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18 May 2026, 22:31
Minnesota says no to crypto kiosks, greenlights banks for crypto custody
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed new legislation that authorizes state-chartered banks and credit unions to hold Bitcoin and other digital assets for customers. However, a few days earlier, the governor signed into law a separate bill that now bans cryptocurrency kiosks across the state. Both measures take effect August 1, 2026. The custody bill, HF 3709, went through the state’s legislature and received a relatively high bipartisan backing. The bill went through a vote on April 30, when the House approved it 130-4. The next stop was at the Senate, which passed the amended version 51-16 on May 6, and the House concurred with those amendments 119-6 on May 11. What can Minnesota banks do with crypto? Financial institutions that opt in can safeguard, control, or administer virtual currencies in a fiduciary or custodial capacity. However, the law does not extend to trading, investing, or lending digital assets. Institutions that want to launch custody services must file a written notice with the Minnesota Department of Commerce at least 60 days in advance. The institutions are also required to maintain policies covering risk management, cybersecurity, internal controls, and business continuity. Also, they are prohibited from mixing customer holdings with the institution’s own assets. Under the new law, banks and credit unions can hire qualified third-party custodians but remain on the hook for compliance. The Department of Commerce retains authority to shut down services it deems unsafe or unsound. Rep. Bernie Perryman, who sponsored the House version, framed the bill as a competitive necessity. Local institutions pointed to direct demand from members. St. Cloud Financial Credit Union told lawmakers that roughly 20% of its members already own crypto but lack a trusted, regulated local option for storage, often turning to out-of-state or unregulated platforms. With this law coming into effect in August, the union members may now have the solutions delivered to them. The Minnesota Credit Union Network and the Department of Commerce both backed the bill, citing consumer protection and alignment with existing federal guidance on bank custody services. Kiosk ban targets fraud against seniors The custody authorization arrived alongside SF 3868, a separate measure Walz signed on May 5 that outlaws virtual-currency kiosks statewide. Operators must decommission existing machines by August 1. That ban followed months of testimony from law enforcement across the state. Minnesota had roughly 400 licensed kiosk locations, found in gas stations, laundromats, and grocery stores. However, scammers used the machines to trick victims, disproportionately older adults, into converting cash to crypto under false pretenses, according to MinnPost . Faribault police reported over $500,000 in kiosk-related losses since 2022. Apple Valley recorded more than $248,000 lost in two years. Minneapolis police investigated $82,000 in Bitcoin kiosk fraud in 2025 alone. Sam Smith, the Department of Commerce’s government affairs director, told lawmakers the average loss per reported kiosk scam in Minnesota was $6,700. Only 48% of victims recovered any money, and those who did got back an average of just 16% of what they lost. Minnesota joins Indiana and Tennessee as the third state to pass an outright kiosk ban. Tennessee’s House Bill 2505, signed by Governor Bill Lee on April 13, criminalized kiosk operation as a Class A misdemeanor, Cryptopolitan previously reported . The law did not receive support from all quarters, especially from kiosk operators, with Larry Lipka, general counsel for kiosk operator CoinFlip, which runs 50 machines in Minnesota, stating that scammers exploit many payment channels and that tighter regulation, not a ban, is the better path. Standard Chartered rides crypto custody wave Minnesota is part of a growing cohort of states carving out formal custody roles for community banks and credit unions. Wyoming created a special-purpose depository institution charter. Nebraska built a digital asset banking framework. Minnesota’s version is not as expansive as the others, as it only extends authority to existing institutions rather than creating new charter types. In another development that reflects increasing institutional appetite for crypto custody, Standard Chartered has announced a deal to acquire digital asset custodian Zodia Custody , aiming to fold the service into its financing and securities business. It is not yet known if Standard Chartered plans on launching custodial services in Minnesota. However, how financial institutions leverage the latest law looks to be seen. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
18 May 2026, 22:25
NZD/USD edges higher as US Dollar softens, geopolitical caution lingers
