Crypto news

17.08.2026
04:55

UBS explosive growth: exposure to bitcoin-ETF call options increased 24-fold

switzerland Swiss banking giant UBS is demonstrating an unprecedented appetite for bitcoin instruments, radically revising its strategy regarding digital assets. According to my analysis of fresh data as of June 30, the bank increased its exposure to call options on BlackRock's IBIT exchange-traded fund 24-fold—from 80,000 to 1.95 million shares. This is not merely a position adjustment, but a signal of a fundamental shift in institutional perception of the crypto market...
04:54

SafePal Data Breach: 40,000 Users at Risk of Phishing

hack On August 16, hardware crypto wallet manufacturer SafePal officially confirmed a personal data breach affecting approximately 39,798 customers. Names, shipping addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and order details of users fell into the hands of third parties.
It is important to emphasize: the incident did not affect critically sensitive information. Seed phrases, private keys, passwords, banking details, and document data remained secure — SafePal fundamentally does not store such information on its servers...
04:52

Alibaba's open-source Qwen models have surpassed the 3 billion download mark: a phenomenon that is reshaping the AI market

AI-agents ИИ агенты 2 Chinese tech giant Alibaba has reached an impressive milestone: over the past six months, the total number of downloads of their open-source AI models from the Qwen family has exceeded 3 billion. This is not just a number, but a marker of a tectonic shift in the industry, where open weights are becoming the main battlefield for developers' minds.
The corporation has made more than 460 neural networks publicly available, which have served as the foundation for creating 300,000 derivative models...
04:50

Miners are fleeing to AI, bitcoin is losing ground, and neural networks are becoming hackers' main weapon: weekly recap

weekly results The outgoing week was rich in landmark events: bitcoin once again tested August lows, mining giants are massively offloading mined coins to pivot toward artificial intelligence, and AI has firmly established itself in cybercriminals' arsenals. Plus, Moscow law enforcement struck against illegal crypto exchanges. We break down the key trends.
Bitcoin pulled back to August lows July's momentum fizzled out...
04:48

Withdrawal of crypto assets: Key aspects, fees, and transaction security

The question of withdrawing funds from cryptocurrency platforms is not merely a technical procedure, but a crucial element of capital management strategy. In my practice, I encounter many investors who underestimate this stage, focusing solely on entering a position. However, it is precisely the correct withdrawal of assets that determines the final return and the safety of funds.
Mechanics and Fee Burden Each withdrawal is accompanied by transaction costs, which vary depending on the chosen network and blockchain congestion...
04:46

How to safely and quickly top up your crypto exchange balance: a full breakdown of methods

Liquidity management is the foundation of successful digital asset trading. The efficiency of your trades directly depends on how quickly and profitably you can deposit funds into your trading account. Today, I will break down the key methods for funding your balance, their fees, speed, and potential risks, so you can choose the optimal strategy.
Main Deposit Methods There are several proven channels for depositing capital, and each has its own specifics...
04:45

Competition will force Russian banks to reduce spreads on cryptocurrency.

The launch of banking operations with cryptocurrency in Russia will be accompanied by inflated spreads, but maintaining a markup of 5–7% or higher in a competitive market will not be possible. This is the conclusion I reach by analyzing the current market conditions and the logic of price formation within a regulated framework.
The key factor that will determine the final cost for the client is not the bank's appetite, but the cost of liquidity, the user's willingness to overpay for a regulated service, and the difference compared to traditional fiat transfer channels...
04:43

The Central Bank's limit of 300,000 rubles: a crypto market for the elite or a step toward legalization?

Alexander Brazhnikov, Executive Director of RAKIB, presented his assessment of the Central Bank's initiative to allow Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT for exchange trading. At first glance, this is a long-awaited step toward creating legal infrastructure for digital assets in Russia. However, upon closer examination, the Central Bank's proposal risks creating a market accessible only to a narrow circle of qualified investors, leaving retail participants out in the cold...
04:41

Advertising crypto services in Russia: a new law, old prohibitions, and a strange transition period

From September 1, 2026, advertising of services for organizing cryptocurrency circulation will be permitted in Russia for the first time in two years. However, the ban on advertising the digital currencies themselves remains fully in effect. This duality creates an extremely unusual situation in the market, which I, as an analyst, cannot ignore.
Until recently, the answer to the question about advertising cryptocurrencies and related services was extremely simple: it is prohibited...
04:40

Cryptocurrency advertising in Russia from September: new bans and mandatory wording

Starting September 1, 2026, Russian crypto exchanges and digital depositories will gain the right to advertise their services, but only within strict regulatory constraints. The new law introduces a mandatory set of elements for every advertisement, as well as a direct ban on a range of marketing phrases that were previously widespread.
What must be included in advertising The legislation now requires that every advertising material contain four key elements...
04:38

Fines up to a million: how Russia will punish violations in crypto advertising

The Russian digital asset market is entering a new phase of regulation, and companies operating in this sphere will have to adapt to strict rules of the game. Violations of legislation on advertising crypto services now carry fines ranging from 100,000 to 1 million rubles. At the same time, oversight functions are distributed across three agencies at once: the FAS, Roskomnadzor, and the Bank of Russia...
04:37

Tokenized stocks on the rise: number of holders soars by 124% in a month

RWA tokenization The market for tokenized stocks is demonstrating impressive momentum, which points to the maturity of the real-world assets (RWA) sector in the crypto industry. Over the past 30 days, the number of unique addresses holding digitized securities has increased by 124%, reaching 1.31 million. This is not just a statistical spike—it is a signal of growing confidence among institutional and retail investors in blockchain infrastructure as a legitimate channel for trading traditional assets...
04:36

UBS has radically increased its bet on bitcoin: exposure to call options on ETFs has grown 24-fold.

Swiss banking giant UBS is demonstrating an impressive turnaround in its digital assets strategy. According to my analysis of fresh data from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), at the end of the second quarter the bank held call options on 1.95 million shares of BlackRock's bitcoin ETF IBIT. For comparison, three months earlier this figure stood at just 80,000 shares — a 24-fold increase in a single quarter...
04:35

Data breach at SafePal: data of 40,000 users at risk

hack On August 16, hardware crypto wallet manufacturer SafePal officially confirmed a personal data leak incident affecting approximately 39,798 users. Customer names, shipping addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and order details fell into the hands of third parties. This is a serious signal for the entire industry, given that such data is an ideal foundation for targeted phishing attacks.
It is important to emphasize: critical financial information has not been compromised...
04:33

Alibaba's Qwen models have surpassed the 3 billion download mark: the phenomenon of open AI from China

AI-agents ИИ агенты 2 Chinese tech giant Alibaba has reached an impressive milestone: the total number of downloads of its open-source AI models from the Qwen family has exceeded 3 billion in just the last six months. To date, the corporation has released more than 460 neural networks into the public domain, which have served as the foundation for 300,000 derivative models created by developers worldwide.
Hugging Face platform data: Qwen's triumph An analysis of the Hugging Face ecosystem, published in the semi-annual report on the state of open models, paints an even more detailed picture...
04:30

Week of downtrend: miners flee to AI, and hackers master neural networks

The outgoing week proved challenging for the market: bitcoin erased July's rally, miners continued a large-scale sell-off of coins to finance AI projects, and neural networks have firmly established themselves in the arsenal of cybercriminals. In addition, law enforcement in Moscow reminded us of their presence, while institutional investors continue to cautiously increase their footprint.
Bitcoin retreated to August lows On August 14, the leading cryptocurrency fell below $63,000, effectively returning to levels from the start of the month, although last week's close was at $65,200...
04:27

Crypto Asset Withdrawal: Time to Lock in Profits or a Strategic Pause?

The issue of liquidity management and withdrawing funds from digital assets is once again coming to the forefront for investors. Observing the current market dynamics, I note a strengthening trend toward moving funds into fiat or stablecoin positions. This is not just a spontaneous decision by the crowd, but a natural stage of the cycle when short-term volatility forces even long-term holders to reconsider their risk management strategy...
04:26

How to properly top up a cryptocurrency exchange balance: instructions for an investor

Liquidity management is a fundamental skill for any participant in the crypto market. The issue of funding a trading account often becomes the first barrier for beginners and a source of hidden costs for experienced traders. I will break down the key aspects of this process so you can minimize risks and fees.
Main ways to deposit funds Today, there are three main paths: bank transfers (SEPA, SWIFT), transactions from external crypto wallets, and direct purchases through P2P platforms...
04:24

Competition will bring down banking spreads on cryptocurrency in Russia: analysts' forecast

The Russian banking sector is preparing for the large-scale adoption of cryptocurrency operations, and the first steps on this path promise to be costly for clients. However, as my analysis of market mechanisms shows, high spreads on buying and selling digital assets are a temporary phenomenon that will inevitably fade under competitive pressure.
At the start, banks will be forced to factor significant costs into the price: the cost of liquidity, compliance procedures, risk hedging, and building new infrastructure...
04:22

The Central Bank's limit of 300,000 rubles: a crypto market for the elite or an experiment on the masses?

Alexander Brazhnikov, Executive Director of RAKIB, presented a mixed assessment of the Central Bank's initiative to allow Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT to be traded on exchanges. On the one hand, this is a long-awaited step toward creating legal infrastructure; on the other, the proposed limit of 300,000 rubles per year for non-qualified investors turns retail access into a formality rather than a real financial tool...
04:21

Advertising crypto services in Russia: a strange transition period begins on September 1

From September 1, 2026, advertising of services for organizing cryptocurrency circulation will be permitted in Russia for the first time in two years. However, the ban on advertising the digital currencies themselves remains fully in effect. This duality creates a unique and, at first glance, paradoxical situation in the market, to which participants will have to adapt in the coming months.
Until recently, the answer to the question about advertising cryptocurrencies and related services was extremely simple: it is prohibited...
04:18

Cryptocurrency advertising in Russia from September: new bans and mandatory wording

Starting September 1, 2026, Russian crypto exchanges and digital deposit services will gain the right to advertise, but with caveats that fundamentally change the rules of the game. The new legislation introduces strict requirements for wording and mandates the inclusion of a mandatory set of warnings in advertisements. This is not merely a formality, but a systemic step toward a civilized market...
04:17

Fines up to one million rubles: how Russia will punish violations in crypto advertising

The Russian digital assets market is entering a new phase of regulation, and now the advertising activities of crypto companies have come under close scrutiny from three agencies at once. For violations of the new rules, legal entities face fines ranging from 100 thousand to 1 million rubles, with oversight distributed among the FAS, Roskomnadzor, and the Bank of Russia.
The mechanics of penalties: from advertising to mailings The base advertising fine for companies under Part 1 of Article 14...
04:16

The market for tokenized stocks has exploded: the number of holders has doubled in a month.

RWA tokenization The real-world asset (RWA) tokenization sector is experiencing a phase of exponential growth, and the figures from the past month confirm this unequivocally. The number of unique addresses holding tokenized stocks has surged by 124%, reaching 1.31 million. This is not just incremental growth but an actual doubling of the holder base, signaling that the niche is transitioning from an early adoption stage to a phase of mass recognition...
04:15

UBS blew up the market: exposure to call options on bitcoin ETFs grew 24-fold

switzerland Swiss banking giant UBS is demonstrating an aggressive pivot toward crypto assets, and this is not just a cosmetic portfolio adjustment. According to my analysis of the latest 13F filing data, as of June 30, the bank recorded call options on 1.95 million shares of BlackRock's bitcoin ETF IBIT. For comparison: a quarter earlier, this figure stood at just 80,000 shares. A 24-fold increase is not a cautious step but a strategic bet on a bullish scenario...
04:13

Data breach at SafePal: nearly 40,000 users at risk of targeted attacks

hack On August 16, hardware crypto wallet manufacturer SafePal officially confirmed an incident involving the compromise of personal data of approximately 39,798 customers. Names, delivery addresses, phone numbers, emails, and order details fell into the hands of third parties. This is a serious signal for the entire market, given the sensitivity of the crypto industry's audience.
It is important to emphasize: the leak did not affect critically important data — seed phrases, private keys, passwords, banking details, and card numbers...
04:12

Alibaba's open-source Qwen models have surpassed the 3 billion download mark: a new ecosystem record.

AI-agents ИИ агенты 2 Chinese tech giant Alibaba has reached an impressive milestone: the cumulative number of downloads of their open-source AI models from the Qwen family has exceeded 3 billion over the past six months. This is a landmark event for the entire industry, demonstrating the colossal demand for accessible and flexible solutions in the field of generative artificial intelligence.
To date, the corporation has released more than 460 different neural networks to the public...
04:10

Weekly roundup: Bitcoin miners are massively pivoting to AI, and neural networks are becoming hackers' weapons.

