FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity. FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity. FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity. FINTRAC says it rigorously polices the money services sector, has issued more than $200 million in fines, and is monitoring crypto activity. “Instant buying and selling of digital currencies,” it promises on its website, though the shop is not in the federal registry of authorized crypto businesses. Registration is a requirement meant to deter money laundering and terrorist financing. Over the last year and a half, more than $200 million worth of digital currencies has moved through a virtual wallet used by Million Exchange. In two of those transactions last year, the wallet received more than $588,000 worth of crypto from an account allegedly tied to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada has designated as a terrorist organization. Along Yonge Street, from North York up into Richmond Hill, more than 30 other unauthorized crypto shops have been openly clamouring for crypto customers and blatantly flouting Canadian laws, the Star has found. Money services have proliferated in Persian community hubs on Yonge since the Canadian government's prohibitions and banking policies targeting the Iranian regime made direct money transfers to that country nearly impossible. But community advocates have long raised concerns that bad actors may exploit some of the businesses to evade the Canadian government's sanctions. A joint investigation by the Toronto Star and the ICIJ reveals that more than 30 crypto shops on Yonge Street are flouting Canadian law, with some digital wallets allegedly linked to Iran-backed terror groups. As part of an ongoing investigation, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the Star obtained crypto wallet addresses used by Million Exchange and another Yonge Street exchange from Crystal Intelligence, a firm that offers tools to track suspicious crypto transactions. Tracing the movement of cryptocurrency is tough without obtaining a crypto wallet address — the equivalent of a bank account number — used by an exchange to conduct its business. A spokesperson for Million Exchange told the Star that, for safety and security reasons, the company does not own any wallets, and that the wallet in question is controlled by another company that helps Million Exchange settle payments. Million Exchange said it follows Canadian regulations, but did not answer detailed questions about the transactions reviewed by the Star. Lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz says he has raised concerns with Canadian lawmakers that the Iranian regime may be using Toronto businesses to evade sanctions. The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) said it is aware of the issues raised by the Star/ICIJ investigation and “has taken, and will continue to take, aggressive action to combat illicit cryptocurrency activity.” Over the past three years, FINTRAC has issued a total of nearly $205 million in penalties to 17 money services businesses for failing to register, providing incomplete or inaccurate information, and failing to report suspicious transactions, among other violations, a spokesperson said. FINTRAC did not address questions about specific businesses alleged to be violating the law. Registration formally brings a business under FINTRAC's rules and oversight, though it does not indicate that the regulator endorses the business. In its effort to regulate unruly virtual currencies, FINTRAC requires registrants to report certain transactions and follow compliance and staff training guidelines. But spokesperson Mélanie Goulette Nadon said FINTRAC does not solely rely on this reporting. FINTRAC said it can access a registrant's crypto wallet addresses and if, warranted, issue monetary penalties. Toronto lawyer Kaveh Shahrooz, who advocates for human rights in Iran, says he has repeatedly raised concerns with Canadian lawmakers that people connected to the Iranian regime may be using Toronto businesses to bring illicit funds into Canada, in violation of sanctions. “What you're describing is very easy to shut down or very easy to investigate, but as far as I know no one's doing it.” Richard Sanders, an expert in crypto-to-cash businesses, said he gave FINTRAC data on unauthorized crypto businesses he believed were operating in Canada and wonders why the agency has not already taken action against them. For a country in the Five Eyes international intelligence alliance, “This is absolutely preposterous,” he said. In late February, the United States and Israel launched an offensive against Iran, a conflict that has since rippled across the Middle East. The country's alleged buildup of its nuclear program has also unsettled western powers. Canada imposed its own sanctions starting in 2010, aimed at cutting off the money Iran needed to access uranium and ballistic missile technology. Just a few years later, Canadian authorities learned of troubling allegations that sanctions evasion was well underway. In October 2014, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) informed the RCMP that foreign currency exchanges in north Toronto strip malls were part of an alleged transnational money laundering and narco-terror network, according to reporting by Global News. The RCMP then probed at least two exchanges and their owners for allegedly laundering money and helping the Iranian regime