"Ongoing global economic uncertainty and persistently high interest rates in the U.S. may act as headwinds" for crypto, an analyst told Decrypt. Top cryptocurrencies experienced a pullback on Thursday, amid signs investors are taking profits off the table after a recent rally. Bitcoin touched lows of $101,500 at one point, indicating a return to all-time highs might not be as imminent as some bulls hoped. Sell-offs were more pronounced among major altcoins. Ethereum has fallen by 3% over the past 24 hours—with XRP, Solana and Dogecoin all shedding about 5%. Risk appetite also appears to be cooling in the stock market too, with the Federal Reserve set to cut interest rates less frequently in 2025 than first thought.BRN's lead research analyst Valentin Fournier argues healthy inflows into BTC and ETH ETFs "provides a solid foundation for long-term support." Describing Thursday's declines as a "modest pullback," he wrote: "While this appears to be a healthy correction, altcoins, after leading the rally, are showing more volatility. "We believe Bitcoin's $100k level will serve as a critical support zone for an extended accumulation phase," Fournier wrote. YouHodler's chief of markets Ruslan Lienkha told Decrypt that upward momentum is moderating now that tariff negotiations have concluded, with short-term traders deciding to lock in profits across the equity markets."This shift in sentiment has spilled over into riskier assets, including Bitcoin. As a result, the current pullback appears to be a correction within a broader medium-term uptrend," he added. Going forward, Lienkha believes "ongoing global economic uncertainty and persistently high interest rates in the U.S. may act as headwinds" for crypto, and could limit upside potential. Newhedge measures Bitcoin's correlation with the S&P 500 on a scale of -1 to 1. While -1 indicates there's no connection between these markets, a score closer to 1 suggests they rise and fall in tandem with one another. With a current reading of 0.86, continued strength for BTC may hinge upon how things unfold on Wall Street.

JPMorgan sees bitcoin dominating gold in 2025 as surging ETF inflows, corporate adoption, and state-level crypto reserves ignite a powerful wave of institutional momentum. JPMorgan Spots a Massive Rotation—Bitcoin Gaining, Gold Draining Global investment bank JPMorgan expects bitcoin to significantly outperform gold through the remainder of 2025, driven by a wave of crypto-specific catalysts that are reshaping investment flows. Analysts led by managing director Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou outlined this bullish view in a note published Wednesday and shared with The Block. “Between mid-February and mid-April, gold was rising at the expense of bitcoin, while of the past three weeks we have been observing the opposite, i.e. bitcoin rising at the expense of gold,” they wrote. Anticipating that this shift will continue, JPMorgan stated: This view is underpinned by recent market dynamics and structural changes that favor BTC. Since April 22, gold has dropped nearly 8%, pressured by waning expectations for aggressive Fed rate cuts and rising equity markets, leading to substantial outflows from gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) like SPDR Gold Trust. Meanwhile, bitcoin has surged substantially, topping $100,000 for the first time in months, fueled by significant inflows into spot bitcoin ETFs over three weeks. Futures markets reflect the same trend, with shrinking gold positions and rising bitcoin exposure, signaling a broader investor pivot toward digital assets. JPMorgan attributes bitcoin’s rising momentum to more than just gold’s decline, citing increased adoption by corporations and governments. An expanding group of companies is acquiring bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. Microstrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), now rebranded as Strategy, continues to grow its bitcoin holdings aggressively. Japan’s Metaplanet has also added bitcoin to its corporate treasury. On the public sector front, U.S. states are taking steps that could institutionalize bitcoin within government financial systems. New Hampshire passed a law allowing up to 5% of state reserves to be held in bitcoin and gold, marking a historic move toward crypto in public finance. Arizona is creating a digital asset reserve using staking rewards and airdrops, avoiding taxpayer funding. These initiatives reflect a growing trend among U.S. states to institutionalize digital assets responsibly. The JPMorgan team highlighted this potential, stating: Institutionalization of crypto markets is accelerating through major acquisitions and regulatory wins aimed at strengthening infrastructure and credibility. In recent developments, Coinbase is buying Deribit for $2.9B to lead in crypto derivatives, while Kraken’s $1.5B acquisition of Ninjatrader deepens its futures exposure. Gemini secured EU-wide derivatives licensing, Robinhood acquired Wonderfi for $179M to expand in Canada, and Ripple is integrating traditional finance with crypto via its $1.25B purchase of credit network Hidden Road. These moves are primed to attract a fresh wave of institutional capital into bitcoin and broader crypto markets.

Lawmakers in the US will conduct a cloture vote on the GENIUS Act this coming Monday, setting the stablecoin bill on a crucial path

A1 Abraaj Restaurants Group has become the first publicly traded company in the Middle East to adopt bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset, signaling a major shift in regional finance. Bahrain’s A1 Abraaj Embraces Bitcoin for Crypto Treasury In a regional first, Bahrain-based A1 Abraaj Restaurants Group (Bahrain Bourse: ABRAAJ) has officially adopted bitcoin as its primary treasury reserve asset. The move positions A1 Abraaj as the Middle East’s first publicly traded company to integrate BTC into its corporate treasury, joining global pioneers like Strategy and Metaplanet. According to the company’s announcement on X, A1 Abraaj disclosed an initial acquisition of 5 BTC and announced plans to scale its BTC holdings significantly. A1 Abraaj, which reported $12.5 million in EBITDA for 2024, aims to offer countries in the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) access to bitcoin, reflecting growing institutional demand and digital asset adoption. “Our initiative towards becoming a bitcoin treasury company reflects our forward-thinking approach and dedication to maximizing shareholder value,” said Abdulla Isa, Chairman of the bitcoin treasury committee of A1 Abraaj Restaurants Group. Partnering with IOX Capital, a U.S.-based firm known for advising bitcoin treasury companies, A1 Abraaj intends to raise additional capital to expand its BTC portfolio. The company has a dedicated bitcoin committee to manage governance, risk, and custody protocols for its digital holdings. “I’d like to congratulate A1 Abraaj for adopting bitcoin at the corporate treasury level, finally enabling anyone in the GCC with a brokerage account to gain bitcoin exposure,” said Hans Thomas, CEO of IOX Capital. This strategic pivot highlights A1 Abraaj’s commitment to innovation and financial diversification, aligning itself with emerging global trends while contributing to Bahrain’s growing digital economy.

