Zcash jumps 48% to over $800 as Grayscale spot ETF push adds to ‘next bitcoin’ buzz

ZEC traded above its January 2018 peak as futures volume hit billions of dollars and a Grayscale filing showed fresh progress toward converting its Zcash Trust into a spot ETF.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/22/zcash-tops-usd800-for-first-time-since-2016

How a Treasury buyback tweak helped bitcoin surge 25% to nearly $80,000 in days

Treasury buybacks are not QE, analysts said, but the move helped pull long-term yields off 19-year highs and triggered a record short squeeze in a market already leaning too bearish.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/22/how-a-treasury-buyback-tweak-helped-bitcoin-surge-nearly-25-in-days

Crypto advocates join in suing Illinois over digital asset tax

The Crypto Council for Innovation and the Blockchain Association added another lawsuit against the state for its recently approved 0.2% crypto tax.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/08/21/crypto-advocates-join-in-suing-illinois-over-digital-asset-tax

Pass the Clarity Act

Reopening a settled provision four weeks before a vote would sink the bill, argues Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association.

source https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2026/08/21/pass-the-clarity-act

Bitcoin, ether and solana climb as another $1 billion shorts get wiped out

The two-day short liquidation total has reached about $3.8 billion, after Thursday's figure set a record going back to 2021.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/21/bitcoin-ether-and-solana-climb-as-another-usd1-billion-shorts-get-wiped-out

A $2 million bet on XRP volatility crosses the tape as prices surge

An options trader opened a large straddle on XRP, betting on wild price swings by Aug. 28.

source https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2026/08/21/a-usd2-million-bet-on-xrp-volatility-crosses-the-tape-as-prices-surge

U.S. CFTC chief puts staff on notice to create crypto regulations if Clarity Act fails

Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Mike Selig told the inaugural gathering of the Innovation Advisory Committee that his agency won't sit idle.

source https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2026/08/20/u-s-cftc-chief-puts-staff-on-notice-to-create-crypto-regulations-if-clarity-act-fails