Daily digests
Crypto Week in Review: August 10, 2026 – August 16, 2026
The week that was, in one read.
40 stories
All crypto news
Prediction market Novig sues Wisconsin AG in latest spat over sports contracts
Novig is suing officials in five states, including Wisconsin, in a dispute over sports contracts. The lawsuit marks the latest development in a series of legal actions taken by the prediction market since August 4. Novig recently partnered with the New York Mets, further expanding its reach in the sports industry, potentially impacting its contracts with other teams and leagues.
The SEC meeting that wasn't: State of Crypto
The SEC meeting that wasn't is unfolding as regulators may pause their efforts to move on crypto regulations, despite the Clarity Act's uncertain progress. This development may impact the crypto market's stability as investors await clarity on regulatory frameworks. The uncertainty surrounding the SEC's actions could lead to price volatility in the coming weeks.
Wallet provider SafePal says data breach exposed personal info of nearly 40,000 customers
SafePal reports a data breach exposing personal info of nearly 40,000 customers, with some users experiencing phishing attempts as early as July. The wallet provider claims to have recently identified the breach's root cause, but the incident raises concerns about user security and trust in crypto services, potentially impacting adoption and investor confidence in the market.
Crypto investors are looking past market-cap rankings and back to fundamentals
Crypto investors are shifting focus from market-cap rankings to fundamentals, industry executives note, judging tokens on usage, economics, and value capture. This trend is driven by growing awareness of tokenomics and the need for practical utility. As a result, investors are reevaluating their portfolios and prioritizing projects with tangible value propositions and strong economic incentives.
Gemini 3.7 Flash Review: Google's Cheap Model Isn’t Dumb Anymore
Google's budget tier Gemini 3.7 Flash model has successfully produced a playable game, a significant improvement from its earlier release that failed to generate a working file. However, it still lacks reasoning capabilities, and a free 27 billion parameter model outperforms it in writing tasks, highlighting the model's limitations and the value of its more expensive counterparts.
Hackers exploited macOS Screen Sharing flaw to install Monero miners, Dutch cyber agency says
Hackers are exploiting a macOS Screen Sharing flaw to install Monero miners, Dutch cyber agency warns. U.S. officials rated the vulnerability a critical 9.8/10 on the CVSS scale, indicating a high risk of exploitation.
MiCA's cleanup is creating a new scam wave across the European Union
MiCA's cleanup is creating a new scam wave across the European Union, with fraudsters impersonating regulators and licensed crypto exchanges to steal funds from users forced to migrate their accounts after the EU's MiCA deadline, which is expected to be met by thousands of users, potentially resulting in significant losses for unsuspecting investors and damage to the industry's reputation.
Crypto wallet SafePal reveals a data breach exposing nearly 40,000 customers' order info
SafePal is currently dealing with a data breach that exposed nearly 40,000 customers' order information. Fortunately, all private keys, seed phrases, and crypto assets remain completely safe. This breach highlights the importance of segregating sensitive and non-sensitive data, underscoring the need for robust security measures in the crypto industry to maintain user trust. Market implications are yet to be seen.
People Are Turning to AI for Mental Health, California Wants It Banned
A California bill is awaiting an Assembly vote to regulate AI chatbots, aiming to prevent them from acting as therapists.
The 'long bitcoin, short the bankers' era is officially over as TradFi giants embrace digital assets
Financial firms are partnering with specialists to build digital asset infrastructure, marking a significant shift as TradFi giants increasingly embrace decentralized finance. This collaboration is blurring lines between traditional and decentralized finance, creating a unified sector.
DefiLlama delayed mobile launch over phishing apps on Apple Store, founder says
DefiLlama's mobile launch is delayed due to phishing apps on the Apple Store, with one fake app already removed after the company documented it draining funds from a small crypto wallet. Apple's swift action is a testament to its security measures.
The stablecoin yield clash that won't go away has banks, crypto battling over tradition
Banks are pushing for people to keep their money in lower-yield deposits, citing the stability of the traditional financial system, which has existed for generations. This stance is gaining traction as they battle with the crypto industry, which offers higher-yield stablecoins, sparking a clash over the future of money management and financial stability implications.
