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The BIP-110 Bitcoin branch has stalled after producing just two blocks, with miners overwhelmingly continuing to extend the main chain and leaving the fork&#8217;s future in serious doubt.

A proposed alternative branch of the Bitcoin blockchain tied to BIP-110 has ground to a halt after producing just two blocks, with the overwhelming majority of miners continuing to extend the main chain rather than switching to the new fork. The gap between the two chains has grown steadily wider, casting serious doubt on whether the BIP-110 branch can gain any meaningful traction.The stall highlights a recurring challenge in Bitcoin's governance landscape: even when a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal reaches the stage of producing blocks, it means little without sustained hash power behind it. In this case, miners appear to have largely ignored the fork, leaving it stranded at its earliest stages.<h2>What Is BIP-110 and Why Does It Matter?</h2><a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin/">Bitcoin</a> Improvement Proposals, or BIPs, are the formal mechanism through which developers suggest changes to the Bitcoin protocol. BIP-110 represents one such attempt to alter how the network operates, and its proponents had hoped that mining activity would signal broader community support for the changes it introduces. However, the near-total absence of miner participation has effectively left the branch isolated.When a fork of this kind fails to attract hash power, it cannot grow at a pace comparable to the main chain. Over time, the divergence becomes so large that the alternative branch is rendered practically irrelevant. That appears to be the trajectory for the BIP-110 branch at this point, with the gap between it and the primary Bitcoin chain continuing to widen with each passing block on the main network.<h2>Miners Decline to Follow the New Branch</h2>Mining pools and independent miners have shown little appetite for directing their computational resources toward the BIP-110 chain. Only two blocks were produced on the branch before activity ceased, suggesting that whatever initial interest existed evaporated almost immediately. Without a critical mass of hash rate, the branch cannot realistically compete with the established chain, which benefits from years of accumulated security and infrastructure investment.This outcome is consistent with how contentious or low-support forks have historically played out in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Miners tend to follow economic incentives, and a branch with minimal adoption offers little reward compared to the well-established main chain. Unless a fork can demonstrate broad support from miners, exchanges, wallet providers and users simultaneously, it faces an uphill battle from the moment it diverges.As <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-bip-110-branch-stalls-miner-support?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cointelegraph's coverage of the BIP-110 branch stall</a> notes, the widening gap between the fork and the main chain underscores just how quickly an unsupported branch can fall behind.<h2>The Broader Context of Bitcoin Forks</h2>Bitcoin has a long history of proposed and executed forks, ranging from widely adopted upgrades like Segregated Witness and Taproot to contentious splits that produced entirely separate cryptocurrencies. The lesson drawn from many of these episodes is that technical merit alone is rarely sufficient to drive adoption. Coordination among miners, developers, businesses and end users is essential for any protocol change to succeed.BIP-110's stall does not necessarily mean the ideas behind it are permanently off the table. Proposals that fail to gain traction in one form sometimes resurface in modified versions, or their core concepts are absorbed into other improvement proposals that eventually achieve consensus. However, in its current state, the branch appears to have little path forward without a significant and unlikely reversal in miner sentiment.<h2>What Happens Next</h2>For the BIP-110 branch to recover, it would need a substantial portion of Bitcoin's total hash rate to redirect toward it — an outcome that seems increasingly unlikely given the current trajectory. Each new block added to the main chain makes the fork's position more precarious, as the cumulative proof-of-work advantage held by the primary network grows larger.Observers will be watching to see whether the proposal's supporters attempt to rally additional backing or whether the branch is quietly abandoned. In either case, the episode serves as a reminder of how difficult it is to effect change on a decentralized network where no single party holds authority over the direction of the protocol. The fate of BIP-110 will likely be studied alongside other stalled forks as an example of the coordination challenges inherent in open-source blockchain governance.

BIP-110 Bitcoin Branch Stalls at Two Blocks as Miner Support Fails to Materialize

US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded their strongest week of net inflows since April, surpassing $1 billion and signaling renewed investor interest in regulated Bitcoin investment products.

