The crypto world saw a diverse set of developments today—from supermarket Bitcoin payments in Switzerland to DeFi lifelines in Yemen and renewed political pressure on the US Federal Reserve. Here’s a round-up of the top stories shaping the global crypto landscape.
Bitcoin Goes Retail in Switzerland
Bitcoin adoption took a practical turn in Zug, Switzerland, as a Spar supermarket began accepting payments via the Lightning Network. Powered by DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay solution, the store is among the first in the country to allow direct BTC transactions at checkout.
The news was shared on April 17 by DFX Swiss via LinkedIn, marking a milestone for crypto payments in everyday retail. Zug, part of Switzerland’s “Crypto Valley,” already boasts over 1,000 businesses that accept Bitcoin, reinforcing the nation’s reputation as a crypto-friendly hub.
Yemen Turns to DeFi Amid Sanctions and War
In war-torn Yemen, crypto is becoming a tool for survival. Citizens are increasingly using decentralised finance (DeFi) protocols to access financial services amid US sanctions targeting the Houthi group, labelled a terrorist organisation.
According to blockchain intelligence firm TRM Labs, 63% of Yemen’s crypto-related web traffic is directed at DeFi platforms, far outpacing centralised exchanges. This shift is driven not by speculation, but by necessity—bypassing failed banking systems and limited financial access due to ongoing conflict.
The trend reflects a broader use-case for crypto in crisis zones, offering a form of financial autonomy where traditional systems have collapsed.
Trump Slams Fed Chair Powell Over Rate Cuts
US President Donald Trump reignited his feud with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of being too slow in cutting interest rates.
Posting on Truth Social after the European Central Bank cut rates on April 17, Trump criticised “Too Late Powell” for not acting despite falling inflation, adding: “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!”
Florida Senator Rick Scott echoed Trump’s views, saying it’s “time for new leadership at the Federal Reserve.” The public attack underscores rising tensions between political leadership and central bank autonomy—potentially influencing crypto market sentiment and broader financial stability.
Global Trends Highlight Crypto’s Expanding Role
From Bitcoin-powered grocery shopping in Switzerland to DeFi as a financial lifeline in Yemen, today’s developments underscore crypto’s expanding relevance across very different geographies and socio-political contexts.
At the same time, Trump’s political pressure on the US central bank could shape future macroeconomic policy, with ripple effects on Bitcoin and broader crypto markets.
As crypto use cases become increasingly diverse—ranging from daily transactions to tools for financial survival—the line between finance and politics continues to blur, with decentralisation offering both opportunity and controversy.
