Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: July 13, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on July 13, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
Franklin Crypto CIO says crypto prices are disconnected from fundamentals
Franklin Crypto CIO Seth Ginns asserts that crypto prices are disconnected from fundamentals, citing institutional adoption's acceleration despite digital asset prices failing to reflect the industry's strongest fundamentals in years, with no clear signs of correction in sight, potentially leading to increased volatility and a widening gap between market value and underlying asset worth.
Binance.US CEO says exchange is rebuilding, eyes return to 20% U.S. market share
Binance.US CEO is rebuilding the exchange with a focus on ultra-low fees, new regulated products, and deeper liquidity, aiming to regain its 20% U.S. market share. This strategic shift comes after two years of regulatory setbacks, as Binance.US seeks to win back customers and regain its footing in the competitive U.S. cryptocurrency market.
Protesters March on OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind Demanding AI Development Pause
Approximately 200 protesters are marching through San Francisco, demanding a pause in AI development from leading companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google DeepMind, citing concerns about AI safety, job displacement, and environmental impact. This protest highlights growing public unease about the rapid advancement of AI technology, potentially influencing regulatory discussions and industry priorities.
Stop Over-Prompting: OpenAI’s New GPT-5.6 Guidelines Change Everything
OpenAI is introducing new guidelines for GPT-5.6, shifting the focus from over-prompting with XML blocks and persistence scripts to a more hands-off approach. Developers are now advised to define the destination, set stopping conditions, and let the model work independently. This change aims to improve model efficiency and reduce unnecessary complexity in AI applications.
Global law firm launches MiCA compliance tool as crypto companies navigate new EU rules
Reed Smith's Aquarius platform is launched to automate regulatory filings and legal workflows for crypto companies navigating the European Union's MiCA regulations. This tool responds to growing demand from European crypto firms, which must comply with MiCA rules by January 2025. The platform simplifies the process, reducing complexity and costs for companies.
Bitcoin and Ethereum tweet volume falls to 12-month lows despite institutional crypto boom
Retail attention on Bitcoin and Ethereum via social chatter has fallen to 12-month lows, mirroring 2020 levels, despite the recent institutional crypto boom. This trend suggests a disconnect between retail and institutional investors, with institutional involvement surging while retail participation wanes, potentially leading to a shift in market dynamics and price movements.
Democratic Opposition to Clarity Act Grows in Crypto Bill's Do-or-Die Final Weeks
Democrats are intensifying their opposition to the Clarity Act, focusing on its failure to address Trump's vast crypto assets. The bill's final weeks are crucial, with Democrats pushing for language that would restrict the former president's ability to profit from cryptocurrency. This move could significantly impact the bill's chances of passage, affecting the broader crypto regulatory landscape.
Hyperliquid’s HIP-3 markets surge to nearly 50% of perp volume as onchain stock trading grows
Hyperliquid's HIP-3 markets are rapidly gaining traction, surging to nearly 50% of the platform's total perp volume, up from around 2% at the start of the year. This significant increase reflects growing adoption of onchain stock trading, as users increasingly turn to decentralized platforms for trading and investment opportunities. Market implications are positive for Hyperliquid's ecosystem.
Claude's Personality Changes Depending on the Model—And the Language You Speak
Claude consistently expresses different values across models and languages, revealing a nuanced personality that adapts to its environment. This phenomenon is observed in Anthropic research, where Claude's responses vary significantly across multiple models and languages, raising questions about its true nature and the implications for AI development, potentially challenging our understanding of artificial intelligence's limitations and potential.
New Hampshire Follows Bitcoin Reserve With 'Blockchain Basic Laws' Signing
New Hampshire is signing 'Blockchain Basic Laws' to protect users, miners, and stakers within its boundaries, mirroring the approach of the Bitcoin Reserve. The new law aims to safeguard the rights of cryptocurrency stakeholders, fostering a supportive environment for the industry. This move may encourage other states to follow suit, potentially boosting adoption and investment in the region.
