Bitcoin Hits $125K, ETF Inflows Surge, and SWIFT Teams Up with Chainlink

The crypto market experienced a wave of major developments this week, led by Bitcoin’s surge to a new all-time high and record inflows into Bitcoin ETFs. Institutional activity, blockchain adoption, and security incidents all shaped the market narrative. Here’s a roundup of the top 10 stories driving crypto markets this week.

Bitcoin Hits a New All-Time High Above $125,000

Bitcoin surged past $125,000 for the first time in history, marking a major milestone for the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The rally was fueled by strong institutional demand and growing ETF inflows, signaling robust confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset. Traders are now watching whether BTC can sustain momentum above this level or face a potential correction.

Record $3.24 Billion Inflows Into Bitcoin ETFs

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded unprecedented weekly inflows totaling $3.24 billion, setting a new benchmark for institutional participation. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s FBTC led the surge, highlighting growing investor appetite for regulated Bitcoin exposure. Analysts suggest these inflows reflect long-term accumulation rather than speculative activity.

Ethereum Foundation Sold 21,000 ETH (~$73 Million)

The Ethereum Foundation reportedly sold 21,000 ETH, valued at around $73 million, sparking discussions about potential market timing and funding strategies. Historically, the Foundation’s ETH sales have coincided with local price peaks. While some investors see this as a bearish signal, others note it’s routine treasury management.

Tether & Antalpha Plan $200M Tokenized-Gold Reserve (XAUt)

Tether has partnered with Antalpha to launch a $200 million tokenized gold reserve based on its XAUt stablecoin. The initiative aims to provide an alternative hedge-backed asset in the digital economy, linking blockchain technology with physical gold reserves. Tether’s move underscores its push toward diversification beyond traditional fiat-backed stablecoins.

Coinbase Applies for U.S. Federal Trust Bank License

Coinbase has formally applied for a U.S. federal trust bank license, signaling its ambition to expand regulated financial services. The license would allow Coinbase to offer custody and trust services nationwide under federal oversight. This move could strengthen the company’s compliance framework amid growing regulatory scrutiny.

SWIFT Partners with Chainlink on Blockchain Ledger for Financial Firms

Global payments network SWIFT has announced a partnership with Chainlink to develop blockchain-based infrastructure for institutional settlements. The collaboration aims to bridge traditional finance and blockchain ecosystems, enhancing interoperability and data security. Chainlink’s oracle technology will play a key role in connecting SWIFT’s messaging system to multiple blockchains.

Total Stablecoin Market Cap Hits Record $293 Billion

The stablecoin market reached a record capitalization of $293 billion, underscoring rising demand for on-chain liquidity. Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) continue to dominate the sector, but algorithmic and asset-backed alternatives are gaining traction. Analysts attribute the surge to increased DeFi activity and global remittance use.

SBI Crypto Hack Causes ~$21 Million Loss

SBI Crypto, a subsidiary of Japan’s SBI Holdings, reported a hack resulting in losses of approximately $21 million. The breach targeted hot wallets, with immediate steps taken to secure remaining assets and suspend affected operations. The company assured users that client funds remain safe and that investigations are ongoing.

Kazakhstan Shuts Down RAKS Crypto Platform and Illegal Mining Scheme

Kazakhstan’s financial watchdog has dismantled the RAKS crypto exchange and an associated illegal power scheme supporting underground mining operations. Authorities seized equipment and halted unauthorized electricity use tied to the network. The crackdown is part of Kazakhstan’s broader effort to regulate its crypto mining industry and curb energy abuse.

Over 642 Million Blockchain Transactions Recorded in September

September saw over 642 million transactions across major blockchains, reflecting the growing global use of decentralized networks. Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and Base were among the most active ecosystems. Increased DeFi, gaming, and stablecoin activity contributed to the surge in on-chain transactions.

About Paybis

Paybis is a global cryptocurrency exchange platform that provides fast, secure, and user-friendly digital asset transactions. Founded in 2014, the company specializes in fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat conversions, enabling users to buy, sell, and swap Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.

With a strong focus on security and compliance, Paybis is registered with regulatory authorities and implements industry-leading AML/KYC procedures. The platform is known for its intuitive interface, 24/7 customer support, and competitive exchange rates, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and experienced traders.

Wrapping Up

This week highlighted the growing intersection of traditional finance and blockchain technology. From Bitcoin’s record highs and ETF inflows to major institutional moves by SWIFT and Coinbase, the crypto market continues to mature at a rapid pace. Despite challenges like hacks and regulatory crackdowns, adoption and innovation remain strong drivers of momentum.

Written by

Rem Vasilenko

Rem Vasilenko is a Growth Operations Manager at Paybis. With a keen interest in FinTech, Rem brings a unique perspective to the evolving digital finance landscape. He combines his passion for FinTech with his marketing and business skills to drive innovative strategies. Find him on LinkedIn.