🛡 Cryptocurrency Security Concerns: ZachXBT's Stark Warning

🚨 On Tuesday, onchain investigator ZachXBT raised serious concerns about the increasing frequency and severity of exploits in the cryptocurrency sector, using the recent Bybit breach as a key example. He delivered a harsh critique of the industry's security practices, regulatory compliance, and efforts to combat illicit activities.

Spending long hours helping freeze funds for the Bybit hack has been eye opening,

ZachXBT stated. He expressed doubt about the industry's ability to self-correct its vulnerabilities without government intervention:

This industry is unbelievably cooked when it comes to exploits/hacks and sadly [I don’t know] if the industry is going to fix this itself unless the government forcibly passes regulations that hurt our entire industry.

🔍 He pointed out that several 'decentralized' protocols have recently derived nearly 100% of their monthly volume/fees from the DPRK and have refused to take accountability. ZachXBT criticized centralized exchange (CEX) platforms for their slow response to suspicious transactions and argued that current compliance measures are inadequate. He noted that Know Your Transaction (KYT) systems can be easily bypassed and that Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements often expose regular users to data breaches without effectively preventing bad actors.

⚠️ He warned that governments may impose strict regulations that could harm the industry and emphasized that the sector is unlikely to address these vulnerabilities on its own.

DPRK laundering $1.4B from the recent hack has only exposed how broken it is,

he concluded.

♾ Additionally, ZachXBT commented on the recent Hyperliquid whale incident, which has been a hot topic in the community. He noted that the trader, who has been one of the top Hyperliquid traders, made over $9 million by shorting bitcoin yesterday. In response to speculation about the 'Hyperliquid whale', ZachXBT remarked,

It’s funny watching CT speculate on the ‘Hyperliquid whale’ when in reality it’s just a cybercriminal gambling with stolen funds.

⚠️ Beware of Scam: Fake Arrest Warrants for Missed Jury Duty

🚨 The U.S. District Court of the Western District of Virginia has issued a warning about a fraudulent scheme involving counterfeit arrest warrants related to missed jury duty. This scam uses forged documents that mimic official court forms and falsely claim to be from the Eastern District of Virginia.

“Please be advised that the United States district courts do not issue arrest warrants for failing to appear for jury duty unless you actually have been summoned for jury duty and fail to appear,”

the court stated. Scammers exploit individuals' fear of legal consequences by presenting these fake documents and demanding immediate payment under the threat of arrest.

💰 The perpetrators instruct victims to send money through hard-to-trace methods such as bitcoin, gift cards, or bank account information. Court officials emphasized the importance of verifying the authenticity of any suspicious documents, especially those requesting payment via bitcoin or gift cards.

If you receive an arrest warrant or other document purportedly from the United States district courts that demands money, particularly bitcoin and gift cards with payment by phone, please contact the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia to confirm its legitimacy.

📈 With similar scams increasing nationwide, authorities urge the public to be cautious and avoid sharing financial information in response to unsolicited legal threats.

🚨 Binance Wallet Investigates Former Employee for Insider Trading

🔍 Binance Wallet has conducted an investigation following a complaint about insider trading, which revealed that a former employee may have used non-public information from their previous role at BNB Chain to engage in front-running trades. However, the company stated that none of its current team members were involved in such activities.

We will proactively cooperate with the relevant authorities in the employee’s jurisdiction and take appropriate legal action in accordance with applicable laws,

the statement said.

💼 The investigation found that the employee, identified as Freddie Ng, violated company policy by using multiple linked wallet addresses to purchase a large volume of UUU tokens. After the official launch of the token sale, Ng sold some of the tokens for a profit of $113,000, having spent only $6,227 for the initial purchase.

⚖️ In response to the findings, Binance Wallet suspended Ng and is pursuing legal action. The company also emphasized its commitment to strengthening internal controls and refining policies to prevent future incidents. Additionally, whistleblowers who submit valid reports through official channels will be eligible for a share of a $100,000 reward.

💰 Robert Kiyosaki Predicts Bitcoin Will Exceed $200K This Year

🚀 Robert Kiyosaki, the author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, believes that bitcoin is on the verge of creating historic wealth and could surpass $200,000 this year. He warns that fearful investors who hesitate due to their Fear of Making Mistakes (FOMM) will miss out on this opportunity.

