Bitcoin

The US SEC delays decision on the BlackRock iShares Ethereum ETF Options

February 8, 2025 1 min read

The number of crypto ETF filings is rising globally. The SEC is processing some of these filings but delaying others for various reasons. Recently, they extended the deadline for a decision on the iShares Ethereum ETF Options to April 9. iShares is a financial services firm under BlackRock that offers ETFs. The reason for the delay in the decision is unclear. The SEC stated that they need more time to

Deribit exchange bans Russian users due to new EU sanctions

February 8, 2025 1 min read

Deribit, a cryptocurrency exchange based in Dubai and owned by a Dutch company, has announced a ban on Russian users due to new EU sanctions. Russian traders are a significant part of Deribit’s user base, being the second-largest group on the platform. However, other exchanges still dominate the Russian crypto market. This decision aligns with EU regulations but may have a more significant impact on Deribit than on Russia’s crypto

Kaspersky Discovers SparkCat Malware Targeting Crypto Recovery Phrases

February 8, 2025 1 min read

Kaspersky has revealed a significant malware campaign named SparkCat. This malware secretly scanned users’ phone galleries for crypto recovery phrases hidden in screenshots. It was found in food delivery and AI chat apps, affecting around 242,000 users before being removed from app stores. Unlike typical scams that promise financial gain, SparkCat operated quietly. This secrecy makes it hard to measure its financial impact. Kaspersky, a respected cybersecurity firm, noted that

Over $3 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire today

February 7, 2025 1 min read

Today, over $3 billion worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum options are set to expire. This large volume of contracts is drawing attention from traders. They are closely monitoring how macroeconomic changes and Trump’s trade policies will affect short-term price movements. In the Bitcoin market, there are more buy contracts than sell contracts. This suggests that investors are feeling optimistic. However, the price point that is causing the most losses for

The SEC has acknowledged Grayscale’s Solana and Litecoin ETF filings

February 7, 2025 2 mins read

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has recognized Grayscale’s proposals for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) related to Solana and Litecoin. This is a significant moment as it is the first time the SEC has acknowledged a Solana ETF filing. This change comes during a time of leadership shifts within the SEC, raising hopes for a more favorable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies. On February 6, the SEC invited public comments on

MicroStrategy rebrands to Strategy

February 7, 2025 1 min read

MicroStrategy rebrands to Strategy MicroStrategy has officially changed its name to Strategy, incorporating the Bitcoin symbol into its logo. This rebranding highlights the company’s strong commitment to Bitcoin (BTC). In 2024, Strategy reported a remarkable 74.3% yield from Bitcoin, even though its overall revenue declined. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the firm made its largest Bitcoin purchase ever, investing over $20 billion. Michael Saylor, co-founder of the company, announced

Cboe files a 19b-4 request with the SEC to approve Ethereum ETF options trading

February 7, 2025 2 mins read

Cboe files a 19b-4 request with the SEC to approve Ethereum ETF options trading Cboe has submitted a filing to the SEC to get approval for trading options on spot Ethereum ETFs. This includes popular funds like Bitwise and Grayscale’s Ethereum ETFs. The goal is to speed up the regulatory process for these options. The proposal states that Ethereum ETF options will follow the same rules as other fund share

The US CFTC to review prediction market rules

February 7, 2025 2 mins read

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is holding a public roundtable to discuss the regulation of prediction markets. This could affect platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket. The CFTC has recently sought public input on event contracts, indicating a change in its regulatory approach. Acting CFTC Chair Caroline D. Pham criticized the previous regulatory framework, calling it a “legal sinkhole” that hindered innovation in prediction markets. The roundtable will explore

Czech President signs a bill exempting crypto users from paying taxes

February 7, 2025 1 min read

Czech President Petr Pavel recently signed a new bill that benefits crypto users. This law states that if individuals hold their crypto assets for more than three years, they will not have to pay taxes on any profits made from selling them. Additionally, transactions involving amounts up to CZK 100,000 (around $4,136) each year will not need to be reported in tax declarations. This approach aligns with how securities are

David Sacks outlines a crypto plan with a Bitcoin Reserve

February 6, 2025 2 mins read

David Sacks, the White House’s Crypto Czar, held a press conference with Senate leaders to discuss important topics like stablecoin legislation and a Bitcoin Reserve. He emphasized the need for clear regulations. Sacks argued that past uncertainties pushed crypto businesses abroad and led to significant fraud cases, such as FTX. Since his appointment by President Trump, Sacks’ role in federal crypto policy was unclear. However, he outlined his agenda, which

Senator Hagerty introduces the GENIUS Act to regulate stablecoins

February 6, 2025 1 min read

US Senator Bill Hagerty has introduced the GENIUS Act, a bill focused on regulating payment stablecoins. This legislation aims to enhance the US dollar’s dominance in the digital currency space. It follows an earlier draft discussed in October, marking a significant move towards establishing a legal framework for stablecoin transactions. The GENIUS Act defines payment stablecoins as digital assets used for payments, which are pegged to a stable value. The

Blackrock (BLK) plans on listing a bitcoin exchange traded product (ETP) in Europe

February 6, 2025 1 min read

BlackRock, the largest asset management firm in the world with over $10 trillion in assets under management, is planning to launch a bitcoin exchange-traded product (ETP) in Europe. This news was reported by Bloomberg. The new fund will be based in Switzerland, and BlackRock may start marketing it as early as this month. This will be BlackRock’s first crypto-linked ETP outside the United States. Their U.S.-based iShares Bitcoin ETF has