28 May 2025, 10:54

Beyond Bitcoin: Charting blockchain’s evolution to mainstream utility

Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only. From buying pizza to powering global finance, blockchain’s journey from obscure tech to real-world utility has only just begun. Table of Contents A pizza purchase changes the course of Bitcoin, blockchain history From abstract tech to tangible real-world solutions Blockchain’s unfolding utility It’s pretty wild to think that the tech that underpins the entire crypto industry really started as just that, an underpinning. Blockchain, the DLT that breathed life into cryptocurrencies, was, for a long time, almost exclusively talked about in the same breath as Bitcoin ( BTC ). For many, it was a bit of an obscure concept, a niche novelty that powered a new kind of digital cash. Wind the clock forward to today, and blockchain’s story is one of absolutely incredible expansion. It’s shot far beyond its first job, now forming the foundational layer for a massive, sprawling ecosystem of dApps, composable DeFi protocols, smart contracts, and millions of unique tokens, all trying to solve different real-world problems. Bitcoin, no doubt, was the first big real-world application of blockchain, an impactful demonstration of peer-to-peer digital cash. But that was just the opening scene. The real genius was in the core innovation: a secure, decentralized, transparent, and immutable way to record and verify transactions without needing middlemen. This idea proved to be incredibly flexible. As Binance CEO Richard Teng discussed during the CEO Connect; May Edition talk , what kicked off with that first, almost experimental, crypto purchase has paved the way for serious payment systems, utility-rich stablecoins, and a whole host of tangible, real-world applications. “Fifteen years ago, crypto was about buying a pizza. Today, it’s about building robust payment systems, stablecoins, and real-life use cases that change lives,” said Teng. A pizza purchase changes the course of Bitcoin, blockchain history That almost mythical tale of Laszlo Hanyecz and his two Papa John’s pizzas is much more than just a fun bit of crypto trivia. It was a genuine turning point for both Bitcoin and the blockchain technology it’s built on. When Hanyecz successfully paid 10,000 BTC for those pizzas on May 22, 2010, it wasn’t just about proving Bitcoin could buy him dinner. Fundamentally, it was the first widely recognized, real-world stress test. It showed that the blockchain could actually work as a functional ledger for transferring value. Before this pizza deal, Bitcoin and its blockchain were, for most people, pretty abstract ideas, confined to online forums and the hard drives of a few early tech pioneers. Hanyecz’s purchase gave us solid proof that blocks could be made, transactions could be checked by the network, and ownership of digital value could be passed on for good, resulting in actual, physical stuff. This single act yanked blockchain out of the purely theoretical and into the world of practical use. That one transaction lit a fire under countless developers and entrepreneurs. If blockchain and Bitcoin could handle buying pizzas, what else could they be used for? It showcased the core benefits of a decentralized, trustless ledger and a decentralized, community-governed cryptocurrency. It set the stage for people to explore their potential far beyond just being a new form of money, changing the course of tech history in the process. You might also like: Dorsey’s Block to enable Bitcoin payments for nearly 4m Square merchants by 2026 From abstract tech to tangible real-world solutions The journey from that first pizza buy to today’s thriving blockchain market has been nothing short of phenomenal. Today the crypto ecosystem is focused on the utility of robust payment systems. We’ve got Layer 1 blockchains built for different purposes, some are focusing on throughput, others on security and decentralization. And let’s not forget Layer 2 solutions like rollups and state channels that are built on top of these chains to scale them and slash gas fees on networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin. Stablecoins, a direct spin-off of blockchain innovation, have become a vital part of the digital asset economy. They give us a reliable way to transact and store value, pegged to fiat currencies, and they’re essential for seamless trading, powering DeFi protocols and dApps, and are increasingly used for remittances and everyday shopping, dodging the wild price swings of other cryptos. This utility is a world away from the experimental feel of those early Bitcoin deals. With institutional investors holding 12.82% of the total BTC supply and the US government accumulating Bitcoin as part of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve set up in March, Bitcoin and blockchain are not some fringe tech anymore. They are being actively integrated into the treasuries of major financial players and considered at the national level. But everyday use cases are probably the most powerful proof of the transformation of blockchain and Bitcoin. Binance recently asked its users to share how crypto has actually been useful in their own lives . Forget the memes for a second; these stories paint a picture of cryptocurrencies solving everyday problems and creating meaningful moments, showing the practical side that Bitcoin Pizza Day first hinted at. Take Andy from Vietnam, for example. He ran into a common travel snag in Malaysia: needing to pay a rental deposit without a local bank account. His plan B was crypto. “I turned to crypto and planned to use Binance to make the payment,” he shared. As it turned out, the host ended up waiving the fee because Andy promised to take good care of the place. “While the payment was never completed,” Andy reflected, “it was still a perfect example of how versatile crypto can be in real-life situations!” In a second example, Binance Angel @Gerrit92 got into crypto back in 2019. Through patient “buying and HODLing,” Gerrit92 built a small fortune. To celebrate, he cashed out some of his profits, using them to buy a Rolex. Besides fulfilling a long-held desire to own this valuable watch, the Rolex to this user also serves as a token of the friends and profits he has made via crypto. @Gerrit92 explains, “I’ve been investing in crypto since 2019 and have never cashed out a large amount. I traded occasionally to rebalance my portfolio, but I always believed in a long-term vision. After many years in crypto, I decided to take a small portion of my profits to invest in another asset, fulfilling a childhood dream with a valuable purchase, a Rolex. It may be less volatile, but I look at it every day, and it reminds me of crypto and the friends I’ve made in this community.” These personal stories really show how blockchain tech is quietly becoming part of our daily financial lives. As Teng also said, “It’s no longer just about a pizza. It’s about how crypto performs in the real world and how blockchain can change lives.” Blockchain’s unfolding utility From its debut as Bitcoin’s backbone to its current role powering tens of thousands of dApps and protocols, blockchain technology has decisively transitioned from a niche novelty to a versatile tool with profound everyday utility. The journey, sparked by simple yet impactful acts like Hanyecz’s pizza purchase, continues to unfold. It promises even more innovations in areas like decentralized identity, making supply chains more transparent, tokenizing RWAs, strengthening physical infrastructure with DePIN, and countless other sectors. Blockchain’s core strengths, security, transparency, and decentralization, are proving to be a potent mix for reshaping not just finance but the very way we transact in the digital age. Read more: Bitcoin cements its haven asset reputation. Is the “means of exchange” narrative still alive? Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.

28 May 2025, 10:54

US SEC Commences First Formal Review of Spot XRP ETF

The possibility of trading spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the United States just went a notch higher. This is because the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) just commenced its first formal review of an application seeking to launch an XRP ETF in the country. According to a filing from the securities agency, it has initiated proceedings to determine whether it will approve or deny an application to list and trade shares of the WisdomTree XRP ETF on the Cboe BZX Exchange. WisdomTree is an asset management firm that issued one of the eleven spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S. SEC to Review WisdomTree Spot XRP ETF The SEC is evaluating whether the proposed rule change to list WisdomTree’s XRP ETF on Cboe BZX is designed to prevent fraudulent and manipulative practices. The proposal must implement measures that protect investors and serve the public interest before it can be considered for approval. Additionally, the SEC noted that the proposal may raise new concerns not previously considered by the agency, and these issues need to be addressed. While the proceedings continue, the Commission has asked interested persons to submit their views regarding the approval or disapproval of the application. “The Commission asks that commenters address the sufficiency of the Exchange’s statements in support of the proposal, which are set forth in the Notice, in addition to any other comments they may wish to submit about the proposed rule change,” the SEC stated. Notably, the initiation of proceedings for the proposal does not guarantee that the SEC will approve the product. The agency has roughly 240 days to decide whether the proposal is worth approving or not. Not the First It is also worth mentioning that the WisdomTree ETF, if approved, will not be the first XRP fund to be listed in the U.S. Early last month, the Vermont-based asset manager Teucrium launched the first leveraged XRP ETF in the U.S. on NYSE Arca. Towards the end of the month, the fund management company ProShares listed three futures ETFs. The funds provide investors with leveraged and inverse exposure to XRP through derivatives. The SEC approval of a spot XRP ETF would pave the way for the launch of similar products. This would be a huge win for the XRP community, considering that the token’s issuing company, Ripple, was involved in a tedious legal battle with the SEC for years. The post US SEC Commences First Formal Review of Spot XRP ETF appeared first on CryptoPotato .

