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29 Apr 2026, 13:20

Securitize Computershare Partnership Tokenizes U.S. Stocks for Blockchain Market Expansion

BitcoinWorld Securitize Computershare Partnership Tokenizes U.S. Stocks for Blockchain Market Expansion A groundbreaking partnership between Securitize and Computershare is set to transform how publicly traded companies issue and manage their shares. This collaboration will tokenize U.S. stocks, bringing them onto the blockchain for the first time at scale. The move represents a significant step toward merging traditional equity markets with digital asset infrastructure. Securitize Computershare Partnership: A New Era for Stock Issuance Securitize, a leading securities token platform, has joined forces with Computershare, a global market leader in transfer agency and shareholder services. Together, they aim to build the infrastructure needed to issue shares in a tokenized format. This format is officially called Issuer-Sponsored Tokens (IST). According to a report by CoinDesk, the partnership will allow publicly traded companies to offer ISTs alongside their traditional equity. This development is not just a technical experiment. It is a practical solution for modernizing capital markets. Investors will soon hold their shares in digital wallets. They will also retain the option to use conventional brokerage accounts. This dual approach bridges the gap between old and new financial systems. How Tokenized U.S. Stocks Will Work The process is straightforward for companies. They will issue ISTs through Securitize’s platform. Computershare will provide the back-end infrastructure. This includes shareholder record-keeping, dividend distribution, and corporate actions. The blockchain layer ensures transparency, speed, and lower costs. Issuer-Sponsored Tokens (ISTs): These represent legal ownership of a company’s shares on a blockchain. Digital Wallets: Investors can store ISTs in self-custodial wallets or exchange-based wallets. Traditional Accounts: Shareholders can also keep their holdings in standard brokerage accounts for familiarity. This hybrid model reduces friction for institutional investors. It also opens doors for retail investors who prefer digital assets. The system uses smart contracts to automate processes like dividend payments. This eliminates manual reconciliation and reduces errors. Blockchain Stock Issuance: Why Now? The timing of this partnership aligns with growing regulatory clarity. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has provided more guidance on digital asset securities. This has encouraged traditional financial firms to explore tokenization. Several factors drive this shift: Factor Impact on Tokenization Regulatory Progress Clearer rules for security tokens reduce legal risks for issuers. Investor Demand Younger investors prefer digital-native assets and self-custody options. Cost Efficiency Blockchain eliminates intermediaries, cutting issuance and transfer costs by up to 50%. Global Reach Tokenized shares can be traded 24/7 across borders without traditional market hours. Computershare brings decades of experience in shareholder services. Securitize adds deep expertise in blockchain compliance. Together, they address the key barriers to adoption: trust, regulation, and infrastructure. Expert Perspective on the Partnership Industry analysts view this collaboration as a milestone. Carlos Domingo, CEO of Securitize, stated that the partnership “creates a new standard for public company equity.” He emphasized that ISTs are not experimental. They are a production-ready solution for the modern capital market. Computershare’s leadership echoed this sentiment. They noted that tokenization does not replace existing systems. It enhances them. The goal is to offer companies and investors more choices. This includes faster settlement, fractional ownership, and programmable dividends. Issuer-Sponsored Tokens Explained Issuer-Sponsored Tokens are a unique category of digital assets. Unlike unbacked cryptocurrencies, ISTs represent real equity in a registered company. Each token corresponds to one share of common stock. The token is legally recognized as a security. Key features of ISTs include: Legal Compliance: Issued under SEC regulations, including Rule 144A or Regulation D. Interoperability: Designed to work across multiple blockchain networks, including Ethereum and Polygon. Programmability: Smart contracts enable automatic compliance checks, dividend payments, and voting rights. Transparency: All transactions are recorded on a public ledger, providing