Hi, I'm a Bloomingbit reporter, bringing you the latest cryptocurrency news.
Bitcoin (BTC) temporarily returned to the $88,000 level. Meanwhile, BTC is trading at $87,987.58, up 4.39% from the previous day, based on the Binance Tether (USDT) market as of 1:05 AM on the 22nd.
The Singapore Exchange (SGX) announced plans to launch a Bitcoin (BTC) perpetual futures product for institutional and professional investors by the end of this year. According to CryptoBasic, a cryptocurrency-focused media outlet, on the 21st (local time), this plan is seen as a strategic move by SGX to expand its product lineup to diversify asset classes amid growing global interest in cryptocurrencies.
Eric Balchunas, Bloomberg's Senior ETF Analyst, reported on the 21st (local time) via X (formerly Twitter) that "there are currently 72 cryptocurrency-related ETFs (XRP, LTC, SOL, DOGE, MELANIA, etc.) pending with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)," adding that "this year is going to be a truly eventful year."
On the 21st (local time), according to the cryptocurrency-focused media Blockworks, the Denmark-based cryptocurrency trading platform Swapped.com announced its acquisition of the Web3 payment solution company Kado Software to expand its business in the United States. The media reported, "The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed." Kado stated, "Currently, user fees are relatively high, but we are discussing ways to reduce them with Swapped.com," adding, "We plan to actively utilize the advantages of stablecoins for this purpose."
The three major indices of the US stock market are showing a downward trend. The Nasdaq Composite Index is trading at 15,877.08 points, down 2.25% from the previous session as of 00:01 on the 22nd. The Dow Jones Index is down 2.26% at 38,257.07 points, and the S&P 500 Index is recording a 2.25% decline at 5,163.70 points.
Bitcoin (BTC) temporarily returned the $84,000 mark. Meanwhile, BTC is trading at $83,985.10, down 1.38% from the previous day, as of 20:33 on the 20th, based on the Binance Tether (USDT) market.
According to the virtual asset (cryptocurrency) analysis platform Unfolded on the 18th (local time), the virtual asset investment firm Canary Capital has submitted an application to the regulatory authorities for a Staked TRON(TRX) ETF.
In April, the US Department of Justice announced the dissolution of the National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), a department dedicated to cryptocurrency investigations. However, it stated that the lawsuit against former SafeMoon (SFM) CEO Braden John Karony will continue. According to cryptocurrency-focused media outlet Cointelegraph on the 18th (local time), Karony is facing charges of securities fraud conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy for allegedly embezzling millions of dollars worth of SFM tokens between 2021 and 2022.
On the 18th (local time), cryptocurrency specialized media WuBlockchain reported on X (formerly Twitter) that the LUCE token has dropped about 70%, with the majority of trading volume concentrated in Bybit futures and spot markets. Previously, LUCE was selected as the fourth target token for Binance Alpha and was listed on the Alpha market. Meanwhile, LUCE is trading at $0.00888 in the Bybit Tether (USDT) market as of 04:22 on the 19th, down 66.73% from the previous day.
Roman Golovchenko, Chairman of the Board of the National Bank of Belarus, announced in a statement that the central bank digital currency (CBDC) is scheduled to be launched next year. According to the cryptocurrency specialist media Daily Hodl on the 18th (local time), the digital Belarusian ruble will be distributed from the second half of 2026, and plans are in place to support companies to freely use the CBDC. Additionally, the goal is to expand to national institutions and the general public by 2027. Chairman Golovchenko emphasized, "The digital Belarusian ruble is one of the central bank's top priorities," adding, "Currently, we are focusing on resolving security issues, and it is very important to track how the digital currency moves through the entire chain." He further added, "We are closely cooperating with Russia regarding the development of the CBDC."
On the 18th (local time), cryptocurrency-focused media outlet Cointelegraph reported via X (formerly Twitter) that the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance is starting a pilot operation of cryptocurrency trading in collaboration with Bybit. Previously, the Vietnamese government announced last month that it would allow the pilot operation of cryptocurrency exchanges under new regulatory measures.
On the 18th (local time), according to the cryptocurrency media outlet BeInCrypto, Bitcoin (BTC)'s market cap dominance in the overall cryptocurrency market has reached 64%, marking the highest level since early 2021. Excluding stablecoins, Bitcoin's dominance is estimated to be around 69%. The media stated, "When Bitcoin dominance rises, it means Bitcoin is performing relatively better compared to altcoins," and "Conversely, when dominance falls, it indicates increased interest and investment in other cryptocurrencies." Additionally, it was noted that "Bitcoin dominance has been on a steady rise since the end of 2022." Meanwhile, BTC is trading at $84,576.18, down 0.49% from the previous day, as of 02:43 on the 19th in the Binance Tether (USDT) market.
On the 18th (local time), cryptocurrency media outlet Cointelegraph reported, citing Glassnode data, that Bitcoin (BTC) whales are absorbing an amount equivalent to 300% of the newly mined BTC supply, while Bitcoin outflows from exchanges continue to increase. The media stated, "This trend of increasing exchange outflows suggests a growing preference for self-custody and long-term investment." It continued, "Despite the downside risks due to macroeconomic factors, whales are actively accumulating Bitcoin," and explained, "The fact that Bitcoin has broken out of a descending wedge pattern that lasted for several months suggests the possibility of surpassing $100,000 in May." Meanwhile, BTC is trading at $84,576.18, down 0.49% from the previous day, based on the Binance Tether (USDT) market as of 2:43 AM on the 19th.
According to CoinDesk, a media specializing in virtual assets (cryptocurrency), the US-based virtual asset exchange Kraken announced the listing of FX perpetual futures on the 18th (local time).
According to Bloomberg on the 18th (local time), San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank President Mary Daly stated, "Two rate cuts are expected this year, but if inflation rises further, the number of rate cuts could be reduced to less than two." She explained, "It is the right approach to gradually lower the policy rate without haste," and added, "The only promise the Fed can make is price stability." She continued, "The current U.S. labor market is stable, but price stability has not yet been achieved."
Blockchain analysis firm TRM Labs recently reported that countries such as North Korea, Mexico, and Russia are laundering billions of dollars in virtual assets (cryptocurrencies) through China. On the 17th (local time), according to virtual asset specialist media Decrypt, the report stated, "Most criminal organizations using virtual assets cannot conduct money laundering without the help of the sophisticatedly constructed Chinese underground banking network," emphasizing the need for discussions on Chinese money laundering organizations rather than viewing these crimes as isolated threats. The report also pointed out, "Although Reuters reported that the Chinese government has begun cracking down on money laundering related to virtual assets, we are skeptical," adding, "Despite being a police state with a strong surveillance system, illegal businesses continue to thrive."
According to CoinDesk, a media outlet specializing in virtual assets (cryptocurrency), on the 17th (local time), Sadyr Japarov, the President of Kyrgyzstan, signed an amendment granting legal status to the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) 'Digital Som'. The purpose of this amendment is to start prototype testing of the national digital currency, Digital Som, and to establish the legal foundation and status for it. Currently, Kyrgyzstan has not made a final decision on issuing a CBDC, but through constitutional amendments, if the central bank decides to pursue CBDC issuance in the future, the Digital Som can be recognized as legal tender.
The three major U.S. stock indices closed mixed. The Nasdaq Composite Index fell 0.13% to 16,286.45 points on the 18th. The Dow Jones Index fell 1.33% to 39,142.11 points, while the S&P 500 Index rose 0.15% to 5,283.50 points.
On the 17th (local time), according to the cryptocurrency-focused media outlet CoinDesk, prime broker Hidden Road has obtained a broker-dealer operating license from the US Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This license was acquired by Hidden Road's subsidiary, Hidden Road Partners CIV US, enabling the expansion of its bond prime brokerage platform. Hidden Road plans to broadly offer clearing, financing, and prime brokerage services for bond assets to institutional clients in the future. Meanwhile, Ripple (XRP) announced last month that it would acquire Hidden Road for $1.25 billion, with the transaction expected to be completed in the coming months following regulatory approval.
