Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

CARV Hackathon attracted over 600 applicants and more than 200 project submissions across four tracks: AI agent infrastructure on the Solana Virtual Machine (SVM), decentralized data orchestration via the D.A.T.A. Framework, modular identity and reputation with CARV ID, and open innovation for consumer agent apps. Twenty-one winning teams, including AI World, Cipher Protocol and NutriMe, showcased real-world use cases ranging from AI-powered health and financial assistants to generative storytelling platforms. CTO Ambero Tu highlighted deep integrations with the CARV ID SDK and structured queries to the D.A.T.A. Framework. COO Victor Yu outlined near-term priorities: scaling Agent ID issuance to build a Unified Reputation Graph, launching an early testnet agent marketplace, and boosting governance through veCARV staking. Winners will receive engineering mentorship, grants, user traffic via CARV Play, and early access to on-chain deployments through the Agent DAO pilot. The CARV Hackathon underscores CARV’s position in the decentralized AI ecosystem. The roadmap milestones for Agent ID and agent marketplaces, combined with growing token utility via veCARV governance, are poised to drive long-term CARV token demand and market activity.

Caldera has partnered with EigenCloud to integrate EigenDA V2 into its rollup engine, boosting data throughput to 100 MB/s and reducing reliance on Ethereum Layer 1. EigenDA V2 creates a dedicated data availability layer inspired by Danksharding, offering guaranteed bandwidth and economic security backed by restaked ETH. Proven in live conditions, it has posted state data for Layer 1 and Layer 2 chains. Available via a one-click option in the Caldera dashboard, EigenDA V2 simplifies new rollup deployments and enables seamless upgrades for existing chains. This integration addresses scalability bottlenecks for enterprises, including payment firms and fintechs, enhancing blockchain performance without sacrificing decentralization or security.

BYDFi has launched the BYDFi Card, a virtual Visa debit card powered by USDT for global crypto spending. Users complete in-app KYC, top up with USDT, activate the card instantly and spend in any Visa-supported currency online or offline via Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal. The card features spending limits and real-time transaction tracking, bypassing traditional fiat conversions. Tailored for Web3 users, DeFi traders, content creators and cross-border freelancers, the BYDFi Card simplifies payments for subscriptions, shopping and international services. Early adopters receive an $88 welcome package, 15% spending rebates and a chance to join a $10,000 trading competition. This launch expands BYDFi’s ecosystem from spot trading and perpetual contracts to real-world payments, advancing its goal of seamless crypto-to-fiat infrastructure.

SEC staff have released nonbinding liquid staking guidance, suggesting receipt tokens are not securities but leaving critical legal and tax questions unresolved. The guidance outlines a structure for issuance and staking rewards but does not address formal rulemaking, restaking, cross-chain staking or derivative products. Marinade’s Scott Gralnick warned that without official SEC rules, compliance could face challenges. Lido Labs’ Sam Kim welcomed clarity yet flagged uncertain areas, while SOL Strategies’ Michael Hubbard noted only strictly compliant protocols may gain regulatory approval. Tax issues remain significant: Alluvial’s Evan Weiss highlighted unclear timing for staking rewards taxation and estate tax rules that hinder liquid staking inclusion in ETFs or asset liquidation. Traders and institutions should monitor forthcoming market structure legislation and potential SEC rulemaking to assess regulatory risk when evaluating liquid staking strategies.

Ethereum jumped 6% to $3,854, driving the ETH/BTC ratio up 38.5% in 30 days and rekindling optimism for a broad altcoin rally. Crypto analyst Michaël van de Poppe predicts 200–500% gains for altcoins over the next 2–4 months, while Cas Abbe points to falling exchange supplies and rising institutional interest. Traders caution that historical Q3 returns average just 6.5% since 2016 and that August–September tends to underperform. If Ethereum breaks $4,000, some 817 million ETH shorts could be squeezed, potentially triggering a volatile surge. Analyst Wolf suggests a choppy build-up before any vertical move, and Tom Lee’s $16,000 ETH forecast remains on the table. Investors should monitor market sentiment, supply metrics and seasonal headwinds to gauge rally sustainability.

ProShares has launched the Ultra CRCL ETF (ticker: CRCA), a 2× daily leveraged ETF offering amplified exposure to Circle Internet Group stock. As the issuer of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin by market cap, Circle’s shares have soared nearly 400% since their IPO but retraced over 25% in the past month. Trading commenced on August 6 on NYSE Arca with a starting NAV of $25 and an expense ratio of 1.08%. This margin-free leveraged ETF lets bullish traders double their daily gains on Circle stock without margin requirements. However, compounding effects can magnify losses during downturns. Traders should apply strict risk management and clear exit strategies. The product marks growing institutional interest in structured crypto-linked instruments and broadens regulated digital-asset offerings.

Since early 2024, hackers have hijacked aged YouTube accounts to deploy YouTube scam bots promoting fake trading tools, facilitating a widespread crypto scam with malicious smart contracts. The YouTube scam bots use AI-generated videos, code snippets and fake testimonials to guide victims in funding these contracts with at least 0.5 ETH, only for attacker-controlled wallets to drain the deposits. Analysis shows scam wallets holding between 4.19 and 244.9 ETH, with over 256 ETH stolen to date. SentinelLABS warns traders to verify contract sources, audit code inputs and outputs, and avoid get-rich-quick schemes from social media or influencer videos.

US prosecutors have filed a sentencing memo in Seattle federal court urging ten-year prison terms for HashFlare co-founders Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turogin after their 2024 guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit telecom fraud. Authorities allege the $577 million cloud-mining service was a classic crypto Ponzi scheme that defrauded roughly 440,000 customers of about $300 million. The founders argue they cooperated with investigators, served 16 months in Estonian detention and point to later cryptocurrency price gains that enabled investors to withdraw $2.3 billion, far exceeding the $487 million in initial contracts. A hearing is set for August 14 before Judge Robert Lasnik. The case underscores mounting US scrutiny of cross-border crypto mining platforms and could shape future enforcement.

CoinJar has rolled out major platform upgrades to streamline portfolio management for crypto traders. The new Portfolio View tracks asset values over time and eliminates the need for external spreadsheets. A consolidated Balances Overview displays cash and crypto holdings across Bundles and Exchange. Users can now review trades, deposits and other account events in the seven-day Recent Activity section. The Recurring Buys screen allows one-stop management of dollar-cost averaging schedules. Real-time Available Balances show spendable funds after reserved amounts. Performance is up to 50% faster on web and mobile. A global UI refresh offers cleaner navigation. CoinJar News is integrated into the home screen for market updates and insights. Upcoming features include profit and loss tracking and dark mode for enhanced user experience.

China’s Ministry of State Security has issued a warning that Worldcoin’s iris-scan data collection poses significant privacy and security risks for users. The MSS highlighted on WeChat that Worldcoin, operated by Tools for Humanity, uses Orb devices to scan irises in exchange for WLD tokens, transferring unique biometric data overseas. The project has already faced regulatory halts in Indonesia and Kenya, and GDPR investigations in Europe. Traders should monitor potential regulatory measures from China, as heightened scrutiny could lead to trading restrictions and weigh on WLD market sentiment.

Derive.xyz reports a surge in crypto options trading as investors flock to put options to hedge downside risk after last month’s rally cooled. For the August 29 expiry, BTC put open interest tops calls by nearly 5×, with half at the $95k strike. ETH put open interest exceeds calls by over 10%, concentrated at $3,200, $3,000 and $2,200 strikes. Spot BTC and ETH have slid 3.4% and 5.4% week-on-week to $114,484 and $3,654. The 30-day skew for both flipped to –2%, signalling demand for downside protection. Implied volatility is 35% for BTC versus 65% for ETH. Derive’s probability model assigns a 25% chance ETH falls below $3,000 and an 18% chance BTC retests $100,000 by month-end. These crypto options strategies underscore trader caution amid Fed uncertainty.

