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International Crackdown Shutters Nine Crypto Scam Centers, 276 Arrested

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International Crackdown Shutters Nine Crypto Scam Centers, 276 Arrested

A Dubai police-led international crackdown on scam rings last week resulted in the arrest of 276 individuals and the shutdown of at least nine crypto scam centers, the US Department of Justice revealed on Wednesday. 

In a joint operation with the FBI and China’s Ministry of Public Security, Dubai authorities arrested 275 people, with an additional person arrested by the Royal Thai Police. 

Six people have been charged in connection with the scam centers. Four of the defendants and two fugitive co-conspirators were charged with federal fraud and money laundering in federal court in San Diego, according to the DOJ. If convicted, each offense carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and hefty fines.

“The charges and arrests announced today reflect an international consensus that scam centers are unwelcome everywhere and must be rooted out…. In contemporary society, fraud is borderless, and law enforcement activity to combat it and eliminate it is as well,” said US Assistant Attorney General Andrew Tysen Duva. 

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The FBI reported earlier this month that Americans’ losses from crypto and artificial intelligence-related scams in 2025 exceeded $11 billion, with investment scams flagged as the most damaging.

Source: US Department of Justice Criminal Division 

Scammers used fake crypto investment platforms to deceive victims

All six defendants are accused of working for three different companies operating the scam centers, promoting fake crypto investment platforms and deceiving victims into making deposits. 

FBI investigators have identified millions of dollars in losses caused by the criminal network.

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“Today’s indictment demonstrates the FBI’s determination to identify, disrupt, and dismantle these global scam centers defrauding Americans no matter where they set up shop,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the FBI San Diego Field Office.  

European police shut down scam network with 450 employees

Meanwhile, in a separate police action involving Austrian and Albanian authorities, with support from Europol and Eurojust, ten people were arrested in connection with three scam centers in Tirana and Albania, Europol said on Wednesday.

Inside one of the shuttered scam centers. Source: Europol

Victims were drawn in by “seemingly legitimate online investment platforms,” advertised on social media and the promise of profitable investments, according to Europol. 

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Once registered, they were assigned a fake broker who pressured them into making investments. Losses from the scheme are estimated at more than 50 million euros ($58 million) and affected people worldwide.

Related: OFAC sanctions Cambodian politician linked to pig butchering scam centers 

“The scale and professionalism of the criminal network were evident in its structure, which involved up to 450 employees across various departments, including customer acquisition, handled by conversion agents, and customer service, managed by retention agents,” Europol said.

“Additionally, the network had dedicated teams for management, finance, IT, human resources and various back-office activities.”

Magazine: AI-driven hacks could kill DeFi — unless projects act now

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SpaceX Ties Musk’s 200 Million-Share Award to Mars Colony and $7.5 Trillion Valuation

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Why DOGE and XRP Holders Are Excited

American aerospace manufacturer SpaceX has approved a fresh compensation package for its founder, Elon Musk.

The plan, disclosed in a confidential US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, highlights one of the most ambitious pay structures in corporate history.

What Will Elon Musk Get in SpaceX’s New Pay Package?

According to Reuters, the board approved the package in January 2026, granting Musk up to 200 million super-voting restricted shares. The tranche unlocks only when SpaceX reaches a $7.5 trillion market capitalization and a permanent settlement of 1 million residents on Mars.

A separate tranche awards up to 60.4 million restricted shares. This is contingent on the company meeting separate valuation targets and operating space-based data centers with at least 100 terawatts of compute capacity.

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“Both awards come with super-voting Class B restricted stock, ​which carries 10 votes to every 1 Class A share, and vest in tranches as the company’s value rises,” the report read.

Should Musk fall short of the targets, he receives no shares. These carry no fixed timeline other than his continued employment at the company. Musk’s base salary remains at $54,080 per year, unchanged since 2019.

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Interestingly, SpaceX’s IPO filing also indicates that Elon Musk will retain control over his leadership position.

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“The filing states that Musk ‘can only be removed from our board or these positions by the vote of Class B holders’ – super-voting shares with ten ​votes apiece that he will control after the IPO, making his removal effectively a self-vote. If he ‘retains a significant ​portion of his holdings of Class B common stock for an extended period of time, he ⁠could continue to control the election and removal of a majority of our board.’” Reuters reported.

BeInCrypto reported that SpaceX is advancing toward a June IPO after confidentially filing with the SEC. The company is aiming for a valuation of up to $1.75 trillion. Its pre-IPO valuation on Jupiter’s Prestocks platform is currently around $1.68 trillion.

