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13 May 2026, 13:02

Analyst Says the Next Big Explosion Is Coming for XRP. Here’s the Signal

A new XRP chart shared by cryptocurrency pundit Amonyx suggested that the digital asset is approaching another major rally. In the post, Amonyx stated, “The next BIG explosion is coming for $XRP,” while attaching a long-term TradingView chart comparing XRP’s previous market cycles with its current structure. The chart, which uses the three-week timeframe for XRP against the U.S. dollar on Bitstamp, outlines what Amonyx describes as a repeating four-phase cycle. According to the analysis, XRP previously moved through a similar setup between 2014 and 2017 before recording a strong rally that pushed the asset to its all-time high. The historical section of the chart identifies “Phase 1” as an accumulation period followed by “Phase 2,” which represented a prolonged correction after XRP’s earlier rally. “Phase 3” then formed a tightening consolidation pattern before “Phase 4” produced a breakout leading to significant price appreciation. The next BIG explosion is coming for $XRP . pic.twitter.com/CmE7Tmg7tU — Amonyx (@amonyx) May 12, 2026 Current XRP Structure Compared to 2017 Setup Amonyx believes XRP is now following a structure closely resembling that of the earlier cycle. The chart highlights a large symmetrical triangle formation stretching from 2021 into 2026, with price action compressing between descending resistance and ascending support levels. The analyst marked the current market as being in “Phase 4,” suggesting that XRP may have already completed the consolidation stage and could be preparing for another breakout. The chart also shows XRP reclaiming higher levels during late 2024 and early 2025 before entering a pullback phase near the $1.45 range. According to the chart’s projections, Amonyx expects XRP to revisit its previous all-time high as an initial target. The analyst labeled this move as “TP1: ATH.” A second target, labeled “TP2,” projects XRP reaching approximately $6.618, with a corresponding market move toward the $21 range shown in the upper section of the chart. The analysis also incorporates momentum indicators beneath the price chart. Oscillator readings appear to show cyclical movements that resemble previous XRP market tops and bottoms. Amonyx seems to use these indicators to support the argument that XRP is nearing another major expansion phase similar to earlier cycles. We are on X, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) June 15, 2025 Long-Term XRP Outlook Remains a Focus The post comes as XRP continues to trade in a highly watched range after experiencing strong volatility over the past year. Market participants have increasingly focused on long-term chart structures to determine whether XRP can sustain a broader upward trend. Amonyx’s analysis centers almost entirely on technical patterns and historical repetition. By comparing current market conditions with XRP’s earlier multi-year cycle, the analyst argues that the asset may still be positioned for a significant move if historical behavior repeats . Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post Analyst Says the Next Big Explosion Is Coming for XRP. Here’s the Signal appeared first on Times Tabloid .

