Polygon's Sandeep Nailwal foresees creation of plenty of app-specific blockchains

Fold celebrates its listing as the first Bitcoin fintech to get listed on the Nasdaq.

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Yet another outlandish XRP-related rumor is spreading like wildfire on social media

Rare golden cross that sent Bitcoin up 69% back in 2024 reappears - How will it play out in 2025 though?

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The SEC is likely to approve SOL, XRP, and DOGE ETFs in the coming months. This, as another $1M Bitcoin prediction could cause new crypto projects to explode. Bloomberg analysts Erich Balchunas and James Seyffart predicted with 75% certainty that the SEC will approve multiple spot altcoin ETFs by the end of 2025, most likely […]

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Massive amount of XRP absorbed by whales over past month

As Ether’s price has struggled in the first quarter of 2025, a US-based investment adviser firm, Two Prime, has dropped support for ETH and adopted a Bitcoin-only strategy.After lending $1.5 billion in loans both in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) over the past 15 months, Two Prime decided to ditch ETH to focus solely on BTC asset management and lending, the firm announced on May 1.“ETH’s statistical trading behavior, value proposition, and community culture have failed beyond a point that is worth engaging,” Two Primes stated.The firm’s shift to a Bitcoin-only approach comes as ETH has lost 45% of its value year-to-date, with some optimists speculating that ETH is potentially close to the bottom and reversing its negative trend soon.“Ether no longer trades predictably”“As an algorithmic trading firm, we value data more than narratives,” Two Primes said, adding that the “data suggests ETH has fundamentally changed.”In addition to de-correlating from Bitcoin, Ether has become no longer predictable, Two Primes argued, adding:“It trades now like a memecoin rather than a predictable asset. Even during the turbulence of Q1 2025, Bitcoin remained within its fundamental behavior, whereas ETH saw several multi-standard deviation moves.”Two Primes then went on to say that such conditions “create a headache” for both algorithmic trading and ETH-back lending as the asset no longer behaves predictably, “even by the high volatility expectations of digital asset markets.”Founded in 2019 by Alexander Blum and Marc Fleury, Two Prime is an investment advisory firm registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm has been offering trading and lending services for both BTC and ETH for the past six years.Community fires back: ETH bottom signalTwo Prime’s critical remarks about Ether were quick to trigger responses from the community, with many seeing the message as another bottom signal for the cryptocurrency.“What a retarded essay statement,” one market observer wrote on X, citing the high volatility of the S&P 500, which dropped 4.7% YTD.Source: SEMB“Never even heard of them. Seems irrelevant,” another commentator said, expressing doubt on whether the community should rely on Two Prime’s shifting approach to Ether.“If this isn’t a bottom signal for ETH idk [I don’t know] what is,” another poster speculated, joining the many expecting ETH price to bounce following a downtrend cycle.Who else ditched ETH in the past months?Two Primes also mentioned the weak performance of Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs), highlighting that BTC ETF buying has outpaced ETH by almost 24 times. “The failure of ETH’s ETF creates a reflexive loop whereby institutions like BlackRock dedicate fewer resources to their promotion and sale. BTC has found the mainstream while ETH has floundered,” the firm stated.Related: Vitalik Buterin outlines vision as Ethereum ecosystem addresses hit new highDespite Ether ETFs seeing low performance, Ether is still the biggest altcoin for crypto ETFs in terms of assets under management (AUM), far outpacing others like Solana (SOL) and XRP (XRP).According to the latest update from CoinShares, Ether-based exchange-traded products had $9.2 billion in AUM by the end of last week, while Solana and XRP followed with $1.4 billion and $1 billion, respectively.Crypto ETP flows by asset (in millions of US dollars). Source: CoinSharesFollowing approval from the US SEC in May 2024, spot Ether ETFs saw a slow start in 2024, with performance losing ground compared to the massive spot Bitcoin ETF debut.Amid low investor demand, some issuers like VanEck ceased trading futures Ether ETFs, while WisdomTree withdrew its Ethereum Trust ETF proposal in September 2024. In March 2025, ARK liquidated its futures ETFs for both Ether and Bitcoin.Magazine: Ethereum is destroying the competition in the $16.1T TradFi tokenization race

During a CNBC interview, Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s chief executive, disclosed that the firm intends to introduce a new stablecoin for the U.S. market this year. Tether Preps U.S. Stablecoin Launch, CEO Says It Outpaces TradFi in Enforcement Commanding the world’s largest stablecoin, with $148.94 billion in circulation, Tether has plans to launch yet another stablecoin […]

Key takeaways:XRP’s strongest spot premium phase suggests real buying demand, not just speculative futures trading. The number of XRP addresses holding ≥10,000 tokens has steadily climbed, even during recent price pullbacks. A falling wedge pattern points to a possible breakout toward $3 to $3.78, with up to 70% upside if confirmed.XRP (XRP) is experiencing its strongest sustained phase of spot premium in history, a period where the spot market has been consistently trading at stronger levels compared to perpetual futures.XRP’s 350% rally is backed by real demand Since 2020, most major XRP price peaks happened when the perpetual futures market was leading, noted market analyst Dom in his May 2 post on X. XRP’s futures prices being higher than spot signaled excessive speculation and led to sharp price drops.XRP/USD daily price ft. spot vs premium rates. Source: TradingView/DomAs of 2025, a spot premium suggests that demand from actual XRP buyers is driving the rally, pointing to a more stable price rise compared to past runs powered by leveraged bets.Further reinforcing the case for real demand, Glassnode data shows a consistent rise in the number of XRP addresses holding at least 10,000 XRP (the green wave in the chart below) since late November 2024. XRP’s price has rallied by approximately 350% since then.XRP number of addresses with a balance of over 10,000 tokens vs. price. Source: GlassnodeXRP’s whale count has risen even during its 35% price pullback between January and April. It suggests that larger holders—often viewed as more patient or strategic investors—are steadily accumulating positions in anticipation of further gains.Optimism has been fueled by improving odds of spot XRP ETF approval in the US. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) decision to drop its lawsuit against Ripple has further boosted the market’s upside sentiment.Source: Eric BalchunasRelated: SEC punts decisions on XRP, DOGE ETFsFalling wedge hints at 70% XRP price rally XRP has been consolidating within a falling wedge pattern on the weekly chart — a structure defined by downward-sloping, converging trendlines. In technical analysis, this pattern is generally viewed as a bullish reversal signal.A confirmed breakout requires a clear move above the wedge’s upper resistance near $2.52. XRP/USD weekly price chart. Source: TradingViewIf XRP breaks this level, the pattern’s measured move — calculated from the wedge’s maximum height — suggests a potential rally toward $3.78 by June. This would represent an estimated 70% upside from the current prices.Conversely, if XRP fails to break above the $2.52 resistance, the price could pull back toward the wedge’s lower trendline. The pattern’s apex near $1.81 may act as the final potential breakout point.A breakout from the $1.81 level would still keep the pattern’s structure intact, with a potential upside target around $3 by June or July — roughly 35% above current levels.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

XRP price could be on the cusp of a strong bullish breakout in the coming days after forming a bullish chart pattern and as whales continue accumulating.  Ripple (XRP) continued to consolidate on Friday, trading at $2.216, up by 36%…

Important message passed by Binance to IOTA users

Two Prime left Ethereum, citing memecoin-like behavior and unpredictable risk profile Cardano surpassed Ethereum in terms of developer activity, challenging traditional market narratives EthThe post Two Prime deserts Ethereum, questions 'memecoin-like' red flags & risk profile appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Long-term Bitcoin permabull Saylor comments on the current BTC price surge near $97,000

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Bitcoin’s recovery to its all-time high may be threatened by rising recession fears, which could ease if the United States and China begin tariff negotiations this month, research analysts told Cointelegraph.Appetite for global risk assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) may take another hit, with analysts from Apollo Global Management predicting a recession by the summer.“Apollo predicting Summer Recession: Sharpest decline in earnings outlook since 2020,” cross-asset analyst Samantha LaDuc wrote in an April 26 X post.The progress on the tariff negotiations may be the most significant factor impacting a potential recession and Bitcoin’s price trajectory, according to Aurelie Barthere, principal research analyst at crypto intelligence platform Nansen.Source: Samantha LaDuc“May is seen as pivotal as Chinese shipments reach the US’s shores, and exemptions on some tariff categories such as auto parts and sub-USD-800 shipments from China/ Hong Kong expire,” Barthere told Cointelegraph, adding that a lack of negotiations in May could lead to an economic recession and “double-digit losses” for Bitcoin.However, this is the least likely scenario, since neither China nor the US “ has an economic interest in the interruption of bilateral trade,” Barthere said, adding:“Given this, the main tariff scenario is for the US reaching deals or at least ‘agreements in principle’ with its main trade partners, probably settling around the 10% reciprocal tariff ‘floor’.”If that scenario plays out and trade tensions ease in May, Bitcoin is likely to revisit its all-time high, Barthere said. The US has “proactively reached out to China through multiple channels,” for signaling its openness for tariff negotiations, Reuters reported on May 1, citing unnamed sources who spoke to state-affiliated Chinese media platform Yuyuan Tantian.Related: Bitcoin treasury firms driving $200T hyperbitcoinization — Adam BackBitcoin may rally despite recessionWhile most analysts hope to see trade negotiations in May alleviate economic concerns, Bitcoin may see more upside even in the face of a potential recession.“Initially, Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies may experience volatility, dropping alongside risk assets like stocks due to investor sell-offs,” Anndy Lian, author and intergovernmental blockchain adviser, told Cointelegraph, adding:“Historical data, such as Bitcoin’s recovery post-2020 recession, suggests it could rebound, especially if seen as a hedge against inflation.”“In stagflation (high inflation and slow growth), Bitcoin, often compared to gold, may perform well, attracting investors seeking value preservation. Yet, its increased correlation with the stock market, particularly tech stocks, introduces uncertainty,” said Lian, adding that crypto investors should continue monitoring economic policy shifts to gauge market direction.BTC/USD, 1-week chart, 2020-2021. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewHowever, Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with tech stocks adds uncertainty to that outlook. Following the COVID-19 crash in March 2020, Bitcoin surged more than 1,050%, climbing from $6,000 to an all-time high of $69,000 in November 2021. That rally came after the Federal Reserve launched its $4 trillion asset purchase program in March 2020.Related: Bitcoin to $1M by 2029 fueled by ETF and gov’t demand — Bitwise execOther industry watchers remain concerned by the crypto market’s response to economic stagnation.“If the analysts are correct about the recession (which is certainly not guaranteed), crypto markets will likely decline alongside broader risk-on assets and equities,” according to Marcin Kazmierczak, co-founder and chief operating officer of blockchain oracle firm RedStone.Kazmierczak said April’s “Liberation Day tariffs and trucking slowdown could create economic contagion that historically hits speculative assets hardest.” “While crypto’s growing institutional adoption introduces some uncertainty, it’s not enough to overcome the fundamental risk-on classification that still dominates market behavior,” he added.Magazine: Altcoin season to hit in Q2? Mantra’s plan to win trust: Hodler’s Digest, April 13 – 19

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Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, is planning to launch a U.S.-based dollar-pegged stablecoin as soon as this year, CEO Paolo Ardoino told CNBC.  The move coincides with his increased lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., aimed at influencing crypto regulation…

XMR seeing substantial surge, which could be sign of bull run continuation

Bitcoin Magazine Metaplanet Issues $25 Million in Bonds to Buy More Bitcoin Japanese investment firm Metaplanet announced Thursday it will issue 3.6 billion yen ($24.8 million) in bonds to fund additional Bitcoin purchases, as the company continues its aggressive accumulation strategy. This post Metaplanet Issues $25 Million in Bonds to Buy More Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Vivek Sen.

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BTCC, one of the world's longest-serving cryptocurrency exchanges, made a spectacular splash on the first day of TOKEN2049 Dubai with its eye-catching basketball-themed booth and widely popular mascotThe post BTCC Exchange Scores Big on Day 1 of TOKEN2049 Dubai with Interactive Basketball and Viral Mascot Nakamon appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Coinspeaker Movement (MOVE) Tanks 21%: Will Prices Recover Above $1? MOVE plunged to a historic low of $0.185 after co-founder Rushi Manche was suspended amid a market-making controversy. Movement (MOVE) Tanks 21%: Will Prices Recover Above $1?

