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15 Apr 2026, 10:45
Vinnik says BTC-e crypto in cold wallets wasn’t seized by US
U.S. law enforcement has not seized BTC-e coins kept in cold storage, according to the former operator of the failed cryptocurrency exchange, Alexander Vinnik. At a crypto conference in Russia, Vinnik spoke about the fate of client funds and urged those who wish to recover some of them to join a lawsuit in the United States. BTC-e’s Vinnik shares details about lost customer assets Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of the now-defunct crypto exchange BTC-e, has thrown light on what happened with user money after its collapse. Speaking at the Blockchain Forum 2026 event in Moscow this week, the entrepreneur revealed that funds on the platform were split in two after his arrest. Part of them were taken hold of by U.S. authorities when they busted the crypto trading venue nine years ago, taking control over its servers, bank accounts, and payment systems. The rest, consisting mainly of digital coins stored in cold wallets, remained “outside the perimeter seized by the FBI,” in his own words. Quoted by the Bitcoin news outlet Bits.media on Tuesday, the IT specialist insisted he lost control over all of these assets. Once the largest crypto exchange in the Russian speaking segment of the market, BTC-e went offline amid allegations over its role in the processing of $9 billion of illicit money. According to U.S. officials, the total included cryptocurrency stolen from the Mt. Gox exchange, which ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy protection in early 2014. Vinnik, one of BTC-e’s founders and operators, was detained in the summer of 2017, while on vacation with his family in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. Several countries sought his extradition, including the United States, his native Russia, and France. Athens first handed him over to the French authorities. In France, Vinnik received a five-year sentence in late 2020, which took into account the time he had already spent in custody. He was later returned to Greece and eventually transferred to the U.S. in 2022, where he pleaded guilty to money laundering charges in 2024. In February 2025, President Trump’s second administration exchanged Vinnik for American school teacher Marc Fogel, arrested and sentenced in Russia on drug trafficking charges. BTC-e coins end up on the WEX exchange The portion of the user funds that wasn’t seized by the U.S. is linked to the WEX exchange, which was launched in the fall of 2017, the report noted. Alexander Vinnik claims he had nothing to do with the latter and only learned about its establishment from his lawyer. WEX was announced as the successor of BTC-e and promised clients to return their holdings. However, it closed down, too, after halting withdrawals in 2018. Aleksey Bilyuchenko, co-founder of both exchanges, is known to have testified in Russia that the remaining balances were under his control. At BTC-e, Vinnik facilitated the movement of fiat funds and maintained some of the deployed electronic payment systems. He denied having access to cold crypto wallets and seed phrases. The Russian described as unfair his prosecution in the U.S., where he was accused of money laundering and illegal transactions, and added: “I was held responsible for the entire BTC-e turnover — on the grounds that it was in American dollars … I don’t understand why they tried to convict me.” Vinnik insisted that BTC-e complied with all the requirements of banks, payment operators, and other financial institutions, but also admitted: “We had anonymity, of course, but only to protect clients’ funds, so that some criminals couldn’t extort or rob them.” The former crypto businessman advised those who want to recover some of their lost funds to join a class action lawsuit filed with the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia at the end of June 2025. The case, which is still pending, concerns “All virtual currency held in the BTC-e operating wallets as of July 25, 2017” and some other assets. Vinnik issued a similar call on Telegram in late February, as reported by Cryptopolitan. There’s a middle ground between leaving money in the bank and rolling the dice in crypto. Start with this free video on decentralized finance .
