Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a new electronic payment system that removes the need for third party financial institutions. It speeds up transactions while reducing costs and minimizing the potential for fraud. The name “cryptocurrency” points to how it uses “cryptographic proof” to work, AKA a blockchain.

Bitcoin’s concept was first introduced in 2008 when a person going by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto shared a white paper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” In January 2009, the Bitcoin blockchain was launched. 

A new electronic payment system called Bitcoin removes the need for third-party financial institutions. It speeds up transactions while reducing costs and fraud-risk. The name “cryptocurrency” points to how it uses “cryptographic proof” to work, AKA a blockchain.   

Bitcoin has a finite supply of 21 million, which is expected to be reached by the year 2140. Currently, 18.8 million are circulating in the market. Note that Bitcoin represents the concept of the network, while bitcoin (lower-case ‘b’) represents the currency.

Bitcoin is one of the most well-known cryptos as it was the first decentralized currency. 

Currently, BTC’s dominance is above 40%. Bitcoin Dominance is a measure of how much of the total market cap of crypto is made up of Bitcoin. Bitcoin’s influence in the crypto ecosystem could be vulnerable to competition as alternative coins grow in popularity and utility.

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (NASDAQ:BTM) on Monday announced that it filed for voluntary Chapter 11 protection after tighter regulations and mounting litigation costs pressured operations. Collapsing transaction volumes pushed the company into crisis, forcing it to shut down its entire Bitcoin ATM network.

Why Is Bitcoin Depot Stock Plunging Today?

Bitcoin trades between $76,900 to $77,465 on May 18, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. ET as traders assess mixed technical signals across multiple timeframes. While broader trend structure remains constructive above major support zones, short-term momentum indicators continue to reflect a cautious tone amid resistance near the $78,400 area.

Bitcoin Price Outlook Turns Cautious as Resistance Builds Near $78,400

The platform settles cargo cover in Bitcoin under a plan for marine policies and certificates that could generate $10 billion for Iran.

Iran Pushes $10B Bitcoin Insurance Plan for Strait of Hormuz: Report

Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ: BTM), once the largest Bitcoin ATM operator in North America, filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Monday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas.

Bitcoin Depot (BTM) Stock Falls 80% As Company Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Iran has reportedly launched “Hormuz Safe,” a bitcoin-settled maritime insurance platform aimed at cargo owners and shipping firms operating through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.

Iran Launches Bitcoin-Backed Insurance Service for Strait of Hormuz Shipping, Eyes $10B In Revenue

The bank said accelerating advances in quantum computing are compressing the timeline for risks to crypto and broader internet infrastructure, with Bitcoin seen as particularly exposed.

Bitcoin faces outsized quantum threat as computing breakthroughs accelerate, Citi says

Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR) purchased 24,869 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) for approximately $2.01 billion at an average price of $80,985 per coin last week, bringing total holdings to 843,738 BTC. Strategy Now Holds Over 4% Of Bitcoin Supply Strategy's total Bitcoin holdings now represent more than 4% of Bitcoin's 21 million supply cap.

Michael Saylor Ups Bitcoin Holdings To 4% Of Supply As Strategy Buys For $2 Billion

Bitcoin Depot entered Chapter 11 to wind down operations, sell assets, and shut its bitcoin ATM network as state rules tighten. The company cited new compliance burdens, transaction limits, and restrictions affecting BTM operators. Bitcoin Depot Begins Chapter 11 Process Amid Regulatory Pressure Bitcoin Depot Inc.

Bitcoin Depot Shuts ATM Network as Chapter 11 Pushes Asset Sale

Michael Saylor and team added 24,869 BTC last week, bringing total holdings to 843,738 coins.

Strategy made mammoth $2 billion bitcoin purchase last week

Strategy said Monday it acquired an additional 24,869 bitcoin for approximately $2.01 billion.

Strategy (MSTR) Spends A Massive $2 Billion on More Bitcoin, Lifts Holdings to 843,738 BTC

Analysts are warning bitcoin is “on the brink” of a price crash and one legendary trader predicts 2008-style panic could be about to hit markets

‘Game Over'—Bitcoin Braced For Massive Price Crash As Fears Grow Of Crisis To Rival 2008

Strategy added 24,869 bitcoin to its treasury for approximately $2.01 billion, pushing its total holdings to 843,738 BTC as the company also moves to retire $1.5 billion in convertible debt.

Strategy Grabs 24,869 BTC for $2.01B, Now Holds 843,738 Bitcoin Total

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is trading below the key $78,000 level as analysts debate whether the latest rally is a recovery, or another classic bear market trap. Why Analysts Say This Isn't "Different" In a May 18 podcast, Benjamin Cowen argued that bear markets rarely move in straight lines.

Is This Bitcoin Bear Market Rally Different From The Rest? The Answer May Surprise You

Strategy's total holdings account for over 4% of the 21 million bitcoin supply cap — worth around $65 billion.

‘Big dot energy': Michael Saylor's Strategy buys another 24,869 BTC for $2 billion as total holdings top 4% of bitcoin supply

Crypto majors are falling and the ETFs are seeing an exodus, while SpaceX had a major debut on Hyperliquid.

Morning Minute: Bitcoin Slides Back to $77K on Rising Bond Yields, Oil Spike

Bitcoin Depot Inc. (NASDAQ:BTM) on Monday filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and took its entire network of 9,000 Bitcoin ATMs offline, sending the stock down 33% to $0.01 in premarket trading. CEO Alex Holmes said increasingly stringent state compliance obligations, new transaction limits, and outright bans on Bitcoin ATM operations in some jurisdictions made the business model unsustainable.

Bitcoin Depot Files For Bankruptcy, Takes 9000 Bitcoin ATMs Offline

Analysts flagged that geopolitical shocks no longer "hit crypto directly" thanks to institutional transmission via ETF flows.

Bitcoin Slides Under $77K as Crypto Liquidations Top $672M Amid Bond Sell-Off

Dogecoin

Ethereum

Bitcoin has broken below $77,000, following $290.4 million in net outflows from Bitcoin ETFs on Friday, while Ethereum ETFs reported $65.7 million in net outflows.

Bitcoin Plunges Below $77,000, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Slide 3% In Overnight Crash

The crypto market is caught between a promising regulatory moment and a deteriorating macro backdrop. The Clarity Act cleared the Senate Banking Committee last week, offering the industry its clearest path yet to a comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework.

The three risks that could overwhelm bitcoin's regulatory tailwind

Bitcoin and ether sank after the U.S. president told Iran the “clock is ticking,” sending oil higher and triggering broad crypto liquidations.

Bitcoin slides below $77,000 as Trump's Iran warning rattles risk assets

North America's largest Bitcoin ATM operator cited a hostile regulatory environment and an 'unsustainable' business model.

Crypto ATM Operator Bitcoin Depot Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Iranian media reported the launch of Hormuz Safe, a bitcoin-settled insurance platform tied to Strait of Hormuz cargo transit.

Iran-linked report says Hormuz Safe bitcoin-settled insurance platform aims to generate $10 billion

Bitcoin Depot (NASDAQ:BTM), one of the world's largest operators of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) ATMs, said on Monday it has initiated a voluntary Chapter 11 process to wind down operations and sell off its assets. Bitcoin Depot To Close Down Bitcoin Depot filed the proceedings in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, adding that all of its network of ATMs has been taken offline.

Bitcoin Depot Shares Crash 70% Pre-Market After Nasdaq-Listed Firm Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Capital B said it raised a total of $20 million from three capital increase contracts, involving Blockstream CEO Adam Back.

French BTC treasury firm Capital B buys $15 million in bitcoin following raise

Bitcoin fell below $77,000 on Monday, extending a four-day losing streak, triggering $657 million in total liquidations across crypto markets in 24 hours, with long positions bearing the brunt of the pain.

News for Bitcoin Crypto (BTC)