Summary of important events (08.26-09.01)

1. Top 3 Hot Events of Last Week 

US August non-farm payroll increased by 187,000, beating expectations.

On September 1, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics showed nonfarm payrolls increased by 187,000 in August, beating estimates of 170,000. The unemployment rate, however, was 3.8%, a jump from July and the highest since February 2022.

SEC postponed decisions on 7 Bitcoin ETF applications.

On September 1, the US SEC deferred decisions on seven spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications from Invesco Galaxy, Wisdomtree, Bitwise, Vaneck, Fidelity's Wise Origin, Blackrock, and Valkyrie. The decision deadlines for these ETFs were extended to October 17th, except for Valkyrie Bitcoin Fund, which was extended to October 19th.

Grayscale won lawsuit against U.S. SEC, lifted hopes for Bitcoin ETF approval. 

A federal appeals court ruled that the Securities and Exchange Commission must reconsider the crypto asset manager Grayscale Investments' application to launch the first bitcoin exchange-traded fund, the latest setback for SEC Chair Gary Gensler's efforts to regulate the upstart industry.

2. Cryptocurrencies & Exchanges

On August 28, Binance P2P banned Russian residents from using fiat currencies other than the Russian ruble.

On August 28, OKX Hong Kong launched 5% Bitcoin reward program for local users.

On August 30, EOS secured regulatory approval in Japan, will trade against yen.

On August 31, Circle's USDC will launch natively on Optimism in the first week of September.

3. Regulatory Updates

On August 29, the SEC filed a sealed motion to bring secret documents against Binance.

On August 29, Hong Kong has not yet granted "Non-Security Token" licenses for any crypto exchange.

On August 31, the South Korean parliament rejected motion to expel lawmaker over crypto scandal. 

4. Market Updates

On August 28, The Hashkey Exchange opened up to retail investors in Hong Kong, enabling them to buy bitcoin and ether with US dollar deposits and provided HKD fiat deposit services through ZA Bank starting from September 1.

On August 30, Robinhood Markets Inc. is no longer doing crypto business with market maker Jump Trading. 

On August 30, SEBA announced that the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has granted an in-principle approval.

On August 31, a class action lawsuit brought against Uniswap was tossed outby a district judge, who found those associated with the decentralized exchange were not liable for so-called scam tokens that purportedly burned traders.

On September 1, Morgan Stanley filed a new trademark application CHASE TRAVEL.

On September 1, Bitwise requested to withdraw its Bitcoin and Ethereum market cap weighted futures ETF application.

5. Statements from Individuals/Organizations

On August 27, Elon Musk: X is a “DOGE-friendly place.”

On August 29, US Republican lawmakers: Fed is Impeding the Progress on Stablecoin Bill. 

On August 29, Matrixport's Markus Thielen: Crypto traders can take long positions in Bitcoin with a tight stop loss below $25,800.

On August 29, Data cited by Bitfinex: Long-term holders continue to accumulate bitcoin, with 40% unmoved in more than three years, or an all-time high for that metric. 

On August 30, Former SEC official John Reed Stark: The U.S. Justice Department may intend to indict or has already indicted Binance, suggesting a motion in civil court was aimed at keeping this secret.

On August 30, the US Department of Justice: It was Tornado Cash's user interface at issue, rather than the smart contract itself.

On August 31, presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy is convinced: Grayscale's court win over the U.S. SEC will help keep crypto innovation in America.

On August 31, cryptocurrency payment provider Alchemy Pay: It has submitted an application for a Money Transmission License (MTL) in the United States, aiming to maintain and strengthen regulatory compliance.

On September 1, Grayscale: It's uncertain if they need to refile or if the SEC will request a hearing.