Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: June 18, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on June 18, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
CFTC enters settlement with former Celsius CEO, imposes a permanent trading ban
The CFTC has entered a settlement with former Celsius CEO Alexander Mashinsky, who is serving a 12-year prison sentence, imposing a permanent trading ban on him.
Bitcoin’s deeply discounted versus AI-stocks, but hawkish Fed risk lingers: Bitwise
Bitcoin currently trades in a historically discounted zone, according to Bitwise analysts, who note its price is near a 2-year low. However, hawkish Federal Reserve signals and a competition for liquidity may deter buyers, potentially keeping prices subdued. This cautious outlook suggests investors should remain vigilant, as market conditions remain uncertain.
Perplexity's AI Agent Now Has a Brain That Learns From Its Own Mistakes
Perplexity's AI agent, Brain, is now a self-improving memory layer that tracks its actions, successes, and failures. It uses this data overnight to optimize future tasks, making them faster and cheaper. This adaptive learning mechanism enables Brain to refine its performance continuously, potentially leading to significant improvements in AI efficiency and cost-effectiveness in various industries and applications.
Ethereum Foundation leadership exodus continues with director’s departure
Ethereum Foundation director Hsiao-Wei Wang's departure marks the latest in a string of high-profile exits, sparking debate over governance and decentralization. At least three other key staff members have left the organization in recent months. This trend fuels concerns about the network's future and its ability to maintain a decentralized structure.
Rep. Steil introduces bill to block lawmakers from placing prediction markets bets on public policy issues
Representative Bryan Steil introduces a bill to block lawmakers from placing prediction market bets on public policy issues, targeting potential conflicts of interest. The legislation aims to prevent lawmakers and their families from profiting from bets on political outcomes, such as election results or policy votes. This move could increase transparency in government and reduce insider trading risks.
Sen. Gillibrand’s son is building a perps exchange that wants dual CFTC, SEC oversight: report
Sen. Gillibrand's son is building the American Perpetuals Exchange Corporation, a perpetual futures exchange, which has raised $30 million at a $300 million valuation, Fortune reported on Thursday. The exchange reportedly seeks dual oversight from the CFTC and SEC, aiming to tap into the growing perpetual futures market, which is expected to continue driving growth in the crypto derivatives space.
China’s Z.AI Releases GLM-5.2: A Model That Rivals Claude Opus—Using Zero Nvidia Chips
China's Z.AI releases GLM-5.2, a model rivaling Claude Opus 4.8 on long-horizon coding benchmarks, with a 1% gap. GLM-5.2 runs entirely on Huawei silicon, a significant shift from Western models reliant on Nvidia chips. This breakthrough undercuts Western models by up to 82% per token, potentially disrupting the AI model market and challenging Nvidia's dominance.
Strategy’s preferred stock STRC continues to trade under $90 as trading volume jumps
Strategy's preferred stock STRC continues to trade under $90, closing at $88.59 for the second consecutive day, with trading volume jumping significantly. The stock had previously drifted as low as $82.50, indicating a possible downward trend. This volatility may impact investor confidence, potentially affecting the overall market sentiment in the cryptocurrency space.
US regulators push user ID requirements for stablecoin issuers akin to regulated banks
US regulators are pushing for stablecoin issuers to adopt user ID requirements similar to those of regulated banks. Proposed rules suggest stablecoin issuers implement customer identification programs under the Bank Secrecy Act, mirroring regulated financial firms. This move aims to enhance transparency and prevent illicit activities, potentially bolstering investor trust in stablecoins and their underlying ecosystems.
Bitcoin decouples from tech stocks: Is $60K BTC’s next stop?
Bitcoin's price is plummeting as capital shifts towards the AI sector, intensifying the likelihood of a BTC price drop below $60,000. The cryptocurrency's correlation with tech stocks is weakening, with a 3.5% decline in the past 24 hours.
