• The SEC and Ripple have filed a settlement, possibly ending the XRP lawsuit.
• The settlement includes $125 million in penalties, with $50 million to the SEC and $75 million to Ripple.
• The SEC won’t challenge the court’s ruling on XRP sales not being securities.
• Despite the settlement, lawyer Bill Morgan says the case isn’t officially over yet.

In a major development that could bring the long-running XRP lawsuit to a close, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a formal settlement letter in its case against Ripple Labs.

The letter, dated May 8, 2025, and publicly shared by legal analyst James K. Filan, represents the most pivotal moment in the case since it began in December 2020, marking yet another significant milestone for the XRP community.

#XRPCommunity #SECGov v. #Ripple #XRP BREAKING: The @SECGov has filed the Settlement Agreement Letter. https://t.co/eXuWjyQECc

— James K. Filan 🇺🇸🇮🇪 (@FilanLaw) May 8, 2025

SEC-Ripple Settlement Was “In Good Faith”

Notably, for over four years, Ripple has fought the SEC’s claim that it unlawfully raised $1.3 billion through the sale of XRP in what the regulator classified as an unregistered securities offering. The lawsuit quickly evolved into a defining issue for crypto regulation, drawing global attention from investors, developers, and policymakers alike.

Now, after extended litigation, the SEC and Ripple appear to have reached a settlement agreement. According to the letter, both parties “engaged in good-faith negotiations to resolve this litigation in its entirety.” The agreement, executed on May 8, received the necessary internal approvals from the SEC.

At the core of the settlement is the release of $125 million in civil penalties currently held in escrow. Under the terms, $50 million will be paid to the SEC, while the remaining $75 million will be returned to Ripple.

The letter describes the deal as “a final resolution as to the conduct alleged in the amended complaint,” and importantly, notes that neither side plans to challenge the court’s previous Summary Judgment Order, a partial win for Ripple that confirmed XRP sales on secondary markets were not securities transactions.

Crucially, the SEC argues that the agreement satisfies the legal criteria for enforcement resolutions. Citing various precedents, the agency asserted that approval is appropriate when a settlement is “fair and reasonable,” and not contrary to public interest.

Meanwhile, the agency has requested an indicative ruling from the court, arguing that such an order would “promote efficiency and the policy favoring settlements,” and would eliminate the need for further litigation at both the district and appellate levels. This language reinforces both parties’ commitment to closing a high-stakes legal chapter that has shaped the crypto landscape.

Court Ruling Crucial for Last Milestone

That said, the court’s response will be decisive. Should the judge issue the indicative ruling, it would enable both Ripple and the SEC to formally drop their appeals, dissolve the standing injunction, and release the escrowed funds according to the settlement’s terms. Beyond bringing long-sought clarity to Ripple and its stakeholders, the case could serve as an informal precedent for how future crypto token disputes are handled in the U.S.

Earlier this month, Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty expressed strong optimism about the lawsuit’s conclusion. 

“The SEC not only dropped its appeal against Ripple—they’ve now dropped every case against every crypto company in the United States. Why? Because the SEC has now admitted what we’ve always been saying: you can’t bring enforcement actions without first explaining what the law is.” He stated. “We never had clear laws, rules, or regulations regarding crypto in this country. So now we’re going to clean up the mess, get out of the courtroom, get back to business.”

However, despite the fanfare surrounding the development, some uncertainty remains. On Wednesday,  pro-XRP lawyer Bill Morgan emphasized that the case is not yet officially over. His remarks dampened growing optimism among XRP holders, who had already begun celebrating what they perceived as Ripple’s legal victory

As the crypto world watches closely, the final ruling could cement a historic moment not only for Ripple but for the broader regulatory treatment of digital assets in the United States.

The post SEC Files Settlement Letter in XRP Case, Hinting at Potential Resolution appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Saylor says Bitcoin is the best corporate treasury asset, outperforming stocks, bonds, and gold.
• Traditional strategies like stock buybacks and bonds create “zombie companies” that can’t grow or compete.
• Strategy’s Bitcoin bet turned it from a struggling firm into a $52B powerhouse with massive stock gains.
• Saylor pitched Microsoft, claiming Bitcoin could’ve added up to $5T in value—yet 99% of shareholders rejected the idea.

Michael Saylor, Executive Chairman of Bitcoin development firm Strategy, believes Bitcoin represents the most effective treasury strategy for modern companies aiming for sustainable growth and a competitive edge.

Apple, Microsoft’s Treasury Strategies no Match for BTC

Delivering a keynote speech at the Bitcoin for Corporations 2025 conference on Wednesday in Florida, Saylor used data-driven comparisons, pitting Bitcoin against the Magnificent Seven stocks, sovereign bonds, and gold to argue that traditional corporate treasury strategies are fundamentally broken. He presented Bitcoin as the structural solution.

