Officially starting a regulatory sandbox just for crypto service providers, the Philippines is making a major step towards control of the digital asset industry. Driven by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), this project is meant to reconcile security with innovation in the expanding cryptocurrency market. What is a Regulatory Sandbox? Fintech and blockchain companies can test new goods, services, or business models in a regulated environment known as a regulatory sandbox, free from immediate exposure to the weight of conventional rules.  This helps authorities better understand the possible hazards and advantages of new technologies while entrepreneurs have an opportunity to improve their products under close inspection. Particularly in areas like anti-money laundering (AML) and consumer protection, this sandbox project provides crypto businesses with a forum to interact with the authorities in the Philippines so that their services complement national laws and international norms. Why the Sandbox Might be a Game-changer For The Philippines? The Philippines has a demand for quick, cheap digital financial services that has exploded with a young, tech-savvy population. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) depend on remittances and that’s why Sandbox offers companies a much-needed structure to securely test ideas, hence promoting inclusive finance. Furthermore, by allowing early-stage monitoring, the Sandbox lowers the possibility of fraud and scams—which have dogged several unregistered crypto platforms. It makes it quite clear: the Philippines welcomes cryptocurrencies but only with responsibility and care. Important Characteristics and Eligibility The BSP and DICT listed various requirements for admission into the Sandbox: The initiative has to centre on a digital asset-based creative good or service. It should clearly help customers or the financial ecology. Businesses need to have a risk management system in place. Participants will be under regular reviews and have to provide performance indicators and user comments. From application and approval to testing and ultimate integration into the larger market, if successful, the Sandbox will run in predetermined phases. Industry Reactions and Future Perspective Leaders in the sector have commended the sandbox approach as a constructive action. Already exhibiting interest in participation are several local and worldwide blockchain companies.  Like Singapore and Hong Kong with their financial sandboxes, experts think the project may establish the Philippines as a regional hub for crypto innovation. Critics counter that the Sandbox shouldn’t allow unqualified projects to hide under the cover of a loophole, either. Maintaining confidence will depend on efficient public involvement, openness, and monitoring. The crypto sandbox project of the Philippines signals a turning point in the financial scene of the nation. This calculated measure could enable the country to lead ethically in the crypto domain as digital assets keep becoming more popular worldwide.  The Sandbox might be the link between a distributed future and regulatory order if it encourages invention while safeguarding consumers.

President Donald Trump is set to host a private dinner on May 22 at his Washington, D.C. golf club for the top 220 holders of his self-branded TRUMP memecoin, according to the token’s official website. As of April 23, the site invited top holders to apply for the event, but specified that attendees must pass a background check, cannot be from a Know Your Customer (KYC) watchlist country, and are not allowed to bring guests. The final guest list remains unconfirmed. The TRUMP token was launched on Jan. 17 ahead of Trump’s inauguration, but it has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers and crypto analysts who argue it creates a direct financial pipeline to the president—without oversight or public disclosure. The project’s team reportedly controls 80% of the token’s total supply, while most of the other top holders remain anonymous. News of the dinner sent the token’s price soaring 52% from $9.30 to $14.20. The coin previously peaked at a $15 billion market cap before crashing by more than 50% in just three days after launch. The initiative mirrors Trump’s prior efforts to monetize digital assets during the 2024 campaign, including NFT sales and crypto donation drives. In 2023, he held a similar private dinner in Florida for buyers of his “mugshot” NFTs, which featured an image of his arrest in Georgia related to 2020 election interference. TRUMP isn’t the only memecoin tied to the first family. Melania Trump launched her own token, MELANIA, on Jan. 19. It has since dropped over 90% from its all-time high of $13.73. On-chain data shows the project team moved about $30 million from the token’s community funds earlier this month. Though Trump once dismissed Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as “scams,” his return to politics has seen a shift in tone—embracing digital assets and appearing at crypto industry events. The TRUMP dinner raises further questions about the intersection of personal profit, campaign strategy, and national security concerns. A U.S. lawmaker recently warned the memecoin could pose risks if foreign entities use it to funnel money into the U.S. political system.

