Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: August 14, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on August 14, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
Trump-backed World Liberty wins conditional bank charter from federal regulator
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has granted preliminary conditional approval to World Liberty Trust Co., a Trump-backed digital asset bank, on Friday. The conditional charter is a significant milestone, allowing the bank to operate with certain restrictions.
Ireland plans industry standards for illicit crypto use
Ireland is developing industry standards to combat illicit crypto use under its Anti-Money Laundering framework, proposing stricter measures on transfers from private crypto wallets and overseas digital asset companies. These policies aim to enhance transparency and prevent financial crimes, which could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and compliance costs for crypto businesses operating in the region.
OCC grants conditional approval for Trump-backed World Liberty National Trust bank
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) grants conditional approval for World Liberty Financial, backed by President Donald Trump, to become a national trust bank, pending final approval. This development marks a significant milestone for the company, allowing it to expand its financial services offerings. Market implications for the banking sector remain uncertain.
Gen Z favors ETFs and trades less than older cohorts: Binance
Binance data reveals Gen Z is favoring ETFs, allocating a growing share of equity activity to these investment vehicles, while trading less frequently and using less leverage than older working-age cohorts. This trend indicates a shift in investment behavior among younger generations, with Gen Z prioritizing stability and diversification over high-risk, high-reward trading strategies, impacting the broader market landscape.
France Tax Data Leak Could Fuel Scams, Attacks Targeting Bitcoin Holders
A hacker is selling personal and financial records tied to over 678,000 taxpayers and businesses in France, potentially fueling scams and attacks targeting Bitcoin holders. This sensitive data could be used to phish or trick individuals into divulging their private keys or login credentials, putting their cryptocurrency assets at risk of theft and loss.
China's Z.AI Ships GLM-5.3, Calling It the Top Open-Weight Coding Model
China's Z.AI is shipping GLM-5.3, an open-weight coding model it claims outperforms comparably sized open models on code benchmarks. According to internal numbers, GLM-5.3 trails closed frontier models and at least one open rival, but still offers a competitive alternative for developers seeking open-source solutions, potentially expanding the model's adoption in the coding industry.
Dartmouth endowment’s crypto exposure drops by $2M amid falling prices
The Dartmouth endowment's crypto exposure has decreased by $2 million amid falling prices, with the value of its holdings in the Bitwise Solana staking ETF, Grayscale Ethereum staking ETF, and BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin ETF dropping to approximately $12 million. This decline reflects the broader market downturn affecting institutional investors, potentially impacting long-term investment strategies and market sentiment.
SharpLink Will Stake $200M of Ethereum Through Lido's wstETH
Sharplink is planning to stake around $200 million of its Ethereum holdings through Lido's wstETH, approximately 12% of its total Ethereum reserves, to earn yield while remaining active in DeFi. This strategic move will generate passive income for the company while maintaining its presence in the decentralized finance ecosystem, potentially benefiting from Ethereum's growing adoption.
Cboe seeks SEC nod for first US 3x bitcoin and ether ETFs
Cboe is seeking SEC approval for the first US 3x bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), following LeverageShares' European debut of the world's first 3x bitcoin and ether ETFs, offering triple the exposure to these cryptocurrencies.
French tax breach exposes nearly 678,000 people as crypto wrench attacks pile up
French authorities are investigating a tax breach that exposed nearly 678,000 people's crypto holdings, exacerbating the growing issue of crypto wrench attacks in the country. These violent crimes are on pace to make 2026 the worst year ever for crypto holders in France, with numerous high-profile cases reported in recent months, raising concerns about investor safety and security.
‘Honestly, I don’t care’: Tether CEO dismisses critics following first KPMG audit
Tether CEO dismisses critics following the first KPMG audit, stating 'I don't care' about their opinions. A source claims Tether doesn't publicly share audited statements due to being a private company. This response comes as Tether faces ongoing scrutiny over its reserves and stability. Market implications remain uncertain, with investors seeking transparency in the stablecoin market.
Mizuho cuts BitGo price target to $11, but says Clarity Act delays could prove advantageous
Mizuho analysts lower BitGo's price target to $11, emphasizing its growth prospects as a "high-growth/recurring revenue business." The firm cites a 27% year-over-year increase in the customer base, a positive trend that could continue despite potential delays from the Clarity Act, which may prove advantageous for BitGo's business model and future growth.
Tokenization stocks slip as SEC delay puts 'speed bump' in crypto’s Wall Street push
Tokenization stocks, including Bullish, Coinbase, and Circle, are slipping on Friday as the SEC's delay of a key ruling puts a 'speed bump' in crypto's push onto Wall Street, hindering their efforts to gain mainstream acceptance and potentially affecting their ability to tap into traditional financial markets and attract institutional investors.
OpenAI Staff Blame Rush to Ship for Rogue Agent Hack
OpenAI staff are blaming the rush to ship new AI products for the recent rogue agent hack, citing pressure to meet deadlines as a major contributor to the safety issues. Current and former employees claim the priority on speed over safety compromised the security of their models, leading to the hack.
