Alternative News for You

by Danielle Kutchel on May 21, 2025 at 8:00 pm

When her teenage son's mental health spiralled, a mother turned to the system for help — but it wasn't available when she needed it most.

by James Dunlevie on May 21, 2025 at 7:47 pm

How would you sentence this "armed robber"? Would you lock her up, or after hearing her personal story, would you be more lenient? The public is being given the chance to pass judgement on this very "case".

by Alex Brewster on May 21, 2025 at 7:44 pm

The Queensland government has expanded its flagship 'adult crime, adult time' laws, with juvenile offenders subject to harsher penalties for 20 new offences.

by Cointelegraph by Vince Quill on May 21, 2025 at 7:41 pm

A recent filing with Maine’s attorney general sheds new light on Coinbase’s data breach, claiming that nearly 70,000 users were impacted and that the incident went unnoticed for nearly six months.According to the filing submitted by legal firm Latham and Watkins LLP, 69,461Coinbase users were compromised by the breach, 217 of whom are residents of the US state of Maine.The document also indicates the breach occurred on Dec. 26, 2024, but was only discovered on May 11, 2025 — nearly six months following the cybersecurity incident.Coinbase now faces a flurry of lawsuits from affected clients, who argue that the exchange failed to notify victims of the security breach in a timely manner. The attack caused $400 million in losses through social engineering scams and remediation costs, Coinbase has said.Cointelegraph contacted Coinbase for comment, but had not received a response at time of publication.Coinbase data breach incident details. Source: Maine Attorney GeneralThe data breach sparked debate about the ethics of Know Your Customer (KYC) data collection, which some argue adds risks to crypto holders. The incident also reflects the growing number of cybersecurity incidents plaguing the industry.Related: Coinbase faces lawsuit over alleged breaches of Illinois biometric privacy lawThe Coinbase data breach sends shockwaves through the crypto worldCoinbase became the target of a ransom attempt after scammers convinced several Coinbase customer service representatives to hand over limited user information, including client names, contact information, and physical addresses.The scammers then attempted to extort the company into paying a ransom of $20 million in exchange for not leaking the data. However, Coinbase refused to negotiate with the threat actors.The crypto exchange fired the contractors who collaborated with the scammers to hand over the user data and also promised remediation or reimbursements for any impacted clients.Despite the remediation efforts, shares of Coinbase slid by 7% following news of the data breach and the subsequent extortion attempt.Later reports revealed that Roelof Botha, a partner at venture capital firm Sequoia Capital, was also a victim of the data leak, suggesting that the incident also impacted other individuals or entities tied to the VC firm.The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) opened a probe into the leak; it hadn’t published updates on the incident or the extortion attempt as of May 21.Industry executives, investors, and legal experts have warned that such data leaks threaten the physical safety of crypto investors by making them the targets of extortion attempts, kidnapping, and armed robbery.Magazine: Pink Drainer creator defends his wallet-draining crypto scam kit

on May 21, 2025 at 7:38 pm

Residents are urged to exercise caution as flooding continues in the Mid North Coast and the adjacent North Tablelands region. Follow live.

by Tobi Loftus on May 21, 2025 at 7:38 pm

The damage bill from a truck crash on a major Queensland highway is expected to run into the tens of millions of dollars, and some warn it could happen again unless upgrades are fast-tracked.

by Tom Wildie on May 21, 2025 at 7:35 pm

Paul Burgess, the former coach of gold medal-winning pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, links with her American rival, claiming he had to look overseas for jobs after being banned from the WAIS facilities following his resignation in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics.

by Michael Doyle on May 21, 2025 at 7:32 pm

The jewel in the crown of Formula 1 — the Monaco Grand Prix — will be held on the streets of Monte Carlo this Sunday.

by Iskhandar Razak on May 21, 2025 at 7:22 pm

Flooding rain in parts of Australia and forecast local showers during the coming week are unlikely to help Victoria's drought-stricken regions in any significant way, the Bureau of Meteorology says.

by David Speers on May 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Research shows voters want the government to seize the moment after its landslide win and do something big.

by Cointelegraph by Rakesh Upadhyay on May 21, 2025 at 6:57 pm

Key points:Bitcoin made a new all-time high, but the bulls will have to sustain the higher levels for the momentum to pick up.Several altcoins have bounced off their respective support levels, signaling a positive sentiment.Analysts expect Bitcoin to maintain its positive momentum and surge above $200,000 by the end of the year.Bitcoin (BTC) rose to a new all-time high on May 21 on easing macroeconomic fears and continued inflows into the US-based spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds. Analysts expect the momentum to continue and Bitcoin to surge to $200,000 by the end of the year.There are some murmurs among analysts about a bearish divergence, leading to a double-top pattern. However, private wealth manager Swissblock Technologies said in a post on X that its Bitcoin Fundamental Index is not showing any bearish divergence, and the onchain strength remains intact.Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360Bitcoin is on the verge of forming a “golden cross” on the daily chart, which generally is followed by sharp rallies, barring a few instances when the pattern failed. Bitcoin’s strength is expected to improve sentiment in the cryptocurrency sector, pulling several altcoins higher.What are the possible target levels for Bitcoin? Could altcoins break above their respective overhead resistance levels? Let’s analyze the charts of the top 10 cryptocurrencies to find out.Bitcoin price predictionBitcoin rose above the $109,588 overhead resistance, but the bulls are struggling to sustain the higher levels, as seen from the long wick on the candlestick.BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping moving averages and the relative strength index (RSI) in the overbought zone indicate that the bulls are in control. If the price closes above $109,588, the BTC/USDT pair could pick up momentum and skyrocket toward $130,000.The 20-day exponential moving average ($101,958) is the critical support to watch out for on the downside. A break below the 20-day EMA will be the first sign that the bulls are booking profits in a hurry. That increases the risk of a break below the psychological support of $100,000. Ether price predictionBuyers are trying to sustain Ether (ETH) above the $2,550 level but are facing significant resistance from the bears.ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA ($2,334) and the RSI near the overbought zone indicate that buyers are in control. The ETH/USDT pair is likely to pick up momentum on a break above $2,739. That clears the path for a rally to $3,000.Contrary to this assumption, a break and close below the 20-day EMA signals that the bears are back in the game. The pair could tumble to $2,111, which is likely to attract solid buying by the bulls.XRP price predictionXRP (XRP) has been witnessing a tough battle between the buyers and sellers at the 20-day EMA ($2.35).XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe flattish 20-day EMA and the RSI near the midpoint do not give a clear advantage either to the bulls or the bears. If the price skids below the 20-day EMA, the XRP/USDT pair may stay inside the $2 to $2.65 range for a while. Instead, if the price turns up sharply from the 20-day EMA and breaks above $2.65, the advantage will tilt in favor of the bulls. The pair could rally to $3 and, after that, to $3.40, where the sellers are expected to mount a strong defense.BNB price predictionBNB (BNB) bulls have held the 20-day EMA ($639) support during the pullback, indicating buying on dips. BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls will try to push the price above $693 but are expected to face solid selling by the bears. However, if buyers bulldoze their way through, the BNB/USDT pair could skyrocket to the overhead resistance at $745.This optimistic view will be negated in the near term if the price turns down from the current level or the overhead resistance and breaks below the 20-day EMA. That could sink the pair to the 50-day SMA ($609). Solana price predictionSellers failed to pull Solana (SOL) below the 20-day EMA ($164), indicating demand at lower levels.SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls will try to propel the price above the $185 overhead resistance. If they can pull it off, the SOL/USDT pair could accelerate toward the target objective of $210 and then $220.If sellers want to prevent the upside, they will have to quickly tug the price below the 20-day EMA. The pair could slide to $153 and later to the 50-day SMA ($145). That suggests a possible range-bound action between $120 and $180.Dogecoin price predictionDogecoin (DOGE) has bounced off the breakout level of $0.21, indicating that buyers are active at lower levels.DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 20-day EMA ($0.21) is trending up, and the RSI is in the positive zone, signaling that buyers are in command. The DOGE/USDT pair could rally to the $0.26 level, which could attract sellers. If the price turns down sharply from the overhead resistance, the pair could form a narrow range between $0.26 and $0.21 for some time.Contrarily, a break and close above $0.26 signals the start of the next leg of the up move. The pair could then surge to $0.35.Cardano price predictionThe bulls have kept Cardano (ADA) above the neckline of the inverse head-and-shoulders (H&S) pattern during the pullback. ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe flattish 20-day EMA ($0.74) and the RSI in the positive zone indicate the bulls have an edge. Buyers will have to thrust the price above $0.86 to signal the resumption of the uptrend. The ADA/USDT pair could then skyrocket to $1.01.This positive view will be invalidated in the near term if the price turns down and breaks below the 50-day SMA ($0.69). That suggests the bulls are losing their grip, increasing the risk of a fall to $0.60.Related: Bitcoin enters ‘acceleration phase’ resembling BTC price gains seen after Trump election victorySui price predictionSui’s (SUI) pullback has taken support at the 20-day EMA ($3.73), indicating a positive sentiment.SUI/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe upsloping 20-day EMA and the RSI in the positive territory indicate an advantage to buyers. The SUI/USDT pair could reach the $4.25 obstacle, where the sellers are expected to step in. If buyers do not cede much ground to the bears, it increases the likelihood of a break above $4.25. The pair may then climb to $5.The 20-day EMA is the critical support to watch out for on the downside. A break and close below the 20-day EMA could sink the pair to the 50-day SMA ($3.04).Chainlink price predictionBuyers successfully defended the neckline of the inverse H&S pattern in Chainlink (LINK), indicating buying on dips.LINK/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls are trying to strengthen their position by pushing the price above the resistance line. If they manage to do that, the LINK/USDT pair could rally to $18. Sellers will try to halt the up move at $18, but the rally could extend to $19.80 if the bulls prevail.Time is running out for the bears. If they want to make a comeback, they will have to swiftly yank the price below the 50-day SMA. The pair may then remain inside the channel for a few more days.Avalanche price predictionAvalanche (AVAX) took support at the 50-day SMA ($20.88), signaling that the bulls are trying to form a higher low. AVAX/USDT daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBuyers will have to drive and maintain the price above the $23.50 resistance to gain the upper hand. The AVAX/USDT pair could then climb to $26.84, which may act as a hurdle. If buyers overcome the $26.84 barrier, the pair could ascend to $31.73 and subsequently to $36.Contrary to this assumption, if the price turns down from the overhead resistance and breaks below the 50-day SMA, it suggests that the bulls have given up. The pair could then decline to $18.50.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.

by Lice Movono and Nick Sas on May 21, 2025 at 6:54 pm

An Australian tourist who was rushed to hospital after drinking a pina colada at a popular Fiji resort says she is convinced she was "poisoned" by tainted alcohol.

by Ian Verrender on May 21, 2025 at 6:50 pm

We explain the reasons for RBA governor Michele Bullock's change in plans around interest rates — and where the US fits in.

by Norman Swan and Hannah Meagher on May 21, 2025 at 6:47 pm

A fake Norman Swan is spruiking unproven supplements and weight loss products online, and people are falling for it. The real Norman Swan feels powerless to stop it.

by Patrick Martin on May 21, 2025 at 6:43 pm

Beijing has doubled down on its criticism of the US president's aerial defence plans a day after a major announcement at the White House.

by Simon Smale on May 21, 2025 at 6:06 pm

Ange Postecoglou leads Tottenham in the Europa League final, with Champions League qualification on the line — and potentially the Australian's job. Follow live.

by Cointelegraph by Turner Wright on May 21, 2025 at 5:55 pm

Democratic leaning organizations and members of Congress have announced plans to protest what they describe as the sale of access to the office of the US president, in reference to Donald Trump’s memecoin dinner on May 22. The event’s attendees are said to have collectively spent over $100 million for the chance to meet with the US president.Since Trump’s memecoin project, Official Trump (TRUMP), announced that its top 220 tokenholders would have an opportunity to apply for an exclusive dinner with the president, many leaders in the crypto industry and US lawmakers have criticized the event, saying Trump was opening his office to potential bribery and corruption. The memecoin dinner prompted some Democratic lawmakers to withdraw support for crypto-related legislation in Congress, including the market structure and stablecoin bills.“Trump collecting gifts from foreign governments is unconstitutional,” a spokesperson for the consumer advocacy organization Public Citizen, which is planning to protest near the memecoin dinner on May 22, told Cointelegraph. “Collecting foreign government investments through his memecoin is not much better. American foreign policy should not be for sale.”Source: Public CitizenCrypto industry figures such as Tron founder Justin Sun, Kronos Research chief investment officer Vincent Liu, Hyperithm co-CEO Oh Sangrok, and Synthetix founder Kain Warwick are among the tokenholders expected to attend the dinner at the Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, DC. The memecoin project said all applicants had to pass a background check and could not be from a “[Know Your Customer] watchlist country.”Related: Democrats seek suspicious activity reports linked to Trump crypto venturesPublic Citizen, in partnership with progressive political organization Our Revolution, will hold a rally near the golf club, which Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley is expected to attend. In addition, the Arlington and Loudoun Democrats will be hosting a separate event to urge US officials to “hold [Trump] accountable,” and Democratic leadership in Congress has scheduled two press events on May 22 ahead of the dinner.“Americans cannot and will not accept President Trump’s view that positions of power exist only to benefit the holder of that power,” Ryan Ruzic, chair of the Loudoun County Democratic Committee, told Cointelegraph. “We have a moral responsibility to speak out against corruption, whatever the result may be.”Pushback on TRUMP memecoin affected crypto legislationSome lawmakers initially cited the memecoin dinner and the Trump family’s involvement with the crypto platform World Liberty Financial in opposing passage of the GENIUS Act, a bill to regulate payment stablecoins. World Liberty Financial began issuing its own USD1 stablecoin in March, prompting concerns about Trump’s conflicts of interest. However, the legislation passed a key procedural vote in the Senate on May 19 with support from Democrats, setting the bill up for debate in the chamber.“Many senators, myself included, have very real concerns about the Trump family’s use of crypto technologies to evade oversight, hide shady financial dealings, and personally profit at the expense of everyday Americans,” said Sen. Mark Warner in a statement before the May 19 vote, adding: “But we cannot allow that corruption to blind us to the broader reality: blockchain technology is here to stay.”Senator Chris Murphy, who voted against advancing the GENIUS Act, called for bipartisan support in amending the bill to specifically bar a US president from issuing stablecoins. He also called on the White House to release a complete list of attendees to the memecoin dinner, suggesting that some or all of them would “try to get something from the president” in exchange for purchasing the tokens. Murphy and Senator Elizabeth Warren will attend a press event with representatives for Public Citizen on May 22. California Representative Maxine Waters, ranking member of the US House Financial Services Committee, announced a separate press conference for the same day, with plans to introduce a bill to “block Trump’s memecoin and stop his crypto corruption, once and for all.”As of May 21, the exact number of attendees to the dinner was unknown. A smaller group of 25 tokenholders also qualified to apply for “VIP tour” and reception — presumably at the White House — with Trump, but the complete list of those planning to attend was also unknown at the time of publication.Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions

by Cointelegraph by Christopher Tepedino on May 21, 2025 at 5:32 pm

The Texas House of Representatives has passed the third reading of SB 21, a bill that seeks to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve in the state. The bill passed in a 101-42 vote and will now go to Texas Governor Greg Abbott to either sign into law or veto.SB 21, authored by state Senator Charles Schwertner, establishes a Bitcoin (BTC) reserve that is managed by the state’s comptroller. The legislation allows the comptroller to invest in any cryptocurrency with a market cap above $500 billion over the previous 12-month period. Currently, the only cryptocurrency fitting the requirement is Bitcoin.Texas State Representative Giovanni Capriglione presenting SB 21. Source: Bitcoin LawsBefore the vote, state Representative Giovanni Capriglione said to the chamber that the bill was a “pivotal moment in securing Texas’s leadership in the digital age with the passage of our strategic Bitcoin reserve. Now, we embrace a modern asset with traditional properties for future promise.” The bill passed in the Texas Senate in a 25-5 vote on March 6.Texas’s economy is the second-largest in the United States, with a gross domestic product of $2.7 trillion in 2024, according to KVUE. If Texas were its own country, it would have the eighth-largest economy in the world.Related: Texas lawmakers refile Bitcoin reserve bill, adding room for more cryptoState Bitcoin reserve bills see mixed resultsIf Abbott signs SB 21 into law, Texas will be the second US state to allow for the creation of a cryptocurrency reserve. New Hampshire became the first to do so on May 6 after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law.Similar bills in other states have faced resistance as of late. On May 13, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs axed two crypto reserve bills. On May 6, two Florida strategic Bitcoin reserve bills were taken off the table.Hobbs wrote in her veto letter, “Current volatility in cryptocurrency markets does not make a prudent fit for general fund dollars [...].” The risky nature of cryptocurrency investing was a factor in the decision of Montana lawmakers to kill a possible digital asset reserve.According to Bitcoin Laws, 47 strategic Bitcoin reserve bills have been introduced in 26 states. There are 13 active bills at the federal level as well.Abbott has expressed enthusiasm for cryptocurrency before and is expected to sign the bill into law. In a social media post dated November 2024, Abbott praised Texas as “the home of crypto mining," adding that it “should become the crypto capital.” Abbott has reportedly accepted Bitcoin donations to campaigns since 2014.Magazine: Danger signs for Bitcoin as retail abandons it to institutions — Sky Wee

by Cointelegraph by Marie Poteriaieva on May 21, 2025 at 5:02 pm

Key takeaways:Bitcoin market cycle tops are notoriously hard to time, but combining technical and behavioral indicators can offer strong signals.The MVRV-Z Score, Pi Cycle Top indicator, trade volume trends, Puell Multiple, and exchange inflows accurately predict Bitcoin price cycle tops.Bitcoin (BTC) might be approaching the final stage of its current market cycle — a dramatic final rally followed by a sharp correction and, eventually, a bear market. For many, this could be the long-awaited climax of the past four years, and major players are preparing accordingly.Since late 2024, Bitcoin whale accumulation has surged. Glassnode data shows that the number of addresses holding over 100 BTC has jumped by almost 14%, reaching 18,200 — a level not seen since 2017. The biggest market players appear to be positioning for what could be this cycle’s final run-up.Number of BTC addresses holding over 100 BTC. Source: GlassnodeHowever, riding the rally is trickier than it looks and knowing when to exit is notoriously difficult. The lure of higher price highs fuels FOMO, driving investors to buy the top, only to face painful drawdowns or even liquidations.So, how can traders and investors spot the top before the market enters recession?Bitcoin cycle top markersSeveral technical and onchain indicators, such as MVRV (Market Value to Realized Value) Z-score, Pi Cycle Top, and trading volume trends, have historically been reliable in signaling when Bitcoin is nearing its peak.The MVRV-Z score compares Bitcoin’s market value to its realized value and adjusts for volatility. A high Z-score suggests Bitcoin is significantly overvalued relative to its historical cost basis. When this indicator is at a historical high, the ensuing downward trend in Bitcoin prices is likely.The Pi Cycle Top tracks BTC price dynamics using moving averages. When the 111-day moving average (111-SMA) crosses above twice the 350-day average (350-SMAx2), it signals overheating. In other words, when the short-term trend catches up to the long-term trajectory, a market top is in.Historically, all previous Bitcoin bull runs started with a notable surge in MVRV Z-score, and ended with 111-SMA crossing the longer-term trend.BTC: Pi Cycle Top + MVRV Z-score. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, GlassnodeAdditionally, lower trading volumes during price increases can be a warning sign, often signaling weakening momentum and potential for a reversal. On-balance volume (OBV), which registers cumulative volume flow, is a valuable metric for tracking this process. When OBV diverges from the price action, it is often an early reversal signal. The second leg of the 2021 bull run was a great example. While BTC price was hitting higher highs of $68,000 (compared to the previous all-time high of $63,170), trading volumes moved in a different direction, decreasing from 710,000 BTC to 628,000 BTC. This created a bearish divergence between price and volume, suggesting that fewer market participants were supporting the rally — a classic sign of waning momentum.BTC/USD 1-day, OBV. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, TradingViewProfit-taking metricsAs market cycle tops approach, long-term holders and Bitcoin miners often start locking in profits. Some valuable metrics that can track it are the Puell Multiple and exchange flows.The Puell Multiple Indicator looks at miners' revenue relative to its 365-day average. High readings indicate miners may start selling aggressively, and are often seen near market tops.Large inflows to exchanges are usually signs of distribution, as investors prepare to sell their coins. BTC total transfer volume to exchanges + Puell Multiple. Source: Marie Poteriaieva, GlassnodeIndividually, these indicators can mark various shifts in market trends. Combined, they often align with cycle tops.Related: Sorry bears — Bitcoin analysis dismisses $107K BTC price double topThe 15% ruleHistoric price activity observations might come in handy, too. Crypto market analyst Cole Garner shared his exit playbook based on whales’ behavior. His roadmap includes three steps:Euphoria. Bitcoin moves vertically for weeks, with massive $10,000+ daily candles.Whiplash. Bitcoin experiences its sharpest correction of the bull cycle. The curved parabolic trendline that’s supported the rally is broken — a clear signal that the top is likely in. Meanwhile, altcoins and meme tokens may continue pumping a little longer.Complacency. Measure 15% below Bitcoin’s all-time high. That’s the sell zone. Order books on major exchanges often show a wall of sell orders around this level — a likely institutional exit point.According to Garner, the 15% (or 16%) rule works not only in crypto but in traditional markets as well.Historical blow off-tops: BTC, ETH, gold, Nasdaq, Nikkei, Broadvision, 3D Systems. Source: Cole GarnerNo single indicator can pinpoint the exact moment to exit, especially in a shifting macro environment. But when multiple signals align, they become hard to ignore. The final leg of a Bitcoin bull market is thrilling, but knowing when the music might stop is key to locking in profits.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on May 21, 2025 at 4:16 pm