US-listed spot <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin/">Bitcoin</a> exchange-traded funds have recorded their strongest week of net inflows since April, pulling in more than $1 billion over a single trading week. The milestone marks a notable shift in institutional and retail appetite for regulated Bitcoin investment products after a period of more subdued activity.The surge in demand comes as broader market sentiment around digital assets has shown signs of recovery, with investors returning to Bitcoin-linked products at a pace not seen in several months. The latest weekly figures place this performance among the strongest since the products launched in the United States earlier this year.<h2>What the Inflow Numbers Reveal</h2>According to data covered by multiple industry outlets, the combined net inflows across US spot Bitcoin ETFs topped the $1 billion mark for the week, representing the highest weekly total since April. The figures reflect a meaningful rebound from weeks that saw either modest inflows or outright outflows from the same group of funds.The strong performance suggests that investor confidence in Bitcoin as an asset class accessible through traditional brokerage accounts remains intact. Spot Bitcoin ETFs allow market participants to gain exposure to Bitcoin's price movements without directly holding the underlying cryptocurrency, making them an attractive option for a wide range of investors.As <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-bitcoin-etfs-best-weekly-inflows-april-coldcard-hack?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">reported by Cointelegraph</a>, the weekly inflow total stands out as a significant data point in the ongoing story of Bitcoin ETF adoption in the United States, underscoring renewed interest from investors who had previously stepped back from the market.<h2>Context: A Quieter Period Followed the April Peak</h2>The April period had previously represented a high-water mark for weekly inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs. In the months that followed, inflow activity cooled considerably, with some weeks recording net outflows as market participants adopted a more cautious stance amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty and fluctuating crypto prices.The return to April-level inflows signals that at least some of that caution has eased. Analysts and market observers have pointed to a combination of factors that may be contributing to renewed interest, including stabilizing price action in Bitcoin and a generally more constructive tone in financial markets.Decrypt's Morning Minute newsletter also highlighted the development, noting that the inflows represented the largest seen since May, depending on the precise measurement window used. Regardless of the exact reference point, the consensus across sources is clear: the most recent week marked a meaningful acceleration in capital moving into these products.<h2>Why This Development Matters for the Market</h2>The scale of weekly inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs is closely watched by market participants as a proxy for institutional sentiment. Large positive inflow weeks are generally interpreted as a sign that professional and retail investors alike are increasing their exposure to Bitcoin through regulated channels.Since their US launch, spot Bitcoin ETFs have collectively attracted tens of billions of dollars in assets under management, establishing themselves as one of the most successful ETF launches in recent history. Sustained inflow momentum is seen as supportive of Bitcoin's price over the medium term, as fund managers must purchase the underlying asset to back new shares issued to investors.The $1 billion weekly inflow figure also carries symbolic weight. It demonstrates that demand for these products has not faded despite the passage of time since their initial launch, when novelty-driven interest was at its peak. The ability to attract fresh capital months after launch points to a broadening investor base rather than a one-time wave of early adopters.<h2>What Comes Next</h2>Market observers will be watching closely to see whether the strong inflow week represents the beginning of a sustained trend or a short-term spike driven by specific market conditions. Factors including Bitcoin's price trajectory, macroeconomic developments such as interest rate decisions, and the broader regulatory environment for digital assets in the United States are all likely to influence future flows.The performance of individual ETF issuers will also be a point of focus, as competition among providers for investor assets remains intense. Fee structures, liquidity, and brand recognition continue to play a role in determining which funds attract the largest share of new capital.For now, the return to billion-dollar weekly inflows stands as one of the more encouraging data points for the Bitcoin ETF market in recent months, reflecting a renewed willingness among investors to allocate capital to the asset class through these regulated vehicles.

US Spot Bitcoin ETFs Record Best Weekly Inflows Since April, Surpassing $1 Billion

Bitcoin held above $65,000 on August 10, 2026, as the U.S. Senate delayed a vote on the CLARITY Act to the fall, leaving digital asset regulation unresolved and XRP at a crossroads.

Bitcoin continued to trade above the $65,000 mark on August 10, 2026, demonstrating resilience in the face of fresh legislative uncertainty after the U.S. Senate opted to defer a vote on the CLARITY Act until the fall session. The decision left the broader crypto market in a holding pattern, with traders and industry observers watching closely for any signals on the regulatory path ahead.The CLARITY Act, which has been positioned as a landmark piece of legislation aimed at establishing a clearer framework for digital asset classification in the United States, had been anticipated as a potential catalyst for the market. Its postponement, however, did not immediately derail bullish momentum for <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin/">Bitcoin</a>, which remained elevated as investors appeared to price in a longer but still plausible timeline for regulatory clarity.<h2>Senate Punts on Landmark Crypto Legislation</h2>The Senate's decision to push the CLARITY Act to the fall has drawn significant attention from across the digital assets industry. The bill has been widely discussed as one of the more comprehensive attempts by U.S. lawmakers to define when a digital asset should be treated as a commodity versus a security — a distinction that has long been at the center of regulatory disputes involving major cryptocurrencies.According to <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/10/live-updates-btc-above-usd65-000-even-as-the-senate-punts-the-clarity-act-to-the-fall" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">live market coverage from CoinDesk</a>, Bitcoin maintained its position above $65,000 even as the legislative news broke, suggesting that market participants had either anticipated the delay or were willing to look past near-term political setbacks.The postponement means that the crypto industry will need to wait several more months before any formal legislative resolution is reached. For many projects and exchanges operating in the U.S., that uncertainty continues to complicate compliance planning and product development decisions.<h2>XRP Faces Uncertainty at a Critical Juncture</h2>Among the assets most closely tied to the outcome of the CLARITY Act is XRP. The token, issued by Ripple, has long occupied an ambiguous regulatory position in the United States following years of legal proceedings. With the Senate delaying the bill, XRP finds itself at a crossroads, as the legislation could have provided a clearer legal standing for the asset and others like it.Reports indicate that XRP's price trajectory has become increasingly sensitive to regulatory developments in Washington. The absence of a definitive legislative outcome leaves the token's longer-term market positioning dependent on either court decisions or future congressional action — neither of which carries a guaranteed timeline.The situation underscores a broader challenge facing the U.S. crypto sector: while market prices for leading assets like Bitcoin have shown an ability to absorb regulatory delays, mid-tier tokens with unresolved legal questions remain more exposed to policy-driven volatility.<h2>Why the CLARITY Act Delay Matters for the Industry</h2>The CLARITY Act has been framed by its supporters as a necessary step toward ending the regulatory ambiguity that has historically driven crypto businesses to set up operations outside the United States. By clearly delineating the roles of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission over different classes of digital assets, the bill was expected to reduce the risk of enforcement actions that have rattled the industry in recent years.With the vote now pushed to the fall, the window for passing the legislation before the end of the current congressional calendar has narrowed. Lawmakers will need to balance the CLARITY Act against a crowded legislative agenda when they return from recess, and there is no guarantee the bill will reach the Senate floor without further amendments or procedural hurdles.Industry groups and crypto advocacy organizations are expected to use the intervening months to lobby for the bill's passage, while opponents may use the same period to push for stricter provisions or alternative frameworks.<h2>Market Outlook Amid Regulatory Uncertainty</h2>Despite the legislative setback, Bitcoin's ability to sustain levels above $65,000 has been interpreted by some analysts as a sign of underlying market confidence. The broader <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> landscape in the U.S. remains fluid, but the continued strength of leading digital assets suggests that institutional and retail demand has not materially weakened in response to the delay.Whether that resilience holds through the fall will likely depend on a combination of macroeconomic factors, the pace of legislative progress, and any new developments in ongoing regulatory proceedings. For now, the market appears to be in a watchful but relatively stable state as Washington prepares to revisit one of the most consequential crypto bills in recent memory.

