Crypto Breaking

Tether Gold has received Shariah certification, giving Islamic banks, institutions, and investors a compliant way to access physical gold through blockchain technology. Amanah Advisors, led by Mufti Faraz Adam, reviewed the product and approved its structure under Islamic finance rules.
The certification covers real asset ownership, clear gold backing, reserve transparency, and the absence of interest-based features. Each XAU₮ token represents ownership of physical gold stored in secure Swiss vaults and issued by TG Commodities, S.A. de C.V.
Tether Gold Shariah Certification Supports Wider Access
Tether Gold does not rely on riba, leverage, or speculative derivatives, according to the company. This structure allows users to hold tokenized gold while keeping direct exposure to allocated bullion.
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The approval may support adoption among Islamic banks, takaful providers, halal savings platforms, and trade finance firms. These institutions often prefer assets backed by real value and clear ownership terms.
Islamic Finance Markets Gain Digital Gold Option
Tether Gold may help Islamic finance firms offer digital gold products without changing the asset’s physical backing. Banks could use the token for savings products, treasury holdings, wealth preservation, or approved collateral services.
The certification may also expand access in GCC countries, South Asia, Africa, and other Islamic finance hubs. These regions have strong demand for gold and growing interest in regulated digital assets.
Gold-Backed Loans Expand XAU₮ Use
Tether Gold holders can also use XAU₮ as collateral through Tether’s partnership with Ledn. The service allows eligible users to access loans while retaining exposure to physical gold.
The lending product keeps bullion backing at the center of the structure. However, users must still review loan terms, fees, and local rules before using the service.
Tether Links Gold With Blockchain Strategy
Tether Gold forms part of Tether’s wider plan to connect traditional assets with blockchain networks. The company also supports Bitcoin-based transfer systems through the RGB protocol and Lightning Network tools.
For XAU₮, Tether Gold remains focused on direct gold ownership, verifiable reserves, and digital transfer access. Each token links to allocated gold bars held in Swiss storage facilities. Investors can also transfer fractional ownership without arranging direct transport or private vault storage.
Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said gold has long represented trust and stability across many cultures. He said Shariah approval allows Tether Gold to serve more users while respecting Islamic finance standards.
This article was originally published as Tether Gold Wins Shariah Approval, Expanding Access To Islamic Finance on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Tether’s gold-backed token XAUt has secured Shariah certification from Amanah Advisors, positioning the product for wider use among Islamic financial institutions and investors seeking Shariah-compliant exposure to physical bullion. The move focuses on whether the token’s underlying design aligns with Islamic finance principles, particularly around how value is held and whether income-generation features introduce interest-related concerns.
According to Tether, the certification concluded that XAUt’s structure complies with key Shariah requirements, including full backing by physical gold, the absence of interest and leverage, and transparent reserves. Tether says each XAUt token corresponds to one troy ounce of physical gold held in Swiss vaults.
Key takeaways
XAUt received Shariah certification from Amanah Advisors, strengthening its suitability for Islamic financial institutions and investors.
Tether says the token is fully backed by physical gold, with reserves designed to be transparent and structured without interest or leverage.
As of March 31, Tether reported XAUt reserves exceeding 707,000 troy ounces worth more than $3.3 billion.
Onchain data cited by RWA.xyz indicates XAUt’s asset value has risen from about $700 million in July 2025 to roughly $2.5 billion.
Why Shariah certification matters for tokenized gold
For many investors, the question is not simply whether an asset is pegged to a real-world commodity, but whether the product’s mechanics fit within Shariah guidelines. Islamic finance frameworks generally restrict practices considered to involve excessive uncertainty, speculative dynamics, or interest. Those constraints have historically created a barrier for broader adoption of mainstream crypto and tokenized offerings.
By obtaining certification, Tether has effectively reduced one of the main due-diligence hurdles for compliance-focused stakeholders. Tether said the certification gives it a clearer path to distribute XAUt to Islamic banks and institutions, as well as individual investors across regions where Islamic finance is widely practiced, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Asia, and parts of Africa.
In addition, Tether highlighted reserve transparency and physical custody as central to the compliance narrative. Tether’s position is that each token represents one troy ounce of gold stored in Swiss vaults, and that the token is not engineered with leverage or interest-bearing features.
Reserve coverage and growth in tokenized gold exposure
XAUt is described by Tether as one of the largest tokenized gold products in the crypto market. The company’s latest reserves reporting (available via Tether’s gold reserve reports page) showed that the token was backed by more than 707,000 troy ounces of physical gold as of March 31, representing a value above $3.3 billion.
Beyond reserve size, demand signals also matter. Data cited by RWA.xyz suggests XAUt’s onchain asset value has expanded significantly over the past year. The article notes that the figure rose from approximately $700 million in July 2025 to around $2.5 billion, indicating growing interest in gold exposure delivered through token infrastructure.
While tokenized commodities are often discussed through the lens of liquidity and accessibility, the key point for investors is how Shariah certification and physical backing can intersect with market demand. If institutions in Shariah-compliant finance ecosystems can evaluate the product with fewer structural objections, it may help unlock new distribution channels—particularly where regulators and compliance departments scrutinize whether a product’s income or risk characteristics violate established principles.
Broader trend: more Shariah-compliant crypto products
Debate over cryptocurrency’s compatibility with Islamic finance has been ongoing. As discussed in earlier coverage referenced by the source, scholars have differed on whether digital assets meet Shariah expectations due to concerns such as speculation and uncertainty. Over time, however, efforts to design compliant products have started to gain traction.
One example highlighted in the source dates back to 2025, when a Bahrain-based group, AlAbraaj Restaurants Group, said it adopted a Bitcoin treasury strategy and intended to develop Shariah-compliant financial instruments to broaden access to Bitcoin within the Islamic world.
More recently, the source points to developments in stablecoin infrastructure. In April, Palm Azgar Finance expanded its Shariah-compliant PUSD stablecoin to ADI Chain, positioning it around the scale of the global Islamic finance market. The source notes that PUSD became the second stablecoin available on that network, enabling institutions to settle transactions using either a dollar-linked asset or a dirham-denominated token on the same infrastructure.
Taken together, these examples frame a shift from theoretical compliance debate toward product engineering—attempts to structure crypto exposure in a way that can pass institutional review. Tether’s XAUt certification fits that broader pattern by targeting a concrete barrier: certification by a recognized advisor that can assess whether a tokenized gold product is consistent with Shariah guidelines.
Middle East momentum and the regulatory backdrop
Distribution is not just about product design; it also depends on how regional regulators handle digital asset services. The source describes Dubai as an increasingly prominent crypto hub and notes that the emirate’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued its 50th virtual asset service provider license earlier this month. The article adds that this puts Dubai ahead of Hong Kong and Singapore in the number of licensed crypto firms, underscoring the pace of regulated market development in the region.
For tokenized assets like XAUt, regulatory clarity can influence whether institutions consider adoption—especially when they need to align token distribution, custody, and settlement practices with local compliance requirements. Shariah certification addresses a religious/contractual suitability question, while licensing and regulatory frameworks address operational and legal concerns. Together, the two can determine how quickly eligible products can move from niche demand to broader institutional access.
Looking ahead, the key variable will be how fast Shariah-compliant finance players incorporate XAUt into their offerings after certification. Investors and institutions should watch for indications of new partnerships, clearer market access strategies by Tether, and evidence that demand growth continues in step with the asset’s reserve reporting and onchain uptake.
This article was originally published as Tether’s XAUT Receives Shariah Certification for Islamic Investing on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Tether’s gold-backed token XAUt has secured Shariah certification from Amanah Advisors, a development that Tether says could make its tokenized gold product more accessible to Islamic financial institutions and investors seeking Shariah-compliant exposure to physical gold.
According to Tether, the certification concludes that XAUt’s design aligns with core Islamic finance requirements: the token is fully backed by physical gold, it does not involve interest-based mechanics, avoids leverage, and maintains transparent reserves disclosures. Tether states that each XAUt token corresponds to one troy ounce of physical gold held in Swiss vaults.
Key takeaways
XAUt has received Shariah certification from Amanah Advisors, positioning it for wider use by Shariah-focused institutions.
Tether says the token is fully backed by one troy ounce of physical gold per XAUt, stored in Swiss vaults.
The company highlights compliance features commonly required in Islamic finance, including no interest and no leverage.
Reserve reporting shows XAUt is already one of the more established tokenized gold offerings, with backing exceeding 707,000 troy ounces as of March 31.
Onchain metrics compiled by RWA.xyz indicate XAUt’s asset value has risen sharply since mid-2025.
Why Shariah certification matters for tokenized gold
For investors and institutions operating under Shariah principles, the challenge is often less about whether gold is permitted, and more about how a financial product is structured. Islamic finance typically emphasizes restrictions around interest, excessive uncertainty, and speculative leverage—conditions that can affect whether certain tokenized products are considered acceptable.
Tether’s certification directly targets that gatekeeping issue. By obtaining formal Shariah certification for XAUt’s structure, Tether is signaling that its tokenized-gold model is designed to meet the expectations of Shariah-governed decision makers—potentially reducing friction in markets where Shariah compliance is not optional.
In its announcement, Tether said it expects the certification to support adoption in regions where Islamic finance is widely used, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, South Asia, and parts of Africa.
XAUt’s backing and growth in tokenized gold
Tokenized gold only becomes practically useful to mainstream users if the underlying asset is credibly secured and consistently disclosed. Tether points to reserve reports published on its website as evidence of ongoing backing and transparency.
In Tether’s most recent reserves reporting, the company said XAUt was backed by more than 707,000 troy ounces of physical gold, worth over $3.3 billion, as of March 31. That matters because Shariah certification alone does not address the operational question of whether there is sufficient physical backing behind token issuance.
Beyond reserve disclosures, market interest in the product appears to be growing onchain. Data cited from RWA.xyz shows XAUt’s onchain asset value rose from roughly $700 million in July 2025 to around $2.5 billion. While onchain valuations do not replace physical reserve verification, they do offer a window into how widely a tokenized asset is being held and used across blockchain-based venues.
Shariah-compliant digital assets move from niche to organized offerings
Crypto has long faced questions from Islamic scholars about whether certain digital assets can comply with Shariah principles. The debate has often focused on whether participation in the asset introduces prohibited elements such as interest, excessive uncertainty, or speculation.
In recent years, however, more structured products have emerged that attempt to address those issues directly rather than leaving compliance to interpretation. The broader trend appears to be an industry shift toward token designs that emphasize asset backing, transparent reserve models, and reduced exposure to interest-like returns.
Earlier coverage from Cointelegraph noted that Shariah-compliant approaches have been pursued in different ways. For example, a Bahrain-based group, AlAbraaj Restaurants Group, adopted a Bitcoin treasury strategy and said it planned to develop Shariah-compliant financial instruments to broaden access to Bitcoin across the Islamic world.
More recently, Palm Azgar Finance expanded its Shariah-compliant PUSD stablecoin to ADI Chain, positioning the product for participation in what it described as the $3 trillion Islamic finance market. PUSD is designed to allow transactions to settle using either a dollar-linked asset or a dirham-denominated token on the same infrastructure.
Alongside individual product efforts, regulatory clarity has also been a factor in regional expansion. Dubai has been highlighted as a leading crypto hub in the Middle East, continuing to grow its regulated digital asset framework. Cointelegraph previously reported that Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued its 50th virtual asset service provider license earlier this month, surpassing the number of licensed crypto firms in Hong Kong and Singapore.
