Latest Crypto News | Bitcoin, Ethereum and Altcoin Updates

In Q1 2025, XRP was the only top-four cryptocurrency to record a market cap increase, rising 1.9% to $121.6 billion, while BTC, ETH, and SOL saw a collective market cap decline of 22%. According to Messari’s comprehensive report, XRP’s continued resilience is driven by robust XRPL adoption, significant growth in institutional interest, and network expansion. Key XRPL network metrics saw notable gains: daily active addresses soared 142% to 134,600, average daily transactions rose 13% to 2.04 million, and new addresses increased 12% quarter-over-quarter. Supporting infrastructure strengthened, with active XRPL nodes up 972% to 9,498. Ripple’s strategic $1.25B acquisition of global prime broker Hidden Road marks a significant milestone, as Hidden Road will migrate post-trade services to XRPL and utilize Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin as collateral, fostering further institutional engagement. RLUSD’s market cap surged 304% to $25.9 million. The XRPL ecosystem also advanced on the technical front with the launch of an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain testnet, paving the way for Ethereum-compatible smart contracts, which could attract DeFi developers seeking scalability and lower fees. Messari highlighted that all core XRPL metrics have now grown for two consecutive quarters, the first time this has occurred since 2023. Enterprise adoption continues to climb, with global players such as UAE-based Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo onboarding Ripple Payments in Q1. Although XRP’s price saw a modest Q1 gain (0.5%), rising circulating supply and strong network usage indicate increasing real-world utility. The combination of heightened XRPL activity, deeper enterprise integration, and expanded developer access to DeFi solutions positions XRP and its ecosystem for further potential upside, signaling an important shift in the competitive landscape of major cryptocurrencies.

Crypto analysts are signaling a shift in portfolio strategies for 2025, urging traders to look beyond Bitcoin (BTC) as the main market benchmark and consider high-potential altcoins for outsized returns. In addition to BTC, several undervalued cryptocurrencies are now being highlighted as strategic buys. MAGACOIN FINANCE (MAGA) is emerging as a standout, with predictions of possible 25x-35x returns, fueled by a strong community, capped supply, whale interest, and transparent early-stage investment metrics. Cardano (ADA) is seen as a solid Layer-1 blockchain with long-term fundamentals and technical momentum aiming for a breakout above $1.00, making it attractive for stability seekers. Avalanche (AVAX) is trading at a discount, showing increasing institutional engagement and real-world adoption, with bullish analyst targets between $60 and $90 if the positive trend continues. OFFICIAL $TRUMP (TRUMP) coin is gaining traction due to its political connections, exceptional volatility, and major buyer activity, despite regulatory scrutiny. XRP benefits from renewed U.S. legal clarity, CME Group futures anticipation, and Ripple’s ongoing global expansion, with analysts now holding long-term targets of $10–$15 as investors diversify away from BTC. Kaspa (KAS) and Solana (SOL) are also noted, with SOL maintaining growth momentum and KAS gaining quiet traction as a proof-of-work alternative. Portfolio rebalancing and early identification of these undervalued tokens could mirror previous cycles and drive significant market moves in 2025. Investors are advised to conduct due diligence and closely monitor market trends.

