Bitcoin could confirm a bear-market bottom in August with a monthly close above $63,000, according to 10x Research.

Markus Thielen, founder of 10x Research, said in a Monday report shared with Cointelegraph that Bitcoin closed July below the threshold needed to confirm a technical bottom.

A monthly close near $63,000 would turn several of 10x Research’s cycle indicators bullish. Bitcoin was trading at $63,140 when the analysis was prepared, meaning a relatively small gain from July’s closing level could trigger the reversal signal. The company said it continued to favor long positions but would shift to a neutral stance if Bitcoin broke key support levels and moving averages.

The base case is that the Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady. However, further increases in the 10-year Treasury yield could force a September rate hike, while the Iran conflict remained an unpredictable risk.

The report said miners could generate roughly 100,000 BTC of selling pressure as some miners shift their businesses toward artificial intelligence. The company said it expected additional supply from Bitcoin treasury companies unwinding positions, though it described macroeconomic conditions as the larger risk to the market.

Bitcoin monthly relative strength index (RSI) chart. Source: 10x Research 

Separately, Grayscale head of research Zach Pandl said in a July 22 report that Bitcoin may have bottomed earlier than the traditional four-year cycle would suggest. That pattern would place the cycle low in September or October.

Pandl said macroeconomic conditions, including Fed policy, would remain the primary drivers of Bitcoin’s price and could determine when it bottoms.

Related: Strategy-led group pledges $15M to quantum-proof Bitcoin network

More indicators point to an approaching Bitcoin bottom

Earlier in July, crypto brokerage K33 said more than half of Bitcoin’s supply was held at a loss, which it described as another indication that a market bottom was approaching.

Bitcoin during periods when 50% of supply was held at a loss, with subsequent annual returns. Source: K33

Bitcoin bottomed within 13 to 31 days of the same threshold being reached in 2017, 2018 and 2022, according to K33.

In a June interview, Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten told Cointelegraph that long-term holders’ record balance of 14.7 million BTC was another indication that Bitcoin was nearing a bottom.

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On 23 July 2026, Brent crude rose above $100 amid reports of attacks on tankers and infrastructure in the Red Sea area, as well as strong statements from Donald Trump towards Iran over threats to shipping security through the Strait of Hormuz. The move proved short-lived: on 30 July, Saudi Arabia proposed creating a maritime coalition to protect key shipping routes amid the ongoing confrontation between the US and Iran. According to CNBC data from 31 July, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz partially resumed, although the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed attacks on vessels under US escort — claims that have not been confirmed by Western maritime authorities.

Technical Analysis of Brent Crude Oil

On the four-hour XBRUSD chart, the asset formed a short-term trend from the beginning of July, moving from around $71 towards the $102 area. The trendline was then broken, after which the current market profile was formed, within which the price is currently trading. The asset is now positioned between the POC (Point of Control) zone at $92.20 and the upper boundary of the profile at $94.60. A breakout above this boundary could open the way towards the red resistance level at $98.50.

If the price moves below the POC zone, the next area of interest would be the cluster of two important levels: the lower profile boundary at $86.80 and the green support level at $85.30. The RSI + MAs indicator shows readings of 58, 51 and 51, with all oscillator values returning to the neutral zone after a period of elevated volatility. Trading volume remains relatively high, confirming continued market interest from participants.

Summary

Saudi Arabia’s initiative to create a maritime coalition could gradually reduce the geopolitical risk premium priced into oil if diplomatic efforts continue to make progress. However, unconfirmed reports of incidents in the Strait of Hormuz continue to leave room for increased volatility. The neutral positioning of the RSI + MAs indicators currently suggests that there is no clear directional momentum.

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Bitget has begun withdrawing services for residents of Japan, stopping new account registrations immediately and setting a timeline that will lead to mandatory account restrictions later this year.

Bitget announced on Monday that it has stopped accepting new registrations from residents of Japan and will begin applying account restrictions from Nov. 1 as it exits the market. The exchange also said any positions that remain open on Dec. 31 will be closed automatically as part of the withdrawal process.

Under the plan, users who believe they have been mistakenly identified as residents of Japan must complete Level 2 identity verification, including address verification, before Nov. 1. Bitget said accounts that fail to complete the process by the deadline will continue to be classified as belonging to residents of Japan and will become subject to the restrictions.

Users affected by the changes will receive further instructions by email explaining the required procedures and available options for managing or withdrawing their assets, according to the announcement.

Japan action follows repeated regulatory warnings

The latest decision comes after several warnings issued by Japanese regulators over the past few years.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency first warned Bitget in March 2023 for allegedly offering cryptocurrency services to Japanese residents without registration. The regulator repeated that warning in November 2024, again stating that the exchange had continued operating without obtaining the required authorization.

