Bitcoin developer Paul Sztorc has announced the launch of a hard fork of the original cryptocurrency network, named eCash. The deployment of the alternative blockchain is scheduled for August 2026. BREAKING: New Bitcoin ForkI am helping create a **new Bitcoin Hardfork** — dropping this August, called "eCash".— Your coins will split. For example, if you have 4.19 BTC, then you will get 4.19 eCash.— You may sell your eCash — or keep it. Or ignore it!Vegas:— Yes, I…— Paul Sztorc (@Truthcoin) April 24, 2026 According to the announcement, the project is conceived as a "clean" reboot of Bitcoin, retaining the network's basic architecture. BTC holders at the time of the snapshot will receive new coins at a 1:1 ratio. "You can sell your eCash, keep it, or ignore it," noted Sztorc. What is Known About eCash According to the developer, the blockchain uses an almost unchanged codebase of the main Bitcoin Core client and will maintain the SHA-256 consensus algorithm. However, initially, the mining difficulty will be reset to "minimal value."     The project includes support for L2 infrastructure in the form of drivechains. Sztorc is the author of this concept, but his proposals BIP-300 and BIP-301 have not gained widespread support after years of discussion. The programmer noted that seven drivechains are in development, including one focused on privacy "in the style of zCash." Among other planned L2s, he highlighted Truthcoin (prediction markets), CoinShift (decentralized exchange), BitAssets (NFTs and other assets), BitNames (identification), and the quantum-resistant Photon. Sztorc emphasized that he intentionally removed the word Bitcoin from the network's name to distance it from the fate of the 2017 BCH fork. In his view, the new blockchain, unlike Bitcoin Cash, offers a "permanent and sustainable solution to Bitcoin's problems." "In 2017, the BTC tech stack was strong, as were expectations for Lightning [Network]. Today, it's the opposite," Sztorc believes. Controversial Decision The creator of eCash announced the distribution of part (up to half) of ~1.1 million BTC stored in the so-called "Patoshi miner wallets." These coins are attributed to Bitcoin's creator Satoshi Nakamoto, but their true owner is unknown. The idea has drawn sharp criticism from some in the community, who view the initiative as a violation of the fundamental principle of property immutability. Outside of whatever drama may unfold:1. Taking Satoshi coins is theft and disrespectful. 2. eCash is already used for Lightning payments with Cashu and Fedi.Those are poor choices.— Peter McCormack 🏴‍☠️🇬🇧🇮🇪 (@PeterMcCormack) April 24, 2026 "Taking Satoshi's coins is theft and disrespect. Moreover, eCash is already used for Lightning payments in Cashu and Fedi. These are poor choices," wrote podcaster Peter McCormack. One user questioned what would happen if the real owner of the "Patoshi coins" later emerged. Sztorc acknowledged that the decision regarding the assets is controversial but called it "actually perfect." The distribution of coins allows investors to engage with the fork and launch it as a "ready project," rather than another "zombie network," the developer emphasized. "I'll give you two or three years before a complete collapse, and I'll finally try drivechains on Bitcoin, but without a fork using the most inefficient script stuff," stated a commentator under the nickname PacoVM. In April, the community was outraged by a radical plan to protect Bitcoin from quantum computers. The initiative BIP-361, proposed by Casa founder Jameson Lopp and a group of experts, suggests freezing vulnerable coins.