What to watch next after Amanah Advisors’ certification
With Shariah certification in place, the next question is adoption: whether Islamic banks, funds, and Shariah-governed investors will translate compliance approval into measurable purchasing and integrations for XAUt. Readers should watch for subsequent announcements from Tether or ecosystem partners describing where XAUt will be offered, how it will be distributed through compliant channels, and whether reserve reporting continues to meet the transparency expectations that underpin Shariah assessments.
This article was originally published as Tether’s XAUt Gold Token Gets Shariah Certification for Wider Access on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Strategy expanded its cash reserve to a record $3.75 billion after selling additional MSTR shares last week. The company also completed its first STRC preferred stock buyback under its repurchase program. Meanwhile, Strategy kept its Bitcoin holdings unchanged as MSTR shares gained during premarket trading and Bitcoin remained above $65,000.
Strategy Expands Cash Reserve and Completes First STRC Buyback
Strategy increased its USD reserve by $525 million after raising about $544.5 million through MSTR stock sales. The latest filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed the updated reserve position. As a result, the company now holds $3.75 billion in cash reserves.
The larger reserve gives Strategy about 2.1 years of dividend coverage under current estimates. At the same time, the company executed its first STRC preferred stock repurchase. Strategy bought back 288,930 STRC preferred shares for approximately $25 million.
The repurchase formed part of the Digital Credit Securities Repurchase Program announced last month. After the transaction, Strategy retained $975 million for additional preferred stock repurchases. Meanwhile, the MSTR share repurchase program still has about $1 million available for future purchases.
Bitcoin Holdings Stay Unchanged as Capital Strategy Continues
Strategy did not purchase additional Bitcoin during the latest reporting period. Instead, the company continued raising capital through MSTR share sales. The company still holds 843,775 BTC valued at approximately $58.47 billion.
Strategy acquired those Bitcoin holdings for about $63.68 billion over several years. Consequently, the company currently carries more than $5.21 billion in unrealized losses. However, the company has maintained its long-term Bitcoin treasury approach despite recent market fluctuations.
Strategy remains the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin among publicly traded companies. The company has regularly financed Bitcoin acquisitions through equity offerings and preferred stock issuance. However, the latest filing focused on strengthening liquidity instead of expanding Bitcoin holdings.
MSTR Shares Rise as Bitcoin Holds Above $65,000
MSTR shares closed 2.09% lower at $91.67 during Friday’s regular trading session. The stock traded between $89.76 and $93.68 before finishing below the previous close. Trading volume also remained below the stock’s 20 million share average.
Premarket trading showed renewed buying activity after the latest corporate filing became public. MSTR gained 2.21% and traded near $93.70 before the opening bell. Even so, the stock remains down about 10% over the past month and nearly 50% this year.
Meanwhile, STRC shares advanced 1.66% to $88.33 but remained below the preferred stock’s $100 target price. Several brokerage firms have maintained buy ratings on MSTR with an average 12-month target of $275. At the same time, Bitcoin traded above $65,000 after developments in Iran-Oman discussions supported broader market sentiment, while trading volume increased 86% during the past 24 hours.
This article was originally published as Strategy Raises Cash Reserve to $3.75B and Starts STRC Stock Buyback on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin is heading into the final stretch of July under the pressure of shifting US macro expectations, with traders focused on two near-term catalysts: the Federal Reserve’s latest policy decision and new inflation data that could influence rate expectations. At the same time, market participants are watching whether the usual ties between crypto and traditional risk assets are returning or fading—an issue that has become more relevant as equities show signs of wobbling.
With US bond yields elevated and oil reacting to geopolitical developments, the next few days could determine whether Bitcoin’s relatively tight trading behavior turns into a decisive breakout—or a renewed pullback. On-chain signals add another layer: CryptoQuant reports that BTC whale inflows to Binance have cooled materially since mid-June.
Key takeaways
FedWatch data from CME Group assigns a roughly one-in-three chance of a July hike, while pointing to higher odds for September.
Markets will get a fresh read on inflation Thursday via the June PCE report, which IMEN expects to moderate to 3.7% year over year.
Bitcoin’s correlation with major equity indices appears weak on higher timeframes, but geopolitical and macro shocks could re-link the markets.
CryptoQuant data shows BTC inflows from whales to Binance have fallen as much as 44% since June 12, with retail inflows declining less sharply.
Technically, Bitcoin is testing a widely watched 50-month trend level, where sell-side activity could determine whether the range holds.
Fed and inflation headline risk returns to the front of crypto
The immediate driver for risk assets remains the US interest-rate outlook. Attention is centered on the Federal Open Market Committee’s decision set for Wednesday, July 29, chaired by Kevin Warsh. Expectations around further tightening have remained volatile, with geopolitical tensions and persistent inflation concerns keeping the possibility of additional rate hikes on the table.
According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, the probability of a hike at the upcoming meeting is about 31%, while odds for a September increase are higher—around 50%.
Those expectations were not static. Earlier Monday, oil prices fell about 8% after developments involving the US and Iran paused strikes, according to the article’s reporting. That shift was reflected in Fed pricing as rate-hike odds moved from 37.4% to 33.7%.
Beyond the headline odds, traders are also tracking bond-market signals. Mosaic Asset Company noted in its “The Market Mosaic” newsletter that the 30-year Treasury yield is testing a breakout level. The firm referenced how, in May, the 30-year yield saw a false move above the 5% resistance area that had held since late 2023. A stronger long-end move can still matter for broader financial conditions—even if the long end plays a smaller direct role in funding the government than it once did.
PCE may offer clues on whether inflation is cooling fast enough
Inflation data is the other pillar for the week. On Thursday, markets will focus on the June Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, with the prior month’s reading described as a three-year high at 4.1% year over year. The report’s importance for crypto lies in how quickly traders can reprice the probability of Fed actions once the inflation trajectory becomes clearer.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis is expected to publish the June PCE numbers (as referenced in the article). IMEN, in an X post cited by the report, predicted that June PCE inflation would come in moderately below May, forecasting 3.7% year over year.
That kind of move could help explain the market’s recent sensitivity. The article notes that June’s PCE release coincided with Bitcoin dipping to macro lows around $58,000, underscoring how inflation surprises can quickly ripple through risk sentiment.
Bitcoin’s equity link looks muted—but not immune
One of the more notable themes from the reporting is that Bitcoin’s correlation with major equity benchmarks has appeared unusually weak on longer timeframes. TradingView data referenced in the article suggests the daily correlation between BTC/USD and the S&P 500—using a 20-week loopback window—is “practically absent,” at levels not seen since March. Against the Nasdaq Composite, the correlation coefficient is reported around 0.11, last observed in mid-February.
That matters because it implies Bitcoin may be trading more on its own set of drivers than pure equity beta. However, the report cautions that bearish macro or geopolitical developments can still force correlations back into view, especially when markets are repricing discount rates.
Equities themselves are not providing a clean tailwind. US corporate earnings have reportedly continued to exceed expectations, but the article points to historically elevated valuations as a reason rallies may struggle to absorb further shocks. It also highlights that several major tech names saw notable drawdowns in the prior week, with “Magnificent 7” losses totaling about 5.3% through Friday, after earlier sell-offs tied to $GOOGL and $TSLA.
Even so, the Kobeissi Letter cited in the article argued that margins and earnings beats remain strong across the S&P 500 so far, and that AI is supporting earnings growth. Investors should recognize the tension here: solid earnings can reduce the immediate pressure, but higher rates can still cap multiples and undermine market breadth.
From exchange flows to BTC price levels: what to watch next
Alongside macro risk, crypto-specific positioning is also under scrutiny. CryptoQuant’s analysis—quoted in the article—focuses on BTC transfer flows to Binance. The firm reports that whale inflows to Binance have dropped by as much as 44% since June 12, while retail inflows have fallen 22%.
In the same blog post referenced by the article, contributor Amr Taha wrote that retail inflows are roughly twice whale inflows, leaving a gap of $3.9 billion. The interpretation offered is that the composition of transfers has shifted: retail participants are currently more active than whales in sending BTC to exchanges.
That distinction matters because exchange inflows can influence sell-side readiness, though it does not automatically translate into immediate selling. Still, Taha frames the FOMC meeting as a “major macro catalyst” that could test whether this divergence between retail and whale behavior persists or starts to converge.
The report also points to signs of active redistribution at Binance, noting single-day withdrawals of over 9,000 BTC last week, as previously covered by Cointelegraph.
On the market chart, Bitcoin’s near-term behavior remains range-bound. After the Sunday weekly close, the article says BTC reached a local high of $65,680 on Bitstamp, but it remains engaged in a familiar contest with the 50-month exponential moving average trend line. Trader and analyst Rekt Capital is cited warning that sell-side pressure appears to be building at this resistance area.
Rekt Capital’s view, as quoted, is that if seller volume dominates while Bitcoin is held at resistance, rejection becomes more likely. The analysis also references the 200-week simple moving average, describing price as “sandwiched” between the 200-week SMA and the 50-month EMA—setting up a scenario where continued compression could eventually force a volatility expansion.
For traders and long-term observers alike, the next key questions revolve around whether macro data and the Fed decision reinforce current risk pricing or trigger a sharper repricing. If PCE and post-FOMC guidance confirm a higher-for-longer path, Bitcoin’s exchange-flow shifts and its resistance-area compression may matter more than usual; if inflation cools meaningfully, the market could regain room to break out of its current “boring” range.
This article was originally published as Bitcoin Weekly: Why the Rate Path Still Splits Investor Bets on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Bitcoin moved higher at the start of the week’s first Wall Street session, testing fresh local highs as broader markets opened in positive territory. The latest push came alongside reports of a pause in US–Iran tensions and renewed efforts connected to the Strait of Hormuz—an outcome that traders viewed as a near-term reduction in geopolitical risk.
According to TradingView data cited in market coverage, BTC/USD spiked toward the $66,000 area as risk assets gained traction. At the time of writing, US equity benchmarks such as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite were up by roughly 0.3%, while WTI crude oil dipped before a modest rebound, reflecting a less volatile energy backdrop than earlier in the month.
Key takeaways
Bitcoin pushed toward new local highs near $66,000 after a reported easing in US–Iran strike activity.
Iranian and Omani discussions tied to maritime traffic via the Strait of Hormuz supported sentiment, with oil moving less sharply.
BTC held two key short-to-medium-term trend levels on the daily chart: the 21-day and 50-day SMAs near $64.3k and $63.3k.
Despite the bounce, market commentary emphasized the price base as “fragile,” with traders watching for follow-through toward $66k–$67k.
Crypto short liquidations increased as price rose, with CoinGlass data showing the figure nearing $250 million over 24 hours.
Geopolitics and risk assets lift BTC at the open
The immediate catalyst for Bitcoin’s uptick was macro-linked sentiment tied to the Middle East. TradingView data showed BTC/USD jumping toward $66,000 as traders responded to reports that there had been a pause in strikes between the US and Iran.
Additional reporting referenced statements by an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman indicating that Tehran and Oman were “trying to establish mechanisms regarding maritime traffic” through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil flows that had been closed. While headlines about reopenings and “mechanisms” can remain fluid, the market impact was clear: energy risk eased at the margin, and that helped equities—and Bitcoin—start the session with momentum.
WTI crude oil, often treated as a proxy for near-term geopolitical stress, fell toward about $82 per barrel before recovering modestly. The combination of a steadier oil tape and higher equity futures aligns with a classic “risk-on” relationship that can temporarily benefit liquidity in major crypto markets.
Macro headwinds remain, but crypto’s July performance stands out
Even with the immediate tailwind, traders were careful not to overstate the durability of the move. One potential constraint mentioned in the coverage was the risk of higher US bond yields, which can weigh on assets with lower real-yield support.
QCP Capital argued that—despite a more challenging macro backdrop—digital assets had generally outperformed equities during July. In its “Market Color” analysis, the firm said BTC and ETH were up about 11.6% and 24.6% month-to-date, respectively, noting that higher Treasury yields and periodic risk-off episodes had pressured broader markets.
Importantly for investors focused on regulation, QCP also flagged attention around the proposed CLARITY Act. The analysis described ongoing interest from digital asset participants because the bill could affect the US regulatory framework for the sector. The CLARITY Act was referenced as being under consideration, with market participants watching for any progress that could shift expectations around how digital asset rules might evolve.
Support levels hold—yet traders want proof beyond the bounce
On the chart, the rally’s quality mattered as much as the direction. Crypto trader and analyst Michaël van de Poppe highlighted that BTC was holding the 21-day and 50-day simple moving averages (SMAs). The levels cited were approximately $64,289 for the 21-day SMA and $63,261 for the 50-day SMA—areas that often function as magnets for both discretionary traders and systematic strategies.
Van de Poppe characterized the holding as a “strong signal” for long-biased positioning, but added that the structure was still “a little fragile.” In a posted view on X, he indicated he would prefer to see a decisive advance into the $66,000–$67,000 band within the next 1–3 days, which would indicate more persistent demand rather than a single-session push.
That distinction is crucial. A market can rise quickly toward resistance levels and still fail if buyers don’t expand after the initial liquidity draw. For traders, the next test is not just whether BTC reaches the higher range, but whether it can keep the bid long enough to convert a “spike” into a sustained move.
Liquidations rise as shorts get squeezed
Alongside price strength, liquidation data suggested that the move was accompanied by short-covering. CoinGlass data referenced in the coverage showed crypto short liquidations increasing as BTC rallied, with the metric nearing $250 million over a 24-hour period.
Liquidation spikes can be interpreted in two ways: they may signal aggressive leverage being forced out, or they may reflect a crowded short position that becomes vulnerable when the market turns upward. Either way, when large liquidation prints occur near key technical levels, they often coincide with bursts of volatility—meaning traders may see both acceleration and faster reversals if price fails to hold.
What to watch next
With BTC holding important moving averages while testing the upper end of the near-term range, the market now appears to be waiting for confirmation. Traders are watching whether Bitcoin can sustain interest into the $66,000–$67,000 zone, while broader risk sentiment could hinge on continued developments around US–Iran tensions and any tangible progress related to Strait of Hormuz maritime arrangements.
This article was originally published as Bitcoin Holds Near $66K as Stocks Rally After Iran-Strike Pause on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

HashKey Holdings says it has consolidated its exchange operations into a single user-facing platform, bringing together what were previously separate apps for different regions. In an announcement released Monday, the Hong Kong digital asset services firm said customers across Hong Kong, “Global,” Singapore, and the Middle East (Dubai) will use the same application—while compliance controls are handled according to each jurisdiction’s legal requirements.
The update reflects a broader shift away from early “regional silo” exchange models, where licensing and front-end products were often kept separate to reduce compliance complexity. HashKey’s approach is built around a principle it describes as “unified entry, localized compliance.”
Key takeaways
HashKey has merged its HashKey Exchange and HashKey Global into one platform and one application for users across multiple regions.
The front-end experience is centralized, while regulatory compliance is managed based on each customer’s legislative domain.
HashKey frames the change as a move from earlier jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction exchange silos toward a unified model.
Other major exchanges have implemented similar structures, though with different ways of routing users to local legal entities.
One app across regions, with compliance tailored locally
HashKey said it has consolidated core jurisdictional hubs—including Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East (Dubai), and Bermuda—under a single platform and application. While the firm’s statement emphasizes that the “front-end” is unified, it also stresses that the system is designed to remain compliant with local frameworks by managing compliance requirements in line with each user’s jurisdiction.
Under HashKey’s model, users download the same application, but the platform applies localized compliance handling across the Hong Kong, Global, Singapore, and Middle East regions. In practical terms, that means the product experience is simpler to access, even though the legal and regulatory obligations still differ by geography.
Why unified platforms are becoming more common
HashKey’s announcement positions the merger as an evolution from the early days of virtual asset trading. In those early stages, many licensed exchanges operated through regional silos—separate platforms, separate apps, and often separate operational setups—to make it easier to compartmentalize compliance.
According to HashKey, its updated structure is intended to preserve compliance benefits while reducing friction for users who operate across or move between markets. The promise is a single front-end that can simplify access to systems expected to remain aligned with local regulatory requirements, as compliance is managed within the platform rather than through separate customer-facing products.
For traders and liquidity providers, a unified application can also reduce the risk of confusion around which interface, account type, or supported features apply in different jurisdictions. For the operator, it can streamline development and user onboarding workflows by consolidating the customer entry point while maintaining jurisdiction-specific controls in the background.
How this compares with other exchanges’ structures
HashKey is not alone in moving toward centralized user experiences paired with jurisdiction-specific legal coverage.
As one comparison, the article notes that OKX presents its website and mobile apps as one platform. However, OKX’s terms reportedly assign customers to different providers based on residence. In other words, the customer-facing “one app” concept is paired with a legal routing layer that maps users to the appropriate entity depending on where they are.
Kraken provides another example. The announcement referenced that Kraken consolidated a Dutch broker entity—BCM—into its platform after acquiring it in September 2024. Kraken has also expanded its European offering through a MiCA structure: the firm reportedly began serving the EEA through its Irish MiCA entity in August, suggesting that compliance alignment is achieved within a unified operational framework.
These comparisons underscore that while the “single platform” idea is spreading, implementations can differ. The key variable is how an exchange ties a unified front-end to jurisdiction-appropriate regulatory responsibility—whether by assigning users to distinct providers behind the scenes or by applying compliance processes localized to each customer’s jurisdiction.
What users should watch after the consolidation
HashKey’s transition to a single application across multiple regions raises questions that matter most to customers: how onboarding flows will change, how jurisdiction-specific feature access will be reflected in the user experience, and whether account management will remain seamless when users interact with region-specific compliance requirements.
For regulators and industry observers, the merger is also a useful test case for whether exchanges can maintain strong compliance controls while consolidating products and codebases—an approach that could become more attractive as regulatory regimes mature and operational efficiency becomes a competitive differentiator.
Readers should watch for further details on the rollout mechanics, such as how HashKey handles user migration from previously separate platforms and how the unified app communicates jurisdiction-dependent limitations, if any. As the exchange environment continues to tighten, the ability to centralize the user interface without diluting regulatory obligations will likely be a key measure of operational readiness.
This article was originally published as HashKey Consolidates Regional Crypto Exchanges Into One Platform on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Strategy, the corporate software firm best known for its large Bitcoin treasury, continued to reshape its capital structure last week by selling common stock under its at-the-market program and repurchasing preferred shares.
According to company disclosures, Strategy sold 5,429,160 shares of its Class A common stock through an at-the-market (ATM) offering between July 20 and July 26, generating $544.5 million in net proceeds. In parallel, the company repurchased 288,930 shares of its STRC preferred stock for $25 million, as detailed in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday.
Key takeaways
Strategy raised $544.5 million in net proceeds from an at-the-market sale of 5.43 million Class A shares between July 20 and July 26.
In the same period, the company spent $25 million to repurchase 288,930 shares of STRC preferred stock.
Strategy’s U.S. dollar reserve increased to $3.75 billion as of July 26, up from $3.225 billion the prior week.
Strategy reported no Bitcoin purchases or sales during July 20-26, leaving its holdings unchanged at 843,775 BTC.
The move follows Michael Saylor’s latest social media post, which some observers interpreted as a potential signal about future preferred-stock strategy.
ATM stock sales and STRC preferred buyback
Strategy’s latest financing activity combined two parts: common stock issuance and preferred share repurchases. The Class A share sales were executed via Strategy’s at-the-market offering, allowing the company to issue shares in smaller increments rather than a single large raise.
The preferred buyback is notable because it suggests the company is not only expanding its liquidity through equity markets, but also actively managing its preferred instrument in the capital stack. The $25 million repurchase covered 288,930 shares of STRC preferred stock, per the SEC Form 8-K filed Monday.
While market pricing can shift quickly around corporate actions, Yahoo Finance data cited in the original reporting indicated Strategy’s Class A shares were up more than 2% in Monday’s premarket trading, and STRC preferred shares were higher ahead of the Nasdaq open.
Bitcoin holdings unchanged as cash reserves grow
Despite the increased equity activity, Strategy reported no Bitcoin trades during the July 20-26 window. The company stated its BTC holdings remained at 843,775 BTC, acquired at an average purchase price of $75,476 per Bitcoin, representing an aggregate cost basis of $63.69 billion.
At the time of publication, Bitcoin was reported as trading around $64,971. Strategy’s lack of BTC buying or selling during this specific period means the new liquidity primarily supports corporate objectives rather than immediate additions to its treasury.
Strategy also highlighted how the company intends to use its expanded cash: maintaining liquidity as it increases capital markets activity through common stock offerings and preferred stock instruments. The growing dollar reserve is designed to support dividend payments on preferred stock and interest payments on its outstanding debt.
From “another color” to expectations on preferred strategy
The financing update arrived after executive chairman Michael Saylor sparked speculation on Sunday with an X post referencing “another color.” Some market observers interpreted the phrase as a hint that Strategy could implement additional actions related to its preferred stock approach.
Separately, the preferred stock repurchase and the continued buildup of cash reserves underscore that Strategy’s capital structure management remains tightly linked to its broader treasury and funding strategy. For investors, the key issue is how these moves affect future returns and risk: common stock issuance can dilute shareholders if priced below intrinsic value, while preferred repurchases may reduce fixed obligations, depending on the terms and market conditions.
Saylor reignites debate over banks and Bitcoin’s path
Strategy’s latest corporate filings also surfaced in the context of renewed discussion prompted by Saylor about Bitcoin’s relationship with traditional finance. On X, Saylor argued that rejecting Bitcoin’s connection to financial infrastructure would restrict access to most potential users, suggesting that integration with banks is necessary for broader adoption.
That position drew pushback from some Bitcoin supporters who contend the network’s original intent—outlined in Bitcoin’s white paper as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system—was to reduce the need for financial intermediaries. The exchange highlighted an enduring divide inside the ecosystem: one camp views banks and legacy rails as essential gateways to mainstream usage, while the other sees such involvement as a risk to Bitcoin’s decentralized foundation.
In practice, Strategy sits in the middle of that tension. As a publicly traded company with a large BTC treasury, its operations depend on conventional capital markets. Its use of common stock offerings and preferred instruments illustrates how corporate Bitcoin exposure often relies on the same financial infrastructure that some Bitcoin purists view with skepticism.
Going forward, investors will likely watch whether Strategy’s expanded cash reserve is followed by additional BTC purchases in subsequent reporting windows, and whether Saylor’s “another color” comment evolves into specific preferred-stock actions. The immediate uncertainty remains the timing and purpose of the next treasury decisions—whether liquidity is mainly for near-term corporate obligations or for accelerating Bitcoin accumulation later.
This article was originally published as MSTR Trading Plan Cuts Shares, Adds $25M in STRC Preferred Stock on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Cardano co-founder Charles Hoskinson has warned Bitcoin could lose its dominance if its governance system and community fail to coordinate a response to the quantum computing threat.
Bitcoin developers are already working on post-quantum solutions, including BIP 361, which proposes moving away from ECDSA and Schnorr signatures after a post-quantum system is selected.
Quantum Threat Could End Bitcoin Dominance
Hoskinson’s warning came during an interview with The Starting Block. The Cardano co-founder described Bitcoin as being “stuck in time” because any changes to the network require consensus across stakeholders including users, miners, node operators, and developers. According to Hoskinson, frustration with Bitcoin’s rigidity and inflexibility was one of the reasons behind the creation of Ethereum. Hoskinson was one of the original co-founders of Ethereum along with Vitalik Buterin. He stated during the interview, “The issue with Bitcoin is it’s frozen in time. It’s very difficult to change anything.”
Bitcoin uses elliptic-curve cryptography to prove the ownership of funds. Quantum computers, in theory, could decipher private keys from the public keys and authorize transactions without the owner’s knowledge or approval. Hoskinson believes the quantum threat could pose a major risk to the flagship cryptocurrency and its $1.3 trillion market capitalization, eventually stripping it of its dominance unless its governance mechanism adapts without impacting the qualities that give it value. “What made Bitcoin so strong is it survived external threats … including the loss of its founder. Quantum computers are yet another threat … if Bitcoin’s governance is such that it’s impossible actually to make meaningful progress, or they compromise the core reason to use Bitcoin, I don’t think Bitcoin’s going to stay the number one cryptocurrency.”
Cardano Better Equipped for Technical Threats
Hoskinson argued that Cardano’s formal on-chain governance and ability to approve upgrades make it better at responding to threats like the one confronting Bitcoin.
“Cardano is, in many ways, a spiritual successor [to Bitcoin]. It reflects correcting a lot of things that I think that Satoshi couldn’t get around to because of expertise or time but was directionally moving there.”
Cardano moved to full community governance after the Plomin hard fork in January 2025. ADA token holders can vote or delegate their vote to representatives called DReps. A constitutional committee and stake pool operators also participate in key decisions. This system helps Cardano approve hard forks and treasury decisions on-chain. Hoskinson argued that Cardano could use the system to vote on migrating away from quantum-vulnerable infrastructure.
Hoskinson added that Cardano is preparing for its largest upgrade, which would make the network “60-times faster.”
Not a Perfect System
However, Cardano has yet to undertake or complete such a migration because its governance system must evaluate technical designs, approve funding, and organize users, developers, and service providers. Cardano’s governance system has also witnessed several disputes. Cardano delegates recently rejected and challenged several proposals linked to Hoskinson and Input Output, including a proposal to research Leios scaling and quantum-resistant cryptography.
Bitcoin Developers Exploring Post-Quantum Options
Bitcoin’s governance allows developers to propose code. However, users and node operators decide on its implementation. Miners, exchanges, and wallet providers also influence decision-making. While this helps avoid frequent changes, it makes urgent coordination difficult. The community is tracking BIP-361, a proposal that phases out legacy ECDSA and Schnorr signatures to protect the network against the quantum threat. Several other proposals are also under consideration, including ones advocating new address formats, hybrid signatures, and recovery paths.
However, any measure will require wallets, exchanges, custodians, and dormant holders to migrate their funds without splitting the network or creating conflicting ownership rules.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
This article was originally published as Charles Hoskinson Warns Quantum Threat Could Dethrone Bitcoin on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

European regulators have extended the scope of their Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) oversight by adding 15 new crypto-asset service providers to ESMA’s interim MiCA register, bringing the total number of licensed providers to 309. The update was published on Friday and follows the EU’s July 1 transitional deadline for firms operating under the new framework.
According to ESMA’s latest register update, the new additions include providers across banking and digital-asset infrastructure, signaling continued momentum as companies complete licensing steps under Europe’s unified crypto rules.
Key takeaways
ESMA’s interim MiCA register now lists 309 licensed crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) after 15 new additions were published.
BNY SA/NV—part of BNY Mellon’s banking group—is among the newly registered firms.
Germany and Denmark led the latest wave, with three new CASPs added in each country.
ESMA reported no changes in this update to other MiCA-related registers covering issuers and non-compliant entities.
Industry observers continue to debate the long-term burden of MiCA compliance for smaller firms.
New CASPs join ESMA’s interim MiCA register
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) updated its MiCA register on Friday as part of an ongoing effort to map which crypto firms have met regulatory requirements. ESMA’s page on the MiCA framework shows that, in this third post-deadline update, the number of listed CASPs rose to 309.
The latest additions include four banking institutions. One is BNY SA/NV, the Belgian subsidiary of the US banking group BNY Mellon. The other newly listed banks are three German institutions, reflecting how traditional financial firms are progressively positioning themselves within MiCA’s permitted activities.
Beyond banking, ESMA’s list also includes digital-asset platforms such as BitPay and other providers including Coinify and Bleap, demonstrating that payment and infrastructure-focused companies continue to work through the licensing process.
Geography shows where licensing is moving fastest
ESMA’s update highlights uneven geographic progress across the bloc. Germany and Denmark recorded the largest number of new CASPs in this round, with three providers added in each country.
Bulgaria and Latvia followed with two additions each, while Belgium, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands each added one provider.
Among the German additions, ESMA listed cooperative financial societies including Spar-und Kreditbank Rheinstetten and VR-Bank Augsburg-Ostallgäu, along with Raiffeisenbank Falkenstein-Wörth.
Other newly listed providers named in the update include Altcoins BG and Digital Assist in Bulgaria; SafeLynx Technologies and Januar in Denmark; and Bleap and Nodu Digital in Latvia.
Regulators keep expanding after the July 1 deadline
The Friday update is part of ESMA’s broader post-deadline process to ensure MiCA licensing becomes operational across the EU. ESMA previously published register additions after July 1—including a second post-deadline update that added 14 CASPs. Earlier coverage noted that this second update included well-known industry players such as Ripple Payments Europe.
Importantly, ESMA’s latest publication did not signal changes to other MiCA-related registers in this specific update. ESMA reported no changes to lists covering authorized issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs), e-money tokens (EMTs), and other crypto assets, nor to registers of entities categorized as non-compliant.
That split—adding more CASPs while leaving other register categories unchanged—suggests that licensing progress is not uniform across the MiCA value chain. Some types of MiCA permissions may require longer review cycles or depend on different documentation and compliance steps than service-provider authorizations.
Why the register updates matter for firms and users
For market participants, ESMA’s evolving interim register functions as a practical checkpoint. It provides a clearer view of which providers have successfully moved into MiCA-regulated status, which can influence partnerships, custody and onboarding decisions, and compliance processes for businesses choosing counterparties.
While the register continues to expand, ESMA’s work also underscores that MiCA implementation is a moving target. The framework introduced Europe’s first unified regulatory regime for crypto-asset services, but the path from “operating” to “authorized under MiCA” remains procedural—requiring firms to complete licensing steps across jurisdictions and within ESMA’s register process.
At the same time, concerns about the cost of compliance have persisted. In earlier reporting, Gate Europe CEO Giovanni Cunti warned that some licensed firms may struggle to sustain the compliance resources required over the long term, particularly smaller operators that may find the ongoing burden harder to absorb.
That tension—more providers entering the register, but questions around affordability and scalability—could shape how the MiCA market develops. Investors and counterparties may need to weigh not only whether a firm is licensed, but also whether it can maintain the operational capacity to comply consistently as the framework matures.
What to watch next
With ESMA continuing to publish successive register updates, the next question for EU observers is whether upcoming additions accelerate across other MiCA categories—such as token issuers—rather than concentrating solely on CASPs. Market participants should also monitor whether compliance pressures intensify for smaller firms as the licensing pipeline progresses beyond the initial post-deadline wave.
This article was originally published as BNY Mellon Unit Enters MiCA Register as ESMA Lists 15 New CASPs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

European regulators have expanded the public register of crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) operating under the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework, adding 15 new firms in the latest ESMA update released after the July 1 transitional deadline.
According to the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the interim MiCA register now lists 309 licensed CASPs. The newest entries include several banks, as well as digital asset platforms such as BitPay, Coinify and Bleap.
Key takeaways
ESMA’s latest MiCA register update adds 15 CASPs, bringing the interim total to 309 licensed providers.
Banking groups are among the largest new entrants, including BNY SA/NV and multiple German banks.
Germany and Denmark contributed the most new registrations, with three additions each.
ESMA reported no changes in other MiCA registers in this update for issuers of ARTs and EMTs, or for crypto asset categories and non-compliant entities.
Industry concerns persist that compliance costs could pressure smaller firms to exit the market.
ESMA adds 15 CASPs as MiCA roster keeps growing
ESMA’s update, published on Friday, continues the step-by-step buildout of the MiCA licensing pipeline since the July 1 deadline for firms to transition into the regime. MiCA is designed to create the EU’s first unified framework for crypto services, replacing a patchwork of national rules with standardized oversight.
In this third post-deadline register update, ESMA’s interim list for regulated providers increased from prior levels by 15 new CASPs. Among the additions are four banking institutions, including BNY SA/NV—identified in ESMA’s update as the Belgian subsidiary of BNY Mellon.
Where the new registrations came from
The geographic distribution of the new CASPs underscores how MiCA licensing is spreading across member states. ESMA reports that Germany and Denmark led the latest additions, with three newly listed CASPs in each country. Bulgaria and Latvia followed with two new providers each.
Belgium, Cyprus, Liechtenstein, and the Netherlands each recorded one addition in this round, indicating a broader but uneven rollout pattern across Europe.
The German entries include cooperative institutions and a regional bank: Spar-und Kreditbank Rheinstetten, VR-Bank Augsburg-Ostallgäu, and Raiffeisenbank Falkenstein-Wörth. Denmark’s new registrations include SafeLynx Technologies and Januar, described as a digital asset infrastructure company.
Other newly listed providers named in ESMA’s update include Bulgaria’s Altcoins BG and Digital Assist, and Latvia-registered firms Bleap and Nodu Digital. In addition to these regional entities, digital asset platforms also appear among the new CASPs, including BitPay, Coinify and Bleap.
MiCA expansion continues after the July 1 transitional deadline
This update follows ESMA’s second post-deadline register changes, when the regulator added 14 CASPs after July 1. Earlier coverage from Cointelegraph noted that some major industry participants were among those earlier additions, including Ripple Payments Europe.
While the CASP list grew again this time, ESMA said its latest update did not affect other MiCA-related registers. Those include authorized issuers of asset-referenced tokens (ARTs) and e-money tokens (EMTs), as well as registers covering crypto assets and non-compliant entities. For market participants, this distinction matters: the CASP register reflects entities providing regulated services, while token issuer categories are tracked separately.
