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18 May 2026, 13:00

Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange

BitcoinWorld Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange Tron founder Justin Sun has moved an additional 41.99 million SPK tokens, valued at approximately $1.23 million, to the cryptocurrency exchange HTX, according to on-chain data shared by analyst ai_9684xtpa. The tokens were acquired through airdrops and staking rewards. Accumulating Deposits Since September 2025 This latest transfer adds to a significant pattern of SPK deposits by Sun over the past several months. Since September 2025, the Tron founder has deposited a total of 610 million SPK tokens to exchanges, with a cumulative value of roughly $19.08 million. The deposits have been made in multiple tranches, suggesting a deliberate strategy rather than a single liquidation event. SPK is a token associated with the Spark ecosystem, a decentralized finance (DeFi) project that rewards users through staking and airdrop programs. Sun’s consistent accumulation and subsequent deposits to HTX have drawn attention from market observers tracking whale movements. Implications for the Market Large deposits to exchanges are often interpreted as a signal of potential selling pressure, as tokens moved from private wallets to trading platforms can be more easily liquidated. However, Sun’s deposits have been spread over weeks, which may indicate a gradual distribution rather than a sudden market dump. The Tron founder has been an active participant in the SPK ecosystem, and his staking activity has generated substantial token rewards. The decision to deposit these rewards to HTX, a Seychelles-based exchange, provides liquidity for trading and potential conversion to other assets. What This Means for SPK Holders For holders of SPK, the continued deposits by a prominent figure like Sun could influence short-term price sentiment. While the deposits themselves do not guarantee a sell-off, they increase the available supply on exchanges, which can put downward pressure on price if demand does not keep pace. Conversely, the fact that Sun is actively staking and earning rewards suggests ongoing engagement with the project. Conclusion Justin Sun’s latest SPK deposit to HTX continues a multi-month trend of moving staking rewards to an exchange. While the total amount is notable, the gradual nature of the deposits suggests a measured approach. Market participants will likely watch for further deposits or any official statements from Sun regarding his plans for the tokens. FAQs Q1: Why is Justin Sun depositing SPK tokens to HTX? A: The exact reason has not been publicly stated. However, depositing tokens to an exchange typically allows for easier trading, selling, or conversion to other cryptocurrencies. Sun has been accumulating SPK through staking and airdrops since at least September 2025. Q2: What is SPK token? A: SPK is a token associated with the Spark ecosystem, a decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol. It is distributed through staking rewards and airdrop programs to participants in the network. Q3: How much SPK has Justin Sun deposited in total? A: According to on-chain data, Sun has deposited a total of 610 million SPK tokens to exchanges since September 2025, valued at approximately $19.08 million at current market rates. This post Justin Sun Deposits Another $1.23 Million in SPK Tokens to HTX Exchange first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

18 May 2026, 13:00

Crypto Users Warned Over Sophisticated Google Email Scam

The reported attack uses Google account recovery request systems and hidden formatting tricks to make phishing emails look more trustworthy. Meanwhile, Coinbase, Microsoft, and Europol have taken action against large-scale phishing networks linked to millions of malicious emails each month. Google Email Phishing Scam Targets Crypto Users Crypto users are being warned about a phishing campaign that disguises malicious emails as legitimate Google security notifications. The scam reportedly abuses real Google account recovery systems to send messages that look trustworthy at first glance, which increases the chances that users will interact with them. The emails often use phrases like “recovery contact request” or “review request,” which creates the impression that the message is part of a genuine Google security process. The danger lies in how convincing these emails can appear. Unlike traditional phishing attempts that often contain obvious spelling mistakes or suspicious sender addresses, these messages may appear to come through real Google systems. Attackers are also using formatting tricks inside the email itself. Large blank spaces or hidden formatting can push malicious links far below the visible part of the message. This allows the top section to resemble a normal security alert while concealing harmful content further down. For crypto users, the consequences of falling for these scams can be severe. A fake login page can capture passwords, session cookies, or two-factor authentication codes. Once attackers gain access to an exchange account or wallet interface, funds can potentially be transferred within minutes. Because cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible, victims often have little chance of recovering stolen assets after an account compromise. There has been an increase in phishing and online fraud targeting the crypto industry. Binance recently stated that its systems blocked 22.9 million phishing and scam attempts during the first quarter of 2026. According to the exchange, these security measures helped protect almost $2 billion in user funds. At the same time, developers across the blockchain industry are trying to improve wallet security. Ethereum’s ERC-7730 Clear Signing standard is one example, as its goal is to make transaction approvals easier for users to understand before authorizing potentially dangerous requests. Blog post from Coinbase Authorities and major technology firms are also intensifying their efforts against organized phishing networks. Earlier reports revealed that Coinbase , Microsoft, and Europol participated in operations targeting the Tycoon 2FA phishing network, which was allegedly responsible for distributing millions of phishing emails every month. Security experts and Google itself are encouraging users to avoid interacting with suspicious links sent through email. Instead, users should manually open their Google account settings, exchange applications, or wallet platforms directly through official websites or apps to verify any alerts.

18 May 2026, 12:30

Former Ripple CTO Schwartz Sends XRP To John Deaton Senate Campaign

Former Ripple CTO David Schwartz has sent an undisclosed amount of XRP to John Deaton’s US Senate campaign, giving Deaton’s latest fundraising push a direct signal of support from one of the XRP community’s most recognizable figures. Schwartz Donates XRP To Deaton Senate Bid The exchange played out publicly on X after Deaton appealed for donations on May 15, arguing that his campaign was built around small-dollar contributors rather than PACs, lobbyists or “special interests.” Schwartz, posting under his long-running “JoelKatz” account, replied two days later with a brief message: “Sent some XRP.” Deaton answered: “Thank you David!” Deaton is again running for Senate in Massachusetts after winning the Republican primary in 2024 and losing to Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the general election. His new campaign targets the seat held by Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, who is seeking another term. In the video attached to his fundraising post, Deaton framed the campaign as a challenge to entrenched political power in Washington. “I put in as much money as I could for my own campaign, but I don’t take big money. I don’t take PAC money. I don’t take money from lobbyists,” he said. “I just take money really from regular people and most of my donations are small donations. We’re talking 50 bucks, 25 bucks, 100 bucks.” I hate asking for money, but I need your help. Unlike career politicians, I don’t take PAC money. I don’t take lobbyist money. I don’t answer to special interests. This campaign is powered by hardworking people giving 25 bucks, 50 bucks, 100 bucks at a time because they believe… pic.twitter.com/sNBDWgsQaS — John Deaton (@DeatonforSenate) May 15, 2026 The appeal leaned heavily on Deaton’s positioning as an outsider candidate rather than a conventional party figure. He said voters needed “somebody to Washington that actually cares about people,” adding that he would “put people before politics” and would not be “loyal to a person or a party or an agenda.” Deaton also cited policy priorities including energy, housing and healthcare, saying he had “an energy plan that will reduce electricity prices,” “a housing plan that’ll build 5 million homes nationwide in five years,” and a healthcare reform plan aimed at large vertically integrated insurers. For the crypto market, the donation is notable less for its size, which was not disclosed, than for the messenger. Schwartz is one of the best-known technical figures associated with Ripple and XRP. Deaton, meanwhile, built a national profile in digital-asset circles through his advocacy around XRP holders and his criticism of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approach to crypto enforcement. The overlap between Deaton’s political campaigns and the crypto sector was already visible in 2024. Federal Election Commission records show Deaton’s 2024 campaign committee reported $2.24 million in total receipts, including $1 million in loans made by the candidate and $1.15 million in individual contributions. The donation also comes as Deaton is trying to distinguish between his campaign’s direct fundraising model and the broader role of crypto money in US elections. His message to supporters was explicit: “The only way I win is if people like you listening to this donate whatever you can afford.” Whether that support meaningfully changes Deaton’s electoral position is a separate question. Massachusetts remains difficult terrain for Republicans, and Deaton’s 2024 run ended in defeat against Warren. At press time, XRP traded at $1.38.

