Author: John Smith

How we checked thisOn 24 August 2026, between roughly 13:00 and 14:30 UTC, we opened the public order screen of four instant swap services and requested a quote for USDT (TRC20) to XMR. For each one we noted three things: whether the pair could be quoted without logging in, whether fixed and floating rates were both offered, and whether a minimum appeared before the order was created. No funds were sent and no accounts were created. Rates, minimums and compliance rules move constantly, so treat every number here as a dated snapshot rather than a current quote. TL;DR Four accountless…

Changelly has been running as an instant crypto exchange and a platform for crypto purchases and cashouts since 2015. Summary Changelly supports more than 1,200 cryptocurrencies across over 200 blockchains. Floating swaps carry a 0.25% service fee, while fixed-rate fees are included in the quoted price. Swap and fiat limits vary by asset, network, liquidity provider, payment partner, and location. Most crypto swaps do not require KYC, but risk checks can trigger AML reviews and fund holds. According to the company, its user base counts 12 million worldwide. The service works without a login for swaps: you pick a pair,…

Fintech veteran Wojciech Kaszycki has identified three tests for real bank adoption of Bitcoin: client custody balances, credit-funded spot trades and its use as loan collateral, following Standard Chartered’s launch of deliverable BTC and ETH trading for eligible UAE institutions. Summary Standard Chartered now offers institutional BTC/USD and ETH/USD trading through its existing electronic channels. Kaszycki said bank credit lines, custody, and back-office integration matter more than a familiar trading screen. Bitcoin-backed loans with published collateral haircuts would show that banks can price and manage the asset’s risk. Crypto-native venues may retain their advantage in weekend liquidity, derivatives, and trading…

Coinbase has expanded its Morpho-powered lending product to eligible Brazilian customers, offering market-based returns on USDC without a fixed lock-up period. Summary Brazilian users can allocate USDC to Morpho through the Lending tab in the Coinbase app. Deposits enter an audited vault curated by Steakhouse Financial, with rates set by lending demand. Coinbase said users can withdraw their USDC and accrued rewards at any time. The product has attracted nearly $500 million in deposits since its initial US launch. Coinbase brings USDC lending to Brazilian users Coinbase said in a Sep. 9 announcement that its DeFi Earn product would become…

Ethereum price hovered around $2,500 on Sep. 9 as buyers defended short-term support, but weakening momentum and negative capital flows kept a breakout above $2,535 out of reach. Summary Ethereum price traded within a narrow intraday range between $2,482.50 and $2,523.30. The 4-hour price slipped below the 20-period moving average at $2,490, while CMF fell to -0.09. A daily close above $2,525–$2,535 could open a move toward $2,550 and $2,600. The liquidation heatmap shows major liquidity concentrations near $2,430, $2,550, and $2,600. Losing the $2,478 pivot would raise the risk of a retreat toward $2,435–$2,445. Ethereum (ETH) price traded near…

Germany has prepared a 25% flat tax on cryptocurrency gains from 2028, potentially ending the country’s long-standing exemption for Bitcoin and other digital assets held for more than one year. Summary Germany plans to tax crypto gains at a flat 25% rate from 2028, replacing the current system that exempts assets held for more than one year. The proposed rules would cover crypto assets bought after Jan. 1, 2027, while the treatment of previously purchased holdings has yet to be decided. The Finance Ministry expects the measure to generate roughly €350 million in additional tax revenue. Crypto gains could be…

Federal authorities charged two Jacksonville brothers with allegedly operating a darknet narcotics vendor whose counterfeit pills were connected to at least 12 overdoses, including three deaths. Summary U.S. prosecutors charged two Florida brothers with allegedly distributing nitazene-laced counterfeit pills through darknet markets. Investigators traced Bitcoin withdrawals from three darknet marketplaces toward accounts associated with Stanislav Chernyshov allegedly. Target wallets received approximately $220,000 and sent $230,000, according to the FBI affidavit reviewed publicly. BarbaraWhite shipments were linked to twelve overdoses, including three deaths, Chainalysis reported from records reviewed. Both defendants face at least twenty years imprisonment if convicted under federal law,…

South Korean crypto exchange Upbit listed Cluster Protocol and Useless Coin on Sept. 8 but canceled Hemi’s scheduled debut after identifying evidence of a token theft. Summary Upbit canceled HEMI trading after identifying token theft linked to a September 7 smart-contract exploit. The attacker drained approximately 124.5 million unclaimed HEMI and converted proceeds into stablecoins and Ether. CP began trading across Upbit’s KRW, BTC and USDT markets using deposits through Base exclusively. USELESS trading proceeded against BTC and USDT while Upbit abandoned HEMI before its scheduled opening. Hemi said its core tokens, network, tunnels and third-party bridges were unaffected by…

Plattsburgh officials are considering a 12-month moratorium on new and expanded cryptocurrency mining, artificial intelligence and other high-energy computing facilities while the New York city updates its zoning rules. Summary Plattsburgh proposes a twelve-month moratorium covering new and expanded high-energy computing facilities within city limits. Facilities primarily using 300 kilowatts or more for crypto, AI, or cloud computing qualify automatically. Existing lawful operations may continue, but expansions requiring municipal approval would remain prohibited during moratorium. City officials say the pause would support zoning updates addressing electricity, noise, cooling, and safety. The Common Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for September…

Traditional digital asset returns often rely on price increases. Whether it’s XRP, BTC, or other crypto assets, prices are influenced by various factors such as market sentiment, liquidity, and policy environment. Therefore, solely relying on price increases for returns carries significant market volatility risk. Summary XRPPower offers short and long term digital asset service plans for XRP, BTC, ETH and USDT holders. Some plans advertise potential earnings of up to $50,000, with returns dependent on the selected plan and participation conditions rather than being guaranteed. New users receive a $21 registration bonus that can be used for daily contracts, while…