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21 May 2026, 12:55

SEC Freezes Prediction Market ETFs as Wall Street Eyes the Next Crypto Boom

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is slowing the launch of a new category of exchange-traded funds tied to prediction markets, signaling that regulators are not yet ready to approve products built around betting on real-world events. SEC Chair Paul Atkins said the agency needs more time to evaluate the risks behind these products, noting that “new products raise new questions.” He instructed SEC staff to gather public feedback before moving forward with pending applications. Earlier this month, the regulator paused reviews of filings submitted by Bitwise, Roundhill Investments, and GraniteShares. All three firms filed their applications in February. Why Prediction Market ETFs Are Drawing Attention Prediction markets have rapidly become one of crypto’s fastest-growing sectors. Monthly trading volume now regularly exceeds $15 billion as users speculate on elections, sporting events, company earnings, and cultural developments. The proposed ETFs would give investors exposure to prediction market contracts through traditional brokerage accounts instead of specialized crypto platforms. Supporters believe this could mirror the path taken by spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which attracted billions of dollars after their approvals in 2024. Bitwise has proposed several products under its PredictionShares brand focused on U.S. election outcomes, while Roundhill Investments and GraniteShares submitted similar offerings. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas said the SEC appears to be handling these products the same way it approached early spot crypto ETFs: cautiously and step by step. He noted that regulators want to fully understand the market structure before opening access to mainstream investors. Legal Risks Add More Pressure The regulatory uncertainty comes as prediction market platform Kalshi continues to face legal battles in several U.S. states. Unlike traditional ETFs tied to stocks or commodities, prediction market products rely on binary outcomes rather than asset prices. That creates new concerns around pricing models, market manipulation, and dispute resolution. One of the biggest unresolved issues is how contested outcomes would be handled in politically sensitive or controversial events. Analysts say that uncertainty could become a systemic risk if these products enter mainstream financial markets. SEC Signals Broader Push Toward Financial Innovation Despite its cautious stance, the SEC continues to acknowledge the growing role of ETFs in financial innovation. Atkins said ETF assets under management have tripled since 2019, making them one of the most influential forces in modern markets. The regulator has recently shown greater openness toward unconventional financial products, especially after introducing a universal listing framework that simplified ETF approvals. At the same time, reports suggest the SEC is considering an “innovation exception” that could allow tokenized versions of traditional stocks such as AAPL, NVDA, and TSLA to trade on crypto infrastructure. The SEC’s handling of prediction market ETFs now looks increasingly similar to its earlier approach toward Bitcoin ETFs: delay first, establish standards later, and only approve products once regulators feel market risks can be contained.

21 May 2026, 12:19

Ripple XRP Pinned as Massive Options Trade Bets Sideways Through June

A single block trade on Deribit just sold 1.5 million Ripple XRP call and put contracts at the $1.40 strike, collecting $224,500 in premium and effectively declaring that XRP goes nowhere through June 26. The trade is structured as a short strangle bet on no volatility. Whether it is a correct bet or not, it would create a mechanical gravitational pull on the spot price. XRP has already been pinned under $1.40 while derivatives activity explodes, and this trade adds structural weight to that ceiling. Photo by AlphaTradeZone on Pexels DISCOVER: 15+ Upcoming Listings to Watch in 2025 Delta Hedging Mechanism to Pin Ripple As XRP drifts above $1.40, market makers who are long calls accumulate positive delta and sell spot or perpetuals to neutralize it. As XRP dips below $1.40, its long puts generate negative delta, and they buy spot to rebalance. Both actions push the price back toward $1.40. The strike with the highest open interest concentration becomes the path of least resistance. Xrp (XRP) 24h 7d 30d 1y All time Selling 1.5 million contracts on each side creates a delta hedging overhang large enough to mechanically suppress volatility for weeks. XRP’s 30-day realized volatility has been printing in the mid-20% to low-30% annualized range since March 2026, while at-the-money implied volatility for one- to two-month maturities has stayed closer to the mid- to high-30s. This structural IV premium is exactly the inefficiency this trade is harvesting, and the reason short-volatility strategies like strangles and straddles have attracted institutional trading interest in XRP options this year. Discover: The best crypto to diversify your portfolio with Institutional Behavior, the Clarity Act, and the Manipulation Question Trades of this scale, single-block, OTC-negotiated, executed to avoid moving the tape, are institutional trading signatures. The structure implies a whale or a systematic volatility desk with enough conviction in XRP’s range to absorb unlimited downside risk in exchange for $224,500 in premium. The tight reward-to-risk ratio only makes sense if the trader has high conviction that macro and regulatory noise won’t produce a decisive move. However, the conviction could be tested. The Senate Banking Committee advanced the Clarity Act bill has now heads to a full Senate vote. Ripple’s chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty called the committee’s decision a “monumental outcome,” citing protection for 67 million American crypto holders. SENATOR McCORMICK ON CLARITY ACT SENATOR McCORMICK SAYS THE CLARITY ACT COULD REACH THE PRESIDENT’S DESK THIS SUMMER AS U.S. CRYPTO LEGISLATION MOVES FAST. THE BIG QUESTION NOW IS, WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MARKET ONCE TRUMP PASSES THIS LAW? pic.twitter.com/JwEPwkT9LH — Money Ape (@TheMoneyApe) May 21, 2026 Ripple also received conditional OCC approval to establish the Ripple National Trust Bank, a development that makes XRP increasingly a U.S.-regulated institutional asset. Any of these catalysts, if they land with force, could break the $1.50 level and detonate the strangle. The resolution window is defined: June 26. If the Clarity Act advances, if OCC approvals accelerate, or if macro volatility spikes before that date, we would likely see the pin break violently, and the trader who collected $224,500 in premium would face losses with no structural ceiling. DISCOVER: 15+ Upcoming Listings to Watch in 2025 The post Ripple XRP Pinned as Massive Options Trade Bets Sideways Through June appeared first on Cryptonews .

