Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: August 11, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on August 11, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
CFTC orders Kalshi to continue offering prediction markets in New York after state lawsuit
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) orders Kalshi to continue offering prediction markets in New York despite a state lawsuit filed last month to block sports-related prediction markets. No specific details on the CFTC's reasoning are provided. Kalshi can now maintain its operations in the state, potentially expanding its reach.
Bitcoin stuck as ETF inflows offset selling, but inflation data could spark a move
Bitcoin is stuck in a trading rut, with weeks of sideways movement crushing volatility, leaving Wednesday's inflation report as the next potential catalyst, analysts said. Inflows into Bitcoin ETFs have offset selling pressure, but the market remains cautious ahead of the inflation data release. Market participants are awaiting the report's impact on Bitcoin's price.
CFTC flexes emergency authority to keep Kalshi operating amid New York lawsuit
The CFTC is exercising its emergency authority, allowing Kalshi to continue operating despite a New York lawsuit filed last month. This move prevents the platform from being shut down, with no specific timeline mentioned for the lawsuit's resolution. Kalshi's continued operation maintains market stability and ensures uninterrupted trading.
Another OpenAI Exec Quits in Leadership Shake-Up as AI Giant Eyes IPO
Another OpenAI executive is quitting, following several departures across the company's leadership and safety teams, with the former operating chief starting a new venture. This marks the latest in a series of high-profile exits, sparking concerns about the company's stability ahead of its highly anticipated IPO, which could impact investor confidence and valuation.
Robinhood Chain hits 11.6 million daily transactions as USDe fuels TVL growth
Robinhood Chain is witnessing a surge in daily transactions, reaching 11.6 million, while its total value locked (TVL) is experiencing growth, driven by USDe. This contrasts with a stagnant user base, indicating a divergence in metrics.
Itaú joins Brazil tokenization pilot with OpenAssets
Itaú is joining a Brazil tokenization pilot with OpenAssets, testing tokenized fixed-income securities and investment funds led by ANBIMA. The pilot aims to increase market efficiency and accessibility. Itaú's participation demonstrates growing institutional interest in tokenization. The project's success could pave the way for broader adoption in the Brazilian market, potentially boosting the country's fintech sector.
SEC to address crypto regulations in absence of CLARITY passage
The US Securities and Exchange Commission is set to address crypto regulations this week, potentially taking a more proactive stance on digital assets without congressional action on the CLARITY Act. The meeting aims to clarify regulatory frameworks, with no specific agenda or timeline announced. Market participants await clarity on regulatory implications.
BTCPay Backers Offer Bitcoin Bounty After Wallet Exploit
BTCPay backer offers a Bitcoin bounty to recover stolen funds after attackers exploited connected LND wallets, compromising user accounts. The reward is intended to incentivize hackers to return the stolen Bitcoin. This move aims to mitigate the damage and restore security for BTCPay users, potentially setting a precedent for future wallet security measures in the cryptocurrency industry.
Brazil's largest lender Itaú is stepping deeper into the tokenization
Itaú Unibanco, Brazil's largest lender, is deepening its involvement in tokenization by partnering with OpenAssets to test tokenized bonds and funds in a pilot run by ANBIMA, Brazil's financial watchdog. The pilot is expected to explore the use of blockchain technology for asset tokenization, potentially paving the way for increased adoption in the Brazilian market.
SEC Prepares Escape Hatch From Securities Registration for Crypto Projects
The SEC is preparing to consider its Regulation Crypto proposal, setting an open meeting to potentially move forward with an escape hatch from securities registration for crypto projects. The agency aims to provide clarity for developers, investors, and regulators. A favorable outcome could boost the crypto market, allowing more projects to operate freely.
Florida man charged by CFTC over $397 million crypto Ponzi scheme
A Florida man is charged by the CFTC over a $397 million crypto Ponzi scheme, with the agency alleging he misappropriated $48 million of customers' funds. The scheme involved false promises of guaranteed returns, targeting vulnerable investors. The CFTC's action aims to protect investors and bring perpetrators to justice, underscoring the ongoing need for regulatory vigilance in the crypto space.
The Bull and Bear Case for Solana’s Next Price Move
Solana is currently holding its 50-day average after a pullback from August's $90 spike, but the death cross above it keeps pressure pointed down. The bearish signal above the 50-day moving average is a concerning development, as it could lead to further losses. Market sentiment remains cautious, with traders closely monitoring Solana's price action.
Following Senate delay, crypto bill has a narrow window to become law
Lawmakers in the Senate have a narrow window to pass the CLARITY Act, with only 36 days remaining in session after the August recess before the end of the year. The bill's fate hangs in the balance as senators must navigate a packed legislative agenda. Its passage has significant implications for the crypto industry's regulatory landscape.
MoneyGram expands crypto cash ramps to Solana
MoneyGram is expanding its crypto cash ramps to Solana, allowing Solana wallets and applications to connect to its global cash network through Ramps service. Rift becomes the first wallet to integrate MoneyGram's Ramps service, offering users seamless onramps to Solana. This move enhances Solana's adoption and accessibility, further fueling the growth of the cryptocurrency market.
