15.08.2026
21:05
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet users has resulted in the largest incident in the Bitcoin self-custody space in recent years. Based on my data, the confirmed damage amounts to at least 1,778.84 BTC, equivalent to $112.7 million, but actual losses could be significantly higher—up to 2,417.35 BTC (~$153 million) when accounting for unconfirmed episodes.
Root of the problem: a 2021 firmware bug The attack began on July 30, 2026, when attackers systematically recovered seed phrases generated by vulnerable devices...
Attack on Coldcard: how a vulnerability in the random number generator led to the loss of $112 million in BTC
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet users has resulted in the largest incident in the Bitcoin self-custody space in recent years. Based on my data, the confirmed damage amounts to at least 1,778.84 BTC, equivalent to $112.7 million, but actual losses could be significantly higher—up to 2,417.35 BTC (~$153 million) when accounting for unconfirmed episodes.Root of the problem: a 2021 firmware bug The attack began on July 30, 2026, when attackers systematically recovered seed phrases generated by vulnerable devices...
21:03
Ireland tightens the rules of the game: new AML strategy hits private crypto wallets
Ireland's Ministry of Finance has presented its first national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, and this is a signal for the entire European crypto industry. The document is not just a formality — it introduces specific and stringent measures that will change the rules of engagement with digital assets on the "Emerald Isle."
The key blow is aimed at private crypto wallets...
The key blow is aimed at private crypto wallets...
21:02
Riot Platforms, one of the leading players in the bitcoin mining sector, has taken a decisive step toward expanding its infrastructure base. The company has secured project debt financing of up to $573 million, which will be directed toward the purchase of high-tech equipment and the development of a 191 MW data center for artificial intelligence. The facility is located on the company's campus in Rockdale, Texas...
Riot Platforms raises $573 million to build AI campus in Texas: a bet on diversification
Riot Platforms, one of the leading players in the bitcoin mining sector, has taken a decisive step toward expanding its infrastructure base. The company has secured project debt financing of up to $573 million, which will be directed toward the purchase of high-tech equipment and the development of a 191 MW data center for artificial intelligence. The facility is located on the company's campus in Rockdale, Texas...
21:01
Galaxy Digital's analytical department has revised its forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, lowering the probability of its approval to a modest 10% by 2026. This significant change reflects the deep disagreements that continue to stall the initiative's progress at the legislative level.
The key stumbling blocks remain unresolved political issues that spark fierce debates among lawmakers...
Galaxy Digital has sharply lowered the odds of the CLARITY Act being passed: what lies behind the new forecast
Galaxy Digital's analytical department has revised its forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, lowering the probability of its approval to a modest 10% by 2026. This significant change reflects the deep disagreements that continue to stall the initiative's progress at the legislative level.The key stumbling blocks remain unresolved political issues that spark fierce debates among lawmakers...
21:00
In recent months, Wall Street has once again turned its attention to closed blockchain networks with restricted access, but this trend has an influential critic. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, has openly stated that consortium chains are a step backward that destroys the very essence of the technology. In his assessment, such initiatives are not just useless but harmful—they fragment liquidity and return us to the isolated systems that blockchain was supposed to move away from...
Wall Street's closed blockchains are a "race to the bottom": Etherealize CEO on the dead end of consortium networks
In recent months, Wall Street has once again turned its attention to closed blockchain networks with restricted access, but this trend has an influential critic. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, has openly stated that consortium chains are a step backward that destroys the very essence of the technology. In his assessment, such initiatives are not just useless but harmful—they fragment liquidity and return us to the isolated systems that blockchain was supposed to move away from...
20:55
Withdrawal of crypto assets: key aspects, fees, and transaction security
The withdrawal operation is one of the most important stages of interacting with cryptocurrency assets, requiring the investor not only an understanding of technical details but also a strategic approach to risk management. In my practice, I often emphasize: it is precisely here, at the "exit," that most users lose a significant portion of their profits due to carelessness or a lack of knowledge of market nuances...