The post SpaceX Ties Musk’s 200 Million-Share Award to Mars Colony and $7.5 Trillion Valuation appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Tapbit Reinforces Transparency with Proof of Reserves and Independent Security Validation by CertiK

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Tapbit Reinforces Transparency with Proof of Reserves and Independent Security Validation by CertiK

Tapbit today announced it has integrated real-time infrastructure monitoring from blockchain security firm CertiK, complementing its existing Proof of Reserves (PoR) framework to meet institutional demands for verifiable exchange data.

Independent Security Validation

The assessment, completed in August 2025, evaluated Tapbit’s mobile, web, and backend systems using a combination of dynamic testing, manual review, and simulated attack scenarios.

The results identified no critical or high-risk vulnerabilities, with findings primarily categorized as medium, low, and informational levels.

This outcome reflects a baseline security posture aligned with industry standards, while also highlighting areas for continuous optimization as part of an evolving infrastructure.

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Rather than representing a one-time certification, the assessment contributes to a broader framework of ongoing security evaluation and improvement.

Proof of Reserves and Transparency Framework

In parallel with its security initiatives, Tapbit has implemented Proof of Reserves (PoR) mechanisms designed to provide verifiable insight into asset backing.

By enabling users to validate reserve data through third-party platforms, the exchange reduces reliance on internal disclosures and aligns with emerging industry practices focused on cryptographic transparency.

This approach reflects a wider market transition—from self-reported credibility toward independently verifiable trust models.

Industry Context: From Claims to Verification

The integration of third-party security assessments alongside Proof of Reserves highlights a broader shift within the digital asset ecosystem.

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As users and regulators place increasing emphasis on transparency and accountability, exchanges are moving beyond static security claims toward frameworks that emphasize continuous validation, monitoring, and disclosure.

In this environment, independently verified data is becoming a critical factor in evaluating platform reliability.

CEO Perspective

“Trust in today’s market must be grounded in continuous verifiability, not merely assumed goodwill,” said Milton Cogo, Chief Executive Officer of Tapbit. “As the digital asset industry matures alongside broader financial markets, participants are shifting away from static internal disclosures. They are demanding independently validated data and real-time monitoring systems to accurately evaluate platform reliability.”

He also noted that by integrating CertiK’s advanced security validation with our cryptographic Proof of Reserves, we aren’t just checking compliance boxes. We are actively building a robust, institutional-grade architecture that prioritizes long-term operational integrity and sets a higher standard for accountability across the ecosystem.

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Conclusion

As the digital asset industry continues to evolve toward a more structured and accountability-driven phase, the ability to demonstrate independently verified security and asset transparency is becoming a defining factor in long-term platform credibility.

Tapbit’s adoption of both Proof of Reserves and third-party security validation underscores a measured approach to growth—one that prioritizes transparency, resilience, and verifiable trust as core pillars of platform development.

About CertiK

CertiK is a leading blockchain security firm specializing in smart contract auditing, formal verification, and continuous security monitoring. The company provides independent security assessments and real-time risk intelligence for Web3 projects, exchanges, and decentralized applications, contributing to enhanced transparency and security standards across the digital asset ecosystem.

About Tapbit

Tapbit is a global digital asset trading platform established in 2021, offering cryptocurrency derivatives trading alongside spot and copy trading services. Operating across more than 190 regions, the platform serves a growing international user base while maintaining a disciplined focus on performance, structural stability, and accessibility.

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Built on a high-performance infrastructure engineered for efficiency in dynamic market environments, Tapbit integrates a layered risk management framework with continuous system optimization. Its product architecture is designed to balance advanced trading functionality with intuitive usability, enabling both experienced and emerging participants to engage within a streamlined, user-centric environment.

In parallel with its technological development, Tapbit places strong emphasis on transparency and operational integrity. Through the implementation of structured risk controls and independently verifiable frameworks, the platform aligns with evolving industry expectations around accountability, trust, and long-term sustainability in digital asset markets.

Guided by a long-term strategic vision, Tapbit continues to evolve alongside the broader maturation of the industry, with a focus on strengthening resilience, enhancing system reliability, and supporting a more stable and sustainable trading ecosystem for global participants.

Connect with Tapbit

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For further information regarding Tapbit and its ongoing developments, please refer to the platform’s official channels:

 Official Website | X (Twitter) | Telegram | TikTok |  Instagram | LinkedIn

Updates relating to product developments, platform initiatives, and corporate announcements are published regularly through these official communication channels.

The Tapbit mobile application is available for download, providing users with access to its trading services across multiple devices.

