The Trump Organization will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments for property sales at its $1 billion luxury tower in Dubai, deepening its expansion into digital assets and the Gulf region’s high-end real estate market. In an interview with The National , Eric Trump, son of President Donald Trump, touted Dubai as a leading global investment destination. “It’s become a safe haven for so many people,” he said, highlighting the city’s appeal to investors from Europe, Asia, and Africa. “Dubai has really become the epicentre.” Trump Expands Dubai Footprint with New Luxury Tower The Trump International Hotel and Tower in Dubai, unveiled earlier this year, is the latest in the family’s partnership with UAE-based Damac Properties. The project will feature a branded hotel, luxury residences, a private clubhouse, and what is being billed as the world’s tallest swimming pool. Completion is expected within five years. Apartments in the tower will start at around $1 million, with three- and four-bedroom units available. Two penthouses are expected to sell for $20.4 million each. While pricing reflects the ultra-luxury nature of the development, the crypto-friendly payment option positions the project to attract digital asset holders. The @trump team, in collaboration with @dar_global proudly introduce — Trump International Hotel & Tower, Dubai. Rising 80 stories above Sheikh Zayed Road, this landmark blends world-class hospitality, ultra-luxury residences, and The Trump, an exclusive members-only club.… pic.twitter.com/9xUMirvZ72 — The Trump Organization (@Trump) April 29, 2025 Dubai has increasingly branded itself as a crypto hub, courting crypto firms and investors alike. However, its property market has also drawn scrutiny. Investigations, including a major 2023 leak of property records, have raised concerns about the city’s role in facilitating money laundering and hosting illicit capital from sanctioned individuals and criminal networks. The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has linked Dubai real estate to money laundering, drug trafficking, and organized crime operations. The Dubai tower is the latest chapter in the Trump family’s growing involvement in crypto. What began with a line of Trump-branded NFTs has evolved into a sprawling portfolio that now includes meme coins, stablecoins, DeFi ventures, and partnerships with crypto firms. The Trump Media & Technology Group has also floated the idea of integrating digital wallets into its Truth Social platform. Eric Trump has recently stepped up his crypto presence, accepting an advisory role at Japanese firm Metaplanet and appearing at industry events like Token2049 in Dubai, where he’s scheduled to speak alongside entrepreneur Justin Sun later this week. Trump’s Truth+ Considers Adding Crypto Wallet and Token As reported, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), the media company behind Truth Social, is weighing the launch of a utility token and a digital wallet as part of an expansion of its streaming platform, Truth+. The potential move was revealed in a letter sent to shareholders by CEO and chairman Devin Nunes on Tuesday, ahead of the company’s annual shareholder meeting. According to Nunes, the proposed utility token would be part of a rewards program and could initially be used to pay for subscriptions to Truth+. He added that over time, the token may be used across additional services within the broader Truth ecosystem. The post Trump’s $1B Dubai Tower to Accept Crypto for Property Sales in New Gulf Push appeared first on Cryptonews .
“Ethereum just scored a monster win,” said former Ethereum developer Eric Connor on X on April 30. His comment came in reaction to an April 28 prospectus filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission by BlackRock, which aims to tokenize its $150 billion Treasury Trust market fund with a new “DLT Shares” asset class. It is the “biggest real-world asset flow to Ethereum yet,” said Connor. Ethereum just scored a monster win. BlackRock filed to tokenize its $150bn Treasury Trust money-market fund with a new “DLT Shares” class. BNY Mellon will keep a blockchain mirror of every share on-chain. Biggest real-world asset flow to Ethereum yet. — Eric Conner (@econoar) April 30, 2025 Ethereum Industry Standard for RWA The BlackRock Treasury Trust Fund is a money market fund that invests only in short-term US Treasury securities to provide income while preserving liquidity and principal. It keeps fees low and is designed for very low-risk, stable returns. The new tokenized DLT shares of its $150 billion Treasury Trust Fund will use blockchain technology to track ownership via BNY Mellon. BlackRock previously launched the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) on the Ethereum blockchain, in partnership with Securitize. It allows qualified investors to earn yields through tokenized US Treasury securities on Ethereum . Onchain Foundation head of research Leon Waidmann reported that 93% of BlackRock’s BUIDL is on Ethereum. The fund currently has $2.34 billion in assets under management on Ethereum, according to rwa.xyz. “Institutions follow deep liquidity, credible neutrality, and battle-tested security,” he said before adding, “ETH is already their settlement layer.” “BlackRock is building on Ethereum. They’re betting on ETH as the leading ecosystem,” said researcher “CryptoGoos,” who added that Ethereum is “extremely undervalued.” BlackRock is building on Ethereum. They’re betting on $ETH as the leading eco-system. Don’t get fooled now. Ethereum is extremely undervalued. pic.twitter.com/dubhrzqxk4 — CryptoGoos (@crypto_goos) April 29, 2025 The firm does appear to be going all-in on tokenization. “Tokenization will revolutionize investing,” BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said in March. “Markets wouldn’t need to close. Transactions that currently take days would clear in seconds. And billions of dollars currently immobilized by settlement delays could be reinvested immediately back into the economy, generating more growth,” he added. Ethereum is currently the industry standard for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization with a 56% market dominance and $6.2 billion tokenized on-chain (excluding stablecoins), according to rwa.xyz. No Love For ETH Prices ETH prices remain at bear market lows despite the bullish fundamentals . The asset has struggled to make any progress above $1,800 over the past week and is still lingering around levels last seen in September 2023. ETH is still 63% down from its 2021 peak price and has declined almost 50% since the beginning of the year, but analysts and advocates still think it will reach five figures soon. Nevertheless, institutions appear to be warming to cut-price Ether as BlackRock’s spot ETH ETF (ETHA) has scooped up $162 million worth of the asset over the past four trading days. The post Big Win For Ethereum as BlackRock Tokenizes $150B Treasury Fund appeared first on CryptoPotato .