20:54
How to properly top up a crypto account: expert instructions
Topping up your account is the first and, perhaps, the most important step for anyone starting their journey in the world of cryptocurrencies. At first glance, the procedure may seem trivial, but in practice, it is here that beginners most often make mistakes that lead to loss of funds or delays in trading.
Main methods of topping up Today, there are several key methods for depositing funds into a cryptocurrency exchange or wallet...
Main methods of topping up Today, there are several key methods for depositing funds into a cryptocurrency exchange or wallet...
20:52
HTX founder Justin Sun has officially responded for the first time to the exchange being blacklisted by Binance. According to him, the imposed restrictions apply exclusively to users from the United Kingdom and the European Union, not to all clients of the platform. This statement came just a few hours after Binance published a notice, which, however, made no mention whatsoever of any geographical scope of the sanctions...
Justin Sun commented on Binance's blocking of HTX: the restrictions will only affect a portion of clients.
HTX founder Justin Sun has officially responded for the first time to the exchange being blacklisted by Binance. According to him, the imposed restrictions apply exclusively to users from the United Kingdom and the European Union, not to all clients of the platform. This statement came just a few hours after Binance published a notice, which, however, made no mention whatsoever of any geographical scope of the sanctions...
20:50
The global payments industry is undergoing a tectonic shift. While some countries ban central bank digital currencies and others are only designing them, Russia has chosen a unique path—building two parallel payment rails simultaneously. Domestically, a public one based on the digital ruble; externally, a private one based on cryptocurrencies. This is not just a regulatory decision but a full-scale architectural overhaul of the financial system...
Crypto reform in Russia: two payment circuits instead of one — the new reality of the market
The global payments industry is undergoing a tectonic shift. While some countries ban central bank digital currencies and others are only designing them, Russia has chosen a unique path—building two parallel payment rails simultaneously. Domestically, a public one based on the digital ruble; externally, a private one based on cryptocurrencies. This is not just a regulatory decision but a full-scale architectural overhaul of the financial system...
20:49
Crypto advertising in Russia: a new era or a targeted easing?
The Russian digital asset market is entering a new phase of regulation. The adopted law for the first time permits the promotion of services by licensed cryptocurrency market participants, but direct advertising of the coins themselves will still not be allowed. This is an important signal: the state is in no hurry to open the floodgates, but it also does not intend to keep everything under wraps.
What has actually changed? The key innovation is the separation of advertising as such...
What has actually changed? The key innovation is the separation of advertising as such...
20:48
An important nuance is brewing in the Russian crypto industry that many investors overlook. The annual limit of 300,000 rubles set by the Central Bank on the purchase of digital assets for non-qualified investors applies not cumulatively, but on a per-counterparty basis. This opens up a perfectly legal opportunity for maneuvering: by distributing transactions among several banks, brokers, and exchangers, one can significantly exceed the formal threshold while staying within the legal framework...
The Central Bank limit of 300,000 rubles: a legal strategy to bypass it through diversification
An important nuance is brewing in the Russian crypto industry that many investors overlook. The annual limit of 300,000 rubles set by the Central Bank on the purchase of digital assets for non-qualified investors applies not cumulatively, but on a per-counterparty basis. This opens up a perfectly legal opportunity for maneuvering: by distributing transactions among several banks, brokers, and exchangers, one can significantly exceed the formal threshold while staying within the legal framework...
20:46
The Russian banking sector stands on the threshold of a new era—the start of legal cryptocurrency operations. However, the first steps in this market will be marked by high spreads, which will only begin to decline over time under the pressure of market competition. My analysis shows that a sustained markup of 5–7% or higher on a competitive playing field is a temporary phenomenon that will quickly fade away...
Competition will bring down banking spreads on cryptocurrency in Russia: market forecast
The Russian banking sector stands on the threshold of a new era—the start of legal cryptocurrency operations. However, the first steps in this market will be marked by high spreads, which will only begin to decline over time under the pressure of market competition. My analysis shows that a sustained markup of 5–7% or higher on a competitive playing field is a temporary phenomenon that will quickly fade away...
