SEC drops investigation into NFT marketplace OpenSea
In a major development for the NFT industry, OpenSea founder Devin Finzer has announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially closed its investigation into the popular NFT platform. This news comes as a huge relief for the NFT community and is being hailed as a significant win for the industry as a whole.
The SEC had launched an investigation into OpenSea earlier this year, raising concerns about potential violations of securities laws. This had caused a great deal of uncertainty and worry within the NFT space, with many fearing that it could lead to stricter regulations and hinder the growth of the market.
However, in a recent statement, Finzer revealed that the SEC has concluded its investigation and found no evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of OpenSea. He expressed his relief and gratitude, stating that this is a positive outcome for not just OpenSea, but for the entire NFT industry.
This news has been met with widespread celebration and relief from the NFT community, with many taking to social media to express their joy and optimism for the future. The closure of the SEC investigation is seen as a major step towards establishing a more stable and secure environment for NFTs to thrive in.
With the NFT market experiencing explosive growth in recent years, this development is a significant milestone that will help to build trust and confidence in the industry. It also sends a strong message to other NFT platforms and creators that the SEC is not out to stifle innovation, but rather to ensure compliance with existing regulations.
In conclusion, the closure of the SEC investigation into OpenSea is a major win for the NFT industry and a positive sign of things to come. With this hurdle now behind us, the future looks bright for NFTs and the countless possibilities they hold.
Recent crypto liquidation scared off YouTube’s retail audience: Ran Neuner
Ran Neuner, the founder of Crypto Banter, has expressed concern over the recent wave of crypto liquidations, stating that it has caused some retail investors to shy away from the market. In an interview with Cointelegraph, Neuner discussed the impact of these liquidations on the crypto market and the potential consequences for retail investors.
The crypto market has been experiencing a period of high volatility, with prices of major cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum fluctuating significantly. This has led to a surge in liquidations, where traders are forced to sell their assets to cover their losses. According to Neuner, this has created a sense of fear and uncertainty among retail investors, causing them to pull back from the market.
Neuner believes that the recent liquidations have been triggered by a combination of factors, including the rise of leveraged trading and the influx of new retail investors into the market. He explains that many new investors are not familiar with the risks involved in trading cryptocurrencies and are using leverage without fully understanding its implications. This has resulted in a domino effect, where liquidations in one market trigger liquidations in others, causing a cascading effect on prices.
The fear of liquidations has also been fueled by the media, with sensational headlines and exaggerated reports creating panic among investors. Neuner urges investors to do their own research and not rely solely on media reports, as they often do not provide a complete picture of the market.
Despite the recent liquidations, Neuner remains optimistic about the future of the crypto market. He believes that the market is still in its early stages and that volatility is to be expected. He advises investors to take a long-term approach and not be swayed by short-term fluctuations.
In conclusion, while the recent liquidations may have caused some retail investors to step back from the market, Neuner believes that the crypto market still holds great potential for growth. With proper education and a long-term perspective, investors can navigate the volatility and reap the benefits of this emerging asset class.
Bybit exchange hacked, over $1.4 billion stETH moved
On February 21, a shocking incident occurred in the world of cryptocurrency as a hacker managed to gain control of an ETH cold wallet on the popular Bybit exchange. This security breach resulted in the theft of a staggering $1.4 billion in funds, leaving many investors and traders in a state of panic and disbelief.
The Bybit exchange, known for its high trading volume and popularity among crypto enthusiasts, was targeted by the hacker who exploited a vulnerability in the exchange’s security system. The hacker was able to gain access to the cold wallet, which is used to store large amounts of cryptocurrency offline for added security.
The stolen funds, which were primarily in the form of Ethereum (ETH), were quickly transferred to multiple different wallets in an attempt to cover their tracks. Bybit immediately took action and froze all withdrawals and deposits, but unfortunately, the damage had already been done.
This incident serves as a reminder of the constant threat of cyber attacks in the world of cryptocurrency. Despite the advanced security measures put in place by exchanges, hackers are always finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and steal funds. This is a major concern for investors and traders who entrust their hard-earned money to these platforms.
The Bybit exchange has assured its users that their funds are safe and that they are working tirelessly to resolve the issue and prevent any future attacks. They have also promised to compensate any affected users for their losses.
This unfortunate event highlights the need for increased security measures and constant vigilance in the cryptocurrency industry. It is crucial for exchanges to regularly update and strengthen their security protocols to protect their users’ assets. As for investors and traders, it is important to always be cautious and do thorough research before entrusting any exchange with their funds.
