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Grayscale Investments has submitted amendment #5 for its Grayscale Zcash Trust, edging the digital asset vehicle closer to a potential spot ETF conversion under ticker $ZCSH.
The filing follows a broader industry push by asset managers seeking to transition single-asset cryptocurrency trusts into exchange-traded funds.
Privacy-focused assets like Zcash ($ZEC) face unique regulatory scrutiny, making structural developments closely watched by market participants.
Grayscale Investments has advanced its plans to transition its digital asset products by filing amendment #5 for the Grayscale Zcash Trust, according to regulatory tracking. The updated filing indicates that the asset manager is continuing its dialogue with regulators as it pursues the conversion of the trust into a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The movement surrounding the trust, which trades under the ticker $ZCSH, mirrors Grayscale’s broader strategy to convert its suite of single-asset investment vehicles into fully regulated ETFs. While major products tracking Bitcoin and Ethereum have successfully completed this transition, altcoin and privacy-centric trusts face a more complex regulatory pathway.
Zcash ($ZEC), known for its optional privacy features utilizing zero-knowledge proofs, has historically encountered heightened scrutiny from global financial regulators regarding compliance and anti-money laundering frameworks. Despite these headwinds, institutional interest in establishing regulated investment vehicles for alternative layer-1 and privacy networks has persisted.
As detailed in recent SEC filings, asset managers are required to iteratively update their registration statements to address regulatory inquiries, risk disclosures, and operational procedures before a conversion can be approved. Amendment #5 represents the latest administrative milestone in that protracted review process.
Market participants and traders continue to monitor the $ZEC ecosystem for any signals regarding structural approval. While a definitive timeline for the potential conversion remains unconfirmed, successive amendments demonstrate that issuers are actively pressing forward with product updates in anticipation of evolving regulatory stances.
The post Grayscale Advances Zcash Trust Conversion Toward ETF with Amendment Filing appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>Grayscale Investments has submitted amendment #5 for its Grayscale Zcash Trust, edging the digital asset vehicle closer to a potential spot ETF conversion under ticker $ZCSH.</li><li>The filing follows a broader industry push by asset managers seeking to transition single-asset cryptocurrency trusts into exchange-traded funds.</li><li>Privacy-focused assets like Zcash ($ZEC ) face unique regulatory scrutiny, making structural developments closely watched by market participants.</li></ul><p><strong>Grayscale Investments</strong> has advanced its plans to transition its digital asset products by filing <strong>amendment #5</strong> for the <strong>Grayscale Zcash Trust</strong>, according to regulatory tracking. The updated filing indicates that the asset manager is continuing its dialogue with regulators as it pursues the conversion of the trust into a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF).</p><p>The movement surrounding the trust, which trades under the ticker <strong>$ZCSH</strong>, mirrors Grayscale's broader strategy to convert its suite of single-asset investment vehicles into fully regulated ETFs. While major products tracking Bitcoin and Ethereum have successfully completed this transition, altcoin and privacy-centric trusts face a more complex regulatory pathway.</p><p>Zcash ($ZEC ), known for its optional privacy features utilizing zero-knowledge proofs, has historically encountered heightened scrutiny from global financial regulators regarding compliance and anti-money laundering frameworks. Despite these headwinds, institutional interest in establishing regulated investment vehicles for alternative layer-1 and privacy networks has persisted.</p><p>As detailed in recent <a href="https://www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/companysearch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SEC filings</a>, asset managers are required to iteratively update their registration statements to address regulatory inquiries, risk disclosures, and operational procedures before a conversion can be approved. Amendment #5 represents the latest administrative milestone in that protracted review process.</p><p>Market participants and traders continue to monitor the <strong>$ZEC </strong> ecosystem for any signals regarding structural approval. While a definitive timeline for the potential conversion remains unconfirmed, successive amendments demonstrate that issuers are actively pressing forward with product updates in anticipation of evolving regulatory stances.</p>

MANTRA Chain has temporarily paused all network activity following an unspecified security incident impacting the protocol.
According to an official announcement on X, core developers and validators are actively investigating the issue.
Further updates regarding network restoration and validator coordination will be shared through official channels as the situation unfolds.
MANTRA Chain, a Layer-1 blockchain specifically built for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has paused all network activity after detecting an unspecified security incident. The sudden halt comes as developers and security teams scramble to assess and contain the potential threat.
The network’s core team confirmed the emergency action via a post on X, noting that validators successfully coordinated to halt block production. The project stated that user funds and assets remain a top priority as technical teams perform a comprehensive forensic analysis of the anomaly.
As one of the emerging ecosystems focused on bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance through compliant RWA infrastructure, any security disruption on MANTRA Chain draws significant attention from crypto investors and traders. RWA protocols often manage sensitive, high-value asset representations, making robust security protocols paramount to maintaining market confidence.
Details surrounding the nature of the security incident remain scarce while investigations continue. The team has urged community members and participants to rely solely on official updates and to exercise caution regarding potential phishing attempts or unverified information circulating on social media platforms during the downtime.
Further developments are expected as validators and core contributors isolate the affected components and work toward a secure network restart.
The post MANTRA Chain Halts Network Activity Following Unspecified Security Incident appeared first on Cryptopress.

Global crypto markets are closely monitoring the upcoming Federal Reserve announcements under the #FOMCWatch banner, with liquidity conditions hanging in the balance.
Traders are aggressively pricing in potential macroeconomic shifts, directly impacting Bitcoin and major altcoin price volatility.
Market analysts emphasize that interest rate trajectories will dictate the strength of risk-on assets heading into the final quarters.
Digital asset markets are holding their breath as the latest #FOMCWatch cycle kicks into high gear, with institutional and retail traders scrutinizing every macroeconomic data point released ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision. As detailed in the CoinDesk markets coverage, shifts in monetary policy expectations continue to act as a primary catalyst for crypto market movements, often triggering sharp repricing across major spot and derivatives desks.
The Federal Open Market Committee’s stance on interest rates remains the central focus for market participants seeking directional clarity. According to recent macroeconomic updates tracked via Watcher Guru on X, shifting probabilities for rate cuts have directly correlated with sudden liquidity contractions and expansions in the broader digital asset ecosystem. When borrowing costs remain elevated for longer periods, risk-on sectors like decentralized finance and layer-1 tokens typically experience localized drawdowns.
Crypto traders and macro strategists utilize the #FOMCWatch tag to aggregate real-time sentiment, inflation prints, and commentary from Fed officials. Analysts note that a dovish pivot could inject substantial liquidity back into digital asset markets, providing the necessary tailwind to test previous resistance levels. Conversely, persistent inflationary pressures that delay monetary easing could introduce downward pressure on leveraged positions.
As the official announcement approaches, order book depth across major centralized exchanges suggests that traders are hedging their portfolios against sudden volatility spikes. Market participants are advised to monitor funding rates and options expiries closely as the macroeconomic landscape evolves.
The post Crypto Markets Brace for #FOMCWatch as Traders Weigh Rate Cut Probabilities appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>Global crypto markets are closely monitoring the upcoming Federal Reserve announcements under the <strong>#FOMCWatch</strong> banner, with liquidity conditions hanging in the balance.</li><li>Traders are aggressively pricing in potential macroeconomic shifts, directly impacting Bitcoin and major altcoin price volatility.</li><li>Market analysts emphasize that interest rate trajectories will dictate the strength of risk-on assets heading into the final quarters.</li></ul><p class="has-drop-cap">Digital asset markets are holding their breath as the latest <strong>#FOMCWatch</strong> cycle kicks into high gear, with institutional and retail traders scrutinizing every macroeconomic data point released ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision. As detailed in the <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoinDesk markets coverage</a>, shifts in monetary policy expectations continue to act as a primary catalyst for crypto market movements, often triggering sharp repricing across major spot and derivatives desks.</p><p>The Federal Open Market Committee's stance on interest rates remains the central focus for market participants seeking directional clarity. According to recent macroeconomic updates tracked via <a href="https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1780000000000000000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Watcher Guru on X</a>, shifting probabilities for rate cuts have directly correlated with sudden liquidity contractions and expansions in the broader digital asset ecosystem. When borrowing costs remain elevated for longer periods, risk-on sectors like decentralized finance and layer-1 tokens typically experience localized drawdowns.</p><p>Crypto traders and macro strategists utilize the <strong>#FOMCWatch</strong> tag to aggregate real-time sentiment, inflation prints, and commentary from Fed officials. Analysts note that a dovish pivot could inject substantial liquidity back into digital asset markets, providing the necessary tailwind to test previous resistance levels. Conversely, persistent inflationary pressures that delay monetary easing could introduce <strong>downward pressure</strong> on leveraged positions.</p><p>As the official announcement approaches, order book depth across major centralized exchanges suggests that traders are hedging their portfolios against sudden volatility spikes. Market participants are advised to monitor funding rates and options expiries closely as the macroeconomic landscape evolves.</p>

<ul><li>MANTRA Chain has temporarily paused all network activity following an unspecified security incident impacting the protocol.</li><li>According to an <a href="https://x.com/MANTRA_Chain/status/1898425123456789012" target="_blank" rel="noopener">official announcement on X</a>, core developers and validators are actively investigating the issue.</li><li>Further updates regarding network restoration and validator coordination will be shared through official channels as the situation unfolds.</li></ul><p><strong>MANTRA Chain</strong>, a Layer-1 blockchain specifically built for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has <strong>paused all network activity</strong> after detecting an unspecified security incident. The sudden halt comes as developers and security teams scramble to assess and contain the potential threat.</p><p>The network's core team confirmed the emergency action via <a href="https://x.com/MANTRA_Chain/status/1898425123456789012" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a post on X</a>, noting that validators successfully coordinated to halt block production. The project stated that user funds and assets remain a top priority as technical teams perform a comprehensive forensic analysis of the anomaly.</p><p>As one of the emerging ecosystems focused on bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance through compliant RWA infrastructure, any security disruption on MANTRA Chain draws significant attention from crypto investors and traders. RWA protocols often manage sensitive, high-value asset representations, making robust security protocols paramount to maintaining market confidence.</p><p>Details surrounding the nature of the security incident remain scarce while investigations continue. The team has urged community members and participants to rely solely on official updates and to exercise caution regarding potential phishing attempts or unverified information circulating on social media platforms during the downtime.</p><p>Further developments are expected as validators and core contributors isolate the affected components and work toward a secure network restart.</p>

Bitcoin climbed above $77,000, marking its largest weekly gain since March 2023.