15 Apr 2026, 10:45
Switzerland Emerges as Europe’s Unrivaled Crypto Powerhouse, Attracting 47% of VC Funding
BitcoinWorld Switzerland Emerges as Europe’s Unrivaled Crypto Powerhouse, Attracting 47% of VC Funding ZUG, SWITZERLAND – March 2025: Switzerland has definitively cemented its position as the central nervous system of Europe’s cryptocurrency and blockchain industry. According to recent data analysis, the Alpine nation attracted a staggering 47% of all blockchain venture capital investment across the continent last year. This remarkable concentration of capital underscores a strategic shift, positioning Switzerland not merely as a participant but as the continent’s undisputed crypto powerhouse. The growth trajectory here significantly outpaces both regional and global averages, signaling a profound consolidation of talent, regulation, and financial infrastructure. Switzerland’s Dominance in European Crypto Funding The numbers present a compelling narrative of Swiss ascendancy. In 2025, Switzerland secured approximately $728 million across 31 distinct investment deals. This figure represents a substantial 37% year-over-year increase. Importantly, this growth rate surpasses the 30% increase observed in global blockchain investment during the same period. Consequently, Switzerland is not just growing; it is accelerating faster than the broader market. The total value of the top 50 blockchain firms headquartered in Switzerland has now reached an impressive $467 billion. This valuation includes foundational blockchain networks like Ethereum (ETH) , Solana (SOL) , and Cardano (ADA) , alongside leading crypto-native financial institutions such as Sygnum Bank and Copper. The Engine of Growth: Crypto Valley in Zug At the heart of this ecosystem lies the canton of Zug, internationally renowned as “Crypto Valley.” This region functions as the primary engine for Switzerland’s blockchain boom. Zug alone is home to 41% of the country’s blockchain companies. Furthermore, in 2025, it absorbed a colossal 88% of all blockchain investment within Swiss borders. The city of Zurich also plays a critical supporting role, accounting for roughly 15% of activity. This geographic concentration creates a powerful network effect. Startups, developers, and investors coalesce in a dense hub of innovation. The result is a self-reinforcing cycle of capital attraction and company formation. A Foundation Built on Regulatory Clarity Analysts consistently point to Switzerland’s regulatory framework as a key competitive advantage. Unlike jurisdictions characterized by regulatory uncertainty or hostility, Swiss authorities have proactively developed clear guidelines. The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) has established a structured approach to classifying digital assets and licensing crypto businesses. This regulatory predictability provides companies with the operational certainty necessary for long-term planning and significant capital deployment. For venture capital firms, this reduces perceived risk and makes Swiss-based blockchain ventures more attractive investment targets. Therefore, the 47% funding share is as much a vote of confidence in the Swiss legal environment as it is in the companies themselves. Quantifying the Ecosystem’s Expansion The scale of expansion becomes even clearer when examining longitudinal data. Since 2020, the number of blockchain companies operating in Switzerland has skyrocketed by 134%, reaching a total of 1,766 firms by 2025. This growth is not confined to pure-play crypto companies. It encompasses a wide spectrum, including: Core Protocol & Infrastructure Developers: Teams building base-layer blockchains and scaling solutions. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Platforms: Lending, trading, and asset management protocols operating on-chain. Cryptocurrency Banks and Custodians: Regulated entities like Sygnum that bridge traditional and digital finance. Enterprise Blockchain Solutions: Firms applying distributed ledger technology to supply chain, healthcare, and identity verification. The following table contrasts Switzerland’s growth with broader European trends: Metric Switzerland (2025) European Context VC Investment Share 47% Dominant portion of continental total Yearly Investment Growth 37% Outpaced global average (30%) Company Growth (Since 2020) 134% Significantly above estimated EU average Investment Concentration in Top Region 88% in Zug Extreme geographic focus within the country Implications for the Global Crypto Landscape Switzerland’s rise carries significant implications for the global distribution of crypto innovation. Historically, hubs like Silicon Valley, Singapore, and London have vied for leadership. Switzerland’s current performance suggests a notable re-centering of European activity. This concentration of capital and expertise in a single, stable jurisdiction could accelerate the development of institutional-grade products and services. Moreover, it establishes a high regulatory benchmark that other nations may feel pressured to match. The influx of talent and capital also strengthens adjacent sectors, including fintech, cybersecurity, and legal services, creating a broader technology boom within the Swiss economy. Conclusion Switzerland has successfully transformed itself