x
Coinbase and Better Home & Finance have introduced a mortgage structure that allows borrowers to use digital assets held in Coinbase accounts, such as Bitcoin or USDC, as collateral for a separate loan to fund a down payment on a standard conforming mortgage aligned with Fannie Mae guidelines. The primary mortgage remains conventional, while the crypto-backed loan covers the upfront cost, enabling buyers to retain exposure to their digital assets rather than selling them. This approach builds on growing regulatory and industry momentum to incorporate cryptocurrency into housing finance, following moves by US authorities and lenders to recognise crypto holdings in mortgage assessments and underwriting.
The model, however, replaces upfront cash with additional debt and introduces new risks, particularly linked to the volatility of pledged assets and restrictions on trading them while they are locked. Although price swings do not directly affect mortgage terms or trigger margin calls as long as payments are maintained, they can still influence a borrower’s financial position over time. The development reflects a broader trend of integrating crypto into home lending, with other lenders already allowing digital assets to count towards reserves or income, though typically requiring conversion to cash for down payments. Supporters argue this could help address affordability challenges, especially as high property prices continue to make large deposits difficult for many buyers. Source
Rising yields on US government bonds, with the 10-year Treasury reaching around 4.42%, are tightening financial conditions and reshaping expectations for interest rates, driven partly by higher oil prices and geopolitical tensions. As inflation fears grow, investors are demanding higher yields, which increases borrowing costs across the economy and makes safer assets like bonds more attractive compared to equities and cryptocurrencies. This shift has prompted markets to reconsider the likelihood of rate cuts, with expectations now leaning towards rates staying higher for longer.
Despite these pressures, Bitcoin has remained relatively stable, trading in a narrow range around $68,000 and declining less sharply than equities during the recent sell-off. Market behaviour suggests caution rather than panic, with investors still hedging against downside risk while some accumulate Bitcoin during price dips. Analysts note that Bitcoin is being influenced heavily by macroeconomic forces, and if bond yields continue rising towards 4.5%, tighter financial conditions could increase pressure on both stocks and major cryptocurrencies, keeping Bitcoin closely tied to broader market trends. Source
Mezo, a Bitcoin-focused lending protocol, has partnered with Aerodrome Finance to boost trading activity for its MEZO token and its Bitcoin-backed stablecoin, MUSD, on the Base network. As part of the initiative, Mezo will allocate 2.25% of its token supply to Aerodrome users who lock tokens for governance and rewards, encouraging them to direct liquidity into MEZO trading pairs. The collaboration aims to connect Base’s active DeFi ecosystem with Bitcoin-native financial applications, helping expand the use of Bitcoin beyond simple holding into more dynamic financial use cases.
The move reflects a broader push to grow Bitcoin-based decentralised finance, as platforms experiment with adapting established DeFi models to Bitcoin and attract more users and liquidity. Mezo, which enables borrowing against Bitcoin holdings, has already issued thousands of loans and facilitated millions in asset movement, but like many Bitcoin DeFi projects, faces challenges in building sustained trading activity. By leveraging existing infrastructure and user bases on networks like Base, projects hope to scale adoption, as interest rises in generating yield and utility from Bitcoin among both retail and institutional participants. Source
Brazil has passed a new law aimed at strengthening the fight against organised crime, allowing authorities to seize digital assets such as Bitcoin and use them to support public security efforts. Signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the legislation introduces tougher penalties for criminal leaders while enabling judges to order the freezing, seizure or sale of assets, including virtual currencies, when there is sufficient evidence of serious offences. In some cases, courts can approve the early sale of these assets, with proceeds directed towards funding public security initiatives.