10 years ago, a meme-based cryptocurrency known as dogecoin was introduced to the world. at the time, many people viewed it as a joke or a fad that wouldn’t last long in the ever-evolving world of digital currencies. fast forward to today, and not only has dogecoin stood the test of time, but it’s also thriving and gaining more traction than ever before. one of the reasons for this enduring popularity is its strong community backing. the dogecoin community has been instrumental in pushing for its adoption across various platforms. from tiktok campaigns to reddit posts urging users to buy into doge shoots its value up 857% from january 2021 until april! recently elon musk made headlines when he specifically requested his employees at tesla pay them their quarterly bonuses with doge instead of fiat cash?! while some say this move was planned all along to increase demand &market cap others are excited transactions on dogechain will be accepted soon bringing prices higher. a major factor driving growth? its lightning-fast processing times compared other cryptos like ethereum which takes forever confirm each block transaction! that means customers can conduct fast premium service payments without getting ripped off by miners’ fees! plus low inflation rate keeps supply decrease rate lower than bitcoin leading more investors flocking towards us remaining steady partners throughout these past nights days…and maybe months between rotting riches altogether!) but hey.. are we done here? makes sense because my fingers too tired typing “just keep buying” over&over 😏💪🏽😂👀 🔥🚀🔋 💎🙌🏽 ⛸️🚢🔥😱

I'm in for the long run, bought and sold a few times when it was around ,22-.23 but holding until at least 2026 now. hodl the line, doge fam! <3 selling only if i have no choice no matter what happens here.

🧾TYO-listed firm just dropped another $3.4M on Bitcoin 🚗It's that same auto & energy player who sold BITPoint to SBI in 2023 💰Snagged 32.83 $BTC at ~¥15.23M ($104.5K) per coin 📈Now holds a fat 648.82 $BTC—worth ~$68M market value 🧠Book value sits at ¥8.19B, but price action already pushed it up ¥1.7B 👀Old school corp with laser eyes? We like that.

🤙💰🚀🌕 **doges are by far the best thing that could ever happen to you. so much better than cocaine!** **we can buy them, sell them and spend them in so many available ways! they come from us for us and they will always be ours! i love doge usefulness!!**  

Europol has announced the arrest of 17 individuals involved in a criminal parallel banking organization that provided money laundering services across Europe, including the exchange of cryptocurrencies for cash. The operation, conducted on January 14, 2025, in Austria, Belgium, and Spain, followed previous successful actions against migrant smugglers. The arrested individuals, primarily of Chinese and Syrian nationality, are suspected of facilitating illegal banking services, including hawala banking and cash courier services, to various criminal networks. Law enforcement seized assets worth over €4.5 million, including €183,000 in cryptocurrency, cash, bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, and firearms. This dismantling of the criminal network is considered significant, as it was linked to the laundering of over €21 million in illicit proceeds, serving a diverse clientele through social media advertising. Europol’s involvement included deploying experts to assist national investigators in tracking down the network’s operations.

Bitcoin has once again captured headlines, clawing its way back above key resistance levels and reigniting the dreams of a full-fledged bull run. Social media is buzzing, search interest is spiking, and the “Bitcoin to the moon” crowd is getting louder by the day. But beneath the surface of green candles and renewed hype lies a sobering question: Is this rally the real deal, or just another technical bounce before the next leg down? A Familiar Pattern or a New Cycle? Veteran traders recognize this pattern. Bitcoin has a long history of sharp recoveries that mimic bull runs — only to trap latecomers before a steep correction. The current price movement, while promising, shows signs of fragility: low volume on up days, strong resistance at historical levels, and a market still heavily influenced by macroeconomic forces. The Halving Hype – Already Priced In? Many bulls point to the recent Bitcoin halving as a bullish catalyst. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the market is forward-looking. Smart money started positioning months ago. If you’re only reacting now, you’re probably late. The halving may already be “priced in,” and without new capital inflows, we could see stagnation or worse — a retracement. Institutional Money – Support or Smokescreen? Yes, BlackRock and other giants are now in the game. But institutions don’t chase pumps — they accumulate in silence and dump in euphoria. Their presence brings legitimacy but also layers of market manipulation retail investors often underestimate. Don’t let the “institutional adoption” narrative blind you from the possibility of profit-taking at scale. Conclusion: Be Bullish, But Be Smart Bitcoin may very well reclaim its previous all-time high, or even set new records. But not every green candle is a signal to ape in. This could be the beginning of a new cycle — or just a trap wrapped in hopium. Trade what you see, not what you hope.