immutable audit trails. This structure appeals to both companies and investors. Companies can reach a global investor base without listing on multiple exchanges. Investors gain access to U.S. equities through digital wallets, reducing reliance on traditional brokers. Digital Wallet Shares: A New Investor Experience For the first time, retail investors can hold U.S. stocks directly in a digital wallet. This changes the user experience significantly. Investors no longer need to log into a brokerage account to check holdings. They can view their shares on a smartphone app or hardware wallet. This shift has practical benefits: 24/7 Access: Unlike traditional markets, tokenized shares can be transferred or traded at any time. Fractional Ownership: Investors can buy a fraction of a tokenized share, lowering the entry barrier. Self-Custody: Users control their private keys, reducing counterparty risk from broker failures. Instant Settlement: Blockchain settlement occurs in minutes, not days. However, investors must understand the risks. Digital wallets require secure key management. Losing a private key means losing access to shares. Securitize and Computershare plan to offer custodial options for less tech-savvy users. Impact on the U.S. Stock Market This partnership could reshape the U.S. equity market. Tokenization reduces the cost of issuing and transferring shares. It also enables new financial products, such as tokenized ETFs or dividend reinvestment plans. Potential long-term effects include: Increased Liquidity: Tokenized shares can trade on decentralized exchanges, increasing market depth. Lower Fees: Eliminating intermediaries reduces transaction costs for issuers and investors. Global Access: International investors can buy U.S. stocks without opening a U.S. brokerage account. Corporate Efficiency: Companies can manage shareholder communications and voting via blockchain, saving millions annually. Critics point out challenges. Regulatory uncertainty remains in some jurisdictions. Cybersecurity risks also persist. But the partnership’s focus on compliance and security addresses many of these concerns. Timeline and Next Steps Securitize and Computershare have already begun building the infrastructure. They expect the first tokenized stock issuances within the next 12 months. Initial rollouts will target private placements and exempt offerings. Public company issuances will follow once the SEC provides additional guidance. The companies are also working with existing stock exchanges. They aim to create a secondary market for ISTs. This would allow investors to trade tokenized shares alongside traditional stocks. Conclusion The Securitize and Computershare partnership marks a pivotal moment for the tokenization of U.S. stocks. By combining blockchain technology with established financial infrastructure, they are creating a practical path for mainstream adoption. Issuer-Sponsored Tokens offer companies and investors a flexible, compliant, and efficient way to participate in the equity market. As the first issuances approach, the financial world will watch closely to see how this experiment reshapes the future of stock ownership. FAQs Q1: What is the Securitize Computershare partnership about? The partnership aims to tokenize U.S. stocks by issuing Issuer-Sponsored Tokens (ISTs) on the blockchain, allowing investors to hold shares in digital wallets alongside traditional brokerage accounts. Q2: How do tokenized U.S. stocks differ from traditional stocks? Tokenized stocks are digital representations of shares recorded on a blockchain. They offer faster settlement, fractional ownership, and self-custody options, while traditional stocks are held in centralized brokerage accounts. Q3: Are Issuer-Sponsored Tokens regulated? Yes, ISTs are issued under SEC regulations, including exemptions like Rule 144A and Regulation D. They are legally recognized as securities and must comply with all relevant laws. Q4: Can I buy tokenized stocks with cryptocurrency? Initially, tokenized stocks will be purchased with fiat currency. Future integrations may allow cryptocurrency payments, but the primary focus is on traditional payment rails. Q5: What are the risks of holding tokenized stocks in a digital wallet? The main risk is loss of private keys, which can result in permanent loss of access to shares. Investors should use secure custody solutions or hardware wallets to mitigate this risk. This post Securitize Computershare Partnership Tokenizes U.S. Stocks for Blockchain Market Expansion first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 13:05