FTX’s recent legal actions highlight its ongoing struggle to reclaim lost assets following its collapse, with significant implications for the broader cryptocurrency market. In a bold move, FTX is pursuing
Bitcoin (BTC) continues to display resilience with slow, steady price gains, as recent accumulation metrics suggest confidence in the current market rally. Recent trends indicate that despite a volatile market,
Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX has filed lawsuits against the non-fungible token marketplace NFT Stars and the blockchain gaming firm Kurosemi, which operates as Delysium, accusing them of withholding tokens they owed. The lawsuits, both filed in the Delaware bankruptcy court, alleged that NFT Stars and Delysium failed to deliver all the tokens paid for by FTX despite repeated attempts to resolve the matter. FTX claimed in an April 28 statement that it made “numerous unanswered attempts” to engage with both firms, and it would be “contacting numerous other token and coin issuers regarding FTX assets and will be filing additional suits against non-responsive parties.” Source: FTX As part of the complaint against Delysium, FTX claimed its defunct trading arm, Alameda Research, paid $1 million in January 2022 for 75 million of the gaming firm’s AGI tokens. It claimed the original token launch was in April 2023, and Alameda Research’s share of the tokens was subject to a vesting schedule that started with 20% unlocking after 12 months. However, FTX said the timeframe was extended to 48 months and then halted altogether due to its bankruptcy following its collapse in November 2022. Meanwhile, FTX’s complaint against marketplace NFT Stars claimed it paid $325,000 in November 2021 for 1.35 million SENATE tokens and 135 million SIDUS tokens. After a partial delivery, FTX claimed NFT Stars halted delivery of the remaining 831,000 SENATE tokens and 83 million SIDUS tokens, also due to the bankruptcy proceedings, the company claimed. FTX wants tokens plus damages FTX asked the court to award it the remaining tokens plus damages, arguing the tokens hit a peak value and could have been sold for a profit had they been delivered on time. Delysium’s token AGI hit a peak price of $0.672 in May 2024, according to CoinGecko. It has since lost 90% of its value and is trading for $0.067. SENATE reached $5.85 in January 2022 but has since lost 99% of its value, while Sidus hit its top price so far of $0.19 in January 2022 as well, but has since plunged 99%, CoinGecko data shows . NFT Stars and Delysium didn’t immediately respond to Cointelegraph’s requests for comment. FTX has been trying to claw back funds it claims are owed to the collapsed crypto exchange. Related: Shaquille O’Neal reaches settlement in FTX lawsuit, terms remain secret In November last year, it filed a trio of lawsuits, one against SkyBridge Capital and its founder, Anthony Scaramucci, to recoup funds spent by former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried on sponsorship and investment deals. Another suit was filed against crypto exchange Binance and its former CEO, Changpeng Zhao , in a bid to recover $1.76 billion worth of cryptocurrency sent to the exchange as part of a July 2021 repurchase deal. Magazine: ‘Hong Kong’s FTX’ victims win lawsuit, bankers bash stablecoins: Asia Express
US President Trump’s Executive Crypto Director Bo Hines has announced that a global “space race” is underway, not for satellites but for Bitcoin. At a public meeting, Hines expressed the administration's commitment to establishing the United States as a global leader in Bitcoin accumulation and innovation. “We see Bitcoin as digital gold,” Hines said, citing the asset’s uniqueness, fixed supply and growing geopolitical importance. “There’s a space race among nations to capture its value,” Hines said, noting that the administration sees Bitcoin not just as a financial asset but as a strategic reserve similar to gold. Related News: 6 Experts Share Their Bitcoin Price Predictions: Here's What They Think the Future Holds for BTC Hines was referring to the recent executive order on digital assets, which recognizes Bitcoin’s distinct status as a finite, commodity-like asset. The order outlines plans to accumulate Bitcoin in budget-neutral ways without burdening taxpayers, while also creating a “National Stockpile of Digital Assets” to support innovation in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. “We want to move as quickly as possible,” Hines said. “We don’t want to get ahead of other nations. We want the United States, or at least our allies, to capture the value.” “We have positioned ourselves as the world's Bitcoin superpower,” he added. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Trump’s Chief Advisor on Cryptocurrency, Bo Hines, Makes Very Special Statements About Bitcoin
Stablecoin issuer Circle has secured In-Principle Approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, allowing it to operate as a money services provider. Circle Eyes Greater Role in UAE Circle Internet Group, the leading global financial technology company and issuer of the USDC stablecoin, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from the
ALPACA has shown remarkable resilience in the market, with the price reaching a peak of $0.91, marking an extraordinary increase of over 3000% since the infamous “Binance delisting” announcement. Currently,
Despite BTC seeing slow gains over the past week, exchange flow metrics showed heavy accumulation.
