Russia has set a 2026 deadline to implement strict crypto regulations, recognizing crypto as property and limiting retail investor access starting July 2026. The new rules aim to control domestic payments and reduce risks, marking a significant regulatory shift. This move could impact crypto markets and international exchanges operating in Russia.
Aptos (APT) led Web3 gains with a 5.5% increase, while Internet Computer (ICP) rose 5.3%, both on April 22, 2026. These tokens outperformed other assets, marking a positive trend in the Web3 sector. The gains reflect renewed investor interest in blockchain projects, with Aptos and ICP emerging as top performers today.
Salesforce (CRM) stock opened at $187.17, below its 52-week high of $296.05, amid a major AI partnership with Google Cloud announced in April 2026. M&T Bank increased its CRM stake by 166.6% in Q4, with institutional investors now holding 80.43%. The collaboration aims to enable seamless end-to-end workflows across both platforms, boosting Salesforce’s AI capabilities.
Lazarus, a North Korean hacking group, is reportedly using multiple blockchain bridges, including LayerZero, to launder stolen funds. The group moves loot quickly, exploiting these bridges for money laundering. The report highlights the differing responses from the bridges, with LayerZero identified as one of the tools Lazarus employs to facilitate illicit transactions.
Justin Sun has filed a lawsuit against World Liberty Financial over the freezing of WLFI crypto tokens. The legal action follows the company's decision to freeze the tokens, which has impacted Sun's holdings. The case highlights ongoing disputes in the crypto space related to asset freezes and regulatory issues. The lawsuit was announced in April 2026.
Pudgy Penguins' PENG token has experienced significant gains, posting double-digit increases amid a surge in utility memecoins. The rising interest in memecoins reflects growing enthusiasm in the Web3 space, with PENG gaining attention as a notable example. The trend highlights the increasing popularity of memecoins and their potential for substantial short-term gains in 2026.
Tencent has joined Alibaba in pursuing a stake in DeepSeek, a startup valued at over $20 billion. This move underscores the increasing competition among tech giants to secure AI investments amid rising geopolitical and scaling challenges. The funding shift highlights the growing importance of AI startups in the Web3 ecosystem and the strategic focus of major companies on AI development.
