The delay highlights the growing importance of addressing AI security risks, impacting market confidence and future AI deployment strategies.

The post Anthropic delays Claude Mythos AI model release over security risks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The tankers' transit could signal easing tensions and potential normalization of Gulf shipping, impacting regional trade dynamics.

The post Qatari LNG tankers attempt Persian Gulf entry via Strait of Hormuz appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The liquidation highlights market sensitivity to geopolitical shifts, underscoring the fragile nature of crypto market stability amid global tensions.

The post Solana shorts liquidated for $24M as token surges past $90 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The yuan payment strategy highlights shifting global trade dynamics, potentially impacting oil markets and geopolitical alliances post-2026.

The post Indian refiners pay for Iranian oil in yuan under US waiver expiring 2026 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's ban on military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz heightens geopolitical tensions, potentially disrupting global oil trade and naval strategies.

The post Iran bans military vessels from Strait of Hormuz, impacting UK warship plans appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin Magazine

Kraken Owner Payward to Acquire Bitnomial for $550M, Securing Full CFTC-Licensed U.S. Crypto Derivatives Stack

Kraken-owner Payward has agreed to acquire Bitnomial in a deal valued at up to $550 million in cash and stock, giving the firm control of a fully licensed U.S. crypto derivatives stack as it expands deeper into regulated markets.

The transaction values Payward at $20 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory filings with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

Bitnomial stands out as the first crypto-native platform in the U.S. to secure all three licenses required to operate a full-stack derivatives business: a designated contract market, a derivatives clearing organization, and a futures commission merchant. Those approvals allow it to run an exchange, clear trades, and offer brokerage services within a single regulated framework.

By acquiring Bitnomial, Payward gains infrastructure that would take years to build. The exchange spent more than a decade developing a system designed for digital assets, including crypto settlement, crypto collateral, and continuous trading. The deal brings that foundation under Payward’s ecosystem, which includes Kraken and its recently acquired futures platform NinjaTrader.

Payward Co-CEO Arjun Sethi said clearing infrastructure shapes how markets function, pointing to settlement systems and margin models as the core of derivatives innovation. He said the U.S. lacks clearing infrastructure built for digital assets, which made Bitnomial’s platform a strategic target.

Bitnomial founder Luke Hoersten said the company built its exchange and clearinghouse from the ground up for crypto markets. He pointed to features such as perpetual futures, crypto-settled products, and a unified trading book across spot, futures, and options as capabilities that legacy systems cannot support without redesign.

Kraken’s busy week

The acquisition expands Payward’s push into derivatives, a segment that has become central to crypto trading volumes. While Kraken remains a major exchange, it trails some global competitors in spot trading and has focused on building out derivatives and multi-asset capabilities through acquisitions.

The company’s largest move came in 2025 with its $1.5 billion purchase of NinjaTrader, which gave it a foothold in U.S. futures markets and access to a large base of retail traders. The Bitnomial deal builds on that strategy by adding a fully regulated derivatives infrastructure layer.

The deal also strengthens Payward Services, the company’s business-to-business infrastructure arm. Through a single API integration, banks, fintech firms, and brokerages will be able to offer regulated U.S. derivatives alongside services such as crypto trading, staking, and tokenized equities.

Payward framed the transaction as an infrastructure play rather than a traditional acquisition, positioning Bitnomial’s regulatory stack as the foundation for building the next phase of U.S. crypto derivatives markets.

Earlier this week, Deutsche Börse acquired a $200 million stake in Kraken to expand institutional crypto services, even as the exchange disclosed limited insider-related security incidents affecting a small number of accounts. Also this week, Kraken confirmed a confidential IPO filing as its valuation dropped to $13.3 billion. 

This post Kraken Owner Payward to Acquire Bitnomial for $550M, Securing Full CFTC-Licensed U.S. Crypto Derivatives Stack first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Film Review: “Self Custody” Indie Film about Bitcoin on Amazon Prime

In the wild west of money, where a forgotten password to your Bitcoin wallet can mean the difference between fortune and ruin, comes the taut 31-minute Bitcoin action-thriller Self Custody (2026). Co-directed by Garrett Patten (who also stars as the desperate lead) and Fernando Ferro, the micro-feature is produced by Patten’s own TBK Productions in association with Tucci & Company. 

The film features Entourage alum Adrian Grenier in a key supporting role, alongside UFC champion and Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo in his acting debut, and House star Odette Annable. After a private Sundance screening and pickup by Inaugural Entertainment for distribution, Self Custody (2026) arrived on Tubi and Plex before landing on Amazon Prime Video—delivering a compact, terrifying yet entertaining tale drawn from real-world stories of lost Bitcoin wallets.

Scott, a family man, finds himself in financial trouble after failing to organize his finances when his family friend and accountant gives him a call. Turns out Scott had gotten a signing bonus from some tech company he worked for in 2014, paid in Bitcoin. Today, presumably well into the 2020’s, that bonus is worth over 14 million dollars. The film follows Scott as he tries to claim this Bitcoin, quickly realizing his self-custody setup was done improperly, and he does not remember the PIN code to the wallet. 

The film is overall negative on self-custody as a practice, presenting the absolute worst-case scenario for a Bitcoin or crypto owner. A series of mistakes, presented as innocent but really born out of a lack of study or knowledge of the technology and industry, led Scott to catastrophic loss, in admittedly a very entertaining and action-packed fashion. It is a testament to the maturity of the Bitcoin and broader crypto industry that a film called “Self Custody” can end up on Amazon Prime, even if painting a broadly negative picture of this technology, which reimagines the financial system.

Overall, the film is worth a watch, and hopefully the directors and producers will fall further down the rabbit hole and tell the stories of Ukrainians and Iranians escaping war with their life savings thanks to Bitcoin, to show the other side and upside of radical financial sovereignty. 

SPOILER ALERT – Detailed Review

The film opens up with an intimidating statement: “It is estimated that more than 20% of all bitcoin, valued at over 200 billion, has been lost or stolen beyond recovery.” Shown in white text over a black background, the claim sets the stage for a story that is unlikely to end in a happy ending. 

The statement is also incorrect. The widely reported claim that 20% of Bitcoin is inaccessible, roughly 4 million bitcoins, refers specifically to ‘lost’ funds. This kind of research is possible in part because we can see the coins not moving for over a decade, in many cases, mined to addresses or ancient wallet types that are effectively obsolete or rarely used today. The primary source of the study is probably Chainalysis, in their 2017 era work on the topic, though the film does not provide a source for this claim.

According to Investopedia, the 3.7 million coins in question have been lost, not stolen. Lost to bad wallet setups, many in the early days of Bitcoin mining, and much of this claim remains an assumption, since it’s not easy to prove that such coins are really inaccessible. The claim that so many coins have been stolen — particularly from self-custody — is not backed up by the facts at all, and is clearly there to set the mood in the film, in what we can generously call artistic liberty over the reality at hand. If anything, a much larger amount of Bitcoin has been stolen from custodial, centralized exchanges that try to bring bank-like legacy finance institutions to the Bitcoin world. 

The first scene introduces the audience to Scott and his family’s financial advisor and friend Cooper, who delivers the good news. Scott, thanks to a signing bonus paid in Bitcoin from work with a 2014 tech company, is now rich! But there’s a catch: he has to get access to the Bitcoins, whatever that means. 

Soon, Scott is sitting in front of his computer, opening a folder that contains the 14 million dollars in bitcoin. We see a Trezor hardware wallet and what appear to be some seed plates. It’s unclear if the plates are metal or just paper to write the 12-24 words that back up the Bitcoin wallet, but what soon becomes clear is that there are no words. Whenever Scott presumably created this wallet, he failed to write down the magic words. Mistake number one. 

It’s useful to note that in a normal self-custody setup, you would not usually store the magic words with the hardware wallet, which kind of defeats the purpose of the hardware wallet’s pin protection and advanced security features. If someone opened up Scott’s office drawer and found the Trezor, they could just put it aside and take the backup words — he had backed them up. Instead, a savvy Bitcoiner would engrave the words on metal plates, for which there are many products on the market, and bury them or stash them in a place more secure than his office drawer.

The Trezor would then serve as his secure computing environment, which is connected to computers that have internet access. The Trezor signs the transactions inside its own chip, and transmits the signed transaction to the user’s computer via USB cable, air gapping the user’s private keys, from the user’s most likely compromised computer. But that can all happen if the user has the pin, which Scott does not. 

The user starts trying to guess pins and quickly realizes that he has a limited number of attempts. This isn’t just to make life difficult for people; it is a security feature that prevents a thief from trying pins forever until they find the right one. Once 10 failed attempts are made, the device deletes its contents, a factory reset of sorts, deleting the bitcoin keys. By the time Scott realizes he has no idea what the pin code is, he has two attempts left, not a good situation to be in. Usually, a user would have the backup words somewhere to regain access even if the hardware wallet got erased due to incorrect PIN attempts. But not Scott! No, he didn’t get one thing right.

Turns out, the 12 words are gone, not clear where they went. Most, if not all, Bitcoin wallets are very annoying to the user about writing those words down, with pop-ups and reminders. Even back in 2014, wallets were very explicit that not backing up those words could lead to loss. Scott, we have to assume did not take the care needed during the setup, nor did he listen to his boss at the time, Kevin, whom we get introduced to next.

Amy, Scott’s wife, finds him lying on the office floor in a mess, papers and devices everywhere. He finally opens up to her about the situation after a nasty fight the night before about the family finances. She convinces him to call Kevin, the crypto expert, rich guy who employed Scott back in 2014.

Soon, we see Kevin in an airport hangar walking towards a private yet cool-looking assistant who passes the phone to her boss, Scott is on the line. Kevin finds it in his heart and busy schedule to deliver a mouthful to his old employee and ex-friend, chastising him for not writing the magic words, giving a speech about financial crypto revolutions and coming off as a condescending and detached Silicon Valley billionaire. At some point, Scott asks if Kevin ever had kids, which he scoffs at. The conversation ends with Kevin putting Scott in contact with ‘a guy’ who can break into that Trezor. 

Here’s the thing: There’s a lot wrong with this picture, at least when it comes to Bitcoin. Most actual rich Bitcoiners I’ve met are family men and women. They don’t spend their wealth on private jets; instead, they are building out their homestead, homeschooling their kids and — as far as the American variety — stacking guns. Far from the stereotype of the billionaire high-tech narcissist loosely portrayed here or in shows like Silicon Valley. 

Also, someone that rich would have better contacts than the scammer Kevin recommends via a single text message with a phone number. In reality, there are companies out there that specialize in recovery services, mostly focusing on locked wallets like Scott’s. Some are scams for sure, and as the film points out in its credits, large-scale recovery scam operations have been shut down by the feds. So it is important to do deep research on who you work with to recover a locked wallet. When it comes to stolen crypto via hacks or fraud, there’s little anyone can do about it; cases can be reported to the FBI, but there are few successful examples when it comes to anonymous cybercrime.

One company that’s been growing a good reputation in the space for offering wallet recovery and self custody consulting services is The Bitcoin Way, another renowned company in this niche is Casa. 

Anyway, the recovery contact passed on by Kevin convinces Scott to drop the Trezor in an anonymous drop box, and well… let’s just say things don’t go well from there. But I’ll let you experience the ending for yourself, since it’s fairly entertaining.  

The film ends with this on screen that does beg some context: “In 2025, U.S. consumers lost more than 9.3 $billion to crypto scams.” What stat misses is that financial and identity-related fraud is north of $50 Billion for legacy financial crime. 

In 2012, for example, 24 billion dollars’ worth of identity theft was reported. Twice as much as all other forms of theft combined that same year. According to Business Insider, the Bureau of Justice Statistics show that “identity theft cost Americans $24.7 billion in 2012, losses for household burglary, motor vehicle theft, and property theft totaled just $14 billion.” Eight years later, that number doubled, costing Americans $56 billion in losses in 2020. If that trend continued, which there’s little reason to assume has slowed down, we could expect 2026-related identity financial fraud to be north of $70 Billion a year in the United States. So Fraud is rampant in general in this day and age, and trusting legacy finance with all your information is hardly a solution. 

Overall, the film represents an interesting exploration of the nightmare scenarios of self-custody and might serve as a great metaphor with which to improve education on the topic. 

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 licensed material. In Bitcoin, as in media: Don’t trust. Verify.

This post Film Review: “Self Custody” Indie Film about Bitcoin on Amazon Prime first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.

Bitcoin Magazine

Strategy (MSTR) Jumps Over 12% as Bitcoin Pumps Past $77,000 Dollars Amid Tentative Iran De‑escalation

Bitcoin proxy stock Strategy surged over 12% today as the price of bitcoin roared above 77,000 dollars, extending a volatile week for crypto markets against the backdrop of war and fragile diplomacy in the Middle East. 

