Capital B has acquired an additional 12 Bitcoin for approximately €0.8 million, bringing its total holdings to 2,937 Bitcoin as it continues executing its Bitcoin treasury strategy.

The purchase was supported by recently completed capital activities, including the exercise of warrants and an at-the-market (ATM) share issuance program. 

A portion of the proceeds from these transactions was allocated toward the Bitcoin acquisition.

The company reported a year-to-date BTC yield of 1.57%, along with a BTC gain of 44.4 Bitcoin and a BTC-denominated gain of roughly €2.9 million.

In total, Capital B has accumulated its Bitcoin position at an approximate cost of €270.1 million, with an average acquisition price of €91,975 per Bitcoin. 

The firm maintains a strategy centered on increasing Bitcoin exposure per share over time.

Its shareholder base includes a mix of institutional and industry participants, such as Fulgur Ventures and TOBAM, as well as early Bitcoin contributor Adam Back.

Strategy has disclosed a new Bitcoin acquisition totaling 34,164 Bitcoin, valued at approximately $2.54 billion, according to a recent filing.

The purchases were made between April 13th and April 19th, 2026, at an average price of about $74,395 per Bitcoin. 

Following the transaction, the company’s total holdings increased to 815,061 Bitcoin, acquired for roughly $61.56 billion at an average cost basis of $75,527 per coin. The company also reported a 9.5% year-to-date BTC yield.

With this latest acquisition, Strategy has now surpassed BlackRock’s Bitcoin holdings, becoming the largest known holder among both public companies and institutional vehicles. 

BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) currently holds approximately 802,823 Bitcoin.

The acquisition is among the firm’s larger purchases by volume and follows a prior $1 billion buy the previous week, when holdings stood at approximately 780,897 Bitcoin.

Funding was primarily sourced through capital-raising programs. Approximately $2.18 billion, or 85.7% of proceeds, came from its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock (STRC), while sales of Class A common stock (MSTR) contributed about $366 million.

Strategy has increasingly used STRC to finance Bitcoin accumulation and recently indicated it may move to semi-monthly dividend payments. 

CEO Phong Le stated, "if we were to move forward with paying STRC semi-monthly, we would be in category one, the only preferred in the world that pays semi-monthly dividends. We think this is unique and attractive."

The company also reported elevated activity through its at-the-market (ATM) programs during the period. 

On April 13th, STRC-related activity corresponded to an estimated 7,741 Bitcoin, followed by approximately 9,364 Bitcoin on April 14th.

Combined, the two days accounted for an estimated 17,204 Bitcoin, marking a notable increase relative to recent averages.

Strategy continues to expand its Bitcoin treasury through a combination of preferred equity and common stock issuance, reinforcing its position at the forefront of corporate Bitcoin accumulation.

A contactless payment vulnerability is gaining widespread attention after a viral clip on X demonstrated how funds could be charged from a locked smartphone, prompting renewed discussion around Bitcoin as an alternative payment model.

The clip, featuring YouTuber Marques Brownlee, shows a device being used to process payments without any user authentication.

In the demonstration, a $5 charge is successfully executed before escalating to a $10,000 transaction, both approved while the phone remains locked and without biometric or passcode confirmation.

Brownlee reacts during the clip, noting that he never unlocked his phone or verified the payment, highlighting how the transaction occurred without typical user consent mechanisms.

How the Vulnerability Works

The exploit relies on manipulating near-field communication (NFC) between a smartphone and a payment terminal. 

By mimicking a transit payment system, an attacker can trigger a mode that allows transactions without requiring the device to be unlocked.

Once communication is established, transaction data can be intercepted and altered in real time. 

This includes reclassifying a high-value payment as a low-value transaction to bypass verification thresholds, as well as modifying confirmation signals so the payment terminal believes authentication has taken place.

The attack also depends on differences in how payment networks enforce security checks, with certain configurations allowing transactions to proceed without additional cryptographic validation at the terminal level.

Limited but Persistent Risk

The vulnerability requires a specific combination of device settings, payment configurations, and specialized hardware, making it difficult to execute at scale. 

Payment providers maintain that such attacks are unlikely to become widespread and emphasize that users are protected through fraud reimbursement policies.

However, the issue has been publicly known for several years and remains technically possible, raising questions about how legacy payment infrastructure balances convenience, compatibility, and security.

Why Bitcoin Is Being Revisited in the Discussion

The incident has led to increased attention on Bitcoin as a fundamentally different payment system.

Transactions must be explicitly signed using a private key, meaning funds cannot be moved without direct user approval.

This design eliminates entire categories of attacks that depend on intercepting or spoofing communication between a device and a payment terminal. 

There is no equivalent to tap-to-pay or transit modes that can be exploited through proximity-based interactions.

Tradeoffs Between Systems

While Bitcoin reduces reliance on intermediaries and removes certain fraud vectors, it introduces its own constraints. 

Transactions are irreversible, and users are solely responsible for securing their private keys. In contrast, traditional payment systems offer consumer protections such as chargebacks and fraud recovery.

The comparison highlights a broader tradeoff. Centralized systems prioritize convenience and recoverability, while Bitcoin emphasizes user control and cryptographic certainty.

Broader Implications

The viral demonstration has amplified awareness of how convenience features in modern payment systems can create edge-case vulnerabilities.

As digital payments evolve, the contrast between systems like Bitcoin and traditional card networks is becoming more pronounced. The former minimizes trust in intermediaries, while the latter continues to optimize for convenience.

Tether has announced the launch of tether.wallet, a self-custodial digital wallet designed to provide users with direct access to its financial infrastructure, marking a shift from its traditional role as a backend provider of liquidity and settlement services.

The company, best known as the issuer of USD₮, stated that the new wallet is intended to simplify the use of digital assets while maintaining user control over funds. 

The application supports a limited set of assets, including Bitcoin, tokenized U.S. dollars such as USD₮ and USA₮, and tokenized gold (XAU₮), with availability across multiple blockchain networks.

According to Tether, the wallet removes several technical barriers commonly associated with digital asset usage. 

Users can send funds using human-readable identifiers, such as name@tether.me, rather than long wallet addresses. 

In addition, transactions can be completed without holding separate tokens for network fees, as costs are deducted directly from the transferred asset.

The wallet is fully self-custodial, meaning private keys remain under the user’s control and transactions are signed locally on their device. 

Tether said this approach aligns with its broader objective of maintaining open and user-controlled financial systems.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, described the launch as an extension of the company’s longstanding focus on financial access. 

“Tether has achieved, without any doubts, the widest financial inclusion success story in the history of humanity,” he said. 

“With more than 570 million people already using Tether’s technology, the next step is making that digital infrastructure even more accessible and usable by the end users.”

He added that the goal is to simplify digital asset interactions while preserving core properties such as self-custody and independence from intermediaries. 

“Users should be able to send value as easily as sending a message, without relying on intermediaries and without giving up control of their assets,” Ardoino said.

Tether reported that, as of March 2026, its technology is used by more than 570 million people globally, with adoption continuing to grow across both emerging and developed markets.

The wallet is built on Tether’s open-source Wallet Development Kit (WDK), which the company says is designed to support a wide range of use cases, including applications involving machines and AI agents. 

The infrastructure aims to enable scalable, peer-to-peer transactions without reliance on centralized intermediaries.

At launch, tether.wallet supports USD₮ and XAU₮ across networks including Ethereum, Polygon, Plasma, and Arbitrum, while USA₮ is currently available on Ethereum. 

Bitcoin is supported both on-chain and through the Lightning Network. Tether indicated that additional blockchain integrations are expected in future updates.

The release represents a move toward offering end-user products, extending Tether’s existing role in the digital asset ecosystem into a direct consumer-facing application.

Recent research into the long-term impact of quantum computing on Bitcoin places renewed emphasis on sidechain-based approaches, including the use of a dedicated Elements sidechain to manage potential vulnerabilities.

The paper outlines a scenario in which coins exposed to quantum risk could be handled through a specialized sidechain built on Elements, a framework developed by Blockstream. 

This approach could allow the network to “adjudicate” vulnerable coins, providing a structured environment for managing or isolating funds that may be at risk from future quantum attacks.

In exploring this concept, the research references multiple contributions from Blockstream, highlighting the firm’s ongoing work in advancing quantum resilience. 

In particular, the Liquid Network (Blockstream’s Bitcoin sidechain built using Elements) is identified as a leading platform in efforts to develop infrastructure supporting a transition to quantum-safe systems.

The broader context of the paper focuses on how cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) could eventually compromise widely used cryptographic schemes, including those securing Bitcoin transactions. 

While such capabilities are not yet practical, the research emphasizes that preparation for this risk will require significant coordination and technical adaptation across the ecosystem.

Among the challenges identified are the need to migrate funds from quantum-vulnerable addresses, the computational overhead associated with post-quantum cryptography, and the potential strain on network throughput during large-scale transitions. 

These constraints have led researchers to explore alternative architectures, including layered solutions such as sidechains.

Within this framework, the use of an Elements-based sidechain is presented as one possible pathway for addressing the “long tail” of vulnerable coins, particularly those that may remain unspent or inaccessible during a network-wide migration to quantum-resistant standards.

By citing Blockstream’s research and pointing to Liquid’s ongoing development, the paper positions existing sidechain infrastructure as a potential foundation for future quantum mitigation strategies.

The discussion reflects a growing focus on how layered Bitcoin technologies could play a role in managing systemic risks without requiring immediate changes to the base protocol.

While quantum threats remain a longer-term consideration, the research underscores increasing efforts to evaluate practical mechanisms for safeguarding Bitcoin’s security model, with sidechains emerging as a key area of exploration.

The Smarter Web Company PLC has announced the acquisition of 11 Bitcoin as part of its ongoing treasury strategy under its “10 Year Plan,” which centers on accumulating Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

The purchase was made at an average price of £53,901 per Bitcoin, totaling approximately £592,915.

Following the transaction, the company’s total holdings increased to 2,706 Bitcoin, acquired at an average cost basis of £82,437 per coin, with total investment reaching £223.07 million.

The company reported a quarter-to-date BTC yield of 11.38%, a performance metric used to track the change in Bitcoin holdings relative to its fully diluted share count.

The acquisition aligns with the firm’s broader policy of integrating Bitcoin into its treasury operations while continuing to grow its core business in web design, development, and digital marketing. 

The company has accepted Bitcoin as payment since 2022 and considers it a component of its long-term financial strategy.

The Smarter Web Company stated that its Bitcoin treasury strategy is intended to enhance shareholder value over time, with BTC yield serving as a key indicator of performance.

Capital B has expanded its Bitcoin treasury with the acquisition of 37 Bitcoin for approximately €2.3 million, according to a recent company update.

The purchase brings total holdings to 2,925 Bitcoin, as the firm continues to position Bitcoin as a core treasury asset.

The company reported a year-to-date BTC Yield of 1.25%, alongside a net gain of 35.3 Bitcoin over the same period.

Capital B stated that its holdings were accumulated at an average cost of €92,096 per Bitcoin, representing a total acquisition value of approximately €269.4 million.

The latest purchase follows a series of capital market activities, including share issuances and conversions, which have supported the company’s ongoing accumulation strategy.

The company’s investor base includes firms such as Fulgur Ventures and TOBAM, along with Adam Back.

Listed on Euronext Growth Paris, Capital B continues to increase its Bitcoin exposure through balance sheet expansion and capital allocation initiatives.

Strategy Inc. disclosed that it acquired 13,927 Bitcoin between April 6th and April 12th, 2026, for approximately $1 billion at an average price of $71,902 per coin.

The purchase brings the company’s total holdings to 780,897 Bitcoin, acquired for about $59.02 billion at an average cost basis of $75,577.

The company stated that the acquisition was funded through its at-the-market (ATM) offering program, with the full amount raised through sales of its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Stretch Preferred Stock (STRC). 

This means the purchase was completed without issuing common stock, reflecting Strategy’s continued use of preferred equity to grow its Bitcoin treasury while limiting dilution.

Strategy Founder and Chairman Michael Saylor added that the company has achieved a 5.6% BTC yield year-to-date in 2026.

Ongoing research into quantum-resistant Bitcoin systems has produced several new proposals and early-stage implementations, reflecting continued efforts to address long-term cryptographic risks.

Jonas Nick, a researcher at Blockstream, recently introduced SHRIMPS, a proposed post-quantum signature scheme designed to support secure transaction signing across multiple devices while maintaining relatively compact signature sizes.

Nick described SHRIMPS as a hash-based scheme enabling multiple devices from the same seed to generate ~2.5 KB signatures. 

It builds on SHRINCS, which is limited to single-device use, by supporting multi-device signing within defined security bounds.

The design combines two SPHINCS+ instances with primary and fallback paths, producing smaller signatures than some stateless alternatives like SLH-DSA (~7.8 KB), and supports hybrid setups using SHRINCS for primary devices and SHRIMPS for backups. 

It is intended for use cases like Bitcoin wallets with multi-device configurations.

Separately, Avihu Levy introduced a proposal titled “Quantum-Safe Bitcoin Transactions Without Softforks,” outlining a method for constructing quantum-resistant Bitcoin transactions using existing consensus rules.

Levy’s approach, referred to as Quantum Safe Bitcoin (QSB), replaces reliance on elliptic curve cryptography with hash-based constructions.

The design aims to mitigate risks posed by quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm, which could theoretically break ECDSA by solving discrete logarithms.

The proposal builds on earlier work known as Binohash and introduces a “hash-to-signature” puzzle, where transaction validity depends on hash pre-image resistance rather than elliptic curve assumptions.

This design relies on cryptographic hash functions such as RIPEMD-160, making it resistant to quantum attacks that target elliptic curve systems.

QSB operates within Bitcoin’s existing constraints, including opcode and script size limits, but produces non-standard transactions that may require direct submission to miners. 

The computational cost for constructing such transactions is estimated to range between $75 and $150 using GPU resources.

In parallel, Olaoluwa Osuntokun has developed a prototype focused on wallet recovery in a post-quantum scenario. 

The system uses zk-STARK proofs to allow users to demonstrate ownership of a wallet derived from a seed phrase without revealing the seed itself.

The prototype is designed to address a limitation in some proposed emergency upgrade scenarios, where older wallets could become inaccessible if legacy signature schemes are disabled. 

The system generates proofs in under a minute on consumer hardware, with verification completed in seconds and proof sizes around 1.7 MB.

Osuntokun stated, “proposals to make Bitcoin Post Quantum secure are actively being researched, discussed and developed by Bitcoin developers all around the world.”

The developments come amid increased discussion around quantum computing and its potential impact on Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations. 

While practical quantum attacks are still considered years or decades away, multiple approaches, including hash-based signatures, hybrid schemes, and zero-knowledge recovery mechanisms, are being explored in parallel.

Commenting on the pace of development, JAN3 CEO Samson Mow wrote, “Bitcoin defenses against non-existent quantum computers is moving along at an incredibly fast pace. There’s also the prototype from @roasbeef too. RIP QC FUD.”

Together, these proposals and prototypes reflect a growing body of research aimed at improving Bitcoin’s long-term resilience while navigating the technical and coordination challenges of upgrading a decentralized system.

Morgan Stanley has introduced a Bitcoin-focused exchange-traded product (ETP) as part of its expanding activity in digital assets.

Morgan Stanley Investment Management said Wednesday it will be the first U.S. bank-affiliated asset manager to offer a cryptocurrency ETP, marking a step in its broader development of digital asset products.

