Author: Monicah W

Recently, Binance Alpha – a feature within the Binance Wallet that showcases early-stage crypto projects – introduced a scoring mechanism called Binance Alpha Points. This system evaluates user activity within the Binance Alpha ecosystem.

This new scoring feature has attracted a wave of interest from airdrop hunters and significantly boosted trading volume on Binance Alpha. However, Binance Alpha Points have sparked mixed reactions.

Binance Alpha’s Daily Volume Surpasses $330 Million

Data from Dune shows that trading volume on Binance Alpha surged after Binance announced the Alpha Points on April 25.

By May 7, trading volume on Binance Alpha had exceeded $330 million. On May 5 and May 7, the platform recorded over 1 million daily transactions. The total accumulated trading volume has now surpassed $2.8 billion, with nearly 117 million transactions.

This achievement reflects the strong appeal of the Alpha Points feature. More users are actively trading to accumulate points and increase their chances of receiving airdrops.

At the same time, Binance has been announcing new project listings on Binance Alpha more frequently.

How Are Investors Responding to the Binance Alpha Points Initiative?

Wonnie, the founder of MBMweb3, is a vocal supporter of the Binance Alpha program. In a post on X, Wonnie described the program as “a golden window” for users to participate before it becomes overcrowded.

He shared his strategy for earning 15 points per day. He holds assets worth over $100,000, which gives him 4 points, and trades more than $2,048 daily, earning him 11 points.

Wonnie emphasized that the daily cost of maintaining this activity is around $1 in gas fees, highlighting the program’s strong profit potential.

“Binance Alpha is still a golden window. Track your score. Minimize costs. And take your share while the rewards are flowing,” Wonnie said.

However, not all investors share Wonnie’s optimism. Many have criticized Binance Alpha, calling it an “extraction scheme”.

One major point of controversy is that Alpha Points only count activity from the past 15 days. Users cannot accumulate points long-term, forcing them to trade continuously to maintain their scores, creating significant financial pressure.

Binance Alpha – A Scheme to Rekt You Without You Even Noticing.

Before we begin: right now, Binance appears completely greedy. Whenever they offer you something, trust me – they’re taking much more from you indirectly.

A lot of people are panicking and FOMOing into Binance… pic.twitter.com/MX3L3PLQPn

— Abhi.eth (@EarnByAbhi) April 29, 2025

In addition, the reward requirements have become increasingly strict. Initially, users only needed 45 points to receive the AIOT airdrop. But now, Binance demands 150 points to qualify for the SXT airdrop.

Based on Binance’s calculation method, users must trade up to $131,072 to earn 17 points.

This has led to users paying transaction fees but still not earning enough points to qualify for an airdrop. Some users even reach the required point threshold but fail the risk assessment, so they don’t receive the airdrop.

“Binance Alpha – a scheme to rekt you without you even noticing… Binance appears completely greedy. Whenever they offer you something, trust me – they’re taking much more from you indirectly,” investor Abhi criticized.

Despite these concerns, the number of projects featured on Binance Alpha continues to grow. According to CoinMarketCap, more than 140 projects have been listed on Binance Alpha.

Nine of those projects have conducted airdrops through the Alpha Points system.

The post Crypto Airdrop Hunting Drives Binance Alpha Volume to $2.8 Billion appeared first on BeInCrypto.

GRVT co-founder Hong Yea left behind a rising executive career at Goldman Sachs to launch a hybrid crypto exchange as the market collapsed.

Four months after the mainnet, it has processed over $5 billion in volume. Yea tells BeInCrypto how his Wall Street roots helped engineer a decentralized trading powerhouse.

A Leap of Conviction in a Market on Fire

When Hong Yea left a decade-long career at Goldman Sachs, where he had risen to executive director, crypto markets were in freefall. It was late 2022, and FTX had just collapsed.

Confidence in centralized platforms had evaporated. But for Yea, the implosion was not a deterrent—it was validation.