Two prominent players in finance and media — Trump Media and Technology Group in the United States and Bunq in Europe — have unveiled separate but parallel moves into the cryptocurrency space, reflecting a broader shift toward integrating digital assets into everyday digital platforms. Trump Media announced it is exploring the launch of a utility token and digital wallet for its Truth+ streaming service, while Bunq debuted its new crypto trading feature that enables users in six European countries to invest in over 300 cryptocurrencies directly through its banking app. Trump Media Eyes Crypto Integration for Truth+ Amid Broader Blockchain Push Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG), the media empire founded by President Donald Trump , is reportedly considering the integration of a cryptocurrency token and digital wallet into its subscription-based video streaming platform, Truth+. The move is part of a broader effort to bring blockchain-based payments and rewards into the company’s growing ecosystem of conservative-focused digital services. In a letter to shareholders dated April 29, TMTG CEO Devin Nunes detailed the company’s exploratory plans to roll out a “utility token” and “Truth digital wallet,” which would initially allow users to pay for Truth+ subscriptions. The token, Nunes said, could eventually serve broader purposes, including transactions across the Trump Media ecosystem—spanning the flagship social media app Truth Social and the financial services platform Truth.Fi. ”We're exploring the introduction of a utility token within a Truth digital wallet that can initially be used to pay for Truth+ subscription costs, and later be applied to other products and services in the Truth ecosphere,” Nunes wrote. The announcement is the latest in a string of crypto-related developments from the Trump-led media conglomerate. In November 2024, Trump Media filed a trademark application with the US Patent and Trademark Office, covering a range of blockchain services, including software for digital wallets, crypto trading, and payment processing on Truth.Fi. In January 2025, the company also revealed plans to allocate up to $250 million of its cash reserves into Bitcoin and other digital assets, including crypto-related securities. According to disclosures, the assets would be held in custody by Charles Schwab, marking a notable endorsement of cryptocurrency from a media company so closely associated with a sitting US president. The firm also signed a partnership with Crypto.com and Yorkville America Digital to launch a suite of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on Truth.Fi that would blend crypto exposure with “Made in America” equities. These products are aimed at attracting patriotic investors interested in blockchain technology and domestic economic interests. Truth+ and Political Streaming Truth+, which launched in October 2024, has positioned itself as a conservative alternative to mainstream streaming platforms. Its programming slate includes films, documentaries, and series designed to appeal to right-leaning audiences, and the potential for crypto integration could enhance its appeal to younger, tech-savvy viewers as well. The planned token and wallet system would be part of a loyalty and rewards initiative that Trump Media is developing. Though details remain sparse, Nunes emphasized that the rewards program would span the entire suite of Trump Media products. However, the prospect of launching a Trump-branded crypto token has reignited concerns among lawmakers and ethics experts. Critics argue that Trump’s direct or indirect financial ties to blockchain ventures—particularly those integrated into platforms bearing his name—could represent conflicts of interest as he simultaneously holds the highest office in the nation. Although Trump formally transferred his 59% stake in Trump Media to a trust in December 2024, skeptics question the independence and effectiveness of that move. A number of senators have voiced apprehensions that Trump's policy decisions could benefit ventures like World Liberty Financial, a crypto company in which the Trump family holds a 60% stake. Trump currently serves as its “Chief Crypto Advocate,” a title that comes with a share of the company’s profits. A Pattern of Politically Charged Crypto Moves This is not Trump’s first brush with blockchain controversy. In January, just two days before his return to the White House, he oversaw the launch of the meme coin ”Official Trump (TRUMP),” a move that was widely criticized by both political opponents and financial regulators for its timing and ethical implications. Despite the backlash, the TRUMP meme coin soared in popularity and trading volume following announcements of VIP dinners for top token holders and other exclusive perks—raising further questions about the blending of political influence and digital asset promotion. As Trump Media gears up for potential crypto integration, industry watchers are closely monitoring the implications not only for the company’s future but also for the broader intersection of politics and cryptocurrency. With more Americans adopting digital assets and with regulatory frameworks still evolving, Trump’s continued involvement in blockchain initiatives could have a far-reaching impact on both the market and the presidency. Whether the