The US's financial pressure on Iraq could escalate tensions, potentially leading to military actions if militia funding isn't curbed.

The post US blocks Iraq dollar shipments to pressure Iran-backed militias appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Russia's crypto bill could boost Bitcoin demand, influencing global market dynamics and potentially increasing institutional interest.

The post Russia’s State Duma passes crypto bill, Bitcoin demand may rise appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The attack undermines diplomatic efforts, increasing regional tensions and complicating prospects for a US-Iran ceasefire agreement.

The post IRGC gunboat attacks container ship off Oman amid ceasefire extension appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The ceasefire extension offers a diplomatic window, but without tangible actions, market skepticism persists, highlighting geopolitical uncertainty.

The post UN chief sees Iran–US ceasefire extension as diplomatic opportunity appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The naval blockade's persistence underscores a diplomatic impasse, reducing market confidence in a swift resolution and impacting negotiations.

The post Iran ready to negotiate if US lifts naval blockade, market odds drop appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Relics of a Revolution, Part IV: The Bank Was Already Burning

Revolutions leave behind artifacts. In the summer of 2011, a painter named Alex Schaefer set up an easel on a sidewalk in Van Nuys, California, and began painting the Chase Bank branch across the street. In his mind, the building was on fire — flames pouring from the windows, black smoke rising over the palm trees, the Chase logo still legible through the heat. He worked en plein air, the way the Impressionists had worked the Seine and the hay fields, except the subject was a branch of the largest bank in America three years after it had been bailed out with public money. A passerby called the police. When the artwork sold on eBay for $25,200 to a German collector, Schaefer did the only logical thing and painted more.

The artworks gathered in Relics of a Revolution at Bitcoin 2026 trace a lineage of dissent that connects street-level protest to the birth of Bitcoin itself — a Tokyo sidewalk in the snow with Kolin Burges, a Los Angeles overpass under wheat paste with Mear One, a botched police raid in Ohio answered with songs and a flag suit with Afroman. Schaefer’s Banks on Fire paintings belong to that same lineage, and they arrive with an art-historical pedigree that sharpens the point. Art critics have drawn the obvious line to Ed Ruscha’s Los Angeles County Museum on Fire (1965–68), the painting that put a cultural institution up in flames and hung it back on the museum’s own wall. Schaefer swapped the museum for the bank, the oil-crisis era for the bailout era, and took the painting out of the studio and onto the sidewalk in front of the building itself — a fact that earned him questioning by LAPD officers who wanted to know if he was a terrorist planning to follow through on his canvases. “Some might say the banks are the terrorists,” he told them. In July 2012 he was arrested outside a downtown Chase branch for chalking the word “Crooks” next to the logo, and spent twelve hours in jail on a misdemeanor vandalism charge.

Born in Los Angeles in 1969 and trained at ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, Schaefer spent eight years as a digital artist — including on the original Spyro the Dragon trilogy — before leaving the screen for the easel and returning to ArtCenter to teach the fundamentals of painting, drawing, and composition. Like Mear One, he spent years working out of downtown Los Angeles, a neighborhood that functioned as ground zero for a decade of American unrest — Occupy LA camped on the lawn of City Hall a few blocks from his studio, the 2012 chalk protests that swept across the country had one of their flashpoints outside a downtown Chase branch, and the area around 5th and San Julian stayed a visible stress test of every system the bailouts were supposed to have fixed. 

The Banks on Fire series began in 2009, in the immediate wake of the financial collapse itself. “All the problems in America,” he has said, “to me seem to point to the same root problem. Which is: the money is bullshit.” The Bitcoin community found him quickly, and for obvious reasons. The Genesis Block’s embedded Times headline — “Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks” — is the same diagnosis in text that Schaefer was making in oil, on the sidewalk, while the building still stood.

I sat down with Alex Schaefer ahead of his panel at Bitcoin 2026 to talk about plein air protest, the 2008 crash, the architecture of bailouts, and what it means to paint a building on fire while the building is still there.

BMAG: Alex, you started the Banks on Fire series in 2009 — not in a studio, but on the sidewalk, en plein air, in front of the actual buildings. For people encountering this work for the first time, can you set the scene? What was happening in the country when you first set up an easel across the street from a Chase branch, and what made the sidewalk the right place to paint it?

Alex: In 2009 I had been (and continue to enjoy) “plein air” painting which means working on location outdoors directly from life; it’s very much associated with the French Impressionists and it’s a very enjoyable thing to do. Since I was living in LA at the time, my favorite motif to paint was urban landscape and I was often set up with an easel and art supplies on the sidewalk so I was used to making art in public. Also in 2009 I was starting to really pay attention to financial news and began a learning process about it that continues to this day. At the time I slowly began to think that the 2008 FiNaNciAL cRiSiS!!1! and subsequent trillion dollar bailouts were not what we were made to believe. Add to this a friend telling me about a show called the Keiser Report. Now Max and Stacy, along with all sorts of news and information on YouTube, are educating me with wit and insight about what was exactly happening. I could only draw one conclusion: This was a crime spree and not only were the perpetrators getting away with it, they were getting paid. Outrageous. AntiAmerican, AntiCapitalist, Anti-Law and Order. A couple years later and duly radicalized, I was seeking a way to express my outrage. I was plein air painting a lot, especially with a friend who lived in Van Nuys. In his neighborhood I saw this Chase Bank that used to be a Washington Mutual that used to be a Home Savings and Loan and it was this beautiful Millard Sheets designed mid-century modern building. That was the eye chocolate falling into the peanut butter of my mind: I am going to paint en plein air this Chase bank like the roof is on fire. One day later I took the following photo:

BMAG: There’s an art-historical line that keeps getting drawn between your work and Ed Ruscha’s Los Angeles County Museum on Fire — a painting that set a cultural institution alight and then hung back on the walls of the institution itself. You swapped the museum for the bank, the oil-crisis era for the bailout era, and took the work out of the studio and onto the sidewalk. When you look at that lineage, do you see yourself as extending a conversation Ruscha started, or diagnosing something he couldn’t have seen yet in the 1960s — the specific rot of a financial system that now runs the culture that used to run it? Is it Deja Vu all over again with the current Middle East situation? 

Alex: I think something that the two paintings share is they were born out of a sense of outrage. But different in that one is about financial terrorism and the other about lack of institutional representation for artists. Ruscha painted his piece from 1965 to 1968, which interestingly was when the French were putting tremendous pressure on the US dollar by swapping their paper dollars for actual gold, which at the time was an incredible bargain in a rigged market. Everyone was feeling the inflation, I’m sure even Ed Ruscha, from stupid foreign and domestic policy government spending, the French knew why (Vietnam), and a couple years later Nixon closed the gold window, letting loose wanton money creation on a scale never imagined. Ironically this turned out to be a benefit for the “Capital A” Art Market via the CIA flooding contemporary American Art auction houses with cash promoting this idea of American Exceptionalism; i.e., not only did America beat you commies to the Moon, our art is better too (read: more expensive). 1973 was the famous Bob Scull auction of his contemporary art collection that broke all price records at the time. The game was on.

BMAG: The LAPD questioned you as a possible terror suspect while you were painting, and in 2012 you were arrested for chalking the word “Crooks” next to a Chase logo — twelve hours in jail on a misdemeanor vandalism charge. Mear was censored and nearly cancelled. Kolin was told by Mt. Gox that if he kept protesting everyone would lose their bitcoin. Afroman had seven deputies with assault rifles kick in his door. What did being treated as a threat by the state teach you about the artwork itself — and about what the institutions you were painting were actually afraid of?

Alex: The powers that be, the institutions, want the public to be mad at each other. Picture those hierarchy pyramid illustrations and on one level is “The Public” and above them on the pyramid are layers like Police, the Justice System, Politicians, C-Suite Executives, Banks, Central Banks, Satan etc. Every layer above The Public over centuries has created ways to exert power over Us, for all sorts of reasons but mainly because they are afraid of Us directing the sum of all our anger at the aforementioned upper layers. They use their favorite trick and divide The Public into different factions with each side getting their own custom grievances and scapegoats. Then the mainstream media does its job of winding people up on both sides and voila: anger and outrage side to side and Us toward each other, but none of that directed above. As soon as someone in The Public layer starts calling out an injustice in an upper layer, troubles will come to them. Everyone you mentioned, Mear, Kolin, Afroman, 1st Amendment auditors, tax protestors etc., all know this. My experience with this ongoing Burning Banks series has taught me many things over the years about art, the art world, the financial world, Truth, Justice, the American Way etc. Great things, scary things, profound things… But the first thing it taught me is the power of spectacle and that when the spirit moves you powerfully to do something, even though it might seem a little weird or scary you gotta go with it.

BMAG: You’ve said, plainly, that “the money is bullshit” — that all the disconnected problems in America point back to the same root. How did you arrive at that diagnosis, and when you first encountered bitcoin, did it feel like confirmation of something you’d already been painting, or like a different kind of answer to the same question?

Alex: I think I would more accurately say that “fiat” money aka currency aka the federal reserve note, is bullshit. Fiat currency was invented centuries ago to wage war and the US PetroDollar is no different. Endless war, wars of aggression, the War on drugs, the War on cancer… you name it there’s a war going on either for or against it and at the end of the day it’s all funded by the Federal Reserve. Every terrible idea put forth by our so-called leaders gets funded. It’s true: “The love of money is the root of all evil’ but in the case of the US Dollar, it’s actually the money itself not just the love of it. The way that it’s created out of thin air and the implications of that fundamentally shows nothing but utter disregard and disrespect for the value of human life and human labor. Despite that, civilization needs “money”. Good money that is. The social construct that is money is older than capitalism, it’s frankly as old as society itself and is the means for complex and specialized societies to form, grow and flourish. For millennia that function was fulfilled by gold and silver, they possess the classical qualities of Sound Money in that they are scarce, fungible, transportable, divisible, durable, a unit of measurement and medium for exchange. Once you accept this as a fact, then you learn about bitcoin, it slowly then suddenly dawns on a person that it is the greatest form that the concept of Money has ever taken. And then you start to really think that if we can fix the money, we truly can fix the world! Defund Evil!

BMAG: This exhibition is called Relics of a Revolution, and it puts your work in conversation with Kolin’s Mt. Gox protest sign, Mear’s Occupy-era murals and wheatpaste protest posters, and Afroman’s flag suit — alongside an original copy of The Times from January 3, 2009, the newspaper Satoshi encoded into the Genesis Block. The dollar bill works you’re showing here take a different route to the same thesis. What do you want someone walking through this exhibition to take away — especially someone who knows bitcoin as a price ticker but has never thought of it as the continuation of a fight that artists, cypherpunks, and protestors have been in for decades?

Alex: Honestly, as with all my paintings, I want people to be visually struck by something first and foremost… Whether it’s the paint surface, the color, the contrast, the effect of light, the imagery, just be interesting to the eyes first, then the mind. I find the low resolution pixelated quality of the Devaluation series pieces to be fascinating to look at. There is an interesting interplay happening between the eye and mind of the viewer; the painting is complete but it is also “completed” in the viewer’s mind. The viewer gives more to the image by way of their imagination than is actually visually imparted by the painting itself. “Am I seeing what I think I’m seeing?” Then one might question the subject matter and how it’s depicted with the concept of Devaluation. At what point can the painting become so pixelated that you can’t even make it out for what it is anymore? Just like at what point can the Dollar become so watered down and extended and pretended that it entirely loses its “Tinkerbell Effect” and ceases to perform it’s crucial function around the World. We may find out.

This is Part IV of the Relics of a Revolution interview series accompanying the Relics of a Revolution exhibition. Part I features Kolin Burges, Part II Mear One, Part III Afroman. 

Fix the money. Fix the world.

Clean and minimal: Schaefer will exhibit artwork on view at Bitcoin 2026, April 27–29, at The Venetian Resort, Las Vegas, and will appear on a speaking panel moderated by Dennis Koch titled “Looking at Bitcoin Art Through a Protest Lens” alongside Kolin Burges and Mear One. Bid on Schaefer’s work HERE. 

