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Senior figures from PayPal and Google Cloud emphasized the necessity of open payment protocols, machine-readable merchant catalogs, and multi-party crypto custody to effectively scale agentic commerce, according to CoinDesk. These elements are seen as crucial for advancing the integration and scalability of digital commerce platforms, enabling more seamless and secure transactions in the evolving financial landscape.

ARK Invest forecasts that artificial intelligence (AI) agents could facilitate $8 trillion in online consumer spending by 2030, according to BeInCrypto. The firm's Big Ideas 2026 report predicts AI agents will account for nearly 25% of digital spending by 2030, up from 2% in 2025, as consumers increasingly rely on intelligent systems for purchasing decisions. The report also anticipates AI-powered search to grow from 10% of global search traffic in 2025 to 65% by 2030. Companies like Amazon Web Services and Solana Foundation are developing infrastructure to support AI-driven commerce.

According to Odaily, FOX journalist Charles Gasparino has revealed that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are enhancing their collaboration on the regulatory boundaries of prediction markets. The agencies have maintained a unified stance in recent investigations into unusual trading related to the Iran conflict.Gasparino noted that while prediction markets are generally perceived to be under the CFTC's jurisdiction, the SEC becomes significantly involved when prediction contracts could legally be classified as "securities." He also mentioned that beyond the currently public cases, regulatory bodies may initiate more enforcement actions concerning prediction markets in the future.

According to Odaily, CZ stated on the latest episode of the Crypto Banter podcast that during his clemency request process, he faced strong opposition and lobbying from some of his competitors among US centralized cryptocurrency exchanges.
CZ said, "The other crypto exchanges in the US don't want me to get a pardon," and claimed these competitors exerted pressure through lobbying during the relevant US procedures.

According to Cointelegraph, Strategy CEO Phong Le said the company will sell Bitcoin only under specific conditions: to fund the 11.5% dividend on its Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock (STRC) and to defer or offset taxes — and only when such sales are accretive to shareholders by increasing BTC per share. Le dismissed concerns over market impact, noting that Bitcoin's roughly $60 billion in daily trading volume can absorb the more than $1 billion in annual dividends Strategy owes. The comments follow remarks by co-founder Michael Saylor, who said during a Tuesday earnings call that the firm may sell BTC periodically to fund dividends, potentially without issuing new equity. Strategy holds 818,334 BTC, valued at over $66 billion.

Tether's asset interoperability protocol, USDT0, has disclosed details of its security architecture following the Kelp security incident. According to Odaily, the system currently employs a proprietary Decentralized Verification Network (DVN) with message veto power. It requires consensus from three independent validators using different codebases to achieve a 3/3 agreement before cross-chain messages can be settled. The current verification nodes include USDT0's proprietary DVN, LayerZero, and Canary, with plans to expand to 4/4 and 5/5 verification mechanisms.

USDT0 also stated that all multi-signature transactions undergo multiple reviews by internal teams, external security teams, and auditing firms before signing. The relevant contracts have been audited by Guardian and OpenZeppelin and are part of a $6 million bug bounty program on Immunefi.

Several protocols with a total value locked (TVL) of approximately $2 billion have announced their migration to Chainlink CCIP, according to ChainCatcher. This includes KelpDAO with $1.5 billion, SolvProtocol with $600 million, and re with $200 million.Currently, major assets still utilizing the LayerZero OFT standard include USDe/sUSDe from Ethena, weETH from Etherfi, USDT0 from Tether, thBILL from Theo, and WBTC from Bitgo. The specific migration progress will depend on announcements from the respective projects.LayerZero recently issued an apology for poor communication regarding a security incident over the past three weeks. The company acknowledged that its internal RPC was attacked by the Lazarus Group and admitted to mistakenly allowing LayerZero Labs DVN to act as a 1/1 verification node for high-value transactions, which posed a single-point risk.

South Korea's National Tax Service is set to pilot a program involving the custody of seized virtual assets by private crypto custodians. According to Foresight News, the tender for this initiative was announced on April 29, with a bidding deadline of May 12. The trial is expected to run until the end of this year. Major South Korean custodians such as KODA, KDAC, Hecto WalletOne, BDACS, and InfiniteBlock are preparing to participate. Despite the project's budget being approximately $5,800, industry experts view securing a reference case with the National Tax Service as symbolically significant.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has highlighted significant differences in how various age groups utilize ChatGPT. According to Odaily, older users often use it as a 'search engine replacement,' while those in their 20s and 30s view it more as a 'life advisor.' The younger Generation Z treats ChatGPT as an 'operating system,' showcasing a remarkable difference in interaction with AI, akin to the generational gap seen during the early adoption of smartphones. This generation engages deeply with ChatGPT through complex prompts, file integration, and memory functions, even consulting AI before making life decisions. A 2025 official report indicates that over one-third of U.S. users aged 18–24 are using ChatGPT.

Bitcoin maintained its position above $80,000 over the weekend, but analysts suggest that a short-term correction might still be underway. According to NS3.AI, experts believe Bitcoin could potentially retest levels below $80,000, with the $74,000-$75,000 range serving as a crucial support zone.

The ETF Store President Nate Geraci recently commented on the X platform regarding a speech by U.S. SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce. According to Odaily, Peirce mentioned that regulatory bodies are working to strike a balance between regulation and innovation.Geraci speculated that this statement might be related to prediction market ETFs, suggesting that such ETF products could be launched soon.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan has emphasized the strategic advantages of the Greater Bay Area in his recent essay. According to Odaily, Chan highlighted the region's capabilities in cutting-edge AI research, a comprehensive high-end manufacturing chain, and its status as an international financial hub. He stated that these 'AI+Manufacturing+Finance' strengths position Hong Kong to play two key roles during the '15th Five-Year Plan' period: industrial collaboration and regulatory alignment. This includes serving as an 'international interface' for emerging industries in the Bay Area and as a 'platform for exchange and conversion' between national and international standards.

Starknet and Arbitrum are preparing for significant token unlocks, with a combined value of approximately $20.9 million. According to NS3.AI, Starknet plans to release 130 million STRK tokens, while Arbitrum will unlock 95.87 million ARB tokens. These scheduled releases could introduce short-term supply pressure and lead to increased price volatility in the market.

Digital Asset Holdings LLC, known for its blockchain technology utilized by major banks and trading firms, is in the process of raising funds. According to Bloomberg, the company is seeking investment from a16z crypto, among others, at an approximate valuation of $2 billion.

The fundraising efforts highlight the ongoing interest in blockchain technology within the financial sector. Digital Asset Holdings LLC's blockchain is already in use by several prominent financial institutions, underscoring its significance in the industry. The involvement of a16z crypto, a well-known venture capital firm, indicates strong investor confidence in the company's potential and the broader blockchain market.

Goldman Sachs has revised its forecast for the next Federal Reserve rate cuts, now expecting them in December 2026 and March 2027, due to anticipated higher inflation levels, according to BeInCrypto. The bank's report suggests that energy cost pass-through will maintain core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation near 3% throughout 2026. This aligns with the International Monetary Fund's projection that core PCE will return to 2% only by early 2027. The delay in rate cuts could tighten liquidity for risk assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, impacting crypto valuations.

Michael Saylor has once again shared information regarding a Bitcoin tracker. According to Odaily, he may disclose data on additional Bitcoin acquisitions next week. Saylor commented, 'Back to work.'

Bitcoin's market capitalization has reached approximately $1.617 trillion, surpassing Tesla's valuation of $1.608 trillion, according to data from 8 Market. This development elevates Bitcoin to the 12th position in the global asset market value rankings. According to ChainCatcher, this marks a significant milestone for the cryptocurrency, highlighting its growing influence in the financial markets.

Ethereum's price fluctuations are poised to impact liquidation levels on major centralized exchanges. According to ChainCatcher, data from Coinglass indicates that if Ethereum's price falls below $2,211, the cumulative liquidation intensity for long positions across mainstream centralized exchanges could reach $588 million. Conversely, if Ethereum surpasses $2,430, the cumulative liquidation intensity for short positions could amount to $528 million.