Once more, Bitcoin is gaining headlines, and this time, the political reassurance is driving the surge. Remarks by the U.S. President Donald Trump sent waves of hope through financial markets, and the top cryptocurrency in the world jumped to just under $94,000 on Tuesday. Trump said at a news briefing earlier this week that he had no intentions of replacing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. That one sentence inspired confidence not only in conventional markets but also in the often-changing crypto scene. Trump’s Steady Tone Raises Market Confidence Enquiring about Powell’s future, Trump answered, “I wouldn’t be firing Powell.” Although he has done certain things I find objectionable, he has also demonstrated he can manage pressure.  Trump’s unique tone of consistency in policies attracted investors since it indicated policy continuity. Those remarks provided peace in a market that depends on uncertainty.  Often trading like a high-risk tech stock, Bitcoin rose in reaction as investors saw Trump’s statement as a pledge to economic consistency. Why Bitcoin Responds to Fed Speak Nowadays, Bitcoin is not just a distributed asset but also more closely linked to the macroeconomic environment of the United States. The performance of Bitcoin can be influenced by changes in leadership, inflation control policies, and the Fed’s interest rate choices. The knowledge that Powell will remain on helps one to overcome the anxiety about sudden policy shifts. Particularly one that might support dovish (rate-friendly) policies, a consistent Fed usually drives investors towards higher-yield assets like Bitcoin. Institutional Players Respond  Apart from ordinary traders, institutional investors are paying great attention. Since several Bitcoin ETFs have been approved, major companies have increased their crypto sensitivity in recent months.  Given that there won’t be a quick upheaval in Fed leadership, Trump’s remarks probably gave big-money traders greater confidence to go in heavier. Bitcoin Gets Closer to $100K Bitcoin nearing $94K has sparked renewed discussion on the much-awaited $100K mark. Analysts say it could only be a matter of time if momentum keeps up and macro factors stay favorable. Still, the market is walking softly. Although there is much hope, all eyes are still on inflation statistics, possible rate changes, and continuous political events as the American election season runs. Bitcoin Gears Up For a Rally The ascent of Bitcoin to almost $94,000 is evidence that digital assets are now firmly entwined with the fabric of the world economy, not just a crypto headline.  Investors are leaning on Bitcoin’s upward run as Trump displays an unanticipated run of consistency about the Fed. Should this go on, $100,000 could not be a dream but rather the next stop on an already crazy voyage.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has withdrawn its fraud complaint against Richard Heart, the creator of the dubious cryptocurrency project Hex. Following months of legal procedures, there has been fresh discussion in the crypto space on regulatory control, decentralization, and the future of altcoins such as HEX and PulseChain. SEC vs. Richard Heart The SEC sued Richard Heart (actual name Richard Schueler) civilly in July 2023 alleging he raised more than $1 billion via unregistered securities offers connected to Hex, PulseChain, and PulseX.  The Commission claimed that while deceiving consumers about the actual nature of the initiatives, Heart spent investor money on personal indulgences such as luxury watches and vehicles. Denying the accusations, Heart, known for his bombastic social media presence and divisive opinions maintained that HEX was not a security and that his ecosystem ran outside conventional regulatory frameworks because of its dispersed nature. Why Was the Case Dropped? Although the SEC has not published a thorough statement, sources close to the situation indicate that legal uncertainty, evidence challenges, and changing regulatory priorities combined to cause the case to be dismissed.  The SEC might be changing its approach to focusing on individual crypto founders as the crypto regulatory scene develops, especially in light of recent court rulings concerning Ripple (XRP) and Greyscale. Legal experts also point out that demonstrating HEX was more challenging than first expected under the Howey Test used to ascertain whether an asset qualifies as an investment contract. HEX’s distributed and smart-contract-driven character further muddled affairs. What This Means For the Crypto Community People have responded differently to the case’s drop. Richard Heart’s supporters hailed the development as a triumph for decentralisation and a critique of what they see to be SEC overreach. Social media hashtags like #FreeCrypto and #HexIsNotASecurity started rising fast. Critics counter that the lack of regulation can empower other dubious initiatives and complicate the control of the space. Some worry that it presents a contradictory message regarding what is regarded as lawful or criminal in the cryptocurrency space to developers and investors. HEX and PulseChain’s Road Ahead Richard Heart and his community might now turn their attention back to development and adoption once the legal cloud is cleared. Designed as a quicker and less expensive substitute for Ethereum, PulseChain is still in its early years but has attracted interest with its ambitious aims and committed following. Still, the road forward is hardly assured. Regulatory uncertainty still looms big, and even if it is withdrawn, reputational harm from the SEC case could remain. Both developers and investors will be attentively observing how Heart negotiates this second opportunity. Although the HEX community finds comfort when the SEC drops its prosecution against Richard Heart, it also emphasizes the continuous conflict between crypto innovation and legislative certainty. 

PayPal will soon offer U.S. users a 3.7% annual return on its dollar-backed stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), as part of a broader push to grow its presence in digital assets. The new program is set to launch this summer and will reward users with daily yield accruals, paid out monthly in PYUSD. The offer applies to balances held in PayPal and Venmo wallets, where users can spend, send, or convert the stablecoin to cash. The move seeks to boost adoption of PYUSD by making it more competitive in the stablecoin market, where it lags behind leaders like Tether (USDT). PYUSD currently holds a market cap of around $868 million, while Tether’s stands at $143 billion. Despite initially surpassing Ethereum in PYUSD supply on Solana, the Solana-based supply has since dropped below Ethereum’s. Jose Fernandez da Ponte, PayPal’s head of blockchain and digital currencies, said the company is building new payment infrastructure to reduce transaction costs and increase speed. CEO Alex Chriss added that stablecoins present an opportunity to change how payment systems operate at their core. PayPal has been steadily expanding its crypto offerings, recently adding support for assets like Chainlink (LINK) and Solana (SOL) as part of its ongoing integration of digital currencies into its ecosystem. Launched in 2023, PYUSD ia backed by U.S. dollar deposits, short-term U.S. Treasuries, and cash equivalents. The token is issued by Paxos Trust and is one of the first consumer-facing stablecoins launched by a major financial services firm. PayPal has actively sought to expand its presence in the digital assets market, recently announcing plans to allow U.S. business customers to buy, sell, hold, and transfer cryptocurrencies. Additionally, users in all supported countries, excluding Canada, can now buy PYUSD through MoonPay using major payment methods. The integration is said to address issues related to declined crypto purchases via debit card, with MoonPay asserting that it will improve the success rate of crypto transactions, even when using the same debit card. Furthermore, existing PayPal users will no longer need to manually input their card information when buying cryptocurrencies on MoonPay.

Kuwait has officially banned Bitcoin and cryptocurrency mining, citing significant strain on the national power grid and violations of regulatory frameworks. The Ministry of Interior, in a statement issued on April 22, 2025, declared that cryptocurrency mining is illegal and unlicensed across the country. Authorities reported uncovering more than 1,000 illegal mining sites, many of which were disguised within residential areas to avoid detection. According to officials, operators of these sites used deceptive tactics, such as shutting off major household appliances, to conceal the excessive energy consumption typical of crypto mining rigs. These activities, the ministry said, endanger Kuwait’s electricity infrastructure and risk widespread power outages that could impact essential services and public safety. In addition to increased energy consumption, some mining setups have been linked to fire hazards due to overheating and improper electrical configurations, further intensifying public safety concerns. Legal Framework Reinforces Crackdown on Bitcoin Mining The government has invoked several existing laws to reinforce the ban. These include Law No. 56 of 1996 regulating industry, Law No. 31 of 1970 concerning amendments to the penal code, Law No. 37 of 2014 under the Communications and Information Technology Regulatory Authority, and Law No. 33 of 2016 concerning the Kuwait Municipality. This latest enforcement push reflects Kuwait’s broader anti-crypto stance. In July 2023, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) issued a comprehensive directive that explicitly prohibited all major crypto-related activities — including payments, investments, and mining. The directive was designed to align Kuwait with global anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) standards. By framing cryptocurrency activities as potential avenues for illicit financial flows, the CMA reinforced the government’s position that digital assets should not operate outside the scope of regulated financial systems. Moreover, the authorities noted that crypto mining is inherently difficult to regulate, as it typically operates outside formal business or commercial registration systems. The anonymous and decentralized nature of blockchain networks makes it challenging for regulators to track transactions, raising additional concerns about financial transparency and systemic risks. Immediate Enforcement and Penalties The Ministry of Interior has urged all individuals and organizations involved in cryptocurrency mining to cease operations immediately. Those found continuing such activities face legal prosecution and referral to investigative authorities. Officials confirmed that multiple operators are already under investigation, and legal proceedings are expected to begin shortly. The crackdown underscores Kuwait’s commitment to safeguarding its energy resources and financial ecosystem from unregulated and illicit crypto activities. It also reflects a growing trend among nations in the Gulf region to scrutinize digital asset operations more closely. While some countries explore regulated frameworks to integrate cryptocurrencies into their financial markets, others like Kuwait are opting for a more prohibitive approach in order to preserve national infrastructure and maintain legal clarity. Kuwait’s decision positions it among a growing list of nations reevaluating the energy and legal implications of decentralized technologies in the face of increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. With rising global attention on energy sustainability and financial security, the country’s firm stance may influence similar regulatory moves across the Middle East and beyond.

