Crypto Dream Turns Nightmare As SafeMoon CEO Gets 100 Months In Jail

Braden John Karony, the one-time CEO of SafeMoon, has been sentenced to 100 months in US federal prison after a jury found him guilty of multiple fraud counts. According to courtroom records and Justice Department statements, he was convicted on charges that included securities fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Reports say prosecutors proved that investors were told liquidity was secure when it was not, and that insiders were able to move funds for personal gain. “Not only did Braden John Karony abuse his position as CEO, but he also betrayed his investors’ trust by stealing over $9 million in crypto from his company to fund his lavish lifestyle,” James C. Barnacle, Jr., FBI assistant director, said. The founder of SafeMoon has been sentenced to 100 months in prison The founder of FTX claims the exchange was solvent while serving 25 year sentence — Wendy O (@CryptoWendyO) February 10, 2026 SafeMoon: False Locks And Hidden Transfers Reports note that Karony and others told buyers that SafeMoon’s liquidity pools were “locked,” a claim that calmed many who put money into the token. Instead, prosecutors showed how more than $9 million was diverted from those pools. He used some of the money to buy high-end homes and vehicles. The FBI described the moves as deliberate. Victims included small investors and people on modest incomes. Some lost savings. It left trust badly shaken. According to US Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. Karony “lied to investors from all walks of life — including military veterans and hard-working Americans.” Founder of SafeMoon, Braden Karony, has just been sentenced to 100 months in prison. “This is more like theft than fraud. It was not a small loss per person like in many securities frauds. Mr. Karony, please rise.I sentence you to 100 months in the custody of the AG. On count… pic.twitter.com/riFdBLyNLU — Ariel Givner (@GivnerAriel) February 10, 2026 The Trial And Conviction The trial ran for three weeks in May 2025. A jury returned guilty verdicts across the board. Based on reports, sentencing was handled by US District Judge Eric Komitee in the Eastern District of New York. The Justice Department sought a stiff term, and the court obliged. One former executive, Thomas Smith, has pleaded guilty and faces his own punishment. Other co-founders are still under scrutiny. Reports say authorities will press to recover funds through forfeiture and restitution orders. Ruined Lives & Lost Money People who backed SafeMoon often did so because they believed in the project or wanted a new way to invest. Many found out the hard way that promises in promo posts and social feeds can hide real dangers. Some investors watched balances drop. Others tried to follow the paper trail and grew alarmed when transfers led to private bank accounts and luxury purchases. The case exposed how quickly trust can evaporate when controls fail. Restitution And Future Cases The court ordered forfeiture of about $7.5 million, but the full scale of losses is still being worked out in follow-up hearings. Restitution proceedings will aim to return money to victims , but such processes can take time. Law enforcement in the US has signaled a steady interest in crypto fraud prosecutions. That means more investigations and, likely, more court dates for those accused of similar schemes. Featured image from John Karony – Medium , chart from TradingView

Paxos Labs, Aleo Network Foundation Reveal Mainnet Launch of Privacy-Focused Stablecoin

USAD is now live on the Aleo mainnet, introducing a regulated digital dollar to a programmable layer one (L1) blockchain built with native transaction privacy. Regulated Digital Dollar USAD Now Available on Aleo Blockchain Paxos Labs and the Aleo Network Foundation announced the official launch of USAD on Feb. 3, marking what they describe as

Australian Dollar Soars: Hawkish RBA Stance Underpins Sustained Gains – MUFG Analysis

