The U.S. military's expanded operations could heighten geopolitical tensions, impacting global oil markets and regional stability. The post US military boards Iran-linked tanker in Indo-Pacific expansion appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Port Vila, Vanuatu, 21st April 2026, Chainwire

The Kelp DAO attacker has moved $175 million of stolen Ether in an apparent bid to start laundering it after the $290 million exploit.

BitMEX has partnered with Zodia Custody to enable institutional crypto derivatives trading via off-exchange collateral held in segregated custody.

US Congressional candidate Alex Bores has proposed an 'AI Dividends' program. The initiative suggests direct payments to citizens if automation leads to mass layoffs. Today, I’m proud to announce the AI Dividend, my plan to prepare for the AI economy with direct payments to Americans funded by tax reform that simultaneously incentivizes hiring humans instead of AI.Read the full plan here: https://t.co/sE1OuM8AlT pic.twitter.com/uoRiyIU9Me— Alex Bores (@AlexBores) April 20, 2026 Bores relies on expert forecasts suggesting that artificial intelligence could replace up to 50% of jobs, with entry-level positions being the most vulnerable.  The program would be triggered automatically upon reaching certain economic indicators: prolonged decline in employment levels;  decrease in wages in specific sectors;  increase in AI productivity without the creation of new jobs. In addition to payments, the project includes funding for retraining courses and increased oversight of technologies. The amounts and frequency of disbursements are not yet specified in the document.  To fund the initiative, Bores proposed several mechanisms:  a tax on the use of AI tokens;  the state's right to purchase shares in AI companies at a discount;  tax reforms. The author of the initiative believes these mechanisms should be implemented before a narrow circle of companies accumulates excessive profits through automation. In his view, it will be much harder to change the system after large-scale displacement of people from the labor market.  Earlier in April, Oracle began laying off thousands of employees amid falling stock prices and significant capital expenditures on AI infrastructure.

Qualcomm (QCOM) rallies nine days straight but remains down 20% in 2026. DRAM shortages, analyst downgrades, and weak handset demand cloud the outlook. The post Qualcomm (QCOM) Extends Rally to Nine Days — Is the Bottom In? appeared first on Blockonomi.

OCBC Bank launches GOLDX tokenized gold fund on Ethereum and Solana, merging physical gold investments with blockchain technology and digital settlement. The post OCBC Introduces GOLDX: Blockchain-Backed Gold Fund on Ethereum and Solana appeared first on Blockonomi.

Increased U.S. interdictions may prolong disruptions in maritime traffic, impacting market odds and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. The post US forces board Iran-linked tanker M/T Tifani in Indo-Pacific crackdown appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Zelensky's criticism highlights diplomatic tensions, potentially delaying peace efforts and reducing confidence in a near-term ceasefire. The post Zelensky criticizes US envoys for Moscow focus, calls absence in Kyiv ‘disrespectful’ appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin's surge reflects increased institutional confidence and geopolitical stability, but market volatility remains a significant risk. The post Bitcoin hits $76,720 after Strategy’s $2.5B buy, US-Iran tensions ease appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

• #bitcoin

The market might not be ready for a proper recovery, but activity around Shiba Inu is certainly recovering.

TLDR: RedotPay is among the first crypto card providers to support Native USDC on Sui’s blockchain network. Users in 100+ countries can now spend SUI and USDC-Sui at over 130 million merchants worldwide. RedotPay processes over $10 billion in annualized payment volume as recorded in November 2025. Mysten Labs built Sui’s payment infrastructure to move [...] The post RedotPay Integrates SUI and USDC-Sui to Power Stablecoin Payments Across 100+ Countries appeared first on Blockonomi.