“Bitcoin is the solution to the problem,” Saylor noted, contrasting it with conventional corporate strategies that he claims lead to what he describes as “zombie companies”. These are publicly traded entities unable to beat market indices, raise capital effectively, or take strategic risks.

Saylor presented striking data showing that 96% of public companies underperform the “Magnificent Seven” tech giants like Apple and 85% fail to beat the S&P 500. Rather than competing directly with digital monopolies like Microsoft and Apple, Saylor advocates for what he calls “merging with Bitcoin” or  allocating corporate treasury assets to Bitcoin instead of traditional instruments like treasury bonds or stock buybacks.

“If you want to 10x your money, you buy Bitcoin. If you want to 100x your money, you buy Bitcoin with someone else’s money,” Saylor explained.

Strategy’s Success Story

He further outlined how Strategy transformed from a struggling software company with an enterprise value of just $6 per share in 2020 to a financial powerhouse through its Bitcoin strategy. At press time the firm held a total of  553,555 BTC worth over $52 billion, following another purchase earlier this week

According to charts presented during the keynote, Bitcoin has delivered approximately 56% annualized returns over recent years, dramatically outperforming traditional treasury management approaches. Saylor characterized Bitcoin as “digital capital”  arguing it represents a paradigm shift similar to other digital transformations that have revolutionized industries.

“Digital is always better. Digital pictures are better. Digital relationships, digital messages, digital documents, digital videos. Ask Kodak, ask Polaroid,” Saylor added, framing Bitcoin as the logical evolution of corporate treasury assets in an increasingly digital world.

That said, the strategy appears to be working for Saylor’s company. Since implementing its Bitcoin-focused approach in August 2020, the Strategy’s stock has surged from approximately $12 to nearly $400 per share. Daily trading volume increased from $5 million to $5.9 billion, and options interest jumped from $1 million to over $96 billion.

Saylor also revealed Strategy raised $22.6 billion in 2024 and $10.1 billion year-to-date in 2025, suggesting strong investor appetite for Bitcoin-backed securities. He contrasted this capital influx with how other major corporations are “doing their best to get rid of their money” through stock buybacks and dividends.

Saylor’s BTC Pitch to Microsoft

Moreover, Saylor revealed he recently pitched Microsoft’s board of directors on adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset. He argued that Microsoft has “surrendered $200 billion of capital” through buybacks and dividends over the past five years, effectively “snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.”

According to Saylor’s analysis, if Microsoft had redirected these funds to Bitcoin, it could have added “$1 trillion to $5 trillion to the enterprise value of the company” while simultaneously reducing risk exposure. His models suggested Microsoft could increase its ARR growth rate from 10% to nearly 16% through Bitcoin adoption.

“If you could buy a hundred billion dollar company growing 60% a year at one times revenue, and if it was more profitable than your own company, would you do it? Of course you would,” Saylor argued, framing Bitcoin as an asset that replaces “future expectations of cash flows” with tangible value.

Despite his pitch, Saylor noted that 99% of Microsoft shareholders voted against even studying the feasibility of Bitcoin treasury adoption, highlighting the resistance that remains among traditional corporate leadership.

“Courage is in much shorter supply than genius,” Saylor concluded, quoting investor Peter Thiel to underscore that while many corporate leaders intellectually understand Bitcoin’s potential, few demonstrate the boldness to act on that understanding.

The post Michael Saylor Argues Bitcoin is the Future of Corporate Treasuries appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Solana projects can expand to Shibarium by launching native tokens and building utility
• Shibarium offers relief from Solana’s outages, congestion and ecosystem isolation
• WHY Combinator and the SHIB Army give projects tools, users, and liquidity without starting from scratch.
• Shibarium continues to expand its ecosystem with  integrations with Chainlink and Polygon

As Solana projects face mounting challenges in an increasingly competitive blockchain landscape, LUCIE, the lead marketing strategist for Shib Ecosystem has outlined a bold strategy to overcome these obstacles. On Thursday, Lucie shared her vision for cross-chain collaboration, suggesting that Solana-based applications could thrive by expanding to Shibarium, even without direct bridging infrastructure.

Why Solana Projects Should Expand to Shibarium (Even Without a Bridge)

There’s no direct Solana-to-Shibarium bridge yet—but that doesn’t stop visionary projects like Shy on Sol from planting flags in both worlds.

Here’s how and why Solana projects can still enter Shibarium:

1.… pic.twitter.com/bHR3sCIWAq

— 𝐋𝐔𝐂𝐈𝐄 (@LucieSHIB) May 8, 2025

A New Kind of Expansion—Not Just Migration

Solana, while celebrated for its transaction speed and low fees, has struggled with periodic network outages and congestion issues over the past year. These reliability concerns have left some projects vulnerable to user frustration and limited growth. Additionally, Solana’s somewhat isolated ecosystem has restricted access to the vast user bases available on Ethereum-compatible chains.

“Think of it as a cross-chain expansion, not just a migration,” Lucie explained, suggesting that Shibarium could complement rather than replace Solana’s functionality. This approach acknowledges Solana’s technical strengths while addressing its ecosystem limitations.

The centralization critique often leveled at Solana presents another challenge that Shibarium expansion could help mitigate. By diversifying across networks, projects can reduce dependency on any single blockchain’s health and governance decisions. Lucie’s guidance seems tailored to projects seeking greater resilience against network-specific risks.

Shibarium Offers a Full-Stack Ecosystem

Shibarium’s layer-2 solution offers a potential remedy to several Solana pain points. Built on Ethereum, it provides access to the largest smart contract ecosystem while maintaining relatively low fees through its scaling technology. For Solana projects struggling with limited cross-chain interoperability, Shibarium represents a strategic gateway to the broader Ethereum universe.

“Tap Into the Combinator Ecosystem,” Lucie advised, highlighting Shibarium’s WHY Combinator, which provides “support for dApps, games, AI tools, and community-driven projects.”

This ready-made infrastructure addresses the resource constraints faced by many Solana developers who lack the capital or connections to build robust support systems independently.

Market volatility has also challenged Solana projects seeking stable user growth. As per Lucie, Shibarium offers access to the notoriously passionate SHIB Army, a community known for its loyalty and engagement. “The SHIB army is ready,” Lucie noted, pointing to an eager user base that could provide adoption momentum during market downturns.

DeFi & Liquidity Solutions

The fragmentation of liquidity across chains has been particularly problematic for Solana DeFi applications. Lucie suggested using Shibarium as a “DeFi layer” with “liquidity via ShibaSwap,” potentially alleviating capital efficiency problems by tapping into additional liquidity pools.

Recent partnerships have strengthened Shibarium’s position as a viable expansion target. The ecosystem has formed strategic alliances with Polygon for scaling solutions, Chainlink for oracle services.  It is also reportedly in discussions with several other networks to enhance cross-chain functionality.

Projects currently being built on Shibarium include gaming initiatives like Shiba Eternity, metaverse applications, and privacy-focused tools that could complement Solana projects seeking expanded utility.

Looking toward future developments, Lucie highlighted Shibarium’s upcoming L3 solution (“Shy Mode”) focused on privacy and AI integration. For Solana projects struggling with limited privacy options, this advancement could offer significant value.

“By establishing now, you’re ready when a Solana–EVM bridge is launched (inevitable),” Lucie emphasized, framing early Shibarium adoption as preparation for the increasingly multi-chain future that blockchain technology seems destined to embrace.

Notably, Solana-based projects like “Shy on Sol” are already building on Shibarium, demonstrating the feasibility of maintaining presence on both networks.

The post Why Solana Projects Should Consider Shibarium, According to Shiba Inu Insider appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Stripe introduces accounts for businesses to hold and transact in USDC and USDB stablecoins.
•  Entrepreneurs in unstable currencies can now use stablecoins and easily convert them to fiat.
•  An AI-driven system to improve payment fraud detection and authorization rates was also unveiled
• Stablecoin adoption continues to rise with $35 trillion in annual transactions.

Global payments giant Stripe has taken a bold leap into the crypto arena, officially launching support for USDC stablecoin payments through its newly introduced Stablecoin Financial Accounts.

Seamless Conversions From Fiat to Crypto

This move, announced Wednesday, positions Stripe at the forefront of financial innovation, leveraging digital assets to power real-time, borderless transactions for businesses in over 100 countries.

The new financial accounts will allow companies to receive, hold, and send dollar-backed stablecoins like USDC, issued by Circle, and USDB, developed by Bridge.

https://t.co/x05K2TGQZA

— Stripe (@stripe) May 7, 2025

Stripe’s initiative is especially significant for entrepreneurs and small businesses operating in economies with volatile currencies, offering them a more stable and accessible alternative to traditional banking systems.

“These accounts will enable entrepreneurs in countries with unstable currencies to hedge against inflation and easily access the global economy,” Stripe stated in its announcement.

The company further emphasized the growing importance of stablecoins in creating financial inclusion and enabling seamless global commerce.

Commenting on the development , Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire congratulated Stripe on what he described as a “powerful launch,” calling the rollout of USDC-native financial accounts “an extraordinary opportunity” for global business. “USDC utility just expanded dramatically,” he added, underlining the broader impact of the move on the stablecoin ecosystem.