The firm indicated the launch follows ongoing efforts to build out its digital asset capabilities, including appointing leadership dedicated to the space and expanding infrastructure across custody, trading, and product development.

The Morgan Stanley Bitcoin Trust is designed to track Bitcoin’s performance using the CoinDesk Bitcoin Benchmark 4 p.m. New York settlement rate, which aggregates pricing data from multiple spot exchanges.

The product will trade on NYSE Arca under the ticker MSBT and carries a sponsor fee of 0.14%, which the firm said is the lowest among Bitcoin ETPs.

Coinbase and BNY will provide custody services for the fund’s digital assets, while BNY will also serve as administrator and transfer agent.

Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas described the launch as one of the most significant Bitcoin ETF debuts, projecting $5B in first-year AUM and $30M in day-one volume.

"MSBT is an example of how leveraging Morgan Stanley's collective strength and deep expertise across asset classes and market segments can add value for existing clients, unlock new investor opportunities and continue to pursue compelling and innovative investment ideas that solve investor challenges," Head of Morgan Stanley Investment Management Ben Huneke said.

Iran is considering a policy that would require certain vessels to pay transit tolls in Bitcoin when passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Financial Times report. 

The proposal would link the digital asset to a major global energy shipping route.

The plan would apply during a temporary two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, announced after a shift in posture from Donald Trump.

The measure aims to reopen a key oil shipping route while maintaining control over access.

According to officials, shipping companies would receive payment instructions before transit and be given a short window to pay in Bitcoin. The system is intended to bypass traditional financial channels affected by sanctions.

If implemented, the policy would introduce Bitcoin into a geopolitically sensitive area. Iran has faced limits on dollar-based systems, and this approach would offer an alternative payment method outside traditional banking.

For shipping companies, compliance may allow passage through the route but introduces friction such as price volatility, operational challenges, and potential sanctions exposure.

The proposal highlights how digital assets could be used in state-level payment systems and control access to critical infrastructure.

The ceasefire is limited in duration and scope. Changes in negotiations could affect transit conditions or the reported payment framework, creating uncertainty for companies operating in the region.

Strategy disclosed that it acquired 4,871 Bitcoin between April 1st and April 5th, 2026, for approximately $329.9 million, at an average price of $67,718 per Bitcoin. 

The purchases were funded using proceeds from its at-the-market (ATM) equity programs, bringing total holdings to 766,970 Bitcoin acquired for about $58.02 billion at an average cost of $75,644.

The filing also indicates that no Bitcoin purchases were made in the final days of March prior to this latest acquisition.

In addition to the Bitcoin update, Strategy reported that during the first quarter of 2026 it recorded a $14.46 billion unrealized loss on digital assets, alongside a $2.42 billion deferred tax benefit.

As of March 31st, 2026, the company’s digital asset carrying value stood at $51.65 billion. 

The filing notes that the fair value of its Bitcoin holdings was below cost basis at quarter end, resulting in the recognition of deferred tax assets offset by a valuation allowance.

Strategy continues to fund Bitcoin purchases in part through equity issuance under its ATM programs, including both common stock (MSTR) and preferred stock offerings such as STRC.

A series of discussions among Bitcoin developers and researchers has highlighted growing debate over how the network should approach potential quantum computing threats. 

Several prominent figures are cautioning against rushing changes to Bitcoin’s cryptography, particularly as differing views emerge on the urgency of post-quantum (PQ) solutions.

The discussion intensified following comments from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who stated he plans to begin working on the issue personally, adding that it is something the industry needs to solve “sooner rather than later.” 

His remarks followed broader calls from industry participants to accelerate coordination around quantum-resistant upgrades.

In response, JAN3 CEO Samson Mow pushed back on the urgency narrative, arguing that acting too quickly could create greater risks than the threat itself. 

He stated that “solving the QC problem later rather than sooner is the best course of action,” and warned that hastily replacing existing signature schemes like ECDSA or Schnorr could expose Bitcoin to classical computing attacks.

