Author: John Smith
Ripple has launched a new developer toolkit for building AI-powered payment applications on the XRP Ledger, adding support for x402 payments using XRP and RLUSD as interest in agentic transactions continues to grow. Summary Ripple has launched the XRPL AI Starter Kit, giving developers tools to build agent driven payment applications on the XRP Ledger. Support for the x402 payment standard allows AI agents to pay for services using XRP or RLUSD on the XRP Ledger. Ripple said the toolkit includes wallet, payment, and documentation tools designed to help developers create and test agentic transaction workflows. According to Ripple, the…
P2P.org, which secures more than $10 billion in delegated assets across over 50 blockchain networks, has partnered with Taurus to bring institutional staking services to banks and financial institutions using Taurus’ digital asset platform. Summary P2P.org has integrated its staking infrastructure with Taurus, giving banks access to Ethereum and other proof-of-stake networks through Taurus PROTECT. Financial institutions can delegate assets to P2P.org validators while retaining custody and control within their existing Taurus workflows. The partnership connects Taurus’ banking client base with staking services across networks including Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, NEAR, Cardano, and Tezos. According to a press release shared with…
Ethereum price has dropped toward the $1,600 level despite reports that Tom Lee-backed BitMine acquired another 75,000 ETH worth roughly $123 million, as traders continue reducing risk ahead of the latest U.S. inflation data. Summary Ethereum price fell toward $1,600 despite reports that BitMine purchased another 75,000 ETH worth roughly $123 million. BitMine’s ETH holdings could rise to nearly 5.62 million ETH, bringing the company closer to its 5% supply target. Technical charts highlight $1,550 as a key support level, while ETF outflows and macroeconomic uncertainty continue to weigh on sentiment. According to market data, Ethereum (ETH) traded near $1,627…
Ant International has weighed a $1 billion fundraising round at a valuation of at least $10 billion as the Singapore-based fintech unit posts eight straight quarters of profitability and expands its cross-border payments business. Summary Ant International is considering a $1 billion fundraising round that could value the business at more than $10 billion. The Singapore-based unit generated an estimated $3.7 billion in 2025 revenue and has remained profitable for eight consecutive quarters. Blockchain infrastructure, stablecoin payments, and global payment services have become central to Ant International’s international expansion plans. According to Bloomberg, Ant Group’s overseas arm is in early…
Kalshi has introduced mandatory employer disclosures for certain traders and expanded its market surveillance program after reporting more than 150 investigations, over 100 blocked insider-trading attempts, and 20 law-enforcement referrals during the first quarter of 2026. Summary Kalshi now requires employer disclosures for traders in higher-risk markets and has introduced a new risk scoring system for proposed contracts. The platform said it blocked more than 100 potential insider trades, conducted over 150 investigations, and made 20 law enforcement referrals in Q1 2026. New compliance measures arrive as prediction markets face growing scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers, and federal investigators. According to…
BitGo has opened access to Aave, Spark and Tesseract for eligible institutional clients through its integration with Narval. Summary BitGo lets eligible institutions access Aave, Spark and Tesseract while assets remain in qualified custody. Narval checks transaction details, approved contracts and policy rules before BitGo authorizes wallet signing requests. The launch expands regulated DeFi access as financial firms seek controlled routes into onchain markets. The service connects approved decentralized finance protocols to wallets held within BitGo Bank & Trust’s qualified custody environment. The setup allows institutions to use onchain markets without transferring assets to wallets. BitGo said more protocols will…
A House tax package for digital assets has drawn questions from lawmakers during an early committee hearing. The Ways and Means Committee reviewed bills meant to reduce crypto tax filing burdens. Summary House lawmakers reviewed crypto tax bills meant to reduce filing burdens for digital asset users, investors, and brokers. Democrats raised concerns that proposed mining and staking deferrals could create loopholes or new tax subsidies. The bills remain at the committee hearing stage and would need approval from both chambers before becoming law. Democrats raised concerns about proposed treatment for mining, staking, and small digital asset transactions. Lawmakers question…
Bitcoin price extended its decline on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a military response against Iran, triggering a broader risk-off move across global markets and adding fresh pressure to an already fragile crypto sector. Summary Bitcoin price fell to an intraday low of $60,892 after Trump ordered a military response against Iran. More than $664 million in crypto positions were liquidated as traders reduced risk exposure. Glassnode says over 8 million BTC are now underwater while ETF outflows and extreme fear continue to weigh on sentiment. According to data from crypto.news, Bitcoin (BTC) price fell to an intraday…
Bitcoin’s recent selloff has yet to establish a durable market bottom as institutional demand remains absent and capital continues to leave spot Bitcoin ETFs, according to a new market note from Wintermute. Summary Wintermute says Bitcoin’s recent decline reflects a lack of institutional demand rather than isolated market events. Spot Bitcoin ETFs extended a 13-session outflow streak, shedding roughly $4.37 billion since mid-May. CryptoQuant data suggests capitulation may be approaching, with 50% of Bitcoin supply now sitting at a loss. According to data from crypto.news, Bitcoin (BTC) traded near $61,828 on Tuesday, down 3.18% over the past 24 hours and…
Bitcoin traders have positioned for a Federal Reserve pause next week, with CME FedWatch data showing a 98.2% probability that policymakers will leave interest rates unchanged at the June 16-17 meeting. Summary CME FedWatch data shows a 98.3% chance the Fed will leave rates unchanged at its June 16-17 meeting. Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have weakened as traders reduce risk ahead of the policy decision. Investors are focusing on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s forecasts, dot plot, and policy outlook for clues on future rates. According to CME FedWatch data, markets are assigning only a 1.8% chance of a…