hodler

20 May 2026, 16:15

Quantum Computing Threatens 10% of Bitcoin Supply, Glassnode Warns

BitcoinWorld Quantum Computing Threatens 10% of Bitcoin Supply, Glassnode Warns A new report from blockchain analytics firm Glassnode has revealed that approximately 10% of the total Bitcoin supply — roughly 1.92 million BTC — is structurally vulnerable to future quantum computing attacks. The finding underscores a growing concern within the cryptocurrency industry as quantum technology advances toward practical application. Why These Bitcoins Are at Risk The vulnerability stems from the design of certain Bitcoin address types that expose public keys by default. Glassnode identified three primary categories at risk: Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) outputs from the early Satoshi Nakamoto era, legacy multisig structures such as Pay-to-Multisig (P2MS), and Pay-to-Taproot (P2TR) outputs. Unlike modern addresses that only reveal a public key when a transaction is made, these formats inherently disclose cryptographic information that a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could theoretically exploit to derive private keys. This is not an immediate threat. Current quantum computers remain far from the capacity needed to break Bitcoin’s elliptic curve cryptography. However, the report emphasizes that the structural exposure is permanent for these coins, meaning they will become increasingly attractive targets as quantum hardware matures. Historical Context and Scale The 1.92 million BTC figure includes coins from the earliest days of Bitcoin, including those mined by Satoshi Nakamoto. These coins have remained untouched for over a decade, but their public keys are visible on the blockchain forever. The report notes that while many of these addresses may belong to long-lost wallets or inactive holders, their cryptographic exposure cannot be reversed. Glassnode’s analysis differentiates between theoretical risk and practical exploitability. The firm stressed that the vulnerability is structural rather than active, but the lack of a migration pathway for these coins presents a long-term security challenge for the network. Proposed Solutions: BIP-360 and Pay-to-Merkle-Root In response to the growing quantum threat, the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal BIP-360 has been introduced, suggesting a new output type called Pay-to-Merkle-Root (P2MR). This wallet format is designed to be highly resistant to quantum computing attacks by using Merkle tree structures that obscure public key information until the moment of spending. The proposal also enables voluntary migration, allowing users to move funds from vulnerable addresses to more secure ones without disrupting the existing network. Adoption of P2MR would require consensus from the Bitcoin community and wallet developers. The proposal is still under discussion, but it represents a proactive step toward future-proofing the network against cryptographic advances. Why This Matters for Bitcoin Holders For everyday Bitcoin users, the immediate risk is low. Most modern wallets use SegWit or native SegWit addresses that do not expose public keys until a transaction is signed. However, the report serves as a reminder that the cryptocurrency ecosystem must evolve alongside technological threats. Investors holding large amounts in legacy addresses, particularly those from the early mining era, may want to consider migrating to newer, quantum-resistant formats as they become available. The broader implication is that quantum computing is no longer a distant theoretical concern for the crypto industry. As research accelerates, the window for implementing defensive measures is narrowing. Glassnode’s report adds urgency to ongoing discussions about cryptographic agility and network upgrades. Conclusion Glassnode’s analysis highlights a significant but manageable vulnerability in the Bitcoin network. While no immediate threat exists, the structural exposure of 1.92 million BTC demands attention from developers, miners, and holders alike. Proposals like BIP-360 offer a pathway to security, but their success depends on timely adoption and community consensus. For now, the report serves as a critical wake-up call for an industry that must prepare for a post-quantum future. FAQs Q1: Is my Bitcoin at risk from quantum computing right now? No. Current quantum computers are not powerful enough to break Bitcoin’s cryptography. The risk is future-oriented, and most modern wallets are not structurally vulnerable. Q2: Which Bitcoin addresses are most vulnerable? Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK), Pay-to-Multisig (P2MS), and Pay-to-Taproot (P2TR) outputs are considered structurally vulnerable because they expose public keys by design. Q3: What can I do to protect my Bitcoin? Use modern wallet types such as SegWit or native SegWit addresses. Monitor developments around BIP-360 and consider migrating funds to quantum-resistant formats once they are widely supported. This post Quantum Computing Threatens 10% of Bitcoin Supply, Glassnode Warns first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 15:52

EU Reopens MiCA, Tether Takes Twenty One, Fairshake Wins 6 Southern Primaries

Crypto News The European Commission opened a formal review of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation on Wednesday, soliciting public and industry feedback on whether the bloc's landmark blockchain...

20 May 2026, 15:31

Drift says Insurance Fund deposits remain safe after exploit backlash

Drift Protocol says Insurance Fund deposits were not impacted by the exploit and can still be withdrawn after relaunch.

20 May 2026, 15:31

Kraken and Coinbase User Loses $6.7M in Crypto Theft as Funds Move Through Tornado Cash

A crypto user has lost around $6.7 million in digital assets after attackers drained funds from accounts linked to both Kraken and Coinbase. The incident, highlighted by Wu Blockchain, showed large withdrawals of ETH, BTC, and cbBTC from the victim’s exchange accounts. Visit Website

