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MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin bag is up $900M amid BTC price surge

Business intelligence firm MicroStrategy has notched a paper gain of $900 million on its stack of 158,400 Bitcoin (BTC), spurred by optimism over the potential approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

The Michael Saylor-founded firm has added 6,067 BTC since the third quarter, including another 155 in October, according to MicroStrategy’s Nov. 1 . . . → Read More: MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin bag is up $900M amid BTC price surge

Bitcoin beyond 35K for Christmas? Thank Jerome Powell if it happens

Historically, a Santa rally happens in the weeks leading up to Christmas when a collective sense of goodwill bleeds into equity markets. This is typically a seasonal blip and nothing to write home about. But this year, we could see a far more significant rally as the United States Federal Reserve, the Securities . . . → Read More: Bitcoin beyond 35K for Christmas? Thank Jerome Powell if it happens

Ethereum futures premium hits 1-year high — Will ETH price follow?

Ether (ETH) price has declined by 14.7% since its peak at $2,120 on April 16, 2023. However, two derivatives metrics indicate that investors have not felt this bullish in over a year. This discrepancy warrants an investigation into whether the recent optimism is a broader response to Bitcoin (BTC) breaking above $34,000 on Oct. . . . → Read More: Ethereum futures premium hits 1-year high — Will ETH price follow?

3 reasons why Ethereum price is down against Bitcoin

The price of Ethereum’s native token, Ether (ETH) is trading around a 15-month low versus Bitcoin (BTC), and the lowest since Ethereum switched to proof-of-stake (PoS).

Cointelegraph takes a closer look at some of the reasons for the continuous drop of the ETH/BTC pair.

Ether’s historical price action has changed

In previous market . . . → Read More: 3 reasons why Ethereum price is down against Bitcoin

Price analysis 11/1: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

Bitcoin (BTC) skyrocketed 28.5% in October, its second-best monthly gain of the year behind the 40% rally in January. After the strong showing in October, the next question on investors’ minds is, could the bullish momentum continue and Bitcoin extend its recovery going forward?

Bernstein said in a note on Oct. 31 that Bitcoin . . . → Read More: Price analysis 11/1: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

Worldcoin claims 4M app downloads and 1M active users

Iris-scanning project Worldcoin has reached a new milestone, as its mobile World App has now been downloaded over 4 million times, according to a Nov. 1 blog post from the project’s team. If this number is confirmed by CoinGecko, it could place World App in sixth place in CoinGecko’s list of most downloaded . . . → Read More: Worldcoin claims 4M app downloads and 1M active users

PayPal scores UK crypto license after brief local Bitcoin buy halt

Global payment giant PayPal has received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to offer crypto services in the United Kingdom.

According to official FCA data, PayPal has been registered to offer “certain crypto asset activities” in the U.K. since Oct. 31, 2023.

According to the register, PayPal has requirements or restrictions placed . . . → Read More: PayPal scores UK crypto license after brief local Bitcoin buy halt

Crypto’s ‘pro-rioter’ glitch artist stirs controversy — Patrick Amadon, NFT Creator

Patrick Amadon combines a passion for art and activism, and is articulate about how he intends for his work to have impact.

Self-described as a “digital disobedient,” the Los Angeles-based glitch artist has been no stranger to controversy, having made international headlines for his “No Rioters” digital billboard displayed at the Hong Kong Art . . . → Read More: Crypto’s ‘pro-rioter’ glitch artist stirs controversy — Patrick Amadon, NFT Creator

AI and real-world assets gain prominence in investor discussions

As nations progress toward promoting the expansion of the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, market data from Santiment indicates an uptick in conversations among investors and traders regarding the potential of real-world assets and AI.

At the same time, discussions concerning cryptocurrency prices have waned due to a prolonged period of sideways market performance, although there is . . . → Read More: AI and real-world assets gain prominence in investor discussions

Canadian MP urges community to study Bitcoin, cites Gensler’s pre-SEC stance

On the 15th anniversary of the release of the Bitcoin white paper, Canadian Member of Parliament (MP) Joël Lightbound took the opportunity to thank the pseudo-anonymous creator of Bitcoin (BTC), Satoshi Nakamoto, in the Canadian parliament while advocating for people to study the leading cryptocurrency.

During his speech on the parliament floor, Lightbound . . . → Read More: Canadian MP urges community to study Bitcoin, cites Gensler’s pre-SEC stance

Coinbase launches regulated crypto futures services for US retail traders

Coinbase Advanced allows retail traders in the United States access to regulated crypto futures contracts four months after Coinbase Financial Markets (CFM) secured approval to operate a Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) entity.

On Aug. 17, CFM secured regulatory approval from the National Futures Association (NFA), a Commodity Futures Trading Commission-designated self-regulatory organization, to operate . . . → Read More: Coinbase launches regulated crypto futures services for US retail traders

Bitget, Floki teams accuse each other of manipulation after token listing

The teams behind the Floki protocol and Bitget crypto exchange have accused each other of market manipulation after the protocol’s token, TokenFi (TOKEN), was listed and delisted by Bitget. This is according to an Oct. 31 social media post from the Floki team and a blog post from Bitget. 

The Floki team claimed that . . . → Read More: Bitget, Floki teams accuse each other of manipulation after token listing

Circle to phase out consumer accounts, but business and Mint will remain

Stablecoin issuer Circle will close out consumer or individual accounts on November 30, according to emails received by Circle customers on October 31. In an email to Cointelegraph, the stablecoin issuer confirmed that it is closing the accounts but confirmed that business and institutional “Mint” accounts will remain available.

On the morning of . . . → Read More: Circle to phase out consumer accounts, but business and Mint will remain

Tether attestation shows cash and cash equivalents of 86% as loans decline

The reserves for stablecoin issuer Tether contained approximately 86% cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, according to a new attestation report from accounting firm BDO. This is the highest percentage of cash and cash equivalents that have ever made up Tether’s reserves.

