Monday, 30 November 2020
BitMEX Parent Names Höptner as New CEO
Höptner comes from Börse Stuttgart GmbH and Euwax AG, where he has been CEO since 2018.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitmex-parent-names-hoptner-as-new-ceo
Bitcoin Exchange Backed by Pomp, Song and Woo Removes Trading Fees to Contend With Coinbase, Gemini
Upstart crypto exchange LVL wants to take on U.S. giants by removing trading fees. The move comes as bitcoin touches new all-time highs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/lvl-bitcoin-exchange-no-trading-fees
Crypto Version of ‘Giving Tuesday’ Returns With 10X as Many Charities
While only 12 non-profits had signed up for the event last year, crypto donations platform The Giving Block said that over 120 such organizations will be taking part in this year.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/giving-tuesday-giving-block-bitgive
Coinbase Reports Delays in Processing Bitcoin Withdrawals Due to Network Congestion
The delays come on a day when the price of bitcoin surpassed its all-time high.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-reports-delays-in-processing-bitcoin-network-congestion
Market Wrap: Bitcoin All-Time High Tops Out at $19,850 as Ether Options Market Goes Mega-Bullish
A combination of volume, derivatives action and infrastructure improvements led bitcoin’s price to go where it hasn’t gone before. Ether is looking supremely bullish, too.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-tops-out-ether-options-mega-bullish
Riot, Marathon, Canaan See Record Monthly Share Gains as Bitcoin Clears All-Time High
Mining companies are soaring as bitcoin hits record highs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/riot-canaan-bitcoin-mining-november-returns-record
Bitcoin’s All-Time High Price Rally Is Sustainable. Analysts Explain Why
After bitcoin's price hit its previous all-time high in 2017, it fell. Analysts explain why the latest rally will be different.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/analysts-bitcoin-rally-sustainable
5 Reasons Why Bitcoin Just Hit an All-Time High Price
Growing investor interest, central bank money printing and PayPal's entree helped push bitcoin prices above their previous December 2017 record.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/five-reasons-why-bitcoin-just-hit-all-time-high-price
Bitcoin Trading Fees on PayPal, Robinhood, Cash App and Coinbase: What to Know
With bitcoin’s price hitting a new all-time high on Monday, retail investors will inevitably want to get in on the original crypto asset.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-trading-fees-on-paypal-robinhood-cash-app-and-coinbase-what-to-know
Stablecoins ‘Pose Serious Risks’ to Financial Security, ECB’s Lagarde Says
Stablecoins could "threaten financial security" if widely adopted, the ECB head said in a magazine interview.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ecb-christine-lagarde-stablecoins-pose-serious-risks
Bitcoin Hits a New All-Time High: What Happens Next?
Why a price surge is not only attracting a new cadre of institutional investors, but also producing the beginnings of a new set of FUD.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-hits-a-new-all-time-high-what-happens-next
US Justice Department Extradites Alleged Co-Founder of Crypto Ponzi Scheme From Panama
The accused, Gutemberg Dos Santos, has been charged in an indictment and was extradited from Panama on Nov. 25.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/doj-extradites-crypto-ponzi
Canaan Reports $12M Q3 Loss, Says There’s ‘Rebounding Demand’ for Mining Machines
Mining hardware manufacturer Canaan Creative reported a Q3 net loss of $12.7 million, or 54 cents per share, more than quadruple the size of Q2’s $2.38 million loss, or 10 cents per share.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/canaan-earnings-bitcoin-mining-q3-2020
Blockchain Bites: Bitcoin All-Time High Puts It on Pace for Highest Monthly Close
PLUS: Anonymous developers have forked a seemingly dead project to launch DeFi’s latest stablecoin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/blockchain-bites-bitcoin-kaspersky-ripple
Investment Giant AllianceBernstein Now Says Bitcoin Has Role in Investors’ Portfolios
The research arm of the New York-based asset manager now recommends bitcoin as part of an investment portfolio.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/investment-giant-alliancebernstein-now-says-bitcoin-has-role-in-investors-portfolios
Bitcoin Price Sets New Record High Above $19,783
After nearly three years of waiting, bitcoin investors can celebrate the cryptocurrency reaching a new record high.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-price-reaches-record-high
First Mover: You Call That a Record? Bitcoin’s November Gains Are 3x Stock Market’s
It's no longer really news when bitcoin outperforms traditional markets, but November could prove a crucial month for the largest cryptocurrency.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-you-call-that-a-record-bitcoins-november-gains-are-3x-stock-markets
Coronavirus-Induced Poverty Will Bring More Bitcoin Crime in 2021: Kaspersky Report
The cybersecurity specialist foresees a rise in crypto crime ahead in 2021, as the COVID-19 epidemic hits national economies.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coronavirus-induced-poverty-will-bring-more-bitcoin-crime-in-2021-kaspersky-report
Despite 12% Crash, Bitcoin Looks Set to Make Highest Monthly Close Ever
A record monthly close could be a harbinger of more profound price gains to come, according to analysts.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/despite-12-crash-bitcoin-looks-set-to-make-highest-monthly-close-ever
Bolivian Cattle Ranch Will Be Tokenized to Open Up Business to Investors
The token is being claimed as the first blockchain-based financial instrument in Switzerland to hold an International Securities Identification Number.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bolivia-coreledger-tokenization-finka-cattle
Ethereum Classic Activates Thanos Upgrade, Increasing Access for GPU Miners
The Thanos upgrade is aimed to allow more miner participation and thus increase security.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-classic-hard-forked-thanos-upgrade
Pizza Hut Venezuela Now Accepts Crypto Payments
The Venezuelan arm of the restaurant chain now accepts dash and bitcoin through CryptoBuyer.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/venezuela-pizza-hut-bitcoin-dash
Sunday, 29 November 2020
‘Basis Cash’ Launch Brings Defunct Stablecoin Into the DeFi Era
With Basis Cash, a team of anonymous developers is making what might be called a fork of a project that never launched.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/basis-cash-algorithmic-stablecoin-launch-defi-rick-morty
Crypto Long & Short: How Bitcoin Development Is Evolving – and What’s Behind It
Bitcoin price spikes grab headlines, but the asset's long-term value depends on its developers – and what drives them.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-protocol-development-incentives-diversity
Bilateral Saudi, UAE Digital Currency Experiment Shows Benefits of Distributed Ledgers, Central Banks Say
A joint Saudi and UAE CBDC pilot found that a distributed payment system offers “significant improvement over centralized payment systems.”
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bilateral-saudi-uae-digital-currency-experiment-shows-benefits-of-distributed-ledgers-central-banks-say
How Bitcoin Gets to $100,000
Another look at the bitcoin valuation models that could possibly lead to a six-figure bitcoin valuation over the course of the next year.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/how-bitcoin-100k
Saturday, 28 November 2020
Guggenheim Fund Files to Be Able to Invest Up to Almost $500M in Bitcoin Through GBTC
The Guggenheim Macro Opportunities Fund will now be able to invest up to 10% of its net asset value in the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/guggenheim-fund-files-to-be-able-to-invest-up-to-almost-500m-in-bitcoin-through-gbtc
Yearn Merges With Cover, DeFi Protocol’s 4th Deal in a Week
Yearn is “joining forces” with market coverage provider Cover, capping a busy week for the decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol.,
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/yearn-merges-with-cover-defi-protocols-4th-deal-in-a-week
What Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary Means for Bitcoin and Markets
NLW looks at price action in crypto, the ETH 2.0 Beacon chain launching Dec 1, the Dow at 30,000 and Janet Yellen’s nomination as Treasury secretary.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/janet-yellen-bitcoin-markets
Friday, 27 November 2020
Ripple Is Cashing Out a Third of Its Stake in Surging MoneyGram
It is its first such sale of MoneyGram stock since the startup invested in the remittance giant in 2019.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ripple-cashing-out-third-moneygram-stake
Curve Finance Votes to Disperse $3M in Fees to Governance Token Holders
The community vote was an exercise in decentralized governance for a protocol not unfamiliar with meeting community demands.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/curve-finance-fees-governance-token
Bitcoin’s Carnivore Cult Is Both Stupid and Correct
Do Bitcoin fans gravitate toward steak so often because they view themselves as cowboys, or because they’re just health-conscious?