BYDFi marks rapid global growth with 1M users and multiple industry recognitions.  Overview Website https://www.bydfi.com Founded 2020 Sector Hybrid crypto exchange (CEX + DEX) Registered Users 1,000,000+ Countries 190+ Spot Trading Pairs 1,000+ Derivatives Pairs 500+ Maximum Leverage 200x KYC…

Iran's potential absence from talks could stall diplomatic progress, heightening regional tensions and impacting global geopolitical stability. The post Iran may skip US talks in Islamabad amid naval blockade tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Unknown individuals are impersonating Iranian authorities, offering ships safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for payment in Bitcoin or USDT. The Greek maritime risk management company Marksis has warned of this new scheme, reports Reuters.  Experts examined one of the messages sent by the fraudsters to shipping companies. It stated that companies should first provide documents for verification by Iran's security service.  Subsequently, a transit fee must be paid in cryptocurrency. This supposedly allows for an "unimpeded crossing at a pre-agreed time," according to Marksis.  At least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. It attempted to leave Hormuz on April 18 but came under fire.  Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed   Earlier this month, journalists from the Financial Times, citing oil exporters, reported that Iran intends to demand payment in cryptocurrency from shipping companies for passage through the strait. No official confirmations followed.  Later, experts described Tehran's plans as "virtually unfeasible." They pointed to the ongoing sanctions against the country and the transparency of the blockchain, which could pose problems for Western-registered firms.  On April 17, Iranian authorities announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the situation changed a few days later: U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to destroy all power plants and bridges in Iran if negotiations failed.  In response, the other side indicated it might skip a second round of talks while the United States maintains a naval blockade.  The next meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives is scheduled for April 22, reports Axios. However, the situation remains unstable due to ongoing threats from both countries.  Experts from Bitwise stated that the conflict in the Middle East has brought Bitcoin closer to becoming a real means of settlement.

• #bitcoin

TLDR Iran opening the Strait of Hormuz sent Bitcoin up 4%, wiping out $593M in short positions Iran then reimposed controls, reversing the move and pushing Bitcoin to $74,335 Total liquidations across 72 hours hit $762M Both long and short traders made correct directional calls but still got liquidated At 25x leverage, a 4% price [...] The post Bitcoin Traders Lost $762M in 72 Hours as Hormuz Headlines Reversed appeared first on Blockonomi.

• #bitcoin

Applied Materials (AMAT) stock rose Tuesday as Advantest joined its $5B EPIC Center as the first automated test equipment innovation partner in Silicon Valley. The post Applied Materials (AMAT) Stock Rises as Advantest Joins $5 Billion EPIC Center Campus appeared first on Blockonomi.

ARK Invest purchased Amazon (AMZN) stock before Q1 earnings and added Kratos shares while selling Iridium. Details on Cathie Wood's latest trades. The post ARK Invest Loads Up on Amazon (AMZN) Stock Ahead of Earnings, Exits Iridium Position appeared first on Blockonomi.

The Philippine SEC has warned investors against using dYdX and six other crypto platforms, saying they are operating without authorization in the country. According to a Tuesday post on Facebook, the Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission named dYdX, Aevo, gTrade,…

Ripple set a 2028 target to make XRP Ledger quantum-resistant through a four-phase roadmap, testing, and a native amendment.

Zodia Custody has integrated the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX into its Interchange network, allowing institutional clients to trade derivatives while keeping their assets in secure, third-party cold storage. Key Takeaways: Zodia Custody added BitMEX to its Interchange network in Q1 2026 to secure institutional trading. The move reduces 100% of counterparty risk by keeping assets in […]

The potential weaponization of AI in crypto markets underscores urgent cybersecurity upgrades and highlights geopolitical tensions. The post Anthropic’s AI raises fears of $100M+ crypto hack by year-end appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bybit's investment in Hata could accelerate Malaysia's digital asset ecosystem, leveraging regulatory support and fostering regional innovation. The post Bybit leads $8M funding round for Malaysian crypto exchange Hata appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's potential military actions could destabilize markets and hinder diplomatic progress, affecting global oil dynamics and geopolitical stability. The post Iran warns of new battlefield moves, impacting oil sanction relief talks appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ternus's leadership will shape Apple's future strategy, impacting innovation and market dynamics beyond the immediate succession. The post John Ternus named Apple CEO, Tim Cook to become executive chairman in 2026 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

