This week’s crypto stories spanned enforcement, mining, regulation, adoption, and institutional flows. Chainalysis traced Iran-linked stablecoin routing behind a major USDT freeze, while Riot continued its steady BTC sales to NYDIG. France dropped a proposed self-custody reporting rule, Binance argued crypto’s next wave of users will come through payments and utility, and Canada’s AIMCo disclosed …
Monthly archives: May 2026
Latam Insights: Brazil Bans Crypto Transfers as Meta Launches USDC Payouts
Key Takeaways: On April 30, Brazil’s Central Bank banned crypto in cross-border payments, impacting institutions by Oct 1. Bitso’s 2025 report reveals stablecoins drove 40% of Latam crypto buys, shifting the market toward stability. In 2026, Meta and Stripe launched USDC payouts in Colombia, targeting frictionless future creator payments. Brazil Bans Crypto in Cross-Border Payments …
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Worker Wins Landmark AI Substitution Case in China
Key Takeaways: The Hangzhou Court ruled that replacing Zhou with an AI model didn’t justify his forced termination. This decision sets a vital precedent in China, the 2nd top AI nation, in dealing with AI-driven layoffs. Xinhua’s Wang Tianyu noted future laws must prioritize 1 goal: managing AI substitution properly. Chinese Worker Wins Case Against …
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This Week in Crypto Law (Apr. 26, 2026)
This Week in Crypto Law The opinion editorial below was written by Alex Forehand and Michael Handelsman for Kelman.Law. The final week of April highlighted a pivotal shift in crypto law: the migration of core crypto products and infrastructure into regulated frameworks—paired with expanding enforcement into previously overlooked corners of the market. From anticipated U.S. …
Stables CEO Says Migrant Flows Favor USDT, Driving 60% Cross-Border Dollar Demand
Key Takeaways: Bernardo Bilotta notes Asia handles 50% of global stablecoin flows, but banks fear regulatory risk. Tether and eStable now enable local coin issuing for Stables to bridge the 99% USD market dominance. By 2026, local stablecoins will likely serve as last-mile settlement rails for regional payouts. The Dichotomy of Asia’s Stablecoin Rush Asia …
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Crypto industry will be ‘just fine’ if CLARITY Act doesn’t pass: Chris Perkins
The US crypto industry’s momentum won’t be derailed in the long term even if the much-anticipated CLARITY Act, aimed at bringing more regulatory clarity to the crypto industry, doesn’t make it through Congress, according to 250 Digital Asset Management CEO Chris Perkins. “If not, we’re going to be just fine,” Perkins said on Cointelegraph’s Chain …
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Bitcoin logs best monthly performance in 12 months during April
Bitcoin has posted its best-performing month in a year, prompting analysts to forecast what could lie ahead for May, which has historically delivered returns of about 8%. “Long way to go back to ATHs, but good to see some green,” Coin Bureau founder Nic Puckrin said in an X post on Friday, referring to Bitcoin’s …
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Ethereum Gas Limit to Triple After Glamsterdam Upgrade, Fees Could Stay Near Zero for Years
TLDR: Ethereum’s gas limit will increase from 60 million to 200 million following the Glamsterdam upgrade. L1 execution capacity will grow by more than 3x, with a further doubling expected shortly after. ETH mainnet gas fees could remain near zero for years if network demand does not rise equally. ePBS, BALs, and gas repricings work …
Academy Board Bans AI Content at 99th Oscars, Forcing Human-Only Wins
Key Takeaways: Academy Board bans AI for the 99th Oscars, requiring human-only billing for acting and writing by March 2027. Tyler Perry halted an $800M studio expansion in 2024 to protest AI threats to editors and sound specialists. Starting in 2026, Cannes and Venice winners bypass committees, allowing 1 country multiple nominations. The Industry’s Response …
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Starlink Usage Turns Fatal in Iran Internet Blackout
Key Takeaways: Iran’s 64-day digital blockade led to the death of Hesam Alaeddin for allegedly using Starlink. Netblocks reports 1% connectivity, costing Iran over $2.5B according to the Chamber of Commerce. Despite 4 April arrests, Iranians keep risking thousands to buy Starlink kits on black markets to remain connected. Man Allegedly Beaten To Death For …
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Bakkt Completes DTR Acquisition Amid Revenue Growth and Strategic Overhaul
Modernizing Global Settlement Bakkt Inc. has finalized its acquisition of Distributed Technologies Research (DTR), a developer of agentic payments and stablecoin infrastructure, about three months after formally agreeing to the purchase. The move follows a transformative third quarter in which the company reported $402.2 million in GAAP revenue—a 27% year-over-year increase—and completed a major structural …
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OKX: 90% of US Crypto Traders Surveyed Fear Dollar Purchasing Power Drop
Key Takeaways: 90% of surveyed traders fear the dollar will lose purchasing power. 49% increased crypto holdings since January amid rising inflation concerns. 73% expect crypto to play a larger global financial role. Inflation Concerns Drive Crypto Allocation Changes Rising inflation concerns are driving a measurable shift in how U.S. crypto traders allocate capital, according …
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Senators Press Lutnick, Tether Over Loan Tied to Cantor Stake Transfer to Trust
Key Takeaways: Senators questioned a reported Tether loan tied to Howard Lutnick’s family trust. Concerns include conflicts, national security risks, and foreign stablecoin market access. Responses are sought on loan terms, communications, and stablecoin legislation. Tether Loan Scrutiny Raises Conflict Questions On April 30, 2026, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent …
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OCC Stablecoin Yield Ban Could Hit Distribution Partners, Consensys Says
Key Takeaways: Stablecoins face disruption as OCC rules may expand yield limits to third-party partners. Consensys argues proposal misclassifies DeFi activity and independent distribution arrangements. Regulatory outcomes could determine whether stablecoin markets expand broadly or consolidate. OCC Stablecoin Rules Raise Distribution Concerns On May 1, 2026, Consensys Software Inc. sent a comment letter to the …
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NY AG Secures $5M From Uphold to Compensate Crypto Investors
Key Takeaways: Uphold will pay more than $5 million to customers tied to CredEarn losses. Regulators said CredEarn was presented like savings while relying on risky lending activity. Next, Uphold must strengthen due diligence, register as a broker, and distribute recoveries. Uphold Settlement Raises Crypto Investor Protection Stakes New York Attorney General (NY AG) Letitia …
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