Ethereum ETFs See Devastating Outflows of $465 Million
Ethereum ETFs bleed $465 million in a single day after record-breaking outflows in July
Philippines SEC cracks down on unregistered crypto exchanges
The Philippines SEC flagged OKX, Bybit, KuCoin and others for offering crypto services without authorization, warning of enforcement and app store bans.
The Only Winning Strategy for Crypto Investors Revealed by Top SHIB Executive
SHIB executive shares “the only strategy that should work” for investors
Base Network by Coinbase Stuck? Block 33792704 Raises Concerns
Network entered problematic state where things might get more complicated for Base
Ethereum holds above key support as Binance open interest hits record high — will ETH rally intensify?
Ethereum is trading at $3,667 at press time, rising 4% in the past 24 hours and indicating renewed interest after a sharp drop earlier in the week. Ethereum (ETH) is still up 46% over the past month, showing strong momentum,…
Trump Fires Commissioner of Labor Statistics Erika McEntarfer
The commissioner was fired after a weaker-than-expected July jobs report, which also contained significant downward revisions for the two months prior. McEntarfer Out: Trump Gives the Boot to Labor Statistics Commissioner U.S. President Donald Trump wasted no time firing Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner (BLS) Erika McEntarfer on Friday after a disappointing jobs report sent […]
Crypto Giant Coinbase’s UK Ad Stirs Both Controversy And Applause—Details
US-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase recently launched a musical advertisement titled “Everything Is Fine,” which sparked mixed reactions due to its perceived criticism of the United Kingdom’s (UK) economic policies. According to CNBC, the two-minute musical satirizes the UK, portraying it as a nation grappling with economic turmoil, strikes, and a cost-of-living crisis. Public Opinion Divided […]
Twitter User Claims TradingView Has Ignored a Fibonacci Retracement Bug for 5 Years
Popular chart analysis service TradingView contains a bug in the Fibonacci retracement technical analysis tool.
France’s Rassemblement National party backs Bitcoin mining with nuclear energy
French political party Rassemblement National is reportedly preparing a draft law to mine Bitcoin with surplus nuclear energy.
Arcadia Finance users reimbursed by DeFi hack insurance
Nexus Mutual has paid about $250,000 in claims to users hit by July’s $3.5 million Arcadia Finance hack on Base.
$27 million gone, no private keys exposed: How the BigONE hack happened
A sophisticated supply chain attack on Seychelles-based crypto exchange BigONE led to a $27 million theft from hot wallets, without exposing private keys.
Bought the $112K dip? 5 signs Bitcoin's bull run is about to return
A Power of 3 pattern suggests a $126,000 target for Bitcoin after a leverage reset, but BTC price must first flip its immediate resistance level into new support.
DeFi will become the default financial interface
DeFi promised to rebuild the financial system from the ground up. Moving from early experiments to everyday utility demands an upgrade.
Why a hacker-turned-CEO believes quantum tech could break Bitcoin
A cybersecurity expert warns that quantum computing could silently break Bitcoin, stockpiling encrypted data today to crack it in the future.
Ether unlikely to break $3,800 without stronger institutional demand
Ether faces weak institutional demand and lacks catalysts, keeping ETH price tied to broader altcoin trends and economic uncertainty.
CoinDesk owner Bullish eyes $4.2B valuation in IPO backed by BlackRock, ARK
The digital exchange operator and media company is eyeing an initial public offering of between $28 and $31 per share, regulatory filings show.
Price predictions 8/4: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, ADA, XLM
Bitcoin is trying to start a recovery from $112,000, but bears may pose a substantial challenge at $117,000 and then at $120,000.
How to use Google Gemini to turn crypto news into trade signals
Google Gemini could help traders break down the news, track sentiment and turn headlines into actionable crypto trading strategies.
Coinbase turns lobbying efforts to UK in scathing op-ed
Former UK Chancellor and current Coinbase adviser George Osborne says the UK is falling behind in the cryptocurrency market, particularly when it comes to stablecoins.
How fake news and deepfakes power the latest crypto pump-and-dump scams
Web3 pump-and-dump schemes thrive on hype, anonymity, and unregulated markets; understanding their playbook is key to avoiding costly traps.
Nvidia releases update for ‘critical’ vulnerabilities in AI stack
Triton, Nvidia’s open-source inference server for optimizing AI model deployment, is now at the center of newly revealed security vulnerabilities.
Bitcoin price eyes $116K liquidity sweep with ETF comeback in focus
Bitcoin ETF netflows may be key in gauging market appetite as exchange order-book liquidity puts $116,000 top of the list for bulls.
Verb stock soars 200% after announcing TON treasury plan
Verb Technology is raising $558 million and rebranding as TON Strategy Co., becoming the first public company to hold Toncoin as a treasury asset.
GENIUS Act scrutinized for stablecoin yield ban as TradFi tokenization gains steam
The GENIUS Act’s ban on yield could dampen the appeal of digital dollars, particularly as tokenization efforts in traditional finance gain momentum.
Grayscale adds Wall Street veterans as founder Barry Silbert returns to chair
Grayscale reappoints founder Barry Silbert as chairman and hires top Wall Street talent as it looks to defend its ETF revenue lead and sharpen its institutional edge.
Solana begins shipping Seeker mobile device in over 50 countries
Solana Mobile stands to earn at least $67.5 million from sales of the Seeker, which had pre-orders many times higher than the first-generation device.
Here’s what happened in crypto today
Need to know what happened in crypto today? Here is the latest news on daily trends and events impacting Bitcoin price, blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, Web3 and crypto regulation.
CFTC seeks to allow spot crypto trading on registered exchanges
The CFTC is seeking feedback on how to more effectively regulate spot crypto trading as it moves to implement recommendations from the Trump administration.
Trump Bitcoin adviser David Bailey wants to create a $200M PAC
A key priority of the proposed PAC would be to send the Bitcoin price to $10 million, according to Bailey, and positioning “for the long term.”
CFTC pressured to probe nominee Brian Quintenz over ties to Kalshi
US Representative Dina Titus asked the CFTC to investigate Brian Quintenz, US President Donald Trump’s pick to run the agency, over his ties to Kalshi.
Saylor’s Strategy has doubled its Bitcoin stash since Trump’s election
Strategy has amassed 60% of its total holdings since Trump’s election, with its third-largest dollar-value purchase last week.
Ether-stacking BitMine crosses $3B milestone as ETH rallies 6%
ETH rallied nearly 6% on Monday after BitMine disclosed a major purchase, raising the total value of its Ether holdings to more than $3 billion.
BlackRock Bitcoin fund sees largest outflow in 9 weeks
BlackRock’s IBIT saw a $292M outflow Monday — its largest in nine weeks — as Bitcoin rebounded from weekend losses and spot ETF momentum cooled.
Yield-bearing stablecoin supply surges after GENIUS Act
The supply of USDe has increased by 70%, while that of USDS rose 23% since the GENIUS Act was signed into law on July 18.
From Coinbase to Milei and LIBRA: Crypto class-action suits pile up
Class-action lawsuits against crypto-related firms are building up, with cases facing major firms such as Bakkt and Coinbase.
SEC’s Peirce defends transaction privacy as Tornado Cash verdict looms
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said developers of open-source privacy software should not have to answer for the actions of others using their software.
Trump to order probe of crypto and political debanking claims: WSJ
The White House may issue an executive order directing bank regulators to investigate debanking claims by crypto execs and conservatives, the WSJ reported.
How a police officer stole 50 BTC from a seized crypto wallet and got caught
A police officer’s 50-BTC theft was unraveled by blockchain tracking. Investigators traced the funds and brought him to justice.
Can Ethereum break $3,800 next as whales and institutions load up?
Ethereum rallied past $3,700 earlier on Aug. 5 as whale and institutional accumulation intensified. Can it recover back above $3,800 by the end of the week? According to data from crypto.news Ethereum (ETH), the leading altcoin by market cap, rose…
This CIP Is ‘Massive’ For Cardano DApps, Says Anastasia Labs CEO
A still-unnumbered “Account Enhancement” Cardano Improvement Proposal (CIP) has ignited an unusually broad wave of enthusiasm inside the ecosystem after Anastasia Labs chief executive Phillip Disarro framed it as a breakthrough for decentralized-application design. Why This CIP Could Be ‘Massive’ For Cardano “This CIP is massive for expanding Cardano’s dApp ecosystem. Out of the gate, […]
Solana begins shipping Seeker phones to over 50 countries
Solana Mobile has officially begun shipping its Seeker smartphones to users in more than 50 countries, marking the global rollout of its second-generation web3 device. The announcement was made on Aug. 4 via X, with the company confirming that tens…
Ethena dips amid $106M token unlock — will Aave liquidity risk concerns deepen the slide?
