Author: Tristan Lodenberg

A crypto trader lost millions after executing a massive token swap through decentralized finance platforms, while a Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) bot captured nearly $10 million in profit from the transaction. The swap involved approximately $50.4 million in Tether (USDT) that was transferred from Binance to a newly funded wallet. The user attempted to convert the entire amount into the Aave token using CoW Protocol along with the decentralized exchange SushiSwap. However, blockchain data from Etherscan shows the wallet ultimately received only 327 AAVE tokens, worth roughly $36,000 at market prices. The trade implied an effective price of about $154,000…

Bitcoin climbed to around $73,850 on Friday, reaching its highest level in roughly a month as the cryptocurrency extended gains seen earlier in the week. The digital asset traded near $73,550 during U.S. market hours, marking an increase of nearly 5% over the previous 24 hours. The latest price surge followed comments from Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, who said the administration of Donald Trump was taking steps aimed at easing rising oil price pressures. At the same time, crude oil prices eased, with WTI crude oil trading near $94.50 per barrel after briefly approaching $98 earlier. Bitcoin Outperforms…

Organizers of TOKEN2049 have postponed the Dubai edition of the global cryptocurrency conference, moving the event to April 21–22, 2027. The gathering had originally been planned for 2026, but organizers cited ongoing uncertainty in the region affecting safety, international travel and event logistics. The announcement stated that ensuring the global crypto community can meet safely and at full scale remains the top priority. Existing tickets purchased for the event will remain valid for the new 2027 dates. Attendees will also have the option to transfer their passes to the TOKEN2049 Singapore conference scheduled for Oct. 7–8, 2026 at Marina Bay…

Tether is increasing its focus on the United States while exploring a fundraising effort that could value the company at around $500 billion. The plan comes as the stablecoin issuer strengthens its presence in global financial markets and seeks new investors. Chief executive Paolo Ardoino said the company has launched a new stablecoin, USAT, aimed at the U.S. market. The move reflects a broader strategy to expand operations in the world’s largest financial system. Profit Growth and Treasury Holdings Tether reported more than $10 billion in profit in 2025, a notable figure for a firm employing roughly 300 people. The…

MetaComp, a Singapore based stablecoin payment platform, completed a Pre-A+ funding round backed by Alibaba and Spark Venture, bringing the total capital raised across two rounds in three months to $35 million. Beijing-based 100Summit Partners served as the exclusive financial adviser for the raise. The latest funding follows a $22 million Pre-A round in December 2025 with investors including Eastern Bell Capital, Noah, Sky9 Capital, Freshwave Fund, and Beingboom Capital. The capital will support MetaComp’s plan to expand its StableX Network real-time, compliant cross-border settlements. Alibaba’s Strategic Involvement Alibaba’s participation highlights its continued interest in stablecoin projects, despite China maintaining…

The latest data for the Core PCE Price Index showed a monthly increase of 0.4%, matching both market expectations and the previous reading. The steady figure indicates inflation pressures remain persistent, with the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge continuing to show limited signs of easing in the short term. Preliminary GDP Growth Falls Below Forecast At the same time, the preliminary reading for U.S. Gross Domestic Product growth came in at 0.7% quarter over quarter, significantly below the 1.4% forecast and the previous 1.4% figure. The weaker-than-expected economic expansion suggests slowing momentum in the broader U.S. economy. Market Implications for…

Vitalik Buterin said he is no longer closely aligned with the Future of Life Institute, a nonprofit that received a large donation of Shiba Inu tokens from him in 2021. Buterin explained that when the organization initially approached him, it presented a broad plan aimed at reducing global existential risks. The roadmap included concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, biological threats and nuclear risks, alongside initiatives promoting peace and better public understanding of complex technologies. Shift in Strategy After SHIB Donation According to Buterin, the institute’s direction later shifted toward cultural and political advocacy focused on artificial intelligence risks. He said this…

Eightco Holdings raised $125 million in fresh capital to expand its investments in blockchain and artificial intelligence, sending its shares higher in early trading. The funding round was led by crypto treasury firm Bitmine with a $75 million commitment, while ARK Invest and Payward, the parent company of the crypto exchange Kraken, each contributed $25 million. Following the investment, Bitmine chairman Tom Lee will join the company’s board of directors. Brett Winton, chief futurist at ARK Invest, has also been appointed as a board adviser. At the same time, technology analyst Dan Ives stepped down from his role as chairman…

The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned six individuals and two entities for facilitating North Korean IT worker schemes that generated nearly $800 million in 2024 to fund the regime’s weapons programs. The sanctions target operatives in North Korea, Vietnam, Laos, and Spain who enabled fraudulent remote employment at U.S. companies and laundered funds through cryptocurrency. Among those designated, Nguyen Quang Viet, CEO of Quangvietdnbg International Services Company in Vietnam, converted roughly $2.5 million into crypto for North Koreans from mid-2023 to mid-2025, including earnings linked to the sanctioned Amnokgang Technology Development Company. Another facilitator, Hoang Van Nguyen, assisted…

CleanSpark sold 553 Bitcoin during February for approximately $36.6 million, according to the company’s latest operational update. The Nasdaq-listed mining firm produced 568 BTC during the same month, meaning most of its newly mined coins were sold shortly after production. Despite the sale, the company maintained a large treasury of digital assets. By the end of February, CleanSpark reported holding 13,363 BTC. The firm also disclosed that 1,086 BTC from its reserves are currently pledged as collateral or receivable in derivatives-related transactions. Texas Mining Expansion and Power Capacity Growth CleanSpark also continued expanding its mining infrastructure by completing the acquisition…