Today in crypto, Bitcoin exchange-traded funds attracted their biggest inflows in nearly eight months. The IMF said El Salvador used no public funds for post-review Bitcoin accumulation and transferred majority control of Chivo wallet to a private operator, while Kraken parent Payward partnered with SoFi to expand its stablecoin, settlement and institutional trading reach.
Bitcoin ETF inflows hit $731M, highest since January as BTC reclaims $80K
US-listed spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) notched their biggest inflows in nearly eight months as BTC reclaimed $80,000.
Bitcoin ETFs recorded $730.9 million in net inflows on Thursday, the largest daily haul since Jan. 14, when the funds attracted $843.6 million, according to SoSoValue data.
The surge followed $101.2 million inflows on Wednesday and came as Bitcoin reclaimed the $80,000 level after trading in a range between roughly $76,000 and $81,000 this week, according to CoinGecko.
Despite the spike in ETF inflows, CryptoQuant remained cautious about Bitcoin’s rally, citing weaker spot demand and heavy short covering as $83,000 emerges as a key bull market threshold.
El Salvador’s post-review Bitcoin accumulation used no public funds: IMF
El Salvador used no public resources to accumulate Bitcoin after the first review of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) financing program in June 2025, according to the lender.
In a Thursday statement, the IMF said documents supplied by Salvadoran authorities verified that the accumulation came from private donations. According to the lender, the increase in El Salvador’s holdings therefore did not reflect additional Bitcoin purchases financed with government resources.
The IMF also said majority ownership and operational control of the Chivo wallet had been transferred to a private operator, while the government retained a minority stake and custodial responsibilities. It said no further accumulation beyond documented donations is expected.
The explanation addresses how El Salvador’s holdings grew after the first review, after the country said in November 2025 that it had acquired 1,090 BTC worth $100 million, renewing questions about compliance with its $1.4 billion IMF program.
Payward deepens traditional finance push with SoFi deal
Kraken parent Payward is expanding its reach into traditional finance through a new partnership with SoFi.
The deal brings SoFiUSD to Kraken and connects Payward to the SoFi Exchange Network, giving Kraken’s institutional and business clients access to 24/7 US dollar settlement. SoFi will also use Kraken Prime as an additional source of digital asset liquidity, and could add qualified custody services later.
The partnership follows several moves by Payward and Kraken beyond their core crypto businesses. Earlier this week, London Stock Exchange Group reportedly partnered with Payward to offer tokenized UK stocks through LSE 24, a 24/5 trading venue expected to launch in 2027.
Kraken has also expanded its exposure to traditional markets through xStocks, the tokenized equities platform developed by Backed Finance, which it acquired earlier this year. The exchange has used the platform to offer eligible investors exposure to shares tied to the SpaceX and Jersey Mike’s IPOs.
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