Stablecoins rose to popularity as a result of limitations in the US financial system — particularly restricted banking hours and the lack of a non-USD trading pair, according to Jerald David, president of Arca Labs. “So we start thinking about the reason why, we start talking about the nine-to-five banking hours,” David said during a panel at TokenizeThis 2025 event on April 16.The panel discussion centered on yieldcoins or, essentially, the rising of cryptocurrencies that can generate yield through holding, staking or lending, like stablecoins. “Well, nine-to-five banking hours don’t work, right? There are implementations right now of payment systems that are going to come to market very soon, that are a good combination of both yield-bearing instruments as well as stabletokens,” David said. According to David, the need for stablecoins stems from the fact that the traditional US banking infrastructure doesn’t support round-the-clock transactions. “And this industry, as we all know, is a 24-hour industry.”KYC for stablecoins Know Your Customer procedures were a significant topic at the panel. One representative from Figure Markets said that everyone who owns a yield-bearing stablecoin would have to be KYC-ed for tax reasons.But David pointed out that stablecoins have several use cases beyond yield generation, including payments. “Using this stable token to buy a cup of coffee is not something that really should require AML or KYC for somebody.”Nick Carmi, head of exchange at Figure Markets, suggested that part of the solution could be a trust-based KYC system that allows users to carry their credentials across platforms. KYC is a process used by financial institutions to verify a user's identity. It's meant to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activities by ensuring users are who they claim to be.Currently, users must complete separate KYC checks for each financial institution or service they use, creating friction and frustration — especially for those navigating multiple platforms or exploring different crypto ecosystems.Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins
Panama’s capital city will accept cryptocurrency payments for taxes and municipal fees, including bus tickets and permits, Panama City mayor Mayer Mizrachi announced on April 15, joining a growing list of jurisdictions globally that have voted to accept such payments.Panama City will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), Circle's USDC (USDC), and Tether's USDt (USDT) stablecoin for payment once the crypto-to-fiat payment rails are established, Mizrachi posted on the X platform. Mizrachi said previous administrations attempted to push through similar legislation but failed to overcome stipulations requiring the local government to accept funds denominated in US dollars.In a translated statement, the Panama City mayor said that the local government partnered with a bank that will immediately convert any digital assets received into US dollars, allowing the municipality to accept crypto without introducing new legislation.Panama City joins a growing list of global jurisdictions on the municipal and state level accepting cryptocurrency payments for taxes, exploring Bitcoin strategic reserves to protect public treasuries from inflation and passing pro-crypto policies to attract investment.Source: Mayer MizrachiRelated: New York bill proposes legalizing Bitcoin, crypto for state paymentsMunicipalities and states embrace digital assetsSeveral municipalities and territories around the globe already accept crypto for tax payments or are exploring various implementations of blockchain technology for government spending.The US state of Colorado started accepting crypto payments for taxes in September 2022. Much like Panama City said it will do, Colorado immediately converts the crypto to fiat.In December 2023, the city of Lugano, Switzerland, announced taxes and city fees could be paid in Bitcoin, which was one of the developments that earned it the reputation of being a globally recognized Bitcoin city.The city council of Vancouver, Canada, passed a motion to become "Bitcoin-friendly city" in December 2024. As part of that motion, the Vancouver local government will explore integrating BTC into the financial system, including tax payments.North Carolina lawmaker Neal Jackson introduced legislation titled "The North Carolina Digital Asset Freedom Act" on April 10. If passed, the bill will recognize cryptocurrencies as an official form of payment that can be used to pay taxes.Magazine: Crypto City: The ultimate guide to Miami
XRP recent surge appears to be entering a cooling phase as the price edges lower to the $1.97 level, an area acting as a pivotal support. After a strong upward move fueled by improved market sentiment, the current pullback signals a potential pause rather than a full reversal. The $1.97 zone now stands as a critical support level, previously acting as resistance during XRP’s recent climb. If buyers step in with strength and volume begins to rise, this dip could prove to be a strategic entry point for those eyeing the next breakout. Key Support Holds At $1.97 – Is XRP Building A Base? XRP’s pullback to the $1.97 level has brought attention to the critical support zone that may serve as a foundation for the next leg up. Despite broader market fluctuations, price action has shown resilience around this area, with buyers stepping in to defend the level. Historically, $1.97 has acted as a pivotal point during previous rallies and corrections, increasing its significance as a potential accumulation zone. Related Reading: XRP Price Pulls Back: Healthy Correction or Start of a Fresh Downtrend? The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator is beginning to flash early signs of a potential bullish reversal for XRP. After the recent dip to $1.97, the MACD line is showing signs of converging toward the signal line, hinting that bearish momentum may be losing steam. This subtle shift often precedes a reversal and suggests that buyers are gradually regaining control. Should the MACD complete a bullish crossover, where the MACD line crosses above the signal line, it will reinforce the argument for a rebound. When paired with XRP’s position above key support, such a signal could confirm that market sentiment is tilting in favor of the bulls. A strengthening MACD histogram, reflecting diminishing downside pressure, would further validate this shift and add weight to the case for an upward move in the coming sessions. Bulls On Standby: What Needs To Happen For A Breakout Several key conditions must be met before momentum shifts decisively in the bulls’ favor as XRP’s price action nears the $1.97 support zone. First, XRP needs to firmly establish $1.97 as a solid base, with multiple successful defenses of this level reinforcing buyer confidence. A rebound from this zone would signal underlying strength and provide the first step toward an upside breakout. Related Reading: XRP Must Break Above $3 To Invalidate Bearish Pattern And Flip Bullish – Analyst Secondly, volume needs to step in. A breakout without a noticeable increase in trading volume risks being a false move. Sustained buying pressure would confirm that market participants are positioned for a trend reversal. Additionally, a decisive break above nearby resistance levels such as $2.25 or higher would invalidate the current consolidation phase and open the door for further gains. Lastly, indicators like the RSI and MACD must align with the bullish narrative. A rising RSI, without entering overbought territory, and a bullish MACD crossover would solidify the technical foundation for an upward move. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
