SEC Delays Decision on Spot ETFs for Polkadot, Hedera, and a Fund for Bitcoin and Ethereum

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on several proposed spot cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to filings released on Thursday. The applications include ETFs tracking the spot prices of Polkadot (DOT) and Hedera (HBAR), as well as a dual crypto fund focused on Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The SEC now has until June 11 to decide on Nasdaq’s filings for the Canary HBAR ETF and the conversion of Grayscale’s Polkadot Trust into an ETF. A separate application by the New York Stock Exchange for Bitwise’s Bitcoin and Ethereum ETF faces a decision deadline of June 10. Canary, Grayscale, and Bitwise Lead Wave of New Crypto ETF Applications Canary Capital, Grayscale Investments, and Bitwise Asset Management are among a growing list of issuers pushing for crypto-focused ETFs. Following the success of spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs launched last year, enthusiasm has surged, with 72 crypto-related ETF proposals currently awaiting SEC approval. Canary Capital has been particularly active, recently filing for a Tron (TRX) ETF with staking features, alongside proposals for Solana (SOL), PENGU, and Sui (SUI) ETFs. Grayscale has also expanded its ambitions with proposed funds for Cardano, XRP, Dogecoin, Litecoin, and Avalanche. Bitwise, meanwhile, has applied for ETFs tied to Dogecoin (DOGE) and Aptos (APT). Both crypto-native firms and traditional financial institutions are racing to launch products tied to crypto assets, derivatives, and blockchain-related equities. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas commented on the influx of filings, calling 2025 a “wild year” for crypto ETFs. There are now 72 crypto-related ETFs sitting with the SEC awaiting approval to list or list options. Everything from XRP, Litecoin and Solana to Penguins, Doge and 2x Melania and everything in between. Gonna be a wild year. Great roundup from @JSeyff pic.twitter.com/IHTqqxeH35 — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) April 21, 2025 Currently, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) holds nearly $18 billion in assets under management (AUM), making it the second-largest among the 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs approved last year. Bitwise’s Bitcoin ETF manages about $3.6 billion in AUM. Collectively, U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs now oversee approximately $100 billion, ranking among the fastest-growing ETFs in history. Following the news, Hedera rose 5%, while Polkadot gained nearly 7% over the past 24 hours. Trump-Era Shift Signals SEC Reassessment of Crypto Regulation The SEC’s recent shift in tone under President Donald Trump reflects a broader effort to reevaluate the agency’s approach to digital assets. As reported, Paul Atkins was sworn in as Chairman of the SEC on Monday, marking a leadership shift that is being welcomed by the digital asset industry. Under Atkins’ leadership, the SEC has already withdrawn or delayed several prominent cases against crypto firms. The agency dropped its lawsuits against Coinbase and Cumberland DRW earlier this year, and a separate investigation into Uniswap Labs closed in February without enforcement action. In the most recent case, the SEC closed its investigation into CyberKongz , a prominent Ethereum-based NFT and gaming project, with no enforcement action taken, the team announced on Tuesday. The post SEC Delays Decision on Spot ETFs for Polkadot, Hedera, and a Fund for Bitcoin and Ethereum appeared first on Cryptonews .

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Federal Reserve Empowers Banks with New Crypto Regulations

The Federal Reserve has lifted key cryptocurrency regulations for banks. Financial institutions are expected to innovate and adapt more effectively. Continue Reading: Federal Reserve Empowers Banks with New Crypto Regulations The post Federal Reserve Empowers Banks with New Crypto Regulations appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .

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AI Cheating: The Dangerous New Reality Reshaping Work and Education

