Pi Network has launched its first Smart Contract feature on Testnet, enabling users to set up automatic subscription payments while maintaining control of their funds. This marks a shift toward ecosystem utility and lays the groundwork for potential mainnet deployment.

Payward, the parent company of a major centralized exchange, is set to acquire Bitnomial, the first fully licensed U.S. digital asset derivatives firm, for up to $550 million, valuing Payward at $20 billion. This marks a key advancement in regulated crypto trading.

Sequoia Capital has raised $7 billion for a new fund under Alfred Lin and Pat Grady, focusing on AI startups like OpenAI and Anthropic. This marks a shift in strategy, allowing investments in competing companies within the same sector.

GAC Aion has launched pre-orders for the Aion N60 SUV, featuring WeRide's 3.0 autonomous driving technology. The vehicle, starting at 115,800 yuan, includes advanced safety and autonomy across all models. This partnership marks significant advancements in autonomous driving solutions.

Emi Yoshikawa has launched Across Ventures Fund I, a $100 million fund backed by SBI Holdings, focusing on blockchain, fintech, and deep tech investments. Meanwhile, April 2026 marks significant XRP adoption in Japan, with SBI Ripple Asia's token issuance and successful bank pilots showcasing the benefits of XRP.

Goldman Sachs filed for a Bitcoin ETF with the SEC, aiming to invest primarily in Bitcoin ETPs and generate monthly dividends through options sales. This move marks a shift to issuer status and reflects increasing institutional interest in crypto investments.

Gate News update: On April 10, Japan’s Cabinet approved a new regulatory bill for crypto assets. The bill plans to classify crypto assets as financial instruments and introduce three core regulatory requirements: a ban on insider trading, an annual information disclosure regime, and related compliance obligations. This move marks further refinement of Japan’s regulatory framework for crypto assets.

Gate News message, according to the Financial Times, Hosseini stated that Iran will charge tanker transit tolls in Bitcoin. This marks a shift in the country's payment methods for maritime transit fees.

The Democratic Party of Korea plans to regulate tokenized real-world assets and stablecoins in the soon-to-be enacted “Framework Act on Digital Assets.” The proposal would require issuers to deposit assets with a trustee-managed trust institution, and classify stablecoins as a means of payment, subject to oversight by foreign exchange regulators. The bill bans earnings from idle stablecoins and calls for the development of interoperable technical standards, aiming to improve market transparency and safety. This marks an important step forward for South Korea’s digital asset regulation.

The PENGU brand’s success in entering Walmart and Target marks its growing influence in the physical retail market. However, the PENGU token is for entertainment only and does not confer any economic rights. Holders should pay attention to market risks and to brand development updates.