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The total Ethereum balance held across centralized exchanges has dropped to its lowest level in nine years, a trend that reflects broader shifts in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. According to data from blockchain analytics firm Glassnode, the decline is part of a wider move towards decentralised finance solutions and self-custody. The drop in ETH held on exchanges is viewed as a significant signal for the cryptocurrency market, highlighting a transformation in investor behaviour and the growing trust in blockchain-based alternatives.

The total amount of ETH on exchanges has seen a steady decline over the past few years. Figures from Glassnode show that as of late 2025, the figure stands at its lowest since 2016. This shift is attributed to multiple factors, ranging from the rise of Ethereum 2.0, a push for increased decentralisation, to increased concerns over the security and control of centralized platforms. Investors are increasingly opting to take control of their assets, preferring private wallets, staking services, and decentralised protocols over traditional exchanges.

Experts suggest the move could be indicative of a maturing market. “This trend shows a growing level of sophistication among investors,” said Dr. Linus Hoff, an economist at the Blockchain Research Institute. “Ethereum’s evolving infrastructure, such as the transition to proof-of-stake and increasing use of layer-2 scaling solutions, is leading to a more confident investor base.” The shift away from exchanges also speaks to broader concerns over centralised platforms following a series of high-profile exchange failures and regulatory scrutiny.

Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake, which completed its transition in 2022, has had a profound impact on the ETH market. The upgrade enables holders to stake their ETH, earning rewards for supporting the network’s security, rather than leaving their assets on exchanges. This has fostered a growing staking ecosystem where users are incentivised to lock their ETH into DeFi platforms or staking protocols, removing it from exchange balances.

The declining ETH supply on exchanges has consequences for market liquidity. Lower liquidity can sometimes lead to higher volatility, with fewer assets available for immediate sale or trade. However, it can also reduce downward pressure on ETH prices, as large sell-offs become more difficult due to a lower concentration of tokens on exchanges.

The movement of ETH away from exchanges coincides with growing concerns over security. Many investors, especially those who have witnessed the collapses of firms like FTX and Celsius, are moving their holdings to wallets and decentralized applications. As a result, decentralized finance protocols have witnessed rapid growth in adoption. According to data from DeFi Pulse, the total value locked in DeFi has increased by over 40% in the past 12 months, with Ethereum remaining the dominant blockchain.

The continued growth of Ethereum’s staking ecosystem has become a focal point of this shift. As Ethereum offers a higher annual percentage yield for staking ETH compared to other forms of investment, it presents an attractive option for long-term holders. Decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and Sushiswap have benefitted from the movement, with increasing volumes being traded on these platforms. Furthermore, institutional adoption of Ethereum as a staking asset is increasing, providing another layer of legitimacy to the DeFi ecosystem.

The broader implications of the trend also affect the governance of Ethereum itself. As more ETH moves off exchanges and into private wallets or staking protocols, the distribution of Ethereum across a wider range of holders could lead to more decentralised decision-making. This trend could reinforce Ethereum’s position as the go-to blockchain for decentralised applications and smart contracts, which are critical to its future development.

Bullish bets on rising US oil prices plunged to a 16-year low as mounting expectations of an oversupplied market and cooling fears of sanctions on Russian crude prompted a sharp pullback by traders.

Net-long positions in West Texas Intermediate futures dropped by nearly 30,000 contracts in a single week, reaching just over 49,000—a level not seen since 2009. The shift came amid forecasts from the International Energy Agency and the US government signalling that global oil supplies will outstrip demand well into 2026, tipping sentiment decisively bearish.

Analysts have noted that expectations of Russian sanctions are beginning to fade. While geopolitical risks had earlier supported price premiums, markets now reckon that even if sanctions are imposed, ample spare capacity among OPEC+ producers and resilient non-OPEC output would cushion any disruptions. Compounding the downward pressure, the US Energy Information Administration reported an unexpected build of 3 million barrels in crude inventories, further weighing on prices.

The retreat in bullish positions is consistent with a broader narrative of abundant supply. In late July, hedge funds slashed their net-long WTI positions to their lowest since mid-April, driven by OPEC+ ramping up production and a surge in US crude stockpiles—a rise of 7.7 million barrels recorded at the end of July. Earlier in the year, speculators trimmed net-long holdings by half over a five-week span amid deteriorating technical outlooks, trade-war concerns and expectations that OPEC+ would taper production cuts.

Despite these bearish trends, forecasters caution that demand could provide occasional counter-currents. Wildfires in Canada have temporarily removed around 350,000 barrels per day of oil from production, supporting prices in the short term. Meanwhile, geopolitical flashpoints—including tensions around Iran’s nuclear programme and Russian export vulnerability—could intermittently bolster outlooks. But with OPEC+ intent on increasing output—for example, by 411,000 barrels per day in July—and projections indicating a supply surplus growing to over a million barrels per day by year-end, the dominant trend remains one of oversupply.

