MicroStrategy’s recent Bitcoin acquisition has positioned it as a heavyweight player in the cryptocurrency market, showcasing extensive confidence in BTC’s future. The company’s strategy reflects a broader trend among institutional
Microstrategy’s $1.5 billion bitcoin buy boosts holdings to 439,000 BTC, with its top executive predicting bitcoin’s rise to an astonishing $13 million per coin. 15,350 BTC Acquired: Microstrategy Now Holds 439,000 Coins and Dominates Crypto Finance Bitcoin’s growing prominence as a transformative financial asset took center stage as Microstrategy Inc. (Nasdaq: MSTR) detailed its latest
MicroStrategy’s latest Bitcoin purchase brings its total BTC holdings to 439,000 BTC, bought at the aggregate purchase price of $27.1 billion.
The post FCA to Strengthen Crypto Regulations in The UK appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Various countries are embracing Bitcoin and crypto while some are trying to push leash on the ecosystem. The UK is one of the countries that are trying to bring strict regulations to protect the investors. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has shared its latest proposals for tight regulations on crypto assets. The objective behind them is to make the market safer. The FCA has made it clear: if you’re trading crypto, you’ll need to play by their rules. But what does that mean for the average investor—or the companies behind these digital coins? Are crypto regulations in the UK going to be tougher? Let’s find out. What’s the FCA’s Endgame? The FCA says it’s all about protecting people and keeping the market fair. Crypto has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons—scams, insider trading, market manipulation. You name it. So, the FCA is stepping in to sort things out. Source : FCA One of the big changes? Public offers of crypto assets will only be allowed if they’re listed on regulated trading platforms. That means fewer shady coins slipping through the cracks. The idea is to ensure that anyone investing in crypto has access to safer, more legitimate options. What Will Actually Change? For companies offering crypto assets, the rules are about to get a lot tougher. They’ll need to provide clear, detailed information about their crypto projects. This includes risks, governance, and even environmental impacts like energy usage and emissions. The FCA also wants to see stricter checks on teams behind these projects. Think of it as a trust test—if they can’t pass, they’re out. And it’s not just about paperwork. The FCA is cracking down on insider trading and other shady practices. Trading platforms will be expected to have systems in place to detect and report market abuse. No more turning a blind eye. Transparency is another big focus. Any documents tied to crypto offerings will need to be publicly accessible through the FCA’s National Storage Mechanism. It looks like they are adapting to the transparency feature of blockchain . .article-inside-link { margin-left: 0 !important; border: 1px solid #0052CC4D; border-left: 0; border-right: 0; padding: 10px 0; text-align: left; } .entry ul.article-inside-link li { font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; font-weight: 600; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0; display: inline-block; } .entry ul.article-inside-link li:last-child { display: none; } Also Read : Bitget Secures Bitcoin Service Provider License in El Salvador , Implementing Crypto Regulations in The UK The FCA has openly invited industry experts and the public to share their feedback on the proposals by March 2025. They will fine tune the rules according to the feedback and then might roll them out by 2026. The new crypto regulations in the UK might make the market a safer place for investors but there would be challenges involved. The cost of meeting these new standards could be steep for companies. Also, for investors, it might mean lesser options. 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On December 16, COINOTAG disclosed that Sefeller Scientific, a publicly traded firm in the United States, has strategically invested $21.5 million in Bitcoin. This acquisition involved the procurement of 211
