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Crypto Tycoons Grace the Cover of 'Vanity Fair', Only to Face Widespread Ridicule Online

Crypto industry leaders, including Cathie Wood (ARK Invest), Olaf Carlson-Wee (Polychain), and Michael Novogratz (Galaxy Digital), were featured in a *Vanity Fair* cover story titled “Crypto’s True Believers Want to Be Taken Seriously.” However, the article and its accompanying photos were widely mocked across social media. Rather than portraying the figures as serious innovators, the publication depicted them as eccentric and out-of-touch billionaires—highlighting their interests in extraterrestrial life, extreme survivalism, and going barefoot in public. Critics within the crypto community accused *Vanity Fair* of intentional ridicule, pointing to unflattering photo compositions and dismissive writing that reinforced negative stereotypes. The piece has sparked debate about the crypto industry’s relationship with mainstream media. Some, like Noelle Acheson, acknowledged the awkward portrayal but suggested it reflects how the industry is perceived externally. Others, including Jinelle D’Lima of Nozomi, argued that seeking validation from traditional gateways like *Vanity Fair* contradicts crypto’s original anti-establishment ethos. The incident underscores a cultural disconnect: despite the industry’s financial influence and political lobbying, it remains marginalized in mainstream cultural narratives. The backlash serves as a reminder that crypto’s real strength lies in its technology and decentralized values—not in mainstream approval.

比推03/18 15:00

Crypto Tycoons Grace the Cover of 'Vanity Fair', Only to Face Widespread Ridicule Online

比推03/18 15:00

Why March 31 Is An Important Date For XRP Holders In Japan

March 31, 2026, is a key date for XRP holders in Japan as SBI ARUHI, the country's largest mortgage lender under SBI Group, introduces a new shareholder benefit program distributing XRP rewards. Shareholders listed in the registry by that date are eligible, with rewards based on share quantity and holding period. Those holding 100-999 shares receive 500 yen worth of XRP, while larger shareholders (1,000+ shares) get 500 yen for holdings under a year or 1,000 yen for over a year. The initiative aims to reward investors, strengthen long-term relationships, and promote awareness of blockchain and digital assets. Recipients must open an account with SBI VC Trade to claim rewards, with a detailed guide to be provided by mid-June. This move highlights the growing integration of cryptocurrency into Japan's finance sector and SBI Group's established ties with XRP.

bitcoinist03/18 14:31

Why March 31 Is An Important Date For XRP Holders In Japan

bitcoinist03/18 14:31

Bitrefill Cyberattack Exposes 18,500 Records, Lazarus Group Suspected

Bitrefill, a cryptocurrency payment platform, was targeted by a cyberattack attributed to the North Korea-linked Lazarus Group on March 1, 2026. The breach, which began with a compromised employee laptop, exposed approximately 18,500 customer purchase records, including email addresses, crypto payment addresses, and IP data. The attackers primarily focused on moving funds from hot wallets and exploiting the gift card system, rather than stealing full customer data. Bitrefill quickly detected the unusual activity, shut down systems to prevent further damage, and has committed to covering all losses with its own funds. The company has since enhanced security measures, including stronger access controls and improved monitoring, and confirmed that most services are back to normal. This was Bitrefill's first major security breach in over a decade.

TheNewsCrypto03/18 13:44

Bitrefill Cyberattack Exposes 18,500 Records, Lazarus Group Suspected

TheNewsCrypto03/18 13:44

Spot Ethereum ETFs See $138M Inflows as Institutional Demand Rises

Spot Ethereum ETFs recorded significant net inflows of $138.2 million in a single day, marking their highest since February 25. BlackRock’s ETHA led with $81.7 million, followed by its Staked ETH ETF (ETHB) with $67.2 million. Grayscale’s funds also attracted inflows of $15.4 million and $9.4 million, though Fidelity’s FETH saw outflows of $35.4 million. This extends the products’ inflow streak to six consecutive days, totaling over $385 million. Ethereum ETFs have now entered a fourth positive week with around $440 million in total inflows, driven by rising institutional interest amid macroeconomic uncertainty. Meanwhile, Ethereum’s price hovers around $2,328 as markets await the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, widely expected to remain unchanged.

TheNewsCrypto03/18 12:48

Spot Ethereum ETFs See $138M Inflows as Institutional Demand Rises

TheNewsCrypto03/18 12:48

Overnight, Crypto Moguls Were Severely Mocked by 'Vanity Fair'

Crypto industry leaders, including Cathie Wood (ARK Invest), Olaf Carlson-Wee (Polychain), and Michael Novogratz (Galaxy Digital), faced widespread mockery after a Vanity Fair cover story portrayed them in an unflattering light. The article, titled “Crypto’s True Believers Demand to Be Taken Seriously,” depicted the billionaires as eccentric and out-of-touch—highlighting their interests in alien life, extreme survivalism, and going barefoot, while questioning their influence on global power structures. Industry insiders criticized the piece for reinforcing negative perceptions. A former fashion photographer noted the deliberately demeaning composition of the photos, such as camera angles that diminished Wood’s stature and shadowy, unflattering shots of Novogratz. The coverage was seen as a deliberate attempt to ridicule the crypto elite rather than engage with the industry seriously. The incident sparked broader reflection: some argued that seeking validation from traditional media contradicts crypto’s original anti-establishment ethos. As one founder noted, “We weren’t built for Vanity Fair or Forbes. We were built to rebel against everything they represent.” The episode underscores the tension between crypto’s growing political influence and its struggle for cultural legitimacy.

marsbit03/18 11:27

Overnight, Crypto Moguls Were Severely Mocked by 'Vanity Fair'

marsbit03/18 11:27

PayPal Expands PYUSD Access To 68 New Countries Amid Stablecoin Push

PayPal has expanded access to its U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), to 70 markets worldwide, including 68 new countries this month. This expansion allows users in regions like Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Latin America to send, hold, and receive PYUSD, enabling faster and lower-cost cross-border transactions compared to traditional methods. The stablecoin, which initially faced regulatory scrutiny, saw its market cap grow to $4.1 billion after the SEC closed its investigation in February 2025. Users in most regions can also receive rewards on holdings, though exceptions include Singapore and the UK. PayPal aims to build a more inclusive global commerce ecosystem by increasing PYUSD’s utility and accessibility.

bitcoinist03/18 11:08

PayPal Expands PYUSD Access To 68 New Countries Amid Stablecoin Push

bitcoinist03/18 11:08

Robinhood Founder Vlad Tenev on the Great Wealth Transfer, Tokenization, and Gen Z's Investment Future

In a Bankless interview, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev discusses the future of finance, driven by generational wealth transfer, tokenization, and Gen Z's investing behavior. He reveals that Gen Z are serious long-term investors, starting retirement planning as early as age 19 on average. Tenev addresses the $70-90 trillion "Great Wealth Transfer," emphasizing Robinhood's strategy to serve both younger generations and older asset owners through products like banking services and trust accounts. He predicts 24/7 markets and asset tokenization will become standard, with Robinhood already offering tokenized stocks in the EU. Robinhood is building a hybrid CeFi/DeFi infrastructure, including its own Layer 2 chain, to improve accessibility and utility for real-world assets. Tenev dismisses the notion that young investors are solely driven by "financial entertainment," highlighting data showing 40% of platform assets are in passive investments. Other key points include: the social value of prediction markets as "truth machines," plans for a Robinhood Social feature, the potential of AI-powered financial agents, and efforts to democratize access to private equity investments. He also discusses regulatory challenges and the strategic focus on global expansion if U.S. clarity remains limited.

marsbit03/18 11:02

Robinhood Founder Vlad Tenev on the Great Wealth Transfer, Tokenization, and Gen Z's Investment Future

marsbit03/18 11:02

Mastercard Snags BVNK After Failed $2 Billion Coinbase Deal

Mastercard has acquired stablecoin infrastructure firm BVNK for up to $1.8 billion, including $300 million in contingent payments. This follows BVNK’s earlier failed $2 billion merger talks with Coinbase. The acquisition aims to expand Mastercard’s capabilities in digital assets and on-chain payments, integrating fiat rails with blockchain-based transactions. BVNK operates in over 130 countries and previously partnered with Visa to enable stablecoin payments. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected to close by year-end. Meanwhile, the stablecoin market has seen slowed growth recently but remains resilient despite broader crypto market volatility. Bitcoin is trading around $74,700, up 7% over the past week.

bitcoinist03/18 10:02

Mastercard Snags BVNK After Failed $2 Billion Coinbase Deal

bitcoinist03/18 10:02

VIP Believers in the Crypto Winter: Billions Evaporated, Why Do They Still Hold On?

Amid a brutal crypto winter that wiped out trillions in market value, a core group of believers remains steadfast. This Vanity Fair article explores the "VIP faithful" who continue to buy and hold despite catastrophic crashes, regulatory crackdowns, and industry scandals. Key figures like Galaxy Digital's Michael Novogratz, ARK Invest's Cathie Wood, and early investors like Meltem Demirors are portrayed not as mere speculators, but as participants in what they describe as a "religious movement." The piece traces crypto's evolution from its ideological origins in the 2008 Bitcoin whitetimepaper—a response to centralized financial system failures—to its mainstream adoption and subsequent commodification. The article highlights the deep internal rift between two groups: the original "believers" who champion decentralization and individual sovereignty, and the "grifters" and "tourists" who joined during boom cycles, turning crypto into a casino. It details the rise of NFTs through platforms like OpenSea, the catastrophic collapses of Terra/Luna and FTX, and the intense regulatory witch hunt led by the SEC under Gary Gensler. Ultimately, the narrative questions whether crypto's inevitable march into the mainstream—evidenced by political lobbying, institutional adoption, and even a Trump meme coin—represents a betrayal of its founding ideals or the ultimate validation of its success. Through booms, busts, and regulatory battles, the true believers stand firm,坚守信仰 (holding faith) in the face of the enduring crypto winter.

Odaily星球日报03/18 09:16

VIP Believers in the Crypto Winter: Billions Evaporated, Why Do They Still Hold On?

Odaily星球日报03/18 09:16

China-Based Hacker Group Steals $7M in Crypto via Wallet Supply Chain Attacks

A Chinese hacker group operating under the name Wuhan Anshun Technology has been accused of stealing approximately $7 million in cryptocurrency through supply-chain attacks targeting users of wallets like Trust Wallet. The group used malicious browser extensions and compromised Electron-based apps to collect wallet information and transfer funds, primarily on Ethereum, BNB Chain, and Arbitrum. Details emerged after an internal member leaked information due to disputes over profit sharing, releasing evidence and expressing intent to surrender to authorities. While the case remains unconfirmed by officials, it highlights significant security risks in crypto software. Experts advise caution when updating or installing wallet-related tools.

TheNewsCrypto03/18 09:05

China-Based Hacker Group Steals $7M in Crypto via Wallet Supply Chain Attacks