Key Points:

Tether auditor has yet to be determined as Big Four accounting firms remain apprehensive.

The company announces restructuring into four divisions for decentralized solutions.

Despite the scrutiny, Tether reports $6.2 billion in profits and expands operations globally.

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino recently revealed to DL News that the Big Four accounting firms—Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG—are hesitant to engage with Tether due to concerns over potential damage to their reputations.

Tether Auditor Challenge: Big Four Firms Reluctant Amid Reputation Concerns

Despite this reluctance, Ardoino emphasizes the significance of securing one of these firms as Tether auditor, labeling it a "top priority."

An audit conducted by one of these reputable firms holds the promise of assuaging investor anxieties surrounding Tether, the issuer of USDT, the world's leading stablecoin boasting a staggering $108 billion market valuation. USDT serves as a linchpin in the cryptocurrency market, facilitating seamless transitions between fiat currencies and digital assets across major exchanges.

Tether recently unveiled plans to restructure its operations into four distinct divisions: Tether Data, Tether Finance, Tether Power, and Tether Edu (Education), aiming to pioneer decentralized infrastructure solutions.

$6.2 Billion Profits Despite Transparency Scrutiny

Despite Tether's efforts to diversify and innovate, questions linger regarding the transparency of USDT reserves, with critics pointing to perceived opacity. Tether has faced scrutiny over its asset-backing practices, particularly in light of its substantial profits, amounting to $6.2 billion in 2023.

Moreover, Tether has expanded its footprint, ramping up Bitcoin mining operations in Uruguay and spearheading payment processing initiatives in Georgia. Additionally, the company has made strategic investments in artificial intelligence, partnering with cloud data service provider Northern Data Group.

While Tether continues to operate under intense scrutiny regarding asset guarantees for USDT, its financial prowess, and market persistence dominance, a Tether auditor will likely be a safe choice for stablecoin issuers to continue expanding.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reiterates his criticism of Bitcoin, labeling it a "scam" and dismissing its viability as a currency.

Despite Dimon's condemnation, Bitcoin has surged in value, reaching record highs and maintaining a market value of $1.2 trillion.

Recent developments, including regulatory approval of Spot Bitcoin ETFs and an impending Bitcoin halving event.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has once again launched a scathing attack on Bitcoin, labeling it a scam and dismissing its viability as a currency.

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Renews Criticism of Bitcoin as 'Scam' and 'Ponzi Scheme

In an interview with Bloomberg TV, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reiterated his long-standing stance, stating, "If you mean crypto like Bitcoin, I've always said it's a fraud."

Dimon's criticism extends to his skepticism about Bitcoin's potential as a currency, asserting, "If they think they're a currency, there's no hope for it. It's a Ponzi scheme." Despite his condemnation, Dimon did acknowledge the potential value of cryptocurrencies that offer practical applications such as smart contracts, acknowledging their relevance in the modern financial landscape.

This isn't the first time JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has lambasted Bitcoin, previously likening it to smoking a cigarette and labeling it as "dangerous" and a "waste of time." He has consistently advocated against its purchase and has called for government intervention to regulate or ban it altogether.

Regulatory Approval and Halving Event Propel Bitcoin into Financial Spotlight

Despite Dimon's persistent criticism, Bitcoin has experienced remarkable growth, reaching record highs in recent years. Its price surged from $10,000 in September 2020 to over $65,000 in November 2021 before experiencing significant fluctuations. However, it has rebounded, currently trading around $63,000 with a market value of $1.2 trillion.

Moreover, Bitcoin's prominence in the financial sector has been underscored by recent developments, including the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission and the impending Bitcoin halving event.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Hashdex Bitcoin commercial launched, highlighting Bitcoin's scarcity ahead of the halving event.

BlackRock provides educational content on Bitcoin and halving, adding to anticipation.

Bitcoin hits record high pre-halving, fueled by excitement over approved ETFs despite speculation of price declines.

Cryptocurrency investment firm Hashdex has launched a new Bitcoin commercial campaign geared toward Bitcoin enthusiasts ahead of the highly anticipated halving event. Hashdex Bitcoin commercial is only less than 40 seconds but has shown the excitement of Bitcoin investment companies with the halving event.

Hashdex Bitcoin Commercial: Anticipation Builds for Halving Event

The company, known for its advocacy of cryptocurrency innovation and efforts to secure approval for Bitcoin ETFs in the US, aims to highlight Bitcoin's scarcity as a key driver of its value.

