Daily digests
Crypto News Digest: May 25, 2026
The stories that moved crypto on May 25, 2026.
40 stories
All crypto news
Tom Lee Outlines Liquidity Catalyst for Ethereum Firm BitMine Following Russell Index Update
Tom Lee is outlining a liquidity catalyst for Ethereum firm BitMine following the Russell Index update. The firm owns 3.8% of Ethereum's supply, a significant stake that could influence market dynamics. As a major player, BitMine's actions may impact Ethereum's price, potentially leading to increased buying pressure and a rise in value. Market observers are closely watching this development.
Indonesia blocks Polymarket, calling prediction market online gambling in disguise
Indonesia's authorities block Polymarket, a prediction market, citing it as online gambling in disguise. They argue that using cryptocurrency or blockchain doesn't change the nature of platforms that allow users to wager on uncertain outcomes. This move reflects the country's stance on regulating online gambling, which could impact the adoption of decentralized prediction markets globally, affecting the crypto industry's growth.
NEAR price rally gains momentum as cross-chain product activity fuels further 15% jump
NEAR price is rallying with a 15% jump, fueled by cross-chain product activity, particularly NEAR Intents, which has processed over $19 billion in volume and generated $32 million in fees, demonstrating its growing adoption and utility. This surge in activity is driving increased interest in NEAR, boosting its price and market capitalization.
Crypto PAC money pours into Texas primary runoffs, as prediction markets favor challengers
Crypto-aligned Protect Progress PAC is aggressively spending $750,000 on media for a Democratic candidate in Texas primary runoffs, targeting Representative Al Green, whom they deem "actively hostile" to digital assets. This move reflects the growing influence of crypto interests in US politics, with prediction markets favoring challengers in key races, potentially shifting the balance of power in Washington.
With Central Bank’s Blessing, Georgia Taps Tether for 'Official' Stablecoin
Tether is planning to issue a stablecoin in Georgia with the country's government support, marking a new frontier for the crypto giant. The move comes with the central bank's blessing, paving the way for a potential official stablecoin.
UAE-linked ADI Chain gains Ledger support amid stablecoin growth
ADI Chain is gaining significant support from Ledger, a leading self-custody platform, allowing ADI token holders to securely store and manage their assets. This integration comes as ADI Chain expands its stablecoin and tokenized asset network, which is experiencing rapid growth. The partnership is expected to boost adoption and confidence in the UAE-linked stablecoin and tokenized asset ecosystem.
Famed iPhone, Sony Hacker Says AI Coding Agents Are a Disaster Waiting to Happen
George Hotz, a renowned iPhone and Sony hacker, is warning that AI coding agents pose a significant threat, having spent six months testing them on real projects and concluding they're producing undetectable, low-quality code that could lead to catastrophic consequences, with large organizations potentially unaware of the issue until it's too late, sparking concerns about the long-term reliability of AI-generated…
PCE, jobless claims and housing data test Fed cut hopes: Crypto Week Ahead
The upcoming week will see key economic data releases, including PCE, jobless claims, and housing numbers, which will test market hopes for a potential Fed rate cut. The US inflation data, specifically the PCE index, is expected to be released on May 26, with a 0.4% increase forecasted. These numbers will influence investor sentiment and crypto market trends.
Satoshi-era Bitcoin miner transfers $203M in BTC to OTC desks
A Satoshi-era Bitcoin miner is transferring 2,650 BTC, worth approximately $203 million, to OTC desks FalconX and Cumberland. The miner retains 6,000 BTC, leaving the market wondering about the intentions behind this significant move.
Buterin says Ethereum Foundation will shrink, sell less ETH, and focus on 'CROPS'
Vitalik Buterin announces the Ethereum Foundation will undergo significant changes, shrinking its size and reducing ETH sales, as it shifts focus to 'CROPS', a decentralized governance framework. His influence within the EF will decrease as the board expands, aligning with his vision of a decentralized ecosystem, ultimately paving the way for Ethereum's continued growth and decentralization.