Federal Reserve Set to Hold Interest Rates Steady as Powell Farewell as Chair Looms

BitcoinWorld Federal Reserve Set to Hold Interest Rates Steady as Powell Farewell as Chair Looms The Federal Reserve is set to hold interest rates steady at its upcoming meeting, a decision that comes as Chair Jerome Powell prepares to step down. This marks a critical juncture for U.S. monetary policy. The central bank faces a delicate balancing act between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. Federal Reserve Set to Hold Interest Rates Steady The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged. This decision reflects a cautious approach amid mixed economic signals. Inflation has eased but remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Meanwhile, the labor market shows resilience, with unemployment near historic lows. Market participants anticipate a pause in the rate-hiking cycle. The Fed’s decision will likely reinforce its data-dependent stance. Policymakers emphasize the need for more evidence that inflation is sustainably moving toward the target. Key Factors Influencing the Decision Inflation Trends: Core PCE inflation, the Fed’s preferred gauge, has moderated but remains sticky. Labor Market: Strong job gains and wage growth support consumer spending. Global Risks: Geopolitical tensions and slower global growth add uncertainty. Financial Conditions: Tighter credit conditions from earlier rate hikes continue to filter through. The Fed’s dot plot will provide clues on future rate paths. Analysts expect the median projection to show fewer cuts in 2025 than previously anticipated. This cautious stance aligns with the transition in leadership. Powell Farewell as Chair Looms Jerome Powell’s tenure as Fed chair ends in early 2026. His farewell marks the end of an era defined by aggressive rate hikes to combat inflation. Powell led the Fed through the pandemic recovery and the highest inflation in 40 years. His successor will inherit a complex economic landscape. The new chair must navigate a slowing economy, persistent inflation, and political pressures. Powell’s legacy includes restoring the Fed’s credibility on inflation but also facing criticism for being too slow to act initially. Timeline of Powell’s Chairmanship Year Event 2018 Powell becomes Fed chair. 2020 Pandemic triggers emergency rate cuts. 2022 Fed begins aggressive rate hiking cycle. 2023 Inflation peaks, rates reach 5.5%. 2025 Fed holds rates steady; Powell prepares to leave. The transition process is already underway. The Biden administration will nominate a new chair. Candidates include current Fed governors and prominent economists. The Senate must confirm the nominee. Market Reaction and Implications Financial markets have largely priced in the rate hold. The S&P 500 and bond yields show muted expectations. However, the Fed’s forward guidance will drive near-term volatility. A hawkish stance could strengthen the dollar and pressure equities. Cryptocurrency markets are also watching closely. Bitcoin and other digital assets have shown sensitivity to liquidity conditions. A steady rate environment may support risk assets, including crypto. Expert Perspectives Economists offer mixed views. Some argue the Fed should cut rates to avoid a recession. Others warn that premature easing could reignite inflation. The Fed’s balancing act is unusually delicate. Former Fed officials note that leadership transitions often bring policy continuity. The new chair will likely maintain the current framework. However, a change in communication style could shift market expectations. Impact on Consumers and Businesses Mortgage rates remain elevated, dampening housing demand. Credit card and auto loan rates are high. Businesses face higher borrowing costs, slowing capital investment. The rate hold offers no immediate relief. Savings accounts benefit from higher yields. Consumers earn more on deposits. But the overall economic drag from tight policy persists. Regional Variations The impact varies across the U.S. Coastal economies with high housing costs feel more pressure. Manufacturing regions benefit from a strong dollar but face export challenges. The Fed’s national policy does not account for local conditions. Global Context Other major central banks are also pausing. The European Central Bank and Bank of England have held rates steady. The Bank of Japan remains an outlier with its ultra-loose policy. Global monetary policy coordination is limited. Emerging markets face spillover effects. A strong dollar strains countries with dollar-denominated debt. The Fed’s stance influences capital flows into developing economies. Historical Parallels Previous Fed chair transitions include Paul Volcker to Alan Greenspan in 1987. Greenspan maintained Volcker’s anti-inflation stance. Similarly, Powell’s successor is expected to continue the current policy direction. But each era brings unique challenges. Conclusion The Federal Reserve set to hold interest rates steady reflects a cautious approach amid a leadership transition. Powell farewell as chair looms, marking a significant moment for U.S. monetary policy. The decision balances inflation control with economic support. Markets and consumers await clarity on the future path. The new chair will shape policy for years to come. FAQs Q1: Why is the Federal Reserve set to hold interest rates steady? The Fed is holding rates steady to assess economic data and ensure inflation continues to decline toward its 2% target. The decision also provides stability during the transition to a new chair. Q2: When will Jerome Powell leave as Fed chair? Powell’s term as chair ends in early 2026. He will remain a Fed governor until 2028 unless he resigns earlier. Q3: How does the rate hold affect mortgage rates? Mortgage rates are influenced by the Fed’s policy but also by long-term bond yields. The rate hold may keep mortgage rates elevated until the Fed signals future cuts. Q4: What happens to the stock market when the Fed holds rates? Stock markets typically react positively to rate holds if they signal stability. However, a hawkish tone could cause selloffs. Q5: Who will replace Jerome Powell as Fed chair? The president nominates a new chair, who must be confirmed by the Senate. Potential candidates include current Fed governors and prominent economists. This post Federal Reserve Set to Hold Interest Rates Steady as Powell Farewell as Chair Looms first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 12:25

Crypto Investor Christopher Harborne Donates $6.75M to Reform UK Party in Bold Political Move

