Key points:XRP derivatives markets turn bearish amid reducing institutional demand, suggesting further downside for XRP price.XRP’s descending triangle breakout could lead to a decline toward $1.96.XRP (XRP) has rebounded by more than 45% since April 7 lows to trade at $2.31 on May 27. But the price remains 31% below its January 2025 peak of $3.40, raising concerns about XRP’s ability to rise higher.Will XRP’s price drop from the current levels in the coming days?XRP derivatives data lean bearish One of the clearest signs that there could be trouble ahead for XRP is the presence of neutral funding rates and decreasing open interest (OI) in its futures markets.Funding rates are periodic payments made between long and short traders in perpetual futures contracts to keep prices aligned with the spot market.When neutral, it indicates a balance between long and short positions, reflecting a lack of strong directional bias among traders. XRP funding rates have hovered around 0% since February, indicating that traders are ambivalent. This could lead to continued price consolidation or sideways movement as the market lacks a clear catalyst for a breakout.XRP perpetual futures funding rates across all exchanges. Source: GlassnodeMeanwhile, XRP’s OI in the futures market has dropped to $3.2 billion, down 9.6% from its three-month peak of $3.52 billion on May 13. XRP futures open interest. Source: GlassnodeHistorically, assets with declining open interest struggle to maintain upward momentum, as there’s insufficient capital and enthusiasm to drive prices higher. For XRP, this could mean that even minor selling pressure might trigger a cascade of liquidations, especially if leveraged positions are unwound. Without renewed interest from institutional or retail traders, XRP’s price risks sliding back into a downward spiral.Investors de-risk from XRP investment productsInstitutional demand for XRP investment products appears to be waning, according to data from CoinShares.XRP exchange-traded products (ETPs) posted the largest weekly outflow of $37.2 million, breaking an impressive 80-week inflow streak. This brought month-to-date outflows to $28.6 million.Flows into crypto investment products. Source: CoinSharesWhile CoinShares did not highlight any reasons why XRP-related products experienced the largest outflows, other top-cap cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH) and Solana (SOL) recorded significant net inflows of $2.9 billion, $326 million and $4.3 million, respectively.This indicates a decreased institutional appetite for XRP investment products, a negative catalyst for the XRP price.Related: XRP price top is in? Network metrics put 385% rally at riskXRP descending triangle hints at 16% price dropThe XRP price chart has been forming a descending triangle pattern on its four-hour chart since May 14, characterized by a flat support level and a downward-sloping resistance line.A descending triangle is a chart pattern that forms after a sharp uptrend is seen as a bearish reversal indicator. As a rule, the pattern resolves when the price breaks below the flat support level and falls by as much as the triangle’s maximum height.XRP/USD daily chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewThe bulls are struggling to keep XRP above the 200-day simple moving average (SMA), currently at $2.18, signaling a lack of strength.If this trend continues, a close below the 200-day SMA at $2.31 could sink the XRP/USDT pair toward the triangle’s support line at $2.28.If this support fails, XRP price could tumble toward the downside target around $1.96 by the end of May, down 16% from current price levels.XRP’s descending triangle target echoes an earlier analysis that warned of a possible decline to as low as $1.61 if key support levels didn’t hold.Conversely, a clear breakout above the triangle’s resistance line at $2.35 (the 50-day SMA) would invalidate the bearish structure, putting XRP in a good position to rally toward the $3.00 psychological level.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
SharpLink launches Ethereum treasury, taps Joe Lubin as board chair
Betting platform SharpLink Gaming has launched an Ethereum-based corporate treasury strategy and nominated Ethereum co-founder Joseph Lubin as chairman of its board of directors, the company announced May 27.According to the announcement, SharpLink Gaming, a publicly traded company on Nasdaq, entered into a securities purchase agreement for a private investment in public equity worth $425 million. Ethereum infrastructure firm Consensys was among the investors.“On close, Consensys looks forward to partnering with SharpLink to explore and develop an Ethereum Treasury Strategy and to work with them in their core business as a strategic advisor,” Consensys founder and CEO Lubin said.SharpLink Gaming’s stock is up approximately 400% at the time of writing, changing hands at nearly $33.50. Trading today started at over $30 after closing under $7 the day before.SharpLink Gaming stock price chart. Source: Google FinanceA Consensys representative told Cointelegraph that the company will not comment further until the deal is closed. Still, they confirmed Consensys’ investment in SharpLink Gaming.Related: Bitcoin treasury companies will hold 'way more' than Bitcoiners expect: ExecMajor investors took part in the dealAlongside Consensys, the investors include venture capital firms ParaFi Capital, Electric Capital, Pantera Capital, Arrington Capital, Galaxy Digital, Ondo, White Star Capital, GSR, Hivemind Capital, Hypersphere and Primitive Ventures. SharpLink CEO Rob Phythian and the firm’s CEO Robert DeLucia also participated.The deal is expected to close “on or about May 29” if the customary closing conditions are satisfied. SharpLink Gaming intends to use the newly raised funds to jumpstart its Ether (ETH) treasury and for other general corporate purposes:“ETH will serve as the Company’s primary treasury reserve asset.”Related: Trump Media Group denies it’s raising $3B for crypto buys: ReportThe rise of corporate crypto treasuriesCorporate crypto treasuries are on the rise, but most of them are focused on Bitcoin (BTC). One exception was Meitu, the developer of popular Photoshop-like apps, but the company liquidated its 940 Bitcoin and 31,000 Ether at the end of last year.Other notable examples include the Canadian subsidiary of Big Four auditor KPMG adding Ether to its treasury alongside Bitcoin in February 2022. Also, Hong Kong-based gaming firm Boyaa Interactive International held ETH, but at the end of 2024, it replaced Ether with Bitcoin.Social media giant Reddit also acquired both Bitcoin and Ethereum, but the company was reported to have offloaded most of its holdings in late 2024. Publicly traded company BTCS also announced a $57.8 million financing agreement to purchase Ether earlier this month.Magazine: Bitcoin bears eye $69K, CZ denies WLF ‘fixer’ rumors: Hodler’s Digest, May 18 – 24
What is a cryptocurrency mixer and how does it work?
Cryptocurrency mixers explained A cryptocurrency mixer is a specialized service designed to increase the privacy and anonymity of blockchain transactions. Unlike traditional financial transactions, which are private by default, most cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) operate on public blockchains. This means every transaction is permanently recorded and accessible to anyone, making it possible for blockchain analysts or malicious actors to trace the flow of funds between wallets.A crypto mixer’s primary function is to break the link between the sender’s wallet and the recipient’s wallet. It does so by pooling together coins from many users and then redistributing them in a way that makes it difficult to track which coins went where. Think of it like a digital version of shuffling cards in a deck. After mixing, your cryptocurrency is returned to you or a recipient’s address, but it’s “cleaned” of any direct transaction history.This privacy-enhancing feature is why some people rely on mixers, especially those seeking to keep their financial activities confidential in an open-ledger world. How does a crypto mixer work? To understand a crypto mixer, it’s useful to compare it to the concept of money laundering in traditional finance, albeit with legal and ethical nuances. The process of “mixing” is essentially designed to obscure the origin and destination of coins.Here’s a typical workflow of how a cryptocurrency mixer operates:Deposit: You send your cryptocurrency to the mixer’s wallet address. Multiple users do the same, creating a large pool of coins.Mixing/shuffling: The mixer’s system pools and shuffles these coins together, breaking any visible connection between deposited and withdrawn funds.Redistribution: After mixing, the service sends back an equivalent amount of coins to your specified address, but these aren’t the same coins you deposited. They come from the pooled coins of all participants.Fees: The mixer usually deducts a small fee, generally ranging from 1% to 3%, to cover operational costs.This process effectively disrupts blockchain analysis, making it extremely difficult for anyone to trace the coins back to their original owners. Types of cryptocurrency mixers Not all mixers are created equal. They can broadly be divided into two categories: centralized and decentralized mixers.Centralized mixersCentralized mixers are the most common and operate similarly to traditional services. You send your coins to a company or entity that controls the mixing process, and then they send back “clean” coins after mixing. These services are relatively easy to use, often providing a simple user interface.However, centralized mixers require you to trust the service operator with your coins, at least temporarily. This introduces risks such as:The mixer could be a scam and disappear with your funds.It could be hacked, exposing users’ data and coins.The operator may keep logs that could compromise your privacy.Decentralized mixersDecentralized mixers use blockchain technology and smart contracts to automate the mixing process without a trusted third party. They rely on cryptographic methods such as zero-knowledge proofs to mix coins in a trustless environment. Users pool their coins into a smart contract, which then redistributes coins in a way that ensures privacy.Advantages of decentralized mixers include:No central point of failure or custody risk.Higher privacy because no single party controls the funds.Often more resistant to regulatory crackdowns.Did you know? The DOJ indicted four Russians for operating crypto mixers Blender.io and Sinbad.io, yet failed to show they knowingly laundered illicit funds. The indictment relies heavily on vague forum posts and lacks concrete evidence of criminal intent or ties to US commerce, raising serious doubts about its strength in court. Real-world cases involving mixers and scams Unfortunately, the privacy offered by crypto mixers has also attracted criminals. The very anonymity that protects innocent users can also shield illicit activities, leading to widespread misuse.Crypto mixers have been linked to ransomware attacks, dark web marketplaces, fraud and drug trafficking. Criminals often use these services to “clean” proceeds from illegal transactions and hide their tracks from law enforcement.A notable example is ChipMixer, a service seized by Europol in 2023 for allegedly facilitating money laundering for dark web markets and ransomware groups. Authorities dismantled the platform’s infrastructure over alleged money laundering, seizing four servers, 1,909.4 BTC (about $210 million as of May 26, 2025) and seven TB of data across 55 transactions.Mixers have also been involved in laundering stolen funds from cryptocurrency exchange hacks. The complexity of these transactions makes it difficult for investigators to recover stolen assets.In February 2025, Bybit, a major cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a significant security breach resulting in the theft of about $1.5 billion worth of cryptocurrencies. The