According to BlockBeats, data from Farside Investors on April 27th reveals that BlackRock's IBIT has recorded zero net inflow/outflow for the third consecutive day. In addition, Grayscale's GBTC experienced a net outflow of $82.4 million, Fidelity's FBTC saw a net outflow of $2.8 million, and Bitwise's BITB recorded a net outflow of $3.8 million. The total net outflow for these funds was $83.6 million. These figures indicate a significant shift in the flow of funds within the cryptocurrency market. The reasons behind these movements are yet to be determined.

According to Foresight News, recent on-chain data reveals that PayPal's stablecoin, PayPal USD (PYUSD), has seen a significant increase in its total circulation. In the past 24 hours, approximately 100 million additional coins have been issued, bringing the total circulation to around 302 million. The data also shows that the total number of on-chain holders is 7,656, with the number of on-chain transactions standing at 85,177. This surge in circulation and transactions indicates a growing interest and trust in PYUSD among the crypto community.

According to Foresight News, Pike Finance, a cross-chain lending protocol, has reported a hacker attack on its Pike Beta's USDC pool. The attack affected a total of 299,127 USDC. The root cause was fraudulent CCTP messages that depleted the USDC on the Ethereum, Arbitrum, and Optimism chains. However, the USDC and other assets on the Base chain were not affected. The official team has temporarily suspended the protocol's functions and is currently working with two audit partners to address this vulnerability. They will propose a plan to ensure that all affected users are restored as soon as possible.

According to PANews, Scroll has announced via Twitter that its main network will undergo a Bernoulli upgrade on April 29 at 10 a.m. Beijing time. The upgrade reportedly introduces an EIP-4844 data blob for L1 data availability and support for precompiled SHA2-256. The EIP-4844 data blob is a significant addition to the network, enhancing the availability of L1 data. The precompiled SHA2-256 support is also a notable feature of the upgrade, further strengthening the network's capabilities. The Bernoulli upgrade is expected to significantly improve the performance and security of the Scroll network. However, further details about the upgrade and its potential impact on the network's users have not been disclosed.

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.