KLEA Crypto Daily: Friday, April 24, 2026

Published: April 25, 2026 – 00:33 UTC

Key stories from April 24, 2026.

Brazil Bans Prediction Markets, Blocks Kalshi and Polymarket

Brazil has imposed a sweeping ban on prediction markets and related betting platforms, with Kalshi and Polymarket now inaccessible in the country. The central bank stated that such platforms do not comply with derivatives regulations, marking a significant regulatory shift in the region.

U.S. Freezes $701 Million in Crypto Tied to Southeast Asia Scam Centers

The U.S. government has frozen $701 million in cryptocurrency associated with scam networks in Southeast Asia that targeted American citizens. This significant action highlights ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud and protect consumers from deceptive practices in the crypto space.

Tether’s $344 Million USDT Freeze Linked to U.S. ‘Economic Fury’ Against Iran Regime

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned multiple crypto wallets tied to Iran, freezing approximately $344 million in USDT linked to the regime. This action is part of a broader strategy to cut off financial resources for Iran, which has increasingly relied on cryptocurrencies to evade sanctions.

Bitcoin ETFs Attract $1.9 Billion in Investments

Recent developments indicate a substantial shift towards institutional investment in the cryptocurrency sector, with $1.9 billion flowing into bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This surge reflects growing confidence among investors and may signal a broader acceptance of digital assets in traditional financial markets.

Blockchain Just Had Its First Bank Run: Key Investor Takeaways

The $293 million hack at Kelp DAO triggered over $15 billion in withdrawals from major DeFi protocols, marking a significant event in the decentralized finance space. This incident highlights the interconnected risks within DeFi, as the fallout affected platforms even indirectly linked to the exploit.

New York AG Sues Coinbase, Gemini Over Unlicensed “Prediction Markets”

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Coinbase and Gemini, alleging that both companies operated unlicensed prediction market platforms that constitute illegal gambling in New York. This legal action could have significant implications for the regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges and their offerings.

South Africa Unveils Draft Regulations for Capital Flow Management

South Africa’s Treasury has introduced draft regulations aimed at overhauling the foreign exchange control framework, which now includes crypto-assets for the first time. This move aligns with international recommendations and seeks to enhance measures against money laundering and illicit financial flows, potentially impacting the regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the region.

North Korean Hackers Steal $293 Million from Kelp DAO Using LayerZero

North Korean hackers executed a significant theft, stealing $293 million from Kelp DAO by exploiting vulnerabilities in blockchain technology. This incident highlights the ongoing security risks in the cryptocurrency sector and raises concerns about the integrity of decentralized finance platforms.

BRICS De-Dollarization Drive To Officially Take Effect From April 30

BRICS members China and Indonesia are set to launch a de-dollarization initiative on April 30, allowing cross-border transactions to be conducted using local currencies instead of the US dollar. This move is expected to reshape international trade dynamics and reduce reliance on the US dollar, potentially impacting global financial systems.

Michael Saylor Declares End of Bitcoin Winter as Prices Stabilize Above $78,000

Michael Saylor announced that the Bitcoin winter has concluded as the cryptocurrency maintains a price above $78,000, sparking discussions among analysts about the market’s future. His firm holds 780,897 BTC, and the recent price stability has led to increased institutional interest in Bitcoin.

Source: KLEA News