Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

On August 7, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order directing the US Department of Labor to revise 401(k) rules and allow alternative assets—including private equity, real estate and crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum—into tax-advantaged retirement plans. This 401(k) crypto policy unlocks $8.7 trillion in pension capital and provides government endorsement that could break down barriers to mainstream adoption. Automated payroll deductions will channel steady institutional inflows into 401(k)-tailored crypto products. If just 5% of 401(k) assets shift into crypto, the market could receive an estimated $400 billion boost. Linking crypto investments to retirement plans may also foster bipartisan regulatory consensus and reduce long-term policy uncertainty. Challenges remain in managing volatility risks, securing conservative investor buy-in and designing compliant retirement crypto funds. Nevertheless, this landmark directive marks the first inclusion of crypto assets in US pension funds and is poised to drive sustained institutional demand, bullish market momentum and accelerated regulatory clarity.

Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Bank of Thailand have launched TouristDigiPay, a sandbox pilot enabling foreign tourists to convert digital assets into Thai baht and make crypto payments to merchants via PromptPay QR codes. By leveraging the country’s mature PromptPay infrastructure, the scheme accelerates digital finance strategy and enhances the tourism experience with fast, cashless crypto payments. While direct crypto-to-merchant payments remain restricted, TouristDigiPay functions as a public testing ground and education platform for stablecoin-based transactions. Industry data shows the global crypto payments market reached USD 550 million in 2024 and is forecast to grow to USD 2.4 billion by 2033. Stablecoin circulation currently stands at USD 250 billion, set to swell to USD 2 trillion by 2028, driven by adoption from major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. In Asia, Bhutan has already rolled out a government-backed crypto payment system for tourists, and markets such as Japan and the US are running similar pilots. Binance Thailand CEO Nirun Fuwattananukul welcomes the initiative as pivotal for attracting digital-savvy travelers and strengthening Thailand’s tourism brand. He stresses that public–private collaboration and forward-looking regulation will be crucial to scale TouristDigiPay nationally. If successful, the sandbox could set a global benchmark for integrating crypto payments into national payment systems and solidify Thailand’s position as a regional digital finance hub.

Thailand has launched TouristDigiPay, a crypto-to-Baht pilot for tourists to convert digital assets into Thai baht via QR codes. Running under an 18-month regulatory sandbox from August 18, TouristDigiPay sets monthly conversion limits of 500,000 baht at major retailers and 50,000 baht at smaller merchants. Tourists must complete strict KYC and AML checks through licensed digital asset exchanges and e-money providers regulated by the SEC and the Bank of Thailand. Merchants receive instant baht settlements, protecting them from crypto volatility. The crypto-to-Baht scheme aims to boost tourism amid declining Chinese arrivals and reinforce Thailand’s status as a crypto-friendly hub. It complements an extended crypto capital gains tax exemption until 2029 and a new Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework. The central bank is also planning a limited “tourist wallet” e-money service for approved merchants. However, strict KYC requirements may limit early adoption. Major exchanges including Binance, KuCoin and Upbit have opened local offices, underlining growing crypto activity in Thailand.

Digital Currency Group (DCG) has filed a $1.1 billion lawsuit against its subsidiary Genesis Global Capital over a promissory note issued after Three Arrows Capital’s collapse. The DCG lawsuit alleges Genesis defaulted on repayment, breached the note’s terms, and was unjustly enriched beyond recoveries tied to Grayscale Bitcoin Trust shares and 3AC collateral amid its bankruptcy proceedings. This action highlights growing risks in crypto lending, creditor tensions in the Genesis bankruptcy, and potential changes to asset recovery practices and regulatory scrutiny. Despite the high-stakes DCG lawsuit, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) prices have held steady, indicating muted market volatility. Traders should follow updates on the Genesis bankruptcy, upcoming court rulings, and any industry shifts that could influence lending platforms and broader market stability.

Norway’s $1.7 trillion Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG) increased its bitcoin exposure by 83% in Q2, raising indirect holdings from 6,200 BTC to roughly 11,400 BTC. The fund boosted its bitcoin position largely through equity purchases in MicroStrategy and added a further 200 BTC equivalent via Japan’s Metaplanet. GPFG also holds shares in Marathon Digital, Block and Coinbase to diversify its crypto-linked portfolio. Analysts say this surge in bitcoin exposure could prompt other cautious institutions, such as pension and endowment funds, to follow suit, potentially driving a stronger market rally. Price forecasts place bitcoin at $200,000 by end-2025 and $500,000 by 2028. However, the indirect equity strategy may amplify portfolio volatility if bitcoin prices correct sharply. For crypto traders, rising sovereign fund allocations signal potential upward price pressure. Traders should monitor spot liquidity, bitcoin price movements and MicroStrategy stock trends while managing composite risk.

The Federal Reserve has ended its dedicated crypto supervision program launched in August 2023 and will now oversee crypto activities under its standard bank examinations. With heightened understanding of digital asset risks such as stablecoins, tokenization and custody, the Fed no longer deems targeted crypto supervision necessary. Instead, routine exams will cover market volatility, legal uncertainties and other crypto risks alongside traditional banking operations. This shift follows broader deregulation by U.S. regulators, including the removal of pre-approval rules and reputational risk criteria. Banks hesitant about crypto services may now apply through regular channels. The Fed will release details of its new monitoring framework in coming weeks.

Arthur Hayes, BitMEX co-founder and Maelstrom Fund CIO, has redirected $15.9 million from Bitcoin into Ethereum and selected altcoins amid a robust altcoin rally. Between August 9 and 15, Hayes acquired 12,250 ETH and mid-cap tokens including HYPE, ENA, LDO, PENDLE and ETHFI. This portfolio shift highlights renewed confidence in Ethereum’s smart-contract capabilities and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Improved U.S. jobs data, upcoming Ethereum ETFs and network upgrades bolster a bullish outlook. Traders should monitor Ethereum gas fees, DeFi total value locked (TVL) and trading volumes for HYPE and ENA. Hayes’s move may spur further institutional inflows and increased liquidity in Ethereum-based projects.

On August 13, 2025, Kazakhstan inaugurated the region’s first spot Bitcoin ETF—Fonte Bitcoin Exchange Traded Fund (BETF)—on the Astana International Exchange (AIX). Managed by AIFC-registered Fonte Capital and priced in U.S. dollars, the spot Bitcoin ETF is backed 1:1 by BTC and custodied in institutional-grade cold storage by U.S.-regulated BitGo Trust with insurance coverage up to $250 million. Supported by the Astana International Financial Centre, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Silk Road Fund and Nasdaq, AIX sees monthly trading around $130 million. The ETF offers retail and institutional investors regulated, private-key-free access to bitcoin’s price movements. This milestone cements Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a Central Asian digital finance hub—leveraging abundant coal-powered energy and clear regulations—and aligns its market with those in the U.S., Canada and Hong Kong offering physically backed, spot Bitcoin ETFs.

The Bullish Exchange IPO debuted on the NYSE at $90 per share, valuing the Peter Thiel-backed crypto platform at $13.2B and raising $1.1B through 20.3M shares. The offering, under ticker BLSH, opened 143% above its $37 IPO price, peaked at $118 and closed slightly below opening. Led by ex-NYSE president Tom Farley, Bullish Exchange holds a $1.7B Bitcoin treasury, plus $144M in stablecoins and $55M in ETH, enabling tighter spreads and a strong position in spot and derivatives markets. With its valuation surpassing Asia-focused rivals and aligning with industry names like Coinbase and eToro, the Bullish Exchange IPO underscores growing institutional confidence and supportive US regulation. VanEck analysts project a bull scenario path to $600M in revenue and $200M in EBITDA. The listing marks one of 2025’s largest crypto exchange debuts.

Ethereum surged past $4,300 this week, reaching its highest level since late 2021 after breaking out of a long-term symmetrical triangle. On-chain data show whales and institutions have amassed over 1.035 million ETH (around $4.17 billion) since July 10, while exchange reserves sit near historic lows. Institutional demand, including over 40% monthly inflows into spot Ethereum ETFs like BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, and increased staking yields continue to lock up supply. The rally coincided with Bitcoin reclaiming $120,000 and renewed altseason talk, pushing total crypto market cap above $4.1 trillion. Technical indicators, such as a clear break above $3,860 and strong weekly SMAs, point to further upside with near-term targets of $4,400 and $5,000 and longer-term projections up to $10,000. Traders should monitor whale wallet balances, ETF inflows, staking rates, and maintain support at key levels to navigate potential pullbacks and capitalise on the ongoing bullish momentum.

Google Play crypto wallet policy now requires custodial wallet and exchange apps to secure local financial licenses in over 15 jurisdictions by October 29, 2023. The update covers U.S. registration with FinCEN and state money transmitter licenses, E.U. MiCA authorization, and approvals from regulators in the U.K., Canada, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Bahrain, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Africa. France and Germany have transition periods until mid-2026 and end-2025 respectively. Non-custodial wallets are exempt from the Google Play crypto wallet policy. Developers must prove compliance on request. This move signals tighter crypto app regulation and raises compliance burdens for custodial wallet providers.

An anonymous Ethereum whale purchased 35,237 ETH (≈$155.06 M), raising its total holdings to 328,421 ETH (≈$1.445 B) across ten wallets via FalconX, Galaxy Digital and BitGo. This follows an earlier acquisition of 59,998 ETH (≈$253.62 M), which had brought its balance to 293,184 ETH (≈$1.24 B). On‐chain data from Onchain Lens shows another 14,942 ETH (≈$64.17 M) unstaked and moved to Binance, further tightening liquid supply. Meanwhile, whale trader AguilaTrades incurred $683,000 losses on a 15× leveraged ETH short, pushing total short losses to $2.81 M. ETH price rallied above $4,500 amid these large‐scale moves. The aggressive accumulation by a major Ethereum whale, coupled with shrinking liquid supply and a failed high‐leverage short, signals bullish market sentiment ahead of upcoming scalability upgrades and continued DeFi growth.

Standard Chartered, Web3 investor Animoca Brands and telecom leader HKT have launched a joint venture, Anchorpoint Financial, to apply for a Hong Kong stablecoin license. The firm submitted its application to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) on August 1 under the new Stablecoin Ordinance that mandates strict reserve management, transparency and audit requirements for fiat-backed tokens. Anchorpoint Financial combines Standard Chartered’s note-issuing bank status with Animoca Brands’ blockchain expertise and HKT’s telecom infrastructure. Having joined the HKMA sandbox in February, the venture aims to issue a licensed HKD stablecoin as part of Hong Kong’s mainstream financial ecosystem. The license is expected by 2026, ahead of full framework enforcement. The move follows Standard Chartered’s launch of institutional spot trading desks for Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) last month. With major players like JD.com and Ant International also eyeing a Hong Kong stablecoin license, the push for a Hong Kong stablecoin license highlights growing institutional interest in regulated digital assets.

After a week-long deliberation, a US jury convicted Roman Storm, co-founder of the Ethereum-based crypto mixer Tornado Cash, of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Jurors remained deadlocked on additional counts of money laundering conspiracy and sanctions violations linked to North Korea, resulting in a hung jury on those charges. Storm’s sentencing date is pending, and prosecutors may retry the unresolved counts. This verdict underscores escalating crypto regulation and compliance risk for privacy-focused DeFi platforms, setting a potential precedent for enforcement actions against mixing services. Traders should track Tornado Cash’s legal outcomes and adjust their risk exposure accordingly.

Union Jack Oil plans to power Bitcoin mining at its West Newton A site using stranded gas. The UK-listed energy firm has signed a non-binding letter of intent with site operator Rathlin Energy and gas-to-power specialist 360 Energy. They will deploy modular equipment to convert flared gas into electricity for Bitcoin mining rigs. Faced with regulatory delays, this pilot generates interim revenue and may allow Union Jack to hold mined BTC as part of its treasury strategy. The initiative monetizes stranded gas, cuts emissions, and offers a sustainable mining solution. It reflects a broader trend of modular Bitcoin mining in the oil and gas sector and could influence future natural gas projects.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has filed a motion in Delaware bankruptcy court to dismiss a $1.8B FTX lawsuit, citing improper service and lack of jurisdiction. He argues the FTX lawsuit relies on extraterritorial claims and notes that all transactions were processed through Binance entities in Ireland, the Cayman Islands, and the BVI. CZ asserts he was only a nominal signatory, never holding control of the transferred crypto, and denies his X posts selling FTT caused FTX’s collapse. If dismissed, the suit could set a key precedent on Delaware’s authority over foreign crypto executives and cross-border bankruptcy claims. Traders should monitor the case for its implications on Binance’s legal exposure, potential asset recovery practices, and broader crypto litigation risks.

The Satoshi Nakamoto statue was stolen overnight from a public park in Lugano, Switzerland. The theft of the Satoshi Nakamoto statue, designed by Valentina Picozzi, marks a bold art heist: the faceless stainless steel sculpture took 18 months to conceive and three months to build. Unveiled in October 2024 as part of the city’s Plan B initiative with Swiss-Tether, the statue anchors Lugano’s ambition to become a cryptocurrency hub. Thieves removed the steel mounting plates without triggering security cameras, leaving only an empty platform. Speculation that the statue was dumped into Lake Ceresio led volunteer divers to search the water, but no trace was found. Local police say they may inspect the lakebed for evidence. Art collective SatoshiGallery has offered a 0.1 BTC reward for information leading to its recovery and affirmed plans to install similar symbols in 21 cities worldwide.

From October 8, 2025, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will permit retail investors to trade crypto exchange-traded notes (ETNs) on recognized investment exchanges. These debt securities track cryptocurrency performance net of fees and do not hold underlying assets directly. The policy reverses the 2021 ban on retail crypto ETNs and follows FCA’s earlier approval for professional investors and a June 2025 consultation. Approved crypto ETNs must meet strict authorization, transparency, and Consumer Duty requirements. They will be subject to financial promotion rules and clear disclosures but remain outside the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Meanwhile, the FCA keeps its ban on high-risk crypto derivatives like futures and options for retail clients. This move aligns the UK with markets in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and the EU, balancing consumer protection with rising demand for regulated digital-asset products.

Blockstream has launched Simplicity, a new smart contract language for Bitcoin’s Liquid Network. Simplicity reduces code complexity compared to Bitcoin Script, uses the UTXO model, and offers formal verification to minimize bugs and exploits. The language supports advanced on-chain and off-chain DeFi applications, including programmable vaults, trustless swaps and stateless decentralized exchanges. Blockstream plans to integrate Simplicity with upcoming upgrades such as Taproot and Schnorr signatures. Early adopters can access open-source tools, documentation and a testnet. By simplifying smart contract development and enhancing security, Simplicity aims to boost developer interest, institutional adoption and confidence in Bitcoin’s programmable finance.

Ruvi AI presale has raised over $2.5 million by selling 200 million tokens to more than 2,400 holders, with 70% of Phase 2 tokens sold at $0.015 each. The Ruvi AI presale price is set to increase to $0.02 in Phase 3 and reach $0.07 by the end of the presale, offering up to 4.7× ROI before token listing. Analysts forecast a $1 listing price for the RUVI token on CoinMarketCap, implying a potential 66× return on investment. Strategic partnerships with CoinMarketCap and integration on WEEX Exchange, along with a CyberScope smart contract audit, enhance credibility and market visibility. Leveraging blockchain and AI-driven marketing tools, Ruvi AI automates campaign optimization and creator payouts, while VIP bonuses of up to 100% reward early investors and create bullish momentum ahead of the RUVI token listing.

On-chain analytics from Lookonchain show that since July 19, seven newly active wallets and key whale addresses have driven ETH accumulation totaling 466,253 ETH (≈¥1.7bn). Major inflows came through prime brokerage FalconX — led by address 0x8eEa’s 138,345 ETH acquisition — and significant withdrawals from exchanges like Kraken and Galaxy Digital. In recent hours, two whale addresses added 43,591 ETH (~$145M), with 0x8eEa alone adding 32,368 ETH (~$116M) to bring its holdings to 138,345 ETH (~$503M). This sustained ETH accumulation reduces exchange liquidity and underpins bullish price sentiment ahead of Ethereum network upgrades, potential ETF approvals and growth in DeFi and NFTs. Traders should track on-chain metrics, wallet flows and integrate them with technical and fundamental analysis to identify entry opportunities, while maintaining diversification and risk management.

An Ethereum whale recently sold 1,085 ETH before reopening a $19.8M 10x leveraged long, underscoring confidence in a near-term rally. This activity coincides with Ethereum hovering near the key $3,600 level, where over $3.5 billion in leveraged long positions sit just below current prices. Institutional liquidations—such as a 15x long at $3,650 that wiped out 7,160 ETH (~$26 million)—highlight the risk of forced sell-offs. Traders should monitor volume and price action around $3,600, as large-scale whale positions and concentrated leverage could amplify volatility and trigger cascading liquidations.

An Ethereum whale moved 32,902 ETH (~$119M) from Kraken to a new wallet over the past five days, marking a larger withdrawal than the earlier 12,341 ETH pull. The Ethereum whale’s transfer reduces exchange liquidity and may indicate bullish market sentiment, with possible motives including OTC deals, improved self-custody, staking, and DeFi yield strategies. Although the whale’s true intent remains unclear, such moves often precede shifts in market dynamics. Traders should watch on-chain data, monitor Ethereum fundamentals like network upgrades and staking yields, and consider self-custody for long-term holdings.

XRP has outpaced Ethereum in recent weeks, breaking above its 50-, 100- and 200-day EMAs with an RSI over 80. Its rally is driven by spot accumulation rather than leverage, though thin volume raises sustainability and correction risks. Weak Ethereum momentum underscores XRP’s relative strength. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to consolidate above its 26- and 50-day EMAs near $120,000. With the RSI above 60 and minimal resistance to $135,000, BTC is forming a tightening flag pattern that points to a potential rally toward $150,000, barring major macro factors. Shiba Inu is retesting its 200-day EMA at $0.0000144, a crucial support level after a recent rebound. Failure to defend could see SHIB slide to the 50-day EMA around $0.0000136 or the 100-day EMA at $0.0000125. Momentum indicators signal waning bullish conviction, making this EMA test pivotal for its summer rally. Overall, this mixed-asset technical outlook underscores strong bullish momentum for XRP and Bitcoin, while SHIB faces a key structural test and Ethereum remains subdued. Traders should monitor these EMA levels and momentum signals to gauge risk and potential entry points.

On July 22, the Senate Banking Committee released the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (RFIA), a discussion draft aimed at establishing a clear crypto regulation framework. The RFIA builds on the bipartisan CLARITY Act by defining digital assets, exempting ancillary tokens with annual sales under $75 million, and proposing to shift oversight of digital assets from the SEC to the CFTC. It also instructs the SEC to tailor or waive existing rules for digital asset issuers and opens a public comment period through August 5, pending a full committee vote. In parallel, a House subcommittee has proposed a 7% budget cut for the SEC amid debates over tokenization. While SEC Chair Paul Atkins praised tokenization, voices like Commissioner Hester Peirce and Citadel Securities warn that tokenized securities remain bound by federal law. Industry players are accelerating innovation: JPMorgan explores BTC and ETH-backed lending; Western Union and WisdomTree plan stablecoin launches; and Polymarket designs a U.S. reentry via stablecoin partnerships. Further developments include U.S. Marshals Service scrutiny over discrepancies in seized versus forfeited BTC, highlighting the need for tighter safeguards. Confidential IPO filings by Bullish Global and custodian BitGo underscore strong investor appetite. Overall, this wave of regulations and market innovations marks a pivotal moment in U.S. crypto regulation, promising greater clarity and potentially bolstering market confidence.

Block Inc. has rolled out Lightning Bitcoin payments to merchants on its Square seller platform after joining the S&P 500 index. The new feature integrates the Lightning Network into Square POS hardware, enabling near-instant, low-fee Bitcoin payments that auto-convert to fiat. This shields sellers from price volatility and removes the need for separate wallets or infrastructure. Initially available to U.S. businesses this quarter, the Bitcoin payments service will expand globally next year. Block’s shares jumped over 10% after the S&P 500 inclusion, underscoring investor confidence in its fintech and crypto strategy. Traders should watch for rising transaction volumes and increased Bitcoin demand as merchant adoption grows. Jack Dorsey’s vision of using Bitcoin as a global payment network underpins the launch. By lowering adoption barriers, Block aims to accelerate digital currency acceptance and support long-term growth in the crypto market.

Bitcoin price surged past the $120,000 level on OKX and Binance USDT, hitting $120,037 on Binance and $120,023.50 on OKX with a 0.93% daily gain. Supported by massive institutional ETF inflows, the recent halving event and global macroeconomic uncertainty, this milestone underscores renewed bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market. Traders are watching if the Bitcoin price support holds above $120,000 and whether further upside is confirmed in the coming sessions. Ecosystem upgrades like Lightning Network scalability improvements and retail FOMO have amplified buying pressure. Despite potential volatility and regulatory scrutiny, continued ETF adoption and inflation concerns could sustain this rally, making disciplined risk management and dollar-cost averaging essential.

Telegram has launched a native TON Wallet for 87 million U.S. users, enabling Toncoin (TON) storage, transfers, staking and recovery via a linked account or email—no seed phrase required. Developed by The Open Platform on the TON blockchain, the non-custodial wallet integrates deposit and withdrawal processing through MoonPay. Following regulatory delays and a successful beta test, the U.S. rollout drove Toncoin’s price up 18% in one session, with trading volume jumping 45% and on-chain transactions rising 30%. Major exchanges have listed the integrated wallet feature, and Telegram plans to extend the wallet to its full 800 million global user base by year-end. Traders should monitor Toncoin liquidity, potential network congestion, and evolving U.S. regulations as these factors could shape both short-term momentum and long-term adoption.

ARK Invest has allocated $175 million to buy 4.4 million shares of Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) across its ARKK, ARKW and ARKF ETFs. Bitmine, an Ethereum treasury miner holding over $1 billion in ETH, plans to stake 5% of the total Ethereum supply. This purchase comes amid a 25% weekly Ethereum rally that drove ETH above $3,800. To fund the move, ARK trimmed positions in Coinbase (COIN), selling about 219,000 shares, and reduced stakes in Robinhood (HOOD), Block (SQ) and Roblox (RBLX). Ethereum briefly corrected 4% to trade near $3,660, while Bitcoin remained relatively stable. The broader crypto market cap stands at $3.89 trillion with $218 billion in 24-hour volume. ARK’s strategic pivot underscores growing institutional interest in Ethereum staking and mining infrastructure. Traders should note the shift of capital from exchange and fintech plays into crypto-native, asset-backed ventures.