28 May 2025, 10:46

Why is Bitcoin price stuck?

Key points: Bitcoin price is stuck in a range, with overhead resistance at $110,000 continuing to obstruct a rally to new all-time highs. Traders are in a wait-and-see mood due to uncertainty surrounding macroeconomic events. Bitcoin’s ( BTC ) bull run has stalled, with the price consolidating within a roughly $3,500 range since May 23. The $110,000 level proves to be a stubborn barrier. BTC/USD four-hour chart. Cointelegraph/ TradingView Let’s look at some of the reasons why Bitcoin price remains stuck. Bitcoin runs into resistance at $110,000 Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and Bitstamp shows that BTC price oscillates within a tight range between $106,600 and $110,700, with no clear directional bias. BTC price has “broken out of the triangle pattern and is moving upward,” but a key resistance level is at $110,000, said analyst and trader BitMonty in his latest Bitcoin analysis on X. Over the past few days, Bitcoin bulls have made two unsuccessful attempts to break above the resistance at $110,000. The trader pointed out that a breakout above this level could propel BTC to new all-time highs. “However, if the price is rejected at this level, it may retreat toward the support area.” BTC/USD hourly chart. Source: BitMonty For market intelligence firm Santiment, failure to grow past the $110,000 level has led to waning enthusiasm among traders. Traders are showing a bit of FOMO as Bitcoin’s price ranges around $110,000, but the “euphoria has calmed down a bit,” the firm explained in an X post, adding: “With markets moving in the opposite direction of retailers’ expectations, we may continue to see some reasonable doubt.” Bitcoin positive vs. negative commentary ratio on social media. Source: Santiment Bitcoin cools amid macroeconomic uncertainty This week’s macroeconomic events add doubt and hesitation to the crypto market while rising bond yields are causing concern. The release of the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting minutes is a focal point as investors seek clues about future interest rate decisions. On May 7, the US Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged , with Chair Jerome Powell citing President Donald Trump’s tariff measures as a source of inflation and uncertainty. This week, the April Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index print and initial jobless claims are due on May 29. These will follow the first revision of Q1 GDP. Meanwhile, AI giant Nvidia’s earnings report could move tech markets, indirectly affecting cryptocurrencies. A disappointing report could trigger broader market sell-offs, further pressuring Bitcoin. Moreover, the ongoing 2025 Bitcoin conference in Las Vegas features speeches from Trump family members, whose past appearances have triggered sharp market movements. “Last July’s Nashville keynote by Trump coincided with a sharp spike in 1-day implied vols above 90, followed by a swift reversal and a nearly 30% decline in BTC within two days. That episode continues to shape market memory,” said trading firm QCP Capital in a May 27 Telegram note to investors, adding: “While the probability of a similar drawdown appears low, positioning suggests a defensive tilt.” Bitcoin bulls fight to hold key support levels Meanwhile, popular trader Daan Crypto Trades said that the “longer price hovers around” the $110,000 region, the thicker the liquidity clusters above and below will become. “There’s a big liquidity cluster down at $106K and quite a few sitting from $111K and up,” part of his X post said . “The main level to look out for would be the all-time highs above $111,000 and below, all the way down to $105,000, which was the start of the recent move.” Daan Crypto Trades added: “Keep an eye out for when price taps either of these regions as those usually act as a magnet when price is close.” BTC/USDT liquidation heatmap. Source: Glassnode For MN Capital founder Michael van de Poppe, $102,000-$104,500 is a crucial area to hold to ensure upward momentum does not fade. Source: Michael van de Poppe As Cointelegraph reported , Bitcoin has entered an “overheated zone” where prolonged profit-taking could stall BTC price growth in the short term. This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.

28 May 2025, 10:46

Sui Community Advances Cetus Recovery Plan with Onchain Vote After $223M Exploit

On May 27, the Sui community initiated a seven-day onchain vote to authorize a critical transaction that could enable the full recovery of user funds lost during a $223 million exploit involving Cetus. If passed, the vote will allow for the transfer of compromised tokens to a newly established multi-signature wallet controlled by multiple ecosystem stakeholders. As of this writing, the proposal is on track for approval. Out of 56 validators who have cast their votes, 54 voted in favor and only 2 voted against, translating to 55.2% in support, 0.3% opposed, and 44.4% yet to participate. Source: Sui Explorer With both majority and participation thresholds already met, the outcome is unlikely to shift unless a significant portion of the remaining validators vote against it before the window closes on June 3. Notably, the vote could conclude early, after a minimum two-day period, if the uncast stake is mathematically unable to affect the final result. This scenario may allow for early passage as soon as one day from now. The Sui Foundation emphasized that the affected assets were frozen immediately after the breach and have remained untouched. The current vote represents the only community-backed mechanism to return the funds and restore user balances. Cetus Commits to Full Reimbursement If Funds Are Recovered @CetusProtocol , a DEX built on Sui blockchain, has fallen victim to an exploit that may have siphoned off more than $200 million in digital assets. #Cetus #Sui https://t.co/fGVo1Oogl9 — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 22, 2025 Cetus Protocol, a decentralized exchange on the Sui blockchain, was exploited for over $200 million on May 22, triggering panic across the ecosystem. Cetus has paused its smart contracts, but backlash grew after the team initially downplayed the exploit as a “bug.” Analysts confirmed the attacker gained control of SUI-denominated pools and moved tens of millions, including $60 million in USDC, to Ethereum. Cetus has since offered a bounty to the hackers. @Cetusprotocol is offering a $6 million bounty to the hacker behind a $223 million exploit that rocked the platform earlier this week. #Cetus #Hack https://t.co/0EFPlVqDCm — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 23, 2025 In a post on X, the Cetus team expressed regret for the incident and pledged to fully reimburse users, contingent on the successful outcome of the community vote. New Progress Update – A Path Forward Together! Since the incident, we have reflected deeply on the incident and its impact on our users, partners, and the broader ecosystem. We are deeply sorry and take this responsibility seriously. Today, we want to share a meaningful step… — Cetus (@CetusProtocol) May 27, 2025 According to Cetus, it has secured the necessary capital, including both token reserves and fiat liquidity, alongside a critical loan facility from the Sui Foundation, to fully cover all stolen assets currently off-chain. Cetus emphasized that user trust remains its top priority, stating, “We are deeply sorry and take this responsibility seriously. Today, we want to share a meaningful step forward, made possible by the collective effort of many.” While the team has promised that recovery efforts will begin immediately after the vote ends, regardless of whether the vote passes, full user repayment depends on access to the frozen assets. Cetus framed the vote as essential to its own recovery plan and the restoration of user confidence across the broader Sui DeFi ecosystem. Secure Multi-Sig and Independent Oversight Guide Repayment Plan As outlined in the Sui Foundation’s official blog, the proposed recovery structure includes the creation of a secure multi-signature wallet designed to hold and later disburse the recovered funds. Cetus has requested a community driven vote to recover the funds frozen following last week’s hack. In response, the Sui Foundation has released code for an onchain community vote. Sui validators can cast votes, and Sui holders can also vote directly through stake delegation.… https://t.co/pVLTItN0MH — Sui (@SuiNetwork) May 27, 2025 The wallet will be governed by six independent signers, including Cetus representatives, ecosystem stakeholders, and OtterSec. At least four of the six signers must approve any transaction from the wallet, ensuring that no single party has unilateral control. Before funds are disbursed, Cetus will submit a detailed user repayment list to the multi-sig group. This list will first be reviewed by OtterSec, a blockchain security firm tasked with verifying the legitimacy of all claims. Only after this independent audit will the signers begin releasing funds to the affected users. Importantly, the Foundation made clear that it will not vote on the proposal, opting instead to preserve the decentralized nature of the decision. However, it retains the right to act as a backup signer within the multi-sig if quorum is at risk of not being met. The post Sui Community Advances Cetus Recovery Plan with Onchain Vote After $223M Exploit appeared first on Cryptonews .

