Key Insights

• Pi Network extended the Protocol 23.0 migration deadline from May 15 to May 19.
• The revised upgrade improves node database performance after migration completion.
• Pi App Studio now converts AI-generated apps into Pi-native applications quickly.

Pi Network has extended the migration deadline for Protocol 23.0 from May 15 to May 19, 2026. The update gives node operators additional time to install an improved version of the release aimed at strengthening database performance after migration.

The Pi Core Team confirmed the revised deadline after issuing an updated version of Protocol 23.0. The network stated that the extension supports smoother migration and better validator synchronization during the transition period.

Pi Network Protocol 23.0 Focus on Node Stability

The updated release centers on improving node database performance after migration. Pi Network encouraged operators to move directly to the revised version instead of continuing with the earlier release issued before the extension.

The network described the decision as part of an effort to improve operational quality during the migration process. The announcement did not reference any infrastructure failure or issue with the original rollout.

Pi Network Protocol 23.0 remains an important upgrade tied to the network’s broader mainnet development plans. The release follows earlier protocol versions, including 19.1 through 22.1, which supported previous network improvements.

According to the update, Protocol 23.0 uses Stellar Core v23.0.1. The integration places greater importance on stable node migration and validation synchronization across the network.

The revised version also targets systems that require consistent uptime. Improved database handling may support operators managing multiple nodes during the migration process.

Node Operators Face Final Migration Deadline

The extension gives node operators four additional days to complete migration requirements. However, Pi Network confirmed that May 19 remains the final deadline for the upgrade process.

The network stated that operators should install the revised release before the deadline to avoid potential synchronization issues after migration ends. The improved version is now available for deployment.

Protocol 23.0 continues to serve as a major infrastructure step for Pi Network. The update supports the network’s ongoing work around smart contracts and mainnet functionality.

The migration period also reflects Pi Network’s focus on maintaining stable operations while expanding technical capabilities across its ecosystem.

Pi App Studio Expands Developer Tools

Alongside the infrastructure upgrade, Pi Network introduced new features for Pi App Studio. The platform can now convert AI-generated applications from Claude Code and Codex into Pi-native apps within minutes.

The addition supports developers building applications inside the Pi ecosystem. While separate from the protocol migration, the tool expansion aligns with Pi Network’s broader ecosystem growth plans.

Pi Network is currently advancing both infrastructure and developer-focused services. Protocol 23.0 addresses node operations and migration stability, while Pi App Studio focuses on faster application development.

The network stated that Protocol 23.0 migration remains the primary priority before the May 19 deadline.

Key Insights

• Canaccord Wealth UK adds Bitwise Bitcoin and Ethereum ETP access for select clients.
• Crypto exposure remains capped at 5% within managed wealth portfolios.
• Bitwise expands regulated ETP distribution across UK wealth management channels.

Canaccord Bitwise Crypto ETPs Expand Wealth Access

Canaccord Wealth UK has partnered with Bitwise Asset Management to introduce Bitcoin and Ethereum exchange-traded products for high-net-worth clients. The arrangement allows controlled access to crypto exposure through managed portfolios.

The new structure limits digital asset exposure to a maximum of 5% per portfolio. The model keeps allocations within traditional wealth management frameworks. It focuses on clients seeking exposure to major digital assets without direct ownership.

Bitwise Head of Europe Bradley Duke, Bradley Duke confirmed the partnership through a post on X. He stated that selected clients will gain access to regulated crypto investment products linked to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

The move positions Canaccord among the UK wealth managers offering structured crypto exposure. The service targets institutional and high-net-worth investors rather than retail users.

5% Portfolio Cap and Risk Controls

The Canaccord Bitwise crypto ETPs arrangement uses a capped allocation system. Advisers manage exposure levels within the 5% limit based on client risk profiles and portfolio strategies.

The structure aims to reduce exposure to volatility linked to digital assets. Bitcoin and Ethereum remain the core assets included in the offering. The ETP format allows exposure through traditional investment channels.

The wealth manager oversees approximately $70 billion in assets. The integration of crypto ETPs adds a limited option within its broader investment offerings.

The approach avoids full portfolio integration of crypto assets. Instead, it places them as a small component within diversified holdings. This maintains alignment with conventional risk management practices.

Bitwise Expands Regulated Crypto Investment Channels

The Bitwise partnership expands its distribution footprint in the UK wealth market. The firm continues to position its products within regulated investment structures used by financial advisers.

Bitwise provides exchange-traded product exposure that tracks major digital assets. These products allow investors to access crypto without managing private wallets or direct token custody.

The Canaccord Bitwise crypto ETPs model reflects growing interest in regulated crypto access. Financial institutions continue to explore limited exposure strategies for client portfolios.

Duke described the collaboration as part of a broader European expansion strategy. The focus remains on adapting digital asset products for professional wealth management systems.

Canaccord has not announced wider crypto integration beyond this partnership. The offering remains restricted to eligible clients under adviser supervision.

The immediate impact depends on client demand and portfolio allocation decisions. However, the partnership adds another structured channel for crypto exposure within traditional financial services.

Proud to announce that the prestigious Canaccord Wealth UK ($70bn AUM) has exclusively partnered with @Bitwise to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum ETPs to selected clients for up to 5% of their portfolios.

This is a momentous moment for crypto adoption in the UK and Channel Islands.…

— Bradley Duke (@BradleyDuke_) May 15, 2026

Key Insights

• Senate Banking Committee approved Crypto Clarity Act in a 15–9 bipartisan vote.
• Last-minute talks reshaped oversight, banking rules, and developer protection language.
• Ethics concerns and regulatory scope remain unresolved before final Senate vote.

Senate Banking Committee Reaches Last-Minute Agreement

The Senate Banking Committee advanced the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act after lawmakers reached a last-minute agreement during a tense hearing. The committee approved the bill on May 14 through a 15–9 bipartisan vote. The decision followed hours of closed-door discussions and several revisions to the draft.

According to the Crypto in America report, the agreement formed shortly after the hearing began. Lawmakers resolved multiple disputed sections behind the scenes. The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations also involved ethics rules and oversight provisions tied to digital assets. As a result, bipartisan support expanded within the committee.

Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Ruben Gallego joined Republican lawmakers in backing the revised bill. Their support helped secure final approval in committee. The agreement followed extended discussions on regulatory structure and banking-related provisions.

Negotiations Focus on Oversight and Developer Rules

Negotiations over the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act began under pressure the night before the hearing. Lawmakers made progress on ethics safeguards for government officials. However, disagreements continued over the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act and related provisions.

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations revealed a key dispute over non-custodial software developer protections. Republicans opposed Democratic revisions tied to money transmitter rules. The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations entered the hearing without final agreement on this issue.

Tensions continued on the morning of the hearing. Several pro-crypto Democrats held private meetings to review strategy and concessions. A Banking Committee staffer stated, ‘Members were still hashing it out as late as 10:29 a.m., it was pretty unbelievable.’

Shortly after Chairman Tim Scott opened the session, a small bipartisan group met in a committee anteroom. Senators Cynthia Lummis, Thom Tillis, Angela Alsobrooks, and Ruben Gallego discussed remaining disputes while the public hearing continued. This parallel negotiation helped maintain momentum in the legislative process.

Revised Bill Moves Toward Full Senate Consideration

The final compromise included revisions to banking rules, tokenization provisions, insider trading language, and consumer protections. Lawmakers also removed sections linked to the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act from parts of the draft.

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations helped secure support from Senators Gallego and Alsobrooks. However, Gallego stated, ‘I want to be clear: my vote here does not guarantee a vote on the floor. We have many outstanding issues still to resolve.’ His statement confirmed that further review remains necessary.

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations now shift toward the full Senate process. The bill will combine with language from the Senate Agriculture Committee before reaching the floor. Lawmakers continue to refine ethics rules and regulatory boundaries.

Democrats continue to push for stricter ethics requirements covering elected officials and crypto holdings. At the same time, discussions remain open on how to define regulatory responsibility across the crypto industry. The bill now moves closer to a full Senate vote while key disagreements remain active.

Key Insights

• Senate Banking Committee approved Crypto Clarity Act in a 15–9 bipartisan vote.
• Last-minute negotiations resolved disputes on ethics rules and developer protections.
• Bill now moves toward full Senate vote with unresolved regulatory differences.

Senate Vote Moves Crypto Clarity Act Forward

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate process advanced after lawmakers reached a late-stage agreement during a Senate Banking Committee hearing. The committee approved the bill in a 15–9 vote with bipartisan backing. The vote followed extended negotiations over key regulatory issues.