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The post Tapbit Reinforces Transparency with Proof of Reserves and Independent Security Validation by CertiK appeared first on BeInCrypto.

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Fed Maintains Interest Rates as Powell’s Final Meeting Approaches and Bitcoin Retreats

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

Key Takeaways

  • The Federal Reserve maintained interest rates at 3.50%–3.75% for its fourth consecutive policy meeting
  • Four FOMC members dissented: one advocated for a 25-basis-point reduction, while three pushed to eliminate dovish language
  • Powell’s chairmanship concludes May 15; this meeting marked his probable final session
  • Kevin Warsh successfully passed the Senate Banking Committee review and is positioned to succeed Powell
  • Bitcoin retreated to levels just under $76,000 while the Nasdaq declined 0.35% after the announcement

The Federal Reserve opted to maintain its key interest rate in the 3.50%–3.75% range during Wednesday’s policy meeting, marking the fourth straight session without adjustment.

Policymakers emphasized their focus on balancing stubborn inflationary pressures against emerging indicators of economic deceleration. The committee’s official statement noted it will “carefully assess incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks” prior to implementing any policy shifts.

The rate decision produced four dissenting votes. Fed Governor Stephen Mirran advocated for a 25-basis-point rate reduction.

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The remaining three dissenters—Beth Hammack, Neel Kashkari, and Lorie Logan—supported maintaining current rates but opposed keeping forward guidance that hints at potential cuts. This dynamic creates challenges for incoming leadership.

This policy meeting likely represented Jerome Powell’s final appearance as chair. His tenure concludes on May 15.

Kevin Warsh, widely anticipated to assume the role, secured approval from the Senate Banking Committee on Wednesday. He appears set to transition into the chairmanship upon Powell’s departure.

The three hawkish dissenting votes indicate Warsh may encounter internal resistance should he pursue rate reductions. Achieving consensus among members concerned about inflation will be essential.

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Financial markets responded to the announcement. Bitcoin decreased approximately 0.5% across 24 hours, hovering just beneath the $76,000 threshold.

Market Response to Federal Reserve’s Rate Decision

The Nasdaq registered a 0.35% decline. Treasury yields advanced, with the two-year note increasing 9 basis points to reach 3.93% and the 10-year climbing 5 basis points to 4.40%.

Elevated yields typically exert downward pressure on growth-oriented equities and speculative assets including cryptocurrencies. Wednesday’s market adjustments remained relatively contained but demonstrated consistent directionality.

Oil prices contributed an additional dimension to the Fed’s policy dilemma. WTI crude hovered near $105 per barrel, approaching post-conflict peaks.

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Balancing Act: The Fed’s Dual Mandate Dilemma

Energy market dynamics directly influence headline inflation metrics, creating additional complexity for monetary policymakers. Elevated oil costs simultaneously threaten economic expansion, positioning the Fed between its dual objectives: price stability and economic support.

Powell was anticipated to elaborate on monetary policy direction during his post-decision press briefing. Market participants scrutinized his remarks for indications regarding the trajectory and timing of potential rate adjustments.

The Fed avoided committing to a specific policy path. Officials stated future decisions will be contingent upon forthcoming economic data and evolving macroeconomic conditions.

Bitcoin traded marginally below $76,000 when the decision was announced, while the Nasdaq maintained moderate losses heading into Powell’s press conference.

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BSStrategy Launches Free Intraday Trading Robot, Ushering in a New Era of Fully Automated Quantitative Trading

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Brian Armstrong's Bold Prediction: AI Agents Will Soon Dominate Global Financial

With the rapid development of financial technology, quantitative trading, as an efficient and intelligent trading method, is gaining increasing popularity among investors. However, for many ordinary investors, the technical threshold for quantitative trading is high; complex programming knowledge and high tool costs often become obstacles to entry. To address this issue, BSStrategy has launched a free intraday trading robot application, providing users with a one-stop fully automated quantitative trading solution, allowing every investor to easily enjoy the convenience and efficiency of intelligent trading.

Simplified Process, Three Steps to Start Your Quantitative Trading Journey

To help users get started quickly, BSStrategy has simplified the entire quantitative trading process into three simple steps:

Step 1: Register an Account.
Users can complete account registration in just a few minutes. The entire process is simple and intuitive, without cumbersome verification steps.

Step 2: Choose a Quantitative Trading Plan.
BSStrategy offers users a variety of quantitative trading strategy plans. Based on different risk appetites and return goals, users can freely choose the plan that best suits them.

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Step 3: Earn Profits.
After completing the first two steps, the system will automatically run and execute the trading strategy without manual intervention from the user. Users only need to check their account profits periodically to easily achieve stable profits.

