Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: May 18, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on May 18, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
CoinDesk 20 performance update: Bitcoin Cash (BCH) drops 13% as all assets decline
Bitcoin Cash (BCH) drops 13% as the CoinDesk 20 declines across the board, with Bittensor (TAO) also underperforming, down 9.6% over the weekend. The sharp decline in BCH follows a broader market downturn, with the CoinDesk 20's average price dropping 5.5% in a single day, reflecting investor concerns and market volatility.
Weekly crypto ETP outflows top $1B, ending six-week positive streak amid Iran-linked risk-off: CoinShares
Crypto funds experience a $1B outflow, ending a six-week streak of positive inflows, as Iran-linked geopolitical risk triggers a risk-off sentiment in the market. Major U.S. withdrawals contribute to the decline, with bitcoin being particularly affected. This shift in investor sentiment has significant implications for the crypto market, potentially impacting prices and investor confidence in the coming weeks.
Bitmine lifts ether treasury to 5.28 million ETH as total holdings top $12 billion
Bitmine is significantly expanding its ether treasury to 5.28 million ETH, representing 4.37% of the total supply, as total holdings surge to $12.6 billion. This substantial increase reflects Bitmine's growing influence in the cryptocurrency market, with its treasury now accounting for a notable portion of the circulating ether supply, impacting market dynamics and potential price fluctuations.
XRP slips 2% as profit-taking knocks token back below $1.40
XRP slips 2% as profit-taking knocks token back below $1.40, erasing the latest breakout attempt after a high-volume selloff. Buyers stepped in near support around $1.38, but the momentum stalled. The price correction is a natural response to recent gains, and XRP's volatility may persist as traders reassess the token's value in the market.
Kraken parent Payward's Q1 revenue climbs despite crypto market slump
Kraken parent Payward's Q1 revenue is climbing despite the crypto market slump, driven by acquisitions and futures growth that offset softer spot trading. Co-CEO Arjun Sethi attributes the success to the firm's strategy of investing through market weakness. Payward's resilience is a testament to its adaptability in the ever-changing crypto landscape, hinting at a potential long-term recovery.
Iran Pushes $10B Bitcoin Insurance Plan for Strait of Hormuz: Report
Iran is reportedly pushing a $10 billion Bitcoin insurance plan for the Strait of Hormuz, settling cargo cover in Bitcoin under a marine policy and certificate plan. The plan aims to generate $10 billion for Iran, leveraging Bitcoin's decentralized nature to facilitate transactions and potentially reducing reliance on traditional financial systems, impacting global crypto adoption and insurance markets.
SEC to propose tokenized stock framework as Wall Street efforts deepen: Bloomberg
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is set to propose a tokenized stock framework. This move marks a significant step in deepening Wall Street's efforts to integrate digital assets. The proposed framework aims to provide clarity on tokenized securities, potentially paving the way for mainstream adoption of blockchain technology in traditional finance markets.
Galaxy secures New York BitLicense to expand institutional crypto services
Galaxy secures the New York BitLicense to expand its institutional crypto services, allowing GalaxyOne Prime NY to offer trading and financing services to institutional investors in one of the most tightly regulated US crypto markets, with a focus on compliance and security. This approval marks a significant milestone for Galaxy's expansion into the US market, boosting its credibility and competitiveness.
Odds against rate cuts high as new US Fed chair set for swearing in
Kevin Warsh's confirmation as US Federal Reserve chair sparks concerns about the central bank's independence, particularly in setting interest rates, with many experts voicing uncertainty about his policies. The odds against rate cuts appear high as Warsh's views on monetary policy are seen as hawkish, potentially leading to a stronger US dollar and higher bond yields.
Saylor’s Strategy scoops $2B Bitcoin, holdings reach 843,738 BTC
Michael Saylor's Strategy is acquiring 24,869 Bitcoin for $2.01 billion, lifting its holdings to 843,738 BTC. The purchase is funded by sales from its Strategic Drawdown and Conversion (STRC) program, covering around 97% of the acquisition cost. This significant buy underscores the company's commitment to accumulating Bitcoin, further solidifying its position in the market.
Deploi Launches Direct Issuance Infrastructure for Private Credit on Polygon, Secures ISIN Allocations from Nasdaq CSD
Deploi is launching direct issuance infrastructure for private credit on Polygon, securing ISIN allocations from Nasdaq CSD. A EUR 1 billion note programme is planned for 2026, following completion of the global issuance infrastructure by the end of Q3 2026.
Hyperliquid's USDC deal could supercharge HYPE, pressure Circle, Coinbase margins, analysts say
Hyperliquid's USDC deal is expected to supercharge HYPE, shifting an estimated $160 million in revenue from Coinbase and Circle into its ecosystem, according to Compass Point analysts. This significant revenue influx could bolster HYPE's growth, pressure Circle's and Coinbase's margins, and intensify competition in the stablecoin market, potentially reshaping the industry landscape.
Minnesotan banks and credit unions set to provide crypto custody August 1
Minnesota's banks and credit unions are set to provide crypto custody starting August 1, marking the Midwest's first unified digital asset safety net. The initiative aims to standardize and enhance security for digital assets, catering to the growing demand for institutional-grade custody solutions. This move is expected to boost adoption and confidence in the region's crypto market.
Georgia primary to test crypto PAC’s support for Democratic candidate
A crypto-aligned political action committee is spending over $4 million to support Democratic US House candidate Jasmine Clark in Georgia's primary. This significant investment aims to bolster Clark's chances, potentially influencing the outcome. The committee's substantial backing highlights growing crypto industry involvement in US politics, underscoring its increasing influence on the electoral landscape.
Soluna revenue jumps 58% as hosting business offsets weaker Bitcoin mining
Soluna's revenue surges 58% as hosting business gains momentum, outpacing weaker Bitcoin mining. New capacity coming online contributes to this growth, underscoring the company's strategic shift toward data centers for AI and high-performance computing, a trend that's gaining traction in the industry, with potential implications for the broader crypto and tech sectors' future development.
Ohio man sentenced to 9 years for running $10 million crypto Ponzi scheme
Rathnakishore Giri, an Ohio man, is sentenced to 9 years in prison for running a $10 million crypto Ponzi scheme. The CFTC filed an enforcement action against him in August 2022, alleging the fraudulent investment scheme targeted unsuspecting investors. Giri's conviction serves as a warning to crypto scammers, highlighting the regulatory efforts to protect investors in the rapidly growing industry.
Lawyers Apologize After Fake Claude-Generated Quotes Appear in Trump Layoffs Case
Lawyers representing a former Homeland Security official are apologizing for using Anthropic's Claude Console to generate fake quotes in a court filing related to Trump layoffs case, admitting to fabricating quotes to bolster their argument.
Bitcoin lost its hold on $80K, but three events may send it back sooner than markets expect
Bitcoin is poised for a potential rally above $80,000 as a $2 billion BTC buy by Strategy and crumbling investor confidence in the US Treasury create a favorable market environment. Additionally, a potential US-Iran deal may further boost investor sentiment. Market analysts predict a possible rebound sooner than expected, with Bitcoin's price potentially breaking through the $80,000 barrier.
Ethereum’s onchain conviction grows as staked ETH rises, even as price underperforms
Ethereum's staked ETH supply is rising, with over 17 million coins locked in the Beacon Chain, a 20% increase from last year, indicating growing conviction in the network. A contracting float against any meaningful demand recovery has historically been a constructive setup for price, suggesting potential price appreciation as holders become less willing to sell.
HIVE stock rallies 35% after unveiling 320MW ‘AI gigafactory’ project in Toronto
HIVE stock is rallying 35% after unveiling a 320MW 'AI gigafactory' project in Toronto, a significant expansion of its digital asset mining operations. The facility could eventually support more than 100,000 GPUs, positioning HIVE to capitalize on growing demand for artificial intelligence computing power, potentially boosting its market share in the cryptocurrency mining sector.
Standard Chartered to absorb Zodia Custody’s crypto business into its own operations: Bloomberg
Standard Chartered is absorbing Zodia Custody's crypto business into its own operations, according to Bloomberg. The deal marks a significant expansion of Standard Chartered's digital asset capabilities. The acquisition is expected to enhance the bank's offerings in the growing crypto market. This move positions Standard Chartered to capitalize on increasing demand for institutional-grade crypto services.
Vitalik Buterin says AI 'formal verification' could actually make crypto much more secure
Vitalik Buterin emphasizes AI-assisted "formal verification" could significantly enhance crypto security in a recent blog post. He believes this technology could validate smart contracts, preventing vulnerabilities and bugs. This AI-powered tool could become a crucial component in the fight against hacking and cyber threats, ultimately strengthening the overall security of the crypto ecosystem.
Bitcoin Depot stock crashes 71% premarket after Chapter 11 filing
Bitcoin Depot's stock crashes 71% premarket after filing for Chapter 11 in Texas, planning asset sale and wind-down amidst regulatory pressure forcing the shutdown of its Bitcoin ATM network. The company's financial struggles and regulatory woes have led to this drastic measure, potentially disrupting the US Bitcoin ATM market and impacting investor confidence in the crypto space.
Live markets: Bitcoin gives up all of May's gains, slipping below $77,000
Bitcoin is currently trading below $77,000, erasing all of its May gains, as a massive $2 billion purchase by a strategy failed to boost crypto prices. Despite the large investment, the market remains bearish, with investors showing little enthusiasm for the asset. The decline highlights ongoing concerns about market stability and investor confidence.
Ethereum traders say bears ‘in control’ after ETH price drop to $2K
Ethereum traders believe bears are in control after the ETH price plummeted to around $2,000, a sharp drop below $2,100. Increasing sell pressure on Binance and persistent exchange-traded fund outflows are fueling bearish momentum, with analysts warning of further declines. The bearish sentiment is likely to impact the broader cryptocurrency market, potentially leading to a prolonged downtrend.
The Ethereum Foundation is facing a wave of high-profile departures as its internal shakeup deepens
The Ethereum Foundation is experiencing a wave of high-profile departures, with key figures leaving as it undergoes an internal transition tied to a new organizational mandate aimed at redefining its role within Ethereum. At least 5 senior staff members have departed, including the foundation's head of operations and head of grants. This shakeup may impact Ethereum's development and adoption.
Bitcoin’s trend defining battle starts at the $74K support: Analyst
Traders are closely monitoring the $74,000-$75,000 support zone as exchange inflows surge and market signals deteriorate following Bitcoin's loss of momentum above $82,000. This trend-defining battle is unfolding as investors reassess their positions, with the support zone emerging as a crucial battleground. Market sentiment remains uncertain, with a potential breakdown potentially triggering further losses.
Bitcoin Faces Greater Quantum Computing Risk Than Ethereum, Citi Warns
Citi warns that Bitcoin faces a greater quantum computing risk than Ethereum due to governance differences, not just technological disparities. Bitcoin's decentralized nature and lack of a governing body make it more vulnerable, while Ethereum's shift to proof-of-stake and sharding may provide a safer haven from potential quantum attacks, impacting Bitcoin's long-term security.
AI Still Can't Beat the On-Call Engineer: Here's Why
AI models still struggle to surpass human engineers in resolving real-world issues, according to a new benchmark. Despite advancements, the best AI systems fall short in replicating the expertise and adaptability of experienced engineers. This gap highlights the complexity of real-world problem-solving and underscores the need for continued AI development and human-AI collaboration in various industries.
Solana is shedding its memecoin reputation as big banks move billions into its ecosystem
Solana is rapidly shedding its memecoin reputation as major financial institutions move billions of dollars into its ecosystem, driven by tokenized funds and global payments, according to a new report by Messari. Estimated billions of dollars are being transferred onto the network, a significant shift in the crypto landscape, as Wall Street and payment giants increasingly adopt Solana's scalable technology.
Minnesota legalizes crypto custody services for banks, credit unions
Minnesota-based banking institutions and credit unions will be authorized to provide digital asset custody services in a nonfiduciary capacity as of August 1. This new legislation enables these financial institutions to store cryptocurrencies on behalf of their clients, expanding their services and potentially increasing adoption of digital assets in the region, boosting the local crypto market.
Price predictions 5/18: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, HYPE, ADA
Bitcoin has dropped to its crucial $76,000 support level, while large-cap altcoins such as Ethereum, Ripple, Binance Coin, Solana, and Dogecoin have sold off sharply, with some declining by over 10%. Technical charts indicate a potential buying opportunity, but traders remain cautious, awaiting a clear reversal signal before making a move, which could significantly impact the cryptocurrency market.
Galaxy scores New York BitLicense to offer digital asset services in the state
Galaxy Digital secures the New York BitLicense, expanding its global regulatory footprint to over 50 licenses worldwide. This approval allows the company to offer digital asset services in the state, further solidifying its position in the industry. The move is expected to boost Galaxy's credibility and attract more institutional clients.
Revolut wants to take Dogecoin mainstream with its new physical payment card
Revolut is launching a physical debit card allowing users to spend Dogecoin anywhere Visa and Mastercard are accepted with zero extra exchange fees. This move aims to increase Dogecoin's mainstream adoption. The card will enable users to seamlessly convert their Dogecoin to fiat at the point of sale, potentially boosting the meme coin's value and usage.
Polymarket Users Spur Insider Trading Suspicions With $2.4 Million in Iran Prediction Wins
Polymarket users are sparking insider trading suspicions after winning $2.4 million on Iran prediction bets, with 98% accuracy. The interlinked accounts have consistently forecasted U.S. military actions, raising eyebrows among analysts. The unusual trend has implications for the integrity of decentralized prediction markets, potentially threatening their credibility and long-term viability in the crypto space.
This Open-Source Phone AI Agent Sees, Hears and Acts—All Without Touching the Cloud
Oppo's X-OmniClaw AI agent is running directly on Android devices, utilizing the camera, screen, and microphone to execute tasks within real apps without cloud connectivity. This open-source innovation enables seamless, on-device AI capabilities, potentially enhancing user experiences and security. The technology's implications for mobile AI development are significant, offering a local alternative to cloud-based services.
Zerohash secures first EMI license under MiCA for stablecoin and brokerage services in Europe
Zerohash Europe secures the first Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license under the European Union's MiCA regulation for stablecoin and brokerage services, marking a significant milestone in the region's crypto adoption. This achievement underscores Zerohash's commitment to compliance and highlights the growing demand for regulated crypto services in Europe, paving the way for increased mainstream acceptance.
Swan Bitcoin Hit With Nearly $1 Billion Lawsuit Over Prime Trust Collapse
Swan Bitcoin is facing a nearly $1 billion lawsuit alleging the company exploited insider information to avoid significant losses following Prime Trust's collapse. The lawsuit claims Swan Bitcoin's actions were reckless and negligent, potentially putting investors at risk. The high-stakes litigation could have far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency industry's reputation and trust.
Ostium’s onchain perpetuals exchange to be ‘powered’ by Nasdaq data
Ostium's onchain perpetuals exchange is being powered by Nasdaq data, making it the first onchain trading venue to offer equity perpetual products with this level of market data. This partnership is expected to increase the accuracy and reliability of Ostium's perpetuals products, potentially attracting more institutional investors and further solidifying the exchange's position in the market.
Stripe-backed Tempo taps $7.5 billion DeFi lender Morpho to expand beyond payments
Tempo, backed by Stripe, is tapping Morpho, a $7.5 billion DeFi lender, to expand beyond payments. This move integrates onchain yield and lending into Tempo's platform, aiming to offer full-stack onchain finance to companies building on it. The integration will cater to growing demand for comprehensive financial services within the Tempo ecosystem, driving adoption and growth.