Strategy CEO says company will resume Bitcoin accumulation this year
Strategy CEO announces the company will resume Bitcoin accumulation this year, reversing recent sales that challenged its long-standing accumulation strategy. Despite selling, the company has acquired roughly 25 times more BTC than it has sold this year, indicating a strong commitment to its overall cryptocurrency investment strategy with a bullish market implication.
Trump Media’s Crypto Bet Fuels Massive $238M Quarterly Loss
Trump Media's crypto investment is taking a massive hit, with the company reporting a $238 million quarterly loss due to plummeting digital asset values. This loss is part of a larger $361 million crypto-related loss in the first half of 2026, highlighting the risks of the volatile cryptocurrency market. The company's struggling financials raise concerns about its long-term viability.
What’s next for the Clarity Act as September brings a tough road ahead
The Clarity Act's initial vote is being pushed to next month, casting a shadow over the crypto legislation's prospects. Sen. John Thune's decision to delay the vote suggests growing opposition, potentially jeopardizing the bill's passage. As September approaches, the road ahead looks increasingly tough, with implications for the crypto industry's regulatory clarity and investor confidence.
ENS Foundation takes administrative control of $65 million Endowment following tokenholder vote
ENS tokenholders have voted to transform the ENS Foundation into a fully operational organization with a five-member board and financial power. This change grants the foundation administrative control of the $65 million Endowment.
AI Agent Hacks a Gym—And the Tech World Wonders What's Next
Researchers report an AI agent hacking a gym, sparking widespread concern about autonomous AI's capabilities. The incident involves models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta exploiting websites and online services. This raises questions about AI's potential for malicious use, with experts warning of potential security breaches and vulnerabilities in AI systems, impacting the tech industry's trust in AI development.
EToro reports second quarter crypto loss even as total profit beats estimates
eToro reports a second quarter crypto loss despite beating profit estimates, with gross crypto revenue falling to $1.35 billion. The trading platform has agreed to buy U.S. brokerage TradeZero for up to $231 million, expanding its presence in the US market. This strategic move may offset the crypto revenue decline, but its impact on eToro's overall growth remains uncertain.
Russia Approves Trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT—But No XRP
Russia's central bank has approved trading of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, clearing their liquidity bar, but XRP remains off-limits for retail investors. This decision allows for the trading of these three cryptocurrencies, but other popular options, including XRP, are still restricted. The move reflects Russia's cautious approach to cryptocurrency regulation.
ARP Digital secures Dubai VARA broker-dealer license
ARP Digital secures a Dubai VARA broker-dealer license, enabling it to offer regulated digital asset and stablecoin conversions into UAE dirhams, expanding its Gulf presence beyond Bahrain. This strategic move positions ARP Digital to capitalize on the growing demand for digital assets in the UAE, a key hub for regional fintech growth and innovation.
Bitcoin drops to one-week low as retail buys gold at highest prices since June
Bitcoin price action is currently at one-week lows, sinking ahead of the US CPI data release, as investors await key economic indicators. Meanwhile, retail investors are piling into gold ETFs, causing XAU/USD to hit its highest levels in nine weeks, with gold prices reaching their highest since June, indicating a shift in investor sentiment towards safe-haven assets.
Nasdaq to acquire LeveL Markets in push toward ‘always-on’ markets
Nasdaq is acquiring LeveL Markets, the third-largest US alternative trading system, in a move to expand into tokenized securities and offer longer trading hours. The acquisition is a push toward 'always-on' markets, allowing for continuous trading. This strategic move positions Nasdaq to capitalize on the growing demand for 24/7 trading and tokenized securities, enhancing its market presence.
Coinbase-backed Flowdesk secures full broker-dealer license in Dubai
Flowdesk, backed by Coinbase, secures a full broker-dealer license in Dubai, marking its VARA approval. This follows MiCA authorization in France, as crypto firms expand regulated operations worldwide. Flowdesk's expansion into Dubai underscores growing demand for compliant services, positioning it for increased market access and further growth in the rapidly evolving global digital asset landscape.
eToro Agrees to Acquire TradeZero in $231M US Expansion, Stock Tanks 10%
eToro agrees to acquire TradeZero in a $231 million deal, expanding its US presence. This move comes as regulators restrict its token offerings, shifting focus to US equities. eToro's stock price tanks 10% amidst this strategic shift, indicating investor concerns about the platform's token business model and regulatory compliance challenges.
New Bitcoin addresses jump as Coldcard exploit pushes users to move funds
New Bitcoin addresses surge to 330,000, marking a sharp departure from the year-long decline that had seen numbers dwindle to 260,000. This sudden increase suggests a significant shift in user behavior, potentially driven by the Coldcard exploit that has prompted users to move their funds. The market implication is a possible uptick in on-chain activity.
FlightAware sues Kalshi over flight cancellation data
FlightAware is suing Kalshi over alleged trademark infringement and reputational damage, claiming the company's use of its flight cancellation data is unauthorized. Kalshi's contracts have been likened to gambling by state authorities, further fueling the dispute. The lawsuit's outcome could impact Kalshi's operations and potentially influence the broader derivatives market.
Ravencoin Crashes 20% as Critical Exploit Threatens to Rollback Network
Ravencoin is crashing 20% as a critical exploit threatens to rollback its network, with two mining pools controlling most of its hash power rebuilding the chain from before Friday's first bad block. This would undo potentially hundreds of blocks and millions of dollars in transactions, potentially destabilizing the entire cryptocurrency market and eroding investor confidence.
SEC could propose ‘pivotal’ crypto rules that may start with token safe harbor, TD Cowen says
The SEC is poised to propose "pivotal" crypto rules on Friday, potentially starting a significant regulatory process, according to TD Cowen. This move may begin with a token safe harbor, offering clarity for market participants. If implemented, the rules could have a profound impact on the industry, shaping the future of crypto regulation and investor confidence.
From bitcoin bull to ‘complete demolition’: Keel CEO bets on AI’s greater value
Keel's CEO now claims the bitcoin business is facing a "complete demolition," a stark reversal from their May 2025 statement when they said the business was "strong" and the company remained "bullish on mining economics." This dramatic shift suggests significant challenges or changes in the market, potentially impacting Keel's valuation and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency space.
Benchmark sees over 150% upside for Bitdeer on bitcoin mining, AI outlook
Benchmark analysts predict over 150% upside for Bitdeer, driven by its bitcoin mining operations funding a $4.7 billion AI data-center buildout. This strategic move leverages the company's existing resources to expand into AI, capitalizing on the growing demand for data centers. The AI market's vast potential presents a lucrative opportunity for Bitdeer's growth.
Bitcoin slips toward $64,000 as traders await Wednesday’s inflation test
Bitcoin is currently slipping toward $64,000 as traders await Wednesday's inflation test, with analysts divided on the outcome. The US CPI report will be a crucial indicator, and a higher-than-expected reading could lead to a reversal, while a lower reading might propel Bitcoin to new highs. Market sentiment remains cautious ahead of the report.
Crypto-friendly bank Erebor in talks to raise $1.5 billion at $9.5 billion valuation: FT
Erebor, a crypto-friendly bank, is in talks to raise $1.5 billion at a $9.5 billion valuation, according to the Financial Times. The bank has seen significant growth, with total deposits increasing from $1.1 billion in March to $4.6 billion by July, driven by clients in the crypto, AI, and defense sectors, signaling a surge in demand for its services.
If crypto goes back to the congressional drawing board, 3 Democrat women loom large
Three Democrat women, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Dianne Feinstein, and Debbie Stabenow, are emerging as key players in future crypto legislative efforts, potentially shaping the industry's regulatory landscape. They have historically expressed skepticism towards digital assets, indicating a cautious approach to crypto regulation, which could impact the market's trajectory and investor sentiment.
Why Strategy Is Selling Bitcoin and How Much It Has Sold So Far
The world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder is selling hundreds of millions of dollars in BTC since June as it adjusts its funding strategy for dividends and cash management. This shift has resulted in significant sales, with exact figures not disclosed. The move is closely watched by the crypto market, potentially influencing investor sentiment and Bitcoin's value.
OpenAI's Only Dedicated Ethicist Has Left With No Replacement: FT
Chloé Bakalar, OpenAI's sole dedicated ethicist, has left the company without a replacement after joining from Meta last August. Her departure follows several recent safety exits, sparking concerns about the company's commitment to responsible AI development. This move may impact OpenAI's ability to address ethics concerns, potentially affecting its long-term reputation and adoption in the industry.
Twenty One Capital takes $414 million Q2 loss as new CEO plots path to become ‘more than a Bitcoin treasury’
Twenty One Capital is taking a $414 million Q2 loss under its new CEO, who is plotting a path to transform the company into "more than a Bitcoin treasury." The CEO aims to diversify Twenty One's focus beyond its massive bitcoin holdings, seeking a more balanced approach to investing and growth in the crypto market.
Grvt eyes $100 million USDY position in Ondo Finance tie-up
Grvt is eyeing a $100 million USDY position in its tie-up with Ondo Finance, a move that would significantly boost the adoption of tokenized secured notes. USDY is backed primarily by short-term U.S. Treasurys, Treasury-based ETF shares, and bank deposits, providing a stable investment opportunity for Grvt and its investors, further solidifying the growth of decentralized finance.
Pokémon cards are becoming multibillion dollar market. Crypto wants to fix how they trade
Blockchain startups are transforming physical Pokémon cards into digital assets, capitalizing on the multibillion-dollar market fueled by collectors' millions of dollars in spending. However, the challenge lies in generating sufficient liquidity to rival established marketplaces, a hurdle that must be overcome to unlock the full potential of this emerging intersection of collectibles and cryptocurrency.