According to BlockBeats, the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has released a new document stating that from April 30, 2024, as part of the annual credit limit update, the DTCC will implement changes to modify the collateral value of certain securities. These changes could affect the position value applied in collateral monitors. The collateral valuation of corporate notes or bonds rated from B1 to B3 will be adjusted from 50% to 70%. Any Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) or other investment tools, including Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrencies as underlying collateral, will have no collateral value and will therefore be subject to a 100% valuation discount. These changes are expected to have a significant impact on the way collateral is valued and could potentially affect the investment strategies of many firms. The move to discount the value of cryptocurrencies as collateral is particularly noteworthy, given the increasing interest in digital assets in recent years.

According to Foresight News, the zero-knowledge protocol Hinkal has successfully raised $1.4 million in a strategic financing round. The funding round was based on a simple agreement for future equity (SAFE) and token equity certificates, bringing its valuation to $70 million. The round was led by SALT Fund, with participation from Draper Associates, SNZ Capital, and Peer VC. Currently, Hinkal operates on seven blockchain networks, including Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, Avalanche, Polygon, and BNB Chain. The successful financing round and the broad network operation underline Hinkal's growing influence in the blockchain industry.

According to BlockBeats, asset management firm Franklin Templeton has launched a spot Ethereum ETF, named 'Franklin Ethereum TR Ethereum ETF', with the code EZET. The information was revealed by data from the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). The Create/Redeem column on the DTCC website lists the ETF, indicating its availability for creation and redemption. Franklin Templeton is a global leader in asset management, and the launch of this Ethereum ETF marks a significant step in the firm's expansion into the digital asset space. The ETF, coded as EZET, is now listed on the DTCC website, a major platform for securities transactions in the United States. The listing of the ETF in the Create/Redeem column signifies that it is available for creation and redemption. This is a crucial aspect of ETFs, as it allows for the adjustment of the supply of ETF shares in response to demand, helping to keep the ETF's market price close to its net asset value. This move by Franklin Templeton indicates a growing interest in digital assets among traditional financial institutions. The launch of the Ethereum ETF provides investors with a new way to gain exposure to Ethereum, one of the leading cryptocurrencies, without the need to directly own the digital asset. This could potentially attract more investors to the digital asset market, further driving the growth of the sector.

According to PANews, HODL15Capital has monitored the trading volume data of Bitcoin spot ETFs on April 26. The data shows that BlackRock's IBIT had a trading volume of $734 million, Grayscale's GBTC had a trading volume of $380 million, Fidelity's FBTC had a trading volume of $309 million, ProShares' BITO had a trading volume of $212 million, ARKB had a trading volume of $55.42 million, and BITB had a trading volume of $41.70 million. This data provides an insight into the trading activities of various Bitcoin spot ETFs. It shows the dominance of BlackRock's IBIT in the market, followed by Grayscale's GBTC and Fidelity's FBTC. ProShares' BITO, ARKB, and BITB also had significant trading volumes, although they were less than the top three. The trading volume data is an important indicator of the market activity and investor interest in these Bitcoin spot ETFs. It can be used to gauge the popularity and liquidity of these investment products. The high trading volumes of these Bitcoin spot ETFs indicate a strong interest from investors and a vibrant market activity.

According to PANews, Yuga Labs, a prominent player in the crypto industry, is undergoing a significant restructuring process. As part of this process, the company has reduced its team size. The news was announced by Greg Solano, the co-founder of Yuga Labs who took over as CEO in February this year. Solano made the announcement via social media, stating that Yuga Labs had 'lost its direction' and would now focus on building a 'smaller, more flexible crypto-native team'. Solano also revealed that some of the company's plans have already been put into action. Farawaygg, a Web3 game development company, will allow Yuga to focus on the development of the 3D Otherside game. More details about this plan will be announced soon. The restructuring is seen as a strategic move to streamline operations and refocus the company's efforts on its core competencies in the rapidly evolving crypto industry.

On Apr 27, 2024, 01:18 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, BNB has dropped below 590 USDT and is now trading at 587.099976 USDT, with a 3.47% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Foresight News, Lido has announced the successful completion of its SSV Simple DVT testnet. The company is now preparing for the launch of its mainnet. In the coming weeks, selected participants will be using SSV technology to join the mainnet Lido Simple DVT module. This development marks a significant step forward in Lido's technological advancement.

On Apr 27, 2024, 00:46 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has dropped below 63,000 USDT and is now trading at 62,987.25 USDT, with a 1.76% decrease in 24 hours.

On Apr 27, 2024, 00:43 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Ethereum has dropped below 3,100 USDT and is now trading at 3,099.310059 USDT, with a 1.30% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Foresight News, Web3 social platform, friend.tech, has announced the completion of its snapshot and the locking of point balances. The platform has also stated that the cancellation or reconnection of Twitter will no longer result in the transfer of points. Details regarding the on-chain situation of the points will be disclosed next week.

According to Bloomberg, Representative Hill, the chair of the subcommittee on digital assets, has indicated that the House leadership is considering the best way to pass a package that includes the SAFE Banking Act. In an interview, Hill stated his support for the Act, which he has backed for nine years. The Act would enable cannabis dealers in states where it is legal to access the banking system. Hill believes that this would make it easier to identify illegal activities and 'bad actors' if these companies were part of the banking system. Hill also mentioned that lawmakers are nearing a bipartisan agreement on legislation to regulate stablecoins. He expressed optimism about the progress made over the past year and stated that the country would benefit from the passage of both bills. The Arkansas Republican did not provide further details on the potential agreement or the timeline for its implementation.

On Apr 26, 2024, 22:26 PM (UTC). According to Binance Market Data, BNB has dropped below 600 USDT and is now trading at 598.5 USDT, with a 2.40% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Cointelegraph: Yuga Labs Undergoes Another Restructure with Layoffs and New Executive Hire In a shifting marketplace, Yuga Labs, the developer behind renowned Bored Ape Yacht Club, is yet again restructuring the company, leading to layoffs and the integration of new leadership. CEO of Yuga Labs, Greg Solano, described it as a "tough day" in a message sent out to the company's employees, which he then shared publicly on X. Layoffs were communicated during an all-hands meeting, an outcome of Yuga losing its focus, as per Solano. Source: Garga.eth (Greg Solano) Solano (SOL) reportedly stated his realizations during his two-month leadership, indicating that the creative spirit that initially drove the company had been overshadowed by complex corporate processes. According to Solano, the company seemed to be planning more than delivering, despite working hard. With the challenges at hand, Solano plans to redirect the company. Some reorganization actions, such as the spinout of HV-MTL and Legends of the Mara on April 17, were already underway. Game developer Faraway acquired these properties and also onboarded Yuga's chief gaming officer, Spencer Tucker. Solano's priority, as disclosed in his April 26 message, is the development of Yuga's Otherside metaverse project. Before Solano's announcements, Won Kim declared his appointment as Yuga's head of brand partnerships on X. Kim previously co-founded the nonfungible token (NFT) fund and consulting agency Bored Room Ventures, which he left for Yuga. Yuga Labs encountered mixed reactions from the crypto community on X regarding the new layoffs and changes. Despite its pioneering role in the NFT collectible space, Yuga Labs has struggled to adapt to the evolving market conditions. In October, it had undergone a prior restructuring leading to several layoffs. Yuga Labs declined to comment further on the situation when contacted by Cointelegraph.

On Apr 26, 2024, 21:44 PM (UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin (BTC) has crossed the 64,000 USDT benchmark and is now trading at 64,008.21875 USDT, with a 1.35% decrease in 24 hours.

According to Cointelegraph: John Deaton Supports Coinbase in SEC Appeal by Filing Amicus Brief John Deaton, a known crypto lawyer who is presently running a Senate campaign to unseat Elizabeth Warren, has filed an amicus brief advocating for Coinbase. This step comes as the cryptocurrency exchange appeals certain matters in its legal battle against the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Source: Courtlistener In an April 26 document filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, Deaton submitted the amicus brief supporting a motion for interlocutory appeal, representing 4,701 Coinbase customers. Interestingly, Deaton provided this legal aid pro bono, representing Coinbase users' interests distinct from the exchange itself. The brief insists that the SEC’s enforcement actions are evidence that "the regulator does not speak on behalf of digital asset users and investors and intends to offer no regulatory guidance beyond citing the Howey case." Deaton pointed to the SEC's lawsuits against crypto firms, such as Debt Box, alleging that the commission's approach was more adversarial towards the crypto industry than truth and justice-aligned. Though Deaton's actions appear tied to his ongoing Senate run based on his April 26 X post, he proposed himself as a legal representative for Coinbase users as early as June 2023—prior to announcing his campaign—after the SEC filed its lawsuit. Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, informed that the interlocutory appeal seeks the court's discernment on whether a post-sale contractual obligation is essential for something to be defined as an "investment contract"—a foundation for deciding if something is a security under SEC regulations. This pivotal legal issue is key among those being contended in the SEC's lawsuit against Coinbase. Less than six months from the election day, it remains to be seen if Deaton's legal maneuvers might impact his Senate campaign, which is distinguished by his markedly different views on digital assets compared to incumbent Senator Warren.

