Author: Tristan Lodenberg

Hackers behind the recent KelpDAO exploit have begun laundering approximately $290 million in stolen cryptocurrency, shifting large sums across networks to obscure the origin of the funds. Blockchain investigators, including onchain analyst ZachXBT, reported that major transfers have already taken place on the Ethereum network. Arkham analytics data shows two large transactions worth about $117 million and $58 million were moved from wallets tied to the exploit during European trading hours on Tuesday. Investigators also identified cross-chain activity, including roughly $1.5 million bridged from Ethereum to Bitcoin through Thorchain, along with an additional $78,000 routed using the privacy-focused protocol Umbra.…

Bitcoin has fallen below the $76,000 level following heightened geopolitical tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he does not intend to extend the current ceasefire with Iran, intensifying uncertainty around ongoing diplomatic efforts. In an interview with CNBC, Trump said the United States is operating from a strong negotiating position and expects to secure what he described as a favorable agreement without prolonging the truce. Trump emphasized that time constraints are limiting negotiations, stating that an extension is not under consideration as the deadline approaches. His comments come as international discussions continue, with reports indicating that talks…

OCBC, one of Singapore’s largest banking and financial services groups, has launched a tokenized physical gold fund designed to expand access to digital investment products. The fund’s token, known as GOLDX, is issued on both Ethereum and Solana blockchains, enabling cross-chain accessibility for institutional investors. The initiative was developed in partnership with Lion Global Investors and DigiFT, a digital asset exchange. The token is targeted primarily at institutional participants such as hedge funds, asset managers, and high-net-worth investors. Investors can subscribe using fiat currencies or stablecoins, with GOLDX delivered directly to blockchain wallets after purchase. Tokenized Gold Fund Strengthens Bridge…

Latest US economic data showed retail sales rising above expectations, signaling continued strength in consumer spending. Core retail sales increased 1.9% month on month, significantly higher than the 1.4% forecast and up from the previous 0.5% reading. Overall retail sales also rose 1.7%, beating the expected 1.4% and improving from 0.6% previously. The stronger than expected figures indicate resilient household demand despite global uncertainty and higher interest rate conditions. Market participants interpret the data as supportive for the US dollar, as sustained spending can reinforce inflation pressures and delay expectations of monetary easing. Gold Reacts With Sharp Volatility After Data…

Strategy (MSTR) has overtaken BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) in total bitcoin holdings for the first time since the second quarter of 2024. The company now holds 815,061 BTC, surpassing IBIT’s 802,824 BTC and regaining the top position among major institutional bitcoin holders. The milestone follows Strategy’s third largest bitcoin purchase on record, in which it acquired 34,164 BTC. This aggressive accumulation strategy has been a defining factor behind the shift in rankings. Earlier in 2024, Strategy held 189,150 BTC at the start of the first quarter, but IBIT quickly moved ahead by early second quarter with approximately 273,000 BTC,…

Donald Trump has accused Iran of breaching the recently agreed two week ceasefire numerous times, raising fresh concerns about the stability of the fragile truce. In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump stated that Iran had violated the ceasefire “numerous times,” suggesting repeated incidents despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. Rising Tensions Ahead of Ceasefire Deadline The accusation comes as the ceasefire approaches its expiration date, with uncertainty surrounding whether both sides will extend the agreement or resume hostilities. The truce was intended to reduce tensions and create space for negotiations, but recent security incidents and military activity have increased…

A consortium of 12 European banks led by Netherlands based Qivalis has partnered with Fireblocks to build infrastructure for a MiCA compliant euro stablecoin. The group aims to launch the digital currency in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approval from De Nederlandsche Bank under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation framework. Qivalis, backed by major European financial institutions including BBVA, BNP Paribas, ING and UniCredit, plans to structure the stablecoin as a fully regulated electronic money token backed 1:1 with euro reserves. The project is designed to support institutional applications such as treasury operations, settlement services…

The newly appointed governor of the Bank of Korea, Shin Hyun song, has outlined a clear focus on central bank digital currency (CBDC) development and deposit tokens in his first official inauguration speech, while notably omitting any reference to stablecoins. Speaking at the central bank headquarters in Seoul, Shin emphasized the importance of strengthening payment systems and supporting structural reforms in the national economy. He also highlighted efforts to enhance the global role of the Korean won within an increasingly digital financial ecosystem. CBDC Expansion Through Project Hangang and Global Cooperation Shin confirmed that the Bank of Korea will advance…

Fraudsters Demand Bitcoin and USDT From Stranded Shipping Firms Shipping companies operating near the Strait of Hormuz are facing a new wave of fraud attempts involving cryptocurrency payments, according to maritime risk management warnings. Greek maritime security firm MARISKS reported that unidentified actors have been sending fraudulent messages to vessel operators, demanding payments in Bitcoin or USDT in exchange for so called clearance to safely pass through the strategic waterway. The scam reportedly involves individuals impersonating Iranian authorities and instructing shipping firms to submit documentation for approval. After review, the fraudulent actors claim a transit fee will be calculated and…

Ripple has introduced a structured four-phase roadmap aimed at making the XRP Ledger (XRPL) resistant to quantum computing threats by 2028. The initiative is designed to prepare the blockchain for a potential future “Q-day,” when advanced quantum computers could break current cryptographic systems used across major networks. The XRP Ledger, which supports XRP as its native asset, faces theoretical risks from quantum computing because exposed public keys on-chain could potentially be reverse-engineered to derive private keys, exposing user funds. Long-held accounts are considered especially vulnerable due to extended exposure of public keys on the blockchain. Four-Phase Strategy Focuses on Migration…