Ripple Acquires Hidden Road in $1.25B Prime Brokerage Deal
Ripple has announced its acquisition of prime brokerage Hidden Road for a substantial $1.25 billion, marking a significant transaction within the digital asset sector. This acquisition positions Ripple as the pioneering cryptocurrency firm to manage a global, multi-asset prime brokerage. Hidden Road, which processes an impressive $3 trillion annually, serves over 300 financial institutions. This strategic move not only enhances Ripple’s service offerings but also increases the utility of its RLUSD stablecoin and transitions Hidden Road’s post-trade functions to the XRPL (XRP Ledger). By bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance, the acquisition aims to bolster institutional adoption, pending regulatory approval.
DOJ Suggests Major Crypto Policy Shift
The United States Department of Justice has disbanded its National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Team (NCET), following instructions from President Trump. The DOJ’s new focus will be on prosecuting individuals who defraud crypto investors, rather than targeting exchanges or services like mixers. Established in 2021, the unit was involved in significant cases, including those related to Tornado Cash and cyberattacks from North Korea. This strategic shift aligns with Trump’s broader aim to reduce regulations surrounding cryptocurrency, positioning the U.S. as a global frontrunner in digital asset innovation.
Supreme Court Approves Venezuelan Deportations Under 1798 Law
In a narrow 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court has sided with the Trump administration, permitting the deportation of Venezuelans allegedly linked to the Tren de Aragua gang under the historic Alien Enemies Act. While deportations may recommence, individuals detained can still contest their detention legally. Critics, including Justice Sotomayor, have voiced concerns over due process implications. This ruling represents a legal victory for Trump’s immigration policies but leaves several constitutional issues unaddressed, with civil rights organizations poised to continue challenging the law’s application in non-conflict scenarios.
Bitcoin Rainbow Chart: What Next For BTC Price?
Currently, Bitcoin is positioned within the green-yellow zone of the Rainbow Chart, indicating it is still in the “HODL” to “Still Cheap” phase. This suggests that Bitcoin is not yet overvalued and has potential for further growth. Historically, when Bitcoin enters this zone, it often transitions towards the orange-red areas, which typically indicate an impending price increase. Should past trends hold true, Bitcoin could be on track to reach $100,000 or more in the upcoming months. However, investors should remain vigilant for volatility prior to any significant price movements.
When Will XRP ETF Launch in the US?
The first XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States, introduced by Teucrium, is anticipated to debut on April 7, 2025. This leveraged product aims to provide double the daily performance of XRP through the use of swaps instead of direct token exposure. Tailored for short-term trading, this ETF resets daily and is best suited for experienced traders who are well-versed in market volatility and the inherent risks associated with compounding.
FARTCOIN Eyes Breakout as Price Recovers 93% Losses
FARTCOIN has rebounded from a low of $0.40, forming a bullish engulfing candle and closing above $0.60, which defies the overall market downturn. Positive technical indicators, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD), reveal bullish divergences that support this upward trend. Analysts speculate that the token is currently in an A-B-C corrective wave, with wave C underway. A breakout above the $0.60 mark could propel the price towards $0.82 or even as high as $1.12–$1.16. Nonetheless, given the prevailing long-term bearish trend, a reversal may occur after reaching these price targets.
Crypto Lawyer Sues U.S. Homeland Security to Uncover Satoshi Nakamoto’s Identity
James Murphy, a crypto attorney, has initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, seeking the release of any information regarding the identity of Bitcoin’s elusive creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Murphy’s lawsuit aims to promote transparency concerning whether the government possesses knowledge of Nakamoto’s identity, amidst ongoing speculation and mystery surrounding the creator of the pioneering cryptocurrency.
