News

Iconic 'Buy Bitcoin' Sign Sells for $1M at Landmark Auction

The sign famously held up during Janet Yellen's 2017 Congressional testimony has been sold at auction for 16 BTC, raising over $1 million for Bitcoin layer-2 startup Tirrel Corp.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

A staple of Bitcoin's early viral growth, the 'Buy Bitcoin' sign has found a new home after generating significant funds for further development of the lightning network. Its prominent placement behind a top policymaker helped shine a light on cryptocurrency in its formative years.

Samourai Wallet Closed, Founders Held for Money Laundering

Samourai Wallet, a privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet, has been shut down, and its founders arrested on charges of facilitating money laundering, marking a significant operation by international law enforcement.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

The US Department of Justice, in collaboration with international agencies, has shut down Samourai Wallet and arrested its founders for allegedly facilitating over $2 billion in illegal Bitcoin transactions, highlighting ongoing regulatory actions against crypto-related money laundering.

Morgan Stanley Brokers to Push Bitcoin ETFs

Morgan Stanley is poised to allow its brokers to actively recommend Bitcoin ETFs to clients, a move that could significantly boost interest and accessibility in cryptocurrency investments.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Morgan Stanley is considering a policy change that would enable its brokers to recommend Bitcoin ETFs to clients, potentially rejuvenating interest and expanding access to cryptocurrency investments within its substantial network.

Europe Tightens Crypto Rules to Curb Illicit Flows

The European Union has enacted new regulations that increase oversight of cryptocurrency firms and require enhanced customer due diligence to fight money laundering better.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

To curb cryptocurrency's illicit uses, the EU approved stringent rules that oblige crypto companies like exchanges to vet clients and thoroughly report suspicious activity. The measures aim to promote transparency and protect the financial system while allowing innovation.

Grayscale & BlackRock Face SEC Delays on Ethereum ETFs

Grayscale Investments and BlackRock have updated their applications for spot Ethereum ETFs as the SEC's decision approaches in May, amidst growing skepticism about approval.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Grayscale and BlackRock have revised their Ethereum ETF applications, preparing for the SEC's decision expected in May, amid industry-wide anticipation and a generally pessimistic outlook on approval.

Binance Founder CZ Faces 3 Years Prison for AML Violations

Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao pled guilty to charges related to weak anti-money laundering controls and now faces a recommended 3-year prison sentence from US prosecutors.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

This landmark case could set legal precedents for greater cryptocurrency regulation by US authorities going forward.

Spot ETFs Continue Strong Inflows Following Halving

A look at how spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US saw continued net inflows in the days after Bitcoin's block reward halving, with FBTC gathering the largest addition of $34 million on April 23rd.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

While halving, fund inflows resumed in the following days led by strong additions to FBTC and ARK funds. Grayscale's GBTC also saw significant outflows.

Over 50% of Solana Memecoins Vaporized After Raising $25M

A new report reveals over half of top Solana memecoin projects that collected $25 million last month were deserted by their founders shortly after, with many tokens never launching.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

The sudden abandonment of multi-million dollar Solana memecoin ventures within a month of their creation highlights the risks involved with such speculative projects and pre-sales.

SEC Lawyers Quit Over DEBT Box Case Controversy

Two SEC lawyers have resigned following controversies surrounding their handling of the DEBT Box case, which involved inaccuracies and misleading statements in court proceedings.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

SEC lawyers Michael Welsh and Joseph Watkins resigned amid fallout from their controversial handling of the DEBT Box case, where inaccuracies in court led to significant legal repercussions for the agency.

RFK Plans to Put the Entire US Budget on the Blockchain

Independent Presidential candidate RFK Jr. aims to increase accountability of government expenditures by making all budget data accessible on the blockchain.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

As an Independent candidate, RFK Jr. envisions applying emerging technologies like blockchain to reinvent budget transparency and accountability. Realizing this ambitious goal faces hurdles but may be achieved through strategic cooperation and an open, verifiable system allowing civic involvement in financial scrutiny.

FTX Estate to Auction New Solana Stockpile

The estate of collapsed crypto exchange FTX is preparing to auction a large batch of locked Solana (SOL) tokens to maximize returns. Learn the key details and what it means for SOL price.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

As creditors seek to recover losses, this SOL auction provides an opportunity for investors to potentially profit from FTX's downfall while influencing the market value of Solana. With the right strategy, participants can make the most of this unique situation.

Over $60 Million USDT Circulates on Telegram's Blockchain

Tether has issued over $60 million worth of USDT stablecoins on The Open Network (TON) blockchain since collaborating with the project two weeks ago. This article explores the partnership and its implications.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

In under two weeks, Tether and TON have demonstrated the potential of integrating stablecoins into widely used platforms like Telegram. Their collaboration could pave the way for more partnerships between cryptocurrency projects and major networks.

$44.5M Stolen from Hedgey on Arbitrum & Binance Networks

Hedgey Finance has reported a significant security breach resulting in the loss of $44.5 million in digital assets across the Arbitrum and Binance networks, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in DeFi security.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Hedgey Finance experienced a major crypto theft involving $44.5 million across Ethereum’s layer-2 network Arbitrum and Binance Smart Chain, triggered by an exploit of the platform’s function.

Binance Regulatory Saga in Nigeria Takes Another Twist

The ongoing legal battle between cryptocurrency exchange Binance and Nigerian authorities sees another delay as the tax evasion trial is rescheduled to mid-May.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

As regulatory pressure on Binance intensifies in Nigeria, the exchange faces yet another postponed court hearing over tax evasion allegations, highlighting the unresolved issues between the two parties.

Rush to Mint Tokens on Bitcoin as Runes Protocol Launches

This in-depth article explores how the launch of the Runes Protocol triggered a rush among users to be among the first to mint tokens on Bitcoin, pushing transaction fees higher after the 2024 Bitcoin halving block was mined.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

The launch of the Runes Protocol triggered a gold rush as users sought to take advantage of increased scarcity on the Bitcoin blockchain post-halving. While some early projects won coveted spots, long-term success staying power remains to be seen in this new frontier for tokenization on Bitcoin.

JPMorgan CEO Slams Bitcoin as 'Ponzi' Amid ETF Moves

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, labels Bitcoin a 'Ponzi scheme' even as the bank participates in BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF, highlighting the complexity of the crypto landscape in traditional banking.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has renewed his criticism of Bitcoin, calling it a 'Ponzi scheme', despite the bank's role in facilitating BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. His views contrast with the growing integration of blockchain technologies in traditional finance.

IMF: Bitcoin Key for Stability in Tight Economies

The International Monetary Fund acknowledges Bitcoin’s role in facilitating cross-border financial flows, highlighting its importance in countries with economic instability and strict financial regulations.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

The IMF identifies Bitcoin as a vital financial tool for residents in countries with restrictive financial controls, using it to preserve wealth and engage in global commerce despite local economic challenges.

Hong Kong's Crypto ETFs Eye $1B AUM in 2 Years

Bloomberg analysts project that Hong Kong's newly approved Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs will amass $1 billion in assets within two years, despite challenges for Chinese investors and market maturity concerns.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Despite initial reservations, Bloomberg now predicts that Hong Kong's Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs will achieve $1 billion in assets under management within two years, reflecting growing confidence in the region's crypto market potential.

Israeli Bank Official: Cash's Decline in Digital Age

Deputy Governor Andrew Abir of the Bank of Israel discusses the reduced role of cash due to digital payment innovations and explores the potential of the digital shekel in a new sandbox environment.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Andrew Abir, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Israel, remarks on the decline of cash usage due to digital payment methods and introduces a sandbox for testing the digital shekel to enhance financial competition.

Runes protocol set to launch fungible tokens on Bitcoin

Casey Rodarmor, the creator of the Ordinals protocol, is set to launch his new Runes protocol on Bitcoin that will allow users to create fungible tokens like those seen on other blockchains.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Rodarmor's new Runes protocol looks to address limitations with existing standards like BRC-20 by offering a more efficient and simpler way to create fungible tokens atop the Bitcoin network. Its launch is timed to coincide with Bitcoin's next halving event on April 19, 2024.

Bybit Report Predicts BTC Shortage on Exchanges Post-Halving

Bybit's latest report forecasts a potential depletion of Bitcoin reserves on exchanges within nine months, influenced by high withdrawal rates and the upcoming halving event.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Bybit anticipates Bitcoin reserves on exchanges could run out in nine months due to increasing withdrawals and reduced production following the halving event, potentially leading to a liquidity crisis.

$7.5B ASI Token Launch in May as AI Crypto Surges

Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol are set to launch the ASI token in May, marking a significant move in the crypto industry with a combined market cap of $7.5 billion, aiming to democratize AI development.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, including Fetch.ai, SingularityNET, and Ocean Protocol, announces the May launch of the ASI token, merging their efforts to accelerate AI in the crypto sector with a projected market capitalization of $7.5 billion.

Stablecoin Regulation Gains Traction After Key Talks

Recent discussions among U.S. lawmakers hint at potential progress on stablecoin regulation, possibly aligning it with other significant legislative efforts later this year.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Key discussions among House and Senate leaders could pave the way for stablecoin regulation in the U.S., with potential inclusion in broader legislative packages during the upcoming legislative sessions.

Bitcoin NFTs Gain Market Share Before Halving

Bitcoin NFTs have outpaced Ethereum and Solana in trading volume, capturing 55% of the market as the Bitcoin network approaches its halving event.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

Bitcoin-based NFTs have seen a remarkable surge in trading volume, surpassing Ethereum and Solana combined, driven by the anticipation of the upcoming Bitcoin halving and innovations like the Runes Protocol.

Bitcoin Mining Law Brings Noise and Debate to Rural Arkansas

A new law giving Bitcoin miners "the right to mine" in Arkansas had unintended fallout for residents of the small town of Bono, who found their peace overrun by the loud machinery needed for cryptocurrency development.

Yagyesh Jaiswal

While the aims of promoting Bitcoin business seem good, the real impacts on real people's lives show that any new laws or technologies may have unforeseen consequences, especially in quiet rural areas. Balancing progress and people's well-being requires understanding different perspectives.