• #bitcoin

In this episode of “Deconstruction”, using Bitget as a case study, we examine how crypto exchanges are turning into global financial super-apps. Together with Bitget’s CIS marketing manager, Liliya Malikova, we discussed in detail the main trends at the intersection of Web3 and TradFi. ForkLog (FL): In recent years exchanges have moved onto the turf of traditional brokers. What motivated this decision for Bitget in particular? Liliya Malikova (L. M.): On the one hand, our task is to keep users and assets within a single ecosystem so people do not have to jump between a bunch of other apps. On the other, we see real demand: people do not want to just trade crypto; they want to build a broader portfolio. It is a logical step in our evolution, where we view the market more broadly and meet financial needs on a single universal platform. FL: Who in the CIS market is most interested in new instruments now? L. M.: In the CIS, most of the audience came into crypto a few years ago, lived through cycles and now want their financial result not to depend solely on crypto. Our target audience already lives in a digital environment and is simply looking for an expanded toolkit. We also see traders from traditional brokers, who note how fast, high-tech and convenient our platform is. FL: Users are accustomed to memecoin volatility and quick 10x returns. What challenges do you face when offering them conventional equities and indices? L. M.: The crypto audience is used to rapid moves, so buying stocks often seems uninteresting to the new generation because of the market’s slower pace. We just change the framing: we do not suggest replacing crypto with stocks; we offer a tool to ride out a bear cycle more safely. In general, traders do not care much what they trade, as long as they can balance risks efficiently. FL: What is the business goal behind integrating MetaTrader 5 (MT5)? L. M.: MT5 is a familiar environment for a vast number of professional traders, and the first goal is to open the door for them to a crypto exchange. The second goal is to give our current crypto users an alternative interface with more metrics and algorithms. We did not significantly change the core Bitget app; we simply expanded the ecosystem by adding a TradFi button. FL: MT5 is associated with algo-trading. Are you seeing users porting their forex robots to the crypto market? L. M.: There is interest, and because MT5 is historically linked to sophisticated strategies, we do notice a spike in robot use by advanced traders. However, the crypto market differs in the structure of its moves, so algorithms do not transfer one-to-one, and you cannot just copy old forex code. We do not think everyone will move en masse into algo-trading; it is simply another convenient window for experienced users. FL: Bitget has introduced contracts for difference (CFD). Which traditional asset classes draw the most interest in the CIS? L. M.: The most popular assets across regions are gold, oil and classic indices. In the CIS, gold is traditionally perceived as a defensive asset, and indices attract traders because they are highly volatile on macro news. US stocks draw the least attention right now; people mostly prefer the S&P 500 and other fundamental instruments. FL: What are the risks of CFDs, and could a major market crash like in October 2025 happen again? L. M.: The risk is high, especially if you enter this instrument chasing quick multiples: leverage works both ways, and mistakes are very painful. Our main task is to explain the mechanics of margin and liquidations to users, because CFDs are intended exclusively for mature traders. At the same time, gold will not drop 90% in a few hours, unlike altcoins, and the probability of the contract price decoupling from the underlying asset is extremely low. FL: How effective is artificial intelligence for crypto trading? L. M.: The main misconception is that AI will become a “money button” — there is no miracle; it simply analyses deep layers of data and helps make decisions faster. AI is useful because it delivers quick answers amid information noise, builds a plan and reminds you about risks. But the final responsibility for the trade and understanding risk management always lie with the trader. FL: Tell us what GetClaw is and how it works. L. M.: It is an AI agent that lets you operate your exchange account directly in a Telegram chat via an API key, without logging into the app. In the chat you can check your balance or issue a text command to buy, sell and withdraw assets from staking. I think this is the future of the entire industry, where these agents, not people, will be the ones trading via the platform. FL: Do you use AI-based tools inside the company itself? L. M.: To remain consistently among market leaders, we must accelerate with AI: the first draft of content and creatives is already generated via neural networks. Support is also partially automated, where the first filter of enquiries is handled by an algorithm, and we use AI for marketing analytics. At the same time, sensitive legal communications and our public position always remain the personal responsibility of the team. FL: Why have people suddenly started trading on prediction markets en masse, and why is AI analytics needed there? L. M.: Prediction markets have become a very human type of trading: a user does not need to know wave analysis; they simply place a bet based on how they feel. AI analytics are needed mainly to help structure information and avoid drowning in the massive noise around world events. Artificial intelligence gathers context, but the final investment decision still rests with the user. FL: Could crypto exchanges eventually replace traditional banks and retail brokers entirely? L. M.: Our exchange has an ambitious goal: by 2030 to take 40% of the traditional finance market, and thanks to fiat crypto channels we really can replace banks. In future the ideal user portfolio will include a core (bitcoin, stocks, gold) and a risk layer of altcoins. Tactical TradFi instruments will give traders stability, so people will build more sophisticated and resilient portfolios. The conversation has been significantly abridged. Watch the full episode: Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Deezer Яндекс.Музыка YouTube Music

DoorDash has begun building stablecoin payment infrastructure on Tempo, the Layer-1 blockchain incubated by Stripe and Paradigm, to pay delivery workers and merchants across more than 40 countries at near-instant settlement speeds and fixed US dollar fees, in one of…

Snchez's protests could reshape Peru's political landscape, influencing voter sentiment and market dynamics amid election uncertainties. The post Roberto Sánchez mobilizes protests in Peru against 2026 election results appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's action heightens geopolitical tensions, potentially prompting increased military presence and impacting global trade routes. The post Iran bars Israeli ships from Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Senate inaction on the CLARITY Act could stifle XRP's growth, highlighting the impact of legislative uncertainty on crypto markets. The post Senate gridlock on CLARITY Act dims XRP’s April $2.6 prospects appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Ripple released a detailed four-phase roadmap on April 20 to protect the XRP Ledger from future quantum computing attacks, with Phase 2 testing already underway, targeting full post-quantum cryptography implementation no later than 2028, as SoFi separately enabled XRP deposits…

The political deadlock in Slovenia highlights deep divisions, risking a shift towards nationalism and increasing market uncertainty. The post Slovenia’s president declines to propose PM candidate amid coalition impasse appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The closure highlights global economic vulnerability to geopolitical tensions, potentially prompting shifts in energy policies and market strategies. The post Strait of Hormuz closure spikes oil prices amid US-Iran conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

KelpDAO saw over $290 million in losses in what is described as biggest Defi Hack in 2026 to date.

The ongoing military operations strain diplomatic efforts, highlighting a disconnect between market optimism and the reality on the ground. The post Israeli army warns 58 Lebanese villages amid ongoing military operations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

BNB Chain has officially become the leading blockchain network for autonomous AI agents, with more than 150,000 on-chain deployments as of April 20, a 43,750% increase from the fewer than 400 agents that existed across all blockchains at the start…

Aave DAO has unveiled a proposal to deploy 25,000 ETH from its treasury to support a coordinated recovery effort following the recent Kelp DAO exploit. The move forms part of a broader “DeFi United” initiative aimed at restoring user funds and stabilizing affected lending markets.  On April 18, KelpDAO suffered a major attack targeted at […]

The deployment of drones highlights a strategic shift in naval operations, potentially impacting global trade and regional stability. The post US Navy deploys drones to clear mines in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran blockade appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

An April 23 non-binding opinion from an Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has found Malta’s Bill 55 incompatible with EU law, marking the second significant setback for the country’s iGaming protection regime in just over a week. Key Takeaways: AG Emiliou found Malta’s Bill 55 incompatible with the EU’s […]

Zelenskiy's openness to talks signals potential diplomatic progress, but without Russia's engagement, immediate peace remains unlikely. The post Ukraine ready for peace talks with Russia in Azerbaijan, awaits Moscow’s response appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The flight resumption indicates perceived stability, yet market skepticism persists, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions and uncertainties. The post Iran Air resumes Tehran-Mashhad flights after 56-day suspension appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management launched the Stablecoin Reserves Portfolio on April 23, a government money market fund exclusively designed to hold the cash reserves backing stablecoin issuers’ outstanding tokens, positioning the Wall Street giant to capture reserve management business ahead…

The shift to low-profile negotiations in Pakistan could signal a strategic pivot towards diplomacy, potentially impacting regional stability. The post US envoys travel to Pakistan for Iran talks amid peace deal speculation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Europe's lack of a ceasefire strategy in Ukraine suggests prolonged instability, impacting geopolitical dynamics and economic forecasts. The post Europe braces for prolonged Ukraine war with no ceasefire strategy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Increased military tensions and low market confidence suggest a prolonged geopolitical standoff, impacting regional stability and diplomacy. The post Iran positions missile launchers near US forces amid nuclear tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The drone strike heightens regional tensions, potentially impacting ceasefire probabilities and influencing broader geopolitical dynamics. The post Israeli drone strike kills alleged Hezbollah agent in southern Lebanon appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Recent XRP outflow spikes have often come before short-term price rallies, signaling a potential move higher in May if the pattern repeats.

XRP sees sixth largest outflow of the year on the XRP ledger as the recent crypto market resurgence continues to drive heavy demand for the asset.

Bitcoin Edges Toward $78K Peak as Ethereum Clings to $2,300: Crypto Rally Hits Pause After Big Bounce The crypto market is buzzing with excitement and caution. has traders on edge, while Ethereum stays steady around $2,300. After a strong rebound, […] The post Bitcoin Edges Toward $78K Peak as Ethereum Clings to $2,300: Crypto Rally Hits Pause After Big Bounce appeared first on Blockmanity.

• #bitcoin

A coalition of more than 120 crypto organizations led by the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Blockchain Association sent a joint letter to the Senate Banking Committee on April 23 demanding an immediate markup of the CLARITY Act, warning…

Geopolitical tensions may prompt ECB monetary policy shifts, while Bitcoin's stability highlights its detachment from conflict-driven volatility. The post Middle East conflict impacts ECB rate expectations, Bitcoin price remains stable appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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BTC's share of the total crypto market is still holding above 58%.

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Iran's Hajj participation signals a strategic shift towards regional stability, potentially reducing immediate geopolitical tensions. The post Iran sends first Hajj teams to Medina amid Saudi normalization efforts appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: North Carolina blockchain group urges Clarity Act markup amid stablecoin yield policy debate shift now GENIUS Act oversight reshapes stablecoin rules as banks warn on yield bearing products concerns rise Charlotte banking hub pushes digital asset adoption under Clarity Act competitiveness debate shift now Clarity Act momentum builds as lawmakers weigh stablecoin regulation and [...] The post Clarity Act Gains Momentum as North Carolina Pushes Stablecoin Bill Forward appeared first on Blockonomi.

Iran's actions highlight regional instability, potentially escalating tensions and impacting global oil markets and maritime security. The post Iran seizes two ships, Strait of Hormuz traffic declines appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

President Trump delivered a keynote address on April 25 at a Mar-a-Lago gala restricted to the top 297 holders of his Official TRUMP memecoin, with a private VIP reception and champagne toast reserved for the top 29, as Senators Elizabeth…

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on April 24 that the US government has sanctioned multiple crypto wallets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps under a campaign called Operation Economic Fury, with Tether executing the freeze of $344 million in…

Trump's Beijing visit amid Iran tensions highlights geopolitical complexities, impacting market confidence and diplomatic relations. The post Trump to visit Beijing May 14 amid Iran war, market odds drop 17.5 points appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The sanctions may strain EU-Russia relations further, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts and impacting global energy markets. The post EU sanctions to target Russian condensate imports from Yamal LNG by 2027 appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The White House's AI theft countermeasures could hinder Chinese firms' AI advancements, impacting global tech competition dynamics. The post White House targets AI theft by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba’s AI prospects appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The diplomatic deadlock and regional tensions may hinder progress, affecting geopolitical stability and market confidence in near-term talks. The post Iran’s FM in Pakistan for talks as US envoys prepare to arrive appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's move may temporarily ease geopolitical tensions, but traders should remain cautious as the situation could quickly change. The post Iran allows oil tankers to cross Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded $2.12 billion in inflows over nine days, signaling growing conviction among investors.

• #bitcoin

Labour's electoral struggles in London could trigger leadership challenges, impacting party stability and future political strategies. The post London housing crisis threatens Labour’s control in local elections appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the goal was for 50% of government sectors to operate through autonomous agentic AI. The transition will also include the training of federal employees to “master AI” and will be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. Key Takeaways: UAE PM Al Maktoum announced a major […]

The Iran war's impact on supply chains highlights vulnerabilities in global trade, potentially leading to long-term economic instability. The post Iran war disrupts supply chains, raises global medicine prices appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The prolonged internet blackout in Iran highlights escalating internal instability, potentially accelerating regime change discussions globally. The post Iran internet blackout hits 57 days amid rising regime change speculation appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Turkey's potential involvement in demining could ease regional tensions, but hinges on a speculative Iran-US peace deal, requiring swift diplomacy. The post Turkey open to Strait of Hormuz demining if Iran-US peace deal reached appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The IRGC's rising influence in Iran could lead to increased political instability and uncertainty in the region's future governance. The post IRGC commanders dominate as Mojtaba Khamenei loses control in Iran appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's flight resumption signals potential regional stability, impacting peace deal odds and highlighting geopolitical market sensitivities. The post Iran resumes commercial flights amid ongoing US-Israel conflict appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The deployment heightens geopolitical tensions, potentially influencing market perceptions and trader expectations of future military actions. The post US deploys F/A-18 jets to UAE amid Iran tensions, market impact unclear appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: France recorded 135 crypto-related kidnappings since 2023, with 47 cases already logged in 2026. Eighty-eight suspects, including over 10 minors, have been charged across 12 active French cases. A couple in Dompierre-sur-Mer was forced to transfer roughly 8 million euros in cryptocurrency as ransom. Prosecutors identified recurring suspects across multiple cases, confirming the presence [...] The post Crypto-Related Kidnappings Surge in France; 88 Charged Across 12 Active Cases appeared first on Blockonomi.

The GPT-5.5 release solidifies OpenAI's market influence, prompting focus on performance metrics and strategic deployment insights. The post OpenAI unveils GPT-5.5 model, settles release date markets YES appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The attack underscores the challenges of achieving a ceasefire, with market skepticism reflecting doubts about near-term diplomatic progress. The post Russia missile attack on Ukraine kills 4, injures 30, says Zelenskiy appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Market stagnation amid ongoing airstrikes highlights a disconnect between perceived ceasefire certainty and volatile ground realities. The post Israeli airstrikes continue amid stagnant ceasefire market conditions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Increased Bitcoin ETF inflows may signal growing investor confidence, potentially influencing market dynamics and future price expectations. The post Bitcoin ETFs see $823M inflows this week, boosting market odds appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

• #bitcoin

TLDR: Mars FX reported 19% annual returns with zero losing months, a pattern no legitimate fund has ever sustained in history. Novus directed investor funds to an unnamed BVI partner later identified as TRFX, which had been offline since 2022. Deloitte issued clean audit opinions yearly without independently verifying whether the reported fund assets actually [...] The post Mars FX Hedge Fund Collapse: $600 Million Missing and Nobody Knows Where It Went appeared first on Blockonomi.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meets a total of eight times a year, where members of the committee review economic and financial conditions in the US, and this usually has serious implications for the crypto market. With the end of each meeting comes an announcement where the Fed chair reveals what the interest rates […]

