Deribit Sees Historic Highs in BTC Options, Signaling Growing Institutional Optimism

May 22, 2025 

The Bitcoin derivatives market just hit a major milestone as open interest (OI) on Deribit, the world’s leading crypto options exchange, surged past $43 billion, marking a new all-time high. The latest surge in options activity indicates a wave of bullish sentiment among traders, with significant volumes concentrated around the $110,000, $120,000, and even $300,000 strike prices expiring on June 27, 2025.

Deribit Dominates Options Market Amid BTC Momentum

According to data from Deribit Insights and Laevitas.ch, Bitcoin options open interest has seen an explosive rise in recent weeks, surpassing the previous record of $42.5B. Deribit currently controls over 85% of global crypto options volume, with BTC contracts accounting for the majority of positions.

Traders appear to be aligning behind the view that Bitcoin (BTC) — which is currently trading around $110,700 — could break through resistance and aim for new highs, especially as macro tailwinds and ETF inflows support demand.

“The $120K and even the $300K strikes might look aggressive, but they reflect hedging from leveraged players and structured products positioning,” said Luuk Strijers, Chief Commercial Officer at Deribit.

Call Options Dominate, Suggesting Bullish Sentiment

The bulk of the current OI is skewed toward call options, reinforcing a bullish market structure. The notional value of calls vastly outweighs puts, with the put-call ratio slipping to 0.6, its lowest level since March 2024.

Popular strikes with high OI for the June 27 expiry include:

• $110,000 — $2.8B in notional value
• $120,000 — $1.9B in OI
• $300,000 — $450M, mostly deep out-of-the-money bets

Institutional Demand, Spot ETFs Fuel Derivatives Boom

Fueling this momentum is growing institutional participation, largely driven by flows into spot Bitcoin ETFs such as BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s FBTC. Combined, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs now hold over 1.2 million BTC, per Glassnode data.

“This kind of options activity is often institutional in nature. It’s a mix of yield enhancement, risk hedging, and directional exposure,” noted James Butterfill, Head of Research at CoinShares.

Moreover, macroeconomic uncertainty and speculation over potential Federal Reserve rate cuts in Q3 2025 are further driving volatility and positioning in crypto derivatives.

Global Volatility: Crypto Traders Eye CPI and Fed Minutes

With eyes on upcoming U.S. CPI data and FOMC meeting minutes, traders are positioning for sharp price moves. Implied volatility (IV) on 30-day at-the-money options has risen to 52%, indicating the market expects notable swings ahead.

“Volatility sellers had dominated in April, but with fresh macro catalysts, the skew has shifted toward buyers,” said Greeks.live, a prominent crypto options analytics platform.

Comparative Market Snapshot

BTC price (at time of writing): $110,710
ETH price: $2,615
SOL price: $176

Final Thoughts: Is a Blow-Off Top Coming?

With BTC eyeing $120K and traders placing long-dated bets as high as $300K, market watchers are asking: Is this sustainable bullish momentum or pre-euphoria positioning?

While it’s too early to call a market top, the concentration of calls at high strike prices suggests growing risk appetite and confidence in crypto’s structural uptrend post-halving. However, rapid gains could also expose overleveraged positions if a pullback materializes.

“We’re in a phase where options flow is no longer just a hedge. It’s shaping price discovery,” added QCP Capital in its latest derivatives outlook.

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Redmond, WA – May 21, 2025 — At this year’s highly anticipated Microsoft Build 2025, the tech giant unveiled a sweeping vision for the future of artificial intelligence, centered around a revolutionary concept: the Agentic Web. Moving beyond traditional machine learning, Microsoft is positioning AI agents as the backbone of autonomous digital experiences across its ecosystem, from GitHub and Microsoft 365 to Azure AI Foundry and Windows 11.

From Tools to Autonomous Agents: AI Evolution on Display

At the heart of Microsoft’s announcements was the transformation of AI from reactive assistants to proactive, task-oriented agents. GitHub Copilot, initially launched as a code completion tool, is now evolving into a full-fledged AI coding agent, capable of handling asynchronous workflows, debugging, and even orchestrating multi-agent collaboration on software projects.