Stripe’s Crypto Journey

Stripe’s foray into crypto has been years in the making, with earlier steps including the acceptance of USDC and USDP as payment methods at checkout. Since its initial stablecoin integration in 2024, Stripe has seen rapid adoption across 70+ countries, with support for blockchain networks such as Ethereum, Solana, and Polygon.

Wednesday’s announcement thus builds on that momentum. With Stablecoin Financial Accounts, Stripe offers businesses an all-in-one solution for both fiat and crypto transactions. This means users can now send USDC to traditional bank accounts, with automatic conversions happening in the background, a seamless bridge between the old and the new financial systems.

Adding to its crypto momentum, Stripe also unveiled the Payments Foundation, an AI-driven backend system designed to optimize transactions by increasing approval rates and minimizing fraud. Co-founder and CEO Patrick Collison framed this dual embrace of AI and stablecoins as “two gale-force tailwinds” reshaping the global economy.

“Our job is to drive these technologies forward so that customers can benefit from them immediately,” Collison said.

Stripe’s crypto expansion comes at a time when demand for low-cost, efficient international payments is surging. Stablecoins, with their programmable, instant settlement capabilities, are increasingly seen as a viable solution to outdated financial systems.

Stablecoin Transactions Continue to Soar

That said, Stripe’s strategy reflects a broader shift in the payments industry, as stablecoins become a vital component of the evolving financial infrastructure. A March report by blockchain research firm Dune revealed that annual stablecoin transaction volume reached a staggering $35 trillion, more than double Visa’s volume in 2024. USDC alone has doubled its market cap over the past year, driven by global partnerships and regulatory breakthroughs.

1/ Stablecoins are reshaping finance 🏦

Explore all insights, market trends, asset deep dives, and more in "The State of Stablecoins 2025"— a comprehensive report by Dune & @artemis

Link at the end of the thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ociR0HJlsX

— Dune (@Dune) March 18, 2025

By integrating USDC and launching financial accounts tailored for global entrepreneurs, Stripe is not only entering the crypto space it’s helping to redefine it. The move signals a shift from experimentation to execution, where stablecoins are no longer a niche tool but a core component of Stripe’s financial offerings.

The post Stripe Enters Crypto Space with USDC Stablecoin Payments appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Litecoin is forming a 7-year symmetrical triangle pattern, often a precursor to major price moves.
• Over 13 million LTC were accumulated in the $88–$99 zone, marking it as key resistance.
• Litecoin’s fast transactions speeds and  low fees continue to attract users
• Canary Capital filed for a spot Litecoin ETF with analysts giving a 90% approval chance.

Litecoin (LTC), one of the oldest crypto assets, may be on the verge of a monumental price breakout, according to multiple analysts tracking long-term technical patterns.

LTC’s Bullish Pattern Mirrors that of XRP

In a recent tweet, popular crypto analyst CryptoBullet spotlighted a massive 7-year symmetrical triangle on Litecoin’s chart , a pattern often preceding major price moves. He compared it to XRP’s setup before its Q4 2024 breakout, suggesting that LTC could soon lead to a similar surge.

$LTC #Litecoin

Just look at this giant Triangle that took 7 years to build!

It does look like $XRP before the Q4 2024 breakout

This huge $LTC accumulation will also resolve to the upside. Breakout is coming 📈 pic.twitter.com/tCskeqaTFy

— CryptoBullet (@CryptoBullet1) May 7, 2025

A symmetrical triangle forms when a market consolidates between converging trend lines. Technical theory suggests that breakouts often occur between 50–75% of the pattern’s lifespan. Litecoin’s triangle began forming in 2017 and now approaches its apex, pointing to an imminent breakout.

Analyst Mohamed Sewid on TradingView reinforced this outlook noting that  price action from 2022 to now indicates the triangle is nearing completion. According to him, even a dip below $50 wouldn’t invalidate the setup, as long as the triangle holds.

Crypto analyst Crypto Patel also highlighted Litecoin’s recent breakout above a multi-year resistance line. He identified a key accumulation zone between $65 and $85 and projected price targets ranging from $255 to $650, with a long-term potential as high as $1,458.

“While $1,000–$1,500 may not happen this bull run, I personally believe it’s possible in the near future,” Patel said. “I’m super bullish on LTC/USDT.”

Onchain Metrics Shine

That said, on-chain data from IntoTheBlock also backs the technical setup, showing that investors bought over 13.13 million LTC in the $88–$99 zone. This range now acts as a critical resistance level. A clean breakout above it could propel Litecoin toward $150 and possibly even $650.

Moreover Litecoin’s expanding use in real-world payments may drive its next price surge. Last month, the Litecoin Foundation reported that LTC was the most-used cryptocurrency on BitPay in March. It accounted for 38.7% of all transactions surpassing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and others. Litecoin’s 2.5-minute block time and low fees make it ideal for daily use. As crypto payments grew 20% globally from 2023 to 2024, LTC’s utility continues to stand out.