This convergence of factors—ample supplies, fading sanctions risk, swelling US inventories and rising OPEC+ output—has catalysed a reappraisal of market dynamics by speculators. The resulting collapse in bullish positioning reflects a recalibration of expectations amid shifting fundamentals.

Narratives of tight supply have lost momentum, leading to a revaluation of oil’s near-term trajectory across trading desks worldwide.

Binance’s Chief Security Officer, Jimmy Su, has identified North Korean hacking groups as one of the most significant threats facing the cryptocurrency sector in 2025. As the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, Binance has been at the forefront of monitoring and responding to cyber threats. Su’s recent statements have highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating risk posed by North Korean cyber actors targeting the crypto industry.

The North Korean government has long been linked to a series of cyberattacks aimed at funding its regime through illicit means, with cryptocurrency exchanges being prime targets. These attacks have become more sophisticated over time, with state-backed hackers employing advanced techniques to infiltrate systems and steal millions of dollars’ worth of digital assets. Experts argue that this is part of a broader strategy to bypass international sanctions imposed on North Korea.

Su’s comments, made during an industry event in early 2025, point to a clear rise in the volume and sophistication of these attacks. According to Binance’s internal threat intelligence, these cybercriminals are using increasingly advanced malware, social engineering tactics, and even direct network intrusions to steal sensitive data and crypto assets.

An ongoing investigation by Binance’s security team revealed that these hackers have been exploiting vulnerabilities in the infrastructure of crypto exchanges and DeFi platforms. In some cases, they have used phishing emails and fake job offers to target employees of key financial institutions, hoping to gain access to privileged systems. Such tactics are a clear indication of a well-coordinated operation with global ambitions.

One of the most concerning trends identified is the use of sophisticated ransomware attacks, which have forced some exchanges to pay hefty ransoms to prevent the loss of critical data. The high-profile hacks have raised questions about the resilience of the global financial ecosystem to such breaches, especially as more governments and institutions begin to integrate blockchain technology into their operations.

North Korean actors, according to cybersecurity experts, have also shown an increasing willingness to attack smaller and lesser-known exchanges. This shift in focus comes as these platforms often lack the robust security protocols that larger exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have implemented. As a result, they are seen as softer targets, vulnerable to exploitation.

The financial implications of these attacks are staggering. Since 2019, estimates suggest that North Korean hackers have stolen over $2 billion in cryptocurrency. This is in addition to the $250 million reportedly taken from a major South Korean exchange in 2023. The stolen funds are typically laundered through complex networks of wallets and mixers, making it challenging for authorities to track and recover the stolen assets.

Su’s remarks have sparked a broader discussion about the need for improved cybersecurity measures within the cryptocurrency sector. Many industry leaders have called for a more collaborative approach, involving private companies, governments, and international law enforcement agencies. A unified strategy could help create a more secure environment for the rapidly expanding digital asset market.

The North Korean government has long denied any involvement in cyberattacks. However, international cybersecurity firms have linked numerous incidents to Pyongyang’s operatives, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the country’s cyber espionage efforts. Furthermore, it is widely believed that these hacking groups are funded by the regime to help finance its nuclear weapons programme and other illicit activities.

Efforts to combat these threats have led to increased investment in security technology, including more advanced encryption methods, real-time monitoring tools, and fraud detection systems. In addition to these technological solutions, some exchanges are considering implementing stricter Know-Your-Customer regulations to combat money laundering and ensure compliance with international financial rules.

As the stakes continue to rise, both industry players and regulators face a significant challenge. The rapid growth of blockchain technologies, along with the increasing use of decentralised finance applications, has created a complex and evolving landscape where traditional security measures are often inadequate. As a result, companies must remain vigilant and proactive in defending against cyber threats from state-sponsored actors like North Korea.

While North Korea’s cyber campaign remains a major concern, it is not the only threat facing the cryptocurrency sector. Other nation-states, including Iran and Russia, have been linked to similar activities, further complicating efforts to secure the digital assets market. However, the ongoing attention on North Korean actors serves as a reminder of the global reach and scale of the problem.

Accumulated losses for the Abu Dhabi-listed Invest Bank now stand at AED 1.653 billion, equivalent to 51.6 per cent of its paid-up capital, down slightly from AED 1.69 billion at the end of March 2025. These losses, originating from legacy impairments dating back to the first quarter of 2018, remain a substantial drag on the bank’s financial health.

