Binance to implement Lightning Network nodes for enhanced Bitcoin transactions

On June 20, cryptocurrency exchange Binance announced that it had commenced operating nodes on the Bitcoin Lightning Network as a crucial step toward integrating it for deposits and withdrawals. In a tweet, Binance acknowledged users who noticed their new Lightning nodes and confirmed their presence. However, Binance highlighted that additional technical work must be completed before the Lightning integration is fully implemented, promising to provide updates along the way. #Binance is working to integrate the #Bitcoin Lightning Network for deposits and withdrawals. Some eagle-eyed users spotted our new lightning nodes…

Fidelity, Charles Schwab, Citadel and More Back Newly Launched Crypto Exchange

A group of the biggest financial institutions in the world are backing the newly launched digital asset marketplace EDX Markets (EDX). According to a new press release, the company received a round of funding from financial heavyweights including Charles Schwab, Citadel Securities, Fidelity Digital Assets, Paradigm, Sequoia Capital, and Virtu Financial. The funding will “support EDX as it continues to develop its trading platform and solidifies its market leadership position.” EDX currently only offers trading for four crypto assets: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC) and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) –…

The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust is getting a boost from BlackRock. Here’s what to know

BlackRock’s new push into the battle for a bitcoin ETF appears to be giving a boost to one of its potential rivals in the space and creating an arbitrage play for opportunistic traders. The Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) , which has long traded at a steep discount to its net asset value, rose 12.8% on Friday after BlackRock filed to launch a spot bitcoin ETF. The Grayscale fund continued to surge on Tuesday, adding about 14%. While bitcoin has also been climbing , GBTC’s large move has narrowed the discount…

Biden to discuss dangers of AI in San Francisco meeting with experts

United States President Joe Biden will discuss artificial intelligence (AI) with a group of Silicon Valley experts on June 20 between campaign fundraising stops in California.  The president will meet with at least eight experts, including renowned researchers and experts in AI safety. According to the White House, the topic of discussion will be the Biden administration’s “commitment to seizing the opportunities and managing the risks of Artificial Intelligence.” Per a report from The Associated Press, the attendee list includes Jim Steyer, founder of Common Sense Media; Tristan Harris, co-founder…

Diversified portfolio should include bitcoin, ether

Investors and advisors can’t ignore crypto anymore, according to Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines. “It’s the first new invention of an asset class in 170 years — the last new asset class was the discovery of oil in the 1850s,” he told CNBC Pro at the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals’ Vision conference in Austin, Texas. “We need to recognize that in order to have a truly diversified portfolio, we need to have exposure to every asset class,” he added. “That means advisors need to rethink their…

Czech automobile conglomerate Škoda Auto launches NFT platform

On June 20, Škoda India, the Indian subsidiary of Czech automobile conglomerate Škoda Auto, launched a Web3 and nonfungible token (NFT) experience in partnership with Near Protocol. Dubbed “Škodaverse India,” developers say the platform will possess low gas fees, interoperable NFTs for multiplatform usage, and eco-friendly, scalable NFTs. The firm wrote:  “Škodaverse India will also unlock bespoke utilities and experiences for NFT holders which will be revealed along with the first drop details. All NFTs will be minted on carbon-neutral blockchains, aligning with our sustainable vision.” The debut Škoda NFT…

$1,400,000,000,000 Deutsche Bank Applies for Cryptocurrency Custody License in Germany: Report

A multinational investment bank and financial services company valued at $1.4 trillion is applying for a crypto custody license in Germany. According to a new Bloomberg report, Deutsche Bank AG, Germany’s largest and the European Union’s second-largest bank, is seeking regulatory approval to offer a custody service for digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, in Germany. Says David Lynne, runner of Deutsche Bank AG’s commercial unit, “We’re building out our digital assets and custody business. We just put our application into the BaFin for the digital asset license.” BaFin, the Bundesanstalt für…

Tether and Bitfinex pledge $100K grant for private operating system

On June 20, Tether Operations Limited, the firm behind United States dollar stablecoin Tether (USDT), along with cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex announced the allocation of a 100,000 USDT grant to support open-source privacy operating system Qubes OS. Paolo Ardoino, chief technology officer of Tether and Bitfinex, commented:  “We recognize the paramount importance of privacy and security in the digital age. We are pleased to support the development of Qubes OS, which is a cutting-edge operating system renowned for its iron clad security.” As told by developers, Qubes OS has garnered significant recognition…