Iran Starts Licensing Crypto Miners Under New Regulatory Framework

The government of Iran has reportedly started issuing licenses to crypto miners under the new “comprehensive and detailed” regulatory framework approved last week. The authorities previously issued licenses to a number of crypto mining operations but halted the process due to power consumption and illegal mining issues.

Iran Resumes Issuing Licenses to Crypto MinersThe Iranian government approved a set of “comprehensive and detailed” crypto regulations during a meeting last week that include provisions for crypto mining.
Hedge Fund Veteran Mark Yusko Doubles Down on $250,000 Bitcoin Prediction Despite Steep Correction – Here’s Why

The managing partner of cryptocurrency hedge fund Morgan Creek Digital is not backing down on his big Bitcoin (BTC) prediction.

In a new Altcoin Daily interview, crypto trader Austin Arnold asks Mark Yusko if his prediction from last year that Bitcoin could hit $250,000 in half a decade still stands.

According to the hedge fund veteran, Bitcoin skyrocketing to $250,000 seems “easy” to him but notes that the “timing is harder.”
Google Chooses Coinbase To Power New Crypto Payment Tool for Cloud Services: Report

Tech giant Google is reportedly partnering with crypto exchange Coinbase to allow its users to pay for cloud services with crypto assets.

In early 2023, the Google Cloud Platform will begin accepting cryptocurrency payments using the Coinbase Commerce service from select Web 3.0 developers, according to CNBC.
Cyprus Regulators To Suspend FTX EU Crypto License

Summary:

FTX stands to lose its crypto license issued by financial regulators in Cyprus, Bloomberg said on Friday.The license allowed Sam Bankman-Fried’s exchange digital asset services across European markets and jurisdictions.Friday’s suspension joined several shocking developments that have emerged since FTX’s sudden collapse rocked crypto investors and institutions alike.FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried’s trouble cryptocurrency exchange, might lose its European digital asset license as Cyprus regulators mull the decision in the wake of spreading contagion.

In July, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySec) approved FTX for an “operational license”. The regulatory nod allowed SBF’s exchange to offer its services across markets in Europe. A regional headquarters in Switzerland was announced alongside the regulatory victory, EthereumWorldNews reported at the time.
Bank of Russia Moves to Safeguard Crypto Companies Against Sanctions

The Central Bank of Russia has introduced measures to protect entities working with digital assets from sanctions pressures. These businesses will be exempted from some reporting requirements as part of a regulatory relief intended to minimize the burden on financial organizations.

Russia’s Central Bank Eases Supervision of Digital Asset Platforms Amid SanctionsThe Central Bank of the Russian Federation (CBR) has allowed issuers of digital financial assets (DFAs) not to disclose information sensitive in the light of sanctions risks. The exemption, valid until July 1, 2023, concerns data revealing the beneficial owners of such entities.

According to an announcement quoted by Russian crypto media, the temporary reporting relief is part of a package of measures meant to help persons and organizations operating within the Russian financial market infrastructure.
Former High-Ranking SEC Official Blasts Crypto Lender Nexo’s $45,000,000 Settlement Deal With US Regulator

A former high-ranking executive of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is calling out crypto lender Nexo’s multimillion-dollar settlement with the regulatory agency.

According to a new press release, Nexo has agreed to a settlement deal with the SEC for selling unregistered securities that will see it paying the regulatory body $22.5 million.
Polygon Hits It Big With New Web3 ID Service Based on Zero-Knowledge Proofs

The Sandbox is among the blockchains already using the technology.Polygon ID is applicable in under-collateralized lending and e-commerce.Polygon, Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling solution, has launched a decentralized identity solution that provides the tools for developers to create self-sovereign, decentralized, and private identity solutions enabled with zero-knowledge proofs.

Polygon ID went live on March 1 as an open-source licensed platform that is entirely self-service. According to the project developers, the integration of the zero-knowledge proofs allows users to verify credentials without revealing their data.
Dogecoin Whales Accumulate 1,470,000,000 DOGE in Three Months As Top Memecoin Shows Decoupling Signs: Santiment

A leading analytics firm says whales are loading up on Dogecoin (DOGE) as the top memecoin flashes signs of breaking away from the rest of the crypto markets.

Market intelligence firm Santiment says that Dogecoin whales, or addresses holding over 10,000,000 DOGE, are in the process of gobbling up large stacks of the leading meme crypto asset.
FTX Gets Bankruptcy Court’s Approval To Sell LedgerX For $50 Million

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware has approved the sale of FTX’s non-bankrupt crypto derivatives exchange LedgerX. The bankruptcy court’s approval comes less than two weeks after the defunct crypto exchange announced that it had reached an agreement with an affiliate of Miami International Holdings to sell LedgerX in a multi-million dollar deal.

FTX Will Sell LedgerX To M7 HoldingsThe bankruptcy hearing for the proposed sale was streamed live on Youtube earlier today. Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey gave FTX the green light to sell its LedgerX business to M7 Holdings LLC for $50 million. The buyer is an affiliate of Miami International Holdings, which owns and operates several exchanges, including the Bermuda Stock Exchange and the Miami International Securities Exchange. 

