Daily News 19

Category: Coins

Digital assets, cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and currency news.

  • Blockchain.com, NYSE Plan 24/7 Tokenized Stock Trading Access

    Blockchain.com, NYSE Plan 24/7 Tokenized Stock Trading Access

    Key Highlights

    • Blockchain.com and NYSE Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore distribution of tokenized U.S.-listed stocks and ETFs via NYSE’s planned digital alternative trading system (ATS).
    • The proposed service aims to enable 24/7 trading, fractional ownership, stablecoin funding, and onchain settlement for eligible global users, pending regulatory approvals and the launch of NYSE’s digital venue.
    • The agreement includes bilateral data sharing: ICE and NYSE equity data would integrate into Blockchain.com products, while Blockchain.com crypto-market data could be distributed by ICE.

    Blockchain.com and NYSE Group Forge Partnership to Explore Tokenized Equities

    Blockchain.com and the New York Stock Exchange Group have entered into a formal agreement to investigate bringing tokenized versions of NYSE-listed securities directly to the crypto platform’s global user base. The memorandum of understanding covers joint product development and market-data sharing, with the long-term objective of enabling Blockchain.com customers to trade tokenized stocks and exchange-traded funds through infrastructure built on NYSE’s forthcoming digital alternative trading system. The collaboration marks a significant convergence between a major crypto-native exchange and the world’s largest equity market operator.

    NYSE’s Digital ATS Designed for Crypto-Native Features

    NYSE has previously outlined plans for a digital alternative trading system architected around tokenized securities. The proposed venue is engineered to support functionality familiar to cryptocurrency traders but largely absent from traditional brokerage platforms: continuous 24/7 market access, fractional share ownership, stablecoin denominated funding, and onchain settlement. If launched, Blockchain.com would serve as a distribution partner, offering its international customer base a pathway to trade tokenized representations of exchange-listed shares and ETFs within the same ecosystem they use for digital assets.

    Bilateral Data Integration Extends Beyond Trading

    The agreement envisions data flowing in both directions. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), NYSE’s parent company, could distribute Blockchain.com’s cryptocurrency market data to its network, while Blockchain.com would integrate ICE and NYSE equity market data into its own product suite. This reciprocal arrangement underscores a strategic alignment that goes beyond simple order execution, positioning both firms to leverage each other’s data assets across traditional and digital asset markets.

    Agreement Remains Preliminary Pending Regulatory Clearance

    Despite the strategic significance, executives emphasize that the memorandum of understanding does not constitute a live trading launch. Tokenized NYSE securities are not available for unrestricted 24-hour trading today. The service is contingent on NYSE successfully launching its planned digital ATS and securing all required regulatory approvals. Jurisdictional restrictions will also apply; tokenizing a share does not eliminate the applicability of securities laws merely because ownership is represented on a blockchain.

    Why This Matters

    This partnership places two major industry trends on a direct collision course. Over the past year, cryptocurrency exchanges have aggressively pursued tokenized equity products, while traditional market infrastructure providers have begun experimenting with blockchain-based settlement layers. Blockchain.com contributes crypto-native users, wallet infrastructure, and a global distribution footprint. NYSE Group contributes regulated market structure, the underlying securities ecosystem, and the credibility of the world’s premier listing venue. If the project clears regulatory hurdles, the result could resemble less a crypto imitation of the stock market and more the stock market adopting crypto-style settlement rails—potentially reshaping how global investors access U.S. equities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I trade tokenized NYSE stocks on Blockchain.com right now?

    No. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding only. Tokenized securities are not currently available for trading. The service depends on NYSE launching its digital alternative trading system and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

    Will tokenized stocks be available 24/7 to users worldwide?

    The proposed digital ATS is designed to support 24/7 trading, fractional ownership, and stablecoin funding. However, access will be subject to jurisdictional restrictions and securities regulations in each user’s country of residence.

    What role does ICE play in this partnership?

    Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) is the parent company of NYSE. Under the agreement, ICE could distribute Blockchain.com’s cryptocurrency market data, while Blockchain.com would integrate ICE and NYSE equity market data into its platform.

  • ‘Bull Market Confirmed’: Analyst Identifies Bitcoin’s Fifth Historic Signal

    ‘Bull Market Confirmed’: Analyst Identifies Bitcoin’s Fifth Historic Signal

    Key Highlights

    • Cryptoquant contributor Darkfost identifies a fifth historical bull market signal for Bitcoin on September 24, marking the first such crossover since 2023 and joining prior signals in 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2023.
    • The signal triggers when the short-term holder cost basis rises above the active long-term holder cost basis, using a seven-year activity filter that excludes over 3.5 million dormant BTC untouched for a decade or more.
    • U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $2.06 billion in net inflows over three consecutive days (Sept. 21–23), led by a record $999 million single-day inflow on Sept. 21, coinciding with the signal’s confirmation.

    Fifth Cost-Basis Crossover Confirms Bull Market Structure

    A new on-chain metric flashed a bullish confirmation for Bitcoin on September 24, marking the fifth time in the asset’s history that the average acquisition cost of short-term holders has surpassed that of active long-term holders. The analysis, published by Cryptoquant contributor Darkfost, identifies the crossover as a recurring structural signal that has preceded sustained upward moves in each of the four prior cycles.

    In a post on X, the analyst stated: “Bull Market Confirmed … This is the 5th occurrence, which gives a bit more credibility to the dynamic bitcoin is putting in place, though there’s always a margin for error, and I prefer to point that out.” The comment underscores both the statistical weight of the pattern and the inherent uncertainty in any single indicator.

    The metric compares two distinct cost bases: the average price paid by short-term holders versus the average price paid by active long-term holders. Crucially, the long-term cohort is filtered to include only coins that have moved at least once in the past seven years. This design excludes deeply dormant supply—estimated at more than 3.5 million BTC older than ten years—which the analyst argues would otherwise distort the measure of genuine holder conviction.

    Defining Active Long-Term Holders: The Seven-Year Filter

    The seven-year activity threshold serves a different analytical purpose than the standard 155-day holding period used by firms such as Glassnode to separate short-term from long-term supply. While Glassnode’s definition classifies any coin held longer than roughly five months as long-term, Darkfost’s additional filter asks whether that long-term coin has shown any on-chain life in the last seven years. Coins that have not are treated as effectively lost or permanently dormant and removed from the active cost-basis calculation.

