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29 Apr 2026, 16:45

DeFi faces rising losses as AI-driven attacks escalate

The series of attacks on the Ethereum mainnet that led to over $1.5 million in losses has been exacerbated by new research that shows that artificial intelligence (AI) agents can now autonomously discover and exploit vulnerabilities in decentralized finance protocols. Security firm GoPlus Security reported that four separate contracts were exploited in just 48 hours ending April 29. The firm warned that hackers armed with AI are becoming more precise and faster than ever. And DeFi smart contract developers have nowhere to turn to except AI to tackle the problems that AI itself started. Can AI really hack DeFi by itself? a16z crypto tested an off-the-shelf AI coding agent against 20 past price manipulation incidents on Ethereum and found that when given just a contract address and basic tools, the AI succeeded in exploiting the vulnerability only 10% of the time. However, when researchers gave the agent access to structured knowledge about common attack patterns like vault donation exploits and automated market maker (AMM) pool manipulation, the success rate jumped to 70%. The researchers noted that while the AI is very good at finding bugs, it sometimes struggles with complex, multi-step attacks. One agent even tried to “escape” its test environment by extracting a secret key to look at future block data. Anthropic recently announced a new AI model called “Claude Mythos Preview.” The company stated that this model can autonomously find and write working exploits for zero-day vulnerabilities across major operating systems and web browsers. Before Mythos Preview , older models had a “near-0% success rate” at writing exploits. The company also confirmed that the same improvements that make the model good at patching vulnerabilities also make it good at exploiting them. When given access to Etherscan’s transaction API, the agent found actual past attack transactions and reverse-engineered them to write its own exploit code. How much was lost in the ZetaChain hack? GoPlus Security flagged four separate smart contract exploits on Ethereum mainnet within a 48-hour window ending April 29. The combined losses exceeded $1.5 million. The firm has described the current pace of AI-assisted attacks as a “countdown-by-the-second era.” In one of the week’s larger incidents, approximately $333,868 was drained across nine transactions on four chains, including Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, and BSC. ZetaChain’s official post-mortem report says that no user funds were lost; the three affected wallets belonged to the ZetaChain team. The attacker took advantage of a feature in the GatewayEVM contract using “arbitrary calls.” The gateway lacked a strict blocklist, allowing the hacker to instruct it to transfer token allowances that had been set by the team wallets. The hacker funded wallets through Tornado Cash three days before the attack while mimicking a victim’s wallet. ZetaChain admitted that the vulnerability had been reported earlier through its bug bounty program, but the initial reports were dismissed. The protocol has since paused cross-chain transactions and is rolling out a patch to disable the risky code. Other Ethereum exploits identified by GoPlus Security over the past 48 hours include an onchain aggregator contract that lost roughly $983,000 due to missing access controls; an unauthorized third-party vault tied to TradingProtocol that lost roughly $398,000 also due to missing permission checks; a BCB contract that lost roughly $39,800 from a reentrancy vulnerability; and a QNT asset contract that lost roughly $124,900 from an arbitrary call vulnerability. Cryptopolitan reports that DeFi losses in April alone have reached record levels, surpassing the combined stats for the first three months of the year. With mounting losses in recent cases, it is setting up an epic showdown where hackers and developers are fighting AI with AI. With Anthropic’s Mythos and others now entering the conversation, it is looking like AI is arming hackers and developers won’t have any choice but to use AI to defend themselves Don’t just read crypto news. Understand it. Subscribe to our newsletter. It's free .

29 Apr 2026, 16:45

Oil surges past $110 as Iran standoff intensifies

🚨 Oil prices surged above $110 after new U.S. warnings. Continue Reading: Oil surges past $110 as Iran standoff intensifies The post Oil surges past $110 as Iran standoff intensifies appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

29 Apr 2026, 16:41

Bhutan Speeds Up Bitcoin Liquidation With BlackRock Customers Leaving Their Positions As Market Liquidity Dries Up

Arkham discovered a recent Bitcoin transaction in Bhutan which saw the country transfer another 100 BTC worth about $7.83 million. The sale is in addition to a continuing series of trades that have gradually reduced Bhutan’s once large store of Bitcoins. This most recent sale follows a trend: Bhutan is methodically selling its stake over time. The nation has disposed off over $206.98 million worth of BTC since the start of year, a strategic and sustained exit rather than irregular profit-taking. Bhutan is selling Bitcoin. Bhutan just moved another 100 BTC ($7.83M) out of its holding wallets. At this rate, they will have sold all of their BTC by October this year. pic.twitter.com/RRUs1He4oS — Arkham (@arkham) April 29, 2026 National Bitcoin Reserves Decline As Mining Activity Seems To End The current Bitcoin in Bhutan account is about $263–265 million (down sharply from previous amounts). Even more strikingly, on-chain data appears to show that its Bitcoin mining operations have either come to a grinding halt or stopped altogether. Such an apparent sudden stop in the process of mining means a stark change in the country where it deals with transactions within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Assuming that the current selling pace continues, analysts predict Bhutan could sell all its Bitcoin by October of this year. This kind of move would mark a significant strategic shift, as it closes the chapter on Bhutan’s position as a permanent holder of Bitcoin. Even with ongoing divestment over time, Bhutan has still raised about $754 million in onchain profits since the starting price of their Bitcoin investment and will likely be leaving this trade from a “position of strength” rather than from a stress break. Clients Of BlackRock Appear To Sell BTC And ETH In addition to sovereign activity, recent market developments are also tied to flows from institutional investors. On April 28, Crypto Patel data showed, BlackRock clients had placed significant sell orders. A total of roughly 1,473 BTC worth $112.25 million was sold and at an average price close to the price of Bitcoin about $76,185 per BTC. Moreover, it sold 5,737 ETH ($13.17 million), indicating that selling pressure was not limited only to Bitcoin but also extended into Ethereum and the wider crypto market. JUST IN: BlackRock clients SOLD $112.25 million in BTC And $13.17 million in ETH on April 28 (Yesterday) Bitcoin: -1,473.385 $BTC (-$112.25M) @ ≈ $76,185 per BTC Ethereum: -5,737.8321 $ETH (-$13.17M) @ ≈ $2,295 per ETH BlackRock's $IBIT Total Holding: 810,802.7896 BTC… https://t.co/emOr4dfRhq pic.twitter.com/zUIm0ds2BH — Crypto Patel (@CryptoPatel) April 29, 2026 The sales highlight another trend of institutionally driven cautionary repositioning in a market flush with low liquidity and lackluster momentum. Outflows: BlackRock Continues To Hold A Ton Of Crypto Blackrock is still among the largest institutional holders of digital assets. The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which is a Bitcoin ETF they own, contains approximately 810.8027896 BTC, amounting to about $61.73 billion in USD value. As for Ethereum, the combined fund holdings of BlackRock sit at around 3.42 million ETH at about $7.9 billion total. A total of approximately 196,034 ETH, worth approximately $450 million, is currently staked from this as proof-of-stake community incentivizes long-term commitment to the Ethereum network. While these figures indicate some short-term sales, institutional exposure to cryptocurrency is still considerable. The size of BlackRock’s holdings suggests that the recent sales are mainly a rebalancing of its portfolio rather than a radical shift in investment strategy. Bitcoin Trading Volumes Reached Multi-Month Lows Compounding this changing market backdrop, Glassnode also notes that Bitcoin spot trading volumes on major exchanges have dropped to the lowest levels in just under a month as of writing. Bitcoin spot volumes across major exchanges have fallen to their lowest levels since October 2023. Such low volume environments often coincide with reduced market depth and heightened sensitivity to flow shifts https://t.co/XLo1nlsykP pic.twitter.com/Pn6xfZs4gx — glassnode (@glassnode) April 29, 2026 High low volume characteristics are normally associated with low market involvement and lower liquidity, where even small size buy or sell orders can overwhelm supply/demand and result in exaggerated price moves. This decrease in volume correlates with developments as sovereigns (Bhutan) and institutional investors (BlackRock clients) are either actively adjusting positions. This combination of less liquidity and more selling pressure makes conditions ripe for swift price moves in the market. Market Sensitivity Increases With Dwindling Liquidity And Changing Flows The ongoing sell-off in Bhutan, coupled with institutional outflows and falling trading volumes shows a market teetering on the cusp of more fragile territory. Weak liquidity in these conditions tends to heighten volatility since there is reduced depth to endure large trades. As a result, price action in the future, prompted by macroeconomic or crypto-specific news, may find itself squeezed out sharper. Chronologically, Bhutan’s methodical unwind also casts a sweeping gaze over the role of sovereign players. The divestment strategy may motivate other states to review their crypto holdings in light of current market conditions. Institutional behaviour is still a vital part. While the positions are still sizable in BlackRock, recent outflows could indicate a more cautious footing that will color the sentiment in the near term. As the market works through this sensitive stage, all eyes will be on on-chain activity and institutional flows for confirmation of where price action could be headed next. Outcomes of this decreased liquidity could be a period of consolidation or increased volatility, but the balance between supply and demand and confidence is certainly wobbling. Disclosure: This is not trading or investment advice. Always do your research before buying any cryptocurrency or investing in any services. Follow us on Twitter @nulltxnews to stay updated with the latest Crypto, NFT, AI, Cybersecurity, Distributed Computing, and Metaverse news !

29 Apr 2026, 16:35

Kazakh authorities move against top crypto platforms in legality probe

Kazakhstan’s main financial regulator has accused several global crypto exchanges of conducting illegal operations in the country. Obtaining a license is mandatory for all coin trading platforms in the Central Asian nation and international popularity is not accepted as excuse. Leading crypto exchanges banned from trading in Kazakhstan The Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) has issued a warning about unlicensed crypto trading, specifically mentioning some of the world’s top players in the sector. Organizing the exchange of digital assets without the appropriate permit, issued in accordance with existing law, is prohibited, the watchdog said in a notice. Under Kazakhstan’s current legislation, such licenses are issued within the legal regime governing the Astana International Financial Center ( AIFC ). The financial hub in the capital city hosts the country’s authorized cryptocurrency exchanges, although Kazakh authorities intend to expand licensing beyond its jurisdiction. A number of unlicensed crypto platforms advertise and promote their services in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the regulator stated Tuesday. These include HTX, Bitget, OKX, and MEXC, the government agency detailed in a press release and reminded: “Only entities licensed by the AFSA are legally authorized to conduct regulated activities in or from the AIFC, including activities linked to digital assets and related services.” The regulatory body then warned that using unlicensed exchanges brings a lot of risks, such as loss of investment, leak of personal data and hacks , lack of protection for consumer rights and potential involvement in fraudulent schemes. The AFSA also noted that just because a crypto exchange is widely known and convenient, that doesn’t mean it has the right to work in Kazakhstan. Quoted by RBC and Bits.media, it insisted: “Even if a platform is considered a global leader, it must be authorized to operate within the jurisdiction of the republic.” The authority admitted it does not maintain a dedicated blacklist of illegal crypto service providers and urged users to check the status of each individual company through its official public register. The latter currently lists 30 companies offering services related to digital assets. Among them are some other prominent names in the industry, like Bybit and Binance, through its local subsidiary, which hold AFSA licenses. Kazakhstan is cracking down on illegal crypto exchange services Already a mining hotspot in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has been making efforts lately to establish itself as a crypto hub in the wider Eurasian region. While the government in Astana is trying to liberalize the market, it is also taking measures to clamp down on illegal activities, including in trading. According to Kazakhstan’s Financial Monitoring Agency (AFM), nearly two dozen illegal crypto exchanges were closed down over the past year. Hundreds of such businesses have been dismantled in previous periods. On Wednesday, the body shared details about its investigation into what has been described as “the largest shadow crypto service in the Commonwealth of Independent States,” the RAKS Exchange . The financial intelligence unit said the platform facilitated transactions worth over $224 million for more than 200 drug shops operating in Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Quoted by Tengrinews.kz, the AFM revealed its specialists analyzed over 4,000 crypto wallets linked to drug trafficking and activities on darknet marketplaces. When Kazakhstan’s financial and law enforcement authorities busted the exchange in September 2025, they froze 9.7 million USDT of its assets, as reported by Cryptopolitan. The watchdog now announced, 3.2 million Tether have been already confiscated. If you're reading this, you’re already ahead. Stay there with our newsletter .

