In a recent update from COINOTAG on March 14th, Ethereal core developers have unveiled plans for a new testnet named Hooli, set to launch on March 17th. This initiative aims
Many believed this would set off a massive rally as demand for bitcoin surged.
Buckle up, crypto enthusiasts! February delivered a chilling surprise as centralized exchange (CEX) trading volume experienced a significant nosedive. We’re diving deep into the numbers to understand what triggered this downturn and what it signals for the volatile world of cryptocurrency. Was it a temporary blip, or is this the start of a larger trend? Let’s explore the details behind this dramatic shift in the crypto market . Why Did CEX Trading Volume Plummet? According to a recent CoinDesk report, the numbers are stark: a 21% decrease in CEX trading volume in February, landing at $7.2 trillion. This marks the lowest point since October of last year. Several factors are likely at play, creating a perfect storm that dampened investor enthusiasm. Let’s break down the key contributors: Trump Tariff Tensions: Concerns surrounding potential tariffs from former U.S. President Donald Trump cast a shadow over global markets. Such uncertainties often lead investors to adopt a risk-off approach, impacting even the crypto sphere. Market Indecision: February often falls in a period of market consolidation after the year-end and before major announcements or events typically pick up in later months. This can naturally lead to reduced trading activity. Profit Taking: Following potential gains in January, some investors may have opted to take profits off the table, leading to decreased trading volume. It’s important to note that while a 21% drop is substantial, the overall centralized exchange landscape remains robust. However, this decline serves as a critical reminder of the crypto market’s sensitivity to global economic and political factors. Derivatives Trading Takes a Hit The downturn wasn’t limited to spot trading. The derivatives market, a crucial component of the crypto ecosystem, also experienced a contraction. Even the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), a bellwether for institutional interest in crypto derivatives, saw its first volume decrease in five months. This suggests a broader cooling off across various segments of the crypto trading landscape. The decline in derivatives trading mirrors the overall sentiment of caution and reduced risk appetite among investors. Open Interest: A Significant Drop Perhaps even more telling than the trading volume itself is the significant decrease in open interest. Open interest across all trading pairs on CEXs plummeted by a staggering 30%, reaching $78.8 billion. This is the lowest level observed since November 2024, indicating a substantial reduction in the total number of outstanding derivative contracts. A sharp decline in open interest often signals a decrease in market participation and conviction, potentially foreshadowing further market corrections or consolidation. Here’s a quick comparison of key metrics: Metric January February Change CEX Trading Volume $9.1 Trillion $7.2 Trillion -21% CEX Open Interest $112.6 Billion $78.8 Billion -30% What Does This Mean for the Crypto Market? The February dip in crypto market activity raises important questions about the short-term trajectory of digital assets. While one month’s data doesn’t necessarily define a long-term trend, it’s crucial to analyze the potential implications: Reduced Liquidity: Lower trading volume can lead to reduced market liquidity, potentially making it harder to execute large trades without impacting prices. Increased Volatility: Paradoxically, lower liquidity can sometimes amplify volatility, as smaller trades can have a more significant price impact. Investor Caution: The decline reflects a degree of investor caution, possibly driven by macroeconomic uncertainties or a reassessment of risk appetite within the crypto space. Potential Buying Opportunity?: For some, periods of market pullback represent buying opportunities. However, thorough research and risk management are always paramount. Actionable Insights for Navigating CEX Trading in a Downturn So, what can crypto traders and investors do in light of these trends? Here are some actionable insights focused on navigating CEX platforms during periods of reduced trading volume: Exercise Caution: Be mindful of potentially increased volatility and reduced liquidity. Trade with smaller position sizes and use limit orders to manage risk. Diversify Strategies: Consider diversifying your trading strategies beyond simply buying and holding. Explore options like staking or yield farming to generate returns even in sideways markets. Stay Informed: Keep a close watch on market news and macroeconomic developments that could influence crypto prices and trading volume. Review Risk Management: Reassess your risk tolerance and adjust your portfolio allocation accordingly. Now might be a good time to tighten stop-loss orders and re-evaluate your overall investment strategy. Conclusion: Navigating the Ebb and Flow of Crypto Markets The 21% drop in CEX trading volume in February serves as a timely reminder of the cyclical nature of crypto markets. While the decline is noteworthy, it’s essential to maintain a balanced perspective. Market corrections and periods of reduced activity are natural parts of any investment cycle. By understanding the factors at play and adopting prudent trading strategies, investors can navigate these ebbs and flows and position themselves for future opportunities in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. The key takeaway? Stay informed, stay cautious, and remember that volatility is inherent in this exciting, yet unpredictable, asset class. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Bitcoin price action.
Coinbase, the leading centralized exchange in the United States, is suspending certain memecoins from its platforms for New York-based users, less than two months after listing them. The exchange added memecoins GIGA and TURBO to its listing roadmap on Dec. 4, when the tokens traded at $500 million and $600 million valuations, respectively. By the time the tokens were listed in New York on Jan. 30, GIGA had rallied 30% to a $660 million valuation, but TURBO had fallen by 33% to $400 million. Since the listings, GIGA is down 82% to a $120 million market capitalization, and TURBO is down another 63% to $145 million. To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io
DigiFT has launched the iSNR token, marking a pivotal moment in the integration of tokenized real-world assets into decentralized finance. This innovative token tracks a private credit strategy managed by
Disclosure: This article does not represent investment advice. The content and materials featured on this page are for educational purposes only. As Pepe eyes a $50b market cap, Lightchain AI is emerging as a serious contender with its AI-powered blockchain. Table of Contents Pepe’s path to $50b How Lightchain AI stands out Lightchain AI is ready to win Can Pepe (PEPE) reach a $50 billion market cap? While 2025 forecasts remain optimistic, another cryptocurrency is stealing the spotlight — Lightchain AI (LCAI). With $17.3 million raised during its presale at $0.006 per token, Lightchain AI is quickly gaining momentum for its blend of AI and blockchain technology. Poised for significant growth in 2025, Lightchain AI has the potential to rival popular meme coins, presenting investors with a unique opportunity to join an emerging, high-potential project early. Pepe’s path to $50b Pepe , launched in 2023, is a meme-based cryptocurrency inspired by the popular internet character, Pepe the Frog. By October 2023, its market capitalization soared to $10 billion, making it the third-largest meme coin after Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. PEPE is currently trading at approximately $0.0000066, with a 24-hour trading volume of $1.12 billion, placing it at the 32nd position in the cryptocurrency rankings. Achieving a $50 billion market cap would necessitate a significant increase in demand and widespread adoption. Given the volatile nature of meme coins, while such growth is theoretically possible, it remains speculative and would require substantial market dynamics and investor interest. You might also like: Altcoin nicknamed ‘next XRP’ could challenge Solana and Cardano How Lightchain AI stands out Lightchain AI takes a unique approach, combining artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to create an ecosystem that offers improved scalability, increased efficiency, and enhanced security. As the world moves towards digitalization, LCAI is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for advanced technological solutions. With its blend of AI and blockchain, Lightchain AI has garnered attention from both crypto enthusiasts and traditional investors alike. Its successful presale launch in 2025 indicates strong interest from the market and potential for growth in the coming years. Lightchain AI is ready to win Lightchain AI is making waves as the next big player in the crypto world. With its strong tokenomics and transformative Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus, this coin isn’t just another meme — it’s built for the future. Here’s the breakdown: Out of the 10 billion LCAI supply, 40% is up for grabs in the presale, 28.5% fuels staking rewards, and the rest goes to liquidity (15%), marketing (5%), treasury (6.5%), and team incentives (5%). Its PoI consensus rewards nodes for performing real AI tasks like model training and optimization. That means Lightchain AI is creating real-world utility while keeping the network secure, efficient, and decentralized. With a solid roadmap, real AI applications, and strong governance, Lightchain AI is ready to dominate the market and offer sustainable, long-term value. For more information on Lightchain AI, visit the website , whitepaper , X , or Telegram. Read more: These 3 cryptos are poised to explode in March: Tron, Litecoin and Lightchain AI 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.
Digital asset exchange DigiFT has launched Invesco’s tokenized private credit strategy on Arbitrum, further expanding the use cases of real-world assets (RWA) and giving institutional investors access to onchain credit markets. According to a March 13 announcement, Invesco’s US Senior Loan Strategy (iSNR) token is now live on Arbitrum, a popular Ethereum layer-2 network. The tokenized asset was launched on Feb. 19 and is designed to track the performance of a private credit fund managed by Invesco, a publicly traded investment manager headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time of launch, the Invesco fund had $6.3 billion in assets under management, according to Bloomberg . DigiFT described the iSNR token as the “first and only tokenized private credit strategy.” The iSNR tokenized fund has a minimum investment of $10,000. Source: DigiFT DigiFT CEO Henry Zhang said adding iSNR to Aribitrum increases its utility by “allowing DeFi applications, DAOs and institutional investors to integrate with a regulated, onchain private credit strategy.” Consistent with the initial launch of iSNR on Ethereum last month, investors on Arbitrum can purchase tokenized shares using popular stablecoins USDC ( USDC ) and USDt ( USDT ). Related: Cantor Fitzgerald taps Anchorage Digital, Copper as Bitcoin custodians DeFi tokenization on the rise Despite the recent crypto market downtrend, RWA tokenization appears to be heating up with the launch of several DeFi-oriented products. Positive regulatory developments, the rise of liquid multichain economies and innovations in decentralized exchanges are expected to push RWA tokenization into the crypto limelight this year. Earlier this week, tokenization company Securitize announced that oracle provider RedStone will deliver price feeds for its tokenized products, which include the BlackRock USD Institutional Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) and the Apollo Diversified Credit Securitize Fund (ACRED). The integration means that Securitize’s funds “can now be utilized across DeFi protocols such as Morpho, Compound or Spark,” RedStone’s chief operating officer, Marcin Kazmierczak, told Cointelegraph. Meanwhile, asset manager Franklin Templeton has launched a tokenized money fund on the Coinbase layer-2 network Base and a US government money fund on Solana. Private credit ($12.2 billion) and US Treasury debt ($4.2 billion) have dominated real-world asset tokenization so far. Source: RWA.xyz According to industry data, the total value of RWAs onchain has grown by 17.5% over the past 30 days to reach $18.1 billion. Private credit and US Treasury debt account for nearly 91% of that total. Related: Trump-era policies may fuel tokenized real-world assets surge
Tether is angling to join Cantor Fitzgerald’s Bitcoin financing business, citing a long-term business relationship. A press release by Cantor Fitzgerald omitted the stablecoin issuer but its CEO says a partnership is still in play. Tether Wants To Join Cantor Fitzgerald’s Bitcoin Offering. After months of planning, financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald announced plans to begin providing leverage for institutional investors holding Bitcoin (BTC) on their balance sheets. Following the launch, Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino has confirmed an interest in striking a partnership with Cantor Fitzgerald. In an interview with Bloomberg, Ardoino highlighted Tether’s interest in the Bitcoin lending business, stating that the partnership is the “right thing to do.” Ardoino adds that the partnership will be mutually beneficial to both entities given their wealth of experience. The Tether CEO says Cantor Fitzgerald has relationships with all the institutional borrowers, making it an ideal partner. Furthermore, Ardoino says Tether is a “great partner” given its leading position in tokenization and the Bitcoin ecosystem. “Bitcoin lending is very interesting to us and there are huge opportunities,” said Ardoino. “Joining forces between Tether and Cantor Fitzgerald is the right thing to do.” The move follows Thailand’s SEC recognition of USDT as an approved cryptocurrency. The stablecoin issuer is rippling with activity after its exclusion by the EU under the MiCA playbook. Ardoino Wants The Stablecoin Issuer To Play a Bigger Role In US Stablecoin Ambitions The Tether CEO has announced his intention to play a central role in America’s stablecoin plans. Despite being based outside the US, Ardoino says USDT is in a prime position to promote the US dollar as the global reserve currency. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed a policy change, indicating plans by the US to turn its focus to stablecoins. While Tether wants to join the US plans, it faces stiff competition from the XRPL ledger-based RLUSD and USDC. “We will keep the US the dominant reserve currency and use stablecoins to do that,” said Bennett. Ardoino noted that Tether’s base of operations outside the US does not impede its ability to promote US interests. With boots on the ground and its sheer market size, Ardoino says Tether has found its product market fit. However, advanced initiatives by PayPal’s PYUSD plans to reduce USDT’s market share . The post Tether Confirms Interest In Cantor Fitzgerald’s Bitcoin Financing Business appeared first on CoinGape .
In the fast-paced world of cryptocurrency, every transaction tells a story. Recently, a particularly intriguing narrative unfolded as blockchain monitoring service, Whale Alert, flagged a colossal XRP transfer . A staggering 200,000,000 XRP tokens, originating from Ripple, were moved to an unknown wallet. Valued at approximately $458 million, this substantial movement has ignited discussions and speculation within the crypto community. What does this mean for XRP and the broader crypto landscape? Let’s dive into the details of this significant event. Decoding the Massive XRP Transfer: What We Know On {{insert date}}, Whale Alert, a prominent service that tracks large cryptocurrency transactions, reported the movement of 200,000,000 XRP. This wasn’t just any ordinary transaction; it involved a transfer directly from Ripple, the company heavily associated with XRP, to a wallet whose owner remains unidentified. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts: Amount Transferred: 200,000,000 XRP Origin Wallet: Ripple Destination Wallet: Unknown Wallet Reported By: Whale Alert Estimated Value: Approximately $458 million (at the time of transaction) The sheer scale of this XRP transfer is noteworthy. Transactions of this magnitude often trigger curiosity and raise questions about the intentions behind them. In the crypto world, large transfers, especially those involving major players like Ripple, are closely watched for potential market implications. Ripple XRP and Whale Transactions: Why Does It Matter? Ripple holds a significant amount of XRP. These holdings are periodically used for various purposes, including operational expenses, strategic investments, and distributions. However, any substantial movement of Ripple XRP , particularly to an unknown entity, can spark debate and analysis. Why? Market Sentiment: Large transfers can sometimes influence market sentiment. Traders and investors often analyze whale movements to gauge potential shifts in supply and demand. Potential Selling Pressure: If the recipient of these XRP tokens decides to sell them on the open market, it could potentially increase selling pressure, impacting the price of XRP. Strategic Moves: Conversely, such transfers could also be part of a strategic move by Ripple, such as institutional partnerships, OTC (over-the-counter) deals, or other undisclosed plans. Transparency Concerns: Transfers to unknown wallets can sometimes raise questions about transparency within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. It’s crucial to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation. While large XRP whale transactions are events worth noting, they are just one piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. Unknown Wallets and Crypto Mysteries: Decoding the Transaction The designation of the receiving wallet as ‘unknown’ adds an element of mystery to this cryptocurrency news story. In the decentralized world of crypto, wallet addresses are pseudonymous. While transactions are publicly recorded on the blockchain, identifying the real-world entity behind a wallet address can be challenging, and sometimes, intentionally obscured. What could be the reasons for transferring such a large sum to an unknown wallet? Institutional Investor: It’s possible that the ‘unknown wallet’ belongs to a large institutional investor or a fund that prefers to remain undisclosed, at least initially. OTC Deal: The transfer could be related to an over-the-counter (OTC) trade, where large amounts of cryptocurrency are exchanged privately, away from public exchanges. Custodial Service: The recipient might be a custodial service that manages crypto assets on behalf of numerous clients, making it