hodler

4 May 2026, 19:04

Western Union's 'USDPT' stablecoin goes live on Solana blockchain

4 May 2026, 17:30

CLARITY Act faces new pressure from Ohio Senate race

The battle for the open Senate seat for the state of Ohio could impact the chances of the CLARITY Act, the crypto-friendly legislation that has been in the works since last year, finally landing this year, according to Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn. The race is tightly contested, with Republican incumbent Jon Husted set to potentially face off with former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, who’s expected to win his party’s nomination. If Democrats succeed, the CLARITY Act will likely face a far rougher path. Why is Sherrod Brown bad for the CLARITY Act? According to Galaxy Digital’s Alex Thorn, if Democrats take the Senate and Brown wins Ohio, he could reclaim the Banking Committee chairmanship, a position he held from 2021 to 2025. If Democrats take the Senate but Brown loses, Sen. Elizabeth Warren would be next in line to lead the panel. Thorn sees both outcomes as hostile territory for digital-asset legislation. Brown earned an “F” rating from Stand With Crypto , which labeled him “strongly against crypto” based on 17 public statements and his vote against the SAB 121 resolution in May 2024. Democrat candidate Sherrod Brown’s recent comments have not improved his crypto rating. Source: Stand With Crypto. As banking chair during the Biden administration, he blocked industry-backed bills from advancing, a record that Sen. Tim Scott, his Republican successor atop the committee, credited directly to the crypto industry’s spending. “Thank you, to all of y’all, for getting rid of Sherrod Brown,” Scott reportedly told attendees at a Wyoming blockchain conference in August 2025, according to the Associated Press. How did Crypto groups lead to Senator Brown losing? Pro-crypto groups spent more than $40 million to unseat Brown in 2024, more than four times their outlay in any other Senate contest that cycle, and it worked. Brown narrowly lost to Republican Bernie Moreno, 46% to 50%. However, like all political cycles, elections are back again, and Brown is back. This time, he has the financial edge. He raised $10.1 million in the first quarter of 2026, compared with Husted’s $2.9 million, and carries $16.5 million cash on hand to Husted’s $8.2 million, according to Politico’s review of FEC filings . Senate Leadership Fund, the top Republican super PAC, has committed $79 million to defend the seat. The crypto industry is mobilizing again, with the Sentinel Action Fund super PAC having already spent $8 million opposing Brown. Fairshake , which led the 2024 campaign against him, held upward of $170 million in cash as of February, per the Washington Examiner. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong told the reporters, “We saw what happened in the last administration. We’re never gonna let that happen again.” What is Brown’s current stance on crypto? With his time away from the Senate, Brown has adjusted his tone but has not specified new policy positions. His campaign told reporters last August that he “recognizes that cryptocurrency is a part of America’s economy” and would work to ensure it “expands opportunity and lifts up Ohioans.” In April, Brown’s campaign repeated the same talking points when pressed on whether his views had changed. Husted, who was appointed to fill JD Vance’s vacated seat when Vance became vice president, has positioned himself as pro-crypto. Contributions from executives at Andreessen Horowitz, Solana Labs, and others totaling $49,000 have flowed to his campaign, according to Follow the Crypto . Jon Husted has support from crypto stakeholders. Source: Follow the Crypto. The clock on CLARITY Senior Trump administration officials have urged Congress to pass the CLARITY Act to establish a broader regulatory framework for digital assets, building on the GENIUS Act stablecoin law enacted last year. But the window may be narrow. Ohio’s primary on Tuesday, May 6, sets the stage for a November special election whose outcome could determine the Banking Committee’s leadership and, with it, the legislative calendar for crypto regulation. Cook Political Report rates the Ohio race a toss-up, alongside contests in Maine and Michigan. Democrats need to flip only a handful of seats to reclaim the majority, and every competitive race tightens the margin that crypto lobbyists are counting on to move legislation before the current Congress ends. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

4 May 2026, 17:05

Ripple (XRP) Makes Important Security Announcement Regarding North Korea

The cryptocurrency industry has long been a victim of hacks, many of which have been attributed to North Korean bad actors, including some of the latest major ones, such as the Drift Protocol exploit. Several big names have sought to enhance industry standards and security protocols, and Ripple is the latest to join. Here’s how. Ripple to Share Intelligence The X post from the company begins by arguing that ‘the strongest security posture in crypto is a shared one.’ Ripple believes a threat actor who has failed a background check at a certain company will apply to three more entities that same week, which is why every firm starts from zero without shared intelligence. Ripple has decided to start sharing exclusive threat intelligence with members of the Crypto ISAC – a collaborative security network designed to protect the digital asset ecosystem. The statement from both entities said that such sensitive data has never been shared at this level before. It includes fraud-linked crypto wallets, malicious domains, and Active Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) tied to North Korean campaigns. However, the two parties added that ‘it goes deeper’ as, instead of raw data, Ripple will provide context-rich profiles, including LinkedIn accounts, emails, phone numbers, and behavior patterns, as it attempts to turn fragmented clues into actionable intelligence. The strongest security posture in crypto is a shared one. A threat actor who fails a background check at one company will apply to three more that same week. Without shared intelligence, every company starts from zero. Ripple is now contributing exclusive DPRK threat… https://t.co/ZiXD25iOBx — Ripple (@Ripple) May 4, 2026 ISAC’s Infrastructure Crypto ISAC has launched a new API that has already been adopted by industry giants like Coinbase to make this intelligence usable in real time. It allows companies to integrate threat data directly into their security systems, detect attackers faster, and coordinate responses across the industry. “Crypto ISAC’s newly updated API represents a meaningful step forward in how intelligence is shared across the ecosystem. As an early adopter, we’ve been working closely with Crypto ISAC to onboard and operationalize new data sources in a way that aligns with our internal workflows. The result is higher-quality, more actionable intelligence that we can integrate directly into our security operations,” commented Erin Plante, Director of Brand Security and Intelligence at Ripple. The post Ripple (XRP) Makes Important Security Announcement Regarding North Korea appeared first on CryptoPotato .

4 May 2026, 16:35

Telegram TON Operations Shift: Pavel Durov Reveals Bold Plan to Become Largest Validator