Regulatory scrutiny continued in June 2025 when the Kanto Local Finance Bureau, a regional bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Finance, issued a separate warning to BTG Technology Holdings Limited. The bureau said the company, which it identified as operating under the Bitget name, had solicited online over-the-counter derivatives transactions without registration.

Rather than announcing plans to seek local authorization in Japan, Bitget has now outlined a timetable for ending services to residents, with new registrations already closed and existing accounts moving toward phased restrictions.

Bitget continues separating markets under local rules

The Japan withdrawal follows a pattern that Bitget has adopted across several jurisdictions, where product availability depends on local regulatory status instead of a single global operating model.

In July, the exchange formally stated that it is not licensed, approved, registered or supervised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Bitget also confirmed Singapore remains a prohibited jurisdiction under its terms of use, saying it neither offers nor targets its services to residents there while restricting platform access from the country.

At the same time, Bitget has continued seeking registrations and approvals in markets where it intends to operate. Last month, the company completed registration on New Zealand’s Financial Service Providers Register across several financial service categories and joined the country’s Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman dispute resolution scheme.

However, New Zealand’s Companies Office states that registration on the FSPR does not by itself represent government approval or active regulatory supervision. Certain financial activities may still require separate authorization from the Financial Markets Authority or the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Commenting on the company’s regulatory strategy in previous statements, Bitget CEO Gracy Chen said the exchange would continue pursuing local regulatory requirements as it expands internationally.

Expansion plans continue outside restricted jurisdictions

While reducing access in markets where it lacks local authorization, Bitget has continued preparing for expansion elsewhere.

As previously reported by crypto.news, the company plans to establish a separate U.S. entity before launching services in the country. According to her comments, Bitget intends to secure money-transmitter, broker-dealer and derivatives approvals before entering the U.S. market, regardless of whether Congress ultimately passes the CLARITY Act.

The exchange has also been expanding its tokenized investment products. Chen previously said tokenized traditional assets accounted for between 20% and 30% of Bitget’s spot trading volume during the previous quarter, while more than half of its users held both cryptocurrencies and stocks.

Ripple announced two new strategic investments as the blockchain-focused fintech seeks to expand access to tokenized financial assets on its blockchain ledger.

The company said it made strategic investments in Zilo, which provides global transfer agency asset solutions for wealth managers, and in Licuido, a tokenization solutions provider regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, according to a Monday announcement.

Financial details for the investments were not provided. UK-based Zilo has raised $58.7 million in total equity funding, according to data compiled by Traxcn. Licuido is also based in the UK.

Ripple expects these deals to bring regulated transfer agency, issuance, and collateral mobility to its XRP Ledger (XRPL) infrastructure.

Combining the investments aim to help Ripple address the issues tied to idle collateral by enabling tokenized funds to be used as collateral from the point of issuance. The announcement came a week after London-based asset manager Aviva Investors launched a tokenized share class of its US Dollar Liquidity Fund on XRPL, after receiving approval from the Central Bank of Ireland.

Last month, Ripple launched Ripple Mint, a platform that gives institutions new ways to access, mint, redeem and manage its US dollar-pegged stablecoin, Ripple USD (RLUSD). 

XRPL is the 11th-largest blockchain network with $368 million in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs). Ethereum ranked first with $17.1 billion in tokenized RWAs, according to data provider RWA.xyz. 

Total RWA holders increased by 50% to 1.57 million during the past 30 days, while the total value of tokenized assets rose by 1.5% to $37.3 billion.

Magazine: What NYSE’s exploration of onchain systems means for financial markets

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Two French crypto investors have been held captive in London for more than 52 hours in a kidnapping and extortion case that ended with five men convicted after the victims were forced to transfer $30,000 in cryptocurrency.

The Daily Mail, citing proceedings at Inner London Crown Court, reported that the two French cryptocurrency investors, both in their 20s, were abducted while visiting London and subjected to more than two days of confinement, violence and threats before officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad rescued them.

Prosecutors told the court the victims’ lavish lifestyle, much of it documented on social media, may have drawn the attention of the group behind the attack. The prosecution argued that their public online presence made them attractive targets for criminals looking to extort digital assets.

Convictions follow London crypto kidnapping

A jury found Gerson Borges and Mohamed Osman guilty of conspiracy to blackmail and false imprisonment, while Julius George, Isaac Bakoya and William Adebisi were convicted of false imprisonment. The defendants were cleared of kidnapping, possessing an imitation firearm and sexual assault charges.