skirt sanctions via their storefronts on Yonge Street. Cameron Ortis, 51, led the RCMP's Operations Research group, which assembled classified information on cybercriminals, terror cells and Cameron Ortis, 51, led the RCMP's Operations Research group, which assembled classified information on cybercriminals, terror cells and Farzam Mehdizadeh, owner of one of the exchanges, left Canada for Iran in 2017 and did not return to face trial for his alleged involvement in a $100-million money laundering scheme linked to international organized crime and terrorism financing. He remains wanted and his whereabouts is unknown, the RCMP said. The Mounties' probe into another Yonge Street exchange, Rosco Trading International, did not result in any charges from Canadian authorities. But Rosco's president, vice president and an employee were charged in the U.S. in 2020 with allegedly running a scheme to evade American sanctions. The prosecution alleged Rosco was part of an international network that facilitated transactions on behalf of the Iran regime for well over a decade. “They are unprosecuted and unproven,” Gavin Tighe told the Star. He said that neither his clients nor the company were accused of any wrongdoing by Canadian authorities. When asked about unauthorized crypto stores in Toronto, the RCMP said it is working with domestic and international partners to monitor threats in the crypto-to-cash sector but declined to comment on “potential or ongoing investigations.” This shop on Yonge Street is not in the federal registry of authorized crypto businesses. Experts say the exchanges previously investigated by police revealed a problem that Canadian authorities have struggled to contain. Even $10,000 slipping through can cause serious harm, said Jessica Davis, an expert in illicit financing. “Terrorist attacks don't cost a lot of money.” Under Canada's anti-money laundering rules, crypto exchanges and other money services businesses must declare the services they provide, as different businesses may operate under different rules. Under a special federal directive issued in 2020, they must also report every financial transaction to and from Iran and treat them as high risk, regardless of the amount. Reporters went undercover to expose a growing crypto-to-cash industry that is openly flouting Million Exchange is registered with FINTRAC but not to deal in cryptocurrencies. Even so, its Instagram page is splashed with crypto logos and posts advertising the service. “We have fulfilled our regulatory obligations by properly notifying FINTRAC.” Money services businesses can only start dealing in virtual currency after their registration is approved by FINTRAC, the regulator said. Using blockchain analysis software from Amsterdam-based firm Crystal Intelligence, the Star tracked crypto that moved, via two transactions in February 2025, into the Million Exchange-associated wallet from an account with alleged links to terrorist financing. Israel's National Bureau for Counter Terror Financing seized that account in September, saying the wallet was connected to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Al-Jamal is alleged to lead a smuggling network that sells Iranian petroleum and other commodities, channelling tens of millions of dollars through multiple countries to reach the Houthis, the U.S. Department of the Treasury said in 2021. Million Exchange said it doesn't own or control the wallet used by its business, which it said was a “common address used throughout the UAE,” or the United Arab Emirates. “The wallet address referenced in your inquiry was, at the time, associated with a Dubai-based financial company that was settling funds with us via wire transfer to Canada, for which we were required to send an equivalent value in cryptocurrency,” Million Exchange said, though the business did not provide additional details about the Dubai firm. Million Exchange also said it does not own any crypto wallets for security reasons. A wallet allegedly controlled by Darvish Exchange received more than $10,000 worth of crypto that flowed indirectly from wallets later alleged to be connected to the Iranian regime. Experts say the Star's findings raise questions about the Canadian authorities' ability to adequately enforce anti-money laundering and terrorism financing laws. “I don't think they realize the scale of what they're looking at,” said Nick Smart of Crystal Intelligence, whose blockchain analysis software helps law enforcement and regulators investigating illicit activity. “They haven't understood how many of these services exist within Canada.” Just steps away from Million Exchange, a sign on another shop window openly advertises virtual currency services. In Toronto's Little Iran neighbourhood — another cluster of crypto services identified by the Star — Darvish Exchange appears to have traded more than $3 million worth of crypto from 2024 to 2025, using a wallet identified by Crystal as being controlled by the business. Darvish Exchange did not respond to the Star's questions. Emma McIntosh is a reporter on the Toronto Star's investigative team. Sheila Wang is an investigative reporter for the Star. To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile. Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Sign up for more at our newsletter page. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Sign up for more at our newsletter page. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.

Find your next quality investment with Simply Wall St's easy and powerful screener, trusted by over 7 million individual investors worldwide. Riot has signed a 10 year anchor lease with AMD to host AI and high performance computing workloads. Riot Platforms, best known as a pure play Bitcoin miner, is now tying its future more closely to AI and data center infrastructure. By owning the Rockdale site outright and securing AMD as an anchor tenant, the company is moving into a business that centers on long term compute and power commitments rather than only Bitcoin price cycles. For you as an investor following NasdaqCM:RIOT, this shift introduces a different mix of opportunities and risks than traditional crypto mining. The combination of a large Texas power footprint and a multi year AI hosting agreement could influence how you view the company's earnings mix, capital needs, and exposure to digital asset volatility over time. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Riot Platforms by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Riot Platforms. 📰 Beyond the headline: 2 risks and 1 thing going right for Riot Platforms that every investor should see. For Riot, owning Rockdale and locking in a 10 year AMD lease shifts part of the business from short cycle Bitcoin price exposure to contract based data center revenue. The Rockdale deal also used roughly 1,100 Bitcoin from treasury, so you are effectively seeing the balance sheet and power portfolio being recycled into long lived AI and high performance computing capacity that could carry different margin and risk characteristics to mining. The AMD anchor lease and Rockdale ownership directly address the earlier focus on monetizing power capacity, giving tangible AI data center contracts to support that catalyst. Large GAAP losses, higher costs and the funding needed for Corsicana and Rockdale development challenge the narrative that asset flexibility alone will support stable margins, especially while analysts do not expect near term profitability. Knowing what a company is worth starts with understanding its story. Check out one of the top narratives in the Simply Wall St Community for Riot Platforms to help decide what it is worth to you. 🎁 Revenue growth, with 2025 revenue of US$647.44 million compared to US$376.66 million a year earlier and higher Bitcoin production, shows that the platform is scaling even as it transitions its business mix. 🎁 The Rockdale acquisition, 1.7 gigawatt Texas power portfolio and 10 year AMD lease position Riot alongside other large scale miners and data center operators such as Marathon Digital, CleanSpark and Core Scientific that are also pursuing AI hosting, giving it a place in a growing part of the sector. From here, you may want to track how quickly AMD capacity at Rockdale actually ramps, what net operating income Riot reports from AI and high performance computing leases, and how much additional power is committed to new tenants. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Oil barrels that can still reliably reach global markets via the Middle East are now trading above $100 a barrel, a stark market signal of acute geopolitical stress and supply fears that could ripple through global risk assets, including stocks and bitcoin BTC$67,057.22. The oil market is now essentially divided into two segments: barrels that are vulnerable, relying on chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz, and barrels that can still move, reaching buyers reliably while bypassing geopolitical disruptions. The benchmark for the second category is Murban crude oil, which traded above $103 per barrel on Sunday, a significant premium to popular global benchmarks such as WTI and Brent, according to Oilprice.com. A sharp rise in Murban to above $100 indicates strong competition among refiners seeking prompt cargoes, a sign of real demand for immediate physical deliveries rather than speculative momentum often seen in futures markets. It can still safely reach buyers in Asia, mainly Japan, India, Thailand, and the Philippines, as well as some European nations and has become the go-to gauge for barrels that can reliably reach global buyers amid Middle East tensions. Murban surpassing $100 per barrel is more than just a milestone for crude pricing. It's a signal that geopolitical risk is being fully priced into the physical oil market, and that the accessibility of oil, not just its existence, is shaping valuations. That risk could spill over into broader benchmarks like WTI and Brent when markets open on Monday. A surge in oil like this could tighten liquidity by stoking inflation fears, potentially prompting central banks to raise interest rates. Both WTI and Brent crude oil have already surged roughly 30% since the onset of the conflict, while markets have started discounting expected Fed rate cuts, as CoinDesk noted Friday. CoinDesk Research looks into how Pudgy Penguins disrupts traditional toys market via a phygital model. The central debate has shifted from whether bitcoin can survive to if it can function as a sovereign reserve asset, as critics assess it by institutional standards. Disclosure & Polices: CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. CoinDesk is part of Bullish (NYSE:BLSH), an institutionally focused global digital asset platform that provides market infrastructure and information services.

