Crypto exchange WhiteBIT has obtained authorization under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) from Austria’s Financial Market Authority, allowing the company to offer regulated crypto services across the European Economic Area through a single license.

Under MiCA, crypto companies authorized in one European Union member state can passport their services across the European Economic Area without obtaining separate licenses in each jurisdiction. WhiteBIT said the authorization will support the launch of a dedicated European platform, whitebit.eu.

WhiteBIT said W Group, its parent company, serves more than 35 million customers globally. Founded in 2018, the exchange has partnerships with Visa, FACEIT, FC Barcelona, Juventus and Ukraine’s national football team.

Austria did not extend grandfathering provisions for virtual asset service providers beyond Dec. 31, 2025, making it one of the first European Union jurisdictions to fully transition to the MiCA framework. 

According to comments previously provided to Cointelegraph by Austria’s Financial Market Authority, the regulator has licensed nine crypto-asset service providers under MiCA and described application volume as “significant.”

Related: Polish president vetoes crypto bill for third time ahead of MiCA deadline

MiCA deadline approaches for crypto firms

WhiteBIT’s approval comes less than two weeks before the European Union’s MiCA transition period expires on July 1. After that date, crypto companies operating under legacy national registrations must either hold a MiCA license or stop serving clients in the bloc.

The approaching deadline has increased scrutiny on exchanges that have yet to secure authorization. Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Greece’s market regulator was preparing to reject Binance’s MiCA application, while The Big Whale said France may be the exchange’s last remaining path to a MiCA license before the deadline.

Data shared with Cointelegraph by OKX Europe suggests the MiCA transition could affect a meaningful share of Europe’s crypto market. The company found that roughly 7.6 million of the 18.5 million crypto app downloads recorded in Europe between May 2025 and May 2026 were linked to exchanges that were not listed on public MiCA authorization registers.

Statement on the end of transitional periods. Source: ESMA

The European Securities and Markets Authority has said companies that remain unauthorized after July 1 should implement wind-down and client migration plans rather than continue operating while applications remain under review.

Magazine: The end of anon? AI could unmask crypto’s hidden identities

Key Takeaways

• Advanced Micro Devices delivered $7.4 billion in Q1 2026 revenue, marking a 36% year-over-year increase powered by exceptional data center performance
• The Data Center division at AMD reached an all-time high of $3.7 billion, representing 57% growth driven by EPYC CPUs and Instinct accelerators
• Intel generated $13.6 billion in Q1 2026 revenue with only 7% growth, while posting a GAAP loss of $0.73 per share
• Analysts assign AMD a Moderate Buy rating with an average target of $430.68, compared to Intel’s Hold consensus around $83.35
• Intel’s Q2 guidance projects revenue between $13.8 and $14.8 billion, indicating stabilization without meaningful expansion

The semiconductor sector’s two biggest names—AMD and Intel—are experiencing dramatically different trajectories as we move through 2026.

While AMD continues its ascent as a growth powerhouse, Intel remains mired in proving its turnaround strategy can deliver tangible results.

AMD Demonstrates Powerful Momentum

Advanced Micro Devices announced first-quarter 2026 revenue of $7.4 billion, representing a robust 36% increase compared to the prior-year period.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., AMD

The company achieved GAAP net income of $709 million. The headline achievement came from the Data Center business, which posted unprecedented revenue of $3.7 billion—a 57% year-over-year jump.

This impressive performance was fueled by escalating demand for EPYC server chips and Instinct GPU solutions. Meanwhile, the Client division also delivered impressive results, climbing 68% to reach $2.3 billion.

These financial results demonstrate that AMD has successfully transformed from a traditional processor manufacturer into a major force in data center infrastructure and artificial intelligence hardware.

Analyst community response has been overwhelmingly positive. MarketBeat data reveals 44 analysts tracking AMD, with consensus landing at Moderate Buy—comprising 30 Buy recommendations, 12 Hold ratings, and only 1 Sell. The average price target over the next 12 months stands at $430.68.