Focusing on Fully Automated Quantitative Trading, Lowering the Investment Barrier

BSStrategy’s intraday trading robot is designed specifically for fully automated quantitative trading. Through advanced algorithms and big data analysis, it can capture market opportunities in a very short time and execute trading orders quickly. Compared to traditional manual trading, fully automated quantitative trading not only significantly improves efficiency but also effectively avoids decision-making errors caused by human emotions.

BSStrategy provides a user-friendly interface and detailed operation guides, making it easy for even beginners with no programming experience to get started. This design greatly lowers the technical barrier to quantitative trading, allowing more people to participate in this efficient investment method.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Intelligent Trading Tools

With the continuous development of financial markets, investors’ demand for intelligent trading tools is also growing rapidly. This free trading robot launched by BSStrategy not only meets the current market demand for intelligent and automated trading tools but also helps users save time and energy, allowing them to devote more energy to other important matters.

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Looking to the Future

bsStrategy stated that they will continue to focus on technological innovation and product optimization to provide users with more personalized and efficient intelligent trading services. The company also plans to launch more powerful fintech products in the near future to meet the evolving needs of its users.

bsStrategy is a company focused on innovation in the fintech field, committed to providing efficient and convenient intelligent trading solutions for global investors through technology. The launch of this free trading robot is an important step for bsstrategy in promoting financial inclusion and marks a new milestone for the company in the field of quantitative trading.

Whether you are a seasoned investor or a beginner, bsstrategy will be an important partner in your wealth growth journey. Register an account now and start your quantitative trading journey!

Company Name: bsstrategy
Company Website: https://www.bsstrategy.com/
Company Email: info@bsstrategy.com

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Disclaimer: This is a Press Release provided by a third party who is responsible for the content. Please conduct your own research before taking any action based on the content.

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Meta taps USDC to power creator payments through Solana and Polygon

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Meta cuts 200 in California amid AI push

Meta has begun offering select creators the option to receive payouts in USDC, expanding its payments model into blockchain-based transfers.

Summary

  • Meta will allow select creators to receive payouts in USDC through wallets on Solana and Polygon.
  • Stripe will handle the payment processing, and users have been advised to retain transaction records for tax reporting.

According to a support page published by Meta Platforms, eligible creators can receive USDC directly into crypto wallets operating on the Solana or Polygon networks. 

The company noted that payouts are processed through Stripe, which may also provide users with crypto-related tax reporting tied to these transactions.

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Meta adds stablecoin payouts with external payment rails

“Only use a wallet address that accepts USDC on Solana or Polygon. Funds sent to an unsupported address or network cannot be recovered,” Meta stated in its documentation, warning that transfers to incompatible networks cannot be reversed.

“In the event of technical difficulties or unforeseen circumstances, Meta reserves the right to pay you using another payment method that you designate,” while placing responsibility for wallet security on the user, it added.

Supported wallets listed by Meta include MetaMask, Phantom, and Binance, giving creators multiple options to receive and manage their funds. Instructions provided by the company explain how users can convert USDC into local currency after receiving payouts.

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The update was first reported by The Information, which noted that the rollout aligns with Meta’s earlier plans to explore stablecoin integrations through partnerships with third-party firms.

Meta’s entry into stablecoin payouts arrives as USDC infrastructure continues to scale across networks. 

According to Circle, its Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol is designed to “enable USDC to flow natively 1:1 between blockchains—unifying liquidity and simplifying user experience.” The system uses a burn-and-mint model to move tokens across chains without relying on wrapped assets or external liquidity pools.

Circle’s documentation on its USDC Bridge describes a process where “a sender deposits USDC for burn on the source network” before an attestation service authorizes minting on the destination chain, allowing transfers to function as if balances were being moved within a single ledger. 

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Industry data cited in earlier analysis shows stablecoins processed about $33 trillion in transactions in 2025, with USDC alone accounting for roughly $8.3 trillion in January 2026.

Meta had previously experimented with digital asset payments through its Libra project, later renamed Diem, which was eventually shut down following regulatory pressure. 

