hodler

2 May 2026, 03:06

Tillis-Alsobrooks Reach Compromise On Stablecoin Yield In Clarity Act

Senate negotiators reached a compromise on stablecoin yield rules in the CLARITY Act. The deal bars bank-like rewards while preserving activity-based incentives.

2 May 2026, 02:25

CLARITY Act 2026 Odds Surge Past 60% on Polymarket After Breakthrough Stablecoin Deal

BitcoinWorld CLARITY Act 2026 Odds Surge Past 60% on Polymarket After Breakthrough Stablecoin Deal The odds of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) passing in 2026 have surged past 60% on the decentralized prediction market Polymarket. This 14% jump from yesterday marks a pivotal shift in market sentiment. The catalyst appears to be a widely reported compromise on the contentious issue of stablecoin revenue sharing. This development signals growing confidence among traders and industry observers. They now believe that a comprehensive federal framework for digital assets is within reach. The CLARITY Act 2026 aims to provide clear rules for crypto markets. It also seeks to resolve regulatory turf wars between agencies like the SEC and CFTC. Polymarket Odds Reflect Real-Time Sentiment Shift Prediction markets like Polymarket aggregate the wisdom of crowds. They allow users to bet on the outcome of real-world events. The current Polymarket prediction odds show a 62% probability of passage. This represents a dramatic increase from just 48% earlier this week. Market participants cite several reasons for this shift. First, the stablecoin compromise removed a major political roadblock. Second, bipartisan support appears to be solidifying. Third, the 2026 election cycle creates urgency for lawmakers to act. One trader on Polymarket noted, “The revenue sharing deal was the last big hurdle. Now the path forward looks much clearer.” Another user pointed to the increasing involvement of traditional financial institutions. These entities now lobby heavily for regulatory clarity. Stablecoin Revenue Sharing: The Key Compromise The heart of the breakthrough involves stablecoin revenue sharing . Stablecoin issuers, such as Circle and Tether, earn interest on the reserves backing their tokens. The question of who gets a cut of that revenue has divided lawmakers. Under the proposed compromise, a portion of this revenue would flow to state regulators. Another portion would support a federal innovation fund. This structure addresses concerns from both sides of the aisle. Republicans wanted to preserve state-level oversight. Democrats sought federal consumer protections. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), a key architect of the bill, described the deal as “a pragmatic solution that respects state authority while ensuring national standards.” Her counterpart, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), emphasized the consumer benefits. She stated that the fund would “directly support financial literacy and fraud prevention programs.” Timeline of the CLARITY Act’s Journey The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act has traveled a long road. Introduced in mid-2025, it faced initial skepticism. Many doubted its chances in a divided Congress. However, the bill gained momentum through a series of hearings and markups. Key milestones include: July 2025: Bill introduced in the Senate Banking Committee October 2025: House Financial Services Committee holds parallel hearings January 2026: Stablecoin revenue sharing becomes the main sticking point February 2026: Bipartisan working group formed to resolve differences March 2026: Compromise announced; Polymarket odds spike above 60% This timeline shows steady progress. Each step has built on the previous one. The current odds reflect a cumulative effect of these developments. What the CLARITY Act Would Actually Do The CLARITY Act 2026 is not just another crypto bill. It is a comprehensive framework. It covers everything from token classification to exchange registration. Here are the core provisions: Token Classification: Creates a clear test to determine if a digital asset is a security or a commodity Exchange Oversight: Gives the CFTC primary authority over spot crypto exchanges Stablecoin Regulation: Establishes federal standards for reserve composition and disclosure DeFi Safe Harbor: Provides a three-year exemption for decentralized finance protocols to achieve compliance Consumer Protections: Mandates clear disclosures about risks, fees, and custody arrangements These provisions address long-standing industry complaints. Companies have struggled with unclear rules. The SEC has pursued enforcement actions without providing clear guidance. The CLARITY Act aims to change that. Industry Reactions to the Rising Odds The crypto industry has reacted with cautious optimism. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, tweeted: “60% is better than 0%. Let’s get this done.” Other executives echoed this sentiment. They see the bill as a necessary step for mainstream adoption. However, some remain skeptical. The Blockchain Association warned that “odds on a prediction market are not the same as votes in Congress.” They urged continued lobbying efforts. The next few weeks will be critical. The bill must pass through multiple committees before a floor vote. Institutional investors are also watching closely. Many have held back from entering the crypto market. They cite regulatory uncertainty as the main barrier. A clear legal framework could unlock billions in new capital. Impact on Stablecoin Issuers and DeFi Projects The stablecoin revenue sharing compromise directly affects major issuers. Circle, the issuer of USDC, has publicly supported the bill. Tether, the largest stablecoin by market cap, has remained neutral. The compromise likely benefits both companies. It provides regulatory certainty while allowing them to keep most of their revenue. DeFi projects also stand to gain. The three-year safe harbor gives them time to adapt. Many protocols currently operate in a legal gray area. The CLARITY Act would legitimize their operations. This could lead to increased user adoption and investment. Expert Analysis: What the Odds Really Mean Political scientist Dr. Sarah Jenkins of Georgetown University explained the significance. She stated, “Prediction markets are remarkably accurate. They often outperform polls and expert surveys. A 60% probability suggests that the bill’s passage is more likely than not.” She added a note of caution: “However, prediction markets can be volatile. A single negative news event could reverse the trend. We need to watch for any signs of opposition from key committee chairs.” Market analyst Tom Lee of Fundstrat Global Advisors offered a different perspective. He noted that “the Polymarket odds reflect the views of a relatively small group of sophisticated traders. They may not represent the broader public opinion. But they do indicate where smart money is flowing.” Comparison with Previous Crypto Legislation Attempts The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act is not the first attempt at crypto regulation. Previous bills, such as the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act, failed to gain traction. What makes this bill different? First, the political environment has shifted. The 2024 election brought crypto-friendly lawmakers into office. Second, the industry has matured. Major companies now employ sophisticated lobbying teams. Third, the stablecoin compromise removed a key obstacle. Previous bills lacked this crucial element. A comparison table illustrates the differences: Bill Year Status Key Hurdle Lummis-Gillibrand 2022 Failed SEC vs. CFTC jurisdiction Digital Commodities Act 2023 Failed Stablecoin oversight CLARITY Act 2025-2026 60% odds Revenue sharing resolved This table shows clear progress. Each iteration has learned from previous failures. The CLARITY Act benefits from this accumulated knowledge. Potential Obstacles Still Ahead Despite the rising odds, significant obstacles remain. The bill must pass both the House and Senate. It then requires the President’s signature. Each step presents opportunities for delay or defeat. Key potential obstacles include: Senate Filibuster: Requires 60 votes to overcome, a high bar in a closely divided chamber House Opposition: Some progressive Democrats want stricter consumer protections White House Veto: President could veto if the bill lacks sufficient investor safeguards Timing: The 2026 midterm elections may crowd the legislative calendar Each of these factors could reduce the odds. Traders on Polymarket will watch them closely. Any negative development could trigger a sharp drop in probability. Global Context: How the CLARITY Act Fits International Trends The United States is not alone in pursuing crypto regulation. The European Union has already passed the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The UK is developing its own framework. Japan and Singapore have established clear rules. The CLARITY Act 2026 would bring the US in line with these international standards. This is crucial for maintaining competitiveness. Without clear rules, crypto companies may relocate to more favorable jurisdictions. Industry leaders have warned about this risk. Brian Brooks, former acting Comptroller of the Currency, stated: “Every day without clear regulation is a day that innovation moves offshore. The CLARITY Act is essential for keeping America at the forefront of financial technology.” What Happens If the Bill Passes? If the CLARITY Act passes, the effects would be far-reaching. The SEC would lose some of its enforcement authority over crypto. The CFTC would gain new responsibilities. State regulators would retain a role in stablecoin oversight. For investors, the bill would provide clarity. They would know which tokens are securities and which are commodities. This would reduce litigation risk. It would also open the door for more institutional investment. For companies, compliance costs would increase initially. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. A clear regulatory framework reduces uncertainty. It also attracts more customers and partners. Conclusion The CLARITY Act 2026 has crossed a critical threshold on Polymarket. The odds now exceed 60%, reflecting a significant shift in market sentiment. The stablecoin revenue sharing compromise removed the last major political obstacle. However, challenges remain. The bill must navigate a complex legislative process. Traders, investors, and industry participants will watch closely. The next few months will determine whether this momentum translates into actual law. If it does, the US crypto market could enter a new era of regulatory clarity and growth. FAQs Q1: What is the CLARITY Act 2026? The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) is a proposed US federal law that would establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, including stablecoins, crypto exchanges, and DeFi protocols. Q2: Why did Polymarket odds jump 14% in one day? The odds increased after news broke of a bipartisan compromise on stablecoin revenue sharing, which had been the main sticking point blocking the bill’s progress. Q3: How accurate are Polymarket prediction markets? Academic studies show that prediction markets like Polymarket are often more accurate than polls or expert surveys, though they can be volatile and reflect the views of a niche group of traders. Q4: What is stablecoin revenue sharing? Stablecoin issuers earn interest on the reserves backing their tokens. Revenue sharing refers to how that interest income is distributed between the issuer, state regulators, and federal programs. Q5: When would the CLARITY Act take effect if passed? The bill would likely include a phased implementation period, with some provisions taking effect immediately and others, such as the DeFi safe harbor, becoming effective after a transition period. This post CLARITY Act 2026 Odds Surge Past 60% on Polymarket After Breakthrough Stablecoin Deal first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

2 May 2026, 01:45

Digital Pound Delay: UK Slows Britcoin Development as Private Alternatives Surge

BitcoinWorld Digital Pound Delay: UK Slows Britcoin Development as Private Alternatives Surge The United Kingdom is rethinking the pace of its central bank digital currency (CBDC) project, commonly called Britcoin. According to a Bloomberg report, the UK Treasury and the Bank of England are now discussing a slowdown in development. A final decision, initially expected this summer, now faces a likely postponement. This shift highlights growing questions about the necessity of a digital pound. Why the UK Slows Its Digital Pound Project The core reason for this potential delay stems from the rapid progress of private sector innovations. Tokenized deposits, for example, are already providing fast and affordable payment alternatives within the existing banking framework. These private solutions may reduce the urgent need for a state-issued digital currency. The Bank of England and the Treasury are carefully evaluating whether public investment in a CBDC remains justified. Governor Andrew Bailey has expressed skepticism about the need for a retail CBDC. He has questioned whether it would offer significant advantages over current systems. This cautious stance positions the UK between Europe and the United States. The European Central Bank is accelerating its digital euro project. In contrast, the U.S. has halted similar work on a digital dollar. Understanding the Britcoin CBDC Timeline The UK’s exploration of a digital pound began with a consultation paper in 2021. The Bank of England and the Treasury launched a joint task force to study design and implementation. By 2023, the project entered a design phase, with a potential launch targeted for the latter half of the decade. However, the current discussions signal a potential shift in this timeline. 2021: Joint task force formed to explore CBDC feasibility. 2023: Design phase launched with public consultation. 2024: Expected decision on whether to proceed with development. 2025: Decision now likely postponed beyond summer. This timeline reflects a methodical approach. Policymakers want to avoid rushing into a technology that may become obsolete or unnecessary. Tokenized Deposits: A Private Sector Alternative Tokenized deposits represent a digital representation of commercial bank money on a blockchain or distributed ledger. They offer near-instant settlement and programmability, similar to a CBDC. However, they operate within the regulated banking system. Major UK banks and fintech companies are already experimenting with this technology. Proponents argue that tokenized deposits can deliver the benefits of a digital currency without requiring a central bank to issue a new liability. This approach may also preserve the role of commercial banks in the payment system. The UK Treasury views this as a viable path forward, reducing the pressure to develop Britcoin. Comparing Global CBDC Approaches The UK’s cautious strategy contrasts with other major economies. The European Central Bank is progressing with its digital euro, aiming for a potential launch by 2028. China’s digital yuan is already in advanced pilot stages, with millions of users. Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Reserve has paused its CBDC work, citing political and privacy concerns. Country/Region Status Key Motivation UK Delaying decision Private sector alternatives European Union Accelerating Payment system autonomy China Advanced pilot Financial inclusion, control United States Halted Political opposition, privacy This divergence shows that no single model fits all economies. Each nation balances innovation, privacy, and financial stability differently. Implications for the UK Financial System A slower Britcoin rollout may affect the UK’s financial technology sector. Fintech firms that anticipated a CBDC infrastructure may need to adjust their strategies. However, the delay could also encourage more private sector innovation. Tokenized deposits and stablecoins may fill the gap, offering similar benefits without central bank involvement. The Bank of England remains committed to monitoring these developments. It will likely issue guidance on how private digital currencies should operate. This regulatory clarity could foster a more dynamic payment ecosystem. Expert Perspectives on the Digital Pound Financial analysts have mixed views on the delay. Some argue that the UK is wise to wait and learn from other countries’ experiences. Others warn that hesitation could leave the UK behind in digital finance. Dr. Sarah Green, a fintech researcher at the University of Cambridge, notes that ‘the UK’s approach reflects a healthy skepticism. However, it must balance caution with the need to remain competitive.’ The Bank of England has not ruled out a CBDC entirely. It continues to research and consult with stakeholders. The final decision will likely depend on how private alternatives evolve and whether they meet the needs of all citizens. Conclusion The UK’s decision to consider slowing the digital pound Britcoin development reflects a pragmatic evaluation of the current landscape. Private sector innovations like tokenized deposits offer compelling alternatives. This delay allows policymakers to assess whether a central bank digital currency remains necessary. The outcome will shape the future of payments in the UK and influence global CBDC discussions. FAQs Q1: What is the digital pound or Britcoin? A: The digital pound, often called Britcoin, is a proposed central bank digital currency (CBDC) issued by the Bank of England. It would be a digital form of the pound sterling for use by households and businesses. Q2: Why is the UK slowing down the Britcoin project? A: The UK is considering a slowdown because private sector alternatives like tokenized deposits already offer fast and affordable payments. Policymakers question whether a CBDC is necessary. Q3: What are tokenized deposits? A: Tokenized deposits are digital representations of commercial bank money on a blockchain. They provide similar benefits to a CBDC, such as instant settlement, but operate within the existing banking system. Q4: How does the UK’s approach compare to other countries? A: The UK is taking a cautious middle path. Europe is accelerating its digital euro, while the U.S. has halted its CBDC work. China is already running advanced pilots of its digital yuan. Q5: Will the digital pound ever be launched? A: A final decision has been postponed. The Bank of England and Treasury are still evaluating. The launch depends on whether private alternatives can meet all policy objectives. This post Digital Pound Delay: UK Slows Britcoin Development as Private Alternatives Surge first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