VanEck received regulatory effectiveness for its new Onchain Economy ETF, an actively managed fund designed to give investors broad exposure to companies powering the digital asset ecosystem. Regulatory effectiveness means the SEC has approved the fund’s registration, allowing it to begin offering shares to the public. Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s head of digital assets research and […]
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Dogecoin network has a vibrant global online community and introducing Dapps could stir up more growth. Stebbing expects collaborative and open protocols for future Dogecoin Layer 2 projects. Timothy Stebbing, a product lead at the Dogecoin Foundation, has highlighted how he thinks the meme lord should evolve in the future. In an X post, Stebbing …
Solana’s native token SOL (SOL) failed to maintain its bullish momentum after reaching the $134 level on April 14, but an assortment of data points suggest that the altcoin’s rally is not over. SOL price is currently 57% down from its all-time high, partially due to a sharp decline in its DApps activity, but some analysts cite the growth in deposits on the Solana network as a catalyst for sustained price upside in the short term.Blockchains ranked by total value locked, USD. Source: DefiLlamaSolana has established itself as the second-largest blockchain by total value locked (TVL), with $6.9 billion. After gaining 12% over the seven days ending April 16, Solana has pulled ahead of competitors such as Tron, Base, and Berachain. Positive signs include a 30% increase in deposits on Sanctum, a liquid staking application, and 20% growth on Jito and Jupiter.Solana's DEX volume surpasses Ethereum layer-2sOne could argue that Solana’s TVL roughly matches the Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem in deposits. However, this comparison overlooks Solana’s strong position in decentralized exchange (DEX) volumes. For example, in the seven days ending April 16, trading activity on Solana DApps totaled $15.8 billion, exceeding the combined volume of Ethereum scaling solutions by more than 50% during the same period.Blockchains ranked by 7-day DEX volumes, USD. Source: DefiLlamaSolana reclaimed the top spot in DEX activity, surpassing Ethereum after a 16% gain over seven days. This was supported by a 44% increase in volume on Pump-fun and a 28% rise on Raydium. In contrast, volumes declined on the three largest Ethereum DApps—Uniswap, Fluid, and Curve Finance. A similar trend occurred on BNB Chain, where PancakeSwap, Four-Meme, and DODO saw reduced volumes compared to the previous week.It would be unfair to measure Solana’s growth only by DEX performance, as other DApps handle much smaller volumes. For example, Ondo Finance tokenized a total of $250 million worth of assets on the Solana network. Meanwhile, Exponent, a yield farm protocol, doubled its TVL over the past 30 days. Similarly, the yield aggregator platform Synatra experienced a 43% jump in TVL during the past week.
Panama City will begin accepting Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and popular stablecoins such as USDC and USDT for public service payments, including taxes, fees, permits, and fines, in a move that positions the capital as a regional pioneer in crypto adoption. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi Matalon announced the initiative on April 16 and called it a […]
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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced industry insiders from Kraken, Exodus, Anchorage Digital, and others would be participating in its crypto task force’s roundtable discussion on custody.In an April 16 notice, the SEC said commissioners Hester Peirce and Caroline Crenshaw, acting chair Mark Uyeda and crypto task force Chief of Staff Richard Gabbert will sit down with Mark Greenberg, crypto exchange Kraken’s vice president of consumer business and product, Anchorage Digital Bank’s Chief Risk Officer Rachel Anderika and Exodus Chief Legal Officer Veronica McGregor. Other representatives will include those from WisdomTree, Fidelity Digital Asset Services, and Fireblocks.“It is important for the SEC to grapple with custody issues, which are some of the most challenging as we seek to integrate crypto assets into our regulatory structure,” said Peirce, who heads the SEC task force.Notably, Uyeda was listed as acting chair of the commission at the April 25 event, despite the US Senate confirming that Paul Atkins would head the regulatory body on April 9. It’s unclear when Atkins will be sworn in as SEC chair, but at the time of publication, the regulator had not listed him as a current commissioner.Related: US gov’t actions give clue about upcoming crypto regulationAmong the topics listed on the roundtable’s agenda are discussions on broker-dealers and custody at investment firms. Demand for digital asset custody in the US has grown in the last few years, especially following the approval of crypto exchange-traded funds in January 2024. The trend has also drawn in traditional financial institutions, including long-standing firms such as BNY Mellon.Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January and the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the agency has seemingly moved in a direction more favorable to the crypto industry by abandoning certain enforcement actions and dismissing efforts in court to expand or maintain its authority over digital assets.The first of the crypto task force’s roundtable events on March 21 dealt with the status of many tokens as securities. Another on April 11 included discussions on “tailoring regulation for crypto trading.”Is DOGE infiltrating the SEC?The roundtable discussions come as reports suggested the “government efficiency” team launched by Tesla CEO and presidential adviser Elon Musk had been given access to the SEC’s systems and data. Acting chair Uyeda has reportedly pushed back on requests by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE – which is not an official US government department — to access SEC data.DOGE faces criticism and some lawsuits over attempts to fire staff at US government agencies. It’s unclear whether Musk intends to “streamline” the SEC in the same way the group went after the US Agency for International Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set
Crypto lobbyists also dropped a lawsuit against the IRS.