America’s powerful banking lobby is “panicking” over the potential of stablecoins to disrupt their traditional business model, particularly when it comes to yield-bearing stablecoins, according to Austin Campbell, a New York University professor and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting. In a May 21 social media post that begins with, “The Empire Lobbies Back,” Campbell claimed that the banking industry is especially alarmed by the potential for stablecoins to offer interest or rewards to holders. In a pointed message aimed at Democratic lawmakers, Campbell wrote that “banks want you to protect their cartel so they can keep screwing your voters.” He went on to explain how fractional reserve banking enables banks to maximize profits while offering depositors minimal interest.The banking lobby says that if stablecoins pay interest or any other type of monetary reward, banks will be “harmed,” Campbell added.An excerpt of Campbell’s X post. Source: Austin Campbell“This is naked pandering for cartel protection,” he said while urging the opposition party to avoid “screwing” its voters with supporting any type of blanket ban on stablecoin interest payments.Campbell has long advocated for sensible stablecoin legislation in the United States, warning a Congressional subcommittee in April 2023 that failing to enact such laws would push issuers overseas.Related: Pareto launches synthetic dollar backed by private creditThe rise of yield-bearing stablecoinsCampbell’s scathing assessment of the traditional banking industry comes amid a wave of stablecoin issuers launching yield-bearing tokens. As reported by Cointelegraph, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in February approved the first yield-bearing stablecoin security by Figure Markets. At the time of its launch, the new YLDS token offered a 3.85% yield. Figure Markets’ Form S-1 registration with the SEC for its yield-bearing stablecoin. Source: SECFigure Markets is by no means the only player going down the yield-bearing stablecoin route. In February, Tether co-founder Reeve Collins announced that his Pi Protocol will allow investors to mint the USP stablecoin in exchange for USI, an interest-paying equivalent. Spark Protocol’s USDS also offers holders interest payments generated through decentralized lending and tokenized Treasurys. Stablecoins have come a long way since October 2014, when Tether launched USDt. Source: S&P Global“It’s unacceptable to not be receiving at least the risk-free rate for holding stablecoins,” Sam MacPherson, CEO of Spark Protocol developer Phoenix Labs, told Bloomberg.Aside from Bitcoin (BTC), stablecoins have arguably become the most impactful use case for blockchain technology, with Coinbase Canada CEO Lucas Matheson telling Cointelegraph that global stablecoin volumes are nearly three times those of credit card giant Visa.Related: Canada lags with stablecoin approach, but there’s room to catch up

by Cointelegraph by Biraajmaan Tamuly on May 21, 2025 at 3:42 pm

Key takeaways: The Bitcoin Quantile Model shows “heat” with price on the verge of an “acceleration phase,” echoing Q4 2024 when BTC embarked on a 45% post-election rally.Bitcoin (BTC) price has formed a new intraday high on each daily candle this week, with the crypto asset slowly grinding toward a new all-time high. In line with its current trajectory, 21st Capital co-founder Sina noted that Bitcoin is approaching a pivotal moment around the $108,000 level. The Bitcoin Quantile Model update shows that BTC’s market reflects the same “heat” that was present after President Trump’s post-election rally and the spot ETF-driven highs during Q4 2024. The model, which uses quantile regression to map Bitcoin’s price phases on a logarithmic scale, indicates the cryptocurrency is in the Transition Zone, a critical juncture before the Acceleration Phase. Throughout Q4, 2024, Bitcoin rallied by 45% after entering a price discovery period above $74,500. Bitcoin Quantile Model. Source: X.comAs illustrated in the chart, once it breaks into the "Acceleration" Phase, it could trigger BTC’s next leg or the mid-phase, typically between the 33% and 66% range. Based on the model, BTC is expected to progressively target price levels of $130,000 and $163,000 in the coming months. However, anonymous Bitcoin analyst apsk32 believed a price target above $200,000 is a “reasonable” expectation for 2025. Basing the projection on Bitcoin’s “power curve,” the analyst noted that BTC’s position relative to gold has significantly improved since April. From a technical standpoint, this view is supported by the recent convergence of the Sharpe ratios for Bitcoin and gold, suggesting that the two hard assets now offer comparable risk-to-reward profiles to their investors. Fidelity’s Director of Global Macro Jurrien Timmer shed light on this development, recommending a 4:1 goal-to-Bitcoin ratio from an allocation perspective. Related: Bitcoin 'blow-off top' set at $128K with new all-time highs in sightStrong Bitcoin volumes “final straw” before new highs Crypto researcher Aylo analyzed BTC’s historical price action when the crypto asset consolidates near its all-time high level. In an X post, the analyst explained, “The data shows when BTC gets close to its previous ATH during a strong, accelerating trend with high momentum, it has historically broken out to new ATHs within a short time (days to weeks).”However, weaker trends have led to stalls or retraces between March and May 2024. Currently, Bitcoin exhibits a strong trend but lacks the necessary trading volume, which remains the final straw to confirm a breakout, a factor that could delay upward movement.Alyo added that for Bitcoin to break its all-time highs, daily trading volume should exceed the previous 10 days, be at least 1.5 times the 20-day average, and ideally sustain a 3-day increase while the price holds steady or rises.Data from CryptoQuant has reinforced Aylo’s concerns about trading volume. On May 21, retail investor demand for Bitcoin, defined as wallets buying/selling between $0 and $10,000, remained low at just 3.2% over 30 days, despite BTC trading within $2,000 of its all-time high.Bitcoin’s retail investor volumes. Source: CryptoQuantFor comparison, bullish retail demand accounted for approximately 30% in December 2024—nearly 10 times higher than current levels—even though Bitcoin was well below, at a price range of $96,000 to $97,000.Related: How high can Bitcoin price go?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.

by Cointelegraph by Nancy Lubale on May 21, 2025 at 3:36 pm

Key points:Ethereum holders are back in profit, increasing chances for a rally to $3,000 and beyond.Ether sell pressure risk exists at $2,800, where 2.27 million ETH could be sold.Ether's recent surge to $2,700 on May 14 pushed its value above its realized price, implying that the average holder of ETH is “now back in an unrealized profit,” according to Glassnode.Ethereum trades above its cost basisData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView shows that Ether’s (ETH) price has risen by more than 52% to a three-month high of $2,700 on May 14 from $1,800 on May 7, fueled by excitement around the Pectra upgrade.This rally has seen ETH rise above its realized price or cost basis, currently at $1,900, paving the way for a potential rally to $3,000 or higher. ETH holders returning to profit after unrealized losses “provides meaningful financial relief for many holders, signaling a bullish outlook,” Glassnode explained in its latest report.Historically, during the early phase of a rally, holders in profit provided upward momentum by holding firm and attracting new investors. Further analysis of the cost basis of active market participants indicated the “strength of this upward move” as the price moved above its True Market Mean, or the Active-Investor Price,  at $2,400. This indicates fresh capital inflows into the market at higher prices. As Cointelegraph reported, holding above $2,400 was crucial to ensure a potential $3,000 retest.Ethereum: Key pricing levels. Source: GlassnodeDespite Ether’s recent outperformance, Glassnode analysts noted that the Active Realized Price still sits overhead around $2,900 and remains a key level that must be “decisively reclaimed to support continued improvement in investor confidence” in the altcoin.The market intelligence firm added:“The $2,400–$2,900 range remains a crucial area for Ethereum, acting as both a resistance zone and a potential breakout level essential for maintaining upward momentum.”Popular trader Daan Crypto Trades also said that ETH price must “convincingly break” out of the $2,400-$2,600 range before rising higher to confront high-timeframe resistance between $2,800 and $2,850. “Not looking to do much until we at least convincingly break out of this local range.ETH/USD four-hour chart. Source: Daan Crypto Trades2.27 million ETH at $2,800 could trigger a sell-offAccording to Ether’s cost basis distribution data, investors hold approximately 2.27 million ETH at an average cost basis of $2,767, creating a potential resistance zone. This concentration suggests many investors may sell at break-even, potentially stalling Ether’s upward momentum.Ethereum cost basis distribution chart. Source: GlassnodeFrom a technical perspective, ETH must flip the $3,000 resistance level into support to target higher highs above $4,000.But first, the ETH/USD pair must close above the $2,600-$2,800 range, where the 100-day and 50-day simple moving averages (SMA) currently sit. ETH price dropped below this level in February, driven by risk-off sentiment following Trump’s tariff measures. ETH/USD weekly chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView​​One positive catalyst for the bulls could be continued demand from spot Ethereum ETFs. Ether ETFs registered $100.7 million in net inflows in the last three days, per Farside Investors’ data.Meanwhile, the bears will attempt to keep the $2,600 resistance in place to increase the likelihood of pulling the price lower. The immediate target is below the $2,400 level, or the 200-day SMA.Below $2,400, the next key area of interest remains between $2,200 and the psychological level at $2,000. Reaching $1,800 would erase all the gains made after the Pectra upgrade.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.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on May 21, 2025 at 3:10 pm

Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high after a temporary trade agreement between the United States and China eased macroeconomic fears and boosted investor confidence. Bitcoin (BTC) set a new high of $109,400 on May 21, rising more than 26% in the past month, according to data from TradingView. This climb to a record high came nine days after the White House announced a 90-day trade agreement between the US and China on May 12, temporarily slashing import tariffs to 10%.BTC/USD, 1-month chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe 90-day tariff suspension and the cooperative tone in negotiations removed the risk of “sudden re-escalation,” which had a significant impact on risk appetite among traditional and cryptocurrency investors, Aurelie Barthere, principal research analyst at crypto intelligence platform Nansen, told Cointelegraph.US President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs were seen as the biggest macroeconomic threat to traditional equities and cryptocurrency markets in 2025.Bitcoin briefly fell to a year-to-date low of $74,434 on April 7, five days after Trump announced his reciprocal import tariffs on April 2, sending shockwaves across global markets, with the S&P 500 losing more than $5 trillion in value, its largest drop to date.Bitcoin started its recovery on April 9 after Trump’s Liberation Day marked the “climax of uncertainty” for market participants, Michaël van de Poppe, founder of MN Consultancy, told Cointelegraph at the time.Related: Bitcoin more of a ‘diversifier’ than safe-haven asset: ReportBitcoin entered May with “near-flawless setup”Bitcoin kicked off May with a “near-flawless setup, catalyzed by a rare alignment of geopolitical de-escalation, improving regulatory optics and macroeconomic tailwinds,” according to Jag Kooner, head of derivatives at Bitfinex exchange.“The Russia–Ukraine ceasefire talks have defused one of the primary geopolitical volatility engines of the past two years,” Kooner told Cointelegraph, adding:“Rather than triggering capital flight from Bitcoin — as often seen when risk wanes — this easing is unlocking a risk-on rotation. We’re seeing capital rotate into BTC and high-beta tech as the need for geopolitical hedging fades, but liquidity remains abundant.”The capital rotation reflects a “maturing narrative” as “Bitcoin is no longer just a fear hedge — it’s increasingly a high-conviction risk asset in periods of macro stability,” Kooner said.Source: Donald J. TrumpRussia and Ukraine “will immediately start negotiations towards a Ceasefire and, more importantly, an END to the War,” Trump said in a May 19 X post, summarizing his two-hour call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.Related: Ukraine strategic Bitcoin reserve bill reportedly in final stagesStill, funding rates need to remain neutral and open interest stable for a “consecutive setup” that may ignite a Bitcoin rally to above $114,000 to $120,000, which may be catalyzed by any “macro or regulatory spark,” Kooner said.Other analysts have predicted a Bitcoin rally to above $130,000 before the end of 2025, based on BTC’s close correlation with the global money supply.BTC projection to $132,000 on M2 money supply growth. Source: Jamie CouttsThe increasing money supply may push Bitcoin’s price above $132,000 before the end of the year, as investor demand is driven by the growing fiat money debasement, predicted Jamie Coutts, chief crypto analyst at Real Vision.Magazine: Arthur Hayes $1M Bitcoin tip, altcoins ‘powerful rally’ looms: Hodler’s Digest, May 11 – 17

by Cointelegraph by Marcel Deer on May 21, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Key takeawaysProperly accounting for crypto assets on your balance sheet is essential for accurate tax reporting and financial transparency.Crypto trading activities should be recorded like stock trading, at fair market value on the day of purchase.In some countries, like the US, crypto losses can offset gains, so keeping track of gains and losses is important for reducing taxable income.Whether you’re an individual investor or a business, treating cryptocurrencies as assets and documenting them ensures compliance with tax laws and minimizes the risk of errors.Let’s be real, it’s easy to lose sight of what you’ve actually gained or lost, especially when it comes to crypto and its market volatility and frequent trading activities. And when it comes to accounting, especially in countries like the United States, it gets trickier because you must reflect those numbers properly on your balance sheet. If you are running a business that involves crypto or you are just a crypto investor, understanding how to account for your digital assets correctly is crucial. This guide breaks down the basics of balance sheets, handling crypto gains and losses, and what tax implications you need to account for.What is a balance sheet, and why is it needed?Think of a balance sheet as a report of your financial health. It shows what you own, owe and what’s left over at a specific point in time. It contains three main parts: Assets: What the company owns, such as cash, crypto, real estate, inventory, etc.Liabilities: What the company owes, such as loans, unpaid bills and taxesEquity: What’s left after subtracting liabilities from assets (net worth).For example, if you own $50,000 worth of crypto, and at the same time, you owe someone $20,000. In this case, your equity is $30,000. Balance sheets help you understand your financial position at a glance. They’re essential for filing taxes, attracting investors, applying for loans and complying with regulations. Balance sheets are essential in countries like the United States, where businesses must report crypto holdings accurately for tax and compliance reasons. Similarly, in the UK, European countries and Canada, balance sheets are important for businesses and are often used by individuals, especially when dealing with crypto assets. It’s not just for taxes. A well-maintained balance sheet can help you get funding, plan your finances, or simply sleep better knowing where you stand at night.How do you treat crypto on a balance sheet?One of the most common questions when preparing a balance sheet is, “How to report crypto trading gains and losses on a balance sheet?” In most jurisdictions, the crypto reporting and taxation rules are still to be decided or clarified. This also applies to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), which lack definitive guidance concerning cryptocurrency accounting.As cryptocurrencies are considered assets in many jurisdictions, the fundamental concepts of accounting for assets could apply when preparing a balance sheet involving crypto transactions. Below is an example of a simplified crypto balance sheet treatment and some helpful pointers that may assist you in accounting for crypto trading in 2025.Notes to the balance sheet:Cash ($15,000): Represents fiat currency (e.g., USD) held in bank accounts or wallets, including proceeds from selling crypto or other revenue.Cryptocurrency ($20,000): Recorded at cost basis (fair market value at acquisition, less any impairment). Includes 0.5 Bitcoin (BTC) purchased at $30,000 each ($15,000 total) and 10 Ether (ETH) purchased at $500 each ($5,000 total). No impairment has been recorded, assuming the fair market value (FMV) remains above cost.Mining equipment ($5,000): Capitalized cost of crypto mining hardware, net of depreciation. The original cost was $8,000, with $3,000 accumulated depreciation over two years.Accounts payable ($2,000): Unpaid bills (e.g., for electricity or supplier services related to crypto mining operations).Taxes payable ($1,500): Estimated tax liability for realized crypto gains (e.g., from selling 0.1 BTC at a $2,000 gain, taxed at 20% long-term capital gains rate for simplicity).Retained earnings ($36,500): Accumulated profits, including crypto-related income (e.g., mining revenue, realized gains) minus expenses and taxes. Reflects net income from prior and current periods.When buying cryptocurrency with fiat moneyWhen you buy cryptocurrency with fiat money, such as dollars or euros, you’re simply exchanging one type of asset, such as cash, for another, like crypto or stocks. On your balance sheet, cryptocurrency trading activities should be recorded similarly to those of stock trading activities. As with stocks, you should record cryptocurrency on your balance sheet at its fair market value on the day of purchase. While your cash account displays a credit for the same amount, the cryptocurrency is recorded as a debit to your assets account.When selling cryptocurrency for fiat moneySelling crypto for fiat creates a change in your balance sheet: Your crypto holdings will be reduced, meaning credited, and your cash will increase, which also means that the account will be credited.If you sell for more than you paid (the original price of a token), you have a gain; if you sell for less, you record a loss. Both crypto gains and crypto losses should be tracked carefully for tax and reporting purposes.How to record crypto lossesThe difference is recorded as a loss when you sell crypto at a lower price than you bought it for. In some countries, these losses can lower your taxable income, so it can prove useful to properly document them.  However, even if the asset regains its previous price levels, impairment losses cannot be undone in accordance with GAAP’s accounting rules for intangible assets.This contrasts with IFRS, where certain intangible assets can be revalued upward under IAS 38 if an active market exists. However, crypto markets are volatile, and IFRS guidance on crypto revaluation remains unclear, so most entities stick to cost-less impairment. Businesses should consult local accounting standards and auditors for precise treatment.How to record crypto profitsIf you receive cryptocurrency as payment for goods, services or other activities, it’s treated as income at the fair market value on the date you receive it. This value is recorded as revenue and added to your assets. Later, if you sell or swap the crypto, any difference in value will result in a capital gain or loss.How to record crypto mining When cryptocurrency mining income occurs, it should be reported at the currency’s fair market value. This revenue should be shown on your income statement since it increases your assets.Similar to other revenue-generating activities, companies engaged in cryptocurrency mining are required to report their crypto profits on their balance sheet. Their mining income account will be credited as a result. Subsequently, the newly generated digital asset has to be recorded in their accounts at its fair market value.Additionally, costs related to mining operations should be recorded. For example, the cash account needs to be credited if cash is spent to cover mining costs. The purchase of mining equipment, which requires capitalization and amortization, will subsequently be deducted from the associated asset account or otherwise documented as a cost for items like utilities and supplies.Using cryptocurrency to pay suppliersPaying suppliers or vendors with cryptocurrency is like selling the asset since you have to recognize any gain or loss in relation to its original value. Therefore, the difference between the asset’s book value and its expense will be recorded as a capital gain.How to record transaction fees and exchange rates It’s critical to keep track of transaction costs and exchange rate fluctuations when trading or exchanging cryptocurrencies. Fees should be shown as an expense on the balance sheet since they lower your net gain or increase your loss. Changes in exchange rates may also have an impact on the value recorded when converting cryptocurrency into fiat, which could have an effect on your taxes and capital gains.Did you know? Cryptocurrency held for more than a year can be categorized as a long-term asset on your balance sheet in some jurisdictions, which may result in better tax treatment than short-term holdings.How are cryptocurrencies taxed?Taxation of cryptocurrencies varies by country, but your balance sheet plays a crucial role in tracking taxable events. Under current GAAP, crypto is recorded at cost and tested for impairment. IFRS allows revaluation in rare cases, but most entities use the cost model. For traders holding crypto as inventory, GAAP (ASC 330) or IFRS (IAS 2) may apply, with FMV adjustments. The lack of definitive guidance means businesses must apply judgment and document assumptions clearly. In the US, crypto is treated as property, with taxes applied to capital gains when selling or trading. The Internal Revenue Service requires reporting on your balance sheet; losses can offset gains. Also, the US introduced Form 1099-DA in 2025 for crypto brokers to report transactions, increasing compliance requirements. In the UK, cryptocurrencies are taxed under capital gains for individuals, while income tax may apply if trading is frequent or when crypto is received as income, such as through mining, staking or as payment for services.Canada follows a similar approach, taxing crypto as capital gains (50% inclusion rate) or business income for active traders. Mining income is taxable as income.In Germany, long-term holders (over a year) pay no tax on capital gains, but short-term trades over 600 euros are taxed. Notably, the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation (effective 2024) standardizes crypto reporting, impacting balance sheet documentation in member states.Accounting for Ethereum transactionsEthereum, the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts, has unique accounting needs. Here’s how to handle common Ethereum transactions on your balance sheet:Staking rewards: Staking ETH on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake network generates rewards, treated as income at FMV when received. For example, receiving 0.1 ETH as a staking reward debits your “Cryptocurrency” asset account and credits “Revenue” on your income statement. Selling staked ETH later triggers a capital gain or loss.Gas fees: Ethereum transactions incur gas fees, which are expenses. Record these as a debit to “Transaction Fees” (an expense account) and a credit to “Cash” or “Cryptocurrency” if paid in ETH. For example, a $50 gas fee paid in ETH reduces your ETH holdings and is expensed.DeFi transactions: Yield farming or liquidity provision (e.g., on Uniswap) generates rewards, treated as income at FMV when received. For example, earning 100 UNI (UNI) tokens ($1,000) debits “Cryptocurrency” and credits “Revenue.” Track gas fees and token swaps as expenses or taxable events.ERC-20 tokens: Ethereum-based tokens (e.g., USDC, LINK) are separate assets. Record each at its FMV at acquisition, like ETH, and track them individually to avoid confusion.Accurate tracking of Ethereum transactions ensures compliance, especially with increased IRS scrutiny on staking and DeFi in 2025.Tools and best practices for crypto accountingManaging crypto transactions can be daunting, but these tools and tips simplify the process:Accounting software: Use platforms like CoinTracker, Koinly or CryptoTaxCalculator to track Ethereum transactions, calculate gains/losses, and generate tax reports. These tools integrate with wallets and exchanges, ensuring accurate FMV records.Regular reconciliation: Match your balance sheet’s crypto holdings to wallet/exchange records monthly to catch errors, especially for gas fees or staking rewards.Work with professionals: Crypto tax rules, especially for Ethereum’s DeFi and staking, are complex. Consult a crypto-savvy accountant to ensure compliance with IRS, His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs or other regulations.Document everything: Keep records of every Ethereum transaction, including FMV, gas fees and staking rewards, to prepare for audits or Form 1099-DA reporting in 2025.By staying organized, you’ll minimize errors and stress when filing taxes or preparing financial statements.

by Cointelegraph by Markus Levin on May 21, 2025 at 3:00 pm

Opinion by: Markus Levin, co-founder of XYOThe crypto community often experiences periods of heightened anxiety. Market downturns are often triggered by counterproductive sentiment-driven events rather than by fundamental issues, creating a significant disconnect between price behavior and the actual progress being made within the industry by the companies within it. What often goes unnoticed is how much real development happens during these downturns. While market movements capture most of the attention, teams are building faster and more deliberately behind the scenes than ever. The focus shifts away from price speculation and toward real execution. Growth happens during downturns. It's a necessary phase for projects that thrive in a volatile industry. They re-focus attention on refining their technology and business, fueling the next wave of progress.As a result, there's a disconnect between online sentiment and conversations between blockchain industry leaders. For builders and project leaders, the atmosphere is of determination, not doom.Regulators are coming on boardOne of the most promising developments is the accelerating momentum of regulation policy. Many European companies are applying for MiCA licenses in preparation for regulatory updates. There's also a significant policy shift under new US leadership as the SEC retreats from several high-profile crypto enforcement actions. The disparity between sentiment and reality serves as a reminder that price is a lagging indicator. Selloffs are triggered by uncertainty around tariff announcements and background activity such as interest rates. Material, long-term statistics speak for the virtually universal optimism among industry leaders as the number of active developers has remained stable, and the number of established developers almost doubled last year. That's an incredible jump in only one year. From hype to substanceMaturation means teams thoughtfully building, governments engaging seriously with legislation, and users demanding better UX and real utility. The industry has a well-established pattern — market corrections wipe away hype and encourage focus. The last bear market gave rise to breakthroughs in DeFi, NFTs, and zero-knowledge tech. This time, it's about real-world infrastructure, regulation-ready platforms, and next-gen scalability.What emerges in these periods tends to be less visible but more durable. Teams that remain active are often those with clear models, sufficient runway, and a willingness to adapt. These are the periods when we learn whether the systems being built can handle real-world demands. One of the most promising frontiers lies at the intersection of AI and blockchain, the most ubiquitous being within Large Language Models. AI is, however, only as good as the data it's trained on.AI systems are evolving rapidly, but their foundations are skewed. They're built primarily on data scraped from the digital-first countries that predominantly lie in the northern hemisphere, which dominates global media production and internet usage. This creates a feedback loop where Western and East Asian perspectives and widely spoken languages such as English and Mandarin are not only amplified but leave little room for necessary data from smaller populations.A report from Web3 Technologies said 60% of tier-one media on the internet is English. Prominent among these media outlets is The New York Times, which has sued OpenAI based on copyright infringement. The publication alleges that their copyright-protected data was used to train OpenAI's LLM model. Recent: The future of finance is built on Bitcoin — Ethereum was just the testnetKnowing the full extent of the global imbalance in the data creating AI outputs is impossible. Allegations like this and the results delivered when using AI tools suggest the pressing need for a solution.It's even worse. When AI systems are trained on narrow, incomplete data sets, the results can exclude billions from the benefits of emerging technologies. As IBM highlights, data bias isn't just a technical issue — it's a human one with real-world consequences in healthcare, finance, agriculture, and beyond.It's become normal to use AI data every day. We receive personalized Google search results, Adobe has built AI into its industry-standard graphic and video software, and we use AI assistants like Gemini, Grok, and ChatGPT to formulate the thoughts with which we represent ourselves. All of these tools are affected by an overwhelming bias toward the center of a bell curve within their data sets, unable to access or address less common use cases.A popular example demonstrates this issue: Until recently, image generators could not create a full wine glass. No matter what prompt you provided, a wine glass full to the edge was beyond the capabilities of all known generative AI software because they had never been provided photos of wine glasses full to the brim. Their data sets had to be updated to correct this comical problem, which revealed a much more serious one.Decentralized data offers a solution. Globally incentivized systems like DePINs enable the participation of populations that would otherwise remain underserved, allowing the valuable data they provide to come online. This improves the service for everyone, making smaller global communities more accessible to commerce and enabling them easier access to the rest of the world. It also empowers smaller data creators to monetize their data rather than relinquishing it to tech giants. Where do we go from here?The crypto industry is entering a new phase. A phase that's more productive and sustainable. Expect to see rapid growth in working infrastructure, platforms and applications that welcome knowledgeable, consumer-friendly regulations and projects that respect the time and money of their users.Opportunities within the crypto space are changing but not shrinking. Our opportunities grow as we learn from what has not worked in the last few years. They will take time to develop, but successful builders will focus on long-term, incremental change and sound business practices rather than chasing fads and short-term profits.The momentum of real progress has never been stronger, and it is precisely during times like these, when it feels like no one's watching, that the foundations of the future are laid.Opinion by: Markus Levin, co-founder of XYO. This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

by Cointelegraph by William Suberg on May 21, 2025 at 2:52 pm

Key points:Bitcoin and gold move higher in step amid jitters over Japan’s debt problem reach “boiling point.”$108,000 remains a keen target for Bitcoin bulls amid ongoing corporate buying.Some still see the current BTC price uptrend coming to an abrupt end.Bitcoin (BTC) kept up pressure on $108,000 at the May 21 Wall Street open as a trader flagged multiple bearish divergences.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin joins gold in Japan debt reactionData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD returning to near the top of its intraday range as the US trading session began.After its highest-ever daily close, BTC/USD looked increasingly primed for a rematch with all-time highs just above $109,000.🚨UPDATE: $BTC makes history with new record daily close. pic.twitter.com/LSzuJNJUGx— Cointelegraph (@Cointelegraph) May 21, 2025Fresh concerns over Japan’s national debt offered a boost to both crypto and gold on the day, with the latter reaching $3,320 per ounce, its highest since May 12.XAU/USD 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView“A fresh wave of volatility is gripping Japanese fixed income markets as 30-year Japanese Government Bond (JGB) yields surge past 3%, breaching historic levels and unsettling global investors,” trading firm QCP Capital commented in its latest bulletin to Telegram channel subscribers.“Japan’s ballooning debt situation has long been a simmering concern, but it is now reaching a boiling point.”On Bitcoin, QCP suggested that recent gains had been fueled by corporate accumulation, while breaking all-time highs could reawaken retail interest.“Price action appears closely tied to treasury accumulation by Strategy and Metaplanet, who remain the headline buyers at current levels. There is growing concern that these entities may represent the last of the marginal bid, particularly with BTC hovering near ATHs,” it continued. “A slowdown in their buying could trigger profit-taking from other market participants and potentially reverse the prevailing uptrend.”BTC price trend strength flashes warningElsewhere, concerns over trend strength came from the BTC/USD chart itself.Related: Sorry bears — Bitcoin analysis dismisses $107K BTC price double topPopular trader Roman, among those taking a conservative view of market structure, warned that Bitcoin’s relative strength index (RSI) was now offering three bearish divergences at once on daily timeframes.“3 levels of bearish divergences now appearing on RSI. I would expect 101 to be retested before we potentially move higher (or lower),” he told X followers. “I still have my sights on lower overall but could provide a decent short term entry for both shorts & longs.”BTC/USD 1-day chart with RSI data. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAs Cointelegraph reported, there is no shortage of bullish BTC price targets currently in force.$116,000 is an increasingly popular area once all-time highs are breached, with a $128,000 “blow-off top” also on the radar.Others have made much loftier predictions, including $220,000 or more in 2025.Updating his long-term view, trader and analyst Aksel Kibar said that the bull trend “remains intact” this week, with an accompanying chart reiterating a $137,000 target. BTC/USD 1-month chart. Source: Aksel Kibar/X“Despite relentless macro headwinds including surging bond yields, tariff escalations and mounting stagflation risks in the US for Q3 and Q4, BTC has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the past month,” QCP concluded. “That said, a breakout to new highs could ignite a fresh wave of FOMO, dragging in sidelined retail capital and pushing prices even higher.”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.

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on May 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm

Crypto cybersecurity firm Trugard and onchain trust protocol Webacy have developed an artificial intelligence-based system for detecting crypto wallet address poisoning.According to a May 21 announcement shared with Cointelegraph, the new tool is part of Webacy’s crypto decisioning tools and “leverages a supervised machine learning model trained on live transaction data in conjunction with onchain analytics, feature engineering and behavioral context.” The new tool purportedly has a success score of 97%, tested across known attack cases. “Address poisoning is one of the most underreported yet costly scams in crypto, and it preys on the simplest assumption: That what you see is what you get,” said Webacy co-founder Maika Isogawa.Address poisoning detection infographic. Source: Trugard and WebacyCrypto address poisoning is a scam where attackers send small amounts of cryptocurrency from a wallet address that closely resembles a target’s real address, often with the same starting and ending characters. The goal is to trick the user into accidentally copying and reusing the attacker’s address in future transactions, resulting in lost funds.The technique exploits how users often rely on partial address matching or clipboard history when sending crypto. A January 2025 study found that over 270 million poisoning attempts occurred on BNB Chain and Ethereum between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2024. Of those, 6,000 attempts were successful, leading to losses over $83 million.Related: What are address poisoning attacks in crypto and how to avoid them?Web2 security in a Web3 worldTrugard chief technology officer Jeremiah O’Connor told Cointelegraph that the team brings deep cybersecurity expertise from the Web2 world, which they’ve been “applying to Web3 data since the early days of crypto.” The team is applying its experience with algorithmic feature engineering from traditional systems to Web3. He added:“Most existing Web3 attack detection systems rely on static rules or basic transaction filtering. These methods often fall behind evolving attacker tactics, techniques, and procedures.“The newly developed system instead leverages machine learning to create a system that learns and adapts to address poisoning attacks. O’Connor highlighted that what sets their system apart is “its emphasis on context and pattern recognition.” Isogawa explained that “AI can detect patterns often beyond the reach of human analysis.”Related: Jameson Lopp sounds alarm on Bitcoin address poisoning attacksThe machine learning approachO’Connor said Trugard generated synthetic training data for the AI to simulate various attack patterns. Then the model was trained through supervised learning, a type of machine learning where a model is trained on labeled data, including input variables and the correct output.In such a setup, the goal is for the model to learn the relationship between inputs and outputs to predict the correct output for new, unseen inputs. Common examples include spam detection, image classification and price prediction.O’Connor said the model is also updated by training it on new data as new strategies emerge. “To top it off, we’ve built a synthetic data generation layer that lets us continuously test the model against simulated poisoning scenarios,” he said. “This has proven incredibly effective in helping the model generalize and stay robust over time.“Magazine: Crypto-Sec: Phishing scammer goes after Hedera users, address poisoner gets $70K

by Matthew Doran on May 21, 2025 at 1:59 pm

A delegation of diplomats and officials from European, Asian and Arab countries were forced to run when Israeli forces opened fire in the city of Jenin.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on May 21, 2025 at 1:19 pm

Stablecoin adoption among institutions could surge as the United States Senate prepares to debate a key piece of legislation aimed at regulating the sector. After failing to gain support from key Democrats on May 8, the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act passed the US Senate in a 66–32 procedural vote on May 20 and is now heading to a debate on the Senate floor.The bill seeks to set clear rules for stablecoin collateralization and mandate compliance with Anti-Money Laundering laws.Related: German gov’t missed out on $2.3B profit after selling Bitcoin at $57K“This act doesn’t just regulate stablecoins, it legitimizes them,” said Andrei Grachev, managing partner at DWF Labs and Falcon Finance.“It sets clear rules, and with clarity comes confidence. That’s what institutions have been waiting for,” Grachev told Cointelegraph during the Chain Reaction daily X spaces show on May 20, adding:“Stablecoins aren’t a crypto experiment anymore. They’re a better form of money. Faster, simpler, and more transparent than fiat. It’s only a matter of time before they become the default.”Source: CointelegraphSenate bill seen as path to unified digital systemThe GENIUS Act may be the “first step” toward establishing a “unified digital financial system which is borderless, programmable and efficient,” Grachev said, adding:“When the US moves on stablecoin policy, the world watches.”Republican Senator Cynthia Lummis, a co-sponsor of the bill, also pointed to Memorial Day as a “fair target” for its potential passage. Grachev said regulatory clarity alone will not drive institutional adoption. Products offering stable and predictable yield will also be necessary. Falcon Finance is currently developing a synthetic yield-bearing dollar product designed for this market, he noted.Yield-bearing stablecoins issuance. Source: PendleYield-bearing stablecoins now represent 4.5% of the total stablecoin market after rising to $11 billion in total circulation, Cointelegraph reported on May 21.Related: Stablecoins seen as ideal fit for real-time collateral managementGENIUS Act regulatory gaps don’t address offshore stablecoin issuersDespite broad support for the GENIUS Act, some critics say the legislation does not go far enough. Vugar Usi Zade, the chief operating officer at Bitget exchange, told Cointelegraph that “the bill doesn’t fully address offshore stablecoin issuers like Tether, which continue to play an outsized role in global liquidity.”He added that US-based issuers will now face “steeper costs,” likely accelerating consolidation across the market and favoring well-resourced players that can meet the new thresholds.Still, Zade acknowledged that the legislation could bring greater “stability” to regulated offerings, depending on how it is ultimately worded and enforced. Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

by Sundance on May 21, 2025 at 1:17 pm

Perhaps it is because I understand the journey Shawn Ryan is traveling, but this is an interesting conversation.  Tucker Carlson sits down with Shawn Ryan who is about 5 years into his journey looking at the political landscape and questioning all of his previous assumptions. I have long described the DC political machine as a The post Tucker Carlson Interviews Podcaster Shawn Ryan appeared first on The Last Refuge.

on May 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Brown has been charged with allegedly inflicting grievous bodily harm in what prosecutors said was an "unprovoked attack" on music producer Abraham Diaw with a tequila bottle in a London nightclub in 2023.

by Cointelegraph by Sam Bourgi on May 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Guatemala’s largest bank, Banco Industrial, has integrated crypto infrastructure provider SukuPay into its mobile banking app, allowing locals to more easily receive remittances powered by blockchain technology. SukuPay’s infrastructure has been fully embedded inside the Zigi payment app, allowing Guatemalans to receive funds from the United States instantly for a $0.99 flat fee, the company disclosed on May 21. Users of the Zigi app do not need a crypto wallet or an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) to receive the funds, the company said. SukuPay CEO Yonathan Lapchik told Cointelegraph that the “key to mainstream adoption of blockchain technology is making it invisible to the end-user” so that there are no technical barriers. “That’s the only way we’ll scale blockchain to billions of people — by building the rails, not forcing people to learn how they work,” said Lapchik.Established in 1968, Banco Industrial has more than 1,600 service locations throughout Guatemala. As of 2023, it had over 150 million Guatemalan quetzals in assets, equivalent to roughly $20 million US. SukuPay said its integration with Zigi marks one of the first crypto-native protocols to be used inside a major Latin American retail bank.Banco Industrial has a long-term issuer default rating of BB. Source: Fitch RatingsThe bank also has operations in Honduras, Panama and El Salvador and is a key player in local remittance markets. Related: Bitcoin treasury adoption grows in LATAM, mirroring US strategic BTC reserve planRemittances are lifelines for Latin AmericaRemittances, or money sent by migrants to their home countries, play a vital role in Guatemala and the broader region. The Inter-American Development Bank projected that remittances to Latin America and the Caribbean would total approximately $161 billion in 2024. Monthly remittances typically range from $131 to $648, representing between 6% and 23% of the sender’s average income.“Remittances are lifelines in this region, but they’re broken,” Lapchik told Cointelegraph. “Guatemala alone sees $21 billion in remittances every year, and families are losing 6% to 10% of that to fees and delays. These are people sending $300, $400 a month, and they can’t afford to wait days or pay that much just to get money home,” he said, adding:“Crypto solves this when it’s used the right way. It lets us move money instantly and at a fraction of the cost, integrated into the bank apps people already use.” Latin America is the second-fastest growing region in terms of crypto adoption, though Guatemala lags behind regional leaders Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Venezuela and Colombia, according to a 2024 Chainalysis study.The study cited stablecoins as a primary adoption driver in the region. Crypto adoption in Latin America by total value received. Source: ChainalysisLapchik said stablecoins facilitate cross-border transactions more easily, but that “people don’t wake up saying, I need a stablecoin.’” “Stablecoins are just the best way to make that happen,” he said.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on May 21, 2025 at 12:58 pm

Hong Kong’s Legislative Council passed the Stablecoin Bill, paving the way for a regulated framework that could position the region as a global leader in digital assets and Web3 development. In a May 21 post on X, Legislative Council member Johnny Ng Kit-Chong said the bill had passed its third reading, clearing the final hurdle for adoption.“It is expected that by the end of this year, major institutions will be able to apply to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority to become licensed stablecoin issuers,” Ng said.Image of the legislative assembly session. Source: Johnny Ng Kit-ChongAccording to the new Hong Kong legislation, stablecoins must be backed by fiat currency as underlying assets. Ng said Hong Kong is welcoming “global enterprises and institutions interested in issuing stablecoins to apply in Hong Kong,” offering to personally assist with introductions and collaboration:“I am also happy to facilitate connections and collaborate with all stakeholders to advance the development of Web3 in Asia and globally, with Hong Kong at the center.“Related: Hong Kong introduces crypto staking rules, reaffirms Web3 commitmentHong Kong aims to become a Web3 powerhouseNg said the legislation marks the first step on the road toward building Web3 infrastructure in Hong Kong. “The most crucial step is to develop more real-world applications.”Ng said stablecoin adoption has the potential to drive innovation in retail payments, cross-border trade and peer-to-peer transactions. He added that he encourages the development and adoption of stablecoins, since “they represent a major financial innovation.” Regarding enhancing market stability, Ng suggested distributing interest earnings to stablecoin holders.Related: HashKey receives Hong Kong approval to offer crypto staking servicesInterest for stablecoin holdersAccording to Ng, “providing interest will strengthen the competitiveness of stablecoins.” This increased competitiveness, he explained, incentivizes broader participation and expands stablecoin market share, which supports what he views as sustainable growth.Ng’s remarks that yield-bearing stablecoins are more competitive follow recent positive data. Research indicates that yield-bearing stablecoins have soared to $11 billion in circulation, representing 4.5% of the total stablecoin market, a steep climb from just $1.5 billion and a 1% market share at the start of 2024.Magazine: Crypto wanted to overthrow banks, now it’s becoming them in stablecoin fight

by Cointelegraph by Amin Haqshanas on May 21, 2025 at 11:19 am

Yield-bearing stablecoins have soared to $11 billion in circulation, representing 4.5% of the total stablecoin market, a steep climb from just $1.5 billion and a 1% market share at the start of 2024.One of the biggest winners is Pendle, a decentralized protocol that enables users to lock in fixed yields or speculate on variable interest rates. Pendle now accounts for 30% of all yield-bearing stablecoin total value locked (TVL), roughly $3 billion, the firm said in a report shared with Cointelegraph.  Pendle noted that stablecoins make up 83% of its $4 billion total value locked, a sharp rise from less than 20% just a year ago. In contrast, assets such as Ether (ETH), which historically contributed 80%–90% of Pendle’s TVL, have shrunk to less than 10%.Traditional stablecoins like USDt (USDT) and USDC (USDC) do not pass on interest to holders. With over $200 billion in circulation and US Federal Reserve interest rates at 4.3%, Pendle estimates that stablecoin holders are missing out on more than $9 billion in annual yield.Pendle TVL share by assets. Source: PendleRelated: How to Use tsUSDe on TON for Passive dollar Yield in 2025Growing regulatory clarity benefits stablecoinsThe rise in yield-bearing stablecoins comes amid increasing regulatory clarity under US President Donald Trump’s administration.In February, the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved yield-bearing stablecoins as “certificates” subject to securities regulation, rather than banning them. The approval allows yield-bearing stablecoins to operate under specific rules, including registration, disclosure requirements and investor protections.  Proposed bills like the Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) and the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) signal a favorable direction.Meanwhile, Pendle said it expects stablecoin issuance to double to $500 billion in the next 18 to 24 months. The firm also anticipates yield-bearing stablecoins to capture 15% of this market with $75 billion in issuance (7x growth from $11 billion).Yield-bearing stablecoins issuance. Source: PendleRelated: PayPal to offer 3.7% yield on stablecoin balances: ReportPendle shifts focus to yield marketInitially focused on airdrop farming, Pendle has shifted toward serving as an infrastructure layer for decentralized finance yield markets.Ethena’s USDe stablecoin currently accounts for about 75% of Pendle’s stablecoin TVL. However, newer entrants such as Open Eden, Reserve and Falcon have increased the share of non-USDe assets from 1% to 26% over the past year.Pendle is also expanding beyond Ethereum, with plans to support networks like Solana and to integrate with Aave and Ethena’s upcoming Converge blockchain.Interest in yield-generating strategies within the cryptocurrency sector has surged in recent years, driven by both retail and institutional investors seeking to maximize returns on their digital assets.On May 19, Franklin, a hybrid cash and crypto payroll provider, announced the launch of Payroll Treasury Yield, which uses blockchain lending protocols to help firms earn returns on payroll funds.Magazine: NBA star Tristan Thompson misses $32B in Bitcoin by taking $82M contract in cash

by Cointelegraph by Ezra Reguerra on May 21, 2025 at 10:55 am

Abu Dhabi-based Bold Technologies, a subsidiary of conglomerate Bold Holdings, has partnered with international artificial intelligence company My Aion to launch a $2.5 billion smart-city initiative aimed at transforming urban infrastructure through AI.The companies announced the development of a platform called Aion Sentia Cognitive City, which manages complex urban systems. The platform will be powered by Maia, an AI core engine developed by My Aion, and aims to optimize and manage systems across mobility, energy, education, healthcare and digital services. My Aion CEO Daniele Marinelli said the AI will know the user well enough to “recommend the perfect place for your anniversary dinner and book it for you without you lifting a finger.”The project will debut in Abu Dhabi before expanding internationally. It is expected to launch in 18 months. Multibillion-dollar AI project to create jobs for UAE nationalsThe project is structured under a $2.5 billion Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model, a public-private partnership model for large-scale infrastructure and technology projects. Under the model, private sector entities construct the infrastructure, run and manage the system for a certain period. The companies usually recoup their investments and earn profits during the operational phase. At the end of the period set by the parties involved, ownership and control of the systems developed through the BOT model are transferred to the government or a public sector entity. Bold Technologies CEO Thani Al Thani Al Falasi said the initiative will support UAE job creation. “This initiative will support job creation for UAE nationals, foster local innovation and contribute meaningfully to the national AI ecosystem,” he said. My Aion’s Marinelli said that relocating to Abu Dhabi provides their global operations with a new chapter. “The UAE offers the infrastructure and institutional support needed to scale responsibly and strategically,” Marinelli said.Cointelegraph has reached out to Bold Technologies and My Aion for more information. Related: Decentralized OORT AI data hits top ranks on Google KaggleCrypto proponents say AI could benefit from digital assetsOn May 20, Catena Labs, a project led by Circle co-founder Sean Neville, announced that it will create an AI-native financial institution. The project said that while AI systems can use traditional forms of payment, they “gain superpowers” when paired with stablecoins. In addition, Binance co-founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao said at the Token2049 event in Dubai that “the currency for AI is crypto.” Zhao said AI can use blockchain technology and has far more use cases than just launching tokens in one click.  Magazine: Crypto AI tokens surge 34%, why ChatGPT is such a kiss-ass: AI Eye

by Sarah Ferguson and Paul Johnson on May 21, 2025 at 10:46 am

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley's office says National Party Senator Bridget McKenzie made false claims during an appearance on 7.30.

by Cointelegraph by Nancy Lubale on May 21, 2025 at 10:15 am

Key takeaways:Bitcoin gained 14% since May 5, breaking $108,000  for the first time since January.Targets of $140,000 and even $200,000 are increasingly discussed for 2025.Bitcoin (BTC) price has climbed by more than 14% since May 5, rallying to $107,000 on May 21.Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView shows that the price of Bitcoin rose 3.6% to a four-month high of $108,000 on May 21 from a low of $104,200 the previous day. The last time BTC/USD traded above this level was on Jan. 20, when President Donald Trump’s inauguration fueled BTC’s price rally to $109,350 all-time high.BTC/USD daily chart. Source: TradingViewBitcoin’s price rise coincides with a marketwide rally, with the global crypto market capitalization rising above $3.36 trillion for the first time since Feb. 3. The uptrend has left market participants wondering how much higher Bitcoin prices can go before a significant correction.Bitcoin price inches toward new highsBitcoin’s latest recovery has sparked optimism among market analysts and traders, who expect BTC to blast toward new all-time highs.Bitcoin is going to all-time highs today, said popular analyst AlphaBTC in a May 21 post on X. An accompanying chart showed Bitcoin’s price trading within an extended ascending parallel channel since it began its recovery on April 9. As of May 21, BTC’s price was trading 2.5% below its all-time high of over $109,000, which was the next major resistance. If this barrier is broken, AlphaBTC anticipates $115,000 as the next likely target.“It seems inevitable that $BTC takes out the ATH soon, this grind and pop (squeeze) price action is being driven by bigger players that have their targets and know what it takes to use the bears shorting every pop to move the price higher.”BTC/USD 12-hour chart. Source: AlphaBTC“Bitcoin is going to an all-time high faster than I expected,” said MN Capital founder Michael van de Poppe in a May 20 post on X.According to van de Poppe, BTC price could rise as high as $200,000  “because more and more people are done with the constant devaluation of the dollar.”Fellow analyst Mags said the price was entering its “biggest bull run ever,” projecting a possible top around $215,000 based on Bitcoin's four-year halving cycle.Source: MagsMeanwhile, network economist Timothy Peterson used statistical analysis to assume a trip to at least $115,000 by the end of June, setting a possible top under $130,000. Related: Bitcoin 'blow-off top' set at $128K with new all-time highs in sightBTC rounded bottom pattern targets $140KFrom a technical perspective, Bitcoin’s price has formed a rounded bottom chart pattern on the daily chart (see below). Bulls are now focused on pushing the price above the neckline of the prevailing chart pattern at $106,000.A daily candlestick close above this level would confirm a bullish breakout from the rounded bottom formation, ushering BTC into price discovery with the technical target set at $140,956, or a 37% increase from the current level.BTC/USD daily chart. Source: TradingViewThe relative strength index, or RSI, is at 69, suggesting there is still room to run, particularly with an impending golden cross.As Cointelegraph reported, a move to new all-time highs above $110,000 is possible by the end of this week, backed by BTC accumulation across all holder cohorts.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.

by Cointelegraph by Zoltan Vardai on May 21, 2025 at 10:12 am

Bitcoin Suisse secured an in-principle approval (IPA) from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), marking a major step in the Swiss crypto firm’s expansion beyond the European Union.The Swiss crypto financial service provider received the in-principle approval through its subsidiary BTCS (Middle East), according to a May 21 news release.The IPA is a precursor to a full financial services license, which would allow Bitcoin Suisse to provide regulated crypto financial services such as digital asset trading, crypto securities and derivatives offerings, as well as custody solutions.The approval reflects the firm’s “strong commitment to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, security, and regulatory compliance,” according to Ceyda Majcen, head of global expansion and designated senior executive officer of BTCS (Middle East).Source: Bitcoin Suisse“Abu Dhabi, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing financial centers, presents a compelling opportunity for growth. We look forward to working closely with the FSRA to obtain our full license,” Majcen wrote in a May 21 X announcement.Related: German gov’t missed out on $2.3B profit after selling Bitcoin at $57KThis marks Bitcoin Suisse’s first expansion outside of the European Union.Founded in 2013, Bitcoin Suisse played a significant role in developing the country’s crypto ecosystem and has been a key contributor to Switzerland’s Crypto Valley, a Switzerland-based blockchain ecosystem valued at more than $500 billion.Crypto Valley Unicorns. Source: CvVc.comRelated: Hoskinson promises audit, is ‘deeply hurt’ by $600M Cardano treasury claimsCrypto firms bet on Middle East as next global crypto hubIncreasingly more crypto firms are expanding into the Middle East, seeing the region as the next potential global crypto hub due to its business-friendly regulatory licensing environment.On April 29, Circle, the issuer of the world’s second-largest stablecoin, USDC (USDC), received an in-principle approval from the FSRA, moving one step closer to the full license to become a regulated money service provider in the United Arab Emirates.A day earlier, the Stacks Asia DLT Foundation partnered with ADGM, becoming the first Bitcoin-based organization to establish an official presence in the Middle East, Cointelegraph reported on April 28.As part of the partnership, the Stacks Foundation aims to advance progressive regulatory frameworks in the Middle East.“We’re not just focused locally — our team is engaged in global conversations, advocating for frameworks that balance decentralization, security, innovation, and compliance surrounding the unlocking of Bitcoin capital,” Kyle Ellicott, executive director at Stacks Asia DLT Foundation, told Cointelegraph.The foundation is also developing the Bitcoin Capital Activation Framework, described as a comprehensive policy blueprint to help regulators enable Bitcoin utility in their jurisdictions.Magazine: Arthur Hayes $1M Bitcoin tip, altcoins ‘powerful rally’ looms: Hodler’s Digest, May 11 – 17

by Clancy Balen on May 21, 2025 at 10:02 am

There's continued calls for the Tasmanian government to try to re-negotiate the state's AFL licence deal, amid a public forum over the proposed Macquarie Point stadium development.

on May 21, 2025 at 9:35 am

Jelena Dokic has confirmed the death of her father and abuser Damir, saying "the loss of an estranged parent comes with a difficult and complicated grief". 

by Cointelegraph by Adrian Zmudzinski on May 21, 2025 at 9:23 am

Mobile-first crypto exchange and payment platform Crypto.com secured a license allowing it to offer cryptocurrency financial derivatives in the European Economic Area.According to a May 21 announcement, Crypto.com secured a Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) license.“We have already expanded our brand presence in Europe since receiving our MiCA licence and we now look forward to providing customers across the region even more ways to engage with our platform through these new offerings,” said Crypto.com’s co-founder and CEO, Kris Marszalek.Source: Crypto.comThe announcement followed Crypto.com receiving in-principle approval to operate across the European Union under a Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) license in mid-January. The company received regulatory approval for its acquisition of Cyprus-based trading services firm A.N. Allnew Investments from the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC).Crypto.com did not immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s request for comment.Related: Coinbase’s Deribit buy shows growing derivatives marketA popular strategyThe company is not the first crypto entity to obtain a MiFID license by acquiring a Cyprus-based financial firm. On May 20, cryptocurrency exchange Kraken announced the launch of regulated derivatives trading on its platform under the European Union’s Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II).Like Crypto.com, a Cyprus-based entity played a role in the strategy, with Kraken relying on MiFID II-regulated entity Payward Europe Digital Solutions to offer its derivatives. The launch followed Kraken completing its acquisition of the futures trading platform NinjaTrader earlier in May as its first-quarter revenue jumped 19% year-on-year to $471.7 million.Related: CFTC mulling probe of Crypto.com over Super Bowl contracts: ReportCrypto derivatives are all the rageRecently, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said his firm will continue to look for merger and acquisition opportunities, after acquiring crypto derivatives platform Deribit. The comments came after the publicly listed US crypto exchange earlier this month agreed to acquire Deribit, one of the world’s biggest crypto derivatives trading platforms.Major crypto exchange Gemini has also recently received regulatory approval to expand crypto derivatives trading across Europe. Lastly, decentralized finance platform Synthetix will also venture further into crypto derivatives with plans to re-acquire the crypto options platform Derive.Crypto.com has made its fair share of acquisitions. Those include Fintek Securities, Charterprime, Orion Principals and SEC-registered broker-dealer Watchdog Capital.Magazine: How crypto laws are changing across the world in 2025

by Cointelegraph by William Suberg on May 21, 2025 at 9:12 am

Key points:Bitcoin tags $108,000 for the first time since the day of its current all-time highs in January.Traders and analysts mention support extending toward $90,000, but the probability of a retest is fading.Near-term upside targets include a “blow-off top” at $128,000.Bitcoin (BTC) spiked to more than $108,000 on May 21, marking new four-month highs. Where will BTC/USD go next?Crypto traders and analysts are lining up their forecasts with BTC price action less than 1.5% away from new all-time highs.BTC price support test now “less likely”Bitcoin continues to coil below what is now its most significant psychological resistance barrier, January’s all-time highs.BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAt $109,356 on Bitstamp, per data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView, that seminal line in the sand is what bulls are attempting to bring back into play this week.Volatility is picking up; BTC/USD dropped almost $1,000 in minutes following its move past $108,000, with traders attempting to position around the spot price.GM 🥂$BTC shorted. pic.twitter.com/nVfYKuNhu1— BrutalBTC (@BrutalBtc) May 21, 2025Order book liquidity data from monitoring resource CoinGlass showed thickening bid support just below $106,000 at the time of writing.BTC liquidation heatmap (screenshot). Source: CoinGlassCommenting, Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, highlighted several moving averages (MAs), the $100,000 mark, and the 2025 yearly open as potential long-term support retest zones.The highest of these, the 21-day MA, stood at $101,640 on the day.“The 50-Day MA is on a trajectory to Golden Cross with the 200-Day MA in a tight range that has confluence with the Trend Line AND the 2025 YO,” he wrote in his latest post on X. “You can’t really ask for stronger technical support than that.”Alan argued that a deeper retracement to support would strengthen Bitcoin’s overall recovery and help boost the odds of holding higher levels going forward.“I’d personally consider a dump to that level a gift, but at this point I don’t think it’s a likely one. In fact the further the 21-Day MA (green) gets from $100k, the less likely we are to get the support test I’ve been looking for,” he concluded. “Whether BTC retests $100k or not, I’m happy to see consolidation in this range before the next leg up.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Keith Alan/XTraders expect Bitcoin to go toward $128,000 nextCrypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe held similar views on support levels to hold.Related: Sorry bears — Bitcoin analysis dismisses $107K BTC price double topBoth $91,800 and $100,700 feature in his latest analysis, with the latter described as a “point of interest.”“It’s always a good morning with Bitcoin at $108,000 and close to a new ATH,” he summarized.BTC/USDT 12-hour chart with RSI data. Source: Michaël van de Poppe/XIn a separate X post, Van de Poppe said that new all-time highs were approaching “faster than he expected.”$120,000, he said, was one of several “imminent” targets extending up to $200,000.Elsewhere, trader Merlijn agreed with $116,000 as the next short-term BTC price target, seeing BTC/USD “exploding” out of a consolidation pennant. MASSIVE BULLISH BITCOIN PENNANT BREAKOUT!$BTC coiled for days now it’s exploding.This pennant points to $116K… and it’s just getting started.Ride the wave or watch it fly. pic.twitter.com/lyox33TJp4— Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) May 21, 2025Fellow trader Henry upped the target to $128,000 as a “blow-off top” while identifying support areas at $105,000 and $96,000.BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Henry/XThis 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.

by Tamara Clark, Ashlee Aldridge, and Tyrone Dalton on May 21, 2025 at 9:00 am

Witnesses tell a court in Melbourne they were left tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket after Mr Stevens failed to build swimming pools they had paid him for.

by Cointelegraph by Ezra Reguerra on May 21, 2025 at 8:38 am

United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Commissioner Hester Peirce said many non-fungible tokens (NFTs), including those with mechanisms to pay creator royalties, likely fall outside the purview of federal securities laws.In a recent speech, Peirce said NFTs that allow artists to earn resale revenue do not automatically qualify as securities. Unlike stocks, NFTs are programmable assets that distribute proceeds to developers or artists. The SEC official said that mirrors how streaming platforms compensate musicians and filmmakers. “Just as streaming platforms pay royalties to the creator of a song or video each time a user plays it, an NFT can enable artists to benefit from the appreciation in the value of their work after its initial sale,” Peirce said. Peirce added that the feature does not provide NFT owners any rights or interest in any business enterprise or profits “traditionally associated with securities.”SEC never prohibited NFT royaltiesOscar Franklin Tan, chief legal officer of Enjin core contributor Atlas Development Services, told Cointelegraph that the recent remarks by Peirce on NFTs and creator royalties have been widely misunderstood. Peirce had clarified that NFTs that send resale royalties to artists are not necessarily securities, a view Tan says is legally sound but mischaracterized in some media reports. “So Hester Peirce said that an NFT that sends royalties back to the creator after a sale is not a security. This is correct, but the way some media reported this is completely out of context,” Tan told Cointelegraph. “The actual context is that this is not controversial, and it was never considered a security.”The lawyer said US securities law focuses on regulating investments and not compensating creators for their work. “The artist or creator is not an investor, not a passive third party in the NFT,” he said, noting that royalty payments are not considered investment income. Instead, Tan told Cointelegraph that this type of earning is “analogous to business income,” which the SEC does not regulate. He added: “The SEC never prohibited contracts where artists and creators get royalties from secondary sales of their work, not royalties from paper contracts or blockchain protocols.”Tan explained that the legal distinction becomes more complicated when NFTs promise shared profits from royalties to multiple holders beyond the original creator. Tan also urged regulators and market participants to apply traditional legal reasoning to new blockchain technologies. “Ask yourself, if this were done by pen and paper instead of blockchain, would there still be a regulatory issue?” he said. “If none, slow down.”Source: Oscar Franklin TanRelated: SEC charges Unicoin crypto platform over alleged $100 million fraudOpenSea calls on the SEC to exempt NFT marketplaces from oversightWhile NFT royalties may not have been a controversial SEC issue, NFT marketplaces are a different case. In August 2024, NFT trading platform OpenSea received a Wells notice from the SEC, alleging that NFTs traded on the marketplace could qualify as unregistered securities. On Feb. 22, OpenSea CEO Devin Finzer announced that the SEC has officially closed its investigation into the platform. The executive said that this was a win for the industry. Following the conclusion of the SEC’s investigation, OpenSea’s lawyers penned a letter to Peirce, who leads the SEC’s Crypto Task Force. OpenSea general counsel Adele Faure and deputy general counsel Laura Brookover said in an April 9 letter that NFT marketplaces don’t qualify as brokers under US securities laws. The lawyers said the marketplaces don’t execute transactions or act as intermediaries. The lawyers urged the SEC to “clearly state that NFT marketplaces like OpenSea do not qualify as exchanges under federal securities laws.”Magazine: NBA star Tristan Thompson misses $32B in Bitcoin by taking $82M contract in cash

on May 21, 2025 at 8:27 am

A reserve in residential Bundoora has been cordoned off as police investigate the death.

by Cointelegraph by Amin Haqshanas on May 21, 2025 at 8:27 am

South Korea is tightening rules around digital asset transactions as it prepares to allow institutional players into its crypto market, introducing new guidelines for nonprofit crypto sales and stricter listing standards for exchanges.On May 20, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of South Korea said during its fourth Virtual Asset Committee meeting that it had finalized sweeping new measures.Set to take effect in June, the updated rules allow both nonprofit organizations and virtual asset exchanges to sell cryptocurrencies, but under new compliance standards.Nonprofit entities must have at least five years of audited financial history to be permitted to receive and sell virtual asset donations. They will also need to establish internal Donation Review Committees to assess the appropriateness of each donation and the liquidation strategy.To reduce risks of money laundering, all donations must be routed through verified Korean won exchange accounts, with verification responsibilities placed on banks, exchanges and the nonprofits themselves.Furthermore, only cryptocurrencies listed on at least three major domestic exchanges will be eligible, and liquidation is expected to occur immediately upon receipt.Guidelines regarding nonprofits selling crypto donations. Source: FSCRelated: Top South Korean presidential hopefuls support legalizing Bitcoin ETFsExchange sales to be restrictedCrypto exchanges will be allowed to liquidate user fees paid in crypto, but only to cover operational costs. Sales will be capped at daily limits, typically no more than 10% of the total planned amount.Furthermore, sales will only be permitted for the top 20 tokens by market cap across five won-based exchanges. Importantly, exchanges are barred from selling tokens on their own platforms to prevent conflicts of interest.South Korea is also tightening standards for listing digital assets. The revised rules aim to curb instability from sudden price spikes by requiring a minimum circulating supply before a token is allowed to trade and temporarily restricting market orders post-listing.So-called zombie tokens (with low volume and thin market caps) and memecoins without clear utility will face more scrutiny. For instance, exchanges must delist tokens if they fail to meet liquidity benchmarks or community engagement thresholds.Starting in June, exchanges and nonprofits can apply for real-name accounts to facilitate these sales. Later this year, the FSC plans to extend real-name accounts to listed firms and professional investors.Cointelegraph contacted South Korea’s Digital Asset eXchange Association for comment, but had not received a response by publication.Related: RedotPay enters South Korea with crypto-powered payment cardsSouth Korean candidates push pro-crypto agendaSouth Korea’s Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung has proposed launching a stablecoin pegged to the Korean won, aiming to curb capital flight and bolster the country’s financial autonomy.Speaking at a recent policy forum, Lee said a won-based stablecoin could help retain domestic wealth and reduce dependence on foreign-backed digital currencies such as USDt (USDT) and USDC (USDC).The initiative is part of Lee’s broader push for digital asset reforms, which also includes legalizing spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs).His rival, Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party, has also expressed support for introducing spot crypto ETFs, signaling bipartisan momentum on the issue.Magazine: NBA star Tristan Thompson misses $32B in Bitcoin by taking $82M contract in cash

on May 21, 2025 at 8:09 am

Tamika Upton will miss her first State of Origin game since making her debut in 2020, with 32-year-old debutant Hayley Maddick replacing her at Hunter Stadium.

on May 21, 2025 at 8:02 am

More than 120 countries vote in favour to ensure that drugs, therapeutics and vaccines are globally accessible when the next pandemic hits.

by Kristian Silva on May 21, 2025 at 7:54 am

Erin Patterson's alleged internet records have been shown to jurors in her triple-murder trial, which show a death cap mushroom web page was visited more than a year before the fatal lunch.

by Sandy Powell and Mackenzie Heard on May 21, 2025 at 7:54 am

A decade-long fight over four-wheel-driving in areas of Tasmania's north-west rich in Aboriginal cultural sites may not be over, despite the government releasing a new management strategy.