EUR 1 billion note programme planned for 2026 following completion of global issuance infrastructure by the end of Q3 2026.

STOCKHOLM & RIGA — May 14, 2026 — Deploi, the institutional infrastructure layer for digital private credit, today announced the launch of its direct issuance framework on Polygon, following ISIN allocations from Nasdaq CSD for its inaugural UK Consumer Credit Notes.

The first issuance, Series 2026/CON/001, enables regulated digital debt issuance for consumer credit assets, with individual notes of up to EUR 5 million. The issuance forms part of Deploi’s EUR 1 billion note programme for 2026, with planned expansion capacity of up to EUR 5 billion following the expected completion of its global issuance infrastructure by the end of Q3 2026.

Approximately EUR 100 million in additional issuance volume through Assetera is already lined up over the next six months, reflecting early institutional demand for regulated, blockchain-native private credit products.

Deploi’s infrastructure is designed to modernize the operational backbone of private credit by replacing slow, manual fund structures with programmable issuance, settlement, servicing, and risk-management infrastructure.

“The legacy private credit model is operationally outdated,” said Oskars Jepsis, Founder of Deploi. “Investors and lending partners increasingly expect faster execution, greater transparency, and more flexible access to credit opportunities. Deploi is building the infrastructure to replace fragmented, manual processes with scalable digital issuance and settlement rails purpose-built for modern private credit markets.”

Deploi’s issuance and registry infrastructure is anchored on EVM-compatible chains, with Polygon serving as the initial settlement layer ahead of planned expansion to Canton Network infrastructure.

The notes are issued and settled through Assetera, the EU-regulated DLT trading platform licensed under the MiFID II framework, enabling compliant access for European investors.

“Private credit has long been inaccessible to most European investors due to structural barriers — high minimums, opacity, and illiquidity. By providing the regulated infrastructure for Deploi’s instruments, Assetera removes those barriers while maintaining full MiFID II compliance. This partnership demonstrates precisely what regulated DLT infrastructure makes possible: institutional-grade yield products, compliantly distributed at scale across Europe,” said Thomas Labenbacher, CEO of Assetera.

“Private credit is a massive market, but it still runs on outdated infrastructure. What Deploi is doing with direct issuance and bringing this onchain with Polygon is a clear step toward making these markets more efficient, transparent, and easier to access for institutional participants.” Marc Boiron, CEO at Polygon Labs.

Early Market Traction

Deploi enters the market with growing institutional demand and active issuance momentum, including:

• Initial live product focused on UK consumer credit
• Notes issued in tranches of up to EUR 5 million
• EUR 1 billion note programme planned during 2026
• Approximately EUR 100 million in additional issuance volume through Assetera already lined up over the next six months
• Target yields ranging from 6–18%, depending on underlying asset structures
• Buy-side engagement from digital asset and yield-focused institutional investors

Infrastructure & Settlement

Deploi combines regulated issuance infrastructure with blockchain-native settlement and servicing capabilities:

• Regulated Settlement: Assetera acts as Deploi’s licensed trading and settlement venue.
• Onchain Registry: Digital debt instruments and registry records are anchored on Polygon.
• Scalable Issuance Framework: Deploi’s 2026 note programme is structured to support direct issuance across multiple private credit asset classes as global issuance infrastructure is completed.

About Deploi

Deploi is a Nordics-based financial infrastructure provider enabling private credit originators to issue institutional-grade digital debt securities directly to global investors through regulated blockchain infrastructure.

Deploi’s platform is designed to support programmable issuance, settlement, servicing, and risk management for private credit markets, helping originators and investors access more efficient, transparent, and scalable debt capital markets infrastructure.

About Assetera

Assetera is the first EU-regulated DLT trading platform for securities and real-world assets. Licensed by the Austrian FMA under MiFID II and VASP frameworks, Assetera enables compliant distribution of tokenized financial products across Europe.

About Polygon Labs

Polygon Labs develops blockchain infrastructure for scalable payments and financial markets. Its technology supports institutions, fintechs, and enterprises building onchain financial applications at global scale.

Media Contact

Disclaimer

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or financial instruments. Any investment in private credit instruments involves risk, including the potential loss of capital. Target yields are not guaranteed and may vary depending on the underlying asset structure, market conditions, borrower performance, and other risk factors. Securities referenced in this announcement may only be offered to eligible investors in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Justin Sun moved 41.99m Spark worth $1.23m from Spark to HTX, adding to roughly 610m SPK in exchange-bound flows since 2025 and renewing sell-pressure and governance worries.