The move added to the gains Strategy has notched in April after the company highlighted a 1.3 billion dollar “bitcoin gain” tied to the rebound in its holdings, even as it sits on large unrealized losses from prior quarters.

Bitcoin pushed through key resistance in the mid‑70,000s and briefly traded above $77,000, building on a multi‑day squeeze that has forced short sellers to cover. Derivatives data this week showed hundreds of millions of dollars in short liquidations, signaling traders were caught leaning against the rally as spot prices climbed back toward record territory.

The latest leg of the bitcoin rally has unfolded as Iran and the United States signal cautious progress toward de‑escalation after weeks of conflict that rattled global markets. Tehran said the Strait of Hormuz is now completely open to commercial shipping under a ceasefire framework linked to a new Israel‑Lebanon truce, even as Washington keeps a naval blockade in place until a broader peace deal is reached.

President Donald Trump said the war “should be ending pretty soon,” while negotiators explored a second round of talks after a first summit failed to produce a comprehensive agreement. 

Strategy’s bullish weeks

Earlier this week, Strategy intensified its already dominant Bitcoin accumulation strategy, purchasing 13,927 BTC for roughly $1 billion and bringing its total holdings to 780,897 BTC. The acquisition, funded entirely through its STRC at-the-market (ATM) stock program, reflects an average purchase price near $71,902 per coin and a cumulative cost basis of about $59 billion.

The company’s capital engine is accelerating. Between April 6 and April 12 alone, Strategy generated just over $1 billion in net proceeds by selling more than 10 million STRC preferred shares. 

That momentum continued into this week, with a single trading day producing over $1 billion in STRC volume—100% of it above the $100 par value required to activate the ATM program. This allowed for an estimated $796 million in fresh capital and the potential purchase of more than 10,000 BTC in one day, far exceeding daily mining supply.

A key metric underscoring this acceleration is the “capture rate,” or the percentage of eligible trading volume converted into proceeds. This has surged from 45% in early March to 81% last week, signaling increasingly aggressive execution and strong institutional demand.

Strategy now overwhelmingly drives corporate Bitcoin accumulation. Of the 47,435 BTC added to corporate treasuries in March, approximately 44,377 BTC came from Strategy alone. 

Strategy shares hit a high of $166.85 so far today.

This post Strategy (MSTR) Jumps Over 12% as Bitcoin Pumps Past $77,000 Dollars Amid Tentative Iran De‑escalation first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Price Charges Past $77,000 as Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Fully Open

Bitcoin price soared above $77,000 this morning after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz completely open under a new ceasefire framework and President Donald Trump amplified the message with a post that highlighted full passage through the waterway. The move sharpened an existing risk-on rotation across global markets and pushed the largest cryptocurrency back toward a resistance band that has capped every rally since early February.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz is open to all commercial vessels for the remaining period of the ceasefire, tying the decision directly to a 10‑day truce between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

The announcement framed the reopening as part of a broader effort to align maritime security with de‑escalation along the Lebanon front, where skirmishes had threatened to derail parallel talks over the wider conflict with Tehran.

Trump seized on the development, posting that “the Strait of IRAN is fully open and ready for full passage. THANK YOU!” and repeating the message again after Araghchi’s statement circulated. The White House has cast a potential settlement with Iran as reachable within days, with Trump saying talks could take place this weekend and hinting at a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington within two weeks.

For energy and macro traders, a fully open Hormuz removes the worst‑case scenario that had hung over crude and shipping since early March. Oil prices slid as war and blockade premia faded, and that drop fed straight into crypto and equities, where investors have treated every sign of progress in the Iran track as a green light to add risk.

Bitcoin price presses resistance as shorts lean in

Against that backdrop, bitcoin price has marched back toward the $76,000–$78,000 band that marked the last major top before February’s washout to a bitcoin price of $60,000. Each push into that zone has met heavy selling, with a visible wall of offers sitting just above the market and a cluster of liquidation levels for over‑levered shorts and longs only a few hundred dollars away.

Derivatives data show that perpetual funding has flipped negative across major venues, a sign that traders pay to hold short positions at current levels. That structure points to a market positioned against further upside even as spot pushes higher, and it sets the stage for a textbook squeeze if the Hormuz catalyst and broader ceasefire narrative keep drawing fresh demand from both retail and large balance‑sheet buyers.

Volatility around this band has already risen. Intraday spikes through $76,000 have triggered waves of liquidations and rapid reversals as shorts scramble to cover and opportunistic sellers fade strength, according to Bitcoin Magazine Pro.

Fear, flows and the path toward $80,000

Sentiment has not healed in step with price. Surveys and composite gauges still sit in “extreme fear,” shaped by the February drawdown, heavy profit‑taking on prior bounces and concerns that the macro backdrop remains fragile even with oil off the highs. On‑chain metrics show many active bitcoin holders sit near or below their cost basis, a pattern that turns every move into resistance as sidelined sellers use strength to cut risk.

Flows add to that picture. Offshore exchanges and structured buying programs have done much of the recent lifting, while deeper U.S. spot venues and larger institutional allocators remain cautious. 

Public miners, which dumped significant coin inventories through the first quarter, continue to feed a steady stream of supply into rallies as they fund operations and expansion.

That mix leaves bitcoin price at an inflection point shaped as much by Hormuz headlines as by funding curves and flow of funds. If the strait stays open, the Lebanon ceasefire holds and Trump’s push for a broader deal with Iran produces tangible steps, the current bid under risk assets could drive a clean break through $77,000 and force shorts to capitulate. 

If talks stall, violations mount or oil snaps back, the same crowded positioning could flip and drag the price back toward the low‑$70,000 range as profit‑takers and miners meet a thin bid.

At the time of writing, the bitcoin price is back down near $76,000.

This post Bitcoin Price Charges Past $77,000 as Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Fully Open first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.

Bitcoin Magazine

Czech National Bank Governor Will Soon Speak on Why They’re Diversifying Their Reserves With Bitcoin

Aleš Michl has been officially confirmed as a speaker at Bitcoin 2026, where he will deliver a keynote titled “Diversifying Central Bank Reserves With Bitcoin” on April 28 at 10:20 AM PT on the Nakamoto Stage at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas. Michl serves as Governor of the Czech National Bank (CNB) — and his presence at the event marks a significant moment as he becomes the first central bank governor to speak at The Bitcoin Conference.

In January 2025, Michl proposed allocating up to 5% of the CNB’s €140 billion reserves into Bitcoin, citing its low correlation with traditional assets like bonds as a key factor making it an attractive diversification option. The proposal drew international attention and pushback. The proposal drew international attention that saw pushback from central bank elites. Like from the European Central Bank’s President, Christine Lagarde, who publicly said she was confident Bitcoin would not ever enter the reserves of any EU central banks. Even though the Czech Republic does not use the euro, Michl has shown little sign of being moved by the criticism.

In November 2025, the CNB made its first-ever digital asset purchase — a $1 million test portfolio that included Bitcoin, a U.S. dollar-based stablecoin, and a tokenized deposit, built inside the CNB Lab to test the operational realities of holding blockchain-based instruments from the central bank’s perspective. Michl framed it as an exercise in preparedness rather than speculation. “The aim was to test decentralised bitcoin from the central bank’s perspective and to evaluate its potential role in diversifying our reserves,” he said. “We’ll inform the public about our experience on an ongoing basis and present an assessment in two to three years.”

His Bitcoin 2026 keynote will offer a rare perspective from inside a sitting central bank — one that has moved from discussion to actual Bitcoin purchase, and is watching how the broader global monetary system is beginning to respond. Bitcoin 2026 takes place April 27–29 at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.

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 Czech National Bank Governor Will Soon Speak on Why They’re Diversifying Their Reserves With Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

Stablecoin supply climbed to a record $320 billion this week, extending the continued surge in dollar-linked digital assets.

This comes as one of the biggest questions hanging over the sector remains unresolved in Washington: whether the income generated by the reserves backing those tokens should stay with issuers or be shared with users.

Nonetheless, the new peak underlines how far stablecoins have moved from their original role as trading tools inside crypto markets.

Over the past year, dollar-pegged tokens have been increasingly used for payments, payroll, savings, and cross-border transfers, broadening their place in the financial system as lawmakers struggle to define the rules that will govern them.

That tension now sits at the center of the debate over the CLARITY Act, a broader bill on digital asset market structure that has become mired in the Senate over the treatment of stablecoin rewards.

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Coinbase’s Brian Armstrong just flipped back to support after a Treasury push, yet Senate Banking still hasn’t moved.

Apr 14, 2026 · Oluwapelumi Adejumo

A record market still runs through a few issuers and chains

The latest growth in the stablecoin market has been driven by the sector's biggest names.

Tether’s USDT now stands at $185 billion in market capitalization, up about $40 billion over the past year. It is followed by Circle’s USDC, whose supply has reached $78 billion.

This means that the two issuers are firmly in command of the stablecoin market’s core liquidity.

That concentration extends to the blockchains where those tokens circulate. Token Terminal data show stablecoin supply on Ethereum has risen about 150% over three years to roughly $180 billion, giving the network around 60% market share.

Data from DefiLlama show that Tron ranks second with $86.958 billion in stablecoin, while Solana ranks third with $15.726 billion. Binance Smart Chain accounts for $13 billion, and Hyperliquid rounds out the top five with $5.229 billion.

Those figures show that stablecoins may be spreading into more parts of finance, but the market still depends on a narrow set of rails.

Ethereum remains the main home for tokenized dollar liquidity, especially where deeper pools of capital and broader decentralized finance activity matter. Tron continues to hold a major share of transfer-driven usage, helped by lower transaction costs.

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TRON cements stablecoin and DeFi dominance with multi-year highs in transaction volumes and user engagement

Jul 23, 2025 · News Desk

Solana, Binance Smart Chain, and Hyperliquid remain smaller, but their presence in the top tier shows that stablecoin demand is broadening across networks designed for different user segments.

Meanwhile, the asset's holder base is also aggressively expanding. Token Terminal data show stablecoin holder growth has been roughly three times faster than governance token holder growth over the past five years.

That divergence suggests users are moving toward blockchain-based dollars with direct utility rather than tokens whose value depends more heavily on protocol participation or speculative positioning.

That shift helps explain why stablecoins have continued to grow even when other parts of the crypto market have moved in and out of favor. The more they behave like financial infrastructure, the less dependent they become on pure trading momentum.

Stablecoins move into savings, payroll, and payments

That utility case is becoming clearer in consumer and business behavior.

The Stablecoin Utility Report 2026, produced by BVNK in partnership with Coinbase and Artemis, found that stablecoins are increasingly used in everyday financial activity rather than solely as trading collateral.

The report notes that users are allocating a growing share of their income and savings to dollar-pegged tokens, reflecting a shift in how those assets are viewed across markets.

Businesses are also adopting these instruments more quickly for practical use. The report found that 77% of surveyed firms use USDC, signaling that stablecoins are becoming embedded in business-to-business settlement and treasury activity, not just exchange flows.

Meanwhile, the same pattern is visible in transaction data. Ripple noted that fintechs and financial institutions have led the latest wave of stablecoin adoption, with global annual transaction volumes rising to $33 trillion last year.

Stablecoins now account for 30% of all on-chain transaction volume, a figure that reflects their central role in the broader blockchain economy.

Notably, the strongest demand is emerging where dollar access and currency stability matter most. Stablecoin adoption is rising in countries facing inflation and exchange-rate pressure, including Nigeria, where dollar-pegged tokens are actively used to preserve value and manage currency depreciation.

Related Reading

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A EY-Parthenon survey of 350 decision-makers revealed that 54% of non-stablecoin users expect to begin implementation by 2026.

Sep 17, 2025 · Gino Matos

In those markets, stablecoins function as a savings tool, settlement rail, and payment instrument simultaneously.

As a result, industry projections show that daily stablecoin transaction volumes could reach $250 billion by 2028, while the asset supply could reach nearly $4 trillion by the end of the decade.

Whether that level is reached on schedule or not, the trend is already established.

Stablecoins are expanding because they solve specific problems that make cross-border transfers faster, dollar access easier, and value easier to store in a unit that users trust more than local currencies.

Yield-bearing stablecoins are growing faster than the rest of the market

However, the market is already showing that crypto users are increasingly demanding yield on using or holding their dollar-pegged assets.

Yield-bearing stablecoins, which generate returns for holders through structures tied to tokenized Treasuries, DeFi lending, or derivatives, have begun to pull away from the broader stablecoin market.

