Invest ideasNews
1 May 2026, 12:30
Bitcoin Gives US Leverage Against China, Defense Secretary Hegseth Says
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Congress that Bitcoin can serve as a tool of US strategic leverage, linking the asset to classified Pentagon efforts and a broader competition with China. The comments mark one of the clearest public signals yet that parts of the US defense establishment now view BTC not only as a financial network, but as a national security domain. The exchange came during an April 30 congressional hearing , when Rep. Lance Gooden pressed Hegseth on whether Bitcoin should be treated as an instrument of power projection. Gooden framed the issue through the lens of adversarial use, arguing that BTC has moved from a marginal asset to a strategic concern for Washington. “Over the past decade, Bitcoin has evolved from a fringe asset into a matter of national security,” Gooden said. “Iran has demanded Bitcoin as a toll for transit through the Strait of Hormuz . North Korean cyber actors have leveraged it in ransomware campaigns, and China is believed to be stockpiling substantial holdings as part of a strategic reserve.” Gooden then linked those concerns directly to the Indo-Pacific theater, citing recent testimony from Admiral Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command. He said Paparo had stated that Bitcoin has “direct implications for power projection” and noted that USINDOPACOM was operating a Bitcoin node in furtherance of that mission. Bitcoin Becomes Pentagon Focus That framing put Hegseth in a position to answer a question that would have sounded unusual in a defense hearing only a few years ago: whether Bitcoin is a tool to project power, and whether the department is working to secure a US advantage against China’s “digital authoritarianism.” Hegseth’s answer was brief but unusually direct. “I guess my short answer would be yes and yes,” he said. “Long an enthusiast of Bitcoin and crypto potential. And a lot of the things we’re doing, enabling it or defeating it, are classified efforts that are ongoing inside our department, which do provide us a lot of leverage in a lot of different scenarios. I appreciate that. And I share your views.” The phrase “enabling it or defeating it” is the key policy signal. Hegseth did not describe BTC simply as an asset to be held, regulated, or monitored. He framed the Defense Department’s work around two operational tracks: using the technology where it creates strategic advantage, and countering it where adversaries use it against US interests. The comments also build on Paparo’s earlier testimony . On April 21, Paparo told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Bitcoin can be relevant to American “power projection,” adding that “anything that supports all instruments of national power for the United States of America is to the good.” A day later, Gooden’s office said Paparo told the House Armed Services Committee that the US military was using a Bitcoin node to help “secure and protect networks.” At press time, BTC traded at $77,168.
1 May 2026, 11:49
XRP Leverage Hits Zero on Binance — Is Another 6x Run Loading?
XRP Flashpoint: Zero Binance Leverage and Whale Outflows Fuel $8.28 Rally Speculation Market analyst Xaif Crypto notes that XRP is beginning to show sentiment patterns similar to those seen ahead of its earlier breakout this year. A key signal is Binance leverage for XRP, which has dropped to 0, levels last observed in early 2024 just before the asset surged by around 6x. In the previous cycle, extremely low leverage conditions were followed by a sharp price expansion as liquidity returned and positioning flipped quickly. If history repeats in a similar pattern, XRP could be entering a comparable setup, with a speculative upside target around $8.28 from current levels of $1.38. Well, the resemblance to past market structure has renewed attention among market participants closely watching derivatives positioning and liquidity trends. Beyond leverage metrics, attention is shifting to Binance flow data. Xaif Crypto points to unusual XRP outflows, with whales now accounting for roughly 56.4% of daily withdrawals. Even more striking, this surge has printed twice in succession, suggesting a clear uptick in large-holder accumulation. In market terms, rising exchange outflows typically indicate tokens being moved into private wallets, tightening available sell-side liquidity. This steady quiet rotation of big holdings, as some analysts put it, is being closely monitored as a potential early-stage accumulation phase rather than distribution. XRP’s $1.36 Support Holds the Line as $1.45 Liquidity Cluster Sets Up a Potential Breakout Zone XRP is trading just above a key technical threshold, with $1.36 emerging as a critical support level that could define the next move. If this zone holds, it strengthens the case for continued bullish momentum within the current consolidation. A breakdown below it, however, could shift sentiment and open the door to deeper retracement levels as sellers regain control. On the upside, the $1.45 zone is drawing close attention as it builds into a dense liquidation cluster. Analysts are increasingly viewing it as a liquidation magnet, where a sharp move higher could force leveraged short positions to unwind. In fast-moving conditions, zones like this often act as short-term accelerators, intensifying price swings once triggered. Therefore, zero leverage conditions, rising whale outflows, and tightly stacked liquidation levels place XRP at a decisive point. The next major move will likely hinge on how price behaves within the $1.36–$1.45 range in the sessions ahead, either setting the stage for a breakout or extending consolidation.
1 May 2026, 11:30
CEO Behind $4.7 Billion Crash Banned From Crypto, But How Will This Work?
Celsius founder Alexander Mashinsky, who was responsible for the $4.7 billion 2022 crypto crash, has been banned from crypto. This forms part of a $10 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) while the crypto founder continues to serve a 12-year sentence. Celsius Founder Banned From Crypto As Part of $10 Million FTC Settlement A court order filed by the FTC shows that the Celsius founder is permanently banned from crypto. The order stipulates that Mashinsky is not allowed to advertise, market, promote, offer, distribute, or assist in doing any of these things with respect to products or services used to deposit, exchange, invest, or withdraw assets. Related Reading: Here’s What Happened In The Donald Trump Crypto Meeting With $TRUMP Holders This crypto ban forms part of a $10 million settlement with the FTC. The order included a $4.72 billion monetary judgment against the Celsius founder in favor of the Commission. This sum relates to Mashinsky’s role in the 2022 crash of his crypto lending platform, which left customers unable to access $4.7 billion in deposits. However, this monetary judgment is suspended, and Mashinsky has been ordered to pay $10 million to satisfy this monetary relief. The order also noted that the crypto founder shall be deemed to have satisfied the payment obligation if he pays this amount to the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursuant to the forfeiture order entered in his criminal case. It is worth noting that the Celsius founder is currently serving a 12-year sentence for fraud and market manipulation. The crypto founder had pleaded guilty in 2024 to committing commodities fraud and securities fraud at Celsius and was subsequently sentenced last year. The prosecution revealed that Mashinsky had used customers’ assets to place risky bets and to “line his own pockets.” In addition to his prison term, the Celsius founder was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay a $50,000 fine and forfeit $48 million. Crypto Founder Denied New Trial In Fraud Case Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), who was convicted for fraud like Mashinsky, has had his request for a new trial denied. According to an ABC report, a federal judge denied SBF’s request for a new trial, rejecting the FTX founder’s claims that there are new witnesses in his case who could give evidence that would clear him of any wrongdoing. Related Reading: Crypto Decentralization Myth Busted: ETH And USDT Freezes Unveil A Shocking Truth The judge described this claim as baseless. SBF is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for his role in the collapse of defunct crypto exchange FTX. Bankman-Fried was found to have used up to $8 billion in customers’ funds for his personal projects. However, he continues to deny any wrongdoing despite being found guilty, stating that his exchange was always solvent. It is worth noting that SBF was also seeking a pardon from U.S. President Donald Trump, but the White House has revealed that Trump has no plans to pardon him. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
1 May 2026, 11:15
Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange Shuts Down: Final Withdrawal Deadline Revealed
BitcoinWorld Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange Shuts Down: Final Withdrawal Deadline Revealed The Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange has officially announced its gradual shutdown, marking a significant event in the Aptos ecosystem. This decentralized exchange, which launched in June 2025, will cease operations about one year after its debut. Users can withdraw their assets until May 31, 2026. Tapp Exchange Closure: Timeline and Key Details Tapp Exchange launched in June 2025 as the first V4-style DEX on Aptos. It aimed to provide advanced trading features and high liquidity. However, the platform now confirms its closure. The exchange will maintain full protocol functionality until the end of May 2026. This allows users ample time to withdraw their funds. The shutdown follows a pattern seen in the broader DeFi space. Many DEXs face challenges with user retention and market volatility. Tapp Exchange’s decision reflects a strategic shift for its development team. The team has not disclosed specific reasons for the closure. However, market conditions and operational costs likely played a role. Users must act before the deadline. After May 31, 2026, the protocol will no longer support withdrawals. The team