Bitcoin is at risk of falling to critical price levels as it retests key resistance areas that signal a risk of decline within the ongoing bull market. In the face of the long-standing downward trend, the short-lived recoveries and the lack of a permanent recovery, the phrases “The bull market is over, the bear market has arrived” have begun to be uttered. “Bitcoin Bullish Ends!” At this point, while some analysts predict that a correction is normal and a bull rally will begin, CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju claimed that, according to on-chain indicators, the Bitcoin bull cycle is over. At this point, Ju expects the BTC price to trend downward or sideways for 6-12 months. Ju, who changed his stance from earlier in February when he said the Bitcoin bull cycle would be slow but “still solid,” is warning investors against a bear market. Noting that as fresh liquidity runs out, new whales are selling Bitcoin at lower prices, the famous CEO noted that on-chain metrics such as MVRV, SOPR, and NUPL are signaling a bear market. “Bitcoin bull cycle is over, bearish or sideways price action expected for 6-12 months.” “No Need to Panic, There Will Be an Upsurge!” While CryptoQuant CEO claims that Bitcoin’s bull run is over, other analysts are not as pessimistic. Swyftx chief analyst Pav Hundal said there is no reason to panic. Hundal said investors are afraid of US President Donald Trump's tariffs, adding, “When the market is ready to take risks, money will flow into risky assets.” Some analysts also think that Bitcoin could enter an uptrend again, considering that the global M2 money supply has reached new highs. At this point, crypto analyst Seth said, “The global money supply has made another ATH. We will see Bitcoin rise again.” *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: CryptoQuant CEO Said "Bitcoin Bullishness Is Over", Revealed What He Expects Next!
Binance’s Four.meme was attacked by hackers, who managed to extract the liquidity for selected meme tokens. The hackers bypassed the listing mechanism to create trading pairs for tokens not yet graduated from their bonding curve. Binance’s launch platform Four.meme was under attack, where a hacker exploited new tokens to drain liquidity. The attack bypassed some of the token’s restrictions, creating new liquidity pairs on PancakeSwap. After that, the hacker managed to drain the pools from the unofficial DEX listing. The attack happened around 04:00 GMT, during the most active trading hours on the Asian market. Four.meme noticed the attack and suspended the launch of new tokens. The platform announced all affected users would be issued compensation. Currently, https://t.co/IRnIR1BwDd is under attack, and the launch function has been suspended for emergency investigation. We will compensate affected users and provide a damage submission form to collect relevant information. Our team is working hard to fix the problem and… — Four.Meme (@four_meme_) March 18, 2025 Four.meme’s launches are planned and curated, with liquidity injections for selected tokens. However, the hacker front-ran the process, managing to attract traders and steal liquidity. According to SlowMist investigators, the attacker purchased small amounts of tokens before their DEX launch. Then, the hacker sent them to a PancakeSwap pair address. The next step was to add liquidity and rug-pull the pair when suitable. Previously, users identified the problem as another example of the flow cell manipulation bug. The newly minted meme tokens also held a flawed function , which allowed them to be moved to another recipient despite still being in the bonding curve stage. Only a limited number of tokens has been affected due to their popularity, but in theory, all Four.meme tokens could be exported that way to unauthorized trading pairs. On-chain analyst Chaofan Shou noticed there was actually no vulnerability in the smart contracts. Instead, the early transaction for listing the token was somehow leaked, and the hacker intercepted it. Tokens in the BNB Smart Chain ecosystem are still closely watched for early opportunities and sniping. One of the tokens affected was MubaraKing, a spinoff from the Mubarak meme. The hacker managed to transfer out 87.90 BNB. The other transaction affected multiple new meme tokens, including EDDY, Cocoro, Autopen, WWC and others. The hacker targeted the hottest memes linked to events from the past few days, ensuring they would have sufficient traders. The tokens and Four.meme are not compromised, but the launchpad and PancakeSwap were used as tools to manipulate prices and liquidity. However, the functions that allowed the price manipulation are still part of Four.meme’s code. The platform may have to perform another audit, as social media users are warning about multiple vulnerabilities. Meme tokens are inherently risky, but are additionally targeted by hackers for smart contract vulnerabilities. Liquidity pool draining is one of the most common attacks, where the hacker relies on a rush of users for each new pair. Pump.fun sees a significant