alleging it facilitated hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin transfers to Iran's Revolutionary Guards and processed payments from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The action targets the exchange's role in channeling funds from a strategically critical shipping chokepoint to a designated terrorist organization.
MoneyGram launches MGUSD stablecoin to 60M users via Kraken
MoneyGram is rolling out MGUSD, its own stablecoin, to its 60 million users globally after five years of blockchain development. The remittance company has partnered with Kraken, secured a validator seat on the Tempo network, and has already processed over $2 billion in stablecoin settlements, signaling accelerated crypto integration in its core money-transfer business.
Bitcoin Price Near $60K as Four-Year Cycle Theory Faces Test
Bitcoin has fallen more than 50% from its October peak to near $60,000, with traders showing extreme fear sentiment and institutions withdrawing funds for six consecutive weeks. Market participants are debating whether Bitcoin's historically observed four-year price cycle remains intact or has broken down entirely.
Hong Kong Plans 24/7 CBDC Settlement for Tokenized Deposits by End-2026
Hong Kong authorities plan to launch round-the-clock central bank digital currency settlement for tokenized deposits by approximately end-2026, according to Crypto.news. The initiative will also enable CBDC transactions for after-hours derivatives trading, with pilots involving multiple market participants underway.
Bitcoin recovers toward $78K as altcoins rally
Bitcoin recovered from an overnight low of $75,972 to approach $78,000, marking a third consecutive day of gains. Altcoins including HYPE participated in the broader market rally during the recovery period.
UAE and Sweden Arrest Seven in $7.1M Crypto Laundering Ring
Law enforcement in the UAE and Sweden arrested seven individuals suspected of operating a cryptocurrency laundering network that moved $7.1 million, according to Decrypt. Investigators traced crypto transactions that allegedly linked the network to organized crime and contract killing operations. The arrests represent a cross-border enforcement action targeting illicit use of digital assets.
Zcash Short Trader Faces $7.66M Paper Loss as ZEC Approaches $1,500
A trader holding a short position in Zcash (ZEC) faces an unrealized loss of $7.66 million as the asset trades near $1,500, according to CryptoPotato. The same trader had previously profited $1.9 million on a Bitcoin long position and $1.8 million on an Ethereum long before the ZEC trade moved against them.
Blockchain malware activity surges 440% as AI enables state-linked hackers
Malware activity on public blockchains has increased 440%, according to CryptoSlate reporting. The rise is attributed to artificial intelligence lowering technical barriers for hackers linked to North Korea and Iran, while the immutable nature of blockchain allows malware instructions to persist beyond traditional domain takedowns, forcing defenders to focus on monitoring wallets, contracts, and off-chain infrastructure.
Bitcoin Holds Near Flat in September Despite Rate Hike Headwinds
Bitcoin declined 1.5% in September, historically the cryptocurrency's weakest month, while maintaining track for its first quarterly gain in a year despite headwinds from rising interest rates, higher oil prices, and dollar strength. The resilience suggests the asset may be decoupling from traditional macro factors that typically pressure risk assets.
Layer-2 tokens surge as Treasury yields ease post-Fed
Starknet and Arbitrum each gained more than 17% as the 10-year Treasury yield fell below 5%, with 98 of CoinDesk's 100 tracked cryptocurrencies advancing. The broad rally followed easing concerns about Federal Reserve rate hikes, lifting layer-2 and DeFi tokens particularly sharply.
Fed rate hike to 3.75%-4.00% pressures crypto lending yields
The Federal Reserve raised its target rate by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, with one-year Treasury yields climbing to 4.45% the same day. The move establishes a higher risk-free return benchmark that pressures yields on crypto lending products, as investors can now access similar or better returns through safer US government debt.
Kevin O'Leary Projects Bitcoin Peak at $150,000
Investor Kevin O'Leary has projected a potential peak for Bitcoin at $150,000, citing a recent price surge. O'Leary's outlook emphasizes the importance of regulatory clarity for driving institutional adoption and reshaping asset allocation strategies in the crypto market.
Cardano Accounts for 0.33% of Crypto Discussions Amid Price Pressure
Cardano (ADA) faced selling pressure recently while maintaining notable social engagement, representing 0.33% of all crypto-related online discussions. The article suggests on-chain metrics present a contrasting picture to price action, though specific data points are not detailed in the excerpt provided.
XRP Approaches Golden Cross as Altcoin Focus Intensifies
XRP is nearing a golden cross technical pattern, a bullish signal that occurs when a shorter-term moving average crosses above a longer-term one. The development comes as market attention shifts toward altcoins, potentially supporting momentum in XRP and other digital assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum.
Dogecoin Buy Signal Emerges as DOGE Hits 3-Year Low
Dogecoin (DOGE) has declined to a three-year low, triggering a technical buy signal according to a key indicator analyzed by CryptoPotato. An analyst identified as Martinez noted that bulls must maintain the $0.073 support level for the signal to remain valid; a break below that threshold would invalidate the setup.
Ric Edelman Forecasts Bitcoin at $500,000 by 2030
Veteran financial adviser Ric Edelman predicted Bitcoin will reach $500,000 by 2030, comparing the cryptocurrency's long-term growth trajectory to Amazon's valuation arc in 1999. The forecast represents a significant bullish stance on BTC's decade-long appreciation potential.
ZachXBT Flags AscendEX Liquidity Concerns via On-Chain Analysis
On-chain analyst ZachXBT warned AscendEX users of potential liquidity issues and delayed withdrawals after identifying limited holdings of major assets on the exchange. The warning prompted concern among users about the platform's ability to meet withdrawal demands, though AscendEX has not yet responded to the allegation.
XRP Analyst Issues 'Going to Zero' Warning; Chart Suggests Nuance
Crypto analyst ChartNerd issued a bearish call suggesting XRP could go to zero, according to ZyCrypto. However, the underlying chart analysis reportedly indicates the warning may be more nuanced than the headline suggests, leaving the full thesis unclear from the available summary.
Solana Tests $105 on 4% Daily Gain Amid Derivatives Activity
Solana rose 4% on September 18, reclaiming the $105 level in what crypto.news attributed to derivatives-driven buying. The price action broke above short-term resistance, reinforcing bullish momentum according to technical analysis.
Solana Reduces Slot Time to 250ms, Tightening Validator Windows
Solana has reduced its slot time to 250 milliseconds, shrinking the time windows available to validators and lowering network latency. The change leaves the network's throughput capacity unchanged while improving confirmation speed.
XRP Whale Inflows to Binance Hit Six-Month Peak
Large XRP holders transferred 1.6 billion tokens to Binance, with 30-day whale inflows reaching their highest level since March, according on-chain data cited by CryptoPotato. The spike in whale activity to the exchange could signal preparation for potential selling pressure or liquidation events.
SEC and CFTC Open Crypto Access Without Congress as CLARITY Stalls
The SEC and CFTC have introduced regulatory relief allowing tokenized stocks and wallet-linked derivatives to launch without waiting for congressional action on the stalled CLARITY Act. The agencies' approach bypasses legislative gridlock but leaves unresolved questions about durable rights and jurisdictional boundaries between the two regulators.
ECB President Lagarde blocked Binance EU MiCA license via Greece
ECB President Christine Lagarde intervened to block Binance's MiCA license application in the EU, according to the Wall Street Journal. Despite lacking formal licensing authority under MiCA, Lagarde's high-level intervention prompted Greece to stall an application that regulators had already deemed complete, raising questions about the regulatory process for crypto exchanges in Europe.
SEC Approves 'Innovation Exemption' for Tokenized Stocks
The SEC has approved an 'Innovation Exemption' that advances the development of tokenized stocks on blockchain networks. The approval follows S&P Global's acquisition of OpenZeppelin, signaling growing institutional adoption of on-chain financial infrastructure.
Ethereum Institutional Backs Plan to Cut Block Times to 10 Seconds
Ethereum Institutional has endorsed a proposal to reduce Ethereum's block time from 12 seconds to 10 seconds via the Hegotá upgrade, as developers seek to improve network speed. The organization argues that faster block times are necessary as Ethereum expands its financial applications.
NYSE Tests Avalanche Blockchain for Tokenized Securities
The New York Stock Exchange has spent approximately one year testing Avalanche technology in partnership with Ava Labs to develop infrastructure for tokenized securities, according to Ava Labs President Charley Cooper. The collaboration signals institutional interest in blockchain solutions for capital markets applications.