21 May 2026, 12:12

Bitcoin Slips to $77K as $6.25B Options Expire May 29 and ETFs Bleed for Fourth Day

Bitcoin News The aerospace firm controlled by Elon Musk lodged its S-1 registration with the SEC this week, formally launching what could become the largest public offering ever attempted. The docu...

21 May 2026, 12:00

Betting on the FIFA World Cup 2026 with Web3: Why More Users Are Trying Platforms Like Dexsport

A few years ago, the idea of betting on a major tournament without filling out a single form or showing an ID sounded unrealistic. Now it's not only possible — for many users, it's becoming the preferred method. The 2026 World Cup is expected to draw record betting volumes. But traditional sportsbooks still rely on the same old bottlenecks: document uploads, delayed payouts, and the occasional frozen account right after a big win. Meanwhile, Web3 betting platforms offer a fundamentally different experience — less friction, more control, and no paperwork. This article looks at why Web3 betting feels less complicated in practice than many people expect, using Dexsport as one example of how the model works during a major event like the World Cup. Why Web3 Betting Is Simpler Than It Sounds The main misunderstanding about Web3 betting is that it requires technical expertise. In reality, the hardest step is setting up a crypto wallet — something that takes five minutes. After that, the process becomes easier than signing up for a traditional sportsbook. Instead of creating a username, remembering a password, and uploading a photo of your passport, a Web3 platform lets you connect an existing wallet — MetaMask, Trust Wallet, or any other. That’s it. No forms. No verification queues. The wallet does the identification for you. Smooth and anonymous registration process via email, Telegram or DeFi wallet connectionCaption Transactions take minutes on fast networks (BNB Chain, Polygon, TRC20). You don’t ask permission to withdraw; you just move your funds. One trade-off exists, however. In the traditional model, if something goes wrong, you call support. In Web3, you are the one who holds the private keys. Lose them, lose access. No customer service call can reverse that. It's a different kind of responsibility — but for those ready for it, the experience is noticeably smoother. Breaking Down the Advantages of Web3 Betting The shift toward Web3 betting is mostly driven by a few practical advantages. 1. Speed and availability. Traditional sportsbooks rely on banking hours and manual checks. Web3 operates non-stop. Whether it's 3 AM after a late‑night match or a holiday morning, deposits and withdrawals go through without waiting for a compliance officer to start their shift. 2. Privacy and security. Data breaches at major betting operators have exposed millions of users’ personal information — names, addresses, payment details. A no KYC platform doesn't store that data in the first place. Nothing to leak, nothing to steal. 3. Control over funds. A custodial sportsbook can freeze your account if it suspects unusual activity. A non-custodial betting platform generally avoids this issue because user funds remain in the wallet rather than on the operator’s balance sheet. You sign each transaction; nobody else has a say. How Dexsport Makes World Cup Betting Easy Dexsport isn't the only Web3 sportsbook, and a quick look at any Dexsport review will show both praise and criticism. But it's a solid example of how these advantages translate into everyday use. Onboarding without obstacles. You don't create an account. You connect your wallet — or, even simpler, log in via Telegram. That’s literally the whole process. No email verification, no “please confirm your identity.” Betting depth. During the World Cup, you’ll have access to 100–200 markets per major match: winner, total goals, corners, cards, individual player stats. For most users, that’s enough depth without feeling restrictive. Live action and cash‑out. Odds update in real time. The cash‑out feature — added in late 2025 — works on most in‑play markets. If your bet is winning but you want to lock the profit before the final whistle, you can. Welcome Bonuses on first three deposits by Dexsport Caption Rewards without fine‑print traps. The weekly cashback returns up to 15% of net losses, no wagering requirements. That’s relatively rare. Compared to traditional sportsbook bonuses, the structure is relatively simple. Non‑football options. Basketball, tennis, esports (CS2, Dota 2) are also covered. There’s a casino section too, but for World Cup betting with crypto, the sportsbook is the main draw. What You Need to Know Before You Start Honesty matters here. Web3 betting isn't perfect, and Dexsport has its own set of limitations. Wallet responsibility is absolute. Lose your seed phrase — your funds are gone forever. No support ticket will bring them back. If that possibility scares you, Web3 might not be the right fit. Choose your network carefully. Ethereum can become congested and expensive. The difference becomes noticeable very quickly during live betting. For live action, stick to BNB Chain, Polygon, or TRC20. Geographic restrictions exist. Certain countries are blocked. Dexsport explicitly forbids VPNs to bypass these rules. If caught, your account may be terminated. Because the model is non-custodial, funds are not held directly by the platform, though access to platform functionality can still be restricted. The license is lighter. Dexsport operates under an Anjouan license. It’s not the UKGC or Malta. Fewer formal protections, less regulatory hand‑holding. That’s fine for some users, a deal‑breaker for others. So, Should You Try It? Web3 betting won’t replace traditional sportsbooks for everyone. Many casual users prefer the familiarity of mainstream operators and the comfort of a phone number to call when something goes sideways. But for a growing number of bettors — those who already manage their own crypto wallets, who value privacy over hand‑holding, and who have been frustrated by withdrawal delays — platforms like Dexsport offer a genuinely different experience. Wide range of betting markets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dexsport Caption If you’re curious, here’s a practical approach: pick a small amount you’re comfortable with, connect a wallet, explore the markets, and place a couple of low‑stakes bets. See how the deposit and withdrawal flow feels. That’s the only way to know whether the trade‑offs work for you. For many users, the 2026 World Cup may end up being the first time they bet on FIFA World Cup 202 6 through Web3 — and realise it feels less like a niche crypto experiment and more like a normal alternative to traditional sportsbooks. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