Ethena is trading lower as fresh concerns around liquidity risks and a major token unlock weigh on investor sentiment. As of this writing, Ethena (ENA) is trading at $0.586, down 2.9% over the last day. Despite rising more than 130%…
TOWER surges over 100% after Animoca buyback plan – how high can it fly?
The utility game token TOWER skyrockets by 102% on a rally fueled by Animoca Brands CEO Yat Sui’s recent buyback announcement. How far can the rally go? On August 5, Animoca Brands founder and CEO Yat Sui announced that the…
Can LetsBONK.fun token burns drive BONK price up 60% back to its July peak?
BONK price is holding a critical support level, setting the stage for a potential 60% surge as continued token burning reinforces cautiously bullish technicals. Bonk (BONK) price appears to be staging a reversal following its sharp 40% drop from peak…
Ethereum’s Q4 test - Can treasury demand outrun macro headwinds?
Key Takeaways Ethereum’ Q4 bet is simple - Supply’s drying up, and if ETF flows and treasury scoops stay sticky, price may have room to rip, even with macro noise in the mix. No doubt, EthThe post Ethereum’s Q4 test - Can treasury demand outrun macro headwinds? appeared first on AMBCrypto.
Coinfest Asia 2025 Unveils Crypto’s Biggest Names and Builds a Web3 Experience Like No Other
This content is provided by a sponsor. PRESS RELEASE. BALI, INDONESIA – July 2025 — Coinfest Asia, the largest crypto festival in the world, returns on August 21–22, 2025, at Nuanu Creative City, Bali. Known for its immersive format and hands-on Web3 showcase, this year’s event is set to gather over 10,000 participants from across […]
Phantom Acquires Solana Trading Platform Solsniper to Expand Services
Cryptocurrency wallet provider Phantom has acquired Solsniper, a high-speed trading and analytics platform specializing in the Solana blockchain. Phantom to Integrate Solsniper Team Following Strategic Acquisition Solsniper, founded in 2021, is recognized for its precision tools enabling traders to monitor tokens, track wallet activity, and react instantly to market movements. According to Phantom, the platform […]
SEC Commissioner Peirce Gives Fundamental Speech Every Crypto Holder Should Read
Pro-crypto SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce recently gave a major speech defending financial privacy
ADA holders lose their excitement and eye new coin below $0.002 expected to hit $1 in 2025
Frustrated by Cardano’s slow growth, many holders are shifting focus to Little Pepe, a meme‑driven Layer 2 project aiming for a $1 target in 2025. #partnercontent
XRP Eyes Wave 5 Rally as Price Resets for Next Push
TLDR: XRP completed a third wave peak at $3.10 before entering a textbook fourth-wave correction. Key support between $2.90–$2.93 aligns with multiple Fibonacci retracement zones. RSI reset from 80 to 53.7, clearing room for a potential bullish continuation. Traders watch $3.10–$3.22 as confirmation levels for the fifth wave breakout. XRP just wrapped up a powerful [...] The post XRP Eyes Wave 5 Rally as Price Resets for Next Push appeared first on Blockonomi.
Capital B Acquires 62 Bitcoin, Boosting Total Holdings to 2,075 BTC
Capital B (The Blockchain Group), an artificial intelligence and bitcoin treasury company listed on Euronext Growth Paris, has confirmed the acquisition of 62 BTC for approximately $7.2 million (about €6.2 million). Following this acquisition, the company now holds a total of 2,075 BTC. Additionally, Capital B reported a remarkable Bitcoin yield of 1,446.3% year-to-date (YTD), […]
Cardano Price Prediction: Is a Return to $2 Imminent or Just a FOMO Fantasy?
After months of consolidation, Cardano (ADA) is regaining investor attention thanks to renewed forecasts projecting a steady climb back toward—and potentially beyond—the $2 mark. According to updated projections, ADA could reach an average price of $1.72 by 2030, with its maximum value possibly hitting $1.82, reflecting a potential 158.93% ROI from current levels. Even short-term gains remain enticing: between October and December 2025, forecasts show potential returns near 60%, with average price targets ranging from $0.98 to $1.08. For those seeking more immediate returns, the coming months may present critical entry points as ADA fluctuates in a defined channel. While The post Cardano Price Prediction: Is a Return to $2 Imminent or Just a FOMO Fantasy? appeared first on The Merkle News.
Stellar [XLM] price prediction - Here's why THIS level could soon trigger fresh upside
Key Takeaways Stellar has a strongly bullish outlook in the short term, and could make gains over the next 24-48 hours. Beyond that, a hike in buying pressure would be needed to propel XLM past a keyThe post Stellar [XLM] price prediction - Here's why THIS level could soon trigger fresh upside appeared first on AMBCrypto.
This coin under $0.000001 could outperform ETH in the next bull run
Ethereum’s dominance in DeFi and smart contracts is undisputed, but a new contender, Pepeto, could rival ETH’s next‑cycle momentum. #sponsored
Bitsonic CEO imprisoned a second time for over $70k fraud charge – how far do his crime go?
The CEO of South Korean exchange Bitsonic, Shin Jinwook, has received an extension to his seven-year prison sentence after authorities found evidence of fraud amounting to at least 100 million won or $72,000. On August 5, Judge Seong Gi-jun of…
North Korean IT workers are using remote jobs to infiltrate crypto companies: report
North Korean IT workers are using fake identities to infiltrate crypto firms and steal millions worth of digital assets through remote job scams, cybersecurity researchers at Google Cloud and Wiz have warned. Separate reports published by the firms have tracked…
Peter Thiel-Backed Bullish Crypto Exchange Plans $600 Million IPO In The US
Bullish, a crypto exchange backed by billionaire venture capitalist Peter Thiel, is making significant strides toward its initial public offering (IPO), targeting a valuation of up to $4.23 billion. This move comes as the US experiences a shift in regulatory conditions under the pro-crypto administration of President Donald Trump. This shift is bolstered by supportive […]
The Day the SEC Quietly Surrendered to Crypto
Last week, SEC Commissioner Paul Atkins quietly dropped what should have been the biggest headline in crypto this year: “Most crypto assets are not securities,” he said, in sharp contrast to the SEC’s long-standing position. The markets didn’t blink, but the implications are seismic. The following opinion editorial was written by Joseph Collement, Chief Legal […]
Trump to order probe on crypto and political debanking claims: WSJ
The White House is reportedly preparing an executive order for bank regulators to look into claims of debanking made by crypto executives and conservatives, The Wall Street Journal reports.
SEC’s Peirce defends transaction privacy as Tornado Cash verdict looms
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce said developers of open-source privacy software should not have to answer for the actions of others using their software.
Yield-bearing stablecoin supply surges after the GENIUS Act
USDe’s supply has increased by 70%, while USDS’s supply has increased by 23% since the GENIUS Act was signed into law on July 18.
From Coinbase to Milei and LIBRA: Crypto class-action suits pile up
Class-action lawsuits against crypto-related firms are building up, with cases facing major firms such as Bakkt and Coinbase.
Ethereum ETFs See Devastating Outflows of $465 Million
Ethereum ETFs bleed $465 million in a single day after record-breaking outflows in July
Analyst Says Bitcoin Price Will Peak Above $300,000, But A 76% Crash Looms
The possible top for the Bitcoin price this cycle has been a topic of hot debate over the last few years. The rally to a new all-time high above $123,000 back in July introduced renewed vigor into the arguments, as some believe the leading cryptocurrency has reached its highest point, and others continue to expect […]
South Korea banks file 80+ stablecoin trademarks - Here's what's going on!
Key Takeaways South Korean banks are ramping up crypto and stablecoin initiatives ahead of new legislation, signaling a major shift in regulatory stance. As the U.S. moves forward with the GThe post South Korea banks file 80+ stablecoin trademarks - Here's what's going on! appeared first on AMBCrypto.