20 May 2026, 15:25

Raoul Pal: AI and Crypto Reshaping Global Economy at Unprecedented Speed

BitcoinWorld Raoul Pal: AI and Crypto Reshaping Global Economy at Unprecedented Speed Prominent macro investor and Real Vision CEO Raoul Pal has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency are reshaping the global economy at a pace far exceeding public expectations. In comments reported by CoinDesk, Pal argued that humanity is entering what he calls an ‘exponential age,’ where finance, labor, and culture are being fundamentally transformed by AI, crypto, and tokenization. Blockchain as the Ownership Layer Pal described cryptocurrency as the ownership layer of the future economy. He asserted that this technology offers individuals a rare opportunity to get ahead of Wall Street by owning blockchain infrastructure before institutional investors become fully involved. According to Pal, this is the first time in history that owning such an infrastructure layer has been possible for everyday investors. Tokenization and Financial Inclusion Beyond individual investment opportunities, Pal emphasized that tokenization and blockchain technology are expanding access to financial markets for people who were previously excluded. This shift, he noted, is creating a more level playing field for users around the world. By lowering barriers to entry, blockchain-based systems could democratize access to capital and investment tools that were once reserved for the wealthy or well-connected. Why This Matters Now The convergence of AI and crypto is not a distant possibility but an ongoing reality. Pal’s perspective carries weight given his track record as a macro investor and founder of Real Vision, a platform that provides financial analysis and insights. His comments underscore a growing consensus among industry leaders that the pace of technological change is accelerating, and that traditional financial systems may struggle to keep up. Conclusion Raoul Pal’s analysis highlights a critical inflection point in the global economy. As AI and blockchain technologies mature, their combined impact on finance, labor, and culture is likely to intensify. For investors and the general public alike, understanding these shifts may be essential for navigating the years ahead. FAQs Q1: What did Raoul Pal say about AI and crypto? Pal stated that AI and cryptocurrency are reshaping the global economy faster than most people realize, and that we are entering an ‘exponential age’ of transformation. Q2: Why does Pal call cryptocurrency the ‘ownership layer’ of the future economy? He believes blockchain infrastructure represents a foundational layer of the future financial system, and that owning it early offers a unique advantage over traditional Wall Street investors. Q3: How does tokenization help financial inclusion according to Pal? Tokenization lowers barriers to entry, allowing people previously excluded from traditional financial markets to participate in a more open and accessible global economy. This post Raoul Pal: AI and Crypto Reshaping Global Economy at Unprecedented Speed first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 15:00

Plume secures Class M digital asset license from Bermuda regulator

BitcoinWorld Plume secures Class M digital asset license from Bermuda regulator Plume, a blockchain platform focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has secured a Class M Digital Asset Business License from the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA). The company announced the regulatory milestone on Tuesday, positioning itself among a growing list of digital asset firms that have chosen Bermuda as a regulated base of operations. What the license means for Plume The Class M license allows Plume to conduct digital asset business activities under Bermuda’s comprehensive regulatory framework, which was established under the Digital Asset Business Act 2018. The BMA is widely recognized as a stringent yet innovation-friendly regulator, making the jurisdiction a preferred destination for crypto companies seeking legitimacy without the ambiguity found in other markets. Plume plans to leverage the license to launch a new on-chain fund vault, also regulated by the BMA, in the coming weeks. The vault is expected to offer institutional and accredited investors a compliant way to access tokenized real-world assets, such as private credit, real estate, and commodities. Bermuda’s growing appeal for crypto firms Bermuda has steadily built a reputation as a serious regulatory hub for digital assets. Major industry players including Coinbase, Circle, and Kraken have previously obtained Class M licenses from the BMA. The jurisdiction’s clear rules, combined with its proximity to the United States and established financial services infrastructure, make it an attractive alternative to jurisdictions with uncertain or fragmented crypto regulations. For Plume, the license represents more than a compliance checkbox. It signals to partners and investors that the platform is operating within a recognized legal framework, which is increasingly important as regulators worldwide tighten oversight of the crypto sector. Why this matters for the RWA sector The tokenization of real-world assets is one of the fastest-growing segments in blockchain, with major financial institutions exploring the technology. However, regulatory clarity has remained a bottleneck for broader adoption. Plume’s move into a regulated environment could set a precedent for other RWA-focused projects, demonstrating that compliance and innovation can coexist. Industry observers note that the BMA’s approach—requiring robust anti-money laundering controls, capital reserves, and regular reporting—provides a template that other jurisdictions may follow. If Plume’s regulated vault gains traction, it could accelerate institutional interest in tokenized assets. Conclusion Plume’s Class M license from the Bermuda Monetary Authority marks a significant step for the RWA blockchain sector, adding regulatory credibility to a rapidly evolving market. With a compliant on-chain fund vault on the horizon, the company is positioning itself at the intersection of decentralized finance and traditional financial regulation. The move aligns with a broader industry trend toward licensed, transparent digital asset operations. FAQs Q1: What is a Class M Digital Asset Business License in Bermuda? A Class M license is a regulatory authorization issued by the Bermuda Monetary Authority under the Digital Asset Business Act 2018. It allows companies to conduct digital asset activities such as custody, trading, and issuance while complying with AML, capital, and reporting requirements. Q2: Why did Plume choose Bermuda over other jurisdictions? Bermuda offers a clear and established regulatory framework for digital assets, with a track record of licensing major firms like Coinbase and Circle. Its proximity to the U.S., strong financial infrastructure, and innovation-friendly stance make it a preferred hub for regulated crypto operations. Q3: What is an on-chain fund vault? An on-chain fund vault is a blockchain-based investment vehicle that holds tokenized assets. It operates under smart contract rules and regulatory oversight, allowing investors to access assets like private credit or real estate in a transparent, compliant manner. This post Plume secures Class M digital asset license from Bermuda regulator first appeared on BitcoinWorld .