The Hashdex Bitcoin commercial features images of the US dollar and the Japanese yen, symbols of stability, alongside the slogan "Abundance is good! Scarcity can be better!" seems to show the value of this largest digital currency. Hashdex, like other asset management firms, is vying for a Bitcoin ETF to facilitate easier cryptocurrency investment for its clients.

BlackRock, a leading asset management firm, has also stepped into the fray, providing educational content on Bitcoin and the halving event, along with insights into approved spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Approved ETFs Drive Market Excitement

The Bitcoin halving event, occurring every four years, reduces rewards for miners, slowing the rate of new Bitcoin issuance and preserving scarcity. With only 21 million Bitcoins ever to be mined, the halving intensifies this scarcity factor.

Speculation abounds regarding the impact of halving on Bitcoin's price, with former Bitmex CEO Arthur Hayes warning of potential price declines post-halving. Nevertheless, Bitcoin has already surged to new record highs, buoyed by excitement over approved spot Bitcoin ETFs and accelerated market demand.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Crypto security incidents surged in Q1 2024, with 224 cases recorded, highlighting a persistent threat to the industry.

Direct transfers to trading platforms accounted for $220 million of stolen funds.

Organizations are turning to solutions to enhance compliance, risk management, and anti-money laundering strategies.

The first quarter of 2024 has seen a concerning surge in crypto security incidents, with CertiK Alert reporting a total of 224 recorded cases.

Source: CertiK Crypto Security Incidents Surge in Q1 2024

Among these incidents, the favored method for laundering stolen funds remains Tornado Cash, despite accounting for only $69 million of the illicitly acquired funds.

Notably, in 47 crypto security incidents, hackers bypassed traditional laundering methods altogether, opting to directly transfer funds to trading platforms. This direct approach amounted to a staggering $220 million, with authorities managing to freeze some of these illicit assets.

Additionally, a myriad of less popular methods, categorized under "Other," contributed to the laundering landscape, complicating efforts to trace the flow of stolen funds effectively. The prevalence of direct transfers to exchanges underscores the urgency of real-time incident monitoring and alerting systems.

Strengthening Cryptocurrency Security Measures

To combat the escalating threat of cryptocurrency-related crimes, organizations are turning to solutions to bolster their compliance, risk management, and anti-money laundering (AML) strategies. The necessity for enhanced security measures is evident in the context of the broader cryptocurrency landscape, which has witnessed a surge in hacking incidents over recent years.

According to Chainalysis' Crypto Crime Report, while 2022 marked the peak year for crypto theft, with $3.7 billion stolen, 2023 saw a decrease in total funds stolen, amounting to $1.7 billion. Despite this decline, the number of individual crypto security incidents actually increased from 219 in 2022 to 231 in 2023, signaling the persistent and evolving nature of the threat posed by cryptocurrency hackers.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Bitcoin ETF outflows totaled $165 million yesterday, while BlackRock's IBIT fund received a $18 million net inflow.

Despite a drop in Bitcoin's price to $62,000, BlackRock's IBIT fund remains strong, with total inflows surpassing $15.3 billion.

Analysts note normalcy in zero inflow days for ETFs amidst Bitcoin's market turbulence.

In the cryptocurrency market, recent data from HODL15Capital highlights significant movements in Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Read more: Best Bitcoin ETFs To Buy In 2024

Bitcoin ETF Outflows: $165 Million Withdrawn Yesterday

Yesterday, the Grayscale spot Bitcoin ETF outflow was $133 million, while ARKB, issued by ARK Invest, experienced a $42.7 million outflow. Additionally, the Bitcoin ETF outflow faced a negative $165 million.

However, amidst these outflows, BlackRock's IBIT fund remains a stronghold, albeit with diminishing inflows. The spot Bitcoin ETF under BlackRock received a $18 million net inflow on the same day.

These dynamics reflect broader trends in Bitcoin investment products. While outflows from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) have slowed recently, overall inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs have also decreased. Tuesday saw BlackRock's IBIT ETF leading with a net inflow of approximately $25.78 million, pushing total inflows past $15.3 billion.

Bitcoin Price Drop Influences Investor Sentiment

These Bitcoin ETF outflows occur amid a turbulent period for Bitcoin itself. The leading cryptocurrency, currently priced at $62,000 with a market capitalization of $1.22 trillion, faced a 12.2% drop over the past week, dampening investor interest and influencing outflows across various Bitcoin investment vehicles.

Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart notes that zero inflow days are common for Bitcoin ETFs and should not be perceived as product failures. Similarly, most US ETFs experience days with zero inflows across various sectors, highlighting the normalcy of such occurrences.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

BlackRock Bitcoin education series was introduced to explain to users the benefits and potential of Bitcoin.