That separation also helps explain why the MiCA rollout can appear uneven across the ecosystem. Even when service providers reach licensing milestones, the authorization process for token issuers and specific issuer categories may follow different timelines and require different documentation.
Why the growing CASP list matters—and what to watch next
For investors and users, a larger number of MiCA-licensed CASPs can translate into clearer regulatory expectations around custody, exchange services, and other crypto-asset activities—assuming firms comply with ongoing MiCA obligations. For builders and fintech operators, the register’s expansion provides a real-time signal that licensing is progressing beyond announcement stages and into operational authorization.
At the same time, ESMA’s continued additions also highlight that MiCA implementation remains an evolving process. Even after the July 1 transitional deadline, ESMA’s register continues to change as companies complete licensing procedures across different European markets.
Beyond the register itself, the sustainability of compliance requirements remains a live issue. Earlier reporting from Cointelegraph cited Gate Europe CEO Giovanni Cunti warning that the cost of maintaining a MiCA license could weigh on smaller firms, potentially making it harder for them to keep up with compliance resources over the long term.
As ESMA publishes further updates, market participants should monitor not only how quickly the CASP roster expands, but also whether changes begin to appear in the token issuer registers—ARTs, EMTs, and other crypto asset categories. That shift would indicate MiCA’s next phase is moving beyond service providers into a broader portion of the crypto value chain.
This article was originally published as BNY Mellon Unit Enters MiCA Register as ESMA Adds 15 Providers on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to roll out crypto trading infrastructure by December 2026. The announcement comes ahead of new regulations for crypto trading, custody, and settlement that come into force from September 1, 2026.
Russia’s crypto push comes as the European Union readies new sanctions targeting the country over the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Sberbank Plans Crypto Infrastructure Rollout
Sberbank plans to build and launch critical crypto trading infrastructure, including a digital depository, by December 1, 2026. The bank is leading Moscow’s efforts to bring cryptocurrency trading, custody, and settlement into the mainstream financial system. Sberbank’s announcement comes after Russia approved new rules for cryptocurrency exchanges, brokers, banks, and digital depositories. The new regulations come into force on September 1, 2026. Companies will also be given additional time to ensure compliance with the new requirements.
“Russia’s Largest Bank Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure: Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, plans to build cryptocurrency trading infrastructure and launch a digital custody system by Dec. 1 to support regulated crypto trading, custody and settlement.” – Wu Blockchain
The digital depository will record cryptocurrency ownership and process transactions outside the primary blockchain. Sberbank will also operate wallets for client deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. Alexander Vedyakhin, first deputy chairman of Sberbank’s management board, stated,
“One of the key elements of the new infrastructure will be a digital depository, which will maintain records of clients’ cryptocurrency rights and account for transactions outside the main blockchain. It will also facilitate transactions on active wallets to fulfill clients’ currency transfer orders.”
However, the bank is yet to disclose eligibility, fees, withdrawal limits, or which cryptocurrencies are supported by the framework.
Sberbank Expanding Crypto Services
Sberbank joined Russia’s register of information system operators in 2022, and has since issued several digital financial assets and products linked to Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other assets. As mentioned earlier, the bank was already working on a digital asset depository and cryptocurrency wallet. It could also give customers access to foreign cryptocurrency exchanges depending on prevailing regulatory requirements. Sberbank has also dabbled in cryptocurrency-backed lending, completing a pilot loan with Bitcoin miner Intellion Data. According to reports, the bank has considered offering similar loans to corporate customers.
Russia’s Crypto Market Framework
Russian lawmakers concluded a final reading on a bill to regulate cryptocurrencies in the country. The bill gives the Bank of Russia oversight of the cryptocurrency market, including the authority to dictate which cryptocurrencies are offered through licensed intermediaries. The bill categorizes market participants, dictating which entities can buy, sell, hold, and exchange crypto assets once the framework comes into effect. The Bank of Russia has set an average market capitalization of over 5 trillion rubles (~$64 billion) and an average 24-hour volume of 1 trillion rubles (~$12.8 billion) over two years for cryptocurrencies offered under the framework.
Moscow’s push for a regulated crypto framework comes as the EU imposed another tranche of sanctions and also listed the HTX cryptocurrency exchange in the sanctions for “providing crypto asset services or payment services established outside of the Union that are significantly frustrating the purpose of the prohibitions against Russia.”
EU officials have also barred Belarusian nationals and residents from owning, controlling, or managing cryptocurrency exchanges in compliance with the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework.
According to the Bank of Russia, the new framework allows investors to purchase crypto assets through regulated intermediaries. However, qualified and non-qualified investors are subject to different limits. Both qualified and non-qualified investors must pass a test to become eligible to purchase crypto assets. However, qualified investors can access more cryptocurrencies and are not subject to an annual limit when investing. On the other hand, non-qualified investors can access limited digital assets and can only purchase 300,000 rubles worth of crypto per year through a single intermediary.
Russian Companies Prepare For New Framework
Other entities are also preparing for the new framework. VTB and T-Bank are developing their own digital depository services, while the Moscow Exchange is considering offering regulated crypto operations. Alfa Bank has also tested custody tools and cryptocurrency services, a clear indicator that major players in Russia’s financial sector are preparing themselves before the licensing deadline.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
This article was originally published as Sberbank Plans Crypto Trading Infrastructure Launch By Year-End on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

As BitMart moves toward a planned wind-down, customer withdrawals are becoming the market’s most immediate stress test. Blockchain analytics account Lookonchain reported that withdrawals appeared to slow significantly after the exchange announced operational restrictions tied to its closure timetable.
On Monday, Lookonchain said it observed 58 wallets withdrawing roughly $805,000 in more than 24 hours. It also claimed BitMart processed no withdrawals during the latest eight-hour window it tracked, while some users on X described delays and account warnings related to withdrawal processing.
Key takeaways
Lookonchain reported only 58 withdrawals totaling about $805,000 over 24+ hours, with no withdrawals during an eight-hour period tracked.
Some users on X claimed they received “completed” withdrawal emails despite on-chain withdrawal freezes or pending transactions.
BitMart has said withdrawals remain available, but requests may face additional compliance and security reviews.
BitMart’s wind-down includes ending trading services on Aug. 26 and ceasing operations entirely on Jan. 31, 2027.
On-chain data cited by Arkham suggests BitMart-linked wallets held about $69 million in crypto assets on Monday, down from roughly $102 million on July 6.
Withdrawal activity under scrutiny
The clearest measurable signal so far comes from Lookonchain, which framed Monday’s results as a slowdown in outflows from BitMart. In its report on X, it did not present a verified explanation for the pause, but the figures—58 withdrawing wallets totaling approximately $805,000 over 24 hours—highlight a stark contrast to the normal behavior many exchanges see during stable operating periods.
Lookonchain also added that BitMart did not process any withdrawals during the final eight hours of its tracking window. If the pattern holds, it would suggest that either fewer customers are attempting withdrawals or that outgoing transfers are being held back by internal checks.
That uncertainty is compounded by user reports. Two X posts described issues that could align with additional screening or operational constraints. One user said an email indicated a USDT withdrawal had been completed even though they claimed no transaction had appeared and their account displayed an “on-chain withdrawal freeze.” Another user said a $30 test withdrawal remained pending for more than 30 minutes.
These individual accounts have not been independently verified, but they are consistent with the kind of operational friction customers often expect when an exchange is preparing to wind down—particularly when withdrawals are still enabled but processing may be gated.
BitMart’s “orderly” wind-down and what it means for customers
BitMart has previously stated that withdrawals will remain available, while warning that requests may face additional compliance and security checks. According to the exchange’s published notice regarding the orderly cessation of operations, these reviews can include examinations of customer identities, login devices, withdrawal addresses, trading histories, and sources of funds.
The notice also indicates the exchange may request proof of identity, address, source of funds, or ownership of the receiving wallet. For customers, this matters because even when withdrawals are technically possible, the timing can vary depending on whether an account or transaction triggers enhanced verification.
In that context, the key question for users is not only whether withdrawals are enabled, but whether the promised “orderly” wind-down translates into predictable processing for the remaining volume. If withdrawal handling stays consistent, the episode could remain contained. If delays broaden—or appear uneven across customers—it could intensify confidence concerns.
Cointelegraph attempted to contact BitMart for comment, but did not receive a response before publication.
Trading shutdown dates and the broader market backdrop
BitMart’s wind-down plan has already been laid out. Earlier, the exchange announced it would stop accepting new registrations and deposits and would restrict new spot orders and futures positions. Trading services are scheduled to end on Aug. 26, with the platform expected to cease operations entirely on Jan. 31, 2027.
As that timeline approaches, analysts and investors typically watch for two related indicators: whether customer funds can exit efficiently, and whether the exchange’s remaining token ecosystem reflects mounting pressure.
Arkham-identified wallets attributed to BitMart held about $69 million in crypto assets on Monday, down from roughly $102 million on July 6, according to the entity’s on-chain listing. While this does not, by itself, prove the pace of customer withdrawals, it provides a snapshot of the scale of assets tied to BitMart-linked addresses as the wind-down progresses.
Meanwhile, BitMart’s BMX token continued to struggle. CoinGecko data cited in the underlying reporting put BMX near $0.057 on Monday, after falling about 81.5% over seven days. The token was trading around $0.31 late Friday before the exchange’s shutdown became widely public.
The decline has also kept an eye on a separate but related issue: whether stronger exchanges might absorb smaller competitors during closures. Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao previously commented that acquiring a centralized exchange can be more complicated than purchasing other types of businesses, because buyers could inherit security vulnerabilities left behind by previous teams, including potential backdoors. He said acquisitions remain possible but require greater scrutiny.
What to watch next for BitMart customers
For customers and observers, the next datapoints to track are straightforward: whether Lookonchain continues to show a near-total slowdown in withdrawals, whether pending and “freeze” reports on X persist across more accounts, and whether BitMart’s compliance checks translate into consistent processing times for approved requests. As trading winds down ahead of Aug. 26 and the cessation date approaches in 2027, withdrawal reliability will likely remain the single most important signal of whether confidence erosion stays contained or escalates into a broader exit narrative.
This article was originally published as BitMart Withdrawals Slow After Wind-Down Announcement on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Garden Finance is investigating an exploit that reportedly involved its cross-chain bridge and atomic swap infrastructure after an attacker drained roughly $450,000 worth of USDT from Garden-linked hash time-locked contracts (HTLCs) across multiple networks, according to Blockaid. The incident has also triggered a temporary pause in Garden’s services while the affected systems are isolated and reviewed.
Garden’s position differs from the initial description of the breach: the company says its protocol and on-chain HTLC smart contracts were not compromised. Instead, Garden attributes the event to an intrusion into the off-chain database of an independent solver, where fraudulent transaction records were allegedly inserted—leading to incorrect swap releases.
Key takeaways
Blockaid reported an attacker drained about $450,000 in USDT from Garden HTLCs on Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, and BNB Smart Chain.
Garden says the protocol and HTLC smart contracts were not altered or hacked; the compromise was limited to an off-chain database belonging to one independent solver.
Garden stated no user funds were lost or placed at risk, and that only solver-owned assets were affected.
Services were paused as a precaution while Garden, and multiple security firms, trace and recover the funds.
What Blockaid says happened
Earlier Sunday, Blockaid said the exploit was ongoing and involved Ethereum-based HTLCs used by Garden to coordinate atomic swaps. In its public update, Blockaid described the attacker draining approximately $450,000 in USDT from Garden’s HTLCs deployed across Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, and BNB Smart Chain.