Bitcoin Holds Above $65,000 as Senate Delays CLARITY Act Vote to Fall

Trump Media has scrapped a planned CRO token treasury deal with Crypto.com and is reportedly pulling back from multiple cryptocurrency arrangements it had been exploring in recent months.

Trump Media &amp; Technology Group has walked away from a planned treasury arrangement involving Crypto.com's CRO token, marking a notable reversal in the company's previously announced push into digital assets. The decision signals a broader pullback from crypto-related deals that the media company had been exploring in recent months.The move comes as something of a surprise given the high-profile nature of the discussions. Trump Media had drawn significant attention when it signaled interest in building a crypto treasury strategy, a trend that gained momentum across various publicly traded companies following similar moves by firms like MicroStrategy. The scrapping of the CRO deal suggests that strategy is now being reconsidered, at least in part.<h2>What the Deal Would Have Involved</h2>The arrangement with Crypto.com centered on Trump Media potentially holding CRO tokens as part of a corporate treasury position. Crypto.com is one of the larger centralized cryptocurrency exchanges globally, and CRO is its native utility and governance token. Such a treasury deal would have given Trump Media direct exposure to the token's price performance while also deepening its ties to the broader <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/">cryptocurrency</a> industry.Details of exactly how far negotiations had progressed before the deal was abandoned have not been fully disclosed. However, <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/08/07/trump-media-pulls-back-from-crypto-scraps-crypto-com-cro-treasury-deal" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">reporting from CoinDesk on the Trump Media crypto pullback</a> confirmed that the CRO treasury plan has been scrapped, alongside indications that the company is stepping back from other crypto-related arrangements it had been considering.<h2>A Broader Retreat From Crypto Ambitions</h2>The CRO deal is not the only casualty of Trump Media's apparent change in direction. Reports indicate the company is pulling back from multiple crypto deals, not just the one involving Crypto.com. This broader retreat raises questions about what prompted the shift and whether it reflects internal strategic recalibration, regulatory caution, or market-related concerns.Trump Media, which operates the Truth Social platform and trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker DJT, had been positioning itself as a company with ambitions beyond social media. Crypto treasury strategies were seen as one avenue through which it could diversify its financial holdings and align itself with the digital asset space, particularly given the pro-crypto stance associated with its majority shareholder and former U.S. President Donald Trump.The reversal is notable precisely because of that association. Trump has been a vocal supporter of the crypto industry during his return to the political spotlight, and his administration has taken steps viewed favorably by the sector. A retreat by his own media company from crypto deals therefore stands in contrast to the broader narrative of Trump-aligned entities embracing digital assets.<h2>Market and Industry Implications</h2>For Crypto.com and the CRO token, the collapse of the treasury deal removes what would have been a high-visibility endorsement. Corporate treasury purchases of tokens can serve as a signal of institutional confidence, and the loss of a deal tied to a publicly traded U.S. company with strong political branding is a setback for CRO's visibility in that context.More broadly, the development adds a note of caution to the narrative around publicly traded companies rushing to build crypto treasuries. While the strategy has worked to generate investor interest for some firms, it also carries reputational and financial risks that boards and management teams are increasingly scrutinizing. Trump Media's pullback may reflect exactly that kind of internal risk assessment.It also underscores the unpredictability of corporate crypto strategies, which can shift quickly based on market conditions, regulatory signals, or changes in internal priorities. For investors watching Trump Media's stock, the retreat from crypto deals removes a potential catalyst that some may have been pricing into the company's valuation.<h2>What Comes Next</h2>Neither Trump Media nor Crypto.com has publicly outlined what, if anything, might replace the scrapped arrangement. It remains unclear whether the company intends to pursue any crypto-related treasury strategy going forward or whether this marks a full exit from those ambitions for the foreseeable future.The situation will likely be watched closely by both crypto market participants and investors in Trump Media's stock. Any further clarity from the company on its digital asset strategy — or the lack of one — could have meaningful implications for how the market values its shares and how the broader industry perceives the intersection of Trump-affiliated brands and cryptocurrency.

Trump Media Scraps CRO Token Treasury Deal With Crypto.com

The US Senate has delayed a procedural vote on the CLARITY Act to September after Majority Leader Thune filed cloture, as Democrats withhold the bipartisan support needed to advance the crypto regulation bill.