Kraken parent Payward revenue rises 17% as trading volume falls in Q2
Kraken parent Payward reports a 17% revenue increase in Q2, driven by a 42% surge in funded accounts and a shift towards non-transactional revenue sources. Weaker crypto spot activity failed to dampen growth, as the company adapts to changing market conditions. This resilience underscores Payward's diversification efforts and ability to navigate market volatility.
UK authorities continue probe into Nigel Farage’s crypto ‘gifts’ after by-election win
UK authorities are continuing to probe Nigel Farage's crypto 'gifts' after his by-election win, with the parliamentary commissioner for standards resuming an investigation into his crypto donations. The investigation was initially paused during the by-election campaign, but now that Farage has declared victory, the inquiry will proceed, potentially impacting his parliamentary career and crypto donation regulations.
Israel’s largest bank taps Galaxy to offer bitcoin, ether and solana trading
Israel's largest bank is partnering with Galaxy to offer trading in bitcoin, ether, and solana, expanding its cryptocurrency services. This move comes as Israel received an estimated $22 billion in onchain crypto value during the 12 months ending June 2025, according to Chainalysis. The partnership is expected to boost Israel's growing crypto market, driving adoption and investment in digital assets.
Israel’s Largest Bank Will Give Bitcoin Trading Another Try
Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, is reviving its Bitcoin trading plans, a move initially blocked by the Bank of Israel in 2022. With a softer regulatory stance and Galaxy's custody services in place, Leumi is set to relaunch its Bitcoin trading in early 2027, potentially paving the way for greater mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies in the Israeli market.
Coldcard Bitcoin Thefts Slow, But Losses Could Top $150 Million: Galaxy
Galaxy Research warns that the recent slowdown in Coldcard Bitcoin thefts may be a false sense of security, with losses potentially exceeding $150 million. The lull likely indicates that vulnerable holders have migrated or were already emptied, suggesting that thieves are targeting and exploiting existing weaknesses, leaving the market vulnerable to further attacks and potential losses.
Another Bitcoin Miner Sells Off BTC to Fund AI Data Center Pivot
Hyperscale, a prominent Bitcoin miner, is selling off its Bitcoin holdings to fund a pivot into an AI data center, with the majority of its BTC being sold. The company plans to rebuild its holdings through mining and future purchases. This strategic shift reflects the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency mining and its potential applications in emerging technologies like AI.
Ethena treasury company StablecoinX shares jump 12% after revealing 20% stake in ENA supply
StablecoinX shares are currently surging 12% after Ethena treasury company revealed it holds a significant 20% stake in ENA's total supply. This substantial investment is expected to boost investor confidence in ENA, potentially leading to increased adoption and trading volumes. The market is closely watching this development, with implications for the broader stablecoin and cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Crypto Biz: Bitcoin’s $116M self-custody wake-up call
A $116 million Bitcoin wallet exploit is unfolding, putting self-custody under intense scrutiny as investors reassess security risks. Despite this, ETF inflows are rebounding, with investors pouring money into the market. Meanwhile, a strategy firm is eyeing more Bitcoin investments, while miners are chasing billions in AI deals, highlighting the industry's resilience in the face of security concerns.
Israel’s largest bank taps Galaxy to offer Bitcoin, Ether, Solana trading
Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, is partnering with Galaxy to offer Bitcoin, Ether, and Solana trading to its customers through its investment app, starting early 2027. This move will allow customers to buy, hold, and sell these cryptocurrencies directly within the app, marking a significant expansion into the digital asset space for the bank.
Binance to block transactions with HTX, 10 other exchanges under EU Russia sanctions
Binance is blocking transactions from 11 additional exchanges, including HTX, under EU Russia sanctions, bringing the total to 16 exchanges. This move is in response to regulatory compliance needs. The affected exchanges will no longer be able to process transactions through Binance, potentially limiting their access to the global cryptocurrency market and affecting their users.
Israel’s largest bank to offer crypto trading with Galaxy
Bank Leumi, Israel's largest bank, is set to offer cryptocurrency trading through its investment app, allowing customers to buy and sell bitcoin, ether, and solana from early 2027. This move marks a significant step towards mainstream adoption, potentially increasing the bank's customer base and revenue. Market implications include growing institutional involvement in crypto.
Strategy says MSCI should measure markets, not dictate corporate assets
The bitcoin treasury company is urging MSCI to shift its focus from dictating corporate assets to measuring markets, arguing that index providers should not restrict public companies from owning certain assets. This stance supports market freedom and diversification. The implications for corporate treasuries and investors are significant, potentially leading to increased adoption of alternative assets and greater market flexibility.
JPMorgan boosts Bitcoin, Ether ETF positions in Q2 filing
JPMorgan significantly boosts its Bitcoin ETF position by 25% and more than quadruples its Ether ETF position in the second quarter. This notable increase in cryptocurrency holdings highlights JPMorgan's growing confidence in the market. As a major financial institution, its investment decisions have a substantial impact, potentially influencing market sentiment and driving further adoption of digital assets.