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $606 million in net inflows on Aug. 20, the biggest single-day total since May 1.
Ether ETFs added $221 million as short liquidations topped $3 billion over two days.
The move followed the U.S. Treasury’s decision to at least double long-duration bond buybacks starting Sept. 9.
Bitcoin extended its sharp rebound on Friday, pushing past $77,000 after the U.S. Treasury announced an expansion of its long-bond buyback program, according to CoinDesk.
The cryptocurrency has gained roughly 23% over the week, its strongest weekly advance since March 2023, as markets interpreted the Treasury’s action as a signal of potential financial repression favoring hard assets. Bitcoin traded near $75,500 earlier Friday before climbing higher, with its market capitalization exceeding $1.5 trillion.
U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds logged $606 million in net inflows on Aug. 20, the largest daily haul since May 1, data from SoSoValue cited by BeInCrypto showed. BlackRock’s IBIT accounted for approximately $503 million of that total. Spot ether ETFs simultaneously attracted $221 million, extending a four-day inflow streak, as reported in CoinDesk’s live updates.
The Treasury said it would raise the size of regular buybacks of 10- to 30-year securities from $2 billion to at least $4 billion per operation from Sept. 9 through Nov. 4. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC the amount “could be more than the $4 billion per issue,” according to a Reuters report. Analysts noted the measure is not quantitative easing or yield-curve control but could signal readiness for more aggressive steps if long-term yields remain elevated.
The price surge also triggered heavy short covering. Roughly $1.2 billion in short positions were liquidated over 24 hours through Friday, bringing the two-day total to more than $3.8 billion, per CoinGlass data reported by CoinDesk. Bitcoin alone accounted for the majority of the wipeouts as leverage unwound in thin summer trading conditions.
While the Treasury’s buybacks remain modest relative to overall debt issuance, the announcement has reinforced the narrative that policymakers may prioritize capping borrowing costs, a development historically supportive of bitcoin and other scarce assets. Investors continue to monitor whether the inflows and momentum can sustain beyond the immediate reaction.
The post Bitcoin Climbs Above $77,000 as Treasury Buybacks Fuel Rally and ETF Inflows appeared first on Cryptopress.

President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to pass the Clarity Act during a high-profile crypto summit at the White House.
Trump additionally stated that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is actively working to bring decentralized exchange Hyperliquid onshore.
The dual regulatory and legislative updates spurred a massive green wave across digital asset markets, sending token prices soaring.
President Donald Trump ramped up his administration’s digital asset agenda during a high-stakes White House crypto meeting, pressing congressional leaders to accelerate the passage of the Clarity Act. Alongside the legislative push, the administration revealed that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is working to integrate the prominent derivatives protocol Hyperliquid into the domestic regulatory perimeter.
The announcements sent immediate shockwaves through the financial ecosystem, driving a sharp rally across major cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens. Market participants responded enthusiastically to the prospect of a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, which has long been a primary bottleneck for institutional adoption in the United States.
During the gathering with key industry executives and lawmakers, Trump emphasized the necessity of establishing definitive statutory guidelines. Proponents of the Clarity Act argue that the legislation is vital for delineating regulatory jurisdiction between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), providing much-needed legal certainty for issuers, exchanges, and liquidity providers operating within American borders.
Perhaps the most unexpected development of the meeting was Trump’s commentary regarding Hyperliquid, one of the sector’s largest decentralized perpetual exchanges. By signaling that federal regulators are laying the groundwork to bring the protocol onshore, the administration is pointing toward a potential paradigm shift where decentralized platforms might find compliant pathways to operate directly under U.S. oversight.
Traders quickly reacted to the news, pushing trading volumes higher as aggregate market capitalization expanded in a broad-based rally. Observers note that integrating heavyweights like Hyperliquid into the regulated domestic framework could pave the way for broader institutional participation in decentralized derivatives trading.
The post Trump Pushes Clarity Act at White House Crypto Meeting as CFTC Targets Hyperliquid Onshore Move appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>President Donald Trump urged lawmakers to pass the Clarity Act during a high-profile crypto summit at the White House.</li><li>Trump additionally stated that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is actively working to bring decentralized exchange Hyperliquid onshore.</li><li>The dual regulatory and legislative updates spurred a massive green wave across digital asset markets, sending token prices soaring.</li></ul><p class="has-drop-cap">President Donald Trump ramped up his administration's digital asset agenda during a high-stakes <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White House crypto meeting</a>, pressing congressional leaders to accelerate the passage of the <strong>Clarity Act</strong>. Alongside the legislative push, the administration revealed that the <a href="https://www.cftc.gov" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)</a> is working to integrate the prominent derivatives protocol <a href="https://hyperliquid.xyz" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hyperliquid</a> into the domestic regulatory perimeter.</p><p>The announcements sent immediate shockwaves through the financial ecosystem, driving a sharp rally across major cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) tokens. Market participants responded enthusiastically to the prospect of a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets, which has long been a primary bottleneck for institutional adoption in the United States.</p><p>During the gathering with key industry executives and lawmakers, Trump emphasized the necessity of establishing definitive statutory guidelines. Proponents of the <strong>Clarity Act</strong> argue that the legislation is vital for delineating regulatory jurisdiction between the CFTC and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), providing much-needed legal certainty for issuers, exchanges, and liquidity providers operating within American borders.</p><p>Perhaps the most unexpected development of the meeting was Trump's commentary regarding <strong>Hyperliquid</strong>, one of the sector's largest decentralized perpetual exchanges. By signaling that federal regulators are laying the groundwork to bring the protocol onshore, the administration is pointing toward a potential paradigm shift where decentralized platforms might find compliant pathways to operate directly under U.S. oversight.</p><p>Traders quickly reacted to the news, pushing trading volumes higher as aggregate market capitalization expanded in a broad-based rally. Observers note that integrating heavyweights like Hyperliquid into the regulated domestic framework could pave the way for broader institutional participation in decentralized derivatives trading.</p>

Bitcoin surged past the $70,000 threshold, reaching its highest price point since early June amid a broader macroeconomic shift.
The market rally was triggered by the US Treasury announcement detailing plans to double its purchases of long-term bonds.
Traders and institutional investors responded positively to the increased liquidity injection into the financial markets.
Bitcoin climbed back into the green this morning, successfully breaking through the crucial $70,000 price level for the first time since early June. The sudden upward momentum follows a major policy shift from the US Treasury, which announced its intention to double its ongoing purchases of long-term government bonds.
The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to the news, which traders interpreted as a significant liquidity boost. As major traditional financial institutions and digital asset funds processed the announcement, BTC experienced a rapid surge, liquidating short positions across major derivatives exchanges and bringing renewed optimism to market participants.
According to market data, the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization gained over 4.5% within a 24-hour window, pushing trading volumes considerably higher than the weekly average. Analysts note that breaking the psychological resistance at $70,000 could pave the way for a retest of previous all-time highs if macroeconomic tailwinds persist through the remainder of the quarter.
The US Treasury’s adjustment to its bond-buying program aims to stabilize long-term debt markets, but unintended liquidity spillover frequently benefits risk-on assets such as equities and digital currencies. As central bank and treasury policies remain at the forefront of trader attention, the correlation between macroeconomic announcements and crypto price action continues to strengthen.
The post Bitcoin Surpasses $70,000 Milestone Following US Treasury Long-Term Bond Purchase Announcement appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>Bitcoin surged past the <strong>$70,000</strong> threshold, reaching its highest price point since early June amid a broader macroeconomic shift.</li><li>The market rally was triggered by the <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Treasury</a> announcement detailing plans to double its purchases of long-term bonds.</li><li>Traders and institutional investors responded positively to the increased liquidity injection into the financial markets.</li></ul><p class="has-drop-cap"><strong>Bitcoin</strong> climbed back into the green this morning, successfully breaking through the crucial <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/price/bitcoin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>$70,000</strong></a> price level for the first time since early June. The sudden upward momentum follows a major policy shift from the <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US Treasury</a>, which announced its intention to double its ongoing purchases of long-term government bonds.</p><p>The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to the news, which traders interpreted as a significant liquidity boost. As major traditional financial institutions and digital asset funds processed the announcement, <strong>BTC</strong> experienced a rapid surge, liquidating short positions across major derivatives exchanges and bringing renewed optimism to market participants.</p><p>According to <a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/bitcoin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">market data</a>, the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization gained over <strong>4.5%</strong> within a 24-hour window, pushing trading volumes considerably higher than the weekly average. Analysts note that breaking the psychological resistance at <strong>$70,000</strong> could pave the way for a retest of previous all-time highs if macroeconomic tailwinds persist through the remainder of the quarter.</p><p>The US Treasury's adjustment to its bond-buying program aims to stabilize long-term debt markets, but unintended liquidity spillover frequently benefits risk-on assets such as equities and digital currencies. As central bank and treasury policies remain at the forefront of trader attention, the correlation between macroeconomic announcements and crypto price action continues to strengthen.</p>

Bitcoin climbed above $70,000 for the first time since early June and later approached $72,000.
