Toronto, May 2025 From time to time, something or other happens that deeply upsets the very foundation of the crypto world, not with merely beautiful hype, but with a meaningful purpose. Consensus 2025, scheduled to take place in Toronto this May, is shaping itself as that very mark. Born as a niche meet-up back in 2015, today, this is the most prominent annual event in the crypto sector, and this year, it is not only stars like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano that get to shine-Pi Network gets to step in with a timely significance.
This city of steel and blockchain innovation will see the gathering of builders, investors, and pioneers by the thousands. For Pi Network, having for too long withstood skepticism but never keeping silence, it's not just the mere act of being at Consensus; it's an act of standing up for the future of digital assets and decentralized inclusion.
The Pi Network Founder At The Table
The Pi community exploded with excitement when Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, the Head of Technology and the visionary behind Pi Network, made his attendance at Consensus 2025 known via X.
This is not just another panel appearance; this is Pi entering a dialogue alongside the developers who have coded the very foundations of Web3.
Dr. Kokkalis is expected to talk about real utilities-based ecosystem, progress on Open Mainnet, and real-world crypto adoption-things Pi has worked for but not properly built over the years-while others, like Charles Hoskinson (Cardano), will provide insights into scalability and decentralization, and Eric Trump will introduce AmericanBTC, a new Bitcoin mining company.
It Matters Right Now What Pi Does
While Bitcoin is still leading as a store of value and Ethereum innovates the smart contract infrastructure, Pi is doing something that might be equally important: making cryptocurrency accessible. With more than 70 million users and a mobile-first approach, Pi has become the biggest global experiment in democratizing crypto, notably in regions where blockchain adoption is still emerging.
Its presence at Consensus is an assertion: crypto goes beyond programmers, whales, and VC-backed projects. It is about the everyday guy with a phone, a network, and a dream of financial independence.
The Road Ahead: What Crypto Will Be
The rapid growth of Web 3 into AI, data ownership, and decentralized infrastructure demands a fast pace rarely seen in the past. This year at Consensus, huge infrastructure players like Utila, Web3 MLOps trailblazers like Dysnix, and some of the most novel data ownership networks like Vana will be on showcase. With its attendance, Pi is now at the center of where interoperability, identity, and utility will determine the next crypto cycle.
For the Pi ecosystem, this is more than just validation. It is a sign: in this case, a sign that the ecosystem is moving from closed beta into open conversation with the people shaping the next evolution of digital assets.
Final Thoughts
This year, something feels different as the crypto world converges in Toronto. The discussions are broader. The voices are more diverse. The future feels a little bit brighter. "We have always said Pi was a marathon, not a sprint. Now the world gets to see why we have been running all along." - Pioneer, Node Operator. #BinanceSquare
May 1, 2025 | Crypto Today Digest #Write2Earn Original Source – Cointelegraph #Web3
World (formerly Worldcoin) Launches in the US, Signaling a New Era for Digital Identity The crypto-powered digital identity platform World—previously known as Worldcoin and co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman—has officially touched down on US soil. Its launch begins in six strategic “innovation hubs”: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco.
At the heart of World’s offering is the Orb, a metallic sphere that scans your eyes and face to confirm that you’re a real human being World IDs serve as digital credentials which verified users access for utilization across Minecraft and Reddit and Discord platforms.
The platform rewards users who participate with WLD cryptocurrency to implement a unique method of human authentication in an environment which suffers from automated bots and artificial intelligence impersonators
After staying away from the US due to regulatory pressure, the project now seems to be taking confidence from the crypto-friendly stance of the Trump administration, signaling what could be a turning point in Web3 policy discussions.
In a further show of momentum, Worldcoin announced a partnership with Visa for a WLD-powered card, and a pilot with Match Group—owners of Tinder, Hinge, Match.com, and Plenty of Fish. The initiative aims to bring real-person verification into the online dating space, a potential game-changer for reducing scams and bots.
Ripple’s $5 Billion Attempt to Buy Circle Reportedly Rejected According to a Bloomberg report on April 30Ripple—the blockchain payments giant behind XRP—reportedly made a $4–5 billion bid to acquire Circle, the issuer of the USDC stablecoin. However, the offer was allegedly turned down for being “too low.” The timing is notable: Circle filed for a US IPO less than 30 days ago, signaling strong independent momentum and valuation expectations.
Ripple, meanwhile, continues expanding its reach. Just last month, it acquired Hidden Road, a prime brokerage, for around $1.2 billion, aiming to scale activity across the XRP Ledger. Though Ripple was valued at $11 billion in 2024, CEO Brad Garlinghouse called that figure “outdated,” suggesting the firm may now be playing on an even bigger scale.
US Senior Scammed Out of $330 Million in Bitcoin Scheme In a stark reminder of the darker side of crypto, an elderly US citizen reportedly fell victim to a massive $330 million social engineering scam involving Bitcoin (BTC The occurring incident demonstrates how essential it is to improve user education while also implementing better safety measures and community-based awareness initiatives because crypto adoption continues to grow.
The expanding adoption of crypto enables fraudulent activities to covertly blend with genuine innovative initiatives. To safeguard experienced adopters and new users the industry needs to construct with empathy and reveal everything along with taking shared responsibility.
Quick Hits & Themes of the Day: Under current White House policies, the United States appears to show more openness toward cryptocurrency regulations. Biometric verification tools demonstrate increasing presence in society while generating valuable new opportunities but are facing uncertainty about their moral implications.
Web3 spaces require students and users to stay educated about scammers because it remains essential to their protection. Stablecoins: Big players are fighting for control of crypto’s most stable assets. Adoption: Real-world integrations—from dating apps to debit cards—are accelerating crypto’s utility.
Envo Makes Bold Statement on #Web3 Social Innovation
DUBAI—April 18, 2025, TOKEN2049 Dubai started its much-awaited event schedule with its official launch on April 18 and continued until April 19, with prominent leaders from blockchain and decentralized finance space and the emerging tech sector.
During Day 1 of the event Envo stood out as one of the main participants since it positions itself at the decentralized front of digital social connectivity. This year's summit serves as a platform through which the Envo team promotes its mission by demonstrating how user-managerial control of data can enhance social platforms with private encryption and infrastructure devoid of trust.
The two-day TOKEN2049 event exists within Dubai’s innovation district, where it provides a global meeting place for developers and investors alongside founders and thought leaders dedicated to crypto and Web3 industries. The social platform evolution statement from Envo created a positive reception because it demonstrates rising interest in decentralization options for centralized social media networks. The team previewed future company updates and strategic alliances while delivering their message through "Are you ready for the future?"
The ongoing TOKEN2049 Dubai maintains focus on both Envo and other disruptive projects that will redefine connectivity in the decentralization space. Follow this page to obtain real-time information from TOKEN2049.
Tether minted $2 billion in USDT in 15 minutes, sparking speculation of a crypto rally and increased market liquidity.
A blockchain tracking service named Whale Alert recorded as Tether Treasury completed two United States dollar Token mintings worth $2 billion over a span of 15 minutes. This twofold USDT minting operation totaling $1 billion each time caused vigorous crypto industry debates on X (formerly Twitter) because crypto analysts Ash Crypto view the move as indicative of an upcoming market boost.
Liquidity Boost or Market Signal? Large USDT minting usually leads to enhanced exchange liquidity because it suggests institutional investors plan to spend their funds. The crypto market observes closely if BTCB's marking of large USDT supply amounts will lead to increased demand across digital assets.
Community Reactions and Speculation Crypto influencers together with community members view this event as hinting at upcoming market increase. The production of new mints by Tether does not directly reveal capital buys but they typically announce upcoming significant price changes in both Bitcoin and alternative coins.
Institutional Demand and Rate Cut Speculation Drive Bitcoin Into “Optimism” Zone.
Bitcoin Rally Gains Strength as Analysts Highlight Bullish Breakout, Institutional Flows, and Macro Catalysts Technical indicators alongside macroeconomic components and institutional investment patterns show that Bitcoin sustains its strong position while it holds within the range below $95,000. The cryptocurrency surpassed $94,000 and specialists analyze it as both resilient and undervalued because of multiple positive market developments.