BitcoinWorld Australian Dollar Soars: Hawkish RBA Stance Underpins Sustained Gains – MUFG Analysis SYDNEY, March 2025 – The Australian dollar continues its remarkable ascent against major counterparts, fundamentally supported by the Reserve Bank of Australia’s persistently hawkish monetary policy stance according to comprehensive analysis from MUFG. This sustained strength reflects deeper structural shifts within Australia’s economy and global financial markets that demand thorough examination. Australian Dollar Strength Anchored by RBA Policy The Reserve Bank of Australia maintains its position as one of the most hawkish central banks among developed economies. Consequently, this monetary policy divergence creates substantial support for the Australian dollar. MUFG analysts emphasize that the RBA’s commitment to combating inflation exceeds that of many global counterparts. Therefore, interest rate differentials continue to favor Australian assets. Market participants now anticipate the RBA will maintain elevated interest rates throughout 2025. Specifically, the current cash rate target of 4.35% represents a significant premium over other major economies. Moreover, recent statements from RBA Governor Michele Bullock reinforce this hawkish positioning. She recently emphasized that inflation remains “still too high” despite recent moderation. Several key factors underpin the RBA’s steadfast approach: Persistent Services Inflation: Service sector prices continue rising at concerning rates Labor Market Tightness: Unemployment remains near historic lows at 4.1% Wage Growth Acceleration: Annual wage growth reached 4.2% in Q4 2024 Housing Market Resilience: Property prices demonstrate unexpected strength Comparative Central Bank Analysis The RBA’s hawkish stance becomes particularly evident when compared to global counterparts. While the Federal Reserve signals potential rate cuts, the RBA maintains its restrictive policy. Similarly, the European Central Bank adopts a more dovish tone than Australia’s central bank. This policy divergence creates compelling opportunities for currency traders. Central Bank Policy Stance Comparison (March 2025) Central Bank Current Rate Projected Direction Inflation Focus Reserve Bank of Australia 4.35% Hold/Hawkish High Priority Federal Reserve 5.25-5.50% Potential Cuts Moderating Priority European Central Bank 4.00% Dovish Tilt Secondary Concern Bank of England 5.25% Neutral Mixed Signals This comparative analysis reveals Australia’s unique position. Specifically, the RBA demonstrates greater inflation-fighting resolve than other major central banks. Furthermore, Australia’s economic fundamentals support this aggressive stance. The nation’s strong trade relationships with Asia provide additional economic insulation. MUFG’s Currency Strategy Insights MUFG currency strategists provide detailed analysis of the Australian dollar’s trajectory. Their research indicates sustained support for AUD through 2025. Importantly, they identify multiple reinforcing factors beyond interest rate differentials. Commodity price strength, particularly in iron ore and liquefied natural gas, contributes significantly to Australian dollar valuation. The banking giant’s quarterly currency outlook highlights several critical observations. First, Australia’s terms of trade remain favorable despite global economic uncertainty. Second, foreign investment flows continue supporting Australian assets. Third, the currency’s correlation with risk sentiment has diminished recently. This decoupling suggests more fundamental drivers now dominate AUD price action. MUFG analysts specifically note that “the Australian dollar’s resilience reflects structural economic strengths.” They reference Australia’s diversified export base and prudent fiscal management. Additionally, they emphasize the nation’s political stability compared to other commodity exporters. These factors collectively enhance Australia’s investment appeal. Economic Impacts and Market Implications The strong Australian dollar produces significant economic consequences. Export-oriented sectors face competitive challenges in global markets. However, importers benefit from reduced input costs. Consumers enjoy lower prices for imported goods and overseas travel. This dynamic creates complex policy considerations for Australian authorities. Financial markets respond to these developments with notable adjustments. Australian government bond yields remain elevated relative to global peers. Equity markets demonstrate sectoral divergence, with domestic-focused companies outperforming exporters. Currency volatility measures indicate reduced uncertainty about Australia’s monetary policy path. International investors increasingly allocate capital to Australian assets. Sovereign wealth funds and pension managers cite several attractive characteristics: Yield Advantage: Higher interest rates than comparable developed markets Currency Stability: Reduced volatility compared to historical patterns Commodity Exposure: Natural resource sector provides inflation hedge Regulatory Transparency: Clear and consistent policy framework Historical Context and Policy Evolution The RBA’s current stance represents a significant evolution from previous approaches. Historically, the central bank prioritized employment objectives alongside inflation. However, recent experience with persistent price pressures prompted this strategic shift. Governor Bullock’s leadership emphasizes inflation control as the primary mandate. This policy evolution follows Australia’s challenging inflation experience. Consumer prices peaked at 7.8% in December 2022 before gradually moderating. The current inflation rate of 4.1% remains above the RBA’s 2-3% target band. Consequently, policymakers maintain restrictive settings despite economic growth concerns. International observers note Australia’s distinctive inflation composition. Housing costs contribute disproportionately to overall price pressures. Rental inflation exceeds 7% annually due to supply constraints. Construction costs remain elevated despite material price stabilization. These structural factors complicate the inflation fight. Risk Factors and Future Considerations Several potential developments could alter the Australian dollar’s trajectory. Chinese economic performance remains crucial given trade relationships. Global commodity demand fluctuations directly impact Australia’s export earnings. Additionally, unexpected shifts in major central bank policies could reduce interest rate differentials. Domestic economic indicators warrant continuous monitoring. Employment data provides insights into wage pressure sustainability. Business investment trends influence productivity and growth potential. Consumer spending patterns reveal underlying economic strength. These variables collectively inform RBA policy decisions. Geopolitical developments present additional considerations. Regional security concerns occasionally affect investor sentiment toward Australian assets. Trade agreement developments influence export prospects. Climate policy implementation affects resource sector operations. These factors contribute to currency market volatility. Conclusion The Australian dollar demonstrates remarkable strength supported fundamentally by the RBA’s hawkish monetary policy stance. MUFG analysis confirms this relationship while highlighting additional supportive factors. Commodity prices, economic resilience, and favorable investment flows reinforce currency gains. However, multiple risk factors require careful monitoring. The Australian dollar’s trajectory will ultimately reflect evolving economic conditions and policy responses. Market participants must remain attentive to both domestic developments and global influences. FAQs Q1: What does “hawkish RBA stance” mean for the Australian dollar? The Reserve Bank of Australia’s hawkish stance indicates a commitment to maintaining higher interest rates to combat inflation. This policy creates yield advantages that attract foreign capital, thereby supporting Australian dollar strength against other currencies. Q2: How does MUFG analyze currency movements? MUFG employs comprehensive analysis incorporating interest rate differentials, economic fundamentals, commodity prices, capital flows, and geopolitical factors. Their currency strategists examine both quantitative data and qualitative policy developments to forecast exchange rate movements. Q3: What factors could weaken the Australian dollar despite hawkish RBA policy? Significant deterioration in China’s economy, sharp declines in commodity prices, unexpected dovish RBA policy shifts, or global financial market turmoil could potentially undermine Australian dollar strength regardless of domestic interest rate settings. Q4: How does Australia’s inflation compare to other developed economies? Australia’s current inflation rate of 4.1% exceeds that of many developed peers but remains below recent peaks. However, the composition differs significantly, with services and housing inflation presenting particular challenges for Australian policymakers. Q5: What time horizon does MUFG’s analysis cover for Australian dollar projections? MUFG provides analysis across multiple timeframes, including short-term tactical views (1-3 months), medium-term strategic outlooks (6-12 months), and longer-term structural assessments. Their current analysis emphasizes sustained support through 2025 with appropriate risk qualifications. This post Australian Dollar Soars: Hawkish RBA Stance Underpins Sustained Gains – MUFG Analysis first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Lombard looks to link institutional custody to onchain finance