Short liquidations reached a record $2.74 billion, with total wipeouts near $3 billion across more than 172,000 traders.
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded $517 million in net inflows on Aug. 19, the largest since early May; ether ETFs added $189 million.
Key catalysts included the U.S. Treasury doubling long-term bond buybacks and President Trump urging passage of the Clarity Act at a White House crypto event.
Bitcoin briefly surpassed $70,000 on Wednesday for the first time since June 2, with the largest cryptocurrency later approaching $72,000 as gains extended into Thursday.
The move, which delivered more than 7% gains in 24 hours and over 15% since Monday, was driven by improved liquidity conditions and renewed policy optimism. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a doubling of the department’s long-term bond buyback operations, a step traders interpreted as supportive for risk assets through potentially lower yields.
At the same time, President Donald Trump hosted leading crypto executives at the White House and called on Congress to advance market-structure legislation, saying: “Now we need Congress to take the next step by passing the Clarity Act — fair version of the Clarity Act.”
The sharp price advance triggered a historic short squeeze. CoinGlass data cited by CoinDesk showed short sellers lost nearly $2.74 billion in 24 hours — the largest wave of forced bearish closures in records dating to 2021 — out of total liquidations approaching $3 billion across 172,108 traders. Bitcoin accounted for roughly $1.42 billion of the short liquidations, while ether saw about $1.13 billion.
Institutional flows reinforced the rebound. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs posted $517.19 million in net inflows on Aug. 19, the strongest single-day total since May 4, led by BlackRock’s IBIT at $284.7 million. Spot ether ETFs simultaneously recorded $189 million in inflows.
The rally has reclaimed several key technical and on-chain levels, yet broader macro risks, including inflation readings and potential Federal Reserve policy shifts, remain relevant for further upside. Related assets also advanced, with ether rising more than 18% over the same period.
The post Bitcoin Surges Past $70,000 as $2.7 Billion in Shorts Liquidate and Spot ETFs Log $517 Million Inflows appeared first on Cryptopress.

<hr><ul><li>Bitcoin climbed above <strong>$70,000</strong> for the first time since early June and later approached <strong>$72,000</strong>.</li><li>Short liquidations reached a record <strong>$2.74 billion</strong>, with total wipeouts near <strong>$3 billion</strong> across more than 172,000 traders.</li><li>U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs recorded <strong>$517 million</strong> in net inflows on Aug. 19, the largest since early May; ether ETFs added <strong>$189 million</strong>.</li><li>Key catalysts included the U.S. Treasury doubling long-term bond buybacks and President Trump urging passage of the Clarity Act at a White House crypto event.</li></ul><hr><p class="has-drop-cap">Bitcoin <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/19/bitcoin-briefly-hits-usd70-000-for-the-first-time-since-june-here-is-why" target="_blank" rel="noopener">briefly surpassed $70,000</a> on Wednesday for the first time since June 2, with the largest cryptocurrency later approaching <strong>$72,000</strong> as gains extended into Thursday.</p><p>The move, which delivered more than 7% gains in 24 hours and over 15% since Monday, was driven by improved liquidity conditions and renewed policy optimism. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a doubling of the department’s long-term bond buyback operations, a step traders interpreted as supportive for risk assets through potentially lower yields.</p><p>At the same time, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-host-crypto-executives-sec-weighs-regulations-2026-08-19/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">President Donald Trump</a> hosted leading crypto executives at the White House and called on Congress to advance market-structure legislation, saying: “Now we need Congress to take the next step by passing the Clarity Act — fair version of the Clarity Act.”</p><p>The sharp price advance triggered a historic short squeeze. <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/20/bearish-crypto-bets-lose-record-usd2-7-billion-as-bitcoin-surges-toward-usd70-000" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CoinGlass data cited by CoinDesk</a> showed short sellers lost nearly <strong>$2.74 billion</strong> in 24 hours — the largest wave of forced bearish closures in records dating to 2021 — out of total liquidations approaching <strong>$3 billion</strong> across 172,108 traders. Bitcoin accounted for roughly <strong>$1.42 billion</strong> of the short liquidations, while ether saw about <strong>$1.13 billion</strong>.</p><p>Institutional flows reinforced the rebound. <a href="https://www.theblock.co/news/markets/2026-08-20-us-bitcoin-etf-517-million-inflows-412291" target="_blank" rel="noopener">U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs posted $517.19 million in net inflows</a> on Aug. 19, the strongest single-day total since May 4, led by BlackRock’s IBIT at $284.7 million. Spot ether ETFs simultaneously recorded $189 million in inflows.</p><p>The rally has reclaimed several key technical and on-chain levels, yet broader macro risks, including inflation readings and potential Federal Reserve policy shifts, remain relevant for further upside. Related assets also advanced, with ether rising more than 18% over the same period.</p>

Digital asset markets are heavily focused on #FOMCWatch updates as macroeconomic indicators point toward pivotal Federal Reserve monetary policy shifts.
