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29 Apr 2026, 08:15
BTC Steady in Geopolitical Storm: Oil Surpasses $111
Bitcoin remains stable at 77K amid geopolitical storm while oil surpasses 111$. Ether and majors declined. Technically, S1 76.374$ strong support, R1 80.314$ resistance. Market dominance increasing...
29 Apr 2026, 08:13
Robinhood stock crashes 11% in a day as crypto revenue plummets
Stock of the popular online trading platform Robinhood (NASDAQ: HOOD) declined 2.24% to $82.07 during the April 28 session before collapsing another 9.33% in the after-hours to $74.41 for a total daily crash of more than 11%. Robinhood stock price one-day chart. Source: Google The bulk of the HOOD equity plummet came as the firm unveiled its latest quarterly earnings report, which showed that the slowdown in the cryptocurrency market helped trigger a substantial revenue and earnings per share (EPS) miss. Specifically, while Wall Street was expecting Robinhood to achieve $1.17 billion in sales in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, the firm actually recorded $1.07 billion for a modest year-over-year (YoY) growth of 15%. The situation was similar in terms of EPS, which came in at $0.38 – 3% higher YoY – instead of the anticipated $0.41. Cryptocurrencies drag Robinhood earnings down in Q1, 2026 Simultaneously, while many of the metrics provided in the report showed substantial growth compared to early 2025, cryptocurrency-related revenue collapsed a staggering 47% to just $134 million. Q1 of 2026 was a sluggish quarter for digital assets, as, for example, Bitcoin ( BTC ) declined 22.61% between the start of January and the end of March, Ethereum ( ETH ) 31.77%, and the popular XRP token 28.11% within the same timeframe. Robinhood also likely suffered from negative momentum continuing from the final quarter of 2025. Indeed, after hitting its record high above $125,000 in October, BTC crashed approximately 30% to $88,262 by the end of the year, and the total cryptocurrency market cap decreased from $4.22 trillion to $2.93 trillion. Total cryptocurrencies market capitalization 12-month chart. Source: TradingView Robinhood unveils strong equity revenue growth, ‘Trump Accounts’ investments Elsewhere, Robinhood recorded significant growth in multiple categories, with the standout figures coming for the platform’s ‘Gold Subscribers – whose number rose 36% to 4.3 million – and total platform assets, which soared 39% YoY to $307 billion. Revenue from equities and ‘other transaction revenue’ also rose significantly, with the former surging 46% to $82 million and the latter soared 320% to $147 million. Notably, the report demonstrated just how significant cryptocurrencies have become for the platform since, even after nearly halving YoY, revenue from digital assets was significantly higher than from stocks. Lastly, Robinhood announced the expansion of a likely long-term program through the rest of 2026 with another $100 million investment to build and develop the ‘ Trump Accounts ’ – the new program often described as a children’s IRA. Featured image via Shutterstock The post Robinhood stock crashes 11% in a day as crypto revenue plummets appeared first on Finbold .
29 Apr 2026, 08:03
Hedera Africa Hackathon crowns winners in record global showdown
The Hashgraph Association, a Swiss based non profit advancing digital enablement, innovation, and education across the Hedera ecosystem, and Exponential Science, an organization focused on supporting emerging technologies to advance human progress, have announced the winners of its Hedera Africa Hackathon, which has officially become the largest hackathon globally. More than 13,000 developers, 1,300 project submissions, and 45,000 certification participants across 20+ African hubs participated in the Hedera Africa Hackathon. The winning projects focused on building real infrastructure projects on top of Hedera Technology. These solutions included route payments across incompatible networks, verified renewable energy certificates, and secure medical records against silent or unauthorized alteration. The $1 million prize pool, among the largest ever awarded at a Web3 hackathon, co funded by The Hashgraph Association, and Exponential Science, was distributed across four thematic tracks, alongside a cross-track championship recognizing the strongest projects overall. In addition to the success of the hackathon, The Hashgraph Association also formed an Investment Committee, which will make multi-million-dollar commitments in strategic partnerships, expanding the ecosystem’s global footprint and emphasis on emerging markets. This committee positions Hedera as one of the few ecosystems directly supporting builders with capital, mentorship, and enterprise pathways. 2025 Hedera Hackathon winners used Hedera DLT across four tracks Hackathon developers created scalable, real-world solutions tailored to the continent’s most urgent challenges using Hedera’s DLT across four tracks: On-Chain Finance & Real-World Assets, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for Operations, Immersive Experiences, and AI & DePIN. The hackathon also included partnerships with Orange Digital Center and was operated by Dar Blockchain. Commenting on the win, the team behind Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform said, “We’re honored that the judges endorsed our vision for rebuilding renewable energy reporting and financing, and excited to turn this win into a real service on Hedera that supports the 1.5-degree goal.” The Cross-Track Champions were selected for exceptional innovation, execution, and real-world impact across all categories: 1st Place ($100,000): GreenAfrica (Nigeria) – Environmental verification platform enabling transparent tracking of sustainability initiatives. 2nd Place ($70,000): Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform (Egypt) – Infrastructure for proving and trading verified renewable energy credentials. 3rd Place ($60,000): Effisend X Africa (Mexico) – AI-powered payment routing layer connecting incompatible African payment rails. 4th Place ($40,000): Silsilat Finance (Malaysia) – Cross-border settlement infrastructure for emerging markets. 5th Place ($30,000): Beyond Service (Nigeria) – Mobile game with persistent digital identity and asset ownership. The winners by track are: On-Chain Finance & Real-World Assets: Silsilat Finance (Malaysia). Direla (South Africa). Upesa (Nigeria). Tedera (Romania). Nia (Madagascar). DLT for Operations: Carboni Renewable Energy Certificate Platform (Egypt). Building a Chain of Trust in the Green Power-to-X Market (USA). RDZ Health (Zimbabwe). Afiya (Nigeria). W.A.T.A (Brazil). Immersive Experiences: Beyond Service Game (Nigeria). Cryptonia CITY (Nigeria). KeyRing (USA). CryptoMage (India). AI & DePIN: Effisend X Africa (Mexico). GreenAfrica (Nigeria). Hedron (Morocco). APIx: Intelligent Web3 Deployment Layer (Ivory Coast). Speaking on the success of the hackathon, Kamal Youssefi, President of the Hashgraph Association, noted that the Hedera Africa Hackathon reached historic heights, scaling the depths of talent and ambition across the continent and beyond with the online participants. He added that Hedera has a longstanding commitment to enabling global innovation and powering real utility, proven by the applications built this year spanning finance, sustainability, AI and DePIN verticals. On the investment committee, he explained that it would nurture these developers long after the hackathon ends, empowering the next generation of builders. The hackathon will return in 2026, with additional details on location, tracks, and partners to be released at a later date. Dr. Paolo Tasca, Chairman at Exponential Science, explained that any strong, innovative, and responsible technical ecosystem begins with education, and that through this initiative, people have seen that approach materialize at scale, with participants advancing from learning to the development of meaningful infrastructure. The Hedera Africa Hackathon included partners such as Sygnum Bank, Orange Digital Centers, and the Nairobi Securities Exchange, as well as Shamba Records, Hashgraph Online, and Swisscoast, alongside ecosystem and institutional partners Taylor Wessing, Rearden Digital Assets, and Object Computing, Inc. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .
29 Apr 2026, 08:00
Litecoin stuck at $55.32 as 57 dollar barrier holds
🚨 Litecoin trades at $55.32 after hovering in a narrow range. Resistance at $57 prevents any major upward move in $LTC. Continue Reading: Litecoin stuck at $55.32 as 57 dollar barrier holds The post Litecoin stuck at $55.32 as 57 dollar barrier holds appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
29 Apr 2026, 08:00
Axelar Completes Pioneering Won-Based Stablecoin Proof of Concept with XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI
BitcoinWorld Axelar Completes Pioneering Won-Based Stablecoin Proof of Concept with XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI Axelar (AXL) has successfully completed a proof of concept (PoC) for a won-based stablecoin, marking a significant step in South Korea’s digital asset evolution. This achievement, realized in partnership with XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI, directly addresses the growing need for regulatory-compliant stablecoin infrastructure. The PoC tested the full lifecycle of issuing, distributing, and settling a stablecoin pegged to the South Korean won. Axelar Won-Based Stablecoin PoC: A Detailed Look According to a report from The Herald Business, the three organizations conducted this test to prepare for the potential formalization of stablecoin regulations in South Korea. The primary goal was to verify whether a digital asset based on the won could function effectively within a real-world financial institution environment. The PoC focused on three critical operational areas: managing the issuance and supply of the stablecoin, handling cross-chain asset transfers and settlements, and implementing the control functions required by financial institutions. This collaboration leverages Axelar’s cross-chain interoperability technology, XRP Ledger Korea’s blockchain expertise, and Hana Financial TI’s deep understanding of traditional banking systems. Together, they created a robust testing environment that simulates a live financial ecosystem. Key Components of the Stablecoin Proof of Concept The PoC was not a simple test. It involved a comprehensive evaluation of several complex systems. Below is a breakdown of the core components examined during the project. Issuance and Supply Management: The partners tested mechanisms to mint and burn the won-based stablecoin. This ensures that the stablecoin supply can be adjusted according to demand, maintaining its peg to the won. Cross-Chain Asset Transfers: Axelar’s network facilitated the secure transfer of the stablecoin across different blockchain networks. This capability is crucial for interoperability between various decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms and traditional banking systems. Settlement and Control Functions: The PoC verified that the stablecoin could be used for real-time settlements. It also implemented essential financial institution controls, such as anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance features. Regulatory Context for South Korea Stablecoin South Korea is actively shaping its digital asset regulatory landscape. The government has been working on a comprehensive framework to govern stablecoins, recognizing their potential impact on the financial system. This PoC directly aligns with these regulatory efforts. By testing the operational feasibility now, Axelar, XRP Ledger Korea, and Hana Financial TI position themselves ahead of the regulatory curve. They are demonstrating that a won-based stablecoin can meet the strict standards that regulators are likely to impose. This proactive approach builds trust with both regulators and potential users. Why This Matters for the Global Crypto Market The successful completion of this PoC has implications beyond South Korea. It serves as a model for other jurisdictions exploring regulated stablecoins. The collaboration between a cross-chain protocol (Axelar), a blockchain network (XRP Ledger), and a traditional financial technology firm (Hana Financial TI) shows a viable path for integrating digital assets into mainstream finance. Furthermore, it highlights the growing importance of interoperability. A won-based stablecoin that can move seamlessly across different blockchains unlocks significant utility. It can be used in various DeFi applications, payment systems, and cross-border trade settlements without being confined to a single network. Technical Architecture of the Cross-Chain Stablecoin Axelar’s technology played a central role in this PoC. The Axelar network provides a decentralized, permissionless layer for cross-chain communication. For the won-based stablecoin, this means: Secure Bridges: The stablecoin can be transferred between the XRP Ledger and other compatible blockchains using Axelar’s secure bridge infrastructure. Atomic Swaps: The PoC likely tested atomic swap capabilities, allowing for trustless and instant exchanges between the won stablecoin and other digital assets. General Message Passing: Beyond simple token transfers, Axelar enables complex smart contract interactions across chains. This could allow the stablecoin to be used in multi-chain DeFi protocols. Timeline of Stablecoin Development in South Korea To fully appreciate this achievement, it helps to understand the timeline of stablecoin-related events in South Korea. Year Event Significance 2021 South Korea passes first crypto regulation law Established legal framework for virtual asset service providers. 2022 Terra-LUNA collapse shocks the market Intensified focus on stablecoin stability and regulation. 2023 Financial Services Commission announces stablecoin guidelines Outlined preliminary rules for issuance and reserve management. 2024 Axelar, XRP Ledger Korea, Hana Financial TI begin PoC Practical testing of a regulated won-based stablecoin begins. 