Reputable financial institutions have reportedly served as stations in the multistep money laundering process that transports funds from US scam victims to crime syndicates in Asia. ProPublica reports that Asian crime syndicates behind pig butchering scams tap on the services of financial titans like Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, HSBC and Wells Fargo, along with many other U.S. and foreign lenders, to convert the proceeds of their illicit operation into crypto. Pig butchering, a scheme in which scammers build a relationship with their targeted victims to financially exploit them, siphons some $44 billion per year. Chinese gangs that operate in prison-like compounds in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar often carry out this scam. The report says that black market bank accounts are thriving because of this fraud, with Chinese-language channels on the messaging service platform Telegram offering to rent US bank accounts to pig butchering scammers. The bad actors need the bank accounts to move stolen funds. Although fraudulent transactions now use cryptocurrency, the typical consumer does not own this asset, so many scams involve getting the victim to wire money through traditional banks. The swindlers receive the funds in their account, then convert them into crypto to send overseas. Later, they exchange the digital assets for standard currency. In a statement to ProPublica, the American Bankers Association, which represents the industry, says banks cannot completely filter out scammers despite their efforts to stop fraud. “With more than 140 million bank accounts opened every year bad actors can sometimes get through despite determined and ongoing efforts to stop them. They hide their true identities, exploit the good names and reputations of banks and other responsible companies, and abuse shell corporations to facilitate moving their ill-gotten gains away from their victims.” Follow us on X , Facebook and Telegram Don't Miss a Beat – Subscribe to get email alerts delivered directly to your inbox Check Price Action Surf The Daily Hodl Mix Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any losses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post Asian Crime Syndicates Tap Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Other Lenders To Launder Billions Siphoned in Pig Butchering Scams: Report appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
Cel AI, a UK-based artificial intelligence firm, has announced plans to secure a minimum of £7.5 million (around $10.3 million) via an accelerated ledger issuance. This capital raise is strategically
What began as a protocol with Trump-era branding is now neck-deep in institutional-grade DeFi. The WLFI–Re7 Labs partnership on BNB Chain seeks to build the plumbing for tomorrow’s stablecoin economy. According to a press release shared with crypto.news on June 27, World Liberty Financial has partnered with Re7 Labs, the DeFi infrastructure arm of Re7 Capital, to accelerate adoption of its USD1 stablecoin on BNB Chain. The collaboration involves a curated vault strategy structured by Re7, whose $600 million risk-reviewed DeFi infrastructure will underpin USD1’s rollout on BNB Chain—tapping into Binance’s ecosystem for deeper integration. The move comes after USD1 recently surpassed $2 billion in circulation, signaling a strategic pivot beyond its political roots toward structured, institution-friendly DeFi. Both firms frame the effort as a push to strengthen DeFi’s foundation with stablecoin rails that meet institutional standards for security, composability, and real-time transparency. You might also like: Dow Jones jumps 300 points, S&P 500 hits record high The institutional playbook behind USD1’s BNB Chain expansion The Re7 Labs partnership signals that World Liberty Financial is doubling down on structured, risk-aware design as it pushes USD1 further into the institutional landscape. While USD1 has already cleared the $2 billion mark this year, the BNB Chain launch represents the beginning of a more curated phase. Re7’s vault framework introduces real-time monitoring, composability, and off-chain verification, aligning with WLFI’s goal of making USD1 a base-layer asset for decentralized markets that demand both transparency and operational efficiency. “USD1 was created to meet the growing demand for stable, transparent digital assets that can operate seamlessly across ecosystems. This collaboration with Re7 Labs marks an important step toward unlocking that vision at scale and advancing that goal through infrastructure designed for long-term utility,” World Liberty Financial co-founder Zak Folkman, stated. Per the statement, Re7’s vaults on Euler and Lista, where USD1 will be deployed, are structured to meet TradFi risk standards, fitting USD1’s core proposition: a stablecoin that doesn’t just mimic the dollar, but mirrors the rigor of traditional finance. Chainlink’s Proof of Reserve feeds and BitGo’s custody provide the backbone, while Re7’s vault strategy ensures USD1 operates within the guardrails institutional players demand. USD1’s hidden edge Most stablecoins force users to choose between ecosystems. But USD1, powered by Chainlink’s CCIP, moves natively across chains, a feature WLFI is using to position BNB Chain as a hub, not a silo, according to Folkman. The Re7 partnership accelerates this by optimizing BNB-based vaults for cross-chain inflows, effectively turning USD1 into a liquidity bridge between Ethereum, Solana, and beyond. This integration follows WLFI’s June 26 deal with UAE-based Aqua 1, which acquired $100 million worth of WLFI governance tokens. For keen observers, that transaction Aqua 1’s compliance expertise helps navigate MENA’s regulatory landscape, where dollar-pegged stablecoins face mounting scrutiny. By aligning with Re7’s infrastructure, WLFI is effectively building a dual-track system: Aqua 1 handles off-chain regulatory hurdles, while Re7 ensures on-chain efficiency. Read more: Crypto espionage? How the Nobitex hack may tie into Israeli spy arrests: report