The law reflects a broader effort to disrupt criminal networks by targeting their financial resources, giving authorities greater flexibility to manage and repurpose seized assets. However, handling digital assets presents practical challenges, as seen in other countries where poor custody practices have led to losses or security breaches. Brazil’s move follows earlier efforts to crack down on illicit crypto activity, signalling a growing willingness to integrate digital assets into law enforcement strategies while addressing the complexities involved in securing and managing them. Source
Onchain perpetual futures tied to real-world commodities such as oil and precious metals are seeing a sharp rise in trading activity, as investors move away from struggling altcoins. A report by Sygnum highlights that these commodity-linked contracts now dominate trading on the Hyperliquid decentralised exchange, making up the majority of Builder-Deployed Perpetuals in early 2026. This marks a significant shift from previous trends, where index-based products accounted for most activity. Weekend trading volumes have also surged dramatically, suggesting that crypto-native traders are increasingly rotating into traditional asset exposure via blockchain-based platforms. This trend is reinforced by rapid growth in tokenised real-world assets, which have expanded significantly in market value over the past year.
The shift is taking place against a backdrop of weak altcoin performance and heightened geopolitical tension. Many altcoins remain far below their previous peaks, encouraging traders to treat them more like leveraged Bitcoin proxies and seek alternatives with clearer macroeconomic drivers. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy infrastructure and pushed oil prices higher, contributing to market volatility and inflation concerns. Analysts warn that sustained high oil prices could complicate expectations for interest rate cuts, while recession risks in the United States are rising as the conflict continues. Source
Ripple is introducing an AI-driven security overhaul for the XRP Ledger, incorporating automated testing tools and a dedicated red team that has already identified more than 10 bugs. The new approach embeds AI throughout the development process, including adversarial code scanning on every update and automated stress testing. The red team focusses on how different parts of the system interact in real-world conditions, particularly where older code meets newer features. Ripple has also confirmed that the next software release will focus entirely on fixing bugs and improving stability, rather than adding new features, alongside plans for stricter independent audits and an expanded bug bounty programme.
This increased focus on security comes as XRP’s price declines amid wider market uncertainty. The token has dropped to a two-week low, falling on the day alongside broader crypto and stock market weakness linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Despite previously reaching an all-time high last year, XRP has since lost a significant portion of its value, reflecting ongoing volatility in the market. Source
Twenty One Capital has become the second-largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder after mining firm MARA reduced its holdings, dropping to third place. The company now holds 43,514 BTC in its treasury, valued at roughly 2.9 billion dollars at the time of reporting. Formed through a merger with Cantor Equity Partners and listed under the ticker XXI, its shares have declined significantly this year. The shift in rankings follows MARA’s sale of over 15,000 BTC during March, highlighting a notable change in corporate Bitcoin holdings. Other major holders include Japan’s Metaplanet, which remains close behind in total reserves.
The development has raised concerns about the sustainability of debt-driven Bitcoin accumulation strategies. Analysts point out that MARA’s need to sell assets to service borrowed funds reflects risks long associated with aggressive leverage during bullish periods. This contrasts with models that treat Bitcoin as long-term collateral for continued financing. Broader market pressures, including a prolonged downturn since late 2025 and falling equity valuations, have intensified scrutiny on crypto treasury firms. Experts suggest that only companies with disciplined strategies and access to stable financing are likely to endure, while others may be forced to liquidate holdings during challenging market cycles. Source
The new Markethive Profile Pages represent a major upgrade from static online profiles to dynamic, fully integrated professional hubs designed for recruitment and branding. By combining real-time activity, social proof, and marketing tools into one interface, the platform enables users to present a polished, credible image from the outset. Even default profiles are structured to appear professional, while upgraded options offer further customisation through AI-driven features. The design focusses on guiding visitors towards engagement, with clear calls to action and a streamlined external viewing experience that encourages sign-ups and connections.
Beyond presentation, the profile functions as a centralised digital workspace with tools for content creation, social media integration, and performance tracking. Users can easily manage posts, edit profile details, customise visuals, and monitor engagement metrics such as connections and page visits. Built-in indicators like Hive Rank and verification status reinforce credibility, while integrated blogs, media feeds, and group access expand functionality. The platform also provides advertising opportunities, communication tools, and privacy controls, allowing users to tailor what external visitors can see. Overall, the profile page is positioned as a comprehensive engine for business growth, networking, and professional influence within the Markethive ecosystem. Source
The UK government has imposed sanctions on Xinbi, a Chinese-language cryptocurrency marketplace accused of supporting scam centres across Southeast Asia by supplying stolen personal data and satellite equipment used to defraud victims globally. The measures are intended to cut Xinbi off from the legitimate crypto ecosystem by restricting its ability to conduct transactions. Officials said the move sends a strong signal against both financial fraud targeting British victims and the severe human rights abuses linked to these operations.