“The main reason poor people remain poor is due to FOMM: Fear of Making Mistakes,"

Kiyosaki stated. He argues that FOMM is a greater barrier than the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) and prevents even educated individuals from investing in emerging opportunities like bitcoin.

📈 He predicts that those who embrace FOMO and invest in bitcoin will achieve generational wealth, while the FOMM crowd will wait until bitcoin surpasses $200K to claim it is “too expensive.”

🗣 Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of financial education and encourages his followers to listen to diverse perspectives on bitcoin before making decisions. He advises them to

“learn from those who love bitcoin and those who hate bitcoin, then you decide.”

💡 As a long-time advocate for bitcoin, Kiyosaki views it as a revolutionary financial tool and a safeguard against fiat currency decline. He consistently promotes the idea of overcoming fear and seizing opportunities in the financial landscape.

🌟 Is Solaxy (SOLX) the Next Big Crypto?

🚀 The Solaxy (SOLX) presale is creating a buzz, having raised over $27 million. Analysts predict 10x gains for early investors, making it one of the most discussed crypto presales of 2025.

🔗 Solaxy aims to be the first Layer-2 solution for Solana, addressing congestion issues during high-traffic periods. While Solana is known for its speed, it can still experience slowdowns, especially during meme coin trading. Solaxy plans to enhance Solana's performance for developers and traders. Interestingly, its presale launched on Ethereum, with plans for a cross-chain bridge connecting both blockchain communities.

💰 The SOLX token is central to Solaxy's offerings. Currently in its presale phase, which started in December 2024, SOLX is priced at just $0.00167. Notable analyst ClayBro from 99Bitcoins endorses Solaxy, highlighting its Layer-2 setup and staking protocol. He predicts a potential 10x price increase post-launch, emphasizing Solaxy's value in mitigating Solana's congestion during meme coin surges.

📈 Looking ahead, Solaxy's success is tied to the Solana blockchain. Upcoming developments, like a potential spot Solana ETF and the "Firedancer" upgrade, could drive SOL prices up and increase the demand for scaling solutions like Solaxy. Additionally, Solaxy is building a strong community on platforms like X (Twitter) and Telegram, which is vital for any crypto project's success.

🌐 In summary, if Solana performs well in 2025, Solaxy is likely to benefit significantly, making it a project to watch for potential investors.

🏆 Coinbase Resumes Staking in South Carolina After Legal Dispute

⚖️ Coinbase has successfully resumed its staking services in South Carolina following the dismissal of a legal dispute with the state's Securities Division. The Attorney General's Office and Coinbase agreed to drop an enforcement action initiated in June 2023, which had included a cease and desist order regarding Coinbase's staking services.

The dominoes keep falling. South Carolina just joined Vermont to dismiss its unfounded staking lawsuit against Coinbase,

said Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal. He emphasized that this outcome is not only a victory for Coinbase but also for American consumers. Grewal expressed hope that this decision could indicate a positive trend for other states that still impose restrictions on staking.

🔄 Following the resolution, Coinbase has reinstated its staking services in South Carolina, with Grewal confirming,

We’re now live again with staking in South Carolina – including all entrypoints.

He also pointed out the financial impact of the legal proceedings on local residents, noting that South Carolinians lost approximately $2 million in staking rewards due to the case.

👏 Grewal commended South Carolina for its decision, stating,

We applaud South Carolina for standing up for justice and hope the remaining states with bans on staking will take notice.

This resolution marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency, as it closes the matter under South Carolina’s regulation S.C. Code of Regulations 13-604(X) without imposing any penalties or legal fees.

➡️ Elon Musk Distinguishes DOGE from Dogecoin in Government Efficiency Discussion

🚫 Elon Musk recently clarified that his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has no intention of incorporating Dogecoin into its operations for transparency purposes. This statement came during a town hall event on March 30 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where Musk addressed the potential connection between Dogecoin and his DOGE initiative, which shares its acronym with the cryptocurrency.

🔄 When asked about the possibility of using the Dogecoin blockchain to enhance government transparency, Musk stated,

The names are similar but they’re doing two very different things.

He emphasized that there are no plans for the government to use Dogecoin and reiterated that the focus of DOGE is to make the government 15% more efficient.

📈 Despite distancing his DOGE initiative from the meme cryptocurrency, Musk has been a prominent supporter of Dogecoin. He often mentions it on social media, where his endorsements have historically led to price surges. Musk has referred to Dogecoin as

the people’s crypto

and has even accepted it as a payment option for certain Tesla merchandise.