IFX Payments has received a Category 3C license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority, enabling the company to offer money and custody services within the United Arab Emirates. The approval marks a significant step in the firm’s expansion strategy and positions it to deliver a broader suite of services to clients operating in and through the UAE. The license allows IFX Payments to provide enhanced cross-border transaction support, reduce currency risk exposure, and streamline financial operations for corporate and institutional clients. With Dubai emerging as a global fintech hub, IFX Payments aims to capitalize on the region’s growing demand for sophisticated financial services and regulatory clarity. Having maintained a representative presence in Dubai for 12 years, IFX Payments has now expanded into larger offices in the Dubai International Financial Centre. The move includes increased investment in staffing and infrastructure. Wasan Zaini, previously head of the FX desk in London and Dubai representative office, has been appointed as Senior Executive Officer to lead the new licensed entity. “Stepping stone towards our vision of becoming the number one” Will Marwick, CEO of IFX Payments, commented, “Expanding our services in the UAE is a vital stepping stone towards our vision of becoming the number one service-led alternative banking partner in EMEA for corporates and financial institutions. By combining seamless international payments with strategic foreign exchange risk management, we’re empowering businesses in the region to operate globally with greater confidence and control.” The firm’s upgraded regulatory status in Dubai follows its acquisition of an FMSB license in Canada in 2023, adding to its global operating capabilities. With this new license, IFX Payments can serve a broader customer base in the UAE and further scale its services across the Middle East and North Africa. Wasan Zaini, Senior Executive Officer of IFX Payments, commented, “This milestone is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class financial services and innovative solutions to businesses in the UAE. With this enhancement to our services, we look forward to empowering our clients with greater efficiency, flexibility, and control over their payment and treasury operations.” Dubai’s fintech transaction volume is forecasted to reach $80 billion by 2028, driven by regulatory innovation and foreign investment. IFX Payments’ licensing success positions the company to participate in that growth while meeting local and international demand for robust financial infrastructure.

Bitso, Latin America’s leading crypto-powered financial services company, announced it has received the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognized standard for information security. This milestone places Bitso among fewer than 30 cryptocurrency companies worldwide to attain this level of security validation. The certification confirms the maturity of Bitso’s information security program and follows a rigorous evaluation of its organizational, physical, personnel, and technological controls. The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard is applied across industries globally, with fewer than 50,000 organizations achieving the designation since its inception. “Threats evolve daily and become increasingly sophisticated” Jeff Fostek, Chief Information Security Officer at Bitso, commented, “In the cryptocurrency industry, maintaining the highest security standards is paramount, as threats evolve daily and become increasingly sophisticated. Bitso has consistently aimed to lead in fortifying its internal systems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and actively engaging within the ecosystem to foster a more secure and prosperous industry.” The certification process evaluates four primary areas: Organizational controls, including internal policies and responsibilities, Physical controls, such as surveillance and restricted access, Personnel controls, focused on employee screening and training, Technological controls, covering firewalls, antivirus protection, and network access security. Bitso credits its company-wide commitment to achieving this certification, stating that every team member, referred to internally as “Bitsonauts,” played a role by adhering to protocols, reporting incidents, and completing security training. Fostek added, “Receiving the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification reinforces our commitment to accelerating the global adoption of cryptocurrencies. This achievement focuses on our customers, who entrust us with their assets, data, and future, and we demonstrate our commitment with concrete actions, not just words. Security is our responsibility, a duty we take personally.” Founded in 2014, Bitso serves over 9 million users and supports more than 50 cryptocurrencies through a regulated digital platform. The company’s B2B division, Bitso Business, powers cross-border payments for more than 1,900 institutional clients, enabling real-time, transparent, and cost-efficient currency transfers. With offices and staff in 35 countries, Bitso continues to expand its infrastructure with a focus on security, regulatory compliance, and financial accessibility. The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification affirms the company’s ongoing efforts to build trust across its customer and partner base.

As of April 22, 2025, Danish financial institutions can now settle wholesale and retail payments in Danish krone through the Eurosystem’s T2 and TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) services. This marks a significant milestone as Danmarks Nationalbank becomes the first central bank outside the euro area to fully integrate its currency across all three TARGET Services. The integration follows a successful migration process and builds on Denmark’s earlier participation in TARGET2-Securities since 2018. With this latest development, the Danish krone joins the euro and the Swedish krona as one of the currencies supported by TIPS, which now handles instant payment settlements in three currencies. Danmarks Nationalbank applied for participation in 2020, and the final agreement was signed in 2024. Testing campaigns and migration rehearsals began in September 2023 to ensure technical and operational readiness across Danish market participants. The first activation of T2’s multi-currency capability The inclusion of the Danish krone also marks the first activation of T2’s multi-currency capability, enabling centralized liquidity management and uniform technical standards across borders. These enhancements improve security, efficiency, and harmonization for real-time settlement services in both wholesale and retail contexts. “This achievement is the result of years of collaboration with the Eurosystem,” said Danmarks Nationalbank. “It strengthens our financial infrastructure and ensures our markets are integrated with those of the euro area through shared technology and standards.” The addition of non-euro currencies in TARGET Services is viewed as a step toward broader European financial integration. Sweden, which added its currency to TIPS in 2024, has shown interest in expanding participation to other TARGET Services. Other non-euro countries, including Norway and Iceland, have also expressed interest in joining with their own national currencies. Discussions are ongoing between Danmarks Nationalbank, Sveriges Riksbank, and the European Central Bank regarding the implementation of cross-currency settlement capabilities in TIPS, which would facilitate efficient and secure exchanges between participating currencies. TARGET Services, developed and operated by the Eurosystem, offer real-time, central bank money-based infrastructure for both high-value and instant payments. T2 processes transactions valued near the GDP of the entire euro area every six days. TIPS supports 24/7 retail payment settlement throughout the year and reaches more than 40,000 banks globally, including their branches and subsidiaries.

Zug, Switzerland, April 23rd, 2025, Chainwire Keycard, a hardware wallet company backed by the Status team, is proud to announce the pre-sale launch of Shell, a revolutionary, fully open-source hardware wallet. Designed with modularity, transparency, and uncompromising security at its core, Shell enables users to seamlessly manage multiple wallets through interchangeable smart cards—called Keycards—for enhanced convenience and safety. Early supporters can now pre-order Shell bundled with two Keycards at a discounted rate and gain access to exclusive pre-launch rewards ahead of its global release in October 2025. Redefining the Hardware Wallet Architecture Current hardware wallets often market themselves as transparent and open source, yet many lack true transparency in their designs—relying on closed-source components, exportable keys, or upgradeable secure elements that weaken user trust. Shell sets a new benchmark in wallet architecture. “Hardware wallets need a complete rethink,” says Guy-Louis Grau, Project Lead at Keycard. “Users rarely realize that most hardware wallets allow private keys to be exported outside secure elements or rely on upgradable secure elements—both of which compromise the integrity and transparency of the device.” Shell is powered by Keycard, an EAL6+ certified, open-source smart card that signs transactions and stores keys internally—ensuring they never leave secure hardware. Moreover, Keycard firmware is not upgradable by design, providing long-term assurance that the device behavior will never change post-manufacture. Shell: Built for Transparency, Security, and Control Shell is about more than security, it’s designed for those who demand verifiable control over their hardware and digital assets: 100% Open Source: Every layer—from chip software to hardware layout and 3D-printable casing—is verifiable and customizable, exceeding the transparency of leading competitors. Multiple Stealth Smart Cards: Users can store multiple seed phrases, or use backup cards safely—even if one card is lost, others remain secure. Air-Gapped Operation: Users can sign transactions safely using Shell’s integrated camera and QR-code interface—no USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connection to devices required. Duress PIN Support: Defends against physical coercion with a second PIN. Cross-Wallet Compatibility: Works seamlessly with major EVM and Bitcoin wallets like MetaMask, Rabby, BackPack,imToken, UniSat, BlueWallet and more using QR-based signing. Future-Proof Design: Easily replaceable battery extends the device life, and upgradable Keycards mean Shell adapts as cryptographic standards evolve—unlike most competitors. Pre-Sale now Live: Limited Perks for Early Adopters Customers who join the pre-sale will receive: A discounted Shell bundle with two Keycards Status Network KARMA rewards for participating in the growing ecosystem ️To reserve a Shell wallet and secure pre-launch rewards, users can join the pre-launch at: https://keycard.tech/keycard-shell About Keycard Keycard is a proud subsidiary of Status, a pioneer in the crypto industry known for its trusted products like the Status mobile wallet. With a focus on security, privacy, and user empowerment, Keycard continues to build hardware solutions that meet the evolving needs of the global crypto community. Users can visit https://keycard.tech/keycard-shell Contact PR Laura Guzik Status laura@status.im Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

BitradeX, a digital asset trading platform leveraging artificial intelligence, has secured £12 million in a Series A funding round led by Bain Capital. The funding will accelerate global expansion, support the establishment of AI Strategy Labs in major financial hubs, and strengthen BitradeX’s proprietary technology stack and compliance infrastructure. Founded in 2022, BitradeX is known for its AI-native approach to crypto trading, anchored by the ARK Trading Model. Built on trillion-parameter architectures and incorporating methodologies from DeepSeek and Qianfan, ARK delivers high-frequency trading execution with sub-second latency. The model integrates macroeconomic data, on-chain activity, market sentiment, and volatility indicators to achieve over 90% accuracy in short-term trend predictions. Reported returns in live conditions have ranged from 120% to 180% annualized. BitradeX Holds UK FCA and US MSB Registrations In addition to its core engine, BitradeX introduced an AI-powered Protection Pool—an industry-first, yield-based capital shield. This dual-layer mechanism automatically absorbs losses and redistributes surplus yields to ensure coverage of user principal and fixed returns. Unlike traditional exchange insurance models, the Protection Pool is embedded in BitradeX’s reward system and is seeded with 100 BTC in publicly auditable reserve capital. The company operates under regulatory oversight with both a UK FCA crypto asset license and a US Money Services Business (MSB) license. BitradeX employs a five-tier risk control framework and maintains a $20 million contingency reserve to support institutional-grade custody and operational resilience. These safeguards allow the platform to offer secure and compliant trading to both retail and professional users. The newly raised funds will enable the launch of AI Strategy Labs in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore over the next six months. These hubs will offer developers and institutions access to the ARK Trading Model through open APIs, enabling bespoke strategy deployment via a “Strategy-as-a-Service” model. BitradeX intends this modular approach to become the foundation for programmable, AI-native crypto trading systems. “BitradeX is positioning itself as the infrastructure layer for the next generation of AI-native finance,” the company stated. “Our focus is on delivering predictable performance, automated execution, and built-in capital protection — all within a globally compliant framework.”

Tesla shares rose sharply after CEO Elon Musk said he would reduce his involvement in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to spend more time at Tesla. Following the announcement, Tesla stock (TSLA) climbed 5.4% in after-hours trading on April 22 to $250.80, after gaining 4.6% during the regular session, according to Google Finance. The comments came during Tesla’s Q1 2025 earnings call, where the company reported $19.34 billion in revenue, falling short of Wall Street estimates by 7.85% and down 9.2% year-over-year. Net income plunged to $409 million—an 80.8% drop from the previous quarter and down 70.5% from the same period in 2024. Despite the weak financials, investors appeared encouraged by Musk’s vow to scale back his government role. “Starting probably next month, May, my time allocation to DOGE will drop significantly,” Musk said. “I’ll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla.” He added that he expects to dedicate only “a day or two per week” to the government post going forward. Tesla Keeps Bitcoin Holdings Steady in Q1 Tesla also reported no changes to its Bitcoin holdings, which remained at 11,509 BTC. The value of the holdings dropped by 11.61% from $1.08 billion to $951 million in Q1, mirroring Bitcoin’s price slide over the same period. However, with Bitcoin rebounding in recent days, Tesla’s crypto stash is now worth over $1.07 billion, according to Bitcoin Treasuries. A new accounting rule from the Financial Accounting Standards Board now allows public companies to mark crypto holdings to market, meaning Tesla can now reflect gains, not just losses, even without selling. Tesla is currently the fourth-largest holder of bitcoin among publicly traded U.S. companies, following MicroStrategy, Marathon Digital Holdings, and Riot Platforms. Tesla originally made waves in the cryptocurrency world in February 2021 by investing $1.5 billion into bitcoin. At its peak, the company held 43,000 bitcoins, though by Oct. 15, 2024, it reportedly retained only around 9,720 BTC, worth roughly $650 million. However, Arkham estimates that Tesla may hold as much as 11,509 BTC, across 68 addresses, worth $770 million at current prices. Tesla hasn’t added to or sold any Bitcoin since June 2022. Tesla stock remains down more than 37% year-to-date, hit by slumping sales, Musk’s political involvement, and broader economic pressures linked to Trump’s renewed tariffs.

Belize, Belize, April 23rd, 2025, Chainwire As TOKEN2049 Dubai approaches, BC.GAME is preparing to present “Untamed Arena,” a side event scheduled for April 29 at Bla Bla Dubai. The gathering is expected to attract over 3,000 attendees and will feature an evening of music, community engagement, and appearances by high-profile figures from both the entertainment and crypto sectors. Event Highlights and Appearances “Untamed Arena” will include live performances from DJ Aster and DJ Siro and is set to host a range of guests, including: Antonio Brown, NFL All-Pro and Super Bowl champion, recently announced as BC.GAME’s brand ambassador CJ So Cool, digital content creator with over 9 million YouTube subscribers Influential Web3 figures including Sashimi, Poker Bunny, Yikesqq, and Jana Korean content creators Noah, YunJini, and Seo Ann Livestream personalities such as PeeguuTV, Japandy, and CookSux The event aims to provide a platform for participants to explore the convergence of mainstream and blockchain cultures through music, community interaction, and various live experiences. Integration of Web3 and Popular Culture BC.GAME continues to establish a presence beyond the digital domain. Its partnerships include sponsorships with Leicester City Football Club and the Miami Pickleball Club, along with the launch of a dedicated Esports division. The brand’s ambassador lineup also features personalities like Jason Derulo, Colby Covington, Lil Pump, and Antonio Brown, positioning the platform at the intersection of sports, music, and blockchain engagement. Event Access and Registration Admission to “Untamed Arena” is free with RSVP, though attendance is subject to capacity limits. Interested participants may register at: lu.ma/BCstayuntamed. About BC.GAME BC.GAME is a community-driven crypto entertainment platform offering a wide range of interactive experiences that combine blockchain innovation with user engagement. Known for its active presence in the global Web3 space, BC.GAME brings together real-world and digital experiences, bridging online entertainment, esports, and mainstream cultural initiatives. With a growing portfolio of partnerships and ambassadors across sports, music, and content creation, BC.GAME continues to expand its influence as a leader in crypto-native entertainment. Contact PR Manager Olivia Dixon BC.GAME oliviadi@bcgame.com Disclaimer: This content is a press release from a wire service. This press release is provided for informational purposes only. We have not independently verified its content and do not bear any responsibility for any information or description of services that it may contain. Information contained in this post is not advice nor a recommendation and thus should not be treated as such. We strongly recommend that you seek independent financial advice from a qualified and regulated professional, before participating or investing in any financial activities or services. Please also read and review our full disclaimer.

Financial digitalization gave investors and traders the ability to gain access to trading and investment platforms. Users have two popular trading tools to choose from which include Contracts for Difference (CFDs) alongside traditional stock investments. The process to generate returns through asset price variations involves distinct strategies between CFDs and stocks which demonstrate major structural differences along with different risks and advantages. This comparison provides details to assist your choice of trading instrument. Understanding CFDs The Contracts for Difference (CFD) trading tool functions as a derivative mechanism providing investors with the means to anticipate asset price movements without being required to purchase the underlying asset. The investor earns profit through CFD trading by taking positions on Apple stocks then executing trades between entry and exit points. Stockholders receive dividends and profits as benefits but CFD traders are excluded from these rewards which belong to actual shareholders only. Through CFD trading investors collaborate with brokers for asset worth fluctuations between the trade initiation and completion points. Participants in the CFD market have the option to trade across different asset groups including commodities as well as currencies and indices and individual stocks. How the Stock Market Works Investing in the stock market requires investors to purchase shares of companies which grants them partial ownership position. The class of shared ownership includes specific rights such as dividend distribution alongside voting authority in company matters according to the type of shares held. CFDs vs. Stocks: Key Distinctions Ownership CFDs represent financial instruments that do not provide asset ownership rights while money earns from predicting price fluctuations. Stock investors possess real shares that convey ownership rights to them. Leverage Trading through CFDs becomes more profitable because brokers offer financial leverage that allows traders to handle larger positions yet increases their market risk. The trading of stocks occurs without broker-provided leverage since investors must use their deposited capital alone. Fees and Costs CFDs: Incur variable spreads and potential overnight holding fees (swaps). Stockholders pay commissions for each trade but can sidestep overnight holding fees when holding investments until the long-term. Dividend Eligibility Users who hold CFDs on financial instruments cannot receive dividend payments since ownership transactions trigger no capital gain events or loss. Supplying stock ownership enables shareholders to acquire dividends which enhances their long-term profits. Pros and Cons of CFD Trading Pros: Requires less capital to start. The trading system allows investors to perform trades during market movement up and down. The execution process provides quick handling and room for immediate adjustments. Cons: High risk due to leverage. Potential for losses beyond the initial deposit. The duration of holding trading positions will incur additional expenses. Pros and Cons of Investing in Stocks Pros: Investing using this method comes with lower risk since lenders from the banks remain unaffected. Eligibility for dividends and shareholder perks. The long-term investment nature of this strategy does not come with any additional swap fees. Cons: The necessary capital needed for relevant investments exceeds traditional levels. Down market conditions reduce available profit potentials but complex instruments fail to provide solutions during this period. CFD trading demonstrates a lower degree of speed than stock investments. Final Thoughts Investors must select between CFDs and stocks through assessment of their investment targets combined with financial risk capacities and investment funds. The ability to leverage financial resources together with expanded market accessibility makes CFDs appealing to traders who wish to invest in indices and commodities and currencies. Higher risks come with CFD trading platforms. The long-term benefits provided by stocks through their investment needs outweigh their benefits which include shareholder satisfaction.