The Government of Sharjah, which acts as the majority shareholder, has bolstered the bank’s liquidity through a capital injection and strategic measures designed to de-risk the balance sheet. These interventions include a comprehensive capital restructuring plan adopted in 2023 and the institution of a guarantee agreement covering up to AED 3 billion of impaired assets.

Despite the persistent burden of past impairments, the bank’s losses have shown a modest reduction, signalling the early results of the corrective strategy. The 2023 restructuring plan introduced a rights issue that raised the Government of Sharjah’s ownership to approximately 88.11 per cent, accompanied by a guarantee mechanism offering protection against further asset write-downs.

In parallel, Sharjah moved to diversify its holdings by transferring around 20.48 per cent of its stake to the Sharjah Social Security Fund in December 2024. After this transfer, Sharjah’s direct stake stood at about 70.06 per cent, while the Social Security Fund held approximately 18.04 per cent and other shareholders accounted for the remaining nearly 11.9 per cent.

Implementing this layered support strategy, which combines equity infusion, strong shareholder backing, and balance sheet protection, reflects an effort to restore the bank to a sustainable footing. The guarantee agreement, now active since September 2023, stipulates a five-year term and includes a cap of AED 800 million per calendar year, with no cap in the final year.

These developments are unfolding against a backdrop of stringent regulatory expectations and internal governance refinements undertaken in 2024. Invest Bank has sought to strengthen oversight mechanisms and align its policies with Central Bank of the UAE and Securities & Commodities Authority frameworks.

Where analysts had previously flagged the bank’s loss ratio—over two-thirds of capital—as a red flag, the current trajectory points to a gradual stabilisation. That being said, the legacy burden remains sizeable, and the effectiveness of the restructuring continues to hinge on the realisation of impaired assets and sustained shareholder support.

On the ground, Invest Bank continues operations across the UAE, including branches in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with a Beirut branch in liquidation following a regulatory decision.

Corporate treasuries and investment funds have made significant moves into Bitcoin this year, with a staggering 371,111 BTC purchased since January. This figure, more than three times the amount mined during the same period, signals the growing influence of institutional investors in the cryptocurrency market. These acquisitions come amid an evolving strategy pioneered by Michael Saylor, the founder of MicroStrategy, whose company continues to lead the pack in BTC purchases.

Saylor, an early advocate of Bitcoin, has been vocal about the digital asset’s potential as a hedge against inflation and a store of value, especially in an era of increasing economic uncertainty. MicroStrategy’s strategy of accumulating Bitcoin on its balance sheet has served as a model for other corporate investors looking to diversify their cash reserves. The company currently holds over 150,000 BTC, solidifying its position as the largest publicly traded corporate holder of Bitcoin.

This trend is not limited to MicroStrategy alone. A growing number of public companies have followed suit, with many purchasing Bitcoin as part of their long-term investment strategies. Among the most prominent in this movement are Tesla, which made a significant BTC purchase in early 2021, and Block, the payments company founded by Jack Dorsey. Both have maintained substantial Bitcoin holdings, and their actions continue to inspire others in the corporate sector to consider the digital asset as a viable alternative to traditional assets like cash or bonds.

The accumulation of Bitcoin by public companies and investment funds is also evidenced in the growth of Bitcoin-backed exchange-traded funds. Major ETFs have amassed nearly $151 billion worth of BTC, accounting for a significant 6.47% of the total circulating supply. This figure reflects the increasing mainstream acceptance of Bitcoin and the growing appetite for institutional investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency market without the direct complexities of buying and storing the digital asset.

The Bitcoin ETF market has rapidly matured, with various products offering different exposure options. Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, for example, have emerged as key players, providing institutional and retail investors alike with a more accessible way to hold Bitcoin. These funds have not only bolstered institutional interest but also helped legitimize Bitcoin as an asset class in the eyes of traditional finance.

One of the key factors driving this wave of institutional adoption is the desire for better yield in an environment of low-interest rates and rising inflation. Bitcoin’s scarcity, with a maximum supply of 21 million coins, makes it an attractive proposition for funds and corporate treasuries looking for an alternative store of value. As inflation fears continue to loom, particularly in the wake of expansive monetary policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bitcoin offers an attractive hedge against potential currency devaluation.

The maturity of the Bitcoin network and its increasing institutional infrastructure, including custodial services, derivatives markets, and improved regulatory clarity, have made it easier for large investors to enter the market with confidence. This growing institutional infrastructure is also helping reduce some of the risks traditionally associated with cryptocurrency investments, such as security concerns and price volatility.

However, not everyone is convinced of the long-term benefits of Bitcoin. Critics argue that the digital asset remains highly speculative, with no inherent value other than what investors are willing to pay. Regulatory uncertainty also continues to cast a shadow over the market, with governments worldwide scrutinizing the use of Bitcoin in financial systems and its role in money laundering and illicit activities.