📝 DOGE was established earlier this year through an executive order by President Donald Trump, who appointed Musk as a senior advisor to lead the initiative aimed at modernizing federal operations and reducing spending. The initiative has implemented measures such as widespread layoffs and the elimination of programs related to climate change and diversity. Musk has argued that these cuts are necessary for streamlining government functions and has projected a $1 trillion reduction in federal spending within 130 days.

💰 While DOGE claims to have saved over $100 billion, it has faced criticism for potentially undermining essential services and lacking transparency. Musk has defended the reforms as a means to improve efficiency without compromising core government functions. He plans to step down from his advisory role at the end of May after achieving the projected deficit reduction.

📉 Bitcoin's Current Market Status and Future Outlook

📊 As of Sunday morning, Bitcoin is trading between $82,856 and $83,032, with a market cap of $1.65 trillion and a 24-hour trade volume of $15.6 billion. Over the past day, its price has fluctuated between $81,629 and $83,496.03, which is 23.6% below its all-time high from January 20, 2025.

🔍 The 1-hour chart indicates a short-term consolidation for Bitcoin after bouncing back from a recent low of $81,629. However, lower highs and lower lows suggest a continuing downtrend. Key resistance is at $84,500 and crucial support is at $81,600. Volume patterns show weak buyer participation, and a breakout above $83,500 on increased volume could signal a short-term bullish move.

📈 The 4-hour chart shows a recent relief rally from the $81,629 low. However, the lack of strong buying volume undermines the credibility of this rebound. A significant resistance range between $83,500 and $84,000 remains critical. Failure to breach this zone could indicate continued downside pressure.

⚡️ On the daily chart, Bitcoin is in a defined downtrend after falling from a recent high of $96,967. The nearest support at $82,000 is currently being tested, with further downside potential if this level fails. Resistance levels between $88,000 and $90,000 pose additional challenges for bullish momentum.

⚖️ Oscillator analysis shows market indecision. The relative strength index (RSI) is at 44 and the Stochastic is at 30, indicating neutral conditions. However, the awesome oscillator’s negative value of -10 suggests underlying bearish pressure. In contrast, the momentum indicator’s positive value of -843 and a bullish reading from the MACD at -939 offer some encouragement for buyers.

🔴 Fibonacci retracement levels provide valuable reference points. On the daily chart, key levels include $91,607 (23.6%) and $88,758 (38.2%). The 4-hour chart shows retracement levels at $87,148 (23.6%) and $85,999 (38.2%). Similarly, the 1-hour chart presents resistance and support zones at $83,869 (23.6%) and $83,440 (38.2%).

🌟 Moving averages indicate a predominantly bearish sentiment. All short and long-term exponential and simple moving averages are signaling negative sentiment. Until Bitcoin can reclaim these levels, downward pressure is likely to persist.

💰 Ripple Predicts $18.9 Trillion Surge in Tokenized Assets by 2033

🌍 Ripple has made a bold prediction about the future of tokenized real-world assets, forecasting a staggering growth from $0.6 trillion today to $18.9 trillion by 2033. This projection, developed in collaboration with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), indicates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 53 percent driven by institutional demand, evolving regulations, and advancements in blockchain technology.

The financial world is undergoing a fundamental shift,

Ripple stated. The report outlines a three-phase evolution of tokenized finance: initial institutional onboarding with familiar products, scaling into more complex asset classes, and finally, embedding tokenization across all sectors.

🔗 Tibor Merey, Managing Director at BCG, emphasized the transformative power of tokenization:

Tokenization is transforming financial assets into programmable, interoperable tools, recorded on shared digital ledgers.

Ripple’s Markus Infanger added,

The market is transitioning from tokenized assets simply sitting on-chain to integrating into real economic activity.

🚀 The report highlights several catalysts for this rapid adoption, including regulatory clarity in regions like the European Union and UAE, mature technology infrastructure, and increased fintech mergers. However, it also acknowledges challenges such as infrastructure fragmentation and uneven global regulation.

Tokenization is no longer just a concept—it’s the foundation for the future of global finance,

stressed BCG’s Bernhard Kronfellner.

💰 China's Bitcoin Dilemma: Seized Assets and Strategic Decisions

➡️ A recent Reuters report highlights that China possesses 15,000 seized bitcoins (BTC) from criminal investigations. However, officials are currently debating how to manage these assets as cryptocurrency trading remains illegal in the country.

