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CRYPTO NEWS ARCHIVE

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ALTCOINSJul 15, 2026CoinDesk
The privacy paradox of protecting kids online
The U.S. House passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act in June 2026 to protect minors online, but critics warn the bill's reliance on identity verification systems risks expanding surveillance and data breaches, as seen with AU10TIX and Discord incidents exposing government IDs. While KIDS does not explicitly mandate age verification, platform liability encourages companies to verify users’ ages, often leading to broad data collection. The Cardano Foundation CEO Frederik Gregaard highlights privacy-preserving alternatives like Utah’s Veridian system, which proves age without revealing full identities. The debate continues in the Senate, with calls to prioritize data minimization and privacy in online child protection measures.
ETHEREUMJul 15, 2026CoinDesk
A timeline of the Ethereum Foundation's ongoing shakeup
In 2026, the Ethereum Foundation underwent significant leadership and structural changes following community criticism over its governance and technical focus. Co-executive directors Tomasz Stańczak and Hsiao-Wei Wang stepped down, and the foundation adopted a new mandate centered on the CROPS framework, repositioning itself as a long-term steward rather than the ecosystem's primary builder. The foundation cut about 20% of its workforce and reduced its budget by 40% in a major restructuring, while new organizations like ETHLabs, Ethereum Institutional, and EthSystems emerged to take on roles previously held by the foundation, signaling a shift toward a more distributed ecosystem approach.
BITCOINJul 15, 2026CoinDesk
Bitcoin rally cools as investors digest inflation data, oil clouds outlook
Bitcoin's recent rally to $64,532 slowed as investors digested weaker-than-expected U.S. inflation data that failed to significantly increase expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut. Despite a 3% rise over 24 hours, Bitcoin and Ether both trimmed gains by 0.5% since midnight. Market sentiment shifted sharply, with Polymarket showing a drop in the odds of a rate hike to 6.7% and a strong likelihood the Fed will keep rates steady this month. Rising oil prices above $85 a barrel and ongoing geopolitical risks continue to complicate the inflation outlook, leaving Bitcoin's near-term direction dependent on upcoming U.S. producer price reports and further inflation data.
BITCOINJul 15, 2026CoinDesk
Live updates: Bitcoin rises near $65,000 as markets get more good inflation news
U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs saw inflows of about $181 million on Tuesday, rebounding from a $425 million outflow the day before, with BlackRock's IBIT leading the gains at $139 million and Fidelity's FBTC adding $21 million. Ether ETFs gained around $58 million, driven entirely by BlackRock's ETHA, as bitcoin ETFs collectively rose nearly 4% and ether ETFs about 6%. Total bitcoin ETF assets increased to approximately $78 billion, while ether ETF assets surpassed $10 billion. July's ETF flows have been volatile, with significant swings between inflows and outflows occurring frequently without sustained trends.
ALLJul 15, 2026Cointelegraph
Kalshi says CFTC, Michigan orders leave it in ‘impossible position’“We are disappointed by this decision and believe it is unfair to Kalshi,” the company’s legal counsel said on X.
Kalshi is facing conflicting orders after a Michigan court directed the company to stop offering sports betting contracts and unwind trades, while the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) instructed Kalshi to ignore the state order and continue operating. Kalshi's legal counsel, Robert DeNault, stated the company is caught between complying with state court orders and federal regulatory obligations. The dispute highlights ongoing jurisdictional tensions between the CFTC and state regulators over prediction markets, with CFTC Chair Michael Selig emphasizing the importance of federal authority and warning against state interference. Kalshi is currently reviewing the CFTC’s directive and deciding its next steps.
BITCOINJul 15, 2026CoinDesk
Bitcoin nears $65,000 as cooling U.S. inflation guts the Fed rate-hike trade
Bitcoin approached $65,000 after U.S. inflation data for June showed a larger-than-expected cooldown, with headline inflation falling to 3.5% and core inflation to 2.6%. This eased market expectations for a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike, causing the implied odds of a rate increase to drop from 43% to 13% and lowering two-year Treasury yields. The cooling inflation lifted risk assets, with bitcoin rising 3.6% and other cryptocurrencies like ether and XRP also posting gains. Analysts noted bitcoin remains sensitive to interest rate outlooks, with the September Fed meeting seen as the next critical event for the market.