Germany's naval deployment may catalyze a broader European initiative to secure vital shipping lanes, impacting geopolitical stability. The post Germany deploys naval units in Mediterranean amid Hormuz tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Institutional investments in Bitcoin ETFs could stabilize prices and increase the likelihood of future all-time highs, impacting market dynamics. The post BlackRock, Morgan Stanley invest $34M in Bitcoin ETFs appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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The ceasefire extension stabilizes regional tensions, but ongoing provocations and diplomatic dynamics could still impact future peace efforts. The post Trump confirms three-week extension of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz underscores the fragility of global oil supply chains, highlighting the need for diversified energy strategies. The post Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, impacting global oil supply appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

XRP trades at $1.43 as whale withdrawals hit 94.4%, spot CVD climbs $310M, and institutions add ETF holdings. Analysts eye potential breakout to $1.58. The post XRP (XRP) Price Analysis: Whales Drive 94% of Exchange Outflows Amid Institutional Accumulation appeared first on Blockonomi.

Economic challenges and internet restrictions may heighten internal pressures, but significant political change remains unlikely in the short term. The post Putin’s approval drops amid economic woes, internet crackdown appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The diplomatic efforts may signal a shift in regional dynamics, but market skepticism suggests a peace deal remains a distant prospect. The post Kushner, Witkoff head to Pakistan for US-Iran peace talks restart appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Iran's claim highlights ongoing military tensions, reducing prospects for diplomatic resolution and increasing regional instability risks. The post Iran claims US bunker-buster bomb neutralised amid military tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The ongoing hostilities highlight the disconnect between market odds and reality, underscoring the challenges in achieving peace. The post Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill six, ceasefire odds remain unchanged appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The ongoing ship seizures heighten geopolitical tensions, threaten global trade stability, and create uncertainty in maritime markets. The post US, Iran ship seizures violate international law, disrupt Hormuz traffic appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The execution underscores the regime's strategy to suppress dissent, diminishing prospects for imminent political change in Iran. The post Iran executes protester linked to Mossad amid regime crackdown appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The Islamabad talks could shift US-Iran relations, influencing diplomatic strategies and impacting global geopolitical stability. The post US-Iran talks confirmed in Islamabad, impacting prediction markets appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Fold Holdings expanded bitcoin workplace compensation with a new employer bonus program. The rollout turns payroll-linked incentives into a potential distribution channel for everyday BTC adoption. Key Takeaways: Fold launches BTC bonuses, expanding employer adoption pathways. Businesses gain crypto tools, strengthening retention incentives. Fold Business growth signals wider corporate bitcoin integration. Fold Business Brings Bitcoin […]

• #bitcoin

Aave proposes 25,000 ETH ($58M) for Kelp DAO rsETH exploit recovery. DeFi United fund reaches $161M as TVL falls 27% in 2026 amid security concerns. The post Aave Moves to Allocate 25,000 ETH for Kelp DAO Exploit Recovery appeared first on Blockonomi.

U.S. Treasury froze $344M in USDT linked to Iran's central bank, with Tether blacklisting two TRON addresses as part of 'Economic Fury' campaign. The post U.S. Treasury Freezes $344M in Iran-Linked Tether Amid Economic Pressure Campaign appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR: Grayscale staked 102,400 ETH worth $237M via 32 transactions, bringing its net staking rewards to nearly $38 million. Bitmine now holds 3.7 million staked ETH worth $8.58 billion, representing 74% of its total Ethereum holdings. Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini ETF ranked first among US ETP providers in Q1 2026, recording $337 million in net inflows. [...] The post Ethereum Staking Surge: Grayscale and Bitmine Commit Nearly $500 Million appeared first on Blockonomi.

Iran's retained missile capability suggests continued military resilience, reducing the likelihood of imminent regime change despite external pressures. The post Iran retains significant missile capability amid US-led operations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Solana (SOL) flashes rare weekly MACD buy signal with $130 breakout potential. Key resistance at $90-$96 could determine next major move. The post Solana (SOL) Poised for Major Breakout as MACD Signal Sparks Bullish Momentum appeared first on Blockonomi.

The reliance on intermediaries like Pakistan may hinder timely US-Iran nuclear negotiations, affecting regional stability and diplomatic progress. The post Iran, Pakistan discuss peace proposals amid indirect US-Iran negotiations appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Bitcoin (BTC) surges 13.6% in April as whales accumulate $3.17B and spot ETFs record eight consecutive days of inflows near critical $79K resistance. The post Bitcoin (BTC) Surges Past $79K as Institutional Investors Pour in $3.17 Billion appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Miami, United States, 25th April 2026, Chainwire

