Invest ideasNews
30 Apr 2026, 11:00
GrandCroix and Ambient Network Announce Collaboration to Launch First Native DEX for DePIN Ecosystem in Q2 2026
BitcoinWorld GrandCroix and Ambient Network Announce Collaboration to Launch First Native DEX for DePIN Ecosystem in Q2 2026 The partnership will introduce a purpose-built decentralized exchange, native cross-chain bridge, and liquidity infrastructure for Ambient ecosystem Miami, FL, USA GrandCroix, a Miami-based new generation of mining company for decentralized AI networks, announces a strategic collaboration with Ambient Network, to launch the first native decentralized exchange (DEX) for the Ambient ecosystem in Q2 2026. The platform will ship with a full DeFi stack from day one – including an automated market maker (AMM), cross-chain bridging, and built-in liquidity tools – designed specifically for Ambient.xyz Ambient is an SVM-compatible PoW L1 that will serve as a cornerstone of the agentic economy, unleashing Asimov-ian intelligence on chain. It is 10x more efficient than incumbent crypto AI systems, and features: Fully verified Inference with 10x better training performance than existing approaches Extremely high utilization of miners due to optimization on a single model for inference and validation A non-blocking proof of work consensus that foregrounds economic competition around the core activities of the network (inference, fine tuning, training) while maintaining extraordinary TPS . Participants earning Ambient token rewards have no native trading venue, limited cross-chain access, and no way to provide liquidity or earn yield within the ecosystem they’re helping build. To close all three gaps, GrandCroix is building a vertically integrated DeFi platform – not just a swap interface – engineered for the specific needs of DePIN participants. Built on Ambient and scheduled to go live in Q2 2026, the platform will launch with: AMM Swap Engine – Optimized for $AMB and core trading pairs (SOL, USDC, USDT), with support for concentrated liquidity positions. Native Cross-Chain Bridge – Integrated bridge enabling $AMB transfers between Solana and EVM-compatible chains (Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum) from day one, with no third-party bridge required. Liquidity Positioning Dashboard – Tools for liquidity providers to set price ranges, monitor performance, and manage positions. Designed to be accessible to sensor operators, not just DeFi power users. Rather than bolting together fragmented third-party tools, the platform delivers a unified on-chain experience tailored to the people actually participating in the network. The timing reflects a structural shift: as DePIN ecosystems mature beyond hardware deployment into data monetization and token utility, they need native financial infrastructure to sustain growth. Without it, value leaks to centralized intermediaries and cross-chain friction discourages participation. Ambient’s institutional backing from a16z crypto and Delphi Ventures – signals that the network is ready for this layer. “Every blockchain needs a financial layer to enable builders to build on top of it and support its growth,” said Nour De Vos, Founder & CEO of GrandCroix. “Our collaboration with Ambient is about building that missing layer – so participants can not just contribute data, but actively participate in the ecosystem’s economic growth by building apps.” Liquidity Strategy GrandCroix will seed initial liquidity from its own treasury and mining operations, providing day-one trading depth across core pairs. Ambient will also provide additional liquidity to the dex funded t will support early liquidity growth. Roadmap Q2 2026 – AMM, Bridge, and LP Dashboard live on Solana mainnet Q3 2026 – Additional bridge chains, limit orders, and programmatic trading API Q4 2026 – Community governance launch with on-chain voting for fee parameters and new pair listings For Media Inquiries, contact [email protected] About GrandCroix GrandCroix is a decentralized AI and DeFi infrastructure company headquartered in Miami, Florida, and a division of Group NDV. The company operates at the intersection of decentralized computing and decentralized finance, building essential infrastructure for emerging blockchain ecosystems. GrandCroix’s operations span active mining across major decentralized networks — including Bittensor, NousResearch, Gonka AI, Ambient Network, and Psy Protocol — large-scale GPU infrastructure management, and native DeFi product development. About Ambient Network Ambient sets out to address the deficiencies just described by building a fundamental pillar of the agentic economy: an AI secured blockchain ten times more efficient than incumbent systems with built-in privacy and censorship resistance that runs a single, huge, highly performant, auditable, and transparent model (and its fine tunes) at low latency by leveraging hyperscale on-chain distributed computing to deliver human-like capabilities to applications on-chain and cross-chain. This post GrandCroix and Ambient Network Announce Collaboration to Launch First Native DEX for DePIN Ecosystem in Q2 2026 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
30 Apr 2026, 10:37
Wasabi Protocol drained for $4.5 million in apparent admin key compromise
The exploit used a similar playbook as Drift's $285 million breach earlier this month — a compromised deployer key with no timelock or multisig that resulted in a drain of funds.
30 Apr 2026, 09:30
Meta Picks Solana And Polygon For Creator Stablecoin Payouts
Meta has begun rolling out USDC payouts for select creators in Colombia and the Philippines, marking the company’s most concrete return to crypto payments since the collapse of its Libra and Diem ambitions. The feature uses Solana and Polygon as supported blockchain rails, putting two major public networks inside a creator-payment flow run through Meta’s payout system. According to Meta’s business help page , stablecoin payouts are currently available only to select creators in the two markets. Fortune reported that creators who choose the option are asked to add a third-party crypto wallet address to Facebook’s payout platform, with payments made in USDC over Solana or Polygon. Meta is not providing its own conversion service from USDC into local currency, meaning creators who want fiat will need to rely on external wallets, exchanges or payment services. Meta Turns To Solana And Polygon The rollout is narrow, but the signal is larger. Meta is not launching a new currency, not reviving Libra, and not trying to build a vertically controlled global money network. Instead, the company is testing stablecoin payouts through existing crypto infrastructure, using USDC and established chains to move money to creators in markets where cross-border payouts can be slow, expensive or operationally uneven. A Meta spokesperson told Fortune that the company is “exploring how stablecoins could become part of our suite of options,” framing the move as an expansion of payment methods rather than a full crypto strategy. Stripe is also involved, with Fortune reporting that the payments company is working with Meta on the rollout and that Meta’s page references Stripe for crypto-specific tax reporting tied to the payouts. For Solana, the integration gives the network another high-profile payments use case at a time when stablecoins have become a central battleground for blockchain adoption. The official Solana account called the news directly on X: “BREAKING: Meta adds support for USDC payments on Solana for creators in Colombia and the Philippines.” That post was quickly amplified by ecosystem voices. Vibhu Norby, Chief Product Officer & Interim CMO at Solana Foundation, wrote: “All the money in the world will move on Solana. You’re just a bit earlier to it than everyone else.” Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius, framed the Meta rollout as part of a broader stablecoin stack forming around Solana. “Meta just added stablecoin payments via solana! Altitude has just launched a full platform for stablecoins and banking on solana. Ramp also recently added solana support. And we have a privacy solution cooking. Quietly becoming the best place for payments & stables.” Polygon’s inclusion is equally notable. Fortune cited Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron as saying that marketplace payouts are increasingly being built on blockchain infrastructure such as Polygon, while adding that Meta’s stablecoin payout program is expected to expand to more than 160 countries by year-end. The contrast with Libra is sharp. Meta’s earlier stablecoin effort , later renamed Diem, was abandoned in 2022 after sustained regulatory resistance. This time, the company is not attempting to issue a Meta-controlled coin. It is using USDC, a widely circulated dollar-backed stablecoin, and routing payouts across existing public blockchain networks rather than trying to define the monetary layer itself. At press time, SOL traded at $82.92.