    The analyst acknowledges the cutoff is arbitrary but notes its practical relevance. The dormant pile grows by an estimated 8,000 to 30,000 BTC each month, and its monthly change has turned negative only once since 2019—when an early miner moved approximately 100,000 BTC. Notably, coins inactive for five to 15 years resumed movement in 2026, demonstrating that even decade-old supply can re-enter circulation and validating the decision to track active versus dormant segments separately.

    ETF Inflows Provide Liquidity Backdrop for the Signal

    The cost-basis crossover arrived alongside a surge of institutional demand via U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. According to daily flow data from Farside, the funds attracted $2.06 billion in net inflows across the three sessions from September 21 through September 23. Every session printed positive flows, though the pace decelerated sharply after the opening day.

    September 21 saw the largest single-day inflow of 2026 at $999 million. The following day added $714.7 million, and September 23 contributed $346.9 million. The three-day sequence coincides with the period in which the on-chain signal confirmed, lending circumstantial support to the argument that fresh ETF liquidity is reinforcing the shift in holder economics. The analyst cautions, however, that the flow data establishes correlation during the signal window, not causation of the crossover itself.

    Spot Bitcoin ETFs allow investors to gain exposure through brokerage-traded shares backed by actual BTC held by the fund, lowering the operational barrier for institutional allocators and wealth managers who cannot or prefer not to custody digital assets directly.

    Cycle Outlook: Tempered Volatility, Multi-Fold Returns

    The bullish signal and ETF momentum are being framed within a broader cycle thesis. In a separate assessment published September 22, Cryptoquant founder and CEO Ki Young Ju argued that the market’s expanding size and deepening institutional ownership could dampen the extreme boom-bust amplitude characteristic of earlier cycles. His base-case forecast projects threefold to fivefold returns for Bitcoin this cycle, followed by a milder bear market drawdown than historical norms.

    Why This Matters

    The fifth cost-basis crossover matters because it represents a rare confluence of on-chain holder behavior and institutional capital flows. Prior occurrences in 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2023 each preceded significant bull-market legs, suggesting the metric captures a fundamental shift in the marginal buyer—from long-term accumulators to newer participants willing to pay higher average prices. The seven-year activity filter refines this insight by focusing on economically active long-term holders, filtering out supply that behaves more like lost coins than invested capital. Meanwhile, the $2.06 billion in ETF inflows over three days—anchored by a record $999 million session—signals that traditional financial infrastructure is now a primary vector for Bitcoin demand. If Ki Young Ju’s cycle thesis holds, the combination of structural on-chain signals and sustained institutional flows could produce a cycle defined by steadier appreciation and shallower corrections, reshaping risk expectations for both retail and institutional participants.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What exactly is the “fifth bull market signal” identified by Cryptoquant?

    It is the fifth historical occurrence where the short-term holder realized price (average acquisition cost of coins held less than ~155 days) crosses above the active long-term holder realized price (average cost of coins held longer than 155 days that have also moved at least once in the past seven years). Previous crossovers appeared in 2012, 2015, 2019, and 2023.

    Why does the analysis exclude Bitcoin that hasn’t moved in over seven years?

    The analyst treats coins untouched for seven-plus years as dormant or effectively lost supply. Including them in the long-term holder cost basis would dilute the measure of active holder conviction. Over 3.5 million BTC fall into this category, growing by 8,000–30,000 BTC monthly, with only one monthly decline since 2019.

    Did the ETF inflows cause the bullish crossover?

    The data shows the $2.06 billion in net ETF inflows (Sept. 21–23) coincided with the signal’s confirmation, but the analyst explicitly states the flows “do not establish that ETF buying caused the crossover.” The inflows provide liquidity context, not proof of causation.

  • Crypto Market Reacts as Bitcoin Holders Cash Out $2.4B

    Crypto Market Reacts as Bitcoin Holders Cash Out $2.4B

    Key Highlights

    • Bitcoin holders realized $2.4 billion in profits according to Bitfinex data, a steep decline from historical peaks of $7 billion to $10 billion in daily realized profits.
    • Zero trading volume reported over the past 24 hours signals a cautious market atmosphere and potential stagnation across the broader crypto ecosystem.
    • The profit-taking trend suggests investors are securing gains rather than holding for further appreciation, a behavior shift that could reshape near-term market dynamics.

    Bitfinex Data Reveals Sharp Decline in Realized Bitcoin Profits

    Bitcoin holders recently realized $2.4 billion in profits, according to a tweet from Bitfinex, one of the world’s longest-running cryptocurrency exchanges. This figure stands in stark contrast to historical market tops, where daily realized profits consistently ranged between $7 billion and $10 billion. The sizable gap underscores a notable shift in investor behavior: rather than riding momentum toward new highs, market participants appear to be locking in gains at lower thresholds. Analysts interpret this as a signal that confidence in immediate upside potential has waned, even as Bitcoin maintains its role as the primary bellwether for the entire digital asset sector.

    Trading Volume Evaporates as Market Enters Cautious Phase

    The current environment reveals mixed signals across the broader crypto market. While profit realization remains significant in absolute terms, overall trading activity has gone conspicuously quiet, with no reported volume in the past 24 hours. This absence of turnover contrasts sharply with previous bullish cycles, where heavy volume accompanied profit-taking as traders rotated positions. The combination of realized profits and vanishing volume paints a picture of a market in wait-and-see mode, where both retail and institutional investors are reassessing risk exposure amid fluctuating conditions. Many traders are closely monitoring these developments, as the divergence between profit-taking and participation could foreshadow a shift in market dynamics.

    Historical Context Underscores Shift in Investor Behavior

    As of now, Bitcoin shows no trading volume, which underscores the cautious atmosphere among investors. Recent profit realizations could suggest that traders are opting to secure gains rather than hold out for further price increases. The lack of trading activity highlights a potentially stagnant market, where sentiment appears to be influenced heavily by recent profit-taking. Bitcoin serves as a leading cryptocurrency, often acting as a bellwether for the entire crypto market. Its price movements and trading behaviors can significantly influence market sentiment and investor strategies, making it a focal point for both retail and institutional investors alike.