The United States Senate has pushed a key procedural vote on the CLARITY Act to September, after Senate Majority Leader John Thune filed a cloture motion to move the legislation forward. The delay comes as Democratic senators have so far declined to provide the bipartisan support needed to clear the procedural threshold required to advance the bill.Cloture is a Senate mechanism used to end debate and bring a bill to a floor vote. Filing for cloture requires 60 votes to succeed, meaning at least some Democratic support is necessary given the current Senate composition. With Democrats holding out, the chamber opted to defer the vote rather than risk a failed motion before the August recess.<h2>What Is the CLARITY Act?</h2>The CLARITY Act is a piece of <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> legislation aimed at establishing clearer jurisdictional boundaries between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) when it comes to digital assets. The bill seeks to define when a digital asset should be treated as a security versus a commodity, a distinction that has been a persistent source of legal uncertainty across the crypto industry.Proponents of the bill argue that the lack of regulatory clarity has hampered innovation and placed US-based crypto businesses at a competitive disadvantage compared to jurisdictions with more defined frameworks. Opponents, including some Democratic lawmakers, have raised concerns about whether the legislation adequately protects consumers and investors.<h2>Democrats Hold Out as Bipartisan Support Remains Elusive</h2>The decision to punt the vote to September reflects the difficulty Republicans face in assembling the 60-vote supermajority required to invoke cloture. While the GOP controls the Senate, the margin is not sufficient to advance the bill without Democratic crossover votes. Several Democratic senators have signaled reservations about the current text, citing concerns over investor protections and the scope of CFTC oversight.According to <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-senate-clarity-act-september-vote-thune-cloture?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cointelegraph's report on the Senate's CLARITY Act timeline</a>, Thune's cloture filing sets the stage for a procedural vote when the Senate reconvenes after the summer recess. The filing itself is a signal that Republican leadership intends to press ahead with the legislation rather than let it stall indefinitely.Decrypt also reported that Democrats have been holding out, suggesting that negotiations over the bill's language may continue during the recess period in an effort to bring more members on board before September.<h2>Why This Vote Matters for the Crypto Industry</h2>The CLARITY Act represents one of the most significant legislative efforts in recent years to bring comprehensive federal oversight to the digital asset space. If passed, it would provide businesses, developers, and investors with a more predictable legal environment — something the industry has long lobbied for in Washington.The bill's fate is being closely watched alongside other crypto-related legislation moving through Congress, including stablecoin bills that have also faced bipartisan hurdles. Together, these measures represent a broader congressional push to establish a formal regulatory framework for digital assets in the United States.A failed cloture vote in September would not necessarily kill the bill outright, but it would represent a significant setback and could force further revisions to attract the votes needed. Conversely, a successful procedural vote would open the door to a full Senate debate and potential passage, marking a major milestone for US crypto policy.<h2>What Comes Next</h2>With the Senate heading into recess, the coming weeks are likely to see behind-the-scenes negotiations between Republican sponsors and Democratic holdouts. Whether those talks produce enough common ground to secure 60 votes remains to be seen. The September vote will serve as a critical test of whether Congress can move beyond procedural gridlock to deliver substantive digital asset legislation before the end of the current session.The outcome will have broad implications not only for crypto firms operating in the United States but also for the global conversation around how major economies choose to regulate blockchain-based assets.

US Senate Schedules September Vote to Advance CLARITY Act After Cloture Filing

Russian authorities shut down nine unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges operating in Moscow City, alleging some platforms had ties to Ukraine in a significant enforcement action targeting unregulated digital asset trading.