Truth+ utility token becomes a cornerstone of the TMTG ecosystem or another flashpoint for ethical scrutiny, its development will likely be a key narrative in the ongoing convergence of media, politics, and crypto. Bunq Launches Crypto Offering Across Europe, Paving Way for Unified Financial Superapp In other news, Bunq, Europe’s second-largest neobank by valuation, has officially entered the cryptocurrency market, launching a service that allows users to invest in over 300 digital assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. The initiative, unveiled on April 29, marks a significant milestone in the bank’s evolution into an all-in-one financial platform — and signals intensifying competition in the digital finance sector. Branded as Bunq Crypto, the new feature is now available to users in six European countries — the Netherlands, France, Spain, Ireland, Italy, and Belgium. The rollout is part of a larger vision by Bunq to offer fully integrated financial services that seamlessly combine traditional banking, savings, and crypto investing in a single mobile application. Responding to Soaring Retail Demand Ali Niknam, Bunq’s founder and CEO, said that the move was primarily motivated by the increasing interest in digital assets among retail investors. “We believe that now many, many people — the large majority — are interested in crypto,” said Niknam. “And we believe they’re interested in buying crypto through an environment they can trust, relate to, and recognize.” With cryptocurrency adoption expanding beyond early adopters and tech-savvy traders, Bunq sees an opportunity to meet growing demand among mainstream users — especially those who have felt underserved by current crypto platforms that often lack simplicity or perceived safety. A study commissioned by the bank supports this strategy. Bunq’s research found that 65% of European consumers are actively seeking a unified financial platform that combines banking, savings, and cryptocurrency investing. Meanwhile, over half of retail investors surveyed reported a strong interest in gaining crypto exposure, but cited complexity and inadequate security on current platforms as barriers. The launch of Bunq Crypto comes in partnership with Kraken, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, which will provide the backend infrastructure and liquidity for the service. As the 14th-largest centralized exchange globally by volume, Kraken lends technical expertise and regulatory confidence to the endeavor. Bunq’s leadership emphasized that recent improvements in Europe’s crypto regulatory clarity were critical to moving forward. “For a long time, the future of crypto from a regulatory perspective was a bit unclear,” Niknam said. “But we’ve seen a lot of that change over the past couple of months. As a regulated entity, we now feel sufficiently assured to offer this to the public.” Indeed, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) framework — which begins phasing in this year — has given regulated entities like Bunq the confidence to develop compliant crypto services while providing customers with stronger protections. Setting the Stage for Global Expansion Bunq Crypto is just the first phase of the bank’s broader strategy. The company plans to expand its crypto trading capabilities to users across the entire European Economic Area (EEA) in the coming months, with additional plans to launch in the United States and the United Kingdom thereafter. This global ambition mirrors Bunq’s rapid growth trajectory. The neobank, founded in 2012, reported over 12.5 million users as of June 2024 — a dramatic increase from just 9 million a year earlier. The company’s rise has been fueled by its user-friendly interface, innovative product lineup, and strong brand positioning as a digital-first, socially responsible financial institution. Bunq’s push into crypto aligns with an emerging global trend: the consolidation of financial services into superapps. These platforms aim to provide users with comprehensive financial management tools under a single digital roof, eliminating the need for multiple accounts across various banks, brokers, and crypto exchanges. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong echoed this sentiment in a February post, saying he believes the financial system of the future will revolve around “a single primary financial account” — an account that will likely include cryptocurrency management as a core feature. In this context, Bunq’s move is more than just another crypto feature — it’s a step toward redefining what it means to be a bank in the 21st century. Competition Intensifies in European Fintech Bunq’s announcement comes months after rival neobank Revolut expanded its own crypto exchange services across 30 EEA countries in November 2024, underscoring the growing race among fintech firms to dominate the retail crypto market. With a stronger regulatory foundation now in place in Europe, more traditional financial institutions and neobanks are expected to follow suit, integrating digital assets into their service offerings to stay competitive and meet evolving customer expectations. As Bunq enters the crypto arena, it positions itself not only as a challenger to legacy banks, but as a forward-thinking platform capable of bridging traditional finance and the decentralized digital economy.