LTC spot ETF; A Game Changer?

Meanwhile, Litecoin appears to be gaining traction among institutions. Canary Capital, a digital asset investment firm, filed for a spot Litecoin ETF with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Although the SEC delayed a final decision as of May 6, 2025, Bloomberg ETF analysts give a 90% chance of approval, positioning LTC as a top altcoin ETF candidate.

If approved, the ETF could trigger institutional inflows similar to those that boosted Bitcoin and Ethereum earlier in 2025, potentially delivering LTC’s long-anticipated breakout.

At press time, LTC traded at $91.97, marking a 1.25% gain in the past 24 hours.

The post Analyst predicts LTC’s Surge to $650 as 7-year Triangle Inches Closer to Breakout appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Arthur Hayes predicts Bitcoin could hit $150K by 2025 due to Fed easing policies.
• He expects more liquidity from the Fed to boost Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana prices.
• Bitcoin broke $99K as markets react to Trump tax cuts and Fed rate pause.
• Analysts warn of short-term volatility, but long-term sentiment for crypto remains bullish overall.

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes predicts that Bitcoin could soar to $150,000 by the end of 2025. Speaking at the recent Token2049 conference, Hayes tied his projection to a significant shift in U.S. Federal Reserve policy, which he believes will trigger a massive liquidity wave across financial markets.

Why Bitcoin Could Surge to $150,000

According to Hayes, the U.S. central bank is likely to continue loosening monetary conditions in the coming months. He cited rising geopolitical uncertainty, sluggish economic indicators, and increasing pressure from political leaders as reasons the Fed may be forced to inject more liquidity into the financial system — a move historically favorable for risk assets like cryptocurrencies.

“We’re entering a perfect storm for a Bitcoin rally,” Hayes told conference attendees. “The macroeconomic environment is pushing the Fed towards more dovish policies, and that means more dollars entering the system. That’s fuel for Bitcoin.”

He draws parallels to previous cycles, notably Q3 2022 and early 2025, when expansive monetary measures boosted digital asset markets following periods of turbulence. Hayes believes a similar scenario is unfolding now, especially as inflation concerns give way to fears of stagnation and declining consumer demand.

Let's dance degens to $BTC hitting $150,000 by month end.

Register Here: https://t.co/ROAXITROeX pic.twitter.com/6ev1mVKyZa

— Arthur Hayes (@CryptoHayes) May 8, 2025

Beyond Bitcoin, Hayes expects other major cryptocurrencies like Ethereum and Solana to follow the leading digital asset’s upward trajectory.

“It’s not just about Bitcoin anymore,” he said. “Once the money printer turns on, everything from ETH to SOL benefits.”

His comments come as Bitcoin briefly surged past the $100,000 mark on May 8, setting 10-week high amid renewed optimism. The rally was further fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping tax cuts and hints at a major international trade deal. Those developments, coupled with the Fed’s recent decision to hold interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.5%, have been interpreted by many as signs of a more accommodative economic stance ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Earlier this month, Hayes had reiterated his even more extreme long-term projection  noting that Bitcoin could eventually hit $1 million by 2028. That forecast, he said, hinges on the belief that the U.S. government will continue expanding the money supply to stabilize debt markets and prevent economic collapse.

Caution from Analysts

That said, while Hayes’ outlook has drawn enthusiasm from crypto bulls, some market analysts urge caution. On-chain data from analytics platform CryptoQuant indicates that Bitcoin has entered a “caution zone,” with realized profits reaching historically high levels. Although the metrics don’t yet suggest a market top, they do point to potential short-term volatility.

“Investors are taking profits, which is typical for late-stage bull markets,” CryptoQuant analysts noted. “But unless we see a drastic surge in realized losses, this isn’t necessarily bearish — it just means we should expect a choppier path upward.”

Despite the warnings, market sentiment remains upbeat. Institutional interest is growing, macroeconomic conditions are shifting, and policymakers appear increasingly receptive to asset price stability as a political priority.

At press time, BTC was trading at $99,873, reflecting a 3.76% surge in the past 24 hours.

The post Arthur Hayes Predicts Bitcoin’s Surge to $150,000 by Year End as U.S. Fed Loosens Policy appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Bhutan now accepts crypto payments for tourism through Binance Pay.
• Tourists can use Bitcoin, BNB, USDC, and more to pay via QR codes.
• Local businesses get paid in Bhutanese ngultrum through DK Bank.
• More nations embrace crypto payments for tourism

Bhutan has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing its tourism industry by partnering with global crypto exchange Binance to enable seamless cryptocurrency payments for visitors.

