Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: September 18, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on September 18, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
Live updates: Bitcoin climbs over $80,000 as crypto shakes off Clarity failure and higher interest rates
Bitcoin surges past $80,000, shaking off the recent Clarity protocol failure and rising global interest rates; the rally gains momentum as the Bank of Japan hikes rates, yet the yen continues to slide, underscoring persistent currency weakness. This price breakout signals renewed investor confidence, suggesting broader crypto resilience and potential inflows despite tightening monetary environments.
Coinbase files to bring single-stock perpetual futures to US market
Coinbase files to launch 24‑hour, five‑day‑a‑week single‑stock perpetual futures for U.S. equities, seeking regulator sign‑off on contracts that would let retail investors trade continuous, leveraged positions without expiration. The proposal cites major stocks like Apple and Tesla, and if approved it could broaden crypto‑exchange offerings, intensify competition with traditional derivatives venues and boost overall market liquidity.
Coinbase Files to List Single-Stock Perps on Apple, Tesla and Nvidia
Coinbase files a request with the CFTC to list single‑stock perpetual contracts on Apple, Tesla and Nvidia, giving U.S. traders 24‑hour, five‑day‑a‑week leveraged exposure without owning the shares. The filing cites demand for crypto‑style derivatives and aims to capture retail interest in high‑volatility equities, potentially expanding Coinbase’s revenue streams and intensifying competition in the U.S. derivatives market.
UAE, Sweden Arrest Seven Over $7.1M Crypto Laundering Ring Linked to Contract Killings
UAE and Swedish authorities arrest seven suspects in a $7.1 million crypto‑laundering ring that investigators tie to organized crime and contract killings, saying blockchain tracing revealed the illicit flow. The suspects allegedly used mixers and multiple wallets to obscure proceeds before converting them into fiat.
Bitcoin weathers September storm as rate hikes and Clarity act setback test bulls
Bitcoin weathers September’s storm, slipping only 1.5% yet staying on track for its first quarterly gain in a year despite rising interest rates, surging oil prices, and a stronger dollar; the market also grapples with the SEC’s Clarity Act setback, which pressures traders but underscores Bitcoin’s resilience and potential to sustain bullish momentum.
Kevin O’Leary is buying crypto again, says major stock exchange adoption is the ‘watershed moment’ to watch
Kevin O’Leary announces he is buying crypto again, citing a “watershed moment” when a major stock exchange adopts a blockchain network, which he believes will legitimize digital assets and trigger broader institutional participation. He notes that such integration could boost liquidity, drive price appreciation, and accelerate mainstream acceptance across the financial industry.
Layer-2 and DeFi tokens lead broad crypto advance as post-Fed hike nerves fade
Starknet and Arbitrum surge over 17% as the 10‑year Treasury yield falls below 5%, sparking a broad crypto rally with 98 of CoinDesk’s 100 constituents advancing. The layer‑2 and DeFi token gains reflect easing post‑Fed‑rate‑hike nerves, boosting market sentiment and suggesting continued upside for risk‑on digital assets and attracting fresh capital inflows.
Bitcoin adds to bull-market hopes as price metric prints fourth-ever bullish cross
Bitcoin’s price triggers the Fisher Transform’s fourth‑ever bullish crossover, a rare signal that historically precedes strong uptrends. Analysts note the indicator has only flipped three times before, each coinciding with subsequent multi‑month rallies. This technical development fuels optimism that Bitcoin may re‑enter a sustained bull market, potentially lifting prices toward previous highs.
XRP on the brink of a golden cross as focus switches to altcoins
XRP approaches a golden‑cross on its daily chart as traders shift attention to altcoins, with the 50‑day moving average poised to cross above the 200‑day line, a bullish signal that could lift XRP toward $0.55‑$0.60. Analysts expect heightened volatility across the crypto market, prompting investors to reallocate capital into promising altcoin projects.
Crypto stocks rebound after CLARITY Act selloff
Crypto stocks rebound as Coinbase, Strategy and other crypto‑linked equities rally Friday following the CFTC and SEC’s decision to pursue crypto‑related actions using existing authority, sparking investor optimism. The move reverses the recent CLARITY Act‑driven sell‑off, lifts sentiment across the sector, and suggests short‑term price gains while regulators maintain a familiar enforcement framework.