Messari data show that over the last six months, growth in yield-bearing stablecoin supply has outpaced the broader stablecoin market by more than 15 times, with the divergence beginning around mid-October 2025.

That gap is telling. It suggests users are not satisfied with simply holding digital dollars that preserve nominal value. They increasingly want idle on-chain cash to produce income.

In some products that happens through auto-accruing designs. In others, it happens through staked variants such as sUSDe. The structures differ, but the underlying demand is the same.

The firm pointed out that the leading issuers in that segment also reveal something about where the market may be heading.

According to Messari, the biggest winners in yield-bearing stablecoins are not primarily payments companies. They tend to offer a single yield-focused asset, operating more like tokenized money market funds or deposit substitutes than like payment networks.

In other words, the market is already splitting into two lanes: transferable dollar tokens built for movement and yield-focused dollar tokens built for return.

That is the split now haunting the CLARITY Act. If payment stablecoins remain barred from sharing reserve income while yield-bearing alternatives continue to grow, lawmakers will not be deciding whether this market exists, but which version of these assets wins.

The Senate’s delay is turning the policy fight into a deadline story

That decision is becoming more urgent as the political calendar tightens.

The CLARITY Act passed the House in July 2025 but remains stuck in the Senate as lobbying intensifies over stablecoin rewards. The GENIUS Act bans issuers from paying interest directly to holders, but it does not prohibit third-party platforms, such as exchanges, from offering yield.

That has turned stablecoin rewards into the most contentious unresolved issue in the wider push for digital asset legislation.

Banks argue that allowing such stablecoin rewards would disrupt the traditional funding model.

The American Bankers Association has warned that if stablecoins become easily accessible, yield-bearing assets, and deposits could flow out of the banking system, especially from smaller regional and community lenders.

Those institutions would then have to replace low-cost deposit funding with more expensive wholesale borrowing, squeezing net interest margins and potentially reducing credit availability.

Crypto firms like Coinbase argue the opposite. They say banning rewards would suppress innovation and preserve an uneven financial system in which stablecoin issuers collect income from reserves while users receive nothing.

They also argue that banks themselves could participate in the opportunity rather than merely defend against it.

As a result, the White House has convened several meetings since the beginning of the year to break the stalemate, but no compromise has emerged.

That has increased concern that the bill is running out of time in the legislative window. Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott has yet to schedule a markup date, though supporters, including Sen. Bill Hagerty, have said they hope the committee can move the legislation before the end of April.

However, the procedural timetable leaves little margin for delay.

Justin Slaughter, vice president of Paradigm affairs, said the mechanics of a Senate floor vote generally require two to three weeks, meaning the bill would need to clear the banking committee by mid-May to reach a vote before Memorial Day.

If it slips past that point, the calendar becomes more hostile, with long non-legislative periods from Aug. 10 to Sept. 11 and again from Oct. 5 through the Nov. 3 election.

Even the text aimed at resolving the fight is slipping. Sen. Thom Tillis said the latest draft language on stablecoin yield would likely not be released this week because he wants clarity on the timing of the Banking Committee markup.

Tillis has been working with Sen. Angela Alsobrooks on a proposal designed to settle the dispute over whether crypto companies should be allowed to pay interest on idle stablecoin balances.

Markets are already reflecting that uncertainty. Polymarket data put the odds of the bill passing at 66%, down from more than 82% in February.

Stablecoin supply, meanwhile, has continued to climb.

That is what gives the current moment its shape as the market is setting new records. Stablecoins are becoming more deeply embedded in payments, savings, and business transfers. Yield-bearing alternatives are outperforming the broader sector.

Yet the most important economic question inside that expansion remains unresolved in Washington.

Patrick Witt, executive director of the President’s Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, said the dominant players across crypto remain foreign, from stablecoin issuers to centralized exchanges and DeFi protocols, and warned that without a durable market structure framework, the United States will continue to fall behind in digital assets.

For now, the market is not waiting. Tokenized dollars are scaling first, while Congress is still arguing over who should be allowed to benefit from them.

The post Clarity Act deadlock fails to stop Stablecoins smashing $320B and yield-bearing tokens surging appeared first on CryptoSlate.

USDT stablecoin issuer Tether has stepped in to anchor a massive recovery plan for Drift Protocol, the Solana-based decentralized exchange (DEX) that was crippled by a $286 million exploit earlier this month.

However, the rescue package includes a potent commercial string that could challenge Circle's dominance of USDC on the Solana blockchain.

According to the recovery plan, Drift must abandon its long-standing reliance on Circle Internet Financial's USDC and pivot its entire ecosystem to Tether's USDT.

The deal marks a calculated offensive by Tether to capture market share on Solana, a blockchain that has rapidly emerged as the primary battlefield for retail payments and high-frequency decentralized finance (DeFi).

While USDT remains the global king of liquidity with a market capitalization of $185 billion, it has historically trailed Circle on the Solana network. By bailing out one of the ecosystem's most prominent protocols, Tether is effectively buying a seat at the head of the table.

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The price of Drift's lifeline

The recovery framework, announced on April 16, involves a $127.5 million injection from Tether.

Additional unnamed partners are expected to contribute a further $20 million to help fill the hole left by the April 1 heist.

Investigators have since attributed the attack to North Korean cybercriminals who allegedly spent months infiltrating the Drift team through “social engineering,” posing as legitimate traders at industry conferences to gain the trust of developers.

To make users whole, Drift will issue a specialized “recovery token.” Unlike the protocol's DRIFT governance asset, these tokens represent a direct claim on a $295 million reimbursement pool.

The tokens will be transferable, allowing victims to exit their positions and access liquidity immediately rather than waiting for the multi-year process of law enforcement asset recovery.

However, the most significant structural change is the “USDT-first” mandate.

Drift's entire settlement layer, the engine that clears and settles trades, will migrate from USDC to USDT. The transition will bring more than 128,000 active users and 35 ecosystem partners under Tether's umbrella.

Cindy Leow, the co-founder of Drift, said:

“The collaboration is structured around a clear, revenue-driven recovery mechanism designed to prioritize users from day one through a revenue-linked credit facility, an ecosystem grant, and loans to market-makers.”

Leow further explained that “a substantial portion of exchange revenue, together with committed support capital, is intended to fund a dedicated user recovery pool.”

How Tether's USDT is gaining a foothold over Circle's USDC

Some analysts are framing Drift's pivot to USDT as an implicit but pointed critique of Circle's handling of the exploit.

In the immediate aftermath of the April 1 hack, several prominent blockchain investigators, including ZachXBT, publicly slammed Circle for failing to freeze the stolen funds quickly enough.

However, Circle defended its position, saying it freezes USDC only when legally compelled by the appropriate authorities and argued that “the power to freeze is not the power to police.”

The USDC issuer also framed unilateral intervention as inconsistent with due process and property-rights protections, while also saying it stood ready to support accountability efforts within the limits of the law.

That response may have been legally and operationally consistent with Circle's regulatory positioning, but it also exposed a commercial vulnerability. In moments of acute stress, crypto users and protocols often reward the party seen as moving fastest to protect funds, not the one making the cleanest legal argument.

Circle's posture also contrasts with that of Tether, which has often leaned into its role as an active “policeman” of its own rails, frequently freezing assets at the request of law enforcement or in response to major exploits.

“Tether moves faster in cases like these,” noted DeFi analyst Ignas. “I always preferred USDC because of its supposedly ‘safer' status. Yet it was USDC that experienced the largest depeg during the banking crisis, while Circle failed to freeze these hacked funds. Tether is positioning itself as the safer option for the retail user who wants protection.”

This sentiment was also echoed by Lorenzo Romagnoli, co-founder of the USDT0 bridge protocol, which reportedly froze its Solana bridge within 29 minutes of the Drift exploit. He stated:

“People gravitate toward solutions that protect them in difficult moments.”

The battle for Solana's payment rails

Tether's aggressive move comes as Solana's importance to the global financial system reaches a tipping point.

In February 2026, Grayscale reported that stablecoin transaction volume on Solana hit a record $650 billion, driven by its low fees and high throughput.

For years, Circle's USDC has been the “Goldilocks” asset for Solana users, currently commanding over $8.1 billion in supply, accounting for over 52% of the network's $15.5 billion total stablecoin supply. Notably, USDC's supply represents nearly triple that of Tether's $3 billion presence there.

This dominance has been bolstered by partnerships with several traditional finance giants, including Visa, PayPal, Stripe, Western Union, and Fiserv, running production workflows on the network.

However, the tide may be turning.

Data from Blockworks Research indicates that USDC's market share on Solana has slipped from a peak of 80% to approximately 55% as of early 2026. Over that same period, USDT's share has climbed to 21%.

Market observers argue that Tether's move to capture Drift could be an attempt to accelerate this decline and capture the lucrative fees associated with high-velocity retail payments.

Truda, an independent crypto analyst, opined:

“Think deeper. Spend $100 million to save Drift, and suddenly every other protocol on Solana starts looking at USDT as having an ‘unspoken bailout mechanism.' It’s a bid for world domination.”

A new era of transparency?

Meanwhile, Tether's expansion onto Solana's payment rails coincides with an unprecedented push for institutional legitimacy.

Long considered a pariah in US regulatory circles, the company is now attempting to shed its reputation for opacity.

Tether has reportedly engaged KPMG to conduct a comprehensive financial audit of its $185 billion in reserves, moving beyond the “attestations” it has used for years.

This shift is partially driven by the GENIUS Act, a landmark US piece of legislation that has required stablecoin issuers to meet stricter transparency standards. As part of this evolution, Tether recently launched “USAT,” a specialized token compliant with the new American framework.

The efforts come as the company is also reportedly eyeing a massive $20 billion fundraising round that would value the El Salvador-based firm at $500 billion.

However, the Financial Times reports that some investors remain hesitant, citing the historical baggage of Tether's $18.5 million settlement with the New York Attorney General in 2021 and ongoing scrutiny regarding the use of USDT in illicit finance.

Nonetheless, these efforts would allow it to more directly compete with the regulatory posture that Circle has long used as a core advantage for its USDC stablecoin.

So, as Drift prepares to relaunch following audits by security firms OtterSec and Asymmetric, the crypto industry is watching closely.

The “Drift Bailout” is more than just a recovery plan; it is a signal that Tether is no longer content being the reserve currency of offshore exchanges. It wants to be the settlement layer for the future of retail payments, and it is willing to pay nine figures to secure that spot.

The post Tether uses $127M Drift rescue to challenge Circle’s grip on Solana payments appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Japan has long been one of Ripple's most fertile markets. SBI's investment in Ripple dates to 2016, SBI Remit launched Japan's first XRP-enabled international remittance flow in 2021, and SBI VC Trade counts XRP among its most popular assets.

When Ripple and SBI announced in August 2025 that SBI VC Trade intended to distribute RLUSD in Japan, the move read as a natural extension of an already deep local partnership.

A recent survey of 518 investment professionals in Japan, conducted by Nomura and Laser Digital between December 2025 and January 2026 and released Apr. 16, found that 63% of respondents identified potential uses for stablecoins, spanning treasury management, cross-border payments, crypto investing, and tokenized securities.

Across JPY, USD, and EUR denominations, the stablecoins that drew the highest institutional trust were those issued by major financial institutions.

Japan may be Ripple's friendliest proving ground and precisely where the limits of crypto-branded stablecoins become visible.

Why Japan was supposed to be different

Ripple's position in Japan goes beyond standard distribution agreements. SBI Ripple Asia, a joint venture formed from SBI's 2016 investment in Ripple, has operated as part of Ripple's regional infrastructure for nearly a decade.

SBI Remit began using Ripple Payments in 2017 and expanded XRP-based remittance corridors into the Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia in September 2023.

SBI VC Trade's own investor materials describe XRP as one of its most popular crypto assets among customers.

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That foundation gave Ripple something most stablecoin issuers lack in Japan, which is pre-existing retail familiarity, regulated local partners, and a remittance infrastructure already operating on Ripple rails.

RLUSD entered this market with institutional packaging that Ripple itself describes as enterprise-grade, fully backed by US dollar deposits, US government bonds, and cash equivalents, built around compliance and integrated into Ripple Payments for cross-border and treasury-style flows.

Nomura's survey complicates the read that puts Ripple in a strong hand. The trust premium that Japanese institutions place on major financial institution issuers reflects a structural bias toward familiar, supervised counterparties.

The FSA's stablecoin framework limits issuance of digital-money-type stablecoins to banks, fund transfer service providers, and trust companies, with redemption and safeguarding requirements attached to each structure.