FTX announced on April 25, 2023, that it had entered into an interest purchase agreement with M7 Holdings LLC to offload LedgerX. The agreement to offload the crypto derivatives exchange came after a comprehensive sale process that saw participation from multiple bidders including popular crypto exchange OKX. At the time, FTX stated that the deal with M7 was subject to approval from the Delaware bankruptcy court as well as the U.S. Commodities and Futures Trading Commission. 
Fuck memecoins, says PSYCHO. Yep, you heard that right. Here's why it got our attention:

• Provocative? Absolutely, PSYCHO ain't afraid to challenge the status quo.
• Strong community? 100%. Bunch of defiant spirits rallying behind the coin. Our kind of crowd.
Launched? May 29th
• Results so far? 750 holders, $3.5m market cap.
• CEX listing? First listing on MEXC today at 12pm UTC.
• Next CEXs? They are in contact with Bybit, Huobi, OKX
• Tokenomics? Crystal clear. 90% for DEX liquidity, 5% for CEX, 5% for the community. No BS.

DYOR, but from my side, this might be a massive pump. Don't forget to thank me later.

🧿 Rating: coinmarketcap
💰 Buy: uniswap, mexc
🐦 Follow: twitter
Coinbase’s Legal Chief To Testify Before US Congressional Committee

Paul Grewal, the Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase Global Inc. is set to testify before the United States House Committee on Agriculture later today. As the legal chief for the largest crypto exchange in the United States, Grewal will emphasize the need for clear regulations for the crypto industry. The lawyer will also underscore the importance of the Digital Asset Market Structure discussion draft, which was introduced by House Republicans last week. 

Coinbase: Proposed Bill Needed For Balanced Crypto RegulationsPaul Grewal took to Twitter recently to inform his followers about his upcoming appearance on Capitol Hill. The Coinbase executive also shared a summary of the testimony that he plans to deliver before the Congressional committee. Grewal stated that he will use the opportunity to present his company’s views on the Digital Asset Market Structure Discussion Draft, which was unveiled by House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson and Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry last week. 

Grewal stated that his testimony would revolve around three key topics: The U.S. falling behind due to a lack of clear regulations leading to the departure of crypto innovation, Crypto is solving real-world problems, and a clear path is needed in order to protect responsible innovation, and that the Digital Asset Market Structure bill is a strong step towards regulatory clarity for the crypto industry.
CZ Says News of Exec Departures at Binance Is FUD

Founder of Binance, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), sought to downplay the significance of the exits of some executives at the crypto exchange, describing news about them as “more FUD” (fear, uncertainty, and doubt). The managers are leaving during an ongoing regulatory crackdown on the major coin trading platform that has affected its market share.

CZ Comments on Executives Leaving Binance Amid Regulatory CrisisChangpeng Zhao, founder and CEO of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, defended his company in the face of what he called “more FUD about some departures.” In a tweet posted after it became clear that several executives are leaving, CZ highlighted the remarkable growth of the crypto firm in a few years’ time and assured it continues to hire.

4. Another day, another FUD. On rumors of layoffs.
Going Crypto Makes Sense for Elon Musk’s X

While X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has made a turn to share some of its earnings with its users, the lack of a genuinely universal payment method – like crypto – means users of countries such as Russia and Venezuela are excluded from getting these benefits, disrupting Elon Musk’s intentions of incubating a global content ecosystem.

Elon Musk’s X Seeks to Open an ‘Entire Financial World’While the acquisition and transition of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to the hands of Elon Musk, tech visionary, and eccentric millionaire, has not been without its hiccups, it’s undeniable that Musk’s vision has changed the direction of the company – for good or otherwise, depending who you ask to. The legacy Twitter, commandeered by Jack Dorsey, felt like more of a traditional Nasdaq-listed company with processes carried out by company employees, and users were separated from it.

Musk has tried to scrap this notion, having a more close-to-the-user approach and introducing the idea of rewarding content providers with part of the revenue received by the company using this content as the hook. This is nothing new, as monetization has been implemented widely in the content industry; however, X seems to want to do it in the most universal way possible.
FUNToken Enters a New Era as it Joins the Ranks of BitMart Exchange, Expanding Opportunities for iGaming Enthusiasts

The momentous occasion of FUNToken’s official listing on BitMart Exchange has arrived, effective September 15th, 2023. Recognized as a leading player in the crypto landscape, BitMart Exchange boasts over 5.5 million registered users, operates in 180 countries and enjoys a top-ten ranking on CoinMarketCap.

BitMart Exchange, a prominent figure in the global digital asset trading landscape, ranks among the top ten exchanges according to CoinMarketCap. With a strong reputation since its founding, BitMart has garnered over 5.5 million registered users and operates in 180 countries.
Market Expert Gareth Soloway Explores Bitcoin’s Future Amidst Rising Treasury Yields and ETF Speculation

Year-to-date, bitcoin (BTC), the leading digital currency by market cap, has witnessed a staggering increase of over 100%, sparking curiosity about the duration of its upward trajectory. In a Thursday interview with Gareth Soloway, the head market strategist at inthemoneystocks.com, the expert delved into the potential longevity of this rally. Soloway also touched upon the upcoming gathering of the U.S. Federal Reserve and the ascent of 10-year treasury yields to a pinnacle unmatched in the last 16 years.