13 May 2026, 10:08

EV demand climbs in April as gas car costs lose ground

Global electric vehicle (EV) demand continued its upward trajectory in April. New figures from Benchmark Mineral Intelligence show high petrol prices boosted global EV demand for a second consecutive month in April, displacing combustion-engine vehicles. Recent registrations within the month were up 6% YOY to 1.6 million new pure electrics and plug-in hybrids, albeit down 9% from the record-setting month in March. The figures suggest that while short-term volatility persists in the market, the broader adoption trend remains intact. Market data also shows Europe is anchoring most of the global EV market gains, whereas momentum in both China and North America has noticeably softened. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence data manager Charles Lester confirmed, “Europe remains the main engine of growth.” How did Europe fare against the rest of the world in EV sales? The BMI identified three core pillars behind the EV demand spike: supportive regulatory frameworks, elevated fuel costs, and aggressive market expansion by Chinese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). The Middle East tensions remain a major factor behind high petrol prices and, by extension, the shift in sales. According to the research platform, authorities’ continued efforts to stabilize fuel prices amid the conflict in Iran have affected a major oil shipping lane. In April, Europe’s sales exceeded 400,000 units, up 27% year over year. Performance indicators show Germany and France posting year-to-date EV sales increases of 33% and 36%, respectively, while Italy’s market has nearly doubled through regulatory subsidies. Moreover, research shows that nations within the European Economic Area, along with Switzerland, have allocated close to €200 billion (US$235 billion) to bolster their regional EV networks. However, a rollback of automotive trade-in policies and the expiration of purchase tax exemptions led to an 8% annual decline in China’s April EV registrations, bringing the total to around 850,000 vehicles. Nonetheless, Chinese carmakers strengthened their foothold internationally, with EV exports surpassing 400,000 units in April and total vehicle shipments nearly doubling to 1.4 million units in the first four months of 2026. Not to mention, even with EU tariffs , Chinese brands are selling more cars in Europe; BMI data shows they made up 22% of EV and plug-in hybrid sales in early 2026, up from 19% last year. Meanwhile, EV demand in North America also weakened in April, with registrations down 28% to 120,000 units after the US scrapped a tax credit scheme and considered easing emissions standards. On the other hand, sales in Mexico shot up by almost 50% in 2026, while Canadian sales fell by 7%. Nevertheless, a new rewards program should help Canada bounce back soon. Europe also saw strong EV sales in March Q1 2026 global EV sales hit 4 million, though slightly down 3% year-over-year. The quarterly dip was partially offset by March’s 1.75 million registrations, which surged 66% from February and 3% from the prior year. Even in March, Europe saw the most growth in EV sales, with sales surpassing 500,000 units for the first time. Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain achieved peak BEV sales figures. The UK also saw solid sales, with year-over-year growth of 31%. Even then, elevated fuel costs noticeably influenced consumer purchasing patterns. French gas shortages and panic buying shifted consumer behavior, boosting year-over-year BEV sales by 69%—well above the 36% growth seen in early 2026. Some automakers also backed off their plans. At the time, Honda shut its 0 Series lineup of EVs and shuttered its joint Afeela models with Sony. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

13 May 2026, 09:38

Is Ethereum a Good Crypto to Research in 2026?