ALLJul 15, 2026Cointelegraph
US freezes $131M in Iran-linked crypto as Middle East tensions rise“US Treasury is committed to disrupting and degrading Iran’s illicit financial activities, including its abuse of digital assets,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday.
The US Treasury has frozen over $130 million in cryptocurrency linked to Iran, specifically targeting four Tron wallets holding USDT tied to the Central Bank of Iran, amid escalating Middle East tensions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the commitment to disrupting Iran's illicit financial activities and digital asset abuse, continuing a broader campaign known as Operation Economic Fury, which has seized around $1 billion in Iranian crypto since March 2025. This action coincides with renewed US military strikes and a blockade on Iranian ports following a collapse in ceasefire efforts. These measures follow previous freezes by stablecoin issuer Tether and aim to cut off Iran’s access to illicit revenue streams.
ETHEREUMJul 15, 2026Cointelegraph
Bitmine generated $46M from Ethereum staking last quarter
Bitmine Immersion Technologies reported $45.7 million in revenue from Ethereum staking and validation last quarter, comprising 98% of its total revenue for the period ended May 31. This marks a significant shift from a year ago when the company generated just $2 million primarily from machine leasing, reflecting its pivot from Bitcoin mining to Ethereum following the March launch of its institutional-grade staking platform MAVAN. Bitmine has staked approximately 4.9 million ETH, representing 85% of its holdings, with projected annualized staking rewards of $284 million. Additionally, Bitmine highlighted the success of the Robinhood Chain, which surpassed $1 billion in trading volume since its July launch and relies on ETH as the native gas token.
ALLJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
U.S. CFTC moves to stop Kalshi from canceling trades as ordered by Michigan court
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) intervened to prevent prediction market firm Kalshi from canceling trades made by customers in Michigan, countering a local court order. This action follows Michigan’s attempt to halt sports-related trades, which its attorney general labeled illegal gambling. CFTC Chairman Mike Selig emphasized that the agency holds exclusive regulatory authority over Kalshi as a designated contract market and will not allow state courts to undermine the Commodity Exchange Act. The CFTC views trade cancellations as a threat to market integrity and has previously confronted multiple states over similar jurisdictional disputes.
ALLJul 14, 2026Cointelegraph
US, UK treasuries to align transatlantic rules on tokenization and stablecoinsThe two governments issued recommendations on the treatment of digital assets as the US prepares to implement a 2025 law on payment stablecoins.
The US Department of the Treasury and HM Treasury have jointly issued recommendations to align transatlantic regulations on digital assets, including stablecoins and tokenized finance, as part of their ongoing bilateral cooperation. They proposed the creation of a private-sector group to test cross-border tokenized asset use cases and encouraged coordination between US and UK financial agencies on regulatory approaches. The guidance emphasizes that stablecoins should be fully backed by high-quality, liquid assets, consistent with forthcoming US stablecoin regulations under the GENIUS Act. The UK also aims to boost its economy by potentially adding $44 billion through tokenization by 2035, contingent on becoming a leading jurisdiction in the field.
ALLJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
U.S., UK move to align rules for tokenized finance across world's largest financial markets
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and HM Treasury of the U.K. have released a 10-point roadmap to coordinate regulatory oversight of tokenized assets, stablecoins, and digital financial markets between the two countries. The plan, developed by the Transatlantic Taskforce for Markets of the Future, aims to reduce regulatory friction and foster cooperation among regulators such as the SEC, CFTC, FCA, and Bank of England by exploring common rules for tokenized securities, cross-border stablecoin activity, and industry-led tokenization pilots. While no new rules were introduced, the recommendations prioritize joint efforts to support cross-border digital finance and simplify cross-border capital raising in traditional markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the initiative as a reflection of the U.S. and U.K.'s commitment to innovation and economic growth.
DEFIJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
For pension funds, tokenization’s real play is balance-sheet management, Fidelity’s Lai says
Fidelity International's Giselle Lai highlighted that the primary long-term benefit of tokenized funds for large institutions like pension funds and insurers lies in improved balance-sheet management rather than 24/7 liquidity. Tokenized assets, such as money market funds backed by U.S. Treasuries, enable more efficient cash management across multiple accounts and jurisdictions by allowing instant execution and fractional ownership on blockchain ledgers. While the sector currently manages over $31 billion in onchain real-world assets, including more than $15 billion in tokenized money market funds, Lai noted the full development of a comprehensive balance-sheet management ecosystem will take decades, similar to the ETF industry's growth trajectory.
