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Iran's internal tensions and economic challenges could intensify, potentially reshaping regional dynamics and international relations.
The post Iran’s Supreme Council meets as Pahlavi entry speculation grows appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Market volatility and low liquidity highlight the fragility of Bitcoin's price stability, with potential for further declines amid uncertain conditions.
The post Bitcoin drops below $77,000 amid high-volume sell-offs, $71M liquidations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump's funding strategy may heighten partisan divides, potentially boosting Democratic voter mobilization and impacting future elections.
The post Trump uses reconciliation to fund ICE, Border Patrol without Democrats appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Trump's proposal discussion raises uncertainty in US-Iran diplomacy, affecting market perceptions and highlighting geopolitical complexities.
The post Trump discusses new Iran proposal with security aides, impacting diplomatic odds appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
The uncertainty surrounding US-Iran relations could destabilize regional security and impact global markets, depending on Trump's decision.
The post Trump weighs military action or talks as US-Iran ceasefire nears end appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Bitcoin Magazine
Bitcoin Magazine
Aven Launches Bitcoin-Backed Visa Card Offering Up to $1 Million Credit Lines Without Asset Sales
Aven has introduced a bitcoin-backed credit card that allows users to borrow against digital assets without selling holdings, marking a shift in crypto-linked consumer finance, according to statements shared with Bitcoin Magazine.
The Aven Bitcoin Visa Card, unveiled today at the Bitcoin Conference 2026 in Las Vegas, provides a credit line of up to $1 million secured by bitcoin collateral. The product targets long-term holders seeking liquidity without triggering taxable events tied to asset sales.
The card combines a revolving credit line with fixed-term loan options, offering repayment periods of up to 10 years. Interest rates for both structures start at 7.99% APR, which the company said is below typical rates in the bitcoin-backed lending market.
“The industry norm for borrowing at fixed rates against bitcoin is a 1-year term. At Aven, we have 10X the industry standard, unlocking a wide variety of use cases previously not feasible,” Aven’s Sisun Lee said, speaking at The Bitcoin Conference.
Aven’s bitcoin custody structure
Borrowers pledge bitcoin through custody and infrastructure provided by BitGo Inc. and BitGo Bank & Trust, a federally regulated digital asset trust bank. The structure separates asset custody from card issuance, which is handled by Coastal Community Bank under a Visa network license.
The product includes no annual or origination fees and offers 2% cash back on purchases. Aven positions the card as a tool that bridges crypto holdings with traditional credit access, aiming to expand the utility of bitcoin within household balance sheets.
The card also offers up to a 5-year interest-only period for added flexibility. The company is one of the few Bitcoin-backed loan providers offering both fixed-term and interest-only plans in the same product.
“At Aven we believe that the hardest money ever created deserves the best financial products. With the Aven Bitcoin Card, we’re just getting started,” Lee said.
Bitcoin-backed lending has grown with the rise in digital asset adoption, though it has faced scrutiny over risk management and collateral volatility. Fixed-rate, longer-term structures such as Aven’s may appeal to borrowers seeking more predictable repayment schedules compared with margin-style loans that can face liquidation risk during price swings.
Aven, founded in 2019, focuses on asset-backed lending products designed to lower borrowing costs. The company reports that its platform has saved customers more than $300 million in interest payments through March 2026.
The launch signals continued convergence between crypto infrastructure and regulated financial services, as firms seek to integrate digital assets into mainstream credit markets while addressing risk, custody, and compliance requirements.
This post Aven Launches Bitcoin-Backed Visa Card Offering Up to $1 Million Credit Lines Without Asset Sales first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.
Bitcoin Magazine
SEC, CFTC Chiefs Signal ‘New Day’ for U.S. Onshore Crypto, Tokenization and Future‑Proof Rules
SEC Chair Paul Atkins and CFTC Chair Mike Selig used back‑to‑back fireside chats on the Nakamoto Stage at The Bitcoin 2026 Conference to signal a reset in Washington’s approach to digital assets, tokenization, and market structure.
Atkins described it as “a new day at the SEC,” while Selig said regulators are “turning over a new page” and need to harmonize their efforts.
Atkins said the SEC is taking a new approach to digital assets and wants that activity onshore rather than pushed to foreign jurisdictions. He said the SEC and CFTC are now working together on digital assets and aim to set a new benchmark for inter‑agency collaboration.
That cooperation underpins the joint token taxonomy guidance, which draws lines between digital commodities, collectibles, and tokenized securities and offers a framework market participants can use as they classify assets.
Atkins revisited the long‑running debate over how the Howey test and existing securities laws apply to crypto. Atkins said the SEC is trying to apply that framework to digital assets, tokens, and related instruments while grappling with the boundary between securities and commodities.
Atkins: “Innovation exemption” is coming
He indicated that an “innovation exemption” is coming, designed to give crypto projects room to build within a defined regulatory lane instead of staying in a gray area or moving offshore.
Atkins tied that effort to Congress and said legislators need to speak clearly on digital assets so there are durable rules and so entrepreneurs can pursue their goals in the United States.
He argued that it is important to have a statute that is future proof for this space and said nothing future proofs of a market like clear statutory law drafted with emerging technology in mind. He pointed to token taxonomy guidance as a step in that direction but stressed that a statute from Congress would anchor policy across administrations.
On the recent guidance, Atkins said the agencies wanted to provide principles and definitions without publishing a prescriptive list of tokens or implying recommendations about what investors should buy. He cited President Donald Trump’s GENIUS Act on stablecoins as an example of a principles‑based regulatory model that leaves room for innovation while drawing firm boundaries around risk.
He said the SEC is focused on tokenized securities through a principles‑based approach rather than detailed product‑by‑product prescriptions.
Atkins also addressed the Clarity Act and broader crypto market structure legislation. He said there could be movement on that package in May, with the possibility of passage in June, but he cautioned that nothing is guaranteed.
If crypto structure reform does not pass, he said, industry participants should remember that elections have consequences, pointing to pivots at both the SEC and CFTC as evidence of how quickly supervisory priorities can shift.
Looking ahead, Atkins framed crypto and blockchain technology as the most exciting aspect of the current transition. He highlighted the prospect of instantaneous settlement and said faster settlement can reduce risk in the financial system.
Instant or near‑instant settlement, he argued, can shrink counterparty and settlement risk and free up capital that is now tied up in back‑office processes. He said regulators are trying to foster that outcome rather than stand in its way.
Atkins said “this is a new day at the SEC” and previewed the agency’s next step: an initiative that will allow firms to experiment on‑chain with tokenized and securitized instruments over the next few weeks.
Under that effort, companies will be able to test tokenization in a supervised environment while staying within federal securities law. He framed this as part of the coming innovation exemption, intended to open a sandbox for tokenized securities under clear parameters rather than through informal no‑action relief.
Selig: CFTC is turning a new page on crypto
In his own session, Selig echoed the theme of regulatory reset. He said the CFTC is “turning over a new page” in its approach to digital assets and emphasized the need to harmonize the agency’s work with the SEC. For markets that trade products with both commodity‑like and security‑like features, he said, the two agencies need a coordinated framework instead of overlapping or conflicting rules.
Selig also grounded his remarks in a broader principle, saying “our country was founded on the idea of private property.” In the context of crypto, that line underscored his view that token holders and innovators should have clear, enforceable rights in law.
He suggested that a coherent crypto market structure for digital assets should respect property rights and give market participants predictable rules, rather than drive activity into less regulated jurisdictions.
This post SEC, CFTC Chiefs Signal ‘New Day’ for U.S. Onshore Crypto, Tokenization and Future‑Proof Rules first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.
Bitcoin Magazine
Paystand Launches USDb Stablecoin on Bitcoin Layers for $100T B2B Payments
Paystand announced the launch of USDb, a stablecoin designed specifically for commercial-scale business finance, including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and treasury operations, on the Bitcoin network.
Paystand is a Bitcoin-powered B2B payments network that processes accounts receivable and accounts payable for more than one million businesses across North America and Latin America. The company has handled over $20 billion in payment volume and built a full-stack CFO platform through acquisitions of Yaydoo, Teampay, and Bitwage, covering AR automation, spend management, LATAM compliance, and cross-border payroll. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, Paystand operates Paystand.org, a non-profit advancing financial inclusion through Bitcoin.
According to a press release shared with Bitcoin Magazine, USDb is backed 1:1 by USD reserves and is native two Blockstream’s Liquid network as well as Rootstock, both layers on top of Bitcoin. The company is pursuing a dual licensing strategy to support both U.S. and international growth. In the U.S., Paystand expects to launch in a GENIUS-aligned manner and achieve full compliance by the end of 2026. Internationally, the company “already maintains licenses enabling digital asset and wallet operations in relevant jurisdictions” according to Meredith Petty, GM at Paystand. Both the U.S. and international offerings are intended to be fully backed 1:1 by USD, with any distinctions relating only to regulatory structure, distribution, and use case rather than reserve backing.
The announcement was made on stage at Bitcoin Las Vegas. Paystand positions USDb as infrastructure for the roughly “$100 trillion B2B economy”, rather than for crypto trading or retail transfers. Its integration with Rootstock and the Liquid Network should bring a significant volumes and market activity to the Bitcoin ecosystem, with Ibex serving as USDb’s first minting partner and liquidity provider.
“AI is eating labor. Bitcoin is eating capital. Stablecoins are eating financial services. USDb is where those three forces converge, and we’re launching it with the largest real-world business use case on the planet. USDb gives businesses a programmable digital dollar that works where they actually work. This isn’t infrastructure waiting for customers. This is the moment the B2B economy goes on-chain,” said Jeremy Almond, CEO of Paystand.
USDb launches with immediate adoption through Paystand’s acquisition of Bitwage in November 2025. Bitwage supports payroll and workforce payments for more than 90,000 workers and 4,500 businesses in nearly 200 countries, providing an initial cross-border payment corridor.
The stablecoin is engineered for integration with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and existing business workflows. It is also designed to “support AI-driven, machine-to-machine transactions as agentic systems handle more financial operations,” according to the press release.
Paystand will initially roll out USDb to its own network. Expansion to external partners, additional enterprise customers, and broader Bitcoin infrastructure providers is planned throughout 2026.
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 Paystand Launches USDb Stablecoin on Bitcoin Layers for $100T B2B Payments first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Juan Galt.
Bitcoin Magazine
‘Bitcoin Isn’t Going Anywhere’: Trump Officials Discuss DOJ, FBI Refocus on Crypto Crime, Not Developers
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel used a Bitcoin 2026 Conference panel to signal a shift in how the U.S. government approaches digital assets, stressing support for developers and a focus on crime rather than code.
Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal, moderating the virtual discussion, opened by asking Blanche and Patel for their Bitcoin origin stories.
Blanche said his son pushed him toward Bitcoin and called him a “clown and idiot” for not investing, while also noting that his government role bars him from owning assets. Patel framed Bitcoin and other virtual assets as economic infrastructure, saying they are assets “just like business and everything else” that “power and muscle the world.”
Blanche: Prior administrations suppressed bitcoin and crypto
Grewal then pressed the officials on past prosecutions tied to crypto. Blanche said some prior FBI and Justice Department efforts were misguided, suggesting that earlier administrations pursued cases against developers in ways that cut across core rights.
He argued that the government should not treat software builders as stand‑ins for criminals and said the focus should be on “the third party criminal and not… the builders and platform builders.”
According to Blanche, aggressive enforcement caused some platforms to leave the United States and reflected a lack of understanding that “stifled innovation” and “suffocated enthusiasts.”
“In the last administration, we were stifling innovation and depriving US citizen and Bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts from doing what they should be able to,” Blanche said.