Money is changing fast. Bitcoin, stablecoins, and CBDCs each offer a different take on what money can be — and each comes with its own set of rules. Bitcoin keeps it simple: the rules never change. No central authority, no sudden shifts — just consistent, transparent money. Stablecoins, acting like digital dollars, step in where traditional money falls short. They’re practical but centralized, meaning someone can always freeze your funds. Meanwhile, some central banks are pushing digital currencies (CBDCs), promising efficiency and control. But that control cuts both ways: more oversight, less privacy. The real question isn’t which digital currency will dominate. It’s whether people will see the value in money with fixed rules, even as other forms of digital currency remain open to manipulation. Bitcoin’s Rising Dominance: Trust in Fixed Rules Bitcoin dominance — its share of the total cryptocurrency market cap — hit 65% in May 2025, the highest in over four years. This rise signals a shift toward assets with fixed, predictable rules in a landscape of volatility and uncertainty. Bitcoin’s appeal isn’t just scarcity; it’s consistency. Unlike many crypto assets that adjust supply schedules or change monetary rules, Bitcoin’s issuance remains fixed. This predictability is what differentiates Bitcoin in a market where other assets can alter their underlying structures. Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake in 2022 illustrates this contrast. The move fundamentally changed Ethereum’s monetary policy, and the asset has since dropped 74% against Bitcoin. Investors may be reconsidering the stability of assets that can adjust supply schedules or consensus rules But the rise in Bitcoin dominance isn’t just about crypto. It also reflects broader economic uncertainty, where investors seek assets with rules that don’t change, even as monetary systems become more programmable and open to manipulation. Adjustability and Uncertainty As Bitcoin’s dominance grows, the broader crypto market takes a different approach — assets that can be adjusted or altered based on market conditions. Projects tweak supply schedules, modify consensus mechanisms, or issue new tokens to attract capital. The ability to pivot is often framed as a feature — more flexibility, faster scalability. But when the rules can change, so can the value. A token’s supply might increase unexpectedly, diluting existing holdings. Governance structures might shift, introducing new risks. The ability to alter the rules introduces uncertainty, especially in a market defined by speculation and hype. Bitcoin doesn’t adjust to fit new narratives. Its rules are fixed — a contrast to assets that can be altered, restructured, or inflated. As investors retreat to predictability, Bitcoin’s rising dominance reflects a preference for assets that don’t change with the market’s whims. Stablecoins: Practical Solutions, Centralized Risks Stablecoins have become a financial lifeline in economies where local currencies are volatile or banking infrastructure is unreliable. In 2024, Tether ( USDT) alone facilitated over $20 trillion in transaction volume, underscoring the demand for stable, fiat-pegged assets in unpredictable markets. For people facing hyperinflation or currency devaluation, holding digital dollars can feel like a safe haven. However, that sense of stability is relative. Stablecoins may hold their peg to the dollar, but the dollar itself continues to lose purchasing power over time. The trade-off is clear: stablecoins may protect against local currency collapses, but they’re still controlled by centralized issuers who can freeze assets, blacklist addresses, or comply with regulatory orders. In 2024, multiple incidents of frozen USDT accounts revealed the vulnerabilities of relying on assets that can be halted or confiscated at will. Stablecoins may be less volatile than Bitcoin in the short term, but their stability comes with conditions: issuer control, regulatory risk, and exposure to fiat’s inflationary drift. While they can provide a temporary hedge against local currency collapse, they remain tied to a monetary system that is prone to losing value over time. CBDCs: Central Bank Innovation or Financial Control As digital payments evolve, central banks are exploring digital currencies to reassert control over monetary systems. The European Central Bank is expected to decide on the digital euro by late 2025, positioning it as a state-backed alternative to private stablecoins. In Nigeria, the eNaira was introduced in 2021 to manage cash shortages and streamline payments, granting the state unprecedented visibility into financial flows. Meanwhile, China’s digital yuan has been aggressively rolled out, combining cashless convenience with comprehensive transaction monitoring. But CBDCs aren’t just about making payments digital. They’re about redefining how state-controlled money functions in a digital economy. We see these concerns every day in conversations with users around the world. In our day-to-day work at Trezor, we keep hearing the same thing — people want to stay in control of their money in a world that’s changing fast. Unlike cash, which offers a degree of anonymity, CBDCs enable governments to monitor transactions in real time, potentially setting conditions on how money is spent, saved, or transferred. China’s digital yuan pilot has already tested features that limit where funds can be spent and how long they remain valid — measures framed as economic tools but viewed by critics as control mechanisms. The potential for overreach hasn’t gone unnoticed. In the UK, a Trezor survey found that 73% of respondents worry about CBDCs giving governments too much power over personal finances, particularly the ability to freeze funds or restrict spending. Whether positioned as financial inclusion tools or mechanisms to combat fraud, the reality remains: CBDCs could fundamentally alter the relationship between citizens and their money. Bitcoin’s Institutional Moment and the Path Forward Bitcoin is becoming a strategic asset as institutions and states look for stability in a financial landscape where digital assets can be adjusted, frozen, or reprogrammed. Public companies continue to add Bitcoin to their reserves, positioning it as a hedge against monetary instability. In the U.S., states like Arizona and New Hampshire are exploring Bitcoin reserves, positioning it as a safeguard against economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, institutional inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs indicate growing recognition of Bitcoin as a reserve asset with predictable rules. As more assets become programmable and open to control, Bitcoin’s rules stay the same. Its supply is capped, its issuance predictable, and its network neutral. While other assets can be adjusted or restricted by issuers, Bitcoin’s framework is fixed — a contrast to a financial landscape increasingly defined by flexibility and control. Conclusion: Navigating a New Monetary Landscape As digital currencies become more entrenched in the global economy, the question isn’t just which type will prevail — it’s whether people will value money with rules that don’t change. Bitcoin’s rise underscores a shift toward assets with predictable frameworks, driven by growing skepticism of programmable assets and centralized control. While stablecoins provide a lifeline in unstable economies and CBDCs promise state-backed efficiency, both come with conditions — issuer control, regulatory risk, and potential for monetary manipulation. Bitcoin, in contrast, stands apart as a monetary system where the rules are set in stone, immune to policy shifts and inflationary drift.

Nebraska passes LB 526 to regulate crypto mining operations using over 1MW. Final call now rests with the Governor.