Research analysts predict Bitcoin will gain additional value since it exceeded $94,000. Technical expert Mark Newton who makes exact cycle-based predictions noted that Bitcoin has surpassed its short-term barriers to reach a stable position slightly below $95,000. Newton believes that the current consolidation area presents an opportunity for Bitcoin to reach $98,000 up to $100,000 over the upcoming months. Newton also claims that price levels ranging from $98,000 to $100,000 will receive potential support from the current consolidation area. The rally receives support from metrics extracted from blockchain systems. The price movement receives support from strong fundamentals according to Julio Moreno who works as an analyst at CryptoQuant. He noticed that this market rise matched the widespread trend of extended holder buying activities. Analysis by Newton reveals that Bitcoin's illiquid supply has reached 70% since investors hold onto their assets for extended periods indicating deep commitment. Which, the net inflow of funds into ETFs strengthens the positive market outlook. Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas interviewed BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to reveal a $927 million inflow on April 28 which became its second-largest single-day inflow ever. The continuous institutional interest has caused IBIT to capture more than 51% of the U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF market. BTC demonstrates strong bullish signals through the analysis of its daily chart. When a descending pattern breaks upward and strong green candles persist the market indicates reliable buyer strength becomes evident. The bullish outlook for Bitcoin remains secure while the price maintains above $92,000. The combination of strategic crypto developments and macroeconomic changes creates an environment for Bitcoin to capitalize on renewed strength and market undervaluation which re-establishes investor confidence in the "optimism" zone. Fidelity Digital Assets analysis and information gathered from multiple trading platforms show Bitcoin continues to rally independently from its past connections with tech stock performance. The cryptocurrency market demonstrates traits of a store-of-value mechanism in the same way that gold does. Lately, Fidelity report elevated Bitcoin's mid-term predictions because they analyzed valuation criteria including Bitcoin Yardstick analysis between market capitalization and network hash rate. The Bitcoin Yardstick suggests the cryptocurrency remains affordable despite its current market valuation which is approaching $94,000 because its network benefits from massive energy usage. Derivatives and Exchange Traded Funds markets support this evaluation. The CME trading data displays growing basis activity together with increasing open interest because institutions are showing greater faith in Bitcoin. The spot Bitcoin ETF IBIT attracted nearly $1 billion from investors on April 28 while confirming its position as the U.S. leader in spot Bitcoin ETFs which shows rising investor demand. The positive sentiment derives strength from various macroeconomic indicators. The March JOLTS report delivered job opening numbers below expectations thus suggesting the Federal Reserve will probably adopt increased boldness when setting interest rates. The dollar declined in value as authorities debated former President Trump's economic plans thus causing investors to choose Bitcoin and gold for protection. While the momentum keeps building up because Trump's Executive Order on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) will reach its 60-day implementation deadline soon. Market participants follow the potential systemic changes this federal policy introduces to how digital assets are managed by the U.S. government. The trends predict positive developments but additional care is still necessary. The offshore perpetual futures market continues to indicate bearish sentiment through negative funding rates and enhanced-option market activity demonstrates that participants remain unconvinced about the rally's future direction. Experts predict a blow-off top will emerge from an accelerated price increase unless investors show sufficient care. Nevertheless, the broader shift in investor behavior toward long-term holding points to a maturing market. Bitcoin maintains its status as a "risk/gold hybrid" asset class because it gives steadier performance than most overbought alternative cryptocurrencies and this positioning at the intersection between macroeconomic policy and institutional adoption makes it likely to withstand upcoming market fluctuations during the third quarter and the upcoming FOMC policy meeting.
Trump's Tariff Remarks Spark Economic Projections of Major Job Loss in China
Public opinion about Chinese tariffs intensified after Donald Trump expressed his thoughts about trade taxes. The continuing tariffs might lead to the loss of 10 million Chinese jobs, according to the analysts who spoke at the April 29, 2025 White House press briefing.
Through analysis, Senior policy analyst Daniel Kirkpatrick showed that sustained tariffs would become unsustainable and consequently lead to thousands of manufacturing and export sector job losses across China, especially in the electronics and textile sectors. He explained the chain reaction was likely to destabilize supply chains throughout the world. According to Kirkpatrick’s model, China’s GDP would face a maximum reduction of 1.5% through Q4 2025 when tariffs remain in effect. Lila Simmons, who is a trade economist, predicted that reciprocal trade strategies could affect upcoming markets, which would harm regional growth throughout Southeast Asia. According to her analysis, Chinese export volume will decrease by 2.1% annually, which indicates a gradual economic downturn, according to her assessment. Trump described the tariffs as unfeasible when he pointed out during the press conference how Beijing would experience domestic problems and financial chaos from job losses exceeding 10 million. The statement gained more than 1.7 million views along with substantial engagement that raised both market and public interest about U.S.-China trade relations.
The launch of $MILK tokens looks promising to analysts because demand has risen recently and strategic token allocations occurred after Binance Wallet conducted the Token Generation Event (TGE). CryptoMetrics analyst Daniel Kerr predicts that $MILK TGE, scheduled for April 29, 2025, will achieve complete subscription within its initial two hours because of low Alpha Points threshold requirements along with increased PancakeSwap liquidity. The analyst believes that initial trading volumes for the $MILK token may push upwards of $15 million within the first 24 hours of trading. In other more positive comments concerning the $MILK token, ChainLens Research analyst Priya Das said the strategic allocation of an additional 20 million $MILK tokens to be put into marketing campaigns would be extremely critical as a growth driver. This, according to Das, could increase the number of $MILK holders by 18-22% within one month. Meanwhile, Marcus Leung of TokenScope Analytics pointed out that the launch of the Wallet Campaign Portal is important, and he predicts the active campaign participation rates could reach levels above 35%, further catalyzing early-stage adoption. The 13th exclusive TGE event will take place on Binance Wallet through MilkyWay Zone and PancakeSwap between 8:00-10:00 AM UTC on April 29, 2025. The threshold criteria for Alpha Points will be revealed just before the event start time according to Binanc
e Wallet and partner channel analyst recommendations.
We’re Entering “The Era of Experience” — and It Might Just Decentralize AI for Good.
The groundbreaking and controversial work by Google DeepMind, with David Silver as a coauthor, suggests that future AI generations will need to go beyond training on human sources. Instead, AI agents will generate their experiences of training by learning through interaction with environments, with the accent on learning by doing and not learning by downloading.
If this scenario is legitimate, it does imply something beyond just an improvement of AI: it embodies the very assumption—a little poke at existing AI models (OpenAI and Meta, among others) that are too strong believers in centralized human-generated datasets. That method has its own limitations: legal, ethical, and computational.
But what would happen if AI were to evolve just like life? What if it could create, adapt, and optimize without our content?
Now picture this self-learning, ever-evolving AI embedded in a decentralization-true world...
Web3 is such that users own the data, not tech giants.
Training in decentralized AI occurs on nodes, environments, and agents, such that no one closes the doors behind them.
Rather than scraping data from the internet, we create on-chain experiences, simulated worlds, and peer-to-peer learning networks so AIs collaboratively evolve.
This introduces a path toward autonomous AI systems governed not by Big Tech but by open protocols, blockchain coordination, and tokenized incentives.
The Era of Experience + Web3 = A future where intelligence is not only artificial but is also decentralized.
AI Compliance Agents: The Next Frontier in Crypto Regulation?
A major trend in the crypto space within the time frame underlined above is the emergence of innovative meme coins with artificial intelligence integration, popularly referred to as "AI agent coins." These digital assets often use the capabilities of large language models to create interactive personalities that can engage users on platforms like Telegram and Twitter. This turns AI and cryptocurrency into a complete dynamic experience for the user, converting a passive investor into an active community member. Together, all AI agent coins can boast a market capitalization of $16.6 billion, showing how seriously the market takes this phenomenon.
Community Building or Community-cum-customer Marketing: An Effective Business Strategy for Creating Customer Trust and Loyalty A successful crypto project in 2025 engages and avidly participates within its community. Platforms, for instance, like Discord and Telegram and decentralized social networks have successfully managed to create a very close community of users with an incredible amount of involvement in strategies such as Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions, such as offering sneak-peek content, gamified experiences, and tending to build trust and loyalty
Personalization by AI for Better User Experience Artificial Intelligence is changing marketing for cryptocurrencies with the enabling of a truly personalized user experience. Advanced algorithms use user behavior and preference analysis to give fully customized content and recommendations. This form of personalization would then increase the user's engagement possibilities and, further, increase conversion rates as the user will be receiving information or an offer aligned with their need and interests
Gamification: Attracting users with interactivity Supplementary to this is gamification. The innovative introduction of gamification in crypto has proceeded in the method of increased user engagement on the websites. With gaming features such as challenges, rewards, leaderboards, and so on, crypto projects are inculcating such interactive experiences to gain participation from the users. This does not just attract new users but also keeps the old ones busy and engaged as it makes the user experience more enjoyable and rewarding
Using Influencers for Marketing: Taking Advantage of Trust and Reach Influencer marketing arguably remains one of the main tactics that crypto projects use to reach out to the masses. However, in 2025, micro-influencers, who have smaller but more actively engaged niche audiences, are changing the landscape in terms of business. They are not just influencers; they are those who are connected to their followers on a very personal level, making their endorsements resonate even more with them. Data-driven influencer campaigns have become the norm, with an emphasis on determining engagement rates, audience demographics, and return on investment
Pi Coin’s Timely Takeoff: Riding the Wave of Bitcoin, ETFs, and Altcoin Hype.
The charts are rising. Sentiment is flipping. Bitcoin has reclaimed dominance-and whispers across the crypto space are growing louder: "A major bull run is just around the corner."
Whether you're experienced in investing or merely peeking from afar, one thing is clear: the market is gearing up for an explosive season. And while blue chips like BTC and ETH are already stirring, new coins-classified now as tradable, including Pi Coin-are looking to lock and load.