SpaceX's IPO prep could significantly impact market dynamics, investor strategies, and the aerospace industry's competitive landscape. The post SpaceX IPO prep signals with Shotwell’s $85.8M stock-based compensation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The escalating energy crisis could lead to increased geopolitical tensions and economic instability, affecting global markets and policies. The post UN chief warns Middle East conflict triggers worst energy crisis in a generation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The talks could influence geopolitical stability and market dynamics, with potential shifts in military and economic strategies globally. The post US and Iran to attend new ceasefire talks in Islamabad appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Germany's diplomatic push could lead to a significant de-escalation in US-Iran tensions, impacting geopolitical stability and market dynamics. The post Germany urges Iran to hold talks with US in Islamabad appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Dogecoin transaction volume rose near $800M on April 16 as DOGE traded around $0.095 and tested resistance near $0.102.

The exploit underscores vulnerabilities in DeFi, potentially increasing market volatility and impacting investor confidence in new launches. The post $293M DeFi exploit hits Kelp/AAVE, raises systemic risk concerns appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Trump's claims heighten tensions, reducing chances for US-Iran diplomacy and increasing the risk of further geopolitical instability. The post Trump claims Iran violated ceasefire multiple times appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's dual approach of diplomacy and military threats could destabilize regional relations, impacting global diplomatic and security dynamics. The post Iran plans delegation to Pakistan amid military threats appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BlackBerry (BB) stock jumped 13% on Nvidia IGX Thor partnership news, expanding QNX into robotics and medical tech. Analysts warn of high valuation risks. The post BlackBerry (BB) Stock Jumps 13% Following Deeper Nvidia Collaboration Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

The evacuation plan highlights the fragile geopolitical climate, impacting global trade routes and necessitating strategic maritime security measures. The post IMO drafts evacuation plan for 800 ships in Persian Gulf amid tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) stock jumped 7% after naming ex-Broadcom senior VP Gregory Fischer to its board. Q1 earnings scheduled for May 5, 2026. The post Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) Jumps 7% as Former Broadcom Executive Joins Board appeared first on Blockonomi.

Explore five high-dividend stocks yielding 3% or more: AbbVie (ABBV), Chevron (CVX), Shell, Enterprise Products, and Realty Income with strong cash flows. The post Top 5 Dividend-Paying Stocks Yielding Over 3% for Income Investors in 2025 appeared first on Blockonomi.

Iran's military readiness amid ceasefire uncertainty could heighten regional tensions, impacting global markets and diplomatic relations. The post Iran prepares for potential conflict as US ceasefire expiration looms appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Rising tensions and lack of diplomacy could escalate US-Iran conflict, impacting global stability and economic markets significantly. The post Trump unlikely to extend Iran ceasefire as deadline looms appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Stalled US-Iran talks heighten geopolitical tensions, impacting global markets and increasing uncertainty over future diplomatic resolutions. The post US-Iran nuclear talks stalled, uranium enrichment end by April 30 uncertain appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

This sponsored press release was provided by TRON DAO and was not written by Bitcoin.com News. Bitcoin.com News does not necessarily endorse the statements made within this announcement. PRESS RELEASE. Washington, D.C., April 20, 2026 — The Digital Sovereignty Alliance (DSA), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing clear and ethical public policy, research and education […]

The XRP price forecast just got stronger after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse told the Semafor World Economy event on April 13 that the CLARITY Act will pass by the end of May, giving Ripple (XRP) permanent regulatory clarity under federal law. When the biggest legislative barrier in crypto is about to fall, the entire exchange [...] The post XRP Price Forecast After Ripple CEO Targets CLARITY Act by May: Can Pepeto’s Binance-Backed Exchange Deliver Bigger Returns? appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitcoin rose above $76K as XLM gained 7% and crypto futures liquidations reached $197.75M across major exchanges.

• #bitcoin

After months of delay, the Senate appears to be approaching a decisive moment for the long-awaited CLARITY Act. This week could finally help determine whether lawmakers can move the bill forward—or whether additional negotiating pressure will push momentum into mid-May.  Banks Pressure Banking Committee Members A Monday report from Crypto In America’s Eleanor Terrett said […]

Strategy's Bitcoin accumulation could influence market dynamics, potentially driving price volatility and impacting institutional investment trends. The post Strategy surpasses BlackRock in Bitcoin holdings with 815,061 BTC appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

• #bitcoin

Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz could heighten geopolitical tensions, impacting global oil supply and market stability. The post Iran restricts Strait of Hormuz transit to 12 vessels in 24 hours appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Qatar's involvement could accelerate diplomatic efforts, potentially reshaping regional stability and impacting global market dynamics. The post Qatar engages in Islamabad talks, supports Pakistan’s US-Iran mediation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The warnings could delay de-escalation, strain ceasefire credibility, and prompt market corrections amid persistent military actions. The post Israel issues new warnings to southern Lebanon amid ongoing conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Shipping companies stranded near the Strait of Hormuz are reportedly being targeted by scammers posing as Iranian authorities, demanding Bitcoin or USDt for “safe passage.”

Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz sheds light on RLUSD's utility as a settlement instrument with a key fact pointed out.

Reabold Resources has clarified it is only exploring small-scale bitcoin mining at its UK gas site, following reports of a broader pivot. The company says its primary focus remains domestic energy supply. Key Takeaways: Reabold said 2026 bitcoin mining at West Newton is small-scale, not a strategic pivot. UK gas site holds eight billion cubic […]

• #bitcoin

The internal power struggle in Iran could either hinder or facilitate future diplomatic engagements, impacting regional stability and global markets. The post US sees rift between Iran’s negotiation team and Revolutionary Guard appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Rising tensions and market volatility highlight the geopolitical risks and potential for conflict escalation in the Strait of Hormuz region. The post Iran judiciary chief condemns US seizure of vessel as ‘war crime’ appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Rising fuel costs may lead to increased airfare, impacting global travel demand and economic recovery, especially in Europe. The post Middle East conflict drives aviation fuel prices up, airlines prioritize long-haul routes appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin traded near $75K as whales sent coins to exchanges, while analysts pointed to resistance near $76.8K and $83K.

• #bitcoin

Italy's energy crisis highlights the vulnerability of global supply chains, prompting shifts in energy policy and economic strategies. The post Italy’s energy crisis deepens as Iran conflict disrupts gas supplies appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Dogecoin’s transaction volume sees incredible surge to about $800 million, marking the highest daily surge seen so far in 2026.

Crypto’s : The $5 Trillion Growth Engine by 2030 Imagine a world where smart AI agents handle your crypto trades, manage investments, and even negotiate deals—all on their own. No human needed. This is not science fiction. It’s the future […] The post Crypto’s AI-Driven Agent Economy: The $5 Trillion Growth Engine by 2030 appeared first on Blockmanity.

UnitedHealth's strong earnings amid economic tensions highlight resilience, influencing broader market sentiment and investor confidence. The post UnitedHealth stock soars on earnings beat amid US-Iran conflict, inflation concerns appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Uncertainty over the ceasefire extension could heighten tensions, impacting diplomatic relations and market stability in the region. The post Trump statement casts doubt on Iran ceasefire extension appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Avis Budget (CAR) stock climbed 23% to $608.80 on Monday as short squeeze dynamics and airport chaos drove rental demand higher. Up 374% YTD. The post Avis Budget (CAR) Stock Soars 23% as Short Squeeze Intensifies appeared first on Blockonomi.

Beyond Meat (BYND) stock exploded 41% Monday on new product rollouts, Big Geyser distribution deal, and meme-stock retail trader enthusiasm. The post Beyond Meat (BYND) Stock Soars 41% Amid Meme Rally and Product Expansion appeared first on Blockonomi.

Thales (HO) stock drops 4% as Q1 orders of €4.65B miss forecasts, though sales beat at €5.32B and defense orders jumped 75% on surging demand. The post Thales (HO) Shares Slide 4% as Q1 Order Intake Falls Short of Market Expectations appeared first on Blockonomi.

JPMorgan upgrades S&P 500 target to 7,600 from 7,200, boosting earnings forecasts as Anthropic's Mythos AI and US-Iran ceasefire improve market outlook. The post JPMorgan Boosts S&P 500 Forecast to 7,600 Amid Renewed AI Optimism appeared first on Blockonomi.

Jeff Bezos' AI startup Project Prometheus is pursuing $10B in funding at a $38B valuation, with JPMorgan and BlackRock investing in the engineering-focused venture. The post Jeff Bezos’ Project Prometheus AI Venture Targets $38B Valuation With Massive Funding Round appeared first on Blockonomi.

Intel (INTC) reports Q1 2026 earnings April 23. Wall Street expects $0.02 EPS, $12.42B revenue as stock trades near $70 after 78% YTD surge. The post Intel (INTC) Earnings Preview: What Wall Street Expects on April 23 appeared first on Blockonomi.

SoundHound AI (SOUN) stock gained 3% Monday despite tech selloff driven by U.S.-Iran tensions. Revenue up 59.4% YoY with analyst targets above $14. The post SoundHound AI (SOUN) Stock Climbs 3% Despite Broader Tech Sector Weakness appeared first on Blockonomi.

KeyBanc lifts Amazon (AMZN) price target to $325, citing AWS growth at 30%, Anthropic partnership, and Amazon Leo as major catalysts for the stock. The post Amazon (AMZN) Stock Target Raised to $325: KeyBanc Sees 30% Upside Ahead appeared first on Blockonomi.

NY lawmaker proposes AI dividend plan triggered by automation job losses, funded through taxes on AI usage and equity stakes in tech companies. The post New York Lawmaker Introduces AI Dividend Scheme to Combat Automation Job Losses appeared first on Blockonomi.

Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz heightens global oil market volatility, risking significant economic disruptions amid geopolitical tensions. The post Iran’s Strait of Hormuz control pressures oil markets amid US blockade appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Trump's steady approval amid low NATO exit support suggests limited public backing for isolationism, potentially aiding Democrats in 2026. The post Trump approval rating steady amid low support for NATO exit appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ternus's leadership may ensure continuity at Apple, but his approach to AI and product strategy could redefine future innovation paths. The post John Ternus to succeed Tim Cook as Apple CEO in September 2026 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Germany's involvement could enhance diplomatic channels, potentially influencing Iran's nuclear stance and impacting global diplomatic dynamics. The post Germany urges Iran to join Islamabad talks to revive nuclear negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The resumption of flights may signal reduced internal threats, but geopolitical tensions and market skepticism about regime stability persist. The post Iran Air to resume domestic flights after 50-day suspension amid conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BNB price rebounded from its recent drop to an intraday high of $636 on Tuesday amid a broader market recovery. According to data from crypto.news, BNB (BNB) price rose over 2% on Tuesday to $636, bringing its market cap to…

The IRGC's increased control suggests a more entrenched regime, reducing the likelihood of significant political change in Iran. The post Iran’s Revolutionary Guard sidelines president, strengthens regime control appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The popular fund manager believes that most investors are clueless, which could be the catalyst for serious monetary losses.

• #bitcoin

MARISKS warned that scammers posed as Iranian authorities and demanded bitcoin or USDT from ships stranded near the Strait of Hormuz.

Hours after the Arbitrum Security Council froze 30,766 ether tied to the KelpDAO exploit, the attacker moved all 75,701 ETH, roughly $175 million, to the Ethereum mainnet and began bridging the funds to bitcoin. Key Takeaways: After Arbitrum froze 30,766 ETH ($71M), the KelpDAO exploiter moved 75,701 ETH ($175M) to the Ethereum mainnet. Peckshield confirmed […]

• #bitcoin

The absence of Iran's delegation may delay US-Iran talks, impacting diplomatic relations and market speculation on potential agreements. The post Iranian delegation absence in Islamabad clouds US-Iran peace talks timeline appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The uncertainty of Iran's participation in peace talks highlights the fragile nature of diplomatic negotiations and market volatility. The post Iran’s participation in US peace talks uncertain, impacting April 22 contract appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The large-scale deleveraging highlights potential vulnerabilities in Ethereum's market resilience, despite current trader confidence. The post $140M aETHWETH moved on Ethereum, market stability questioned appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The potential diplomatic freeze could heighten regional tensions and impact global markets, pending official confirmations or mediator actions. The post Iranian MP declares US-Iran talks “off the table,” signaling potential freeze appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: Starknet v0.14.2 introduces SNIP-36, enabling native in-protocol STARK proof verification on mainnet. STRK20 allows any ERC-20 token on Starknet to operate with encrypted balances and shielded transfers. strkBTC lets bitcoin holders access DeFi on Starknet without exposing their full wallet transaction history. SNIP-37 rebalances network economics by raising storage costs while lowering base L2 [...] The post Starknet v0.14.2 Brings Native Privacy Infrastructure to Mainnet appeared first on Blockonomi.

