Crypto Briefs — Thursday, October 1, 2026
Crypto markets experienced significant shifts today as major traders on Hyperliquid faced substantial losses from unexpected NEAR price appreciation, while institutional adoption accelerated across multiple fronts. MetaMask Staking withdrew from Lido validators following a security incident, raising fresh concerns about vulnerabilities in decentralized finance staking infrastructure. Notable developments included Kraken's completion of its TradeStation crypto assets acquisition, KDDI's integration of a crypto wallet into Japan's au PAY app, and WisdomTree's deployment of tokenized real-world asset funds on Arbitrum, signaling continued institutional engagement with blockchain infrastructure despite ongoing regulatory scrutiny and security challenges.
Top NEAR Traders on Hyperliquid Caught Short as Price Rally Squeezes Bears
Major NEAR traders on the Hyperliquid exchange held predominantly short positions heading into a market rally that generated significant losses for bearish bets and gains for long positions. The move underscores the risks inherent in leveraged trading and the difficulty of predicting directional moves in volatile crypto markets.
MetaMask Staking exits Lido validators after security incident
MetaMask Staking has exited its Lido validators following an unspecified security incident. The move underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in decentralized finance staking operations and the need for enhanced security protocols across liquid staking platforms.
Solana Releases Validator Codebase v2.1.0 on Testnet
Solana released validator codebase tag v2.1.0 on testnet on September 30, 2026, according to NewsBTC. The update introduces infrastructure enhancements focused on security and scalability. Industry analysts note the upgrade is intended to maintain user confidence and market stability.
SBI Holdings, Mesh, Money Forward Launch Japan Stablecoin JV
SBI Holdings, Mesh, and Money Forward announced a joint venture on September 30, 2026, to develop stablecoin payment infrastructure in Japan. The partnership represents a significant move by major Japanese financial and fintech players to expand digital asset adoption in the payments ecosystem.
EigenLayer Launches Dual-Staking Extension for Bitcoin Security
EigenLayer announced a dual-staking extension for Bitcoin asset security on September 30, 2026, according to NewsBTC. The development expands infrastructure capabilities within the digital asset ecosystem and reflects a strategic shift toward scalable operations. Industry participants are monitoring liquidity signals and collateral flows following the announcement.
Brazil Energy Giant Tests Cardano for Carbon Credit Tracking
Brazil's largest energy company is piloting Cardano blockchain technology to address carbon double-counting in aviation fuel markets. The research platform tokenizes fuel sustainability benefits as transferable credits that are retired after use, though the project remains at proof-of-concept stage with no announced commercial deployment timeline.
OFAC Sanctions Tren de Aragua ATM Network, Lists Seven Tron Addresses
The U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned seven addresses on the Tron blockchain linked to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal organization operating an ATM network. Chainalysis reported that the wallets' counterparties had exposure to laundering networks connected to Mexican and Colombian cartels and Venezuelan money launderers.
Standard Chartered projects Ethena's ENA outperforming BTC, ETH by 2028
Standard Chartered research suggests Ethena's ENA token could deliver returns exceeding Bitcoin and Ethereum through 2028, according to analysis cited by Ethena as USDe stablecoin supply remains below initial targets for protocol-funded token repurchases.
DogeOS Layer Opens Public Testnet for Dogecoin Apps
MyDoge wallet developers launched a public testnet for DogeOS, a layer designed to enable developers to build lending platforms and games on Dogecoin. The release aims to expand the blockchain's utility beyond payments into decentralized finance and gaming applications.
AvengerDAO Security Marketplace Expands to 17 Providers
AvengerDAO's security marketplace has grown to 17 firms following the addition of six new security providers. The expansion is intended to enhance security options and developer confidence on BNB Chain, potentially attracting increased investment to the ecosystem.
ESMA seeks expanded enforcement powers for EU crypto rules
The European Securities and Markets Authority is calling for stronger enforcement capabilities to implement EU crypto regulations. The move aims to enhance investor protection, though it may raise compliance costs for cryptocurrency firms operating in the EU.
WisdomTree Launches Tokenized RWA Funds on Arbitrum
WisdomTree announced on September 30, 2026, the native deployment of tokenized real-world asset funds on the Arbitrum blockchain. The move represents an expansion of institutional digital asset infrastructure and reflects growing adoption of scalable blockchain networks for compliance-aligned asset tokenization.
