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, 0.3% higher than Tuesday's opening price. As of 9:25 a.m. ET this morning, the price of bitcoin moved up to $64,877.66.

Ethereum (ETH-USD) opened at $1,916.47 on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, up 0.2% from Tuesday's opening price. The price of ethereum moved higher this morning to $1,936.31 as of 9:24 a.m. ET.

Bitcoin and ethereum prices opened higher and rose in early trading after the SEC announced new regulation for crypto assets. 

The proposed rules provide a framework for crypto companies to raise capital. They define two registration requirement exemptions for crypto-related investment contracts. Issuers would still be required to make certain disclosures. Larger offerings would have to provide financial statements and meet ongoing reporting requirements. The rules also allow certain crypto assets to exit securities classification, and the related reporting requirements, after a project fulfills core managerial commitments. This would benefit mature crypto networks like bitcoin and ethereum.

Current price of bitcoin and ethereum

Bitcoin

The price of bitcoin this morning was 0.3% higher than Tuesday's opening price. Here's a look at how the opening bitcoin price has changed versus last week, month, and year: