The U.S. government is taking decisive action in a landmark case to return substantial cryptocurrency assets stolen from Bitfinex during the 2016 hack. This initiative suggests a shift in how
Pyth Network introduces Lazer, a low-latency oracle solution for crypto trading. Lazer supports multiple price feeds, enhancing efficiency in blockchain environments. Continue Reading: Discover How Pyth Network’s New Oracle Solution Amplifies Speed in Crypto Trading The post Discover How Pyth Network’s New Oracle Solution Amplifies Speed in Crypto Trading appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
There has been a new development in the Ripple-SEC case, with the SEC filing an appeal against the district court’s decision regarding Ripple’s XRP sales. The SEC argued that all transactions involving XRP purchased by retail investors through cryptocurrency platforms were securities under the Howey Test. On this point, the SEC argued that the district court's decision was erroneous, disagreeing with its previous decision that XRP sales to retail investors under the Howey test did not violate securities laws, and appealed to the court of appeals to overturn that decision. The SEC also accused Ripple of increasing demand for and the price of XRP through public statements. The SEC argued that Ripple’s promotional activities created the perception that investors, including retail buyers, were likely to profit from XRP. The SEC also stated that the first instance court made the wrong decision regarding retail XRP sales and included the following statements in its petition: “The court ruled that sales to institutional investors were securities, but erroneously determined that sales to retail investors were not securities. Because retail investors purchased XRP through crypto asset trading platforms, they had no idea whether the seller was Ripple, a Ripple affiliate, or someone else.” Ripple chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty called the SEC's lawsuit “just noise” and said, “As expected, the SEC's objection reiterates arguments that have already failed and will likely be rejected by the next administration. We will respond formally in due time.” What Happened? In 2020, the SEC accused Ripple of selling XRP, which it claimed was an unregistered security, and raising $1.3 billion through those sales. In the long-running case, in 2023, U.S. District Court Judge Analisa Torres of the Southern District of New York ruled that Ripple’s so-called retail sales of XRP did not violate securities laws. However, she ruled that other direct sales of tokens to institutional investors were securities. Judge Torres also ordered Ripple to pay a $125 million fine. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: New Development in Ripple – SEC Case! SEC Uses Its Last Trump Card for XRP!
Summary Bitcoin's post-election rally is consolidating, with positive drivers still present and potential for further gains as Trump's crypto-friendly administration forms. The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF is outdated and underperforming due to its reliance on futures contracts. New Bitcoin ETFs launched in 2024 offer superior returns and lower expenses, making them preferable for buy-and-hold investors. The launch of IBIT options in November 2024 removes BITO's last unique attraction, leading to a "sell" rating for BITO. Bitcoin is consolidating the post-election rally. This is a necessary step in building the next phase of the rally - without a rest, markets get too stretched and vulnerable to large drops. The good news is that the positive drivers that drove the 2024 gains are still present, and there is scope for further gains and good news in 2025 as Donald Trump assembles his crypto-friendly administration. There are various ways to gain exposure to bitcoin. Some are better than others, but there is one fund that sticks out for all the wrong reasons. The ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF ( BITO ) is an outdated and underperforming way to gain bitcoin exposure. This article explains why it has outlived its usefulness. Why BITO? Once upon a time, the only way to own bitcoin was to buy it directly on a crypto exchange. This was a risky business as wallets were often hacked and exchanges went bankrupt. The high-profile collapse of FTX in 2022 was a particularly painful episode for all concerned. Bitcoin futures were introduced by CBOE and CME in December 2017. The launch of the CME contract just happened to be on the day of the top before an -85% decline. Futures made it possible to short Bitcoin for the first time. Even though futures made it easier to trade bitcoin, derivatives contracts are largely an arena of institutional investors, and retail traders with a standard brokerage account were still excluded. BITO changed that in 2021. As the fund page states : First U.S. bitcoin-linked ETF. Familiarity, liquidity and transparency of an ETF. Available through a brokerage account-no need for a cryptocurrency exchange account or wallet. The attraction was clear, and with no alternatives (apart from the OTC-traded Grayscale Trust) until early 2024, the downsides associated with the fund's structure and methodology could be overlooked. The Downsides Due to regulatory limitations which were only overcome in 2024, BITO could not hold bitcoin directly. It therefore bought futures contracts, but this introduced a variety of problems. As the fund page states: There is no guarantee the fund will closely track bitcoin returns. Or to put it another way, BITO is almost certain to underperform Bitcoin. Data by YCharts There are several reasons for this. BITO buys front-month futures contracts and continually rolls them to the next month. As the fact sheet highlights , this can have a negative impact. This ETF is actively managed. The costs associated with rolling (buying and selling) futures and the impact of margin requirements, collateral requirements and other limits may have a negative impact on performance and prevent the Fund from achieving its objective. 