Intel Continues Its Turnaround Journey

Intel reported Q1 2026 revenue of $13.6 billion, reflecting modest 7% year-over-year growth. However, the company recorded a GAAP loss of $0.73 per share.

Intel Corporation, INTC

Adjusted for non-GAAP items, the company posted earnings of $0.29 per share. For the second quarter, management provided guidance of $13.8 billion to $14.8 billion, suggesting the business is stabilizing but not experiencing meaningful growth.

Intel maintains significant advantages including substantial scale, an extensive customer base spanning personal computers, servers, and manufacturing operations. Yet the company hasn’t demonstrated the operational momentum visible at AMD.

The company’s recovery hinges on improved processor competitiveness, advancement in its foundry operations, and development of competitive AI solutions. These critical improvements haven’t yet materialized in financial performance.

Analyst opinion mirrors this cautious outlook. According to MarketBeat, Intel carries a Hold consensus from 41 analysts, with 10 Buy ratings, 26 Hold recommendations, and 4 Sell ratings. The average 12-month price target hovers around $83.35.

Investment Implications

The choice between these semiconductor giants ultimately depends on growth visibility. AMD demonstrates undeniable traction in data centers and AI infrastructure, supported by strong profitability.

Intel presents potential upside if its restructuring succeeds. However, that opportunity remains contingent on execution improvements that haven’t yet materialized.

AMD represents the proven growth play. Intel represents the speculative turnaround opportunity. Your choice depends on your risk tolerance and patience for uncertainty.

Charles Schwab has entered the prediction markets business through a partnership with Cboe Global Markets, introducing new contracts tied to the performance of the S&P 500.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the brokerage firm is working with Cboe to launch all-or-nothing options contracts that allow investors to take positions on where the benchmark U.S. stock index will finish. The product places Schwab alongside firms such as CME Group and Interactive Brokers, which have already expanded into prediction-style trading products.

People familiar with the matter told the Journal that the contracts are expected to become available to Schwab customers in the coming months. Unlike platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket, which primarily offer futures-based event contracts, Schwab’s product will be structured as options.

The launch comes as competition intensifies among firms seeking to capitalize on growing demand for event-driven trading products. Recent activity has pushed prediction markets beyond political and sports outcomes into financial markets, where traders increasingly use contracts tied to economic and market events.

Schwab is focusing on stock market outcomes

Details reported by the Wall Street Journal indicate that Schwab’s initial offering will concentrate on measurable financial outcomes rather than the wider range of events available on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket. Discussions between Schwab and Cboe have also included the possibility of introducing contracts linked to other market indexes.

In addition to the all-or-nothing contracts, the Journal reported that Schwab plans to introduce an options product designed to provide partial payouts when traders come close to predicting an index’s closing level. The feature would use a Cboe mechanism known as the “plus zone,” allowing participants to receive some compensation even when their forecast is not exact.

Institutional interest in prediction markets has accelerated in recent months. Kalshi recently disclosed that institutional trading volume increased 800% over a six-month period as the company expanded its Wall Street presence and product lineup.

Meanwhile, data from DefiLlama shows Polymarket generated approximately $1.5 million in fees over the previous 24 hours and around $10 million during the last seven days, highlighting continued activity across crypto-native prediction platforms.

Crypto expansion continues alongside new market products

Schwab’s move into prediction-style contracts arrives as the firm continues building out its digital asset business.

As reported by crypto.news earlier in June, Schwab revealed plans to extend direct crypto services from retail investors to registered financial advisors. The company is targeting 2027 for spot cryptocurrency trading, transfers, and custody capabilities on its advisor platform, bringing crypto-related account management and asset servicing into its wealth management operations.

The advisor initiative follows the rollout of Schwab Crypto, the company’s spot Bitcoin and Ethereum trading service for retail customers. Schwab previously confirmed a phased launch of direct access to Bitcoin and Ethereum, with select U.S. clients already gaining access this year.

Taken together, the firm’s expansion into prediction-style contracts and cryptocurrency services adds new trading and investment products as established brokerages compete for a larger share of retail and advisor activity.

Charles Schwab is working with Cboe Global Markets to launch a new type of options contract that would allow customers to make yes-or-no wagers on the performance of the S&P 500, marking the brokerage’s first move into prediction markets, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

The feature is expected to roll out to Schwab customers in the coming months, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Unlike traditional prediction market platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi, which typically offer futures-style contracts tied to the outcome of events, Schwab’s product would function more like a binary option, in which the contract would pay a fixed cash amount or expire worthless depending on whether the S&P 500 closes above or below a specified target price.

Schwab and Cboe are also in talks to offer a similar product tied to a Cboe feature known as the “Plus Zone,” which would allow traders to receive a partial payout when their prediction is close to the final outcome, even if the index does not finish exactly at the target level.

Bitcoin has climbed back above $63,000 after reports of an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire have renewed expectations that stalled diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran could resume before the end of June.

According to Reuters, Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a ceasefire that is set to take effect on Friday, citing a senior U.S. official. The development comes days after Israeli strikes in Lebanon raised tensions across the region and disrupted plans for U.S.-Iran discussions that had been scheduled to take place in Switzerland.

According to data from crypto.news, Bitcoin (BTC) briefly climbed above $63,000 and reached an intraday high of $63,300 on June 19 after reports of an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire boosted market sentiment. The cryptocurrency later pared some gains and settled at $63,000 at press time.

The ceasefire carries significance beyond Lebanon because it reduces pressure on a U.S.-Iran peace framework signed earlier this week. Reports surrounding the agreement had helped support risk assets, while concerns over renewed regional conflict weighed on sentiment after talks between Washington and Tehran were postponed.

Earlier reports cited by crypto.news indicated that Iran had threatened retaliatory action against Israel following the strikes in Lebanon and warned that escalating tensions could affect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

With the ceasefire now in place, the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran remains active, removing one source of uncertainty that had emerged in recent days.

Traders continue pricing in a diplomatic meeting

Prediction market data suggests traders still expect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to take place before the end of the month despite the disruption.

According to Polymarket data, the single most likely outcome is that no meeting takes place before June 30, with traders assigning that scenario a 38.6% probability. A meeting in Switzerland remains the second-most likely outcome at 31.4%.

Market participants have closely tracked developments surrounding the peace process because the conflict has influenced energy prices and inflation expectations since fighting began earlier this year. Any progress toward a diplomatic resolution could reduce concerns about supply disruptions and additional economic pressure.

Technical and on-chain signals remain cautious

Even as geopolitical tensions eased, Bitcoin continued to face headwinds from U.S. monetary policy.

Following this week’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady at 3.50%–3.75% and signaled that additional rate hikes could still be considered later this year. The central bank’s hawkish stance has continued to pressure risk assets, with Bitcoin remaining below levels seen before the recent selloff.

Commenting on Bitcoin’s market structure, analyst Ted Pillows argued that the cryptocurrency has not yet established a bottom. He suggested that another lower high could form before the market reaches a capitulation phase.

“IMO, this lower high could be around the $74,000 level, which has been a key level since Q1 2024. After that, Bitcoin will have its final dump.”

On-chain activity has also pointed to continued stress among some investors. Blockchain tracking platform Lookonchain reported that a whale identified as wallet sold 800 BTC worth about $50.24 million after holding the position for seven months.

U.S. Representative Bryan Steil, who chairs the House subcommittee on digital assets, has introduced a bill aimed at curbing how elected officials participate in politically focused prediction market contracts. The proposal—called the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act—would restrict certain officeholders, along with their spouses and dependent children, from placing bets tied to specific government policies or political outcomes on platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.

Steil’s announcement, made in a Thursday notice, outlines a financial penalty structure for violations: officials who fall under the ban would have to pay either a $2,000 fee or an amount equal to 10% of the value of the prohibited bets placed on participating prediction market platforms.

Key takeaways

• Steil’s bill targets prediction market wagers tied to “government policies,” “government actions,” and broader political outcomes.
• The restriction applies to members of Congress plus their spouses and dependent children, but does not broadly prohibit all event betting.
• If enacted, the law would impose penalties ranging from a $2,000 fee to 10% of the bet value.
• The legislation does not extend to White House officials, which may keep political questions around insider influence in the spotlight.
• The bill lands amid ongoing federal-versus-state regulatory conflict over prediction markets led by the CFTC.

What the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act would bar

According to Steil’s notice, the bill is designed to prevent public officials from profiting from policy questions and political results. It does not attempt to shut down prediction markets entirely, and it does not frame the issue as a ban on lawmakers participating in all types of event contracts.

Instead, the proposed law focuses on the content of the wager: it would bar bets aligned with specific government policies, government actions, and “political outcomes.” In practical terms, that framing appears intended to cover politically sensitive contracts, which could include contracts reflecting election results or other outcomes closely tied to governmental decisions.

The bill also specifies timing. If passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, it would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Why lawmakers are targeting politically aligned event contracts

Steil’s proposal is the latest attempt to address concerns that lawmakers—or others with privileged access to information—could benefit from prediction markets before key developments become public. The push has gained public attention after widely reported claims surrounding political event betting.

Earlier coverage highlighted a case involving a U.S. soldier who allegedly placed more than $400,000 in bets related to the removal of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro on Polymarket. Maduro was reported to have been ousted by U.S. forces in January, according to earlier reporting from Cointelegraph. The incident became a focal point for broader questions about whether market participants may exploit privileged knowledge connected to government activity.

While Steil’s bill is not described as a direct response to that single case, it reflects a similar policy concern: when contracts are tied to governmental actions or political results, the potential for unfair advantage becomes a central political issue.

Limits of the bill—and the unanswered White House question

Although the bill is aimed at members of Congress, it does not specifically place the same restrictions on White House officials. That omission has practical relevance because prediction markets regulation and compliance debates often extend beyond Capitol Hill.

Cointelegraph previously reported that lawmakers have moved to address insider trading and related concerns in prediction markets, but Steil’s legislation—based on the description in the notice—does not explicitly cover White House figures, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Earlier reporting also noted that Donald Trump Jr. has served as a strategic adviser to Kalshi, while another adviser role was reported in connection with Polymarket.

Additionally, Cointelegraph noted Polymarket’s sponsorship of the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday. While those details do not by themselves establish any wrongdoing, they help explain why critics may view the bill’s scope as incomplete—particularly if the objective is to reduce perceived conflicts of interest across the political ecosystem.

Cointelegraph reported that it reached out to Steil’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Prediction markets regulation is already a federal-state battleground

Steil’s bill enters a landscape where federal regulators have been asserting strong authority over prediction market activity. Under the Trump administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its chair, Michael Selig, have maintained that the agency has “exclusive jurisdiction” over regulation and enforcement related to prediction markets.

According to Cointelegraph, the CFTC has already filed multiple lawsuits against state-level authorities that attempted to restrict or ban prediction market platforms. The agency’s legal position, as described in earlier coverage, is that event contracts can be treated as “swaps” under the Commodity Exchange Act rather than as traditional bets subject to different regulatory frameworks.

Cointelegraph also reported that legal disputes over prediction markets could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, referencing the potential for continued appeals related to Kalshi. That federal litigation matters to investors and platform operators because it can determine whether prediction markets can expand nationally without being met by a patchwork of conflicting state rules.

In that context, Steil’s bill may function as a separate track—targeting conflicts of interest involving federal officeholders—while the broader question of regulatory classification and jurisdiction remains tied to ongoing court fights.

