Looking for the latest developments in crypto today? Here are the key stories shaping Bitcoin, blockchain, DeFi, Web3 and cryptocurrency regulation.
Security and regulation dominated the headlines. Bitget’s CEO raised the possibility that North Korean hackers were behind a major exchange breach, Sequans exited its Bitcoin treasury strategy, and Europe’s banking regulator called for crypto lending to be brought under the MiCA framework.
Bitget CEO Points to Possible North Korean Role in $352 Million Hack
Bitget CEO Gracy Chen said hackers linked to North Korea may have been responsible for the exchange’s $351.6 million security breach.
During a live Q&A on X following the incident, Chen said preliminary investigations identified IP addresses associated with VPN services previously linked to a North Korean hacking group.
She added that investigators had found similarities between the latest breach and earlier cyberattacks attributed to groups connected with North Korea.
Chen said Bitget currently had no reason to believe the incident involved an internal employee.
North Korean Crypto Hacks Remain a Major Threat
North Korean hacking groups have been linked to some of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in recent years.
In 2025, hackers associated with North Korea were connected to an estimated $2.02 billion in stolen crypto assets.
That total included the approximately $1.5 billion Bybit hack, which U.S. authorities attributed to North Korean actors.
The latest Bitget incident has therefore renewed concerns about the growing sophistication of state-linked cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency exchanges.
Bitget Withdrawals Remain Suspended
Bitget reported unauthorized transfers affecting parts of its hot and warm wallet infrastructure.
At the time of publication, withdrawals remained suspended while the exchange continued its investigation.
Chen also said that some of the stolen cryptocurrency had already been recovered, although she did not disclose the amount.
Bitget is reportedly working with blockchain foundations and industry partners to trace funds and support recovery efforts.
Sequans Exits Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
Meanwhile, Sequans Communications has sold its remaining Bitcoin holdings, bringing its corporate Bitcoin treasury strategy to an end.
The French semiconductor company sold its final 314 BTC, leaving the business with no cryptocurrency holdings.
Sequans said the decision followed the redemption of its convertible debt in May.
The company will now focus more heavily on its core operations in cellular Internet of Things technology and software-defined radio.
Sequans Once Held More Than 3,200 Bitcoin
Sequans launched its Bitcoin treasury strategy in June 2025 after announcing a $384 million equity and debt fundraising program.
At its peak, the company held more than 3,200 BTC.
However, the strategy began to reverse less than six months later.
Sequans initially sold 970 Bitcoin to repay around half of its convertible debt before gradually reducing its remaining crypto exposure.
More Companies Scale Back Bitcoin Treasury Strategies
Sequans is not the only publicly traded company to reconsider its cryptocurrency holdings.
Several businesses have either reduced or completely abandoned Bitcoin treasury strategies during 2026.
VanEck digital assets research head Matthew Sigel said at least nine companies had fully liquidated or ended their Bitcoin and crypto treasury programs by late July.
Bitdeer, Genius Group and Prenetics have also reportedly sold their entire Bitcoin holdings.
Meanwhile, companies including MARA Holdings and Empery Digital have made significant Bitcoin sales while maintaining broader crypto treasury strategies.
EU Regulator Wants Crypto Lending Included Under MiCA
Regulation also remained in focus after the European Banking Authority (EBA) called for cryptocurrency lending to be brought within the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.
The EBA made the recommendation as part of its response to the European Commission’s consultation on potential changes to MiCA.
The regulator argued that crypto borrowing and lending activities should receive clearer regulatory oversight.
DeFi Lending Could Face New Compliance Rules
The EBA said regulation could also cover crypto asset service providers that give customers access to decentralized finance lending protocols.
It recommended that the European Commission examine the costs and benefits of expanding MiCA to include intermediated crypto borrowing and lending.
Such changes could introduce additional compliance requirements and regulatory supervision for companies operating in the sector.
The EBA also suggested that firms connecting customers with DeFi lending platforms could face specific obligations.
MiCA Review Could Expand EU Crypto Regulation
The crypto lending proposals form part of the EBA’s broader recommendations for the European Commission’s ongoing review of MiCA.
The review also includes areas such as stablecoin regulation, crypto asset classification and reporting requirements.
Any expansion of MiCA could have significant consequences for crypto companies operating across the European Union.
For now, the debate highlights how regulators are increasingly moving beyond cryptocurrency trading and payments toward areas such as lending, DeFi and institutional crypto services.