Through a collaboration with local financial institution Druk Holding & Investments-backed DK Bank, the country has officially launched a system allowing tourists to pay for travel services using a wide range of cryptocurrencies via Binance Pay, as per a Wednesday announcement  by Binance.

Partnership to Boost Tourism in Bhutan

This strategic move aims to simplify crypto transactions for tourists and boost Bhutan’s appeal as a destination for tech-savvy travelers. With over 100 merchants already onboarding, including hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and even local street food vendors, visitors can now pay using Bitcoin, Binance Coin (BNB), USD Coin (USDC), and nearly 100 other supported digital assets simply by scanning QR codes.

Experience #Bhutan with the world’s first national crypto tourism payment system!

Powered by Binance Pay and DK Bank, it offers seamless crypto payments for flights, hotels, local crafts, and much more.

Over 100 local merchants await on this cashless adventure. @tourismbhutan… pic.twitter.com/FUYVo4HYMe

— Binance (@binance) May 7, 2025

DK Bank serves as the bridge between digital and traditional finance, instantly converting the crypto payments into Bhutan’s local currency, the ngultrum. This ensures merchants receive payments in fiat without exposure to crypto price volatility, while tourists enjoy a frictionless experience without the burden of high foreign exchange fees or international card issues.

Bhutan’s Bitcoin Gamble

The implementation comes at a time when Bhutan is increasingly positioning itself as a forward-thinking economy in the digital asset space. The Himalayan kingdom is one of the few nations with a sizable government-held Bitcoin reserve, reportedly the fifth-largest globally at over 12,000 BTC. Bhutan’s digital reserves are further supported by its eco-friendly crypto mining operations, powered by the country’s abundant hydroelectric energy.

Binance emphasized that this rollout will particularly benefit small businesses, many of which lack access to traditional payment infrastructure. With just a smartphone and QR code, vendors can now accept international payments with ease. For tourists, this removes the hassle of exchanging currency or worrying about their cards being declined in a foreign country.

“Our goal is to make Bhutan not only a destination of natural beauty and culture but also a model for modern financial innovation,” said a representative from Bhutan’s Department of Tourism. “By integrating crypto payments, we’re catering to a new generation of travelers and supporting local businesses with cutting-edge tools.”

That said, Bhutan is not alone in this pursuit. Other countries are increasingly adopting similar models to enhance their tourism sectors. Thailand, for example, launched a pilot program in January 2025 allowing tourists to use crypto in Phuket. El Salvador’s decision to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021 set the stage for crypto tourism, and Malta continues to serve as a haven for digital asset users with many crypto-accepting establishments.

The post Bhutan Taps Binance to Roll Out Seamless Crypto Payments for Tourist appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Tim Draper says companies without Bitcoin are “irresponsible.”
• He blames U.S. regulation for delays but says Bitcoin adoption and smart contracts are gaining momentum.
• Draper plans to launch a Bitcoin-only fund.
• Big names Like Kiyosaki and Scaramucci also see BTC hitting $200K+ in 2025.

Billionaire Tim Draper has reignited his vision for Bitcoin, taking aim at corporations that have yet to adopt the cryptocurrency as part of their financial strategy.

Speaking at the FT Digital Assets Summit this week at Convene 155 Bishopsgate in London, the prominent venture capitalist and crypto advocate described companies that lack Bitcoin in their reserves as “irresponsible,” warning they are ignoring the clear direction of the future financial system.

BTC to hit $250 by Year-End

Draper, known for his outspoken optimism about digital assets, reaffirmed his long-standing prediction that Bitcoin will reach $250,000 by the end of 2025. Notably, while his initial forecast had set this milestone for 2022, he has since revised the timeline several times, citing various market conditions and regulatory delays. This time, he pointed directly at what he termed “over-regulation under the Biden administration” as a key factor slowing Bitcoin’s momentum. Despite this, Draper remains confident that the market is on the verge of a breakout.

“There’s a gravitational pull toward Bitcoin,” Draper told the audience, arguing that the asset is no longer just a store of value, but an emerging foundation for a broader financial infrastructure.

He further pointed to the rapid development of Ordinals, Runes, and smart contracts on the Bitcoin network as proof that it is becoming a full-fledged platform, rivaling other chains like Ethereum and Solana, which have traditionally led in decentralized application development.

Draper’s Plan to Launch BTC-Only Fund

Draper also revealed his vision of launching a fully Bitcoin-based investment fund within the next five years. The fund would leverage smart contracts to automate all internal operations, reducing overhead costs and eliminating the need for legal and auditing services.

“We’re moving toward a world where trust is built into the code,” he said. “The blockchain makes things more transparent and efficient than any centralized system ever could.”