Bitcoin Magazine explores Shielded Bitcoin privacy protocol proposal
Bitcoin Magazine published an analysis of Shielded Bitcoin, a proposed zero-knowledge privacy protocol that would use Bitcoin PIPEs to hide transactions without requiring a soft fork. The article examines whether the protocol could compete with privacy-focused coins like Zcash by enabling privacy features on Bitcoin's base layer.
Bybit Releases 40th Proof-of-Reserves Report; Assets Hit $19.6B
Bybit published its 40th proof-of-reserves report, showing covered assets of $19.6 billion. The exchange's ongoing transparency initiative aims to enhance trust and stability amid the volatile crypto exchange landscape.
Kraken Completes Acquisition of TradeStation Crypto Assets
Kraken announced completion of its acquisition of TradeStation's crypto infrastructure assets on September 30, 2026, according to verified regulatory and corporate filings. The deal represents a strategic expansion aimed at enhancing scalability, compliance, and market liquidity as institutional participation in digital assets accelerates.
Bitcoin BIP461 upgrade targets reproducible ECDSA signatures
BIP461 proposes making ECDSA signatures reproducible on Bitcoin, allowing comparisons that would flag deviations from compliant behavior without directly proving malicious firmware. The upgrade aims to detect hidden key leaks and signature anomalies that could indicate compromised signing devices.
KDDI Integrates Crypto Wallet Into au PAY Mobile App
Japan telecommunications giant KDDI announced on September 30, 2026, that it has integrated a cryptocurrency wallet into its au PAY mobile payment application. The integration represents an expansion of institutional crypto adoption in Japan and reflects a broader trend toward embedding digital asset services into mainstream financial infrastructure.
Florida Judge Orders Fundsz Promoters to Pay $30M in Fraud Case
A Florida judge has ordered promoters of Fundsz to pay over $30 million in a cryptocurrency fraud case, according to Crypto Briefing. The ruling underscores enforcement action against fraudulent crypto schemes and the ongoing regulatory focus on investor protection in digital-asset markets.
Orca Legal Chief: SEC Exemption Enables DeFi Efficiency Testing
Orca's legal leadership stated that an SEC exemption permits DeFi platforms to demonstrate their claimed efficiency advantages in financial markets. The exemption could reshape DeFi's regulatory positioning and influence future compliance frameworks through 2031, according to the legal chief's assessment.
Binance Shifts Value Transfers to Solana From Tron, Ethereum
Binance appears to be redirecting value transfers toward Solana from Tron and Ethereum, potentially signaling a preference for faster and more cost-effective blockchain infrastructure. The move could influence market adoption patterns across competing layer-one networks.
Midnight NIGHT token surges 17% as privacy network gains traction
Midnight's NIGHT token climbed 17.73% to $0.03812, breaking above its rising daily channel. The price movement follows remarks by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson suggesting the privacy-focused network could eventually surpass Zcash in adoption or capability, according to TradingView data on the Binance NIGHT/USDT pair.
Sentora's Morpho vaults see outflows following MetaMask security incident
Sentora's Morpho vaults experienced outflows following a MetaMask security incident, underscoring the interconnected nature of DeFi platforms where security issues at one service can trigger financial instability and depositor withdrawal activity across integrated protocols.
Arthur Hayes forecasts Bitcoin to $1 million by 2030 amid AI debt stress
BitMEX founder Arthur Hayes reiterated his $1 million Bitcoin price target by 2030, attributing potential acceleration in late 2027–early 2028 to financial stress in debt-funded AI infrastructure. Hayes links cryptocurrency adoption to instability in leveraged technology lending markets, per reporting from financial news account Walter Bloomberg on X.
Chainlink Selected as Oracle for Open USD Stablecoin Launch
Open USD stablecoin launched across four blockchains with Chainlink as its official data oracle and over $1 billion in initial liquidity. The partnership integrates Chainlink's price feeds to support the stablecoin's operations across multiple chains.
Fidelity Bitcoin ETF sees $125.58M outflow in volatile September
Fidelity Bitcoin ETF clients withdrew $125.58 million as September closed amid economic uncertainties and market volatility. The outflow reflects investor sentiment swings but does not signal systemic problems for the fund, according to Crypto Briefing.
