In a significant development for the financial landscape, COINOTAG reported on May 8th that UK officials have disclosed **impending announcements** regarding the US-UK Trade Agreement. This meeting comes on the
The post Bitcoin Price Advances to $100K-Has The BTC Bull Run Begun? Here are the Potential Highs for this Cycle appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The crypto markets are printing in green as Bitcoin displayed massive strength by inching close to the psychological barrier at $100k. With the latest jump, the price has reached levels close to the crucial resistance, maintaining a steep ascending trend. The recent FOMC turned out as expected, as the Fed kept the rates unchanged at 4.25% to 4.5%, but the recent remarks from U.S. President Trump have fueled the rise in the price. The president recently said that the US is about to lock a major deal with a country and informed about a major announcement, which seems to have raised huge expectations among the institutions. As a result, with less retail involvement, the BTC price is marching towards the major resistance. Although the price is poised to surpass $100K in a short while, the rally does not seem to stop here, as the potential targets for Bitcoin lie somewhere above $125K. The historical chart of Bitcoin hints towards the token following a consistent rise since the 2023 rebound. Unlike the 2021 bull run, where the price underwent a monstrous rally, the current upswing seems to be more calculated and progressive. The BTC price maintained a steady upswing, forming consecutive higher highs and lows while holding firmly to the ascending support. The technicals have turned bullish, hinting towards the rising potential of the token, which could elevate the levels to a new ATH. The weekly MACD is about to undergo a bullish crossover as the selling pressure has dropped consistently. On the other hand, the RSI rebounded before marking the lows at 40 and is rising towards the upper threshold. This could complete a double-bottom pattern and a rise within the upper threshold, which may trigger a bull run. However, the crucial resistance is around $116,891 and breaking this could push the price to $150K or even above $200K. However, a rejection could cause a pullback to the support below $90,000. The possibility of a rebound is high here, but if it fails to do so, a drop from the rising wedge may bring the Bitcoin (BTC) price to the bottom below $70,000.
WrathofKahneman (@WKahneman), a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency space, recently shared a segment from Bitwise’s investment report on XRP. This highlights what he described as a “clear, succinct and relevant description” of what drives XRP’s value. The image he shared outlines three central components: transaction fees and burning, spam prevention via reserve requirements, and XRP’s role as a bridge currency and liquidity reserve. This Bitwise investment report on #XRP has a clear, succinct and relevant description of what drives XRP's value: 1) TX Fees, 2) Spam Prevention, and 3) Bridge Currency & Liquidity reserve for a Large Ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/x5IiHsqovx — WrathofKahneman (@WKahneman) May 6, 2025 Transaction Fees and Token Burning The Bitwise report explains that every transaction on the XRP Ledger incurs a small fee of approximately 0.00001 XRP, which is permanently removed from circulation. As of January 2025, over 13.46 million XRP have been burned, reducing the total supply to around 99.99 billion. While this burn mechanism removes only a small fraction of the total supply, Bitwise argues it becomes significantly more impactful at scale. For instance, a 100x increase in transaction volume would lead to the removal of 0.75% of the total XRP supply annually, potentially influencing long-term valuation. Shiba Inu is a notable example of a digital asset that has grown because of consistent and aggressive token burns , and this report suggests that XRP could benefit significantly from this strategy. We are on twitter, follow us to connect with us :- @TimesTabloid1 — TimesTabloid (@TimesTabloid1) July 15, 2023 Spam Prevention Through Reserve Requirements All XRP Ledger accounts must maintain a base reserve of 1 XRP to deter spam. Additionally, each token transaction requires a separate 0.2 XRP reserve. This reserve was initially set to 20 XRP, then dropped to 10 XRP, but was reduced to 1 XRP in late 2024 to allow more investors to engage with the ecosystem while maintaining its protection. However, Bitwise is careful to note that this mechanism does not contribute significantly to demand. With only 6.1 million active accounts, the total XRP locked for reserve purposes, if the number of accounts increased a hundredfold, would be 610 million, less than 1% of the total supply. The reserve requirement is framed as a network safeguard rather than a primary value driver. XRP as a Bridge Currency and Liquidity Tool The most consequential factor discussed in the report is XRP’s potential role as a bridge currency within a large and expanding ecosystem. Bitwise points out that XRP can facilitate currency-to-currency and currency-to-asset transfers across borders. While research into this use case is ongoing, they maintain that bridging is likely more important than often acknowledged. Should XRP gain broader adoption for these purposes, it would lead to significant in-ecosystem XRP holdings and reinforce its value proposition. Disclaimer : This content is meant to inform and should not be considered financial advice. The views expressed in this article may include the author’s personal opinions and do not represent Times Tabloid’s opinion. Readers are urged to do in-depth research before making any investment decisions. Any action taken by the reader is strictly at their own risk. Times Tabloid is not responsible for any financial losses. Follow us on X , Facebook , Telegram , and Google News The post This Bitwise Report Reveals What Drives XRP Price appeared first on Times Tabloid .
