🏦 Google AI, interest rate cuts, & data breach clarity

Happy hump day! It’s also Fed-rate decision day for Canada and the United States! Without further ado, let’s jump right into the news.

Latest News 

Google Researchers Warn of AI-Controlled Economies

Google scientists have raised concerns that artificial intelligence could soon run autonomous “AI economies,” where machine agents independently transact, trade, and accumulate resources. While potentially efficient, they warn such systems could spiral beyond human oversight, creating unpredictable financial and societal risks. Read more →

Eric Trump Pushes Back on UAE-Binance Deal Concerns

Eric Trump dismissed allegations of conflicts of interest over a $2 billion UAE investment in Binance tied to the Trump-backed stablecoin World Liberty, alongside a separate U.S. deal granting the UAE access to advanced AI chips. While Trump insisted his family has not profited from the presidency and framed their crypto ventures as a response to being “debanked,” critics argue the back-to-back deals test ethical boundaries despite denials from both the White House and World Liberty. Read more →

VivoPower Pursues Aggressive XRP Treasury Strategy Through Mining Swaps and Equity Deals

VivoPower’s mining unit Caret Digital announced it will convert mined tokens into XRP at what it claims is an effective 65% discount, though the firm did not disclose the scale of planned acquisitions. Backed by Saudi investors and former Ripple leadership, the company is layering token swaps, Ripple equity purchases, and yield programs to build exposure, while also extending its ecosystem ties through EV payments in RLUSD and institutional lending partnerships. Read more →

Dogecoin Treasury Firm CleanCore Sees Stock Swing After Boosting Holdings to 600M DOGE

CleanCore shares briefly jumped before falling into negative territory after the Nebraska-based company added 100 million Dogecoin, bringing its total treasury to over 600 million DOGE worth $161 million. Backed by ties to the Dogecoin Foundation and chaired by Elon Musk’s lawyer, the firm aims to accumulate 1 billion DOGE in its first month and ultimately capture 5% of the coin’s circulating supply, even as its stock lags behind Dogecoin’s recent price surge. Read more →

Santander’s Openbank Opens Crypto Trading for Retail Clients

Santander-owned Openbank has launched crypto trading for everyday users, marking a significant step in mainstream banking adoption of digital assets. The move positions the bank to compete with fintechs offering direct access to cryptocurrencies. Read more →

Pump.fun’s PUMP Token Quadruples in Seven Weeks Amid Buybacks and Revenue Surge

After crashing nearly 70% post-ICO in July, Pump.fun’s PUMP token has staged a stunning 4x comeback, fueled by token buybacks, creator rewards, and renewed momentum on its Solana-based launchpad. Read more →

GD Culture’s Pallas Capital Deal Adds $877M Bitcoin Reserve, Boosts Per-Share Value

GD Culture Group announced that its acquisition of Pallas Capital will bring in 7,500 Bitcoin worth roughly $877 million, translating to an implied $22.37 in BTC value for each newly issued share. CEO Xiaojian Wang said the deal positions the firm among the top 15 public companies with the largest Bitcoin treasuries, strengthening its balance sheet and setting the stage for further blockchain and DeFi initiatives. Read more →

House Moves to Fold CBDC Ban Into Market Structure Bill

The U.S. House is weighing whether to attach the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act to its Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, potentially fast-tracking a prohibition on a Federal Reserve–issued central bank digital currency. While the merged bill could streamline passage in the House, its impact on the Senate remains uncertain, where lawmakers are advancing their own version of crypto market structure legislation with competing priorities from both parties. Read more →

Tuttle Capital Files for Bonk, Litecoin, and SUI “Income Blast” ETFs

Tuttle Capital Management has submitted a post-effective amendment registering three new ETFs: the Bonk Income Blast ETF, Litecoin Income Blast ETF, and SUI Income Blast ETF, all to be listed on Cboe BZX Exchange. Each fund will pair long exposure to its respective crypto asset with options strategies designed to generate additional income, carrying a 0.99% management fee. Read more →

Chiliz Buys Two-Time Dota 2 Champions OG Esports

Fan token platform Chiliz has acquired OG Esports, the organization behind two Dota 2 world championship titles, as part of its expansion into owning and operating major esports brands. The deal builds on Chiliz’s push to integrate blockchain into sports and entertainment, giving it direct control over a globally recognized team. Read more →