With the wider adoption of digital assets as an online payment option, crypto users now have more choices when it comes to shopping without having to deal with exchanges. And that includes mystery box platforms, which offer an exciting way to get your hands on the best loot. Mystery box platforms – like JemLit – […]

Shiba Inu's history might see it jump to high of $0.0001 if current momentum is sustained

StakeStone (STO) price is by over 30% in the past 24 hours, buoyed by spot listing on Binance exchange. STO began trading on Binance spot at 16:00 UTC on May 2 across multiple pairs, including USDT and BNB. According to…

Virtuaalsete üllatuskastide platvorm Jemlit on käivitanud uue päevase kampaania, mille raames jagatakse igapäevaselt kuni 500 dollari väärtuses auhindu aktiivseimatele kasutajatele. Tegemist on uue formaadiga, mis ühendab mängulise põnevuse ja reaalsed võidud, pakkudes kasutajatele võimaluse avastada tuntud kaubamärkide tooteid – alates tehnikast kuni luksuskaupadeni. Võiduvõimalused, mis põhinevad läbipaistval süsteemil Jemliti keskkonnas avavad kasutajad digitaalseid kastikesi, mille […]

The eponymous investor discussed Q1 financial results—including a review of $MSTR, $STRK and $STRF—as well as forward-looking statements no investor should miss. In an earnings call on May 1, Michael Saylor, the CEO and engineer of the wildly successful BTC…

Michael Saylor is rapidly becoming the patron saint of Bitcoin maximalist, proving all the naysayers wrong. He was an early promoter of the Bitcoin reserve approach, which argues that the best crypto to buy is always the first one; and that companies should raise funds to purchase as much $BTC as possible. That strategy is […]

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Bitcoin traded between $96,869 and $97,057 over the last hour, maintaining a tight range near recent highs. With a 24-hour intraday range of $95,925 to $97,341, the leading cryptocurrency boasts a $1.92 trillion market capitalization and a 24-hour trading volume of $27.81 billion, signaling sustained investor interest. Bitcoin The daily BTC/USD chart reflects a strong […]

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The United Kingdom’s financial regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), plans to stop retail investors from borrowing money to fund their crypto investments.According to a May 2 Financial Times report, the ban on borrowing to fund crypto purchases is one of the upcoming crypto rules by the FCA. David Geale, FCA executive director of payments and digital finance, told the FT that “crypto is an area of potential growth for the UK, but it has to be done right.” He added:“To do that we have to provide an appropriate level of protection.”Geale denied claims that the FCA is hostile to the crypto industry. Instead, he explained that he views the industry as offering high-risk investments with less consumer protection. “We are open for business,“ he said.The interview follows the FCA seeking feedback on regulating the crypto market. In an attached document, the regulator noted that it is “exploring whether it would be appropriate to restrict firms from accepting credit as a means for consumers to buy cryptoassets.”FCA crypto regulation discussion paper. Source: FCAThe FCA did not respond to Cointelegraph’s inquiry by publication.Related: FCA releases discussion paper on crypto market transparency, abuseFCA’s upcoming rulesThe FCA aims to regulate the domestic cryptocurrency market, ruling over trading platforms, intermediaries, crypto lenders and borrowers, as well as decentralized finance (DeFi) systems. The regulator reportedly plans to introduce stricter rules for crypto services aimed at retail investors than those offered exclusively to professional or sophisticated investors.Gale explained that the agency aims to develop a framework “that is safe and is competitive.” He said that the regulator aims to develop a regulatory regime that would attract businesses:“If we can get the regulatory regime right it actually becomes attractive for firms. That is what we are trying to achieve.”Related: UK’s finance watchdog defends ‘too tough’ crypto stanceThe FCA lending banThe regulator explained that its upcoming ban to restrict lending to fund consumers’ crypto purchases is motivated by a concern over “unsustainable debt, particularly if the value of their crypto asset drops and they were relying on its value to repay.” The ban would also include credit card purchases.While 2024 FCA research showed that “the leading method of payment for cryptoassets among cryptoasset users continues to be the individual’s own disposable cash/income (72%),” it also highlights a growing trend in credit purchases. The research cites that only 6% of purchases were made on credit in 2022, but this metric climbed to 14% in 2024.The FCA also purportedly plans to block retail investors from accessing crypto lenders and borrowers. Other concerns about the crypto market cited by the regulator include market manipulation, conflicts of interest, settlement failures, a lack of transparency, illiquidity, and unreliable trading systems.To alleviate those issues, the regulator plans to require equal trade treatment by crypto trading platforms. Other potential rules include the enforcement of a separation between proprietary trading activities from those done for retail investors and demanding transparency on trade pricing and execution.Trading platforms would be banned from paying intermediaries for order flow, and users of staking services would have to be reimbursed for any potential losses caused by third parties. The FCA plans to exempt DeFi systems without centralized operations, as long as they do not feature a “clear controlling person.”Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

A stablecoin launched by Donald Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLFI) venture is being utilized by an Abu Dhabi investment firm for a substantial $2 billion investment in the crypto exchange Binance. This announcement was made by one of the co-founders of World Liberty during a crypto conference in Dubai. World Liberty Financial USD1 Emerges As […]

Join us at Web3 Budapest, the premier gathering for industry leaders, tech visionaries, and enthusiasts eager to explore the Metaverse. This isn't just a conference; it's a vital hub for innovators drThe post Web3 Budapest: The central european web3 jamboree appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Ripple’s $1B XRP reallocation and rising NVT utility hint at bullish accumulation. Technical trend, MACD crossover, and resistance clusters signal breakout momentum building. Ripple executThe post Ripple executes $1B reallocation: Will this spur XRP's move to $3? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

On Wednesday, speaking from the White House, US President Donald Trump suggested that families scale back on gifts this year.Asked about his tariff program, the president remarked, “Somebody said, ‘Oh, the shelves are gonna be open. Well, maybe the children will have two dolls instead of 30 dolls, and maybe the two dolls will cost a couple of bucks more.’”But the toy stores where those dolls are sold might have something to say about it. Earlier in the week, Mischief Toy Store in St. Paul, Minnesota joined a growing number of American small businesses suing the president over his emergency tariff plan.Throughout April, a groundswell of lawsuits led by 13 states further challenged Trump’s ambitious tariff program. Their success or failure rests on hundreds of years of judicial policy and American constitutional law. The legal basis for the Trump tariffsWhen Trump first announced his ambitious tariff program to the world, you might have wondered, Why is he allowed to do this? Well, he may not be. The president’s power to unilaterally impose tariffs is not rooted in the office’s constitutional Article II power. Instead, it is a delegation of authority by Congress. Article I of the US Constitution creates Congress, and Section 8 delegates the authority to “lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises.” For much of the United States’ history, this is precisely what it did — through a series of colorfully named tariff programs like the Tariff of Abominations of 1828, the Dingley Tariff of 1897 and culminating in the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff of 1930. At the time, Smoot-Hawley was widely perceived as contributing to the devastation of the Great Depression. As a consequence, Congress’s use of tariffs became viewed as corrosively political and dysregulated, spurring change.In the early 1930s, then-President Franklin Delano Roosevelt pushed for legislation to grant his office the authority to negotiate tariffs. He argued that tariffs had wrecked the economy and that he should have the power to reduce them:World trade has declined with startling rapidity. Measured in terms of the volume of goods in 1933, it has been reduced to approximately 70 percent of its 1929 volume; measured in terms of dollars, it has fallen to 35 percent. The drop in the foreign trade of the United States has been even sharper. Our exports in 1933 were but 52 percent of the 1929 volume, and 32 percent of the 1929 value […] a full and permanent domestic recovery depends in part upon a revived and strengthened international trade and that American exports cannot be permanently increased without a corresponding increase in imports.Thus followed the Reciprocal Trade Agreement Act of 1934 (RTAA), which gave the president the power to set tariff rates, provided it came as part of a reciprocal agreement with a counterpart. This allowed the office to negotiate directly with other nations and promoted a period of liberalized trade. The RTAA, however, is not the law that Trump is now relying on. His tariffs are unilateral, not reciprocal, and would require another century of law to conceive. After the RTAA, Congress continued to delegate authority to the president through the midcentury. Notably, this included the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, which allowed the president to impose unilateral tariffs in response to national security threats; the Trade Act of 1974, which allowed the president to retaliate against unfair trade practices; and, crucially, the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977, known as IEEPA. Now, the IEEPA doesn’t say anything about tariffs; it is better known as the law that recent presidents have used to levy sanctions against enemy nations like Russia. It grants the president the power to respond to declared emergencies in response to “unusual and extraordinary threat[s]” (the president also has the power to declare emergencies, but that comes from the National Emergencies Act, a different law) by “investigat[ing], regulat[ing], or prohibit[ing] any transactions in foreign exchange.” Related: Trump’s WLFI crypto investments aren’t paying offDespite this novel application, the Trump administration has seized on the law because, unlike all other tariff statutes, it permits the president to act through executive order alone.Throughout his young second term, Trump has used this statute to declare arbitrary tariffs on virtually all of America’s trading partners. First, declaring 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and then various large tariffs on the rest of the world.To do so, Trump declared a “national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit that is driven by the absence of reciprocity in our trade relationships and other harmful policies like currency manipulation and exorbitant value-added taxes (VAT) perpetuated by other countries.”This was the first time a president had attempted to use the law in this way, and many legal scholars believe it is illegal.Like flies to honeyAlmost immediately after Trump’s tariffs were announced, lawsuits began to trickle in. Fearing retribution from the administration, many trade groups and major players reportedly chose to bow out of proceedings. However, California became the first state to sue on April 16, followed a week later on April 23 by a dozen other states.There are basically two legal arguments you can make against Trump’s tariffs: (1) The IEEPA doesn’t authorize the president to implement his tariff program, and (2) it is unconstitutional for the IEEPA to delegate such broad authority to the president. This is exactly what California and the consortium of 12 states did — arguing that (1) the president’s actions are ultra vires — beyond his legal authority — and (2) they would violate separation of powers. There are a few reasons this might be true. For one, as the states identified, any action under the IEEPA must be tailored to “deal with an unusual and extraordinary threat,” and, “[t]he nearly worldwide 10 percent tariff level is wholly unconnected to the stated basis of the emergency declaration: it applies without regard to any country’s trade practices or purported threat to domestic industries.”Second, there is a constitutional limit on Congress’s authority to delegate Article I powers to the president, known as the “nondelegation doctrine.” While in theory this could be robust, it has generally been nerfed by the obsequious Supreme Court’s past. Nonetheless, there remains an “intelligible principle test” that such delegation may only be allowed “if Congress shall lay down by legislative act an intelligible principle to which the person or body authorized to fix such rates is directed to conform.”Related: If Trump fired Powell, what would happen to crypto?In theory, if Congress had actually given the president plenary authority to fix tariffs according to his whims, it should violate this doctrine. But the Supreme Court has not struck down an executive action on these grounds since Panama Refining Co. v. Ryan in 1935.Despite the constitutional uncertainty, the net of the arguments is broadly perceived as strong. This is why one “prominent conservative lawyer” told ABC News that plaintiffs may win in a fight against Trump:There is a strong argument that the tariffs imposed under the IEEPA are not legal or constitutional. Under that particular statute, tariffs are not listed amongst the various actions a president can take in response to the declaration of a national emergency.But there are some factors in the president’s favor. For one, the administration may be able to hear these claims in the US Court of International Trade (CIT), which has exclusive jurisdiction over most tariff disputes.Appeals from this court are heard in the Federal Circuit, which is generally seen as favorable for Trump. The 12-state complaint was actually filed in this court from the outset, but California filed its complaint in the Northern District of California, which sits in the less deferential Ninth Circuit.If Trump succeeds in removing that action to CIT, it will be an early victory for the administration.More importantly, the administration is attempting to invoke the “political question doctrine.” In the first major Supreme Court case, 1803’s Marbury v. Madison, the Court noted that “[q]uestions, in their nature political or which are, by the Constitution and laws, submitted to the Executive, can never be made in this court.” Ever since then, pusillanimous courts have used the doctrine to avoid difficult questions, most notably in cases involving impeachment, foreign policy and partisan gerrymandering.The Trump administration argued exactly this in its April 29 motion for preliminary injunction and summary judgment in the states’ AG case. Trump argues that “courts have consistently held that the President’s emergency declarations under NEA, and the adequacy of his policy choices addressing those emergencies under IEEPA, are unreviewable” and that “[t]herefore, any challenge to the fact of the emergency itself — particularly the claim that the emergency is not ‘unusual’ or ‘extraordinary’ enough, in plaintiffs’ view — is a nonjusticiable political question that this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider.”To date, no rulings hint at which side the courts are likely to prefer. The president’s track record in court has historically been poor, with a win rate of 35% in the Supreme Court during his first term, compared to an average presidential win rate of 65.2%.The outlook for cryptoAs the tariff fight has matured, the outlook for crypto is uncertain. It is a peculiarity of tariffs that they apply only to goods and not services or digital products. This has left cryptocurrency assets — intangible, borderless and often routed through offshore entities — outside the reach of traditional trade barriers.As markets have shuddered at Trump’s policies, Bitcoin (BTC) finished April up 14% on the month. If Trump is allowed to pursue arbitrary trade policy and abide by Peter Navarro’s wish to turn the United States into a new hermit nation, it may prove the final validation to force cryptocurrency as the medium of international trade. Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

UK is outlining new rules for crypto trading, centered particularly around retail investor protections.

The UK's potential credit ban for crypto purchases could reshape consumer behavior, emphasizing financial caution and regulatory oversight. The post UK plans to ban use of credit for Bitcoin, crypto purchases as debt risks grow appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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On-chain data shows the Dogecoin whales have gone on a huge accumulation spree during the past week, a sign that can be bullish for DOGE. Dogecoin Whales Have Expanded Their Holdings In Past Week In a new post on X, analyst Ali Martinez has discussed about the latest trend in the Dogecoin supply held by […]

Bitcoin Magazine Strategy’s Bitcoin Surge: Why MSTR Could Outperform BTC in 2025 Strategy’s bold Bitcoin accumulation hits 550,000 BTC, positioning MSTR as a high-beta proxy with potential to outshine BTC in 2025. This post Strategy’s Bitcoin Surge: Why MSTR Could Outperform BTC in 2025 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Matt Crosby.