According to cryptocurrency-focused media outlet CoinDesk on the 17th (local time), cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has reportedly laid off hundreds of employees across its operations in recent months to streamline operations ahead of its US listing. Kraken announced at the end of October last year that it would lay off about 400 employees, approximately 15% of its total workforce. An industry insider stated, "In addition to the 15% reduction at the end of last year, further layoffs have continued, and Kraken is undertaking aggressive restructuring across all departments," adding, "This is a measure to improve EBITA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, and Amortization)." Kraken explained that it is taking measures to eliminate certain roles and consolidate overlapping teams while continuing to hire in core business areas.
According to UToday, a cryptocurrency-focused media outlet, Barry Silbert, CEO of Digital Currency Group (DCG), stated on a podcast on the 17th (local time) that "99.99% of virtual asset tokens are worthless." He explained, "I first bought Bitcoin (BTC) 13 years ago. I've always had an intellectual curiosity about everything coming out of the virtual asset industry," and added, "I believe 99.99% of the existing virtual asset tokens have no reason to exist or value." He continued, "I started buying when Bitcoin was trading at about $7 in 2011. Initially, I thought it was a brilliant idea, but when the price plummeted, I felt it was a waste of money," and added, "As the Bitcoin price surged again, I decided to invest in companies building Bitcoin-related infrastructure, one of which is Ripple (XRP)." He also noted, "Of course, if I had continued to hold Bitcoin, I would have achieved better results."
On the 17th (local time), according to Walter Bloomberg, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "I think Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman, will cut rates someday." He added, "The only good thing about Powell is the rate cut."
On the 17th (local time), according to Walter Bloomberg, U.S. President Donald Trump stated, "Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair, is not doing his job," and mentioned, "If I ask, he will resign."
Bitcoin (BTC) briefly recovered the $85,000 level. Meanwhile, BTC is trading at $85,137.98, up 0.11% from the previous day, based on the Binance Tether (USDT) market as of 02:38 on the 18th.
According to the cryptocurrency-focused media outlet CoinDesk on the 17th (local time), Richard Kim, the founder of the cryptocurrency casino platform ZeroEdge, has been arrested on charges of embezzling company funds. Previously, he was accused of siphoning off $3.67 million of investor funds last year and squandering it on gambling.
According to Bloomberg News on the 17th (local time), the Slovenian government has submitted a bill to impose a 25% income tax on personal investors' virtual asset (cryptocurrency) investment gains. The bill is currently undergoing a public consultation process and, if passed by the parliament, is expected to be officially implemented from January next year.
On the 17th (local time), according to Walter Bloomberg, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that he "will deal with China."
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Task Force Team (TFT) on virtual assets (cryptocurrency) has disclosed the list of participants for the virtual asset custody roundtable scheduled for the 25th (local time). The meeting will be attended by representatives from Fireblocks, Anchorage Digital, Fidelity Digital Assets, Kraken, Copper, and WisdomTree. Meanwhile, the SEC Task Force plans to hold monthly roundtable discussions on digital asset regulation until June.
The American Bitcoin (BTC) mining company Bit Digital (Nasdaq ticker: BTBT) has acquired an industrial building located in Madison, North Carolina. According to the cryptocurrency-focused media outlet Cointelegraph on the 17th (local time), the transaction is valued at approximately $53.2 million and is part of a business diversification strategy that includes a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing. The transaction is expected to be completed on May 15th (local time).
The three major indices of the U.S. stock market are showing mixed trends. As of 00:58 on the 18th, the Nasdaq Composite Index is trading at 16,266.39 points, down 0.25% from the previous day. The Dow Jones Index is down 1.17% at 39,204.81 points, while the S&P 500 Index is up 0.31% at 5,291.88 points.