In a world rapidly being reshaped by artificial intelligence, familiar concepts are suddenly being questioned. Just as cryptocurrency challenged traditional finance, AI is now challenging established notions of integrity, particularly around what constitutes ‘cheating’. The line is blurring, and the implications are profound, touching everything from classrooms to corporate offices. What Exactly is AI Cheating? Defining AI cheating in this new era is proving difficult. Traditionally, cheating involved using unauthorized materials or receiving unfair assistance from another person. AI tools introduce a third element: sophisticated automated assistance that can mimic human capabilities. Consider the recent case of Roy Lee, a Columbia University student. He faced suspension for developing an AI tool designed to help people navigate engineering interviews. While he argued it leveled the playing field or acted as a preparation aid, the university viewed it as a form of cheating. This incident highlights the core conflict: when does using an AI tool for help cross the line into gaining an unfair advantage? A startup recently raising $5.3 million with the explicit goal of helping people ‘cheat on everything’ pushes this boundary even further. Their premise suggests that if AI tools are readily available, the definition of what’s permissible must change. This isn’t just about students writing essays; it extends to: Using AI for coding assignments. Employing AI during job interviews. Generating content for work projects without disclosure. Using AI in creative fields like art or music. The challenge lies in distinguishing between using AI as a productivity aid and using it to bypass the learning or effort required to genuinely perform a task or acquire a skill. Navigating AI Ethics in a Tool-Rich World The rise of powerful AI tools brings significant ethical questions to the forefront. If an AI can generate a perfect essay, write flawless code, or provide optimal answers in an interview, is the person using the tool truly demonstrating their own understanding or capability? This strikes at the heart of AI ethics . Key ethical considerations include: Authenticity: When is work truly ‘yours’ if AI did a significant portion of it? Fairness: Do those with access to advanced AI tools have an unfair advantage over those without? Transparency: Should the use of AI tools always be disclosed? Skill Erosion: Does relying on AI prevent individuals from developing essential skills? The startup promoting ‘cheating’ argues that the widespread availability and capability of AI tools make traditional rules obsolete. They suggest that instead of trying to ban AI use, we should adapt our systems to accommodate it. This perspective, while controversial, forces a necessary conversation about how we value skills, knowledge acquisition, and individual contribution in an age where AI can augment or even replace certain human tasks. How AI Tools are Reshaping the Future of Work Beyond education, AI tools are fundamentally changing the future of work . AI assistants can draft emails, analyze data, write reports, and even participate in meetings. While this boosts productivity, it also creates new gray areas regarding individual contribution and potential ‘cheating’. Consider these scenarios: Situation Traditional Expectation AI Tool Impact Potential for ‘Cheating’ Writing a Report Research, structure, write content yourself. AI drafts sections, summarizes data, polishes language. Claiming full credit for AI-generated content. Coding Task Write code from scratch or use standard libraries. AI generates code snippets, debugs, optimizes. Submitting AI-generated code as entirely original work. Sales Pitch Preparation Research client, craft talking points, rehearse. AI analyzes client data, generates personalized scripts. Relying solely on AI script without genuine understanding. Employers are grappling with how to assess skills and performance when employees have access to such powerful tools. Is the goal to measure raw individual ability, or the ability to effectively leverage tools, including AI? This shift requires new policies, training, and a re-evaluation of job roles and expectations. Academic Integrity in the Age of AI Perhaps nowhere is the debate around AI cheating more intense than in education. Maintaining academic integrity becomes incredibly challenging when students have access to AI models that can produce sophisticated essays, solve complex problems, and answer exam questions with minimal human effort. Universities and schools are struggling to adapt. Initial responses often involved banning AI tools like ChatGPT, but this has proven difficult to enforce and counterproductive, as AI literacy is becoming a vital skill. A more sustainable approach involves: Redesigning assignments to focus on critical thinking, analysis, and application that AI cannot easily replicate. Incorporating AI use into the curriculum, teaching students how to use tools responsibly and ethically. Shifting assessment methods away from easily ‘cheatable’ formats like take-home essays towards in-class activities, presentations, and discussions. Developing sophisticated AI detection tools (though these are also part of the arms race). The case of Roy Lee and the ‘cheat on everything’ startup forces institutions to confront whether their current definitions of learning and assessment are still valid. Is the purpose of education to acquire information (which AI can provide), or to develop skills like critical analysis, creativity, and problem-solving, often *with* the aid of tools? Challenges and Actionable Insights The path forward is complex, filled with challenges: Defining clear boundaries for acceptable AI use in various contexts. Developing effective detection methods that don’t unfairly penalize legitimate use. Ensuring equitable access to AI tools so the ‘digital divide’ doesn’t become an ‘AI integrity divide’. Educating individuals about responsible AI use and the importance of ethical behavior. However, there are also actionable insights we can take: Open Dialogue: Foster conversations in schools, workplaces, and society about what integrity means in the AI age. Policy Adaptation: Update academic and professional policies to address AI tool usage explicitly. Focus on Higher-Order Skills: Design tasks and assessments that require uniquely human skills that go beyond AI’s current capabilities. Promote AI Literacy: Teach people how to use AI tools effectively and ethically. Conclusion: Redefining Integrity The emergence of powerful AI tools is not just changing how we work or learn; it’s forcing a fundamental re-evaluation of what we mean by integrity and effort. Companies like the one aiming to facilitate ‘cheating’ are provocateurs, highlighting the urgent need for new frameworks. The challenge of AI cheating and upholding academic integrity or professional standards in the age of AI requires open discussion, adaptive policies, and a focus on the uniquely human aspects of work and learning. It’s less about banning tools and more about redefining the rules of engagement in a world where AI is an increasingly powerful partner. To learn more about the latest AI ethics trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI tools features.

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Analysts Highlight MAGACOINFINANCE, Bitcoin (BTC), and XRP for Strong Upside

Every cycle, the crypto market redefines which projects deserve attention. Some are driven by legacy, others by momentum, and a rare few by foundational progress that continues—even when the spotlight fades. Right now, MAGACOINFINANCE is stepping into the conversation as one of the most promising new projects gaining analyst traction. It’s no longer a matter of whether the project has potential—it’s about how far that potential could reach. MAGACOINFINANCE Is Emerging as One of the Market’s Most Talked-About Contenders It started as a presale name whispered through niche Telegram groups. But in recent weeks, MAGACOINFINANCE has crossed a threshold—moving from curiosity to conviction. It’s not trending because of gimmicks or viral stunts. It’s trending because its core metrics are showing steady, undeniable strength. Wallet activity is climbing. Community engagement is expanding. And most importantly, the project’s momentum is proving independent of broader market swings. That kind of stability this early is rare—and analysts are beginning to recognize it. Now, alongside institutional giants like Bitcoin and regulatory-ready players like XRP , MAGACOINFINANCE is earning its place on serious investor shortlists. A Closer Look at the Field: Solana, Toncoin, Stellar, and Avalanche Solana continues to impress as a high-speed Layer-1 chain with one of the most active developer communities. From NFTs to Decentralized finance and now DePIN integrations, its range of use cases keeps expanding. Toncoin is bridging the gap between crypto and everyday tech users through integrations with messaging platforms. Its user-centric approach has given it a unique edge in mobile-forward crypto adoption. Stellar maintains its role in global remittances and real-world financial access. Its partnerships with banks and money transfer services make it a quiet but important force in connecting blockchain to traditional finance. Avalanche pushes ahead with its modular subnet architecture, making it an ideal chain for scalable enterprise and ecosystem expansion. It may not always lead the headlines, but it continues to build where it counts. Each of these projects holds value. But most of them have already played their “early growth” cards. MAGACOINFINANCE is still at the beginning—its trajectory is still forming, and that alone gives it an edge. Final Thoughts Analysts don’t just look for what’s performing today—they look for what could outperform tomorrow. Bitcoin and XRP remain two of the strongest assets in crypto. Their stability, utility, and adoption are hard to match. In 2025, the most impactful portfolios might also include something less expected—something newer. And right now, MAGACOINFINANCE is building the kind of foundation that early adopters tend to notice just before everyone else does. To learn more about MAGACOINFINANCE , please visit: Website: https://magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: Analysts Highlight MAGACOINFINANCE, Bitcoin (BTC), and XRP for Strong Upside

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Tether Boosts Stake in Italian Football Giant Juventus

Leading stablecoin issuer Tether significantly increased its stake in Juventus Football Club on April 15, 2025, now holding more than 10.12% of shares and 6.18% of voting rights. Tether Backs Juventus’ Future Prospects and Growth Potential Tether Investments, S.A. de C.V., a key member of the Tether Group, has significantly increased its ownership stake in

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Sui Crypto Gains Momentum Amidst Pokemon Partnership Speculation

Sui, a relatively new cryptocurrency, has recently experienced a surge in market value, reaching $3. This increase is fueled by growing excitement within the crypto community. Pokemon Partnership Rumors A significant factor contributing to Sui’s rise is speculation about a potential partnership with Pokemon. While no official announcements have been made, the rumors have generated … Continue reading "Sui Crypto Gains Momentum Amidst Pokemon Partnership Speculation" The post Sui Crypto Gains Momentum Amidst Pokemon Partnership Speculation appeared first on Cryptoknowmics-Crypto News and Media Platform .

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Bitcoin Price Stalls at $94K as Altcoins Rally and Whales Accumulate

The post Bitcoin Price Stalls at $94K as Altcoins Rally and Whales Accumulate appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Bitcoin remained relatively quiet in the market today, showing little movement while many altcoins made moves. Despite the lack of action from Bitcoin, the overall market remained active, with traders turning their attention to altcoins that have seen strong and sometimes aggressive upward moves. This sideways movement from Bitcoin is not a concern and may actually be helping the altcoin market flourish. For now, Bitcoin is consolidating just below an important resistance level of $94,200, a level that traders have been watching closely. This level marks the golden ratio on the Fibonacci retracement scale, which is known to be a point where price often reacts or pauses. Healthy Consolidation After Strong Rally After a strong rally earlier in the year, Bitcoin now appears to be taking a break. This kind of rest is common and can give the market a chance to gather momentum for the next move, which many hope will be another step higher. Although there has not been a clear push above the current resistance, there also hasn’t been a strong rejection, meaning the price is still holding up relatively well. Next Price Targets in Sight In recent analysis, attention has been drawn to some higher target areas. Short-term levels around $94,590 and $95,000 have already been reached or tested. Further potential targets sit near $95,444 and $96,450. However, Bitcoin is also very close to its March high at around $95,150, which could act as another point of resistance. Key Support Levels to Watch At the same time, there are important support levels below the current price that traders are watching closely. If Bitcoin drops below $90,438, that would be an early sign that a top may have already formed. A deeper move below $89,474 would further confirm this and shift focus to a larger downward correction, possibly into the range between $86,000 and $81,000. From a technical perspective, the recent pullback still looks like a temporary pause rather than a full reversal. As long as Bitcoin stays above key support levels, the chances for continued growth remain. Whales Are Accumulating Again Recent on-chain data shows that large Bitcoin holders—commonly referred to as whales and sharks—have been accumulating more BTC. Bitcoin's value has jumped +11.2%, and this has once again coincided with key whales & sharks adding on to their already enormous bags. Wallets holding 10-10K $BTC have added 19,255 more coins in this short stretch, and continue to be one of crypto's most powerful indicators. pic.twitter.com/b3TiVd71iD — Santiment (@santimentfeed) April 25, 2025 Wallets holding between 10 and 10,000 Bitcoins added over 19,000 coins during the recent rally, a strong signal that big players are still confident in the market.

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Ark Invest Raises 2030 Bull-Case Bitcoin Price Projection to $2.4 Million on ‘Aggressive’ Modeling 💰Coin: Bitcoin ( $BTC ) $93,386.20

Ark Invest Raises 2030 Bull-Case Bitcoin Price Projection to $2.4 Million on ‘Aggressive’ Modeling 💰Coin: Bitcoin ( $BTC ) $93,386.20

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Nvidia Continues to Keep Crypto at Arm’s Length

