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3 May 2026, 21:55

National BTC Adoption Validates Bitcoin’s Core Ethos, Not a Betrayal: Adam Back

BitcoinWorld National BTC Adoption Validates Bitcoin’s Core Ethos, Not a Betrayal: Adam Back Blockstream CEO Adam Back has made a compelling argument that national BTC adoption does not represent a betrayal of Bitcoin’s original ethos. Instead, he views it as a clear sign of the cryptocurrency’s success. In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, Back explained that government interest in Bitcoin is a natural progression for any transformative technology. Understanding National BTC Adoption and Its Alignment with Bitcoin’s Ethos Back’s central thesis is straightforward: technologies that shift power dynamics often start with individuals before reaching higher-level entities. He cited the internet and cryptography as prime examples. These innovations first spread among early adopters and hobbyists. Over time, governments and large institutions recognized their value and began to integrate them. This pattern, Back argues, is now playing out with Bitcoin. The Bitcoin ethos has always emphasized decentralization and individual sovereignty. However, Back believes that state-level interest does not contradict these principles. It merely signals that the technology has matured enough to attract serious attention from powerful actors. The Historical Precedent: How Transformative Technologies Evolve To understand Back’s perspective, it helps to look at historical parallels. The internet was initially a tool for academics and researchers. It later became a platform for commerce, communication, and government services. Similarly, cryptography was once the domain of spies and mathematicians. Today, it secures everything from banking to national defense. Bitcoin follows a similar trajectory. Its early adopters were cypherpunks and libertarians. They valued its ability to bypass traditional financial systems. Now, nations like El Salvador and the Central African Republic have adopted it as legal tender. Other countries are exploring strategic Bitcoin reserves. This evolution, Back suggests, is a testament to Bitcoin’s robustness and utility. Why Government Interest Strengthens the Bitcoin Ethos Critics often argue that government adoption dilutes Bitcoin’s anti-establishment roots. Back disagrees. He contends that the very act of a government adopting Bitcoin proves its power as a neutral, decentralized asset. It cannot be controlled or manipulated by any single entity, including the state. This argument resonates with many in the crypto community. It reframes the narrative from one of co-option to one of validation. When a nation-state chooses to hold Bitcoin, it acknowledges the asset’s unique properties: scarcity, immutability, and borderless transferability. These are the same features that attracted early adopters. Real-World Impacts of National BTC Adoption The implications of this shift are profound. Countries that adopt Bitcoin can potentially reduce their dependence on the US dollar. They can offer citizens a hedge against inflation. They can also attract investment from the global crypto ecosystem. For example, El Salvador’s adoption has spurred tourism and remittance flows. It has also created a new market for Bitcoin-backed bonds. While challenges remain, the experiment has provided valuable data. It shows that national-level adoption is feasible, even for smaller economies. Expert Analysis: What This Means for the Future Industry experts largely agree with Back’s assessment. Many see government adoption as a necessary step for Bitcoin’s long-term survival. It brings regulatory clarity, institutional investment, and mainstream acceptance. These factors can stabilize the market and reduce volatility. However, there are also risks. Heavy-handed regulation could stifle innovation. Governments might use Bitcoin to surveil transactions, undermining privacy. Back acknowledges these concerns but remains optimistic. He believes the core technology is resilient enough to withstand such pressures. Timeline of Key Events in National BTC Adoption To provide context, here is a brief timeline of major milestones: 2021: El Salvador becomes the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. 