21 May 2026, 11:23

Moscow Exchange prepares to start trading cryptocurrencies this year

The Moscow Exchange intends to start trading cryptocurrencies once Russia enforces its digital-asset regulations in the coming weeks. The platform is among a growing number of major financial institutions announcing crypto products and services ahead of the adoption of the new Russian law. MOEX to begin cryptocurrency trading this summer Russia’s main market for stocks and derivatives, the Moscow Exchange (MOEX), plans to soon offer clients the option to directly buy and sell digital coins. According to Viktor Zhidkov, the chief executive of its operator, testing will begin in early summer, while full-scale crypto trading should commence later this year. The exchange is currently “developing a concept for cryptocurrency trading” while waiting for Russian authorities to finalize the country’s comprehensive regulatory framework. The platform’s management wants to see what shape and form it will take in the end to avoid making any mistakes, the chairman of the MOEX board told the business news outlet RBC. “We are preparing testbeds so that our traditional infrastructure is ready,” the CEO said in an interview published Thursday, further elaborating: “I think these tests will begin in early summer … These are standard access points to our order book … I believe we will successfully complete them.” During the initial stage, only professional market participants will be admitted to the trials, Zhidkov noted, with slots available to as many as possible so that they can later provide such services to their clients. MOEX expects to fully open its crypto trading market to customers by the end of the year, after the necessary legislation is passed and all other relevant regulations are introduced, he added. While insisting the exchange needs to carefully prepare for that, taking into account all the risks that may arise, Viktor Zhidkov emphasized it is technically ready to process crypto trades. His statements come after the head of the supervisory board of MOEX, Sergey Shvetsov, earlier said that the first crypto transactions on the platform would likely take place in early 2027. Other players join race to offer regulated crypto services Russia aims to adopt its law “On Digital Currency and Digital Rights” no later than July 1, 2026, as part of a legislative package meant to legalize crypto transactions in its economy. The legislation is based on a policy announced by the Central Bank of Russia in December 2025, which envisages recognizing decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as “monetary assets.” It will also regulate operations with them, such as investment and trading, while expanding investor access to allow even non-qualified investors to acquire and exchange them, albeit under certain restrictions, such as a proposed annual purchase limit of around $4,000. While dedicated crypto platforms will be able to obtain licenses for their activities, Russia’s approach is to rely heavily on its existing traditional infrastructure. A number of major financial institutions are now joining the race to be ready to offer customers regulated crypto services and products as soon as that becomes legal. Among them is Sberbank, the biggest lender in the country, which recently announced it will provide retail and corporate clients with crypto exchange, storage, credit, and tokenization services. This will be done through a platform called Web3Gate, developed together with Rostelecom, which will give them access to popular public blockchain networks, including Bitcoin and Ethereum. Sberbank and MOEX were among the first financial firms to present crypto derivatives on the Russian market after Bank of Russia authorized their offering in the spring of 2025. The Moscow Exchange, which has been trading Bitcoin futures since last year, launched indices for several altcoins in May and later, futures contracts based on them, as reported by Cryptopolitan. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

21 May 2026, 11:02

Uphold President Explains Why Institutions Are Loading XRP

XRP analyst and crypto content creator Xaif Crypto recently shared an update featuring comments from Nancy Beaton, who outlined why both institutional and retail investors are increasingly paying attention to XRP. In the post, Xaif Crypto noted Beaton’s remarks during XRP Vegas , where she delivered what she described as “XRP in a Minute.” The video focused on what she believes are the two strongest reasons behind growing investor interest in the digital asset. Xaif Crypto wrote that the president of Uphold explained why institutions are “loading XRP,” and summarized both the retail and institutional investment case for the asset. @UpholdInc 's President is explaining why institutions are loading $XRP @beatonboulder just broke down BOTH the community AND institutional case for XRP in one minute pic.twitter.com/fRcTSR2Lt4 — Xaif Crypto (@Xaif_Crypto) May 19, 2026 Retail Investors Interested in Native XRP Yield Opportunities During the video, Beaton said she had just come directly from the XRP Vegas event floor and that investor sentiment around XRP was “loud and clear.” According to her, one of the key reasons retail investors remain interested in XRP is the expected ability to earn returns on holdings directly within the ecosystem. Beaton stated that retail participants are looking ahead to “the upcoming ability to natively earn returns on the XRP that they hold and love.” Her remarks appeared to reference growing interest in yield-generating opportunities linked to XRP and the XRP Ledger ecosystem. The comments reflect a recurring theme within the XRP community. Many supporters believe additional utility and financial products tied to XRP could increase long-term adoption among everyday investors. Institutions Looking at Blockchain Transition Beaton also focused heavily on institutional adoption during the video. She said traditional financial institutions are inevitably moving toward blockchain-based systems and suggested XRP and the XRP Ledger could play a major role in that transition. According to Beaton, there is “no question” that the financial industry will shift toward blockchain technology. She added that many attendees and investors at XRP Vegas are excited about the possibility of XRP and the XRP Ledger either participating in or leading that change. Her remarks align with long-standing arguments from XRP supporters who view the asset as a tool for cross-border payments, settlement efficiency, and financial infrastructure modernization. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Community Members React to the Video The video also received attention from members of the crypto community in the replies to Xaif Crypto’s X post. Crypto commentator WayneDoglas wrote that institutions are “not buying hype” but are instead focused on XRP’s utility. Another user, Sifnaz01, commented that the XRP community had understood these points years ago and said it was now notable to hear institutional representatives discussing them publicly on camera. The reactions highlighted how many XRP supporters view comments from executives like Beaton as validation of arguments the community has made for years regarding institutional adoption and blockchain-based financial systems. 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 Uphold President Explains Why Institutions Are Loading XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .