Category: Reviews

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…

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…

El Salvador Attracts Foreign Bitcoin Investors with Citizenship Offer

The legislative overhaul attracts the philanthropic foreigners keen on contributing to the economic, social, and cultural development of El Salvador through Bitcoin donations. In a recent development, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador has reportedly approved a migration law that facilitates expedited citizenship for foreigners contributing Bitcoin (BTC) donations to government social and economic development programs. The reform, endorsed by Nayib Bukele’s New Ideas party, passed through the country’s legislature on December 21, as reported by Reuters. The new law is also anticipated to take effect in the coming days.…

Elon Musk’s X to Roll Out Payment Services by Mid-2024

With X now obtaining payment licenses across a dozen states in the United States, Musk said the app is ready to start its payment services come 2024 at an undisclosed date.  Billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, recently disclosed that his social media platform, X, will launch its in-app payment services by mid-next year. Musk shared the news during a space conversation with Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Invest, on December 21. The discussion covered various topics, including artificial intelligence (AI) and Bitcoin (BTC). Looking forward…

Solana Price Rallies to $100 Unseating BNB Coin for Fourth Spot

During the recent rapid surge in Solana’s value, significant players appear to have been offloading their holdings. The mega rally in Solana continues as the SOL price rallies another 18% moving closer to $100 earlier today. With this, the Solana price gains on the monthly chart have extended beyond 75% thereby unseating Binance’s native BNB Coin for the fourth spot. Earlier today, the Solana market cap reached a high of $41.9 billion, while surpassing that of BNB. Just one day prior, on December 21, Solana exceeded XRP in market capitalization,…

Coinbase Secures VASP License in France as It Continues Expansion in Europe

Coinbase has officially received a license in France and can offer French users trading, custody, and several other related crypto services. Major American crypto exchange Coinbase Global Inc (NASDAQ: COIN) has officially registered as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) in France. The exchange is fully permitted to handle crypto services in the countries, allowing it to continue its expansion into Europe. Users in France can now buy or sell supported cryptocurrencies in legal tender or against other crypto assets, as well as use retail and institutional services, including custody. According to…

Demand for DVT Sends SSV.Network Past $150M in Staked ETH

Anyone with the will and the technical ability is free to run their own Ethereum validator and connect to SSV. Ethereum stakers are rapidly warming to Distributed Validator Technology, which is becoming a mainstay of the staking landscape. Following its introduction by SSV.Network, staking operators, and validators have been swift to embrace the technology for the benefits it brings in terms of performance and security. $150M is now staked in SSV either directly or through third-party apps that use the network’s open-source technology. This constitutes over 67,000 in staked ETH…

US Weekly Job Claims Edge Up Slightly amid Robust Labor Market, GDP in Q3 Increases at 4.9%

The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that GDP increased at a 4.9% annualized rate in Q3, slightly below the previously reported 5.2% pace. The latest report from the United States Labor Department reveals a marginal increase in weekly jobless claims, with the number rising by 2,000 to 205,000 for the week ending December 16. While this uptick might raise eyebrows, it is important to note that the overall trend remains at historically low levels, indicative of a labor market that has defied expectations amid challenging economic conditions. The US Economic…

Merit Circle DAO Announces BEAM Investment Partnership with Framework Ventures

The partnership between Framework Ventures and Merit Circle will involve locking up BEAM tokens to receive USDC usable for investments. Gaming and metaverse-focused decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) Merit Circle has announced a partnership with San Francisco-based venture capital firm Framework Ventures. According to the announcement, Merit Circle’s collaboration with Framework will see the latter invest in Merit via BEAM tokens. After the acquisition, BEAM tokens will be sent to the treasury, with some sold to strategic investors. The announcement specifies that the tokens will be diversified so that some trusted parties can access…

Crypto Training Demand Reach New Heights among Law Enforcement

In addition to the expected surge in crypto-related probes, the survey uncovered a noteworthy trend in the adoption of blockchain analytics tools.  According to a survey conducted by TRM Labs, 93% of law enforcement agencies worldwide are currently engaged in crypto training programs, with an overwhelming 99% expressing the urgent need to enhance their education to combat illegal activities within the industry effectively. The study titled “Tackling Crypto Crime” was carried out by an external polling company between October and November 2023 to delve into the complexities of crimes involving…