Ethereum is trading above the $1,500 mark after a week of heightened volatility and continued global trade uncertainty. Macroeconomic tensions — driven by tariffs, shifting policies, and weakened investor sentiment — continue to weigh heavily on crypto markets. Despite the recent bounce, Ethereum’s price action still hints at a broader downtrend, with bulls struggling to reclaim key resistance levels that could trigger a meaningful recovery. Related Reading: Dogecoin Whales Buy 800 Million DOGE in 48 Hours – Smart Money Or Bull Trap? However, there are signs of potential strength ahead. If bulls manage to push ETH above immediate resistance zones, a bullish momentum shift could emerge. Market watchers are closely monitoring cost basis levels to identify where strong demand may resurface. According to data from Glassnode, Ethereum’s Cost Basis Distribution reveals three key price clusters likely to shape short-term action. Among them, the $1,546 level stands out as the most significant, with 822,440 ETH previously accumulated in this range. A successful hold or breakout above this zone could provide a solid foundation for a larger recovery. For now, Ethereum’s outlook remains cautiously neutral, with bulls needing to reclaim higher levels to shift sentiment and challenge the broader downtrend. Ethereum Key Cost Basis Levels Could Define Price Action Ethereum has lost over 50% of its value since early February, setting the stage for a challenging but potentially pivotal recovery phase. After months of heavy selling pressure, ETH is now trading just above the $1,500 mark, a zone that could serve as a springboard if bullish momentum builds. While the broader market has shown signs of recovery, Ethereum’s underwhelming price action continues to test investor patience. Still, analysts believe a recovery rally is possible, especially if macroeconomic sentiment improves. Persistent global trade tensions, ongoing tariff battles, and US foreign policy shifts continue to inject volatility into financial markets. These factors have suppressed demand for risk assets like Ethereum, but some believe that the worst may be behind. Glassnode’s on-chain data offers a more detailed look at Ethereum’s short-term outlook. According to their Cost Basis Distribution analysis, three price clusters are likely to shape ETH’s near-term price action. Around $1,457, roughly 408,000 ETH were previously accumulated. At $1,546, over 822,000 ETH sit, making it one of the most critical levels. Finally, approximately 725,000 ETH were acquired around $1,598. These clusters reflect areas of high on-chain activity and are expected to act as support or resistance zones during the current phase of price consolidation. A breakout above the $1,600 level could trigger a more significant move toward $1,800 and beyond. For now, Ethereum’s price remains range-bound, but market participants are watching these levels closely for signs of a decisive shift. Related Reading: Ethereum Metrics Reveal Critical Support Level – Can Buyers Step In? ETH Faces Crucial Resistance As Bulls Fight to Regain Momentum Ethereum is currently trading at $1,580 after failing to break above the $1,700 resistance level, signaling that bullish momentum remains weak. Despite a brief recovery from recent lows, ETH has struggled to reclaim higher ground, and key resistance levels continue to weigh on price action. For bulls to confirm the start of a true recovery phase, Ethereum must push above the 4-hour 200 MA and EMA, both hovering around $1,820. A decisive move above these indicators would indicate renewed market confidence and open the door for a push toward critical demand levels around $2,000. However, the risk of further downside remains. If Ethereum loses the $1,500 support level, selling pressure could accelerate, potentially driving the price below the $1,400 mark. This zone served as a key level in early 2023 and could be retested if bearish momentum builds. Related Reading: Dogecoin Gears Up For A Breakout To $0.29: Can Bulls Hold Key Support? With macroeconomic uncertainty and trade tensions still dominating the narrative, investors remain cautious. The next few trading sessions will be critical for ETH, as it hovers between potential recovery and the threat of renewed decline. Traders should watch for volume spikes and reaction around the $1,700 and $1,500 zones to assess the next move. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
Bitcoin (BTC) remains under pressure as macroeconomic uncertainty continues to weigh on its price action. After making a strong bounce from the local bottom near $75,000 on April 7 and 9, analysts are beginning to question whether BTC could be gearing up for a reversal of the downward trend that’s persisted since the start of the year.BTC/USD 1-day, RSI 1-week. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, TradingViewFor some, like the veteran trader Peter Brandt, this trendline is nothing but hopium. As he noted in his X post,“Of all chart construction, trendlines are the LEAST significant. A trendline violation does NOT signify a transition of the BTC trend. Sorry.”Others, however, see more reason for cautious optimism. Analyst Kevin Svenson highlighted a possible weekly RSI breakout, pointing out that “Once confirmed, weekly RSI breakout signals have proven to be among the most reliable macro breakout indicators.” Ultimately, price is driven by supply and demand—and while both sides of the equation are beginning to show subtle signs of recovery, they are yet to reach the levels needed for a proper breakout. Furthermore, the bulls must cut through a dense sell wall near $86,000 to confirm the reversal. Bitcoin demand — Are there early signs of recovery?According to CryptoQuant, Bitcoin’s apparent demand — measured by the 30-day net difference between exchange inflows and outflows — is showing early signs of recovery after a sustained dip into negative territory.However, the analysts caution against prematurely declaring a trend reversal. Looking back to the 2021 cycle peak, similar conditions occurred: demand remained low or negative for months, prices temporarily stabilized or rebounded, and true structural recovery only followed extended consolidation. This current uptick in demand may simply mark a pause in selling pressure—not a definitive bottom sign. Time and confirmation are still needed to confirm a shifting momentum.Bitcoin: apparent demand. Source: CryptoQuantFrom a trader’s perspective, the apparent demand metric does not look optimistic just yet. Bitcoin daily trade volumes currently hover around 30,000 BTC (spot) and 400,000 BTC (derivatives), according to CryptoQuant. This is, respectively, 6x and 3x less compared to the June-July 2021 period that preceded the last bull run of the 2019-2022 cycle. Despite hopeful comparisons of the current price dip to that period, current volume dynamics suggest a more subdued trader appetite.Bitcoin trading volume. Source: CryptoQuantInstitutional investors confirm the low demand trend. Since April 3, the spot BTC ETFs have recorded continuous outflows totaling over $870 million, with the first modest inflow not occurring until April 15. Despite this, trading volumes remain relatively high — only 18% below the 30-day average — indicating that some investor appetite for Bitcoin persists.Related: Crypto in a bear market, rebound likely in Q3 — CoinbaseBitcoin supply — Will liquidity return?On the supply side, liquidity remains weak. According to Glassnode’s recent report, the realized cap growth has slowed to 0.80% per month (from 0.83% previously). This points to a continued lack of meaningful new capital entering the Bitcoin network and, as Glassnode notes, “remains well below typical bull market thresholds.”Furthermore, the BTC balance on exchanges — often used to gauge available sell-side liquidity — has dropped to just 2.6 million BTC, the lowest level since November 2018.Yet, on a broader macroeconomic level, some analysts see reasons for cautious hope. Independent market analyst Michael van de Poppe pointed out the quickly rising M2 Supply, which, with a certain lag (here 12 weeks), has often influenced Bitcoin price in the past.“If the correlation remains, he wrote, then I assume that we'll see Bitcoin rally to an ATH in this quarter. This would also imply a rise in CNH/USD, a fall in Yields, a fall in Gold, a fall in DXY, and a rise in Altcoins.”Global M2 - 12-week lead. Source: Global Macro InvestorEven if bullish momentum and demand returns, Bitcoin will need to clear a critical resistance zone between $86,300 and $86,500, as shown on CoinGlass’ liquidity heatmap, which maps dense clusters of buy and sell orders at different levels.Alphractal adds another layer of insight through its Alpha Price Chart, which incorporates realized cap, average cap, and onchain sentiment — and comes to the same conclusion. According to the chart, BTC must decisively break above $86,300 to restore short-term bullish sentiment. If the price weakens again, support levels lie at $73,900 and $64,700.Bitcoin: Alpha price. Source: AlphractalOverall, calling a trend reversal at this stage may be premature. Liquidity remains thin, macroeconomic headwinds persist, and investors remain cautious. Still, Bitcoin’s resilience above $80,000 signals strong support from long-term holders. A decisive breakout above $86,300 could shift market sentiment—and, in a best-case scenario, ignite a new rally. For such a move to be meaningful, however, it must be backed by spot market volume, not just leverage-driven activity.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.
Publicly listed Bitcoin miners sold over 40% of the collective coins mined in March, representing the largest monthly BTC liquidation for mining firms since October 2024 and reversing the post-halving trend of accumulating Bitcoin (BTC) for a corporate treasury strategy, according to TheMinerMag, which screened data from 15 publicly traded mining companies.The increased liquidations come amid widespread macroeconomic uncertainty in financial markets and the business sector, likely signaling that companies are selling their BTC to reduce shortfalls caused by the current economic climate.Mining firms offloading BTC to cover operational expenses contributes to selling pressure on the cryptocurrency, which can result in a price volatility. According to CoinGlass, Bitcoin posted a 2.3% loss in March, following a 17.39% correction the previous month. Related: CleanSpark to start selling Bitcoin in 'self-funding' pivotMiners struggle amid macroeconomic turmoil High costs, operational hurdles, and fierce competitiveness within the Bitcoin mining industry are amplified by the effects of a trade war on businesses, financial markets, and global supply chains.Kristian Csepcsar, chief marketing officer at BTC mining service provider Braiins, recently told Cointelegraph that producing all of the hardware components used for mining BTC in the United States is not possible.US President Donald Trump's tariff policies will impact all aspects of the supply chain, making components and business-to-business services more expensive, eroding miner profitability, Csepcsar said.Trump's threats of taxing energy imports also added to the uncertainty facing some US-based mining firms, as energy costs are a critical input in determining profit margins for miners.Hashlabs CEO Jaran Mellerud predicted that higher costs from trade tensions may benefit mining firms outside the US as hardware manufacturers and resellers offload equipment originally meant for US customers to other jurisdictions at lower prices."Importing machines to the US will now cost at least 24% more compared to tariff-free countries like Finland," Mellerud wrote in an April 8 X post.The executive concluded that mining Bitcoin in the US will become economically unfeasible if 24% tariffs are levied on mining components. Mellerud also predicted US firms would gradually lose market share as a result of the tariffs.Magazine: AI may already use more power than Bitcoin — and it threatens Bitcoin mining
Family offices and professional investors are allocating spot Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded products (ETPs) differently, with family offices demonstrating a relatively stronger preference for Ethereum. According to data compiled by Bitwise as of Dec. 31, 2024, family offices and trusts allocate 0.62% of spot Ethereum ETP assets under management (AUM), compared to just […]
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XRP is back trading above, $2, and bullish momentum is gradually creeping back compared to its price action at the end of March and beginning of April. Crypto analyst EGRAG CRYPTO believes this week could highlight a turning point for a full flip into bullish momentum, and how the XRP price closes out the week will be very important. According to the analyst’s outlook, which was posted on social media platform X, the current XRP candle on the weekly timeframe is hovering just above both $2.10 and the 21-week Exponential Moving Average (EMA). However, he noted that the real confirmation lies with if XRP can manage to close the week with a full-bodied candle above $2.25. Why Is $2.25 Important For XRP’s Price? The $2.25 level has now become more than just another short-term resistance. It is what EGRAG considers the final barrier to validating the recovery structure forming after March and April’s sharp retracement. His weekly chart shows XRP climbing out from a significant low after bouncing off the 0.888 Fib extension level and now stabilizing above the yellow 21-week EMA line. Related Reading: XRP To Flip Bitcoin This Cycle? Analyst Points To Major Bounce The alignment of XRP’s price above both the $2.10 price level and this moving average adds credibility to the potential of a bullish continuation, but EGRAG makes it clear that a weekly close above $2.25 is the “lock-in” point. From a technical standpoint, this would mark the first full-bodied weekly candle above the 21W EMA since the past four weeks. If achieved, this can be interpreted confirmation that bulls have regained dominance and that a bottom was established on April 7. Furthermore, it suggests that the April 7 bottom will continue to hold as support going forward. The chart also outlines close price targets at $2.51 and $2.60, with Fibonacci extension levels projecting even higher zones at $2.69 on the way to crossing back above $3. Failing To Close Above $2.25 Could Reintroduce Unwanted Narratives EGRAG also issued a cautionary note in case there isn’t a clean breakout. Should XRP fail to close the weekly candle above $2.25, he warned it could trigger a return of bearish narratives, including what he referred to as a possible “tariff issue.” This is referring to the recent tariff back-and-forth between the US and China in the past month, which has unbalanced the investment markets. Related Reading: Crypto Pundit Reveals What Will Happen If XRP Price Does Not Break $2.3 A strong rejection could see the XRP price pull back toward the $1.96 Fibonacci level or even lower into the broader support band of around $1.58 to $1.30. The white box region on the chart above would then become the primary battleground for bulls and bears if a close above $2.25 is not secured by the end of the week. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
xAI, Elon Musk's AI company, takes aim at competitors with a new canvas-like interface featuring Google Drive integration and code execution.
Gold price has heavily benefited from capital flight as investors flee from volatile stock markets amid global trade wars.
As digital assets gain mainstream adoption, establishing a legal framework for stablecoins is a “good idea,” said US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.In an April 16 panel at the Economic Club of Chicago, Powell commented on the evolution of the cryptocurrency industry, which has delivered a consumer use case that “could have wide appeal” following a difficult “wave of failures and frauds,” he said.Powell delivers remarks at the Economic Club of Chicago. Source: Bloomberg TelevisionDuring crypto’s difficult years, which culminated in 2022 and 2023 with several high-profile business failures, the Fed “worked with Congress to try to get a [...] legal framework for stablecoins, which would have been a nice place to start,” said Powell. “We were not successful.”“I think that the climate is changing and you’re moving into more mainstreaming of that whole sector, so Congress is again looking [...] at a legal framework for stablecoins,” he said. “Depending on what’s in it, that’s a good idea. We need that. There isn’t one now,” said Powell.This isn’t the first time Powell acknowledged the need for stablecoin legislation. In June 2023, the Fed boss told the House Financial Services Committee that stablecoins were “a form of money” that requires “robust” federal oversight.Related: Stablecoins are the best way to ensure US dollar dominance — Web3 CEOSupport for stablecoin legislation is growingThe election of US President Donald Trump has ushered in a new era of pro-crypto appointments and policy shifts that could make America a digital asset superpower. Washington’s formal embrace of cryptocurrency began earlier this year when Trump established the President’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, with Bo Hines as the executive director. Hines told a digital asset summit in New York last month that a comprehensive stablecoin bill was a top priority for the current administration. After the Senate Banking Committee passed the GENIUS Act, a final stablecoin bill could arrive at the president’s desk “in the next two months,” said Hines.Bo Hines (right) speaks of “imminent” stablecoin legislation at the Digital Asset Summit on March 18. Source: CointelegraphStablecoins pegged to the US dollar are by far the most popular tokens used for remittances and cryptocurrency trading. The combined value of all stablecoins is currently $227 billion, according to RWA.xyz. The dollar-pegged USDC (USDC) and USDt (USDT) account for more than 88% of the total market. Magazine: Unstablecoins: Depegging, bank runs and other risks loom
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reiterated the need for a regulatory framework for stablecoins and signaled that the Fed has no intention of limiting the banking sectors interaction with the crypto industry. Speaking at The Economic Club of Chicago on April 16, Powell said both chambers of Congress are revisiting efforts to legislate a stablecoin […]
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Former FTX CEO Sam “SBF” Bankman-Fried has moved from a transit facility to a California prison that once housed infamous gangster Al Capone.According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons website, officials moved Bankman-Fried from the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City briefly to the Federal Correctional Institution in Victorville before transferring him to a facility in Terminal Island in Los Angeles, California. The federal institution was once home to criminals like former Theranos chief operating officer Ramesh Balwani and Capone, who was convicted of tax evasion in 1931.During his 2023 trial and following his conviction on seven felony counts in 2024, Bankman-Fried was housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York. However, officials moved the former FTX CEO after he was the subject of an interview by right-wing political commentator Tucker Carlson — an activity reportedly unsanctioned by authorities.Related: Sam Bankman-Fried posts for the first time in 2 years, FTX Token pumpsIt’s unclear whether Bankman-Fried will remain at the California facility until his tentative release date in 2044. A New York judge initially allowed SBF to remain in the state to assist during the appeal of his conviction and sentence — a process that could be hampered by the former FTX CEO’s current location.Moving to the right for a pardon?Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, reports have suggested that Bankman-Fried may be attempting to reach out to right-wing advocates in an attempt to secure a presidential pardon. Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht received a pardon from Trump during his first few days in office — reportedly in a push to win over libertarians in the election — and is scheduled to appear at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.Other former FTX executives, including Caroline Ellison and Ryan Salame, remain incarcerated in different facilities and largely out of the news since reporting to prison. FTX co-founder Gary Wang and former engineering director Nishad Singh were the only two individuals named in the initial indictment who received time served rather than prison.Magazine: XRP win leaves Ripple and industry with no crypto legal precedent set
US-based crypto trading platforms regaining influence over Bitcoin’s (BTC) token transfer volumes could possibly kick-start a rally in the second half of 2025. Bitcoin researcher Axel Adler Jr pointed out that the "US vs. off-shore ratio," which measures token transfer volumes between US-regulated and offshore exchanges, indicated a drop in dominance from US exchanges after BTC reached an all-time high in January. Bitcoin total transferred ratio chart (US vs off-shore). Source: X.comAs illustrated in the chart, a trend reversal is underway, which implies BTC transfer volumes on US exchanges are beginning to rise again, aligning with previous bull market rallies. A key technical indicator in the chart is the 90-day simple moving average (SMA) crossing above the 365-day SMA. Historically, this crossover has preceded major price rallies. For example, when this signal occurred at $60,000, Bitcoin began a rally within one week. This suggests a potential price surge may occur in the coming weeks.Likewise, verified onchain analyst Boris Vest said Bitcoin is still undervalued. In a quick take post on CryptoQuant, the analyst explained that Bitcoin exchange reserves have fallen to 2018 levels, with only 2.43 million BTC held on exchanges compared to 3.4 million in 2021, indicating long-term holding and reduced supply.The Bitcoin stablecoin supply ratio (SSR) at 14.3 highlighted that significant purchasing power remains, as the ratio is below 2021 levels. Boris said, “Since it hasn't yet reached 2021 levels, we can say that Bitcoin still appears to be undervalued. This suggests the bull market and buying pressure are likely to continue.”Related: Why is Bitcoin price down today?Bitcoin flips key monthly indicator, opening a path to $90KMarkets analyst Dom highlighted that Bitcoin’s recent multimonth downtrend breakout coincides with BTC flipping the monthly VWAP into support for the first time since January. Bitcoin analysis by Dom. Source: X.comThe Volume-Weighted Average Price (VWAP) is a technical indicator that calculates the average price weighted by trading volume. Traders use VWAP to assess trend shifts, identify support or resistance, and gauge whether an asset is overbought or oversold. Dom said, “Bulls have successfully held both of these levels for 4 days now, something we haven't seen in months. A move above yesterday's high and I think BTC runs near 90k.”However, Alphractal founder João Wedson remained cautious with Bitcoin near $86,000. He explained that waiting for a pullback if Bitcoin breaks above this level is the right approach, or bearish control might prevail. This echoes Alphractal's analysis of $86,300 as a key resistance zone with the potential of becoming a bull trap.Related: Bitcoin bulls ‘coming back’ as key metric on Binance flips to neutralThis 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.
The Ethereum network has gradually improved in the past few years to remain competitive via its L2. ETH price has yet to invalidate the multi-week falling trend experienced in Q1. The negotiations of the global trade wars have not spared the wider crypto market, amid an ongoing capital flight to the Gold market. The significant …
XRP has regained market attention following the recent slash in Ripple’s penalty by the SEC. This has led to a rise in open interest for XRP, despite the overall market’s bearish sentiment. Several on-chain indicators have turned positive, suggesting that the current consolidation phase may be approaching its conclusion. Analysts anticipate a potential rebound in …
Crypto exchange Bybit announced that it will discontinue a wide range of its Wweb3 products and services by the end of May, according to an April 16 notice. The exchange said the decision is part of a shift in its operational focus as it enters a new phase of growth and innovation. Discontinued services Among […]
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Solana is trading above the $125 level after bulls stepped in and reclaimed key levels, sparking optimism across the market. After enduring weeks of massive selling pressure, this recovery marks the first sign of strength from buyers since early March. Still, not all analysts are convinced this marks the beginning of a sustainable rally. While momentum appears to be shifting in Solana’s favor, some see this move as a possible bearish setup rather than a reversal. Related Reading: Ethereum Metrics Reveal Critical Support Level – Can Buyers Step In? Top crypto analyst Ali Martinez shared a cautionary view on X, suggesting that Solana might be retesting the breakout zone from a right-angled ascending broadening pattern — a structure that often precedes sharp declines. According to his analysis, if Solana fails to hold current support levels, prices below $80 could come back into play. This aligns with broader macro concerns, as global trade tensions and volatile risk markets continue to pressure crypto valuations. With both bullish enthusiasm and bearish warnings in the air, Solana’s price action in the coming days could determine whether this is a genuine recovery — or a setup for a deeper correction. Eyes are now on how SOL behaves around $125 in the short term. Solana Faces a Pivotal Test as Global Risks Rise Solana is at a crucial juncture as bulls attempt to hold the $125 level and regain momentum after weeks of aggressive selling pressure. While the recent bounce has offered short-term relief, the broader market environment remains highly unstable, making this recovery fragile. Macroeconomic uncertainty, paired with growing trade war fears, continues to weigh heavily on risk assets like Solana. The erratic tone set by US President Donald Trump, including unpredictable tariff policies targeting China and other global partners, has introduced renewed volatility across financial markets. These macro headwinds are colliding with technical pressure in Solana’s chart. Martinez shared a bearish scenario, noting that Solana could be retesting the breakout zone from a right-angled ascending broadening pattern. Historically, this pattern often signals the potential for sharp reversals. According to Martinez, if Solana fails to hold above key support, the price could plunge toward $65 — a level not seen since late 2023. The $125 zone now acts as a make-or-break level for bulls. Reclaiming higher resistance at $135–$145 would be necessary to shift sentiment and spark a full recovery rally. However, failure to hold current levels could result in a steep decline as panic returns to the market. Related Reading: Dogecoin Whales Buy 800 Million DOGE in 48 Hours – Smart Money Or Bull Trap? SOL Price Faces Key Resistance After $136 Rejection Solana (SOL) is currently trading at $125 after facing a clean rejection at the $136 resistance level earlier this week. The failure to break through this short-term ceiling has paused the bullish momentum, placing bulls in a vulnerable position as they try to defend recent gains. To regain control and signal a clear reversal, SOL must reclaim the $136 level with conviction and continue climbing toward the $150 mark — a zone that aligns with key daily resistance and short-term liquidity. Reclaiming both levels would signal strong market confidence and could set the stage for a sustained rally, possibly retesting April highs. However, without that upside push, the risk of deeper downside grows. Market volatility remains high, fueled by global macroeconomic tensions and uncertainty around US-China trade developments. These factors are still weighing heavily on sentiment, particularly among altcoins like Solana. Related Reading: XRP Tests Ascending Triangle Resistance – Can Bulls Reach $2.40 Level? If SOL continues to struggle below $136 and fails to attract enough buying pressure, a breakdown toward the $100 mark becomes increasingly likely. That level has previously served as a psychological support zone and could attract renewed interest — but only if broader market conditions stabilize. For now, SOL remains in a delicate, high-stakes trading zone. Featured image from Dall-E, chart from TradingView
Auradine, a Silicon Valley-based startup that specializes in equipment for AI data centers and Bitcoin mining, has announced a raise of $153 million in a Series C funding round. The new capital will go to increasing the company’s product suite of infrastructure for AI and blockchain technology.The Series C round was led by StepStone Group and included participation from Maverick Silicon, Premji Invest, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Qualcomm Ventures, and others. Auradine said the round was oversubscribed but did not disclose by how much or at what valuation the funds were raised.Along with the funding round, Auradine announced the launch of AuraLinks AI — its new business group dedicated to networking solutions targeting data centers’ energy and cooling costs.According to Goldman Sachs, energy demand due to AI data centers is expected to rise 165% by 2030. Building a small-scale AI data center can cost $10 million to $50 million, while large-scale AI data centers can cost hundreds of millions.Auradine designs and manufactures application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and related systems for Bitcoin mining. The company sees a strategic opportunity in the current US-China trade tensions and US President Trump’s push to boost domestic manufacturing. Among its main competitors is the Chinese-based firm Bitmain, which reportedly holds a 90% market share in the Bitcoin manufacturing sector. Related: How to mine Bitcoin: A beginner’s guide to mining BTCCrypto mining market to grow at CAGR 13% until 2034According to Precedence Research, the cryptocurrency mining market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2024 and is expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 13% until 2034. If that prediction is accurate, the mining market will reach a size of $8.2 billion by 2034.The rising Bitcoin hashrate, coupled with the increasing energy demands following each halving, is intensifying competition in the mining sector. As a result, the push for greater efficiency and advanced technology may create openings for new players to gain market share.Trump’s dual desires to make the US “the crypto capital of the planet” and bring manufacturing on-shore may also play a role. The US accounts for over 40% of the Bitcoin (BTC) hashrate, but US-based miners still rely heavily on China-manufactured rigs.Auradine’s $80 million Series B round, like its Series C, was oversubscribed. In total, the company has raised over $300 million across all funding rounds.Magazine: Asia Express: Bitcoin miners steamrolled after electricity thefts, exchange ‘closure’ scam
Crypto prices dropped after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that higher tariffs and rising prices could slow down the economy. Speaking in Chicago, he said these changes might lead to stagflation, a mix of high inflation and low growth. Powell also talked about keeping the Fed independent from politics and pointed out how …
An appellate court has granted a joint request from Ripple Labs and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to pause an appeal in a 2020 SEC case against Ripple amid settlement negotiations.In an April 16 filing in the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the court approved a joint SEC-Ripple motion to hold the appeal in abeyance — temporarily pausing the case — for 60 days. As part of the order, the SEC is expected to file a status report by June 15.April 16 order approving a motion to hold an appeal in abeyance. Source: PACERThe SEC’s case against Ripple and its executives, filed in December 2020, was expected to begin winding down after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced on March 19 that the commission would be dropping its appeal against the blockchain firm. A federal court found Ripple liable for $125 million in an August ruling, resulting in both the SEC and blockchain firm filing an appeal and cross-appeal, respectively.However, once US President Donald Trump took office and leadership of the SEC moved from former chair Gary Gensler to acting chair Mark Uyeda, the commission began dropping multiple enforcement cases against crypto firms in a seeming political shift. Ripple pledged $5 million in XRP to Trump’s inauguration fund, and Garlinghouse and chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty attended events supporting the US president.Related: SEC dropping Ripple case is ‘final exclamation mark’ that XRP is not a security — John DeatonDespite support for the end of the case coming from both Ripple and the SEC, the August 2024 judgment and appellate cases leave some legal entanglements. Alderoty said in March that Ripple would drop its cross-appeal with the SEC and receive a roughly $75 million refund from the lower court judgment. It’s unclear what else may result from negotiations over a settlement in appellate court.New leadership at SEC incomingActing chair Uyeda is expected to step down following the US Senate confirming Paul Atkins as SEC chair on April 9. During his confirmation hearings, lawmakers questioned Atkins about his ties to crypto, which could create conflicts of interest in his role regulating the industry. In financial disclosures, Atkins stated he had millions of dollars in assets through stakes in crypto firms, including Securitize, Pontoro and Patomak. Magazine: SEC’s U-turn on crypto leaves key questions unanswered
Closing the four-year legal battle opens a new chapter for XRP mainstream adoption, catalyzed by Ripple Labs’ payment products. XRP price must hold above the support level of about $2 to invalidate further market correction. The Donald Trump administration has gradually fulfilled its promises made during the campaign period to the crypto ecosystem. The successful …
Russia’s Finance Ministry is evaluating the creation of domestic stablecoins pegged to foreign currencies after access to Tether’s USDT was restricted for wallets linked to the sanctioned Russian exchange Garantex, as Reuters reported. Osman Kabaloev, deputy head of the ministry’s financial policy department, stated that Russian authorities are now “considering internal tools similar to USDT,” […]
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OpenAI's o3 and o4-mini models introduce breakthrough image reasoning for enhanced performance in reasoning, visual, and coding tasks.
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