Clarity survives (barely), Strategy sells and the untold story of Mastercard's $1.8 billion deal: Crypto's week in 5 stories
Reported by CoinDesk · AI-assisted summary by ChikoCorp AI News Desk
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Summary
CoinDesk reports that the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act did not pass the Senate before recess but will have another chance in September. Meanwhile, Strategy (MSTR) sold significant amounts of bitcoin while whales and hedge funds increased positions. The crypto sector faces a shakeout with over 100 projects folding in 2026. Security issues impacted Coldcard wallets, and Bybit sued North Korea and related entities over a $1.5 billion hack. The industry is moving into a more regulated and institutional phase with Wall Street deepening involvement selectively.
Why it matters
The delay in the Clarity Act affects how U.S. lawmakers will shape crypto regulations, with potential shifts in political influence. Markets are sending mixed signals as some major holders sell while others accumulate, highlighting market complexity. Increased regulatory actions and security incidents demonstrate growing scrutiny and operational risks. The shakeout signals that only certain crypto projects and business models may survive as institutional interest and market discipline increase.
Key context
The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act aims to clarify market structure rules but has faced procedural hurdles in Congress. Regulators like the SEC and CFTC are advancing their own rulemaking independently. Strategy’s bitcoin selling contrasts with other institutional holders growing bullish. The Coldcard wallet attack caused significant bitcoin movements from long-term holders, potentially impacting self-custody sentiment. Bybit’s lawsuit represents one of the rare cases of legal action against state-sponsored hacks.
Key numbers and entities
Strategy sold 1,690 bitcoin in the latest sale, totaling around 7,000 BTC sold in 2026. Trump Media reported $360.6 million in first-half losses linked to digital assets and held 9,477 bitcoin valued at about $557 million as of June. Public bitcoin miners added approximately $1.78 billion of selling pressure. Bybit’s $1.5 billion hack case against North Korea and associated groups received a U.S. court asset freeze. Over 100 crypto projects have shut down in 2026.
What remains unclear
The source flags uncertainty about whether the Clarity Act will pass in September and how the regulatory landscape will evolve. It remains unclear which crypto businesses will survive the current market shakeout. The long-term impact of the Coldcard wallet security breach on user custody preferences is not settled. No further details on outcomes of ongoing legal actions or precise market reactions beyond the week covered are provided.