Justin Sun has resumed large Spark (SPK) withdrawals from Spark, moving 41.99 million tokens worth approximately $1.23 million to his HTX exchange in another suspected sell‑side transaction, according to on-chain data flagged by pseudonymous analyst ai_9684xtpa and relayed by ChainCatcher. The latest transfer follows a roughly two‑week lull in activity, suggesting Sun is again cycling staking rewards or accumulated balances from the Spark protocol into centralized venues rather than compounding them on-chain.

Since September 2025, Sun-linked wallets have routed around 610 million SPK to exchanges, with an estimated aggregate value near $19.08 million at the time of transfer, ChainCatcher’s running tally shows. While these movements do not prove immediate market sells, the consistent pattern of exchange-bound flows has led analysts and traders to treat them as de facto supply overhang that can cap upside or accelerate drawdowns when liquidity thins.

Pattern of SPK offloads raises pressure on the token

The latest move continues a broader trend of Sun monetizing rewards and ecosystem allocations across projects he influences, echoing earlier scrutiny over his handling of other tokens on networks associated with TRON and HTX. Each fresh SPK transfer into HTX expands the pool of coins that can be market‑sold into bids, potentially dampening spot demand from users who interact with Spark for its lending and staking features rather than for speculative trading.

Traders watching SPK’s order books now have to factor in the possibility of further tranches coming online if Sun maintains his current pace, especially given the roughly eight‑month history of repeated, multi‑million token transfers. For long‑term holders, the concern is less about any single $1.23 million move and more about the signaling effect of a key insider consistently sending rewards off‑platform instead of holding or deploying them inside the Spark ecosystem.

Governance and transparency questions resurface

The repeated flows also sharpen governance questions around how much effective control Sun still exerts over Spark and related assets, even when formal structures appear decentralized on paper. Large, opaque insider movements can erode confidence among smaller holders who lack visibility into Sun’s trading intentions or any internal agreements that might constrain his selling behavior.

Sun has previously dismissed similar concerns around his trading activity in other ecosystems, arguing that his moves are routine treasury and liquidity management rather than opportunistic dumping. However, the combination of regular SPK transfers to HTX, the cumulative $19.08 million value involved, and the absence of detailed public communication around those flows leaves SPK in the crosshairs whenever broader market sentiment turns risk‑off.

The online gambling industry has long been shaped by a handful of major operators. Bet365 and 888casino sit near the top of that list. Both have spent years building their reputations, expanding their game libraries, and attracting millions of players worldwide. But the market is shifting. A new wave of crypto-focused platforms is emerging, and among them, ZunaBet is drawing attention as a platform built from the ground up for a different kind of player. This article breaks down how these three platforms compare across games, payments, bonuses, loyalty programs, and overall direction.

Bet365: The Scale Operator

Bet365 is one of the biggest names in online gambling globally. Founded in 2000, the UK-based operator holds licenses in multiple regulated markets and is known primarily for its sportsbook, which is widely considered one of the most comprehensive in the world. Its casino arm offers a solid selection of slots, table games, and live dealer options from well-known providers.

Bet365 operates on a traditional fiat model. Deposits and withdrawals are handled through credit cards, bank transfers, PayPal, and other standard payment methods. The platform does not currently support cryptocurrency payments. Its welcome offers tend to be modest compared to some competitors, with a focus on sports betting promotions rather than large casino bonuses.

The loyalty system at Bet365 is relatively straightforward. There is no elaborate tiered program with public rakeback percentages. Instead, the platform relies on periodic promotions, free bets, and retention offers tailored to individual players. For many users, Bet365’s strength lies in its reliability, breadth of sports markets, and global reach rather than flashy bonus structures.

888casino: The Long-Running Brand

888casino has been around since 1997, making it one of the oldest online casino brands still in operation. It holds licenses from the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority, among others. The platform offers a wide library of slots, jackpot games, table games, and a live casino section powered by providers like Evolution and NetEnt.

Like Bet365, 888casino operates entirely on fiat payment rails. Players can deposit using Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and similar options. There is no cryptocurrency support. The welcome bonus at 888casino typically sits in the low-to-mid hundreds of dollars range, depending on the market and current promotion. It is competitive but not among the largest in the industry.

888casino uses a tiered VIP program with levels that unlock based on activity. Benefits include bonus offers, faster withdrawals, and dedicated account managers at higher tiers. The system is functional but follows the same general template used by most traditional operators. There is nothing particularly unique about it compared to other legacy casino loyalty programs.