As capital surges back into the digital asset space, crypto projects are playing for dominance. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) attracted over $585 million in inflows, driven by the explosive success of U.S.-approved spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Overall, global crypto funds drew a record-breaking $44.2 billion in 2024, signaling sustained institutional conviction. Governments and regulators have taken notice. The U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve , announced in March, marked a symbolic shift toward treating digital assets as macroeconomic tools. Meanwhile, Europe’s MiCA framework has solidified legal footing for crypto operations across the continent. In this environment, founders launching tokens, protocols, or AI-integrated DeFi tools are aiming to own their category. That means showing up first, often, and everywhere: in search results, media headlines, Google Discover feeds, and regional news cycles. A new class of crypto-native PR firms go beyond conventional media placement. They deliver SEO-optimized, narrative-driven saturation campaigns engineered for rapid market capture and lasting attention. The five firms below are leading that charge in 2025. Outset PR A data-driven PR agency specializing in rapid market dominance, SEO-powered media saturation, and tailored PR strategies. MarketAcross A full-stack PR and content marketing firm with guaranteed placements and broad distribution. Coinbound A Web3-native agency focused on influencer marketing, meme culture, and community growth, designed to drive viral engagement across social media. Melrose PR A communications agency that elevates crypto executives and brands through high-credibility media and thought leadership, particularly for compliance-conscious projects. Luna PR A globally positioned agency with deep roots in MENA and Asia, helping Web3 startups localize, scale, and integrate into emerging markets through tailored media, branding, and event representation. 1. Outset PR Launch year: 2021 | Best for: Token launches, Web3 startups, Projects needing long-term credibility and narrative elevation. Outset PR has taken a unique niche in the crypto PR field as the only agency prompting market domination through data-driven techniques. Its approach blends SEO-targeted media placements with high-frequency brand exposure across Google Discover, Top Stories, and native syndication channels. The firm’s model focuses on visibility supported by SEO-driven content strategies, editorial partnerships, and persistent traffic reinforcement. Regular media analytics , discoverability metrics, and trend maps guide every editorial decision. Whether the goal is category dominance, traffic lift, or trust-building, Outset PR fuses performance-grade analytics with high-touch communications strategy. Outset PR Key Strengths: Top Stories/Discover optimization Region-specific lead-gen PR Continuous visibility tracking + refresh cycles 2. MarketAcross Launch year: 2014 | Best for: Protocols, exchanges, ecosystem players MarketAcross remains a heavyweight in blockchain PR, known for its guaranteed placements and content syndication capabilities. The firm maintains close ties with over 150 publications, supporting clients such as Polkadot, AAVE, and NEM. The agency combines thought leadership development with robust SEO distribution, enabling brands to scale across both institutional and retail media landscapes. Key Strengths: High-volume media delivery Exchange support and listings coverage Global reach across English and multilingual markets 3. Coinbound Launch year: 2018 | Best for: NFTs, meme coins, social-native projects Coinbound built its reputation on social-first crypto marketing. The firm manages influencer activations across YouTube, X, TikTok, and Web3-native platforms like Telegram and Discord, working with brands such as MetaMask and Immutable X. Its approach is tuned to the demands of retail traders and degens—prioritizing virality, creator credibility, and meme culture fluency. Key Strengths: Influencer network activation Discord community building Viral meme and micro-content strategy 4. Melrose PR Launch year: 2012 | Best for: Institutional protocols, regulatory-aligned projects Melrose PR focuses on founder elevation and narrative control in mainstream financial press. It specializes in positioning executives for long-term thought leadership, often securing placements in outlets such as Forbes and CNBC. The firm is best suited to Layer 1 protocols, infrastructure companies, and compliance-first startups seeking to establish brand gravity beyond crypto-native circles. Key Strengths: Strategic messaging for public-facing teams Executive bylines and keynote PR Alignment with investor and policy narratives 5. Luna PR Launch year: 2017 | Best for: Projects expanding into MENA, Asia, emerging markets Operating from Dubai with regional teams across Asia, Luna PR bridges Western projects with high-growth crypto markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The agency provides PR, brand development, and exchange advisory, with a strong presence at regional conferences. Its localized PR execution makes it particularly effective for projects seeking traction in non-English speaking regions. Key Strengths: Regional influencer outreach Government-aligned narratives in MENA Exchange integration support Bottom Line Crypto markets in 2025 reward attention, not patience. As token issuance accelerates and capital returns to altcoins, PR will remain one of the most efficient and defensible forms of market capture. For startups and protocols with ambitions to achieve market dominance in 2025, the right agency is a launch partner. From Outset PR ’s data-fueled market dominance model to Coinbound’s social-native reach and Melrose’s institutional positioning, each agency in this list offers a different pathway to the same goal: making sure your project owns the conversation in its niche. Choosing one depends on goals, geographies, and timelines. But for those looking to seize the spotlight early and hold it, these five firms are setting the benchmark. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What does “market dominance” mean in crypto PR? Market dominance refers to a crypto project’s ability to own its narrative and visibility across multiple platforms—from Google search and Discover to media headlines and community channels—achieving recognition, traffic, and influence beyond competitors in a short timeframe. Why is PR so critical for crypto projects in 2025? With institutional capital returning, regulatory clarity improving, and token issuance accelerating, attention has become the most scarce and valuable asset. Effective PR ensures your project is consistently seen, understood, and trusted by the right audiences—before, during, and after launch. How is crypto PR different from traditional tech PR? Crypto PR must navigate faster news cycles, decentralized communities, market-fit narratives, and platform-specific nuances like Google Discover and Web3-native media outlets. The top agencies like Outset PR specialize in these dynamics, which traditional PR firms often struggle to address. Which agency is best for early-stage token launches? Outset PR is best positioned for early-stage and emerging token projects that need rapid recognition, traffic, and trust-building through media saturation, SEO strategies, and performance-led content delivery. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
Key Takeaways: The FHFA has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to explore the use of cryptocurrency in mortgage asset verification. Industry insiders said the move may allow digital assets to be counted as collateral in home loan underwriting. Analysts warn that introducing crypto could mirror pre-2008 lending risks due to volatility and unclear guidance. The U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has instructed government-backed mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to evaluate the inclusion of cryptocurrency in asset verification processes for residential loans. According to a report published by Caixin on June 27, multiple unnamed industry sources said the directive could allow homebuyers to use digital assets as collateral in mortgage underwriting. Crypto as Mortgage Collateral May Prompt Systemic Risk “After significant studying, and in keeping with President Trump ’s vision to make the United States the crypto capital of the world, today I ordered the Great Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage,” wrote FHFA Director Bill Putle on social media. After significant studying, and in keeping with President Trump’s vision to make the United States the crypto capital of the world, today I ordered the Great Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare their businesses to count cryptocurrency as an asset for a mortgage. SO ORDERED pic.twitter.com/Tg9ReJQXC3 — Pulte (@pulte) June 25, 2025 Analysts believe this would alter how financial institutions assess risk, particularly for borrowers with substantial crypto holdings. An anonymous crypto industry insider told Caixin the policy direction would likely be welcomed by the sector. But the person cautioned that linking mortgage qualification to volatile assets introduces systemic risks. The source said that although the update is undoubtedly positive news for the crypto industry, the volatility of the cryptocurrency market will directly impact the mortgage market and the next subprime mortgage crisis would only be a matter of time. Lenders Face New Challenges Some economists have drawn comparisons to pre-2008 subprime practices, where inflated asset values obscured borrower fragility. A former housing policy official interviewed by Caixin noted that allowing crypto to backstop loans could replicate those dynamics under a new name. In the absence of clear guidance, lenders may interpret asset verification discretion differently. Several industry observers said this could create uneven standards, particularly if crypto valuations fluctuate significantly during loan approval. While the timeline and scope of potential changes remain unclear, market participants are preparing for policy shifts. Industry associations have reportedly begun internal discussions on how to measure digital asset volatility in loan stress tests and risk models. The idea of integrating crypto assets into mortgage underwriting underscores a broader shift in how alternative forms of wealth are being treated by legacy institutions. Financial regulators and lenders are under pressure to modernize risk models that were originally designed for traditional income and asset classes. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How might crypto-backed mortgages affect loan default rates? Volatile assets could cause sudden drops in collateral value, increasing the chance of borrower default if market corrections occur during the loan term. How would lenders verify and audit crypto holdings? Lenders may need to develop systems to verify digital wallet balances through third-party attestations or integrate blockchain analytics tools into compliance checks. Are there existing mortgage products using crypto as collateral? Some private fintech lenders offer crypto-backed loans, but these operate outside of federally regulated mortgage systems like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The post Experts Warn Crypto Collateral Could Add Volatility to Mortgage Market appeared first on Cryptonews .
Bitcoin long-term investors are experiencing one of the strongest accumulation periods in history. Record HODL Move by Bitcoin Long-Term Investors: Monthly Accumulation of 800K BTC Onchain analytics platform CryptoQuant announced that long-term investors have accumulated a net 800,000 BTC in the past 30 days, the highest monthly increase ever recorded. LTHs, i.e. investors who have held their BTC for at least six months without selling, are refraining from selling even as prices reach new highs in 2025. This trend points to a strengthening of the “hodl” spirit in market psychology. CryptoQuant analyst Darkfost noted in his analysis published on Thursday that this move is a signal that should not be ignored: “The signal from LTHs this week is quite significant. Such accumulation increases have only been seen six times, the last two of which were precursors to major price increases in July 2021 and September 2024.” The average purchase price of new LTH positions is between $95,000 and $107,000, making this price band a key support zone for analysts. Accumulation in this area suggests that the price could remain strong at these levels. Short-Term Investors Eye $93,000 On the other hand, short-term investors (STH – Short-Term Holders) also play a critical role in the market structure. According to Cointelegraph’s analysis, the average cost of STH is just under $100,000, and this area often acts as support during bull market corrections. Onchain analytics firm Glassnode noted that the $98,000-$93,000 range is critical throughout this week: “As long as the price stays above this range, the bull market structure remains intact. However, if it breaks below this support, a deeper correction could be triggered, especially if investors with costs in this area start panic selling.” The behavior of both short-term and long-term investors in Bitcoin plays a critical role in the sustainability of the current market structure. The aggressive accumulation of long-term investors and the support level formed in the $93,000-107,000 band give hope for the continuation of the bull market. However, any breakout below these levels could reverse the market momentum. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Record Hodl Move from Bitcoin's Long-Term Investors! Why Whales Aren't Selling? Here's the Latest Data
While the Midnight sidechain supports a bullish long-term fundamental outlook, technical indicators signal a potential sell-off risk clouding the near-term Cardano price prediction . At its core, Midnight addresses the growing demand for confidential transactions and data protection within the Cardano ecosystem, widely interpreted as a major catalyst for mass adoption. It unlocks new developer tools and interoperability between other chains, using sidechain bridges to expand Cardano’s use case to encompass that of its competitors, like XRP. CARDANO x MIDNIGHT = MASS ADOPTION? Charles Hoskinson reveals Midnight could onboard millions of new users. If this plays out, $ADA could be the most underestimated L1 in crypto. Agree or cap? pic.twitter.com/nMVuk6tX9i — Merlijn The Trader (@MerlijnTrader) April 20, 2025 Still, ADA remains vulnerable to broader market headwinds. The token is down 8% on the week, lagging behind other altcoins as geopolitical tensions escalate in the Israel-Iran conflict. Cardano Price Prediction: Is a Sell-Off Avoidable? The sell-off risk stems from the daily chart, with a recent bear candle closing below the lower Bollinger Band—a typical sign of short-term overselling. However, with the Cardano bouncing from the lower support of a 6-month descending triangle around $0.51 to reclaim the band, it could be a sign of seller exhaustion rather than a prevailing downtrend. ADA / USDT 1-day chart, descending triangle pattern. Source: TradingView, Binance. Momentum indicators lean toward a bullish case. The RSI has sharply reversed after dipping below the oversold threshold at 30, indicating that buyers are stepping in. More so, the MACD line is on the verge of a golden cross, preparing to overtake the signal line on the daily timeframe—an early sign of an emerging uptrend. If the crossover unfolds, it could solidify the event as a “Bollinger Band buy” reversal signal, setting ADA on the breakout path near the 0.618 Fibonacci level at $0.647. A decisive move above this level could break the multi-month pattern, setting sights on a technical target 170% higher around the $2.618 Fibonacci extension at $1.4285. Still, this bullish outlook hinges on clearing the median resistance of the Bollinger Bands—the 20-day SMA—which currently caps upward momentum and reflects prevailing bearish pressure. The Next Evolution in Self-Custody Solutions is Here – You’re Early Best Wallet is a new non-custodial crypto wallet that introduces a set of new and robust features to challenge the dominance of existing solutions like MetaMask and Exodus. This Web3 storage solution supports assets in more than 50 blockchains and offers low fees for swaps. It also introduces tools like “ Upcoming Tokens ” – a crypto screener that allows users to identify and invest in top ICOs while they are still flying below most investors’ radars. This utility extends to TradFi with the Best Card, replacing the traditional debit card, allowing seamless real-world transactions using stablecoins anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. Best Wallet is already making waves, raising over $13.3 million in the presale for its new $BEST utility token. Its app is already featured on Google Play and the App Store. To learn more about Best Wallet, follow its official X , Telegram , or visit the Best Wallet website . The post Cardano Price Prediction – ‘New ADA’ Midnight Launch Triggers Sell-Off Risk: Here’s Why appeared first on Cryptonews .
The XRP price has dropped by 4% in the past 24 hours, with its fall to $2.10 coming after a US judge rejected a settlement proposal between Ripple and the SEC. US District Judge Analisa Torres refused a proposal from both parties to reduce Ripple’s $125 million penalty and to remove an injunction that prevents the firm from selling XRP. This has left XRP in a weakened position today, with the altcoin also down by 3% in a week and by 9% in the past month, although it holds on to a 347% increase in a year. However, Ripple believes it’s in a strong position to move forward, regardless of yesterday’s ruling, with XRP’s long-term price prediction remaining as promising as ever. XRP Price Prediction – Judge Rejects Ripple Deal: What Happens Next Summarizing her decision, Judge Torres said that Ripple and the SEC “do not have the authority to agree not to be bound by a court’s final judgment that a party violated an Act of Congress.” As such, Torres declared that, unless “exceptional circumstances” are applicable, Ripple still must pay the $125 million penalty and observe the injunction the court had imposed on it. This injunction relates to Ripple’s sales of XRP to institutions, something which the market does appear to regard as damaging to Ripple and XRP. However, Ripple itself is already arguing that Judge Torres’ ruling isn’t particularly negative for the firm. With this, the ball is back in our court. The Court gave us two options: dismiss our appeal challenging the finding on historic institutional sales—or press forward with the appeal. Stay tuned. Either way, XRP’s legal status as not a security remains unchanged. In the meantime,… https://t.co/edHNbMzYbZ — Stuart Alderoty (@s_alderoty) June 26, 2025 In particular, legal experts are drawing attention to the fact that Alderoty used the phrase “historic institutional sales,” which is significant insofar as it implies that Ripple believes it can draw a distinction between the past, illegal institutional sales of XRP and any future sales. The post [LIVE] XRP Price Prediction – Judge Rejects Ripple Deal: What Happens Next appeared first on Cryptonews .
On June 28th, former US President Donald Trump acknowledged the growing significance of cryptocurrency as a transformative sector within the financial landscape. He emphasized that the digital asset industry has
According to the latest development, US President Trump said that encrypted digital currencies are a very interesting thing and that they are building a very strong industry. According to Trump, cryptocurrencies provide jobs and Bitcoin also reduces pressure on the US dollar. In the previous stock market crash, the value of cryptocurrencies fell less than other assets *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: BREAKING: Donald Trump Comments on Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies