Latest news with #Crypto
Int'l Business Times
14 hours ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Zircuit Enables Non-Custodial Wallet Top-Ups for Crypto.com Visa Cards
Chainwire George Town, Grand Cayman, May 30th, 2025, Chainwire Zircuit, the chain where innovation meets security, announced the launch of non-custodial wallet top-ups for Visa Cards. This new integration enables users to seamlessly fund their cards via Zircuit. Now live in the App, this feature allows users to connect a non-custodial wallet to their Crypto Wallet and transfer ZRC via Zircuit Chain. Users can convert the assets into supported tokens like USDC or ETH as needed to complete the top-up process. This makes it easier than ever to spend crypto wherever Visa is accepted. 'At Zircuit, we're committed to expanding the possibilities of crypto in the real world,' said Dr. Martin Derka, co-founder of Zircuit. 'This integration with brings us one step closer to that future, offering users the freedom of self-custody and the convenience of everyday spending.' How it works: Users connect their non-custodial wallet to the Crypto Wallet in the App via Zircuit Chain. Funds are sent directly from the connected wallet, converted to fiat, and used to top up the Visa Card If needed, assets are auto-converted to supported tokens like USDC or ETH. Users can visit for step-by-step instructions or access the FAQ for more information. About Zircuit Zircuit: Where innovation meets security, designed for everyone. Zircuit offers developers powerful features while giving users peace of mind. Designed by a team of web3 security veterans and PhDs, Zircuit combines high performance with unmatched security. Experience the safest chain for DeFi and staking. To learn more about Zircuit, users can visit and follow them on Twitter/X @ZircuitL2 Contact Head of Communications Jennifer Zheng Zircuit jen@ © Copyright Chainwire. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Detective assigned to NYC Mayor Eric Adams' security detail allegedly dropped off victim in crypto kidnapping case, sources say
A New York City Police detective assigned to Mayor Eric Adams' security detail will be questioned in relation to a bizarre crypto currency kidnapping and torture plot after he allegedly delivered the victim to his tormentors, according to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the case. It is not clear if the detective had any knowledge or any role in the multiple assaults, officials said, adding that is a key question that investigators are trying to answer. The investigation comes after two people, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, were charged in the case. Prosecutors said they were involved in holding a 28-year-old wealthy Italian cryptocurrency trader hostage for several weeks as part of a violent scheme to obtain his Bitcoin password, the Manhattan District Attorney said. The victim, who has not been named by investigators, was ultimately able to escape. Both men have pleaded not guilty. Duplessie's attorney declined to comment on the case. CNN has reached out to Woeltz's attorney for comment. Investigators learned that the detective, who picked up the victim on May 6 from John F. Kennedy International Airport, was working 'off-duty employment' providing security for Woeltz, a Crypto entrepreneur, sources said. The detective was contacted by NYPD's Internal Affairs Bureau and has been placed on 'modified assignment,' meaning his badge and guns have been taken and he is assigned to administrative duties as the investigation into the plot continues. A second detective, assigned to the Narcotics Division, was also placed on modified assignment as part of the same investigation, according to the officials. Investigators also do not know whether that detective had any awareness of the plot or involvement in it. The union representing the detectives declined to comment. Two members of the NYPD were placed on modified duty Wednesday, an NYPD spokesperson told the Associated Press. CNN has reached out to the mayor's office and the NYPD for more information. Adams' office confirmed one of the detectives provides security detail for the mayor, but said the mayor has no knowledge of what the officer does on his personal time, the Associated Press reported. 'Every city employee is expected to follow the law, including our officers, both on and off duty,' the mayor's office told the Associated Press. 'We are disturbed by these allegations.' Prosecutors say the victim in the kidnapping plot was tortured for days, threatened to be killed and at one point dangled over a railing if he did not give up his Bitcoin password. When the victim refused, he was subjected to beatings that included but were 'not limited to,' using electric wires to shock him, pointing a firearm at his head and using that firearm to strike him in the head, they said. The two men also bound the victim's wrists and said they would have his family killed, according to the district attorney. Both detectives being questioned in relation to the case were apparently hired through a private security and investigation company run by a retired NYPD sergeant, sources told CNN. The NYPD had no record of either detective applying for, or being approved for, off duty employment, the process by which an NYPD employee can pick up other work outside the department, law enforcement sources told CNN. Officials briefed on the investigation are considering several questions, including if the detectives have any knowledge or any role in the multiple assaults.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Markets Are Stalling, Liquidity Is Tightening — And Solana Could Be The First Domino To Fall
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Despite being a top-six cryptocurrency by market capitalization, Solana has notably underperformed during the recent altcoin recovery phase. Technical analysis reveals concerning patterns that suggest the asset may be entering a period of exhaustion, potentially making it vulnerable to significant downside if broader cryptocurrency liquidity begins to flow out of the market. Solana established a significant low of $95 in April 2024 before embarking on a substantial rally that peaked at $187 last week—representing a 97% gain from the cycle low. However, this impressive percentage move masks underlying technical weakness that has become increasingly apparent when compared to peer altcoins. Don't Miss: — no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies. Grow your IRA or 401(k) with Crypto – . While Solana's absolute gains appear substantial, the asset has conspicuously lagged behind the broader altcoin recovery. This relative weakness is particularly notable given Solana's position as one of the largest cryptocurrencies by market cap and its historically strong correlation with altcoin momentum cycles. Understanding the Three-Drive Formation The daily chart reveals a classic three-drive pattern—a technical formation that often signals the end of a trending move. This pattern consists of three successive higher highs, each accompanied by diminishing momentum and follow-through. Key characteristics observed: Three distinct peaks taking out previous daily highs Failure to sustain bullish momentum with strong closing prices Decreasing volume and conviction on each successive high Lack of meaningful breakout beyond the established range Three-drive patterns are considered exhaustion signals because they demonstrate: Diminishing buying pressure – Each new high requires more effort to achieve Seller absorption – Market participants begin taking profits at higher levels Momentum divergence – Price makes new highs while underlying strength weakens Stronger Performers Show Different Characteristics A comparative analysis with other major altcoins reveals Solana's relative weakness: SUI, TAO, and XMR Performance Metrics: Demonstrated willingness to trade at higher levels consistently Successfully retraced to above 50% of their respective weekly ranges Showed sustained momentum following breakout attempts Maintained stronger relative strength ratios Solana's Contrasting Behavior: Failed to maintain positions above key weekly range levels Showed immediate weakness following new highs Demonstrated poor follow-through on upside attempts Trending: New to crypto? on Coinbase. Important Clarification on Solana's Value Proposition This technical analysis should not be interpreted as a fundamental critique of Solana's underlying value or technology. The network continues to demonstrate: High transaction throughput and low fees Growing developer activity and ecosystem expansion Significant institutional adoption and integration Strong use cases in DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications Technical Patterns vs. Long-term Fundamentals The current technical weakness represents a short-to-medium term market sentiment issue rather than a fundamental deterioration of the protocol's value proposition. However, in volatile crypto markets, technical factors often drive price action regardless of underlying fundamentals. Potential Downside Scenarios If the broader altcoin market experiences liquidity outflows, Solana's current technical position suggests several concerning possibilities: Amplified Downside: Given its relative weakness, Solana may experience disproportionate selling pressure Support Level Tests: The April low of $95 could come back into play as a critical support level Momentum Reversal: The three-drive pattern often precedes significant trend reversals Broader Market Context The cryptocurrency market remains highly correlated, meaning: Individual altcoin weakness can spread to the broader sector Liquidity flows tend to move in waves across the ecosystem Technical breakdowns in major assets like Solana can trigger broader risk-off sentiment For Current Holders Risk Management: Consider position sizing and stop-loss levels given technical warning signs Time Horizon: Distinguish between short-term technical concerns and long-term fundamental outlook Portfolio Diversification: Avoid over-concentration in assets showing relative weakness For Potential Investors Entry Strategy: Current levels may not represent optimal entry points given technical setup Patience Premium: Waiting for clearer technical signals or fundamental catalysts may be prudent Comparative Analysis: Consider allocation to altcoins showing stronger relative performance Solana's current technical picture presents a compelling case for caution despite the asset's strong fundamental positioning. The three-drive exhaustion pattern, combined with relative underperformance compared to peer altcoins, suggests that SOL may be vulnerable to significant downside if market conditions deteriorate. While this analysis doesn't diminish Solana's long-term value proposition or technological merits, it highlights the importance of technical analysis in timing market exposure. Investors should carefully weigh these technical warning signs against their investment timeline and risk tolerance. The cryptocurrency market's inherent volatility means that technical patterns like these often resolve quickly and decisively. Whether Solana can break out of this concerning setup or succumb to the suggested exhaustion will likely become clear in the coming weeks, making this a critical period for SOL holders and potential investors to monitor closely. Read Next: A must-have for all crypto enthusiasts: . Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article Markets Are Stalling, Liquidity Is Tightening — And Solana Could Be The First Domino To Fall originally appeared on Sign in to access your portfolio
UPI
3 days ago
- Business
- UPI
Trump withdraws Biden-era policy on warning against cryptocurrency 401(k) retirement investing
1 of 2 | The policy shift arrived as U.S. President Donald Trump (seen March 7 at a Digital Assets (Crypto) Summit at the White House in Washington, D.C.) has enthusiastically embraced the crypto world while the Trump's crypto wealth has ballooned on paper through his own meme coin and as his two eldest sons pursue other crypto-related business ventures amid calls for Ethics Investigations. File Photo by Chris Kleponis/UPI | License Photo May 28 (UPI) -- The Trump administration on Wednesday revoked Biden-era guidance on cryptocurrency-related 401 (k) plans and other digital assets. President Donald Trump's U.S. Labor Department withdrew full guidance put in place in 2022 by then-President Joe Biden's administration. It advised American companies to exercise "extreme care" prior to allowing crypto-related retirement investments as an option for employees. It cited "serious concern" over the level of negative exposure for investors given reports of "significant risks of fraud, theft and loss" and with crpyto linked to ISIS and other acts of international terrorism. Now, the department says it's "neither endorsing, nor disapproving of" employers who opt to add cryptocurrency to a list of 401 (k) investments, adding that Trump's policy change will extend to a "wide range" of other digital assets such as tokens, coins, crypto assets "and any derivatives thereof." On Wednesday, U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the Biden White House attempted to "put their thumb on the scale" to discourage crypto investing. Trump's Labor Department said in a compliance assistance bulletin that prior to Biden's 2022 guidance, the department had "usually articulated a neutral approach to particular investment types and strategies." "We're making it clear that investment decisions should be made by fiduciaries, not DC bureaucrats," the secretary posted to social media. It said a standard of "extreme care" cited by Biden's Labor Department was reportedly "not found" in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA, which gives a fiduciary duty to employers that oversee 401(k) investments. "In reality, it's saying we should treat crypto like any other asset," Philip Chao, a certified financial planner and retirement investment consultant, told CNBC. The shift arrived as the White House has exuberantly embraced the crypto industry while the president's crypto wealth has ballooned on paper through his own meme coin and as his two eldest sons pursue other crypto-related business ventures amid calls for ethics investigations. Last month, the U.S. Department of Justice ended its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team and redirected focus away from targeting crypto fraud. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said DOJ will "no longer pursue litigation or enforcement actions that have the effect of superimposing regulatory frameworks on digital assets" as Trump allegedly has "actual regulators do this work outside the punitive criminal justice framework." On Tuesday, Trump's Truth Social platform announced its plans to establish a $2.5 billion "bitcoin Treasury." Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance was scheduled Wednesday to deliver a keynote address at a bitcoin conference in Las Vegas. Chao, founder of Experiential Wealth in Cabin John, Md., says crypto is "such a new thing and there's no regulation or protection, even a reasonable understanding of it." "And there still isn't enough," Chao stated.
Finextra
3 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Trump Media raises $2.5bn to buy bitcoin
Donald Trump's media company says it is raising $2.5 billion from institutional investors to build a bitcoin reserve. 0 Shares in Trump Media and Technology Group fell around 10% on the news. The deal with around 50 investors includes $1.5 billion in common stock and $1 billion in convertible notes, the proceeds of which will be used to create a bitcoin treasury. and Anchorage Digital will provide custody for Trump Media's Bitcoin treasury. Devin Nunes, CEO, Trump Media, says: "We view Bitcoin as an apex instrument of financial freedom, and now Trump Media will hold cryptocurrency as a crucial part of our assets. "Our first acquisition of a crown jewel asset, this investment will help defend our Company against harassment and discrimination by financial institutions, which plague many Americans and US firms, and will create synergies for subscription payments, a utility token, and other planned transactions across Truth Social and Truth+." Trump's embrace of crypto has helped bitcoin's valuation push the $100,000 mark recently. The president has outlined plans for the government to build a 'Strategic Bitcoin Reserve' and a separate 'US Digital Asset Stockpile'. Last week, 220 investors in his $Trump memecoin were invited to a dinner with the President at a luxury golf club in northern Virginia.