ZunaBet: The Crypto-First Challenger

ZunaBet launched in 2026 and takes a fundamentally different approach. Built by a team with over 20 years of combined industry experience, it was designed from the start as a crypto-first platform. It is owned by Strathvale Group Ltd and operates under an Anjouan gaming license.

The numbers are hard to ignore. ZunaBet offers over 11,000 games from 63 providers, including Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, Evolution, Yggdrasil, and BGaming. That makes it one of the larger game libraries among crypto-focused casinos. The selection covers slots, RNG table games, and live dealer titles. Alongside the casino, ZunaBet runs a full sportsbook covering football, basketball, tennis, NHL, and esports titles like CS2, Dota 2, League of Legends, and Valorant. Virtual sports and combat sports round out the offering.

Where ZunaBet stands apart most clearly is payments. The platform supports over 20 cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, USDT across multiple chains, SOL, DOGE, ADA, and XRP. There are no platform processing fees, and withdrawals are fast. For players who already hold crypto, this removes the friction of converting to fiat, waiting for bank processing times, or dealing with card declines that sometimes affect gambling transactions.

The welcome bonus is significantly larger than what Bet365 or 888casino typically offer. ZunaBet provides up to $5,000 plus 75 free spins spread across three deposits. The first deposit gets a 100% match up to $2,000 plus 25 spins. The second gives 50% up to $1,500 plus 25 spins. The third adds another 100% up to $1,500 plus 25 spins. That total package puts it well above the industry average for welcome offers.

Loyalty Programs: Traditional Tiers vs. Gamified Progression

This is where the philosophical difference between old and new platforms becomes most visible. Bet365 keeps things simple with ad hoc promotions. 888casino uses a tiered VIP system that rewards volume but follows a familiar pattern. Neither platform offers transparent, publicly stated rakeback percentages at each tier.

ZunaBet takes a different route with its dragon evolution loyalty system. The program has six tiers — Squire, Warden, Champion, Divine, Knight, and Ultimate — each with a clearly stated rakeback rate. Players start at 1% rakeback and can progress to 20% at the highest level. The program also includes tier-based free spins up to 1,000, VIP club access, double wheel spins, and a gamified mascot called Zuno. It is designed to feel more like progression in a game than a standard rewards program, which appeals to a generation of players who grew up with video games and expect that kind of engagement.

Crypto vs. Traditional Platforms

The broader trend behind ZunaBet’s approach is worth noting. Traditional operators like Bet365 and 888casino built their businesses around fiat currencies, regulated banking systems, and payment processors that come with their own fees and processing times. That model works and has worked for decades.

But crypto-native platforms are growing because they solve specific problems. Transactions are faster. Fees are lower. Players in regions with limited banking access can participate more easily. Privacy preferences are better served. And for the growing number of people who hold cryptocurrency as a primary asset, being able to gamble without converting to fiat is a practical advantage, not just a novelty.

ZunaBet sits squarely in this space. It was not built as a traditional casino that added crypto later. It was designed around crypto from day one, and that shapes everything from its payment infrastructure to its bonus structure to its target audience.

Where Things Stand

Bet365 and 888casino are not going anywhere. They have the licenses, the brand recognition, and the user bases to remain major players for years to come. They serve a broad market and do it well.

But ZunaBet represents something different. It is a platform built for players who want more games, bigger bonuses, transparent loyalty rewards, and the ability to use crypto without friction. With over 11,000 games, a full sportsbook, 20+ supported cryptocurrencies, and a loyalty program that clearly states what you earn at every level, it is positioning itself as the next step in what online casinos can look like.

For a new generation of players who think in crypto, expect gamified experiences, and want transparency in their rewards, ZunaBet is the platform to watch.

Bitcoin (BTC) dropped to $76,000 during the early Asian trading hours on Monday as US-Iran tensions resurfaced. 

Key takeaways

• Bitcoin falls to $76,500 as bearish momentum becomes increasingly tied to geopolitical developments.
• Over $607 million in long positions have been liquidated in the last 24 hours.
• Bitcoin traders say support at $76,000 should hold to avoid a BTC price drop to $65,000.

Bitcoin hits three-week lows with 7% drop

Data from TradingView showed BTC price dropped as much as 7% over the last three days to three-week lows of $76,500, erasing all the gains made since May 1. 

BTC/USD one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

The losses come just days after BTC/USD reached 13-week highs around $83,000, boosted by strong inflows into spot exchange-traded funds and optimism surrounding the US CLARITY Act.