Lighter CEO sees fixed income as DeFi's next frontier
Lighter's CEO highlighted fixed income as a major growth opportunity for decentralized finance during Korea Blockchain Week 2026, arguing that integrating fixed-income instruments could bridge traditional finance and blockchain systems. The executive suggested such expansion could reshape global financial markets by bringing bond-like and debt instruments onto decentralized platforms.
Bitcoin Unrealized Profits Reach 21-Month High at 54%
CryptoQuant reported on September 29, 2026, that Bitcoin's unrealized profits hit a 21-month high of 54%, reflecting substantially positive price movement from holders' entry points. The metric signals strong gains across the active holder base and may indicate reduced selling pressure at current levels.
Bitcoin rallies to $85,500 on soft PCE data, retreats as yields hold
Bitcoin briefly surpassed $85,000 on Wednesday following a cooler-than-expected Personal Consumption Expenditures report, but gains evaporated as Treasury yields remained near their highest levels since 2002. The move highlights bitcoin's sensitivity to macroeconomic signals, particularly inflation data and fixed-income market sentiment.
MetaMask exits staking validators after security incident
MetaMask is withdrawing from affected Ethereum validators following an infrastructure security probe, though the company stated that user wallets face no immediate threat. The move comes as the wallet provider addresses the underlying security issue.
China State Security Ministry Calls Crypto Assets 'Accomplice' to Espionage
China's State Security Ministry on September 29, 2026, branded cryptocurrency assets as an 'accomplice' to espionage in an official statement, according to Bitcoinist. The characterization reflects Beijing's hardening stance on digital assets and may signal tighter regulatory constraints on crypto activity within China and potentially affecting global markets.
Uniswap StablePair Hook Found With Three LP Return Vulnerabilities
CryptoSlate identified three structural flaws in Uniswap's StablePair hook that reduce liquidity provider returns despite rebalancing features. The issues stem from fee mechanisms tied to configured rates, which leave token and inventory risk exposure with LPs rather than hedging it through the hook design.
Upbit operator Dunamu outlines international expansion strategy
Dunamu, the operator of South Korean exchange Upbit, announced a strategic plan for international expansion on September 30, 2026, according to regulatory and corporate filings. The move signals the exchange's intent to grow its footprint beyond its home market amid broader activity in the digital asset sector.
Daines Proposes ADAPT Act Exempting Small Crypto Transactions From Tax
Senator Steve Daines introduced the ADAPT Act, which would exempt stablecoin purchases and cryptocurrency-paid transaction costs under $10 from capital-gains recognition while implementing wash-sale restrictions on loss harvesting. The bill seeks to reduce tax friction for routine crypto payments while preventing abuse of loss-harvesting strategies.
Bitcoin Buy/Sell Pressure Delta Turns Positive
Bitcoin's 90-day Buy/Sell Pressure Delta has recovered to positive territory, indicating renewed buying pressure after a prior decline. The metric suggests demand recovery but does not yet confirm a sustained uptrend, according to CCN analysis.
Citi Token Services Expands to Japan, UAE in Seven-Market Push
Citigroup's Token Services platform has expanded into Japan and the United Arab Emirates, extending its private blockchain payment network across seven markets total. The service processes billions of dollars in transactions, positioning Citi as a competitor to decentralized cryptocurrency payment rails.
Lubin-linked wallet moves 133,298 ETH amid price hold above $2,700
A wallet associated with Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin transferred 133,298 ETH on October 1 while Ethereum held above $2,700, according to onchain tracker Lookonchain. The move has prompted speculation about potential future selling pressure on the market.
Lloyds, Visa Complete USDC Cross-Border Settlement Pilot
Lloyds Banking Group and Visa concluded a seven-day live pilot using USDC stablecoin to settle $750,000 in cross-border payment obligations, with funds arriving in under an hour including weekend processing. The trial demonstrates stablecoin utility for institutional payments and faster settlement than traditional methods.
Yen weakness keeps carry trades attractive but risks Bitcoin volatility
The Japanese yen has weakened past 158 against the dollar as traders reduced expectations for a Bank of Japan rate hike this month, maintaining the appeal of yen-funded carry trades that fuel Bitcoin and crypto demand. The article warns of potential sharp reversals in the carry trade that could trigger market volatility, similar to prior yen-driven shocks.
