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cointelegraph.com ‘Everything is lining up’ — Tokenization is having its breakout moment

Tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is evolving from an abstract concept to a practical financial tool as institutional players increasingly test and deploy blockchain-based infrastructure at scale.This past week alone saw a flurry of announcements from both traditional financial institutions and blockchain-native firms advancing their RWA initiatives.On April 30, BlackRock filed to create a digital ledger technology shares class for its $150 billion Treasury Trust fund. It will leverage blockchain technology to maintain a mirror record of share ownership for investors.The DLT shares will track BlackRock’s BLF Treasury Trust Fund (TTTXX), which may only be purchased from BlackRock Advisors and The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY).On the same day, Libre announced plans to tokenize $500 million in Telegram debt through its new Telegram Bond Fund (TBF). The fund will be available to accredited investors and usable as collateral for onchain borrowing.The week’s biggest headline came from Dubai, where MultiBank Group signed a $3 billion RWA tokenization deal with United Arab Emirates-based real estate firm MAG and blockchain infrastructure provider Mavryk. The deal is touted as the largest RWA tokenization initiative to date.Source: MultiBank“The recent surge isn’t arbitrary. It’s happening because everything’s lining up,” Eric Piscini, CEO of Hashgraph, told Cointelegraph:“Rules are getting clearer in major markets. The tech is stronger, faster, and ready to scale. And big players are actually doing it — BlackRock is tokenizing funds, Citi is exploring digital asset custody, and Franklin Templeton has tokenized money market funds on public blockchains.”Related: Real-world asset tokenization: Unlocking a new era of financeTokenization has moved beyond theoryMarcin Kazmierczak, co-founder of RedStone, said the recent announcements “demonstrate that tokenization has moved beyond theoretical discussions into practical application by market leaders.”He added that the growing adoption by big institutions gives the space more credibility, making others feel more confident to join in and help boost new ideas and investments.Kazmierczak stated that the renewed interest in RWA tokenization is primarily driven by US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto administration and growing regulatory clarity.Trump, who has pledged to “make the US the crypto capital of the world,” has taken a different approach to crypto compared to the Biden administration. That era saw an aggressive crackdown from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), prompting many firms to withdraw from US operations.However, the narrative appears to be shifting. Since Trump’s election victory, the SEC has dropped or paused over a dozen enforcement cases against crypto companies.Additionally, the DOJ recently announced the dissolution of its cryptocurrency enforcement unit, signaling a softer approach to the sector.Source: ALXAside from regulatory clarity, advancements in technological capabilities, especially in wallets, have also played a key role in driving tokenization adoption, Felipe D’Onofrio, chief technology officer at Brickken, said.“In parallel, macroeconomic pressures are pushing institutions to search for efficiency and liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets,” he added.Related: New era in mining: How tokenization can transform the salt industryEthereum remains main hub for tokenizationEthereum continues to serve as the primary hub for RWA tokenization, thanks to its mature ecosystem, broad developer support and robust infrastructure.“Ethereum remains by far the most suitable blockchain for large-scale RWA issuance due to its unparalleled security, developer ecosystem, and institutional adoption,” Kazmierczak said.However, he noted that dedicated RWA-specialized ecosystems like Canton Network, Plume, and Ondo Chain are building compelling alternatives with features designed explicitly for compliant asset tokenization.According to data from RWA.xyz, the market value of tokenized US Treasurys currently stands at $6.5 billion. Ethereum accounts for the lion’s share of the market, hosting over $4.9 billion in tokenized Treasurys.Source: RWA.xyzHerwig Koningson, CEO of Security Token Market, said companies like BlackRock have shown that it’s possible to build large-scale tokenized products, worth billions of dollars, using more than one blockchain at the same time.He said this shows that the success of tokenizing assets doesn’t depend so much on which blockchain is used, but rather on what the company needs the system to do.“This is why you will see many banks and traditional firms use permissioned blockchains or even private DLT systems,” Koningson said.Related: $21B tokenized RWA market doubtful, institutions uninterested — Plume CEOChallenges remain, but growth potential is hugeYet hurdles remain. Regulation continues to be a significant barrier, especially for risk-averse institutions requiring guarantees around compliance and privacy.Technical limitations also persist, chiefly the lack of interoperability between blockchain platforms, according to Piscini. However, he said hybrid models are gaining traction by offering the privacy of permissioned systems with optional future interoperability with public chains.Looking ahead, Piscini estimated that more than 10% of global financial assets could be tokenized by the end of the decade. D’Onofrio also made a modest projection, estimating that between 5% and 10% of global financial assets could be tokenized by 2030.On the other hand, RedStone’s Kazmierczak predicted that approximately 30% of the global financial system will be tokenized by the end of this decade.In terms of numbers, STM.co predicted that the world’s RWA market will be anywhere between $30 and $50 trillion by the end of 2030.Most firms predict that the RWA sector will reach a market size of between $4 trillion and $30 trillion by 2030.If the sector were to achieve the median prediction of about $10 trillion, it would represent more than 50 times the growth from its current value of around $185 billion, including the stablecoin market, according to a Tren Finance research report.Magazine: Tokenizing music royalties as NFTs could help the next Taylor Swift

news.bitcoin.com Coinbase Quietly Holds 2.7  Million Bitcoin Under Management, Worth About $261  Billion

Coinbase quietly guards a digital war chest of 2.7 million bitcoin, with Wall Street giants, tech titans, and mining firms all locking their crypto fortunes behind its walls. Digital Fort Knox Onchain data from timechainindex.com shows that San Francisco–based Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) currently safeguards 13.7% of the bitcoin ( BTC) in circulation. Beyond running a […]

bitcoinist.com Arizona State Governor Vetoes Bitcoin Reserve Bill – Details

Arizona State Governor Katie Hobbs has vetoed a legislative bill that would have allowed the creation of a Bitcoin reserve. The Grand Canyon state joins a growing list of other US states where legislative efforts to direct state investment to Bitcoin have proven futile. Related Reading: History Rhymes: Will Bitcoin Repeat Classic Breakout Pattern To […]

bitcoinist.com Why SUBBD Token ($SUBBD) Is Gaining Ground as Crypto Takes Off in Central Asia

Central Asia is quickly becoming one of the most interesting regions for crypto adoption. Kyrgyzstan has partnered with Binance to roll out crypto payments across the country, letting people pay with digital assets in real life. Kazakhstan is working on a national stablecoin settlement system linked to its exchange, while the Kyrgyz central bank has […]

cointelegraph.com Saylor signals impending Bitcoin purchase following Q1 earnings call

Strategy co-founder Michael Saylor hinted at an impending Bitcoin (BTC) purchase, marking the fourth consecutive week of purchases by the BTC treasury company.The company's most recent acquisition occurred on April 28 when Strategy purchased 15,355 BTC, valued at over $1.4 billion at the time, bringing the company's total holdings to 553,555 BTC.According to data from SaylorTracker, Strategy is up approximately 39% on its investment, representing over $15 billion in unrealized gains.Strategy’s history of Bitcoin acquisition. Source: SaylorTrackerBitcoin investors continue closely monitoring the company, which has been a major driver of direct institutional exposure to BTC by popularizing the Bitcoin corporate treasury concept and indirectly through institutions holding Strategy's stock in their investment portfolios.Related: Strategy ends April up 32% in best month since November as Q1 earnings loomStrategy misses Q1 analyst estimates but continues stacking BitcoinStrategy fell short of analyst estimates for Q1 2025, reporting approximately $111 million in revenue, down by 3.6% from Q1 2024 and missing analyst expectations by 5%.However, the company also reported that it acquired 61,497 BTC so far in 2025 and also revealed plans to raise $21 billion through an equity offering to finance the purchase of more BTC.The quarter-by-quarter growth of Strategy’s Bitcoin treasury. Source: StrategyAsset manager Richard Byworth recently suggested that Strategy should acquire companies with ample cash reserves and convert those fiat cash reserves to Bitcoin for its treasury.Byworth added that Strategy could also purchase Bitcoin on the open market as exchange balances dwindle, rather than the over-the-counter (OTC) transactions between private parties that do not affect the market exchange price.Doing so would push prices higher, driving up the value of Strategy's Bitcoin reserves and acting as a catalyst attracting even more investors to BTC, the asset manager said.Strategy's effect on Bitcoin's price and Bitcoin adoption continues to draw intense discussion over the role of the company as it relates to market dynamics.Adam Livingston, a BTC analyst and author of "The Bitcoin Age and The Great Harvest," recently argued that Strategy's demand for BTC is synthetically halving Bitcoin by outpacing the daily miner output.Livingston pointed out that Strategy's average daily rate of Bitcoin accumulation of roughly 2,087 BTC far outstrips the collective daily mined supply of around 450 BTC.Magazine: ZK-proofs are bringing smart contracts to Bitcoin — BitcoinOS and Starknet

news.bitcoin.com Latam Insights: Strategy Rises in Brazil; El Salvador Continues to Buy Bitcoin

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compilation of the most relevant crypto and economic news from Latin America over the past week. In this week’s edition, Oranje rises as Latam’s Strategy’s copycat, El Salvador will continue to buy bitcoin despite the IMF’s deal, and Brazil cracks down on a $290 million crypto scheme remains. Latam’s Strategy […]

news.bitcoin.com Coinbase Pursues US Staking Rights, Saylor Calls Bitcoin a ‘Historic Entry Point,’ and More — Week in Review

Coinbase pursues U.S. staking rights, Saylor calls Bitcoin a “historic entry point,” Bitcoin’s bull run reloads, and more in this Week in Review. Week in Review Coinbase is battling regulatory setbacks in four U.S. states that have blocked $90 million in staking rewards. Meanwhile, Strategy continues its aggressive bitcoin acquisition strategy, calling the current moment […]

cointelegraph.com How to set up stop-loss and take-profit orders

Key takeawaysBitcoin and crypto traders can rely on automated orders on their trading platform to limit losses and secure gains.Stop-loss orders in Bitcoin trading started as manual risk management in the early 2010s. Now, they have become advanced, automated tools on today’s exchanges.In the algorithm era and bot pestering, proper trading tools like stop-loss and take-profit orders will help you protect your trades.Setting up advanced BTC trading strategies doesn’t guarantee a successful risk management plan. Monitoring the market regularly helps you understand current conditions. This way, you can avoid strategic mistakes.Stop-loss and take-profit orders in trading were used long before Bitcoin. In traditional financial markets, they were already used as a risk management and profit-securing tool.They help reduce losses and boost revenue by automatically buying or selling an asset when its price reaches a set level. With Bitcoin’s emergence in 2009 and its subsequent trading on exchanges, these advanced trading strategy tools became crucial for dealing with its well-known price volatility. As Bitcoin (BTC) gained traction, traders began to use stop-loss and take-profit strategies from forex and stock markets. At first, price monitoring was manual. Then, automated features on crypto platforms changed everything.What are stop-loss and take-profit orders?Stop-loss and take-profit orders are trading strategies that help investors manage risk and secure gains automatically. They’re instructions you set on a trading platform to close a position when certain price levels are reached. They help limit losses in case of significant price drops or lock in profits when a price target is reached. They can be set up to boost gains and cut losses. This helps keep emotions out of trading, which can prevent regrettable mistakes. They also help if you can’t monitor the market constantly.There must be specific conditions for the orders to trigger. Bitcoin trading is very volatile. Its fast price changes and possible system delays can cause orders to trigger at a different price or not trigger at all. This type of trading strategy gives peace of mind to risk-averse investors.Bitcoin stop-loss ordersIf you don’t want to take risks and preserve your capital, you can use a stop-loss order designed to limit your losses. You can use it for a buy order, setting up a price level below your entry point, or right above it for a sell trade.In case of a price drop, the order is executed automatically at your designated price, preventing further losses. For example, if you buy BTC at $90,000 and set a stop loss at $85,000, your position sells if the price drops to $85,000, capping your loss at $5,000.Bitcoin take-profit ordersTo lock in some gains, you can use a take-profit order. Set a price level above your entry point, and when the market reaches that level, the trade is executed, giving you the expected gains. For example, if you buy BTC at $90,000 and set a take profit at $95,000, if the price hits $95,000, it sells, securing a $5,000 profit per BTC.Importance of stop loss and take profit for Bitcoin tradingBitcoin’s wild price changes make stop-loss and take-profit orders important. These tools help lower the risk of losses and boost the chance of gains.Remember, setting up these orders doesn’t guarantee they will be executed. Their execution relies on various factors, like market volumes.Why set up a stop loss for BitcoinBitcoin’s volatility has gone down over time. Still, it can have big price swings. Without proper Bitcoin trading risk management, traders may face heavy losses.Here are some of the most important reasons why it would be useful to adopt stop-loss orders in your Bitcoin trading strategy.Bitcoin volatility: BTC can still drop 10% in a very short time due to factors such as news, whale moves or market sentiment. On Dec. 5, 2024, for example, BTC suffered a flash crash from $103,853 down to $92,251 before recovering. A stop loss caps your downside trend when a flash crash hits. Without it, you’re gambling on timing the recovery manually.Non-stop market: The Bitcoin market is open 24/7. Setting up a stop loss will prevent losses due to sudden drops while you’re sleeping. Emotions: An emotional state can be a huge game-changer in trading. Emotional investors may panic-sell or panic-buy, triggering significant losses. A stop loss will reduce the risk of making costly emotional mistakes before fear kicks in.Why set up a take-profit order for BitcoinA Bitcoin trading strategy may include defining price targets and a percentage of gains. Setting up a take profit order for BTC may be necessary as part of an overall trading risk management plan and will help reach the following targets.Locking gains: BTC’s volatility, in both bull and bear markets, can lead to quick spikes and can reverse just as quickly. A take profit ensures you cash out before pullbacks.Greed control: Without a take profit order, traders may be tempted to chase higher highs, which may not occur over the short term.Non-stop market: You can’t just sit and watch the market 24/7. A take-profit order ensures profits in case of a sudden pump while you’re asleep.How to set up BTC stop-loss and take-profit ordersSetting up stop-loss and take-profit for Bitcoin trading varies by platform. However, the process is usually similar on most crypto exchanges, like Binance, Coinbase Pro and Kraken.The following step-by-step guide to setting up your BTC stop-loss and take-profit orders should give you a good overview of the process.Step 1: Choose a Bitcoin trading platformThis may be the most crucial aspect of your process to set up your advanced BTC trading strategies. Pick a platform that aligns with your needs. Make sure to check the fees, volumes, reputation and security because these features can impact your trading strategy.Step 2: Open a BTC trading positionOnce you’ve set up your trading account, log in to your platform and navigate to the trading section, and look for the order form. Choose a BTC pair, for example, BTC/USD.Place your buy order (long) or sell order (short). For example, you can place your order to buy 1 BTC at $90,000.Step 3: Set your stop loss for BTCHere’s an example of an order from the Kraken platform. Click on the stop-loss option from the order menu as shown below to set up the tool.Set the stop-loss price by first deciding your risk level, or how much you’re willing to lose in case the Bitcoin price drops significantly.For example, if you bought BTC at $92,500, you can set the stop loss at $87,300, meaning you set your loss at roughly 5.62%.The loss = 92,500 - 87,300 = 5,200Now, to find the percentage loss: (5,200 / 92,500) * 100 = 5.62%Step 4: Set your take profit for BTCStay in the same trade interface. Just as above, after you select your BTC pair and buy the relevant BTC amount, click on the take-profit option.Set the take-profit price based on your exit strategy. For example, you want to set it 5% above the entry price, which would be $94,500 if you bought BTC for $90,000.Enter $94,500 as the sell price. When Bitcoin hits this price, it will sell automatically.Step 5: Confirm and monitor your ordersConfirm and activate after double-checking the amount and price, then submit.If your notifications are active, you will receive one once the order is triggered.Nothing stops you from monitoring your order status, and you can cancel or amend it if the market conditions change.Best practices for BTC stop-loss placementTraders can limit their potential losses by using stop-loss orders. This helps them protect their capital during volatile market conditions. Therefore, with Bitcoin’s possible daily swings of 5%–10%, it’s safe to base a stop loss on volatility.Volatility: Platforms like TradingView might offer an option called Average True Range (ATR) over 14 days. This lets you set an average range below your entry point. For instance, you can choose a range of $3,000, so if you bought Bitcoin at $90,000, the order will trigger once it goes down to $87,000. Align with support levels: Historically, BTC respects price floors. Setting up a stop below a crucial support level gives some peace of mind. For instance, if you bought Bitcoin at $90,000 and $88,000 is your support level, set a stop-loss order at $87,800, just below the zone to bypass stop-hunting bots.Avoid obvious levels: Whales and bots target batches of stop-loss orders at round numbers ($80,000, $85,000) or chart patterns, triggering orders before price reverses. Moving the stop loss a bit lower, like to $87,800 instead of $88,000, will probably trigger the order more effectively. BTC trailing stop lossA trailing stop-loss order automatically adjusts a stop-loss price as the market price moves in a profitable direction to lock in profits and limit losses by following a trade’s price. It’s designed to keep a fixed distance below (for long positions) or above (for short positions) the current market price. A simple stop loss may miss profits, while a trailing stop locks them.You can set a trailing stop loss at 3%–5% below the peak as the price rises. If you buy BTC at $90,000 and it hits $95,000, the trailing stop loss moves to $93,250. You can adjust manually or automatically if the platform allows.Account for slippageSlippage refers to the difference between the expected price of a trade and the actual price at which it is executed. This can occur due to market volatility or low liquidity.In case of low liquidity during BTC crashes, execution can skip your stop loss. For instance, $88,000 may fill at $87,500. Widening the stop loss slightly by 0.5%–1% can solve the problem.How to adjust stop-loss and take-profit Bitcoin ordersWhen and how to adjust a stop lossStop-loss adjustments should be made carefully. This helps protect capital from unexpected market changes and secures profits when possible. It’s often done by adjusting the order to support or resistance levels. Another common strategy is using trailing stop-loss orders. You can use “modify position” or “edit trade” on your platform to adjust them.Tighten the stop loss after a move in your favor. In case BTC’s price rises after entry, you can move the stop loss to reduce risk or lock in profits. If BTC rises after entry, move the stop loss to reduce risk or lock in profit.For example, if BTC bounces from $88,000 to $93,000, you can tighten the stop loss to $90,500, thereby ensuring no loss if it is reversed.Trail the stop loss during a trend. As BTC keeps running upward during a bull market, trailing the stop loss captures more on the upside. A percentage- or ATR-based trail can be used. For instance, with a $90,000 entry, if BTC rallies to $100,000, you can trail the stop loss to $97,200 to lock in $7,200 per coin, which is an 8% profit if it then dips.Widen the stop loss during consolidation, as tight stop losses will get hit in unsettled ranges. For instance, if BTC stalls after the $90,000 entry, you can extend the stop loss from $88,000 to $87,500 to avoid sudden drops below support.Adjust before major events, like US Federal Reserve rate announcements or ETF approvals. These can cause big swings and increase slippage risks. You can tighten the stop loss to 1%–2% if you decide to remain in the trade, or you can widen it to 10% to ride the upward trend.When and how to adjust the take-profit orderTake-profit orders can be adjusted to maximize gains, adapting to momentum or resistance. Just like a stop loss, you can modify them on your trading platform by selecting the open trade and choosing the “modify position” or “edit trade” option. Extend the take profit during strong momentum. This is to avoid missing a peak in a bull run. If you see volume spiking or a breakout clearing resistance, you can push the take profit higher. For instance, you buy at $90,000 and set the take profit at $93,000. If BTC hits $92,500 fast, you can adjust the take profit to $95,000 or $97,000 to maximize profits.Take partial profits at key levels. Resistance levels like $85,000 or $90,000 often see BTC reversing. Then you can decide to sell some of your position to grab some gains and let the rest ride.Tighten the take profit near resistance levels. BTC usually stalls at round numbers or past highs. If the price approaches resistance, you can cut the take profit from $90,000 to $88,500, for example.Reset the take profit after a pullback. If you just missed a take profit trade, do not despair, as BTC usually retraces and then runs up again. If you enter the trade at $90,000 and BTC dips to $85,000, you can reset your take profit order to $87,000 or $88,000 for a moderate win.Common mistakes to avoid with BTC ordersBitcoin’s fast-moving market needs a solid trading strategy. Stop-loss and take-profit orders are key tools. However, if they aren’t set up properly, they could do more damage than benefit. Here are some common mistakes traders make with BTC orders and how to get around them.Setting stops too tightly: Placing a stop loss too close to an entry price means it may get hit by an average drop of 2%–3%. Always keep Bitcoin’s high volatility in mind and use volatility and support level metrics.Ignoring slippage: Slippage can occur due to high volatility or low liquidity. Ignoring it may lead to costly mistakes. Especially on leveraged orders, slippage may result in heavy losses, which may affect your risk plans. Widening the stop loss slightly during highly volatile times may help reduce the risk of big losses.Chasing round numbers: Setting a stop loss at a round number is not a good idea. This can attract bots and whales looking to hunt stops or dump orders. Always set it up $100–$500 below or above a round number to avoid being caught in this typical mistake.Forgetting to adjust: Leaving a stop loss at $88,000 and a take profit at $93,000 after BTC pumps to $95,000 means you may miss profits or risk a reversal. Regularly monitoring the BTC price will ensure you’re ahead of the game and can adjust the orders accordingly. Setting platform alerts is also useful.Misjudging market context: Use your judgment following market trends. Setting a tight stop loss before a Fed announcement or a wide take profit in a bearish trend may incur heavy losses. Adjust accordingly while following trends and sentiments. Tighten the orders pre-event and widen them post-event. Aligning a take order with resistance is also a good idea.Not accounting for fees: Large-scale orders may be subject to high fees, which should be accounted for when setting up orders. Always factor fees into targets, as in the long term, it will make a difference.Panic-canceling orders: Emotions can lead to big losses. So, it’s smart to stick to your initial plan. This is especially true for BTC, which often faces flash crashes but can recover quickly. You can use trailing stops to adjust automatically.Avoid these mistakes by planning strategically, staying disciplined and adapting to Bitcoin’s volatile nature. Always test strategies on a demo account before trading live.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.