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Crypto exchange Kraken has uncovered an attempted infiltration by a North Korean hacker posing as a software engineering job candidate. The incident began as a routine recruitment effort but quickly raised internal concerns due to multiple behavioral and technical anomalies.…

Bitcoin’s dominance relative to other major cryptocurrencies continues to soar reaching a new 4-year high. Bitcoin’s (BTC) dominance has surged to 64%, a four-year high, signaling its unrivaled strength in the cryptocurrency market. This metric, which measures Bitcoin’s share of…

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• #bitcoin

Movement Labs suspended co-founder Rushi Manche for alleged links to the MOVE token dump.  Coinbase will suspend the token on the 15th of May, but Manche denied involvement in the scandal.  The post Movement Labs suspends co-founder: MOVE faces 27% drop as Coinbase moves to delist appeared first on AMBCrypto.

Coinspeaker Ripple Labs Locks 700,000,000 XRP in Escrow, Price Reacts Ripple Labs has once again made a massive escrow transaction, locking 700 million XRP valued at over $1.5 billion. Ripple Labs Locks 700,000,000 XRP in Escrow, Price Reacts

Coinspeaker Goldman Sachs Eyes Expansion in Crypto Trading and Tokenization Exploration Goldman Sachs plans to expand into crypto trading, lending, and tokenization to meet growing client demand. Goldman Sachs Eyes Expansion in Crypto Trading and Tokenization Exploration

Coinspeaker Metaplanet Sells $25 Million in Bonds to Expand Bitcoin Holdings Metaplanet issues $25M in bonds to expand its Bitcoin holdings, aiming for 100,000 BTC by the end of 2025. Metaplanet Sells $25 Million in Bonds to Expand Bitcoin Holdings

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After a minor setback, bitcoin ETFs roared back with $422 million in net inflows, led by Blackrock’s IBIT. Ether ETFs also ended the day positively, adding $6.49 million to continue their recovery. Bitcoin ETF Inflows Surge After Brief Pause Along With Decent Recovery for Ether ETFs A brief pullback was quickly forgotten as U.S. bitcoin […]

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With over 25 million users across 160+ countries, World Chain isn’t your average blockchain. Until now, users on World Chain’s World App have relied on a bridged version of USDC. Nearly two million people already use it to send funds, pay for goods, or access financial tools in the app’s growing network of Mini Apps. […] The post Native USDC and CCTP V2 Coming to World Chain appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

XRP price remains bullish, Bollinger Bands prove it

Playtron announces plans to launch ‘the first stablecoin built for games’ called Game Dollar. The token will be built on Sui Network and powered by M0 and Bridge. According to an announcement by stablecoin platform M0, Game Dollar will be…

Codename:Pepe merges AI and meme power, positioning itself as the next big crypto moonshot amid rising DeFi momentum. #partnercontent

There is a 75% chance of a Cardano ETF launching this year ADA might stay stuck in neutral, while the rest of the market waits for that green light Normally, when Bitcoin smashes through itsThe post Cardano - Evaluating if there REALLY is a '75% chance' of ADA Spot ETF launch this year appeared first on AMBCrypto.

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Crypto exchange KuCoin said that it may reenter South Korea after its platform was blocked in the country. On March 21, South Korean regulators ordered Google Play to block access to exchanges that were not compliant with the requirements needed to operate in the country. On April 11, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) ordered the Apple Store to block unregistered crypto exchanges. KuCoin was among those affected by the country’s crackdown on unregistered platforms that were previously available. While the platform is now unavailable to South Koreans, it has not fully abandoned the jurisdiction. In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, KuCoin’s newly appointed CEO, BC Wong, said that the crypto exchange has plans to reenter the country. Wong (left), KuCoin EU CEO Oliver Stauber (middle) and Cointelegraph reporter Ezra Reguerra (right) at the Token2049 event in Dubai. Source: Market AcrossRegulators drive global players away from local marketsWong told Cointelegraph that before the exchange can reenter South Korea, it plans to secure compliance with major jurisdictions first. He said: “The resource is there. We need to go one by one. Our strategy will always be that major jurisdictions come first, which means the United States, EU, China, India, and maybe after that, Australia.”Wong confirmed to Cointelegraph that KuCoin representatives had started speaking with regulators. The executive said that operating in crypto is very similar to traditional financial markets, where there’s a need for a clear background in each jurisdiction. The KuCoin CEO also said that regulators are stricter compared to three years ago. He said that this could be a move to drive global players away from local crypto markets. “I'm not so sure that if the regulators’ intention is to regulate the global market or just simply, they want to pave the way to get all the global kind of players to be out from their market, and pave the road for their domestic exchange,” Wong added. Related: Kraken tells how it spotted North Korean hacker in job interviewKuCoin’s EU CEO shares regulatory challenges in EuropeOliver Stauber, who joined KuCoin as its European Union CEO, told Cointelegraph that there are also difficulties operating in the EU, even with the bloc’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) in place. Stauber, who previously worked as the chief legal officer of Bitpanda, told Cointelegraph that while MiCA licenses have a passporting feature, which should allow license holders to provide services across the EU, the executive said that some jurisdictions interpret the laws differently. Stauber said that some jurisdictions may say that licenses were “wrongly assessed,” which gets in the way of operating in some jurisdictions.  “MiCA was said to have a level playing field in crypto all over Europe. However, as long as there are players who are not playing by the books, you know it's getting quite messy and difficult,” Stauber told Cointelegraph. Magazine: Pokémon on Sui rumors, Polymarket bets on Filipino Pope: Asia Express

Coinfest Asia, the largest crypto and Web3 festival in the world, is officially back. Taking place August 21–22 at Nuanu Creative City - Bali's creative and cultural hub—the event will bring togetThe post Coinfest Asia: The world’s largest crypto festival returns in August 2025 at Nuanu Creative City appeared first on AMBCrypto.

The update lets users pay transaction fees with the token they’re swapping. They no longer need Solana’s native token, SOL, in their wallet. For users who’ve hit a dead end trying to swap tokens without enough SOL for gas fees, the Phantom wallet now offers a solution. Gas Fees, Solved: Phantom Eases Swaps with Smart […] The post Phantom Wallet Enables Gasless Swaps on Solana appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

US crypto exchange Kraken has detailed a North Korean hacker’s attempt to infiltrate the organization by applying for a job interview.“What started as a routine hiring process for an engineering role quickly turned into an intelligence-gathering operation,” the company wrote in a May 1 blog post.Kraken said the applicant’s red flags appeared early on in the process when they joined an interview under a name different from what they applied with and “occasionally switched between voices,” apparently being guided through the interview.Rather than immediately rejecting the applicant, Kraken decided to advance them through its hiring process to gather information about the tactics used.International sanctions have effectively cut North Korea off from the rest of the world, and the country’s ruling Kim family dictatorship has long targeted crypto companies and users to top up the country’s coffers. It’s stolen billions worth of crypto so far this year.Kraken reported that industry partners had tipped them off that North Korean actors were actively applying for jobs at crypto companies. “We received a list of email addresses linked to the hacker group, and one of them matched the email the candidate used to apply to Kraken,” it said. With this information, the firm’s security team uncovered a network of fake identities used by the hacker to apply to multiple companies. Kraken also noted technical inconsistencies, which included the use of remote Mac desktops through VPNs and altered identification documents.Kraken CSO @c7five recently spoke to @CBSNews about how a North Korean operative unsuccessfully attempted to get a job at Kraken. Don’t trust. Verify 👇 pic.twitter.com/1vVo3perH2— Kraken Exchange (@krakenfx) May 1, 2025The applicant’s resume was linked to a GitHub profile containing an email address exposed in a past data breach, and the exchange said the candidate’s primary form of ID “appeared to be altered, likely using details stolen in an identity theft case two years prior.”During final interviews, Kraken chief security officer Nick Percoco conducted trap identity verification tests that the candidate failed, confirming the deception. Related: Lazarus Group’s 2024 pause was repositioning for $1.4B Bybit hack“Don’t trust, verify. This core crypto principle is more relevant than ever in the digital age,” Peroco said. “State-sponsored attacks aren’t just a crypto or US corporate issue — they’re a global threat.”North Korea pulls off biggest-ever crypto hackNorth Korea-affiliated hacking collective Lazarus Group was responsible for February’s $1.4 billion Bybit exchange hack, the largest ever for the crypto industry.North Korean-linked hackers also stole more than $650 million through multiple crypto heists during 2024, while deploying IT workers to infiltrate blockchain and crypto companies as insider threats, according to a statement released by the US, Japan and South Korea in January. In April, a subgroup of Lazarus was found to have set up three shell companies, with two in the US, to deliver malware to unsuspecting users and scam crypto developers. Magazine: Japanese porn star’s coin red flags, Alibaba-linked L2 runs at 100K TPS: Asia Express

Decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platform Sky has pitched a proposal to finalize its upgrade from Maker by replacing its governance token and enabling staking.The proposal, posted on May 1 to Sky’s decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) forum, would see the Sky (SKY) token take over the Maker (MKR) token as the protocol’s governance token.If the DAO accepts, the change would be slated to take place around May 15 to May 19 and downgrading from SKY to MKR would also be disabled.Sky co-founder Rune Christensen said in response to the proposal that it was a “huge milestone,” which he “fully supports,” and laments that allowing users to downgrade from SKY back to MKR has been a “key limiting factor preventing exchanges from adopting SKY.”“With this change, exchanges are likely to move faster in quickly adopting SKY without concerns about fracturing liquidity,” he said.Source: SkyPenalties on MKR holders who are slow in switching to SKY have also been proposed. According to the proposal, a 1% delayed upgrade penalty would apply to all MKR to SKY upgrades starting Sept. 18, increasing every three months. Users hit with a delayed upgrade penalty will also obtain fewer SKY tokens.Sky staking, temporary pause on liquidationsChristensen said the most important change would be to see SKY staking enabled as part of the changes to the protocol.Rewards for its decentralized stablecoin, USDS, which are based on the income the Sky Protocol generates, will be enabled two or three weeks after the upgrade of the governance contract, with a splitter rate of 50%, according to Christensen.Source: Rune Christensen“Getting past the full upgrade of MKR to SKY is one of the last pieces missing before Sky can transition to 0 fixed costs at the end of 2025, which will ensure an even greater portion of the income the protocol generates goes to the benefit of SKY buybacks, or SKY Staking Rewards,” he said.SKY liquidations will also be temporarily disabled while the one-way MKR to SKY transition is still in its early stages.Related: Sky doubles down on token overhaul: Making MKR unusable, launching subDAOs“This is necessary to prevent risk from price manipulation to the SKY and MKR price while the transition is happening,” Christensen said.“When SKY market liquidity is restored, Sky Governance will lift the liquidation freeze and move risk parameters to long-term targets,” he added.Maker rebranded to Sky in August last year but after confusion and negative feedback, Christensen considered going back to the original Maker name just months later.However, a November poll saw 79% of tokenholders vote to keep the Sky brand as the back end protocol brand with no further changes.Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has filed to drop another of its crypto lawsuits, this time its unregistered securities sales case against crypto influencer and YouTuber Ian Balina. The SEC said in a May 1 joint stipulation with Balina to an Austin federal court that it “believes the dismissal of this case is appropriate,” citing the work of the agency’s Crypto Task Force.The agency didn’t give a reason for wanting to dismiss its case, but said its decision “does not necessarily reflect the Commission’s position on any other case.”Balina told Cointelegraph in March that the SEC had informed him it would recommend the court dismiss the case and claimed the agency’s actions were based on a shift in the agency’s priorities.“Obviously, the new administration is pro-crypto,” Balina said. The SEC has seen a change in leadership under US President Donald Trump, who appointed former crypto lobbyist Paul Atkins to chair the agency.The joint stipulation argued a dismissal would also conserve the court’s resources “without costs or fees to either party.”Balina is the CEO of Token Metrics, a crypto influencer with 140,000 followers on X, and a YouTuber whom the SEC accused of improperly promoting crypto projects, particularly during the initial coin offering (ICO) boom circa 2017.The SEC sued Balina in 2022, alleging that he conducted an unregistered securities offering of Sparkster (SPRK) tokens when he formed an investing pool on Telegram in 2018.The SEC claimed that US-based investors participated in Balina’s investing pool, using Ether (ETH), which was validated by a network of nodes “which are clustered more densely in the United States than in any other country.”Related: SEC drops investigation into PayPal’s stablecoinThe court sided with the SEC and, in May 2024, ruled that SPRK was an investment contract under US securities laws, where investors pooled money into a common enterprise expecting profits due to the efforts of others.Excerpt of the joint stipulation. Source: PACERShift in crypto policyThe move is the latest in a long list of crypto-related court actions that the SEC has quashed under the Trump administration’s favorable stance toward the industry. Over the past month, it has dropped several cases and abandoned multiple investigations against crypto firms, including against Coinbase, Ripple, Kraken, OpenSea and PayPal’s stablecoin. Magazine: Japanese porn star’s coin red flags, Alibaba-linked L2 runs at 100K TPS: Asia Express