A16z's Jennings: GENIUS Act locks in stablecoin regulation trajectory
Andreessen Horowitz crypto head Miles Jennings argued that the GENIUS Act's stablecoin regulations would entrench regulatory frameworks for blockchain finance, making regulatory reversal unlikely and supporting long-term market stability. The legislative approach, according to Jennings, creates structural permanence for onchain financial systems.
October Macro Catalyst Outlook: FOMC Decision, Real Yields, Bitcoin ETF Flows
The FOMC will meet October 27–28 with September PCE data arriving after the decision, creating unusual timing uncertainty. Fed funds futures price a 47.1% probability of a rate hike versus 52.9% for no change, while real Treasury yields have risen sharply to 2.90% on the 10-year. Bitcoin gained 6% in September amid roughly $2.5 billion in net inflows to US spot bitcoin ETFs, setting up a test of whether that bid sustains amid rising real returns.
South Korea Plans Tokenized Securities Rules With Feb. 2027 Launch
South Korea is developing regulations to enable stocks, bonds, and funds to be issued as blockchain-based tokens, with an over-the-counter trading limit of 100 million won before a February 4, 2027 implementation date. The proposal marks a significant step toward integrating traditional securities into tokenized form within a major Asian market.
India leads region in crypto exchange inflows at $88.4B despite market contraction
India received $88.4 billion in centralized exchange inflows, outpacing Singapore and Australia in Central and Southeast Asia and Oceania, according to Chainalysis data. This occurred despite India's broader crypto economy contracting 14.7% during the latest reporting period, suggesting concentrated activity among major market participants.
Euler Finance V2 launches multi-collateral vault on Ethereum
Euler Finance deployed its V2 multi-collateral vault engine on Ethereum mainnet on September 30, 2026. The upgrade represents a significant protocol expansion for the lending platform following its previous security incidents and recovery efforts.
ZeroDev Raises $6.7M to Expand ERC-4337 Smart Account Platform
ZeroDev announced a $6.7 million funding round on September 30, 2026, to scale its ERC-4337 smart account infrastructure. The capital will support development of account abstraction technology that enables simplified transaction workflows on Ethereum and compatible blockchains.
Marinade Council Blocks Two DAO Takeover Proposals
Marinade's council vetoed two proposals submitted within six hours, the protocol announced, blocking what it characterized as a DAO takeover attempt. The company stated that no funds were moved and staking services remained unaffected during the incident.
Base Cobalt upgrade enables token seizure policies for B20 issuers
Base is scheduled to deploy its Cobalt upgrade on September 30 at 18:00 UTC, introducing new token balance controls. The upgrade allows B20 token issuers to opt into seizure policies independent of standard transfer restrictions, adding compliance flexibility to the layer-2 network.
SBI Holdings completes Bitbank takeover, makes it wholly owned subsidiary
SBI Holdings finalized its acquisition of Japanese crypto exchange Bitbank on October 1, converting it into a wholly owned subsidiary after completing final share transactions. The announcement was made by Bitbank on Wednesday following the exchange's repurchase of remaining shares.
XRP trades near $1.50 after Ripple's 1B token unlock
XRP traded near $1.50 following Ripple's release of 1 billion tokens from escrow. Analysts point to potential resistance at $1.54 amid ETF inflows, Brazil adoption initiatives, and XRPL protocol upgrades as factors that could influence price direction.
CertiK: September Crypto Exploits and Phishing Totaled $766.4M
CertiK reported $766.4 million in combined exploit and phishing losses across cryptocurrency platforms in September, with Bitget and Liquid Network accounting for the largest share of incidents. Recovered and frozen funds substantially mitigated the net damage, according to the security firm's monthly tally.
Judge Dismisses LIBRA and M3M3 Memecoin RICO Lawsuit
Judge Jennifer Rochon dismissed a class action lawsuit against memecoins LIBRA and M3M3 with prejudice, ruling that six months of memecoin launches cannot sustain a RICO racketeering claim. The judge also found that plaintiffs failed to properly name Meteora as a defendant entity capable of being sued.
Japan's Largest Payment Network Integrates Crypto via Binance Pay
Japan's biggest payment network launched crypto payment support on September 30 through Binance Pay, enabling verified users to transact in cryptocurrency at participating offline merchants with automatic yen conversion. The integration allows customers to use digital assets for purchases while merchants receive fiat settlement.
