https://blockchainacademics.com Crypto news, research, and education — the leading platform for blockchain knowledge. en-us Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:09:27 GMT https://blockchainacademics.com/logo.png https://blockchainacademics.com/icon.png 0052FF https://blockchainacademics.com/icon.png https://blockchainacademics.com https://blockchainacademics.com/news/afx-trade-bridge-exploited-for-dollar24m-usdc-on-arbitrum https://blockchainacademics.com/news/afx-trade-bridge-exploited-for-dollar24m-usdc-on-arbitrum A derivatives exchange protocol on Arbitrum fell victim to a bridge exploit on Tuesday, with attackers draining approximately 24.15 million USDC from the AFX Trade bridge contract. Security firm Blockaid detected the attack at 21:30 UTC on July 22. Hadi Ghadban Thu, 23 Jul 2026 02:21:35 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/balance-stablecoin-collapses-99percent-after-oracle-exploit-drains-bitcoin-vault https://blockchainacademics.com/news/balance-stablecoin-collapses-99percent-after-oracle-exploit-drains-bitcoin-vault Balance Coin (BLC) collapsed approximately 99% on July 22 after an oracle exploit drained nearly $1 million in Bitcoin from the protocol's collateral vault in a single transaction. The attack exploited a governance vulnerability on 42DAO, the oracle service feeding price data to Balance's smart... Blockchain Academics Newsroom Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:05:51 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/digital-chamber-sues-illinois-over-first-in-nation-02percent-crypto-tax https://blockchainacademics.com/news/digital-chamber-sues-illinois-over-first-in-nation-02percent-crypto-tax The Digital Chamber filed a lawsuit against Illinois officials seeking to block the state's Digital Asset Tax Act before it takes effect on January 1, 2027. The suit marks the first major legal challenge to a state-level tax specifically targeting crypto business activity. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:34:55 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/senate-republicans-clarity-act-draft-bans-trump-from-crypto-ventures-until-2029 https://blockchainacademics.com/news/senate-republicans-clarity-act-draft-bans-trump-from-crypto-ventures-until-2029 Senate Republicans have unveiled a revised draft of the Clarity Act that temporarily bars top federal officials, including former President Donald Trump, from issuing or sponsoring digital assets. The ethics restriction expires in 2029. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:32:28 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/ostium-defi-protocol-to-resume-trading-july-23-following-dollar24m-vault-exploit https://blockchainacademics.com/news/ostium-defi-protocol-to-resume-trading-july-23-following-dollar24m-vault-exploit Ostium DeFi protocol is set to reopen for trading on July 23 after a vault exploit drained approximately $24M. The protocol will mark positions to live market price while pausing new liquidity provider deposits during recovery. Julie "Mooncat" Wolf Wed, 22 Jul 2026 19:21:46 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/mizuho-downgrades-circle-as-clarity-act-clears-path-for-stablecoin-rivals https://blockchainacademics.com/news/mizuho-downgrades-circle-as-clarity-act-clears-path-for-stablecoin-rivals Mizuho Financial Group downgraded Circle on Tuesday, projecting negative long-term revenue implications as the Clarity Act lowers barriers to entry in stablecoins and digital payments. Alejandro Silva Ramírez Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:43:06 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/revolut-hits-dollar115b-valuation-in-employee-share-sale-tops-european-startups https://blockchainacademics.com/news/revolut-hits-dollar115b-valuation-in-employee-share-sale-tops-european-startups Revolut reached a $115 billion valuation through a secondary share sale announced today, cementing its position as Europe's most valuable startup and signaling sustained investor appetite for digital banking platforms with crypto integration. Julie "Mooncat" Wolf Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:08:12 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/senate-republicans-unveil-revised-clarity-act-with-temporary-ban-on-officials-crypto-ventures https://blockchainacademics.com/news/senate-republicans-unveil-revised-clarity-act-with-temporary-ban-on-officials-crypto-ventures Senate Republicans released a revised draft of the Clarity Act on July 22, introducing a temporary ethics restriction that bars top federal officials and their spouses from issuing or sponsoring digital assets, while preserving the bill's core pro-crypto protections including safeguards for... Alejandro Silva Ramírez Wed, 22 Jul 2026 18:05:55 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/polymarket-plans-legal-challenge-after-france-blocks-access https://blockchainacademics.com/news/polymarket-plans-legal-challenge-after-france-blocks-access France's gambling regulator has ordered internet