Interestingly, Draper likened Bitcoin’s transformative power to the invention of gunpowder. “After him, wars changed. After Bitcoin, commerce will change,” he said, emphasizing that traditional fiat currencies are on their way out. According to Draper, the transition will begin with the growing use of stablecoins, which offer a digital representation of fiat, and eventually shift fully to Bitcoin, which he calls “digital gold.”

His speech follows a May 1 commentary where Draper sounded alarms over the declining strength of the U.S. dollar. Drawing a historical parallel to the Confederate dollar during the Civil War, which collapsed due to hyperinflation, Draper warned that today’s economic conditions could trigger a similar loss of trust in fiat money.  He further argued that gold, long considered a safe-haven asset, cannot compete with Bitcoin due to its storage challenges, lack of portability, and inability to be used for daily transactions.

Bitcoin might be worth an infinite amount of USD.

During the Civil War, the south’s Confederate Dollar went through hyperinflation.

After starting 1:1 with USD, it ended the war at over 10 million to 1.

People lost faith and scrambled to trade their cash in for USD.

But now… pic.twitter.com/qRTEKl4VkU

— Tim Draper (@TimDraper) May 1, 2025

That said, despite the volatility and missed targets in past years, Draper remains undeterred. His belief is rooted in Bitcoin’s limited supply, rising institutional interest, particularly through spot Bitcoin ETFs and its increasing use as a medium of exchange.

“People are more comfortable holding Bitcoin than dollars,” he said. “And as the technology matures, that comfort will only grow.”

BTC Bullish Sentiment Grows

Meanwhile, Draper is not alone in predicting BTC’s surge beyond $200,000 this year. Last month, investor Robert Kiyosaki  suggested that Bitcoin could reach between $180,000 and $200,000 in 2025.  Earlier in February, Anthony Scaramucci, manager of the First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy ETF, predicted Bitcoin will reach $200,000 in 2025, attributing this optimism to growing institutional adoption and the potential establishment of a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve under the Trump administration.

At press time, BTC was trading at $99,564 reflecting a 2.61% surge in the past 24 hours.

The post Tim Draper slams firms without Bitcoin reserves, predicts $250K price by 2025 appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Visa has invested in BVNK to help scale stablecoin payment infrastructure.
• BVNK processes $12 billion annually and is expanding into the U.S. market.
• Stablecoins reached $27 trillion in global transaction volume last year.
• The partnership combines Visa’s global network with BVNK’s crypto technology.

Global payments giant Visa has made a strategic investment in British crypto startup BVNK, deepening its commitment to advancing stablecoin adoption in global commerce.

Visa Invests in BVNK

As per a Tuesday announcement by BVNK, the investment, made through Visa Ventures, was announced Tuesday by BVNK CEO and co-founder Jesse Hemson-Struthers and marks a significant milestone for the London-based firm.

BVNK 🤝 @Visa

We've secured investment from Visa Ventures to expand our stablecoin payments infrastructure globally.

This strategic partnership follows our recent $50M Series B and strengthens our mission to provide businesses with efficient, secure payment rails for the… pic.twitter.com/K5iv9sx2Tq

— BVNK (@BVNKFinance) May 6, 2025

While the exact terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership is positioned as a critical step in developing infrastructure that will enable businesses to tap into the growing stablecoin economy.

“This isn’t just capital—it’s a powerful validation of our mission to rewire global payments with stablecoins,” Hemson-Struthers stated.

Founded in 2021, BVNK has quickly emerged as a key player in the digital payments sector by building infrastructure that allows businesses to process and manage stablecoin transactions at scale. Currently, the startup processes $12 billion in annualized stablecoin payments and operates from offices in London, New York, and San Francisco. It has also received licensing approvals across several U.S. states as it ramps up its North American expansion.

The Visa-BVNK deal follows BVNK’s $50 million Series B funding round in December 2024, which saw participation from heavyweight investors including Haun Ventures, Coinbase Ventures, Tiger Global, Scribble Ventures, DRW Venture Capital, and Avenir. The continued investor confidence is reflective of the surging demand for faster, more efficient cross-border payment solutions.

Visa Continues  expansion into Stablecoins

Visa, long recognized for its pioneering role in global finance, is increasingly embracing blockchain technologies and digital currencies. Last month the company  piloted a stablecoin-backed credit card initiative in South America in partnership with crypto firm Bridge, aiming to allow consumers in countries like Argentina and Mexico to spend stablecoins using traditional Visa infrastructure.

Meanwhile. commenting on the BVNK investment, Rubail Birwadker, Visa’s Head of Growth Products and Partnerships, emphasized the growing importance of stablecoins.

“Stablecoins are fast becoming a part of global payment flows. Visa invests in technologies and companies like BVNK to stay at the forefront of what’s next in commerce,” Birwadker said.