Bitcoin, crypto prices tick up as US-Iran peace deal odds climb
Iranian negotiators are currently in Doha for talks, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and highly enriched uranium, with Pakistan and Qatar mediating.
Perplexity Built a Tool That Checks Your Computer for Infected Software—Without Setting Off the Infection
Perplexity is building a tool called Bumblebee that scans computers for infected software without triggering the infection. Bumblebee checks developer machines for compromised packages and AI tool configurations. Its core trick is that it never actually runs the code it's looking for, instead analyzing the code's metadata to detect potential threats, aiding developers in maintaining secure environments.
Cyannova Capital announces global launch at its first strategic reception in Hong Kong
Cyannova Capital is announcing its global launch at a reception in Hong Kong, marking the debut of its New York-based investment firm's inaugural fund, Cyannova Capital, LP. The event signifies the company's expansion into international markets, with the fund expected to cater to global investors. This move positions Cyannova Capital as a major player in the global investment landscape.
Paper losses and scrapped ETFs. What Trump Media’s 2,650 BTC transfer really means
Digital asset treasuries (DATs) and corporate Bitcoin reserves are gaining traction, with Strategy's success serving as a catalyst in 2024 and 2025. Notably, Strategy's "flywheel" has inspired many to replicate its model. This trend is expected to continue, with companies increasingly adopting Bitcoin reserves as a diversification strategy, potentially leading to increased demand and higher prices for the cryptocurrency.
Ethereum whale opens $100M short as Vitalik Buterin vows to 'sell less ETH'
Ethereum whale opens a $100M short position, a massive bet against the cryptocurrency's price, as Vitalik Buterin signals reduced Ethereum holdings. ETH's rebound toward the whale's liquidation zone near $2,150 puts its short at risk of over $1 million in potential losses, highlighting the whale's vulnerability to market fluctuations and potential price spikes.
Coinbase CEO’s finance wishlist mirrors company’s product roadmap
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is outlining a wishlist for upgrading global finance, which mirrors the company's product roadmap, including expansion into stocks, prediction markets, and stablecoin payments. Key priorities include increasing financial inclusion and reducing transaction costs, with some goals remaining aspirational, reflecting the industry's ongoing evolution and regulatory challenges.
ARIQO makes its Bangkok debut at SEABW, drawing industry attention
ARIQO makes its Bangkok debut at SEABW, drawing industry attention with co-hosts Canton Foundation, Toss, and BitGo, highlighting the growing cryptocurrency presence in Southeast Asia. A private event showcased the platform's capabilities, while a token launch is slated for the second half of 2026, expected to further boost adoption and market growth in the region.
Pope Leo Releases First AI Encyclical, Calls Data a Common Good and Rejects Moral Neutrality of Tech
Pope Leo releases the first AI encyclical, a 245-paragraph document calling data a common good and rejecting the moral neutrality of technology. The document was presented alongside Anthropic co-founder Christopher Olah, whose company is suing the Trump administration over military AI use, highlighting the Vatican's stance on AI ethics and its potential impact on the tech industry's moral accountability.
Squid and Safe Labs say third-party module behind $3.2M exploit
Squid and Safe Labs report that a third-party module is behind a $3.2 million exploit, draining funds from Safe wallets. Squid attributes the incident to an external Safe module, stating its core systems were unaffected. The affected module is being investigated, with implications for Safe wallet security and user trust in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem.
CoinQuant introduces trading infrastructure for the agent economy
CoinQuant, the AI-powered no-code trading platform, expands into a unified trading intelligence architecture for both human traders and autonomous AI agents, having attracted over 15,000 users since launch. This infrastructure aims to bridge the gap between human and AI trading capabilities, potentially increasing trading efficiency and accuracy. Market implications may include improved liquidity and reduced trading risks.
XRP price in ‘value zone’ near $1.40 as whales pull $170M from exchanges
Whales are withdrawing $170 million in XRP from Binance, a significant move that suggests a potential price increase. The XRP price is holding a key $1.35-$1.40 accumulation and support zone, indicating a strong value zone near $1.40. This whale activity could lead to a price surge, potentially pushing XRP above $1.50 as investors regain confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
Vitalik Buterin Signals Shift to 'Smaller Ship' at Ethereum Foundation Amid Departures
Vitalik Buterin signals a shift to a smaller Ethereum Foundation team, amidst recent departures, indicating a more streamlined approach. He revealed that 90% of his net worth is tied up in Ethereum, underscoring his commitment to the project's success. This move could lead to increased focus on core development and a potential reevaluation of the project's long-term goals and priorities.
New York lawsuit tests lost property claim over dormant Bitcoin
A New York lawsuit is currently testing the claim to ownership of 39,069 dormant Bitcoin wallets, raising questions about lost crypto, private keys, and property law. The lawsuit seeks to determine who owns the wallets, which have been inactive for years, sparking debate over the ownership of abandoned digital assets and their potential value.
Prometheum bets Wall Street distribution is the missing link for tokenized securities
Prometheum asserts that Wall Street distribution is the missing link for tokenized securities, enabling widespread adoption in mainstream finance. The company believes broker-dealers and registered investment advisors (RIAs) hold the key to bridging the gap between digital assets and traditional finance, potentially unlocking new investment opportunities for institutional investors and boosting market liquidity.
Influence360 launches as the first AI & data-driven Web3 KOL platform with global KOL coverage and real attribution
Influence360 launches as the first AI and data-driven Web3 KOL platform, offering global KOL coverage and real attribution. The platform introduces a new infrastructure layer for Web3 influencer marketing, built around trust, data, and global execution, aiming to bridge the gap between brands and Web3 influencers. This move is expected to revolutionize the Web3 marketing landscape.
BTC price to attack $80K shorts on Iran peace deal: Five things to know in Bitcoin this week
Bitcoin traders predict a short squeeze to $80,000, but a lack of overall demand and the return of leverage sparks warnings of more liquidation events to come, potentially triggering a cascade of selling and further price drops. This scenario could lead to a perfect storm of market volatility, exacerbating existing losses for investors.
‘Institutional bid hasn’t disappeared’: Analysts say bitcoin cooldown, spot ETF outflows signal rotation, not exit
Bitcoin remains below $78,000 as spot ETFs continue to shed funds, with over $1 billion in outflows for the second consecutive week, and speculation surrounding the U.S.-Iran deal adds market volatility, causing investors to reassess their positions. Analysts believe this cooldown signals a rotation, not an exit, from the market.
Crypto lobby spending on Republicans far outpaces Democratic support
The crypto lobby is spending tens of millions of dollars more on Republican candidates and elections than on Democratic lawmakers, with a significant disparity in donations. This trend suggests a strong preference for Republican policies, potentially influencing regulatory decisions that may impact the industry's growth. Market implications remain uncertain, but this shift could favor Republican-friendly crypto initiatives.
Indonesia blocks Polymarket after bets on president’s exit
Indonesia is blocking Polymarket, a prediction market platform, after users placed bets on President Prabowo Subianto's early exit from office. This move is driven by concerns over gambling, as well as growing global scrutiny of prediction markets. The ban highlights the increasing regulatory pressure on platforms like Polymarket, potentially impacting their operations worldwide.
Bitcoin risks drop to $72K as demand metric hits 2026 lows
Bitcoin's weakening demand is failing to absorb increased selling pressure, raising risks of a further price drop toward $72,000. The demand metric has hit 2026 lows, exacerbating concerns among investors. As a result, the cryptocurrency's price stability is being threatened, potentially leading to a significant correction in the market, impacting investor confidence and overall market sentiment.
Indonesia blocks Polymarket amid crackdown on online betting
Indonesia blocks Polymarket, a prediction market platform, amid growing concerns over online betting, joining a widening global crackdown on similar platforms. The move follows recent regulatory scrutiny, with authorities targeting platforms that facilitate unlicensed betting. Polymarket's block in Indonesia may set a precedent for other countries, potentially impacting the global prediction market industry.
‘We don’t know who deployed this’: Squid distances itself from $3.2 million third-party module exploit
Squid is distancing itself from a $3.2 million third-party module exploit, stating its core protocol remains unaffected. The exploit occurred through a module named SquidRouterModule, which is not part of the core protocol. Squid is emphasizing the module's third-party status, implying the vulnerability was not a result of its own code.
‘TrapDoor’ malware targets crypto dev tools in supply chain attack
Malicious actors are unleashing a campaign of "TrapDoor" malware, targeting crypto development tools in a supply chain attack, with Socket warning of stolen crypto and hijacked popular AI coding assistants, including GitHub Copilot and Kite. The malware injects hidden instructions to siphon sensitive data, putting developers and their projects at risk of severe financial loss.
Bitcoin ETFs' 6 day loss streak pushes market closer to net outflows for 2026
Bitcoin ETFs are experiencing a six-day net outflow streak totaling $1.55 billion, pushing the US market closer to net outflows for 2026. This decline has reduced net inflows to $536 million so far this year, a significant drop from previous periods. The trend suggests a potential shift in investor sentiment, impacting the overall cryptocurrency market.
Bitcoin trades above $77,000 as oil's 5% slide pushes Asian equities higher
Bitcoin trades above $77,000 as oil's 5% slide pushes Asian equities higher, with investors seeking safe-haven assets amidst market volatility. The Strait of Hormuz reopening optimism has fueled a 5% decline in oil prices, boosting Asian equities and crypto sentiment, as investors shift towards risk-on assets like Bitcoin, driving its price above $77,000.
Crypto entrepreneur Chun Wang joins SpaceX mission to Mars
Chun Wang, a successful crypto entrepreneur, is joining SpaceX's historic mission to Mars, following his previous involvement in a SpaceX flight over Earth's poles. The mission marks SpaceX's first manned expedition to the red planet. Wang's participation highlights the growing influence of crypto entrepreneurs in space exploration, driving innovation and pushing boundaries in the space industry.
Hyperliquid is emerging as a challenger to traditional exchanges and prediction markets, says FalconX
Hyperliquid is rapidly expanding beyond crypto into pre-IPO markets, prediction contracts, and 24/7 asset trading, posing a significant threat to traditional exchanges and prediction markets. This aggressive move is putting Wall Street giants on high alert, as Hyperliquid's innovative offerings and rapid growth challenge the status quo in the financial industry, potentially disrupting the traditional trading landscape.
Satoshi-era bitcoin whale moves over $200 million in BTC to FalconX, Cumberland: Onchain Lens
A prominent Satoshi-era bitcoin whale is moving significant funds, transferring approximately 2,650 BTC, valued at over $200 million, to crypto trading firms FalconX and Cumberland through multiple transactions on Sunday, according to Onchain Lens. This large-scale transfer may indicate a strategic shift in the whale's investment strategy or a potential exit from the market, potentially impacting bitcoin's price volatility.
Tether plans GELT stablecoin launch with support from Georgian government
Tether plans to launch the GELT stablecoin in partnership with the Georgian government, supporting cross-border commerce under a framework aligned with emerging U.S. stablecoin regulations. The GELT stablecoin is designed to facilitate international transactions, leveraging Georgian legislation that meets U.S. regulatory standards. This collaboration aims to boost Georgia's financial sector and global trade.
Researchers flag TrapDoor malware campaign targeting crypto developer environments including Aptos, Sui and Solana
Researchers are flagging a TrapDoor malware campaign targeting crypto developer environments, including Aptos, Sui, and Solana, through malicious packages on npm, PyPI, and Crates.io. The campaign has successfully compromised several developer environments, with the exact number of affected projects remaining unknown. This threat highlights the vulnerability of crypto ecosystems to supply chain attacks.