Invest ideasNews
25 May 2026, 12:08
Kalshi’s $454M Crypto Volume Week Marks Complete Reversal of Polymarket’s Early-2026 Lead
At the start of this year, Polymarket was the dominant prediction market platform when it came to crypto-themed event contracts. Across the two largest prediction markets right now, Polymarket dominated the market share here with 91.11% in the first week of January. Roughly five months later, this command has flipped almost entirely in Kalshi’s favour. In week ending May 17, data from Artemis shows that Kalshi drew in $454.2 million in weekly crypto-category spot volume (a new all-time high) versus Polymarket’s $297.1 million, a 60.45% to 39.55% split on a combined $751.3 million week. The tilt in volume dominance within this category has been noticeable since February, and with each passing week, Kalshi is seemingly tightening its grip. This is not a story about a platform building a better product per se. Kalshi’s crypto markets winning at the moment is the same reason why its sports category is outpacing its rival. The regulated in the U.S. angle is a major reason for this swing. To compound this, over the last quarter, Polymarket has faced various regulatory battles that haven’t helped their volumes as well. How the Share Inverted in Five Months Kalshi’s first foray into crypto-based event contracts with noticeable volume came in and around the third quarter of 2024. After reaching a market share of 37.85% in November 2024, their share remained relatively flat throughout 2025 and did not cross 25% dominance in this category. Looking at the Artemis chart, the trend broke around February this year and since then, weekly crypto spot volume has gone vertical for Kalshi. Polymarket, meanwhile, hasn’t lost volume in absolute terms, it’s just stopped growing. Holding $297M while Kalshi added an extra $400M of weekly turnover is the kind of stagnation that only looks bad in relative terms, and relative terms are what matters when you’re competing for the same liquidity. TRON, Coatue and the CNN/CNBC Push A few specific catalysts pulled the curve up. The TRON integration in December last year opened native USDT deposits directly into Kalshi accounts, which removed a big chunk of the friction that had previously pushed crypto-native traders toward Polymarket by default. The Coatue-led $1 billion raise at a $22 billion valuation then bankrolled an aggressive distribution push, with Kalshi event contracts now sitting inside Robinhood and WeBull where they’re being served to retail flow that has never touched a prediction market before. The CNN and CNBC partnerships added the final piece by giving Kalshi’s pricing a mainstream finance broadcast channel that Polymarket, as an offshore platform, structurally can’t match. Crypto markets on Kalshi are now quoted alongside equity products in places where retail discovers them passively, rather than having to seek them out. Polymarket’s Regulatory Quarter Did the Rest Polymarket has carried a much heavier regulatory load than Kalshi. The India block cut off a major user base, the Rhode Island AG suit added another state-level challenge, and even the shared blows, the House Oversight probe and the Ninth Circuit ruling on Nevada, land harder on a platform with offshore structure and a weaker US compliance posture. Each individually would be manageable. Stacked together, they create exactly the kind of jurisdictional uncertainty that pushes institutional and risk-averse retail volume toward the CFTC-regulated alternative sitting right next door. The 91% to 39% inversion lines up almost perfectly with this regulatory pressure window. Coincidence is possible, but the timing makes the cleaner explanation hard to ignore. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .
25 May 2026, 12:05
Trump Vows Any Iran Deal Will Be ‘Exact Opposite’ of JCPOA, Signaling Hardline Shift
BitcoinWorld Trump Vows Any Iran Deal Will Be ‘Exact Opposite’ of JCPOA, Signaling Hardline Shift President Donald Trump has declared that any future nuclear agreement with Iran will be fundamentally different from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), calling the 2015 accord a ‘disaster’ and vowing to pursue terms that are its ‘exact opposite.’ The statement, made during a press availability, signals a dramatic shift in U.S. diplomatic posture toward Tehran and raises questions about the viability of renewed negotiations. Background: The JCPOA and Its Collapse The JCPOA, signed in 2015 between Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany), placed limits on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. The Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in 2018, citing flaws including sunset clauses and insufficient restrictions on ballistic missile development. Iran has since expanded its enrichment activities beyond JCPOA limits, reducing breakout time and increasing tensions across the region. Trump’s Stated Conditions for a New Deal President Trump did not provide specific terms for a new agreement but emphasized that it must address what he described as the JCPOA’s core weaknesses. These include permanent restrictions on enrichment, verifiable dismantlement of nuclear infrastructure, and curbs on Iran’s ballistic missile program. The administration has also signaled that any deal must address Iran’s regional proxy activities, which were not covered by the original accord. Implications for Diplomacy and Regional Stability The president’s uncompromising language suggests that the United States will demand far more stringent conditions than those previously negotiated. This approach could complicate efforts by European allies and other stakeholders to revive diplomatic channels. Iran has repeatedly stated that it will not accept a deal that requires full dismantlement of its nuclear program or limits its missile capabilities. Analysts warn that the hardening of positions on both sides increases the risk of escalation, including potential military confrontation. Conclusion President Trump’s declaration that any future Iran deal must be the ‘exact opposite’ of the JCPOA marks a clear departure from prior diplomatic frameworks and sets a high bar for negotiations. The coming months will test whether the administration can translate this tough rhetoric into a viable agreement or whether the gap between U.S. demands and Iran’s red lines remains too wide to bridge. The outcome will have significant consequences for nuclear nonproliferation, Middle East security, and global energy markets. FAQs Q1: What is the JCPOA and why did Trump call it a disaster? The JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal, was a 2015 agreement that limited Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. President Trump criticized it for having sunset clauses that allowed restrictions to expire and for not addressing Iran’s missile program or regional activities. Q2: What would a new deal under Trump look like? President Trump has indicated any new agreement must impose permanent and verifiable restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, include limits on ballistic missiles, and address Iran’s support for proxy groups in the Middle East. He has not provided a detailed framework. Q3: How has Iran responded to Trump’s statement? Iranian officials have rejected preconditions and stated that they will not negotiate under pressure. Iran’s nuclear program has continued to expand beyond JCPOA limits, and the country has shown little willingness to accept stricter terms without significant sanctions relief. This post Trump Vows Any Iran Deal Will Be ‘Exact Opposite’ of JCPOA, Signaling Hardline Shift first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 May 2026, 11:45
New York lawsuit tests lost property claim over dormant Bitcoin
A New York lawsuit seeks ownership of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets, raising questions over lost crypto, private keys and property law.
25 May 2026, 11:20
Trump Lays Out Hard Line on Iran Nuclear Talks: ‘Great Deal or No Deal’
BitcoinWorld Trump Lays Out Hard Line on Iran Nuclear Talks: ‘Great Deal or No Deal’ President Donald Trump on May 25 issued a forceful statement on the status of potential nuclear negotiations with Iran, criticizing lawmakers for commenting on a deal before formal talks have even commenced. In a social media post, Trump asserted that both Democratic and some Republican members of Congress lack knowledge of the specific agreement under discussion with Tehran. A Clear Red Line for Negotiations Trump emphasized that any agreement reached with Iran must be “great and meaningful,” warning that without such terms, there would be no deal at all. He explicitly distanced the prospective agreement from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration, which he described as a “disaster” that enabled Iran’s nuclear weapons