Feedzai has announced the acquisition of Demyst, a leading data orchestration company known for its Zonic platform and advanced data-integration capabilities. The move expands Feedzai’s ability to deliver real-time, intelligent risk management by integrating Demyst’s automation and data workflows into its RiskOps platform. The acquisition includes Demyst’s proprietary technology, intellectual property, and core team. It supports Feedzai’s strategy to unify risk decisioning and data access in a single platform, giving financial institutions tools to make faster, more accurate decisions with minimal customer friction. “Access the right data as quickly as possible” Nuno Sebastiao, CEO and co-founder of Feedzai, commented, “There is no shortage of data in our industry — the trick is how to access the right data as quickly as possible so that you can accelerate risk decisions with the fewest consumer friction points. Demyst is a first mover and leader in accessing necessary data — internal or external — at the critical moment for any part of the user journey. Paired with Feedzai’s market-leading AI, this ensures every data point is fully utilized to drive smarter and faster decisions. More broadly, this acquisition marks a pivotal moment in continuing Feedzai’s evolution from a data consumer to a data provider.” With Demyst’s platform now integrated, Feedzai will deliver: A unified AI-native platform that orchestrates real-time data flows and advanced fraud prevention. Enhanced account opening capabilities, supporting consistent customer profiling from onboarding to ongoing transactions. Rich contextual intelligence by linking identity, credit, behavioral, and network data to detect fraud with higher accuracy. Reduced false positives and customer friction, accelerating onboarding and improving user experience. Operational efficiency for business teams through low-code automation, reducing IT dependence and improving time-to-market. Mark Hookey to remain with Feedzai to support ongoing product integration and growth Mark Hookey, CEO of Demyst, commented, “External data is the next frontier of business impact for financial institutions, yet it is notoriously complex, involving a labyrinth of sources for KYC/AML, identity, fraud, credit checks, and compliance. We’re thrilled to join Feedzai to bring AI and data together at scale for our customers. Together we are building the most advanced solution for customer onboarding, fraud prevention, and risk management.” The deal comes amid rising regulatory scrutiny and growing expectations for real-time identity verification and fraud detection. Feedzai’s expanded capabilities aim to address these challenges by enabling financial institutions to access the most relevant data at critical decision points, thereby improving accuracy, speed, and compliance. Dr. Ashish Kakar, Research Director at IDC Financial Insights Asia/Pacific, commented, “An automated and efficient bank account opening process is both the first time a bank gets to know the customer as well as the first line of defense against fraud and financial crime. The process has to be seamless to ensure a lasting customer relationship, and at the same time, by building trust from the start, banks not only enhance customer experience, but also strengthen the integrity of the financial system. Feedzai’s addition of automated data orchestration to its RiskOps Platform is a powerful combination that will benefit all customers. This should also help the regulators’ cause of reducing mule accounts and scams.” Feedzai was advised by legal firms Cooley and Garrigues during the acquisition. Key members of the Demyst team, including Hookey, will remain with Feedzai to support ongoing product integration and growth.

The London Metal Exchange (LME) has launched an initiative to assess the potential for sustainable metal price premia across its approved brands, signaling a move to make the value of low-carbon and responsibly produced metals more transparent. The exchange is currently engaging with physical market participants on a proposal covering aluminium, copper, nickel, and zinc. The introduction of publicly reported sustainability premia could formalize the market value of environmentally and socially responsible production, providing an incentive for investment in cleaner supply chains. According to the LME, this effort aligns with rising industry standards, global critical mineral strategies, and evolving accreditation frameworks. “Ensuring that responsible metals receive fair market valuation” Matthew Chamberlain, CEO of the LME, commented, “Our conversations with stakeholders have shown that there is support for establishing a way to reflect an LME brand’s sustainability in its price. There is a growing sophistication in industry sustainability standards and accreditation programmes that cover broad criteria for different metals markets. Taken together with the disclosure and comparability of these credentials through LMEpassport and our work with Metalshub, these developments provide the opportunity to establish credible sustainability pricing premia for LME-listed metals.” The proposal builds on the LME’s ongoing collaboration with Metalshub, a digital trading platform that began reporting volumes for LME-grade low-carbon nickel in March 2024. That initiative uses a carbon threshold methodology developed by the Nickel Institute to help buyers identify and purchase certified low-carbon materials. Under the expanded proposal, metal brands meeting broader sustainability criteria—beyond carbon footprint—would report their credentials through LMEpassport, the exchange’s centralized certification and documentation system. These metals would then be eligible to contribute to the price discovery process for sustainable premia via Metalshub’s spot platform. The LME is also considering the appointment of an independent pricing administrator to oversee the process. This role would involve setting the rules and methodology for deriving sustainable premia from transaction data, with the ability for market participants to contribute data or raise issues regarding the pricing mechanism. Dr. Frank Jackel, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Metalshub, commented, “Metalshub is proud to support the LME’s efforts to bring transparency and price discovery to sustainable metals. By integrating sustainability data into trading processes, we enable participants to make informed decisions, ensuring that responsible metals receive fair market valuation. Providing the technological foundation for price discovery will help to drive the industry towards a greener and more responsible future.” Nick Stansbury, Head of Climate Solutions, Asset Management at Legal & General, added, “We welcome the LME’s proposal as a much-needed move to enable the proper pricing of low-carbon, sustainable products. We believe transparent pricing of sustainable materials is critical to incentivising investment into transition technologies in the mining industry and we look forward to the outcome of this market engagement process.” The LME will continue discussions with physical market stakeholders and expects to provide further updates as the initiative progresses. The proposed framework is part of the exchange’s broader commitment to fostering sustainable commodity markets through transparency, accountability, and robust infrastructure.