Nvidia's AI integration could significantly enhance productivity, potentially impacting its market position and influencing global tech dynamics. The post Nvidia deploys GPT-5.5 Codex to 10,000 employees, boosting AI collaboration appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Burnham's potential leadership challenge highlights internal Labour tensions, potentially destabilizing the party's future electoral prospects. The post Andy Burnham eyes leadership challenge as Labour’s prospects slide appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Nvidia's valuation surge underscores the strategic importance of tech leadership amid geopolitical tensions, influencing global market dynamics. The post Nvidia market cap hits $5T amid US-China tech rivalry appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

South Africa has released new draft regulatory proposals that, if implemented, could significantly change how residents interact with certain wealth holdings—including crypto.  The document, published as part of the country’s latest attempt to tighten rules around the crypto industry, would require people to declare qualifying assets above future thresholds. In some situations, those assets could […]

• #bitcoin

TLDR: Ethereum trades near $2.3K, staying below the weekly 200 MA and EMA, with $2.4K acting as key resistance. CryptosRus reports the Ethereum Foundation sold 10,000 ETH OTC at $2,387, totaling about $23.9M to BitMine. OTC transaction signals institutional absorption of ETH liquidity, reducing immediate exchange-side selling pressure. Price remains in a broader downtrend, with [...] The post Ethereum Faces $2.4K Resistance as Foundation Sells 10K ETH in OTC Market Move appeared first on Blockonomi.

"The longer the price stays in here, the more energy it builds for the eventual breakout," Ali Martinez argued.

The fragile ceasefire and market stasis highlight the precariousness of regional stability and the potential for sudden escalations. The post IDF reports Hezbollah ceasefire violations amid rising Lebanon tensions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

Geopolitical instability in the Middle East could lead to volatile energy markets, affecting global economic stability and energy security. The post Middle East tensions impact energy price expectations amid US interventions appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

