Kategorie: Crypto Markets

• Nearly 18% of Americans have used or owned cryptocurrency.
• 84% would use DeFi for online shopping, 78% for bills, 77% for saving.
• 54% want full control over personal and financial data.

A new study by the Defi Education Fund, carried out with Ipsos, reveals a strong appetite for alternative financial systems in the United States.

The survey shows that frustration with traditional banks is widespread, and many Americans want greater control over their money. At the same time, interest in decentralised finance is steadily rising.

Nearly one in five Americans has owned or used cryptocurrency, while a larger group is keen to explore DeFi as a way to manage transactions without relying on intermediaries.

The findings highlight the scale of financial dissatisfaction and the shift towards digital finance.

Growing demand for DeFi access

The study indicates that 42% of Americans would try DeFi if regulations made access easier.

Of those, 84% would use DeFi for online shopping, 78% for paying bills, and 77% for saving money.

Despite this, only 12% of respondents described themselves as very or extremely interested in learning about DeFi, showing a gap between potential use and deeper understanding.

Four in ten participants believe DeFi could help reduce transaction and service fees, which are often considered too high in the current banking system.

Around 22% of Americans are also curious about blockchain, crypto, and other non-traditional finance models.

The research underlines how people across different age groups and backgrounds are showing an interest, pointing to broad-based demand.

Weakening trust in traditional banks

Confidence in the banking sector remains low. Only 40% of respondents said they trust large national banks, and 43% trust regional or community banks.

Less than half of Americans feel the financial system meets their needs, while only 25% believe it benefits ordinary people.

The survey further shows that 56% of Americans want full control of their money, and 51% want the ability to send money digitally without third-party involvement.

Foreign-born Americans showed an especially strong desire for these features.

Security concerns are also pronounced, with only 29% of respondents believing the financial system is secure.

Many participants also said they see current fees as barriers to inclusion, underscoring the demand for alternatives.

Lawmakers weigh crypto regulation

The findings come at a time when lawmakers and industry leaders are actively shaping crypto policy in the US.

Efforts to regulate digital assets could have a direct impact on adoption rates, especially as 42% of Americans link their interest in DeFi to easier access through legislation.

The study highlights that 54% of Americans want complete control of their personal and financial data, reflecting broader concerns about privacy in digital transactions.

This intersection of public demand, regulatory debate, and emerging technology could play a critical role in determining how DeFi develops in the United States in the coming years.

The data suggests that the conversation around finance is no longer limited to banks and regulators, but increasingly includes everyday Americans who want a different kind of system.

Growing participation in crypto markets and the ongoing debate on financial rules will continue to shape how quickly DeFi moves into the mainstream.

The post Low trust in banks drives Americans toward crypto and DeFi adoption appeared first on CoinJournal.

• EigenLayer price hovered around $2.03, up by 33% after breaking to highs of $2.09.
• The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s move to approve a rules-based listing standard buoyed altcoins.
• EIGEN price also gained as the Fed cut interest rates,

EigenLayer (EIGEN) is surging. Its price hovers near $2.03, currently up by 33% in 24 hours as a broader rally boosts altcoins.

The cryptocurrency market is witnessing a notable resurgence amid the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision and a key regulatory win for altcoins.

EigenLayer price jumps 33% to retest key level

As most altcoins posted minor gains in early trading on Thursday, EigenLayer’s EIGEN token experienced a dramatic 33% price increase.

The EIGEN token climbed from lows of $1.50 to hit highs of $2.09, with the sharp uptick marking a significant continuation following a breakout of a descending triangle pattern.

Some catalysts of the uptick include partnerships and integrations, regulatory developments and macroeconomic indicators.

For instance, on September 17, 2025, the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved generic listing standards for commodity-based trust shares.

It means the regulator is adopting a rules-based approach that will streamline the approval process for exchange-traded products on platforms like the NYSE, Nasdaq, and Cboe Global Markets.

BOOM: SEC has approved the generic listings standards that will clear way for spot crypto ETFs to launch (without going through all this bs every time) under ’33 Act so long as they have futures on Coinbase, which currently incl about 12-15 coins. pic.twitter.com/E9FXrniXRS

— Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) September 17, 2025

EIGEN gained ground as the Federal Reserve’s rate cut supported broader risk sentiment, while optimism has also been fueled by EigenLayer’s recent partnership with Google.

In the past 24 hours, trading in the protocol’s native token surged, with volumes topping \$427 million — a 260% jump alongside a sharp pickup in activity.

Crypto rally: EIGEN leads altcoin surge

EIGEN’s impressive performance is not occurring in isolation; it is leading a fresh wave of enthusiasm across altcoins, particularly those within the Ethereum ecosystem.

Tokens associated with layer-2 solutions, DeFi protocols, and restaking mechanisms have seen gains ranging from 10% to 25% in the past 24 hours.

Ethereum-linked projects are regaining prominence after months of Bitcoin-led momentum, with EigenLayer at the forefront through a string of new partnerships.

The protocol has recently expanded ties with Moonbeam and Aethir, while also joining forces with Google.

