The latest price moves in bitcoin [BTC] and crypto markets in context for Dec. 22, 2023. First Mover is CoinDesk’s daily newsletter that contextualizes the latest actions in the crypto markets. Source
Day: December 22, 2023
Polkadot Set to Integrate with Pokémon Go and Call of Duty Mobile Engine
Polkadot, the blockchain interoperability platform, is entering the world of gaming through a strategic collaboration with Parity Technologies and Unity Games. This partnership facilitates Polkadot’s integration with the game engine that powers popular titles such as Pokémon Go and Call of Duty Mobile. Unity Games, a leading software development kit (SDK) provider for game developers, commands a substantial 60% share of the mobile gaming market. The collaboration involves Polkadot joining Unity’s verified solutions (VS) program, a pathway within Unity for decentralized networks like Polkadot to earn a coveted spot in…
Marathon Digital (MARA) Stock Surges Over 628% YTD amid Significant Drop from ATH
Recent reports demonstrate that Marathon Digital has been eager to expand its business. The stock of Bitcoin mining company Marathon Digital Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: MARA) has so far seen remarkable growth in 2023. This follows after it surged 628.82% since January 1 to bring its current price to $26.47 on MarketWatch. Although the stock price shows a major decline from its all-time high of $166.40, it also indicates an appreciable gain over the last 12 months. The rise of MARA, however, has been linked to two separate events that have…
Solana Flips BNB To Become 4th-Largest Crypto, Is Ethereum Next
Solana has had one of the best price journeys this year, increasing an outstanding 665% since January. The cryptocurrency has particularly done well in the last quarter of the year, registering price gains that were practically absent for the majority of the year. This week, SOL flipped BNB to become the 4th largest cryptocurrency and second-largest altcoin by market cap. At this rate, Ethereum’s spot may be next. Solana’s Impressive Growth Solana’s price movement this year has been nothing but surprising, and it has no intention of slowing down anytime…
Revolut Posts Delayed 2022 Financial Report, Reveals Revenue of $1.2B
Revolut anticipates that its revenue for 2023 will continue its growth trajectory. British online banking company Revolut has finally published its delayed 2022 annual financial earnings report on Friday, December 22. The company reported a significant 45% increase in revenue for the year, reaching £922.5 million worth appropriately $1.2 billion. The pre-tax loss, in turn, dropped to £25.4 million ($32.2 million), a notable shift from the restated profit of £39.8 million in 2021. Revolut’s 2022 Financials The 2022 earnings results came after the firm received approval in September from the…
Bitcoin for Contracts Now Legal in Argentina
Following the devaluation of its local currency and years of inflation, Argentina now legally recognizes contracts that stipulate Bitcoin as its currency of choice. Ahead of Christmas, the crypto sector in Argentina has gotten a major win as contracts denominated in Bitcoin have now been legally recognized. This news comes via Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Diana Mondino. This also comes as Argenitna’s national currency the Argentine peso has seen a dip in its value. Bitcoin Contracts Come to Argentina With the new law, parties in Argentina can create contracts…
BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Potential Approval Faces Questions, SEC Could Make Decision by January 10
In its initial filing, BlackRock mentioned that the Prime Execution Agent would obtain BTC to support the ETF’s shares on a 1-to-1 ratio. Although the company didn’t disclose the name of the chosen agent, it did identify Coinbase as the proposed custodian. BlackRock Inc (NYSE: BLK), the world’s largest asset manager, is putting the final touches to its plan for a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). As part of the process, the company intends to use a third-party broker, which it regards as a “Prime Execution Agent” to handle BTC purchases…
ICO statement in response to parliamentarians’ letter on facial recognition technology
An ICO spokesperson said: “Facial recognition technology can bring benefits in helping to prevent and detect crime, but it relies on processing large amounts of sensitive personal data. That is why the law places a high bar for its usage: its use must be necessary and proportionate, and its design must meet expectations of fairness and accuracy. “We have closely scrutinised companies and taken clear action when organisations use personal data outside the limits of data protection law, such as the £7.5m fine we issued Clearview last year, which we…
Coinbase (COIN) Stock Could Indicate Index Play for TradFi Institutions Looking for Crypto Exposure
The analyst said TradFi institutions trying to get into crypto, but are unsure how to begin, may use Coinbase stock to enter. According to the co-founder of research firm Reflexivity Research Will Clemente, shares of major cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ: COIN) could serve as an indicator for the crypto sector. Clemente says Coinbase shares could be an “index play” for traditional finance (TradFi) firms looking for a way into the industry. Clemente offered his opinion while speaking on an X (formerly Twitter) Space hosted by Bitcoin bull and…
Hong Kong’s SFC, HKMA Say They Will Consider Applications for Spot Crypto ETFs
Hong Kong has been loosening its approach to crypto this year, and the regulators’ opinion on retail exposure to digital assets has shifted. In October, the SFC updated its rule book to allow a broader range of investors to engage in spot-crypto and ETF investing. Then, last month, SFC Chief Executive Officer Julia Leung said the regulator was moving toward allowing retail amidinvestors to buy spot crypto ETFs and would “welcome proposals using innovative technology that boosts efficiency and customer experience” provided any risks were addressed. Source