“FTX crystallized our thesis. Centralized counterparties are single points of systemic failure. We saw that coming—and built GRVT to be the opposite,” Yea told BeInCrypto in an interview.

That conviction would be tested. While former colleagues moved toward managing director promotions and fatter bonuses, Yea built a next-gen exchange from scratch. One that would fuse institutional-grade speed and compliance with the decentralization ethos of Web3.

Today, just four months after its public mainnet launch, GRVT has processed over $5 billion in trading volume.

It is the first licensed decentralized exchange (DEX) under Bermuda’s Class M framework and one of the few platforms bridging Wall Street’s rigor with blockchain’s permissionless infrastructure.

Why a Goldman Exec Bet on Blockchain

For Yea, the pivot was not sudden. A trader by training, he spent years inside Goldman watching promising financial products die behind walled gardens.

“I saw brilliant tools and strategies that never reached beyond institutional silos. At the same time, DeFi lacked the risk controls, performance, and compliance needed to scale. I realized: if we could combine both worlds, we could unlock finance for everyone,” he explains.

The spark came at a 2022 crypto conference in Barcelona. Yea saw clearly that blockchain was not just speculative—it was a superior substrate for finance.

“It’s like a smarter internet. Not just for data, but for logic. Immutable, programmable, global. That’s what finance needs,” he articulates.

The Hybrid Advantage: CEX Speed Meets DEX Trustlessness

In the interview, Hong Yea presented GRVT as a purpose-built hybrid, not a traditional DEX or a centralized exchange with a Web3 gloss.

The platform, he said, separates matching and risk logic off-chain from settlement and custody on-chain. With this, users get the speed of centralized venues without ceding control of their assets.

“Every trade is executed with sub-millisecond latency, but settled on-chain via smart contracts that never touch user funds. It’s trustless execution at institutional speeds,” Hong Yea remarked.

Users sign trades cryptographically using SecureKey technology, which combines multi-party computation (MPC) with biometrics for maximum safety. At the same time, onboarding feels like Web2—email, password, 2FA.

Behind the scenes, GRVT’s zero-knowledge chain ensures privacy while keeping settlements transparent. Crucially, the platform allows users to instantly rehypothecate margin across markets—an edge even legacy prime brokerages rarely offer.

GRVT’s “CeDeFi” architecture combines off-chain order matching and risk management with on-chain self-custodial settlement using a private zk-powered Validium chain. It eliminates intermediaries, avoids on-chain custody fees, and enables users to maintain sole control of their assets.

“Trades execute in sub-millisecond latency but clear trustlessly in users’ own wallets,” Yea said.

This design directly targets the weaknesses of both CEXs and DEXs:

• CEXs offer convenience and speed but force users to relinquish custody, introducing counterparty risk.
• DEXs provide transparency and control but suffer from latency and fragmented liquidity.

GRVT bridges that divide. Users sign trades with biometrics via a SecureKey while all assets remain in their wallets.

“We blend Web2 login flows with cryptographic controls and one-click trade signing,” Yea explained. “It’s the speed of Binance with the self-custody of Uniswap—minus the trade-offs.”

$5 Billion in 120 Days With Regulation As The Blueprint

According to Hong Yea, GRVT’s explosive growth was engineered through raw performance, ecosystem incentives, and early partnerships. Its matching engine operates with latency under 10 milliseconds, outpacing Ethereum-based DEXs, Solana (SOL), and even newer Layer 2 solutions.

However, it is not just about speed. GRVT rewards market makers, community contributors, and liquidity providers, and creates a balanced, multi-stakeholder system.

Reportedly, more than 40 institutions, including CoinRoutes and top prime brokers, now trade on GRVT, injecting deep liquidity from day one.

Moreover, in a post-FTX playing field, the timing is opportune. Retail users demand transparency; institutions demand compliance. GRVT meets both demands without compromise.

“We’re not a niche. We’re a bridge. Retail wants safety, institutions want access. We offer a platform where both can trade on equal footing,” Yea added.

While most DEXs attempt to dodge regulation, GRVT leaned in. It became the world’s first licensed DEX under Bermuda’s Digital Asset framework.

“We treat compliance as code. Our chain enforces KYC and trade surveillance at the protocol level. That’s not just policy—it’s unbreakable,” Yea emphasized.

Reportedly, GRVT is now in active discussions with regulators across Asia, Europe, and North America, working toward multi-jurisdictional licensing for a globally compliant rollout. Yea believes this regulatory adoption is not a constraint but a critical enabler.

“Rules aren’t the enemy—they’re the gateway to institutional trust,” he stated.

Meanwhile, GRVT’s vision does not end with crypto trading. Yea sees a future where tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), including equities, funds, and institutional strategies, trade peer-to-peer (P2P) on a decentralized, composable platform.

Wall Street Is Watching

While some in traditional finance (TradFi) remain skeptical of crypto, the institutional tide is turning. The window is reopening with MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets) in Europe, Hong Kong’s digital asset push, and a softening US regulatory tone.

“Wall Street is warming up. However, this time, they will come not to dominate, but to integrate,” Yea concluded.

Building long-term trust on a blockchain may seem like a leap for a trader who once priced risk in microseconds. However, for Hong Yea, it was a calculated trade—and so far, it is paying off.

The post GRVT Hits $5 Billion: How Ex-Goldman Exec Pioneered a Hybrid Exchange Post FTX Crisis appeared first on BeInCrypto.

Bitcoin (BTC) finally printed $100,000 on major exchanges for the first time since February, before retreating slightly as profit‑taking set in.

The breakout gathered pace as the Federal Reserve’s interest rates remained stable, and President Trump announced positive developments in the tariff deals with multiple countries.

Donald Trump Signs a Trade Deal With the UK

Today, Trump announced the first deal since his administration’s sweeping tariff program began last month. The US president said that his government reached an agreement with the UK, and several other deals are in the final stages.

The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come. Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United…

— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 8, 2025

A Reuters report indicates the agreement will reduce US‑UK duties on steel and autos, easing supply‑chain inflation fears that have dogged risk assets since the tariff shock.

Risk‑on sentiment spilled into crypto, with more than $492 million in short positions liquidated across derivatives venues in the past 24 hours, according to CoinGlass data.

Traders now eye $105,000 as the next resistance. Should Trump’s deal materialize without surprises, bulls argue the path to $120,000 could open quickly

The post Bitcoin Hits $100,000 as Trump Announces Major Trade Deal appeared first on BeInCrypto.

The crypto market has seen a surge in new meme coins. They are mainly from three chains: Ethereum, Solana, or Base. 

Thus, BeInCrypto has analysed the best-performing meme coins from all three chains for investors to watch today.

Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)

• Launch Date – December 2024
• Total Circulating Supply – 62.86 Billion PENGU
• Maximum Supply 88.88 Billion PENGU
• Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $1.27 Billion

PENGU has seen a 26% increase in the last 24 hours, currently trading at $0.0143. The altcoin successfully breached the $0.0129 resistance level and is now eyeing the $0.0180 resistance. This upward movement signals growing investor interest, positioning PENGU for further potential gains in the near term.

As a meme coin on the Solana chain, PENGU is one of the day’s top performers. If it breaches the $0.0180 resistance, it could set its sights on the next target at $0.0225. This would represent a significant price jump, supported by continued market interest and momentum.

However, if PENGU fails to secure $0.0129 as a support floor, it risks falling below $0.0100. A drop to $0.0071 would invalidate the bullish thesis, signaling a potential reversal. 

Mog Coin (MOG)

• Launch Date – July 2023
• Total Circulating Supply – 390.56 Trillion MOG
• Maximum Supply – 420.69 Trillion MOG
• Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $394.31 Million

MOG has posted a 40.69% increase, becoming the best-performing meme coin of the day. Currently trading at $0.0000009248, the altcoin represents the Ethereum blockchain. This notable rise indicates growing investor interest, and its continued upward movement could push MOG further into the spotlight in the meme coin sector.