bitcoinist.com Meme Coins Are Evolving: 3 Projects Fueling the AI and Political Crypto Frenzy

If you thought meme coins were just about dogs and frogs, think again. The latest catalysts for crypto’s most chaotic sector are politics, artificial intelligence, and the surreal headlines that come with them. A Nasdaq-listed freight company is building a $20M Trump-themed meme coin war chest. Vice President JD Vance recently defended an AI-generated image […]

cointelegraph.com Is this the end of Bitcoin DeFi?

Opinion by: Markus Bopp, CEO of TAP ProtocolNot long ago, the idea of Bitcoin as a government-backed reserve asset seemed like a stretch. The US Federal Reserve’s move to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve marks a clear turning point. Once dismissed as a speculative asset or niche investment, Bitcoin is increasingly being treated by some governments and financial institutions as a national store of value.This evolution puts blockchain development at a crossroads. On one hand, memecoins, once dismissed as internet jokes, have dominated transaction volumes and social buzz on leading platforms. On the other hand, institutions and governments are taking the world’s most popular cryptocurrency — Bitcoin (BTC) — seriously and investing in infrastructure to secure it for the long term. If Bitcoin is to be treated like gold, it must be secured like gold. Very soon, we will see governments and institutions seek to secure Bitcoin in what will no doubt look like a digital Fort Knox. With more institutional and instrumental influence over the most valuable digital asset in the world, verifiable storage, hardened security protocols and structures built on resilience will become paramount. This shift could raise the stakes for developers. As institutional adoption rises, so does the demand for specialized developers capable of delivering institutional-grade security and long-term stability. What does this demand mean for the developer community that made Bitcoin what it is today? How will this affect the grassroots development built on Bitcoin’s core principles of full decentralization and transparency? Will a more institutional Bitcoin leave room for innovation, or is this the end of Bitcoin decentralized finance (DeFi)?Bitcoin’s institutional turn Bitcoin, the first and most widely recognized cryptocurrency, was designed to operate outside of traditional systems. Yet the moment governments and traditional institutions stopped keeping their distance, the future of Bitcoin has begun to pivot. What was once met with skepticism now draws a new kind of curiosity. The same players who once warned against digital assets are now staking their claims. The International Monetary Fund’s latest Balance of Payments Manual now classifies digital assets like Bitcoin as part of the international financial system, placing it firmly alongside traditional reserves and gold. As of January 2025, governments worldwide hold an estimated total of 471,000 BTC, worth over $16.3 billion. Strategy continued to lead and cross its Bitcoin holdings at a corporate level, doubling down on the cryptocurrency as a long-term strategic play. Recent: Bitcoin DeFi surge may boost BTC demand and adoption — BinanceThis kind of institutional recognition validates Bitcoin’s core principle but also throws it into flux. Holding it in sovereign reserves, governments are simultaneously affirming its legitimacy while also conforming it to the very system it was meant to disrupt. The changing developer landscapeAs the crypto landscape continues to evolve, fresh talent is still entering the space. There’s no guarantee all will stay. In 2024, the total number of developers in the industry declined by 7% year-on-year. Yet seasoned and established developers saw a 27% increase in activity, contributing to a record share of the industry’s output. While opportunities for small-scale contributors may be fading, the ecosystem supports a core of experienced builders, a signal that the space is maturing. The influx of institutional investors to crypto like Bitcoin is likely to drive up Bitcoin’s price, a consequence that might see them price out smaller developers and create an even higher barrier to entry. As the stakes around Bitcoin continue to rise, the demand is no longer just for innovation. It’ll be for security, compliance and infrastructure that can meet enterprise-grade “Fort Knox” level expectations. We’ll see a new wave of specialized developers stepping up to build intelligent, compliant and institutional-grade decentralized applications. From secure custody solutions to regulated exchanges and seamless bridges, institutional and government demands will shape the next phase of Bitcoin development.A new infrastructure As Bitcoin integrates more deeply into institutional finance, the development focus is maturing from experimentation to durability, compliance and security. Developers will likely focus on building not directly on Bitcoin but instead with Bitcoin. Bitcoin DeFi has so far been celebrated as a way to unlock open finance with the world’s most popular cryptocurrency, and it still might. Still, its future will depend on incoming compliance and regulatory frameworks. If governments go down the path of shoehorning the asset into traditional financial models, we’ll find developers seeking ways to bridge Bitcoin’s liquidity and value to more operable, friendlier chains. If governments are open to preserving Bitcoin’s core offering as a new, borderless and decentralized currency, that will signal the community to continue innovation. The question for the community then isn’t whether Bitcoin can support innovation under institutional oversight. It’s whether Bitcoin can thrive in a world that could now seek to contain it.Opinion by: Markus Bopp, CEO of TAP Protocol.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.

