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CRYPTO NEWS ARCHIVE

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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.
ALLJul 15, 2026Cointelegraph
Bitmine generated $46M from Ethereum staking last quarterEthereum staking generated 98% of Bitmine’s revenue last quarter as the company’s pivot from Bitcoin mining gained momentum following its March validator launch.
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.
ALLJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Wall Street transfer agents lobby SEC, warning that third-party tokens pose risks to market integrity
The Securities Transfer Association (STA), representing Wall Street transfer agents, has petitioned the SEC to prioritize issuer-sponsored tokenized shares over third-party stock tokens in regulations for blockchain-based equities. The STA contends that only tokens authorized by issuers and recorded in official shareholder registers should qualify as true tokenized stocks, warning that third-party synthetic or custodial tokens risk investor rights and market integrity. This distinction comes amid intensifying competition among financial firms to build a multitrillion-dollar tokenized securities market, with the SEC previously acknowledging a variety of tokenization models. The STA also called for modernizing the Direct Registration System to support issuer-backed tokens and urged clear regulatory frameworks to prevent confusion around third-party token products.
ALLJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
U.S. inflation, second-quarter earnings reports: Crypto Week Ahead
In the coming week, U.S. inflation data, including June's consumer price index and producer prices, along with second-quarter earnings reports from major banks like JPMorgan, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, are expected to impact cryptocurrency markets. Softer inflation readings could encourage easier Federal Reserve monetary policy, potentially bolstering bitcoin and broader crypto assets, while stronger inflation might delay rate cuts and pressure prices lower. Additionally, heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and geopolitical risks may increase market volatility, affecting oil and risk assets. Key crypto events include Ethereum's Glamsterdam upgrade review and Jito’s launch of a self-custody Solana trading app.
BITCOINJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Paradigm shifts vs bubbles: AI chips and bitcoin show powerful trends can still produce severe corrections
The AI infrastructure boom drove significant gains in memory-chip companies like Micron Technology and Sandisk, with increases of roughly 700% and 4,000% year-over-year, respectively, before they experienced sharp pullbacks. Similarly, SK Hynix saw a large IPO followed by a 15% decline, reflecting volatility amid peak optimism. Precious metals such as silver and gold also surged and then retreated, while Strategy (MSTR), a major corporate bitcoin holder, fell about 80% from its peak as the premium on its bitcoin holdings diminished. These cases illustrate that while underlying structural trends in AI chips, precious metals, and bitcoin remain valid, their market valuations are subject to significant cyclical corrections.
BITCOINJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Live markets: Bitcoin, stocks, bonds sharply lower as Fed's Waller signals near-term rate hike
Bitcoin slipped below $63,000, dropping about 1.4% to $62,800 after a brief fall from $64,300 during the Asian session, primarily due to a minor leverage flush within its recent trading range of $59,000 to $66,000. Meanwhile, South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix also declined more than 30% from its June peak following its U.S. trading debut, affected by profit-taking and a shift into American depositary receipts. Although unrelated, both assets have moved in the same direction over weeks amid shifting risk appetite influenced by the AI sector, with analysts noting about 30% of Bitcoin's pressure stems from capital flowing into AI. Market participants await upcoming key events—the June inflation report on July 14 and the Federal Reserve meeting on July 28–29—which could impact crypto and chip stocks.
BITCOINJul 13, 2026CoinDesk
Bitcoin holds near $63,800 as war-driven selloff hits everything but crypto
Bitcoin held near $63,800 on Monday, showing little reaction to the latest U.S. military strikes on Iran, while traditional assets like gold, oil, equities, and bonds experienced sharp swings due to fears of a wider conflict. Oil prices jumped above $79 a barrel, gold declined by 1.6%, and Treasury yields rose amid concerns that sustained higher oil prices could keep Federal Reserve interest rates elevated longer. This marks a shift for Bitcoin, which is now seen to move more in line with dollar liquidity and chip sector dynamics rather than geopolitical events. Other major cryptocurrencies like Ether and XRP also saw minimal movement, contrasting sharply with the broader market turmoil.
ALLJul 12, 2026CoinDesk
Signs of life?: State of Crypto
Lawmakers are preparing to release a new draft of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, combining previous versions from the Senate Banking and Agriculture Committees with about 70 additional pages. However, key issues remain unresolved, including ethics provisions, which could hinder bipartisan support and timely passage before the 2026 midterm elections. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated a possible vote in late July, but the lack of White House engagement and the necessity of President Donald Trump's approval on ethics matters pose challenges. Meanwhile, a separate provision banning the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency until 2030 took effect through a housing bill, temporarily easing one negotiation point.