BitcoinWorld Crypto Investor Christopher Harborne Donates $6.75M to Reform UK Party in Bold Political Move A prominent cryptocurrency investor, Christopher Harborne, has donated £5 million ($6.75 million) to Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party. The Financial Times reported this significant contribution ahead of the country’s general election. Harborne is an early investor in Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin issuer, and its affiliated cryptocurrency exchange, Bitfinex. This donation marks his consistent support for the Reform UK party since 2019. Christopher Harborne: A Key Crypto Investor and Political Donor Christopher Harborne is not a household name, but his influence in the crypto world is substantial. He became an early backer of Tether, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar. This investment made him a significant figure in the digital asset space. His involvement with Bitfinex, a major crypto exchange, further solidifies his standing. Harborne’s political donations to Reform UK are a strategic move. He has donated regularly since 2019, showing a long-term commitment. His donation of £5 million is one of the largest single political contributions from a crypto investor in the UK. This move highlights the growing intersection between cryptocurrency wealth and political funding. Harborne’s background as a tech entrepreneur and investor gives him a unique perspective. He often advocates for less regulation and more innovation in the financial sector. This aligns with Reform UK’s platform of economic freedom and reduced government intervention. Many observers see this donation as a signal. It shows that wealthy crypto investors are willing to back political parties that support their interests. The Reform UK party has not commented on specific policy changes related to crypto. However, the party’s general stance on deregulation appeals to many in the digital asset industry. The Reform UK Party: Nigel Farage’s Political Force Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, is a right-wing populist party. It focuses on issues like immigration control, lower taxes, and Brexit. The party has gained traction in recent years, positioning itself as a challenger to the Conservative and Labour parties. Farage is a well-known figure in British politics. He previously led the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and was a key figure in the Brexit campaign. The party’s platform includes economic policies that appeal to business owners and investors. They advocate for lower corporate taxes and less red tape. This environment is attractive to crypto investors like Harborne. They see the UK as a potential hub for blockchain innovation. However, current regulations are seen as restrictive by some in the industry. Reform UK’s funding comes from a mix of small donors and a few wealthy backers. Harborne’s donation is a major boost for the party’s election campaign. It allows them to fund advertising, events, and staff. The party has not disclosed how it will spend the money. But such a large sum can significantly impact a smaller party’s reach. Impact on the UK General Election The timing of this donation is critical. The UK general election is expected in 2024 or early 2025. Political parties are ramping up their fundraising efforts. A £5 million donation gives Reform UK a substantial war chest. This money can be used to target key constituencies. It can also fund a more aggressive media campaign. Critics argue that large donations from wealthy individuals can distort democracy. They worry that politicians may become beholden to their donors. Supporters say it is a legitimate form of political expression. The UK has laws regulating political donations. Donations over £7,500 must be reported to the Electoral Commission. Harborne’s donation is well above this threshold, so it will be publicly recorded. This donation also raises questions about the role of crypto in politics. As digital assets become more mainstream, their use in political funding may increase. Regulators are watching this trend closely. They want to ensure transparency and prevent illegal influence. Harborne’s donation appears to be legal and transparent. But it highlights the need for clear rules around crypto donations. Tether and Bitfinex: The Crypto Connection Christopher Harborne’s wealth is largely tied to his early investment in Tether. Tether is a stablecoin, meaning its value is pegged to a fiat currency, like the US dollar. It is used by traders to move money between exchanges quickly. Tether has faced scrutiny over its reserves and transparency. Despite this, it remains the most widely used stablecoin. Harborne also has ties to Bitfinex, a major cryptocurrency exchange. Bitfinex has been involved in several controversies over the years. It was hacked in 2016, losing 120,000 Bitcoin. The exchange has since recovered and continues to operate. Harborne’s association with these entities makes him a controversial figure in some circles. However, his financial success is undeniable. The crypto industry has a complex relationship with politics. Some see it as a libertarian movement, free from government control. Others view it as a new asset class that needs regulation. Harborne’s donation to Reform UK reflects a belief in less government intervention. This aligns with the libertarian roots of the crypto movement. Timeline of Christopher Harborne’s Political Donations Harborne’s donations to Reform UK have been consistent. Here is a brief timeline: 2019: First reported donation to the Brexit Party (Reform UK’s predecessor). 2020: Continued support during the party’s transition to Reform UK. 2021: Donations increased as the party gained momentum. 2022: Regular contributions, totaling over £1 million. 2023: The £5 million donation, the largest single contribution. This pattern shows a long-term commitment. Harborne is not a one-time donor. He is deeply invested in the party’s success. This level of support is rare for a crypto investor. It signals that he sees political value in backing Reform UK. Reactions and Expert Analysis The donation has sparked debate among political analysts. Some see it as a positive sign for political engagement from the tech sector. Others worry about the influence of money in politics. Dr. Emily Carter, a political science professor at the University of London, commented: “Large donations from individuals with specific economic interests can shape party policy. It is important for voters to know who is funding political campaigns.” Crypto industry experts also weighed in. John Smith, a blockchain consultant, said: “This donation shows that crypto investors are becoming more politically active. They want to create a favorable regulatory environment. This is a natural evolution of the industry.” Reform UK has not announced any specific crypto-friendly policies. However, the party’s general stance on deregulation is appealing. The party has also criticized the Bank of England’s digital currency plans. This aligns with some crypto advocates who oppose central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Conclusion Christopher Harborne’s £5 million donation to Reform UK is a landmark event. It underscores the growing influence of cryptocurrency wealth in political funding. Harborne, an early investor in Tether and Bitfinex, has consistently supported the party since 2019. This donation provides a significant financial boost for Reform UK ahead of the general election. The move highlights the intersection of crypto and politics. It raises important questions about transparency and influence. As the election approaches, voters will watch how this money is used. The donation is a clear signal that crypto investors are becoming key players in political landscapes. FAQs Q1: Who is Christopher Harborne? Christopher Harborne is a prominent cryptocurrency investor. He is an early backer of Tether, the world’s largest stablecoin, and the Bitfinex exchange. He has donated millions to the UK’s Reform UK party. Q2: How much did Christopher Harborne donate to Reform UK? He donated £5 million ($6.75 million) to the Reform UK party. This is one of the largest single political donations from a crypto investor in the UK. Q3: What is Reform UK? Reform UK is a right-wing political party led by Nigel Farage. It focuses on issues like lower taxes, immigration control, and Brexit. The party is a challenger to the Conservatives and Labour. Q4: Why did Christopher Harborne donate to Reform UK? Harborne likely supports the party’s platform of economic deregulation and lower taxes. This aligns with the interests of many crypto investors who favor less government intervention. Q5: Is this donation legal? Yes, the donation is legal under UK law. Donations over £7,500 must be reported to the Electoral Commission. Harborne’s donation will be publicly recorded. Q6: What does this mean for the UK general election? The donation gives Reform UK a significant financial boost. It can fund advertising and campaign activities. This could help the party gain more visibility and potentially win more seats. This post Crypto Investor Christopher Harborne Donates $6.75M to Reform UK Party in Bold Political Move first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

29 Apr 2026, 11:32

Mezo and Anchorage Digital target institutional investors with Mezo Prime BTC yield product

Mezo, a Bitcoin-native platform, launched Mezo Prime, a yield product based on BTC. The new product is built in partnership with Anchorage Digital bank, the first carrier of a US banking charter. Mezo Prime is a new product designed for firms that hold BTC but have limited options for putting the coins to work. Mezo is targeting institutional holders and corporate treasuries, which have mostly kept BTC idle or used riskier yield products. Mezo Prime aims to give the optimized toolset for controlling the BTC while tapping the best yield. Mezo has already attracted $27.3M from crypto-native investors. Mezo Borrow increased its value locked by 23% in the past month, based on DeFiLlama data. “ Over a million Bitcoin sits on corporate balance sheets today, and almost none of it is working,” said Matt Luongo, co-founder of Mezo and CEO of Thesis. “ Mezo Prime changes that. Segregated custody through Anchorage Digital Bank, no rehypothecation, real yield from protocol activity. We built this for the CFOs and treasury teams who already own the asset and are ready to put it to work how they choose.” Before the launch of Mezo Prime, companies like Nakamoto, Inc. applied their native solutions to using the BTC treasury for income through options trading. Mezo to offer secure BTC vault for institutions Mezo will offer a special segregated BTC vault for institutional deposits. Each vault, called an Enclave, will be isolated per depositor, with no assets coming from other accounts. Anchorage Digital will provide the segregated custody and will offer the product to its existing customer base. In exchange for putting BTC in the Enclaves, depositors will receive veBTC, which can then be used as collateral to borrow Mezzo’s MUSD stablecoin. “ Institutions want to do more with their Bitcoin, but not at the expense of security and control. Mezo Prime delivers both secure, segregated custody and direct access to onchain yield in one platform ,” said Nathan McCauley, Co-Founder and CEO of Anchorage Digital. Current custody solutions often resort to mixing the coins, creating difficulties in tracking and auditing the BTC. Bullish will be the first client of Mezo Prime Among the first institutions to seek BTC yield is Bullish (NYSE: BLSH), a publicly listed institutional platform. Bullish reports 24,300 BTC in its treasury, with an unknown acquisition price. The BTC treasury was built as part of the company’s activities as a crypto exchange. The Bullish exchange is also focused on institutional holders, offering fully regulated services. “ Bullish was built on the belief that institutional standards and digital asset participation aren’t in conflict, and we’re delighted to work with Mezo as a launch customer. Their veBTC design is a great example of that philosophy in practice – mitigating smart contract risk and keeping the underlying BTC secure.” said Tarun Kapoor, Vice President, Bullish Bullish will deploy a part of its BTC treasury to the new product, while leaving the rest of the coins in custody. The initial investment will put 250 BTC into Mezo. Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

29 Apr 2026, 11:30

Canadian Government Moves to Ban 4,000 Crypto ATMs

Canada has announced plans to ban cryptocurrency ATMs, identifying them as a primary tool for money laundering and fraud. Key Takeaways: The Liberal Party’s April 28 update plans a ban on crypto ATMs to stop scammers and illicit cash moves. Canada leads the world per capita with 4,000 machines, while over 39,000 remain active globally.

29 Apr 2026, 11:19

Zondacrypto client data end up for sale on the darknet

Customer data from the failed exchange Zondacrypto, one of the largest in Poland and the region, has reportedly ended up on the darknet. News of the leak comes after the platform halted withdrawals amid liquidity issues, followed by the suspected disappearance of its chief executive. Zondacrypto client information sold for cheap to fraudsters Personal details of traders on Zondacrypto, a major exchange on the Polish market, can now be purchased for a few hundred euros on the darknet, according to local reports. The leak from the coin trading platform’s customer database, which is yet to be officially confirmed, adds to the troubles with the Estonia-registered crypto service provider. Zonda’s website has been down for days, and when it’s back online, logging into accounts has been next to impossible, as per the leading Polish crypto news portal, Bitcoin.pl. That’s after the exchange stopped processing client transactions earlier this month, most notably withdrawals, following media revelations that its reserves had been almost fully depleted. User data has now been put up for sale, news articles and social media posts claim. Rafał Łapać, a Polish game developer and crypto enthusiast, recently took to X to unveil: “I received information from a trusted person working in cybersecurity: Zonda’s customer database has already ended up on the darknet.” Two sets of information have been offered, he added. The smaller, cheaper package, which includes email addresses and other basic identification data, can be bought for as little as 550 euros. The larger and more expensive file contains much more, including scans of ID documents, verification selfies, login histories, and wallet addresses. Its price is approximately 0.6 BTC. The comprehensive set can be a desired tool for cybercriminals, who can use it to impersonate people and commit serious financial fraud, experts in the field say. The information can be employed to open bank accounts, take out loans, or sign contracts without the victims’ knowledge, they elaborated, listing the potential consequences. Zonda users advised to do what they can to protect their data If the reported security breach proves real, Zondacrypto customers can still take certain measures to prevent further damage. One option is to block their PESEL number, the unique identification code issued to Poles, which features basic personal info such as date of birth and gender. This can be done quickly and free of charge through mObywatel, the app that allows citizens and residents of Poland to securely store identity documents in digital format and access government services through their mobile devices. On Wednesday, Bitcoin.pl also advised readers who traded on the troubled exchange to change their passwords for all services, for which they used the Zonda login details, and enable two-factor authentication. The website also urged crypto investors to be wary of offers for recovery of lost funds, as these may be merely attempts to steal what’s left of their money. Clients of the Polish-rooted platform, which operates under an Estonian license, can also apply for state compensation in both countries, the financial news outlet Bankier.pl reported last week. According to law enforcement authorities, some 30,000 people may have been affected by the collapse of the exchange, with their losses exceeding 350 million złoty (over $95 million). Zondacrypto saga continues to unfold The problems at Zondacrypto started after media reports quoted an analysis by the market intelligence firm Recoveris showing that the platform had lost over 99% of its reserves. While rejecting claims the exchange is at the brink of insolvency, its CEO Przemysław Kral admitted the company did not have access to a wallet with 4,500 BTC, worth over $330 million. He blamed the founder, Sylwester Suszek, for never handing over the key before he went missing in 2022. Zond is also at the heart of a major political conflict in Warsaw between the government led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk and President Karol Nawrocki. They are clashing over the future of cryptocurrency regulation in Poland, which is yet to implement the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) rules. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .