Crypto News: SharpLink Buys $264M ETH, Ripple Acquires Rail, CFTC

11-Aug-2025 StealthEX Blog

Each week, StealthEX and CryptoDaily bring you the biggest updates from the world of cryptocurrency. We cut through the noise and focus on the news that really matters. From major announcements to unexpected market shifts, we cover the stories shaping the future of crypto. Our goal is to keep things clear, simple, and useful — so you always know what’s going on without wasting time. 

Crypto News: SharpLink Buys $264M ETH, Ripple Acquires Rail, CFTC

SharpLink Pushes Ethereum Holdings Toward $2 Billion

SharpLink has made another large move into Ethereum, adding 83,562 ETH in just one week. The purchase, worth around $264 million, took place between July 28 and August 3. The company paid an average price of $3,634 per coin.

The Nasdaq-listed gaming and software firm began its accumulation in June 2025. Since then, it has used stock sales to fund steady ETH purchases. This latest buy raises its total holdings to 521,939 ETH, valued at close to $1.91 billion.

Every coin is staked, allowing SharpLink to earn rewards through Ethereum’s proof-of-stake system. So far, staking has brought in 929 ETH, currently worth more than $3.3 million.

The company tracks its Ethereum strategy with an internal measure called ETH Concentration. This metric shows how much ETH backs each share. Since June, it has grown from 2.00 to 3.66, an 83% jump.

SharpLink says this reflects rising shareholder value tied to Ethereum’s performance. The firm plans to keep expanding its reserves. It is open to raising more capital through debt or equity offerings to support further buys. The approach cements SharpLink as one of the largest corporate Ethereum holders in the market today.

Ripple Moves to Buy Rail in $200 Million Deal

Ripple has agreed to purchase Rail, a payments platform focused on stablecoins, for $200 million. The acquisition, awaiting regulatory clearance, is expected to close in late 2025.

Rail’s technology connects to more than a dozen banks and offers API-based services for global transactions. This will allow Ripple to provide businesses with stablecoin payments that work around the clock. Assets supported will include Ripple’s RLUSD and XRP, alongside other tokens.

The system removes the need for companies to hold cryptocurrency directly. Clients can send or receive stablecoin payments without wallets or on-chain exposure. This reduces both compliance challenges and operational complexity.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the combined platforms will become the leading provider of stablecoin infrastructure for global finance. Rail’s CEO, Bhanu Kohli, noted that the platform is already projected to handle over 10% of this year’s expected $36 billion in global B2B stablecoin volume.

The acquisition comes as demand for business-focused stablecoin services accelerates. With Rail’s established network and Ripple’s reach in digital payments, the company aims to scale quickly. Both sides see the partnership as a way to meet growing demand for fast, reliable, and compliant digital settlement systems worldwide.


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CrediX Finance Vanishes After $4.5M Exploit

CrediX Finance has gone dark following a $4.5 million exploit. The platform’s social media accounts, website, and Telegram group have all disappeared.

The breach, confirmed by blockchain security firms, saw attackers gain control of CrediX’s multisig and bridge wallets. They minted crypto, used it as collateral, and drained liquidity pools. The attack prompted the platform to pause all operations.

Initially, CrediX claimed to have reached a deal with the hackers to return the stolen funds in exchange for payment from its treasury. It promised users full reimbursement. Soon after, all communications stopped.

CertiK reported the disappearance of CrediX’s team and the continued offline status of its website since August 4.

Affected projects are now pursuing legal action. Stability DAO says it has traced the stolen funds and identified two team members through KYC data. Partners including Euler, Sonic Labs, and Trevee are collaborating with authorities to recover assets.

Trevee revealed it was indirectly hit through a $1.6 million loan tied to Stability’s metaUSD, which became exposed to CrediX during a bank run. A full incident report is promised, but with the team missing, confidence in any recovery remains low.

Trump Opens 401(k) Access to Crypto and Alternatives

President Donald Trump has signed an order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include cryptocurrency, real estate, and private equity. The move gives Americans new options for diversifying retirement portfolios.

The order instructs the Labor Department and the SEC to review rules that have limited these assets in retirement accounts. Regulators must also clarify the responsibilities of plan providers to reduce the risk of lawsuits.

Officials say outdated regulations have blocked retirees from accessing higher-yield investments. Trump’s plan focuses on “competitive returns and diversification” for long-term security.

Market reaction was swift – it jumped up right away. Analysts believe the change could boost demand for alternative assets from major firms like Blackstone and Apollo.

However, critics warn of higher fees, illiquidity, and added risk compared to traditional investments. Vanguard and Fidelity have acknowledged the policy shift but have not committed to new products.

The success of the plan will depend on how regulators define safeguards. For now, the order signals a major change in how Americans can build retirement wealth using digital and private assets.

Dubai Issues First Regulated Crypto Options License

Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority has granted its first crypto options trading license. The recipient is Laser Digital, the crypto arm of Japanese bank Nomura.