news.bitcoin.com Crypto Winners and Wreckage: Fellaz, Virtual Soar as Trump and Move Lead Week’s Declines

On Sunday May 4, the crypto market cap stands at $2.97 trillion as several crypto assets saw decent gains and many recorded losses during a volatile week in crypto. Several Crypto Tokens Climb as Others Crash This Week Over the past seven days, a handful of digital assets outpaced the broader crypto market, which saw […]

cointelegraph.com Bitcoin eyes $95K retest as traders brace for Fed rate cut volatility

Key points:Bitcoin attacks liquidity clustered close to spot price into the weekly close.Market commentators eye significant BTC price levels below $95,000. The Fed’s upcoming interest rate decision is the key macro event to watch next week.Bitcoin (BTC) fell toward $95,000 into the May 4 weekly close as traders braced for more macro-induced downside.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBTC price liquidations mount after 10-week highsData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD retreating from multimonth highs toward the May open.Hitting liquidity clustered around spot price, Bitcoin created a recipe for volatility as market participants discussed key levels.“Dense longs cluster 95.7k-96k, heavy shorts 96.5k-97k right around current price (~96.2k),” popular trader TheKingfisher wrote in part of ongoing analysis on X. “These are price magnets. Expect chop/volatility as they get tested.”BTC liquidation heatmap. Source: CoinGlassThe latest data from monitoring resource CoinGlass showed price colliding with buy liquidity, with the majority of asks clustered around $97,200.With the past week seeing multiple liquidity “grabs,” some saw the potential for that behavior to continue as the key $100,000 mark edged closer.$BTCGap and tap before liquidity grab at $100k is what I’m looking for here https://t.co/akVEzc3Aaj pic.twitter.com/igCptK8VIp— NiFτy (@niftyinvest) May 4, 2025“Positions from $94K–$97K flushed at weekend,” popular trader BitBull summarized.Assessing the potential for a fresh dip, crypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe said that BTC/USD had plenty of room to retest support while still maintaining its recent comeback.“What I'd prefer to see on $BTC is that we're holding above $91.5-92K,” he told X followers on the day.“That validates for me the continuation towards a new ATH as the previous range support becomes support again.”BTC/USDT 1-day chart. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/XBitcoin downside expected into Fed rate cut decisionExpectations of volatility were high heading into the new week, with the US Federal Reserve due to decide on interest rates.Related: Bitcoin hodler unrealized profits near 350% as $100K risks sell-offAs Cointelegraph reported, the stakes for market sentiment are high before the event. Recession warnings and pressure from President Donald Trump combine with hawkish signals from Fed officials.NOTE: In less than a month, Trump has pressured Powell and the Fed to lower interest rates three times already... pic.twitter.com/qaQc7zJnuw— André Dragosch, PhD⚡ (@Andre_Dragosch) May 2, 2025The latest data from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool nonetheless maintains minimal odds of a rate cut on May 7.Fed target rate probabilities for May 7 FOMC meeting. Source: CME Group“Remind yourself that Crypto & Altcoins have the temper to be correcting in the week prior to the FED meeting,” Van de Poppe commented. “I suspect that we'd be having the end of that correction around Tuesday and go up from there.”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.

bitcoinist.com Bitcoin Faces Critical Task In Reclaiming $102,000 – Here’s Why

Bitcoin has produced an impressive price performance in the past two weeks, moving from around $85,000 to trade as high as $97,700. However, despite this recent bullish performance, the prospects of a long-term price uptrend in the BTC market remain unconfirmed. Currently, the premier cryptocurrency continues to trade in the $96,000 price range as the […]

news.bitcoin.com Bitcoin Miners Catch a Break: Network Difficulty Slides 3.34%

After four straight difficulty hikes beginning March 9, the Bitcoin network finally eased up—registering a 3.34% downward adjustment that offered miners a welcome moment of relief. Bitcoin Network Sees First Difficulty Drop After 4 Consecutive Rises Bitcoin’s difficulty declined for the first time since the March 9, 2025, increase, breaking a streak of four consecutive […]

cointelegraph.com ‘Everything is lining up’ — Tokenization is having its breakout moment

Tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) is evolving from an abstract concept to a practical financial tool as institutional players increasingly test and deploy blockchain-based infrastructure at scale.This past week alone saw a flurry of announcements from both traditional financial institutions and blockchain-native firms advancing their RWA initiatives.On April 30, BlackRock filed to create a digital ledger technology shares class for its $150 billion Treasury Trust fund. It will leverage blockchain technology to maintain a mirror record of share ownership for investors.The DLT shares will track BlackRock’s BLF Treasury Trust Fund (TTTXX), which may only be purchased from BlackRock Advisors and The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY).On the same day, Libre announced plans to tokenize $500 million in Telegram debt through its new Telegram Bond Fund (TBF). The fund will be available to accredited investors and usable as collateral for onchain borrowing.The week’s biggest headline came from Dubai, where MultiBank Group signed a $3 billion RWA tokenization deal with United Arab Emirates-based real estate firm MAG and blockchain infrastructure provider Mavryk. The deal is touted as the largest RWA tokenization initiative to date.Source: MultiBank“The recent surge isn’t arbitrary. It’s happening because everything’s lining up,” Eric Piscini, CEO of Hashgraph, told Cointelegraph:“Rules are getting clearer in major markets. The tech is stronger, faster, and ready to scale. And big players are actually doing it — BlackRock is tokenizing funds, Citi is exploring digital asset custody, and Franklin Templeton has tokenized money market funds on public blockchains.”Related: Real-world asset tokenization: Unlocking a new era of financeTokenization has moved beyond theoryMarcin Kazmierczak, co-founder of RedStone, said the recent announcements “demonstrate that tokenization has moved beyond theoretical discussions into practical application by market leaders.”He added that the growing adoption by big institutions gives the space more credibility, making others feel more confident to join in and help boost new ideas and investments.Kazmierczak stated that the renewed interest in RWA tokenization is primarily driven by US President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto administration and growing regulatory clarity.Trump, who has pledged to “make the US the crypto capital of the world,” has taken a different approach to crypto compared to the Biden administration. That era saw an aggressive crackdown from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), prompting many firms to withdraw from US operations.However, the narrative appears to be shifting. Since Trump’s election victory, the SEC has dropped or paused over a dozen enforcement cases against crypto companies.Additionally, the DOJ recently announced the dissolution of its cryptocurrency enforcement unit, signaling a softer approach to the sector.Source: ALXAside from regulatory clarity, advancements in technological capabilities, especially in wallets, have also played a key role in driving tokenization adoption, Felipe D’Onofrio, chief technology officer at Brickken, said.“In parallel, macroeconomic pressures are pushing institutions to search for efficiency and liquidity in traditionally illiquid markets,” he added.Related: New era in mining: How tokenization can transform the salt industryEthereum remains main hub for tokenizationEthereum continues to serve as the primary hub for RWA tokenization, thanks to its mature ecosystem, broad developer support and robust infrastructure.“Ethereum remains by far the most suitable blockchain for large-scale RWA issuance due to its unparalleled security, developer ecosystem, and institutional adoption,” Kazmierczak said.However, he noted that dedicated RWA-specialized ecosystems like Canton Network, Plume, and Ondo Chain are building compelling alternatives with features designed explicitly for compliant asset tokenization.According to data from RWA.xyz, the market value of tokenized US Treasurys currently stands at $6.5 billion. Ethereum accounts for the lion’s share of the market, hosting over $4.9 billion in tokenized Treasurys.Source: RWA.xyzHerwig Koningson, CEO of Security Token Market, said companies like BlackRock have shown that it’s possible to build large-scale tokenized products, worth billions of dollars, using more than one blockchain at the same time.He said this shows that the success of tokenizing assets doesn’t depend so much on which blockchain is used, but rather on what the company needs the system to do.“This is why you will see many banks and traditional firms use permissioned blockchains or even private DLT systems,” Koningson said.Related: $21B tokenized RWA market doubtful, institutions uninterested — Plume CEOChallenges remain, but growth potential is hugeYet hurdles remain. Regulation continues to be a significant barrier, especially for risk-averse institutions requiring guarantees around compliance and privacy.Technical limitations also persist, chiefly the lack of interoperability between blockchain platforms, according to Piscini. However, he said hybrid models are gaining traction by offering the privacy of permissioned systems with optional future interoperability with public chains.Looking ahead, Piscini estimated that more than 10% of global financial assets could be tokenized by the end of the decade. D’Onofrio also made a modest projection, estimating that between 5% and 10% of global financial assets could be tokenized by 2030.On the other hand, RedStone’s Kazmierczak predicted that approximately 30% of the global financial system will be tokenized by the end of this decade.In terms of numbers, STM.co predicted that the world’s RWA market will be anywhere between $30 and $50 trillion by the end of 2030.Most firms predict that the RWA sector will reach a market size of between $4 trillion and $30 trillion by 2030.If the sector were to achieve the median prediction of about $10 trillion, it would represent more than 50 times the growth from its current value of around $185 billion, including the stablecoin market, according to a Tren Finance research report.Magazine: Tokenizing music royalties as NFTs could help the next Taylor Swift

bitcoinist.com Bitcoin Network Activity Hits 6-Month High – Is Demand Back?