Bank-issued stablecoins offer protection equivalent to that of conventional bank deposits. Japan's regulatory architecture, by design, concentrates credibility around supervised financial entities. Ripple, regardless of its compliance posture, falls outside that category.

The competition already building

RLUSD's planned distribution through SBI VC Trade, still described in late 2025 SBI investor materials as pending approval, falls within a field that Japan's established financial institutions are actively developing.

In November 2025, MUFG Bank, Mizuho Bank, SMBC, and Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Progmat announced an FSA-supported proof of concept for joint stablecoin issuance and cross-border settlement.

SBI's own materials show that USDC is already approved in Japan through its relationship with Circle, that RLUSD is planned for listing once approval is cleared, and that a JPY-pegged stablecoin study is underway with SMBC.

That competitive picture reframes what RLUSD is actually competing for in Japan.

The open question is which issuer types will capture the highest-trust, highest-value institutional use cases, as Nomura's 63% figure puts adoption itself beyond doubt.

Treasury management, tokenized securities settlement, and domestic corporate payments are the use cases most sensitive to issuer identity. Cross-border payments, exchange liquidity, and international remittances are the use cases where Ripple's existing infrastructure and RLUSD's design are strongest.

Ripple built its position in Japan through payments and remittances, and RLUSD's rollout plan points in the same direction. Nomura's trust data points to institutions reaching out to issuers with balance sheets and deposit protections they already recognize for broader use cases.

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Two paths from here

The bull case for RLUSD in Japan depends on how narrowly institutions actually apply the trust premium captured by Nomura's survey.

If Japanese institutions draw a practical distinction between issuer identity for domestic yen-denominated settlement and issuer identity for USD-denominated cross-border infrastructure, RLUSD has a credible lane.

Ripple Payments already routes international flows, SBI VC Trade already serves institutional crypto clients, and RLUSD, as a compliant USD stablecoin integrated into an existing cross-border payment network, could occupy the USD settlement role in Japan's institutional stack without needing to win the domestic trust competition outright.

In that scenario, RLUSD becomes a credible infrastructure for international use cases, while SBI's parallel USDC and JPY stablecoins handle domestic demand.

Ripple's enterprise positioning would prove sufficient for the lanes it already occupies, even if it does not expand into the higher-trust domestic settlement business.

The bear case follows directly from Nomura's data and Japan's issuer structure.

If the trust premium for major financial institution issuers proves sticky across all stablecoin use cases, RLUSD will remain secondary in the Japanese institutional market regardless of its compliance credentials.

Banks and trust companies building their own stablecoin products carry the deposit-protection framing and regulatory familiarity that Nomura's respondents appear to prize.

RLUSD, however well-packaged, arrives as a crypto-network product distributed through a local partner. This is a structure that Japanese institutions may still read as crypto-adjacent, outside the supervised financial entity category that Nomura's trust premium rewards.

In that outcome, RLUSD's presence in Japan mirrors its global positioning as useful for Ripple Payments flows and exchange liquidity, with domestic institutional settlement concentrated among supervised financial entities.

That would be a meaningful ceiling even in Ripple's friendliest market.

Nomura's wording is “major financial institutions.” That distinction creates some space for non-bank-regulated issuers to compete on trust grounds, particularly fund transfer service providers and trust companies that fall within Japan's issuer-authorization framework.

The 63% use-case figure reflects current institutional thinking among asset managers, family offices, and public interest organizations.

That demand exists now, and it will flow toward products first. The open variable is which products capture the largest share of its trust-sensitive demand.

The broader frame

Ripple's position in Japan gives it an unusually useful vantage point on the stablecoin trust question.

If RLUSD finds a durable institutional foothold in Japan despite the trust premium Nomura's survey documents, that would demonstrate that compliance framing and local distribution can compete with issuer identity even in a bank-centered market.

If RLUSD stays confined to the cross-border and crypto-settlement lanes where Ripple already operates, that would confirm that trust in a payments network and trust in a stablecoin issuer are distinct, and that Japan's institutional market keeps them separate.

The megabank stablecoin buildout proceeding in parallel answers the same question from the other side. MUFG, Mizuho, and SMBC are building stablecoins with the intent of competing in the domestic trust market themselves.

Japan is a preview of what institutional stablecoin markets look like when the financial establishment arrives with its own products, its own issuer credibility, and a regulatory framework designed around its own structure.

The post Ripple’s dollar stablecoin hits a wall in Japan, one of XRP’s friendliest markets, as megabanks earn most of the trust appeared first on CryptoSlate.

According to the latest official update, the third large-scale buyback and burn of JST has been completed. In this round, 271,337,579 JST tokens, worth an estimated $21.3 million, were burned, representing 2.74% of the total supply. Every dollar deployed in this round originated directly from the organic revenue of JustLend DAO. This includes approximately $10.34 million drawn from accumulated revenue, paired with $10.97 million in net new revenue generated during Q1 2026.

This milestone marks the completion of three massive buyback-and-burn cycles. Since its launch in October 2025, this program has burned 1,356,228,332 JST tokens in just six months, slashing the total supply by ~13.70%.

On the execution front, Grants DAO spearheaded the entire process on-chain. This fully decentralized operation ensures that every transaction is publicly traceable. Community members can monitor the capital deployed, tokens burned, and transaction hashes in real time through the JustLend DAO’s transparency page—offering absolute transparency at every stage.

Since the October 2025 launch of its buyback and burn initiative, JST has successfully completed three massive rounds of supply reductions. The data for all three rounds is fully transparent and verifiable on-chain:

• Round 1 (Oct 2025): 559 million JST burned via a $17.72 million capital commitment, representing 5.66% of total supply.
• Round 2 (Jan 2026): 525 million JST burned via a $21 million capital commitment, representing 5.3% of total supply.
• Round 3 (Apr 15, 2026): Approx. 271 million JST burned via a $21.3 million capital commitment, representing 2.74% of total supply.

Through these three massive burns, 1,356,228,332 JST have been permanently removed from the total supply, slashing the token base by 13.7%. This intensifying deflationary pressure has rapidly accelerated JST's scarcity. With a fixed total supply and stable demand, this supply-side contraction is triggering a fundamental token revaluation, clearing the way for sustained growth in both token price and market capitalization.

JST's market performance is another powerful validation of this deflationary logic. According to CoinGecko's data, since the buyback program commenced in October 2025, JST's price has surged from a low of ~$0.03 to $0.08, representing an over 100% upsurge. Over the same period, its market cap has jumped from $300 million to ~$700 million, signaling robust investor confidence. As this deflationary mechanism becomes a structural fixture of the ecosystem, the ongoing contraction of circulating supply is expected to drive JST's valuation up in the long run.

The momentum behind JST's buyback and burn program comes from the strong fundamentals of JustLend DAO. Per protocol, JST burn capital is sourced from two pillars of the JUST ecosystem: the net revenue of the JustLend DAO platform and incremental earnings from the USDD ecosystem above the $10 million revenue threshold. Since USDD's revenue is yet to hit the threshold, all funding for the first three burns has been derived from the organic revenue generated by JustLend DAO.

Financial deployment for these three rounds has scaled progressively, shattering market expectations. This trajectory stems directly from JustLend DAO's high profitability and sophisticated operational framework.

As the cornerstone of TRON's financial infrastructure, JustLend DAO has engineered a diversified product matrix—including SBM lending, sTRX liquid staking, energy rental, and the GasFree smart wallet—to provide stable, multifaceted support for ecosystem earnings. Currently, SBM lending and sTRX business lines serve as the primary engines for JST burn funding.

Through this comprehensive lineup, JustLend DAO has achieved consistent revenue growth and demonstrated resilience across market cycles. With a Total Value Locked (TVL) of approximately $6.75 billion, its SBM lending business is consistently ranked among the top three globally in the sector.

Driven by this organic revenue, the JST buyback and burn flywheel is operating with high efficiency. This intensifying deflationary pressure will persist across both bull and bear markets, forging a solid foundation for JST's long-term value appreciation.

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 On Schedule and Above Target: JST’s Third Buyback and Burn Breaches $21 Million appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin has spent much of 2026 moving between recovery attempts and macro shocks, yet one part of the market has kept moving in a single direction. Large holders have been buying.

On April 16, Bitfinex highlighted CryptoQuant data showing whales accumulated 270,000 BTC over the previous 30 days, the largest buying spree since 2013, while exchange reserves fell to their lowest level since December 2017.

That combination carries more weight than usual, pointing to a market where available supply is thinning beneath the surface, even while price remains far below the October 2025 all-time high of $126,198.

As of press time, CryptoSlate’s Bitcoin data page shows BTC trading near $74,500, up 0.9% over 24 hours, 3.3% over seven days, and 0.7% over 30 days. Market capitalization stands near $1.5 trillion, and 24-hour volume is just above $41.2 billion.

#1

Bitcoin BTC

$77,265.22

+4.72%

Market Cap $1.55T

24h Volume $48.9B

All-Time High $126,198.07

Sectors

Coin Layer 1 PoW

Those numbers describe a market that has regained balance after a bruising first quarter, though they only show part of the supply picture that the CryptoQuant chart is starting to expose. Price has recovered enough to draw fresh attention, while the deeper change sits in where the coins are and who holds them.

Coins on exchanges are available for quick sale. Coins moved into colder, longer-duration hands take more time and stronger conviction to bring back into the market.

When that transfer happens at scale, price can stay quiet for a period and then respond much more sharply once fresh demand pushes into a thinner pool of supply. That is the core development behind the latest whale activity.

Whale accumulation has turned into a supply event

Bitcoin often treats whale accumulation as a sentiment clue, a sign that larger holders expect stronger prices later. The April 16 signal points to something more concrete in market plumbing.

When whales absorb that much BTC in 30 days as exchange balances collapse, the central issue becomes inventory. A market with fewer readily available coins behaves differently once buying pressure arrives.

CryptoSlate reported in February that accumulator addresses received 66,940 BTC in a single day after a liquidation shock, a move worth roughly $4.7 billion at the time. Later that month, CryptoSlate showed whales had added 200,000 BTC in a month, even as short-term demand faded and the market struggled to regain momentum.

The setup was already established. The April 16 CryptoQuant signal extends it and sharpens it.

Persistence is the key change. A one-day spike can reflect custody reshuffling or balance-sheet management. A 30-day accumulation run of 270,000 BTC, paired with seven-year-low exchange reserves, carries the hallmarks of genuine supply removal.

The math around issuance helps explain why this point in the cycle carries extra weight. Since the April 2024 halving, Bitcoin has produced 3.125 BTC per block, leaving annual supply growth far below prior cycles.

CryptoSlate’s Bitcoin reference data notes that more than 20.02 million BTC have already been mined out of the maximum 21 million. In a market already dealing with a finite float, another 270,000 BTC moving into stronger hands changes the balance between buyers and sellers.

A breakout still depends on demand, but the threshold for a larger move becomes easier to reach when fewer coins are near the market price.

The current contradiction sits in plain view. Bitcoin remains about 40.77% below its peak, which keeps the chart far from euphoric.

At the same time, the supply side looks far tighter than the price alone suggests. The 30-day return remains below 1%, suggesting the market is marking time. The CryptoQuant chart points in another direction.

Surface calm can coexist with a shrinking pool of available coins, and that combination often creates the conditions for a sharper move later.

It'd be easy to simply say, “whales are bullish,” but that captures only part of what is happening. Bullishness is a view. A smaller pool of readily available coins is a condition.

Conditions shape how markets move once a catalyst appears. If the largest holders continue to absorb supply and exchange reserves keep falling, Bitcoin requires less incremental demand to produce a larger price response.

That is the mechanism behind the current setup, and it explains why this accumulation wave deserves more attention than the average on-chain signal.

ETF flows and treasury buyers are testing a thinner market

Thin supply becomes powerful once demand returns with enough persistence to test it. That is why ETF flows and treasury buying remain central to the next phase.

The broad pattern since February has been uneven, though the direction over the last several sessions has improved. Farside Investors’ daily Bitcoin ETF flow data shows U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs absorbed $471 million on April 6, then swung to a $159 million outflow on April 7, a $93 million outflow on April 8, and then back to $358 million of inflows on April 9, $256 million on April 10, $411 million on April 14, and $186 million on April 15.

That is a buyer base returning in bursts rather than following a straight line.

The weekly fund data tells a similar story. On March 30, CoinShares reported $414 million in digital asset fund outflows, the first weekly outflow in five weeks, as fears around the Iran conflict and a shift in June FOMC expectations hit sentiment.

The United States drove $445 million of those outflows, while Germany and Canada bought into the weakness. Bitcoin products still held a strong year-to-date net inflow position, though the weekly move showed how quickly macro stress can interrupt demand.