Wealthsimple launches Kalshi-powered prediction market app for Canadian investors
Wealthsimple launches a Kalshi-powered prediction market app for Canadian investors, following regulatory approval earlier this year. This move comes as prediction markets face legal challenges from regulators, exchanges, and policymakers worldwide. The app allows Canadians to bet on future events, potentially increasing market participation and diversifying investment options, with implications for the global financial industry's regulatory landscape.
Ethereum Foundation Exodus Continues as Co-Director Hsiao-Wei Wang Departs
Hsiao-Wei Wang, a co-director at the Ethereum Foundation, is departing her position, joining a recent wave of high-profile exits. This marks the third key departure in a short period, following the exits of fellow co-director Pooja Ranjan and former director of research, Justin Drake. The Ethereum Foundation's leadership vacuum may impact its future development and decision-making processes.
Ireland mulls crypto safeguards in response to financial risks
The Irish government is considering crypto safeguards for the first time in seven years, releasing an assessment highlighting risks from money laundering, terrorism financing, sanctions violations, and bribery.
Algorand Plans to Be Ready for Quantum Computing Threat by End of 2027
Algorand is actively addressing the looming quantum computing threat, aiming to be fully prepared by the end of 2027. This significant challenge poses a risk to the entire blockchain ecosystem, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other prominent cryptocurrencies, with potential vulnerabilities being exploited by powerful quantum computers, necessitating urgent upgrades to secure the industry.
New Texas power grid allocation framework could lift bitcoin miners turned data center operators
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas reveals data centers account for nearly 90% of the 438 GW large-load demand in the state. This allocation framework could lift bitcoin miners turned data center operators by providing a clear path for their transition, potentially unlocking significant economic opportunities as data centers continue to drive Texas's growing energy demand.
CFTC Hits Celsius Crypto Fraudster Alex Mashinsky With Permanent Trading Ban
The CFTC has imposed a permanent trading ban on convicted Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky, preventing him from trading in CFTC markets and registering with the regulator. This settlement marks a significant move against Celsius's former leader, who was convicted of crypto fraud. Market implications include a tightened regulatory environment and increased scrutiny on industry leaders.
Custodia, Vantage propose token that toggles between bank deposits and stablecoins
Custodia and Vantage propose a token that seamlessly toggles between bank deposits and stablecoins, connecting traditional banking infrastructure with blockchain-based payment networks while allowing banks to retain customer deposits. This innovative system aims to bridge the gap between the two worlds, potentially increasing adoption and usability of cryptocurrencies in mainstream finance, benefiting the industry as a whole.
CryptoQuant says bitcoin microtransactions now make up 80% of daily transactions
CryptoQuant reports that microtransactions below 0.01 BTC now account for approximately 80% of daily bitcoin transactions, a significant increase from about 44% in 2023. This shift indicates a growing adoption of bitcoin for small, everyday purchases, potentially reflecting increased mainstream acceptance and utilization of cryptocurrency for routine transactions. Market implications are still emerging.
Malta proposes DeFi rulebook covering DAOs under MiCA-era framework
Malta's regulator proposes a rulebook for decentralized finance (DeFi) software-governed organizations, covering DAOs under the MiCA-era framework. The framework aims to regulate DeFi projects that are not fully decentralized. The regulator seeks industry feedback, focusing on the line between decentralized and centralized projects, with implications for the DeFi industry's regulatory landscape and potential increased oversight.
Midjourney Pivots From AI Images to Medical Imaging, Aiming to Build a Better MRI Alternative
Midjourney is pivoting from AI-generated images to medical imaging, aiming to create a better MRI alternative by combining ultrasound technology with AI capabilities, focusing on a full-body imaging system. This move leverages Midjourney's expertise in AI-driven image generation, potentially disrupting traditional medical imaging methods and offering a more affordable, accessible solution for patients worldwide.