HTLCs function as time-bound escrow contracts that help ensure assets are released only under the correct conditions—an essential mechanism for atomic swaps spanning different chains. Blockaid also published addresses it linked to the attacker and the contracts believed to be affected.
Garden’s rebuttal: off-chain solver database breach
Garden Finance disputed the implication that its core contracts were compromised. A spokesperson told Cointelegraph that neither the Garden protocol nor its HTLC smart contracts were breached.
According to Garden, the attacker accessed the off-chain database of an independent solver and inserted falsified transaction records. In Garden’s account, those incorrect records led the solver to release funds for swaps that were not actually funded by the intended counterparty.
Garden added that the incident did not place user funds at risk and that no funds belonging to users were lost. Instead, the company said the impact was confined to solver-owned assets. Garden also indicated that it is still confirming the full extent of the event—total amount, assets, and the precise networks involved.
Why an off-chain compromise can matter
While HTLCs are executed on-chain, cross-chain swap systems often rely on off-chain infrastructure to coordinate actions, track swap state, and trigger settlement steps. Garden’s explanation centers on this split: the protocol’s on-chain components were allegedly left intact, but the solver’s off-chain data was manipulated in a way that caused settlement to occur incorrectly.
For market participants, this distinction is important. If the core smart contracts remain secure, the long-term trust impact may be smaller than in a scenario involving altered HTLC logic or compromised protocol contracts. Still, the incident highlights a persistent vulnerability class for cross-chain systems: even with audited or well-designed on-chain escrow logic, operational processes and off-chain databases can become critical attack surfaces.
Garden’s immediate response—pausing services and isolating the suspected infrastructure—reflects how quickly operational compromises can cascade into on-chain fund movements. The difference between a contract-level exploit and a solver-level data breach may affect remediation timelines, too, because recovery depends not only on stopping the bleeding but also on validating swap states and ensuring incorrect releases do not recur.
Security response and previous incident
Garden said it is working with zeroShadow, Quantstamp, and Blockaid to trace and recover the funds. The protocol expects to restore services shortly, contingent on completing security checks, but it did not provide a specific timetable.
Garden also pointed to its SOC 2 Type II attestation as evidence of security and operational controls, framing the incident as isolated to one solver’s off-chain infrastructure within its network of independent solvers. The company emphasized that its priorities are securing the affected systems, tracing the solver’s funds, and resuming services only after relevant reviews are completed.
The reported event follows an earlier pattern. In October 2025, Garden reported a breach in which an attacker stole about $11.4 million after compromising the operating environment of one of its solvers. Garden said that earlier incident similarly did not compromise its protocol contracts or put user funds at risk.
Taken together, the two episodes suggest that Garden’s risk exposure may be closely tied to the security posture and isolation of third-party solver environments rather than flaws in its HTLC contract code. That shifts where investors and integrators should focus their monitoring: operational security, access controls, and off-chain data integrity across the solver ecosystem.
As Garden continues tracing the funds and validating affected swap records, the key question for users and builders will be whether the investigation confirms a consistent “solver off-chain” failure mode or reveals broader compromise indicators. Readers should watch for Garden’s updated totals, the specific networks and assets involved, and the results of the security checks that will determine when services fully resume.
This article was originally published as Garden Finance Halts App After Blockaid Finds $450K Exploit on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

BitMart’s planned wind-down is starting to show up in customer withdrawal behavior, according to blockchain monitoring and ongoing user reports. While withdrawals remain available, analytics tracking suggests activity has slowed sharply after the exchange moved toward ending services.
On Monday, Lookonchain reported that only 58 wallets withdrew roughly $805,000 over more than 24 hours, and that BitMart had not processed any withdrawals during the most recent eight-hour window the firm tracked. Separately, multiple users on X described delays or inconsistencies with withdrawal processing, though the claims could not be independently verified.
Key takeaways
Lookonchain data indicates withdrawal activity from BitMart slowed to near-zero during at least one tracked eight-hour period.
Users on X reported withdrawal freezes and transactions marked as completed without clear on-chain processing, but these reports were not verified.
BitMart has said withdrawals will continue, though requests may undergo additional compliance and security checks.
BitMart’s closure schedule remains under focus: trading is set to end Aug. 26, with full cessation expected by Jan. 31, 2027.
BitMart’s token (BMX) continued to fall after the shutdown announcement, reflecting deteriorating market sentiment.
Withdrawal activity appears to stall as wind-down proceeds
Lookonchain’s Monday update framed the slowdown through wallet-level monitoring, with 58 wallets withdrawing about $805,000 over a little more than a day. The same report said BitMart did not process withdrawals during the latest eight-hour segment it analyzed, suggesting operational throttling or slower throughput during the wind-down transition.
Beyond the analytics snapshot, social media users continued to post about withdrawal issues. One X user said they received an email claiming a USDT withdrawal had been completed, while their account still showed an “on-chain withdrawal freeze” and the transaction was not processed on-chain. Another user claimed a $30 test withdrawal remained pending for more than 30 minutes. These accounts were presented as individual experiences and were not confirmed by independent evidence in the reporting.
For customers, the practical question is whether BitMart can convert “orderly wind-down” promises into consistently processed outflows. Even when withdrawals remain technically enabled, delays can intensify concern—especially if customers suspect internal holds, address checks, or longer verification queues than before.
BitMart says withdrawals remain available, but checks may tighten
BitMart previously told customers that withdrawals would still be supported while operations unwind. However, it warned that withdrawal requests could face additional compliance and security controls. The exchange’s notice indicated that review processes may include checks of customer identity details, login devices, withdrawal addresses, trading history, and sources of funds.
BitMart also suggested it might request further proof, including identity verification, confirmation of address details, evidence relating to the source of funds, and—where relevant—ownership of the receiving wallet. That framework matters because it points to a mechanism for why withdrawals could appear slower even if the exchange intends to process them eventually.
Cointelegraph attempted to obtain comments from BitMart but did not receive a response before publication. That leaves customers and observers reliant on the exchange’s published guidance, third-party tracking, and user reports to gauge whether checks are running normally or becoming a bottleneck.
Trading ends in stages; platform closure timetable remains the same
The withdrawal scrutiny comes after BitMart announced a staged exit from its business. In its Sunday update, the exchange said it would stop accepting new registrations and deposits, while restricting new spot orders and futures positions.
According to the schedule outlined at the time, trading services are expected to end on Aug. 26. The exchange also stated that the platform will cease operations entirely on Jan. 31, 2027. This longer runway means BitMart’s ability to keep customer exits working—especially during the period leading up to Aug. 26—may be one of the clearest near-term signals of how smoothly it intends to handle assets.
As the wind-down progresses, blockchain visibility adds another layer to the story. Arkham, via its entity explorer, attributed about $69 million in crypto assets to BitMart-linked wallets on Monday, down from roughly $102 million on July 6. While wallet attribution does not automatically confirm which assets remain available to customers at any given moment, the trend is consistent with gradual movements and reallocations during the closure process.
BMX token slumps; acquisition questions return
BitMart’s token performance has also reflected mounting concerns around exchange risk. CoinGecko data showed BMX trading near $0.057 on Monday and down about 81.5% over seven days. Earlier in the week, the token was reportedly around $0.31 late Friday after BitMart’s shutdown plans became public.
Token declines during an exchange wind-down are common, but the magnitude can indicate how aggressively traders are repricing uncertainty around liquidity, support, and distribution mechanics during cessation. For tokenholders and observers, it also underscores the market’s expectation that the transition will not be smooth for all participants.
The closure has revived questions about consolidation in centralized exchanges. Changpeng Zhao, Binance co-founder, commented on X that acquiring a centralized exchange can be more complicated than buying other businesses. He argued that buyers could inherit security vulnerabilities, including backdoors left by prior teams, adding that acquisitions are possible but require greater scrutiny.
In that context, BitMart’s winding down may affect how potential acquirers evaluate operational continuity, customer asset handling processes, and technical risk. Even where an acquisition is feasible on paper, the practical challenges of verifying controls and safeguarding assets can be substantial—especially for platforms already reducing activity and limiting new access.
Looking ahead, customers and market participants should watch whether withdrawal processing returns to steady throughput as checks are completed and whether third-party monitoring shows sustained transaction activity rather than intermittent gaps. Until BitMart demonstrates consistent outflows across different assets and user reports, uncertainty around the final stages of the wind-down is likely to remain a central issue.
This article was originally published as BitMart Withdrawal Speeds Drop After Wind-Down Announcement on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Decentralized cloud storage provider Storj Labs has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States, opening a restructuring process that could test how—if at all—utility-token holders might participate in the equity of a company that emerges from bankruptcy. The filing was made in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of West Virginia, according to a statement published by Storj.
Storj says the restructuring is aimed at addressing legacy liabilities that it argues can’t be resolved through growth alone, while keeping its network running and preserving the token’s core utility. At the time of writing, STORJ appeared to have reacted mutedly to the news, trading around $0.072 based on CoinGecko data.
Key takeaways
Storj Labs entered voluntary Chapter 11 in the Northern District of West Virginia while stating that ordinary operations and customer services will continue under court oversight.
The company says its liabilities largely predate its current strategy and are too large to clear solely through business expansion.
Storj management plans to propose a pathway for STORJ token holders to participate in the equity of a reorganized company, subject to bankruptcy priorities and court approval.
Storj has not yet detailed how tokenholder eligibility would work, including whether a token snapshot, lockup, or other criteria would be used.
STORJ’s market reaction to the filing was limited in the immediate term, with CoinGecko showing trading near $0.072 at publication time.
Chapter 11 filing framed as a legacy-liability fix
On Sunday, Storj announced that it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 “to resolve legacy liabilities and position the business for growth,” according to a post on its own website. The company indicated that day-to-day operations would not stop, and that customer services would continue during the process, but under supervision by the bankruptcy court.
Storj also said its parent company, Inveniam, would continue to support the business throughout the restructuring. That support, along with Storj’s insistence that the underlying network remains functional, is central to the company’s message to token holders: the technology and the token’s intended role should not be treated as collateral to be sidelined while legal obligations are worked through.
A proposal for tokenholder equity—without the mechanics yet
Storj’s open letter to its community argues that the restructuring need is driven by obligations from earlier stages of the company, rather than issues stemming from the present network model. The letter also states that the network is operating normally and that the token’s utility is unchanged.
Crucially, Storj said management intends to submit a plan that would create a mechanism for token holders to participate in the reorganized company’s equity. However, the company has not disclosed essential details, including how eligibility would be determined (for example, whether participation would depend on token ownership at a particular time), whether any tokens would be locked up, or what portion of equity might be offered.
Storj acknowledged that any proposal must align with bankruptcy requirements—meaning the reorganization plan has to follow established priority rules and receive court approval. That constraint matters because Chapter 11 restructurings typically involve complex treatment of different classes of creditors, equity holders, and other stakeholders. In this case, token holders are not automatically treated as equity holders, so Storj’s approach will likely hinge on how the court-approved plan defines who receives value and under what conditions.
Cointelegraph contacted Storj for additional comment but did not receive a response before publication.
Why the Storj case is a test for utility-token ownership
Storj’s bankruptcy filing is likely to draw attention beyond its community because it sits at the intersection of two unresolved questions in crypto: how regulators and courts may interpret token-related claims in insolvency, and whether “utility” token holders can convert their economic exposure into equity-like rights during a restructuring.