Blanche drew a line between criminal use of crypto and the underlying technology. He said the government will not excuse bad actors who use Bitcoin or other digital assets for crime, but he rejected the idea that ordinary participants should live in constant fear of prosecution.
On policy questions tied to cases such as Tornado Cash, Roman Storm, and Samourai Wallet, he said that if a person is developing software and is not the third‑party user committing a crime, “you are not going to get investigated and/or get charged.” He told coders that if they are under investigation, “your lawyer should feel very comfortable working with the FBI.”
Patel echoed that stance while stressing active enforcement against fraud. He said the FBI has spent the past year targeting scam centers that use crypto, including networks tied to foreign adversaries that seek to “police Americans and fleece them from their hard earned assets.”
His goal, he said, is for the bureau to “look at the right people” and for Americans who buy digital assets to feel their funds are safe. Patel added that the FBI is proactively investigating crime in Bitcoin and other digital assets and is pushing prevention work on the “front end” to stop schemes before they reach victims.
Coders shouldn’t “sleep with their eye open”
Asked why this moment is different for Bitcoin policy, Blanche pointed to the White House. He said the shift “starts with President Trump,” describing the current team as “by far the most pro‑crypto administration in the world” and stating that “we want to be the crypto capital of the world.”
Blanche criticized what he called “attacks on the industry” by the prior administration as “outrageous” and “ill advised,” and said the government needs to adjust its thinking about digital assets and open‑source code.
Both officials framed the emerging doctrine in simple terms: Bitcoin and code are not the targets, crime is. Patel said federal law enforcement will prosecute criminal activity “in Bitcoin or out of Bitcoin.”
Blanche said people in crypto “shouldn’t sleep with one eye open” over routine development or use, as long as they are not engaged in fraud, money laundering, or other offenses.
This post ‘Bitcoin Isn’t Going Anywhere’: Trump Officials Discuss DOJ, FBI Refocus on Crypto Crime, Not Developers first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.
Bitcoin Magazine
Senator Lummis Puts Congress On The Clock, Vows May Push To Rescue Stalled Clarity Act
Speaking at The Bitcoin Conference U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis opened her keynote by recalling her first encounter with Bitcoin, describing it as an unfamiliar concept of owning an asset that exists on a blockchain, before purchasing three tokens at roughly $300 each.
Lummis told the audience that Bitcoin first struck her as “free money” because it removes the need to trust a third party to hold or move value.
She linked that realization back to her early purchases of three bitcoin at about $300 each, when the idea of owning an asset that lives on a blockchain still felt strange.
Lummis referenced periods of war, noting that bitcoin often serves as a refuge from poor monetary policy and disrupted financial systems.
Lummis said there are women who have been able to leave dysfunctional marriages and walk away with Bitcoin as an asset that is uniquely theirs, underscoring the role of self-custodied money in personal freedom.
“Bitcoin comes with a culture that could’ve written the U.S. Declaration of Independence that we celebrate today. This is freedom money. That all people are created equal, and that this asset guarantees it,” Lummis said.
Lummis closed by promising imminent action in Washington, saying the Senate “will mark up the Clarity Act in May” and that lawmakers are going to pass digital asset legislation.
Lummis has been very vocal about the struggles around passing crypto legislation popularly known as the Clarity Act.
What’s happening with the Clarity Act?
The Clarity Act has inched forward but remains stuck in Washington’s procedural grind, with its fate tied to a narrow legislative window in 2026.
The bill, a comprehensive market structure framework for digital assets, cleared the House more than eight months ago and has waited in the Senate Banking Committee as senators haggle over issues such as stablecoin yields and agency jurisdiction.
A January markup was pulled at the last minute, signaling early resistance and forcing drafters to rework language before bringing it back. Since then, industry groups have pressed Senate leaders to move, warning that each delay adds regulatory uncertainty and pushes activity offshore.
In April, committee dynamics shifted again when Senator Thom Tillis urged Chair Tim Scott to delay a markup into May to allow more time to sell the compromise to traditional banking stakeholders.
Reporting from policy shops and crypto lobbyists now points to the second week of May as the first realistic slot for a Banking Committee vote, following the current Senate recess.
If the markup slips past mid‑May, the odds of enactment this year drop sharply because floor time tightens ahead of summer recess and the 2026 midterm cycle.
If the bill does advance, the path would likely run through a committee markup in early or mid‑May, a full Senate vote in May or June, and potential reconciliation before a signing window that market observers place around June.
Supporters frame the Clarity Act as the companion to the GENIUS Act, handing the CFTC primary jurisdiction over most non‑stablecoin digital assets while narrowing the SEC’s reach to tokenized securities.
This post Senator Lummis Puts Congress On The Clock, Vows May Push To Rescue Stalled Clarity Act first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Micah Zimmerman.
CryptoSlate
South Korea's Kbank has signed a strategic partnership with Ripple to test blockchain-based overseas remittances, placing a bank with a central role in Upbit's KRW account access beside one of crypto's longest-running payments infrastructure firms.
Local reports describe the work as a technical verification, or proof-of-concept, focused on whether Ripple's infrastructure can improve the speed, cost, and transparency of overseas remittances. ZDNet Korea separately described the test as part of a phased push around bank-linked overseas remittance infrastructure.
For now, the commercial pieces remain open: launch date, customer access, fees, live volume, and the exact settlement asset.
Kbank already sits inside South Korea's crypto market through Upbit's real-name account system. Its Ripple pilot, therefore, lands as more than a remittance experiment: it tests whether bank-side crypto infrastructure can move from exchange access toward ordinary cross-border payments while the product design and rulebook remain unfinished.
What Kbank and Ripple are testing
The Kbank-Ripple agreement points to bank integration rather than a standalone crypto app. Local reports said Kbank CEO Choi Woo-hyung and Ripple APAC head Fiona Murray attended a signing ceremony at Kbank's Seoul headquarters, with the companies discussing a Ripple digital-wallet proof-of-concept, support for Kbank's overseas remittance model, and broader digital-asset cooperation.
The sequence starts with a separate app-based remittance structure. The next step virtually links customer accounts and internal systems to test remittance stability, checking whether blockchain remittance rails can be mapped onto account and operations layers that resemble the systems a regulated bank would actually use.
That second phase also reportedly tests on-chain transfers involving corridors such as the UAE and Thailand. The corridor detail makes the PoC more operationally specific than a generic partnership announcement while keeping the commercial model open.
Palisade brings the wallet and custody layer into the test. Global Economic said the second phase uses or evaluates Ripple's SaaS-based digital wallet Palisade, while Ripple's own Palisade acquisition announcement describes the platform as wallet-as-a-service and custody tooling with features aimed at institutional digital-asset operations.
That makes the test a wallet and key-management exercise as much as a transfer-speed exercise. Production deployment by Kbank remains unannounced.
The technical focus is still meaningful. A bank remittance product has to solve compliance, custody, account linkage, settlement, and broader regulatory requirements. The PoC appears to test parts of that stack, while the full commercial design remains open.
Why Upbit changes the stakes
Kbank's role in Upbit's fiat access gives the Ripple test its market-structure relevance. The bank was moving to extend its real-name deposit and withdrawal account partnership with Upbit through October 2026, according to ChosunBiz.
Upbit's own real-name account verification guide says deposit and withdrawal account verification is possible only with Kbank.
Taken together, the partnership report and Upbit's guide make Kbank the bank behind Upbit's KRW real-name deposit and withdrawal account verification rail. They do not show Upbit participating in the Ripple PoC or Kbank running the test on Upbit's behalf.
The size of the Upbit relationship explains why the context has force. Upbit-linked funds accounted for about 24% of Kbank's 30.4 trillion won deposit balance as of the third quarter of 2025, according to Korea JoongAng Daily.
The same report quoted Choi discussing Kbank's need to reduce reliance on Upbit while positioning stablecoins and cross-border payments as future opportunities.
Kbank's crypto-linked banking role has been built around exchange access. The Ripple test examines whether similar bank-side plumbing can be used for payments.
The first use case is account access for trading. The next possible use case is cross-border money movement. Between those two sits the unresolved question of regulation.
That context should not be stretched into Upbit participation. Upbit explains why Kbank's banking role matters to South Korea's crypto rails; the Ripple agreement remains a Kbank-side remittance PoC.
CryptoSlate's prior coverage helps define the surrounding terrain. A June 2025 article covered South Korean banks pursuing a won-backed stablecoin push, while an April 2026 CryptoSlate report on Ripple's RLUSD in Japan showed how bank trust can shape Asian stablecoin adoption.
Regulation keeps the test provisional
South Korea's bank-led stablecoin debate gives the remittance test a policy edge. The Kbank pilot is already being tied to South Korea's stablecoin rulemaking debate, while Seoul Economic Daily reported that delayed digital-asset legislation has kept some Korean blockchain and remittance infrastructure from moving into actual operations.
Banks can test the mechanics before they know the final rulebook. They can examine wallet architecture, account linkage, compliance controls, and cross-border flows. They can also build optionality without committing to a product launch.
Note: Kbank, the South Korean internet-only bank in the Ripple partnership, should be kept separate from Thailand's KASIKORNBANK, often branded KBank.
KASIKORNBANK has appeared in related Korea-Thailand digital-asset remittance discussions, including a February cooperation announcement with Orbix and BPMG. The connection is corridor context and naming clarity, while the South Korean Kbank and Thailand's KASIKORNBANK remain separate institutions.
The practical split is straightforward: what the pilot tests, what remains undecided, and why Kbank's Upbit rail gives the work market weight.
| Confirmed | Still open | Operational implication |
|---|---|---|
| Kbank and Ripple signed a strategic partnership for remittance technical verification. | No production launch date or customer rollout has been confirmed. | The work remains a bank-side PoC before customer rollout. |
| The current phase virtually links customer accounts and internal systems and tests UAE/Thailand on-chain transfers. | The exact settlement asset, fee model, and live transaction volume remain undisclosed. | The test targets bank integration, but the commercial model is still undefined. |
| Upbit account verification for deposits and withdrawals is available only with Kbank, according to Upbit's guide. | Upbit has not been identified as a participant in the Ripple PoC. | Kbank's exchange-rail position gives the test relevance while exchange integration remains unsupported. |
| South Korea is still working through stablecoin and digital-asset payment rules. | The final rule set for bank-led digital remittances remains unsettled. | Regulation is a key gate between technical readiness and commercial launch. |
The next test is commercial proof
Kbank is now sitting between two roles. One is already visible: banking access for Upbit's KRW deposit and withdrawal verification.
The other is being tested: blockchain-based overseas remittances that connect with bank accounts and internal systems.
That bridge has strategic value because South Korea's crypto market already depends on tightly controlled bank-account rails. If a bank tied to those rails can also make blockchain remittances operational, the boundary between exchange access and payment infrastructure becomes less fixed.
The same compliance-heavy banking layer could become a place where crypto-linked infrastructure moves from trading access into cross-border money movement.
For now, the PoC covers testing, corridors, account-system simulation, and Palisade evaluation. It does not yet provide the commercial pieces that would turn the work into a live remittance business.
The next threshold is concrete: a named product, a live customer flow, a settlement asset, a fee model, and regulatory clearance.
Until those pieces arrive, Kbank's Ripple partnership is best read as a readiness test with unusually important surroundings. It shows that one of South Korea's key crypto-linked banking rails is examining the payments infrastructure.
It also shows how much still depends on regulation before a technical pilot can become a real remittance business.
The post The South Korean bank powering Upbit is testing Ripple integration for cross-border payments appeared first on CryptoSlate.
The European Union’s latest Russia sanctions package, its twentieth so far, brings crypto settlement squarely into an already fractured geopolitical spotlight.
Adopted on April 23, the package adds 120 new listings and rolls out financial measures that touch just about every corner of Russia’s crypto scene. That includes service providers, decentralized trading platforms, ruble-backed tokens, payment agents, and even support for the digital rouble.