Ethereum devs to narrow 66 proposals tied to Hegotá upgrade
Ethereum developers are currently narrowing down 66 proposals tied to the Hegotá upgrade, which seeks to introduce more native privacy for Ethereum applications. This upgrade aims to enhance user anonymity and security, potentially increasing adoption and usage of decentralized applications on the Ethereum network, ultimately boosting its overall growth and influence.
JPMorgan cut Polymarket’s banking ties in October but still wants a role in a potential IPO: FT
JPMorgan has cut banking ties with Polymarket in October, but still seeks a role in the company's potential IPO, according to the Financial Times. Despite the severed relationship, Polymarket maintains a close, active relationship with JPMorgan, having recently moved its accounts to a new lender, whose identity remains undisclosed, for now, impacting Polymarket's funding and growth prospects.
Bybit adds Unitree, Moonshot AI to pre-IPO perpetuals lineup
Bybit is expanding its TradFi perpetuals lineup to over 200 products, adding Unitree and Moonshot AI to its pre-IPO perpetuals offerings. This move brings the total number of products to 200, spanning equities, ETFs, commodities, indices, and private companies. The additions cater to growing demand for pre-IPO perpetuals, boosting Bybit's market presence.
Harvard leaves bitcoin ETF stake untouched in Q2 after cutting it 43% in the prior quarter
Harvard University holds its bitcoin ETF stake unchanged in Q2 after cutting it 43% in the prior quarter, with 22.9 million IBIT shares remaining. UAE-based Mubadala Investment Company and the Abu Dhabi Investment Council also retain their combined stake, indicating a cautious yet stable approach to bitcoin investment among institutional investors, shaping market sentiment.
Tokenized stock holders more than double as monthly volume surges
Tokenized equities have more than doubled their holders to 1.31 million over the past month, with a significant surge in monthly transfer volume, increasing 179% to $23.13 billion. Distributed value has also risen 5.9% to $2.38 billion, indicating growing interest in tokenized stocks. This trend suggests a growing adoption of digital securities in the market.
Swiss mega-bank UBS ramps up its Bitcoin exposure with a massive 24-fold surge in ETF call options
UBS is significantly increasing its Bitcoin exposure, with a 24-fold surge in ETF call options, indicating a strong bullish stance on the cryptocurrency. Direct holdings of IBIT also rose 12% to 407,890 shares, while put option exposure dropped 53% to 143,300 underlying shares. This suggests a substantial shift in UBS's Bitcoin strategy, potentially influencing market sentiment and investor confidence.
Robot maker Unitree is going public. Hyperliquid traders see 4x upside from IPO price
Unitree, a leading robot maker, is going public with its IPO, sparking intense interest among traders. Hyperliquid traders value the company at nearly $38 billion, a staggering 4x its IPO price of $9 billion, leaving leveraged bets vulnerable when trading begins. This disparity indicates a potential 4x upside for investors, making the IPO a highly anticipated event.
Apple Turns to Alibaba to Help Build AI Model for China
Apple is collaborating with Alibaba to develop an AI model for China, combining its in-house model with Alibaba's Qwen, a cutting-edge AI technology. This partnership will enable Apple to bring Apple Intelligence to Chinese iPhones, potentially expanding its market presence in the country. The move is expected to enhance user experience and increase Apple's competitiveness in the Chinese market.
Paul Tudor Jones’ investment firm increases stake in BlackRock's bitcoin ETF after year of selling
Paul Tudor Jones' investment firm is increasing its stake in BlackRock's bitcoin ETF, a surprising turnaround after a year of selling. The firm's calls fell 85.2% to 148,000 underlying shares, while puts dropped 1.4% to 715,000. This shift suggests growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market, potentially boosting investor sentiment and driving further adoption.
Why the world’s second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in its capital city
The world's second-largest Bitcoin mining power is shutting down rigs in its capital city due to a year-round restriction enacted by the Energy Ministry to mitigate power capacity shortages caused by energy-intensive mining facilities straining regional grids, with approximately 90% of the country's mining capacity affected, leading to a significant decline in the local mining industry.