Bitcoin faces heightened volatility as US-China trade talks in Switzerland risk failing, potentially triggering sharp price swings. Trade tensions and unresolved tariffs leave Bitcoin vulnerable, with geopolitical uncertainty heavily influencing
The OCC permits banks to trade cryptocurrencies for customers, easing previous restrictions. New directives allow banks to outsource technical infrastructure investment for crypto transactions. Continue Reading: Banks Dive into the Crypto Market: Unprecedented Developments Shake Financial Industry The post Banks Dive into the Crypto Market: Unprecedented Developments Shake Financial Industry appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Global payments giant Stripe is making waves in the fintech world with a suite of significant announcements that promise to reshape how online businesses handle transactions. From leveraging artificial intelligence for smarter operations to embracing the potential of digital currencies, Stripe’s latest updates signal a bold step forward. If you’re involved in e-commerce, online services, or simply interested in the evolution of digital finance, understanding these changes, particularly around Stripe stablecoin support and advanced AI payment processing , is crucial. Revolutionizing Transactions with AI Payment Processing At the core of Stripe’s new offerings is the introduction of its AI-powered Payments Foundation Model. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a fundamental enhancement designed to make payments smarter and more secure. By analyzing vast amounts of data, the model aims to improve key aspects of the payment process. Enhanced Fraud Detection: One of the most immediate benefits is a significant boost in identifying and preventing fraudulent transactions. AI can spot subtle patterns that traditional rule-based systems might miss, saving businesses money and protecting their customers. Improved Authorization Rates: The AI model helps route transactions more intelligently, increasing the likelihood of legitimate payments being approved by banks. This means fewer lost sales for businesses. Optimized Routing: Payments are directed through the most efficient paths, potentially reducing processing times and costs. This focus on AI payment processing demonstrates Stripe’s commitment to building a more robust and efficient payment infrastructure for the digital age. Expanding Horizons: Stripe Stablecoin and Real-Time Payments Perhaps one of the most anticipated announcements, especially within the crypto community, is Stripe’s expanded support for stablecoins. Stablecoins, cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets like the US dollar, offer the speed and efficiency of digital currencies without the price volatility of assets like Bitcoin or Ethereum. Stripe’s move here is significant for businesses looking for faster, potentially cheaper, and more global settlement options. Key developments in this area include: Expanded Stablecoin Support: While the announcement specifically highlights USDC, the move signals Stripe’s increasing comfort and integration with stablecoin technology. This could pave the way for supporting other stablecoins in the future. Stablecoin Financial Accounts: Launched in an impressive 101 countries, these accounts allow businesses to hold, manage, and potentially pay out using stablecoins. This dramatically simplifies cross-border transactions and offers an alternative to traditional banking rails for certain use cases. Real-Time Payment Options: Alongside stablecoins, Stripe is bolstering its support for various Real-time payments methods available globally. This caters to the growing consumer demand for instant transactions and provides businesses with quicker access to funds. The embrace of Stripe stablecoin capabilities positions the platform at the forefront of integrating traditional finance with the burgeoning world of digital assets, offering businesses new avenues for growth and efficiency. Unveiling New Stripe Financial Services and Tools Beyond AI and stablecoins, Stripe rolled out a suite of new and upgraded Stripe financial services designed to give businesses more control, personalization, and efficiency across their operations. These tools span various aspects of running an online business. Stripe Orchestration: Streamlining Workflows Managing complex payment flows, especially for larger businesses or those with unique requirements, can be challenging. Stripe Orchestration provides tools to build custom payment logic and workflows, adapting Stripe’s powerful infrastructure to specific business needs. This allows for greater flexibility and control over how transactions are processed and managed. Enhanced Checkout Personalization The checkout experience is critical for conversion rates. Stripe is introducing enhanced personalization features, allowing businesses to tailor the checkout flow to individual customers, potentially increasing sales and improving user experience. Advanced Fraud Prevention Tools While the AI model provides foundational fraud detection, Stripe is also launching additional tools to give businesses more granular control over preventing fraudulent activity. These tools can be customized based on risk tolerance and business models, offering an extra layer of security. Upcoming USDC Payments via Visa Cards A particularly exciting development is the upcoming introduction of USDC Visa cards. This initiative blurs the lines between digital assets and traditional spending, allowing businesses to potentially spend their USDC holdings via a standard card network. This bridges the gap between holding stablecoins and using them for everyday business expenses, simplifying liquidity management for those utilizing USDC payments . Upgrades to Revenue, Tax, and Lending Features Stripe’s commitment to being a full-stack financial partner is evident in the major upgrades to its existing features: Revenue Management: Tools for subscription billing, invoicing, and revenue recognition are being enhanced for better accuracy and automation. Tax Compliance: Staying compliant with global tax regulations is complex. Stripe is improving its tax tools to simplify calculation and reporting. Lending: Stripe Capital, which offers financing to eligible businesses, is also receiving upgrades, providing more flexible access to capital. These expanded Stripe financial services aim to consolidate more of a business’s financial operations onto a single, integrated platform. What Do These Updates Mean for Businesses? These announcements collectively offer significant benefits for businesses using or considering Stripe: Increased Efficiency: AI, real-time payments, and orchestration tools streamline operations. Reduced Costs: Stablecoin settlements and potentially lower fraud rates can lead to cost savings. Enhanced Security: Advanced AI and fraud prevention tools provide better protection. Global Reach: Stablecoin accounts in 101 countries open up new international opportunities. Faster Access to Funds: Real-time payments and quicker settlements improve cash flow. Simplified Finance Management: Integrated revenue, tax, and lending tools reduce complexity. While the benefits are clear, businesses should consider the integration effort required to leverage these new features fully. Understanding the nuances of stablecoin regulations in different jurisdictions will also be key for those adopting Stripe stablecoin accounts and USDC payments . Conclusion: Stripe’s Vision for the Future of Finance Stripe’s latest announcements underscore a clear vision: to build the most advanced and comprehensive financial infrastructure for the internet. By integrating cutting-edge AI payment processing , embracing the potential of Stripe stablecoin and Real-time payments , and expanding its suite of Stripe financial services to include features like USDC payments via Visa cards, Stripe is not just keeping pace with the evolving digital economy; it’s actively shaping it. These updates provide businesses with powerful new tools to operate more efficiently, securely, and globally in an increasingly complex financial landscape. To learn more about the latest fintech trends and how they impact online payments , explore our article on key developments shaping payments innovation .
Bhutan has partnered with Binance Pay and DK Bank to launch the world’s first national crypto-based tourism payment system, allowing visitors to use digital assets for everything from hotels to market purchases, boosting financial inclusion and innovation. Bhutan Becomes First Nation to Power Entire Tourism Sector with Crypto In a landmark move blending technology with
Two of the world's most influential payments companies, Visa and Stripe, have taken significant steps to advance stablecoin adoption across global markets. On May 7, Stripe introduced stablecoin-based account services for users in over 100 countries, while Visa revealed a strategic investment in London-based startup BVNK, which specializes in stablecoin payment infrastructure. Stripe Launches Stablecoin Accounts in Over 100 Countries to Serve Unbanked and Inflation-Hit Economies Stripe, one of the world’s leading financial infrastructure companies, has unveiled a new feature that allows clients in more than 100 countries to send, receive, and hold balances in US-dollar stablecoins . The rollout, announced on May 7, marks a significant expansion of the firm’s stablecoin offering and further reinforces the growing role of crypto-based financial tools in underserved and high-inflation economies. The newly launched stablecoin-based accounts will support Circle’s USDC and Bridge’s USDB—a stablecoin platform Stripe acquired in October 2024. According to the company’s technical documentation, these accounts will function similarly to traditional fiat bank accounts, providing Stripe clients with the ability to manage dollar-denominated balances using blockchain infrastructure instead of relying solely on local financial institutions. The accounts will be accessible in regions including Argentina, Chile, Turkey, Colombia, and Peru, all of which face persistent inflationary pressures and banking limitations. Stripe noted that this offering is designed for users who want to store value in stable US dollars and use those funds for cross-border payments or business transactions without the friction and cost of legacy banking systems. Solving Financial Inclusion Through Stablecoins Stripe’s move comes amid rapid growth in the stablecoin market, which recently surpassed a $231 billion market cap, according to data from RWA.XYZ. Stablecoins, pegged to fiat currencies like the US dollar, have emerged as a vital tool for populations suffering from financial instability and limited banking access. The stablecoin market cap has crossed $231 billion and continues to grow due to international demand for US dollar tokens (Source: RWA.XYZ ) In many parts of Latin America, Africa, and Asia, residents are increasingly turning to stablecoins to shield their savings from currency devaluation and to make purchases online where local currencies are not accepted. Stripe’s expansion aims to bridge the gap for these users, offering a familiar financial interface powered by decentralized blockchain rails. Stablecoins are doing more than providing digital cash equivalents—they are transforming how people access the financial system. With just a smartphone, a crypto wallet, and internet access, users can now store and transact in a globally recognized currency. This is particularly relevant in countries like Argentina and Turkey, where double-digit inflation and capital controls have led many to seek out US dollar alternatives. By holding balances in stablecoins rather than volatile local currencies, residents can preserve purchasing power and transact across borders with greater confidence. Stablecoins dominate crypto transactions in South America( Source: Chainalysis ) A Growing Role for Stablecoins in Payments Stripe had already made waves in October 2024 when it began supporting stablecoin payments at checkout, allowing customers in over 70 countries to pay online merchants using fiat-pegged tokens. That feature was met with strong demand in emerging markets, where consumers are more likely to seek price stability in a volatile macroeconomic environment. The latest stablecoin account launch builds on this momentum, offering users not just the ability to spend in stablecoins but also to save, receive income, and manage funds entirely outside the constraints of local banking systems. Stripe’s expansion into stablecoin accounts is part of a broader trend where traditional fintech and Web3 solutions are converging. As blockchain rails become more embedded into everyday financial infrastructure, stablecoins are poised to become the backbone of a new, more inclusive digital economy. The implications are far-reaching—not just for Stripe’s clients, but also for the global payments ecosystem. With competitors likely to follow suit, and with regulatory clarity slowly improving in key markets, stablecoin-based accounts could soon become a norm rather than a novelty. For now, Stripe’s latest move marks a bold step toward that vision—empowering millions to participate in the