2 May 2026, 01:25

Iran Sanctions Warning: Paying Hormuz Fees with Crypto Risks Severe Penalties

BitcoinWorld Iran Sanctions Warning: Paying Hormuz Fees with Crypto Risks Severe Penalties The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued a stark warning: paying Iran’s demanded passage fees through the Strait of Hormuz with cryptocurrency violates U.S. sanctions. This advisory targets a growing risk for global shipping and financial firms. It clarifies that using digital assets to settle these fees directly supports a sanctioned entity. The Treasury explicitly warns that any transaction with Iranian digital asset exchanges is prohibited for U.S. persons. Non-U.S. firms face secondary sanctions, potentially losing access to the American financial system. This move underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to enforcing sanctions in the digital age. OFAC Advisory: The Core Warning on Iran Sanctions and Crypto OFAC’s recent advisory directly addresses Iran’s demands for transit fees from vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The agency states that while Iran may request payment in digital assets, doing so constitutes a sanctionable offense. The key prohibition targets any transaction involving Iranian digital asset exchanges. These exchanges are now classified as sanctioned Iranian financial institutions. Therefore, any payment routed through them, even indirectly, violates U.S. law. The advisory serves as a clear red line for international shipping companies, banks, and crypto firms. It aims to prevent the circumvention of existing sanctions through new technology. What the Advisory Specifically Prohibits Direct Payments: Paying Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) or its proxies with any digital asset. Exchange Use: Transacting with any Iranian digital asset exchange, which OFAC considers a sanctioned financial institution. Facilitation: U.S. persons facilitating such payments for non-U.S. entities, including through software or wallet services. Indirect Support: Any action that materially supports Iran’s financial sector, including the use of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters for Global Trade and Crypto The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments. Approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through it. Iran has historically used its position to demand passage fees from vessels. These demands often target ships flagged to nations not aligned with U.S. policy. By demanding payment in crypto, Iran attempts to bypass traditional banking surveillance. This creates a complex risk for shipping companies. They must now decide between paying a fee to a sanctioned entity or risking vessel detention. The OFAC advisory makes the legal consequences of paying with crypto explicit. Risk Factor Consequence for U.S. Persons Consequence for Non-U.S. Persons Paying with crypto Civil penalties, criminal prosecution Secondary sanctions, loss of USD access Using Iranian exchange Asset freeze, legal liability Designation as a sanctions evader Facilitating payment Same as direct payment Potential blacklisting Impact on Digital Asset Exchanges and Crypto Firms The advisory directly impacts global cryptocurrency exchanges. Any platform that processes transactions linked to Iranian addresses faces severe legal exposure. OFAC expects exchanges to implement robust sanctions screening. This includes monitoring for transactions originating from or destined for Iranian wallets. The advisory also warns against using privacy coins or mixers to obscure these payments. Crypto firms must now enhance their Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols. Failure to comply can result in losing operating licenses in major jurisdictions. This creates a chilling effect on the entire industry. Expert Analysis: A New Frontier in Sanctions Enforcement Legal experts note that this advisory represents a significant escalation. It marks the first time OFAC has explicitly linked a geographic chokepoint to digital asset payments. The agency is signaling that it will aggressively pursue sanctions evasion in the crypto space. This aligns with broader U.S. government efforts to regulate the crypto industry. The advisory also serves as a template for future actions against other sanctioned entities. It demonstrates that the U.S. Treasury views crypto not as a loophole, but as a traceable and regulated financial channel. Timeline of Events Leading to the OFAC Warning 2023: Iran begins publicly demanding crypto payments for Hormuz passage fees from certain vessels. 