advises all users to transfer their assets to self-custodial wallets or other exchanges. This step ensures no funds are lost during the shutdown. Impact on the Aptos Ecosystem The Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange shutdown sends ripples through the Aptos blockchain community. Aptos, a layer-1 blockchain, has seen steady growth since its mainnet launch. However, the closure of a major DEX raises questions about ecosystem stability. Several factors contribute to this impact: Liquidity loss: Tapp Exchange held significant liquidity pools. Its closure reduces overall liquidity on Aptos. User trust: Some users may lose confidence in Aptos-based DeFi projects. Competition: Other DEXs on Aptos, such as Liquidswap and Pontem, may gain users. Despite this setback, the Aptos ecosystem continues to evolve. Developers are building new protocols and tools. The network’s total value locked (TVL) remains resilient. However, the Tapp Exchange closure highlights the need for sustainable DeFi models. What Led to the Decision? Decentralized exchanges face unique operational hurdles. Tapp Exchange’s closure likely stems from a combination of factors: Low trading volume: Many DEXs struggle to attract consistent users. High development costs: Maintaining a V4-style DEX requires constant upgrades. Regulatory uncertainty: Global crypto regulations continue to evolve. The team has not provided a detailed post-mortem. However, similar closures in the industry often cite these challenges. For example, other DEXs on Solana and Polygon have shut down for comparable reasons. User Guidance: How to Withdraw Funds Users must follow specific steps to secure their assets. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail: Connect your wallet to the Tapp Exchange interface. Navigate to the withdrawal section on the platform. Select the assets you wish to withdraw. Confirm the transaction on the Aptos blockchain. Transfer funds to a secure wallet or another exchange. The team recommends completing these steps before April 2026. This buffer period avoids last-minute network congestion. Users should also double-check wallet addresses to prevent errors. Broader Context: DEX Closures in 2025-2026 The Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange shutdown is not an isolated event. The DeFi sector has witnessed several exchange closures in recent years. Market downturns and shifting user preferences drive this trend. Key statistics from 2025 highlight the challenges: 30% of DEXs launched in 2024-2025 have since closed. Average lifespan of a DEX is now 18 months. Top 10 DEXs control over 80% of total trading volume. These numbers underscore the competitive nature of the space. Smaller DEXs like Tapp Exchange often struggle to gain traction. The V4-style design offered advanced features but could not overcome market dynamics. Expert Perspectives on the Shutdown Industry analysts view the Tapp Exchange closure as a natural market correction. “The DeFi market is maturing,” says a blockchain researcher. “Only the most resilient protocols survive.” This sentiment echoes across the crypto community. Another expert notes, “Aptos still has strong fundamentals. The loss of one DEX does not define the network.” Developers on Aptos continue to innovate. New projects focus on scalability and user experience. These efforts may attract former Tapp Exchange users. Future of Aptos DeFi After Tapp Exchange The Aptos ecosystem remains active despite the Tapp Exchange closure. Several other DEXs and DeFi protocols operate on the network. These platforms offer similar services with varying features. Comparison of active Aptos DEXs: DEX Type TVL (USD) Liquidswap AMM $50 million Pontem AMM + Lending $35 million Mojito Markets Order Book $20 million These platforms provide alternatives for users affected by the shutdown. Liquidity migration may strengthen these existing protocols. The Aptos community remains optimistic about long-term growth. Conclusion The Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange shutdown marks a pivotal moment for the ecosystem. Users have until May 31, 2026, to withdraw their assets. This closure highlights the volatile nature of decentralized finance. However, the Aptos network continues to evolve with other active protocols. Investors and users should stay informed and secure their funds promptly. The Tapp Exchange closure serves as a reminder of the importance of due diligence in crypto investments. FAQs Q1: What is the deadline to withdraw funds from Tapp Exchange? A1: The deadline is May 31, 