Bitcoin Trades Above $117K as Whale Deposits Decline and Stablecoin Inflows Rise

Despite the crypto market's strong upward trend this year, thefts have also surged to alarming new heights. A new report from Chainalysis shows that hackers stole a staggering $2.7 billion in digital assets just in the first half of 2025—already outpacing previous full-year totals. It’s a grim reminder that as crypto gains value, so does the incentive for cybercriminals.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "crypto got hacked" headline—it’s a sign that security isn’t keeping up with the industry’s growth. For everyday investors, it’s a wake-up call to double down on safety measures (like cold wallets and 2FA). For regulators, it fuels the fire for tighter oversight. And for crypto’s reputation? Well, it’s another hurdle in the push for mainstream trust.

Ethereum traders are cheering as the cryptocurrency climbs past $3,650, marking a strong rebound. The surge seems driven by growing interest from big-money investors, who are calling ETH "digital oil"—a nod to its utility in powering blockchain transactions, much like oil fuels traditional economies. The rally, which kicked off early on July 18, has lit up social media with excitement.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another crypto price jump—it signals that institutional players are doubling down on Ethereum as a foundational asset in the digital economy. If big investors keep treating ETH like "oil" for decentralized tech, it could mean more stability (or at least more bullish momentum) for the crypto market. For everyday traders, it's a mix of opportunity and a reminder that crypto's wild rides aren't over yet.

A former semi-pro rugby player from Seattle, Shane Donovan Moore, has been sentenced to 30 months in prison for running a $900,000 crypto mining Ponzi scheme that duped over 40 investors. The U.S. Department of Justice called him out for promising big returns on fake mining operations—classic "too good to be true" stuff.

Editor’s Note: Scams like this keep popping up in crypto, and this one’s a reminder that even seemingly legit backgrounds (like a rugby player) don’t guarantee honesty. It’s a cautionary tale for investors—flashy promises often hide empty wallets. Plus, with regulators cracking down, expect more of these cases to land in court.

Tether's USDT stablecoin is growing like crazy—hitting a record $160 billion market cap—even as U.S. lawmakers throw a wrench in the works with new stablecoin regulations. It’s a classic "thriving under pressure" scenario, but the looming rules could turn the party sour if Tether gets locked out of the U.S. market.

Editor’s Note: Stablecoins like USDT are the glue holding much of crypto trading together, so when regulators start tightening the screws, it’s a big deal. Tether’s growth shows demand isn’t slowing, but if the U.S. cuts it off, the ripple effects could shake everything from DeFi to everyday crypto swaps. Watch this space—it’s a high-stakes tug-of-war between innovation and oversight.

Australians looking to buy a home now have a new option: using Bitcoin as collateral for their deposits. This move by a major financial player (or regulatory shift—details aren’t fully clear yet) could make it easier for crypto holders to enter the property market without selling their digital assets. It’s a sign that Bitcoin is inching further into mainstream finance, at least Down Under.

Editor’s Note: For crypto enthusiasts, this is a big deal—it means your Bitcoin stash isn’t just sitting there; it can actually help you secure a home. It also reflects growing acceptance of crypto in traditional systems, though skeptics might worry about volatility (what happens if BTC’s value tanks after you lock it in?). Either way, it’s another step toward blurring the lines between digital and traditional finance.