According to Cointelegraph: EU's DeFi Regulations Could Welcome Big Banks but Test Crypto Natives New regulatory rules forthcoming for decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols in Europe could create significant hurdles for crypto-native projects while stimulating traditional financial institutions to enter the DeFi space, as per Marina Markezic, Executive Director of the European Crypto Initiative. Markezic discussed the European Commission's forthcoming DeFi report, set to be released on Dec. 30, 2024, during a recent interview with Cointelegraph. The report will scrutinize DeFi's regulatory feasibility under the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) framework. Markezic expressed her expectations from a DeFi regulatory framework stating that it could facilitate traditional players' entry into the crypto space since several banks are already considering issuing stablecoins. However, she cautioned that obtaining licenses and achieving compliance might become harder for crypto-native projects. The EU's report seeks to explore the regulation of decentralized systems, particularly those without a defined issuer or service provider. A crucial outcome may include initial definitions of what regulators perceive as decentralization. Markezic suggested that DeFi should be looked upon as a spectrum rather than a binary scenario. This 'DeFi spectrum' would consist of a range of different use cases, from fully decentralized systems to those that exhibit various levels of control and management. Legal experts push for clear standards instead of strict rules. Sascha Drobnjak, former head of legal and compliance at Elusiv protocol, emphasized that governments, policymakers, and the industry need to agree on what really defines DeFi. Revenue from the DeFi sector is predicted to reach approximately $6.69 billion in Europe by 2024, according to Statista, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.67% between 2024 and 2028, reaching $9.68 billion in revenue by 2028.