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-carnivore-cult-both-stupid-and-correct
NYT Reveals Claims of ‘Racist or Discriminatory’ Treatment of Employees at Coinbase
The NYT critique of Coinbase’s internal diversity policies quotes former employees who complain of “racist or discriminatory” treatment.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/nyt-allegations-racist-discriminatory-treatment-employees-coinbase
ENCORE: Luke Gromen on the History and (Declining) Future of the Global Dollar System
As some start to wonder about a post-Bretton Woods economic system, macro analyst Luke Gromen explains how that post-World War II system came to be.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/luke-gromen-macro-history-global-dollar-system
Crypto Custodian Copper Aims to Bridge Gap Between DeFi and Traditional Finance With New Tool
The new tool, CopperConnect, covers the "DeFi lifecycle" as an asset moves from custody to smart contract and back.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/copper-defi-institutions
Industry Pros Weigh In on Rumors of New Crypto Wallet Regulations
From shorter consultations to insider comments, recent rumors about U.S. regulation of private crypto wallets have some compelling context.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-wallet-regulations-industry-pros
Bank of Russia Fields Banking Industry Concerns Over Digital Ruble Proposal
Russian banks fear being left out of the central bank's proposed digital currency system, according to a report.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bank-of-russia-fields-banking-industry-concerns-over-digital-ruble-proposal
Canada-Listed Investment Firm Sells All Its Ether, Monero to Buy More Bitcoin
Cypherpunk Holdings says it financed additional bitcoin purchases with the "full liquidation" of positions in monero and ether.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/canada-listed-investment-firm-sells-all-its-ether-monero-to-buy-more-bitcoin
Huobi-Branded Crypto Exchange Launches for Malaysian Market
Huobi Labuan said it's been licensed in Malaysia for a nine-month trial period of cryptocurrency spot and derivatives trading services.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/huobi-branded-crypto-exchange-launches-for-malaysian-market
Quick Bitcoin Price Recovery Looks in Doubt as Whales Move Coins Onto Exchanges
"Whales are transferring bitcoin to exchanges. The cryptocurrency may trade in a sideways-to-negative manner," said one analyst.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/quick-bitcoin-price-recovery-looks-in-doubt-as-whales-move-coins-onto-exchanges
Chinese Authorities Have Seized a Massive $4 Billion in Crypto From PlusToken Scam
Cryptocurrencies worth billions of dollars have been seized during the police crackdown on the PlusToken Ponzi scheme in China.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/chinese-authorities-have-seized-a-massive-4-billion-in-crypto-from-plustoken-scam
Crypto Exchange Upbit Brings in Withdrawal Delay in Bid to Tackle Fraudsters
The South Korea-based exchange has announced a 24-hour cryptocurrency withdrawal delay in an effort to protect user accounts from malicious attacks.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-exchange-upbit-brings-in-withdrawal-delay-in-bid-to-tackle-fraudsters
China’s Xi Asks ASEAN Nations to Join in Building of ‘Digital Silk Road’
Xi Jinping pushed for digitally enhanced trade among Southeast Asian nations in a keynote at the China-ASEAN Expo on Friday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/chinas-xi-asks-asean-nations-to-join-in-building-of-digital-silk-road
Thursday, 26 November 2020
Facebook-Led Libra Plans Dollar-Pegged Stablecoin Launch in January 2021: Report
Libra might eventually get off the ground as early as January albeit in a more limited format.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/facebook-libra-stablecoin-january-2021
Blockchain Bites: Ethereum 2.0 Deposit Contract Fully Loaded, IRS Sends Befuddling Letters – Again
More than 500,000 ETH have been locked into Ethereum 2.0's deposit contract, kick-starting the network's major, multi-year development phase.
via Search Results for “ripple” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-irs-bitcoin
Cypherpunk, Crypto Anarchy and How Bitcoin Lost the Narrative
The crypto industry tends to give "cypherpunk" vibes a great deal of lip service without much attention to their real values.
via Search Results for “ripple” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/cypherpunk-crypto-anarchy-and-how-bitcoin-lost-the-narrative
XRP Price Surges to 2-Year High as Airdrop Frenzy Builds
The December airdrop of 45 billion spark tokens may be fueling XRP's rapid climb to two-year highs, say analysts.
via Search Results for “ripple” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/xrp-price-surges-to-2-year-high-as-airdrop-frenzy-builds
XRP Rises More Than 30% as Altcoins Piggyback on Bitcoin’s Wave
The native asset of the XRP ledger has surged to 16-month highs.
via Search Results for “ripple” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/xrp-rises-more-than-30-as-altcoins-surf-bitcoins-wave
Previously Unpublished Emails of Satoshi Nakamoto Present a New Puzzle
The emails between Satoshi and Hal Finney come from Bitcoin’s earliest days. They show how closely the cryptocurrency’s creator collaborated with early supporters at the time.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/satoshi-nakamoto-hal-finney-emails
Schmuck Insurance
A reading of one of the most enduring early investor arguments for bitcoin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/schmuck-insurance-bitcoin-chamath-palihapitiya
Yes, You Can Spend Your Bitcoin This Black Friday
"Hodling bitcoin is still important, but to support a circular economy, we need both sides going.” Bitcoin Black Friday aims to do just that.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/yes-you-can-spend-your-bitcoin-this-black-friday
3 Reasons Bitcoin Crashed By $3,000 (And Why It’s Still Bullish)
Here's three main factors behind Thursday's bitcoin price crash.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/3-reasons-bitcoin-crashed-by-3000-and-why-its-still-bullish
Coinbase Goes Down Again as Bitcoin Price Dips
Leading cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase and thousands of other platforms on the internet reported recurring interrupted service and pointed the finger at cloud provider Amazon Web Services, which experienced an outage.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-others-go-down-as-amazon-web-services-outage-takes-down-swath-of-internet
Coinbase Preemptively Rebuts Unpublished New York Times Expose
The letter pushes back at an unpublished article Coinbase says will allege Black employees had "negative experiences" while with the firm.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-new-york-times-black-employees
Forget Boat Races, Oxford and Cambridge Students Are Competing at Crypto Trading
Students from both universities will take part in an algorithmic trading competition hosted by investor analytics firm APEX:E3.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/forget-boat-races-oxford-and-cambridge-students-will-soon-compete-to-trade-bitcoin
Lithuania Makes Millions in First Sale of Seized Cryptocurrency
The sale of bitcoin, ether and monero brought in €6.4 million, or $7.5 million.
via Search Results for “Monero” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/lithuania-makes-millions-in-first-sale-of-seized-cryptocurrency
Blockchain Bites: XRP’s Rally, Chainalysis’ $1B Valuation, Bitcoin’s Volatility in Perspective
The U.S. government uses USDC to bypass Venezuelan blockades. Chainalaysis eyes a $100 million raise. BTC is less volatile than 22% of S&P500 stocks, VanEck finds.
via Search Results for “Monero” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-chainalysis-bitcoin-volatility
First Mover: Near Record Highs, Bitcoin May Have a Volatile Week
Bitcoin prices are near all-time high, while its one-month implied volatility metric has jumped to four-month highs.
via Search Results for “Monero” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-near-record-highs-volatile-week
CipherTrace Says Homeland Security Work Gave Rise to Monero-Tracking Patent Filings
CipherTrace has filed two patent applications it claims offer technologies that could help authorities in tracking monero transactions.
via Search Results for “Monero” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ciphertrace-monero-cryptocurrency-payments-tracing-dhs
Russian Prime Minister Pledges to ‘Civilize’ Crypto Market and Prevent Scams
Changes to the law will bring Russia's crypto users more protections against fraud, said Mikhail Mishustin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/russian-prime-minister-pledges-to-civilize-crypto-market-and-prevent-scams
Swiss Digital Asset Bank Sygnum Launches Blockchain Alternative to Stock Exchanges
The Swiss-licensed firm has launched a tokenization service and a trading platform, offering, it says, real-time settlement.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/swiss-digital-asset-bank-sygnum-launches-blockchain-alternative-to-stock-exchanges
OKEx Sees Biggest Bitcoin Outflow for 6 Months Soon After Resuming Withdrawals
About 2,822 bitcoins were moved from OKEx within 15 minutes of withdrawals restarting.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-sees-biggest-bitcoin-outflow-for-6-months-soon-after-resuming-withdrawals
OKEx Resumes Withdrawals 5 Weeks After Freeze
The cryptocurrency exchangeis now reopening withdrawals five weeks after services were suspended due to a missing key holder.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-resumes-withdrawals-5-weeks-after-freeze
Wednesday, 25 November 2020
Bitcoin Price Drops $1,000 Before Recovering in Sharpest Sell-Off in 3 Weeks
Bitcoin fell more than $1000 dollars, it's sharpest decline in almost three weeks, as panic gripped the markets.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-drops-1000-sharpest-decline-3-weeks
Coinbase CEO: Trump Administration May ‘Rush Out’ Burdensome Crypto Wallet Rules
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly voiced concern that the outgoing Trump Administration may ram through onerous new data-collection requirements for crypto exchanges.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-ceo-trump-administration-may-rush-out-burdensome-crypto-wallet-rules
Market Wrap: Bitcoin Loses Momentum at $19.4K; Ethereum Fees Increasing
Bitcoin’s price rise stalled out just before hitting $19,500 Wednesday. The Ethereum network’s fees are in an upswing.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-loses-momentum-ethereum-fees-increasing
Galaxy Digital Bitcoin Funds Raise $59M as Institutional Cash Flows In
Galaxy Digital's institutional bitcoin fund raised an average of $1.6 million from its 33 unnamed investors.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/galaxy-digital-bitcoin-funds-institutional
The Most Bullish Bitcoin Arguments for Your Thanksgiving Table
This year, come prepared to explain the asset that has everyone from famous financiers to political dissidents talking about a money revolution.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-arguments-thanksgiving-table
Blockchain Infrastructure Firm BSN Adds Polkadot, Oasis, Bityuan to Network
China’s state-sanctioned blockchain infrastructure provider BSN is adding cross-chain protocol Polkadot, decentralized cloud data startup Oasis and China-based project Bityuan to its network.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bsn-polkadot-oasis-bityuan
Despite New Incentives to Stay, Some of OKEx’s Chinese Users Are Determined to Leave
Some OKEx's users in China are determined to leave the exchange despite new incentives designed to keep them.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-china-users-leaving
Some Are Calling All-Time Highs for Bitcoin. Here’s Why CoinDesk Hasn’t Yet
In a fragmented global market, price quotes are all over the place. That's why CoinDesk created the Bitcoin Price Index (BPI) and is standing by it.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-price-index-all-time-highs
How to Answer Your Family’s Bitcoin Questions This Thanksgiving
With bitcoin in sight of its all-time high, your no-coiner family and friends are sure to be full of questions this holiday season. CoinDesk has the answers you need, courtesy of a few well-placed friends.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/how-to-answer-your-familys-bitcoin-questions-this-thanksgiving
Long in China’s Shadow, the US Is Becoming a Bitcoin Mining Power Again
Following a string of investments, miners are increasingly optimistic about prospects for the U.S. market in 2021.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/us-becoming-bitcoin-mining-power-again
Blockchain Bites: Coinbase Cuts Margin Trading, Binance Sweeps US Clients, OKEx Offers Rebates
Coinbase has also changed the way it will alert clients to relevant tax information.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-margin-trading-binance-pickle
‘Bypass’ Attack in Coldcard Bitcoin Wallet Could Trick Users Into Sending Incorrect Funds
Bitcoin hardware wallet Coldcard is fixing a flaw that could trick users into sending bitcoin on mainnet when they meant to use its testnet.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coldcard-bitcoin-wallet-bypass-attack-trick-users
First Mover: Why Bitcoin Isn’t a Replacement for Gold Just Yet
Bitcoin's price is approaching a new all-time high, but bitcoin is not yet the replacement for gold many think.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-is-not-gold-just-yet
Libra Association Taps Saumya Bhavsar as General Counsel for Payments Subsidiary
Bhavsar joins the Libra Association after 25 years in public- and private-sector banking regulation roles.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/saumya-bhavsar-libra-general-couns
Square Agrees to Buy Credit Karma’s Tax Preparation Service for $50M
Cash App will make the DIY tax-prep software available for free to its 30 million monthly users.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/square-buys-credit-karma-tax
VanEck Launches Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Note on Deutsche Boerse
The VanEck Vectors Bitcoin ETN is now trading on the trading on the Deutsche Boerse Xetra.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/vaneck-launches-bitcoin-exchange-traded-note-on-deutsche-boerse
US Intelligence Chief Raises Concerns With SEC Over China’s Crypto Dominance: Report
U.S. intelligence chief John Ratcliffe was reportedly seeking clearer regulation around digital currency.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/us-intelligence-chief-raises-concerns-with-sec-over-chinas-crypto-dominance-report
In India, a Clash of Digital Innovation and Internet Censorship
Among democracies, the Indian government tends to shut down the internet most frequently. Can crypto thrive in this environment?
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/india-clash-innovation-censorship
Bitcoin Options Market Suggests Investors Preparing for All-Time High
Options investors appear to be eyeing more gains for the top cryptocurrency, which is now just 2.8% below a record high.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-options-market-suggests-investors-preparing-for-all-time-high
Russian Hospitalized After Bitcoin Mining Farm Sets Apartment on Fire
A poorly managed mining farm in St. Petersburg, Russia, set an apartment on fire and injured the operator, according to a report.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/russian-hospitalized-after-mining-farm-sets-apartment-on-fire
South Korea May Delay Implementation of 20% Crypto Tax Till 2022
The National Assembly is pushing for a delay to the tax proposal to allow exchanges more time to prepare.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/south-korea-may-delay-implementation-of-20-crypto-tax-till-2022
Australia and Singapore to Trial ‘Paperless’ Trade Using Blockchain Technology
Australia's border agency will trial blockchain solutions aimed at simplifying cross-border trade with Singapore.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/australia-singapore-cross-border-trade-blockchain
Digital Yen Would Make Crypto Markets ‘More Lively,’ Says CEO of Monex Group
Oki Matsumoto said a central bank digital currency would make it easier to convert cryptocurrency into legal tender.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/monex-ceo-japan-cbdc-yen-cryptocurrency-trading
BIS Paper Says There’s Potential to Embed Regulation Into Stablecoin Systems
The need to regulate global stablecoins like Libra doesn't mean authorities can't embrace innovation, according to according to a BIS working paper.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bis-monitor-stablecoins-regulation-payments
Tuesday, 24 November 2020
XRP Rises More Than 30% as Altcoins Piggyback on Bitcoin’s Wave
The native asset of the XRP ledger has surged to 16-month highs.
via Search Results for “ripple” – CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/xrp-rises-more-than-30-as-altcoins-surf-bitcoins-wave
BitMEX Founder’s Charges Highlight Risks for DeFi
The case against BitMEX, an offshore crypto trading platform, has regulatory implications for the burgeoning DeFi market.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitmex-risks-for-defi
Binance Ramps Up Crackdown on US Users, Giving Them 14 Days to Withdraw Funds
Binance is giving U.S. users 14 days to withdraw funds before their accounts are shuttered.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/binance-ramps-up-crackdown-on-us-users-giving-them-14-days-to-withdraw-funds
Yearning for Pickle? Two DeFi Protocols Merge
Pickle Finance was recently hit by an exploit in which $19.7 million in DAI was lost.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/yearning-for-pickle-two-defi-protocols-merge
OKEx to Resume Withdrawals Before Nov. 27, Offers New Compensation Programs
OKEx will compensate those users who have been frustrated by its suspension on withdrawal service.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-to-resume-withdrawals-before-nov-27-offers-new-compensation-programs
Lyn Alden on Money Printing, Bitcoin and the End of an 80-Year Debt Cycle
One of the sharpest analysts in macroeconomics looks at how monetary and fiscal policy are likely to change in the coming years.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/lyn-alden-money-printing-bitcoin-80-year-debt-cycle
In Her Own Words: Here’s What Janet Yellen Has Said About Bitcoin
Janet Yellen wasn’t a fan of bitcoin when she ran the Fed. Her views as Treasury Secretary may shape crypto regulation over the next four years.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/janet-yellen-bitcoin
Blockchain Bites: Ethereum 2.0 Deposit Contract Fully Loaded, IRS Sends Befuddling Letters – Again
More than 500,000 ETH have been locked into Ethereum 2.0's deposit contract, kick-starting the network's major, multi-year development phase.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-irs-bitcoin
First Mover: Why Is Bitcoin’s Price Rising? Here Are a Few Possible Answers
Bitcoin's price is approaching a new all-time high and there are a few reasons why it has been performing so well.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-why-is-bitcoins-price-rising-here-are-a-few-possible-answers
Ethereum 2.0’s Genesis Day Is Officially Set for Dec. 1
The biggest update in Ethereum’s history will officially begin its first phase on December 1 when the Ethereum 2.0 Beacon chain goes live.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-2-0-launch-genesis-day-dec-1
IDEX Plants a Flag for a Multichain Future, Beginning With Binance Chain and Polkadot
Every holder of IDEX’s Ethereum tokens will get an equivalent number of exchange tokens for each of the new chains.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/idex-binance-smart-chain-polkadot
Lithuania Makes Millions in First Sale of Seized Cryptocurrency
The sale of bitcoin, ether and monero brought in €6.4 million, or $7.5 million.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/lithuania-makes-millions-in-first-sale-of-seized-cryptocurrency