Ark Invest Adds $8.3M in Bullish Shares Despite Post-IPO Slump

Cathie Wood’s Ark Invest disclosed $8.27 million in fresh Bullish purchases across its ARK Innovation and ARK Next Generation Internet ETFs, expanding on the $172 million stake it took during the exchange’s $1.1 billion IPO last month. While Bullish stock remains down over 24% since its debut, analysts at Bernstein predict it could become the second-largest institutional crypto exchange after Coinbase, pending U.S. expansion in 2026. Read more →

TaskUs Employees Accused of $500K Bribery Scheme in Coinbase Data Breach

A new court filing in New York alleges that TaskUs employees took bribes worth more than $500,000 to leak Coinbase customer data, with one worker, Ashita Mishra, accused of storing personal records of over 10,000 users on her phone. Plaintiffs claim insiders were paid $200 per photo to capture sensitive details like names, bank accounts, and transaction logs, with Coinbase delaying disclosure until months after criminals had already stolen up to $400 million in assets. Read more →

Upbit Lists TOSHI With KRW and USDT Trading Pairs

South Korea’s largest exchange Upbit has added trading support for memecoin TOSHI against both KRW and USDT, with deposits and withdrawals available on the Base network starting September 17. Launched as a community-led mascot for the Base ecosystem, TOSHI now includes governance via Meow DAO, NFT collections, and services such as Toshi Mart, positioning it as more than just a meme token. Read more →

Bitcoin ETFs Record Strongest Inflows Since July

U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETFs saw their largest weekly inflows since July, driving holdings to a new all-time high. The renewed investor demand highlights optimism ahead of regulatory decisions and broader institutional adoption. Read more →

SEC Delays Truth Social Bitcoin ETF and Other Funds

The SEC has postponed decisions on several crypto investment products, including Trump’s Truth Social Bitcoin ETF and Grayscale’s Solana Trust. The delays come as Congress advances new crypto market structure legislation, leaving fund approvals uncertain. Read more →

JuCoin’s JU Token Plunges Nearly 68% Amid Market Shock

JuCoin’s exchange token JU crashed 67.9% in minutes, dropping from $23.86 to $7.66 before stabilizing. The platform assured users that operations and funds remain secure, with all services continuing as normal despite the sharp sell-off. Read more →

JU Token Price Chart

Saudi Awwal Bank Partners With Chainlink to Advance On-Chain Finance

Saudi Arabia’s Awwal Bank has signed an agreement with Chainlink to leverage its Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) and runtime environment for developing local blockchain applications. The collaboration aims to accelerate adoption of on-chain finance in the kingdom, positioning Chainlink as a key infrastructure provider in the region’s digital transformation. Read more →

Bitcoin ETFs Extend Inflow Streak as Ethereum Funds See $62M Outflow

Bitcoin spot ETFs posted $292 million in net inflows on September 16, their seventh straight day of gains, highlighting sustained institutional demand. In contrast, Ethereum spot ETFs saw $61.7 million in net outflows, with Bitwise’s ETHW the only product attracting fresh capital.

Denver Pastor and Wife Ordered to Repay $3.4M in Church-Linked Crypto Fraud

A Colorado court ruled that Pastor Eli Regalado and his wife defrauded more than 500 investors through their church-backed INDXcoin token, which they claimed was guided by prayer but was ultimately deemed worthless. The couple must repay $3.39 million and face a 20-year securities ban, while a parallel criminal case with 40 felony counts could bring prison time if convicted. Read more →

Ethereum Treasury Firm The Ether Machine Files SEC Paperwork for Public Listing

The Ether Machine has filed a draft Form S-4 with the SEC as part of its planned merger with Nasdaq-listed SPAC Dynamix Corporation, a deal expected to close in Q4 pending shareholder approval. The firm recently boosted its treasury to nearly 500,000 ETH, making it the third-largest corporate Ethereum holder, and says going public will accelerate its long-term growth strategy. Read more →

How Google’s Gemini AI Can Support Crypto Day Traders

A CoinTelegraph guide explains how Gemini AI can act as a smart assistant for day traders, helping to manage watchlists, filter catalysts, and map support/resistance levels while enforcing risk management rules. Rather than executing trades, the AI is best used to summarize order flow, structure data into dashboards, and generate scenario planning, allowing traders to cut through noise and focus on high-quality setups. Read more →

Quantexa Launches AML Platform to Help Small Banks Manage Stablecoin Risks

London-based analytics firm Quantexa unveiled Cloud AML, a Microsoft-powered compliance tool designed to help U.S. mid-size and community banks combat crypto-related financial crime. The platform aims to cut false positives and ease regulatory strain as stablecoins move into mainstream payments, with Quantexa noting that most smaller banks are focused on monitoring inflows and outflows rather than monetizing digital asset activity. Read more →

Movement Project to Migrate From Sidechain to Standalone Layer 1

Move Industries announced plans to transition its Movement blockchain from a sidechain to a dedicated Layer 1 by late 2025, aiming for 10,000 TPS and sub-second latency while introducing native staking and “Move 2.0” smart contract upgrades. The shift follows a leadership shake-up after a market-making scandal earlier this year, with the project now showing rising momentum as TVL surpasses $200 million and DEX volumes more than tripled in August. Read more →

Coinbase Presses DOJ for Federal Preemption of State Crypto Laws

Coinbase has asked the U.S. Department of Justice to establish uniform federal oversight of digital assets, arguing that conflicting state-level enforcement is harming innovation and consumer protection. Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal pointed to Oregon’s securities lawsuit against the exchange—filed after the SEC dropped its own case—as proof of a broken system, urging Congress to adopt preemption measures through pending bills like the CLARITY Act and the Responsible Financial Innovation Act. Read more →

UK FCA Plans Tailored Rulebook for Crypto Providers

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority said it will exempt crypto firms from some traditional financial rules as it integrates the sector into its regulatory framework in 2025. While dropping requirements such as cooling-off periods and certain governance standards, the FCA intends to impose stricter controls on operational risks like cyberattacks, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection. Read more →

Mantle Upgrades to OP Succinct, Becoming World’s Largest ZK Rollup

Mantle has migrated to OP Succinct on mainnet, combining Optimism’s OP Stack with Succinct’s zkVM to create the largest zero-knowledge rollup by total value locked. The upgrade promises lower costs, faster proofs, and enhanced interoperability across Ethereum’s modular ecosystem. Read more →

Three Drivers Poised to Fuel Next Altcoin Rally

Analysts point to three catalysts for a potential altcoin surge: renewed institutional flows into Bitcoin ETFs, improving macroeconomic signals, and Ethereum ecosystem upgrades that could spill over into broader market confidence. Together, these factors may provide conditions for a new wave of altcoin gains after months of consolidation.
Read more →

Metaplanet Establishes Miami Subsidiary to Pursue Bitcoin Derivatives

Tokyo-listed Metaplanet has set up a U.S. subsidiary in Miami to expand into Bitcoin derivatives trading as part of its treasury diversification strategy. The move signals growing institutional experimentation with advanced Bitcoin financial products outside Japan. Read more →

Quarter of Public Bitcoin Treasury Firms Trade Below Value of Holdings

Roughly 25% of publicly listed companies holding Bitcoin are valued by the market at less than the worth of their BTC reserves alone, according to The Block. The discrepancy underscores skepticism around business models tied to crypto treasuries despite Bitcoin’s recent inflows and price strength. Read more →

Binance Launches BARD Token Through Retroactive HODLer Airdrop

Binance introduced Lombard (BARD) as its latest HODLer Airdrop, rewarding users who previously subscribed to BNB Simple Earn products. Eligible participants will receive retroactive BARD distributions without needing to take additional action. Read more →

Deribit Adds USDC-Settled BTC and ETH Options

Crypto derivatives exchange Deribit has launched options for Bitcoin and Ethereum settled in USDC, offering traders a stablecoin-based alternative to USD settlement. The platform also introduced a reward feature, allowing USDC holders to earn monthly yields of around 4%, though support is currently limited to ERC-20 USDC. Read more →

Crypto Startups Raise $869M in a Week, Led by Figure’s IPO

Nine crypto firms secured $869 million in funding last week, pushing total 2025 raises to nearly $16 billion—already $6 billion ahead of 2024’s full-year tally. The biggest deal came from stablecoin issuer Figure, which raised $787.5 million in a U.S. IPO, followed by a $50 million private placement for Gemini ahead of its Nasdaq listing and a $26.5 million seed round for Inversion Labs. Read more →=

Forward Industries Launches $4B At-the-Market Offering to Fuel Solana Strategy

Forward Industries filed a $4 billion at-the-market equity program with the SEC to raise capital for its Solana treasury initiative. The company, which has already acquired over 6.8 million SOL, said proceeds will support scaling its token holdings, balance sheet growth, and long-term expansion efforts. Read more →

U.S. Sanctions Iranians Over $100M Crypto-Backed Oil Sales

The Treasury’s OFAC sanctioned a network of Iranian nationals accused of using crypto to facilitate over $100 million in illicit oil sales. The scheme allegedly routed funds through digital assets to bypass sanctions, underscoring Washington’s focus on crypto’s role in geopolitical finance. Read more →

China’s Former Internet Czar Highlights Risks of Over-Centralized AI

Wu Blockchain reports that Lu Wei, China’s once-powerful internet regulator, warned that highly centralized AI systems could create systemic risks for finance and governance. His remarks reflect Beijing’s ongoing effort to balance AI innovation with security and regulatory oversight. Read more →

Bullish Secures New York BitLicense, Clearing Path to U.S. Expansion

Crypto exchange Bullish obtained a coveted New York BitLicense, allowing it to operate fully in the U.S. market. The approval marks a milestone in the firm’s global growth strategy and follows recent investments from Ark Invest and other institutional players.
Read more →

FCA Opens Crypto Consultation as Trump Visits UK

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority launched a consultation on crypto regulation, coinciding with President Trump’s state visit. The timing underscores pressure on Britain to adopt a more competitive stance as the U.S. advances pro-crypto policies under the current administration. Read more →

Cointelegraph Adopts “Skeptical Advocacy” in New Editorial Direction

Cointelegraph announced a shift in its editorial stance, pledging to both champion the transformative potential of crypto and scrutinize the bad actors undermining it. Under the banner of “skeptical advocacy,” the outlet says it will highlight projects aligned with values like decentralization, privacy, and digital ownership, while continuing to expose scams, conflicts of interest, and exploitative tokenomics. Read more →

Vitalik Outlines Ethereum Roadmap in Japan: Scaling Now, Simplicity Later

At the Japan Dev Conference, Vitalik Buterin presented Ethereum’s roadmap, highlighting short-term plans to boost scalability and raise L1 gas limits. Mid-term goals include seamless cross-L2 interoperability, while the long-term vision centers on a secure, minimalist Ethereum that is quantum-resistant and formally verified.

SBI Shinsei Bank Partners With Partior and DeCurret on Tokenized Deposits

Japan’s SBI Shinsei Bank signed an MoU with Singapore’s Partior and Japan’s DeCurret to pilot multicurrency tokenized deposits for cross-border payments. The collaboration will link DeCurret’s DCJPY system with Partior’s global settlement platform, aiming to deliver 24/7 real-time clearing in yen and other major currencies. Read more →

Maple Finance Grows Into $4B On-Chain Asset Manager

Maple Finance has become the largest decentralized asset manager with over $4 billion in active loans, outpacing competitors in the DeFi credit sector. The growth reflects strong institutional demand for tokenized debt products, positioning Maple as a central player in the emerging on-chain capital markets. Read more →

CME Group to Launch Options on Solana and XRP Futures

CME Group announced plans to introduce options contracts tied to Solana and XRP futures starting October 28, pending regulatory approval. The move expands CME’s crypto derivatives suite, signaling rising institutional interest beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Read more →

21Shares Expands to 50 Crypto ETPs in Europe With New AI and Raydium Products

Swiss issuer 21Shares launched two new exchange-traded products: one tied to AI-focused tokens and another to Solana-based DeFi protocol Raydium, bringing its European lineup to 50. The expansion underscores investor appetite for diversified crypto exposure across both thematic and ecosystem-specific plays. Read more →

Nigerian Man Sentenced for $8M Romance Scam Involving Crypto Laundering

A Nigerian national was sentenced to prison for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded victims of $8 million, laundering proceeds through crypto to obscure transactions. The case highlights the continued use of digital assets in global cyber-enabled fraud. Read more →

Elizabeth Warren Probes Trump’s AI-Crypto Czar Over Ethics Breach

Senator Elizabeth Warren launched an investigation into whether Trump’s AI and crypto policy chief violated federal ethics rules by maintaining business ties while shaping industry policy. The probe raises concerns over conflicts of interest as the administration pushes forward with pro-crypto and AI legislation. Read more →

Arthur Hayes’ Maelstrom Fund Backs $12M Round for Bio Protocol

Arthur Hayes’ Maelstrom Capital co-led a $12 million investment in Bio Protocol, a project developing decentralized biotech funding mechanisms. The round underscores growing crossover between DeFi infrastructure and life sciences innovation. Read more →

Fed Cuts Rates by 0.25%, Signals More Easing Amid Weak Job Growth

The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by a quarter point—the first cut in nine months—and indicated that two more reductions could follow this year as labor-market weakness overtakes inflation concerns. While a narrow majority of officials back continued easing, dissent within the board and political pressure from President Trump highlight growing divisions over how aggressively to respond to slowing payroll gains and rising unemployment. Read more →

Bank of Canada Cuts Rates to 2.5%, Signals Readiness for Further Easing

The Bank of Canada lowered its key rate by 25 basis points to 2.5%, the lowest level in three years, citing a weakening job market and fading inflation risks. Governor Tiff Macklem said the unanimous decision reflects mounting pressure from U.S. tariffs and a contracting economy, adding that the central bank is prepared to cut further if risks intensify. Read more →

NY Regulator Urges Banks to Use Blockchain Analytics to Combat Crime

The New York Department of Financial Services called on banks to integrate blockchain analytics tools into their compliance systems, warning that illicit activity in digital assets poses rising risks. The guidance pushes traditional institutions to adopt crypto-native monitoring technology alongside existing AML frameworks. Read more →

MoneyGram Makes Stablecoins the Core of Its Next-Gen App

MoneyGram has launched a new mobile app in Colombia that uses USDC on Stellar, enabling customers to receive and hold remittances in dollar-backed stablecoins. The rollout, supported by wallet provider Crossmint, positions stablecoins as the foundation of MoneyGram’s digital future amid Latin America’s volatile currencies. Read more →

Bit Digital CEO Says Bitcoin Mining Industry Not Dying Post-Halving

In a Cointelegraph Magazine feature, Bit Digital CEO Sam Tabar argued that despite rising energy costs and lower block rewards, Bitcoin mining remains sustainable and increasingly attractive to institutional players. He pointed to improved efficiency, new revenue streams like grid balancing, and global diversification as signs the industry is adapting. Read more →

Botanix Launches Yield-Bearing Bitcoin Standard

DeFi project Botanix unveiled a new Bitcoin-backed standard designed to generate yield while maintaining BTC’s security properties. The initiative aims to unlock DeFi-style opportunities for Bitcoin holders without requiring full trust in centralized intermediaries. Read more →

CME Group to List Options on Solana and XRP Futures

CME Group will introduce options contracts for Solana and XRP futures on October 28, pending approval, expanding its crypto derivatives lineup beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. The move reflects increasing institutional demand for altcoin exposure. Read more →

Wormhole Launches W Token Reserve Backed by Protocol Revenues

Interoperability protocol Wormhole announced a strategic W token reserve funded by on- and off-chain revenue streams. The initiative is designed to strengthen Wormhole’s long-term tokenomics and provide sustainable support for its cross-chain ecosystem.
Read more →

Study Finds $40M in Arbitrage Profits From Polymarket Mispricings

An academic paper analyzing Polymarket data from April 2024 to April 2025 found thousands of mispricings where “Yes” and “No” contracts didn’t sum to $1 or related markets diverged, enabling risk-free arbitrage. Researchers estimate more than $40 million has been extracted by traders exploiting these inefficiencies, underscoring that prediction markets, while useful, can temporarily deviate sharply from probabilistic accuracy. Read more →

Compound DAO Rejects $13M Governance Power Recall

Compound DAO voted down a proposal to claw back $13 million worth of COMP tokens delegated for voting power. The rejection underscores the ongoing debate over governance centralization and the risks of large token holders dominating DeFi protocols. Read more →

Kalshi Partners With Solana and Base to Expand On-Chain Prediction Markets

Event contracts platform Kalshi announced integrations with Solana and Base, aiming to grow its footprint in decentralized prediction markets as it closes the gap with rival Polymarket. The partnerships will allow users to settle trades faster and more cheaply across multiple blockchains. Read more →

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