Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrencymarket news
Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (August 19) as of 10:00 a.m. UTC.
Bitcoin price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$64,373.89, up by 1.3 percent over the past 24 hours.
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Bitcoin price chart
Bitcoin price performance, August 17, 2026.
Ether and altcoin price update
Chart via the Investing News Network
Bitcoin price performance, August 19, 2026.
- Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$1,917.67, trading 2.1 percent higher over the last 24 hours.
- XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1, trading 1.9 percent higher over the past 24 hours.
- Solana (SOL) was trading at US$77.26, trading 3 percent higher over the past 24 hours.
Today’s crypto news to know
SEC proposes capital-raising rules for crypto startups
The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a customized regulatory framework to grant crypto companies exemptions from traditional securities laws.
The proposed “Regulation Crypto Assets” establishes clear pathways for digital asset entrepreneurs to raise capital. SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated the framework prevents a future rogue regulator from unwinding industry progress.
“Given the progress made in Congress to date on market structure legislation, let me be clear up front: legislation remains indispensable to enacting “future-proofed” rules of the road that are durable enough to protect the work we are undertaking today from being unwound by a future rogue regulator. The SEC has and will continue to support Congress in delivering the CLARITY Act to President Trump’s desk,” Atkins said in an SEC statement.
The proposal includes a startup exemption allowing companies to issue up to US$5 million in tokens over a four-year period. It also features a fundraising exemption permitting offerings up to US$75 million annually, provided issuers supply audited financial statements and meet regular reporting requirements.
The plan introduces an investment contract safe harbor that excludes crypto assets from securities classifications once project founders terminate essential managerial efforts.
Industry leaders, including Blockchain Association CEO Summer Mersinger, praised the move as a crucial step toward establishing the clear rules digital asset markets desperately need.
“Regulation Crypto Assets is an important step toward the clear, fit-for-purpose rules digital asset markets in the United States have needed for years. We appreciate Chairman Atkins’ leadership and the work of the Commissioners and SEC staff to develop a tailored approach that supports innovation, capital formation, and investor protection,” Mersinger said.
South Korea blocks Polymarket access
The Korea Media and Communications Standards Commission voted to block domestic access to Polymarket, classifying the prediction market platform as an illegal gambling environment.
Regulators determined Polymarket violates South Korea’s Criminal Act by facilitating gambling venues and encouraging winner-takes-all financial speculation.
Polymarket defended its operations by highlighting its non-custodial smart contracts, removal of Korean-language services, and refusal to accept the Korean won. Regulators rejected these technical arguments, pointing out that Polymarket actively creates markets, sets trading rules, and collects fees on South Korea-specific topics.
The access block follows an intense July review requested by local police and gambling authorities. Authorities subsequently launched active investigations into domestic Polymarket users for participating in suspected illegal gambling activities.
South Korea joins more than 30 global jurisdictions that currently restrict access to Polymarket.
In the US, the New York City Council launched a separate investigation into major prediction markets for allegedly targeting minors with deceptive marketing practices.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.