Market News

Garanti BBVA expands crypto trading services following MiCA regulation

January 3, 2025 1 min read

Garanti BBVA, Turkey’s fifth-largest bank, is set to enhance its cryptocurrency services in 2025, following the European Union’s implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. The bank’s crypto custody service, Garanti BBVA Kripto, will soon enable public crypto trading, marking a significant expansion in its digital asset offerings. To facilitate this new trading service, Garanti BBVA Kripto has partnered with Bit2Me, a Spain-based cryptocurrency exchange. This collaboration will allow

KuCoin has launched KuCoin Pay to simplify crypto payments

January 3, 2025 1 min read

KuCoin has introduced KuCoin Pay, a new payment service aimed at facilitating cryptocurrency transactions for both merchants and customers. This innovative solution enables businesses to accept payments directly from customers’ KuCoin accounts, supporting a diverse range of 54 cryptocurrencies, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH), as well as popular stablecoins such as USDT and USDC. The integration of KuCoin Pay into existing payment platforms is designed to

Celsius files an appeal for the $2B rejection claim against FTX

January 2, 2025 1 min read

Celsius Network has appealed Judge John Dorsey’s decision that rejected its $2 billion claim against the failed crypto exchange FTX. This legal fight is part of the ongoing chaos in the cryptocurrency industry, especially after the bankruptcy of both companies. Celsius claims that false statements from FTX leaders and partners hurt its reputation and finances, leading to its bankruptcy in July 2022. The company says that these public statements hurt

Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, was extradited from Montenegro to the US

January 1, 2025 1 min read

Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, has been extradited from Montenegro to the United States, concluding a protracted legal battle. Kwon was apprehended in March 2023 for attempting to travel with a counterfeit passport and subsequently fought extradition, seeking to return to South Korea instead. However, Montenegrin authorities denied his appeals, leading to his transfer to US officials at Podgorica International Airport on December 31. Kwon faces serious charges

XRP to $5 in 2025? Here what analysts say

December 31, 2024 1 min read

XRP is currently experiencing a period of consolidation within a symmetrical triangle pattern, which has led to a sense of optimism among investors regarding a potential breakout. Crypto analyst Armando Pantoja has noted that while some holders express frustration over this consolidation, it is indicative of a bullish trend, with projections suggesting that XRP could surge to between $3.20 and $4 unexpectedly. Despite the current price stagnation, there has been

NYDIG to expand its Bitcoin offering through float financing

December 31, 2024 1 min read

NYDIG, a subsidiary of Stone Ridge, is set to enhance its Bitcoin-backed loan offerings through float financing, as outlined in the firm’s 2024 investor letter. The letter addresses common criticisms regarding Bitcoin’s utility, asserting that it can generate cash flow and serve as collateral for fiat loans. Float, a crucial concept in insurance and asset management, refers to the investable capital from premium payments or reserves. Stone Ridge’s Longtail Re

Christian Lindner urges the ECB and Bundesbank to add Bitcoin to reserves

December 31, 2024 1 min read

Christian Lindner, the ex-finance minister of Germany, has urged the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bundesbank to think about adding Bitcoin to their reserves. He commended the Trump administration’s crypto policies in the U.S. as forward-thinking and highlighted the importance for Europe to stay aligned with the global move towards digital assets. Lindner pointed out in a parliamentary meeting that cryptocurrencies are becoming more important. He said they are

MoonPay receives regulatory approval as MiCA compliant

December 31, 2024 1 min read

MoonPay, a crypto payments platform, has received a license under the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, approved by the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This approval allows MoonPay to operate its services across Europe in compliance with MiCA guidelines. Co-founder and CEO Ivan Soto-Wright emphasized that this achievement reflects MoonPay’s commitment to regulatory compliance and its role in bridging traditional finance with the evolving crypto landscape.

Bitwise Asset Management files with the SEC to launch the Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF

December 30, 2024 1 min read

Bitwise Asset Management has submitted a filing to the SEC for the Bitcoin Standard Corporations ETF, which aims to invest in public companies that possess at least 1,000 Bitcoin in their treasuries. The ETF will focus on equity securities of companies that meet specific criteria, including a minimum market capitalization of $100 million and daily liquidity of at least $1 million, while also maintaining a public float below 10%. Unlike

Sberbank joins Russia’s central bank’s plan to expand access to digital currency across the country

December 30, 2024 1 min read

Sberbank, the biggest bank in Russia, is now part of the digital ruble pilot program with TBank and Tochka Bank, as the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) announced on December 28. This initiative now has 15 credit organizations, up from 12, and plans to add 14-15 more banks by 2025, according to Olga Skorobogatova, former First Deputy Governor of the CBR. The digital ruble, the third type of Russian currency

Japan’s Financial Services Authority (FSA) cracks down on unregistered crypto exchanges

December 29, 2024 1 min read

Japan’s Financial Services Authority (FSA) will improve internal audit processes at financial institutions, especially for cryptocurrency exchanges. This plan seeks to close gaps in the industry and bring Japan’s rules in line with global standards. The FSA will hold a roundtable discussion with important stakeholders, including members from the Japan Cryptocurrency Exchange Association and other financial groups, to find ways to enhance internal audits in the financial sector. The action

The SEC may shift away from heavy enforcement actions on crypto next year

December 28, 2024 1 min read

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is about to go through some changes in the next year, working with fewer commissioners until the Senate approves President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees. After SEC Chair Gary Gensler left, Republican commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda will stay, which might change how the agency regulates the cryptocurrency sector. In her speech at the Blockchain Association Policy Summit, Peirce pointed out the different regulatory