Saudi Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser stated on the 10th that global oil supply has decreased by approximately 1 billion barrels over the past two months. According to Odaily, Nasser mentioned in a media interview that even if energy flows return to normal, the entire system will take time to stabilize.

Saudi Aramco emphasized the importance of the East-West pipeline as a crucial supply artery, which helps mitigate global energy shocks and provides some assurance to customers affected by shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korean investors have seen a significant decrease in their cryptocurrency holdings, according to data from the Bank of Korea submitted to the National Assembly. The holdings fell from 121.8 trillion won to 60.6 trillion won over the course of a year, marking a drop of more than 50%. According to NS3.AI, the average daily trading volume on the country's top five exchanges also saw a decline, falling from $11.6 billion in December 2024 to $3 billion in February this year. Additionally, Korean won deposits decreased from 10.7 trillion won to 7.8 trillion won.

In response to these changes, South Korean regulators are planning to implement stricter anti-money laundering rules in August. Furthermore, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced that a 22% tax on crypto gains will be enforced starting January 1, 2027. These regulatory measures are part of the government's efforts to tighten control over the cryptocurrency market and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

The United States has temporarily suspended Project Liberty, according to U.S. Energy Secretary Wright. The decision comes as discussions with Iran continue, with Wright expressing that reaching an agreement with Iran would be the most favorable outcome. According to NS3.AI, the pause in Project Liberty reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts and strategic considerations in the region.

Google has emerged as the leader among the Magnificent 7 in 2026, with its stock, GOOG, experiencing a significant increase of nearly 26% year-to-date. According to NS3.AI, the stock price climbed from approximately $273 at the end of March to nearly $400 in May, following a notable surge in April.

Market analysis suggests that Bitcoin may encounter increased pressure as the U.S. April Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is set to be released on May 12. According to Odaily, the latest forecast from the Cleveland Federal Reserve indicates that the U.S. April overall CPI may rise to 3.56% year-on-year, up from 3.3% in March. This could reinforce market expectations that the Federal Reserve may find it difficult to lower interest rates in the short term, thereby exerting pressure on Bitcoin and other risk assets.

Analysts note that although Bitcoin has remained strong following previous higher-than-expected inflation data releases, current market support has weakened compared to earlier periods. Particularly after Strategy halted Bitcoin purchases, institutional absorption capacity for new Bitcoin supply has decreased, potentially increasing market sensitivity to CPI data.

On the technical front, Bitcoin's daily chart is forming a classic "rising wedge" pattern. If the price falls below the critical support level of approximately $84,000, it may further decline towards the $70,000 area. Conversely, if it successfully breaks through the 200-day moving average resistance, it could open up an upward space between $90,000 and $95,000.

The floor price of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs has surged from approximately 5 ETH to 10 ETH over the past month, sparking optimism for a wider recovery in the NFT market. According to NS3.AI, this increase in value has coincided with a rise in ApeCoin trading volume. Yuga Labs CEO Michael Figge commented that blue-chip NFTs have been oversold, suggesting potential for further market growth.

Retail Bitcoin addresses holding less than 1 BTC have collectively added a net total of 23,074 BTC over the past 30 days, according to NS3.AI. Meanwhile, whale wallets, which hold more than 10,000 BTC, have increased their balances by 140,699 BTC. This marks the largest net growth for whale wallets in nearly two years, as noted by Murphy.

According to ChainCatcher, the prediction market Polymarket has observed a significant shift in the odds for the 'LoL: Kiwoom DRX vs. Hanwha Life Esports (BO3) - LCK Round 1-2' event. The sub-market option 'Both teams kill a dragon' saw its probability surge from 50% to 90% within an hour, marking a 40% fluctuation. Stakeholders are advised to consider the impact of this sudden change.

The U.S. has temporarily paused its 'Freedom Plan' initiative, according to Odaily. U.S. Energy Secretary Wright stated that reaching an agreement with Iran regarding the Hormuz Strait through negotiations is considered the best outcome.

Hyperliquid platform whales currently hold positions totaling $4.446 billion, according to ChainCatcher. Data from Coinglass reveals that long positions account for $2.149 billion, representing 48.32% of the total, while short positions make up $2.298 billion, or 51.68%. Long positions have seen profits of $55.8102 million, whereas short positions have incurred losses of $101 million.

A notable whale address, 0xa5b0..41, has taken a 15x leveraged long position on ETH at a price of $2,265.48, with unrealized profits currently standing at $2.3204 million.

Mozilla has resolved 423 security vulnerabilities in Firefox during April, following its access to the Claude Mythos Preview. According to NS3.AI, this achievement aligns with the number of fixes made over the previous 14 months, but accomplished within a single month. Mozilla reported that 271 of these bugs were addressed in Firefox 150, with 180 classified as high security risks. Among the disclosed issues was a 20-year-old XSLT reentrancy flaw.

The global cryptocurrency market cap now stands at $2.69T, up by 0.41% over the last day, according to CoinMarketCap data.Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading between $80,166 and $81,080 over the past 24 hours. As of 09:30 AM (UTC) today, BTC is trading at $80,820, up by 0.70%.Most major cryptocurrencies by market cap are trading mixed. Market outperformers include LAYER, PSG, and XEC, up by 56%, 37%, and 26%, respectively. Bitcoin Holds Above $80K as Strategy, Custody Pilots, and Cross-Chain Risk Shape SentimentBitcoin is trading near $80,820, up modestly on the day, while the broader market remains mixed. Strategy’s CEO narrowed the conditions under which the firm would sell from its 818,334 BTC balance sheet, reinforcing the corporate Bitcoin treasury narrative even as regulators and governments tighten the perimeter around crypto activity. South Korea’s custody pilot, Rwanda’s new virtual asset bill, and the LayerZero-to-Chainlink migration all point to a market where institutional scale now comes with stricter demands for governance, compliance, and security. South Korea's National Tax Service to Pilot Virtual Asset CustodyKey Takeaways:Government-backed crypto custody trialFive major Korean custodians competingSymbolic value outweighs modest budgetSummary:South Korea's National Tax Service has issued a tender for a pilot program that would delegate custody of seized virtual assets to private crypto custodians, with bids due by May 12 and the trial running through year-end. Leading domestic custodians including KODA, KDAC, Hecto WalletOne, BDACS, and InfiniteBlock are preparing to compete for the contract. Although the program carries a budget of just approximately $5,800, industry participants regard winning a reference case with the National Tax Service as a strategically important credential. The initiative marks a meaningful step toward formalizing government-aligned crypto asset management infrastructure in South Korea. Rwanda's Parliament Approves Virtual Asset Regulation BillKey Takeaways:Criminal penalties for unlicensed operatorsCapital Markets Authority as lead regulatorPresidential signature and gazette publication pendingSummary:Rwanda's lower house of parliament approved a virtual asset regulation bill on May 5, establishing a formal legal framework for crypto businesses that includes investor protection provisions and financial stability mandates. Unlicensed individuals operating virtual asset businesses face three to five years imprisonment and fines of 30–50 million Rwandan francs, while companies risk penalties of up to 100 million francs. The Capital Markets Authority will serve as the primary regulator in coordination with the National Bank of Rwanda. The bill still requires presidential assent and official gazette publication before taking effect, with detailed implementation guidelines to follow.Strategy CEO: Bitcoin Sales Limited to Dividend Payments and Tax Offsets Key Takeaways:BTC sales tied to dividend obligationsShareholder accretion as sale prerequisite818,334 BTC held at $66B+ valuationSummary:Strategy CEO Phong Le confirmed the firm will only sell Bitcoin under two narrowly defined conditions: to fund its 11.5% STRC preferred stock dividend and to offset tax liabilities, and only when doing so increases BTC per share. Le downplayed market impact concerns, pointing to Bitcoin's approximately $60 billion in daily trading volume as sufficient to absorb the company's $1 billion-plus annual dividend obligations. The disclosure follows co-founder Michael Saylor's comments suggesting periodic BTC sales may replace new equity issuance for dividend funding. With 818,334 BTC on its balance sheet, Strategy remains the largest corporate Bitcoin holder by a significant margin.Protocols Migrate to Chainlink CCIP Amid LayerZero ApologyKey Takeaways:$2B TVL migrating to Chainlink CCIPLazarus Group RPC attack confirmedSingle-point verification risk admittedSummary:Protocols representing approximately $2 billion in TVL — including KelpDAO ($1.5B), SolvProtocol ($600M), and re ($200M) — have announced migration from LayerZero to Chainlink's Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP), following a security incident that drew significant scrutiny. LayerZero issued a public apology acknowledging its internal RPC was compromised by the Lazarus Group and that it had erroneously permitted its own DVN to operate as a sole 1/1 verification node for high-value transactions, creating a critical single-point-of-failure risk. Several major assets including Ethena's USDe/sUSDe, Tether's USDT0, and Bitgo's WBTC remain on the LayerZero OFT standard, with their migration timelines subject to individual project decisions. The episode underscores persistent security and trust challenges in cross-chain infrastructure.Tether's USDT0 Protocol Reveals Security Architecture DetailsKey Takeaways:3/3 independent validator consensus required$6M Immunefi bug bounty program activeExpansion to 4/4 and 5/5 verification plannedSummary:Tether's USDT0 cross-chain interoperability protocol has released details of its security framework in the wake of the Kelp security incident, revealing a 3/3 consensus model requiring agreement from three independent validators — USDT0's proprietary DVN, LayerZero, and Canary — each operating on different codebases before cross-chain messages are settled. All multi-signature transactions undergo layered review by internal teams, external security auditors, and third-party firms, with contracts audited by Guardian and OpenZeppelin. The protocol is backed by a $6 million bug bounty program on Immunefi, and Tether has indicated plans to progressively strengthen the verification threshold to 4/4 and eventually 5/5. The disclosure positions USDT0 as proactively distancing itself from the single-point-of-failure vulnerabilities recently exposed in the LayerZero ecosystem. CFTC and SEC Strengthen Oversight Collaboration on Prediction Markets, Potentially Expanding Enforce Key Takeaways:Joint CFTC-SEC regulatory stanceSecurities classification trigger for SECPotential future enforcement expansionSummary:The CFTC and SEC are strengthening their inter-agency collaboration to clarify regulatory boundaries over prediction markets, with both bodies presenting a unified front in probes tied to unusual trading activity during the Iran conflict. While the CFTC holds primary jurisdiction over prediction markets, the SEC asserts authority when contracts meet the legal definition of securities. FOX journalist Charles Gasparino indicated the agencies may launch additional enforcement actions beyond those already made public. The development signals tightening regulatory scrutiny over prediction markets at a pivotal moment for the industry. The ETF Store President: Prediction Market ETFs May Be Launched Soon Key Takeaways:BTC sales tied to dividend obligationsShareholder accretion as sale prerequisite818,334 BTC held at $66B+ valuationSummary:Strategy CEO Phong Le confirmed the firm will only sell Bitcoin under two narrowly defined conditions: to fund its 11.5% STRC preferred stock dividend and to offset tax liabilities, and only when doing so increases BTC per share. Le downplayed market impact concerns, pointing to Bitcoin's approximately $60 billion in daily trading volume as sufficient to absorb the company's $1 billion-plus annual dividend obligations. The disclosure follows co-founder Michael Saylor's comments suggesting periodic BTC sales may replace new equity issuance for dividend funding. With 818,334 BTC on its balance sheet, Strategy remains the largest corporate Bitcoin holder by a significant margin.Market movers:ETH: $2329.01 (+0.68%)BNB: $651.05 (+0.30%)XRP: $1.4257 (+0.37%)SOL: $94.51 (+1.17%)TRX: $0.3495 (-0.63%)DOGE: $0.1088 (-0.87%)WBTC: $80615.09 (+0.71%)U: $0.9999 (-0.01%)ZEC: $606.69 (-1.23%)ADA: $0.2724 (-0.22%)

Iran has communicated its response to a proposal from the United States aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, utilizing Pakistan as the intermediary. According to NS3.AI, the Iranian government conveyed its stance through diplomatic channels, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. The details of Iran's response and the specifics of the U.S. proposal remain undisclosed, highlighting the sensitive nature of the negotiations. This development underscores the intricate diplomatic efforts involved in resolving international conflicts.

Social media mentions of 'altcoinseason' have surged to a three-month high, according to BeInCrypto, with Santiment data showing a significant increase in early May. Despite the renewed interest and notable rallies in several altcoins, Altcoin Vector warns that weak Ethereum (ETH) leadership could undermine the move. The OTHERS/BTC ratio is recovering, but the ETH/BTC ratio remains weak, breaking the typical rotation pattern where Ethereum leads altcoins higher. This divergence suggests altcoins may be prematurely front-running a rotation, potentially risking gains if Bitcoin weakens.

Large-scale financial movements have been detected on the prediction market Polymarket, according to ChainCatcher. A substantial investment was made in favor of Arsenal Football Club, with a single purchase amounting to $79,644.8. Based on the current transaction price, the latest implied probability of Arsenal's victory stands at 64%.

The market capitalization of the ETH chain ecosystem token LO0P has reached a new historical high, currently valued at $5.19 million. According to ChainCatcher, the token's price has surged more than 110 times within a single day. Investors are advised to be cautious due to the significant price volatility associated with this token.

Bitcoin is anticipated to reach its historical peak within the next 12 months, according to Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Asset Research at VanEck, during an interview with CNBC. According to ChainCatcher, Sigel highlighted that Bitcoin's correlation with the Nasdaq is nearing a five-year high, driven by the resilience of U.S. stocks. However, the derivatives market lacks clear optimism, with futures and options markets reflecting more short-covering and hedging needs. From a contrarian perspective, this suggests potential for continued market momentum.

Sigel also noted that a central bank has announced the inclusion of Bitcoin in its foreign exchange reserves this year, indicating Bitcoin's gradual shift towards being a global asset for large-scale cross-border transaction settlements. He views this as a significant trend. In terms of investment direction, Sigel is optimistic about Bitcoin's market share growth and the benefits for Bitcoin mining companies from the integration of AI trends. He mentioned that mining companies are becoming key beneficiaries of AI infrastructure, and as AI business grows, the pressure on miners to sell Bitcoin for fundraising is decreasing.

Additionally, Sigel believes that the potential passage of the CLARITY Act could reignite interest in the altcoin market, although institutional investors remain cautious about most altcoins due to regulatory and investor protection concerns.

Iran's Supreme Leader has issued new military directives emphasizing the need for ongoing operations and maintaining a strong position against adversaries. According to NS3.AI, this guidance was communicated during a meeting with Commander Abdullahi.

Iranian Armed Forces Central Command Commander Abdollahi met with Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. According to Odaily, during the meeting, Supreme Leader Khamenei provided new directives to Commander Abdollahi to continue operations and firmly counter adversaries.

Dan Levine, a partner at venture capital firm Accel, is set to gradually step back from his frontline duties. According to Odaily, Levine gained attention for leading early investments in notable startups such as Scale AI and Vercel. He has been a key member of Accel's growth investment team. Accel has also made several investments in the crypto and Web3 sectors, including companies like OpenFX, which focuses on stablecoin cross-border transactions, Pave Bank, a programmable banking platform, and Public, a multi-asset investment platform.

Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin, announced it will release its first-quarter financial results on May 11 before the U.S. stock market opens. According to Odaily, a conference call to discuss the financial outcomes and business progress is scheduled for 20:00 UTC+8 on the same day.

Market expectations for Q1 revenue are approximately $715 million, reflecting a 7% decrease from the $770 million reported in Q4 2025, but an 11% increase year-over-year. The anticipated GAAP earnings per share (EPS) is $0.18, with an adjusted EPS forecast of $0.27. Analysts have set an average price target of $144.36. Oppenheimer maintains a buy rating with a target price of $152, while Needham also maintains a buy rating but has lowered its target price from $190 to $130. Circle's current market capitalization is reported at $28.1 billion, with a stock price of $113.67.