Russian authorities have moved against nine cryptocurrency exchanges operating within Moscow City, the capital's prominent international business district, in what appears to be one of the most concentrated enforcement actions against unlicensed digital asset trading venues in the country's recent history.The operations were shut down following coordinated action by law enforcement agencies, with officials alleging that several of the targeted platforms had ties to Ukraine. The crackdown signals a continued hardening of Russia's stance toward unregulated crypto activity, particularly amid the ongoing geopolitical conflict between the two nations. <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/russia-shuts-down-crypto-exchanges-moscow-city?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cointelegraph's coverage of the Moscow City exchange shutdowns</a> highlights the scale and coordinated nature of the raids.<h2>What Happened in Moscow City</h2>Moscow City, formally known as the Moscow International Business Center, has long been home to a variety of financial services firms. The nine exchanges targeted in the crackdown were reportedly operating without the necessary licenses required under Russian law. Authorities alleged that some of these platforms were being used to facilitate transactions with entities in Ukraine, framing the enforcement action in part as a national security measure.The exchanges are said to have been conducting over-the-counter (OTC) trading and currency conversion services involving cryptocurrencies, catering to clients who sought to move funds outside of traditional banking channels. Russian officials have increasingly characterized such unlicensed platforms as conduits for illicit financial flows.<h2>Russia's Broader Crypto Regulatory Landscape</h2>This enforcement action does not exist in isolation. Russia has been gradually tightening its <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> framework over the past several years, oscillating between outright prohibition proposals and more structured licensing regimes. The country formally legalized cryptocurrency as a means of payment for international trade in certain contexts, even as domestic retail use remained restricted.The targeting of unlicensed exchanges reflects a dual concern for Russian regulators: maintaining control over capital flows and preventing digital assets from being used in ways that could undermine state financial oversight. The alleged Ukraine connection adds a geopolitical dimension that distinguishes this crackdown from purely financial compliance actions.According to reporting from CoinDesk, Russian authorities specifically claimed that the shuttered exchanges had links to Ukrainian interests, though independent verification of those claims remains limited. The framing of crypto enforcement through a national security lens is a notable development in how Russian officials are publicly justifying regulatory intervention in the digital asset space.<h2>Implications for Crypto Businesses in Russia</h2>For cryptocurrency businesses still operating in Russia, the Moscow City raids serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with functioning outside the official licensing framework. Russia's financial regulator, the Bank of Russia, has historically taken a cautious and often restrictive view of retail cryptocurrency activity, and enforcement actions like this one suggest that tolerance for gray-market operations is diminishing.The concentration of the targeted exchanges within a single high-profile business district also raises questions about how openly some of these platforms were operating. Moscow City's visibility as a financial hub may have made the exchanges easier to identify and monitor, ultimately contributing to the coordinated nature of the shutdown.Businesses operating in jurisdictions with evolving or restrictive crypto frameworks are likely to watch developments in Russia closely, as enforcement patterns in major economies often influence regulatory conversations elsewhere. The use of national security justifications to support financial enforcement actions is a trend that has appeared in multiple countries and may become more common as geopolitical tensions continue to intersect with digital finance.<h2>What Comes Next</h2>It remains unclear whether the individuals behind the nine exchanges will face criminal charges, civil penalties, or both. Russian law provides for a range of sanctions against unlicensed financial activity, and the alleged foreign connections could elevate the severity of any legal proceedings.The broader question is whether this action marks the beginning of a sustained enforcement campaign across other Russian cities or remains focused on Moscow City as a symbolic target. Given the Russian government's stated interest in bringing digital asset activity under tighter state control, further enforcement actions against unlicensed platforms would not be surprising in the months ahead.

Russia Shuts Down 9 Crypto Exchanges Operating in Moscow City

Trump Media &amp; Technology Group is terminating its deal with Crypto.com that would have added CRO tokens to its corporate treasury, with reports indicating a broader pullback from crypto partnerships.

Trump Media &amp; Technology Group, the parent company of the Truth Social platform, is moving to end its previously announced partnership with Crypto.com, scrapping a deal that would have seen the company hold CRO tokens as part of a cryptocurrency treasury strategy. The decision marks a notable retreat from a crypto initiative that had attracted significant attention when it was first disclosed.According to multiple reports, Trump Media is pulling back from the arrangement with Crypto.com, which had been structured around the company adding the exchange's native CRO token to its corporate treasury. The move signals a shift in the company's approach to digital asset holdings, at least as far as this particular agreement is concerned.<h2>What the Deal Involved</h2>The now-terminated agreement had positioned Trump Media as a corporate holder of CRO, the native token of the Crypto.com exchange. Corporate treasury strategies involving cryptocurrencies have become more common in recent years, with companies allocating portions of their balance sheets to digital assets. Trump Media's planned participation in such a strategy drew considerable media coverage given the political profile of its majority shareholder.As <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/donald-trump-media-company-crypto-deal?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">reported by Cointelegraph</a>, the company is now moving to terminate the arrangement, though the precise reasons behind the decision have not been publicly detailed by either party. Neither Trump Media nor Crypto.com has issued a comprehensive public statement explaining the breakdown of the deal.<h2>Broader Pullback From Crypto Deals</h2>The termination of the Crypto.com agreement does not appear to be an isolated event. Reports from CoinDesk and Bitcoin Magazine indicate that Trump Media has been pulling back from <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/cryptocurrency-news/">cryptocurrency</a> deals more broadly, suggesting a wider reassessment of the company's digital asset strategy rather than a dispute specific to the Crypto.com partnership.This broader retreat is notable given the high-profile nature of Trump Media's earlier crypto ambitions. The company had been seen as a potential bridge between the political world and the digital asset industry, and its moves into cryptocurrency had been closely watched by market participants and observers alike.<h2>Why This Development Matters</h2>Corporate treasury decisions by high-profile companies tend to carry weight in the cryptocurrency market, both in terms of direct capital flows and in terms of the signal they send to other potential institutional participants. When a company of Trump Media's visibility announces a crypto treasury plan, it can generate enthusiasm among token holders and broader market participants. Conversely, the unwinding of such a deal can have the opposite effect.For Crypto.com and its CRO token specifically, the loss of a high-profile corporate treasury partner removes a source of potential demand and positive sentiment that had been associated with the original announcement. The exchange has been working to expand its institutional relationships and brand recognition, making the termination a setback, even if the financial scale of the deal was not publicly disclosed.The episode also highlights the fragility of crypto partnership announcements, particularly those involving companies with complex political and regulatory profiles. Deals that generate significant headlines at the time of announcement do not always proceed to completion, and the gap between a memorandum of understanding or preliminary agreement and a finalized, executed deal can be substantial.<h2>Context: Corporate Crypto Treasuries</h2>The concept of holding cryptocurrency on a corporate balance sheet gained mainstream attention following high-profile moves by companies such as MicroStrategy, which accumulated large quantities of Bitcoin. Since then, a range of companies across different industries have explored or announced similar strategies, with varying degrees of follow-through.Trump Media's initial foray into this space had been framed as part of a broader embrace of digital assets, consistent with public statements made by its majority shareholder. However, the decision to walk back from the Crypto.com deal and reportedly other crypto arrangements suggests that the company's leadership has reconsidered the pace or scope of its digital asset ambitions.The situation remains fluid, and it is not yet clear whether Trump Media intends to pursue alternative cryptocurrency treasury strategies or step back from the space entirely. What is clear is that the Crypto.com CRO token deal, once a headline-grabbing announcement, will not move forward as originally envisioned.

