News linked to this event type.
a regulatory review delay by the U.S. SEC has prevented the first batch of ETF products linked to prediction markets from launching as scheduled, postponing their listing timeline. Multiple institutions, including Roundhill Investments, GraniteShares, and Bitwise Asset Management, submitted applications for over 20 prediction market-related ETFs in February this year. These event-driven products cover topics such as election outcomes, economic recessions, tech layoffs, and commodity prices.Under SEC rules, ETFs typically automatically become effective within 75 days of filing, unless the regulator requests further review. These products were originally expected to launch this week, but their listing has been delayed as the SEC has requested issuers to provide additional details on product mechanisms and disclosures. Relevant sources indicate this delay may be a short-term adjustment. These ETFs typically track "yes/no" event probabilities—such as election results or economic indicators—through derivative instruments and are linked to CFTC-regulated prediction market platforms like Kalshi. Each contract pays $1 if the event occurs, or zero otherwise.While prediction market trading has recently grown rapidly due to increased activity surrounding political events and geopolitical conflicts, it has also raised regulatory concerns regarding insider trading and market manipulation. Bitwise's Chief Investment Officer noted that innovative financial products often require a longer regulatory cycle but may ultimately succeed, emphasizing that prediction market ETFs could become a new channel for retail investors to access event-based trading. (Reuters)
on-chain sleuth ZachXBT posted on platform X, publicly criticizing Tokenlon and imToken, claiming they have become high-risk channels for illegal fund flows and stating that further action will be taken against the relevant platforms. According to him, the majority of Tokenlon's transaction volume originates from pig butchering scams, investment fraud, and various illegal market activities, and he directly stated that its co-founder, Ben He, should "bear legal responsibility for the relevant actions." He indicated that he will continue to investigate and take action against the Tokenlon and imToken ecosystem in the future. Tokenlon has almost no real transaction demand outside of Southeast Asia, and a significant proportion of its on-chain activity is related to illegal fund flows, with this issue having markedly intensified since 2022.Furthermore, ZachXBT also named several so-called offshore large-scale trading and aggregation platforms, including Butter Network, HiFiSwap, Bridgers / SWFT, and Tokenlon, stating that they should face stricter regulation and enforcement due to potential criminal activities.
cross-border remittance giant Western Union has announced the launch of the US dollar stablecoin USDPT on the Solana blockchain. USDPT is issued by Anchorage Digital Bank, is fully backed by the US dollar on a 1:1 basis, and is built on Solana.It is reported that USDPT will be directly integrated into its global payment system to build a more efficient settlement layer. It will serve agents, partners, and future consumer application scenarios, aiming to provide on-chain settlement capabilities for cross-border payments, combining the efficiency of blockchain settlement with Western Union's global compliance and distribution network. (Businesswire)
Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, posted on X stating that the CLARITY Act has taken on heightened urgency, partly due to the exceptionally tight race for control of the U.S. Senate. If Democrats regain control of the Senate, former Senator Sherrod Brown could resume his role as Chair of the Senate Banking Committee; alternatively, if Brown fails to win re-election to the Senate from Ohio but Democrats still secure Senate control, the committee may instead be led by Elizabeth Warren. Such potential leadership changes could significantly influence the regulatory direction for the crypto industry, thereby increasing the practical urgency of advancing the CLARITY Act. Note: Elizabeth Warren is not friendly toward the crypto industry. She has urged the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue stringent implementing rules for the GENIUS Act and explicitly issued guidance prohibiting the use of federal resources—including the Exchange Stabilization Fund or Federal Reserve emergency lending facilities—to backstop stablecoins or the broader crypto industry.
Garrett Jin, agent representing the “1011 Insider Whale,” stated that Trump’s launch of the so-called “Project Freedom” is not a de-risking signal, but is more likely to act as a “fuse” for a new wave of uncertainty. Multiple factors are converging, including energy inventory pressures, enhanced regional military deployments, shifts in policy and legal environments, and tightening diplomatic pathways. Individually, these variables do not constitute definitive signals, but their concentration within the current time window may elevate market volatility risks. Overall, investors are advised to maintain a cautious and hedging mindset, paying close attention to the potential disruption of market sentiment by macroeconomic and geopolitical variables.Although the market has interpreted this move as a sign of easing tensions, driving risk assets higher, the underlying structure is more akin to a strategic framework of “limited engagement plus potential response.” The action primarily maintains shipping security through coordinated shipping lanes, insurance support, and military standby, rather than direct escort operations. This approach could, in fact, amplify reactions to specific triggering events.
Garrett Jin, the agent of “1011 Insider Whale,” authored an analysis stating that Trump’s so-called “Project Freedom” is not a signal of risk mitigation but rather a “fuse” for a new wave of uncertainty. Although the market interprets it as a de-escalation and has driven risk assets higher, its underlying structure more closely resembles a “limited engagement + potential response” strategic framework. This initiative primarily maintains maritime security through coordination of shipping lanes, insurance support, and military readiness—rather than direct naval escort—potentially amplifying market reactions once triggered by specific events. Meanwhile, multiple factors—including energy inventory pressures, heightened regional military deployments, shifts in policy and legal environments, and tightening diplomatic channels—are converging. Individually, these variables do not constitute definitive signals; however, their concentration within the current time window may elevate market volatility risk. Overall, investors are advised to maintain caution and adopt hedging strategies, closely monitoring how macroeconomic and geopolitical variables could potentially disrupt market sentiment.
Arkham has disclosed that BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes' estimated net worth in 2026 could range between $200 million and $350 million, with verifiable on-chain assets totaling approximately $42 million. His wealth primarily stems from his BitMEX equity, his family office Maelstrom fund, and potential undisclosed token investments. Although BitMEX has significantly declined from its 2019 peak (with an annual trading volume exceeding $1 trillion and a valuation of around $3.6 billion), its current valuation stands at approximately $500 million, yet it still constitutes a core component of his asset base.Arthur Hayes was previously sentenced in 2022 for violating the Bank Secrecy Act and was later pardoned by Donald Trump in 2025. Despite navigating regulatory controversies, he remains influential in the crypto industry, particularly active in innovating perpetual swaps and sharing market perspectives.Overall, Arthur Hayes is still regarded as a key opinion leader in the crypto market, with his asset structure closely correlated to market cycles.
According to The Block, Payward, Kraken’s parent company, has announced the completion of its acquisition of Chicago-based crypto-native exchange Bitnomial, thereby obtaining a full suite of U.S. derivatives licenses from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), including Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), Designated Contract Market (DCM), and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) licenses. Payward stated that it will first launch spot margin trading on Kraken, followed by perpetual contracts and options products, all available to eligible U.S. customers. This acquisition will also provide partners—including banks, brokers, and payment service providers—with a channel to offer U.S. derivatives to their end customers. Bitnomial will operate independently under Payward while retaining its existing licenses and regulatory framework. The transaction’s value is reported to be up to $550 million, comprising cash and stock, implying a valuation for Payward of approximately $20 billion; however, the final terms have not been disclosed.
Payward (Kraken’s parent company) has announced the completion of its acquisition of Bitnomial, marking its official entry into the U.S. crypto derivatives market with full regulatory credentials. Following the transaction, Payward now holds a comprehensive set of U.S. CFTC licenses, including Futures Commission Merchant (FCM), Designated Contract Market (DCM), and Derivatives Clearing Organization (DCO) status, enabling it to launch compliant derivatives services in the U.S. market.Payward stated that it will gradually roll out spot margin trading under the Kraken brand, followed by plans to launch perpetual contracts and options products, while expanding institutional-grade derivatives capabilities through the Bitnomial framework. It is reported that Bitnomial, as a Chicago-based native crypto derivatives trading platform, has long held the three core CFTC licenses and has been relatively aggressive in listing new assets. After the transaction, it will retain its existing licenses and regulatory framework, continuing operations within the Payward system.Additionally, this acquisition continues Payward’s recent expansion moves: the company had previously secured a $200 million investment from Deutsche Börse Group and filed IPO-related documents with the U.S. SEC, signaling its accelerated push into globally compliant derivatives and capital market pathways. (The Block)
The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has received over 1,500 public comments on its proposed rules for prediction markets, reflecting intensifying regulatory discussion in this space. Platforms such as Polymarket and Kalshi have expressed support for the proposed regulatory framework, viewing it as conducive to industry standardization and development. However, some stakeholders have called for stricter regulation and enforcement measures to mitigate potential risks. Market analysts note that this comment period highlights substantial disagreement regarding the compliance boundaries, product classification, and regulatory positioning of prediction markets. The finalization of these rules may thus become a pivotal factor shaping the industry’s future development.
industry analysts point out that stablecoins and fintech companies still have about $112 billion in growth potential in the Latin American remittance market. The industry is currently overly concentrated on the $61.8 billion US-Mexico corridor, neglecting faster-growing remittance channels from the US to Central America and within Latin America itself. Cross-border routes such as Venezuela to Colombia, Argentina to Bolivia, and Spain to Ecuador are rapidly heating up, yet most institutions have not optimized their operations for these markets. Overall, the Latin American remittance market is estimated at around $174 billion.It is noted that Latin America is not a single market; countries differ significantly in regulations, payment infrastructure, and demand for stablecoins. Leading companies are adopting a "country-specific customization" strategy rather than a regional one-size-fits-all approach. In terms of trends, the core demand for stablecoins in Latin America is not for payments but for "holding dollars." Users tend to hold funds in stablecoins for the long term rather than just for transfers.Regarding the competitive landscape, traditional institutions like Western Union and MoneyGram are building stablecoin infrastructure, while crypto-native companies such as Binance are also accelerating their entry into this market. Overall, a closed-loop model (remittance-holding-consumption-yield) that combines local payment channels, stablecoin liquidity, and user trust is likely to dominate future competition. (Cointelegraph)
According to CoinDesk, Amy Oldenburg, Head of Digital Asset Strategy at Morgan Stanley, stated at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas that U.S. banks may hold bitcoin on their balance sheets in the future—but the timeline remains uncertain due to guidance from the Federal Reserve, the Basel Accords, and global regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley’s recently launched MSBT—the first bank-issued bitcoin ETP—drew over $100 million in inflows within its first six days of listing, all sourced exclusively from self-directed investment channels and not yet made available to financial advisors. Oldenburg noted that slow adoption by the advisor channel stems primarily from an education gap; the bank has initiated internal training programs to address this and is applying for a digital trust charter from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to support direct custody of crypto assets and spot crypto trading services.
A survey of 1,000 U.S. registered voters, commissioned by CoinDesk, found that only 1% of respondents named cryptocurrency as the most important issue in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections—ranking it nearly last among all concerns. In contrast, cost of living (36%), jobs and the economy (13%), and Social Security and Medicare (11%) emerged as voters’ top priorities. The survey also revealed broadly negative public sentiment toward cryptocurrency in the U.S.: only 27% of respondents reported having invested in, traded, or used cryptocurrency, while another 27% said they might do so in the future. Approximately 47% believed the Republican Party is more crypto-friendly, compared to just 14% who viewed the Democratic Party as more supportive of the crypto industry. However, when asked which party they trust more to manage crypto-related matters, Democrats edged out Republicans slightly—27% versus 25%—while 40% said they trusted neither party. Although cryptocurrency is not a central election issue, roughly 40% of respondents indicated they would be more likely to vote for candidates whose views on crypto aligned with their own—suggesting the influence of digital asset issues in U.S. politics continues to grow.
Nick Timiraos, known as the "Fed Mouthpiece," wrote in The Wall Street Journal that the discussion within the Federal Reserve regarding the interest rate path has undergone a noticeable shift. The focus is no longer primarily on when to restart rate cuts but has begun to consider under what conditions rate hikes might be necessary again. Since the Fed began releasing policy statements in 1994, disagreements over how to describe the policy direction—rather than actual rate changes—have been rare.Three regional Fed presidents, including Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari, opposed retaining the wording "the next move is more likely a rate cut" at this week’s policy meeting, arguing that the next rate adjustment could be either a hike or a cut. Outgoing Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the committee is gradually shifting from a "rate-cut bias" to a "neutral stance" and noted that if rate hikes become necessary in the future, the Fed would first move to a neutral position before signaling increases. (WSJ)
According to a Reuters investigation, Nobitex—the largest cryptocurrency exchange in Iran—was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who maintain close ties to Iran’s highest leadership. The investigation found that the exchange was established by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname “Aghamir” to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family—a family long embedded in Iran’s political inner circle, including historical links to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his successors. The report states that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users and dominates Iran’s cryptocurrency market. It continued operating during Iran’s conflicts with the United States and Israel—even amid nationwide internet blackouts—and processed transactions throughout. Analysts estimate its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, accompanied by substantial outflows of funds overseas. Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms have identified that the platform processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Data also shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency assets to Nobitex in 2025—widely believed to be an effort to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex has denied any government affiliation and stated that illicit transactions constitute only a small fraction of its overall business.
Nobitex, Iran's largest cryptocurrency exchange, was founded by members of the Kharrazi family, who have close ties to Iran's supreme leadership. Investigations show the exchange was created by brothers Ali and Mohammad Kharrazi, who previously used the surname "Aghamir" to conceal their connection to the Kharrazi family. This family has long-standing, deep ties to Iran's political core, including historical links to Ali Khamenei and his successors.The report indicates that Nobitex currently serves over 11 million users, dominates the Iranian crypto market, and has continued operating throughout conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel, even processing transactions during nationwide internet blackouts. Analysts say its trading volume exceeded $100 million during wartime, with significant funds flowing overseas.Additionally, multiple on-chain analytics firms point out that the platform has processed transactions linked to sanctioned entities, with estimated volumes ranging from $22 million to $366 million. Other data shows that wallets associated with the Central Bank of Iran transferred hundreds of millions of dollars worth of crypto assets to Nobitex in 2025, allegedly to circumvent financial sanctions. Nobitex denies any connection to the government, stating that illegal transactions represent only a small fraction of its overall business. (Cointelegraph)
According to The Information, U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chair Michael Selig announced that the agency is moving forward with efforts to limit states’ interference in prediction markets, aiming to prevent state-level regulatory measures from hindering—or even killing—the industry’s development. Reports indicate that Selig himself is a sports enthusiast, with numerous sports memorabilia displayed in his office—a sign of his long-standing interest in sports prediction markets. Since assuming office several months ago, he has moved swiftly on related initiatives, seeking to establish a more permissive federal regulatory environment for prediction markets and enabling more U.S. users to participate in prediction trading on sports events and other outcomes.
Odaily Odaily PaperImperium, the head of MegaETH, disclosed on X platform that documents from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York show that a U.S. court has issued an injunction against the Arbitrum DAO, prohibiting it from transferring approximately $71 million in ETH assets that were previously frozen during the KelpDAO hacking incident. In response, on-chain detective ZachXBT posted on X platform, stating that certain U.S. law firms are using his investigative work and on-chain forensics to help victims of some hacking incidents file legal claims. However, this practice may actually slow down or hinder victims from receiving compensation or recovering funds.ZachXBT added that in previous hacking incidents involving the Lazarus Group, such law firms often stepped in after on-chain fund tracking or freezing was completed, proposing subsequent legal actions that were weakly related to the crypto incidents themselves. Similar "free-riding claims" strategies were used in events like Harmony and Bybit. He called on the crypto community to establish a DAO to resist such practices.
: MegaETH lead PaperImperium disclosed on X platform a court document from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, showing that a U.S. court has issued an injunction against the Arbitrum DAO, prohibiting it from transferring approximately $71 million worth of ETH assets that were previously frozen in the KelpDAO hacking incident. The plaintiffs are attempting to use these funds to enforce outstanding judgment compensation in cases related to North Korea's involvement in terrorism, kidnapping, and other matters spanning several years. They have also filed a motion to serve legal notice to the Arbitrum DAO via alternative means, treating it as an accountable "partnership." The court document further notes that the Arbitrum DAO has a Security Council governed by ARB holders, which has the authority to take action in emergencies. As a result, relevant members who refuse to comply may face legal consequences such as contempt of court. Market observers believe that this case could set an important precedent for the U.S. judicial system to directly constrain DAO governance structures, further highlighting the compliance pressure faced by DeFi protocols under real-world legal frameworks.
According to JIN10, U.S. President Trump criticized Tehran’s leadership for lacking unity, which he said is hindering agreement on ending the nine-week conflict that has triggered a global energy crisis. He stated that “Iran’s requests are ones I cannot accept,” though some traders interpreted this as a negotiating tactic rather than an abandonment of peace efforts. Investors will be watching for a new batch of U.S. corporate earnings reports and U.S. employment data. Below are the key market focus points for the coming week: Tuesday, 00:50: John Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a permanent voting member of the FOMC, delivers a speech; Tuesday, 22:00: U.S. April ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI and U.S. March JOLTS Job Openings; Wednesday, 20:15: U.S. April ADP Employment Change; Wednesday, 21:30: Alberto Musalem, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and an FOMC voter in 2028, speaks on the economic outlook and monetary policy; Thursday, 01:00: Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and an FOMC voter in 2027, participates in a panel discussion at a conference; Thursday, 19:30: U.S. April Challenger Job Cuts; Friday, 02:05: Loretta Mester, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and an FOMC voter in 2026, delivers a speech; Friday, 03:30: John Williams, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and a permanent voting member of the FOMC, delivers a speech; Friday, 22:00: U.S. May one-year inflation expectation (preliminary), U.S. May University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index (preliminary), and U.S. March wholesale sales (month-on-month). Forecasters expect the April nonfarm payrolls report—due next Friday—to show solid job growth.