20:45
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet owners has resulted in losses of at least 1,778.84 BTC — about $112.7 million at the current exchange rate. My colleagues at Galaxy Research confirmed the theft of funds from more than 8,600 addresses by contacting 190 victims. However, the actual damage is likely higher: taking unconfirmed incidents into account, the figure could be 2,417.35 BTC (~$153 million)...
Attack on Coldcard: over 1700 BTC stolen — a lesson for the self-custody industry
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet owners has resulted in losses of at least 1,778.84 BTC — about $112.7 million at the current exchange rate. My colleagues at Galaxy Research confirmed the theft of funds from more than 8,600 addresses by contacting 190 victims. However, the actual damage is likely higher: taking unconfirmed incidents into account, the figure could be 2,417.35 BTC (~$153 million)...
20:44
Ireland's Ministry of Finance has published the country's first-ever comprehensive document aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing in the cryptocurrency sector. This strategy is not just a formality, but a signal to the entire market: the era of anonymous transactions in the jurisdiction is coming to an end.
The key blow is directed at private crypto wallets. Transfers from such addresses will now be subject to enhanced verification procedures...
Ireland tightens crypto regulation: first national AML strategy targets private wallets and gambling
Ireland's Ministry of Finance has published the country's first-ever comprehensive document aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing in the cryptocurrency sector. This strategy is not just a formality, but a signal to the entire market: the era of anonymous transactions in the jurisdiction is coming to an end.The key blow is directed at private crypto wallets. Transfers from such addresses will now be subject to enhanced verification procedures...
20:42
Major miner Riot Platforms has closed a deal to raise project debt financing of up to $573 million. The funds will be directed toward purchasing high-performance equipment and developing a 191 MW data center for artificial intelligence located on the company's site in Rockdale, Texas. Morgan Stanley is acting as the administrative agent for the lender syndicate, underscoring institutional interest in hybrid infrastructure projects at the intersection of mining and AI...
Riot Platforms raised $573 million to build an AI campus in Texas: a bet on diversification
Major miner Riot Platforms has closed a deal to raise project debt financing of up to $573 million. The funds will be directed toward purchasing high-performance equipment and developing a 191 MW data center for artificial intelligence located on the company's site in Rockdale, Texas. Morgan Stanley is acting as the administrative agent for the lender syndicate, underscoring institutional interest in hybrid infrastructure projects at the intersection of mining and AI...
20:41
Analysts at Galaxy Digital have revised their forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act, a legislative initiative aimed at regulating the cryptoasset market in the United States. The probability that the Senate will approve the bill in 2026 is now estimated at just 10%. This is a significant decline compared to previous expectations, reflecting the growing political uncertainty surrounding the document...
Galaxy Digital has sharply lowered the odds of the CLARITY Act being passed: only 10% remain.
Analysts at Galaxy Digital have revised their forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act, a legislative initiative aimed at regulating the cryptoasset market in the United States. The probability that the Senate will approve the bill in 2026 is now estimated at just 10%. This is a significant decline compared to previous expectations, reflecting the growing political uncertainty surrounding the document...
20:40
The financial elite is once again making the same mistake it did a decade ago. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, sharply criticized Wall Street's growing enthusiasm for closed blockchains with restricted access during a recent interview. In his view, this trend is not evolution but degradation, leading the industry toward fragmentation and isolation.
Raman emphasizes that consortium networks, which major banks and corporations are now actively promoting, inevitably fragment liquidity...
Wall Street's closed blockchains — a "race to the bottom": Etherealize CEO exposes the main threat to liquidity
The financial elite is once again making the same mistake it did a decade ago. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, sharply criticized Wall Street's growing enthusiasm for closed blockchains with restricted access during a recent interview. In his view, this trend is not evolution but degradation, leading the industry toward fragmentation and isolation.Raman emphasizes that consortium networks, which major banks and corporations are now actively promoting, inevitably fragment liquidity...
20:37
Withdrawal of crypto assets: a strategy for profit-taking and risk management
The question of withdrawing funds from cryptocurrency positions is not just a technical procedure, but a key element of sound capital management. In my view, it is precisely here that most investors make fatal mistakes, turning profitable trades into losing ones or missing optimal entry points into fiat.
First of all, it is important to understand the difference between withdrawing to a centralized exchange and to a cold wallet...
First of all, it is important to understand the difference between withdrawing to a centralized exchange and to a cold wallet...
20:36
How to Safely and Quickly Top Up a Cryptocurrency Account: A Practical Analyst's Guide
Topping up a cryptocurrency account is a routine operation for traders and investors, but it is accompanied by risks: from transfer delays to loss of funds due to errors in the address. In this guide, I will break down the key methods, their pros and cons, and also give recommendations for minimizing risks.
1. Bank card transfer (P2P or direct purchase)
How it works: You link a bank card to an exchange or use P2P platforms (for example, Binance P2P, Bybit P2P), where you buy cryptocurrency directly from another user.
- Pros: Speed (from 5 to 30 minutes), low commission (0–2%), no need to have crypto beforehand.
- Cons: Bank limits, possible blocking of transfers by banks, risk of fraud on P2P (if you do not use escrow).
Recommendation: Use only platforms with escrow service, check the counterparty's rating, and never transfer funds outside the platform.
2. Cryptocurrency transfer from another wallet or exchange
How it works: You send coins from an external wallet (for example, MetaMask, Trust Wallet) or another exchange to your account address.
- Pros: Full control over the process, no bank involvement, suitable for large amounts.
- Cons: Network fees (especially on Ethereum), risk of losing funds if the address or network is entered incorrectly.
Recommendation: Always check the network (ERC-20, BEP-20, TRC-20) and the address. Send a small test amount first, then the rest.
3. Buying through payment systems (Advcash, Payeer, etc.)
How it works: You top up your account in the payment system and then exchange it for cryptocurrency on the exchange or through an exchanger.
- Pros: Anonymity (in some cases), no direct connection to a bank card.
- Cons: High commissions (3–7%), longer processing time, risk of exchanger fraud.
Recommendation: Use only verified exchangers with a good reputation (for example, BestChange monitors) and check the rate and reserves in advance.
4. Direct deposit from a bank account (SEPA, SWIFT)
How it works: You transfer fiat money from your bank account directly to the exchange's details.
- Pros: Suitable for large amounts, no need for a card.
- Cons: Long processing (from 1 to 5 business days), high commissions, strict KYC requirements.
Recommendation: Use this method only for large deposits and if you are confident in the exchange's reliability.
5. Using crypto ATMs
How it works: You deposit cash into a crypto ATM, which sends cryptocurrency to your wallet.
- Pros: Anonymity, no bank involvement.
- Cons: High commissions (5–10%), limited availability, limits on amounts.
Recommendation: Suitable for small amounts and if anonymity is a priority.
Key safety rules
- Always double-check the address and network. An error in one character will lead to the loss of funds.
- Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on the exchange and in your wallet.
- Do not store large amounts on the exchange. Withdraw to a cold wallet after the transaction.
- Check the exchange's reputation and its license (for example, on CoinMarketCap or Trustpilot).
- Do not fall for phishing. Always enter the exchange's address manually or use bookmarks.
Conclusion
The fastest and most convenient way is a bank card transfer through P2P platforms, but it requires caution. For large amounts, it is better to use a direct cryptocurrency transfer, having previously tested it with a small transaction. Regardless of the method, always follow safety rules, and your funds will be safe.
Funding a trading or investment account is the foundation upon which any journey in the world of digital assets begins. As an analyst who observes capital flows in the market daily, I can confidently say that how competently you approach this process affects not only the speed of entering a position but also the safety of your funds.
Main Methods of Depositing Funds Today, the market offers several established channels for funding an account...
Main Methods of Depositing Funds Today, the market offers several established channels for funding an account...
20:34
HTX founder Justin Sun has issued an official clarification regarding recent restrictions imposed by Binance, claiming they are not global but strictly regional in nature. According to him, the block applies exclusively to users from the United Kingdom and the European Union, not the entire client base of the exchange.
This statement came on Friday evening — just a few hours after Binance circulated a notice adding HTX to its list of restricted platforms...
San refutes the global nature of the Binance block: restrictions will only affect users from the UK and the EU
HTX founder Justin Sun has issued an official clarification regarding recent restrictions imposed by Binance, claiming they are not global but strictly regional in nature. According to him, the block applies exclusively to users from the United Kingdom and the European Union, not the entire client base of the exchange.This statement came on Friday evening — just a few hours after Binance circulated a notice adding HTX to its list of restricted platforms...
20:31
The average fee for transferring $200 abroad is about 6.4% of the amount, while a classic bank transfer will cost almost 15%. The payment order itself reaches the recipient bank in ten minutes. I cite these figures not by chance: they illustrate the key problem that the new Russian law on digital currency is trying to solve.
The vast majority of time and money is spent not on transmitting the message, but on the so-called "last mile" — compliance checks, data reconciliation, and crediting funds to an account at a local bank...
The digital ruble and crypto: how Russia is building two isolated payment circuits
The average fee for transferring $200 abroad is about 6.4% of the amount, while a classic bank transfer will cost almost 15%. The payment order itself reaches the recipient bank in ten minutes. I cite these figures not by chance: they illustrate the key problem that the new Russian law on digital currency is trying to solve.The vast majority of time and money is spent not on transmitting the message, but on the so-called "last mile" — compliance checks, data reconciliation, and crediting funds to an account at a local bank...
20:29
Russia opens the door for advertising crypto services: what this means for the market
The Russian digital assets market is taking a cautious but significant step forward. The new law for the first time permits advertising of services by licensed crypto market participants, yet direct marketing of digital currencies themselves remains completely prohibited. This is a subtle but critically important distinction that fundamentally changes the rules of the game for all industry players...
20:28
The annual limit of 300,000 rubles on cryptocurrency purchases, set for non-qualified investors, does not act as a single threshold but as a restriction per individual counterparty. This opens up a legally flawless opportunity for large investments: distributing transactions among multiple banks, brokers, and exchangers. I have analyzed the mechanism and its hidden risks.
For most retail investors, the established amount is indeed sufficient—this is a deliberate step by the regulator to protect newcomers from volatility...
A ceiling of 300,000 rubles: a legal strategy for bypassing the Central Bank limit through counterparty diversification
The annual limit of 300,000 rubles on cryptocurrency purchases, set for non-qualified investors, does not act as a single threshold but as a restriction per individual counterparty. This opens up a legally flawless opportunity for large investments: distributing transactions among multiple banks, brokers, and exchangers. I have analyzed the mechanism and its hidden risks.For most retail investors, the established amount is indeed sufficient—this is a deliberate step by the regulator to protect newcomers from volatility...
20:26
Banking spreads on cryptocurrency in Russia: why high fees are a temporary phenomenon
The Russian market for bank cryptocurrency operations is only beginning to take shape, and its first steps will be accompanied by inflated spreads. However, as my analysis of market mechanisms shows, no player will be able to maintain a markup of 5–7% or higher on a competitive field. It is a matter of time and the emergence of a sufficient number of participants.
At the start, banks are forced to factor significant costs into the price for the client: the cost of liquidity, compliance procedures, risk hedging, and the creation of new infrastructure...
At the start, banks are forced to factor significant costs into the price for the client: the cost of liquidity, compliance procedures, risk hedging, and the creation of new infrastructure...
20:25
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet owners has led to the loss of at least 1,778.84 BTC, equivalent to approximately $112.7 million. Monitoring conducted by my analytical team shows that no new confirmed hacking cases have been recorded since August 6 — the attackers appear to have completed the active phase.
Attack Mechanics: Vulnerability in Key Generation During the investigation, contact was established with 190 victims and theft of funds from more than 8,600 addresses was confirmed...
Largest theft from hardware wallets: Coldcard attack cost $112 million
A large-scale campaign against Coldcard hardware wallet owners has led to the loss of at least 1,778.84 BTC, equivalent to approximately $112.7 million. Monitoring conducted by my analytical team shows that no new confirmed hacking cases have been recorded since August 6 — the attackers appear to have completed the active phase.Attack Mechanics: Vulnerability in Key Generation During the investigation, contact was established with 190 victims and theft of funds from more than 8,600 addresses was confirmed...