    Market Participants Await Directional Catalysts

    Traders are watching for potential shifts in market sentiment as profit realizations continue. The historical context suggests that if this trend of taking profits persists, it could lead to increased volatility and uncertainty in the market. Investors should remain vigilant for upcoming trends as the dynamics of profit realization could reshape strategies moving forward. Market reactions are subject to change based on new information.

    Why This Matters

    The sharp drop in daily realized profits—from a historical ceiling of $10 billion to the current $2.4 billion—combined with the evaporation of trading volume, marks a meaningful inflection point for Bitcoin and the wider crypto market. In prior cycles, elevated profit realization accompanied by robust volume signaled conviction-driven rotation; today’s low-volume profit-taking suggests defensive repositioning. Because Bitcoin’s price action and on-chain behavior set the tone for altcoins, DeFi protocols, and institutional allocation decisions, this shift warrants close attention from portfolio managers, miners, and derivatives desks alike. The next directional move will likely hinge on macroeconomic catalysts—such as Federal Reserve policy signals, ETF flow data, or regulatory clarity—that could either revive risk appetite or deepen the current consolidation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does the current $2.4 billion in realized profits compare to previous market peaks?

    Historical data shows that during prior market tops, daily realized profits consistently hovered between $7 billion and $10 billion. The current $2.4 billion figure represents a decline of roughly 65% to 75% from those peak levels, indicating significantly reduced profit-taking intensity.

    Why is zero trading volume significant in this context?

    Zero reported volume over 24 hours suggests a lack of conviction among buyers and sellers alike. In healthy bull markets, profit-taking is typically matched by fresh capital entering positions. The absence of volume implies participants are sideline-oriented, waiting for clearer directional signals before committing new capital.

    What could trigger a change in the current cautious sentiment?

    Market participants are monitoring macroeconomic developments—including Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, spot Bitcoin ETF flow trends, and regulatory announcements—as potential catalysts. A shift in any of these factors could either revive risk appetite and volume or reinforce the current consolidation phase.

  • Bitget Crypto Exchange Exploited for $351M as Hacker Swaps Stolen Funds for Ethereum

    Bitget Crypto Exchange Exploited for $351M as Hacker Swaps Stolen Funds for Ethereum

    Key Highlights

    • Crypto exchange Bitget confirmed a $351.6 million security breach involving multiple hot wallets
    • Attackers moved stolen assets across chains and converted stablecoins into Ethereum through rapid transactions
    • The breach represents one of the largest exchange hot wallet compromises in recent crypto history

    Bitget Confirms Major Hot Wallet Security Breach

    Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget has officially confirmed a massive security breach resulting in the loss of $351.6 million from its hot wallet infrastructure. According to the exchange’s disclosure, attackers successfully drained several hot wallets before moving the stolen assets across multiple blockchain networks and converting stablecoin holdings into Ethereum through a series of rapid transactions.

    Attack Methodology and Asset Movement

    The breach involved a coordinated exploitation of Bitget’s hot wallet systems, which are internet-connected wallets used for daily trading operations and withdrawals. The attackers executed a sophisticated multi-chain strategy, transferring compromised funds across different blockchain networks to obscure the trail before consolidating the value into Ethereum. This conversion of stablecoins into ETH suggests the perpetrators sought to move into a more liquid, widely accepted asset that can be more easily mixed or bridged to other ecosystems.

    Why This Matters

    This incident ranks among the largest centralized exchange hot wallet compromises on record, surpassing many previous high-profile breaches in sheer dollar value. The scale underscores persistent vulnerabilities in hot wallet architectures despite industry advances in multi-signature schemes, threshold signatures, and hardware security modules. For the broader crypto market, the breach reinforces concerns about custodial risk and may accelerate user migration toward self-custody solutions or exchanges with proven reserve transparency. Regulators will likely scrutinize Bitget’s security practices and incident response, potentially influencing forthcoming exchange compliance standards globally.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much was stolen in the Bitget hot wallet breach?

    Bitget confirmed a loss of $351.6 million from several compromised hot wallets.

    What did the attackers do with the stolen funds?

    The attackers moved assets across chains and converted stablecoins into Ethereum during rapid transactions.

    Which exchange was hacked?

    Crypto exchange Bitget was the victim of this security breach.

  • Bitget Freezes Withdrawals After $351.6M Hack

    Bitget Freezes Withdrawals After $351.6M Hack

    Key Highlights

    • Bitget confirmed a $351.6 million exploit from its hot wallets on September 24, 2026, with on-chain data showing the first unauthorized transfer at 18:31:11 UTC and major outflows continuing for nearly three hours before the public notice.
    • The attacker rapidly converted freezable stablecoins (USDT, USDC, Tether Gold) into ether via a router contract, paying up to 5% above spot price, suggesting a deliberate race against issuer freeze functions.
    • CEO Gracy Chen stated user funds are safe and the loss is covered by Bitget’s $464 million User Protection Fund, while withdrawals remain suspended pending a full incident report due within 24 hours.

    Timeline Reveals Hours-Long Gap Between Detection and Containment

    Bitget chief executive Gracy Chen confirmed on Thursday night that attackers drained roughly $351.6 million from the exchange’s hot wallets, suspending customer withdrawals while an investigation proceeds. Chen published the notice at 21:30 UTC on September 24, 2026, stating: “At 18:31 UTC on September 24, 2026, Bitget’s security systems detected unauthorized transfers from some of our hot wallets. Our security team activated emergency response protocols immediately.”

    On-chain data corroborates the 18:31 detection timestamp but paints a more granular picture of the subsequent three hours. At 18:31:11 UTC, a wallet labeled “Bitget 6” on Etherscan, Arbiscan, and BscScan sent 0.84 ether to a newly created address — a test transaction that typically precedes large transfers and marks the first movement of the breach. The outflows accelerated rapidly: by 18:58:59, the same wallet moved 34,751,168 USDT; at 19:01:20 on Arbitrum, 19,668,851 USDT0; at 19:01:23, 12,852,046 USDC; and at 19:01:35, 7,130.86 ether. A second wallet, “Bitget 35,” added 15,362 ether across three transfers, followed by another 223.2 ether at 21:23:11 — two hours and 52 minutes after detection and just seven minutes before Chen’s public notice.

    Across Ethereum and Arbitrum alone, $133.4 million exited Bitget-labeled wallets, plus 3,000 Tether Gold tokens worth approximately $12.8 million from a third address. The remainder of the $351.6 million moved on other chains. Chen emphasized that cold storage was never touched and described a three-tier wallet architecture in which “the breach contained only a portion of the hot wallet and warm wallet layers.” However, the extended window between detection and containment allowed substantial value to leave the exchange’s control.

    Attacker Strategy Signals Intent to Outrun Freeze Functions

    The composition of stolen assets and the speed of conversion provide the clearest signal of the attacker’s intent. Tether can freeze USDT, Circle can freeze USDC, and Tether can freeze its gold token — but ether cannot be frozen by any central party. Within six minutes of receiving the stablecoins, the attacker pushed all three asset types into router contract 0x7c96279E, which fanned them across Uniswap V3 pools and the Uniswap V4 PoolManager, converting everything into ether.

    Pseudonymous analyst DCF GOD, who identified the Arbitrum leg before Bitget’s public statement, noted the buyer was “paying up to +5% over spot” and drove one pool to $2,870 against a spot price near $2,688. “which makes no sense if someone was just trying to buy eth,” he wrote. The premium paid aligns with a seller racing issuer freeze functions rather than a typical market participant. The resulting ether — approximately 24,590 ETH — now sits in three previously inactive wallets: 10,000 ETH at 20:13, another 10,000 at 20:19, and 4,590 more at 21:41:11. That final transfer occurred ten minutes after Chen’s notice and one minute after Bitget’s official account stated it had “identified and flagged the relevant transfer addresses.”

    Exchange Response and Industry Context

    “User funds are safe,” Chen wrote. “The full amount of this loss falls within the coverage of Bitget’s User Protection Fund, which currently holds over $464 million.” She added that deposits and trading continue normally and promised a full incident report within 24 hours: “We will not speculate on the attack vector until the investigation is complete.”

    That restraint reflects a pattern security experts recognize across recent major exchange breaches. Ido Sofer, founder and CEO of key management firm Sodot, described the dynamic on the On The Margin podcast: “Those are off-chain hacks that led to on-chain loss of funds. Developer credentials, deployment keys, API keys that are being stolen. And that provided access to moving funds on chain.” His blunter assessment: “There will be hacks. The question is, is it gonna be in your company or not?”

    Bitget’s $464 million protection fund against a $351.6 million loss provides a thin but real cushion. The exchange has published proof-of-reserves attestations for 45 consecutive months, most recently reporting a 122% reserve ratio for August. The immediate test is whether withdrawals reopen without disruption.

    Why This Matters

    This incident represents the largest exchange loss since the Bybit breach and follows a series of high-profile security failures including the $130 million Coldcard theft and a $137 million November exploit that reshaped DeFi’s yield infrastructure. The attack underscores a persistent industry vulnerability: custodial exchanges remain prime targets where compromised off-chain credentials — developer keys, API access, deployment infrastructure — translate directly into on-chain asset drainage. The attacker’s sophisticated conversion strategy, deliberately overpaying to swap freezable assets for censorship-resistant ether before issuers could intervene, demonstrates an evolving playbook that prioritizes speed and asset selection over stealth. For the broader market, the episode tests whether exchange-backed protection funds can credibly absorb nine-figure losses without contagion, and whether proof-of-reserves attestations translate into operational resilience when withdrawals are suspended. The 24,590 ether now parked in three fresh wallets remains a live threat vector; any movement will signal the next phase of laundering or liquidation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What assets were stolen and how much is the total loss?
    Approximately $351.6 million was drained from Bitget’s hot wallets across multiple chains. On Ethereum and Arbitrum alone, $133.4 million in USDT, USDC, USDT0, and ether left labeled wallets, plus 3,000 Tether Gold tokens worth ~$12.8 million. The remainder moved on other networks. The attacker converted all freezable stablecoins and gold tokens into ether within minutes.
    Are user funds affected and will withdrawals resume?
    CEO Gracy Chen stated “User funds are safe” and confirmed the loss falls within Bitget’s User Protection Fund, which holds over $464 million. Cold storage was not touched. Deposits and trading continue normally, but withdrawals remain suspended pending investigation. A full incident report is promised within 24 hours from the September 24 notice.
    How did the attacker move the funds and can they be recovered?
    The attacker used a router contract (0x7c96279E) to swap USDT, USDC, and Tether Gold for ether via Uniswap V3 and V4 pools, paying up to 5% above spot price to execute quickly before issuers could freeze the stablecoins. The resulting ~24,590 ether now sits in three previously unused wallets. Ether cannot be frozen by any central party. Tether and Circle have freeze capabilities for USDT and USDC respectively, but those assets were already converted. Recovery depends on law enforcement action, exchange cooperation, and whether the attacker makes operational security mistakes when moving the ether.
  • New York Sues Polymarket, Accusing Prediction Market of Illegal Gambling

    New York Sues Polymarket, Accusing Prediction Market of Illegal Gambling

    Key Highlights

    • New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul filed a lawsuit Thursday accusing Polymarket of operating an unlicensed gambling business in violation of state law.
    • The complaint alleges Polymarket avoided licensing requirements and taxes that fund public schools, youth sports, and problem gambling treatment, while allowing users aged 18 to 20 to participate despite a legal minimum age of 21 for mobile sports betting.
    • The case intensifies a regulatory turf war between state authorities and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which argues it holds exclusive federal authority over prediction markets offering event contracts.

    New York Takes Legal Action Against Polymarket

    New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul jointly filed a lawsuit on Thursday against Polymarket, a crypto-based prediction market platform, alleging it operates an unlicensed gambling operation within the state. The legal action marks the latest escalation in New York’s broader enforcement campaign against gambling-adjacent digital platforms and highlights a deepening jurisdictional conflict between state regulators and federal agencies over the classification and oversight of event-contract markets.

    According to the complaint, an investigation by the Attorney General’s office concluded that Polymarket’s markets satisfy New York’s legal definition of gambling because users stake money on uncertain outcomes they cannot control. The suit asserts that Polymarket never obtained a license from the New York State Gaming Commission, enabling the platform to avoid the taxes that licensed casinos and mobile sportsbooks pay—revenue that helps fund public schools, youth sports programs, and problem gambling treatment services.

    Regulatory Turf War Intensifies

    The lawsuit arrives amid an active debate among federal regulators regarding the proper framework for crypto-powered prediction markets. Polymarket and its rival Kalshi maintain they are not gambling sites but rather federally regulated exchanges offering “event contracts,” a type of derivative that would place them under the jurisdiction of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) rather than state gaming laws. The CFTC has sided with the platforms; in 2026 it sued nine states arguing that it should possess exclusive nationwide authority over the industry.

    Thursday’s complaint also alleges that Polymarket permits users aged 18 to 20 to access its platform, while New York law requires mobile sports bettors to be at least 21 years old. “By skirting New York’s laws, Polymarket is targeting the most vulnerable,” James said. Hochul added that the company had “knowingly” violated state law and put underage users at risk.

    Remedies Sought and Enforcement Pattern

    The state is asking a court to bar Polymarket from operating as an unlicensed gambling business in New York. It also seeks disgorgement of the company’s alleged illegal gains, restitution for harmed users, and fines equal to three times those gains. The action follows a pattern of recent enforcement by New York authorities: James and Hochul sued rival prediction market Kalshi in July, and James sued Coinbase and Gemini in April over similar claims. Earlier this month, James secured an $8 million settlement from the leading operator of sweepstakes casinos.

    Polymarket launched in the United States in December 2025, initially allowing users to bet on sporting events with plans to expand into markets covering a wide range of topics. The platform’s rapid growth and the unresolved jurisdictional questions surrounding event contracts suggest further legal and regulatory clashes are likely.

    Why This Matters

    The Polymarket lawsuit crystallizes a pivotal policy dispute: whether prediction markets constitute gambling subject to state licensing and consumer-protection regimes, or financial derivatives subject to exclusive federal oversight by the CFTC. The outcome will shape market access, tax revenue allocation, and consumer safeguards—particularly for younger users—across the United States. As New York pursues parallel actions against Kalshi, Coinbase, and Gemini, the state is signaling a coordinated strategy to assert its authority over crypto-adjacent wagering platforms, setting the stage for court rulings that could define the regulatory perimeter for years to come.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What specific laws does New York allege Polymarket violated?
    The state contends Polymarket meets New York’s legal definition of gambling because users stake money on uncertain outcomes they cannot control, and that the platform operated without a license from the New York State Gaming Commission, evading taxes and allowing users aged 18–20 to participate despite a statutory minimum age of 21 for mobile sports betting.
    How does this case relate to the CFTC’s position on prediction markets?
    The CFTC argues it holds exclusive federal authority over event-contract markets and has sued nine states to enforce that view. Polymarket and Kalshi claim their products are federally regulated derivatives, not gambling, creating a direct conflict between state enforcement actions and federal regulatory policy.
    What remedies is New York seeking in the lawsuit?
    The state requests a court order barring Polymarket from operating as an unlicensed gambling business in New York, disgorgement of alleged illegal gains, restitution for harmed users, and civil penalties equal to three times those gains.
  • Bitget CEO Confirms Hack, Reveals Massive Losses; Withdrawals Suspended

    Bitget CEO Confirms Hack, Reveals Massive Losses; Withdrawals Suspended

    Key Highlights

    • Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget detected unauthorized transfers from hot wallets totaling approximately $351.6 million on September 24, 2026, at 18:31 UTC.
    • Cold wallets remain secure and the loss is fully covered by Bitget’s User Protection Fund, which holds over $464 million in assets.
    • Withdrawals are temporarily suspended as a precaution; deposits and trading continue normally with hourly updates promised and a full incident report due within 24 hours.

    Breach Detection and Emergency Response

    Cryptocurrency exchange Bitget released an official statement on September 24, 2026, confirming that its security systems detected unauthorized transfers from several hot wallets at 6:31 PM UTC. According to a statement by Bitget CEO Gracy Chen, the company’s security team activated emergency response protocols immediately upon detection. The exchange announced that its emergency response team was activated within minutes, the addresses where the unusual transfers occurred were identified and marked, and relevant parties were notified. Law enforcement and security companies have been officially involved in the investigation process.

    [SECURITY NOTICE] Bitget Hot Wallet Incident — September 24, 2026
    At 18:31 UTC on September 24, 2026, Bitget’s security systems detected unauthorized transfers from some of our hot wallets. Our security team activated emergency response protocols immediately.
    What we have…
    — Gracy Chen @Bitget (@GracyBitget) September 24, 2026

    Wallet Architecture Limits Impact

    Bitget emphasized that the incident was limited to only a portion of the hot and warm wallet layers. The company operates a three-layered wallet architecture, and cold wallets were not affected by the breach. This structural segregation prevented the compromise from extending to the majority of user funds held in offline storage. The exchange maintained that account balances are accurate and user assets are protected despite the hot wallet losses.

    User Protection Fund Coverage

    The company stated that the entire approximately $351.6 million loss could be covered by Bitget’s User Protection Fund, which holds over $464 million in assets. This reserve mechanism is designed to absorb losses from security incidents without impacting individual user holdings. Bitget reiterated that user funds are safe and the protection fund has sufficient capacity to cover the full extent of the unauthorized transfers.

    Operational Status and Next Steps

    As a precautionary measure while a security review is underway, Bitget has temporarily suspended withdrawal transactions. However, deposits and trading continue as normal. The exchange announced that withdrawals will be reopened after the security review is complete. The company committed to sharing updates on the incident hourly and publishing a comprehensive incident report detailing the cause of the attack, the method used, and corrective measures taken within 24 hours. The method used in the attack has not been disclosed at this stage, and Bitget stated it will not speculate on the attack vector until the investigation is complete.

    Why This Matters

    The Bitget incident highlights the persistent security challenges facing centralized cryptocurrency exchanges, particularly regarding hot wallet management. Hot wallets, which remain connected to the internet to facilitate rapid withdrawals and trading operations, represent a concentrated attack surface. The exchange’s three-layered architecture—segregating cold, warm, and hot wallets—demonstrates a defense-in-depth approach that successfully contained the breach to the most exposed layer. The existence of a substantial User Protection Fund, capitalized at over $464 million, reflects an industry trend toward self-insurance mechanisms that can absorb losses without requiring bailouts or socialized loss distribution among users. The temporary withdrawal suspension, while disruptive, follows standard incident response protocols to prevent further outflows during forensic analysis. The promised transparency—hourly updates and a detailed post-mortem within 24 hours—sets a benchmark for crisis communication in the digital asset sector. Regulators and industry observers will likely scrutinize the attack vector once disclosed, as it may inform evolving security standards for custodial platforms.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are user funds on Bitget safe after this incident?

    Yes. Bitget has confirmed that cold wallets were not affected and the approximately $351.6 million loss is fully covered by its User Protection Fund, which holds over $464 million in assets. Account balances remain accurate and user assets are protected.

    Can I still trade and deposit on Bitget?

    Yes. Deposits and trading continue as normal. Only withdrawal transactions have been temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure while the security review is conducted.

    When will withdrawals resume and when will we know how the attack happened?

    Bitget states withdrawals will reopen after the security review is complete. The company will provide hourly updates and publish a comprehensive incident report detailing the cause, method, and corrective measures within 24 hours of the initial detection.

  • Bitget Hack Still Ongoing as New Developments Emerge

    Bitget Hack Still Ongoing as New Developments Emerge

    Key Highlights

    • On-chain data indicates a potential exploit at cryptocurrency exchange Bitget, with over $170 million in assets moved from three hot wallets and one cold wallet across multiple networks, primarily converted to Ethereum ($ETH).
    • An attacker address on Arbitrum acquired 7,111 $ETH in six minutes using approximately 19.67 million USDT0 via UniswapX and 1inch Fusion, executing some trades at a 5% premium to spot prices.
    • Bitget has begun moving remaining funds—approximately $530 million—from the affected wallets to secure addresses in what appears to be an emergency containment effort, while the root cause and potential North Korea links remain unconfirmed.

    Massive On-Chain Outflows Trigger Hack Suspicions at Bitget

    Unusual on-chain activity detected in wallets allegedly controlled by the centralized exchange Bitget has sparked widespread suspicion of a significant security breach. Blockchain analytics reveal that high-value assets have been systematically drained from the exchange’s hot and cold wallet infrastructure, with the bulk of the stolen funds rapidly converted into Ethereum ($ETH). The incident appears to span multiple blockchain networks, suggesting a broad compromise rather than an isolated vulnerability on a single chain.

    Arbitrum Transactions Reveal Speed and Scale of Attack

    Initial alarm was raised by a flurry of transactions on the Arbitrum network. A newly created address purchased 7,111 $ETH in a mere six minutes, spending approximately 19.67 million USDT0 sourced directly from a Bitget hot wallet. The trades were routed through UniswapX and 1inch Fusion, with several executions occurring at prices roughly 5% above the prevailing spot rate. This aggressive buying pressure momentarily pushed the WETH/USDC pool price to $2,870, illustrating the urgency and volume of the asset conversion.

    Compromise Extends Across Multiple Wallets and Asset Classes

    Subsequent blockchain analysis indicates the breach is not confined to a single wallet or network. Data shared by on-chain investigators suggests three hot wallets and one cold wallet associated with Bitget have been impacted. A diverse range of assets—including $ETH, AVAX, BNB, $USDC, $USDT, USDT0, and XAUT—have been moved from these addresses. The addresses attributed to the attacker continue to swap remaining stablecoin balances ($USDC and $USDT) for $ETH, driving the total tracked on-chain loss above $170 million. Early social media speculation had placed the figure at over $100 million, but cross-network transaction tracing has since revised the estimate upward.

    Exchange Initiates Emergency Containment Measures

    In a significant development approximately five minutes prior to this report, Bitget-owned addresses began actively transferring assets remaining in the compromised wallets to new destinations. Roughly $530 million in assets are still held within the affected wallet cluster. This movement is being interpreted by analysts as an emergency fund transfer and a security measure to isolate wallets not yet believed to be compromised. The exchange has not yet issued a formal public statement detailing the root cause, leaving critical questions unanswered regarding whether private keys were exposed or if a deeper infrastructure vulnerability was exploited.

    Why This Matters

    The suspected breach at Bitget represents one of the largest exchange-related security incidents in recent months, underscoring the persistent systemic risk posed by centralized custody of digital assets. The sophistication of the attack—leveraging advanced DEX aggregators like UniswapX and 1inch Fusion for rapid, high-slippage conversion to Ether—suggests a highly capable actor. Unverified claims attributing the hack to North Korea-linked groups, such as the Lazarus Group, align with historical patterns of state-sponsored cybercrime targeting crypto exchanges to fund sanctioned regimes. If confirmed, this would mark another major success for such actors. For the broader market, the incident tests the resilience of exchange solvency proofs and the effectiveness of real-time on-chain monitoring in mitigating losses. The next 24 to 48 hours are critical: the industry will be watching for Bitget’s official incident report, proof-of-reserves updates, and whether the remaining $530 million in identified wallets can be fully secured.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much money was stolen in the Bitget hack?

    On-chain analysis currently estimates the total value of assets moved by the attacker exceeds $170 million. Approximately $530 million remains in the affected wallets, which Bitget is actively moving to secure addresses.

    Which networks and tokens were affected?

    The exploit spanned multiple networks, with initial major activity on Arbitrum. Assets moved include Ethereum ($ETH), AVAX, BNB, $USDC, $USDT, USDT0, and XAUT. The attacker is converting stablecoins into $ETH.

    Has Bitget confirmed the hack and are user funds safe?

    As of this report, Bitget has not released an official statement confirming the hack or detailing the cause. However, on-chain data shows the exchange has begun transferring remaining funds from the compromised wallets, suggesting an active emergency response. Users should monitor official Bitget channels for updates.

  • Cosmos Joins Linux Foundation Decentralized Trust to Advance Open Source

    Cosmos Joins Linux Foundation Decentralized Trust to Advance Open Source

    Key Highlights

    • Cosmos joins LF Decentralized Trust alongside 14 other new members to advance open-source blockchain development and interoperability standards.
    • Co-CEO Barry Plunkett stated that the membership allows Cosmos to enhance its work in digital assets and interoperability through collective expertise.
    • The partnership reflects a growing industry trend toward collaborative frameworks for blockchain innovation amid mixed market conditions.

    Cosmos Announces Strategic Membership in LF Decentralized Trust

    Cosmos, the decentralized network designed to enable interoperability between independent blockchains, has officially announced its membership in LF Decentralized Trust, a Linux Foundation initiative dedicated to fostering open development of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. The move positions Cosmos within a coalition that now includes 14 additional new members, all aligned around advancing transparent, community-governed infrastructure for digital assets. According to the announcement, the partnership will allow Cosmos to leverage shared resources and collective technical expertise to accelerate its core mission of connecting sovereign chains through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol.

    Partnership Expands Open-Source Collaboration Across Blockchain Ecosystem

    Barry Plunkett, Co-CEO, stated that joining LF Decentralized Trust allows Cosmos to enhance its work in digital assets and interoperability. The LF Decentralized Trust framework is structured to support vendor-neutral governance, standardized tooling, and collaborative research across Layer 1 protocols, middleware, and application layers. By aligning with this initiative, Cosmos gains a formal channel to contribute to — and influence — emerging specifications for cross-chain messaging, cryptographic primitives, and decentralized identity. The current crypto market shows mixed signals, with varying momentum across major assets, potentially influencing how stakeholders perceive this move.

    Industry Context: Growing Momentum for Decentralized Governance Standards

    The announcement arrives amid a broader shift in the blockchain sector toward institutional-grade open-source governance. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies and enterprise adoption accelerates, protocols are increasingly seeking neutral foundations to host critical infrastructure code. LF Decentralized Trust, hosted under the Linux Foundation, provides that venue — offering legal entity support, trademark stewardship, and contribution workflows modeled on decades of successful open-source projects. Cosmos’s entry signals confidence in this model and may encourage other sovereign chains to pursue similar affiliations, reducing fragmentation in standards development.

    Why This Matters

    Cosmos’s membership in LF Decentralized Trust represents more than symbolic alignment — it operationalizes interoperability at the governance layer. By joining a foundation that also hosts projects like Hyperledger Besu and Cactus, Cosmos positions its IBC protocol as a candidate for cross-industry standardization. This could accelerate enterprise integration, particularly in supply chain, finance, and public sector use cases where auditability and vendor neutrality are prerequisites. Additionally, the 15-member cohort expansion suggests growing consensus that no single protocol can unilaterally define the future of decentralized infrastructure. For developers, the partnership may unlock shared tooling, grant programs, and interoperability testnets that lower barriers to building cross-chain applications.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is LF Decentralized Trust and why did Cosmos join?
    LF Decentralized Trust is a Linux Foundation-hosted initiative promoting open-source development of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. Cosmos joined to enhance its work in digital assets and interoperability through collective expertise, standardized governance, and vendor-neutral collaboration with 14 other new members.
    How does this affect Cosmos’s Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol?
    The partnership provides a formal venue for IBC to evolve as an open standard, potentially accelerating adoption beyond the Cosmos ecosystem. Shared tooling, testnets, and cross-project working groups under LF Decentralized Trust could improve IBC’s robustness and enterprise readiness.
    Will this partnership impact the ATOM token or Cosmos market position?
    The announcement does not reference tokenomics or market mechanics. While enhanced developer engagement and institutional credibility may influence long-term sentiment, no direct financial impact is implied. Traders are monitoring for collaborative project announcements that could affect community activity and investment strategies.
  • HYPE Token Drops From $98 Record High as Whales Signal Potential Deeper Selloff

    HYPE Token Drops From $98 Record High as Whales Signal Potential Deeper Selloff

    Key Highlights

    • Hyperliquid’s $HYPE token declined over 3% on September 24 to trade near $93.80, pulling back from a record high of $97.98 reached the previous day as Multicoin Capital moved another $12.15 million in tokens to Coinbase Prime.
    • Multicoin Capital has deposited approximately 4.23 million $HYPE worth $285 million to Coinbase Prime since July 28, while five other large addresses initiated unstaking of 983,600 $HYPE ($90.44 million) with a seven-day unlock period ending around October 1.
    • Derivatives data shows $3.30 million in long liquidations and a $74 million drop in open interest over two days, signaling leveraged position unwinding, though $HYPE remains up 18.4% on the week and holds above key exponential moving averages.

    Multicoin Capital Transfers Renew Selling Pressure on $HYPE

    Hyperliquid’s native token $HYPE retreated more than 3% during the September 24 session, slipping to approximately $93.80 after briefly dipping below $92 earlier in the day. The pullback interrupted a sharp rally that had carried the token to an all-time high of $97.98 on September 23, representing a roughly 25% surge from the September 17 level near $78. Despite the intraday decline, $HYPE retains substantial gains of 18.4% over the past seven days and 16.1% over the past 30 days, outperforming the broader cryptocurrency market which has also seen Bitcoin retreat from recent highs.

    The immediate catalyst for renewed selling concern came from onchain analytics platform Lookonchain, which reported that venture firm Multicoin Capital transferred another 130,331 $HYPE—valued at $12.15 million—to Coinbase Prime after a one-week pause in such transfers. Since July 28, Multicoin Capital has deposited approximately 4.23 million $HYPE worth an estimated $285 million to the institutional custody and execution platform. While transfers to Coinbase Prime do not confirm outright sales—the venue provides prime brokerage, custody, and execution services for institutional clients—the consistent flow of tokens from a single large holder has kept market participants focused on potential supply overhang.

    Large Holder Unstaking Adds to Supply Concerns

    Compounding the narrative, Lookonchain identified five addresses that began unstaking a combined 983,600 $HYPE worth approximately $90.44 million on September 24. The largest of these addresses initiated the unstaking of roughly 391,800 $HYPE valued near $36 million. Hyperliquid’s protocol imposes a mandatory seven-day waiting period on unstaking, meaning these tokens are not expected to become liquid until around October 1. This delayed timeline suggests any selling pressure from these specific positions would be staggered rather than immediate, though the sheer volume of tokens exiting staking contracts underscores a shift in large-holder positioning after the token’s rapid ascent.

    Derivatives Unwinding Accompanies Spot Pullback

    The spot price decline coincided with notable weakness in derivatives markets. Recent data indicates approximately $3.30 million in $HYPE long liquidations over 24 hours, accounting for roughly 93% of the token’s total liquidations during that period. Simultaneously, open interest fell by approximately $74 million over a two-day window. The combination of a falling price and declining open interest typically signals that leveraged long positions are being closed—either voluntarily or via forced liquidation—rather than new short positions being established. This dynamic suggests the current correction is being driven primarily by profit-taking and risk reduction among leveraged participants rather than aggressive new bearish bets.

    Technical Structure Remains Constructive Despite Near-Term Weakness

    Daily Timeframe: Uptrend Intact Above Key EMAs

    On the daily chart, $HYPE continues to trade well above its primary exponential moving averages despite the retreat from the $97.98 peak. At approximately $93.26, the token sits comfortably above the 20-day EMA at $87.12, while the 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day EMAs stand at $79.21, $71.24, and $60.50 respectively. The stacked ordering—each shorter EMA above the longer—remains a bullish configuration. The 20-day EMA near $87.12 represents the first major dynamic support if the pullback extends, with a daily close below that level bringing the 50-day EMA around $79.21 into focus, near the pre-breakout consolidation zone.

    The daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) has cooled to 62.84 after breaching the 70 overbought threshold during the late-September rally. While still above the neutral 50 level, the retreat from overbought territory confirms that buying momentum has eased meaningfully since the approach to $98.

    4-Hour Timeframe: Fibonacci Levels Frame Immediate Support and Resistance

    The shorter timeframe offers more granular levels around current prices. A Fibonacci retracement drawn from the September low at $75.19 to the recent high at $98.04 places the 23.6% retracement at $92.65. $HYPE was trading just above this level at approximately $93.34, making the $92.65 area the first support to watch. A decisive break below $92.65 would expose the 38.2% retracement at $89.31, followed by the 50% level at $86.62 and the 61.8% retracement at $83.92. A deeper correction could target the 78.6% level around $80.08.

    Momentum indicators on the four-hour chart have already turned bearish. The MACD line stood at 0.732, below the signal line at 1.319, with the histogram at minus 0.587. The negative histogram and bearish MACD crossover confirm that near-term momentum has shifted in favor of sellers following the rejection near the record high.

    Key Levels to Watch

    • Immediate Support: $92.65 (23.6% Fib retracement)
    • Secondary Support: $89.31 (38.2% Fib) / $86.60–$87.10 zone (50% Fib + 20-day EMA confluence)
    • Immediate Resistance: $94–$95 (recent consolidation area)
    • Upside Targets: $98.04 (record high) → $100 (psychological level)

    Holding above $92.65 would keep $HYPE in the upper portion of its recent range, leaving the door open for a recovery attempt toward $94–$95 and a potential retest of the $98.04 high. A clean break above the all-time high would put the psychological $100 level in play. Conversely, a failure at $92.65 opens the path toward the $89.31 and $86.62 Fibonacci levels, with the latter converging with the daily 20-day EMA to form a significant support zone around $86.60–$87.10.

    Why This Matters

    The $HYPE price action encapsulates a classic post-breakout dynamic: a rapid, low-float rally attracts speculative leveraged interest, large early backers begin distributing into strength, and the market digests the supply overhang through a correction that flushes excess leverage. Multicoin Capital’s sustained transfers to Coinbase Prime—totaling $285 million since late July—represent one of the largest identifiable distribution campaigns by a single institutional holder in the current cycle. Meanwhile, the coordinated unstaking by five large addresses signals that other major stakeholders are also preparing to reduce exposure or rebalance.

    For Hyperliquid, a high-performance decentralized perpetual exchange, $HYPE’s tokenomics tie staking rewards and governance to the platform’s fee revenue. The seven-day unstaking lock provides a structural buffer that prevents immediate dumping, but the sheer scale of tokens exiting staking (nearly 1 million $HYPE) suggests a meaningful shift in holder sentiment. The derivatives unwind—$74 million in open interest evaporation and 93% long liquidations—is a healthy reset that removes fragile positioning, potentially setting the stage for a more sustainable uptrend if spot demand reasserts itself at the 20-day EMA or Fibonacci confluence zones.

    Broader market context matters: Bitcoin’s simultaneous pullback from recent highs has weighed on risk appetite across crypto, and $HYPE’s outsized weekly gains (+18.4%) made it a natural candidate for profit-taking during a risk-off episode. The coming week will test whether the $86.60–$87.10 support zone holds and whether spot buyers step in to absorb the anticipated October 1 unlock supply.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has Multicoin Capital sold its $HYPE holdings?

    Not necessarily. Multicoin Capital has transferred approximately 4.23 million $HYPE worth $285 million to Coinbase Prime since July 28, but Coinbase Prime is an institutional custody and execution platform. Transfers to Prime do not confirm sales; the tokens may be held in custody, used for market-making, or deployed in other strategies. However, the consistent flow from a single large holder creates a perceived supply overhang that weighs on market sentiment.

    When will the unstaked $HYPE from the five large addresses become available for sale?

    Hyperliquid imposes a mandatory seven-day unstaking period. The unstaking transactions were initiated on September 24, meaning the approximately 983,600 $HYPE (worth ~$90.44 million) are expected to become liquid around October 1. They cannot be sold or transferred before the unlock completes.

    What are the key technical levels for $HYPE right now?

    On the 4-hour chart, the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at $92.65 is the first support. A break below exposes $89.31 (38.2%) and the $86.60–$87.10 zone where the 50% Fibonacci level converges with the daily 20-day EMA. On the upside, $94–$95 is immediate resistance, followed by the all-time high at $98.04 and the psychological $100 level. The daily structure remains bullish as long as price holds above the 20-day EMA at $87.12.