The US Treasury Department is seeking to bar the Cambodia-based Huione Group from accessing the American banking system, accusing the company of helping North Korea’s state-sponsored Lazarus Group launder cryptocurrency.The Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed on May 1 to prohibit US financial institutions from opening or maintaining correspondent or payable-through accounts for or on behalf of the Huione Group.Huione Group has established itself as the “marketplace of choice for malicious cyber actors” like the Lazarus Group, who have “stolen billions of dollars from everyday Americans,” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a May 1 statement.“Today’s proposed action will sever Huione Group’s access to correspondent banking, degrading these groups’ ability to launder their ill-gotten gains.”Huione Group has set up a network of businesses, which includes payment service platform Huione Pay PLC, the crypto exchange Huione Crypto, and Haowang Guarantee, an online marketplace offering illicit goods and services.Although the conglomerate does not hold correspondent accounts with US financial institutions, it maintains accounts with foreign firms that do, FinCEN noted in its rulemaking submission.The proposed rule is subject to a 30-day public comment period before it can take effect.Source: ChainalysisHuione expanded into sophisticated cybercrime networkFinCEN claimed that Huione Group has laundered at least $4 billion worth of illicit proceeds between August 2021 and January 2025, including more than $36 million from crypto pig butchering scams.At least $37 million worth of the crypto laundered has been linked to North Korea’s “cyber heists,” the Treasury said.Haowang Guarantee has made Huione Group a “one-stop shop” for criminals to launder crypto obtained through illicit activities, and ultimately convert it to fiat currency, the Treasury said.Related: North Korean crypto attacks rising in sophistication, actors — ParadigmThe conglomerate has also created a US dollar-pegged stablecoin, the US dollar Huione (USDH), which FinCEN said cannot be frozen and helps to carry out money laundering activities.The National Bank of Cambodia has stated that payment firms aren’t allowed to deal or trade digital assets in the country and revoked the company’s local banking license in March.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

Bitcoin miner Riot Platforms reported its highest-ever quarterly revenue, but still posted a loss as mining costs have nearly doubled compared to the same period last year amid efforts to expand its facilities.“We achieved a new record for quarterly revenue this quarter, at $161.4 million,” Riot CEO Jason Les said in a May 1 report for its first quarter 2025 earnings. The company just surpassed Wall Street estimates of $159.79 million by 1%.Riot’s Q1 revenue was a 50% jump compared to the same quarter a year ago.Riot blames “halving event” for expensesThe firm reported a net loss of $296,367 over Q1, a 240% decrease from the $211,777 net income it posted in the year-ago quarter.Riot said that the average cost to mine Bitcoin (BTC) over the quarter was $43,808, almost 90% more than the $23,034 it cost to mine Bitcoin in the same period last year.“The increase was primarily driven by the block subsidy ‘halving’ event, which occurred in April 2024, and a 41% increase in the average global network hashrate as compared to the same period in 2024,” Riot said.Shares in Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed May 1 trading up 7.32%, trading at $7.77, according to Google Finance.Riot Platforms is down 13.47% over the past six months. Source: Google FinanceMeanwhile, Riot produced 166 more Bitcoin during the quarter than it did over the same period in 2024. At the time of publication, with Bitcoin trading at $97,072, that equates to approximately $16.13 million.Related: Bitcoin miner Phoenix Group adds 52 MW of mining capacity in EthiopiaRiot currently holds 19,223 unencumbered Bitcoin, worth approximately $1.86 billion at the time of publication.On April 23, Riot announced that it had used its massive Bitcoin stockpile as collateral to secure a $100 million credit facility from Coinbase as the cryptocurrency miner eyes continued expansion. Les said the $100 million loan from Coinbase’s credit arm marked Riot’s “first Bitcoin-backed facility.”Magazine: Japanese porn star’s coin red flags, Alibaba-linked L2 runs at 100K TPS: Asia ExpressThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

Online discussions about memecoins have hit a year-to-date high, gaining considerable attention after sentiment cooled earlier in the year, according to onchain analytics platform Santiment. Two weeks ago, discussions around Bitcoin (BTC) and layer-1 protocols peaked during the market volatility brought on by the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs. However, that’s since shifted to high market cap memecoins, Santiment marketing director Brian Quinlivan said in a May 1 blog post.“Online discussions about these high-risk tokens have proliferated as traders embrace a gamble mindset, rather than a calculated investment approach,” he said.“This is a telltale sign that traders are increasingly investing based solely on speculation and short-term gains,” Quinlivan added.Online discussions about memecoins have hit a 2025 high, surpassing discussions about Bitcoin. Source: SantimentQuinlivan said the overall crypto market rose 10% in the past eight days, but Bitcoin only gained 7%, which indicates traders are flocking to more speculative assets.“Any time Bitcoin leads an initial rally and then begins to move sideways, investors generally start taking bigger risks in hopes of scoring even higher returns through more speculative and riskier purchases,” he said.Dogecoin discussions spike on ETF newsIn particular, Dogecoin (DOGE) has seen a notable spike in positive crowd sentiment after a major decline in crowd interest during April, as various applications for DOGE exchange-traded funds were filed in the US.Despite the Securities and Exchange Commission delaying its decision on these filings until mid-June, Quinlivan says traders are in a state of cautious anticipation.“Until late April, DOGE had been on a major decline in terms of crowd interest. But its social dominance has spiked to its highest level in nearly three months, as the conversations and filings surrounding Nasdaq’s ETF listings have risen,” he said.Dogecoin has seen a notable spike in positive crowd sentiment. Source: SantimentDefiLlama data shows PumpSwap, the decentralized exchange of the memecoin launch platform Pump.Fun saw a spike to $11 billion in monthly trading volume during April after recording only $1.7 billion in March.Related: Crypto token failures soar, with 1 in 4 launched since 2021 dying in Q1: CoinGeckoMeanwhile, Pump.Fun’s monthly trading volume rose to $3.3 billion in April, up from $2.5 billion in March.Memecoin activity exploded after the launch of US President Donald Trump’s memecoin on Jan. 18, with Pump.fun usage recording a high of $3.3 billion in weekly trading volume.However, traders soon cooled on memecoins. CoinGecko founder Bobby Ong said in a March 6 report that memecoin investor interest dropped after a series of bad launches, noting the fallout from the Libra (LIBRA) token launch in February as a significant catalyst. Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express

What is AGI? When the lines blur between man and machine, you’re looking at artificial general intelligence (AGI). Unlike its counterpart, artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), which is the use of AI for solving individual problem statements, AGI represents artificial intelligence that can understand, learn and apply knowledge in a way that is indistinguishable from human cognition.AGI is still theoretical, but the prospect of artificial intelligence being able to holistically replace human input and judgment has naturally attracted plenty of interest, with researchers, technologists and academics alike seeking to bring the concept of AGI to reality. Yet another strand of prevailing research seeks to explore the feasibility and implications of AGI vs. ANI in a world increasingly shaped by AI capabilities. Indeed, while ANI has already transformed various industries, AGI’s potential goes far beyond. Imagine a world where machines can not only assist humans in their tasks but also proactively understand the drivers behind specific tasks, predict outcomes, and autonomously create innovative solutions to achieve optimal results. This paradigm shift could revolutionize healthcare, education, transportation and countless other fields. Why is AGI so powerful? Unlike ANI, AGI is not confined to pre-programmed tasks or predefined responses within a limited domain. Instead, it has the potential to generate and apply knowledge across various contexts.Imagine a self-driving car powered by AGI. It can collect a passenger from a train station but also personalize the journey with custom recommendations for pit stops, sightseeing avenues or navigating unfamiliar roads to arrive at the desired destination. And because it’s a machine, AGI would not experience fatigue and would continue learning and improving at exponential speeds. Here’s a definition of AGI by Vitalik Buterin, who highlights the sheer potential of AGI:The example highlights some interesting features of AGI, which include:Learning capability: AGI can learn from experiences and improve its performance over time without a concerted effort by human programmers to perform additional data set training. This learning is not limited to specific tasks and instead encompasses a broad spectrum of activities.Problem-solving skills: AGI can solve complex problems by applying logical reasoning just as a human would. This includes consideration of non-traditional variables, such as emotional impact, which can highlight an even wider range of potential outcomes.Adaptability: AGI can adjust to new situations and environments without explicit programming, which means it can thrive in dynamic and unpredictable settings.Understanding and interpretation: AGI is equipped to comprehend natural language, abstract concepts and emotional nuance, allowing for sophisticated human-machine interactions.Did you know? Blockchain timestamps could serve as a legal memory for AGI systems, allowing future audits to determine exactly what an AGI knew — and when. The pursuit of AGI: Where does it stand as of April 2025? AGI is currently the science-fiction version of AI. However, while still theoretical, the sheer potential of the concept makes AGI the science fiction equivalent of artificial intelligence. While existing models, such as ChatGPT, are constantly evolving and improving with each day, the journey to bringing AGI to life involves overcoming significant technical challenges, such as:Defining the tech stack: The purely hypothetical nature of AGI makes it exceedingly difficult, if not altogether impossible, to determine the precise nature of the technological stack required for practical implementation.Neural networks: Advances in deep learning have propelled this field forward, but AGI would also require specialist neural networks that mimic the human brain’s structure to process information and introduce a layer of emotion and nuance.Natural language processing (NLP): Significant advances are required in the field of NLP to enable machines to better understand and generate human language, incorporating nuance, emotion and complexities. This includes a more complex analysis of language syntax, semantics and context, which is still evolving in traditional machine learning models that leverage NLP. Reinforcement learning: Using reward-based mechanisms to teach machines to make decisions would allow AGI to learn optimal behaviors through trial and error.Despite advancements, creating AGI that can truly think like a human remains an elusive goal.Did you know? DeepMind warns that not all AI risks come from the machines themselves — some start with humans misusing them. In its paper titled ‘An Approach to Technical AGI Safety and Security’, DeepMind identifies four key threats: misuse (bad actors using AI for harm), misalignment (AI knowingly going against its developer’s intent), mistakes (AI causes harm without realizing it), and structural risks (failures that emerge from complex interactions between people, organizations, or systems). Can AGI think like a human? The question of whether AGI can think like a human delves into the very core of human cognition. Human thinking is characterized by consciousness, emotional depth, creativity and subjectivity. While AGI can simulate certain aspects of human thought, replicating the full spectrum of human cognition is a formidable challenge.Several dimensions of human cognition are particularly difficult to emulate:Consciousness and self-awareness: One of the defining traits of human thinking is consciousness, the awareness of oneself and one’s surroundings. AGI, as sophisticated as it may become, lacks the intrinsic human ability to introspect. AGI operates on an underlying set of algorithms and complex, learned patterns, without any subjectivity or genuine emotion.Emotional intelligence: Humans experience a wide range of emotions that influence their decisions, behaviors and interactions. While AGI can be trained to recognize and respond to such emotions, the lack of genuine emotional experience means that it cannot wholly replicate these emotions. Emotional intelligence in humans involves empathy, compassion and moral considerations, elements that are challenging to encode into machines.Creativity and innovation: Creativity involves generating novel ideas and solutions, often through intuitive leaps and imaginative thinking. AGI can mimic creativity by combining existing knowledge in new ways, but it lacks the intrinsic motivation and subjective insight that drive human innovation. True creativity stems from emotional experiences, personal reflections and cultural contexts, which AGI cannot authentically replicate. Key benefits of AGI The litmus test for AGI lies in its ability to holistically replicate a human experience. When realized, the potential benefits are enormous and stretch across various industries, spawning various aspects of daily life.Despite its limitations, AGI is increasingly viewed as a force for good across a range of industries, including:Healthcare: AGI can assist in diagnosing diseases, developing personalized treatment plans and predicting customized health outcomes, leveraging a vast body of underlying training data.Education: It can provide customized learning experiences, tutoring and academic research support. AGI can adapt to individual learning styles and pace, enhancing educational outcomes.Economics: It can optimize financial models, predict market trends, and enhance productivity. It can analyze economic data to forecast market trends and guide investment decisions.Environmental Science: AGI can analyze climate data, model ecological impacts, and propose sustainable solutions.Additionally, AGI’s potential extends to areas such as transportation, communication and entertainment, offering new frontiers for innovation.Did you know? Some futurists believe AGI systems could eventually negotiate with each other autonomously using blockchain-based smart contracts — forming agreements, trading data or even co-developing solutions without human intervention. Ethical and societal considerations The rise of AGI raises significant ethical and societal questions. While powerful, AGI requires careful consideration for safe usage, which has prompted the creation of nonprofit societies, such as the AGI Society, as shown in the image below.Fundamentally, it is crucial to address concerns such as:Safety: Ensuring AGI operates within safe and controlled parameters to prevent unintended consequences. This includes robust testing and the introduction of regulatory frameworks to oversee AGI deployment.Privacy: Protecting personal data from misuse by AGI systems. As AGI can process vast amounts of data, safeguarding privacy is paramount.Bias and fairness: Preventing discriminatory practices and ensuring equitable access to AGI benefits. Developers must ensure that AGI systems are free from biases that could lead to unfair treatment.Employment: Addressing the impact of AGI on job displacement and workforce dynamics. As AGI automates tasks, there is a need to consider its impact on employment and provide support for affected workers.The integration of AGI into society requires a thoughtful approach to its governance, ensuring that it serves the common good and respects social values. Can blockchain power AGI? AGI could create computers as smart as humans, revolutionizing fields like cryptocurrency trading or market analysis. But AGI needs trust and fairness to work for everyone. Blockchain, the tech behind Bitcoin and Ethereum, offers a secure, transparent way to make this happen. Here’s how blockchain can supercharge AGI with crypto-inspired solutions:Clear training records: Blockchain works like Bitcoin’s open transaction log, recording every piece of data (e.g., crypto trading patterns) used to train AGI. This helps ensure the system is fair and free from hidden biases.Shared decision-making: Similar to Ethereum’s smart contracts, blockchain will allow developers, traders and users to vote on AGI’s rules, ensuring no single company controls it.Safe data sharing: Like crypto wallets safeguarding funds, blockchain could protect sensitive data from crypto exchanges, allowing secure sharing for AGI training without leaks.Rewards for fairness: Developers who build unbiased AGI, such as accurate trading predictors, could earn digital tokens, just like crypto mining rewards, encouraging ethical work.However, ongoing challenges such as blockchain’s slow speed, delays in crypto transactions and limited storage capacity could make it hard for AGI to process data quickly or handle large datasets.To make blockchain AGI-ready, researchers are already exploring:Offchain storage: Decentralized systems like InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) are used to store large files offchain, while the blockchain keeps only verifiable hashes, reducing congestion.Sharding and danksharding: Like Ethereum’s scalability upgrades, sharding splits data across multiple nodes, allowing AGI to process more information without slowing down the network. Also, danksharding, an advanced form of sharding being developed for Ethereum, combines rollups and data availability sampling to scale data access efficiently — ideal for real-time AGI applications.Data pruning: Advanced blockchain models like Decentralized Artificial Intelligent Blockchain-based Computing Network (DAIBCN) prune old or irrelevant data, keeping the system lean and optimized for high-demand tasks like AGI. DAIBCN also enables secure, distributed AI computing — blending blockchain trust with AI performance. The future of AGI Artificial general intelligence represents the pinnacle of AI development, promising capabilities that rival human intellect. While AGI can simulate aspects of human thinking, achieving true human-like cognition remains a distant goal. Consciousness, emotional depth and creativity are intrinsic to human experience and pose significant challenges for AGI. Nevertheless, the pursuit of AGI continues to drive innovation and reshape our understanding of intelligence. As we advance toward this frontier, it is imperative to navigate ethical considerations and societal impacts to responsibly harness AGI’s potential.Ongoing research, identifying practical opportunities and technical requirements, and initiating dialogue across society are all essential steps to address the challenges and opportunities posed by AGI. The future of AGI holds promise, but it requires a balanced approach to ensure that its eventual integration into society enhances human well-being and respects ethical standards.

Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhDLately, stablecoins are everywhere — this time around, headed by “traditional” financial institutions. Bank of America and Standard Chartered are considering launching their own stablecoin, joining JPMorgan, which launched its stablecoin, JPM Coin — rebranded as Kinexys Digital Payments — to facilitate transactions with their institutional clients on their blockchain platform, Kinexys (formerly Onyx). Mastercard plans to bring stablecoins to the mainstream, joining Bleap Finance, a crypto startup. The aim is to enable stablecoins to be spent directly onchain — without conversions or intermediaries — seamlessly integrating blockchain assets with Mastercard’s global payment rails. In early April 2025, Visa joined the Global Dollar Network (USDG) stablecoin consortium. The company will become the first traditional finance player to join the consortium. In late March 2025, NYSE parent Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) announced that it is investigating applications for using USDC (USDC) stablecoin and US Yield Coin within its derivatives exchanges, clearinghouses, data services and other markets.Why the renewed interest in stablecoins?Regulatory clarity and acceptanceRecent moves by regulatory bodies in the United States and Europe have created more straightforward guidelines for cryptocurrency use. In the US, Congress is considering legislation to establish formal standards for stablecoins, bolstering confidence among banks and fintech companies.The European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation requires that stablecoin issuers operating within the EU adhere to specific financial standards, including special reserve requirements and risk mitigation. In the UK, financial authorities plan to conduct consultations to draft rules governing stablecoin use, further facilitating their acceptance and adoption.The Trump administration executive order 14067, “Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology,” supports and “promotes the development and growth of lawful and legitimate dollar-backed stablecoins worldwide” while “prohibiting the establishment, issuance, circulation, and use of a CBDC within the jurisdiction of the United States.”This executive order, followed by Trump’s World Liberty Financial company launching a stablecoin called USD1, signals that this is the era of stablecoins, particularly those pegged to the USD.Do we need more stablecoins?The stablecoin landscapeThere are over 200 stablecoins, most pegged to the US dollar. Two established stablecoins dominate the stablecoin landscape. Tether’s USDt (USDT), the oldest stablecoin, launched in 2014 and USDC, launched in 2018, capturing 65% and 28% of stablecoins market cap, respectively — both are centralized fiat collateralized. Recent: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fightIn third place, a relatively new one, USDe, launched in February 2024, holds about 2% of the stablecoin market cap and has an unconventional mechanism based on derivatives in the crypto market. Although it runs on a DeFi protocol on Ethereum, it incorporates centralized features since centralized exchanges hold the derivatives positions.There are three primary mechanisms of stablecoins:Centralized, fiat-collateralized: A centralized company maintains reserves of the assets in a bank or trust (e.g., for currency) or a vault (e.g., for gold) and issues tokens (i.e., stablecoins) that represent a claim on the underlying asset.Decentralized, cryptocurrency-collateralized: A stablecoin is backed by other decentralized crypto assets. One example can be found in the MakerDAO stablecoin Dai (DAI), which is pegged to the US dollar and encapsulates the features of decentralization. While a central organization controls centralized stablecoins, no one entity controls the issuance of DAI.Decentralized, uncollateralized: This mechanism ensures the stability of the coin’s value by controlling its supply through an algorithm executed by a smart contract. In some ways, this is no different from central banks, which also don’t rely on reserve assets to keep the value of their currency stable. The difference is that central banks, like the Federal Reserve, set a monetary policy publicly based on well-understood parameters, and its status as the issuer of legal tender provides the credibility of that policy.Depegging, risk and fraudstersStablecoins are supposed to be stable. They were created to overcome the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies. To maintain their stability, stablecoins should (1) be pegged to a stable asset and (2) follow a mechanism that sustains the peg.If stablecoins are pegged to gold or electricity, they will reflect the volatility of these assets and thus may not be the best choice if you are seeking a no-risk (or close to no-risk) asset.USDe maintains a peg to the USD through delta hedging. It uses short and long positions in futures, which generates a 27% yield annually — significantly higher than the 12% annual yield of other stablecoins pegged to the USD. Derivative positions are considered risky — the higher the risk, the higher the return. Therefore, it encapsulates an inherited risk due to its reliance on derivatives, which runs counter to the purpose of stablecoins. Stablecoins have been around for more than a decade. During this time, there were no major depegging fiascos other than the case of Terra. The collapse of Terra was not the result of a reserve problem or mechanism but rather the act of fraudsters and manipulators.TerraUSD (UST) had a built-in arbitrage mechanism between UST and the Terra blockchain native coin, LUNA. To create UST, you needed to burn LUNA.To entice traders to burn LUNA and create UST, the creators of the Terra blockchain offered a 19.5% yield on staking, which is crypto terminology for earning 19.5% interest on a deposit, through what they called the Anchor protocol.Such a high interest rate is simply not sustainable. Someone has to borrow at such a rate or above for the lender to receive 19.5% interest. This is how banks make their profit — they charge high interest on borrowing (such as mortgages or loans) and provide low interest on savings (such as a traditional savings account or a certificate of deposit account). Analysis of the Anchor protocol in January 2022 showed it was at a loss.One of the allegations in the lawsuits against Terraform Labs’ founders is that the Anchor protocol was a Ponzi scheme.In March 2025, Galaxy Digital reached a $200-million settlement with the New York Attorney General over claims the crypto investing company promoted the LUNA digital asset without disclosing its interest in the token.In January 2025, Do Kwon, founder of Terra, was found liable for securities fraud and is facing multiple charges in the US, including fraud, wire fraud and commodities fraud. If regulators are interested in preventing future cases like Terra, they should focus on how to deter fraudsters and manipulators from issuing or engaging with stablecoins.Decentralization: Rekindling the premise of BitcoinMost stablecoins are centralized assets collateralized. They are controlled by a company that could conduct unauthorized use of customers’ funds or falsely claim that reserves fully back a stablecoin.To prevent companies’ misconduct, regulators should closely monitor these companies and set rules similar to securities laws. Centralized stablecoins run counter to the notion of blockchain and the premise of Bitcoin. When Bitcoin was launched, it was supposed to be a payment platform free of intermediaries, not controlled by any company, bank or government — a decentralized mechanism — run by the people for the people.If a stablecoin is centralized, it should follow the regulations of any other centralized asset.Maybe it’s time to rekindle the premise of Bitcoin but in a more “stable” fashion. Developing an algorithmic, decentralized stablecoin that is free of any control of a company, bank or government and reviving the core notion of blockchain.Opinion by: Merav Ozair, PhD.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

As the crypto space developed, blockchain use cases expanded from simple digital currencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to more complex areas such as digital identity verification and telecommunications. Ahead of the Token2049 event in Dubai, Cointelegraph spoke with Spacecoin CEO Stuart Gardner, Spacecoin founder Tae Oh, and Humanity Protocol founder Terrence Kwok to explore how they use blockchain to improve certain industries. From addressing challenges like verification in the artificial intelligence era to bringing internet connectivity to developing countries, projects are integrating blockchain to solve problems in different industries.  Digital identity verification to combat the AI threat As artificial intelligence developed, the technology brought improvements that people could benefit from. However, the technology was also adopted by malicious actors who used the tech to perform AI-assisted hack research and deepfake scams.  Kwok told Cointelegraph that just two years ago, the idea of having to prove you’re human seemed “crazy.” However, with today’s advancements in AI, it has become remarkably easy to fake being a real person.“As for content, you can't tell if it's AI-generated or not. Video deepfakes, you cannot tell, right? Even documents. It's super easy now to use AI to create a fake proof of address, a fake proof of balance for your bank statement. I think in the future it's only going to get worse,” he said. The executive also said that in the future, AI may also exist in the physical world through humanoids that might mimic human beings. In 2024, Tesla's humanoid robot project was showcased on social media, highlighting developments in humanoid robotics. Kwok said that the development of robots underscores the need for human identity verification even more. The executive said that this was why they launched the Humanity Protocol, which uses blockchain tech for digital identity verification. “The internet is filled with bots, you know, it's filled with AI agents. They're great, but there's also a need to be able to verify and check whether something or somebody is a person or not,” Kwok told Cointelegraph. Terrence Kwok (left) and Cointelegraph’s Ezra Reguerra at the Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club. Source: CointelegraphRelated: Global demand grows for non-dollar stablecoins, says Fireblocks execDecentralized satellite network to combat the connectivity oligopolyApart from digital identity, blockchain technology is also being used to create a decentralized satellite network. Gardner told Cointelegraph that at the moment, the satellite connectivity landscape is an oligopoly, a market structure where the industry is dominated by only a few large players. The executive pointed out that Starlink and Amazon lead the race, while the EU and China are catching up. However, the big problem is that over 150 countries are lagging behind. “They're going to become reliant upon working with one of these oligopolies for their connectivity. And that poses a big issue for these people,” Gardner added. On Nov. 1, Spacecoin unveiled a plan to launch a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) through a fleet of nanosatellites in space. Oh told Cointelegraph that the Spacecoin idea came from the observation that the space industry is getting heavily commoditized. However, the executive said that it was possible for smaller companies or even individuals to launch their own satellites and start building constellations for connectivity. The Spacecoin founder added that since different people or entities own each satellite, it's essentially a "decentralized network." The executive said that they integrated crypto into the project to have a "trustless means of payment and data exchange." Oh said that this was where the blockchain comes in. Gardner (left), Oh (center), and Reguerra at the Crypto Polo event in Dubai. Source: CointelegraphMagazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