Morgan Stanley’s BlackRock Bitcoin ETF holdings rise 23% in Q2
Morgan Stanley's BlackRock Bitcoin ETF holdings surge 23% in Q2, reaching 16.5 million shares. Concurrently, Ether ETF positions and several crypto-linked stocks also experience notable increases. This uptick in institutional investment reflects growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market, potentially fueling further price appreciation and increased mainstream adoption of digital assets.
Bitcoin price drops to $62.5K as trader warns weekly close may spark more losses
Bitcoin's price plummets to $62.5K, nearing new August lows, as traders remain cautious despite positive US inflation trends and US stocks nearing all-time highs. A trader warns that a weekly close below current levels may spark further losses, underscoring market uncertainty and potential volatility in the cryptocurrency space, impacting investor sentiment.
Fake LinkedIn Crypto Job Scams Have Cost $11.8M: Singapore
Malware is being planted during fake LinkedIn crypto job scams in Singapore, resulting in $11.8 million in losses. The malware harvests a session token, bypassing multi-factor authentication to reach a code repository. This sophisticated attack compromises user security, highlighting a growing threat in the crypto industry, where job seekers are increasingly targeted by scammers.
Hyperscale Data sells 685 bitcoin for $43 million to fund Michigan data center
Hyperscale Data is selling 685 bitcoin for approximately $43 million to reduce debt and fund its Michigan AI data center. The sale marks a significant reduction in the company's cryptocurrency holdings, with the proceeds expected to support the development of its AI-focused infrastructure. This move will likely impact the company's financial stability and growth prospects in the data center market.
Solana’s fee overhaul increases burn and makes resource hogs pay
Solana's proposed fee overhaul aims to penalize resource-intensive transactions, increasing costs for them while reducing fees for simpler activities. The overhaul would also boost SOL burn, potentially impacting the circulating supply. This move is expected to encourage more efficient use of the network, benefiting users and potentially stabilizing the Solana ecosystem's token value.
Binance to restrict transactions involving HTX, 10 other crypto platforms
Binance is restricting transactions involving HTX and 10 other crypto platforms due to EU sanctions targeting Russia. HTX was recently listed in the package. Binance will stop processing transactions for these platforms, impacting users who rely on the exchange for trading and liquidity. The move reflects growing regulatory scrutiny of crypto ties to sanctioned entities.
Gemini posts $108M Q2 net loss despite 37% revenue growth
Gemini posts a $108M Q2 net loss despite 37% revenue growth, driven by credit card and staking revenue. Exchange revenue fell 38% and trading volume dropped by two-thirds, offsetting gains. This mixed performance indicates a shift in Gemini's business model, focusing on non-trading services, which may impact the company's overall competitiveness in the crypto market.
Kraken parent Payward posts $508 million in Q2 adjusted revenue as growth broadens beyond crypto trading
Kraken parent Payward is posting $508 million in Q2 adjusted revenue, a 17% increase, driven by 42% growth in funded accounts to 6.6 million and a 13% decline in volume to $310 billion, indicating a shift in focus beyond traditional crypto trading. This growth broadens Payward's revenue streams and solidifies its position in the industry.
Norway sovereign wealth fund sees indirect bitcoin exposure hit all-time high, with Strategy accounting for 86%: K33
Norway's sovereign wealth fund now has an indirect bitcoin exposure of all-time high due to its 86% allocation to a strategy, according to K33. This significant exposure comes as the fund also disclosed a new $88 million stake in Ethereum treasury firm Bitmine, further solidifying its presence in the cryptocurrency market, driving investor interest and potentially influencing market trends.
Ireland’s New AML Strategy Brings ‘Enhanced Checks’ on Private Crypto Wallets
Ireland's new AML strategy introduces enhanced checks on private crypto wallets, marking the country's first such move. Firms dealing with overseas crypto companies must undergo stricter due diligence. The strategy aims to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, increasing scrutiny on crypto transactions.
RedotPay said to put $1 billion U.S. IPO plan on hold: Bloomberg
RedotPay is reportedly putting its $1 billion U.S. IPO plan on hold, according to Bloomberg. A spokesperson for the stablecoin payments company declined to comment on any IPO plans, leaving the future of the proposed listing uncertain. This development may impact RedotPay's valuation and investor confidence in the stablecoin market, potentially affecting the overall cryptocurrency landscape.
Bitcoin slips as U.S. inflation fails to spark gains, ETFs see August's first two-day drawdown
Spot bitcoin ETFs experience their first two-day drawdown in August, marking a significant shift in investor sentiment. The largest cryptocurrency wipes out last week's gains, causing a ripple effect in the market. Altcoins struggle to find direction as bitcoin's price drops, highlighting a challenging period for investors seeking growth in the cryptocurrency space.
Trump family's World Liberty Financial delay plans to sell Maldives resort token
The Trump family's World Liberty Financial is delaying plans to sell a token tied to their Maldives resort due to the ongoing Iran war disrupting travel in the region. The sale's postponement is expected to impact the token's launch, which was initially set to occur in the near future. Market sentiment remains cautious as global tensions escalate.