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Crypto exchange eXch has announced it will shut down on May 1 after being linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group. The group is accused of laundering around $35 million tied to the $1.4 billion Bybit hack. eXch admitted to handling a small portion of the funds from the February exploit. The closure follows rising pressure and scrutiny over its alleged involvement, marking another major development in crypto-related cybercrime investigations.

SPAR, a major supermarket chain in Switzerland, has started accepting Bitcoin payments in its stores using the Lightning Network. This move makes it easier for customers to use crypto for everyday shopping. It’s a big step toward bringing digital currencies into daily life and shows growing acceptance of crypto in Europe. As more retailers follow this trend, using Bitcoin for regular purchases could soon become the norm across the continent.

Arizona’s Bitcoin Reserve Bill, SB 1373, has successfully passed the House Committee of the Whole. The bill is now set to move forward to the Third Reading and the final floor vote. This significant step brings Arizona closer to establishing a Bitcoin reserve, potentially strengthening the state’s role in the cryptocurrency space. If approved, this bill could have lasting implications for Arizona’s approach to Bitcoin and digital assets.

Ethereum transaction fees have dropped to a 5-year low, now averaging just $0.168. This decline is attributed to reduced blockchain activity, with fewer users engaging in ETH transfers or smart contract interactions. Analysts believe global economic uncertainty is holding traders back. However, there’s hope that the upcoming Pectra network upgrade could boost Ethereum’s usage and lead to higher transaction volumes in the near future.

Binance CEO Richard Teng revealed that the exchange is now advising multiple governments on crypto regulations and building national Bitcoin reserves. This comes as the U.S. under President Trump signals a shift toward more crypto-friendly policies, including plans for a digital asset framework and reserve strategy. Teng’s efforts aim to support countries looking to integrate digital assets into their economic systems, helping shape the future of crypto adoption on a global scale.

Quantum computing firm Project Eleven has launched the “Q-Day Prize,” offering 1 BTC to the first team that successfully cracks Bitcoin’s ECDSA signature using Shor’s algorithm within a year. The competition aims to spotlight the potential risks quantum computing poses to Bitcoin’s security. If successful, approximately 6.2 million BTC (worth $500 billion) could be at risk, emphasizing the need for improved cryptographic solutions moving forward.

Bitwise has listed four Germany-issued crypto ETPs on the London Stock Exchange, boosting access for Bitcoin and Ethereum investors. This move marks a major step in expanding Bitwise’s presence across European markets. The lineup includes BTC1, a low-cost Bitcoin ETP with a 0.20% TER, and the Bitwise Physical Bitcoin ETP, known as Europe’s most liquid Bitcoin ETP with a five-year track record. The listings offer institutional-grade investment options to a broader audience in the UK and beyond.

The White House has announced a major hike in tariffs, imposing up to 245% duties on Chinese imports. This sharp increase is seen as a response to China’s retaliatory measures against previous U.S. tariffs. The move signals a continued tough stance by the U.S. on trade with China. It’s expected to impact global trade flows and has already drawn strong reactions from international observers, raising concerns over escalating economic tensions between the two nations.

Gold prices continue to climb, reaching new record highs above $3,300, driven by trade uncertainties and US recession fears. Weakened confidence in US policies, particularly amid President Trump’s shifting tariffs, has further boosted demand for the safe-haven asset. Additionally, speculation that the Federal Reserve may ease policy in 2025 has pressured the US Dollar. Investors are now awaiting insights from Fed Chair Jerome Powell for further guidance. Despite overbought conditions, gold remains a favored investment amid ongoing global uncertainty.

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a criminal petition against WazirX and its co-founder, Nischal Shetty, related to a Rs 2000 crore cyber hack in July 2024. The petitioners accused WazirX, Binance, and Liminal Custody of negligence over Rs 4500 crore in cryptocurrencies. Over 4.4 million Indian users have had their funds stuck on the platform for 10 months. The court cited unclear cryptocurrency regulations in India as the reason for rejecting the petition. Continue To Read