BitcoinWorld Telegram TON Operations Shift: Pavel Durov Reveals Bold Plan to Become Largest Validator Telegram has announced a major strategic shift in its relationship with The Open Network (TON). Founder Pavel Durov confirmed the company will take over primary TON operations from the TON Foundation. This move positions Telegram as the largest validator on the network. The announcement came through Wu Blockchain on March 24, 2025. This development signals a deeper integration between the messaging giant and its blockchain offspring. Telegram TON Operations Takeover: A Strategic Pivot Pavel Durov revealed the plan during an internal briefing. Telegram will assume responsibility for key operational tasks. These tasks include network maintenance, transaction validation, and protocol upgrades. The TON Foundation will step back from daily management. However, it will retain a role in community governance and ecosystem development. This shift aims to streamline decision-making and improve technical performance. Telegram’s decision to become the largest validator carries significant weight. Validators are crucial for blockchain security and consensus. By controlling a major stake, Telegram can influence network upgrades directly. This reduces reliance on external parties. It also aligns the blockchain’s development with Telegram’s product roadmap. Why Telegram Is Taking Control Several factors drove this decision. First, the TON Foundation faced challenges in scaling operations. Network congestion and slow upgrade cycles hampered growth. Second, Telegram needs tighter integration for its Web3 features. These include in-app crypto wallets, decentralized storage, and NFT marketplaces. By owning the operational layer, Telegram can ensure faster feature releases. Industry experts see this as a logical evolution. “Telegram built TON, so taking direct control ensures consistency,” says blockchain analyst Maria Chen. “It removes friction between the foundation’s goals and Telegram’s business needs.” This move also addresses security concerns. Centralizing validator power under Telegram could reduce attack vectors. However, it also raises questions about decentralization. TON Foundation Role Redefined The TON Foundation will not disappear. Instead, it will focus on community outreach and developer grants. It will also manage the TON ecosystem fund. This fund supports third-party projects building on the network. The foundation will continue to organize hackathons and educational programs. Its new role resembles that of a community steward rather than an operator. This redefinition aims to balance control with community participation. Critics worry that Telegram’s dominance could stifle innovation. But Durov emphasized that the foundation retains veto power over major governance changes. This check ensures that Telegram cannot unilaterally alter the protocol. Timeline for the Transition The transition will occur over the next two to three weeks. During this period, Telegram will deploy new validator nodes. It will also migrate operational tools from the foundation’s infrastructure. The TON Foundation will provide technical support during the handover. A joint task force will oversee the process to minimize disruptions. Users should not experience any downtime. The network will remain fully operational. Transaction fees and block times will stay unchanged. Telegram plans to communicate updates through its official channels. This transparency aims to build trust among the TON community. Performance Upgrades on the Horizon Telegram has outlined a series of performance upgrades for TON. These include a new website, improved developer tools, and faster transaction processing. The upgrades target current bottlenecks. TON has struggled with high latency during peak usage. The new infrastructure aims to reduce confirmation times to under one second. Developer tools will see significant improvements. Telegram plans to release an updated SDK with better documentation. It will also launch a testnet faucet for easier experimentation. These tools lower the barrier for new projects. They also encourage existing developers to migrate from other blockchains. New Website and User Experience The new TON website will feature a redesigned interface. It will include real-time network statistics, validator dashboards, and educational resources. The site aims to make blockchain data accessible to non-technical users. This aligns with Telegram’s goal of mass adoption. The website will also host a developer portal with API references and code samples. User experience improvements extend to the Telegram app itself. The integrated TON wallet will receive a UI refresh. It will support multi-chain assets and easier fiat on-ramps. These changes make crypto transactions feel native to the messaging experience. Impact on TON Ecosystem and Community The community response has been mixed. Some celebrate the increased resources and focus. Others worry about centralization risks. TON token prices saw a moderate increase following the announcement. This suggests market optimism about operational efficiency gains. Long-term impacts could be profound. Telegram’s user base of over 900 million monthly active users provides a massive distribution channel. If Telegram successfully integrates TON into its core messaging features, it could drive mainstream adoption. This would position TON as a leading blockchain for social and financial applications. Validator Economics and Incentives Telegram’s role as the largest validator changes the economics of TON. Validators earn rewards for processing transactions. By capturing a large share, Telegram can reinvest these rewards into network development. This creates a self-sustaining cycle. However, it also concentrates wealth and influence. Smaller validators may feel squeezed. Telegram’s dominance could reduce their reward share. To counter this, Telegram plans to delegate some staking rewards to community validators. This program aims to maintain a diverse validator set. It also encourages participation from independent operators. Expert Analysis and Industry Perspectives Blockchain observers highlight both opportunities and risks. “Telegram’s move mirrors trends in other layer-1 blockchains,” notes fintech researcher David Park. “Projects like Solana and BNB Chain have similar centralization profiles. The key is whether Telegram can maintain performance without sacrificing decentralization.” Security experts emphasize the importance of validator diversity. A single entity controlling over 33% of validators could theoretically halt the network. Telegram’s stake will likely stay below this threshold. But the company’s operational control still raises governance questions. Regulatory Considerations Telegram’s increased involvement may attract regulatory attention. The company previously faced SEC scrutiny over its initial TON token sale. By becoming a major validator, Telegram could be classified as a financial intermediary. This would subject it to stricter compliance requirements. Durov has not commented on regulatory implications. However, the company has hired blockchain compliance experts in recent months. Jurisdictional issues also matter. Telegram is headquartered in Dubai. The UAE has a progressive crypto regulatory framework. This could work in Telegram’s favor. However, the company must also comply with laws in markets like the EU and US. The new operational structure may need to adapt to regional regulations. Technical Architecture Changes The transition involves several technical adjustments. Telegram will deploy high-performance validator nodes in multiple data centers. This geographic distribution improves resilience. The nodes will use custom software optimized for TON’s sharding architecture. This allows parallel processing of transactions across shards. Telegram will also implement a new monitoring system. It tracks network health, validator performance, and security events. This system provides real-time alerts for anomalies. It enables rapid response to potential issues. The monitoring data will be publicly accessible for transparency. Comparison with Other Blockchain Takeovers Telegram’s move is not unprecedented. Other blockchain projects have seen similar consolidations. For example, the Solana Foundation initially operated many validators before decentralizing. Telegram’s approach differs because it retains a dominant role long-term. This hybrid model may become a template for other messaging platforms exploring blockchain integration. A comparison table illustrates key differences: Project Operator Validator Share Decentralization Status TON (Post-Transition) Telegram ~25% Moderate Solana Solana Foundation ~15% High BNB Chain Binance ~30% Low Ethereum Multiple Entities ~5% max Very High This table shows TON will sit between BNB Chain and Solana in terms of centralization. The outcome depends on how Telegram manages its validator stake over time. Conclusion Telegram’s plan to take over TON operations and become its largest validator marks a pivotal moment for the blockchain. The company promises performance upgrades, new tools, and a streamlined user experience. This move brings operational efficiency but also centralization risks. The next two to three weeks will reveal the transition’s success. If executed well, Telegram TON operations could set a new standard for messaging-integrated blockchain networks. The crypto community watches closely as Pavel Durov’s vision takes concrete shape. FAQs Q1: What does Telegram taking over TON operations mean for users? A1: Users should see faster transaction times and improved wallet features. The transition aims for zero downtime. No action is required from individual users. Q2: Will the TON Foundation cease to exist? A2: No. The foundation will focus on community governance, grants, and ecosystem development. It retains veto power over major protocol changes. Q3: How does becoming the largest validator affect TON’s decentralization? A3: It centralizes validator power under Telegram. However, the company plans to delegate some rewards to independent validators to maintain diversity. Q4: What performance upgrades are coming to TON? A4: Upgrades include a new website, improved developer SDKs, faster transaction confirmation times, and a redesigned in-app wallet interface. Q5: When will the transition be complete? A5: The transition will take two to three weeks. Telegram will provide updates through official channels during this period. This post Telegram TON Operations Shift: Pavel Durov Reveals Bold Plan to Become Largest Validator first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

