Bitcoin News

Bitcoin (BTC) was created by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 as the world's first successful cryptocurrency, solving the double-spending problem that had plagued previous digital cash experiments. Operating on a decentralized proof-of-work blockchain, Bitcoin enables peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries, with its monetary policy enforced through cryptographic consensus rather than central authority.

The Bitcoin network is maintained by miners who secure transactions and earn newly minted bitcoin, while a global ecosystem of traders, institutional investors, developers, and businesses continues expanding its adoption. From El Salvador's legal tender status to corporate treasury adoption by companies like MicroStrategy and Tesla, Bitcoin has evolved from a cryptographic experiment into a recognized store of value and inflation hedge.

At CoinDesk, we deliver breaking Bitcoin news and in-depth analysis covering everything from price movements and institutional adoption to technological developments and regulatory shifts. Our team tracks Bitcoin ETF launches, mining industry changes, Lightning Network growth, and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency's future.

DISCLOSURE: This text was written with the assistance of AI, then reviewed by a person.

Markets

Market Wrap: Markets Trade Lower Despite Success of Ethereum Merge

Ether was down more than 9% at one point as traders decided to “sell the fact” following a nearly seamless Ethereum Merge.

By Glenn Williams Jr., Jocelyn YangSep 15, 2022

The Merge was successful, but ETH fell 9%. (Deepak Maurya/Unsplash)

Videos

Bitcoin Outlook After Ethereum’s Historic Upgrade

CoinDesk Managing Editor of Technology Christie Harkin and Tech Reporter Sam Kessler discuss the road ahead for bitcoin (BTC) after Ethereum successfully shifted from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. Plus, insights into the debate around ether (ETH) and bitcoin’s environmental impacts.

Sep 15, 2022

Layer 2

1 Year of Bitcoin in El Salvador: The Bad, the Good and the Ugly

Despite many real stumbles and skeptical mainstream coverage of Nayib Bukele’s bitcoin initiative, both tourism numbers and remittance usage are already showing meaningful payoffs.

By David Z. MorrisSep 15, 2022

A demonstrator holds an effigy of President Nayib Bukele next to a sign against the approved Bitcoin Law during a protest against the government on Oct. 17, 2021, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Emerson Flores/APHOTOGRAFIA/Getty Images)

Videos

SEC Chair Gensler on Securities Definition, Working With the CFTC

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler explains why different regulatory entities need to have an overarching definition of a security and collaboration with the CFTC if bitcoin is considered to be a commodity.

Sep 15, 2022

Podcasts

Crypto News Roundup for Sept. 15, 2022

By Adrian Blust, Adam B. LevineSep 15, 2022

Weekend Story | The Short-Sightedness of Run-Amok Regulators

Policy

Environmental Groups to Spend Another $1M on Ads for Bitcoin Code Change After the Merge

The "Change the Code, Not the Climate" campaign is upping its efforts following Ethereum's switch to proof of stake.

By Eliza GkritsiSep 15, 2022

Markets

First Mover Americas: Smooth Ethereum Merge Disappoints Ether Volatility Bulls; ETC Rallies

The latest price moves in crypto markets in context for Sept. 15, 2022.

By Lyllah Ledesma, Omkar GodboleSep 15, 2022

The Merge went smoothly and ETH held steady. (CoinDesk)

Markets

First Mover Asia: DeFi Builders Speak Out; What the Crowd Is Getting Wrong About the Ethereum Merge

The Merge will lead to the reduction of the Ethereum blockchain’s carbon footprint, but it will not lower gas fees or improve Ethereum’s scalability, coders behind popular Ethereum-based projects said; bitcoin trades sideways.

By Shaurya Malwa, James RubinSep 15, 2022