volume from bots and automated traders, who are moving fast even for the newest listings. Four.meme aims to replace Pump.fun Four.meme has been launching a high-profile meme almost daily. The platform is growing its user base, though still not comparable to the Pump.fun frenzy. The launchpad aims for a more sustainable path, with more selective token launches and user support. The past month saw Four.meme expand its user base to over 143K unique users. Since the launchpad gained popularity, a total of 1,519 tokens were listed on the exchange. Over 15K users interacted with the launchpad in the past 24 hours, during one of the most active days for the ecosystem. Four.meme was having a revival in the past few days, coinciding with generally increased usage for PancakeSwap and the BNB Smart Chain. As of March 17, the meme platform listed 112 new tokens on the PancakeSwap DEX. The platform’s popularity was driven by active messages from Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, as well as from the potential to list or promote some of the new meme tokens. The popularity of the MUBARAK token also brought more users in search of the next meme. The recent popularity of Four.meme coincides with expectations of a ‘BNB Season’, where Binance’s ecosystem once again draws users and liquidity, becoming the main hub for meme tokens. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
Ethereum Foundation now appears to be shifting focus toward founder-driven growth and capital formation after facing criticism from investors and builders. Ethereum ‘s leadership seems to be reconsidering its growth strategy as criticism mounts, with signs of a shift toward a more founder-driven and ecosystem-focused approach, according to Dragonfly Capital’s managing partner Haseeb Qureshi. After meeting with several EF people at ETH SF, I'm more optimistic about Ethereum. There's a real urgency and an understanding that things need to change. It's not 2020 anymore, and they get it—they want Ethereum to matter. They're taking input from investors, from builders,… — Haseeb ＞|＜ (@hosseeb) March 17, 2025 In an X post on March 17, Qureshi revealed that after meeting with several Ethereum Foundation representatives he’s now “more optimistic about Ethereum.” He noted a “real urgency” among Ethereum Foundation members, adding that they understand concerns about Ethereum’s lack of momentum and “want Ethereum to matter.” Now, Qureshi says the team appears to be considering how to “replicate the success” of Solana ‘s Superteam, a community of operators, developers & grantees working on Solana projects, within the Ethereum ecosystem, with less emphasis on research and more on “capital formation and founder journeys.” “Ethereum leadership have been getting a lot of criticism, and it’s important that you all know this — it’s working. They’re listening. They’re thinking hard about how to adapt. It’s a teachable moment for them.” Haseeb Qureshi You might also like: Solana hits over 400B transactions and nearly $1T in volume as it completes 5 years Qureshi’s comments come as Ethereum’s direction has been under scrutiny lately as even former Ethereum Foundation engineer Harikrishnan Mulackal criticized the network’s governance, saying it suffers from a “lack of a clear and cohesive vision.” Per Mulackal, without stronger leadership, Ethereum could stagnate, suggesting that the network should push for faster updates and ship “one hard fork each quarter.” Otherwise, he said, Ethereum risks reproducing “exactly the same result” as the past five years. Read more: “Mindless cockroaches”: Ethereum Foundation slammed for constant ETH dumps and awkward use case defense
Key takeaways Ethereum price prediction suggests an average market price of $5,594 by the end of 2025. In 2028, Ethereum is anticipated to trade between $17,426 and $19,808, with an average expected price of $18,011. In 2031, ETH could trade between $50,195 and $58,140, with an average price of $51,602. The Ethereum network, launched in 2015, is a decentralized platform that enables developers to create smart contracts and dApps without intermediaries, enhancing security. The Ethereum blockchain is accessible to everyone and built to support scalability, programmability, security, and decentralization, allowing for the creation of secure digital technology. Its native digital currency, ether (ETH), and smart contracts have attracted investors’ recognition and interest, while developers appreciate its utility in developing blockchain and decentralized finance applications. It also helps trades to trade Ethereum more easily So, what can traders and investors expect in the coming months and years? “Is ETH likely to go up? What will ETH be worth in 5 years?” Let’s get into the details by exploring Ethereum’s price predictions from 2025 through 2031. Overview Cryptocurrency Ethereum Token ETH Price $1,898 Market Cap $228.88B Trading Volume (24h) $10.18B Circulating Supply 120.6M ETH All-time High $4,891.70 on Nov 16, 2021 All-time Low $0.4209 on Oct 21, 2015 24-hour High $1,951 24-hour