The most valuable crypto stories for Thursday, May 18, 2023. This episode is sponsored by Ciphertrace. The hosts of "The Hash" weigh in on the biggest stories shaping the crypto industry today, including Ripple starting a central bank digital currency (CBDC) platform which allows central banks, governments, and financial institutions to issue their own digital currency. Separately, crypto wallet maker Ledger seemingly digs itself into a deeper hole while answering questions about the firm's new wallet recovery service on Twitter. Plus, a Santiment report reveals that pepecoin (PEPE) could face challenges amid a generally bleak trading environment. See also: Ripple Starts Platform for Central Banks to Issue Their CBDCs Expect Ripple Deal to Set Off Crypto Custodian M&A, Says Advisory Firm Ledger Continues to Defend Recovery System, Says It's Always 'Technically' Possible to Extract Users' Keys Ledger Bats Back Criticism of New Wallet Recovery Service Investors Track Pepecoin Whales to Cash In on Meme Coin Mania as Wider Market Stagnates - Ciphertrace, a Mastercard company, helps banks, governments, regulators, exchanges and VASPs to trace the movement and risk of crypto funds, uncover illicit activity, and help comply with global regulations. Get in touch today to find out more at Ciphertrace.com. - This episode has been edited by senior producer Michele Musso and the executive producer is Jared Schwartz. Our theme song is “Neon Beach.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.