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Lido DAO Ruling Sparks Legal Concerns Across Crypto Community

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A federal court in California has ruled that members of the Lido DAO can be held liable under state partnership laws. 

Tile the case focuses on the decentralized governing body behind the popular liquid staking protocol (LSP). Nevertheless, this precedent marks a landmark decision with significant implications for decentralized governance.

Court Rules Lido DAO Members Liable Under Partnership Laws

Andrew Samuels brought the lawsuit after purchasing Lido’s native LDO tokens on the secondary market in April and May 2023 via the Gemini exchange. Samuels later filed a class-action suit in December, alleging that the tokens were sold as unregistered securities. He blamed the DAO for his financial losses due to their declining value. 

In his complaint, Samuels argued that the DAO actively solicited token purchases on exchanges, violating securities laws. The court sided with him, ruling that the DAO’s structure and activities subjected it to general partnership liability. 

“The statutory phrase ‘offers or sells’ has been construed broadly to include solicitation of securities purchases. Samuels has sufficiently alleged that Lido DAO solicited these purchases, making it liable,” the court noted.

The ruling, issued on Monday by Judge Vince Chhabria of the US Northern District Court of California, rejected Lido DAO’s claim that it operates as a non-legal entity immune to traditional legal frameworks. Instead, the court classified the DAO as a general partnership, holding its participants accountable for its operations and liabilities. 

The judge identified specific participants, including prominent venture capital (VC) firms Paradigm Operations, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and Dragonfly Digital Management. Per the ruling, these VCs pass as general partners due to their active involvement in Lido DAO’s governance and operations. However, another investor, Robot Ventures, was dismissed from the lawsuit due to insufficient evidence of direct participation. 

The court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the legal treatment of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Of note is that DAOs are designed to operate without centralized control. However, the court found that Lido DAO’s structure — where token holders govern decisions and earn staking rewards — meets California’s definition of a general partnership. 

“[This case] raises critical questions about the ability of individuals in the crypto ecosystem to shield themselves from liability through novel legal arrangements tied to decentralized financial instruments,” judge Chhabria wrote in his ruling. 

This decision suggests that mere association with a DAO may not be enough to establish liability. Instead, active involvement in governance or operations is required. 

The ruling has sparked concern across the crypto and blockchain community. Miles Jennings, General Counsel and Head of Decentralization at a16z crypto, described the decision as a severe setback for decentralized governance. 

“Under the ruling, any DAO participation (even posting in a forum) could be sufficient to hold DAO members liable for the actions of other members under general partnership laws,” Jennings wrote in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). 

The decision highlights the risks for participants in DAOs, particularly those involved in governance or decision-making processes. 

By rejecting the argument that a DAO’s decentralized structure shields its participants from liability, the court has set a precedent that could affect other DAOs and their contributors. The ruling emphasized that a general partnership can exist even without the explicit intent to form one. It suffices, provided two or more individuals associate to co-own and operate a business for profit. 

This case has far-reaching implications for the crypto industry, particularly for decentralized projects that rely on token-based governance models. Moving forward, DAOs may need to rethink their structures and establish legal entities to protect participants from similar liability risks. 

“Every DAO will require a legal wrapper, a careful choice of jurisdiction, and compliance with laws of security (token) issuance unless the law changes,” Chief Apostle of RWA commented.

The decision signals a challenging road ahead for Lido DAO and its participants as they walk the legal and regulatory pathway. Meanwhile, other DAOs and decentralized projects may face increased scrutiny as courts and regulators examine their operations under traditional legal frameworks. 

LDO Price Performance
LDO Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

Lido DAO’s LDO token is down almost 2% on this news. As of this writing, it is trading at $1.18.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Will XRP Break Support and Drop Below $2?

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XRP is down 5% over the past week, struggling to regain momentum as technical indicators flash mixed signals. Its Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped below 50, and the price remains stuck within a tight range between key support and resistance levels.

At the same time, the Ichimoku Cloud has shifted from green to red, with a thickening cloud ahead suggesting growing bearish pressure. With volatility compressing and momentum fading, XRP is nearing a critical point where a breakout—or breakdown—seems increasingly likely.

XRP Struggles to Regain Momentum as RSI Drops Below 50

XRP’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently sitting at 44.54, after recovering from an intraday low of 40.67. Just yesterday, it was at 51.30, highlighting increased short-term volatility.

RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and magnitude of recent price changes to evaluate overbought or oversold conditions.

Readings above 70 typically suggest an asset is overbought, while readings below 30 indicate it may be oversold.

XRP RSI.
XRP RSI. Source: TradingView.

With XRP’s RSI at 44.54, it’s currently in neutral territory, showing neither strong buying nor selling pressure.

However, the fact that it hasn’t crossed the overbought threshold of 70 since March 19—over a month ago—signals a lack of sustained bullish momentum. This could mean XRP is still in a consolidation phase, with the market waiting for a clearer direction.

If RSI continues to climb toward 50 and beyond, it may hint at building momentum, but without a breakout above 70, upside could remain limited.

XRP Faces Uncertainty as Bearish Trend Begins to Expand

XRP is currently trading inside the Ichimoku Cloud, signaling market indecision and a neutral trend.

The Tenkan-sen (blue line) has crossed below the Kijun-sen (red line), which is a bearish signal, but with the price still within the cloud, it lacks full confirmation.

The cloud itself acts as a zone of support and resistance, and XRP is now moving sideways within that zone.

XRP Ichimoku Cloud.
XRP Ichimoku Cloud. Source: TradingView.

Looking ahead, the cloud has shifted from green to red—a sign that bearish momentum may be building. Even more concerning is that the red cloud is widening, which suggests increasing downward pressure in the near future.

A thickening red Kumo often signals stronger resistance overhead and a potential continuation of a bearish trend if the price breaks below the cloud.

Until XRP breaks out decisively in either direction, the market remains in a wait-and-see phase, but the growing red cloud tilts the bias toward caution.

XRP Compression Zone: A Breakout Could Send Price to $2.50 — Or Much Lower

XRP price is currently trading within a tight range, caught between a key support level at $2.05 and resistance at $2.09. This narrow channel reflects short-term uncertainty, but a decisive move in either direction could set the tone for what’s next.

If the $2.05 support fails, the next level to watch is $1.96. A break below that could trigger a steep drop toward $1.61, which would mark the first close below $1.70 since November 2024—a bearish signal that could accelerate selling pressure.

Recently, veteran analyst Peter Brandt warned that a major correction could hit XRP soon.

XRP Price Analysis.
XRP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

On the flip side, if bulls regain control and push XRP above the $2.09 resistance, the next target lies at $2.17. A breakout beyond that could open the door to a move toward $2.50, a price level not seen since March 19.

For that to happen, XRP would need a clear resurgence in momentum and buying volume.

Until then, the price remains trapped in a narrow zone, with both upside and downside potential on the table.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Dogecoin Defies Bullish Bets During Dogeday Celebration

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On April 20, Dogecoin enthusiasts worldwide united to mark Dogeday, a community-driven holiday celebrating the world’s most recognizable meme coin.

While the festivities showcased the coin’s loyal fanbase and cultural relevance, the celebration failed to spark any meaningful market movement.

Dogeday Fails to Lift Dogecoin Price as Traders Face $2.8 Million in Liquidations

Instead of riding a wave of positive sentiment, Dogecoin was the worst-performing asset among the top 20 cryptocurrencies during the past day.

According to data from BeInCrypto, the token dropped over 2.5% during the reporting period compared to the muted performance of the general market.

This disappointing performance led to roughly $2.8 million in liquidations, with traders betting on an upward price movement losing more than $2 million, per Coinglass figures.

Dogecoin 24-Hour Liquidation.
Dogecoin 24-Hour Liquidation. Source: CoinGlass

However, even with the lackluster price action, Dogecoin’s relevance in the crypto ecosystem remains undeniable. Launched in 2013 as a parody of Bitcoin, DOGE has grown far beyond its meme origins.

The digital asset is now the ninth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, currently valued at approximately $22.9 billion, according to CoinMarketCap.

Much of its growth can be attributed to high-profile endorsements. Tesla CEO and presidential advisor Elon Musk has repeatedly voiced support for Dogecoin, as has billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban. Their backing helped shift public perception of DOGE from a joke to a legitimate digital asset and payment option.