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Bitcoin (BTC) Slides Under $76K Amid Fed Rate Decision and Trump’s Iran Rejection

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Bitcoin (BTC) Price

Key Takeaways

  • BTC slipped beneath $76,000 following the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain rates between 3.5% and 3.75%
  • Federal Open Market Committee meeting notes highlighted Middle East geopolitical risks as contributing to market “uncertainty”
  • President Trump turned down Iran’s proposal to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade ahead of nuclear negotiations
  • Potential U.S. military action against Iran continues to loom, creating additional downward pressure on cryptocurrency markets
  • Market analyst Ted Pillows identifies the $79,000–$80,000 zone as critical resistance BTC needs to break through

Bitcoin’s price tumbled beneath the $76,000 threshold on Wednesday as markets digested two significant headline events: the Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain its current interest rate policy, and President Trump’s dismissal of Iran’s diplomatic overture.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price
Bitcoin (BTC) Price

The central bank maintained its federal funds rate within the 3.5%–3.75% range. Meeting minutes from the FOMC highlighted escalating tensions across the Middle East region as a primary source of economic “uncertainty,” influencing the committee’s cautious stance.

Following the publication of the FOMC minutes, Bitcoin experienced an intraday decline to $74,937. This price level positioned the leading cryptocurrency marginally beneath its 20-day simple moving average of $75,664, a technical indicator that market participants have been monitoring with considerable attention.

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Shubh Varma, CEO of Hyblock, characterized the movement as “the usual sell the news reaction after the FOMC.” He noted that Bitcoin managed to climb back toward pre-announcement price levels within a matter of hours, highlighting that the global bid-ask ratio surged to 0.3 — among its most elevated readings — suggesting persistent buying interest beneath the surface.

Crypto analyst Ted Pillows (@TedPillows) observed that BTC had successfully retested its support region and was beginning to rebound. He pinpointed the $79,000–$80,000 range as the critical resistance threshold Bitcoin must overcome, cautioning that inability to breach this level could push prices back toward $74,000.

Trump Dismisses Iranian Proposal, Hormuz Waterway Stays Closed

President Trump declined Iran’s diplomatic proposal to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade prior to engaging in nuclear negotiations. Trump stated the maritime blockade will remain in effect until Iran commits to addressing American concerns regarding its nuclear capabilities, characterizing the blockade as “somewhat more effective than the bombing.”

The President also shared a message on Truth Social accompanied by the phrase “NO MORE MR. NICE GUY,” urging Iran to “get smart soon.” Reports indicate that the U.S. Central Command has developed contingency plans for a limited series of military strikes against Iran should diplomatic efforts continue to stall.

Crude oil markets responded with price increases to this development, compounding downward pressure across Bitcoin and the wider cryptocurrency sector.

Insights From Glassnode Analytics

Glassnode’s research team observed that Bitcoin market participants had increased bearish positioning in advance of the FOMC announcement, evidenced by expanding open interest, relatively neutral funding rates, and observable disconnects between spot and derivatives market indicators.

Their latest Week Onchain analysis characterized Bitcoin as “trapped below market mean,” with the $65,000–$70,000 range functioning as foundational support while insufficient demand continues to constrain upward price movements. Bitcoin has struggled to penetrate its True Market Mean positioned at $79,000.

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According to Glassnode’s assessment, capital flows into spot BTC exchange-traded funds alongside expanding CME open interest have contributed to establishing a concentrated accumulation zone between $65,000 and $70,000.

At the time of publication, BTC was changing hands near $75,700, representing a decline from its intraday peak above $77,000.

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Crash risk rises as bond yields surge

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Crash risk rises as bond yields surge

Ouch.

That is how Holger Zschaeptiz, one of the most widely followed macro commentators on X, reacted after the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury note (government bond) rose to 5% early today, hitting the highest since July 2025. This level has been tested only twice over the past two decades.

His reaction also sums up the mood of several crypto analysts who see rising yields as a headwind for bitcoin , the world’s biggest cryptocurrency by market value and a macro asset.

“At this point, the dynamic is simple. As long as yields remain attractive and [Fed’s monetary policy] stays tight, capital has a real alternative to risk. This continues to pressure assets like crypto, depending on liquidity and momentum,” Diana Pires, chief business officer at sFOX, said in an email to CoinDesk. sFOX is a San Francisco-based cryptocurrency prime dealer and trading platform designed for institutional investors, hedge funds, and businesses.

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Bitcoin is already under pressure alongside an uptick in the Dollar Index (DXY). As of writing, BTC traded at $75,670, down 2% over 24 hours, and the DXY hovered above 99, looking to extend Wednesday’s 0.5% gain.

Here’s why rising bond yields typically hurt BTC and other risk assets. When the U.S. government needs to borrow money, it issues bonds, and the yield on those bonds is the annual return the bond investors earn. So, when yields rise, bonds become more attractive. A 30-year Treasury yielding 5% is an almost risk-free return.

Therefore, every dollar sitting in bitcoin is a dollar not earning that 5% yield. That tradeoff typically leads to capital rotation out of non-yielding risk assets, such as bitcoin and other risky assets like technology stocks. Rising yields also typically weigh on gold, which fell over 1% to a one-month low of $4,540 on Wednesday and last changed hands near $4,564.

“Rising Treasury yields and a stronger dollar [have] historically pressured crypto valuations by tightening financial conditions,” Vikram Subburaj, CEO of India-based FIU-registered Giottus exchange, said.

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Note that the 30-year yield is not the only one rising. The 10-year yield, which serves as a benchmark for borrowing costs across the economy, is also elevated. Together, they point to financial tightening, a situation where borrowing gets costly, disincentivizing risk-taking in both financial markets and the economy.

Bond yields are also rising in the U.K. and other parts of the world.

Fed dissenters push back against easing

The central bank left rates unchanged between 3.5% and 3.75%, as expected. What was not expected was the internal dissent. Three out of 12 voting officials pushed back against easing language in the statement, a development that has caught markets off guard.

That’s pushed up expectations for higher-for-longer interest rates, which is showing up in bond yields.

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“The Fed’s decision to keep rates steady wasn’t the shocker, but those three dissenters calling for a strike on any easing guidance threw a bucket of ice on the market’s pivot party. It’s a classic hawkish signal, and as Bitcoin is usually an indicator of risk, Bitcoin is feeling it,” Matt Mena, senior crypto research strategist at 21shares, said in an email.

ING characterized the so-called hawkish dissent by three officials as a warning shot aimed at incoming Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, Donald Trump’s pick to replace outgoing Chairman Jerome Powell. “They perhaps want to make it clear that they will not be easily swayed to his way of thinking that rates in time can be lowered,” ING analysts said.

Interestingly, the policy statement released Wednesday contained no clear bias toward easing, reinforcing the message that the Fed is in no hurry to pivot.

Oil rally is lifting inflation expectations

The bond yield surge is not just about the Fed. Early Thursday, oil prices surged to their highest since 2022, with Brent briefly topping $125 per barrel, after Trump mulled extending the blockade of Iranian ports. Moreover, oil prices have been elevated, hovering largely between $80 to $120 since the Iran war began in late February.

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As a result, energy prices at gas stations are surging, pushing long-term inflation expectations higher, as CoinDesk noted early this week.

All of that is pushing yields higher.

“Inflation is not convincingly back to target, and the Fed is not signaling a near-term shift. Markets may want clarity on cuts, but the Fed is not giving yet. Until that changes, flows will keep favoring yield and safety over volatility. For crypto, that means the macro backdrop remains a headwind, not a tailwind,” Pires said.

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WLFI Token Price Drops 14% After Controversial Token Unlock Proposal Goes to Vote

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WLFI Token Price Drops 14% After Controversial Token Unlock Proposal Goes to Vote

The native token of Trump-family-linked World Liberty Financial dropped nearly 14% on Wednesday as a controversial governance proposal that would place over 62 billion WLFI tokens under new multiyear vesting schedules went to a community vote.

The proposal was first submitted to the World Liberty governance community on April 15 and officially went live for voting on Wednesday. It proposes locking more than 62 billion WLFI tokens held by early investors and insiders for two years before gradually being released over a span of two to three years. 

Voting runs until May 7. At the time of writing, 99.95% of votes are in favor of the proposal, and the quorum requirement of 1 billion WLFI tokens has already been met, with 6 billion tokens in favor and 3.2 million against.

“This is one of the most significant governance proposals in WLFI history,” World Liberty Financial said in an X post on Wednesday, adding: “62,282,252,205 locked WLFI tokens [are] subject to this proposal. None of it touches the market for a minimum of 2 years if passed.”

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Despite nearly 100% of voting power being allocated to the “yes” vote, the proposal has been met with strong criticism from some members of the community.

Cointelegraph previously reported that figures such as Moonrock Capital founder Simon Dedic likened the proposal to a rug pull and questioned the two-year unlocks coinciding with the remainder of Donald Trump’s term as US president. Tron founder Justin Sun, who holds a significant amount of WLFI, also labeled the proposal one of the “most absurd” he’s ever seen.

In the replies to World Liberty’s latest X post announcing that the vote had gone live, the majority of comments were critical of the proposal.

Source: World Liberty Financial 

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The unlocking schedule for early investors involves a two-year cliff followed by a two-year linear vest, while insiders such as founders, team members and advisers have a two-year cliff and three-year linear vest.

The proposed schedule has faced backlash for its length, while the voting process has also been criticized because those who don’t vote will have their tokens locked up indefinitely.

Related: Visa adds Polygon, Base support as stablecoin settlement run rate hits $7B

The World Liberty Financial team said this structure was designed to give a “more clear, bounded picture of governance preferences” and to keep tokens in the hands of those who are “genuinely committed” to the future of the project.

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According to data from CoinGecko, WLFI was priced at $0.06367 at the time of writing, down 13.6% over the past 24 hours. Overall, it is down 72.8% since hitting the open market. 

Cointelegraph has reached out to World Liberty Financial for comment.

Magazine: Will the CLARITY Act be good — or bad — for DeFi?

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21Shares Gains as Tether Proposes Three-Way Merger

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Crypto Breaking News

A three‑way merger proposal from Tether sent shares of Twenty One Capital climbing in after‑hours trading on Wednesday, as the Bitcoin‑focused firm eyes a strategic consolidation with Strike and Elektron Energy. Tether said it intends to vote in favor of a plan that would first merge Twenty One Capital with Strike, a Bitcoin payments company, and then combine the resulting entity with Elektron Energy, a Bitcoin mining operation.

Tether described the aim as building a vertically integrated platform that blends financial services, Bitcoin mining, and capital markets execution. Strike would bring a profitable financial services platform, broad distribution, and regulatory infrastructure, while Elektron would supply large‑scale Bitcoin mining capacity, operational depth, and proven execution capabilities. The terms of the merger and the timeline for completion were not disclosed in the statement.

In after‑hours trading, Twenty One Capital’s stock dipped 1.7% to $7.83 in regular session trading, but rallied after the bell, hitting as high as $9.28 before settling around $8.35, a gain of about 6.6% for the session’s close.

Twenty One Capital sits high among public companies for Bitcoin holdings, with about 43,514 coins. That places it behind Strategy, Inc., which holds the largest publicly disclosed bitcoin treasury with 818,334 coins. Twenty One Capital publicly listed in December following a merger with Cantor Equity Partners and started with a notable Bitcoin position, aiming to grow its Bitcoin per share through ongoing accumulation.

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Tether did not release the terms of the proposed mergers or a precise timetable. The plan includes leadership assignments: Elektron Energy founder and CEO Raphael Zagury would serve as president of the new, merged company, while Jack Mallers—founder and CEO of Strike and co‑founder and CEO of Twenty One Capital—would also hold an executive role. Tether framed the leadership alignment as designed to fuse Mallers’ product, brand, and consumer Bitcoin leadership with Zagury’s capital markets, operating, and execution experience.

Key takeaways

  • Tether proposes a staged three‑way merger: Twenty One Capital → Strike → Elektron Energy, aiming to integrate payments, mining, and Bitcoin treasury management.
  • Strike would contribute a regulated financial services platform with global distribution; Elektron Energy would add large‑scale mining infrastructure and execution depth.
  • Terms and closing timetable remain undisclosed, creating a wait‑and‑watch period for investors and observers.
  • Twenty One Capital holds about 43,514 Bitcoin, ranking it among the top public holders, though it trails Strategy, Inc.’s 818,334 coins.
  • Leadership for the merged entity would feature Raphael Zagury as president and Jack Mallers in an executive role, signaling a blend of capital markets experience with consumer‑facing Bitcoin leadership.

What the merger could unlock—and what it might test

The proposal signals an attempt to move Twenty One Capital beyond a pure treasury play toward an operating platform with recurring revenue opportunities tied to Bitcoin infrastructure. By combining with Strike, the venture gains a payments and financial services backbone that already operates in the Bitcoin ecosystem, potentially expanding access to users and merchants who want integrated on‑ramps for Bitcoin payments and related services. The addition of Elektron Energy would bring mining scale, which could help the merged entity pursue a more dynamic Bitcoin accumulation strategy, leveraging mining operations as a strategic asset rather than a mere balance‑sheet hedge.

From an investor perspective, the move could diversify exposure within a single platform: users gain access to payments, mining, and capital markets execution under a unified brand. Yet the structure remains uncertain, as the terms are not disclosed and regulatory approvals would be required. In an environment where regulatory clarity around crypto‑native consolidations remains variable across jurisdictions, the speed and likelihood of a successful integration will hinge on governance, anti‑trust considerations, and how the new entity would align with existing compliance frameworks for payments and mining operations.

Leadership, governance, and strategic implications

The leadership plan frames a clear mandate: leverage Zagury’s capital markets and execution track record to steer the combined group, while Mallers anchors product strategy, brand power, and consumer Bitcoin leadership. This pairing could, in theory, yield a platform that is more than the sum of its parts—melding consumer‑facing Bitcoin services with heavy‑duty mining operations and sophisticated financial infrastructure. Still, leadership transitions in cross‑industry mergers can introduce execution risk if cultural and operational priorities diverge. Stakeholders will want to see how governance would be structured, how conflicts of interest would be managed, and what milestones would indicate progress toward integration.