➡️ Local governments across China are considering policy changes to facilitate the liquidation of confiscated crypto assets. The report indicates that various provincial governments have quietly redirected seized digital currencies into local fiscal initiatives following a series of criminal investigations.

Third-party private firms are being enlisted to offload the seized assets on behalf of local administrations,

the article states, citing conversations with attorneys advising regional governments on cryptocurrency matters. Despite multiple inquiries sent to local governments like Xuzhou, Hua’an, and Taizhou, there was no response from officials.

💸 The report reveals that local authorities collectively hold around 15,000 bitcoins, valued at approximately $1.26 billion based on current exchange rates. Winston Ma, a former managing director of China Investment Corp (CIC), suggested that a centralized framework or utilizing Hong Kong’s financial infrastructure could be a viable solution for managing these holdings. He stated,

A more centralised management would help China maximize the value of the seized cryptocurrencies.

❌ This report contradicts earlier claims that China is seeking to establish a strategic bitcoin reserve similar to proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, David Bailey, CEO of Bitcoin Magazine, suggested that China was exploring the creation of such a reserve. However, considering the country's previous liquidation of approximately 200,000 BTC linked to the Plustoken scheme and the findings from Reuters' latest reporting, it seems that Chinese authorities are not inclined to retain these assets for the long term.

📈 Bitcoin ETFs See Small Inflow While Ether ETFs Continue to Decline

🔄 Bitcoin ETFs experienced a slight rebound on Monday with an inflow of $1.4 million, ending a week-long streak of outflows. In contrast, Ether ETFs faced further losses, recording an exit of $5.98 million, primarily due to withdrawals from Fidelity’s FETH.

➡️ After seven consecutive days of redemptions, Bitcoin ETFs saw a much-needed reversal on April 14. The day's activity was dominated by two funds: Blackrock’s IBIT led with an inflow of $36.72 million, while Fidelity’s FBTC experienced a withdrawal of $35.25 million. The other ten spot Bitcoin ETFs remained inactive, but total trading volume reached a healthy $2.16 billion, with net assets rising to $94.69 billion.

📉 On the other hand, Ether ETFs continued to struggle. The segment saw outflows of $5.98 million, mainly driven by Fidelity’s FETH, which lost $7.78 million. This was partially offset by an inflow of $1.80 million into 21shares’ CETH, but it was insufficient to shift the overall numbers into positive territory. The total value traded for Ether ETFs was $285.64 million, with net assets settling at $5.47 billion.

👀 As the new week begins, the focus will be on whether Bitcoin can maintain its inflow momentum and if Ether can break its ongoing outflow cycle.

➡️ OKX Launches in the United States Amid Regulatory Challenges

🚀 OKX has officially launched its centralized cryptocurrency exchange and OKX Wallet in the United States, establishing its regional headquarters in San Jose, California. Roshan Robert has been appointed as the US CEO, highlighting the company's dedication to providing secure and compliant access to digital assets.

🔄 The rollout will begin with the migration of existing OKCoin customers to the OKX platform, which promises enhanced liquidity, lower fees, and advanced trading tools. OKX is committed to transparency and security, implementing a global proof of reserves and adhering to US regulations.

⚖️ This launch comes shortly after OKX pleaded guilty to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business, resulting in penalties over $504 million. Despite these challenges, the company aims to establish a strong presence in the US market.

📈 XRP Market Analysis: Consolidation with Bullish Potential

🔍 XRP is currently trading at $2.14 with a market capitalization of $124 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $2.47 billion. The price has been consolidating within a range of $2.103 to $2.185, indicating a potential for a breakout. The one-hour chart shows that XRP has been oscillating between $2.13 and $2.18, facing strong resistance at $2.18 which has led to temporary pullbacks. Volume has been declining, suggesting a coiling phase that often precedes a breakout. Traders can look for scalping opportunities within this tight channel, buying near $2.13 and selling around $2.18 to $2.20 as long as the upper boundary remains unbroken.

📊 On the four-hour chart, there was a recent bullish breakout towards $2.25 followed by a consolidation phase. However, the asset failed to maintain upward momentum beyond this level and has entered a sideways pattern, forming what appears to be a bullish flag or pennant. This formation typically suggests continuation if supported by increased volume. A support level is at $1.92 with resistance near $2.25. A decisive move above resistance with high trading volume could lead to gains towards $2.40.