Low $1,889 Ethereum price prediction: Technical analysis Metric Value Volatility 13.45% 50-day SMA $ 2,561.52 200-day SMA $ 3,044.00 Sentiment Bearish Fear and Greed Index 32 (Fear) Green days 12/30 (40%) Ethereum price analysis ETH/USD 1-day chart ETH/USD 1-day chart Ethereum remains in a bearish trend on the 1-day chart, with the price struggling around $1,900. Bollinger Bands indicate Ethereum is trading near the lower band, suggesting oversold conditions. The RSI is at 34.87, slightly above oversold territory, which could indicate potential for a short-term bounce. However, the overall trend remains weak, and resistance at $2,076 may prevent further gains. If Ethereum fails to hold support at $1,715, further downside is likely. A break above $2,000 could signal recovery, but weak momentum suggests caution, as bearish pressure still dominates the market. ETH/USD 4-hour chart analysis ETH/USD 4-hour price chart d on the 4-hour Ethereum chart, the price is experiencing a consolidation phase after recent declines. The Bollinger Bands are contracting, suggesting reduced volatility and possible stabilization before a breakout. The MACD histogram is near the zero line, with a slight bullish inclination, hinting at potential upward momentum. The Balance of Power indicator shows weak dominance from either buyers or sellers, reinforcing the sideways trend. Support appears around $1,875, while resistance is near $1,952. A break above the resistance could indicate further gains, while failing to hold support may lead to another leg down. Traders should monitor volume closely. Ethereum technical indicators: Levels and action Daily simple moving average (SMA) Period Value ($) Action SMA 3 $ 2,378.96 SELL SMA 5 $ 2,261.25 SELL SMA 10 $ 2,291.76 SELL SMA 21 $ 2,371.38 SELL SMA 50 $ 2,673.83 SELL SMA 100 $3,083.81 SELL SMA 200 $ 3,059.14 SELL Daily exponential moving average (EMA) Period Value ($) Action EMA 3 $ 2,385.83 SELL EMA 5 $ 2,572.88 SELL EMA 10 $ 2,844.64 SELL EMA 21 $ 3,105.65 SELL EMA 50 $ 3,272.77 SELL EMA 100 $ 3,210.92 SELL EMA 200 $3,095.42 SELL What can you expect from ETH price analysis next? Based on both the 4-hour and 1-day Ethereum charts, the price is stabilizing after recent declines. The Bollinger Bands on the daily chart suggest continued downward pressure, but the 4-hour chart indicates a narrowing range, hinting at a potential breakout. The MACD on both timeframes shows weak momentum, with the histogram near the zero line, reflecting indecision. The RSI remains near oversold levels, suggesting a possible relief rally if buyers step in. Key support lies around $1,875, while resistance is near $1,952. A breakout above resistance could trigger bullish momentum, while losing support may lead to further declines. Is ETH a good investment? Ethereum is the largest DeFi hub with a vibrant layer-two ecosystem in the crypto market. The blockchain constantly develops, making it a go-to choice for many Web3 developers. ETH, its native token, shows promise, and the possibility of an Ethereum ETF approval makes it favorable for day traders. Over the long term, explore our price predictions. However, the opinions expressed are not investment advice; traders should consider researching before investing. What is a realistic price for Ethereum in 2025? The realistic price for Ethereum in 2025 is around $6,224 at the maximum. What will 1 Ethereum be worth in 2030? One Ethereum is expected to be worth $41,005 maximum in 2030. How high can ETH realistically go? Ethereum’s price potential depends on multiple factors, including market trends, institutional adoption, network upgrades, and macroeconomic conditions. Realistically, ETH could reach $5,000 to $7,000 in the next bullish cycle if demand increases and Ethereum’s Layer 2 solutions and scalability improvements boost adoption. If institutional interest strengthens, ETH may push past $10,000 over the long term, especially if Ethereum remains the dominant smart contract platform. However, volatility remains a key risk, with price corrections likely along the way. Regulatory clarity and Ethereum’s shift to proof-of-stake (PoS) efficiency could also positively influence its long-term valuation. Will ETH reach $10,000? Ethereum is projected to exceed $10,000 as early as 2027, with its potential low starting at $11.383. Will ETH reach $25,000? Ethereum is predicted to surpass the $25,000 level by 2029, with an average price of $24,930 and a potential high of $30,195. This optimistic outlook is based on Ethereum’s ongoing development, network security, and increasing adoption. However, cryptocurrency markets are highly volatile, so long-term projections should be cautiously approached. Will ETH reach $40,000? Based on our analysis, Ethereum will likely reach the $40,000 mark. The highest expected price is around $41,005 in 2030. Does Ethereum have a good long-term future? Most well-known altcoins are trading at lower levels, but ETH is trading above its average price of the last two years. However, a positive outbreak can be expected. The ETH/USD pair is expected to reach the $41,005 mark by 2030, so holding it longer can be beneficial. Recent news/opinion on Ethereum The Ethereum Foundation appointed Hsiao-Wei Wang and Tomasz Stańczak as co-directors, effective March 17. Wang, a core researcher, and Stańczak, Nethermind’s CEO, bring leadership expertise. The foundation aims to transition Ethereum from an early-stage project to a robust, permissionless, censorship-resistant global financial and software infrastructure. pic.twitter.com/L8jFgK1Xgs — Ethereum Foundation (@ethereumfndn) March 1, 2025 Ethereum price prediction March 2025 In March 2025, Ethereum is projected to reach a minimum price of $3,732, an average price of $4,125, and a maximum price of $4,243 Price Prediction Potential Low ($) Average Price ($) Potential High ($) March 2025 $3,732 $4,125 $4,243 Ethereum price forecast 2025 The Ethereum network is gearing up for the PECTRA upgrade, scheduled for early 2025. This upgrade combines the previously planned Prague and Electra updates into a unified enhancement and introduces five new Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs) designed to improve scalability and overall network performance. Ethereum’s price outlook remains optimistic, with projections suggesting the potential for new all-time highs, possibly exceeding $6,000, driven by adoption, innovation, and network growth. However, external economic uncertainties or unfavorable conditions could press ETH prices toward an annual low of $5,346, with average estimates based on market sentiment hovering around $6,508. Year Potential Low ($) Average Price ($) Potential High ($) 2025 $5,398 $5,594 $6,224 Ethereum price predictions 2026 – 2031 Year Potential Low ($) Average Price ($) Potential High ($) 2026 $7,905 $8,128 $9,355 2027 $11,370 $11,695 $13,680 2028 $17,426 $18,011 $19,808 2029 $24,029 $24,930 $30,195 2030 $33,932 $35,179 $41,005 2031 $50,195 $51,602 $58,140 Ethereum price prediction 2026 Ethereum’s price prediction for 2026 indicates notable growth potential. If market conditions are favorable, the lowest projected price is $7,905, with an average price of $8,128. On the other hand, the maximum price could climb to $9,355. Ethereum ETH price prediction 2027 Ethereum is expected to maintain its upward trajectory in 2027. However, the year’s predictions suggest a minimum price of $11,370, an average trading value of around $11,695, and a maximum price of $13,680. It is important to do your research before investing. Ethereum price prediction 2028 Ethereum’s price forecast for 2028 demonstrates steady appreciation. The potential low is estimated at $17,426, while the average price may reach $18,011-and the maximum price could rise to $19,808. Ethereum ETH price prediction 2029 Ethereum’s 2029 prices are expected to match those of 2029. The price range will be from a low of $24,029 to a high of $30,195, with an average of $24,930, signaling steady growth. crypto assets Ethereum price prediction 2030 By 2030, Ethereum’s forecast minimum price could rise to $33,932, while the expected average trading price is projected at $35,179. A potential high that may reach $41,005 showcases Ethereum’s increasing appeal to investors. Ethereum price prediction 2031 By 2031, Ethereum’s price targets could reach a minimum of $50,195, an average of $51,602 and a maximum of $58,140. Ethereum Price Prediction 2025 – 2031 Ethereum market price prediction: Analysts’ ETH price forecast Firm Name 2025 2026 DigitalCoin Price $4,839.64 $5,726.07 Coincodex $1,903 $ 3,367.61 Cryptopolitan’s Ethereum price prediction Cryptopolitan forecasts Ethereum’s price to range between $4,356 and $4,979 by the end of 2025. By 2027, prices may surge and trade at $ 10,944 Ethereum historic price sentiment ETH price history | Coinmarketcap Ethereum began trading at $1.83 on March 13, 2016. By June 16, it surged to $14.48, surpassing a $1B market cap, but it dropped 45% to $11.33 on June 18 due to the DAO hack. By December 5, after a hard fork, the price fell further to $6.83. Ethereum recovered to $46.35 by March 16, 2017, and soared to $401.49 by June 12, during the ICO boom. It dipped to $157.36 by July 16 but rebounded to $253 by September 15. Ethereum surpassed $1,000 in January 2018 but dropped to $91.01 by December. Prices remained volatile between 2020’s high of $735 and low of $130. Ethereum started at $737, peaked at $4,293 in May 2021, and ended the year at $3,679, reflecting a year of significant growth. Prices declined to $1,196 by the end of 2022 amidst broader market downturns. In 2023, Ethereum started at $2,539, briefly rising to $3,595 in March before stabilizing at $3,117 in May and dropping to $2,458.90 by August. In November, ETH climbed as high as $3,739.93; in December, the coin is trading between $3,504.23 and $3,670.22. In December 2024, ETH reached a price of $3,349. As of January 2025, ETH is trading between $3,350 and $3,624. However, the closing price for Ethereum in January was $3,282. As of February 2025, ETH is trading at $2,796. ETH value decreased further in March as it dipped to the $2000 range.
Metaplanet, a prominent Japanese investment firm, is ramping up its bitcoin acquisitions amidst volatile market conditions, recently purchasing $12.5 million worth of BTC. The firm aims to expand its holdings
Offchain Labs initiates a new program to bolster the Arbitrum ecosystem. Support focuses on community-driven projects with fair launches. Continue Reading: Offchain Labs Launches New Initiative to Boost Arbitrum Ecosystem The post Offchain Labs Launches New Initiative to Boost Arbitrum Ecosystem appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
XRP continues to hold above $2 which is a sign of strength. Key Support levels: $2, $1.6 Key Resistance levels: $3, $3.4 1. Buyers Remains Firm Even if the overall market was quite turbulent in the past few days, XRP managed to hold steady above the $2 support level. Most recently, buyers took the price to almost $2.5 before a shallow pullback. This shows that demand for XRP remains high. Chart by TradingView 2. Key Resistance at $3 To truly turn the chart bullish, XRP has to break the resistance at $3. This recent bounce on the $2 support is encouraging, but bulls will have to keep the pressure and move the price above $2.5 if they hope to test the key resistance. Chart by TradingView 3. Daily MACD Shows Promise The daily MACD moving averages are making higher lows and the histogram is positive. This shows that the bullish momentum is building up. These are early signals that buyers may be waiting to return in force. If so, the price has a good shot to approach $3. Chart by TradingView The post Ripple (XRP) Price Predictions for This Week appeared first on CryptoPotato .
ADA is moving sideways above the 64 cents support. Key Support levels: $0.64, $0.45 Key Resistance levels: $0.90, $1.3 1. Momentum Stalls In the past two weeks, ADA’s volatility only managed a 2% price movement. This is quite low, but allowed the price to consolidate above the key support at 64 cents. However, this also shows a lack of clear momentum which may make it difficult for buyers to push ADA higher at this time. Chart by TradingView 2. Buyers and Sellers are Absent Without volatility, market participants appear shy to engage with ADA on the orderbooks. This is visible in how little the price has moved recently. Nevertheless, the price is consolidating here and this period could be followed by a significant move once the balance of power shifts between bulls and bears. Chart by TradingView 3. Volume in Decline The lack of volatility can also be explained by a falling volume. This is clearly visible on the daily volume profile which has been in a downtrend since the Trump tweet about ADA and the US Crypto Strategic Reserve. At the time of this post, Cardano’s volume is at the lowest level since the month began. Chart by TradingView The post Cardano (ADA) Price Predictions for This Week appeared first on CryptoPotato .
The post Solana Price Today: This Meme Coin Sees 130% Rally While Solana Pushes for $175 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Solana Price is now at $128. It couldn’t beat the bearish momentum and was only able to achieve a 0,15% price increase. Of course, all of it doesn’t mean that $175 target is out of the SOL’s reach forever. But this day won’t be today. BeerBear, on the other hand, is taking the market by storm with rapid, jaw-dropping price action that makes Solana look like an amateur. Let’s dive into why Solana’s current push is nothing but smoke and mirrors, while BeerBear is where the real money’s at. Solana price analysis: Why Solana Price makes it a No-Go for Investors So what makes Solana the worst choice for investors wanting to achieve big gains? Disclaimer: of course, not all investors think this way. When it comes to Solana Price it barely grows. Solana’s trading volume still rose up by 15%. It’s clear that some investors still believe in SOL’s potential. Especially, when the US president Donald Trump announced that Solana will be included in the US crypto reserve. ANd even that can’t stop Solana price from dropping further. But what is standing in the way of SOL realizing its potential? Many things. To start with, Solana price can’t surge because SOL still struggles with many problems that other crypto coins have already resolved. For example: Solana still has a very slow, snail-like speed. XRP has already solved it with its network of validators. And another big disadvantage – Solana just doesn’t deliver big profits anymore. It’s been ages since Solana price has seen another rally, that’s why market moves on to other crypto projects with more potential. If you want massive returns from your investment, choose BeerBear. BeerBear: Your One-Way Ticket to Explosive Crypto Profits! STOP SCROLLING! BeerBear isn’t just a token – it’s the golden ticket to rapid gains and an adrenaline-charged crypto experience. While others are waiting and watching, smart investors are locking in presale tokens at lightning speed. The question is: will you be one of them, or will you watch from the sidelines? Massive ROI Is Happening NOW – Up to 1900% Gains Still on the Table! BeerBear’s presale is on fire, with Stage 5 now live at just $0.0005 per token . The journey began at an incredible $0.0001, and each stage continues to push the price higher, ultimately reaching $0.0020 — offering early buyers the potential for a staggering 1900% ROI. Waiting means paying more. Acting now means locking in profits. The math is simple — the rewards are massive, and the time to act is now! BeerBear’s Winning Formula for Immediate Impact BeerBear is built for rapid, explosive growth, with features designed to captivate and reward: The “Bar Brawl” Beat ‘Em Up Game: An action-packed, genre-defining experience. Think Final Fight, but powered by crypto — where every level-up