18 May 2026, 12:01

South Korea's FSC reviews Hana Bank's $669 million Dunamu stake for regulatory violations

Hana Bank’s acquisition of a 6.55% stake in Dunamu has led South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) to investigate whether or not rules that bar financial institutions from investing in digital asset businesses have been breached. The Korean regulatory environment has become much stricter following a series of operational failures and compliance gaps at major exchanges. And now, Hana Bank’s deal to acquire stakes in Dunamu, the operator of the country’s largest crypto exchange, has set off alarm bells in enforcement quarters. Is Hana Bank’s crypto investment legal? Cryptopolitan reported over the weekend that Hana Bank announced plans to purchase Kakao Investment’s Dunamu holdings for roughly 1 trillion won ($669 million) and become Dunamu’s fourth-largest shareholder. However, back in 2017, the government issued emergency measures that prohibited financial companies and corporations from trading crypto assets. The ban was then expanded to cover any holding, purchase, collateral arrangement, or equity investment by regulated financial firms in the digital asset sector. Now, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is reviewing whether the transaction falls under those separation rules. An FSC official shared that even though Hana Bank’s purchase is structured as an acquisition of Kakao Investment’s position rather than directly buying Dunamu shares, the FSC still views the transaction as a crypto sector investment and is applying the same standard. Other Korean financial groups, like Mirae Asset Group, for instance, completed its pending acquisition of the exchange operator Korbit through its consulting firm rather than its brokerage arm. Korea Investment Securities, which has been exploring a stake in Coinone alongside overseas exchange OKX, has also taken a cautious approach to the same rules. How will Upbit deal with crashing revenue and regulatory pressure? Cryptopolitan previously reported that Hana Bank’s investment in Dunamu arrived during a particularly rough period for the business. The company reported a first-quarter consolidated revenue of 234.6 billion won ($156 million), 55% lower than its revenue from a year earlier. The decline is driven almost entirely by reduced trading volumes on Upbit. Operating profit came in at 88 billion won ($60 million), down 78% year over year. Upbit generates roughly 97% of Dunamu’s revenue from transaction fees, so whenever trading activity contracts, the company suffers. Client deposits also declined, falling 11% from December 2025 to approximately 5.199 trillion won ($3.4 billion) at the end of March. Further complicating things, the government has confirmed a 22% tax on gains from digital asset sales and lending that will take effect on January 1, 2027. The tax applies to annual crypto gains exceeding 2.5 million Korean won (about $1,800). The ruling Democratic Party is pushing for this tax to start as scheduled, while the opposition People Power Party wants to abolish the tax entirely. Dunamu and its latest stakeholder, Hana Bank will have an eye on how that issue is resolved, as most of its problems actually started because investors shifted to hot AI and tech stocks while profitability and tax obligations added up for crypto investors. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

