hodler

20 May 2026, 07:00

China’s Warren Buffett Duan Yongping Reveals $19 Million Stake in Circle

BitcoinWorld China’s Warren Buffett Duan Yongping Reveals $19 Million Stake in Circle Duan Yongping, the Chinese billionaire investor often referred to as ‘China’s Warren Buffett,’ has disclosed a significant new position in Circle Internet Financial (CRCL), the company behind the USDC stablecoin. According to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 13F filing, Duan purchased 200,000 shares of Circle in the first quarter, valued at approximately $19 million. Details of the Investment The filing reveals that Duan Yongping, who serves as chairman of the Bubugao Group, acquired the shares at an average price of roughly $9,541 per share. While the $19 million stake is a substantial sum in absolute terms, it represents a relatively small portion of his overall portfolio, accounting for just 0.095% of his total reported holdings. The disclosure was first flagged by the blockchain news outlet Wu Blockchain. Who is Duan Yongping? Duan Yongping earned his nickname by emulating the value-investing principles of Berkshire Hathaway’s Warren Buffett. He is best known for his early and highly profitable investment in NetEase, as well as for founding the electronics and retail conglomerate Bubugao (BBK Electronics), which is the parent company of major Chinese smartphone brands Oppo and Vivo. His investment moves are closely watched by retail investors in China and globally, often moving markets in his home country. Why This Matters for the Crypto Market Duan’s investment in Circle is noteworthy for several reasons. First, it signals confidence from a traditional value investor in a company that is deeply integrated with the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Circle is the issuer of USDC, the second-largest stablecoin by market capitalization, and has been pursuing a public listing. Second, the disclosure comes at a time when regulatory clarity around stablecoins is increasing in the United States. The filing of a 13F, which is required for institutional investment managers with over $100 million in assets, provides a rare, transparent look into the holdings of a major investor who typically operates outside of public U.S. equity filings. Conclusion Duan Yongping’s $19 million bet on Circle represents a notable endorsement from a seasoned, conservative investor. While the position is small relative to his total wealth, it places a spotlight on Circle’s growth trajectory and the increasing mainstream acceptance of digital currency infrastructure. Investors will be watching for future filings to see if Duan increases his stake. FAQs Q1: What is a 13F filing? A 13F is a quarterly report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by institutional investment managers. It discloses their equity holdings, providing public insight into the portfolios of major investors. Q2: What is Circle (CRCL)? Circle Internet Financial is a global financial technology firm that issues USDC, a leading stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar. It also operates the payment and treasury infrastructure platform for digital assets. Q3: Is this a large investment for Duan Yongping? No. The $19 million stake represents only about 0.095% of his total reported investment portfolio, indicating it is a relatively small, exploratory position for the billionaire investor. This post China’s Warren Buffett Duan Yongping Reveals $19 Million Stake in Circle first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 06:02

Ripple Spotted In SWIFT Partner Directory. Here’s What It Means for XRP

Crypto analyst Amonyx (@amonyx) recently put a spotlight on something institutional finance observers have been watching closely. He shared a screenshot from the SWIFT Business Solutions Providers Directory, showing that GTreasury SS, LLC is listed as a certified partner within the Americas North region. The listing now carries a major weight because GTreasury is Ripple Treasury. The screenshot comes directly from SWIFT’s official Business Solutions Providers Directory. Ripple Treasury’s partner page lists SWIFT as a connectivity partner and states that the platform is part of the SWIFT Certified Partner Program. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Ripple SWIFT $XRP pic.twitter.com/PmWtEuQoiu — Amonyx (@amonyx) May 18, 2026 The GTreasury Acquisition Ripple announced its $1 billion acquisition of GTreasury on October 16, 2025, positioning the move as a push into the corporate treasury market. The company described GTreasury as a long-established treasury management provider with more than four decades of experience, more than 1,000 customers, and operations across 160 countries. The deal gives Ripple access to GTreasury’s global enterprise clients and treasury management tools, allowing businesses to move, invest, and optimize liquidity using digital assets and blockchain-based payment rails. Following the acquisition, Ripple rebranded GTreasury as Ripple Treasury . The SWIFT Integration Ripple Treasury offers global bank connectivity and hosting options for SWIFT’s Alliance Lite2 platform. Treasury users can access SWIFTRef data for IBAN and ABA lookups directly within the workflow. Companies can either use traditional SWIFT rails or switch to blockchain settlement using XRP or RLUSD for near-instant transactions. This means firms can keep existing banking relationships while accessing faster settlement when needed. Experts have projected for years that Ripple and XRP will either replace SWIFT or integrate with it and upgrade the legacy system. Ripple now has a seat at the table, and its superior technology will attract significant institutional interest and adoption. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 What This Means for XRP The practical significance is direct. Ripple’s acquisition of GTreasury launched the first native on-chain treasury management system integrating XRP and RLUSD alongside fiat. Enterprise clients already operating within SWIFT’s ecosystem now have a path to digital asset settlement through the same platform. For institutional players, this hybrid model may signal a transitional setup. SWIFT could continue to provide a standardized messaging infrastructure, while Ripple Treasury and XRP-based systems focus on liquidity management, faster settlement, and the movement of tokenized assets. Ripple’s position within the SWIFT partner ecosystem gives XRP direct exposure to institutional treasury workflows at scale. 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 Ripple Spotted In SWIFT Partner Directory. Here’s What It Means for XRP appeared first on Times Tabloid .

20 May 2026, 05:58

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP outlook as US Senate targets Trump’s Iran war powers

Crypto traders are closely monitoring the US Senate’s procedural push to limit military action against Iran, weighing how a reduction in geopolitical risk premiums might impact liquidity flow into Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP. According to recent reporting, Senate lawmakers have approved a war powers resolution aimed at limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to continue military operations against Iran without congressional approval by a 50 to 47 margin, with four Republican senators joining Democrats in support of the measure. The legislation, introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, invokes the War Powers Act of 1973 and seeks to restrict unauthorised military action by requiring congressional authorisation for continued hostilities. Rising fuel and shipping costs linked to instability around the Strait of Hormuz have already weighed on global markets, while investors continue monitoring the risk of prolonged disruptions to energy supplies. For crypto traders, the Senate vote introduced a fresh macroeconomic narrative. Markets have spent months reacting to geopolitical uncertainty, particularly after repeated military escalations in the Middle East triggered spikes in oil prices and pushed investors toward defensive positioning. Bitcoin has struggled to reclaim higher levels during this period, while Ethereum and XRP have also traded within narrow ranges amid a visible lack of risk appetite. Signs of de-escalation could support risk sentiment Energy traders had previously priced in the possibility of wider supply disruptions if military activity intensified near critical shipping routes. According to the uploaded report, the Senate’s move has been interpreted by some market participants as an early de-escalation signal because it increases political pressure on the White House to justify continued military engagement. Market analysts have argued that any reduction in geopolitical tensions could improve sentiment across speculative markets, including cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, which often reacts sharply to macroeconomic headlines, has historically posted relief rallies following signs of diplomatic progress or reduced conflict risks. As previously covered on Invezz , any form of de-escalation headlines over the past months had triggered immediate 3% to 5% gains in Bitcoin prices as traders rotated back into higher-risk assets. At the same time, Ethereum’s outlook has also become tied to the return of liquidity into decentralised finance markets. Periods of military uncertainty have historically reduced activity across decentralized applications as investors focused on preserving capital rather than deploying funds into yield-generating protocols. Reduced geopolitical stress, the report added, has typically encouraged higher on-chain activity and stronger Ethereum demand. Attention has also turned toward XRP because of its role in cross-border payment infrastructure. Escalating geopolitical conflicts often increase compliance risks and banking uncertainty, factors that can slow institutional engagement with blockchain-based payment networks. If tensions cool and financial conditions stabilize, XRP could benefit from renewed confidence among firms exploring digital asset integrations for international settlements. Will the resolution pass? Despite the procedural victory in advancing this war powers resolution, the realistic odds of it becoming a binding law remain exceptionally low due to the steep constitutional steeplechase it faces. While the 50 to 47 vote demonstrates a crack in party unity, with four Republicans crossing the aisle to vote with the majority of Democrats, this margin is nowhere near the numbers required to survive the next legislative phases. To successfully pass the full Senate, the resolution must survive intense floor debates and a final vote, which will require keeping a fragile coalition together while navigating a chamber where several members are frequently absent due to ongoing campaign obligations. Even if the resolution successfully clears the Senate floor, its journey faces a massive roadblock in the House of Representatives, where leadership has historically maintained a deeply protective stance over executive military discretion. House leadership has explicitly criticised similar war powers measures, likening legislative constraints during ongoing operations to a strategic misstep that compromises national security interests. Because the legislative body remains structurally aligned with the administration's broader foreign policy objectives, organising the necessary majority to pass an identical resolution in the lower chamber presents an almost insurmountable challenge for anti-war lawmakers. Even if both chambers approve the bill, Trump could still veto the resolution. Overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and House, a threshold the current coalition supporting the measure appears far from reaching. At the time of publication, Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have yet to react to the latest development. Bitcoin was hovering around $77,000 with less than 1% gains on the day, while Ethereum and XRP were navigating losses between 1-3%. The post Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP outlook as US Senate targets Trump’s Iran war powers appeared first on Invezz

