Maldives bets $8.8 billion on blockchain to counter economic and debt challenges
Maldives' $8.8 billion finance city aims to both transform its economy and attract crypto investments in a tax-free haven.
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
The Maldives has finalized an $8.8 billion agreement to build a blockchain-first financial hub that reportedly eclipses the nation’s entire economy. The country aims to reposition itself as a global destination for digital assets.
Per the Financial Times, Dubai-based MBS Global Investments will finance the Maldives International Financial Centre (MIFC) project.
Maldives' $8.8 billion finance city aims to both transform its economy and attract crypto investments in a tax-free haven.
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
The Maldives has finalized an $8.8 billion agreement to build a blockchain-first financial hub that reportedly eclipses the nation’s entire economy. The country aims to reposition itself as a global destination for digital assets.
Per the Financial Times, Dubai-based MBS Global Investments will finance the Maldives International Financial Centre (MIFC) project.
BNB Bulls Target $644 As Classic Chart Formation Emerges
Binance Coin (BNB) is gaining fresh interest as investors closely watch a potential breakout. The token is facing resistance around $593, with daily trade volume at $1.24 billion. Its market cap is $83 billion. The current trend is being attributed to sustained buying interest and continuous technical cues.
Technical analysts are keenly watching a triangle price pattern forming on the chart of BNB against USDT’s 1-day chart. As analyst Andrew Griffiths explains, this formation is recognized for contracting price action, whereby the highs become lower and the lows become higher. It typically indicates a significant move in the near future, either higher or lower.
#BNB analysis on the 1D chart vs USDT shows price movement within a triangle pattern, indicating room for the current side trend. Potential targets: T1 = $599, T2 = $617, T3 = $644. For risk management, consider Stop-Loss levels: SL1 = $580, SL2 = $559, SL3 = $542, SL4 = $521
Binance Coin (BNB) is gaining fresh interest as investors closely watch a potential breakout. The token is facing resistance around $593, with daily trade volume at $1.24 billion. Its market cap is $83 billion. The current trend is being attributed to sustained buying interest and continuous technical cues.
Technical analysts are keenly watching a triangle price pattern forming on the chart of BNB against USDT’s 1-day chart. As analyst Andrew Griffiths explains, this formation is recognized for contracting price action, whereby the highs become lower and the lows become higher. It typically indicates a significant move in the near future, either higher or lower.
#BNB analysis on the 1D chart vs USDT shows price movement within a triangle pattern, indicating room for the current side trend. Potential targets: T1 = $599, T2 = $617, T3 = $644. For risk management, consider Stop-Loss levels: SL1 = $580, SL2 = $559, SL3 = $542, SL4 = $521
Crypto Pundit Says XRP To $10 Is Just The Start
In his latest video, the market commentator known as CryptoInsightUK laid out a multi-step argument for why XRP could “very realistically go to $10 plus this cycle — and potentially into the $20-to-$30 range.” The analyst combined macro-asset rotation, historical dominance patterns and a series of back-of-envelope calculations to contend that most investors are still underestimating the token’s upside.
In his latest video, the market commentator known as CryptoInsightUK laid out a multi-step argument for why XRP could “very realistically go to $10 plus this cycle — and potentially into the $20-to-$30 range.” The analyst combined macro-asset rotation, historical dominance patterns and a series of back-of-envelope calculations to contend that most investors are still underestimating the token’s upside.
VanEck officially files first BNB ETF application in the US
VanEck's historic filing aims to pioneer spot BNB access, offering exposure tied to top trading platforms' prices.
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Asset manager VanEck filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2 to launch a BNB exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The filing marks the first known attempt to bring a spot BNB ETF to the US market. If approved, the fund would list on an unspecified national exchange under a yet-to-be-disclosed ticker symbol.
The application is the latest altcoin ETF filing made by VanEck as it continues efforts to broaden access to digital assets through traditional investment vehicles.
VanEck's historic filing aims to pioneer spot BNB access, offering exposure tied to top trading platforms' prices.
Cover art/illustration via CryptoSlate. Image includes combined content which may include AI-generated content.
Asset manager VanEck filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 2 to launch a BNB exchange-traded fund (ETF).
The filing marks the first known attempt to bring a spot BNB ETF to the US market. If approved, the fund would list on an unspecified national exchange under a yet-to-be-disclosed ticker symbol.
The application is the latest altcoin ETF filing made by VanEck as it continues efforts to broaden access to digital assets through traditional investment vehicles.
