In a week of noteworthy developments in the crypto world, the spotlight is on the regulatory landscape and its implications for institutional investors. VanEck's proposal to the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking the price of JitoSOL, a Solana liquid-staking token, is a significant step in the evolution of crypto ETFs. This move, following the SEC's clarification that liquid-staking tokens are not considered securities, signals a potential shift in the regulatory environment that could pave the way for broader institutional participation in the crypto market.
Ethereum's recent all-time high price, driven by factors such as growing ETH treasuries, a favorable regulatory environment, and increased interest from traditional finance firms, further underscores the growing institutional interest in crypto beyond Bitcoin. The SEC's clarification on staking, allowing liquid staking services to pay out rewards without registering with the agency, is another positive regulatory development that could boost institutional participation in Ethereum and other smart contract platforms.
However, the recent surge in crypto prices, particularly Bitcoin, could potentially clash with the Federal Reserve's policy goals, according to Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone. This highlights the need for institutions to carefully monitor the interplay between crypto markets and macroeconomic policies, as well as the potential risks associated with the volatility of crypto assets.
Meanwhile, the massive cybercrime operation by authorities across Africa, which resulted in the arrest of over 1,200 individuals and the seizure of nearly $100 million, underscores the ongoing risks associated with illegal activities in the crypto space. This operation, along with the reluctance of 75% of global fund managers to engage with digital assets, as revealed in a recent Bank of America survey, highlights the need for robust regulatory frameworks and risk management strategies to mitigate these risks and foster the safe and sustainable growth of the crypto market.
In conclusion, this week's developments underscore the evolving regulatory landscape and the growing institutional interest in the crypto market. However, they also highlight the need for robust risk management strategies and a deep understanding of the interplay between crypto markets and macroeconomic policies. As the crypto market continues to mature, it will be critical for institutions to stay informed and strategically navigate these evolving dynamics.
The following article summaries have been sourced from Decrypt, CryptoSlate, NewsBTC, and Crypto Briefing. Each summary includes a direct link to the original source.
VanEck, a prominent investment management firm, has submitted a proposal to the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) for an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that would track the price of JitoSOL, a type of Solana liquid-staking token. This move comes in response to increasing investor interest in staked crypto ETFs. Liquid-staking tokens are tokenized assets that represent an asset already staked on a network. Staking is a process where cryptocurrencies are locked up on a blockchain to secure the network, usually in exchange for rewards in the form of tokens.
The SEC has recently clarified that liquid-staking tokens are not considered securities, which has paved the way for their inclusion in ETFs. The JitoSOL fund is the first proposed spot Solana ETF to be fully backed by a liquid-staking token, as per the Jito Foundation. This development follows the SEC's decision in July to approve in-kind creations and redemptions for crypto ETFs. Additionally, this application comes shortly after REX-Osprey integrated staking rewards into its Solana ETF through a partnership with JitoSOL. At the time of writing, Solana was trading at $199, marking a nearly 10% increase in the past 24 hours.
Ethereum has reached a new all-time high price, breaking its previous record set in 2021. The second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap has experienced a 15% increase over the past 24 hours, with its price reaching $4,879. This surge is attributed to factors such as growing ETH treasuries, a favorable regulatory environment, and increased interest from traditional finance firms. The price of ETH dipped earlier this week but rebounded following comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, which suggested a potential interest rate cut.
The recent Ethereum boom has been partly fueled by growing demand for ETFs. U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs collected over $1 billion in inflows in a single day for the first time since they started trading in July 2024. Ethereum funds have been outpacing Bitcoin ETFs with gains. Companies such as BitMine Immersion and SharpLink Gaming have significantly increased their Ethereum holdings, following the example set by Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), which began buying Bitcoin in 2020 to boost its stock. Ethereum also received a regulatory boost when the SEC clarified its guidance on staking, allowing liquid staking services to pay out rewards to customers without registering with the agency.