Earlier rounds of restrictions mostly went after specific exchanges, wallets, or operators. This time, the EU is aiming higher up the stack, targeting the service layer that keeps Russia-linked crypto settlement running. That means third-country platforms and tools that can keep money moving globally, even if a particular exchange gets shut down.
The EU frames these new rules as a way to close loopholes. According to Council materials, Russia is leaning more and more on crypto for international payments as traditional finance routes get squeezed by sanctions.
The package is the bloc's largest move to sanction Russia in years, with crypto restrictions among its most specific measures.
The real test now is whether Europe can actually measure crypto settlement risk at the infrastructure level. That means platforms have to dig deeper than exchange names and look at where a provider is based, which tokens are in play, which settlement agents are involved, and whether the route relies on a state-backed digital currency.
The Ban Moves Down The Stack
The Commission says this package brings a blanket ban on doing business with any Russian crypto asset service provider. It also covers decentralized platforms if they’re being used to get around sanctions. Now, where a provider is based and how it operates matter just as much as whether it’s been named on a sanctions list.
TRM Labs ties the measure to platform succession risk after Garantex was disrupted. Its analysis of the package points to the Garantex-to-Grinex migration and the role of A7A5 as the bridge between those systems.
Chainalysis reaches a similar conclusion from a compliance angle. Its 20th package analysis describes the measure as a move against categories of evasion infrastructure rather than single named entities.
It’s one thing to screen a wallet address or exchange name. It’s a whole different challenge to spot a service provider set up in Russia, a third-country platform with Russian liquidity, or a settlement route built around a sanctioned token.
The Financial Times had already reported that EU officials were weighing a broad ban on Russian crypto transactions.
Prior CryptoSlate coverage of that proposal shows the continuity: Brussels was already testing a broader enforcement perimeter before the package was adopted.
The new rules reach into five different parts of the crypto settlement process.
| Targeted layer | Role in the route | Compliance implication |
|---|---|---|
| Russian crypto asset service providers | Exchange and transfer access | Counterparty screening has to include establishment and operating nexus |
| Decentralized platforms enabling trading | Alternative access when centralized venues are blocked | Front-end, service, and platform exposure become relevant |
| TengriCoin / Meer.kg | Third-country venue where A7A5 is traded | Russia-linked stablecoin liquidity can create designation exposure outside Russia |
| RUBx and digital rouble support | State-linked token and CBDC settlement rails | Issuers, service providers, and infrastructure firms face instrument-level controls |
| Russian payment and netting agents | Settlement mechanics that can mask gross flows | Monitoring has to examine the route and the final address |
Stablecoins Become Enforcement Infrastructure
A7A5 gives the policy a concrete example. Chainalysis identifies TengriCoin, doing business as Meer.kg, as the Kyrgyz venue where significant amounts of the government-backed stablecoin are traded.
The Council language is broader, pointing to a Kyrgyz entity operating an exchange where significant A7A5 volumes move.
The venue turns A7A5 from background context into a named enforcement path. TRM says A7A5 served as the financial bridge between Garantex and Grinex after Garantex was disrupted, while Chainalysis describes the token as a Russia-linked stablecoin rail for sanctioned businesses seeking access to the global financial system.
A 2025 U.S. sanctions report linked the Garantex, Grinex, and A7A5 network to earlier enforcement pressure. The EU package now codifies that route-level concern in its own sanctions framework.
RUBx gives the package a second stablecoin layer. Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec planned RUBx as a ruble-pegged token on Tron alongside a payment platform called RT-Pay.
The Commission now says the EU is prohibiting the use of and support for RUBx, as well as support for the digital rouble, a central bank digital currency under development by the Bank of Russia.
The policy signal is direct. The EU is treating a stablecoin, a CBDC project, and the service providers around them as parts of a sanctions-relevant payment architecture.
The role of the instrument carries more weight than the token ticker. If a ruble-backed asset can connect sanctioned businesses to liquidity, its issuer, venue, service provider, and supporting infrastructure all become part of the risk map.
Live market data shows these instruments are active across a huge global market. The focus here is on who can actually settle transactions.
Compliance Moves To The Whole Route
The netting ban shows how far the package reaches into settlement mechanics. The Commission says the package prohibits transactions with agents in Russia and other third countries that offer to facilitate international transactions from Russia to bypass EU sanctions. It also bars netting transactions with Russian agents.
Chainalysis describes this as significant for crypto compliance because netting can obscure the underlying counterparties of Russia-linked flows.
For crypto firms, risk can show up in the service provider behind the scenes, the country where an intermediary is based, the token used to settle, or the payment agent moving the money. Screening now means looking at the whole route, not just searching for familiar names.
For stablecoin issuers, custodians, exchanges, payment processors, and infrastructure providers, this means stepping up checks on any Russia-linked activity. TRM points out that the package moves the focus from just screening names to figuring out if a counterparty is actually based in Russia, even if it’s a brand-new service that hasn’t been listed yet. individual designation.
Chainalysis flags third-country platforms and intermediaries as sanctions-evasion risks when Russian settlement links are detected.
One likely result is more friction. If issuers, exchanges, and service providers really enforce these rules, settling Russia-linked crypto could get pricier and less dependable. The real squeeze is on the route itself; redemption, platform access, liquidity, custody, and payment-agent relationships all come under pressure.
Another outcome is migration. Successor platforms, nested services, and third-country brokers can push activity into less transparent venues. The EU's answer is to target the architecture that lets those routes keep functioning, pairing crypto restrictions with measures against third-country financial institutions and anti-circumvention channels.
Stablecoins and the digital rouble are now firmly inside the EU’s sanctions playbook, not just sitting on the sidelines. The EU has called out crypto rails as real financial infrastructure and built restrictions around the providers, tokens, platforms, and settlement mechanics that make them work. The big question now is whether enforcement can keep up as these routes keep shifting.
The post EU sanctions Russian crypto usage for 20th time adding bans on digital rubles and anyone using Russian crypto services appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Cardano's governance system is facing two deadlines that belong in the same conversation.
JPG Store, a prominent Cardano NFT marketplace whose product page calls it the #1 Cardano NFT marketplace, began a ‘Restriction Mode' on April 23 and scheduled its ‘Complete Shutdown for May 23′.
The shutdown gives users immediate work to do. The shutdown FAQ tells users to remove listings, cancel offers, and settle or cancel loans before the final date. A separate social-login wallet notice tells users to transfer NFTs, tokens, and ADA to a self-custody Cardano wallet before access through those wallets ends.
At the same time, Cardano voters are weighing Input Output's 2026 treasury slate, where Pogun asks for ₳12.29 million to build a Bitcoin liquidity and credit engine. The process is demanding by design: treasury withdrawals require delegated representative approval from 67% of active voting stake, plus Constitutional Committee approval.
Put together, those deadlines turn Cardano's funding priorities into a live test against the stress points users can see.
The evidence supports an application-level pressure point, while broader chain-health claims would need separate support. JPG Store attributed the decision to operating sustainability, and the closure materials do not establish chain-wide failure.
That distinction is important for the ongoing treasury debate. Cardano can still pursue an ambitious Bitcoin DeFi strategy, but the case for funding it now has to sit beside a visible consumer product telling users to unwind positions and move assets.
A consumer deadline now sits beside the vote
Its ‘Restriction Mode' puts JPG Store into an immediate wind-down process. During that phase, core actions such as listings, offers, sales, and rentals are restricted, while users can still remove active orders and manage certain existing positions before ‘Complete Shutdown' on May 23.
That creates a migration problem for users and a visible comparison point for builders watching where Cardano treasury capital may go next.
Cardano's funding system is debating new infrastructure while one of its most recognizable consumer surfaces is asking people to move assets before it shuts down for good.
JPG Store winding down shows that a product with real visibility in Cardano's NFT market could not continue operating under its current model. Other parts of the ecosystem are still building, voting, and shipping, but the shutdown still adds pressure to the allocation question.
If treasury allocations are contested and voter approval is difficult to secure, the debate becomes a test of whether Bitcoin DeFi is the best near-term answer to the stress points users see.
A marketplace shutdown driven by sustainability pressure and a treasury request for new liquidity infrastructure can both be rational responses to the same ecosystem issues. Together, they set a clearer test: Cardano has to show that new funding can translate into applications, users, and liquidity, with the consumer layer as the proof point.
The closure also changes how the vote will be judged. A consumer deadline gives voters and builders a visible benchmark for any treasury ask.
Funding new infrastructure can still be rational, but the burden is higher when existing user surfaces are asking people to move assets and unwind positions.
The vote tests Cardano's allocation logic
Input Output's 2026 treasury package includes nine proposals. Pogun is the Bitcoin DeFi plank in that set, and its listed work includes a non-margin credit market, a yield application, institutional access, and a BitVM-powered trust-minimized bridge through 2026.
In plain English, the proposal aims to make Bitcoin useful within Cardano's DeFi stack. That is a coherent strategic target because it aims at liquidity alongside application growth.
The harder challenge is whether that target addresses the current weakness visible in Cardano's consumer and DeFi activity.
The live treasury withdrawal process listed Pogun as expiring May 24, with 1.04% DRep support toward the 67% threshold as of 09:30 UTC on April 24.
That can change quickly, but it captures the state of the process at a useful moment: the proposal is live, the threshold is high, and voter conviction still has to be built.
The broader request was already on the table. Input Output's teams were seeking almost $50 million for Bitcoin DeFi and Vision 2030, with the 2026 ask below the prior year's approved level.
JPG Store's closure adds pressure around how that funding case should be judged.
The Bitcoin-liquidity direction also predates Pogun. Cardano had already approved an Orion Fund first tranche tied to 50 million ADA, a $15 million first deployment, and an $80 million target.
Pogun, therefore, sits within a broader effort to connect Cardano with Bitcoin liquidity, a strategy that now has multiple pieces, from Orion to Pogun, while the consumer-product side has just set a new deadline.
The funding case has to show that those pieces connect, because a liquidity engine only strengthens the ecosystem if it eventually produces usable markets, credible demand, and applications that people return to.
The next test is delivery and usage
The market backdrop shows why Bitcoin DeFi is tempting. The aggregate crypto market sits at around $2.6 trillion, with BTC dominance near 60.1%.
CryptoSlate's Cardano price data show ADA trading near $0.25 with a market cap of around $9 billion, while BTC trades near $77,872 with a $1.56 trillion market cap.
Those figures show the scale mismatch Cardano is trying to solve. Bitcoin liquidity is enormous, and Cardano's own asset value remains large enough to make light application usage look like an execution challenge.
Cardano's activity metrics give the other side of the frame. DefiLlama shows about $134.57 million in DeFi TVL, $49.08 million in stablecoins, $556,520 in 24-hour DEX volume, and $3,575 in 24-hour NFT volume.
The shape is more important than the exact numbers. Cardano's market value is large, while measured DeFi and NFT activity remain comparatively light.
That makes the treasury question harder and more useful. A Bitcoin liquidity push could address one clear constraint by bringing a deeper asset pool into Cardano's DeFi system.
At the same time, a consumer NFT marketplace shutdown asks whether the ecosystem also needs stronger native demand, better product economics, or funding paths that sustain applications users already recognize.
Cardano's funding system was already in transition before this week. Project Catalyst had distributed more than $150 million, while the next rounds were paused as stewardship moved from Input Output to the Cardano Foundation.
That context places the current debate inside a broader governance reset and the strongest conclusion is conditional. JPG Store's closure leaves Cardano's Bitcoin DeFi strategy alive, but harder to judge by itself.
If Pogun and related liquidity work win support, ship on schedule, and create measurable activity, the treasury push can be understood as an attempt to connect Cardano to a larger pool of capital.
