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27 May 2026, 10:00

OpenZeppelin Co-Founder Warns That “All of DeFi” Is Unsafe

His comments came after nearly $630 million was stolen from DeFi protocols in April alone. Major incidents included a $285 million Drift exploit and a $293 million Kelp DAO attack, both reportedly linked to North Korean hacking groups. DefiLlama recorded 27 DeFi exploit incidents in April. The trend continued into May with 25 additional exploit cases. DeFi Security Fears Grow The concerns around decentralized finance (DeFi) security intensified this week after OpenZeppelin co-founder Manuel Aráoz declared that he now considers “all of DeFi” unsafe. In a post that was shared on X on Tuesday, Aráoz revealed that he personally advised friends and family to exit all DeFi positions, including investments in major “blue chip” protocols like Aave, MakerDAO, and Compound. Aráoz argued that the balance between attackers and defenders in the DeFi industry has become uneven, especially with the rise of AI-powered coding agents that can discover vulnerabilities in smart contracts. According to him, defenders are forced to secure every possible weakness in a protocol, while attackers only need to identify a single flaw to drain millions of dollars. Almost $630 million was stolen from DeFi protocols in April alone, which made it the worst month for DeFi-related hacks since the massive Bybit exploit in February of 2025, where attackers stole around $1.5 billion. April’s losses were driven largely by two major attacks. One of the biggest incidents involved a $285 million exploit targeting Drift, which was reportedly the result of a sophisticated six-month social engineering campaign. Another major attack struck Kelp DAO, where hackers exploited vulnerabilities tied to the project’s cross-chain bridge infrastructure and stole roughly $293 million. Security researchers and blockchain analysts attributed both attacks to North Korean state-backed hacking groups, which have focused on the cryptocurrency industry as a source of illicit funding. According to DefiLlama data , there were 27 separate DeFi exploit incidents recorded during April. Total value hacked by month (Source: DeFiLlama) Investor confidence in decentralized finance also seems to be weakening due to security risks. Total value locked (TVL) across DeFi protocols dropped by approximately 14% since mid-April, falling from around $172 billion to roughly $148 billion. The decline suggests that some users may already be withdrawing funds from decentralized platforms thanks to the growing fears over protocol safety. The trend continued into May, with another 25 DeFi exploit incidents already reported so far this month, although the financial losses have been smaller compared to April’s massive breaches. Among the incidents was an $11.6 million exploit involving Verus Network’s Ethereum bridge. Meanwhile, prediction market platform Polymarket recently confirmed a separate $573,200 security breach that may have stemmed from a compromised private key connected to an internal operational wallet.

27 May 2026, 09:55

Samsung and SK Hynix Close In on Bitcoin in Global Market Cap Rankings

BitcoinWorld Samsung and SK Hynix Close In on Bitcoin in Global Market Cap Rankings South Korean semiconductor giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have moved up the global market capitalization rankings, now sitting just behind Bitcoin, according to data from CompaniesMarketCap as of May 27. Samsung currently holds the 14th spot, with SK Hynix at 15th, while Bitcoin remains at 13th place. The narrowing gap, often referred to as a potential ‘flip’ in market parlance, highlights shifting investor sentiment and the diverging fortunes of technology hardware and digital assets in the current economic climate. Closing the Gap Just two weeks earlier, on May 11, Bitcoin World reported that Bitcoin held the 11th position while Samsung was ranked 14th, a three-place gap. In a short period, Samsung’s market capitalization has risen relative to Bitcoin, narrowing the distance to just one spot. SK Hynix is now two places behind the cryptocurrency. This movement reflects not only gains in the semiconductor sector but also a period of relative price stagnation for Bitcoin, which has struggled to regain upward momentum after previous highs. Broader Market Trends Favor Semiconductors CoinDesk has noted a broader trend of capital flowing into precious metals and major semiconductor firms throughout 2025, while Bitcoin’s price has faced headwinds. Investors appear to be rotating toward assets perceived as having strong fundamentals and tangible industrial demand, particularly in the AI and memory chip sectors. Samsung and SK Hynix are central players in the global memory chip market, benefiting from sustained demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in artificial intelligence data centers. What a ‘Flip’ Would Mean A ‘flip’ would occur if Samsung’s market capitalization surpasses Bitcoin’s, a symbolic shift that would underscore the growing market weight of the semiconductor industry relative to the largest cryptocurrency. While market cap rankings are fluid and change daily, the trend signals that institutional and retail investors are reassessing risk and value across asset classes. For Bitcoin, maintaining its position above major industrial corporations is a marker of its continued relevance as a store of value, but the narrowing gap suggests that its dominance is not guaranteed. Conclusion The race between Samsung, SK Hynix, and Bitcoin in global market cap rankings is more than a statistical curiosity; it reflects deeper economic currents. Semiconductor companies are riding a wave of AI-driven demand, while Bitcoin navigates a period of price consolidation and regulatory uncertainty. Whether a flip occurs in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but the data clearly shows that the gap is closing. Investors and market observers will be watching closely as these two very different asset classes compete for position on the global stage. FAQs Q1: What is a ‘flip’ in market cap rankings? A ‘flip’ occurs when one company or asset surpasses another in total market capitalization. In this context, it refers to Samsung potentially overtaking Bitcoin in the global ranking. Q2: Why are Samsung and SK Hynix’s market caps rising? Both companies are benefiting from strong demand for memory chips, particularly high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI data centers. This has driven investor interest and share price appreciation. Q3: Is Bitcoin’s market cap declining? Bitcoin’s market cap has not necessarily declined in absolute terms, but it has remained relatively flat or grown more slowly compared to the semiconductor firms, allowing them to close the gap. This post Samsung and SK Hynix Close In on Bitcoin in Global Market Cap Rankings first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

27 May 2026, 09:52

4 cryptocurrencies to turn $10 into $100 next week

Amid the sluggish crypto market in the past week, the gradual increase in demand for cryptocurrencies could present an opportunity to turn $10 into $100 in the coming days. Furthermore, the exchange volume for altcoins, excluding the top 5 by market capitalization – including Bitcoin ( BTC ), Ethereum ( ETH ), Solana ( SOL ), XRP , and Binance Coin ( BNB ) – has been increasing, according to updates from CryptoQuant analyzed by Finbold on May 27. CEX volume ratio. Source: CryptoQuant As such, Finbold analyzed the top four candidates likely to experience a 10x rally over the coming week based on these tailwinds: Real-World Assets (RWA) tokenization, AI-focused boom, privacy-centric space, and memecoins. XDC network (XDC): RWA and tokenization tailwinds The XDC Network ( XDC ) has cemented itself as one of the leading real-world asset (RWA) chains, with total tokenized RWAs now surpassing $1.02 billion across 14 issuers and 8 asset categories, according to on-chain data from TradeFi Network. As such, the demand for XDC has surged in the recent past, with 10.38 million units, valued at $756,000, withdrawn from crypto exchanges in a single day, based on metrics from Santiment. With a market cap of about $666 million and a 24-hour trading volume of around $13.6 million, XDC is a top candidate for cryptocurrencies to breakout over the coming week. Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET): AI-focused boom The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance ( FET ) anchors itself as one of the largest open-source Artificial Intelligence (AI) economies in the crypto space. With a market cap of roughly $559 million and a 24-hour trading volume of nearly $328 million, the FET price is well positioned to rally amid the anticipated altcoin boom. Dash (DASH): Privacy-centric space The rising demand for privacy in cryptocurrencies, as observed in the growth of Zcash ( ZEC ), Dash ( DASH ) is well-positioned to follow the same trend soon. As of press time, DASH had a market cap of approximately $553 million and a 24-hour trading volume of approximately $84 million. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU): The memecoin narrative The Pudgy Penguins ( PENGU ) memecoin is another candidate likely to rally 1000% over the coming week. With a strong user base, including institutional investors, PENGU could see its market cap move from $531 million to nearly $6 billion in the coming days. The post 4 cryptocurrencies to turn $10 into $100 next week appeared first on Finbold .