Movement Labs confirmed the suspension of its co-founder, Rushi Manche, following controversies over a market maker deal that he brokered.Movement announced the suspension of Manche in a May 2 X post, explaining that the “decision was made in light of ongoing events.” The decision follows Coinbase's recent decision to suspend the Movement Network (MOVE) trading, citing the token’s failure to meet its listing standards.Source: MovementThe suspension came after a recently announced third-party review requested by the Movement Network Foundation into an agreement orchestrated by Manche with Rentech — the latter helped broker an agreement with market maker Web3Port. Private intelligence firm Groom Lake is conducting the investigation.This was followed by Web3Port reportedly selling the 66 million MOVE that it gained through the deal — about 5% of the total supply. This led to $38 million in downward price pressure in December 2024.Groom Lake refused to comment on the investigation.Related: Citadel Securities eyes market-making role for crypto exchanges: ReportMarket makers are a controversial player in cryptoAccording to a recent analysis, the right market maker can be a launchpad for a cryptocurrency project, opening the door to major exchanges and providing valuable liquidity to ensure a token is tradeable. On the other hand, when the wrong incentives are set, market makers can kill a project as it is taking its first steps in the market.A summer 2024 report suggests that up to 78% of new token listings since April 2024 have been poorly conducted, with some suggesting that market makers are involved.Related: How to choose a market maker for your Web3 projectLawsuits claim market maker manipulationCreditors of bankrupt cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius Network have alleged that leading crypto market maker Wintermute was involved in the wash trading of the Celsius token. Wash trading is a form of market manipulation that creates the illusion that a particular asset is trading at a higher volume than it actually is.This is far from the only such case. In late 2024, Fracture Labs, creator of the Web3 game Decimated, filed suit against market maker Jump Crypto for allegedly orchestrating a pump-and-dump scheme using its in-game currency, DIO.Another notable example is a Wall Street Journal report claimed that DWF Labs, one of Binance’s largest trading clients, engaged in market manipulation, wash trading and inflated trading volumes amounting to $300 million through deals with crypto projects. DWF Labs and Binance later denied the accusation in May 2024.Last month, a Massachusetts court fined crypto market maker CLS Global for fraudulent manipulation of trading volumes. In late February, the founder of a so-called crypto hedge fund and market maker called Gotbit was extradited from Portugal to the US, where he faces market manipulation charges and wire fraud conspiracy.Magazine: What do crypto market makers actually do? Liquidity, or manipulation

Key points:Bitcoin long-term holders are about to hit a level of unrealized profit, which has traditionally caused them to sell.That level coincides with the return to a six-figure BTC price.Order book data suggests that bulls may not succeed in keeping the upside going.Bitcoin (BTC) risks a “notable increase” in selling from its older investors if price rises further, warns onchain analytics firm Glassnode.In the latest edition of its regular newsletter, “The Week Onchain,” researchers calculated that long-term holders (LTHs) are sitting on almost 350% unrealized profits.Bitcoin sell-side odds in line for crucial testBitcoin at multimonth highs will tempt an increasing number of hodlers to take profits — including so-called “diamond hands.”Using a variety of metrics to track investor profitability, Glassnode shows that aggregate LTH unrealized profits are now nearing 350% — a key historical level.“Having established that the LTH cohort is expressing a preference to hold onto their supply, we can attempt to quantify the potential price levels required to entice them to part with their coins, and commence the next wave of profit taking,” it explains.LTH refers to entities holding BTC for more than six months. For Glassnode, the key price area to watch for changes in their behavior is the $100,000 zone.“Historically speaking, the Long-Term Holder cohort typically ramps up their spending pressure when the average member is holding a +350% unrealized profit margin,” it explains.“Reconciling this information with the spot price, the average LTH is expected to hit a 350% profit margin at the $99.9k level. As such, we can anticipate an uptick in sell-side pressure as the market approaches this zone, making it an area that will likely require substantial buy-side demand to absorb the distribution, and sustain upwards momentum.”Bitcoin LTH profit levels (screenshot). Source: GlassnodeTrader: BTC price upside potential “looks thin”BTC/USD reached $97,500 this week before cooling off — its highest since Feb. 21, per data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView.Related: Bitcoin eyes gains as macro data makes US recession 2025 ‘base case’While more than $20,000 above its recent lows, Bitcoin is not yet convincing traders that it can return to classic bull market behavior.Popular trader TheKingfisher pointed to order book liquidity as one sign that sellers may take revenge on the recovery.“Massive wall of LONG liquidations stacked up under ~$91k. Shorts above current price ($96.6k)? Barely anything significant,” he wrote in part of an X post on May 1.“Huge imbalance suggests potential downside magnet is strong. High risk for longs near current levels. Upside fuel looks thin for now.”Bitcoin exchange order book liquidity data. Source: TheKingfisher/XGlassnode also acknowledged the need to demonstrate key resistance/support flips, referencing the 111-day simple moving average (SMA) and the aggregate cost basis of Bitcoin speculators, known as short-term holders (STHs).“The price has recently surged above both of these pricing models, and is now attempting to consolidate within this zone. This highlights a noteworthy degree of strength behind this upwards swing,” it commented. “However, these are levels that must be broken and held for further price appreciation, as a rejection of this level would push the price back into bearish territory, and return many investors to a state of meaningful unrealized loss.”BTC/USD chart with 11-day SMA, STH realized price. Source: GlassnodeThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

• #bitcoin

Why are refunds important in stablecoin payments? Anyone who has used traditional payment systems will likely be familiar with refunds and chargebacks. If a purchase goes wrong, like receiving damaged items or not receiving the product at all, the payer can file a complaint with the seller to recover their funds. This process of refunds builds trust between payers and sellers, ensuring secure transactions for both sides.However, stablecoin transactions differ significantly. Unlike credit cards or PayPal, stablecoin payments are generally irreversible. Once sent, the payment is final, with no standard way to dispute or reverse it if issues arise, which can make payers wary of using stablecoins for daily purchases.This highlights the importance of refunds in the stablecoin ecosystem. Just as payers rely on protections with traditional payment methods, stablecoin transactions need comparable systems to inspire confidence. Without options to dispute or reverse payments, payers may avoid stablecoins for online shopping or other transactions. A clear, reliable refund system could make stablecoin payments safer and more attractive for payers, whether purchasing digital goods, services or physical items. Circle’s Refund Protocol, explained Circle’s refund protocol is basically a smart contract designed to resolve payment disputes while preventing custodial control over funds. It has transformed the role of arbiter by restricting their ability to redirect funds at will or indefinitely block access.Traditionally, an arbiter could fully control escrowed funds, including misusing or losing them. The Refund Protocol changes this by limiting the arbiter’s powers strictly to dispute resolution. Rather than making the arbiter all-powerful, the protocol entrusts the arbiter with three specific authorities:Set a lockup period during which the payer’s funds are securely held in escrowAuthorize refunds to a pre-specified address provided by the payerAllow early fund withdrawal by the payer if they pay a mutually agreed fee to the arbiter.The arbiter cannot send the funds to any arbitrary address, ensuring they remain non-custodial. The use of a smart contract ensures transparency, locking the process into code rather than trusting human discretion. The smart contract logs the recipient’s address, amount and refund address. By removing full custodial rights and fixing the dispute period, the Refund Protocol protects both payers and recipients while offering a structured, tamper-proof way to handle disagreements. Key features of Circle’s Refund Protocol In digital payments, stablecoins like USDC (USDC) have transformed transactions by providing swift, borderless and stable payment options. But these stablecoins lack the ability to manage disputes or process refunds, which is typically expected from traditional payment systems such as credit cards. The Refund Protocol fills this void.Here are the key features of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial escrow: With the Refund Protocol, funds are never controlled by a central party. You don’t need to trust any single entity with your funds. Instead, the smart contract itself ensures that funds are only released when the conditions are met. This creates a more secure and trustworthy system for both payers and sellers.Mediation by an arbiter: If a dispute arises, the Refund Protocol employs an arbiter who works as a neutral mediator to settle conflicts without centralization or excessive authority. The arbiter’s role is to facilitate dispute resolution, not to manage the funds. If the payer and the seller cannot resolve the issue, the arbiter can make a final ruling, but they cannot arbitrarily access or control the funds. Lockup periods: To allow both parties time to address issues, the Refund Protocol incorporates lockup periods. During this period, funds stay in escrow, giving both sides an opportunity for negotiation or dispute resolution before funds are transferred to the payer. This ensures the payment isn’t immediately lost to fraud or mistakes.Early withdrawals: If the seller needs access to funds before the lockup period concludes, the Refund Protocol permits early withdrawals. But this is subject to a fee and requires consent from both the payer and the arbiter. Early withdrawals offer flexibility, enabling quicker access to funds if both parties agree on the conditions.Composability and transparency: A standout feature of the Refund Protocol is its composability, designed to integrate effortlessly with other blockchain-based applications. All transactions are logged on the blockchain, allowing the payer to monitor their funds’ status and maintain a clear record if a dispute occurs.Did you know? The Refund Protocol is built to work with USDC and can be integrated into merchant platforms, wallets or payment services. This opens doors to mainstream e-commerce use cases, where stablecoin refunds become as seamless as traditional card chargebacks. How Circle’s Refund Protocol works With Circle’s Refund Protocol, the payer no longer needs to avoid USDC payments, fearing an irreversible payment. It offers a transparent, decentralized and clear method to resolve disputes, ensuring funds’ safety. Here is how the refund protocol works:The payment: When the payer makes a payment, funds aren’t instantly transferred to the seller. The protocol’s smart contract holds the funds in escrow, showing the payment as initiated but pausing the transfer until conditions are fulfilled.The refund: If an issue occurs post-payment, such as non-delivery of service or products, the payer can request a refund from escrow if the supplier agrees. But if the seller doesn’t consent, they can escalate the matter to the arbiter for a resolution.The withdrawal: After the lockup period, if no disputes arise, the seller can withdraw funds without arbiter involvement. The decentralized, non-custodial system would only hold funds when needed.Early withdrawal: If the seller needs funds sooner, they can request early withdrawal. This feature includes a fee the arbiter determines and must be mutually agreed upon with the payer. To prevent arbitrary charges, the recipient must sign off on the terms before the withdrawal can happen.Did you know? The protocol predefines refund addresses at the time of payment. This means that even if disputes arise, arbiters can’t redirect funds elsewhere. It’s a privacy-preserving and fraud-resistant design that limits trust assumptions while still allowing dispute mediation. Benefits of the Refund Protocol Refund Protocol transforms stablecoin transactions by prioritizing security, transparency and user autonomy. It delivers a cost-effective, decentralized framework that enhances trust and usability for everyday payments.Here are some benefits of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial system: The Refund Protocol ensures funds remain free from centralized control and, subsequently, arbitrary decision-making. This mechanism boosts trust as the payers don’t need to rely on any single entity. The smart contract ensures automated release of funds when conditions are met, fostering a secure, trustworthy environment for both payers and sellers.Transparent dispute resolution: A key advantage of the Refund Protocol is a transparent dispute resolution process. If an issue arises, an arbiter resolves it. As all transactions are onchain, both payers and buyers can monitor dispute progress anytime. Flexibility and control: The payer can designate a refund address in advance, setting payment terms. A seller may withdraw funds early, though with a fee. These features provide greater control over fund handling, which becomes especially useful for uses like e-commerce.Lower costs: By eliminating intermediaries like banks or payment processors, the Refund Protocol cuts transaction fees. This makes stablecoin payments a cost-effective option, particularly for cross-border transfers where traditional methods are slow and expensive.Greater stablecoin adoption: The Refund Protocol has overcome a significant hurdle to stablecoin use — the lack of trust. Its transparent, fair dispute resolution encourages more businesses and consumers to adopt stablecoins.Did you know? Circle’s Refund Protocol helps bridge the trust gap in crypto commerce by mimicking familiar Web2 refund experiences but in a decentralized way. It demonstrates how programmable money can unlock new consumer protection forms without sacrificing blockchain’s permissionless ethos. Challenges concerning the Refund Protocol The Refund Protocol faces hurdles in achieving widespread adoption and seamless functionality. Addressing these challenges is crucial for its scalability and integration into global payment systems.Here are the challenges the Refund Protocol is facing:Adoption by wallet providers: For the Refund Protocol to work smoothly, wallet providers must integrate it with the wallet. If a wallet doesn’t support specifying refund addresses or interacting with the Refund Protocol smart contract, both the payers and the sellers may not be able to use the full range of features. Gas costs and scalability: The Refund Protocol requires multiple interactions with the blockchain — payment deposits, withdrawals and dispute resolutions — each of which can incur gas costs. As the number of transactions grows, the fee may become prohibitive, particularly in high-volume applications. Legal and regulatory considerations: As stablecoins become more widely adopted, there may be legal and regulatory challenges regarding the enforceability of the protocol. The role of the arbiter in dispute resolution may need clarification under various jurisdictions, which could impact the global use of the protocol.Malicious arbiters: While the Refund Protocol minimizes the power of the arbiter, there is still the probability of misuse. A malicious arbiter could approve a refund that isn’t justified, leading to unfair outcomes. To mitigate this risk, auditing mechanisms and reputation systems could help ensure that arbiters act fairly and responsibly.Integration with traditional payment systems: As stablecoins gain popularity, there will likely be challenges in integrating them with traditional fiat-based systems. Most consumers are still accustomed to using credit cards or other payment methods, so ensuring that the Refund Protocol works seamlessly with both stablecoins and fiat currencies is a key challenge for the future.

The European Union is set to impose sweeping Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules that will ban privacy-preserving tokens and anonymous cryptocurrency accounts from 2027.Under the new Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), credit institutions, financial institutions and crypto asset service providers (CASPs) will be prohibited from maintaining anonymous accounts or handling privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies.“Article 79 of the AMLR establishes strict prohibitions on anonymous accounts [...]. Credit institutions, financial institutions, and crypto-asset service providers are prohibited from maintaining anonymous accounts,” according to the AML Handbook, published by European Crypto Initiative (EUCI).The AML Handbook. Source: EUCIThe regulation is part of a broader AML framework that includes bank and payment accounts, passbooks and safe-deposit boxes, “crypto-asset accounts allowing anonymisation of transactions,” and “accounts using anonymity-enhancing coins.”Related: Eric Trump: USD1 will be used for $2B MGX investment in Binance“The regulations (the AMLR, AMLD and AMLAR) are final, and what remains is the ‘fine print’ — aka the interpretation of some of the requirements through the so-called implementing and delegated acts,” according to Vyara Savova, senior policy lead at the EUCI.She added that much of the implementation will come through so-called implementing and delegated acts, which are mostly handled by the European Banking Authority:“This means that the EUCI is still actively working on these level two acts by providing feedback to the public consultations, as some of the implementation details are yet to be finalized.”“However, the broader framework is final, so centralized crypto projects (CASPs under MiCA) need to keep it in mind when determining their internal processes and policies,” Savova said.Related: Bitcoin volatility lowest in 563 days, Hayes predicts $1M BTC by 2028EU to increase oversight of crypto service providersUnder the new regulatory framework, CASPs operating in at least six member states will be under direct AML supervision.In the initial stage, AMLA plans to select 40 entities, with at least one entity per member state, according to EUCI’s AML Handbook. The selection process is set to start on July 1, 2027.AMLA will use “materiality thresholds” to ensure that only firms with “substantial operations presence in multiple jurisdictions are considered for direct supervision.”The thresholds include a “minimum of 20,000 customers residing in the host member state,” or a total transaction volume of over 50 million euros ($56 million).Other notable measures include mandatory customer due diligence on transactions above 1,000 euros ($1,100).These updates come as the EU ramps up its regulatory oversight of the crypto industry, building on previous measures such as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26

The European Union is set to impose sweeping Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules that will ban privacy-preserving tokens and anonymous cryptocurrency accounts from 2027.Under the new Anti-Money Laundering Regulation (AMLR), credit institutions, financial institutions and crypto asset service providers (CASPs) will be prohibited from maintaining anonymous accounts or handling privacy-preserving cryptocurrencies.“Article 79 of the AMLR establishes strict prohibitions on anonymous accounts [...]. Credit institutions, financial institutions, and crypto-asset service providers are prohibited from maintaining anonymous accounts,” according to the AML Handbook, published by European Crypto Initiative (EUCI).The AML Handbook. Source: EUCIThe regulation is part of a broader AML framework that includes bank and payment accounts, passbooks and safe-deposit boxes, “crypto-asset accounts allowing anonymisation of transactions,” and “accounts using anonymity-enhancing coins.”Related: Eric Trump: USD1 will be used for $2B MGX investment in Binance“The regulations (the AMLR, AMLD and AMLAR) are final, and what remains is the ‘fine print’ — aka the interpretation of some of the requirements through the so-called implementing and delegated acts,” according to Vyara Savova, senior policy lead at the EUCI.She added that much of the implementation will come through so-called implementing and delegated acts, which are mostly handled by the European Banking Authority:“This means that the EUCI is still actively working on these level two acts by providing feedback to the public consultations, as some of the implementation details are yet to be finalized.”“However, the broader framework is final, so centralized crypto projects (CASPs under MiCA) need to keep it in mind when determining their internal processes and policies,” Savova said.Related: Bitcoin volatility lowest in 563 days, Hayes predicts $1M BTC by 2028EU to increase oversight of crypto service providersUnder the new regulatory framework, CASPs operating in at least six member states will be under direct AML supervision.In the initial stage, AMLA plans to select 40 entities, with at least one entity per member state, according to EUCI’s AML Handbook. The selection process is set to start on July 1, 2027.AMLA will use “materiality thresholds” to ensure that only firms with “substantial operations presence in multiple jurisdictions are considered for direct supervision.”The thresholds include a “minimum of 20,000 customers residing in the host member state,” or a total transaction volume of over 50 million euros ($56 million).Other notable measures include mandatory customer due diligence on transactions above 1,000 euros ($1,100).Magazine: Bitcoin $100K hopes on ice, SBF’s mysterious prison move: Hodler’s Digest, April 20 – 26

$USD1, the stablecoin behind Donald Trump’s Web3 venture – World Liberty Financial – is on fire right now. Abu Dhabi-based AI firm MGX is using $USD1 to wrap up a hefty $2B investment into Binance, the world’s largest exchange. And the excitement doesn’t end there. It’s also gearing up to be integrated into Tron, a […]

The markets are recovering overall, and crypto is getting a bit between its teeth again. While everyone follows Bitcoin, the XRP latest news is worth investigating. Meme-wise, Pepe coin news also looks interesting and these tokens may warrant some deeper analysis. Similarly, the new token Remittix is also making news headlines for all the right [...] The post Latest Breaking News And Price Predictions: XRP, Pepe Coin And Remittix appeared first on Blockonomi.

Sam Altman-backed World project has announced a collaboration with U.S. technology firm Match Group, the company behind renowned dating apps like OkCupid, Tinder, and Hinge. On May 1, Sam Altman’s iris-scanning blockchain project is teaming up with Match Group’s portfolio…

Top executive deeply involved with Cardano since 2019 shares crucial take on network

• #Cardano

Several hundred million SHIB meme coins has been transferred out of the circulating supply

Litecoin rose 6.52% in 24 hours to hit a three-month high. As demand for the altcoin grew, LTC broke out of a descending channel. Over the past day, Litecoin [LTC] has made a strong price upThe post Litecoin shakes off bearish pressure - Is $96 next in line for LTC? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

• #litecoin

This content is provided by a sponsor. PRESS RELEASE. Fastex has announced the launch of YoWallet, an upgraded version of its existing Fastex Wallet app. The migration process has already started, allowing users to transition smoothly to YoWallet to benefit from enhanced functionality and performance. YoWallet introduces several enhancements, including real-time notifications for wallet activities, […]

Not all RWAs are for the same purpose. Some are perfect for saving, some for spending, and some for growing wealth in the long run. Let’s look at two more types of RWAs—tokenized treasury bills and real estate—and help you choose the right one. 3. Tokenized Treasury Bills This is your “earn while you wait” […] The post 4 Types of RWAs and How to Choose the Right One- Part 2 appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

XRP's on-chain dynamic getting worse, but it could be normal

The US bitcoin ETFs have bought $422 million worth of BTC this Wednesday, with BlackRock's IBIT seeing $350 million in inflows.

• #bitcoin

Brits will find it much harder to buy crypto with borrowed money

Decentralized exchange aggregator 1inch has officially launched on Solana. This launch paves the way for low-cost, high-speed token swaps across one of the fastest-growing blockchains in cryptocurrency. The move would introduce 1inch’s popular Fusion protocol to Solana users for the first time. The Fusion Protocol is a feature that lets users set the terms of […] The post 1inch Lands on Solana as DEX Activity Soars appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

RWAs are traditional, real-life assets—invoices, dollars, oil, or property—brought onto the blockchain. Like digital assets, you can now use them to trade and engage in DeFi activities.  With RWAs playing a significant role in different projects, it’s worth understanding the four types and how to pick the right one for your needs. 1. Tokenized Gold […] The post 4 Types of RWAs and How to Choose the Right One – Part 1 appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

Key points:Bitcoin long-term holders are about to hit a level of unrealized profit, which has traditionally caused them to sell.That level coincides with the return to a six-figure BTC price.Order book data suggests that bulls may not succeed in keeping the upside going.Bitcoin (BTC) risks a “notable increase” in selling from its older investors if price rises further, warns onchain analytics firm Glassnode.In the latest edition of its regular newsletter, “The Week Onchain,” researchers calculated that long-term holders (LTHs) are sitting on almost 350% unrealized profits.Bitcoin sell-side odds in line for crucial testBitcoin at multimonth highs will tempt an increasing number of hodlers to take profits — including so-called “diamond hands.”Using a variety of metrics to track investor profitability, Glassnode shows that aggregate LTH unrealized profits are now nearing 350% — a key historical level.“Having established that the LTH cohort is expressing a preference to hold onto their supply, we can attempt to quantify the potential price levels required to entice them to part with their coins, and commence the next wave of profit taking,” it explains.LTH refers to entities holding BTC for more than six months. For Glassnode, the key price area to watch for changes in their behavior is the $100,000 zone.“Historically speaking, the Long-Term Holder cohort typically ramps up their spending pressure when the average member is holding a +350% unrealized profit margin,” it explains.“Reconciling this information with the spot price, the average LTH is expected to hit a 350% profit margin at the $99.9k level. As such, we can anticipate an uptick in sell-side pressure as the market approaches this zone, making it an area that will likely require substantial buy-side demand to absorb the distribution, and sustain upwards momentum.”Bitcoin LTH profit levels (screenshot). Source: GlassnodeTrader: BTC price upside potential “looks thin”BTC/USD reached $97,500 this week before cooling off — its highest since Feb. 21, per data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView.Related: Bitcoin eyes gains as macro data makes US recession 2025 ‘base case’While more than $20,000 above its recent lows, Bitcoin is not yet convincing traders that it can return to classic bull market behavior.Popular trader TheKingfisher pointed to order book liquidity as one sign that sellers may take revenge on the recovery.“Massive wall of LONG liquidations stacked up under ~$91k. Shorts above current price ($96.6k)? Barely anything significant,” he wrote in part of an X post on May 1.“Huge imbalance suggests potential downside magnet is strong. High risk for longs near current levels. Upside fuel looks thin for now.”Bitcoin exchange order book liquidity data. Source: TheKingfisher/XGlassnode also acknowledged the need to demonstrate key resistance/support flips, referencing the 111-day simple moving average (SMA) and the aggregate cost basis of Bitcoin speculators, known as short-term holders (STHs).“The price has recently surged above both of these pricing models, and is now attempting to consolidate within this zone. This highlights a noteworthy degree of strength behind this upwards swing,” it commented. “However, these are levels that must be broken and held for further price appreciation, as a rejection of this level would push the price back into bearish territory, and return many investors to a state of meaningful unrealized loss.”BTC/USD chart with 11-day SMA, STH realized price. Source: GlassnodeThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

