US CBDC debate heats up amid elections. Does the country need a digital dollar?

During the 2024 presidential race, the discussion on a U.S. CBDC becomes more intense. Candidates’ contrasting views mirror wider concerns about privacy and government control. As of Jan. 2024, the situation regarding central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the U.S. is characterized by caution and gradual progression, especially when compared to the advancements made by other countries.  Currently, 11 countries have fully implemented digital currencies, while China, India, and several other countries are in the pilot phase. Source: Atlantic Council In the U.S., the development of a retail CBDC (direct-to-consumer)…

Navigating Control, Access, and Investment Strategies in the Digital Asset Landscape

Level of access: it refers to how closely an investor can interact with or from a digital asset in its purest form (on-chain). The more off-chain layers or wrappers around an asset, the less level of access. For example, the spot bitcoin ETF is a traditional (offchain) financial product backed 1:1 by bitcoins stored in a qualified custodian. Being cash-redeemable only, investors can’t redeem their shares for actual bitcoin, but they must liquidate them for cash. On the other end of the spectrum, self-custody is the purest, most direct access…

Digital asset investment products saw $21m in outflows

Investment crypto products’ outflows amounted to $21 million last week. According to a CoinShares report, outflows from investment products into digital assets were modest at $21 million last week. However, this figure masks very high Bitcoin (BTC) trading volumes last week, totaling $11.8 billion, seven times the average weekly trading volume in 2023. Source: CoinShares Geographically, capital inflows into the United States totaled $263 million, while Canada and Europe saw outflows of $297 million. Analysts suggest that such trends are explained by the migration of assets to the United States.…

Gemini Receives Digital Asset Service Provider Registration In France

Cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, founded by the Winklevoss twins, has been granted crypto registration by the French markets watchdog Autorite des marches financiers (AMF).  According to a recent announcement made by the exchange, this approval allows Gemini to offer its services as a virtual asset services provider in France. The company plans to roll out its products to both retail and institutional clients in the coming weeks. Gemini Seizes Growth Opportunities In Europe As announced, Gemini customers in France will gain access to a wide range of cryptocurrencies for trading, as…