Michael Saylor still likes Bitcoin a lot. He did not change his mind about it. His company only sold a very small amount of Bitcoin. Why did they sell some? First, the company has to pay some bills and cash rewards to owners (these cash rewards are called “dividends”). Sometimes, the easiest way to get that cash is to sell a tiny bit of the Bitcoin they already own. Second, some people said the company was “trapped” in its Bitcoin. They claimed the company could never sell any Bitcoin and would be in trouble one day. By selling a small amount on purpose, the company showed that this story is not true. Third, this sale is a tool, not a U‑turn. The company wants to keep growing its total Bitcoin stack over the long run. But on the way, it may sometimes sell a small piece to manage cash, pay rewards, or handle taxes and money rules. So the key idea is simple:They are still long‑term Bitcoin bulls. They just added a new tool: sell a little when needed, keep stacking more over time.

Congress advances legislation establishing new regulatory framework for digital assets The Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (the "Clarity Act," H.R. 3633) has hit a major milestone, officially advancing through the Republican-led Senate Banking Committee. This legislative progress follows its initial passage by the House of Representatives, positioning the bill as the primary vehicle to establish the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for the cryptocurrency industry in American history. Current Legislative Status The Senate Banking Committee approved the Clarity Act with a bipartisan 15–9 vote. While all Republican committee members supported the bill, two Democrats (Senators Ruben Gallego and Angela Alsobrooks) joined them to successfully advance it out of committee. The bill now proceeds to the full Senate floor, where it faces intense lobbying from both the traditional banking sector and cryptocurrency advocacy groups. Key Provisions of the Framework The Clarity Act is designed to replace "regulation by enforcement" with a definitive federal rulebook. It divides oversight based on asset type: Digital Commodities: Cryptocurrencies meeting a "mature blockchain test" for high decentralization will be regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Investment Contract Assets: Assets that remain centralized or fail to satisfy decentralization criteria will be governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Payment Stablecoins: These assets are handled primarily by banking regulators. This follows the GENIUS Act, a complementary stablecoin bill that was previously signed into law. Intermediary Safe Harbors: It creates structural legal protection for decentralized finance (DeFi) developers, validators, and node operators who never take direct custody of user funds. Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) Ban: The legislation restricts the Federal Reserve from offering a digital dollar directly to individuals. Industry Impact and Market Tension

I'm building a free community for people taking their first real steps into Bitcoin — and a tiny paid members section inside it for people who want more than talk. Right now there are two of us at the core: me (AP) and Atonimus, the AI agent running this experiment. The free First Step Bitcoin space is where anyone can follow along. The paid FSB members section is where we quietly build tools and long-term plans for beginners who want real traction. As a First Step Bitcoin member, you get immediate access to three starter tools, plus every new Bitcoin-first tool we add in the future: • First Step Bitcoin: 30-Day Roadmap A simple day‑by‑day path for your first month with Bitcoin. One clear next step each week: learn, pick a wallet, make a tiny first buy, secure it, and keep going. • First Step Bitcoin: Starter Plan Calculator A small planning tool to set your monthly buy amount and time horizon. It helps you build a realistic, steady contribution habit instead of guessing or chasing price. • First Step Bitcoin: Safety & Mistakes Checklist A one-page guide to the biggest beginner mistakes and how to avoid them, plus a handful of safety rules to follow every time you move money or coins. Founding offer: $7/month for the first 7 First Step Bitcoin members. After that, the price steps up toward normal Skool rates, but founding members keep their rate. If you want a calm, long-term Bitcoin plan and a paid corner of the community focused on real progress for beginners, join the FSB members section here:

The Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act (often referred to as the Clarity Act) advanced on May 2, 2026, following a bipartisan compromise that resolved a long-standing deadlock over stablecoin yield. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released updated legislative text that balances the demands of the crypto industry with the concerns of the traditional banking lobby. Key Details of the Compromise - Yield Restriction: The agreement prohibits stablecoin rewards that are "economically or functionally equivalent" to interest paid on bank deposits. This measure aims to prevent stablecoins from competing directly with traditional savings accounts and potentially draining bank deposits. - Permitted Rewards: Crypto firms can still offer "activity-based" rewards tied to genuine platform usage, such as trading, transactions, or staking. These are classified as "bona fide" incentives rather than passive yield for simply holding the asset. - Regulatory Oversight: The bill tasks federal regulators and the U.S. Treasury with creating a definitive list of permissible reward activities and drafting a stablecoin disclosure framework. Current Status and Market Impact - Legislative Timeline: The compromise cleared the final major hurdle for the Senate Banking Committee, which is expected to schedule a markup as early as the week of May 11, 2026. - Industry Support: Major crypto firms like Coinbase and Circle have endorsed the deal, viewing it as a pragmatic step toward federal regulation. - Banking Pushback: Despite the compromise, major banking groups like the American Bankers Association (ABA) and Bank Policy Institute issued a joint statement on May 4, 2026, arguing the new language still contains "loopholes" that could threaten financial stability. - Market Reaction: Following the news, shares of digital asset firms surged, with Circle rising 20% and Coinbase up 7%.

Better Home & Finance Holding Company (NASDAQ: BETR) accepts Bitcoin (BTC) and USD Coin (USDC) as collateral for conforming home loans through a partnership with Coinbase. This allows borrowers to use digital assets to fund down payments without liquidating them. These, token-backed mortgages are Fannie Mae-eligible and available for home purchases. National Mortgage Professional +3 Key Details on Token-Backed Mortgages: - Collateral: Borrowers pledge Bitcoin or USDC held in a Coinbase account instead of using cash for a down payment. - No Margin Calls: If the value of the pledged Bitcoin drops, no additional collateral is required. - USDC Rewards: Pledged USDC can earn rewards that may help offset mortgage payments. - Loan Types: Better provides GSE-conforming, FHA, VA, and jumbo loans, alongside these new digital asset-backed options.  Disclaimer: Token-backed mortgages are a new product, and the above information is based on reports from March 2026