According to Visa’s own Onchain Analytics report, more than $27 trillion in stablecoin transactions were processed globally in the past year alone, spread across over 1.25 billion transactions. These figures highlight a major shift in global finance, with stablecoins emerging as an alternative to the traditional correspondent banking system, an area that BVNK is aiming to disrupt.

Hemson-Struthers sees the Visa partnership as a transformative opportunity.

“Combining Visa’s global network with our programmable stablecoin infrastructure opens up new possibilities for the digital economy,” he said. “It’s about redefining how businesses move money.”

That said, the latest deal reflects a broader industry trend,  with Visa’s increasingly look to digital assets to improve payment systems. With stablecoins rapidly evolving from niche use to mainstream utility, BVNK’s infrastructure could play a foundational role in shaping the future of digital payments.

The post Visa Backs UK Crypto Startup BVNK to Accelerate Stablecoin Payments Revolution appeared first on CoinCentral.

• Hollywood star Julia Garner to play Caroline Ellison in new Netflix series on the FTX collapse
• The show will explore the financial scandal and personal dynamics between Ellison and Bankman-Fried across eight episodes.
• Sam Bankman-Fried continues to serve a 25-year sentence as he pursued an appeal and seeks a pardon.
• FTX recovered over $7 billion. Creditors may start getting paid in late 2025.

Netflix is set to bring the sensational story of crypto exchange FTX’s downfall with a new limited series that will dramatize the rise and fall of disgraced founder Sam Bankman-Fried and his inner circle.

Series to Explore FTX’s Collapse

As per a recent tweet by entertainment outlet Film Updates, Emmy-winning actress Julia Garner has been cast as Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research and key figure in the FTX collapse. Garner, known for her roles in Ozark and Inventing Anna, will play a central role in the upcoming series, which is set to focus heavily on Ellison’s personal and professional ties to Bankman-Fried.

Julia Garner to star as Caroline Ellison in a limited series about the collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX, and the relationship between FTX co-founder and chief executive Sam Bankman-Fried and his girlfriend and business associate Ellison. pic.twitter.com/Df1miZIjb4

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) May 2, 2025

According to Whats On Netflix, the eight-episode series will be written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter Graham Moore (The Imitation Game) and produced by Netflix, which reportedly secured exclusive rights to adapt the story. While casting for Sam Bankman-Fried is still ongoing, DAHMER star Evan Peters is rumored to be in talks for the role, though his participation remains unconfirmed.

The series will explore the rapid rise of FTX, once hailed as the most promising crypto exchange in the world, and its dramatic collapse in late 2022 that resulted in billions of dollars in user losses. The storyline is expected to revolve not only around the legal and financial turmoil but also the complicated romantic relationship between Bankman-Fried and Ellison, adding a personal dimension to one of the largest financial frauds in recent history.

Bank-man Fried Maintains Innocence

Since the collapse, both former executives have faced serious legal consequences. Ellison, who pleaded guilty and cooperated with federal prosecutors, was sentenced to two years in prison in September 2024 and ordered to forfeit over $11 billion. Bankman-Fried was convicted on seven counts of fraud, conspiracy, and money laundering, and received a 25-year prison sentence in March 2024.

Last month Bankman-Fried was moved from the notoriously dangerous Victorville federal prison to the more lenient Federal Correctional Institution at Terminal Island in Los Angeles. The new facility, known for its relatively relaxed atmosphere and rehabilitation programs, marks a stark contrast to his previous placement, which had raised concerns for his safety.

Despite his conviction, Bankman-Fried continues to insist on his innocence and is currently appealing his sentence, in the conviction that FTX never went bankrupt, just a liquidity crisis . In March, he launched an effort to obtain a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, drawing fresh public attention.

That said, the upcoming Netflix series aims to capture both the scale of the FTX scandal and the human drama behind it. With the crypto world still reeling from the fallout, the project arrives at a time when public interest in digital finance, regulatory failure, and personal accountability is at an all-time high.

FTX Creditors Continue the Wait

Meanwhile, FTX creditors are still awaiting full recovery of their funds. According to bankruptcy filings and recent court updates, the FTX estate has recovered over $7 billion in assets, with plans to begin returning funds to customers later this year. The estate has pledged to repay eligible creditors in cash based on the dollar value of their holdings at the time of the exchange’s collapse in November 2022.

While no official repayments have been made yet, court documents indicate that some distributions could begin as early as Q3 2025, pending final approval of the reorganization plan. Estimates suggest that creditors may receive between 80% to 100% of their original balances, though exact figures will depend on asset recoveries and litigation outcomes. In March, In March, FTX lawyers however confirmed that liquidators will begin compensating creditors with claims of $50,000 or more starting May 30.

The post Netflix to Tell FTX Story in New Series, Julia Garner Cast as Caroline Ellison appeared first on CoinCentral.