Robert Kiyosaki , the prominent investor and author of the best-selling personal finance book ‘ Rich Dad Poor Dad,’ saw many of his favorite assets explode in value since the start of 2024. Bitcoin ( BTC ), Kiyosaki’s most discussed – though not the only favored as evidenced by his stakes in Ethereum ( ETH ) and Solana ( SOL ) – cryptocurrency breached $100,000 in December and is, at press time, trading above $104,000. Despite a slowdown in the last month and a half, gold likewise performed remarkably well, and many believe it will not be long before it continues the rally toward $3,000 per ounce. Given such a setup, it is unsurprising that, in a December 16 X post, Kiyosaki revealed his next investment should neither be in the world’s premier cryptocurrency nor the world’s biggest commodity . This is Robert Kiyosaki’s next big investment Specifically, in the same tweet in which he confirmed attendance at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) in January, Robert Kiyosaki revealed he is in the market for a new silver mine. LEARNING & INVESTING CONFERENCE: I will be attending the much awaited VRIC Vancouver Resources Investor Conference….in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada… January 19, 20. I will speaking, learning, and investing… specifically…I am looking for a new silver mine to invest… — Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) December 16, 2024 In fact, the author explained his interest in VRIC with the fact that ‘expert speakers, and real miners with real mines to talk one-on-one-with’ will be in attendance. The investor particularly emphasized that he isn’t interested in talks with ‘financial planners or stock brokers’ but exclusively with the ‘real miners.’ As for his reasoning behind a silver mine being the next big investment, Robert Kiyosaki merely pointed toward gold’s price performance – the fact it had ‘already taken off’ – and opined that silver would be next. Why is Robert Kiyosaki looking to invest in a Silver mine Looking at silver’s performance since January 2024, Robert Kiyosaki’s logic appears obvious. Despite the precious and industrial metal having a seemingly more decisive rally than gold this year – 33.3% against 28.93 – it is, unlike its yellow counterpart, at the press-time price of $30.64, well below its all-time highs. Silver all-time price chart. Source: TradingView Furthermore, silver would need to rally another 53.6% to reclaim its old heights near $47 – and 60% if the manipulated 1980 highs are accounted for – proving there is ample room for the commodity to surge before hitting uncharted territory. The comparison with Kiyosaki’s third favored asset – Bitcoin – is even more obvious as the world’s premier cryptocurrency is approximately 140% in the green in 2024, though it is, by the famous investor’s own reckoning , likely still a good investment as it is predicted to rally another 150% in the coming 12 months. Featured image via Ben Shapiro’s YouTube . The post Robert Kiyosaki reveals his next big investment appeared first on Finbold .
The native token of Virtuals Protocol, the artificial intelligence and metaverse project that’s among hottest in the market amid rise of AI agents, rose to a new all-time high on Dec. 16. Virtuals Protocol ( VIRTUAL ) price hit $2.96 across major crypto exchanges to record a new all-time. The project, which offers an AI agent Launchpad on layer-2 platform Base, spiked as Bitcoin ( BTC ) smashed past $106,000. However, its gains came as the market continued to pay attention to AI-powered autonomous software. AI agents are the new buzz since Terminal of Truths hit millionaire status as the first agentic account on X, with its posts about Goateus Maximus ( GOAT ) sending the meme coin parabolic. Read more: FARTCOIN flips GOAT in meme coin wars as Bitcoin hits new ATH Virtuals Protocol’s surge comes as AI agents take the bots game as we know it to the next level. Massive and viral interaction with protocols, apps and other agents, has related tokens skyrocketing. The Virtuals Protocol project is a co-ownership layer for AI agents. Launchpad users can create AI agents with new tokens or leverage ecosystem ones. The VIRTUAL token began to skyrocket last week, with multiple catalysts including the listing announcement from crypto exchange OKX. On Dec. 11, OKX announced VIRTUAL/USDT perpetual futures. On Dec. 16, layer 1 decentralized crypto trading platform Hyperliquid announced it added Virtuals Protocol, allowing investors to long or short VIRTUAL. The platform offers up to 5x leverage. Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by volume, has also added support for VIRTUAL futures trading. According to data from Coinglass , open interest in VIRTUAL has spiked more than 45% in the past 24 hours to over $107 million. VIRTUAL token’s price has rocketed 426% in the past month and more than 14,500% since touching the all-time low of $0.02018 on July 5, 2024. You might also like: Happy Cat, Hyperliquid, Virtuals lead as Bitcoin steadies above $100k
Arizona Man Allegedly Impersonated Uber Driver to Steal $300K in Crypto Scottsdale detectives, along with the U.S. Secret Service, arrested Nuruhussein Hussein on Dec. 11 for allegedly stealing $300,000 in cryptocurrency . According to authorities, Hussein impersonated an Uber driver in order to steal cryptocurrency from unsuspecting passengers by accessing their phones. Elaborate Crypto Theft Scheme Hussein reportedly worked outside Scottsdale’s W Hotel, targeting victims waiting for a ride. The police say he called the passengers by name to make them think that he was their Uber driver. Once the victims were in his car, Hussein allegedly borrowed their phones, under the guise of troubleshooting the Uber app or fixing a device issue. Police allege during this time, he accessed the victims’ Coinbase accounts, transferring funds to a cold storage wallet. Court records reflect that Hussein executed this scheme on at least two occasions, in March and then again in October. Authorities would not say how Hussein obtained names of the victims but described his actions as premeditated and calculated. Threats and Intimidation One of the victims reportedly became suspicious of Hussein’s actions and demanded their phone back. In response, Hussein is alleged to have threatened the victim, warning them to “chill or something bad would happen.” This act of intimidation further demonstrates the length he allegedly went to execute his thefts. Arrest and Legal Actions On Dec. 11, Scottsdale detectives and Secret Service agents arrested Hussein. He has been charged with theft, fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors had secured a $200,000 cash bond and requested Hussein be electronically monitored if he posts bail. He has been barred from access to the internet and international trips due to the risk of evidence tampering and flight. Court documents showed trips he made to Ethiopia as recently as this year sparked concerns about his potential to flee the country. A trial date is set for Dec. 18. Offline Crypto Crimes Now on the Rise The incident has been part of an alarming increase in crypto crimes happening offline. According to GitHub , there were 19 cases of in-person cryptocurrency theft in 2024, up from 17 in 2023. These incidents are very innovative, targeting crypto holders directly. Another such incident occurred earlier this month when thieves in Melbourne, Australia, stole a Bitcoin ATM from a shopping center. It was later found pried open and set on fire. The Scottsdale case calls for heightened vigilance on the part of crypto users to take seriously the protection of accounts and devices.
Bitcoin soared past its $106K ATH late last night, tracking from a 50% price spike since the US election outcome due to Donald Trump’s crypto advocacy. Its upswing also follows anticipation of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) upcoming interest rate changes, possibly a 25-basis-point cut during the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on December 18. Still, if it’s the last cut for a while (as anticipated), Bitcoin’s price might plummet while the US dollar and treasury yields rise. Luckily, the meme coin project Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) offers trading insights that safeguard against market volatility. 97.1% Chance of Fed Slashing Interest Rates CME Group’s FedWatch Tool highlights that the Fed is 97.1% likely to drop US interest rates at the upcoming FMOC meeting. The Federal Reserve is highly anticipated to reduce rates between 4.25% and 4.50% in two days time. Lower interest rates typically lead to more market liquidity, encouraging investments in riskier assets like Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Also signaling prosperous times for crypto is the rate cuts weakening the US dollar, making crypto cheaper when acquired in USD. However, the Fed is expected to implement a ‘hawkish rate cut,’ which suggests less easing next year, possibly harming Bitcoin’s future trajectory. Wall Street Pepe ($WEPE) Raises $25M+ on Presale In light of economic shifts, Wall Street Pepe equips investors with the tools to make informed decisions amidst market volatility. The Pepe-inspired meme coin offers token holders exclusive crypto trading insights. Its ultimate aim is to prevent market manipulation by bringing together crypto investors to give the whales and insiders a run for their money. Crypto traders have already noticed its potential, as evidenced by $WEPE garnering over $25M on presale. Exploiting its trading insights currently costs just $0.0003644 per $WEPE. Notably, the coin’s price increases every time it hits a milestone, pointing to now being a good time to buy. $WEPE Equips Crypto Investors for Success Although Bitcoin is still hitting ATH after ATH, investors must remain cautious and consider long-term factors instead of just short ones for financial stability and sustainability. As Americans brace for financial change, tools like $WEPE become increasingly necessary. Its trading insights give crypto investors leverage against unpredictable market movements. However, this isn’t financial advice. Always DYOR before making investments to ensure you’re aware of the potential risks involved.
