JUST IN: Kraken crypto exchange says it is being "extorted" by a criminal group threatening to release videos showing internal systems and client data. The exchange says its systems have not been breached and customer funds are not at risk.

🇺🇸 NEW: Donald Trump says 34 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz in one day, calling it the highest number since the “foolish closure” began.

JUST IN: X launches new cashtag feature for stocks and crypto.

🇵🇰 JUST IN: Pakistan’s central bank has officially allowed banks to open accounts for licensed virtual asset service providers, reversing its 2018 ban.

🇪🇺 NEW: OKX Europe CEO Erald Ghoos introduced X-Perps, a regulated perpetual-style crypto derivatives product for Europe at Paris Blockchain Week. X-Perps brings leveraged trading under a MiFID-regulated framework, aimed at both retail and institutional users.

🔥 CZ: Lasting crypto narratives are backed by real activity, strong developer ecosystems, and projects that continue to evolve over time. User activity across multiple cycles matters more than price.

🔥 CZ: Lasting crypto narratives are backed by real activity, strong developer ecosystems, and projects that continue to evolve over time. User activity across multiple cycles matters more than price.

HISTORY: 🟠 "If Bitcoin becomes the global monetary system, each coin could be worth $10 million." – Hal Finney in 2009, Bitcoin was worth $0 at the time.

🇺🇸 Treasury Secretary Bessent: "The U.S. holds $17B Bitcoin, ‘will not sell,’ and plans to continue to accumulate."

JUST IN: Allbirds $BIRD stock rises over 420% after announcing shift from shoes to AI.