Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: July 3, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on July 3, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
Senator Gillibrand Seeks to Ban Trump, Elected Officials From Launching Meme Coins
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is pushing to ban meme coins launched by President Trump and other elected officials, following his disclosure of over $1 billion in crypto-related earnings. This move aims to prevent potential money laundering and market manipulation. The proposed ban could impact meme coin popularity and influence market stability, potentially shifting investor focus to more regulated assets.
Claude Fable 5 Isn't Nerfed. The Router Is Just Paranoid
Claude Fable 5's performance is being misinterpreted as nerfed due to inconsistent benchmark results. Two tests yielded vastly different conclusions, sparking debate. The issue lies with the routing layer, which is overly cautious, causing some tests to underperform. This doesn't indicate a nerf, but rather a flawed testing method that's misleading players.
SOL rallies as Solana memecoins, prediction market activity surge: Are bulls back?
SOL is rallying as Solana-network memecoins and prediction market activity surge, with some memecoins experiencing price increases of up to 300%. The surge in interest and trading volume is driving SOL's price up, currently at $23.50, with a 15% daily gain, indicating a possible return of bullish sentiment in the Solana ecosystem.
This sanctioned Russian stablecoin claims it processes billions, but blockchain analysts disagree
A7A5, a Russian stablecoin, claims to process billions of rubles in transactions, contradicting data from crypto providers that allegedly underestimate its trading activity. However, blockchain analytics firms argue that the token's volumes have plummeted sharply this year, raising questions about the accuracy of A7A5's claims and its true market presence.
US senator calls for ban on elected officials issuing memecoins
US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is calling for a ban on elected officials issuing memecoins, proposing a restriction that would bar members of Congress, the US president, and their spouses from "issuing or sponsoring their own digital assets." This move aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest and maintain regulatory oversight.
Donald Trump says ‘nothing wrong’ with $1.4B crypto windfall while in office
Donald Trump reveals a $1.4 billion crypto windfall from ventures while in office, sparking controversy amidst a digital asset market structure bill in Congress and a ban on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) awaiting his signature. The disclosure raises questions about potential conflicts of interest and the President's stance on crypto regulations, impacting the industry's future development and investor confidence.
'Every Time I Buy It, It Tanks': Dave Portnoy Says He's Losing Millions as Bitcoin Falls
Dave Portnoy, the founder of Barstool Sports, is reportedly losing millions on his Bitcoin investment, citing the cryptocurrency's volatile nature. He's down significantly, but remains committed to holding onto his assets, even if they drop to zero. This stance reflects the high-risk, high-reward nature of Bitcoin investing, with prices currently fluctuating amidst market volatility, affecting investor sentiment and confidence.
CryptoQuant says bitcoin and altcoin exchange deposits have spiked, indicating higher volatility ahead
Bitcoin deposits to exchanges have surged to nearly 49,000 BTC, a rare extreme seen only four other times this year, according to CryptoQuant. This significant increase in deposits often precedes a market downturn, indicating higher volatility ahead. Market participants are closely watching these developments as they may signal a potential shift in the crypto landscape.
Zcash Ironwood Upgrade Nears as Developers Work to Restore Confidence After ZEC Crash
Developers are nearing the testnet activation of Zcash's Ironwood upgrade, a significant milestone after the cryptocurrency's recent crash. Security testing has uncovered no new serious bugs, boosting confidence in the upgrade. This upgrade aims to improve scalability and usability, potentially increasing adoption and stability for Zcash, which has struggled to regain investor trust following the crash.
Crypto Biz: Bitcoin maximalism meets the realities of capital markets
Bitcoin maximalism is facing the harsh realities of capital markets as a prominent strategy authorizes the sale of Bitcoin, marking a significant shift in investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Open USD is challenging the dominance of USDT and USDC, while Fidelity is defending Bitcoin's security features amidst growing concerns.
ESMA warns many prediction market event contracts already face EU retail ban
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) warns that many prediction market event contracts are already subject to the EU retail ban, as companies attempt to circumvent financial rules by marketing binary-style products as event contracts rather than derivatives, sparking concerns over regulatory arbitrage and potential investor harm in the European market.
Belgian police arrest suspected phishing gang leader tied to $572K theft
Belgian police arrest a suspected phishing gang leader tied to a $572K theft, with authorities alleging the European gang stole funds from victims before laundering them through cryptocurrency. The stolen funds are believed to be laundered through various cryptocurrency exchanges, highlighting the ongoing threat of cybercrime in the digital asset space, where illicit activities continue to challenge regulatory efforts.
EU crypto rulebook faces enforcement challenge as MiCA transition ends
EU regulators face a challenge in enforcing the MiCA rulebook as the transition deadline ends, prompting unauthorized crypto companies to wind down operations. Industry executives and lawyers anticipate a nuanced approach, with regulators likely to prioritize cooperation over strict enforcement, given the sheer number of affected companies, estimated to be over 1,000.