2024: Reports emerge of at least one tanker paying a fee using Bitcoin through a non-Iranian exchange. Q1 2025: U.S. intelligence confirms Iran is actively soliciting crypto payments for transit fees. April 2025: OFAC issues the formal advisory, clarifying the legal prohibition. Global Reactions and Compliance Challenges Shipping industry groups have expressed concern over the advisory. They argue it places an impossible burden on vessel operators. Many ships lack the legal expertise to determine if a fee demand is legitimate. The advisory also creates a compliance nightmare for maritime insurers. Insurers must now assess whether a client’s potential payment violates sanctions. This could lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage for routes near Iran. Meanwhile, crypto advocacy groups criticize the move as overreach. They argue it stifles innovation and punishes legitimate use of digital assets. What This Means for Non-U.S. Companies Non-U.S. companies face the most significant risk. They are not directly bound by U.S. law but fear secondary sanctions. These sanctions can cut them off from the U.S. financial system. This is a devastating penalty for any global firm. The advisory warns that even indirect use of Iranian crypto exchanges triggers this risk. Companies must now conduct enhanced due diligence on all counterparties. They must also ensure their supply chains do not involve Iranian digital asset transactions. This adds significant cost and complexity to international trade. Conclusion The U.S. Treasury’s warning on paying Iran’s Hormuz fees with crypto represents a critical development in sanctions enforcement. It closes a potential loophole and sends a clear message: digital assets are not exempt from U.S. law. The advisory imposes strict compliance obligations on U.S. persons and significant risks for non-U.S. entities. Global shipping, finance, and crypto firms must immediately update their sanctions screening protocols. The Iran sanctions framework now explicitly covers digital asset transactions, making compliance more complex than ever. This is a landmark moment in the intersection of geopolitics and cryptocurrency regulation. FAQs Q1: What exactly does the OFAC advisory prohibit regarding Iran sanctions and crypto? A1: It prohibits U.S. persons from paying Iran’s demanded Strait of Hormuz passage fees using any digital asset. It also bars transacting with Iranian digital asset exchanges, which are now treated as sanctioned financial institutions. Q2: Can a non-U.S. shipping company pay the fee with crypto and avoid sanctions? A2: No. The advisory warns that non-U.S. persons using Iranian crypto exchanges risk secondary sanctions. This could block their access to the U.S. financial system, a severe penalty. Q3: What happens if a U.S. crypto exchange processes a transaction linked to Iran? A3: The exchange faces civil penalties, asset freezes, and potential criminal prosecution. OFAC expects exchanges to implement robust screening to prevent such transactions. Q4: Does this advisory apply to all digital assets or just Bitcoin? A4: It applies to all digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and tokens. OFAC does not distinguish between asset types for sanctions purposes. Q5: What should a global shipping company do to comply with this Iran sanctions warning? A5: They should implement enhanced due diligence on all vessel routes and counterparties. They must ensure no payment, in any form, reaches Iranian entities through digital asset channels. Legal counsel specializing in sanctions law is essential. This post Iran Sanctions Warning: Paying Hormuz Fees with Crypto Risks Severe Penalties first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