The company described the restructuring as a potential “ownership pathway” for STORJ token holders, which—if it moves from proposal to approved plan—could become a reference point for other projects with token distributions and decentralized networks. At the same time, uncertainties remain. Storj has not provided a framework for how a tokenholder-to-equity mechanism would be structured, and bankruptcy priorities could limit what any token holder pathway ultimately looks like.
For market participants and builders, this is also a reminder that decentralized infrastructure tokens can still carry company-level legal and financial risk. Even when networks continue operating, restructuring plans can reshape governance expectations, economic arrangements, and the distribution of future upside.
Part of a broader Chapter 11 wave in crypto
Storj’s filing comes amid a month in which multiple crypto-related businesses sought Chapter 11 protection. Earlier coverage highlighted Movement Labs filing under Subchapter V on July 15 after turmoil connected to its MOVE token, and a separate filing by Bitcoin mining pool Poolin on July 22 as it pursued a court-supervised sale of two Texas mining sites.
Meanwhile, other exchanges faced operational endpoints without filing for bankruptcy. BitMEX announced in July that it would shut down after 11 years, following announcements connected to legal action, while BitMart said it would end trading on Aug. 26 before fully ceasing operations on Jan. 31, 2027. Storj’s case differs in that it is explicitly pursuing a court-supervised reorganization with potential equity-related outcomes for token holders.
Storj itself traces its origins to 2014, when it began as an open-source peer-to-peer cloud storage concept designed to let users rent storage from network participants rather than rely on centralized providers, according to earlier reporting. That longer history may help explain why the company emphasizes continuity: the network has market credibility and operational history, and Storj is positioning Chapter 11 as a legal course-correction rather than a shutdown.
As the bankruptcy process develops, investors and token holders will be watching for what Storj’s eventual reorganization plan actually proposes—particularly the eligibility criteria for tokenholder participation and how (or whether) any proposed equity allocation can comply with Chapter 11 priorities and court approval. The next phase will also reveal whether the network’s stated “normal operation” stance can be maintained through the litigation and settlement decisions that typically follow a major restructuring filing.
This article was originally published as Storj Files for Bankruptcy, Outlines Equity Route for Tokenholders on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Storj Labs, the decentralized cloud storage provider behind the STORJ token, has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States. The company says it will continue operating its network and providing customer services while it restructures legacy liabilities and seeks a court-approved pathway that could allow tokenholders to participate in the ownership of a post-bankruptcy entity.
In a statement released Sunday, Storj said the case was filed in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of West Virginia. Storj also stated that its parent company, Inveniam, will continue supporting the business during the restructuring process, subject to court oversight.
Key takeaways
Storj Labs has entered voluntary Chapter 11, with the network and customer services expected to keep running during restructuring.
The company is exploring a mechanism that could give STORJ tokenholders a route to equity in the reorganized business, but details remain undisclosed.
Storj says its core network utility is unchanged and that its liabilities largely predate its current strategy.
STORJ saw no immediate major price move at announcement time, trading around $0.072, according to CoinGecko.
Bankruptcy filing with continuity for the network
According to Storj’s filing announcement and accompanying community communication, the bankruptcy is primarily aimed at addressing legacy obligations that the company says are too significant to resolve through growth alone. Storj emphasized in an open letter to tokenholders that the platform’s operations were continuing normally and that the token’s utility would remain unchanged.
The company’s approach matters because decentralized infrastructure businesses rely on ongoing participation and service continuity. While Chapter 11 typically involves constraints around certain contracts and expenditures, Storj is positioning its restructuring as compatible with maintaining the storage network’s day-to-day functioning through the period of court supervision.
Tokenholders and the challenge of an equity pathway
Storj’s most notable claim is that management intends to propose a mechanism for STORJ tokenholders to participate in the equity of the reorganized company. The company, however, did not provide specifics on how eligibility would be determined—whether through a token snapshot, a lockup requirement, or other criteria. It also did not disclose what portion of equity, if any, might be reserved for tokenholders.
Storj acknowledged that any plan must comply with bankruptcy priority rules and receive court approval. That point is central: equity participation for token holders in bankruptcy typically depends on how the token’s legal and economic status is treated in the restructuring process, and on how the reorganization plan is structured relative to creditor claims.
The situation effectively becomes a live test of whether utility-token holders can secure a meaningful ownership role in a company emerging from Chapter 11, especially when the token’s utility is positioned as separate from the company’s preexisting liabilities.
Market reaction and what investors should watch
STORJ did not show an immediate sharp reaction following the news. CoinGecko data, as cited in the announcement coverage, indicated STORJ was trading around $0.072 at the time of writing.
For investors and network participants, the more consequential variable is unlikely to be the short-term token price—rather, it is the eventual shape of the Chapter 11 plan. The missing details from Storj’s statements include the criteria for tokenholder eligibility, the form participation might take (equity allocation versus other compensation structures), and whether there will be any valuation framework tied to token holdings.
As the process moves forward, readers should focus on court filings and confirmed reorganization terms: how Storj categorizes its liabilities, how claims are prioritized, and whether the proposed “shared ownership” pathway survives the restructuring review with creditor and court buy-in.
A broader pattern of crypto Chapter 11 filings
Storj’s bankruptcy comes amid a period in which at least two other crypto-related firms sought Chapter 11 protection. Movement Labs filed under Subchapter V on July 15 following months of turmoil connected to its MOVE token, while Bitcoin mining pool Poolin filed on July 22 as it pursued a court-supervised sale of two Texas mining sites. Separately, BitMEX announced in July that it would shut down after 11 years, choosing an orderly wind-down rather than filing for bankruptcy.
This clustering of Chapter 11 actions highlights a sector-wide reality: decentralized and blockchain-adjacent businesses still depend on traditional legal and financial structures when legacy obligations become unmanageable. For utility-token networks, that can create a difficult tension between keeping infrastructure running and negotiating outcomes that may reshape the relationship between token economics and corporate ownership.
What happens next for Storj
Storj’s next steps—especially the specifics of any tokenholder equity mechanism and the court-approved reorganization plan—will determine whether the company’s “shared ownership” vision is feasible within bankruptcy priorities. Until then, tokenholders will be watching for concrete filing details rather than assurances, and for confirmation that network continuity remains intact under court oversight.
This article was originally published as Storj Files for Bankruptcy, Reviews Equity Options for Tokenholders on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

With the August recess deadline closing in, U.S. lawmakers are still negotiating the Clarity Act—an ethics-focused proposal tied to digital asset activity that would also restrict officials from issuing or sponsoring crypto. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has signaled skepticism that there are enough votes for passage, but said a floor vote could still be pursued to “get Clarity started” and test support.
The bill is also at the center of a deeper political struggle over enforcement. Democrats want ethics rules to be enforced by state attorneys general, while the White House and Republicans have advanced an approach that hinges on the federal Attorney General—an official appointed by President Trump. The dispute, along with provisions that Democrats criticize as giving the President special leeway, is leaving the legislation in limbo even as industry and law enforcement groups begin to line up behind the latest version.
Key takeaways
Clarity Act momentum depends less on technical drafting and more on whether lawmakers can reconcile a major enforcement disagreement and the scope of presidential exceptions.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune doubts the bill has the votes for passage, but may still move toward a vote to gauge support.
Institutional backers—including Fidelity and Charles Schwab, and a statement of support from Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon—suggest the bill remains attractive to parts of traditional finance despite imperfections.
Outside politics, crypto infrastructure news continues with BitMEX announcing it will shut down operations in September after 11 years, while S&P Dow Jones and Pantera launch an institutional digital asset benchmark index that excludes Bitcoin and XRP.
Clarity Act: ethics rules collide with enforcement politics
At the heart of the Clarity Act negotiations is a proposed ethics deal that would bar U.S. officials from issuing or sponsoring digital assets. However, the plan also includes exceptions Democrats say amount to a “get out of jail free” arrangement for the President. One sticking point raised in reporting is that certain rules would expire on the day President Trump is scheduled to leave office in 2029—an element that has been criticized as undermining the durability of the restrictions.
The enforcement mechanism is another major fault line. The ethics provisions would be administered by the Attorney General appointed by Trump, but Democrats have pushed for state attorneys general to enforce the rules instead. That expansion would create a broader enforcement footprint across jurisdictions—something Republicans and the White House appear unlikely to support, especially given the likelihood that the President would resist changes that empower many independent state-level prosecutors.
According to Cointelegraph, Senate Majority Leader John Thune does not believe the bill has enough votes to pass yet. Still, he indicated he may bring it to the floor to “get Clarity started” and determine where the remaining votes stand as the August recess deadline nears.
Support from institutions and law enforcement—while trust remains strained
While political factions remain divided, signals of support from outside government have started to build. The White House described the bill as the “most comprehensive and wide-ranging ethics provision in history,” while Democratic Senator Ruben Gallego characterized it with unusually blunt language, calling it neither serious nor acceptable. Negotiations are reportedly continuing in an effort to find wording that both sides can accept.
Financial institutions have also weighed in. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon acknowledged the proposal is “not perfect,” but still supported it. Cointelegraph also reported that Fidelity and Charles Schwab have backed the initiative. Taken together, these endorsements suggest the bill’s advocates see it as a workable baseline for reducing perceived conflicts—particularly for firms that want clearer conduct expectations involving digital assets.
Law enforcement signals have been another ingredient. The National Fraternal Order of Police said the latest version of the BRCA—described as protecting developers of decentralized protocols—would not impede investigations into money laundering and fraud. That point matters for the bill’s political sell: proponents want ethics restrictions to target conflicts of interest without unintentionally constraining legitimate enforcement activity.
Still, the level of distrust between parties appears to be the dominant constraint. Negotiators may be able to close gaps on implementation details, but the bill’s most consequential disagreements—presidential exceptions and who can enforce the rules—go to the core of each side’s incentives.
What the odds say—and what to watch next
Market odds also reflect uncertainty. According to Polymarket, the odds of the Clarity Act passing this year are currently 38%. Even if a floor vote is scheduled, that number implies the bill could still face serious headwinds, particularly if negotiations fail to produce a package that enough senators can defend publicly.
Investors and market participants should watch for two developments in the near term: whether the enforcement framework shifts meaningfully toward a multi-enforcer model, and whether the presidential exception provisions remain intact or are narrowed. Those items likely determine whether additional lawmakers feel comfortable turning a political compromise into a concrete vote.
BitMEX to shut down, highlighting consolidation in derivatives trading
Elsewhere in crypto policy and markets, BitMEX—one of the early pioneers of crypto derivatives trading—announced it will shut down operations in September after 11 years. BitMEX launched in 2014 and gained notoriety for introducing 100x leverage perpetual swaps.
But in recent years, volumes fell as competition intensified, with major centralized exchanges such as Binance and fast-growing decentralized venues like Hyperliquid taking share. CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said BitMEX’s share of the Bitcoin futures market has dropped to 0.08%, with about $84 million in daily trading volume.
Ju described the closure as an industry “torch” moment—an exchange that helped shape the market now stepping aside for the next wave it inspired. Cointelegraph also reported that BitMEX’s utility token, BMEX, fell sharply after the shutdown announcement. The same day, a class action lawsuit surfaced alleging that BitMEX fraudulently engineered liquidations to seize trader collateral. BitMEX denied the accusations and said it previously defended itself successfully against similar claims.