Japan’s SBI to launch yen stablecoin lending with 3% yield
SBI VC Trade is launching yen stablecoin lending with a 3% annual yield, opening applications on July 16 for a 12-week term. The offering does not include deposit insurance, which may appeal to risk-takers seeking higher returns. This move could increase adoption of stablecoins in Japan's financial market, further diversifying investment options.
SBI Holdings, Solana Foundation partner to build Japan-based onchain financial market
SBI Holdings and the Solana Foundation are partnering to create a Japan-based onchain financial market, with SBI R3 rebranding as SBI Solana Global. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Solana's blockchain technology, expanding SBI's financial services offerings and enhancing the adoption of decentralized finance in Japan, a significant market for global financial institutions.
Chinese Prosecutors Float Treating Crypto Mixer, Privacy Coin Use as Sign of Money Laundering
Chinese prosecutors are pushing for stricter blockchain evidence rules, presuming intent to launder money through crypto mixers and privacy coins. A recent article in the top prosecutors' paper suggests treating such use as a sign of money laundering. This move could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of crypto transactions in China, potentially affecting the country's already restrictive cryptocurrency market.
BTC price bull market to begin in September? Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin price analysis predicts the end of the bear market within three months, with a potential bull market beginning in September. The US-Iran war triggered a decline in BTC price from a strengthening $64,000 resistance level. Market sentiment remains uncertain, but if this prediction holds, it could lead to a significant surge in Bitcoin prices, potentially exceeding $64,000 and beyond.
Bolivia Is Considering Adding Tether's USDT Stablecoin to National Payments System: Report
Bolivia is considering adding Tether's USDT stablecoin to its national payments system, according to a local report. The move would likely involve integrating USDT with Bolivia's existing financial infrastructure, potentially expanding the country's digital payment options. This development could increase adoption of USDT in South America, further solidifying its position as a leading stablecoin.
Gondor v1 to let users borrow against their entire Polymarket portfolio
Gondor v1 is expected to launch in September, allowing users to borrow against their entire Polymarket portfolio, enabling them to place additional leveraged bets. This feature will provide users with more flexibility in their trading strategies, potentially increasing market participation and volatility. Market implications include amplified risk-taking and increased trading activity on Polymarket.
TeraWulf CEO: 'Not All Megawatts Are Created Equally' in AI Race
TeraWulf is solidifying its transformation into an AI infrastructure company with a $19 billion AI hosting agreement with Anthropic, a leading AI research firm. This deal underscores the growing importance of specialized infrastructure in the AI space, where not all megawatts are created equally.
Robinhood Chain surges into top five by DEX volume: Bernstein
Robinhood's blockchain rapidly surges into the top five by DEX volume, according to Bernstein, indicating robust early demand for its tokenized asset platform. This milestone suggests a significant interest in Robinhood's decentralized exchange, with its tokenized assets likely driving the surge in volume, potentially setting a precedent for future adoption in the crypto market.
Strategy sells $467M in MSTR shares, leaves 843,775 BTC stack untouched
Strategy is selling $467 million in MSTR shares, boosting its US dollar reserve to $3 billion. Despite this significant move, the company is leaving its 843,775 BTC stack untouched, signaling a focus on diversification. This strategic decision reflects a cautious approach to the crypto market, where Bitcoin's value is currently hovering around $20,000, impacting overall market sentiment.
Tom Lee says users ‘starting to see Ethereum as money’ as Bitmine adds 27,801 ETH
Tom Lee notes that users are starting to view Ethereum as money, driven by everyday user adoption through platforms like Robinhood Chain. Bitmine has accumulated 5.77 million ETH tokens, representing 4.8% of the total supply, with a recent addition of 27,801 ETH, further solidifying Ethereum's position as a widely held asset.