The Bitcoin Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) is the curatorial and cultural programming division of BTC Inc and the Bitcoin Conference. Since 2019, the BMAG conference art gallery has facilitated more than 120 BTC in art and collectible sales. Learn more about BMAG at museum.b.tc. Follow BMAG on twitter @BMAG_HQ.

Bundle your Bitcoin 2026 pass with a stay at The Venetian and get your fourth night free. Use code AFTERS for a free After Hours Pass, or get your pass alone here. 

This post Relics of a Revolution, Part IV: The Bank Was Already Burning first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Dennis Koch.

Bitcoin Magazine

Kalshi and Polymarket Enter the Crypto Race to Launch Perpetual Futures

Two of the largest prediction market platforms in the United States are set to enter the crypto derivatives space within days of each other, marking a shift in how these platforms compete for traders.

Kalshi, the CFTC-regulated prediction market valued at $11 billion, will launch cryptocurrency perpetual futures on April 27 in New York City. The company teased the product under the codename “Timeless” — a name that maps onto the contract’s core feature: no expiration date . CEO Tarek Mansour revealed the launch date through a cryptic LinkedIn video featuring a rotating torus shape. Bitcoin and several other cryptocurrencies are expected at launch, with U.S. dollars as the initial accepted collateral .

Hours before that announcement spread across crypto media on April 21, rival Polymarket made its own move. The platform, valued at $9 billion, announced the launch of perpetual futures trading today on X, letting users go long or short on prediction market outcomes around the clock without waiting for event contracts to expire . The timing was not coincidental. Polymarket framed its product as a way to “go long or short the markets you know 24/7,” in a direct bid to establish a position before Kalshi’s April 27 event.

Perpetual crypto contracts

The mechanics of perpetual futures differ from standard event contracts. Traders can hold positions on asset prices without owning the underlying token, and a funding rate keeps the contract price aligned with spot markets. 

For Kalshi, the product represents its first venture beyond event-based binary contracts. For Polymarket, it adds a continuous trading layer to a platform that has operated on a resolution-based model.

Both platforms have posted strong numbers heading into this product race. Prediction market transactions hit a record 192 million in March 2026. Kalshi reported monthly crypto trading volumes above $1 billion in March for the first time, based on user-compiled data from Dune Analytics. Kalshi processes more than $100 billion in annualized trading volume, while Polymarket reported weekly notional volume above $1 billion through the first quarter of 2026.

Kalshi’s regulatory standing under the CFTC gives it a structural advantage over offshore derivatives platforms. The CFTC chair has said the agency plans to bring perpetual futures under its oversight, a development that could favor regulated venues. Kalshi also plans to introduce stablecoin collateral for its perpetual products in the second quarter.

NY sues prediction market makers

Earlier today, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a lawsuit against Coinbase and Gemini, alleging their prediction market platforms operate as unlicensed gambling services under state law. The lawsuits claim the platforms allow betting on event outcomes without proper approval and may expose underage users to financial risk.

Editorial Disclaimer: We leverage AI as part of our editorial workflow, including to support research, image generation, and quality assurance processes. All content is directed, reviewed, and approved by our editorial team, who are accountable for accuracy and integrity. AI-generated images use only tools trained on properly license material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Kalshi and Polymarket Enter the Crypto Race to Launch Perpetual Futures first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour To Speak at Bitcoin 2026 Conference on Prediction Markets and BTC

A new fireside chat has been announced for Bitcoin 2026 featuring Tarek Mansour, co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, in conversation with Brandon Green, CEO of BTC Inc. The session takes place April 27 at 11:40 AM on the Nakamoto Stage at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

Tarek Mansour is the co-founder and CEO of Kalshi, one of the world’s largest federally regulated financial exchanges for trading on events. Founded in 2018, Kalshi created and established prediction markets as a new financial asset class called “event contracts,” which allow traders to take positions on whether a future event will happen or not. Mansour previously worked as a quantitative trader at Goldman Sachs and Citadel, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Mathematics and a Master of Engineering from MIT.

Kalshi raised $300 million in new funding at a $5 billion valuation in a round led by Sequoia Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, with participation from Coinbase Ventures and Paradigm, among others. The company’s annualized trading volume surged from $300 million the prior year to an expected $50 billion. Bitcoin is central to Kalshi’s infrastructure — the platform accepts Bitcoin deposits and has positioned itself at the intersection of regulated financial markets and the digital asset ecosystem. The platform now covers events ranging from elections and economic indicators to cultural moments giving participants a way to take a direct financial position on what happens in the real world.

Brandon Green has been a core member of BTC Inc. since joining in 2017, holding leadership roles including Managing Director, Chief of Staff, Head of Events, and now as CEO, has helped drive the global expansion of the Bitcoin Conference franchise to Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Abu Dhabi.

The conversation will offer an on-stage look at how prediction markets are reshaping the way people engage with information, risk, and real-world events — and what Kalshi’s growth means for Bitcoin’s expanding role in regulated financial markets.

Bitcoin 2026 is Returning to Las Vegas

Bitcoin 2026 will take place April 27–29 at The Venetian, Las Vegas, and is expected to be the biggest Bitcoin event of the year.

Focused on the future of money, Bitcoin 2026 will bring together Bitcoin builders, investors, miners, policymakers, technologists, and newcomers from around the world. The event will feature a wide range of pass types, including general admission passes designed specifically for those new to Bitcoin, alongside premium passes for professionals, enterprises, and institutions.

With multiple stages, immersive experiences, technical workshops, and headline keynotes, Bitcoin 2026 is designed to serve both first-time attendees and long-time Bitcoiners shaping the next era of global adoption.

Past Bitcoin Conferences in the U.S.

Bitcoin’s flagship conference has scaled dramatically over the past five years:

• 2021 – Miami: 11,000 attendees
• 2022 – Miami: 26,000 attendees
• 2023 – Miami: 15,000 attendees
• 2024 – Nashville: 22,000 attendees
• 2025 – Las Vegas: 35,000 attendees

Get Your Bitcoin 2026 Pass

Bitcoin Magazine readers can save 10% on Bitcoin 2026 tickets using code ‘ARTICLE10‘ at checkout.

Stay at The official hotel of Bitcoin 2026, The Venetian, and get a guaranteed low rate plus 15% off your pass. Be in the middle of where the fun is all happening, and where the networking never ends.

And don’t forget:

Volunteer at Bitcoin 2026 and get Pro Pass access plus exclusive perks.

All students ages 13+ can apply for a Student Pass and get free general admission access to Bitcoin 2026.

Location: The Venetian, Las Vegas
Dates: April 27–29, 2026

For more information and exclusive offers, visit the Bitcoin Conference on X here.

Why Attend Bitcoin 2026?

Bitcoin 2026 is the definitive gathering for anyone serious about the future of money. With 500+ speakers, multiple world-class stages, and programming spanning Bitcoin fundamentals, open-source development, enterprise adoption, mining, energy, AI, policy, and culture, the conference brings every corner of the Bitcoin ecosystem together under one roof.

From headline keynotes on the Nakamoto Stage to deep technical sessions for builders, institutional strategy discussions for enterprises, and beginner-friendly Bitcoin 101 education, Bitcoin 2026 is designed for everyone—from first-time attendees to the leaders shaping Bitcoin’s global adoption.

Whether you’re looking to learn, build, invest, network, or influence, Bitcoin 2026 is where Bitcoin’s next chapter is written.

Bitcoin 2026 Pass Types: Something for Everyone

Bitcoin 2026 offers a range of pass options designed to meet the needs of newcomers, professionals, enterprises, and high-net-worth Bitcoiners alike.

Bitcoin 2026 General Admission Pass

Ideal for newcomers and those looking to experience the heart of the conference.

• Limited access on Days 2 & 3
• Entry to Main Stage
• Access to Genesis Stage
• Full access to the Expo Hall

Bitcoin 2026 Pro Pass

Designed for professionals, operators, and serious Bitcoin participants.

Includes all General Admission features, plus:

• Full 3-day access, including Pro Day
• Entry to the Pro Pass Reception
• Access to Enterprise Hall, Enterprise Stage, and Networking Lounge
• Conference App networking features
• Access to the Bitcoin For Corporations Symposium
• Entry to Compute Village and Energy Stage
• Complimentary lunch, coffee, tea, and snacks
• Dedicated registration and check-in
• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• Huge savings when you bundle your hotel and Pro Pass

Bitcoin 2026 Whale Pass

The all-inclusive, premium Bitcoin 2026 experience.

Includes all Pro Pass features, plus:

• Reserved seating at Main Stage
• All-inclusive gourmet food and beverages
• Entry to Whale Night and Whale Reception
• Access to all official after-parties
• Networking app access to connect with other Whales
• Premium access to The Deep — an exclusive networking lounge with intimate speaker sessions
• Complimentary stay at The Venetian when you bundle your whale pass and hotel (use promo code ‘WHALEHOTEL’ here)

This is the most immersive way to experience Bitcoin 2026.

Bitcoin 2026 After Hours Pass

Your ticket to the night.

Most deals are done with a drink in your hand. Get exclusive access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties across Las Vegas — each with a 2-hour open bar — where the real conversations happen and the best connections are made.

• Access to 3 official Bitcoin 2026 after-parties
• 2-hour open bar at each event
• Evening events across Las Vegas, April 27–29
• Network with Bitcoiners, builders, and industry leaders after hours

More headline speaker announcements are coming soon.

Don’t miss Bitcoin 2026.

This post Kalshi CEO Tarek Mansour To Speak at Bitcoin 2026 Conference on Prediction Markets and BTC first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

Bitcoin Magazine

New York Sues Coinbase and Gemini Over Alleged Illegal Prediction Market Gambling Operations

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed lawsuits against Coinbase Financial Markets and Gemini Titan, alleging that both companies operate illegal gambling platforms through prediction markets available in New York.

The lawsuits claim that Coinbase and Gemini allow users to place bets on outcomes of events including sports games, entertainment awards, and elections. According to the complaint, these markets function as gambling under New York law because users risk money on uncertain outcomes outside their control.

Attorney General James stated that the platforms operate without licenses from the New York State Gaming Commission. The state requires licensing for gambling operations, including mobile sports betting. The lawsuits assert that Coinbase and Gemini have not obtained such approval while offering their products to users in New York.

The filings state that users aged 18 to 20 can access the platforms. New York law sets 21 as the minimum age for mobile sports betting. The Attorney General’s office argues that this access exposes younger users to financial risk and potential harm.

The complaints seek court orders requiring the companies to forfeit profits earned from the prediction markets. The state also seeks civil fines equal to three times those profits and restitution for affected users. The filings request restrictions on participation by users under 21 and limits on marketing practices that reach college campuses.

New York Attorney General: Prediction markets are gambling 

The lawsuits describe prediction markets as systems where users trade contracts tied to event outcomes. The Attorney General’s office argues that these contracts meet the legal definition of gambling because outcomes depend on chance or external events rather than user control.

The filings reference research from the National Institutes of Health that links early exposure to gambling with increased risk of anxiety, depression, and financial strain. The lawsuits also cite research from the American Psychological Association stating that a significant share of individuals with gambling disorders report suicidal ideation.

The complaints include allegations that the platforms allow betting on events involving New York college teams, which state law restricts.

Coinbase and Gemini launched prediction markets in mid-December and operate in all 50 states, according to court documents referenced in the filings. The Attorney General’s office states that the platforms present themselves as financial products while functioning as gambling systems.

The legal action forms part of a broader enforcement effort by New York authorities targeting online gambling and crypto-related platforms. The Attorney General’s office has previously taken action against video game companies and sweepstakes casino operators for alleged violations of state gambling laws.

The lawsuits also highlight ongoing regulatory disputes between state and federal authorities over prediction markets. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has asserted federal jurisdiction over certain event-based contracts. Federal court cases have addressed whether state regulators can restrict such markets under gambling laws.

