US Banks Shut Crypto, Ethe Hits $4,244, Bo Hines Exits

• US banks keep closing crypto firms’ accounts, like Unicoin’s, despite Trump’s pro crypto push, continuing “Operation Chokepoint.”
• Vitalik Buterin’s back as an onchain billionaire as Ether hits $4,244, up 6.38%, driven by strong ETF inflows.
• Bo Hines steps down from White House Crypto Council, planning to advocate for crypto from the private sector.

August 10, 2025. US banks continue to close accounts for crypto businesses, including despite Trump’s pro crypto stance. Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin is once again an onchain billionaire as Ether’s price rockets.

In addition, Bo Hines, the head of the White House Crypto Council, announced he is resigning. These stories show the mix of challenges and wins in crypto right now.

Banks, Billionaires, and Leadership Changes

Crypto firms are struggling with banks closing their accounts, a problem called “Operation Chokepoint.” Unicoin’s CEO, Alex Konanykhin, said major banks like Citibank, Chase, and Wells Fargo have cut ties with his company without explaining why.

Even with Trump’s team pushing for crypto, banks aren’t budging, making it tough for these businesses to operate. Konanykhin hopes Trump’s upcoming order to investigate these closures will help, saying it could let the US crypto industry grow like Hollywood does for movies.

But a lawyer, Elizabeth Blickley, warns that banks will stay cautious until clearer rules come out, and those could face court fights.

On a brighter note, Ethereum’s co-founder Vitalik Buterin is a billionaire again, Ether’s price climbing to $4,244, up 6.38% on Saturday. Arkham, a blockchain firm, says Buterin’s wallet holds 240,042 ETH, worth about $1.04 billion, plus smaller stakes in other coins.

Ether hit $4,332, its highest in eight months, and traders think it could reach its old peak of $4,878 soon. Strong ETF investments, with $326.6 million flowing into Ether funds recently, are helping drive this surge.