Bitcoin Will Hit $1 Million, Says Kevin O’Leary—But There’s a Quantum Catch
Kevin O’Leary predicts Bitcoin will reach $1 million once the industry resolves the quantum‑computing threat, arguing that a secure network will unlock massive institutional demand; he also says he is abandoning Ethereum because its proof‑of‑stake model offers weaker quantum resistance. This confidence fuels bullish sentiment, potentially driving price spikes while highlighting security as a critical market catalyst.
Binance launches 24/7 FX perps with weekend pricing system
Binance launches 24/7 foreign‑exchange perpetual futures, adding a weekend pricing mechanism that mirrors spot rates when markets close, allowing traders continuous exposure to currency pairs such as EUR/USD and GBP/JPY. By integrating this service alongside its existing crypto derivatives, Binance expands liquidity options, pressures competitors to offer similar nonstop FX products, and could boost overall derivatives volume across the industry.
Zcash Is Running—Devs Want to Make It Faster
Zcash developers propose an upgrade that reduces block time from 75 seconds to 25, accelerating transaction finality. The hard fork also silently revises the long‑term funding model, altering how miners are compensated after 2031. Faster blocks aim to boost network usability, while the funding shift could reshape miner incentives and affect Zcash’s market competitiveness.
Banks double on EU MiCA crypto provider list as share hits 23%
Banks now make up almost one‑quarter of the providers listed on ESMA’s MiCA register, having roughly doubled their presence since late June, and the sector’s share has risen to 23 percent. This surge reflects heightened institutional interest in compliant crypto services, signaling broader market legitimization and likely encouraging further regulatory‑aligned investment across the European digital‑asset industry.
Crypto tech provider Haruko hit by cyberattack affecting 15 clients, some funds lost
Haruko, a crypto‑technology provider, suffers a cyberattack that compromises fifteen client accounts, with several smaller hedge funds reportedly losing funds due to weaker security controls, sources confirm. The breach highlights persistent vulnerabilities in custodial services and prompts investors to demand stricter safeguards, potentially tightening compliance standards and driving short‑term market caution across the crypto industry.
Grayscale’s Zcash ETF plans 3-for-1 split after $233 million inflow surge
Grayscale’s Zcash ETF (ZCSH) approaches $890 million in assets after a $233 million inflow surge, prompting a 3‑for‑1 split plan. The fund’s growth coincides with ZEC’s rally, driving mining competition to record levels. This expansion signals heightened investor interest in privacy coins, potentially boosting overall crypto market liquidity and valuation and price appreciation.
CFTC sends crypto rules to White House to review as Congress stalls on Clarity Act
The CFTC forwards its proposed crypto‑market rules to the White House while Congress stalls on the Clarity Act, signaling regulatory momentum despite legislative gridlock; simultaneously, the SEC launches a framework for tokenized stock trading, expanding permissible digital securities. These parallel moves pressure firms to adapt quickly, likely boosting compliance costs and accelerating institutional participation in the crypto sector.
Bitcoin Blasts Past $80K and a Fresh Short Squeeze Is On
Bitcoin blasts past $80,000, jumping 5.88% in one session and reclaiming 2026‑level highs. Technical charts confirm the surge’s strength yet warn it may be overextended, suggesting a potential pullback. Traders interpret the rally as a fresh short‑squeeze catalyst, driving buying pressure. This momentum could tighten supply, pushing prices higher across the crypto market.
Bitcoin reclaims $80,000, Solana and Hyperliquid rally as crypto markets shrug off Clarity setback
Bitcoin reclaims $80,000, while Solana spikes above $200 and Hyperliquid’s token jumps 30%, as crypto markets shrug off the stalled Clarity Act. Despite the Senate delay, the SEC and CFTC press ahead with rulemaking, signaling tighter oversight. The price surge suggests investors remain bullish, betting regulatory clarity will eventually bolster mainstream adoption.
Bitcoin hits $81K as US bond yields rebound on global oil woes
Bitcoin surges to $81,000 as U.S. 30‑year Treasury yields climb, sparked by renewed concerns over global oil supply disruptions. The yield rebound lifts risk‑off sentiment, prompting investors to shift into Bitcoin’s perceived hedge against inflation. This price jump underscores crypto’s growing sensitivity to macro‑economic indicators, suggesting heightened volatility as bond markets fluctuate.