attackers, attributed to the Lazarus Group, a North Korean state-sponsored hacking organization, employed various crypto mixers, including Wasabi, CryptoMixer, Railgun and Tornado Cash, to launder portions of the stolen assets. Despite efforts to trace the funds, a significant portion remains unaccounted for, highlighting the challenges posed by mixers in cybersecurity investigations. Are crypto mixers legal? The legal status of cryptocurrency mixers depends largely on the jurisdiction and context of their use.Most governments impose strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing regulations on financial services, including digital currency services. Mixers, by their nature, complicate AML compliance because they obscure transaction trails.For instance,In the European Union, the 5th Anti-Money Laundering Directive (5AMLD) includes digital currency providers under its regulatory scope, requiring them to perform KYC checks and report suspicious activity.In the United States, FinCEN classifies cryptocurrency mixers as money transmitters, requiring registration and compliance with AML regulations. Unlicensed mixers can face severe penalties and criminal charges.Legal uses vs misuseUsing a mixer for privacy reasons is not inherently illegal. However, if mixers are used to launder proceeds from crimes, authorities will prosecute offenders. Similarly, operating a mixer without appropriate licenses or regulatory oversight can be illegal.If you choose to use a mixer, make sure you understand the legal implications in your country and avoid any activity that could be linked to money laundering or fraud.Did you know? Crypto mixer transactions are still taxable. Using a mixer doesn’t hide gains from tax authorities; failing to report them can trigger audits or penalties. Always keep records and understand your local tax obligations. How to stay safe and avoid scam-linked mixers If you decide to use a cryptocurrency mixer, your safety and security should be paramount. Here are some essential tips to avoid scams and legal troubles:Choose reputable mixers: Conduct thorough research. Look for mixers with good reviews, transparent operations and clear compliance policies.Avoid unknown or suspicious services: Steer clear of mixers linked to scams, hacks or regulatory actions.Check for licensing and compliance: Prefer mixers that comply with AML/KYC regulations, especially if you are a business or high-value user.Understand fees and timelines: Be clear on the fees involved and the expected time for your funds to be returned after mixing.Use hardware wallets and strong security practices: Always safeguard your private keys and use hardware wallets to minimize risks.Stay updated on regulations: Laws surrounding crypto mixers evolve rapidly. Staying informed will help you avoid inadvertent legal violations.
Bitcoin 2024 conference sparked 30% price crash — Can bulls escape this year?
Key points:Bitcoin rebounds from another support retest, but fears over a Nashville conference-induced comedown are growing.The biggest Bitcoin gathering tends to accompany BTC price weakness.BTC price action can and will continue to experience drawdowns of 10%-20%, analysis stresses.Bitcoin (BTC) circled $110,000 at the May 27 Wall Street open amid concerns over a 30% BTC price crash.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewBitcoin “market memory” may recall 2024 crashData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD recovering after its latest support retest around $107,000.As large-volume traders took advantage of the volatility, market commentators turned to potential risk factors, these coming from multiple sources.Uncertainty over US trade tariffs and the return of Wall Street after the Memorial Day holiday combined with the ghost of BTC price losses from a year ago.In July 2024, the Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville, Tennessee formed the basis for snap downside in early August which took BTC/USD down 30% to $49,000 from $70,000.Now, with the same event getting underway for 2025, some wondered whether the market would experience an unwelcome sense of deja-vu.“The sustained elevation in near-term vols suggests that traders are positioning around headline risk ahead of the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, scheduled for 27 to 29 May. Focus is already building around the event’s speaker line-up, which includes JD Vance, Michael Saylor, Donald Trump Jr., and Eric Trump,” trading firm QCP Capital wrote in its latest bulletin to Telegram channel subscribers.“Last July’s Nashville Bitcoin Conference offers a useful analogue. At the time, a keynote by President Trump coincided with a sharp spike in 1-day implied vols above 90, followed by a swift reversal and a nearly 30% decline in BTC within two days. That episode continues to shape market memory.”BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA 30% retracement from current levels would put Bitcoin back at $77,000 — around the area in which it set a multimonth bottom in April.Continuing the thought, crypto trader, analyst and entrepreneur Michaël van de Poppe reiterated that the drop from $110,000 to the mid-$70,000 range had happened once before.“Corrections do happen and they'll continue to happen,” he told X followers on May 26, arguing that a correction of up to 20% “shouldn't disappoint you.”As Cointelegraph reported, various sources have suggested that the Bitcoin bull market is in its final innings before a protracted trend reversal.Liquidity “magnet” offers $106,000 targetTackling short-term price action, popular trader Daan Crypto Trades was among those using exchange order book liquidity to identify potential targets.Related: BTC price seeks $155K 'trigger' — 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week“The longer price hovers around this price region, the thicker the liquidity clusters above and below will become,” he summarized on the day alongside data from monitoring resource CoinGlass. “There's a big liquidity cluster down at ~$106K and quite a few sitting from $111K and up. Keep an eye out for when price taps either of [these] regions as those usually act as a magnet when price is close.”BTC liquidation heatmap. Source: CoinGlassCoinGlass itself showed the first chunk of ask liquidity being taken into the start of the US trading session.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Russian national arrested in South Korea for attempted crypto robbery