Related: BTC price ‘bull trap’ at $76.5K? Five things to know in Bitcoin this week

On Sunday, however, US President Donald Trump issued fresh threats against Iran regarding delays in the peace agreement, warning that the “clock is ticking.”

Source: TruthSocial/Donald J. Trump

“Trump confirms the clock is ticking for Iran. The US is allegedly preparing for a potential new military operation against Iran,” analyst CryptoRover said in a Monday post on X, adding:

“This is extremely dangerous for $BTC.”

The move in Bitcoin was accompanied by $607 million in long liquidations over the last 24 hours, with BTC long liquidations accounting for $190 million.

This brought the total liquidations across the crypto market over the last 24 hours to $677 million.

Total crypto liquidation across all exchanges. Source: CoinGlass

Oil also saw volatility, with WTI rising over 3% in a matter of hours to $104 per barrel before correcting to $101.

CFDs on WTI crude oil one-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

“WTI surged above $103 as Trump publicly lost patience with stalled peace talks and a waiver for Russian crude sales expired, adding to supply fears around the still-disrupted Strait of Hormuz,” trading resource Capital.com said in a Monday X post, adding:

“Higher oil means hotter future inflation, reinforcing higher-for-longer Fed expectations and lifting both the dollar and yields — a tough combination.”

Bitcoin traders say bears “back in the driver’s seat”

Bitcoin traders, meanwhile, looked at the technical setup for clues as to where the price might head next.

Analyst CryptoJelleNL said that a bearish divergence from the relative index as BTC/USD ran into resistance at $82,000 was responsible for the “pullback we’re in right now,” adding:

“Bears getting back in the driver’s seat?”

BTC/USD daily chart. Source: X/CryptoJelleNL

MN Capital founder Michael van de Poppe said immediate support at $76,000 should hold to “prevent a market-wide crash.”

An accompanying chart showed other support levels to watch if this area is lost, including the $71,000-$73,000 demand zone and the local low at $65,000.

BTC/USD chart. Source: X/Michael van de Poppe

The local low at $65,000 coincides with the target of an inverted V-shaped pattern, as shown on the daily chart below. This represents a 16% drop from the current price.

BTC/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Note that the BTC/USD pair experienced a similar sharp correction of the same magnitude after being rejected by the 200-day moving averages in April 2025.

Key Highlights

• Ford shares rallied 6.9% in premarket hours Monday, rebounding from Friday’s 7.5% decline
• Ford Energy secured a five-year agreement with EDF Group for battery storage systems totaling up to 20 gigawatt-hours
• The automaker unveiled seven new European models through 2029, including five consumer vehicles and two commercial offerings
• Ford Pro’s global software subscription base reached 879,000 in Q1 2026, marking a 30% annual increase
• UBS maintained its Buy recommendation with a $14 target price, while reducing its 2027 earnings projection by approximately 10%

Ford shares surged 6.9% during premarket hours Monday, staging a sharp recovery following Friday’s 7.5% decline. The rally was fueled by two distinct announcements — one of which didn’t involve automobiles at all.

Ford Motor Company, F

The company’s recently established energy division, Ford Energy, announced a framework agreement with French energy giant EDF Group to deliver up to 20 gigawatt-hours of battery energy storage systems across a five-year period. Initial deliveries are slated to begin in 2028.

Ford Energy focuses on serving utility-scale operations, data centers, and commercial and industrial clients across the United States. This EDF partnership represents a significant milestone for the newly launched division, providing its first substantial commercial foundation.

On the vehicle front, Ford revealed its European product roadmap featuring seven new models arriving by the end of 2029. The announcement came during a dealer and partner event held in Salzburg, Austria.

The lineup includes five consumer vehicles: a compact SUV from the Bronco family to be manufactured in Valencia beginning 2028, a pair of small electric vehicles, and two crossover models. Each of these five offerings will feature multiple powertrain configurations, including hybrid and electric alternatives.

Ford Pro Strengthens European Commercial Position

The two additional models belong to the Ford Pro commercial vehicle portfolio. The Ranger Super Duty boasts a payload capacity approaching 2 tonnes and towing capability of up to 4.5 tonnes. The Transit City represents a fully electric urban delivery van, scheduled for release later this year with an estimated range of 254 kilometers.

Ford Pro has maintained its leadership position in the European commercial vehicle market for 11 straight years. The division currently serves 1.2 million connected customers, generating approximately six million vehicle health data points each day.

