30 May 2025, 10:17

Panama City Proposes Bitcoin Payments for Priority Passage Through Panama Canal

Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has proposed an idea that could bring Bitcoin into one of the world’s most important trade routes. Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas on May 29, Mizrachi floated the possibility of allowing cargo ships to pay in Bitcoin for faster passage through the Panama Canal. Panama Canal Could Accept Bitcoin for Priority Passage, Says Mayor Mizrachi spoke about the proposal during a panel discussion alongside El Salvador Bitcoin advisors Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert. AMAZING PANEL WITH MAX, STACY, MIKE, & PANAMA CITY MAYOR MIZRACHI pic.twitter.com/E5sqqHbZkJ — The Bitcoin Conference (@TheBitcoinConf) May 29, 2025 The session was moderated by Mike Peterson, director of Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador. “We have a canal — what if you get a perk for paying in Bitcoin, get your ship to go quicker if you pay in Bitcoin,” The Panama Canal is a critical shipping corridor that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It handles around 5% of all global maritime trade and saves ships from weeks of travel around South America. Nearly 10,000 vessels passed through the canal in the last fiscal year, transporting over 423 million tons of goods. The canal generated around $5 billion in revenue for Panama between October 2023 and September 2024, according to the Panama Canal website. The idea of accepting Bitcoin for canal fees comes amid growing political attention on the waterway. In December 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed reclaiming control of the Panama Canal, citing concerns over Chinese influence and alleging unfair treatment of U.S. ships. Mizrachi’s comments reflect his broader push for Bitcoin adoption in public services. He has recently advocated for creating a Bitcoin reserve for Panama City and urged lawmakers to support a more open stance on crypto. Rather than rush into regulation, Mizrachi warned legislators to avoid interfering too soon with the growing crypto sector. “Don’t touch it, don’t get near it, don’t even look at it, let it operate, let it function,” he said. “Then decide what it needs. Do you want to restrict it or do you want to promote it?” The mayor also claimed that Bitcoin use in Panama is more widespread than it appears, estimating over $5 billion in annual transactions. But much of the activity, he said, happens quietly due to fear and lack of public support. Mizrachi’s Bitcoin-for-passage proposal is still conceptual, but it indicates Panama City’s growing interest in blockchain innovation and financial alternatives in global trade. Panama City Eyes Bitcoin Reserve Amid Growing Ties with El Salvador Following Panama City’s move to propose Bitcoin payments for priority canal passage, the city’s pro-Bitcoin stance appears to be deepening. Mayor Mayer Mizrachi has hinted at the possibility of creating a Bitcoin reserve after meeting with Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert, two key figures behind El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy. Panama City Mayor @Mayer has sparked speculation about creating a Bitcoin reserve after meeting with two of El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategists. #Panama #Bitcoin https://t.co/rNM6EM37pz — Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) May 17, 2025 Shortly after their May 16 meeting, Mizrachi posted “Bitcoin Reserve” on X, fueling speculation. Though no official proposal has been introduced, the timing aligns with his upcoming appearance at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas. Panama City has already made crypto history this year, allowing residents to pay taxes and municipal fees in BTC, ETH, USDT, and USDC since April. The city instantly converts these payments into USD through a local bank. Mizrachi has drawn comparisons to cities like Lugano and states like Colorado, signaling his ambition to align Panama City with other crypto-forward regions. However, any move to establish a formal Bitcoin reserve would require legislative approval from the National Assembly. Keiser noted their discussions touched on mining, financial education, and Panama’s hydroelectric potential. Herbert added that Panama City will integrate El Salvador’s “What is Money?” Bitcoin textbook into its online public library system. The post Panama City Proposes Bitcoin Payments for Priority Passage Through Panama Canal appeared first on Cryptonews .

30 May 2025, 10:13

XRP Lawsuit: New Mysterious ‘Decisive Evidence’ To Change Ripple Outcome?