Using income from our Tea Bar & Shop and trolley in the Hospital, we have funded a high-fidelity “Nursing Anne” simulator of an adult person for the training of healthcare staff. This amazingly lifelike manikin realistically imitates bodily characteristics such as different breathing patterns, heart/lung/bowel sounds and pulse. A multitude of clinical skills can be taught with the manikin including CPR, catheterisation, nasogastric tube insertion and advanced airway management. Now the Hospital has its own manikin staff will no longer have to travel elsewhere for such simulator training and due to it being so high-tech and having such mobility it supports the education and training of healthcare staff right across the Hospital. It's open from 8am to 4pm every weekday and serves a wide variety of hot & cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, confectionery & newspapers, etc. Everyone working there is a volunteer and all its profits are used to benefit the Hospital in ways like this. Suggestions include nature art creations, poetry inspired by nature, bug hotels/butterfly station/frog shelter, creating eco friendly toys or games, making a piece of clothing from natural materials or organising a litter pick. The deadline is 26th March and all entries should be sent electronically to [email protected] At Social Enterprise Kent's social supermarkets in Ashford and Ramsgate, small moments like these make a huge difference, and our volunteers make them happen. These welcoming spaces provide affordable food and everyday essentials for local people, while ensuring everyone who walks through the door is treated with dignity, respect and kindness. Volunteers are at the heart of this work, helping to create places where people feel supported and welcome. Gleaning volunteers on Kent farms, helping collect surplus produce so good food can be shared rather than wasted Training is provided and out of pocket travel expenses are reimbursed. Many volunteers tell us they gain confidence, new skills and a real sense of purpose through volunteering. We would welcome the support of VCSE partners, local organisations and community networks to help share these opportunities with people who may benefit most, whether they are looking to give back, build their CV, return to work or meet new people. Please feel free to use any of the materials in whatever way works best for your channels and audiences. Our events are facilitated by Neurodivergent adults for Neurodivergent adults; they are all free to attend and can be booked online via https://ndft.org.uk/events/ Our social meetup for Neurodivergent adults to meet in safe spaces with their peers. A coffee morning for Neurodivergent adults to meet in safe spaces. Painting with Nature is a hands-on, playful art workshop for Neurodivergent adults who want to explore creativity using everyday, sustainable materials. Peter Cross, former Customer Experience Director at John Lewis reveals why it's time to put the customer back at the heart of your business. Looping the Loop brings you the Happiness Project with Tom Adams to show you new ways of telling your story (and that of your business). The Superior Healthcare Group is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with Martha Trust as their Headline Events Sponsor for 2026. Martha Trust is a UK charity that provides lifelong care for individuals with profound physical and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Superior Healthcare is honoured to be associated with such a fantastic organisation and support them in their fundraising efforts. “We are delighted to renew our commitment as the Headline Events Sponsor for Martha Trust in 2026, “ said Stewart Thorp, CEO of The Superior Healthcare Group. “As a provider that is focused upon providing care and support for people who have complex health needs to live in their own homes as well as working with local care homes to ensure that they have a sufficient number of skilled carers and nurses on duty to care for their residents, we recognise the importance of the amazing work that Martha Trust does. In addition, The Superior Healthcare Group will be providing employees with time away from their desk to volunteer with projects at Martha Trust, fostering a culture of community involvement and social responsibility. Thanet finalists, runners-up and winners at Kent Women In Business Awards

​Debate is intensifying in the U.S. Congress over the potential issuance of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). A group of lawmakers is calling for a complete ban on its creation, arguing that such instruments could strengthen government control over citizens' financial transactions. The amendment introduces a temporary ban on issuing CBDCs until 2031, but some members of Congress say the measure does not go far enough, Cointelegraph reports. Congressman Michael Cloud, together with 28 colleagues, sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. “We write to you to express the dire need to prohibit a Central Bank Digital Currency from ever happening in the United States,” the letter states. In their view, the introduction of a CBDC could expand the government's ability to monitor financial transactions. The letter also states that central bank digital currencies would “subject Americans to unconstitutional financial surveillance and grant the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power