Arbitrum (ARB) was set to make a splash. The Layer 2 network, home to a growing number of decentralized AI platforms, was preparing to announce a milestone: it had been named Nvidia’s exclusive Ethereum partner for the chipmaker’s new Ignition AI Accelerator, an offshoot of its Inception program that supports promising AI startups with infrastructure credits and mentorship. Then came the pivot. “We received some last-minute comms from Nvidia requesting to pause the announcement, however, they didn’t provide any specific details as to why,” a spokesperson told CoinDesk in an email. It’s a telling moment, and a reminder that despite crypto’s continued efforts to align with the booming AI sector, Nvidia’s programs still explicitly exclude crypto-related projects. A quick look at the Inception Accelerator’s criteria ( Ignition is an offshoot of it, given the Inception badge on its site) shows a clear disqualifier: cryptocurrency. This stance isn’t new, and while it may frustrate crypto developers looking to tap into Nvidia’s ecosystem, it reflects a longer history of distance, and occasional disparagement, from the company’s leadership. Back in 2018, co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang described the fallout from the ICO boom as giving Nvidia a “crypto hangover.” Ethereum’s price collapse left the company saddled with unsold GPU inventory, and Nvidia later paid a $5.5 million fine over how it reported crypto-related revenue impact. Years later, in a 2023 interview with The Guardian , Nvidia CTO Michael Kagan was more direct: “Crypto doesn’t bring anything useful for society,” he said, adding, “I never believed that [crypto] is something that will do something good for humanity,” contrasting it to AI. This skepticism has stood in stark contrast to Nvidia’s embrace of artificial intelligence, and occasional tolerance of blockchain. At the company’s 2024 Graphics Technology Conference , Huang appeared onstage with Illia Polosukhin, co-author of Attention Is All You Need , the paper that introduced Transformer models, which are the foundation for modern AI tools like ChatGPT. While Polosukhin also co-founded the NEAR blockchain, the discussion centered squarely on AI, not crypto. The closest nod to the industry came when Huang, in characteristically broad strokes, said: “We got programmable humans, we got programmable proteins, we got programmable money.” The remark, likely rhetorical, wasn’t a signal of support for crypto, despite the AI token bulls, and indeed not of any strategic shift. Even though Nvidia has been clear on its position about crypto, some in the industry continue to interpret moments like these as cracks in the door, a potential softening that might eventually lead to inclusion. But with crypto still formally excluded from Nvidia’s flagship programs and the company declining to comment on its current stance, the door appears just as firmly shut. For now, Nvidia’s message seems clear: crypto’s not invited.

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Slovenia’s Ljubljana ranked world’s most crypto-friendly city, ahead of Hong Kong and Singapore

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, has been ranked the world’s most crypto-friendly city in Multipolitan’s 2025 Crypto Cities Index. According to the report , Ljubljana edged out heavyweight contenders like Hong Kong, Zurich, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi to take the top spot. While these cities have long been seen as leaders in digital finance, Ljubljana’s blend of strong crypto infrastructure, progressive regulations, and real-world adoption helped it pull ahead in the rankings Multipolitan’s analysis factored in a range of elements, including tax regimes and licensing frameworks, to internet speeds, capital gains taxes, and even the adoption of crypto ATMs . One key reason Ljubljana pulled ahead of global contenders was its deeply rooted cryptocurrency culture. The city boasts over 150 crypto ATMs and a high density of retail locations that accept digital assets, an unusually high level of real-world adoption for its size, giving it an edge over cities where digital assets are confined to trading platforms or niche financial services. Beyond adoption, Ljubljana also benefits from a cohesive local ecosystem. It’s home to the Blockchain Alliance Europe, a regional advocacy group, and platforms like Blocksquare, which recently partnered with Vera Capital to tokenize $1 billion worth of U.S. real estate. You might also like: Pro: ‘very crypto-friendly’ era lacks investor follow-through Hong Kong came in second, bolstered by its regulatory clarity and growing virtual asset licensing framework. Since 2022, the city has rolled out new compliance requirements for crypto firms and licensed ten trading platforms. Despite high regulatory costs, the city continues to attract crypto talent, with events like Consensus expanding into the region and industry figures such as CZ and Vitalik Buterin making the rounds. Zurich tied with Hong Kong for second place. Known for its smart city credentials and economic stability , it scored high on infrastructure and wealth indicators. Singapore and Abu Dhabi rounded out the top five, both benefiting from tax-friendly policies and targeted efforts to attract crypto businesses. The report also included a separate Crypto Wealth Concentration Index, where Slovenia topped the chart again. The average Slovenian crypto holder reportedly owns around $240,500 in digital assets, well above Cyprus at $175,000 and Hong Kong at $97,500. In contrast, U.S. residents averaged just over $23,000, placing them in 17th position. Crypto Wealth Concentration Index | Source: Multipolitan In related news, Slovenia is looking to introduce a 25% tax on personal crypto profits into effect in 2026. Under the proposed law, profits made from converting crypto into fiat or using it for purchases will be taxed, though crypto-to-crypto trades and transfers within the same wallet owner would remain exempt. Authorities say the tax could generate up to €25 million annually, but critics argue it might discourage innovation and push crypto talent elsewhere. Read more: Crypto-friendly Paul Atkins sworn in as 34th U.S. SEC Chairman

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