BlackRock And Mastercard Turn To XRP Ledger In DeFi Power Play
NewsBTC·60-word summary·1 min read
BlackRock, Mastercard, and Ripple completed tests using the RLUSD stablecoin on the XRP Ledger in April 2026, demonstrating a shift by financial giants toward blockchain-based payments. The trial aimed to enhance transparency and speed in cross-border transactions. Major institutions like Franklin Templeton are exploring the ledger for institutional finance, leveraging its decentralized exchange and automated market maker features.
Kevin Warsh’s nomination for a Fed leadership role has positively impacted Bitcoin sentiment, amid recent disclosures of crypto holdings. His potential appointment, announced in April 2026, is seen as a possible signal of regulatory shifts that could boost institutional confidence in cryptocurrencies. The news has contributed to a more optimistic outlook for Bitcoin’s future trajectory.
Bitcoin surpassed $78,000 on Wednesday, driven by short squeezes and strong ETF inflows, according to analysts. The move indicates increased institutional interest and market confidence. The Fear & Greed Index exited ‘extreme fear’ territory, reflecting a bullish sentiment among traders. Bitcoin’s rally highlights ongoing institutional adoption and positive market momentum in crypto.
Tether has purchased 951 Bitcoin, worth approximately $70 million, bringing its total holdings to 97,141 BTC as of April 2026. The move indicates a shift towards a long-term treasury strategy rather than trading. The transaction was identified through on-chain monitoring and linked to Tether’s reserve wallet, reflecting the company's ongoing accumulation of Bitcoin assets.
Bitcoin ETFs saw $238.37 million inflows over five days in April 2026, signaling renewed institutional interest. The streak marks a significant recovery since last cycle lows. The trend suggests increased confidence in Bitcoin and the broader crypto market, with ETFs playing a key role in driving inflows and market stability.
Justin Sun, founder of Tron, filed a federal lawsuit in California on April 22 against World Liberty Financial over $75 million in WLFI tokens that were frozen without disclosure. The lawsuit alleges that the DeFi project, backed by Trump, improperly froze Sun’s tokens, raising concerns over transparency and asset security in the decentralized finance space.
Russia’s State Duma has approved a bill allowing cryptocurrencies to be used for cross-border trade, supporting international payments amid sanctions. The bill, which classifies cryptocurrencies as property, grants the Bank of Russia authority over crypto regulation. This is the first reading of the legislation, with crypto still banned for domestic transactions. The move aims to facilitate foreign trade.