EU Regulators Probe Binance's 'Reverse Solicitation' Exemption Use
European regulators are investigating how Binance continues serving EU customers from its Abu Dhabi operations months after losing its Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) registrations, according to Decrypt. The probe focuses on the exchange's claimed reliance on a 'reverse solicitation' exemption that allows it to operate without full EU compliance when customers initiate contact independently.
Iran Plans Expanded Crypto Use for Oil Sales Under US Sanctions
Iran is reportedly increasing its use of cryptocurrency for oil transactions as it navigates US sanctions restrictions. The shift could alter global oil supply dynamics and market expectations, potentially causing price volatility in both energy and crypto markets. The move reflects Tehran's strategy to circumvent financial isolation through digital assets.
SEAL: North Korean Fake-Zoom Crypto Scams Rising Daily
Security firm SEAL has warned of a rising daily volume of cryptocurrency theft schemes originating from North Korea that use fraudulent Zoom calls to distribute malware. The scam reportedly tricks users into downloading malicious software during fake video conference sessions, though the incomplete source article does not detail specific victim counts, stolen amounts, or technical indicators for detection.
Cardano Integrates AI Payment Capability for Applications
Cardano has announced a new AI payment integration enabling applications and AI agents to transact on the network. The development positions ADA at a multi-year resistance level amid broader industry momentum toward AI functionality in blockchain platforms.
Coins.ph halts peso deposits after BSP restricts DCPay
Coins.ph users lost the ability to deposit Philippine pesos via InstaPay or PESONet following a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas order restricting inbound transfers to DCPay, the payment processor used by the exchange. Withdrawals of pesos remain operational. The restriction affects a major on-ramp for crypto purchases in the Philippines.
Stacks rises 20% as Muneeb Ali assumes CEO role
Stacks token price increased over 20% following Muneeb Ali's appointment as CEO of Stacks Labs. The development coincides with expansion of Bitcoin staking initiatives, with the protocol moving toward a 500 BTC bonding round.
Crypto sector suffers $768M in hacks during September 2026
Cryptocurrency platforms experienced over $766 million in security losses during September 2026, marking the worst month for hacks in the year, according to Crypto.news. Major breaches at Bitget and Liquid exchanges led the losses, underscoring persistent vulnerabilities in digital-asset custodial systems.
EU Regulators Question Binance Over Unlicensed Operations
European regulators have questioned Binance regarding unlicensed operations across the EU, according to Crypto Briefing. The increased regulatory scrutiny may prompt stricter EU crypto regulations and raise compliance costs for exchanges operating in the region.
Ripple Expands XRPL Tokenization Efforts in Brazil
Ripple has positioned Brazil as a key hub for its XRPL tokenization initiatives, according to CryptoSlate reporting on a Sept. 29 fund-share record project. The Brazilian central securities depositary CSD BR maintains the official securities register for the effort, deepening Ripple's footprint in the country's digital asset ecosystem.
Bitcoin Retreats From $85K After Inflation Data Spark
Bitcoin briefly topped $85,000 on Wednesday following weaker-than-expected U.S. inflation data that eased expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes, but the move proved unsustainable and prices fell back to the $82,000–$85,000 range. Spot ETF inflows failed to sustain the rally, leaving bulls unable to capitalize on the macroeconomic tailwind.
Chainalysis faces aiding-and-abetting claim in Celsius $3.3B audit case
A judge dismissed 15 claims against Chainalysis in litigation tied to Celsius Network but allowed an aiding-and-abetting case to proceed. The surviving claim centers on a disputed $3.3 billion asset audit, suggesting the court found sufficient grounds to proceed on that narrower allegation while rejecting other theories of liability.
Citi raises Bitcoin forecast to $113K on ETF demand
Citigroup increased its 12-month Bitcoin price target to $113,000 from $82,000 and raised its Ether forecast to $3,028, citing returning ETF inflows and recovery in crypto markets from midyear declines. The bank's price revision reflects renewed institutional interest in digital assets through spot exchange-traded funds.
