Binance has unveiled a comprehensive redesign of its Launchpool platform and BNB utility interface, aiming to simplify user interactions and consolidate BNB-related services into a more streamlined experience.

The updated Launchpool dashboard now offers users a centralized hub for staking BNB, monitoring real-time airdrop allocations, and accessing historical yield data. This integration transforms what was previously a multi-tab process into a single, user-friendly interface. Participants can also subscribe to BNB Simple Earn products directly from the Launchpool page, with added features like push notifications for upcoming or expiring pools and an in-app FAQ section to assist newcomers.

In addition to the Launchpool enhancements, Binance has revamped the dedicated BNB utility page. This consolidated interface outlines the various benefits of holding BNB, including trading fee discounts, VIP privileges, and eligibility for exclusive promotions such as Launchpool, Megadrop, and HODLer Airdrops. Users can now easily view past distributions and stay informed about ongoing reward opportunities, reinforcing BNB’s role as a gateway to Binance’s ecosystem.

These updates come as Binance continues to lead in token distribution and listing standards. According to a recent report by CoinMarketCap, Binance accounted for 94% of the $2.7 billion in launchpool and airdrop rewards distributed across exchanges in 2024. Notably, Binance maintained a 0% delisting rate for all 77 tokens listed in 2023 and 2024, underscoring its commitment to quality and investor protection.

By enhancing the user interface and consolidating BNB utilities, Binance aims to reduce friction and encourage deeper participation in its platform, signaling a broader push toward user-centric design in the crypto exchange landscape.

In a significant move against cybercrime, Telegram has shut down Haowang Guarantee, formerly known as Huione Guarantee, following a comprehensive purge of merchant accounts on its platform. The closure, announced on May 13, comes after Telegram banned thousands of accounts associated with the marketplace, effectively dismantling its operational infrastructure.

Haowang Guarantee had facilitated an estimated $27 billion in illicit transactions, primarily using the Tether (USDT) stablecoin. The marketplace offered services including money laundering, stolen personal data for scams, telecommunications infrastructure, deepfake software, and even physical restraint devices used in scam call centers across Southeast Asia. Blockchain security firm Elliptic also reported that the broader Huione Group, associated with Haowang, had facilitated over $98 billion in crypto transactions.

Telegram’s action was prompted by investigative findings from Elliptic and inquiries from media outlets, leading to the removal of communities engaged in criminal activities. A Telegram spokesperson confirmed that all reported communities involved in scamming or money laundering were taken down, in line with the platform’s terms of service.

The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) had previously designated Haowang Guarantee as a money laundering operation, aiming to sever its ties with the U.S. banking system. Despite this significant enforcement action, concerns remain about the emergence of similar platforms. Elliptic has identified another Telegram-based illicit marketplace, Xinbi Guarantee, which has reportedly facilitated $8.4 billion in transactions and is linked to a Colorado-based company incorporated in 2022

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has indicated that the company is actively seeking additional merger and acquisition opportunities following its recent $2.9 billion acquisition of crypto derivatives platform Deribit. In a May 14 interview with Bloomberg Television, Armstrong emphasized the firm’s robust financial position, highlighting a strengthened balance sheet with $9.9 billion in U.S. dollar resources at the end of the first quarter.

“We are always looking at M&A opportunities,” Armstrong stated, noting that being a public company provides Coinbase with a liquid currency to facilitate such deals. He added, “We are looking at acquisition opportunities; doesn’t mean we swing at every pitch. We want it to be the right opportunity.”

The Deribit acquisition, announced on May 8, is the largest in the crypto industry to date and includes $700 million in cash and 11 million shares of Coinbase stock. This move allows Coinbase to expand into the profitable crypto derivatives market and continue scaling its global growth.

Armstrong mentioned a particular interest in international opportunities and companies that align with Coinbase’s vision, aiming to accelerate product development and growth. However, when asked about a potential acquisition of stablecoin issuer and Coinbase partner Circle, which has filed to go public, Armstrong stated that there was nothing to announce at this time.

Coinbase’s stock (COIN) has responded positively to these developments, closing up 2.5% at $263 in after-hours trading on May 14. The stock has surged more than 30% since the start of May and is up nearly 50% over the past month. Additionally, Coinbase is set to become the first crypto firm to join the S&P 500 index on May 19, potentially broadening its investor base and exposure to passive funds tracking the benchmark.