For Strike and Strike’s ecosystem, the deal could extend strategic reach beyond payments into a broader Bitcoin stack, potentially enhancing user adoption and cross‑selling opportunities. Elektron Energy, meanwhile, would gain access to a wider corporate platform that could help monetize mining through financial products, services, and partnerships that leverage the company’s mining capacity. The eventual alignment of these diverse activities will be a focal point for investors watching the path to a closing date—and possible synergies—across the three businesses.

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Market backdrop and what to watch next

Public market participants have already been in a mood to evaluate Bitcoin‑centric strategies that combine treasury management with operational capability. Twenty One Capital’s Bitcoin holdings—already among the largest among publicly traded crypto‑related entities—offer a strategic asset that could be amplified by a unified platform that also addresses payments and mining. The success of such a three‑way merger would depend on the terms, financing structure, regulatory approvals, and the speed with which the combined organization can integrate disparate functions from consumer product design to large‑scale mining operations.

As with any proposed consolidation in the crypto space, the next steps will hinge on formal filings, board approvals, and any potential antitrust or securities oversight reviews. Investors should monitor updates from Twenty One Capital, Strike, Elektron Energy, and, crucially, any statements from Tether detailing conditions or contingencies tied to the merger. The broader market will also be watching for how this strategy aligns with evolving regulatory environments and whether it signals a trend toward more vertically integrated, crypto‑native platforms rather than dispersed, standalone businesses.

Earlier coverage around Tether’s broader infrastructure initiatives—such as open‑source mining frameworks designed to unify Bitcoin infrastructure—helps contextualize the current proposal as part of a wider push to knit together Bitcoin’s core pillars: payments, mining, and treasury management. Whether this three‑way plan materializes into a lasting, value‑creating enterprise remains to be seen, but it underscores the industry’s ongoing interest in material, multi‑faceted approaches to Bitcoin exposure and ecosystem development.

Readers should watch official updates from the involved companies for terms, timing, and governance details, as well as any regulatory commentary that could influence a potential close. In the near term, the market’s reaction to any new disclosures will shed light on whether investors view this as a meaningful structural shift or a speculative move tied to leadership talent and branding growth within the Bitcoin sector.

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Twenty One Capital, Strike, and Elektron Energy have not disclosed a timeline for closing the merger or the precise financial mechanics, but the plan signals a willingness to pursue a high‑impact, cross‑vertical Bitcoin platform if approved.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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Twenty One Capital jumps as Tether backs Strike merger plan

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Twenty One Capital shares rose after hours after Tether backed a proposed merger with Strike and Elektron Energy. 

Summary

  • Twenty One Capital shares gained after hours after Tether backed a three-way Bitcoin merger plan.
  • Strike would add payments and financial services, while Elektron would bring Bitcoin mining infrastructure.
  • Tether said the deal could move Twenty One beyond Bitcoin treasury exposure alone.

The plan could move the Bitcoin-buying company beyond treasury holdings and into payments, mining, and financial services.

Tether said it intends to vote in favor of merging Twenty One Capital with Strike. The combined company would then merge with Bitcoin mining firm Elektron Energy.

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The proposal would bring together three parts of the Bitcoin market. Strike would add payments, distribution, and regulatory infrastructure. Elektron would add mining operations and execution capacity.

Twenty One Capital shares climb after hours

Twenty One Capital shares closed Wednesday down 1.7% at $7.83. However, the stock later rose to $9.28 in after-hours trading.

The shares settled at $8.35 after the bell, marking a 6.6% gain. The move came as investors reacted to Tether’s merger proposal.

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Moreover, Tether proposed Elektron founder and CEO Raphael Zagury as president of the merged company. Strike founder Jack Mallers would also hold an executive role.

Tether said the proposed structure would combine “Mallers’ product, brand, and consumer Bitcoin leadership” with “Zagury’s capital markets, operating, and execution experience.”

Bitcoin strategy could expand

Twenty One Capital went public in December through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners. It launched with 43,500 Bitcoin and aimed to grow Bitcoin per share.

The company now holds 43,514 Bitcoin. It ranks second among public companies, behind Strategy, Inc., which holds 818,334 Bitcoin.

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Tether said the deal could move Twenty One beyond treasury exposure alone. It added that the company could build operating businesses, recurring revenue, and long-term Bitcoin accumulation capacity.

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