MOG is now facing resistance at $0.0000009399. Successfully breaching this level is essential for the meme coin to establish a 3-month high. If it manages to break this barrier, MOG could push past $0.0000010000, with the next target set at $0.0000012143, marking significant growth.

If MOG fails to breach $0.0000009399, it risks a decline to $0.0000007539. A drop below this level would invalidate the bullish outlook, erasing recent gains. 

Brett (BRETT)

• Launch Date – March 2024
• Total Circulating Supply – 9.91 Billion BRETT
• Maximum Supply – 10 Billion BRETT
• Fully Diluted Valuation (FDV) – $630.98 Million

BRETT has surged 23% today, becoming one of the top performers. Currently trading at $0.063, the altcoin, based on the Base chain, is facing resistance at $0.068. If this resistance is breached, BRETT could continue its upward trajectory, attracting more investor interest and potential gains.

Breaching the $0.068 resistance would mark a 3-month high for BRETT, opening the path toward $0.082. A successful move beyond this point would drive further price increases, offering significant returns to investors. Continued market momentum could propel BRETT into even higher territories in the coming weeks.

However, if BRETT fails to break the $0.068 barrier, its bullish momentum could falter. A reversal below this level could pull the altcoin down to $0.052, and potentially as low as $0.047. This decline would invalidate the bullish thesis, signaling potential losses for investors if market sentiment weakens.

The post PENGU, MOG, BRETT Lead Gains On Top 3 Chains | Meme Coins To Watch Today appeared first on BeInCrypto.

A group of pro-crypto Senate Democrats introduced an amendment to the GENIUS Act that is widely expected to fail—on purpose.

The move appears designed to look like opposition while actually helping the stablecoin bill pass. This largely ceremonial opposition will allow Democrats to save face on a potentially unpopular move.

What’s Happening with the GENIUS ACT?

The GENIUS Act, a major bill to regulate stablecoins, has stirred controversy. Critics worry it could enable corruption or destabilize the financial system. Despite those concerns, the bill retains modest bipartisan support and is advancing in the Senate.

Recently, according to multiple reports, Democrats introduced an amendment—the End Crypto Corruption Act—that allows the bill to proceed to a vote, even if the amendment fails. 

This unusual strategy prevents Democrats from using a filibuster to block the GENIUS Act, clearing a key legislative hurdle.

In effect, this lets Democrats claim they tried to strengthen the bill without actually stopping it from passing. One source dubbed the move “Schumer 101.” 

The reference is based on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s past use of similar procedural tactics to prevent a government shutdown.

“The [GENIUS Act] as it currently stands still has numerous issues that must be addressed. While we are eager to continue working with our colleagues to address these issues, we would be unable to vote for cloture should the current version of the bill come to the floor,” a joint statement from the amendment’s Democratic supporters read.

Why This Matters

The amendment is symbolic. It won’t pass, but it gives cover to pro-crypto Democrats who don’t want to publicly back the GENIUS Act outright.

Also, it neutralizes the filibuster threat. A filibuster is a procedural tactic used in the US Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill or nomination. By introducing this amendment via a cloture vote, Democrats can’t later use the filibuster to block the bill.

Most importantly, it ensures forward momentum. Even with some public opposition, the GENIUS Act can now reach a vote and likely pass.

Tensions over crypto policy have increased since the Trump administration backed pro-crypto regulations. Allegations of corruption involving President Trump and foreign crypto investments have deepened partisan divides.

Recently, Rep. Maxine Waters led a Democratic boycott of a crypto policy hearing.

The vote for the GENIUS Act’s final fate will take place sometime next week, and a few Democrats still vocally oppose it. Nothing is necessarily guaranteed; Republican defectors may get cold feet.

Still, currently, its chances look very good. Stablecoin regulation in the US may be on the verge of major success.

The post Democrats May Have Guaranteed Success for the GENIUS Act Stablecoin Bill appeared first on BeInCrypto.