So, let's unbundle why this cycle might be different and discuss the trends to watch for and emerging players like Pi and their bigger roles in the whole picture.
Reasons for the 2025 Bull Run?
Several coming macro and market macro special factors are straightening out, to name a few,
1. Bitcoin's Rally After Halving
The next halving of Bitcoin will occur on April 2024, during which BTC block rewards are cut from 6.25 to 3.125. Every historical halving has been succeeded by a massive bull run. The year following the halving, that is, 2025, is going to see such a bull and, as per the present scenario, it is already showing great bullishness as BTC has broken many critical resistance levels.
2. Introduction of Spot Bitcoin & Ethereum ETFs
Now that traditional finance is allowing crypto exposure through ETFs, institutional money is coming in at once at unprecedented levels. No wonder. It is not simple retail startup driven FOMO, but rather it's structured capital finally entering.
3. Incoming Altcoin Season
Traditionally, this is when traders buy altcoins; that is, after bitcoin settles at a local top high. They usually turn their attention toward layer 1s, DeFi, meme coins, and low-cap gems.
What should Traders be Watching?
• Layer 1 Ecosystems: Expanding networks like Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and newcomers like Sui and Sei. Higher developer activity along with dApp ecosystems generally leads to altcoins boom.
• Real-World Utility: the projects which will win are those that are related to AI, DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks), gaming, and decentralized identity.
• Meme Coins and Community Tokens: While speculative, such coins like DOGE, SHIB, PEPE, and BONK help fuel what many consider the top of the market-and even provide liquidity to the rest of the market.
• New Listings-Newly list coins like Pi (PI) usually catch fire for bull runs while traders chase after the "next big thing."
Where Does Pi Coin Fit In?
From its so-called "a coin you mine on your phone", Pi Network has now become listed on more than 18 exchanges, including Gate.io, BitMart, and MEXC.
The reasons Pi will have everyone's eyes glued during this bull run:
Freshly Listed: Pi's price discovery phase is in perfect timing as the early altcoin season starts.
Massive Community: Pi has more than 47 million Pioneers, the network effect of which most meme coins could only dream of.
Real-world Ecosystem: Pi-it-is not just a coin-it-is about to build it.
#Write2Earn After reaching the height of $89,000 today on April 22, 2025, bitcoin has turned into quite an energizing affair for the entire crypto space: from loyalists to bitcoin and altcoin advocates to utility-based communities like Pi network. But, certainly. What is causing this rally? What should crypto holders do, next? Why Bitcoin Is Pumping 1. Macroeconomic Winds in Its Favor His favor: Improving macro indicators contributed to spur in Bitcoin. Inflation-weary U.S. and halt of many global trade tariffs have brought some optimism back into the market and driven institutional and retail investors back to BTC. 2. The Increase of Dominance The market share that Bitcoin boasts relative to other cryptocurrencies has reached a 4-year high. That means many people are migrating from altcoins to BTC because they see it as a "safer bet" in rather uncertain times. Current and Future Effects of Altcoins and Pi Network Although bitcoin dominance currently indicates melting into ceasing BTC crowds, all is not doom and gloom for altcoins: BTC Blaster Seasons Form Altcoin Following Altcoin seasons often come on the back of booming bitcoin prices. As the price of BTC touches base, investors tend to invest in some of the promising altcoins, the so-called utilities, like Pi Network. Pi Network: An Incubation Project Unlike any other model, Pi Network is built on underground. No public exchange platform can trade its tokens, but it continues to grow with an expanding ecosystem and peer-to-peer transaction capabilities and utility development, thereby not holding it hostage to hype alone. Quietly building for long-term adoption above a community in excess of 50 million. As Bitcoin goes into a screaming headline, Pi bricks away and builds a decentralized mobile-first economy. Warning & Resistance Zones $89K-$90K wall strong BTC faces strong resistance at these levels. Analysts said it could retrace 10-15% if rejected, so expect short-term volatility. Fear Index Up Caution is creeping into the sentiment of markets, a natural exercise during rapid rallies. Intelligent investors pay attention to major support levels, primarily $86.8K-$89.7K tied to BTC, before making big moves. This Is What You Should Do To All Users of Crypto. For Bitcoin Holders: Take partial profits or set stop losses before heading down. Do not panic during a drawback because such things are typical in a healthy market cycle. For Altcoin Holders: No panic selling. Bitcoin will rise, and thriving altcoins will catch up with its glory. All eyes, though, should be kept on the sectors, as there appears to be some traction in AI, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure), and social tokens. For Pi Network Pioneers: Continue building your Pi portfolio; activity at the broader crypto level could soon bring more attention to the upcoming mainnet developments of Pi. Use the ecosystem: buy, sell, and transact with Pi wherever possible. Utility builds value. Be up-to-date and ready as you may end up getting listed or enter a price discovery phase. Final Take: BTC at $89K Signal Nothing, but Not Destination More than just a price tag on it, Bitcoin at $89K becomes broader than that.
Crypto’s Hidden Founders: The Builders You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Well, let's take a beat. Everyone's talking about Pi — 100 million people mining it, millions waiting for the Mainnet to open, and some downright arguments about its future value. But very few know who set that fire burning… or how deep that project went.
Because Pi is not another cryptocurrency. It is rather a story. A journey. In my opinion, it is one of the most slept-on origins in Web3.
Now, let's peel back the layers and see how a combination of Stanford smarts and startup grit, mixed with a dream bigger than convention, has birthed something that's rewriting the rules of crypto.
1. Where It All Began: A Stanford Course Became a Movement
In 2018, a unique course was being taught at Stanford: CS359B - Decentralized Applications on Blockchain. Sounds dry, right? But it wasn't really like that at all.
It was co-led by three brilliant minds: Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, Dr. Chengdiao Fan, and Aurélien Schiltz. No one in this room discussing the theoretical part of blockchain that clicked. They did not merely teach; they were quiet about laying the groundwork for a revolution in the real physical world.
This vision inspired Professor David Mazières and the Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP) before the team began shaping a different kind of blockchain:
Mobile-first
Energy-light
Truly accessible to anyone with a phone
That spark? Roared into Pi Network global protocol that is activated from a lecture room and runs millions of devices worldwide.
2. The Secret Sauce: Crowdsourcing, Reimagined
Crowdsourcing, however, before it got anything to do with crypto, was getting Kokkalis deep into the ditch with ingoing research about fund-raising, but more tellingly, being able to scale complicated tasks with large masses of people. In other words, how would everyday services become problem-solvers?
That's the premise of the Pi setup:
Crowd-based KYC processes
Ecosystem apps created by users
Governed by real people, not over-centralized elites
Mining is not an end in itself. It's about building an identity, trust, and utility.
Microsoft even cited in a 2023 essay that Pi's crowdsourced model is not simply about coding but human design.
3. Startup Hustle in its DNA
Now, here is the twist: before Pi, Kokkalis was not going to be an obscure academic. Apparently into building stuff.
He founded Gameyola (a viral games platform) and was part of the founding team that helped build StartX - Stanford's startup accelerator that takes these young founders from napkin sketch to launch day.
And that same startup energy pulses through the Pi ecosystem:
Gamified Mining Engagement
Daily Engagement Loops
Viral Mechanics for Referral
Real Incentives for Builders
That familiar feel: is that because it is? Best of those Silicon
Valley startup playbooks repurposed for a new kind of economy.
4. The Mystery and Myth of Pi
And what would a fine crypto story be without some myth-generation?
There are whispers that Kokkalis rubbed shoulders with Vitalik. Some even throw his name into the same mix with Satoshi.
$2.5 Billion Transfers USDT by Tether: What Will it Happen Now
In the last few hours, Tether minted USDT worth $1 billion on Tron and burnt $1.5 billion on Ethereum.
The shift is quite a move:
Tron has offered faster and cheaper options than Ethereum to explain the switch.
Ethereum's sky-high fees could be scaring away users, especially when it comes to stablecoins.
Tether probably adjusts the stablecoin supply according to the strongest demand centers.
This very well might also create opportunities for trade between different blockchains.
Be you're new in the crypto world or already an expert in DeFi, it does not matter anymore, USDT will always be a contender in blockchain liquidity as it is now.
While Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis's latest update is being discussed by Pi Network founders and crypto enthusiasts around the world, it is quite clear that Pi is entering into an era of utility.
By injecting 5% of the total supply into liquidity pools on platforms like PiSwap, the network lays down a strong base for the decentralized exchange, real-world spend, and market value stabilization.
All this excites because:
It allows Pioneers to spend Pi in dApps and physical stores.
Interestingly dubbed token conversion (read: Pi to PCM) will be simple and secure.
Liquidity will keep fair market prices with fast transaction volumes.
Real value for action-not merely a theory.
And all these things coincidentally are happening just when Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis has a flight to the Toronto Conference where pi utility vision will meet the brightest minds of the blockchain, fintech, and decentralized innovation world.
It is more than just liquidity; it's about creating an inclusive, functional digital economy driven by everyday users.
As a crypto writer keeping a close eye on these events, I think it is rather safe to say that what we are witnessing is a silent revolution-Moving from potential to performance of Pi.
Binance Tightens KYC in India: What You Need to Know
Koome Evanson Freelance Editor | Blockchain & Digital Strategist | Crypto Enthusiast | A.I Content Creator April 20, 2025 As per the news from October 2023, Binance commenced its Know Your Customer (KYC) drive for users in India, a very globalized business house, against cleaning up in the crypto space. Trading or selling through an Indian source on the Binance platform from now on, KYC is not optional anymore. It is part of a broader, bigger plan to keep away or to stop fraud, money laundering, and all other bad financial operations by verifying users before they would enter the crypto transaction arena. All the Write about KYC in India: The procedure would require input of the user's key personal data like full name, date of birth, address, and a government-issued identity like Aadhaar or passport, and proof of address; think of a utility bill or bank statement. Multi-Step Verification: It's not just a one-click deal. Expect to upload ID docs, confirm your phone number and email, and possibly take a live selfie to prove you’re the real deal. Compliance Is Key: Of course, Binance has to conform to Indian law-among them the AMLs. These KYC requirements protect the platform users while improving its legal standing. User Experience: For some, the experience is relatively smooth; some cut through the doc verification process, though. Thus, you get the picture: access is on condition of compliance. Limited Access with No KYC: With limited KYC, this is what your account might be subjected to withdrawal caps or possibly locked access to certain assets. Constant Updates: The crypto regulations in India are comparatively underdeveloped; hence, policies are constantly being updated by Binance to keep pace. Part of being a user will include constant informing. Hot Notice: Now Re-Verification Is Mandatory From the 18th of April, 2025, Binance announced a rule about re-verification, wherein it concerned every Indian user, whether new or existing; it only goes beyond pushing paper around. It has something to do with the 2023 Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and Travel Rule, which has more stricture over crypto transactions in India. Oh, and you will have to submit PAN details, along with other KYC documents required before. Binance isn't seeking compliance by itself, though every other exchange under the AML laws has to comply as well. And oh, of course, your data will be kept very secure with first-class top-secret techniques, for example, end-to-end encryption and 2FA. With a registration with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India, Binance puts its money down on fighting money crime and crafting the next generation of economic wealth into a safer, responsible place to put together and trade crypto. The Bigger Picture: India Regulatory Framework Though India hasn't gone ahead with broad-scale complete crypto regulation as of now, it obviously has the intent to impose some sort of order. The Ministry of Finance, in that regard, is focusing on taxation, while SEBI is expected to jump in at some point to really regulate crypto-assets as securities. Till then, there is going to be a constant changing of the regulatory feel, but what welds together crypto users and builders is staying compliant. Final Musings The whole KYC emphasis by Binance in India can be regarded as much more than a protocol is all part of the maturation process in a high-stakes, high-potential environment for doing business in cryptocurrency. For the users, it means staying alert, compliant, and, most importantly, informed.
They are sentenced to more than 128 years of detention by the court. Braiscompany, Brazilian cryptocurrency company verified to run, has been running one of the largest Ponzi schemes across the region. More than 20,000 investors have been defrauded of staggering losses, amounting to about $190 million.
Not a rug pull is an obvious reminder about another sheen over dark bordering cryptocurrencies, as greed coupled with lax regulation can whip up winds.
Key Takeaways:
Giant scale: 20,000-plus victims and $190M lost.
Heavy sentence: 128-plus years- such a rare but necessary move to show how serious authorities have become nowadays.
Place: Brazil, a country rising in crypto adoption but tightening its regulatory grip.
My Insight:
The Braiscompany fallout is exactly the reason KYC, AML, and transparent frameworks matter-even if limiting. Decentralization should mean disarray. Platforms that hold Innovation and Integrity balanced will build trust.
Platforms such as Binance-you know, with KYC and FIU registration often accused of doing "too much." After this kind of event, though? They do what they have to.
We cannot hope to build a real future for crypto by allowing scams like this to slip through the cracks.
Bottom Line: To emerge into the real mainframe and earn real-world respect to legitimate claims, crypto cannot bloodlessly depend on self-regulation. Regulation will require a framework that protects investors while still keeping the vitality of Web3 alive.
Beyond Wallets: App Stores Appear the Most Likely Avatar for Crypto's Future
Pi Network has been a conundrum to the crypto world, with views oscillating between wonder and skepticism. Recently, Pi Network has published a new report on its Mainnet migration roadmap along with a clearer view of tokenomics and supply strategies. This was done with an Aspirant community numbering no less than tens of millions.
In summary, the whole industry and the Pioneer community have a few pointers to take away from this particular communication.
Mainnet Migration: Not Just a Token Movement
Notably, during the pandemic, while other projects preferred simple drops over a few thousand wallets or so, this project decided to migrate millions of users based on a six-year mining activity. The goal was to achieve credibility, integrity, and fairness, pointers to any serious block protocol.
So far, there are over 12 million users who have successfully been migrated. This feat alone proves the scalability of infrastructure because the migration runs on native KYC and fiat-free onboarding.
Migration of at least 10 million Pioneers was a prior condition for launching the Open Network. The network remains committed to migrating the rest of the users, even after Open Network activation.
Migration Roadmap Priorities
1. First, Complete the Initial Migrations: The first phase is concentrating on verified users in the migration queue. Their migrated balances are composed of
- Base mining rewards
- Security Circle rewards
- Lockup bonuses
- Application usage bonuses
- Node operator rewards
2. Second Migrations (Bonus Referral): Once the initial batch is closed, the referral bonus for successfully KYC'd teams will be eligible for migration.
3. Periodic Migrating Operations: Eventually, Pi will put in place periodic migrations every other month or quarterly until all eligible rewards enter users' Mainnet wallets.
Important Note: Do take note that the "Transferable Balance" on the app UI is an estimate. The actual amount that is being migrated is derived from a detailed record of each mining session and is most often higher.
Tokenomics: Aligned for Fairness and Growth
The total supply of the network may never exceed 100 billion tokens, distributed as follows:
65%- Community mining rewards
10% - Foundation reserve
5% - Liquidity provisioning
20% - Core Team
What is unique to the present arrangement: All allocations grow in the speed of migrated mining rewards. This ensures:
Not one iota of undue advantage to the Core Team or Foundation;
Growth of supply tied one-for-one with real activity from users
Effective Total Supply
Effective Total Supply is calculated by the network at any one time as:
Migrated Mining Rewards ÷ 65%
From this number, we can derive larger shareholder buckets- Fundraising, Core Team, etc.
On-chain transparency and economic integrity will be ensured.
The Mining Mechanism: Modeled for Decentralization
As elaborated in the 2021 Whitepaper, the mining system of the Pi currency is based on a decaying issuance mechanism.
Each month, a capped amount is allocated through the Base Mining Rate (BMR) for issuance; rewards are subsequently multiplied by a scaling function.
Pi Network was reported to be connecting millions to Ethereum and Chainlink, bringing DeFi tools and
Industry observers note that Pi Network's integration with Ethereum and Chainlink. However, a big milestone for the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies has been regarded as a bold move that brings DeFi tools closer to everyday use for in particular developing-market individuals who have been systematically excluded from participation in the global digital economy. Reportedly, the integration has made Pi's tens of millions-strong mobile-first community able to directly link with Ethereum's vast DeFi universe. Developers conversant with the rollout indicated that with the familiar Pi interface, access for Pi users is now available for sending and receiving stablecoins like USDT and USDC, access to the various decentralized financial platforms, and the use of Ethereum-based smart contracts. Observers have also noted that the former closed-loop mining ecosystem is now being transitioned into an open portal entry towards the wider Web3 landscape. A Pi ecosystem developer was quoted as saying, "Success in Blockchain will not be measured at the size of the biggest chain- it will be measured at who connects and collaborates to build a more inclusive internet." In further strengthening this leap, real-time data updating has been added to Pi from Chainlink's integration. Now, decentralized oracles and pi-based applications would provide access to external data sources like market prices in finance, weather, and even sports results. According to developers, such features would improve the ability to develop more responsive data-dependent dApps within the Pi ecosystem. Unlocking New Possibilities Industry analysts have identified four immediate outcomes of the union: Financial Inclusion: Pi Network is credited with affording the mainstream user access to stable digital assets and DeFi tools through eliminating the complexity of wallets and the need for even a little technical know-how. Usefulness and Liquidity: Now bringing real value, spendable value to the Pi token, it helps in a directly related transaction, bringing the digital into some real-world commercial use. Enhanced Empowerment: Developers building on Pi can turn to Ethereum payment features and Chainlink's oracles, thus paving an easy path to the next generation of applications replete with features. Future-Proofing: Partnerships put Pi in a credible, sustainable position to face future developments in Web3, changing its original conception into a scalable, interoperable reality.
Cross-chain functionality is to provide excellent opportunities to entrepreneurs, freelance workers, and small business owners within the Pi network. Being able to trade with NFT marketplaces and decentralized applications, and multi-chain payment systems is a real breakthrough for users limited by platform