From a token airdrop set to hit 37 million wallets to iris-scanning devices defending their reputation, Day 1 of Consensus 2025 didn’t disappoint. Crypto heavyweights took the stage in Toronto with big visions, bold claims, and even a few f-bombs. Whether it was Charles Hoskinson rejecting VCs, Worldcoin pushing back on privacy critics, or Anthony Scaramucci pitching Bitcoin’s path to $500K, there was no shortage of heat. Here are the biggest takeaways from the first day of the industry’s flagship event. Charles Hoskinson’s Speaks of ‘Glacier Drop’ at Consensus 2025 The agenda for Consensus 2025 is filled with sessions across DeFi, tokenomics, DAOs, and real-world blockchain use cases. And the start was no less than a blockbuster. Charles Hoskinson opened Day 1 of Consensus 2025 by calling out tribalism in crypto and dropped fresh details on Midnight’s upcoming Glacier Drop. The Cardano founder said 37 million wallets across eight blockchains will receive the Glacier airdrop, excluding all venture capitalists. “You already have it. It’s yours. It’s your property,” he said on stage, emphasizing that retail users, not insiders, deserve access. The airdrop will distribute both NIGHT (governance) and DUST (privacy) tokens. Midnight’s “cooperative economics” model allows developers to pay fees in native tokens like ETH, SOL, or BTC while validators earn rewards across chains. Midnight is still in testnet, with mainnet launch set for late 2025. Hoskinson said the project is his “most fun yet,” built to unite crypto’s fragmented communities. Worldcoin Fires Back: “Orb Data Never Leaves” Worldcoin’s iris-scanning tech has drawn global privacy backlash, but advisor Liam Horne defended the project at the event. Speaking on Wednesday, Horne said critics misunderstand how the orb works. “The data literally never leaves the orb,” he stressed. The device scans a user’s iris, converting it into a privacy-preserving World ID. That data stays local. Still, Worldcoin faces scrutiny in Europe, Africa, and Asia. The team is now expanding Orb access to six U.S. cities, including Miami, Los Angeles, and Austin. Scaramucci: Bitcoin at $500K Would “Seal It” as Asset Class SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci said Bitcoin hitting $500,000 would force institutions to fully accept crypto. “Three trillion is a mag 7 stock. Twenty trillion is an asset class,” he told the panel at Consensus 2025. Other speakers highlighted spot Bitcoin ETFs, infrastructure growth, and regulatory clarity as major enablers of institutional adoption. Still, they warned: education and diversification beyond Bitcoin are key. ETFs may lead the way, but broader blockchain investment is needed for the full asset-class transition. Ripple and Kraken: Stablecoins Are the Future of Payments Ripple and Kraken execs said stablecoins are entering a new phase—beyond crypto, into mainstream finance. Jack McDonald of Ripple said at Consensus 2025 that the firm’s RLUSD is part of a broader push to fix outdated cross-border systems. Mark Greenberg of Kraken called stablecoins a “tipping point” for global money movement.

Bitcoin ETFs came roaring back with a $320 million net inflow, led by Blackrock’s IBIT. Ether ETFs also continued their rebound, logging a second straight day of inflows totaling $63 million. Crypto ETFs Catch Fire: Bitcoin Funds Soar, Ether ETFs Log Second Strong Day After a brief pause on Tuesday, May 13, bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) returned with fresh fire on Wednesday, May 14. A robust $319.56 million in net inflows flooded into the market, signaling a renewed wave of investor confidence. Blackrock’s IBIT once again dominated, pulling in $232.89 million, continuing its reign as the favored institutional vehicle. Fidelity’s FBTC followed with $36.13 million, and Grayscale’s Bitcoin Mini Trust added $35.23 million to the day’s haul. Smaller but notable inflows came from Vaneck’s HODL ($7.32 million), ARKB ($5.16 million), and Bitwise’s BITB ($2.82 million). No outflows were recorded across any of the 12 funds, a rare occurrence in recent weeks. Total value traded hit $2.74 billion, with net assets climbing to $121.84 billion. Ether ETFs mirrored bitcoin’s resurgence with a $63.47 million net inflow, making it two green days in a row for the asset class. The charge was led by Blackrock’s ETHA, which attracted $57.61 million, while Fidelity’s FETH contributed $5.86 million. With $447.95 million in total value traded, ether ETF net assets rose to $9.04 billion, keeping momentum alive in the broader crypto ETF landscape. For now, both bitcoin and ether ETFs seem to have found solid footing, bolstered by institutional appetite and a resilient market tone.

The High Court of Singapore has granted Sonic Labs' request to liquidate Multichain Foundation, allowing the blockchain tech firm to recover lost funds from a 2023 exploit. According to a May 9 ruling, Justice Kwek Mean Luck gave Sonic Labs approval to wind up Multichain with KPMG Singapore as joint liquidators. Sonic Labs, formerly known as Fantom Foundation, announced its plans to request the court to dissolve Multichain in March last year, after a $210 million exploit on Multichain's in July 2023 and the subsequent shutdown of the platform. Sonic's losses in the exploit amounted to around one-third of total losses. This came after a Singapore high court ruled in favor of Sonic's legal claims against Multichain for breach of contract and fraudulent misrepresentations for losses sustained in the exploit. At the time, Sonic Labs said the decision to pursue the liquidation came after "persistent absence" of Multichain despite multiple attempts to reach the foundation's key personnel. Multichain CEO Zhaojun He was arrested by Chinese authorities months prior to the exploit, and has not made a public appearance since. Sonic Labs CEO Michael Kong again said in a Wednesday statement on X that the team was "compelled" to forcibly liquidate Multichain. "If Multichain had not hid from victims, this entire process would've been unnecessary and we would've saved more than a year," Kong said. Kong added that lost funds in Multichain's exploit should eventually be returned to users if liquidators successfully work with other parties to acquire the funds. Sonic Labs previously said that its legal case aims to provide a pathway for other Multichain users to claim lost assets.

In a heart-wrenching act of love and sacrifice, an elderly grandmother arrived at Adiedo Mixed Secondary School clutching her granddaughter’s hand—and carrying six live chickens in a tattered basket. Her mission: to plead for her granddaughter’s return to school after she had been sent home for unpaid fees. With trembling hands and a quiet dignity that moved all who witnessed it, the grandmother explained that she had no money—but these chickens, her most treasured possessions, were all she had left. Among them were her prized laying hens, her only source of daily sustenance. She offered them up without hesitation, believing that her granddaughter’s future was worth far more than eggs. In a moment that left many in tears, one of the hens laid an egg right there in the school compound—a poignant symbol of hope, divine providence, and the depth of the grandmother’s sacrifice. It was as if heaven itself was bearing witness to her act of faith. Her gesture not only settled a debt—it silenced the noise of hardship with the louder voice of love, reminding everyone present that true wealth lies not in one’s bank account, but in the heart willing to give everything for the sake of another’s tomorrow. This powerful scene captured the raw essence of resilience, dignity, and the unwavering bond between generations—an emotional testament to the lengths families will go to ensure education, no matter the cost.

