Author: Tristan Lodenberg

Prediction markets platform Kalshi is preparing to launch a new parent verification portal aimed at preventing minors from bypassing age restrictions. The initiative was outlined by CEO Tarek Mansour, who said the system will allow parents to submit identification details to confirm whether their children are using accounts registered under parental credentials. The move follows reports of minors gaining access to the platform by using a parent’s identification to bypass the minimum age requirement of 18 years for US-based users. Alongside the portal, Kalshi plans to integrate selfie-based identity checks powered by artificial intelligence, enabling the system to compare facial…

Chicago based crypto derivatives exchange Bitnomial has launched monthly futures contracts tied to Injective (INJ), marking the first US-regulated derivatives product linked to the token. The contracts settle directly in INJ and feature monthly expiries, enabling traders to gain price exposure without holding the underlying asset. The futures can be margined in both cryptocurrency and US dollars through Bitnomial’s clearinghouse. Institutional clients have already been granted access, while retail participation is expected to roll out soon through the Botanical trading platform. The exchange also confirmed plans to introduce perpetual futures and options contracts tied to INJ in the future. Bitnomial…

A political action committee supported by crypto industry interests is investing millions into the Ohio Senate race, aiming to block the return of former Senator Sherrod Brown. The group, Sentinel Action Fund, announced plans to spend $8 million supporting Republican candidate Jon Husted in the closely contested election. Funding for the PAC includes backing from the Solana Policy Institute and venture firm Multicoin Capital. The committee criticized Brown, previously chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, for policies it claims slowed innovation in digital assets during his tenure. Major Donors and Industry Support Highlight Growing Political Influence Several high-profile financial figures…

Adam Back, an early pioneer in the cryptocurrency sector, has called on the Bitcoin community to begin preparing for quantum computing risks now, even if the technology remains in its experimental stage. Speaking at the Paris Blockchain Week 2026, Back emphasized that current quantum systems are still largely “lab experiments” with incremental progress over decades. Despite this, he said the safest strategy is to develop optional upgrades that would allow Bitcoin to migrate to quantum-resistant cryptography when required. Back noted that preparation ahead of time is safer than making urgent changes during a crisis, highlighting ongoing research by Blockstream into…

Tether has expanded its Bitcoin reserves after withdrawing 951 BTC valued at approximately $70.47 million from Bitfinex, according to recent on-chain data. The transfer is believed to include Bitcoin acquired during the first quarter of 2026, continuing the firm’s long-standing strategy of allocating 15% of quarterly profits toward Bitcoin purchases. Following the latest withdrawal, Tether’s primary reserve wallet now holds 97,141 BTC, worth roughly $7.2 billion, making it the fifth largest Bitcoin holder on-chain. The steady accumulation highlights the company’s consistent approach of withdrawing purchased Bitcoin shortly after each quarter closes. Average Purchase Price and Unrealized Gains Highlight Strong Position…

US Senator Elizabeth Warren has formally questioned Elon Musk regarding the upcoming X Money payments feature expected to be integrated into the X platform. The inquiry centers on whether the service plans to issue its own dollar pegged stablecoin and how it intends to manage financial and security risks. In a letter sent Tuesday, Warren raised concerns that crypto and stablecoin integrations within X Money could pose risks to the US financial system and national security. She specifically asked whether the platform plans to use provisions under the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which allows…

Crypto wallet platform Zerion has confirmed that North Korean linked hackers used AI-assisted social engineering techniques to steal around $100,000 from its corporate hot wallets. The company released a post-mortem report stating that no user funds, apps, or core infrastructure were impacted, although the web application was temporarily disabled as a precaution during the investigation. The attack highlights how threat actors are increasingly targeting human systems rather than exploiting smart contract vulnerabilities. According to Zerion, the hackers gained access to logged-in team sessions, credentials, and private keys associated with company wallets. AI-Enabled Social Engineering Becoming a Key Cybersecurity Threat This…

The International Monetary Fund has warned that global public debt could approach 100% of world gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029, raising concerns about fiscal solvency and long-term bond market stability. Under current projections, major economies including the United States and China are expected to remain key contributors to rising debt levels, alongside increased global defense spending. If debt issuance continues to outpace economic growth, investors may begin demanding higher bond yields, reflecting concerns about governments’ ability to repay obligations. Bitcoin Seen as Potential Hedge Against Debt and Financial Stress In a scenario where bond yields rise due to solvency…

XRP moved toward $1.38 after news that Rakuten integrated the token into its payments ecosystem, bringing new utility to millions of users. The integration allows roughly 44 million users to spend XRP across more than 5 million merchants, while also enabling customers to convert loyalty points into XRP through Rakuten Wallet. This development links XRP to one of Japan’s largest loyalty systems, where more than $23 billion worth of reward points are actively circulating. The move strengthens XRP’s presence in Asia and builds on earlier partnerships such as SBI Ripple Asia, which has supported regional blockchain payment adoption. XRP Price…

Bitwise Asset Management has launched a spot Avalanche exchange-traded fund (ETF) under the ticker BAVA, scheduled to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 15. The fund is designed to provide investors with direct exposure to Avalanche (AVAX), a blockchain platform widely used for enterprise and government-focused applications. The ETF will stake its AVAX holdings through Bitwise’s internal division, Bitwise Onchain Solutions, allowing the fund to generate approximately 5.4% annual staking rewards while maintaining sufficient liquidity for investor access. Fee Structure and Incentives for Early Investors The Bitwise Avalanche ETF (BAVA) carries a 0.34% annual management fee,…