The XRP community has been hit by a new kind of threat—and this time, it unfolded in real time during a live event.

The global cryptocurrency market cap now stands at $2.60T, up by 0.34% over the last day, according to CoinMarketCap data. Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading between $78,289 and $80,636 over the past 24 hours. As of 09:30 AM (UTC) today, BTC is trading at $79,719, up by 1.55%. Most major cryptocurrencies by market cap are trading mixed. Market outperformers include TST, DASH, and ZEN, up by 38%, 32%, and 18%, respectively. Market movers: ETH: $2362.17 (+2.17%) BNB: $629.02 (+1.58%) XRP: $1.4138 (+1.80%) SOL: $84.8 (+0.93%) TRX: $0.3393 (-0.03%) DOGE: $0.11152 (+3.20%) WBTC: $79479.49 (+1.54%) U: $1.0001 (+0.01%) XAUT: $4575.91 (-0.66%) ADA: $0.2517 (+1.25%) Top gainers on Binance: TST/USDT (+38%) DASH/USDT (+32%) ZEN/USDT (+18%)

Bitget has launched spot trading for Billions Network (BILL). Trading is now open, and withdrawals will open tomorrow at 17:00 (UTC+8).

Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Sardar Hossein Mohabi announced on the 4th that the management procedures of the Hormuz Strait remain unchanged. According to Odaily, civilian and commercial vessels adhering to the transportation protocols issued by the Revolutionary Guard Navy and navigating within designated routes are assured of safety and security. Mohabi emphasized that maritime activities not complying with the principles of the Revolutionary Guard Navy will face significant risks, with non-compliant vessels subject to interception. Shipping companies and transport insurance agencies are urged to closely monitor announcements from the Revolutionary Guard.

Sardar Hossein Mohabi, deputy head of the public relations department and spokesman for the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), announced on the 4th that there have been no changes to the management procedures in the Strait of Hormuz. All civilian and commercial vessels navigating within designated routes and in coordination, in accordance with the transport passage agreements issued by the IRGC Navy, are safe and secure. He also pointed out that any maritime activities that do not conform to the principles of the IRGC Navy will face serious risks. Violating vessels will be forcibly intercepted. All shipping companies and transport insurance institutions must pay close attention to relevant announcements issued by the IRGC. (CCTV News)

U.S. President Donald Trump's introduction of 'Project Freedom' is not a signal of risk mitigation, but rather a potential trigger for new uncertainties, according to Odaily. Garrett Jin, an agent for '1011 Insider Whale,' stated that various factors such as energy stock pressures, enhanced regional military deployments, changes in policy and legal environments, and tightened diplomatic paths are converging. While these variables alone do not constitute a definitive signal, their simultaneous occurrence in the current timeframe could increase market volatility risks. Investors are advised to maintain caution and adopt a hedging mindset, paying attention to the potential disruptions of macro and geopolitical variables on market sentiment. Although the market interprets this as a sign of easing tensions, boosting risk assets, the underlying structure resembles a 'limited intervention + potential response' strategy framework. The action primarily aims to maintain shipping security through coordinated channels, insurance support, and military standby rather than direct escort, which could amplify the situation's response if specific events are triggered.

Morgan Stanley added another 286.7 Bitcoin worth about $22.5 million, bringing its total holdings to around 2,620 BTC valued at roughly $205 million.

Garrett Jin, an agent for "1011 Insider Whale," wrote that Trump's so-called "Project Freedom" is not a sign of risk mitigation, but rather a potential trigger for a new round of uncertainty. Multiple factors are converging, including energy inventory pressures, increased regional military deployments, changes in the policy and legal environment, and a tightening diplomatic path. While these variables individually do not constitute definitive signals, their convergence within the current timeframe could increase market volatility. Overall, investors are advised to maintain a cautious and hedging mindset, paying close attention to the potential impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical variables on market sentiment. Although the market interprets this as a de-escalation and a boost to risk assets, its underlying structure is closer to a "limited intervention + potential response" strategy framework. This action primarily maintains shipping safety through coordinating shipping lanes, providing insurance support, and maintaining military readiness, rather than direct escort, and could potentially amplify the situation's reaction under specific triggering events.

North Korea has denied allegations of involvement in cryptocurrency theft, calling them "absurd slander" and a "political tool." The statement, released by state media, emphasized that necessary measures would be taken to safeguard national interests. However, data from blockchain analytics firm TRM Labs shows that in the first four months of 2026, hacking groups linked to North Korea stole approximately $577 million, accounting for about 76% of global cryptocurrency theft losses during the same period. This includes two major attacks on KelpDAO ($292 million) and Drift Protocol ($285 million). TRM points out that these attacks are primarily linked to the Lazarus Group and its subsidiaries. Since 2017, North Korea-related cryptocurrency thefts have totaled over $6 billion. The US and international organizations generally believe that these funds were used to support military and missile programs. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department recently imposed sanctions on related individuals and entities, involving approximately $800 million in illicit financial flows in 2024. (The Block)

Zcash experienced a significant increase of 16.8% over the past week, reaching a trading price of $411.7 at the time of writing. According to NS3.AI, this performance surpasses that of both Bitcoin and Ethereum. Joao Wedson of Alphractal commented that the rally appears fragile due to weak holder activity, reduced social attention, and a substantial gap to the $1,500 Alpha Price level.

European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member François Villeroy de Galhau stated that the ECB requires an accumulation of key data to demonstrate that inflation is becoming entrenched before it will consider tightening its monetary policy. According to Jin10, Villeroy emphasized the importance of having substantial evidence of persistent inflationary pressures before making any policy adjustments. This approach reflects the ECB's cautious stance in responding to inflation dynamics within the Eurozone.

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that negotiations are ongoing and they have received a response from the United States. According to Odaily, Iran plans to announce its position through a mediator in Pakistan. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the U.S. commitments regarding a ceasefire and any agreement to end the conflict will also include Israel.

Brazil has banned foreign exchange providers from using stablecoins and cryptocurrencies to settle cross-border payments, forcing them to use traditional banking channels instead. Crypto trading remains legal, but firms using blockchain for remittances must change their systems by deadlines running to 2027.

The long-stalled CLARITY Act is now on the brink of a decisive breakthrough, with U.S. senators reaching a critical compromise that could push the landmark crypto bill to a floor vote as early as May.

Nobitex, Iran’s dominant cryptocurrency platform, has been thrust into the spotlight after a Reuters investigation revealed it was founded by individuals linked to one of the country’s most powerful political families—raising fresh questions about the intersection of crypto infrastructure and state influence.

Russia is planning to charge about $2 per gigabyte for international internet use, a move that would make VPN use much more expensive for everyday users. It is also raising licence fees for small internet providers and expanding surveillance systems, which could force most smaller firms out and increase state control over the internet.

Asset tokenization will bring various assets and transactions onto the blockchain, reshaping capital markets; this massive wave is just beginning. Networks focused on institutional needs are expected to lead the way in the short term, while open public chains continue to improve their privacy and identity infrastructure.

When technology is a true infrastructure rather than a shackle, the opportunities it creates far outweigh the jobs it eliminates.

Is Strategy's STRC a Ponzi scheme or a savvy Bitcoin investment? The truth behind its 11.5% high return.

An investigation by The Wall Street Journal has found evidence that Trump's WLFI has been exchanging favour with the infamous Prince Group, a criminal organisation that ran a vast and inhumane "pig butchering" scam network in Cambodia.