The Azure AI Foundry saw major upgrades as well, integrating over 1,900 AI models, including Grok 3 from xAI (the AI startup founded by Elon Musk). Developers can now design, deploy, and manage multi-agent architectures with ease using new SDKs that incorporate Semantic Kernel and AutoGen technologies.

Microsoft Entra Agent ID: Securing the Agent Economy

Addressing one of the most pressing concerns in enterprise AI, Microsoft introduced Entra Agent ID—a secure identity layer for AI agents. Currently in preview, this framework enables robust authentication, identity governance, and data compliance using Microsoft Purview, helping organizations reduce “agent sprawl” and manage inter-agent communications with full transparency.

In addition, Microsoft 365 Copilot Tuning now allows businesses to train proprietary AI models using domain-specific data within Microsoft’s secure cloud boundaries. Copilot Studio also received enhancements, enabling multi-agent orchestration so that distinct agents can collaboratively tackle business tasks like document summarization, customer service automation, and internal process optimization.

Microsoft Discovery: Accelerating Innovation in Science

In a move signaling its intent to embed AI deeply into R&D pipelines, Microsoft launched Microsoft Discovery, a research-focused platform designed to assist scientists in navigating complex data and accelerating innovation. Whether in biotechnology, climate science, or materials engineering, agentic AI on this platform enables discovery cycles to be compressed dramatically.

“Microsoft Discovery reflects our belief that AI isn’t just about productivity—it’s about transforming human potential across disciplines,” said Kevin Scott, Microsoft’s CTO.

Building the Agentic Web: The NLWeb Project

A standout initiative is the NLWeb Project—a bold proposal to redefine web architecture around AI agents. Dubbed the “HTML of AI”, NLWeb aims to create websites that are natively accessible and operable by intelligent agents. Each NLWeb endpoint functions as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, making it easier for AI agents to understand, interact with, and act upon web content autonomously.

This initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader support for open AI standards, with contributions to MCP alongside GitHub. The vision? A future where websites offer natural language APIs rather than mere static HTML, allowing for conversational AI experiences across the web.

Industry Impact: Microsoft’s Agentic Ecosystem Gains Momentum

Microsoft’s moves are strategically aligned to counter growing competition from Google DeepMind’s Gemini, OpenAI’s GPT-5-powered tools, and Amazon’s AWS Bedrock. By integrating agentic capabilities across consumer and enterprise products, Microsoft is building a vertically integrated AI stack—from developer tools to frontline business applications.

While still in early stages, the Agentic Web promises to change how users interact with digital environments, shifting from clicking and typing to delegating and conversing with intelligent systems that understand and act on intent.

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Palm Beach, Florida — May 2025 — In a high-profile dinner event held at Mar-a-Lago, former U.S. President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald J. Trump made headlines once again, this time by openly embracing the crypto community. The private gathering, attended by prominent crypto influencers, entrepreneurs, and investors, marked a strategic pivot in Trump’s stance on digital assets — a space he previously approached with skepticism.

From Skeptic to Supporter: Trump’s Digital Asset U-Turn

During the dinner, Trump reportedly stated, “If we’re going to lead, we need Bitcoin made in America.” The comment, widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram, signals a sharp departure from his earlier views labeling Bitcoin a “scam.” Insiders present at the event included executives from Coinbase, Kraken, and founders of notable memecoins like MAGA Coin (TRUMP) and Jeo Boden (BODEN).

According to Blockchain Association board member Kristin Smith, who was briefed on the dinner, “Trump is tapping into the political capital and fundraising power of the crypto electorate — a group both wealthy and highly engaged.”

A Rising Political Priority for the GOP

The dinner comes at a time when the Republican Party is increasingly aligning itself with pro-crypto policies, contrasting the more cautious regulatory stance of the current Biden administration. GOP lawmakers, including Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Tom Emmer (R-MN), have pushed for regulatory clarity through proposals like the Lummis-Gillibrand Responsible Financial Innovation Act.