4 May 2026, 16:34

Is Ayni Gold Safe? How the Protocol Verifies Smart Contracts, Custody, and Mining Operations

"Is X safe?" is the most-searched question for every DeFi protocol. The honest answer is rarely yes-or-no. Different protocols carry different risks, and the right question is which risks each protocol has addressed. Ayni Gold is a DeFi protocol that turns gold mining output into on-chain yield, with stakers receiving PAXG rewards quarterly from mining production at the Minerales San Hilario concession in Peru. The model touches both DeFi smart contracts and real-world mining operations, which means the verification problem is wider than for vault-backed gold tokens or pure on-chain protocols. Verifying a Mining Concession Is Different from Verifying a Vault PAXG and XAUT verify static gold. Reserves don't change much, and periodic attestations confirm vault contents. The verification problem is about checking whether a number matches. Ayni Gold verifies dynamic mining production. Smart contracts manage staking and rewards. Custody handles distributions. The mining concession produces gold over time, with operational variables affecting output. Each part of the chain needs its own verification because each part can fail independently. That structural difference shapes everything that follows. Inside the Audit Results for Ayni Gold's Smart Contracts Ayni Gold's smart contracts have been audited by two of the industry's most established firms, with results published openly. Auditor Date Result CertiK October 2025 Security score of 70.81 (top 25% of audited projects, vs industry average of 65) PeckShield October 2025 Logic and protocol audit found no critical vulnerabilities Two independent audits matter because different methodologies catch different classes of bugs. CertiK and PeckShield have audited overlapping sets of major DeFi protocols over the past several years, and their methodologies are complementary, not redundant. The audited contracts handle the protocol's automated flow. Staking is managed by a smart contract. Quarterly PAXG distributions execute automatically based on the published reward formula. The 15% success fee burn runs on a schedule set in code. None of these depend on manual intervention, which removes a class of risks tied to human error or operator manipulation. Audits certify that no known vulnerabilities matched the auditor's test suite at the audit date. They do not guarantee that the contracts are exploit-free against future techniques. This is true of every audited protocol. How Ayni Gold Handles Custody Without Holding User Tokens The most common mistake in evaluating DeFi safety is assuming custody works the same way across all protocols. Ayni operates a non-custodial architecture, which means user tokens live on the blockchain instead of inside a central Ayni database. Ayni's CTO has stated publicly in a YouTube video that the protocol has no admin function for accessing, moving, or withdrawing user tokens. The technical setup backs that claim. User tokens remain in user wallets, while the protocol’s smart contracts handle staking and reward distribution. Custody breaks down across three layers: In-app smart wallet (TurnKey): For users who create wallets through the Ayni app, TurnKey infrastructure handles secure key management. Transactions can only be signed and authorized by the user via email OTP confirmation. External wallets: Users can connect to MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or other self-custody options. In this setup, users manage their own seed phrases entirely outside the Ayni ecosystem. Ayni recommends enabling Two-Factor Authentication for additional security. Reward custody (PAXG via Paxos): PAXG itself is a vault-backed token issued by Paxos Trust Company, an NYDFS-regulated entity. The physical gold backing PAXG is held in LBMA-certified vaults in London, is bankruptcy-remote, and undergoes regular independent audits to verify the serial numbers of the physical bars. The combined design means Ayni Gold is not a custodial intermediary at any point in the user flow. From Peruvian Mining License to On-Chain Production Data The mining side of the protocol involves the most layered verification, because physical extraction at a real-world site introduces variables that on-chain verification alone cannot cover. Legal and Regulatory Backing The mining operation is run by a registered Peruvian company, not an informal arrangement. Minerales SH San Hilario S.C.R.L. holds an 8 km² mining concession (No. 070011405 ) registered with INGEMMET, Peru's geological and mining authority. The token issuance and smart contract administration are handled by a separate legal entity, AYNI TOKEN INC., registered as an International Business Company under the British Virgin Islands' virtual asset laws. This jurisdictional separation is deliberate. It isolates physical mining liabilities (Peruvian jurisdiction) from token issuance and smart contract administration (BVI jurisdiction). Geological and Production Verification Kangari Consulting, an independent geological assessment firm, conducted a 2025 scoping study at the concession. The study estimated a conceptual exploration target of 9 to 10.7 tonnes of gold. Scoping studies estimate recoverable potential, not certified production, but they establish the geological baseline for the operation. Ayni Gold publishes additional verification on top of the licensing and geological work. GPS coordinates, timestamped photos, and video updates from the mining site are made available openly. Extraction rates, operational costs, and net gold value are published on-chain alongside the protocol's other metrics. Future plans include adding third-party production audits to verify on-chain production data continuously. Other Safety Mechanisms Worth Knowing About On top of the three core verification layers, several structural safeguards reduce risk in ways that don't fit neatly under "audits" or "custody." 150% safety buffer on the gold price: Mining operations break even at approximately $1,842 per ounce, with operational costs around $5.92 per cubic meter of extraction. With gold trading above $4,600 , the project carries a buffer of more than 150%, which means mining economics remain profitable even during severe price drops. Operational redundancy: Critical equipment at the site is duplicated to eliminate single points of failure. Strategic reserve gold stocks ensure that scheduled maintenance or unexpected downtime does not interrupt staker payouts. Capital deployment discipline: Generated capital deploys exclusively to productive activities like capacity expansion or secondary market stabilization. The protocol explicitly does not engage in treasury speculation or unsecured lending. Token supply is fixed at 806,451,613 AYNI with no post-launch minting. ESG framework: Extraction uses chemical-free, alluvial methods that rely on gravity and water flow, with no chemicals or blasting involved. Water runoff is actively managed and mined areas are restored over time. ESG obligations are tracked via smart contract. KYC verification: The Ayni app requires Know Your Customer verification at the user level. KYC status is visible in the user dashboard, providing a baseline against bad actors entering the platform. What These Verifications Don't Cover Honest framing matters more in safety articles than in marketing copy. Several risks remain that no verification stack can fully eliminate: Future smart contract exploits: Audits certify no known vulnerabilities at audit date. New attack techniques can emerge. Operational interruptions: Equipment redundancy reduces but does not eliminate the chance of mining downtime. Gold price risk: PAXG distributions track gold. If gold prices fall, reward value falls with them, even though the project's economics remain stable thanks to the 150% buffer. Counterparty risk on Paxos: PAXG itself depends on Paxos Trust Company maintaining its custodial structure and regulatory standing. Regulatory risk: Changes to Peruvian mining law, BVI virtual asset law, or international RWA regulations could affect the protocol. These limits apply to any DeFi protocol touching real-world activity. They are not Ayni-specific weaknesses, but understanding them is essential for any allocation decision. How to Use This Information For investors evaluating Ayni Gold or any production-linked DeFi protocol, the key questions are: Are smart contracts audited by independent firms with strong track records? Where does the underlying revenue source come from, and is it verified by independent third parties? Who handles custody between revenue generation and distribution to holders? What regulatory layer covers the underlying real-world activity? Ayni Gold answers each of these with documented third-party verification. That is not a guarantee of safety. It is a structural foundation for evaluating risk, with the documentation publicly available for anyone to review. The Bottom Line The verification stack behind Ayni Gold maps the structural foundation for evaluating gold backed DeFi yield in production-linked protocols. None of these layers eliminates risk. Together, they create the documented baseline that lets investors weigh risk honestly against the position's potential. FAQ Is Ayni Gold audited? Yes. CertiK and PeckShield both audited the smart contracts in October 2025. CertiK's audit awarded a security score of 70.81, placing Ayni in the top 25% of audited projects (above the industry average of 65). PeckShield's logic and protocol audit found no critical vulnerabilities. Where are PAXG rewards stored? PAXG is a vault-backed token issued by Paxos Trust Company, an NYDFS-regulated entity. The physical gold backing PAXG sits in LBMA-certified vaults in London, with regular independent audits of the bar serial numbers. Ayni Gold distributes PAXG to stakers but does not custody it. The gold backing is held by Paxos and its custodial partners. Is the mining concession legitimate? Yes. The concession is operated by Minerales SH San Hilario S.C.R.L. (Peruvian Tax ID 20606465255), with an 8 km² mining concession registered as No. 070011405 with INGEMMET, Peru's official geological and mining authority. A 2025 scoping study by Kangari Consulting estimated 9 to 10.7 tonnes of conceptual recoverable gold at the site. What happens if gold prices crash? Ayni's mining operations break even at approximately $1,842 per ounce of gold. With gold currently trading above $4,600, the project carries an operational safety buffer of more than 150%. Even during severe price drops, the mining economics remain profitable. PAXG distributions track the gold price, so reward value declines with gold, but the protocol itself remains operationally stable. Does Ayni Gold have access to user tokens? No. Ayni Gold operates a non-custodial architecture. User tokens live on the blockchain, not in a central Ayni database. Smart wallets created through the app use TurnKey infrastructure with email OTP signing, and external wallets like MetaMask and Trust Wallet keep users in full control of their seed phrases. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

