Author: John Smith

Ripple CTO Emeritus David Schwartz has outlined how the XRP Ledger could respond if a state-level attack targeted validators, node operators or core network infrastructure. Summary David Schwartz said XRPL could adapt if state pressure targeted validators or network operators. The plan points to Tor, I2P and reserve nodes as possible tools during extreme attacks. The debate follows recent XRPL upgrade, validator and decentralization discussions across the ecosystem. Schwartz made the comments during a discussion about whether a blockchain can survive pressure from an authoritarian state. The question focused on what would happen if authorities started raiding nodes or forcing…

Canadian billionaire Frank Giustra has challenged Bitcoin’s “digital gold” label again, arguing that crypto can still be traced and seized by governments. Summary Frank Giustra said crypto can be traced and seized, weakening Bitcoin’s digital gold claim. His comments followed US claims of nearly $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto seizures. The debate comes as governments hold seized Bitcoin and increase blockchain enforcement actions. Giustra made the comments after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the seizure of nearly $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran. The remarks renewed debate over whether Bitcoin can serve as a safe-haven asset like gold.…

The SEC has charged Texas resident Nathan Fuller over an alleged $12.3 million AI crypto arbitrage scheme that promised triple digit returns in weeks. Summary SEC alleges Fuller raised about $12.3 million from roughly 150 investors Promised 40 to 50 percent returns in 30 to 45 days and over 100 percent in 21 days At least $6.2 million allegedly misappropriated, $5.5 million used in Ponzi like payouts U.S. securities regulators have charged Texas resident Nathan Fuller with orchestrating a fraudulent cryptocurrency trading scheme that raised roughly $12.3 million from about 150 investors through entities including Privvy Investments between October 2022…

Mary Daly says the Fed cannot restore price stability by “harming the economy,” underscoring a cautious stance on rates as inflation lingers above target. Summary San Francisco Fed’s Mary Daly stresses price stability remains “crucial” but warns against over-tightening Daly’s comments echo her earlier calls for “patience” and “deliberate calibration” on rate cuts Her stance comes as markets price in later Fed easing, raising questions for risk assets including crypto Mary Daly, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, said restoring price stability remains “crucial” for the U.S. central bank, but warned that the Federal Reserve cannot pursue…

Payouts.com co-founders say the future of agent payments combines stablecoin rails with programmable control layers built for enterprise trust. Summary Payouts.com CEO Leor Ceder says programmability, not wallets alone, will define which AI agents enterprises can trust by 2027. Co-founder Barak Hirchson lists five non-negotiable controls that make autonomous agent spending safe and auditable at scale. Stablecoins win in cross-border and machine-to-API micropayments; programmable infrastructure determines which rail gets used everywhere else. Payouts.com co-founders Leor Ceder and Barak Hirchson say the next wave of AI agent commerce runs on stablecoin rails, and on the programmable control layer built on top…

The CFTC has warned regulated derivatives platforms that round-the-clock trading may suit crypto-native markets but may not work safely across every traditional asset class. Summary The CFTC warned that 24/7 trading may not suit every traditional derivatives market. Coinbase said the CFTC approval adds crypto perpetuals and global options to its regulated platform. The CFTC and Gemini asked a Manhattan court to vacate a $5 million settlement order. The CFTC said in a Friday advisory that exchanges and clearinghouses should carefully assess products before extending trading and clearing to a 24/7 model. The agency said some markets can support constant…

Gravity Bridge has lost about $5.4 million following an early Saturday drain that security researchers linked to a possible signing key compromise. Summary Gravity Bridge lost about $5.4 million after security researchers flagged unusual withdrawals tied to a possible signing-key compromise. PeckShield said the stolen assets included USDC, wrapped ether, USDT, and PAXG, with some funds moved through ChangeNow and Binance. The Gravity team halted the bridge and asked validators and orchestrators to stop while it investigates the incident. On-chain analyst Specter first flagged the unusual withdrawals, saying the pattern suggested that the bridge’s signing keys may have been compromised…

Senator Cynthia Lummis said Congress may not get another real chance to pass digital asset legislation until 2030 if the CLARITY Act fails. Summary The CLARITY Act would create federal rules for crypto assets, exchanges, developers, stablecoin issuers, and market regulators. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon criticized the bill, saying banks may oppose it unless lawmakers strengthen stablecoin, AML, and BSA rules. Senator Cynthia Lummis has warned that U.S. lawmakers may lose their best chance to pass digital asset market rules until 2030 if the CLARITY Act stalls this session. Lummis, in a post on X, said Congress faces a narrow…

Congress has advanced a major crypto market bill that would give the CFTC new power over digital commodities despite fresh concerns about the agency’s staffing and funding. Summary Congress has advanced the CLARITY Act, which would give the CFTC primary oversight of spot digital commodity markets. Brookings fellow Tonantzin Carmona warned that the CFTC may lack enough staff and funding to handle the new crypto mandate. The bill would require crypto exchanges, brokers, dealers, and custodians to register with the CFTC under new rules. Brookings fellow Tonantzin Carmona has warned that the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act could create a…

Binance named Genius Terminal its 65th HODLer Airdrop, giving 10 million GENIUS tokens to qualifying BNB holders. Summary Binance will distribute 10 million GENIUS tokens to BNB holders who used Simple Earn or On-Chain Yields between May 11 and 13, 2026. Genius Terminal is a multichain trading platform backed by YZi Labs and advised by CZ, with a 1 billion token total supply. The HODLer Airdrop program is a recurring Binance mechanism that deepens BNB utility by rewarding long-term stakers retroactively. Binance announced Genius Terminal as the 65th project on its HODLer Airdrop program, continuing its pattern of rewarding loyal…