Ripple launches cross-border blockchain payments in UAE

Ripple, the creator of cryptocurrency XRP (XRP), launched cross-border blockchain payments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a development that could spur the adoption of cryptocurrency in a country receptive to digital assets. Zand Bank, the UAE’s first all-digital bank, and Mamo, a fintech company that offers a digital payment platform for businesses, will be …

Bitcoin ignores Moody’s US debt downgrade, rallies back to $105K after profit-taking sell-off

Key takeaways: Bitcoin recovered from its sharp sell-off from $107,000, suggesting it functions as a hedge against uncertainty for investors reacting to Moody’s recent downgrade of US debt. Moody’s downgraded the US credit rating to Aa1, citing a $36 trillion debt and rising deficits, causing market turbulence and a spike in US Treasury yields. Despite …

Bitcoin bull market 'almost over?' Traders split over BTC price at $105K

Key points: BTC price action retargets $105,000 after the Wall Street open, rising 2.5% from the day’s lows. Volatility continues, leading market participants to varying conclusions over what will happen to BTC/USD next. Perspectives include the Bitcoin bull market being in its final stages. Bitcoin (BTC) sought a rebound from a 4% dive at the …

Who’s got the charm, cash and code to be a crypto hub?

Kazakhstan, the Maldives and Pakistan have recently outlined ambitions to position themselves as crypto hubs and build out their digital economies. Historically, these countries haven’t been top of mind for global crypto firms — though Kazakhstan did have a brief moment in the spotlight as a go-to destination for Bitcoin (BTC) miners after China’s mining …

Community sales are the future of crypto fundraising

Opinion by: Darius Moukhtarzadeh, Research Strategist at 21Shares A new wave of crypto fundraising is emerging, changing how Web3 projects launch and who can invest at an early stage: Community Sales. At first glance, community sales may seem reminiscent of the ICO (Initial Coin Offering) era from 2016–2017. Yet, they represent a significant evolution that …

Chinese printer maker spread Bitcoin stealing malware — Report

Chinese printer manufacturer Procolored distributed Bitcoin-stealing malware alongside its official drivers, according to local media reports. Chinese news outlet Landian News reported on May 19 that Shenzhen-based printer company Procolored has been distributing Bitcoin-stealing (BTC) malware alongside official drivers. The company reportedly used USB drivers to distribute malware-ridden drivers and uploaded the compromised software to …

Franklin taps blockchain to offer yield on idle payroll funds

Franklin, a hybrid cash and crypto payroll provider, is launching a new initiative that aims to turn idle-sitting payroll into an opportunity for yield. The new solution, dubbed Payroll Treasury Yield, uses blockchain lending protocols to help firms earn returns on payroll funds that would otherwise sit idle, the company told Cointelegraph in an exclusive …

Hoskinson promises audit, is ‘deeply hurt’ by $600M Cardano treasury claims

The Cardano Foundation is preparing to release an audit report on its treasury holdings after fresh allegations surfaced claiming misappropriation of roughly $600 million worth of ADA tokens. Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson is facing renewed scrutiny from community members, including non-fungible token artist Masato Alexander, who alleged that Hoskinson manipulated the Cardano ledger using a …

Strategy buys 7,390 BTC for $765M, gets hit with class-action lawsuit

Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, and the top corporate Bitcoin holder, acquired nearly $765 million of Bitcoin last week. The purchase comes as the company faces a class-action lawsuit. According to a May 19 announcement, Strategy acquired 7,390 BTC for about $764.9 million at an average price just under $103,500. Strategy reported a Bitcoin yield of 16.3% …

Australian court ruling could lead to $640M in Bitcoin tax refunds

A court decision in Australia could open the door to as much as $640 million in capital gains tax (CGT) refunds on Bitcoin transactions after a judge ruled that crypto should be treated as money rather than a taxable asset.  On May 19, the Australian Financial Review (AFR) reported that the decision arose within a …