This post New York Sues Coinbase and Gemini Over Alleged Illegal Prediction Market Gambling Operations first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 45,000 BTC as Warsh and Paparo Back Bitcoin’s Role

Bitcoin traded near $76,000 on Tuesday morning as fresh on-chain data revealed that the cryptocurrency’s largest holders have been accumulating at their fastest pace in over a year — a confluence of whale demand and easing geopolitical risk that is reshaping the near-term price picture.

Bitcoin opened near $76,000, up 2.7% from Monday’s lows of $73,854.25. The price action comes on top of a wave of institutional buying that analysts say has tightened available supply. Wallets classified as “whales” — those holding between 100 and 10,000 BTC — added roughly 45,000 BTC last week, the largest single-week accumulation since July 2025, per data from Cex.IO. 

What distinguishes this round of buying is the coordination: whales purchased in sync rather than in isolation. This is a conviction-driven positioning rather than opportunistic dip-buying. Over the past three months, long-term holders added more than 1 million BTC to cold storage, and exchange reserves have dropped to a multi-year low of approximately 2.21 million BTC.

Institutional players have matched that aggression. Strategy added 34,164 BTC in a single week between April 13 and April 19, paying an average price of $74,395 per coin for a total outlay of roughly $2.54 billion. ETF inflows contributed another layer of demand pressure, with $1.29 billion entering Bitcoin funds in recent sessions. 

Morgan Stanley has also crossed $100 million in Bitcoin holdings, a milestone that signals growing appetite among traditional Wall Street firms.

Bitcoin acknowledgment from U.S. government officials  

Earlier today, Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh told Congress that digital assets are “already part of the fabric” of U.S. financial services, signaling a view that crypto is now embedded within mainstream financial infrastructure rather than operating on its margins.

Separately, Admiral Samuel Paparo of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Bitcoin is a “valuable computer science tool as power projection,” describing it as a peer-to-peer, zero-trust system with strategic implications. 

He emphasized its underlying cryptographic architecture and suggested that Bitcoin-related technologies could influence both offensive and defensive cyber capabilities, as well as broader instruments of national power.

Taken together, the remarks reflect growing institutional acceptance of Bitcoin and digital assets across both financial and national security domains. Warsh’s framing highlights normalization within U.S. markets and policy circles, while Paparo’s comments point to the conversation on defense strategy.

This post Bitcoin Whales Accumulate 45,000 BTC as Warsh and Paparo Back Bitcoin’s Role first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

In just under three weeks, cyber operatives linked to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) have stolen more than $500 million from crypto DeFi platforms.

This marks a drastic escalation in Pyongyang’s state-sponsored campaign to bankroll its weapons programs through cryptocurrency theft.

Drift and KelpDAO drive North Korea's over $500 million DeFi exploits

Notably, the twin devastating exploits targeting the Drift Protocol and KelpDAO have pushed North Korea’s illicit crypto haul for the year well past the $700 million mark.

The staggering losses underscore a shift in tactics by Kim Jong Un’s cyber army, which is increasingly weaponizing complex supply-chain vulnerabilities and executing deep-cover human infiltration to bypass standard security perimeters.

On April 20, cross-chain infrastructure provider LayerZero confirmed that KelpDAO suffered an exploit resulting in the loss of approximately $290 million. The breach, which occurred on April 18, now stands as the largest single crypto hack of 2026.

The firm stated that preliminary forensics point directly to TraderTraitor, a specialized cell operating within North Korea's notorious Lazarus Group.

Just weeks earlier, on April 1, the Solana-based decentralized perpetual futures exchange Drift Protocol was drained of an estimated $286 million.

Blockchain intelligence firm Elliptic swiftly connected the on-chain laundering methodologies, transaction sequencing, and network-level signatures to previously established DPRK attack vectors, noting it was the 18th such incident the firm had tracked this year alone.

Related Reading

Compromised developers lying dormant within crypto projects risks next major crypto exploit

The bigger risk after Drift may be the access attackers gain before a protocol knows it has a problem.

Apr 8, 2026 · Gino Matos

Exploiting the infrastructure periphery

The methodology behind the April attacks reveals a maturation in how state-sponsored hackers target decentralized finance (DeFi). Instead of attacking hardened core smart contracts head-on, operatives are identifying and exploiting the structural periphery.

In the case of the KelpDAO attack, LayerZero explained that the hackers compromised the downstream Remote Procedure Call (RPC) infrastructure utilized by the LayerZero Labs Decentralized Verifier Network (DVN).

By poisoning these critical data pathways, the attackers manipulated the protocol’s operations without compromising its core cryptography. LayerZero has since deprecated the affected nodes and fully restored DVN operations, but the financial damage had already been finalized.

This indirect approach highlights a terrifying evolution in cyber warfare.

Blockchain security firm Cyvers told CryptoSlate that North Korea-linked attackers are showing increased sophistication and investing more resources, both in preparation and execution, to carry out their malicious attacks.

The firm added:

“We also observe how they consistently find the weakest link. In this case, it was a third party rather than the protocol's core infrastructure.”

The strategy heavily mirrors traditional corporate cyberespionage and shows that DPRK-linked breaches were becoming harder to stop.

Recent incidents, such as the supply-chain compromise of the widely used Axios npm software package, which Google researchers linked to a distinct DPRK threat actor dubbed UNC1069, demonstrate an ongoing, methodical effort to poison the well before the software even reaches the blockchain ecosystem.

North Korea infiltrates crypto workforce

Beyond technical exploits, North Korea is currently executing a massive, coordinated infiltration of the global crypto labor market.

The threat model has fundamentally shifted from remote hacking campaigns to placing malicious insiders directly onto the payrolls of unsuspecting Web3 startups.

A grueling six-month investigation by the Ketman Project, an initiative operating under the Ethereum Foundation’s ETH Rangers security program, recently concluded with startling findings: roughly 100 North Korean cyber operatives are currently embedded inside various blockchain companies.

Operating under fabricated identities, these sophisticated IT workers routinely pass standard human resources screenings, gain access to sensitive internal code repositories, and sit quietly within product teams for months, or even years, before initiating a calculated attack.

This intelligence-agency-style patience was further corroborated by independent blockchain investigator ZachXBT.

He recently exposed a specialized DPRK network that has been generating roughly $1 million a month by using fraudulent personas to secure remote work.

This specific scheme funnels crypto-to-fiat transfers through sanctioned global financial channels and has processed over $3.5 million since late 2025.

Industry estimates suggest that Pyongyang’s broader deployment of IT workers generates multiple seven-figure sums monthly.

This creates a dual-pronged revenue stream for the regime: the steady accumulation of fraudulent wages, paired with the catastrophic windfalls of insider-facilitated protocol exploits.

North Korea's laundering Networks and macroeconomic survival

The sheer scale of North Korea's digital asset operations dwarfs that of any traditional cybercriminal syndicate.

According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, DPRK-linked hackers stole a record $2 billion in 2025 alone, accounting for a staggering 60% of all global cryptocurrency thefts that year. That figure was heavily bolstered by a devastating $1.5 billion raid on the Bybit exchange in February 2025.

Factoring in this year's brutal campaign, North Korea's all-time crypto-asset haul is estimated at $6.75 billion.

Once the funds are stolen, Lazarus Group operatives exhibit highly specific, regionalized laundering patterns. Unlike ordinary crypto criminals who frequently utilize decentralized exchanges (DEXs) and peer-to-peer lending protocols, DPRK actors actively avoid them.

Instead, on-chain data reveals a heavy reliance on Chinese-language guarantee services, deep over-the-counter (OTC) broker networks, and complex cross-chain mixing services.

This specific preference points to structural constraints and deeply established, geographically limited off-ramps rather than broad, unrestricted access to the global financial system.

Can these attacks be prevented?

Security researchers and industry executives say the answer is yes, but only if crypto firms address the same operational weaknesses that continue to surface in major breaches.

Terence Kwok, founder of Humanity, told CryptoSlate that the pattern behind many of these North Korea-linked losses still points to familiar weaknesses rather than entirely new forms of cyber intrusion.

In his view, North Korean actors are improving both their access methods and their ability to move stolen funds, but the damage often still traces back to poor access controls and concentrated operational risk.

He explained:

“What’s striking is how often the damage still comes down to the same weak points around access control and single points of failure. That tells you the industry still has some basic security discipline issues it has not solved.”

Considering this, Kwok stated that the industry's first line of defense is to make asset movement materially harder to compromise. That means imposing tighter controls over private keys, internal permissions, and third-party access across the software stack.

In practice, that would require firms to reduce reliance on individual operators, limit privileged access, harden vendor dependencies, and build more checks around the infrastructure that sits between core protocols and the outside world.

The second priority is speed. Once stolen funds begin moving across chains, through bridges, or into laundering networks, the chances of recovery fall sharply. Kwok said exchanges, stablecoin issuers, blockchain analytics firms, and law enforcement agencies need to coordinate far faster during the first minutes and hours after a breach if they want to improve containment.

His comments point to a broader reality for the sector.

Crypto systems are often hardest to defend where code, people, and operations meet. A compromised credential, a weak vendor dependency, or an overlooked permissions failure can create an opening large enough to drain hundreds of millions of dollars.

The challenge for DeFi is no longer just writing resilient smart contracts. It is securing the operational perimeter around them before attackers exploit the next weak link.

The post North Korea hit crypto for $500M+ this month — and the $6.75 billion threat is not over yet appeared first on CryptoSlate.

RAVE briefly crossed a $6.7 billion valuation on Apr. 18 before collapsing nearly 95% in hours. The market infrastructure surrounding the token, consisting of thin float, concentrated supply, and a live perpetual market, drove the scale of both the rally and the destruction.

ZachXBT alleged that insiders controlled more than 90% of RAVE's supply, with roughly 75% in a single wallet and approximately 10% more spread across two connected wallets.

Binance and Bitget both publicly acknowledged they were investigating, and OKX's Star Xu stated that his exchange's risk engine registered no disruption and added a $25,000 bounty to support ZachXBT's investigation.

RaveDAO publicly denied responsibility.

The mechanism

What traders call “scam coins” is often a repeatable derivatives structure.

The loop runs when a token with concentrated supply and a tiny effective float receives a perpetual market listing. Bearish traders pile into shorts, and a small push in thin spot liquidity triggers forced buying that sends the price vertical.

When the token's valuation increases severalfold, concentrated holders sell into that forced bid.

Binance's own Mar. 25 market maker red flags guide explicitly warned about coordinated sell-offs across platforms, volume that does not match price behavior, price spikes in thin liquidity, and shallow order books that make prices easier to push artificially.

CoinGlass data from the post-crash period shows approximately $3.36 billion in 24-hour futures volume versus $138.9 million in spot volume, a 24.7x derivatives-to-spot ratio. Open interest of roughly $105.7 million represented about 67.3% of the market cap.

If roughly 85% of supply could not realistically trade, RAVE's open interest exceeded the mark-to-market value of its effective float.

Using CoinGlass' post-crash price of approximately $0.625, 15% of a one-billion-token supply yields an effective float of approximately $93.8 million, which is lower than the $105.7 million in open interest sitting on top of it.

That data point falls short of proving manipulation, but it describes a market in which derivative exposure had outgrown the cash market beneath it.

The same structure for three different tokens

On Mar. 23, SIREN's open interest climbed to approximately $105 million before retreating to $65 million as short positions faced liquidation. Binance and Bybit together recorded roughly $7.1 million in liquidations during that period.

More than 59% of positions still leaned short once the initial squeeze concluded, leaving the market structurally exposed to another round of forced covering.

Phemex reported that one wallet cluster controlled roughly 88% of SIREN's supply and flagged a funding rate of -0.2989%, one of the clearest visible signs of a crowded-short setup. CoinGlass now places SIREN's futures-to-spot turnover at approximately 40.5x.

A deeply negative funding rate means short-position holders pay longs to maintain their trades. When that condition coexists with concentrated spot supply and thin real float, price discovery effectively moves to the derivatives layer, and whoever controls the cash market can choose when to squeeze.

