hodler

22 May 2026, 08:52

Near Protocol to automate its own growth and its token is skyrocketing

Near Protocol will introduce dynamic resharding in June, allowing the blockchain to automatically add shards as demand grows without human intervention.

22 May 2026, 08:50

Bitcoin Pizza Day 2026: Commemorating Crypto’s First Real-World Transaction

Every May 22, the crypto industry remembers and celebrates a trade that sparked a financial revolution: 10,000 bitcoins (BTC) for two Papa John’s pizzas. That one trade, although trivial at the time, marked the first known real-world transaction using BTC. Today marks Bitcoin Pizza Day’s 16th anniversary, and it’s a good time to assess how far the digital assets landscape has evolved. But before we get to measuring, let us recap the story of how a man spent thousands of coins, currently worth hundreds of millions of dollars, on two boxes of pizza. Pizza Day’s 16th Anniversary The year was 2010 when Floridian programmer and early BTC adopter Laszlo Hanyecz ordered two pizzas from Papa John’s to be delivered to his home. At the time, BTC was worth $0.0041, so the purchase cost Hanyecz $41; however, BTC hit $1 nine months after the transaction, increasing the cost to $10,000. As it’s more than evident now, BTC did not stop there. Over the following years, the leading digital asset went on to hit an all-time high (ATH) after another. As of 2024, 10,000 BTC was worth $690 million. In 2025, the assets were valued at $1.1 billion, given bitcoin’s price of $111,000 at the time. It is worth noting that last year’s Bitcoin Pizza Day was celebrated during the bull market, and BTC hit an ATH on that day. At the peak of the bull run in October, BTC surged to $126,200, bringing the value of 10,000 BTC to $1.26 billion. Unfortunately, this year’s Pizza Day comes at a time when the bears are in control, and bitcoin’s momentum is low . Regardless, the 10,000 BTC from the pizza purchase 16 years ago is currently valued at more than $770 million, per current prices. Data from CoinMarketCap shows BTC trading around $77,360 at press time. Bitcoin’s Growth in 16 Years The current value of those Papa John’s pizzas reflects how much Bitcoin as an asset and a network has grown. From adoption to recognition to network development, the asset has come a long way. A growing number of vendors and merchants now accept BTC as payment, and the asset is increasingly integrated into modern wealth portfolios and institutional frameworks. The crypto industry has grown alongside Bitcoin, and leading financial networks are jumping on the bandwagon. Meanwhile, 10,000 BTC could only afford two pizzas 16 years ago, but that is not the case today. With $770 million, one can access multiple luxury items, property, and experiences today. The post Bitcoin Pizza Day 2026: Commemorating Crypto’s First Real-World Transaction appeared first on CryptoPotato .

22 May 2026, 08:50

Binance Expands Monitoring Tag to 9 Tokens, Including ALCX and COOKIE

BitcoinWorld Binance Expands Monitoring Tag to 9 Tokens, Including ALCX and COOKIE Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has added nine digital assets to its monitoring tag list, signaling heightened volatility and delisting risk for the affected tokens. The exchange announced the inclusion of ALCX, COOKIE, DODO, EPIC, HEI, HFT, STORJ, SYN, and TLM in a routine update to its risk assessment framework. What the Monitoring Tag Means for Traders The monitoring tag is a designation Binance applies to tokens that exhibit significantly higher volatility or risk compared to other listed assets. Tokens under this tag are subject to stricter trading conditions, including mandatory risk acknowledgment pop-ups for users before they can trade. The exchange periodically reviews these tokens and may delist them if they fail to meet ongoing listing criteria. For traders holding or considering positions in these assets, the tag serves as an official warning that the token’s future on the platform is uncertain. Binance has previously delisted several monitoring-tagged tokens after they failed to demonstrate sufficient project development, community engagement, or compliance with regulatory standards. Breakdown of the Affected Tokens The nine tokens span various sectors of the crypto ecosystem. ALCX (Alchemix) is a DeFi protocol focused on self-repaying loans, while DODO is a decentralized exchange aggregator. STORJ operates in decentralized cloud storage, and SYN (Synapse) bridges multiple blockchain networks. The inclusion of lesser-known tokens like COOKIE, EPIC, HEI, and TLM suggests Binance is casting a wide net in its risk review process. Notably, HFT (Hashflow) and COOKIE have seen significant price volatility in recent months, which may have triggered the review. Binance has not disclosed specific reasons for each token’s inclusion, but the move aligns with its broader push to tighten listing standards amid increasing regulatory scrutiny globally. Market Reaction and Trading Implications Following the announcement, several of the affected tokens experienced price declines as traders reacted to the heightened risk. ALCX dropped approximately 8% within hours of the news, while COOKIE and DODO saw similar downward pressure. The monitoring tag often leads to reduced liquidity as institutional and retail traders avoid assets facing potential delisting. Binance advises users to monitor these tokens closely and stay updated on project developments. The exchange also recommends diversifying portfolios to mitigate risk associated with any single asset’s potential removal. Conclusion Binance’s expansion of its monitoring tag to include nine additional tokens reflects the exchange’s ongoing efforts to manage risk and maintain market integrity. For traders, the update serves as a clear signal to reassess exposure to these assets and stay informed about future delisting decisions. As the crypto market matures, such risk management tools are becoming standard practice among major exchanges, underscoring the importance of due diligence for all market participants. FAQs Q1: What does the Binance monitoring tag mean for token holders? The monitoring tag indicates that a token is under review for potentially higher risk or volatility. Holders may face trading restrictions, including mandatory risk warnings, and the token could be delisted if it fails to meet Binance’s criteria. Q2: How long do tokens stay on the monitoring list? There is no fixed timeline. Binance reviews tokens periodically and may remove the tag if the project improves its fundamentals, or proceed with delisting if issues persist. The duration varies case by case. Q3: Can I still trade monitoring-tagged tokens on Binance? Yes, trading is still permitted, but users must acknowledge a risk warning before executing trades. The exchange may also impose additional restrictions, such as higher margin requirements or limited access to certain features. This post Binance Expands Monitoring Tag to 9 Tokens, Including ALCX and COOKIE first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

22 May 2026, 08:47

Why is XRP falling despite six straight days of ETF inflows?

Ripple’s XRP has underperformed so far this week despite the massive inflows into its ETFs. XRP is down by less than 1% in the last 24 hours and now trades at $1.36. The bulls could lose the $1.32 support level in the near term as the bearish price action gets stronger. Momentum indicators are still bearish, adding further pressure to XRP. ETF inflows continue to surge higher XRP has been underperforming over the past few days despite the massive ETF inflows recorded. According to CoinGlass’s ETF page , XRP ETFs recorded an inflow of $8.7 million on Thursday, up from the $1.4 million recorded the previous day. Yesterday’s data means that the funds saw inflow for six consecutive days. However, the ETF inflow is yet to reflect in XRP’s price as the coin is down by 7% in the last seven days. While institutional demand is growing, retail demand continues to decline. The derivatives data shows that XRP’s futures Open Interest now stands at $2.9 billion. The long-to-short ratio reads 0.9135, indicating that the shorts are paying the longs. The ratio staying below one means that the bears are currently in control of the market. Meanwhile, the XRP OI-Weighted Funding Rate flipped positive on Thursday and now reads 0.0054%. The positive rate suggests that buyers are starting to open new positions in the market. Finally, on-chain activity on XRP Ledger (XRPL) has increased since the start of the week. According to Santiment , the number of active addresses on XRPL has surged since the start of the week and is now approaching 24,000. An increase in this metric suggests growing user engagement and speculative interest. Usually, investor confidence increases when on-chain activity shows growing user engagement. Ripple price forecast: XRP still consolidating above $1.32 The XRP/USD 4-hour chart is still bearish as XRP is down 1% and now trades around $1.36 per coin. The bearish trend is kept in check by XRP’s struggle to surpass the 50-day EMA at $1.41. The momentum indicators also support a bearish outlook in the near term. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering near 43, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) histogram is in negative territory, hinting that the sellers might continue to dominate. If the bulls regain control, they would encounter immediate resistance just around the 50-day EMA at $1.41. The buyers would need to close the daily candle above this resistance if they stand a chance to push XRP higher towards the $1.50 psychological level. An extended rally could enable XRP to reclaim the $1.70 resistance and break the bearish trend. However, if the selling pressure persists, XRP may retest the support at $1.32. A deeper pullback below this level would expose demand zones below $1.30. The post Why is XRP falling despite six straight days of ETF inflows? appeared first on Invezz

22 May 2026, 08:45

Coinone Adds CLV to Delisting Watchlist: What Token Holders Need to Know

BitcoinWorld Coinone Adds CLV to Delisting Watchlist: What Token Holders Need to Know South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinone has placed CLV, the native token of the Clover Finance platform, on its official delisting watchlist. The announcement, made on [insert date if known, otherwise remove], signals a potential removal of the token from trading on one of South Korea’s major digital asset platforms. Understanding Coinone’s Delisting Watchlist Coinone, like many regulated exchanges in South Korea, maintains a structured review process for listed assets. Placement on the delisting watchlist is a formal step that precedes a potential removal. The exchange typically evaluates factors including project development activity, trading volume, community engagement, and compliance with local regulatory standards. For CLV, the specific reasons cited by Coinone have not been publicly detailed, but the move places the token under heightened scrutiny. Implications for CLV and Its Holders For current holders of CLV, the watchlist designation carries immediate practical consequences. Traders on Coinone may face reduced liquidity and increased volatility as the market reacts to the news. If the delisting proceeds, users will be required to withdraw their tokens to external wallets before the trading suspension date. Historically, similar announcements from South Korean exchanges have led to short-term price declines for the affected assets. Broader Market Context Coinone’s decision is part of a wider trend among South Korean exchanges to tighten listing standards following increased regulatory oversight from the Financial Services Commission (FSC). The country’s stringent virtual asset user protection act, enacted in 2024, has pushed exchanges to conduct more rigorous periodic reviews. CLV joins a list of tokens that have faced similar scrutiny, reflecting a market-wide shift toward higher compliance thresholds. Conclusion The inclusion of CLV on Coinone’s delisting watchlist is a significant development for token holders and the broader Clover Finance ecosystem. While the final decision remains pending, the announcement underscores the growing regulatory pressure on cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea and the importance for investors to monitor exchange announcements closely. CLV holders should prepare for potential withdrawal requirements and assess their positions accordingly. FAQs Q1: What does being placed on Coinone’s delisting watchlist mean for CLV? It means Coinone is reviewing CLV for potential removal from trading. It is a preliminary step that does not guarantee delisting but indicates the token is under evaluation for non-compliance with the exchange’s listing criteria. Q2: How long does CLV have before a final decision is made? Coinone typically provides a notice period, often 30 days or more, during which token holders can trade or withdraw their assets. The exact timeline for CLV has not been specified, but users should monitor official announcements from Coinone. Q3: What should CLV holders do if the token is delisted? If delisting is confirmed, holders must withdraw their CLV tokens from Coinone to a personal wallet that supports the token before the suspension date. After delisting, trading and deposit services will be halted, and remaining tokens may be irrecoverable. This post Coinone Adds CLV to Delisting Watchlist: What Token Holders Need to Know first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

22 May 2026, 08:40

Hong Kong Dollar Stablecoin HKDAP Executes First Live Transaction on Ethereum

BitcoinWorld Hong Kong Dollar Stablecoin HKDAP Executes First Live Transaction on Ethereum The Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoin HKDAP has completed its first live transaction on the Ethereum mainnet, marking a significant step in the city’s push toward regulated digital currency infrastructure. The transaction was conducted under the oversight of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), according to a report by Finance Magnates. Consortium-Led Transaction Marks Regulatory Milestone The transaction was carried out by a consortium of licensed financial institutions, including Anchorpoint Financial, a fintech company backed by Standard Chartered Hong Kong, alongside OSL Group and PansarTrade. The involvement of these regulated entities underscores Hong Kong’s approach to integrating stablecoins within its existing financial framework. HKDAP is designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the Hong Kong dollar, with reserves held under HKMA supervision. This first live transaction demonstrates the operational readiness of the stablecoin within a controlled, compliant environment. Implications for Hong Kong’s Digital Currency Strategy Hong Kong has been actively developing a regulatory framework for stablecoins and digital assets, aiming to position itself as a hub for fintech innovation while maintaining financial stability. The successful test of HKDAP on Ethereum provides a real-world example of how regulated stablecoins could function for payments, settlements, and other financial applications. The use of Ethereum, a widely adopted public blockchain, also highlights the potential for interoperability between regulated digital currencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystems, though under strict compliance measures. Why This Matters for the Broader Market Stablecoins pegged to fiat currencies have become a critical bridge between traditional finance and blockchain-based systems. A regulated Hong Kong dollar stablecoin could facilitate faster cross-border transactions, reduce settlement times, and provide a digital alternative for businesses operating in the region. It also signals to other jurisdictions that stablecoins can be issued and managed within existing regulatory boundaries. For users and institutions, the development offers a glimpse of how central bank-supervised digital currencies might coexist with public blockchains, potentially influencing regulatory approaches in other major financial centers. Conclusion The completion of HKDAP’s first live transaction on Ethereum represents a tangible step forward for regulated stablecoin adoption in Asia. With HKMA oversight and participation from established financial players, the project adds credibility to the concept of fiat-backed digital currencies operating on public blockchain networks. As Hong Kong continues to refine its digital asset policies, this event may serve as a reference point for future stablecoin initiatives globally. FAQs Q1: What is HKDAP? HKDAP is a Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoin issued under the supervision of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. It is designed to maintain a 1:1 value with the Hong Kong dollar. Q2: Which institutions were involved in the first transaction? The transaction was conducted by a consortium including Anchorpoint Financial (backed by Standard Chartered Hong Kong), OSL Group, and PansarTrade. Q3: Why is this transaction significant? It marks the first live use of a regulated Hong Kong dollar stablecoin on the Ethereum mainnet, demonstrating operational viability under HKMA oversight and highlighting Hong Kong’s progress in integrating digital currencies with traditional finance. This post Hong Kong Dollar Stablecoin HKDAP Executes First Live Transaction on Ethereum first appeared on BitcoinWorld .