Author: Tristan Lodenberg

The Royal Government of Bhutan transferred approximately 374.9 BTC, valued at about $25.2 million, to an unlabeled address on Tuesday, extending a series of recent outbound transactions. The transfer occurred at 7:28 a.m. UTC to an address beginning with “bc1q0,” according to blockchain analytics platform Arkham, which has tracked Bhutan’s holdings since 2024. Analysts at Onchain Lens reported that the recipient address had previously moved funds to investment manager Galaxy Digital, suggesting the transfers may be linked to asset sales. Weekly outbound transfers from Bhutan-linked wallets have now exceeded 1,000 BTC, including 519.7 BTC sent on March 25 and 123.7…

Standard Chartered analysts say faster stablecoin turnover could limit the need for new token supply even as transaction volumes continue to rise. In a Tuesday report, the bank noted that stablecoin velocity a measure of how frequently tokens are used relative to total supply has doubled over the past two years. Geoff Kendrick, head of crypto research at Standard Chartered, explained that if velocity increases, rising transaction volumes may not require equivalent growth in stablecoin supply. Despite this shift, the bank still forecasts the global stablecoin market could reach $2 trillion by late 2028. USDC and USDT Show Different Market…

President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged countries that did not assist in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran to buy American oil and go to the Strait of Hormuz to “just TAKE it.” Speaking on Truth Social, Trump said: Criticism of France and Global Energy Impact Trump also criticized France for not allowing planes carrying military supplies to Israel to fly over French territory. His remarks come amid a month-long war that has disrupted global markets, pushed up energy prices, and effectively closed tanker traffic through the Strait, highlighting rising tensions and the geopolitical stakes in the Middle East. Disclaimer This…

Russia’s government has approved a package of draft bills aimed at channeling domestic crypto trading through licensed intermediaries while tightening state oversight. The Finance Ministry confirmed that transactions involving digital currencies without regulated intermediaries would be prohibited under the new framework. Retail investors would face strict limits, allowing purchases only of the “most liquid digital currencies,” as defined by the Bank of Russia. Individuals must pass a test and would be capped at buying up to 300,000 rubles, or about $3,700, annually through a single intermediary. However, residents would still be permitted to purchase crypto abroad using foreign accounts, provided…

KuCoin’s parent company, Peken Global Limited, has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty to resolve a case brought by the CFTC over operating an unregistered offshore commodities exchange. The settlement was finalized by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Monday, resolving all claims against the firm. Peken Global agreed to the settlement without admitting or denying the CFTC’s allegations. The company also avoided disgorging profits from July 2019 to June 2023 due to its cooperation with the investigation. The $500,000 penalty reflects KuCoin’s prior legal compliance, as the company previously pleaded guilty and…

Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has unveiled a formal regulatory framework for crypto exchange-traded derivatives (ETDs), allowing licensed firms to offer these products under clear rules. Version 2.1 of VARA’s Exchange Services Rulebook sets requirements for client suitability, leverage and margin controls, asset segregation, disclosure standards, and regulatory intervention powers. The framework applies to all licensed virtual asset service providers offering exchange services in Dubai. Retail investors may access derivatives subject to strict suitability assessments based on experience, financial position, and risk tolerance. Retail leverage is capped at 5:1, requiring a minimum 20% initial margin, a conservative approach compared…

Crypto markets showed increasing caution as bitcoin briefly surged to $68,300 before falling back to about $66,500 during Tuesday trading. The initial rally followed reports that US President Donald Trump was willing to end the Iran war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, optimism faded after Israeli officials stated they were prepared to continue military operations for weeks. The conflict, now in its 32nd day, has pushed energy costs higher, with Brent crude trading near $107 per barrel. Rising oil prices have heightened inflation fears and contributed to risk-off sentiment across global markets. Declining Futures Interest and Hedging Activity…

Italy has denied permission for United States military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before heading to the Middle East, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision confirmed a report by Corriere della Sera, which said several US bombers had planned to stop at the eastern Sicily base before continuing their mission. The source did not disclose the number of aircraft or the exact timing of the decision but noted that Italy refused permission because US authorities had not formally requested approval or consulted Italian military leadership, as required under treaties governing US…

Brussels-based digital asset services firm Keyrock has secured a Series C funding round led by SC Ventures, the venture arm of Standard Chartered, reaching a valuation of $1.1 billion. Ripple, an existing investor providing blockchain-based enterprise infrastructure, also participated in the round. The company confirmed that the funding remains open and could reach up to $100 million. According to the announcement, the capital will be used to strengthen Keyrock’s balance sheet, expand its product offerings, and support mergers and acquisitions as part of its long-term growth strategy. Business Growth and Market Position Founded in 2017, Keyrock provides market making, asset…

Nakamoto, the Bitcoin treasury company formerly known as KindlyMD and chaired by David Bailey, sold approximately 284 Bitcoin in March for about $20 million, implying an average price near $70,400 per coin. At the end of 2025, the firm valued its Bitcoin at $87,519 per coin, indicating the sale occurred at roughly a 20% discount to its year-end valuation. Following the transaction, Nakamoto’s Bitcoin holdings declined to around 5,058 BTC from 5,342 BTC recorded at the end of 2025. The company said proceeds would be used to fund business investments and replenish working capital related to recent mergers. Metaplanet Exit…