Trump’s event amplified the message that crypto could become a wedge issue in the 2024 election — especially among younger, libertarian-leaning voters and tech-forward entrepreneurs disillusioned by federal enforcement actions led by the SEC under Gary Gensler.

Memecoins and Merch: A New Digital Fundraising Frontier

Adding flair to the evening, guests were offered Trump-themed NFT collectibles and limited edition crypto merchandise, including red “Make Crypto Great Again” hats. Memecoins like TRUMP and MAGA tokens surged on decentralized exchanges following the event, with trading volumes on Uniswap and Base jumping nearly 300% in 24 hours, according to CoinGecko.

Crypto advocacy PACs such as Stand With Crypto and Fairshake were reportedly active in coordinating outreach during the dinner, capitalizing on the former president’s renewed interest to galvanize donations and voter registration.

Implications for the 2024 Election and Beyond

Trump’s pivot raises questions about how digital assets will shape the U.S. economic agenda post-election. With CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) still a hot-button issue, and the Fed cautious about issuing a digital dollar, Trump made clear that he opposes government-controlled digital money, aligning instead with “freedom tech.”

Meanwhile, Biden’s administration continues to pursue enforcement-driven oversight of crypto markets, recently winning high-profile cases against Binance and Coinbase, prompting concerns about the exodus of Web3 innovation offshore.

Final Thoughts

As the 2024 election cycle heats up, crypto has officially entered the political mainstream. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago dinner may mark a turning point — not just for his campaign, but for the way U.S. politicians engage with digital finance and decentralized innovation.

With regulatory uncertainty still looming, the question now becomes: Will the next president make or break America’s role in the global crypto economy?

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San Francisco, CA — May 20, 2025 — In a striking critique of U.S. technology policy, Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA), declared the current AI chip export restrictions on China a “failed strategy” during his keynote at the Computex 2025 conference in Taipei. Huang’s comments have stirred debate across the semiconductor industry, raising concerns about global AI leadership and the unintended consequences of trade controls.

Huang: Export Controls Hurt U.S. AI Ecosystem

Huang argued that the Biden administration’s sweeping restrictions—initially implemented in October 2022 and further tightened in 2023 and 2024—are not effectively limiting China’s AI progress. Instead, he claimed these rules are encouraging Chinese firms to accelerate domestic semiconductor development, diminishing U.S. influence and cutting off American chipmakers from one of the world’s largest markets.

“Restricting technology exports to China hasn’t slowed them down—it’s pushed them to build faster,” Huang said during a panel discussion, referencing China’s rapid development of AI accelerators by companies like Huawei, Alibaba Cloud, and Biren Technology.

Impact on NVIDIA and the Global Chip Industry

The U.S. export bans have directly impacted NVIDIA, whose high-performance GPUs like the A100, H100, and newer Blackwell B200 were central to AI workloads in Chinese data centers. In response to U.S. restrictions, NVIDIA introduced modified chips such as the A800 and H800, designed to comply with export rules. However, those too were eventually restricted under updated regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Commerce in late 2023.

Despite regulatory setbacks, NVIDIA remains a global AI powerhouse with a $2.6 trillion market cap, but Huang emphasized that “losing access to China’s market risks undercutting American innovation at large.”

China’s AI Push: A Self-Reliant Future

China has been actively investing in local AI chip alternatives, with increased R&D funding from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and strategic backing from initiatives like Made in China 2025. Domestic players such as Cambricon Technologies, Moore Threads, and Zhaoxin are racing to replace reliance on U.S. hardware.

Huang warned that this accelerated decoupling may lead to “two parallel AI ecosystems”, potentially fragmenting the global tech landscape and reducing international collaboration in key fields like machine learning, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Industry Reactions and Policy Debate

The tech industry has responded with mixed views. Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm have largely remained silent publicly, while trade groups like the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) have lobbied for a more nuanced approach to export policy.

Analysts at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley caution that while national security concerns are valid, overly broad restrictions risk damaging U.S. tech leadership in the long term by isolating top firms from valuable revenue and global competition.

What’s Next?

With geopolitical tensions rising and the 2025 U.S. presidential elections behind us, the future of chip policy remains uncertain. However, Huang’s remarks have reignited critical questions about the balance between national security and economic competitiveness in the era of AI.