The series comprises four videos covering fundamental aspects of Bitcoin investment with its significance in portfolios and strategies for securing holdings.

BlackRock also updated its filing for a spot Bitcoin ETF, allowing cash redemptions to enhance its chances of SEC approval.

BlackRock, the global giant in asset management overseeing an astounding $10.5 trillion in assets, has unveiled a unique initiative focusing on Bitcoin education.

Read more: Bitcoin Spot ETF vs Futures ETF: Differences To Make The Right Investment Choice

BlackRock Bitcoin Education Series Launched

The BlackRock Bitcoin education series, comprising four informative videos available on BlackRock's official website, covers fundamental aspects of Bitcoin as an investment. It delves into the underlying technology, Bitcoin's role in investment portfolios, security measures, and the significance of events such as the Bitcoin halving.

Jay Jacobs, BlackRock's U.S. Head of Thematic and Active ETFs, emphasized the importance of understanding Bitcoin's upcoming halving event, occurring once every four years. Jacobs invites viewers to delve into the series to gain insights into how this event impacts Bitcoin's value and to explore potential investment avenues in Bitcoin ETFs.

Acknowledging Bitcoin as "the most widely adopted digital asset in the world," Jacobs stated its prominence and potential in the BlackRock Bitcoin education series.

BlackRock's ETF Filing Adjustments Amidst Bitcoin Volatility

Furthermore, BlackRock recently updated its proposed filing for the spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), introducing cash redemptions, a move aimed at bolstering its prospects for approval from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The company's IBIT, the sole U.S.-based spot Bitcoin ETF, recorded significant inflows in recent days amid market turbulence, contrasting with outflows experienced by other ETFs, except for Grayscale's.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Kraken launches its own wallet, entering the competitive crypto product market.

The Kraken Wallet offers simplicity, security, and functionality, with features like on-chain transactions and robust security measures.

As open-source software under the MIT license, users can verify and audit the code, enhancing trust in the wallet's security.

Kraken, the second-largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, has unveiled its own wallet, stepping up its game in the competitive arena of cryptocurrency products and joining the ranks of major players.

Key Features of Kraken Wallet: Simplified Transactions and Enhanced Security

The newly introduced Kraken Wallet signifies a significant stride in cryptocurrency adoption. Designed for seamless on-chain transactions, the self-custodial wallet prioritizes simplicity, security, and functionality, aiming to enhance accessibility to decentralized finance.

Accessible to both Kraken users and non-users, the multichain Kraken Wallet acts as a gateway to the decentralized financial ecosystem. Focused on privacy and security, it enables users to retain custody of their digital assets and data, backed by Kraken’s robust security measures.

Kraken Wallet simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for complex network switching or managing multiple seed phrases. Notable features include portfolio tracking, support for multiple blockchains, WalletConnect integration for decentralized applications access, and round-the-clock customer support.

Kraken's Open-Source Approach to Security

Privacy-conscious, the wallet collects only essential operational data, ensuring user activity remains protected. Security measures, including biometric authentication and encrypted passwords, have been bolstered through a rigorous security audit conducted by cybersecurity experts Trail of Bits.

The launch of Kraken's new wallet positions it alongside competitors like MetaMask, Ledger, and Trezor in the dynamic cryptocurrency wallet landscape. While Coinbase remains a dominant force, other exchanges like Binance and OKX also cater to users with their own wallet solutions.

As a cornerstone of its security approach, Kraken Wallet is offered as free and open-source software under the MIT license. It empowers users with the ability to verify and audit the code, aligning with the ethos of trust minimization in the cryptocurrency space.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

WorldCoin's World Chain, a Layer 2 network, will launch soon, emphasizing scalability and community governance.

Secured by Ethereum, World Chain introduces "World ID" for address verification with user anonymity.

The move to a dedicated network promises cost reductions and scalability, enabling decentralized financial and identity applications for developers.

WorldCoin has revealed plans for the launch of its Layer 2 network, World Chain, scheduled to debut in the upcoming summer season. Spearheaded by the crypto venture co-founded by OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, World Chain aims to establish a robust financial and identity network.

WorldCoin Unveils World Chain: A Scalable Layer 2 Network Launch

Designed as an OP Stack chain, World Chain prioritizes scalability, with immediate efforts directed towards enhancing the gas limit for Layer 2 blocks. The network, secured by Ethereum as an L2, is poised to operate within the Superchain ecosystem, emphasizing permissionless attributes, open-source architecture, and eventual community governance.

Recently surpassing milestones of 10 million World IDs created and 75 million completed transactions, Worldcoin showcases rapid expansion. The platform's dedicated network, synchronized with Ethereum as a layer 2, ensures scalability aligned with project requirements.

World Chain introduces a novel feature: a digital passport termed World ID, attainable by users scanning their eyeballs, positioning itself as a haven for "verified humans" amid an era characterized by AI proliferation. This initiative signifies a shift from World ID's previous decentralized application status on Ethereum to an independent chain, offering developers enhanced control and potentially reduced costs.

The migration to a dedicated network promises substantial benefits, with future prospects focused on advancing scalability and decentralization within the Layer 2 paradigm. With World ID facilitating address verification while preserving anonymity through zero-knowledge proofs, World Chain underscores its commitment to user privacy.

Cost-Effective Scalability for Decentralized Applications

Utilizing the OP Stack framework, World Chain aligns with Coinbase's Base network, which is popular among blockchain startups. Employing Layer-2 rollups, the network aggregates transactions before finalization on Ethereum, offering users cost-effective alternatives.

The chain also extends to developers, providing access to a broad user base across 160 countries from its inception. It enables the deployment of decentralized financial and identity applications, the ecosystem prioritizes utility, encompassing stablecoins, payments, rewards, lending, and swapping functionalities.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Gemini Trust secures court approval for global settlement with Genesis, marking milestone in Earn users' asset recovery journey.

Initial distribution to Earn users estimated at 97% of owed digital assets, expected in late May or early June.

Remaining distribution amount to be recovered from Digital Currency Group, Inc. (DCG), ensuring full asset restitution.

Gemini Trust, in its latest development regarding Earn's plan, announced a significant milestone in the ongoing saga of digital asset recovery.

During a hearing on April 16, the bankruptcy court delivered oral approval for the global settlement agreement between Gemini Trust, Genesis, and other creditors involved in the Genesis bankruptcy case.

This approval marks a pivotal moment in the journey toward full restitution for Earn users' digital assets, signifying progress in the efforts to resolve the fallout from the suspension of Earn on November 16, 2022.

Read more: Fetch.AI Review: Don’t Miss AI Coin Storming FET In 2024

Details of Gemini's Global Settlement with Genesis

The settlement agreement outlines key provisions, notably specifying that the initial distribution to Earn users will encompass approximately 97% of the digital assets owed to them as of the suspension date. This first distribution is slated to take place in late May or early June, offering a glimmer of hope for affected users awaiting the return of their assets.

Additionally, the agreement outlines a plan for the recovery of the remaining distribution amount from Digital Currency Group, Inc. (DCG), ensuring that efforts continue to secure the full restitution of digital assets to Earn users.

Gemini Trust's update underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in navigating the complexities of the Earn suspension fallout. By securing approval for the settlement agreement, the company takes a significant step forward in fulfilling its obligation to users and restoring confidence in the digital asset ecosystem.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Mint Blockchain, the latest addition to OP Superchain, announces strategic partnership with Optimism Foundation for NFT ecosystem revolution.

Developed on OP Stack, Mint Blockchain's L2 network aims to solve on-chain business challenges, with main network launch slated for May.

Focus on NFT types like AIGC, RWA, BRC20, SRC20, and Runes, propelling Mint Blockchain as a game-changer in digital assets.

Mint Blockchain has forged a strategic partnership with the Optimism Foundation, cementing its status as the newest member of the OP Superchain.

Developed on the robust foundation of OP Stack, Mint Blockchain has swiftly emerged as a frontrunner in the realm of Layer 2 solutions.

https://twitter.com/Optimism/status/1780587640049565730

Since its test network launch in February, MB has garnered significant attention for its innovative approach to addressing the intricacies of on-chain businesses. With the main network slated for release in May, anticipation is running high for the platform's potential to revolutionize asset issuance, cross-chain adaptation, and transaction settlement within the NFT landscape.

Read more: Fetch.AI Review: Don’t Miss AI Coin Storming FET In 2024

Mint Blockchain's L2 Network Set to Transform NFT Ecosystem

Mint Blockchain is dedicated to tackling a myriad of NFT types, including but not limited to AIGC, RWA, BRC20, SRC20, and Runes. By providing comprehensive solutions for various NFT categories, the platform aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for businesses operating within the digital asset space.

The strategic collaboration with the Optimism Foundation signifies a significant milestone for Mint, underscoring its commitment to fostering interoperability and scalability within the blockchain ecosystem. Leveraging the expertise and resources of the Optimism Foundation, Mint Blockchain is poised to unlock new avenues of growth and innovation.