BlackRock Bitcoin fund sees largest outflow in 9 weeks
BlackRock’s IBIT outflowed $292 million on Monday as Bitcoin continued to recover from weekend volatility.
Bitpanda eyes market expansion as it hits record profitability
Crypto exchange Bitpanda just posted its strongest financial year on record, more than doubling revenue as partnerships and regulated offerings drive growth. According to a press release shared with crypto.news, the Vienna-based crypto platform reported $426 million in operating revenue…
Verb Technology Secures $558 Million For First Public TON Treasury Strategy
Verb Technology (VERB), an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, video-based technology company, is poised to make a significant leap in the crypto space. The company announced it raised $558 million in a private placement aimed at establishing the first publicly traded treasury strategy company centered on Toncoin (TON). Verb Technology plans to rebrand as TON Strategy Co. […]
Former Bitwise Executive Jeff Park Joins Anthony Pompliano’s Procap as CIO
Procap was formed in June when it entered into a business combination with a Nasdaq special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) called Columbus Circle Capital Corporation. Anthony Pompliano’s Procap Taps Bitwise Alum Jeff Park as New CIO Self-styled investor and crypto entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano pulled off a $750 million raise in late June for his new bitcoin […]
Litecoin Takes 2nd Spot In Crypto Payments Shake-Up, CoinGate Data Reveals
Crypto payments processor CoinGate has revealed that Litecoin (LTC) has risen to take the 2nd position on the user preference list. Litecoin Is Now Only Behind Bitcoin In Crypto Payments On CoinGate In a new post on X, CoinGate has shared how crypto payment preferences among its customers changed during the month of July. CoinGate […]
Ether-stacking BitMine crosses $3B milestone as ETH rallies 6%
ETH rallied nearly 6% on Monday as BitMine reported another massive purchase of 208,137 ETH, boosting the total value of its ETH holdings above $3 billion.
Fed Survey Signals Structural Breakdown in US Credit System
Warning signs emerged in the July 2025 Federal Reserve lending survey, revealing entrenched structural stress across U.S. credit markets. Banks imposed tighter lending standards for nearly all categories, with business and consumer loan access deteriorating despite easing compared to 2024. Commercial and industrial credit dried up, particularly for small firms, as banks cited regulatory pressure, […]
Saylor’s Strategy has doubled its Bitcoin stash since Trump’s election
Strategy has amassed 60% of its total holdings since Trump’s election, with its third-largest dollar-value purchase last week.
SEC issues guidance allowing some stablecoins to be treated as cash equivalents
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has issued interim guidance allowing certain U.S. dollar-backed stablecoins to be treated as cash equivalents on corporate balance sheets. Reported on Aug. 5 by Bloomberg Tax, the guidance is a part of a wider…
BitMine’s Ethereum Holdings Top 833,000, Becoming The Largest ETH Treasury Globally
BitMine Immersion Technologies announced today that its Ethereum (ETH) holdings have surged past 833,000 tokens, making it the largest ETH treasury in the world. The announcement comes amid a broader trend of corporate ETH accumulation. BitMine Becomes Largest Ethereum Treasury According to the statement, BitMine Immersion Technologies – a leading Bitcoin (BTC) mining firm – […]
Investors pull $18.84 mln Bitcoin from exchanges: Are big buyers back?
Key Takeaways Bitcoin bounced from $113.5K after a TD Sequential ‘Buy’ signal, Long/Short Ratio hit 1.54, and $18.84 million in Exchange Outflows pointed to accumulation. Bitcoin [BTC] lThe post Investors pull $18.84 mln Bitcoin from exchanges: Are big buyers back? appeared first on AMBCrypto.
ECB: Cash is ‘here to stay’ even as digital euro advances
ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone said that a digital euro will not replace physical money but complement it to preserve payment autonomy.
Quantum threat to Bitcoin? 80,000 BTC just moved after 14 years
A Bitcoin whale likely moved 80,000 BTC from dormant wallets after alarming OP_RETURN messages were sent across multiple old addresses.
Crypto funds see $223M outflow, ending 15-week streak as Fed dampens sentiment
Profit-taking broke a 15-week winning streak of global cryptocurrency ETPs last week after hawkish remarks that followed last week’s US Fed rate decision.