over Americans' finances, violating their civil liberties and financial independence.” The legislation was introduced by Congressman Tom Emmer in 2025. “A CBDC is inherently anti-American and a looming issue we must put an end to before it is too late,” the document states. The debate in the United States comes amid growing global interest in central bank digital currencies. According to the Bank for International Settlements, more than 130 countries are studying or testing CBDC projects. Many governments see CBDCs as a way to modernize payment systems and reduce transaction costs. They argue that central bank digital currencies could expand the government's ability to monitor financial activity. This concern is increasingly shaping political debate in Washington and may influence future congressional decisions on CBDCs. Read also: ECB accelerates development of wholesale CBDC payment system for institutional transactions Information on the TradersUnion.com website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute any motive or suggestion to visitors to invest money. Moreover, we hereby warn you that trading on the Forex and CFD markets is always a high risk. According to the statistics, 75-89% of customers lose the funds invested and only 11-25% of traders earn a profit. Trading in futures and options carries substantial risk of loss and is not suitable for every investor. That is why you should only invest money that you are prepared — or can afford — to lose at such high risks. Also, the Traders Union is not a broker and does not get money for trading in the Forex or CFD markets. 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This underrepresentation underscores the challenges women face in a fast-paced, globally interconnected digital industry. A representative from DXC emphasized that women today are not only participants but also leaders and decision-makers, contributing to shaping the digital future. In the context of Vietnam's strong push for digital transformation and blockchain technology, women's participation plays a crucial role in building a diverse and sustainable technology ecosystem. Ms. Dao Linh Trang, Head of External Relations at HBA, addressed the stereotype that digital technology and cryptocurrencies are male-dominated fields. She highlighted the dual nature of this perception as both a challenge and an opportunity for women to overcome societal barriers and develop their capabilities in the digital sector. A standout activity was the Interactive Wall – #WriteYourOwnRules, where participants reflected on and dismissed stereotypes women encounter in technology and finance. This initiative encouraged attendees to assert their narratives and choices. In an interview with the press on the sidelines of the event, Ms. Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget, emphasized that promoting women's participation in technology and finance is a crucial part of Bitget's development strategy. "Success in the technology industry should be judged based on competence and results, not gender or social prejudice. 272/GP-BTTTT DATED JUNE 26, 2020 BY THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS External sites will be opened in a new page. VnEconomy is not responsible for the content of external sites. Head Office: 96-98 Hoang Quoc Viet, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Altcoin season might be returning as analysts say market signals are starting to favor them over Bitcoin. Charts shared by several crypto watchers show improving indicators for alternative coins while Bitcoin trades in a narrow range. Altcoins are beginning to show stronger signals on price charts, according to several analysts who shared their views on X. One of them, Mikybull Crypto, said recent data suggests that many alternative coins are gaining strength while Bitcoin pauses. In his post, he pointed out that this kind of pattern has appeared before. As detailed, when altcoins begin to show stronger chart signals than Bitcoin, they often move faster in the weeks that follow. The first is MACD, which traders use to track momentum. The second is RSI, which measures whether an asset may be oversold or overbought. A TradingView chart circulating among traders adds more context to the discussion. According to that chart, the figure now sits around 7.43%. Traders often look for these points when they expect a change in direction. Notably, that period was followed by strong gains in many smaller tokens before Bitcoin took the lead again. According to his post, he explained that the decline in dominance may be nearing an important level. Marks shared a chart that highlights this same movement. His post drew attention from traders who follow market cycles. Some replied that they believe the next rally in alternative coins may already be starting. A few users noted that global interest rates remain high, which can limit the flow of money into risk assets such as crypto. Notably, another trader wrote that short term strength in altcoins does not always mean a full cycle has begun. In some cases, it simply reflects trading activity rather than new long term investment. Essentially, even with these mixed views, the discussion shows growing interest in the idea that altcoins may soon gain ground against Bitcoin. Michaël van de Poppe pointed to one asset that may benefit immensely from the altcoin season, SEI. According to him, the asset has moved above its 21 day moving average, a line many traders watch closely. His chart shows the price testing that level while trading activity begins to rise. Some replies argued that the chart does not yet show strong upward pressure. For now, many in the market are watching how Bitcoin behaves, as it may impact the ongoing altcoin season sentiment. The contents of this page are intended for general informational purposes and do not constitute financial, investment, or any other form of advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets carries the risk of financial loss. The forecasted data (also called “price prediction”) on this page are subject to change without notice and are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please note that our privacy policy, Terms and Conditions , cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

A group of US lawmakers is uniting to prevent the US central bank from ever issuing a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), warning that proposed legislation only delays it until 2031. “We write to you to express the dire need to prohibit a Central Bank Digital Currency from ever happening in the United States,” US Congressman Michael Cloud wrote in a letter on Friday addressed to House Speaker Mike Johnson and US Senate majority leader John Thune, joined by 28 other members of Congress in support. It follows a proposed amendment to the Federal Reserve Act that would bar the US central bank from issuing a CBDC until 2031. However, Cloud and the other lawmakers argued that the temporary block isn't strong enough to protect Americans. “A prohibition of a Central Bank Digital Currency must be permanent,” the letter said, adding that CBDCs “would expose Americans to unconstitutional financial surveillance and give the unelected Federal Reserve unprecedented power over Americans' finances that would violate their civil liberties and financial freedom.” “A CBDC is inherently anti-American and a looming issue we must put an end to before it is too late,” the letter said. A separate standalone bill, the No CBDC Act (S 464), was introduced by Senator Mike Lee in February 2025 to prohibit the Federal Reserve or Treasury from issuing a CBDC, but it stalled in Congress. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc.Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC fillings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc.

The code snippet, which appears to reference several technical components, has become a subject of debate among developers, blockchain enthusiasts, and members of the Pi Network community. Observers examining the fragment point to several notable elements that suggest a structured backend system designed to support stability, marketplace functionality, and broader Web3 integration. While some observers interpret this number as a placeholder value used during development, others see it as a symbolic reference reflecting the branding identity of the network. In software development environments, hardcoded values are often used during testing phases before systems transition into dynamic pricing mechanisms connected to real-time data feeds. This component has fueled further speculation about possible interoperability between Pi Network and other blockchain technologies. It allows systems to interact with the Stellar network for tasks such as creating accounts, processing transactions, and managing digital assets. If such integration were indeed present within Pi Network's infrastructure, it could potentially suggest that the project is exploring ways to interact with broader blockchain ecosystems. Interoperability has become one of the most important themes in modern Web3 development, as projects seek to connect different networks in order to expand functionality and user access. However, blockchain developers also emphasize that the presence of a particular software library in code does not automatically confirm a permanent integration. Development teams often test multiple frameworks and tools during the process of building complex platforms. AWS is one of the most widely used cloud computing platforms in the world, providing scalable infrastructure for applications ranging from startups to global enterprises. Many modern blockchain-related platforms utilize cloud services during certain stages of development or for specific system components. For example, cloud platforms may be used to host web interfaces, manage databases, or support backend services connected to decentralized applications. Over the past several years, the concept of Web3 marketplaces has gained traction as blockchain technology enables new forms of digital ownership, decentralized commerce, and peer-to-peer transactions. In these environments, users can exchange digital goods, services, or assets without relying on centralized intermediaries. Some members of the Pi Network community believe that a marketplace system could eventually play a role in expanding the real-world utility of Picoin. By enabling transactions within decentralized applications, marketplaces could allow users to exchange goods and services using the network's native digital asset. This transparency is one of the defining characteristics of decentralized technology, as it allows independent experts to study how systems are designed and operated. At the same time, interpreting technical information without full context can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. Software projects frequently include experimental features, unused code segments, or development tools that do not ultimately become part of the final product. For this reason, technology analysts emphasize the importance of relying on official communications from development teams when evaluating the long-term implications of technical discoveries. Pi Network itself has attracted significant attention within the crypto world due to its unique approach to building a blockchain community. Since its launch, the project has focused heavily on accessibility, allowing users to participate in mining through mobile devices rather than specialized hardware. This strategy has contributed to the growth of a large global user base known as Pioneers. In particular, users are increasingly focused on how the system may eventually support decentralized applications, digital marketplaces, and other blockchain-based services. Projects are no longer focusing solely on creating digital coins but are instead building platforms capable of supporting complex decentralized services. These services can include financial applications, identity systems, decentralized storage, digital marketplaces, and even distributed computing frameworks. The community continues to closely follow any hints about technological progress, infrastructure upgrades, or ecosystem expansion. While the recently circulated code snippet has sparked excitement and curiosity, it remains only a small fragment of a much larger system. Without comprehensive documentation or official clarification, its exact role within the network architecture cannot be definitively determined. As the Web3 sector continues to develop, projects like Pi Network will likely face increasing scrutiny regarding their technology, infrastructure, and real-world utility. For now, the code fragment serves primarily as a catalyst for discussion rather than definitive proof of any particular feature or development. With firsthand experience in shaping and understanding the Pi ecosystem, Victoria has a unique talent for breaking down complex developments in Pi Network into engaging and easy-to-understand stories. From new features to user trend analysis, Victoria ensures every story is not only informative but also inspiring for Pi Network enthusiasts everywhere. The articles on HOKANEWS are here to keep you updated on the latest buzz in crypto, tech, and beyond—but they're not financial advice. We're sharing info, trends, and insights, not telling you to buy, sell, or invest. Always do your own homework before making any money moves. Remember: crypto and tech move fast, info changes in a blink, and while we aim for accuracy, we can't promise it's 100% complete or up-to-date.

If you're investing in crypto, there's a right way and a wrong way to use prediction markets. At times, making crypto predictions on platforms such as Polymarket or Kalshi can feel a lot like sports betting. Instead of rooting for your hometown team to come away with the victory, you're rooting for your favorite altcoin to hit a certain price target. But here's the thing: Treating crypto trading like sports betting could be the fastest way to lose money. It's staggering how many different ways you can bet on Bitcoin (BTC 0.98%) these days. You can predict that a certain event will happen, such as an S&P 500 company deciding to add Bitcoin to its balance sheet. You can predict whether Bitcoin will outperform a certain asset class (such as gold) within a specific time frame. In sports betting parlance, this would be called a "parlay" because multiple bets are involved at one time. And there's no quicker way to lose money than betting on multi-leg parlays. Where things get really dangerous is when traders start to let their emotions get the better of them. Just like sports gambling, it's easy to get caught up in the moment. But how many times have you watched a sporting event, only to see momentum turn on a single play? Real-time odds can change in a hurry. In addition to making long-term predictions about the price of Bitcoin, it's also possible to make ultra-short-term predictions about the price of Bitcoin. It's a bit like trying to guess the outcome of the next play in a football game. A better approach is to use data contained within these prediction markets as yet another input in your long-term thinking. As New York Stock Exchange President Lynn Martin recently said at a crypto event, prediction markets can help to calculate the real-time statistical probability of any future event occurring. But just be careful: Some data from prediction markets might not be as precise as commonly supposed. In a January 2026 research report, Galaxy Digital found that prediction markets tend to overstate consensus in the financial markets. Admittedly, making accurate predictions about any cryptocurrency can provide a real adrenaline rush, like investing in a hot altcoin that continues to soar in value, or placing a wild sports bet that happens to hit big. Recent Motley Fool research shows that sports bettors lose an average of $6 for every $100 bet. Will people lose a similar percentage of their money betting in prediction markets? The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Bitcoin. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. *Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.

