K-drama star Hwang Jung-eum sentenced in $3M crypto embezzlement case

Cango has successfully mined 141 Bitcoin this week, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 5,708 BTC as of September 26. This achievement is a significant step in their 2025 strategy, showcasing their commitment to expanding their cryptocurrency portfolio. The rise in Bitcoin holdings not only reflects Cango's operational success but also highlights the growing importance of cryptocurrency in the financial landscape.

The UK is embarking on an exciting new chapter in banking and digital payments with the launch of a two-year pilot program for a digital pound. UK Finance, representing over 300 financial institutions, is spearheading this initiative alongside six major banks, including Barclays and HSBC. This pilot aims to test tokenized deposits in pounds, which could revolutionize how we think about money and transactions. It's a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape and could enhance the efficiency and security of payments in the UK.

Kraken has successfully raised $500 million, bringing its valuation to an impressive $15 billion. This significant funding round not only strengthens Kraken's position in the cryptocurrency market but also ignites speculation about a potential IPO. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, Kraken's growth could signal a broader trend of increasing investor confidence in digital assets, making this development particularly noteworthy for both investors and the industry.

SitonMining has launched an innovative 'mining + income' model aimed at helping XRP holders navigate the recent volatility in the cryptocurrency market. With XRP experiencing significant price fluctuations, this new approach offers a way for investors to earn income while holding onto their assets. This development is crucial as it not only provides a potential safety net for XRP holders but also highlights the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investment strategies.

Subsquid's price has surged by over 180%, reaching new all-time highs, which is particularly noteworthy given the current struggles of many leading cryptocurrencies. This spike highlights the potential of smaller projects in the crypto space, as Subsquid serves as a decentralized data lake, offering unique solutions that attract investor interest. Such movements can signal a shift in market dynamics and provide opportunities for investors looking for alternatives amidst broader market challenges.

Bitcoin's hashrate has reached record levels, prompting discussions about the implications of increased mining difficulty and leaner rewards for miners. This surge in hashrate indicates a growing interest and investment in Bitcoin mining, despite the challenges posed by higher difficulty levels. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for investors and enthusiasts alike, as they reflect the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and its potential future.

Chainlink's LINK has recently dropped to a six-week low, raising concerns among investors. However, analysts are observing signs of a potential trend shift that could indicate a recovery. This situation is significant as it reflects the volatility of the cryptocurrency market and the ongoing search for stability among digital assets.

XRP's recent price drop to $2.7, down 26% from its peak this month, has raised concerns amid a broader cryptocurrency market crash. However, analysts are optimistic as technical indicators suggest a potential surge ahead. This matters because XRP's recovery could signal a turnaround for the entire crypto market, attracting more investors and stabilizing prices.

XRP's price has recently dropped below $2.80, falling to $2.74 after peaking at $2.92. This decline has resulted in a staggering loss of approximately $18 billion in market capitalization. Such significant fluctuations in the cryptocurrency market can impact investor confidence and highlight the volatility inherent in digital assets, making it crucial for investors to stay informed about market trends.

The SEC and FINRA are investigating several Digital Asset Treasury Companies due to unusual trading activities linked to their cryptocurrency acquisitions. This scrutiny highlights the growing concerns over transparency and regulation in the crypto market, as authorities aim to ensure that firms are not exploiting loopholes for unfair advantages. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the future of cryptocurrency trading and regulation.

Cloudflare has launched the Net Dollar, a new stablecoin designed specifically for AI agents. This innovative cryptocurrency aims to facilitate seamless transactions in the rapidly evolving AI landscape, making it easier for businesses and developers to integrate AI solutions. The introduction of the Net Dollar is significant as it highlights the growing intersection of blockchain technology and artificial intelligence, potentially transforming how digital assets are utilized in various sectors.

Dogecoin (DOGE), despite facing a 22% decline this week and being nearly 70% lower than its all-time high, is showing signs of a potential major breakout. Analysts are optimistic, citing the upcoming altcoin season and strong support levels as factors that could lead to a significant rally. This matters because it highlights the resilience of Dogecoin and the broader cryptocurrency market, suggesting that investors might see a turnaround soon.

BounceBit Prime has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing $1.5 billion in cumulative volume, largely thanks to the support from Franklin Templeton's Benji token. This achievement is notable as it reflects growing confidence in the platform, especially with its vault reaching a total value locked of $10 million. Such developments are crucial in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape, indicating a positive trend for investors and users alike.

SoftBank and Ark Invest are reportedly in talks to join Tether's significant funding round, aiming to raise between $15 billion and $20 billion for a 3% equity stake. This move could elevate Tether's valuation to $500 billion, highlighting the growing interest in stablecoins and their potential impact on the cryptocurrency market. Such investments not only bolster Tether's financial standing but also signal confidence from major players in the future of digital currencies.

Cango has successfully mined 141 Bitcoin this week, bringing its total holdings to an impressive 5,708 BTC as of September 26. This achievement is a significant step in their 2025 strategy, showcasing their commitment to expanding their cryptocurrency portfolio. The rise in Bitcoin holdings not only reflects Cango's operational success but also highlights the growing importance of cryptocurrency in the financial landscape.

The UK is embarking on an exciting new chapter in banking and digital payments with the launch of a two-year pilot program for a digital pound. UK Finance, representing over 300 financial institutions, is spearheading this initiative alongside six major banks, including Barclays and HSBC. This pilot aims to test tokenized deposits in pounds, which could revolutionize how we think about money and transactions. It's a significant step towards modernizing the financial landscape and could enhance the efficiency and security of payments in the UK.

SWIFT has launched an exciting blockchain test run with major global banks like BNY Mellon and BNP Paribas, aiming to migrate its core messaging system to ConsenSys' Ethereum layer-2, Linea. This initiative is significant as it showcases the growing adoption of blockchain technology in traditional banking, potentially enhancing transaction efficiency and security. As financial institutions explore innovative solutions, this collaboration could pave the way for a more interconnected and modern banking system.

Bitcoin and several major altcoins are attempting to initiate a recovery, but analysts suggest they may face considerable selling pressure as prices rise. This situation is crucial for investors to monitor, as it could indicate the market's overall health and potential future trends.