In that version, consumer consolidation and Bitcoin DeFi expansion can coexist because the chain is trying to build new demand channels while some unsustainable products wind down.
If voting remains thin, activity metrics stay weak, or more consumer surfaces contract, the same proposal will face a tougher interpretation.
It will resemble a bet that a new liquidity narrative can repair problems visible in the existing application layer.
The next thresholds are concrete. JPG Store's final shutdown date is May 23. Pogun's listed treasury vote window expires May 24.
After that, the useful signals move from governance approval to delivery, usage, and liquidity. The useful question is whether the treasury process can direct capital toward constraints that users and builders can actually feel.
The post Should Cardano invest more into Bitcoin while top Cardano marketplaces like JPG Store shut down? appeared first on CryptoSlate.
AAVE, the native token of the Aave DeFi platform, is now available on the Solana blockchain network.
The move will give Solana users access to one of the largest lending protocols in decentralized finance without leaving the network.
This came less than two days after the Solana Foundation revealed that it would deploy part of its treasury into Aave.
Through this action, the non-profit joined a broader industry effort to contain the fallout from the KelpDAO rsETH $292 million exploit and restore confidence in decentralized lending markets.
Solana Foundation aids Aave recovery
On April 25, Lily Liu, chair of the foundation, said the nonprofit is lending USDT to Aave to support recovery efforts after the exploit left major DeFi protocols exposed to unbacked collateral and liquidity stress.
The step marks an unusual cross-chain intervention by Solana, which has spent years building its own DeFi economy around native lending, trading, and liquid staking applications.
It also gives the foundation a direct role in a recovery effort centered on Aave, a protocol more closely associated with Ethereum and its layer-2 networks.
Liu framed the move as support for the broader open-finance market, saying blockchain economies do not operate in isolation and that Solana’s long-term health depends on a functioning DeFi sector beyond its own ecosystem.
For Solana, the intervention signals that competition among chains does not preclude coordination when a failure threatens the market structure on which they all depend.
A bridge failure becomes a DeFi problem
The April 18 $292 million exploit began with KelpDAO’s rsETH, a liquid restaking token, after attackers allegedly exploited a weakness tied to its LayerZero bridge configuration.
According to reports, the attackers were able to redeem 116,500 unbacked rsETH tokens on Ethereum before depositing the assets as collateral across Aave, Compound, and Euler, then borrowing roughly $292 million in ETH and other assets.
This action caused broader contagion, especially in Aave's lending markets, where platform users exited en masse, and resulted in WETH utilization reaching 100% within hours of the exploit.
Galaxy Research explained:
“At full utilization, Aave's design doesn't allow withdrawals, because there is no idle liquidity in the pool to redeem against. Whoever withdraws first is made whole, while whoever comes later must wait for new supply to arrive or borrowers to repay.”
Oak Research, a crypto intelligence firm, said the mass exit led to a 17% decline in total value locked in DeFi, with Aave experiencing more than $12 billion in outflows.
The firm argued the episode could have become a defining failure for DeFi because it combined a bridge misconfiguration, a systemically important lending venue, and lenders unable to withdraw funds from depleted pools.
The liquidity crunch also showed how lending protocols can operate as designed while still importing risk from outside infrastructure.
Aave pools depend on borrowers, collateral, and liquidations functioning normally. When collateral quality collapses suddenly, lenders can be left waiting for liquidity until borrowers repay, liquidations occur, or new deposits enter the market.
Can ‘DeFi United' restore investors' confidence?
In response to the incident, Aave and KelpDAO helped organize DeFi United, a recovery vehicle aimed at replenishing rsETH reserves and making affected users whole.
According to DeFi United's official website, the effort has drawn commitments of nearly $240 million from several major DeFi participants, including Aave DAO, Arbitrum DAO, Mantle, Ether.fi, Lido, Kelp, Golem Foundation, and individual contributors.
Oak Research said this recovery effort is working because Aave was the protocol at risk.
In its view, the response may have been different if the losses had been isolated to a smaller restaking protocol or a bridge without broader systemic importance. Aave, as the largest DeFi lending venue, had stronger incentives to preserve its reputation and avoid a precedent in which lenders take losses from collateral accepted by the protocol.
That is what makes Solana’s support notable. The foundation is stepping into a sector-wide effort to prevent a bridge-linked collateral failure from damaging confidence in DeFi’s largest lending venue.
The move also gives Solana a strategic opening. Bringing AAVE to Solana could deepen cross-chain liquidity, broaden access for Solana users, and give Aave another distribution channel at a time when lending protocols are reassessing collateral risk, bridge dependencies, and emergency backstops.
Meanwhile, the recovery may still leave governance questions unresolved. Aave tokenholders must weigh the cost of using treasury assets against the reputational risk of allowing users to absorb losses.
While DeFi United can help close the immediate shortfall, the KelpDAO exploit has already shown that collateral standards, bridge design, and protocol risk controls are no longer separate issues.
The post Latest $290M exploit hit DeFi so hard it forced Aave onto Solana as part of rescue efforts appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Bitcoin traded below $78,000 on Monday as EU markets opened for the week.
BTC price hit $77,819, down 0.28% over 24 hours, with a market capitalization near $1.56 trillion and 24-hour volume of around $32.1 billion. Total crypto liquidations stood near $295 million over the previous 24 hours on CoinGlass.
Bitcoin had been pressing the $80,000 decision area, then quickly slipped back under $78,000 before any clear fresh macro, regulatory, exchange, ETF, or issuer headline had emerged.
The immediate test is whether the drop was a short-lived leverage flush or the start of a broader risk-off move.
The distinction is substantive. A leverage flush can reset crowded positioning while leaving the larger market structure intact. A broader risk-off move usually needs follow-through across risk assets, weaker liquidity, or a new catalyst that changes how traders price the next several sessions.
For now, the evidence points to market structure first. Liquidation pressure was evident, the price level was fragile, but the cause has yet to be resolved into a single clear explanation.
The $80,000 area was already loaded
The latest move landed in a zone that had already drawn attention. On Apr. 23, Bitcoin traded as high as $79,470 while moving toward the $80,000 threshold, before retracing to about $78,200.
The push was linked to forced liquidations and a more constructive macro and geopolitical setup.
Bitcoin was already testing a level where recent buyers, short sellers, and macro-sensitive traders had reasons to react. When price moves into that kind of area, the first rejection often says more about positioning than conviction.
A later CryptoSlate market-structure analysis gives the same zone a more tactical map. Bitcoin had failed to hold the upper-$78,000s after reaching the $80,000 level, while risk appetite and equities were doing more immediate work than crude oil.
The same analysis placed the constructive path around a hold of the $77,000 to $77,500 area followed by a reclaim of the upper-$78,000s.
That gives Monday's move a clean test. If buyers absorb the drop near the mid-$77,000s, the decline can remain a clearing event. If price fails there, the break starts to point to a broader reduction in risk.
The pattern also helps separate price action from explanation. Traders did not need a new headline to see why stops, hedges, or fast exits could cluster around a round-number level that had just rejected momentum. A market that has challenged $80,000 can reverse quickly when leverage is high, and the next buyer is waiting for a lower price.
That makes the first response around $77,000 to $77,500 more important than the search for a tidy headline. A fast reclaim would show demand absorbing forced flows. A stalled bounce would tell traders that the drop was spilling into spot conviction and broader risk appetite.
Recent CryptoSlate coverage explains why the $80,000 zone was crowded, why liquidations had helped shape the prior move, and why risk appetite could influence the next leg. It leaves the Apr. 27 drawdown as a live test, rather than a settled reaction to one event.
That framing separates the level from the narrative. The price zone can be real, and the catalyst can remain unresolved. Bitcoin had a clear technical pressure point, while the available evidence still leaves the trigger open.
Liquidations define what the evidence can support
The liquidation data adds pressure to that interpretation. Total crypto liquidations reached about $294.9 million over 24 hours, up sharply from the prior reading on the page.
CoinGlass also showed 89,011 traders liquidated and the largest single order on Binance's ETHUSDT pair at about $11.98 million.
The Bitcoin-specific page was more nuanced. BTC liquidations were about $95.55 million, split between about $38.8 million in longs and $56.75 million in shorts.
That split complicates the easy version of the move. A falling Bitcoin price often invites a simple long-liquidation explanation. The BTC-specific reading was short-heavy at the time checked, which suggests the liquidation backdrop was mixed and not a one-direction wipeout.
Still, liquidations were large enough to show forced position closure across the market, while the Bitcoin page showed activity clustered around the same hours as the European open. That supports a leverage and liquidity frame, with the immediate trigger still unresolved.
Market-cap data sets a second boundary. Global crypto market capitalization is near $2.59 trillion, and Bitcoin's dominance was around 60%. CryptoSlate's coins page shows Bitcoin's market capitalization is around $1.559 trillion.
Macro pressure sets the next test
The macro backdrop gives the move context. The Federal Reserve calendar shows a two-day FOMC meeting scheduled for Apr. 28 and 29, with a press conference on Apr. 29.
A separate Federal Reserve notice shows an Apr. 28 closed Board meeting to discuss monetary policy issues.
CryptoSlate's macro preview also framed the week as unusually compressed. Traders would get the Fed first, then GDP and PCE data shortly after, creating a tight test for rates, growth, inflation, and risk appetite.
That setup can explain why buyers may be less willing to step in aggressively. Bitcoin often trades as a liquidity-sensitive asset over short macro windows. When the market is heading into a packed policy and data sequence, traders have fewer reasons to add risk into a fast drop.
Still, the calendar is background pressure. During the Apr. 27 review window, no new Fed decision, fresh inflation print, regulatory action, exchange failure, ETF shock, or issuer announcement had emerged to explain the move.
The market had a plausible reason to be cautious, while the visible move looked more consistent with positioning and liquidity stress than a fully explained headline response.
The most defensible reading is that Bitcoin's drop below $78,000 looks like a leverage flush inside a risk-sensitive market, with no obvious fresh catalyst. That holds if the move stabilizes near the mid-$77,000s and buyers can push price back toward the upper-$78,000s.
A reclaim would suggest the market cleared excess exposure while preserving the larger range. It would also fit the pattern CryptoSlate mapped earlier: hold the $77,000 to $77,500 area, regain the upper-$78,000s, and put $80,000 back into play.
A deeper break would change the question. If Bitcoin loses the mid-$77,000s while equities weaken, yields firm, or the Fed week turns more hostile for risk assets, the same liquidation data would begin to resemble the first leg of a broader risk reduction.
That leaves the market with a precise test. The liquidation wave has shown where leverage was vulnerable. The next price reaction will show whether spot demand is strong enough to absorb the damage.
The post Bitcoin flash crashes below $78,000 at Europe market open with nearly $295 million in crypto liquidations appeared first on CryptoSlate.
Cryptoticker
Ethereum drops below $2,300 as crypto momentum fades
Ethereum fell below the important $2,300 level after Bitcoin failed to hold its recent pump toward $79K. The move came during a broader crypto market pullback, where Bitcoin dropped below $77K and several major altcoins turned red within a short period.
The latest market data shows ETH trading around $2,277, down nearly 3% over 24 hours. This drop is important because Ethereum had recently been supported by bullish institutional headlines, including reports of major ETH accumulation by BitMine. However, the market reaction shows that short-term traders are still focused more on Bitcoin’s price action, liquidations and weak market structure than on long-term accumulation news.
In simple terms, Ethereum did not drop because of one isolated ETH-specific event. It dropped because the broader crypto market lost momentum.
Why did Ethereum drop below $2,300?