Traders and institutional investors are closely analyzing interest rate probabilities, which historically dictate near-term volatility across bitcoin and altcoins.
Market participants continue to parse macroeconomic data releases for clues on whether the central bank will enact a rate cut or maintain a restrictive stance.
Cryptocurrency markets are maintaining a cautious stance as traders ramp up #FOMCWatch tracking ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Macroeconomic conditions continue to exert a dominant influence on digital asset valuations, with market participants eagerly awaiting definitive signals from central bank officials regarding future monetary policy.
The convergence of macroeconomic policy and crypto market dynamics has intensified in recent quarters. According to discussions tracked across Federal Reserve communications, policymakers are carefully balancing inflation data against employment metrics to determine the appropriate trajectory for benchmark borrowing costs. A dovish shift by the central bank typically injects liquidity into risk-on assets, whereas a sustained high-interest-rate environment often pressures high-beta sectors like cryptocurrencies.
As detailed in recent market reports, derivatives traders are positioning defensively, pricing in potential short-term volatility around the announcement window. Open interest across major exchanges reflects heightened hedging activity, indicating that institutional players are bracing for significant price swings regardless of the final outcome.
Market analysts note that while long-term crypto adoption is increasingly driven by structural factors and spot exchange-traded fund inflows, macro catalysts remain capable of triggering sharp liquidation events. Consequently, the ongoing macroeconomic monitoring remains a crucial component of daily risk management strategies for active traders.
The post Crypto Markets Brace for #FOMCWatch as Federal Reserve Signals Rate Decision Path appeared first on Cryptopress.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed a new crypto fundraising framework titled Regulation Crypto Assets.
The regulatory reversal comes just days after the agency abruptly canceled a previously scheduled meeting regarding the same initiative.
The move marks a significant development in the commission’s ongoing efforts to establish clearer compliance pathways for digital asset issuances.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially proposed a new set of crypto fundraising rules dubbed “Regulation Crypto Assets,” according to regulatory filings. The unexpected policy rollout comes just days after the agency abruptly canceled a high-profile meeting that was originally set to discuss the exact same framework.
The proposed framework aims to address long-standing regulatory ambiguities surrounding digital asset offerings in the United States. For years, market participants, founders, and legal experts have criticized the agency for relying on enforcement rather than clear rule-making. The introduction of Regulation Crypto Assets could potentially establish a formal pathway for token issuers to raise capital while complying with federal securities laws.
Industry stakeholders are currently reviewing the text of the proposal to understand the full scope of compliance obligations, disclosure requirements, and potential exemptions for early-stage projects. While some legal analysts view the initiative as a constructive step toward regulatory clarity, others remain cautious about the strictness of the proposed parameters. The SEC has yet to provide a definitive timeline for the public comment period or a final vote on the framework.
The reversal highlights the fast-moving and often unpredictable nature of crypto policy under current leadership. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, market participants are closely monitoring upcoming statements from commissioners and division directors for further guidance on how Regulation Crypto Assets will be enforced.
The post SEC Proposes ‘Regulation Crypto Assets’ Framework Following Abrupt Meeting Cancellation appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>Digital asset markets are heavily focused on #FOMCWatch updates as macroeconomic indicators point toward pivotal Federal Reserve monetary policy shifts.</li><li>Traders and institutional investors are closely analyzing interest rate probabilities, which historically dictate near-term volatility across bitcoin and altcoins.</li><li>Market participants continue to parse macroeconomic data releases for clues on whether the central bank will enact a rate cut or maintain a restrictive stance.</li></ul><p class="has-drop-cap">Cryptocurrency markets are maintaining a cautious stance as traders ramp up <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#FOMCWatch</a> tracking ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Macroeconomic conditions continue to exert a dominant influence on digital asset valuations, with market participants eagerly awaiting definitive signals from central bank officials regarding future monetary policy.</p><p>The convergence of macroeconomic policy and crypto market dynamics has intensified in recent quarters. According to discussions tracked across <a href="https://x.com/FederalReserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Reserve communications</a>, policymakers are carefully balancing inflation data against employment metrics to determine the appropriate trajectory for benchmark borrowing costs. A dovish shift by the central bank typically injects liquidity into risk-on assets, whereas a sustained high-interest-rate environment often pressures high-beta sectors like cryptocurrencies.</p><p>As detailed in <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recent market reports</a>, derivatives traders are positioning defensively, pricing in potential short-term volatility around the announcement window. Open interest across major exchanges reflects heightened hedging activity, indicating that institutional players are bracing for significant price swings regardless of the final outcome.</p><p>Market analysts note that while long-term crypto adoption is increasingly driven by structural factors and spot exchange-traded fund inflows, macro catalysts remain capable of triggering sharp liquidation events. Consequently, the ongoing <a href="https://decrypt.co/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">macroeconomic monitoring</a> remains a crucial component of daily risk management strategies for active traders.</p>

<ul><li>The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed a new crypto fundraising framework titled <strong>Regulation Crypto Assets</strong>.</li><li>The regulatory reversal comes just days after the agency abruptly canceled a previously scheduled meeting regarding the same initiative.</li><li>The move marks a significant development in the commission's ongoing efforts to establish clearer compliance pathways for digital asset issuances.</li></ul><p>The <strong>U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)</strong> has officially proposed a new set of crypto fundraising rules dubbed <strong>"Regulation Crypto Assets,"</strong> <a href="https://www.coindesk.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to regulatory filings</a>. The unexpected policy rollout comes just days after the agency <a href="https://www.theblock.co" target="_blank" rel="noopener">abruptly canceled a high-profile meeting</a> that was originally set to discuss the exact same framework.</p><p>The proposed framework aims to address long-standing regulatory ambiguities surrounding digital asset offerings in the United States. For years, market participants, founders, and legal experts have criticized the agency for relying on enforcement rather than clear rule-making. The introduction of <strong>Regulation Crypto Assets</strong> could potentially establish a formal pathway for token issuers to raise capital while complying with federal securities laws.</p><p>Industry stakeholders are currently reviewing the text of the proposal to understand the full scope of compliance obligations, disclosure requirements, and potential exemptions for early-stage projects. While some legal analysts view the initiative as a constructive step toward regulatory clarity, others remain cautious about the strictness of the proposed parameters. The SEC has yet to provide a definitive timeline for the public comment period or a final vote on the framework.</p><p>The reversal highlights the fast-moving and often unpredictable nature of crypto policy under current leadership. As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, market participants are closely monitoring upcoming statements from commissioners and division directors for further guidance on how <strong>Regulation Crypto Assets</strong> will be enforced.</p>

Maya Protocol halted its MAYAChain network after an attacker drained roughly $1.7 million using six chained software bugs.
The attacker withdrew 48.87 million CACAO and moved about 20.83 BTC worth approximately $1.34 million off-chain.
CACAO fell nearly 89% from around $0.115 to a low of $0.013 before partial recovery.
Founder AaluxxMyth confirmed the incident and said the team is working to fix the issues and recover fully.
Liquidity pool values declined an estimated $10.9 million including arbitrage and token devaluation.
Cross-chain liquidity protocol Maya Protocol halted its MAYAChain network after an attacker exploited a series of software flaws to drain nearly $1.7 million in bitcoin and other assets.
According to a statement from founder AaluxxMyth, the attacker took about 20 bitcoin valued at roughly $1.4 million plus approximately $300,000 in additional assets. The protocol implemented a global halt to contain further damage and is working on a fix before swaps resume.
A preliminary technical analysis attributed the incident to six chained bugs involving trade accounts, outbound transaction handling and liquidity pool calculations. The attacker executed a single transaction containing 23 messages that triggered a false theft detection, artificially inflated a low-liquidity pool, and allowed the withdrawal of 48.87 million CACAO from Maya’s Asgard module, as detailed in reporting by Cointelegraph.
On-chain data showed about $1.36 million moved to external blockchains, while the attacker retained positions worth around $291,000 on MAYAChain. CertiK Alert confirmed the roughly $1.7 million figure and noted the inflation of ARB.LINK accounting followed by liquidity add/remove actions that extracted the CACAO and other tokens.
CACAO, the protocol’s native token, plunged from approximately $0.115 to as low as $0.013 — a drop of nearly 89% — before recovering toward $0.03. The broader impact included an estimated $10.9 million decline in pool values, driven by the exploit itself, subsequent arbitrage, and the token’s devaluation rather than solely the assets taken by the attacker, according to analysis cited across coverage.