Solana-based tokens, including meme coins and innovative fundraising coins like Vine Coin and Dupe, are at the center of a resurgence in crypto trading activity. Driven by technical upgrades such as the Firedancer validator and ultra-low transaction fees below $0.001, the Solana ecosystem now offers a fast, retail-friendly environment that has fueled rising prices, robust trading volumes, and rapid token launches on decentralized exchanges like Pump.fun, Boop.fun, and Believe.fun. Real-time analytics platforms and strong influencer presence have amplified hype and capital flows into both new speculative tokens and experimental fundraising projects. Successful Solana launches such as Vine Coin and JellyJelly have showcased significant volatility and accelerated user participation, as creators use blockchain to raise capital outside traditional finance channels and share transaction revenue directly with users. However, this speculative boom carries high risks, with analysts warning of extreme price swings, pump-and-dump schemes, and the prevalence of unsustainable ’vaporware’ projects. While some experts argue that speculation is a phase of market maturation that can drive further DeFi innovation, traders are urged to exercise heightened caution, use advanced analytics, and carefully distinguish genuine innovations from fleeting hype. For crypto traders, Solana’s current cycle offers significant opportunities but requires vigilance amidst fast-paced, data-driven market conditions.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed replacing the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the open-source RISC-V instruction set architecture, aiming to boost network scalability, efficiency, and smart contract performance. This could enable up to 100x execution improvements, particularly benefiting zk-rollups and zero-knowledge proofs. Proposed transition strategies include running dual virtual machines or integrating RISC-V as a zkEVM backend, which may dramatically reduce gas fees and network congestion over time. Meanwhile, the HYPE token’s value accrual approach is receiving renewed analysis. Hyperliquid is moving away from traditional dividend or fee-sharing models by adopting a Buyback & Burn mechanism. This method reduces token supply, incentivizes all holders, increases transparency, and may help stabilize HYPE prices, especially with more than 64% of supply staked by the foundation and community distribution broadening. The latest industry trend report also highlights three approaches to building AI data networks: public data scraping, tokenizing user-owned data (as with Vana and DIMO), and synthetic data generation—each facing privacy, legal, and scalability challenges. Solana’s ecosystem is innovating with its ’Internet Capital Markets’ narrative, with the Believe launchpad fostering widespread community participation in token launches, backed by Solana’s speed and low fees. However, traders should remain cautious of speculative risks. Together, these developments signal a shift toward more scalable blockchain infrastructure, sustainable tokenomics, and advancing DeFi and AI integration, with significant implications for Ethereum, HYPE, and Solana-backed projects.

A landmark US crypto regulatory bill has been introduced, aimed at reinforcing the nation’s leadership in financial innovation while strengthening investor protection. The legislation removes outdated wealth and income restrictions, enabling all retail investors—not only accredited ones—to participate in crypto presales and offerings. It clarifies regulatory jurisdictions, assigning oversight of digital commodities to the CFTC and securities to the SEC. To promote transparency and decentralization, the bill requires disclosure whenever an entity holds more than 10% of a token’s supply. The new regulatory climate is expected to boost mainstream adoption, drawing increased retail participation. Industry leaders, such as Michael Saylor, have voiced support, with Saylor notably urging Microsoft to consider Bitcoin investment due to its superior five-year performance. Highlighted under this environment are emerging tokens: BTC Bull Token ($BTCBULL), which rewards holders with Bitcoin tied to price milestones; Best Wallet Token ($BEST), serving as the backbone of a multifunctional crypto wallet; and RCO Finance ($RCOF), offering AI-driven DeFi investment. Analysts expect the regulatory overhaul to spark a ’golden era’ for US crypto markets, driving growth in both blue-chip and newcomer tokens. Nevertheless, investors are reminded to conduct thorough research (DYOR) before entering the market.

Nasdaq-listed video platform Rumble has revealed it holds 210.82 bitcoin, a development confirmed both in its Q1 2024 financial report and by CEO Chris Pavlovski via the X platform. This move is part of a corporate treasury strategy initiated in November 2023, with the goal of hedging against inflation and preserving the company’s purchasing power. Rumble’s bitcoin allocation has slightly outpaced initial targets due to the cryptocurrency’s price appreciation. This action aligns Rumble with other tech firms adopting bitcoin as a reserve asset, highlighting a growing institutional trend. For crypto traders, Rumble’s commitment underscores continued confidence in bitcoin’s long-term value and signals sustained mainstream acceptance, factors that may support positive market sentiment and price stability.

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed the majority of legal claims in the FTX celebrity lawsuit against high-profile endorsers, including Tom Brady, Stephen Curry, and Larry David. The allegations centered on these celebrities’ promotion of the FTX crypto exchange before its 2022 collapse, which led to significant investor losses. The court found insufficient evidence that the celebrities knowingly misled investors or were aware of FTX’s alleged fraud. However, one claim—accusing celebrities of promoting unregistered securities—remains active, and investors have been allowed to revise and resubmit certain arguments. This ruling brings near-term legal relief for the celebrity defendants and signals a broader easing of litigation risk for crypto endorsements. Yet, it also sharpens regulatory scrutiny on the marketing of unregistered crypto investment products, a trend likely to affect future compliance and promotional strategies within the digital asset sector. The FTX celebrity lawsuit continues to shape legal and regulatory approaches, and crypto traders should monitor developments as they may impact market sentiment and advertising practices. The phrase ’FTX celebrity lawsuit’ is a key focus for visibility in this update.