2022: The Central African Republic follows suit. 2023: Several US states introduce bills to create strategic Bitcoin reserves. 2024: Discussions begin in Switzerland and Singapore about national Bitcoin holdings. 2025: Adam Back’s interview reinforces the narrative of adoption as success. Comparing Individual vs. National Adoption Aspect Individual Adoption National Adoption Motivation Financial freedom, privacy Economic strategy, hedge Scale Small, personal Large, systemic Risk Profile High, self-managed Moderate, state-backed Impact on Ethos Pure, ideological Pragmatic, evolutionary Addressing Criticisms of Government Bitcoin Adoption Not everyone agrees with Back’s viewpoint. Some purists argue that any government involvement corrupts Bitcoin’s decentralized nature. They point to potential surveillance risks and regulatory overreach. Others worry that large state holdings could concentrate power, contradicting the goal of democratizing finance. Back addresses these concerns directly. He notes that Bitcoin’s code is open and transparent. No government can change its fundamental properties. Moreover, state adoption creates a powerful incentive to protect the network. Governments that hold Bitcoin have a vested interest in its security and stability. Data-Backed Reasoning: Adoption Trends Recent data supports Back’s optimism. According to Chainalysis, global crypto adoption has grown steadily, even during bear markets. Institutional investors now account for a significant portion of trading volume. Central banks are exploring digital currencies, often built on blockchain technology. These trends suggest that Bitcoin is moving from the fringes to the mainstream. National adoption is a logical next step. It does not represent a betrayal of the original vision. Instead, it shows that the vision is succeeding on a larger scale than anyone anticipated. Conclusion Adam Back’s interview provides a timely and thoughtful perspective on national BTC adoption . He argues convincingly that government interest validates Bitcoin’s core ethos rather than undermining it. The technology’s journey from individual enthusiasts to national treasuries mirrors the path of other transformative innovations. As more countries explore Bitcoin, the narrative of success will likely continue to strengthen. For investors, policymakers, and enthusiasts, this evolution offers both opportunities and challenges. The key is to embrace the change while preserving the principles that make Bitcoin unique. FAQs Q1: Does national BTC adoption contradict Bitcoin’s original ethos? A1: According to Adam Back, no. He argues that government adoption is a natural sign of success, not a betrayal. It reflects the technology’s maturation and utility. Q2: What examples exist of national BTC adoption? A2: El Salvador and the Central African Republic have adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. Other countries are exploring strategic reserves or regulatory frameworks. Q3: How does government adoption benefit Bitcoin? A3: It brings regulatory clarity, institutional investment, and mainstream acceptance. It also creates incentives for network security and stability. Q4: What are the risks of national BTC adoption? A4: Risks include potential surveillance, heavy-handed regulation, and concentration of power. However, Bitcoin’s open code and decentralized nature mitigate these concerns. Q5: Why does Adam Back believe adoption is a sign of success? A5: He draws parallels to the internet and cryptography, which also started with individuals before being adopted by governments. This pattern shows the technology’s enduring value. This post National BTC Adoption Validates Bitcoin’s Core Ethos, Not a Betrayal: Adam Back first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