Indonesia’s leading crypto community, Bitcoin Indonesia, presented a proposal to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to build national Bitcoin reserves through large-scale renewable energy mining. The plan leverages surplus geothermal and hydroelectric power for sustainable Bitcoin mining. Supporters argue this strategy will boost government revenue, create tech and energy sector jobs, and strengthen economic resilience. The proposal also calls for a comprehensive Bitcoin education initiative, including university courses, public awareness campaigns and developer training. Meanwhile, Brazil’s House of Representatives will hold a public hearing on August 20 to debate a bill allowing up to 5% of national treasury funds—about $15 billion—into Bitcoin reserves. The bill has backing from Vice President Alckmin and involves six key institutions, including the central bank and finance ministry. These moves align with a growing global trend—countries like the US, Ukraine, Bhutan and Kazakhstan are exploring Bitcoin reserves to hedge inflation and modernize financial infrastructure.

On August 7, PancakeSwap launched on-chain stock perpetual contracts, enabling DeFi traders to speculate on major U.S. equities—Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN) and Tesla (TSLA)—with up to 25× leverage. These non-expiring derivatives settle in cryptocurrency and operate without intermediaries, KYC or brokerage accounts. Users can go long or short directly from their crypto wallets during U.S. market hours. PancakeSwap’s new stock perpetual contracts broaden access to U.S. equities globally and diversify its DeFi derivatives suite beyond cryptocurrencies. Tokenized stocks and perpetual swaps reflect a growing convergence between decentralized finance and traditional markets. Traders should be aware of high risk: adverse price moves can trigger full liquidations, and short positions may incur losses exceeding the initial margin. This launch is poised to boost PancakeSwap liquidity and trading volume, reinforcing its position in DeFi derivatives.

BDACS, a leading South Korean digital asset custodian, has launched regulated institutional-grade XRP custody in partnership with Ripple. The new service, built on Ripple Custody infrastructure, offers secure storage for XRP and support for the RLUSD stablecoin, integrated with major local exchanges Upbit, Coinone and Korbit. Aligned with the South Korean Financial Services Commission’s roadmap, this move addresses surging institutional demand and paves the way for tokenization and on-chain settlements within the Busan Blockchain Free Zone. BDACS officials also eye partnerships with Avalanche (AVAX) and Polymesh to expand tokenized asset services. The expansion boosts market confidence and positions Korean institutions to capitalize on the projected $16 trillion global digital asset storage opportunity by 2030.

TAO Synergies, the Nasdaq-listed digital asset vault formerly known as Synaptogenix, has built a 42,111-TAO-token treasury on the Bittensor network through purchases and active staking. In July, TAO Synergies invested $10 million to acquire 29,899 TAO at an average price of $334 per token, boosting its position as the largest publicly traded Bittensor treasury. Supported by BitGo custody and staking infrastructure, the firm will continue accumulating TAO to enhance staking revenue and reinforce network security. With Bittensor’s market capitalization near $3.3 billion and TAO trading around $345, TAO Synergies aims to drive token appreciation and shareholder value. Another major holder, xTAO, held 41,538 TAO in July, reflecting rising institutional interest in decentralized AI assets.