Canadian music superstar Drake’s X account was hacked over the weekend, with the perpetrators using his platform to promote a fraudulent Solana-based meme coin. Meanwhile, a hardware wallet user reported the devastating loss of $2.5 million in Bitcoin and NFTs due to a phishing scam dating back several years. Drake's X Account Hacked to Promote Fraudulent Solana Meme Coin ”Anita” Canadian music icon Drake became the latest high-profile victim of a social media hack when his X account was compromised on Saturday night. The hacker used the account to promote a fraudulent Solana-based meme coin dubbed ”$ANITA,” a token reportedly inspired by Drake's cartoon ”alter ego,” Anita Max Wynn. Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, has long been known for his love of gambling, a theme reflected in his cartoon persona, Anita Max Wynn. The name, a playful nod to the phrase “I need a max win,” resonates with the gambling community and fits seamlessly with Drake’s partnership with Stake, a popular crypto betting platform. Exploiting this association, the hackers reposted and quoted a now-deleted X account to promote the coin as an official collaboration between Drake and Stake. The fraudulent ”$ANITA” token also capitalized on Drake’s current ”Anita Max Wynn” tour, which marks his return to Australia and New Zealand after a seven-year hiatus. By tying the token to Drake’s brand and tour, the hackers created a veneer of credibility, enticing unsuspecting fans and crypto traders to buy into the scam. The promotion to Drake’s 39 million followers resulted in a swift surge in activity around ”$ANITA.” According to DexScreener data , the meme coin saw an astonishing $5 million in trading volume before traders began to realize the project was fraudulent. The price of the token collapsed as the scam unraveled, leaving many buyers at a loss. The posts were later removed from Drake’s account, and neither Drake nor his representatives have issued a public statement about the incident at the time of writing. Drake’s hacked account is part of a troubling trend of social media exploits targeting influential figures and organizations to push fraudulent crypto schemes. Just a week earlier, the Cardano Foundation’s X account was similarly hacked and used to promote a meme coin scam. However, that scam managed to generate only a fraction of the trading volume—just 10% of the ”$ANITA” coin’s total. Other recent victims include chart-topping musicians Cardi B and Doja Cat, as well as legendary rock band Metallica. These incidents have exposed the vulnerabilities in X's security protocols and raised concerns about the platform’s ability to safeguard accounts with massive followings. The hack sheds some light on the risks of unregulated and hype-driven cryptocurrency projects, particularly meme coins , which often lack intrinsic value and are fueled by speculative trading. It also demonstrates the ease with which bad actors can exploit the trust and influence of celebrities to deceive the public. For Drake, the incident may prompt a reassessment of security measures for his social media accounts. For X, the platform faces mounting pressure to bolster its defenses and provide enhanced security tools for high-profile accounts. Crypto Community's Reaction The crypto community and Drake’s fans have expressed mixed emotions about the incident. Some traders voiced frustration over losing money to the fraudulent token, while others saw it as a cautionary tale about the risks of investing in projects promoted through unofficial or suspicious channels. As celebrity-endorsed scams become more prevalent, this latest incident with Drake’s X account reiterates the urgent need for better education around cryptocurrency scams and stronger security measures on social media platforms. While the fraudulent ”$ANITA” meme coin may have been short-lived, its impact will serve as a warning to both fans and the broader crypto community about the dangers of blindly trusting promotional posts—even from trusted public figures. Crypto Investor Loses $2.5 Million in Phishing Scam, Highlighting Ongoing Security Risks In other security news, the cryptocurrency community was dealt another stark reminder of the risks lurking in the digital asset space as a hardware wallet user, identified as “Anchor Drops” on X, reported losing $2.5 million in Bitcoin (BTC) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) due to a phishing attack. On Dec. 13, Anchor Drops revealed on X that their Ledger Nano S hardware wallet had been compromised, resulting in the loss of 10 BTC, worth approximately $1 million at current market prices, alongside $1.5 million worth of NFTs. The incident was