hodler

16 May 2026, 06:00

How CLARITY Act Clears Ripple-Linked XRP for Run to $2

XRP eyes a $2 breakout as the Senate's CLARITY Act clears the way for a massive weekly Bollinger Bands squeeze for Ripple's "North Star".

16 May 2026, 04:32

Anthropic's record copyright deal stalls over fee questions

A federal judge declined to finalize Anthropic’s $1.5 billion settlement with authors on Thursday, asking for more detail on attorney fees and payments to lead plaintiffs before signing off on what would be the largest copyright settlement in U.S. history. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin probed lawyers on several unresolved issues during a May 14 hearing in San Francisco. That leaves about 120,000 authors and copyright holders waiting for resolution of a case that’s been dragging on since 2024. Anthropic accused of downloading 7M+ pirated books The lawsuit accused Anthropic of downloading more than 7 million pirated books from shadow libraries LibGen and PiLiMi to train its models. Now-retired Judge William Alsup ruled in June 2025 that Anthropic’s use of the books for AI training qualified as fair use, as long as the works were obtained legally. But he found that stockpiling pirated copies in a “central library” that went beyond training purposes wasn’t protected. That ruling set up a trial, originally scheduled for December 2025, where Anthropic faced potential damages in the hundreds of billions of dollars. Rather than go to trial, Anthropic agreed to the $1.5 billion settlement. Alsup preliminarily approved it in September 2025. The case was later reassigned to Martinez-Olguin after Alsup retired. Authors and publishers filed claims covering more than 91% of the ~480,000 eligible works in the settlement class, according to court filings cited by Reuters. That participation rate dwarfs the 9% median for U.S. consumer class actions, based on a 2019 Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report. “This claims rate is another reason why this settlement is so historic and demonstrates the overwhelming support of the class,” lead plaintiff attorney Justin Nelson of Susman Godfrey told Reuters in April. Each title would receive at least $3,000 before costs and fees, split between authors and publishers, according to the Authors Guild . Self-published authors and those whose rights have reverted would keep the full amount. The standard default split between publishers and authors for non-educational works is 50/50. Some authors opted out of the Anthropic settlement Anthropic’s settlement has drawn criticism from some authors, who argue that the total amount is too low compared to the scale of the alleged piracy. Other authors have challenged the proposed attorney fees. The plaintiff law firms, Susman Godfrey and Lieff Cabraser, are requesting $187.5 million, or 12.5% of the fund. That’s down from the $300 million they originally sought after Alsup pushed back in December. More than 25 writers opted out of the settlement entirely. That group, which includes novelists Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, filed a new lawsuit against Anthropic in California on May 13. One day before the final approval hearing. Several other authors and publishers with similar claims have separate ongoing lawsuits against the company. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

16 May 2026, 03:35

ChatGPT now reads your spending and gives financial advice

OpenAI rolled out personal finance tools inside ChatGPT on Friday. Pro subscribers in the U.S. can now link bank and investment accounts through Plaid and ask the chatbot to break down spending, flag subscriptions, or map out financial goals. The integration hooks into 12,000+ financial institutions. Schwab, Fidelity, Chase, Robinhood, Amex, and Capital One all work. After connecting any financial account, the user will see a dashboard showing how their portfolio is performing, where their money is going, which subscriptions are active, and what payments are coming up. OpenAI says more than 200 million people already bring financial questions to ChatGPT each month. The new tooling turns those generic queries into personalized answers pulled from your actual account data. Plaid connects users’ accounts to ChatGPT To start using the tool, the user should click on “Get started” in the Finances option on ChatGPT’s sidebar. Another option is to type “@Finances, connect my accounts” in a conversation. The chatbot then walks the user through Plaid’s authentication flow from there. Plaid handles the actual connection between ChatGPT and the user’s bank or financial accounts. After a user’s accounts are linked, they can ask ChatGPT , for example, about subscriptions they may have forgotten about, or compare this month’s grocery bill to last month’s. They can even ask ChatGPT to suggest ways to cut back on expenses, estimate how long it would take to pay off a credit card, or help them figure out how much to save each month to reach a goal. OpenAI also plans to add Intuit support, which would let the chatbot estimate the tax impact of a stock sale. The company wrote , “The vision for ChatGPT is … to help users take action towards improving their financial lives, and we’re working with trusted ecosystem partners like Intuit to do this.” OpenAI said its GPT-5.5 model brings stronger contextual reasoning to finance queries. The company worked with finance experts to build a benchmark specifically for personal finance question quality. Source: OpenAI . Will OpenAI access account numbers or move users’ money? ChatGPT cannot make changes to linked accounts or see full account numbers. It can view balances, transactions, investment holdings, and liabilities, including mortgage and credit card debt. Users can disconnect accounts anytime. Once disconnected, OpenAI will delete synced data within 30 days. The user can also view and delete individual “financial memories,” which are goals or obligations the chatbot has stored. Users can toggle whether their financial conversation data gets used to train OpenAI’s models. The company didn’t specify what it might do with aggregated financial data beyond model training, or what additional protections exist against a potential data breach. The feature is live on ChatGPT’s web and iOS apps for Pro subscribers, who pay $200 a month. OpenAI plans to gather feedback from this group before expanding access to Plus tier users. The company’s eventual goal is to make the tools available to all users. Last week, OpenAI released three real-time voice models accessible through its API. According to a Cryptopolitan report , the voice models support +70 input languages and live transcription. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

16 May 2026, 01:40

Bitcoin Optimism Climbs as CLARITY Act Advances in U.S. Senate Committee

BitcoinWorld Bitcoin Optimism Climbs as CLARITY Act Advances in U.S. Senate Committee Optimism surrounding Bitcoin has risen notably following progress on the U.S. CLARITY Act, according to data from the analytics firm Santiment. The firm reported that social media expectations for Bitcoin surged after the Senate Banking Committee passed the bill in a 15-9 vote, marking a significant legislative milestone for cryptocurrency regulation in the United States. What the CLARITY Act Means for Crypto Markets The CLARITY Act, formally titled the Cryptocurrency Legal Advancement and Regulatory Integrity for Tomorrow Act, aims to establish a clearer federal framework for digital assets. The bill’s passage through the Senate Banking Committee signals growing bipartisan interest in defining how cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are classified and regulated. For market participants, this legislative progress is seen as a potential step toward reducing regulatory uncertainty, which has historically weighed on institutional adoption and price stability. Santiment’s Sentiment Analysis and Market Caution Santiment’s on-chain and social metrics indicate that bullish sentiment on Bitcoin has intensified sharply in the days following the committee vote. The firm tracks social volume and weighted sentiment across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit. According to their analysis, the surge in positive mentions correlates directly with news of the CLARITY Act’s advancement. However, Santiment also issued a cautionary note. The firm pointed out that when bullish expectations become excessively widespread, markets often move in the opposite direction. This contrarian pattern has been observed repeatedly in crypto cycles, where peaks in crowd optimism frequently precede price corrections. The warning is not a prediction of an imminent downturn, but a reminder that sentiment extremes can signal short-term risk. Why This Matters for Bitcoin Investors The CLARITY Act represents one of the most concrete legislative efforts to regulate digital assets at the federal level in the United States. For Bitcoin holders and traders, the bill’s progress could influence everything from exchange compliance costs to institutional participation. If the bill advances further through the full Senate and House, it may provide the legal clarity that many large investors have been waiting for. At the same time, Santiment’s data suggests that the market may have already priced in some of this optimism. The current sentiment levels, while not at all-time highs, are elevated enough to warrant caution. Investors are advised to monitor both legislative developments and on-chain metrics for a more balanced view of market direction. Conclusion The CLARITY Act’s advancement through the Senate Banking Committee has injected fresh optimism into the Bitcoin market, as reflected in Santiment’s sentiment data. While the legislative progress is a positive signal for regulatory clarity, the firm’s analysis reminds readers that excessive bullishness has historically preceded market pullbacks. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this optimism translates into sustained price momentum or a classic sell-the-news event. FAQs Q1: What is the CLARITY Act? The CLARITY Act is a U.S. bill designed to create a federal regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, clarifying how digital assets are classified and overseen by agencies like the SEC and CFTC. Q2: How does Santiment measure market sentiment? Santiment analyzes social media posts, forum discussions, and on-chain data to gauge the prevailing mood among crypto traders and investors, using metrics like social volume and weighted sentiment. Q3: Why does excessive bullish sentiment sometimes signal a market drop? When the majority of market participants are already bullish, there may be fewer new buyers left to push prices higher, making the market vulnerable to a correction if sentiment shifts. This post Bitcoin Optimism Climbs as CLARITY Act Advances in U.S. Senate Committee first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