South Korean authorities have arrested one of three Russian nationals accused of an attempted robbery during a fake crypto deal in Seoul. The suspects allegedly lured Korean investors to a hotel, where they tried to steal 1 billion won (approximately $730,000) in cash.The Gangseo Police Precinct in Seoul detained a man in his 20s in Busan on May 27, according to a report by local news outlet JoongAng Daily. The suspect faces charges of assault and attempted robbery. The other two suspects reportedly fled South Korea shortly after the incident.According to investigators, the robbery attempt occurred on May 21 at a hotel in Seoul’s Gangseo District. The suspects posed as participants in a peer-to-peer crypto transaction and invited 10 Korean men to the hotel.Two were called to the room while the others waited in the lobby. Inside the room, the suspects — wearing protective vests — ambushed the victims with a replica handgun and a telescopic baton, tying their hands with cable ties.Related: Another suspect to surrender in NYC crypto torture case: ReportsPolice seize weapons, launch global manhuntPer the report, one of the victims managed to escape and raise the alarm, prompting the suspects to flee without the cash. Police responded to an emergency call and found one man bleeding in the lobby.Officers discovered a cache of equipment in the suspects’ hotel room, including a replica firearm, batons, vests and a money counter. Police suspect the robbery had been carefully planned.A request to prevent the suspects from leaving the country was filed the next morning, but two had already departed. “We have requested assistance from Interpol to track down the suspects who fled overseas,” a police official reportedly said.Authorities are now questioning the detained suspect and preparing to seek a pretrial detention warrant.Related: Crypto investor loses $2.6M in stablecoins in double phishing scamRise in crypto crime incidentsThe incident comes amid a recent uptick in crypto-related violent crimes, including kidnapping and ransom cases.A Manhattan crypto investor faces serious charges after allegedly kidnapping and torturing an Italian man in a bid to extract access to digital assets.Source: Mario NawfalOn May 13, the family of Pierre Noizat, the co-founder and CEO of French crypto exchange Paymium, was targeted in an attempted kidnapping.In response, executives and investors in the crypto industry are increasingly seeking personal security services. On May 18, private firm Infinite Risks International reported a rise in requests for bodyguards and protection contracts from high-profile figures in the crypto space.Magazine: TradFi is building Ethereum L2s to tokenize trillions in RWAs: Inside story
Key takeawaysCrypto-backed mortgages let you use assets like Bitcoin or Ether as collateral to secure a loan without selling your holdings.The process involves choosing a lender, securing your crypto in custody, appraising the property and finalizing loan terms.These mortgages offer tax advantages, streamlined approvals and the ability to retain crypto investment value while accessing liquidity.Platforms like Nexo provide tailored solutions, but thorough research is essential to ensure security and regulatory compliance.Crypto-backed mortgages are a watershed moment in real estate financing because they let you use digital assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) or Ether (ETH) as collateral for a home loan.Instead of selling your cryptocurrency, you pledge it to secure funds for buying property. This approach has been gaining traction as more people explore alternatives to traditional financing.Furthermore, as the adoption of cryptocurrencies grows, crypto-backed mortgages are positioning themselves as a bridge between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional property markets, offering a unique solution for crypto holders looking to diversify their investments without forfeiting their digital wealth.What are crypto-backed mortgages?Crypto-backed mortgages are home loans where digital assets are used as collateral instead of cash or traditional assets. Surprisingly, the process is straightforward: You transfer your cryptocurrency to a lender, who locks it up as collateral. In return, they provide a loan, often in fiat currency, to finance your property purchase. As long as you make timely payments, your crypto stays intact. If the value of your collateral drops due to market volatility, you might need to add more assets to maintain the loan’s security — this is called a margin call.What role does blockchain play in crypto-backed mortgages?Blockchain technology makes this system transparent and efficient. Smart contracts, for example, automate much of the loan process, reducing paperwork and speeding up approvals. The blockchain’s immutable nature ensures every transaction is secure and verifiable, building trust between lenders and borrowers.Crypto-backed mortgages are still emerging, but various platforms have already entered the market, offering tailored solutions for crypto investors. As the adoption of blockchain in real estate grows, this innovative financing model is becoming more and more attractive. Did you know? In 2012, BTCJam launched as one of the earliest platforms facilitating Bitcoin-backed loans, enabling individuals worldwide to borrow funds using Bitcoin as collateral. By 2016, BTCJam had serviced over 16,000 loans across more than 120 countries, with the average loan size ranging from $400 to $600.The crypto-backed mortgage process Navigating a crypto-backed mortgage involves several key steps:Eligibility criteria: Lenders typically accept major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether as collateral. The required collateral value often exceeds the loan amount to account for market volatility. For instance, a lender might require collateral worth 150% of the loan value.Financial stability and regulatory compliance: Beyond crypto holdings, lenders assess your overall financial health, including income stability and credit history. Compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations is crucial; you’ll need to provide thorough documentation tracing the origin of your crypto assets to ensure they are legitimate.Application steps: Start by identifying lenders or platforms that accept cryptocurrency as collateral. Options may include specialized crypto lending platforms and certain traditional financial institutions. Once approved, you’ll transfer your crypto assets to a secure escrow or custodial account designated by the lender. This step ensures the lender can access the collateral if necessary.Property appraisal and loan finalization: The lender will conduct a property appraisal to confirm its market value. Afterward, you’ll finalize the loan terms, including interest rates and repayment schedules.Repayment and collateral management: Repayment structures vary; some loans may offer interest-only payments with a lump-sum principal repayment at the end, while others follow traditional amortization schedules. Interest rates can differ based on the lender and the loan’s specifics.Given the volatile nature of cryptocurrencies, lenders monitor the value of your collateral. If its value drops below a certain threshold, you may face a margin call, requiring you to add more collateral or risk liquidation of your assets.Did you know? When a homeowner fails to make mortgage payments, the lender may initiate a foreclosure to recover the outstanding loan balance. This legal process allows the lender to take ownership of the property and sell it to recoup losses. Advantages of crypto-backed mortgagesPreserving your crypto investments: Using your cryptocurrency holdings as collateral for a mortgage allows you to access funds without selling your assets. This means you can continue to benefit from any potential appreciation in value while securing the financing you need.Potential tax benefits: By leveraging your crypto assets as collateral instead of selling them, you may avoid triggering capital gains taxes. This strategy can be more tax-efficient, especially in jurisdictions where selling digital assets incurs significant tax liabilities.Streamlined approval process: Crypto-backed mortgages often place less emphasis on traditional credit scores. Lenders focus more on the value of your crypto collateral, which can simplify and expedite the approval process, making it more accessible for individuals with varying credit histories.Did you know? Mississippi has one of the lowest mortgage approval rates in the US, with only 52.14% of applications approved between 2018 and 2022. This low approval rate is influenced by factors such as higher poverty levels, lower median incomes and elevated debt-to-income ratios among applicants. Additionally, racial disparities persist, with Black applicants facing higher denial rates compared to white applicants. Risks and considerationsDespite the advantages, there are some risks you should be aware of:Cryptocurrency volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly. If the value of your collateral drops below a certain threshold, lenders may issue a margin call, requiring you to provide additional assets to maintain the loan. Failure to do so could result in the liquidation of your crypto holdings.Regulatory and legal landscape: The regulatory environment for crypto-backed mortgages varies by jurisdiction and is continually evolving. It’s essential to understand the legal implications and ensure compliance with local laws, including AML regulations.Understanding loan terms: Thoroughly review the loan agreement to comprehend all terms, including interest rates, repayment schedules and conditions for margin calls. Being well-informed helps prevent unexpected challenges during the loan term.Where can you leverage your crypto assets for real estate financing?Several platforms already offer crypto-backed mortgages, allowing you to leverage your digital assets to purchase real estate. Here are some options:Nexo: Nexo provides crypto-backed loans compatible with over 40 different currencies. Borrowers can receive quick approvals and flexible repayment plans, making it a viable option for those looking to finance real estate using their crypto holdings.Ledn: Ledn offers Bitcoin-backed mortgages, allowing clients to use their BTC holdings as collateral to secure loans for real estate purchases. This service is designed to help crypto investors diversify into property without selling their digital assets.Salt Lending: Salt Lending facilitates crypto-backed loans, including options for real estate financing. By using your crypto assets as collateral, you can access funds for property purchases while retaining ownership of your digital investments.Key considerations Reputation and security: Research the platform’s track record and security measures to ensure your assets are protected.Interest rates and terms: Compare interest rates, loan-to-value ratios and repayment terms to find a platform that aligns with your financial goals.Supported cryptocurrencies: Ensure the platform accepts the specific digital assets you intend to use as collateral.Regulatory compliance: Verify that the platform operates within legal frameworks applicable to your jurisdiction to avoid potential legal issues.Customer support: Assess the availability and quality of customer service to assist you throughout the loan process.By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a reputable and secure platform that suits your needs for obtaining a crypto-backed mortgage.Wishing you joyful house hunting!
Solana may be a memecoin ‘one-trick pony’ — Standard Chartered
Layer-1 blockchain Solana may be evolving into a “one-trick pony” for memecoin generation and trading, according to a recent Standard Chartered report.According to a May 27 Standard Chartered research report shared with Cointelegraph, Solana “dominates in areas that demand high-volume, low-transaction-cost solutions” due to its design prioritizing fast and cheap transaction confirmation. The report suggested that this has had an unintended consequence:“So far, this has been mostly in memecoin trading, which accounts for the majority of activity on Solana (as measured by ‘GDP’, which is application revenue).”Standard Chartered said the memecoin frenzy served as a stress test for Solana’s scalability but came with drawbacks due to the volatility and speculative nature of such assets. As memecoin trading volumes decline, the bank warned that Solana may struggle to maintain momentum. Related: Migos Instagram account hacked in apparent blackmail bid on Solana co-founderMemecoin trading passed its peakThe report said Solana-based memecoin activity is past its peak, and “declining usage and trading ‘cheap’ are not a good mix.” The bank suggested that Solana should expand into other sectors that require processing large volumes of transactions cheaply and quickly.Solana decentralized exchange volume. Source: Standard CharteredPer the report, those sectors could include high-throughput financial apps and traditional consumer apps such as social media. Still, scaling such applications may take years, according to the bank, with dire consequences for Solana:“As a result, we expect Solana to underperform Ethereum over the next two to three years, before catching up, at least in real terms.”Standard Chartered’s crypto target prices. Source: Standard CharteredSolana: Solana following Bitcoin? Network activity, chart pattern point to $300 SOL priceSolana’s edge is fadingSolana has long positioned itself as a fast and inexpensive layer-1 blockchain with smart contract support, competing directly with Ethereum. However, that edge may be narrowing. Average transaction fees on Solana and Arbitrum. Source: Standard CharteredEthereum layer-2 platforms have caught up with Solana in terms of average transaction cost since the Dencun network upgrade in March 2024. This shift has put pressure on Solana’s value proposition as the cheapest high-throughput blockchain. Standard Chartered acknowledged that Ethereum’s modular design, which separates data availability, execution and consensus, has allowed it to scale more efficiently while preserving decentralization:“The modular approach allows Ethereum to scale transactions at a low cost (post-Dencun upgrade) while maintaining the security benefits of a highly decentralised mainnet blockchain.”Magazine: Memecoins are ded — But Solana ‘100x better’ despite revenue plunge
Investments in the fast-paced cryptocurrency market require real-time insights and efficient research. With thousands of projects emerging or disappearing, you need innovative ways to separate signal from noise. AI solutions such as ChatGPT and Grok could benefit you as your research assistant, reducing research time and delivering actionable information. This article discusses how to use both platforms to make better decisions regarding investment in altcoins.How to share content with ChatGPT and GrokBoth ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 allow you to share content in three ways. You can simply paste content in the text box with inverted commas and write your prompt. Alternatively, you can upload a document from your local drive or Google Drive on ChatGPT 4o. If you are working with Grok 3, you could upload a file from your local drive or connect a file on Google Drive and Microsoft Drive to the AI platform.On both ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3, you can paste a link in the text box and write a prompt for the AI engine.Use ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 to analyze complex data and draw quick conclusionsChatGPT 4o excels at processing and simplifying extensive and often fragmented information. Altcoin projects tend to have extensive white papers and technical documentation. It takes time to get through all the information, analyze it, and draw conclusions. With ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3, you can easily get the information you need without spending hours reading the content. You can use the AI platforms for:Summarizing extensive documentation: You could get a quick summary of vast information that might go into thousands of words, using a prompt like “Summarize this document in plain English with pros, cons and use cases.”Analyzing tokenomics: You could ask the AI platforms for the altcoin project’s breakdown of inflation, token distribution and staking models. For example, you could use a prompt such as “Explain the tokenomics of [Altcoin Name] and its impact on price.” Deconstructing roadmaps: Projects often publish unrealistic roadmaps that are hard to implement. AI platforms could quickly analyze the relevancy of roadmaps and suggest to you what you could expect of them. You could use prompts like, “What are the most realistic milestones in this roadmap for 2025?”Spotting red flags: The goal is not just to understand but to spot red flags, such as overpromising, vague goals or lack of technical updates. Did you know? ChatGPT is trained on vast crypto data sets and can explain trends, decode memes, or simplify DeFi tools — even if you are just starting your crypto learning journey.Ask for competitive comparisons on ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 can be valuable tools for quickly comparing different cryptocurrency projects. To begin with, state the names of the cryptocurrencies you want to compare. Also mention the criteria such as use case, consensus process, tokenomics and development activities. For example, you can use the prompt, “Create a table comparing Solana and Avalanche in terms of transaction speed, fees and developer adoption.” Here is a response from ChatGPT 4o:And this is Grok 3’s response for the same prompt:AI tools typically use tables or bullet points for an answer. You can also ask additional questions to delve deeper into topics like security, scalability and partnerships. This allows for more efficient evaluation of many projects without the need to search through multiple sources.To get a market-layer view on ChatGPT 4o, you can use the prompt: “Create a table of five layer-1 altcoins with higher throughput than Ethereum and evaluate their adoption metrics.” Here is the output of ChatGPT 4o:Grok 3 gave the following response using the same prompt:These comparisons help you map out where each altcoin stands relative to its peers and whether it offers a genuine edge.Did you know? Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot was built with a rebellious tone. It excels at quickly pulling crypto insights directly from social chatter, perfect for memecoin hunters.Find info about developer activityDeveloper traction is a dependable indicator of an altcoin’s long-term potential. Use ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 to find information about overall growth in development activity, surges after certain upgrades, developer count and contributions, commit activity, network upgrades and challenges before developers.You could use prompts like:“What has been the developer activity trend on [Project ] over the last 6 months?”You can also request ecosystem breakdowns with prompts like:“List top DeFi projects built on Arbitrum with TVL over $10 million.”ChatGPT 4o generated the following response for this prompt:Here is Grok 3’s response for the same prompt:ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 can synthesize data points from multiple sources and give you a cleaner picture faster than manual web browsing. You could track sudden price spikes with a prompt like:“In 100 words, write why is $RNDR trending right now?”Here is ChatGPT 4o’s response for this prompt:This is Grok 3’s response for the same prompt:Grok 3 is particularly useful for monitoring real-time sentiment and news. Grok 3 is ideal for real-time analysis of trends, especially on X, where crypto narratives form quickly. Grok 3 will pull recent posts, mentions and news threads to explain the momentum. It can monitor influencer sentiment.For deeper and quicker research, you can use ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 together.Don’t just trust the bots — verify the alphaAI tools like ChatGPT 4o and Grok 3 offer powerful support in the altcoin research process, enabling faster analysis, broader comparisons and streamlined access to information. However, even advanced AI models can occasionally misinterpret data or miss contextual nuances. As such, it is essential to treat their responses as a starting point — not a final answer.When using these tools, take the time to compare outputs, evaluate the sources referenced, and cross-check insights against real-world data. Discrepancies between ChatGPT and Grok responses should prompt further investigation, not automatic preference.Ultimately, these platforms are most effective when used to enhance critical thinking and research efficiency rather than replace human judgment.In a fast-moving industry like Web3, effective research requires diligence, curiosity and verification. By applying these principles, you can make more confident and informed investment decisions in the altcoin space.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
MARA’s Bitcoin mining revenue hits record $752M as BTC price soars
MARA Holdings, formerly Marathon Digital Holdings, reached a new all-time high in Bitcoin mining revenue, fueled by its recent surge to a record price.The company’s annualized mining revenue exceeded $752 million on May 27, according to data from CryptoQuant, making it the most profitable day in the company’s history. Marathon is currently the world’s largest publicly traded Bitcoin (BTC) mining firm by market capitalization. “Quarterly reports are slow. Onchain shows revenue in real time,” CryptoQuant founder and CEO Ki Young Ju wrote in a May 27 X post, confirming the milestone. Marathon’s record revenue surge occurred days after Bitcoin rose to a new all-time high of $112,000 on May 22, a development attributed by some analysts to Japanese bond market turbulence, which saw bond yields rise to new highs amid economic turmoil in the country.BTC mining revenue, MARA, year-to-date chart. Source: CryptoQuantRelated: Metaplanet’s Bitcoin’ premium’ nears $600k per BTCThe revenue surge comes two weeks after MARA’s earnings report for Q1, which missed Wall Street estimates by 0.35%. The company’s Bitcoin production fell 19% year-over-year, primarily due to the April 2024 Bitcoin halving, which cut block rewards in half from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC.The 10 largest Bitcoin mining firms. Source: CompaniesmarketcapMarathon is the world’s largest Bitcoin mining firm with a $5.18 billion market capitalization, according to Companiesmarketcap data.Related: $1M Bitcoin by 2030: Big names predict massive debt-driven BTC rallyMARA’s Bitcoin holdings surpass $5 billionDespite the reduction in production, Marathon has continued to expand its Bitcoin holdings.As of May 27, MARA’s Bitcoin holdings were 48,237 BTC worth over $5.28 billion, making the Bitcoin mining company the world’s second-largest corporate Bitcoin holder with over 0.23% of the total supply, Bitbo data showed.Largest corporate Bitcoin holders. Source: BitboThe top spot still belongs to Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), which holds over $63 billion in Bitcoin. Despite the revenue surge, daily miner revenues averaged around $50 million, significantly below historic peaks of $80 million, signaling that there is still “room to climb back to those previous highs,” noted macro researcher and CryptoQuant author Axel Adler, in a May 27 X post.Source: Axel AdlerMarathon adopted Bitcoin as a strategic treasury reserve asset in July 2024, when it added $124 million worth of BTC to its balance sheet. Magazine: Arthur Hayes $1M Bitcoin tip, altcoins ‘powerful rally’ looms: Hodler’s Digest, May 11 – 17
Blockchain company StarkWare has unveiled zero-knowledge (ZK) prover STARK Two (S-two), enabling enhanced privacy and verification on everyday devices like phones, laptops and browsers. The company said the new ZK prover allows users to generate complex cryptographic proofs from the client side. This means users can generate ZK-proofs directly on their devices instead of relying on a server or cloud infrastructure, opening the door for faster and more private applications across the internet. “S-two will bring STARK proving to everyday devices, and open the door for new real-world proving use cases,” said Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare co-founder and CEO, adding that the tool could empower the next wave of ZK applications. The company said the ZK prover is now available in public alpha and is set to roll out on Starknet, its Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution, later this year. StarkWare says new ZK prover is 39 times faster than old solutions StarkWare said that benchmark tests for the S-two ZK prover showed that it was 39 times faster than previous solutions. The performance leap enables smoother experiences in privacy-enhancing applications. The upgrade also allows use cases in private transactions, ZK-based identity and verifiable artificial intelligence. StarkWare said S-two runs on CPUs, GPUs and will soon be on browsers. “For years we’ve called the prover our magic wand, a tool that transforms complex computation into a simple proof,” Ben-Sasson said. “Now, the wand has become a lightsaber in your pocket, something anyone can wield, instantly, from your own device.”According to StarkWare, developers can build with S-two, adding that its alpha release supports hardware targets. Furthermore, the company said ZK ecosystem participants like Kakarot, Nexus, ZAN and AntChain OpenLabs have already adopted the technology. Kakarot uses S-two inside ETHProofs to generate Ethereum block proofs more efficiently, while Nexus is standardizing RISC-V traces to align with S-two’s architecture. Meanwhile, ZAN and AntChain OpenLabs are adding GPU acceleration to push the prover’s performance even further.Use cases for S-two zero-knowledge proverStarkWare chief operating officer Oren Katz told Cointelegraph that S-two marks a shift in how ZK-proofs are used in daily lives. Generating validity proofs directly in devices will allow privacy-preserving features in messaging, payments and digital identity. “You can prove a payment was valid without showing your balance, or verify identity without revealing personal details,” Katz added. Katz said that even salary payments could be made onchain with full transparency and no exposure of sensitive information. He dubbed the development a “big step toward bringing zero-knowledge tech into the mainstream.”Beyond privacy, Katz said, local proof generation also unlocks use cases in other industries. The executive told Cointelegraph that it can allow gamers to play offline and later generate cryptographic proof of their achievements. “An operator, instead of running all logic onchain to prove integrity, can run it on their own servers and simply generate a proof that it was executed correctly,” Katz added.Related: Ethereum co-founder responds to Sweden’s cashless-society rethinkNew ZK prover follows Ethereum’s privacy pushThe launch of StarWare’s upgraded ZK prover follows Ethereum’s push for better privacy. On April 11, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin published a roadmap that addressed privacy enhancements for wallets, decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and infrastructure. Buterin advocated implementing privacy-enhancing norms and features across the Ethereum ecosystem, including adding privacy tools in ETH wallets. Magazine: TradFi is building Ethereum L2s to tokenize trillions in RWAs: Inside story