2025 PoC completion announced Demonstrates operational feasibility and regulatory readiness. Impact on XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI For XRP Ledger Korea, this PoC showcases the network’s capability to support real-world financial applications. It moves the XRP Ledger beyond simple payments and into the realm of regulated stablecoins. For Hana Financial TI, it demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to digital innovation. The firm gains valuable experience in blockchain-based financial products, which can be applied to future projects. This partnership also strengthens the ecosystem around each participant. Axelar gains a high-profile use case in a major economy. XRP Ledger Korea expands its utility. Hana Financial TI enhances its digital transformation portfolio. Future Implications for the Won-Based Stablecoin The successful PoC opens the door for several next steps. The most immediate is a potential pilot program with a limited user base. This would allow the partners to gather real-world data on performance, user experience, and regulatory compliance. A full-scale commercial launch would follow, pending final regulatory approval from South Korean authorities. If launched, a won-based stablecoin could revolutionize several sectors. It could enable cheaper and faster cross-border remittances. It could provide a stable on-ramp for South Korean investors into the global crypto market. It could also streamline corporate treasury operations for companies dealing with international payments. Conclusion Axelar’s completion of a won-based stablecoin PoC with XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI is a landmark event. It proves that a regulated, cross-chain stablecoin is not just a theoretical concept but a practical reality. This achievement directly prepares the partners for the anticipated formalization of stablecoin regulations in South Korea. By demonstrating operational feasibility, the PoC builds a strong foundation for future adoption. The collaboration sets a powerful precedent for how traditional finance and blockchain technology can work together to create innovative, compliant financial instruments. FAQs Q1: What is a won-based stablecoin? A won-based stablecoin is a digital asset whose value is pegged to the South Korean won. Each token is designed to be worth one won, providing price stability compared to volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Q2: Why is the Axelar PoC important? This PoC is important because it tests the real-world feasibility of issuing, distributing, and settling a regulated stablecoin. It demonstrates that a won-based stablecoin can work within a financial institution’s environment and comply with upcoming regulations. Q3: What role did Axelar play in the project? Axelar provided its cross-chain interoperability technology. This allowed the won-based stablecoin to be securely transferred and settled across different blockchain networks, not just the XRP Ledger. Q4: How does this affect the XRP Ledger? This PoC showcases the XRP Ledger’s capability to support regulated financial instruments. It expands the network’s utility beyond simple peer-to-peer payments into the stablecoin and DeFi sectors. Q5: When will the won-based stablecoin be available to the public? There is no confirmed launch date yet. The next steps likely involve a pilot program and final regulatory approval from South Korean authorities. The PoC’s success, however, significantly advances the timeline. This post Axelar Completes Pioneering Won-Based Stablecoin Proof of Concept with XRP Ledger Korea and Hana Financial TI first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
29 Apr 2026, 08:00
Pump.fun Burns $370M in PUMP, Launches New Buyback Plan
The Solana-based platform also launched a new one-year buyback-and-burn program that will use 50% of future net revenue to purchase and permanently burn PUMP tokens through a locked smart contract. The remaining 50% of revenue will be used for business expansion. Pump.fun Burns 36% of PUMP Supply Pump.fun, the Solana-based meme coin launchpad, announced a major shift in its token strategy by burning all previously bought-back PUMP tokens and introducing a new long-term buyback-and-burn program. According to the company, the tokens destroyed were worth approximately $370 million and represented around 36% of PUMP’s circulating supply. The move was presented as a direct response to concerns from the community about transparency, trust, and the long-term future of the project. Pump.fun acknowledged that many users questioned the platform’s longevity, whether buybacks would continue, and how repurchased tokens would eventually be used. By permanently burning all of the accumulated tokens, the company said it wanted to remove uncertainty and clearly prove a stronger commitment to token holders. Burning tokens reduces supply permanently, which can create scarcity and potentially support value over time. Alongside this one-time burn, Pump.fun also launched a new automated buyback-and-burn system that will run for one year. Under the new plan, 50% of the platform’s future net revenue will be used to purchase PUMP tokens on the open market and immediately burn them through a locked smart contract. This mechanism is designed to be irreversible and transparent. Revenue for the program will come from several Pump ecosystem products, including the Pump.fun bonding curve system, PumpSwap, and Terminal. The remaining 50% of revenue will be allocated toward expanding the business itself. Pump.fun said these funds will help the company hire stronger product teams, invest in larger strategic opportunities, and launch marketing campaigns across its ecosystem. The company believes balancing token burns with reinvestment will create a more sustainable business model than using all profits solely for buybacks. Co-founder Alon Cohen also defended the revised revenue split, and explained that maintaining a sizable treasury gives Pump.fun the flexibility to make major moves over the next five to ten years. He argued that every dollar not burned can still contribute to the same long-term goal if it is invested wisely into product development and growth. The announcement comes after strong financial growth for the company. Last month, Pump.fun became the first Solana platform to exceed $1 billion in cumulative revenue since launching in January of 2024. PUMP price over the past 24 hours (Source: CoinCodex) After the announcement, PUMP rose about 6% over 24 hours to trade close to $0.0019 , which suggests that investors reacted positively to the new strategy.