CFTC Files New Rulemaking on Crypto Transactions and Markets
The CFTC has filed new rulemaking aimed at regulating cryptocurrency transactions and markets. The move is expected to reshape market dynamics and may intensify jurisdictional conflicts with the SEC over crypto oversight authority.
Zcash holders vote to preserve halvings, defer recycled ZEC to 2031
Zcash community members voted in an advisory poll to maintain the protocol's halving schedule and defer the introduction of recycled ZEC coins until 2031. The poll also favored deprecating Sprout transactions, implementing faster block times, and shipping the upgrade without features that miss the deadline.
Bitcoin drops below $59K as May PCE inflation hits 4.1%
Bitcoin fell below $59,000 following the release of May PCE inflation data, which came in at 4.1% year-over-year. Market analysts attributed the decline to liquidations and outflows from Bitcoin ETFs, linking the price movement to macroeconomic data affecting risk appetite.
Ripple CTO Clarifies XRP and Bitcoin Timeline Origins
Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz disputed claims that XRP predates Bitcoin, distinguishing between RipplePay's 2004 concept and the 2012 XRP Ledger launch. Schwartz's clarification addresses a historical debate about cryptocurrency chronology and Ripple's founding narrative.
North Korean Hackers Compromised 7,000 Crypto Wallets, Japan Reports
Japan's National Police Agency attributed a hacking campaign to North Korean group WaterPlum, which compromised over 30,000 devices across 100+ countries and stole information from 7,000 cryptocurrency wallets. The group targeted developers through fake recruitment campaigns, according to the agency.
BlackRock Points to Financialization as Bitcoin ETF Driver
BlackRock has identified financialization as a key driver behind the growth of Bitcoin ETFs, marking a shift toward mainstream institutional adoption. The integration of Bitcoin into ETF structures is reshaping market dynamics and influencing how institutions approach cryptocurrency exposure.
Bitcoin surges above $80,000, liquidating $183M in shorts
Bitcoin rose above $80,000, triggering $183 million in short liquidations across derivatives markets. The move underscores the volatility inherent in leveraged positions and highlights the importance of macroeconomic considerations in trading decisions.
Bitcoin Rallies to 14-Day High Above $80K Despite Fed Hikes
Bitcoin reached a 14-day high above $80,000 on Friday despite headwinds including the CLARITY setback and rate hikes from the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan. The weekly recap highlights the asset's resilience amid mixed macro conditions and regulatory developments.
Morpho Enables USDC Borrowing Against Coinbase Tokenized Stocks
Morpho, a lending protocol on Base, now allows holders of five Coinbase-issued tokenized stocks to collateralize positions for USDC loans. The move expands access to decentralized credit for users holding Coinbase's on-chain equity tokens, adding a new collateral class to Morpho's lending markets.
Tether Briefly Surpasses Ethereum in Market Cap During ETH Sell-Off
Tether's market capitalization temporarily exceeded Ethereum's during a sharp decline in ETH price, reflecting a broader risk-off sentiment in crypto markets. The brief reversal—in which a stablecoin outranked a major layer-1 blockchain by market cap—underscored trader preference for safe-haven assets amid market volatility.
Bitcoin Slides Toward $58K as ETF Outflows, Options Expiry Pressure
Bitcoin faced selling pressure as spot ETF redemptions, leverage liquidations, and a major Deribit options expiry converged in a risk-off market session. The confluence of technical and derivative factors drove prices toward $58,000 levels, reflecting broader crypto market weakness.
South Korea Fines Bithumb 210M Won for Unauthorized Data Transfers
South Korea's privacy regulator fined cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb 210 million won (approximately $157,000 USD) for transferring user data overseas without authorization, including order-book and wallet details. The penalty underscores regulatory scrutiny of data-handling practices at major crypto platforms and adds to compliance pressures facing South Korean exchanges.
Coinbase files for US approval to offer 50+ stock perpetuals
Coinbase announced September 18 that it has filed for regulatory approval to list perpetual futures contracts on over 50 major U.S. stocks including Nvidia, Microsoft, and Tesla, with 24/5 trading and no expiration dates. The filing represents an expansion of Coinbase's derivatives offerings into equity-linked products subject to U.S. regulatory approval.
SharpLink Resumes Ethereum Buying, Purchases 5,000 ETH
SharpLink (SBET) acquired 5,000 ETH from FalconX, marking a resumption of Ethereum accumulation after an eight-month pause, according to on-chain data reported by Bitcoinist. The purchase signals renewed corporate treasury interest in the asset following a period of inactivity.
Banxa integrates with Fireblocks for institutional payments
Banxa, a crypto payment provider, has launched integration with the Fireblocks Network to enable digital-asset payments across Canada, Australia, and the Eurozone. The partnership aims to expand institutional access to cryptocurrency transactions in regulated markets.
Ethereum Breaks $2.5K as Technical Indicators Suggest Bullish Momentum
Ethereum rallied past $2.5K on Friday, recovering from mid-year lows with improved chart structure, though the asset remains below key higher-timeframe resistance levels. The Coinbase Premium Index has turned negative, indicating the recent upside has not been driven by exchange inflows from institutional investors.
XRPL Lending Protocol Undergoing Formal Mathematical Verification
XRP Ledger developers are using formal verification with Lean 4, a theorem-proving language, to mathematically test whether the network's forthcoming lending market can be drained or become insolvent. Common Prefix, a protocol research firm, announced on September 17 that it is formally verifying XRPL's Lending Protocol to establish whether the software satisfies defined mathematical properties across all possible system states.
Bitcoin reaches $80k on tech rally, ETF inflows, yen weakness
Bitcoin hit $80,000 on September 18, driven by a technology sector rebound, weakness in the yen, and prior-session ETF inflows that signaled demand ahead of adverse U.S. economic data. The move occurred before weaker-than-expected U.S. data was released, suggesting market participants had already priced in expectations or were responding to other concurrent catalysts.
Crypto Tech Provider Haruko Hit by Cyberattack
Haruko, a cryptocurrency technology provider, suffered a targeted cyberattack affecting 15 clients, with some smaller hedge funds experiencing fund losses due to weaker security controls, according to sources. The incident highlights vulnerability exposure among smaller market participants relying on third-party infrastructure.
CLARITY Act stalling may force crypto toward custodial models, GenLayer CEO warns
The Senate's 50–49 vote that blocked the CLARITY Act could push cryptocurrency companies toward greater reliance on custodians and permissioned systems, GenLayer Labs CEO Albert Castellana said. The failed legislative effort to clarify digital-asset regulatory authority may reshape market structure if companies seek compliance through intermediaries rather than self-custodial infrastructure.
Bitcoin Community Addresses Quantum Computing Threat: VanEck
VanEck's Head of Digital Assets Research Matthew Sigel stated that the Bitcoin community is actively developing solutions to mitigate quantum computing risks. The asset manager highlighted growing recognition within the sector of long-term vulnerabilities posed by quantum technology to blockchain security.
HYPE hits all-time high after Hyperliquid loan feature launch
HYPE token reached $92.56, its all-time high, rising 10.5% to $91.20 after Hyperliquid rolled out manual USDC and USDT borrowing against HYPE and Bitcoin collateral. The new lending feature allows users to borrow stablecoins using HYPE or Bitcoin as collateral on the Hyperliquid platform.
Solana Spot ETF Filings Progress as SOL Holds Near Support
Morgan Stanley has filed an amended S-1/A for a Solana spot ETF that outlines fee structures and staking provisions, according to Bitcoinist. The filing comes as SOL trades near a key support level, with market participants monitoring the ETF approval process closely.
Ethereum Network Fees Drop Over 85% Amid ETH Price Recovery
Ethereum transaction fees have collapsed by more than 85%, reducing a significant cost barrier for users. The decline is attributed to protocol upgrades including Dencun's blob throughput improvements and increased Layer 2 adoption, which are reshaping how the network handles transactions.
TRM Traces 274.60 ETH Lost to Fake AI Bot Tutorial Scam
TRM Labs identified a scam targeting 224 victims who deployed their own smart contract drainers after following fraudulent AI bot tutorials, resulting in theft of 274.60 ETH between February and August. The scheme tricked users into signing and funding malicious contracts themselves, with proceeds traced to six operator addresses.
XRP Rises 6.9% as Bitcoin Rebounds Above $800K
XRP gained 6.9% as Bitcoin climbed back above $800,000, according to Decrypt. The price action has traders watching for a potential golden cross pattern, though technical charts remain mixed on broader directional signals.
CFTC Launches Crypto Rulemaking Without Congressional Action
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission submitted a pre-rule on crypto asset transactions and markets to the White House for review, signaling plans to establish a derivatives framework under its existing authority following the failure of the Clarity Act in Congress. The move represents the agency's independent effort to regulate crypto markets amid legislative gridlock.
Bitcoin Surges Above $81,000 Despite Regulatory Setbacks
Bitcoin traded above $81,000 on Friday, reaching $81,055 intraday and $80,982 at time of reporting, up nearly 6% in 24 hours. The surge occurred despite a week of industry headwinds including failure of the Clarity Act and a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.
SecondFi Exploit Compromises Cardano Wallets Via Key Generation Flaw
SecondFi suspended services following a wallet-generation flaw that reportedly compromised ADA wallets, though validators clarified that the Cardano protocol itself remained unaffected. The incident prompted a security warning for affected users, though specific numbers of compromised wallets and ADA at risk were not disclosed in the report.
17 Democratic Senators Push to Bar CFTC Funding for State Prediction-Market Suits
Seventeen Democratic senators are urging the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee to include a rider in the FY2027 spending bill that would prohibit the CFTC from using federal funds to sue states over prediction-market regulation. The move escalates an ongoing jurisdictional dispute between federal and state authorities over which body should oversee prediction markets, a growing sector within digital-asset trading.
3-Year-Old Bug Drains $1.3M, Halts Blockchain for 10 Days
A previously unknown vulnerability in an unspecified blockchain, dormant for three years and missed in a 2024 security audit, triggered a $1.3 million exploit on August 31, 2026. Validators responded by halting transaction finalization for ten days, forcing a network-wide remediation effort.
Chainlink Launches Project Pangea With 50+ Banks for T+0 FX
Chainlink and a consortium of over 50 banks across 16 countries announced Project Pangea at Point Zero Forum in Zurich, targeting real-time atomic settlement of foreign exchange transactions on the $9.6 trillion daily FX market. The initiative integrates Chainlink infrastructure with Swift messaging and regulated EUR and KRW stablecoins to achieve T+0 settlement.
Binance faces EU service cutoff July 1 over regulatory compliance
Binance will cease offering services to European users on July 1 due to regulatory requirements, according to CZ. The exchange has characterized this move as removing "the best liquidity in the world" from the region, raising questions about whether licensed competitors can maintain execution quality and stablecoin access for affected users.
Singapore Adds Hyperliquid to Warning List Over Consumer Protections
Singapore's financial regulator placed Hyperliquid on a warning list, citing concerns about consumer protections the protocol says it never claimed to provide. The listing does not suspend the network's operations but places scrutiny on front-end interfaces through which users access the platform.
BIS Research Links Stablecoins to Sovereign Funding Markets
A Bank for International Settlements study suggests stablecoins pose emerging risks to central banking by integrating into Treasury bill markets more deeply than their payment-rail narrative indicates. The research indicates private dollar tokens may represent a systemic concern for sovereign debt funding mechanisms.
BlackRock Says Stablecoins Must Stay Interchangeable With Bank Money
BlackRock stated that stablecoins must remain interchangeable with bank deposits and central-bank money to function as regulated settlement assets, according to remarks at the European Blockchain Convention. The firm emphasized that stablecoins require recognition across banking systems to maintain their utility in financial infrastructure.
LSEG plans 24/5 trading and tokenized equity infrastructure
London Stock Exchange Group outlined plans for extended 24/5 trading hours, a digital securities depository, and tokenized equities system, partnering with Kraken and HSBC on new settlement infrastructure. The initiative, announced at the European Blockchain Convention, aims to integrate trading and settlement across digital asset platforms.
BaFin warns centralized MiCA oversight may burden crypto firms
A BaFin official warned at the European Blockchain Convention that centralized EU crypto supervision under MiCA could impose additional compliance burdens on firms while reducing regulatory flexibility in rule application. The concern reflects debate over how Europe's Markets in Crypto Assets regulation will be enforced across member states.
Tokenized stocks face pricing gaps outside market hours, RedStone says
RedStone's COO highlighted a structural challenge for onchain tokenized U.S. stocks: the SEC's recent exemption permits 24/7 trading, but NYSE and Nasdaq operate only 32.5 hours per week, leaving automated pricing mechanisms without live reference prices for 135.5 hours of each week. The gap creates arbitrage and valuation risks for permissioned token platforms.
Backpack Reports $193M Weekly Volume in Tokenized Stock Trading
Backpack exchange achieved $193 million in weekly volume for tokenized stock trading, establishing market dominance in the segment. The surge underscores how liquidity mechanics rather than token supply drive trading activity and market structure in tokenized equities.
Bitcoin Rises 6% on Lower Oil and SEC Decision
Bitcoin gained 6% amid declining oil prices and an unspecified SEC decision, according to Crypto Briefing. The source attributes the move to regulatory shifts and broader market dynamics, signaling potential volatility ahead.
Analyst Eyes 1,100% Upside for Solana via Cup-and-Handle Setup
A CryptoPotato analyst named Martinez has identified a cup-and-handle technical pattern in Solana's multi-year price action, suggesting potential for a significant rally. The article does not provide specific price targets, timelines, or supporting fundamental catalysts beyond the chart formation claim.
FCA clarifies offshore crypto platform scope ahead of 2027 rules
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has defined how offshore cryptocurrency platforms will fall under its jurisdiction when new regulations take effect in October 2027. Direct consumer access and agency trading models can trigger FCA oversight for offshore services, establishing clearer boundaries for compliance.
O'Leary: Bitcoin Could Hit $1M If Quantum Risk Solved
Investor Kevin O'Leary stated that Bitcoin could reach $1 million if the cryptocurrency sector addresses quantum computing threats to its security. O'Leary also indicated he is reducing or eliminating his Ethereum holdings, though the article does not detail his specific reasoning for that decision.
Metaplanet Packages Bitcoin Treasury Income via Securities Rails
Metaplanet is exploring use of regulated securities infrastructure to monetize Bitcoin treasury holdings, betting that packaging Bitcoin income streams could create a sustainable business model for BTC treasury firms. The strategy hinges on product market demand and maintenance of net asset value calculations, positioning securities rails as a potential new revenue engine for the sector.
Analyst Flags Textbook Bull Pattern in Bitcoin Chart
A crypto analyst has identified a classic bullish chart pattern in Bitcoin's price action, suggesting potential for a move toward $100,000 before the US midterm elections. The analyst's observation indicates a setup for Bitcoin's next major directional move, though specific technical details and timeframes are not specified in the available excerpt.
SEC Opens Five-Year Pathway for Tokenized U.S. Stocks
The SEC has established a five-year regulatory framework for tokenized U.S. stocks, requiring that approved tokens preserve the economic, voting, dividend, and liquidation rights of underlying shares. The move prioritizes investor protections over trading speed in the tokenization process.
Polymarket Bets Show 84% Odds of Fed Rate Hike in 2026
Prediction market Polymarket is pricing an 84% probability of a Federal Reserve rate increase in 2026, according to Crypto Briefing. The high odds reflect market expectations of persistent inflation concerns that could pressure economic growth and financial stability, with implications for crypto and broader asset valuations.
Binance distributes $1.88 SPYB dividends to spot holders
Binance distributed $1.88 in SPYB dividends to spot wallet holders as part of its tokenized dividend model. The mechanism aims to reshape investor engagement, though regulatory scrutiny presents a significant barrier to broader global adoption of the approach.
OFAC Sanctions BitBank Tehran Exchange; Bitcoin Holds $78K
U.S. Treasury Department sanctions via OFAC froze the BitBank exchange in Tehran, raising compliance concerns across cryptocurrency platforms. Bitcoin maintained a price near $78,000 following the enforcement action linked to Iran, showing limited immediate market reaction to the regulatory move.
SBI Invests in Singapore Stablecoin Startup Vertex Round
Japanese financial services firm SBI has joined a funding round led by Vertex for an unnamed Singapore startup focused on stablecoin issuance. The startup plans to expand its merchant payment, enterprise portal, and mobile app offerings with the capital injection.
Kalshi launches US crypto perpetuals; Bitcoin liquidity dominates
Kalshi has launched cryptocurrency perpetual futures contracts in the US market, with Bitcoin trading available but altcoin markets facing liquidity constraints. The platform's success in alternative crypto markets will depend on order-book depth, bid-ask spreads, funding rates, and trader adoption patterns.
Cardano's Pogun Platform Aims to Unlock $1.6T Bitcoin DeFi Liquidity
Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson revealed that the blockchain is developing Pogun, a platform designed to address idle liquidity in Bitcoin's DeFi ecosystem. Hoskinson claimed the initiative could unlock $1.6 trillion in dormant capital, positioning Cardano as a solution to a known challenge in cross-chain liquidity management.
Virtuals CEO on AI Agents as Autonomous Economic Actors
Virtuals founder Jansen Teng argues that AI agents are transitioning from conversational tools to autonomous economic participants capable of earning, spending, and coordinating. The shift signals potential integration of AI systems with blockchain and cryptocurrency infrastructure for independent value exchange.
Binance Launches 24/7 FX Perpetuals with 100x Leverage
Binance expanded its derivatives platform into foreign exchange markets, launching a 24/7 USD-Brazilian real perpetual contract offering up to 100x leverage. The USDBRLUSDT contract represents Binance's entry into the $9.6 trillion-a-day FX market via its trading platform.
Anti-trafficking group warns Clarity Act provision risks accountability gaps
An anti-human trafficking advocate has raised concerns that Section 604 of the Clarity Act could undermine accountability mechanisms despite existing criminal statutes already addressing trafficking. The group's position suggests potential regulatory blind spots in cryptocurrency legislation that oversight advocates worry could be exploited.
EU Banks Double MiCA Registration to 80 in Three Months
European banks have doubled their presence on the EU's MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) register to approximately 80 institutions in under three months, increasing their share of listed crypto providers to nearly 23%, according to analysis by the European Securities and Markets Authority.
Binance to Suspend Deposits and Withdrawals on September 22
Binance announced it will briefly suspend deposits and withdrawals on September 22, according to CryptoPotato. The exchange did not specify the duration or reason for the maintenance window in the reported announcement.
Polygon Prepares Permissionless Burn of 100 Million POL
Polygon is preparing a permissionless burn of 100 million POL tokens, with contracts currently on testnet awaiting final Security Council signatures, according to founder Sandeep Nailwal. The mechanism will later enable community-callable quarterly base-fee burns, reducing token supply through a transparent governance process.
Bitcoin Rallies After BOJ Rate Hike to 1.25%
Bitcoin gained following the Bank of Japan's decision to raise rates by 1.25%, with the yen weakening immediately after the announcement. The article notes that immediate unwinding pressure remained limited as higher funding costs approach implementation, with the real test of yen-carry dynamics expected in the coming week.
Ethereum Foundation leader warns of funding gap as governance shifts
A former Ethereum Foundation member has cautioned that the network faces a funding shortfall as the Foundation reduces its direct involvement in development and governance. The warning highlights the need for the Ethereum ecosystem to establish alternative funding mechanisms to sustain protocol development and ecosystem initiatives.
Rep. Waters opposes Labor Dept. plan to allow crypto in 401(k)s
Maxine Waters, ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, has called on the Department of Labor to withdraw its proposal permitting alternative assets including cryptocurrency in 401(k) retirement plans. Waters' stance reflects ongoing legislative skepticism toward crypto's role in personal retirement savings.
Spiko ranks sixth among RWA issuers with $2.5B tokenized
Spiko has reached $2.5 billion in tokenized real-world assets, placing it sixth among RWA issuers, according to Crypto Briefing. The firm's growth reflects growing institutional adoption of blockchain-based asset tokenization in traditional finance.
Bitcoin Faces Rate Risk as Bank of England Unwinds £368B Portfolio
The Bank of England's unwinding of £368 billion in gilts presents a potential eight-year rates test for Bitcoin, according to CryptoSlate analysis. While gilt yields initially fell as active auctions paused, the central bank's continued portfolio reduction maintains a slow-burn risk to interest rates that could affect crypto assets.
Spanish Regulator Confirms No Extension for EU MiCA Compliance Deadline
Spain's financial regulator has stated that no extensions will be granted for the EU's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) compliance deadline of July 1, meaning unlicensed crypto firms must cease operations by that date. Binance remains unlicensed in the EU as the deadline approaches, potentially affecting its ability to operate in the bloc.
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