Ripple-backed Evernorth plans Nasdaq IPO with major XRP holdings
Evernorth, a Ripple-backed entity holding the largest XRP treasury, is preparing for a Nasdaq debut. The listing could enhance XRP's market legitimacy and attract institutional capital to the ecosystem, according to Crypto Briefing.
Backpack Exchange BP token reaches $1.65 ATH on SEC exemption
Backpack Exchange's BP token reached an all-time high of $1.65 following an SEC exemption. The exemption could accelerate tokenized securities adoption and potentially reshape traditional stock trading dynamics, according to the report.
Ethereum withdraws issuance proposal from Hegotá upgrade
A proposal to modify Ethereum's issuance mechanics has been withdrawn from the planned Hegotá upgrade, according to Crypto Briefing. The withdrawal underscores ongoing governance divisions within the Ethereum community regarding supply policy and protocol changes, with potential implications for market expectations around future token economics.
Ethereum issuance proposal withdrawn from Hegotá upgrade
An Ethereum issuance proposal has been withdrawn from the planned Hegotá upgrade, raising questions about governance processes within the network. The withdrawal underscores ongoing disagreements over protocol changes and may affect market expectations regarding future ETH supply dynamics.
Injective demos CypherOS privacy platform for blockchain
Injective has unveiled a first demonstration of CypherOS, a privacy-focused platform aimed at blockchain users. The demo reflects growing institutional demand for privacy-preserving features in trading and transaction infrastructure, according to the announcement.
Senate tax bill exempts stablecoin purchases from capital-gains reporting
A circulated Senate tax proposal would exempt dollar-stablecoin purchases from capital-gains treatment with no stated value cap, while Bitcoin and other assets retain existing IRS disposition-reporting requirements. The measure represents a divergent regulatory approach between stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies in U.S. tax policy.
Ghana's crypto market reaches $21B annually, ranks fifth in region
Ghana's cryptocurrency market has reached approximately $21 billion in annual transaction volume, placing it fifth among sub-Saharan African nations. The growth is driven by increasing adoption of stablecoins and the development of new regulatory frameworks in the country.
Sui joins OpenAssets to advance tokenized asset standard
Sui blockchain has joined the OpenAssets initiative to help extend the Open Tokenized Asset Standard. The collaboration aims to improve interoperability and compliance for tokenized assets, potentially expanding their use in global financial markets and enabling broader innovation in the space.
Netherlands Scraps 36% Tax on Unsold Bitcoin Holdings
The Netherlands has eliminated a 36% tax on unsold Bitcoin holdings, removing a significant compliance burden for investors in the jurisdiction. The policy shift is expected to improve investor confidence in the Dutch crypto market and may influence Bitcoin investment strategies globally.
Verda Report: LATAM Stablecoin Liquidity Concentrated Among 16 Firms
A Verda report identifies systemic risk in Latin America's stablecoin market, where liquidity is heavily concentrated among just 16 firms. The concentration poses potential threats to the region's financial stability, according to the analysis.
Tron Inc. completes 252-day TRX buyback, holds 716.8M tokens
Tron Inc. concluded a 252-day period of consecutive TRX purchases, accumulating 716.8 million tokens as part of its treasury strategy. The sustained acquisition campaign underscores the company's commitment to integrating crypto assets into corporate treasury management practices.
Illinois Delays 0.2% Crypto Tax Enforcement to July 2027
Illinois has agreed to postpone enforcement of its 0.2% cryptocurrency transaction tax by six months, pushing the implementation date from January 1 to July 1, 2027, according to an agreed court motion. The delay suggests ongoing negotiations or legal challenges surrounding the state's proposed tax on crypto transactions.
Pharaoh Exchange Posts Record Volume and Fees on Avalanche
Pharaoh Exchange reported record monthly volume and fees on the Avalanche blockchain, according to Crypto Briefing. The exchange's performance underscores growing activity in decentralized finance platforms built on the Avalanche network.
Circle Mints $13.5B USDC on Solana in September
Circle minted approximately $13.5 billion USDC stablecoin on the Solana blockchain during September, according to Crypto Briefing. The surge in minting activity underscores Solana's expanding role in cryptocurrency finance and may enhance institutional adoption of the network.
NEAR falls below $5 after $3.8M Intents exploit reported
NEAR token dropped below $5 on October 1 following a reported $3.8 million exploit involving NEAR Intents, with the asset trading near $4.94. The incident involved a bug in the NEAR Intents protocol, interrupting the token's recent rally with a sharp pullback.
