Category: Exchanges

Riccardo Spagni, better known as “Fluffypony,” discusses privacy and whether or not central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) are just a fleeting thing. The Monero community leader speaks with CoinDesk’s Leigh Cuen in Davos, Switzerland. “There’s less hype, but more talk,” said Spagni. “It’s kind of like one of those things where people say they are building a fintech product that has AI and blockchain.” Spagni sees blockchain as moving into an offensive role now that privacy is gaining a more important role in computing. “Companies like Apple are mainstreaming privacy,”…

The Gemini crypto exchange has completed a new examination to ensure its security system controls operate effectively.  Gemini announced Thursday that it had completed an independent SOC 2 Type 2 examination conducted by consulting firm Deloitte, a year after it completed an SOC 2 Type 1 examination. Where the previous examination evaluated Gemini’s design and system control implementation, the Type 2 exam looks at operations across a period of time. “We believe this kind of assurance, in addition to other safeguards we have implemented, such as digital asset insurance, helps…

Alexander Vinnik, the alleged operator of the BTC-e exchange, will be extradited to France following a ruling by Greece’s supreme court. Vinnik will be sent to France on allegations of money laundering following a ruling from Greece’s Council of State, the country’s supreme administrative court, reported Greek news outlet Ekathimerini on Thursday. He was arrested in July 2017 by Greek authorities after Russia, the U.S. and France all issued international arrest warrants on charges of laundering at least $4 billion through BTC-e, which he allegedly set up. Vinnik has maintained…

In addition to our news roundup, for the next few episodes we’ll also be highlighting select interviews from the CoinDesk crew reporting inside the world economic forum in Davos, Switzerland.  Today we’ll hear from former CFTC Chair Christopher Giancarlo on his proposed Digital Dollar push. We’ll end the show by taking a walk with a modern cypherpunk and senior reporter Leigh Cuen. Disclosure Read More The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk is a media outlet that strives for the highest journalistic standards and abides by a strict set of editorial…

Stablecoin issuer Tether is launching a new token backed by physical gold. Tether Gold “represents ownership of one troy fine ounce of physical gold on a specific gold bar,” a press release said Thursday. The new stablecoins, with the XAU₮ ticker, will be issued on ethereum and tron as ERC-20 and TRC20 tokens. “Tether Gold is launching in response to the growing demand for a digital asset that provides exposure to the world’s most enduring asset and a geopolitical need for an alternative financial system,” a spokesperson said in an…

Users of crypto derivatives platform ErisX are getting access to institutional-grade data and trading solutions, thanks to a new partnership with software provider Etale. ErisX announced Thursday that members will be able to view Etale’s real-time market data and execute orders leveraging the company’s machine learning-based quantitative models. TD Ameritrade-backed ErisX launched a live spot market for bitcoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum and litecoin, complete with U.S. dollar pairs, in April 2019, and began offering physically delivered bitcoin futures last December. The company, which was granted a Derivatives Clearing Organization license…

This story is part of CoinDesk’s 2020 election series exploring questions of information integrity, the rights of digital citizens, the power of centralized platforms, and the future of money. The 2020 campaigns are largely focused on Trump, the progressive versus centrist wing of the Democratic party, and, apparently according to the New York Times, identifying who broke each candidate’s heart.  Meanwhile, foreign states are known to be targeting our election infrastructure, voters are increasingly concerned about the privacy of their data, and talking points about data and big tech have…

It has been over 10 years since the creation of cryptocurrencies, and while clear narratives have emerged to justify their existence, none are decisively supported by data.  For example, charts suggest bitcoin’s use case as a store of value is taking hold among some new investors, who have been shown to hold the asset through price run-ups. However, other metrics such as bitcoin’s correlation to gold suggest that, across the entire body of bitcoin investors, most are using the asset as something far different from “digital gold.” On ethereum, DeFi…

View Bitcoin’s range breakdown has opened the doors for a deeper pullback to support levels at $8,200 and $8,000. The short-term indicators have turned bearish, supporting the case for further losses.  A move above $8,750 is needed to revive the immediate bullish view.  The broader outlook will remain bullish as long as prices are holding above $7,700, according to the weekly chart.  Bitcoin has dived out its recent trading range, opening the doors for a pullback to deeper support levels.  The top cryptocurrency ran into offers around $8,580 at 08:35…

Pornhub has added new performer payment options including the tether (USDT) stablecoin, two months after being apparently dropped by PayPal. The adult video giant announced on Thursday that it now allows its models to be paid in USDT and is recommending the TRONlink wallet. TRON became a partner of the site in June 2018, when Pornhub started accepting its TRX token for content. The stablecoin claims to be fully backed by U.S. dollar cash or equivalents (a peg that seems to have slipped in the past), meaning its value will…