Square, Human Rights Foundation Back New Bitcoin Open-Source Developer Fund
Veteran Bitcoin developer John Newbery just launched a new, independent organization for funding Bitcoin's open source developer community.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-developer-john-newbery-brink-open-source-fund-square-hrf
CoinDesk Is Spinning Up an Ethereum 2.0 Node. Here’s How to Follow Our Journey
CoinDesk just snagged a front-row seat to a seminal event in the crypto industry. Ticket price: 32 ETH.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-2-validator-node-valid-points-newsletter
Cypherpunk, Crypto Anarchy and How Bitcoin Lost the Narrative
The crypto industry tends to give "cypherpunk" vibes a great deal of lip service without much attention to their real values.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/cypherpunk-crypto-anarchy-and-how-bitcoin-lost-the-narrative
Gazprombank Switzerland Executes First Bitcoin Trades, Announces Payments Initiative
The regulated Swiss bank said it is working on developing a standard for cryptocurrency payments between members of the OpenVASP association.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/gazprombank-switzerland-bitcoin-transactions-payments
Binance to List Options Contracts for Litecoin
Binance said user demand prompted the new listing.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/binance-to-list-options-contracts-for-litecoin
Australian Investment Group With Billions in AUM Starts Investing in Bitcoin Futures
A Pendal Group executive likened bitcoin to a "cockroach" with financial staying power.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/asx-fund-manager-bitcoin-cockroach
Bitcoin Breaks $19K, New All-Time High Seems Imminent
Bitcoin, the world's No.1 cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has breached the $19,000 level.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-breaks-19k
XRP Price Surges to 2-Year High as Airdrop Frenzy Builds
The December airdrop of 45 billion spark tokens may be fueling XRP's rapid climb to two-year highs, say analysts.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/xrp-price-surges-to-2-year-high-as-airdrop-frenzy-builds
Crypto.com Takes Steps Toward Financial Licensure in Malta
The Hong Kong-based crypto firm received preliminary approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) for two financial licenses.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-com-malta-financial-services-authority
Monday, 23 November 2020
Eth 2.0 Deposit Contract Secures Enough Funds to Launch
The smart contract required for triggering Ethereum 2.0 has enough funds to begin activation of its most ambitious upgrade yet.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/eth-2-0-deposit-contract-secures-enough-funds-to-launch
IRS Again Warns Crypto Investors They Under-Reported Gains
For the second year in a row, the IRS is telling crypto investors they under-reported crypto gains. But there may false alarms again.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/2020-irs-tax-letters
Aquaculture Firm Completes Australia’s First IPO Raise Using Cryptocurrency
Almost 90% of West Coast Aquaculture's $3.6 million capital raise was via the stablecoin tether.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/australia-fintech-capital-raise-tether-country-first
Ethereum 2.0 Deposit Contract Is 75% Funded Ahead of Dec. 1 Soft Launch
The smart contract required for triggering Ethereum 2.0 has nearly accrued enough funds to activate the momentous upgrade.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-2-0-deposit-contract-75-launch
OKEx’s Withdrawal Suspension Isn’t Behind Bitcoin’s Rally: Analysts
Bitcoin’s price has been up dramatically since OKEx's crypto withdrawal service suspension, yet it's not behind the price rally.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okexs-withdrawal-suspension-bitcoin-rally
Market Wrap: Bitcoin Briefly Drops Below $18K While ETH Uncouples From BTC
Bitcoin’s price is gyrating Monday while ether targets the moon.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-drops-below-18k-eth-uncouples
Biden to Tap Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary
Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen will be tapped to run the Treasury Department, where she will oversee federal agencies that impact crypto.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/janet-yellen-treasury
More Institutions Are Buying Bitcoin, Say JPMorgan Analysts
In their “Flows & Liquidity” report, JP Morgan analysts say institutions are piling into bitcoin at a stronger pace this quarter than they were in Q3 and may have a bigger role in price movement than quantitative traders.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/jpmorgan-analysts-bitcoin-institutional-buyers
A Bitcoin Shortage? PayPal and Cash App Buying More Than 100% of New Supply
When demand from these two sources alone exceeds the entire supply of newly minted bitcoins, expect serious supply pressure to follow.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-shortage-paypal-cashapp
Privacy, Power, Fiscal Policy, the Poor: 4 Reasons to Worry About CBDCs
As central banks everywhere gear up to launch digital currencies, it's time to consider the possible downsides.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/4-reasons-to-worry-about-cbdcs
New GnosisDao Bets on ‘Futarchy,’ a Prediction-Market Governance Model
The newly launched GnosisDAO will allow Gnosis users to vote on platform governance and development.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/gnosis-dao-futarchy-prediction-markets-governance
Blockchain Bites: XRP’s Rally, Chainalysis’ $1B Valuation, Bitcoin’s Volatility in Perspective
The U.S. government uses USDC to bypass Venezuelan blockades. Chainalaysis eyes a $100 million raise. BTC is less volatile than 22% of S&P500 stocks, VanEck finds.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-chainalysis-bitcoin-volatility
First Mover: Near Record Highs, Bitcoin May Have a Volatile Week
Bitcoin prices are near all-time high, while its one-month implied volatility metric has jumped to four-month highs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-near-record-highs-volatile-week
Latin America’s Big Blockchain Opportunity
Decentralizing the financial sector and putting trust in distributed ledgers means less reliance on the continent's corrupt intermediaries.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/latin-americas-big-blockchain-opportunity
PayPal CEO Schulman Say He’s Bullish on Bitcoin as a Currency
Schulman spoke about the fall of cash, the rise of bitcoin and the institutional traders taking note of both.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/paypal-dan-schulman-bitcoin
Law Enforcement Agencies Are Missing Forked Cryptos in Criminal Seizures: Research
Blockchain analytics company Coinfirm said authorities are "ignoring" criminals' stockpiles of cryptocurrencies that forked from bitcoin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/law-enforcement-agencies-are-missing-forked-cryptos-in-criminal-seizures-research
Bitcoin Faces Volatility Rise as Futures Market Shows Signs of Overheating
The bitcoin perpetual futures "funding rate" has shot up, suggesting the market may be overleveraged to the bullish side.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-faces-volatility-rise-as-futures-market-shows-signs-of-overheating
CipherTrace Says Homeland Security Work Gave Rise to Monero-Tracking Patent Filings
CipherTrace has filed two patent applications it claims offer technologies that could help authorities in tracking monero transactions.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ciphertrace-monero-cryptocurrency-payments-tracing-dhs
China Construction Bank Pulls Planned Listing of Bitcoin-Tradable Bond
The "Big Four" Chinese bank has suspended the listing of a $3 billion bond issuance that was intended to be tradable for bitcoin and U.S. dollars.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/china-construction-bank-pulls-planned-listing-of-bitcoin-tradable-bond
John Lennon’s Son Says Bitcoin ‘Empowers’ People Like Never Before
Sean Ono Lennon praised bitcoin for its ability to help individuals transcend politics and world events.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/john-lennons-son-says-bitcoin-empowers-people-like-never-before
China to Hold Second Lottery Trial of the Digital Yuan
A lottery in Suzhou will additionally trial the offline feature of the digital yuan, per a Monday report.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/china-to-hold-second-lottery-trial-of-the-digital-yuan
China to Hold Second Lottery Trial of the Digital Yuan
A lottery in Suzhou will additionally trial the offline feature of the digital yuan, per a Monday report.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/china-to-hold-second-lottery-trial-of-the-digital-yuan
Sunday, 22 November 2020
Crypto Long & Short: 4 Metrics That Show How the Current Bitcoin Rally Is Different From 2017
The current bitcoin bull run is indeed different from three years ago, though that doesn't mean we won't see another peak-and-trough cycle.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-rally-2020-vs-2017
NFT Painting of Buterin in Harlequin Garb Sets Record in Weekend Crypto Art Sale
"EthBoy," created by Trevor Jones and Alotta Money sold for 260 ETH, setting records for the highest dollar value of a cryptographic painting to date.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/nft-painting-of-buterin-in-harlequin-garb-sets-record-in-weekend-crypto-art-sale
Bitcoin Shortage? Pantera Thinks Market Rally Driven by PayPal Buys
PayPal’s recent leap into the crypto market is helping to drive the current bitcoin (BTC) rally, according to Pantera, a prominent cryptocurrency and blockchain investment firm. In an investor letter published Nov. 20, the venture firm compared the ongoing bull market to the last time BTC rose above $18,000, three years ago. “Previously the friction to […]
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-shortage-pantera-thinks-market-rally-driven-by-paypal-buys
DeFi Protocol Pickle Finance Token Loses Almost Half Its Value After $19.7M Hack
Popular decentralized finance protocol Pickle Finance was hacked on Saturday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/defi-protocol-pickle-finance-token-loses-almost-half-its-value-after-19-7m-hack
Hacked Crypto Exchange KuCoin Resumes Deposit, Withdrawal Services for All Tokens
The digital asset exchange that was hacked to the tune of $281 million in September said it's restored the deposit and withdrawal services of all tokens.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/kucoin-recovering-from-hack-resumes-deposit-withdrawal-services-for-all-tokens
Bitcoin ETF Time? What SEC Chairman Jay Clayton Stepping Down Means for Markets
Jay Clayon is stepping down as chairman of the Securities Exchange Commission. Here’s what that means for crypto and traditional markets.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/sec-jay-clayton-exit-markets-etf
GoDaddy Employees Tricked Into Transferring Control of Crypto Firm Domains: Report
Cryptocurrency trading platform liquid.com and crypto mining firm NiceHash were two of at least six firms that had control of their domains briefly transferred.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/godaddy-employees-tricked-into-transferring-control-of-crypto-firm-domains-report
Saturday, 21 November 2020
Pantera Raises $134M for Its Bitcoin Fund
Formed in 2013, Pantera’s bitcoin fund was the first U.S.-based bitcoin fund.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/pantera-raises-134m-for-its-bitcoin-fund
China’s Xi Asks G20 Countries to Be ‘Open and Accommodating’ to CBDCs
In a wide-ranging speech, Xi said that the G20 group “needs to discuss developing standards and principles for central bank digital currencies.”
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/chinas-xi-asks-g20-countries-to-be-open-and-accommodating-to-cbdcs
Crypto Assets in South Africa Would Be Considered Financial Products Under Regulator Proposal
If implemented the declaration would require crypto firms in South Africa to register as a financial services provider.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-assets-in-south-africa-would-be-considered-financial-products-under-regulator-proposal
Coinbase Has Raked in $14B in New Institutional Assets Since April
Coinbase is now measuring new capital coming in for bitcoin in the billions, according to the firm's head of institutional coverage.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-has-raked-in-14b-in-new-institutional-assets-since-april
What Do Mexico’s Second Wealthiest Billionaire and Arya Stark Have In Common?
Recapping a wild week in bitcoin price action that has drawn out numerous previously-quiet HODLers.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mexico-billionaire-arya-stark-bitcoin
XRP Rises More Than 30% as Altcoins Piggyback on Bitcoin’s Wave
The native asset of the XRP ledger has surged to 16-month highs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/xrp-rises-more-than-30-as-altcoins-surf-bitcoins-wave
Friday, 20 November 2020
US Regulator Seeks End to Bank Deplatforming of ‘Disfavored’ Industries (Like Crypto)
Call it the CPR for Operation Choke Point.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/us-regulator-seeks-end-to-bank-deplatforming-of-disfavored-industries-like-crypto
Bitcoin Miner Riot Blockchain Ends Week Up 50% After Tapping Two-Year Highs
Shares of the mining company surged to $6.60 Friday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-miner-riot-blockchain-ends-week-up-50-after-tapping-two-year-highs
Market Wrap: Bitcoin Hits $18.8K as Total Crypto Locked in DeFi Passes $14B
Bitcoin is testing $19,000 as DeFi hits another milestone in total crypto locked.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-hits-18-8k-defi-passes-14b
Central Bankers, Experts Outline Possible Scenarios for CBDC Adoption
Central bank digital currencies can have broad implications for the global balance of power, experts say.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/cbdcs-implications-for-politics-privacy
10 Metrics Where Bitcoin Has Already Hit New All-Time Highs
While we haven’t achieved the elusive $20,000 spot price all-time high yet, these other metrics show where bitcoin has grown far beyond previous peaks.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/metrics-bitcoin-all-time-highs
US Government Enlists USDC for ‘Global Foreign Policy Objective’ in Venezuela: Circle CEO
The U.S. government is sending USDC payments to Venezuela using Circle and Airtm to bypass Nicolas Maduro, the nation's dictator.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/circle-usdc-venezuela-airtm
Chainalysis Sees Raising $100M in Venture Capital at $1B Valuation: Report
Cryptocurrency investigation firm Chainalysis expects to raise $100 million venture capital at a $1 billion valuation as early as next week, the company told Forbes.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/chainalysis-sees-raising-100m-in-venture-capital-at-1b-valuation-report
MicroStrategy Wants to Be in the Bitcoin Business, Not Just an Investor
MicroStrategy executives are on the hunt for blockchain experts who could help the publicly traded firm build a suite of bitcoin data services.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/microstrategy-wants-to-be-in-the-bitcoin-business-not-just-an-investor
Blockchain Bites: BlockRock Exec Says Bitcoin Is ‘Here to Stay,’ Investors Load Into BTC Puts
Institutional buyers are loading up on BTC puts, Deribit analysts say. Goldman Sachs thinks the “digital yuan” could be in a billion hands in a decade.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/blockrock-bitcoin-puts-eth
Bitcoin Is the Biggest Big Short
Short-sellers help identify weaknesses in capital markets. Bitcoin helps us see what's wrong with the financial system.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-is-the-biggest-big-short
First Mover: Bitcoin ‘Rich List’ Grows as Whales HODL and Price Retakes $18K
Bitcoin's "rich list" hits an all-time high alongside the meteoric price rally.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-rich-list-whales-hodl-price-18k
German Finance Minister Says He Does Not Support Private Cryptos: Report
Olaf Scholz said banks need to adapt for a digital world but seemed to rule out private digital currencies from that future.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/german-finance-minister-says-he-does-not-support-private-cryptos-report
BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer Says Bitcoin Could Replace Gold to a Large Extent
Rick Rieder, CIO of Fixed Income at investment giant BlackRock, told CNBC that bitcoin and cryptocurrency are "here to stay."
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/blackrock-exec-says-bitcoin-could-replace-gold-to-a-large-extent
Y Combinator, Pantera Back $3M Investment in New Crypto Derivatives Exchange
Globe goes live Friday with the announcement of $3 million in funding from the likes of Pantera Capital, Y Combinator, Tim Draper and others.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/globe-bitcoin-derivatives-exchange-pantera-y-combinator
US Firm Launches Company-Sponsored Bitcoin Retirement Plans
Digital Asset Investment Management says its new retirement plans can help savers beat inflation.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/us-firm-launches-company-sponsored-bitcoin-retirement-plans
Players Prefer Cashing Out in Bitcoin Amid Rally, Says Online Poker Giant
Winning Poker Network said it's having to buy more bitcoin than ever to satisfy payout demand from players.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-not-cash-poker-payouts
Morgan Creek CEO Says Bitcoin Doing ‘Extremely Well’ Due to Fed Reserve’s Dollar Devaluation
CEO Mark Yusko said "zombie companies" left the Fed no choice but to devalue the dollar, prompting investors to turn to bitcoin and gold.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/morgan-creek-ceo-fed-money-inflation-bitcoin
Star Xu Surfaces From Detention as OKEx’s Mystery Key Holder Also Returns
Xu's temporary detention and subsequent release closely coincides with the period that OKEx's unnamed key holder also became unavailable.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-founder-star-released
Ether Trades Above $500 for the First Time Since July 2018
Ethereum's native token ether has jumped to 28-month highs, taking year-to-date gains to nearly 290%.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ether-breaks-500
Japan’s Banking Giant MUFG Plans to Launch Blockchain Payment Network in 2021
Japanese banking giant MUFG plans to launch its blockchain payment network across the country in 2021 with U.S.-based fintech company Akamai.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/japans-banking-giant-mufg-plans-to-launch-blockchain-payment-network-in-2021
Thursday, 19 November 2020
Goldman Sachs Expects Digital Yuan to Reach 1B Users Within 10 Years
Goldman Sachs predicts China’s digital yuan will attract 1 billion users within a decade, helping China’s commercial banks compete with fintech companies.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/goldman-sachs-digital-yuan-report
US Is Debating Risk vs. Liability for New Crypto Tax Rules
Treasury department officials are wrangling with how to focus a coming set of crypto tax rules.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/us-crypto-tax-law
Lightning Network’s New Liquidity Marketplace Attracts a ‘Surprising’ Mix of Individuals, Enterprises
Lightning Labs’ new liquidity marketplace, Lightning Pool, has seen more early-stage growth than its creators expected.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/lightning-network-liquidity-pool-surprising-mix
A Crypto Ally as Top US Bank Regulator?
President Trump has nominated former Coinbase counsel Brian Brooks to a full five-year term as Comptroller of the Currency, but will he be confirmed in time?