Summary

NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang’s public criticism of U.S. AI chip export controls to China underscores growing concerns in the semiconductor industry about the long-term effects of decoupling. With China ramping up domestic innovation and the U.S. restricting access, global technology leadership hangs in the balance.

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May 20, 2025 

The cryptocurrency market soared on Monday following a pivotal move in U.S. legislation, with Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Dogecoin (DOGE) all registering strong gains. The market’s rally aligns with the Senate’s advancement of the much-anticipated GENIUS Act, a bipartisan stablecoin regulation bill that could redefine digital asset oversight in the United States.

Market Movers: BTC, ETH, DOGE Lead the Pack

At 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, the crypto landscape showed a clear bullish trend:

• Bitcoin (BTC): Up 1.4%, trading at $106,510Ethereum (ETH): Surged 6.8% to $2,579
• Dogecoin (DOGE): Rose 2.1% to $0.2291

Bitcoin rebounded sharply after testing support near $102,000, regaining momentum and approaching its key resistance zone around $106,000. Ethereum, meanwhile, reversed weekend losses to reclaim mid-$2,500 territory, pushing its market dominance back above 9%.

GENIUS Act Advances: A Turning Point for Crypto Regulation

The market optimism is widely attributed to progress on the Giving Every Nation a United and Independent Stablecoin (GENIUS) Act, which passed a procedural vote in the Senate. The bill, championed by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), aims to establish clear frameworks for stablecoin issuance, KYC protocols, and bank-like reserve requirements.

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital, called the bill “a step toward regulatory clarity that the market has craved for years,” while Elizabeth Warren has raised objections, calling it “a crypto loophole dressed as a bill.”

Derivatives & Liquidations: Big Moves Behind the Scenes

The past 24 hours saw $300 million in crypto liquidations, with long positions accounting for over half of that—roughly $150 million. Key market indicators reveal:

• Bitcoin Open Interest rose 5.92%, signaling heightened trading activity.
• Ethereum derivatives saw an 8%+ increase in locked funds.
• Binance trader data showed 57% of BTC positions were short, suggesting a short squeeze may have fueled the rally.

Sentiment Check: Fear Turns to Greed

The Crypto Fear & Greed Index tipped into “Greed” territory, signaling bullish sentiment across retail and institutional segments. This reflects growing confidence among traders that BTC could retest or break its previous all-time high of $108,000 in the coming days.

“If we break above $106,000 with strong volume and the Coinbase premium intact, we could see Bitcoin touch $110,000 within the week,” said Arthur Azizov, founder of B2 Ventures, in a statement to Cheetah News.

Top Altcoin Gainers (24h)

These altcoins outperformed amid renewed interest in DeFi, likely boosted by potential positive regulatory developments.

Macro Markets Mirror Crypto Sentiment

Traditional markets also began the week in the green:

• Dow Jones: +137.33 points to 42,792.07
• S&P 500: Sixth consecutive daily gain, closing at 5,963.60
• Nasdaq Composite: +0.02% to 19,215.46

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury yields jumped following Moody’s downgrade of U.S. long-term debt, with the 30-year yield hitting 5%—its highest since October 2023.

Analyst Commentary: What’s Next for BTC?

Renowned trader Michaël van de Poppe noted that Bitcoin appears ready to test its previous all-time highs after consolidating above $105,000. He also expects altcoins to outperform BTC in the near term as capital rotates into mid- and low-cap tokens.

“Bitcoin is entering a zone where any breakout could trigger a wave of fresh institutional inflows, especially as U.S. demand returns,” he said.

Outlook: Is a New Crypto Bull Market Here?

With regulatory clarity on the horizon, and macroeconomic indicators aligning in crypto’s favor, many analysts believe a sustained bull run is plausible. A successful passage of the GENIUS Act could unlock a new wave of institutional participation, particularly in stablecoins and tokenized financial instruments.

For now, all eyes are on Bitcoin’s resistance around $108,000 and the $110,000 psychological barrier—a breakthrough here could reshape the market narrative for 2025.

