BLOCKCHAIN NEWS

Bitcoin's adoption is reaching new heights as the US establishes a "strategic Bitcoin reserve." However, some advocates, like Twitter's Jack Dorsey, argue that Bitcoin should focus on being a global peer-to-peer cash system, not just "digital gold." Around the world, Bitcoin circular economies are emerging, using BTC as a currency rather than a mere asset. These communities, thriving in places like Cuba and rural Peru, showcase Bitcoin's potential as a reliable store of value and medium of exchange. Despite challenges, they aim to integrate Bitcoin into everyday financial life, fostering a true Bitcoin economy.

Ripple has teamed up with Chipper Cash, an African payment infrastructure provider, to enhance crypto-enabled cross-border payments. Announced on March 27, Chipper Cash will utilize Ripple Payments to make transactions faster, cheaper, and more efficient. This partnership marks a significant step in Ripple's expansion in Africa, where blockchain adoption is on the rise, especially in remittances and payments. Ripple's Reece Merrick emphasized the potential of blockchain technology in the region, while Chipper Cash CEO Ham Serunjogi noted the benefits of crypto in promoting financial inclusion and access to global markets.

Tether, a major stablecoin issuer, has invested €10 million ($10.8 million) in Italian media company Be Water, acquiring a 30.4% stake. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino emphasized the importance of independent media in shaping informed societies. Be Water, known for producing films and documentaries on social issues, aims to expand its content across various platforms. With Tether's backing, the company plans to enhance its digital infrastructure and broaden its reach globally. This move is part of Tether's broader investment strategy, following stakes in Juventus FC and other ventures.

BlackRock has launched a new Bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe, marking a significant step towards institutional adoption of Bitcoin on the continent. The iShares Bitcoin ETP, trading on Xetra, Euronext Amsterdam, and Euronext Paris, is managed by the world's largest asset manager. Analysts, however, predict that it won't see the same level of inflows as its US counterpart, which has experienced strong demand. Despite this, BlackRock's presence could still drive broader adoption and open new pathways for institutional investment in Europe as regulatory clarity improves.

**Stablecoin Surge Sparks Debate**

The crypto world is buzzing with talk of a "stablecoin multiverse," as Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino claims we're entering a new era of stablecoin solutions from private firms and governments. However, not everyone agrees. Slava Demchuk, CEO of AMLBot, argues that launching stablecoins is complex, with stringent regulations like the EU's MiCA framework posing challenges.

Ardoino predicts Tether's user base will soar, but experts like Vasily Vidmanov remain skeptical, citing regulatory hurdles and recent delistings in the EU. The debate continues as the industry navigates evolving global policies.

In the dynamic world of cryptocurrency, regulatory shifts and legal battles are reshaping the industry. The Clear Crypto Podcast by Cointelegraph and StarkWare explores these changes, featuring insights from legal experts. Recent developments include the SEC's evolving stance, with lawsuits against major players like Coinbase and Binance being settled or dropped. Legal professionals emphasize their role in balancing compliance and innovation. As the US considers regulatory reforms and Bitcoin's role in government reserves, staying informed is crucial. For more insights, tune into the podcast on Cointelegraph’s platform.

**Odhalení kryptoměnových aktiv jihokorejských úředníků**

Etická komise Jižní Koreje zveřejnila, že více než 20% vysoce postavených veřejných činitelů vlastní kryptoměnová aktiva, přičemž průměrná hodnota činí 35,1 milionu wonů (24 000 $) na osobu. Toto odhalení následuje po snaze o transparentnost, kterou vyjádřil premiér Han Deok-soo, jenž vyzval úředníky, aby zahrnuli kryptoměny do svých prohlášení o majetku.

V reakci na kontroverzi kolem poslance Kima Nam-kuka přijala Jižní Korea v květnu 2023 zákon, který vyžaduje, aby úředníci deklarovali svá kryptoměnová aktiva. Od roku 2024 bude veřejnost mít přístup k těmto prohlášením, což se dotkne alespoň 5 800 úředníků. Tento krok má za cíl zvýšit transparentnost a odpovědnost ve vládě.