Pump.fun hits lowest monthly revenue in 2025 as memecoins lose steam
Solana-based memecoin platform Pump.fun saw its July revenue plummet to $24.96 million, down 80% from its January peak.
4 countries that let you buy citizenship or a golden visa with crypto
Citizenship and residency via crypto are now possible in countries like Vanuatu, El Salvador and Portugal, with investment requirements ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
Stripper index doesn’t apply to Bitcoin, OnlyFans models say
An analysis of an OnlyFans model’s earnings suggests the so-called stripper index doesn’t hold up when applied to digital adult content and Bitcoin.
Monero takeover disrupted by alleged DDoS attack on Qubic mining pool
The Qubic mining pool, which is attempting a 51% takeover of Monero, is allegedly being hit by a distributed denial-of-service attack linked to the Monero community.
Hyperliquid reimburses $2M to crypto traders after API outage
Hyperliquid’s rapid response may boost confidence in decentralized trading platforms, which are gaining market share.
France’s Rassemblement National party backs Bitcoin mining with nuclear energy
French political party Rassemblement National is reportedly preparing a draft law to mine Bitcoin with surplus nuclear energy.
Arcadia Finance users reimbursed by DeFi hack insurance
Nexus Mutual has paid about $250,000 in claims to users hit by July’s $3.5 million Arcadia Finance hack on Base.
$27 million gone, no private keys exposed: How the BigONE hack happened
A sophisticated supply chain attack on Seychelles-based crypto exchange BigONE led to a $27 million theft from hot wallets, without exposing private keys.
Bought the $112K dip? 5 signs Bitcoin's bull run is about to return
A Power of 3 pattern suggests a $126,000 target for Bitcoin after a leverage reset, but BTC price must first flip its immediate resistance level into new support.
DeFi will become the default financial interface
DeFi promised to rebuild the financial system from the ground up. Moving from early experiments to everyday utility demands an upgrade.
Why a hacker-turned-CEO believes quantum tech could break Bitcoin
A cybersecurity expert warns that quantum computing could silently break Bitcoin, stockpiling encrypted data today to crack it in the future.
Ether unlikely to break $3,800 without stronger institutional demand
Ether faces weak institutional demand and lacks catalysts, keeping ETH price tied to broader altcoin trends and economic uncertainty.
CoinDesk owner Bullish eyes $4.2B valuation in IPO backed by BlackRock, ARK
The digital exchange operator and media company is eyeing an initial public offering of between $28 and $31 per share, regulatory filings show.
Price predictions 8/4: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, ADA, XLM
Bitcoin is trying to start a recovery from $112,000, but bears may pose a substantial challenge at $117,000 and then at $120,000.
How to use Google Gemini to turn crypto news into trade signals
Google Gemini could help traders break down the news, track sentiment and turn headlines into actionable crypto trading strategies.
Coinbase turns lobbying efforts to UK in scathing op-ed
Former UK Chancellor and current Coinbase adviser George Osborne says the UK is falling behind in the cryptocurrency market, particularly when it comes to stablecoins.
How fake news and deepfakes power the latest crypto pump-and-dump scams
Web3 pump-and-dump schemes thrive on hype, anonymity, and unregulated markets; understanding their playbook is key to avoiding costly traps.
Nvidia releases update for 'critical' vulnerabilities in AI stack
Triton is Nvidia’s open-source inference server designed to optimize AI model deployment, now at the center of newly disclosed security vulnerabilities.
Bitcoin price eyes $116K liquidity sweep with ETF comeback in focus
Bitcoin ETF netflows may be key in gauging market appetite as exchange order-book liquidity puts $116,000 top of the list for bulls.
Verb stock soars 200% after announcing TON treasury plan
Verb Technology is raising $558 million and rebranding as TON Strategy Co., becoming the first public company to hold Toncoin as a treasury asset.
GENIUS Act scrutinized for stablecoin yield ban as TradFi tokenization gains steam
The GENIUS Act’s ban on yield could dampen the appeal of digital dollars, particularly as tokenization efforts in traditional finance gain momentum.
Grayscale adds Wall Street veterans as founder Barry Silbert returns to chair
Grayscale reappoints founder Barry Silbert as chairman and hires top Wall Street talent as it looks to defend its ETF revenue lead and sharpen its institutional edge.