The bombing heightens geopolitical tensions, complicating diplomatic efforts and increasing market volatility around Iran's nuclear future. The post US bombs Iranian nuclear sites, fate of uranium stockpile uncertain appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: Bitcoin sentiment flipped from fear to strong optimism within days as the price rebounded above $78.7K quickly. Santiment data shows rising FOMO levels, which often act as caution signals during key resistance tests. The $80K level remains a major barrier, with a breakout likely attracting new and returning traders. Elevated Bitcoin sentiment suggests crowded [...] The post Bitcoin Sentiment Swings to FOMO as BTC Retests $80K Resistance Level Again appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Bitcoin's stability amid geopolitical calm suggests market resilience, but thin liquidity could amplify volatility if tensions resurface. The post Bitcoin stabilizes at $75K-$78K after US-Iran ceasefire, market remains calm appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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We have compiled the week's most important cybersecurity news. North Korean hackers stole $12m in crypto in three months using AI tools. A former ransomware negotiator turned out to be an accomplice. UK intelligence: 100 governments have access to commercial spyware. An infostealer was planted in Bitwarden’s developer-facing password manager. North Korean hackers stole $12m in crypto in three months using AI tools Over three months, the North Korean hacking group HexagonalRodent stole about $12m in cryptocurrency and infected more than 2,000 Web3 developers’ machines to steal credentials and gain access to crypto wallets, said Expel cybersecurity specialist Marcus Hutchins. The campaign relied on “vibe coding” — generating malware and infrastructure via text prompts to AI systems: using Anima’s AI web-design tools, the hackers built sites for non-existent IT firms; victims were lured with fake job listings and asked to complete a “test assignment” that contained malware; all code and correspondence in flawless English were generated with ChatGPT and Cursor. Snippet of the hackers’ code. Source: Expel.  The expert analysed the hackers’ infrastructure, which they inadvertently left exposed. Their prompts and a database of victims’ wallets leaked online. Hutchins noted the code was filled with English comments and emojis — a clear sign the software was entirely generated by a LLM. Hutchins argues that in 2026 Pyongyang made a qualitative leap by using AI to automate every stage of its cyberattacks, turning low-skilled operators into a scaled cyberthreat. HexagonalRodent’s work is only part of North Korea’s broader strategy to automate crime, corroborated by reports from other technology firms: Microsoft reported that North Korean operators use AI to generate fake documents, research vulnerabilities and conduct social engineering; Anthropic said it blocked attempts by DPRK agents to use the Claude model to refine malware. In comments to WIRED, representatives of OpenAI, Cursor and Anima confirmed misuse of their services. They said accounts linked to the hackers had been blocked; the investigation will help prevent similar incidents. A former ransomware negotiator turned out to be an accomplice Angelo Martino, formerly a ransomware negotiator at cybersecurity firm DigitalMint, pleaded guilty to aiding cybercriminals, the US Department of Justice said. Martino admitted he played both sides in five separate incidents. While ostensibly working for victims, he passed confidential information to operators of the ALPHV/BlackCat malware and supplied details such as insurance coverage limits and victims’ negotiation strategies. Investigators found that Martino maximised the payouts to criminals and took a cut. The ALPHV/BlackCat group operated a CaaS model, in which the gang builds and maintains file-encrypting software while “affiliates” deploy it in attacks and share profits with the developers. In 2023, law enforcement seized the gang’s dark-web site and released a decryptor that helped more than 500 victims restore systems. In 2025, other DigitalMint employees — Kevin Tyler Martin and Ryan Clifford Goldberg — aided the same criminals. Together with Martino they earned over $1.2m from just one victim.  Martino pleaded guilty to extortion and faces up to 20 years in prison. Authorities seized $10m in assets from him. UK intelligence: 100 governments have access to commercial spyware According to British intelligence, more than half of the world’s governments have access to software capable of hacking devices to steal confidential information, Politico reports. Media say the barrier to obtaining such surveillance technology has fallen. The number of countries potentially possessing these hacking tools has risen to 100, up from 80 known in 2023. Commercial spyware developed by private firms — such as Pegasus from NSO Group — often relies on vulnerabilities in phone and computer software. Governments say these tools are used only on devices of suspects in serious crimes, including terrorism. In recent years, the “circle of victims” has widened from political critics, opponents and journalists to bankers and wealthy businesspeople, according to UK intelligence. In the US, ICE is actively using the Israeli-made Graphite tool. Acting agency director Todd Lyons confirmed this to NPR. According to him, law enforcement uses the software to fight foreign terrorist organisations and fentanyl traffickers who rely on encrypted messengers. The tool can access messages on a phone without any need to click links (zero-click). An infostealer was planted in Bitwarden’s developer CLI On 22 April 2026, the official npm package of the Bitwarden command-line interface (CLI), version 2026.4.0, was compromised. The repository contained a build with malicious code to steal developers’ credentials. Several security firms analysed the supply-chain compromise and assessed the incident: JFrog experts found the package used a custom loader, bw_setup.js, to stealthily execute a spying script. The malware collected npm and GitHub tokens, SSH keys, and credentials for AWS, Azure and Google Cloud; OX Security discovered that the encrypted stolen data were exfiltrated by automatically creating public repositories on the victim’s GitHub account. The repos were tagged “Shai-Hulud: The Third Coming,” and the malware could self-propagate; Socket confirmed the malware targeted CI/CD infrastructure. It also found technical links to the recent supply-chain compromise at Checkmarx. The attack is attributed to the TeamPCP group, previously behind large campaigns against developers of Trivy and LiteLLM. Experts strongly urged developers to rotate all keys and tokens immediately if they interacted with the affected CLI. Bitwarden removed the tainted version just 90 minutes after the attack began and confirmed that user vaults and passwords remained safe. Apple fixed a bug that let the FBI read deleted Signal notifications Apple released a patch and a security advisory after the FBI gained access to Signal message notification content via iOS even after the app had been deleted. We are very happy that today Apple issued a patch and a security advisory. This comes following @404mediaco reporting that the FBI accessed Signal message notification content via iOS despite the app being deleted. Apple’s advisory confirmed that the bugs that allowed this to…— Signal (@signalapp) April 22, 2026 Signal said that once the update is installed, all inadvertently saved notifications will be deleted and new ones will not be stored. Kyiv police detained a gang of debt collectors who extorted cryptocurrency using bot farms In Kyiv, law enforcement detained fraudsters who used the Bitcapital and Crypsee platforms to provide crypto loans. Debtors and their relatives were harassed with AI-generated abusive content and a bot farm with 6,000 SIM cards, the Cyber Police of Ukraine reported. According to investigators, the group set up a call centre in Dnipro and had operated since 2023 under cover of companies registered in the UK and Cyprus. Operators phoned debtors and, using fake data and voice-changing software, demanded repayment. Even when clients repaid on time, the criminals invented non-existent debts. They then extorted money through threats and blackmail. The bot farm was used to generate and disseminate degrading content featuring victims’ data and photos — as well as those of their relatives and colleagues — and to place systematic threatening phone calls. Source: Cyber Police of Ukraine. At any one time, a separate group of two to six people could “work” a victim, tailoring approaches to individual vulnerabilities. On success, each took a cut of the funds extorted. Police carried out 44 searches in Dnipropetrovsk region and Kyiv. More than 80 mobile phones, computer equipment, cash, documents, seals and bot farms were seized. Preliminary damages exceed 5m hryvnia (about $113,000 at the time of writing). The suspects face up to 12 years in prison. Also on ForkLog: Tether froze $344m in USDT at the request of the US. In the UK, raids were conducted to crack down on illicit P2P crypto trading. Cybersecurity experts warned of a new wave of DPRK attacks. Bloomberg reported unauthorised access to the Mythos AI model. Hackers attacked Volo and drained $3.5m from WBTC and USDC pools. Reporters learned of a new scheme to extort bitcoin for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Arbitrum froze 30,000 ETH as part of the Kelp hack investigation. Eth.limo regained control of its domain after the easyDNS breach. The Kelp protocol lost $293m after a cross-chain bridge attack. What to read this weekend? For a long time, the use of cyberweapons for espionage was seen as the domain of a narrow circle of intelligence services. But a US investigation into Operation Zero exposed the scale of trading in zero-day vulnerabilities. On states’ shadow markets and the price of hacks — in ForkLog’s new feature.

TLDR: XRP outflows reached 34.94 million tokens, marking one of the largest daily exchange withdrawals this year. Historical data shows XRP outflows often appear before upward price movement during accumulation phases. XRP is forming a multi-year base pattern, with Base 3 developing near key resistance levels. Price remains near an ascending trendline, with consolidation continuing [...] The post XRP Outflows Surge as Multi-Year Base Pattern Signals Possible Breakout Setup appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR: Brazil banned derivatives tied to sports, politics, gaming, and entertainment events from May 4 Foreign prediction market contracts offered in Brazil also fall under the new derivatives restriction Only contracts linked to financial benchmarks like rates, prices, and indices remain allowed Securities regulators now hold broad authority over future event-based derivatives listings Brazil moved [...] The post Brazil Prediction Market Ban Hits Crypto Derivatives Under New Rules appeared first on Blockonomi.

TLDR: ALGO joins Japan’s JVCEA Green List, enabling faster exchange listings under strict regulatory oversight standards. Price breaks out of a long-term descending channel, marking a shift from bearish structure to early bullish setup. Strong demand zone between $0.0794 and $0.10 continues to hold, supporting accumulation and price stability. A projected move toward $0.33 reflects [...] The post ALGO Enters Japan Green List as Price Breakout Signals Emerging Bullish Trend appeared first on Blockonomi.

Bitcoin's rising dominance and stability suggest a shift towards it as a safe-haven asset, reflecting broader market confidence and geopolitical influences. The post Bitcoin dominance in 2026 as price holds near $78K appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

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Iran's refusal to engage in direct talks with the US complicates diplomatic efforts, reducing the likelihood of a near-term peace agreement. The post Iran denies direct US talks, stalling peace efforts in Islamabad appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: Bittensor investors want subnet performance, not just decentralized AI architecture strength TAO focus is shifting toward subnets targeting state-of-the-art AI model competition Investors want models that outperform GPT and Gemini in specific commercial sectors Stronger reasoning, coding, and creativity remain key tests for Bittensor subnet growth Bittensor has investors pushing its subnet ecosystem toward [...] The post Bittensor Subnets Face Pressure to Deliver Real AI Competition appeared first on Blockonomi.

According to James Check, only 1.716 million Satoshi-era P2PK coins represent a credible target for quantum attacks.

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The US warning may lead to increased scrutiny and restrictions on Chinese AI firms, impacting global AI market dynamics and innovation trust. The post US warns of AI thefts by Chinese firms, impacting Alibaba AI model market appeared first on Crypto Briefing.

TLDR: Project Eleven paid 1 BTC after a researcher broke a 15-bit ECC key using public quantum hardware Giancarlo Lelli expanded the previous public quantum ECC record by 512x from the 2025 result Around 6.9 million Bitcoin sit in wallets with public keys visible on-chain and exposed New research cut estimates for full Bitcoin quantum [...] The post Project Eleven Awards 1 BTC After Record Quantum ECC Break Raises Crypto Security Alarm appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Aave founder Stani Kulechov committed 5,000 ether to DeFi United, the ecosystem-wide recovery initiative launched post the $292 million KelpDAO exploit, with Mantle Network following with a 30,000 ETH backstop. Key Takeaways: Aave founder Stani Kulechov personally pledged 5,000 ETH to DeFi United. Mantle Network committed 30,000 ETH, pushing total recovery pledges past 43,500 ETH. […]

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has sued New York over prediction markets, following the state’s lawsuit against Coinbase and Gemini, as a broader federal-state clash over event contracts intensifies. The dispute centers on whether these products fall under federal derivatives oversight or state gambling laws. Key Takeaways: CFTC sued New York to block state […]

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation this week, banning all cryptocurrency automated teller machines (ATMs) in the state, making Tennessee the second in the U.S. to do so after Indiana. Key Takeaways: Governor Bill Lee signed HB 2505 on April 23, 2026, making Tennessee the 2nd state to ban crypto ATMs. The FBI linked approximately […]

The measure, which would affect international prediction markets, like Polymarket and Kalshi in Brazil, is part of a battle against illegal gambling by President Lula’s Administration. According to a technical note, these platforms would reproduce fixed quota bets, which are already regulated. Key Takeaways: Brazil’s National Monetary Council banned non-financial prediction markets on April 24 […]