Ethereum remains one of the most important assets in crypto, but researching ETH in 2026 is not as simple as asking whether it is “the second-biggest coin” or whether the next market cycle could lift its price. The Ethereum thesis has changed. It is now less about one chain doing everything directly and more about Ethereum acting as a settlement, security, liquidity, and application layer for a wider onchain economy. That makes Ethereum both more interesting and harder to evaluate. A beginner might see cheaper Layer-2 transactions and assume Ethereum has solved scalability. A trader might focus only on ETF flows or short-term price action. A long-term investor might look at staking, ETH supply, DeFi activity, stablecoins, tokenized assets, and competing networks. All of those views capture part of the picture, but none is enough on its own. So, is Ethereum a good crypto to research in 2026? Yes, but not because ETH is automatically a good buy for every portfolio. Ethereum is worth researching because it sits at the center of several major crypto themes: smart contracts, DeFi, stablecoins, staking, Layer-2 scaling, tokenization, institutional products, and Web3 infrastructure. This guide breaks down the practical research framework: what Ethereum does, what has changed after recent upgrades, which metrics matter, how ETH compares with other crypto assets, and where the real risks are hiding. Key Takeaways PointDetailsEthereum remains highly relevantEthereum continues to play a major role in DeFi, stablecoins, tokenization, NFTs, staking, and Layer-2 ecosystems.The ETH thesis has evolvedResearch in 2026 should focus on Layer-2 adoption, staking, fee dynamics, institutional access, and real application demand.Recent upgrades matterEthereum’s recent roadmap has focused heavily on scalability, account improvements, validator functionality, and Layer-2 support.Risks remain significantETH holders should consider volatility, smart contract risk, custody risk, regulatory uncertainty, competition, and value-capture concerns.Research is not the same as buyingEthereum may be worth serious analysis, but whether ETH fits a portfolio depends on risk tolerance, time horizon, and strategy. Why Ethereum Still Belongs on a 2026 Research List Ethereum is worth researching in 2026 because it is not just a cryptocurrency. It is a programmable blockchain network where developers can build decentralized applications, issue tokens, run DeFi protocols, create NFT infrastructure, support stablecoins, and settle activity from Layer-2 networks. That broad utility gives Ethereum a different profile from crypto assets that depend mainly on scarcity, payments, or a single application category. ETH is used for transaction fees, staking, collateral, liquidity, DeFi interactions, and as a base asset across the Ethereum ecosystem. Ethereum also has a long operating history compared with many smart contract platforms. It has survived multiple market cycles, major technical upgrades, DeFi crashes, NFT booms, regulatory pressure, and competition from faster or cheaper chains. That does not make ETH risk-free, but it does mean researchers have more data to study than they do with many newer crypto projects. A useful Ethereum research process should ask whether people are still using the network, whether applications are attracting real capital, whether Layer-2 activity strengthens or weakens ETH value capture, and whether Ethereum’s security and liquidity advantages remain meaningful. What Has Changed After Ethereum’s Recent Upgrades Ethereum in 2026 is not the same network investors researched in the 2020 and 2021 market cycle. Several major upgrades have changed how the chain works, how users interact with it, and how value may accrue to ETH. Ethereum moved to proof-of-stake The Merge moved Ethereum from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake, changing the network’s security model and significantly reducing its energy usage. This made ETH central to validator participation and network security, while also creating a staking-based yield component for users who choose to participate. ( Ethereum.org ) For researchers, proof-of-stake matters because it affects ETH issuance, validator economics, staking concentration, and the way Ethereum secures the network. It also means ETH is no longer just a gas asset. It is also the asset validators lock to help secure Ethereum. Dencun made Layer-2 transactions cheaper The Dencun upgrade introduced proto-danksharding through EIP-4844, adding temporary data blobs designed to reduce costs for Layer-2 networks. This was a major step in Ethereum’s rollup-centric scaling strategy. ( Ethereum Foundation ) The practical benefit is clear: cheaper Layer-2 transactions can make Ethereum-based applications more usable for payments, swaps, gaming, social apps, and consumer-facing Web3 products. The trade-off is more complex. If activity moves away from Ethereum mainnet and becomes cheaper on Layer-2 networks, ETH fee burn and mainnet revenue may not grow at the same pace as total ecosystem activity. Pectra improved account and validator functionality Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade introduced improvements related to accounts, validators, and Layer-2 scaling support. One important feature, EIP-7702, allows externally owned accounts to gain smart account functionality, which may support better wallet experiences such as transaction batching and gas sponsorship. ( Ethereum Foundation ) This matters because Ethereum’s user experience has historically been difficult for beginners. Separate token approvals, gas management, seed phrase anxiety, and failed transactions have created friction. Better account functionality does not solve every problem, but it supports a more user-friendly direction for wallets and applications. The ETH Research Dashboard: Metrics to Check First Ethereum research should be evidence-led. Price charts can show momentum, but they do not explain whether the network’s fundamentals are improving. A better research process combines onchain activity, ecosystem liquidity, token economics, staking data, and market structure. DeFi TVL and stablecoin liquidity Total value locked is imperfect, but it helps show where capital is deployed. Ethereum continues to host a large share of DeFi liquidity and stablecoin activity, which is one reason it remains central to onchain finance. Researchers can track Ethereum chain