Bitcoin, Ethereum Traders Grow Even More Bearish as Prices Fall After Fed Decision
Traders on prediction markets are growing increasingly bearish on Bitcoin and Ethereum, anticipating a continued decline in prices after the recent Fed decision. The majority of traders expect neither asset to reach its next major price target, indicating a high likelihood of further price drops. This sentiment suggests a prolonged bear market for cryptocurrencies.
CME Group sues CFTC over perpetual futures in US, accusing the agency of ‘suddenly’ changing course
The CME Group is suing the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over its decision to allow perpetual futures to trade in the US, accusing the agency of 'suddenly' changing course. The lawsuit targets the CFTC's approval of perpetual futures contracts, which have no expiration dates, citing concerns over market manipulation and investor protection.
CME Group sues CFTC over crypto perpetual futures
The CME Group is suing the CFTC over crypto perpetual futures, alleging the regulator is treating them as swaps, posing risks to derivatives markets. The lawsuit targets the CFTC and Chair Michael Selig, claiming this classification is unfair and may harm the market. This move could have significant implications for the crypto derivatives market and regulatory landscape.
HIVE secures $220M AI infrastructure contract with Bell and Cohere
HIVE secures a $220 million AI infrastructure contract with Bell and Cohere, expected to add approximately $70 million in annual recurring revenue as the company scales its AI-focused operations, solidifying its position in the AI market. This significant deal will likely boost HIVE's revenue and enhance its competitiveness in the rapidly growing AI infrastructure space.
Why Bitcoin Titan Strategy's STRC Is Falling to New Lows
Bitcoin Titan Strategy's flagship preferred stock, STRC, is falling to new lows, with its price plummeting due to market volatility and investor concerns. Analysts warn that this decline may not be an existential threat, but it does highlight the company's vulnerability to market fluctuations, potentially impacting investor confidence in the Bitcoin treasury giant's stability and long-term prospects.
Jefferies expects IREN’s AI cloud business to outpace data center leasing, sees 30% upside
Jefferies analysts predict IREN's AI cloud business will outpace data center leasing, driving a 30% upside. Currently, only about 10% of IREN's 6 gigawatt global power portfolio is utilized, indicating significant untapped potential. This underutilization positions IREN to capitalize on the growing demand for cloud infrastructure, driving future revenue growth and industry expansion.
Kentucky Sues Kalshi, Polymarket as Prediction Market Legal Battle Swells
Kentucky is suing Kalshi and Polymarket, the US's top prediction market platforms, for allegedly running illegal sports betting operations, joining a growing stack of states taking action. At least 10 states have now launched investigations or lawsuits against prediction markets. This intensifies the regulatory battle, potentially impacting the platforms' ability to operate freely.
JPMorgan says bitcoin mining economics have ‘worsened’ as BTC trades below production cost
JPMorgan estimates bitcoin mining economics have worsened as the cryptocurrency's price continues to trade below production costs, with the bank's current estimate of $78,000 surpassing the current market price of around $62,500. This significant disparity suggests that miners may struggle to remain profitable, potentially impacting the overall network's security and stability.
Hyperliquid poised to become more than an exchange and drive HYPE higher, Hyperion CEO says
Hyperion CEO emphasizes the decentralized exchange's transformation into a broader blockchain ecosystem, suggesting investors are underestimating its potential. This shift may unlock new use cases and revenue streams for HYPE, the native token. As a result, HYPE's price is poised to increase, driven by the expanding scope of Hyperliquid's offerings and its growing influence in the crypto market.
HIVE Stock Spikes as Bitcoin Miner Lands $220M AI Infra Deal
HIVE stock is currently spiking as the company, a prominent crypto miner, has secured a $220 million three-year GPU contract with Bell Canada and Cohere, a Canadian AI startup. This deal marks a significant milestone for Canada's AI ambitions, as the country seeks to develop and own its own AI systems, driving growth in the global AI infrastructure market.