For market participants, the key next step is to watch whether the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act gains traction in Congress and how its political scope is debated—especially given the law’s apparent focus on members of Congress rather than the broader executive branch. Meanwhile, developments in the CFTC’s court strategy could still reshape the operational rules for prediction markets regardless of any new federal conflict-of-interest legislation.

Wisconsin Representative Bryan Steil, who chairs the House subcommittee on digital assets, introduced a law to prevent certain public officials from “wagering on public policy issues and political outcomes,” notably without mentioning lawmakers in the White House.

In a Thursday notice, Steil said he had introduced the Stop Lawmakers from Predicting Act, which could bar “members of Congress, their spouses, and dependent children” from using policy-aligned event contracts on prediction markets platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. The bill proposed that elected officials in violation pay a $2,000 fee or 10% of the value of the prohibited bets on the platforms.

Source: Committee on House Administration

The proposed law did not specifically bar US lawmakers from using prediction markets platforms or making bets on sporting events, but prohibited wagers on specific government policies, government actions and “political outcomes,” presumably including election results. If passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, the law could take effect in 180 days after enactment.

Steil’s bill was the latest attempt by members of Congress to address lawmakers potentially using insider information to profit on event contracts. The issue drew attention from many in the public after an incident involving a soldier who allegedly made more than $400,000 betting on the removal of Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro, who was ousted by US forces in January.

Related: Polymarket weighs KYC requirements amid global crackdown on prediction markets

Although the proposed law follows attempts from other lawmakers to crack down on insider trading on prediction markets, Steil’s legislation did not extend to White House officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jr., is a strategic adviser to Kalshi and an adviser to Polymarket, which was also a sponsor of the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House on Sunday. 

Cointelegraph reached out to Steil’s office for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Federal regulator still fighting for control of prediction markets

Under Trump, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its chair Michael Selig have claimed that the federal agency has “exclusive jurisdiction” in the regulation and enforcement around prediction markets. The CFTC has already filed multiple lawsuits against state-level authorities restricting or banning the platforms, claiming that under the Commodity Exchange Act, event contracts can be regulated as “swaps” and not bets.

Some experts believe that the legal fight could be headed to the Supreme Court next.

Magazine: The end of anon? AI could unmask crypto’s hidden identities

Ethereum faced renewed pressure after a major transaction involving BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes entered the market. Hayes sold 6,000 ETH at a loss, while Ethereum continued trading near the $1,700 level. At the same time, several large holders increased their exposure to the asset, creating mixed signals across the market.

Arthur Hayes Exits Ethereum Position at a Loss

Arthur Hayes completed a large Ethereum sale after accumulating the asset over recent days. Blockchain data showed that he purchased nearly 5,900 ETH at an average price of $1,793. However, he later sold 6,000 ETH at around $1,690 per coin.

The transaction carried an estimated value of $10.14 million. As a result, Hayes recorded a loss of roughly $606,000 on the position. The move attracted attention because he typically executes trades that target profitable exits.

Market participants linked the sale to the ongoing weakness in Ethereum’s price action. Selling activity increased across the broader crypto sector, and several major digital assets moved lower. Consequently, Ethereum struggled to maintain support near the $1,700 level.

Whales Continue Accumulating Ethereum

Despite Hayes’ sale, other large holders continued purchasing Ethereum. Recent on-chain data showed strong accumulation from several whale wallets. These purchases occurred while Ethereum traded near recent lows.

K3 Capital acquired 10,000 ETH from Binance in a transaction worth approximately $16.92 million. The purchase represented one of the largest single acquisitions recorded during the latest trading session. Furthermore, the transaction suggested continued institutional-level interest in Ethereum.

Another wallet linked to Chun Wang acquired 7,650 ETH valued at about $12.93 million. The purchase added to a series of recent accumulation activities by large holders. Therefore, whale activity continued to provide a contrasting signal against recent selling pressure.

Ethereum Faces Key Price Levels Amid Market Weakness

Ethereum remained under pressure throughout the latest trading session. The asset touched a low near $1,670 before recovering slightly toward $1,700. However, sellers maintained control of short-term market direction.