BitcoinWorld NZD/USD edges higher as US Dollar softens, geopolitical caution lingers The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) edged higher against the US Dollar (USD) on Tuesday, finding support from a broadly weaker greenback even as market participants remained cautious amid ongoing headlines surrounding US-Iran tensions. US Dollar weakness provides tailwind for NZD/USD The NZD/USD pair inched up during the Asian and early European trading sessions, capitalizing on a modest pullback in the US Dollar. The dollar’s retreat was not driven by any single catalyst but rather a combination of profit-taking following recent gains and a slight easing in US Treasury yields. This provided some breathing room for risk-sensitive currencies like the Kiwi, which had been under pressure in recent weeks. Geopolitical headlines cap gains Despite the positive move, upside for the NZD/USD pair remained limited. Traders are closely monitoring developments related to US-Iran relations, with fresh headlines introducing a note of caution into the broader market. While no major escalation has been confirmed, the uncertainty is prompting some investors to scale back exposure to riskier assets, which typically includes the New Zealand Dollar. This cautious undertone is acting as a counterbalance to the currency’s gains, preventing a more decisive breakout. Market implications and what to watch The immediate trajectory of the NZD/USD pair will likely hinge on two key factors: the next round of US economic data, which could influence Federal Reserve policy expectations, and any further developments on the geopolitical front. A sustained improvement in risk appetite, possibly driven by de-escalation signals, could provide further support for the Kiwi. Conversely, a renewed flight to safety would likely benefit the US Dollar and weigh on the pair. Conclusion The NZD/USD is navigating a mixed environment, buoyed by a softer US Dollar but constrained by geopolitical caution. The pair’s near-term direction remains data-dependent and sensitive to headline risk, with traders advised to watch for both economic releases and geopolitical news flow. FAQs Q1: Why did the NZD/USD pair rise despite cautious headlines? The primary driver was a broad weakening of the US Dollar, which allowed the New Zealand Dollar to gain ground. However, the gains were capped by ongoing caution related to US-Iran headlines. Q2: What is the main risk for the NZD/USD outlook? The main risk is a further escalation in geopolitical tensions, which could trigger a flight to safe-haven assets like the US Dollar, putting downward pressure on the NZD/USD pair. Q3: What key factors should traders watch for the NZD/USD? Traders should monitor US economic data releases (which affect Fed rate expectations), geopolitical headlines (especially regarding US-Iran), and overall market risk sentiment. This post NZD/USD edges higher as US Dollar softens, geopolitical caution lingers first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 22:10
Gold Under Pressure as Rising Rates Weigh on Metals: OCBC
BitcoinWorld Gold Under Pressure as Rising Rates Weigh on Metals: OCBC Gold prices are facing renewed headwinds as a sharp rise in global interest rates and a strengthening US dollar dampen investor appetite for the precious metal, according to a recent analysis from OCBC Bank. The commentary underscores a challenging environment for metals markets, where monetary policy expectations are driving capital away from non-yielding assets. Rate Shock and Dollar Strength The core of OCBC’s assessment centers on the inverse relationship between gold and real yields. As central banks, particularly the Federal Reserve, maintain a hawkish stance to combat persistent inflation, the opportunity cost of holding gold—which pays no interest—increases. Simultaneously, the US dollar has rallied on the back of higher rates, making dollar-denominated gold more expensive for international buyers and further suppressing demand. OCBC analysts noted that the recent repricing of rate expectations has been swift, catching many metals investors off guard. The bank’s report suggests that until there is a clear pivot in monetary policy, gold is likely to remain under sustained selling pressure. Implications for the Broader Metals Market The pressure is not limited to gold. Silver, platinum, and palladium have also felt the strain, as a stronger dollar and higher rates reduce the appeal of the entire complex. Industrial metals, while more sensitive to economic growth cycles, are also vulnerable to a demand slowdown if tighter financial conditions tip major economies into recession. Market participants are now closely watching upcoming inflation data and central bank meetings for any signal of a policy shift. Until then, the metals sector is expected to trade with a defensive tone, with gold likely testing key support levels around $1,900 per ounce. What This Means for Investors For retail and institutional investors, the current environment suggests caution. Gold has traditionally been a hedge against inflation and currency debasement, but its performance in a high-rate regime is historically mixed. OCBC’s analysis serves as a reminder that macro factors—not just geopolitical risk—drive precious metals prices. Investors may need to adjust portfolio allocations, considering shorter-duration bonds or cash equivalents as alternatives to gold during this rate shock phase. Conclusion OCBC’s report highlights a clear and present challenge for gold and the broader metals market. The combination of rising rates and a strong dollar creates a formidable headwind that is unlikely to dissipate quickly. While gold may find support from central bank buying or geopolitical tensions, the near-term outlook remains bearish until monetary conditions ease. For now, the metals market is in a wait-and-see mode, tethered to the next moves from the world’s