Tariffs, Bitcoin and rule reversals: Inside Trump’s first 100 days in office
CryptoSlate's latest market report dives deep into Trump's first 100-day sprint that recast the SEC, scrapped key crypto rules, and fueled fresh inflation worries.
Summary
Donald Trump’s second-term opening relied on the stroke of a pen rather than acts of Congress.
Between Jan. 20 and Apr. 29, he issued 143 executive orders, 42 proclamations, and 42 memoranda, while only five bills became law.
Trade policy involved a blanket 10% levy on imports and a punitive 145% duty on Chinese goods, triggering Beijing’s 125% rebuttal.
At the same time, the White House wrote the first chapter of official American Bitcoin ownership, transferring forfeited coins worth about $12 billion into a new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and promising never to auction them again.
CryptoSlate's latest market report dives deep into Trump's first 100-day sprint that recast the SEC, scrapped key crypto rules, and fueled fresh inflation worries.
Summary
Donald Trump’s second-term opening relied on the stroke of a pen rather than acts of Congress.
Between Jan. 20 and Apr. 29, he issued 143 executive orders, 42 proclamations, and 42 memoranda, while only five bills became law.
Trade policy involved a blanket 10% levy on imports and a punitive 145% duty on Chinese goods, triggering Beijing’s 125% rebuttal.
At the same time, the White House wrote the first chapter of official American Bitcoin ownership, transferring forfeited coins worth about $12 billion into a new Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and promising never to auction them again.
BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Inflow Surpasses Gold ETF in 2025
Gold may be outperforming Bitcoin in price this year, but institutional investors are doubling down on BTC. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has already attracted nearly $7 billion in inflows in 2025, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest gold ETF.
This growing interest signals a powerful shift: institutions are betting on Bitcoin’s long-term growth, regardless of short-term volatility.
Gold vs. Bitcoin: 2025 Performance Breakdown
Gold has been on a winning streak in 2025, delivering strong monthly gains:
January: +6.59%
February: +2.02%
March: +8.72%
April: +5.22%
April 8–21 alone: +14.83%
May (so far): +4%
Total YTD Growth: +30.33%
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has had a choppy ride:
January: +9.54%
February: -17.5%
March: -2.19%
April: +14.2%
May (so far): +3.04%
Total YTD Growth: +3.84%
Gold may be outperforming Bitcoin in price this year, but institutional investors are doubling down on BTC. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has already attracted nearly $7 billion in inflows in 2025, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), the world’s largest gold ETF.
This growing interest signals a powerful shift: institutions are betting on Bitcoin’s long-term growth, regardless of short-term volatility.
Gold vs. Bitcoin: 2025 Performance Breakdown
Gold has been on a winning streak in 2025, delivering strong monthly gains:
January: +6.59%
February: +2.02%
March: +8.72%
April: +5.22%
April 8–21 alone: +14.83%
May (so far): +4%
Total YTD Growth: +30.33%
Meanwhile, Bitcoin has had a choppy ride:
January: +9.54%
February: -17.5%
March: -2.19%
April: +14.2%
May (so far): +3.04%
Total YTD Growth: +3.84%
Bitcoin Bet Pays Off: Metaplanet Shares Surge Over 15x in a Year
In Brief
Metaplanet’s aggressive Bitcoin buying strategy boosted its stock price over 15X since April 2024, drawing global investor interest.
With 5,555 BTC now held, the firm issued a $25 million interest-free bond to fund further acquisitions, signaling deeper crypto integration.
Dubbed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” Metaplanet’s game plan sets a bold precedent for institutional crypto adoption across Japan and Asia.
Metaplanet, a publicly listed Japanese company, has captured global financial market attention with its bold Bitcoin (BTC) acquisition strategy.
Since its first purchase in April 2024, Metaplanet has consistently increased its Bitcoin holdings, while its stock price has surged dramatically, growing more than 15-fold in under a year.
In Brief
Metaplanet’s aggressive Bitcoin buying strategy boosted its stock price over 15X since April 2024, drawing global investor interest.
With 5,555 BTC now held, the firm issued a $25 million interest-free bond to fund further acquisitions, signaling deeper crypto integration.
Dubbed “Asia’s MicroStrategy,” Metaplanet’s game plan sets a bold precedent for institutional crypto adoption across Japan and Asia.
Metaplanet, a publicly listed Japanese company, has captured global financial market attention with its bold Bitcoin (BTC) acquisition strategy.
Since its first purchase in April 2024, Metaplanet has consistently increased its Bitcoin holdings, while its stock price has surged dramatically, growing more than 15-fold in under a year.
Why Is PEPE’s Price Up by 22% in 2 Days?