15 May 2026, 23:45

T. Rowe Price Amends Filing for Active Crypto ETF Targeting 15 Digital Assets

BitcoinWorld T. Rowe Price Amends Filing for Active Crypto ETF Targeting 15 Digital Assets Asset management giant T. Rowe Price has submitted a fourth amended S-1 registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for its proposed T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF, according to Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart. The filing marks the latest step in the firm’s effort to launch an actively managed fund that would invest directly in a diversified basket of digital assets. Details of the Proposed Fund The amended application outlines a portfolio that would include exposure to 15 cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), XRP, Cardano (ADA), Avalanche (AVAX), Litecoin (LTC), Polkadot (DOT), Dogecoin (DOGE), Hedera (HBAR), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Chainlink (LINK), Stellar (XLM), Shiba Inu (SHIB), and Sui (SUI). The fund is designed to be actively managed, meaning its holdings and weightings can be adjusted based on market conditions and the manager’s outlook, rather than passively tracking a single index. Regulatory Context and Timeline The filing of a fourth amendment indicates ongoing dialogue between T. Rowe Price and SEC staff. Since the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024, the regulatory environment for crypto-based investment products has evolved, though the SEC continues to review proposals for funds holding a broader range of digital assets. The repeated amendments suggest the issuer is refining its compliance and operational framework to address regulatory concerns. No specific timeline for approval has been provided, and the SEC has yet to rule on similar multi-asset crypto ETF proposals from other firms. Why This Matters to Investors If approved, the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF would offer mainstream investors a regulated, professionally managed vehicle for diversified cryptocurrency exposure, potentially reducing the need for individual wallet management and direct exchange purchases. The active management structure distinguishes it from existing single-asset spot ETFs, as the fund’s managers could tactically allocate capital across the 15 selected tokens. However, the fund’s fate remains uncertain, as the SEC has historically been cautious about products that include assets beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum. Conclusion T. Rowe Price’s continued pursuit of an active crypto ETF reflects growing institutional interest in digital assets and the demand for regulated, diversified exposure. While the amended filing signals progress, final approval is not guaranteed and depends on the SEC’s evolving stance on multi-cryptocurrency investment products. Investors should monitor regulatory developments closely, as the outcome could set a precedent for future crypto fund offerings. FAQs Q1: What is an active crypto ETF? A: An active crypto ETF is an exchange-traded fund that invests in cryptocurrencies, with a manager making decisions about which assets to hold and in what proportions, rather than passively tracking a single index or coin. Q2: Which cryptocurrencies would the T. Rowe Price Active Crypto ETF hold? A: The fund plans to invest in 15 digital assets: BTC, ETH, SOL, XRP, ADA, AVAX, LTC, DOT, DOGE, HBAR, BCH, LINK, XLM, SHIB, and SUI. Q3: Has the SEC approved this ETF? A: No. T. Rowe Price has filed an amended application, but the SEC has not yet approved or denied the proposal. The process remains under regulatory review. This post T. Rowe Price Amends Filing for Active Crypto ETF Targeting 15 Digital Assets first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

15 May 2026, 23:40

Drake Calls for Release of Sam Bankman-Fried in New Song, Declares Himself a Major Bitcoin Holder

BitcoinWorld Drake Calls for Release of Sam Bankman-Fried in New Song, Declares Himself a Major Bitcoin Holder Rapper Drake has drawn attention with a new track that references imprisoned FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried and openly declares his status as a significant Bitcoin investor. The lyric appears in ‘Iceman,’ one of several songs from a trio of albums the artist recently released. Lyrical Reference to Bankman-Fried In ‘Iceman,’ Drake raps a line that calls for the release of ‘Samuel Bankman’ and his associates, a clear nod to Bankman-Fried, who was convicted in 2023 on multiple fraud charges related to the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange. The lyric has already sparked discussion among fans and observers, given Bankman-Fried’s high-profile legal saga and the broader crypto industry’s reaction to it. Drake’s Bitcoin Stance The same song includes a line where Drake describes himself as a ‘major’ Bitcoin investor. While the rapper has previously made public references to cryptocurrency — including accepting Bitcoin payments for merchandise and mentioning NFTs — this is one of his most direct admissions of holding a substantial position in the digital asset. The statement arrives at a time when Bitcoin’s price has seen renewed volatility, with institutional adoption growing and regulatory debates ongoing. Cultural and Market Implications Drake’s mention of Bankman-Fried is notable not only for its controversial subject but also for its timing. Bankman-Fried’s case remains a cautionary tale in the crypto world, and references to him in popular culture can influence public perception. For Bitcoin, a high-profile endorsement from a global artist like Drake could be seen as a signal of mainstream confidence, though the rapper’s exact holdings remain undisclosed. The song adds another layer to the ongoing intersection of celebrity culture and cryptocurrency, where public figures often sway market sentiment and retail investor interest. Conclusion Drake’s latest musical release has reignited conversations about both Sam Bankman-Fried’s legacy and Bitcoin’s place in popular culture. While the lyric is a brief moment in a longer track, its implications touch on legal, financial, and cultural themes that continue to evolve. As always, investors should approach celebrity endorsements with caution, but the reference underscores how deeply crypto has embedded itself into mainstream entertainment. FAQs Q1: What exactly did Drake say about Sam Bankman-Fried in his new song? In the track ‘Iceman,’ Drake raps a line calling for the release of ‘Samuel Bankman’ and his associates, which is widely interpreted as a reference to the convicted FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried. Q2: Is Drake actually a major Bitcoin investor? Drake has described himself as a ‘major’ Bitcoin investor in the song’s lyrics. While he has previously shown interest in crypto, the exact size of his holdings has not been publicly verified. Q3: Why does this matter for the crypto industry? Celebrity mentions of cryptocurrency can influence public interest and market sentiment. Drake’s reference to both Bitcoin and Bankman-Fried brings attention to the ongoing legal and cultural narrative surrounding crypto, potentially affecting how mainstream audiences view digital assets. This post Drake Calls for Release of Sam Bankman-Fried in New Song, Declares Himself a Major Bitcoin Holder first appeared on BitcoinWorld .