into Europe’s essential crypto hub. The data is unequivocal: with 47% of continental venture funding, explosive company growth, and the world’s most concentrated blockchain cluster in Zug, the country has built an ecosystem that is both deep and resilient. This success stems from a strategic combination of regulatory clarity, financial infrastructure, and geographic appeal. As the blockchain industry continues its march toward mainstream adoption, Switzerland’s crypto hub appears strategically positioned not just to participate, but to lead the next wave of financial and technological innovation from the heart of Europe. FAQs Q1: What percentage of European blockchain VC funding did Switzerland attract? Switzerland attracted 47% of all blockchain venture capital investment in Europe during 2025, a dominant share that highlights its central role. Q2: What is “Crypto Valley” and where is it located? “Crypto Valley” is the nickname for the canton of Zug in Switzerland. It is the epicenter of the country’s blockchain industry, hosting 41% of Swiss crypto companies and absorbing 88% of domestic investment in 2025. Q3: How much venture capital did Swiss crypto companies raise in 2025? In 2025, Swiss-based blockchain companies raised approximately $728 million across 31 separate investment deals, marking a 37% increase from the previous year. Q4: Why is Switzerland considered attractive for cryptocurrency businesses? Switzerland’s primary attractions include a clear and proactive regulatory framework from FINMA, political and economic stability, a strong tradition of banking privacy and expertise, and a concentrated talent pool in regions like Zug and Zurich. Q5: How has the Swiss blockchain ecosystem grown in recent years? The ecosystem has expanded rapidly. The number of blockchain companies in Switzerland grew by 134% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 1,766 firms. The total valuation of the top 50 firms now stands at $467 billion. This post Switzerland Emerges as Europe’s Unrivaled Crypto Powerhouse, Attracting 47% of VC Funding first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
15 Apr 2026, 10:42
Bitcoin ETFs Draw $411M After BTC Hits $75K, But Analysts Urge Caution
Analysts cited easing geopolitical tensions and improving liquidity as driving Bitcoin’s uptick, but warned of a “weak and unstable” market.
15 Apr 2026, 10:39
What Are the Best Crypto Cards to Spend Bitcoin & Altcoins in 2026?
Cryptocurrencies are often primarily seen as an investment vehicle. This is not wrong but it would also be inaccurate to say that crypto is only an asset class for trading and holding for the long term. 2025 taught us that cryptocurrencies, via stablecoins, transitioned into a full fledged payment settlements rail. For everyday transactions, crypto is increasingly being used not just to invest, but to spend. How Do Crypto Cards Work? The easiest method to off ramp crypto into a local currency and spend today is through crypto cards. These are debit cards that bridge crypto wallets, exchanges and traditional payment networks like Visa and Mastercard. These cards not only make it extremely easy and efficient to spend your crypto but oftentimes also reward users with cashback. Integrations with Visa and Mastercard enable seamless payment across millions of merchants worldwide. As spending volumes on crypto cards increase year on year, this is a trend worth watching closely in 2026. This article highlights some of the top crypto cards available on the market today. Each of these cards on the list are categorized based on the type of user it may be most relevant for. What Are the Best Crypto Cards in 2026? The best crypto cards in 2026 include: COCA Card – Best overall crypto card Oobit – Best Non-Custodial Crypto Card Ether.fi : Best DeFi-Native Crypto Card Coinbase Card – Best for beginners Wirex Card – Best for EU users Nexo Card – Best hybrid credit-style card COCA Card – Best Overall Crypto Card Why it ranks #1 COCA offers a Visa-branded crypto card designed to make spending stablecoins as seamless and rewarding as spending cash at millions of merchants worldwide. Users can tap into everyday purchases and earn one of the most competitive reward rates in the space of up to 8% cashback paid directly in stablecoins (USDT, USDC or EURC). Unlike many competitors that reward users with native tokens or points, COCA’s cashback effectively removes exposure to volatility and can be used instantly. COCA’s crypto card is paired with a fully non-custodial wallet, meaning there’s no third party holding or managing their crypto all while providing one of the best stablecoin rewards structures. The COCA card is live and trusted by over 1 million users globally, supported by and an active telegram community and ecosystem partners like Stellar, FunFair and Wirex. Key Features The COCA card allows users to spend their crypto anywhere where Visa is accepted, both online and in physical stores, while charging no joining, annual or monthly fees. Card transactions incur zero foreign-exchange fees and users can also withdraw cash with no ATM fees for amounts up to $200 per month. In addition, COCA offers free virtual card issuance, making it easy for users to start spending immediately. Other than everyday payments, COCA extends its utility to lifestyle benefits. Users receive 50% cashback on popular subscriptions like Netflix, Spotify, Amazon Prime and ChatGPT, along with discounts of up to 65% on hotel booking through COCA Travel, supplemented by additional cashback on stays. Funds held on the card can also earn up to 6% APY on stablecoin balances, with no lockups and full liquidity at all times. The platform also enables zero-fee token swaps across more than 15 blockchains, using smart routing to achieve optimal execution. Looking ahead, COCA plans to introduce fiat deposits and withdrawals, card to card transfers and dynamic APY features, further expanding its financial toolkit. Best For The COCA Card is best suited for users who want to spend stablecoins in real-world settings while retaining self-custody, earning meaningful rewards, and benefiting from a low-fee, globally accepted Visa payment experience. Oobit – Best Non-Custodial Crypto Card Why it stands out Oobit is far more than a traditional cryptocurrency card designed to remove the friction between self-custody wallets and real-world spending. Backed by Tether, the platform enables payments across Bitcoin, Ethereum, stablecoins, and an expanding portfolio of leading digital assets at over 150 million Visa merchants globally. Crucially, users can pay with crypto without giving up custody of their assets until the moment of purchase. In practice, this means users can make everyday payments directly from their self-custodial wallets, retaining full control over their funds, with no need for merchants to integrate new payment systems. As Oobit’s pay functionality acts as a bridge between private wallets and everyday payments, this allows crypto to be used as easily as mobile wallets like Apple and Google Pay. Users can also earn up to 10% cashback in eligible token, making it one of the highest reward offerings among crypto payment solutions in 2026. Key Features Self-Custody Payments Most crypto cards force users to transfer funds to a custodial wallet first. Extra step. Extra risk. Extra friction. Oobit connects directly to external self-custody wallets. MetaMask. Trust Wallet. Phantom. Users spend crypto instantly. No transfers. No custodial balance. Full control until the moment of payment. Global Merchant Acceptance Oobit payments work at millions of Visa terminals worldwide. In-store. Online. Real-time crypto-to-fiat conversions mean merchants receive local currency. No additional integration required. Seamless for users. Frictionless for businesses. Instant Peer-to-Peer Transfers Oobit Pay 2.0 enables users to send and receive 40+ cryptocurrencies globally using only a mobile phone number. Transfers between Oobit users are free, bypass blockchain network fees, and settle in 1–3 seconds. Crypto transfers as fast as sending a text. Under the hood, Oobit is powered by DePay’s decentralized payment protocol , a Web3-native infrastructure layer that enables direct wallet-to-merchant crypto transactions. Built on smart contract architecture across networks including BNB Chain and Polygon , DePay facilitates secure, non-custodial payments initiated directly from users’ self-custodial wallets. When a transaction is authorized, the payment is executed on-chain from the user’s wallet. The crypto is then converted and settled through traditional Visa rails, enabling seamless payments at over 150 million merchants worldwide without requiring merchants to integrate crypto-native payment infrastructure. This hybrid architecture bridges decentralized blockchain networks with global card schemes, preserving user custody until the moment of payment while enabling real-world usability at scale. Together, these capabilities position Oobit as a Web3-native payment ecosystem built around decentralized settlement, non-custodial spending, and global acceptance. Best For The Oobit app is best suited for users who want to spend crypto directly from self-custody wallets without preloading funds, while earning high cashback rewards and enjoying a seamless Tap-to-Pay experience across Visa’s global merchant network. Ether.fi : Best DeFi-Native Crypto Card Why it stands out The Ether.fi Cash Card is built by one of the largest liquid staking protocols in the space that has over $5 billion in Total Value Locked (TVL). That DeFi-native footprint shows up in how the card actually works. Users hold their funds in a self custodial Gnosis Safe wallet rather than handing over control or their assets to a centralized party. There are other non-custodial crypto card offerings on this list but what makes this different is that in the point of purchase most crypto cards, including non custodial ones, convert your crypto holdings into fiat the moment you swipe or tap to pay. This essentially means you’re selling. With Ether.fi ’s Borrow Mode, your crypto stays in the vault, continues to earn yield and acts as collateral for a credit line. Since you’re borrowing against the crypto held rather than selling, this also avoids triggering a tax event. Apart from this, there is also the Direct Pay mode which works as a standard debit function, drawing directly from stablecoins held in the vault. This dual structure means long-term holders can preserve their crypto exposure, continue earning staking rewards and still access liquidity for everyday spending. Key Features The card offers 3% cashback on all purchases across every membership tier, paid out in wETH. There’s no annual fee regardless of which tier you’re on. For users who opt into Borrow Mode, the current promotional rate is 0% APR on borrowed funds through Q2 2026, after which it reverts to floating market rates tied to AAVE. The card also comes with full Visa Signature benefits, including $2,000 in price protection, $10,000 in purchase protection, global rental car insurance and access to Visa’s concierge services. On the fee side, non-USD transactions carry a 1% foreign exchange fee and ATM withdrawals cost 2%. The card works with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and is built on Scroll’s zk-rollup infrastructure which keeps on-chain transaction costs below one cent. There are four membership tiers in total (Core, Luxe, Pinnacle and VIP), each unlocking higher daily spending limits, more virtual cards and additional perks like crypto conference lounge access as users move up. Best For The Ether.fi Cash Card is well suited for DeFi-native users who want to maintain full custody of their assets while still having access to real-world spending power. The ability to borrow against crypto without triggering a taxable sale event is a major draw for holders looking to stay long on their positions. That said, Borrow Mode does require users to understand collateral ratios, liquidation thresholds and interest mechanics. If the value of collateral drops too far, there’s a risk of automatic liquidation. For users less familiar with lending protocols, the Direct Pay debit mode offers a simpler path. The card is available across most of Europe, Asia, South America and select U.S. states, though notable exclusions include India, Netherlands, Turkey and around 20 U.S. states. Availability continues to expand, so users should check the official site for the latest supported regions. Coinbase Card – Best for Beginners Why it’s included Coinbase as a crypto exchange is known for its simplicity and user friendly interface. This design thinking extends to its crypto card service as well. For beginners looking to use crypto cards, coinbase offers a visa debit card that links directly to a users’ coinbase wallet. There is minimal setup and no staking requirements. Accessibility is a strong point for the Coinbase Card as it is available across key markets. It is currently available in the United States (all states except Hawaii) and many European countries including Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and others. Limitations Although users can earn rewards on purchases, the rates are lower compared with tiered reward systems like Crypto.com ’s structure. Another drawback is that in many markets, a conversion spread applies every time crypto is sold to fund a purchase or ATM withdrawal, which essentially increases the cost of transactions relative to flat-fee cards. Wirex Card – Best for EU Users Why it works The Wirex platform is built as an everything app where users can grow, borrow and spend their crypto. The Wirex crypto debit card is widely available across Europe, including the UK and many EU member states. Users can earn instant rewards of up to 8% cashback on everyday spending. Apple pay and google pay integration also enables tap and pay functionality across merchants worldwide. One of its core strengths is its multi-currency account model. Users can hold, convert and spend a variety of both cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies within one wallet. Nexo Card – Best Hybrid Credit-Style Crypto Card Why it’s different This list thus far has highlighted some of the top crypto debit cards. The Nexo Card, however, stands out because it offers both a credit and debit mode in one crypto payment card. In the credit mode, users can make everyday purchases using funds drawn from a crypto-backed credit line rather than having to sell their digital assets. The crypto you hold acts as collateral for the credit line, allowing you to spend fiat without selling your crypto. Therefore, the Nexo can function like a credit card but with your crypto value behind it. This gives users access to liquidity while keeping their longer term positions intact. While there is an in-built debit mode, the credit feature is inherently more complex. Users must understand how borrowing works, how collateral affects credit availability and how repayments and interest are factored in. Top 6 Crypto Cards Compared Card Network Rewards Fees Best For COCA Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low Overall Oobit Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low Non-custodial spending Ether.fi Cash Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low DeFi users Coinbase Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐ Medium Beginners Wirex Card Visa ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low EU users Nexo Card Mastercard ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Variable Credit-style use
15 Apr 2026, 10:38
Woman-Founded and Led Solana Project Kokopi Koalas Launches $KOKOP Token and NFT Project.
15 Apr 2026, 10:38
The 100% debt trap: Why the IMF’s latest warning is a massive long-term signal for bitcoin
The IMF warns that global public debt could reach about 100% of world GDP by 2029.