Court proceedings also identified Ibrahim Mohamed, known as “Nino,” as the alleged organizer of the operation. Prosecutors said he directed members of the group from overseas through WhatsApp and Snapchat and remains at large.

One of the victims alleged that he had been sexually assaulted during the ordeal. The jury acquitted the defendants on those allegations, but UK reporting restrictions prevent identification of two defendants because of laws protecting alleged victims in sexual offence cases.

Victims said torture was used to force crypto transfers

According to evidence presented in court, the victims traveled from France to London and were staying in Kensington before arranging to buy cannabis in east London.

After leaving their rented Mercedes in Shadwell, prosecutors said they were confronted by three masked men carrying a gun and a knife before being forced back into the vehicle and driven to an apartment in Canning Town.

The victims told investigators they were held inside the flat for about 52 hours. During that time, they said they were stripped naked, bound with tape and cable ties, beaten, burned with cigarettes and scalded with boiling water, including on their genitals.

Prosecutors said the gang also threatened to mutilate them, force them into sexual acts and attack one victim’s girlfriend unless they handed over cryptocurrency.

The court heard the group initially demanded $150,000 in crypto. The victims ultimately transferred about $30,000 before the attackers concluded no more funds were immediately available.

Evidence presented during the trial stated that one victim was released, while the second remained captive. In a recorded police interview played to jurors, the remaining victim said he believed he had been “sold” to another criminal group that intended to continue the extortion.

The victims also described harsh treatment during their confinement. Court testimony stated they received only one spicy chicken wing from a KFC meal while members of the gang ate the remaining food. One victim also alleged he was forced to drink toilet water.

Police tracked the gang through a forgotten phone

The prosecution said the investigation turned after a friend who had traveled with the victims escaped during the ambush.

Although he was pulled from the Mercedes by the attackers, his mobile phone remained inside the vehicle without the gang noticing. After reaching a McDonald’s in Earl’s Court, he persuaded a security guard to call emergency services.

Using the phone’s location together with CCTV footage, officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Flying Squad identified the location where the victims were being held.

Police intercepted the suspects after a vehicle pursuit through residential London streets that reportedly reached speeds of about 70 mph.

When officers rescued one of the victims from the suspects’ car, prosecutors said his hands were still tied and visible cigarette burns covered parts of his face, including his forehead and cheek.

The victims later declined to testify in person during the trial, telling the court they remained afraid of the group after the attack.

Crypto kidnapping cases continue to draw attention

The London convictions add to a series of violent crimes targeting cryptocurrency holders, with criminals increasingly relying on physical coercion rather than online attacks to steal digital assets.

Earlier this year, two Texas brothers pleaded guilty in a U.S. federal case after admitting to holding a Minnesota family at gunpoint for more than eight hours and forcing the transfer of more than $8 million in cryptocurrency. Investigators later traced the suspects using physical evidence, rental records and surveillance footage.

Security researchers commonly describe such incidents as “wrench attacks,” where victims are threatened or assaulted to surrender access to digital assets instead of having their wallets hacked remotely.

France has also experienced a rise in crypto-linked violent crime. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said on June 30 that authorities had recorded 77 cases involving kidnapping, unlawful detention, extortion or attempted offences connected to the crypto sector in 2026, compared with 45 cases during 2025.

Nuñez said around 200 people had been arrested following attacks or preventive operations, while the government has expanded cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the country’s digital asset industry. French officials have also warned that organized criminal groups increasingly target individuals whose crypto wealth is visible through social media or public activity.

The circumstances described by prosecutors in the London case closely match that pattern, with the court hearing that the victims’ online display of wealth may have contributed to them being selected by the gang.

Stablecoin transfers from South Korea to overseas crypto platforms surged again in June, underscoring how much demand from local users continues to flow outside domestic rails. According to Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) data cited by Yonhap News Agency, South Korea recorded stablecoin outflows of 560.3 billion won (about $367 million) to foreign exchanges—marking an 18-month streak of net outflows.

The same FSS data, obtained by People Power Party lawmaker Lee Jong-wook, points to a large volume of cross-border movement through the country’s five major exchanges: Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit and Gopax. In June, these platforms transferred 2.7 trillion won (about $1.81 billion) in stablecoins offshore while receiving 2.2 trillion won (about $1.44 billion) from foreign platforms.

Key takeaways

• South Korea’s stablecoin outflows hit 560.3 billion won in June, extending a net outflow streak to 18 straight months.
• The FSS figures cited by Yonhap show South Korean exchanges both exported and imported large stablecoin volumes in June, with exports exceeding imports.
• Yonhap market participants linked the outflows to overseas products that may be restricted or unavailable domestically, including derivatives and certain DeFi and staking offerings.
• Lawmakers and regulators are reviewing investor protection and cross-border supervision as authorities seek to finalize a broader digital-asset framework.
• Regulatory discussions also include expanding crypto transfer reporting and tightening scrutiny of unregistered overseas exchanges.