The license allows Laser Digital to offer over-the-counter crypto derivatives to institutional clients. These trades will follow the International Swaps and Derivatives Association framework, used in traditional finance for risk management.

Initially, Laser Digital will provide vanilla options linked to digital assets. These products offer market exposure without the complexity of exotic derivatives.

The license was awarded under a pilot program requiring strict compliance. Laser Digital’s Chief Product Officer, Johannes Woolard, said Dubai offers regulatory clarity once standards are met, making it a key hub for crypto finance.

The city’s pro-crypto stance has attracted major firms, with Deribit and others exploring moves to the region. Dubai’s strategy is to combine innovation with strong oversight to attract institutional players.

Laser Digital plans to expand into lending, spot trading, and yield products if demand and regulation allow. This approval positions Dubai as a leader in regulated crypto derivatives for the Middle East and beyond.

China to Approve First RMB-Backed Stablecoin via Hong Kong

China is preparing to approve its first fiat-pegged stablecoin, backed by the renminbi, through Hong Kong’s new licensing rules.

While crypto remains banned on the mainland, Hong Kong’s regime will allow licensed firms to issue stablecoins tied to national currencies. Only a few licenses will be granted in the first phase, starting next year.

Analysts say the move aims to boost the renminbi’s global role and reduce reliance on the US dollar. The People’s Bank of China has acknowledged the importance of stablecoins in cross-border payments.

Early use cases will focus on business transactions, not consumer payments. This cautious rollout is meant to limit capital flight and maintain control over currency flows.

Hong Kong regulators will demand strict reserve backing, legal clarity, and anti-money laundering safeguards. State-owned banks are expected to be among the first issuers.

The selective approval process contrasts with the rapid expansion of stablecoins in the US. Experts warn that China’s tight control could clash with the decentralized nature of the technology as adoption grows. Still, the move marks a strategic shift in China’s digital finance policy.

SEC Says Some Liquid Staking Tokens Are Not Securities

The U.S. SEC has stated that certain liquid staking tokens are not securities if issued under strict administrative rules.

The clarification applies to Staking Receipt Tokens (SRTs), which represent claims on staked assets and rewards. If the tokens simply prove a deposit and do not rely on third-party management, they are not considered investment contracts.

The SEC used the Howey Test to reach its conclusion. It found that value in these tokens comes from the performance of the underlying assets, not managerial efforts.

However, the exemption is narrow. If a staking provider sets rewards, chooses validators, or changes product terms, the activity may still fall under securities laws.

Secondary market trading of SRTs may qualify for the same exemption if all criteria are met.

The decision offers clarity for a sector holding nearly $67 billion in locked assets. It may also open the door for Ethereum ETFs with staking features, provided issuers maintain transparency and regulatory compliance.

This shift marks a more precise approach to crypto oversight, offering relief to platforms operating within strict limits.

Trump Plans Order Against Politically Motivated Bank Cuts

Donald Trump is set to sign an order targeting banks accused of closing accounts for political reasons, including those tied to crypto.

The move is aimed at stopping what his allies call “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” the alleged denial of services to certain industries under the Biden administration.

The order would require regulators to investigate and penalize banks that terminate accounts based on ideology. It also calls for the Justice Department to review potential violations and for the Small Business Administration to audit its banking partners.

Cited examples include the closure of a Christian charity’s account by Bank of America in 2023. Critics say such actions reflect bias rather than legitimate risk assessments.

Some banks have already updated policies to ban political discrimination, working with Republican-led states to show compliance.

Legal experts warn the order could face court challenges, as political affiliation is not a protected class under current U.S. law. They also note that executive orders cannot create new protections beyond existing statutes.

Still, Trump’s plan signals a clear push to protect crypto firms and politically aligned groups from losing banking access.

CFTC to Allow Spot Crypto Trading on Registered Exchanges

The U.S. CFTC plans to let federally registered futures exchanges offer spot trading for digital assets.

Acting Chair Caroline Pham said the move will work alongside the SEC under “Project Crypto,” a broader push for unified oversight. Public comments on the proposal are open until August 18.

Currently, most spot crypto trading happens on unregulated platforms. Under the Commodity Exchange Act, trades with leverage or financing must take place on designated markets. The CFTC says it already has the authority to extend this to spot trading.

The initiative is part of a larger policy shift under the Trump administration to encourage crypto innovation. SEC Chair Paul Atkins has also backed clearer token classification and tailored disclosure rules.

Analysts believe this could bring more digital assets into regulated U.S. markets. Prices may benefit as investor confidence grows in platforms meeting federal standards.

Pham said the goal is to make the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world.” If successful, the plan could reshape the landscape for digital asset trading over the next two years.

This article is not supposed to provide financial advice. Digital assets are risky. Be sure to do your own research and consult your financial advisor before investing.

Tags: crypto world CryptoDaily Donald Trump Ethereum Ripple
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