appear as an ‘unknown’ entity from a transactional perspective. Internal Ripple Reorganization: Although less likely given the ‘unknown’ designation, it’s theoretically possible this is an internal reorganization of Ripple’s assets across different wallets, with the destination wallet not yet publicly associated with them. Security or Privacy Measures: In some cases, using ‘unknown’ wallets could be a measure to enhance security or privacy, although for large public companies like Ripple, transparency is often prioritized. Without further information, the exact reason behind the XRP transfer to an unknown wallet remains speculative. The crypto community will likely continue to monitor related wallet activity for further clues. XRP News and Market Reactions: What’s Next? The immediate market reaction to such XRP news is often a mixed bag. Some traders might interpret large transfers as a sign of potential selling pressure and react negatively, while others might see it as a non-event or even a strategic move that could be beneficial in the long run. Here are some potential future scenarios and points to watch: Wallet Activity Monitoring: Keep an eye on the activity of the ‘unknown wallet’. Significant outflows from this wallet to exchanges could indicate potential selling pressure. Ripple Announcements: Look out for any official announcements from Ripple regarding this transaction or related strategic developments. XRP Price Action: Monitor XRP’s price action in the coming days and weeks to see if the transfer has any discernible impact. However, remember that numerous factors influence crypto prices. Broader Market Context: Consider the broader cryptocurrency market context. Overall market sentiment and Bitcoin’s price movements often have a significant influence on altcoins like XRP. It’s important to approach such events with a balanced perspective. While cryptocurrency news like large XRP transfers can be intriguing and potentially market-moving, they are just one piece of the larger, ever-evolving crypto narrative. In the volatile world of digital assets, staying informed, doing your own research, and understanding the nuances of market dynamics are crucial. Conclusion: Unraveling the Mystery of the XRP Movement The 200,000,000 XRP transfer from Ripple to an unknown wallet is undoubtedly a noteworthy event in the crypto space. Reported by Whale Alert and valued at a substantial $458 million, this massive transaction raises several questions and sparks speculation. While the exact reasons behind this movement remain shrouded in mystery, it serves as a reminder of the dynamic and often opaque nature of cryptocurrency transactions. As we continue to observe the developments surrounding Ripple XRP and the broader market, it’s clear that vigilance and informed analysis are key to navigating the exciting, yet complex, world of digital currencies. To learn more about the latest crypto market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping Ethereum price action.
A federal jury has convicted Rowland Marcus Andrade, the founder and CEO of AML Bitcoin, of wire fraud and money laundering related to the fraudulent marketing and sale of the cryptocurrency. The verdict was reached after a five-week trial in the Northern District of California, with Chief U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg presiding. According to prosecutors, Andrade, 47, misled investors by falsely claiming that AML Bitcoin had advanced anti-money laundering technology and was nearing adoption by the Panama Canal Authority. In reality, no such agreement existed. Andrade raised millions through these misrepresentations and diverted over $2 million for personal expenses, including luxury cars and real estate in Texas. You might also like: Senate committee advances GENIUS Act in bipartisan vote Financial fraud charges Federal agents traced investor funds through multiple bank accounts, leading to charges of financial fraud. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins emphasized that deceiving investors for personal gain is unlawful and will be prosecuted. https://twitter.com/EBMAvenueLLC/status/1900260782048243819 FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen underscored the agency’s commitment to protecting financial markets from fraudulent schemes. Andrade is set for sentencing on July 22, 2025, facing up to 30 years in prison. His illegally acquired assets are subject to forfeiture. You might also like: ‘Everything is Computer’ meme spawns new memecoin