The main reason Ethereum dropped is that Bitcoin rejected a key resistance zone. BTC briefly pushed toward $79K, but the move failed quickly. Once Bitcoin lost strength and fell back below $77K, Ethereum followed with a sharper decline.
This is normal during fast market reversals. ETH often behaves like a higher-beta version of Bitcoin, meaning it can rise faster during bullish momentum but also fall harder when the market turns. When BTC rejected the breakout, traders quickly reduced exposure across major crypto assets, and ETH became one of the first large-cap altcoins to feel the pressure.
The loss of the $2,300 level then made the move worse. For many traders, $2,300 is both a psychological level and a short-term technical support zone. Once Ethereum fell below it, stop-losses and leveraged long liquidations likely accelerated the decline.
Liquidations hit Ethereum after Bitcoin’s failed breakout
The speed of the drop suggests that liquidations played a major role. Social media reports pointed to a sharp amount of value being wiped from the crypto market in a very short time, with both BTC and ETH falling almost simultaneously.
This matters because Ethereum is heavily traded with leverage. When the market moves against crowded long positions, traders are forced to close positions or get liquidated. That selling pressure can push ETH lower even if there is no major negative news about Ethereum itself.
This is why ETH can drop despite bullish long-term headlines. Institutional accumulation may support the broader narrative, but short-term leverage can still control intraday price action.
BitMine buying Ethereum was not enough to stop the selloff
One of the more bullish headlines around Ethereum was the report that Tom Lee’s BitMine bought a large amount of ETH. This should normally support confidence in Ethereum’s long-term outlook, especially as institutional interest in ETH continues to grow.
However, today’s move shows the difference between long-term accumulation and short-term trading pressure. Big buyers can strengthen the investment case for Ethereum, but they do not automatically prevent sudden corrections. If Bitcoin rejects resistance, the market deleverages, and altcoins weaken, ETH can still drop below key levels.
That is exactly what happened here. The BitMine headline helped the Ethereum narrative, but it was not strong enough to stop the market-wide selloff.
Ethereum weakens as altcoins flash warning signs
Ethereum’s decline also fits the broader altcoin weakness. XRP, Solana, Cardano, BNB and Chainlink were all under pressure, confirming that this was not only an Ethereum problem. The market was reducing risk across major altcoins.
This is important because Ethereum usually needs broader altcoin strength to build a sustainable rally. When ETH rises while altcoins confirm the move, the market often looks healthier. But when ETH drops alongside most large-cap coins, it suggests that traders are becoming more defensive.
For now, Ethereum is still being treated like a risk asset. It is not leading the market higher. Instead, it is reacting to Bitcoin’s failed breakout and the broader weakness across crypto.
Ethereum price analysis: key levels to watch
The most important level for Ethereum now is $2,300. If ETH can reclaim this level quickly, the latest drop may be viewed as a temporary shakeout caused by Bitcoin’s rejection and short-term liquidations.
A move back above $2,300 would be the first sign that buyers are trying to regain control. After that, ETH would need to push toward the $2,350 to $2,400 zone to rebuild stronger bullish momentum.
However, if Ethereum remains below $2,300, the risk of further downside increases. In that case, traders may start watching lower support areas near $2,250 and then $2,200. Losing those levels could make the ETH chart look weaker and extend the correction.
For now, ETH is in a sensitive position. The next move depends heavily on whether Bitcoin can stabilize above $76K to $77K and whether Ethereum can recover $2,300 quickly.
Is Ethereum still bullish?
Ethereum’s long-term outlook has not been destroyed by this drop. Institutional buying, ETF-related interest and the broader Ethereum ecosystem still support the long-term narrative. But the short-term chart is clearly under pressure.
The problem is not that Ethereum has no bullish catalysts. The problem is that the market is not responding strongly to them yet. When bullish headlines fail to push price higher, it usually means traders are waiting for technical confirmation before taking more risk.
For Ethereum, that confirmation starts with reclaiming $2,300. Without that, the market may continue to treat ETH as weak in the short term.
Ethereum price prediction: bounce or deeper correction?
If Ethereum reclaims $2,300 and Bitcoin stabilizes above $77K, ETH could attempt a recovery toward $2,350 and then $2,400. A stronger move above that zone would suggest that the selloff was only a temporary liquidation event.
But if ETH fails to recover $2,300, the bearish case becomes stronger. A continued rejection below this level could send Ethereum toward $2,250 or even $2,200, especially if Bitcoin loses the $76K support area.
The most likely short-term scenario is continued volatility. Ethereum is stuck between bullish institutional narratives and bearish short-term price action. Until ETH turns $2,300 back into support, traders should expect more sharp moves in both directions.
Final thoughts: why ETH dropped and what comes next
Ethereum dropped below $2,300 because Bitcoin’s failed $79K pump triggered a broader crypto market selloff. The move was accelerated by liquidations, weak altcoin momentum and traders reducing risk across major crypto assets.
This does not mean Ethereum’s long-term story is broken. But it does show that ETH needs stronger confirmation before the next major rally can begin. Bullish accumulation headlines are important, but price action still matters.
For now, the key level is clear: Ethereum needs to reclaim $2,300. If it does, the market could start looking for a recovery. If it fails, ETH may remain under pressure and test lower support zones.
Bitcoin fails to hold the $79K pump
Bitcoin gave traders a short burst of optimism after briefly pumping toward the $79K level. The move looked like a potential breakout attempt, especially after fresh institutional buying headlines entered the market. However, the momentum quickly faded, and Bitcoin dropped back below $77K, erasing the gains from the previous move.
According to the latest market data, Bitcoin is trading around $76,600, down roughly 1.7% over 24 hours. This confirms that BTC is still struggling to build a clean continuation above the $78K to $79K range. The failed move also shows that buyers are not yet strong enough to push Bitcoin into a confirmed breakout above $80K.
The key question now is simple: why did Bitcoin pump toward $79K, then suddenly lose strength?
Why did Bitcoin drop below $77K?
The first reason is a classic failed breakout. Bitcoin moved higher, attracted short-term traders, but failed to hold the breakout zone. Once the price started rejecting near $79K, leveraged positions became vulnerable. The move then turned into a fast downside reaction, with reports pointing to billions being wiped from the crypto market in a short period.
This type of move often happens when the market pumps into resistance without enough spot demand to support the rally. Traders chase the move, liquidity builds above and below the price, and once momentum slows, the market reverses sharply.
In this case, Bitcoin’s drop below $77K suggests that the $79K area was not a real breakout yet. It was more likely a liquidity move, where the price pushed higher, trapped late buyers, and then quickly reversed.
Strategy buys more Bitcoin, but BTC still drops
One of the most interesting parts of today’s crypto news is that Bitcoin dropped even after bullish institutional headlines. Michael Saylor’s Strategy reportedly bought 3,273 BTC worth around $255 million, adding more fuel to the long-term Bitcoin accumulation narrative.
Normally, this type of news would support bullish sentiment. But today’s price action shows that institutional buying does not always create an immediate pump. Large buyers may support the bigger trend, but short-term price action still depends on liquidity, leverage, resistance levels and market confidence.
In other words, Strategy buying more Bitcoin is bullish for the long-term narrative, but it was not enough to stop the short-term selloff below $77K.
BlackRock and institutions are buying, but retail momentum is weak
The broader institutional story remains strong. BlackRock has reportedly accumulated hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Bitcoin through spot ETF demand, while Strategy continues to add BTC to its balance sheet. This confirms that large players are still using weakness as an accumulation opportunity.
However, Bitcoin’s failure to break $80K shows that institutional demand alone is not enough. The market also needs stronger retail participation, better altcoin momentum, and a clear technical breakout. Without those elements, Bitcoin can continue to see sharp pumps and dumps inside the same range.
This is why today’s move is important. It shows a clear gap between the long-term accumulation story and the short-term trading reality.
Altcoins confirm the market weakness
Bitcoin was not the only asset under pressure. The latest crypto performance data shows that most major altcoins are also red. Ethereum dropped below $2,300, XRP fell by more than 2%, Solana moved lower, Cardano weakened, and Chainlink also declined.
This matters because a healthy crypto rally usually needs support from major altcoins. When Bitcoin pumps but altcoins remain weak, the move often looks defensive rather than broad-based. It means traders are not fully rotating into risk yet.
Ethereum’s weakness is especially important. ETH is trading around $2,277, down almost 3%, despite recent reports that Tom Lee’s BitMine bought a large amount of Ethereum. This shows that even bullish Ethereum accumulation headlines are not currently enough to reverse market pressure.
Peter Schiff adds bearish pressure to the Bitcoin narrative
Another headline adding attention to the market is Peter Schiff’s latest bearish comment, where he reportedly said Bitcoin could crash “close to zero.” Schiff has always been one of Bitcoin’s most vocal critics, so the statement itself is not surprising. But the timing matters.
His comment came while Bitcoin was failing to hold a breakout and dropping below $77K. This gives the market a stronger emotional contrast: institutions are buying BTC, but critics are using the failed pump as proof that Bitcoin remains fragile.
For traders, this does not mean Bitcoin is going to zero. But it does show that sentiment is still divided. The market is not in full euphoria mode. Fear, skepticism and leverage-driven volatility are still controlling short-term moves.
Why is Bitcoin weak while stocks hit all-time highs?
One of the most important parts of today’s market setup is that stocks are reportedly hitting all-time highs while Bitcoin is struggling below $80K. That is a major signal.
If US and Asian stock markets are strong, but Bitcoin cannot hold above $79K, it suggests that crypto is not currently leading the risk-on trade. Liquidity may be flowing first into equities, while crypto remains trapped by leverage, weak altcoin demand and resistance near $80K.
This does not necessarily mean the Bitcoin trend is broken. But it does mean that BTC needs stronger confirmation before traders can call the next major breakout. For now, the market is still reacting more like a fragile risk asset than a leading momentum asset.
Bitcoin price analysis: key levels to watch
The most important level now is the $76K to $77K support zone. If Bitcoin can hold this area and reclaim $78K, the market may attempt another move toward $79K and eventually $80K.
However, if BTC loses the $76K zone clearly, the failed $79K pump could turn into a deeper correction. In that case, traders may start watching lower liquidity areas and stronger support zones below the current range.
For the bullish case to return, Bitcoin needs more than another quick pump. It needs to reclaim the $78K to $79K range, hold it as support, and show enough strength to challenge $80K with real volume.
For Ethereum, the key level is $2,300. If ETH remains below this zone, altcoins may continue to struggle, even if Bitcoin stabilizes.
Is the Bitcoin rally over?
The Bitcoin rally is not necessarily over, but today’s move is a warning sign. Bitcoin is still attracting institutional buyers, and major companies continue to accumulate BTC. However, the short-term chart shows that the market is not ready for a clean breakout yet.
The drop below $77K after a pump to $79K shows that traders are still selling into strength. It also confirms that $80K remains a major psychological and technical barrier.
For now, the crypto market is stuck between two forces. On one side, institutional accumulation supports the long-term Bitcoin story. On the other side, weak altcoins, liquidations and failed breakout attempts are keeping short-term pressure alive.
Until Bitcoin turns $79K into support and breaks $80K with conviction, the market may continue to see sharp pumps followed by fast pullbacks.
Tangem is heating up the self-custody market this spring with the launch of its exclusive Prize Draw Campaign, running from May 5 to June 6, 2026. This campaign offers users a chance to win a share of over 100 prizes, including a grand prize of $5,000 in BTC.
How to Participate in the Tangem Draw
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Prize Pool Breakdown: What Can You Win?
The campaign features a robust selection of 104 individual prizes. Beyond the headline Bitcoin rewards, Tangem is giving away the latest tech and specialized hardware security gear.
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Bonus Offer: Double Your Entries and Save 50%
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Why Hardware Security Matters in 2026
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Safety and Anti-Scam Precautions
Tangem has issued a strict warning regarding security during this campaign. Official winners will only be contacted via email from the @tangem.com domain.
