Lido v3 debuts institutional staking upgrade as US awaits staked ETH ETF
The world of cryptocurrency has been buzzing with excitement since November 2024, when Donald Trump’s victory sparked a renewed interest in staking. This form of investment has been gaining traction among institutional investors, who are now looking to capitalize on the potential of staked Ether.
Staking involves holding a certain amount of cryptocurrency in a designated wallet for a specific period of time, in order to support the network and earn rewards. This process has been gaining popularity as a way to earn passive income in the crypto world, and with the possibility of a staked Ether ETF on the horizon, institutional interest has only continued to grow.
One of the main reasons for this surge in interest is the potential for significant returns. With the value of Ether on the rise, staking has become an attractive option for investors looking to diversify their portfolios and potentially earn higher profits. And with the possibility of a staked Ether ETF, the potential for even greater returns has caught the attention of institutional investors.
But it’s not just about the potential for profits. Staking also offers a way for investors to actively participate in the growth and development of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. By staking their Ether, investors are essentially supporting the network and helping to secure its operations. This not only benefits the overall health of the network, but also adds a sense of purpose and responsibility for investors.
As the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve and gain mainstream acceptance, staking is proving to be a valuable investment strategy for both individual and institutional investors. With the potential for significant returns and the opportunity to actively contribute to the growth of the crypto world, it’s no wonder that institutional interest in staking has been on the rise. And with the possibility of a staked Ether ETF on the horizon, the future looks bright for this exciting form of investment.
USDt operator Tether backs self-custodial crypto wallet Zengo
Tether has invested in Zengo Wallet to boost self-custody features as USDt faces regulatory pressure in the EU.
Bitcoin, top altcoins are ripping attention from memecoins: Santiment
According to Santiment’s social tracker, the world of cryptocurrency is buzzing with discussions about the top layer-1 blockchains. In fact, these blockchains are dominating a whopping 44% of the conversation on social media. This is a clear indication of the growing interest and importance of these blockchains in the crypto space.
But what exactly are layer-1 blockchains? These are the foundational blockchains that serve as the backbone of the entire crypto ecosystem. They are responsible for processing and validating transactions, as well as maintaining the security and decentralization of the network. Some of the most well-known layer-1 blockchains include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Cardano.
On the other hand, the top six memecoins, which are often associated with viral internet memes, are only accounting for a mere 4% of the social media discussion. This is a significant difference compared to the dominance of layer-1 blockchains. Memecoins, while popular and often seen as a fun and lighthearted aspect of the crypto world, are not considered as crucial to the overall functioning of the ecosystem.
This data from Santiment highlights the growing interest and focus on the core infrastructure of the crypto space. As more and more people enter the world of cryptocurrency, they are starting to recognize the importance of layer-1 blockchains and their role in shaping the future of finance.
It’s also worth noting that the dominance of layer-1 blockchains in social media discussions could be a reflection of their market dominance. Bitcoin, for example, has a market capitalization of over $1 trillion, while the top memecoin, Dogecoin, has a market cap of around $30 billion.
In conclusion, Santiment’s social tracker provides valuable insights into the current state of the crypto market. It shows that while memecoins may be popular and entertaining, it’s the layer-1 blockchains that are truly driving the conversation and shaping the future of cryptocurrency.
Crypto broker breaks ankles while fleeing kidnappers in Spain
The Spanish town of Estepona was recently the site of a shocking and disturbing event. A broker, who remains unnamed, was held captive by kidnappers in an apartment in this quiet town. The details of the incident are still emerging, but it is believed that the broker was targeted for his wealth and connections in the financial world.
After receiving a tip-off, authorities were able to locate and raid the apartment where the broker was being held. The scene they encountered was one of violence and danger. Two firearms, knives, and drugs were found, along with a large sum of cash totaling over $10,000. It is unclear at this time if the weapons and drugs were used in the kidnapping or if they were simply being stored in the apartment.
The broker, who was reportedly unharmed, was immediately taken into protective custody and is currently being questioned by police. It is unknown if he was able to provide any information about his captors or the motive behind the kidnapping. The investigation is ongoing and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This shocking incident serves as a reminder that even in seemingly peaceful towns, danger can lurk. It also highlights the importance of being cautious and aware of one’s surroundings, especially for those in positions of wealth and influence. The fact that the broker was targeted for his connections in the financial world is a sobering reminder of the potential risks that come with success.
As the investigation continues, the community of Estepona is left reeling from this disturbing event. The safety and security of its residents have been shaken, and many are calling for increased measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. This is a developing story and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Grayscale, NYSE Arca file to launch US-based spot Cardano ETF
The world of cryptocurrency continues to expand as NYSE Arca, one of the leading stock exchanges in the United States, has filed for a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) on behalf of Grayscale. This new ETF will be the first of its kind, focusing solely on the popular cryptocurrency Cardano.
Cardano has been making waves in the crypto world, with its unique approach to blockchain technology and its growing community of supporters. As more and more investors look to diversify their portfolios with digital assets, the demand for a Cardano ETF has been steadily increasing.
The proposed ETF will be managed by Grayscale, a trusted and established name in the crypto investment space. Grayscale currently manages over $30 billion in assets, making them one of the largest digital asset managers in the world. With their expertise and experience, investors can feel confident in the management of this new Cardano ETF.
The ETF will track the performance of Cardano’s native token, ADA, and will provide investors with exposure to the cryptocurrency without the need to directly hold it. This can be an attractive option for those who are interested in Cardano but may not be familiar with the technical aspects of buying and storing digital assets.
The filing of this ETF is a significant step for both Grayscale and Cardano, as it further legitimizes the cryptocurrency and opens up new opportunities for investors. It also highlights the growing interest and demand for Cardano, which has been steadily climbing the ranks of the top cryptocurrencies.
As the world of finance continues to evolve, it’s clear that digital assets are here to stay. With the introduction of this new Cardano ETF, investors will have even more options to diversify their portfolios and potentially benefit from the growth of this exciting cryptocurrency. Keep an eye out for updates on the approval and launch of this groundbreaking ETF.
ZK identity project Holonym acquires Gitcoin Passport for $10M
Holonym, a leading technology company, has recently announced its acquisition of a cutting-edge digital identity platform. This strategic move will allow Holonym to expand its services and offer a rebranded version of the platform, known as the Human Passport, to users globally.
The Human Passport is a revolutionary digital identity solution that aims to streamline and secure the way individuals verify their identity online. With the rise of digital transactions and interactions, the need for a reliable and secure digital identity has become more crucial than ever. The Human Passport offers a comprehensive solution to this problem, providing users with a secure and convenient way to verify their identity and access various online services.
The acquisition of this innovative platform aligns perfectly with Holonym’s mission to empower individuals and businesses with cutting-edge technology. With the Human Passport, Holonym will be able to offer its users a seamless and secure experience, whether it’s for online banking, e-commerce, or any other digital service.
The rebranded Human Passport will also feature enhanced security measures, such as biometric authentication and advanced encryption, to ensure the protection of users’ personal information. This will give users peace of mind knowing that their digital identity is safe and secure.
Moreover, the Human Passport will be available to users worldwide, making it a truly global solution. This will not only benefit individuals but also businesses that operate on an international scale, as they will be able to verify the identity of their customers easily and securely.
Holonym’s acquisition of the Human Passport is a significant step towards revolutionizing the way we verify our identity online. With this cutting-edge technology, individuals and businesses can enjoy a seamless and secure digital experience. Stay tuned for more updates on the rebranded Human Passport and its exciting features.
Ethereum short positions surge 500% as hedge funds bet on decline
Ethereum, the second largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has been struggling to regain its footing after a recent price drop. While many investors and analysts are hopeful for a recovery, some are concerned about the lack of fundamental blockchain activity that could hinder a potential price increase.
According to analysts interviewed by Cointelegraph, Ethereum’s price may continue to struggle until there is a significant increase in blockchain activity. This is because the value of a cryptocurrency is often tied to its utility and usage, and without a strong demand for Ethereum’s blockchain services, its price may remain stagnant.
One of the main factors contributing to the lack of blockchain activity on Ethereum is the rise of competing platforms. As more and more blockchain projects emerge, they are often built on their own unique platforms, rather than using Ethereum’s network. This means less demand for Ethereum’s services and a potential decrease in its value.
Additionally, the recent surge in popularity of decentralized finance (DeFi) has also had an impact on Ethereum’s blockchain activity. Many DeFi projects are built on Ethereum, but they often require a large amount of gas fees to be paid in order to use the platform. This has led to a decrease in transactions on the Ethereum network, as users are deterred by the high fees.
However, not all hope is lost for Ethereum. Some analysts believe that the upcoming Ethereum 2.0 upgrade, which promises to improve scalability and reduce gas fees, could bring about a resurgence in blockchain activity and ultimately lead to a price recovery.
In the meantime, investors and traders should keep a close eye on Ethereum’s blockchain activity and any developments related to the Ethereum 2.0 upgrade. These factors could provide valuable insights into the future price movements of this popular cryptocurrency. As always, it is important to do thorough research and carefully consider all factors before making any investment decisions.