Why stablecoins are leaving: availability and product access

In commentary collected by Yonhap, market participants attributed the cross-border stablecoin transfers to practical access differences between local and offshore venues. They pointed to demand for products that are either restricted or unavailable on South Korean exchanges, such as overseas derivatives, tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), and various decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking products.

That framing matters because it suggests the outflows aren’t simply about holding stablecoins abroad—they’re tied to the ability to deploy them in specific strategies. If domestic platforms cannot offer comparable products under current rules, users may prefer the regulatory and product availability advantages of offshore exchanges.

Investor protection concerns rise as outflows persist

Lawmaker Lee Jong-wook used the June figures to argue that South Korea needs to re-examine how it safeguards investors across borders. As reported by The Korea Times, Lee called on the government to “comprehensively examine its investor protection and supervisory frameworks again and move swiftly to improve regulations.”

The core concern is that stablecoin users may be exposed to risks that aren’t fully addressed by domestic oversight once funds move to jurisdictions with different licensing and supervision standards. The persistent nature of the outflows—net outflows for 18 months—also increases pressure on policymakers to ensure the new regulatory framework can address the real-world behavior of market participants, not just domestic activity.

Policy work continues: phased stablecoin rules and a new digital-asset framework

The latest outflow data arrives as South Korea continues building a broader legal structure for digital assets. A policy report released this week recommended that authorities introduce interim licensing guidance and phase in stablecoin regulation before the Digital Asset Basic Act is finalized, according to earlier coverage on Cointelegraph.

If enacted, the proposed act would be South Korea’s first comprehensive digital asset framework, covering areas such as stablecoin issuance, required disclosures, and rules governing market activities. However, the reporting also highlighted that lawmakers are still negotiating how the framework should work in practice—particularly which institutions should be permitted to issue won-pegged stablecoins. Disagreements on that point have contributed to delays, leaving a window where the regulatory environment may still be incomplete for some market participants.

For users and investors, the uncertainty has direct implications: when licensing, issuance rules, and market-activity requirements are not fully aligned, offshore venues can remain more attractive—especially if they already support the products users want.

Reporting expansion and tighter scrutiny of offshore venues

Beyond stablecoin-specific rules, South Korea’s regulators are also targeting cross-border compliance. Cointelegraph previously reported that the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) sought to broaden reporting requirements for crypto transfers. On June 22, the FIU proposed extending Travel Rule reporting requirements to transactions below 1 million won (roughly $650).

The FIU also urged stronger enforcement against unregistered overseas exchanges serving South Koreans. The agency argued that uneven licensing and supervision across jurisdictions can create opportunities for regulatory arbitrage—effectively allowing users to route activity to less constrained environments.

That enforcement argument dovetails with the persistent outflow trend. If domestic supervision tightens while offshore compliance remains uneven, policymakers may expect some shift back toward regulated channels. But the data cited by Yonhap suggests the decision to move stablecoins offshore is also driven by product access; enforcement alone may not be enough if users still perceive offshore platforms as offering functionalities they cannot obtain at home.

As South Korea moves toward interim licensing and broader stablecoin regulation ahead of the Digital Asset Basic Act, investors and market participants should watch for two things: whether the promised phased approach closes gaps that currently push activity offshore, and whether expanded Travel Rule reporting and offshore enforcement meaningfully reduce regulatory arbitrage without constraining legitimate domestic market development.

South Korea’s largest crypto exchange Bithumb said Monday it is preparing for a 2028 initial public offering (IPO) following a major internal reorganization to strengthen control and adoption of international account standards.

Seoul-based Bithumb did not reveal where it plans to launch the IPO. However, it did say it is working with domestic and international securities, law and account firms on the IPO process. Last year, Bithumb was said to be considering a NASDAQ listing, and later changed its plans to a listing on South Korea’s Kosdaq first.

CoinDesk approached Bithumb via email for more information, including where it plans to list its IPO, but had not received a response as of press time.

The crypto trading platform also said it plans to complete its risk management systems assessments and meet domestic and international account standards by the end of 2026. It then plans to apply for a preliminary listing review in 2027, with the IPO targeted for 2028.

Bithumb said the timetable could change depending on market conditions and regulators’ reviews.

Crypto and stock trading platform Robinhood has secured UK crypto registration ahead of the country’s new licensing framework.

According to a recent announcement, Robinhood has received approval to offer cryptocurrency services in the United Kingdom after its UK subsidiary was added to the Financial Conduct Authority’s register of cryptoasset firms on July 31.

Under the FCA’s existing crypto registration regime, the approval confirms that Robinhood meets the regulator’s anti-money laundering requirements, allowing the company to operate crypto services before the UK’s new regulatory framework begins taking effect.

Robinhood gains an early position before new UK rules

Since 2020, the FCA has required crypto businesses operating in the UK to register under its anti-money laundering framework. More than 50 companies currently appear on the regulator’s register, including Ripple, Kraken, BlackRock and BNY.

Robinhood’s latest approval comes before the UK introduces its new crypto authorization regime. According to the announcement, applications under the updated framework will open at the end of September and close at the end of February next year, with the full regulatory system scheduled to take effect in October 2027.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Robinhood, and we’re excited to take the first important step towards bringing our investing platform to customers in the U.K. I’m thrilled to be a part of Robinhood and our effort to expand into a new international market.”

– Wander Rutgers, President, Robinhood International.

Because Robinhood already holds registration under the current framework, the company may have completed part of the regulatory work before the transition begins. Further, the announcement noted that firms already registered under the existing regime could enter the new authorization process with much of that groundwork already in place.

The approval follows Robinhood’s earlier statement that it planned to expand its crypto business into the UK.

During its second-quarter earnings release on July 29, the company said it intended to launch cryptocurrency offerings in the country but did not provide a timeline. The latest FCA registration now gives Robinhood the regulatory approval needed to move ahead with those plans.

Robinhood’s crypto business has continued to expand even as trading activity softened during the second quarter. The company reported crypto transaction revenue of $100 million, down 38% from a year earlier, although it launched Robinhood Chain, introduced Stock Tokens in more than 120 countries, rolled out Robinhood Earn and completed its acquisition of WonderFi during the same period.

Crypto becomes one part of Robinhood’s expansion

Robinhood has increasingly diversified its business outside traditional crypto trading.

Its second-quarter results showed total net revenue rose 32% year over year to $1.31 billion, supported by growth in event contracts, options and equities. Event contracts generated $156 million in revenue during the quarter, making them the company’s fastest-growing transaction business.

Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported in July that Robinhood had discussed adding Crypto.com’s event contracts to its prediction markets hub. Neither company confirmed an agreement, and the report said the talks could still end without a deal.

Robinhood has already expanded its prediction market network through Kalshi, ForecastEx and Rothera, the exchange it operates through a joint venture with Susquehanna International Group. According to the company, working with multiple exchanges helps provide customers with a wider selection of contracts while reducing dependence on a single supplier.

Registration arrives before a new regulatory phase

The UK’s upcoming crypto framework will replace the current registration system with a more comprehensive authorization process covering crypto firms operating in the country.

The registration window under the new framework will remain open for only a limited period before the new rules fully take effect in October 2027. Companies seeking to continue serving UK customers will need to obtain authorization under that system.

Robinhood enters that process after already obtaining FCA registration under the existing anti-money laundering regime. While the company has not announced when its UK crypto services will become available, the latest approval removes an important regulatory requirement ahead of the country’s transition to its next phase of crypto oversight.

The market that dragged bitcoin off $65,000 this week didn’t sell it hard. It just stopped showing up.

Bitcoin closed the week near $62,600 after failing to reclaim $65,000, and Yusuf Fakhro, a partner at Bahrain-based ARP Digital, reads that through the market’s plumbing rather than the Fed headline that nudged it lower. The ETF bid that powered July’s recovery has stalled, flipping to net outflows of nearly 4,000 BTC on the week after a run of steady inflows.

The rest of the tape has gone quiet to the point of dormancy. July logged the lowest average daily spot volume since November 2023. CME open interest sits at 2023 levels. Perpetual-futures positioning has stalled near 300,000 BTC.

It’s a market that has stopped participating, Fakhro said, and even Strategy has paused its bitcoin buying for a fifth straight week, so the biggest structural buyer is sitting on its hands too.

The July 29 Fed meeting held rates and offered no easing signal, stripping out the catalyst bulls had leaned on.

The week’s real jolt came from custody. A Coldcard firmware flaw dormant since 2021 was exploited to drain roughly 1,367 BTC, about $89 million, from thousands of self-custodied wallets, and some holders have since moved coins back onto exchanges and into regulated products.

Bitcoin traded near $62,700 on Monday, down 3.5% on the week. Watch the next inflow print: if the ETF bid stays flat while price holds, Fakhro’s exhaustion read is right, and if fresh outflows can’t push it under $60,000, the sellers really are done.