3 May 2026, 21:31

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Trump Launches ‘Project Freedom’ Amid Positive Iran Talks – A Humanitarian Breakthrough

BitcoinWorld Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Trump Launches ‘Project Freedom’ Amid Positive Iran Talks – A Humanitarian Breakthrough President Donald Trump announced on May 4 that the United States will launch a humanitarian operation to guide neutral ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz, following requests from multiple nations. The initiative, named ‘Project Freedom,’ begins on the morning of May 4, Middle East time. Trump emphasized that the vessels are not involved in the regional conflict and face critical shortages of food and supplies. Trump Announces ‘Project Freedom’ for Blockaded Ships The U.S. delegation is engaged in ‘very positive’ discussions with Iran, Trump stated. He described the operation as a humanitarian measure benefiting the U.S., the Middle East, and especially Iran. Many ships carry large crews struggling with dwindling provisions. The move signals a potential de-escalation in one of the world’s most strategic waterways. Trump warned that any interference with the humanitarian process would trigger a strong response. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, where nearly 20% of global oil transits daily. Background: The Strait of Hormuz Blockade The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. It is a critical chokepoint for oil tankers and cargo vessels. Recent geopolitical tensions led to the detention of multiple ships by Iranian forces. These vessels, flagged under various nations, are neutral parties in the ongoing conflict. International maritime law protects neutral shipping. However, enforcement has been inconsistent. The U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, now coordinates the safe passage. Project Freedom involves naval escorts, communication protocols, and supply deliveries to stranded crews. Humanitarian Impact on Crews and Trade Thousands of seafarers face dire conditions. Food, fresh water, and medical supplies are running low. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reports that prolonged blockades risk humanitarian crises. Trump’s announcement aligns with calls from the United Nations for immediate relief. Global trade routes depend on the Strait’s free navigation. Disruptions affect energy prices, supply chains, and regional stability. The operation aims to restore confidence in maritime security. Positive Iran Talks: A Diplomatic Window Trump’s reference to ‘very positive’ discussions with Iran marks a shift in tone. Previous U.S.-Iran relations were strained over nuclear deals and sanctions. The talks reportedly focus on mutual interests, including maritime security and humanitarian access. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the talks. However, analysts note that Iran benefits from avoiding a broader conflict. The operation could pave the way for broader negotiations on regional stability. Expert Analysis: Geopolitical and Economic Ramifications Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a Middle East security expert at the Atlantic Council, calls the move ‘a calculated humanitarian gesture.’ She notes that it reduces immediate risks without requiring major concessions. ‘It buys time for diplomatic channels,’ she explains. Economically, the operation stabilizes oil markets. Brent crude futures dropped 2% after the announcement. Shipping insurance premiums for Gulf routes may also decline. The long-term impact depends on Iran’s compliance and the operation’s success. Timeline of Key Events May 1: Multiple nations request U.S. assistance for trapped ships. May 3: U.S. delegation begins talks with Iranian representatives. May 4: Trump announces Project Freedom; operation begins. May 5: First convoy of ships expected to exit the Strait. This timeline underscores the rapid response. The operation is unprecedented in scale and coordination. Project Freedom: Operational Details The U.S. Navy will deploy destroyers and support vessels. Each ship will receive a safe corridor, communication frequencies, and escort. Crews will receive emergency supplies before departure. Trump stressed that the operation is purely humanitarian. ‘We are not taking sides,’ he said. ‘We are saving lives.’ The Pentagon confirmed that no combat operations are planned unless provoked. Risks and Contingencies Iranian patrol boats remain active in the area. Any miscalculation could escalate tensions. The U.S. has established clear rules of engagement. Commanders are authorized to respond to threats proportionally. International observers, including the Red Cross, may monitor the process. Transparency is key to maintaining trust. The operation’s success could set a precedent for future humanitarian interventions. Conclusion Trump’s Strait of Hormuz announcement represents a critical humanitarian intervention. ‘Project Freedom’ addresses immediate needs while opening a diplomatic window with Iran. The operation’s outcome will influence regional stability and global trade. The world watches as the first ships prepare to sail. FAQs Q1: What is Project Freedom? Project Freedom is a U.S.-led humanitarian operation to guide neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, announced by President Trump on May 4. Q2: Why are ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz? Iranian forces blockaded the strait amid regional tensions, detaining vessels flagged under multiple nations. The ships are neutral parties. Q3: How does the operation work? The U.S. Navy provides escorts, safe corridors, and emergency supplies to stranded crews. The operation is purely humanitarian. Q4: Are talks with Iran ongoing? Yes, Trump confirmed ‘very positive’ discussions with Iran. The talks focus on maritime security and humanitarian access. Q5: What happens if Iran interferes? Trump warned of a strong response. The U.S. has established rules of engagement to address any threats proportionally. This post Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Trump Launches ‘Project Freedom’ Amid Positive Iran Talks – A Humanitarian Breakthrough first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

3 May 2026, 21:15

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says the US Is Targeting Iran’s Access to Crypto