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May 20, 2025 | New York City — The global digital trust authority, ISACA, has officially launched its Advanced in AI Audit (AAIA) certification, aiming to bridge the critical skills gap for auditors navigating the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) integration and compliance.

A Strategic Response to AI-Driven Audit Demands

With AI adoption soaring across industries—from healthcare and finance to government and education—auditors are under mounting pressure to understand, assess, and validate AI systems. ISACA’s latest certification addresses this need, offering advanced-level training tailored to professionals in IT audit, cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance.

“AI is transforming how organizations operate, and auditors must be equally agile in assessing these systems,” said Shannon Donahue, ISACA’s Chief Content and Publishing Officer. “The AAIA certification is a timely step to empower digital trust professionals with skills that ensure ethical AI deployment and robust audit practices.”

Backed by Industry Data and Global Need

In a recent survey conducted by ISACA among digital trust professionals, 85% indicated a pressing need to upskill in AI to remain competitive in the next two years. A staggering 94% affirmed that AI proficiency will be essential for audit and governance roles in the foreseeable future.

The AAIA certification is the first AI-focused advanced credential specifically designed for auditors, enabling professionals to:

• Conduct AI-centric audits with confidence.
• Evaluate algorithmic bias, data governance, and model transparency.
• Address regulatory compliance tied to AI use, including GDPR, CCPA, and the upcoming EU AI Act.
• Apply AI tools to improve audit efficiency and real-time decision-making.

Expanding Digital Trust and Workforce Inclusion

The launch aligns with ISACA’s broader mission to expand access to high-demand digital careers. In early 2025, ISACA extended its Digital Trust Workforce Inclusion Program to North Dakota and parts of Minnesota, in partnership with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. This initiative delivers free training in IT infrastructure, software development, data science, and cybersecurity to underrepresented communities.

By introducing the AAIA certification, ISACA continues to support digital trust professionals in adapting to transformative technologies while upholding rigorous global standards such as COBIT and NIST frameworks.

Industry Implications and Future Outlook

Experts predict that as AI systems become increasingly autonomous, auditors will need to play a dual role—acting both as technical evaluators and ethical watchdogs. With tech leaders like Google, Microsoft, and IBM investing heavily in AI governance frameworks, demand for qualified AI auditors is expected to grow exponentially.

David Samuelson, CEO of ISACA, emphasized the organization’s commitment: “We’re not just responding to change—we’re anticipating it. The AAIA certification helps audit professionals become strategic advisors in shaping safe, transparent, and trustworthy AI ecosystems.”

About ISACA

Founded in 1969, ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) has over 180,000 members worldwide. It provides training, certifications, and frameworks in areas like cybersecurity, IT governance, data privacy, and digital trust, including certifications such as CISA, CISM, and CRISC.

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The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC) has levied a $75,120 infringement notice against Melbourne-based cryptocurrency exchange Cointree Pty Ltd for failing to submit Suspicious Matter Reports (SMRs) within the legally mandated timeframe—marking another assertive step in Australia’s tightening grip on the digital asset space.

AUSTRAC Targets Reporting Delays Under AML/CTF Act

Cointree, a registered Digital Currency Exchange (DCE), voluntarily disclosed breaches of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006 (AML/CTF Act), which mandates that SMRs be submitted within:

• 24 hours for suspected terrorism financing, and
• 3 business days for suspected money laundering or other criminal activity.

The exchange failed to meet these critical deadlines, potentially delaying AUSTRAC’s ability to act on illicit financial activity. AUSTRAC CEO Brendan Thomas emphasized that timely reporting is essential to disrupt criminal networks and protect Australia’s financial system.

“Failing to submit SMRs on time undermines our collective efforts against financial crime. Cointree’s cooperation is noted, but timely compliance is not optional,” Thomas stated.

Cointree’s Response: Full Cooperation and Payment

Cointree has paid the fine in full, though AUSTRAC clarified that the payment does not constitute an admission of liability. The matter is now considered closed, provided no further compliance issues emerge.

In its public response, Cointree confirmed that it is investing in system upgrades, hiring compliance officers, and reviewing its internal controls to prevent similar oversights in the future.

