BlackRock’s Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) has rapidly gained traction, amassing over $7 billion in assets under management (AUM) within weeks of its launch. This marks the fastest growth for a Bitcoin ETF, surpassing previous records in the crypto investment space.

The strong investor demand reflects growing institutional confidence in Bitcoin as an asset class, as well as BlackRock’s reputation as a leading global asset manager. The ETF offers traditional investors easier access to Bitcoin exposure through a regulated and familiar financial vehicle.

Market analysts believe the success of BlackRock’s ETF could pave the way for additional crypto-focused investment products from established financial firms, potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of digital assets.

BlackRock’s swift ETF growth highlights a broader trend of increasing institutional participation in cryptocurrencies, underscoring the maturing landscape of crypto investments within traditional finance sectors.

Paul Atkins, a former commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has publicly criticized current SEC Chair Gary Gensler’s stance on cryptocurrency self-custody. Atkins argued that Gensler’s regulatory approach creates confusion and unnecessary burdens for crypto investors who manage their own digital assets.

Atkins emphasized that self-custody—where users hold their own private keys rather than entrusting assets to third parties—is a fundamental principle of crypto ownership and decentralization. He suggested that the SEC’s current policies risk undermining this key feature by imposing overly strict regulations on self-custody practices.

The former commissioner also highlighted the need for clearer regulatory guidelines that recognize the unique aspects of digital asset custody. Atkins believes that accommodating self-custody within a balanced regulatory framework would better protect investors without stifling innovation in the crypto space.

Atkins’s comments add to ongoing debates about the SEC’s role in shaping crypto regulation, particularly regarding investor protection and the industry’s growth. His critique points to broader challenges regulators face in adapting traditional securities laws to the rapidly evolving digital asset ecosystem.

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was detained on August 24 at Paris’s Le Bourget airport, following a French warrant tied to accusations that his messaging platform facilitated the spread of illegal activity—including child exploitation material, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

French authorities, led by the OFMIN child-protection office and the National Judicial Police, opened a preliminary investigation in February 2024 and formally charged Durov on August 28. He faces a slate of charges, including complicity in disseminating illicit content, refusal to comply with judicial requests, and participation in criminal transactions via his platform—each carrying potential prison terms and fines.

Following his arrest, Durov spent four days in custody before being released on €6 million bail. He remains under strict judicial oversight, barred from leaving France and required to report regularly to authorities.

The platform’s native token, TON, dropped more than 10% in value in the aftermath, reflecting concern within the cryptocurrency space. Crypto influencers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson framed the detention as a political act against free speech, arguing that it could set a dangerous precedent for tech founders.

Durov has strongly rejected the charges, calling the investigation “misguided” and asserting that French authorities had not properly engaged Telegram’s official EU liaison before proceeding with his arrest. He emphasized that the app actively removes millions of harmful posts daily and maintains a transparency hotline for law enforcement.

Observers note the broader significance of this case: it challenges the balance between digital platform accountability and individual liability, particularly under France’s new cybercrime laws. It has reignited debates over content moderation, free expression, and the role of tech platforms in policing user behavior.