In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, incidents like this serve as a reminder to stay informed and be prepared for any potential threats. Let this be a lesson to all, and may we all continue to work towards a safer and more secure crypto landscape.
Kraken mulls USD stablecoin as MiCA forces USDT removal: Report
Tether’s USDt has been making headlines recently as it continues to dominate the trading market on Kraken. With its stablecoin facing potential delisting in the European Economic Area, Tether is now exploring the possibility of launching its own stablecoin.
For those unfamiliar, Tether is a cryptocurrency that is pegged to the US dollar, meaning that its value is always equivalent to one US dollar. This stability has made it a popular choice for traders and investors, as it provides a safe haven during times of market volatility.
However, Tether’s dominance on Kraken may soon come to an end as the cryptocurrency faces potential delisting in the European Economic Area. This is due to concerns over its lack of transparency and potential market manipulation. As a result, Tether is now looking into launching its own stablecoin, which would be backed by a basket of assets rather than just the US dollar.
This move could potentially provide more stability and transparency for Tether, as well as open up new opportunities for traders and investors. It also highlights the growing demand for stablecoins in the cryptocurrency market, as they offer a more secure and reliable option for those looking to enter the space.
Despite the potential challenges ahead, Tether remains the top traded cryptocurrency on Kraken, showcasing its strong presence and influence in the market. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Tether’s plans for its own stablecoin unfold and how it will impact the overall market.
Bybit lifts curtain on liquidation data following underestimated figures
Bybit, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange, has recently made a bold move towards improving transparency for traders by making its liquidation data public via API. This decision comes after the exchange’s CEO, Ben Zhou, challenged the accuracy of reported crypto liquidation figures.
Liquidation is a common occurrence in the volatile world of cryptocurrency trading, where traders can borrow funds to increase their buying power. However, if the market moves against them, they risk getting liquidated, which means their positions are automatically closed to prevent further losses. This process can have a significant impact on the market, as large liquidations can cause price fluctuations and even trigger a cascade of liquidations.
In the past, there have been concerns about the accuracy of reported liquidation figures, with some exchanges accused of underreporting to avoid negative publicity. Bybit’s decision to make its liquidation data public via API is a significant step towards addressing these concerns and promoting transparency in the industry.
The API will provide real-time data on liquidations, including the size, price, and time of each liquidation. This information will be available to all traders, allowing them to make more informed decisions and better manage their risk. Bybit’s move has been welcomed by the crypto community, with many praising the exchange for its commitment to transparency.
In addition to improving transparency, the public API will also benefit traders by providing valuable insights into market trends and sentiment. By analyzing the data, traders can gain a better understanding of market dynamics and potentially improve their trading strategies.
Bybit’s decision to make its liquidation data public via API sets a positive example for other exchanges to follow. It demonstrates the exchange’s commitment to promoting transparency and building trust with its users. As the cryptocurrency market continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like this will play a crucial role in fostering a healthy and sustainable trading environment.
South African firm chooses Bitcoin reserve strategy as inflation hedge
Bitcoin, the world’s first and most popular cryptocurrency, has been making waves in the financial world since its inception in 2009. With its decentralized nature and limited supply, Bitcoin has captured the attention of investors and traders alike, leading to its meteoric rise in value over the years.
But what sets Bitcoin apart from other digital assets? According to Altvest Capital CEO, it’s the fundamental differences that make Bitcoin stand out. Altvest Capital, a leading investment firm, has made a name for itself by exclusively focusing on Bitcoin, recognizing its unique qualities and potential for growth.
One of the key differences of Bitcoin is its decentralized nature. Unlike traditional currencies that are controlled by central authorities, Bitcoin operates on a peer-to-peer network, allowing for secure and direct transactions without the need for intermediaries. This not only makes Bitcoin more efficient and cost-effective, but also eliminates the risk of government interference or manipulation.
Another factor that sets Bitcoin apart is its limited supply. Unlike fiat currencies that can be printed endlessly, there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoins in existence. This scarcity has contributed to Bitcoin’s value, as demand continues to increase while supply remains fixed.
Altvest Capital’s exclusive focus on Bitcoin also speaks to its potential for growth. As more and more companies and institutions adopt Bitcoin as a form of payment and investment, its value is expected to continue rising. In fact, some experts predict that Bitcoin could reach a value of $100,000 or even $1 million in the future.
In conclusion, Bitcoin’s unique qualities, such as its decentralized nature, limited supply, and potential for growth, make it a standout digital asset in the world of finance. And with Altvest Capital’s exclusive focus on Bitcoin, investors can trust in their expertise and knowledge to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.
Woman who defrauded Bybit of $5.7M gets 10 years in prison: Report
A former employee of Bybit, a popular cryptocurrency exchange, has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison for embezzling $5.7 million from the company. The former payroll manager, whose name has not been disclosed, was found guilty of stealing the funds and using them for personal gain.
The incident, which took place in Singapore, has sent shockwaves through the crypto community and raised concerns about the security of digital assets. The accused, who had been working at Bybit for several years, used their position to gain access to the company’s funds and transfer them to their personal accounts.
The theft was discovered when the exchange noticed discrepancies in their financial records and launched an investigation. It was revealed that the former employee had been siphoning off funds for over a year, using various methods to cover their tracks. The stolen money was used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including luxury purchases and expensive vacations.
The court has handed down a sentence of 9 years and 6 months to the perpetrator, sending a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. The judge also ordered the individual to pay back the stolen funds and imposed a hefty fine as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to commit similar acts.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust security measures in the crypto industry. As the popularity and value of digital assets continue to rise, it is crucial for exchanges and other platforms to have stringent protocols in place to prevent such breaches. Investors and users must also exercise caution and do their due diligence when choosing where to store their funds.
Bybit has assured its users that their funds are safe and that they have implemented additional security measures to prevent future incidents. The exchange has also expressed its commitment to cooperating with authorities to bring the perpetrator to justice and recover the stolen funds.
This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and accountability in the crypto space, as it continues to evolve and gain mainstream adoption. It serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to take advantage of their positions for personal gain, and a reminder that such actions will not go unpunished.
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Microsoft is boosting capacity to support OpenAI’s GPT-4-5, GPT-5 models
According to recent reports, Microsoft is gearing up to host OpenAI’s latest model as early as next week. This exciting development marks a significant step forward in the world of artificial intelligence and has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology.
OpenAI, a leading research organization focused on advancing artificial intelligence, has been making waves in the tech industry with its groundbreaking models and algorithms. Their newest model, known as GPT-3, has been generating a lot of buzz due to its impressive capabilities. GPT-3 stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer 3” and is the third iteration of OpenAI’s GPT series.
So, what makes GPT-3 so special? Well, for starters, it has a whopping 175 billion parameters, making it the largest language model to date. This means that GPT-3 has been trained on an enormous amount of data, allowing it to generate human-like text and perform a wide range of tasks, such as translation, summarization, and even coding.
Microsoft, a long-time partner of OpenAI, has been closely involved in the development of GPT-3 and is now preparing to host the model on its Azure cloud platform. This move will make GPT-3 more accessible to developers and businesses, allowing them to harness its power for their own projects and applications.
The potential applications of GPT-3 are endless, and experts believe that it could have a significant impact on various industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. With its ability to understand and generate human language, GPT-3 has the potential to enhance communication and streamline processes in these fields.
As we eagerly await the official launch of GPT-3 on Microsoft Azure, it’s clear that this collaboration between two tech giants is a significant milestone in the advancement of artificial intelligence. We can’t wait to see how GPT-3 will shape the future of technology and improve our daily lives.
AI, blockchain convergence to bring ‘watershed moments’ in 2025
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into blockchain technology is a rapidly growing trend that has caught the attention of many experts in the field. Christian Thompson, the managing director of Sui Foundation, is one such expert who sees immense potential in this integration. With a background in both AI and blockchain, Thompson is well-equipped to understand the impact of this development on the future of technology.
Thompson believes that the integration of AI agents into blockchains will revolutionize the way we interact with technology. These AI agents, also known as smart contracts, have the ability to execute transactions and enforce rules without the need for human intervention. This not only increases efficiency and accuracy, but also reduces the risk of fraud and human error.
But the potential of AI in blockchain technology goes beyond just smart contracts. Thompson also sees a significant growth in the fields of robotics, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) as a result of this integration. With AI agents being able to interact with physical objects and environments, the possibilities for advancements in robotics are endless. AR and VR, on the other hand, will be able to provide a more immersive and personalized experience with the help of AI.
Thompson’s vision for the future is one where AI agents seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, making tasks easier and more efficient. He believes that this integration will not only benefit businesses and industries, but also have a positive impact on society as a whole.
As the managing director of Sui Foundation, Thompson is actively working towards promoting the integration of AI into blockchain technology. He believes that this is the next step in the evolution of technology and is excited to see where it will take us in the future. With his expertise and passion for both AI and blockchain, Thompson is a driving force in this rapidly growing field.