🆕 Tether Upgrades USDT on Arbitrum to USDT0: A Seamless Transition

🔄 Tether has upgraded its USDT stablecoin on Arbitrum to USDT0, a cross-chain compatible asset backed 1:1 by Ethereum-based USDT reserves. The upgrade automatically converts existing Arbitrum USDT holdings to USDT0 without requiring user action. USDT0 will serve as Arbitrum’s canonical stablecoin, maintaining the same contract address.

⏳ Transfers between Arbitrum and Ethereum will settle within seven days during the migration period, which begins February 4 at 16:00 CET. Third-party bridges, including Stargate, remain unaffected. Starting Feb. 5, Tether claims that USDT0 transfers via Arbitrum’s official bridge will settle in minutes with sub-cent fees. The legacy Arbitrum USDT bridge will be discontinued post-migration.

🔗 USDT0 will also enable interoperability with chains like Ink and Berachain, with Megaeth integration planned. Security audits were conducted by Openzeppelin, Guardian Audits, and Chainsecurity, with deployment verification completed. Chaos Labs will release a public risk audit report post-upgrade.

📈 Arbitrum’s decentralized finance (defi) protocols, including Aave and GMX, will automatically support USDT0. The upgrade aims to expand Tether’s Layer two (L2) presence, leveraging Arbitrum’s low fees and fast transactions. Over 1.3 billion USDT is already on the network, with further growth anticipated.

🚨 Just In: Grayscale Launches Dogecoin Trust, DOGE ETF Next? 🌐

Asset manager Grayscale has launched its Dogecoin Trust for institutional investors, a move which hints at a Dogecoin ETF filing next.

👉 Read more

🛡 Binance CEO Warns of Evolving Crypto Scams: A Guide for Investors

🚨 Richard Teng, CEO of Binance, recently took to social media to warn investors about the growing sophistication of cryptocurrency scams, particularly Ponzi and pyramid schemes. He urged individuals to "Stay safe from Ponzi and pyramid schemes. Research every investment. Ignore unsolicited offers. Question everything. Verify before you trust."

🔴 This isn't the first time Teng has shared his insights. Last December, he emphasized that the crypto space is not solely about HODLing or trading but also about learning and growing. He has consistently highlighted the need for regulatory clarity in the industry, stating that clear regulations can protect investors and promote sustainable growth.

🌍 At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Teng expressed optimism about Bitcoin potentially reaching new heights by 2025. He attributed this to a shifting regulatory landscape in the U.S. under President Donald Trump. Teng pointed out recent actions by the U.S. government, such as Trump's executive order on digital finance innovation and the SEC's formation of a task force for crypto regulation clarity. He noted that these developments could provide the industry with "certainty" and "recognition," paving the way for sustainable growth.

⚠️ As Ponzi and pyramid schemes become more prevalent, Teng's advice serves as a crucial reminder for investors to remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before making investment decisions. Staying informed and critically assessing opportunities are vital in protecting against financial fraud.

💰 Genius Group Increases Bitcoin Holdings, Surpassing Market Cap

📈 Genius Group Limited has boosted its bitcoin holdings to 440 BTC with a recent investment of $2 million, bringing its total investment to $42 million at an average price of $95,519 per bitcoin. This move has resulted in the company's BTC/price ratio reaching 139%, indicating that its bitcoin value now exceeds its market capitalization of $33.1 million and share price of $0.48.

This ratio highlights the company’s bitcoin-first approach, positioning BTC as a core asset in its financial strategy.

🌍 Genius Group serves 5.4 million users across over 100 countries and is integrating AI-powered education solutions with its bitcoin-centric treasury management. This strategy aligns with the growing trend of corporations adopting bitcoin as a treasury asset.

🔄 This recent acquisition follows a previous purchase of $5 million worth of bitcoin on January 10 as the company aims to reach its target of $120 million in bitcoin holdings.

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.

This method considers six important factors:

🔍 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/

🪙 Franklin Templeton's Crypto ETF: A Step Towards Regulated Digital Asset Investment

🔍 Franklin Templeton is seeking SEC approval for its Crypto Index ETF, which aims to provide institutional investors with regulated access to bitcoin and ether. The ETF will be listed on the Cboe BZX Exchange under the ticker symbol "EZPZ" and will exclusively hold these two digital assets, with Coinbase Custody Trust Company as the custodian.

➡️ The latest amendment to the Form S-1 Registration Statement was filed on February 6, 2024, detailing the fund's structure and regulatory progress. The original filing occurred on August 16, 2024. The Franklin Crypto Trust, a Delaware statutory trust, will issue shares of the ETF.

📝 The regulatory review process began on September 19, 2024, when the Cboe BZX Exchange proposed a rule change to the SEC. This proposal was published for public comment on October 8, 2024, and the SEC extended its review period on November 20, 2024. An amendment to the proposal was filed on December 17, 2024, followed by a request for public comments from the SEC on December 18, 2024.

💰 The ETF will issue shares in "Creation Units" of 50,000 shares, with authorized participants conducting transactions in cash. Importantly, the fund will not engage in staking or other yield-generating activities with its digital asset holdings.

📈 Franklin Resources Inc., the parent company of Franklin Templeton, has already made an initial investment of $100,000 by purchasing 4,000 shares at $25 each. This investment was converted into bitcoin and ether in preparation for the ETF's public launch.

⚖️ The Franklin Crypto Index ETF aims to provide a regulated and cost-effective way for investors to gain exposure to digital assets while tracking the performance of the underlying index. However, trading will only commence once the SEC completes its regulatory review process. The prospectus emphasizes that

these securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the SEC is effective.

➡️ Russia and India Strengthen Financial Ties Amid Global Dedollarization

💱 Russia and India are increasingly conducting their trade in national currencies, with nearly 90% of direct transactions now settled this way. This shift is part of a broader global trend towards dedollarization, where countries seek to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar for international trade.

Mutual payments in national currencies are stable. As of today, national currencies account for around 90% of direct payments between Russia and India,

said Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov. He also mentioned ongoing discussions about mutual recognition of Russia’s Mir and India’s RuPay payment systems, which could further enhance financial integration between the two nations.

📈 Trade between Russia and India has been on the rise, with Indian statistics reporting an 8.6% increase in bilateral trade during the first 11 months of 2024.

According to Indian statistics, bilateral trade added 8.6% in 11M 2024 and amounted to $64.5 bln,

Alipov stated. He highlighted that Russian exports reached $60 billion (up by 7.7%), while imports from India rose to $4.5 billion (up by 23.3%).

🌍 This growing trade relationship underscores Russia's position as one of India's top trade partners, being the second-largest supplier after China. The increasing use of national currencies in their trade reflects a global shift towards reducing dependence on the dollar amid changing geopolitical and economic landscapes.

The potential recognition of the Mir and Rupay payment networks could simplify trade settlements and further strengthen economic ties between Moscow and New Delhi,

the ambassador noted. As Russia solidifies its role as India's key trading partner, these developments indicate a deepening of financial and trade cooperation between the two countries.

👾 SEED Ambassador Program – Lead the Way & Earn SEED Mon NFT Boxes!

We see SEED Verse as a world where our Ambassadors are the pioneers, shaping the future of our growing community. Now, we’re calling on influential individuals to lead SEED’s viral expansion.

SEED Ambassador Program empowers you to spread the word, drive engagement, and earn rewards. By completing key activities, you’ll help SEED thrive while unlocking exclusive perks.

💯 First-Come, First-Served – The Early Bird Gets the Worm. The first batch of ambassadors will score SEED Mon NFT Boxes!

How to Apply:
✅ Step 1: Fill in the Application Form.
✅ Step 2: Publish a promotional post about SEED Mon NFT & SEED Go and include hashtags $SEED #SEED #SEEDCombinator #seedapp #SEEDMON.
✅ Step 3: Submit your post link in the Content Tracker form.

😮 Spots are limited, apply now & let’s make waves together!

AMBASSADOR FULL GUIDELINE

⚠️ Kiyosaki's Dire Predictions: Market Crash, Depression, and War Ahead

🗣 Robert Kiyosaki, the financial educator renowned for his book Rich Dad Poor Dad, has issued a stark warning about the impending state of the global economy. He cautions against the expectation of a "soft landing" and urges individuals to prepare for a severe economic downturn.

📉 In a post on social media platform X on February 13, Kiyosaki highlighted the accelerating layoffs across various sectors, stating:

Layoffs to accelerate. Trump to eliminate 65,000 jobs. Even oil companies laying off thousands of workers because the economy is contracting. Car companies such as Nissan and Volkswagen laying thousands of workers.

He further emphasized,

It’s not going to be a soft landing. Stop dreaming. Prepare for a market crash, possible depression, and war.

🔴 Kiyosaki stressed the importance of preparation over blind optimism, warning against government assurances. He advised,

Best to ‘prepare’ than to spend your life ‘pretending’ … believing in the tooth fairy.

He continued,

Best way to prepare for the crash is stop listening to government officials who promise a ‘soft landing.’ Time to get back to real life.

📌 While Kiyosaki has a history of predicting economic downturns, not all of his forecasts have come to fruition. He previously pinpointed February 2025 as a critical moment for a major stock market crash. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his predictions, his latest message resonates with many who are increasingly wary of economic instability.

📈 SEC Seeks Candidates for Investor Advisory Committee Amid Pro-Crypto Shift

🗓 On February 14, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced its search for candidates to join its Investor Advisory Committee. This committee, established under the Dodd-Frank Act, plays a crucial role in advising the SEC on regulatory priorities, securities products, and investor protection initiatives. The SEC stated,

The purpose of the Investor Advisory Committee is to advise the Commission, protect investor interests and promote the integrity of the securities marketplace.

➡️ The SEC is particularly interested in individuals who can represent senior citizens’ interests and those who can fill at-large membership positions. The deadline for applications is March 15, 2025. The committee has the authority to submit findings and recommendations to the SEC, and its members are selected from experienced representatives of both retail and institutional investors.

🗣 SEC Acting Chairman Mark T. Uyeda emphasized the importance of diverse investor perspectives, stating,

We look forward to receiving candidates who want to serve on the Investor Advisory Committee. Obtaining a variety of investor views helps the SEC to fulfill our mission on behalf of American issuers and investors.

❗️ The committee is led by Chair Brian L. Schorr from Trian Fund Management, Vice Chair Paul Roye from Fund Business Management Group, Secretary Colleen Honigsberg from Stanford Law School, and Assistant Secretary George S. Georgiev from Emory University. Other notable members include James Andrus of Franklin Templeton and Nancy LeaMond of AARP.

📧 The SEC encourages interested individuals to email a letter of interest to iac-candidates@sec with details about their relevant experience. Candidates must specify their desired role and reapply if they have previously submitted an application.

🔄 This announcement comes as the SEC undergoes a shift in its regulatory approach under Uyeda's leadership. Following the departure of Gary Gensler, the agency has adopted a more pro-crypto stance. Commissioner Hester Peirce is leading a new task force focused on revising digital asset regulations. This shift aligns with President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto position and reflects a growing demand among policymakers and financial institutions for clearer regulations and greater innovation in the cryptocurrency space.

🚀 Crypto Leaders Unite Against SEC Overreach in Support of Elon Musk's DOGE Initiative

💬 Crypto industry leaders, including executives from Coinbase and Ripple, are rallying behind Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. This initiative seeks public input on issues like waste and fraud within government agencies, particularly the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

DOGE is seeking help from the public! Please DM this account with insights on finding and fixing waste, fraud and abuse relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission,

DOGE’s SEC audit account posted on social media platform X.

➡️ Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase, suggested a policy change to discourage excessive SEC litigation. He proposed that

defendants who defeat SEC lawsuits get all their attorney fees and costs from the Commission budget.

