Blockchain for Good Alliance Launches Global Accelerator and Fund with UNDP

DUBAI, UAE, April 24, 2025 /CNW/ — The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA),  a global non-profit initiative, together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and EMURGO Labs, has launched the SDG Blockchain Accelerator — a global effort aimed at harnessing blockchain-powered social impact initiatives across the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program aims to equip UNDP personnel and partners with the knowledge, technology, support, and mentorship necessary to develop, pilot, and scale blockchain-based solutions addressing real-world economic development challenges.


Blockchain for Good Alliance Launches Global Accelerator and Fund with UNDP

Supported by a global network of industry experts, this multi-year accelerator will onboard two cohorts annually, each running for a four month period, focusing on capacity building, solution development, and ecosystem growth. Leveraging Cardano‘s infrastructure and EMURGO Labs’ expertise, the program will deliver up to 40 blockchain solutions aligned with the SDGs, create an open-source resource hub, and promote cross-chain collaboration to broaden the impact of blockchain across the development sector.

Led by BGA Managing Partner Glenn Tan and members of the UNDP AltFinLab, the collaboration will span five global regions, offering funding and strategic support to blockchain projects tackling challenges across the 17 SDGs.

“At UNDP, we believe blockchain is not just a technology — it is a transformative force capable of reshaping how we address humanity’s most pressing challenges. This accelerator program is more than an initiative; it is a call to action for innovators worldwide to harness blockchain’s power to drive sustainable development. By fostering bold collaboration and leveraging its transparency and efficiency, we are paving the way for groundbreaking solutions that can uplift communities globally,” commented Teodor Petricevic, UNDP Accelerator Lead.

As a founding supporter of the Blockchain for Good Alliance, Bybit has worked closely with BGA across various initiatives to promote the use of blockchain for public good. Through its “Bybit Pool” initiative, the crypto exchange has committed US$1 million in funding to support EthicHub, a blockchain platform empowering and enabling smallholder farmers. This contribution supports ethical financing models and showcases blockchain’s potential in building transparent supply chains.

Expanding Impact Across Europe

BGA marked a significant milestone in January 2025 with its formal expansion into Europe, joining the UNDP Brussels Roundtable “Empowering the Future: A Strategic Dialogue on Emerging Technologies and Impact Entrepreneurship in the Western Balkans”. The roundtable brought together 30 key delegates from the UNDP, European Commission, top Web3 foundations, tech hubs, and policy think tanks — including the Ethereum Foundation, Solana Labs, Stellar Development Foundation, Algorand Foundation, Cardano Foundation, Celo, Metis, Cotrugli Business School, Science Technology Park Belgrade, BlackVogel, and the World Metaverse Council.

As part of its broader European strategy, BGA is actively engaging in grassroots initiatives, forging strategic partnerships, and contributing to high-level policy dialogues. With blockchain increasingly recognized as a catalyst for transparent, inclusive, and sustainable development, BGA welcomes collaboration with like-minded organizations to advance real-world solutions and establish blockchain as a pillar of digital equity and innovation across the continent.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk / #BGA

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
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About Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

The Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA) is a long-term collaborative non-profit initiative with key partners with the main aim to contribute to societal good by using blockchain technology to solve real world problems. By convening leaders, innovators, and organisations from across the blockchain community, BGA seeks to drive innovation, collaboration, and action towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

For more information
Email: hello@chainforgood.org
Website: www.chainforgood.org
Twitter: www.x.com/chainforgood

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet.

Learn more at www.undp.org


(PRNewsfoto/Bybit)

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SOURCE Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA)

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Cantor’s $3.6B Bet on Institutional Crypto

A bold new chapter in institutional crypto investment has begun. Cantor Fitzgerald, a titan of Wall Street, is joining forces with Tether and Japanese tech conglomerate SoftBank Group (TYO:9984) to launch a $3.6 billion crypto venture — a move that underscores the accelerating mainstream adoption of Bitcoin and digital assets.