major central banks. FAQs Q1: Why does gold fall when interest rates rise? Gold pays no interest or dividend. When rates rise, the opportunity cost of holding gold increases because investors can earn a yield from other assets like bonds. This often leads to selling pressure on gold. Q2: How does a stronger US dollar affect gold prices? Gold is priced in US dollars. When the dollar strengthens, it takes fewer dollars to buy the same amount of gold, which pushes prices down. A strong dollar also makes gold more expensive for foreign buyers, reducing global demand. Q3: What is OCBC’s outlook for gold based on this analysis? OCBC’s analysis suggests a bearish near-term outlook for gold, with prices likely to remain under pressure until central banks signal a shift toward looser monetary policy. Key support levels around $1,900 per ounce are being closely watched. This post Gold Under Pressure as Rising Rates Weigh on Metals: OCBC first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 22:05
Indian Rupee Slumps to Fresh All-Time Lows as Oil Prices Extend Advance
BitcoinWorld Indian Rupee Slumps to Fresh All-Time Lows as Oil Prices Extend Advance The Indian rupee weakened to a fresh all-time low against the US dollar on Monday, breaching the 85.50 mark for the first time as a sustained rally in global crude oil prices intensified pressure on India’s trade balance and import bill. The currency has now lost over 3% against the dollar in 2025, making it one of the worst-performing Asian emerging market currencies this year. Oil Price Surge and Its Impact on the Rupee Brent crude futures extended their advance above $82 per barrel, driven by tighter global supply expectations following OPEC+ production cuts and renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. For India, which imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements, every $10 per barrel increase in oil prices adds roughly $15 billion to the annual import bill and widens the current account deficit. The direct correlation between oil prices and the rupee’s exchange rate is well-documented. Higher import costs increase demand for US dollars from Indian refiners and importers, while simultaneously reducing foreign investor confidence in rupee-denominated assets. This twin pressure has pushed the currency to successive record lows over the past six weeks. RBI Intervention and Policy Dilemma The Reserve Bank of India has been actively intervening in the forex market to curb volatility, selling US dollars from its reserves to support the rupee. Data from the central bank shows that India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by approximately $8 billion in the last two reported weeks, signaling sustained intervention. However, analysts note that the RBI faces a difficult trade-off: aggressive dollar sales risk depleting reserves, while allowing further rupee depreciation would stoke imported inflation. Governor Shaktikanta Das has repeatedly stated that the central bank does not target a specific exchange rate level but aims to prevent excessive volatility. Market participants interpret this as a signal that the RBI will allow gradual depreciation but will step in to prevent disorderly moves. What This Means for Indian Consumers and Businesses The rupee’s decline has immediate and tangible consequences for the Indian economy. Import-dependent sectors such as electronics, machinery, and chemicals face higher input costs, which are likely to be passed on to consumers. Fuel prices, already under pressure from global crude trends, could see further upward revisions if the rupee continues to weaken. For businesses with foreign currency debt, the depreciation increases repayment burdens and squeezes profit margins. On the positive side, export-oriented sectors such as IT services, pharmaceuticals, and textiles benefit from a weaker rupee, as their revenues in dollars translate into higher rupee earnings. However, the net impact on the economy is generally negative when depreciation is driven by external shocks rather than domestic competitiveness gains. Outlook and Key Levels to Watch Traders and analysts are closely watching the 86.00 level against the dollar as the next psychological resistance. A breach of this level could trigger further stop-loss selling and accelerate depreciation. Key factors that will determine the rupee’s trajectory in the coming weeks include the trajectory of crude oil prices, the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate path, and the scale of RBI intervention. Market expectations for a rate cut by the RBI have diminished in recent weeks, as the central bank prioritizes currency stability and inflation control over growth support. The next monetary policy meeting in February will be closely watched for any shift in stance. Conclusion The Indian rupee’s slide to fresh all-time lows reflects the compounding pressures of elevated oil prices, a strong US dollar, and widening trade imbalances. While the RBI has tools to manage volatility, structural solutions to reduce India’s oil import dependence remain a medium-term challenge. For now, the currency is likely to remain under pressure until global oil markets stabilize or the dollar rally loses momentum. FAQs Q1: Why does the Indian rupee fall when oil prices rise? India imports most of its crude oil, so higher prices increase demand for US dollars from refiners and importers. This creates excess dollar demand in the forex market, pushing the rupee lower against the greenback. Q2: What is the RBI doing to support the rupee? The RBI sells US dollars from its foreign exchange reserves in the open market to increase dollar supply and reduce volatility. It also uses tools like tightening liquidity and adjusting interest rates to support the currency. Q3: How does a weak rupee affect the average Indian consumer? A weaker rupee makes imported goods more expensive, including crude oil (which affects fuel prices), electronics, machinery, and edible oils. This can lead to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power for consumers. This post Indian Rupee Slumps to Fresh All-Time Lows as Oil Prices Extend Advance first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 22:00