20 May 2026, 04:55

Nasdaq-Listed Tron Adds 140,000 TRX to Corporate Treasury, Bolstering Holdings

BitcoinWorld Nasdaq-Listed Tron Adds 140,000 TRX to Corporate Treasury, Bolstering Holdings Nasdaq-listed Tron (TRON) has announced the purchase of an additional 140,589 TRX at an average price of $0.3556, expanding its corporate treasury holdings. The acquisition brings the company’s total TRX reserves to approximately 696.8 million tokens, signaling a continued commitment to accumulating the digital asset. Strategic Accumulation and Shareholder Value The company stated that this latest purchase is part of a broader strategy to expand its TRX reserves, with the explicit goal of enhancing shareholder value. By increasing its holdings, Tron is effectively betting on the long-term appreciation of its native token, a move that aligns with a growing trend among publicly traded firms to hold digital assets as part of their corporate treasury strategies. This approach mirrors similar strategies employed by other major corporations, such as MicroStrategy and Tesla, which have allocated significant portions of their cash reserves to Bitcoin. However, Tron’s focus on its own native token is a distinct approach, creating a direct link between the company’s financial health and the performance of the TRX cryptocurrency. Implications for the Market and Investors The decision to add over 140,000 TRX to its treasury is a notable vote of confidence from the company’s leadership. For investors, this move can be interpreted as a signal that the company believes TRX is undervalued or poised for future growth. It also demonstrates a willingness to use corporate funds to directly support the token’s market price, at least in the short term. From a market perspective, such large-scale purchases by a publicly traded entity can reduce the circulating supply of TRX, potentially exerting upward pressure on its price. However, it also concentrates risk, as the company’s balance sheet becomes increasingly tied to the volatile cryptocurrency market. Context and Background Tron, the blockchain-based platform known for its high-throughput and low-fee transactions, has been actively building its ecosystem. The company’s decision to hold a substantial treasury in its own token is a strategic move that provides financial flexibility and demonstrates long-term commitment to its network. The average purchase price of $0.3556 provides a benchmark for assessing the performance of this treasury investment. Conclusion Tron’s latest acquisition of 140,589 TRX reinforces its strategy of accumulating its native token as a core component of its corporate treasury. This move is designed to enhance shareholder value by betting on the long-term appreciation of TRX. While it aligns with broader corporate trends in digital asset adoption, it also introduces a direct link between the company’s financial health and the volatile cryptocurrency market. Investors will be watching closely to see how this strategy unfolds in the coming quarters. FAQs Q1: Why is Tron buying its own token for its corporate treasury? A1: Tron has stated that the purchases are part of a strategy to expand its TRX reserves to enhance shareholder value. By accumulating its native token, the company is betting on its long-term appreciation and demonstrating confidence in its own ecosystem. Q2: How much TRX does Tron now hold? A2: Following the latest purchase of 140,589 TRX, Tron’s total holdings amount to approximately 696.8 million TRX. Q3: What does this mean for the price of TRX? A3: Large-scale purchases by a publicly traded company can reduce the circulating supply and potentially support the price. However, the ultimate impact depends on broader market conditions and investor sentiment. It also concentrates the company’s financial risk on the performance of a single volatile asset. This post Nasdaq-Listed Tron Adds 140,000 TRX to Corporate Treasury, Bolstering Holdings first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 04:15

Seoul Police Arrest 149 in $83 Million USDT Money Laundering Case

BitcoinWorld Seoul Police Arrest 149 in $83 Million USDT Money Laundering Case South Korean authorities have dismantled a major cross-border money laundering operation, arresting 149 individuals accused of funneling approximately 110 billion won (around $83 million) in criminal proceeds. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confirmed that the ring primarily used Tether (USDT) to move illicit funds, highlighting the growing role of stablecoins in financial crime. How the Scheme Operated According to the Seoul Economic Daily, the domestic ring collaborated with a China-based money laundering organization. The operation relied on multiple methods to conceal the origins of the funds: USDT (72%): The vast majority of laundered money was converted into Tether, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, enabling rapid, cross-border transfers with limited oversight. Gift certificate businesses (19%): Funds were disguised as legitimate transactions through front companies that dealt in gift certificates, a common tactic to layer illicit money. Standard bank transfers (9%): Traditional wire transfers were used for smaller amounts, likely to avoid triggering banking alerts. The domestic ring was responsible for distributing illegal bank accounts, which were then used to receive and transfer the criminal proceeds. The Chinese organization provided the laundering infrastructure and facilitated the conversion of funds into USDT. Arrests and Legal Charges The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced the arrests on charges of violating laws on the concealment of criminal proceeds. Of the 149 individuals apprehended, seven have been formally detained. The police have not disclosed the identities of the suspects, but confirmed they include both members of the domestic account distribution network and the Chinese money laundering cell. Why This Matters for Crypto Regulation This case underscores a persistent challenge for regulators: the use of stablecoins like USDT in illicit finance. While blockchain transactions are pseudonymous, law enforcement agencies are increasingly able to trace funds through exchanges and wallet addresses. However, the speed and borderless nature of crypto transactions make them attractive for money laundering compared to traditional banking systems. For South Korea, which has one of the most active cryptocurrency markets in the world, this arrest signals a tightening of enforcement. The country has implemented strict know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) rules for crypto exchanges, but this case demonstrates that criminals are adapting by using peer-to-peer networks and foreign-based organizations. Conclusion The arrest of 149 individuals in a USDT-linked money laundering case is a significant law enforcement action in South Korea. It reveals the sophisticated methods used by criminal networks to exploit stablecoins and highlights the ongoing battle between regulators and illicit finance. The case is likely to fuel further debate on the need for global standards in cryptocurrency oversight. FAQs Q1: What is USDT and why was it used in this case? USDT (Tether) is a stablecoin whose value is pegged to the US dollar. It was used because it allows fast, low-cost transfers across borders without relying on traditional banks, making it attractive for laundering money. Q2: How did the police trace the laundered funds? While specific methods were not disclosed, South Korean police likely used blockchain analysis tools to track USDT transactions on the Tron or Ethereum networks, combined with traditional financial intelligence from bank records and the gift certificate businesses. Q3: What penalties do the arrested individuals face? Under South Korean law, violating the Act on the Regulation and Punishment of Concealment of Criminal Proceeds can result in imprisonment for up to five years or a fine. Those detained face the most serious charges, including potential extradition considerations if the Chinese organization is involved. This post Seoul Police Arrest 149 in $83 Million USDT Money Laundering Case first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

20 May 2026, 03:00

Prometheum Launches Ethereum Trading, but Its Hard-Won Regulatory Edge Is Already Gone

BitcoinWorld Prometheum Launches Ethereum Trading, but Its Hard-Won Regulatory Edge Is Already Gone U.S. digital asset platform Prometheum has finally launched Ethereum (ETH) trading, a milestone nearly a decade in the making. But the company’s long-sought regulatory advantage — a specialized broker-dealer license from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — has become effectively meaningless just as it begins operations. A Decade of Preparation, Overtaken by a Policy Shift Founded roughly ten years ago, Prometheum raised nearly $100 million to build a fully compliant crypto trading platform. In 2023, it achieved a first-of-its-kind milestone: securing a special purpose broker-dealer license from both the SEC and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). At the time, this was considered a bold and unusual move, given the Biden administration’s generally critical posture toward cryptocurrencies. The license was intended to give Prometheum a clear regulatory pathway to custody and trade digital assets classified as securities, a privilege no other U.S. crypto firm held. For years, this was seen as a potential competitive moat in a market where most platforms operated in regulatory gray areas. The Regulatory Ground Shifts However, the landscape has fundamentally changed. According to a report from Decrypt, the SEC under its current leadership has withdrawn numerous crypto-related lawsuits and investigations. More critically, the agency issued revised guidance allowing general broker-dealers to custody crypto securities under existing customer protection rules. This guidance effectively renders Prometheum’s specialized license unnecessary. Any qualified broker-dealer can now offer similar services without the costly and time-consuming process Prometheum underwent. The regulatory edge the company spent a decade and millions of dollars building has evaporated. What This Means for the Crypto Industry The development signals a broader normalization of crypto within the U.S. financial system. Rather than requiring bespoke licenses, regulators are moving toward integrating digital assets into existing frameworks. For Prometheum, the timing is particularly painful: the company finally launches its core service just as the barrier it crossed becomes irrelevant. For the market, this could accelerate competition among custody and trading platforms, potentially lowering costs for institutional investors. It also raises questions about the value of early regulatory gambles in a fast-moving policy environment. Conclusion Prometheum’s launch of Ethereum trading is a significant operational step, but the strategic landscape has shifted beneath it. The company’s decade-long bet on a specialized license has been overtaken by a broader regulatory thaw. The story underscores how quickly regulatory advantages can dissipate in the evolving U.S. crypto policy environment, and serves as a reminder that early compliance moves carry both risks and diminishing returns. FAQs Q1: Why did Prometheum’s regulatory advantage vanish? The SEC issued revised guidance allowing general broker-dealers to custody crypto securities under existing rules, making Prometheum’s specialized license unnecessary. Q2: What was Prometheum’s special purpose broker-dealer license? It was a license from the SEC and FINRA, first granted in 2023, specifically designed for firms that custody and trade digital asset securities. Q3: How does this affect the broader crypto market? It may increase competition among custody platforms, lower costs for institutional investors, and signal a trend toward integrating crypto into existing financial regulations. This post Prometheum Launches Ethereum Trading, but Its Hard-Won Regulatory Edge Is Already Gone first appeared on BitcoinWorld .