27 May 2026, 09:51

Here’s how much Bitcoin underperformed the stock market in the last 12 months

Despite recent years bringing overwhelming optimism for the cryptocurrency market as the latest ‘crypto winter’ ended, digital assets found mainstream appeal, and a friendly U.S. administration, Bitcoin ( BTC ) ended up underperforming stocks in the last 12 months. Specifically, while the benchmark S&P 500 index soared 26.98% from 5,921 to 7,519 across the previous 52 weeks, BTC declined 30.35% from $108,927 to $75,867 for an overall underperformance of roughly 56%. S&P 500 and Bitcoin price 12-month charts. Source: Google Additionally and perhaps more worryingly, 2026 has seen Bitcoin and most other cryptocurrencies move and consolidate lower while stocks appear to only be gaining pace in their year-to-date (YTD) rallies. Why Bitcoin is underperforming the S&P500 by more than 50% in last 12 months An interpretation of events that was popular on the social media platform X early in the year was that BTC was following its established cyclical path. For example, the popular on-chain analyst Ali Martinez explained that the then ongoing Bitcoin plunge was an expected outcome of the highs above $125,000 recorded late in 2025 and forecasted – based on past performance – the digital asset would bottom in October at no lower than $38,000. Institutional investors believe Bitcoin will make a comeback in 2026 Notably, the relative newcomers to the market – major financial institutions – took a starkly different view, effectively declaring the traditional pathway of assets such as BTC obsolete. For example, Bernstein estimated that the 2026 cryptocurrency bear case had no legs while setting its end-of-the-year Bitcoin price target at $150,000 . Similarly, while Standard Chartered lowered its forecast from $150,000, it still opted for a bullish prediction that would place BTC at $100,000 . Critics, however, speculate that the entire sector is, in a way, suffering from success. Is the cryptocurrency market out of growth ideas? For years, cryptocurrencies have relied on revolutionary narratives about the transformation blockchain technology will provide, while blaming unjust regulatory pressure – usually personified in the form of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler – for any setbacks. By 2026, the asset class had gained significant institutional recognition and a friendly regulatory environment without providing much in terms of material revolutionary changes, other than helping a mass proliferation of prediction markets. Meanwhile, some explanation for the relative stagnation of cryptocurrencies despite the numerous tailwinds can, perhaps, be found precisely in the S&P 500’s success. Along with the hopes that blockchain would bring a financial revolution, digital assets found some of their popularity in their volatility and potential to rapidly turn hundreds or thousands of dollars into hundreds of thousands or millions. When investing in stocks leads to bigger, faster returns than Bitcoin By press time on May 27, stocks have, in part, occupied that particular role thanks to the artificial intelligence ( AI ) boom – or thanks to the AI bubble . For example, a $1,000 investment in Bitcoin at the end of 2022 – near the low point of the previous ‘crypto winter’ – would have become roughly $4,500 with the cryptocurrency rising from approximately $17,000 to $75,867. A similarly timed purchase of Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA ) equity would have led to $1,000 turning into about $14,000 as the stock soared from $17 to almost $215. Even selling BTC near its highs close to $125,000 would have turned $1,000 into $7,300 for a $6,700 profit smaller than from holding NVDA shares. There are more ‘altcoins’ among 2026 stocks than cryptocurrencies Lastly, the promise of large and rapid returns of the stock market outpacing cryptocurrencies in 2026 extends beyond just the world’s largest digital asset and the world’s largest company. Examining the YTD heatmaps of the S&P 500 and the cryptocurrency market reveals that major stocks recording triple-digit gains since New Year’s Day are, by press time, far more numerous. Cryptocurrency market and S&P 500 YTD heatmaps. Source: TradingView Additionally, unlike digital assets that are, for the time being, suffering from a lack of a sweeping bullish narrative, more traditional equities are riding high on the dominant and domineering vision for the future of AI. Featured image via Shutterstock The post Here’s how much Bitcoin underperformed the stock market in the last 12 months appeared first on Finbold .