Bitcoin is trading just below the psychological $100K mark, facing a critical test as bulls attempt to sustain the recovery rally. After weeks of strong upside momentum, the market has now entered a decisive phase, where a breakout above $100K could trigger a wave of renewed buying interest and potentially mark the start of a […]

news.bitcoin.com Bitcoin Price Watch: Support Holds Near $95K Amid Volume Drop

Bitcoin was priced at $95,426 on May 4, 2025, with a market capitalization of $1.895 trillion. Over the past 24 hours, it recorded a trade volume of $13.546 billion and fluctuated within a narrow intraday range of $95,415 to $96,493. Bitcoin The daily chart highlights a broader uptrend continuation following a significant rally from the […]

news.bitcoin.com Kyrgyzstan Partners With Binance to Advance Digital Asset Sector and Enhance Financial Literacy

Binance has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Agency for Investments under the President of Kyrgyzstan to foster collaboration in advancing the digital-asset sector in the country. The signing took place during the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Development of Digital Assets, attended by President Sadyr Japarov. The MoU aims […]

btcmanager.com South Korean presidential candidates court 16 million crypto investors ahead of June election: report

With an estimated 16 million cryptocurrency investors representing 36% of South Korea’s voting population, presidential candidates are aggressively courting the crypto community ahead of the June 3 election. According to a report by Point Daily, crypto voters’ political significance has…

news.bitcoin.com Trump Acknowledges Possible Recession, Highlights US Economy Is in Transition

While President Trump stated that anything could happen with the U.S. economy given the current course of action, he clarified that he was not worried about a short-term recession. “I think we’re going to have the greatest economy in the history of our country,” he declared. President Trump Recognizes US Economy Is in a Transition […]

blockonomi.com Top Analysts Reveal the 5 Best Tokens to Buy in 2025 With Massive Upside Potential

Have you ever wondered what separates a coin that skyrockets from one that fizzles out? With blockchain evolving faster than ever and fresh innovations popping up across Web3, picking the best tokens to buy in 2025 feels like navigating a maze. But those paying attention know that timing and tech make all the difference. Right [...] The post Top Analysts Reveal the 5 Best Tokens to Buy in 2025 With Massive Upside Potential appeared first on Blockonomi.

cointelegraph.com Binance to launch crypto payments in Kyrgyzstan with new partnership

Binance has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kyrgyzstan’s National Agency for Investments to introduce crypto payment infrastructure and blockchain education in the country.The MoU was formalized during the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Development of Digital Assets, attended by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, the exchange said in a May 4 press release.As part of the agreement, Binance will introduce Binance Pay to Kyrgyzstan, enabling crypto-based transactions for visitors and residents.The partnership also focuses on educational collaboration. Binance Academy will work with Kyrgyz government agencies and financial institutions to develop blockchain-focused learning programs.“Binance is excited to partner with the National Agency for Investments of the Kyrgyz Republic to drive forward the development of crypto-assets in the region,” Kyrylo Khomiakov, Binance’s regional head for Central and Eastern Europe, said.On April 4, former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao said he would begin advising Kyrgyzstan on blockchain and crypto-related regulation after signing an MOU with the country’s foreign investment agency.Source: CZRelated: Ex-Binance CEO chides Europe over crypto adoptionKyrgyzstan president signs CBDC lawDespite its growing interest in crypto and digital assets, Kyrgyzstan has also revealed intentions to launch a central bank digital currency (CBDC).On April 18, President Japarov signed a constitutional law authorizing the launch of a CBDC pilot project while also giving the “digital som” legal tender status.Notably, Kyrgyzstan has a track record in cryptocurrency mining. The country’s abundant hydroelectric resources have made it an attractive location for crypto miners seeking low-cost energy.Over 30% of Kyrgyzstan’s total energy supply comes from hydroelectric power plants, but only 10% of the country’s potential hydropower has been tapped, according to a report by the International Energy Agency.Related: CBDCs ‘costly fiat copy’, not fintech success so far: Ex-Binance execBinance expands collaborations with governmentsBinance’s new partnership with the Kyrgyz government comes as the exchange has recently expanded its collaborations with governments worldwide, aiming to strengthen its global presence and influence in the cryptocurrency sector.In an April 17 interview, CEO Richard Teng said the exchange has been advising multiple governments on establishing strategic Bitcoin reserves and formulating crypto asset regulations.“We have actually received quite a number of approaches by a few governments and sovereign wealth funds on the establishment of their own crypto reserves,” Teng said.On April 7, former CZ was appointed as an adviser to Pakistan’s Crypto Council, a newly formed regulatory body tasked with overseeing the country’s embrace of blockchain technology and digital assets. Magazine: Bitcoin to $1M ‘by 2029,’ CIA tips its hat to Bitcoin: Hodler’s Digest, April 27 – May 3

bitcoinist.com Bitcoin Faces Pivotal Level At Short-Term Holder Cost Basis – A Move To $132K?

Bitcoin is trading above the $95,000 level as bullish momentum builds and the market looks poised for a potential breakout. After weeks of strong price action, bulls are now aiming to reclaim the $100,000 mark, a key psychological and technical milestone that could trigger further upside. Analysts are increasingly optimistic as selling pressure fades and […]

news.bitcoin.com Deribit Targets US Expansion Amid Trump’s Crypto-Friendly Policies

Deribit, the world’s largest cryptocurrency options exchange with $1.3 trillion in trades last year, is considering entering the U.S. market, encouraged by President Donald Trump’s promise to make the country the global hub for digital assets like bitcoin, the FT reported. The Dubai-based company joins firms like OKX and Nexo in targeting the US after […]

news.bitcoin.com Warren Buffett Estimates That Trump’s Trade Policies Could Lead to Nuclear Confrontation

During Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 annual shareholder meeting, Buffett criticized the Trump administration’s America First trade policies, suggesting that tariffs could be perceived as acts of war. He warned that continuing down this path could be dangerous in a world filled with nuclear weapons. Warren Buffett Directs Criticism at Trump’s Tariffs in a Nuclear World Warren […]

cointelegraph.com Pro-crypto Democrats pull support for stablecoin bill in last minute

A group of US Senate Democrats known for supporting the crypto industry have said they would oppose a Republican-led stablecoin bill if it moves forward in its current form.The move threatens to stall legislation that could establish the first US regulatory framework for stablecoins, according to a May 3 report from Politico.Per the report, nine Senate Democrats said in a joint statement that the bill “still has numerous issues that must be addressed.” They warned they would not support a procedural vote to advance the legislation unless changes are made.Among the signatories were Senators Ruben Gallego, Mark Warner, Lisa Blunt Rochester and Andy Kim — all of whom had previously backed the bill when it passed through the Senate Banking Committee in March.The bill, introduced by Senator Bill Hagerty, is formally known as the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act.Related: Fed’s Powell reasserts support for stablecoin legislationSenate prepares to vote on stablecoin billThe Senate is expected to begin floor consideration of the bill in the coming days, with the first vote potentially taking place next week.The bill has been championed by the crypto industry as a landmark step toward regulatory clarity. However, the Democrats’ about-face reflects growing unease within the party.Although revisions were made to the bill after its committee approval to address Democratic concerns, the lawmakers said the changes fell short. They called for stronger safeguards related to Anti-Money Laundering, national security, foreign issuers, and accountability measures for noncompliant actors.The statement was also signed by Senators Raphael Warnock, Catherine Cortez Masto, Ben Ray Luján, John Hickenlooper and Adam Schiff.A copy of the statement. Source: Alex ThornSenator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Angela Alsobrooks were absent from the list, who co-sponsored the bill alongside Hagerty.Despite their objections, the Democratic senators emphasized their commitment to shaping responsible crypto regulation. They reportedly said they “are eager to continue working with our colleagues to address these issues.”Related: US banks are ‘free to begin supporting Bitcoin’Crypto needs a stablecoin billOn April 27, Caitlin Long, founder and CEO of Custodia Bank, criticized the US Federal Reserve for quietly maintaining a key anti-crypto policy that favors big-bank-issued stablecoins, despite relaxing crypto partnership rules for banks.Long explained that while the Fed recently rescinded four prior crypto guidelines, a Jan. 27, 2023, statement was left intact in coordination with the Biden administration.The guidance, according to Long, blocks banks from engaging directly with crypto assets and prohibits them from issuing stablecoins on permissionless blockchains.However, Long noted that once a federal stablecoin bill becomes law, it could override the Fed’s stance. “Congress should hurry up,” she urged.Magazine: Financial nihilism in crypto is over — It’s time to dream big again

news.bitcoin.com Vitalik Buterin Wants to Make Ethereum as “Beautifully Simple” as Bitcoin