📈 The daily chart shows that XRP has rebounded from a local bottom of $1.611 and is stabilizing around the $2.10–$2.20 range. The presence of bullish engulfing and doji candles near recent support levels indicates a potential short-term reversal. Trading volume surged during the rebound, adding credibility to this bullish move. Key resistance stands near $2.59, while the $1.90–$2.00 area could serve as a long entry zone if bullish confirmation occurs on a price revisit.

⚖️ An analysis of the oscillators reveals a neutral market stance. The relative strength index (RSI) is at 49.75, the Stochastic oscillator is at 81.28, and the commodity channel index (CCI) is at 48.11. However, the momentum indicator is showing a bearish signal at −0.00622, while the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) level reads −0.05472, offering a bullish signal. This mixed sentiment supports the view of consolidation with a slight bullish inclination.

🚫 Court Dismisses $750K Crypto Fraud Lawsuit Against Santander

⚖️ The Massachusetts Appeals Court recently upheld a decision to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Lourenco Garcia against Santander Bank, regarding over $750,000 lost in a cryptocurrency scam. The court ruled that Santander had no legal obligation to intervene in authorized transactions, despite Garcia's claims.

🗓 On April 18, the court affirmed a November 2023 Superior Court ruling which stated that Garcia's amended complaint did not present a valid legal claim under Massachusetts Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6). Garcia alleged that Santander failed to act when he authorized several large transactions linked to a fraudulent crypto platform, Coinegg.

💳 Between December 13, 2021, and January 4, 2022, Garcia made two online purchases through Crypto and initiated seven wire transfers at Santander branches, totaling $751,500. These funds were transferred to an account at Metropolitan Commercial Bank of New York for cryptocurrency purchases, which were then sent to Coinegg. After discovering that Coinegg was a scam, Garcia sought to recover his funds, citing Santander's Personal Deposit Account Agreement that stated:

If we see any transactions that follow patterns fraudsters typically use, we will text you or email you to ask whether or not you authorized the transactions.

➡️ However, the Appeals Court determined that this statement did not create a duty for Santander to stop or question the transactions. The court noted:

The Agreement states that Santander ‘may decline or prevent any or all transactions,’ but does not obligate Santander to do so.

📝 The judges pointed out that Garcia had authorized all transactions himself and did not identify any breached contract terms or legal duties by the bank. They also found that the language on Santander's website did not constitute an enforceable promise, and Garcia failed to demonstrate any false or deceptive conduct necessary to support claims of negligent misrepresentation or violations of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 93A.

📈 Cryptocurrency Market Update: Gains and Losses

📊 On Saturday, the global cryptocurrency market cap rose by 0.53% to reach $2.68 trillion. Over the past week, bitcoin saw a slight increase of 0.3% while ethereum experienced a decline of 2.4%. Despite this, eight digital assets recorded double-digit gains.

🌟 The top performer of the week was threshold network token (T), which surged by 30.59% against the U.S. dollar. It was followed by core dao token (CORE) with a 27.15% increase and theta fuel (TFUEL) which rose by 16.60%. Other notable gainers included VTHO (+15.54%), BRETT (+13.95%), FET (+13.08%), HYPE (+13.02%), and SC (+10.28%). However, T token saw a decline of 9.9% over the last 24 hours.

📉 On the downside, MANTRA’s OM token suffered the biggest drop, plunging by 90.40%. Movement token (MOVE) fell by 32.16% and spx6900 (SPX) decreased by 21.93%. Other tokens that experienced losses included BERA (-21.22%), PENGU (-15.88%), and PI (-15.81%).

➡️ In terms of trading volume, solana (SOL) led the week, followed by XRP. BNB, Official TRUMP, DOGE, and TRX also saw significant turnover. Bitcoin's market capitalization stands at $1.68 trillion, accounting for nearly 63% of the total market. Ethereum's market cap is just under $200 billion at $195 billion, representing over 7% of the crypto economy's total value.

📉 However, data from cryptoquant indicates that bitcoin and ethereum reserves on exchanges have increased over the past week, which may intensify sell pressure and challenge prices in the coming days. With bitcoin dominating nearly two-thirds of the $2.68 trillion market, altcoins will require strong catalysts to attract new capital.

💶 Digital Euro: A Game Changer for European Currency Use

🌍 The European Central Bank (ECB) is actively exploring the potential impact of the digital euro, a proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC), on traditional forms of money in the Eurozone. Although the digital euro has not yet been approved, a recent report suggests it could significantly alter how Europeans utilize banknotes and bank deposits.

💡 The ECB estimates that the digital euro could replace 50% of the physical banknotes currently in circulation. Additionally, for every 10 digital euros issued, 3 euros may be withdrawn from bank deposits. The report examines three scenarios based on public adoption: if adoption remains low, €15 billion in banknotes would be replaced; if it reaches peak levels, up to €256 billion could be substituted.

📉 However, even under the most optimistic predictions, the digital euro would still represent a small fraction of the over €1.56 trillion currently issued in banknotes. This contrasts with the U.S., which has recently opposed introducing a dollar CBDC. Europe, on the other hand, is advocating for the digital euro to mitigate the growing influence of dollar stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies.

🗣 In January, ECB board member Piero Cipollone emphasized the necessity of a digital euro as a safeguard against these bankless solutions:

That’s why we need a digital euro

💱 U.S. Cryptocurrency Endorsement Strains EU Relations

➡️ The U.S. endorsement of cryptocurrencies and promotion of dollar-based stablecoins have reportedly created tensions between the European Commission (EC) and the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB views this U.S. embrace as a threat to Europe's financial system, while the EC considers the ECB's concerns to be exaggerated.

⚖️ According to a Politico report citing an ECB policy paper, the ECB's demand for a rewrite of cryptocurrency laws conflicts with the EC's perspective. The EC believes that the ECB's demands challenge its lawmaking authority. This disagreement comes as EU officials express concerns over the rise of cryptocurrencies and dollar-based stablecoins.

📌 For example, the Italian economy minister recently warned that dollar-based stablecoins pose a greater threat to the euro than the ongoing trade war. The EU has previously stated its intention to promote the digital euro as a response to dollar-based stablecoins.

📈 However, upcoming U.S. reforms are expected to significantly expand the American stablecoin industry, potentially reaching a $2 trillion supply by 2028. This projected growth has raised alarms from ECB President Christine Lagarde and digital payments head Piero Cipollone.

🚫 Both Lagarde and Cipollone believe that the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) rules are insufficient to withstand dollar-based stablecoins. They fear that an influx of dollar-based stablecoins could divert European savings into the U.S. However, EC officials disagree and recently expressed their differing views at a meeting.

🗣 An anonymous diplomat who attended the meeting stated,

The Commission was quite clear that they had different views on this topic [and] not very many [countries] supported the idea that we should now jump the gun and start making quick changes in [the rules] based on this alone.

🤔 The diplomat suggested that the ECB may be exaggerating concerns about stablecoins to gain political support for its digital euro project. This initiative aims to create a pan-European payment system to protect Europe's financial infrastructure from crypto assets.

🛡 However, the EC has defended the effectiveness of MiCA rules and insisted that it is premature to assess the impact of the U.S. crypto resurgence on EU markets.

🚀 Jack Mallers: Leading Strike and Twenty One Capital

📈 Jack Mallers, CEO and founder of Strike, recently revealed impressive growth numbers for his company. In a letter to investors, he announced that Strike achieved over $6 billion in payments volume and a staggering 600% year-over-year growth in 2024.

💼 At just 31 years old, Mallers has made a significant impact in the bitcoin industry. He started Strike’s parent company, Zap Solutions, in 2017 after being introduced to bitcoin by his father. After several iterations, the company rebranded to Strike in 2020. Strike became well-known for its role in making bitcoin legal tender in El Salvador, which elevated Mallers' status within the bitcoin community.

📊 Despite recent speculation about his commitment to Strike following his appointment as CEO of the new bitcoin treasury firm, Twenty One Capital, Mallers reassured investors of his dedication to Strike's success. He shared key financial metrics: 600% YoY growth, over $6 billion in payments volume, an 85% gross profit margin, and a 21% adjusted EBITDA margin.

Over the last five years, we’ve built Strike into one of the most profitable and fastest-growing companies in the world,

Mallers stated. He also outlined a major goal for 2025: to achieve "8-9 figures in net profit" with only 75 employees.

👉 Addressing concerns about his dual roles, Mallers clarified:

I will serve as co-founder and CEO of Twenty One while continuing to lead Strike. Let me be clear, this is not a shift in my commitment, it’s an extension of it.