The post XRP Lawsuit: New Mysterious ‘Decisive Evidence’ To Change Ripple Outcome? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The XRP lawsuit never “fails to entertain” and it just got interesting. A mysterious filing by Justin W. Keener with an emergency motion has resurfaced again. Decisive Evidence Change The Outcome? Keener says that he has “decisive evidence” which could change the outcome of the Ripple vs. SEC case in favor of Ripple. This unexpected move invited comments from experts like Bill Morgan and Marc Fagel. I was expecting some filing in the SEC v Ripple case given what happened to the last motion that was dismissed two weeks ago, especially given that the 60 day period which the parties have before the SEC is required to file a status report with the court of appeals expires on 16… pic.twitter.com/I250sVGKLx — bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) May 29, 2025 “XRP Case Never Fails to Surprise” Bill Morgan shared that he expected some kind of filing, especially with the 60-day deadline for a status update nearing on June 16. He didn’t expect a lengthy, emotional rant against the Howey Test and its court interpretations, especially about “investment contracts.” The rant also criticized the SEC’s actions over the past 90 years. “This case never fails to entertain or end,” he said, which shows how unpredictable the lawsuit has become. Marc Fagel also pointed out that this is the second time the same individual has submitted documents. The SEC even responded to the first one but questioned why the court hasn’t shut down the person’s PACER account yet, given the unauthorized filings. Keener’s first attempt to submit his “decisive evidence” in the Ripple case was shut down back in April, but he’s now trying again. Keener was recently fined $10 million for illegally trading penny stocks without registering as a dealer. Will This Impact The Lawsuit? The XRP community is watching closely if this would have any impact on the lawsuit. Most expect the court to reject it again, but how the judge and SEC respond this time will show whether it has any real impact. In a recent letter to SEC, Ripple said that fungible crypto assets like XRP aren’t securities in secondary sales. Citing legal expert Lewis Cohen and a 2023 court ruling, Ripple argued that these tokens don’t carry the legal traits of securities and requested the SEC to adopt clearer rules, noting that XRP itself was ruled not a security in public trading.

30 May 2025, 10:10

Algorand DeFi Welcomes Tokenized U.S. Treasury Bills: Midas Launches mTBILL

BitcoinWorld Algorand DeFi Welcomes Tokenized U.S. Treasury Bills: Midas Launches mTBILL Exciting developments are unfolding in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi), bridging the gap between traditional financial assets and blockchain technology. One significant step in this direction is the launch of a tokenized U.S. Treasury bill on the Algorand network, pioneered by the platform Midas. This move signals a growing trend towards integrating real-world assets (RWAs) into the digital asset ecosystem, offering new opportunities for investors seeking stable yield and diversification within DeFi. What is Midas mTBILL and Why Does it Matter for Algorand DeFi? Midas, known for its focus on internet-native investing solutions, recently announced the launch of mTBILL on the Algorand blockchain via their official X account. But what exactly is mTBILL? It’s a tokenized certificate designed to track short-term U.S. Treasury ETFs. Essentially, Midas is packaging exposure to highly stable, government-backed debt into a digital token that can be held, traded, and potentially used within decentralized applications on Algorand. The significance of this launch for Algorand DeFi cannot be overstated. Algorand is known for its robust, scalable, and secure blockchain architecture, making it a suitable platform for handling sophisticated financial instruments. Bringing assets like U.S. Treasury bills onto Algorand opens up possibilities: Enhanced Accessibility: Provides a way for global users, potentially even those with limited access to traditional brokerage accounts, to gain exposure to U.S. government debt. Increased Liquidity: Tokenization can make traditionally less liquid assets more easily tradable on secondary markets. Composability: Once on-chain, mTBILLs could theoretically be integrated into various DeFi protocols on Algorand, such as lending platforms or yield farming strategies, although the specific use cases would depend on Midas and other protocol developers. Transparency: Transactions involving mTBILLs on Algorand are recorded on the public ledger, offering a degree of transparency not always present in traditional finance. This integration aligns perfectly with the broader narrative of RWA tokenization , which aims to unlock the value of diverse assets, from real estate and art to commodities and financial instruments like bonds, by representing them as digital tokens on a blockchain. Midas mTBILL: A Closer Look at the Tokenized Treasury The Midas mTBILL represents a claim on underlying short-term U.S. Treasury ETFs. This structure is crucial because it means the token’s value and yield potential are tied directly to the performance of these highly stable, low-risk traditional financial products. For crypto investors, this offers a potential avenue for stability and yield that is less correlated with the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. Compared to stablecoins, which aim to maintain a stable value relative to a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar, tokenized Treasury bills offer a different value proposition. While stablecoins typically rely on reserves (cash, equivalents, or other assets), tokenized T-bills directly represent ownership or exposure to interest-bearing government debt. This means they can potentially offer a yield derived from the Treasury bills themselves, in addition to price stability (though the price would fluctuate slightly based on the underlying ETF). The design as a tokenized ‘certificate’ tracking ETFs provides a mechanism for managing and representing the underlying assets on the blockchain in a standardized way. Real-World Adoption: The First Atomic Swap on Algorand Proof of the immediate utility and functionality of mTBILL came shortly after its launch. According to a report by Cointelegraph, the first atomic swap involving mTBILL on Algorand was executed by a third party on May 27th. This transaction saw 2 million USDC exchanged directly for mTBILLs. An atomic swap is a peer-to-peer exchange of cryptocurrencies or tokens from one blockchain to another, or in this case, between different assets on the same blockchain (USDC is also available on Algorand) without needing a trusted third party or intermediary. This specific swap demonstrates: The operational readiness of the mTBILL token on Algorand. Demand for this type of tokenized asset. The ability to seamlessly exchange significant value between stablecoins and tokenized RWAs on the network. This successful high-value transaction is a strong indicator of potential institutional or large-scale investor interest in using crypto treasury bills for managing liquidity or seeking yield within the DeFi ecosystem. Exploring the Potential of RWA Tokenization on Algorand The launch of tokenized U.S. Treasury bills by Midas on Algorand is more than just a single product release; it’s a tangible example of the growing RWA tokenization trend. As more real-world assets are brought onto blockchains, the potential for DeFi expands dramatically. This could lead to: New Investment Strategies: DeFi users can diversify their portfolios with assets traditionally only available in legacy finance. Increased Capital Efficiency: RWAs can serve as collateral in DeFi protocols, potentially unlocking significant liquidity. Broader Market Participation: Lower barriers to entry for investing in asset classes like real estate, private credit, and government debt. Algorand’s technical capabilities, including its Pure Proof of Stake consensus mechanism, speed, low transaction costs, and focus on regulatory compliance and security, position it well as a platform for hosting these complex tokenized assets. The success of mTBILL could pave the way for Midas and other platforms to tokenize additional asset classes on the network. What Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead? While the launch of Midas mTBILL is a positive step, the RWA tokenization space still faces challenges. These include regulatory clarity across different jurisdictions, the legal frameworks for enforcing ownership of the underlying assets represented by tokens, and ensuring seamless interaction between the blockchain world and traditional finance. However, the opportunities are immense. Tokenized assets like mTBILL could become fundamental building blocks in the next generation of financial markets, combining the efficiency and transparency of blockchain with the stability and scale of traditional assets. For investors on Algorand, it offers a novel way to access yield tied to one of the world’s safest asset classes. Conclusion: A Milestone for Algorand and RWA Tokenization The introduction of Midas’s tokenized U.S. Treasury bill on Algorand marks a significant milestone for both the Algorand ecosystem and the broader RWA tokenization movement. By successfully launching mTBILL and facilitating initial high-value swaps, Midas has demonstrated the viability of bringing stable, yield-bearing traditional financial assets onto a public blockchain. This development enriches the Algorand DeFi landscape, offering users new, potentially more stable, investment options and further solidifying Algorand’s position as a platform capable of supporting sophisticated financial applications. As the trend of RWA tokenization continues to gain momentum, initiatives like mTBILL will be crucial in shaping the future intersection of traditional finance and decentralized technology, making crypto treasury bills a topic to watch closely. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping RWA tokenization institutional adoption. This post Algorand DeFi Welcomes Tokenized U.S. Treasury Bills: Midas Launches mTBILL first appeared on BitcoinWorld and is written by Editorial Team

