Oct 23, 2026 · 6 min listen · Last updated October 23, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Hey, Dex here. October 23rd. What actually moved in crypto — five stories, no hopium. Let's get into it. First, from Cryptobriefing. Spot Bitcoin ETFs shed $635 million on October 22, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the exodus.
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Daily Crypto Brief · October 23rd
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Spot Bitcoin ETFs shed $635 million on October 22, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the exodus
The significant outflow from Bitcoin ETFs highlights potential volatility in institutional sentiment, raising questions about market stability. The post Spot Bitcoin ETFs shed $635 million on October 22, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the exodus appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
CZ says AI hacking fears in crypto are overblown, warns phishing is the real threat
AI's role in crypto threats highlights the need for vigilance against phishing and social engineering, emphasizing user awareness and system updates. The post CZ says AI hacking fears in crypto are overblown, warns phishing is the real threat appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Nasdaq CEO warns against tokenized stock derivatives that obscure market trading
Tokenized derivatives risk market fragmentation, reducing transparency and liquidity, potentially undermining investor confidence and market stability. The post Nasdaq CEO warns against tokenized stock derivatives that obscure market trading appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Japan Considers Stablecoin Tax Refunds for Foreign Tourists
Japan’s transport and tourism minister mentioned that the government is looking into using stablecoins for tax refunds to foreign tourists. Starting November 1, tourists will pay consumption tax upfront, and the government plans to switch to a refund model. This means visitors will need a way to get their tax back smoothly, and yen-backed stablecoins could offer a practical solution by sending refunds directly to digital wallets.
However, it’s important to note that this is still just a consideration, not an official plan. There are lingering questions about wallet security, identity verification, and how tourists would convert those refunds into their local currencies. The focus here seems to be on enhancing public services with blockchain technology rather than speculative trading.
Interestingly, Japan's lower house passed a bill in June that could significantly change how cryptocurrencies are taxed, potentially lowering the rate on gains from 55% to around 20%. This could pave the way for more stablecoin adoption, especially as the global stablecoin market continues to grow. For listeners who want low-fee crypto exposure, our markets partner Kraken supports stablecoins — link in show notes.
South Korea’s Crypto Bill Nears the Finish Line as the Tax Debate Heats Up
South Korea's Digital Asset Basic Act is almost done, according to Lee Eog-weon from the Financial Services Commission. This bill is crucial because it will clarify how exchanges and token issuers operate in a key crypto market. Lee mentioned that discussions are wrapping up, and the government is eager to push this through soon. However, there are still some unknowns regarding capital requirements and reserve rules for stablecoin issuers, which could shift as final consultations happen.
For investors, this framework could ease legal uncertainties around trading and holding digital assets, making it simpler for firms to innovate. But the tax debate is heating up. A petition for repeal gathered over 53,000 signatures, prompting a legislative review, while another petition for a two-year tax deferral also hit the same mark recently. Kim Min-seok from the ruling party is looking into various inputs on the tax plan, indicating that a final stance hasn't been reached yet.
The National Tax Service is set to finalize its draft tax notice by October 30, with a preliminary review and public notice expected in November. This timeline leaves little room for adjustments if lawmakers decide to delay the tax implementation.
For listeners who want low-fee crypto exposure, our markets partner Kraken supports Bitcoin — link in show notes.
Grayscale Reveals Top 10 Crypto Assets for Yield and Profits
Grayscale has named the top 10 crypto assets by tokenholder yield and adjusted earnings yield. HYPE leads the first ranking at 8.0%, while CAKE tops the second at 14.4%. The report argues that investors can value many crypto assets, unlike Bitcoin, using their cash flows. Which Crypto Tokens Actually Reward Their Holders? PancakeSwap (CAKE) comes third at 2.6%, followed by Aerodrome (AERO) and Uniswap (UNI). But the rankings reveal something more troubling. Five of the top 10 tokens have negative holder yields.
Bitcoin Faces 2 December Rate Hikes as Japan’s Inflation Clears the BOJ’s Target
Japan’s core inflation rose above the Bank of Japan’s (BOJ) 2% target in September for the first time in nine months. That strengthens the case for a rate hike in December, when the Federal Reserve (Fed) is also expected to move. The BOJ is expected to hold next week. Its guidance on further hikes, though, could set the tone for an already sliding Bitcoin (BTC). Core CPI, which excludes fresh food, rose to 2.1% from 1.7% in August, according to Reuters. An index that also strips out fuel rose to 2.4% from 1.9%.
Ethereum’s long-awaited Glamsterdam upgrade hits another roadblock as 13 security risks emerge
Ethereum developers have postponed the Glamsterdam upgrade on a major test network after identifying potential security risks affecting existing smart contracts. The Ethereum Foundation confirmed on Oct. 22 that the upgrade, scheduled for Oct. 26 on the Hoodi testnet, would no longer proceed as planned. Developers agreed to investigate how a proposed change to Ethereum's… Read the full story on CryptoSlate Understand the crypto stories that matter and what to watch next. Get The Catalyst in your inbox
a16z drops crypto branding, expands $2.2B fund into AI and frontier tech
The Information’s unconfirmed report follows a16z crypto’s $2.2 billion fifth fund announcement on May 5, 2026. Read the full story on CryptoSlate Understand the crypto stories that matter and what to watch next. Get The Catalyst in your inbox
UAE-Led Scam Crackdown Identifies Over $39 Billion in Funds and Crypto
The UAE has identified over $39 billion linked to scams, with a significant portion in crypto. This crackdown highlights the ongoing battle against financial fraud in the region, especially as digital currencies become more mainstream. Authorities are focusing on tracing illicit funds, and this move could reshape how crypto transactions are monitored and regulated.
With this level of scrutiny, it’s clear that the landscape is changing. If you’re involved in crypto, keep an eye on how regulations evolve in response to these findings. It’s a reminder that while the space offers opportunities, it’s also under the microscope.
For listeners who want low-fee crypto exposure, our markets partner Kraken supports Bitcoin — link in show notes.