Tether today releases its attestation for Q3 . . . → Read More: Tether attestation shows cash and cash equivalents of 86% as loans decline

Ethereum layer 2’s will continue to have diverse approaches to scaling – Vitalik Buterin

The Ethereum layer-2 ecosystem is likely to continue evolving with diverse technological approaches, according to co-founder Vitalik Buterin.

The co-founder of the smart contract blockchain unpacked the current landscape of Ethereum’s scaling ecosystem on his personal blog, with several layer-2 protocols differing in their approaches to bring greater scaling capacity, lower costs and increased . . . → Read More: Ethereum layer 2’s will continue to have diverse approaches to scaling – Vitalik Buterin

Slumdog billionaire: Incredible rags-to-riches tale of Polygon’s Sandeep Nailwal

From his childhood living in a ghetto on the east bank of the Yamuna river in Dehli to launching the $6-billion Polygon blockchain, Sandeep Nailwal has an incredible rags-to-riches tale.

Now happily ensconced in the futuristic, air-conditioned cityscape of Dubai, he tells Magazine he was born in a farming village in 1987 with no . . . → Read More: Slumdog billionaire: Incredible rags-to-riches tale of Polygon’s Sandeep Nailwal

Crypto startup Bastion secures money transmitter licenses in US

Bastion, a new cryptocurrency startup created by former Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) executives, has secured two money transmitter licenses (MTL) in the United States.

Bastion has acquired MTLs in New Hampshire and Arkansas, the first two licenses obtained by the firm, Bastion announced on Oct. 31.

The new licenses, granted by the New Hampshire Banking . . . → Read More: Crypto startup Bastion secures money transmitter licenses in US

Warren Buffett’s ‘crypto stock’ beats Apple and Amazon — but not Bitcoin

Warren Buffett may still view cryptocurrencies and Bitcoin (BTC) as “rat poison squared,” but he is generating big profits from his position in a crypto-friendly bank in 2023.

Warren Buffett’s “crypto bet” up $130 million in 2023

The “Oracle of Omaha” purchased 107 million shares of Nu Holdings, a Brazil-based fintech company and owner . . . → Read More: Warren Buffett’s ‘crypto stock’ beats Apple and Amazon — but not Bitcoin

Crypto horrors: Tales of lost Bitcoin wallets

In the shadowy corners of the digital world, where the glow of computer screens illuminates faces with eerie light, there exist tales of lost fortunes. These tales act as a terrifying reminder of the unpredictable nature and volatility present in the cryptocurrency markets and the need to adopt stringent security measures. 

1. James Howells . . . → Read More: Crypto horrors: Tales of lost Bitcoin wallets

No concerns over Bitcoin halving supply shock, says Bitvavo CEO

Supply and demand dynamics could mitigate concerns of a potential Bitcoin (BTC) market supply shock during the upcoming mining reward halving in 2024, according to Bitvavo CEO Mark Nuvelstijn.

The co-founder of the Netherlands-based cryptocurrency exchange weighed in on Bitcoin-related market movements in conversation with Cointelegraph during the European Blockchain Convention held in . . . → Read More: No concerns over Bitcoin halving supply shock, says Bitvavo CEO

‘I don’t own Bitcoin, but I should’ — Legendary investor Druckenmiller

Billionaire investor Stanley Druckenmiller praised Bitcoin (BTC) for establishing a “brand” over the last decade and a half, admitting that while he doesn’t own any Bitcoin, he ought to.

The billionaire shared his latest thoughts on Bitcoin in an Oct. 30 interview with hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones, where he made comparisons between . . . → Read More: ‘I don’t own Bitcoin, but I should’ — Legendary investor Druckenmiller

Crypto funds see largest weekly inflows in more than a year: CoinShares

Crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) saw their largest weekly inflows in more than a year, according to an Oct. 30 report from asset management platform CoinShares. Inflows were $326 million for the week ending Oct. 27, dwarfing the $66 million recorded over the previous week.

 Digital asset investment products saw inflows of US$326m, . . . → Read More: Crypto funds see largest weekly inflows in more than a year: CoinShares

Price analysis 10/30: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON

Bitcoin (BTC) price climbed by 15% last week and 10.45% the week before. The S&P 500 Index dropped 2.53% last week and 2.39% the week before. This shows that Bitcoin has decoupled from the S&P 500 Index in the short term and may chart its own course.

However, the path higher may not be . . . → Read More: Price analysis 10/30: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON

PancakeSwap adds portfolio manager function in partnership with Bril

Decentralized crypto exchange PancakeSwap now has portfolio manager functionality, according to an Oct. 30 announcement. The feature has been added in partnership with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Bril Finance.

The new feature allows PancakeSwap users to deposit tokens into single-asset vaults via the exchange’s user interface. Once the tokens are deposited, they go into . . . → Read More: PancakeSwap adds portfolio manager function in partnership with Bril

CME becomes second-largest Bitcoin futures exchange as open interest surges

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), a regulated derivatives exchange that lists Bitcoin (BTC) futures, now stands just behind Binance in terms of notional open interest to rank second in the list of BTC futures exchanges.

The CME’s open interest hit $3.58 billion on Oct. 30, pushing the regulated derivatives exchange platform to jump two . . . → Read More: CME becomes second-largest Bitcoin futures exchange as open interest surges

Bitcoin builder climbs Africa’s tallest mountain to raise awareness

A Bitcoin (BTC) educator based in Tanzania has scaled Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, financing the entire trip through Bitcoin and Nostr donations.

Kweks poses with a Bitcoin and NOSTR flag at the summit of Kilimanjaro. Source: X (formerly Twitter)

Kweks (not his real name) crowdfunded over $1,700 in Bitcoin (0.0018 BTC) to cover the . . . → Read More: Bitcoin builder climbs Africa’s tallest mountain to raise awareness

Singapore plans joint crypto pilots with Japan, Switzerland and UK

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the country’s central bank and financial regulator, is planning to start crypto-related cooperation with some European countries and Japan.

The MAS officially announced on Oct. 30 that it is partnering with the Financial Services Agency of Japan (FSA), the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and the . . . → Read More: Singapore plans joint crypto pilots with Japan, Switzerland and UK

Bitcoin price and energy use for mining highly correlated: UN report

Update: This article has been updated to highlight that the UN report referenced the Mora et al. 2018 paper, which overestimated the emissions of mining operations by including unprofitable mining rigs in their analysis.

A recent study conducted by the United Nations suggests a direct correlation between the price of Bitcoin (BTC) and . . . → Read More: Bitcoin price and energy use for mining highly correlated: UN report

Thailand’s KBank acquires crypto exchange business Satang

Thailand’s Kasikornbank — one of the largest banks in the country — is moving into the cryptocurrency industry by acquiring a majority stake in the local crypto exchange Satang.

Kasikornbank, also known as KBank, acquired 97% of shares in the operator of Thailand’s Satang crypto exchange, according to an announcement published on Oct. . . . → Read More: Thailand’s KBank acquires crypto exchange business Satang

First Bitcoin ETF trades $1.5B as GBTC ‘discount’ echoes $69K BTC price

Bitcoin (BTC) institutional investment vehicles are seeing a major volume boost as excitement over possible United States regulatory changes takes hold.

Data from resources, including Bloomberg, showed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and others nearing record weekly inflows.

BITO, GBTC trade $2.5 billion 

Hints that the U.S. might soon allow a Bitcoin spot price-based ETF . . . → Read More: First Bitcoin ETF trades $1.5B as GBTC ‘discount’ echoes $69K BTC price

Bitcoin-friendly El Salvador can become ‘Singapore of the Americas’ — VanEck adviser

El Salvador can follow Singapore’s lead and become a financial center in the Americas, according to Gabor Gurbacs, strategy adviser of investment management firm VanEck.

“I say often to portfolio managers and asset allocators that El Salvador has the potential to become the Singapore of the Americas,” Gurbacs explained in an Oct. 28 . . . → Read More: Bitcoin-friendly El Salvador can become ‘Singapore of the Americas’ — VanEck adviser

SBF takes the stand, ‘buy Bitcoin’ searches soar and other news: Hodler’s Digest, Oct. 22-28

Top Stories This Week Sam Bankman-Fried takes the stand on FTX’s collapse

Sam “SBF” Bankman-Fried testified this week in his ongoing criminal trial in the Southern District of New York, denying any wrongdoing between FTX and Alameda Research while acknowledging making “big mistakes” during the companies’ explosive growth. Highlights of his testimony include denying . . . → Read More: SBF takes the stand, ‘buy Bitcoin’ searches soar and other news: Hodler’s Digest, Oct. 22-28

Crypto Biz: BlockFi emerges from bankruptcy, Worldcoin halts USDC payments and more

Crypto lender BlockFi announced its emergence from insolvency this week, just a few days after FTX announced that it successfully reclaimed approximately $7 billion in assets. FTX debtors, comprising FTX and affiliates, estimate that $8.7 billion has been misappropriated from customers. BlockFi has lent FTX more than $650 million, making it one of . . . → Read More: Crypto Biz: BlockFi emerges from bankruptcy, Worldcoin halts USDC payments and more

Impersonation scams in crypto, explained

Understanding impersonation scams in crypto

In impersonation scams, fraudsters pretend to be reliable individuals, exchanges or services to trick users into sending cryptocurrencies or disclosing personal information.

In the context of cryptocurrencies, due to the pseudonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions and the level of relative secrecy they provide, impersonation scams are common. So, . . . → Read More: Impersonation scams in crypto, explained

Price analysis 10/27: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading above $33,600 for the past two days, indicating that the bulls are not rushing to the exit. After a sharp rally, if the price does not give up much ground, it may cause FOMO and ignite another round of buying.

That could push the markets further into overbought . . . → Read More: Price analysis 10/27: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

9 protocols criticize LayerZero’s wstETH token, claiming it’s ‘proprietary’

A new bridged token from cross-chain protocol LayerZero is drawing criticism from nine protocols throughout the Ethereum ecosystem. A joint statement from Connext, Chainsafe, Sygma, LiFi, Socket, Hashi, Across, Celer and Router on Oct. 27 called the token’s standard “a vendor-locked proprietary standard,” claiming that it limits the freedom of token issuers.

. . . → Read More: 9 protocols criticize LayerZero’s wstETH token, claiming it’s ‘proprietary’

Blockchain congestion and transaction queues actually deter ‘nefarious actors’: Study

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Mississippi recently published research indicating that blockchains with “full” blocks — especially when there’s a transaction queue — appear to have an added layer of protection against nefarious actors, money launderers and would-be fraudsters. 

Dubbed “Bitcoin Blocksize, Custodial Security, and Price,” the team’s paper . . . → Read More: Blockchain congestion and transaction queues actually deter ‘nefarious actors’: Study

Bitcoin beats S&P 500 in October as $40K BTC price predictions flow in

Bitcoin (BTC) surfed $34,000 at the Oct. 27 Wall Street open as attention turned to BTC price performance against macro assets.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView Bitcoin range faces weekly, monthly close

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD holding steady, preserving its early-week gains.

The largest cryptocurrency avoided significant volatility as . . . → Read More: Bitcoin beats S&P 500 in October as $40K BTC price predictions flow in

Crypto wallet Trezor looks into phishing campaign, exec says

Cryptocurrency hardware wallet provider Trezor is investigating a recent phishing campaign, as users have reported receiving phishing emails.

The anonymous blockchain sleuth ZachXBT took to his Telegram channel on Oct. 26 to alert users to a phishing attack targeting Trezor customers.

ZachXBT referred to an X (formerly Twitter) post from the account JHDN, which alleged . . . → Read More: Crypto wallet Trezor looks into phishing campaign, exec says

Fireblocks, UniPass Wallet tackle Ethereum ERC-4337 account abstraction vulnerability

Cryptocurrency infrastructure firm Fireblocks has identified and assisted in tackling what it describes as the first account abstraction vulnerability within the Ethereum ecosystem.

An announcement on Oct. 26 unpacked the discovery of an ERC-4337 account abstraction vulnerability in the smart contract wallet UniPass. The two firms worked together to address the vulnerability, which . . . → Read More: Fireblocks, UniPass Wallet tackle Ethereum ERC-4337 account abstraction vulnerability

Bitcoin restarting 2023 uptrend after 26% Uptober BTC price gains — Research

Bitcoin (BTC) is due to finish 2023 as it started, on-chain analytics firm Glassnode said, as October gains near 30%.

In the latest edition of its weekly newsletter, “The Week On-Chain,” released Oct. 24, researchers argued that the past week “sets the foundation” for a BTC price uptrend.

BTC price “convincingly” beats out resistance . . . → Read More: Bitcoin restarting 2023 uptrend after 26% Uptober BTC price gains — Research

Bitcoin price hits all-time highs across Argentina, Nigeria and Turkey

The price of Bitcoin (BTC) has notched new all-time highs against some of the world’s most inflationary fiat currencies.

Across 30 hours over Oct. 23 to 24, the cost of buying one Bitcoin has reached all time-highs when using the Argentine peso, Nigerian naira, Turkish lira, Laotian kip and the Egyptian pound.

#Bitcoin . . . → Read More: Bitcoin price hits all-time highs across Argentina, Nigeria and Turkey

Is Bitcoin overheated? Some believe the answer is hiding in PEPE

Could Bitcoin (BTC) be headed for an imminent pullback? Some crypto market observers believe the answer could be hiding within the price action of a frog-themed memecoin.

In an Oct. 27 post on X (formerly Twitter), Onchain Capital co-founder and Crypto Banter host Ran Neuner suggested that memecoin Pepe (PEPE) is a strong indicator . . . → Read More: Is Bitcoin overheated? Some believe the answer is hiding in PEPE

‘Buy Bitcoin’ search queries on Google surge 826% in the UK

Google searches for “buy Bitcoin” have surged worldwide amid a major crypto rally, with searches in the United Kingdom growing by more than 800% in the last week.

According to research from Cryptogambling.tv, the search term “buy Bitcoin” spiked a staggering 826% in the U.K. over the course of seven days.

Global search terms . . . → Read More: ‘Buy Bitcoin’ search queries on Google surge 826% in the UK

Australia’s $145M exchange scandal, Bitget claims 4th, China lifts NFT ban: Asia Express

Our weekly roundup of news from East Asia curates the industry’s most important developments.

Largest money laundering scandal in Australia unravels

Changjiang Currency Exchange, a money transmitter business based in Australia, has beenbustedin a 230 million Aussie dollar ($145 million) money laundering scandal.

On Oct. 26, a 300-strong police operation spanning Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, . . . → Read More: Australia’s $145M exchange scandal, Bitget claims 4th, China lifts NFT ban: Asia Express

Bitcoin is evolving into a multiasset network

For more than a decade, the primary narratives surrounding Bitcoin (BTC) have focused on its role as peer-to-peer digital cash and a store of value.

However, all indications suggest that we are witnessing a significant shift in this paradigm.

Since the beginning of 2023, one of the most discussed topics in the Bitcoin ecosystem . . . → Read More: Bitcoin is evolving into a multiasset network

UK passes bill to enable authorities to seize Bitcoin used for crime

Lawmakers in the United Kingdom have passed legislation allowing authorities to seize and freeze cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) if used for illicit purposes.

According to official data on the U.K.’s parliamentary acts website, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill is expected to receive royal assent on Oct. 26, meaning the bill would . . . → Read More: UK passes bill to enable authorities to seize Bitcoin used for crime

Bitmain to start shipping new Bitcoin Antminer T21 in January 2024

Bitmain, a major global manufacturer of Bitcoin (BTC) application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), has officially released its new air-cooled BTC miner, the Antminer T21.

Bitmain took to Twitter on Oct. 26 to announce the world premiere of the new Antminer T21, the firm’s new air-cooling miner that can withstand ambient temperatures up to 45 degrees . . . → Read More: Bitmain to start shipping new Bitcoin Antminer T21 in January 2024

Gary Gensler teases details of SEC’s $5B take from enforcement actions, shades crypto

United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler’s speech at the 2023 Securities Enforcement Forum shed light on the regulatory body’s enforcement actions amounting to $5 billion in judgments and orders. However, Gensler’s dig at the cryptocurrency market became a talking point for the crypto community on social media when he said: . . . → Read More: Gary Gensler teases details of SEC’s $5B take from enforcement actions, shades crypto

Hashing It Out: A case for Web3 social media, and is Friend.tech a security?

The Web3 industry continues its mission to disrupt the World Wide Web, and social media is one of its primary targets. In the 34th episode of Cointelegraph’s Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw interviews Ryan Li, co-founder of CyberConnect, about the concept of decentralized social media. 

Li kicks off the episode by . . . → Read More: Hashing It Out: A case for Web3 social media, and is Friend.tech a security?

Bitcoin price model expects $45K ‘phase’ to hit in November

Bitcoin (BTC) is on track to hit $45,000 in November as part of a classic BTC price cycle, popular analyst CryptoCon said.

In an X thread on Oct. 25, the Bitcoin price model creator turned his attention to one based on Fibonacci retracement levels.

Analyst: $45,000 next month is “possible” for Bitcoin

Bitcoin reaching . . . → Read More: Bitcoin price model expects $45K ‘phase’ to hit in November

Mastercard partners with crypto payment firm MoonPay for Web3 services

Global payment giant Mastercard continues exploring cryptocurrency benefits through a new collaboration with crypto payment platform MoonPay.

MoonPay officially announced on Oct. 25 a partnership with Mastercard aiming to jointly explore how Web3 tools can improve experiential marketing or find new ways to connect with Mastercard’s consumers.

The firm also took to X (formerly . . . → Read More: Mastercard partners with crypto payment firm MoonPay for Web3 services

Bitcoin dominance hits 54% — Highest in 2.5 years as BTC halving approaches

Bitcoin’s (BTC) market dominance has reached 54%, its highest in the last 30 months, indicating the top cryptocurrency is strengthening just before the halving event scheduled for April 2024.

The Bitcoin halving is an event in which the mining reward per block is halved, thus cutting the supply of the asset amid growing demand . . . → Read More: Bitcoin dominance hits 54% — Highest in 2.5 years as BTC halving approaches

How blockchain games fared in Q3, Unioverse & Immutable, Upland token on ETH: Web 3 Gamer

GTA and CoD veterans’ new studio collabs with Immutable

Web3 gaming ecosystem Immutable is helping Random Games join the blockchain gaming world. The studio was founded by veteran developers and storytellers from famous franchises, including Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Fortnite, Batman, Star Trek, The Walking Dead, Star Wars and South Park. The . . . → Read More: How blockchain games fared in Q3, Unioverse & Immutable, Upland token on ETH: Web 3 Gamer

FTX and Alameda linked wallets transfer $10M of crypto to exchanges in just 5 hours

Wallets linked to bankrupt crypto firms Alameda Research and FTX transferred over $10 million worth of cryptocurrency to exchange deposit accounts in five hours from Oct. 24 to 25, according to data from blockchain analytics platform Spot On Chain. The movement of these funds may indicate that the firms plan to sell some . . . → Read More: FTX and Alameda linked wallets transfer $10M of crypto to exchanges in just 5 hours

Price analysis 10/25: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

Bitcoin (BTC) easily soared above the $31,000 to $32,400 resistance zone on Oct. 23, which came as a suprise to many market participants. Usually, the price tends to consolidate or hesitate near stiff overhead resistance levels but that was not the case this time around.

Market participants are bullish as they anticipate a Bitcoin . . . → Read More: Price analysis 10/25: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, LINK, MATIC

Polygon launches POL token contract on Ethereum to eventually replace MATIC

Polygon Labs has launched the Ethereum contract for the new Polygon token, POL, according to an Oct. 25 announcement. The new token is intended to replace the ecosystem’s current token, MATIC (MATIC). However, the team said users presently don’t need to exchange their MATIC for POL.

The POL token upgrade is . . . → Read More: Polygon launches POL token contract on Ethereum to eventually replace MATIC

5050 Bitcoin for $5 in 2009: Helsinki’s claim to crypto fame

This “Crypto City” guide looks at Finland’s crypto culture: The most notable projects and people, its financial infrastructure, which retailers accept crypto, and where you can find blockchain education courses.

City: HelsinkiCountry: FinlandPopulation: 1.55 million Established: 1550Languages: Finnish and Swedish, with English widely spoken

Jump to: Crypto Culture, Where to spend crypto in Helsinki, . . . → Read More: 5050 Bitcoin for $5 in 2009: Helsinki’s claim to crypto fame

Game review: Immutable’s Guild of Guardians offers mobile dungeon adventures

From Oct. 9–20, Immutable invited playtesters to try out an early demo of its upcoming mobile game, Guild of Guardians.

Guild of Guardians was first announced in 2021. Its utility token, Guild of Guardians Gems (GOG), went up for sale in December 2021, raising over $5.3 million for the game’s development. In addition, over 800,000 . . . → Read More: Game review: Immutable’s Guild of Guardians offers mobile dungeon adventures

Telegram trading bot Maestro refunds users 610 ETH after router exploit

Maestrobots, a group of cryptocurrency bots on the Telegram messenger app, is refunding users in the aftermath of a 280 Ether (ETH) attack.

The Maestro team refunded the users affected by the Maestro Router 2 contract, the platform announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Oct. 25. According to the announcement, Maestrobots paid a . . . → Read More: Telegram trading bot Maestro refunds users 610 ETH after router exploit

BlackRock fined $2.5M by SEC for incorrect investment disclosure

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission has fined investment adviser BlackRock Advisors $2.5 million, accusing it of failing to accurately describe investments in the entertainment industry that comprised a significant portion of a publicly traded fund it managed.

According to the SEC’s filing, between 2015 and 2019, BlackRock Multi-Sector Income Trust (BIT) made sizeable investments . . . → Read More: BlackRock fined $2.5M by SEC for incorrect investment disclosure

‘This is the trigger’ — Arthur Hayes says it’s time to bet on Bitcoin

Bitcoin (BTC) faces a “trigger” moment that keeps a $1-million BTC price tag in play, one of its household names says.

In a blog post titled “The Periphery” released on Oct. 24, Arthur Hayes, former CEO of crypto exchange BitMEX, said that Bitcoin is already warning markets about the future.

“Global wartime inflation” to . . . → Read More: ‘This is the trigger’ — Arthur Hayes says it’s time to bet on Bitcoin

85% of crypto rug pulls in Q3 didn’t report audits: Hacken

Cryptocurrency rug pulls are not too difficult to spot by investors, as the majority of such scams usually share distinct and visible features, according to a new report.

Blockchain security auditor Hacken released its latest security insights report on Oct. 25, aiming to spot the trends in Q3 crypto hacks and evaluate how affected . . . → Read More: 85% of crypto rug pulls in Q3 didn’t report audits: Hacken

Crypto market sentiment at highest point since BTC’s $69K all-time high

Bitcoin (BTC) market sentiment has returned to levels not seen since its price reached $69,000 in mid-November 2021, according to the Crypto Fear & Greed Index.

The index is now at 72 out of a total possible score of 100, placing it within the “greed” ranking — a six-point increase from Oct. 24 and . . . → Read More: Crypto market sentiment at highest point since BTC’s $69K all-time high

No, ARK 21 Shares spot Bitcoin ETF is not listed on DTCC website

Despite swirling rumors on social media, ARK Invest’s spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF) does not appear to be listed on the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation’s (DTCC) website.

On Oct. 25, numerous high-profile crypto accounts on X (Twitter), including Mike Alfred, Bitcoin News, Simply Bitcoin, Crypto News Alerts and others, posted tweets and . . . → Read More: No, ARK 21 Shares spot Bitcoin ETF is not listed on DTCC website

dYdX publishes its open-source code in anticipation of phased mainnet launch

Crypto exchange dYdX has published the open-source code for its new Cosmos-based network of the same name, according to an Oct. 23 blog post. The new code includes the “protocol, order book, front-end, and more,” the post stated. The publication of the code is intended to pave the way for a mainnet launch, . . . → Read More: dYdX publishes its open-source code in anticipation of phased mainnet launch

Cathie Wood’s ARK sells Grayscale Bitcoin Trust shares as BTC hits $34K

Investment firm ARK is selling Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) shares amid a market surge fueled by anticipation of a spot BTC exchange-traded fund (ETF).

On Oct. 23, ARK — headed by pro-Bitcoin (BTC) investment veteran Cathie Wood — sold 100,739 GBTC shares ($2.5 million) from its ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW), according to a . . . → Read More: Cathie Wood’s ARK sells Grayscale Bitcoin Trust shares as BTC hits $34K

Bitcoin price surge sees significant asset outflow on crypto exchanges

Major crypto exchanges recorded a net outflow on Oct. 24 as the price of Bitcoin (BTC) briefly touched the $35,000 mark for the first time in a year. The movement of funds away from exchanges is considered a bullish sign, as it indicates traders are moving their assets away from exchanges to secure storage, . . . → Read More: Bitcoin price surge sees significant asset outflow on crypto exchanges

Stablecoin market escaping US regulatory oversight: Chainalysis

The United States government may be losing regulatory oversight of the stablecoin market, according to a new report by blockchain research firm Chainalysis.

Stablecoin activity has been increasingly occurring through entities that aren’t licensed in the United States, Chainalysis stated in its latest North America cryptocurrency report released on Oct. 23.

According to Chainalysis’ . . . → Read More: Stablecoin market escaping US regulatory oversight: Chainalysis

Bitcoin ETF hype fails to shake bearish $20K BTC price targets

Bitcoin (BTC) marched to 17-month highs on Oct. 24 as exchange-traded fund (ETF) excitement boosted already bullish BTC price action.

BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: TradingView Bitcoin ETF data listing hints at “time to shine”

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD hitting $35,198 on Bitstamp before consolidating.

This represented 17% gains since . . . → Read More: Bitcoin ETF hype fails to shake bearish $20K BTC price targets

Coinbase hoses down rumors of weekly withdrawal limits on Bitcoin

Crypto exchange Coinbase has refuted rumors that it had imposed a $5,000-per-week limit on Bitcoin (BTC) withdrawals after a user’s post claiming as such gained traction on social media.

An Oct. 24 post from a user on X (formerly Twitter) claimed that he’d been hit with a purported policy that restricted his withdrawals of . . . → Read More: Coinbase hoses down rumors of weekly withdrawal limits on Bitcoin

6 Questions for Adelle Nazarian on crypto, journalism and the future of Bitcoin

Adelle Nazarian is the top staffer at the American Blockchain PAC, where she serves as its CEO. But she has a long story to tell about her life prior to her time in the crypto industry — from her Persian roots to her career in journalism.

Nazarian, who worked as a freelance journalist after . . . → Read More: 6 Questions for Adelle Nazarian on crypto, journalism and the future of Bitcoin

Price analysis 10/23: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON

October is proving to be a solid month for Bitcoin (BTC), as its price is nearing the 2023 high at $31,805. Generally, major resistances are not cleared in the first instance, as the bears come out in full force to guard the level. Therefore, a minor dip is to be expected, but that should . . . → Read More: Price analysis 10/23: SPX, DXY, BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON

BTC price nears 2023 highs — 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week

Bitcoin (BTC) starts the last week of October in classic style as 3% BTC price gains take cryptocurrency markets higher.

In what could yet turn out to be a classic “Uptober” for Bitcoin and altcoins, BTC/USD is back near 2023 highs as a resistance battle brews. Can the bulls win?

That is the key . . . → Read More: BTC price nears 2023 highs — 5 things to know in Bitcoin this week

Crypto traders urge caution as Bitcoin price hits 3-month high near $31K

Bitcoin (BTC) hit new three-month highs on Oct. 23 as the week’s first Asia trading session produced snap gains.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView Bitcoin bulls face crunch BTC price resistance

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC price adding momentum to reach $30,944 on Bitstamp.

The largest cryptocurrency saw its first . . . → Read More: Crypto traders urge caution as Bitcoin price hits 3-month high near $31K

Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney can’t be Satoshi Nakamoto, new analysis suggests

Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney was competing in a 10-mile race when Satoshi Nakamoto was responding to emails and transacting on Bitcoin, newly surfaced evidence has revealed.

For years, it has been speculated that the late Hal Finney, a computer scientist, created Bitcoin (BTC). He was the first person besides Satoshi to download and . . . → Read More: Bitcoin pioneer Hal Finney can’t be Satoshi Nakamoto, new analysis suggests

Bitcoin price cracks $30K, possibly clearing a path for SOL, LINK, AAVE and STX

Bitcoin (BTC) had a good week with prices rising about 10% to reach the psychologically important level of $30,000. After the rally, the question troubling investors is whether the uptrend will continue or is time for a reversal to happen.

Trading team Stockmoney Lizards recently said that Bitcoin may soon break above its overhead . . . → Read More: Bitcoin price cracks $30K, possibly clearing a path for SOL, LINK, AAVE and STX

Lightning Network faces criticism from pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton

Lawyer and cryptocurrency supporter John Deaton has criticized the Lightning Network, deeming it less effective than the “Spend The Bits” protocol on the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Lightning is a layer-2 scaling solution for Bitcoin. It is designed to improve the scalability and efficiency of Bitcoin (BTC) transactions by enabling off-chain, peer-to-peer transactions.

In . . . → Read More: Lightning Network faces criticism from pro-XRP lawyer John Deaton

NY sues crypto firms, FTX’s Nishad faces 75 years in jail, and Grayscale’s new BTC filing: Hodler’s Digest, Oct. 15-21

Top Stories This Week Grayscale files for new spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca

Major cryptocurrency investment firm Grayscale Investments has filed a new application with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a new spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF). The new filing aligns with Grayscale’s ongoing effort to convert its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust . . . → Read More: NY sues crypto firms, FTX’s Nishad faces 75 years in jail, and Grayscale’s new BTC filing: Hodler’s Digest, Oct. 15-21

Bitcoin core developer steps back from Lightning Network over “hard dilemma”

Security researcher and developer Antoine Riard is stepping down from the Lightning Network’s development team, citing security issues and fundamental challenges to the Bitcoin ecosystem. 

According to a thread on the Linux Foundation’s public mailing list, Riard believes the Bitcoin community faces a “hard dilemma” as a new class of replacement cycling attacks . . . → Read More: Bitcoin core developer steps back from Lightning Network over “hard dilemma”

FTX clients face deceptive priority withdrawal scam

FTX users are reportedly being targeted in a withdrawal scam. X (formerly Twitter) user and FTX creditor advocate Sunil cautioned FTX account holders about the phishing scam and urged them to avoid clicking on dubious links.

Sunil’s X post highlights the ever-evolving tactics online scammers employ.

FTX users have reported receiving deceptive emails purportedly sent . . . → Read More: FTX clients face deceptive priority withdrawal scam

Base network launches 8-week training course for blockchain developers

On Oct. 20, the Ethereum layer-2 Base network announced that it’s launching an eight-week training course to turn traditional software developers into blockchain developers. Called “Base Bootcamp,” the new program doesn’t cost anything to attend. However, it’s designed for “mid to senior level Software Engineering individual contributors,” and students must fill out an . . . → Read More: Base network launches 8-week training course for blockchain developers

Busy week for Uniswap, and Platypus recovers 90% of hacked funds: Finance Redefined

Welcome to Finance Redefined, your weekly dose of essential decentralized finance (DeFi) insights — a newsletter crafted to bring you the most significant developments from the past week.

The past week in DeFi was dominated by developments in the popular decentralized exchange platform Uniswap after it announced a 0.15% swap fee starting on Oct. . . . → Read More: Busy week for Uniswap, and Platypus recovers 90% of hacked funds: Finance Redefined

Price analysis 10/20: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, DOT, MATIC

Bitcoin (BTC) rose above $30,000 on Oct. 20, indicating that the path of least resistance is to the upside. Grayscale Investments filing a new application with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission for a new spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) may have acted as a bullish trigger.

In other positive news for the . . . → Read More: Price analysis 10/20: BTC, ETH, BNB, XRP, SOL, ADA, DOGE, TON, DOT, MATIC

BTC price hits 2-month high amid bet Bitcoin will break $32K ‘soon’

Bitcoin (BTC) tapped $30,000 into the Oct. 20 Wall Street open as analysts directed attention to the weekly close.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView BTC price sets up weekly close showdown

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView captured new two-month BTC price highs of $30,233 on Bitstamp.

The pair showed continued strength during . . . → Read More: BTC price hits 2-month high amid bet Bitcoin will break $32K ‘soon’

Digital artist OSF gives fans a pledge of ‘art until I die’: NFT Creator

A self-proclaimed jack of all trades and master of none, OSF has become a prolific figure in the non-fungible token world in just over two years, trading his former life at Barclay’s to focus full-time on web3, his digital art pursuits, his PFP project Rekt Guy and living the life of a degen collector.

. . . → Read More: Digital artist OSF gives fans a pledge of ‘art until I die’: NFT Creator

Bitmain’s revenge, Hong Kong’s crypto rollercoaster: Asia Express

Our weekly roundup of news from East Asia curates the industry’s most important developments.

Bitmain allegedly fired staff after salary complaints

Bitcoin application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) mining manufacturer Bitmain has allegedly fired three of its employees for speaking to the media regarding the withholding of salary payments by their employer. 

