Blockto

Author: tristan

  • Bitcoin Has 3–5 Years to Prepare for Quantum Computing Threat, Bernstein Says

    Bitcoin Has 3–5 Years to Prepare for Quantum Computing Threat, Bernstein Says

    Advances in quantum computing could eventually challenge Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, but analysts believe the threat remains manageable rather than catastrophic. A recent research report by Bernstein, led by Gautam Chhugani, Mahika Sapra, Sanskar Chindalia, and Harsh Misra, described the quantum threat as a “manageable upgrade cycle” rather than an existential risk to the network.

    Quantum Computing Advances Shorten Security Timelines

    Recent breakthroughs, including research showing reduced resource requirements to break modern encryption, have accelerated projections for quantum related risks. However, building cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) capable of breaking Bitcoin encryption still faces major technical and financial hurdles.

    Quantum experts generally give a 10-year timeline for cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs), or machines capable of breaking today’s encryption.

    Bernstein estimates the cryptocurrency industry has roughly three to five years to prepare for post-quantum cryptography, giving developers time to implement upgrades through Bitcoin’s open-source consensus process.

    Legacy Wallets Face the Highest Quantum Risk

    The report highlights that vulnerabilities are concentrated in older wallets, particularly those using pay-to-public-key (P2PK), pay-to-multisig (P2MS), and pay-to-Taproot (P2TR) address formats. Approximately 1.7 million BTC, including an estimated 1.1 million BTC linked to Satoshi Nakamoto, remain stored in early P2PK addresses, where public keys are permanently exposed.

    Bernstein identifies P2PK, P2MS and P2TR address types as the most vulnerable to quantum risks

    Bitcoin Mining Remains Secure

    Despite concerns around wallet encryption, Bitcoin’s mining process, which relies on SHA-256 hashing, is not considered significantly vulnerable to quantum attacks. Analysts believe improved wallet standards and reduced address reuse will play a key role in strengthening long-term network security.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • US SEC Appoints David Woodcock as Enforcement Chief Amid Questions Over Leadership Exit

    US SEC Appoints David Woodcock as Enforcement Chief Amid Questions Over Leadership Exit

    The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has named David Woodcock as the new director of its Division of Enforcement, with the appointment set to take effect on May 4. The leadership change comes as lawmakers seek clarification regarding the departure of former enforcement chief Margaret Ryan, who resigned in March.

    David Woodcock Takes Over SEC Enforcement Leadership

    Woodcock currently serves as a partner at Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, where he chairs the firm’s Securities Enforcement Practice Group. He previously led the SEC’s Fort Worth office from 2011 to 2015. Until Woodcock formally assumes the role, Sam Waldon will continue serving as acting director.

    SEC Chair Paul Atkins stated that the appointment aligns with the agency’s focus on prioritizing enforcement actions that strengthen market integrity and protect investors. Woodcock said he intends to implement the chairman’s strategic vision once he takes office.

    Lawmakers Question Former Chief’s Resignation

    Ryan’s resignation prompted scrutiny from lawmakers, including Senator Richard Blumenthal, who raised concerns that she may have faced resistance from SEC leadership. The inquiry relates to the agency’s decision to drop several cryptocurrency-related cases, including a February 2025 fraud case involving Justin Sun tied to World Liberty Financial, a platform associated with the Trump family.

    SEC Enforcement Shift in Crypto Cases

    In its 2025 fiscal year enforcement report, the SEC disclosed seven registration-related crypto cases and six broker-dealer classification cases. The agency stated that it identified no direct investor harm in those cases and concluded they provided no measurable investor benefit, reflecting a broader shift in crypto enforcement strategy following recent policy changes.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Ethereum Foundation Converts 5,000 ETH Into Stablecoins to Fund Grants and Operations

    Ethereum Foundation Converts 5,000 ETH Into Stablecoins to Fund Grants and Operations

    The Ethereum Foundation has initiated a plan to convert approximately 5,000 ETH, valued at nearly $11 million, into stablecoins to support operational costs, research, and grant funding across the Ethereum ecosystem. The conversion is being executed through CoWSwap using its Time-Weighted Average Price (TWAP) feature to minimize market impact.

    CoWSwap TWAP Strategy Supports Funding Stability

    The ongoing transactions are sourced from a wallet identified by Arkham Intelligence as the “Ethereum Foundation DeFi Ecosystem” wallet. Each TWAP transaction has been valued at just under $1 million, marking the foundation’s first use of TWAP sales since October, when it sold 1,000 ETH worth about $4.5 million at the time.

    The wallet itself was funded with 50,000 ETH in January 2025, reflecting a broader shift in treasury management. The foundation previously faced criticism over recurring ETH sales and has since adopted alternative funding approaches.

    Treasury Strategy and Recent ETH Sales

    Earlier in March, the Ethereum Foundation sold 5,000 ETH, worth about $10.2 million, to BitMine Immersion Technologies through an over-the-counter transaction. A prior sale of 10,000 ETH was completed with SharpLink Gaming in July 2025, marking continued institutional treasury engagement.

    Current Holdings and Staking Plans

    According to Arkham data, the Ethereum Foundation’s main wallet currently holds 102,000 ETH valued at roughly $228 million, along with 21,000 AETHWETH worth about $47 million and 6,000 WETH valued near $14 million. The foundation also holds approximately $1 million in DAI and USDC stablecoins.

    The organization has also staked 47,050 ETH, moving toward its 70,000 ETH staking target, while co-founder Vitalik Buterin has independently converted portions of ETH into stablecoins to support open-source development initiatives.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Stablecoin Payment Volume Could Reach $1.5 Quadrillion by 2035, Report Projects

    Stablecoin Payment Volume Could Reach $1.5 Quadrillion by 2035, Report Projects

    Stablecoin transaction volumes could surge to as much as $1.5 quadrillion by 2035, signaling a major shift in how global payments are processed. A new industry report estimates that even under baseline growth, stablecoin activity could reach $719 trillion, highlighting rapid adoption across financial systems.

    Stablecoins Move Toward Mainstream Payment Infrastructure

    Stablecoins processed roughly $28 trillion in real economic activity in 2025, focusing on payments, remittances, and settlements rather than trading activity. Analysts expect continued growth as stablecoins become embedded in merchant payment systems, making digital asset transactions feel similar to traditional card payments.

    Projected stablecoin volume 2023-2035

    Two major drivers are expected to fuel this expansion. First, a $100 trillion generational wealth transfer between 2028 and 2048 will shift financial control toward younger users who are more comfortable using digital assets. Second, wider merchant adoption and backend payment integration will make stablecoin usage nearly invisible to consumers.

    Competition With Visa and Mastercard Expected

    Payment volumes using stablecoins could reach parity with major card networks such as Visa and Mastercard between 2031 and 2039, depending on adoption speed. Financial institutions are already positioning themselves for this shift, with payment firms acquiring crypto-focused infrastructure providers.

    Financial institutions also expect stablecoin expansion to influence capital markets. Some projections suggest rising adoption could generate up to $1 trillion in demand for U.S. Treasuries, linking digital payments to global liquidity flows. Meanwhile, policymakers continue to debate regulatory frameworks as stablecoins transition from niche tools to core components of the global payments ecosystem.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin Seen as Real but Manageable, Says Bernstein

    Quantum Computing Threat to Bitcoin Seen as Real but Manageable, Says Bernstein

    Growing advances in quantum computing are raising concerns about Bitcoin’s long term cryptographic security, but analysts say the threat remains manageable rather than immediate. A recent report from Bernstein, led by analyst Gautam Chhugani, noted that while timelines are shortening, Bitcoin still has time to adapt through technical upgrades.

    Quantum Computing Advances Accelerate Crypto Risk Timeline

    Quantum computing operates using qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously through superposition and entanglement, allowing complex calculations to be processed faster than classical computers.

    Recent breakthroughs, including reduced qubit requirements reported by Google Quantum AI, suggest encryption vulnerabilities may emerge sooner than previously expected. Systems such as elliptic curve encryption, widely used in crypto wallets, could eventually be weakened by sufficiently powerful quantum machines.

    Legacy Wallets Face Higher Exposure

    The report highlighted that risk is concentrated in roughly 1.7 million BTC stored in older legacy wallets, while newer wallet practices reduce vulnerability. Importantly, Bitcoin mining operations, which rely on SHA-based hashing, are considered largely secure even under advanced quantum scenarios.

    Bernstein estimates the crypto industry has three to five years to transition toward post quantum cryptography, including updated wallet standards, reduced address reuse, and regular key rotation. Researchers also noted that quantum-based mining attacks would require energy output comparable to a star, reinforcing the view that the threat is significant but not existential.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Iran Weighs Bitcoin Tolls for Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz

    Iran Weighs Bitcoin Tolls for Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz

    Iran is reportedly considering a Bitcoin based toll system for vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, following a temporary ceasefire agreement with the United States. The proposal could require certain ships to pay $1 per barrel of oil in Bitcoin to access the key global shipping route.

    Proposed Bitcoin Tariff for Oil Tankers

    According to reports, empty oil tankers would be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without charges. However, other vessels carrying oil may be required to pay the proposed Bitcoin tariff.

    A spokesperson for Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union, Hamid Hosseini, said authorities would evaluate each vessel during the two-week ceasefire period to confirm it is not transporting weapons. Once approved, ships would reportedly receive instructions and have only seconds to complete the Bitcoin payment, limiting traceability and reducing the risk of sanctions-related asset seizures.

    Ceasefire Conditions and Regional Impact

    The proposed toll system follows statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the ceasefire includes the complete and safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran reportedly submitted a 10-point plan that includes maintaining control over the waterway and seeking sanctions relief.

    Before the recent conflict, Iran had already used digital assets to manage sanctions pressure. Reports indicated the country acquired approximately $500 million worth of USDT, while blockchain monitoring recorded about $3.7 billion in crypto flows between January and July 2025.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • White House Report Finds Stablecoin Yields Pose Limited Risk to Bank Lending

    White House Report Finds Stablecoin Yields Pose Limited Risk to Bank Lending

    A recent White House study concluded that stablecoin rewards are unlikely to significantly affect bank lending or broader credit conditions, offering a counterpoint to concerns from banks and trade groups.

    Findings from the Council of Economic Advisers

    The report from the Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) found that prohibiting stablecoin yields would produce minimal benefits for banks. In the study’s base scenario, removing yield-bearing features increases lending by only $2.1 billion, roughly 0.02% of total U.S. loans, while imposing a net welfare cost on consumers.

    White House economists noted that most stablecoin reserves remain within the banking system, often invested in Treasurys or deposited elsewhere, limiting any material “flight” from traditional balance sheets. Only an estimated 12% of reserves is effectively excluded from lending, dampening the impact on credit creation.

    Banking Sector Concerns

    Banks and trade groups have warned that interest-bearing stablecoins could siphon trillions from deposits. The Independent Community Bankers of America projected potential losses of $1.3 trillion in deposits and $850 billion in reduced lending. Major banks, including Bank of America and JPMorgan, have urged regulators to apply bank-style rules to stablecoin yields to prevent a parallel deposit system.

    Portfolio effects of the yield ban

    Debates continue under the proposed Clarity Act, which seeks to restrict indirect yield mechanisms. Regulators are also implementing provisions under the GENIUS Act, ensuring one-to-one reserve backing and limiting direct yield payments.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Thailand SEC Proposes Stricter Rules on Crypto Funders

    Thailand SEC Proposes Stricter Rules on Crypto Funders

    Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed tighter funding rules for cryptocurrency companies, aiming to prevent money laundering and technology-related financial crimes. The new rules expand oversight to include financiers behind major shareholders, whether direct or indirect, requiring them to obtain regulatory approval.

    Broader Definition of Funding

    The SEC clarified that “significant funding” includes guarantors, contractual arrangements, or investments in instruments that give a supporter the status or role of a funder to major shareholders. This applies not only to direct contributions but also to indirect backing via share acquisitions, including entities that hold shares in crypto firms.

    Government Entities and Public Consultation

    Government-related shareholders such as ministries, departments, public organizations, or other agencies will be reviewed only at the entity level since they are already under official oversight. The proposed measures are open for public consultation until April 22, 2026, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before implementation.

    Context and Enforcement

    The proposal follows Thailand’s intensified efforts against financial crimes. In January 2026, authorities launched a “gray money” campaign targeting both physical and digital markets. As part of anti-money laundering measures, local crypto platforms froze 10,000 accounts, demonstrating stronger enforcement and regulatory oversight in the country’s digital asset sector.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Cango Sells 2,000 BTC, Cuts Bitcoin Production Costs by 19% Amid Strategic Shift

    Cango Sells 2,000 BTC, Cuts Bitcoin Production Costs by 19% Amid Strategic Shift

    Bitcoin miner Cango announced a significant reduction in production costs and a strategic sale of BTC as part of a pivot toward energy and AI infrastructure.

    Bitcoin Production Costs Drop

    In March, Cango cut its Bitcoin production cost to $68,215 per BTC, down 19.3% from the $84,552 average reported in Q4 2025. The company attributed the reduction to a lean-production model prioritizing margin resilience over scale, aiming to better navigate Bitcoin’s price volatility.

    Cango sold 2,000 BTC in March at an average price of $68,000–$69,000, generating approximately $137 million. The proceeds were used to reduce outstanding Bitcoin-backed loans, which stood at $30.6 million as of March 31. The company now holds 1,025.69 BTC in its treasury.

    Cango ranks as the sixth-largest Bitcoin miner globally, with 27.9 EH/s in self-mining, representing 2.82% of total global hash power. Including leased hashrate, total operational capacity is 37.01 EH/s.

    Top Bitcoin mining companies by hashrate

    The company also secured $65 million in equity investment from leadership and a $10 million convertible bond from DL Holdings, supporting its ongoing deleveraging strategy. While Cango’s stock rose 3.44% in pre-market trading, it remains down about 72% year-to-date.

    Cango stock price chart

    Cango’s moves reflect a broader industry trend of Bitcoin miners selling holdings to strengthen balance sheets, contrasting with firms like Strategy, which continue to accumulate BTC.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.

  • Bitcoin Dip Buyers Accumulate 850,000 BTC Between $60K and $70K

    Bitcoin Dip Buyers Accumulate 850,000 BTC Between $60K and $70K

    Recent blockchain data indicates that Bitcoin buyers have accumulated nearly 850,000 BTC in the $60,000 to $70,000 price range, signaling strong demand during recent dips below $70,000.

    $BTC daily price chart

    Supply Concentration Signals Market Floor

    According to the Realized Price Distribution (URPD) metric, the total amount of BTC last moved in this range now stands at 1,845,766 BTC, up from 1,001,491 BTC on January 1, representing a gain of 844,275 BTC. This accounts for roughly 9.23% of Bitcoin’s circulating supply, suggesting that valuations below $70,000 may act as a strong support level, as sellers are likely reluctant to sell below their acquisition price.

    Potential Price Movement Above $70K

    The supply above $70,000 is comparatively thin, with only 400,000 BTC held between $70,000 and $80,000. This “air gap” may allow for rapid price movements or consolidation in that range. Following the temporary U.S.-Iran ceasefire, Bitcoin rebounded above $70,000, reflecting resilience relative to traditional risk assets, including oil and stocks. Analysts note that this dip buying activity demonstrates continued confidence among investors, anchoring a significant portion of supply and providing a potential floor for future price action.

    Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.