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-ally-brian-brooks-regulator
Helium Wireless Network Approves New Hard Cap for HNT Token Emissions
Adding a token hard-cap and introducing "halvenings" will make HNT tokenomics easier to understand, say project contributors.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/helium-hnt-token-hard-cap
Blockchain Bites: FATF Considers DeFi, Binance Sues and One Step to a BTC ETF
PLUS: Deutsche Bank analysts reportedly said customers increasingly prefer bitcoin over gold.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/fatf-defi-binance-btc-etf
Open Finance Is Better Than Broken Finance
Traditional financial services fail to meet the core needs of a global economy. DeFi is not perfect but it's for everyone.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/open-finance-defi-coronavirus
Bitcoin Options Investors Are Starting to Hedge Against Potential Price Pullback
The one-month implied volatility, which is influenced by the demand for call and put options, jumped from roughly 55% to a four-month high of 70.5% in the past two days, suggesting increased expectations for price turbulence over the next four weeks.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-puts-hedge-volatility-spike
SEC Grants Digital Avatar Firm IMVU Permission to Sell Crypto Tokens
The SEC has granted permission to digital avatar firm IMVU to sell its Ethereum-based VCOIN digital currency, though with some restrictions.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/sec-imvu-no-action-letter
Majority of Bitcoin Hashrate Signals Support for Taproot Scaling, Privacy Upgrade
Over 50% of Bitcoin's hashrate now supports the "uncontroversial" upgrade.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-miners-taproot-schnorr-support
First Mover: What China Crackdown Means for $18K Bitcoin as Dimon Passes on ‘Tea’
Fewer new bitcoin may be hitting the market because miners in China can't sell their bitcoins due to a crackdown by their government.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-what-china-crackdown-means-for-18k-bitcoin-as-dimon-passes-on-tea
SEC’s Clayton Says Payment Inefficiencies Are Boosting Bitcoin’s Rise
Clayton sounded more bullish on bitcoin than he's been in years in his Thursday interview with CNBC
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/jay-clayton-inefficiencies-boosting-bitcoin
DEX Aggregator Rebrands to Slingshot After Raising $3.1M From Coinbase Ventures, Others
Slingshot exists in an increasingly crowded field of DEX aggregators including 1inch, ParaSwap, Matcha and even MetaMask.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/dex-ag-slingshot-rebrand-funding-round
NFT Game Axie Infinity Raises $860K in Governance Token Sale
A new game mode will also be launching on the platform in early 2021, where players can own pieces of land and farm governance tokens.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/nft-game-axie-infinity-axs-governance-token-sale
Gemini Exchange Is Using ClearBank for UK Banking Services
Gemini announced it was expanding into the United Kingdom in late September.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/gemini-exchange-is-using-clearbank-for-uk-banking-services
OKEx Exchange Says Crypto Withdrawals to Restart by Next Friday
"The private key holder has now returned to his normal business functions," the exchange said in a notice Thursday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-exchange-says-crypto-withdrawals-to-restart-by-next-friday
Irish Man Gets 3 Years in Prison for Stealing $2.5M in Crypto Through SIM Hacks
The man was part of a criminal group that compromised crypto accounts with assistance from contacts at mobile operators.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/irish-man-prison-million-crypto-sim-hack
Deutsche Bank Says Investors Increasingly Prefer Bitcoin Over Gold as Inflation Hedge
The Deutsche Bank analyst's comments are another sign of bitcoin's increasing acceptance in the mainstream of finance.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/deutsche-bank-says-investors-increasingly-prefer-bitcoin-over-gold-as-inflation-hedge
30 Japan Firms to Collaborate on Private Digital Yen: Reuters
A group of Japanese companies plans to develop and test a private digital currency that would work alongside cash.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/30-japan-firms-private-digital-currency-yen-reuters
Solidus Labs Believes Its Crypto Surveillance Tool Can Help Launch a Bitcoin ETF
Solidus Labs believes its new surveillance tool can help regulators maintain confidence in crypto markets, potentially leading to the approval of a bitcoin ETF.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/solidus-labs-market-tool
Wednesday, 18 November 2020
Electrum Developers Apply Fix After Apple Update Bricks Bitcoin Wallets
Apple's most recent Mac update is causing major problems for one of Bitcoin’s oldest wallets.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/electrum-apple-mac-update-bricks-bitcoin-wallet
Duality Technologies Launches Platform for Analyzing Big Data While Keeping It Private
The platform is a step forward in practical uses for Homomorphic Encryption, letting multiple actors conduct analysis while keeping the data encrypted.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/duality-technologies-encryption-big-data-analysis-data-privacy
Mintbase Raises $1M Seed Round to Bring NFTs to NEAR Protocol
The new funding allows Mintbase to hire developers and designers to prepare for a testnet launch on NEAR before year's end.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mintbase-raises-1m-seed-round-to-bring-nfts-to-near-protocol
Tor Developers Pursuing ‘Anonymous Tokens’ to Stop Hacks and DoS Attacks
Tokens could be included in a users traffic request, which would allow websites accessible through the Tor network to “intelligently prioritize which requests it answers.”
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/tor-anonymous-tokens-stop-hacks-dos-attacks
OKEx Token Rallies on Rumors Founder Xu Released From Custody
The token has rallied nearly 13% Wednesday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-token-okb-star-xu-release
Thai SEC Revises Net Capital Rules in Bid to Open Liquidity, Support Digital Asset Businesses: Report
The revised requirements are aimed at adding liquidity to the Thai market, while also allowing digital asset businesses to hold part of their required capital in cryptocurrencies.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/thailand-capital-rules-liquidity-digital-asset-firms
The Dark Future Where Payments Are Politicized and Bitcoin Wins
If the payments system ever becomes seriously politicized, Bitcoin's apolitical nature could become more appealing. But that's not a scenario worth looking forward to.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/dark-future-payments-politicized-bitcoin-wins
Blockchain Bites: Bitcoin’s Latest Billionaire Bull, Zcash’s Upgrade, Grayscale’s $10B Breakthrough
A metric that has predicted previous bitcoin market tops indicates this rally has just begun.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-billionaire-zcash-grayscale
First Mover: As Bitcoin Shoots Past $18K, There’s Comfort in the Crowded Trade
"Long bitcoin" is one of the most crowded trades in markets, a new survey suggests. But signs indicate many investors are just now getting in.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-18k-crowded-trade
CryptoGenies? Digital Avatars Are Coming to Dapper’s Flow Blockchain
“Dapper Labs was a braindead fit for us to be able to further educate our young users,” Genies founder Akash Nigam said.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/genies-avatars-dapper-labs-flow-blockchain
FATF Needs Entirely New Approach to Regulating Crypto, Says V20 Summit
Industry players at the Virtual Asset Service Providers Summit urged regulators to rethink their approach in light of DeFi and DEXs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/fatf-needs-entirely-new-approach-to-regulating-crypto-says-v20-summit
What the History of Airlines Tells Us About Blockchain Commerce
The ability to represent all industrial capacity as tokens on a blockchain will have huge implications for resource use, says our columnist.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/what-the-history-of-airlines-tells-us-about-blockchain-commerce
‘Not My Cup of Tea’: Jamie Dimon Is Still Not a Bitcoin Fan
The JPMorgan Chase CEO said it's only a matter of time before the government moves to regulate bitcoin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/jamie-dimon-bitcoin-blockchain-dealbook-event
Dutch Crypto Exchange Adds Extra Verification Measures Citing ‘Disproportionate’ Central Bank Requirements
The exchange said it must now ask users for extra information such as the purpose of bitcoin purchases.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/dutch-crypto-exchange-adds-extra-verification-measures-citing-disproportionate-central-bank-requirements
Ethereum Classic Gets DeFi Treatment With Wrapped ETC
Ethereum Classic wants to play in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space of the blockchain from which it contentiously split in 2016.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ethereum-classic-gets-defi-treatment-with-wrapped-etc
Digital Asset Firm Fireblocks Raises $30M to Gird for ‘Influx in Customer Demand’
Fireblocks plans to maintain its standing as “the biggest player in crypto-native markets” but also wants to go after institutional players.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/digital-asset-firm-fireblocks-raises-30m-to-gird-for-influx-in-customer-demand
Digital Asset Firm Fireblocks Raises $30M to Gird for ‘Influx in Customer Demand’
Fireblocks plans to maintain its standing as “the biggest player in crypto-native markets” but also wants to go after institutional players.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/digital-asset-firm-fireblocks-raises-30m-to-gird-for-influx-in-customer-demand
OKEx Mining Pool Flatlines After 99.5% Hash Power Drop as Withdrawal Suspensions Spook Clients
The pool's hash power has dropped from 5,000 to barely 20 PH/s.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/okex-mining-pool-collapse-hash-power-withdrawal-suspension
Vietnam’s Ministry of Education Adopts Blockchain Record-Keeping
The Vietnamese government has partnered with Singapore-based blockchain platform TomoChain to archive student records on a public blockchain.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/vietnams-ministry-of-education-adopts-blockchain-record-keeping
Zcash Undergoes First Halving as Major Upgrade Drops ‘Founders Fund’
Alongside the halving, Zcash has rolled out its Canopy upgrade that replaces the Founder's Fund with built-in funding for development.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/zcash-halving-network-upgrade
Bitcoin Indicator Suggests Bull Market Is Still in Early Phase
The Mayer Multiple indicator suggests the bull market is still far from peaking, even as bitcoin closes in on its all-time high.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-indicator-suggests-bull-market-is-still-in-early-phase
Crypto Exchange Liquid Says User Data Possibly Exposed in Security Breach
The exchange said customer funds are safe.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-exchange-liquid-says-user-data-possibly-exposed-in-security-breach
Alleged Promoter of BitConnect Crypto Scam Charged in Australia
The accused faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/alleged-promoter-bitconnect-crypto-scam-charged-australia-asic
Mexico’s Second Richest Man Reveals 10% of His Liquid Assets Are in Bitcoin
Billionaire founder of Grupo Salinas, Ricardo Salinas Pliego said: "Bitcoin protects the citizen from government expropriation."
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mexican-billionaire-bitcoin-portfolio
Tuesday, 17 November 2020
Bitcoin Closes in on All-Time High as it Blasts Through $18K
Bitcoin's price broke through $18,000 in what some experts are attributing to global events and bullish fundamentals in crypto.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-price-breaks-18k
Grayscale’s Crypto Assets Under Management Break $10B
Price appreciation in all cryptocurrencies this month is a factor behind the growth, but so are inflows.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/grayscale-bitcoin-digital-assets-milestone
Bridgewater’s Dalio: ‘I’d Love to Be Corrected’ on Bitcoin. Twitter Obliges
Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio asked for and received a heaping dose of “radical candor” Tuesday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bridgewaters-dalio-id-love-to-be-corrected-on-bitcoin-twitter-obliges
CME Sees Record High Open Interest for Bitcoin Futures on Wave of Institutional Inflows
Open interest surged to $976 million Monday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/cme-bitcoin-futures-open-interest-record-high
ConsenSys Acquires Blockchain Developer Toolmaker Truffle Suite
ConsenSys is adding dapp development platform Truffle Suite back to its lineup of wholly-owned Ethereum tools.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/consensys-acquires-truffle-suite-ethereum-dev-tools
HODL FOMO vs. Speculative FOMO: Why This Bitcoin Bull Market Will Be Different
As bitcoin crosses $17,000 it’s not retail speculation but a new, long-term investor mindset driving the price up.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/hodl-fomo-vs-speculative-fomo-bitcoin
Robinhood Gearing Up for Potential IPO in Early 2021: Report
Robinhood is looking for a banking team to partner in an IPO that could come next year.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/robinhood-ipo-2021
This $29B Asset Advisory Is Giving Wealth Managers and Clients a Bitcoin On-Ramp
Mariner Wealth Advisors has tapped crypto firm Eaglebrook for its new bitcoin allocation engine.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mariner-wealth-bitcoin-on-ramp-eaglebrook
Traders Brace for Major Volatility as Bitcoin Price Nears Record Highs
Volatility has stayed relatively low through bitcoin’s slow march toward record highs.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/trading-volatility-bitcoin-price-record-highs
Blockchain Bites: Bitcoin’s Run, Uniswap’s Hemorrhaging Value, Anchorage’s Banking Bid
Bitcoin is nearing all-time highs in price and market cap last set three years ago.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-uniswap-anchorage
Blockchain Startup Raises $12M Series A to Turn Brands Into Cellular Networks
Blockchain startup OXIO raised a $12 million Series A to make “Telecom-as-a-Service” as common as SaaS.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/oxio-series-a-blockchain-telecom-tokens
The Smart Money Economy
Digital money in a crypto wallet is only the first step. The bigger shift is a new software economy anchored in programmable blockchains.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/the-smart-money-economy
Airbnb’s IPO Prospectus Says Firm May Consider Crypto and Blockchain
The prospectus for Airbnb's IPO says its its "future success" will depend on adapting to technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/airbnbs-ipo-prospectus-says-firm-may-consider-crypto-and-blockchain
First Mover: Bitcoin Tops $17K as Scaramucci Makes Entrée, Ethereum Meets Rival
Ethereum's success as dominant "smart contracts" blockchain attracts rivals, and some investors speculate Polkadot might have momentum.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-bitcoin-17k-scaramucci-ethereum-polkadot
Balaji Srinivasan, HashKey Back $2M Round in Twitter Privacy Tool Mask Network
Mask Network, the protocol that allows users to send encrypted messages and even cryptocurrencies over Twitter, announced a funding round Tuesday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mask-network-twitter-encrypted-messages-hashkey-funding-round
New Mac Update Leaves Users No Room to Escape Data Collection
Following a recent Mac update, users will have to find alternatives if they want out from under Apple’s eye.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/new-mac-update-data-privacy
Gold Lags Far Behind Bitcoin as Vaccine Optimism Buoys Markets
Bitcoin is outshining the precious metal by a significant margin as expectations soar of a swift global economic recovery enabled by promising coronavirus vaccines.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/gold-lags-far-behind-bitcoin-as-vaccine-optimism-buoys-markets
Bitcoin Slices Through $17,000 as Market Cap Nears All-Time High
Bitcoin last traded above $17,000 on Jan. 7, 2018.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-price-17000-market-capitalization
Galaxy Digital Gets Initial Approval for New Bitcoin Fund in Canada
The CI Galaxy Bitcoin Fund has had a preliminary prospectus approved by Canadian securities regulators for an initial public offering.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/galaxy-digital-gets-initial-approval-for-new-bitcoin-fund-in-canada
As DeFi Grows, Investors Look to Polkadot to Be the Next Ethereum
In a cryptocurrency ecosystem where the programmable-money juggernaut has long been Ethereum, Polkadot, a project that has been quietly developing an alternative solution since 2016, is ready to take on the blockchain world.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/polkadot-defi-next-ethereum
Western Union Suspends US Dollar Transfers to Cuba
The move follows the latest sanction from the Trump administration.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/western-union-suspends-us-dollar-remittance-cuba
Litecoin Flips Bitcoin Cash in Crypto Rankings With Rally to 9-Month Highs
Litecoin is now the seventh-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization after a rise to $75.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/litecoin-flips-bitcoin-cash-in-crypto-rankings-with-rally-to-9-month-highs
Twitter Hires Noted Hacker as Head of Security Months After Bitcoin Scam
Twitter has hired Peiter Zatko, a prominent white-hat hacker going by the handle "Mudge," to help prevent future security breaches.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/twitter-hires-world-renowned-hacker-head-of-security
Monday, 16 November 2020
Custodian Anchorage Seeks Charter From Crypto-Friendly US Bank Regulator OCC
If its application is approved, Anchorage would be the first crypto company to get a national bank charter.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/custodian-anchorage-seeks-charter-from-crypto-friendly-us-bank-regulator-occ
Origin Protocol Loses $7M in Latest Flash Loan Attack
Blockchain project Origin Dollar (OUSD) has sustained an oracle manipulation attack. The attacker used flash loans to grab $3.25 million.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/origin-protocol-loses-3-25m-in-latest-flash-loan-attack-reports
My Data, My Money: Data Dividends and the Digital Economy
On Nov. 18, CoinDesk’s Ben Powers explores the data dividend: Is it an opportunity to restructure the digital economy on more equitable terms, or merely a redesign of the current data ecosystem?
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coindesk-tv-live-data-dividends-privacy
Uniswap May Re-Up Rewards as SushiSwap Angles to Catch Itinerant Yield Farmers
A new governance vote would continue liquidity mining rewards for certain asset pairs as the original allocation ends.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/uniswap-rewards-sushiswap-angles-catch-yield-farmers
IBM Scores Patent on Proposed Blockchain Consensus for Transactions in Multiplayer Games
The patent was awarded to IBM last week and proposes using a blockchain consensus model to carry out and verify purchases made within multiplayer games.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/ibm-patent-blockchain-transaction-consensus-games
Coinbase Goes Down as Bitcoin Nears $17K
Coinbase has suffered a number of outages during busy trading periods this year including most recently on Oct. 27.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/coinbase-goes-down-as-bitcoin-nears-17k
Market Wrap: Bitcoin Ascends to $16.8K; Uniswap and Tether 35% of Ethereum Transactions
Bitcoin is at bullish 2020 highs while Ethereum transactions prove out DeFi’s fundamental use case.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-ascends-uniswap-tether-ethereum
Bitcoin at $318,000 Next December? One Citibank Exec Says It’s Possible
Breaking down a recent report that has Bitcoin Twitter salivating and skeptical at the same time.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-318k-december-2021-citibank
Blockchain Bites: Data Unions. Hard Forks. And One Citi Analyst’s Case for $300K BTC.