Two weeks later, CoinShares’ report showed $1.1 billion of inflows, the strongest weekly total since early January, with Bitcoin alone taking in $871 million. At the same time, trading volumes at $21 billion remained well below the year-to-date average of $31 billion, and short-Bitcoin products still saw meaningful inflows.

Demand has improved, while conviction remains incomplete and hedging activity continues to play a visible role.

Bitcoin’s public company demand remains active, but is mostly confined to a single company. Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases page shows the company now holds 780,897 BTC at an average acquisition price of $75,577.

Corporate treasury accumulation does not produce the same daily rhythm as ETF flows, though it reaches the same destination. Coins leave the liquid market and move into the hands of those who plan to hold through volatility. If that thesis holds, that is.

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When ETF inflows, treasury buying, and whale accumulation occur simultaneously, they drain the same pool of spot inventory.

The market has another reason to focus on this setup, because the macro backdrop remains unresolved. Earlier this month, CryptoSlate noted that Bitcoin entered April on firmer footing after a late-March relief rally, though the recovery still faced a macro test tied to Fed expectations and geopolitical risk.

That framework still applies. ETF demand can return, whales can keep buying, and reserves can keep shrinking, while a sharper repricing in rates or renewed geopolitical pressure can still slow the whole machine.

The recent flow pattern captures that tension well. Buyers are back, though they have not committed to a smooth, uninterrupted run.

Macro pressure still shapes the speed of the move

That leaves Bitcoin in a position that is both fragile and powerful. Fragile, because the marginal buyer still reacts to macro headlines. Powerful, because once that buyer commits, the spot market may have fewer coins to offer than it did earlier in the year.

This is where the April 16 accumulation data gains broader force. It sits at the junction of supply, ETF demand, corporate buying, and macro sensitivity, all at once.

The next question is simple, even if the answer remains open. Does Bitcoin have enough returning demand to force a repricing in a market that appears short on easy sell-side supply?

A durable yes would reshape how the market behaves from here. A sustained run of positive ETF flows, combined with continued reserve compression and further whale accumulation, would place more pressure on price than the current seven-day gains suggest.

Under those conditions, resistance begins to weaken because the market is working with less nearby inventory. Price advances can also become more abrupt, since the next seller often waits at a higher level.

A second path is less dramatic, though still constructive. Demand can remain positive but inconsistent, as seen in recent ETF flow data and CoinShares’ weekly volume figures.

In that environment, Bitcoin can continue grinding higher or sideways without producing the kind of breakout that pulls in a much wider audience. The supply squeeze remains real, though the market never receives enough demand at once to fully expose it.

That would keep Bitcoin in a regime where every positive week looks promising, and every macro wobble interrupts the move before it fully matures.

A weaker path also deserves attention, though for a narrower reason than usual. The main risk is not the accumulation of data being inaccurate, but being overwhelmed. Macro shocks still have veto power over risk assets.

As Fed expectations shift toward tighter policy and geopolitical stress continues to mount, buyers can step back even while supply remains thin. Under that outcome, Bitcoin trades first as a macro-sensitive asset and second as a scarcity asset.

Another risk sits inside the on-chain data itself. As CryptoSlate noted in February, custody reshuffles can sometimes resemble fresh accumulation. That caveat still belongs in the frame.

The April signal carries more weight because of its duration and its alignment with lower exchange reserves, while disciplined reporting still separates strong evidence from absolute proof.

Bitcoin is trading against a tighter supply base

For now, the clearest conclusion is that Bitcoin has entered a more sensitive market structure. The latest price, the recent ETF inflow rebound, Strategy’s continued buying, and the 270,000 BTC whale accumulation wave all point toward the same outcome.

A larger share of the coin supply appears increasingly unwilling to sell at current levels. If demand keeps returning, the market may discover that the real shortage was hiding in plain sight. If demand fades again, the setup remains incomplete rather than invalidated.

Either way, the whale data adds a crucial detail to the current market map.

Bitcoin is trading against a supply base that may already be tighter than many in the market assume.

Exchange reserves have fallen to their lowest level since December 2017, whales have accumulated at a pace not seen since 2013, ETF inflows have resumed after a shaky stretch, and one of the largest public corporate holders continues to withdraw coins from circulation. Each of those developments has its own logic.

Together, they describe a market where available supply is shrinking while several demand channels are still active.

The result is an asymmetric sensitivity setup. A modest pickup in demand can have a larger effect than it would have in a looser market. A pause in demand can leave Bitcoin range-bound for longer, though the underlying supply picture would still remain tight.

That is why the next few weeks could carry unusual importance

The post Bitcoin whales just bought the most BTC since 2013 – so why is the price stuck below $80,000? appeared first on CryptoSlate.

Bitcoin Breaks $75,000 Resistance Amid Macro Shifts

The cryptocurrency market reached a significant psychological and technical milestone today, April 17, 2026. For the first time in over ten weeks (73 days), Bitcoin secured a daily candle close above the $75,000 level. This move signals a potential end to the consolidation phase that has dominated the market, bolstered by massive institutional buying and a historic liquidity injection from the US Treasury.

Institutional Appetite: BlackRock Leads the Charge

The rally is not merely retail-driven. New data confirms that the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has acquired an additional $81,780,000 worth of Bitcoin (approximately 1,009 BTC). This consistent accumulation by the world's largest asset manager highlights a growing confidence in BTC as a "digital gold" hedge, especially as global debt levels continue to rise.

US Treasury’s $15 Billion "Liquidity Bomb"

In a move that caught macro analysts by surprise, the US Treasury executed a buyback of $15,000,000,000 of its own debt. This represents the largest Treasury buyback in history.

From a market perspective, this is a massive liquidity injection. When the government buys back bonds, it pumps cash back into the financial system. According to macro analysts on Bloomberg, this "risk-on" signal often benefits scarce assets like Bitcoin. Historically, such maneuvers can weaken the dollar's relative strength, providing a tailwind for the crypto news cycle to turn bullish.

JP Morgan: Regulation to End Crypto Manipulation?

Adding to the bullish sentiment, analysts at the $4.8 trillion JP Morgan have indicated that the Crypto Market Structure Bill (often referred to as the CLARITY Act) is nearing completion, with a target for mid-2026.

The bank states that this bill is essential to ending "regulation by enforcement" and curbing market manipulation. By providing a clear framework for token classification, the bill is expected to unlock even more institutional participation.

Bitcoin Price Outlook: The Next Resistance

The convergence of a $75k price floor, record government debt buybacks, and a looming regulatory framework creates a "perfect storm" for $Bitcoin. If the daily close holds, technical indicators suggest the next major resistance levels could sit near the $78,000 and $82,000 marks.

Bitpanda has officially relaunched its professional trading infrastructure under the banner of Bitpanda Fusion 2.0. While the original Fusion platform introduced the concept of liquidity aggregation, the 2.0 evolution takes a "leap forward" by integrating even more global liquidity providers and expanding the asset range to unprecedented levels for a regulated entity.

What’s New in Fusion 2.0?

Bitpanda Fusion 2.0 is a comprehensive relaunch of Bitpanda’s professional trading suite. It combines aggregated liquidity from 12+ global order books, offering deeper market depth and tighter spreads. Unlike its predecessor, Fusion 2.0 now supports over 2,000 trading pairs and features a revamped interface designed for institutional-grade execution.

The Technology Behind Fusion 2.0: Deep Aggregated Liquidity

The defining feature of Bitpanda Fusion 2.0 is its sophisticated aggregation engine. Instead of operating as a closed-loop crypto exchange, Fusion 2.0 acts as a high-speed gateway to the global market.

1. 12+ Global Order Books in One

Fusion 2.0 connects to more than a dozen of the world's largest liquidity providers and exchanges. This ensures that even during high volatility, traders can execute large blocks with minimal slippage.

• Real-time Synchronization: The platform pulls live bid/ask data to ensure users always receive the most competitive pricing.
• Best Execution: Orders are dynamically routed across multiple venues to find the optimal fill price.

2. Massive Expansion of Trading Pairs

One of the most significant upgrades in the 2.0 relaunch is the asset variety. With over 2,000 trading pairs, Fusion 2.0 dwarfs most European competitors.

• Local Fiat Integration: Traders can trade directly against EUR, CHF, and GBP, eliminating unnecessary conversion fees.
• Stablecoin Depth: Comprehensive support for USDT, USDC, and EURC/EURCV pairs ensures seamless hedging strategies for Bitcoin and altcoin positions.

Pro-Grade Features & Institutional Security

Bitpanda Fusion 2.0 is specifically tailored for those who have moved beyond retail investing. The platform now includes:

• Advanced Order Types: Precision execution via Limit, Stop-Limit, and Take-Profit orders.
• Native TradingView Integration: High-performance charting with hundreds of technical indicators.
• Unified Ecosystem: Users manage a single balance across the entire Bitpanda world—no need for capital-intensive pre-funding of multiple accounts.
• Fee Transparency: A tiered volume-based fee structure where high-volume traders can enjoy rates as low as 0.02%.

Regulatory Stability: The MiCA Advantage

As reported by authority outlets like Reuters and the Financial Times, the European regulatory landscape is tightening. Bitpanda Fusion 2.0 stands as a fully compliant, EU-regulated platform (MiCA, MiFID II, and VASP). This provides a "Safe Haven" for professional traders who require legal certainty alongside performance.

Comparison: Fusion 2.0 vs. The Market

Professor Jiang (Xueqin Jiang), a Chinese-Canadian educator turned viral geopolitical commentator, has publicly claimed that Bitcoin is a CIA operation.

Already famous for his "Predictive History" and bold forecasts regarding the decline of Western hegemony, Jiang’s recent stance on Bitcoin adds a layer of skepticism to the digital asset's decentralized narrative. While most see $BTC$ as a hedge against fiat, Jiang argues it may be a sophisticated tool of the very empire he predicts will soon collapse.

Who is Professor Jiang?

Professor Jiang Xueqin rose to international prominence via his YouTube channel, Predictive History. A Yale graduate and former educator at elite Chinese institutions like the Affiliated High School of Peking University, Jiang has transitioned into a "geopolitical prophet" for the digital age.

He gained massive traction in 2024 and 2025 for his remarkably accurate predictions concerning Middle Eastern conflicts. Most notably, his assertions that the United States would find itself embroiled in a losing battle against Iran have made him a polarizing yet watched figure. Jiang utilizes a mix of game theory, historical cycles, and eschatology to argue that the current global order is reaching a terminal point.

Why Does He Call Bitcoin a CIA Operation?

In a recent series of lectures and social media posts, Jiang pivoted his focus toward financial sovereignty. His core argument suggests that Bitcoin’s anonymity and global reach serve the interests of U.S. intelligence agencies—specifically the CIA.

"Bitcoin is not the exit from the system; it is the trapdoor within it," Jiang suggested in a recent commentary.

The Argument for "Intelligence Control"

Jiang’s theory rests on several controversial pillars:

• Technological Origins: He points to the SHA-256 algorithm (designed by the NSA) as a "fingerprint" of state involvement.
• Controlled Opposition: He suggests that by allowing a "rebel currency" to flourish, the U.S. can monitor capital flight from rival nations like China and Russia.
• Liquidity for Black Ops: Jiang posits that the crypto market provides a dark-pool environment for funding operations without congressional oversight.

While these claims lack empirical evidence and are often dismissed by the $Bitcoin community as "tinfoil hat" rhetoric, Jiang’s track record with geopolitical forecasts has given his followers pause.

The Connection to the US-Iran Conflict

Jiang’s distrust of Bitcoin is deeply tied to his view of the U.S.-Iran war. He predicts that as the U.S. dollar faces a crisis of confidence due to overextension in the Middle East, the "CIA-backed" Bitcoin will be pushed as a temporary lifeboat to maintain American influence over global capital flows when the greenback fails.

According to Jiang, the U.S. "empire" is committing strategic suicide through its involvement in Iran. He argues that the loss of this conflict will signal the end of the "Pax Americana," and that assets like Bitcoin are part of a broader "Secret History" of the world intended to manage the transition to a new, perhaps more controlled, digital financial era.

Fact or Geopolitical Fiction?

Professor Jiang represents a growing trend of "anti-system" intellectuals who view every facet of modern life through the lens of power struggles. While his claims about Bitcoin being a CIA project align with long-standing urban legends (like the "Satoshi is a group of NSA agents" theory), they remain speculative.

The cryptocurrency market is entering a phase of high-tension consolidation this April 16, 2026. While Bitcoin remains the primary barometer for risk appetite, institutional infrastructure is evolving rapidly. Today's headlines are dominated by two major themes: Bitcoin's battle with psychological resistance and a massive shift in how institutional Ethereum products generate yield.

What is the Crypto Market Status Today?

As of April 16, 2026, the crypto market is showing a bullish bias despite tight price ranges.

• Bitcoin ($BTC) is trading near $74,438, maintaining its position above key moving averages.
• Ethereum ($ETH) is seeing renewed interest following news that BlackRock’s iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB) has formalized a staking agreement with Coinbase Prime.
• Regulatory Front: The SEC has issued a significant "no-action" statement regarding decentralized user interfaces, providing a breather for DeFi developers.

Bitcoin Price Analysis: The $75,000 Coil

Bitcoin has spent the last 48 hours grinding within a narrow corridor between $73,400 and $75,300. Technical analysts point to a "compression" phase, where low volatility often precedes a massive directional breakout.

The Money Flow Index (MFI) is currently at 79.00, its highest level in this recovery cycle. Historically, when the MFI approaches the 80.00 "overbought" threshold while price remains just below resistance, it suggests heavy institutional accumulation rather than retail exhaustion. If BTC clears the $76,000 mark, the path to the $150,000 target projected by Standard Chartered earlier this year remains structurally intact.

Ethereum News: Institutional Staking Goes Mainstream

A major catalyst for Ethereum today is the announcement from the iShares Staked Ethereum Trust (ETHB). The fund has entered a definitive agreement with Coinbase Prime to enable staking for the ETH held within the trust.

Why This Matters for ETH Investors:

• Yield Generation: For the first time, institutional ETF holders will benefit from the Ethereum network's staking rewards directly through a regulated product.
• Validator Security: By using Coinbase Prime’s infrastructure, the trust ensures professional-grade validator management, reducing "slashing" risks.
• Market Liquidity: Increased institutional staking could lock up a significant portion of the ETH supply, potentially creating a "supply shock" if demand surges.

Regulatory Update: SEC Clarifies DeFi Interface Rules

In a move that caught many by surprise, the U.S. SEC Division of Trading and Markets issued a statement regarding "Covered User Interface Providers." The commission noted it would not object to software providers offering interfaces for crypto asset securities without registering as broker-dealers, provided they do not exercise discretion over transactions. This provides much-needed legal clarity for decentralized exchanges and DeFi protocols.

Summary of Today's Crypto Market Data

We've reviewed enough CFD brokers to know that most of them blur together after a while. TradeEU Global does a handful of things well, keeps the experience simple, and doesn't try to pretend it's something it's not. That actually counts for more than you'd think in this space.

Here's our full TradeEU Global review for 2026 after spending time on the platform.

First Impressions: Getting Started

Before we get into features and fees, let's talk about what actually happens when you sign up — because that's where a lot of brokers already start losing people.

TradeEU Global's registration is quick. You fill in your details, upload an ID and a proof of address document, and you're through. Once verified, you land in a personal dashboard that lays everything out without burying things in submenus: account balance, open positions, deposit options, transaction history. It felt organized in a way that suggests someone actually thought about the user flow here, rather than just slapping a back-office panel together.

The minimum deposit is $250 across all account types. Not the lowest in the industry, but not unreasonable either.

The Platform: TradingView Under the Hood

This is probably the single best thing about TradeEU Global in 2026.

Instead of building a half-baked proprietary charting tool (which too many brokers do), they've integrated TradingView directly into the WebTrader. That means proper charting — multiple timeframes, drawing tools, over 100 indicators, and the kind of layout flexibility that TradingView users already know and expect.

The WebTrader runs entirely in-browser. No downloads, no Java plugins from 2012, no "please install our desktop client" prompts. It loaded fast, charts rendered smoothly, and placing orders felt responsive even with several pairs open at once. We also tested the mobile app on iOS and had no issues — trades placed on desktop showed up instantly on the phone, and vice versa.

It's not going to replace a full institutional-grade terminal, but let's be real: if you're reading a broker review, you probably don't need one. For analyzing setups, placing trades, and managing risk, the TradeEU Global platform handles it.

What can you trade with TradeEU Global?

TradeEU Global lists 350+ instruments, and to their credit, the selection is practical:

• Forex: major, minor, and exotic pairs 
• Stocks: the big names (Apple, Tesla, Google, Microsoft, Amazon) plus a broader equity lineup 
• Indices: global benchmarks across US, European, and Asian markets 
• Metals: gold, silver Commodities — oil, gas, agricultural 
• Crypto: BTC, ETH, and others ETFs

The ETF access is worth calling out specifically. If you want diversified market exposure without opening a separate brokerage account, having ETF CFDs alongside traditional instruments gives you more flexibility in how you construct a portfolio.

Another feature we noticed: TradeEU Global supports automated strategies. If you've been trading manually and want to experiment with deploying algo-driven setups, you don't need to leave the platform to do it.

Account Tiers on TradeEU Global

TradeEU Global runs the familiar tiered model. Here's how it breaks down:

• Silver: the starter account. Standard spreads, full instrument access, leverage up to 1:200, 0.01 minimum lot. Good enough for getting your feet wet and learning the platform.
• Gold: tighter spreads, faster execution, same leverage. Built for traders who've moved past the beginner stage and want better cost efficiency on more frequent trades.
• Platinum: the best conditions TradeEU Global offers. Lowest spreads, premium support, same 1:200 leverage. If you're trading at volume, this is where the cost savings actually start to compound.
• Islamic: swap-free, no overnight rollover charges. Same instrument access as the standard accounts, designed for traders who need Sharia-compliant conditions.

Is TradeEU Global Regulated?

TradeEU Global operates under Tradesense Holding Ltd, registered in Mauritius (registration number 183967) with an additional office in Cyprus. They're regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius.

That said, TradeEU Global does publicly list its license details, legal entity name, and registered addresses across its site and legal documentation. That level of disclosure is more than some offshore brokers bother with.

Payment Methods and Withdrawals

Funding options on TradeEU Global are as follows:

• Visa / Mastercard 
• Apple Pay / Google Pay 
• PayPal 
• Skrill 
• Neteller 
• AstroPay 
• Kuady

No deposit fees from TradeEU Global's side (though your bank or payment provider may charge their own). Card deposits are processed instantly; bank wires take longer depending on your region. Withdrawals go through the same method you used to deposit and are processed within three business days.

The variety of options is good. Adding Apple Pay and Google Pay alongside traditional e-wallets means most traders should find at least one method that works for them without friction.

Support in Seven Languages

Customer support is available 24/5 through live chat, email, and phone — and they operate in English, Arabic, Korean, Spanish, French, German, and Italian. The website auto-selects your language based on your location, which is a small touch but tells you they're actually thinking about their global user base rather than just slapping an English-only FAQ page together and calling it a day.

TradeEU Global Review 2026: Should You Try It?

TradeEU Global has been operating for more than 3 years, which gives it a real-world track record, not ancient, but not brand-new either. The TradingView integration makes the trading experience feel modern, the 350+ instrument range covers most strategies, and the multilingual support is legitimately useful if English isn't your first language.

Our take: open a demo account first. Spend a few days with the platform. Test the execution. If the conditions work for you, start small. And as with any broker — read the terms, understand the leverage risk, and don't deposit anything you'd panic about losing.

Bitcoin spiked above $77,000 as stock indices set records, following word that Iran's Strait of Hormuz is open during the ceasefire.

The acquisition will give Kraken access to the only complete CFTC-licensed crypto derivatives infrastructure in the U.S.

The agency's chairman, Paul Atkins, sat down with two key commissioners to outline a shift away from enforcement.

Schwab's offering spot BTC & ETH trading (with a hefty fee), while CFTC Chair Selig is getting hit from both sides of the political aisle.

Bitcoin funding rates hit year-high negative levels, setting up a potential short squeeze—or bull trap—as its price tests $76K.

Hyperliquid's explosive growth might gain even more momentum with the introduction of HIP4.

Ripple CTO Emeritus offers XRP as reward during an argument as the asset continues to gain momentum, showing a rapid price surge.

Dogecoin whale accumulations worth three billion DOGE spark X Money speculation, XRP nears a $10 million short squeeze and Binance removes legacy DeFi tokens. Plus, Bitcoin holds above $75,000.

Dogecoin whales have accumulated about 330 million DOGE over the past few days.

XRP Ledger is growing faster than it seems, as Ledger reports an increase in the number of active users.

Key Highlights

• Intel shares climbed 5.5% to reach $68.50, marking the highest closing price since early September 2000
• The chipmaker is experiencing its strongest monthly performance in five decades
• Growing agentic AI adoption is fueling server processor demand, with ASPs projected to increase 10–15% throughout 2025
• Wall Street firms have increased their price targets, yet less than 25% maintain Buy recommendations
• The company’s first-quarter 2026 results are scheduled for release next Thursday

Intel shares reached their loftiest closing level in more than a quarter century on Thursday, finishing the session at $68.50 following a robust 5.5% advance. This surge marked the ninth consecutive day of gains and positioned the semiconductor giant for its most impressive monthly showing since the mid-1970s.

Intel Corporation, INTC

Friday’s premarket activity saw the stock begin at $68.50 before adding another 1.4% in early trading. The shares have traveled between $18.25 and $68.61 over the trailing twelve months.

The primary catalyst behind this remarkable ascent centers on accelerating server processor demand tied to agentic AI deployment. Mizuho’s analysis suggests this trend could elevate average selling prices by 10% to 15% during the current year, with favorable market conditions potentially persisting through 2026 and possibly extending to 2030.

While Intel’s personal computer chip segment continues facing headwinds, Mizuho identifies a potential silver lining. The research firm posits that Intel could redirect manufacturing resources from PC processors to data center chips, enabling near-term production enhancement without substantial capital investment requirements.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing’s robust quarterly results and reassurances regarding supply chain stability provided additional market confidence. Industry observers suggest the current processor demand environment may be substantial enough to benefit multiple competitors simultaneously.

Price Targets Rise While Ratings Stay Neutral

Mizuho maintained its Neutral stance while increasing its price objective to $59 from the previous $48. Bernstein preserved its Market Perform designation and elevated its target to $60 from $36. Both institutions also revised upward their 2026 and 2027 profit projections for the company.

Cantor Fitzgerald established a $60 target alongside a Neutral rating. Wells Fargo adjusted its forecast to $55 while keeping an Equal Weight perspective. The Street’s consensus recommendation remains at Hold, with the average price target settling at $51.25 — notably beneath current trading levels.

Bullish recommendations account for less than one-quarter of analyst coverage. Key concerns encompass execution risks surrounding foundry expansion initiatives, intensifying rivalry from AMD and Nvidia, plus a valuation hovering around 95 times forward earnings projections.

“We continue to struggle with both fundamentals and valuation especially after the recent run,” wrote Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon, who also called Q1 likely to be “a messy quarter.”

Portfolio Adjustments and Executive Transactions

KBC Group NV reduced its Intel holdings by 31.7% during the fourth quarter, divesting 428,210 shares. The firm’s remaining position of 920,502 shares carried an approximate value of $33.97 million at the filing date.

Conversely, Van ECK Associates expanded its stake by 18.3% in Q3 to exceed 55.5 million shares. Patton Fund Management dramatically increased its position by 973% during the identical period.

Executive activity presented a mixed picture. EVP David Zinsner acquired 5,882 shares at $42.50 during January. EVP April Miller disposed of 20,000 shares at $49.05 in February.

Intel currently commands a market capitalization of $342.16 billion. The stock’s 50-day moving average stands at $48.60, while its 200-day average sits at $42.93.

The semiconductor manufacturer will unveil Q1 2026 financial results next Thursday. The previous quarter saw the company deliver earnings per share of $0.15, surpassing the consensus forecast of $0.08. Revenue totaled $13.67 billion compared to analyst expectations of $13.37 billion, representing a 4.2% year-over-year decline.

The post Intel (INTC) Stock Surges to Quarter-Century Peak Despite Analyst Skepticism appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights

• MRVL shares have climbed approximately 60% since the start of the year, recently reaching a record peak of $138.19.
• Oppenheimer’s Rick Schafer has designated Marvell as a leading semiconductor investment with a $170 valuation target.
• Fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 revenue reached $2.22 billion, representing a 22% year-over-year increase and surpassing projections.
• Nvidia’s $2 billion preferred stock investment has significantly amplified market enthusiasm.
• Company leadership projects fiscal 2027 revenue nearing $11 billion, with ambitions to achieve $15 billion by fiscal 2028.

Marvell Technology (MRVL) shares reached unprecedented peaks this week, concluding a year-to-date surge of approximately 60% fueled by exceptional quarterly performance, a transformative Nvidia collaboration, and increasing analyst confidence in its artificial intelligence infrastructure operations.

