‍New PHANTOMPULSE Malware Targets Crypto Users via Obsidian App Security researchers have identified a sophisticated social engineering campaign leveraging the Obsidian note-taking app to deploy a novel remote access trojan (RAT) named PHANTOMPULSE. Attackers pose as venture capital representatives on LinkedIn, moving conversations to Telegram to build trust before directing victims to enable community plugin synchronization in Obsidian. This action silently executes malicious code, granting attackers control. PHANTOMPULSE utilizes decentralized, blockchain-based command-and-control (C2) mechanisms across three networks for stealth and resilience, making it infrastructure-agnostic. This highlights rising threats in DeFi, with $713 million stolen from crypto wallets in 2025 alone. Experts advise strict app-level plugin policies and extreme caution with unsolicited opportunities requiring third-party software installation.

Cryptovka

New PHANTOMPULSE Malware Targets Crypto Users via Obsidian App

Security researchers have identified a sophisticated social engineering campaign targeting professionals in the cryptocurrency and financial sector...

‍Apple Removes Fake Ledger App After $9.5 Million Theft Apple has removed a malicious app from its App Store that impersonated Ledger Live. The fraudulent app, developed by "SAS Software Company," tricked over 50 crypto investors into revealing their private seed phrases, leading to a total loss of $9.5 million. Scammers used a "bait-and-switch" tactic, submitting a legitimate app then updating it to mimic the Ledger interface. Apple removed over 17,000 apps for similar violations in 2024. Significant losses included $3.23 million in USDT and $2 million in USDC. This incident highlights the need for users to verify crypto apps and never enter recovery phrases into any application. Scammers are also exploiting other marketplaces, like Microsoft's app store.

Cryptovka

Apple Removes Fake Ledger App After Scammers Steal $9.5 Million

Apple has officially removed a malicious application from its App Store that impersonated Ledger Live, the interface for the popular hardware walle...

‍Switzerland's Crypto Valley Secures $728 Million in Funding, a 37% Increase The Swiss Crypto Valley experienced a significant surge in venture capital funding in Q1 2025, raising $728 million. This represents a 37% year-over-year increase and accounts for 47% of all European blockchain venture investments. Leading projects like The Open Network (TON) secured $400 million, while Sygnum Bank, M0, Impossible Cloud Network, and CratD2C also closed substantial funding rounds. Investors show a strong preference for blockchain networks (62% of funding) and infrastructure projects (14%). This growth highlights Switzerland's leading role in blockchain innovation, supported by its stable regulatory framework.

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Switzerland’s Crypto Valley Sees 37% Funding Surge to $728 Million

The Swiss Crypto Valley has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in the first quarter of 2025, securing a total of $728 million in venture...

‍ETHGas and ether.fi Secure $3Bn Deal for Ethereum Blockspace ETHGas and ether.fi have announced a three-year, $3 billion agreement to mature the Ethereum blockspace market. This partnership will leverage ether.fi’s validator network and ETHGas’ settlement infrastructure to provide guaranteed execution and forward pricing for institutional participants. The deal aims to address Ethereum's current spot-auction volatility by enabling pre-purchasing of block inclusion rights, benefiting rollups, traders, and developers by offering predictable transaction costs. ether.fi will commit 40% of its staked ETH to the ETHGas High Performance Staking Service, transforming blockspace into a predictable utility for institutional use.

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ETHGas and ether.fi Ink $3Bn Deal for Ethereum Blockspace Markets

In a landmark move for decentralized finance infrastructure, ETHGas and ether.fi have announced a three-year, $3 billion commercial agreement aimed...

‍Bitcoin Developers Propose Freezing $74 Billion in Quantum-At-Risk BTC A new proposal, BIP-361, aims to protect Bitcoin from quantum computing threats by freezing legacy funds in vulnerable addresses. The plan, developed by Jameson Lopp and collaborators, involves a three-phase strategy to migrate BTC to quantum-secure formats. Critics argue that freezing funds violates Bitcoin's core principles of immutability and self-sovereignty, leading to significant community resistance. While proponents cite the need to prevent devaluation from potential quantum attacks, opponents question the necessity and ethical implications of rendering UTXOs unspendable.

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Bitcoin Developers Propose Freezing $74 Billion in Quantum-At-Risk BTC

A group of prominent Bitcoin researchers and cypherpunks has introduced a controversial proposal aimed at safeguarding the network against future q...

‍Bitwise: Bitcoin's Market Cap Could Surpass Gold's $34 Trillion Valuation Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan suggests Bitcoin may exceed gold's $34.7 trillion market cap, highlighting its potential as a global store of value and functional currency. Recent geopolitical events underscore Bitcoin's role as a decentralized, apolitical alternative in international finance. Iranian authorities' proposal to accept cryptocurrency for tolls demonstrates Bitcoin's evolving utility as a medium of exchange. Hougan previously stated that capturing 17% of the store-of-value market could lead to a $1 million BTC price, with payments sector expansion potentially driving valuation even higher than its current $1.4 trillion market cap. Adoption is fueled by inflation concerns, with citizens in countries like Argentina and Venezuela using BTC for wealth preservation. Corporate holdings now exceed 1.5 million BTC, and over 11,000 merchants globally accept it as payment. A Coinbase survey shows 87% of Argentinians view blockchain as key to financial independence.

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Bitwise: Bitcoin Market Cap May Surpass Gold’s $34 Trillion Mark

The total addressable market for Bitcoin (BTC) could potentially exceed the current $34.7 trillion valuation of gold if the digital asset continues...

‍Bitmine Reports $3.8B Quarterly Loss Amid Ethereum Volatility Bitmine Immersion Technologies disclosed a net loss of $3.82 billion for the quarter ending February 28, 2026, primarily due to unrealized losses on its substantial digital asset holdings. This marks a significant increase from the $1.15 million loss in the prior year. The company holds 4.87 million ETH, valued at approximately $10.7 billion as of April 12. Despite current paper losses, Bitmine maintains a long-term conviction in Ethereum's value, aiming to acquire 5% of the total ETH supply.

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Bitmine Reports $3.8B Quarterly Loss Due to Ethereum Price Volatility

The major Ethereum treasury firm Bitmine Immersion Technologies has disclosed a staggering net loss of $3....

‍SEC Repeals Pattern Day Trader Rule, Eliminating $25,000 Threshold The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has abolished the Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule, removing the $25,000 minimum equity requirement for retail investors. This change, effective April 2026, aims to modernize market access and create more equitable opportunities for smaller-scale investors. The PDT rule previously restricted accounts executing four or more day trades within five business days if they fell below $25,000. Its repeal allows traders to manage smaller portfolios without facing trading freezes. This deregulation is expected to boost liquidity and trading volumes, potentially impacting multi-asset platforms that include Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Cryptovka

SEC Repeals Pattern Day Trader Rule, Removing $25,000 Threshold

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially abolished the Pattern Day Trader (PDT) rule, a move that eliminates the long-stand...

‍Senate Stablecoin Bill Faces Resistance Senator Thom Tillis is preparing a draft agreement to resolve the stalemate over stablecoin interest payments within the Senate's crypto market structure bill. The proposal faces pushback from both traditional financial institutions and digital asset firms. The core conflict lies in a provision that could ban third parties from offering yield-bearing products on stablecoins. Banking lobbyists argue this poses a systemic risk by potentially causing "deposit flight" from traditional accounts. The crypto industry views these products as crucial for liquidity. Negotiations are intensifying as the April 15 deadline approaches, with the outcome poised to shape the future of stablecoins in the U.S.

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Senate Stablecoin Yield Bill Faces Pushback From Banks and Crypto

Legislative efforts to regulate the digital asset market have hit a new bottleneck as Senator Thom Tillis prepares to release a draft agreement aim...

‍Russia to Enforce KYC for All Crypto Traders Starting July 2026 The Bank of Russia will implement mandatory identity verification for all digital asset participants by July 2026, aiming to eliminate anonymity in the domestic crypto market. New regulations will require cryptocurrency exchanges to enforce strict Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. While holding assets in international wallets will not be forbidden, reporting requirements for the Federal Tax Service will be introduced. Direct transfers from domestic custodial services to offshore non-custodial wallets will be restricted, with all transactions needing to go through officially recognized Russian custodians or licensed platforms. These measures are intended to apply Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls to private wallets and mitigate risks associated with illicit financial flows. Officials have stated there are no plans to confiscate private digital holdings.

Cryptovka

Russia to Enforce KYC Protocols for All Cryptocurrency Traders

The Bank of Russia is set to introduce a comprehensive regulatory framework requiring mandatory identity verification for all digital asset partici...