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate negotiations involved both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. Senators Angela Alsobrooks and Ruben Gallego supported the final version after revisions, and the agreement helped the bill progress despite earlier disagreements on oversight rules.

The effort now moves to the full Senate as lawmakers continue to refine sections before a final vote. The bill also incorporates input from the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Last-Minute Negotiations Shape Final Draft

Negotiations intensified ahead of the hearing as lawmakers worked through unresolved issues. The Crypto Clarity Act Senate talks focused on ethics rules for public officials and oversight of digital asset markets. Discussions also addressed developer protections under crypto regulations.

Lawmakers debated provisions linked to non-custodial software developers as Republican members opposed some Democratic proposals related to money transmitter classification. These disagreements delayed agreement until shortly before the committee session began.

The Crypto Clarity Act Senate compromise emerged after closed-door discussions during the hearing. Senators Cynthia Lummis, Thom Tillis, Angela Alsobrooks, and Ruben Gallego participated in final negotiations. The group worked through remaining disputes while the public hearing continued.

Revised Provisions Secure Bipartisan Support

The final Crypto Clarity Act Senate draft included changes to banking rules, tokenization standards, and consumer protections. Some provisions linked to the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act were removed or adjusted during negotiations.

Crypto Clarity Act Senate revisions helped secure votes from both parties. However, Senator Ruben Gallego noted that additional issues remain unresolved before a final floor vote. Lawmakers continue discussions on ethics rules tied to digital asset holdings.

The process will now integrate additional legislative language before reaching the Senate floor. Senators continue working through regulatory differences as the bill moves closer to a full vote decision.

Bitcoin’s price was down today, remaining a major market trend on May 16 as heavy selling pressure hit crypto assets. Rising Treasury yields, ETF outflows, and inflation concerns weakened market sentiment across digital assets. Meanwhile, aggressive weekend Bitcoin sales increased volatility and pushed the broader crypto market lower.

Bitcoin Price Down Today as Market Cap Falls

Bitcoin’s price is down today, pushing the asset below the $78,000 level during volatile weekend trading activity. The broader crypto market also declined sharply as the total market capitalisation dropped near $2.59 trillion. Meanwhile, Ethereum slipped toward the $2,200 support zone and added pressure across major altcoins.

Bitcoin ETF Outflows Deepen Selling Pressure

Bitcoin’s price is down today, having gained momentum after US spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded significant weekly capital outflows. Data from SoSoValue showed Bitcoin ETFs posted nearly $1 billion in outflows over the previous week. Furthermore, none of the twelve spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded positive inflows on May 15.

BlackRock’s IBIT fund registered more than $317 million in net outflows during the same trading period. The reversal ended a six-week inflow streak that previously attracted approximately $3.4 billion into Bitcoin products. Therefore, institutional demand weakened sharply as macroeconomic uncertainty continued affecting crypto markets.

Ethereum ETF products also recorded continued weakness as outflows reached $65.65 million during the latest session. The withdrawals marked the fifth straight trading day of negative Ethereum ETF flows across US markets. Bitcoin’s price being down today reflected these weaker fund flows and lower confidence in short-term crypto positions.

Market participants also reacted to inflation concerns and reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. Analysts lowered the probability of a 2026 rate reduction to approximately 27% during the week. At the same time, discussions surrounding another possible rate hike added pressure on digital assets.

Treasury Yields and Binance Activity Increase Volatility

Bitcoin’s price is down today, facing additional pressure after the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed above 4.55 per cent. Higher bond yields usually weaken demand for speculative assets because safer investments become more attractive to traders. Consequently, crypto assets experienced stronger selling pressure across global trading sessions.

Meanwhile, reports linked Binance trading activity to large Bitcoin sales during low-liquidity weekend market conditions. Market observers noted repeated Bitcoin sell orders appearing within short trading intervals across the exchange platform. The activity increased crypto market volatility and intensified speculation surrounding potential market-moving developments next week.

Bitcoin’s price being down today also coincided with growing discussions around future cryptocurrency regulation within the United States. The Senate Banking Committee recently approved the CLARITY Act through a unanimous committee vote. Although regulatory optimism remained present, broader macroeconomic conditions continued driving bearish momentum across crypto markets.

The latest decline highlighted how macroeconomic uncertainty still strongly influences digital asset performance across global financial markets. Bitcoin’s price is down today, reflecting weaker ETF demand, stronger Treasury yields, and elevated market-wide liquidation activity. As volatility increased, crypto traders faced another challenging session during an already uncertain economic environment.

Japan’s major brokerages are preparing to bring crypto investment trusts to retail investors, with SBI Securities and Rakuten Securities already developing products in-house, while others like Nomura plan to enter the space once regulations are finalized.

SBI Securities plans to sell funds developed by group company SBI Global Asset Management, with products spanning both ETFs and investment trusts focused on liquid assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, according to a Sunday report by Nikkei. The group intends to handle everything from product development to distribution in-house.

Rakuten Securities is taking a similar approach, working with Rakuten Investment Management to build products tradeable directly through smartphone apps, the report revealed.

The move would mark a significant shift in how ordinary Japanese investors access crypto. Currently, buying digital assets requires opening a dedicated exchange account or setting up a wallet. Investment trusts would allow crypto exposure through existing securities accounts, removing a key barrier for retail participation.

Related: Japan tells real estate and crypto sectors to tighten AML checks on property deals

Nomura, Daiwa, SMBC moving toward crypto funds

Among the larger names, Nomura and Daiwa have both announced plans to develop crypto investment trusts within their respective groups, Nikkei reported. SMBC Group, including SMBC Nikko, has set up a cross-group task force to evaluate its options, while Asset Management One, under Mizuho Financial Group, has begun preliminary exploration.

The move comes as Japan’s Financial Services Agency is moving to revise the enforcement order of the Investment Trust Act by 2028, which would formally add cryptocurrencies to the list of specified assets investment trusts can hold.

Last month, Japan formally reclassified crypto assets as financial instruments under an amended Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, bringing them under the same regulatory umbrella as stocks and bonds. The bill, if passed in the current parliamentary session, is expected to take effect in fiscal 2027.

Related: SBI eyes Bitbank deal as Japan’s crypto exchange market consolidates

Japan to allow spot crypto ETFs

Japan is also reportedly considering rule changes that could allow crypto ETFs as early as 2028, with major financial groups including Nomura Holdings and SBI Holdings among the first expected to develop such products.

SBI Holdings has already outlined plans for a Bitcoin-XRP dual ETF and a gold-crypto ETF, pending regulatory approval.

Magazine: Guide to the top and emerging global crypto hubs — Mid-2026

Nearly 70 Trump administration officials and nominees disclosed cryptocurrency holdings or investments in blockchain and digital asset companies, according to a Washington Post analysis. 

The review covered financial disclosure forms for nearly 300 senior appointees and used minimum reported values because filings list assets in ranges.

The Post said the disclosed crypto-related holdings were worth at least $193 million. President Donald Trump reported at least $51 million tied to digital assets, while Vice President JD Vance and seven Cabinet members or nominees disclosed at least another $2 million in crypto wallets or investments.

Cabinet and policy roles draw attention

The report said more than one-third of Trump’s Cabinet disclosed crypto holdings or related investments. Vance reported Bitcoin holdings valued between $250,001 and $500,000, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported up to $500,000 in digital assets before divesting, according to a Treasury spokesperson cited by the Post.

The review also identified crypto holdings among officials with roles in financial regulation, economic policy, and law enforcement. The Post said Bill Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, reported between $1 million and $2 million in digital currencies.

Moreover, White House spokesman Harrison Fields told the Post that “conflicts of interest are never tolerated” in the administration. He also said Trump is taking action to establish regulatory clarity for digital financial technology and strengthen U.S. leadership in the digital asset economy.

The administration has also moved policy toward crypto. A White House fact sheet said Trump signed an executive order on March 6, 2025, to establish a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile.

Recent filings keep crypto ties in focus

The Washington Post analysis was updated in July 2025, but recent filings have kept Trump-linked crypto exposure in the news. Crypto.news reported that Trump-family disclosures showed multiple Q1 2026 purchases of crypto-linked stocks, including Coinbase, MARA Holdings, Strategy, Block, Robinhood, and SoFi.

The same report said Strategy appeared in eight separate transactions, including both purchases and sales. It also noted that the filing combines reportable accounts tied to Trump, Melania Trump, and dependent children, meaning the document does not identify who ordered each trade.