• #bitcoin

Why are refunds important in stablecoin payments? Anyone who has used traditional payment systems will likely be familiar with refunds and chargebacks. If a purchase goes wrong, like receiving damaged items or not receiving the product at all, the payer can file a complaint with the seller to recover their funds. This process of refunds builds trust between payers and sellers, ensuring secure transactions for both sides.However, stablecoin transactions differ significantly. Unlike credit cards or PayPal, stablecoin payments are generally irreversible. Once sent, the payment is final, with no standard way to dispute or reverse it if issues arise, which can make payers wary of using stablecoins for daily purchases.This highlights the importance of refunds in the stablecoin ecosystem. Just as payers rely on protections with traditional payment methods, stablecoin transactions need comparable systems to inspire confidence. Without options to dispute or reverse payments, payers may avoid stablecoins for online shopping or other transactions. A clear, reliable refund system could make stablecoin payments safer and more attractive for payers, whether purchasing digital goods, services or physical items. Circle’s Refund Protocol, explained Circle’s refund protocol is basically a smart contract designed to resolve payment disputes while preventing custodial control over funds. It has transformed the role of arbiter by restricting their ability to redirect funds at will or indefinitely block access.Traditionally, an arbiter could fully control escrowed funds, including misusing or losing them. The Refund Protocol changes this by limiting the arbiter’s powers strictly to dispute resolution. Rather than making the arbiter all-powerful, the protocol entrusts the arbiter with three specific authorities:Set a lockup period during which the payer’s funds are securely held in escrowAuthorize refunds to a pre-specified address provided by the payerAllow early fund withdrawal by the payer if they pay a mutually agreed fee to the arbiter.The arbiter cannot send the funds to any arbitrary address, ensuring they remain non-custodial. The use of a smart contract ensures transparency, locking the process into code rather than trusting human discretion. The smart contract logs the recipient’s address, amount and refund address. By removing full custodial rights and fixing the dispute period, the Refund Protocol protects both payers and recipients while offering a structured, tamper-proof way to handle disagreements. Key features of Circle’s Refund Protocol In digital payments, stablecoins like USDC (USDC) have transformed transactions by providing swift, borderless and stable payment options. But these stablecoins lack the ability to manage disputes or process refunds, which is typically expected from traditional payment systems such as credit cards. The Refund Protocol fills this void.Here are the key features of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial escrow: With the Refund Protocol, funds are never controlled by a central party. You don’t need to trust any single entity with your funds. Instead, the smart contract itself ensures that funds are only released when the conditions are met. This creates a more secure and trustworthy system for both payers and sellers.Mediation by an arbiter: If a dispute arises, the Refund Protocol employs an arbiter who works as a neutral mediator to settle conflicts without centralization or excessive authority. The arbiter’s role is to facilitate dispute resolution, not to manage the funds. If the payer and the seller cannot resolve the issue, the arbiter can make a final ruling, but they cannot arbitrarily access or control the funds. Lockup periods: To allow both parties time to address issues, the Refund Protocol incorporates lockup periods. During this period, funds stay in escrow, giving both sides an opportunity for negotiation or dispute resolution before funds are transferred to the payer. This ensures the payment isn’t immediately lost to fraud or mistakes.Early withdrawals: If the seller needs access to funds before the lockup period concludes, the Refund Protocol permits early withdrawals. But this is subject to a fee and requires consent from both the payer and the arbiter. Early withdrawals offer flexibility, enabling quicker access to funds if both parties agree on the conditions.Composability and transparency: A standout feature of the Refund Protocol is its composability, designed to integrate effortlessly with other blockchain-based applications. All transactions are logged on the blockchain, allowing the payer to monitor their funds’ status and maintain a clear record if a dispute occurs.Did you know? The Refund Protocol is built to work with USDC and can be integrated into merchant platforms, wallets or payment services. This opens doors to mainstream e-commerce use cases, where stablecoin refunds become as seamless as traditional card chargebacks. How Circle’s Refund Protocol works With Circle’s Refund Protocol, the payer no longer needs to avoid USDC payments, fearing an irreversible payment. It offers a transparent, decentralized and clear method to resolve disputes, ensuring funds’ safety. Here is how the refund protocol works:The payment: When the payer makes a payment, funds aren’t instantly transferred to the seller. The protocol’s smart contract holds the funds in escrow, showing the payment as initiated but pausing the transfer until conditions are fulfilled.The refund: If an issue occurs post-payment, such as non-delivery of service or products, the payer can request a refund from escrow if the supplier agrees. But if the seller doesn’t consent, they can escalate the matter to the arbiter for a resolution.The withdrawal: After the lockup period, if no disputes arise, the seller can withdraw funds without arbiter involvement. The decentralized, non-custodial system would only hold funds when needed.Early withdrawal: If the seller needs funds sooner, they can request early withdrawal. This feature includes a fee the arbiter determines and must be mutually agreed upon with the payer. To prevent arbitrary charges, the recipient must sign off on the terms before the withdrawal can happen.Did you know? The protocol predefines refund addresses at the time of payment. This means that even if disputes arise, arbiters can’t redirect funds elsewhere. It’s a privacy-preserving and fraud-resistant design that limits trust assumptions while still allowing dispute mediation. Benefits of the Refund Protocol Refund Protocol transforms stablecoin transactions by prioritizing security, transparency and user autonomy. It delivers a cost-effective, decentralized framework that enhances trust and usability for everyday payments.Here are some benefits of the Refund Protocol:Non-custodial system: The Refund Protocol ensures funds remain free from centralized control and, subsequently, arbitrary decision-making. This mechanism boosts trust as the payers don’t need to rely on any single entity. The smart contract ensures automated release of funds when conditions are met, fostering a secure, trustworthy environment for both payers and sellers.Transparent dispute resolution: A key advantage of the Refund Protocol is a transparent dispute resolution process. If an issue arises, an arbiter resolves it. As all transactions are onchain, both payers and buyers can monitor dispute progress anytime. Flexibility and control: The payer can designate a refund address in advance, setting payment terms. A seller may withdraw funds early, though with a fee. These features provide greater control over fund handling, which becomes especially useful for uses like e-commerce.Lower costs: By eliminating intermediaries like banks or payment processors, the Refund Protocol cuts transaction fees. This makes stablecoin payments a cost-effective option, particularly for cross-border transfers where traditional methods are slow and expensive.Greater stablecoin adoption: The Refund Protocol has overcome a significant hurdle to stablecoin use — the lack of trust. Its transparent, fair dispute resolution encourages more businesses and consumers to adopt stablecoins.Did you know? Circle’s Refund Protocol helps bridge the trust gap in crypto commerce by mimicking familiar Web2 refund experiences but in a decentralized way. It demonstrates how programmable money can unlock new consumer protection forms without sacrificing blockchain’s permissionless ethos. Challenges concerning the Refund Protocol The Refund Protocol faces hurdles in achieving widespread adoption and seamless functionality. Addressing these challenges is crucial for its scalability and integration into global payment systems.Here are the challenges the Refund Protocol is facing:Adoption by wallet providers: For the Refund Protocol to work smoothly, wallet providers must integrate it with the wallet. If a wallet doesn’t support specifying refund addresses or interacting with the Refund Protocol smart contract, both the payers and the sellers may not be able to use the full range of features. Gas costs and scalability: The Refund Protocol requires multiple interactions with the blockchain — payment deposits, withdrawals and dispute resolutions — each of which can incur gas costs. As the number of transactions grows, the fee may become prohibitive, particularly in high-volume applications. Legal and regulatory considerations: As stablecoins become more widely adopted, there may be legal and regulatory challenges regarding the enforceability of the protocol. The role of the arbiter in dispute resolution may need clarification under various jurisdictions, which could impact the global use of the protocol.Malicious arbiters: While the Refund Protocol minimizes the power of the arbiter, there is still the probability of misuse. A malicious arbiter could approve a refund that isn’t justified, leading to unfair outcomes. To mitigate this risk, auditing mechanisms and reputation systems could help ensure that arbiters act fairly and responsibly.Integration with traditional payment systems: As stablecoins gain popularity, there will likely be challenges in integrating them with traditional fiat-based systems. Most consumers are still accustomed to using credit cards or other payment methods, so ensuring that the Refund Protocol works seamlessly with both stablecoins and fiat currencies is a key challenge for the future.

Big wallets suddenly bet big on Ethereum (ETH) through Binance and Aave

The Game Dollar is powered by M0’s universal stablecoin platform. It promises to bring consistency, speed, and reliability to in-game commerce. With the explosive growth of virtual economies and digital goods, Playtron’s new stablecoin aims to become the backbone of financial transactions across games, platforms, and communities. Stablecoins Meet Game Economies Game Dollar will debut […] The post PLAYTR0N Launches Game Dollar for Gaming on Sui appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

PI, the native token of Pi Network, resumed its downtrend in May as it failed to hold the $0.6 support level amid bearish technicals. Pi Network (PI) has fallen nearly 10% over the past week, exchanging hands at $0.59 as…

The Brazilian Federal Police carried out Operation Fantasos, with more than 50 officers executing 11 search and seizure warrants in various locations across Rio de Janeiro. The mastermind behind these activities was extradited from Switzerland to the U.S. in February. Operation Fantasos Targets the Remnants of a $290 Million Crypto Ponzi Scheme in Brazil Brazil […]

Through this tokenization agreement, $3 billion worth of MAG’s ultra-luxury properties will be tokenized on MultiBank’s platform. The platform will be powered by the Mavryk blockchain. This move will make MAG’s assets available to global investors, creating new investment opportunities in real estate. The tokenization of these assets will leverage the unique benefits of blockchain […] The post MultiBank, MAG, Mavryk Launch $3B Tokenization Deal appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

Bitcoin leads crypto liquidations, with Solana and XRP also in spotlight

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The Sui Network and its ecosystem are currently on fire. One of its lesser-known features is that you can stake native Bitcoin on Sui. Out of all TVL on Sui, 10% is from Bitcoin. So, this indicates Sui’s growing role in BTCfi. In the most recent development, Stacks joined the Sui Network. With its $sBTC, […] The post Sui Unveils $sBTC Integration for Advanced Bitcoin Finance appeared first on Altcoin Buzz.

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Japanese Bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet is ramping up its crypto accumulation strategy with a fresh ¥3.6 billion ($23 million) bond issuance to buy more Bitcoin. Metaplanet, a Japanese firm known for its aggressive Bitcoin (BTC) treasury strategy, has issued ¥3.6…

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As Bitcoin (BTC) continues its climb toward the psychologically important $100,000 level, an increasing number of holders appear to be holding tightly to their coins rather than depositing them on exchanges. However, the top digital asset must still decisively overcome some key resistance levels before launching into a sustained bullish wave. Bitcoin Depositing Addresses Plummet […]

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21Shares was the second potential issuer to apply for a U.S. spot SUI ETF.  SUI was above the key level for bullish continuation, but network activity cooled off.  21Shares, a $10 billion The post 21Shares seeks SEC’s nod for spot Sui ETF - How did the altcoin react? appeared first on AMBCrypto.

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Bitcoin Magazine 8 Lessons in Bitcoin Treasury Strategy from the Strategy (MSTR) Q1 Earnings Call Strategy (MSTR)’s Q1 call revealed 8 capital strategies—from BTC yield to fixed income tools—reshaping how companies run a Bitcoin treasury. This post 8 Lessons in Bitcoin Treasury Strategy from the Strategy (MSTR) Q1 Earnings Call first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nick Ward.

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Pepe and SHIB soared — now a Polygon-based token is gaining traction, with experts eyeing a potential 15,000% surge. #partnercontent

Movement Labs confirmed the suspension of its co-founder, Rushi Manche, following controversies over a market maker deal that he brokered.Movement announced the suspension of Manche in a May 2 X post, explaining that the “decision was made in light of ongoing events.” The decision follows Coinbase's recent decision to suspend the Movement Network (MOVE) trading, citing the token’s failure to meet its listing standards.Source: MovementThe suspension came after a recently announced third-party review requested by the Movement Network Foundation into an agreement orchestrated by Manche with Rentech — the latter helped broker an agreement with market maker Web3Port. Private intelligence firm Groom Lake is conducting the investigation.This was followed by Web3Port reportedly selling the 66 million MOVE that it gained through the deal — about 5% of the total supply. This led to $38 million in downward price pressure in December 2024.Groom Lake has not answered Cointelegraph’s inquiry by press time.Related: Citadel Securities eyes market-making role for crypto exchanges: ReportMarket makers are a controversial player in cryptoAccording to a recent analysis, the right market maker can be a launchpad for a cryptocurrency project, opening the door to major exchanges and providing valuable liquidity to ensure a token is tradeable. On the other hand, when the wrong incentives are set, market makers can kill a project as it is taking its first steps in the market.A summer 2024 report suggests that up to 78% of new token listings since April 2024 have been poorly conducted, with some suggesting that market makers are involved.Related: How to choose a market maker for your Web3 projectLawsuits claim market maker manipulationCreditors of bankrupt cryptocurrency lending platform Celsius Network have alleged that leading crypto market maker Wintermute was involved in the wash trading of the Celsius token. Wash trading is a form of market manipulation that creates the illusion that a particular asset is trading at a higher volume than it actually is.This is far from the only such case. In late 2024, Fracture Labs, creator of the Web3 game Decimated, filed suit against market maker Jump Crypto for allegedly orchestrating a pump-and-dump scheme using its in-game currency, DIO.Another notable example is a Wall Street Journal report claimed that DWF Labs, one of Binance’s largest trading clients, engaged in market manipulation, wash trading and inflated trading volumes amounting to $300 million through deals with crypto projects. DWF Labs and Binance later denied the accusation in May 2024.Last month, a Massachusetts court fined crypto market maker CLS Global for fraudulent manipulation of trading volumes. In late February, the founder of a so-called crypto hedge fund and market maker called Gotbit was extradited from Portugal to the US, where he faces market manipulation charges and wire fraud conspiracy.Magazine: What do crypto market makers actually do? Liquidity, or manipulation

Circle’s stablecoin USDC and cross-chain transfer protocol will be integrated into Sam Altman’s World project, allowing users to convert their bridged USDC into native stablecoins. On May 1, the Sam Altman-backed blockchain project announced its collaboration with the stablecoin giant…

Coinspeaker Two Prime Favors Bitcoin Over ETH amid Rising BTC Buy Pressure SEC-approved investment firm Two Prime has officially cut ties with Ethereum, calling its behavior "memecoin-like" and shifting its focus entirely to Bitcoin. Two Prime Favors Bitcoin Over ETH amid Rising BTC Buy Pressure

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Coinspeaker Bithumb Listing Results in 25% Gains for Haedal Protocol (HAEDAL) HAEDAL, the utility and governance token of the Haedal Protocol, soared over 25% following a high-profile listing on South Korea’s Bithumb exchange. Bithumb Listing Results in 25% Gains for Haedal Protocol (HAEDAL)

Without regulatory alignment, tokenized assets risk being confined to niche markets rather than achieving true global adoption.

TLDR Dogecoin currently trading in tight range between $0.16 support and $0.19-$0.20 resistance Whales have accumulated approximately 100 million DOGE in the past week Analysts split on future direction but whale activity often precedes price rallies Breaking above $0.20 could trigger recovery rally toward $0.25 Technical patterns suggest potential for significant upward movement in coming [...] The post Dogecoin (DOGE) Price: Trading Range Persists Between $0.16 Support and $0.20 Resistance appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR Strategy reported a 13.7% YTD Bitcoin yield despite missing Wall Street Q1 estimates Company plans to raise an additional $21 billion to purchase more Bitcoin Strategy currently holds over 550,000 BTC valued at approximately $53 billion The firm recorded a $5.9 billion unrealized loss on Bitcoin holdings in Q1 Average purchase price of Bitcoin [...] The post Strategy Reports 13.7% Bitcoin Yield in Q1 2025 Despite Missing Wall Street Estimates appeared first on Blockonomi.

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TLDR Avraham Eisenberg sentenced to 52 months in prison on child sexual abuse material charges This case is separate from his 2022 Mango Markets exploit ($100 million) Eisenberg was found guilty of wire fraud, commodities fraud, and manipulation for the Mango Markets case in April 2024 Sentencing for the Mango Markets fraud remains pending Eisenberg [...] The post Mango Markets Hacker Eisenberg Gets Prison Sentence for Child Abuse Material appeared first on Blockonomi.

The ‘Common Cents’ Act, which has bipartisan support, seeks to end the production of the $0.01 coin, commonly known as the cent, as its production and distribution costs exceed its face value. Representatives Lisa McClain and Robert Garcia, along with Senators Cynthia Lummis and Kirsten Gillibrand, are behind this proposal. Common Cents Act Gets Introduced […]