Digital Currency Exchanges in AUSTRAC’s Crosshairs

The fine comes amid increasing regulatory scrutiny of Australia’s crypto sector. AUSTRAC’s 2024 National Risk Assessment had flagged the DCE industry as high-risk for money laundering due to:

• Global transferability of crypto assets,
• Pseudonymity of wallets and transactions,
• Weak oversight in cross-border jurisdictions.Other entities recently investigated include Binance Australia, BTC Markets, and CoinJar, all of whom have undergone compliance audits in the past 18 months.

Australia’s Regulatory Climate Tightens

Australia is moving toward a more regulated digital finance ecosystem, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and Treasury working on licensing frameworks for crypto service providers. These frameworks will include capital requirements, client fund segregation, and real-time transaction monitoring.

The Cointree incident further highlights AUSTRAC’s strategy of using monetary penalties as deterrents while pushing for sector-wide improvements in AML controls.

Industry Reactions and Global Context

Experts say the fine underscores a global trend where regulators are cracking down on crypto firms’ reporting practices. In 2024 alone:

• The U.S. FinCEN fined Bittrex $29 million for AML violations.
• The UK’s FCA rejected registration applications for over 80% of crypto applicants citing inadequate AML frameworks.
• Singapore’s MAS updated its Travel Rule compliance standards for VASPs (Virtual Asset Service Providers).

Compliance specialists like Chloe White, managing director at Genesis Block, argue that exchanges must now treat regulatory compliance as a core operational priority, not a secondary obligation.

What This Means for Crypto Operators

• No Tolerance for Late Reporting
  Regulatory agencies now expect crypto firms to meet traditional financial sector standards, particularly in SMR submission.
• Self-Disclosure Is a Mitigating Factor
  Cointree avoided harsher penalties through voluntary disclosure—a model other firms should emulate if compliance issues arise.
• Australia’s Licensing Framework Is Coming
  Crypto exchanges operating in Australia should prepare for formal licensing requirements by late 2025, including mandatory audits.

Final Thoughts

As global regulators tighten the reins on digital currency exchanges, Australia’s AUSTRAC is positioning itself at the forefront of crypto AML enforcement. The Cointree fine serves as a reminder that compliance is no longer optional—and that reporting delays carry financial and reputational costs.

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The Hainan-Southeast Asia AI Hardware Battle (HNSE AHB) 2025 has officially kicked off its call for entries, inviting AI-focused startups and technology innovators across Asia to compete for international exposure, venture capital access, and a fully sponsored trip to the Grand Finale in Hainan, China.

Regional Tech Showdown Backed by Major Industry Players

Co-hosted by Lingshui Li Autonomous County Development Group Holdings and TechNode, in partnership with TNGlobal, the competition is part of the HNSE Lingshui Tech & Art Festival 2025, a high-profile event aimed at merging frontier technology with cultural creativity.

According to Dr. Gang Lu, Founder of TechNode, the competition is designed to “bridge international innovation ecosystems” by showcasing Asia’s most promising AI-powered hardware solutions, from smart cities to robotics.

Competition Timeline and Key Milestones

Participants can register online between May 1 and June 15, 2025, before competing in virtual regional contests scheduled from June 24 to June 26:

• June 24 – Singapore, Malaysia
• June 25 – Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam
• June 26 – Japan, South Korea

The Grand Finale will be held on-site in Hainan, China on July 26, followed by an award ceremony on July 27, coinciding with the broader HNSE Tech & Art Festival (July 25–27).

Full Sponsorship for Top Finalists

The top 10 teams from each regional heat will receive full sponsorship—including flights, accommodations, and VIP access—to the Hainan finale. Perks include:

• Booth space at the Tech & Art Festival
• Networking with investors and media
• Access to Chinese localization support
• Priority selection for BEYOND Expo 2026
• Recognition as “HNSE STARs” (Hainan-Southeast Tech AI Rising Stars)This status opens doors to continued media promotion and inclusion in innovation ecosystems across Asia-Pacific.