Attorney John Deaton also expressed concerns about the SEC’s lawsuit against Dragonchain, labeling it another example of regulatory overreach. He urged key figures to examine the case and questioned the motivations behind the lawsuit.

⚖️ Stuart Alderoty, Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, criticized the SEC’s practice of filing “follow-on” enforcement actions after the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already prosecuted financial crimes. He stated,

One major source of waste at the SEC is its habit of filing ‘follow-on’ actions after the DOJ has prosecuted claims (see FTX).

Alderoty emphasized that these cases often add little value and are more about headlines than investor protection.

🔄 Following Gary Gensler’s departure, the SEC has undergone significant leadership changes and policy shifts. Acting SEC Chair Mark Uyeda, known for his pro-crypto stance, has appointed Commissioner Hester Peirce to lead a newly formed crypto task force. This initiative aims to develop a clear regulatory framework for digital assets, reflecting President Trump’s strategy to promote digital currency adoption and reduce regulatory hurdles.

Mantra Finance successfully obtained the FIRST DeFi license from Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) 🇦🇪 to operate as a Virtual Asset Exchange, and offer  Broker-Dealer, Management and Investment Services. 

It’s a milestone not just for #MANTRA and a key step in our journey towards expansion, but for the wider Web3 industry too. 

Featured on: https://cointelegraph.com/news/mantra-finance-uae-crypto-license-dubai-rwa-defi

Read more: www.mantrachain.io/resources/announcements/mantra-secures-first-vara-defi-license

Spread the word: https://x.com/MANTRA_Chain/status/1892183609987244312

📱 Follow MANTRA on X
📱Join MANTRA Telegram community

$OM #HomeOfRWAs

➡️ Trump Declares End to Biden's 'War on Crypto' at Miami Summit

🚀 During a recent speech at the FII Priority Summit in Miami, President Donald Trump proclaimed the conclusion of the Biden administration's "war on bitcoin and crypto." He positioned his administration as a driving force for U.S. leadership in digital currency innovation.

🌍 Trump emphasized his commitment to making America the "crypto capital" of the world, citing bitcoin's recent all-time highs as a sign of market confidence in his economic agenda. He stated,

Since the [November] election, America’s economic engines have come roaring back to life in just a very short period of time

and highlighted a nearly 10% surge in the Nasdaq.

📉 The president criticized Biden-era policies, attributing "crushing regulations" and "rampant inflation" for stifling innovation. He contrasted this with his administration's approach, framing it as essential to a "Golden Age of American prosperity."

👏 Trump's pro-crypto stance received applause from attendees, including Saudi officials and tech executives. He concluded by reaffirming his pledge to keep the U.S. at the "forefront of everything," particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency.

📈 Grayscale's Spot Polkadot Fund Filing Amid Regulatory Changes

🌐 Grayscale Investments has submitted a filing for a spot Polkadot fund on Nasdaq, amidst a changing regulatory landscape that also includes ETF proposals for various cryptocurrencies such as XRP, LTC, SOL, DOGE, and HBAR. The filing, made as a Form 19b-4, aims to list the fund under the ticker "DOT", providing investors with a regulated way to access Polkadot (DOT) without directly holding the token.

➡️ The SEC is currently reviewing the filing within a 45-day period to determine if it meets all regulatory standards. However, approval is uncertain due to increased scrutiny of digital asset products and past challenges faced by similar ETF proposals. The recent changes under the Trump administration may influence the outcome, potentially paving the way for several altcoin ETFs to receive approval.

📊 Grayscale, known for its Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), is expanding its offerings to include publicly listed altcoin ETFs. This move reflects a growing institutional interest in regulated crypto investment vehicles. Polkadot is a blockchain that facilitates interoperability and utilizes DOT for governance, staking, and network connectivity.

🔍 Market analysts suggest that this filing could increase investor access to DOT and heighten competition among asset managers. Early reactions show mixed sentiment, with DOT trading around the mid-$4 range. However, this development may boost DOT demand as investors seek regulated exposure to emerging digital assets in the ETF market.

🚀 Grayscale's filing for the spot Polkadot fund marks a significant step towards diversifying crypto investment options. The ongoing review by the SEC of this filing and other ETF proposals underscores a broader shift within the industry. As these latest filings progress, any cryptocurrency could be next for review.

🪙 Bybit Hackers Disperse Stolen Ethereum Amid Market Decline

🔍 Recent reports from blockchain tracking platforms indicate that the Bybit exploitors have strategically moved 230,645.05 ETH (approximately $497.4 million) over a span of four days. This deliberate redistribution underscores the significant movement of cryptographic assets.

➡️ Initially, it was believed that the Bybit hackers, potentially associated with the Lazarus Group linked to Pyongyang, would retain their stolen assets for an extended period. However, they have executed a careful fragmentation of the stolen ethereum, spreading it across numerous wallets to obscure their digital traces.

🔄 These state-sponsored actors have utilized algorithmic marketplaces (DEXs) for token exchanges, converting ETH into other cryptocurrencies through covert financial strategies. They also leverage multi-network bridges to transfer assets across various blockchains, a method aimed at evading traditional blockchain analysis. Additionally, there has been a conversion of funds into bitcoin (BTC).

📉 Four days ago, it was reported that wallets associated with the Bybit hack held 449,395.23 ETH, valued at around $1.26 billion. This amount has now decreased to 218,750.18 ETH, spread across 56 different addresses. During this time, the attackers successfully transferred 230,645.05 ETH, worth $497.4 million at current exchange rates. This outflow of funds has contributed to a decline in ETH’s price amidst a broader crypto market downturn.

📊 Over the past 24 hours, ETH has dropped by 6%, extending its 30-day decline to 30.2%. The cryptocurrency has fluctuated between $2,082 and $2,329 throughout the day, with a trading volume of $38.11 billion, largely driven by ongoing sell pressure.

💰 The $200 Trillion Bitcoin Boom: Michael Saylor's Bold Predictions

🌍 Michael Saylor, executive chairman of Microstrategy, predicts a dramatic increase in Bitcoin's market cap, projecting it will soar from $2 trillion to $200 trillion as global capital from China, Russia, Europe, Africa, and Asia fuels its ascent. In a recent CNBC interview, Saylor discussed the potential of a U.S. strategic crypto reserve that includes Bitcoin and other major cryptocurrencies like ether (ETH), XRP, solana (SOL), and cardano (ADA).

📈 Saylor expressed optimism about President Donald Trump’s proposal for a U.S. crypto reserve, stating,

this is bullish for bitcoin and bullish for the entire U.S. crypto industry.

He argued against a bitcoin-only approach, advocating for a more inclusive strategy that recognizes digital commodities, stablecoins, digital securities, and utility-based tokens as essential components of a robust digital asset policy.

🚀 He emphasized the potential for exponential growth in Bitcoin's value, stating,

It’s going to $20 trillion, then it’s going to $200 trillion, then it’s growing 20% a year.

Saylor clarified that Bitcoin does not compete with the U.S. dollar but rather with international real estate and global equities. He suggested that securing a portion of the Bitcoin network could help reduce the national debt.

📊 Addressing concerns about Bitcoin's volatility, Saylor pointed to its historical resilience, stating,

I don’t think anybody’s ever lost money in the Bitcoin network holding four years.

He compared Bitcoin to long-term national investments and highlighted its impressive performance, noting that his company's investment has grown from $250 million to almost $50 billion in just 48 months.

➡️ Russia's Regulated Cryptocurrency Market: A New Era for Investors

🗣 Russia is advancing towards establishing a regulated cryptocurrency market, aimed at “super-qualified” investors within a strict legal framework to maintain financial stability. The Russian Finance Ministry and central bank are in discussions about creating a trading market for experienced investors, as reported by Interfax on March 5.

⚡️ Alexei Yakovlev, director of the finance ministry’s financial policy department, highlighted the importance of this initiative at the Asset Management Market Leaders Forum. He stated,

When we talk about digital currency trading, it’s not just an idea – it’s a task that has been set.

He expressed hope for its implementation soon, likely through an experimental legal regime.

🔍 The proposed market will cater to a new category of “super-qualified” investors, which is still being defined. Yakovlev mentioned,

This will be aimed at ‘super-qualified’ investors – a category that does not yet exist.

This group is expected to include professional market participants and individuals with high financial and expertise standards. The threshold for qualified investors is set to increase from 12 million rubles to 24 million rubles next year.

📊 He elaborated that if the experimental legal regime, the super-qualified investor category, and risk mitigation measures align, a specific initiative may be proposed to the government. Ongoing discussions involve collaboration between the finance ministry, central bank, and market participants.

🚫 While Russian citizens can buy and hold cryptocurrency, its use for payments is banned, and trading primarily occurs on foreign platforms due to the lack of a centralized Russian crypto exchange. Since September 1, the central bank has been allowing select foreign trade participants to conduct cryptocurrency transactions under a special legal framework.

🛠 Yakovlev acknowledged that significant work is needed before broader adoption can be considered. He stated,

This is still in its early stages. We need to justify it and address key questions.

The finance ministry and central bank are prioritizing economic stability and investor protection while evaluating the proposal.

🪙 Trump's Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: A New Era for U.S. Digital Assets

🔍 This week, the crypto community has been buzzing about President Trump's recent announcement regarding the establishment of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. This follows Trump's revelation on Truth Social that XRP, SOL, and ADA would be included in this initiative, despite the fact that the U.S. government has not officially seized these assets.

⚡️ After signing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Executive Order, David Sacks, the nation's Crypto Czar, clarified key points about the EO on X. He emphasized that a bitcoin reserve would be created and assured that the U.S. government would not sell any confiscated coins. Sacks stated that the U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile would consist of digital assets other than bitcoin obtained through forfeiture proceedings.

The government will not acquire additional assets for the Stockpile beyond those obtained through forfeiture proceedings.

⚖️ This raises concerns for ADA, XRP, and SOL holders since the U.S. government has never publicly confirmed its holdings of these assets. Onchain analytics show no evidence that these coins have been in government custody after previous seizures. In contrast, there is documented evidence of over 198,000 BTC ($16.26B) confiscated by the government over the years.

📊 As of March 9, 2025, the U.S. government holds 60,850 ETH valued at $122.96 million, which could be liquidated for 1,522.86 BTC. Additionally, it retains 122 million USDT that could yield approximately 1,500 BTC. The government also possesses 750.722 WBTC valued at $61.69 million, 40,293 BNB worth $22.34 million, and various balances in BUSD and AUSDC that could collectively provide up to 5,004.55 BTC if liquidated.

🔄 Trump's Crypto Czar has already indicated that some crypto assets might be reallocated into BTC for better portfolio management. This development marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government approaches digital assets and could have lasting implications for the crypto market.

No more waiting! Daily Secret Ticket Hunt is LIVE! 🛞

This is your golden chance to score the best SEED Mon Boxes with:
🛍 Discount Tickets – From 10% to 100% OFF on SEED Mon Boxes!
⚡️ Rarity Boosts – Increase your chances of getting rarer Mons with Basic, Super & Ultra boosts!

🎯 How to join: Spin the lucky wheel daily until 10:00 UTC, Mar 17 to claim your tickets! Miss a day, lose it forever! ⏳

⚠️ Important Ticket Notes:
🔹 Each ticket is unique and can only be used once.
🔹 Only the ticket owner can redeem it.
🔹 Tickets cannot be traded.

📖 Need more details? Check out our Gitbook: Daily Secret Ticket Hunt!

🎯 Let the hunt begin — may luck be on your side!

🌎 SEED Go | 👍 Discord | 👍 Twitter | 👍 Coinmarketcap