Mastercard to Acquire BVNK in $1.8 Billion Deal to Boost Stablecoin Payments
Push into blockchain-based payments Mastercard has agreed to acquire stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK in a deal valued at up to $1.8 billion, marking a major step in its expansion into blockchain-powered payments. The agreement includes up to $300 million in contingent payouts tied to performance milestones. The acquisition reflects Mastercard’s
Metaplanet Raises $255 Million to Accelerate Bitcoin Accumulation Strategy
Japan-based investment firm Metaplanet has raised about $255 million through a private placement as it doubles down on its strategy of building one of the largest corporate holdings of Bitcoin. The company also introduced a new warrant structure designed to generate additional capital that will be used to purchase more
South Korea Fines Bithumb $24 Million, Imposes Six-Month Partial Business Suspension
South Korean regulators have imposed a fine of 36.8 billion won, roughly $24.5 million, on the cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb after uncovering large-scale violations of anti-money laundering rules. Authorities have also ordered a six-month partial suspension of certain services following an inspection that revealed millions of compliance failures. The action was
USDC Market Cap Nears $80 Billion as Demand Surges Amid UAE Real Estate Uncertainty
The market capitalization of the stablecoin USD Coin (USDC) is approaching a historic milestone of $80 billion, driven by rising demand in the Middle East. Market observers say the surge may be linked to investors moving capital away from traditional assets in the United Arab Emirates, particularly amid signs of
Bitcoin Surges Past $72,000 Amid Global Tensions, Shows Strength Despite Market Uncertainty
Bitcoin climbed above $72,000 on Friday, reaching its highest level in more than a week as investors closely monitored upcoming US inflation data and broader global developments. The leading cryptocurrency showed notable strength even as geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic concerns continued to influence financial markets. Market analysts observed that Bitcoin
TOKEN2049 Dubai Postponed to 2027 Amid Regional Uncertainty and Travel Disruptions
The Dubai edition of TOKEN2049, one of the largest global conferences for the cryptocurrency and digital asset industry, has been postponed to 2027 as ongoing regional tensions continue to disrupt travel and event planning across the Middle East. Event organizers confirmed on Friday that the conference, which was originally scheduled
Bitcoin Holds Near $70,000 as Rate Cut Hopes Fade and Oil Prices Swing
Bitcoin traded close to the $70,000 mark on Thursday as global markets reacted to steady US economic data and rising geopolitical uncertainty. The cryptocurrency showed little reaction to the latest jobless claims numbers, while investors continued to reassess expectations around US interest rate cuts. At the same time, oil prices
Strategy Records Largest STRC Issuance Day, Estimated to Fund 1,420 Bitcoin Purchase
Michael Saylor’s company Strategy has reportedly made one of its biggest single-day Bitcoin purchases after raising fresh capital through its preferred equity offering. The company sold a record amount of its perpetual preferred shares, known as Stretch (STRC), which analysts estimate funded the purchase of around 1,420 Bitcoin in a
Babylon and Ledger Join Hands to Expand Bitcoin Vault Access
Bitcoin infrastructure firm Babylon Labs has partnered with hardware wallet manufacturer Ledger to expand access to its Bitcoin Vault system. The collaboration is aimed at helping Bitcoin holders use their assets in financial applications while still maintaining control over their funds. The integration allows Ledger devices to sign transactions for
Bithumb Faces Possible Six Month Partial Suspension Over AML and KYC Concerns in South Korea
South Korea’s cryptocurrency exchange Bithumb may face a partial business suspension of up to six months after regulators raised concerns about its anti money laundering controls and customer verification procedures. The move comes as authorities tighten oversight of the country’s rapidly growing digital asset industry. According to local media reports,