brings more rewards and bigger opportunities. Beer Points = Bigger Rewards: Earn points with every token purchase and exchange them for exclusive bonuses, NFTs, and premium game content. The bigger your purchase, the greater your perks. Beer Points Reward System Earn 6%-12% Beer Points based on the size of your token purchase during the presale: Small contributions ($10 – $250): Earn 6% in Beer Points. Medium contributions ($1,000 – $2,500): Earn 9% in Beer Points. Large contributions ($10,000+): Unlock the maximum reward of 12% in Beer Points. Beer Points give you access to exclusive perks like NFTs, in-game upgrades, and airdrops, making every purchase even more rewarding. Example: A $700 purchase during Stage 5 earns you 5,600 Beer Points , boosting your rewards and opportunities within the BeerBear ecosystem. Stage 5 is live at $0.0005 per token — don’t wait to maximize your rewards today! USDT-BSC Multi-Level Referral Program – Stage 5 is Live! Earn Big: Get up to 9% for direct referrals, plus additional bonuses for referrals made by your network. Turn Connections Into Income: Share your referral link and turn every connection into passive USDT earnings. Fast Weekly Payouts: No waiting — your rewards are paid out weekly to keep the profits flowing. Scale Your Network: Whether you start small or aim big, build a network that generates consistent and growing income. Why Wait? Every Second Costs You Potential Gains The clock is ticking, and the presale stages are filling up rapidly. Once prices climb, your chance to grab the biggest profits slips further away. BeerBear is already trending, and the only thing standing between you and early-stage success is hesitation. Hold $BEAR and Watch the Gains Roll In – Join the Winning Team Today! Visit beerbear.io to grab your tokens, join the fight, and make this presale the best investment of your crypto journey. With BeerBear, every day is a chance to win big – and have a laugh doing it! Conclusion To put it simply there is no reason to be excited about Solana price surging by a tiny amount in contrast to its frequent drops. Crypto investors should avoid the coin due to its outdated technology and a total lack of development. BeerBear is different. This is the coin you want in your portfolio. BeerBear has the potential to generate insane returns in the near future due to its explosive 130 percent rally. Put your trust into the BeerBear, instead of wasting it on Solana! Website : https://beerbear.io Twitter/X : https://x.com/BeerBear_Meme Telegram : https://t.me/beerbear_meme
What is crypto money laundering? Crypto money laundering involves concealing illegally obtained funds by funneling them through cryptocurrency transactions to obscure their origin. Criminals may operate offchain but move funds onchain to facilitate laundering. Traditionally, illicit money was moved using couriers or informal networks like Hawala . However, with the rise of digital assets, bad actors now exploit blockchain technology to transfer large amounts of money. With evolving techniques and increasing regulation, authorities continue working to track and mitigate the misuse of cryptocurrencies for money laundering. Thanks to sophisticated technologies like cryptocurrencies, criminals find moving large amounts of money simpler. As cryptocurrency adoption has grown, so has illicit activity within the space. In 2023, crypto wallets linked to unlawful activities transferred $22.2 billion, while in 2022, this figure stood at $31.5 billion. Stages of crypto money laundering Crypto money laundering follows a structured process designed to hide the source of illicit funds. Criminals use sophisticated methods to bypass regulatory oversight and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures. The process unfolds in several stages: Step 1 — Gathering funds: The first step involves gathering funds obtained illegally, often from organized crime or fraudulent activities. These illicit earnings need to be moved discreetly to avoid detection by regulatory authorities. Step 2 — Moving funds into the crypto ecosystem: Criminals now move illicit funds into the financial system by purchasing cryptocurrencies. The modus operandi is to buy cryptocurrencies through multiple transactions across crypto exchanges , particularly those with weak AML compliance. To make tracking more complex, they may convert funds into different digital assets like Ether ( ETH ), Polkadot ( DOT ) or Tether’s USDt ( USDT ). Step 3 — Juggling of funds: At this stage, the criminals hide the funds’ ownership. For this purpose, they move their crypto assets through a series of transactions across different platforms, exchanging one cryptocurrency for another. Often, funds are transferred between offshore and onshore accounts to further complicate tracing. Step 4 — Reintroducing cleaned money into the system: The final step involves reintroducing the cleaned money into the economy, which they do through a network of brokers and dealers. They now invest the money in businesses, real estate or luxury assets without raising suspicion. Did you know? Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission has mandated that all local virtual asset service providers (VASPs) must adhere to new AML regulations by 2025. Various methods criminals use to launder cryptocurrencies Criminals employ several methods to launder illicitly obtained digital assets. From non-compliant exchanges to online gambling platforms, they use various techniques to conceal the transaction trail. Below is some brief information about the methods criminals use. Non-compliant centralized exchanges Criminals use non-compliant centralized exchanges or peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms to convert cryptocurrency to cash. Before being converted into fiat, the cryptocurrency is processed through intermediary services like mixers, bridges or decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to obscure its origins. Despite compliance measures, centralized exchanges (CEXs) handled almost half of these funds. In 2022, nearly $23.8 billion in illicit cryptocurrency was exchanged, a 68% surge from 2021. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) DEXs operate on a decentralized , peer-to-peer basis, meaning transactions occur directly between users using smart contracts rather than through a CEX. These exchanges are currently largely unregulated, which criminals use for swapping cryptocurrencies and making investigations harder. The absence of traditional Know Your Customer (KYC) and AML procedures on many DEXs allows for anonymous transactions. Mixing services Cryptocurrency mixers , also called tumblers, enhance anonymity by pooling digital assets from numerous sources and redistributing them to new addresses randomly. They obscure the funds’ origins before they are sent to legitimate channels. A well-known example of criminals using crypto mixers is Tornado Cash, which was used to launder over $7 billion from 2019 until 2022. The developer of the mixer was arrested by Dutch authorities. Bridge protocols Crosschain bridges, designed to transfer assets between blockchains, are exploited for money laundering. Criminals use these bridges to obscure the origin of illicit funds by moving them across multiple blockchains, making it harder for authorities to track transactions. By converting assets from transparent networks to privacy-enhanced blockchains, criminals evade scrutiny and reduce the risk of detection. The lack of uniform regulatory oversight across different chains facilitates illicit activity. Online gambling platforms Cryptocurrency money launderers frequently exploit gambling platforms. They deposit funds from both traceable and anonymous sources, then either withdraw them directly or use collusive betting to obscure the funds’ origin. This process effectively “legitimizes” the money. The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in its September 2020 report, identified gambling services as a money laundering risk, specifically highlighting suspicious fund flows to and from these platforms, especially when linked to known illicit sources. Nested services Nested services encompass a wide range of services that function within one or more exchanges, using addresses provided by those exchanges. Some platforms have lenient compliance standards for nested services, creating opportunities for bad actors. On the blockchain ledger, transactions involving nested services appear as if they were conducted by the exchanges themselves rather than by the nested services or individual users behind them. Over-the-counter (OTC) brokers: A commonly used nested service for money laundering OTC brokers are the most prevalent nested service criminals use for crypto money laundering because they allow them to conduct large cryptocurrency transactions securely and efficiently with a degree of anonymity. Transactions may involve different cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin ( BTC ) and ETH, or facilitate conversions between crypto and fiat currencies, like BTC and euros. While OTC brokers match buyers and sellers in exchange for a commission, they do not participate in the negotiation process. Once the terms are set, the broker oversees the transfer of assets between parties. To combat North Korean cybercrime, the US government has taken strong action against the Lazarus Group’s money laundering activities . In August 2020, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) sought to seize 280 cryptocurrency addresses tied to $28.7 million in stolen funds following an investigation into a $250-million exchange heist. Further, in April 2023, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three individuals, including two OTC traders, for aiding Lazarus Group in laundering illicit funds, highlighting the group’s continued reliance on OTC brokers. Did you know? Microsoft Threat Intelligence identifies Sapphire Sleet, a North Korean hacking group, as a key actor in crypto theft and corporate espionage. The evolving landscape of crypto money laundering, explained The complex landscape of crypto money laundering involves a dual infrastructure. While CEXs remain primary conduits for illicit funds, shifts are evident. Crosschain bridges and gambling platforms are witnessing increased usage, reflecting evolving criminal tactics. Analysis of deposit address concentrations and crime-specific patterns highlights vulnerabilities. Crypto money laundering infrastructure Broadly, crypto money laundering infrastructure can be categorized into intermediary services and wallets. Intermediary services include mixers, bridge protocols, decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols and other such services. On the other hand, fiat off-ramping services include any service that can help one convert crypto into fiat currency. While centralized exchanges are more commonly used for this purpose, criminals may also use P2P exchanges, gambling services and crypto ATMs . Crypto criminals use intermediary services to hide the origin of funds by concealing the onchain link between the source address and the current address. Key channels used for crypto money laundering Different financial services vary in their ability to combat money laundering. Centralized exchanges, for example, possess more control over transactions and have the authority to freeze assets linked to illicit or suspicious sources. However, DeFi protocols operate autonomously and do not hold user funds, making such interventions impractical. The transparency of blockchain technology enables analysts to track funds passing through DeFi platforms, which is often more difficult with centralized services. Centralized exchanges continue to be the primary destination for assets originating from illicit sources, with a relatively stable trend between 2019 and 2023. There was a significant uptick in ransomware proceeds being funneled to gambling platforms and an increase in ransomware wallets sending funds to bridges. Tracking illicit funds through deposit addresses Deposit addresses, which function similarly to bank accounts on centralized platforms, reveal how financial flows are concentrated. In 2023, a total of 109 exchange deposit addresses each received over $10 million in illicit crypto, collectively accounting for $3.4 billion. Comparatively, in 2022, only 40 addresses surpassed the $10 million mark, accumulating a combined total of just under $2 billion. The concentration of money laundering activity also varies by crime type. For instance, ransomware operators and vendors of illegal content exhibit a high degree of centralization. Seven key deposit addresses accounted for 51% of all funds from exchanges from illegal content vendors, while nine addresses handled 50.3% of ransomware proceeds. Criminals’ shift to crosschain and mixing services Sophisticated criminals are increasingly turning to crosschain bridges and mixing services to obfuscate their financial transactions. Illicit crypto transfers through bridge protocols surged to $743.8 million in 2023, more than doubling from the $312.2 million recorded in 2022. There has been a sharp rise in funds transferred to crosschain bridges from addresses linked to stolen assets. Cybercriminal organizations with advanced laundering techniques, such as North Korean hacking groups like Lazarus Group, leverage a diverse range of crypto services. Over time, they have adapted their strategies in response to enforcement actions. The shutdown of the Sinbad mixer in late 2023, for example, led these groups to shift toward other mixing services like YoMix, which operates on the darknet. National and international frameworks for crypto AML Governments worldwide have implemented laws and guidelines to prevent crypto money laundering. Various national jurisdictions have put in place regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance. United States The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) regulates crypto asset service providers to prevent money laundering in the US. Crypto exchanges function under the Bank Secrecy Act, which requires the exchanges to register with FinCEN and implement AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing programs. They have to maintain proper records and submit reports to authorities. Canada Canada was the first country to introduce crypto-specific legislation against money laundering through Bill C-31 in 2014. Transactions involving virtual assets fall under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA) and related regulations, requiring compliance from entities dealing in digital currencies. European Union The Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) Regulation aims to safeguard consumers from crypto-related financial risks. The EU-wide Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) has also been set up. Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) must collect and share transaction data to ensure traceability, which aligns with global standards. Singapore Singapore enforces strict AML regulations through the Payment Services Act, which governs digital payment token services. Companies must conduct customer due diligence and comply with AML and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures to operate legally. Japan Japan regulates cryptocurrency under the Act on Punishment of Organized Crimes and the Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds, ensuring strict oversight to combat illicit financial activities. Countries also collaborate globally to deter crypto money laundering, forming organizations like the FATF. They are working together for regulatory alignment, information sharing and strengthening AML frameworks. Token issuers also play a crucial role in tackling illicit activities. Notably, stablecoins such as Tether’s USDt ( USDT ) and USDC ( USDC ), have built-in mechanisms that allow them to block funds associated with criminal activities, preventing further misuse. How to prevent crypto money laundering Crypto money laundering is evolving and is forcing authorities to adopt advanced blockchain analytics to track illicit transactions. Thus, law enforcement agencies must use sophisticated tools to detect suspicious activity and dismantle criminal networks. Law enforcement has become more adept at tracing illicit transactions, as demonstrated in cases like Silk Road, where blockchain analysis helped uncover criminal operations. However, by working with global bodies like the FATF and the European Commission, authorities can assess high-risk jurisdictions and mitigate threats to the financial system. For crypto service platforms, stringent KYC and AML protocols must be followed, especially for transactions from high-risk areas. Platforms should regularly audit transactions, monitor for suspicious patterns, and collaborate with law enforcement to respond quickly to potential laundering activities. Users also play a role by avoiding transactions with entities operating in high-risk regions and reporting suspicious activities. Familiarizing themselves with secure wallet practices and ensuring their own transactions are traceable (if required) by keeping records can help prevent accidental involvement in illegal activities. Strong cooperation across all parties is key to curbing crypto money laundering.