28 May 2025, 10:43

JUST IN! Binance Announces New Altcoin Listed! Price Started to Rise!

Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange, continues to announce altcoin listings. At this point, Binance recently announced that it listed the altcoin called Merlin Chain (MERL) in futures with 50x leverage. “To expand the list of trading options offered on Binance Futures and enhance users’ trading experience, Binance Futures will be launching the following perpetual contracts: 05/29/2025 at 08:30 (UTC): MERL/ USDT Perpetual Contract with up to 50x leverage Please note that MERL is currently listed on Binance Alpha Market.” Following the announcement, the MERL price started to rise. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: JUST IN! Binance Announces New Altcoin Listed! Price Started to Rise!

28 May 2025, 10:33

SEC Begins Review of WisdomTree’s XRP Trust Application for a Spot ETF

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially commenced its review of WisdomTree’s application to launch a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), a significant development in the ongoing integration of cryptocurrency into mainstream financial markets, according to BSCN Headlines . The proposed WisdomTree XRP Fund aims to provide investors with direct exposure to XRP, the digital asset native to the Ripple network, through a regulated investment vehicle. According to the filing, the fund would be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange, with the Bank of New York Mellon serving as the administrator, fund accountant, and transfer agent. The ETF’s structure is designed to mirror traditional ETF mechanics, offering shares that represent a specific amount of XRP, thereby allowing investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without the need to hold it directly. JUST IN: US SEC BEGINS REVIEW OF WISDOMTREE'S XRP TRUST APPLICATION FOR A SPOT XRP ETF — BSCN Headlines (@BSCNheadlines) May 28, 2025 Regulatory Landscape and Public Comment Period The SEC’s acknowledgment of WisdomTree’s filing initiates a formal review process, beginning with a 21-day public comment period. During this time, stakeholders, including investors and financial institutions, are invited to submit feedback on the proposal’s feasibility and potential market impact. Following the comment period, the SEC has up to 240 days to make a final decision on the application. This review comes amid a shifting regulatory environment in Washington. Under the new administration, the SEC has shown a more open stance towards cryptocurrency ETFs, suspending enforcement actions against major exchanges and establishing a Crypto Task Force to develop a framework for digital asset oversight. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Market Implications and Investor Interest The initiation of the SEC’s review process has been met with optimism in the cryptocurrency market. XRP’s price experienced a notable increase following the acknowledgment of multiple ETF filings, including WisdomTree’s, signaling growing institutional interest in XRP-based investment products. The approval of a spot XRP ETF would mark a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency industry, providing a regulated avenue for investors to gain exposure to XRP. It also reflects a broader acceptance of digital assets within traditional financial markets, potentially paving the way for the approval of ETFs based on other cryptocurrencies. WisdomTree’s application for a spot XRP ETF represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of cryptocurrency and traditional finance. As the SEC embarks on its review process, the outcome will be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders alike, as it may set a precedent for the future of cryptocurrency-based investment products in the United States. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent TimesTabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post SEC Begins Review of WisdomTree’s XRP Trust Application for a Spot ETF appeared first on Times Tabloid .