Mow also pointed to potential trade-offs in performance and scalability, noting that PQ signatures could be significantly larger, potentially reducing transaction throughput and reigniting debates similar to the Blocksize Wars. 

He further raised concerns that some proposed PQ approaches could act as a “Trojan horse,” potentially introducing vulnerabilities such as backdoors in random number generation or cryptographic schemes. 

He referenced historical examples where such weaknesses were later uncovered, including disclosures associated with Edward Snowden.

Blockstream CEO Adam Back also emphasized the risks of prematurely adopting PQ cryptographic schemes. 

He argued that insufficiently reviewed implementations could introduce security flaws long before quantum computers pose a credible threat to Bitcoin’s existing encryption. 

Back pointed to prior examples of PQ algorithms based on newer mathematical assumptions being broken, noting that such risks are not merely theoretical.

He suggested that hash-based signature schemes, such as those derived from Lamport, Winternitz, or SPHINCS+, may offer a more conservative approach due to their reliance on long-established cryptographic primitives.

Jonas Schnelli highlighted additional technical trade-offs associated with PQ upgrades. 

He noted that PQ signatures are significantly larger than current Schnorr signatures, which could increase blockchain data requirements and force trade-offs between block size expansion and reduced transaction throughput. 

Schnelli also emphasized that PQ algorithms have undergone far less real-world testing compared to the cryptographic systems currently used in Bitcoin.

“The cure, rushed, could be worse than the disease,” Schnelli wrote.

Additional commentary addressed the current scope of quantum-related risks. 

A user identified as ₿ruce argued that many Bitcoin holdings remain protected because public keys are not exposed until funds are spent, limiting the potential attack surface for quantum adversaries. 

The post also referenced proposals such as BIP-360, which aim to introduce optional post-quantum protections without requiring immediate network-wide changes.

The discussion reflects a broader tension within the Bitcoin ecosystem between preparing for long-term technological risks and maintaining the security and reliability of the network today. 

While quantum computing is widely acknowledged as a potential future threat, many researchers note that practical risks to Bitcoin remain years away, reducing the urgency of immediate countermeasures.

Across the conversation, a consistent theme emerged: changes to Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundations should be approached cautiously, with extensive review and testing to avoid introducing new risks in the process.

B HODL has increased its Bitcoin treasury with an additional purchase, bringing its total holdings to 165.487 Bitcoin, according to a recent update.

The company acquired one Bitcoin as part of its ongoing accumulation strategy, continuing its approach of incrementally increasing reserves.

Following the transaction, B HODL’s total holdings rose from 164.487 Bitcoin to 165.487 Bitcoin.

At the time of its public listing, the company disclosed elements of its shareholder base, including a stake of approximately 25.53% held by Blockstream CEO Adam Back, alongside early investors such as CoinCorner and Rise Investments.

B HODL operates a treasury-focused model centered on Bitcoin accumulation and continues to fund purchases through its capital programs and equity offerings.

Metaplanet has expanded its Bitcoin holdings after completing an additional acquisition as part of its ongoing treasury strategy.

The company purchased 5,075 Bitcoin during the quarter, bringing its total holdings to 40,177 Bitcoin. 

The acquisition was made at an average price of approximately 12.54 million yen per Bitcoin, with a total purchase amount of about 63.6 billion yen.

With this increase, Metaplanet is now the third-largest publicly known corporate Bitcoin treasury, behind Strategy and XXI (Twenty One Capital).

The company reported 2.969 billion yen in operating revenue for the quarter from its Bitcoin income generation business, which utilizes Bitcoin options to produce recurring cash flow. 

This revenue is used in part to support ongoing Bitcoin accumulation.

Metaplanet also issued a correction to its original disclosure, revising the reported revenue figure after initially misstating the amount.

The income generation activities are conducted within a separate portfolio and do not involve the company’s long-term Bitcoin holdings, which are intended to be held on a long-duration basis.