Category: crypto

Lido introduces IDVTC design allowing solo stakers to form DVT clusters, reducing collateral needs and increasing Ethereum validator security and staking yields. Four verified stakers form a DVT-backed cluster, reducing risk. Launching with CSM v3 in 2026, Lido aims to compete with restaking and LST platforms based on resilience.

Metaplanet raised $255 million through a private share placement at a 2% premium with fixed-strike warrants at a 10% premium, potentially totaling $531 million. The innovative strategy monetizes equity volatility into Bitcoin accumulation, aiming to become “Japan’s MicroStrategy” with a yen hedge. The move is seen as a response to currency debasement.

A trader made $10 million this month on SOFR options linked to Fed policy, betting on higher rates due to oil-driven inflation. This shows where real money is is made upstream of crypto, impacting treasury yields and revaluing options surfaces. It highlights the importance of understanding Fed policy and market dynamics.

HIVE Digital is winding down Bitcoin mining in Sweden due to hostile tax rules and expanding AI data-center capacity in Canada. The company is shifting from Bitcoin mining to AI and HPC services, trading volatile block rewards for steady data-center revenue. This move aims to reduce regulatory risks and increase profitability.

Streamex has hired Christine Plummer, a former executive at Morgan Stanley and Coinbase, as its new CFO. The company is focusing on tokenizing gold with its GLDY product, aiming for institutional adoption and regulated compliance. Plummer’s experience in traditional finance is seen as crucial for Streamex’s success in the market.

Democrats are proposing the DEATH BETS Act to target prediction markets trading on war, terrorism, and death, following a scandal involving insider trading on platforms like Polymarket. Senator Adam Schiff introduced the bill to bar CFTC-regulated venues from listing contracts related to such events, sparking concerns about the future of prediction markets.

Last week, crypto investment products saw $1.06 billion in inflows despite Middle East tensions impacting broader financial markets. Bitcoin led with $793 million, Ethereum attracted $315 million. U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs had a five-day inflow streak. Total inflows in the past three weeks were $2.7 billion, driving net inflows to $1.2 billion year to date.…

South Korean crypto exchange Bithumb has been fined 36.8 billion won, about $24.5 million, for violating Anti-Money Laundering rules. The exchange processed 45,772 crypto transfers linked to unregistered overseas virtual asset service providers. Bithumb will face a six-month ban on external crypto transfers for new users. Additionally, Bithumb is under investigation for mistakenly distributing a…

Trump dismisses Iran war oil spike as budget “negligible” while crude trades above $100. He signals more strikes are possible even as he claims to spare key Iranian oil infrastructure. Bitcoin and Ethereum rally, reinforcing the “digital macro hedge” narrative despite still behaving like high‑beta risk assets.

BlackRock’s ETHB staking ETF routes 70-95% of its Ethereum to validators run by Figment and other operators. The ETF, with about $100-107 million in assets at launch, returns around 82% of staking rewards to shareholders with a 0.25% fee. Figment’s role is crucial in running the validator infrastructure for the fund.