Invest ideasNews
18 May 2026, 12:30
XRP Price At $10,000 Isn’t Possible Now: Pundit Says Only This Move Will Make It Happen
Crypto pundit BarriC has said that an XRP price rally to $10,000 isn’t possible at the moment. He also revealed what needs to happen for the altcoin to potentially reach this level and even rally to $50,000. Pundit Says XRP Price Cannot Rally To $10,000 Now In an X post, BarriC stated that the XRP price cannot reach $10,000 to $50,000 if the altcoin remains purely a retail asset, which investors can buy and trade on exchanges. Instead, he explained that the only way this can happen is if XRP becomes part of the global financial infrastructure. Related Reading: Analyst Says XRP Path To $100 Is Not Straightforward, These Things Will Happen First The pundit further remarked that this could happen if XRP becomes integral to how every bank and financial institution worldwide conducts finance. Once this happens, the pundit predicts that the XRP price will no longer be low and will no longer experience a bear market as it is currently experiencing. BarriC assured that the XRP price will stabilize at a higher level, between $10,000 and $50,000, once trillions of dollars flow directly into and through XRP on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. He declared that this will be the price people must pay for XRP, and that those who diligently accumulated and held will be rewarded for their patience and perseverance. Interestingly, the pundit stated that the XRP price could reach $10,000 this year. This came as he declared that XRP will move from $2 to $10, $10 to $100, $100 to $1,000, $1,000 to $10,000, and that all these price shifts for the altcoin could happen this year. BarriC also mentioned that the shift could happen faster than many expect, with many market participants potentially missing out on life-changing wealth. XRP Still At Risk Of A Major Decline For Now Crypto analyst Egrag Crypto has indicated that the XRP price is still at risk of a major decline at the moment. He noted that the Fib 0.618 at $1.51 is acting as the first major resistance and that so far, the altcoin has failed to provide confirmed closes above this level. Meanwhile, the analyst also mentioned that the next key resistance becomes the Fib 0.702 at $1.83. Related Reading: If You’re Holding XRP, This Pundit Says You Should See This He explained that these two levels are extremely important because they determine whether the XRP price is transitioning into a bullish Wave 5 expansion or remains trapped within a larger corrective structure. Egrag Crypto said that if XRP cannot reclaim these levels, then the technical Elliot Wave measured move still favors a decline to the Fib 0.382 at $0.89 or even the Fib 0.236 at $0.64. At the time of writing, the XRP price is trading at around $1.39, down nearly 2% in the last 24 hours, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Featured image from Adobe Stock, chart from Tradingview.com
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, 12:27
Strategy drops $2 billion in epic bitcoin buying spree
18 May 2026, 12:25
IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year
BitcoinWorld IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year The International Monetary Fund’s staff has indicated that the Bank of England does not need to raise interest rates for the remainder of this year, according to an internal analysis. This assessment, based on current economic data and inflation trends, suggests a period of monetary policy stability that could provide relief to homeowners and businesses alike. What the IMF Analysis Says IMF staff, in their latest Article IV consultation report on the United Kingdom, concluded that the current policy rate is sufficiently restrictive to bring inflation back to the 2% target over the medium term. The analysis points to easing labor market pressures and moderating wage growth as key factors that reduce the urgency for further tightening. The IMF’s view is that the BoE can maintain its current stance without jeopardizing its inflation mandate. Implications for Borrowers and the Economy If the Bank of England follows this advice, it would mark a significant shift after a period of aggressive rate hikes. Mortgage holders on variable-rate deals would see no further increase in their monthly payments, while businesses would face a more predictable borrowing environment. The IMF staff’s assessment also aligns with market expectations, which have recently priced in a lower probability of further rate increases. Why This Matters for Readers For UK households and investors, the IMF’s signal provides a clearer picture of the interest rate trajectory. It suggests that the BoE’s previous rate increases are working to cool demand without triggering a sharp recession. However, the IMF also cautioned that risks remain, including persistent services inflation and geopolitical uncertainties that could reignite price pressures. Conclusion The IMF staff’s recommendation gives the Bank of England room to pause and assess the lagged effects of its past rate decisions. While the final decision rests with the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee, this external analysis reinforces the case for holding rates steady through the end of the year, offering a measure of stability to the UK economic outlook. FAQs Q1: Why does the IMF think the Bank of England doesn’t need to raise rates? The IMF staff’s analysis shows that current rates are restrictive enough to bring inflation down to target, with labor market and wage pressures easing. Q2: What does this mean for my mortgage? If the BoE holds rates, variable-rate mortgage payments would not increase further, though fixed-rate deals depend on longer-term market expectations. Q3: Could the Bank of England still raise rates despite the IMF’s view? Yes, the BoE makes independent decisions based on its own data. The IMF’s analysis is advisory, not binding, and the MPC may act if inflation proves stubborn. This post IMF Staff: Bank of England Can Hold Rates Steady This Year first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:20
AEON raises $8M to build a dedicated payment layer for AI agents
BitcoinWorld AEON raises $8M to build a dedicated payment layer for AI agents AEON, a blockchain-based payment and settlement layer designed specifically for transactions between AI agents, has secured $8 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by YZi Labs, with participation from IDG Capital, HashKey Capital, and the Stanford Blockchain Builder Fund, as reported by The Block. What AEON is building The project aims to solve a fundamental challenge in the emerging AI agent economy: how autonomous software agents can pay for services, access data, or settle transactions without human intervention. AEON’s infrastructure provides a dedicated payment rail that allows AI agents to initiate and complete payments programmatically, with on-chain verification and settlement. In May, AEON launched a payment product that already connects AI agents with over 50 million real-world offline merchants. The system uses a tool called the “x402 Facilitator,” which runs on the BNB Chain. This facilitator handles transaction verification, records settlements on-chain, and issues tamper-proof digital receipts — all without requiring a human to approve each transaction. Why a dedicated AI agent payment layer matters As AI agents become more autonomous — handling tasks like booking travel, managing supply chains, or executing trades — the need for machine-to-machine payments grows. Traditional payment infrastructure was built for human users, with friction points like authentication, manual approvals, and delayed settlement that are unsuitable for autonomous software. AEON’s approach treats AI agents as first-class economic actors. Each agent can hold a wallet, initiate payments, and receive funds, with the blockchain providing an immutable record of every transaction. This creates a trust layer that allows agents from different systems or organizations to transact with each other securely. Market context and investor interest The $8 million pre-seed round signals strong investor conviction in the AI agent infrastructure thesis. YZi Labs, the lead investor, has a track record of backing early-stage blockchain and AI projects. The inclusion of the Stanford Blockchain Builder Fund also suggests academic and research interest in the intersection of AI autonomy and decentralized finance. The broader market for AI agent payments remains nascent but is growing rapidly. Industry estimates suggest that by 2027, a significant portion of e-commerce transactions could be initiated or executed by AI agents. Infrastructure projects like AEON are positioning themselves to capture this emerging transaction volume. How AEON’s technology works AEON’s architecture consists of several key components. The x402 Facilitator acts as an intermediary that verifies transaction requests from AI agents, checks them against predefined rules, and submits them to the BNB Chain for settlement. The system issues receipts that are stored on-chain, making them verifiable and tamper-proof. The project’s ability to connect with over 50 million offline merchants is significant. It suggests AEON has integrated with existing payment networks or point-of-sale systems, allowing AI agents to pay for physical goods and services — not just digital ones. Conclusion AEON’s $8 million pre-seed round and its operational payment product place it at the forefront of a new category: infrastructure for autonomous agent economies. While the concept of AI agents paying for things is still early, the project has moved from theory to practice by connecting agents with tens of millions of real merchants. For investors and observers tracking the convergence of AI and blockchain, AEON represents a concrete bet on a future where software agents transact independently. FAQs Q1: What exactly does AEON do? AEON builds a payment and settlement layer on the blockchain that allows AI agents to make and receive payments autonomously, without human approval for each transaction. Q2: Who led the funding round? The $8 million pre-seed round was led by YZi Labs, with participation from IDG Capital, HashKey Capital, and the Stanford Blockchain Builder Fund. Q3: How many merchants can AEON agents transact with? AEON’s payment product connects AI agents with over 50 million real-world offline merchants, using its x402 Facilitator on the BNB Chain for verification and settlement. This post AEON raises $8M to build a dedicated payment layer for AI agents first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