Building on its US success, crypto exchange Coinbase has rolled out crypto-backed USDC loans for UK residents, using Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) as collateral. This expands the exchange’s growing suite of financial services in the region. Related Reading: Ripple CTO Emeritus Warns RLUSD Review Exposed A DeFi Security Red Flag Crypto-Backed Loans Cross The […]

Stalled US-Iran talks risk escalating tensions, impacting global oil markets and regional stability, with potential diplomatic shifts crucial. The post US-Iran talks stall over uranium, Hormuz access, $20B sanctions relief appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The operation's intensity may escalate geopolitical tensions, potentially involving more countries and impacting global markets. The post Mossad agent killed in joint US-Israel operation targeting Iran appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Heightened geopolitical tensions could lead to prolonged oil supply disruptions, impacting global markets and economic stability. The post Oil prices surge 6% after US seizes Iranian ship near Hormuz appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The UK's strategy to attract expats highlights shifting geopolitical dynamics and potential economic impacts on the UAE's stability. The post UK aims to attract expats from UAE amid Iranian strikes on Dubai appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The call for US-Iran talks in Islamabad highlights potential shifts in diplomatic strategies, impacting geopolitical stability and market dynamics. The post German minister urges US-Iran talks in Islamabad to ease tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin's rise amid geopolitical tensions highlights its potential as a hedge against traditional market risks, attracting diverse investors. The post Bitcoin surges to $76,000 amid Iran-US negotiation tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

• #bitcoin

Solana's scalability and stablecoin lending are reshaping the DeFi landscape amid rising investor demand for yields. The post Marius Ciubotariu: Investor appetite is driving demand for higher yields in DeFi, Solana’s architecture supports scalability, and the shift towards stablecoin-based lending is reshaping the landscape | Bell Curve appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Promoters of flagged platforms may face fines of up to 5 million Philippine pesos ($89,000) or up to 21 years in prison under Philippine securities law.

The potential US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad could significantly reduce geopolitical tensions and foster regional stability. The post US-Iran peace talks likely in Islamabad as US delegation visits Pakistan appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BOJ's steady rate signals caution amid uncertain economic data and geopolitical tensions, impacting future monetary policy expectations. The post Bank of Japan to hold rate next week: Nikkei appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ripple has unveiled a multi-phase roadmap to prepare the XRP Ledger (XRPL) for a post-quantum future, aiming to achieve full readiness by 2028.  The announcement comes as advances in quantum computing raise concerns that the cryptography used by many blockchains today could eventually be undermined—potentially putting long-term users and high-value accounts at risk. XRPL Faces […]

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree to establish the Besqala Mining Valley, a special zone for cryptocurrency mining, in Karakalpakstan. The project encompasses the entire territory of the republic. The initiative aims to develop mining based on "green" energy and attract investment to the region. Participants are permitted to use the general power grid and alternative sources, including hydrogen stations. Excess heat from the farms can be redirected by residents to heat greenhouses. Miners have been granted the right to sell cryptocurrency on local and foreign exchanges or through direct transactions. Revenue can be credited to accounts in Uzbek banks. Until January 1, 2035, the income of Besqala Mining Valley participants is exempt from taxes. Instead, residents will pay a monthly fee of 1% of revenue to the zone's administration. The electricity tariff for miners is set at 1800 soms per kWh (a double coefficient for Group II consumers). Exceptions are provided for projects with investments exceeding $100 million. Only companies registered in Karakalpakstan can become residents. Applicants must have suitable premises and functional electrical networks. Leaders and founders are prohibited from having convictions for economic crimes. To commence operations, a legal entity must obtain resident status and permission from the National Agency for Perspective Projects. Earlier in January, Uzbekistan introduced a special legal regime under which stablecoins became an official means of payment.

Programming code is a form of free speech that should be protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, according to Peter Van Valkenburgh and Lisandro Piper of Coin Center. Big new Coin Center report on the First Amendment.Highly recommend reading if you, for example, happen to work at the SDNY and find yourself up at night wondering if the Supreme Court treats "functional" software as less worthy of strict constitutional protections.Spoiler, it… https://t.co/wxlD7SXTEx— Peter Van Valkenburgh (@valkenburgh) April 20, 2026 "Developers are authors and inventors, not agents, custodians, or fiduciaries. Requiring them to register or obtain licenses in advance ignores the historical logic of financial oversight and imposes a classic prior restraint on activities that are essentially self-expression. This is unconstitutional," they stated. According to the experts, writing and publishing code is no different from writing a book or publishing a recipe. The First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, essentially provides strict constitutional protection for developers who merely publish and maintain software. When a Developer Becomes an Intermediary Van Valkenburgh and Piper stated that their report aims to help courts and regulatory bodies distinguish between the publication of code and the professional activities of a software creator. A developer falls under regulation when they control user assets, conduct transactions on their behalf, or make decisions for them. "Lower courts confuse execution with expression, which undermines the First Amendment protection of code," noted Coin Center specialists. They added that some judges consider code closer to execution than expression because it can be run to achieve real-world results. However, the experts insist that such activity is pure self-expression. They argue that this is confirmed by U.S. Supreme Court practice, despite errors by lower courts. Van Valkenburgh and Piper referred to the 1985 case of Lowe v. SEC. The high court then ruled that a publisher who does not hold client funds or conduct transactions on their behalf is protected by free speech, is not considered a professional market participant, and is not subject to corresponding regulation. Programmers Should Not Be Scapegoats Cryptocurrency protocols have eliminated some traditional intermediaries. With self-custody and P2P transfers, there is no need for a central authority to control transactions. Traditional financial structures acting on behalf of users are subject to state regulation and must obtain licenses. According to Van Valkenburgh and Piper, the complexity of regulating new technologies does not justify attempts to make software developers intermediaries "for convenience." "Blockchain-based projects do not require the invention of new legal doctrines or exceptions. They require the good faith application of established First Amendment principles to a new technological context," they added. In the computer age, where software is the main means of expressing ideas and organizing economic life, "these principles are more important than ever." Writing and publishing code is speech that cannot be silenced by licensing in a free society, Coin Center experts concluded. Context Crypto developers have been seeking legal protection from criminal prosecution for the code they write for several years. In 2025, a court issued guilty verdicts to several programmers based on how third parties used their software. A notable example is the trial of one of the founders of the crypto mixer Tornado Cash, Roman Storm. Authorities found him guilty of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business. Many experts disagreed with the decision. Samson Enzer, a partner at the law firm CahillNXT, stated that the government lacks evidence to prove Storm's intentional assistance to criminals. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also spoke in his defense. The defense seeks to dismiss the case, citing the Supreme Court's decision in Cox Communications v. Sony Music Entertainment. Lawyers argue that Storm had no intention of participating in the crimes he is accused of. In August, the head of the U.S. Department of Justice's criminal division, Matthew Galeotti, announced that the department would stop prosecuting DeFi application developers under the statute for operating an unlicensed money transmission business. However, Van Valkenburgh noted that the official's words do not carry binding legal force.

TLDR: Dragonfly Managing Partner Haseeb Qureshi says Aave holds sufficient capital to absorb any bad debt it may face.  DeFi has survived major crises including Terra’s collapse, the 2022 stETH depeg, and 2020 liquidation failures.  Qureshi compares DeFi’s recovery process to how traditional finance evolved through historical banking crises.  Active governance debates within DeFi communities [...] The post Dragonfly’s Haseeb Qureshi: Aave Has the Capital to Absorb Bad Debt Amid DeFi Risk Concerns appeared first on Blockonomi.

Apple named John Ternus CEO effective Sept. 1, 2026, while Tim Cook will move to executive chairman after summer.