What is HTTP 402, and why does it matter? The web was not really built with payments in mind, especially not for autonomous agents or machines. But with the rise of AI and decentralized finance (DeFi), the need for seamless, native digital payments has never been more urgent. Coinbase x402 announced a new open protocol designed to let APIs, apps and AI agents pay instantly using stablecoins like USDC USDC $0.9998 , all via the familiar HTTP protocol. This isn’t just a product update. X402 revives a long-forgotten piece of internet infrastructure and reimagines it for a future powered by agentic systems and crypto. HTTP status codes: A quick refresher Understanding HTTP status codes helps clarify how the web communicates behind the scenes. Here are some key ones to know: HTTP 200 — OK: Standard response for successful HTTP requests. HTTP 401 — Unauthorized: Indicates the request requires user authentication; typically used when credentials are missing or invalid. HTTP 403 — Forbidden: The server understood the request, but it refuses to authorize it (often due to lack of permissions or access control). HTTP 404 — Not found: Indicates that the requested resource could not be found. HTTP 402 — Payment required: Originally intended to support digital payments directly within the protocol but left as a “reserved for future use” status code due to the lack of global payment infrastructure at the time. HTTP 402- payment required error HTTP 500 — Internal server error: A generic error message when the server encounters an unexpected condition. Although the creators of the web imagined a future where online services might request payments directly through the protocol, for decades, no one found a practical use for it. It sat dormant for over 25 years, with no widespread adoption or defined behavior. Today, HTTP 402 is finally coming to life, thanks to Coinbase’s x402 protocol. X402 turns HTTP 402 from a placeholder into a real mechanism. It allows websites, APIs and services to signal that a payment is required before granting access to digital goods or services. Unlike traditional payment systems, which rely on external redirects or complex integrations, x402 enables native, in-protocol payments using stablecoins directly over HTTP. But why do x402 and the activation of HTTP 402 matter? With machine-to-machine interactions, autonomous agents and AI-driven services on the rise, the internet needs a payment layer that is: Instant Programmable Interoperable Trust-minimized. Activating HTTP 402 positions it as a key enabler for decentralized commerce, autonomous agents and crypto-native applications. It could become as foundational as HTTP 200 or 404 in a future where services charge micro-fees, stream value or sell access dynamically. Coinbase x402: A native payment layer for the web Coinbase’s x402 is an open protocol that allows websites and APIs to request and receive payments in stablecoins directly over HTTP. It works by using the existing HTTP infrastructure and augmenting it with a lightweight payment layer. Here is the step-by-step process for machine-to-machine transactions using the x402 protocol: Client requests a paid resource: A client, such as an AI agent, app, or browser initiates a request to an x402-enabled server (e.g., an API, data set or digital service) that requires payment to access. The server responds with a 402 Payment Required: In response, the server returns an HTTP 402 status code, along with the payment details. This includes the amount to be paid, the supported token (such as USDC) and a payment payload or address to use. Client submits the payment: The client uses its crypto wallet to sign and submit the payment. This happens programmatically — no user interaction is needed, which enables fully automated or agentic payments. It resends the original request, this time including the encoded payment information in an X-PAYMENT HTTP header. The payment is verified and settled onchain: A payment facilitator service, such as Coinbase’s x402 Facilitator, checks the blockchain to verify that the payment has been made and confirmed. The server delivers the resource: Once the payment is validated, the server fulfills the request and returns the data or content. It also includes an X-PAYMENT-RESPONSE header confirming the success of the transaction. In x402, payments happen over standard HTTP using two custom headers: X-PAYMENT and X-PAYMENT-RESPONSE. These headers allow seamless, automated payments between apps, agents and servers — without changing how HTTP works. It’s a simple yet powerful way to enable web-native, machine-to-machine commerce using stablecoins. What makes x402 revolutionary is that it doesn’t require platforms, plugins or third-party integrations. It creates a native payment layer for the web itself, just like HTTPS added security or cookies enabled session management. X402 payment flow Did you know? HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the secure version of HTTP, the foundational protocol used to transfer data on the web. What are agentic payments, and why are they important? As AI systems become more advanced, the agentic era has begun. In this new paradigm, software agents, ranging from AI bots to autonomous scripts, are expected to act on behalf of users or even independently. AI agents will need to perform actions like accessing data, subscribing to services or renting compute power. And all of these tasks often require payments. This is where the concept of agentic payments comes in. These are payments made by agents, not humans — fast, automatic and often low-value. Think of a data-scraping AI paying a cent to read a scientific article or a supply chain bot paying fractions of a dollar for live port data. Traditional payment infrastructure wasn’t built for this kind of use case. It falls short because of the below reasons: Built for humans, not machines. Requires logins, manual steps and batch processing. High fees and slow settlement times make them unsuitable for high-frequency, low-value, autonomous transactions. Because of the limitations of traditional payment systems, agentic payments matter for several key reasons: They enable a machine-first economy, where software can transact just like humans. Make real-time AI decision-making possible by removing friction from access to paid services. Pave the way for composable services, where agents can chain together paid APIs and tools autonomously. As discussed, such payments require machine-readable protocols, instant settlement and predictable pricing, all of which x402 enables. It’s a vital step in building a transactional layer for a machine-first internet. x402 vs. traditional payment systems Today’s online payment systems are deeply human-centric. Whether it’s signing up for a subscription, entering credit card information or passing Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, the current infrastructure assumes a person is at the center of every transaction. This design becomes a bottleneck when payments need to be made automatically, in real time and at scale. APIs that want to monetize often face hurdles like creating user accounts, handling fraud, managing disputes and integrating with centralized processors like Stripe or PayPal. These systems are slow, costly and often region-specific. X402 removes these barriers by allowing servers to ask for and receive payment directly through the protocol itself. There’s no need for logins, billing dashboards or delayed bank transfers. The value transfer is embedded into the fabric of the internet, optimized for agents and apps. The contrast between x402 and traditional payment infrastructure is stark. While x402 is protocol-first, built on crypto rails, systems like Visa, Stripe and PayPal are platform-first. X402 enables payments to settle in seconds using onchain transactions, while traditional rails typically settle over one to three business days. Risks and rewards of USDC staking vs. investing in US treasuries Moreover, x402 supports micropayments as small as fractions of a cent, making it viable for high-frequency, low-cost interactions — something that’s infeasible on credit card networks due to fees. It’s also global by design, requiring no currency conversions or regional banking relationships. Chargebacks, fraud risk and intermediary fees are virtually eliminated, thanks to the immutability of onchain transfers. Where traditional systems focus on human users with front-end interfaces, x402 enables machine-native, backend-to-backend monetization. Did you know? You can detect HTTP 402 responses using tools like Sitechecker Pro, which scans your site like a search bot and flags unusual status codes — including payment-related ones. Incumbents’ act: How Visa, Stripe and PayPal are exploring AI-powered payments To be fair, incumbents aren’t ignoring this trend. Visa, Stripe and PayPal have all acted to be in line with the trend and incorporate appropriate changes in their approach. Visa Visa has announced initiatives to allow AI agents to make purchases on behalf of users by linking them to its global payments network. This move aims to facilitate autonomous AI assistants capable of performing shopping tasks, such as managing routine purchases, based on user-defined budgets and preferences. In partnership with Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure provider, Visa is launching stablecoin-linked Visa cards across multiple countries in Latin America. This collaboration enables users to make everyday purchases using cryptocurrency tokens, with plans to expand to Europe, Africa and Asia in the coming months. Stripe Stripe has unveiled a new AI foundation model aimed at improving fraud detection and authorization rates. This model, trained on billions of transactions, has significantly increased the detection rate for fraudulent activities, such as card-testing attacks, enhancing the security of its payment systems. Stripe has introduced Stablecoin Financial Accounts, allowing businesses in over 100 countries to hold balances in dollar-backed stablecoins like USDC and USDB. These accounts support global payments and enable firms to manage stablecoins alongside traditional payment methods. PayPal PayPal is set to launch a rewards program offering users a 3.7% annual yield on holdings of its stablecoin, PayPal USD PYUSD $0.9996 , in PayPal or Venmo wallets. This initiative aims to encourage the adoption and utilization of PYUSD for various transactions, including merchant payments and peer-to-peer transfers. PayPal has expanded its partnership with Coinbase to increase the adoption and utilization of PYUSD. This collaboration focuses on developing stablecoin-based payments and banking solutions, as well as exploring other use cases for PYUSD in DeFi and onchain platforms. Protocols vs. platforms: The distinct approaches While Visa, Stripe and PayPal are making significant strides in integrating AI and stablecoins into their services, these companies still operate within walled gardens. They offer services, not protocols. Their infrastructures are: Centralized: Governed by corporate policies and APIs. Permissioned: Access requires onboarding, KYC and platform approval. Closed ecosystems: Where user experience and interoperability are tightly controlled. In contrast, x402 is permissionless and open, allowing any developer to plug into it without needing a merchant account. And the distinction between centralized services and open protocols like x402 will play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of digital payments, potentially leading to a more decentralized and agent-driven economy. What is x402’s monetization model? One of the most practical use cases for x402 is API monetization. In today’s model, developers must create keys, handle access tiers, and enforce rate limits manually. With x402, APIs can simply respond to unauthenticated requests with a 402, indicating a cost, for example, $0.001 to access a data endpoint. A client can then send the required stablecoin payment and receive the response instantly. This turns APIs into microservices with embedded pricing, enabling fine-grained monetization at the level of individual function calls. It’s a model that fits naturally with both AI workloads and human developers who want to pay only for what they use. Stablecoins like USDC are central to the success of x402 and agentic payments more broadly. Their key benefit is price stability, allowing developers and agents to transact in predictable units without worrying about crypto volatility. That’s critical for applications that operate with tight budgets or usage-based pricing. USDC also offers fast finality, especially on chains like Base, Solana and Ethereum layer 2s, where transfers can confirm in seconds with minimal fees. Its broad support across wallets, APIs and ecosystems makes it a practical choice for integration. Other stablecoins like PYUSD or EURC may become relevant, but USDC’s dominance in DeFi and institutional finance gives it a clear head start. Challenges and opportunities for agentic payments Agentic payments raise important questions around security, like how can bots manage private keys safely? There’s also the issue of abuse — will bad actors flood servers with fake payments or exploit pricing models? Regulatory concerns also loom. But the upside is enormous. The emergence of a machine-to-machine economy has led to a situation where agents transact for data, compute, bandwidth and services without human input. Protocols like x402 are the rails that will power this fast, open and crypto-native economy. Coinbase’s x402 is more than a technical upgrade; it’s a new payment primitive for the programmable web. By bringing crypto payments over HTTP to AI agents and APIs, x402 transforms how the internet handles value. It opens the door to a future where transactions are embedded, automatic and driven by machines, not just people. As the digital economy evolves, protocols like x402 could become the foundation of the new internet, powered by a new-age financial infrastructure.

First, it was Bitcoin. Then defi. Then NFTs. Now, AI is taking the crypto world by storm, unlocking new possibilities (and new riches). If you’re not paying attention, you’re about to miss one of the most explosive narratives of the cycle. This piece is a guest post by Blocmates. Blocmates is an invaluable crypto news and educational resource that offers clarity in the often complicated and jargon-filled crypto space. In this article, Blocmate’s Gaz goes into the short but fast-pace history of AI agents, and how these agents will change the crypto landscape. The “AI Agents” Gold Rush Has Begun—Are You Prepared? It was clear from the start that AI would be a major narrative this cycle but the explosion of AI agents has caught even the biggest degens off guard. In a matter of mere months, we have seen projects speed up to hundreds of millions and, in some cases, multi-billion dollar valuations, and it seems we are just getting started. The fusion of the two biggest technological themes of our generation was always going to be a killer combo that would be sure to drag some of the biggest brains on earth into our degenerate crypto casino. If you don’t want to get left behind, then you’d better read on… What are AI agents? The concept of an AI agent is simple to understand at a fundamental level, but it quickly becomes far too complicated for my pea-sized brain to explain in a detailed, high-end technical way. Thank god this is just an idiot’s guide! When we think of AI in its current form, we probably think of large language models (LLMs) like Chatgpt. We fire all of our questions at them and in return, get half-decent responses that we can then use to cheat in all our tests and get through our work days with minimal effort. Agents go a step further than this. An AI agent is an autonomous software system that can be used to complete more complex tasks than what a simple LLM can handle and can learn to complete these tasks with more efficiency over time. Having the ability to learn from their environments and inputs means these AI agents can literally be trained, and train themselves, to complete pretty much any task imaginable. Even creative tasks like making music and producing artwork have already been done by agents, making us humans look like the relatively unsophisticated apes that we are. In the real world, agents are already used for many tasks within sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and traditional finance, but their crossover with crypto is where things get really interesting. The blockchain world is the perfect breeding ground for agents and gives them the ability to perform tasks that they would never be able to do (for now) in the real world due to limiting factors like KYC and legal barriers. Decentralization, transparency, and permissionless infrastructure are the game-changing ingredients that agents need to excel, and it just so happens that crypto ticks all these boxes.

Katie Martin scoffed at BTC’s $2T valuation, stating: “My teeth are scarce and useful, but they’re not worth billions.” Crypto X erupted—memes, roasts, and dental puns are soaring faster than a Bitcoin rally. Seems the only thing scarcer than BTC is the crypto crowd’s patience.

Recently, a combined $340 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC) and Solana (SOL) were transferred to major U.S.-based exchange Kraken from two separate unknown sources. According to Whale Alert data, 1,544,974 SOL worth around $278.8 million and 500 BTC equivalent to at $51.9 million stunned Kraken within an hour of each other. Initially flagged as coming from "unknown wallets," more sophisticated blockchain data from Arkham reveals that both transactions originated from previously identified institutional and exchange-linked addresses. Regarding the Solana transaction, data indicates that Kraken’s cold wallet sent funds to its own hot wallet - that suggests internal reallocation rather than an external deposit. However, the size of the movement is eye-catching and may signal heightened liquidity usage, for increased client trading or market-making activities perhaps. The Bitcoin transaction was linked to a hot wallet owned by Deribit, an institutional derivatives exchange recently acquired by Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN). A total of 699.7 BTC were sent, but only 500 BTC was deposited into Kraken; the remainder stayed in the original wallet. Despite the size of the transfers, the price action of both cryptocurrencies appeared muted. SOL is trading at around $181 after a minor intraday drop and recovery. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains stable at around $104,000. So, neither asset showed signs of major volatility. Although there were no immediate exchange-wide announcements following the transactions, their scale and coordination suggest backend exchange operations or larger institutional strategies rather than retail activity.While these transactions are not uncommon individually, they raise questions about the timing. Hence, it is worth keeping a close eye on the market in the coming hours.

Đồng sáng lập MetaMask Dan Finlay cho biết dự án vẫn cân nhắc phát hành token và khẳng định nếu thực hiện, thông báo chính thức sẽ hiển thị trực tiếp trong ví. Đồng sáng lập MetaMask Dan Finlay hé lộ khả năng ra mắt token MASKVào ngày 15/05, đồng sáng lập ví tiền mã hóa MetaMask là ông Dan Finlay một lần nữa làm dậy sóng cộng đồng khi xác nhận rằng token của MetaMask vẫn đang được cân nhắc. Cụ thể, khi được hỏi trực tiếp về khả năng ra mắt token trong buổi phỏng vấn với The Block mang tên “Crypto Beat”, ông Dan Finlay chỉ trả lời bằng một từ “Có thể” kèm theo nụ cười mỉm, sau đó ông nhấn mạnh: “Nếu chúng tôi thật sự phát hành token, thông báo sẽ được hiển thị trực tiếp ngay trong ví MetaMask. Người dùng sẽ thấy đường link chính thức ngay trong giao diện ví."Dù chưa có kế hoạch chính thức nhưng phát biểu mới nhất từ Dan Finlay cho thấy khả năng ra mắt token MASK vẫn hoàn toàn khả thi, đặc biệt khi chính quyền Tổng thống Donald Trump đang ngày càng thể hiện thái độ cởi mở hơn với lĩnh vực crypto. Thêm vào đó, Ủy ban Chứng khoán và Giao dịch Mỹ (SEC) cũng đã lên kế hoạch rút lại vụ kiện nhằm vào Consensys, công ty đứng sau MetaMask từ tháng 02/2025, qua đó cởi bỏ áp lực pháp lý vốn đè nặng lên dự án. Finlay cũng nhấn mạnh rằng sự thay đổi dưới thời Donald Trump đang tạo điều kiện thuận lợi và an toàn hơn cho nhiều token lên kế hoạch ra mắt. Finlay chia sẻ thêm: “Hy vọng mọi người sẽ tận dụng cơ hội lần này để vượt qua những giới hạn cũ và tạo tiền lệ cho những điều mà tất cả chúng ta đều có thể thực hiện. Biết đâu chính điều đó sẽ mở ra một làn sóng mới cho cả cộng đồng.” Đây không phải lần đầu tiên MetaMask úp mở về kế hoạch ra mắt token riêng. Ý tưởng về token MASK đã được đề cập từ năm 2021, khi kỹ sư Erik Marks từng trình bày trong một buổi họp cộng đồng developer về khả năng phân quyền quyền sở hữu MetaMask thông qua việc phát hành token. CEO ConsenSys, Joseph Lubin cũng từng "thả hint" bằng dòng tweet: “Wen $MASK?”. Đến năm 2022, Lubin chính thức xác nhận rằng token MASK là một phần trong lộ trình progressive decentralization mà ConsenSys đang theo đuổi. Theo đó, MASK sẽ đi kèm với một DAO nhưng không đóng vai trò quản trị như thường thấy mà sẽ được thiết kế chủ yếu như một cơ chế gây quỹ cộng đồng, đồng thời đi kèm các biện pháp giới hạn để ngăn chặn tình trạng săn airdrop trục lợi, đảm bảo sự phân phối công bằng hơn trong cộng đồng người dùng.Tuy nhiên, Dan Finlay cho biết một trong những nguyên nhân chính khiến dự án vẫn chưa tiến hành là do lo ngại rủi ro pháp lý, đặc biệt là dưới thời cựu Chủ tịch SEC Gary Gensler, khi lập trường của cơ quan này cho rằng hầu hết các đợt phát hành token đều mang tính chất chào bán chứng khoán trái phép.“Tôi hiểu rằng luật chứng khoán vẫn là luật chứng khoán. Dù môi trường pháp lý hiện tại đang dần cởi mở, nhiều dự án crypto vẫn phải hoạt động trong vùng xám."Metamask hiện đang là ví crypto phổ biến nhất hiện nay. Tính đến năm 2024, nền tảng này ghi nhận hơn 30 triệu người dùng hoạt động hàng tháng. Công ty mẹ ConsenSys hiện có khoảng 500 nhân sự trên toàn cầu. Hiện, đội ngũ phát triển đã liên tục tung ra các cải tiến về UX của Metamask nhằm duy trì vị thế dẫn đầu trước làn sóng cạnh tranh từ các đối thủ đang nổi như Rainbow và Rabby.đồng thời công bố lộ trình mở rộng sang Bitcoin và Solana trong năm 2025. Hồi tháng 03/2025, MetaMask từng vướng tranh cãi khi sàn DEX LogX niêm yết token “MASK” trên pre-market dù chưa hề có xác nhận từ MetaMask hay công ty mẹ Consensys. Động thái này khiến cộng đồng dấy lên nghi ngờ về tính minh bạch và mục đích đằng sau quyết định bất ngờ này. Ngay sau đó, MetaMask tuyên bố rằng không có bất kỳ token nào mang tên MetaMask đang được phát hành hoặc giao dịch, đồng thời chỉnh sửa thông báo chính thức để xóa từ “currently” nhằm khẳng định: kế hoạch ra mắt token MASK hoàn toàn không tồn tại, cả ở hiện tại lẫn tương lai gần.

Big news today: JPMorgan’s Kinexys arm just settled its first on-chain transaction for tokenized U.S. Treasuries using Chainlink and Ondo Finance—a major step beyond its private “walled garden” blockchain. They moved funds between two Kinexys accounts and used Chainlink’s oracle network to trigger settlement on Ondo’s public testnet, marking the very first live application of the Ondo Chain infrastructure .This isn’t just a neat proof-of-concept—JPMorgan says this has been in the works for years, aiming to streamline money movement and unlock liquidity with tokenized assets on public ledgers. And guess what? ONDO’s price is already up over 20% on the week, while LINK jumped 24% following the announcement . If big banks can start settling real-world assets on-chain, it’s huge validation for RWA tokenization and for platforms like Ondo that make it happen. So, does this mean ONDO is the RWA play to load up on? Or do you see any hurdles before mass adoption? Let’s discuss!

Looks like the Senate’s bipartisan squad is close to ironing out the final language on the GENIUS stablecoin bill. After days of tense back-and-forth, senators from both sides seem to agree on a framework that balances consumer safeguards with room for innovation. The goal? Nail down a final vote before they adjourn on May 26—though they’re still hashing out the procedural details. If this actually passes, we’d have our first truly federal stablecoin rules, bringing much-needed clarity to issuers and investors alike. Remember how every rumor about stablecoin regulation used to send the market into a tailspin? With a bipartisan vote looming, that uncertainty could finally give way to a boost in confidence—and liquidity—in USD-pegged coins. Of course, nothing’s official until the gavel falls, and tweaks could pop up at any moment. But seeing both parties rally behind a coherent plan is a huge step forward. For anyone tired of waiting on the sidelines, this is the kind of political momentum that could spark the next leg of DeFi growth. Fingers crossed they lock it in without last-minute drama!

Ledger is moving to sell subscriptions in order to improve its revenue and cash flow. this strategy is designed to show a profitable path that does not require more dilutive capital raises for future growth. the change in business model has resulted in price increases for both hardware wallets and monthly subscription fees. by integrating this service, ledger hopes to create a new subscription revenue stream that will help bolster margins and result in reduced reliance on decentralized finance (defi) protocols. how can anyone who’s into crypto think this anything but bad news? if you’re alarmed by crypto product companies pivoting towards these kinds of models just know it’s only going to get worse.

With Ripple’s long-running legal battle with the SEC nearing an end and regulators slowly coming around to the idea of ​​cryptocurrencies, the future of XRP is brighter than ever. Many analysts believe it’s on the verge of something big, with events like the upcoming XRPL APEX conference and talk of a potential XRP ETF adding fuel to the fire. XRP Is Not Going Down Anytime Soon XRP advocate Cobb recently made it clear — he doesn’t see XRP falling to $0.60, no matter how volatile the market is. The reason? XRP has built solid support over the past 27 weeks, weathering all the ups and downs. XRP didn't come all this way, build a perfect previous high back test 27 week consolidation structure just to go back down to $0.60, would have happened by now with tariff fud if that was the case. Regulations are finally here, FDIC + many other regulators giving the green light… pic.twitter.com/1e2erLNzn4 — Cobb (@Cobb_XRPL) May 12, 2025 The current political climate in the United States is becoming increasingly crypto-friendly. Ripple isn't slowing down either, actively expanding its reach by acquiring other companies and developing the XRPL ecosystem. According to Cobb, all of these signs point to one thing — a breakout for XRP in 2025, with a price target of at least $11.34 by the end of the year. XRP Market Cap Triples to $145 Billion XRP’s market cap has skyrocketed since its big win with the SEC in July 2023, when a judge ruled that it was not a security when sold to ordinary investors. Its market cap has tripled since then, increasing by an average of about $148 million per day. In that time, the company’s market cap has increased from $0.81 and $42.35 billion to $2.48 and $145 billion today — a 206% price increase and a 242% market cap increase. The SEC is nearing a settlement of its lawsuit with Ripple. Market watchers expect this could bring a wave of new capital into XRP. There is also growing optimism about the approval of an XRP spot ETF. XRPL Apex Conference A big event is coming up for the XRP community, the XRPL APEX conference, which is set to take place on June 10-12 in Singapore. It is the largest annual summit for XRP developers, featuring top Ripple executives. While the agenda is yet to be finalized, it could bring major updates on AI, cross-chain interoperability, Defi, and RWA tokenization, which could further boost XRP prices. Analyst Dark Defender also predicts that XRP could rise to $2.58, followed by Wave 4 which could take it to the same level. Analyst Ali Martinez also recently shared that if XRP follows a symmetrical triangle pattern, its price could reach $15.