On Apr 23, 2024, 18:38 PM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, BNB has dropped below 610 USDT and is now trading at 609.599976 USDT, with a narrowed 2.16% increase in 24 hours.

According to Blockworks, a recent investigation by Asymmetric Research uncovered a critical vulnerability in the inter-blockchain communication (IBC) protocol. This standard facilitates interaction among individual cosmos chains. The vulnerability was specifically found in ibc-go, the Golang high-level programming language implementation of the IBC protocol, and it affected CosmWasm-based IBC middleware. The middleware, similar to many bridging protocols, allows packets to be sent from one blockchain to another. These packets are stored as commitments before being properly received and deleted. If not received, tokens are refunded through a timeout functionality. Asymmetric Research discovered that the flow between the module deleting the commitment control could be replayed. This meant it was possible to exploit the bug and generate an infinite number of IBC tokens. Multiple chains were vulnerable to this issue, including Osmosis, one of the largest cross-chain DEXs in the Cosmos ecosystem. However, the potential damage was limited due to rate limiting on the chain. The vulnerability has been privately disclosed to the Cosmos HackerOne bug bounty program and has been resolved without any malicious exploitation. Asymmetric Research emphasized the ease with which trust assumptions can be broken and new vulnerabilities introduced by adding new features and functionality. They also highlighted the importance of defense-in-depth and commended the Cosmos teams for their strong security measures that could have saved them from existential risks. A binary patch was released to fix the underlying IBC timeout reentrancy without breaking consensus. Contributors spent much time and effort assessing the security implications of the mentioned issues.

According to Blockworks, a recent report by PayPal's internal research group suggests that economic incentives could encourage bitcoin miners to adopt cleaner energy sources. Bitcoin's proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism has been criticized for its high computational intensity, which has raised environmental concerns. The report proposes a solution that involves offering additional bitcoin rewards to miners who use low-carbon energy sources. Under the PoW mechanism, bitcoin miners are compensated with bitcoin for their computational work. The report suggests that a small additional amount of bitcoin could be allocated to miners who prioritize environmentally friendly practices. The proposed program would begin by identifying 'green miners' who use clean energy or have a minimal impact on energy grids. These miners would be identified by their public keys, referred to as 'green keys'. To incentivize these green miners, certain bitcoin transactions would include a UTXO with a multisig wallet containing extra bitcoin. This wallet could only be accessed by green keys. These transactions would also feature lower-than-average fees, making them more attractive to green miners. The report likens this approach to providing an 'indirect grant' to bitcoin miners who use cleaner energy. However, the report acknowledges potential drawbacks. For instance, miners who do not prioritize green practices could still pick up transactions earmarked for green miners if the low fees are not a deterrent. The report also suggests measures to prevent 'malicious green miners' from driving up transaction fees on green transactions for personal gain. The report does not specify the amount of the 'subsidy', only stating that the green miner multisig would contain 'some bitcoins'. If the public mempool solution proposed by PayPal is not effective, the report suggests that smart contracts or the Lightning Network could be used to privately reward green miners. This would, however, require a level of trust. The report was produced by PayPal's Blockchain Research Group, which has been operational since around 2015. The group tested aspects of the incentivization program with blockchain company DMG.

According to Bloomberg, the allure of meme coins is increasingly attracting the attention of hedge funds. Stratos, a hedge fund whose limited partners include venture capitalists, is one such example. Rennick Palley, the founding partner of Stratos, stated that if the fund isn't investing in meme coins, the individuals working at the fund are likely doing so. Despite the skepticism surrounding meme coins, hedge funds have been active in the crypto world, drawn by various strategies. Quinn Thompson, founder of Lekker Capital, compared the frenzy around meme coins to the retail frenzy seen with GameStop and meme stocks in traditional markets. He described it as the 'tip of the spear for speculation' and equated it to gambling. Dogecoin, the first meme coin launched in 2014, is currently the eighth-largest cryptocurrency with a market value of approximately $22 billion, according to CoinMarketCap. While many retail investors have experienced losses, professional investors have largely stayed away until the recent crypto boom. Cosmo Jiang, a portfolio manager at Pantera, noted that meme coins, initially started as a joke, have evolved into 'culture coins' representing a group of people with a shared belief system. The creation and launch of memes have become easier with apps like Pump.fun, and blockchains like Solana and Base offering low trading fees have been flooded with these tokens. Josh de Vos, research lead at CCData, highlighted that the infrastructure surrounding meme coins has improved, with centralized exchanges developing sophisticated futures markets for leading meme coins. This has allowed hedge funds to capitalize on their volatile movements and effectively hedge their exposure. As more hedge funds start taking meme coins more seriously, Palley expects the focus on these highly speculative tokens to increase. He anticipates more firms creating meme-only funds, similar to the creation of NFT-only funds. However, it's worth noting that NFTs have proven to be unreliable investments, with the market showing significant volatility.

According to Foresight News, Ethereum Domain Service (ENS) has integrated the browser-compatible .box domain. The .box domain is recognized as a top-level domain approved by ICANN and is the first on-chain TLD included in the ENS manager application, alongside .eth. With the release of this version, users can register .box domains through the manager application, which can be used with Web2 services such as email and website hosting. Domains hosted on .box can be searched and indexed on major browsers like Google Chrome and Safari, making them compatible with email services. All registrations and transfers of .box domains are executed on the Ethereum blockchain. This integration marks a significant step in the expansion of Ethereum's domain services, offering users more flexibility and options in domain registration and management.

According to Foresight News, LayerZero Labs has indicated that the first half of 2024 is nearing its end, which implies that the timeline for the Token Generation Event (TGE) is getting closer. The company has urged all applications to ensure their contract information is registered on LayerZero Scan. It is anticipated that continuous updates will be seen in the coming months.

According to PANews, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has decided to extend the review period for the proposed rule change regarding the listing and trading of Franklin Ethereum ETF shares. This implies that the SEC will take more time to decide whether to approve this commodity trust share based on Ethereum, classified under BZX Rule 14.11(e)(4).

According to BlockBeats, on April 23, the Cboe BZX Exchange submitted a proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to amend the previously approved Franklin Bitcoin ETF. Specifically, the proposal aims to change the deadline for cash purchase basket orders from 3 PM Eastern Time to 2 PM, the regular closing time of the exchange, or any other time determined by the initiator. This change is intended to provide more flexibility for the fund initiator in determining the purchase deadline. The proposed amendment by the Cboe BZX Exchange is a significant move in the cryptocurrency market, as it seeks to provide more flexibility for the fund initiator. The Franklin Bitcoin ETF, which was previously approved by the SEC, is one of the many financial instruments that have been introduced in recent years to provide investors with exposure to the volatile cryptocurrency market. The proposed change in the deadline for cash purchase basket orders is expected to have a significant impact on the operation of the ETF. The Cboe BZX Exchange's proposal is currently under review by the SEC. If approved, it could set a precedent for other exchanges and financial instruments in the cryptocurrency market. The SEC's decision on this proposal will be closely watched by investors and market participants, as it could have far-reaching implications for the operation and regulation of Bitcoin ETFs and other similar financial instruments.

According to Foresight News, Udi Wertheimer, the co-founder of Taproot Wizards and advocate of OP_CAT, has announced that the OP_CAT proposal has officially received its BIP number, BIP-420. The proposal supports Bitcoin contracts, allowing for smart contracts, secure bridges, on-chain transactions, and zk proof verification. The OP_CAT opcode is expected to simplify and expand Bitcoin's functionality, including making decentralized protocols more practical and supporting advanced multi-signature setups. OP_CAT was initially included as one of the earliest opcodes in Bitcoin. However, due to concerns about creating scripts that could potentially lead to vulnerabilities, the anonymous creator, Satoshi Nakamoto, disabled it along with several other opcodes in 2010. The BIP-420 proposal, written by Ethan Heilman and Armin Sabouri, aims to reintroduce OP_CAT to Bitcoin through a backward-compatible soft fork by 'redefining opcode OP_SUCCESS126'. This uses the same opcode value as the original OP_CAT, aiming to eliminate any potential confusion by not using different opcode values. The proposal focuses solely on reintroducing the opcode, without changing other aspects of script operation limits. The possibility of an OP_CAT soft fork depends on a combination of technical, security, and community consensus considerations. Without widespread consensus and clear evidence of its safety and utility, the implementation of OP_CAT remains uncertain.