A recent survey by Bitpanda reveals that European banks might be underestimating the demand for crypto services. Despite over 40% of business investors already holding cryptocurrencies, only 19% of financial institutions offer digital asset products. This highlights a significant gap between actual investor interest and perceived demand.

While some banks plan to expand their crypto offerings, barriers like lack of resources and knowledge persist. With regulatory clarity from the EU’s MiCA, institutions risk losing revenue if they delay integrating crypto services. More banks offering crypto could boost adoption, as many investors prefer traditional banks over exchanges for crypto investments.

**Anime Meets Web3: Sony's Soneium and Animoca Brands Team Up**

Sony's Soneium blockchain has joined forces with Animoca Brands to bring anime culture into the Web3 space. Announced on March 27, this partnership aims to engage global anime and manga fans by integrating anime artwork into decentralized digital identities.

Key highlights include:
- Animoca's Moca Network will establish an identity layer on Soneium, starting with Anime ID.
- San FranTokyo leads the Anime ID initiative, blending traditional anime culture with decentralized tech.
- Anime-themed experiences will enhance fan engagement on Soneium.

Stay tuned for more anime-inspired campaigns and experiences on the Soneium blockchain!

**Crypto Whale Manipulates Memecoin Market**

A crypto whale allegedly manipulated the Jelly my Jelly (JELLY) memecoin on Hyperliquid, making over $6 million by exploiting liquidation parameters. Despite Hyperliquid freezing and delisting the token, the whale still holds nearly $2 million worth of JELLY, according to blockchain analysts.

The incident highlights the risks of investing in memecoins driven by hype rather than fundamentals. Hyperliquid plans to reimburse affected users, except the exploiter, raising questions about decentralization versus centralized control in DeFi platforms.

**Novinky: Pozastavení Upbitu dočasně zrušeno**

Jižní korejský soud dočasně zrušil tříměsíční pozastavení kryptoburzy Upbit, což jí umožňuje přijímat nové klienty uprostřed probíhajících právních řízení. Finanční zpravodajská jednotka (FIU) pozastavení uvalila kvůli údajným porušením pravidel, včetně transakcí s neregistrovanými poskytovateli služeb virtuálních aktiv.

Mateřská společnost Upbitu, Dunamu, napadla rozhodnutí FIU, což vedlo k soudnímu příkazu, který pozastavení pozastavuje, dokud nebude vydáno konečné rozhodnutí. Tento vývoj přichází, když Upbit čelí zkoumání ohledně možného porušení pravidel proti monopolnímu chování a pravidel KYC.

Cílová cena Bitcoinu pro rok 2025 zůstává na 138 000 $, navzdory nedávným tržním výzvám, podle nové analýzy. Data z Polymarket naznačují, že BTC/USD by mohlo vzrůst o 60 % z aktuálních úrovní v tomto roce. Uživatelé na platformě však omezují potenciál býčího trhu na 60 % před rokem 2026, přičemž cenové predikce se pohybují od 59 040 $ do 138 617 $. Tento konzervativní výhled odráží i jiné platformy jako Kalshi, kde je průměrný cíl 122 000 $. Sledující trhu zdůrazňují důležitost udržení podpůrných úrovní kolem 73 800 $ a 69 000 $, aby se udržel býčí trh.

OpenAI je na cestě k tomu, aby ztrojnásobila své příjmy na 12,7 miliardy dolarů letos, navzdory silné konkurenci ze strany čínských firem v oblasti AI, jako je DeepSeek. Společnost cílí na 29,4 miliardy dolarů do roku 2026, přičemž většina příjmů pochází z placených předplatných AI. OpenAI nedávno dosáhla 1 milionu placených uživatelů a zavedla možnost ChatGPT Pro za 200 dolarů měsíčně. Kolo financování v hodnotě 40 miliard dolarů vedené SoftBankem je údajně téměř dokončeno. Mezitím čínské firmy jako Baidu a Alibaba spouštějí konkurenceschopné modely AI, čímž vyzývají americké lídry na trhu. OpenAI plánuje brzy vydat GPT-4.5 a GPT-5, čímž vylepší funkce pro předplatitele Plus a Pro.

A group of 34 crypto firms and advocacy groups, including Kraken and Coinbase, has called on Congress to challenge the Department of Justice's (DOJ) broad interpretation of money-transmitting laws. This interpretation led to charges against Tornado Cash developers, Roman Storm and Roman Semenov, for money laundering. The coalition argues that the DOJ's stance could criminalize blockchain developers and stifle innovation in the U.S. They claim the DOJ's view conflicts with existing Treasury guidance and could deter software development in the digital asset sector.

**Market Maneuver on Hyperliquid: Trader Faces Big Losses**

A trader's attempt to manipulate Hyperliquid's market with the Jelly my Jelly (JELLY) memecoin has backfired, potentially costing them nearly $1 million. According to Arkham Intelligence, the trader used three accounts to create a complex position mix, aiming to exploit the system's liquidation process.

- The trader's strategy involved large long and short positions, but a sudden 400% price surge in JELLY led to complications.
- Hyperliquid's system struggled to liquidate the massive short position, leading to restrictions on the trader's accounts.
- Ultimately, Hyperliquid delisted JELLY futures, citing suspicious activity.

This incident follows previous issues on the platform, highlighting ongoing challenges with market manipulation.

Wyoming is gearing up to launch its state-issued stablecoin by July, as announced by Governor Mark Gordon at the DC Blockchain Summit. The Wyoming Stable Token Commission has partnered with LayerZero for the token's development and distribution. The stablecoin, pegged to the US dollar, aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in state finances. Wyoming has been a pioneer in blockchain innovation, with the Stable Token Act signed into law in March 2023. The state is now staffing its commission with experts to ensure a smooth rollout of the stablecoin.

GameStop shares soared nearly 12% on March 26 following the announcement of plans to purchase Bitcoin. The company intends to fund this acquisition through a $1.3 billion convertible notes offering, which can later be converted into equity. This move is part of GameStop's broader strategy to use corporate cash or future debt for digital assets, including Bitcoin and stablecoins. Despite a drop in net sales, GameStop reported a significant increase in net income for Q4 2024, driven by aggressive cost-cutting measures. The company joins others in adopting Bitcoin reserve strategies.

**Aktuální zpráva: Hyperliquid čelí kritice ohledně incidentu s tokenem JELLY**

Generální ředitel Bitgetu Gracy Chen kritizoval způsob, jakým Hyperliquid zacházel s incidentem z 26. března, který se týkal tokenu JELLY, a přirovnal to k "FTX 2.0." Hyperliquid vyřadil JELLY perpetual futures poté, co si všiml podezřelé tržní aktivity, což vzbudilo obavy ohledně jeho centralizace. Chen ostře zkritizoval rozhodnutí uzavřít trh a vyrovnat pozice za výhodné ceny, varujíc, že by to mohlo erodovat důvěru v burzu. Počet validátorů Hyperliquid je výrazně nízký v porovnání s konkurencí, což vyvolává debatu o jeho decentralizaci. Mezitím zakladatel BitMEXu Arthur Hayes zlehčil reputační rizika, naznačujíc, že obchodníci zůstávají klidní.

**News Flash: Stablecoin Regulations Stir Debate**

At the 2025 DC Blockchain Summit, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand emphasized the need for strict regulations on stablecoin issuers to protect traditional banking. She argued that allowing stablecoins to offer interest could undermine local banks, crucial for mortgages and small business loans.

Gillibrand supports the GENIUS stablecoin bill, aiming to establish a regulatory framework for digital fiat tokens. Critics, however, warn it might pave the way for a central bank digital currency, raising concerns over financial privacy and control. The bill is progressing through Congress, sparking significant debate.

Bitcoin mining stocks have taken a hit following Microsoft's decision to halt plans for new AI data centers in the US and Europe, citing potential oversupply. Shares of Bitfarms, CleanSpark, Core Scientific, Hut 8, Marathon Digital, and Riot fell between 4% and 12%. This downturn underscores miners' reliance on AI projects to offset reduced revenues post-Bitcoin's April 2024 halving. While some miners are pivoting to AI hosting to boost revenue, declining crypto prices and reduced demand for AI centers pose challenges. Microsoft's shift may further impact the sector.