27 May 2026, 09:45

Sharplink and Forward Enter Russell Indexes With $2.3B in Crypto Holdings

Sharplink and Forward Industries are set to enter the Russell 2000 and Russell 3000 indexes on June 29. The additions could raise institutional visibility for two public companies built around large ethereum and solana treasury strategies. Crypto Treasury Firms Go Mainstream With Russell Index Inclusion Sharplink Gaming is set to join the Russell 2000 and

27 May 2026, 09:40

Exclusive: ESPORTS Developer Office Nearly Deserted After 93% Crash, CEO Admits Investigation

BitcoinWorld Exclusive: ESPORTS Developer Office Nearly Deserted After 93% Crash, CEO Admits Investigation A visit to the development office of Yuldo Games (ESPORTS) token has revealed a scene of near abandonment, deepening concerns that the project may have been a rug pull. Blockchain media outlet Digital Asset reported that its team found the office of Catze Labs, the developer behind the gaming token, almost completely empty on May 26 and 27 — the two days following a devastating 93% price crash. What the On-Site Visit Found According to the exclusive report, only one employee was present in the darkened office on the day after the crash. The office lights were off, and most workstations sat unused. When reached by phone, the CEO of Catze Labs told Digital Asset that the company was merely the developer and was ‘unrelated to this crash.’ He added that Yuldo Games has a separate CEO. However, when pressed about the possibility of an insider sell-off, the CEO’s position shifted. He stated, ‘It was not the team’s intention, and we are investigating the matter.’ This comment appears to contradict the earlier claim of non-involvement. On-Chain Evidence Points to Past Manipulation Bitcoin World previously reported, citing on-chain analyst ZachXBT, that the entity behind the ESPORTS dump showed signs of having participated in past price manipulation. The pattern of trading activity suggests the possibility of a coordinated exit, commonly referred to as a rug pull in the crypto space. Suspicions continue to spread as the Yuldo team has not released any investigation results two days after the incident. In the cryptocurrency industry, projects that experience a sudden catastrophic price drop typically issue an explanation within hours and publish a third-party audit within days to restore trust. The absence of such a response is widely viewed as a red flag. Why This Matters for Investors The ESPORTS case illustrates a recurring risk in the crypto gaming sector: projects that raise capital through token sales but lack transparent operations or verifiable development activity. For investors, the combination of a near-empty office, contradictory statements from leadership, and on-chain evidence of past manipulation creates a strong signal that the project may not recover. The incident also highlights the importance of on-the-ground verification — a method rarely used in crypto journalism but one that can uncover discrepancies that on-chain analysis alone cannot reveal. Conclusion The ESPORTS token crash and the subsequent discovery of a largely vacant development office raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the Yuldo Games project. With the CEO offering conflicting statements and no investigation results forthcoming, the community is left waiting for clarity. As of now, the token’s future remains uncertain, and the incident serves as a cautionary tale about the risks inherent in unregulated crypto gaming investments. FAQs Q1: What caused the ESPORTS token to crash 93%? The crash appears to have been triggered by a large sell-off. On-chain analyst ZachXBT has identified patterns suggesting the entity behind the dump may have been involved in past price manipulation, raising suspicions of a rug pull. Q2: What did the on-site visit to Catze Labs reveal? Digital Asset reporters found the office nearly empty and darkened, with only one employee present. The CEO initially denied involvement in the crash but later admitted to investigating a potential insider sell-off. Q3: What should investors do if they hold ESPORTS tokens? Investors should exercise extreme caution. The lack of a timely explanation or third-party audit, combined with the empty office and contradictory statements, suggests a high likelihood of total loss. This case underscores the importance of verifying project fundamentals before investing. This post Exclusive: ESPORTS Developer Office Nearly Deserted After 93% Crash, CEO Admits Investigation first appeared on BitcoinWorld .