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While Bitcoin ($BTC) remains in a choppy consolidation range near $77,500, a handful of high-beta assets have posted double-digit gains, diverging significantly from the broader index.
Historically, vertical moves of this magnitude—often exceeding 30% in seven days—invite a period of rebalancing. For traders, this week is less about chasing the "pump" and more about identifying where the floor sits. Here are 3 tokens that soared high and need to be on every trader's radar.
1. Humanity Protocol (H): The "Vesting Choice" Volatility
Humanity Protocol (H) has been the week's standout performer, surging over 45% following a massive spike in on-chain whale activity. Large-scale transactions for $H$ recently hit a five-month high, signaling that institutional players are positioning themselves within its "Proof of Humanity" ecosystem.
However, a fundamental headwind is peaking right now. The Humanity Foundation recently presented early backers with a difficult choice: extend their vesting schedules until late 2026 or accept a 70% haircut for immediate liquidity by April 26. This creates a complex supply dynamic for the remainder of this week.
- The Bull Case: If whales continue to defend the current breakout support at $0.12, a test of the $0.18 resistance level is likely.
- The Bear Case: A significant "cliff" token unlock is approaching on June 25 for those who chose the haircut. In the immediate term, the market is pricing in this "death spiral" risk. If $H$ fails to hold $0.14, expect a retracement toward the $0.11 EMA.
2. Stable (STABLE): Navigating Regulatory Momentum
Stable (STABLE) has climbed over 30% this week, reaching a market capitalization of approximately $742 million. This rally is fueled by the evolving regulatory landscape in the United States, specifically following the GENIUS Act guidelines and new institutional reserve portfolios from major banks.
Unlike purely speculative tokens, STABLE is positioning itself as a compliance-first asset. However, after such a rapid ascent, the token is showing signs of exhaustion.
- Key Levels: STABLE is currently hovering near a psychological resistance point of $0.035. A failure to break through this week could see profit-taking dominate the mid-week sessions, leading to a healthy retracement toward $0.028.
- Watch for: New Treasury Department rules regarding stablecoin AML frameworks, which could either solidify this rally or trigger a "sell the news" event.
3. MemeCore (M): High Gains vs. Thin Liquidity
The third asset on our radar, MemeCore (M), has been the "moonshot" story of the month, gaining nearly 30% this week and pushing its valuation into the multi-billion dollar range. While the price of $M is sitting near its local highs of $4.38, technical analysts are sounding the alarm.
The project recently executed a hardfork that reduced gas fees by 99%, attracting a wave of retail interest. However, on-chain scrutiny highlights a potential risk: a discrepancy between the high market cap and relatively thin liquidity in decentralized exchange (DEX) pools.
- Risk Factor: The volume-to-market cap ratio remains low. In thin markets like MemeCore's, even small sell orders can have an outsized impact on the price.
- Technical Outlook: Watch for a "double top" pattern near $4.65. If $M fails to sustain volume above its 24-hour average of $25M, a sharp correction toward the $3.89 support level is probable.
Summary: 3 Cryptocurrencies to Watch This Week
| Asset | 7d Performance | Market Cap | Key Sentiment Trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanity Protocol ($H) | +45.48% | ~$415M | Token Unlock Decisions |
| Stable ($STABLE) | +30.12% | ~$742M | Institutional Reserve News |
| MemeCore ($M) | +29.19% | ~$5.68B | Liquidity & Social Hype |
Ethereum ($ETH) has spent much of 2026 consolidating, leading many investors to ask the golden question: will Ethereum break its previous all-time high (ATH) of $4,900? A series of technical "ceilings" and shifting macroeconomic factors are currently dictating its pace toward a new record.
Can Ethereum Break its $4,900 ATH?
While a break above $4,900 is technically possible in 2026, it remains an optimistic target rather than a guaranteed outcome for the first half of the year. Analysts from major institutions like Standard Chartered and JPMorgan have set year-end targets ranging from $5,440 to as high as $10,000, contingent on a successful breakout from the current $2,300–$2,800 accumulation zone. However, as of April 26, 2026, ETH is trading near $2,333, indicating that the bulls still have significant work to do.
What Defines an "ATH Breakout"?
In technical analysis, an All-Time High (ATH) breakout occurs when an asset surpasses its highest ever recorded price—in Ethereum's case, approximately $4,878 (often rounded to $4,900). This event is significant because it enters a "price discovery" phase where no historical sell-side resistance exists. For ETH, the $4,900 mark isn't just a number; it is the final psychological barrier that separates the current range-bound market from a parabolic bull run.
Ethereum Price Prediction fr 2026
The journey to $4,900 is currently blocked by several key technical layers.
- The $2,750 Pivot: This is the immediate "line in the sand." Ethereum must reclaim this level to flip the medium-term trend from neutral to bullish.
- The $3,300 Resistance: A major supply zone. Historically, significant profit-taking occurs here, which could lead to temporary corrections back to $2,000.
- The Golden Cross: Traders are watching for the convergence of the 50-day and 200-day Moving Averages. A definitive "Golden Cross" in mid-2026 could be the catalyst for the final push toward the $4,900 ceiling.
Major Institutional Forecasts for 2026
| Institution | 2026 Target | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Citi | $5,440 | Sustained Spot ETF Inflows |
| Standard Chartered | $7,500 | Institutional Pension Allocations |
| JPMorgan | $10,000 | L2 Fee Slashes & Scalability |
| DigitalCoinPrice | $5,301 | Post-Halving Momentum |
The Role of External Catalysts
While internal technicals are vital, Ethereum's trajectory is heavily influenced by Bitcoin ($BTC). Bitcoin is currently trading near $78,000, maintaining high dominance. For Ethereum to lead the market toward its ATH, we typically look for a "rotation" of capital where investors move profits from BTC into ETH. Furthermore, news regarding US-Iran geopolitical de-escalation and energy price stability—often reported by Reuters—plays a silent but massive role in risk-on sentiment for 2026.
Decrypt
A new Federal Reserve study links ChatGPT's launch to a sharp halving of U.S. programmer job growth—the first institutional-level evidence connecting AI adoption to measurable developer hiring declines.
Google's security team scanned billions of web pages and found real payloads designed to trick AI agents into sending money, deleting files, and leaking credentials.
Some 580 Google employees have signed the letter to CEO Sundar Pichai, citing ethical concerns over military use of AI.
Strive Inc. purchased 789 more Bitcoin while its subsidiary prepares to educate business leaders on corporate crypto adoption.
Trump said last week he didn’t like prediction markets, but then changed his tune, arguing the U.S. should not get left behind in the space.
U.Today - IT, AI and Fintech Daily News for You Today
Enterprise blockchain firm Ripple has lit up the Las Vegas Strip with a towering "Raise the Standard" billboard ahead of the highly anticipated XRP Las Vegas 2026 conference.
Strategy doesn’t miss on its regular Monday purchases as the firm scoops another $255 million worth of Bitcoin this new week.
Prominent gold advocate and vocal cryptocurrency critic Peter Schiff claims that the executive's audacious prediction of a $1 million Bitcoin is mathematically doomed.
XRP has confirmed a Golden Cross, but the real story is the 30% technical gap to the long-term 200-day MA.
Shiba Inu ecosystem records impressive growth in its onchain movements as new users continue to massively onboard the network.
Blockonomi
TLDR
- Bitcoin reached $79,488 before easing to $78,223 as futures activity powered the latest price move.
- CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said the current Bitcoin rally is driven by derivatives, not strong spot demand.
- On-chain data shows Bitcoin’s 30-day apparent demand metric remains in negative territory.
- Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, purchased $255 million in Bitcoin after a $2.54 billion acquisition last week.
- Bitcoin ETFs acquired more than $2.6 billion worth of BTC this month despite weak on-chain demand.
Bitcoin climbed toward two-month highs as derivatives activity powered the latest advance. The asset reached $79,488 before easing to $78,223 during the session. However, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju said futures markets, not spot demand, drive the current Bitcoin rally.
Bitcoin Rally Fueled by Futures While Spot Demand Stays Weak
Ki Young Ju stated that derivatives traders lead the present move in Bitcoin. He said rising open interest shows traders are increasing leverage across futures markets.
He explained, “This rally is futures-driven,” and he pointed to negative on-chain demand data. CryptoQuant data shows Bitcoin’s 30-day apparent demand metric remains below zero.
Meanwhile, institutional buyers continued acquisitions through direct purchases and exchange-traded funds. Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, bought $255 million in Bitcoin after acquiring $2.54 billion last week.
At the same time, Bitcoin ETFs accumulated more than $2.6 billion worth of BTC this month. Yet on-chain metrics did not reflect matching growth in spot-driven demand.
CryptoQuant data showed futures demand in strong positive territory during the same period. However, Ju said bear cycles end only when both spot and futures demand recover together.
He added that current data does not show that alignment. Therefore, the structure behind the Bitcoin rally remains uneven.
Short Squeeze Accelerates Bitcoin Price Surge
On April 23, Bitcoin rose from $76,351 to $79,447 within hours. The move marked a 4.05% increase during that session.
Carmelo Alemán, an on-chain analyst at CryptoQuant, attributed the surge to forced liquidations. He said short traders closed positions rapidly as prices climbed.
Open interest jumped from $24.88 billion to nearly $28 billion during the rally. This rise showed a sharp increase in leveraged futures positions.
Short liquidations exceeded $607.9 million in Bitcoin during that move. Ethereum short liquidations reached $580.9 million in the same period.
Together, short liquidations totaled about $1.19 billion across both assets. In contrast, long liquidations remained just above $111 million combined.
Alemán said the imbalance highlighted strong pressure on bearish traders. As shorts closed, forced buying pushed prices higher.
CryptoQuant data indicated that derivatives activity expanded faster than spot transactions. Therefore, leverage played a central role in the advance.
Ju reiterated that on-chain demand still shows weakness despite price gains. He stated that negative apparent demand contrasts with rising futures exposure.
Bitcoin traded near $78,223 after touching $79,488 earlier in the day. Open interest remained elevated near $28 billion at the latest reading.
The post Bitcoin Rally Builds on Leverage as Spot Demand Lags appeared first on Blockonomi.
TLDR
- Strategy purchased 3,273 Bitcoin for $255 million at an average price of $77,906 per coin.
- The latest acquisition increased Strategy’s total holdings to 818,334 BTC.
- The company funded the purchase by selling 1,451,601 MSTR shares through its at-the-market program.
- Strategy’s Bitcoin holdings are now valued at about $63.7 billion at current market prices.
- The company’s position has returned to profit with an estimated gain of $1.9 billion.
Strategy expanded its Bitcoin holdings with a new 3,273 BTC purchase worth $255 million. The acquisition lifted total reserves to 818,334 BTC and returned the company to profit. However, Peter Schiff challenged Michael Saylor’s $1 million Bitcoin forecast and questioned the accumulation strategy.
Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings With $255M Purchase
Strategy confirmed it purchased 3,273 Bitcoin for about $255.0 million at an average price of $77,906. The company increased its total holdings to 818,334 BTC as of April 26, 2026. It acquired the entire stash for $61.81 billion at an average price of $75,537 per coin.
At current prices near $77,850, the holdings carry a market value of $63.7 billion. This valuation places Strategy at roughly $1.9 billion in profit. Earlier this year, Bitcoin traded below $70,000 and left the company’s position underwater.
Michael Saylor announced the purchase on X and reported a 9.6% Bitcoin Yield year-to-date in 2026. He also released the company’s Form 8-K filing with the U.S. SEC. The filing detailed that Strategy funded the purchase through its at-the-market equity program.