The company introduced new Dealer Uptime Services designed specifically for small business customers. Initial pilot programs demonstrated repair time reductions of up to 50%, with 80% of maintenance issues identified proactively before escalating into major problems.

Software Revenue Gaining Momentum

Ford’s worldwide paid software subscription count climbed to 879,000 during Q1 2026, representing a 30% year-over-year increase. This business segment is generating gross margins above 50%.

The automaker aims for software and services to contribute 25% of Ford Pro’s operating income. This represents a significant strategic evolution for a company still navigating its path to profitability — Ford recorded a negative EPS of $1.53 over the trailing 12 months.

Market analysts anticipate a turnaround this year, with consensus estimates projecting an EPS of $1.64 for 2026.

Ford recently expanded its employee pricing incentive to all U.S. consumers through July 6, applicable to most 2025 and 2026 Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

In related news, Chinese automotive manufacturer Geely has acquired a portion of Ford’s Almussafes manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain, with potential plans to produce a Ford vehicle model at the location.

UBS reaffirmed its Buy rating on Ford shares after conducting a tour of the company’s EV Development Center located in Long Beach, California. The firm established a $14 price objective, reduced from $15, attributing the adjustment to elevated commodity costs impacting its 2027 profitability forecast.

Ford stock has gained 18% during May, positioning it for its strongest monthly showing since 2023.

Key Highlights

• Ondas (ONDS) announced a definitive agreement to purchase 100% of Omnisys, an Israeli firm specializing in AI-driven Battle Resource Optimization (BRO) software.
• The BRO platform boasts a 25-year operational history and has been validated in large-scale combat environments.
• This strategic move will introduce a high-margin software component to Ondas’ portfolio while strengthening its footprint in international defense sectors.
• Omnisys’ BRO technology will merge with Ondas’ current infrastructure to establish a comprehensive “sense-decide-orchestrate-act” operational model, working in tandem with the SkyWeaver AI system.
• Shares of ONDS traded 1.5% higher in premarket hours after the deal was disclosed.

Ondas (ONDS) announced its intention to acquire Omnisys, an Israeli developer of AI-enhanced battlefield management software, marking a significant expansion into software-centric defense solutions.

Shares of ONDS increased 1.5% during premarket trading following the announcement.

Ondas Holdings Inc., ONDS

Omnisys develops Battle Resource Optimization (BRO) software, a platform designed to assist military forces in mission planning, resource distribution, and executing time-sensitive decisions across various combat theaters simultaneously.

With a quarter-century of operational experience, Omnisys claims its BRO platform has been successfully implemented in sophisticated defense scenarios worldwide, including intricate multi-tier air defense operations.

Eric Brock, CEO of Ondas, characterized BRO as a “proven, battle-tested software platform” that adds substantial value by enhancing both mission planning and live operational execution in multi-domain settings.

The transaction involves acquiring complete ownership of Omnisys. Ondas submitted a Form 8-K filing to the SEC detailing the acquisition agreement’s specifics.

Integration with Current Ondas Technology

The BRO platform will complement Ondas’ existing SkyWeaver AI technology, functioning as an orchestration and optimization component.

When combined, these platforms are designed to deliver what Ondas describes as a “sense-decide-orchestrate-act” operational framework — supporting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, strike missions, electronic warfare, counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and air defense capabilities.

Ofer Yarden, CEO of Omnisys, expressed enthusiasm about leveraging Ondas’ worldwide presence to introduce BRO technology into global defense markets outside of Israel.

The vendor-neutral architecture of BRO enables compatibility with diverse defense systems and infrastructure, independent of specific hardware dependencies.

Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition

Ondas has been systematically expanding its autonomous systems capabilities, incorporating ISR platforms, counter-UAS technologies, and comprehensive defense solutions.

Incorporating a revenue-generating, software-centered business with attractive profit margins aligns perfectly with this strategic direction.

According to Ondas, BRO will function as a “core orchestration layer” throughout its expanding product lineup — integrating sensors, platforms, and effectors into a unified operational ecosystem.

The system employs AI algorithms and advanced operations research techniques to produce real-time tactical options throughout the entire mission spectrum, from initial planning stages to post-operation assessment.

Oshri Lugassy, Co-CEO of Ondas Autonomous Systems, emphasized that BRO facilitates “true closed-loop operations” — an architecture where threat identification, decision processes, and responsive actions occur within a single integrated network.

Ondas further noted that this acquisition reinforces its expansion into American and allied defense markets while fast-tracking its transition toward fully integrated, software-defined defense ecosystems.