North Korea’s Lazarus Group Laundered $1.2B Through THORChain After Bybit Hack
John-Paul Thorbjornsen, the founder of THORChain and the creator of the Vultisig wallet, is facing scrutiny as North Korea’s Lazarus Group reportedly laundered $1.2 billion in stolen cryptocurrency through THORChain following the $1.4 billion hack of Bybit. Despite requests from the FBI, THORChain opted not to halt these transactions, earning over $12 million in fees. Critics have raised concerns about the protocol’s decentralization, highlighting instances of centralized control. Thorbjornsen has denied ongoing control but continues to promote Vultisig, which generated revenue from the laundered funds and is set to launch its own token, VULT, on April 16.
XRP ETF Momentum Surges as SEC Settlement Sparks Institutional Race
The introduction of the first leveraged XRP ETF in the U.S. signifies a pivotal moment, particularly following the SEC’s decision not to contest its case against Ripple. This development has heightened optimism for the approval of a spot XRP ETF, with prediction markets estimating an 87% likelihood of approval by 2025. Major investment firms, including Grayscale and Franklin Templeton, are now racing to introduce XRP-backed ETFs. Ripple’s $50 million settlement with the SEC eliminates years of uncertainty, stimulating institutional interest and potentially triggering bullish price movements.
Strategy Faces $5.9B Loss Amid Bitcoin Price Crash
Strategy, previously known as MicroStrategy, appears to have incurred significant losses in early 2025 due to a 12% drop in Bitcoin prices. Despite acquiring additional Bitcoin—holding a total of 528,185 BTC valued at approximately $43.5 billion—the company recorded a $5.9 billion decrease in value. With over $8.2 billion in debt and substantial interest and dividend obligations, Strategy’s financial health is heavily reliant on Bitcoin’s market performance. Its software division is not currently profitable, and if Bitcoin prices decline further, the company may have to liquidate assets at a loss to fulfill its financial commitments. The company has recently undergone a rebranding to emphasize its Bitcoin-centric strategy.
Binance Delisting 14 Altcoins
Binance, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is set to delist 14 tokens from its platform on April 16, 2025, following its inaugural community vote. The tokens slated for removal include BADGER, BAL, BETA, CREAM, among others. This decision has triggered a decline in the value of many of these tokens, with some experiencing drops between 25% and 35%. The action is based on community feedback and Binance’s routine evaluation process to ensure the quality and compliance of listed tokens. Users are encouraged to take necessary measures before the impending delisting date.
Trump-Linked WLFI to Airdrop USD1 Stablecoin in Live Test
World Liberty Fi (WLFI), a cryptocurrency initiative associated with Trump, is preparing to conduct a test airdrop of its USD1 stablecoin to WLFI token holders. The USD1 stablecoin is backed by U.S. Treasuries and safeguarded by BitGo, with transfer tests being conducted on the Ethereum and BNB Chain networks via Wintermute. This airdrop is intended to validate WLFI’s distribution mechanism ahead of a more extensive rollout. While the exact amounts to be distributed are yet to be revealed, eligibility will primarily favor presale investors. Additionally, WLFI’s $550 million fundraising efforts are under scrutiny, with $390 million reportedly linked to a Trump-affiliated entity, amid increasing regulatory investigations.
Hyperliquid Crypto Surges 17%, Climbs to #26 Amid Market Recovery
Hyperliquid (HYPE) has experienced a notable 17.74% increase in the past 24 hours, now trading at $12.06. The cryptocurrency’s market capitalization has reached $4.03 billion, with trading volumes surging over 40% to $223.89 million. Currently ranked #26, HYPE is generating significant momentum as the overall cryptocurrency market displays signs of recovery.
Crypto Market Today
Today, cryptocurrency prices have rallied, driven by positive investor sentiment, increasing institutional demand, and favorable macroeconomic indicators. Despite a sharp dip of 5.5%, Bitcoin has rebounded to nearly $80,000. Approximately $1.5 billion in bullish crypto options was traded—the highest volume seen in 2025—raising concerns about sustained pressure in the options market. Altcoins such as Solana and Cardano spearheaded gains, fueling optimism for a bull market. Traders are closely monitoring the upcoming U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for further guidance on market direction.