Binance co-founder clarifies token listing process amid TST controversy
Binance, one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, has recently come under scrutiny for its token listing criteria. This was sparked by the sudden surge in value of the TST token, which was listed on Binance and saw a brief rally to a staggering $489 million. This unexpected rise in value was largely attributed to social media hype and speculation, raising concerns about the exchange’s token listing process.
Binance has been known for its strict and selective approach to listing new tokens on its platform. This has been seen as a way to maintain the integrity and credibility of the exchange, as well as protect its users from potential scams and fraudulent projects. However, the sudden surge in value of the TST token has raised questions about the effectiveness of Binance’s listing criteria.
The TST token, which is the native token of the TestaNet platform, saw a massive increase in value after being listed on Binance. This was largely due to the hype and speculation surrounding the project on social media platforms. Many investors were caught up in the frenzy and rushed to buy the token, hoping to make a quick profit. However, the sudden rise in value was short-lived and the token’s value quickly plummeted, leaving many investors at a loss.
This incident has brought to light the potential flaws in Binance’s token listing process. While the exchange has strict criteria in place, it seems that social media hype and speculation can still have a significant impact on the value of a listed token. This raises concerns about the reliability and stability of tokens listed on Binance, and the potential risks for investors.
In response to these concerns, Binance has stated that it will be reviewing its token listing criteria and making necessary adjustments to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The exchange has also reminded its users to always conduct thorough research and due diligence before investing in any cryptocurrency, regardless of its listing on Binance. This serves as a reminder to investors to be cautious and not get caught up in hype and speculation, as it can lead to significant losses.
South Korean lawmaker acquitted in crypto asset concealment case
In a recent court ruling, South Korean lawmaker Kim Nam-kuk has been acquitted of charges related to concealing his cryptocurrency holdings. The court has determined that he was not obligated to disclose his virtual assets, marking a significant victory for the crypto community in the country.
The case against Kim Nam-kuk began when he was accused of violating the country’s Public Official Property Disclosure Act by not reporting his cryptocurrency holdings. However, the court found that the law does not explicitly state that virtual assets must be disclosed, and therefore, Kim Nam-kuk was not in violation.
This ruling is a significant win for the crypto industry in South Korea, which has faced strict regulations and scrutiny in recent years. The country has been known for its strict stance on cryptocurrencies, with the government implementing various measures to control and monitor the market.
The acquittal of Kim Nam-kuk sends a positive message to the crypto community in South Korea, indicating that the government is starting to recognize and accept the legitimacy of virtual assets. It also highlights the need for clearer regulations and guidelines surrounding cryptocurrency ownership and disclosure for public officials.
This decision could also have a ripple effect on other similar cases in the country, potentially leading to more favorable outcomes for individuals facing similar charges. It could also pave the way for a more open and inclusive approach towards cryptocurrencies in South Korea, which could ultimately benefit the industry and its growth in the country.
Overall, the acquittal of Kim Nam-kuk is a significant step towards the mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies in South Korea. It showcases the potential for virtual assets to coexist with traditional financial systems and highlights the need for clear and fair regulations in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency.
XRP futures open interest drops 37% — Are altcoin traders jumping ship?
XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, has been on a wild ride in recent weeks. After a massive rally that saw its price surge by over 100%, XRP has now experienced a significant drop in its futures open interest. This has left many investors wondering if this is a sign that the altcoin’s impressive run is coming to an end.
According to data from Skew, XRP’s futures open interest dropped by over 10% in just 24 hours. This is a significant decline, especially considering that the altcoin’s open interest had been steadily increasing over the past few weeks. This sudden drop has raised concerns among traders and investors, who are now questioning whether XRP’s rally is losing steam.
But what could be causing this decline in XRP’s futures open interest? Some experts believe that it could be due to profit-taking by traders who had entered the market during the altcoin’s impressive rally. As XRP’s price reached new highs, many traders may have decided to cash out their profits, leading to a decrease in open interest.
Others speculate that this drop in open interest could be a result of the recent lawsuit filed against Ripple, the company behind XRP. The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, alleges that XRP is a security and that Ripple has been selling it as an unregistered security. This has caused uncertainty and fear among investors, leading to a decrease in open interest.
Despite this drop in open interest, XRP’s price has remained relatively stable, indicating that there is still strong demand for the altcoin. It is also worth noting that XRP’s open interest is still significantly higher than it was just a few months ago, suggesting that there is still a lot of interest in the altcoin.
In conclusion, while the drop in XRP’s futures open interest may be a cause for concern, it is not necessarily a sign that the altcoin’s rally is over. The market for XRP is still highly volatile, and it is essential to keep a close eye on any developments that may affect its price. As always, it is crucial to do your own research and make informed decisions when investing in cryptocurrencies.