As part of that collaboration, EigenCloud is serving as a launch partner for Google Cloud’s new Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), underscoring the project’s growing role in Ethereum’s broader ecosystem.

$EIGEN PUMPED 40% TODAY 🚀

Why?
• Google’s AP2 makes Eigen the default infra for every AI agent transaction.
• Google, Coinbase, PayPal, AmEx already routing through it.

At $700M mcap, Eigen just became the trust layer of the agent economy 🔥 pic.twitter.com/psqJyCmEtg

— Wise Advice (@wiseadvicesumit) September 18, 2025

“AP2 helps create a global verifiable economy where agents can coordinate, transact, and prove their actions to humans and to each other. EigenCloud makes sure they are held accountable by any counterparty,” said EigenLayer founder Sreeram Kannan.

Other altcoins to rally amid the latest surge include EtherFi and Lido DAO, both boasting double-digit gains in the past 24 hours.

Polkadot, Bitcoin Cash, Sui and NEAR Protocol are some of the altcoins to outpace the broader market and peers as altcoins signal new momentum.

The post Eigen price spikes 33% as EigenLayer leads fresh altcoin rally appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Bitcoin Cash price rose 6% to above $646 for the first time since December 2024.
• Fed’s rate cut and SEC’s regulatory move bolstered investor sentiment.
• Momentum could see BCH eye key resistance levels and potentially the psychological $1,000 mark.

Bitcoin Cash (BCH) has surged by more than 6% in the past 24 hours to hit highs of $646, a year-to-date high that could see bulls target another leg to $1,000.

As bullish momentum builds in the cryptocurrency market, with eyes on broader market movement after the Federal Reserve cut its interest rate by 25 basis points, Bitcoin Cash is poised.

Bitcoin cash price jumps to year-to-date high amid Fed’s rate cut

Bitcoin and altcoins showed resilience after the Federal Reserve’s decision to implement a 25 basis point interest rate cut on September 17, 2025.

While BTC and top alts did not skyrocket, the 25bps rate cut provided some tailwind for risk assets, including cryptocurrencies.

That’s because the Fed’s first cut of 2025 signals a shift toward more accommodative monetary policy, with eyes on inflation and labor market conditions.

Bitcoin Cash is among the cryptocurrencies to experience a surge in its price.

According to data from CoinMarketCap, the BCH price climbed more than 6% in the 24 hours to hit highs of $646, its highest level since December 2024.

Bitcoin Cash’s year-to-date low is $268, and it has extended upside action in the past day in the wake of the Fed cut brings yearly price surge to 102%.

BCH: What’s the outlook as bulls target 1,000?

The Bitcoin Cash spike comes amid a technical breakout, with bulls extending gains after an ascending triangle pattern formed on the daily chart. Buyers have also taken out bears at a key level with a broadening wedge pattern.

The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator shows positive divergence, with the histogram expanding above the zero line. Meanwhile, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 64.

Given momentum and potential tailwinds, bulls might fancy a move to $1,000, a psychological milestone.

As well as technical strength, a confluence of other catalysts will include regulatory advancements and favorable macroeconomic conditions.

Notably, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has approved generic listing standards, streamlining approvals for spot crypto exchange-traded funds.

This rule change, affecting exchanges like Nasdaq, NYSE Arca, and Cboe BZX, eliminates case-by-case reviews, paving the way for faster launches of products such as those likely to be linked to BCH.

The ETF buzz, the Fed’s rate cut and anticipation of three more reductions in 2025 are fueling optimism.

Key resistance lies at $634, a level that, if breached on high volume, could trigger buy-side pressure toward $721.

If bulls maintain pressure, the next barrier would be around $800 before the psychological $1,000 comes into view. On the downside, primary support is likely at $592 and $530.

The post Bitcoin cash price: bulls eye $1,000 as BCH hits yearly high appeared first on CoinJournal.

• UK’s FCA proposes easing 4 core rules for crypto firms while stressing strong operational safeguards.
• Regulator cites $1.5B Bybit hack to justify tougher cyber resilience rules despite lighter principles.
• Crypto ownership in Britain hits 12%; FCA seeks feedback by Nov 12 on new regulatory framework.

Britain’s financial regulator has unveiled proposals that could reshape how cryptocurrency companies operate in the country.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said on Wednesday that crypto firms might be exempted from four key principles that usually apply to financial services companies.

These rules normally ensure that businesses act with integrity, with skill and diligence, and in the best interests of customers.

The FCA’s consultation comes at a time when Britain is positioning itself as a major player in the global digital assets sector, after signalling in April that it would work with the United States on a coordinated approach.

FCA suggests easing four core principles for crypto sector

The FCA said it is considering removing four specific obligations for crypto trading platforms.

These cover requirements that firms must run their business with integrity, act with care and skill, take account of customer interests, and ensure any advice or discretionary decisions made for clients are suitable.

The regulator noted that while crypto assets remain volatile and risky, the new framework is designed to help firms meet consistent standards without stifling competition.

The regulator stressed that these adjustments are aimed at supporting the growth of the UK’s crypto industry, while still maintaining trust and market stability.

At the same time, it highlighted that crypto assets remain high-risk and consumers must continue to be protected from poor business practices.

Stronger operational risk rules after $1.5 billion hack

While easing some principles, the FCA is also proposing stricter measures on operational risk.

This move follows a $1.5 billion hack on Dubai-based exchange Bybit in February, which the regulator pointed to as an example of why “strong operational resilience controls” are needed.

The FCA wants firms to ensure they have systems in place that can withstand cyberattacks and operational failures, which are becoming more frequent as digital asset markets expand.

The consultation paper also asks whether customer access to the Financial Ombudsman Service should extend to crypto asset firms, giving clients a route to compensation when disputes arise.

In addition, it seeks feedback on whether the consumer duty—requiring firms to put customer interests first—should apply in this market.

Growing ownership of cryptocurrencies in Britain

Crypto ownership has increased sharply in Britain in recent years.

Government data shows that about 12% of adults have owned or currently own cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, compared with only 4% in 2021.

This rapid growth underscores the need for a regulatory framework that both protects customers and allows the industry to expand in a competitive environment.

The FCA is asking for feedback on its proposals by 12 November.

Any finalised rules are likely to set the tone for how Britain balances consumer protection with the ambition to build a sustainable and competitive digital asset sector.

The post Crypto firms in Britain may face new FCA proposals on conduct rules appeared first on CoinJournal.

• Coinbase breach traced to TaskUs staff; $400M lost as hackers exploited insider-sold customer data.
• Court docs show TaskUs workers sold records, triggering scams, lawsuits, and 300 employee firings.
• Coinbase tightened controls, cut TaskUs ties, and reimbursed victims after insider-driven data theft.

New court documents have revealed how a data breach at Coinbase, which came to light in May 2025, originated from inside an outsourced customer service firm.

The breach, traced back to TaskUs employees, exposed highly sensitive user data, including Social Security numbers and bank details.

Hackers later used this information to impersonate Coinbase staff and trick users into transferring cryptocurrency into fraudulent wallets.

By Coinbase’s estimates, the total losses reached $400 million.

The revelations highlight how insider threats at third-party providers continue to undermine security in the digital asset industry.

TaskUs employee identified in data theft conspiracy

The amended class action complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, shows that the breach stemmed from TaskUs, a business process outsourcing company Coinbase used for customer support.

According to the filings, criminal groups began contacting TaskUs employees in 2024, offering payments in exchange for highly sensitive user records.

From September 2024, TaskUs employee Ashita Mishra allegedly started photographing confidential Coinbase customer files and selling them to external hackers for about $200 per image.

Court filings revealed Mishra’s phone stored data on more than 10,000 customers when TaskUs discovered the breach in January 2025. Some days showed up to 200 photographs taken.

The documents describe the plot as wider than one individual.

Multiple TaskUs employees reportedly collaborated in smaller groups, forwarding stolen records to organised criminals.

The breach was uncovered in early January 2025, yet neither TaskUs nor Coinbase disclosed the incident until May 2025.

Coinbase breach scale and ransom demands

When the breach became public in May 2025, Coinbase reported that attackers had bribed support agents to gain access to sensitive records. Reports at the time noted that the attackers demanded a $20 million ransom.

Coinbase declined to pay and instead announced a $20 million bounty for information leading to the identification and prosecution of those involved.

Meanwhile, fraudsters used the compromised details to impersonate Coinbase representatives.

Victims were tricked into transferring assets into wallets controlled by criminals.

According to the lawsuit, several customers lost their life savings and retirement funds. The complaint notes that the stolen funds reached as much as $400 million.

The breach also had market repercussions. Coinbase stock declined following the disclosure, leading to further investor lawsuits citing financial losses.

Insider networks and mass layoffs

The lawsuit revealed that TaskUs fired about 300 employees at its India-based centres after identifying the conspiracy.

Investigations suggested that Mishra and an accomplice had established smaller groups within TaskUs to gather and distribute stolen Coinbase user records.

Despite becoming aware of the breach in January 2025, Coinbase and TaskUs did not notify customers immediately.

Both firms disclosed in their Form 10-K filings that they were not aware of any material data breaches, even though the breach had already been identified internally.

During the months of silence, customers continued to be targeted by phishing campaigns and impersonation schemes, escalating the impact of the breach.

Coinbase response and tightening of security

Coinbase has since confirmed that it severed ties with the implicated TaskUs staff and has introduced stricter insider controls.

According to filings and subsequent company statements, Coinbase notified affected users, regulators, and reimbursed impacted customers.

The exchange also moved to limit remote work practices for external support staff, aiming to reduce risks of insider threats and infiltration.

The company referenced concerns about foreign operatives, including North Korean actors, attempting to exploit vulnerabilities through social engineering and bribery.

The case highlights the vulnerabilities of third-party outsourcing in crypto security.

Even as exchanges deploy advanced technical defences, insider risks at service providers remain a critical threat vector.

The ongoing lawsuit will determine accountability between Coinbase, TaskUs, and the networks of employees who enabled one of the most damaging insider breaches in the sector.

The post Coinbase insider breach linked to $400 million crypto theft, court files reveal appeared first on CoinJournal.