In 2025, everyone was focused on building the underlying infrastructure. The future crypto unicorns will no longer rely on hype to get started. They will be the kind of companies that leverage blockchain technology to enhance product efficiency by an order of magnitude, thereby tapping into trillion-dollar markets while completely hiding the complex technology. But the crypto market did not stop, with Bitcoin once rising to $74,000. Commodities completed price discovery on the decentralized prediction market Hyperliquid even before traditional markets opened. This is not an isolated case—last month, the same situation occurred when China announced its policies. Traditional hedge funds are increasingly pouring into this field. This sentiment was particularly strong at the recent Consensus conference in Hong Kong. There, the support of both parties in government, the influx of institutional funds, and a focus on consumer applications are driving strong bullish sentiment. For the more decentralized economic systems in Asia, crypto payments are a natural choice. · Prediction markets are expected to become an important track, although their form may differ from that of the West. For the past decade, we have been keen on creating "crypto spectacles"—gas fee wars, TPS races, modular stacks, ZK proofs. The ETF in 2024 was a recognition ticket from mainstream institutions. The new generation of unicorns will not be those "L3 networks built for AI-NFT." They will be the companies that use blockchain to enhance product efficiency tenfold while completely hiding the technology, thereby tapping into trillion-dollar markets. Traditional sports gaming is a monopolistic and distorted market. Bookmakers take high commissions from every bet, resulting in a dismal user profit rate of only 2%. Through a peer-to-peer trading model, Novig users achieve an average profit rate of 23%. We recently led the Series A financing for Based. This is a composable Web3 consumer-level super app built on the Hyperliquid ecosystem. "Consumer-grade crypto" has often been equated with "clumsy experiences." They only need to focus on the social and financial value brought by their assets. If Based and Novig are cool new cars, then Doppler is a high-performance fuel system. We led a $9 million seed round in Doppler, aiming to become the default infrastructure for on-chain asset issuance. This trend of "invisibility" also runs through our entire investment portfolio: · Real-world assets: Tokenized government bonds are no longer experiments in the crypto world; they are becoming the cornerstone of backend liquidity for global trade. · AI agents: Blockchain provides a trusted "truth layer" through prediction markets and verifiable data, enabling AI agents to autonomously and reliably interact with digital assets. Payment standards like x402 allow AI agents to complete transactions directly using crypto assets. The gradual clarity of stablecoin regulation makes this payment track smoother. If you are planning to start a business in 2026, my advice is simple: Stop talking excessively about technology and focus more on the actual problems you can solve. If the page in your funding presentation discussing consensus mechanisms comes before the one on customer return rates, it indicates that your thinking is still stuck in 2022. We are looking for teams that are building the next Novig, Based, or Doppler—those who truly understand what "mass adoption" means: When a technology becomes so seamless that people completely overlook its existence, it has truly entered every household. Huobi HTX Asset Weekly Review (2.23—3.2): PERP +106%, BEBE +86%, AI and DeFi multiple tracks rise together Morning News | NYSE parent company invests in OKX; Morgan Stanley provides $500 million loan to Core Scientific; Western Union partners with Crossmint to launch stablecoin USDPT Why prediction markets are the largest untapped collateral pool in DeFi