Cryptocurrency exchange BitMart has withdrawn its application for a virtual asset service provider (VASP) license in Hong Kong, halting its bid for formal regulatory approval in the territory.

The company did not give detailed reasons, but industry observers point to growing regulatory scrutiny and uncertainty in Hong Kong as likely factors behind the decision.

BitMart said it remains committed to compliance and providing a secure platform, while continuing to pursue business and licensing opportunities in other jurisdictions with clearer regulatory frameworks.

The move highlights the broader challenges exchanges face navigating evolving crypto rules and increased oversight from global regulators.

BlackRock reversed a four-day outflow streak with a $287 million inflow into spot Ether ETFs, marking a major move in the crypto investment space.

Spot Ether ETFs now hold about 6.42 million ETH, valued at roughly $27.66 billion, equal to about 5.31% of Ether's circulating supply.

The surge highlights growing institutional interest in Ether as investors seek diversification amid market volatility and signals potential further inflows and mainstream adoption.

Commerce official Howard Lutnick has been buying shares in firms expected to benefit from the Trump administration's tariffs while also allocating part of his portfolio to Bitcoin during recent market turbulence.

His moves have prompted market attention and mixed reactions from analysts, who see them as either strategic bets or risky exposure to volatile assets.

The episode examines Lutnick's investment strategy, the market impact of tariffs, and the debate over using Bitcoin as a hedge in uncertain times.

Bitcoin slid toward the $112,000 level as investors braced for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole, with markets seeking clues on the timing of interest rate cuts.

The drop highlights short-term volatility and nervous sentiment, with traders watching key technical support levels that could determine whether the decline continues or a rebound occurs.

Federal Reserve policy signals and regulatory developments remain primary drivers of price action, causing many investors to adopt a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

Despite near-term uncertainty, some market participants remain focused on Bitcoin’s long-term potential while emphasizing diversification and risk management.

Is solo Bitcoin mining making a comeback? In this episode, we explore the resurgence of solo mining in the Bitcoin world, traditionally dominated by large-scale operations. With Bitcoin's hashrate at near all-time highs, solo miners are finding new opportunities for success, thanks to increased computational power and more efficient ASICs.

Despite the challenges and significant investment required, solo mining offers autonomy and independence, appealing to those who value decentralization and self-sufficiency. While the future of solo mining remains uncertain, with the right combination of technology and luck, solo miners are experiencing big wins with their small setups.

Join us as we delve into the evolving landscape of solo Bitcoin mining and discuss whether it could once again become a viable option for those seeking greater control in their mining activities.

Cardano (ADA) is trading above the key $1 level, and analysts say a decisive breakout could trigger a rapid move toward $2 or higher. The upcoming Alonzo upgrade, which enables smart contracts, is a central catalyst expected to draw users and developers to the network.

Cardano’s emphasis on scalability, sustainability, and interoperability — along with growing institutional interest and a strong community — has strengthened bullish sentiment, especially as Bitcoin and Ethereum regain momentum.

Despite the optimism, price gains depend on sustained momentum above $1 and remain exposed to risks like regulatory changes, market volatility, and technical setbacks. Traders will be watching closely to see if ADA can maintain its breakout.

Last week an unknown buyer purchased $51.4 million worth of Bitcoin as the price surged to a record above $124,000 and then fell back to about $115,000 by Sunday. The episode tracks that large, timely purchase against a backdrop of dramatic short-term volatility.

The episode discusses what the move signals for market sentiment, the potential influence of large strategic buys, and how such swings underscore both the risks and long-term interest in Bitcoin among investors.

Santiment says Ether may have a "slightly more bullish path" than Bitcoin, based on on-chain metrics and trader behavior.

The firm highlights that fewer traders are buying the dip in Ether compared with Bitcoin, which could mean less selling pressure during corrections and help Ether hold gains.

Combined with signs of technical strength and growing utility for Ethereum's ecosystem, Santiment sees Ether as positioned to potentially outperform Bitcoin in the current market environment.

Ethereum’s exchange supply has dropped to just 12%, reducing selling pressure and raising the prospect of a liquidity-driven price move.

Technically, a bull flag pattern is forming, pointing to a potential $6,000 target if momentum continues and resistance is cleared.

Market sentiment is broadly bullish, with ETH trading above key supports; a shortage of available coins on exchanges could accelerate a breakout toward new highs.

This episode examines the risks AI startups face when relying on rented compute and how decentralization can offer a more sustainable path.

It draws parallels to Bitcoin’s legacy of decentralization, explaining how peer-to-peer networks, consensus mechanisms, and incentives can reduce vendor control, improve security, and protect data privacy.

Listeners get a clear view of the pitfalls of centralized compute and why decentralized AI models may be crucial for the future of innovation and autonomy in the AI industry.