global economy without needing a traditional bank. Visa Invests in BVNK to Accelerate Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure in Global Commerce In related news, payments giant Visa has deepened its foray into digital assets with a strategic investment in BVNK, a London-based startup building infrastructure for stablecoin payments. The announcement, made by BVNK on May 7, marks a major milestone for both companies. BVNK characterized the investment from Visa Ventures, the corporate investment arm of Visa, as “more than capital.” Though financial details were not disclosed, the firm emphasized that the arrangement is a strategic partnership rather than a simple funding round. BVNK-VISA partnership image (Source: BVNK ) BVNK CEO Jesse Hemson-Struthers expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, stating: “I’m particularly excited about what it means to partner with Visa—the original payments innovator. Their deep expertise in building global payment networks, combined with our stablecoin infrastructure, creates powerful possibilities for redefining how businesses operate in today’s digital economy.” The partnership signals Visa’s commitment to developing next-generation financial technologies and positions BVNK as a key player in enabling businesses to integrate stablecoin payments into their financial systems. Visa’s head of products and partnerships, Rubail Birwadker, noted that stablecoins are becoming integral to global payment flows, signaling the company’s long-term belief in their potential. Visa’s move reflects a broader industry trend where stablecoins are emerging as faster, cheaper, and more accessible alternatives to traditional cross-border payment systems, particularly in regions with limited financial infrastructure. BVNK’s Rapid Ascent and US Expansion Visa’s investment follows BVNK’s $50 million Series B funding round, closed in late 2024 and led by Haun Ventures. The round included major industry players such as Coinbase Ventures, Scribble Ventures, DRW VC, and existing backers Avenir and Tiger Global. At the time, BVNK was valued at approximately $750 million and revealed plans to expand into the United States, establishing local banking infrastructure and pursuing the necessary licenses to serve US-based businesses. Founded to simplify business access to blockchain-based payments, BVNK provides APIs and infrastructure that enable companies to send, receive, and settle payments in stablecoins like USDC while offering compliance tools and integrations for accounting and treasury management. The company’s expansion plans are aligned with growing demand in both developed and emerging markets for dollar-backed stablecoins, which can serve as both a store of value and a means of conducting faster, cheaper global commerce. Visa has spent the last few years gradually integrating crypto functionality into its payment ecosystem. In October 2024, it enabled instant fiat-to-crypto transfers via Coinbase-linked Visa debit cards, allowing eligible users to deposit or withdraw funds in real time. The same month, Visa also introduced its Visa Tokenized Asset Platform, a solution designed to streamline the issuance and management of digital assets such as tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and even central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). Visa’s partnership with BVNK builds on this vision by expanding its reach into the infrastructure layer of stablecoin usage, offering businesses the backend support needed to operate in a tokenized economy. A Bet on the Future of Digital Commerce This investment and partnership between Visa and BVNK signals a growing confidence among traditional financial institutions that stablecoins and tokenized payments will be a cornerstone of future commerce. As the global economy becomes increasingly digitized, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for a more interoperable, programmable, and borderless financial system. With major players like Visa actively backing startups at the intersection of crypto and payments, the stablecoin revolution continues to pick up steam—this time with the backing of the world’s largest card network.
Bitcoin (BTC) has surged to its highest price point since February, marking a significant recovery and fueling speculation about a potential push towards the $100,000 mark. This upward momentum has injected renewed optimism into the cryptocurrency market. Factors Driving the Price Increase Several factors may be contributing to Bitcoin’s recent price surge. These could include … Continue reading "Bitcoin Reaches Highest Point Since February, Eyes $100,000" The post Bitcoin Reaches Highest Point Since February, Eyes $100,000 appeared first on Cryptoknowmics-Crypto News and Media Platform .
Strive Asset Management has made headlines on May 8th by announcing its plan to go public via a reverse merger with Asset Entities Inc. (NASDAQ: ASST). This strategic move positions