As Bitcoin faces mounting bearish pressure, long-term holders are starting to move their coins to exchanges, hinting at a substantial shift in market sentiment. This trend marks a significant departure
Janover, Inc. (NASDAQ: JNVR) announced the successful raising of approximately $42 million through a private offering of convertible notes and warrants, with participation from notable investors including Pantera Capital, Kraken, and Arrington Capital. The convertible notes, which accrue interest at a rate of 2.5% per year and mature on April 6, 2030, are convertible into
The world of crypto is facing a troubling surge in fraudulent maximal extractable value (MEV) bot tutorials, endangering users’ funds. Recently, a compromised MEV bot lost approximately $180,000 in Ether
The crypto landscape continues to evolve as comments emerge from high-level discussions. On April 8th, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen addressed ongoing negotiations with European counterparts regarding the complexities of
Prominent cypherpunk and CEO of Blockstream, Adam Back, has posited that Bitcoin (BTC) has the potential to rival gold as a primary hedge against inflation. Back’s analysis highlights Bitcoin’s unique characteristics and increasing adoption, suggesting a future where it competes directly with the traditional safe-haven asset. Bitcoin’s Unique Properties as an Inflation Shield Back argues … Continue reading "Bitcoin May Rival Gold as Inflation Hedge: Adam Back" The post Bitcoin May Rival Gold as Inflation Hedge: Adam Back appeared first on Cryptoknowmics-Crypto News and Media Platform .
The post US DOJ Disbands Crypto Crime Unit Amid Major Policy Shift appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The US Department of Justice on Monday announced that it is officially disbanding its crypto crime unit, which was dedicated to crypto-related investigations, reported Forbes . U.S. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche made the announcement stating “The Department of Justice is not a digital assets regulator. However, the prior Administration used the Justice Department to pursue a reckless strategy of regulation by prosecution.” Blanche, a top official at the Justice Department and Trump’s former lawyer, said that they’re shutting down the crypto crime unit, NCET (National Cryptocurrency Enforcement Unit) right away as part of Trump’s executive order on digital assets to make crypto rules clearer and less strict. Basically, the government is stepping back from cracking down on crypto and trying to be more supportive of the industry. Established in 2021 under President Joe Biden, NCET was a joint task force composed of prosecutors from the DOJ’s money laundering and cybercrime units as well as attorneys from other district offices. The NCET, established in 2021 under former Presdient Joe Biden, was a special DOJ task force made up of experts in money laundering, cybercrime, and crypto law. The task force played a key role in several of DOJ’s biggest crypto cases. It dealt with cases like Tornado Cash, a crypto mixer used to hide the origins of digital funds, and Avraham Eisenberg, a hacker who exploited a trading platform to steal over $100 million. The unit also led probes into North Korean cybercriminals involved in laundering money from crypto hacks. These high-profile cases highlighted the task force’s efforts to crack down on illegal activities in the digital asset space. The memo from Blanche instructed the DOJ staff to prioritize prosecuting people who scam or cheat crypto investors and shift their focus away from cracking down on crypto platforms like exchanges, mixers and offline wallets. The shutdown of the DOJ’s crypto enforcement unit marks the Trump administration’s latest step in easing crypto regulations. Earlier, Trump had already instructed agencies like the SEC and CFTC to relax their oversight of digital assets.
A maximal extractable value (MEV) bot lost about $180,000 in Ether after an attacker exploited a vulnerability in its access control systems. On April 8, blockchain security firm SlowMist reported that the MEV bot lost 116.7 Ether ( ETH ) because of the lack of access control. Threat researcher Vladimir Sobolev, also known as Officer’s Notes on X, told Cointelegraph that an attacker exploited a vulnerability in the bot, causing it to swap its ETH to a dummy token. Sobolev said this was done through a malicious pool created by the attacker within the same transaction. The threat researcher added that this could have been prevented if the MEV owner implemented stricter access controls. Just 25 minutes into the exploit, the MEV’s owner proposed a bounty to the attacker. The owner then deployed a new MEV bot with stricter access control validation. Sobolev compared the exploit to a similar incident in 2023, where MEV bots lost $25 million after being exploited. On April 23, 2023, bots who performed sandwich trades lost their crypto to a validator that went rogue. Related: ‘Unlucky’ MEV bot takes out huge $12M loan just to make $20 in profit Rise in fake MEV bot guides An MEV bot on Ethereum is a trading bot that exploits maximal extractable value . This is the maximum profit that can be extracted from block production. This is done by reordering, inserting or censoring transactions within a block. The bot observes Ethereum’s pool of pending transactions and looks for potential profits. These bots can do front-run, back-run, or sandwich transactions. This makes the bots very controversial as they steal value from regular users during high periods of volatility or congestion. Despite the controversies surrounding MEV bots, many continue to use them. However, beginners looking to profit from these bots can often fall into a different trap crafted by scammers. Sobolev told Cointelegraph that there has been a rise in fraudulent MEV bot tutorials online. The researcher said the tutorials offer ways to earn money using MEV bots and publish fake installation instructions. “Very often, this will simply allow hackers to steal your money,” Sobolev said. He urged users to check their resources and ensure they are not falling prey to scammers. Magazine: How crypto bots are ruining crypto — including auto memecoin rug pulls
In a rather unusual turn of events, the U.S. spot Ethereum (ETH) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) market experienced a day of absolute stillness on April 7. According to data from Farside Investors, these much-anticipated investment vehicles reported no inflows or outflows, marking a stark contrast to the volatility and dynamism typically associated with the crypto space. For investors closely monitoring the pulse of the digital asset market, this pause in activity raises intriguing questions. Is this a momentary breather, a sign of market saturation, or a prelude to a more significant shift in investor sentiment towards Ethereum ETFs? Decoding the Silence: No Inflows for Spot ETH ETF The fact that U.S. spot ETH ETFs recorded zero net flows on April 7 is noteworthy, especially considering the recent buzz around their launch and the broader excitement surrounding cryptocurrency ETFs. To put this into perspective, let’s break down what this lack of activity actually means and explore potential contributing factors: No Investor Movement: Zero inflows and outflows indicate that no new capital entered these ETFs, and equally, no investors withdrew their funds on this particular day. This suggests a state of equilibrium, albeit a quiet one. Market Indecision?: Such stillness could reflect investor indecision. Perhaps market participants are waiting for more clarity on regulatory fronts, macroeconomic indicators, or further price movements in Ethereum before making significant ETF investments. Weekend Effect: April 7th, 2024 was a Sunday. Trading volumes are typically lower on weekends across traditional and crypto markets. This could partially explain the reduced activity, though it doesn’t entirely negate the unusual nature of zero net flows. To better understand the context, consider this simplified table illustrating potential ETF flow scenarios: Scenario Inflows Outflows Net Flow Market Interpretation Positive Flow High Low Positive Bullish sentiment, new investment Negative Flow Low High Negative Bearish sentiment, profit-taking or fear Zero Flow Zero Zero Zero Market pause, indecision, or external factors Ethereum ETF Inflows: A Broader Perspective While April 7th was a day of inertia, it’s crucial to view Ethereum ETF inflows within a larger timeframe. The initial launches of spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier in the year were met with significant fanfare and substantial inflows. Expectations were naturally high for their Ethereum counterparts. However, the ETF market is still relatively nascent for cryptocurrencies, and fluctuations in daily flows are to be expected. Here are some factors that generally influence ETF inflows, which can be applied to understand the dynamics of Ethereum ETFs: Market Sentiment: Overall investor confidence in Ethereum and the broader crypto market plays a pivotal role. Positive price action and bullish forecasts typically encourage inflows. Regulatory Clarity: The regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrencies and ETFs significantly impacts investor appetite. Clear and favorable regulations can boost confidence and inflows. Macroeconomic Conditions: Broader economic factors like inflation, interest rates, and global economic stability can influence investment decisions across all asset classes, including crypto ETFs. ETF Performance: The perceived and actual performance of existing ETFs, including their tracking accuracy and management fees, can influence investor choices. Spot ETH ETF Market: Navigating the Early Stages The spot ETH ETF market is still in its infancy. Unlike Bitcoin ETFs, which had a longer and more contentious path to approval, Ethereum ETFs arrived relatively quickly after their Bitcoin counterparts. This rapid succession might have led to a slightly different investor adoption curve. Consider these points regarding the early stages of the spot ETH ETF market: Investor Education: While Bitcoin is more widely understood, Ethereum and its ecosystem might require more investor education. As investors become more familiar with Ethereum’s utility and potential, ETF adoption could grow. Product Differentiation: ETF providers are still in the process of differentiating their offerings. Factors like expense ratios, tracking methodologies, and even marketing strategies can influence investor preference and flows over time. Market Maturity: The crypto ETF market, as a whole, is maturing. Initial excitement and novelty might give way to more measured and strategic investment approaches. Periods of zero flow might become less unusual as the market finds its rhythm. Crypto ETF Landscape: Beyond Ethereum Looking beyond Ethereum, the broader crypto ETF landscape is continuously evolving. The success and challenges faced by both Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs are paving the way for potential ETFs based on other cryptocurrencies. The April 7th ‘pause’ in ETH ETF activity serves as a reminder that this market is not a one-way street and is subject to periods of consolidation and uncertainty. Key trends shaping the crypto ETF landscape include: Diversification: The demand for diversified crypto exposure is growing. We may see ETFs that track baskets of cryptocurrencies or focus on specific sectors within the crypto ecosystem (e.g., DeFi, Metaverse). Regulatory Scrutiny: Regulators worldwide are closely monitoring crypto ETFs. Future approvals and regulatory frameworks will significantly shape the landscape. Institutional Adoption: Institutional investors are increasingly exploring crypto assets. ETFs provide a regulated and accessible route for institutional capital to enter the crypto market. Impact of ETF Activity: What Does Zero Flow Mean for You? So, what’s the actionable insight from a day of zero activity in ETF inflows for spot ETH ETFs? It’s perhaps less about panic or celebration and more about perspective. Here’s what investors should consider: Long-Term View: One day of zero flow is unlikely to dictate the long-term trajectory of Ethereum ETFs or the broader crypto market. Focus on long-term trends, technological developments, and adoption metrics. Due Diligence: Thoroughly research and understand the ETFs you invest in. Consider factors like expense ratios, tracking error, and the underlying assets. Market Monitoring: Stay informed about market news, regulatory updates, and macroeconomic trends that could influence crypto ETF performance. Diversification: As always, diversification remains a cornerstone of sound investment strategy. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, even if it’s an ETF basket. In conclusion, the ‘quiet day’ for U.S. spot Ethereum ETFs on April 7th is an intriguing data point, prompting us to look beyond daily fluctuations and consider the broader context of this evolving market. While zero activity might seem unusual, it underscores the nascent nature of crypto ETFs and the various factors influencing investor behavior. As the market matures, understanding these nuances will be crucial for navigating the exciting yet complex world of cryptocurrency investments. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum institutional adoption.
Zilliqa CEO Matt Dyer steps down as the team focuses on delivering Zilliqa 2.0 following recent bridge recovery efforts. Matt Dyer has stepped down as chief executive officer of Zilliqa Technology , the company announced, as the project moves toward a key transition to its upgraded Zilliqa 2.0 network. Zilliqa announces with regret that Matt Dyer has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Zilliqa Technology. We extend our gratitude for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours. During this interim period, internal leadership will oversee… — Zilliqa (@zilliqa) April 8, 2025 In an X post on Tuesday, the company said that during the interim period, “internal leadership will oversee daily operations as we progress toward the migration to Zilliqa 2.0.” The Zilliqa team didn’t specify the reason for the leadership change but said a “long-term strategy for the company’s leadership” will be shared after the network’s transition. “We extend our gratitude for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours.” Zilliqa Dyer’s exit follows a difficult period for the company. In early February, Zilliqa identified a critical exploit on X-Bridge, a cross-chain bridge for transferring assets between BNB Chain and Ethereum . The exploit enabled the attacker to mint the Zilliqa-bridged versions of native currencies on Ethereum and BNB Chain without locking the corresponding amount of assets on these networks. You might also like: Zilliqa restores blockchain after failures with block generation Zilliqa responded by shutting down the relayer, pausing token manager contracts, and deploying new zETH and zBNB contracts. While that incident didn’t crash the ZIL ( ZIL ) token price immediately, it still contributed to its decline, with the token now down over 90% from its 2021 all-time high, per data from crypto.news’ price tracking page. Commenting on the latest transitionary move, the team said it remains focused on the network upgrade, adding that its “primary focus remains on the successful delivery of the enhanced Zilliqa 2.0 network, in alignment with our updated roadmap and timeline.” Read more: Zilliqa faces its third major outage in four months
World Liberty Financial (WLFI) launches a governance proposal to test its airdrop system, distributing USD1 stablecoin to token holders. The initiative aims to validate infrastructure, reward early supporters, and increase