The product will let institutions use custodied Bitcoin as onchain collateral without moving assets or transferring control, with Morpho set as the initial liquidity partner.

Ethena-backed suiUSDe stablecoin goes live on Sui with $10 million yield vault launch

The synthetic dollar debuts on Sui Mainnet alongside a permissionless vault seeded by SUI Group and integration with DeepBook’s new margin system.

NOWPayments Offers Zero Network Fees on USDT TRC20 Payments for New Users

CertiK raises red flag as prediction market growth outpaces security framework

According to a new report from blockchain security firm CertiK, prediction market trading volumes quadrupled in 2025. Annual trading volume climbed from $15.8 billion in 2024 to about $63.5 billion in 2025. According to the CertiK analysis, this increased adoption, driven by high-profile global events, raises sustainability questions. Kalshi, Polymarket, and Opinion dominate the prediction market According to CertiK, Kalshi, Polymarket , and Opinion now account for the majority of global volume. Each of them has different regulatory and technical approaches. Prediction market performance. Source: 2026 Skynet Prediction Markets Report Polymarket is independent and built on top of crypto. It runs on blockchain technology and settles transactions using Ethereum and USDC. Its limitless design enables huge market creation and global participation. However, it exposes the platform to ongoing regulatory scrutiny in several jurisdictions. Polymarket is recognized as a legal financial product at the federal level in the US. However, several EU countries have banned Polymarket as unauthorized gambling. There are also new state-level limits in the US that could make compliance more difficult to manage. As reported by Cryptopolitan, Polymarket filed a lawsuit against the state of Massachusetts in federal court. This argument implied that states lack the authority to independently shut down prediction markets over which the CFTC has exclusive jurisdiction. On the other hand, Kalshi operates as a fully regulated US platform. It is overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Its markets are built as event-based derivatives, with legal compliance and institutional credibility as top priorities. However, such regulatory clarity, though limiting, opens up some categories to the market. This lures investors seeking clarity and access through conventional financial highways. Kalshi has seen over $1 billion traded by its users recently during the Super Bowl event. The amount it held increased by 2,700% compared to the previous year. The security firm expects Kalshi, Polymarket, and Opinion to remain the most popular. However, it says growth will depend on whether platforms can retain users without incentives, navigate state-level restrictions, and adapt as jurisdictions weigh their own regulatory frameworks. Meanwhile, major companies are set to expand into the prediction market this year, including Coinbase, integrating event-based contracts alongside its crypto offerings; Crypto.com, launching its OG prediction platform with tradable contracts; Gemini, preparing to enter with a regulated prediction-market product; and Robinhood, scaling its marketplace with new event-based trading options. Prediction markets have structural weak points On the flipside, this growth introduced heightened risks. CertiK also warned that the fast growth of the prediction market sector has outpaced the maturity of its security design, leaving structural weaknesses that become more serious as platforms grow and add more users. There are hybrid Web2/Web3 designs that aim to strike a balance between on-chain openness and onboarding ease. However, CertiK said that combining them “exposes both attack surfaces at the same time.” At the end of last year, a third-party authentication provider used by Polymarket was compromised. CertiK states that on-chain platforms continue to face persistent threats, including “oracle manipulation, administrative key vulnerabilities, and front-running”. However, CertiK noted that market prices and probability outputs generally remained reliable. To that end, manipulation affected appearance more than actual forecasting accuracy. The smartest crypto minds already read our newsletter. Want in? Join them .

Silver Price Rebound: Dip-Buyers Seize Golden Opportunity Ahead of Critical US Jobs Data