Analysts identified several important price levels for Ethereum. Some market observers highlighted the possibility of a move toward $1,900 if buying momentum improves. Meanwhile, weaker conditions could expose the asset to additional downside near the $1,500 support zone.

Recent actions from Hayes added another layer of discussion around market sentiment. Earlier this month, he also reduced exposure to Worldcoin before the highly anticipated SpaceX IPO. In addition, he exited positions in Hyperliquid’s HYPE token and NEAR Protocol assets.

Ethereum remains the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation. The network supports decentralised finance applications, tokenised assets, and smart contract activity across the digital asset sector. Because of its role within the industry, major transactions involving prominent traders often attract significant attention.

Current market conditions continue to reflect competing forces. On one side, high-profile sales have increased discussions about short-term weakness. On the other side, sustained whale accumulation signals that some large holders still view current price levels as attractive entry points.

The coming sessions may provide greater clarity regarding Ethereum’s next direction. Until then, market participants will likely focus on support levels, whale activity, and broader crypto market performance. These factors could influence whether Ethereum stabilises above current levels or extends its recent decline.

Amazon has withdrawn from distributing the Sam Altman biopic “Artificial” as OpenAI moves closer to a potential public listing.

According to a report from Puck, Amazon has stepped away from the high-profile film project despite continuing discussions with the filmmakers about securing a new distribution partner.

The report said the decision comes as Amazon deepens its business relationship with OpenAI, including a multi-billion-dollar investment commitment tied to future milestones.

The movie centers on OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman and also features Tesla and xAI founder Elon Musk. Puck reported that the film does not present either technology executive in an entirely favorable light, a factor that some industry observers believe may have influenced Amazon’s decision.

While the company reportedly expressed confidence in the director’s creative abilities, it has chosen not to move forward as the film’s distributor.

Amazon’s exit has drawn attention because it follows a major cloud computing agreement signed with OpenAI last year. Although the company has not publicly linked the decision to its partnership with the artificial intelligence firm, the timing has fueled discussion across both Hollywood and the technology industry.

OpenAI prepares for a possible stock market debut

Attention around the film arrives as OpenAI continues laying the groundwork for a potential initial public offering.

According to earlier reports, the company recently submitted a confidential draft registration statement to U.S. regulators, allowing it to prepare for a public listing without immediately committing to a launch date.

Reports citing internal discussions said Altman told employees that OpenAI could go public within the next year, though he stressed that the timeline remains flexible and could change depending on market conditions and company priorities.

During those discussions, Altman reportedly described the confidential filing as a strategic step that preserves optionality. By filing early, the company can move quickly if conditions become favorable or delay a listing if remaining private offers more benefits.

Investor interest in OpenAI has increased as artificial intelligence companies attract larger capital inflows and command higher valuations in public markets. The company has remained at the center of that trend through new partnerships, product expansion, and growing enterprise adoption.

Enterprise expansion strengthens OpenAI’s position

Recent commercial agreements have added to the momentum surrounding OpenAI’s business.

As reported by crypto.news earlier this month, OpenAI signed a multi-year agreement with BBVA that will expand ChatGPT Enterprise access from 11,000 employees to the bank’s entire workforce of 120,000 people.

According to OpenAI, the deployment will extend across BBVA’s operations in 25 countries and support AI-based tools for customer service, risk analysis, software development, and internal operations.

OpenAI said the rollout ranks among the largest generative AI deployments in the financial services sector. The company also stated that BBVA will work directly with its product, research, and technology teams as AI tools are integrated into customer-facing and internal systems.

Against that backdrop, Amazon’s decision to leave the Artificial project has landed at a moment when scrutiny of OpenAI, its leadership, and its future as a public company is intensifying. With IPO expectations building and new enterprise deals expanding the company’s reach, interest in Sam Altman and the organization he leads continues to grow well beyond the technology sector.