MIT researchers resoundingly reject blockchain-based voting. A Citibank MD thinks bitcoin could break out. And another DeFi protocol was hit with a flash loan attack.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-cash-fork-defi-bitcoin-voting
Why FinCEN Wants Details on All Cross-Border Transactions Over $250
At an event Monday, FinCEN staffers discussed the “why” of a new proposal that has crypto fans concerned.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/fincen-fatf-travel-rule-threshold-v20-summit
Scaramucci’s $9.2B SkyBridge ‘May Seek Exposure to Digital Assets’
SkyBridge Capital is giving itself an opening to indirectly invest in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/scaramucci-skybridge-capital-bitcoin-altcoins
Why Bitcoin Thrives (and Why It Won’t Replace the Dollar)
A world in which bitcoin becomes the global reserve currency is a world many of us would not want to live in.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/why-bitcoin-thrives-wont-replace-dollar
Crypto Execs Need Liability Insurance
When crypto companies are denied liability insurance, they are disincentivized from innovating.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/crypto-execs-need-liability-insurance
Binance Discontinues UK Pound Stablecoin Calling It Just an ‘Experiment’
The exchange is discontinuing its own BGBP stablecoin, an "experiment" that obviously wasn't a success.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/binance-discontinues-uk-pound-stablecoin-calling-it-just-an-experiment
First Mover: Vaccine Won’t Come Fast Enough to Avoid More Stimulus
A rise in coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths could dent consumer confidence and retailer revenue during the crucial holiday shopping season.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/first-mover-stimulus-seen-for-bitcoin-moderna-spirits-third-wave
China’s Crypto Miners Struggle to Pay Power Bills as Regulators Clamp Down on OTC Desks
Miners in China have reportedly been struggling to pay for electricity after authorities started cracking down on OTC brokers in the country.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/chinese-miners-struggle-to-pay-for-electricity
MakerDAO Loans Can Be Gamed to Hold Out Funds From Liquidation, Startup Finds
A loophole in MakerDAO’s collateralized debt market enables positions to be closed far more leniently than intended due to an oversight in the auction process.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/makerdao-loans-collateralized-debt-liquidation
SEC Chairman Jay Clayton Stepping Down at End of Year
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton will leave his role at the end of this year.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/sec-chairman-jay-clayton-stepping-down-at-end-of-year
Belarus Bank to Offer Bitcoin Purchases, With Litecoin and Ether Coming Soon
A Belarusian bank is launching a bitcoin buying service via bank cards for citizens of Belarus and Russia
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/belarusian-bank-facilitate-bitcoin-purchases
Cory Doctorow: The Monopoly Web Is Already Here
The science fiction writer on how monopolies came to dominate today's economy and why the orthodoxy of tech criticism is wrong.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/cory-doctorow-monopoly-web-is-already-here
Microsoft Exec Joins Blockchain Gaming Platform Enjin to Lead Enterprise Push
Enjin is aiming to widen its enterprise focus with its latest hire hailing from over 20 years at tech giant Microsoft.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/former-microsoft-executive-blockchain-startup-enjin
Record Levels of Negative-Yielding Debt Strengthen Case for Bitcoin: Analysts
With negative-yielding bonds at a new high, investors are looking elsewhere for returns.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/record-negative-yielding-debt-bonds-bitcoin-analysts
The SEC Is Still Working Out What ‘Qualified Custodian’ Means for Crypto
The SEC’s recent statement about qualified custodians shows the federal agency is still puzzling out important questions for the crypto space.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/sec-qualified-custodian-statement
Fidelity’s Crypto Arm Responds to 6 Common Bitcoin Criticisms
Fidelity Digital Assets has responded to some of bitcoin's most frequent criticisms citing heightened interest in the cryptocurrency.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/fidelitys-crypto-arm-responds-to-6-common-bitcoin-criticisms
Citibank Executive Says Bitcoin Could Pass $300K by December 2021
A senior executive at U.S. financial giant Citibank has released an internal report drawing on similarities to the 1970s gold market and bitcoin.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/citibank-bitcoin-gold-318k-2021
Sunday, 15 November 2020
New MIT Paper Roundly Rejects Blockchain Voting as Solution to Election Woes
Encryption inventor and head of MIT’s Digital Currency Initiative are among authors of a new paper that points out why blockchain and voting are a bad pairing.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/mit-paper-rejects-blockchain-based-voting-systems-elections
Crypto Long & Short: What We’re Getting Wrong About Druckenmiller and Bitcoin
Stanley Druckenmiller’s comments about bitcoin were blown out of proportion. They were positive for crypto, but not for the reasons most believe.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/druckenmiller-bitcoin-what-he-really-said
Bitcoin Cash Has Split Into Two New Blockchains, Again
Bitcoin Cash split into two blockchain again, but one of the new chain has received no hashpower so far.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-cash-has-split-into-two-new-blockchains-again
Dollar Decline and the Paralysis of Conventional Monetary Policy
A reading of Kenneth Rogoff’s latest piece on the strange reality of the dollar’s global status.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/kenneth-rogoff-exchange-rate-storm
Data Is Labor: Why We Need Data Unions
It's time to unionize and take back the wealth created by personal data, says a leading activist.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/data-is-labor-why-we-need-data-unions
Saturday, 14 November 2020
Value DeFi Suffers $6M Flash Loan Attack
The latest flash loan attack in the decentralized finance world has caused a total loss of $6 million.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/value-defi-suffers-6m-flash-loan-attack
Dalio Says Governments Will Kill Bitcoin. Is He Right?
In an otherwise extremely bullish week, famed investor Ray Dalio reiterated his skepticism of bitcoin and digital assets.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/dalio-says-governments-will-kill-bitcoin-is-he-right
Roger Ver: Bitcoin Cash Hard Forks Could Have Thwarted PayPal Support
Roger Ver, one of the biggest bitcoin cash advocates, is not a fan of the scheduled fork event of the cryptocurrency's network.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/roger-ver-contentious-forks-paypal-support-bitcoin-cash
Galaxy Digital Makes Twin Acquisitions in Bid to Strengthen Institutional Appeal
The cryptocurrency merchant bank has acquired a lending firm and a trading company as it seeks to become the "go to" platform for institutional access to digital assets, the firm said Friday.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/galaxy-digital-two-acquisitions-institutional-appeal
Bitcoin Rally Falters as Price Drops Below $16K
The cryptocurrency dropped as low as $15,750, having hit highs over $16,300 in the Asian trading hours.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/bitcoin-rally-falters-as-price-drops-below-16k
Friday, 13 November 2020
Market Wrap: Bitcoin Fails to Reach $16.5K; Wrapped BTC Hits $2 Billion
Bitcoin’s price is climbing for the third straight day as more of the cryptocurrency is locked into the Ethereum network.
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/market-wrap-bitcoin-fails-16-5k-wrapped-btc-2-billion
PayPal Rolls Out Crypto for All US Customers
Crypto Twitter reacts to the announcement and answers the question: Just how big a deal is this?
via CoinDesk https://www.coindesk.com/paypal-crypto-all-us-customers
Video: Bitcoin Eclipse Attacks And How To Solve For Them
Listen To This Episode:
In this episode of The Van Wirdum Sjorsnado, Aaron and Sjors discuss Eclipse attacks. More specifically, they discuss the 2015 paper “Eclipse Attacks on Bitcoin’s Peer-to-Peer Network,” written by Ethan Heilman, Alison Kendler, Aviv Zohar and Sharon Goldberg, from Boston University and Hebrew University/MSR Israel.
Eclipse attacks are a type of attack that isolates a Bitcoin node by occupying all of its connection slots to block the node from receiving any transactions, barring it from transactions other than those sent to it by the attacker. This would prevent the node from seeing what’s going on in the Bitcoin network, and potentially even trick the node into accepting an alternative (and thus invalid) version of the Bitcoin blockchain.
Aaron and Sjors explain how this type of attack could be used to dupe users and miners. They also discuss some of the solutions proposed in the paper to counter this type of attack, including solutions that have by now already been implemented in Bitcoin Core software. This includes a solution that will be included in the next Bitcoin Core software release, Bitcoin Core 0.21.0. They also mention one solution that is not included in the paper.
The post Video: Bitcoin Eclipse Attacks And How To Solve For Them appeared first on Bitcoin Magazine.
via Bitcoin Magazine https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/video-bitcoin-eclipse-attacks-and-how-to-solve-for-them?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=video-bitcoin-eclipse-attacks-and-how-to-solve-for-them
Multisig Coordination Software Nunchuk Releases Its Code
Recently-launched Bitcoin wallet Nunchuk announced today that it is making its application library, libnunchuk, open source and available to the public.
Nunchuk describes its mission as “the proliferation of multisig” and attempts to make multisig wallet security easier to achieve by offering a product that integrates some of the latest developments around partially-signed bitcoin transactions (PSBTs) and descriptor language.
“In the early days of Bitcoin, wallet vendors were often incompatible with one another, which complicated multisig setups,” according to an article from Nunchuk’s Hugo Nguyen. “Nunchuk treats descriptors and PSBTs as first-class citizens. The consequence is that you can use Nunchuk with many different hardware vendors, or easily recover a multisig wallet created by Nunchuk on other wallet software such as core.”
In an announcement about the code release shared with Bitcoin Magazine, Nunchuk explained that much of its library is built on Bitcoin Core, leveraging all of the robust advantages that this brings.
“Nunchuk’s architecture differs from other wallets’ for a number of reasons. But a major one is our decision to heavily reuse Bitcoin Core code,” according to the release. “The Nunchuk library creates a higher abstraction on top of Bitcoin Core’s inner building blocks, while reusing much of its logic such as: transaction and signature verification, PSBT, output descriptor and Branch-and-Bound coin selection algorithm.”
Additionally, the announcement indicated that the library offers hardware support, wallet management, encryption and minimal dependencies.
“Nunchuk works out of the box with any server running Electrum protocol v1.4, including GetUmbrel, electra and ElectumX,” per the announcement. “TOR proxy can also be enabled for improved privacy.”
The post Multisig Coordination Software Nunchuk Releases Its Code appeared first on Bitcoin Magazine.
via Bitcoin Magazine https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/multisig-coordination-software-nunchuk-releases-its-code?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=multisig-coordination-software-nunchuk-releases-its-code