service providers to block Polymarket, the crypto-native prediction market platform, just days before the World Cup final. The Autorité Nationale des Jeux issued the block on July 16, citing unlicensed status. Alejandro Silva Ramírez Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:05:54 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/us-prosecutors-seek-dollar25m-in-crypto-forfeiture-tied-to-romance-and-investment-scams https://blockchainacademics.com/news/us-prosecutors-seek-dollar25m-in-crypto-forfeiture-tied-to-romance-and-investment-scams U.S. prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of $25 million in cryptocurrency allegedly connected to international romance and investment fraud schemes. The action represents the latest enforcement operation targeting digital asset crime and money laundering networks. Hadi Ghadban Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:04:19 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/mexc-appoints-veteran-compliance-officer-as-mica-enforcement-looms https://blockchainacademics.com/news/mexc-appoints-veteran-compliance-officer-as-mica-enforcement-looms MEXC announced the appointment of Robert MacDonald as Chief Compliance Officer, tapping a 20-year veteran of regulatory transformation in digital assets to lead the exchange's global compliance strategy ahead of full EU enforcement of MiCA. Hadi Ghadban Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:06:49 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/sec-settles-foia-lawsuit-with-coinbase-for-dollar150k https://blockchainacademics.com/news/sec-settles-foia-lawsuit-with-coinbase-for-dollar150k The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has agreed to pay Coinbase $150,000 and revise its record-retention policies to settle a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit centered on lost text messages from the agency's leadership. Alejandro Silva Ramírez Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:04:10 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/foundry-usa-opens-miner-vote-on-bip-110-as-bitcoin-debates-data-storage-limits https://blockchainacademics.com/news/foundry-usa-opens-miner-vote-on-bip-110-as-bitcoin-debates-data-storage-limits Foundry USA Pool, controlling one-third of Bitcoin's hashrate, has opened a vote among miners on BIP-110, a proposal to restrict transaction data storage. The move highlights mining pools' outsized influence in Bitcoin governance. Hadi Ghadban Wed, 22 Jul 2026 12:01:54 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/balance-coin-crashes-99percent-after-dollar912k-oracle-exploit-drains-42dao-vaults https://blockchainacademics.com/news/balance-coin-crashes-99percent-after-dollar912k-oracle-exploit-drains-42dao-vaults Balance Coin (BLC) collapsed 99% on Wednesday after attackers exploited a Bitcoin oracle vulnerability on BNB Chain to drain approximately $912,000 to $1 million from 42DAO's bitcoin vaults in a single transaction. Hadi Ghadban Wed, 22 Jul 2026 10:05:52 GMT DeFi https://blockchainacademics.com/news/moneygrams-dollar2b-stablecoin-on-stellar-brings-blockchain-to-60m-users-invisibly https://blockchainacademics.com/news/moneygrams-dollar2b-stablecoin-on-stellar-brings-blockchain-to-60m-users-invisibly MoneyGram has launched MGUSD, a USD stablecoin built on the Stellar blockchain, processing nearly $2 billion in settlement volume without most of its 60 million customers knowing they are using blockchain technology at all. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Wed, 22 Jul 2026 09:34:42 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/treasury-secretary-bessent-signals-crypto-clarity-act-near-passage https://blockchainacademics.com/news/treasury-secretary-bessent-signals-crypto-clarity-act-near-passage Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is actively pushing Congress to finalize the Crypto Clarity Act, characterizing the legislation as sitting at the "1-yard line" of passage. Senate negotiators echo that assessment, signaling that a major piece of crypto regulatory infrastructure could reach... Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:04:58 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/trump-administration-bans-federal-officials-from-issuing-cryptocurrencies https://blockchainacademics.com/news/trump-administration-bans-federal-officials-from-issuing-cryptocurrencies President Donald Trump has signed an ethics rule that prohibits federal officials from issuing cryptocurrencies, marking the first formal regulatory framework to address potential conflicts of interest around government employees' crypto activities. Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:02:47 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/movement-labs-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-amid-move-token-scandal https://blockchainacademics.com/news/movement-labs-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-amid-move-token-scandal Movement Labs, the blockchain developer behind the MOVE token, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware on July 21, listing up to $10 million in liabilities. The filing caps a turbulent year marked by market-making scandal, co-founder suspension, and exchange delistings. Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:41:26 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russias-duma-passes-landmark-crypto-bill-sending-framework-to-putin https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russias-duma-passes-landmark-crypto-bill-sending-framework-to-putin Russia's State Duma approved Bill No. 1194918-8 on July 21, 2026, establishing the country's first comprehensive legal framework for cryptocurrency. The bill classifies digital assets as property, prohibits their use in everyday payments, and requires all crypto trading through licensed platforms. Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:02:20 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russia-passes-landmark-crypto-law-with-dollar3800-retail-cap https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russia-passes-landmark-crypto-law-with-dollar3800-retail-cap Russia's State Duma passed a comprehensive cryptocurrency law on July 21, 2026, creating the country's first regulated framework for retail crypto trading. Non-qualified investors face an annual purchase limit of approximately $3,800, while the legislation allows companies to settle... Blockchain Academics Newsroom Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:03:38 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/xrp-ledger-crosses-1m-agentic-transactions-as-ripplex-eyes-10m-milestone https://blockchainacademics.com/news/xrp-ledger-crosses-1m-agentic-transactions-as-ripplex-eyes-10m-milestone The XRP Ledger has surpassed 1 million agentic transactions, with RippleX projecting the network will reach 10 million such transactions in the near term. The milestone signals expanding adoption of autonomous agent functionality on the network. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:38:03 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/cardano-ecosystem-tokens-crater-as-mvmt-labs-files-for-bankruptcy https://blockchainacademics.com/news/cardano-ecosystem-tokens-crater-as-mvmt-labs-files-for-bankruptcy Cardano-based tokens NIGHT and MOVE plummeted to all-time lows on July 21, 2026, following a 290 million token dump and the bankruptcy filing of Movement's original developer, MVMT Labs, Inc. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Tue, 21 Jul 2026 19:35:43 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russias-state-duma-passes-crypto-regulation-bill-awaits-putins-signature https://blockchainacademics.com/news/russias-state-duma-passes-crypto-regulation-bill-awaits-putins-signature Russia's State Duma has passed sweeping cryptocurrency legislation establishing the country's first formal regulatory framework for digital asset circulation. The bill now awaits President Putin's signature and includes an 18-month transition period until 2027 for compliance. Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:12:34 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/galaxy-digital-commits-dollar5m-to-quantum-proof-bitcoin-ahead-of-2030-q-day https://blockchainacademics.com/news/galaxy-digital-commits-dollar5m-to-quantum-proof-bitcoin-ahead-of-2030-q-day Galaxy Digital announced a $5 million commitment to the Bitcoin Quantum Readiness Initiative, betting that the world's largest cryptocurrency needs institutional backing to survive quantum computing threats researchers now peg at 2030 or sooner. Julie "Mooncat" Wolf Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:10:09 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/aztec-network-launches-v5-alpha-with-client-side-proving https://blockchainacademics.com/news/aztec-network-launches-v5-alpha-with-client-side-proving Aztec Network launched Alpha V5 today, introducing client-side proving that shifts zero-knowledge proof computation to consumer devices. The upgrade delivers 2x faster private transactions and 50% lower costs while maintaining decentralized architecture on Ethereum. Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:06:41 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/moneygram-launches-mgusd-stablecoin-on-stellar https://blockchainacademics.com/news/moneygram-launches-mgusd-stablecoin-on-stellar MoneyGram has launched MGUSD, a USD-backed stablecoin built on Stellar, integrating blockchain settlement directly into its existing infrastructure without requiring customers to interact with blockchain technology. The move marks the payments giant's return to blockchain after discontinuing its... Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:04:16 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/morpho-launches-midnight-fixed-rate-defi-lending-on-base https://blockchainacademics.com/news/morpho-launches-midnight-fixed-rate-defi-lending-on-base Morpho has launched Morpho Midnight, a fixed-rate, fixed-term lending protocol on Base. The new platform complements Morpho's $11B variable-rate Morpho Blue protocol, introducing defined maturities and predictable interest rates to DeFi with initial cbBTC/USDC markets. Julie "Mooncat" Wolf Tue, 21 Jul 2026 13:23:13 GMT DeFi https://blockchainacademics.com/news/pakistan-launches-crypto-investigation-unit-alongside-licensing-regime https://blockchainacademics.com/news/pakistan-launches-crypto-investigation-unit-alongside-licensing-regime Pakistan has established a dedicated investigation unit focused on cryptocurrency-related money laundering, launching the enforcement apparatus in parallel with its new PVARA licensing regime. The dual-track announcement signals a shift toward formal digital asset regulation that combines... Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:42:29 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/stonfi-launches-cross-chain-swaps-across-ton-tron-and-major-evm-chains https://blockchainacademics.com/news/stonfi-launches-cross-chain-swaps-across-ton-tron-and-major-evm-chains STON.fi, the leading AMM on The Open Network, launched cross-chain swaps enabling users to move stablecoins between TON, TRON, and major EVM chains through a unified, self-custodial interface. Julie "Mooncat" Wolf Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:02:13 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/white-house-crypto-chief-defers-military-training-as-clarity-act-nears-senate-vote https://blockchainacademics.com/news/white-house-crypto-chief-defers-military-training-as-clarity-act-nears-senate-vote Patrick Witt, the White House's lead cryptocurrency negotiator, has deferred his Army National Guard training to remain focused on shepherding the CLARITY Act through the Senate. The move signals the administration's determination to advance the landmark crypto regulation bill before lawmakers... Hadi Ghadban Tue, 21 Jul 2026 10:05:27 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/uk-parliament-launches-banking-access-inquiry-for-crypto-firms https://blockchainacademics.com/news/uk-parliament-launches-banking-access-inquiry-for-crypto-firms A UK parliamentary group has opened a formal investigation into banking restrictions affecting cryptocurrency companies and consumers, signaling growing frustration with financial institutions' reluctance to serve the sector despite incoming regulatory clarity. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Tue, 21 Jul 2026 09:34:20 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/base-plans-imminent-launch-of-11-backed-tokenized-us-equities https://blockchainacademics.com/news/base-plans-imminent-launch-of-11-backed-tokenized-us-equities Base is preparing to launch tokenized U.S. equities with 1:1 backing by year-end 2026, according to lead developer statements. The move marks a significant pivot away from Base's earlier social-first strategy toward financial infrastructure bridging traditional markets and blockchain. Ibrahim Rajab Tue, 21 Jul 2026 08:02:04 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/grayscale-files-for-worldcoin-etf-as-institutional-access-expands https://blockchainacademics.com/news/grayscale-files-for-worldcoin-etf-as-institutional-access-expands Grayscale Investments has filed with the SEC to launch a spot exchange-traded fund for Worldcoin (WLD), marking another step in the asset manager's push to bring alternative cryptocurrencies into mainstream institutional portfolios. The proposed ETF would hold WLD directly and trade on Nasdaq... Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:06:25 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/trumps-crypto-ethics-stance-creates-uncertainty-around-clarity-act-passage https://blockchainacademics.com/news/trumps-crypto-ethics-stance-creates-uncertainty-around-clarity-act-passage President Trump has agreed to accept ethics language addressing his substantial crypto holdings, potentially unblocking stalled CLARITY Act negotiations. But the contours of that agreement remain opaque, leaving lawmakers and the industry uncertain whether the compromise will accelerate the... Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 22:04:10 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-launches-sanctions-review-against-dunamu-over-upbits-dollar30m-solana-hack https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-launches-sanctions-review-against-dunamu-over-upbits-dollar30m-solana-hack South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service initiated a sanctions review against Dunamu, Upbit's parent company, on July 19 following a $30 million Solana hot wallet breach. The regulatory action marks a significant escalation in how Seoul responds to custodial failures at major crypto platforms. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:36:42 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/coinbase-backs-clarity-act-as-senate-momentum-builds https://blockchainacademics.com/news/coinbase-backs-clarity-act-as-senate-momentum-builds Coinbase Vice Chair Ryan VanGrack endorsed the CLARITY Act on July 20, reversing the exchange's January opposition. The reversal follows banking compromises that strengthened consumer protections, but a Senate ethics deadlock over high-profile crypto holdings threatens to derail passage despite... Blockchain Academics Newsroom Mon, 20 Jul 2026 19:34:27 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitcoin-mining-giants-pivot-to-ai-data-centers-with-multi-billion-dollar-deals https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitcoin-mining-giants-pivot-to-ai-data-centers-with-multi-billion-dollar-deals Bitcoin mining stocks surged after Hut 8 and IREN announced multi-billion-dollar contracts to build and operate AI data centers, marking an accelerating strategic shift away from traditional cryptocurrency mining toward higher-margin cloud computing infrastructure. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:05:03 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitmine-crosses-577m-eth-holdings-controls-nearly-5percent-of-ethereum-supply https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitmine-crosses-577m-eth-holdings-controls-nearly-5percent-of-ethereum-supply Bitmine Immersion Technologies has amassed 5.77 million ETH, worth over $11 billion, controlling approximately 4.8% of Ethereum's circulating supply. The latest acquisition of 7,430 ETH pushes the company closer to a 6 million token target, positioning it among the largest single holders globally. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:08:40 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/brazils-securities-regulator-launches-tokenization-task-force-with-60-day-deadline https://blockchainacademics.com/news/brazils-securities-regulator-launches-tokenization-task-force-with-60-day-deadline Brazil's CVM has formed a 14-member tokenization task force with a 60-day deadline to draft an experimental regulatory framework for on-chain securities trading, signaling the country's proactive approach to digital asset oversight. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:06:51 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hut-8-surges-30-35percent-on-dollar98b-ai-data-center-lease-signals-major-pivot-from-crypto-mining https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hut-8-surges-30-35percent-on-dollar98b-ai-data-center-lease-signals-major-pivot-from-crypto-mining Hut 8 Mining shares surged 30-35% following announcement of a $9.8 billion AI data-center lease in Texas. The deal marks a watershed moment for the crypto mining sector's transformation toward artificial intelligence infrastructure. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 14:05:04 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hyperliquid-launches-permissionless-prediction-markets-in-hip-4-upgrade https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hyperliquid-launches-permissionless-prediction-markets-in-hip-4-upgrade Hyperliquid announced the HIP-4 upgrade on July 20, opening decentralized prediction markets to all users without permission requirements. Market deployers receive 50% of fee revenue, though regulatory and competitive challenges remain. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:06:12 GMT DeFi https://blockchainacademics.com/news/michael-saylor-opposes-bitcoins-bip-110-anti-spam-proposal https://blockchainacademics.com/news/michael-saylor-opposes-bitcoins-bip-110-anti-spam-proposal Michael Saylor, chairman of Strategy, released a comprehensive 110-point argument against Bitcoin's proposed BIP-110 soft fork, calling the anti-spam measure a "bad idea" that poses greater risk to the network than the problem it attempts to solve. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 12:04:14 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-launches-sanctions-process-against-upbit-over-dollar32-36m-hack https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-launches-sanctions-process-against-upbit-over-dollar32-36m-hack South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service has initiated a sanctions process against Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, following a $32-36 million cryptocurrency theft. The action marks the first major test of how South Korean regulators will enforce compliance when exchanges face significant... Blockchain Academics Newsroom Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:34:19 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hyperliquid-launches-permissionless-prediction-markets-with-500k-hype-stake https://blockchainacademics.com/news/hyperliquid-launches-permissionless-prediction-markets-with-500k-hype-stake Hyperliquid announced the HIP-4 upgrade, enabling permissionless prediction market creation with a 500,000 HYPE token stake requirement. The feature will undergo testnet trials before mainnet launch, expanding the platform beyond derivatives trading. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Mon, 20 Jul 2026 09:32:28 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitcoin-plunges-below-dollar64k-as-middle-east-tensions-spike-oil https://blockchainacademics.com/news/bitcoin-plunges-below-dollar64k-as-middle-east-tensions-spike-oil Bitcoin has fallen below $64,000 as escalating U.S.