Ethereum's new all-time high is seen as a clear indication of investor demand beyond just Bitcoin. As Ethereum and other smart contract platforms provide the infrastructure for many of crypto’s most mature use cases, including stablecoins and tokenization, strong demand for this emerging asset class is expected to continue. The prediction market, Myriad Markets, shows an 85% probability that Ethereum will reach $5,000 in 2025. Last week, Standard Chartered raised its Ethereum price target to $25,000 by 2028, a significant shift from previous forecasts predicting a structural decline for the world's second-largest crypto.
Crypto stocks have seen a significant surge following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech hinting at potential September rate cuts. Ethereum treasury companies and Bitcoin miners led the gains with increases between 8% and 15%. However, Bitcoin ETFs experienced a $1 billion loss over five days, while Ethereum ETFs saw a rebound with $288 million in net inflows on Thursday. Blockchain lender Figure Technologies has also filed for an IPO after processing over $16 billion in home loans on its Provenance blockchain.
Crypto and stock markets tend to benefit when the Federal Reserve lowers rates, as this triggers a rotation of funds from treasury bonds into riskier assets. Bitcoin miners and Ethereum treasury companies saw the most significant gains, with BitMine Immersion and SharpLink, the two largest Ethereum treasuries, gaining 12% and 15.6% respectively. Despite these positive reactions, Katalin Tishhauser, head of research at Sygnum Bank, noted that the underlying economic data still shows signs of trouble, including spiralling debt and rising inflation. These issues may strengthen the case for safe-haven assets in the long term.
In other news, blockchain lender Figure Technologies is preparing for an initial public offering. The company, which uses its platform to enable lending outside the traditional scope of the crypto industry, such as real estate, claims to be the largest non-bank provider of home equity lines of credit in the U.S. Its software has been used for more than $16 billion worth of home loans. Figure's IPO is seen as a step towards bringing blockchain to all aspects of capital markets. However, details about share pricing have not yet been disclosed.
In a massive cybercrime operation titled Operation Serengeti 2.0, authorities across Africa have arrested over 1,200 individuals and seized nearly $100 million. The operation, which spanned three months, targeted online fraud networks and illegal crypto mining operations across 18 African nations, affecting nearly 88,000 victims. The operation was in collaboration with the UK and involved the discovery of 11,432 malicious infrastructures linked to ransomware, business email compromise schemes, and online investment fraud.
In Angola, authorities shut down 25 crypto mining centers operated by 60 Chinese nationals who were illegally validating blockchain transactions. The operation also involved the confiscation of 45 illicit power stations and mining and IT equipment valued at over $37 million. In Zambia, a large online investment fraud scheme was dismantled, with 15 suspects arrested and losses estimated at $300 million. Other operations included the disruption of a human trafficking ring and the dismantling of a transnational inheritance scam in Côte d’Ivoire.
The operation was a result of months of intelligence sharing between INTERPOL and private-sector partners. Officers underwent training workshops on crypto tracking, open-source intelligence, and ransomware analysis ahead of the operation. The operation is part of a global push to tackle cybercrime through coordinated enforcement and prevention, with a new partnership involving 36 countries aiming to identify threats before they escalate into criminal activity. The operation was funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and involved operational partners including Group-IB, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, TRM Labs, and Fortinet. Authorities have stated that more investigations are underway, particularly into the international financial and criminal networks behind the fraud schemes.
Despite the increasing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, a recent survey from Bank of America revealed that 75% of global fund managers are still reluctant to engage with digital assets. Max Gokhman, deputy chief investment officer for Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, attributes this reluctance to fear, misconceptions, and resistance to change within the industry. He argues that while the industry prides itself on protecting client assets, this protective instinct is preventing managers from accessing opportunities that their clients increasingly demand. Gokhman also points out that the market is becoming more institutionalized, with 89% of Bitcoin transactions on exchanges exceeding $100,000.
Gokhman also highlights the need for education and understanding within the industry. Franklin Templeton has launched a three-tier campaign targeting central bankers, institutional intermediaries, and retail investors to address this issue. The campaign aims to express blockchain concepts in traditional finance language, demystifying digital assets by applying familiar analytical frameworks. Furthermore, Gokhman sees potential opportunities in the crypto market as traditional yield sources offer diminishing returns. He believes that if crypto ETFs with staking enabled are approved, resistance to crypto adoption cannot persist indefinitely. The divide between fund managers who cling to traditional frameworks and those who embrace technological change is expected to close, driven by economic pressure and client demand.
Ethereum has experienced a significant rally, exceeding 15% in the past 24 hours and surpassing its 2021 all-time high of $4,869.47. The second-largest cryptocurrency was trading at a high of $4,888 at the time of reporting, with a continued upward trajectory. The surge in price was triggered by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's indication of potential interest rate cuts at the Jackson Hole symposium. Powell's comments led to a 4% rally in the crypto market within an hour, pushing the market value back over the $4 trillion mark.
The Federal Reserve Chair's dovish remarks have been interpreted as a shift in policy emphasis from inflation to employment concerns. This has led to increased speculation about potential rate cuts in September. Following Powell's speech, the odds of a 25 basis point cut on September 17 jumped from 57% to 79%. The rally also impacted other cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin increasing over 4% and major cap altcoins following suit. Traditional markets also reflected the crypto market's performance, with indices such as the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average each rising approximately 2%.
Ethereum's rally marks a significant turnaround from its multi-year low of $1,385.41 in April 2025. The surge resulted in over $553 million in liquidated positions in the past 24 hours, with short sellers accounting for $308 million in liquidations. The potential rate cut by the Fed in September could further increase liquidity, potentially extending the current momentum in the crypto market as it remains closely tied to US monetary policy decisions.
Bitcoin's recent price fluctuations could potentially clash with the Federal Reserve's policy goals, according to Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone. The cryptocurrency's value dipped by 3.4% to approximately $113,240 on August 22, 2025, following a brief surge. McGlone warns that the concurrent rise in equities, Treasury yields, gold, and Bitcoin could drive inflation higher if it persists. He further suggests that significant gains in risk assets could prompt the Federal Reserve to adopt a tighter policy, contrary to President Donald Trump's calls for policy easing this year.
Bitcoin's recent drop from a local high of $120,050 to roughly $112,990 represents a decline of about 6% since the previous Friday. This swift market reaction underscores the persistent volatility in the crypto space. Despite this, a 6% move within a few days is considered normal in Bitcoin's history. However, it remains significant for large holders and funds that frequently move money in and out. Analysts are divided on Bitcoin's future trajectory, with predictions ranging from a high of $200,000 to a more modest peak of around $140,000 to $150,000 in the near term. McGlone, however, cautions that a downside scenario is still possible if the Federal Reserve tightens its policy.
Bitcoin (BTC) is showing signs of weakness as it stalls near the $113,000 level, while Ethereum (ETH) continues to display strength, according to a CryptoQuant Quicktake post by XWIN Research Japan. The divergence in price action between the two leading cryptocurrencies has led some investors to consider moving from BTC to ETH to capitalize on the latter's bullish momentum. Despite recent volatility, Bitcoin's exchange reserves remain around 2.53 million BTC, a flat trend that suggests a significant portion of BTC supply is still liquid and available for selling. This, coupled with BTC's recent drop from $123,000 to $113,000, raises concerns about a possible short-term correction.
In contrast, ETH has consistently recorded large net outflows from exchanges, indicating coins are being moved into cold storage, staking, or institutional custody. This reduces the available supply on the open market and reinforces a bullish narrative of a potential supply shock. ETH's price has been between $4,150 and $4,400, aligning with the outflow trend. Other indicators also point to growing institutional interest in ETH, with whales increasing their holdings rapidly. From a technical perspective, ETH could potentially recover to $4,788. These opposing dynamics between BTC and ETH suggest that capital may be rotating from BTC to ETH.