data through DeFi analytics platforms to monitor liquidity, protocol activity, and stablecoin supply trends. ( DefiLlama ) Do not read TVL blindly. TVL can rise because token prices increase, not because more users are depositing fresh capital. It can also be concentrated in a few protocols or boosted by temporary incentives. A stronger Ethereum thesis needs productive capital, not just locked capital. Layer-2 value and activity Ethereum cannot be judged only by mainnet activity anymore. A growing share of user activity happens on Layer-2 networks such as Arbitrum, Base, Optimism, zkSync, Linea, Starknet, and others. Researchers should examine whether those networks have real users, credible security assumptions, liquid markets, and sustainable application demand. ( L2BEAT ) The key question is value capture. More activity across Ethereum-aligned Layer-2 networks may strengthen Ethereum’s ecosystem, but ETH holders should still ask how much value returns to Ethereum mainnet through settlement, data availability, fees, burns, liquidity, and monetary premium. ETH supply, issuance, and burn ETH supply is dynamic. New ETH is issued to validators, while part of transaction fees is burned through EIP-1559. This means ETH can be inflationary or deflationary depending on network activity, fee levels, and validator issuance. ( Ethereum.org ) This is why simple slogans can be misleading. ETH is not a fixed-supply asset like Bitcoin. During high-fee periods, burn can exceed issuance. During lower-fee periods, issuance can exceed burn. Serious Ethereum research should track both sides rather than relying on outdated assumptions. Staking participation and staking risk Ethereum staking allows validators to help secure the network, with solo staking requiring 32 ETH. Users with smaller balances may use pooled staking or staking services, but those options introduce additional trust, liquidity, and smart contract assumptions. ( Ethereum.org ) When researching staking, look at current staking yield, validator concentration, liquid staking token risk, slashing risk, withdrawal conditions, and provider reliability. Staking can improve ETH’s profile for some holders, but it is not the same as a bank deposit or risk-free income stream. Ethereum Compared With Bitcoin, Solana, and Layer-2 Tokens Ethereum research becomes more useful when ETH is compared with realistic alternatives. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Layer-2 tokens each represent different crypto theses. Asset or CategoryMain Research ThesisMain Trade-OffBitcoinScarcity, monetary premium, institutional store-of-value narrativeLess programmable at the base layer than EthereumEthereumSmart contracts, DeFi, staking, settlement, tokenization, and Layer-2 ecosystemMore complex thesis and stronger competition across multiple frontsSolanaHigh-throughput, low-fee execution for DeFi, consumer apps, and tradingDifferent decentralization, reliability, and ecosystem trade-offs to evaluateEthereum Layer-2 tokensExposure to specific scaling ecosystems and application growthToken value capture can be unclear and varies by networkDeFi governance tokensProtocol-specific exposure to fees, usage, incentives, and governanceHigher smart contract, regulatory, liquidity, and tokenomics risk Bitcoin is usually researched as a monetary asset first. Ethereum is researched as both a crypto asset and an infrastructure network. Solana is often researched as a high-performance execution environment. Ethereum Layer-2 tokens are more specific bets on scaling ecosystems. This distinction matters. Someone who wants the simplest crypto allocation may prefer to research Bitcoin first. Someone who wants exposure to DeFi, stablecoins, staking, tokenized assets, NFTs, and Web3 applications may find Ethereum more relevant. Someone looking for higher-beta ecosystem plays might research Layer-2 or DeFi tokens, but those usually carry more project-specific risk than ETH. Where the Ethereum Thesis Can Go Wrong Ethereum is important, but it is not immune to failure points. A balanced 2026 research process should actively look for weaknesses rather than only confirming a bullish narrative. Lower fees can help users but pressure ETH economics Ethereum’s scaling roadmap aims to make transactions cheaper, especially through Layer-2 networks. That improves usability, but it also creates a debate around ETH value capture. If cheaper execution reduces mainnet fee burn, ETH’s monetary premium may depend more heavily on total ecosystem growth, staking demand, institutional access, and liquidity depth. This is one of the most important ETH debates in 2026: can Ethereum scale usage while still creating enough economic value for ETH? Competition is real Ethereum faces competition from Solana, Sui, Aptos, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Bitcoin Layer-2 experiments, Cosmos-style appchains, modular data availability networks, and Ethereum’s own Layer-2 ecosystems. Competition does not need to “kill Ethereum” to affect ETH. It only needs to take enough users, developers, liquidity, or narrative attention to weaken growth expectations. Investors should track whether Ethereum is maintaining mindshare in the areas that matter most: DeFi, stablecoins, tokenization, infrastructure, and developer activity. Layer-2 fragmentation can confuse users The rollup-centric roadmap creates a larger Ethereum ecosystem, but it also fragments liquidity and user experience across networks. Bridging assets, choosing the right chain, managing gas tokens, and understanding withdrawal assumptions can be confusing. Beginners should be especially careful with bridges, fake websites, phishing links, malicious token approvals, and unsupported assets. Many losses in crypto do not come from the market moving down. They come from operational mistakes. Regulation remains a moving target Crypto regulation varies by jurisdiction and continues to evolve. In the European Union, MiCA created a regulatory framework for crypto-asset service providers and certain crypto-assets, including requirements related to authorization, transparency, and supervision. ( ESMA ) For Ethereum, regulation can affect exchanges, staking products, DeFi front ends, stablecoins, ETFs, custody providers, and institutional participation. Investors should avoid assuming that ETH’s treatment will be identical in every country or that current rules will remain unchanged. How Different Crypto Users