ARIA illustrates the exit side, as the token addresses suspected of manipulating ARIA sold 45.64 million tokens for approximately 5.42 million USDT. The token fell 91%, with market cap collapsing from roughly $315 million to $38.5 million.

Even with that collapse behind it, CoinGlass shows ARIA's futures-to-spot turnover at approximately 12.0x, with open interest at roughly 77.7% of remaining market cap.

RAVE, SIREN, and ARIA map the same investigative structure, the squeeze in progress, and the post-dump residue at three different moments.

The infrastructure enabling the most effective moves in each episode runs through venues that had already published guidance explicitly describing those very moves.

Binance's Mar. 25 guide and its public acknowledgment of the RAVE investigation both come from the same institution managing the same business tension. Listing volatile, thin-float assets with perpetual markets generates fee revenue at scale.

The 24.7x, 40.5x, and 12.0x futures-to-spot ratios for RAVE, SIREN, and ARIA also represent revenue figures. Futures volume on RAVE alone hit roughly $3.36 billion in a single day post-crash.

Exchanges can point to surveillance and investigation as evidence of responsibility, while retail traders can point to the listings themselves as evidence of the opposite.

Two paths from here

If venues adopt float-aware listing standards, with minimum circulation thresholds, wallet-concentration screens, and lower leverage caps on thin-book assets, the frequency of these episodes drops.

Binance's Mar. 25 red flag framework already gives exchanges a ready-made rationale for such requirements.

The constructive case rests on RAVE becoming the episode that moves listing standards from informal guidance to enforceable policy, because the reputational cost of another high-profile investigation finally exceeds the listing fee revenue.

The opposite path is equally coherent, as the incentive structure that produced RAVE, SIREN, and ARIA is intact. Concentrated holders can repeatedly use exchange deposits, narrative catalysts, and crowded short positioning to force liquidations.

A separate CoinGlass market share report found that crypto trading activity in the first quarter was still overwhelmingly concentrated in derivatives, with roughly $18.63 trillion in derivatives volume versus $1.94 trillion in spot volume.

If no hard float or depth requirements emerge, the practical warning sign for traders becomes a recognizable cluster consisting of top-wallet concentration above 80%, futures-to-spot turnover crossing double digits, extreme negative funding, and price action that corresponds to no identifiable catalyst.

That cluster describes what the three episodes had in common: one wallet cluster controlling an outright majority of supply, real tradable float governing price sensitivity, exchange deposits tied to project-linked wallets preceding the rally, and withdrawals arriving during the forced bid.

Retail shorts who identify that concentration, do the on-chain work, and position correctly can still be right on every fundamental point and lose because their timing is exposed to forced buying they cannot predict.

That asymmetry is a feature of listing perp markets on assets where a small number of wallets can dictate the effective supply available to the cash market.

Major venues have now publicly acknowledged that at least one such episode warranted an investigation.

The post How crypto futures markets are feeding ‘scam coin’ insider pump and dumps appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Solana processes over 162 million transactions daily at slot times averaging 390 milliseconds. For most users, that speed is more than sufficient. For trading firms, arbitrage bots, and liquidation engines, it is barely enough margin to work with.

The difference between landing a transaction in slot 0 and landing it in slot 2 is not a rounding error. It is the difference between a profitable execution and a missed opportunity with fees already paid. On Solana, landing late is not free. Priority fees paid to win a slot are still charged when the transaction arrives after the opportunity is gone.

This is the problem that P2P.org built Syncro Sender to solve.

The real bottleneck is not Solana. It is the path to the leader.

Most teams submitting transactions to Solana are using public RPC endpoints. These are designed for accessibility and general use, not for execution-critical workflows. They share bandwidth across thousands of concurrent users, offer no prioritization for time-sensitive transactions, and route through a constrained set of paths with no guarantee of directness or delivery speed.

Research found that Stake-Weighted Quality of Service is the most effective mechanism for reducing transaction landing latency across all transaction types, outperforming both priority fees and Jito tips. Standard public RPC endpoints, those not peered with a staked validator, cannot access SWQoS priority bandwidth. They compete for the remaining approximately 20% of leader capacity alongside every other unstaked connection on the network.

The result is structural: teams relying on public RPC are competing for the remaining 20% of available bandwidth, regardless of how much they pay in priority fees. Fees influence ordering after a transaction arrives. They do nothing to improve the probability that it arrives at all.

This is not an API problem. It is a network design problem.

What makes Syncro Sender different from other Solana transaction senders

Syncro Sender is a Solana transaction sender built on P2P.org‘s validator infrastructure, designed specifically for execution-critical workflows. Several architectural choices differentiate it from standard RPC submission and from competing sender solutions.

Validator-level routing through SWQoS connections. Syncro Sender routes transactions through P2P.org‘s staked validator infrastructure, giving transactions access to priority bandwidth lanes reserved for staked connections. This happens at the network layer, before fee-based ordering comes into play. The advantage is most pronounced during congestion, which is precisely when it matters most for trading and liquidation workflows.

Multi-path delivery to current and upcoming leaders. Rather than relying on a single submission path, Syncro Sender sends transactions simultaneously through multiple routes: directly to the current block leader, toward upcoming leaders identified through the leader schedule, and through staked validator connections in parallel. Whichever path reaches the leader first determines the outcome. The others become redundant. Independent 2025 benchmarks of Solana transaction endpoints confirmed that without SWQoS and well-placed infrastructure, even high-fee transactions consistently land in the seconds range. Multi-path delivery through staked connections pushes teams into sub-second territory, which already places them ahead of the majority of network traffic.

Global infrastructure across six regions. Syncro Sender endpoints are deployed in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, New York, London, Tokyo, and Singapore. Because the Solana leader schedule rotates continuously, consistent performance across different slot leaders requires geographic coverage, not proximity to a single location. The endpoint closest to the active validator cluster handles each submission, minimizing network hops and reducing latency at every step.

Drop-in integration with no logic changes. Syncro Sender works as an additional submission endpoint alongside existing infrastructure. Teams do not need to rebuild their transaction flow, change their signing logic, or replace their current providers. The only required change is adding a tip instruction to the transaction. Most teams run Syncro Sender in parallel with their current setup, compare landing performance on real transaction flow, and evaluate results directly.

Solana transaction landing performance in production

Syncro Sender reports a 99.2% transaction inclusion rate and a 99% slot 0 to 1 landing rate across production traffic from trading firms and searchers. Average latency sits at 1.2 slots.

For context, a July 2025 peer-reviewed study published in ACM Proceedings on Software Engineering, analyzing over 1.5 billion failed Solana transactions, found that automated accounts experience a transaction failure rate of 58.43%. For execution-critical teams, the gap between network-average performance and purpose-built infrastructure is where execution outcomes are decided.

Built on P2P.org validator infrastructure

P2P.org is one of the largest non-custodial staking providers in the industry, with over 10 billion dollars in assets under validation across 40 blockchain networks. Syncro Sender is built directly on that validator infrastructure, which means the staked connections it routes through are not sourced from third parties. They are P2P.org‘s own validator relationships, maintained and operated as part of the same infrastructure stack that secures billions in staked assets.

That infrastructure depth is what enables the SWQoS priority routing and global endpoint coverage that define Syncro Sender's performance profile.

Getting started

Syncro Sender is available via a public endpoint for testing with no API key required, and via a dedicated private endpoint for production use cases. The public endpoint supports up to 1 request per second at a tip of 0.0001 SOL per landed transaction. The dedicated endpoint supports up to 50 requests per second with full RPC method support.

Teams looking to understand how Solana transaction landing works before integrating can read the full technical breakdown in P2P.org's Solana transaction landing explainer. Full integration documentation, including endpoint details, tip configuration, and code examples, is available in the Syncro Sender documentation.

For teams where execution is the edge, routing is where that edge is built or lost.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. CryptoSlate does not endorse any of the projects mentioned in this article. Investors are encouraged to perform necessary due diligence.

The post How P2P.org Built a Solana Transaction Sender for Teams That Cannot Afford to Miss a Slot appeared first on CryptoSlate.

A recent American Bankers Association (ABA) ad running across Washington shows a clear edge in a campaign that has been running for months.

The ad reads:

“Protect local lending while embracing innovation. Tell Senators to close the stablecoin loophole.”

ABA's advertising archive documents Politico Morning Money placements during the week of Mar. 9, urging senators to act on stablecoin yield, as well as a separate digital campaign targeting Congress, the White House, and regulatory agencies.

In January, more than 3,200 bankers signed a letter calling on the Senate to close what they called the “payment of interest loophole.”

ABA-backed trade groups followed with a joint letter asking Congress to codify a comprehensive ban on stablecoin inducements paid by issuers, affiliated platforms, or third-party partners.

ABA's Community Bankers Council added that $6.6 trillion in deposits could migrate if the language stays loose. Those are advocacy figures documenting how coordinated and sustained the campaign has been.

All of it is now landing on a Senate calendar that has very little room.

The House passed the CLARITY Act on July 17, 2025, by a margin of 294 to 134, wide enough to give the Senate a clear mandate to act. Senate Banking Chair Tim Scott announced a committee markup for Jan. 15, 2026.

The committee still lists that session as postponed on its official markup page, with no replacement date. The committee's current public schedule features a Kevin Warsh nomination hearing on Apr. 21, with no CLARITY markup listed.

Reports point to a possible markup in the final week of April or the second week of May, and that floor time before the summer campaign season is limited, and that the bill still carries unresolved disputes over ethics and illicit-finance provisions beyond the banking fight.

Each additional round of negotiation over stablecoin yields further narrows the window. Keeping the yield fight alive long enough to compress the timeline is itself a win for the bank lobby.

What the fight is actually about

The GENIUS Act already prohibits stablecoin issuers from paying interest or yield directly. The bank lobby is targeting the current draft language for containing no explicit prohibition on affiliated platforms or third-party partners paying rewards in tokens.

A crypto exchange holding a yield-bearing stablecoin could, under that architecture, effectively compete for deposits. Banks want that channel closed. That is the substance behind the word “loophole.”

The White House's Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) found that prohibiting yields on stablecoins would increase bank lending by just $2.1 billion, or 0.02% of the current base, at a net welfare cost of $800 million.

Large banks would capture 76% of the added lending, with 24% going to community banks, the constituency at the center of the local-lending argument.

ABA said five days later that CEA had studied the wrong question, arguing that the real exposure is a future scenario where yield-bearing stablecoins scale large enough to compete directly with deposits, pulling funding out of the banking system before regulators can respond.

The two sides are arguing from different assumptions about the size of the stablecoin market, and senators now have to resolve this dispute.

BIS chief Pablo Hernandez de Cos said on Apr. 18 that deposit shifts may be smaller if stablecoins stay unremunerated and interest bans can be enforced, a direct validation of the scale-dependent logic ABA has been running.

The White House analysis and the BIS warning are compatible in acknowledging that, in worst-case scale assumptions, a yield ban could eventually produce $531 billion in extra aggregate lending.

Washington is writing rules now for a market that may be substantially larger later.

The coordinated campaign

The public-private combination on the bank side makes this moment different from earlier rounds of crypto lobbying. The ads create visible congressional heat while the bankers' letters give members a constituent-volume argument.

The CEO-level appeals establish executive accountability, and ABA's active rebuttal of the White House report confirms the lobby is contesting the economics directly, on quantitative terms.

That combination puts CLARITY's Senate timeline at a specific kind of risk. The bill carries White House backing, a strong House vote, and broad industry support.

Resolving the committee scheduling problem requires an agreement on yield language before the calendar forces a recess or conflicts with Warsh's confirmation proceedings. Without that, the postponed January markup becomes a pattern.

The two paths ahead

The constructive path runs through a yield compromise that closes the affiliate and third-party channels clearly enough to satisfy at least the community-bank argument, while preserving enough flexibility to keep stablecoin-adjacent products viable.

The White House report gives negotiators a quantitative basis for holding the line, as the near-term US lending benefit of a comprehensive ban is documented and modest.