Sanctions were also extended to Legend Innovation Co., which operates #8 Park in Cambodia, believed to be the region’s largest scam compound with space for up to 20,000 trafficked workers, along with key individuals connected to the wider network. The action builds on earlier UK and US sanctions against the Prince Group, which led to over £1 billion in asset freezes and widespread disruption of scam operations. The crackdown comes amid growing international concern over scam compounds in Southeast Asia, which rely heavily on human trafficking and forced labour and have been identified as a major global threat. Source
US Representative Maxine Waters has asked the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City to explain its decision to grant Kraken Financial a limited-purpose master account, marking the first time a crypto-native firm has received such access. In a letter to the bank’s president, she requested details on what services Kraken can use, what restrictions apply, and how anti-money laundering and consumer protection standards were assessed. The account gives Kraken potential access to Fedwire, the central payments system used by banks, raising questions about how crypto firms integrate with core financial infrastructure.
Waters argued that the lack of transparency around the approval creates regulatory and policy concerns, particularly as rapid developments in digital assets and financial technology outpace existing laws. She emphasised the need for clear oversight to ensure fairness, legal compliance and the safety of the payment system. The move comes as other crypto firms continue pursuing similar access, while Waters, who has consistently opposed crypto-friendly legislation, maintains that stronger scrutiny is needed to manage risks associated with the sector. Source
Despite promises from the Trump administration not to prosecute developers of crypto privacy software, federal authorities have continued legal actions against some creators, creating uncertainty within the industry. Recent prosecutions of Bitcoin and Ethereum developers, including the retrial filing against Roman Storm, have highlighted the gap between policy statements and enforcement. A federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit from developer Michael Lewellen, who sought legal assurance against potential prosecution, ruling he had no credible threat since he intended to operate legitimately, further complicating the landscape for privacy-focused developers.
Peter Van Valkenburgh, executive director of the crypto advocacy group Coin Center, warned that this inconsistency leaves developers vulnerable, as tools designed for privacy could still be used illicitly, exposing creators to legal risk. While some developers may currently benefit from deprioritisation in enforcement, the lack of clear, binding legal guidance makes it difficult to plan or operate safely in the sector. The situation underscores ongoing tension between supportive policy rhetoric and actual prosecutorial behaviour, leaving industry leaders frustrated and cautious. Source
ARK Invest, the tech-focused asset manager led by Cathie Wood, will begin using data from prediction markets run by Kalshi to enhance its investment decision-making and risk management strategies. The firm plans to incorporate real-time market expectations, trading volumes, regulatory developments, and technological milestones into its existing research framework. ARK has also collaborated with Kalshi to create markets on topics of interest, including macroeconomic indicators like non-farm payrolls and deficit-to-GDP ratios, as well as company-specific performance metrics.
Prediction markets have gained significant traction in recent years, with monthly trading volumes consistently exceeding $10 billion, and have attracted institutional attention for their ability to provide timely insights. Researchers at the US Federal Reserve and Cornell University have highlighted the value of such markets in measuring macroeconomic expectations and studying reactions to political events. ARK’s integration of Kalshi data represents a broader trend of using prediction market information to inform investment strategies and policy research. Source
Tether has launched its gold-backed token XAUT on BNB Chain, broadening access to its dominant tokenised gold product following recent surges in gold prices. XAUT, which has a market capitalisation of nearly $2.5 billion, represents one fine troy ounce of physical gold held in Swiss vaults and backed 1:1, as confirmed by independent attestations. Originally launched on Ethereum, the token now allows users within BNB Chain's ecosystem to trade XAUT in pairs with USDT, Bitcoin, FDUSD, USDC, and TRY, further integrating physical gold into digital markets.
The move provides BNB Chain users with direct exposure to gold while enabling instant settlement and global mobility of the asset. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasised that the expansion brings gold into a system where it can be actively used rather than merely held. The development comes amid gold’s recent price volatility, which peaked above $5,500 in January before declining to $4,442, and reflects Tether’s broader efforts to integrate traditional assets into the modern financial system. Source
David Sacks is stepping down from his position as the White House’s AI and crypto czar after reaching the 130-day limit for special government employees, though he will continue advising the administration as co-chair of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. During his tenure, Sacks played a key role in shaping the administration’s approach to digital assets, advocating for market structure and stablecoin legislation, clearer rules for crypto, and the creation of a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve. Despite these efforts, several legislative initiatives, including the CLARITY Act and the concept of a permanent White House crypto council, remain incomplete.
Sacks’ departure leaves significant aspects of the administration’s crypto agenda unresolved, with Congress still debating how digital assets should be regulated and which agencies should oversee different market segments. His involvement moving forward will focus on broader technology and artificial intelligence policy rather than day-to-day crypto legislation. The administration continues to navigate challenges around a strategic Bitcoin reserve and stablecoin governance, reflecting ongoing complexities in integrating digital assets into the U.S. financial system. Source
A high-profile UK case has highlighted how human error and surveillance can outweigh technical vulnerabilities in cryptocurrency security. Ping Fai Yuen alleges that his estranged wife and her sister stole 2,323 Bitcoin, worth around $176 million, by secretly recording his wallet’s seed phrase rather than exploiting any digital weakness. The assets were stored in a hardware wallet, which keeps private keys offline, yet access to the seed phrase allowed the alleged thieves to transfer the Bitcoin to 71 separate addresses without breaching encryption. Court documents suggest that surveillance, possibly involving hidden cameras or audio recording devices, was the central method of compromise.
The case underscores the critical importance of protecting seed phrases, as possession of these words grants full control of a wallet regardless of the physical device. Spreading the Bitcoin across multiple addresses complicated tracking and recovery, while raising concerns about dusting attacks that could expose wallet activity. Beyond the immediate dispute, the case illustrates broader lessons in crypto security: safeguarding recovery information from visual or digital observation, separating personal identity from wallet access, and employing layered protection strategies such as multisignature setups or split backups to reduce reliance on a single point of failure. Source
Bo Shen, founder of Fenbushi Capital, is offering a 10-20% bounty to anyone who can help recover part of the $42 million in cryptocurrency stolen from his personal wallet in 2022. The theft, reportedly caused by a compromised seed phrase, included $38 million in USDC stablecoins, 1,607 Ethereum, nearly $720,000 in USDT, and 4.13 Bitcoin. Shen has stated that while about $1.2 million has been frozen thanks to prior efforts from on-chain analysts, he believes advances in AI and blockchain analysis tools could accelerate recovery and is inviting wider community collaboration.
Shen emphasises that the bounty will be awarded based on the level of contribution to recovering the assets, regardless of the contributor’s identity or method. The theft was reported to local law enforcement with involvement from the FBI and legal representatives, and Fenbushi Capital continues to track leads and gather evidence. Established in 2015, the venture firm manages over $1.6 billion and holds investments in prominent crypto companies such as Bybit and Circle, as well as assets including Ethereum and Zcash. Source
The use of cryptocurrency for real-world payments is growing in Australia, with online shopping emerging as the most popular application. A survey of 2,000 Australians found that 12% now use crypto to buy goods or pay for services, up from 6% in 2025, reflecting a shift toward viewing digital assets as practical payment tools rather than purely speculative investments. Freelance services and video game purchases were the next most common uses, accounting for 16% of respondents’ crypto spending. Despite this growth, some users cited complexity and a lack of education as barriers to broader adoption.
Banking restrictions continue to hamper crypto activity, with around 30% of investors reporting delays or rejections when transferring funds to exchanges, up from 19.3% the previous year. Younger and smaller-scale investors were more affected by these interruptions, highlighting ongoing friction in the system. The report emphasised that clear licencing and regulation could provide banks with greater confidence in crypto transactions, improving reliability for both consumers and businesses and helping Australia’s blockchain industry overcome long-standing obstacles. Source
Disclaimer: These articles are provided for informational purposes only. They are not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or any other advice.
.png){kind=small}
to find the NewsFeed