Integrating BlockDAG technology into traditional blockchain architecture is essential for a scalability push in AI-driven developments. Ties between AI and blockchain continue to strengthen, once again testing our ability to build scalable networks. AI agents can now trade, mint new tokens, and push promo campaigns, creating new economies from scratch. As more users flock to this brave new world, unseen demand for network resources is just around the corner. This pushes us to rethink the ways we approach scalability.  The blockchain trilemma is still there: a more scalable chain is often less decentralized or secure. This suggests we should look outside blockchain architecture to resolve it. BlockDAG, a technology that puts blocks in a branched graph rather than a single chain, introduces scaling without sacrifices — a feat no other architecture has fully achieved. Present since 2018 and showing up on radars again in 2025, it promises a new leap in scalable network building and a massive push for AI-driven crypto adoption. Overcoming the Trilemma Blockchain developers have addressed the scalability problem many times, but it’s ingrained in the very nature of blockchain. Take Bitcoin: you can’t just increase block size or frequency to increase throughput. This would amplify alternative (“orphaned”) blocks, and miners would need to put immense effort into cutting them — all to stick to a single chain.  In 2017, the crypto world was hit by a massive influx of new users. People playing CryptoKitties pushed Ethereum gas fees to $50, highlighting obvious scalability limitations. That’s when blockchain researchers Yonatan Sompolinsky and Dr. Aviv Zohar published a paper describing their invention, BlockDAG (directed acyclic graph). The technology proposed a “cure” for the security-scalability-decentralization tradeoff. Instead of cutting orphan blocks, BlockDAG incorporates them into an intertwined network — so miners add many blocks at once, thus raising throughput without harming security.  The first experiments with the DAG structure date back to the mid-2010s and include IOTA, Nano, Fantom, Kaspa, and other projects that included graph elements or were built on DAG completely. They became the first real-world examples to prove: graph structure helps improve scalability, decentralization, and security all at the same time.  BlockDAG Revival: Why Now?  Over the past few years, the scaling efforts have shifted toward classic L1s and L2s, but BlockDAG innovation never slowed down. These developments are now bearing fruit, bringing BlockDAG back into the public eye. Kaspa plans to boost its block production rate by 10X, up to 10 blocks per second. The technology now also runs on an EVM-compatible PoS blockchain.  BlockDAG demonstrates its ability to drive fast-paced and diverse ecosystems at a critical moment for the industry. Every time there’s a new wave of crypto users, the market discovers new infrastructural flaws. The 2024 memecoin frenzy and AI boom caused delays in networks that were supposedly designed to solve the scalability problem. The year was marked by outages in Solana and TON that were directly caused by the intensified load on blockchains.  The thing is, the main boom isn’t even there yet. AI agents are taking on crypto operations  — and are doing it increasingly well. Fueled by crypto, use cases like AI-driven trading or content creation might attract millions and spark unseen demand for high-throughput smart contract platforms.  In the meantime, keeping these platforms decentralized feels more important than ever. When AI agents have the power to move our funds at lightning speed, we don’t want them — or the corporations behind them — to control our assets.  Even traditional financial institutions now support this push for decentralization. For years, they insisted on permissioned, private networks, believing decentralization was a burden because one can’t control its policies and operations. However, this mindset has been reversed. Institutions now recognize the benefits of decentralized networks, including their censorship resistance. As they embrace blockchain, L1 security has become even more important, and architectures that trade security for speed are not an option anymore.  BlockDAG is one of the very few technologies that ‘win’ the blockchain trilemma — none of the three factors need a compromise when building a chain. In graphs, nodes add new blocks in parallel whenever they are valid, boosting scalability; the system has no restrictions on node count or the cost of running one, safeguarding decentralization and securing from 51% attacks.  Finally, BlockDAG simply eliminates many weak points of traditional blockchains that attackers, especially AI-driven ones, can exploit. It adds transactions to the graph almost instantly; there’s no one single chain and no lengthy mempools. Intruders simply don’t have room to manipulate transaction order, run front-running attacks, or attempt malicious hardforks.  The Future of Blockchain? BlockDAG has been present in several L1 networks from the start, but it can also be used in existing blockchains, including L2s. Parallel block processing in major smart contract platforms would enhance the entire industry’s performance — something we need so much ahead of the new AI-driven crypto adoption cycle. Throughout 2025, market players might find out that “traditional” scaling methods are not enough anymore. Without addressing the trilemma, networks risk falling short in terms of user experience, security, and overall viability. At that moment, applying BlockDAG’s benefits will become more than just an opportunity. Growing congestion issues could push builders to embrace BlockDAG — otherwise, facing the risk of losing a competitive edge.   