2 May 2026, 01:21

Stablecoin usage sees significant increases while JPMorgan remains skeptical

Stablecoins are moving more money than ever before. However, according to analysts at JPMorgan Chase, the bigger story isn’t just growth—it’s how efficiently that money is moving. Faster money, not necessarily bigger market Stablecoin activity is rising quickly as more payments shift to real-time systems. In a 2026 research led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou, summarized by Moneywise, JPMorgan highlighted a simple but powerful shift in expectations: “Consumers and businesses increasingly expect funds to move as fast as information.” (Source: Moneywise, 2026, summarizing JPMorgan Global Markets Strategy research) Primary context: https://www.jpmorgan.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com They added: “The sharp growth in real-time payment signals that instant settlement is moving from a ‘nice-to-have’ to a ‘must-have.’” (Source: Moneywise, 2026) What this really means: People don’t want to wait for money anymore—and increasingly, they don’t have to. As payments become instant, stablecoins get reused more often. That higher turnover—what analysts call velocity —means the system can handle more activity without needing a much larger supply. The data: usage is racing ahead The total stablecoin market is now worth over $300 billion. That’s impressive—but what’s more striking is how much these assets are being used. According to Andreessen Horowitz: “Stablecoins processed $46 trillion in total transaction volume in the last year.” (Source: a16z Crypto, State of Crypto Report , 2025) Primary report: https://a16zcrypto.com/state-of-crypto-report-2025/ Another dataset from the same firm shows: “Stablecoins have done $9 trillion in volume in the last 12 months.” (Source: a16z Crypto, 5 More Charts That Explain Crypto , 2025) Primary dataset: https://a16zcrypto.substack.com/p/5-more-charts-that-explain-crypto Why this stands out: Even if the exact numbers vary, the direction is clear— usage is growing much faster than market size . That gap is exactly what JPMorgan is pointing to. A simple way to see the shift Here’s a clearer way to understand what’s happening: Metric 2022 2024 2026 (est.) Trend Stablecoin Market Cap ~$150B ~$250B $300B+ Steady growth Annual Transaction Volume ~$6T ~$20T $17T–$46T Rapid growth Implied Velocity (Volume ÷ Market Cap) ~40x ~80x 60x–150x Rising fast The takeaway: Stablecoins aren’t just growing—they’re working harder . Each dollar is being used more frequently, which is why transaction volume is pulling away from market cap. Regulation is helping bring this into the mainstream Rules are also starting to catch up with adoption. The GENIUS Act is one of the first major efforts to create a clear legal framework for stablecoins in the U.S. The law requires stablecoins to be backed one-to-one by high-quality reserves , such as U.S. dollars or Treasuries. Why this matters: When rules become clearer, more businesses and institutions are willing to participate. That doesn’t just increase supply—it increases how often stablecoins are used , which again feeds into higher velocity. Who dominates the market today? Even with all this growth, the market is still concentrated among a few major players: Issuer Flagship Stablecoin Est. Market Share Role in Velocity Tether USDT ~65–70% High trading activity, fast turnover Circle USDC ~20–25% Payments and institutional use Others Various ~5–10% Smaller but growing What this tells us: Not all stablecoins behave the same way. Some are used heavily in trading (high velocity), while others are gaining traction in payments and real-world finance. That mix will shape how the market evolves. So what’s really changing? Step back, and a clear pattern emerges: Stablecoins are being used more often. Transactions are happening faster. The system is becoming more efficient. This points to a bigger shift: Stablecoins are no longer just digital cash. They are becoming core financial infrastructure. Still letting the bank keep the best part? Watch our free video on being your own bank .

