🚫 Brazil's ANPD Prohibits World from Offering User Rewards

⚖️ Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has prohibited Sam Altman's World, a biometric ID project, from providing rewards to users for joining its platform. The ANPD stated that offering rewards in exchange for personal data would breach local regulations.

Consent for processing sensitive personal data, such as biometric data, must be free, informed, unequivocal and provided in a specific and highlighted manner, for specific purposes,

the authority emphasized. It further noted that

monetary consideration offered by the company may interfere with the free expression of the will of individuals by influencing the decision regarding the provision of their biometric data.

❗️ This decision, effective since January 25, is a preventive measure and may lead to further actions if deemed necessary by the ANPD. Tools For Humanity, the organization behind World, refuted these claims, asserting its compliance with Brazilian laws. The company expressed confidence in its ongoing communication with the ANPD to ensure Brazilian participation in the World network.

🔔 World commenced operations in Brazil in November, establishing eye-scanning sites in São Paulo and claiming to have registered over 150,000 individuals by offering rewards in its cryptocurrency, WLD.

🪙 Scott Bessent's Confirmation as Treasury Secretary: A Pro-Crypto Shift

🚀 Scott Bessent, a billionaire hedge fund manager, has been confirmed as the 79th U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Donald Trump following a bipartisan Senate vote of 68-29. At 62 years old, Bessent, the founder of Key Square Group, will oversee the nation’s $28 trillion Treasury debt market and manage fiscal policy, financial regulations, and international sanctions.

🎉 Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse expressed his support for Bessent, stating,

Congrats to the newly-confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent! He’ll be an incredible leader for Americans!

He added that he is confident Bessent will implement common-sense economic policies to promote U.S. tech and crypto innovation. In a previous statement, Garlinghouse described Bessent as

the perfect pick by Donald Trump

and predicted he would be the most pro-innovation, pro-crypto Treasury Sec we’ve ever seen.

🔄 Bessent’s confirmation is expected to bring significant changes to cryptocurrency policies, especially after the departure of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler. Industry leaders anticipate that Bessent will establish a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, balancing innovation with regulation.

💪 President Trump has consistently supported cryptocurrency, advocating for policies that encourage innovation in the tech and crypto sectors. His administration’s pro-crypto stance is reflected in the nomination of individuals who support digital assets to key regulatory positions. The SEC has seen a shift towards crypto-friendly leadership, with a pro-crypto nominee appointed and Commissioner Hester Peirce leading a specialized task force. Additionally, Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda has shown support for cryptocurrency initiatives, indicating a potential shift in the regulatory landscape.

🌟 These developments suggest a more accommodating environment for cryptocurrency innovation in the U.S., with expectations of clearer regulations and increased support for the tech sector.

🟢 XRP Price Analysis: Current Trends and Future Predictions

📉 XRP is currently trading between $2.979 and $2.992, with a daily transaction volume of $3.45 billion and a market valuation of $172 billion. The asset has experienced intraday fluctuations ranging from $2.96 to $3.08, reflecting a 12% decline from its all-time high and a 2.6% drop over the past 24 hours.

The one-hour price snapshot reveals a bearish trajectory crystallizing after XRP was rebuffed near $3.115,

highlighting the asset's struggle to maintain upward momentum. Increased seller activity has pushed XRP towards the $2.95 support level, where a potential buyer resurgence could occur. If this level fails, a decline towards $2.75 becomes likely.

📉 The four-hour chart confirms this downward trend, with XRP unable to establish higher lows since peaking at $3.40. Descending peaks reinforce the corrective narrative, and unless $3.10 is decisively breached, evolving volume patterns favor pessimists. Sustained elevation above this barrier would herald revived optimism; stagnation might precipitate a slide towards the $2.65-$2.75 range.

Daily metrics illustrate XRP grappling with downward forces post-recent highs,

its struggle to reclaim $3.10 as support affirming seller dominance. Yet the broader bullish foundation endures provided $2.95 holds firm. Stabilization here could ignite a measured climb towards $3.30-$3.40. Conversely, slipping below $2.90 might accelerate retreats towards $2.75.

📊 Oscillators present a mixed picture: The RSI at 54.95 reflects equilibrium, while the Stochastic (56.05) and CCI (-21.26) indicate ambivalence in market sentiment. An ADX of 16.92 confirms trend ambiguity; however, the AO’s 0.31 shows a tentative green light. Counterbalancing this, momentum (-0.18) and MACD (0.14) lean towards caution.

📈 Moving averages deliver a split verdict. Short-term EMAs (10 at 3.05) and SMAs (10 at 3.07) advise caution, while the EMA 20 at 2.97 suggests optimism. This aligns with extended averages—EMA 30 (2.86), EMA 50 (2.63), EMA 100 (2.13)—buttressing the case for enduring bullish potential.

The enduring alignment of long-term moving averages—EMA 30 ($2.86), EMA 50 ($2.63), and EMA 100 ($2.13)—coupled with the 200-period averages’ unwavering upward bias, paints a resilient foundation for XRP.

Should the $2.95 bastion hold firm, historical patterns and structural support suggest a revival towards $3.30-$3.40 remains plausible.

Dominance by sellers in the immediate term, evidenced by cascading lower highs, weakening momentum indicators, and short-term moving averages flashing sell signals, tilts the scales toward caution.

Failure to defend $2.95 risks triggering a cascading retreat towards $2.75 or lower, amplified by the asset’s inability to reclaim $3.10 as support.

💰 Bitcoin Depot Expands Treasury Holdings with $5 Million BTC Purchase

🔗 Bitcoin Depot, one of North America's largest Bitcoin ATM operators, has recently increased its treasury holdings by acquiring 51 BTC for $5 million. This purchase brings its total BTC holdings to 71.5 BTC and underscores the company's belief in Bitcoin's long-term potential.

💬 Brandon Mintz, CEO of Bitcoin Depot, stated,

Adopting bitcoin as part of our treasury strategy underscores our long-standing belief in bitcoin as a significant financial asset and a store of value.

He emphasized the company's commitment to providing easy access to bitcoin for everyone and noted that this move allows shareholders to benefit from future BTC appreciation following a recent update in accounting standards.

🌍 With 8,400 Bitcoin ATMs across 48 U.S. states and its Bitcoin Depot checkout service available in 29 states, the company continues to bridge the gap between cash and cryptocurrency. Bitcoin Depot's expansion of its treasury holdings reflects a growing trend among companies to add bitcoin to their balance sheets as a hedge against inflation and a key financial asset in modern treasury management.

How Much Are Crypto Exchanges Really Worth?

The valuation of cryptocurrency exchanges like Binance, Kraken, and others is gaining attention in global media. A new approach has been introduced to estimate their market worth—not just based on trading volumes but through a broader set of key metrics.

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🔍 Transparency – How openly exchanges share information about their operations.
📊 Activity – User engagement and trading volumes.
💰 Capital – Financial strength and available reserves.
🛡 Security – Measures in place to protect users and funds.
✅ Compliance – Adherence to regulatory standards.
📈 Proof of Reserves – Verification of solvency and financial backing.

By analyzing these elements, the formula offers a structured way to assess exchanges beyond surface-level figures. While not a definitive valuation model, it provides useful insights into how different platforms operate and manage risks in the crypto space.

Read more in the article 👉 https://coincodex.com/article/58281/unveiling-the-metrics-understanding-the-market-value-of-leading-crypto-exchanges/

🌍 Blockchain Technology: A Solution for Africa's Capital Market Challenges

💬 Emomotimi Agama, the director general of the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has expressed strong support for blockchain technology, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency and assist in capital market regulation. He emphasized that this technology could be particularly beneficial for Africa, where communities face challenges such as financial exclusion and inefficiencies in both public and private sectors.

👉 Following a meeting with a delegation from the Algorand Foundation, Agama stated,

We want to activate the blockchain in our efficiency; we want to be able to use it to regulate our market.

He expressed his vision of having all necessary information for regulatory work integrated into a blockchain system for traceability and effectiveness.

❗️ To facilitate this transition, the SEC has sought assistance from the Algorand Foundation. Eric Wragge, the foundation's global head of business development, mentioned that a team has already been dispatched to support Nigeria. He remarked,

We are here to explain blockchain technology and how it can help your work.

Wragge emphasized the democratizing nature of blockchain, stating that it is free to use and accessible to everyone.

🚨 Nasdaq Files 19b-4s For CoinShares XRP & Litecoin ETFs With US SEC 🇺🇸

Nasdaq files 19b-4 forms with the SEC to introduce CoinShares’ XRP ETF and Litecoin ETF, boosting institutional adoption.

👉 Read more

💰 The End of the Penny? Trump's Decision to Halt Production

🚫 President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. Treasury to cease the production of the one-cent coin, known as the penny, citing its wastefulness due to the cost of production exceeding its face value. The U.S. Mint reported a loss of over $85.3 million in the last fiscal year from minting pennies.

📉 This decision follows a report from the Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), led by Elon Musk, which revealed that minting the penny cost over $179 million in the 2023 fiscal year. Trump emphasized the issue, stating,

For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!

He instructed his Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies to eliminate waste from the national budget.

💵 According to U.S. Mint data, the production cost of each penny was $0.037 last year, more than three times its face value. However, there is some confusion regarding Trump's authority to end penny production, as Congress typically dictates the specifications of coins. Robert K. Triest, an economics professor at Northeastern University, noted that while Congress sets specifications,

The Secretary of the Treasury might be able to simply stop the minting of new pennies.

⚠️ Experts have cautioned that the nickel, which is also produced at a loss compared to its face value ($0.05 to nearly $0.14), may be next in line for similar treatment. Trump's decision regarding the penny is part of a broader initiative to reduce resource misuse and enhance government efficiency, overseen by D.O.G.E.

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🏦 Rising Gold Demand in China Amid Market Instability

🌟 Gold is regaining its appeal in China as a protective investment against market instability. Recent reports indicate that some Chinese banks have sold out of popular gold products aimed at retail investors due to a surge in demand. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, for instance, has depleted its stock of Ruyi bars in various sizes, leaving only limited quantities of the 10g bar available.

📉 Other banks are also struggling to keep up with the rising demand. The Agricultural Bank of China has run out of its 10g and 20g Chuan Shi Zhi Bao gold bars, while the China Construction Bank only has its more expensive 50g and 100g bars left. Retail gold stores are feeling the impact as well, with one store reporting that their 100g bars sold out before the Chinese New Year.

💰 This surge in gold demand comes as prices rise due to gold's status as a 'safe haven' asset amid geopolitical tensions, particularly the Trump administration's tariff policies. The World Gold Council anticipates that gold will perform well in times of geopolitical and economic turmoil. Louise Street, a senior markets analyst at the council, emphasized that

these themes should be prevalent this year, supporting demand for gold as a store of wealth and hedge against risk.

🚨 Vigilante Token's Bold Stunt: Climbing the Hollywood Sign

➡️ A man was arrested after climbing the iconic Hollywood sign and waving a flag for the Vigilante token cryptocurrency. On February 15, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the incident, stating that the flag displayed the cryptocurrency's name along with its website and social media details.

⏳ The police took less than two hours to apprehend the man, who was dressed in dark clothing and a ski mask. This daring act was reportedly planned by Vigilante. A day prior to the stunt, the company teased on X about a token launch that would attract attention:

On Feb. 15, 2025, we’re launching our Vigilante Token in the most viral way you’ve ever seen.

📈 The stunt seemed to pay off initially, as the token's value surged by over 60,000% shortly after the event, with its market capitalization briefly reaching $5.5 million. However, within 24 hours, the price plummeted by 99.5%.

🤔 Despite this rapid decline, the Vigilante team remained optimistic. In a series of posts on February 16, they announced plans for another "huge precursor" event before their next major promotion.

📈 Centralized Exchange Volume in 2024: A Significant Year

📊 The total trading volume of centralized exchanges reached $18.83 trillion in 2024, marking the second-highest total in five years but still below the record of $25.21 trillion set in 2021. Binance continued to dominate the market as the largest centralized cryptocurrency exchange, although its share of the total trading volume among the top 15 exchanges decreased from 47% to 39%. Its trading volume nearly doubled to $7.3 trillion.

🟥 The year 2021 was significant for several reasons, including a surge in altchain activity, Coinbase's listing on Nasdaq, and Bitcoin reaching its then-all-time high. Bybit held the position of the second-largest centralized exchange with a trading volume of just below $1.75 trillion (approximately 9.28% of the total). Crypto experienced a nearly tenfold increase in volume, rising to $1.29 trillion and securing third place. Upbit and OKX completed the top five with volumes of $1.258 trillion and $1.172 trillion respectively.

💪 In 2024, seven centralized exchanges surpassed the $1 trillion volume mark. In contrast, only Binance achieved this milestone in 2023. Crypto was the fastest-growing centralized exchange in 2024, with a remarkable 969.7% increase in volume. Bybit and Gate followed as the second and third fastest-growing exchanges with increases of 397.8% and 241.5% respectively. However, OKX (16.3%), HTX (16.0%), and MEXC (16.6%) experienced a decline in their volume shares over the past five years.

