All articles tagged with #crypto
The CFTC announced the formation of the Innovation Task Force to develop a clear regulatory framework for innovators in crypto assets and blockchain, artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, and prediction markets and event contracts. Led by Michael J. Passalacqua, the ITF includes senior agency staff and private-sector experts to establish rules of the road for American innovators.
Law-enforcement groups warn a provision shielding non-custodial DeFi developers from money-transmitter rules could hinder investigations, prompting Democratic pressure for changes even as Republicans defend the measure; the dispute threatens bipartisan momentum for the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act as the Senate Banking Committee considers markup.
Fannie Mae will start accepting crypto-backed mortgages through a Better Home & Finance and Coinbase product, allowing borrowers to pledge crypto as collateral for a second loan to cover the down payment while the crypto remains in custody and cannot be traded; although borrowers incur two loan payments, the program offers potentially lower rates and no private mortgage insurance on the second loan, signaling a first compliant step toward tokenized-asset financing in real estate.
Circle stock rebounds after its biggest-ever single-day drop, as a broad market swing drives wide moves across equities and crypto: AMD +7.59%, INTC +7.45%, ARM +17.86%, JD +8.04%, CHWY +13.43% while ONON falls -11.75% and DPRO drops -22.12%; Bitcoin-USD +2.02% and Ethereum-USD +2.27%, illustrating a volatile trading day with numerous double-digit moves across tickers.
Bitcoin sits near $68,000 and has fallen less than broad stock indices as oil prices surge on Strait of Hormuz tensions, signaling resilience from prior deleveraging and ongoing institutional demand. While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slide and energy leads gains in a risk-off environment, macro data and oil moves are likely to shape the next move for risk assets, with some analysts suggesting Bitcoin’s fair value could be well above current levels.
Live Capitol Hill updates show the Senate delaying its planned recess if the DHS funding lapse isn’t resolved, as Mullin’s nomination to lead Homeland Security moves forward; the day also features lawmakers examining AI use in federal courts, potential housing-crypto tradeoffs, and other major Capitol Hill developments including Iran war-funding discussions and ongoing investigations into Epstein and César Chávez-related bills.
A guide ranking five leading crypto casinos for 2026—Bets.io, Lucky Rebel, Thunderpick, BitStarz and BetWhale—focusing on game libraries, crypto payments, and rapid withdrawals. Bets.io offers 17,000+ games with a 225% bonus + 225 free spins up to 1 BTC plus cashback; Lucky Rebel supports BTC withdrawals via the Lightning Network and a 200% match up to $2,500 plus 50 free spins; Thunderpick provides up to €2,000 casino and €600 betting bonuses with fast payouts; BitStarz features 500+ cryptocurrencies, 7,000+ titles and sub-10-minute withdrawals; BetWhale combines a 250% bonus up to $2,500 with a sportsbook and quick sign-up. The piece also includes tips on evaluating promos and a simple crypto-deposit/register workflow.
Illinois’ open Senate primary to replace retiring Sen. Durbin features heavy outside spending from crypto interests backing Raja Krishnamoorthi and Gov. Pritzker’s support for Juliana Stratton, highlighting big-money influence in Democratic politics. Krishnamoorthi denies being beholden to crypto backers, Stratton’s camp argues she’s not controlled by billionaires, and polling suggests a tight race with Rep. Robin Kelly trailing behind.
A live market snapshot shows Adobe (ADBE) down about 1.4% to 269.78, Ulta Beauty (ULTA) down about 4.3% to 624.70, and a mix of other stocks moving in various directions. Crypto assets are among the gainers, with Bitcoin (BTC-USD) up ~2.9%, Ethereum (ETH-USD) up ~3.9%, and XRP (XRP-USD) up ~3.8%, alongside other tickers listed in the feed.
Major U.S. banks, via the Bank Policy Institute, are weighing a lawsuit against the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency over its crypto and fintech licensing reforms that would allow a national trust charter and nationwide operations, arguing the lighter regulatory regime could undermine consumer protections and financial stability; the move has drawn opposition from state regulators and smaller lenders, with no decision yet on pursuing legal action.
BlackRock blocked $1.2B in withdrawals from its $26B private-credit funds, signaling a liquidity squeeze that could ripple through crypto markets, with BTC ETF outflows and valuation concerns weighing on confidence; the stock fell about 7.7% in the session.
A fast-growing generation of dollar-pegged stablecoins is backed by U.S. Treasuries, offering faster payments and potentially lower financing costs, but bankers and regulators warn of systemic risks as President Trump signals openness to their use in traditional finance.
Beast Industries has acquired Step, a fintech app for teenagers and young adults that offers spending, savings, and investment accounts plus a secured card to help build credit. The venture aims to expand into broader financial services, possibly including crypto and a stablecoin, while prioritizing financial education and philanthropy for Gen Z. The deal leverages MrBeast’s massive reach but raises questions about crypto exposure for minors and regulatory risk in youth-focused banking.
Beast Industries is reportedly acquiring The Step, a fintech app for teens and young adults, adding debit cards and parent-controlled savings and investment accounts to teach financial literacy, with a reported $200 million investment from Bitmine Immersion Technology. The move signals a major foray into youth finance, including plans to launch a stablecoin and a Robinhood-like app for kids amid scrutiny of crypto investments and MrBeast’s broader business practices. The piece presents a critical view of the venture’s potential risks and ethical considerations given past controversies surrounding the influencer-backed ventures.
Block announced a 40% layoff (4,000 of 10,000 employees), with CEO Jack Dorsey saying AI advances are changing how the company is built and run. Analysts note that a weak crypto market (Bitcoin holdings around 8,500 BTC), prior overstaffing, and a falling stock price also help explain the move, making it unclear how much AI can actually reduce headcount; market reactions to the announcement were volatile and context across the tech sector shows mixed results.