Marvell Technology, Inc., MRVL

Shares peaked at $138.19, marking the 52-week maximum, as market participants continued recognizing a fundamental shift within the organization — one that has repositioned its strategic focus decisively toward customized AI semiconductors and optical connectivity solutions.

Oppenheimer’s Rick Schafer intensified the momentum this week by identifying MRVL among his preferred semiconductor investments entering the reporting period. His valuation objective stands at $170, suggesting approximately 25% appreciation potential from Friday’s closing figure near $134.

Schafer establishes Marvell’s worth at roughly 24 times projected 2027 earnings per share. While this represents a premium valuation, he contends the multiple is warranted considering the company’s strategic position in optical networking infrastructure and critical design collaborations with Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.

“Critical partnerships with AWS and Microsoft remain on schedule,” Schafer noted in his client communication. He further highlighted Marvell’s strategic acquisitions of Celestial AI and XConn as initiatives positioning the organization for expanded networking capabilities.

Broadcom (AVGO) similarly appeared in Schafer’s analysis as a preferred investment, gaining 28% during the past month. However, Marvell’s remarkable 52% appreciation over the identical timeframe has captured market attention.

Fourth Quarter Performance Drives Momentum

The primary driver behind this substantial upward movement traces back to March 5, when Marvell announced its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter performance. Revenue totaled $2.22 billion, marking a 22% year-over-year expansion and marginally exceeding the $2.20 billion analyst consensus.

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $0.80, substantially surpassing the anticipated $0.71. Complete fiscal year revenue settled at $8.195 billion.

The data center division powered these outcomes, currently representing 74% of consolidated company revenue. Custom processor sales doubled from the previous year, while demand for 800G optical interconnect technology remained robust.

Chief Executive Matt Murphy indicated bookings are “advancing at unprecedented velocity” as enterprise clients transition toward AI-focused infrastructures. Marvell intends to introduce over 20 new custom AI semiconductor programs during the current fiscal period.

Nvidia Partnership Transforms Market Outlook

Regarding market sentiment, the Nvidia collaboration potentially represents this year’s most significant catalyst. Nvidia executed a $2 billion investment in Marvell through preferred equity to incorporate Marvell’s custom networking technologies into its “AI factory” infrastructure.

This endorsement from the preeminent AI chip manufacturer delivered institutional investors an unmistakable indication regarding Marvell’s position within the comprehensive AI supply ecosystem.

Leadership has projected first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue at approximately $2.4 billion, with non-GAAP earnings per share anticipated between $0.74 and $0.84. Complete fiscal 2027 revenue expectations approach $11 billion.

The extended-term objective targets $15 billion in revenue by fiscal 2028.

Notwithstanding the substantial appreciation, MRVL maintains a consensus “Strong Buy” designation from Wall Street — comprising 27 “Strong Buy” and three “Moderate Buy” recommendations. The average price objective of $124.68 remains below current trading levels, primarily because analyst projections have not yet aligned with the stock’s rapid advancement.

Schafer’s $170 target represents one of the more optimistic Street forecasts, and as of Friday’s premarket session, shares traded around $134.

The post Marvell Technology (MRVL) Stock Soars 52% — Analyst Predicts $170 Target Ahead appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR:

• VerifiedX introduces Prism to enable encrypted balances and confidential transfers across its blockchain network.

• Prism supports private transactions for vBTC and VFX while maintaining verifiability through cryptographic methods.

• Users can switch between private and public transaction modes based on their needs within the network.

• Viewing keys allow selective disclosure, giving users control over sharing specific transaction details securely.

VerifiedX has introduced Prism, a native privacy layer designed to support encrypted balances and confidential transfers across its network.

The update brings private transaction features for vBTC and VFX while maintaining on-chain verification and audit processes.

Prism Introduces Native Privacy Features

According to a post shared by Wu Blockchain on X, VerifiedX confirmed the rollout of Prism as part of its network upgrade. 

The privacy layer enables users to transact using encrypted balances, keeping transaction details shielded from public view.

Prism allows private addresses and supports shielded-to-shielded transfers within the network. This structure ensures that both sender and receiver details remain hidden during transactions. At the same time, users can switch between transparent and private states when required.

The system also introduces viewing keys for selective disclosure. These keys allow users to share specific transaction details with authorized parties without exposing full account activity. As a result, users maintain control over their financial data while meeting verification needs.

In addition, Prism supports private transactions for vBTC, which VerifiedX describes as a fully collateralized native Bitcoin asset. The native token VFX also benefits from the same privacy features, enabling consistent functionality across the ecosystem.

Balancing Privacy With Verifiability

The design of Prism focuses on maintaining privacy without removing transparency at the network level. While transaction details remain hidden, the system still allows verification through cryptographic methods. 

This ensures that balances and transfers can be validated without revealing sensitive data.

Wu Blockchain’s update noted that Prism aims to protect counterparties, transaction amounts, and activity patterns. These protections address common concerns about data exposure on public blockchains. 

At the same time, the network continues to support auditability for compliance and monitoring purposes.

Users can toggle between private and public transaction modes depending on their needs. This flexibility allows participants to choose how their transactions appear on-chain. 

It also supports different use cases, from routine transfers to more sensitive financial activities.

Prism’s encrypted balance system plays a central role in this setup. Instead of displaying exact amounts publicly, balances remain hidden while still being mathematically verifiable. 

This approach aligns with the broader goal of combining privacy tools with blockchain transparency.

The introduction of Prism marks a step toward expanding privacy options within the VerifiedX ecosystem. By integrating these features directly into the network, the platform provides users with built-in tools rather than relying on external solutions.

The post VerifiedX Unveils Prism Privacy Layer for Encrypted Crypto Transfers and Hidden Balances appeared first on Blockonomi.

Quick Summary

• Eddy Wang from Morgan Stanley identified PDD as a “Research Tactical Idea” on April 17, 2026
• Chinese regulators levied a RMB1.5 billion penalty against PDD for “Ghost Takeaway” food safety issues
• The firm assigns over 80% likelihood that shares will appreciate in the coming 15 days
• Analysts believe the penalty resolves regulatory ambiguity that shadowed PDD from late 2025 onward
• The investment bank retains its Overweight stance with a $148 target price

When Chinese authorities imposed a substantial fine on e-commerce powerhouse PDD Holdings this week, Wall Street analysts interpreted it as positive development.

PDD Holdings Inc., PDD

On Friday, April 17, Morgan Stanley’s Eddy Wang categorized PDD as a “Research Tactical Idea,” signaling his expectation for absolute stock appreciation within a 15-day timeframe.

The driving force behind this outlook? A regulatory penalty.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) imposed a RMB1.5 billion sanction on PDD during a comprehensive enforcement operation focused on e-commerce platforms connected to “Ghost Takeaway” incidents.

The infractions center on PDD’s inadequate verification of food vendor credentials and shortcomings in food safety monitoring across its marketplace.

Multiple prominent platforms faced penalties in this same regulatory action, indicating PDD wasn’t individually targeted.

Market participants had monitored this regulatory scenario intently since late 2025, anticipating details on the sanction’s magnitude and scope.

That uncertainty has now been resolved.

Regulatory Overhang Lifted, Not a Fundamental Threat

Wang’s analysis emphasizes that eliminating this uncertainty matters more than the penalty amount itself.

The RMB1.5 billion financial impact, though significant, remains digestible for a corporation carrying a market capitalization near $147 billion.

Morgan Stanley estimates “80%+ (or highly likely)” probability for near-term appreciation — representing substantial conviction from a leading financial institution.

The bank maintains its Overweight recommendation while upholding its $148 price objective.

PDD’s present P/E ratio hovers around 11x, notably compressed versus historical averages, indicating the market had already incorporated considerable risk premium.

Financial Metrics and Business Fundamentals

GuruFocus assigns PDD a GF Score of 81 out of 100, indicating robust financial stability and a Growth ranking of 9/10.

The Financial Strength metric registers at 8/10, while Profitability scores comparatively lower at 5/10 — highlighting an area requiring further demonstration.

Insider transactions during the previous three months revealed zero acquisitions alongside $0.2 million in disposals — a relatively minor figure, though noteworthy for monitoring.

PDD manages Pinduoduo within China and Temu across international markets, spanning commerce operations throughout more than 80 nations.

Morgan Stanley’s Eddy Wang issued the tactical recommendation on April 17, with the 15-day projection placing anticipated movement firmly in early May.

The post Morgan Stanley Flags PDD Holdings (PDD) Stock as Tactical Buy Following China Penalty appeared first on Blockonomi.

The xrp price prediction picked up a new catalyst this week after Ripple announced a partnership with Kyobo Life Insurance to pilot Korea’s first tokenized government bond settlement using Ripple Custody, cutting a two-day cycle to near real-time, according to 24/7 Wall St.

The xrp price prediction depends on whether deals like Kyobo translate into real volume, and that process takes quarters even with a $92 billion partner. Capital that refuses to wait keeps moving into Pepeto, where the Pepe creator leads a presale with working exchange tools and a confirmed Binance debut that pays from one event instead of years of deal flow.

XRP Price Prediction Gets a Boost as Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance Pilot Korea’s First Blockchain Bond Settlement

Ripple and Kyobo Life Insurance announced a partnership on April 15 to test tokenized government bond settlement on Ripple Custody, per 24/7 Wall St. Kyobo manages $92 billion in assets as one of Korea’s Big Three life insurers, and the pilot aims to cut the standard two-day settlement window to near real-time. SBI Holdings connects the Japan-Korea strategy across both markets.

When a $92 billion insurer picks Ripple for government bonds, the use case is no longer theoretical. But pilot programs need months to reach production, and XRP’s price needs volume, not just headlines. Seven spot ETFs already hold $1 billion in combined assets, yet Ripple (XRP) still trades at $1.42 because institutional adoption and token price move on different clocks.

The XRP Outlook and the Presale That Does Not Wait for Adoption Timelines

Pepeto Combines Meme Momentum With Live Exchange Tools No Other Presale Has Shipped

The xrp price prediction waits on deal flow that takes quarters to mature. Pepeto does not. The Pepe creator who built a $11 billion token on zero products now runs a presale where the exchange already works and the Binance listing is locked in.

The bridge moves assets between Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Solana at zero cost, so holders across every chain hold their entire position through each transfer. Over $9.13 million raised while the Fear Index read extreme levels shows serious buyers stepping in while the rest of the market sits idle.

A token scanner checks every contract before you touch it, catching the traps that wiped portfolios in past downturns so your entry stays protected from day one. PepetoSwap handles every trade without taking a cut.

Pepeto sits at $0.0000001865 with the Binance debut closing in, and 182% APY staking adds daily yield as the listing draws nearer. SolidProof passed the full audit before the presale opened. The wallets that spotted setups like this early and moved fast built wealth that waiting alone never created, and Pepeto at $0.0000001865 is that opening with remaining tokens thinning as buyers keep arriving.

Ripple (XRP) Price at $1.44 as Kyobo Life Partnership Signals Real-World Adoption

Ripple (XRP) trades at $1.44 after gaining 3.8% to a 3-week high according to CoinMarketCap. Seven spot ETFs hold $1 billion in combined assets, but XRP needs more institutional volume at scale to break resistance at $1.50.

The xrp price prediction crowd keeps asking about $50, so here is the honest math. At $50, XRP’s market cap reaches about $3 trillion, larger than any crypto ever and near Apple’s total value. That outcome needs dozens of Kyobo-sized partnerships running live production volume across Ripple’s custody network for years. It is possible over a decade, not quarters.

Near term, the xrp price prediction targets $2.00 resistance and the $3.40 ATH from January 2018, a 139% gain. But even the Kyobo deal shows that each step from pilot to production adds months. The wallets that need speed over patience are already looking at presale entries instead.

Conclusion

The xrp price prediction at $50 needs years of institutional adoption at scale. Kyobo proves the technology works, but pilot-to-production timelines do not reprice tokens overnight. Pepeto stands as the entry for returns that large-cap tokens need years to deliver and you can lock in today.

The path splits right here. One group entered Pepeto before the Binance debut and rode live tools plus viral momentum from presale pricing into gains that reshaped their year. The other group waited on the xrp price prediction for proof and paid full exchange price for what early buyers locked in at pennies.

Presale tokens are thinning as demand keeps building. The people who grabbed XRP at $0.003 before anyone noticed already knew which move they would make again.

Click To Visit Pepeto Website To Enter The Presale

FAQs

Can XRP hit $50 based on current xrp price prediction models?