4 May 2026, 16:32

Pavel Durov Just Took Over TONCoin as Its Largest Validator and Cut Fees to Near Zero: Is This the Catalyst TON Has Been Waiting For?

In a bold move that sent ripples through the crypto world, Telegram founder Pavel Durov announced today that fees on The Open Network (TONCoin) have already dropped 6x, plummeting to nearly zero. But that’s just the beginning. Telegram is stepping up to replace the TON Foundation as the primary driving force behind the blockchain, becoming its largest validator. This shift marks a major turning point for TON. After delivering a 10x speed upgrade in April (Step 1 of the “Make TON Great Again” plan), the network is now accelerating its transformation with Telegram’s direct involvement. Source: @ Durov The focus is shifting squarely to technological superiority, backed by a refreshed ton.org website, new developer tools, and significant performance upgrades, all expected to roll out in the next 2–3 weeks. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with Why This Matters For Telegram And Toncoin Foundation Durov is making a direct bet on scale. Telegram’s nearly 1 billion users combined with TONCoin ultra-low-cost infrastructure is the thesis. Near-zero fees and sub-second transactions open the door for seamless in-app payments, mini-apps, DeFi, and mass adoption at a scale most blockchains cannot touch. 24h 7d 30d 1y All time Many transactions could soon become completely feeless. For developers it means easier building and faster iteration. For the broader ecosystem it signals Telegram’s full commitment to turning TON into a high-performance backbone for real-world applications, not just another speculative asset. Speculation is not the endgame here. Everyday utility is. With Telegram firmly in the driver’s seat, the Make TON Great Again roadmap is just getting started . Discover: The best pre-launch token sales The post Pavel Durov Just Took Over TONCoin as Its Largest Validator and Cut Fees to Near Zero: Is This the Catalyst TON Has Been Waiting For? appeared first on Cryptonews .