Trump Media Terminates Crypto.com CRO Token Treasury Deal

The US Treasury&#8217;s OFAC has sanctioned two cryptocurrency exchanges allegedly used to launder millions of dollars for Iranian interests, intensifying Washington&#8217;s crackdown on crypto-enabled sanctions evasion.

The United States Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has moved against two cryptocurrency exchanges it alleges were used to launder funds on behalf of Iranian interests, marking another significant step in Washington's ongoing effort to close financial loopholes that may benefit sanctioned entities.The action underscores the growing scrutiny that digital asset platforms face from regulators worldwide, particularly when those platforms are suspected of facilitating transactions that circumvent international sanctions regimes. According to <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-treasury-sanctions-iran-crypto-exchanges?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Cointelegraph's reporting on the OFAC designations</a>, the two exchanges were identified as having processed millions of dollars in transactions linked to Iran, a country subject to broad US sanctions.<h2>What the Sanctions Entail</h2>When OFAC designates an entity, it effectively freezes any assets that entity holds within US jurisdiction and prohibits American individuals and businesses from engaging in transactions with the named parties. For cryptocurrency exchanges, this means that any wallets, accounts or funds connected to the sanctioned platforms become inaccessible through US-regulated channels.The Treasury's action also serves as a warning to other exchanges and financial service providers. Any institution that knowingly facilitates transactions with a sanctioned entity risks secondary sanctions exposure, which can have severe consequences for their ability to operate in dollar-denominated markets.The two exchanges were accused of laundering millions of dollars' worth of cryptocurrency for Iranian clients, helping those clients move funds in ways that allegedly bypassed the traditional banking restrictions imposed by US and international sanctions. The specific amounts involved were cited in reporting from multiple outlets covering the designations.<h2>Iran and Crypto Sanctions: A Persistent Challenge</h2>Iran has long been a focus of US sanctions enforcement, and the country's use of cryptocurrency to sidestep financial restrictions has been a documented concern for regulators. Digital assets, by their nature, can be transferred across borders without relying on correspondent banking relationships, making them an attractive tool for entities seeking to move money outside the reach of traditional financial oversight.OFAC has increasingly turned its attention to the crypto sector as part of a broader strategy to ensure that digital assets do not become a reliable workaround for sanctioned governments, organizations or individuals. Previous enforcement actions have targeted mixers, ransomware operators and other actors alleged to have used blockchain-based tools to obscure the origins or destinations of funds.The latest designations reflect a continued expansion of that enforcement posture, extending it explicitly to exchanges that serve as on-ramps and off-ramps between fiat currency and <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> gray zones.<h2>Industry and Regulatory Implications</h2>For the broader cryptocurrency industry, the OFAC action serves as a reminder that compliance obligations apply regardless of where an exchange is incorporated or where its servers are located. US authorities have consistently argued that any platform handling dollar-denominated transactions or serving US customers falls within the reach of American law, including sanctions rules.Compliance teams at major exchanges are expected to screen wallet addresses and counterparties against OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, which is updated regularly to reflect new designations. Failure to do so can result in substantial civil penalties, even when violations are deemed non-willful.The action also highlights the role that blockchain analytics firms play in modern sanctions enforcement. These companies provide tools that allow regulators and exchanges to trace the movement of funds across public ledgers, identify clusters of addresses associated with known bad actors, and flag suspicious transaction patterns in near real time.<h2>Broader Context of US Crypto Enforcement</h2>The Treasury Department has ramped up its use of sanctions as a tool to address illicit finance in the digital asset space over recent years. High-profile actions have included the designation of the Tornado Cash mixing protocol and several exchanges alleged to have served darknet markets or ransomware groups.Each new designation adds to a growing body of precedent that shapes how the industry understands its compliance responsibilities. Legal experts have noted that the expanding use of OFAC designations in the crypto context raises complex questions about the limits of sanctions authority, particularly when applied to decentralized protocols or non-custodial tools.For now, the focus remains on custodial platforms — exchanges that hold customer funds and therefore have a clear point of control that regulators can target. The two Iran-linked exchanges designated in this latest action fit squarely within that category, and their inclusion on the SDN list is likely to prompt other platforms operating in similar jurisdictions to review their own compliance frameworks carefully.

US Treasury's OFAC Sanctions Two Iran-Linked Crypto Exchanges for Alleged Money Laundering

A Bitcoin wallet dormant since 2011 transferred approximately $3.2 million in BTC to an address linked to institutional prime broker FalconX, drawing immediate attention from on-chain analysts and the crypto community.