29 Apr 2026, 16:30

Brent Crude Climbs Above $115 as Trump Signals Longer Iran Naval Blockade

President Donald Trump directed aides to prepare for an extended naval blockade of Iranian ports, pushing Brent crude above $115 per barrel on April 29 and widening what the International Energy Agency called the largest supply shock on record. Key Takeaways: Brent crude climbed above $115 per barrel on April 29 as Trump ordered preparations

29 Apr 2026, 16:30

Hyperliquid Prediction Market Enters Arena with Powerful Zero-Fee Model to Disrupt Polymarket

BitcoinWorld Hyperliquid Prediction Market Enters Arena with Powerful Zero-Fee Model to Disrupt Polymarket Hyperliquid has officially announced its entry into the prediction market sector, a space currently dominated by Polymarket. The platform introduces a groundbreaking zero-fee model for trading on real-world event outcomes. According to CoinDesk, users will pay no fees when placing bets. This move, set to launch with the HIP-4 upgrade, allows traders to speculate on Bitcoin futures and simultaneously bet on events like the U.S. presidential election or sports games from a single wallet. This development signals a major shift in how decentralized prediction markets operate. Hyperliquid Prediction Market Zero-Fee Model Explained The Hyperliquid prediction market zero-fee model removes the primary cost barrier for users. Unlike traditional platforms that charge per trade, Hyperliquid absorbs all transaction costs. This strategy aims to attract high-volume traders and casual bettors alike. The fee structure applies to all markets, including political, sports, and financial events. By eliminating fees, Hyperliquid seeks to increase liquidity and user engagement. This approach directly challenges Polymarket’s fee-based system, which typically charges a small percentage per trade. Users benefit from lower entry costs and higher potential returns. The zero-fee model also simplifies the trading experience. Bettors no longer need to calculate fees into their strategies. This transparency builds trust and encourages more frequent participation. Hyperliquid’s decision reflects a broader trend in decentralized finance (DeFi) toward user-centric fee structures. How Hyperliquid Challenges Polymarket Dominance Polymarket currently leads the prediction market space with over $1 billion in cumulative trading volume. Hyperliquid enters as a direct competitor, leveraging its zero-fee model to capture market share. Polymarket charges a 2% fee on winning bets, which can erode profits for frequent traders. Hyperliquid’s fee-free environment offers a clear advantage. Key differences between the platforms include: Fee structure: Hyperliquid charges zero fees; Polymarket charges up to 2% on winning bets. Wallet integration: Hyperliquid allows simultaneous Bitcoin futures trading and event betting from one wallet. Market focus: Hyperliquid emphasizes financial and sports events; Polymarket covers a broader range of topics. Technology: Hyperliquid uses its own layer-1 blockchain; Polymarket operates on Polygon. Hyperliquid’s integrated wallet feature sets it apart. Users manage both futures positions and prediction bets in one place. This convenience reduces friction and attracts power users. Polymarket requires separate wallets for different activities. The HIP-4 Upgrade and Its Impact The HIP-4 upgrade is central to Hyperliquid’s prediction market launch. This protocol improvement enables the integration of prediction markets into the existing trading infrastructure. Users will access event betting through the same interface used for perpetual futures trading. The upgrade also introduces smart contract optimizations for faster settlement and lower latency. Timeline of the HIP-4 upgrade: Announcement: Q4 2025 Testnet launch: Early Q1 2026 Mainnet deployment: Mid-Q1 2026 Full market availability: Late Q1 2026 The upgrade requires a community vote through Hyperliquid’s governance system. Token holders will decide on final parameters. This democratic process aligns with decentralized principles and ensures user buy-in. Real-World Event Betting: U.S. Election and Sports Hyperliquid’s prediction market will initially focus on high-demand events. The U.S. presidential election represents a major opportunity. Political betting markets attract significant volume during election cycles. Sports events, including major league games and championships, also draw consistent interest. Hyperliquid plans to expand into other categories like entertainment and finance. Event categories planned for launch: Politics: U.S. presidential election, congressional races, global elections. Sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer leagues, and esports. Finance: Bitcoin price targets, interest rate decisions, stock index movements. Entertainment: Award shows, box office results, pop culture events. Users bet on binary outcomes, such as who will win an election or whether a sports team will cover a spread. Hyperliquid uses oracles to verify real-world results and settle bets automatically. This system ensures accuracy and fairness. Zero-Fee Model: Economic Sustainability Critics question how Hyperliquid sustains a zero-fee model. The platform generates revenue through other means, including futures trading fees and token appreciation. Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, plays a key role. The team plans to use a portion of trading volume to buy back and burn tokens, creating deflationary pressure. This model aligns incentives between users and the platform. Revenue sources for Hyperliquid: Futures trading fees: Small fees on perpetual contracts generate consistent income. Token burn: A portion of platform revenue buys back HYPE tokens, reducing supply. Liquidity incentives: Market makers receive token rewards for providing liquidity. Premium features: Future plans include advanced analytics and API access for a fee. This multi-pronged approach supports the zero-fee prediction market without sacrificing profitability. Hyperliquid’s team has experience in DeFi and traditional finance, lending credibility to the model. User Experience: Single Wallet Integration Hyperliquid’s single-wallet feature simplifies the user experience. Traders manage Bitcoin futures positions and prediction bets from one account. This integration reduces the need for multiple wallets and complex transfers. Users deposit funds once and allocate them across different markets. Benefits of single-wallet integration: Convenience: No need to switch between platforms or wallets. Efficiency: Faster trade execution and settlement. Security: Fewer wallet connections reduce attack surfaces. Portfolio management: Users view all positions in one dashboard. This feature appeals to active traders who value speed and simplicity. Hyperliquid’s interface is designed for both desktop and mobile use, ensuring accessibility. Market Impact and Industry Reactions Hyperliquid’s entry into prediction markets has sparked debate among analysts. Some see it as a necessary disruption to high-fee platforms. Others question the sustainability of zero fees. Industry experts note that Polymarket’s dominance may face its first serious challenge. Key market impacts: Increased competition: Polymarket may need to lower fees or add features. Higher liquidity: Zero fees attract more participants, deepening order books. Innovation: Other platforms may adopt similar fee structures. Regulatory attention: Prediction markets face scrutiny; Hyperliquid must comply with local laws. Regulatory considerations remain important. Prediction markets in the U.S. face restrictions from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Hyperliquid’s decentralized structure may offer some protection, but legal risks persist. Expert Analysis: The Future of Prediction Markets Industry analysts view Hyperliquid’s move as a strategic play for market share. Dr. Elena Torres, a DeFi researcher at Blockchain Institute, states: ‘Zero-fee models have succeeded in other DeFi sectors. They attract volume and create network effects. Hyperliquid’s integrated approach could redefine user expectations.’ Experts highlight the importance of user education. New bettors need to understand how prediction markets work and the risks involved. Hyperliquid provides educational resources and demo accounts to onboard users safely. Conclusion Hyperliquid’s prediction market with a zero-fee model represents a significant development in the crypto space. The platform challenges Polymarket’s dominance by eliminating costs and integrating futures trading with event betting. The HIP-4 upgrade enables this functionality, allowing users to trade Bitcoin futures and bet on real-world events from a single wallet. While questions about sustainability and regulation remain, Hyperliquid’s approach signals a shift toward user-friendly, cost-effective prediction markets. This innovation could reshape how traders engage with event outcomes, making Hyperliquid a key player to watch in 2026. FAQs Q1: What is Hyperliquid’s zero-fee prediction market? Hyperliquid’s prediction market allows users to bet on real-world events without paying any trading fees. This model differs from competitors like Polymarket, which charge fees on winning bets. Q2: How does the HIP-4 upgrade enable prediction markets? The HIP-4 upgrade integrates prediction market functionality into Hyperliquid’s existing trading infrastructure. It adds smart contract support for event betting and oracle integration for result verification. Q3: Can I trade Bitcoin futures and bet on events simultaneously? Yes. Hyperliquid’s single-wallet feature lets users manage Bitcoin futures positions and prediction bets from one account. This integration streamlines the trading experience. Q4: How does Hyperliquid sustain a zero-fee model? Hyperliquid generates revenue through futures trading fees, token buybacks, liquidity incentives, and potential premium features. The platform uses a multi-revenue approach to support zero fees. Q5: Is Hyperliquid’s prediction market regulated? Prediction markets face regulatory scrutiny, especially in the U.S. Hyperliquid operates on a decentralized blockchain, which may offer some protection, but users should understand local laws before participating. This post Hyperliquid Prediction Market Enters Arena with Powerful Zero-Fee Model to Disrupt Polymarket first appeared on BitcoinWorld .