Federal Reserve rolls out proposing rulemaking requiring stablecoin issuers to maintain customer identification program
The Federal Reserve is proposing a rulemaking requiring stablecoin issuers to maintain a customer identification program to combat illicit finance. This program will be similar to those used by banks, with issuers needing to verify customer identities and report suspicious transactions. The rule aims to increase transparency and prevent money laundering.
What happens when ChatGPT becomes the front door to crypto
ChatGPT is poised to become the front door to crypto, potentially simplifying the onboarding process for Bitcoin and wallets by providing intuitive interfaces, thereby increasing adoption. However, this shift also raises concerns about trust risks, as users may rely heavily on AI-driven guidance, potentially compromising their understanding of complex crypto concepts and security best practices.
Bitcoin to $145K by October? Why this 'crazy accurate' 4chan prediction is sketchy
A 4chan user's viral Bitcoin prediction is claiming a $145,000 price by October, citing past accuracy, but its credibility is in question due to edited targets and impossible supply claims. The prediction has a 95% accuracy rate according to its creator, but many experts consider it sketchy, making its reliability uncertain. Market participants remain cautious.
Crypto for Advisors: Trading the bitcoin cycle
Bitcoin's 4-year cycle poses significant challenges for advisors employing dollar-cost averaging, making it costly due to its inherent volatility. A cycle-smart strategy is essential for advisors to better manage risk and maximize client returns. With a 4-year cycle, advisors must adapt to changing market conditions to avoid costly mistakes and capitalize on opportunities, ultimately driving client success.
Ethereum Foundation co-Exec Director and board member Hsiao-Wei Wang steps down
Hsiao-Wei Wang is stepping down as co-Executive Director and board member of the Ethereum Foundation, joining a string of high-profile departures including Protocol cluster leads and former co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak. This exodus of top talent raises concerns about the foundation's future leadership and potential impact on Ethereum's development and adoption trajectory in the crypto market.
The DAO hack at 10: From $50 million exploit to a $130 million Ethereum security fund
An attacker is currently draining roughly 3.6 million ETH from The DAO, helping to spur the creation of the modern crypto security industry. This exploit has sparked a significant response, with a proposed $130 million Ethereum security fund being discussed to compensate affected users and enhance overall security measures in the industry.
Jerome Powell Supports Fed's New Stablecoin Policies—But Chair Kevin Warsh Abstains
The Federal Reserve is moving forward with proposed rulemaking that requires U.S. crypto companies to screen stablecoin customers, following the passage of the GENIUS Act. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell supports this new policy, but Chair Kevin Warsh abstains from voting. This regulation aims to increase oversight on stablecoins, impacting their adoption and stability in the market.
Bitcoin miners Bitdeer, CleanSpark and more report mixed May output as AI buildouts impact hashrate growth, treasury models
Bitcoin miners Bitdeer, CleanSpark, and others report mixed May output, with a combined 1,859 BTC produced. Bitdeer's output declined, while Canaan's increased, and CleanSpark's remained steady. The divergence in strategies reflects the impact of AI buildouts on hashrate growth and treasury models, as miners adapt to shifting market conditions and optimize their operations for profitability.
Ethereum Foundation loses another key leader as co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang resigns
The Ethereum Foundation is facing another leadership loss as co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang resigns, following the departure of fellow co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak, in a string of high-profile exits. This marks the third key departure in recent months, raising concerns about the foundation's stability. The Ethereum ecosystem's future direction remains uncertain amidst these leadership changes.
Everyday Savers Bet Big on Bitcoin Giant Strategy's STRC—Now It's Falling
Investors holding Strategy's STRC are experiencing a downturn after being initially attracted to its double-digit yields, typically around 12% to 15%. The preferred stock's volatility has shaken some everyday savers who were betting big on its potential, resulting in a sharp decline in value, testing their risk tolerance and investment strategies. Market sentiment remains cautious.