Between April 20 and April 26, 2026, Strategy sold 1,451,601 MSTR shares. The share sales generated $255.0 million in net proceeds after commissions. During the same period, the company sold no preferred stock.
Schiff Challenges $1 Million Bitcoin Prediction
Peter Schiff responded to Saylor’s update and targeted his $1 million Bitcoin forecast. In 2025, Saylor said Bitcoin could reach $1 million if Strategy acquired 5% of the total supply. Schiff argued that current accumulation trends do not support that outlook.
Schiff stated that Strategy now controls about 3.9% of the total Bitcoin supply. He said the company purchased 231,666 BTC since Saylor made the forecast. According to Schiff, similar price reactions to future purchases could push Bitcoin below $60,000 before Strategy reaches 5%.
He wrote that “if the next 231,666 BTC move the market as the last ones did, the price could be under $60,000.” Schiff used this calculation to dispute the $1 million target. He has repeatedly supported gold as an alternative store of value.
Schiff also criticized claims about covering a reported 11.5% yield on STRC with modest Bitcoin growth. He argued that continuous issuance raises the required price increase. He said falling STRC prices could force higher yields and strain the structure.
According to Schiff, selling Bitcoin to cover yields would pressure the market. He warned that such actions could trigger a “death spiral” unless Strategy cancels the dividend. Strategy’s latest Form 8-K filing, dated April 27, 2026, confirms the recent equity-funded purchase.
The post Peter Schiff Slams Saylor’s $1M Bitcoin Call After 3K BTC Buy appeared first on Blockonomi.
TLDR
- DeFi United has raised more than 132,000 ETH, valued at over $300 million, to address losses from the Kelp DAO exploit.
- Consensys and Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin pledged 30,000 ETH to support the coordinated recovery effort.
- Circle Ventures confirmed it is purchasing AAVE tokens to help stabilize the protocol after the exploit.
- The exploit involved unbacked rsETH minted through a compromised LayerZero bridge and used as collateral on Aave.
- Aave service providers proposed allocating 25,000 ETH from the DAO treasury to support the recovery plan.
DeFi United has secured more than 132,000 ETH valued at over $300 million to address losses from the Kelp DAO exploit. Consensys and Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin pledged 30,000 ETH to support the recovery. Circle Ventures also confirmed AAVE token purchases to reduce pressure on the lending protocol.
DeFi Coalition Accelerates Funding Drive
Circle Ventures announced it is buying AAVE tokens to support market stability. The firm stated, “Strong DeFi infrastructure does not build itself.” It added that Aave helps shape onchain finance and supports its broader community.
At the same time, Consensys and Joseph Lubin committed 30,000 ETH to the coordinated recovery plan. Aave confirmed the pledge on Monday and credited the contribution for accelerating progress. It said, “The recovery would not be progressing as it is without them.”
Consensys-backed treasury firm Sharplink will also provide strategic advice to the initiative. The combined effort has now raised more than 132,000 ETH. That amount equals over $300 million at current market prices.
Aave and Partners Target rsETH Shortfall
The exploit occurred after an attacker minted unbacked rsETH through a compromised LayerZero bridge. The attacker then used the tokens as collateral on Aave to borrow assets. This sequence left Aave with bad debt tied to the unbacked rsETH.
DeFi United directs contributions to close the remaining shortfall linked to rsETH. Last week, Aave service providers proposed allocating 25,000 ETH from the protocol’s DAO. That allocation equals nearly $58 million based on recent prices.
As of Monday, the broader effort had raised roughly $235 million worth of Ethereum before the latest pledges. Lido DAO proposed contributing up to 2,500 ETH to the plan. Ether.fi also proposed up to 5,000 ETH to support the recovery.
Kelp DAO pledged 2,000 ETH to help restore rsETH backing. Dozens of individuals have also transferred smaller amounts of ETH and stablecoins. X user DCF GOD estimated that the funding gap had already been filled if all proposals passed.
Data from The Block shows total value locked across DeFi protocols stands at nearly $82 billion. That figure reflects a decline of over 25% from $110 billion at the start of the year.
The post DeFi United Surpasses $300M After 30,000 ETH Pledge appeared first on Blockonomi.
TLDR
- MARA Holdings launched a new foundation to strengthen the Bitcoin network resilience.
- CEO Fred Thiel announced the initiative at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas.
- The foundation will focus on addressing quantum computing risks to Bitcoin.
- MARA aims to support a sustainable transaction fee market for long-term security.
- The initiative will fund open source development across scaling and mining tools.
MARA Holdings introduced a new foundation in Las Vegas to strengthen bitcoin’s long-term resilience. CEO Fred Thiel announced the plan during the Bitcoin Conference on Monday. He said the effort will address quantum risks and reinforce the network’s economic model.
MARA Targets Bitcoin Security and Quantum Preparedness
Thiel said Bitcoin remains the most important decentralized system in operation today. However, he warned that the network’s future depends on active stewardship. He stated, “Bitcoin is the most important decentralized system ever created, but its future is not guaranteed.”
He described Bitcoin as a public utility that no single entity controls. Yet he stressed that participants must share responsibility for its survival. He added, “Decentralization doesn’t mean it runs on itself; it means responsibility is distributed.”
The MARA Foundation will focus on protecting Bitcoin’s core properties as sound and durable money. It will support research on emerging threats, including quantum computing. The foundation will also study ways to sustain the network’s security budget.
Thiel said transaction fees must eventually replace declining block rewards. Therefore, the foundation will encourage the development of a sustainable fee market. It will also examine technical measures that strengthen network defense.
MARA Expands Open Source Support and Global Access
MARA confirmed it will fund open source developers working on scaling and mining tools. The company will also back improvements to the user infrastructure. These steps aim to increase network reliability and efficiency.
The foundation will promote self-custody solutions across different regions. It plans to expand multilingual resources for global users. It will also provide technical education programs for developers and operators.
Policy engagement will form another part of the initiative. MARA intends to work with regulators through structured outreach. The company said it will provide educational materials to support informed discussions.
As part of the launch, MARA pledged $100,000 to one nonprofit organization. Three groups will compete for the award through a community vote. The company said this process reflects its commitment to shared ecosystem responsibility.
Thiel reiterated that distributed systems require collective effort. He framed the foundation as a long-term commitment beyond mining operations. He confirmed the initiative will operate independently from MARA’s bitcoin and AI mining units.
The announcement took place during a keynote address at the Bitcoin Conference. MARA did not disclose a fixed annual budget for the foundation. The company confirmed the $100,000 grant marks the first public allocation.
MARA stated that further funding details will follow in later updates. The foundation will begin operations immediately after the conference. Community voting for the nonprofit award will open in the coming weeks.
The post MARA Unveils Foundation to Strengthen Bitcoin Network appeared first on Blockonomi.
The biggest profits in crypto are often made before the crowd arrives—so where is that opportunity right now among the best cryptos to buy now?
As the market shifts toward utility-driven projects, opportunities with clear ROI potential are closing faster than ever. In this breakdown, we compare DOGEBALL crypto presale 2026 with TRON (TRX) and Cardano (ADA)—but one project is creating urgent momentum as 2nd May approaches and its presale nears its final cutoff.
With over $228K raised and 820+ participants already in, DOGEBALL is not early-stage speculation anymore—it’s a live opportunity nearing its final phase. The closer we get to 2nd May, the tighter the entry window becomes.
Live DOGEBALL Presale Data
Exclusive Bonus – Limited Time Only Presale Ending on 2nd May – Only 5 Days Left Miss this presale, and you could be forced to buy at a much higher price after launch. |
DOGEBALL Is Surging Fast: Why It’s Among the Best Cryptos to Buy Now Before Presale Closes
DOGEBALL is a utility-first ecosystem built on DOGECHAIN, a custom Ethereum Layer 2 designed for speed, scale, and real-world usage. It merges GameFi and PayFi, allowing users to send crypto while recipients receive fiat directly into bank accounts—globally, instantly, and without intermediaries.
What makes this stand out is execution. DOGEPAY enables crypto-to-fiat transfers across 30+ currencies with zero FX fees and near-instant settlement. For gaming, players can earn rewards and cash out instantly, eliminating traditional delays and fees.
For anyone evaluating the best cryptos to buy now, this combination of real payment infrastructure + gaming integration creates continuous token demand. $DOGEBALL is used for transaction fees, staking, and ecosystem access—ensuring utility-driven value rather than passive holding.
$0.0004 Entry vs $0.015 Launch: ROI Window Closing Fast in DOGEBALL Crypto Presale 2026
At its current price of $0.0004, DOGEBALL is expected to launch at $0.015. That translates to a potential ROI exceeding 3,600% within the presale phase alone.
This isn’t theoretical—it’s based on defined launch pricing. Add to that the PAY35 bonus code, which instantly boosts holdings by 35%, and the numbers become even more compelling.
Then there’s the VIP incentive: Buyer of the Week. Top buyers receive a 100% bonus on their entire weekly spend. The competition is real—recently, a $2131 buy at 23:58 UTC was overtaken by a $2320 purchase at 23:59 UTC to claim the top spot. That level of last-minute activity signals serious investor intent.
With 2nd May near, the remaining allocation at $0.0004 is shrinking fast.
How to Secure Your DOGEBALL Before the Final Cutoff
Don’t Wait for 2nd May—Position Yourself Now
- Go to the official DOGEBALL presale site
- Connect your wallet securely
- Choose your investment amount
- Apply code PAY35 for +35% bonus tokens
- Confirm purchase and monitor your dashboard
With the presale ending on 2nd May, waiting means risking higher entry—or missing out entirely.
TRON Price Outlook: Forecast Signals Controlled Growth, Not Explosive Upside
TRON (TRX) continues to show strong network usage, especially in stablecoin transfers, where it handles a significant share of USDT transactions globally. This consistent activity supports price stability and gradual growth.
Recent forecasts suggest TRX could trade within a moderate range, with incremental upside rather than sharp spikes. Its strength lies in adoption and throughput—but that maturity also limits rapid ROI potential compared to early-stage entries like DOGEBALL.
For investors, TRON represents reliability—but not urgency.
Cardano Forecast Update: Gradual Climb Expected as Ecosystem Expands
Cardano (ADA) remains focused on long-term scalability through upgrades and ecosystem development. Its layered architecture continues to attract developers building decentralized applications.
Price predictions indicate steady upward movement rather than short-term surges. ADA’s value proposition is rooted in long-term adoption, which positions it differently from presale opportunities offering immediate upside.
Compared to DOGEBALL crypto presale 2026, Cardano offers stability—but lacks the time-sensitive entry advantage currently available before 2nd May.
Final Call: DOGEBALL Presale Is Closing—Best Cryptos to Buy Now Before Price Jumps to $0.015
When comparing all three, DOGEBALL stands out clearly among the best cryptos to buy now—not just for its utility, but for its timing.
- Entry price: $0.0004
- Launch price: $0.015
- Raised: $228K+
- Participants: 820+
- Bonus: +35% with PAY35 + 100% weekly reward
The numbers are clear. The demand is visible. And the deadline—2nd May—is near.
The DOGEBALL presale is not open-ended. Once it closes, the opportunity to enter at this level disappears.
Act now. Secure your position. And enter before the price gap becomes reality.
Find Out More Information Here
Website: https://dogeballtoken.com/
X: https://x.com/dogeballtoken
Telegram Chat: https://t.me/dogeballtoken
FAQs for Best Cryptos to Buy Now
1. Which crypto is best to invest now?
DOGEBALL is among the best cryptos to buy now due to its low $0.0004 entry and expected $0.015 launch. The DOGEBALL crypto presale 2026 offers strong ROI potential before 2nd May closes.