Senators Thom Tillis and Angela Alsobrooks have been among the most visible members engaged on the stablecoin language. If either emerges with a narrow compromise that addresses the affiliate channel dispute, a markup could move quickly enough to preserve whatever momentum the House vote still carries.

Language should close the affiliate channel clearly enough to remove ABA's loophole argument and be flexible enough to keep Circle, Coinbase, and their allies at the table.

Extending that logic to affiliates and platforms faces an obstacle of political will.

The harder path is already visible in the Senate's public calendar. If banks conclude that maintaining the current position yields better long-run terms than accepting a partial win, the yield fight will stay alive through May.

The ethics and illicit-finance disagreements mean CLARITY arrives at markup carrying more than one open question. Multiple unresolved provisions in a compressed calendar lead to a coalition-management failure, and they run deeper than any scheduling fix can address.

The ABA ad confirms that the association still treats the stablecoin section as unfinished business and is willing to spend public campaign capital saying so.

Combined with a committee homepage that shows a Warsh hearing and a postponed markup page that still carries January's date, the ad falls within a documented record of coordinated lobbying, active economic contestation, and a Senate calendar with no announced path forward.

The bank lobby's escalation, the White House's quantitative rebuttal, and the Senate's public silence on a new markup date all point to the same variable that yield language must close in days for CLARITY to reach markup before the campaign season consumes the floor schedule.

The post Banks fund crypto attack ads across Washington as over 3,000 banks unite to stop Clarity Act passing Senate appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin is heading into one of the year's largest options expirations at the worst possible moment.

CoinGlass data shows roughly $8.07 billion in notional open interest for Deribit's options expiring on April 24, split between 56,300 calls and 49,540 puts. While the ratio itself leans bullish, it's sitting against one of the most uncertain macro backdrops in the past few months.

The expiry takes place three days before the Federal Reserve convenes for its April 28-29 meeting and four days before the Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes both Q1 GDP and March PCE inflation data on April 30.

That's the densest macro calendar we've seen in a while, and it opens in an environment where Fed officials have spent the past week warning, on the record, that oil-driven inflation could keep borrowing costs elevated for considerably longer than markets had assumed.

There's quite a bit of tension in the derivatives structure itself.

On Deribit, which now holds around $31 billion in total options open interest, surpassing even BlackRock's IBIT, the April 24 contract has heavy call positioning, with around $395 million concentrated at the $75,000 strike. Max pain for the contract sits near $71,500 to $72,000, roughly $3,000 to $4,000 below the current Bitcoin price.

In options markets, max pain is the price level at which the greatest number of contracts expire worthless, which benefits sellers (in this case, large institutions and market makers) over buyers. That gap can create downward gravitational pull as settlement approaches.

The Fed has a new problem, and it comes from the Strait

The war that began in late February, when coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly 20% of global oil supply flows, sent Brent crude above $100 a barrel for the first time in years.

Iran's reopening announcement on April 17 briefly reversed some of that pressure, with Brent falling roughly $10 to near $89 a barrel and Bitcoin surging toward the $77,000 to $78,000 range.

The relief, however, proved to be short-lived. On Sunday, the US seized an Iranian cargo ship bound for the Strait, seemingly unraveling the diplomatic progress from the end of last week, and Bitcoin opened Monday roughly 2.5% lower. The corridor remains more than 95% below pre-war levels in ship traffic, with major shipping firms still routing vessels around Africa because insurance companies won't cover the passage, while military vessels remain active.

All of this is making everything the Fed does and says in the next few weeks so consequential, especially for Bitcoin.

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem said last week that the oil shock is likely to keep underlying inflation near 3% for the rest of the year, nearly a full percentage point above the Fed's 2% target.

This, explained, supports the case for holding rates in the current 3.50% to 3.75% range “for some time.”

New York Fed President John Williams essentially reiterated this, saying energy price increases are already passing through into airfares, groceries, fertilizer, and other consumer products, and that the process has “begun to play out already.” The CME FedWatch tool was pricing a 99.5% probability of a hold heading into the weekend.

The best summary of what's at stake came from Fed Governor Christopher Waller in a speech on April 17, almost certainly the last substantive Fed communication before the pre-meeting blackout closes the window on fresh guidance.

Waller described the situation as a fork: a quick resolution to the conflict would allow inflation to keep moving toward 2%, preserving room for rate cuts later in the year. A prolonged conflict, on the other hand, would see higher inflation become embedded across a wide range of goods and services, with supply chain disruptions multiplying. The ceasefire is fragile enough that both paths remain genuinely live.

Why the Bitcoin options expiry is an amplifier

Large options expirations almost never drive prices cleanly in one direction, and the macro sensitivity that's defined crypto markets since late February has made most crypto-native positioning signals less reliable than usual.

The more specific risk from Friday's settlement is structural: a large expiry concentrated near the top of the recent range creates hedging dynamics among dealers that can amplify whatever macro signal arrives first.

If the Hormuz situation stabilizes and rate-cut probabilities tick up, the call-heavy positioning could translate into a squeeze through $75,000. If fresh escalation arrives, the same structure runs in reverse, with max pain near $72,000 acting as the level dealers work to defend.

Institutions spent much of this quarter selling upside Bitcoin exposure to generate yield, transferring risk to market makers. This created a structural cushion that disappears as soon as the contracts roll off, leaving Bitcoin more exposed to macro and geopolitical forces.

Waller's April 17 speech was the last from a Fed policymaker before officials entered their pre-meeting blackout ahead of the April 28–29 gathering.

The FOMC decision will land without any guidance since mid-April, and markets will read it alongside Q1 GDP and PCE data that'll capture, for the first time, what a Hormuz closure actually costs the US economy.

Bitcoin's path through the next ten days runs through Friday's expiry, a Fed decision, and a set of figures that could reprice the entire rates outlook. The derivatives market already has a position on the first event. We now have to see whether it holds through the other two.

The post Bitcoin braces for $8B options expiry as war, oil and the Fed threaten a volatility reset appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin Reclaims $78,000: Macro Tailwind and Institutional Power

The Bitcoin price has successfully breached the $78,000 psychological barrier, marking a significant structural shift in the 2026 market cycle. This surge is primarily driven by a "risk-on" sentiment following President Trump’s extension of the US-Iran ceasefire and massive institutional accumulation.

As of today, April 22, 2026, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $78,053, showing a weekly gain of over 5.73%. The move follows a disclosure by MicroStrategy (MSTR) regarding a $2.5 billion BTC acquisition, further cementing the floor for the current uptrend.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: Breaking Down the Weekly Chart

The above weekly BTC/USD chart reveals a critical recovery phase after a volatile start to 2026. After finding a local bottom near the $60,000 support zone in early February, Bitcoin has established a series of higher lows.

Key Price Levels to Watch:

• Immediate Resistance: The first major hurdle sits at $84,000. A weekly close above this level would invalidate the bearish sequence from late 2025 and open the path to the all-time high territory near $94,490.
• Support Zones: On the downside, the previous resistance at $76,086 has now flipped into immediate support. Below that, the $65,581 level remains a fortress for long-term holders.
• RSI Indicator: The Weekly RSI is currently at 46.69, recovering from oversold conditions. This suggests that the current rally is not yet "overheated," leaving significant room for an upside move toward the $85,000 "200-day moving average" equivalent.

Why the $78,000 Breakout Matters

The breach of $78,000 isn't just about price; it’s about market structure. Earlier in 2026, analysts at major financial institutions were concerned about a prolonged post-halving correction. However, the current momentum suggests that the 2024 halving's supply shock is finally interacting with fresh institutional demand.-

Bitcoin Price Prediction: Lower and Higher Targets

If Bitcoin maintains its position above the $76,000 flip zone, the bullish trajectory remains intact.

• Bullish Target: A sustained move could see BTC targeting $86,000 by May 2026.
• Bearish Scenario: If geopolitical tensions resurface and BTC fails to hold $72,000, a retest of the $60,000 psychological support is possible.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within the decentralized finance (DeFi) space, Justin Sun, the founder of TRON and a high-profile crypto entrepreneur, has officially filed a lawsuit against World Liberty Financial (WLF). The legal action, filed in a California federal court, marks a significant rift between Sun and the crypto project closely associated with U.S. President Donald Trump and his family.

Sun alleges that the project team has acted in bad faith by freezing his holdings of the $WLFI token, stripping him of governance rights, and threatening a permanent "burn" of his assets. Despite the legal battle, Sun emphasized his continued support for the Trump administration’s broader pro-crypto stance, clarifying that his dispute lies solely with the individuals managing the WLF protocol.

Justin Sun vs. World Liberty Financial: What Happened?

The core of the dispute centers on Sun’s status as a major early investor in World Liberty Financial. According to Sun’s public statement on X, certain members of the WLF team implemented a "blacklist" or freeze function within the WLFI token smart contracts.

Sun claims this was done without justification, effectively locking his tokens and preventing him from participating in critical governance votes. The situation reached a breaking point following a new governance proposal introduced on April 15, 2026, which Sun argues is detrimental to the community and early backers.

The April 15 Governance Proposal

The proposal in question introduces a "tax on commitment" and a revised vesting schedule:

• Mandatory Burn: Requires 10% of all advisor tokens to be permanently destroyed (burned).
• Vesting Cliff: Imposes a two-year cliff followed by a two-year vesting schedule for early purchaser tokens.
• Indefinite Lock: Token holders who do not "affirmatively accept" these new terms risk having their tokens locked indefinitely.

Sun argues that because his tokens are currently frozen, he is being denied the right to vote against these changes, which he views as a violation of the principles of decentralization and transparency.

Legal Grounds and Claims

The lawsuit filed in California seeks to restore Sun’s rights as a token holder. Sun maintains that he is simply asking to be treated with the same fairness as any other early investor.

Critics of World Liberty Financial have previously raised concerns about the project's centralized control. Reports from The Guardian suggest that the protocol may contain "backdoor" functions allowing administrators to freeze accounts—a feature Sun claims was used specifically to target him after he attempted to move significant amounts of liquidity.

Impact on the Crypto Market

The legal battle comes at a sensitive time for World Liberty Financial. The project, which launched with the aim of promoting a USD-pegged stablecoin and a decentralized lending platform, has faced scrutiny over its tokenomics.

If Sun’s lawsuit succeeds, it could set a precedent for investor rights in DeFi projects that market themselves as decentralized but retain significant administrative overrides. Traders and investors are closely watching the WLFI price and the outcome of the April 15 proposal, as the locking of 62.2 billion tokens could significantly impact market supply.

As we approach the end of 2023, Bitcoin (BTC) has shown a remarkable recovery, marking a significant turnaround from its previous lows. This year, BTC’s value has surged by 120% from its starting price, showcasing a strong performance despite the challenges faced in the crypto market. The current price of Bitcoin stands at around $37,600, a notable increase from its value at the beginning of the year.

Bitcoin Current Market Price

The current market situation for Bitcoin reveals a price of $37,642.07, with a recent 24-hour change of -14.72 (-0.04%). The highest and lowest prices in this period were $37,888.00 and $37,620.00, respectively, indicating a modest level of volatility. Bitcoin’s trading volume in the last 24 hours reached 9,777.78 BTC and $369,051,924.95 in USDT. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 62, suggesting a moderately strong market momentum without extreme overbought conditions.

Predictions for the End of 2023

Analysts are closely watching Bitcoin’s price movements as the year draws to a close. Based on recent trends and market analysis, there’s a possibility that Bitcoin’s price could fluctuate between a low of $30,000 and a high of $40,000 by the end of 2023. This prediction takes into account various factors, including market sentiment, investor behavior, and global economic conditions.

Factors Influencing Bitcoin’s Price

Several key elements are influencing Bitcoin’s price trajectory:

1. Market Sentiment: The Bitcoin Fear and Greed Index, a tool used to gauge investor sentiment, currently indicates a state of ‘Greed’ at a score of 74. This shift from ‘Fear’ earlier in the year suggests increased investor confidence in Bitcoin.
2. Economic and Global Events: The crypto market, including Bitcoin, has been impacted by various global events such as inflation rates, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory changes. These factors play a significant role in shaping investor decisions and market trends.
3. Technological and Regulatory Developments: Developments in blockchain technology, regulatory clarity, and the adoption of Bitcoin in mainstream finance (like the potential approval of Bitcoin ETFs) are also crucial in determining Bitcoin’s price.