Gold steadies below $4,550 as hawkish Fed bets limit recovery from multi-month lows
BitcoinWorld Gold steadies below $4,550 as hawkish Fed bets limit recovery from multi-month lows Gold prices stabilized on Wednesday, trading just below the $4,550 mark, as renewed expectations of a hawkish stance from the Federal Reserve capped any meaningful intraday recovery from the multi-month lows touched earlier this week. The precious metal found some support from bargain buying and a slight pullback in the US dollar, but gains remained limited as traders recalibrated their rate cut expectations. Hawkish Fed bets weigh on gold The primary headwind for gold continues to be the shifting outlook for US monetary policy. Recent economic data, including stronger-than-expected employment figures and sticky inflation readings, have prompted several Fed officials to push back against the prospect of imminent rate cuts. Markets are now pricing in a higher probability of rates staying elevated for longer, which reduces the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in a speech earlier this week, reiterated the central bank’s data-dependent approach, noting that the fight against inflation is not yet won. His comments reinforced the view that the first rate cut may not come until later in the year, if at all. This hawkish repricing has lifted real yields and the US dollar, both of which typically weigh on gold prices. Technical picture: Support and resistance levels From a technical perspective, gold’s failure to sustain a bounce above the $4,550 level suggests that selling pressure remains intact. The metal had dipped to a multi-month low near $4,480 earlier in the week, a level that now serves as immediate support. A decisive break below that could open the door for a test of the $4,400 region, a psychological level that has held in previous pullbacks. On the upside, resistance is seen at $4,580, followed by the $4,600 mark. A sustained move above $4,600 would be needed to suggest that the corrective phase is over and that bulls are regaining control. However, given the current fundamental backdrop, such a move appears unlikely without a significant shift in Fed rhetoric or a deterioration in risk sentiment. What this means for investors For investors holding gold as a portfolio hedge, the current environment presents a test of patience. The metal remains supported by strong central bank buying and geopolitical uncertainty, but these factors are being overshadowed by the hawkish Fed narrative in the near term. Traders should watch for any change in the tone of Fed communications or incoming economic data that could alter the rate path. The key takeaway is that gold is in a corrective phase within a broader uptrend. While the short-term outlook is cautious, the long-term case for gold—driven by de-dollarization trends, fiscal concerns, and central bank accumulation—remains intact. Investors may view dips as accumulation opportunities, provided they have a medium- to long-term horizon. Conclusion Gold’s inability to reclaim the $4,550 level highlights the dominance of hawkish Fed expectations in driving near-term price action. Until there is a clear shift in the monetary policy outlook, the metal is likely to remain under pressure, with downside risks toward the $4,400 support zone. However, the broader fundamental backdrop continues to offer support, and a decisive break above $4,600 would signal a resumption of the uptrend. FAQs Q1: Why is gold struggling to recover despite the pullback? Gold is facing headwinds from hawkish Federal Reserve expectations, which have boosted the US dollar and real yields. Until the outlook for rate cuts improves, the metal is likely to remain capped. Q2: What is the next key support level for gold? The immediate support is near the multi-month low around $4,480. A break below that could lead to a test of the $4,400 psychological level. Q3: Should investors buy gold at current levels? For long-term investors, current levels may offer a buying opportunity given the strong fundamental case for gold. However, short-term traders should be cautious as the metal could face further downside if the Fed remains hawkish. This post Gold steadies below $4,550 as hawkish Fed bets limit recovery from multi-month lows first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 21:30
Minnesota Greenlights Bank Crypto Custody Aug 1 as AI Trails Human Engineers
Crypto News Minnesota has become the first midwestern U.S. state to enact a unified legislative framework permitting both state-chartered banks and credit unions to offer custody for Bitcoin and ot...