CFTC submits crypto market regulation plan for White House review
The CFTC has submitted a comprehensive crypto‑market regulatory framework to the White House, aiming to fill the gap after the Senate stalled the CLARITY Act, and it outlines rules on derivatives, custodial services and anti‑money‑laundering compliance. If approved, the plan could tighten oversight, boost institutional confidence and shape the United States’ competitive position in the global digital‑asset industry.
CFTC Kicks Off Crypto Rulemaking, Bypassing a Stalled Congress
The CFTC launches crypto rulemaking by filing a prerule on digital‑asset transactions and markets with the White House, declaring it will craft a derivatives framework using its own authority after the Clarity Act stalled in Congress; this move signals regulators are advancing oversight despite legislative gridlock, potentially tightening compliance requirements and influencing market liquidity.
XRP Surges 6.9% as Bitcoin Rebound Reopens Door to Golden Cross
XRP surges 6.9% as Bitcoin rebounds above $800,000, reigniting hopes for a golden‑cross pattern. Traders note XRP’s price jump alongside Bitcoin’s renewed strength, while chart indicators remain mixed, suggesting volatility. The rally fuels optimism that broader crypto momentum could lift altcoins, potentially driving further price gains across the market in 2024.
Dragonfly’s Qureshi calls for end to Zcash dev fund after 2028
Dragonfly’s Qureshi urges an immediate shutdown of the Zcash development fund now that the ZEC token rally has lifted its treasury above $95 million, arguing the surplus should be returned to holders; critics warn that cutting funding could stall protocol upgrades and privacy research, potentially dampening Zcash’s market momentum and broader ecosystem growth.
HYPE hits record above $90 as Hyperliquid launches manual borrowing
Hyperliquid launches manual borrowing, pushing HYPE to a record $90.92 as users can now borrow stablecoins using HYPE or Bitcoin as collateral. The new feature expands liquidity options, attracting traders seeking leverage without selling assets. Consequently, heightened demand lifts HYPE’s price, signaling broader market appetite for flexible borrowing mechanisms in crypto.
Morning Minute: SEC Approves ‘Innovation Exemption’ Moving Tokenized Stocks Forward
SEC approves an “innovation exemption” that clears a regulatory path for tokenized stocks, accelerating on‑chain securities offerings. The decision arrives hours after S&P Global announced its acquisition of OpenZeppelin, signaling traditional finance’s push into blockchain infrastructure. This synergy boosts investor confidence, likely spurring higher tokenized‑stock volumes and broader market adoption.
Ethereum Institutional signals support for Ethlabs’ motion to reduce Ethereum block times
Ethereum Institutional signals support for Ethlabs’ proposal to shorten block times, noting that rising institutional activity on the smart‑contract network demands faster transaction finality; the nonprofit cites growing demand from funds, custodians and DeFi platforms as justification, and expects the change to improve throughput, lower latency and boost Ethereum’s competitiveness in the broader blockchain market.
Zcash targets November upgrade to make private payments up to three times faster
Zcash plans a November NU7 upgrade that cuts block times to 25 seconds, aiming to make private payments up to three times faster, and earmarks at least 60% of transaction fees to boost mining rewards starting in 2031; the speed boost could attract more users to shielded transactions, while the fee allocation seeks to sustain miner incentives and support network…
Microsoft Staff Asked If AI Scraping Was 'Largest Theft of Labor in Human History'
Microsoft staff are warned that AI data scraping may represent “the largest theft of labor in human history,” prompting internal memos that describe a “doom loop” where stolen content degrades the very models Microsoft builds with OpenAI; the memo warns that compromised data quality could stall model improvements, erode trust and pressure the broader AI industry’s growth.
ECB President Christine Lagarde intervened to block Binance’s EU MiCA license: WSJ
ECB President Christine Lagarde steps in to block Binance’s EU MiCA licence, prompting Greece to pause an application that regulators had already deemed complete, according to the Wall Street Journal. Although the ECB lacks formal MiCA licensing power, her high‑level intervention stalls Binance’s market entry, signalling tighter supervisory scrutiny and potentially delaying broader crypto adoption across Europe.
DHS’s predictive policing is unconstitutional, un-American and should be stopped
Coin Center’s Laz Pieper argues that the DHS’s predictive‑policing program, which flags Americans by analyzing their spending patterns to infer political views, violates constitutional protections and American values, constituting an unlawful financial‑system abuse; the controversy fuels broader debates over privacy, civil liberties and could pressure lawmakers to restrict surveillance‑driven law‑enforcement tools.
CFTC files crypto asset rulemaking with White House, pressing ahead without Congress
The CFTC forwards its crypto‑asset rulemaking to the White House for review, bypassing stalled congressional action and signaling regulatory momentum. By submitting the proposal directly to the executive branch, the agency aims to clarify futures, swaps and derivatives oversight, potentially accelerating market compliance, boosting institutional confidence, and shaping a more defined regulatory landscape for digital assets.
Ava Labs president says NYSE spent a year testing Avalanche technology for tokenization plans
Ava Labs president Jeff Cooper says the New York Stock Exchange, through its ICE parent, spent a year testing Avalanche’s blockchain for tokenization projects, though he does not confirm the exchange has chosen Avalanche. He highlights a close partnership and ongoing collaboration, suggesting the testing phase could accelerate institutional adoption of decentralized finance and influence broader market tokenization strategies.
Ethereum confirms Glamsterdam dates, but warns 'fake' builders could stall the chain
Ethereum announces the Glamsterdam conference dates but warns that “fake” builders can exploit free test‑ether to outbid rivals and withhold transaction payloads, potentially stalling the network; meanwhile client teams receive only half the usual review time before Sepolia’s launch, raising concerns that reduced scrutiny could increase bugs and delay ecosystem upgrades, impacting market confidence.
Stablecoin payments firm dtcpay closes $25 million Series A with SBI Group investment
dtcpay secures a $25 million Series A round led by SBI Group, immediately expanding its stablecoin payment platform, upgrading its product suite and enlarging its merchant network while launching a revamped enterprise business portal; the infusion signals growing institutional confidence in crypto‑backed payments, likely accelerating adoption and boosting valuation across the broader stablecoin ecosystem.
Corporate treasuries bought just 5,900 bitcoin in 3 months. Other demand signals look weak, too.
Corporate treasuries purchase only 5,900 bitcoin over the past three months, signaling muted institutional appetite, and other demand indicators—such as exchange inflows and miner sales—remain weak. The limited buying pressure keeps Bitcoin’s price range‑bound, while analysts warn that without stronger corporate accumulation the market could face continued volatility and subdued upside potential.
Solana speeds up blocks by 17%, but transaction capacity stays the same
Solana reduces its target slot time to 250 milliseconds, a 17 % speed‑up that delivers fresher on‑chain data to applications and shortens validators’ control windows, though the per‑slot transaction capacity remains unchanged. By tightening block intervals without expanding throughput, the upgrade aims to improve latency and responsiveness, potentially boosting developer adoption while keeping network load stable.
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz toll booth ran through a bitcoin exchange, U.S. says
U.S. Treasury sanctions Tehran‑based exchange BitBank for funneling hundreds of millions of dollars in bitcoin to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards and processing toll payments from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s key oil chokepoint. The move highlights growing crypto misuse in sanction evasion, prompting tighter financial scrutiny and potentially dampening illicit digital‑currency flows in the region.
SBI Group backs payments firm dtcpay in $25 million funding round
SBI Group leads a strategic $25 million Series A round for stablecoin payments firm dtcpay, bolstering its expansion in Japan’s crypto‑friendly ecosystem. The funding enables dtcpay to scale cross‑border settlement services, integrate more fiat‑on‑ramp partners, and accelerate product development. As a result, investors anticipate heightened liquidity and broader adoption of stablecoin payments, strengthening the overall market momentum.
Bitcoin cycle bottom may already be in at $58K, says analyst James Check
James Check, an on‑chain analyst, argues Bitcoin likely bottomed around $58,000 after two sharp capitulations, warning traders not to anchor expectations to the October low. He notes that the recent price consolidation, reduced long‑liquidations and improving network metrics suggest the worst may be over. Consequently, the market could see renewed buying pressure and a potential rally.