hodler

24 Apr 2026, 18:35

KuCoin has introduced direct crypto payments via Mastercard's global network for eligible Australian users

KuCoin has introduced direct crypto payments via Mastercard’s global network, enabling eligible Australian users to make everyday crypto purchases. The crypto platform has partnered with Immersve to enable crypto-backed spending at merchants that accept Mastercard, including on Google Play and Apple Pay. KuCoin says the initiative advances its commitment to trust-first infrastructure and the real-world utility of digital assets. USDC can be used through the integration to fund everyday purchases in real time at the point of sale. The service supports 37 USDC pairs, and digital assets are converted to fiat currency at checkout before the Mastercard settlements. Meanwhile, KuCoin continues to invest in resilient infrastructure to strengthen security, transparency, and compliance for users and partners, while expanding real-world crypto usage. The initiative focuses on accountability to reinforce confidence in the digital assets ecosystem. KuCoin CEO says initiative increases Mastercard acceptance in Australia BC Wong, the CEO of KuCoin, has claimed that the partnership increases Mastercard acceptance among Australian users. The initiative makes digital assets useful in the real world by providing secure rails, ensuring user-first protections, and clear compliance standards. Wong also discloses that the launched product builds on KuCoin’s AUSTRAC DCE registration, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible innovation. The solution empowers users to spend their assets easily as crypto becomes an everyday utility within global finance. James Pinch, the Australian Managing Director of KuCoin, has also noted that utility is the turning point for digital asset adoption among everyday users in a fast-moving market like Australia. He adds that KuCard helps connect digital assets to real commerce through a familiar Mastercard payment experience. The card further supports broader adoption while reinforcing the importance of governance and responsible innovation. “Australia is a fast-moving market for digital asset adoption. For everyday users, utility is the turning point.” – James Pinch , Australian Managing Director of KuCoin Jerom Faury, the CEO of Immersve, also believes that collaborating with Mastercard and KuCoin is a major step toward mainstream adoption of digital assets for everyday purchases. He notes that Immersve is building the bridges between Web3 and traditional finance on a global scale that enable individuals to spend crypto everywhere Mastercard is accepted. He calls it a “game-changer for everyone.” Senior Mastercard VP says initiative pushes crypto utility boundaries Christina Rau, the senior vice president of digital commercialization of Mastercard, noted that the partnership with KuCoin and Immersve reflects his company’s ongoing commitment to responsible innovation in the Web3 space. He emphasizes that this collaboration helps make digital assets truly usable in everyday life by enabling the safe and compliant spending of digital assets at scale. KuCoin is rolling out the new product in Australia, where users can earn up to 2% cashback on transactions depending on their VIP tier and trading volume. However, the product is currently virtual-only, meaning there is no physical card or ATM access at this stage. However, the move marks a major step in the practical application of crypto in Australia. It positions KuCoin as a direct competitor to other local payment service providers, such as CoinJar . Meanwhile, Axis One Markets Pty Ltd is authorized to provide certain financial services in respect of KuCard on behalf of Immersve. KuCard is issued solely by Immersve, which is also responsible for all associated disclosures and obligations under the Australian financial services license. However, the services are limited to the scope of the Corporate Authorized Representative agreement between Axis and Immersve. However, Immersve has distanced itself from the financial services and products issued by Echuca Trading Pty Ltd. The company advises users to read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG), Target Market Determination (TMD), and any other disclosure documents before using such financial products or services. Immersve also aims to ensure adherence to local anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) standards. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

24 Apr 2026, 18:32

Ethereum Foundation Sells 10,000 ETH to BitMine in OTC Deal

The Ethereum Foundation has sold 10,000 ETH to BitMine Immersion Technologies in an over-the-counter transaction, according to reports and statements shared by both parties. The deal was completed at an average price of $2,387 per ether, placing the total value at about $23.87 million. The foundation said the proceeds will be used to fund core operations, including protocol research and development, ecosystem growth, and community grants. The sale adds to BitMine’s growing Ethereum treasury at a time when the company is expanding its position in the asset. Reports said BitMine had already built holdings of 4,976,485 ETH earlier this week after buying 101,627 ETH in its largest weekly purchase of 2026. Based on the figures cited in those updates, BitMine’s treasury represented about 4.12% of Ethereum’s total supply and was valued at more than $11.5 billion. The transaction also marks another direct sale from the Ethereum Foundation to BitMine. Reports said BitMine bought 5,000 ETH from the foundation in March at an average price of about $2,043 per coin. The latest sale shows that the foundation is still using direct ETH sales as part of its treasury management, even after earlier criticism around recurring sales to fund operations. Foundation Says Sale will Support Research and Grants In its public statement, the Ethereum Foundation said the 10,000 ETH sale will support “core operations & activities,” including protocol R&D, ecosystem development, and community grant funding. That language matches the foundation’s broader funding model, which has long relied on periodic asset sales to support work across the network. According to reports , this latest transaction follows another recent move in which the foundation converted about $11 million worth of ETH into stablecoins. Those funds were also directed toward research, grants, and ecosystem-related activity. The foundation has previously said it wants to balance direct ETH sales with other sources of treasury support, including staking and DeFi deployment. That broader approach was outlined last year when the foundation said it planned to limit recurring ETH sales where possible. In early 2025, it seeded a DeFi Ecosystem wallet with 50,000 ETH as part of that shift. Even so, direct sales remain part of the funding process, especially when the organization needs cash for predictable operational expenses. BitMine Pushes Closer to its Ethereum Supply Target BitMine, led by Chairman Tom Lee, has continued buying ether while many other digital asset treasury firms have slowed or paused purchases. The company said earlier this week that its holdings stood at 4.97 million ETH, putting it close to the 5 million mark. The firm has also said it aims to accumulate roughly 5% of ETH’s total supply, a target that would amount to around 6 million tokens. The new purchase from the Ethereum Foundation adds to that strategy. As we reported, BitMine is the largest corporate holder of ether and one of the largest public digital asset treasury firms in the market. The company’s total assets were recently reported at $12.9 billion, including crypto, cash, and equity stakes. This latest OTC deal also gave BitMine a direct source of supply without relying only on exchange markets. Over-the-counter purchases are often used for large transactions because they can reduce slippage and allow firms to secure size more efficiently. That may explain why BitMine has now completed multiple purchases directly with the foundation.

24 Apr 2026, 18:32

61% Of Crypto Investors Are Unaware Of The New IRS 1099-DA Rules

A survey of 3,000 US crypto investors finds a big gap between compliance intent and knowledge. Here is what the data says and what to do about it.

24 Apr 2026, 18:32

Trump administration reportedly freezes $344M in crypto allegedly linked to Iran

More on Tether USD A Guide To Stablecoins: Majority Fiat-Backed Stablecoins - USDT, USDC, PYUSD Stablecoins raise regulatory evasion, dollarization risks - BIS head Crypto stocks jump on Strait of Hormuz news, stablecoins unaffected Financial information for Tether USD

24 Apr 2026, 18:22

XRP rises 0.58 percent as Ripple CTO dismisses secret plans

🚨 Ripple CTO dismissed rumors of secret government plans in $XRP. XRP climbed 0.58 percent to $1.43 after new speculation. Continue Reading: XRP rises 0.58 percent as Ripple CTO dismisses secret plans The post XRP rises 0.58 percent as Ripple CTO dismisses secret plans appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

24 Apr 2026, 18:10

TRON buys more TRX, large orders help price action – Details inside!

The native token is holding well, showing great strength.