Market Updates: Bitcoin ETF Flows Snap Nine-Day Winning Streak, Core Scientific Expands into AI with 1.5GW Buildout, OKX Integrates BlackRock BUIDL for Collateral Use

Latest Market Updates: As of 28th April 2026.

Crypto markets showed signs of cooling today, as institutional momentum slowed and broader sentiment turned more cautious. Spot Bitcoin ETFs ended a nine-day inflow streak, coinciding with Bitcoin slipping below $77,000. At the same time, structural shifts within the industry continued, particularly among mining firms pivoting toward artificial intelligence infrastructure.

Meanwhile, institutional adoption evolved in a different direction. OKX expanded its collateral framework by integrating BlackRock’s tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, while regulatory pressure intensified in Europe through a new round of sanctions targeting Russia’s crypto activity.

Bitcoin ETFs Snap Winning Streak as BTC Dips

U.S.-listed spot ETFs recorded net outflows of $263 million on Monday, according to SoSoValue. This marks the end of a nine-session inflow streak that began on April 13 and brought in roughly $2.1 billion.

During that period, Bitcoin gained nearly 10% before retreating below $77,000, according to CoinGecko. The pullback suggests that investors may now be locking in profits or becoming more cautious.

At the fund level, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund led the outflows with $150 million, according to Farside data. Grayscale’s GBTC and ARK 21Shares’ ARKB followed, with losses of roughly $47 million and $43 million, respectively.

Notably, BlackRock’s IBIT and Morgan Stanley’s MSBT saw no net flows, pausing their prior inflow streaks. This divergence points to selective caution among investors, rather than uniform risk-off behavior.

This softer tone extended beyond Bitcoin. Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded $50.5 million in outflows, while XRP- and Solana-linked products failed to attract fresh capital—reinforcing signs of a broader cooldown across crypto investment vehicles.

Bitcoin Miner Core Scientific Accelerates Shift Toward AI Infrastructure

As market dynamics evolve, crypto miners are increasingly rethinking their long-term strategies. Core Scientific is the latest to signal a major pivot, announcing plans to transform its Texas operations into a large-scale AI-focused data center hub.

The company intends to develop its Pecos site into a high-capacity campus capable of supporting up to 1.5 gigawatts of power, with around 1 gigawatt earmarked for leasing. Specifically, the facility will support high-density workloads tied to artificial intelligence, reflecting surging demand for compute infrastructure.

To facilitate the transition, Core Scientific is reallocating existing resources. Around 300 megawatts currently used for Bitcoin mining will be redirected to data center operations, while an additional 300 megawatts has been secured through its utility partner. Further expansion opportunities are also under consideration.

Meanwhile, construction is already in progress. The first data facility has moved beyond initial groundwork and into the building phase, with operations expected to begin in early 2027.

CEO Adam Sullivan emphasized that the company is leveraging its existing infrastructure and expertise to scale efficiently.

This shift is part of a broader industry trend. With mining margins under pressure, firms such as MARA Holdings, alongside Hive, Hut 8, TeraWulf, and Iren, are increasingly repurposing assets toward AI and data services, signaling a structural evolution in the sector.

OKX Integrates BlackRock Tokenized Fund for Trading Collateral

Meanwhile, crypto exchange OKX has integrated BlackRock’s tokenized U.S. Treasury fund, BUIDL, into its collateral framework in partnership with Standard Chartered. This allows institutional clients to use the asset as trading margin while it remains securely held off-exchange. Alternatively, the asset can be deposited directly onto the platform.

The arrangement is being positioned as a first-of-its-kind model supported by a globally systemically important bank, enabling the practical use of tokenized real-world assets within active trading environments.

According to OKX executive Rifad Mahasneh, the integration demonstrates how tokenized funds can evolve beyond passive holdings into functional, yield-generating collateral. 

Within the platform, BUIDL is treated similarly to dollar-based assets like USDC, while still allowing clients to retain ownership and earn yield.

EU Targets Russia’s Crypto Channels With New Sanctions

Alongside these developments, the European Commission has unveiled a new package of sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s use of cryptocurrencies in international finance. These measures include a full ban on transactions involving Russian crypto service providers and decentralized platforms linked to the country. 

Additionally, the EU has prohibited ruble-pegged stablecoins and blocked the development of Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC). Officials stated that these steps are intended to prevent the country from bypassing existing financial restrictions.

The announcement followed discussions between European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the Commission, Russia has increasingly relied on cryptocurrencies for international transactions in response to earlier sanctions.

The package also targets specific entities tied to stablecoins, such as A7A5, and extends to certain operators connected to Belarus. Overall, the EU signaled that these measures are designed to increase economic pressure and push Russia toward negotiations on terms aligned with Ukraine’s position.