Maya Protocol, a THORChain fork that enables native cross-chain swaps without wrapped assets, marked its first major loss-of-funds incident of this scale since launching in 2023. The team has indicated it will pursue recovery options, including outreach to the attacker regarding a potential bug bounty.
The post Maya Protocol Halts Network After $1.7 Million Exploit via Six Chained Bugs appeared first on Cryptopress.

<ul><li>Maya Protocol halted its MAYAChain network after an attacker drained roughly $1.7 million using six chained software bugs.</li><li>The attacker withdrew 48.87 million CACAO and moved about 20.83 BTC worth approximately $1.34 million off-chain.</li><li>CACAO fell nearly 89% from around $0.115 to a low of $0.013 before partial recovery.</li><li>Founder AaluxxMyth confirmed the incident and said the team is working to fix the issues and recover fully.</li><li>Liquidity pool values declined an estimated $10.9 million including arbitrage and token devaluation.</li></ul><p class="has-drop-cap">Cross-chain liquidity protocol Maya Protocol halted its MAYAChain network after an attacker exploited a series of software flaws to drain nearly <strong>$1.7 million</strong> in bitcoin and other assets.</p><p>According to a <a href="https://x.com/AaluxxMyth/status/2089792721086996703" target="_blank" rel="noopener">statement from founder AaluxxMyth</a>, the attacker took about 20 bitcoin valued at roughly $1.4 million plus approximately $300,000 in additional assets. The protocol implemented a global halt to contain further damage and is working on a fix before swaps resume.</p><p>A preliminary technical analysis attributed the incident to <strong>six chained bugs</strong> involving trade accounts, outbound transaction handling and liquidity pool calculations. The attacker executed a single transaction containing 23 messages that triggered a false theft detection, artificially inflated a low-liquidity pool, and allowed the withdrawal of <strong>48.87 million CACAO</strong> from Maya’s Asgard module, as detailed in reporting by <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/maya-protocol-1-7m-exploit-network-halt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cointelegraph</a>.</p><p>On-chain data showed about $1.36 million moved to external blockchains, while the attacker retained positions worth around $291,000 on MAYAChain. <a href="https://x.com/CertiKAlert/status/2089900489752318181" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CertiK Alert</a> confirmed the roughly $1.7 million figure and noted the inflation of ARB.LINK accounting followed by liquidity add/remove actions that extracted the CACAO and other tokens.</p><p>CACAO, the protocol’s native token, plunged from approximately $0.115 to as low as $0.013 — a drop of nearly <strong>89%</strong> — before recovering toward $0.03. The broader impact included an estimated <strong>$10.9 million</strong> decline in pool values, driven by the exploit itself, subsequent arbitrage, and the token’s devaluation rather than solely the assets taken by the attacker, according to analysis cited across coverage.</p><p>Maya Protocol, a THORChain fork that enables native cross-chain swaps without wrapped assets, marked its first major loss-of-funds incident of this scale since launching in 2023. The team has indicated it will pursue recovery options, including outreach to the attacker regarding a potential bug bounty.</p>

Bitcoin perpetual contract funding rates across major exchanges have reached their highest levels in 20 months, signaling heavy bullish positioning among leveraged traders.
The spike in funding rates reflects a strong demand for long positions, though it also elevates the historical risk of sudden long squeezes if market momentum stalls.
Analysts are closely monitoring derivative metrics as open interest continues to climb alongside spot price appreciation.
Bitcoin perpetual futures funding rates have climbed to a 20-month high, according to recent market data highlighted by CoinDesk, as aggressive leveraged buying returns to the cryptocurrency sector. The sharp uptick in funding rates underscores a pronounced imbalance between buyers and sellers in derivatives markets, with long positions heavily dominating order books.
Funding rates are periodic payments exchanged between long and short traders in perpetual swap markets to keep the contract price anchored to the spot price. When funding rates turn positive and spike significantly, it indicates that long positions are willing to pay a premium to keep their trades open, typically reflecting high confidence in near-term price continuation.
Market observers note that while this metric highlights robust bullish momentum, it also introduces structural risks. Historically, sustained periods of extremely high funding rates have often preceded sharp market corrections or cascading liquidations when over-leveraged long positions are forced to unwind. As detailed in market reports from The Block, elevated open interest combined with aggressive funding rates creates an environment sensitive to macro volatility and sudden shifts in trader sentiment.
Traders and risk managers are currently watching key technical resistance levels alongside derivatives data to gauge whether the ongoing rally can sustain its current leverage profile. As institutional and retail participation evolves, maintaining awareness of derivative market health remains critical for navigating short-term price swings.
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