Bitcoin and ethereum prices today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Crypto prices rise after SEC announces proposed regulation

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) opened at $64,681.22 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, marking a 0.3% increase from Tuesday's opening price. By 9:25 a.m. ET, the price of Bitcoin had risen to $64,877.66. Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $1,916.47, reflecting a 0.2% increase from Tuesday's opening price. As of 9:24 a.m. ET, Ethereum's value had climbed to $1,936.31.

The market saw an upward trend for both Bitcoin and Ethereum following the SEC's announcement of proposed regulation for crypto assets. The new rules aim to provide a framework for crypto companies to raise capital by defining two registration requirements exemptions for crypto-related investment contracts. Despite still needing to make certain disclosures, issuers with larger offerings will have to provide financial statements and adhere to ongoing reporting requirements.

The proposed rules also enable certain crypto assets to exit securities classification after a project accomplishes core managerial commitments, benefiting mature networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin's price this morning was 0.3% higher than Tuesday's opening price, showcasing a positive trend since last week, month, and year.

Ethereum's price this morning was 0.2% higher than Tuesday's open, with its all-time high reaching $4,953.73 on August 24, 2025, and its low of $0.4209 on October 21, 2015.