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin announced on May 3, 2025, a five-year plan to simplify Ethereum’s protocol, calling the Bitcoin network “beautifully simple” in his blog post “Simplifying the L1,” as he aims to make Ethereum easier to understand and more secure for users holding bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Buterin proposed a simpler consensus system with […]

bitcoinist.com Why Ethereum’s Latest Bounce Could Signal The Start Of A New Bull Run

Ethereum has once again proven its resilience, bouncing strongly off a long-term ascending support trendline that has consistently sparked major rallies in the past. This ascending trendline signals renewed confidence from buyers each time it’s tested. The latest rebound, taking place with visible strength, suggests that Ethereum may be gearing up for another powerful move […]

news.bitcoin.com DeFi’s Unfair Advantage: How MEV and Front-Running Hurt Traders

Unfair trading practices like MEV, slippage, and front-running have long plagued decentralized exchanges, eroding both profits and the core principles of fairness. David Wells suggests that traders can spot these problems by watching for unusually high slippage, trade executions at worse-than-expected prices, and the “sandwiching” of transactions. Watch Out for MEV, Front-Running, Traders Told For […]

cointelegraph.com Bitcoiners blast Arizona governor’s ‘ignorance’ after Bitcoin reserve bill veto

Bitcoiners and US government officials have criticized Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs’s decision to veto a bill that would have allowed the state to hold Bitcoin as part of its official reserves.“This will age poorly,” Casa co-founder and cypherpunk Jameson Lopp said in a May 3 X post. Bitcoin (BTC) entrepreneur Anthony Pompliano said, “Imagine the ignorance of a politician to believe they can make investment decisions.”Call for government officials who understand Bitcoin is “the future”“If she can’t outperform Bitcoin, she must buy it,” Pompliano said. Crypto lawyer Andrew Gordon said, “We need more elected officials who understand that Bitcoin and crypto are the future.”Source: Julian FahrerWendy Rogers, who co-sponsored the bill with State Representative Jeff Weninger, also voiced her disappointment.“Politicians don’t understand that Bitcoin doesn’t need Arizona. Arizona needs Bitcoin,” Rogers said.On May 2, Hobbs vetoed the Arizona Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, which would have permitted Arizona to invest seized funds into Bitcoin and create a reserve managed by state officials. “Today, I vetoed Senate Bill 1025. The Arizona State Retirement System is one of the strongest in the nation because it makes sound and informed investments,” Hobbs said.Source: Dr. DanishRogers said she would refile the bill during her next session. Rogers also pointed out that Arizona’s state retirement system already holds stocks of Michael Saylor’s Strategy (MSTR).“Which is basically a leveraged Bitcoin ETF. Arizona’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bill will be back. HODL,” Rogers said. The stock price of Strategy rose 32% in April, the most significant monthly gain since November 2024.Related: US gov’t actions give clue about upcoming crypto regulationWell-known crypto skeptic Peter Schiff sided with Hobbs. “The government should not be making decisions to use public funds to speculate in cryptocurrencies,” Schiff said.Arizona would have become the first US state to establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve if it had passed.Arizona joins several other US states where similar efforts have failed. Similar proposals in Oklahoma, Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming have stalled or been withdrawn recently.Magazine: Bitcoin to $1M ‘by 2029,’ CIA tips its hat to Bitcoin: Hodler’s Digest, April 27 – May 3

news.bitcoin.com Trust, Not Size, Key to Stablecoin Success, Says Concordium CEO

Concordium CEO Boris Bohrer-Bilowitzki warns that excessive dollar dependence could lead to systemic instability, stressing the need for multi-currency diversification. He envisions stablecoins playing a key role in payment finance (PayFi), offering instant settlements, lower fees, and programmability. Stablecoin Concentration Around a Single Currency Presents Risks The stablecoin market has been overwhelmingly dominated by USD-pegged […]

news.bitcoin.com BRICS Accelerates Currency Shift With New Trade Tools and Payment Systems

BRICS nations are turbocharging their break from Western-dominated finance, advancing local currency trade, cross-border payment systems, and groundbreaking investment platforms to empower the Global South. BRICS Ministers Push Local Currencies, Cross-Border Payment Plan, and New Investment Platforms Foreign ministers from the BRICS countries highlighted their commitment to shifting away from reliance on dominant global currencies […]

bitcoinist.com There’s No Altseason Without These 3 Key Indicators, Analyst Says

CEO and Co-founder of crypto education media firm Coinbureau, Nic Puckrin has shared a “realistic” take on the altseason. The former TradFi entrepreneur and prominent digital asset advocate has highlighted three necessary conditions to usher in an altseason. Related Reading: Bitcoin Escapes Tight Range After Week Of Compression – Next Stop $100K? Altseason Still On […]

cointelegraph.com OKX fires back at Tron's Justin Sun over mysterious 'freeze notice'

OKX founder and CEO Star Xu has publicly defended the crypto exchange after Tron founder Justin Sun accused it of failing to act on a law enforcement request to freeze stolen funds following a recent hack of Tron’s official X account.“OKX also has consumers protection policy according to law, we can’t freeze a customer’s funds according to your personal X post or an oral communication. I think you should understand it as the CEO of HTX,” Xu said in an X post.OKX says there is no communication in the spam box, eitherXu said that the crypto exchange had not received any related correspondence through OKX’s official channels. “Our LE cooperation team just checked the email, including the spam box; we haven’t received any request related with this case,” Xu said.Source: Star XuSun had earlier claimed that OKX has not responded to a “freeze notice” sent to its official email address from a “relevant law enforcement agency” to freeze the stolen funds. Sun said that he had no other way to contact OKX’s compliance department.“These stolen funds do not belong to me; I’m acting to protect the community,” Sun said. Several of Sun’s X posts related to the matter are now no longer visible, but Xu had already shared screenshots and called him out, saying, “Thanks for deleting all confusing public communications,” while reiterating that OKX has yet to receive any official enforcement request.On May 3, Tron DAO told its 1.7 million X followers that its account had been compromised. Tron explained that during the breach, an unauthorized party posted a malicious contract address, sent direct messages, and followed unfamiliar accounts.“If you received a DM from our account on May 2, please delete it and consider it the work of the attacker.”In response to Sun’s claims of inaction, Xu publicly called on him to provide a screenshot showing when and where the law enforcement request was made.The Tron incident is one of several recent security breaches involving high-profile crypto accounts on X.Related: Over 14,500 Tron addresses at risk of silent hijackingKaito AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform that aggregates crypto data to provide market analysis for users, and its founder, Yu Hu, were the victims of an X social media hack on March 15. The hackers opened up a short position on KAITO tokens before posting that the Kaito wallets were compromised and advised users that their funds were not safe.The Pump.fun X account was compromised on Feb. 26 to promote a fake governance token called “PUMP” and other fraudulent coins.Meanwhile, the X account of UK member of Parliament and Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, was hacked to promote a scam crypto token.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

cointelegraph.com OKX fires back at Tron's Justin Sun over mysterious 'freeze notice'

OKX founder and CEO Star Xu has publicly defended the crypto exchange after Tron founder Justin Sun accused it of failing to act on a law enforcement request to freeze stolen funds following a recent hack of Tron’s official X account.“OKX also has consumers protection policy according to law, we can’t freeze a customer’s funds according to your personal X post or an oral communication. I think you should understand it as the CEO of HTX,” Xu said in an X post.OKX says there is no communication in the spam box, eitherXu said that the crypto exchange had not received any related correspondence through OKX’s official channels. “Our LE cooperation team just checked the email, including the spam box; we haven’t received any request related with this case,” Xu said.Source: Star XuSun had earlier claimed that OKX has not responded to a “freeze notice” sent to its official email address from a “relevant law enforcement agency” to freeze the stolen funds. Sun said that he had no other way to contact OKX’s compliance department.“These stolen funds do not belong to me; I’m acting to protect the community,” Sun said. Several of Sun’s X posts related to the matter are now no longer visible, but Xu had already shared screenshots and called him out, saying, “Thanks for deleting all confusing public communications,” while reiterating that OKX has yet to receive any official enforcement request.On May 3, Tron DAO told its 1.7 million X followers that its account had been compromised. Tron explained that during the breach, an unauthorized party posted a malicious contract address, sent direct messages, and followed unfamiliar accounts.“If you received a DM from our account on May 2, please delete it and consider it the work of the attacker.”In response to Sun’s claims of inaction, Xu publicly called on him to provide a screenshot showing when and where the law enforcement request was made.The Tron incident is one of several recent security breaches involving high-profile crypto accounts on X.Related: Over 14,500 Tron addresses at risk of silent hijackingKaito AI, an artificial intelligence-powered platform that aggregates crypto data to provide market analysis for users, and its founder, Yu Hu, were the victims of an X social media hack on March 15. The hackers opened up a short position on KAITO tokens before posting that the Kaito wallets were compromised and advised users that their funds were not safe.The Pump.fun X account was compromised on Feb. 26 to promote a fake governance token called “PUMP” and other fraudulent coins.Meanwhile, the X account of UK member of Parliament and Leader of the House of Commons, Lucy Powell, was hacked to promote a scam crypto token.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

news.bitcoin.com Fidelity Calls It: Bitcoin Could Flip Gold’s Dominance Any Day Now

Bitcoin is gearing up to outshine gold as Fidelity’s latest analysis highlights a pivotal shift in performance momentum, signaling a new era for digital store-of-value dominance. Fidelity Signals Bitcoin May Soon Take the Baton From Gold Fidelity Investments’ director of global macro, Jurrien Timmer, offered a comprehensive take on the dynamic between bitcoin and gold […]

ambcrypto.com Bitcoin's recovery on track! THIS signals BTC's potential for $100K breakout

Bitcoin tested $96.5K, a key resistance level that may trigger further upside if broken. Open Interest surged, reflecting renewed market participation without signs of excessive leverage builduThe post Bitcoin's recovery on track! THIS signals BTC's potential for $100K breakout appeared first on AMBCrypto.

news.bitcoin.com Coinbase Doubles Down: CEO Says Crypto Will Eat Most of Financial Services

Crypto is set to devour traditional finance as Coinbase sharpens its focus on decentralized systems, driving a seismic shift in how global financial services are built. Armstrong Says Crypto Will Eat Finance—Coinbase’s Strategy Just Got Clearer Brian Armstrong, chief executive officer of crypto exchange Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), reinforced the company’s long-term vision for the industry […]

blockonomi.com Best Meme Coins to Invest in May 2025: Mubarak, Fartboy, and the Cat with a Massive Upside Potential

Meme coins are again dominating crypto conversations, and 2025 is shaping up to be another gold rush for early investors. From viral humor to rebellious satire, these coins capture attention across Telegram, X, and TikTok. Troller Cat ($TCAT) leads the pack, whose highly anticipated presale launches May 2, 2025, at 6 PM UTC, with whispers [...] The post Best Meme Coins to Invest in May 2025: Mubarak, Fartboy, and the Cat with a Massive Upside Potential appeared first on Blockonomi.

news.bitcoin.com Bitcoin Could Hit $100K in Weeks With All-Time High in Sight, Says Strategist

Bitcoin is barreling toward $100K in the coming weeks as explosive momentum, soaring liquidity, and a decisive breakout converge to supercharge the bullish Q2 setup. Bitcoin Eyes $100K in Weeks—Strategist Maps Bullish BTC Setup Through Q2 Matt Mena, crypto research strategist at asset management firm 21Shares, commented Friday on the surprising strength of April’s U.S. […]

news.bitcoin.com Arizona Crushes Game-Changing Bitcoin Bill—Labels Crypto ‘Untested’

Arizona’s chance to pioneer crypto-driven public finance was abruptly halted as the governor axed a game-changing bill that would’ve let state retirement funds buy bitcoin. Arizona Governor Kills Bitcoin Bill for Public Crypto Investment Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1025 on May 2, blocking a legislative proposal that would have allowed public funds—including […]

bitcoinist.com History Rhymes: Will Bitcoin Repeat Classic Breakout Pattern To Surge Above $104K?

Market prices of Bitcoin (BTC) rebounded as high as $96,000 to mark a bullish end to April and the potential start to a price uptrend. However, despite breaking key resistances, BTC is yet to return to the present market peak price, which would ultimately confirm the resumption of the bull market.  Interestingly, crypto analyst Rekt […]

news.bitcoin.com Spam Fight Heats Up: Bitcoin Knots Node Count Rises 49% in April

Lately, Bitcoin developers have found themselves entrenched in a fervent dispute over a proposal to eliminate the long-standing 80-byte constraint imposed on the OP_RETURN function. As this technical standoff intensifies, the alternative Bitcoin client known as Bitcoin Knots witnessed a notable climb in node adoption. OP_RETURN Controversy Drives Surge in Bitcoin Knots Adoption The proposal, […]

cointelegraph.com Why tokenized gold beats other paper alternatives — Gold DAO

Tokenized gold carries several benefits over other forms of paper gold, including gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to Melissa Song and Dustin Becker, representatives of Gold DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization that facilitates investor access to tokenized gold.In an interview with Cointelegraph, the DAO representatives outlined three major benefits unique to tokenized gold, including 1:1 redeemability for a specific quantity of physical, serialized gold, usage as collateral in decentralized finance (DeFi) applications, and transactional efficiency through on-demand liquidity."When you buy an ETF, you are betting on the gold price going up, but you do not own any specific gold bar," Song told Cointelegraph.The pair added that the price of gold surged in 2025 due to the current macroeconomic uncertainty, the high level of US government debt, and geopolitical tensions that are reshaping the global monetary order.Gold’s price hits all-time highs against the US dollar. Source: TradingViewRelated: Geopolitical tensions fuel central bank shift toward gold, crypto — BlackRock execMacroeconomic uncertainty spikes gold prices, leaves USD in doubtGold hit an all-time high of $3,500 per ounce in April 2025 amid the trade tariffs announced by United States President Donald Trump that caused turmoil in risk-on asset markets like stocks and crypto.Traders shifted to gold, cash, and other safe-haven assets to weather the extreme volatility caused by the protectionist trade policies and the counter-response from other countries.This rush to gold also caused gold-backed cryptocurrencies such as Paxos Gold (PAXG) and Tether Gold (XAUT) to spike in price during April 2024.The Volatility S&P Index (VIX) tracks the volatility of the US stock market and surged following Trump’s tariff announcement. Source: TradingViewBitcoin advocate Max Keiser argued that gold-backed tokens will outcompete fiat stablecoins due to the lack of geopolitical risk and inflationary resistance inherent in gold."A stablecoin backed by Gold would out-compete a USD-backed stablecoin in world markets: Russia, China, and Iran should take note," Keiser wrote in a March 22 X post."The United States dollar has no volatility, but you are guaranteed to lose purchasing power," the BTC advocate continued.Gold's current rally could spill over into Bitcoin if investors shift from viewing Bitcoin as a risk asset to more of a store of value in turbulent economic times that is counter-cyclical to the stock market and other speculative investments.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fightThis 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.

cointelegraph.com Ethereum nears key Bitcoin price level that last time sparked 450% gains

Ethereum’s Ether (ETH) token is approaching a critical price zone against Bitcoin (BTC), which historically marked the beginning of a massive rebound.ETH price fractal from 2019 hints at bottom The ETH/BTC pair, currently trading near 0.019 BTC, is edging closer to 0.016 BTC — the exact level it reached in September 2019 before rallying nearly 450% over the following year.ETH/BTC weekly performance chart. Source: TradingViewThe current ETH/BTC setup resembles 2019, with both periods marked by oversold relative strength index (RSI), long stretches below key moving averages, and multiyear declines.In 2019, ETH/BTC fell over 90% in the prior two years, driven by the ICO collapse. As of 2025, the pair is down over 80% from its 2021 peak, weighed by skepticism over Ethereum’s switch to proof-of-stake (PoS), rising competition, and Bitcoin’s growing dominance as an institutional asset.In response to the growing concerns, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed new architecture and protocol-wide standards to make Ethereum simpler, faster, and as maintainable as Bitcoin within five years. Related: Ethereum to simplify crosschain transactions with new token standardsOne analyst called Buterin’s proposal “the most bullish thing for ETH.”The bullish hopes come as ETH/BTC attempts to break free from its multi-year “bearish parabola.” This resistance curve has been instrumental in limiting the pair’s upside attempts since December 2021 but showed signs of exhaustion as of May 3.Edit the caption here or remove the text“We might see an end of this bearish parabola,” wrote chartist Jimie.He noted that if the curved resistance holds, ETH/BTC could drop toward 0.016 BTC — the same level where it bottomed in September 2019 before rallying by roughly 450%.Flush ETH and buy Bitcoin, says Adam BackSkeptics like Bitcoin’s proof-of-work pioneer, Adam Back, argue that Buterin is overlooking deeper design flaws while proposing to simplify Ethereum in the coming years. Back criticizes Ethereum’s account-based system, saying it adds unnecessary complexity compared to Bitcoin’s simpler UTXO (unspent transaction output) model. He argues this growing complexity increases technical risks and makes Ethereum harder to scale and secure.Source: X/Adam BackHe also warns that Ethereum’s shift to PoS has concentrated power among insiders by redirecting miner rewards to large tokenholders.“At this point, just flush ETH before it hits zero and buy Bitcoin,” he wrote, suggesting no upgrade can fix what he views as Ethereum’s flawed foundation.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.