📉 By 2024, OKX, HTX, and MEXC had fallen out of the top five rankings with market shares of 6.2%, 4.4%, and 4.1% respectively. FTX, the exchange previously operated by Sam Bankman-Fried, accounted for 2.6% of the volume in 2021 and 4.8% in 2022 before its collapse.

👉 Brazil's Groundbreaking XRP ETF and Tether's Strategic Move in Agriculture

🌟 This week in Latin America’s crypto landscape: Brazil has made headlines by approving the world's first XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF), Tether is pursuing a majority stake in Adecoagro, and Argentine President Javier Milei addresses the fallout from his endorsement of the Libra project.

💰 Brazil's cryptocurrency market has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of the Hashdex Nasdaq XRP Index Fund, approved by the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). This ETF allows institutions to invest in XRP, Ripple's cryptocurrency, without the complexities of self-custody. Managed by Genial Investimentos, the fund is currently in its pre-operational phase, positioning Brazil as a pioneer in providing investment options for both institutional and individual investors entering the crypto space.

➡️ In a bold move, Tether is seeking to acquire a 51% stake in Adecoagro, a major agricultural player in South America, for $385 million. The deal includes a 27% premium on Adecoagro's market share prices, making it a likely takeover. Tether stated,

This investment is part of Tether’s broader approach to allocating profits into strategic sectors such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, biotech, and energy.

🗣 Following the Libra project's recent troubles, President Milei defended his actions amidst claims that his social media endorsement led to significant losses for investors. He explained that he shared information about Libra as a financing option for Argentine entrepreneurs but acknowledged the subsequent negative attention it received. Emphasizing personal responsibility, Milei remarked,

If you go to the casino and lose money, it’s your problem.

💰 Memecoins: A Risky Gateway to Crypto Adoption

🚀 Experts are divided on the role of memecoins in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. While some believe they can attract new users, their volatility poses significant risks. One expert warned that the collapse of memecoins can harm liquidity and stressed the importance of caution when investing.

➡️ Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong recently claimed that memecoins could lead to mass adoption. However, a study by Chainplay and Storibles revealed that many users have had disappointing experiences with politician-endorsed memecoins. In fact, 21% of first-time investors quit crypto after seeing the value of these memecoins drop. This has led to allegations of scams and a decline in trading volume on Solana’s decentralized exchange.

🔍 Despite acknowledging the potential for fraudulence in some memecoins, Armstrong remains optimistic about their role in bringing new users to the crypto space. He believes that free-market principles should allow Coinbase users access to these coins.

🟥 Some experts view memecoins as a double-edged sword. They may help onboard new users but might not support long-term adoption. Victor Young, founder of Analog, pointed out that memecoin volatility can destabilize entire blockchain ecosystems. Arthur Breitman, co-founder of Tezos, added that the collapse of memecoins can hurt liquidity and emphasized the need for investors to screen for fraudulent tokens.

📈 Young also agreed with Armstrong that the long-term success of the crypto industry depends on building sustainable products. He suggested that for memecoins to become a credible asset class, the industry must combine their cultural appeal with genuine utility. Additionally, he stressed the importance of strong regulation and investor education for market stability.

📉 Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Face Extended Outflows

📉 Bitcoin and ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are experiencing significant challenges due to persistent outflows. Bitcoin ETFs have faced an eight-day streak of withdrawals, with $275.83 million withdrawn on February 27. Ether ETFs also saw $71.08 million in outflows, extending their streak to six days.

👉 The largest outflow from bitcoin ETFs came from Blackrock’s IBIT, which reported a withdrawal of $189.02 million. Wisdomtree’s BTWC followed with an outflow of $53.78 million. Other notable withdrawals included Valkyrie’s BRRR ($12.82 million), Vaneck’s HODL ($10.58 million), and Grayscale’s GBTC ($7.26 million). Fidelity’s FBTC and Franklin’s EZBC each saw outflows of approximately $7.25 million while Grayscale’s BTC experienced a $5.54 million withdrawal. Bitwise’s BITB was the only fund to record inflows, attracting $17.65 million.

📌 Ether ETFs also faced significant outflows. Blackrock’s ETHA led with $26.06 million in withdrawals, followed by Fidelity’s FETH with $25.45 million and Grayscale’s ETHE with $19.57 million.

❗️ These consecutive outflows have resulted in a decline in the total net assets of both bitcoin and ether ETFs. Bitcoin ETFs’ total net assets have decreased to $94.3 billion, while ether ETFs now stand at $8.27 billion. Over the past eight days, bitcoin ETFs have experienced outflows totaling $3.27 billion, and ether ETFs have recorded outflows worth $315.53 million over the six-day period.