18 May 2026, 12:15
IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports
BitcoinWorld IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports A new analysis from blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis reveals that cryptocurrency wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) received at least $3 billion in digital assets during 2025. The figure, reported by BeInCrypto, underscores the growing reliance of sanctioned entities on stablecoins rather than Bitcoin for cross-border trade settlements and funding. Stablecoins Become the Preferred Tool The Chainalysis report highlights a significant shift in the IRGC’s crypto strategy. While Bitcoin was once the dominant asset in illicit finance, the analysis indicates that stablecoins—digital tokens pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar—now account for the majority of the inflows. This transition allows the IRGC to bypass traditional banking channels while maintaining value stability, making it a more practical instrument for large-scale trade settlements. According to the data, the $3 billion figure is a conservative estimate based on publicly traceable on-chain activity. Chainalysis cautioned that the actual volume is likely substantially higher, as the analysis cannot account for transactions conducted through privacy-focused tools, mixers, or off-chain channels. Nearly Half of Iran’s Crypto Trading Volume The $3 billion received by IRGC-linked wallets represents approximately 50% of Iran’s total estimated virtual asset trading volume during the fourth quarter of 2025. This concentration signals that state-aligned actors are not merely participating in the crypto economy but may be dominating it within the country’s borders. Iran has faced increasingly stringent international sanctions, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Crypto assets have emerged as a potential lifeline for the Iranian economy, allowing entities like the IRGC to access global markets and settle trade debts without relying on the U.S. dollar-dominated banking system. Implications for Global Sanctions Enforcement The findings pose fresh challenges for regulators and law enforcement agencies. Unlike traditional finance, where correspondent banking relationships create natural choke points, blockchain transactions can be initiated from anywhere with an internet connection. While public ledgers offer transparency, the pseudonymous nature of crypto addresses makes attribution difficult without advanced forensic tools. The use of stablecoins complicates enforcement further. Because these tokens are often issued by centralized entities, there is potential for issuers to freeze or blacklist addresses linked to sanctioned groups. However, the IRGC appears to be leveraging decentralized exchanges and peer-to-peer platforms to avoid such controls. Conclusion The Chainalysis report provides the clearest evidence to date that the IRGC has integrated crypto assets—particularly stablecoins—into its financial infrastructure. With $3 billion as a minimum estimate and actual figures likely higher, the trend demands a coordinated policy response. For the crypto industry, it underscores the ongoing tension between financial privacy and the need to prevent illicit finance. FAQs Q1: Why is the IRGC using stablecoins instead of Bitcoin? Stablecoins offer price stability and faster settlement times compared to Bitcoin, making them more practical for large trade transactions. They also allow the IRGC to hold value in a dollar-pegged asset without accessing the U.S. banking system. Q2: How did Chainalysis estimate the $3 billion figure? The estimate is based on publicly visible blockchain transactions linked to wallets previously identified as connected to the IRGC. Chainalysis used clustering algorithms and attribution tags to map the flow of funds, but notes that the actual total is likely higher due to privacy tools and off-chain activity. Q3: Can stablecoin issuers block IRGC-linked wallets? Yes, centralized stablecoin issuers like Tether (USDT) and Circle (USDC) have the technical ability to freeze addresses on their smart contracts. However, the IRGC may use decentralized platforms or peer-to-peer trades to avoid detection and seizure. This post IRGC-Linked Crypto Wallets Received Over $3 Billion in 2025, Chainalysis Reports first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
