Crypto Signals Daily

Crypto investment products saw robust inflows of $785 million last week, fully reversing this year’s outflows and demonstrating renewed institutional interest despite a broader altcoin pullback amid macro volatility. Meanwhile, the US Senate advanced the landmark GENIUS stablecoin regulation bill, fueling optimism for clearer industry rules, and anticipation builds for Trump’s upcoming memecoin dinner as part of ongoing crypto-political engagement.

Business & Market Moves

🐮 Crypto investment products rebound as M&A activity rises

Crypto investment products experienced a strong rebound last week, recording $785 million in inflows and bringing year-to-date totals to $7.5 billion. This marks a full recovery from nearly $7 billion in outflows earlier this year. At the same time, crypto M&A activity is on the rise, with several acquisitions announced last week, indicating heightened deal activity in the sector. Together, these trends reflect renewed investor confidence and growing consolidation within the crypto industry.

🐻 Altcoins drop as US credit rating cut sparks macro volatility

Altcoins are retreating and digital assets are expected to consolidate sideways with increased volatility after last week's Moody's downgrade of the US credit rating, according to a BRN analyst.

🐮 Revolut plans major investment and license bid in France

Revolut, a European neobank with crypto support, will invest over $1.1 billion in France and seek a local banking license, signaling confidence in the French market and regulatory environment.

💡 Paypal details crypto strategy and future vision

Paypal's crypto lead Jose Fernandez da Ponte shares insights on the company's overall crypto strategy and its vision for the future of payments. The discussion highlights Paypal's approach to digital assets and their role in evolving payment systems.

💡 Franklin uses blockchain to offer yield on idle payroll funds

Franklin launches Payroll Treasury Yield, a blockchain-based solution allowing businesses to earn yield on idle payroll funds. The initiative aims to optimize cash management by leveraging blockchain lending protocols for payroll reserves.

🐮 SOON rollup announces major airdrop after NFT raise and mainnet launch

SOON, an Ethereum Layer 2 using the Solana Virtual Machine, will airdrop 80 million tokens to eligible users, early supporters, and NFT holders following a $22 million NFT raise and mainnet launch.

Exchange & Platform Updates

💡 Bybit resolves apple KYC glitch and recovers $100k for user

Bybit quickly addressed a technical issue with its Apple-based KYC system that affected a single user, involving executive intervention to recover $100,000. The exchange emphasized its commitment to customer security and prompt resolution of technical problems.

💡 What to expect at Trump's memecoin dinner

Donald Trump is set to host up to 220 top buyers of his memecoin at a private event in Washington, DC on May 22. The exact attendee count remains unconfirmed.

Regulation & Legislation

💡 Senate advances GENIUS Act stablecoin bill amid debate and industry optimism

The US Senate has advanced the GENIUS Act, a major stablecoin regulation bill, overcoming a key procedural hurdle despite resistance from some Senate Democrats. The legislation, which has gained bipartisan attention and support from Senator Warner, is set for a final vote that could soon make it law. Crypto industry leaders and senators have celebrated the bill's progress, calling it a historic step with the potential to strengthen US dollar dominance and clarify crypto regulation. Meanwhile, SEC Commissioner Crenshaw has criticized the agency's current approach to crypto oversight, underscoring ongoing regulatory debate in Washington.

💡 Dubai's Vara updates rulebook for crypto margin trading

Dubai's Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has strengthened its controls on crypto margin trading and refreshed its rulebook for digital asset trading. The update aims to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure safer trading practices in Dubai's crypto market.

💡 Paul Atkins highlights SEC limbo for crypto markets

Paul Atkins, in one of his first speeches as SEC chair, addressed regulatory concerns facing the crypto industry, emphasizing the uncertainty that has left markets in limbo. Other SEC officials have also commented on the agency's evolving approach to crypto regulation.

Security & Crime

💡 Trump's crypto business partners leave clients behind

A Reuters investigation reveals how Donald Trump's crypto business partners abandoned previous clients, raising concerns about their business practices and the impact on those left in the lurch.

🐻 Binance's former Russia head arrested for alleged fraud

Vladimir Smerkis, ex-head of Binance's Russia division and Blum co-founder, has been arrested in Russia in connection with a large-scale criminal fraud case, according to local media reports. Details on the allegations remain limited.

💡 DOJ investigates Coinbase data breach involving insider access

The US Department of Justice is probing a data breach at Coinbase, reportedly involving customer service agents in India who accepted bribes to grant criminals access to user data. Coinbase is cooperating with authorities as the investigation unfolds.

💡 Binance seeks arbitration for securities class suit members

Binance has requested a US federal judge to move all members of a class-action lawsuit, which alleges the sale of securities, into arbitration, arguing the group waived class action rights.

💡 Europol dismantles illegal crypto cash network

Europol has busted a group providing illegal hawala banking, cash collection, courier services, and cryptocurrency-to-cash exchanges for criminals, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat crypto-enabled financial crime in Europe.

💡 Immunefi launches elite whitehat program as bybit hack highlights security risks

Immunefi has launched its 'All Stars' program, featuring 10 top-tier researchers, in response to rising onchain losses and the record $1.4 billion Bybit hack. The initiative starts with LonelySloth, who has earned $3.6 million on Immunefi.

🐻 Genesis sues DCG over $3.1 billion in alleged fraud and asset transfers

Genesis has filed a lawsuit against DCG and CEO Barry Silbert, seeking to recover over $3.1 billion. The suit alleges fraud, self-dealing, and improper asset transfers between the companies.

🐻 South Korean actor Hwang Jung-Eum faces backlash over $3 million crypto embezzlement

Hwang Jung-eum admitted to using $3 million in company funds to invest in crypto, resulting in her removal from a TV show and loss of brand endorsements. The scandal has sparked significant public and industry backlash.

Analyses

💡 Haowang Guarantee shutdown seen as limited blow to crypto scams

Chainalysis reports that the closure of illicit marketplace Haowang Guarantee has not fundamentally disrupted the broader network of crypto scammers, suggesting only a limited impact on crypto scam activity.

💡 Community sales reshape crypto fundraising

A new trend in crypto fundraising is emerging as community sales change how Web3 projects launch and who can invest early, according to Darius Moukhtarzadeh of 21Shares. This approach could redefine early-stage investment access in the crypto space.

💡 Who's got the charm, cash and code to be a crypto hub

Kazakhstan, the Maldives and Pakistan are making moves to become crypto hubs, aiming to expand their digital economies. These nations, not traditionally seen as global crypto leaders, are now vying for a spot among top destinations for digital asset innovation.