2. Which crypto has 1000x potential?
Presale projects like DOGEBALL show higher upside due to early pricing, strong utility, and demand. Its payment and gaming ecosystem supports scalable growth beyond launch.
3. What is the best crypto presale to invest in now?
DOGEBALL crypto presale stands out with $228K+ raised, 820+ participants, and bonuses like PAY35 and 100% weekly rewards, making it a strong opportunity before the presale ends on 2nd May.
The post Crypto Market Alert: Best Cryptos to Buy Now as DOGEBALL Presale Closes Soon with TRON and Cardano in Focus appeared first on Blockonomi.
CryptoPotato
Earlier this month, it seemed like Ethereum (ETH) was on its way to reclaim $2,500, but the bears intercepted the move.
Currently, the asset trades at around $2,300, and some analysts believe a more substantial correction could be knocking on the door. On the other hand, certain on-chain indicators suggest that the bulls might regain control in the near future.
Plunge on the Way?
According to X user Ted, the asset is “looking weak” right now. He claimed that Bitcoin has reclaimed its key level, while the second-largest cryptocurrency keeps getting rejected from the $2,400 resistance zone.
The analyst added that the major support zone for ETH is around $2,200-$2,250 and claimed that a drop to that range won’t be a surprise before a rebound forms.
Prior to that, Ted has been paying attention to the asset’s sideways movement lately. He predicted that this week would be “very crucial” for the market, citing uncertainty surrounding the ongoing peace talks between the USA and Iran.
“If Ethereum manages to reclaim the $2,400 level, it’ll tap the $2,470-$2,500 liquidity. And if it loses the $2,300 zone, a retest of the $2,150-$2,200 support level will happen quickly,” he stated.
Crypto Tony – a popular trader with almost 600,000 followers on X – also weighed in, saying they await a plunge to the support level of around $2,290, which could offer the opportunity for opening a possible long position.
The Indicators Point in a Different Direction
Contrary to the aforementioned skepticism, several metrics suggest that ETH could be on the verge of a price rally. First on the list is the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which has dropped to 30. This means that the asset has entered oversold territory and could be due for an upward move.
Next is the declining amount of ETH stored on exchanges. CryptoQuant’s data shows that the figure recently tumbled to a nearly 10-year low of approximately 14.47 million. This development is seen as bullish since it reduces the immediate selling pressure.
Last but not least, there is renewed interest from institutional investors. According to SoSoValue, spot ETH ETFs have seen significant inflows lately, indicating that pension funds, hedge funds, and other big players are ramping up their exposure to the asset, forcing the issuers of these products to back the purchased shares with actual Ethereum.
The post Ethereum Under Pressure: Analyst Warns of a Potential Drop as ETH Is ‘Looking Weak’ appeared first on CryptoPotato.
Toobit is one of the most popular and award-winning international cryptocurrency exchanges. Today, it has announced a 150,000 USDT reward pool for its peer-to-peer (P2P) trading community. The event will start from April 27th and run through May 18th this year. It invites active traders to take part in a series of deposit and trading challenges, which will enable them to earn various bonuses and additional benefits.
More About the 150,000 USDT Reward Pool
The event is structured in a way that intends to reward both newcomers and existing high-volume traders. This will happen through two main activities.
Activity 1: New participants who make their first P2P deposit and engage in futures trading during their first week can claim a cumulative 100 USDT in Trial Funds.
Activity 2: Based on net P2P deposit volume, traders can receive up to 150 USDT in rewards and VIP Trial Passes, granting APR boosts of up to 4% on Toobit Earn products.
How to Participate in the Event
To take part and ensure eligibility, traders will have to register on the official campaign page.
Moreover, additional information regarding milestones, reward schedules, and terms is fully available on the Toobit announcement page.
It’s important to understand that this particular initiative follows the rollout of P2P trading on Toobit earlier this year. The move introduced a marketplace for direct USDT exchange with no transaction fees, as well as support for more than 30 fiat currencies and integrated security measures, such as the T+1 withdrawal protocol and escrow protection.
This reflects a broader industry trend in 2026, where the shift toward P2P solutions is supported and encouraged. The global cryptocurrency user base has already reached more than 560 million as of the first quarter of this year, with P2P transaction volumes in emerging markets increasing by 28% year-over-year.
As the mainstream integration of tokenized assets continues accelerating through the maturing digital economy, the demand for secure and direct fiat-to-crypto gateways has reached an all-time high, with P2P trading now accounting for a rough 22% of global retail entry-point volume.
For more information about Toobit, visit: Website
The post Toobit Rewards P2P Traders with 150,000 USDT, VIP Perks, and APR Boosts appeared first on CryptoPotato.
Investment products tied to digital assets saw $1.2 billion in inflows after extending their run to four consecutive positive weeks. CoinShares revealed that the inflows likely reflect improving institutional interest, supported by Bitcoin reaching its highest price since early February.
However, some caution remains in the market as participants await the April 28-29 FOMC decision. Total assets under management increased to $155 billion, the highest level since February 1, though it remains far below the $263 billion peak recorded in October 2025.
Four-Week Inflow Streak
According to CoinShares’ Digital Asset Fund Flows Weekly Report, Bitcoin attracted $933 million in inflows, which pushed its year-to-date total to $4.0 billion. Short-Bitcoin products also brought in $16.5 million, close to the previous month’s average. This indicated steady but not increased hedging activity.
Ethereum, too, recorded $192 million over the past week – its third straight week above $190 million. Solana and XRP saw $31.8 million and $25 million, respectively, while Chainlink added $6.8 million during the same period. Litecoin and Sui also raked in smaller capital influxes of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
Meanwhile, blockchain equity ETFs drew $617 million over the past three weeks and set record weekly levels amid growing interest in gaining exposure to the broader technology and digital asset sector among investors in recent weeks.
The United States led regional activity with $1.1 billion in inflows. Germany followed with $61.7 million, more than double the previous week. Switzerland saw a turnaround as it posted $35.2 million after recording $138 million in outflows a week earlier. Canada added $15 million, which was indicative of a broader participation across regions compared to recent weeks.
Australia and Brazil reported smaller additions of $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Besides, modest outflows were recorded in several markets, including Hong Kong, France, the Netherlands, Italy, and Sweden, reflecting mixed sentiment outside the leading regions during the same period.
Geopolitical Pressure
Even as inflows stayed consistent, QCP Capital noted that the crypto market’s trajectory is being influenced by geopolitical factors.
BTC and ETH initially moved higher, but gains were quickly reversed as new geopolitical concerns emerged. Despite this, Bitcoin remains up more than 15% this month, supported by steady ETF demand and continued accumulation.
The firm observed that a move above $82,000 is crucial for further upside, with a CME gap near that level. Positioning remains cautious, and negative funding rates mean that there are chances for a short squeeze. Upcoming earnings, inflation data, and the FOMC decision are expected to guide near-term direction.
The post Crypto Funds Pull in $1.2B as Bitcoin Rally Revives Institutional Demand appeared first on CryptoPotato.
XRP is trading around $1.42 as the broader crypto market finds its footing following weeks of macro-driven turbulence. With Bitcoin regaining some composure and risk appetite gradually returning to digital assets, Ripple’s token is showing early signs of building momentum. The question now is whether this is the beginning of a genuine breakout or simply another false dawn at the upper edge of a months-long descending channel.
Ripple Price Analysis: The USDT Pair
After spending the better part of Q1 2026 grinding sideways near the lows, XRP has quietly built a modest recovery setup. The asset is currently pressing against the upper boundary of the descending channel that has governed the price action since the October 2025 peak near $3.00, and for the first time in several months. The RSI has been hovering above 50, signaling that buyers are showing up with slightly more conviction than before.
The immediate overhead test is the channel’s upper boundary and the 100-day moving average, located around $1.50. Above that, the $1.80 zone is a wide supply band that served as support in late 2025 before flipping to resistance following the February breakdown. The 200-day MA is declining into that same area, adding structural weight to the resistance cluster.
A confirmed daily close above $1.80 would be the first meaningful technical break in this correction, opening the door toward the $2.40 supply zone where a heavier distribution band sits. On the downside, the trendline that price reclaimed in recent weeks and the February wick low at $1.20 remains the hard floor.
The BTC Pair
Against Bitcoin, XRP tells a different story. The pair is trading at 1,818 sats, sitting above the lower boundary of its own descending channel near 1,600 sats. While the USDT pair is challenging resistance from below, the BTC pair is declining, reflecting the fact that XRP has continued to underperform Bitcoin throughout this cycle’s corrective phase. The 100-day MA (~2,000 sats) and 200-day MA (~2,100 sats) both sit far above the current price and are still trending downward, with no sign of flattening.
The RSI on this pair hovers around 40, and there is no comparable bullish momentum building here to what is visible on the USDT chart. If the recent major low at 1,792 sats breaks on a closing basis, the next meaningful support lies at the 1,500 sats zone, with a deeper extension toward 1,200 sats possible.
On the other hand, a genuine recovery requires, at a minimum, a reclaim of the 2,000 sat level and the declining moving averages. Until XRP/BTC can clear that threshold, any dollar-denominated gains are more likely a product of Bitcoin strength lifting the broader market than XRP-specific outperformance.
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Ethereum is trading above $2.3k as April draws to a close, ending the month in a frustratingly familiar position. It is pressing against the same $2.4k resistance zone it has now tested repeatedly since mid-March without a clean resolution. ETH sits at the threshold of what could either be its most significant breakout in months or yet another rejection at the gate.
Ethereum Price Analysis: The Daily Chart
What has genuinely changed on the daily chart over the past four weeks is not the resistance. The $2.4k zone has held firm throughout. Yet, each recent pullback has found support at a higher level, first the $2k area, then $2.1k, and now the higher trendline of the broken channel and the 100-day moving average around $2.2k are the support elements to keep an eye on. The sequence of higher lows, sustained over multiple weeks, represents quiet accumulation building beneath a stubborn ceiling.
The RSI also remains in the high-50s, which is not the kind of momentum collapse that has preceded prior failed breakouts, but still not showing enough strength for another push toward $2.4k. If the market fails to break above the mentioned level, the 100-day moving average would be the first downside target, and if it fails to hold, the price could fall all the way back below $2k and toward the critical $1.8k area that began this mild recovery.
ETH/USDT 4-Hour Chart
On the 4-hour chart, a steep ascending trendline that emerged from the late-March lows is now providing dynamic support near $2.3k, keeping the short-term structure of higher lows intact. ETH is currently sitting directly on that trendline, with the RSI dropping to mid-40s following the most recent pullback from $2.4k.
At the moment, the most notable event is the trendline being tested near the $2.3k mark. Holding it keeps the bullish sequence alive and sets up another attempt at $2.4k, while a close below it opens $2.1k-$2k as the next area of interest. A breakdown of the trendline, followed by a close below the recent significant lows at $2.25k, would be the signal that a deeper pullback is coming once more.
On-Chain Analysis
Unlike Bitcoin, where funding rates have been persistently and deeply negative throughout the recent dataset, Ethereum’s funding picture is more mixed. The current reading of -0.0044 is negative, but the chart shows that ETH’s funding has been oscillating between modestly negative and modestly positive for much of April, rather than sustaining the unrelenting red bar dominance seen on Bitcoin’s equivalent chart.
This distinction matters. It suggests ETH’s derivatives market is not as aggressively short-positioned as Bitcoin’s, which means the potential short squeeze fuel that exists for BTC is less pronounced for ETH. On one hand, this reduces the risk of a violent downside flush if price breaks lower.
On the other hand, it means ETH will not benefit as dramatically from a forced short-covering cascade if the broader market rallies sharply. The more neutral funding environment reflects a market that is genuinely uncertain about ETH’s direction rather than one that is actively fighting a trend, and in that sense, the funding data is an honest mirror of the price action itself.
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