According to PANews, Jupiter, a decentralized trading platform in the Solana ecosystem, has announced the acquisition of Ultimate Wallet and its mobile team. As part of the integration, the Ultimate application is set to shut down on May 22, 2024. In addition, Jupiter is launching its new Jupiter Mobile initiative, with a beta version expected to be released in May. The new mobile application will allow users to trade any token with a single click, without charging any fees. This move aims to provide a more convenient and economical trading experience for users in the Solana ecosystem.

According to Foresight News, Brazil's digital bank, Nubank, has announced its support for cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals. The bank's customers can now use the Nubank application to send and receive Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana. Nubank has also revealed plans to extend support to more tokens in the near future. This move by Nubank is a significant step towards the integration of cryptocurrencies into mainstream banking services in Brazil. It also reflects the growing acceptance of digital currencies worldwide. However, the bank has not yet specified which additional tokens it plans to support in the future. This announcement by Nubank is expected to encourage other financial institutions to consider integrating cryptocurrency transactions into their services.

According to Foresight News, a hacker group known as CiberInteligenciaSV has released part of the source code for El Salvador's national Bitcoin wallet, Chivo, on the cybercrime forum BreachForums. The group stated that they were providing the code for the Chivo Bitcoin wallet ATM, emphasizing that it is a government wallet and that they do not sell, but freely publish everything. This action comes in the wake of a series of events related to cyber attacks on Chivo, including an incident reported in early April where the personal data of 5.1 million Salvadorans, nearly the entire adult population of the country, was publicly exposed. As of now, the Salvadoran authorities have not issued any official statements related to this cyber attack.

According to U.Today, a cryptocurrency wallet recently established has purchased several hundred billion SHIB meme coins. The transaction was conducted from an anonymous wallet, which could suggest an over-the-counter purchase or a whale distributing his cryptocurrency stash among smaller blockchain addresses. A total of 237,868,630,126 SHIB were transferred to the wallet in question. This quantity of meme cryptocurrency is valued at $6,290,435 at the time of writing. This acquisition occurred after the SHIB team announced that they had secured $12 million in investments for the development of a layer-3 solution on top of Shibarium. The SHIB project lead, known by the alias Shytoshi Kusama, recently explained the reason for his frequent travels around the world. He has visited Japan, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, and several cities in the U.S, including New York, as well as Hong Kong, Dubai, and the Maldives. The SHIB community tracked all these location changes on Kusama’s official Twitter handle, wondering what was happening. Kusama has now revealed that his travels were aimed at raising funds for the construction of the layer-3 blockchain. Shibarium is a layer-2 solution built on Ethereum, and the new blockchain will be based on Shibarium. In a recent tweet, SHIB’s marketing lead, Lucie, outlined the benefits a layer-3 solution would bring to the SHIB community. She stated that adding a L3 layer on top of a L2 is akin to 'putting a cloak of invisibility over fast-moving transactions.' The layer-3 solution will feature enhanced privacy and security, fast and low-cost transactions, compliance to allow auditors to inspect even private transactions, and many other features. The much-awaited TREAT token, which has not yet been launched, will be used on this future blockchain to power its transactions, similar to how BONE is used on Shibarium now.

According to U.Today, thirteen years ago, on April 23, Satoshi Nakamoto, the mysterious figure behind Bitcoin, gave his final instructions on the Bitcoin ecosystem. This significant event happened just four months after Nakamoto's last public statement in December 2010, marking a crucial turning point in the journey of the world's leading cryptocurrency. In emails disclosed by former Bitcoin Core developer Mike Hearn, Nakamoto indicated a transition, stating, 'I've moved on to other things. It's in good hands with Gavin and everyone.' There is much speculation about Nakamoto's reasons for stepping away from the project. Some suggest a difference in vision, especially considering attempts to associate Bitcoin with initiatives like WikiLeaks donations. Others attribute it to external pressures, such as the alleged CIA inquiry into Gavin Andresen, a prominent figure in the cryptographic community. Regardless of the reasons, the period after Nakamoto's departure saw a significant increase in Bitcoin's prominence. From its modest beginnings, Bitcoin's popularity soared, captivating tech enthusiasts and investors alike. The cryptocurrency's price reached new heights, establishing a new standard in digital finance. Today, Bitcoin stands as a testament to Nakamoto's vision, a decentralized force that is reshaping economies and challenging traditional financial paradigms. Despite numerous attempts to reveal the elusive creator, Nakamoto's identity remains a mystery, adding to the fascination surrounding Bitcoin's origin story. Whether Nakamoto will ever step out of the shadows and reveal himself to the world remains one of the most captivating mysteries in the crypto space.

On Apr 23, 2024, 14:33 PM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has crossed the 67,000 USDT benchmark and is now trading at 67,024.007813 USDT, with a 1.03% increase in 24 hours.

According to PANews, the revision draft of the Anti-Money Laundering Law has been submitted for initial review to the Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress today. The revision draft, consisting of seven chapters and 62 articles, stipulates that the State Council's anti-money laundering administrative department will establish an anti-money laundering monitoring and analysis agency. This agency will be responsible for monitoring anti-money laundering funds and handling large transaction reports and suspicious transaction reports.

According to U.Today, the defunct cryptocurrency exchange Mt. Gox, which once processed 70% of all global Bitcoin transactions, is reportedly nearing the distribution of $9 billion worth of Bitcoin to its creditors. This development signifies a significant milestone in one of the most complex narratives in cryptocurrency history. Mt. Gox, once the largest Bitcoin exchange in the world, suffered a hack in 2011 and filed for bankruptcy in 2014. The fallout from the collapse had a profound impact on the cryptocurrency industry, with many investors losing substantial amounts of Bitcoin. Arkham Intelligence reports that the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange holds approximately 137,892 Bitcoin, valued at $9.2 billion. Earlier records showed that Mt. Gox also possessed Bitcoin Cash and fiat currency, some of which has already been returned. After several years, affected individuals are beginning to see a resolution. Some Mt. Gox creditors have reported receiving updates on their claims, suggesting that officials are accelerating efforts to distribute the $9 billion Bitcoin cache. These updates reportedly include information such as the number of digital tokens to be returned and, in some instances, repayment deadlines. Adam Back, CEO of blockchain infrastructure firm Blockstream, confirmed to Bloomberg that he has received updates on tokens due for return but is still awaiting dates. The community has reacted to this development with a combination of relief and cautious optimism. The trustee has announced that creditors should receive base, intermediate, and early lump-sum payments by October 31 as the extended winding-up process continues. However, the impending payout has sparked debate about its potential impact on the Bitcoin market. Some speculate that a large-scale sell-off by creditors could put downward pressure on Bitcoin prices, while others argue that the market would absorb the distribution with minimal impact. At the time of the report, Bitcoin had fallen 0.41% in the previous 24 hours to $66,289, having reached a record high of $73,798 in mid-March. When Mt. Gox collapsed, Bitcoin was worth only a fraction of its current value.

According to U.Today, a recent transaction of 24.5 million XRP, equivalent to approximately $13.7 million, has sparked renewed discussions about the future of the cryptocurrency. This significant purchase by a crypto whale is seen as a substantial commitment to XRP and could indicate a shift in market sentiment towards the digital currency. The timing of this investment is particularly noteworthy as it comes at a time when XRP is showing signs of recovery. The cryptocurrency has seen a 2.45% increase in its price over the last 24 hours, currently standing at $0.5463. Additionally, the 24-hour trading volume for XRP has surged by an impressive 43.39%, reaching $1.62 billion. These metrics collectively suggest a growing interest and activity in XRP, despite the broader market volatility. Data from CoinGlass reveals that open interest in XRP has risen by 1.74% in the past 24 hours, reaching $546.53 million. This indicates increasing market participation and growing confidence among traders. Rising open interest often signals a potential continuation of an ongoing trend or the emergence of a new trend, highlighting the underlying strength and momentum of the asset. The involvement of whale investors, such as the recent purchaser, can significantly influence the crypto landscape. Their substantial financial influence can potentially catalyze market trends, driving further interest and investment from smaller investors. This increased activity by whales could pave the way for a more sustained upward momentum for XRP, creating a ripple effect throughout the market. Despite the market grappling with volatility and uncertainty, recent developments surrounding XRP are seen by many analysts as indicative of underlying strength and resilience. The combination of rising trading volumes and significant investments by large-scale investors suggests a renewed sense of confidence in XRP's long-term prospects.

According to U.Today, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has noted a curious coincidence: the timing of Ripple's opposition brief filing in its ongoing lawsuit with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) coincides with the abrupt resignation of two SEC lawyers involved in a different case. The two lawyers, Michael Welsh and Joseph Watkins, resigned after being threatened with termination following a federal court's harsh criticism and sanctioning of the SEC for 'gross abuse' of power in the Debt Box case. The Debt Box case, against Digital Licensing Inc., a cryptocurrency platform, was marred by false assertions, misrepresentations, and a lack of evidence, according to Robert Shelby, the federal district court judge overseeing the case. The SEC was sanctioned for abuse of power in March, and the SEC's chief of enforcement has since apologized for the oversight. Garlinghouse responded to these events by stating that it felt 'apropos' that Ripple filed its response on the same day that news broke of the two SEC lawyers' resignations. He has been vocal about his criticism of the SEC's conduct, stating, 'The US will be picking up the pieces of the agency’s disastrous policies long after Gensler is gone.' Garlinghouse has been a prominent critic of the SEC's approach to regulating the crypto industry, and the recent controversy surrounding the Debt Box case has cast a shadow over the SEC. On April 22, 2024, Ripple filed a motion to strike new expert materials the SEC submitted in support of its motion for remedies and entry of final judgment. Ripple's opposition to the SEC’s request for $2 billion in penalties for legacy institutional sales was also made public. Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty emphasized that in a case that had no allegations or findings of recklessness or fraud, and in which Ripple won on significant issues, the SEC’s request is just more evidence of its ongoing intimidation against all of crypto in the U.S., prompting Garlinghouse's comments.

According to U.Today, recent data from IntoTheBlock indicates a robust Shiba Inu price, backed by strong holder support. The on-chain metrics reveal that over 35 trillion addresses, grouped by their purchase price, underpin the current price zone. This suggests that the current price level is a comfortable holding point for many, potentially acting as a price floor as these holders may resist selling unless there's a significant price increase. In a technical snapshot, Shiba Inu (SHIB) has been making moves. A support level has been established at the $0.000022 mark, a base that SHIB has previously bounced off from. On the resistance side, SHIB faces a hurdle at the $0.000028 mark. The volume has been steady, neither indicating a clear surge nor a worrying drop-off. This steady volume, coupled with a large portion of holders being 'In The Money,' could potentially stabilize the current price levels. If market sentiment remains positive and any selling pressure is absorbed, SHIB could potentially push towards the $0.000028 resistance level. The key question is whether it can break through and maintain above this point, potentially setting the stage for further growth. However, Shiba Inu remains one of the most volatile assets in the cryptocurrency market, with most of its movements being unpredictable. Despite the positive on-chain situation, caution is advised to avoid a sudden sell-off that could occur at any moment.