Grvt and the Rise of Composable Onchain Wealth
Perpetual futures have become the dominant instrument in crypto derivatives markets, with decentralized venues offering them experiencing rapid growth, surpassing 50% of total crypto perpetuals volume by March 2026, according to The Block and Defillama data, as decentralized exchanges (DEXs) like Grvt continue to gain traction, offering composable onchain wealth solutions and reshaping the Web3 landscape with increased adoption and…
Samsung, Dunamu say they were listed as OUSD stablecoin consortium members without official consultation: report
Samsung and Dunamu claim they were listed as members of the OUSD stablecoin consortium without official consultation, reportedly citing a lack of prior notice. This revelation adds to growing concerns about transparency in the stablecoin market, with 16 firms allegedly listed as members without consent. Market implications are unclear, but may impact investor trust.
American Charged in Israel With Spying for Iran in Exchange for Crypto
Israeli prosecutors are charging a 21-year-old American man with spying for Iran while studying at a seminary in Jerusalem. The alleged spying involved exchanging sensitive information for cryptocurrency, with prosecutors accusing the suspect of receiving payments in Bitcoin. This case highlights the growing concern of cryptocurrency being used for illicit activities, raising questions about its role in global espionage.
Bitcoin price tags $62.3K nine-day high after global stocks hit historic record
Bitcoin is currently trading at a nine-day high of $62.3K, surpassing previous highs for July, as global stocks experience a historic record. The Dow Jones and global stocks market cap have also reached new all-time highs ahead of the US Independence Day holiday, fueling optimism in cryptocurrency markets and potentially driving further price increases. Market momentum remains strong.
What Is Q-Day? The Quantum Threat to Bitcoin Explained
Experts warn that quantum computers could someday forge Bitcoin's digital signatures, potentially allowing unauthorized transactions, with estimates suggesting a 10-year timeline for this threat to materialize. This poses a significant risk to the security of the Bitcoin network, which relies on complex mathematical equations to secure transactions. The industry is racing to develop quantum-resistant alternatives.
Crypto bulls on firmer footing as U.S. rate-hike risk recedes
Crypto markets are stabilizing as the risk of a U.S. rate hike diminishes due to weak jobs data, reducing pressure on the Federal Reserve to increase interest rates. Uniswap's partnership with Robinhood is also boosting the decentralized exchange, with its price gaining traction.
Bitcoin, ether traders aren't fully buying the bounce, options markets show
Bitcoin and ether traders remain skeptical about the recent bounce, as options markets indicate a lack of conviction. Open interest in put options for both cryptocurrencies is high, suggesting investors are hedging against potential price drops. This cautious sentiment is evident in the options market, with traders positioning for a possible correction, weighing on the overall market sentiment.
Bitcoin whales bought $16.7 billion of bitcoin in 2 weeks even as ETFs bled a record $4 billion
Bitcoin whales are buying up $16.7 billion worth of bitcoin in just two weeks, a significant divergence from the record $4 billion ETF outflows in the same period. This marks the worst month ever for U.S.
Spotify asks Kalshi, Polymarket to remove branding after manipulated streams used to settle music bets: Bloomberg
Spotify is requesting Kalshi and Polymarket to remove its branding after 500,000 manipulated streams were used to settle a $3 million music betting market. The incident highlights the potential for exploitation of streaming data and raises concerns about the integrity of music charts. This could impact Spotify's ability to maintain accurate metrics and influence the music industry.
StanChart joins ESMA's first MiCA register update since deadline
Standard Chartered and 35 other crypto-asset service providers join ESMA's MiCA register update, published post-deadline. The update includes FalconX, a prominent crypto trading firm. This move signifies increasing institutional involvement in the crypto space, as major financial institutions like Standard Chartered comply with regulatory requirements, paving the way for further mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and related services.
Trump says there is ‘nothing wrong’ with family’s crypto windfall
The president reports at least $1.4 billion in crypto income for 2025, sparking controversy over potential conflicts of interest. He claims no wrongdoing, unaware of the extent of his holdings. Critics argue he profits from the office while his administration crafts industry rules, raising concerns about regulatory capture and undue influence.
IMF says policy choices will determine whether tokenization strengthens or fragments the financial system
The IMF's Tobias Adrian warns that policy choices will determine whether tokenization strengthens or fragments the financial system, with risks potentially shifting from banks toward market infrastructure providers and smart contracts as tokenization expands, citing the need for regulatory clarity to mitigate these risks and ensure a stable financial ecosystem develops.
Farage Reported to UK Standards Watchdog Over Alleged Crypto Lobbying
Nigel Farage is reported to the UK Standards Watchdog over alleged crypto lobbying, with Labour MP Angela Eagle accusing him of pressuring the Bank of England to adopt policies that could benefit his biggest donor, a major Tether investor, potentially enriching them. The move raises concerns about undue influence in UK financial policy.
Upbit says it only expressed interest in future OUSD participation
Upbit clarifies its stance, stating it only expressed interest in potentially joining the OpenStandard ecosystem in the future, despite previous speculation. This move comes as several South Korean firms distance themselves from the OUSD initiative. The clarification aims to alleviate investor concerns, with market implications remaining uncertain, pending further developments in the OpenStandard ecosystem.