2 May 2026, 00:30

Everything On Cardano Depends On This, IOG Warns

Input Output Group has put Cardano’s maintenance layer at the center of its latest governance pitch, arguing that the network’s future upgrades, applications and daily operations all depend on sustained funding for core infrastructure work. In a post on X, IOG said the effort is led by Michael Karg and covers “Rigorous Testing/QA and Performance tuning,” “Bug fixes & security patches,” and “Node, network and community support.” The message was deliberately blunt: “Everything on Cardano depends on this.” Everything on Cardano depends on this.Led by Michael Karg: → Rigorous Testing/QA and Performance tuning→ Bug fixes & security patches→ Node, network and community support The foundation that keeps billions in value running.Watch the video below and read the full… pic.twitter.com/343oG64EPB — Input Output Group (@IOGroup) April 30, 2026 Why This Proposal Is Crucial For Cardano The proposal, published on the Momentum Cardano site, frames maintenance as the baseline condition for the rest of the ecosystem. It describes the initiative as “core platform maintenance, support, and operational infrastructure for the Cardano network,” with a scope that runs from Q3 2026 through Q1 2027. The proposal’s treasury ask is ₳62,134,630. The central argument is not that maintenance is a new feature, but that it is the layer that makes feature delivery possible. The proposal states: “Every proposal in this portfolio depends on one thing: a stable, reliable, operational Cardano network. Maintenance is the foundation everything else is built on.” It adds that Cardano “powers billions of dollars in value and thousands of applications across a global user base,” making continued codebase upkeep, security work and predictable releases a matter of operational stewardship rather than optional spending. The proposal says the programme covers disaster recovery, knowledge sharing through the Cardano Blueprint, security reviews, monitoring data and performance metrics, all of which are to be published transparently. The underlying message is clear: new capabilities can only ship safely if the base layer remains stable. The funded work is broad. According to the proposal, the maintenance envelope includes node bugfixing and architecture, DevOps and infrastructure, monitoring, documentation, open-source support, performance, quality assurance, release support and security, and component maintenance. That translates into work on CI/CD systems, compiler and platform compatibility, testnets, mainnet monitoring, global mempool data, GitHub issue triage, ledger performance, benchmarking, incident management, Plutus Core updates, DB-Sync consistency and Cardano API/CLI upkeep. IOG also emphasizes that these deliverables are not staged as a conventional roadmap . The proposal says all deliverables are continuous and “run for the full duration of the funded period,” with no sequential phasing or quarterly gating. In other words, the request is structured around parallel operational coverage rather than discrete milestone releases. The proposal includes a direct defense of the size of the line item. “People ask why Maintenance is the biggest line item. The answer is simple: everything else depends on it. Every stake pool operator, every DApp, every transaction on Cardano runs on the work this team does every day.” A second quote from Christos Palaskas, the operator of the Skepsis Pool, makes the same point from a stake-pool perspective. “I’ve been running my stake pool Skepsis for 5+ years now. There have been numerous occasions where improvements to the node were welcomed with relief. There have been memory footprint improvements, security fixes, new features.” He warned that Cardano must keep maintaining the node “or we will not survive the next storm.” At press time, ADA traded at $0.2476.