2. To make matters worse, bitcoin is almost always in contango. This is more pronounced with further-out contracts, but even rolling to the next month can be detrimental. As the prospectus explains: In order to maintain its exposure to bitcoin futures contracts, the Fund must sell its futures contracts as they near expiration and replace them with new futures contracts with a later expiration date. This is often referred to as "rolling" a futures contract. Futures contracts with a longer term to expiration may be priced higher than futures contracts with a shorter term to expiration, a relationship called "contango." When rolling futures contracts that are in contango, the Fund will sell the expiring contract at a relatively lower price and buy a longer-dated contract at a relatively higher price. BITO also enters swap agreements. As the prospectus explains, this may be due to liquidity constraints. After all, maintaining a plus $2B position in futures may be challenging. In certain circumstances, for example, if the Fund is unable to obtain the desired exposure to bitcoin futures contracts, the Fund may enter into swap agreements that provide exposure to bitcoin or bitcoin futures. Here's how the holdings look - ProShares The short-term US Treasury Bills are a cash-substitute and serve as collateral on the futures and swap positions. The Bills yield the going rate, currently around 4.5%, which is useful, but only serves to narrow the underperformance. 3. The fund is actively managed, and the expense ratio is high at 0.95%. Other Bitcoin ETFs such as the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF have expense ratios as low as 0.12%. 4. BITO's "distributions" are seen as an attraction by some investors. Certainly, the current 61.7% yield is impressive, but it is simply a distribution of income to lower taxes for the fund. As ProShares explains: All 1940 Act registered mutual funds and ETFs are required to distribute nearly all of their taxable income by the end of each calendar year to avoid excise taxes. This effectively shifts the tax burden onto BITO holders: "Generally, the Fund's dividend distributions will be taxed as ordinary dividends, not qualified dividend income. " The distributions are monthly due to the contract rolls and are then adjusted towards the end of the year. All the profits are distributed, and when there is no profit, like in 2022 and some months in 2023, there is no distribution. Seeking Alpha This is a different methodology to the popular income-based ETFs launched in recent years. For example, the Simplify Bitcoin Strategy PLUS Income ETF ( MAXI ) provides exposure to bitcoin while simultaneously generating income by selling short-dated put and/or call spreads. Don't mix BITO's strategy with this option overlay strategy; it has no positive effect. The Alternatives The Bitcoin ETFs launched in early 2024 are far superior products to BITO, especially if your tactic is to buy and hold. Their popularity has led to a decline in BITO's AUM. Data by YCharts The total return in the new ETFs is considerably higher and the expense ratios considerably lower as the funds don't have to get involved with futures contracts and swaps. Seeking Alpha As they buy considerable amounts of bitcoin and keep it in custody, there is a risk of hacking, but these funds have gone to great lengths to secure their holdings. Nothing is 100%, but I have no concerns. The Option Angle The volatility of bitcoin means options are attractive and suitable for various strategies. Perhaps one of the last advantages for BITO was that it was the only fund with options available. However, that has recently changed. IBIT options started trading in November and their launch caused a lot of excitement with $1.9B in volume on their first day. Saxo enthused: The debut of options trading on Bitcoin ETFs, starting with BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), isn't just another headline for crypto enthusiasts-it's a game-changer for investors everywhere. IBIT options already have open interest of around $11 billion, or 2.3m contracts. Meanwhile, the open interest of BITO options has fallen slightly to 1.1m contracts and is below the 52-week average of 1.2m. This may be the start of a switch to IBIT options and the final nail in the coffin for BITO. Conclusions BITO had an important role to play as the first bitcoin ETF. To take this position, it had to employ a complex strategy trading futures contracts, which negatively affected its total return and introduced other problems. It made sense when there was no alternative, but the introduction of new ETFs in 2024 provided much better options for buy-and-hold investors. The last attraction for BITO was that it was the only ETF to have options available. That changed in November with the launch of IBIT options, and BITO has no longer any unique attraction. I may be bullish on bitcoin, but I rate BITO a "sell." This fund has outlived its usefulness.
South Korean authorities have indicted suspects for unfair crypto trading involving artificial price inflation and subsequent token dumping, known as a pump and dump.
Per the filing, any third party can file a claim for these assets, but they would not be considered victims.
AI Agents: Eine neue Art von Kryptowährungen sorgt für Aufsehen – und könnte im Bullrun 2025 zum wichtigsten Krypto-Bereich überhaupt werden! Insbesondere einer dieser AI Agent Cryptos tut sich im Moment hervor: Mind of Pepe (MIND) – der erste große Pepe Memecoin mit einem AI Agent! Was steckt dahinter – und sollte man jetzt Mind of Pepe (MIND) kaufen? Beste AI Agent Crypto: Wo findet man Top KI Agent Coins 2025? Anleger wissen: Die Kryptobranche verändert sich rasant – und die meisten Gewinne nehmen stets diejenigen mit, die sich an diese Veränderungen anzupassen wissen. DeFi oder NFTs? Schnee von gestern. Jetzt dreht sich alles um die Schnittstelle von Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) und Kryptowährungen – die AI Agents mischen 2025 gewaltig die Märkte auf! So verzeichnen KI-fokussierte Kryptowährungen seit Monaten enormes Wachstum. VIRTUAL beispielsweise, der Token von Virtuals Protocol, konnte 2024 35.000 Prozent zulegen – und Branchenbeobachter halten den Markt noch lange nicht für gesättigt. Sprich: Entsprechende Kurs-Explosionen werden sich womöglich wiederholen. Schon jetzt explodieren die AI Agents auf coinmarketcap.com. Top-Performer der letzten 24 Stunden: CYI by Virtuals (CYI) mit einem Anstieg von unglaublichen 354,57 Prozent. Zudem Nikita (NIKITA, +111,08 Prozent) und OnlyCalls by Virtuals (CALLS, +79,28 Prozent). Die pumpenden Preise sorgen für entsprechende FOMO bei Investoren. Viele Anleger suchen aktuell nach seriösen, vielversprechenden Projekten, bevor es erneut zu einer Flut von halbgaren, schnell auf den Markt geworfenen Groschengräbern kommt. Diesbezüglich für Furore sorgt beispielsweise ein neuer AI Agent namens Mind of Pepe (MIND) – und manche Prognose spekuliert bereits, ob damit womöglich der beste KI Agent Coin 2025 ins Haus steht. Hintergrund: MIND of Pepe (MIND) ist ein hoch entwickelter, selbständiger AI Agent – mit allem, was einen potenziellen Marktführer auszeichnet! Im Mittelpunkt: Autonomie, also die Fähigkeit, selbstständig und unabhängig zu handeln – und auch Gewinne zu vermehren? Darauf setzen viele Trader. So wird Mind of Pepe (MIND) beispielsweise eigenständig in sozialen Medien wie X (Ex-Twitter) unterwegs sein, dort mit sämtlichen Experten und Profis im Austausch stehen. Mind of Pepe (MIND): Neuer AI Agent bricht Rekorde Das Ziel, unter anderem: Krypto-Trends zu erkennen, lange bevor sie offensichtlich werden! Krypto-Veteranen wissen: Der frühe Vogel fängt den Wurm – wer rechtzeitig und zu günstigen Preisen einsteigt, fährt meist die größten Gewinne ein. Bullish für Anleger: Zugang zu diesen AI Agent Trading-Signalen erhalten schlussendlich nur Eigentümer von Mind of Pepe (MIND)! Damit nicht genug, denn: AI Agent Mind of Pepe (MIND) entwickelt sich eigenständig weiter! So sollen Anleger immer einen Schritt voraus sein, ohne diesen selbst tätigen zu müssen. Investoren kaufen MIND, der AI Agent erledigt den Rest. Und das nicht zu knapp: MIND of Pepe (MIND) hat im Gegensatz zu anderen, eingeschränkten KIs umfänglichen Zugriff auf die Blockchain und seinen eigenen Wallet – der potenziell beste AI Agent 2025 kann auch mit dApps interagieren und dadurch Anlage-Strategien für MIND-Inhaber entwickeln! Immer im Hinterkopf: das Wohl der Anleger. MIND wird nur tun, was seinen Inhabern zugutekommt. Kann Mind of Pepe 100x? Könnte sich der Einstieg lohnen? Sowohl Prognosen als auch Krypto-Influencer und -Analysten halten das Konzept für innovativ – und im Vergleich zu anderen AI Agents zudem unterhaltsam. Packt MIND ein 100x, wie diese Mind of Pepe Prognose in Aussicht stellt? Wichtig hierbei: Mind of Pepe (MIND) vereint wie kein anderer Coin die kühle technische Finesse eines AI Agents mit der Strahlkraft und Beliebtheit der PEPE-Marke. Branchenbeobachter wissen: PEPE ist populär. Selbst der „alte“ und erste Pepe Coin kommt auf eine Marktkapitalisierung von 7,6 Milliarden US-Dollar – und der „kann“ nichts außer einem Meme. Mind of Pepe (MIND) hingegen punktet mit einer Phalanx an Funktionen – und rabattierten Presale-Konditionen. Denn: Noch gilt Mind of Pepe (MIND) als Geheimtipp. Das Projekt ist nicht auf dem freien Markt erhältlich, sondern exklusiv nur über die Homepage der Entwickler. Dennoch explodiert die Nachfrage. Allein innerhalb der ersten 24 Stunden seit Eröffnung des Vorverkaufs haben Anleger bereits sage und schreibe 1,44 Millionen US-Dollar Kapital in den potenziell besten AI Agent 2025 investiert!
The much-anticipated DavosWeb3 Roundtable brings together the 100 brightest minds in Web3 on January 22, 2025 in the heart of Davos, Switzerland. This premier gathering is a crucible for visionary discussions, groundbreaking insights, and strategic networking opportunities within the decentralized technology space. The DavosWeb3 Roundtable unites thought leaders, innovators, investors, and industry insiders. Attendees delve into the transformative potential of decentralized technologies, addressing pressing topics such as blockchain scalability, interoperability, tokenomics, decentralized finance (DeFi), and the evolving role of Web3 in reshaping economies worldwide. “The Web3 revolution is here, and the DavosWeb3 Roundtable is where influential voices collaborate to chart its course. This is not an event; it’s a movement.” said Ajeet Khurana , founding member of DavosWeb3. A Stellar Lineup of Sponsors The DavosWeb3 Roundtable is powered by leading organizations shaping the future of Web3. Sponsors include: Antier , Aptos , DroomDroom , Ecotrader , Flex Ecosystem , Internet Computer (ICP) , Kandola Network , OmniFlix , Paycio , Pertin-ant , Quranium , Reflexical , RhinoSpider , Social888 , Surge , Syscoin , Unstoppable Domains , Xade , Xai Games . These organizations exemplify innovation, and are at the forefront of driving advancements in blockchain and decentralized ecosystems. Ajeet Khurana drives the Flex Ecosystem , an integrated blockchain-powered network connecting enterprises and users. Flex Ecosystem works with Web3 projects that create pathbreaking technology that creates value and scales adoption. Ankur Vaid leads Reflexical , a powerhouse driving innovation by empowering founders to scale, grow, and thrive in the rapidly evolving Web3 ecosystem. Avery Ching drives the Aptos , a next-generation Layer-1 blockchain engineered for unmatched speed and robust security. Leveraging the Move programming language, Aptos empowers scalable, user-centric decentralized applications. Bibin Babu redefinings crypto payments with Paycio , a gateway that facilitates frictionless, secure transactions. Connecting merchants and users, Paycio delivers a streamlined, future-ready financial experience. Dayakar Reddy bridges creators, fans, and communities with OmniFlix , a multi-chain media platform. Unlocking innovative opportunities for monetization and fan engagement in a unified ecosystem. Javier Arroyo Ferrer , leads ICP HUB Canada & US , and Quantum Leap Labs , are at the forefront of transformative initiatives for the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) . DFINITY Foundation, founded by Dominic Williams , is the major contributor to ICP, a revolutionary decentralized computing platform that extends the public internet with native cloud functionality, enabling the creation of tamperproof, autonomous, and scalable software applications. Harshal Madnani is one of the youngest Web3 founders and spearheads Xade , an innovative DeFi and trading platform designed to unify trading, staking, and wealth management. Xade’s advanced features make it a comprehensive, user-focused financial solution. Itay Azaraty leads Ecotrader , a platform dedicated to sustainable and ethical investment solutions. With a focus on green portfolios, Ecotrader empowers investors to achieve financial growth while contributing to a responsible future. Jagdeep Sidhu drives Syscoin , a groundbreaking dual-layer blockchain that seamlessly integrates Bitcoin’s security with Ethereum’s versatility. The platform delivers secure, scalable solutions for DeFi, NFTs, and smart contracts within a single network. Joining him at the DavosWeb3 Roundtable are Patrick Breaux , Marketing and PR Manager for Sys Labs , known for his expertise in blockchain storytelling and strategic collaborations, and Jaskanwar Singh , co-founder of UnoRe and a recognized innovator in decentralized systems. John Shipman is at the helm of Xai Games , where blockchain technology and immersive gaming converge. The platform offers true asset ownership, player-driven worlds, and decentralized economies for next-level gaming experiences. Kapil Dhiman leads Quranium , a quantum-proof Layer 1 DLT that’s uncrackable, lightning-fast, and solves the Blockchain Trilemma with advanced Post Quantum Cryptography. Its hybrid infrastructure sets a new standard against quantum threats, offering a future-ready, decentralized system for builders and users alike. Ronak Shah revolutionizes the media landscape with DroomDroom , a platform dedicated to the Web3 and crypto ecosystem. DroomDroom offers insightful content, market trends, and community-driven resources to empower enthusiasts and businesses alike. Sandy Carter champions Unstoppable Domains , an NFT-powered domain platform that liberates digital identities from traditional constraints. Simplifying crypto transactions, it enables seamless integration across the metaverse. Siddharth Banerjee transforms decentralized applications with Kandola Network , a real-time data protocol. Kandola accelerates dApp performance through seamless connectivity backed by analytics. Vikram R Singh shapes the future of blockchain technology through Antier , a global consultancy delivering tailored solutions for industries worldwide. From tokenization to DeFi, Antier redefines ecosystems with innovation at its core. Yash Belavadi and Punith B M lead Surge , a composable Metalayer on Bitcoin built to provide a secure network for launching Rollups, dApps and metaprotocols to scale Bitcoin innovation. Surge emphasizes zk-aggregation, decentralized verification, and an integrated signing and indexing architecture to unlock Bitcoin liquidity while expanding its scalability. DavosWeb3 Roundtable: Where Web3 Takes Center Stage As the pulse of the Web3 movement beats stronger, the roundtable will serve as the launchpad for initiatives that redefine the digital and economic landscapes. The DavosWeb3 Roundtable will create a dynamic environment where Web3 will thrive. Unparalleled Think Tank When participants were asked about their primary motivation to attend the roundtable, the overwhelming majority focused on the value of being in the same room as global investors, innovators, and decision-makers. From informal meet-and-greets to structured networking sessions, participants will forge meaningful connections and take the Web3 industry forward. Whitepaper Development Founding members of the DavosWeb3 roundtable are coauthoring a visionary whitepaper titled “Ushering a New Billion into the Global System: The Next Frontier.” This whitepaper outlines actionable strategies to drive global inclusion using Web3 technologies. This whitepaper will be distributed to media outlets, universities, trade bodies, and industry associations worldwide. If you would like to request a copy of the whitepaper, please send an email to contact@davosweb3.com Davos Declaration At the Roundtable Web3 world leaders will sign the Davos Declaration , a pledge and a charter that sets the vision and direction for the Web3 industry. This historic moment will underscore the shared vision of the global Web3 community to foster innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. And all of this done with integrity and purpose. Why Davos? Davos has long been synonymous with leadership and global collaboration. As the epicenter of transformative discussions, it provides the perfect backdrop for a gathering of this magnitude. The DavosWeb3 Roundtable will harness this spirit to inspire actionable change in Web3. Join the Movement As the Web3 revolution accelerates, the DavosWeb3 Roundtable is poised to become a transformative cornerstone gathering in the decentralized technology calendar. Want to be part of it? Email: contact@davosweb3.com
On January 16, COINOTAG News reported that Binance successfully executed the Fantom (FTM) token swap, rebranding it to Sonic (S). This significant transition allows for the commencement of deposits and
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only. As the crypto market gears up for its next bull run, Lightchain AI is emerging as a potential game-changer, poised to outperform established tokens like Binance Coin and Ripple. Table of Contents Binance Coin, XRP: Established leaders Lightchain AI: Rising star with huge potential Potential for Lightchain AI in the next bull market As the cryptocurrency market braces for its next bull run, seasoned tokens like Binance Coin (BNB) and Ripple (XRP) are expected to attract investor attention. However, a new contender, Lightchain AI, is emerging as a project that could outperform these established players. Currently priced at $0.00525 during its presale and with over $10.6 million raised, Lightchain AI is positioning itself as a top-tier blockchain project. Its smart approach to scalability and real-world utility makes it a standout choice for those seeking the next breakout opportunity in the crypto market. Binance Coin, XRP: Established leaders Binance Coin is a token of the Binance system and is seen as one, of the most important platforms in crypto world. BNB’s use includes lowering costs for trades, putting aside funds to earn rewards, and being part ͏of Binance’s wide network that has a trading platform and a place for digital collectibles. Even though its solid basics keep it important, the chance for growth is fading. Ripple is an important part of sending money across borders. It has great links with banks and other money groups all over the world. XRP helps make quick, cheap international payments, which has helped it stay strong in the blockchain world. But, Ripple’s fight with the SEC keeps making things unclear, which holds back its chance to see big price changes even though it is very useful. You might also like: Crypto giants Dogecoin and Pepe coin under threat as Lightchain AI targets 10,000% ROI Lightchain AI: Rising star with huge potential Lightchain AI is a new blockchain project addressing industry inefficiencies with a distinct approach, setting it apart from established players like BNB and XRP. With a clear emphasis on scalability, security, and developer accessibility, it represents a compelling high-growth opportunity. Its infrastructure is built to support high transaction volumes seamlessly, ensuring reliable performance for decentralized applications (dApps). Additionally, Lightchain AI places significant importance on developer engagement by offering comprehensive tools and resources, fostering innovation and a dynamic ecosystem. Unlike BNB and XRP, which are confined to specific ecosystems, Lightchain AI positions itself as a versatile blockchain solution with broad applications across various industries. This unique positioning makes it an attractive choice for enterprises and investors seeking a forward-looking blockchain platform. Potential for Lightchain AI in the next bull market Analysts believe that Lightchain AI’s low presale price and approach position it for exponential growth in the next bull market. The project’s ability to address scalability and efficiency challenges gives it a competitive advantage over established players like Binance Coin and XRP. Additionally, the presale success, with over $10.6 million raised, reflects growing investor confidence in the project. Early adoption by developers and enterprises could further drive demand for Lightchain AI, pushing its value significantly higher. With a focus on creating a sustainable and scalable ecosystem, Lightchain AI has the potential to outshine its competitors in both adoption and market performance. To learn more about Lightchain, visit the website , whitepaper , Twitter , and Telegram . Read more: Lightchain AI set to overtake XRP, ADA, and SHIB in the next crypto bull run Disclosure: This content is provided by a third party. crypto.news does not endorse any product mentioned on this page. Users must do their own research before taking any actions related to the company.