‍Tim Draper Predicts Bitcoin to Reach $250,000 in 18 Months Venture capitalist Tim Draper has reaffirmed his bullish outlook on Bitcoin (BTC), forecasting a surge to $250,000 within the next 18 months. Draper cited Bitcoin's historical resilience, its utility in remittances, and increasing institutional adoption as key drivers. His conviction is rooted in early investments, including a significant purchase of nearly 30,000 BTC at a U.S. Marshals Service auction in 2014, despite facing early challenges like the Mt. Gox insolvency. Draper's predictions have a strong track record, previously forecasting BTC at $10,000 within three years. The current forecast considers the expanding Bitcoin ecosystem, including payroll use in emerging economies and its role in investment portfolios.

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Tim Draper Forecasts Bitcoin Surge to $250,000 Within 18 Months

Prominent American venture capitalist and billionaire Tim Draper has reaffirmed his bullish stance on the world's leading digital asset, proje...

‍IRS Data Reveals Low Crypto Tax Reporting: Only 6.5% Report Gains A study analyzing IRS data from 2013-2021 shows that only 6.5% of US taxpayers reported cryptocurrency sales. This contrasts with surveys estimating 12-21% of adults held digital assets during the same period. The research indicates crypto participants are typically younger, with lower incomes, and often invest in meme stocks. Investors holding assets for less than a year averaged a loss of $636, while long-term holdings (over 12 months) yielded an average profit of $2,692. Transaction volumes are also increasing, with estimates of up to 836 annual transactions per investor by 2025. In response to potential tax evasion, the IRS plans to enhance reporting requirements and enforcement for the 2026 tax year to better track gains and losses from digital assets like BTC and ETH.

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IRS Data Shows Only 6.5% of Crypto Investors Report Taxable Gains

A recent study conducted by researchers at Texas Christian University has uncovered a substantial gap between digital asset ownership and tax compl...

‍Kraken Files Confidential IPO Application Kraken, a major digital asset platform, has submitted a confidential IPO application to the SEC, confirmed co-CEO Arjun Sethi. This move comes as the exchange's valuation has reportedly decreased to approximately $13.3 billion from a previous high of $20 billion. Despite valuation shifts, Deutsche Börse Group recently invested $200 million for a 1.5% stake. Kraken had previously paused IPO plans due to market volatility, including a significant Bitcoin decline. The company now appears ready to meet public market transparency and regulatory demands.

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Kraken Confirms Confidential IPO Filing Amid Market Valuation Shifts

Kraken, one of the world's most prominent digital asset platforms, has officially moved forward with its plans to enter the public markets....

‍Polygon Debuts sPOL: Activating $330M in Staked DeFi Liquidity Polygon Labs has launched sPOL, a native liquid staking token designed to integrate over 3.6 billion POL tokens into the DeFi ecosystem. This initiative aims to unlock approximately $330 million in previously idle staked capital, enabling users to earn network rewards while utilizing their assets across various blockchain protocols. POL holders can stake at a 1:1 ratio to receive sPOL, which accrues value from staking rewards. This allows for engagement in DeFi activities without unbonding. Polygon Labs has committed an initial $10 million, with plans for an additional $90 million, to ensure liquidity. A Uniswap V4 pool has also been established for sPOL exchange.

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Polygon Debuts sPOL to Unlock $330M in Staked DeFi Liquidity

Polygon Labs has officially launched sPOL, a native liquid staking token designed to integrate over 3....

‍Visa Deepens Blockchain Integration with Tempo Network Validator Node Global payment giant Visa has expanded its blockchain footprint by launching a validator node on the Tempo network. This strategic move allows Visa to actively participate in verifying and processing transactions within a real-time stablecoin payment ecosystem, transitioning from a service provider to an infrastructure participant. The deployment is a result of a six-month collaboration, with Visa operating the node on its own infrastructure. As an "anchor validator," Visa joins other key financial entities like Stripe and Zodia Custody on the network, which is designed for instant payments and stablecoin transactions. Visa's current focus is on the strategic and technical advantages of this participation, aligning with the broader trend of traditional finance exploring DLT for improved settlement efficiency.

Cryptovka

Visa Bolsters Blockchain Presence by Launching Tempo Validator Node

Global payment processing leader Visa has officially expanded its blockchain operations by deploying a validator node on the Tempo network....

‍Rakuten Integrates XRP Payments for 44 Million Users in Japan The Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten has expanded its digital asset services by enabling XRP as a payment method for its 44 million users. This integration allows transactions via the Rakuten Pay application, accepted by over 5 million merchants nationwide. Rakuten Wallet now supports in-app spot trading of XRP against the Japanese Yen, conversion of Rakuten loyalty points into XRP, and secure storage. This move connects XRP to Rakuten's loyalty program, valued at approximately $23 billion, enhancing the token's utility within Japan's regulated digital finance landscape.

Cryptovka

Rakuten Enables XRP Payments for 44 Million Users Across Japan

The Japanese e-commerce conglomerate Rakuten has announced a major expansion of its digital asset services by integrating XRP as a functional payme...

‍Europe Plans Strait Escort Mission: Impact on Global Crypto Markets European nations are developing a strategic framework for an international coalition to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This initiative, planned for post-conflict implementation, involves mine-clearing vessels and defensive assets. The stability of this critical maritime corridor significantly influences commodity-linked assets and the broader cryptocurrency market. The mission emphasizes strategic autonomy, potentially excluding direct U.S. involvement. French President Macron stated the goal is a defensive mission separate from actively engaged parties. This independent approach aims to restore maritime confidence, mitigate supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures, and foster a stable trade environment, indirectly supporting digital assets. Historically, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have increased volatility in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Germany's likely participation suggests the mission will influence market sentiment. The successful restoration of trade routes supports global economic stability, reducing "risk-off" sentiment that impacts digital assets. The cryptocurrency sector will monitor this European coalition as a barometer for geopolitical and economic stability.

Cryptovka

Europe Plans Strait Escort Mission: Impact on Global Crypto Markets

European nations are currently drafting a strategic framework to establish an international coalition focused on restoring freedom of navigation in...

‍Bitcoin Approaches $90,000 as Network Activity Reaches 17-Month High Bitcoin (BTC) has surged over 5% to surpass $76,000, signaling renewed bullish momentum. This upward trend is supported by technical patterns and a significant increase in on-chain activity. Daily transaction counts hit 765,130 on April 5, a 62% rise since the start of 2026, reaching levels not seen since November 2024. Analysts suggest that stabilizing support levels and rising transaction volumes could propel Bitcoin toward a $90,000 target. The daily RSI climbing to 63 indicates a shift towards buyer dominance. While $76,000 is a pivotal zone, the next major hurdle is the $80,000 psychological level. A sustained close above resistance could lead to an 18% upside move toward $89,050. The current transaction density, higher than when Bitcoin traded at $120,000, suggests the network is undervalued relative to its usage.

Cryptovka

Bitcoin Eyes $90,000 Target as Network Activity Hits 17-Month High

Bitcoin (BTC) has exhibited a significant recovery, surging over 5% to surpass the $76,000 threshold on April 14, 2026....

‍KBW2026 with Upbit: Seoul Summit to Bridge TradFi and Web3 Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) announces Upbit, South Korea's leading digital asset exchange, as its presenting partner for the 2026 summit. Scheduled for September 29–October 1, 2026, in Seoul, the event aims to connect global institutional capital with the Web3 ecosystem. The summit will feature an exclusive Upbit Institutional Summit for policymakers and regulators to explore the integration of digital assets into traditional finance. The main conference will host discussions with industry leaders, an exhibition zone showcasing Upbit's ecosystem, and networking opportunities for over 5,200 companies and investors. KBW, now in its ninth year, seeks to establish itself as a global brand, driving capital into the region. CEO of Dunamu (Upbit), Kyung-seok Oh, stated, "Upbit will continue to play a key role in strengthening Korea’s connection to the global digital asset market." The event anticipates exceeding previous participation records, solidifying Seoul's status as a premier crypto hub.

Cryptovka

KBW 2026: Upbit Joins as Presenting Partner for Seoul Summit

The prestigious Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) has announced a strategic partnership with Upbit, South Korea’s leading digital asset exchange, for i...

‍WLFI Token Faces Potential 20% Decline Amid Liquidity and Governance Concerns The World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token is experiencing significant downward pressure. Technical indicators suggest a bearish pattern with a potential price target of $0.066, representing a 20% decrease. Concerns have been amplified by allegations of "circular" liquidity extraction and centralized control. Arkham Intelligence data reveals large WLFI token deposits as collateral on the Dolomite lending protocol, raising risks of liquidations and bad debt. Furthermore, prominent advisor Justin Sun has publicly criticized the WLFI smart contract for a "blacklisting" function and alleged rigged governance votes, calling the project a "trap." The combination of technical weakness, liquidity risks, and high-profile disputes indicates a volatile period ahead for WLFI.

Cryptovka

WLFI Token Risks 20% Decline Amid Insider Trading and Liquidity Concerns

The World Liberty Financial (WLFI) token is facing significant downward pressure, with technical indicators and fundamental concerns suggesting a p...