Web3 pump-and-dump schemes thrive on hype, anonymity, and unregulated markets; understanding their playbook is key to avoiding costly traps.

How fake news and deepfakes power the latest crypto pump-and-dump scams

Ethereum’s strategic reserves and ETF stashes are throwing some serious heft 
around the market right now. Data from strategicethreserve.xyz shows these 
reserves sitting on 2.96 million ETH—valued at roughly $10.8 billion—spread 
among 63 participants, locking away close to 2.45% of the entire supply. 
$10.8B in Ethereum Locked Away — Here’s Who Holds the Keys Loading […]

Inside the Ether Treasury Vaults: Who’s Hoarding Billions in Ethereum?

Blockchain and robotics may soon come together after OpenMind raised $20 
million.

Pantera backs $20m raise for decentralized OS for robots

Alpen Labs launched its public testnet on Monday, advancing efforts to build a 
native financial system directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. Bitcoin ZK-Rollup 
Testnet Goes Live With EVM Compatibility According to the Alpen Labs release 
shared with Bitcoin.com News, the testnet allows developers to experiment with 
Bitcoin-based financial applications previously confined to centralized 
services or […]

Alpen Labs Launches Public Testnet for Bitcoin Financial System

As RWAs cement themselves as crypto’s second-fastest-growing sector, a 
who’s-who of fintech and blockchain heavyweights are launching Ascend, a 
hyper-selective program designed to turn startups into the standard-bearers of 
institutional adoption. According to a press release shared with crypto.news 
on…

$24b RWA gold rush gets its elite bootcamp in Ascend startup accelerator

Europe’s top central bank is firm on one thing: banknotes aren’t going 
anywhere. On Monday, ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone vowed that 
euro coins and bills will remain at the heart of payments, even as Brussels 
moves ahead with plans for a state-backed digital euro. Related Reading: Spot 
Bitcoin ETFs Bleed Over $800 Million: Second‑Largest Exit Ever – Details He 
warned that without a public digital option, privately issued stablecoins 
could gain too much ground—especially in cross-border transfers. ECB’s Cash 
And Digital Push According to a blog post by Cipollone, the digital euro will 
sit alongside physical money, not replace it. He wrote that cash and digital 
euros, both with full legal tender status, will give consumers more choice. 
Reports have disclosed that on April 8, Cipollone said a digital euro would 
curb the rise of foreign-pegged stablecoins in Europe. He added that failing 
to launch it would leave risks on the table and forgo key opportunities. Cash 
is indispensable as a way to pay and to store value, says Executive Board 
member Piero Cipollone. We are modernising banknotes, ensuring they remain 
accessible and widely accepted. A digital euro will complement this by 
bringing the benefits of cash to digital payments. — European Central Bank 
(@ecb) August 4, 2025 Private Coins Are Growing Fast Crypto payments are on 
the rise. Stablecoins now handle many everyday buys and cross-border deals. 
Data shows that these digital coins often tie to the US dollar and escape 
strict banking rules. That worries regulators who fear a shift away from the 
euro. By building its own digital currency, the ECB plans to keep control 
firmly in its hands. Public Interest Remains Low A working paper published on 
March 13 found that Europeans aren’t exactly lining up for a digital euro. 
When people were asked to split 10,000 euros (about $10,800) among different 
assets, only a small slice went to the digital version. Cash still dominated. 
Based on reports, that survey showed nearly all respondents kept most of their 
mix in coins, bills or traditional bank deposits. Calls For Stablecoin Rules 
Some analysts say the world needs a stablecoin rulebook, pointing out that 
strong global coordination is vital to check the power of dollar-pegged coins. 
Other financial experts agree, highlighting the significance of options like 
regulated euro-pegged stablecoins, distributed ledger applications and the 
digital euro itself. Related Reading: Slow And Steady: Bitcoin’s Current Rise 
Feels Different—Study By stressing that cash is here to stay, the ECB sends a 
clear message: innovation must not come at the cost of stability. The plan is 
to roll out the digital euro in a way that works for all Europeans—whether 
they live in a city with fast internet or a town where ATMs are lifelines. 
Featured image from Meta, chart from TradingView