Ripple expanded its stablecoin infrastructure as XRP ETFs reached a new milestone, while the token struggled to hold its latest recovery. Ripple and the wider XRP ecosystem saw several noteworthy developments over the past few days. These included, but are not limited to, a new institutional platform for the RLUSD stablecoin, an investment in
BitMart has started a phased shutdown of its global cryptocurrency exchange after reviewing its operating conditions, market environment, and future strategy. Summary BitMart stopped new registrations, deposits, and orders before ending all trading services on August 26. BMX lost about 63% in 24 hours as traders reacted to the exchange’s shutdown announcement. Withdrawals remain available,
Bitcoin has fallen more than 50% from its October 2025 record high near $126,000, remaining below that peak for 275 days. Bitcoin ended the first half of 2026 near $60,000 after falling about 32% since January, Binance Research reported. Its Half-Year 2026: Macro & Bitcoin report described the decline as a third consecutive quarterly
Wise plans to submit a new application for a U.S. national trust bank charter under the GENIUS Act after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency rejected its first bid. Summary Wise plans a fresh U.S. charter application under the GENIUS Act after the OCC rejection. The OCC cited weak AML controls, management gaps,
Robinhood is reportedly holding talks with Crypto.com about adding the exchange’s event contracts to its prediction markets hub. Summary Robinhood reportedly wants Crypto.com contracts to broaden its prediction market exchange network and product range. Any agreement could deepen Robinhood’s competition with Kalshi while reducing reliance on a single provider. Federal and state regulators remain divided
The Bitcoin Policy Institute has joined the U.S. State Department’s Freedom Tech Excellence Program as a founding partner. Summary Bitcoin Policy Institute staff will support temporary State Department assignments focused on digital freedom worldwide. Palantir, Anduril, and a human-rights foundation joined BPI as founding partners in the new programme. FTEP covers online expression, privacy tools,
The XRP Ledger added about $2.6 billion in tokenized real-world asset value during the past six months, excluding stablecoins, according to data from RWA.xyz. Summary XRP Ledger added $2.6 billion in RWA value, ranking second among blockchains over six months. JMWH alone represents $2.23 billion, making tokenized energy XRPL’s largest real-world asset category by value.
Bitcoin mining’s annualized electricity demand rose to about 190 terawatt-hours in December 2025, up 38% from 138 the in June 2024, according to preliminary research reported by theEnergyMag. Summary Bitcoin mining electricity use rose 38% to 190 TWh between June 2024 and December 2025. Hydropower became mining’s largest energy source as low-carbon power reached 59.4%
Meanwhile, XRP’s breakout attempt was halted in its tracks once again. The spot exchange-traded funds tracking Ripple’s cross-border token started the week strong, hitting a fresh all-time high in terms of total net inflows, but a familiar and slightly worrisome scenario repeated in the following days. At the same time, the HYPE ETFs have
Strategy says its current capital structure could withstand a prolonged Bitcoin decline while continuing to fund interest payments and preferred stock dividends. Summary Strategy says its current structure can fund obligations through 5.8 years of steady Bitcoin declines. Company data shows a $3.225 billion cash reserve supporting preferred dividends and debt interest payments. The stress