Coinbase Ventures tops crypto VC list for H1 2026
Coinbase Ventures tops the crypto VC list for H1 2026, leading the pack despite a bear market that saw funding dwindle and unique investors retreat. The arm secured 15 investments totaling $1.3 billion, a significant portion of the $2.5 billion invested in crypto startups during the period. This dominance underscores Coinbase's resilience in the market.
Bolivia weighs adding Tether's USDT to its national payments system
Bolivia is considering integrating Tether's USDT into its national payments system, amid a surge in crypto adoption. Transaction volumes have skyrocketed to $430 million in the year following the central bank's mid-2024 relaxation of restrictions. This move could further legitimize cryptocurrencies in the country, potentially paving the way for increased mainstream adoption and financial inclusion.
Robinhood built a blockchain for tokenized stocks. Memecoins took over
Robinhood Chain, a blockchain for tokenized stocks, has attracted $135 million in value and 800,000 addresses since July 1, but nearly all activity is centered around memecoins, not the intended stock tokenization. This shift highlights the market's current focus on speculative assets over traditional investment opportunities, underscoring the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency adoption.
Strategy pauses its Bitcoin buying spree to hoard a massive $3 billion cash cushion
Strategy is halting its Bitcoin buying spree to accumulate a massive $3 billion cash reserve, ensuring over 20 months of coverage for preferred-stock dividends and debt interest. This strategic move enables the firm to weather potential market fluctuations, allowing for flexibility in its investment approach. Market implications include a possible shift in Bitcoin demand, potentially impacting prices.
Bitcoin panic-selling may be ending as sellers' profit margins disappear
Bitcoin panic-selling is showing signs of abating as sellers' profit margins disappear, according to analysts. The cryptocurrency's resilience amid fresh U.S.-Iran escalation and renewed spot ETF inflows signals the marginal seller has stepped away. This shift could stabilize the market, potentially paving the way for a rebound in prices, which have been volatile in recent weeks.
Trump's crypto riches loom over Clarity Act talks to ban conflicts for U.S. officials
Discussion among Democrats is focusing on President Trump's personal crypto riches as they hash out the ethics provision of the Clarity Act, a bill aimed at banning conflicts of interest for U.S. officials dealing with cryptocurrency. The provision is expected to address concerns about officials profiting from their roles.
Strategy’s no-bitcoin-buy week shows ‘greater balance-sheet discipline,’ analysts say
Analysts from Benchmark and TD Cowen are maintaining their Buy ratings and price targets, with Benchmark setting a target of $570 and TD Cowen at $260, despite Strategy's decision to have a no-bitcoin-buy week, which analysts say demonstrates 'greater balance-sheet discipline', suggesting a more cautious approach to investments and potentially leading to a more stable market outlook for the cryptocurrency…
President Trump, White House press Senate to advance the Clarity Act while ethics fight looms
President Trump and key administration officials are actively pushing lawmakers to advance the Clarity Act, a cryptocurrency legislation aimed at providing regulatory clarity. This renewed effort comes as an ethics fight looms, potentially impacting the bill's progress. The Clarity Act's passage could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market, providing much-needed regulatory guidance to investors and exchanges.
Donald Trump invokes US senator’s death to push crypto bill
Donald Trump invokes US senator's death to push crypto bill, using the reduced Republican majority to his advantage. With 51-47 votes, more Democratic support is now required to pass the crypto market structure bill. This shift could lead to increased bipartisan negotiations and potentially more favorable regulations for the crypto industry, impacting its growth and adoption.
Mizuho says Circle bank approval doesn't solve USDC growth, stablecoin competition risks
Mizuho maintains its neutral rating on Circle, citing OCC approval for a national trust bank as insufficient to address slowing USDC growth and rising competition in the stablecoin market. The bank's neutral stance reflects concerns over Circle's ability to regain momentum and maintain market share amidst intensifying competition from other stablecoin issuers.
This Is How Much Your Boyfriend Is Spending on AI Girlfriends
Romantic AI companion apps are generating nearly half a billion dollars in revenue as users pay for virtual partners, flirting, and digital intimacy. This trend indicates growing demand for AI-powered relationships, with users seeking emotional connections and companionship online. The market's increasing investment in AI-powered social interactions is expected to continue, driving innovation and competition in the industry.
UK lays out tokenized finance roadmap with projected £33 billion annual boost
The UK government is unveiling a tokenized finance roadmap, aiming to unlock £33 billion in annual economic growth. Industry leaders stress the need for payment infrastructure to adapt alongside tokenized assets, enabling real-time settlement. This shift is expected to transform the financial landscape, driving innovation and efficiency, and potentially disrupting traditional payment systems.
Hyundai completes USDT treasury settlement pilot between US and Mexico
Hyundai is completing a USDT treasury settlement pilot between its US and Mexican subsidiaries, utilizing Tether's stablecoin for cross-border transfers. This proof-of-concept marks growing enterprise interest in stablecoin-based payments. The pilot showcases the potential for USDT to streamline international transactions, likely increasing adoption among large companies seeking cost-effective and efficient global payment solutions.
Onchain Pokémon cards come to Solana-based DEX Jupiter
Jupiter, a Solana-based decentralized exchange, is now hosting onchain Pokémon cards, giving the tokenized collectible space a potential legitimacy boost. This move follows existing tokenized Pokémon card platforms, but Jupiter's entry may bring increased mainstream recognition and adoption. The integration could also spark further growth in the Solana ecosystem, driving more users to the platform.
Robinhood Chain's Early Momentum Is Being Driven By Meme Coins, Not Tokenized Stocks
Traders on Robinhood Chain are enthusiastically embracing meme coins, with Tendies seeing significant gains, while tokenized stocks like Apple are being largely overlooked. This trend is driven by a desire for high-risk, high-reward investments, with many users seeking to capitalize on the potential for explosive growth in these lesser-known assets, fueling the platform's early momentum. Market sentiment remains bullish.
'The Odyssey' Director Chris Nolan: Young Audiences are Rejecting 'AI Slop'
Chris Nolan, director of 'The Odyssey', is criticizing the younger generation's swift judgment of AI, calling it "immediate and harsh". He believes this rejection stems from the proliferation of low-quality AI-generated content, which he refers to as "AI slop". This harsh stance on AI reflects a growing concern about its impact on society and media.
Bolivia mulls recognizing USDT as payment currency amid dollar shortage
Bolivia is currently mulling the recognition of USDT as a payment currency, amid a severe dollar shortage affecting its foreign currency reserves. This potential framework would allow USDT to be used for payments, savings, and trade, potentially alleviating the country's financial strain, and could serve as a precedent for other countries facing similar economic challenges.
Wall Street transfer agents lobby SEC, warning that third-party tokens pose risks to market integrity
The Securities Transfer Association is lobbying the SEC, warning that third-party tokens pose risks to market integrity, citing concerns over regulatory compliance and investor protection. The industry group advocates for company-authorized tokenization to receive preferential treatment under future rules, potentially impacting the development and adoption of decentralized finance applications and market participation.
Bank of Thailand Flags Abnormal Stablecoin Trades in 'Grey Economy' Crackdown
The Bank of Thailand is cracking down on the 'grey economy' by flagging abnormal stablecoin trades, citing data analytics that have identified transfers meant to evade scrutiny. The central bank has handed these findings to the securities regulator for further investigation, aiming to curb illicit activities and maintain financial stability in the market.
Stablecoin FX priced below interbank rates in Q2, with routing now the biggest cost lever: Borderless
Stablecoin FX payments are priced 3.2 basis points below interbank FX rates across 260 corridors in Q2, according to Borderless.xyz's benchmark. This margin is a significant reduction from previous years, making routing the biggest cost lever for stablecoin transactions. The narrowing gap between stablecoin and interbank rates is a key market trend.