Tokenization could make finance faster, but also more susceptible to shocks, IMF says
The International Monetary Fund warns that tokenization, enabling faster and cheaper finance, also increases the risk of sudden shocks. Tokenization's reliance on digital assets and decentralized networks makes it more susceptible to cyber attacks, market volatility, and disruptions, potentially destabilizing the broader financial system and its participants, raising concerns for global economic stability and security.
Memory and semiconductor stocks lose momentum, bitcoin rebounds in sign of changing investor focus
Memory and semiconductor stocks, which dominated markets in 2026 with massive gains, are now losing momentum, with some experiencing declines of up to 10%. This shift in investor focus raises the possibility that capital will flow back into bitcoin, potentially leading to a rebound in cryptocurrency prices and a shift in the market's attention away from tech stocks.
Defendant files to dismiss New York lawsuit seeking ownership of 39,069 Bitcoin wallets
The defendant in the New York lawsuit seeking ownership of 39,069 Bitcoin wallets has filed to dismiss the case, which values the dormant Bitcoin at $229 billion. The defendant's motion aims to halt the court's efforts to distribute the funds, potentially delaying a resolution to the high-stakes dispute over the lost Bitcoin's ownership and control.
Zcash’s Ironwood upgrade faces possible delay over infrastructure readiness
Zcash's Ironwood upgrade is facing a possible delay as exchanges, mining pools, and wallets may need more time to complete the Z3 software migration and safely prepare for Ironwood. This delay could impact the upgrade's scheduled release, with no new timeline announced yet. The delay may cause uncertainty in the cryptocurrency market, potentially affecting Zcash's price and adoption.
‘Markets find their footing’: Bitcoin holds $61,000 rebound ahead of US Independence Day as soft jobs data eases rate fears
Bitcoin holds above $61,000 and ether above $1,700 as soft U.S. jobs data eases Federal Reserve hike bets and spot ETFs snap a 10-day outflow streak. Markets find their footing ahead of US Independence Day celebrations, with investors reassessing inflation concerns and rate hike expectations, potentially paving the way for a sustained cryptocurrency price rebound in the coming weeks.
Bitcoin supply metric prints first 'buy' signal since late 2022 as bear market continues
Bitcoin supply dynamics have printed its first "buy" signal since November 2022, indicating a potential end to the ongoing bear market. This metric suggests a shift in investor sentiment, but analysis cautions that the BTC price could still decline before rebounding. Market participants are closely watching this signal for potential price implications.
Bitcoin ETFs Draw In $222M, Snapping 10-Day Losing Streak
Bitcoin ETFs are attracting $222 million in investments, snapping a 10-day losing streak that saw $2.7 billion drained. Thursday's inflows are a welcome respite, but analysts caution that one positive day doesn't necessarily signal a trend reversal, and investors should remain cautious as market sentiment is still uncertain and volatility remains high.
XRP bulls test path back toward $1.10 as token zips 4% higher
Buyers are defending a higher low and pushing XRP toward near-term resistance, with the token surging 4% higher. The move still requires a clean break above $1.10 to confirm momentum. If successful, this could signal a stronger trend for XRP, potentially leading to further price increases as bulls regain confidence in the market.
Finally. $221 million flow into Bitcoin ETFs, ending a painful 10-day outflow streak
Bitcoin ETFs experience a significant turnaround, with $221 million flowing in, ending a 10-day outflow streak. Spot ETFs see their strongest inflow day in two months, driven primarily by funds other than BlackRock's IBIT, indicating a renewed interest in the asset class. This influx has a positive impact on the market, boosting investor confidence in Bitcoin.
Binance says MiCA should be judged by who it licenses, not who it excludes
Binance's Europe head Gillian Lynch emphasizes that MiCA's effectiveness should be judged by who it licenses, not who it excludes. Binance met Greece's licensing requirements and remains committed to the EU, despite withdrawing its MiCA application just before the July 1 deadline, potentially easing regulatory concerns for European users and investors.
Live updates: More bitcoin is now held at a loss than at a profit
More bitcoin is now held at a loss than at a profit, with approximately 44% of circulating supply in the red, while 42% is in the black. The remaining 14% is in profit. Market sentiment is shifting, with investors increasingly holding onto their losses, weighing on overall market confidence and potentially influencing future price movements.
US bitcoin ETFs break 10-day negative streak with $222 million worth of inflows
US bitcoin ETFs are breaking a 10-day negative streak with $222 million worth of inflows, a significant turnaround in investor sentiment. BlackRock's IBIT was the only fund to see net outflows on Thursday, shedding $40.4 million and continuing its negative streak. This shift in investor behavior suggests renewed confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
US spot Bitcoin ETFs top $200M in daily inflows for first time since May
US spot Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing a significant surge with $221.7 million in daily inflows, marking the strongest intake since early May, as Bitcoin's price recovers above $61,000. This influx of capital indicates growing investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to increased demand for Bitcoin and a subsequent price rise, boosting the overall market sentiment.