Focus Areas: AI Hardware Across Industries

The competition targets high-impact AI solutions in areas such as:

• Smart Home & IoT Devices
• Wearable Health Tech
• Autonomous Vehicles & Smart Mobility
• Industrial Robotics
• Smart Medical Devices
• Smart City Infrastructure
• VR/AR and EdTech
• Marine Agricultural Technologies

Applicants must be legally registered companies with at least a prototype-stage product that shows strong market potential.

Entry Requirements and Pitch Format

Teams are required to present a 3-minute English pitch followed by a 3-minute Q&A with expert judges. Evaluation criteria include technical innovation, scalability, and market fit. The event encourages diversity of ideas at the crossroads of technology, entrepreneurship, and art.

Tech Meets Culture at Lingshui Festival

The competition coincides with the annual Lingshui Tech & Art Festival, a hybrid showcase of innovation and culture, featuring:

• Music performances
• Drone light shows
• Art installations
• Film and gaming exhibitions
• Esports tournaments

By integrating AI hardware showcases within an immersive creative environment, the festival highlights China’s emerging role as a global hub for innovation-driven cultural exchange.

Regional and Strategic Significance

Located within the Hainan Free Trade Port, Lingshui is positioning itself as a launchpad for Asian startups eyeing global markets. With China’s increasing investment in AI hardware commercialization, this initiative reflects a broader national push to become a leader in next-gen industrial technologies.

HNSE AHB complements similar initiatives across Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)’s AI Sandbox, Thailand’s DEPA Smart City program, and Singapore’s AI Strategy 2.0. Cross-border collaboration is a key theme, with Hainan acting as a soft landing zone for international

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New Delhi, May 14, 2025 — Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, maintained its position above the $103,000 level for a second consecutive day, fueling discussions among analysts about whether easing market volatility could pave the way for further upside in digital assets.

At 9:30 AM IST, Bitcoin was trading at $103,495, marking a 1.57% daily gain, with its market capitalization holding steady at $2.05 trillion, according to data from CoinMarketCap. Trading volume surged over 20% to $50.16 billion, signaling renewed interest from both institutional and retail investors.

Volatility Drops Below Traditional Indices

Market participants noted that Bitcoin’s 10-day realized volatility has dipped below that of major U.S. equity indices. According to HTX Research, Bitcoin volatility currently stands at 43.86, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 are at 47.29 and 51.26, respectively—highlighting the asset’s increasing maturity.

“This is the third consecutive month of cooling U.S. inflation, and investors are pricing in possible Federal Reserve rate cuts in early 2025,” said Edul Patel, CEO of Mudrex. “The environment is supportive for risk-on assets like Bitcoin.”

Altcoins See Mixed Sentiment as Capital Rotates

While Bitcoin retains a 61.2% dominance in the overall crypto market, capital is starting to rotate into altcoins. Ethereum (ETH) surged 8.5% to $2,647, while Solana (SOL), which recently received endorsement from former U.S. President Donald Trump, rose 6.9% to $180.92.

However, some caution is advised. “Bitcoin has tested the $105,000 resistance but faces short-term selling pressure,” warned Alex Kuptsikevich, chief market analyst at FxPro. “Profit booking and macro news around the dollar and tariffs may weigh on short-term sentiment.”

Institutional Activity and Global Macro Tailwinds

Recent data from CoinShares revealed $882 million in net inflows to crypto investment funds over the past week, led by Bitcoin ($867 million). Notable institutional participants include BlackRock, whose Bitcoin ETF has seen steady growth, and Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, which continues to increase exposure to digital assets.

Meanwhile, Tether (USDT) remains the dominant stablecoin, now exceeding $150 billion in supply, facilitating over $521 billion in weekly transfers, and outpacing traditional payment rails like VisaNet and SWIFT, according to CIFDAQ.

What’s Next for Crypto Markets?

With macroeconomic indicators improving and digital asset volatility dropping, analysts believe the stage may be set for another rally—provided Bitcoin can break and hold above key resistance levels near $105,000.

However, global developments such as U.S.-China trade talks, central bank policy shifts, and ETF flows are expected to play a decisive role in determining crypto’s next directional move.

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