18 May 2026, 12:00

Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy

BitcoinWorld Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy Longtime gold advocate and Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff has once again challenged the narrative surrounding the world’s largest cryptocurrency, this time targeting MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor’s characterization of Bitcoin as a ‘digital skyscraper.’ Schiff countered that holding Bitcoin produces no income, comparing it to a building that generates no rent. Schiff’s Core Argument: Bitcoin Lacks Cash Flow In a series of public statements, Schiff argued that Bitcoin’s value is purely speculative, as it does not produce dividends, interest, or rental income. ‘A skyscraper generates rent. Bitcoin generates nothing,’ Schiff said, emphasizing that traditional assets like real estate and stocks provide tangible returns. This critique is central to Schiff’s long-standing position that gold, which he views as a stable store of value, remains superior to Bitcoin. MicroStrategy Under Fire: ‘Centralized Ponzi Scheme’ Schiff also directed sharp criticism at MicroStrategy, the business intelligence firm that has aggressively accumulated Bitcoin since 2020. He specifically called out the company’s Bitcoin-based financial products, including its STRK and STRC convertible notes and preferred stock offerings. According to reports from BeInCrypto, Schiff labeled these instruments a ‘centralized Ponzi scheme’ and urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the company’s practices. What This Means for Investors The debate between Schiff and Saylor highlights a fundamental divide in the investment community. For Bitcoin bulls like Saylor, the asset’s appreciation potential and role as a hedge against inflation justify its holding cost. For skeptics like Schiff, the lack of yield makes Bitcoin a poor long-term investment compared to income-generating assets. The call for an SEC investigation adds a regulatory dimension, raising questions about the classification and marketing of Bitcoin-linked securities. Broader Market Context This exchange occurs amid ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market and increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. MicroStrategy’s heavy Bitcoin holdings have made it a bellwether for corporate crypto adoption, but also a target for criticism. The SEC has not publicly responded to Schiff’s call, but the agency has previously signaled interest in regulating crypto products more strictly. Conclusion Peter Schiff’s latest critique underscores the persistent tension between traditional finance advocates and the cryptocurrency sector. While Bitcoin supporters point to its growing institutional adoption and price history, critics like Schiff argue that its lack of intrinsic cash flow makes it fundamentally speculative. The outcome of any potential SEC review of MicroStrategy’s products could have significant implications for how Bitcoin-related securities are marketed and sold. FAQs Q1: Why does Peter Schiff compare Bitcoin to a building that generates no rent? Schiff argues that unlike real estate, stocks, or bonds, Bitcoin does not produce any income or cash flow. He believes its value is based solely on speculation, making it a risky asset. Q2: What is MicroStrategy’s STRC product? STRC is a preferred stock offering by MicroStrategy that pays a dividend. Schiff and others have criticized it for being tied to Bitcoin’s volatile price, calling it a risky financial product. Q3: Could the SEC actually investigate MicroStrategy? While the SEC has not announced any investigation, the agency has increased its oversight of crypto-related financial products. A formal complaint could trigger a review, though the outcome remains uncertain. This post Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

18 May 2026, 11:40

Binance to List CBRS Perpetual Futures on May 19

BitcoinWorld Binance to List CBRS Perpetual Futures on May 19 Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has announced it will list CBRS perpetual futures on May 19 at 9:30 a.m. UTC. The new product allows traders to speculate on the price of CBRS with leverage, adding to the exchange’s growing suite of derivatives offerings. Listing Details and Timeline The CBRS perpetual futures contract will be available on Binance Futures starting at the specified time. Perpetual futures differ from traditional futures in that they have no expiration date, allowing positions to be held indefinitely. Traders can open long or short positions, with funding rates applied periodically to keep the contract price aligned with the underlying asset. Binance has not yet disclosed the maximum leverage or initial margin requirements for the contract. Such details are typically released closer to the listing date through the exchange’s official announcements and API documentation. What Is CBRS? CBRS is a digital token associated with a blockchain-based project. While specific project details remain limited in public sources, the listing on Binance signals a certain level of due diligence and market demand. Listings on major exchanges like Binance often lead to increased liquidity and price discovery for the token. Investors should note that Binance’s listing process involves a review of the project’s technology, team, and market fit. However, the exchange does not guarantee the long-term viability or regulatory compliance of any listed asset. Market Implications The introduction of CBRS perpetual futures provides traders with a new instrument to manage risk or speculate on price movements. Perpetual futures are among the most actively traded products on Binance, often accounting for a significant share of the exchange’s total volume. For CBRS holders, the listing could increase trading activity and price volatility around the launch date. Historically, new perpetual futures listings on Binance have led to short-term price movements in the underlying token, though past performance is not indicative of future results. Conclusion Binance’s addition of CBRS perpetual futures expands its derivatives market and offers traders another tool for exposure to the digital asset. The listing is scheduled for May 19 at 9:30 a.m. UTC. Traders should monitor official Binance channels for final contract specifications and risk parameters before trading. FAQs Q1: What time will CBRS perpetual futures be listed on Binance? The listing is scheduled for May 19 at 9:30 a.m. UTC. Q2: What is a perpetual futures contract? A perpetual futures contract is a derivative that allows traders to speculate on an asset’s price without an expiration date. It uses a funding rate mechanism to keep the contract price close to the spot price. Q3: Will the CBRS perpetual futures contract have leverage? Binance has not yet announced the maximum leverage. Details are expected closer to the listing date. This post Binance to List CBRS Perpetual Futures on May 19 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .