Institutional crypto investments saw a substantial increase last week. Bitcoin and Ethereum products attracted significant inflows from investors. Continue Reading: Institutional Investors Boost Crypto Asset Inflows Significantly The post Institutional Investors Boost Crypto Asset Inflows Significantly appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Get ready for a game-changer in how you spend your digital assets! MetaMask, one of the most popular cryptocurrency wallet service providers globally, is set to launch a groundbreaking MetaMask payment card . This isn’t just another crypto card; it promises real-time crypto payments directly from your wallet, bypassing traditional conversion hurdles. Slated for a Q2 release, this development could significantly bridge the gap between the crypto world and everyday transactions. What is the MetaMask Payment Card and Why Does it Matter? The upcoming MetaMask payment card is the result of a strategic collaboration between MetaMask, secure payment card technology provider CompoSecure, and leading Web3 financial services company Baanx. The core innovation here is its ability to facilitate transactions using the cryptocurrencies held within your MetaMask wallet in near real-time – specifically, within five seconds. Traditionally, spending crypto requires a multi-step process: selling your crypto on an exchange, withdrawing fiat currency, and then using that fiat. Even existing crypto cards often involve a pre-conversion step or a slight delay. The promise of the MetaMask card is to make this process seamless and instantaneous at the point of sale, whether online or in a physical store that accepts card payments. This capability is crucial because it removes friction. Imagine using your crypto to buy groceries, pay for coffee, or book a flight without waiting for conversions or worrying about fluctuating exchange rates during the transaction window. This move positions MetaMask to become a more central tool for users not just holding assets, but actively using them in the real world. How Will Real-Time Crypto Payments Work? The magic of real-time crypto payments lies in the technology integration between MetaMask’s wallet infrastructure and the payment network rails provided by CompoSecure and Baanx. While the exact technical details at the moment of transaction are complex, the user experience is designed to be simple: Initiate a payment with your MetaMask card at a merchant terminal or online checkout. The system quickly checks your MetaMask wallet balance. A near-instantaneous conversion of the required crypto amount to the local fiat currency occurs behind the scenes. The transaction is authorized and completed within approximately five seconds. This process eliminates the need for users to manually manage conversions beforehand, simplifying spending and making crypto feel more like traditional money for everyday purchases. It’s a significant step towards mainstream adoption and usability for digital currencies. The Power Behind the Card: CompoSecure and Baanx The partnership with CompoSecure and Baanx is key to enabling these real-time crypto payments . CompoSecure is known for its high-security, premium payment cards, often featuring metal construction and advanced technology. Their expertise in card manufacturing and security infrastructure provides the physical and digital backbone for the MetaMask card. Baanx specializes in providing crypto-friendly financial services, including card programs and payment solutions that bridge digital assets with traditional banking systems. Their technology likely facilitates the rapid conversion and settlement processes required for near-instantaneous crypto spending. This collaboration brings together the strengths of a leading crypto wallet, secure hardware, and sophisticated financial technology. Expanding Horizons: Bitcoin Solana Support and Wallet Evolution Beyond the immediate launch of the MetaMask payment card , MetaMask has signaled broader ambitions for 2024. A major announcement includes plans to support Bitcoin Solana support later this year. This is a significant move as MetaMask has historically been focused primarily on Ethereum and EVM-compatible networks. Adding native support for Bitcoin, the largest cryptocurrency by market cap, and Solana, a high-throughput blockchain, will dramatically expand the range of assets users can hold and potentially spend directly from their MetaMask wallet using the new card. This diversification makes the wallet, and consequently the card, much more versatile and appealing to a wider audience of crypto holders. Furthermore, MetaMask plans a significant revamp of the wallet’s user interface (UI). While details are scarce, a UI refresh often aims to improve usability, streamline navigation, and potentially integrate new features like the payment card more seamlessly. A more intuitive interface can lower the barrier to entry for new users and enhance the experience for existing ones. What Does This Mean for Your MetaMask Wallet Experience? The introduction of the MetaMask payment card , coupled with planned Bitcoin Solana support and a UI revamp, points towards MetaMask evolving into a more comprehensive financial tool. For current users, this means: Increased Utility: Your crypto holdings become instantly spendable at millions of locations worldwide. Simplified Spending: No more complex manual conversions before making a purchase. Expanded Asset Support: Potentially spend not just ETH and ERC-20 tokens, but also BTC and SOL directly from the wallet. Improved User Experience: The planned UI revamp could make managing assets and using new features easier. This makes the MetaMask wallet less of just a place to store digital assets and more of an active account for managing and using your crypto in daily life. Potential Challenges and Considerations While the prospect of real-time crypto payments is exciting, it’s important to consider potential challenges: Fees: There will likely be fees associated with using the card, including conversion fees, transaction fees, or annual fees. The fee structure will be crucial for user adoption. Volatility: The value of cryptocurrencies can fluctuate significantly. While the real-time conversion minimizes risk during the transaction itself, the value of your holdings can change rapidly before you spend them. Regulation: The regulatory landscape for crypto and crypto-linked financial products is constantly evolving. Future regulations could impact the card’s availability or functionality in certain regions. Merchant Acceptance: While the card will likely operate on major payment networks, ensuring seamless acceptance at all merchant types will be key. Adoption Rate: The success of the card will depend on how quickly users adopt it and integrate it into their spending habits. Users should carefully review the terms and conditions, fee structure, and any regional restrictions once the card launches. Comparing the MetaMask Card to the Competition The crypto card market is becoming increasingly crowded. How does the proposed MetaMask payment card stack up? Its primary differentiator appears to be the focus on truly real-time crypto payments within the familiar MetaMask ecosystem. Many existing cards: Require users to pre-load fiat or stablecoins onto the card. Involve a conversion step that might not be truly instantaneous. Are tied to specific exchange platforms rather than a non-custodial wallet like MetaMask. By enabling spending directly from a non-custodial wallet with near-instant conversion, MetaMask is aiming for a higher level of convenience and control for the user compared to custodial card solutions. Actionable Insights: Getting Ready for Q2 If you’re a MetaMask user or interested in easier crypto spending, here’s what you can do: Stay Informed: Keep an eye on official announcements from MetaMask regarding the Q2 launch date and application process for the MetaMask payment card . Understand the Details: Once launched, carefully read the terms, conditions, fee structure, and supported regions before applying or using the card. Prepare Your Wallet: Ensure your MetaMask wallet is updated and you understand how to manage your assets within it. Look for Bitcoin Solana Support: If you hold BTC or SOL, monitor for updates on when native support will be integrated into the wallet, potentially enabling spending of these assets via the card later. Conclusion: A Leap Forward for Crypto Utility The upcoming launch of the MetaMask payment card represents a significant leap forward in making cryptocurrencies more usable for everyday transactions. By enabling real-time crypto payments directly from the user’s MetaMask wallet , bypassing manual conversions, and planning to add crucial support like Bitcoin Solana support , MetaMask is positioning itself at the forefront of crypto-fiat integration. While challenges remain, the potential for increased adoption and utility is immense. Q2 is shaping up to be an exciting time for MetaMask users and the broader crypto ecosystem. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping the future of digital asset spending.
Bitcoin’s funding rate recently turned positive, signaling a surge in long positions among traders, particularly above the $90k mark. Bitcoin registered a hike in long positions above $90k. The cryptocurrency
Bitcoin briefly dipped before stabilizing around $95,000. Economic data and geopolitical tensions are influencing market sentiment. Continue Reading: Market Reactions Surge as Economic Indicators Shift The post Market Reactions Surge as Economic Indicators Shift appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Bitcoin's funding rate turned positive with longs dominant above $90k.
The cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with digital assets. A significant development recently emerged from the world of restaking, bridging the gap between the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. Bitcoin restaking platform Lombard has announced a pivotal integration, bringing its wrapped Bitcoin asset, LBTC, into the burgeoning EigenLayer ecosystem. This move, undertaken in collaboration with the EigenLayer Foundation, is set to create exciting new opportunities for users. What Does the Lombard EigenLayer Integration Mean? At its core, the integration signifies a major step towards enhanced interoperability and capital efficiency within the decentralized finance (DeFi) space. By integrating LBTC into EigenLayer, Lombard is essentially allowing Bitcoin holders, via their wrapped LBTC, to participate directly in the Ethereum restaking ecosystem facilitated by EigenLayer. This isn’t just a simple bridge; it’s about enabling a new layer of utility for Bitcoin capital. The key takeaway from this integration, as reported by The Block, is the potential for users to receive dual restaking rewards. Specifically, users holding LBTC and participating through this integration can earn rewards concurrently from both the Babylon protocol (a prominent player in Bitcoin restaking) and the EigenLayer ecosystem (a leading force in Ethereum restaking). Understanding Bitcoin Restaking with Babylon Before diving deeper into the dual rewards, it’s helpful to understand the components involved. Bitcoin restaking, as pioneered by protocols like Babylon, allows Bitcoin holders to repurpose their idle BTC capital to secure other decentralized networks or protocols. Traditionally, Bitcoin’s primary utility outside of being a store of value and medium of exchange has been limited to its own blockchain. Babylon’s approach enables Bitcoin holders to ‘stake’ their BTC in a way that provides security services to various proof-of-stake (PoS) systems. This mechanism leverages Bitcoin’s immense security and liquidity, extending it to other parts of the crypto ecosystem. Users who stake their Bitcoin through Babylon earn rewards for contributing to the security and consensus of these external networks. Exploring EigenLayer and Ethereum Restaking On the other side of this integration is EigenLayer, a protocol built on Ethereum that introduces the concept of ‘restaking’. Ethereum restaking allows users who have already staked their ETH (or Liquid Staking Tokens – LSTs) on the Ethereum Beacon Chain to restake that same capital to simultaneously secure other decentralized applications, services, or middleware, known as Actively Validated Services (AVSs). These AVSs might include decentralized oracles, bridges, data availability layers, or new virtual machines. EigenLayer provides a marketplace where AVSs can lease security from Ethereum stakers, and stakers can earn additional yield for providing this security. This significantly increases the capital efficiency for Ethereum stakers, allowing their staked ETH to work harder by securing multiple protocols simultaneously. How Does LBTC Bridge Bitcoin and EigenLayer Restaking? The integration of LBTC into EigenLayer creates a novel pathway. LBTC, being a wrapped representation of Bitcoin on a compatible network (often an Ethereum-compatible chain or a sidechain/layer-2 connected to Ethereum), can now interact with the EigenLayer smart contracts and infrastructure. This allows the value represented by LBTC to be ‘restaked’ within the EigenLayer ecosystem. Here’s a simplified breakdown: A user holds Bitcoin (BTC). The user wraps their BTC into LBTC using the Lombard platform. The user then utilizes the integration pathway to restake their LBTC through EigenLayer. Simultaneously, because Lombard’s platform facilitates interaction with protocols like Babylon, the underlying mechanism allows the user to also be eligible for rewards from Babylon’s Bitcoin restaking activities. This creates the unique scenario where the same underlying capital (originally Bitcoin, now represented as LBTC) is generating yield from two distinct restaking protocols operating on different blockchain paradigms (Babylon for Bitcoin restaking and EigenLayer for Ethereum-centric restaking). What are the Benefits for Users Participating in LBTC EigenLayer Restaking? The primary attraction of this integration is the potential for enhanced yield. By earning rewards from both Babylon and EigenLayer, users can potentially achieve a higher overall return on their Bitcoin capital compared to participating in only one form of restaking. Key benefits include: Dual Yield Generation: The ability to earn rewards from two separate, prominent restaking protocols simultaneously. Increased Capital Efficiency: Making idle Bitcoin capital work harder by securing multiple networks or services. Access to Ethereum Ecosystem Yields for Bitcoin Holders: Traditionally, earning yield within the Ethereum ecosystem required holding ETH or other Ethereum-based assets. This integration opens up new yield-earning avenues for Bitcoin holders using LBTC. Diversification of Restaking Exposure: Gaining exposure to both Bitcoin-native and Ethereum-centric restaking opportunities. Contribution to Ecosystem Security: Participating helps secure both the networks/protocols leveraging Babylon’s security and the AVSs building on EigenLayer. Are There Challenges or Considerations? While the potential rewards are appealing, it’s important to consider the complexities and risks inherent in such cross-chain and layered protocols: Protocol Risk: Both Lombard, Babylon, and EigenLayer are complex protocols. Smart contract bugs, design flaws, or exploits in any of these could lead to loss of funds. Slashing Risk: Restaking often involves slashing conditions, where staked or restaked assets can be partially or fully confiscated if the validator or participant acts maliciously or fails to perform their duties. Users must understand the specific slashing risks associated with both Babylon and EigenLayer. Wrapped Asset Risk: LBTC relies on the security and integrity of the wrapping mechanism provided by Lombard. Risks associated with the custody or pegging of the wrapped asset to the underlying Bitcoin exist. Yield Volatility: Restaking rewards can be variable and are subject to market conditions, the demand from AVSs on EigenLayer, and the protocols leveraging Babylon’s security. Complexity: Understanding the mechanics of wrapping, Bitcoin restaking, Ethereum restaking, and how they interact requires a certain level of technical understanding. Users should conduct thorough research and understand these risks before participating. What’s Next for Bitcoin and Ethereum Restaking? The Lombard and EigenLayer integration is a powerful example of the ongoing trend towards greater interoperability and capital efficiency in crypto. It demonstrates how the security and liquidity of Bitcoin can be leveraged to benefit ecosystems built on other chains, like Ethereum. This development could pave the way for more similar integrations, expanding the opportunities for Bitcoin holders to participate in various DeFi and restaking activities across different networks. It also highlights the growing maturity of the restaking landscape, with protocols finding innovative ways to stack utility and yield. Conclusion: Unlocking New Frontiers The integration of Lombard’s LBTC with EigenLayer marks a significant milestone, particularly for participants interested in Bitcoin restaking and Ethereum restaking. By enabling users to potentially earn dual rewards from both Babylon and EigenLayer, it unlocks new levels of capital efficiency and yield generation for Bitcoin holders. While the complexities and risks should not be overlooked, this development showcases the innovative potential at the intersection of Bitcoin and Ethereum, pushing the boundaries of decentralized finance and cross-chain collaboration. To learn more about the latest Ethereum and Bitcoin restaking trends, explore our articles on key developments shaping the restaking landscape.
Wallet provider MetaMask is launching a crypto payments card that will allow users to spend self-custodied funds, offering crypto holders additional ways to use their tokens. The new card is backed by Mastercard and is being developed in partnership with CompoSecure and Baanx, according to the company. The product uses smart contracts to execute the IRL (In Real Life) transactions, with a processing speed under five seconds. It operates on the Linea network, a layer-2 scaling solution on Ethereum. The companies marketed the self-custodied crypto card as an alternative to the potential risks associated with centralized exchanges. In February, the second-largest crypto exchange by volume, Bybit, was hacked for $1.4 billion , an event that sparked widespread consternation in the crypto space. With the launch of its card, MetaMask is entering a competitive segment of the cryptocurrency market. Major exchanges like Binance, Bybit, Coinbase, and Crypto.com already offer crypto debit cards, some of which feature "crypto-back" rewards that allow users to earn digital assets on their purchases. MetaMask has struggled lately as interest in and participation in the Ethereum ecosystem have dried up. According to Dune Analytics, the wallet collected just $289,312 in fees for the week of April 14, much less than the $1.3 million in fees collected for the same period a year ago. Related: Spar supermarket in Switzerland starts accepting Bitcoin payments Stablecoin, BTC payments growing use cases for crypto Payments have emerged as one of the fastest-growing use cases for cryptocurrencies in 2025, offering a way to bring real-world utility to digital assets. Luxury brands like Dorsia have begun accepting various cryptocurrencies as payment, while messaging app Signal is reportedly exploring adopting Bitcoin for peer-to-peer transactions, and a bill in New York has been introduced to legalize the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies for state payments. Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins
The Stacks Asia DLT Foundation has officially registered in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), becoming the first Bitcoin-based foundation to establish a presence in the financial center. Bitcoin L2 Projects Get Support Through New ADGM Registration According to the announcement shared with Bitcoin.com News, the foundation’s move aims to support Bitcoin layer two (L2)
Market Sentiment Turns Bullish for Ethereum, Cardano, Sei, and Kaspa The cryptocurrency market is entering an exciting phase, and all eyes are once again on Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL) Cardano (ADA) , Sei (SEI) , and Kaspa (KAS) . After a turbulent 2024, Ethereum continues to command attention with its expanding Layer 2 ecosystem and upcoming upgrades aimed at improving scalability. Cardano has gained fresh momentum from major developments in its smart contract functionality, making it a strong contender in the smart contract wars. Meanwhile, Sei has seen increasing adoption thanks to its focus on decentralized trading, while Kaspa ’s innovative blockDAG technology is winning over tech-savvy investors seeking ultra-fast transaction speeds. PRE-SALE – LIVE NOW – LIMITED SPOTS MAGACOINFINANCE Continues to Capture Market Enthusiasm Amid the spotlight on major altcoins, MAGACOINFINANCE is making waves as one of the most compelling early-stage opportunities available. Launch momentum has been undeniable, with early buyers flocking in — signaling strong confidence in its future trajectory. MAGACOINFINANCE is not merely riding the general market wave; it is carving its own lane with a capped token supply, powerful community backing, and rising visibility among crypto insiders. Adding further excitement, MAGACOINFINANCE currently offers a limited 50% bonus for early investors using the special code MAGA50X — enhancing potential returns dramatically for those securing tokens now. With so many market participants searching for the next high-conviction entry point, MAGACOINFINANCE is firmly cementing itself as one of the most-watched opportunities of the year. Why Everyone’s Talking About MAGACOINFINANCE Right Now Within minutes of going live, MAGACOINFINANCE surged with early momentum — confirming what many investors already suspected: this is 2025’s most-watched opportunity. Unlike many other projects that take weeks or months to catch attention, MAGACOINFINANCE attracted early buying pressure almost instantly, a clear indicator of real demand. Its combination of scarcity, community energy, and growing media presence make it a rare find in today’s market. Closing Thoughts on Ethereum, Cardano, Sei, Kaspa, and MAGACOINFINANCE As 2025 approaches, digital assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), Cardano , Sei , and Kaspa present compelling narratives for investors willing to bet on the future of blockchain innovation. However, for those seeking to capture maximum early-mover advantage, MAGACOINFINANCE shines even brighter — offering an exclusive early-stage opportunity before major listings take place. Staying proactive and strategic could be the key to major rewards in this evolving market landscape. For more information about MAGACOINFINANCE , please visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Can $580 Grow Significantly by 2025? Ethereum, Cardano, Sei, and Kaspa Are Heating Up
Following the Bitcoin (BTC) price increase above $94,000, Tony Severino, a CMT-verified analyst, released a detailed technical analysis outlining a clear strategy for navigating the next major move. As the Heikin Ashi monthly candle flashes bearish signals, the analyst shares the ideal time to buy Bitcoin, warning investors of potential bear market traps. Upper Bollinger Band Reveal Time To Buy Bitcoin Severino has provided an in-depth examination of the Bitcoin market, identifying precise conditions under which investors and traders, including himself, might consider re-entering based on key market indicators and price action. The analyst broke down a Bitcoin price chart featuring monthly candlesticks, Bollinger Bands, and historical comparisons. Related Reading: Bitcoin Price Prediction: The Last Leg-Up That Confirms A Resounding Rally To $150,000 The chart highlights that in late 2021, after hitting its previous ATH, Bitcoin touched the Upper Bollinger Band but failed to close above it. At the time, this move was perceived as a classic non-confirmation, which ultimately led to a sharp reversal and brutal bear market in 2022. Fast forward to today, Bitcoin is hovering above $94,000, with the Upper Bollinger Band positioned at $108,000. According to Severino, merely reaching this Upper Bollinger Band level, as it did in 2021, is not enough reason to buy Bitcoin in anticipation of a price increase. Instead, the analyst asserts that a full monthly close above $108,000 is needed to confirm a breakout and continuation of the bullish trend. The analyst also disclosed that he would consider buying Bitcoin once it closes sufficiently above this level. However, if the flagship cryptocurrency fails to close above the Upper Bollinger Band for a month, it could mirror the 2021 double top and fake breakout, potentially leading to another steep bear market this cycle. Overall, Severino advises investors to closely watch Bitcoin’s price action around this key Bollinger Band. He stresses that capital preservation far outweighs succumbing to the Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO). With elevated risks and rising volatility, the analyst believes that clear confirmation signals are the only way to engage with the market safely. BTC’s Heikin Ashi Candle Flips Bearish While Severino confirms the ideal time to buy BTC, the analyst also announced that the Bitcoin Heikin Ashi candles have turned bearish. The analyst shared a 12-week Heikin Ashi candlestick chart, which shows Bitcoin flashing early warning signs of a potential bear market. Related Reading: Analyst’s Bitcoin Price Prediction From March Plays Out, Here’s The Rest Of It The chart highlights a critical moment where Bitcoin’s Heikin Ashi candle turned red for the first time since its previous price peaks in 2014, 2018, and 2022. Historically, such a signal has marked the beginning of prolonged bear markets and deep price corrections. Further strengthening the bearish outlook, Severino pointed out that the Fisher Transform, a technical indicator used to detect trend reversals, is exhibiting a bearish crossover, with the green Fisher line dropping below the red Trigger line. In previous cycles, whenever these two signals — the Heikin Ashi and Fisher Transform — aligned, Bitcoin experienced substantial declines that lasted for months, if not years. Featured image from Pixabay, chart from Tradingview.com