PEPE is among the biggest gainers from the top 100 alts today.
TL;DR
Although most of the crypto market and especially the speculative meme coin niche skyrocketed today, some are performing better than others, and PEPE falls into that category with a double-digit surge.
The move has renewed optimism in the third-largest meme coin, with big promises that come on the heels of a substantial whale purchase.
It was just a couple of days ago when PEPE struggled below $0.0000076. And it was just a month ago when it had plunged to a massive low of under $0.0000057. The current price tag of almost $0.0000093 means that the frog-themed meme coin has soared by roughly 22% since May 6 and by more than 60% since the early April bottom.
PEPE is among the biggest gainers from the top 100 alts today.
TL;DR
Although most of the crypto market and especially the speculative meme coin niche skyrocketed today, some are performing better than others, and PEPE falls into that category with a double-digit surge.
The move has renewed optimism in the third-largest meme coin, with big promises that come on the heels of a substantial whale purchase.
It was just a couple of days ago when PEPE struggled below $0.0000076. And it was just a month ago when it had plunged to a massive low of under $0.0000057. The current price tag of almost $0.0000093 means that the frog-themed meme coin has soared by roughly 22% since May 6 and by more than 60% since the early April bottom.
Bitcoin Soars Toward $100,000 As Treasury, Not Fed, Drives Liquidity: Expert
Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX and principal of Maelstrom Capital, contends that the US Treasury—rather than the Federal Reserve—is the true engine of the current bull market in risk assets, Bitcoin foremost among them. Speaking in a live-streamed one-on-one interview Wednesday evening, Hayes argued that traders should “ignore Powell” and instead parse every word and data table that comes out of the Treasury’s quarterly refunding announcement.
“Powell hasn’t really mattered for many years,” Hayes insisted, dismissing the Fed chair’s decision to leave the federal-funds rate at 4.25 % to 4.50 % for a third consecutive meeting. “The real show is at the Treasury Department. […] Listen to Bessent. Ignore Powell. He’s irrelevant.”
Arthur Hayes, the co-founder of BitMEX and principal of Maelstrom Capital, contends that the US Treasury—rather than the Federal Reserve—is the true engine of the current bull market in risk assets, Bitcoin foremost among them. Speaking in a live-streamed one-on-one interview Wednesday evening, Hayes argued that traders should “ignore Powell” and instead parse every word and data table that comes out of the Treasury’s quarterly refunding announcement.
“Powell hasn’t really mattered for many years,” Hayes insisted, dismissing the Fed chair’s decision to leave the federal-funds rate at 4.25 % to 4.50 % for a third consecutive meeting. “The real show is at the Treasury Department. […] Listen to Bessent. Ignore Powell. He’s irrelevant.”
5 Must-Watch Crypto Market Moments This May
Key Insights:
Bitcoin Reserve Deadline is a key moment for the crypto market.
Fed’s Interest Rate Call.
Earnings Spotlight.
Crypto Upgrades and Events.
May 2025 is shaping up to be a wild ride for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the whole digital asset scene. With Bitcoin’s market cap chilling at $1.75 trillion and Ethereum’s TVL holding steady at $46.7 billion, the market’s got some serious juice.
Key Insights:
Bitcoin Reserve Deadline is a key moment for the crypto market.
Fed’s Interest Rate Call.
Earnings Spotlight.
Crypto Upgrades and Events.
May 2025 is shaping up to be a wild ride for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the whole digital asset scene. With Bitcoin’s market cap chilling at $1.75 trillion and Ethereum’s TVL holding steady at $46.7 billion, the market’s got some serious juice.
Story Highlights
Shiba Inu jumps 15% in one day, signaling strong bullish momentum in the market.
Analyst spots a Cup & Handle pattern, hinting at a possible major breakout ahead.
SHIB eyes $0.00002215 next, with a 60% rally projected in coming weeks.
Open interest rises 25%, showing rising trader confidence and momentum in Shiba Inu’s rally.
Shiba Inu (SHIB), the internet’s favorite dog-themed coin, is making headlines once again. Over the past 24 hours, SHIB has jumped by more than 15%, catching the attention of traders across the market. While Bitcoin and other altcoins are also on the rise, SHIB’s strong move is pushing it 60% price rally.
Shiba Inu jumps 15% in one day, signaling strong bullish momentum in the market.
Analyst spots a Cup & Handle pattern, hinting at a possible major breakout ahead.
SHIB eyes $0.00002215 next, with a 60% rally projected in coming weeks.
Open interest rises 25%, showing rising trader confidence and momentum in Shiba Inu’s rally.
Shiba Inu (SHIB), the internet’s favorite dog-themed coin, is making headlines once again. Over the past 24 hours, SHIB has jumped by more than 15%, catching the attention of traders across the market. While Bitcoin and other altcoins are also on the rise, SHIB’s strong move is pushing it 60% price rally.
Solana Price Eyes Breakout To $200 As Superstate Launches Stock Platform
SOL surged past $160 after $30M in short liquidations fueled bullish momentum on May 8.
SOL Strategies now holds 391,782 SOL after investing $18.2M in the asset.
Superstate’s Opening Bell platform launches on Solana for tokenized stock issuance with SOL Strategies as first client.
Solana (SOL) price is gaining momentum as technical patterns and network growth signal a potential price breakout. The altcoin touched $160 recently and further surged to $174.31, driven by increasing investor interest, a surge in short liquidations, and broader market support from Bitcoin’s rally.
SOL surged past $160 after $30M in short liquidations fueled bullish momentum on May 8.
SOL Strategies now holds 391,782 SOL after investing $18.2M in the asset.
Superstate’s Opening Bell platform launches on Solana for tokenized stock issuance with SOL Strategies as first client.
Solana (SOL) price is gaining momentum as technical patterns and network growth signal a potential price breakout. The altcoin touched $160 recently and further surged to $174.31, driven by increasing investor interest, a surge in short liquidations, and broader market support from Bitcoin’s rally.
Will upcoming announcements and a possible Binance listing make the Pi Network price prediction of a 300% return a reality?
Pi Network is back in action
After months of relatively muted action, Pi Network Pi Network
pi
16.47%
Pi Network is suddenly drawing fresh attention. As of May 12, PI is trading at $1.53, reflecting a 24-hour gain of nearly 60%. The price briefly touched $1.62 before pulling back slightly, but the overall trend remains upward.
In just the past week, Pi has surged by more than 158%, rising from $0.59 on May 5 to its current level. That performance places it at the top of the leaderboard among the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.
Looking at the monthly chart, the momentum appears even stronger. Pi has climbed by nearly 107% since Apr. 14, when it was priced at $0.73.
The latest breakout has lifted its market cap to $10.8 billion, making it the 13th most valuable crypto asset, ahead of established names such as Avalanche (AVAX).
Pi Network is back in action
After months of relatively muted action, Pi Network Pi Network
pi
16.47%
Pi Network is suddenly drawing fresh attention. As of May 12, PI is trading at $1.53, reflecting a 24-hour gain of nearly 60%. The price briefly touched $1.62 before pulling back slightly, but the overall trend remains upward.
In just the past week, Pi has surged by more than 158%, rising from $0.59 on May 5 to its current level. That performance places it at the top of the leaderboard among the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by market cap.
Looking at the monthly chart, the momentum appears even stronger. Pi has climbed by nearly 107% since Apr. 14, when it was priced at $0.73.
The latest breakout has lifted its market cap to $10.8 billion, making it the 13th most valuable crypto asset, ahead of established names such as Avalanche (AVAX).
Bitcoin’s Uptrend Holds Strong as Buyers Push Realized Price Higher
Rising realized price shows investors are buying Bitcoin at higher levels, reinforcing the strength of the current cycle.
Bitcoin (BTC) has continued to flash bullish signals, with on-chain data and technical indicators reinforcing the narrative of an ongoing uptrend despite minor short-term pullbacks.
At the heart of this optimism is the rise in the flagship cryptocurrency’s realized price, a key market metric that reflects the average purchase price of BTC currently in circulation.
Realized Price Signals Sustained Bullish Momentum
According to an analysis by CryptoQuant contributor Crypto Dan, the realized price is climbing steadily, a trend that typically comes before bullish momentum rather than market downturns.
Rising realized price shows investors are buying Bitcoin at higher levels, reinforcing the strength of the current cycle.
Bitcoin (BTC) has continued to flash bullish signals, with on-chain data and technical indicators reinforcing the narrative of an ongoing uptrend despite minor short-term pullbacks.
At the heart of this optimism is the rise in the flagship cryptocurrency’s realized price, a key market metric that reflects the average purchase price of BTC currently in circulation.
Realized Price Signals Sustained Bullish Momentum
According to an analysis by CryptoQuant contributor Crypto Dan, the realized price is climbing steadily, a trend that typically comes before bullish momentum rather than market downturns.
XRP Becomes Third Largest Crypto After 21% Surge, Can it Overtake ETH?