On social media, Dogecoin continues to lead the memecoin narrative. According to CryptoRank, it was the most mentioned memecoin ticker on X (formerly Twitter) in the past month. This visibility continues to fuel both community engagement and investor interest.

Top Meme Coins on X.
Top Meme Coins on X. Source: Cryptorank

Moreover, institutional interest in Dogecoin is also on the rise. Major asset managers, including Bitwise, Grayscale, 21Shares, and Osprey, have submitted filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seeking to launch spot Dogecoin ETFs.

If granted, these financial investment vehicles could become the first exchange-traded funds centered entirely on a meme coin.

Considering this, crypto bettors on Polymarket put the odds of these products’ approval above 55% this year. This optimism reflects a growing belief that Dogecoin could soon secure a place in mainstream financial markets.

Disclaimer

In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Tokens Big Players Are Buying

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Crypto whales are making bold moves heading into May 2025, and three tokens are standing out: Ethereum (ETH), Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET), and Onyxcoin (XCN). All three have seen a noticeable uptick in large-holder accumulation over the last week, signaling growing interest from big players despite recent volatility.

While ETH and XCN are both coming off sharp corrections, whale buying suggests confidence in a potential rebound. Meanwhile, FET is riding renewed momentum in the AI sector, with whale activity accelerating alongside rising prices.

Ethereum (ETH)

The number of Ethereum crypto whales—wallets holding between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH—has been steadily climbing since April 15. Back then, there were 5,432 such addresses.

That number has now risen to 5,460, the highest count since August 2023. At the same time, the concentration of ETH held by these whales is also hitting new highs, signaling growing accumulation by large holders.

While this can be interpreted as confidence in Ethereum’s long-term value, it also raises concerns about centralization and potential selling pressure if whales decide to take profits.

Number of Addresses Holding Between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH.
Number of Addresses Holding Between 1,000 and 10,000 ETH. Source: Santiment.

Ethereum price is currently down more than 19% over the last 30 days. If the correction continues, the price could retest support at $1,535. Losing that level might send ETH toward deeper support at $1,412 or even $1,385.

However, if the trend reverses, key resistance zones lie at $1,669 and $1,749—with a potential push toward $1,954 if bullish momentum builds.

In this context, the growing dominance of whales could act as either a stabilizing force or a looming risk, depending on how they respond to market shifts.

Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET)

The number of FET whales—wallets holding between 10,000 and 1,000,000 tokens—increased from 572 on April 13 to 586 by April 19.

This steady growth in large holders points to rising confidence among bigger players. It comes at a time when the broader AI crypto narrative is showing signs of a rebound.

Key AI coins like FET, TAO, and RENDER have all increased over 9% in the last seven days, with FET itself gaining more than 8% in the past 24 hours and 13.5% over the week. This suggests a possible comeback for the artificial intelligence narrative in crypto.

Number of Addresses Holding Between 100,000 and 1,000,000 FET.
Number of Addresses Holding Between 100,000 and 1,000,000 FET. Source: Santiment.

If this momentum continues, FET could push toward resistance at $0.659. A clean breakout from that level could open the door to further gains, with $0.77 and $0.82 as the next potential targets.

On the flip side, if the rally stalls, FET might drop back to test support at $0.54. A breakdown below that could send it as low as $0.44.

With whale activity heating up and the AI sector showing renewed strength, FET’s next move could be a key signal for where the narrative heads next.

Onyxcoin (XCN)

Onyxcoin was one of the standout performers in January, but its momentum has faded in recent months. After a strong bounce—up of over 57% in the last 30 days, the token is now correcting, down 19% in the past seven days.

Despite this pullback, accumulation continues. The number of crypto whales holding between 1 million and 10 million XCN has grown from 528 on April 16 to 541, suggesting some large holders may be buying the dip.

Number of Addresses Holding Between 1,000,000 and 10,000,000 XCN.
Number of Addresses Holding Between 1,000,000 and 10,000,000 XCN. Source: Santiment.

If the correction deepens, XCN could lose support at $0.0165. A drop below that may open the door to further declines toward $0.0139 and $0.0123.

But if the trend flips back upward, the token could first test resistance at $0.020. A strong breakout from there might lead to a move toward $0.027. With whale activity on the rise and volatility returning, XCN’s next move could be decisive.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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