Crypto markets opened October with Bitcoin holding near recent highs after weak U.S. jobs data, while policy and industry headlines ranged from El Salvador’s IMF disbursement to new U.S. legal and regulatory fights. Meme coins, stablecoins, and exchange security also remained active themes.
El Salvador gets IMF funds as Bitcoin-related constraints continue
The IMF said El Salvador received $138 million and that efforts will continue to reduce the state’s role in Bitcoin-related activity while strengthening crypto-asset regulation and governance. The update points to ongoing conditions around the country’s Bitcoin program even as funding is released.
Sources: Cointelegraph
Bitcoin holds firm after soft U.S. labor data
Bitcoin traded around the mid-$80,000s to near $87,000 after weak September jobs data lowered bond yields and reduced expectations for an October rate hike. Reporting also pointed to rising open interest and funding rates, suggesting traders were adding bullish leveraged exposure.
Sources: Cointelegraph, CoinDesk, CoinDesk, CoinDesk
U.S. crypto policy remains contested in court and in Washington
A community banking group sued the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency over trust bank charters granted to crypto firms, arguing the regulator exceeded its authority. Separately, the SEC proposed rules that would clarify how advisers and funds can hold crypto, including use of state trust companies and limited self-custody.
Sources: Cointelegraph, CoinDesk, Decrypt
Meme coin politics draw renewed attention
The TRUMP meme coin project is planning a Nov. 22 gala dinner for its top 185 holders, coming after earlier ethics disputes over the president’s crypto ties helped stall the Clarity Act in the Senate. The announcement keeps political meme coins in the regulatory spotlight.
Sources: Decrypt
Security teams trace major thefts and sanctions pressure expands
Chainalysis said it used in-house AI to track funds from the Bitget hack across four blockchains and linked the breach to North Korea, with the firm saying the country’s 2026 crypto haul has topped $1 billion. Separately, U.S. Treasury proposed a rule targeting Russia’s A7 network as a transnational criminal organization, including its crypto-linked activity.