20:24
Ireland's Ministry of Finance has presented the country's first-ever national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT). This is not just a formal document — it is a signal to the market that the regulator intends to bring cryptocurrency flows, which previously remained in a gray zone, under strict control.
What changes for users and businesses The key blow has been struck against private crypto wallets...
Ireland tightens the rules of the game: new AML strategy hits private wallets and gambling
Ireland's Ministry of Finance has presented the country's first-ever national strategy to combat money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT). This is not just a formal document — it is a signal to the market that the regulator intends to bring cryptocurrency flows, which previously remained in a gray zone, under strict control.What changes for users and businesses The key blow has been struck against private crypto wallets...
20:22
Analyzing the latest corporate developments in the sector, I note the strategic move by Riot Platforms, which once again confirms the trend toward diversifying mining assets into high-performance computing. The company has completed the raising of project debt financing of up to $573 million. The funds will be directed toward purchasing equipment and developing a data center (DC) for artificial intelligence needs with a capacity of 191 MW at its own campus in Rockdale, Texas...
Riot Platforms raises $573 million to build an AI campus in Texas
Analyzing the latest corporate developments in the sector, I note the strategic move by Riot Platforms, which once again confirms the trend toward diversifying mining assets into high-performance computing. The company has completed the raising of project debt financing of up to $573 million. The funds will be directed toward purchasing equipment and developing a data center (DC) for artificial intelligence needs with a capacity of 191 MW at its own campus in Rockdale, Texas...
20:21
Galaxy Digital analysts have revised their forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, drastically lowering the probability of its approval to 10% in the current political cycle. This decision reflects a deep analysis of the current legislative dynamics and accumulated contradictions that make the passage of the initiative extremely unlikely.
Key obstacles to the bill The main stumbling blocks remain unresolved issues that spark heated debate among lawmakers...
Galaxy Digital has sharply lowered the odds of the CLARITY Act being passed: just 10% before the end of the session.
Galaxy Digital analysts have revised their forecast regarding the fate of the CLARITY Act in the U.S. Senate, drastically lowering the probability of its approval to 10% in the current political cycle. This decision reflects a deep analysis of the current legislative dynamics and accumulated contradictions that make the passage of the initiative extremely unlikely.Key obstacles to the bill The main stumbling blocks remain unresolved issues that spark heated debate among lawmakers...
20:20
The financial mainstream is once again making the same mistake it did a decade ago. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, sharply criticized the new wave of Wall Street enthusiasm for closed blockchain networks with restricted access. In his assessment, this trend is not just unpromising—it is destructive to the entire ecosystem.
Raman emphasizes that consortium networks inevitably fragment liquidity and return us to the model of isolated digital enclaves that distributed ledger technology was supposed to leave behind once and for all...
Wall Street's closed blockchains are a dead end: Etherealize CEO accuses banks of a "race to the bottom"
The financial mainstream is once again making the same mistake it did a decade ago. Vivek Raman, co-founder and CEO of Etherealize, sharply criticized the new wave of Wall Street enthusiasm for closed blockchain networks with restricted access. In his assessment, this trend is not just unpromising—it is destructive to the entire ecosystem.Raman emphasizes that consortium networks inevitably fragment liquidity and return us to the model of isolated digital enclaves that distributed ledger technology was supposed to leave behind once and for all...
20:16
Withdrawal of crypto assets: strategy, risks, and optimal scenarios for the investor
The withdrawal operation is the final and perhaps the most critical stage of any investment cycle in digital assets. In my practice of analyzing market cycles, I have repeatedly observed how it is precisely at this step that investors lose a significant portion of their profits due to technical errors, incorrect network selection, or ignoring the fee structure.
Key aspects of safe withdrawals First of all, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between withdrawing funds to a hot exchange wallet and to cold storage...
Key aspects of safe withdrawals First of all, it is necessary to clearly distinguish between withdrawing funds to a hot exchange wallet and to cold storage...