The new venture, named Twenty One Capital, will be listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker (NASDAQ:XXI). It’s poised to become the third-largest corporate holder of Bitcoin globally, with more than 42,000 BTC already committed at launch.

Institutional Crypto Investment Hits a Milestone

For years, crypto has lived on the edge of the financial system — alternately embraced and dismissed. But this new venture suggests the tide is turning decisively in favor of institutional crypto investment.

Cantor Fitzgerald’s involvement, particularly through its special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC), Cantor Equity Partners (NASDAQ:CEP.O), signals strong Wall Street confidence in Bitcoin’s long-term value. And the collaboration with Tether — the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin — along with SoftBank’s minority investment, creates a powerful alliance aimed at reshaping the crypto investing landscape.

Twenty One’s CEO, Jack Mallers, put it simply: “We’re not here to beat the market. We’re here to build a new one.”

A Strategic Bitcoin Treasury

Unlike many firms that cautiously add digital assets to their balance sheets, Twenty One Capital is going all in. With more than $1.6 billion in Bitcoin contributed by Tether alone, plus additional contributions from Bitfinex ($600 million) and SoftBank ($900 million), the venture is taking a page out of the playbook used by MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR).

MicroStrategy currently holds over 538,000 Bitcoin and saw its valuation surge in 2024 as institutional demand for crypto soared, especially following pro-crypto political rhetoric during the U.S. presidential election. Similarly, Twenty One Capital appears set to position itself as a vehicle for Bitcoin-centric growth — both as a hedge against economic uncertainty and a foundation for new financial infrastructure.

Bitcoin, now trading above $94,000, has climbed over 40% in the past six months. While retail investors have driven much of the past decade’s momentum, the current rally is being led by institutions, analysts say.

Matt Mena, a strategist at crypto investment firm 21Shares, explains: “What sets this rally apart is the growing conviction around Bitcoin’s function as a macro hedge. More investors are turning to it not just as a speculative asset, but also as a flight to safety amid rising uncertainty across traditional markets.”

This narrative plays directly into the goals of Cantor’s new venture. With macroeconomic concerns like inflation, geopolitical instability, and fiat currency devaluation lingering, institutional crypto investment is no longer just an alternative — it’s becoming a necessity.

The Tether-Cantor Nexus

The deal also sheds light on the long-standing relationship between Cantor Fitzgerald and Tether. According to Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino, 99% of Tether’s U.S. Treasury bill reserves — used to back its USDT stablecoin — are held with Cantor. That deep trust is now being extended to this ambitious new venture.

“Bitcoin is one of the only truly decentralized, immutable, and censorship-resistant assets,” Ardoino said. “Its role as the foundation of a new financial system is inevitable.”

The formation of Twenty One Capital could very well mark the beginning of that new financial system — one led not just by tech visionaries, but by established financial powerhouses embracing institutional crypto investment on a global scale.

Final Thoughts

Twenty One Capital is more than just a bold bet on Bitcoin — it’s a clear sign that institutional crypto investment is entering a new phase. With the backing of Cantor Fitzgerald, Tether, Bitfinex, and SoftBank, the venture is uniquely positioned to redefine how traditional finance approaches crypto.

If successful, it won’t just be another crypto company on the Nasdaq — it will be a blueprint for future digital asset investment at scale.

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Avoid These 3 Crypto Tax Mistakes in 2025

As digital assets go mainstream, crypto tax mistakes are becoming more common—and more costly. With increased scrutiny from the IRS and local tax authorities, 2025 is shaping up to be a year when crypto investors can’t afford to be sloppy with their filings.

Whether you’re holding Bitcoin, trading meme coins, or staking Ethereum, your tax obligations are real. Here are three of the most common crypto tax mistakes to avoid if you want to stay compliant and keep Uncle Sam happy.

1. Ignoring State-Level Crypto Tax Rules

The IRS isn’t the only one watching your crypto wallet. Many investors make the mistake of assuming that paying federal crypto taxes is enough. Unfortunately, crypto tax mistakes often begin with overlooking state-level obligations.

Tax rules for cryptocurrencies vary significantly from one state to another. For example, New York, California, and even some local jurisdictions have introduced specific reporting requirements or capital gains treatments for crypto earnings. If you’re filing your taxes thinking it’s a federal-only concern, think again.

Failing to report income or capital gains at the state level can trigger audits or penalties, even if your federal filings are perfect. Always check your local tax laws or consult a professional familiar with cryptocurrency taxation in your jurisdiction.

2. Miscalculating Capital Gains on Crypto

Of all crypto tax mistakes, this one causes the most confusion—and it can hit your wallet hard. Calculating capital gains on crypto isn’t as simple as subtracting the buy price from the sell price. There’s a lot more to track:

  • Incorrect acquisition dates: If you confuse the date of a crypto transfer with its original purchase date, your gains or losses may be misreported. 
  • Improper lot accounting: You can’t just lump all your Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) together. You must identify which specific coins were sold, especially if you acquired them at different times and prices. 
  • Omitting transaction fees: When calculating cost basis, always include the fees paid when buying or selling crypto. Otherwise, your profit (and tax owed) could be overstated. 
  • Forgetting forks and airdrops: Any free coins received from forks or airdrops have a cost basis too, often based on fair market value at the time you received them. 

Miscalculating capital gains could lead to either overpaying or underpaying your taxes. Either way, it’s a costly mistake you don’t want to make.

3. Failing To Report All Taxable Events

This is the most common and the most serious of all crypto tax mistakes. Many investors believe that only converting crypto to fiat (e.g., U.S. dollars) is taxable. But that’s far from the full picture.

Here are just some of the events that the IRS considers taxable:

  • Trading one cryptocurrency for another: Swapping Ethereum (CRYPTO:ETH) for Solana (CRYPTO:SOL)? That’s a taxable event. 
  • Spending crypto: Buying a latte or a Lamborghini with Bitcoin? That’s taxable too. 
  • Receiving crypto as income: Whether you’re a freelancer paid in Dogecoin or getting a salary in USDC, it’s income—and must be reported. 
  • Mining and staking rewards: Mined coins or staking rewards are considered taxable income at the time you receive them, based on market value. 

Even if you didn’t receive fiat currency, the IRS still considers these events taxable. Failing to report them can result in significant penalties or even an audit.

Final Thoughts: Be Proactive, Not Reactive

The IRS and state tax agencies are getting smarter at tracking digital asset activity. As exchanges implement stricter reporting requirements and blockchain analytics improve, your chances of flying under the radar are slim.

To stay ahead, avoid these three crypto tax mistakes: know your local tax laws, get your capital gains math right, and report every taxable event. If you’re unsure, now’s the time to work with a tax professional experienced in crypto.

Don’t wait for a tax notice or penalty letter to remind you—get proactive with your crypto tax strategy in 2025.

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MiL.k partners with Galxe to Expand Network and Connect Korean Users to Global Web3 Ecosystem

Following its migration to Arbitrum, MiL.k teams up with Galxe to launch global quests, drive user growth, and bring real-world loyalty rewards to the Web3 ecosystem.

SEOUL, South Korea, April 23, 2025 /CNW/ — Milk Partners, the company behind the blockchain-based loyalty integration platform ‘MiL.k,’ announced a strategic partnership with leading web3 growth platform, Galxe, to connect its 1.5 million Korean users with Galxe’s 33 million-strong global community and unlock new Web3 engagement opportunities. The partnership marks MiL.k’s first global collaboration following its recent migration to the Arbitrum blockchain.


MiL.k partners with Galxe to Expand Network and Connect Korean Users to Global Web3 Ecosystem

Galxe, is an end-to-end growth platform powered by analytics, automation, and engagement solutions. With over 7,000 partners, it is one of the most actively operated social platforms within the Arbitrum ecosystem, enabling user base retention and ecosystem scalability.

MiL.k’s 1.5 million users and its loyalty ecosystem – built through strategic partnerships with major corporations – will seamlessly be integrated into Galxe’s platform. Together, the two companies aim to create synergies through mid-to-long-term marketing collaborations, bridging Korea with global markets,driving community growth, and expanding their ecosystems.

As part of their first collaboration, MiL.k’s exclusive quest will gradually launch on Galxe’s platform starting April 16. The quest will be available to domestic and international users, with co-hosted quests planned with various global projects in the Arbitrum ecosystem. The collaboration will offer a range of substantial rewards and benefits for participants – providing users with an enriched web3 experience. 

Additionally, both parties will expand their technical cooperation to connect onchain environments between their services and make it easier for global users to access a variety of content from both MiL.k and Galxe. The collaboration will accelerate the expansion of the Web3 ecosystem through multi-layered efforts including technology integration, marketing, and global user onboarding.

Through its partnership with Galxe, MiL.k aims to collaborate with various global web3 projects within the Arbitrum ecosystem including projects in sectors such as DeFi, gamification, social, and more.

Jung Min Cho, CEO of Milk Partners, stated, “The collaboration with Galxe is significant as it marks MiL.k’s first global project within the Arbitrum ecosystem. We will rapidly enhance our position as a global project by offering new Web3 experiences and practical benefits to users worldwide through various quests we will create together.”

Charles Wayn, Co-Founder of Galxe, echoed similar sentiments,”We’re excited to welcome MiL.k to the Galxe ecosystem in expanding global Web3 engagement. By connecting MiL.k’s robust loyalty network with Galxe’s powerful growth infrastructure, we’re not only bridging Korean users to a global community—we’re unlocking a new wave of utility, collaboration, and opportunity across the Arbitrum ecosystem.”

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MEXC Announces Listing of Hyperlane (HYPER) with a 165,000 HYPER and 50,000 USDT Prize Pool

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced the Hyperlane (HYPER) listing on April 22, 2025(UTC).To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC is launching a special event with a prize pool of 165,000 HYPER and 50,000 USDT for new and existing users.

MEXC Announces Listing of Hyperlane (HYPER) with a 165,000 HYPER and 50,000 USDT Prize Pool

Hyperlane is the first permissionless, universal interoperability protocol dedicated to building a truly open and decentralized cross-chain communication infrastructure. As “The Open Interoperability Framework,” it enables anyone to freely expand, utilize, and customize the network, allowing developers to easily and securely build cross-chain applications and token bridges. To date, Hyperlane has connected over 140 blockchains, processed nearly 9 million cross-chain messages, and bridged more than $6 billion in volume through its Warp Routes.

$HYPER is the native token of the Hyperlane ecosystem, with an initial total supply of 1 billion tokens. It plays a critical role in securing the protocol through staking, rewarding validators for verifying cross-chain messages, incentivizing user-driven activity, and enabling community governance over protocol development.

To celebrate the listing, MEXC will launch an Airdrop+ event with substantial rewards for users:

Event Period: April 21, 2025, 10:00 – May 01, 2025, 10:00 (UTC)

Benefit 1: Deposit and share 120,000 HYPER (New user exclusive)

Benefit 2: Spot Challenge — Trade to share 15,000 HYPER (For all users)

Benefit 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)

Benefit 4: Invite new users and share 30,000 HYPER (For all users)

MEXC has established itself as a leading exchange by consistently offering users early access to high-potential crypto assets. In 2024 alone, the platform listed 2,376 new tokens, including 1,716 initial listings. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC led the industry with 461 spot listings between November 1, 2024, and February 15, 2025. During this period, the exchange maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six platforms, demonstrating its agility in capturing emerging market trends. MEXC will continue to expand its asset offerings and help users seize timely opportunities in the fast-moving crypto market.

For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

About MEXC

Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.

MEXC Official Website? X ? Telegram ?How to Sign Up on MEXC

Risk Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

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