traced back to a phishing attack that reportedly occurred years ago but only recently came to light. Blockchain security analysts and Ledger, the wallet’s manufacturer, have since analyzed the breach and confirmed its connection to a malicious transaction from February 2022. Ledger, a leading manufacturer of hardware wallets, pointed to a phishing transaction tagged “Fake_Phishing5443” on Etherscan as the likely source of the hack. According to blockchain analyst KDean, Anchor Drops unknowingly signed a phishing transaction nearly three years ago, granting token approval to a malicious actor. The phishing transaction allowed the attacker to quietly monitor the wallet for years before eventually draining it. This ”dormant hack” strategy has become increasingly common among cybercriminals, allowing them to avoid detection until the right moment to strike. Hakan Unal, a senior scientist at blockchain security platform Cyvers, explained, “Blockchain evidence shows they signed a phishing transaction nearly three years ago, unknowingly granting approval to a malicious actor. The hacker remained dormant for years before eventually draining the wallet.” Unal emphasized that the incident had no connection to Ledger’s hardware or software, adding that users should regularly review token approvals to safeguard their assets. While the NFT theft was tied to Ethereum transactions, the method used to drain the victim’s Bitcoin holdings remains unclear. Tony Ke, lead security researcher at blockchain firm Fuzzland, noted, “For the NFT, KDean’s comment can explain everything. But I don’t understand how the BTC is stolen.” Experts suggest that if the phishing attack also compromised the user’s recovery phrase, it could have granted the attacker access to the wallet across all supported blockchains, including Bitcoin. “If the phishing attempt also captured the user’s recovery phrase, the attacker could gain access to the wallet across all supported chains,” Unal explained. Ledger echoed this assessment, indicating that user error might have played a role in the Bitcoin loss as well. The incident highlights several important lessons for crypto users: Understand Token Approvals: Phishing scams often exploit token approvals, granting malicious actors access to wallet funds. Regularly reviewing and revoking unnecessary approvals can help prevent such attacks. Secure Recovery Phrases: A compromised recovery phrase is akin to handing over the keys to a safe. Users should store their recovery phrases offline and away from potential phishing attempts. Be Cautious with On-Chain Interactions: Signing transactions without fully understanding their implications can have catastrophic consequences. As Ledger and other security experts stress, using a hardware wallet is only part of the equation; users must remain vigilant and informed about every interaction. An Ongoing Problem in Crypto Security The phishing attack on Anchor Drops adds to a growing list of high-profile crypto scams, with criminals becoming increasingly sophisticated in targeting unsuspecting users. According to blockchain security firms, phishing remains one of the most effective tools for attackers, particularly in the crypto space, where transactions are irreversible, and assets are self-custodied. As decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs gain mainstream traction, the stakes for protecting digital assets have never been higher. While hardware wallets like Ledger are designed to provide enhanced security, incidents like this reveal that user education and awareness are just as crucial as the technology itself. In light of the incident, Ledger has reiterated its commitment to user education and security. The company encourages users to adopt best practices, such as: Regularly reviewing token approvals and revoking unnecessary ones. Storing recovery phrases securely and offline. Verifying all on-chain interactions before signing transactions. “While using hardware wallets is crucial in terms of security enhancement, it’s equally important to understand every interaction with the wallet and make informed decisions,” said Fuzzland’s Ke. The $2.5 million loss suffered by Anchor Drops serves as a harsh reminder of the risks inherent in the cryptocurrency market. Despite the sophistication of hardware wallets like Ledger, no solution is foolproof without user vigilance. As the crypto space continues to evolve, staying informed and cautious will be key to avoiding similar tragedies. For the broader crypto community, this incident underscores the importance of cybersecurity practices and regular audits of on-chain permissions, particularly during periods of heightened market activity.