Not in the near term. A $50 price means a $3 trillion market cap, larger than any crypto in history. Realistic targets range from $2.00 resistance to the $3.40 ATH depending on how fast institutional deals like Kyobo scale into production.

How does Ripple (XRP) benefit from the Kyobo Life Insurance partnership announced on April 15?

Ripple (XRP) gains a real-world bond settlement use case with Korea’s $92 billion Kyobo Life Insurance through Ripple Custody. Pepeto at presale pricing delivers larger multiples from one Binance listing without waiting for institutional adoption timelines.

The post XRP Price Prediction Shifts After Ripple Partners With Korea’s $92 Billion Kyobo Life for Bond Tokenization appeared first on Blockonomi.

Although the initial peace talks between Iran and the US failed last weekend, there’s renewed hope for a more permanent deal in the making, which made it yet another eventful week.

Recall that BTC had jumped last week as well after the ceasefire announcement from the two sides, and the expected peace talks that took place on Saturday. Their failure resulted in an immediate correction to $70,500 by the end of the weekend, but new reports at the start of the current business week about more positive developments on that front ignited another rally.

In fact, it took BTC just over 36 hours to surge back toward $75,000, where it faced some resistance at first but broke above it and rocketed to just over $76,000 late on Tuesday.

The bears stepped up after this impressive move, and drove the cryptocurrency south to under $73,600 yesterday in a sudden decline. However, that was short-lived as well, as BTC jumped back up to $75,600 just a few hours later after Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The asset kept climbing earlier today and broke to almost $77,000 to mark its highest price tag in approximately ten weeks.

The latest major came just minutes after US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, bitcoin’s market cap has increased to over $1.540 trillion. Its dominance over the alts is also on the rise, increasing to over 57% as of press time.

Many larger-cap alts are also in the green on a weekly scale, including ETH (6%), XRP (8%), and DOGE (6.5%). However, RaveDAO’s RAVE token has stolen the show, surging by 1,500% since last Friday. Moreover, it’s up by 7,000% monthly.

In contrast, ZEC has dropped by more than 12% in a week, followed by TAO, RAIN, and CC.

Market Data

Market Cap: $2.680T | 24H Vol: $126B | BTC Dominance: 57.3%

BTC: $76,800 (+4.8%) | ETH: $2,415 (+6.2%) | XRP: $1.47 (+7.8%)

This Week’s Crypto Headlines You Can’t Miss

Arthur Hayes Breaks Down Bitcoin’s Fate in Four Iran War Outcomes. The war with Iran seems to be closer to a resolution now than it was 10 days ago, but it continues to impact crypto prices. Arthur Hayes laid out four scenarios for bitcoin and how it would perform depending on the conflict’s permanent outcomes.

Strategy Splashes $1 Billion to Accumulate Almost 14,000 BTC. Strategy returned to the multi-billion-dollar purchases by accumulating another 13,927 BTC. The largest corporate holder of bitcoin now owns close to 781,000 BTC.

BitMine Owns Over 4% of ETH’s Total Supply After Latest Purchase: Details. The second-largest corporate holder of cryptocurrencies, BitMine Immersion Technologies, also increased its ETH holdings to 4.875 million tokens. It now owns over 4% of Ethereum’s total supply.

Deutsche Börse Acquires $200 Million Stake in Kraken. The legacy giant bought a $200 million stake in one of the oldest crypto exchanges, Kraken. According to Bloomberg, this puts the valuation of Kraken’s parent company, Payward Inc, at $13.3 billion.

Bitcoin Developers Propose BIP-361 to Freeze Quantum-Vulnerable Legacy Addresses. Bitcoin developers continue to look for a solution for a problem that might take years to come, by proposing a new BIP-361 update to freeze legacy addresses that might be vulnerable to the quantum threat.

Bitcoin Lags 40% Below ATH as S&P 500 Sets New Record. Although this report came a few days ago when BTC’s price was slightly lower, it’s still true now as the S&P 500 continues to mark new all-time highs, while bitcoin struggles at over 40% below its own from October last year.

Charts

This week, we have a chart analysis of Ethereum, Ripple, Cardano, Binance Coin, and Hyperliquid – click here for the complete price analysis.

The post BTC Taps 10-Week High, Crypto Has a New Rockstar, and Iran Reopens the Strait: Weekly Recap appeared first on CryptoPotato.

[PRESS RELEASE – London, United Kingdom, April 17th, 2026]

Ramp Network, a global crypto infrastructure provider enabling seamless access between fiat and digital assets, today announced the launch of a multichain wallet designed to address a long-standing limitation of self-custodial crypto products: the need to rely on third-party providers for core actions like buying, swapping, and cashing out.

Ramp Network has historically operated as the infrastructure layer behind crypto purchases within partner applications, including MetaMask and Trust Wallet, serving over 10 million users globally. With the launch of Ramp Network Wallet, the company is bringing that infrastructure directly into a consumer-facing product.

The wallet enables users to buy, sell, trade, and cash out digital assets within a single application, removing the need to rely on third-party providers or external interfaces for core actions.

While self-custodial wallets offer users control over their assets, they have historically depended on external services for key functionality. This often results in fragmented user experiences, repeated identity verification, and multiple interfaces. While most self-custodial wallets focus on key management, they often rely on multiple external providers for core functionality such as payments, swaps, and withdrawals.

Ramp Network’s wallet integrates these functions into a single platform, allowing users to verify their identity once and transact across supported networks without requiring additional onboarding steps.

From launch, the wallet supports Bitcoin and Ethereum, along with assets across eight networks, including Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, and Solana. These networks represent a significant share of global crypto market capitalization and commonly held assets.

“Every self-custodial wallet has the same problem nobody talks about,” said Przemek Kowalczyk, CEO and co-founder of Ramp Network. “The moment you try to actually do something, buy, swap, or cash out, you get sent to a third party you’ve never heard of and asked to verify yourself again. We built the infrastructure ourselves, so we never have to do that. One account, every chain, your keys.”

The result is a self-custodial experience that more closely resembles centralized platforms in terms of functionality, while maintaining full user control over assets. Existing Ramp Network users can access the wallet using their existing credentials, with identity verification and payment methods carried over.

Ramp Network built and operates the core infrastructure powering the wallet, including on-ramp, off-ramp, and cross-chain execution. This allows users to transact across supported networks within a single application, without relying on external bridges or service providers.

The wallet operates as a unified account across chains, with balances, trading, and cash access managed in one place. It uses USDC on Base as a core balance for transfers, payments, and in-app activity.

All assets remain under user control through a self-custodial setup secured by passkeys, with optional key export functionality.

The wallet is available globally, excluding the European Union, with additional regional availability expected as regulatory conditions evolve. Ramp Network plans to expand supported assets and blockchain integrations in future releases.

The launch represents the first phase of the company’s broader multichain strategy, focused on simplifying self-custody while maintaining user control over digital assets.

About Ramp Network

Ramp Network is a global fintech company making it easy for anyone to buy, sell, send, swap*, pay, and save with stablecoins and crypto. Founded in 2017, the company combines a self-custodial wallet app with trusted on- and off-ramp infrastructure, empowering millions worldwide to securely manage digital assets. Built for global access, Ramp Network is available in 150+ countries and continues to expand local services every day.

*Geo restrictions apply. For EU customers: Ramp Swaps (Ireland) Limited trading as Ramp Network is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment, and you should not expect to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

The post Ramp Network Launches Multichain Wallet That Eliminates Third-Party Dependencies in Self-Custody appeared first on CryptoPotato.

This Friday, we examine Ethereum, Ripple, Cardano, Binance Coin, and Hyperliquid in greater detail.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum had a good week, closing 6% higher and touching the key $2,400 resistance. Sellers pushed back once the price arrived there, but this is not over yet.

If bulls push again against the key resistance, they could trigger a major breakout above $2,400, allowing ETH to rally much higher toward the next key target at $2,800.

Looking ahead, Ethereum needs to hold $2,400 as key support to maintain its current bullish momentum. That means buyers have to keep up the pressure as any hesitation will allow sellers to regain control.

Ripple (XRP)

XRP is also up 6% this week after a major buying offensive that recaptured the $1.4 level and turned it into support. As long as the price can hold above this key level, bulls have the upper hand.

This latest push higher opens the way for this cryptocurrency to move towards $1.6, which is the next key resistance on the chart. The last time this level was tested was mid-March and back then, sellers retained the upper hand.

Looking ahead, XRP has a major opportunity to finally break higher and stop the current downtrend that has been ongoing for months. The success at $1.4 could carry over and support a breakout beyond $1.6. If so, that could trigger a major rally towards $2.

Cardano (ADA)

ADA managed only a modest 1% gain this week after the price bounced up and down without a decisive move. This hesitation is concerning, but as long as the support at $0.24 holds, bulls still have a chance to take this cryptocurrency higher.

The current resistance is at $0.28, and buyers have not tested this level in over a month. That shows weakness, especially because the price has also been making lower highs.

Looking ahead, Cardano needs to break away from its current downtrend and begin a reversal if it wants to escape lower price levels in the future. That starts with a clear break above $0.28.

Binance Coin (BNB)

BNB closed the week 5% higher after buyers finally pushed the price away from the key $580 support. At the time of this post, the price is around $630 and is aiming for the $690 resistance level.

While bulls seem to have the upper hand on price right now, buy volume has been rather flat, with no sustained increase. This is less than ideal if BNB wants to break the current resistance.

Looking ahead, Binance Coin may end up in a flat range if the volume does not pick up. That means the price could be stuck between $580 and $690 for quite a while longer if neither buyers nor sellers show conviction to push the price beyond its current limits.

Hype (HYPE)

HYPE closed the week 7% higher, but appears to be struggling in its bullish momentum since sellers are becoming more aggressive after the price moved above $40. Every push higher is now quickly met by sellers.

It seems there is tough resistance around $45, and until it is cleared, buyers will struggle to make and sustain new highs. Another concerning aspect is the fact that the price has formed a large bearish wedge since January.

Looking ahead, this cryptocurrency needs to break above this wedge if it wants to reinforce the current rally and aim for $50. Any weakness here could be a major opportunity for sellers to return in force and send HYPE lower towards its key support levels at $35 and $30.

The post Crypto Price Analysis Apr-17: ETH, XRP, ADA, BNB, and HYPE appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Bitcoin’s price is on the move again on Friday after US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform to inform that Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz as it promised over a week ago.

In contrast, oil prices plummeted, with USOIL plunging to a five-week low of under $80 per barrel before it recovered slightly to just over that level as of press time.

“IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!” – reads the post on Truth Social by Trump.

This is the latest, more positive development on the war in the Middle East after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire last Tuesday. Although last Saturday’s peace talks failed, both sides are expected to continue the negotiations and could even extend the ceasefire.

BTC reacted with an immediate price pump that drove it to almost $77,000 in minutes after Trump’s statement went live. The cryptocurrency last traded at such prices in early February, shortly before it plunged to a 1.5-year low of $60,000.

The post BREAKING: Bitcoin Soars, Oil Plunges as Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz Open appeared first on CryptoPotato.

Popular award-winning international cryptocurrency exchange Toobit announced today the beginning of their Season of Victory.

This is the latest trading campaign on the exchange and it will feature a massive 1,000,000 USDT prize pool, as well as exclusive LALIGA merchandise for its global trading community.

Season of Victory: What You Need to Know

The trading event will run until May 31st, 2026. It will offer two primary ways for users to engage.

The first activity involves users earning tiered rewards based on their net deposits. Traders can unlock up to 3,000 USDT in voucher packages, which include Trial Funds and Bonuses.

The second activity would require traders to meet futures and spot trading milestones and earn draw chances. Rewards here will include LALIGA jerseys, limited edition scarves, backpacks, and trending token airdrops.

How to Participate

To take part, traders have to register on the official campaign page. For a full breakdown of the rules and additional details, please visit the official announcement page.

It’s important to note that Season of Victory represents the third major collaboration between the two organizations in 2026.

It follows the very successful completion of the 800,000 USDT Elite Championship, which took place in January, and the 1,000,000 USDT Super Match Carnival, which took place in March.

At this point, it’s clear that the integration of sports and digital finance comes as the sector sees a shift in fan engagement. The global sports sponsorship market is valued at $103.92 billion, with digital adoption reaching 64% among global fanbases.

Furthermore, blockchain-based fan interaction is maturing; as of April 2026, monthly transaction volumes across prediction and sports-related digital markets have scaled to over $20 billion, driven by a rapidly expanding user base seeking deeper multi-platform integration between live sports and trading.

The post Toobit Begins Season of Victory with Impressive $1M Prize Pool appeared first on CryptoPotato.