XRP has reclaimed its spot as the third-largest crypto by market cap after briefly slipping to fourth. Now trading at $2.61, XRP’s market cap has surged to nearly $153 billion, once again pushing it ahead of Tether.
The recent US-China deal talks have lifted the market sentiment, with XRP rising 7-12% in the last three days.
What’s Driving the Surge?
XRP has upheld the bullish trend as crypto markets see continued momentum. The rally, now in its second week of gains, is driven by a $1 billion surge in Open Interest.
XRP futures open interest rose from $2.42 billion to $3.42 billion in just a week, according to data from Glassnode. This $1 billion increase shows more money is flowing into XRP and more traders are betting on big price moves ahead.
XRP has reclaimed its spot as the third-largest crypto by market cap after briefly slipping to fourth. Now trading at $2.61, XRP’s market cap has surged to nearly $153 billion, once again pushing it ahead of Tether.
The recent US-China deal talks have lifted the market sentiment, with XRP rising 7-12% in the last three days.
What’s Driving the Surge?
XRP has upheld the bullish trend as crypto markets see continued momentum. The rally, now in its second week of gains, is driven by a $1 billion surge in Open Interest.
XRP futures open interest rose from $2.42 billion to $3.42 billion in just a week, according to data from Glassnode. This $1 billion increase shows more money is flowing into XRP and more traders are betting on big price moves ahead.
Best Crypto to Buy Now as Asia’s Elite Trigger a New Age of Bitcoin Led De-Dollarization
The world’s leading global bank, UBS, has reported that the ultra-wealthy in the region are increasingly investing in Bitcoin, gold, and strategic hedges, modifying their methods of wealth preservation and decreasing their dollar dependence.
This step is one of a series of steps back from dollar reliance, driven by Chinese currency policy and continued geopolitical changes. Bitcoin, in particular, has emerged as a significant force in the new shape of digital assets.
Among crypto investors, the trend is picking up. Institutional investors are in the search of the best crypto to buy now that is consistent with this global financial realignment.
The world’s leading global bank, UBS, has reported that the ultra-wealthy in the region are increasingly investing in Bitcoin, gold, and strategic hedges, modifying their methods of wealth preservation and decreasing their dollar dependence.
This step is one of a series of steps back from dollar reliance, driven by Chinese currency policy and continued geopolitical changes. Bitcoin, in particular, has emerged as a significant force in the new shape of digital assets.
Among crypto investors, the trend is picking up. Institutional investors are in the search of the best crypto to buy now that is consistent with this global financial realignment.
Bitcoin Will Hit $1 Million Within 3 Years, According to BitMEX Founder
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes believes Bitcoin could hit the $1 million mark within the next three years—and it all comes down to economic policy and political cycles.
Speaking at the TOKEN2049 conference in Dubai, Hayes argued that a potential second Trump presidency would bring a wave of aggressive money printing, especially around the 2026 midterm elections.
According to Hayes, this anticipated liquidity injection would aim to stimulate the economy and boost political favor, much like previous cycles that saw loose monetary policy correlate with Bitcoin rallies.
BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes believes Bitcoin could hit the $1 million mark within the next three years—and it all comes down to economic policy and political cycles.
Speaking at the TOKEN2049 conference in Dubai, Hayes argued that a potential second Trump presidency would bring a wave of aggressive money printing, especially around the 2026 midterm elections.
According to Hayes, this anticipated liquidity injection would aim to stimulate the economy and boost political favor, much like previous cycles that saw loose monetary policy correlate with Bitcoin rallies.
Bitcoin to $250K in 2025 ‘totally possible’ — crypto analyst Scott Melker
Scott Melker says a $250K Bitcoin price in 2025 is “totally possible,” citing institutional adoption and declining volatility as key drivers.
Bitcoin’s next explosive move could send the asset to $250,000 by the end of 2025, according to Scott Melker, a crypto analyst and host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast.
Speaking in a recent interview, Melker cited growing institutional interest and diminishing volatility as key factors that could drive the next leg up.
“250K this year, totally possible,” Melker said, adding that Bitcoin ，s volatility has declined significantly in recent years.
Scott Melker says a $250K Bitcoin price in 2025 is “totally possible,” citing institutional adoption and declining volatility as key drivers.
Bitcoin’s next explosive move could send the asset to $250,000 by the end of 2025, according to Scott Melker, a crypto analyst and host of The Wolf of All Streets podcast.
Speaking in a recent interview, Melker cited growing institutional interest and diminishing volatility as key factors that could drive the next leg up.
“250K this year, totally possible,” Melker said, adding that Bitcoin ，s volatility has declined significantly in recent years.