Visa has entered a partnership with WeFi, a blockchain-based banking firm founded by Reeve Collins, the former CEO of Tether, to enable digital-asset payments via WeFi's on-chain banking infrastructure, Odaily Planet Daily reported. WeFi lets users hold assets and control their private keys through self-custody wallets, while allowing those funds to be spent wherever Visa payments are accepted. The rollout will begin in select markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America, with plans to expand to additional regions once regulatory approvals are secured. WeFi CEO Maksym Sakharov said the stablecoin will be embedded directly into the platform's core infrastructure, with settlements handled in the background so users don't need to manually convert currencies.

Visa has signed a partnership with WeFi, a self-described "blockchain bank" founded by Reeve Collins, the former CEO of Tether, The Block reported. The collaboration is designed to let users keep digital assets in self-custody wallets and pay directly across Visa's global merchant network, without parking funds on centralized exchanges. WeFi cofounder and CEO Maksym Sakharov said stablecoins are built into the underlying infrastructure, with settlement processed automatically behind the scenes to mirror the experience of traditional card payments. The rollout will begin in selected markets across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Additional expansion will depend on regulatory approvals.

ChainCatcher, citing Cointelegraph, reported that stablecoin transfer volume over the past 30 days slid 19.18% from the prior period to $8.31 trillion. Over the same window, total stablecoin market capitalization rose 2.06% to $305.29 billion, while the number of holders increased 2.32% to 246.94 million. By net inflows over the past 30 days, Tether's USDT ranked first with $3.6 billion, followed by Circle's USDC at $2 billion and MakerDAO's DAI at $1.2 billion. Ethena's USDe recorded the largest net outflow at $1.1 billion.

Rep. Begich said the updated U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve proposal has been rebranded as ARMA and is designed to formally recognize Bitcoin as a reserve asset. "We're trying to make sure that Bitcoin is treated like the reserve asset that it is."

U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran's government is in a "state of collapse" and has asked for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened immediately. The remarks point to a diplomatic shift as Tehran reportedly tries to contain a leadership crisis while the blockade continues to squeeze flows through a route that carries about 20% of the world's oil supply. Trump said reopening the strait is a priority as Iran's administration moves to reorganize its domestic governance structure. Based on past patterns, Iran is expected to issue a statement soon.

Visa has partnered with WeFi, a company headed by a former Tether CEO, to connect cryptocurrency activity to Visa's global payment network.

CoinDesk reports that Iran's deputy defense minister said post-conflict shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will proceed under procedures set by the Islamic Republic. Authorities expect traffic to normalize on May 15. Market pricing indicates 59.5% "Yes," up 20% from a day earlier. After the statement, the asset gained 40 points over 24 hours as traders read the comments as a sign of a managed reopening during the 2026 Hormuz Strait crisis. Gen. Michael Kurilla and other key participants remain involved in negotiations. Liquidity conditions show $36,459 in daily volume (USDC-denominated). A 5-point move requires $4,658, pointing to steady order flow. The latest notable move came at 3:48 PM with a 2-point spike, underscoring sensitivity to headlines. The key issue is definition: Iran's reference to an "Islamic Republic Agreement" implies any reopening would be on Iran's terms rather than a return to pre-crisis conditions. Whether regulated passage satisfies the contract depends on how the market's resolution criteria define "ordinary" traffic restoration. Traders are watching two primary catalysts: an end to the U.S. blockade and confirmation that mine clearance has been completed. Updates from U.S. Central Command and statements from Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are likely to shape expectations for whether the May 15 timeline is achievable. Contract snapshot: "Yes" at 60 cents; pays $1 if resolved; 1.67x back. API access available.

T. Rowe Price is preparing to launch $TKNZ, an actively managed crypto ETF expected to hold a rotating portfolio of 515 cryptocurrencies. The basket would include major tokens such as $BTC, $ETH, $SOL, $XRP, $DOGE and $SHIB.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is deploying artificial intelligence to automate reviews of cryptocurrency registration applications and to monitor global trading activity. Chairman Michael Selig said the agency is using Microsoft Copilot alongside proprietary in-house tools to maintain coverage after a 20% reduction in federal staffing. The AI systems will help analyze trading data and assess registration filings, pointing to tighter oversight of digital asset markets.