With its emphasis on the NFT ecosystem, Mint Blockchain is well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the digital asset landscape. By offering robust solutions for asset issuance, cross-chain interoperability, and transaction settlement, the platform is primed to empower businesses and creators alike, ushering in a new era of possibility and potential within the burgeoning world of blockchain technology.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

The top five Bitcoin mining firms are holding onto their Bitcoin reserves despite the upcoming halving, signaling a significant shift in strategy.

Bitcoin selling by these firms has hit a two-year low, with only approximately 2,000 BTC sold in Q1 2024, down from over 7,000 BTC in Q4 2023.

Despite concerns about profitability post-halving, Bitcoin miner revenue surged by 30% quarter-over-quarter, exceeding $4.5 billion, with potential offsets in rising network fees.

The five largest Bitcoin miners firms are bucking the trend by holding onto their Bitcoin reserves, refusing to sell despite the anticipated reduction in supply issuance.

According to a recent report by Bitwise, Bitcoin selling by these top mining firms hit a two-year low in the first quarter of 2024, with approximately 2,000 BTC sold. This contrasts sharply with the over 7,000 BTC sold in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The impending Bitcoin halving, set to slash block issuance rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC, coupled with the ongoing increase in Bitcoin's hash rate, could potentially dent mining profitability.

However, despite concerns, Bitcoin miners revenue saw a substantial 30% quarter-over-quarter increase, exceeding $4.5 billion, according to Bitwise. CEO of Acheron Trading, Laurent Benayoun, suggests that the decrease in mining rewards might be offset by rising network fees, potentially maintaining or even increasing mining revenue in dollar terms.

Read more: Fetch.AI Review: Don’t Miss AI Coin Storming FET In 2024

Top Miners Hold Strong Amid Supply Reduction

Nevertheless, historical data indicates that post-halving, Bitcoin mining revenue typically experiences a significant decline. After the 2020 halving, revenue plummeted by 40%, while the 2016 halving saw a drop of over 51%.

Marathon Digital emerged as the leading Bitcoin miner, generating over 2,500 BTC in Q1 2024. However, its mining costs were notably higher than competitors, with an average of $22,249 per BTC compared to Cipher Mining's $8,626 per BTC.

Bitcoin miners globally hold over 700,000 BTC, constituting 3.4% of the total supply. Meanwhile, individuals hold the lion's share of Bitcoin supply, accounting for 57% (12 million BTC).

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

BytePlus, ByteDance's innovation arm, ventures into blockchain with Sui, marking a milestone in the world of tech unicorns.

Teaming up with Mysten Labs, BytePlus aims to revolutionize gaming and social apps by integrating blockchain into recommendation solutions and augmented reality features.

The collaboration promises personalized content recommendations, immersive AR experiences, and a deeper sense of community within gaming and social platforms.

BytePlus ventures heralds its entry into the realm of blockchain technology with the unveiling of Sui.

As the world’s largest unicorn company, BytePlus ventures has long been synonymous with groundbreaking ventures, and now, BytePlus takes center stage in pioneering the company’s foray into blockchain.

With Sui, BytePlus aims to leverage blockchain's decentralized ledger technology to revolutionize various industries, particularly in gaming and social applications. Teaming up with Mysten Labs, a prominent player in the blockchain space, BytePlus ventures seeks to adapt its recommendation solutions and augmented reality (AR) products to enhance user experiences in these domains.

Read more: Fetch.AI Review: Don’t Miss AI Coin Storming FET In 2024

BytePlus Enters Blockchain: Pioneering the Future with Sui

The collaboration between BytePlus ventures and Mysten Labs holds the promise of innovation and disruption. By integrating Mysten Labs' expertise in blockchain with BytePlus's extensive resources and technological prowess, the partnership aims to create cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the gaming and social app ecosystems.

One of the key areas of focus will be the integration of blockchain technology to augment recommendation algorithms. By harnessing the power of decentralized networks, BytePlus Ventures endeavors to refine its recommendation solutions, providing users with more personalized and relevant content recommendations. This enhancement not only enhances user engagement but also fosters a deeper sense of community within gaming and social platforms.

BytePlus and Mysten Labs Collaborate for Blockchain Innovation

BytePlus aims to explore the integration of blockchain-powered augmented reality (AR) features into gaming and social applications. By combining Mysten Labs' blockchain infrastructure with BytePlus's AR expertise, the collaboration seeks to create immersive experiences that blur the lines between the virtual and physical worlds.

The launch of Sui marks a significant milestone for BytePlus and ByteDance as a whole. By venturing into blockchain technology, the company demonstrates its commitment to innovation and its willingness to embrace emerging trends in the tech industry. With the support of Mysten Labs and its own dedicated team of experts, BytePlus is poised to redefine the landscape of gaming and social applications, ushering in a new era of decentralized, immersive experiences for users worldwide.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

Hidden Road Partners seeks $120 million in Series B funding, eyeing a $1 billion valuation, specializing in crypto and forex brokerage.

The firm previously raised $50 million and offers prime brokerage services across various markets, including digital assets.

The rise of Hidden Road mirrors a growing demand for crypto prime brokers amidst market challenges.

Hidden Road Partners, a prime brokerage firm specializing in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange, is in the process of raising Series B equity financing, according to Bloomberg.

Hidden Road Partners Targets $1 Billion Valuation in Series B Funding Round

The funding round is expected to increase the company's valuation to approximately $1 billion, with aims to raise around $120 million.

Founded in 2018 by Marc Asch, a former executive at hedge fund giants SAC Capital and Point72 Asset Management, Hidden Road Partners has quickly made a mark in the financial world. Previously, the firm closed a $50 million financing round in 2022.

Offering prime brokerage services across various markets, including foreign exchange, precious metals, and digital assets, Hidden Road Partners has positioned itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving landscape of cryptocurrency finance.

The rise of crypto prime brokers like Hidden Road and its competitor FalconX has been notable, particularly following the collapse of the FTX exchange. These firms take on counterparty risk on behalf of clients, providing crucial services like financing, which has been in high demand as the crypto market recovers from the fallout of lending firm failures in 2022.

Crypto Venture Capital Surges, Signaling Recovery for Startup Ecosystem

Moreover, amidst signs of a resurgence in crypto venture capital, with investments totaling $2.5 billion globally in the past quarter, according to PitchBook, startups in the space are regaining momentum.

This influx of capital comes at a crucial time, as many startups had to navigate through the challenges of the recent crypto winter, leading to cutbacks and project restructuring. The recent funding activity signals a promising trend for the crypto startup ecosystem.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

BlackRock spot Bitcoin ETF is set to overtake Grayscale's GBTC in assets by month-end.

GBTC sees a significant single-day outflow of $79.38 million.

Despite low inflows, analysts reassure normal market behavior for US spot Bitcoin ETFs.

BlackRock spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) is poised to overtake Grayscale's GBTC in assets by the end of April, according to Bloomberg analyst Eric Balchunas.

Read more: Best Bitcoin ETFs To Buy In 2024

BlackRock Spot Bitcoin ETF to Surpass GBTC in Assets

Currently, GBTC maintains a $2.3 billion lead, but a potential surge in Bitcoin's value could affect this projection, with April 30 as a significant date to watch.

On the flip side, SoSoValue reported a substantial net outflow from spot Bitcoin ETFs yesterday, totaling $58.03 million. Notably, GBTC alone experienced a net outflow of $79.38 million in a single day, contributing to its historical net outflow of $16.46 billion.

Official data from Grayscale reveals that as of April 16, GBTC held 309,871.3833 BTC, with assets under management totaling $19,446,062,321.57 and circulating shares amounting to 347,880,100.

The BlackRock spot Bitcoin ETF stands out with a significant net inflow of approximately $25.78 million, marking it as the only spot Bitcoin ETF with consecutive inflows since its inception.

Analysts Reassure Normalcy Amidst Low Inflows in Bitcoin ETFs

Despite recent concerns about low inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs, Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart reassures that this is normal market behavior.

He emphasizes that most days witness zero flows into ETFs, and significant inflows or outflows only occur when there's a substantial demand-supply imbalance, indicating a routine market dynamic rather than a failure of the product.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

a16z new funding completed with $7.2 billion, targeting national interest startups, late-stage ventures, and gaming.

Despite AI's prominence, no standalone fund is set, reflecting its integration into startups since ChatGPT's launch.

Venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, commonly known as a16z, has successfully secured $7.2 billion in new funding, surpassing its initial fundraising target by approximately 4%, as reported by Bloomberg.

Read more: a16z Review: One Of The Big Players In The Crypto Industry

a16z New Funding Completed With $7.2 Billion, Targets Diverse Ventures

The a16z new funding is earmarked for various sectors within the company. Notably, $600 million is allocated to American Dynamism, a business emphasizing startups of national interest.

Additionally, $3.75 billion is designated for growth businesses or late-stage startups, focusing on those with established track records, albeit smaller than the $5 billion growth fund raised in 2021. Another $600 million is set aside for a gaming venture.

In March 2024, a16z aimed to raise $6.9 billion from investors for a suite of new funds, including two AI-focused funds. Recognizing the pervasive role of AI across startups, the firm chose not to establish a standalone AI fund. The surge in AI investment over the past 18 months, fueled by innovations like OpenAI's ChatGPT, has driven valuations of AI-centric startups, including OpenAI and Anthropic, to unprecedented heights.

a16z Sets Sights on Crypto and Biotech Ventures

Looking ahead, the company intends to continue a16z new fundings, with a focus on cryptocurrencies and biotech in 2025. This mirrors their successful fundraising efforts in 2022, where they raised up to $4.5 billion for cryptocurrency and blockchain startups, setting a market record at the time.

Recent capital injections by a16z include investments in various crypto projects, such as game startups and EigenLayer, totaling $130 million. Additionally, the firm's cryptocurrency development arm, a16z Crypto, introduced Jolt, a zero-knowledge solution dubbed zkVM, aimed at enhancing blockchain scalability.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

PayPal announced policy changes starting May 20, 2024, excluding NFT purchases from buyer protection and limiting protection for NFT sales over $10,000.

The new PayPal NFT policy represents a significant departure from PayPal's previous protection policies for NFT transactions.

PayPal's move reflects its evolving stance on blockchain and NFTs, following its integration of cryptocurrency and ongoing efforts in blockchain technology.

PayPal has announced significant changes to its buyer and seller protection policies, affecting Non-Fungible Token (NFT) transactions.

PayPal NFT Policy Implements Shift for Transactions

According to The Block, starting May 20, 2024, PayPal will exclude NFT purchases from its buyer protection plan. Additionally, NFT sales surpassing $10,000 will no longer be safeguarded against false claims and refunds.

While PayPal issued a notice on March 21 regarding these adjustments, they have only come to light recently. Under the "Amendments to PayPal’s Purchase Protection Program," NFTs are explicitly excluded from eligibility for buyer protection. Similarly, the seller protection plan will no longer cover NFT transactions exceeding $10,000.01.

The new PayPal NFT policy marks a significant shift in its approach to high-value NFT transactions, impacting the security measures available to both buyers and sellers. Previously, PayPal provided protection for NFT transactions, offering refunds in case of misrepresented items or payment issues.

While some users were unable to log in to the platform, others were talking on X about how PayPal was ignoring their complaints.

PayPal's Evolving Role in Blockchain and NFT Ecosystem

PayPal NFT policy comes amid its integration of cryptocurrency, initiated in 2022. The company has been actively pursuing blockchain and NFT-related innovations, which is evident through numerous patents and the recent launch of a service supporting international payments using the stablecoin PYUSD.

Notably, PayPal's strides in blockchain technology include a patent application filed last year for an NFT purchase and transfer system, underscoring its commitment to advancing within the blockchain ecosystem.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

Key Points:

AGIX token holders approve the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, marking a significant step towards decentralized AGI and ASI development.

SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Protocol discuss merging tokens into ASI, aiming for a $7.6 billion market value to boost AGI progress.

The merger preserves autonomy for SingularityNET, Fetch AI, and Ocean Protocol while fostering collaboration under SingularityNET CEO Ben Goertzel's leadership in the Superintelligence Collective.

In a landmark move, SingularityNET has announced that an overwhelming majority of AGIX token holders have given their nod to the proposed Artificial Superintelligence Alliance. This significant decision signals the inception of what could become the largest open-source decentralized network.

Read more: SingularityNET Review: Detailed About The Project, Will It Explode With AI Trend?

AGIX Token Holders Back Artificial Superintelligence Alliance for AGI Advancement

Artificial Superintelligence Alliance is a testament to AGIX holders' forward-thinking approach, marking the first steps toward fostering a robust ecosystem dedicated to advancing decentralized Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and, subsequently, Artificial Superintelligence (ASI).

SingularityNET expressed gratitude to its community for actively participating in the voting process, emphasizing their crucial support for this ambitious endeavor.

Previously reported discussions between SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Protocol regarding the amalgamation of their tokens into the ASI token have garnered attention. This proposed merger, set to propel the fully diluted market value of ASI tokens to an estimated $7.6 billion, reflects the collective vision of these projects to leverage synergies and expedite progress in AGI development.

SingularityNET, Fetch AI, and Ocean Protocol Unite Under Superintelligence Collective

Driven by the exponential growth of AI and the notable achievements of each project independently, the alliance seeks to establish a resilient decentralized AI infrastructure globally. Moreover, it aims to challenge the dominance of Big Tech in AI development, utilization, and commercialization.

Importantly, the merger agreement ensures that individual operations of SingularityNET, Fetch AI, and Ocean Protocol remain unaffected. They will operate independently, collaborating under the leadership of SingularityNET CEO Ben Goertzel within the Superintelligence Collective.

Executives from Fetch AI and Ocean Protocol will assume supporting roles, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to innovation and progress.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

*This article is #sponsored  by Simpleminers

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Key Points:

Trust Wallet issues alerts on potential iMessage exploits targeting iPhone users that pose a risk to crypto holdings.

The warning was met with skepticism over the source's credibility, prompting debate among users about potential panic.

Previous cases of iOS zero-day exploits and Apple's patching history highlight ongoing challenges in securing digital assets.

Trust Wallet, a prominent crypto wallet supported by Binance, has issued a cautionary alert regarding a potential security vulnerability via Apple's iMessage service.

Potential iOS Zero-day Exploit Exploit Threatens Crypto Users

Citing credible intelligence, the wallet provider warned users of a high-risk attack vector targeting iPhone users through an undisclosed iOS zero-day exploit. This exploit, purportedly present since the inception of Apple's default messenger, poses a significant risk to users' cryptocurrency holdings.

The alert, posted early on April 16, urged Trust Wallet users on iOS to promptly disable the iMessage feature as a precautionary measure against potential exploitation by hackers. However, the startup refrained from divulging the source of the information or confirming any instances of crypto losses incurred by users.

The warning met with skepticism within the industry, with some questioning the credibility of the intelligence shared by Trust Wallet's CEO, Eowyn Chen. Concerns were raised about potential unwarranted panic among users and the apparent lack of awareness among other security experts regarding the alleged iOS zero-day exploit.

Apple's iMessage Vulnerability: Challenges in Securing Digital Assets

In response, a representative from Trust Wallet disclosed that the warning stemmed from insights provided by the project's security team and partners. Despite skepticism, instances of iMessage being utilized for attacks have occurred previously, prompting Apple to issue patches for iOS zero-day exploits. Moreover, in March, security researchers uncovered an irrecoverable flaw affecting devices with M chips, potentially exposing private keys.

While Apple acknowledged the issue, specifics regarding a security patch remain undisclosed. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining the security of digital assets amid evolving threats in the cryptocurrency landscape. Users are advised to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their funds.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.

*This Press Release is #sponsored  by H2O DAO

With increasing popularity and reputation, H2O DAO has been attracting high-profile partnerships. The most recent one is City Tycoon Games. Being the 8th airdrop partner of H2O DAO, City Tycoon Games is offering 50,000 $CTG tokens to the community in celebration of the partnership. Anyone can join the campaign from April 15th till 18th. 500 winners will be entitled to the total amount of 50,000 $CTG tokens.

To take part in the campaign, users are required to complete all the following tasks:
1. Follow City Tycoon Games & H2ODAO Twitter.2. Like + RT + Tag 3 friends in the pinned tweet of the H2O DAO Twitter handle.3. Join the City Tycoon Games & H2ODAO TG group.4. Your BEP20-USDT Wallet Address. Users can choose from joining from either Twitter or Telegram.
City Tycoon Games is a Simulation Game where anyone can earn tokens through skilled gameplay. Based on Monopoly’s gameplay with social and collecting elements, City Tycoon Games provides a platform for players to upgrade their buildings, expand the number of plots, collect, and train heroes and participate in various ranked matches.
Players can also earn token rewards through daily activities, limited-time activities and trading markets, Monopoly play, or by stealing and plundering others’ resources. The rewards include a small number of tokens.

Ever since its listing on Huobi’s brand-new token listing platform, Primelist, one of the global largest digital asset exchanges in 2022, H2O (H2O DAO) has been a heat project in the field of DAO.
The key function for H2O is that it aggregates the community and distributes benefits for users. This includes early testing opportunities for community-based products, project token rewards, whitelisting, and other participation mechanisms.
This is an essential function to maintain and protect the welfare of the community users and the healthy growth of the community ecosystem. In addition, H2O aggregates selected assets from the community and provide them with the best resource support in the industry, and introduces diversified community products, including community task platform, community learning platform, news aggregation platform, further empowering users and safeguarding users’ benefits.

The historical listing proves the potential of H2O DAO. While the recent partnership with various high-profile projects further spurs its popularity, and ensure the prosperity of the H2O DAO ecosystem.