Looking Beyond 2023

As we look towards the future, predictions become more varied. By the end of 2025, Bitcoin’s price is expected to rise significantly, potentially reaching around $80,000. This projection is based on the anticipated market dynamics and technological advancements in the crypto space.

Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin has shown a strong recovery in 2023, with significant price increases.
• By the end of 2023, Bitcoin’s price is predicted to range between $30,000 and $40,000.
• Investor sentiment, global economic conditions, and technological developments are key factors influencing Bitcoin’s price.
• Looking ahead, Bitcoin’s value is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with potential significant gains by 2025.

Will Bitcoin Go Back Up to $60,000?

Bitcoin is now valued at $37,600. This year, it bounced back impressively, going up by 120%. Experts think by the end of the year, it could be between $30,000 and $40,000. The price is influenced by how people feel about it and what’s happening in the world economy. Technology and rules about Bitcoin also affect its value. People believe it might go up a lot more by 2025, maybe hitting $80,000. The current $37,600 is a crucial point for investors to watch, helping them understand if Bitcoin stays stable or changes.

Conclusion

While these predictions provide a glimpse into Bitcoin’s potential future, it’s important to remember that the cryptocurrency market is highly volatile and unpredictable. Investors should always conduct thorough research and consider their risk tolerance before making investment decisions in the crypto market.

Bitcoin is entering another dangerous macro moment. On one side, President Trump is increasing pressure on the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates. On the other, Iran-related tensions and Strait of Hormuz headlines are keeping global markets alert. For Bitcoin, this creates a difficult mix. Lower rate expectations can support risk assets, but geopolitical fear can quickly trigger volatility across stocks, oil, gold, and crypto.

Trump’s Fed pressure could become a bullish trigger for Bitcoin

Bitcoin usually reacts strongly when markets start expecting easier monetary policy. If traders believe the Fed could move toward rate cuts sooner, that often supports liquidity-sensitive assets, including crypto.

That is why Trump’s latest pressure on the Fed matters. It is not just a political headline. It feeds directly into one of the most important drivers for Bitcoin right now: liquidity expectations. Trump said he would be disappointed if a future Fed chair did not cut rates quickly, while Kevin Warsh separately signaled that monetary policy should remain independent from politics. That combination matters because it keeps rate-cut hopes alive, but also reminds markets that policy may not shift just because political pressure rises.

If rate-cut hopes strengthen again, Bitcoin could benefit. But the market still needs more than rhetoric alone. Traders will want to see whether those comments actually change expectations in bonds, the dollar, and broader risk sentiment.

Iran risks could cancel out the bullish Fed story

At the same time, Bitcoin is not trading in a clean risk-on environment. Iran-related tensions remain a major threat because they can affect oil prices, inflation fears, and overall market confidence. Reports this month showed that fears around disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil sharply higher and forced traders to rethink how quickly the Fed might ease.

That is the real problem for Bitcoin. If oil rises again, the Fed may have less room to cut quickly. In other words, the same geopolitical story that increases fear in markets can also weaken the bullish case for easier monetary policy.

For Bitcoin, that creates a direct conflict. Rate-cut hopes are supportive. But war-related macro pressure can push investors into a more defensive mood.

Bitcoin is caught between liquidity hopes and macro fear

This is why BTC still looks stuck between breakout and hesitation. The market wants a reason to move higher, but it is also aware that one strong geopolitical headline could reverse sentiment fast.

If Iran tensions cool and oil stays under control, Bitcoin could regain strength as traders focus again on liquidity and rate-cut expectations. Broader markets have already shown that when oil eases and fears around Hormuz fade, risk appetite can recover quickly.

But if tensions rise again, crypto may struggle alongside other risk assets, especially if inflation concerns return.

This is also why Bitcoin’s next move may not come from crypto-specific news alone. It may come from the bond market, the oil market, and the next major geopolitical headline.

What Bitcoin traders should watch now

There are three things to monitor closely.

First, watch whether Trump’s Fed comments actually shift market expectations on rates. If traders begin pricing easier policy more aggressively, that could support BTC.

Second, watch oil and the Strait of Hormuz story. Any renewed disruption there could quickly change inflation expectations and risk appetite across all markets. Reuters reported recently that concern over Hormuz disruptions helped lift oil prices significantly and altered the expected timing of future rate cuts.

Third, watch whether Bitcoin reacts more like a risk asset or starts showing relative strength. That will say a lot about whether the market is preparing for a breakout or bracing for another rejection.

Bitcoin outlook: macro headlines are in control

Bitcoin is still trading in a market where macro matters more than narratives. Trump’s pressure on the Fed may sound bullish for liquidity. Iran risks may sound bearish for sentiment. Both are now colliding at the same time.

That is why the next BTC move could be sharp. If markets lean toward lower rates and reduced geopolitical stress, Bitcoin could push higher. But if Iran tensions escalate and inflation fears return, crypto could face another wave of pressure. For now, Bitcoin is not getting one clean signal. It is getting two competing ones, and that is exactly why traders should expect volatility.

$BTC, $Bitcoin

The $292 Million Wake-Up Call

On April 18, 2026, the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem suffered its most significant blow of the year. KelpDAO, a heavyweight in the liquid restaking space, was drained of approximately $292 million (116,500 rsETH). While early reports pointed toward a smart contract bug, the reality is far more systemic: a catastrophic security configuration within its LayerZero bridge integration.

This incident has triggered a market-wide "Red Alert." It isn't just about one protocol; it is about the foundational plumbing of the multi-chain world. If you hold assets on a Layer 2 (L2) or use cross-chain bridges, the KelpDAO exploit is a direct warning that your "secured" tokens might be hanging by a single thread.

Is Your Crypto Safe?

Whether your funds are safe depends entirely on the DVN (Decentralized Verifier Network) configuration of the protocols you use. If your chosen platform uses a "1-of-1" setup—as KelpDAO did—your assets are secured by a single validator. If that one node is compromised, your funds can be drained instantly.

Defining the Risk Vectors in the DeFi Space

To understand the gravity of this alert, we must define the two primary technologies currently under fire.

What is LayerZero?

LayerZero is an "omnichain" interoperability protocol. It doesn't move assets directly; instead, it sends messages between blockchains. For example, it tells Ethereum that you burned tokens on Arbitrum so that Ethereum can release them to your wallet. The security of this message relies on DVNs (Decentralized Verifier Networks)—independent entities that verify the message is legitimate.

What is a Layer 2 (L2)?

A Layer 2 is a network built on top of Ethereum (Layer 1) to handle transactions faster and cheaper. Examples include Arbitrum, Optimism, and Base. While L2s inherit some security from Ethereum, the bridges used to move money between them do not. This creates a "fragmentation" of security where the strength of your transition is only as good as the bridge's weakest link.

The Audit Bombshell: 47% of LayerZero Apps are "At Risk"

The KelpDAO exploit wasn't a freak accident; it was an inevitability. A recent security audit of 2,665 active LayerZero OApp contracts revealed a terrifying lack of redundancy across the ecosystem:

KelpDAO utilized a 1-of-1 DVN setup. When the Lazarus Group compromised that single validator node, they were able to forge a cross-chain message, convincing the Ethereum mainnet to mint 116,500 rsETH out of thin air.

Why the L2 Roadmap is Failing Security

For years, the industry has pushed an "L2-centric roadmap," encouraging users to move away from Ethereum Mainnet to save on fees. However, this fragmentation has created too many attack vectors.

1. The Governance Blind Spot

Most protocols, including KelpDAO, have rigorous 6/8 multisig protections for their core code. However, bridge configurations—like the DVN threshold—are often managed by separate, less secure admin keys. This means the "front door" is locked with a vault, but the "bridge window" is left wide open.

2. The Contagion Effect

Because rsETH is used as collateral across Aave, Morpho, and Pendle, the exploit didn't just hurt KelpDAO. It created a "contagion event." When the bridge failed, rsETH on L2s became "ghost liquidity"—tokens backed by nothing. This led to over $13 billion in TVL exiting DeFi in just 48 hours.

3. A Return to Ethereum-Native Security?

Many experts now argue that we must move away from third-party bridges and toward enshrined rollups and native L1 verification. Until then, every cross-chain transaction is a leap of faith.

How to Protect Your Crypto Wallet Today

If you are holding assets on L2s or in restaking protocols, follow these steps immediately:

1. Audit Your Protocols: Use tools like Dune Analytics or LayerZero Scan to check if your protocol uses a Multi-DVN configuration (3-of-3 or higher).
2. Monitor the Peg: If you hold liquid restaking tokens, keep a close eye on the Bitcoin price and the rsETH/ETH peg. Significant de-pegging is a sign of an ongoing exit.
3. De-Risk Your Holdings: Consider moving high-value assets back to Ethereum Mainnet or into cold storage. Check our hardware wallet comparison for the most secure options in 2026.
4. Stay Informed: Follow the latest crypto news for updates on recent events happening in the crypto space.
5. Exchange Liquidity: If you need to exit a position quickly, use high-liquidity platforms found in our crypto exchange comparison.

Will DeFi Crash Further?

The KelpDAO exploit is a grim reminder that in crypto, "convenience" often comes at the cost of security. As we navigate this LayerZero crisis, the lesson is clear: verify the bridge configuration before you cross.

Anthropic’s powerful Claude Mythos AI model found hundreds of vulnerabilities in Mozilla Firefox, highlighting its cybersecurity potential.

Advisory council says validator signatures and wallet cryptography could be vulnerable if future quantum computers break current encryption.

Core Scientific, a Bitcoin miner turned data center operator, said that it plans to offer $3.3 billion worth of speculative-grade debt.

How did Michael Saylor's firm amass a record stash of Bitcoin? Here's a look back at how Strategy made such massive gains.

Global fintech firm Revolut is eying a $200 billion IPO, according to a report—but don't expect the move any time soon.

Charles Hoskinson believes Bitcoin's post-quantume resistance choice wasn't that great.

Ripple CTO David Schwartz has defended the Arbitrum Security Council’s controversial decision to freeze over 30,000 ETH tied to the KelpDAO exploit.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has thrown his support behind a highly anticipated new documentary that claims to unmask the creator of Bitcoin.

Despite the somewhat positive performance across the board; most assets are lagging behind with inability to move forward.

Asteroid Shiba has surged into the spotlight after a viral link to Elon Musk and SpaceX, driving extreme price gains despite lacking fundamental utility.

Key Takeaways

• Amazon One Medical introduced a comprehensive GLP-1 weight loss program that integrates telehealth consultations, prescriptions, and pharmacy services.
• Subscription pricing for insured patients begins at $25 monthly; self-pay injectable medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound start at $299 per month.
• The e-commerce giant intends to extend same-day medication delivery to 4,500 metropolitan areas by late 2026.
• Shares of Hims & Hers (HIMS) plummeted up to 6% during pre-market hours after the program’s unveiling.
• Analysts at Bank of America forecast a potential 31% decline in HIMS’s GLP-1 business due to increased competition.

Amazon has entered the obesity medication sector with significant force. The retail giant announced Tuesday its new GLP-1 treatment program via Amazon One Medical, its healthcare division, creating an all-in-one solution that combines weight management therapy with pharmaceutical services and remote medical consultations.

The initiative provides patients with branded pharmaceutical options from major manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s Zepbound. For those with insurance coverage, oral GLP-1 medications are available from $25 monthly. Self-pay customers face costs starting at $149 per month for oral formulations, while injectable treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound carry a minimum monthly cost of $299.

Amazon.com, Inc., AMZN

While these price points align with industry standards, Amazon’s competitive advantage lies in accessibility — leveraging its established delivery infrastructure for same-day service and creating a streamlined patient experience from initial assessment through ongoing prescription management.