Eurex has announced the upcoming launch of Euro-EU Bond Futures (FBEU), a new physically deliverable futures contract based on bonds issued by the European Union. Trading is scheduled to begin on 10 September 2025, expanding Eurex’s fixed income product suite and deepening liquidity in the EU bond market. The new FBEU contracts are designed to support market participants in managing exposure to EU-issued debt, which now exceeds EUR 600 billion in outstanding volume, making the EU the fifth largest issuer in Europe. With this launch, Eurex aims to provide a complete ecosystem across cash, repo, and derivatives markets for EU bonds, enhancing transparency and aligning with international fixed income standards. EU is the fifth largest issuer in Europe Matthias Graulich, Global Head of Products & Markets at Eurex, commented, “The launch of the Euro-EU Bond Futures is more than just a new product for Eurex. It is a strategic commitment to supporting European ambitions for greater autonomy at a time when the continent is relying on additional debt issuance and investors are seeking tailored tools to manage their exposure to EU debt. This step complements and re-affirms Eurex’s Home of the Euro Yield Curve strategy.” Each FBEU contract will have a standard 6% coupon, consistent with Eurex’s existing 10-year Bund, OAT, BTP, and Bono futures. Deliverable securities will be EU bonds with maturities of 8 to 12 years, reflecting the typical issuance profile of the European Union. These futures will be included in Eurex’s existing portfolio margining framework, providing capital efficiency and enhanced risk management for users trading across the full range of European interest rate products. The development of FBEU followed extensive consultation with market participants and the European Commission. In a further sign of support for market development, the EU Commission joined Eurex Repo as a trading member in 2024, underscoring its engagement with secondary market infrastructure. Eurex, a subsidiary of Deutsche Börse Group, continues to position itself as a central venue for European yield curve trading. The launch of Euro-EU Bond Futures is expected to attract a broad set of institutional participants and improve price discovery and hedging capabilities in the evolving EU sovereign debt market.

Cantor Fitzgerald is reportedly preparing to launch a groundbreaking $3 billion Bitcoin investment vehicle in partnership with SoftBank, Tether, and Bitfinex. The move marks a significant institutional push into digital assets as interest in cryptocurrencies regains momentum amid favorable political conditions and resurgent market valuations. Spearheading the initiative is Brandon Lutnick, son of U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and current chairman of Cantor Fitzgerald. The investment project will be executed through a new firm, 21 Capital, formed via Cantor Equity Partners—a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) that raised $200 million earlier this year. The use of a SPAC to facilitate such a massive venture reflects the evolving nature of capital formation within the digital assets space, combining traditional finance mechanisms with crypto-forward strategies. Tether, SoftBank, Bitfinex Commit Billions in Bitcoin According to sources close to the matter, the consortium plans to contribute a total of $3 billion in Bitcoin: Tether will provide $1.5 billion, SoftBank $900 million, and Bitfinex $600 million. These contributions will be converted into shares of 21 Capital at a valuation of $10 per share, pegging Bitcoin’s implied value at approximately $85,000 per coin. This valuation significantly exceeds current market prices, signaling the consortium’s bullish outlook on Bitcoin’s long-term potential. In addition to the Bitcoin contributions, the venture aims to secure further funding through a $350 million convertible bond issuance and a $200 million private equity placement. The capital raised will enable 21 Capital to solidify its Bitcoin holdings and potentially expand into other crypto-related initiatives, creating a diversified portfolio of digital assets. This model closely resembles MicroStrategy’s strategy of leveraging traditional capital markets to aggressively accumulate Bitcoin. By following a similar trajectory, Cantor Fitzgerald is positioning itself as a dominant institutional player in the space. The involvement of household names such as SoftBank also adds considerable credibility and visibility to the venture. While the details of the deal remain subject to change, this move underscores a broader strategic pivot by Cantor Fitzgerald toward digital assets. However, the venture may face scrutiny from regulators, particularly given the past legal settlements involving Tether and Bitfinex. The consortium will need to navigate regulatory complexities carefully to maintain momentum and investor confidence. If successful, 21 Capital could become one of the largest institutional holders of Bitcoin, reshaping how traditional finance engages with cryptocurrency. As Bitcoin continues to inch closer to its all-time highs, this investment initiative may mark a pivotal moment in the mainstream adoption of digital assets by Wall Street.

Purchasing 1,360 Bitcoin (BTC) valued at around $116.1 million, Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF created waves in the Bitcoin market on April 21. This acquisition indicates a major shift in the continuous development of Bitcoin-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs), therefore reflecting increasing institutional interest and confidence in the asset class.  Let’s go into the specifics of this transaction and investigate how it might affect ETF investments as well as the Bitcoin market. Ark 21Shares and Their Increasing Impact on Blockchain The Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF was launched in 2022 by top worldwide investment management company Ark Invest and Swiss-based bitcoin investment company 21Shares. The ETF seeks to expose investors to Bitcoin without them having to buy and keep the crypto personally. It has drawn institutional as well as retail investors eager to join the Bitcoin market using a more conventional, controlled investment vehicle. Among the most prominent participants in the expanding crypto-ETF market is now Ark 21 Shares. Buying 1,360 BTC shows their dedication to Bitcoin as a long-term investment and their conviction in its future possibilities. Why the Purchase of Bitcoin Matters The purchase of the Ark 21Shares Bitcoin ETF marks a very important time. With a price range of about $85,500 per Bitcoin, the overall value of this purchase came to $116.1 million. Given the ongoing volatility in the wider market, this is among the biggest purchases of Bitcoin ETFs in recent months and reflects a notable degree of institutional confidence in Bitcoin. This purchase also signals other institutional investors that Bitcoin is not just a speculative asset but also progressively a mainstay of diverse portfolios. The fact that Ark bought such a large quantity of Bitcoin points to their belief in the long-term potential of Bitcoin, particularly in a market fit for institutional involvement. The Future of Bitcoin ETFs and Institutional Interest Bitcoin ETFs, such as Ark 21Shares, are growing more prevalent as organizations explore methods to obtain exposure to Bitcoin without dealing with the complications of holding and keeping the cryptocurrency. This trend is likely to continue as additional Bitcoin-based ETFs are approved by authorities, further legitimizing Bitcoin in the eyes of institutional investors. Ark 21Shares’ recent 1,360 BTC purchase is evidence that institutional interest in Bitcoin is not about to fade. Bitcoin is likely to become a mainstay of the global financial scene as use of it rises along with better regulations and more product offerings such as ETFs. Finally, for the Bitcoin market and the crypto investment scene overall, the purchase of 1,360 BTC valued at $116.1 million by 21 Shares Bitcoin ETF is noteworthy. It draws attention to rising institutional trust in Bitcoin and shows that conventional financial instruments are progressing, including Bitcoin.