🌍 IMF's Stance on Bitcoin: Lessons from El Salvador

👉 In this edition of Latam Insights Encore, we explore the recent developments between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Salvadoran government, particularly in the context of Bitcoin adoption. As the first country to recognize Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador's agreement with the IMF may set a precedent for other nations considering similar moves.

💰 Last week, the IMF executive board approved a $1.4 billion deal with El Salvador, emphasizing the importance of restricting state-level Bitcoin usage. IMF Deputy Managing Director Nigel Farage stated that the agreement includes provisions to address

bitcoin risks

and will limit government engagement in Bitcoin-related activities.

⚠️ This deal suggests that the Bukele administration has agreed to reduce its Bitcoin purchases in exchange for IMF support aimed at stabilizing the national economy. However, this sets a concerning precedent for emerging countries that wish to adopt cryptocurrencies as reserve assets or legal tender. The IMF is conditioning its assistance on the abandonment of Bitcoin initiatives that promote national independence.

🔄 As Bitcoin gains recognition as a reserve asset, there is a call for a new crypto-based economic structure that aligns with the decentralization ethos of Bitcoin. This structure should provide economic aid to countries opting out of the fiat system. However, until such a system is established, the IMF is likely to use El Salvador's deal as a model for discouraging Bitcoin adoption at the nation-state level.

🚫 The message from the IMF is clear:

Want funds? Drop bitcoin!

🟥 Argentine Prosecutor Freezes LIBRA Tokens Amid Ongoing Investigation

👉 Eduardo Taiano, the Argentine prosecutor investigating President Javier Milei and the LIBRA cooperators, has ordered the freezing of all LIBRA tokens linked to the case. He is also examining the activities of addresses holding LIBRA that have purchased other currencies.

📈 The investigation into LIBRA, a meme coin promoted by Milei before its collapse, is progressing. Taiano is seeking evidence to connect the group behind the currency's launch with Milei. He has requested a detailed report on all LIBRA token movements to identify the most benefited addresses and cross-reference them with their holders. However, the pseudonymous nature of these accounts complicates this task.

🔒 To prevent obfuscation and determine potential money laundering involving LIBRA movements to other platforms, Taiano has ordered a complete freeze of the assets involved in the investigation. He has reached out to international exchanges for data on LIBRA’s token movements.

💰 One of the addresses under investigation has already purchased other meme coins, which may suggest an asset laundering scheme. Additionally, Taiano is cross-referencing communications and visits to establish direct responsibility for LIBRA’s launch. He has requested phone records and visit registries to link the allegedly involved group, including President Milei.

↪️ Karina Milei, the president’s sister, is also facing allegations regarding possible bribes for access to Milei, disguised as “consulting fees.”

➡️ Reports suggest that investigations are also progressing in the U.S., with the Department of Justice initiating a probe that is currently in its early stages.

❗️ President Milei has consistently denied any involvement in the scheme affecting over 44,000 investors. He stated in a February TV interview,

If you go to the casino and lose money, it’s your problem.

💳 Bitcoin as Payment for Trump's Gold Card Proposal

💬 David Bailey, CEO of BTC Inc., suggested that bitcoin could be used to pay for the proposed "gold card" initiative by the Trump administration. This card would allow wealthy individuals to gain U.S. residency without utilizing taxpayer funds, thereby contributing to the country's strategic Bitcoin reserve.

💡 The official establishment of a strategic bitcoin reserve (SBR) in the U.S. has opened up various avenues for expansion without burdening taxpayers. Bailey, who attended the recent Trump crypto summit, proposed that the gold card—which would enable affluent foreigners to secure their place in the U.S.—could be purchased with bitcoin.

Many elites in emerging markets want to live in the U.S. but struggle to move $5M in USD out of their home countries. Bitcoin offers a simpler, safer, and more discreet solution,

Bailey stated on social media.

🗓 This idea aligns with Trump's earlier announcement on February 25 about the gold card initiative. He described it as a paid alternative to the green card that would facilitate citizenship for wealthy individuals willing to invest around $5 million. Trump emphasized,

We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million and that’s going to give you green card privileges.

📌 Trump also mentioned the possibility of Russian oligarchs purchasing this card, saying,

I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people.

🔍 If implemented, this measure would signal the U.S.'s commitment to integrating bitcoin into its policy framework, despite some analysts questioning this direction amidst ongoing pro-crypto initiatives by the current administration.

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