Tanvi Patel, VP and GM of Amazon Pharmacy, emphasized that the objective is facilitating patient adherence by ensuring medications are “delivered reliably directly to patients.”

The service is now operational nationwide and treats obesity as a chronic health condition requiring sustained intervention rather than short-term treatment. The program encompasses preliminary patient screening, organized medical consultations, scheduled follow-ups, and clinically-proven treatment approaches.

Patients can request prescription refills on demand, with messaging consultations available for $29 and video appointments starting at $49. The company has committed to extending same-day delivery capabilities to 4,500 urban centers by year-end 2026.

HIMS Faces Market Pressure

The revelation dealt a significant blow to Hims & Hers Health. HIMS shares declined as much as 6% during pre-market activity, with losses moderating as trading progressed. The market response underscores mounting anxiety about Amazon entering the affordable GLP-1 segment where HIMS has established its presence.

The announcement arrives at a challenging moment for HIMS. The telehealth company has been pivoting toward premium-branded obesity medications — representing the higher-margin market segment — precisely as Amazon introduces a competitive integrated offering. Bank of America analysts have cautioned this development could reduce HIMS’s GLP-1 revenue stream by 31%.

Additional companies in the weight management pharmaceutical sector experienced downward price movement Tuesday, including Viking Therapeutics (VKTX), Amgen (AMGN), and Septerna (SEPN).

Amazon Deepens GLP-1 Market Presence

Tuesday’s announcement represents an evolution, not an introduction, of Amazon’s GLP-1 strategy. The company initiated same-day fulfillment for Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy obesity medication in January. By April, it had extended same-day delivery to Eli Lilly’s recently approved weight-loss pill, Foundayo, via its online pharmacy platform.

The latest launch consolidates these separate initiatives into a unified offering — combining primary healthcare, pharmaceutical fulfillment, and telemedicine services within a single ecosystem.

Analyst sentiment on Wall Street remains overwhelmingly positive for AMZN, with a Strong Buy consensus rating from 45 analysts — comprising 42 Buy ratings and 3 Hold ratings. The consensus price target of $286.74 suggests approximately 13% appreciation potential from current trading levels.

AMZN shares climbed approximately 1% in response to the announcement.

The post Amazon (AMZN) Enters Weight Loss Market as Hims & Hers (HIMS) Stock Plunges 6% appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways

• Tim Cook transitions from Apple CEO to Executive Chairman effective September 1, 2026
• Hardware Engineering SVP John Ternus, a 25-year Apple employee, named as successor
• AAPL shares declined 2.52% in response to the leadership announcement
• Q2 FY26 earnings scheduled for April 30; analysts project $1.94 EPS on revenue of $109.32B
• Wall Street maintains Moderate Buy rating with $305.81 average target price, suggesting ~12% potential gain

Apple appears ready to return to its product-focused roots.

The tech giant revealed Monday that Tim Cook will relinquish his CEO position on September 1, 2026, transitioning to Executive Chairman. John Ternus, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering after 25 years with the company, will assume the chief executive position. The announcement sent AAPL down 2.52%.

Ternus embodies Apple’s product-first philosophy. His signature accomplishment involved spearheading the Mac’s migration away from Intel processors to proprietary Apple Silicon — a strategic move that strengthened Apple’s competitive positioning in the personal computer sector.

Apple Inc., AAPL

His attention to detail borders on legendary. Speaking at a 2024 University of Pennsylvania commencement ceremony, Ternus shared a story about examining machined screw heads on the Cinema Display — his first Apple project. He discovered the manufacturer had added 35 concentric grooves instead of the specified 25.

“Maybe a customer notices, maybe they don’t,” Ternus explained. “But either way, whenever I saw one of those displays on someone’s desk, it mattered to me.”

This meticulous approach represents the foundation upon which Apple was established.

Refocusing on Product Excellence

Recent years saw Apple emphasizing its services ecosystem and artificial intelligence capabilities. The services division — encompassing App Store, AppleCare, and Apple Music — has delivered solid performance. The AI narrative has proven more challenging.

Selecting Ternus indicates a strategic realignment toward hardware as Apple’s fundamental strength. The reality is simple: without iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Watches, the accompanying services ecosystem becomes irrelevant. This appointment communicates that priority clearly.

Cook’s own succession plan mirrors his original ascension. Steve Jobs selected Cook — an operations and supply chain expert rather than a product visionary — because Apple required different leadership capabilities at that juncture. Today, Cook and the board are entrusting leadership to someone who thinks in precision measurements and manufacturing specifications.

The recently launched MacBook Neo, with student pricing beginning at $500, exemplifies the direction a Ternus-led Apple might pursue: competitive pricing while maintaining the premium quality standards the brand demands.

Financial Outlook and Shareholder Composition

The leadership transition comes just before Apple releases Q2 FY26 financial results on April 30. Analyst consensus calls for earnings per share of $1.94 alongside revenue reaching $109.32 billion.

Regarding shareholder structure, TipRanks data shows public companies and retail investors controlling 60.61% of AAPL. Exchange-traded funds represent 21.61% of ownership, while mutual funds hold 17.70%. Vanguard leads all institutional holders with 8.45%, followed by Vanguard Index Funds controlling 6.87%.

Wall Street analysts assign AAPL a Moderate Buy consensus rating, comprising 16 Buy recommendations, 8 Hold ratings, and 1 Sell rating across the previous three months. The consensus price target stands at $305.81 — approximately 12% higher than current trading levels.

Apple’s April 30 quarterly report will provide the initial significant gauge of market confidence in the new leadership framework.

The post Apple (AAPL) Names John Ternus as Next CEO: Stock Dips on Leadership Change appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• Revolut has set an ambitious IPO valuation target of up to $200 billion, with no public listing planned before 2028
• The fintech giant’s most recent valuation stood at $75 billion following a November 2025 secondary share transaction
• An anticipated secondary share offering in late 2026 may value the company at approximately $100 billion
• The company secured a comprehensive U.K. banking license in March and submitted an application for U.S. banking authorization
• Pre-tax profits climbed 57% to reach £1.7 billion during 2025

Revolut, the prominent British fintech enterprise recognized for its cryptocurrency offerings and digital banking solutions, has informed prospective investors that it’s pursuing a valuation as high as $200 billion for an upcoming public market debut, according to an April 21 Financial Times report.

The organization’s most recent valuation reached $75 billion through a secondary share transaction completed in November 2025. The newly announced target would signify a remarkable 125% valuation jump in under half a year.

Revolut has presented a valuation bandwidth spanning $150 billion to $200 billion during investor communications regarding its forthcoming IPO. Company leadership has committed to postponing any public market entry until at least 2028.

Prior to the anticipated public offering, Revolut is reportedly organizing an additional secondary share sale scheduled for the latter portion of 2026. This intermediate transaction could establish the company’s worth at roughly $100 billion.

According to a Financial Times source familiar with internal discussions, no definitive valuation has been established. Revolut representatives declined to verify the specific figures when approached for commentary.

Co-founder Nik Storonsky revealed in December that his personal ownership position would be valued at approximately $80 billion should the company achieve its $200 billion valuation objective.

Financial Performance and Regulatory Milestones

Revolut delivered pre-tax profits totaling £1.7 billion throughout 2025, representing a 57% year-over-year expansion. This growth trajectory represents a deceleration compared to the previous year’s nearly 150% profit surge.

During March 2026, Revolut obtained a complete banking license from United Kingdom regulatory authorities, concluding a multi-year approval process.

The organization simultaneously filed for a U.S. banking license through the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in March. Regulatory approval would enable Revolut to function as a conventional banking institution throughout American markets.

Established in 2015, Revolut provides an array of financial services encompassing international money transfers, foreign exchange, and digital asset trading. The platform has evolved into Europe’s highest-valued startup enterprise.

Evolution from Launch to Worldwide Operations

The organization has executed expansion initiatives across numerous international markets while consistently building its user population since inception.

Venture capital firms and private equity investors have continuously supported the company throughout its tenure as a privately-held entity.

The $200 billion valuation target, if accomplished during the public offering, would position Revolut among the most highly-valued fintech enterprises in IPO history.

Revolut has yet to disclose its preferred stock exchange venue or provide detailed timing beyond the 2028 target framework.

The company’s latest strategic development involves its March 2026 U.S. banking license submission, which continues undergoing OCC regulatory assessment.

The post Revolut Eyes Massive $200 Billion Valuation for 2028 IPO Launch appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR

• Crude benchmarks declined up to 2% following Iranian signals of potential diplomatic engagement if Washington ends its naval restrictions
• President Trump made the Iran ceasefire open-ended while maintaining naval enforcement operations
• The critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane stays blocked, disrupting approximately 20% of worldwide petroleum flows
• American petroleum stockpiles decreased by 4.4 million barrels in the latest week, exceeding analyst forecasts significantly
• Diplomatic efforts collapsed when neither Washington nor Tehran sent representatives to scheduled Pakistan meetings

Crude oil benchmarks tumbled Wednesday following Tehran’s indication that it detected encouraging signals from Washington regarding a potential end to the naval restrictions at the Strait of Hormuz. The news emerged as energy markets attempted to interpret conflicting messaging from both capitals.

Brent crude futures declined by as much as 2% to approximately $97 per barrel. The US West Texas Intermediate benchmark dropped roughly 1.2% to settle at $84.95. The pullback follows nearly 9% gains recorded across the prior two trading sessions for both contracts.

Amir-Saeid Iravani, Iran’s United Nations representative, informed journalists that Tehran would be prepared to participate in Islamabad-based negotiations should Washington withdraw its naval enforcement. He emphasized Iran’s willingness to pursue diplomatic resolution through dialogue.

President Trump announced an indefinite extension to the ceasefire arrangement with Tehran on Tuesday. However, he maintained the naval blockade measures, stating that military operations would pause while communications proceed through various channels.

In a subsequent Truth Social post, Trump warned that removing the blockade without securing an agreement would eliminate any prospect of a future deal with Iran, hinting that military action could become the sole remaining alternative.

The Strategic Importance of the Hormuz Passage

Under normal circumstances, the Strait of Hormuz facilitates the transit of roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude petroleum. Since Iran implemented effective closure measures in late February, energy prices have climbed sharply. American pump prices have surged approximately 40% since hostilities commenced.

Oil market turbulence has reached levels unseen since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic disrupted global consumption. Market participants have reacted to each development, yet actual supply availability remains severely limited.

“News is flowing at lightning speed, but actual barrel movements remain completely stalled,” observed Rebecca Babin, who serves as a senior energy trader with CIBC Private Wealth Group.

Tehran has maintained its position that the strait will stay closed as long as US Naval forces continue intercepting commercial vessels. Washington confirmed boarding a sanctioned petroleum tanker Tuesday and has redirected a combined 28 ships since enforcement operations commenced.

Despite the restrictions, at least two fully loaded Iranian tankers successfully navigated past American warships this week, delivering an estimated 9 million barrels to international markets.

Diplomatic Initiatives Collapse

Scheduled negotiations in Pakistan disintegrated this week when both nations declined participation. US Vice President JD Vance scrapped his planned Islamabad visit, while Iranian sources indicated Tehran informed Washington it would not dispatch representatives.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced continued application of “maximum pressure” tactics against Iran, including efforts to restrict petroleum exports through Kharg Island, Tehran’s primary crude shipping facility.

The majority of Iranian crude supplies flow to independent Chinese refineries, which face reduced exposure to Western sanctions. Beijing has publicly criticized the American sanction regime.

American petroleum reserves contracted by 4.4 million barrels during the week concluding April 17, according to American Petroleum Institute figures, substantially exceeding the anticipated 1 million barrel reduction.

The post Crude Oil Retreats as Iran Hints at Potential US Naval Blockade Resolution appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• Justin Sun filed a federal lawsuit in California against World Liberty Financial over frozen tokens.
• Sun claims the WLFI team stripped his voting rights and threatened to permanently burn his holdings.
• A new WLFI governance proposal could lock tokens indefinitely for holders who reject its terms.
• Sun’s frozen tokens bar him from voting on the April 15 governance proposal affecting all early investors.

Justin Sun, the founder of TRON, has filed a federal lawsuit in California against World Liberty Financial (WLFI). The legal action follows allegations that the WLFI project team froze all of his tokens without any valid reason.

Sun further claims that his voting rights were stripped and his holdings threatened with permanent destruction. While pursuing the case, Sun reaffirmed his strong support for President Trump and the administration’s pro-crypto stance. The lawsuit targets specific individuals within the project team, not the broader movement.

Sun Alleges Wrongful Token Freeze by WLFI Team

The TRON founder stated that the project team froze his holdings without proper justification. He had reportedly tried in good faith to resolve the issue before taking legal action.

However, the project team refused his requests to restore his tokens and voting rights. With no resolution in sight, Sun turned to the courts for relief.

On X, Sun addressed the situation directly. He stated that certain individuals on the World Liberty project team had been operating against President Trump’s values.

Sun further noted that he does not believe Trump would condone these actions if aware of them. The lawsuit, therefore, is directed at specific team members, not the administration.

Sun made clear that he only seeks equal treatment as an early investor. He wants no special treatment — only the same rights that other early token holders received.

This position forms the core of his legal argument against WLFI. The case raises broader questions about accountability in crypto project governance.

Sun also clarified that the legal dispute does not change his support for the Trump Administration. He has consistently backed the administration’s efforts to make America crypto-friendly.

His public statements reflect a desire to separate the legal issue from the political one. Sun appears focused on protecting his rights as a token holder above all else.

New Governance Proposal Draws Strong Opposition From Sun

Beyond the frozen tokens, Sun also raised concerns about a governance proposal published on April 15. The proposal reportedly requires token holders to affirmatively accept certain terms or face indefinite lockups.

One condition involves permanently burning 10% of all advisor tokens. Sun strongly opposes this proposal and considers it harmful to the broader community.

Under the new terms, early purchaser tokens face a two-year cliff followed by a two-year vesting schedule. Token holders who do not accept these terms would have their holdings locked indefinitely.

Sun warned that these conditions create unfair outcomes for early investors. He argued the terms run counter to the transparency principles that define crypto.

Sun noted that his frozen tokens prevent him from voting on the proposal through governance channels. This effectively silences him during a critical decision for the project.

He turned to public platforms to alert the community about the proposed changes. Sun urged token holders to closely examine the governance terms before any vote is cast.

In his public post, Sun wrote that he believes in fairness, transparency, and the principles that make crypto powerful. He vowed to continue fighting for those principles in court.

His legal case against WLFI is expected to proceed in the coming months. The dispute may reshape how governance rights are handled in future crypto projects.

The post Justin Sun Files Federal Lawsuit Against World Liberty Financial Over Frozen Tokens and Stripped Voting Rights appeared first on Blockonomi.

Tensions in the Middle East have cooled after US President Donald Trump revealed that the ceasefire with Iran has been extended. According to the American leader, the government of Iran is “seriously fractured,” while Pakistan has requested a hold on the attacks until such time as their officials can come up with “a unified proposal.”

“I have therefore directed our Military to continue the Blockade and, in all other respects, remain ready and able, and will therefore extend the Ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.

The de-escalation news triggered a substantial uptick for the cryptocurrency sector, whose total market capitalization surged past $2.7 trillion. Bitcoin (BTC) surpassed $78,000, while popular altcoins like Ethereum (ETH), Monero (XMR), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), and many others posted daily gains of 4% to 9%.

This isn’t the first time crypto has reacted positively to such a development. Earlier this month, the whole market entered green territory after the USA and Iran agreed to lay down their weapons for a period of two weeks.

The latest resurgence has negatively affected traders who have opened too risky positions with high leverage. Data shows that total liquidations for the past 24 hours have reached roughly $460 million, with short positions accounting for 70% of the figure.

Wrecked Bitcoin trades have risen to $212 million, while those involving ETH have climbed to $123 million. The largest single liquidation happened on Bitget and was worth more than $7.5 million.

The post Bitcoin Rockets Above $78K After News From the Middle East, Liquidations Approach $500 Million appeared first on CryptoPotato.

There have been hundreds of Bitcoin obituaries. Here are 3 reasons why this XRP obituary will age just as poorly.

Earlier this month, an article appeared sowing doubt about XRP’s price on the popular investing website, The Motley Fool.

But XRP holders and altcoin investors may not have to worry based on what the article says. In fact, its claims are easy for the average crypto trader to debunk by “doing your own research.”

The article claims XRP will be worth less than $1 in 5 years. This is not, however, at all in line with XRP tokens’ historical price trend.

Here are three reasons why.

Bitcoin Cycle Price Ratchet

The article’s first reason for FUDing XRP’s price is:

“XRP is down more than 60% from its July high.”

This has happened before to XRP and to Bitcoin, and it will probably happen again.

Massive corrections in the high-tech space are normal because swift rallies that overheat these assets and drive their prices to new highs are normal.

Even the Nasdaq Composite, which tracks US tech stocks, fell 80% after the Dot-Com bubble in the early 2000s. Cryptocurrencies are no different.

XRP’s price has fallen so far since the last Bitcoin all-time high price last year because it pumped so high in the first place.

There are many reasons altcoin investors believe it will pump even higher on the next macro cycle rally.

XRP Price Fundamentals

The Motley Fool article goes on to say:

“The long-promised demand from banks using XRP for cross-border payments has never materialized.”

But this isn’t really a fair overview of Ripple’s usage in recent months.

In fact, XRP Ledger (XRPL) saw record activity by December last year. Moreover, by mid-March this year, XRPL saw the highest number of wallets ever.

So the demand for XRP tokens is certainly driven by the need to use its network to make payments. The fact-based fundamental analysis proves it.

Furthermore, in February, major Wall Street bank Goldman Sachs revealed that it held XRP tokens worth $153 million in crypto markets at the time.

But big banks like Goldman Sachs aren’t the only ones holding XRP. Even the U.S. government is planning to pile up Ripple tokens for its digital asset fund.

US Digital Asset Stockpile

The U.S. digital asset stockpile, signed into policy by President Donald Trump, names 5 cryptocurrencies— and XRP is one of them.

Now, it’s far from clear whether that order will materialize into something noteworthy in terms of creating a sustainable support for the price, but it’s a sign of acceptance, at least under the current administration.

The post This $1 XRP Price Prediction Is Wrong: Here’s Why (Opinion) appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The Attorney General for New York filed a lawsuit against the prediction market arms of Coinbase and Gemini on Tuesday. The claim is that these platforms violate state laws against illegal gambling.

According to the petitions filed in the state court in Manhattan, Attorney General Letitia James argues that both Gemini and Coinbase have not obtained New York State Gaming Commission licenses to operate these markets.

The AG also says that the event contracts that the platforms allow users to bet on are “quintessentially gambling.” This is because the outcomes of those events are typically outside the bettors’ control or amount to games of chance.

“Gambling by another name is still gambling, and it is not exempt from regulation under our state laws and Constitution,” said AG James in a statement.

In response to the lawsuit, Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, said that the company will “continue to fight for the federal oversight of these markets that Congress intended.”

The move comes at a time when prediction markets are surging in popularity. As CryptoPotato recently reported, Polymarket aims to raise another $400 million at a valuation of a whopping $15 billion, highlighting investor appetite and continuous expansion. Moreover, this came just a few weeks after Kalshi, Polymarket’s main competitor, raised a massive $1 billion at a $22 billion valuation.

The post New York Sues Coinbase and Gemini Over Prediction Markets appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Ethereum is trading around $ 2,350 and is at a pivotal moment that will likely define its trajectory in the weeks ahead.

The asset has spent the better part of April building a case for a genuine bullish reversal, and while that is not yet closed, the evidence on multiple timeframes is quietly accumulating in favor of the buyers.

Ethereum Price Analysis: The Daily Chart

The daily chart shows ETH pressing against the $2.4K resistance zone for the third time in recent weeks, with the 100-day MA now converging with the channel’s upper boundary as the price struggles to hold above both. The RSI has also been above 50 for the past couple of weeks, indicating that momentum remains in favor of buyers and that a breakout above $2.4K is much more likely than before.

ETH is holding its ground above $2300, and if it breaks above the $2.4K zone, the $2800 level above will be the next target, which is heavy with resistance as it is accompanied by the declining 200-day MA.

On the downside, losing the $2K psychological level on a daily close would be the first genuine warning sign, but judging by the current market momentum and structure, a breakout above $2.4K is still more probable.

ETH/USDT 4-Hour Chart

The short-term ascending channel that has guided ETH’s price action since the late March lows came under pressure earlier this week, with the cryptocurrency briefly breaking below the lower boundary.

But the breakdown was immediately absorbed, and the price rebounded back inside the channel, which is a classic bear trap that actually strengthens the bullish case rather than weakening it.

False breakdowns of this nature, where sellers fail to follow through below a key trendline, and buyers quickly reclaim it, tend to precede accelerated moves in the opposite direction, as trapped shorts are forced to cover.

ETH is currently near $ 2,350, just below the $2.4K resistance band, with the ascending channel’s lower boundary near $2.2K now acting as a solid floor. The RSI is also hovering around 50 with room to build, and the failed breakdown has reset the short-term setup in favor of another attempt at $2.4k. Given the pattern, the market has a higher probability of succeeding than prior attempts.

Sentiment Analysis

Ethereum’s exchange reserve has dropped to approximately 14.5M ETH, which is a fresh low in the dataset and a notable acceleration from the 16M level seen just weeks ago during the February crash.

The pace of the decline has picked up sharply in recent weeks, with the reserve falling more steeply than at any point during the entire correction period.

The timing of this accelerating outflow is significant. Coins leaving exchanges at an increasing rate, precisely as price attempts a breakout above a major resistance level, suggests holders are choosing to withdraw and hold rather than position to sell into strength.

This is the opposite of distribution behavior. Combined with the failed channel breakdown on the 4-hour chart, the exchange reserve data adds a meaningful on-chain dimension to the bullish technical setup. Not only are buyers defending key levels on the chart, but the underlying supply dynamics are tightening at exactly the moment when a breakout attempt is maturing.

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While Bitcoin presses against recent months’ highs and Ethereum builds a case for a bullish breakout, XRP continues to tell a different story. Trading around $1.44, the altcoin has largely failed to participate in the broader market recovery.

This divergence has become one of the defining characteristics of this correction cycle and shows little sign of resolving in the near term.

Ripple Price Analysis: The USDT Pair

The most striking feature of the USDT chart right now is how aggressively the moving averages are converging toward the current price. The 100-day MA has declined to approximately $1.50, and the 200-day MA is sitting near $1.90.

Both moving averages are sloping downward and compressing the available space above, creating a tightening ceiling that will become harder to push through the longer the price remains range-bound beneath it.

XRP has been oscillating between roughly $1.20 and $1.60 since February with no directional conviction, and the RSI has been oscillating in the same uninspiring mid-range territory throughout that period.

The $1.80 supply band above the 100-day MA remains the first level that would genuinely shift the narrative, but getting there requires clearing the moving average and the channel’s upper boundary. Below, the $1.20 demand zone is the only thing standing between the current price and a psychological and structural breakdown toward $1.00.

The BTC Pair

The XRP/BTC ratio is perhaps the most damning chart in the XRP narrative right now. While Bitcoin has broken its descending channel and reclaimed the 100-day MA, XRP/BTC sits at approximately 1,880 sats, languishing near the lows of the entire correction with both the 100-day MA (~2,050 sats) and 200-day MA (~2,150 sats) well above and still declining.

The RSI has bounced from the deeply oversold readings seen in early April back toward the 40s, which offers a slim technical case for a short-term bounce on this pair. But the context matters: XRP is failing to outperform Bitcoin even as BTC breaks out and markets are broadly recovering.

This is a signal of genuine fundamental weakness rather than simply macro correlation. Until this pair reclaims the 2,000 sats level and begins building above it, XRP remains one of the weakest major assets in the market, regardless of what the price does in dollar terms.

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