Ex-BlackRock VP Predicts $10T Crypto Market Cap This Cycle
John Gillen, a former BlackRock vice president, has forecast that the total cryptocurrency market capitalization could reach $10 trillion during the current market cycle. Gillen joins other market participants in offering bullish long-term price predictions for Bitcoin and leading altcoins, contingent on sustained market growth.
NEAR Protocol surpasses Avalanche in 24-hour DEX volume
NEAR Protocol exceeded Avalanche in 24-hour decentralized exchange volume, according to Crypto Briefing. The outlet attributes the shift to NEAR's trading architecture and suggests the development may reshape competitive dynamics in decentralized finance.
Bitcoin clears $85K resistance level, potentially opening upside
Bitcoin buyers have cleared a significant sell wall at $85,000, according to Crypto Briefing analysis. The removal of this resistance level could open the path for further price appreciation and increased volatility in the near term.
TRUMP memecoin falls 97% from peak, organizers launch holder dinner contest
The TRUMP memecoin token has declined approximately 97% from its peak, trading around $2.04 as of Oct. 1. Organizers have announced a contest offering 185 token holders seats at a Nov. 22 dinner featuring President Donald Trump, operated by Fight Fight Fight LLC.
Congressional Research Service identifies 11 crypto activities CLARITY Act permits US banks
The Congressional Research Service detailed 11 categories of cryptocurrency activities the Senate-reported CLARITY Act would allow U.S. banking organizations and credit unions to conduct, including digital asset underwriting and dealing. The analysis provides legislative clarity on which crypto services banks could offer under the proposed framework.
Drift Foundation Opens DFX Recovery Claims at 1% Payout Rate
The Drift Foundation has opened redemption claims for victims of its April 1 exploit, with approximately 3.11 million USDT available for initial payouts representing roughly 1% of verified losses. The recovery mechanism marks the foundation's first formal restitution step for affected users following the protocol incident.
Circle Urges MiCA Changes; Only 3 of Top 30 Stablecoins Compliant
Circle's EU policy director stated that only three of the world's 30 largest stablecoins currently comply with the EU's Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA). In an Oct. 1 policy submission, Circle urged EU policymakers to revise MiCA's stablecoin issuance and reserve requirements, citing compliance barriers affecting major market participants.
Block launches first major Bitcoin consumer campaign targeting 60M Americans
Block has launched its first major consumer campaign focused on Bitcoin adoption, targeting 60 million Americans described as curious about digital currencies. The company aims to influence financial behaviors and potentially shift digital currency norms through the initiative.
Bitwise CIO Says Crypto Better Off Without Failed CLARITY Act
Following the Senate's failure to pass the CLARITY Act, Bitwise's chief investment officer argued that cryptocurrency markets may benefit from the legislation's defeat, citing the sector's resilience. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several altcoins posted gains after the bill did not advance, suggesting market relief at avoiding proposed regulatory constraints.
Bitcoin ETFs near record inflows after 11-month reset
Bitcoin spot ETFs are approximately $5 billion away from setting a new flow record, following a significant withdrawal on September 30 that marked a reset after 11 months of accumulated flows. The article notes that subsequent fund movements and spot price action will determine whether redemption pressure continues or if inflows resume.
Coinbase to Support AERO and VELO Token Migration
Coinbase announced it will support migration of AERO and VELO tokens from November 2–4, 2026. The exchange framed the migration as potentially streamlining DeFi operations and enhancing liquidity and governance across multiple blockchain networks.
Standard Chartered Expands DeFi Research for Institutional Investors
Standard Chartered is developing institutional-grade research infrastructure for decentralized finance, reflecting the bank's commitment to serving professional clients in the DeFi space. The expansion signals growing mainstream acceptance of DeFi products among traditional financial institutions and may accelerate institutional adoption of decentralized protocols.
Stand With Crypto Urges EU to Ease Stablecoin Rewards Restrictions
Stand With Crypto, a digital asset advocacy group, has called on European Union regulators to relax restrictions on stablecoin rewards in light of upcoming digital currency regulation. The push reflects ongoing tension between the crypto industry and EU central banks over how stablecoins should be regulated and what yield mechanisms they can offer users.
RLUSD Stablecoin Reaches $2.4B Market Cap Amid XRP Questions
Ripple's RLUSD stablecoin has grown to a $2.4 billion market capitalization, according to reserve and network activity data. The article examines what this growth means for XRP demand, noting that increased RLUSD liquidity does not necessarily indicate higher demand for the underlying XRP token.
Ripple Expands RLUSD Stablecoin to Ethereum L2s via Wormhole
Ripple announced it is testing its $1.3B RLUSD stablecoin on Ethereum layer-2 networks including Optimism, Base, Ink, and Unichain, using Wormhole for cross-chain bridging. The company plans to add more blockchains in 2025 pending regulatory approval as part of its broader multichain expansion strategy.
Porsche Shuts Down Web3 Project; 911 NFT Holders Retain Tokens
Porsche has discontinued its Web3 initiative, though holders of the company's 911 NFTs will retain their tokens. The shutdown reflects ongoing challenges luxury brands encounter in sustaining NFT projects amid volatile market interest and waning engagement.
Cardano Whales Dump 90M ADA Amid September Price Gains
Cardano (ADA) closed September with significant gains, but whale activity shows bearish signals with approximately 90 million ADA tokens dumped since September 20, according to CryptoPotato. The large-scale selling pressure from major holders has raised concerns about potential pullback risks despite the month's overall positive price performance.
SEC Proposes Self-Custody Option for Crypto Investment Advisers
The SEC has proposed a rule allowing registered investment advisers to maintain self-custody of digital assets, alongside newly outlined conditions for state trust company custody arrangements. The proposal opens a 60-day public comment period following its publication in the Federal Register, signaling potential regulatory relief for custodial practices in the crypto advisory space.
XRP Enters Collateral Market via Morpho Protocol
XRP has begun functioning as collateral in real lending markets, with Morpho Protocol showing live FXRP collateral use as of October 1. However, the debt market remains concentrated among whale holders, leaving the broader demand signal for XRP collateral unclear at this early stage.
Senator Daines Releases Text of Proposed Crypto Tax Plan
Republican Senator Steve Daines has released the text of a proposed crypto tax bill intended to create clearer regulatory rules for digital assets including stablecoins. The legislation aims to establish more transparent tax treatment for cryptocurrency transactions, though specific provisions are not detailed in the announcement.
Kula Launches $50M Onchain Impact Investment Fund via RWA Model
Kula, a decentralized investment firm, is deploying $50 million in real-world assets (RWA) for energy and infrastructure projects in emerging markets using tokenization and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to grant local communities governance control. The model aims to combine cryptocurrency infrastructure with environmental and social investment outcomes through community participation.
African Businesses Adopt Stablecoins to Speed Cross-Border Payments
Kora CEO Dickson Nsofor said African businesses have increasingly adopted stablecoins over the past five years to address cross-border payment delays, reduce dollar access constraints, and lower settlement costs. The trend reflects growing demand for faster, cheaper payment infrastructure in the region.
SEC Proposes New Rules Governing Crypto Custody for Investment Funds
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed new rules intended to govern how investment funds custody cryptocurrency assets. The proposal aims to establish clearer regulatory standards for the safekeeping of digital assets held by regulated investment vehicles.
Analyst Dale: Bitcoin Rally Hinges on 2027 Liquidity Return
Darius Dale warned that near-term liquidity tightening could cause Bitcoin price volatility, but predicted a significant 12-to-18-month rally if global liquidity conditions improve in 2027. Dale's analysis links Bitcoin's directional movement to broader macroeconomic liquidity cycles rather than isolated cryptocurrency factors.
US Sanctions A7 Network Over Iran Evasion Allegations
The US imposed sanctions on the A7 network for allegedly facilitating sanctions evasion by Iran, marking an escalation in efforts to disrupt financial networks supporting sanctioned states. The action underscores growing regulatory focus on cryptocurrency compliance infrastructure and cross-border financial flows.
DeFi Protocol Tokenizes Football Club Revenues for Liquidity Access
A DeFi model is converting future media and broadcasting revenues from football clubs into tokenized onchain assets, providing clubs with accelerated liquidity access. The approach extends real-world asset (RWA) financing into sports, enabling clubs to monetize future revenue streams through decentralized finance mechanisms.
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