2026. After this date, the protocol will no longer support withdrawals. Q2: Why is Tapp Exchange shutting down? A2: The team has not disclosed specific reasons. However, low trading volume, high costs, and market conditions likely contributed to the decision. Q3: Will my assets be safe after the shutdown? A3: Yes, if you withdraw before the deadline. After May 31, 2026, assets may become inaccessible. Q4: Can I still trade on Tapp Exchange before it closes? A4: Yes, the exchange maintains full functionality until the end of May 2026. Trading and withdrawals remain active. Q5: Are there other DEXs on Aptos I can use? A5: Yes, platforms like Liquidswap, Pontem, and Mojito Markets offer similar services on the Aptos network. Q6: How do I withdraw my funds from Tapp Exchange? A6: Connect your wallet, navigate to the withdrawal section, select assets, confirm the transaction, and transfer to a secure wallet. This post Aptos DEX Tapp Exchange Shuts Down: Final Withdrawal Deadline Revealed first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
1 May 2026, 10:32
South Korean Court Lifts Bithumb's Six-Month Business Suspension
A Seoul court has reversed March sanctions that would have restricted the exchange's core functions over alleged compliance failures.
1 May 2026, 10:02
Something Is Brewing In XRP’s Binance Outflow Data: Big Bags Moving Quietly
A subtle shift in exchange flows has begun to shape the current outlook for XRP. Recent data tied to Binance activity shows a growing concentration of large holders moving funds off the platform. The change developed through steady shifts in outflow composition, and it is now led heavily by whales. Technical analyst Xaif (@Xaif_Crypto) highlighted the trend, revealing that whales control 56.4% of all daily outflows, and that number spiked twice in a row. His observation aligns with the chart, which tracks XRP outflows by wallet size over time. Something's brewing in XRP's Binance outflow data whales controlling 56.4% of all daily outflows and that number just spiked twice in a row big bags moving off exchange… quietly pic.twitter.com/bvT5Vonwyo — Xaif Crypto (@Xaif_Crypto) April 29, 2026 Whale Outflows Take Control The chart shows four key groups. These include wallets below 10,000 XRP, 10,000-100,000 XRP, 100,000-1 million XRP, and those above 1 million XRP. The largest group now dominates. Wallets holding more than 1 million XRP account for 56.4% of total daily outflows, sitting well above the other segments. Two recent spikes stand out clearly. Both appear in the blue section of the chart, which represents the largest holders. These spikes mark sharp increases in whale-driven outflows, and happened in late March and now in late April. The movement suggests coordinated or at least concentrated activity among large accounts. Mid-sized holders, particularly in the 100,000-1 million range, maintain a steady share near 19.3%. Smaller cohorts contribute less. Wallets under 10,000 XRP hold just over 5%, while the 10,000-100,000 segment stays near 19%. The imbalance shows that large players now drive most of the flow leaving Binance . Price Action Moves Alongside Outflows The price line in the chart provides additional context. It began just before XRP’s rise to its all-time high in July 2025 . The digital asset now sits near $1.38, marking a notable decline from its peak of $3.65. Despite the decline, whale outflows have increased. This divergence is notable. Large holders often move funds off exchanges for storage, repositioning, or preparation for longer-term strategies. The chart also shows that earlier periods with lower whale dominance coincided with more balanced outflows across wallet sizes. That balance has shifted. Now, whales control more than half of all activity, leaving the exchange. What Comes Next for XRP? Rising whale outflows can tighten XRP’s supply on Binance, reinforcing a broader trend of shrinking exchange supply . Large holders controlling over 50% of outflows can help stabilize the price near current levels. If the trend continues, XRP could see a short-term bounce as supply tightens. Sustained outflows would support gradual upside movement, while a drop in whale activity would likely keep the asset range-bound in the near term. 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 Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough 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 X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Something Is Brewing In XRP’s Binance Outflow Data: Big Bags Moving Quietly appeared first on Times Tabloid .