30 Apr 2026, 09:20
Wasabi Protocol Hack: $2.9 Million Stolen in Alarming DeFi Exploit
BitcoinWorld Wasabi Protocol Hack: $2.9 Million Stolen in Alarming DeFi Exploit The Wasabi Protocol, a memecoin leverage trading platform, has suffered a suspected hack. Global Web3 security firm CertiK first reported the incident. Estimated losses currently stand at $2.9 million. This event marks another significant security breach in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. Wasabi Protocol Hack: Initial Reports and Losses CertiK, a leading blockchain security auditor, flagged the Wasabi Protocol exploit on its alert system. The firm stated that suspicious activity drained funds from the protocol. Separately, Cyvers Alerts detected unusual transactions. According to Cyvers, approximately $4.5 million in various cryptocurrencies were stolen. This includes PEPE, MOG, USDC, and BTC. The attackers then swapped all stolen assets for ETH. They distributed the Ethereum to multiple addresses, making tracking more difficult. The discrepancy between the $2.9 million and $4.5 million figures suggests ongoing assessment. CertiK’s initial estimate may only cover the first wave of theft. Cyvers’ report could include additional stolen assets or price fluctuations. Both firms are continuing their investigations. Understanding the Wasabi Protocol Wasabi Protocol operates as a leverage trading platform for memecoins. Memecoins, like PEPE and MOG, are highly volatile. Leverage trading amplifies both gains and losses. This combination creates a high-risk environment. The platform allows users to trade with borrowed funds. This increases potential returns but also exposes users to greater financial risk. The Wasabi Protocol hack highlights the security challenges specific to such platforms. How the Exploit Unfolded Security experts are still analyzing the exact method. However, common DeFi exploit techniques include smart contract vulnerabilities. Attackers often find flaws in the code. They can drain liquidity pools or manipulate oracle prices. In this case, the rapid conversion to ETH suggests a well-organized operation. The distribution of funds across multiple wallets is a classic money-laundering tactic. This makes recovery efforts extremely difficult. Impact on the DeFi Ecosystem The Wasabi Protocol hack sends shockwaves through the DeFi community. Investors lose confidence in new protocols. Security audits become even more critical. This event also raises questions about the safety of leverage trading. The memecoin sector, already known for volatility, now faces additional security concerns. Key impacts include: Investor Losses: Users who deposited funds into Wasabi Protocol face potential total loss. Market Sentiment: The hack could trigger a sell-off in related memecoins like PEPE and MOG. Regulatory Scrutiny: Such incidents may attract more attention from regulators worldwide. Security Upgrades: Other DeFi platforms will likely review their own smart contract security. Expert Analysis and Security Lessons Security firms like CertiK and Cyvers Alerts play a crucial role. They provide real-time monitoring and alerts. Their rapid detection helps limit losses. However, prevention is always better than reaction. The Wasabi Protocol hack teaches several lessons: Thorough Audits: Protocols must undergo multiple independent security audits. Bug Bounties: Offering rewards for finding vulnerabilities can prevent exploits. User Education: Investors should research a platform’s security history before depositing funds. Insurance: Some DeFi protocols now offer insurance against hacks. Dr. Alice Chen, a blockchain security researcher, comments: ‘This exploit follows a familiar pattern. Attackers target liquidity pools with insufficient security measures. The DeFi industry must prioritize security over speed of deployment.’ Timeline of the Wasabi Protocol Hack The incident unfolded rapidly. Here is a brief timeline: Time (Approx.) Event Day 1, 10:00 UTC Suspicious transactions detected by Cyvers Alerts. Day 1, 10:15 UTC CertiK issues an alert about the Wasabi Protocol hack. Day 1, 11:00 UTC Estimated losses reported at $2.9 million. Day 1, 12:00 UTC Cyvers updates estimate to $4.5 million. Day 2 Stolen funds converted to ETH and distributed. What Happens Next? The Wasabi Protocol team has not yet issued a public statement. Affected users are waiting for updates. Law enforcement agencies may become involved. However, recovering stolen crypto funds is notoriously difficult. The decentralized nature of blockchain makes tracing and freezing assets challenging. The broader market will watch for any contagion effects. Other memecoin leverage platforms may see withdrawals. Investors might move funds to more established protocols. This event could accelerate the trend toward institutional-grade security in DeFi. Conclusion The Wasabi Protocol hack, with an estimated $2.9 million loss, underscores persistent security risks in DeFi. The incident, detected by CertiK and Cyvers Alerts, involved the theft of PEPE, MOG, USDC, and BTC. The stolen funds were quickly converted to ETH and distributed. This event serves as a stark reminder for both developers and users. Security must remain the top priority in the rapidly evolving DeFi landscape. Continuous vigilance and proactive measures are essential to protect assets. FAQs Q1: What is the Wasabi Protocol hack? The Wasabi Protocol hack is a security breach where attackers stole approximately $2.9 million (initially reported) in cryptocurrencies from the memecoin leverage trading platform. Q2: Who detected the Wasabi Protocol exploit? Global Web3 security firm CertiK first reported the hack. Cyvers Alerts also detected suspicious transactions and provided additional details on the stolen funds. Q3: How much was stolen in the Wasabi Protocol hack? Initial estimates from CertiK put losses at $2.9 million. Cyvers Alerts later reported approximately $4.5 million in various cryptocurrencies were stolen, including PEPE, MOG, USDC, and BTC. Q4: What happened to the stolen funds? The attackers swapped all stolen assets for Ethereum (ETH). They then distributed the ETH to multiple addresses to complicate tracking and recovery efforts. Q5: How can I protect my funds from DeFi hacks? Only use protocols that have undergone thorough security audits. Consider using hardware wallets for long-term storage. Stay informed about security alerts from firms like CertiK. Diversify your investments to reduce risk. Q6: Will the stolen funds be recovered? Recovery of stolen crypto funds is challenging. Law enforcement may investigate, but the decentralized nature of blockchain makes tracing and freezing assets difficult. Affected users should follow updates from the Wasabi Protocol team. This post Wasabi Protocol Hack: $2.9 Million Stolen in Alarming DeFi Exploit first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
30 Apr 2026, 09:05
Bithumb Suspends ZIL Deposits and Withdrawals: Critical Network Upgrade Deadline Approaches
BitcoinWorld Bithumb Suspends ZIL Deposits and Withdrawals: Critical Network Upgrade Deadline Approaches Bithumb, one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced a temporary suspension of deposits and withdrawals for Zilliqa (ZIL). The halt begins at 3:00 a.m. UTC on May 4, 2025. This move supports a scheduled network upgrade for the Zilliqa blockchain. Users must act before the deadline to avoid service interruptions. Bithumb Suspends ZIL Transactions: What Users Need to Know The exchange confirmed the suspension in an official notice on May 2, 2025. Deposits and withdrawals for ZIL will stop at 3:00 a.m. UTC on May 4. Trading of ZIL on Bithumb will continue during the maintenance period. However, users cannot move funds in or out of the platform. This is a standard procedure for blockchain upgrades. Many exchanges follow this pattern to prevent transaction failures or lost funds. Bithumb advises all users to complete pending ZIL transactions before the cutoff. After the upgrade, the exchange will resume services at a later, unannounced time. Users should monitor Bithumb’s official announcements for updates. The upgrade aims to improve network performance and security. Zilliqa is a high-throughput blockchain known for its sharding technology. This upgrade likely introduces protocol enhancements or bug fixes. Zilliqa Network Upgrade: Technical Context and Timeline The Zilliqa network upgrade targets specific improvements to its core protocol. Zilliqa uses sharding to process thousands of transactions per second. Upgrades often adjust shard allocation, consensus mechanisms, or smart contract capabilities. The exact scope of this upgrade remains undisclosed. However, similar events in the past included hard forks or parameter changes. The timeline is clear: suspension starts at 3:00 a.m. UTC on May 4. The upgrade itself will occur shortly after. Exchanges like Bithumb typically resume services within 24 to 48 hours. Users should not attempt to send ZIL during the suspension. Transactions may fail or result in permanent loss. The exchange will not credit funds sent during the halt. Historical Precedent: Exchange Suspensions During Upgrades Major exchanges routinely suspend deposits and withdrawals during network upgrades. Binance did the same for Ethereum’s Shapella upgrade in 2023. Coinbase paused Solana transactions during its network upgrade in 2024. These measures protect users from failed transactions and network instability. Bithumb follows industry best practices by issuing advance notice. The exchange has a history of transparent communication during such events. In 2024, Bithumb suspended deposits for another altcoin during a similar upgrade. Services resumed within 36 hours without major issues. This pattern suggests a smooth process for ZIL holders. However, delays can occur if the upgrade encounters unexpected problems. Users should plan for potential extended downtime. Impact on ZIL Holders and Traders The suspension affects several groups of users. Traders cannot move ZIL to external wallets or other exchanges. Arbitrage opportunities between Bithumb and other platforms will close temporarily. Long-term holders who keep ZIL on Bithumb face no direct risk. Their balances remain intact and accessible for trading. However, they cannot withdraw to cold storage until services resume. Active traders should review their positions before the deadline. If they plan to move ZIL off the exchange, they must do so before 3:00 a.m. UTC on May 4. After the suspension, only internal transfers and trading remain possible. The ZIL market on Bithumb may experience reduced liquidity. Some traders might shift to other exchanges during the halt. Comparison with Other Exchange Policies Different exchanges handle network upgrades differently. Some suspend all services, including trading. Others only pause deposits and withdrawals. Bithumb’s approach is moderate. It keeps trading active while blocking fund movements. This allows price discovery to continue. Users can still buy or sell ZIL on the platform. However, they cannot transfer funds to take advantage of price differences elsewhere. Upbit, another Korean exchange, often follows similar procedures. Coinbase sometimes suspends trading entirely for major upgrades. Bithumb’s policy balances user convenience with network safety. The exchange prioritizes preventing transaction errors over full service continuity. How to Prepare for the ZIL Suspension Users should take specific steps before the deadline. First, check their ZIL balance on Bithumb. Second, complete any pending withdrawal requests. Third, if they need to move ZIL to a hardware wallet or another exchange, they should do so now. Fourth, review their trading strategies. If they plan to trade ZIL during the suspension, they can still do so. Fifth, bookmark Bithumb’s official announcement page for updates. Do not attempt to deposit ZIL after the suspension starts. The transaction will fail, and funds may be lost. Bithumb will not recover them. Similarly, do not send ZIL from Bithumb to an external address. The withdrawal will not process. The exchange will cancel it automatically. Zilliqa’s Broader Market Position in 2025 Zilliqa remains a significant player in the blockchain space. Its sharding technology provides scalability advantages. The network supports decentralized applications, smart contracts, and tokenization. As of early 2025, ZIL ranks among the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The upcoming upgrade could enhance its competitive position. Network upgrades often trigger price volatility. In the past, ZIL experienced price increases before major upgrades. However, this is not guaranteed. The suspension itself may create short-term selling pressure. Traders unable to move funds might sell their ZIL on Bithumb. This could temporarily depress prices. After services resume, the market may stabilize. Expert Perspectives on Scheduled Maintenance Industry analysts view scheduled maintenance positively. It shows the exchange and network prioritize security and performance. “Regular upgrades are essential for blockchain health,” says a blockchain security expert. “Exchanges that coordinate with these upgrades demonstrate operational maturity.” Users should not panic. The suspension is a routine technical procedure. Another expert notes that communication is key. “Bithumb’s advance notice gives users time to prepare. This reduces confusion and potential losses.” The exchange’s track record supports this view. Previous suspensions have been resolved efficiently. Conclusion Bithumb suspends ZIL deposits and withdrawals for a critical network upgrade starting May 4, 2025. Users must complete transactions before the 3:00 a.m. UTC deadline. Trading continues during the halt, but fund movements stop. The upgrade aims to improve Zilliqa’s network performance and security. Bithumb follows industry best practices with clear communication. Users should monitor official channels for resumption updates. This temporary measure protects user funds and ensures a smooth upgrade process. FAQs Q1: When does Bithumb suspend ZIL deposits and withdrawals? A1: The suspension begins at 3:00 a.m. UTC on May 4, 2025. Users must complete all transactions before this time. Q2: Can I still trade ZIL on Bithumb during the suspension? A2: Yes, trading of ZIL on Bithumb will continue normally. Only deposits and withdrawals are paused. Q3: What happens if I send ZIL to Bithumb after the suspension? A3: The deposit will fail, and the funds may be lost. Bithumb will not credit them to your account. Q4: How long will the suspension last? A4: Bithumb has not announced an exact resumption time. Typically, services resume within 24 to 48 hours after the upgrade. Q5: Why is Bithumb suspending ZIL services? A5: The suspension supports a scheduled network upgrade for the Zilliqa blockchain. This upgrade improves network performance and security. This post Bithumb Suspends ZIL Deposits and Withdrawals: Critical Network Upgrade Deadline Approaches first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
30 Apr 2026, 08:42
OKX joins the agentic economy with new AI payments framework
On April 29, 2026, OKX launched the Agent Payments Protocol, a new system that enables AI to handle business operations such as negotiations, payments, and dispute resolution without human intervention. The exchange announced the launch on its official learning page , and CEO Star Xu said the launch was “the key step that brings the Agent economy to real-world implementation.” An AI agent performs tasks such as searching the internet, reading documents, or booking a flight without human supervision. It’s similar to asking ChatGPT or another AI assistant to write an email. Now, OKX wants to build a world where the same AI can also handle payments on its own, since current systems require supervision. *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:d6a61311-cc6c-46fd-92d5-11201f811fb0-0" data-testid="conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> The Agent Payments Protocol aims to change that by enabling full-cycle, automated transactions. This includes negotiating prices, securely holding funds in escrow, verifying task completion, and automatically releasing payments once conditions are met, all handled by AI agents from start to finish. What does OKX’s new system do, and who else is trying to build it? According to OKX’s official description , the exchange’s new Agent Payments Protocol enables AI programs to manage the entire business process. They create a quote, negotiate terms, hold funds in escrow, measure the work completed, settle the final payment, and resolve disputes if something goes wrong. As earlier reported by Cryptopolitan, other companies, such as Coinbase and Stripe, have also introduced their own versions of capable AI agents. Coinbase released its x402 protocol, which uses an older internet protocol and builds a payment system on top of it. AI programs using x402 can spend as little as 1 cent at a time to pay for a piece of data or a service in a fraction of a second. Since its launch, x402 has processed over 100 million transactions, with an annualized volume of about $600 million . Coinbase also launched an app store where AI programs can buy services, like cloud computing from AWS, one item at a time. Stripe, the payment processing company, also released its Machine Payments Protoco l. The company’s contribution shows that major financial institutions also believe AI payments are inevitable. But according to OKX, Coinbase’s x402 and Stripe’s Machine Payments Protocol do very little compared to its own. The company even wrote in its launch post, saying, “Existing agentic payment solutions handle none of this. They were designed to execute a single payment on a single request, not to manage a relationship.” The difference between the Agent Payments Protocol and the rest is that OKX’s protocol covers the full funnel from the first conversation to the final receipt. Who supports this, and how does the wallet hold the money? Big tech companies such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Alibaba Cloud, Sahara AI, Nansen, Uniswap, Paxos, and QuickNode have pledged their support for OKX’s new protocol. At the same time, blockchain companies like the Ethereum Foundation, the Solana team, Base, Sui, Aptos, and Optimism have also partnered with OKX. Each of these firms brings its own users and developers onto the exchange. For example, any developer on AWS can add APP support to their AI products, while Uniswap users can access AI program payments. OKX launched the OKX Agentic Wallet on March 18, 2026, to enable AI programs to send and receive funds and manage their own funds independently. The wallet uses a secret unlock code called the Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) that’s stored inside a protected computer chip where no one, not even OKX itself, can read it. Similarly, the wallet supports over 20 blockchains, including Ethereum, Solana, and OKX’s X Layer network, which has no gas fees. OKX’s Agentic Wallet also supports up to 50 sub-wallets, allowing a single AI program to manage 50 separate wallets at once. Is the system ready now, or is it still just an idea? According to the OKX Learn page, some parts of the app, such as one-time and batch payments, work. The connection to Telegram and other messaging systems for AI-to_AI communication also works. However, other parts, like escrow payments and the dispute resolution system, are yet to come, even though they are arguably the two most important features for real business deals. The market for AI payments is still in its infancy. According to a research report , daily transactions using Coinbase’s x402 dropped from 731,000 in December 2025 to around 57,000 by March 2026. That’s a 92% drop, which shows there aren’t enough AI agents doing real work and making real purchases to fill the gaps. Gartner, a global research and advisory company, predicts that over 40% of AI agent projects will be canceled by 2027 due to rising costs and unclear business value . This information does not make OKX’s launch obsolete; rather, companies building today are betting on a future in which AI programs will take over commerce. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
