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Connor Sephton

Connor Sephton

Connor Sephton is a journalist based in London. Over his 10-year career, he’s worked as a reporter, editor, and newsreader for Metro, Sky News, and the BBC. He has specialized in crypto news since 2018. Disclosure: No significant crypto holdings.

Stories by Connor Sephton

  • "Is the four-year cycle dead?" panel at Digital Assets Forum London, 2026. Image: Connor Sephton/Decrypt

    'Bitcoin is Offensive, Gold is Defensive': Bitwise

    Gold and Bitcoin work most effectively when they're in the same portfolio, a Bitwise executive has argued. Speaking at the Digital Assets Forum in London, Bradley Duke, Managing Director and Head of Europe at the digital asset management firm said that gold "is a better cushion" when markets are falling, while BTC offers greater upside during rebounds. "One is more to the upside risk and the other is more protecting against the downside of uncertainty," Duke said. The Bitwise exec was speaking...

    NewsCoins
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • ByBit. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Bybit to Launch 'My Bank' Feature for IBAN Fiat-Crypto Transfers in February

    Bybit has unveiled plans to offer retail bank accounts to its users as soon as they complete Know Your Customer checks. "My Bank" was unveiled by the crypto exchange's CEO, Ben Zhou, during a keynote speech outlining the company's priorities for 2026. 🎙 #KeynoteWithBen is LIVE! A new financial era begins. See what’s next for Bybit traders in 2026. Watch Now: https://t.co/EIbHFpodeB https://t.co/4hgA9zosD8 — Bybit (@Bybit_Official) January 29, 2026 According to a promotional video played durin...

    NewsBusiness
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Bitcoin whale. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Satoshi-Era Bitcoin Whale Moves $180M in BTC to Coinbase

    An early Bitcoin miner has transferred 2,000 BTC to Coinbase, blockchain analytics reveals. Transaction data show that the funds were sent in tranches of 50 BTC each on Saturday, and the coins hadn't been moved in more than 15 years. “Most addresses in this cluster appear to have been funded by Coinbase with 50 BTC each 15 years ago in 2010,” a spokesperson for onchain analytics platform Bubblemaps told Decrypt, with the "vast majority" of the funds ending up back on the crypto exchange. The cry...

    NewsCoins
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Image: MiniPay/Decrypt

    MiniPay Woos Freelancers with Stablecoin-Backed Virtual Dollar, Euro Accounts

    A non-custodial stablecoin wallet provider has unveiled new payment features that are designed to appeal to freelancers around the world. MiniPay now allows users to share virtual bank account details with their clients, enabling them to receive dollars and euros. Once paid, the cash is automatically converted into stablecoins like USDT and USDC. Big news for freelancers, entrepreneur, creators & expats! We're thrilled to announce that Virtual USD & EUR Accounts have started rolling out inside...

    NewsCoins
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Ethereum. Image: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    Grayscale Ethereum ETFs Are First in US to Add Staking

    U.S. investors in exchange-traded funds tracking Ethereum’s spot price can receive staking rewards for the first time. Grayscale has introduced this functionality to its Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE), the second-largest such fund on Wall Street with assets of $4.82 billion, as well as its Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH). The firm, which filed its staking addendum with the SEC on Monday, will rely on institutional custodians like Coinbase and a “diversified network of validator providers” to stake its...

    NewsMarkets
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Judge's gavel. Source: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    $1.4B V Global Crypto Scam Accomplices Avoid Jail Time in Korea

    Three people involved in a bogus crypto exchange that defrauded 50,000 victims out of more than $1.4 billion will avoid jail time. The unnamed accomplices were sentenced for their roles in running V Global in South Korea, and ordered to pay substantial fines. A 60-year-old woman known only as "Ms. A" was fined about $436,000, while 63-year-old "Ms. B" faces a $307,000 penalty. The judge concluded a 57-year-old man referred to as "Mr. C" must pay $186,000. All three were given three-year prison t...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Ethereum. Image: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    Ethereum, ETH Treasuries at 'Good Entry Point' After Market Pullback: Standard Chartered

    Ethereum's pullback from all-time highs creates a "great entry point" for investors, according to Standard Chartered. The bank's head of digital assets, Geoffrey Kendrick, believes Ethereum will reach $7,500 by the end of 2025 as institutional interest grows. In a research note seen by Decrypt, he explained that Ethereum treasury companies and exchange-traded funds have purchased 4.9% of the ETH in circulation since June. Kendrick argues that this buying pressure has played an instrumental role...

    NewsCoins
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Source: INTERPOL/Decrypt

    1,200 Criminals Arrested in Crypto Clampdown: Interpol

    Interpol has arrested more than 1,200 cybercriminals who have collectively targeted 88,000 victims—including through cryptocurrency scams. A "sweeping" effort saw 18 African countries and the U.K. unite for Operation Serengeti 2.0, with more than $97.4 million confiscated as a result. In Angola, 25 crypto mining centers were dismantled, amid allegations that 60 Chinese nationals had been illegally validating blockchain transactions and earning digital assets as a result. Officials say mining equ...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Police in Wales. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Scammer Poses as UK Police, Steals $2.8M in Bitcoin From Hardware Wallet

    Police in Wales are investigating a "staggering" $2.8 million (£2.1 million) Bitcoin theft, in which a scammer posed as a senior detective to win the victim's confidence. In a statement, North Wales Police said the case "highlights a disturbing new trend targeting long-term crypto holders who use cold storage devices." At this stage, it is believed the victim's details may have been compromised in a data breach, allowing the "highly targeted and advanced scam" to take place. The victim was calle...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Ethereum. Image: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    Ethereum ETFs Lose $197 Million—Even Worse Than Bitcoin as Institutions Pull Back

    Outflows from U.S. ETFs tracking Ethereum's spot price hit $197 million on Monday—the second-highest figure ever for daily withdrawals. The sell-offs come as the queue for unstaking ETH also surged to new records, with $3.9 billion worth of withdrawals now pending. BRN Head of Research Timothy Misir warned both factors are "pressuring near-term sentiment." In a note to investors, he argued $4,400 is now a crucial support level for the world's second-largest cryptocurrency. At the time of writing...

    NewsMarkets
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • The FBI. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Fake Law Firms Targeting Crypto Scam Victims, FBI Warns

    Crypto scammers are masquerading as law firms to deceive vulnerable people out of their savings, according to the FBI—and even targeting consumers who have fallen victim to fraudsters before. A new FBI advisory has set out red flags the public should be aware of, including lawyers who claim to be affiliated with governments and regulators. Some also claim to partner with organizations that don't even exist. Cybercriminals may request payment in the form of crypto or gift cards for their so-calle...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Source: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Estonian Founders of HashFlare Bitcoin Mining Scam Jailed for 16 Months

    Two Estonian men who orchestrated a "massive cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme" have been sentenced to 16 months behind bars, ordered to complete 360 hours of community service, and fined $25,000 each. But prosecutors requested a 10-year prison term for Sergei Potapenko and Ivan Turõgin, who ran HashFlare. The Department of Justice said it's examining whether to appeal the ruling. Hashflare promised victims a share of profits from a crypto mining operation. Prosecutors said its customers were shown fi...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Image: Wikimedia/Decrypt

    That Supposedly 'Banned' Coinbase Ad Is Playing on UK TV Channel's YouTube

    A supposedly banned Coinbase ad is appearing on YouTube videos belonging to Channel 4, one of Britain's biggest broadcasters, sources familiar with the matter told Decrypt. The cryptocurrency exchange released its “Everything Is Fine” ad last month—a big-budget, two-minute commercial that depicts the U.K. as bleak, rat infested and dirty, with prices in supermarkets spiraling out of control. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong claimed the advert was "banned" by British TV networks, and argued this amou...

    NewsCoins
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • TikTok. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Crypto Scammers Targeting TikTok Shop Users: Report

    Crypto scammers are increasingly targeting a new platform: TikTok. According to a report by the cybersecurity firm CTM360, fraudsters are deploying "sophisticated tactics" to deceive victims. A new campaign called "ClickTok" blends phishing and malware, preying on unsuspecting users attempting to make purchases through TikTok Shop. Fake ads on Meta, as well as AI-generated TikTok clips mimicking influencers, are used to draw people in. They are then directed to fraudulent domains that closely re...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Bitcoin is the leading crypto asset by market cap. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    Bitcoin ETFs Suffer Fourth Day in the Red as Ethereum Funds Bounce Back

    Bitcoin ETFs have suffered outflows for the fourth day running, as institutional investors take cash off the table following recent all-time highs. Data from SoSoValue shows sell-offs across all U.S. funds tracking Bitcoin's spot price hit a total of $196.18 million on Tuesday. However, this is less severe than in recent days. Outflows stood at $333.19 million on Monday, while Friday's figure of $812.25 million was the second-highest since these products launched back in January 2024. Altogether...

    NewsCoins
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Lancashire Police. Image: Shutterstock/Decrypt

    UK Police Force Gets $665K Bitcoin Windfall From Seizures

    "Crime doesn't pay," the old saying goes, but a police force in northern England may beg to differ. Lancashire Constabulary has revealed that it's received a $665,000 (£500,000) windfall after seizing Bitcoin from thieves. The case dates back to December 2017, when detectives received reports that money had been stolen. An investigation later revealed the funds had been converted into Bitcoin, which had hit $20,000 for the first time in that same month. By the time the wallets holding this ill-g...

    NewsLaw and Order
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Ethereum is the second biggest crypto asset by market cap. Source: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    'Ethereum Stole the Show' as ETH ETF Flows Hit Record High: CoinShares

    Global flows into Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs hit an all-time high last week—but it isn't BTC that can take the credit. A new CoinShares report says "Ethereum stole the show," with institutional demand for the world's second cryptocurrency rising after solid price gains. Total inflows into ETH products stood at about $2.12 billion in the week to July 19, a huge influx considering the year-to-date total stands at about $6.2 billion. It's also close to double the previous record of $1.2 billion. The...

    NewsMarkets
    2 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • The Eternaut. Image: Netflix/Decrypt

    Netflix Uses Generative AI in TV Show for First Time

    Netflix has used artificial intelligence in one of its TV shows for the first time. AI-powered tools were deployed during the production of “The Eternaut,” an Argentinian drama that shows the aftermath of a toxic snowfall that's killed millions of people. On an earnings call, the streaming giant's co-CEO, Ted Sarandos, said the technology "represents an incredible opportunity to make films and series better, not just cheaper." The creators of "The Eternaut" wanted to include a scene where a bui...

  • Source: Decrypt/Shutterstock

    XRP, Dogecoin Lead Altcoin Gains as Bitcoin Remains Flat

    As Bitcoin takes a breather after climbing to fresh all-time highs earlier this week, altcoins are starting to outperform—with some posting double-digit gains. XRP was the star of the show during Thursday's trading, up 10% in 24 hours and trading at $3.26 at the time of writing. It's surged by 33% in the space of a week. Earlier this week, XRP broke free of its trading range and moved past key resistance levels. Just two days ago, XRP had captured market attention with its explosive move to $2.9...

    NewsMarkets
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
  • Bank of England. Image: Shutterstock

    Bank of England Governor Doubts the UK Needs a 'Britcoin' CBDC

    The governor of the Bank of England has cast doubt on whether the U.K. needs a digital pound, or CBDC, becoming the latest official in a major economy to question the merits of central bank digital currencies. While Andrew Bailey says it's crucial to embrace cutting-edge transaction methods, he questioned whether this CBDC, known informally as "Britcoin," is the answer. "I remain to be convinced why the natural next step is to create a new form of money rather than put digital technology into re...

    NewsMarkets
    3 min read
    Connor Sephton
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