Roman Storm, co-founder of Tornado Cash, was convicted on August 6 of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting service, marking the first U.S. conviction in the Tornado Cash case. The jury deadlocked on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating North Korea sanctions, effectively acquitting him on those counts. He faces up to five years in prison at a sentencing hearing later this year. Prosecutors’ bid to revoke his $10 million crypto-backed bail was denied by Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who cited Storm’s compliance and U.S. family ties. Supporters have raised over $3 million for his defense, reflecting the industry’s split over DeFi privacy tools. The mixed verdict underscores escalating regulatory scrutiny of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and privacy mixers. U.S. authorities argue Tornado Cash enables money laundering, while advocates warn that aggressive oversight could stifle innovation and user privacy. Traders should monitor potential compliance mandates for DeFi protocols and shifting enforcement trends, particularly around Tornado Cash and privacy-focused tokens. In the short term, the verdict may dampen sentiment for privacy coins, but it also clarifies legal risks for mixer services. Long-term implications include possible new DeFi regulations or intensified enforcement actions. Crypto traders must watch for DOJ retrial decisions and evolving regulatory frameworks that could reshape market structures and trading strategies.

MetaMask and Stripe have teamed up to launch mmUSD, a US dollar–pegged stablecoin leveraging Stripe’s financial infrastructure and Stripe Bridge. Settled on the off-chain M⁰ network, mmUSD aims to deliver rapid, scalable transactions with high liquidity. Integrated into MetaMask’s 30 million+ user wallet, mmUSD supports altcoin swaps, DeFi lending and yield farming via Aave v3 pools on Ethereum and Linea. Positioned to rival leading stablecoins USDC and USDT in the $250 billion market, mmUSD offers on-chain regulatory compliance, fiat on-ramps, minimized volatility and a Seed Vault security mechanism. Benefiting from clear frameworks like the GENIUS Act, mmUSD reinforces the digital dollar’s dominance and boosts merchant payments and DeFi adoption.

Smarter Web Company, a UK-listed tech firm, has issued a $21 million Bitcoin bond via its Smarter Convert financing tool. The interest-free, Bitcoin-denominated convertible bond was fully acquired by French asset manager TOBAM across three managed funds. Investors can convert to shares at a 5% premium to the reference price; mandatory conversion is triggered if the share price rises 50% above the conversion price over a sustained period. The 12-month bond offers a 98% refund guarantee in Bitcoin, with repayments adjusted to the BTC price at maturity. This first UK Bitcoin bond enables Smarter Web to secure growth capital without immediate equity dilution and boost its Bitcoin reserves by roughly 30% of its cash holdings, now totaling over 2,050 BTC. The issuance may set a template for future crypto-aligned corporate financing.

Binance futures volume reached $2.55 trillion in July, driving global crypto derivatives volumes to a six-month high and representing over 50% of total CEX futures activity. Competitors OKX and Bybit logged $1.09 trillion (25% market share) and $929 billion (20%), respectively. Daily Binance futures trades peaked at $134 billion on July 18, with an $82 billion average, while Bitcoin futures open interest rose to $88 billion mid-month before easing to $79 billion. A late-July sell-off caused $1.5 billion in liquidations and dragged BTC funding rates into negative territory, signaling bearish sentiment. Concurrently, Binance’s monthly active addresses tumbled 57.5%, from 800,000 in June to 340,000 in August, and the overall crypto market cap declined from $4 trillion to $3.7 trillion. The surge in Binance futures volume and elevated open interest suggests potential for heightened market volatility. Traders should watch BTC funding rates, leverage levels, and user activity when assessing short- and medium-term Bitcoin positions.

MEXC Ventures led a US$200 million strategic investment in Indonesia’s oldest fully licensed crypto exchange, Triv, valuing the platform at US$200 million. Established in 2015, Triv serves over 3 million users and offers more than 1,000 cryptocurrency assets, including BTC, ETH and USDT pairs, plus futures trading and staking products. The exchange holds dual regulatory approvals from Indonesia’s OJK and BAPPEBTI, reinforcing trust and transparency. Through this partnership, MEXC Ventures aims to enhance Triv’s liquidity, expand its coin offerings and introduce innovative trading products for both new and experienced traders. Leo Zhao, Investment Director at MEXC Ventures, emphasised that backing a compliant market leader like Triv will accelerate crypto adoption in Indonesia and strengthen market confidence. The funding aligns with MEXC Ventures’ long-term strategy to support regulated, high-growth projects and diversify geographically across Southeast Asia. By injecting capital into Triv, MEXC Ventures reinforces its commitment to compliant cryptocurrency trading and positions itself for further regional expansion. Traders can anticipate improved trading depth and access to a broader range of tokens on Triv. This move is likely to intensify competition among regional exchanges and could have bullish implications for the Indonesian crypto market.

Crypto lenders face tighter rules after a landmark SEC settlement. MyConstant founder Huynh Tran Quang Duy agreed to a $10.5M SEC settlement. He will disgorge $8.3M, pay $1.5M in prejudgment interest, and a $750,000 civil penalty within 14 days. MyConstant had raised over $20M from 4,000 U.S. investors for crypto loans offering 6–10% yields. Instead, Duy diverted $415,000 for personal use and deployed $11.9M in TerraUSD (UST) via Anchor Protocol. When UST collapsed in May 2022, nearly $8M of customer assets evaporated, prompting MyConstant’s shutdown. A Fair Fund may distribute recovered funds to investors. This SEC settlement underscores the risks of algorithmic stablecoins and crypto lending models and signals stronger regulatory scrutiny.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan says the SEC crypto pivot under Chair Paul Atkins remains underpriced by markets. In a July address, Atkins outlined a pro-crypto vision to integrate blockchain, launch super apps merging trading and payments, and clarify rules via Project Crypto. Since Trump’s election and Gary Gensler’s exit, Bitcoin and other tokens have rallied. Hougan calls Atkins’ speech the most bullish crypto document he’s read. He notes that the market has yet to price in rescinded enforcement actions and regulatory clarity, predicting 10x–100x growth in DeFi and trillion-dollar upside for platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood. Traders should reassess portfolios and boost digital asset allocations ahead of further gains driven by this SEC crypto pivot.

Bitcoin ETFs recorded a fourth consecutive day of net outflows on August 5, shedding $196.2 million. Fidelity’s FBTC led with $99.1 million withdrawn, followed by BlackRock’s IBIT ($77.4 million) and Grayscale’s GBTC ($19.7 million). Despite selling pressure from ETFs, institutional investors snapped up the dip, adding about 630 BTC (around $70 million) on the same day, including UK-based Vaultz Capital’s purchase of 47.85 BTC. Bitcoin traded near $114,000 at press time, down from its July peak of $123,100. Market analysts remain divided on the short-term outlook: Fundstrat’s Tom Lee maintains a $250,000 target for 2025, Bitwise’s Matt Hougan predicts a 2026 breakout driven by wider adoption, while Arthur Hayes warns of a possible drop to $100,000 amid macroeconomic headwinds before resuming an upward trend. Trading volatility may rise as net outflows exert selling pressure, but ongoing institutional demand and long-term bullish sentiment suggest potential buying opportunities. Traders should closely monitor Bitcoin ETF flows, institutional buying data and broader market indicators for entry and exit signals.

Three listed companies—Bit Mining, Upexi and DeFi Development—have significantly expanded their Solana (SOL) holdings to capture Solana staking rewards and strengthen network infrastructure. Bit Mining bought 27,191 SOL ($4.5M) and launched a self-operated validator, while Upexi increased its stake from 735,692 SOL to over 2M SOL in July, earning about 8% annualized yield (~$65K daily). DeFi Development added 110,466 SOL, bringing its total to over 1.2M SOL for multi-validator staking. Together, these top four corporate holders control more than 3.5M SOL—0.65% of circulating supply—valued at $591M. BitGo attributes this trend to institutional diversification beyond Bitcoin, with firms raising over $500M to fund Solana reserves and ecosystem infrastructure. This surge in Solana staking is likely to tighten supply and enhance network security, offering bullish prospects for SOL traders.

Indonesia’s Bitcoin Indonesia group has pitched a national Bitcoin reserve to Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka’s office. The Bitcoin reserve strategy hinges on Bitcoin mining powered by hydroelectric and geothermal energy. It includes a nationwide Bitcoin education program to drive crypto adoption. The proposal cites Michael Saylor’s price forecasts of US$13 million per BTC in a base scenario and US$49 million in a bull case by 2045. Indonesia’s stable fiscal backdrop, with a 39% debt-to-GDP ratio and 0.76% inflation, supports using Bitcoin as a hedge against future risks. Officials also reviewed recent crypto regulation and tax policy. Crypto trading remains legal, while payments in crypto are banned. Income tax on local trades doubled to 0.21%, foreign trades now taxed at 1%, and VAT on mining rose to 2.2%. These discussions signal growing crypto regulation and long-term economic planning in Indonesia.

Pepeto, a new memecoin combining viral appeal with real blockchain utility, has raised $5.9 million in its Stage 6 presale at $0.000000145 per token. Backed by over 100,000 community members and audited by SolidProof and Coinsult, the project features robust tokenomics: 30% presale, 30% staking rewards with up to 255% APY, 12.5% liquidity, and 27.5% for marketing and development. Unlike typical meme tokens, Pepeto launched PepetoSwap, a zero-fee trading platform, and a cross-chain bridge to tackle high fees and fragmented liquidity. Currently, Pepeto is in advanced talks for a Binance listing within five months, which could significantly boost trading volume and visibility. Analysts forecast a $1 billion market cap, implying up to 6,900× gains if token prices hit $0.001. Traders can participate in the memecoin presale by swapping ETH, USDT or BNB on the official site, positioning Pepeto as a high-reward opportunity in the memecoin sector.

MEXC Ventures has acquired an undisclosed stake in Indonesia’s Triv Exchange, valuing the platform at $200 million. The investment marks a key step in MEXC Ventures’ Southeast Asia crypto expansion. Founded in 2015 and regulated by Indonesia’s OJK and BAPPEBTI, Triv Exchange serves over 3 million users and offers trading pairs like BTC, ETH and USDT, plus memecoins and US stock products. The funding will boost liquidity, expand product lines and upgrade infrastructure, enabling new financial services via CryptoWave Media. Recent regulatory changes—removal of VAT on crypto purchases and adjusted mining and trading fees—helped Indonesia’s crypto trading volume exceed IDR 650 trillion (~$40 billion) in 2023. Analysts say the deal is a bullish signal for the Indonesia crypto market, likely to draw more global firms and strengthen Southeast Asia’s position as a major crypto hub.

In a staff statement, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) clarified that liquid staking activities and related tokens do not constitute securities offerings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The guidance reduces regulatory uncertainty for proof-of-stake networks and staking service providers, following input from firms such as Jito Labs, VanEck, Bitwise Investments and MultiCoin Capital on planned Solana ETPs. SEC Chair Paul Atkins described the clarification as a key milestone in Project Crypto’s efforts to refine crypto regulation, though he noted it is non-binding. Traders should monitor how DeFi platforms offering liquid staking derivatives respond, as clearer legal boundaries could boost demand for popular tokens and reshape DeFi strategies. This nuanced approach may spur innovation and wider market participation in liquid staking.

Bitcoin veteran Robert Kiyosaki warns of the historical “August Curse,” noting that BTC has fallen in eight of the past 12 Augusts with a median dip of 7.5%. He’s eyeing a buy-the-dip zone below $90,000 and plans to increase his holdings from 73 BTC to 100 BTC by year-end if that level breaks. Bitcoin traded around $112,000–$114,000 in early August and faces resistance at $115,000; analysts see a break above $115,000 unlocking a move toward $118,000, while a drop below $110,000 could trigger further pullbacks. Framing Bitcoin, gold and silver as crisis hedges against U.S. debt and Fed policy risks, Kiyosaki maintains a long-term BTC target of $250,000 by 2025 and views near-term fear as a buying opportunity.