Analysts tied the shutdown to broader structural changes. Cointelegraph reported restructuring adviser Roshan Dharia saying BitMEX’s demise reflects accelerated consolidation. A quoted passage highlighted that the top five platforms control an estimated 80% of global spot volume, squeezing mid-tier operators as structural headwinds—rather than temporary cycles—reduce margins and limit scaling pathways.
That consolidation narrative continued quickly: Cointelegraph also reported that BitMart later announced it would close in the coming months, underscoring how pressure is spreading across crypto venues rather than concentrating on a single platform.
Institutional benchmarks expand: S&P and Pantera launch a crypto index
Index providers are also moving deeper into digital assets. S&P Dow Jones Indices and Pantera Capital launched the S&P Pantera Digital Asset Index, positioned as an institutional benchmark that tracks major crypto assets but excludes Bitcoin and XRP.
According to Cointelegraph, the index is designed to serve institutions by filtering blockchains based on minimum thresholds for protocol revenue, market capitalization, and liquidity. The index launched with 18 constituents. Ether (ETH), BNB (BNB), Solana (SOL), TRON (TRX), and Hyperliquid (HYPE) make up the five largest holdings, while Bitcoin (BTC) and XRP remain the largest non-constituents.
The effort fits a broader industry push for institutional-grade benchmarks. Cointelegraph cited related products such as the Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, a Franklin Crypto Index ETF, and a Coinbase Store of Value Index—signaling that tradfi-style benchmarking continues to shift from concept to increasingly concrete infrastructure.
Robinhood prediction markets grow as regulators focus on event contract specificity
On the U.S. consumer-facing side, Robinhood is reportedly discussing an expansion of its prediction markets business by integrating yes-or-no event contracts supplied by Crypto.com. Cointelegraph noted that Robinhood began prediction markets in March 2025, initially facilitated by Kalshi to satisfy compliance requirements from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
At the same time, regulatory scrutiny is intensifying around how event contracts are certified. Cointelegraph reported that the CFTC issued another warning that platforms must be more specific rather than relying on broad template-style certifications covering multiple potential variations of events. The regulatory push matters because it can constrain how quickly providers scale new contract templates or broaden the range of covered scenarios.
Cointelegraph also referenced legal commentary linking potential clarity on market structure oversight to the Clarity Act, framing the ethics legislation as possibly supportive of the CFTC’s ability to monitor prediction market growth.
Across governance, exchanges, and benchmarks, the throughline is clear: crypto is entering a phase where regulation, institutional infrastructure, and market structure pressures are reshaping outcomes. For the Clarity Act specifically, the next signals to monitor are whether negotiations produce a durable enforcement compromise and whether senators are willing to translate that compromise into votes before the August recess deadline.
This article was originally published as BitMEX Shuts Amid Lawsuit as CLARITY Case Uncertainty Grows on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

Sberbank, Russia’s largest bank, says it plans to roll out cryptocurrency trading infrastructure by Dec. 1, including a “digital depository” designed to record customers’ crypto ownership and handle transactions largely outside the public blockchain.
Interfax reported that the depository will track rights in clients’ cryptocurrency positions and process most transfers off-chain, while Sberbank will also run active wallets for deposits, withdrawals, and client-initiated transfers.
Key takeaways
Sberbank’s scheduled Dec. 1 rollout would add a regulated-style custody and settlement layer, using a digital depository to record ownership and process transactions off-chain.
Russia’s crypto market framework is progressing toward an effective date of Sept. 1, 2026, defining regulated participant categories and expanding central bank oversight.
Regulatory preparation is unfolding alongside intensifying EU and UK sanctions affecting crypto-asset service providers linked to Russia-related activity.
Investors and market participants should watch how Russia’s central bank sets licensing rules and eligibility for which assets can be offered through intermediaries.
Sberbank’s digital depository: custody and off-chain settlement
According to Interfax, the digital depository will serve as the core component of Sberbank’s planned infrastructure. It is intended to maintain records of customers’ cryptocurrency rights and to account for transactions outside the main blockchain.
The state-affiliated press service quoted Alexander Vedyakhin, Sberbank’s first deputy chairman of the management board, explaining that the depository would also support transfers requested through “active wallets.” In other words, customers’ interactions—depositing, withdrawing, and moving crypto via the bank—would be handled through a banking-operated system that mirrors custody and payment workflows more than traditional on-chain exchange mechanics.
The practical implication is that, if implemented as described, Sberbank could reduce reliance on direct peer-to-peer blockchain settlement for everyday client movements, instead concentrating transaction processing and ownership accounting inside the bank’s infrastructure.
Russia’s regulated crypto framework heads toward 2026
The Sberbank announcement arrives as Russia’s legislators have advanced the country’s first comprehensive crypto market framework. Earlier in the month, lawmakers completed final readings on a bill intended to bring crypto trading, custody, and settlement into a regulated financial system.
Earlier coverage from Cointelegraph noted that the bill would grant the Bank of Russia broad oversight of the regulated market. That oversight would include determining which crypto assets may be offered via licensed intermediaries and issuing implementing regulations.
Cointelegraph’s reporting also highlighted that the central bank has established liquidity thresholds for participating in the regulated market. Those thresholds include an average market capitalization above 5 trillion rubles (about $64 billion) and an average daily volume above 1 trillion rubles (about $12.8 billion) over a two-year period.
Once the framework takes effect, it establishes five categories of regulated market participants: crypto exchanges, brokers, asset managers, custodians, and exchange service providers. The framework is set to define what market participants can do—such as buying, selling, holding, and exchanging crypto assets—as of the effective date, Sept. 1, 2026.
Infrastructure rollout meets tightening sanctions environment
While Russia builds out domestic infrastructure, external compliance pressure continues to rise. The move toward a working crypto system inside Russia is unfolding as the European Union expands sanctions targeting Russia amid its war on Ukraine.
Last week, the EU listed cryptocurrency exchange HTX (formerly Huobi Global) among sanctioned entities. In a Thursday decision, the European Council amended earlier measures “in view of Russia’s actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine,” adding HTX to a list of 18 entities “providing crypto-assets services or payment services established outside of the Union that are significantly frustrating the purpose of the prohibitions” against Russia.
Earlier, Cointelegraph reported that EU officials said they would prohibit Belarusian nationals and residents from owning, controlling, or managing crypto exchanges and digital asset service providers, aligning the approach with the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) framework.
The sanctions on HTX were not limited to the EU. The UK government imposed similar measures in May, stating there were “reasonable grounds to suspect” HTX supported Russia’s government by using financial services and funds facilitated by sanctioned entities.
For market participants, the key tension is that Russia is tightening domestic regulation while many foreign-facing crypto service providers remain exposed to sanction risks and compliance constraints. That gap can shape where liquidity flows, which counterparties can operate with certain clients, and how banks and exchanges structure their services.
What to watch next: licensing mechanics and depository operations
Sberbank’s planned digital depository—alongside the broader Russia framework set for Sept. 1, 2026—puts the spotlight on implementation details. Readers should watch how the Bank of Russia operationalizes licensing requirements, how asset eligibility is defined under the liquidity thresholds, and whether bank-operated off-chain custody and transfer accounting becomes a model for other regulated intermediaries.
Outside Russia, the sanctions trajectory suggests that cross-border partnerships and access to international payment rails may remain a moving target for crypto businesses tied to the region.
This article was originally published as Sberbank to Deploy Crypto Trading Infrastructure in 2024, Russia on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued another warning to prediction market operators, urging them to ensure that contract “self-certifications” are detailed and product-specific when event contracts cover a wide range of outcomes.
In an advisory published Friday, the CFTC said that—despite ongoing policy discussions and proposed rulemaking for prediction markets—operators may still certify certain event contracts as compliant with the Commodity Exchange Act and applicable CFTC regulations under the existing self-certification framework, so long as they follow the statutory requirements.
Key takeaways
The CFTC warned that platforms should not use broad, template-style self-certifications for events contracts that cover many permutations.
According to the agency, “self-certified” submissions must include the terms and conditions for each proposed variation and a concise explanation of compliance for the product as structured.
The latest advisory echoes a prior CFTC warning earlier this year about overly generalized filings.
The guidance arrives shortly before the CFTC’s July 27 deadline for comments on proposed rule amendments tied to public interest determinations for certain event contracts.
Why the CFTC is pushing back on template certifications
The CFTC’s Friday notice focused on how operators describe and certify event contracts under the agency’s jurisdiction. The regulator highlighted concerns with the number of instances where platforms have “self-certified” event contracts without providing sufficient detail for each version of the product.
In particular, the CFTC criticized submissions that do not include, for each proposed permutation of the contract, the terms and conditions and a concise explanation and analysis addressing compliance with respect to the product’s terms, the underlying commodity, and the product’s regulatory compliance.
As the CFTC put it in its July 24 announcement, the guidance “reiterates that broad, template-style certifications should not be submitted.” The agency framed this as a compliance issue rather than a change to the underlying legal concept of self-certification.
A repeat warning earlier this year
This is the second time in 2026 that the CFTC has flagged the same type of problem. In March, the Commission issued an earlier warning about submissions that were “overly generalized,” again indicating that template-level descriptions are not adequate when contracts are structured to cover a broad range of event outcomes.
By issuing a follow-up advisory in July, the CFTC effectively signaled that its concerns are ongoing and that it expects operators to make practical adjustments to how they document certifications—especially for contracts with multiple permutations rather than a single, narrowly defined instrument.
The practical takeaway for platforms is straightforward: if an operator is certifying a wide slate of event outcomes under one certification approach, the filing must still be organized in a way that maps to each contract variation and explains how the design fits regulatory requirements.
Advisory timing ahead of public interest rulemaking
The advisory landed just days before the July 27 deadline for submitting comments on the CFTC’s proposed rule amendments related to public interest determinations for certain event contracts that fall under the Commodity Exchange Act’s enumerated activities.
While the Friday guidance largely addresses self-certification behavior, the timing matters because it underscores that multiple regulatory strands for prediction markets are moving at once: day-to-day product certification practices, and longer-term rules for determining when specific types of event contracts should be evaluated or restricted on public interest grounds.
The CFTC has proposed amendments that outline how it determines whether certain event contracts are contrary to the public interest. In the agency’s proposal, it would apply a three-step analytical framework to evaluate contracts, including those involving activities such as terrorism or assassination, as well as gaming-related considerations tied to the enumerated activities listed in the Commodity Exchange Act.
If those proposed amendments are adopted, the CFTC said they would reshape parts of the regulatory landscape for prediction markets by clarifying the evaluation method used for specific contract types. Legal analysis cited in the source notes that the proposal could represent a meaningful shift in how prediction markets are assessed from a public interest standpoint.
What operators and traders should watch next
For prediction market operators, the CFTC’s warning increases pressure to ensure certification workflows produce filings that are not only legally sufficient but also detailed enough to match each contract permutation and the underlying product structure. Investors and traders should watch for how platforms revise their certification documents—and whether the CFTC’s public interest rule amendments, due to be shaped by the July 27 comment process, later alter the types of event contracts that can be listed or how they are evaluated for regulatory compatibility.
This article was originally published as CFTC Issues Second Warning to Prediction Markets Over Template Self-Certs on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.