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent posted on X on April 29 that Washington’s sanctions campaign is now going after Iran’s “access to crypto,” alongside oil exports, shipping networks, and shadow banking channels. It is the first time the Treasury has named digital assets so explicitly in the context of the Iran pressure campaign, and it puts crypto squarely in the middle of a geopolitical dispute that has already been moving Bitcoin’s price for weeks. Treasury Links Crypto to Iran Sanctions Push In the post, Bessent said the Treasury, through what he called “Economic Fury,” had targeted Iran’s shadow banking system, crypto access, weapons procurement networks, and the Chinese “teapot” refineries that buy Iranian crude. According to him, the measures had disrupted “tens of billions of dollars of revenue” that otherwise would have been used to fund terrorism, adding that Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export terminal, was nearing storage capacity, a situation he said could force production cuts worth roughly $170 million a day in lost revenue. Still, the crypto mention is what stood out, as for years, sanctions enforcement focused on banks, oil traders, and shipping firms. Putting digital assets in the same sentence as shadow banking and weapons procurement is a signal that Treasury believes crypto is being used not just for small transfers but as part of actual trade settlement infrastructure. According to market analyst Shanaka Anslem Perera, the latest action designated 35 entities and individuals under two existing executive orders. He named UK-registered Shuqun Ltd, which allegedly transferred more than $70 million for Iranian crude on behalf of the National Iranian Oil Company through 2024, and Fratello Carbone Trading Limited, which reportedly moved more than $20 million. The total number of Iran-related targets under Economic Fury has now passed one thousand since February 25. Perera’s reading of Bessent’s language was that the warning was not primarily directed at Tehran. It was directed at every bank, exchange, and intermediary anywhere in the world that processes Iranian flows. Why Crypto Keeps Coming Up in the Hormuz Dispute This is not the first time crypto and Iran have collided in the markets this month, with the Financial Times reporting on April 8 that Iranian officials were demanding Bitcoin payments for ships seeking passage through the Strait of Hormuz. When those reports emerged, BTC ran from around $68,000 to nearly $73,000. Since then, the situation has continued to change, including information coming out on April 27 that Iran had submitted a new peace proposal through Pakistani mediators. This sent Bitcoin briefly to a 12-week high near $80,000 before it got rejected and fell back hard. However, yesterday, Trump posted on Truth Social that Iran had entered a “state of collapse,” pushing oil past $100 a barrel and pulling BTC below $76,000. Those price moves show how closely crypto now trades with geopolitical risk, energy supply concerns, and sanctions policy, and if Washington can disrupt crypto-linked settlement channels tied to Iranian trade, it may reduce one workaround for sanctions. But if alternative rails keep operating, the campaign may simply push more transactions away from the dollar system and into the yuan or digital assets. The post Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says the US Is Targeting Iran’s Access to Crypto appeared first on CryptoPotato .

3 May 2026, 21:04

North Korea-linked creditors target frozen Kelp DAO funds

Plaintiffs holding nearly $877 million in unpaid U.S. court judgments against North Korea are attempting to seize about 30,766 ether (roughly $71 million) frozen on the Arbitrum network in respect to the Kelp DAO exploit, setting up a legal clash between sanctions enforcement and decentralized finance governance. The effort follows a restraining notice authorized by a U.S. federal court in New York on April 30 and served to the Arbitrum DAO via its governance forum, according to reporting by The Block and forum records. The plaintiffs are not tied to the exploit involving Kelp DAO . Instead, they are long-standing creditors seeking to enforce terrorism-related judgments against Pyongyang. The legal action combines three separate U.S. court judgments tied to attacks attributed to or linked with North Korea. These include the killing of Reverend Kim Dong-shik, alleged support for Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon war, and the Lod Airport massacre. Together, the judgments exceed $877 million before interest and remain unpaid, according to court records. Crypto attribution creates a new enforcement path The case hinges on attribution of the underlying exploit. Blockchain firm LayerZero said the Kelp DAO-related breach was linked to the Lazarus Group, a unit long associated with state-backed cyber theft. In its incident analysis, LayerZero said the failure stemmed from system design, noting: “This means no single DVN should represent a unilateral point of trust or failure.” Separately, the company stated the incident was isolated, saying: “This incident was isolated to KelpDAO’s rsETH configuration.” U.S. authorities have previously tied the same hacking apparatus to broader campaigns. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said DPRK-linked actors were responsible for “high-profile international cryptocurrency heists.” Following the exploit, Arbitrum’s Security Council froze the funds after tracing them to addresses associated with the attacker, according to on-chain data and public disclosures. Kelp DAO governance vote collides with court order The legal action arrives as Arbitrum governance considers a proposal to transfer the frozen funds to a recovery initiative backed by Aave Labs, Kelp DAO, LayerZero, EtherFi, and Compound. The plan would compensate users affected by the exploit and stabilize Kelp DAO’s ecosystem, according to governance materials. However, the restraining notice bars any transfer while litigation proceeds, creating a direct conflict between decentralized governance and court authority. A test case for DeFi and sanctions enforcement The dispute highlights unresolved legal questions about how decentralized systems interact with traditional courts. At its core is a novel issue: whether crypto assets linked—through attribution—to a sanctioned state can be seized to satisfy long-standing terrorism judgments. For victims, blockchain traceability offers a rare enforcement opportunity. For DeFi protocols, the case raises the prospect that governance decisions could carry legal consequences beyond code. The Arbitrum vote is set to close May 7, while the restraining notice remains in effect pending further proceedings. Your bank is using your money. You’re getting the scraps. Watch our free video on becoming your own bank

