Crypto
Bybit Leads $8M Funding Round for Malaysia’s Hata Crypto Platform
Bybit is doubling down on Southeast Asia, leading an $8 million Series A funding round for Hata, a fast-growing digital asset platform operating under a dual licensing structure in Malaysia.
Backing a Fully Licensed Crypto Platform
Hata stands out as a dual-licensed exchange, operating under approvals from:
- Securities Commission Malaysia
- Labuan Financial Services Authority
This regulatory positioning allows Hata to offer both trading and custody services, giving it a strong compliance edge in a region where regulation is rapidly evolving.
Funding to Fuel Growth
The new capital will be used to:
- Improve platform liquidity
- Expand its user base
- Develop new digital asset products
Bybit also participated in Hata’s earlier $4.2 million seed round, signaling continued confidence in the platform’s growth trajectory.
Strong Early Traction
Since launching in 2023, Hata has already shown solid momentum:
- 209,000+ registered users
- حوالي $225 million in transaction volume in 2025
This growth highlights rising crypto adoption in Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian market.
Malaysia Emerging as a Crypto Hub
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou described Malaysia as a strategically important market, citing:
- High digital engagement
- Growing interest in crypto assets
- Long-term adoption potential
Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional leader in regulated digital asset innovation.
Regulatory Momentum Builds
The investment comes as Malaysia accelerates its crypto and fintech framework.
Key initiatives include:
- A Digital Asset Innovation Hub sandbox
- Experiments with ringgit-backed stablecoins
- Pilot programs for tokenized deposits and cross-border payments
The central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, is actively working with industry players to shape the future of digital finance.
Bybit Expands Global Footprint
Beyond Southeast Asia, Bybit is also growing its presence in other regions, including the Middle East, where it is building partnerships with banks and payment providers.
This latest investment reflects Bybit’s strategy of supporting regulated platforms in high-growth markets.
A Step Toward Mainstream Adoption
By backing Hata, Bybit is helping strengthen compliant crypto infrastructure in Malaysia.
As regulatory clarity improves and adoption rises, platforms like Hata could play a key role in bridging traditional finance with digital assets in the region.
Crypto
NY Lawmaker Proposes ‘AI Dividend’ to Offset Job Losses
A New York lawmaker has introduced a proposal aimed at preparing Americans for the economic impact of artificial intelligence, including the possibility of widespread job displacement.
A New “AI Dividend” Concept
Alex Bores unveiled a plan to create an “AI Dividend,” a system that would provide direct payments to US citizens if automation significantly reduces employment.
The idea is simple in principle: if AI drives massive productivity gains and concentrates wealth, a portion of that value should be redistributed to the public.
How the Program Would Work
The proposed dividend would be funded through a mix of mechanisms, including:
- Taxes on AI usage
- Equity stakes in major AI companies
- Broader tax reforms targeting capital versus labor
Payments would only be triggered if AI begins to meaningfully displace workers, positioning the program as a safeguard rather than a permanent entitlement.
Beyond Direct Payments
The plan also includes funding for:
- Workforce retraining and education
- Transition support for displaced workers
- Oversight and safety infrastructure for AI systems
This broader approach aims to help workers adapt rather than rely solely on financial assistance.
Rising Concerns Over AI Job Losses
The proposal comes amid growing debate about AI’s impact on employment.
Some estimates suggest automation is already affecting the labor market, with thousands of jobs reportedly lost each month due to AI-driven efficiencies.
Major companies like Amazon, Meta, Intel, and Microsoft have all reduced workforces while increasing investment in AI.
Not Everyone Agrees on the Risk
Despite these concerns, some analysts argue the threat may be overstated.
Morgan Stanley recently noted that AI’s impact on jobs has been “modest so far,” pointing out that past technological shifts often created new roles even as they eliminated others.
However, there is still uncertainty about whether AI could break from historical patterns.
Political and Economic Implications
The AI Dividend is part of Bores’ campaign platform as he runs for Congress, meaning its future depends on both political support and broader legislative momentum.
If adopted, it could mark a major shift in how governments:
- Tax emerging technologies
- Distribute economic gains
- Address automation-driven inequality
A Safety Net for the AI Era
Bores framed the initiative not as a penalty on innovation, but as a form of economic insurance.
The proposal reflects a growing recognition that as AI reshapes industries, policymakers may need new tools to ensure the benefits are shared more broadly across society.
Crypto
Tether Takes 8.2% Stake in Bitcoin Mining Finance Firm Antalpha
Tether is continuing its aggressive expansion across crypto infrastructure, taking a significant ownership position in a key player supporting Bitcoin mining operations.
Strategic Stake in Antalpha
Tether has acquired an 8.2% stake in Antalpha, making it one of the company’s largest shareholders following its 2025 IPO.
The investment gives Tether control over approximately 1.95 million shares, with chairman Giancarlo Devasini holding voting power tied to the position.
Tether also indicated it may increase or reduce its stake depending on market conditions.
Antalpha’s Role in Bitcoin Mining
Antalpha specializes in Bitcoin-backed lending and equipment financing for mining companies.
Key highlights:
- Loan portfolio of about $1.6 billion
- Strong ties to Bitmain
- Rapid financial growth, with 2025 revenue up 68% year over year
The company plays a critical role in helping miners access capital and scale operations.
Market Reaction and Growth
Following the news, Antalpha’s stock rose about 7.2% in early trading.
The company had previously raised around $49.3 million in its IPO and continues to show strong earnings growth, with net income more than tripling year over year.
Tether’s Expanding Investment Strategy
The move reflects Tether’s broader strategy of reinvesting profits into crypto and adjacent sectors.
Beyond stablecoins, Tether is actively investing in:
- Mining infrastructure
- Artificial intelligence
- Financial services
- Tokenized assets
It has now backed over 120 companies through its venture arm.
Stablecoin Dominance Powers Expansion
Tether is the issuer of Tether (USDT), the world’s largest stablecoin, with a market share of more than 58%.
This dominance provides the company with significant capital to deploy into strategic investments like Antalpha.
Broader Investment Push
Alongside the Antalpha stake, Tether continues to expand into new areas:
- Participated in funding rounds for tokenization platforms
- Invested in digital asset banks and infrastructure providers
- Explored opportunities in real-world assets like gold
The company is also reportedly considering raising capital at a valuation of up to $500 billion, underscoring its rapid growth.
Strengthening Crypto Infrastructure
By investing in Antalpha, Tether is deepening its exposure to the Bitcoin mining ecosystem, a critical layer of the crypto industry.
The move signals a long-term strategy focused not just on issuing stablecoins, but on shaping the broader financial infrastructure that supports digital assets.
Crypto
Bitmine Buys Over 100K ETH, Moves Closer to Controlling 5% of Supply
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has made another massive Ethereum purchase, reinforcing its position as the largest public holder of Ether and pushing closer to its ambitious long-term accumulation target.
Bitmine’s Biggest ETH Buy in Months
The company acquired 101,627 Ether (ETH) during the week of April 13 to April 19, marking its largest purchase since December 2025.
This latest buy continues a streak of aggressive accumulation over the past month, signaling strong conviction despite recent market volatility.
Total Holdings Near 5 Million ETH
Following the purchase, Bitmine now holds:
- 4,976,485 ETH
- Valued at დაახლოებით $11.5 billion
- Roughly 4.12% of total Ethereum supply
The company also maintains additional assets, including:
- 199 Bitcoin (BTC)
- Over $1.1 billion in cash
- Strategic equity stakes in multiple firms
Altogether, Bitmine’s crypto and cash holdings total around $12.9 billion.
Chasing the “5% Supply” Target
Bitmine has made it clear that its goal is to control 5% of Ether’s circulating supply, a strategy it calls the “alchemy of 5%.”
With current holdings, the company is now about 82% of the way to that target.
If achieved, it would represent one of the most concentrated institutional positions in a major cryptocurrency.
Expanding Ethereum Staking Operations
Beyond accumulation, Bitmine is also scaling its staking infrastructure through its MAVAN platform.
- 3.33 million ETH is currently staked
- Generating over $200 million annually in staking rewards
This allows the company to earn yield while holding a large treasury position.
Strategy Reflects Long-Term Bullish Outlook
Chairman Tom Lee said the company believes Ethereum is emerging from a “mini crypto winter,” suggesting the recent downturn may be nearing its end.
Bitmine’s continued buying indicates confidence in:
- Ethereum’s long-term growth
- Institutional adoption trends
- The role of staking in generating sustainable returns
Institutional ETH Accumulation Is Growing
Bitmine’s strategy reflects a broader shift, where public companies are increasingly building crypto treasuries similar to Bitcoin-focused firms.
Ethereum, with its staking yield and smart contract ecosystem, is becoming a key asset in these strategies.
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