A <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin/">Bitcoin</a> wallet that had sat untouched for roughly 14 years suddenly sprang to life, transferring approximately $3.2 million worth of BTC toward an address associated with institutional crypto prime broker FalconX. The movement caught the attention of on-chain analysts and the broader crypto community, given how rarely wallets from Bitcoin's earliest era show any activity.Early Bitcoin wallets are closely watched because they often belong to pioneers who mined or acquired BTC when the asset was worth only fractions of a cent. A wallet dormant since 2011 would have accumulated coins at a time when Bitcoin's price was measured in single digits, meaning the holder is sitting on extraordinary unrealized gains relative to their original cost basis.<h2>What the On-Chain Data Shows</h2>Blockchain records indicate the wallet had remained inactive since 2011 before the funds were moved in a transaction flagged by on-chain monitoring services. The destination address has been linked to FalconX, a crypto prime brokerage that serves institutional clients. <a href="https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/07/bitcoin-wallet-dormant-since-2011-moves-usd3-2-million-toward-falconx-linked-address" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">CoinDesk's report on the dormant wallet movement</a> noted the transfer's connection to the FalconX-associated address, though the identity of the wallet's owner has not been publicly confirmed.It is worth noting that funds moving toward an exchange or prime brokerage address do not necessarily mean an immediate sale. Institutional platforms like FalconX are commonly used for over-the-counter trading, custody services, and other financial operations, so the ultimate purpose of the transfer remains unclear from on-chain data alone.<h2>Why Early-Era Bitcoin Wallets Draw Attention</h2>Wallets from Bitcoin's formative years — roughly 2009 through 2012 — carry outsized symbolic weight in the crypto space. During that period, the network was still largely experimental, and the people acquiring Bitcoin were a small group of developers, cypherpunks, and early adopters. Many of those coins have never moved, either because the private keys were lost, the owners passed away, or the holders chose to hold indefinitely.When one of these wallets does move, it tends to generate immediate speculation. Market participants often interpret such events as a potential signal of selling pressure, particularly when the destination is a trading or brokerage platform. However, analysts caution against reading too much into a single transaction without additional context about the wallet owner's intentions.The sheer scale of unrealized gains also makes these movements noteworthy from a tax and regulatory perspective. A holder who acquired Bitcoin in 2011 at prices well below $10 per coin and is now moving funds worth millions would face substantial capital gains obligations in most jurisdictions, adding another layer of complexity to any potential liquidation.<h2>FalconX's Role in Institutional Crypto Markets</h2>FalconX has established itself as a significant player in institutional digital asset markets, offering prime brokerage services that include trading, credit, and clearing for hedge funds, asset managers, and other large-scale participants. The appearance of its associated address as a destination in this transaction underscores the growing role that institutional infrastructure plays in facilitating large Bitcoin movements, even those originating from the network's earliest days.The company has not issued any public statement regarding the transaction, and it is standard practice for prime brokerages to maintain confidentiality around client activity.<h2>Broader Context for Dormant Wallet Activity</h2>This is not the first time a long-dormant Bitcoin wallet has made headlines. Over the years, on-chain analysts have tracked numerous instances of wallets from the 2009–2013 era suddenly becoming active, each sparking fresh debate about whether early adopters are finally cashing out. In most documented cases, the market impact of individual transfers has been limited, though the cumulative effect of multiple large early-wallet movements occurring in a short period can contribute to short-term price volatility.The reactivation of this particular wallet serves as a reminder that a significant portion of Bitcoin's total supply remains locked in addresses that have not transacted in years, and that the eventual movement of even a small fraction of those coins can draw immediate scrutiny from the market.As of the time of reporting, no further transactions from the wallet have been publicly identified, and the identity of the holder remains unknown.

Bitcoin Wallet Dormant Since 2011 Moves $3.2M to FalconX-Linked Address

Crypto market maker Wintermute has launched a US broker-dealer entity with SEC approval, enabling the firm to trade equities and ETF blocks alongside its existing digital asset operations.

Wintermute, one of the largest algorithmic crypto market makers in the world, has taken a significant step toward integrating with traditional financial markets by establishing a US broker-dealer entity. The move grants the London-headquartered firm the regulatory standing to operate within American securities markets, including trading equities and exchange-traded fund (ETF) blocks.The development marks a notable shift for a firm that built its reputation providing liquidity across digital asset exchanges. By securing broker-dealer status in the United States, Wintermute is positioning itself at the intersection of crypto and conventional Wall Street infrastructure — a space that is attracting growing interest from both sides of the financial industry.<h2>SEC Approval Opens the Door to US Securities Markets</h2>Wintermute's new broker-dealer arm received approval from the US Securities and Exchange Commission, according to <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-market-maker-wintermute-launches-us-broker-dealer?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">reporting by Cointelegraph on the broker-dealer launch</a>. The approval enables the firm to trade equities and ETF blocks, extending its market-making capabilities well beyond the cryptocurrency sector.Broker-dealer registration with the SEC is a rigorous process that requires firms to meet strict compliance, capital, and operational standards. Obtaining this status signals that Wintermute has satisfied US regulators that it can operate responsibly within the broader securities ecosystem — a meaningful endorsement for a firm whose roots lie in crypto-native trading.<h2>A Strategic Push Toward Wall Street</h2>The launch of a US broker-dealer reflects a broader strategic ambition for Wintermute. The firm has long been a dominant force in digital asset liquidity, serving crypto exchanges, decentralized finance protocols, and institutional clients. Expanding into equities and ETFs allows it to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to institutional counterparties who operate across both asset classes.This move also comes at a time when the boundaries between crypto and traditional finance are blurring rapidly. Spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in the United States earlier have drawn billions of dollars in institutional inflows, and demand for firms capable of bridging liquidity between crypto and conventional markets has grown accordingly. Wintermute's broker-dealer status positions it to serve that demand directly.For context, <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> in the United States has been evolving quickly, with regulators and market participants alike working to define how digital asset firms can participate in traditional financial markets. Wintermute's SEC-approved entity represents one of the more concrete examples of a crypto-native firm successfully navigating that regulatory landscape.<h2>Why This Matters for the Crypto Industry</h2>Wintermute's entry into US broker-dealer territory carries implications that extend beyond the company itself. It demonstrates that crypto market makers — firms that were once viewed as operating on the fringes of regulated finance — are now capable of meeting the compliance bar set by one of the world's most scrutinized financial regulators.The ability to trade ETF blocks is particularly significant. As spot crypto ETFs continue to attract institutional capital, market makers with the ability to operate seamlessly across both crypto and ETF markets will be well-placed to capture a growing share of institutional order flow. Wintermute's dual capability could make it an attractive liquidity partner for asset managers and hedge funds navigating both worlds.The development also adds to a growing list of crypto-native firms that have sought and obtained traditional financial licenses in the United States. This trend suggests that the industry's maturation is not just a matter of market size, but of regulatory legitimacy — a factor that many institutional investors have cited as a prerequisite for deeper engagement with digital assets.<h2>Broader Market Context</h2>Wintermute has historically been active across hundreds of trading pairs on centralized and decentralized exchanges, and has been involved in providing liquidity for token launches, over-the-counter trades, and institutional block transactions. Its expansion into US securities markets builds on that foundation while opening an entirely new category of business.The timing aligns with a period of renewed institutional interest in both crypto and crypto-adjacent financial products. With regulatory clarity gradually improving in the United States, firms that have invested in compliance infrastructure are finding themselves better positioned to capitalize on the convergence of digital and traditional asset markets.Wintermute's broker-dealer launch underscores how quickly the line between crypto market makers and traditional financial intermediaries is fading — and suggests that more firms may follow a similar path as the regulatory environment continues to develop.

Wintermute Launches US Broker-Dealer, Expanding Into Equities and ETF Trading

The US Senate has delayed its vote on the CLARITY Act crypto market structure bill until September, after failing to bring the legislation to the floor before the summer recess.

The United States Senate has postponed its anticipated vote on the CLARITY Act, a landmark piece of <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/tag/cryptocurrency-regulation/">cryptocurrency regulation</a> legislation, until September. The delay comes after lawmakers failed to bring the bill to the floor before heading into their summer recess, dashing expectations that had built up over the preceding days.The postponement caught many in the crypto industry off guard, particularly after Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott had publicly stated that the chamber would vote on the bill "without any question" during the week of August 4. That confident prediction did not materialise, and the Senate departed for its summer break without holding the vote.<h2>What Is the CLARITY Act?</h2>The CLARITY Act is a comprehensive crypto market structure bill designed to establish clearer jurisdictional boundaries between the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The legislation aims to define when a digital asset should be treated as a security versus a commodity — a distinction that has been a persistent source of legal uncertainty for the crypto industry for years.Supporters of the bill argue that a clear regulatory framework would encourage innovation, attract institutional investment, and provide businesses operating in the digital asset space with the legal certainty they need to grow. Critics, however, have raised concerns about whether the bill adequately protects consumers and investors.<h2>Why the Vote Was Delayed</h2>According to <a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-senate-pushes-clarity-act-vote-to-september-report?utm_source=rss_feed&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">reporting on the Senate's legislative schedule</a>, the bill did not receive the floor time needed before the recess deadline. The Senate's packed legislative calendar, combined with ongoing negotiations over bill language and potential amendments, contributed to the delay. No specific procedural obstacle was cited as the sole cause, suggesting the postponement reflects broader scheduling pressures rather than outright opposition to the legislation.The development underscores how difficult it can be to advance complex financial legislation through the Senate, even when there appears to be broad bipartisan interest. Crypto bills have repeatedly faced scheduling challenges in recent congressional sessions, often losing floor time to more politically urgent priorities.<h2>Market Reaction</h2>News of the delay had a visible impact on digital asset markets. XRP was among the hardest-hit major cryptocurrencies following the announcement, leading losses across the broader market. Bitcoin also remained subdued, hovering near the $64,000 level as investors digested the news that a regulatory catalyst many had anticipated would not arrive on the expected timeline.The market reaction highlights how closely crypto prices have become tied to legislative developments in Washington. Traders and investors had priced in some probability of a positive outcome from a Senate vote, and the postponement removed that near-term catalyst from the equation.<h2>What Happens Next</h2>With the Senate now in recess, attention turns to September, when lawmakers are expected to return and potentially revisit the bill. Whether the CLARITY Act will secure floor time in the fall remains to be seen. Congressional schedules in September are often crowded with budget and appropriations debates, which could once again push crypto legislation down the priority list.Industry advocates are expected to use the recess period to continue lobbying efforts and shore up support among undecided senators. The coming weeks may also see further negotiations over specific provisions in the bill, particularly around how digital assets are classified and which agency holds primary oversight authority.The delay is a setback for the crypto industry's push for regulatory clarity, but it does not signal the end of the legislative effort. With bipartisan support still intact and a stated commitment from key Senate figures to bring the bill to a vote, September represents the next critical window for one of the most consequential pieces of crypto legislation to move through Congress in years.

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