China's Central Bank Clarifies Stablecoin Status: Virtual Currency Under Stricter Supervision

Mantle ($MNT), an Ethereum Layer 2 network, is now integrated with Bridgers cross-chain routing platform. **Key Features:** - Mantle uses modular architecture for scalability and low transaction fees - Backed by one of crypto's largest treasuries - Focuses on DeFi, staking, and institutional liquidity **Bridgers Integration:** - Users can route $MNT tokens across different blockchain networks - Non-custodial execution through smart contracts - Aggregated liquidity for efficient swaps The integration allows users to move Mantle tokens between chains while maintaining control of their assets. Access the platform at [dapp.bridgers.xyz](http://dapp.bridgers.xyz).

**RCON token is now live on BRIDGERS**, enabling users to move the token across different blockchain networks. **Key features of the integration:** - Non-custodial execution - users maintain control of their assets - Smart contract-powered routing for secure transactions - Aggregated liquidity across multiple chains - Direct wallet authorization without intermediaries The listing was announced on May 8th and went live on May 13th. Users can access the service at [dapp.bridgers.xyz](http://dapp.bridgers.xyz). This integration allows RCON holders to transfer their tokens between blockchain networks while keeping assets in their own wallets throughout the process.

Block's Square has integrated Lightning Network payments across approximately 1 million US merchants, enabling Bitcoin transactions with automatic USD conversion. **Key Features:** - Lightning Network payments auto-enabled for merchants - Instant BTC-to-USD conversion reduces volatility exposure - Peak adoption rate: one merchant activation every 8 seconds - NFC tap-to-pay functionality planned as next development phase The rollout represents a significant expansion of Bitcoin payment infrastructure in traditional retail, building on Square's October 2025 product launch that first allowed merchants to accept and convert Bitcoin sales.

A key U.S. Senate committee is preparing to review major digital asset legislation after banking groups submitted final amendment proposals focused on stablecoin revenue provisions, according to Bloomberg. **Key Details:** - Senate committee moving forward with legislative review - Banking groups have submitted final amendments on stablecoin revenue provisions - Follows previous activity where the Senate Banking Committee was set to vote on a Republican-led stablecoin framework bill in March 2025 **Background:** The Senate Banking Committee previously scheduled a vote on a stablecoin framework bill for March 13, 2025, after updates following consultation with committee Democrats. GOP Senator Bill Hagerty served as one of the bill's co-sponsors. This latest development suggests continued bipartisan engagement on stablecoin regulation, with banking industry input shaping the final legislative language around revenue provisions.

Japan is set to launch a blockchain-powered government bond trading system in 2026 that will operate around the clock, according to Nikkei Asia. **Key Details:** - Trading will be available 24/7, unlike traditional market hours - System aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency - Part of broader effort to modernize Japan's capital markets - Follows earlier plans to tokenize municipal bonds announced in January 2026 **Why It Matters:** This represents a shift from experimental blockchain projects to full-scale financial infrastructure. The move builds on Japan's January announcement about issuing local bonds as security tokens, which would enable: - Direct issuance without intermediaries - Faster settlement processes - Real-time investor data access Japan continues positioning itself as a leader in blockchain adoption for traditional finance.