According to Cointelegraph: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Other Top Cryptocurrencies' Price Analysis: Trends and Predictions Bitcoin (BTC) Price Analysis In a critical period for Bitcoin (BTC) and altcoins, the cryptocurrencies could be on their way to retest recent key support levels as bears strive to expand the correction phase. Bitcoin (BTC) continues to trade within a broad spectrum, pointing to uncertainty about the upcoming trend. Crypto market data daily view. Source: Coin360 Predictors keeping an eye on Bitcoin's next move are excited by the recent $1.3 billion USD Coin transferred to Coinbase by whale accounts, anticipating these funds will be invested in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether. However, it's not only the top-ranked cryptocurrencies by market capitalization attracting investors. James Butterfill, Head of Research at CoinShares, revealed in a recent survey-based report that 15% of the 64 institutional investors had invested in Solana. It's worth noting that none of the investors held Solana in the January survey. BTC/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView Furthermore, Mark Yusko, CEO of Morgan Creek Capital, stated in a recent podcast interview that approximately $300 billion of baby boomers' wealth is expected to flow into digital assets in the next 12 months. This could potentially drive the cryptocurrency market cap up to a staggering $6 trillion. As bears attempt to deepen the correction in Bitcoin and altcoins, potential buyers could potentially obstruct this path. Bitcoin's (BTC) price analysis shows it has been trading below moving averages for the past few days, yet bears struggle to bring the price down to key support levels. The figures suggest selling wanes at lower levels. To gain a deeper understanding of the current market trends of the top ten cryptocurrencies, chart analysis is crucial. For Bitcoin (BTC), a break and close below $59,600 might trigger a drop to the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level of $54,298. However, a rise above the 50-day SMA could see the BTC/USDT pair climb to $73,777, a critical overhead resistance for bulls. Ether (ETH) price analysis: ETH Sees Tight Range Trading, Big Swing In The Horizon Ether (ETH) has been experiencing significant fluctuations between the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) ($3,209) and the horizontal support level of $3,056 in recent days. This limited range trading, depicted in the ETH/USDT daily chart, is unlikely to persist in the long run, indicating potential directional swings in the imminent future. ETH/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView If the price manages to break above the 20-day EMA, the ETH/USDT pair could potentially rise to the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) ($3,436). This level may pose a temporary barrier, but it's expected to be surpassed, potentially leading the pair to soar to $3,679. On the other hand, if prices plunge and breach the $3,056 support level, it might suggest that bears are gaining control. The ETH/USDT pair could then retest critical support at $2,852. A further plunge below this level may potentially initiate a decline towards $2,700. BNB Price Analysis: Battle Between Bulls and Bears Tightens around $635 Resistance Level Binance Coin (BNB) has been experiencing difficulties in surpassing the overhead resistance at $635, an indication of relentless bearish defense of the price level. However, bulls are not backing down, helping to alleviate a rapid price decline. The price could potentially retreat to the moving averages, establishing anticipated support levels. If the price uniquely rebounds off the moving averages, it could increase the chances of breaching the $635 resistance level. BNB/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView In that scenario, the BNB/USDT pair could witness a surge toward $692, and eventually extend to the pattern target of $775, indicating a possible bullish outcome. However, if the price slumps below the moving averages, it might indicate an extension of the range-bound action for a few more days, reflecting a more bear-driven scenario in the short-term. Solana Price Analysis: SOL Faces Resistance at $162, Major Moves Expected Solana demonstrated a downturn from the overhead resistance of $162 on April 24, pointing to the significant activity of the bears at higher levels. With the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) gradually sloping down to $153 and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) in the negative territory, it suggests that bears currently hold the upper hand. SOL/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView The SOL/USDT pair may well descend towards a strong support level at $126. Suppose the price robustly rebounds off this level. In that case, it could represent a potential scenario where the pair could remain trapped in the price range between $162 and $126 for a more extended period. However, the first positive indication would be a break and closing price above the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) of $168. Such a move could pave the way for a possible rally towards $205. Conversely, a break below $126 could catapult the SOL/USDT pair down to the $100 mark. XRP Price Analysis: XRP Bulls Eye Support at Uptrend Line Ripple's native digital token, XRP is currently trading below the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of $0.54, signaling a bearish market. Despite this, bulls are showing resilience, aiming to establish support at the uptrend line. XRP/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView Should the price make a rebound off the uptrend line and propel above the 20-day EMA, it could suggest a weakening of the bears' influence. Under such circumstances, the XRP/USDT pair might subsequently attempt a rally toward the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) of $0.59 and potentially ascend to $0.69. Contrarily, if the price continues on a downward trajectory and breaches the uptrend line, it could signify a firm bear grip on the market. The XRP/USDT pair might then plunge to $0.46, a level where robust support from the bulls is anticipated. Dogecoin (DOGE) Price Analysis: Symmetrical Triangle Forms as Bulls and Bears Lock Horns Dogecoin (DOGE) has recently traced a symmetrical triangle pattern, suggesting an ongoing bout of indecision between the bulls and the bears. With the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) sloping downwards to $0.16 and the Relative Strength Index (RSI) positioned in the negative zone, it implies that the easiest path for the price lies downwards. DOGE/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView Should the price dip and sustain below the triangle, the DOGE/USDT pair might likely tumble toward $0.12, indicating a bearish outcome for the popular meme coin. Contrarily, if the price manages to rebound from the current level and breach the triangle, it would signal aggressive buying activities on dips. This would enhance the chances of an uphill break from the ongoing downtrend line. Subsequently, the DOGE/USDT pair could ascend toward $0.21, hinting at a bullish market outlook. Cardano Price Analysis: ADA Oscillates at Crucial $0.46 Support Level Cardano's recent price action bears witness to a dip from the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of $0.50 that happened on April 23, eventually reaching a vital support level at $0.46. ADA/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView If the price experiences a rebound off the $0.46 level, and in turn, establishes a position above the 20-day EMA, it is indicative that the correction phase may have run its course. Under such a bullish condition, the ADA/USDT pair might venture a rally up to the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $0.59 and further to $0.68. However, a continued downward movement that leads to a break below $0.46 signifies the bears' dominance. Under such a scenario, the ADA/USDT pair might experience a slump, reaching the critical support at $0.40. A definitive breach of this level potentially signals a resumption of the downtrend. Shiba Inu Price Analysis: SHIB Stuck Between Moving Averages, Market Indecision Prevails Shiba Inu's price performance has seen it oscillating between the moving averages over the past few days. This pattern is indicative of an indecisive market, with both bulls and bears vying for control. The 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), currently at a flat $0.000025, along with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) lingering somewhere around the midpoint, do not offer a clear hint favoring either the bulls or the bears. SHIB/USDT daily chart. Source: TradingView In a bearish scenario, if the price breaks and stays below the 20-day EMA, it implies that the bears have carved out their dominance. The SHIB/USDT pair could then slump toward a value of $0.000020. On the other hand, should the price surge and surpass the 50-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at $0.000027, it would denote the bulls gaining the upper hand in the market. Under such a bullish wave, the SHIB/USDT pair could take a jab at rallying up to $0.000033.

According to Cointelegraph: Custodia Bank Drives Appeal to Higher Court Following March Setback In its quest for a Federal Reserve master account, Custodia Bank is combating a previous court's ruling by taking its case to the United States Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. As per an April 26 court document, the bank wants the federal-level appeals court to reconsider a resolution by Judge Scott Skavdahl of the District Court for the District of Wyoming, handed down in March. Judge Skavdahl's decision refused Custodia's application for a Federal Reserve master account in the U.S. Master accounts at the Federal Reserve are accounts managed directly by a financial institution with the Federal Reserve Bank. These accounts grant banks access to services like Fedwire and the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network, which enable electronic payments. In 2022 alone, Fedwire processed around 196 million transactions, totaling more than $1 quadrillion.

According to Cointelegraph: Bitcoin (BTC) Price Holds Steady Against Regulatory Turbulence and Spot BTC ETF Outflows Despite dealing with a series of negative factors, including substantial outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and amplified regulatory scrutiny, Bitcoin (BTC) was able to maintain a value above $63,000 on April 26. U.S.-based spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs reported a considerable net outflow of $218 million on April 25, following $120 million outflow the previous day, according to Farside Investors. Franklin Templeton was the only provider recording inflows on April 25, implying that this withdrawal trend was not entirely induced by high fees at Grayscale's GBTC. Source: Geiger Capital In addition, US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bill Cassidy sent a letter to the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security on April 25, requesting information on measures adopted to combat pseudonymous cryptocurrency payments for illicit child abuse material. Bitcoin (BTC) enthusiasts, however, are showing optimism despite deteriorating global economic conditions. The U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) rose by 2.8% year-on-year in March. Given that the U.S. GDP growth for Q1 was below expectations at 1.6%, this level of inflation, surpassing the Federal Reserve’s target, is concerning. With these metrics, market expectations that the Fed will sustain higher interest rates for an extended duration are growing. Amid this challenging economic landscape, Bitcoin participants remain cautious about the unsustainable path of the U.S. government's fiscal policy. Worsening macroeconomic conditions extend beyond the U.S. to other leading economies where similar issues could inadvertently strengthen Bitcoin's appeal. Ultimately, while Bitcoin's price has suffered from U.S. spot ETF outflows, regulatory stress, and global economic downturns, analysts suggest that weakened worldwide economic conditions may lead to additional central bank stimulus measures, which could enhance Bitcoin's prospects.

According to Cointelegraph: Bitcoin's (BTC) market inertia persists, with analysts predicting a likely dip in BTC prices over the next two weeks, reminiscent of classic post-halving behavior. BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: TradingView Bitcoin (BTC) May Be Gearing Up for a Price Drop Bitcoin's market inertia is proving to be a prolonged affair, with a BTC price dip over the next fortnight aligning with classic post-halving patterns. The cryptocurrency took a slide as trading conditions held the bulls at bay during the Wall Street opening on April 26. Rough Day for Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs Data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC price action completing a circle from highs of $65,300 down to the daily close. A stubborn resistance was in effect over the market due to unflattering macroeconomic data and poor performance from US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Bitcoin ETF flows chart. Source: James Seyffart/X These ETFs experienced net outflows exceeding $200 million the day before, putting out the flame of what started as a promising week. A Gloomy Crypto Mood A sluggish mood across the crypto sphere led market participants to suggest that the overall Bitcoin price trend might remain static for a more extended period. Michaël van de Poppe, Founder and CEO of MNTrading, expressed a different take in his latest analysis. He proposed that altcoins would significantly diverge and deliver long-awaited gains. Classic Time for BTC Price Lows Rekt Capital, a popular trader and analyst, issued a two-week deadline for any substantial dips to occur while updating his surveillance of BTC price performance around the halving block subsidy. BTC/USD chart. Source: Rekt Capital/X An accompanying chart compared the anticipated behavior to historical norms, stating if additional downside volatility occurred, it would likely happen within the coming two weeks. Bitcoin's dominance of the overall crypto market cap was around 55% on April 26, having descended from a peak of 57%—the highest level in two years— on April 13. Bitcoin market dominance 1-week chart. Source: TradingView