The article is a personal narrative by Godspower Owie, a crypto enthusiast and employee of Bitcoinnist and NewsBTC news outlets. Born and raised in Edo State, Nigeria, Owie credits his family for being his backbone and support system. His interest in cryptocurrency was sparked three years ago when a friend made substantial gains from a crypto investment. Despite the market's volatility, Owie's passion for the field has remained steadfast, and he aims to achieve excellence in his work.
Owie's professional journey in the crypto landscape has been marked by dedication and a desire to learn. He values his colleagues and aims to contribute significantly to the growth of the companies he works for. He sees himself as an explorer, always eager to learn new things and meet new people. Outside of work, Owie enjoys football and other creative pursuits. He aspires to be a leader in his field, acknowledging that the path to success is not easy but remains undeterred, drawing strength from his faith, family, and friends.
Six leading asset management firms, including Bitwise, Canary Capital, CoinShares, Franklin Templeton, 21Shares, and WisdomTree, have filed S-1 amendments for spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a parallel move, Grayscale has submitted a new S-1 registration statement for its proposed Grayscale XRP Trust ETF. These simultaneous filings indicate a concerted effort by issuers to position themselves for potential SEC approval.
The filings coincided with a day of significant market activity, prompted by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's remarks at the Jackson Hole symposium. Powell hinted at a potential reduction in interest rates at the Fed's next meeting in September, sparking a rally across risk assets. Ethereum surpassed its November 2021 record to reach a new all-time high of over $4,887, while XRP saw a 10% increase, trading at $3.10. The momentum for XRP also mirrors progress in the Ripple lawsuit, with the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit approving Ripple and the SEC's joint motion to dismiss appeals in the case. The long-standing legal dispute between Ripple Labs and the SEC is now in its final stage, as confirmed by defense lawyer James Filan. The amendments update registration statements for funds that would directly hold XRP, the token tied to Ripple's payments network. Although the filings do not guarantee immediate approval, they indicate an ongoing dialogue between issuers and regulators during the review process.
Ethereum has experienced a surge of more than 14%, breaking its previous record from November 2021 and reaching a new all-time high. This surge was triggered by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's hint at potential rate cuts as early as September during his speech at the Kansas City Fed’s Jackson Hole symposium. Powell's comments indicated a shift in the balance of risks and suggested that recent conditions could warrant policy adjustments. This was interpreted by traders as a signal of imminent easing, sparking a broad rally in risk assets.
Bitcoin also saw a significant increase, reaching $117,000, while Ethereum's breakout led to sharp gains across altcoins. AERO, Ethereum Classic, SPX6900, and ENA all experienced double-digit rallies. The CME’s FedWatch tool showed an increase in the probability of a September rate cut from about 70% to 83% following Powell’s comments. The ETH-BTC ratio reached a yearly high above 0.041, with Bitcoin dominance dropping to 58.5%, indicating relative strength in Ethereum and smaller-cap tokens. The surge in Ethereum marks the end of a nearly four-year wait for a new high and has sparked speculation of a broader altcoin cycle.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple Labs have officially settled their legal dispute, ending all appeals and paving the way for final enforcement actions. This settlement confirms Ripple's $125 million penalty and upholds the court's clarification that XRP is not a security for secondary market trades. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit approved a joint stipulation dismissing the parties’ appeals, marking the end of the long-running legal battle.
The case now moves into final enforcement proceedings at the district court level, following the dismissal of the SEC's appeal. The August 2024 ruling by Judge Analisa Torres will remain in effect, under which Ripple will pay a $125 million civil penalty to resolve charges tied to its institutional sales of XRP. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse hailed the final judgment as a victory for Ripple and the crypto sector, as the court found that XRP does not qualify as a security in secondary market transactions, although certain institutional sales still fall within securities regulations. The SEC had previously appealed the verdict to contest XRP’s classification, leading Ripple to file a cross-appeal.