Bitcoin (BTC) is approaching the key $100,000 resistance level, marking its strongest performance since February and attracting significant attention from institutional and retail investors. The crypto market rally has also lifted shares of related companies like MicroStrategy, Coinbase, and major mining firms. In parallel, Stripe, a leading payment provider, has announced support for stablecoin accounts, enabling millions of businesses to send, receive, and hold stablecoins natively. This move signals accelerating mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and enhanced utility in payments. Positive progress in trade deal negotiations further supports a bullish sentiment in the sector. Analysts highlight the psychological impact of the $100,000 Bitcoin milestone and expect continued inflows from improved regulatory clarity, business adoption, and streamlined cross-border payments. These combined factors are driving trading volume and increasing market activity throughout the crypto ecosystem, particularly for Bitcoin and stablecoins.

Alex Mashinsky, the former CEO of Celsius Network, has been granted court permission to travel from New York to Memphis to attend his daughter’s wedding between May 26 and 29. His sentencing is set for May 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Judge John Koeltl will decide his fate following charges of commodities fraud and manipulating the price of Celsius Network’s native token (CEL). Mashinsky admitted to the charges and remains free on $40 million bail since July 2023, with travel outside approved areas restricted. The Department of Justice does not object to his travel if he surrenders afterward. Prosecutors are seeking a 20-year prison sentence, while the defense is requesting a lighter term. The outcome of Mashinsky’s sentencing is expected to have significant implications for crypto industry governance, regulatory risks, and particularly the management and price stability of platform tokens like CEL. The case underscores ongoing regulatory scrutiny over major crypto platforms and could serve as a precedent for future crypto-related criminal cases.

A growing number of crypto traders are moving capital away from established tokens like SUI, POL, and even recent Solana (SOL) performers, instead favoring Codename:Pepe, an AI-powered meme coin. Codename:Pepe distinguishes itself by integrating advanced AI tools for automated on-chain analysis, social media trend detection, real-time trading signals, and seamless automated trading. Its native token, $AGNT, currently in presale and audited by Pessimistic, underpins an ecosystem focused on community governance via DAO membership, premium trading features, and potential passive income through staking. The project’s presale has drawn significant interest, with plans for multiple price stages ahead of a $1 launch target. In contrast, SUI and POL tokens have shown decelerating price momentum despite strong fundamentals and active user bases, while SOL continues to attract institutional attention but with technical indicators suggesting a period of consolidation. This fund migration highlights traders’ growing preference for short-term growth and innovation, especially AI-driven trading strategies and meme-based projects. The trend signifies a broader market shift toward combining advanced trading tools with viral crypto culture.

Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun has initiated a $50 million bounty program aimed at recovering over $500 million in crypto assets allegedly embezzled in the First Digital Trust (FDT) and ARIA fraud cases. The newly launched web portal, web3bounty.io, will facilitate whistleblowers in providing actionable leads tied to the stolen funds. Sun’s announcement names Christian Alexander Boehnke De Lorraine Elbouef, Vincent Chok, Yai Sukonthabhund, Matthew William Brittain, and Cecilia Teresa Brittain as key suspects. Investigations indicate that the misappropriated funds were moved through Hong Kong’s First Digital Trust and Legacy Trust, then transferred into top Dubai banks, including Mashreq Bank, ADIB, Emirates NBD, and EFG. The initiative underscores urgent calls for enhanced transparency and security in the crypto sector following high-profile asset thefts. This substantial bounty is expected to incentivize insider disclosures and could be pivotal for asset recovery, while highlighting the growing importance of regulatory oversight and anti-fraud vigilance for all crypto traders. The event brings significant attention to safeguarding digital assets and could influence trust and compliance standards across the cryptocurrency trading landscape.

South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) has successfully compelled both Apple and Google to remove 28 centralized cryptocurrency exchanges from their respective app stores. This regulatory action is part of efforts to combat money laundering and unauthorized foreign exchange activities. The decision affects nearly all of South Korea’s smartphone users, as the majority utilize either Android or iOS devices. Prominent exchanges like KuCoin, MEXC, and Poloniex are included in the ban. The crackdown is anticipated to create a ripple effect on global crypto regulations, with a focus on unregistered international operators. Additionally, South Korea is moving towards a pilot program for corporate crypto purchases starting in 2025, indicating a complex regulatory landscape balancing innovation with stringent compliance. These developments signal heightened regulatory scrutiny, which could influence how localized crypto markets operate.

XRP, XYZVerse, and HBAR are reaching critical support levels, indicating potential bullish reversals in the crypto market. XYZVerse ($XYZ), a meme coin, has gained significant attention with its presale exceeding $12 million and is set to be listed on major exchanges. XRP continues to capture interest due to its fast, low-cost cross-border transactions, benefiting from Ripple’s ties with financial institutions. HBAR stands out in the eco-friendly space with its efficient hashgraph technology. The outlined support levels for these cryptocurrencies suggest they might experience substantial growth. However, further market analysis is needed to assess the potential for strong gains, which could offer notable returns for traders.

The trial against Binance in Nigeria, where the exchange is accused of causing $81 billion in economic damage and failing to pay $2 billion in taxes, has been postponed to April 30, 2025. Initially scheduled to address Binance’s alleged tax evasion over a five-year period without adhering to local tax obligations, the delay allows the Nigerian Federal Inland Revenue Service more time to respond to Binance’s legal objections regarding the service of court documents. Binance, registered in the Cayman Islands, argues against the electronic service of documents due to its lack of a physical presence in Nigeria, a point which complicates legal proceedings. This case underscores the complexities of enforcing tax regulations on global digital platforms and raises questions about regulatory evasion tactics. The court’s decision could influence future governmental approaches to regulating international crypto exchanges in emerging markets.

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has advised major state-owned banks to limit their purchases of US dollars to aid in stabilizing the yuan, which is experiencing significant depreciation amidst escalating trade tensions with the United States. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to counteract the economic challenges presented by a tariff war with the US. By controlling the outflow of dollars and implementing stricter checks on dollar purchases, China aims to prevent further speculation and devaluation of its currency while maintaining market confidence. Analysts warn that a sharp devaluation could lead to capital outflows and destabilize financial markets. China’s approach reflects its focus on financial stability and enhancing export competitiveness, crucial during times of international economic pressure.

South Korea is witnessing significant developments in its crypto landscape as five major banks press the government to ease restrictions on partnerships between crypto exchanges and banks. Presently, exchanges are limited to working with a single bank to maintain anti-money laundering compliance. Woori Bank’s President, Jung Jin-wan, advocates for allowing exchanges to partner with multiple banks, suggesting the current limitations restrict customer choice and threaten system stability. Meanwhile, institutional investment constraints are relaxing, prompting some South Korean exchanges to prepare for corporate clients. There is also consideration to open South Korea’s crypto market to foreign investors, moving it potentially closer to increased trade volume and liquidity, provided anti-money laundering requirements are met.

Cryptocurrencies, particularly altcoins, have displayed resilience amid global stock market declines driven by new tariffs on Chinese imports. Bitcoin stands out, maintaining a stable price by balancing characteristics of a safe haven like gold and a tech-related asset akin to NASDAQ stocks. This dual role allows Bitcoin to prosper even when gold rises and tech stocks fall, supported by ongoing investments from firms like MicroStrategy. Expectations of interest rate cuts and quantitative easing suggest potential gains for altcoins, which remain largely unaffected by tariffs compared to traditional assets. While retail investors are engaging with stock market dips, institutional funds are withdrawing, leaving altcoins stable. The market indicates a shift towards cryptocurrencies as a possible safe haven, although this status remains speculative.

The adoption of cryptocurrency by financial advisors is met with both hurdles and opportunities. While a significant number of advisors encounter challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and the need for technical expertise, there is a growing acknowledgment of the importance of crypto assets in diversified portfolios. Demand from clients is driving advisors to expand their knowledge and integrate crypto-related services. Despite hesitancy, particularly among more seasoned advisors, younger generations are more open to embracing these assets, though they also face cultural resistance. Education gaps remain, with many advisors seeking independent learning due to perceived biases in available resources. Overall, this shift in the advisory landscape represents both a necessity to remain competitive and a response to evolving client expectations.

A recent analysis has highlighted potential bullish trends for Dogecoin (DOGE) and RBLK. Market experts suggest that Dogecoin could see significant price increases due to strong community support and rising adoption, potentially exceeding past highs. Meanwhile, RBLK is gaining attention for its innovative blockchain solutions and strategic partnerships. There is also increased interest in cryptocurrencies like XRP due to their use in large transactions and evolving legal circumstances. These factors underscore the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency market and traders’ continual search for lucrative opportunities.

The news focuses on the effects of eased US sanctions on Cardano (ADA), suggesting a positive influence on its price due to reduced geopolitical tensions, potentially creating a more favorable environment for ADA’s market performance. Furthermore, the article highlights the significance of Cardano’s resilience and roadmap amidst changing regulations. On the other hand, Panshibi (SHIBI) is emerging as a speculative investment choice, driven by market speculation and investor interest in its unique features and community growth. This growing interest positions SHIBI as a wildcard investment for traders looking for high-risk and high-reward opportunities.

SEC’s acting Chair, Mark Uyeda, has indicated a potential shift in the regulatory approach for digital asset custody, reconsidering a stringent rule proposed under the Biden administration. This rule, initially created to address failures in the crypto industry like FTX, required firms to use qualified custodians, potentially disqualifying many exchanges and wallets. Uyeda’s recent remarks suggest significant stakeholder concerns about the rule’s broad scope, leading to discussions about alternatives or possible withdrawal. Manthan Dave, co-founder of Palisade, argues that a more structured guideline approach could enhance secure asset management without blanket requirements, potentially boosting institutional investments as traditional finance aggressively enters the space. The ongoing discourse points towards a strategic alignment with Trump’s previous pro-crypto stance, possibly affecting market regulations and easing operations for industry players.

By 2025, both Cardano (ADA) and DTX Exchange are expected to experience substantial institutional inflows as per predictions based on their technological advancements and increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies. Cardano’s robust blockchain and smart contract capabilities make it attractive to financial giants, while DTX Exchange’s innovative approach in integrating DeFi and cross-chain functionalities is drawing significant investor attention. The expected institutional integration of these platforms into the mainstream financial system could lead to their increased value and adoption, marking a significant shift in market dynamics.

The cryptocurrency market is undergoing significant adjustments characterized by major sell-offs and notable altcoin price declines. Glassnode reports that over $234 billion has been lost from the altcoin market cap in recent weeks due to negative sentiments and macroeconomic uncertainties, making it one of the largest drawdowns in history. Bitcoin investors have also faced substantial realized losses, with a recent event marking $520 million in losses. This impacts primarily short-term holders who bought within the last month. The market is experiencing changes in token issuance dynamics, moving from venture capital-driven models to community-focused strategies that emphasize transparency and inclusive distribution. Additionally, competitive dynamics are shifting between centralized (CEX) and decentralized exchanges (DEX), with DEX listings offering competitive price performance. Despite the market’s volatility, some experts see this downturn as a potential setup for a future market surge. Arweave’s increased network activity highlights decentralized computing narratives but struggles for broader attention. Traders are advised to monitor these evolving trends as they could influence token valuations and overall market structure.

Investment firm VanEck has released projections indicating that Solana (SOL) could reach a value of $520 by the end of 2025. This forecast hinges on Solana capturing a 15% market share in the global Smart Contract Platform (SCP) sector, with anticipated significant growth linked to the rise in the U.S. M2 money supply and an increase in total SCP market cap by 43%. The strong performance of Solana in Layer 1 metrics, such as DEX transaction volume and daily active wallet numbers, further supports this prediction. Additionally, Solana’s annual revenues have shown notable growth, fueled by network fees, priority fees, and optimized Maximum Extractable Value (MEV) revenues. The substantial expansion of Solana’s decentralized application ecosystem, which saw its revenue share rise from 0.26% to 42% since 2022, also plays a crucial role. Should Solana continue to optimize MEV, validator revenues could significantly increase, thereby boosting SOL demand. However, VanEck’s projection comes with cautions about potential regulatory hurdles and market volatility that could impact Solana’s price trajectory.

A US federal court has fined the founders of the cryptocurrency investment platform EmpiresX, Emerson Pires and Flavio Goncalves, over $130 million for running a fraudulent scheme. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) pursued the case, leading to a default judgment due to the founders not responding. Pires and Goncalves are permanently banned from US financial markets and face $32.1 million in disgorgements and a $96.5 million civil penalty. They misled investors by promising high returns and misusing at least $40 million, buying Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether instead of legitimate investments. Some funds were used for personal luxury expenses, and $22.8 million was recovered by authorities. While associate Joshua Nicholas was jailed, Pires and Goncalves fled to Brazil, avoiding arrest due to non-extradition policies. The CFTC is revising its enforcement to better protect investors and enhance market integrity.

Former President Donald Trump’s emphasis on American-made tokens, including XRP and Solana, is gaining attention amid broader protectionist policies and efforts to boost domestic manufacturing. This aligns with concerns over market volatility signaled by high-profile investors like Arthur Hayes and conservative estimates for Bitcoin’s growth ceiling. Additionally, the discussion around the ’Great Unemployment of 2025’ raises potential economic instability concerns due to a significant portion of the US federal workforce considering early retirement. Traders are advised to watch for potential market shifts as these developments create a complex and potentially volatile trading environment. The focus on compliant and innovative American tokens might offer traders new opportunities, even as market watchers remain cautious about overall crypto performance.

Bitcoin has reached the significant milestone of $100,000, marking a recovery and validation of its potential. This surge was fueled by Wall Street’s involvement through ETFs, broader institutional adoption, and increased investor interest. High-profile figures like Donald Trump and Nayib Bukele have commented on its rise. The recent price boost coinciding with McDonald’s McRib comeback generated online humor and speculation. Analysts are now observing if Bitcoin can sustain or stabilize above this psychological barrier, which may lead to further growth or market volatility. This development confirms Bitcoin’s resilience and continues to drive it towards mainstream acceptance, drawing comparisons to gold and increasing the push for further regulatory clarity.

Recently, Dogecoin (DOGE) has been drawing attention due to significant price movements and patterns reminiscent of Bitcoin’s performance in 2015-2016. Veteran trader Peter Brandt has identified these similarities, suggesting a possible similar trajectory to Bitcoin’s 2017 rally. The recent price surge has been notably driven by retail traders, with an increase in smaller DOGE holders and a decrease in large holders. These patterns align with Dogecoin’s historical cycles of substantial gains following a higher monthly close. Meanwhile, social media interest has been bolstered by Elon Musk due to his involvement in political contexts. If these patterns hold, there is potential for Dogecoin to see strong growth by 2025, nonetheless, recent price corrections from highs indicate caution is needed. Traders should watch these developments for impacts on both Dogecoin and related meme coin markets.

The U.S. election has significantly impacted political meme coins, with Donald Trump’s projected electoral victory causing a surge in the MAGA TRUMP coin’s value by 22%, though it later declined by 10%. Conversely, the Kamala Horris meme coin, which operates on the Solana blockchain and features a caricature of Kamala Harris, crashed 93% after initially performing well. The Kamala Horris coin reached an all-time high in July but started to falter as Harris’s chances of presidency diminished. This trend illustrates the volatile and speculative nature of meme coins tied to political events. Both Trump and Harris have integrated cryptocurrency-related agendas in their campaigns, with Trump emphasizing Bitcoin innovation and Harris focusing on investor protection. This election cycle underscores the political influence on crypto markets, driving volatility and creating unexpected trading opportunities.