BitcoinWorld Silver Price Rebound: Dip-Buyers Seize Golden Opportunity Ahead of Critical US Jobs Data LONDON, May 15, 2025 – Silver markets staged a notable technical rebound in Thursday’s European session as strategic dip-buyers entered positions ahead of a delayed and highly anticipated U.S. employment report. Consequently, the precious metal recovered from early-week pressure, demonstrating the market’s sensitivity to macroeconomic catalysts and technical support levels. This price action highlights the complex interplay between scheduled data releases and trader psychology in commodity markets. Silver Price Rebound: Analyzing the Technical Catalyst Spot silver (XAG/USD) traded near $28.50 per ounce, marking a recovery of approximately 1.8% from Wednesday’s lows. Market technicians immediately identified a confluence of support around the $27.80 level, corresponding with the 50-day moving average and a previous resistance-turned-support zone from mid-April. Furthermore, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the four-hour chart dipped near 30 before bouncing, signaling oversold conditions that typically attract contrarian buyers. Volume analysis showed increased activity during the rebound, suggesting genuine accumulation rather than short-covering alone. Several key chart patterns contributed to the bullish reversal. First, a clear hammer candlestick formed on the daily chart at the support zone. Second, the price held above the critical 200-day simple moving average, maintaining the longer-term uptrend structure established since late 2023. Third, Fibonacci retracement levels from the March low to April high showed the dip finding buyers at the 61.8% retracement, a common level for trend resumption. These technical factors collectively provided a roadmap for dip-buying algorithms and discretionary traders. The Macroeconomic Backdrop: Why the Jobs Data Matters The immediate catalyst for market caution and subsequent positioning was the delayed release of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ April Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report. Originally scheduled for the previous Friday, technical issues pushed the publication to Thursday afternoon. This report serves as a primary gauge for Federal Reserve policy decisions, directly influencing interest rate expectations and, by extension, non-yielding assets like silver. Historically, stronger-than-expected jobs data strengthens the U.S. dollar and Treasury yields, pressuring precious metals. Conversely, weaker data fuels expectations for monetary easing, supporting silver prices. Market consensus, according to Bloomberg surveys, anticipated job growth of around 190,000 for April. However, uncertainty remained elevated due to recent mixed signals from other labor indicators like JOLTs job openings and weekly unemployment claims. This uncertainty created a tactical window. Savvy traders often position ahead of such high-impact events to capitalize on implied volatility and potential post-news momentum. The delayed report amplified this effect, extending the pre-news positioning period. Expert Insight: The Dip-Buying Psychology “This is a classic case of ‘buy the rumor, sell the news’ dynamics playing out in the commodities space,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, Head of Commodity Strategy at the Global Markets Institute. “Dip-buyers aren’t necessarily betting on a weak jobs number. Instead, they are exploiting the volatility crush that often occurs after the data release. By entering at technical support before the event, they limit downside risk with a clear stop-loss level while positioning for a volatility-driven move in either direction.” Sharma notes that similar patterns occurred before CPI releases in Q1 2025, where silver saw rebounds from key levels regardless of the eventual inflation print. Data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) supports this view. Commitments of Traders reports showed managed money accounts had reduced their net-long silver positions for two consecutive weeks leading into the event, creating room for renewed buying. Meanwhile, physical demand indicators remained robust. The Silver Institute’s 2025 Q1 report noted a 5% year-over-year increase in industrial demand, particularly from the solar photovoltaic sector, providing a fundamental floor for prices. Comparative Market Performance and Correlations The silver rebound occurred amidst mixed action in related assets. Gold (XAU/USD), silver’s more liquid counterpart, saw a more muted bounce, highlighting silver’s higher beta and sensitivity to industrial demand cues. The gold-silver ratio, a key metric watched by precious metals traders, tightened slightly from 86 to 85.2. Meanwhile, copper and other industrial metals traded flat, suggesting the silver move was partly driven by its monetary, rather than purely industrial, attributes ahead of the jobs data. Precious Metals Performance: Pre-Jobs Data (May 15 AM Session) Asset Price 24h Change Key Support Spot Silver (XAG/USD) $28.47 +1.8% $27.80 Spot Gold (XAU/USD) $2,420 +0.6% $2,400 Gold/Silver Ratio 85.2 -0.9% 86.0 Silver Miners ETF (SIL) $28.15 +2.4% $27.50 The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) traded in a narrow range, reflecting the market’s wait-and-see stance. Real yields on 10-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) held steady near 1.85%. This stability in silver’s traditional macro headwinds (dollar and yields) provided a conducive environment for the technical rebound to gain traction. Analysts noted that silver’s volatility, as measured by the CBOE’s Silver Volatility Index, spiked ahead of the data, creating attractive conditions for option sellers and volatility harvesters. Historical Precedent and Trader Positioning Reviewing the past five NFP releases reveals a pattern. Silver experienced a positive session following the report 60% of the time, but the magnitude of moves was often determined by revisions to previous months’ data and wage growth figures, not just the headline number. For instance, the March report showed strong headline growth but downward revisions for January and February, resulting in a net neutral impact on silver. Traders positioning before the April report likely accounted for this nuance, focusing on the complete data set rather than a single figure. Key levels monitored by institutional desks included: $27.80: The 50-day moving average and April consolidation zone. $29.20: The recent cycle high from early May, representing immediate resistance. $26.50: The 200-day moving average, viewed as a critical bull/bear demarcation line. Open interest in COMEX silver futures rose during the dip, indicating new positions were being opened, not just old ones being closed. This is a sign of conviction among the dip-buying cohort. The Industrial Demand Safety Net Beyond speculative flows, physical market fundamentals provided confidence to buyers. According to the Silver Institute, structural deficits in the silver market are projected to continue through 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year of deficit. Industrial consumption now accounts for over 55% of total demand. “The growth trajectory in solar panel production, automotive electrification, and 5G infrastructure is inherently silver-intensive,” states Michael Chen, a veteran metals analyst. “This creates a higher price floor with each passing year. Short-term traders might focus on jobs data, but the strategic dip-buyers are often those with a longer-term view on this fundamental picture.” Conclusion The silver price rebound witnessed ahead of the delayed U.S. jobs data exemplifies modern market dynamics where technical analysis, macroeconomic anticipation, and fundamental underpinnings converge. Dip-buyers capitalized on defined technical support levels and elevated pre-event volatility, demonstrating a disciplined approach to risk management. While the immediate price direction will be influenced by the jobs report’s details, the reaction highlights silver’s dual role as both a monetary and industrial asset. Ultimately, this episode reinforces the importance of key technical levels in providing actionable signals during periods of macroeconomic uncertainty, and it underscores the persistent demand that continues to support the long-term silver market structure. FAQs Q1: What caused the silver price rebound on May 15? The rebound was driven by technical buying at key support levels (near $27.80) combined with strategic positioning by traders ahead of the high-impact, delayed U.S. Non-Farm Payrolls report. Oversold conditions and the expectation of post-data volatility attracted dip-buyers. Q2: Why is the U.S. jobs data so important for silver prices? The jobs data is a primary indicator for the health of the U.S. economy and directly influences Federal Reserve interest rate policy. Since silver does not yield interest, its opportunity cost is affected by rate expectations. Strong data can lift the dollar and yields, pressuring silver, while weak data can have the opposite effect. Q3: What is ‘dip-buying’ in this context? Dip-buying refers to the strategy of purchasing an asset during a short-term price decline within a longer-term uptrend or at a perceived level of value. In this case, buyers entered at a defined technical support zone, anticipating at least a temporary bounce regardless of the eventual jobs data outcome. Q4: Did other precious metals like gold rebound similarly? Gold saw a more modest rebound (+0.6% vs. silver’s +1.8%). This difference highlights silver’s higher volatility (beta) and its added sensitivity to industrial demand factors, which can decouple its short-term moves from gold’s more purely monetary-driven price action. Q5: What are the key technical levels to watch for silver after the jobs report? Immediate resistance is at the early May high near $29.20. On the downside, the $27.80 level (50-day MA) remains crucial support. A sustained break above $29.20 could target the $30 psychological zone, while a break below $27.80 might see a test of the 200-day moving average near $26.50. This post Silver Price Rebound: Dip-Buyers Seize Golden Opportunity Ahead of Critical US Jobs Data first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

Polymarket predicts Silver’s price for end of February 2026

After swinging from $72 to above $116 in a matter of weeks, silver is now back trading around $85, and traders on cryptocurrency-based prediction market Polymarket are betting on where the precious metal heads next. Silver price YTD chart. Source: TradingView Specifically, the odds of silver being above $70 are at 87%, and the odds of it being above $75 are at 53%. Prediction market showing prices Silver is expected to be above in February. Source: Polymarket Polymarket anomalies in predicting Silver February price Still, this prediction market is interesting since it simultaneously presents several apparent anomalies, likely driven by the way Polymarket adjusts odds and by the activity of the increasingly-popular trading bots . Specifically, it could be reasonably expected that, as the forecasted silver price rises, the odds of it actually being reached fall. For example, if the argent metal ends the month above $80, it is guaranteed to also be above $75 or $60. Despite this, the odds of silver being above $70 are higher – and, in fact, the highest in the market – at 87% than of it being above $40 – where the percentage is at 86. Similarly, the odds of precious metal finding itself above $110 are, at 36%, higher than of it being $100 – 33%. Silver price path to February 28 Elsewhere, a kindred market roughly outlines how traders are expecting silver to trade in the remaining 17 days of February. Silver is most likely to touch $75 at some point in the month, with odds of 59%, per the data Finbold retrieved from Polymarket . Market prediction silver price milestone in February. Source: Polymarket Additionally, while $65, $70, and $120 are also considered plausible milestones in February, with the chances ranging from 10% to 25%, the probability of $75 has risen significantly at the expense of other potential prices, indicating a lower expected volatility. Featured image via Shutterstock The post Polymarket predicts Silver’s price for end of February 2026 appeared first on Finbold .

XRP Yearly Returns Hit Lowest Since 2023

With the recent crypto market crash, XRP has continued to project massive losses for 2026 as its price has recently retested multiyear lows.