Should Approach ETH Research Ethereum can be researched differently depending on the user’s goal. A beginner, long-term investor, active trader, and DeFi user should not all use the same framework. Beginners Beginners should start with the basics: what ETH is, how wallets work, what gas fees are, what Layer-2 networks do, and why seed phrase security matters. Avoid rushing into DeFi or staking before understanding custody. A beginner research path could include learning the difference between ETH and Ethereum, comparing custodial and non-custodial wallets, practicing with a small amount, using reputable exchanges or wallets, and avoiding unknown airdrops or “free ETH” claims. Long-term investors Long-term investors should focus on fundamentals: network activity, ETH supply, staking participation, developer ecosystem, DeFi liquidity, regulatory direction, and competition. The mistake to avoid is buying ETH only because it has underperformed or because it “should catch up.” Underperformance can create opportunity, but it can also reflect real concerns about value capture, market preference, or changing narratives. Active traders Traders should separate Ethereum fundamentals from ETH price structure. A strong roadmap does not prevent drawdowns. ETH can be volatile around macro news, Bitcoin moves, ETF flows, leverage resets, regulatory headlines, and major protocol events. Trading research should include liquidity, funding rates, volatility, support and resistance, position sizing, and stop-loss discipline. Leverage can amplify both gains and losses, so risk management should come before market conviction. DeFi users DeFi users should research Ethereum at both the network and protocol level. It is not enough to trust a protocol because it is “on Ethereum.” Before depositing funds, check audits, TVL quality, liquidation mechanics, oracle design, admin keys, governance controls, token incentives, withdrawal conditions, and historical incidents. High yields should be treated as a risk signal until the source of those yields is clearly understood. A Practical Ethereum Research Checklist for 2026 Use this checklist before forming a view on ETH. It is designed to help readers move beyond price headlines and toward a more complete research process. Network and ecosystem Is Ethereum mainnet activity rising or falling? Are Layer-2 networks gaining real users? Is liquidity staying within Ethereum-aligned ecosystems? Are developers still building useful applications? Are stablecoins, DeFi, and tokenized assets active on Ethereum? Token economics Is ETH net inflationary or deflationary over the period being studied? Are ETH burns driven by sustainable activity or temporary spikes? How much ETH is staked? Is staking becoming too concentrated? Does staking yield compensate for the risks involved? Market structure Are institutional products supporting or pressuring ETH demand? Is ETH outperforming or underperforming Bitcoin and other major Layer-1 assets? Is liquidity strong across spot and derivatives markets? Are traders overly crowded in one direction? Are macro conditions supporting or weakening risk assets? Risk review What happens if Layer-2 networks capture more value than Ethereum mainnet? What happens if competing chains gain developer mindshare? What regulatory changes could affect staking, DeFi, or exchanges? Are you holding ETH directly, through an ETF, on an exchange, or in DeFi? Do you understand the custody and security risks of your setup? A realistic result from Ethereum research is not certainty. It is a clearer view of whether ETH fits your strategy and what risks you are accepting. How Crypto Daily Helps Readers Follow Ethereum Crypto Daily covers Ethereum, Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, exchanges, Web3, and market structure with an emphasis on timely crypto education and analysis. For readers researching Ethereum in 2026, the goal is not to chase every headline, but to understand which developments actually matter: protocol upgrades, Layer-2 adoption, ETF flows, staking trends, regulatory changes, and onchain activity. Use Crypto Daily as part of a wider research routine: compare market news with onchain data, read official project updates, check independent analytics dashboards, and avoid making decisions from price headlines alone. Frequently Asked Questions Is Ethereum still worth researching in 2026? Yes. Ethereum remains one of the most important crypto networks to research because it connects DeFi, stablecoins, staking, NFTs, tokenized assets, Layer-2 scaling, and institutional products. That does not mean ETH is automatically suitable for every investor. Is Ethereum better than Bitcoin? Ethereum and Bitcoin serve different roles. Bitcoin is usually researched as a monetary asset and store-of-value candidate. Ethereum is researched as a programmable blockchain ecosystem. Which is “better” depends on whether the reader values simplicity, scarcity, smart contracts, staking, or application activity. What is the biggest Ethereum risk in 2026? One major risk is value capture. Ethereum may scale through Layer-2 networks and support more activity, but ETH holders still need to ask whether that activity produces meaningful fees, burns, staking demand, and long-term economic value for ETH. Should beginners buy ETH before learning DeFi? Beginners should understand wallets, custody, gas fees, exchanges, and basic security before using DeFi. Buying ETH without understanding self-custody or phishing risks can lead to avoidable mistakes. Is Ethereum staking safe? Ethereum staking helps secure the network and can generate rewards, but it is not risk-free. Risks include ETH price volatility, slashing, validator downtime, staking provider risk, smart contract risk in pooled staking, and liquidity constraints. Do Ethereum ETFs make ETH safer? ETFs may simplify access for traditional investors, but they do not remove ETH price volatility or broader crypto market risk. They also differ from direct ETH ownership because investors do not control the underlying ETH in a wallet. What should I track before deciding whether ETH fits my portfolio? Track Ethereum mainnet activity, Layer-2 growth, DeFi liquidity, stablecoin usage, staking participation, ETH issuance and burn, institutional flows, developer activity, regulatory developments, and competition from other smart contract platforms. 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.

13 May 2026, 08:12

Ripple UDAX Joins Forces with Levery & FGV to Boost Institutional On-Chain Liquidity for Banks in Brazil and LatAm

Ripple UDAX, Levery and FGV Unite to Build Institutional On-Chain Liquidity for Brazilian Banks Levery, an infrastructure provider that enables banks and financial institutions to launch digital asset exchanges using automated market maker (AMM) technology, has partnered with Ripple UDAX and Fundação Getulio Vargas (FGV) to expand institutional on-chain liquidity across Brazil and Latin America. The collaboration represents a major move toward building regulated, blockchain-powered financial infrastructure for traditional banks across the region. At its core is Ripple UDAX (University Digital Asset Xcelerator), an initiative born from Ripple’s partnership with the University of California, Berkeley under the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI). This program connects academic research with practical blockchain deployment, fast-tracking institutional adoption of distributed ledger technology and expanding real-world use cases across the XRP Ledger (XRPL) ecosystem. Through the partnership, Levery supplies the core infrastructure that enables banks to run compliant, AMM-powered trading environments. This allows financial institutions to launch and manage digital asset exchanges with built-in regulatory alignment and full operational transparency. Designed for institutional use, the model prioritizes scalability, auditability, and seamless cross-border interoperability. Brazil Emerges as a Launchpad for Institutional On-Chain Liquidity in Latin America The system is built around deep liquidity provisioning on the XRP Ledger, enabling real-time settlement across Ripple USD, local stablecoins, and tokenized real-world assets. This setup reduces friction in wholesale markets while improving capital efficiency for banks and fintechs across Latin America. On the compliance side, the infrastructure integrates Chainalysis for real-time transaction monitoring, KYT screening, and AML enforcement, ensuring all activity meets evolving regulatory standards and supporting institutional-grade adoption in emerging digital asset markets. Brazil is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for digital asset innovation, and the rollout of an institutional-grade automated market maker built for regulated environments marks a clear step toward mainstream blockchain-based finance in the region. This development aligns with Ripple’s broader expansion strategy, including its planned application for a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Brazil, which would strengthen its presence across custody, payments infrastructure, stablecoin settlement, and treasury services through Ripple. The bottom line is that these moves reflect a deeper convergence between traditional finance and decentralized liquidity systems, with Brazil emerging as a key proving ground for institutional blockchain adoption across Latin America.

13 May 2026, 04:20

Alameda Research Moves $20.9 Million in Crypto From KuCoin in Sudden Withdrawal Spree

BitcoinWorld Alameda Research Moves $20.9 Million in Crypto From KuCoin in Sudden Withdrawal Spree An address linked to the now-defunct trading firm Alameda Research has withdrawn approximately $20.89 million in various cryptocurrencies from the KuCoin exchange over the past two hours, according to on-chain data from blockchain tracking platform Onchain Lens. The movement of funds from a collapsed entity’s wallet has drawn immediate attention from market observers and bankruptcy analysts. Details of the Withdrawal The wallet, identified as associated with Alameda Research, executed a series of transactions that included 162.64 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at roughly $13.21 million at current market prices, along with 274.29 Ether (ETH) worth approximately $630,000. Additional tokens moved include 315,299 MASK tokens, the native asset of the Mask Network, valued at around $168,000, and a substantial 6.877 million USDT (Tether) stablecoin transfer. Blockchain analysts note that large withdrawals from centralized exchanges are often interpreted as a move toward self-custody or asset consolidation. In the context of Alameda Research, which is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings following the collapse of FTX in November 2022, such movements could signal ongoing asset recovery efforts by legal or financial administrators. Context and Implications for the Market The Alameda Research wallet has been largely dormant since the FTX bankruptcy filing, making any sudden activity noteworthy. While the immediate market impact of a $20.9 million withdrawal is relatively minor in the context of daily crypto trading volumes, the move raises questions about the status of remaining Alameda assets and whether further liquidations or distributions are imminent. KuCoin, a Seychelles-based exchange, has not issued a statement regarding the withdrawal. The exchange has faced regulatory scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, where it was charged by the Department of Justice in 2024 for operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. The movement of funds from KuCoin by a high-profile bankrupt entity may attract additional regulatory attention. What This Means for Creditors and Observers For creditors of the FTX estate, the withdrawal could represent a positive step in the asset recovery process. The FTX bankruptcy team, led by CEO John J. Ray III, has been actively recovering and consolidating assets to repay creditors. The transfer of funds from an exchange to a wallet under direct control reduces counterparty risk and suggests progress in securing estate assets. However, the move also underscores the complexity of tracing and recovering crypto assets across multiple exchanges and wallets. The involvement of KuCoin, which has been described by some analysts as a higher-risk exchange due to its regulatory status, adds another layer of uncertainty to the recovery timeline. Conclusion The $20.9 million withdrawal from KuCoin by an Alameda Research-linked address is a significant on-chain event that provides a rare glimpse into the ongoing asset management of the bankrupt trading firm. While the immediate market reaction has been muted, the development is closely watched by bankruptcy analysts, regulators, and creditors seeking clarity on the status of remaining FTX and Alameda assets. Further movements from the wallet are expected as the estate continues its recovery efforts. FAQs Q1: Why did Alameda Research withdraw funds from KuCoin? A1: While the exact reason is not confirmed, large withdrawals from exchanges are typically done to move assets into self-custody or consolidate holdings. In Alameda’s case, this is likely part of the bankruptcy estate’s asset recovery and protection process. Q2: Is this withdrawal related to the FTX bankruptcy case? A2: Yes. Alameda Research was a sister firm of FTX and is included in the bankruptcy proceedings. The movement of funds is likely being managed by the estate’s administrators as part of ongoing asset recovery efforts. Q3: How was this withdrawal detected? A3: The transactions were identified and reported by Onchain Lens, a blockchain analytics and tracking platform that monitors wallet addresses associated with known entities. This post Alameda Research Moves $20.9 Million in Crypto From KuCoin in Sudden Withdrawal Spree first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

12 May 2026, 18:20

Altman Testifies Musk Once Proposed Handing OpenAI to His Children

BitcoinWorld Altman Testifies Musk Once Proposed Handing OpenAI to His Children OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took the stand this morning in a San Francisco federal courtroom to defend himself and his company against a lawsuit filed by former co-founder Elon Musk. The case, which challenges OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit structure, hinges on whether the organization abandoned its original safety-focused mission in pursuit of commercial gain. Musk’s 2017 Proposal Raises Eyebrows Altman testified that during a pivotal 2017 debate over how to fund OpenAI’s increasingly expensive AI models, Musk proposed a plan that gave Altman serious pause. According to Altman, when asked what would happen to a hypothetical for-profit entity if Musk died, Musk responded that “maybe OpenAI should pass to my children.” Altman described this as a “particularly hair-raising moment,” noting that OpenAI’s core mission was to prevent advanced AI from being controlled by any single individual. Altman, who previously ran the Y Combinator startup accelerator, testified that he knew “founders who had control usually did not give it up.” He expressed concern that Musk’s desire for personal control conflicted with the organization’s founding principles. Clash Over Research Culture The testimony also painted a picture of deep cultural friction between Musk and OpenAI’s research team. Altman stated bluntly that “I don’t think Mr. Musk understood how to run a good research lab.” He recounted an incident where Musk demanded that co-founders Greg Brockman and Ilya Sutskever compile a list of researchers, rank their accomplishments, and “take a chainsaw through a bunch.” Altman said this approach “did huge damage for a long time to the culture of the organization.” Altman portrayed himself as a defender of the “sweat equity” of Brockman and Sutskever, who were effectively running OpenAI’s day-to-day operations while both Musk and Altman held other jobs. The clash over control and management style ultimately led Musk to leave OpenAI’s board and launch competing AI initiatives at Tesla and his own startup, xAI. The Non-Profit Question Musk’s attorneys have argued that OpenAI’s foundation — now holding assets estimated at $200 billion — was effectively dormant, lacking full-time employees until earlier this year. OpenAI board chair Bret Taylor testified that this was due to the complexity of converting equity into cash, a process completed during the company’s 2025 restructuring. Altman rejected the characterization that the founders “stole a charity,” saying, “It feels difficult to even wrap my head around that framing. We created one of the largest charities in the world.” Ongoing Communication Despite Legal Battle Despite the acrimony, Altman acknowledged that he kept in touch with Musk after his departure, updating him on OpenAI’s work and seeking his funding and advice. During one discussion about a 2018 Microsoft investment, Altman recalled a “good vibes meeting” where Musk spent a “long conversation showing us memes on his phone.” The case underscores the ongoing tension between AI safety ideals and the enormous financial incentives driving the industry. A ruling against OpenAI could reshape the governance of AI companies and set a precedent for how non-profit entities transition to for-profit structures. Conclusion The trial continues this week, with both sides expected to call additional witnesses. The outcome will have significant implications not only for OpenAI’s corporate structure but also for the broader debate over how to balance rapid AI development with safety and ethical oversight. FAQs Q1: What is the central issue in Elon Musk’s lawsuit against OpenAI? The lawsuit challenges OpenAI’s transition from a non-profit to a for-profit structure, arguing that the company abandoned its original mission of developing AI safely and for the benefit of humanity. Q2: Why did Sam Altman find Musk’s 2017 proposal concerning? Altman testified that Musk suggested OpenAI could pass to his children if he died, which conflicted with the organization’s goal of preventing any single person from controlling advanced AI. Q3: What was the nature of the conflict between Musk and OpenAI’s researchers? Altman testified that Musk’s management style, including demanding a ranking and reduction of research staff, damaged the company’s culture and demotivated key researchers. This post Altman Testifies Musk Once Proposed Handing OpenAI to His Children first appeared on BitcoinWorld .