Hong Kong will introduce a more detailed virtual asset policy framework by the end of the year, as the city continues to refine its approach to Web3 and related technologies, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said on Monday. Speaking at the Hong Kong Web3 Festival , Chan said the forthcoming policy statement will expand on the government’s previous commitments, with a focus on using Web3 to enhance traditional financial services, support the real economy and strengthen the application of digital asset technologies. “Later this year, we will unveil a second policy statement on the development of virtual assets,” he said, adding that the goal is to foster a regulatory environment that supports innovation while safeguarding market integrity. The Hong Kong government said that stablecoin legislation will be passed soon, and relevant compliance licenses will be established for over-the-counter transactions and custody businesses, licensed spot ETFs will be allowed to provide stake services, and new legislative… — Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 7, 2025 Policy Rollout Includes Trading Licences and Plans for Stablecoin Oversight The move builds on the city’s first virtual asset policy , released in Oct. 2022, which set out a high-level framework to support the development of the sector. Since then, Hong Kong has rolled out a licensing regime for virtual asset trading platforms , with 10 platforms licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission so far. Other efforts include authorising virtual asset spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with Hong Kong emerging as the largest VA ETF market in the Asia-Pacific region. The government also plans to introduce legislation to regulate stablecoins, with the licensing regime expected to take effect within the year. OTC and Custody Rules Under Review as City Deepens Web3 Supervision Authorities are currently conducting consultations on extending regulation to cover over-the-counter virtual asset trading and custodial services, further expanding the city’s oversight of the sector. Chan reiterated that the government’s approach is not solely regulatory. “We support a multi-stakeholder approach where governments, regulators and market players across different territories and regions come together to drive forward the sustainable development of Web3,” he said. One example is the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s Project Ensemble, a sandbox that allows financial institutions to experiment with tokenized real-world assets under regulatory supervision. Hong Kong has taken a more open stance towards Web3 than some neighbouring jurisdictions, positioning itself as a regional hub for blockchain-related activity while maintaining a focus on financial stability. “The lesson we have learnt,” he said, “is that we need to put it under a balanced regulatory framework so as to enable the sector to grow in a responsible and sustainable manner.” The post Hong Kong to Roll Out Updated Virtual Asset Policy Framework by End of 2025 appeared first on Cryptonews .
The post Hong Kong Tightens Crypto Rules with New Staking Guidelines appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News In a move to tighten oversight in the crypto space, Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has rolled out fresh guidelines for licensed virtual asset trading platforms and SFC-authorised funds involved in staking. The SFC’s new rules highlight the benefits of staking, such as boosting blockchain security and helping investors earn yields in a regulated environment. This guidance lets licensed crypto platforms offer more services, supporting the SFC’s “ASPIRe” plan to grow Hong Kong’s virtual asset market. SFC Rules Aim to Make Crypto Staking Safer The SFC has laid out clear rules for licensed crypto platforms offering staking, aiming to boost investor protection. Platforms must safeguard staked assets, prevent service errors, and be fully transparent about the risks involved, marking a strong step toward safer staking in Hong Kong. Besides, the SFC has also revised its circular on SFC-authorised VA Funds, allowing them to stake assets—but only through licensed platforms or approved institutions. To reduce risk, a cap is set on how much they can stake, helping manage liquidity and protect investors. SFC CEO Julia Leung remarked that expanding the suite of regulated crypto services is key to growing Hong Kong’s virtual asset space. At the same time she also emphasized that the top priority should always be protecting investors’ assets through strong regulation and compliance. Hong Kong’s Efforts To Become a Global Crypto Leader Hong Kong is actively enhancing its cryptocurrency regulations to position itself as a leading digital asset hub. The SFC has introduced the ASPIRe framework, focusing on Access, Safeguards, Products, Infrastructure, and Relationships, aiming to streamline market access and bolster investor protections. In February 2025, the SFC announced plans to establish new licensing regimes for over-the-counter virtual asset trading and custody services, seeking to improve market efficiency and investor safeguards.
Bitcoin could remain in a bear market for at least six months, according to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju, as on-chain data shows a lack of price movement despite rising capital inflows. Bitcoin ( BTC ) has had a rough start in April, falling to a three-week low of $77,077. In an Apr. 5 post on X, Ju pointed out how the current Bitcoin bear market condition is reflected in on-chain metrics like market cap and realized cap. Realized cap determines the actual amount of money entering Bitcoin based on wallet movements, while market cap is based on the most recent price on exchanges. A bear market is typically shown by stagnation or decline of market capitalization despite a rise in realized cap. This indicates that although capital is entering the market, prices are not reacting. #Bitcoin bull cycle is over — here’s why. There’s a concept in on-chain data called Realized Cap. It works like this: when BTC enters a blockchain wallet, it's considered a "buy," and when it leaves, it's treated as a "sell." Using this idea, we can estimate an average cost… pic.twitter.com/xDHRin8N1K — Ki Young Ju (@ki_young_ju) April 5, 2025 Ju notes that a bull market happens when modest capital drives up prices. However, the current bearish trend is supported by the fact that even large capital purchases aren’t driving up the price of Bitcoin. He adds that historical data shows that a true reversal in the price of Bitcoin typically takes at least six months, making a short-term rally unlikely. You might also like: Bitcoin price could rise as U.S. bond yields, fear and greed index fall According to Coinglass data , Bitcoin had its worst Q1 Start since 2018, dropping 11.8%. Losses in the first quarter have historically had a mixed effect on Bitcoin’s yearly performance. COVID fears caused a 9.4% drop in 2020, but Bitcoin ended the year up more than 300%. However, Q1 losses in 2014, 2018, and 2022 signaled the end of bull runs and preceded bear markets. The recent decline comes after President Trump imposed new tariffs that have triggered market volatility worldwide. Although Bitcoin saw increases following Trump’s election, its status as a U.S. economic hedge is now in question due to these new tariffs, which have raised fears about a recession. Bitcoin’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainty will be tested in the months ahead. Read more: ‘Shock’ Fed warning risks crashing Bitcoin, altcoin prices
A crypto user has gone very long on Solana, staking a very small portion of the token for the next 3,000 years, according to blockchain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence. The unknown user staked $0.05 Solana ( SOL ) in 2023, and it will unlock in the year 5138, Arkham said in an April 5 post to X. Speaking to Cointelegraph, Vincent Liu, chief investment officer at Kronos Research, said the move was likely a symbolic sign of showing conviction in Solana’s long-term ecosystem . Source: Arkham Intelligence “Legacy staking is more than locking assets it’s a mindset. The real edge in crypto isn’t in chasing short-term hype, but in holding long-term conviction assets through cycles,” he said. Adding that: “this kind of thinking builds not just portfolios, but long term legacies.” SOL is currently trading for $102, according to CoinMarketCap. A January report from asset manager Bitwise predicts the token could be worth between $2,300 and over $6,000 by 2030. It's impossible to know what the staked SOL will be worth by the time it’s unlocked in a few thousand years, but Liu says it would likely be a significant sum. “If SOL appreciates just 2–5% annually, the compounding over 3,000 years becomes exponential. In any market condition, long-term compounding remains one of the most powerful financial forces,” he said. Staking Solana for over 3 millennia To put it into perspective, 5 cents compounded annually at a 3% annual interest rate would already result in over $486 undecillion (486 followed by 36 zeros) after 3,115 years. However, the Solana sum would likely be much higher, given staking rewards are paid out every two to three days and compounded. Users on X are speculating that the stake could be an attempt at creating generational wealth, or a random stunt with no real long-term plan. Source: Arkham Intelligence Kadan Stadelmann, chief technology officer at blockchain platform Komodo, told Cointelegraph he thinks the “3,000-year nickel play on SOL is a meme trade” that will one day be stamped on the SOL blockchain. Related: Solana TVL hits new high in SOL terms, DEX volumes show strength — Will SOL price react? “What will 3,000 years from now look like? Will humans still be around? Will the Solana blockchain? Such a long time horizon makes one ponder one’s place in the scheme of things,” Stadelmann said. He speculates people might even seek to outdo it by “making a 5,000-year play.” At the moment, depending on the platform and validator choice, Solana offers between 5% to 8% in staking rewards. Meanwhile, Cardano ( ADA ) starts at around 2%, and Ether ( ETH) staking rewards are between 2% and 7%. Four Solana whales recently profited over $200 million in a staking play that began in April 2021, when they staked 1.79 million Solana, worth $37.7 million at the time. A similar unlock is expected in 2028. Magazine: Bitcoin heading to $70K soon? Crypto baller funds SpaceX flight: Hodler’s Digest, March 30 – April 5
In a surprising Saturday reveal, tech giant Meta has dropped a bombshell in the AI world: Llama 4 , a brand-new suite of flagship Meta AI models . This latest iteration in the Llama family isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap, featuring four distinct models – Scout, Maverick, and the behemoth of them all, Behemoth – each trained on a massive dataset of text, images, and video. What does this mean for the crypto and tech-savvy audience? It signals a powerful shift towards more accessible and capable Open Source AI , potentially impacting everything from decentralized applications to AI-driven crypto trading tools. Unpacking the Power of Llama 4: A New Era of Meta AI Models The buzz around Llama 4 isn’t just hype. Meta claims these models boast a “broad visual understanding” thanks to their diverse training data. Industry whispers suggest that the impressive performance of open models from Chinese AI lab DeepSeek – models rivalling and even surpassing Meta’s previous Llama iterations – lit a fire under Meta’s development team. Fueled by competition, Meta reportedly launched intensive efforts to understand how DeepSeek managed to optimize the cost and deployment of their models like R1 and V3. The result? A new generation of Meta AI models designed for both power and efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what makes Llama 4 stand out: Open Access for Innovation: Scout and Maverick are readily available on Llama.com and through platforms like Hugging Face. This open access is crucial for developers in the crypto space and beyond, allowing for experimentation and integration into new and existing projects. Enhanced Meta AI Assistant: Meta’s AI assistant, Meta AI, already integrated across platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, has been upgraded to leverage the power of Llama 4 in 40 countries. While multimodal features are currently US-English exclusive, the global rollout indicates Meta’s commitment to widespread AI integration. Mixture of Experts (MoE) Architecture: Llama 4 marks Meta’s first foray into MoE architecture. This innovative approach divides complex tasks into sub-tasks, handled by smaller, specialized “expert” models. This leads to computational efficiency in both training and query processing, making these powerful models more accessible. Consider Maverick, for instance. It packs a staggering 400 billion total parameters, yet only utilizes 17 billion active parameters across 128 experts. Scout, while smaller, still boasts 17 billion active parameters and 109 billion total parameters. These numbers translate to significant processing power without exorbitant resource demands. Llama 4 vs. the Giants: How Meta’s Open Source AI Stacks Up Meta isn’t shy about pitting Llama 4 against industry titans. According to their internal tests, Maverick, designed for “general assistant and chat” applications, outperforms models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini 2.0 in specific areas like coding, reasoning, multilingual capabilities, long-context understanding, and image benchmarks. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro, Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet, or OpenAI’s GPT-4.5. Scout, on the other hand, carves out its niche with exceptional document summarization and large codebase reasoning abilities. Its standout feature? A massive 10 million token context window. To put that in perspective, Scout can ingest and process images and documents containing millions of words. This capability is game-changing for industries dealing with vast amounts of data, including financial analysis in the crypto market. Here’s a quick comparison table: Model Active Parameters Total Parameters Strengths Hardware Needs Scout 17 Billion 109 Billion Document Summarization, Code Reasoning, 10M Token Context Single Nvidia H100 GPU Maverick 17 Billion (out of 400B total) 400 Billion General Assistant, Chat, Coding, Reasoning Nvidia H100 DGX System Behemoth 288 Billion ~2 Trillion STEM Skills, Math Problem Solving Beefier Hardware (Unreleased) Generative AI and the Question of Bias: Llama 4’s Approach Generative AI models are increasingly scrutinized for biases, and Meta claims to have addressed this head-on with Llama 4 . Interestingly, Meta states they’ve tuned these models to be more willing to engage with “contentious” questions. According to a Meta spokesperson, Llama 4 is designed to provide “helpful, factual responses without judgment,” even on debated political and social topics. This move towards more balanced and less biased AI Chatbots is crucial, especially as concerns about AI censorship and political “wokeness” rise. This adjustment comes amidst accusations from some political figures that AI chatbots are overly biased. The challenge of bias in AI is indeed complex, as even Elon Musk’s xAI has faced difficulties in creating a chatbot free from political leanings. Meta’s efforts to create more responsive and balanced AI Chatbots are a significant step in navigating this intricate landscape. The EU Hurdle and Licensing: Navigating the Open Source AI Landscape However, the path to Open Source AI isn’t without its complexities. Developers in the EU face a significant hurdle: the Llama 4 license prohibits use or distribution for users and companies “domiciled” or with a “principal place of business” in the EU. This restriction likely stems from the EU’s stringent AI and data privacy regulations, which Meta has previously criticized as overly burdensome. Furthermore, similar to previous Llama releases, companies with over 700 million monthly active users need to request a special license from Meta, which Meta can approve or deny at its discretion. Conclusion: Llama 4 – A Bold Step in the Generative AI Revolution Llama 4 represents a significant stride in the evolution of Generative AI and Open Source AI . With its diverse models, MoE architecture, and focus on balanced responses, Meta is positioning itself as a key player in democratizing access to powerful AI. While licensing restrictions and the ongoing challenge of AI bias remain factors to consider, the release of Llama 4 undoubtedly marks “the beginning of a new era for the Llama ecosystem,” as Meta aptly stated. For the crypto world and beyond, this development opens exciting new possibilities for innovation and application. The race for AI dominance is heating up, and Meta’s Llama 4 is a powerful contender. To learn more about the latest Generative AI trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI Models future features.
The post Hong Kong’s HK SFC Unveils New Staking Rules for Crypto Platforms appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) has released updated guidelines for licensed virtual asset trading platforms. The new rules allow these platforms to offer staking services, enabling users to earn rewards on digital assets. However, the guidelines mandate strict risk reduction measures, robust protection of customer assets, and full disclosure of staking risks. The move aims to strike a balance between fostering crypto innovation and ensuring investor safety in Hong Kong’s rapidly evolving market, while driving sustainable growth.
In crypto, all it takes is one well-timed entry to change the game. For many traders, small stakes—like a $10 buy-in—are being placed on proven tokens with big upside history. Right now, three tokens stand out for this strategy: Solana, XRP, and Bitcoin (BTC). These assets have shown they can run when the market aligns. And with 2025 shaping up for another critical phase, they’re front and center. Meanwhile, ecosystems like Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), SUI, and Avalanche (AVAX) continue building strong infrastructure. But among the early-stage names drawing serious attention, one stands out for its clean model—MAGACOINFINANCE. PRE-SALE SELLING OUT – CLICK HERE TO SECURE A SPOT NOW MAGACOINFINANCE – Clean Structure, Fast Growth What makes MAGACOINFINANCE different isn’t just the low entry price—it’s the foundation. With over $5.3 million raised and a fixed 100 billion token supply, the project is fully public. No pre-market deals. No private allocations. Just open access for anyone who wants in. This level playing field is rare, and that’s why traders are watching it so closely. With growing wallet adoption, strong word of mouth, and listings coming soon, MAGACOINFINANCE is positioning itself as one of the last fair-launch opportunities left in the cycle. Momentum is climbing fast, and with limited supply remaining, the window to join before listings is narrowing by the day. The MAGA50X bonus offer is still active. This gives buyers a 50% increase in token allocation—but only until the final tokens are sold. The door is closing quickly, making this the last stage before launch. LIMITED TIME OFFER-GET 50% EXTRA BONUS WITH MAGA50X ADA, ETH, AVAX, and SUI Deliver Quiet Strength Cardano (ADA) continues to push research-first development across governance and scalability. Ethereum (ETH) remains essential in smart contract deployment and Layer 2 coordination. SUI is gaining attention for its developer-friendly tools and application speed. Avalanche (AVAX) continues building its cross-chain solutions with high performance. CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE NE-XT BILLION DOLLAR PROJECT Conclusion The $10-to-$10K journey may sound ambitious, but in crypto, it’s happened before—and traders believe it can happen again. Solana, XRP, and Bitcoin (BTC) are the current front-runners for that path in 2025. And with powerful networks like ADA, ETH, SUI, and AVAX continuing to develop, the overall market remains ripe with potential. For a fair and fast-moving early-stage project, MAGACOINFINANCE stands out as one of the most transparent and exciting setups this year. For more information on MAGACOINFINANCE and to participate in the pre-sale, visit: Website: magacoinfinance.com Twitter/X: https://x.com/magacoinfinance Continue Reading: $10 to $10K? Solana, XRP, and Bitcoin (BTC) Could Make It Happen
The post Crypto Sell-Off : Why Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Price Crashing Today? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News After hinting at possible stability last week, the wider crypto market – led by Bitcoin (BTC) – will be on the defensive side in the coming days. In the past 24 hours, the crypto market recorded heavy losses, with total forced liquidations of $1 billion , whereby the majority were long traders. As the Western financial markets gradually open on Monday, more losses are expected in the crypto market. Moreover, the wider Asian markets have set a bearish momentum, amid heightened fear of further capitulation. Also Read : Crypto Crashing Today : Chinese Stock Market , Nasdaq , Hang Seng Index, Nifty 50 Plunge Major Forces Behind Today’s Crypto Selloff Trade War Fears Bitcoin price led the wider altcoin market – led by Ethereum (ETH) and XRP – in a significant drop during the past 24 hours, largely because of the trade war fears. After China retaliated with reciprocal tariffs to the U.S. reciprocal tariffs, more nations, especially the European Union and Japan, are expected to announce similar measures this week. Consequently, crypto investors have accelerated profit-taking, while some traders took huge losses. Moreover, technical analysis shows the crypto market is slated to drop further in the coming days. Liquidation of Overleveraged Positions The crypto market recorded a forced liquidation of about $1.01 billion in the past 24 hours, whereby the long trades amounted to around $868 million. With over 323k traders impacted in the past 24 hours, including whale investors, the odds of a long squeeze increased, leading to further losses. Bearish Technical Setup The crypto market has been trapped in a bearish outlook since the second inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Bitcoin price has already retested a macro reversal pattern , thus aiming for around $60k next. When I started trading we created our own charts from graph paper? And you wonder why my generation still uses white backgrounds? If the young guns of today had started then, would they have used black paper with white, green and red ink pens? BTW, $54k is a 50% retrace in $BTC pic.twitter.com/pRZ3EeZbpo — Peter Brandt (@PeterLBrandt) April 6, 2025 Ethereum price has already closed below a weekly rising logarithmic trend established in late 2023. As a result, the bearish sentiment has the upper hand for Ether, amid low demand from institutional investors. Meanwhile, XRP price slipped below the crucial support level above $1.9 in the past 24 hours to trade at about $1.77 at the time of this writing. As a result, more bearish sentiment for XRP will likely continue in the coming days. Macroeconomic Concerns The wider crypto market has been reacting to macroeconomic concerns , especially amid the ongoing global trade wars. As Coinpedia reported, the odds of a recession in the United States significantly increased, as economists predicted rising inflation.
SOL's price action is only heading in one direction in the near term.
April 8th HTX DAO xTRON Hong Kong night is here! Top prize for live event 1 ETH! And massive 888, 388USDT The post HTX WEEKLY：6 Apr. 2025 first appeared on HTX Square .