итоги недели The outgoing week was marked by a radical shift in the strategy of public miners, a new round of cyber warfare using artificial intelligence, and increased regulatory pressure on the crypto market in Russia. I will break down the key events that defined the agenda.
Bitcoin Pulled Back to August Lows The upward momentum of July was completely nullified. On August 14, the leading cryptocurrency broke below the $63,000 mark, returning to levels from the beginning of the month, although the asset had closed the previous week at $65,200...
04:07

How to Safely and Quickly Withdraw Funds from a Crypto Exchange: A Complete Guide from an Analyst

Withdrawing funds from a crypto exchange is a process that every trader and investor faces. However, despite its apparent simplicity, many users make mistakes that lead to loss of money, frozen transactions, or even account blocking. In this guide, I will walk you through the key steps, common pitfalls, and professional recommendations to help you withdraw funds safely and quickly.

Step 1: Verify Your Account (KYC)

Before you can withdraw funds, most reputable exchanges require identity verification (KYC — Know Your Customer). This is a mandatory procedure that protects both the platform and its users from fraud and money laundering. If you haven't completed verification yet, do it in advance — it can take from a few minutes to several days, depending on the exchange and your region.

Tip: Complete KYC immediately after registering, even if you don't plan to withdraw funds in the near future. This will save you time when you need to access your money urgently.

Step 2: Choose a Withdrawal Method

Exchanges offer several ways to withdraw funds, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Bank transfer (SEPA, SWIFT, ACH): The most common method for fiat withdrawals. It is reliable but can take from 1 to 5 business days. Some banks may charge additional fees.
  • Card withdrawal (Visa/Mastercard): A faster method — funds are usually credited within a few hours. However, fees can be higher, and some banks block such transactions.
  • Cryptocurrency withdrawal: The fastest and cheapest way if you plan to transfer funds to another wallet or exchange. The transaction is completed within minutes, but you need to carefully check the network and address.
  • P2P platforms: A method where you sell crypto directly to another user. It can be convenient, but there is a risk of fraud, so only use trusted platforms.

Step 3: Check Withdrawal Limits and Fees

Each exchange sets its own limits and fees for withdrawals. These can depend on your verification level, the withdrawal method, and the specific cryptocurrency. Before initiating a transaction, carefully review the terms:

  • Minimum and maximum withdrawal amounts.
  • Commission percentage or fixed fee.
  • Hidden fees — for example, for urgent processing or currency conversion.

Tip: If you need to withdraw a large amount, split it into several transactions. This will reduce the risk of triggering the exchange's anti-fraud system.

Step 4: Double-Check the Address and Network

One of the most common mistakes is sending cryptocurrency to the wrong address or using the wrong network. For example, sending USDT via the ERC-20 network to an address that only supports TRC-20 will result in the loss of funds.

Always check:

  • The correctness of the recipient address (preferably copy it, not type it manually).
  • The network compatibility (ERC-20, TRC-20, BEP-20, etc.).
  • The minimum deposit amount for the recipient wallet.

Step 5: Consider Tax Implications

Withdrawing funds from an exchange is not just a technical process but also a financial event that may have tax consequences. In many countries, selling cryptocurrency for fiat is a taxable event. Keep records of all transactions and consult a tax advisor if necessary.

Step 6: Use Additional Security Measures

To protect your funds from theft, always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) and use a cold wallet for long-term storage. Withdraw only the amount you need for current expenses, and keep the rest in secure storage.

Tip: Before a large withdrawal, make a small test transaction. This will help you verify that the address and network are correct without risking significant amounts.

Conclusion

Withdrawing funds from a crypto exchange is a process that requires attention and preparation. By following the steps above, you can minimize risks and avoid common mistakes. Remember: safety always comes first, even if it takes a little more time.

If you have any questions or want to share your experience, leave a comment below!

The issue of withdrawing fiat money or digital assets from a trading platform is one of the most critical stages in the work of any investor. The safety of your capital and the speed of access to it depend on how competently you approach this procedure.
Main withdrawal channels Today, there are three key ways to leave the exchange. The first is a bank transfer (SEPA, SWIFT, or local systems), which is most often used for working with large amounts in euros or dollars...
04:06

How to properly top up your crypto exchange balance: instructions and expert recommendations

The issue of topping up your balance on a cryptocurrency exchange is not just a technical routine, but a key stage that determines the speed of your trading and the safety of your funds. In my practice, I often see even experienced traders losing time and money due to elementary mistakes when depositing or withdrawing assets. Today, I will break down the basic scenarios and hidden risks.
Main ways to deposit funds There are three main ways to top up: bank transfer (fiat), a cryptocurrency deposit directly to a wallet address, and buying coins through a built-in exchanger (p2p or card)...