ALLJul 14, 2026Cointelegraph
OpenAI quietly adds Kalshi World Cup odds to ChatGPT: ReportOpenAI’s ChatGPT now displays Kalshi’s World Cup prediction market odds in search results, marking the AI firm’s first reported deal with a prediction market platform.
OpenAI has integrated Kalshi’s World Cup prediction market odds into ChatGPT search results, marking its first known partnership with a prediction market platform. The AI now displays graphical odds based on Kalshi’s data when users query World Cup matchups, though no betting functionality is provided within ChatGPT. Kalshi, a regulated prediction market platform with substantial trading volume, has been expanding its presence through partnerships with media outlets and tech companies, reflecting growing interest in incorporating market-based forecasts into consumer products.
ALTCOINSJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
XRP and ether bulls are getting louder as prices fall, signaling more trouble ahead
Retail traders are increasingly buying XRP and ether despite declining prices, a behavior analysts at Santiment interpret as a warning of potential further short-term downside rather than a rebound. Social media sentiment on Monday showed strong bullishness for XRP and ether but remained neutral for bitcoin, indicating speculative enthusiasm is concentrated in smaller tokens. Santiment highlights that bitcoin’s flat sentiment is healthier, as rallies tend to have more room when investor enthusiasm has not yet peaked, while heavy bullishness on falling tokens like XRP and ether often signals increased downside risk. XRP traded near $1.09 on Monday, reflecting a weekly decline.
ALLJul 14, 2026Cointelegraph
South Korea to test tokenized government bonds with CBDC in 2027South Korea will test tokenized government bonds linked to the Bank of Korea’s wholesale CBDC system in 2027 as token securities rules take effect.
South Korea plans to pilot tokenized government bonds linked to the Bank of Korea’s wholesale CBDC system in 2027, as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The pilot aims to test whether the CBDC infrastructure can support capital markets beyond digital payments and will coincide with the introduction of regulated token securities laws effective from February 2027, allowing issuance and circulation of tokenized securities. The government also intends to explore interoperability between the BOK’s CBDC and other blockchains as part of a broader initiative to promote a blockchain economy. Specific details on the bonds involved, pilot scale, participants, and blockchain technology remain unspecified.
BITCOINJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
Live updates: Bitcoin rises past $64,000 after soft inflation data, Warsh testimony
Bitcoin traded near $62,600, down slightly over 24 hours and stable for the week, amid renewed geopolitical tension as President Trump reinstated the U.S. blockade on Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, pushing Brent crude oil prices up around 2.8%. This development reversed a prior peace agreement, increasing inflation concerns and boosting expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike, which negatively impacts crypto markets. While Bitcoin has ranged between $59,000 and $66,000 for the past month, Ether was slightly up, and other major tokens like Solana and XRP dropped over 5%. The upcoming June inflation report will be key in determining the Fed's next move and the cryptocurrency market's direction.
BITCOINJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
Solo bitcoin miner makes $200,000 using $150 equipment
A solo Bitcoin miner using a low-power Bitaxe device recently mined block 957,382, earning 3.1382 BTC worth about $200,000 with equipment costing between $60 and $150. The Bitaxe, an open-source ASIC miner delivering around 1 to 1.3 terahashes per second with low power consumption, was run for just eight hours on Public Pool. This event marks the second time a single Bitaxe has successfully solo-mined a block. Solo mining activity has increased, with 24 blocks mined in the past year, a 41% rise compared to the prior year, even as the broader Bitcoin mining industry faces challenges and reduced profitability.
BITCOINJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
Bitcoin slips as traders lift July Fed rate hike bets ahead of Inflation report
Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies fell over 2% as traders increased bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike in July, pushing money market expectations from about 10% to 50%. The two-year U.S. Treasury yield reached 4.29%, its highest since early last year, amid rising oil prices and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. Market focus is on the upcoming June consumer-price index report and Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s congressional testimony, which may clarify the Fed's policy direction amid mixed signals from inflation data and geopolitical developments.
ALLJul 14, 2026Cointelegraph
CLARITY Act gains second law enforcement endorsement before Senate pushThe Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association expressed support for the CLARITY Act but urged changes to the legislation’s language.
The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) has become the second major U.S. law enforcement group to endorse the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act), while urging revisions to enhance accountability in decentralized finance (DeFi) and protect investigative powers. Their support, following that of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), aims to counter concerns that the Act could weaken law enforcement's ability to combat crypto crime. FLEOA called for narrowing DeFi protections, clarifying accountability, and ensuring the bill does not limit existing federal investigative authority. The endorsement arrives shortly before the Senate’s August recess, viewed as a critical deadline for passing the legislation.
ALLJul 14, 2026CoinDesk
Franklin Crypto CIO says crypto prices are disconnected from fundamentals
Franklin Crypto CIO Ginns stated that crypto prices are currently disconnected from their underlying fundamentals despite increasing institutional interest in the sector. Following Franklin Templeton’s acquisition of 250 Digital, the firm is focused on creating a leading fundamental crypto investment platform, highlighting developments such as Robinhood’s blockchain efforts and tokenized money market funds that bridge traditional finance and crypto. Ginns emphasized that regulatory clarity, including the upcoming Senate vote on the CLARITY Act, and improved tokenomics could drive future market growth, citing projects like Hyperliquid, Uniswap, Aave, Chainlink, and Stellar as examples of potential beneficiaries.
DEFIJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Binance.US CEO says exchange is rebuilding, eyes return to 20% U.S. market share
Binance.US CEO Stephen Gregory stated that the exchange is emerging from a two-year regulatory-related "hibernation" and aims to regain its previous 20% share of the U.S. crypto market. Operating as a U.S.-only entity with separate governance from Binance.com, Binance.US is competing with Coinbase and Kraken by offering nearly zero trading fees and expanding its product lineup. The exchange is also rebuilding liquidity through incentives and user engagement, while seeking additional licenses to offer derivatives and other products amid a potentially favorable regulatory environment.
ALLJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Bolivia weighs adding Tether's USDT to its national payments system
Bolivia is considering integrating Tether's USDT stablecoin into its national payments system as a regulated alternative alongside the boliviano and U.S. dollar. This move follows a significant increase in crypto usage after the central bank lifted transaction restrictions in mid-2024, with transaction volumes rising from $46.5 million to $294 million year-over-year. Economy Minister José Gabriel Espinoza indicated that a framework for banks, digital wallets, and payment providers is under technical review, but official adoption would require enhanced anti-money laundering measures due to Bolivia's ongoing Financial Action Task Force grey-list status. The proposal aligns with broader efforts to address dollar scarcity and follows initiatives like the state energy company's plan to use crypto for imports and Banco Unión's recent rollout of USDT purchases for international payments.
ALLJul 13, 2026Cointelegraph
Hyundai completes USDT treasury settlement pilot between US and MexicoHyundai completed a proof-of-concept using Tether's USDT to settle a cross-border treasury transfer between its US and Mexican subsidiaries, highlighting growing enterprise interest in stablecoin-based payments.
Hyundai Motor's US and Mexican units completed a pilot cross-border treasury transfer using Tether's USDT stablecoin on the Avalanche blockchain, settling a $20,000 payment in about seven minutes. The pilot utilized Axiym's settlement infrastructure, with Hyundai Card managing compliance and operational aspects, aiming to assess integration into existing corporate treasury workflows without altering governance or accounting processes. This marks a step in the expanding use of stablecoins for corporate treasury functions, alongside growing enterprise adoption and stablecoin market growth, with USDT remaining the largest stablecoin by market capitalization.
ETHEREUMJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Tom Lee's BitMine ether holdings rise to 5.77 million tokens, or 4.8% of total supply
BitMine Immersion (BMNR) has increased its Ethereum holdings to 5.77 million ETH, representing about 4.8% of Ethereum's circulating supply, with nearly five million of these tokens staked to earn rewards. The company also holds 206 bitcoin, sizable equity stakes in Beast Industries and Eightco Holdings, and nearly $482 million in cash and securities. Chairman Tom Lee highlighted growing activity on Ethereum's layer-2 networks, particularly the Robinhood Chain built on Arbitrum, which has surpassed $1 billion in dollar trading volume. Despite this, BMNR's shares fell 3% alongside a 2% decline in ETH prices.