Trump, CFTC Chair Selig expected at Wednesday White House meeting with crypto and prediction market executives
Trump and CFTC Chair Selig are expected to attend a White House meeting with crypto and prediction market executives on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET, marking a kickoff for the CFTC's first Innovation Advisory Committee meeting the next day. This meeting aims to explore regulatory frameworks for emerging markets, potentially paving the way for increased industry cooperation and oversight.
Meta Patents Cameras That Recognize Faces and Log Your Actions
Meta is filing patents for facial recognition technology that logs users' actions without explicit consent, turning raw footage into labeled clips of who did what. This technology would analyze and categorize user interactions, raising concerns about data privacy and surveillance. The implications are significant, potentially altering the way online interactions are monitored and tracked.
The $11.2 billion in 2026 funding that killed crypto’s permissionless era
Regulated firms are receiving massive funding, with a total of $11.2 billion invested in the first half of 2026, marking a significant shift in the crypto landscape. Key players like BlackRock and Goldman are partnering with Persian Gulf sovereigns to support regulated entities, effectively ending crypto's permissionless era, as traditional finance seeps into the space.
Clarity survives (barely), Strategy sells and the untold story of Mastercard's $1.8 billion deal: Crypto's week in 5 stories
Washington narrowly keeps crypto's biggest legislative hope alive, the Clarity Act, amidst ongoing debates. Meanwhile, Wall Street pushes deeper into digital assets with Mastercard's $1.8 billion deal. A security scare sends billions of dollars of bitcoin moving between wallets, highlighting the industry's vulnerability. Market sentiment remains cautious amidst these developments.
Bitcoin to $1M by 2030 is ‘mathematically impossible’ says Markus Thielen
Markus Thielen claims that achieving a $1 million Bitcoin price by 2030 is mathematically impossible due to the trillions of dollars required to boost its value. He suggests that even with a 10% annual growth rate, it would take over 100 years to reach such a price, making it a highly unlikely scenario.
Bitcoin could bottom in October, altcoins are ‘basically dead,’ Swan CEO says
Klippsten predicts Bitcoin could bottom around October, roughly a year after its previous peak, potentially stabilizing the market. He believes crypto's best outcome is to integrate with traditional finance, a notion that could alleviate investor concerns. This perspective may influence investor strategies, as a potential bottom in Bitcoin could stabilize the broader cryptocurrency market.
Trump-Linked World Liberty Gets Conditional Bank Charter for USD1 Stablecoin
The proposed World Liberty Trust Company, linked to former US President Donald Trump, receives a conditional bank charter for issuing the USD1 stablecoin, a move that could potentially replace BitGo as the issuer. The charter is conditional on meeting regulatory requirements, a process expected to take several months. This development may increase competition in the stablecoin market.
Wall Street's private blockchain obsession is a 'race to the bottom,' Ethereum advocate Raman warns
Ethereum advocate Raman cautions that Wall Street's private blockchain obsession is a 'race to the bottom', warning that centrally controlled, permission-only networks lack transparency and openness, hindering the full potential of blockchain technology. This approach may stifle innovation and limit the benefits of blockchain, a crucial consideration for the industry's future growth and adoption.
Kalshi ordered to stop broad range of prediction markets in Washington
Kalshi is ordered to stop a broad range of prediction markets in Washington, with initial geofencing required by August 19 and a GeoComply multi-source geofencing system by September 2. Kalshi must comply with these regulations to continue operating in the state.
Galaxy lowers CLARITY Act odds to 10%
Galaxy lowers CLARITY Act odds to 10% citing unresolved ethics, stablecoin yield, and developer protection issues, along with a narrow Senate window when lawmakers return in September. This reduced likelihood of passage may impact the broader crypto regulatory landscape, potentially delaying or altering future legislation, and affecting investor sentiment and market stability.
Trump expected to attend White House meeting with crypto CEOs, sources say
President Donald Trump is expected to attend a White House meeting with CEOs from the crypto, prediction markets, and AI industries next week, according to sources. The meeting is anticipated to bring together leaders from various sectors, potentially sparking discussions on regulatory frameworks and future industry collaborations, which could have significant implications for the rapidly evolving crypto market landscape.
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.