cointelegraph.com Bitcoin miners should pay costs in depreciating currency — Ledn exec

Bitcoin (BTC) mining firms should hold their mined Bitcoin and use it as collateral for fiat-denominated loans to pay operating expenses instead of selling BTC and losing the upside of an asset that miners expect to surge in price, according to John Glover, chief investment officer at Bitcoin lending firm Ledn.In an interview with Cointelegraph, Glover said that holding onto the BTC carries several benefits including, price appreciation, tax deferment, and the potential to make extra revenue by lending out BTC held in corporate treasuries. The executive added:"If you are mining, you are generating all this Bitcoin. You understand the thesis behind Bitcoin and why it is likely going to continue to appreciate in the future. You do not want to sell any of your Bitcoin."This debt-based approach is similar to companies like Strategy, which issue corporate debt and equity to finance Bitcoin acquisition and profit from the diverging fundamentals of BTC and the fiat currencies the corporate capital raises are denominated in.BTC mining hashprice, a metric used to gauge miner profitability, has collapsed as ever-increasing computing resources are deployed to secure the network. Source: Hashrate IndexBitcoin-backed loans could be a valuable lifeline for miners struggling in the highly competitive industry, which is facing increased pressure due to the ongoing trade tensions brought on by the Trump administration's protectionist trade policies and macroeconomic uncertainty.Related: Riot Platforms secures $100M ‘Bitcoin-backed’ loan from CoinbaseTrade war places even more pressure on beleaguered mining industryThe Bitcoin mining industry is characterized by high competition and capital costs that increase over time as more powerful computing resources are used to mine blocks and secure the network.US President Trump's sweeping trade tariffs have cast a cloud over the already competitive sector, raising fears that import duties will raise the cost of mining equipment, like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), to unsustainable levels.Mining firms collectively sold over 40% of their mined supply produced in March 2025 amid the heightened macroeconomic uncertainty and fears that the ongoing trade tensions will cause price increases across the board.According to TheMinerMag, this 40% sell-off marked the reversal of a trend that began post-halving, in April 2024, and represented the highest monthly BTC liquidation among miners since October 2024.Magazine: Korea to lift corporate crypto ban, beware crypto mining HDs: Asia Express

cointelegraph.com Warren Buffett to step down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO by year's end

Warren Buffett, the CEO of publicly traded investment company Berkshire Hathaway, announced at the company's annual shareholder meeting that he will step down by the end of 2025, and his chosen successor will take over as CEO, pending approval from Berkshire's board of directors.According to CNBC, Buffett reiterated that Greg Abel, the company's vice chairman of non-insurance operations, who was previously named by Buffett as his successor, will take over. The Berkshire founder announced:"The time has arrived when Greg should become the Chief executive officer of the company at year-end, and I want to spring that on the directors effectively and give that as my recommendation."Buffett added that he would stay at the company in an advisory role "but the final word would be what Greg decided," the CEO said. Buffett's decision to step down as CEO comes at a time when Berkshire Hathaway is sitting on cash reserves of roughly $348 billion.Buffett speaking at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder conference. Source: CNBCThe legendary stock investor has repeatedly called the growing US national debt unsustainable and issued warnings on the increasingly unstable macroeconomic environment that has taken a toll on the stock market.Related: Galaxy Digital plans Nasdaq listing as crypto stocks post strong reboundBerkshire Hathaway outperforms S&P but is outclassed by BitcoinDespite being renowned for consistently returning roughly double the average performance of the S&P 500 to investors throughout his career, Buffet has failed to outperform Bitcoin (BTC) and gold.Although Berkshire Hathaway's class A common stock carries a price tag of over $809,000, and a market cap of over $1 trillion at the time of this writing, shares of the company have massively underperformed against Bitcoin in percentage terms since 2015.Bitcoin has returned gains of over 781% to investors since 2020, while Berkshire Hathaway only returned approximately 150% over the same period.Bitcoin’s price performance appears in magenta and has outperformed Berkshire Hathaway’s stock in percentage gains. Source: TradingViewBuffett has long been critical of BTC, arguing that the decentralized, supply-capped, digital currency has no value and likened it to a scam on several occasions.The Berkshire founder and his business partner Charlie Munger have repeatedly said that Bitcoin does not even qualify as an investment and should be avoided by traders.Magazine: Bitcoin in Senegal: Why is this African country using BTC?

themerkle.com Ethereum’s Original Whale Resurfaces: Another 6,000 ETH Sold as Market Watches Closely

An early and iconic holder of Ethereum has reemerged, continuing a strategy of gradual profit taking that has stretched over years. For the past 33 hours, a whale wallet that first emerged during the 2015 Ethereum Initial Coin Offering (ICO) has been making the rounds in crypto media by dumping 6,000 ETH onto the open market. This latest move, which involved sending a bunch of ETH to major exchanges, has fueled both speculation and—let’s be honest—some mild panic across the crypto space. The account we are looking at, identified as 0xaDdf8637D7B249d78f78e7966e90C414F4aA3CD1, is no ordinary wallet. It first received 76,000 ETH The post Ethereum’s Original Whale Resurfaces: Another 6,000 ETH Sold as Market Watches Closely appeared first on The Merkle News.

themerkle.com SonicLabs Emerges as a Rising Star as Active Users Double in Two Weeks

In the fast-changing world of decentralized finance (DeFi), user activity is one of the strongest indicators of growing utility and adoption. Recent data suggest that SonicLabs is quickly becoming a noteworthy player in this space. Active addresses on the SonicLabs network have doubled in the last two weeks, signaling a huge uptick in user engagement and overall ecosystem growth. This growth is part of a larger, broader trend in blockchain, where different networks are seeing increases in user activity. Rates of activity differ, but the overall trend is a very strong interest from users in DeFi ecosystems that are emerging The post SonicLabs Emerges as a Rising Star as Active Users Double in Two Weeks appeared first on The Merkle News.

themerkle.com Token Unlocks Loom Over Top Cryptos: What Investors Need to Know for the Next 6 Months

In the macroeconomic milieu of uncertainty that the cryptocurrency market finds itself in, even the best-laid plans of traders and long-term investors can go awry. Token unlock schedules that were previously in the shadows have been brought into the light; we are now all too aware of the impending unlocks of the very tokens with which we trade and invest. The issue is not really whether the unlocks will happen (they almost certainly will) or even when (most seem set to unlock sometime between now and the end of 2025). The real talk has been about the likely negative impacts The post Token Unlocks Loom Over Top Cryptos: What Investors Need to Know for the Next 6 Months appeared first on The Merkle News.

bitcoinist.com Crypto Analyst Releases Next Potential Targets For Cardano, Is $1 ADA Still Possible?

Cardano (ADA) appears to be regaining bullish momentum after experiencing a sharp correction from recent highs. According to a recent analysis by a TradingView analyst, ADA may be getting ready for another major rally, with potential price targets pointing toward the $1 mark and beyond.  Analyst Sees Cardano Breaking Past The $1 Target On May […]

themerkle.com OKZOO’s $AIOT Surges 120% Following Binance Contract Launch: Smart Money Sees Massive Gains

A major development for the blockchain and decentralized IoT ecosystem is that the recently listed $AIOT token—backed by the OKZOO project—has seen an explosive price surge of nearly 120% after Binance announced the launch of $AIOT futures contracts on April 25. This dramatic price movement has been drawing attention not just from retail investors but also from the institutional side of the space. Significant figures and just plain smart money seem to be acting on the belief that the $AIOT token will maintain upward momentum. A reported investor spent 1001 BNB—roughly worth $558,000 at the time—to acquire a large position The post OKZOO’s $AIOT Surges 120% Following Binance Contract Launch: Smart Money Sees Massive Gains appeared first on The Merkle News.

themerkle.com Crypto Crash: Over Half of All Tokens Listed Since 2021 Have Failed Amid Market Turbulence

The cryptocurrency market has long been known for its volatility. But new data paints a stark picture of just how precarious the industry has become. Since 2021, more than half of all cryptocurrencies listed on GeckoTerminal have failed, with a staggering 3.7 million tokens now considered defunct. These tokens are no longer trading and have effectively been abandoned by both developers and users alike. Recent figures indicate that about 52.7% of nearly 7 million tokens listed since 2021 have failed. Even more alarming is the fact that a huge number of these failures took place in just a couple of The post Crypto Crash: Over Half of All Tokens Listed Since 2021 Have Failed Amid Market Turbulence appeared first on The Merkle News.