development. Trump vowed never to replicate what he considers a flawed framework. Background and Strategic Context The JCPOA, signed by Iran and the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, and Germany), placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement in 2018, citing its failure to address Iran’s ballistic missile program and regional activities. Since then, Iran has exceeded enrichment limits set by the deal, raising concerns among Western intelligence agencies. Trump’s latest remarks signal that his administration will pursue a fundamentally different framework—one that imposes stricter conditions and includes provisions beyond nuclear restrictions. The president’s insistence on congressional silence before negotiations reflects a broader strategy to control the narrative and avoid premature political interference. Why This Matters For global markets and geopolitical observers, Trump’s position introduces significant uncertainty. Iran’s oil exports, regional proxy forces, and nuclear timeline are all directly tied to the outcome of these talks. A failed negotiation could escalate tensions in the Persian Gulf, while a successful deal could reshape energy markets and Middle Eastern alliances. Investors and policymakers should monitor diplomatic signals closely, as any agreement will likely include complex enforcement mechanisms and verification protocols. Conclusion President Trump’s latest statement reaffirms his administration’s hardline approach to Iran, demanding a fundamentally restructured nuclear agreement. As talks remain in early stages, the international community awaits concrete proposals that could either stabilize or further destabilize a volatile region. FAQs Q1: What is the JCPOA and why did Trump withdraw from it? The JCPOA, or Iran nuclear deal, was a 2015 agreement limiting Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump withdrew in 2018, arguing it failed to curb Iran’s missile program and regional influence. Q2: What does Trump mean by a ‘great deal’? Trump has not provided specific terms, but his statements suggest a more comprehensive agreement addressing not only nuclear enrichment but also ballistic missiles and Iran’s support for proxy groups. Q3: How might this affect oil prices? Uncertainty around Iran’s return to global oil markets often influences crude prices. A successful deal could increase supply and lower prices, while failure or escalation could drive prices higher due to geopolitical risk premiums. This post Trump Lays Out Hard Line on Iran Nuclear Talks: ‘Great Deal or No Deal’ first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 May 2026, 11:07
Tether Expanding Global Stablecoin Strategy With GEL₮, A Lari-Backed Stablecoin In Conjunction With Georgia
Tether is taking its first steps to work with national financial infrastructures and has announced GEL₮ a lari-backed stablecoin which they will be launching soon. This initiative, which is specifically designed for the domestic Georgian economy, but remains interoperable with global blockchain payments networks, was developed in collaboration with the government of Georgia. The announcement positions Georgia as one of the few countries directly working with a prominent stablecoin issuer to launch a fiat-backed digital asset in an established regulatory environment. GEL₮ is designed to serve as a bridge between the traditional financial system and decentralized payment infrastructure, according to Tether’s official announcement. Tether and the Government of Georgia to Launch GEL₮, the Official Stablecoin of Georgia https://t.co/ueSLlJzot1 — Tether (@tether) May 25, 2026 Instead of stablecoins that are just pegged to global value instruments broadly, GEL₮ serves the Georgian economy alone; it’s a digital version of the national currency, a financial asset which can transit between blockchain protocols. This development is consistent with a clear defensible strategic expansion pursued by Tether, the only substantial player in the global ecosystem for stablecoin. Georgia Develops Regulatory Systems for Digital Assets Georgia is at the centre of this initiative due to its continually changing regulatory environment. The nation has acted purposefully to lay out a wide-ranging regulatory scheme for digital assets, with special focus on stablecoins. It tackles important matters, including reserve management, redemptions rights, issuer accountability and anti-money-laundering (AML) implications. Instead of operating in a gray regulatory area, GEL₮ is being built under the rule of law. According to the authorities, this framework is in line with emerging global guidelines, including bills being proposed in the U.S., such as the GENIUS Act. Such approach to regulation conveys a wider objective: establishing the status of Georgia as the jurisdiction for compliance and innovation in blockchain-based financial services. It would bring domestic regulation in line with global expectations, so the country can compete to attract institutional investors and fintech innovators looking for regulatory safety. This focus on organisational oversight comes in the wake of rising regulation around stablecoins, where transparency and sufficient reserve backing are still key points for regulators to address. GEL₮ Aims To Enable Faster And Cheaper Financial Services The project has a few main use-cases: lower cost payments; near-instant settlement of payments; remittances and programmable financial services. They are also commonly plagued by delays, excessive fees and multiple intermediaries in cross-border transactions. GEL₮ intends to use blockchain infrastructure for these processes by efficiently moving value at a lower cost and offering timely services. Programmability introduces additional functionality. Enabling use cases such as conditional payments, escrow arrangements, and real-time payroll systems, Businesses and developers can embed automated payment logic. Such capabilities are especially relevant for emerging markets and smaller economy countries where financial infrastructure is otherwise poorly developed. This local currency backed with globally accessible blockchain service could be a building block of GEL₮, replicable elsewhere. Stablecoin Market Remains Highly Concentrated GEL₮ will launch in an environment dominated by just a handful of stablecoin issuers. With an approximate USDT circulation of $200 billion Tether comprises ~59% share of the total stablecoin market. USD Coin, its closest competitor in terms of circulation with around $80 billion. Combined, the two stablecoins make up around 82% of the total $340 billion stablecoin sector, with much smaller issuers competing for the remainder. The market data in this type of analysis(in the linked tweet) here speaks volume on how big is that dominance. In the case of new entrants, such as GEL₮, competition is likely to be less about scale and more about targeted utility and regulatory alignment. Differentiated by focusing on a single national currency and leveraging government-backed frameworks, GEL₮ stands apart from global stablecoins. It has a localized footprint at scale and deep use cases that provide competitive advantage rather than just volumes. USDT alone holds ~$200B in stablecoin supply! That's ~59% of the entire ~$340B market. That's it. USDT: ~$200B USDC: ~$80B Everyone else: ~$60B Two stablecoins. ~82% of the market. The duopoly didn't break. It deepened. Data via @Dune pic.twitter.com/d6SzjFsI6j — Leon Waidmann (@LeonWaidmann) May 24, 2026 Strategic Implications for Tether and the Global Financial Landscape For Tether, the partnership with Georgia is more than product expansion, it’s a move to garner even greater engagement with national financial systems. Tether is taking things a step further, the platform is positioning itself as not just a global liquidity provider, but also a partner in building infrastructure. This strategy carries significant implications. If this works out, it will lay the groundwork for similar partnerships with other governments that wish to upgrade financial systems without necessarily embracing Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). At the same time, it also raises important concerns around private corporations operating within national monetary ecosystems. Perhaps these partnerships might accelerate the pace of innovation but they make it even more difficult to separate public authority from private financial control. The potential advantages for Georgia include the following: optimization of expenses, reinforcement of international relations in this field, and improvement of the investment ecosystem within the blockchain and fintech industry. But for it to be successful in the long run, an equilibrium must be struck between innovation and stability backed by regulatory oversight. The Future of Localized Stablecoins GEL₮ is a perfect case study in a broader trend, the rise of municipal stablecoins that appeal to local economies. Global stablecoins like USDT & USDC capture market share but localized stablecoins enjoy regulatory advantages, currency provenance compatibility and concentrated adoption This is a model that under certain circumstances could catch on in the coming years as countries try to maintain monetary sovereignty while embracing digital technology. Instead of depending on solely foreign-pegged assets, governments and institutions may opt for stablecoins directly backed by their own currency. This is a relatively early implementation of that principle, GEL₮. It provides a roadmap for how to incorporate digital currencies into existing financial systems through the integration of blockchain technology with a regulated framework and government endorsement. In summary, the tension between global and local relevance is likely to shape the next phase of growth for stablecoins as the broader space evolves. And for now, Tether entering Georgia has implications that perhaps the stablecoin future rests not just on sheer scale but alignment with real-world economic frameworks. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services. Follow us on Twitter @nulltxnews to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Metaverse news !
25 May 2026, 11:03
Kenya's GenZ protests resume as 2026 finance bill imposes harsh regime for crypto traders
Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 proposes to introduce a 10% excise duty on fees charged by Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs) for crypto trading and other activities. The proposed excise duty on crypto platforms will be double the 5% tax on the betting industry. Such a move increases the cost of operations for VASPs, who either have to pass these costs on to their consumers through fees or absorb them as a reduction in profit margins. Kenya expands tax powers and compliance, tightening across sectors According to reports, in addition to the increased excise duties, VASPs must also follow other stringent measures. The VASPs bill requires crypto firms to pay a one-off licensing fee of KSh 150 million ($1.1 million) before they can undertake any activities in Kenya. They also have to pay a KSh 2 million ($1.5 million) annual renewal fee to keep operating in Kenya. In addition, the Finance Bill 2026 requires crypto exchange and trading platforms to provide annual reports to the KRA containing user and transaction details. Kenya is still considered one of the major players in East Africa’s digital economy, and even in crypto adoption. The levying of a 10% excise duty on VASPs, along with mandatory reporting, will force crypto traders and platforms to move their operations to countries with a more favorable attitude toward cryptocurrencies. Such action might make Kenya lose its importance in terms of crypto volumes, leading to changes in regional liquidity and negatively affecting the general investor attitude toward cryptocurrencies issued in Africa. Foreign payment services and banks that work through credit cards in Kenya might increase tariffs due to new taxes and VAT applied to fintechs. Payments are important to the country, as they contribute to imports, exports, and diaspora remittances. Some provisions of the bill’s digital payments tax are being called for scrapping by market analysts. As reported by Cryptopolitan, Binance is facing mounting pressure from Kenyan users due to frustrations over frozen accounts. This follows the exchange’s collaboration with Kenya’s DCI. GenZ protests resume as economic pressures intensify Following new details of the Finance Bill 2026, GenZ-led demonstrations are back in Nairobi and several large towns today. This is in response to the impact of increased taxation on digital services, crypto, mobile phones, and general financial transactions amid an ongoing recovery from previous cost-of-living shocks for household consumers and small businesses. I wouldn't mind if people protest on the streets when there's something wrong with the Finance Bill. But if there's nothing wrong, accept it – CS Mbadi pic.twitter.com/Ge1n0nFxKX — Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) May 25, 2026 The disruptions occasioned by the demonstrations will result in short-term economic losses for small-scale traders and businesses that rely heavily on cash flow. The proposed bill affects individuals by increasing the cost of sending money digitally, conducting crypto transactions, buying new mobile phones, and transacting in digital currencies. Companies relying on M-Pesa, debit cards, and crypto will incur losses and increased overhead costs. The bill consists of various clauses aimed at widening the tax base and enhancing collections. The KRA will now have the power to serve agency notice on banks, SACCOs, or mobile money service providers such as M-Pesa, even after a taxpayer has lodged an objection to the assessment of his/her taxes. Funds will be frozen or diverted to the tax authority during the objection period. Deadlines for filing tax returns will be shortened, with ordinary returns to be filed before April 30 rather than June 30, and nil returns before January 311, thus aligning with the filing deadlines. A private company’s undistributed profits will now be assumed to constitute 60% dividends to be taxed. VAT invoicing requirements will apply to businesses making taxable supplies, regardless of registration status, not just to registered businesses. VAT will apply only to taxable supplies. New taxes will be imposed on digital payments: a 5% withholding tax on local card transactions, a 20% withholding tax on non-resident card transactions, and a 16% VAT on some digital payment services offered by the financial technology industry. CLARIFICATIONS ON CERTAIN TAX PROPOSALS UNDER THE FINANCE BILL, 2026.CLARIFICATIONS ON CERTAIN TAX PROPOSALS UNDER THE FINANCE BILL, 2026. pic.twitter.com/xtIeYaXf5N — Public Investments and Assets Management-Kenya (@SDPI_AM) May 25, 2026 Payment gateways may be considered royalties, thereby making them eligible for a 20% withholding tax, particularly when payments are made to foreign entities. The preferential 5% withholding tax on dividends paid to individuals of the East African Community will now be replaced by a 15% withholding tax. Lenders and leasers will be exempt from the EBITDA threshold of 30% interest deduction. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