According to local news reports on . . . → Read More: Bitmain’s revenge, Hong Kong’s crypto rollercoaster: Asia Express

Bitcoin eyes $30K, XRP price jumps 6% after Ripple’s legal victory

Bitcoin (BTC) passed $29,500 on Oct. 20 after an eventful 24 hours boosted BTC price trajectory, while XRP’s (XRP) price jumped above $0.50 in response to Ripple’s big legal win.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView Hawkish Fed’s Powell fails to dent BTC price

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView followed BTC/USD as it edged . . . → Read More: Bitcoin eyes $30K, XRP price jumps 6% after Ripple’s legal victory

EtherHiding: Why hackers may prefer Binance’s BNB Smart Chain

Despite the name “EtherHiding,” the new attack vector that hides malicious code in blockchain smart contracts doesn’t have much to do with Ethereum at all, cybersecurity analysts have revealed.

As reported by Cointelegraph on Oct. 16, EtherHiding has been discovered as a new way for bad actors to hide malicious payloads inside smart contracts, with . . . → Read More: EtherHiding: Why hackers may prefer Binance’s BNB Smart Chain

‘He broke his word’ — Ex-Consensys staff sue founder over employee equity deal

Over two dozen former employees of Ethereum infrastructure firm Consensys have filed a fresh lawsuit against the firm’s founder and CEO, Joseph Lubin, over claims he diluted employee equity shares against earlier promises.

The former staff allege that Lubin — who is also a co-founder of Ethereum — breached this “no-dilution promise” made in . . . → Read More: ‘He broke his word’ — Ex-Consensys staff sue founder over employee equity deal

Circle launches Web3 development platform for Web2 developers

Stablecoin issuer Circle has launched a new tool that it says will allow developers to “remove the complexity” of building Web3 apps, according to an announcement and accompanying social media post on October 19.

Called “Smart Contract Platform,” the new tool allows developers to deploy smart contracts using a set of pre-vetted . . . → Read More: Circle launches Web3 development platform for Web2 developers

Why the 2024 Bitcoin halving may play out differently than in the past

The impact of the Bitcoin halving on crypto prices is often overestimated, and the next halving, set for April 2024, may play out differently than previous ones — according to a leading analyst.

The halving event, which every four years cuts in half the rate by which new Bitcoin (BTC) is created, is . . . → Read More: Why the 2024 Bitcoin halving may play out differently than in the past

BTC price climbs above $28.6K as Bitcoin awaits ‘very dovish’ Fed Powell speech

Bitcoin (BTC) kept pressure on $28,500 after the Oct. 19 Wall Street open ahead of a key speech on United States economic policy.

BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView Lepard: Powell may flip “very dovish”

Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC price action gaining strength ahead of commentary by Jerome Powell, chair . . . → Read More: BTC price climbs above $28.6K as Bitcoin awaits ‘very dovish’ Fed Powell speech

Atomic Wallet freezes $2M in ‘suspicious deposits’ on exchanges

Hacked cryptocurrency wallet Atomic Wallet has frozen $2 million in “suspicious deposits” in a joint effort with major crypto exchanges.

Announcing the news to Cointelegraph on Oct. 19, Atomic Wallet said that blockchain intelligence firms Chainalysis and Crystal have assisted the wallet firm in identifying and containing the threat.

Citing reports from Chainalysis . . . → Read More: Atomic Wallet freezes $2M in ‘suspicious deposits’ on exchanges

Big Questions: What did Satoshi Nakamoto think about ZK-proofs?

From privacy coins to shiny iris-scanning orbs, zero-knowledge proofs have become synonymous with crypto, scalability and privacy.

In 2022, investors gave over $700 million in funding to companies pushing the envelope with zero-knowledge proofs. This year, ZK-proofs has arguably become one of the biggest blockchain trends, with several major Ethereum scaling protocols hitting mainnet.

. . . → Read More: Big Questions: What did Satoshi Nakamoto think about ZK-proofs?

What is the Pareto 80/20 rule, and how does it apply to cryptocurrencies?

The Pareto principle, explained

The Pareto principle emphasizes how crucial it is to identify key players, major cryptocurrency or influential projects.

According to the Pareto principle, commonly referred to as the 80/20 rule, roughly 80% of outcomes result from 20% of causes. Vilfredo Pareto, an economist from Italy, observed that 20% of the . . . → Read More: What is the Pareto 80/20 rule, and how does it apply to cryptocurrencies?

Bitcoin-centric AI language model aims to drive BTC education and adoption

“It’s good at answering Bitcoin- and economics-related questions — at least better than GPT-4,” Aleksandar Svetski told Cointelegraph at a bustling Bitcoin Amsterdam.

The entrepreneur, author and founder of Spirit of Satoshi, a novel artificial intelligence (AI) large language model (LLM), begins to unpack the arduous journey his small startup has undertaken to create . . . → Read More: Bitcoin-centric AI language model aims to drive BTC education and adoption

Grayscale files for new spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca

Major cryptocurrency investment firm Grayscale Investments has filed a new application with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a new spot Bitcoin (BTC) exchange-traded fund (ETF).

On Oct. 19, Grayscale submitted an S-3 form registration statement with the SEC, intending to list the shares of Grayscale Bitcoin Trust on the New . . . → Read More: Grayscale files for new spot Bitcoin ETF on NYSE Arca

Hodling hard: Bitcoin’s long-term investors own over 76% of all BTC for the first time

Bitcoin (BTC) is becoming scarcer than ever — whether you are a BTC price speculator or new to the market.

The latest data from on-chain analytics firm Glassnode shows a record portion of the available BTC supply is locked up in long-term storage.

Bitcoin long-term holder presence beats all-time highs

At more than 76%, . . . → Read More: Hodling hard: Bitcoin’s long-term investors own over 76% of all BTC for the first time

Coinbase selects Ireland as its European crypto hub

The United States-based cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is strengthening its presence in Europe and has officially announced Ireland as its European crypto hub of choice.

Coinbase has selected Ireland as the location for its European Union entity to comply with Europe’s major cryptocurrency regulatory framework, known as the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), the firm . . . → Read More: Coinbase selects Ireland as its European crypto hub