-Iran conflict sends crude oil toward record highs and U.S. gasoline prices climb to $4 per gallon. The selloff reflects broader risk-off sentiment, though ETF inflows suggest institutional investors are selectively re-entering at lower prices. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 08:01:08 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/allbridge-core-paused-after-dollar1m-flash-loan-exploit https://blockchainacademics.com/news/allbridge-core-paused-after-dollar1m-flash-loan-exploit Allbridge Core paused its protocol on July 20, 2026 after an attacker used flash loans and rapid swaps to drain $1.0-1.65M from stablecoin liquidity pools. The incident underscores persistent vulnerabilities in cross-chain bridge security. Hadi Ghadban Mon, 20 Jul 2026 03:02:15 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/us-regulators-miss-genius-act-deadline-stablecoin-issuers-face-compliance-uncertainty-until-2028 https://blockchainacademics.com/news/us-regulators-miss-genius-act-deadline-stablecoin-issuers-face-compliance-uncertainty-until-2028 US federal regulators failed to meet the July 18, 2026 deadline to finalize stablecoin implementing regulations under the GENIUS Act, instead issuing 10 proposed rules and leaving the industry in regulatory limbo for nearly two more years. Blockchain Academics Newsroom Sun, 19 Jul 2026 20:01:39 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/news/cardanos-van-rossem-hard-fork-activates-as-golden-cross-fuels-rally-toward-dollar020 https://blockchainacademics.com/news/cardanos-van-rossem-hard-fork-activates-as-golden-cross-fuels-rally-toward-dollar020 Cardano's Van Rossem hard fork went live on mainnet today, marking the first network upgrade approved entirely through onchain governance. ADA was trading at $0.1650 following the activation, with price analysts targeting a potential rally to $0.20 as a bullish technical signal coincided with... Alejandro Silva Ramírez Sun, 19 Jul 2026 16:05:44 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/kraken-launches-cash-settled-bitcoin-and-ether-options-for-institutions https://blockchainacademics.com/news/kraken-launches-cash-settled-bitcoin-and-ether-options-for-institutions Kraken rolled out European-style, cash-settled options for Bitcoin and Ether on July 17, targeting institutional traders with a simplified derivatives product designed to lower barriers to entry in crypto options markets. Alejandro Silva Ramírez Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:03:28 GMT Markets https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-targets-upbit-operator-over-dollar32-36m-hack https://blockchainacademics.com/news/south-koreas-fss-targets-upbit-operator-over-dollar32-36m-hack South Korea's Financial Supervisory Service has initiated a sanctions process against Dunamu, operator of Upbit, following a $32-36 million cryptocurrency theft. The move tests regulatory authority under a law that contains no explicit provisions for hacking incidents. Alejandro Silva Ramírez Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:01:32 GMT Regulation https://blockchainacademics.com/research/arcus-launches-on-robinhood-chain-bringing-tokenized-stocks-and-perpetual-futures-onchain https://blockchainacademics.com/research/arcus-launches-on-robinhood-chain-bringing-tokenized-stocks-and-perpetual-futures-onchain Arcus has launched on Robinhood Chain with a dual-product platform combining regulatory-compliant tokenized equities and perpetual futures trading. The protocol targets Robinhood Markets' 20+ million retail users and builds on compliance infrastructure aligned with Securitize's transfer agent partnerships. Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:03:54 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/moonshot-ai-targets-dollar30-billion-hong-kong-ipo-as-kimi-k3-enters-global-ai-competition https://blockchainacademics.com/research/moonshot-ai-targets-dollar30-billion-hong-kong-ipo-as-kimi-k3-enters-global-ai-competition Beijing-based Moonshot AI has filed preliminary documentation for a Hong Kong Stock Exchange listing targeting a $30 billion valuation, seeking to raise $3–5 billion in fresh capital alongside the commercial rollout of its Kimi K3 large language model. The listing would rank among the largest AI-focused IPOs outside the United States. Sun, 19 Jul 2026 14:02:46 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/etherfi-partners-with-nexus-mutual-to-deliver-institutional-grade-eth-slashing-protection https://blockchainacademics.com/research/etherfi-partners-with-nexus-mutual-to-deliver-institutional-grade-eth-slashing-protection ether.fi and Nexus Mutual have announced a strategic partnership to provide institutional Ethereum stakers with structured validator slashing protection, with formal coverage terms expected in Q3 2026 and institutional onboarding to follow. The collaboration targets a longstanding barrier to enterprise ETH staking adoption by offering quantified, transferable risk coverage underwritten through Nexus Mutual's $850 million decentralized coverage pool. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 14:03:03 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/standard-chartered-launches-direct-usdc-minting-access-with-circle https://blockchainacademics.com/research/standard-chartered-launches-direct-usdc-minting-access-with-circle Standard Chartered has announced a direct USDC minting partnership with Circle Internet Financial, becoming the first major global bank to integrate stablecoin issuance infrastructure at the origination layer. The arrangement enables institutional clients to mint and redeem USDC directly through the bank's existing custody and payment infrastructure across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:03:59 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/cardano-announces-major-protocol-upgrade-targeting-scalability-and-throughput-improvements https://blockchainacademics.com/research/cardano-announces-major-protocol-upgrade-targeting-scalability-and-throughput-improvements Cardano has formally announced a major protocol upgrade targeting throughput and smart contract scalability, with IOG outlining a three-phase deployment timeline spanning Q4 2026 through Q1 2027. The upgrade targets a 3x TPS improvement alongside Plutus optimizations, though execution risk remains material given the protocol's history of delayed timelines. Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:04:18 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/gauntlet-secures-dollar125-million-series-c-from-sbi-holdings-to-scale-defi-risk-infrastructure https://blockchainacademics.com/research/gauntlet-secures-dollar125-million-series-c-from-sbi-holdings-to-scale-defi-risk-infrastructure Gauntlet has raised $125 million in Series C funding from SBI Holdings in a sole-investor round, bringing total funding to $175 million. The capital will support product expansion, international growth, and deeper integrations across DeFi protocols where Gauntlet manages risk parameters for more than $50 billion in total value locked. Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:07:13 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/kucoin-partners-with-uae-team-emirates-xrg-for-tour-de-france-sponsorship https://blockchainacademics.com/research/kucoin-partners-with-uae-team-emirates-xrg-for-tour-de-france-sponsorship KuCoin has announced a sponsorship partnership with UAE Team Emirates – XRG during the 2026 Tour de France, marking the exchange's entry into elite international sports sponsorship and expanding its brand presence in regulated global markets. Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:03:19 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/ethereum-co-founder-vitalik-buterin-announces-lean-ethereum-quantum-resistant-roadmap-targeting-2029-implementation https://blockchainacademics.com/research/ethereum-co-founder-vitalik-buterin-announces-lean-ethereum-quantum-resistant-roadmap-targeting-2029-implementation Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has unveiled the 'Lean Ethereum' roadmap, a staged protocol initiative targeting quantum-resistant cryptography implementation by 2029 alongside 40–60% gas efficiency improvements. The announcement addresses the projected threat of cryptographically relevant quantum computers to Ethereum's $462 billion network and $127.3 billion in DeFi total value locked. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 14:07:21 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/dtcc-launches-tokenization-pilot-for-russell-1000-equities-etfs-and-us-treasuries https://blockchainacademics.com/research/dtcc-launches-tokenization-pilot-for-russell-1000-equities-etfs-and-us-treasuries The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation is launching a blockchain tokenization pilot covering Russell 1000 equities, U.S. ETFs, and Treasury securities, marking the first direct integration of distributed ledger technology into U.S. central securities settlement infrastructure. The initiative builds on 18 months of development and partnerships with Securitize and Chainlink. Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:06:28 GMT Research https://blockchainacademics.com/research/ethereum-establishes-independent-non-profit-to-accelerate-institutional-finance-onchain https://blockchainacademics.com/research/ethereum-establishes-independent-non-profit-to-accelerate-institutional-finance-onchain The Ethereum ecosystem has formalized its transition to an independent non-profit governance structure, addressing longstanding institutional concerns about centralized protocol control. The announcement coincides with Securitize's transfer agent partnership, Tether's self-custodial wallet launch, and $8.7 billion in prediction market ETF inflows, reflecting accelerating institutional engagement with onchain financial infrastructure. Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:03:40 GMT Research