💰 Semler Scientific Expands Bitcoin Holdings with $10 Million Acquisition

📈 Semler Scientific, a medical technology company, recently announced the acquisition of 111 bitcoins for $10 million between February 14 and April 24, 2025. This purchase increased the company's total bitcoin holdings to 3,303 bitcoins, which were acquired at an average price of $87,929 per bitcoin.

💵 The latest acquisition was funded through proceeds from its at-the-market (ATM) offering program and available cash. As of April 24, 2025, the market value of Semler Scientific's bitcoin holdings stood at $309.1 million.

➡️ This update on bitcoin holdings follows the company's recent filing for a $500 million mixed-securities offering aimed at financing further bitcoin acquisitions. The filing permits Semler Scientific to sell various securities and use the proceeds primarily for additional bitcoin purchases.

♾ To facilitate its bitcoin acquisitions, Semler Scientific has entered into a new Controlled Equity Offering Sales Agreement. Under an initial agreement with Cantor Fitzgerald, the company raised approximately $126 million by issuing and selling over 2.4 million shares. After launching a new ATM equity offering program on April 22, 2025, the company stopped selling shares under the previous agreement.

📊 The new agreement with Barclays Capital, Cantor Fitzgerald, Canaccord Genuity LLC, and other firms allows Semler Scientific to issue and sell up to $500 million in common stock. As of April 24, the company had sold over 57,000 shares under this agreement, generating about $2 million in net proceeds.

📈 According to the company's statement, Semler Scientific reported a 23.5% year-to-date bitcoin yield through April 24, 2025. This yield is used as a key performance indicator (KPI) to assess the effectiveness of its bitcoin acquisition strategy and its impact on shareholders. The company believes this KPI is valuable for investors to understand its decision-making process regarding funding bitcoin purchases through the issuance of additional shares.

➡️ Uncertain Negotiations: U.S.-China Trade War Continues

🤔 The U.S.-China trade war remains unresolved, despite some indications of potential easing of tariffs by the U.S. President Trump mentioned ongoing discussions, but China has firmly denied any such meetings took place.

We will fight, if fight we must. Our doors are open, if the US wants to talk. Dialogue and negotiation must be based on equality, respect, and mutual benefit

said Lin Jian, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson.

🗣 In contrast, the Trump administration maintains that talks are happening. Trump stated,

They had a meeting this morning. It doesn’t matter who ‘they’ is.

A White House official corroborated this, noting low-level in-person talks and phone communications between the two nations earlier this week.

📉 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the current tariff levels as akin to an embargo and labeled the situation as “unsustainable.” His comments were positively received by the markets, suggesting a possible shift towards resolving the trade conflict.

🚀 Bitwise Moves Towards NEAR Protocol ETF Launch

➡️ Bitwise, a crypto asset manager, has taken a significant step towards launching a NEAR Protocol-focused exchange-traded fund (ETF) by filing registration documents for a Delaware statutory trust. This entity was registered on April 24, 2025 with CSC Delaware Trust Company listed as its registered agent. Delaware statutory trusts are often used for structuring ETFs due to their legal flexibility and tax efficiency.

📝 To proceed with the ETF launch, Bitwise must submit a detailed proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This proposal must include information about custody, market surveillance, and investor protections. However, SEC approval is not guaranteed and can take months or even years, especially for crypto-related products.

📈 This filing is part of a larger industry trend to introduce ETFs that track cryptocurrencies beyond just bitcoin and ethereum. There are currently over a dozen applications pending with the SEC for spot funds linked to assets like SOL, LTC, HBAR, ADA, and XRP. This reflects a growing demand for diversified crypto exposure amid changing regulations.

💼 Bitwise already manages a spot bitcoin ETF and a spot ether fund. The NEAR Protocol, which is a layer one blockchain focused on decentralized applications, has a market capitalization of approximately $3.1 billion as of April 2025.

➡️ Delaware is a popular jurisdiction for ETF filings due to its efficient trust registration process. However, the SEC has been cautious about approving non-bitcoin and non-ether crypto ETFs. Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler emphasized the need for stricter compliance frameworks in the past.

🔄 With SEC Chair Paul Atkins now leading the regulatory body, there may be potential for change. Final decisions on pending applications are expected to set important precedents for future crypto fund launches.