Bitcoin’s Longevity Examined by Market Strategist Gareth Soloway; Anticipates Gold SurgeOn a Thursday marked by a downturn in U.S. equities, resulting in a sea of red across the stock market, precious metals, and the crypto markets stood resilient, weathering the storm with grace. Gareth Soloway, the chief market strategist at inthemoneystocks.com, engaged in a thorough discussion about the U.S. and global economies with Michelle Makori, the leading anchor and editor-in-chief at Kitco News.During their exchange, Soloway pinpointed the Federal Reserve as the market’s current focal point, speculating on whether the central bank will opt to increase the federal funds rate. He underscored the noteworthy development of the 10-year treasury yields surging past 5% for the first time in a span of 16 years.Emphasizing the significance, Soloway remarked that a 5% yield on the 10-year treasury “is very, very important to the psychology of the market.” Echoing Bill Gross’ prediction, he anticipates a recession could unfold by the year’s fourth quarter, highlighting a stark contrast in consumer confidence across different income brackets.Soloway observed, “I think you look at the economy right now and you could argue that half the population has already been in a recession.” He also speculated on the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting scheduled for the following week, suggesting the Fed might opt to halt its rate hikes, given the evident market stress.“They see the stress that’s gone on in the markets,” the analyst added.Shifting the focus to bitcoin (BTC), Soloway speculated on the potential approval of a spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), cautioning that it might trigger a substantial sell-off. While acknowledging bitcoin’s impressive performance, he questioned its resilience against a possible 15-20% asset sell-off in the Nasdaq, expressing concern that a 35% plunge in the stock market could eventually instill fear and panic among bitcoin holders. Soloway declared:

You’ll probably get [an ETF] approval by year-end or early in 2024. If bitcoin is still up here, you may not go higher. It may be already factoring in the approval. It’s very possible it could be a sell on the news.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong: ‘Bitcoin May Be the Key to Extending Western Civilization’

Brian Armstrong, CEO of U.S.-based crypto exchange Coinbase, stated that Bitcoin could play a role in extending Western civilization. For Armstrong, Bitcoin represents an alternative to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, which people can use as an alternative to inflation.

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong: Crypto Might Be ‘an Antidote to Inflation.’Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, has recently reflected on the role that bitcoin might have in the future of Western civilization. In a post on X, Armstrong explained that “One idea I’ve been contemplating is that Bitcoin may be the key to extending western civilization” and that fiat currencies will keep inflating until they lose their advantages as currencies. He believes the U.S. dollar is already on this road but that there are no other alternatives as other fiat currencies face the same problems.
Ripple Moves To Buy Back $285,000,000 Worth of Shares From Early Investors and Employees: Report

Blockchain-based payments company Ripple reportedly wants to repurchase $285 million worth of company shares from early investors and employees.

Citing two sources familiar with the matter, Reuters reports that Ripple Labs is setting aside $500 million for the buyback.
Litecoin (LTC) Price Analysis: Rally Could Extend Toward $80

Litecoin price is recovering from the $68.20 zone against the US Dollar, like Bitcoin. LTC price could climb again if there is a clear move above $71.40.

Litecoin Price AnalysisIn the past few sessions, there was a decent increase in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin against the US Dollar. Earlier, LTC struggled to clear the $73.45 resistance zone and started a fresh decline.

There was a move below the $72.00 and $70.00 support levels. Finally, the bulls protected the key support at $68.00. A low was formed near $68.12, and the price is now attempting a fresh increase. The price started a recovery wave above the $68.00 level.
Orbs Partners With SYMMIO To Develop Capital-Efficient On-Chain Derivatives

February 15, 2024 – Tel Aviv, Israel

Layer three blockchain Orbs has announced a partnership with OTC derivatives platform SYMMIO.The agreement will support the growth of on-chain derivatives trading that makes use of better capital efficiency and taps into deep liquidity.

Orbs has seen significant demand for its blockchain- and DEX-agnostic liquidity hub, which operates as a layer atop AMMs, solving the problem of liquidity fragmentation in DeFi.
Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Restarts Increase And Aims More Upsides

Bitcoin price is rising from $60,800 against the US Dollar. BTC might eye another increase if the bulls remain active above the $68,000 zone.

Bitcoin Price AnalysisBitcoin price started a fresh decline after it failed to clear the $73,800 resistance. BTC declined below the $65,500 and $64,000 support levels to enter a short-term bearish zone.

There was also a move below the $62,200 level. A low was formed near $60,771 and the price is now attempting a fresh increase. The bulls were able to push the price above the $65,000 level. The price is now above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward wave from the $73,835 swing high to the $60,771 low.