30 May 2025, 10:01

Thailand to block Bybit, OKX, and other crypto exchanges by June 28

Thailand’s SEC has ordered Bybit, 1000X, CoinEx, OKX and XT.COM to be blocked nationwide on June 28, citing unlicensed operation and money-laundering concerns.

30 May 2025, 10:00

U.S. SEC Offers Clarity on Crypto Staking, Sparks Mixed Reactions

The U.S. SEC staff has issued new guidance clarifying that certain common crypto staking activities are not in violation of existing securities laws. This move, which comes amidst calls from industry groups for greater regulatory certainty, has been met with both applause and criticism from within the Commission itself. On May 29, the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance released a staff statement asserting that “Protocol Staking Activities,” specifically crypto staked in a proof-of-stake blockchain, do not require registration under the Securities Act, nor do they fall under its exemptions. The Division elaborated that staking rewards are deemed compensation for services rendered by node operators, rather than profits derived from “others’ entrepreneurial or managerial efforts.” This distinction is crucial, as it places these activities outside the purview of traditional securities regulation. Furthermore, custodial staking, where custodians merely act as “agents in connection with staking” without direct involvement in staking decisions, is also not classified as a securities offering. Ancillary staking services, such as slashing and early unbonding, were similarly declared “merely administrative or ministerial in nature” and not subject to securities classification. Industry Welcomes The guidance provides a much-needed sigh of relief for many in the crypto industry, who have long grappled with regulatory ambiguity. During Solana’s Accelerate conference in New York earlier in May, crypto industry groups had specifically urged the SEC to provide formal guidance on staking , highlighting the prevalent regulatory uncertainty faced by Web3 infrastructure providers. Republican SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, a prominent voice in the agency’s Crypto Task Force, lauded the guidance as “welcome clarity for stakers and staking-as-a-service providers in the United States.” She emphasized that the previous uncertainty had “artificially constrained participation in network consensus and undermined the decentralization, censorship resistance, and credible neutrality of proof-of-stake blockchains.” SEC Democrat Commissioner Criticizes the Move However, the SEC’s sole Democrat commissioner, Caroline Crenshaw , expressed strong dissent. Crenshaw argued that the guidance “fails to deliver a reliable roadmap for determining whether a staking service” constitutes an investment contract under securities laws, as defined by the longstanding Howey test. She criticized the staff’s analysis, stating that it “may reflect what some wish the law to be, but it does not square with the court decisions on staking and the longstanding Howey precedent on which they are based.” It is important to note that the staff statement explicitly mentioned that it “has no legal force or effect” and did not address other forms of staking, such as liquid staking and restaking, leaving room for future regulatory considerations. The post U.S. SEC Offers Clarity on Crypto Staking, Sparks Mixed Reactions appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

30 May 2025, 10:00

BEA reports sharpest corporate profit drop since 2020

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) revealed that corporations suffered the largest drop in quarterly profits since Q4 of 2020. The firm noted that corporate profits plummeted by $118 billion in Q1 2025. The U.S. economy contracted in Q1 on an import surge following the start of President Donald Trump’s second term in office as he initiated a trade war with countries globally. Wall Street economists also changed their outlook to negative growth, largely because of an unexpected rise in imports as corporate institutions and consumers sought to counter the Trump levies imposed in early April. Trump’s policy uncertainty weighs on corporate profits 🇺🇸💸 Trump's trade war has cost companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs, according to analysis of corporate disclosures, a toll that is expected to rise as ongoing uncertainty over tariffs paralyzes decision making at some of the world's largest companies. pic.twitter.com/CDoN5ASgih — Flying Dutch Fella 🇺🇦🇳🇱🇪🇺 🇬🇪🇨🇦🇬🇱 (@FlyingDutchPall) May 29, 2025 Imports inched up 41.3% for the quarter, driven by a 50.9% increase in goods, reflecting the biggest growth outside the Covid pandemic since 1974. A sharp decline in federal expenditure also contributed to the weak GDP number amid Elon Musk ’s efforts at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Federal government outlays declined 5.1% for the quarter, shaving off about one-third of a percentage point off GDP. “No surprise that GDP took a hit in the first quarter, mainly because the balance of trade blew up as companies imported goods like crazy to front-run tariffs. The more telling number for the future of the expansion was consumer spending, and it grew, but at a relatively weak pace.” -Robert Frick, Corporate Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. Trump announced a 10% across-the-board tariffs on U.S. trade partners as well as a flurry of reciprocal tariffs against several nations. On April 9, the President suspended those duties for 90 days to allow for negotiations between its trade partners, with some deals still ongoing . Corporate Institutions ranging from airlines and retailers to motor vehicle manufacturers have also refrained from giving financial guidance for 2025, citing the uncertainty caused by the heightened nature of some levies. Ford suspended its annual guidance on May 5, arguing that tariffs would cost the company about $1.5 billion in adjusted earnings before interest and taxes. General Motors cut its 2025 profit forecast on May 1, two days after pulling its annual guidance. The company also paused plans to buy back $2 billion of shares in the first half of the year, pending more clarity on the economic outlook. Mercedes pulled its earnings guidance for 2025 on April 30 as it posted lower first-quarter profits. A U.S. court on Wednesday halted most of Trump’s levies from going into effect, ruling that the President overstepped his authority. The uncertainty on corporations was echoed during the Federal Reserve’s 6-7 meeting published on Wednesday, noting that participants judged that the downside risk of employment and economic activity and upside risk of inflation had risen, reflecting the potential effects of tariff increases. Increased imports cause a drop in real GDP According to the second estimate, the real gross domestic product (GDP) decreased at an annual rate of 0.2% in the first quarter of 2025. The report also disclosed that real GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 increased by 2.4%. The BEA also reported that real gross domestic income (GDI) decreased by 0.2% in the first quarter, compared to an increase of 5.2% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Corporate profits also decreased by $118.1 billion in the first quarter, compared to an increase of $204.7 billion in the fourth quarter. The BEA said the decrease in real GDP in Q1 primarily reflected an increase in imports, which are a subtraction in the calculation of GDP, and a decrease in government spending. The government entity believes the movements in growth were partly offset by increases in investment, consumer spending, and exports. Data also revealed that the real GDP was revised up 0.1 percentage point from the advance estimate, reflecting an upward revision to investment that was partly offset by a downward revision to consumer spending. The personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index increased by 3.6%, the same as previously estimated. Excluding food and energy prices, the PCE price index increased by 3.4%, which was revised down by 0.1 percentage points from the previous estimate. Your crypto news deserves attention - KEY Difference Wire puts you on 250+ top sites