Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 12:30
Former Ripple CTO Schwartz Sends XRP To John Deaton Senate Campaign
Former Ripple CTO David Schwartz has sent an undisclosed amount of XRP to John Deaton’s US Senate campaign, giving Deaton’s latest fundraising push a direct signal of support from one of the XRP community’s most recognizable figures. Schwartz Donates XRP To Deaton Senate Bid The exchange played out publicly on X after Deaton appealed for donations on May 15, arguing that his campaign was built around small-dollar contributors rather than PACs, lobbyists or “special interests.” Schwartz, posting under his long-running “JoelKatz” account, replied two days later with a brief message: “Sent some XRP.” Deaton answered: “Thank you David!” Deaton is again running for Senate in Massachusetts after winning the Republican primary in 2024 and losing to Sen. Elizabeth Warren in the general election. His new campaign targets the seat held by Democratic Sen. Ed Markey, who is seeking another term. In the video attached to his fundraising post, Deaton framed the campaign as a challenge to entrenched political power in Washington. “I put in as much money as I could for my own campaign, but I don’t take big money. I don’t take PAC money. I don’t take money from lobbyists,” he said. “I just take money really from regular people and most of my donations are small donations. We’re talking 50 bucks, 25 bucks, 100 bucks.” I hate asking for money, but I need your help. Unlike career politicians, I don’t take PAC money. I don’t take lobbyist money. I don’t answer to special interests. This campaign is powered by hardworking people giving 25 bucks, 50 bucks, 100 bucks at a time because they believe… pic.twitter.com/sNBDWgsQaS — John Deaton (@DeatonforSenate) May 15, 2026 The appeal leaned heavily on Deaton’s positioning as an outsider candidate rather than a conventional party figure. He said voters needed “somebody to Washington that actually cares about people,” adding that he would “put people before politics” and would not be “loyal to a person or a party or an agenda.” Deaton also cited policy priorities including energy, housing and healthcare, saying he had “an energy plan that will reduce electricity prices,” “a housing plan that’ll build 5 million homes nationwide in five years,” and a healthcare reform plan aimed at large vertically integrated insurers. For the crypto market, the donation is notable less for its size, which was not disclosed, than for the messenger. Schwartz is one of the best-known technical figures associated with Ripple and XRP. Deaton, meanwhile, built a national profile in digital-asset circles through his advocacy around XRP holders and his criticism of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approach to crypto enforcement. The overlap between Deaton’s political campaigns and the crypto sector was already visible in 2024. Federal Election Commission records show Deaton’s 2024 campaign committee reported $2.24 million in total receipts, including $1 million in loans made by the candidate and $1.15 million in individual contributions. The donation also comes as Deaton is trying to distinguish between his campaign’s direct fundraising model and the broader role of crypto money in US elections. His message to supporters was explicit: “The only way I win is if people like you listening to this donate whatever you can afford.” Whether that support meaningfully changes Deaton’s electoral position is a separate question. Massachusetts remains difficult terrain for Republicans, and Deaton’s 2024 run ended in defeat against Warren. At press time, XRP traded at $1.38.
18 May 2026, 12:00
Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy
BitcoinWorld Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy Longtime gold advocate and Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff has once again challenged the narrative surrounding the world’s largest cryptocurrency, this time targeting MicroStrategy founder Michael Saylor’s characterization of Bitcoin as a ‘digital skyscraper.’ Schiff countered that holding Bitcoin produces no income, comparing it to a building that generates no rent. Schiff’s Core Argument: Bitcoin Lacks Cash Flow In a series of public statements, Schiff argued that Bitcoin’s value is purely speculative, as it does not produce dividends, interest, or rental income. ‘A skyscraper generates rent. Bitcoin generates nothing,’ Schiff said, emphasizing that traditional assets like real estate and stocks provide tangible returns. This critique is central to Schiff’s long-standing position that gold, which he views as a stable store of value, remains superior to Bitcoin. MicroStrategy Under Fire: ‘Centralized Ponzi Scheme’ Schiff also directed sharp criticism at MicroStrategy, the business intelligence firm that has aggressively accumulated Bitcoin since 2020. He specifically called out the company’s Bitcoin-based financial products, including its STRK and STRC convertible notes and preferred stock offerings. According to reports from BeInCrypto, Schiff labeled these instruments a ‘centralized Ponzi scheme’ and urged the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to investigate the company’s practices. What This Means for Investors The debate between Schiff and Saylor highlights a fundamental divide in the investment community. For Bitcoin bulls like Saylor, the asset’s appreciation potential and role as a hedge against inflation justify its holding cost. For skeptics like Schiff, the lack of yield makes Bitcoin a poor long-term investment compared to income-generating assets. The call for an SEC investigation adds a regulatory dimension, raising questions about the classification and marketing of Bitcoin-linked securities. Broader Market Context This exchange occurs amid ongoing volatility in the cryptocurrency market and increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. MicroStrategy’s heavy Bitcoin holdings have made it a bellwether for corporate crypto adoption, but also a target for criticism. The SEC has not publicly responded to Schiff’s call, but the agency has previously signaled interest in regulating crypto products more strictly. Conclusion Peter Schiff’s latest critique underscores the persistent tension between traditional finance advocates and the cryptocurrency sector. While Bitcoin supporters point to its growing institutional adoption and price history, critics like Schiff argue that its lack of intrinsic cash flow makes it fundamentally speculative. The outcome of any potential SEC review of MicroStrategy’s products could have significant implications for how Bitcoin-related securities are marketed and sold. FAQs Q1: Why does Peter Schiff compare Bitcoin to a building that generates no rent? Schiff argues that unlike real estate, stocks, or bonds, Bitcoin does not produce any income or cash flow. He believes its value is based solely on speculation, making it a risky asset. Q2: What is MicroStrategy’s STRC product? STRC is a preferred stock offering by MicroStrategy that pays a dividend. Schiff and others have criticized it for being tied to Bitcoin’s volatile price, calling it a risky financial product. Q3: Could the SEC actually investigate MicroStrategy? While the SEC has not announced any investigation, the agency has increased its oversight of crypto-related financial products. A formal complaint could trigger a review, though the outcome remains uncertain. This post Peter Schiff Dismisses Bitcoin as a ‘Building That Generates No Rent’ and Calls for SEC Probe into MicroStrategy first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:00
UK’s financial payments network is ready for tokenization, regulators say
The U.K.’s financial watchdog and central bank unveiled their roadmap for tokenization, the use of stablecoins for institutional settlement and a phased transition toward 24/7 operation.
18 May 2026, 11:57
How to Bet with Crypto Safely: Most Trusted Licensed Sportsbooks
Crypto sports betting has moved far beyond niche Bitcoin casinos. In 2026, major sportsbooks support stablecoins, multi-chain deposits, live betting, and instant withdrawals. At the same time, the industry still has a trust problem. Many platforms advertise “anonymous betting” or “instant payouts,” yet delay withdrawals, introduce KYC checks after winning streaks, or operate without audits and licensing. For bettors using Bitcoin or USDT, safety depends less on the cryptocurrency itself and more on the platform’s structure. The safest crypto sportsbooks share several characteristics: Valid gambling licenses Transparent withdrawal policies Security audits Proven operational history Fast and verifiable payouts Clear bonus terms Consistent sportsbook liquidity and market depth Below is a breakdown of the most trusted licensed sportsbooks for crypto betting in 2026. 1. Dexsport — Best Licensed No-KYC Crypto Sportsbook Dexsport combines three things rarely found together in online betting: Licensed sportsbook operations Full crypto-native infrastructure No-KYC onboarding The platform launched in 2022 and operates under a license issued by the Government of the Autonomous Island of Anjouan, Union of Comoros. It also completed security audits with CertiK and Pessimistic, two recognized Web3 auditing firms. That combination matters because most crypto sportsbooks fall into one of two categories: Traditional sportsbooks that merely “accept crypto” Anonymous casinos with weak oversight and unclear compliance Dexsport sits between those models. It offers regulated sportsbook operations while maintaining wallet-first access and user privacy. Why Dexsport Is Considered Trusted 1. Licensed and Audited Licensing remains one of the strongest trust indicators in online gambling. A licensed sportsbook must follow operational rules around payments, dispute handling, and platform management. Dexsport operates under an Anjouan gaming license and supplements that with independent blockchain security audits from CertiK and Pessimistic. Most anonymous crypto casinos never publish audit information. Dexsport does. 2. Transparent Betting Infrastructure One of Dexsport’s strongest differentiators is its public live betting desk. Users can view wagers and outcomes in real time, creating a verifiable betting environment instead of relying on opaque settlement systems. Transparency matters in crypto betting because bettors often have no visibility into how bets are processed or settled. Dexsport’s on-chain approach reduces that uncertainty. 3. No Forced KYC at Signup Many sportsbooks advertise “no KYC” but request verification during withdrawals. Dexsport allows onboarding through: MetaMask Trust Wallet WalletConnect Telegram Email registration No identity documents are required for standard platform access. For privacy-focused bettors, especially those outside tightly regulated markets, that removes one of the biggest friction points in online betting. 4. Multi-Chain Crypto Support The platform supports more than 38 cryptocurrencies across 20 blockchain networks, including: Bitcoin Ethereum USDT TRON BNB That flexibility reduces dependency on expensive networks during peak traffic and gives users faster settlement options. TRON and stablecoin betting have become especially popular because transaction fees remain low even during major sporting events. 5. Fast Withdrawals and Fee-Free Transfers Crypto bettors care about withdrawal speed more than almost any other feature. Traditional sportsbooks may take: 1–5 business days for fiat withdrawals Additional review time after large wins Dexsport processes crypto payouts directly on-chain, with deposits and withdrawals designed to be fast and fee-free. That becomes particularly important during live betting sessions and high-volume tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or NBA Finals. 6. Deep Sportsbook Markets A sportsbook cannot build trust on bonuses alone. Market depth matters. Dexsport focuses on high-demand sports and esports with: 100+ betting markets per match Live betting Cash Out functionality Esports betting across CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, cyber football, and more Live streaming access The Cash Out system gives bettors more control over risk management during live events. 7. Established Game Providers For casino users, Dexsport integrates games from: Pragmatic Play Evolution Gaming NetEnt Play’n GO PGSoft Provider quality is another overlooked trust factor. Established studios reduce concerns around manipulated RTPs or fake game libraries. 2. Cloudbet — Long-Running Crypto Sportsbook for High-Stakes Betting Cloudbet is one of the oldest crypto sportsbooks still operating today, having launched in 2013. Its reputation comes from: High betting limits Strong sports coverage Stable long-term operations Automated crypto withdrawals Cloudbet supports 30+ cryptocurrencies and offers particularly strong NFL, soccer, basketball, MMA, and esports coverage. Unlike Dexsport, Cloudbet may request KYC verification for larger withdrawals or high-volume accounts. That makes it less privacy-oriented, though still widely trusted among experienced bettors. Best for: High-volume bettors Large wagering limits Established sportsbook liquidity 3. Bet365 — Best Traditional Regulated Sportsbook Bet365 remains one of the most trusted global sportsbooks because of its regulatory standing and unmatched live betting infrastructure. Key strengths: Long operational history since 2000 Extensive football and tennis markets Strong in-play betting interface Full licensing across multiple jurisdictions For bettors prioritizing legal certainty over anonymity, Bet365 remains one of the safest sportsbooks globally. 4. FanDuel — Most Trusted U.S. Regulated Sportsbook FanDuel dominates the regulated U.S. sports betting market with: State licensing Strong mobile apps Extensive live betting Responsible gambling controls It offers one of the safest betting environments for U.S. users, though crypto support remains limited compared with Web3-native sportsbooks. FanDuel is ideal for: U.S.-based bettors Traditional regulated betting Users comfortable with full identity verification 5. DraftKings — Strong Mobile Sportsbook With Deep Markets DraftKings combines: Broad market coverage Real-time betting Same-game parlays Large-scale regulatory compliance Like FanDuel, it prioritizes regulated operations over privacy or crypto-native features. The platform works well for mainstream bettors but lacks: Wallet-based betting Anonymous onboarding Blockchain transparency How to Identify a Safe Crypto Sportsbook Before depositing Bitcoin or stablecoins on any betting platform, check the following: Trust Factor Why It Matters License Indicates operational oversight Security audits Reduces smart contract and infrastructure risk Withdrawal reputation Confirms payout reliability Transparent terms Prevents bonus abuse and hidden rules Market depth Suggests real liquidity Public track record Shows long-term operational stability Crypto-native payments Reduces banking friction KYC policy clarity Prevents surprise verification requests Many sportsbooks market themselves as “crypto-friendly” while still functioning like traditional centralized casinos. Dexsport stands out because it was designed around crypto infrastructure from the beginning rather than adding crypto later as a payment option. Crypto Betting Safety: What Actually Matters Crypto itself does not make betting safer or riskier. A sportsbook can support Bitcoin and still operate with opaque settlement systems or poor payout practices. The safest platforms combine: Verifiable operations Audited infrastructure Strong sportsbook liquidity Fast withdrawals Clear rules Dexsport currently offers one of the strongest combinations of those factors for bettors seeking no-KYC access, licensed operations, and on-chain transparency. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
18 May 2026, 11:45
UK Regulators Launch Consultation on Tokenized Market Rules
BitcoinWorld UK Regulators Launch Consultation on Tokenized Market Rules The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England (BOE) have formally opened a consultation process to gather industry feedback on a proposed regulatory framework for tokenized financial markets. This move, reported by The Block, marks a significant step in the government’s broader strategy to position London as a global hub for digital financial innovation. Scope of the Regulatory Discussions The consultation invites input from a wide range of market participants, including banks, investment firms, asset managers, central securities depositories, trading platforms, and fintech companies. The initial focus is on security tokens — digital representations of traditional assets such as bonds, stocks, and funds. However, regulators have indicated that the framework could be expanded to cover other asset classes in the future. Key areas under discussion include regulatory approaches to tokenized collateral assets and payment methods. The authorities have noted that tokenization technology presents significant opportunities, particularly in streamlining post-trade processing and improving collateral management efficiency. Why This Matters for Financial Markets Tokenization — the process of issuing digital representations of traditional assets on a distributed ledger — has the potential to reduce settlement times, lower costs, and increase transparency in financial markets. By establishing clear rules early, the UK aims to attract innovation while maintaining investor protection and financial stability. The consultation is part of a wider government push to create a supportive environment for digital securities. The FCA and BOE are seeking to balance the promise of efficiency gains with the need for robust oversight, particularly in areas like custody, trading, and settlement of tokenized assets. Implications for Market Participants For financial institutions and fintech companies operating in or entering the UK market, this consultation offers a chance to shape the regulatory landscape. The feedback period allows stakeholders to highlight practical challenges, such as interoperability between different blockchain platforms and the legal status of tokenized assets under existing securities law. The regulators have emphasized that the framework will be technology-neutral, meaning it will not favor any specific distributed ledger technology. This approach is intended to encourage innovation without locking the market into a particular technical standard. Conclusion The FCA and BOE’s consultation on tokenized market rules represents a deliberate and measured approach to regulating digital finance. By engaging with industry early, UK authorities are working to create a clear, predictable environment that supports innovation while safeguarding market integrity. The outcome of this process could influence how other jurisdictions approach tokenization regulation in the years ahead. FAQs Q1: What is tokenization in financial markets? Tokenization is the process of creating a digital representation of a traditional asset, such as a bond, stock, or fund, on a blockchain or distributed ledger. This can make trading and settlement faster and more transparent. Q2: Who can participate in the UK consultation? The consultation is open to banks, investment firms, asset managers, central securities depositories, trading platforms, and fintech companies. The FCA and BOE are seeking broad industry input. Q3: What types of assets are covered initially? The current focus is on security tokens, including bonds, stocks, and funds. The regulators have left open the possibility of expanding to other asset classes in future phases. This post UK Regulators Launch Consultation on Tokenized Market Rules first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 10:50
Bitcoin slides below $77,000 as Trump’s Iran warning rattles risk assets
Bitcoin and ether sank after the U.S. president told Iran the “clock is ticking,” sending oil higher and triggering broad crypto liquidations.
