This week in crypto, regulators, institutions, and blockchain projects dominated headlines across the market. From ETF delays to record lending activity, here are the top stories shaping the industry.
1. Solana ETF verdict extended to mid-October
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on the Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF), moving the review deadline to mid-October.
According to Cryptopolitan, the extension was announced as part of the regulator's standard review process, giving the SEC more time to evaluate applications from asset managers.
The Solana ETF has drawn interest from investors who see it as a potential gateway for traditional market participants to access the blockchain ecosystem. Market watchers say the delay was expected, given the SEC's cautious stance on digital asset ETFs.
Industry stakeholders believe the outcome could play a key role in determining how alternative layer-1 tokens, beyond Ethereum, gain entry into regulated investment products. The next deadline in October will determine whether the SEC approves, denies, or further delays the application.
2. Trump-backed American Bitcoin hunts Asia deals to bulk up crypto reserves
American Bitcoin, a crypto mining and reserves firm backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, is seeking new partnerships in Asia to expand its holdings. As Cryptopolitan reported, the company has started discussions with potential partners across the region, targeting energy firms and digital asset operators.
The move comes as part of its broader effort to strengthen its balance sheet by accumulating more Bitcoin and diversifying its global partnerships. Asia has become an attractive market due to lower energy costs and growing institutional interest in digital assets.
American Bitcoin's executives believe these deals could help secure favorable terms for mining operations and reserves management.
The firm's strategy aligns with its stated goal of positioning itself as a major player in the U.S. and global Bitcoin ecosystem. Talks remain ongoing, and details about the exact partners or timelines have not yet been disclosed.
3. Crypto thefts hit $163M in August as hackers shift strategy
Hackers stole approximately $163 million in digital assets in August 2025, according to a report highlighted by Cointelegraph. The figures mark a sharp rise compared to July, signaling a shift in cybercriminal tactics.
Rather than relying on large-scale protocol breaches, attackers increasingly targeted centralized exchanges and wallet providers. The month's largest incident involved Turkish crypto platform BtcTurk, which lost a significant sum in a coordinated exploit.
Security researchers told Cointelegraph that attackers have been refining phishing techniques and exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party integrations. This change suggests a broader move away from high-risk decentralized finance (DeFi) exploits toward more direct points of failure.
The report added that August's total losses brought the yearly figure to nearly $1 billion, underlining the ongoing security challenges facing the industry. Firms are being urged to adopt stricter monitoring tools and risk controls as threat actors adapt to new defenses.
4. UAE reportedly holds $700M in mined Bitcoin: Arkham
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a significant player in the global Bitcoin ecosystem, reportedly holding $700 million worth of mined Bitcoin. The data, first reported by blockchain analytics firm Arkham and shared by Cointelegraph, ranks the UAE sixth globally in government-linked Bitcoin reserves.
Arkham stated that the stash reflects both domestic mining activity and accumulation strategies by entities associated with the country. The UAE has emerged as a hub for digital assets in recent years, with Abu Dhabi and Dubai spearheading crypto-friendly policies.
Analysts quoted in the Cointelegraph report believe the country's holdings could strengthen its position as a financial bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
While no official government statement has confirmed the figures, Arkham's data aligns with the broader trend of sovereign-level involvement in digital asset reserves. The UAE's growing role is seen as part of its long-term economic diversification strategy.
5. Bitcoin set to beat 'red September' dip for third straight year
Bitcoin may defy its historical trend of poor September performance for the third consecutive year, according to analysis reported by Cointelegraph.
Historically, September has been one of the weakest months for the cryptocurrency, often marked by price declines dubbed the "red September" effect. However, early 2025 market behavior suggests Bitcoin could close the month in positive territory.
Traders interviewed by Cointelegraph cited strong institutional inflows, resilience against macroeconomic pressures, and optimism surrounding pending ETF approvals as factors supporting the price. The trend, if confirmed, would mark a notable shift in Bitcoin's seasonal cycle, reducing the impact of historical patterns on trader sentiment.
Market observers say avoiding a September loss could further boost confidence as the year's final quarter approaches, a traditionally strong period for digital assets. The development reflects how maturing market structures are influencing Bitcoin's price cycles compared to previous years.
6. DeFi lending rises 72% on institutional interest, RWA collateral adoption
Decentralized finance (DeFi) lending activity surged by 72% in August 2025, driven by growing institutional demand and the adoption of real-world assets (RWA) as collateral.
According to a market update shared by Cointelegraph, lending volumes across major protocols rose sharply, reversing months of sluggish growth.
Analysts said institutions have shown greater willingness to engage with DeFi platforms as tokenized bonds, invoices, and real estate begin to back lending positions. This shift has broadened the collateral base and reduced reliance on volatile crypto-only assets.
The Cointelegraph report noted that protocols integrating RWA collateral saw the steepest gains, highlighting their potential to anchor sustainable growth. The increase highlights DeFi's growing role in integrating traditional finance with blockchain-based services.
While the sector continues to face regulatory uncertainty, the August data shows a strong appetite for hybrid financial products that combine decentralized infrastructure with familiar asset types.
7. Ethereum Foundation to sell $43 million in ETH via exchanges to fund research, grants, and donations
The Ethereum Foundation plans to liquidate approximately 10,000 ETH, valued at around $43 million, through centralized exchanges. According to The Block, the sale is part of the foundation's ongoing strategy to support research, developer grants, and community-driven projects.
The foundation periodically sells portions of its holdings to secure funding for long-term initiatives, ensuring the continued development of the Ethereum ecosystem. The Block report noted that funds will also be allocated to donations aimed at fostering public goods within the crypto industry.
Although the sale represents a small fraction of the foundation's reserves, such transactions often attract market attention due to potential price effects.
Industry observers believe the move highlights Ethereum's commitment to sustaining growth beyond protocol-level updates. The timing aligns with ongoing efforts to scale Ethereum's infrastructure while balancing financial transparency and operational needs. The foundation has not specified the exact date of the sale.
8. Utila' triples' valuation with $22 million Series A extension round as stablecoin infrastructure demand surges
Stablecoin infrastructure provider Utila has raised $22 million in a Series A extension round, tripling its valuation. The funding round, reported by The Block, reflects growing demand for infrastructure services that support stablecoin issuance and management.
Investors in the round included prominent venture firms and industry-focused funds, though details of individual contributions were not disclosed. Utila provides APIs and tools that allow companies to integrate stablecoin transactions, custody, and compliance features into their platforms.
According to The Block, the surge in valuation highlights the growing importance of stablecoin infrastructure as tokenized payment systems continue to expand globally.
Utila plans to utilize the new capital to expand its product suite, enhance security, and expand its customer base across both fintech and institutional sectors. The company's growth mirrors broader market trends, where stablecoins are becoming a cornerstone of digital asset adoption worldwide.