3 May 2026, 20:40

KC Green Accuses AI Startup Artisan of Outrageous Meme Theft for Subway Ad Campaign

BitcoinWorld KC Green Accuses AI Startup Artisan of Outrageous Meme Theft for Subway Ad Campaign KC Green, the artist behind the viral ‘This is fine’ meme, has publicly accused AI startup Artisan of stealing his artwork for a new subway advertisement. The ad, spotted in a transit station, modifies Green’s iconic comic to promote an AI sales tool. This incident reignites debates about intellectual property and AI-generated content in 2026. The ‘This is fine’ Meme and Its Creator KC Green first published ‘This is fine’ in 2013 on his webcomic ‘Gunshow.’ The comic features a smiling dog sitting in a burning room, declaring everything is fine. It quickly became a staple of internet culture, used to express denial or absurdity in chaotic situations. Green has since turned the comic into a video game, but he has not licensed it for commercial use by AI companies. The meme’s widespread recognition makes it a prime target for unauthorized use. Green’s frustration highlights a growing tension between original creators and AI startups that often train on or directly copy existing works without permission. Artisan’s Controversial Ad Campaign Artisan, an AI sales automation company, launched a subway ad featuring Green’s dog. The dog’s speech bubble now reads, ‘[M]y pipeline is on fire,’ and a message below urges commuters to ‘Hire Ava the AI BDR.’ Green discovered the ad through a Bluesky post and stated he never agreed to its use. He called it ‘stolen like AI steals’ and encouraged followers to vandalize the ad if seen. This is not Artisan’s first provocative campaign. Earlier in 2026, the company placed billboards telling businesses to ‘Stop hiring humans.’ Founder and CEO Jaspar Carmichael-Jack defended that message, saying it targeted ‘a category of work,’ not people. The new ad continues this aggressive marketing strategy, but now faces direct legal threats. Artisan’s Response and Legal Implications When contacted by Bitcoin World, Artisan initially said it ‘has a lot of respect for KC Green’ and was reaching out directly. In a follow-up, the company claimed it had scheduled a conversation with him. However, Green told Bitcoin World he is now ‘looking into legal representation.’ He expressed frustration at having to ‘try my hand at the American court system’ instead of creating art. This case echoes previous artist-led lawsuits. Cartoonist Matt Furie sued Infowars for using his character Pepe the Frog, eventually settling. Legal experts note that while memes often spread freely, commercial use without permission can constitute copyright infringement. Green’s case may set a precedent for how AI companies handle viral internet art. The Broader Impact on AI and Copyright The Artisan controversy is part of a larger pattern. Many AI startups scrape online content, including art, to train models or create marketing materials. Artists argue this amounts to theft, as their work is used without compensation or consent. In 2025, several class-action lawsuits were filed against AI image generators, though few have reached verdicts. Green’s situation is distinct because Artisan directly copied his specific artwork, not just a style. This makes the infringement claim stronger. If Green pursues legal action, the outcome could influence how AI companies source material for ads. It may also push platforms to better protect creator rights. Timeline of Events 2013: KC Green publishes ‘This is fine’ in his webcomic ‘Gunshow.’ 2023-2025: The meme spreads globally, used in countless contexts. May 2026: Artisan launches a subway ad featuring an altered version of the meme. May 3, 2026: Green posts on Bluesky, calling the ad theft and urging vandalism. May 2026: Bitcoin World contacts Artisan; the company expresses respect and plans to speak with Green. May 2026: Green tells Bitcoin World he is seeking legal representation. Expert Perspectives on AI Art Theft Intellectual property lawyers note that copyright law protects specific expressions, not ideas. Green’s comic is a fixed, original work, giving him legal standing. However, proving damages from a single ad can be challenging. Some experts suggest Green may seek a licensing fee or an injunction to remove the ads. Tech ethicists also weigh in. They argue that AI startups often ignore creator rights in their rush to market. ‘These no-thought A.I. losers aren’t untouchable,’ Green said, reflecting a sentiment shared by many artists. The case highlights the need for clearer guidelines on AI-generated content and commercial use of memes. Conclusion KC Green’s accusation against Artisan underscores the ongoing conflict between artists and AI companies. The ‘This is fine’ meme, a symbol of internet resilience, now represents a legal battle over ownership. As Green explores his options, the outcome may reshape how AI startups approach advertising and copyright. For now, the dog sits smiling, but the flames around it are very real. FAQs Q1: What is the ‘This is fine’ meme? A: It is a comic by KC Green showing a smiling dog in a burning room, saying ‘This is fine.’ It symbolizes denial in absurd situations. Q2: What did Artisan do with the meme? A: Artisan used an altered version in a subway ad, changing the text to promote its AI sales tool without Green’s permission. Q3: Is using a meme in an ad legal? A: Commercial use without permission can be copyright infringement. Green is considering legal action. Q4: Has Artisan responded? A: Yes, Artisan said it respects Green’s work and has scheduled a conversation with him. Q5: What could happen next? A: Green may sue for copyright infringement. A settlement or court ruling could set a precedent for AI art use. Q6: How does this affect other artists? A: It highlights the need for better protections against AI theft and may encourage more creators to take legal action. This post KC Green Accuses AI Startup Artisan of Outrageous Meme Theft for Subway Ad Campaign first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

3 May 2026, 20:00

Ripple Confirms 13,000 Banks And $12.5 Trillion In Payments, One Analyst Says It Points To $625 XRP

Ripple placed its treasury business at the center of a new XRP price prediction after promoting Ripple Treasury as a platform with full cash visibility with notable numbers. An analyst on X has since noted that those numbers, when run through a valuation model, point to an average price of at least $625 for XRP. Ripple Treasury Puts A Massive Banking Network In View During the SEC v. Ripple case, it surfaced that there were 1,700 NDAs between Ripple and other companies. These led to speculations among members of the XRP community as to the nature of these companies. However, Ripple has now publicly confirmed that its treasury platform is now connected to 13,000 banks and facilitates $12.5 trillion in payment volume. The announcement, which was posted by Ripple on the social media platform X, described Ripple Treasury as the world’s most adaptable treasury platform, capable of delivering 100% cash visibility to institutions. Ripple acquired GTreasury in 2025 for $1 billion, and rather than trying to convince banks to adopt an entirely new system, it acquired an existing enterprise treasury platform and rebranded it as Ripple Treasury. Analyst Patrick L. Riley, posting on X, pointed out the significance of that number of banks connected to Ripple Treasury relative to the global banking industry. There are roughly 4,336 registered banks and savings institutions in the United States and approximately 4,287 credit unions, many of which operate across Western economies. That means Ripple’s operation has expanded well outside the United States. According to Riley, a network of 13,000 connected institutions, therefore, represents substantial penetration across the Anglosphere financial system. How Does This Play Into A $625 Price For XRP? Riley’s main takeaway is that investors may be underestimating the significance of Ripple’s treasury footprint. He pointed to the $12.5 trillion payments figure and connected it to XRP’s utility thesis with the possibility of the cryptocurrency being the conduit through which these payments move. He then applied the Bakkes Pipeline, or stock-to-flow-style, model to the number. In his example, if 20 billion XRP were used to move $12.5 trillion annually, the implied average value would be $625 per XRP. The price projection is likely to appeal to many members of the XRP community, particularly those who believe large-scale bank adoption is going to eventually force a major repricing of XRP. It is important to note that Ripple’s announcement only confirms the size of the treasury network and the payments volume tied to the platform. It does not say that $12.5 trillion is currently being settled through XRP . However, that caveat does not erase the importance of the announcement by Ripple, especially for the future outlook of the XRP price. At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $1.39. Featured image from Pexels, chart from TradingView