Hope your day is off to a good start, Financial readers.

Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing turbulence while Ethereum gains momentum, potentially signaling shifts in investor sentiment.

As Bitcoin ETFs see outflows for the first time since June, the crypto market faces a potential ‘Rektember.’ Is Ethereum’s recent outperformance a temporary trend, or a sign of a broader transformation in the digital asset landscape?

In today’s financial recap:

Bitcoin ETFs See First Outflows Since June
Sonic’s $150M Token Issuance Paves Way for U.S. ETF Launch
Verto’s Atlas Suite Simplifies Global Finance with API-First Platform
AI to Transform Investment Banking Roles by 2030

Bitcoin ETFs See First Outflows Since June—Is ‘Rektember’ the Next Crypto Shock?

The TradeWatch: U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs experienced $126.7M in outflows, ending a six-week inflow streak as market concerns about inflation and upcoming September rate cuts increased.

Unpacked:

Fidelity’s FBTC saw the largest daily outflow at $66.2 million, while BlackRock’s IBIT gained $24.63 million, solidifying its position as the leading Bitcoin ETF.
Ethereum ETFs outperformed Bitcoin ETFs in August, securing nearly $4 billion in inflows against Bitcoin ETFs’ $622.5 million in outflows, signaling a possible shift in investor preference and momentum.
Bloomberg Intelligence reports that the SEC is reviewing 92 crypto ETF applications, primarily focusing on Solana, XRP, and Litecoin, with final decisions expected in October.

Bottom line:

The recent outflows from Bitcoin ETFs and the historical trend of September price declines creates uncertainty in the short term. Ethereum’s outperformance and the surge in altcoin ETF applications, however, signal evolving opportunities and broader institutional interest in the digital asset space.

Sonic’s $150M Token Issuance Paves Way for U.S. ETF Launch

The TradeWatch: Sonic (formerly Fantom) approved a $150 million token issuance to fund a U.S.-registered ETF launch and institutional investor program, signaling a strategic push into regulated markets, which the community overwhelmingly supported, according to the announcement.

Unpacked:

Sonic’s initiative involves a $50 million ETF fund, a $100 million investment program, and the creation of Sonic USA in New York City.
The move represents a shift from Sonic’s old tokenomics, which left the foundation with limited ability to fund listings and partnerships, to a strategy that aims to compete with projects which traditionally control 50%-90% of their supply.
The plan includes launching a US-regulated ETF with custody handled by BitGo.

Bottom line:

Sonic’s strategic shift toward institutional-grade finance showcases how tokenization can bridge the gap between crypto and traditional markets. With community backing and a clear roadmap for U.S. market penetration, Sonic is positioning itself to bring crypto further into the mainstream investment landscape.

Verto’s Atlas Suite Simplifies Global Finance with API-First Platform

The TradeWatch: Fintech firm Verto has launched The Atlas Suite, an API-first embedded finance platform, aiming to simplify international financial transactions for financial institutions and digital marketplaces, particularly in Africa.

Unpacked:

Verto’s Atlas Suite offers a unified API that enables access to foreign exchange liquidity, virtual business accounts, and compliant international payments, reported by Africa Business Communities.
The suite reduces complexities of compliance, operational costs, and other challenges, offering local account access, deep FX liquidity, and compliant infrastructure across 49 currencies, according to Zawya.
Kenyan travel-tech startup, Triply, is already leveraging Atlas to facilitate cross-border payments for its services.

Bottom line:

The Atlas Suite allows financial institutions to incorporate Verto’s banking, FX, and payment infrastructure within their own platforms. This innovation provides businesses with the freedom to expand into new markets and move money more easily, especially across Africa.

AI to Transform Investment Banking Roles by 2030

The TradeWatch: A new report details how AI is set to transform key investment banking functions, including mergers & acquisitions and trading. AI could automate one-third of tasks, while human judgment remains essential for strategy.

Unpacked:

By 2030, AI may handle as much as 33% of investment banking workflows, handling data analysis, document drafting, and simulating market scenarios.
AI agents will scan data, news, and CRM platforms around the clock to identify strategic targets and flag geopolitical risks.
Traders will use AI recommendations for trades, but human oversight remains crucial for calibrating algorithmic boundaries and ensuring compliance.

Bottom line: The integration of AI will significantly reshape investment banking, automating routine tasks yet preserving the irreplaceable value of human expertise in strategy and client relations. This means professionals must adapt to working alongside AI to thrive in the evolving financial landscape.

The Shortlist

Roblox climbed — As the platform’s popularity surges, investors debate if Roblox stock’s 180% growth can continue amid legal challenges and tepid earnings.
Analysts raised Pagaya’s (PGY) price targets following a record Q2 2025 performance, citing undervalued AI-driven automation.
Goldman projects Arista Networks, Inc (ANET) sees significant gains, outpacing both the technology sector and main competitor Cisco, as of late summer.
Coinbase eyes Australian market in hopes of unlocking the massive $2.8 trillion pension pot for crypto.