Articles from CryptoCurrencyWire

President Donald Trump is set to host a cryptocurrency summit, as announced by the White House. The March 7 event will be led by David Sacks, the White House’s lead on cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence, along with Bo Hines. Trump himself will also address attendees during the summit, according to the White House statement released on Friday.

Upstream published a blog that explores the digitization of real-world assets (“RWAs”), describing another example of tokenization that is happening today. RWAs refer to tangible assets such as real estate, fine art, as well as commodities like gold. With the use of blockchain technology, these assets can be divided into fractions and represented as pieces or “shares” to be sold at a fractional cost of the present-day market value.

The cryptocurrency market experienced a sharp decline on Monday, erasing over $110bn in value as Bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins dropped to their lowest levels in weeks. This sudden downturn followed a period of stability and was driven by growing economic concerns and unsettling developments within the crypto asset sector.

From the backrooms of early crypto to some of the largest gatherings on the planet, Fat Dogs are carrying a well-established legacy into its next decade of blockchain innovation.

Coinbase, the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., announced on Friday that the SEC intends to drop its lawsuit against the exchange. This decision indicates a shift in regulatory approach under the Trump administration, which appears to be more supportive of the industry.

Crypto exchange Bybit suffered a major security breach on Friday, resulting in the theft of nearly $1.5 billion worth of Ethereum.

The 2024 United States elections have significantly impacted the cryptocurrency landscape, elevating its importance within the global financial sector.

Upstream published a blog today that explores the future of global securities trading. The digitization of traditional securities is transforming the global financial landscape, making investing more efficient, inclusive and accessible. Powered by blockchain technology, tokenization is unlocking next-generation capabilities such as fractional ownership, instant settlement and global accessibility. Platforms like Upstream, part of MERJ Exchange, are leading the way in tokenized security trading.

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is inviting public input on proposed standards regarding the knowledge and qualifications required for cryptocurrency service firms.

Video game company GameStop is reportedly looking into investing in Bitcoin and other cryptos. Insiders say GameStop is assessing various investment opportunities, particularly in alternative assets like crypto, with a strong focus on Bitcoin. Following these reports, GameStop’s stock surged by nearly 20%.

Binance and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) jointly requested a pause in their ongoing lawsuit earlier this month. The filing referenced the newly established cryptocurrency task force and the expectation of clearer regulations, particularly regarding whether certain crypto assets should be classified as commodities or securities.

IBN, a multifaceted communications organization engaged in connecting public companies to the investment community, has announced the release of the latest CryptoNewsAudio Production as part of its sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels. John D’Agostino , head of strategy at Coinbase Institutional , a division of Coinbase (NASDAQCOIN) that provides solutions, products and research for institutional crypto investors, joined the program to discuss his background and current role in helping institutional clients engage with the market and onboard into crypto. He also examined the challenges crypto companies face with traditional banking.

IBN, a multifaceted communications organization, today announced the release of the latest CryptoNewsAudio production as part of its sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels. David Garrett , co-founder of dVIN Labs , which is using tokenization to bring wine on-chain, joined the program to discuss the value proposition of dVIN Labs.

The Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced on February 9 that it had successfully recovered access to its Facebook and X accounts which had been compromised by hackers .

The impact of President Donald Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance has triggered a surge in Bitcoin interest in Japan, leading one hotel operator to shift gears and reap substantial gains. Metaplanet Inc. has seen its stock skyrocket nearly 4,800% over the past year, making it the top-performing stock in Japan and one of the highest-gaining equities worldwide, according to Bloomberg data .

Omnity has announced the launch of RichSwap, an AMM DEX for DeFi on Bitcoin without bridges, wrapping, custodians, off-chain software, or single points of failure. Users retain full custody of assets in their Bitcoin wallet, without needing to deposit or withdraw to any platform, and are safeguarded from extortion, with transactions executed completely on the Bitcoin network or rolled back in full.

World Liberty Financial (WLF) has been making waves with its recent aggressive investments in cryptocurrency. In December, the company acquired over 4,000 AAVE tokens. Then, on Jan. 20, it made another major move, purchasing over $90 million worth of wrapped Ether and Bitcoin. Just last Thursday, the company spent upwards of $400,000 on digital assets issued by Ondo, a leading provider of U.S. tokenized Treasury bonds.

Informa PLC, a London-based events production, digital products and academic research services agency, today provided an update for its upcoming FinovateEurop e conference. The industry-leading fintech event is slated to take place from Feb. 25-26, 2025, at the Intercontinental O2 Hotel in London. FinovateEurope will feature 75-plus world-class speakers and sector experts, as well as 30-plus live product demos from exciting fintech startups and established innovators. With over 1,000 senior business leaders expected to attend, this is a unique opportunity to leverage the event’s networking-made-easy approach and the newly unveiled FinovateAllocate service to forge lasting relationships and discover the latest market-moving trends.

India’s efforts to incorporate green energy into its energy mix hold several vital lessons for the rest of the world. Despite its reliance on fossil fuels, the Asian nation has taken several notable steps to increase its capacity for green energy, provide affordable green energy, and ensure energy equity.

Just days before he was set to take office as the next U.S. president, Donald Trump made a surprising announcement: he was launching a meme coin named after himself. His wife, Melania Trump, soon followed suit with her version. The move caught many in the cryptocurrency industry off guard, leading to immediate criticism . Ethics specialists also raised concerns about the implications of such a venture.

Kraken has expanded its market share in Europe by obtaining a license under the EU’s MiFID . The announcement, made via the company’s blog on February 3, follows Kraken’s recent acquisition of a Cyprus-based investment firm that had secured authorization from the Cyprus SEC .

Informa PLC, a London-based events production, digital products and academic research services agency, has announced its plans to host FinovateEurope . The event is slated to take place from Feb. 25-26, 2025, at the Intercontinental O2 Hotel in London, England. As the industry-leading event for market-ready innovations and executive-level networking, FinovateEurope will draw the biggest names across the financial landscape, including from financial institutions, venture capital firms, and fintech or technology companies and solution providers. The event is designed to streamline one-on-one connections with founders, innovators, executives, and experts and offer a unique frame of reference, novel ideas and fresh insight for industry professionals. With each presenting company hand-selected through a rigorous process, the event will host more than 30 interactive demo sessions where C-level executives will share technological breakthroughs and discuss roadmaps for the future.

French officials have started a formal judicial investigation into Binance over tax fraud, money laundering, and other financial offenses allegations.

Upstream published a blog today that discussed the powerful capabilities of its tools to unlock liquidity potential. “At Upstream, we’re committed to empowering issuers and investors with innovative tools that enhance market liquidity and create fair trading opportunities,” the blog reads. “One of these helpful tools, called Market Pools (‘MPs’), is our cutting-edge approach to automated liquidity management within Upstream’s blockchain-powered market. Market Pools support trading in stocks, other equities and real-world assets, so that investors may confidently buy or sell across a diverse range of assets that are listed on Upstream.”

After persistent efforts by the cryptocurrency sector, the SEC has officially revoked an accounting directive that had previously required banks to show digital assets as liabilities on their financial statements.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has won a partial victory in its lawsuit against Kraken. While California federal judge William Orrick dismissed some of Kraken’s primary arguments, the ruling has sparked discussions about its potential impact on other crypto exchanges facing similar legal scrutiny.

Ted Pick, the CEO of Morgan Stanley, said on Thursday during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, that the bank is gearing up to work with U.S. regulators to investigate prospects in the crypto space.

President Donald Trump plans to leverage his executive authority to ease the regulatory challenges faced by crypto businesses and encourage wider adoption of digital assets during his first days of administration, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Melania Trump has launched her own meme coin, mirroring her husband Donald Trump’s actions. This move has sparked discussions about potential conflicts of interest, especially as the incoming administration prepares to relax regulations surrounding digital assets.

WAGMI Miami, the flagship event for blockchain and Web3 innovators, is set to return to the James L. Knight Center on Jan. 21-24, 2025, coinciding with Miami Blockchain Week. Hosted by the North American Bitcoin Conference founders, WAGMI Miami draws visionaries, industry leaders and pioneers for a transformative experience featuring dynamic keynotes, engaging workshops and unparalleled networking opportunities. Short for “We’re All Gonna Make It,” the WAGMI event series stands as a symbol of optimism in the face of volatility of the crypto market and signals a belief in the industry’s potential.

Bitcoin (BTC) ATMs are becoming increasingly common globally—rising by 6 percent in 2024. This growth highlights the growing acceptance of crypto in mainstream finance. The machines simplify the process of buying and selling digital currencies, making crypto more accessible for everyday use.

Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration marks the beginning of his presidency, and with it, he has pledged significant changes to cryptocurrency regulations . However, the New York Digital Investment Group (NYDIG) suggests that such reforms might not happen immediately.

Bitcoin spot ETFs have significantly changed how investors perceive crypto investments since their debut on January 11 last year. The introduction of these funds not only expanded access to the market but also contributed to a dramatic surge in Bitcoin’s value, driving it to unprecedented levels as billions of dollars flowed into the funds. Let’s take a closer look at how they’ve impacted the market since their debut.

Recently released documents show that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) advised financial institutions to temporarily halt direct involvement in cryptocurrency activities but didn’t mandate the cessation of banking services to crypto firms, contrary to claims of nationwide “debanking” within the industry.

VanEck Senior Investment Analyst Patrick Bush and Head of Digital Asset Research Matthew Sigel have shared their top ten predictions for the 2025 cryptocurrency industry . Here’s an overview of their insights:

The cryptocurrency market experienced a groundbreaking year, with significant developments propelling its growth. In January, the launch of numerous spot Bitcoin ETFs marked the beginning of a rally, simplifying access for Bitcoin trading. By September, central bank rate cuts and other measures further supported the rally, creating favorable conditions for economic expansion.

The IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department have completed a comprehensive set of regulations targeting brokers involved in virtual asset transactions.

Upstream published a blog today that discussed how it is differentiating itself from traditional platforms and offering key benefits in the future of stock trading. “While conventional exchanges often rely on brokers, limited funding methods, and traditional trading hours, Upstream offers direct access to a peer-to-peer market with real-time trading, flexible funding methods including PayPal and USDC, and 20/7 trading availability,” the blog reads. ““Leveraging blockchain technology with investor-focused features, Upstream aims to usher in the next evolution of trading.”

Bitcoin has emerged as one of the highest-performing assets in recent history. Over the last decade, its value has skyrocketed by approximately 1,000 times, significantly outpacing traditional investments like real estate and stocks.

Crypto theft has reached an alarming $2.2 billion this year, with over half of that amount attributed to hackers from North Korea, according to a recent Chainanalysis report. Cybercriminals linked to North Korea were responsible for $1.3 billion worth of stolen digital assets across 47 separate incidents.

The Indian government recently revealed to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) that there is no set timeline for introducing comprehensive regulatory guidelines for digital assets. The statement follows questions from two Members of Parliament regarding the actions to establish a structured framework for regulating these assets and an expected timeline for implementing such policies.

IBN, a multifaceted communications organization, today announced release of the latest CryptoNewsAudio Production as part of its sustained effort to provide specialized content distribution via widespread syndication channels. The production features Tanya Solati, VP of Business Development at Propy Title Agency, a company working to revolutionize the real estate industry through innovative technology and blockchain transparency. During the interview, Solati shared Propy’s mission to streamline real estate transactions by eliminating middlemen, a significant differentiator she recently discussed during a panel alongside representatives from Google and Broadridge at Benzinga’s Future of Digital Assets event.

The crypto market is expected to reach a “medium-term peak” at the start of 2025, according to VanEck’s projection, and then soar to all-time highs by year-end. Bitcoin may hit $180,000 at the current cycle’s peak, while Ethereum may surpass $6,000, according to a blog post published on December 13 by Matthew Sigel, VanEck’s head of digital asset research.

Silicon Valley contributed a staggering $394.1 million to the 2024 U.S. presidential election, based on Federal Election Commission (FEC) data analysis. Much of this came from Elon Musk, who reportedly donated $243 million to Trump’s campaign.

Donald Trump recently announced his intention to nominate crypto supporter Paul Atkins as the SEC chair, causing Bitcoin’s value to surge beyond $100,000 and sparking celebration among crypto enthusiasts.

Bitcoin surpassed the historical $100,000 on Thursday, marking a significant milestone that even skeptics recognize as a pivotal moment for digital assets. The surge reflects growing confidence in cryptocurrencies, buoyed by the prospect of a favorable regulatory environment under the incoming U.S. administration.

Upstream published a blog today that discussed accessibility and security as paramount in today’s digital economy for investors managing their portfolios. “Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market and stock trading app, leverages Signing Key technology to give investors complete control over their assets right from the palm of their hands,” the blog reads.

The Bitcoin price is nearing a historic $100,000, propelled by a remarkable rally following the U.S. elections. This has sparked interest in identifying promising investment opportunities in the crypto space for 2025. According to Mark Plamer, an analyst at Benchmark, Galaxy Digital and MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQMSTR) are two long-standing favorites among cryptocurrency fans.

Bitcoin’s recent surge beyond $90,000 and its approach toward the $100,000 mark has sparked widespread attention. Unfortunately, this rising interest also draws the attention of cybercriminals who see an opportunity to exploit the excitement of crypto investments.

New York’s financial regulatory authority is reportedly close to approving a new stablecoin from Ripple. According to sources familiar with the matter, the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has indicated that Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, is on track for approval, with a potential launch date set for December 4.

IBN today recapped Benzinga’s Future of Digital Assets conference, which recently took the spotlight at New York City’s Convene 225. This year’s event brought together global thought leaders, industry luminaries and institutional giants to explore blockchain technology’s transformative potential. The conference showcased the rapidly evolving ecosystem and drew more than 1,000 capital market leaders to engage in comprehensive discussions on the future of finance. Featured speakers included representatives from industry giants such as BlackRock, Google, Moody’s, and Coinbase, as well as influential figures like Anthony Pompliano, Jan van Eck, Grant Cardone, Mario Nawfal, Raoul Pal, Dan Morehead, Maja Vujinovic, and Dan Tapiero.

The 6th edition of Crypto Fest returned on 11 October 2024, held at the iconic DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. The event brought together a vibrant mix of 403 attendees, 29 industry-leading speakers, and representatives from 16 countries, making it one of the most anticipated gatherings in the crypto and blockchain space.

Gary Gensler’s tenure as the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) chair is drawing to a turbulent and unexpected close. His time was marked by numerous battles with the cryptocurrency industry as the SEC pursued a flurry of enforcement actions and lawsuits against U.S.-based companies.

Trump Media, known for operating the Truth Social app, is reportedly in advanced discussions to acquire Bakkt, a crypto trading firm, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Over the recent election, crypto-focused political action committees (PACs) invested approximately $131 million in congressional races to secure a government more favorable to digital assets and blockchain technology. Prominent industry billionaires also spent considerable sums supporting efforts to have Donald Trump re-elected.

A hacker tied to one of the biggest crypto thefts in history has been given a five-year sentence in a United States jail for money laundering. Ilya Lichtenstein admitted his guilt last year in a case involving the 2016 hacking of the Bitfinex exchange which resulted in the theft of almost 120,000 bitcoins.

In recent years, cryptocurrency has captured the imagination of investors, who have embraced it as a revolutionary asset class offering high-growth potential. With Bitcoin and other digital currencies reaching new heights, many investors have turned to the crypto market as their hedge against inflation, government intervention and traditional assets. But there’s a time-tested asset that deserves more attention and has also been reaching all-time highs this year: gold.

Bitcoin reached new peaks on Monday, November 11, as the crypto surge continued in the wake of Donald Trump’s recent election victory. Coin Metrics data showed Bitcoin rising over 12% to about $89,174 following an earlier climb to a fresh high of $89,623.

InvestorBrandNetwork (“IBN”) and CryptoCurrencyWire (“CCW”), two of the 60+ brands under IBN, today announced their engagement as official media partners for the upcoming Future of Digital Assets ’24 Conference . Organized by Benzinga, the event is slated to be held at Convene Brookfield Place in New York City on Nov. 19, 2024. The exclusive one-day conference for digital asset and traditional finance thought leaders offers exceptional networking opportunities and in-depth discussions on the future of finance. Attendees will glean insight on groundbreaking investment opportunities, engage with over 1,000 capital market leaders, and experience the latest advancements in alternative asset classes.

Bitcoin (BTC) surged to a record high on Wednesday, November 6, with the broader crypto market and crypto-related stocks enjoying a strong rally as investor confidence grew after Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.

A growing number of investors are putting money into Bitcoin-tracking funds in anticipation of former President Donald Trump’s possible comeback to the presidency. They are optimistic about the cryptocurrency’s future, despite expecting some turbulence in Bitcoin prices during election week.

M2 Exchange, a crypto exchange based in the United Arab Emirates, recently underwent a security breach involving $13.7 million . The exchange reported that it had acted promptly to resolve the issue, ensuring customer funds were restored and normal operations resumed with heightened security measures implemented.

Blockchain Africa Conference 2024 is slated to take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria (Tshwane) on Nov. 20, 2024. The event, marking the 10th edition and organized by Bitcoin Events, will unite blockchain developers, influencers, investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from around the world. Designed to foster collaboration and provide insights into Africa’s dynamic and rapidly evolving blockchain and crypto ecosystem, the conference offers a platform for networking and knowledge sharing, bringing together local and international experts to discuss the most significant trends. Among the many highlights, the event will feature engaging keynote speakers, panel sessions with industry giants, and a fireside chat entitled, “OGs Unplugged – Insights from Crypto and Blockchain Trailblazers, 10 Years Later.”

The U.S. federal government is reportedly investigating Tether, a major stablecoin provider, according to an October 25 report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) , which cites sources close to the issue.

The Benzinga Future of Digital Assets and Fintech Deal Day conference is merging into a single event, uniting nearly 1,000 founders, operators, and investors at the forefront of financial technology. Amid rising regulatory scrutiny and the industry’s push for innovation, lower costs, and reduced friction, this event provides timely insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the next era of capital markets.

Indonesia’s cryptocurrency market has seen a significant influx of young investors, with recent figures from the nation’s Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency—Bappebti—revealing that over 60% of crypto investors are between 18 and 30.

Amidst the ups and downs of the cryptocurrency world, Riot Platforms Inc. (NASDAQRIOT) is quickly carving out a significant place for itself in Bitcoin mining. As the largest Bitcoin mining company in North America, Riot is making strategic moves to expand its operations, and many are hopeful for what lies ahead. Even though the crypto market is facing uncertainty, the mining company appears well-prepared for growth.

Elon Musk’s evolving connection with cryptocurrency has taken yet another twist. According to blockchain analytics company Arkham Intelligence, Tesla moved Bitcoin (BTC) worth over $765 million to unidentified wallets.

Utah Republican Congressman John Curtis has emerged as a top contender for the Senate seat being vacated by Mitt Romney, with significant backing from the cryptocurrency industry. Curtis, who previously worked in telecommunications, has taken an unconventional path to becoming a favorite of crypto advocates.

Upstream, a MERJ Exchange market and trading app, published a blog today that discussed integration of USDC into Brazil and Mexico’s banking systems, streamlining accessibility to exchange Brazilian reais and Mexican pesos for USD-pegged stablecoin through local financial institutions. The move makes it quicker and more cost-effective for investors to use USDC for various financial transactions, including funding accounts on Upstream’s stock trading app, which accepts USDC to deposit, buy and sell listed U.S. and international equities.

The number of Bitcoin (BTC) addresses showing a profit has seen a major jump following Bitcoin’s recent price gain, which pushed it above $65,000. According to IntoTheBlock’s data , more than 50.67 million BTC addresses bought the digital currency for less than $65,500, representing around 94% of all Bitcoin holders.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently filed fraud charges against nine people and three market makers for their roles in manipulating the trading of several cryptocurrency assets offered to retail investors as securities. It is alleged that the defendants planned fictitious trading activities to trick investors into believing there was real interest in the assets. The SEC said that by giving the impression of a working market, these efforts broke securities rules and harmed ordinary investors.

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen little movement over the past few months. After a strong start to 2024, it has largely leveled off, trading between $56,000 and $62,000 since July. This stability contrasts sharply with the first half of the year, when the cryptocurrency jumped by 45%, largely fueled by U.S. spot ETFs.

Southeast Asian criminal organizations are increasingly using Telegram to facilitate global online scams, defrauding billions from unsuspecting victims, according to a new UN Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report. The syndicates, many of which operate on an international scale, primarily rely on cryptocurrency for their illegal activities, particularly Tether’s stablecoin USDT. The report also highlights deepfake technology as another major technological development that has been aiding criminal networks.

LQWD Technologies (TSX.V: LQWD) (OTCQB: LQWDF), a leading provider of enterprise-grade transaction infrastructure for the Bitcoin Lightning Network, has closed the first tranche of its nonbrokered private placement. According to the announcement, under the fully subscribed first tranche of the placement, LQWD issued 3,200,000 units at $0.70 per unit to raise gross proceeds of $2,240,000. Each unit was comprised of one common share of the company and one common share purchase warrant and is subject to a four-month hold before becoming free trading. A second and final tranche of the placement remains open. That tranche includes up to an additional 1.5 million units at a price of $0.65 per unit. The company anticipates using funds from the private placement for continued expansion, including purchasing Bitcoin and expanding the developer team.