Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 15:36
Ethereum traders say bears ‘in control’ after ETH price drop to $2K
Ether price fell sharply below $2,100 as increasing sell pressure on Binance and persistent ETF outflows fueled bearish momentum.
18 May 2026, 15:33
Blackrock and Ark Drive $1B Bitcoin ETF Selloff as XRP Demand Accelerates
A sharp reversal saw bitcoin funds snap a six-week inflow streak, recording $1 billion in net outflows. Ether products also remained under pressure, while XRP and solana ETFs emerged as relative bright spots, continuing to attract fresh institutional capital. Franklin and Bitwise Drive XRP ETF Gains as Bitcoin Sentiment Weakens The mood in digital asset
18 May 2026, 15:32
HIVE buys $58 million Toronto plot for AI facility; shares climb
The bitcoin mining firm continues on its investment path into AI data centers after raising $115 million to expand its global footprint in the industry.
18 May 2026, 15:30
This US Mega Bank Is Going Big On XRP, Here’s How Large A Share They Own Of XRP ETFs
US-based global investment bank Goldman Sachs is betting big on XRP, with reports revealing a massive stake in XRP Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The move comes as the regulatory conditions around XRP become clearer , prompting many institutions to begin accumulating the cryptocurrency globally. How Much Goldman Sachs Has Invested In XRP ETFs A crypto and blockchain researcher known as BankXRP on X has revealed Goldman Sachs‘s massive investment in XRP . According to its Q1 2026 13F, filed on February 10, 2026, the US bank held more than 1.94 million shares of the XRP ETF as of Q4 2025, from Bitwise Asset Management. At the time, this investment was worth nearly $40 million but fell to $31.2 million due to lower market prices. Notably, BankXRP said that this large amount of XRP ETF exposure is just a fraction of Goldman Sach’s total holdings. The bank currently holds a total of about $154 million across four XRP ETFs. The analyst noted that this stake represents about 73% of all disclosed institutional XRP ETF holdings, making Goldman Sachs the top institutional holder . Beyond its position in the Bitwise XRP ETF , Goldman Sach’s has invested about $38.5 million in Franklin’s XRP Trust, $38 million in Grayscale XRP ETF , and $36 million in 21Shares XRP ETF. BankXRP argued that the sheer size of the bank’s XRP ETF stake shows that institutions are becoming incredibly serious about XRP and no longer treating it as a speculative bet. They are actively accumulating the digital asset ahead of any possible market shift. BankXRP further noted that, despite XRP’s price declines and muted performance over the past few months, Goldman Sachs has not reduced its exposure to the cryptocurrency. This shows that institutions are likely investing for the long run, reflecting strong confidence in XRP’s future performance. Royal Bank Of Canada Invests In XRP ETFs In another post, market experts Xaif Crypto revealed that another major bank has also revealed a stake in XRP. The crypto analyst said that the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) currently has over $30,000 worth of XRP exposure through the Bitwise XRP ETF. The bank had registered its holdings in a 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on May 15, 2026. Xaif Crypto noted that RBC’s stake in XRP ETFs, at just about 2,000 shares, is incredibly small relative to its $570 billion portfolio. However, he pointed out that the total stake does not matter. He said that what is important is that a top-5 Canadian bank now officially holds XRP ETFs on record. Just having one of Wall Street’s most prestigious firms, like Goldman Sachs, listed as a top holder brings huge reputational credibility. Now, with a top Canadian bank joining as a major investor, XRP’s position in the crypto space is strengthening, steadily establishing it as a core institutional asset .
18 May 2026, 15:30
Ripple’s Early Banking Ally Now Connected To X Money Expansion
Ripple’s early push into banking partnerships may be finding new relevance in an unexpected place. One of its long-time collaborators has resurfaced at the center of X Money, the payments initiative tied to X’s broader ambition to become a global financial super app. What once served as a bridge for Ripple’s cross-border settlement network is now part of infrastructure aimed at scaling digital payments to a massive user base. How A Ripple-Linked Bank Became Part Of Elon Musk’s Payment Push A Ripple-linked banking partner from the company’s earliest expansion days has now surfaced inside Elon Musk’s X Money ecosystem. RippleXity revealed on X that Cross River Bank, one of the first US banks to integrate Ripple’s Payment protocol back in 2014 for real-time cross-border transfers between the US and Europe, is now powering part of X Money’s beta rollout through its regulated banking services. Related Reading: Why Ripple’s XRP Is A Better Transaction Choice Compared To SWIFT The same Cross River Bank that reportedly issues the Visa Debit and Flex Cards appears in X Money’s beta program. With X building its payments layer through regulated banking and card infrastructure, this places a Ripple-linked financial institution inside Musk’s expanding digital payments infrastructure. Furthermore, the development has quickly drawn attention across the XRP community because it creates a direct historical overlap between Ripple’s early settlement technology and X Money’s regulated banking framework. While there is still no official confirmation of the XRP integration within X Money, many see Cross River Bank’s role as a significant connection that is difficult to dismiss. Ripple Prime Revenue Surges Despite XRP Trading Below All-Time High Although XRP continues to trade below 50% its all-time high, Ripple’s broader infrastructure business appears to be gaining momentum behind the scenes. A technical analyst known as ChartNerd has noted that institutional adoption across Ripple’s ecosystem is accelerating, with Ripple Prime emerging as one of the company’s strongest growth drivers. Related Reading: Could Ripple XRP Power Cross-Border Payments? Russia’s Early Tests Suggest Potential The platform reportedly tripled its revenue over the past 12 months, processed more than 60 million transactions, and now clears over $3 trillion annually while operating across the United States. Thus, this is just one of a broad infrastructure stack that Ripples is building out during a bear market, and the projects that are being built now will accelerate the next bull run. Ripple and XRP have been building this infrastructure for over a decade, from surviving regulatory battles and securing a major victory against the SEC to expanding XRP Ledger functionality. XRP rules as a commodity, expanding XRPFI and DeFi capabilities, strategic acquisitions, banking partnerships, and strengthening its global infrastructure through XRPL upgrades. With more than 300 institutional clients and increasing global licensing approvals, these fundamentals have never been stronger, and clarity is on the horizon. Featured image from iStock, chart from Tradingview.com
18 May 2026, 15:30
Minnesota signs bill allowing banks and credit unions to offer crypto custody services
BitcoinWorld Minnesota signs bill allowing banks and credit unions to offer crypto custody services Minnesota has enacted a new law that explicitly permits banks and credit unions operating within the state to offer cryptocurrency custody services to their customers. The legislation, signed by Governor Tim Walz, creates a formal regulatory pathway for traditional financial institutions to securely store digital assets such as Bitcoin and other virtual currencies on behalf of clients. What the new law means for financial institutions Under the bill, which passed with bipartisan support in the Minnesota legislature, state-chartered banks and credit unions are now authorized to act as custodians for virtual assets. This means these institutions can legally hold private keys and manage the storage of cryptocurrencies, a service that has largely been provided by specialized crypto firms or unregulated entities. The law requires financial institutions to establish comprehensive policies covering risk management, cybersecurity protocols, internal controls, and business continuity planning. The Minnesota Department of Commerce will oversee compliance and supervise the custody activities to ensure consumer protection and financial stability. Why this matters for consumers and the crypto industry The move is significant because it bridges the gap between the traditional banking system and the digital asset economy. For consumers, having a regulated bank or credit union offer crypto custody could provide a more familiar and trusted environment for storing digital wealth, potentially reducing reliance on standalone crypto exchanges or uninsured wallets. For the broader cryptocurrency industry, Minnesota’s legislation adds to a growing patchwork of state-level regulatory frameworks in the United States. Unlike federal-level uncertainty, several states have moved to clarify the legal status of digital asset services, aiming to attract crypto-related businesses while maintaining oversight. Key provisions of the bill Authorizes state-chartered banks and credit unions to provide cryptocurrency custody services Mandates risk management, cybersecurity, and internal control policies Requires business continuity planning for digital asset operations Places supervision under the Minnesota Department of Commerce Applies to virtual assets like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies Comparison with other states Minnesota joins a growing list of states that have enacted crypto custody laws, including Wyoming, Nebraska, and Texas. However, Minnesota’s approach is notable for explicitly including credit unions alongside banks, which broadens access for smaller financial institutions and their members. Wyoming, for example, created a special-purpose depository institution charter for crypto firms, while Nebraska established a digital asset banking framework. Minnesota’s law is more focused on allowing existing institutions to expand their services rather than creating new charter types. Implications for the future of digital asset regulation This state-level action comes amid ongoing debate at the federal level about how to regulate cryptocurrencies and digital assets. While Congress has yet to pass comprehensive legislation, states like Minnesota are filling the gap with tailored laws that provide clarity for local financial institutions. The law could also influence other states considering similar legislation. By providing a clear regulatory framework, Minnesota aims to position itself as a favorable jurisdiction for crypto innovation while maintaining consumer safeguards. Conclusion Minnesota’s new law represents a measured step toward integrating cryptocurrency services into the mainstream financial system. By allowing banks and credit unions to offer crypto custody under state supervision, the legislation balances innovation with consumer protection. For residents and businesses in Minnesota, this means greater access to regulated digital asset storage options in the near future. FAQs Q1: What exactly is cryptocurrency custody? Cryptocurrency custody refers to the secure storage of private keys that control access to digital assets like Bitcoin. Custodians hold these keys on behalf of clients, providing security against theft or loss, similar to how a bank safeguards traditional assets in a safe deposit box. Q2: Does this law require banks to offer crypto custody? No, the law is permissive, not mandatory. It allows banks and credit unions to offer these services if they choose to, but does not require them to do so. Institutions must still develop appropriate policies and receive regulatory approval before launching custody services. Q3: When will Minnesota banks start offering crypto custody? The law takes effect upon signing, but institutions will need time to develop compliant policies, implement security measures, and receive supervisory approval from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. Consumers may see services become available over the coming months to a year, depending on each institution’s readiness. This post Minnesota signs bill allowing banks and credit unions to offer crypto custody services first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
