Heads up, crypto enthusiasts! The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is stepping into the spotlight once again, this time to tackle a critical aspect of the digital asset world: crypto custody . Mark your calendars for April 25th because the SEC’s Crypto Task Force is hosting a public roundtable discussion that you absolutely won’t want to miss. Dubbed “Know Your Custodian,” this event promises to be a deep dive into the nitty-gritty of how digital assets are safeguarded. If you’re invested in crypto, or even just curious about the future of finance, this is your chance to get informed straight from the source. Why is Crypto Custody Suddenly a Hot Topic at the SEC Roundtable? You might be wondering, why all the fuss about crypto custody now? Well, as the cryptocurrency market matures and becomes more mainstream, the security and safekeeping of these digital assets are paramount. Think about it – we’re talking about potentially billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency. Who’s holding it? How safe is it? What are the rules of the game? The SEC’s roundtable is designed to address these very questions. It’s not just about understanding who’s holding your crypto; it’s about ensuring the entire ecosystem is secure, transparent, and trustworthy. This is a move towards greater investor protection and market integrity in the burgeoning world of digital finance. What’s on the Agenda for the SEC Roundtable on Crypto Custody? The “Know Your Custodian” roundtable is scheduled to run from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM local time at the SEC’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. The best part? It’s open to the public and will be livestreamed on the SEC website, making it accessible to anyone with an internet connection. No need to register if you’re tuning in online – just head to the SEC website on April 25th! Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect: Expert Panel Discussions: The roundtable will feature a panel of industry heavyweights. We’re talking representatives from major players in the digital asset custody space, including: Fireblocks Anchorage Digital Fidelity Digital Assets Kraken Copper WisdomTree Diverse Perspectives: With such a diverse lineup of panelists, you can anticipate a wide range of viewpoints on the challenges and best practices in crypto custody . Public Accessibility: The fact that this is a public event, livestreamed for all, underscores the SEC’s commitment to transparency and public engagement on these critical issues. Decoding Crypto Custody: What Does It Really Mean? Before we dive deeper, let’s quickly break down what crypto custody actually entails. In simple terms, crypto custody refers to the safekeeping and management of private keys that grant access to your cryptocurrencies. Unlike traditional assets held by banks, you are typically responsible for your own crypto keys. However, as institutional interest grows and regulatory frameworks evolve, the role of custodians is becoming increasingly important. Think of it like this: Aspect Traditional Custody (e.g., Stocks) Crypto Custody (e.g., Bitcoin) Asset Type Physical and digital records of ownership Digital assets secured by cryptographic keys Custody Provider Banks, brokerages, trust companies Specialized crypto custodians, exchanges, individuals Security Physical vaults, regulatory oversight Cryptographic security, cold storage, multi-signature wallets Regulation Well-established regulatory frameworks Evolving and less defined regulatory landscape Why is Secure Crypto Custody Vital for the Future of Crypto Regulation? Secure crypto custody is not just about protecting individual investors; it’s fundamentally linked to the broader future of crypto regulation and adoption. Here’s why it matters: Institutional Adoption: Large institutional investors, like pension funds and hedge funds, are increasingly interested in cryptocurrencies. However, they often require regulated and secure crypto custody solutions before they can confidently invest. Without robust custody frameworks, institutional capital might remain on the sidelines. Regulatory Clarity: Regulators like the SEC are keen to understand and address the risks associated with crypto custody . This roundtable is a clear signal that the SEC is actively working to develop a clearer regulatory framework for digital assets. Investor Confidence: High-profile hacks and security breaches in the crypto space can erode investor confidence. Strong crypto custody practices are essential for building trust and fostering a healthy market environment. Market Stability: Secure custody solutions contribute to the overall stability and maturity of the cryptocurrency market. They reduce the risks of theft, fraud, and loss, making the market more resilient and reliable. Key Questions to Consider Ahead of the SEC Roundtable on Crypto Custody As we approach the April 25th roundtable, here are some crucial questions to keep in mind: What are the biggest challenges in ensuring secure digital asset custody ? Are we talking about technological vulnerabilities, regulatory uncertainties, or operational risks? How can custodians balance security with accessibility and usability? Custody solutions need to be both secure and practical for users. What role should regulation play in shaping the future of crypto custody ? Is there a need for more prescriptive rules, or should regulation be more principles-based? How can we foster innovation in cryptocurrency security while maintaining robust investor protection? Finding the right balance is key to long-term growth and sustainability. What are the global best practices in crypto custody , and can the U.S. learn from international examples? The crypto market is global, and international cooperation is essential. Actionable Insights: What Can You Do? So, what can you do to stay informed and prepared? Tune into the Livestream: Make sure to watch the SEC roundtable on April 25th. It’s a direct line to understanding the regulatory perspective and industry best practices on crypto custody . Do Your Research: Familiarize yourself with different crypto custody solutions. Understand the risks and benefits of various approaches, whether it’s self-custody, exchange custody, or using a dedicated custodian. Stay Updated: Keep an eye on regulatory developments in the crypto regulation space. Changes in regulations can significantly impact how crypto custody operates. Engage in the Conversation: Follow industry discussions and contribute to the dialogue. Your voice matters in shaping the future of crypto. Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Crypto Custody and Regulation The SEC’s public roundtable on crypto custody is more than just a discussion; it’s a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry. It signals a proactive approach from regulators to grapple with the complexities of digital asset security and paves the way for clearer guidelines and potentially more robust regulations. For anyone involved in or interested in the crypto world, understanding crypto custody is no longer optional – it’s essential. April 25th could mark a significant step forward in shaping a secure and sustainable future for digital assets. Stay informed, stay engaged, and get ready for a crucial conversation. To learn more about the latest crypto regulation trends, explore our article on key developments shaping crypto regulation.
Mantra's CEO announced a plan to regain community trust after OM Coin's value drop. Steps include a token burn program to improve market transparency. Continue Reading: Mantra CEO Reassures Community After OM Coin’s Dramatic Value Drop The post Mantra CEO Reassures Community After OM Coin’s Dramatic Value Drop appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
Today in crypto, US President Donald Trump slammed the Federal Reserve chair for delaying rate cuts. CoinGecko says investor focus remains on memecoins and AI in early 2025. Meanwhile, Coinbase is distancing Base from a token it was criticized for promoting. Trump blasts ‘too late’ Powell for not cutting interest rates US President Donald Trump renewed his criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, accusing him of being too slow to cut interest rates and escalating a long-running conflict that risks undermining the central bank’s political independence. With the European Central Bank (ECB) cutting interest rates again on April 17, “Too Late” Powell has failed to act appropriately in the United States, even with inflation falling, Trump said on Truth Social on April 17. “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough!” Trump said. Florida Senator Rick Scott agreed with the president, saying , “it’s time for new leadership at the Federal Reserve.” Source: realDonaldTrump Trump’s public criticism of the Fed breaks a decades-long convention in American politics that sought to safeguard the central bank from political scrutiny, which includes any executive decision to replace the chair. In an April 16 address at the Economic Club of Chicago , Powell said Fed independence is “a matter of law.” Powell previously signaled his intent to serve out the remainder of his tenure, which expires in May 2026. AI tokens, memecoins dominate crypto narratives in Q1 2025: CoinGecko The cryptocurrency market is recycling old narratives , with few new trends emerging to replace the leading themes in the first quarter of 2025. Artificial intelligence tokens and memecoins were the dominant crypto narratives in the first quarter of 2025, accounting for 62.8% of investor interest, according to a quarterly research report by CoinGecko . AI tokens captured 35.7% of global investor interest, overtaking the 27.1% share of memecoins, which remained in second place. Out of the top 20 crypto narratives of the quarter, six were memecoin categories while five were AI-related. AI tokens, memecoins, were leading crypto narratives in Q1 2025: CoinGecko “Seems like we have yet to see another new narrative emerge and we are still following past quarters’ trends,” said Bobby Ong, the co-founder and chief operating officer of CoinGecko, in an April 17 X post . “I guess we are all tired from the same old trends repeating themselves.” Interest in memecoins saw a sharp increase ahead of US President Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20 after his team launched the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin on Jan. 18 and the Official Melania (MELANIA) token on Jan. 19 on the Solana network. However, some industry watchers are concerned that memecoins are draining capital from utility tokens, such as Solana ( SOL ), limiting their price potential. Coinbase distances Base from highly criticized memecoin that dumped $15 million Crypto exchange Coinbase has distanced its blockchain network Base from a memecoin it shared on X on April 16 that saw massive backlash after the token rapidly gained, then dropped in value. Base shared an image on X with its marketing tagline, “Base is for everyone,” alongside a link to a token of the same name on Zora, a social network where users can make posts into crypto tokens. The token hit a peak market capitalization of $17.1 million just over an hour after it was created before it then dropped by nearly 90% in the next 20 minutes to $1.9 million before making a recovery. A Coinbase spokeswoman distanced Base from the token, telling Cointelegraph that “Base did not launch a token. This is not an official Base token, and Base did not sell this token.” “Base posted on Zora, which automatically tokenizes content,” the spokeswoman said. G8keep co-founder Harrison Leggio said the token was sniped at launch, with two wallets making off with $300,000 in profits. Source: Harrison Leggio Hundreds of X posts criticized Base over the token, while others argued Base just poorly executed a plan to try to redefine memecoins. Base creator Jesse Pollack also defended Base's creation of the token, saying on X that “someone has to normalize putting all of our content onchain. I'm not afraid for it to be us.”
President Donald Trump already nominated Jay Clayton for the U.S. Attorney post, but Democratic minority leader Chuck Schumer has blocked the nomination, leaving Clayton in interim status. Trump-Era SEC Chairman Clayton to Lead SDNY Temporarily Former Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Jay Clayton will have to wait a little longer before
Hold onto your hats, crypto enthusiasts! The AI world is about to get a whole lot bigger, and it could have ripple effects across the digital landscape, including the crypto sphere. OpenAI’s monumental Stargate project, a colossal $500 billion undertaking focused on building cutting-edge AI infrastructure , is reportedly setting its sights on international expansion . Initially conceived to bolster AI capabilities within the U.S., this groundbreaking initiative might soon be spreading its wings to the UK, Germany, and France, according to a Financial Times report. For those in crypto, where innovation and technological advancement are the lifeblood, this news signals a massive leap forward in the underlying tech that powers much of the digital world. Why is OpenAI Stargate Eyeing Global Horizons? The Stargate project, a powerhouse collaboration between AI giant OpenAI, tech titan Oracle, and investment behemoth SoftBank, was always envisioned as a game-changer. Launched with the initial goal of fortifying America’s AI infrastructure , its potential impact was immediately clear. Former President Trump even hailed it as a “declaration of confidence in America.” However, the sheer scale of AI’s growth and the global demand for robust data centers are likely driving this ambitious push for international expansion . Here’s a breakdown of what we know and why this global ambition is significant: Massive Investment: Stargate is a $500 billion project, signaling the immense scale of investment required for next-generation AI infrastructure . Key Players: The collaboration of OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank brings together leading expertise in AI development, cloud computing, and global investment. U.S. Focus Initially: While the initial focus remains on the U.S., the consideration of international locations demonstrates a long-term global vision. Potential Locations: The UK, Germany, and France are reportedly being considered for this international expansion , highlighting Europe’s strategic importance in the AI race. Funding Stage: Stargate is currently in the process of raising its first $100 billion, with SoftBank expected to contribute significantly through a mix of debt and equity. What Does This Mean for the Future of AI Infrastructure and Beyond? The potential international expansion of the OpenAI Stargate project carries significant implications: Benefits: Accelerated AI Development: Expanded AI infrastructure globally can accelerate the pace of AI research and development, leading to faster innovation across various sectors. Increased Computing Power: More data centers mean more processing power available for complex AI models, enabling more sophisticated and powerful AI applications. Global AI Accessibility: International expansion can democratize access to advanced AI resources, fostering innovation in more regions worldwide. Economic Growth: Investments in AI infrastructure create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the regions where data centers are established. Enhanced Technological Capabilities: Robust AI infrastructure is crucial for advancements in various technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and autonomous systems, all relevant to the crypto and digital asset space. Challenges: Regulatory Hurdles: International expansion involves navigating diverse regulatory landscapes and compliance requirements across different countries. Geopolitical Considerations: Strategic investments in technology infrastructure can raise geopolitical considerations and require careful navigation of international relations. Resource Management: Building and operating massive data centers require significant resources, including energy and skilled personnel, posing logistical and sustainability challenges. Data Security and Privacy: Expanding AI infrastructure globally necessitates robust measures to ensure data security and privacy across different jurisdictions. Competition: The global race for AI dominance is intensifying, and OpenAI Stargate will face competition from other major players in the AI infrastructure space. Data Centers : The Unsung Heroes of the AI Revolution At the heart of the OpenAI Stargate project and its international expansion are data centers . These facilities are the physical backbone of the digital world, housing the servers and networking equipment that power the internet, cloud computing, and, crucially, AI. As AI models become increasingly complex, the demand for powerful data centers is exploding. Projects like Stargate are essential to meet this demand and ensure that the infrastructure keeps pace with the rapid advancements in AI technology. Think of data centers as the power plants of the AI era. They provide the computational energy needed to train massive AI models, run complex algorithms, and process vast amounts of data. Without these robust facilities, the AI revolution would grind to a halt. Actionable Insights: What Should Crypto and Tech Enthusiasts Watch For? For those in the cryptocurrency and broader tech communities, the OpenAI Stargate project’s international expansion is a development worth watching closely: Monitor Global AI Infrastructure Growth: Keep an eye on investments and developments in AI infrastructure worldwide. This sector is poised for explosive growth, creating opportunities and shaping the future of technology. Track Regulatory Landscapes: Pay attention to how different countries are regulating AI and data centers . Regulatory frameworks will significantly impact the pace and direction of international expansion . Consider Investment Opportunities: The growth of AI infrastructure and data centers could present investment opportunities in related sectors, including energy, hardware, and software solutions. Understand the Impact on Crypto: As AI becomes more integrated into various industries, including finance, its impact on the crypto space will likely grow. Enhanced AI infrastructure can support more sophisticated blockchain applications and potentially influence cryptocurrency markets. Stay Informed about OpenAI and SoftBank: Keep abreast of news and announcements from OpenAI and SoftBank regarding the Stargate project and their broader AI strategies. These companies are key drivers of innovation in the AI landscape. Conclusion: A Gigantic Leap Towards a Globally Powered AI Future OpenAI Stargate ‘s potential international expansion is a monumental step towards building a globally robust AI infrastructure . This ambitious project, backed by industry giants like Oracle and SoftBank , signals a profound commitment to the future of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential. As data centers become the cornerstones of this new AI-powered era, the implications for technology, economy, and society are immense. For the crypto world, this signifies a strengthening of the digital foundations upon which future innovations will be built, potentially unlocking new possibilities and reshaping the technological landscape we know. To learn more about the latest AI market trends, explore our article on key developments shaping AI features .
Firms like Strategy, Tesla, and Coinbase have purchased billions of dollars worth of Bitcoin between them. These are the biggest whales.
The post Kraken Exchange to List Binance Coin $BNB on April 22 With Four Trading Pairs appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News BNB has shown significant market resilience similar to Bitcoin in the recent past catalyzed by rising demand. Bullish sentiment has been building up for the BNB price in the last three months, but it could be delayed if the support level at $520 is breached. In a surprising move to crypto traders, Kraken Exchange had not listed Binance Coin (BNB) until now. Earlier on Thursday, Kraken Exchange announced that deposits and withdrawals of BNB are enabled ahead of the April 22 listing. Kraken Exchange will list BNB against the U.S. dollars, the EUR, USDC, and USDT. However, Kraken Exchange announced that geographical restrictions will be imposed where applicable. The announcement attracted different reactions from the crypto community. While some were surprised that Kraken had not listed the fifth largest crypto assets by market cap, Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao said that ‘BNB is a memecoin’. Top Reasons Why Kraken Listed BNB? The listing of BNB at Kraken Exchange was strategic after years of existence. On the top list, BNB has gained significant regulatory clarity in the past few years, led by the United States. Under the Donald Trump administration, Kraken Exchange has also expanded its services offering to compete with other similar firms. The adoption of BNB has grown significantly in the past few years, bolstered by the Binance exchange. Moreover, the rising on-chain activity for the BNB chain has helped burn over 60 million tokens worth over $34 billion. Midterm Expectations Since the beginning of 2025, BNB price has closely followed Bitcoin price action. The large-cap altcoin, with a fully diluted valuation of about $86 billion and a 24-hour average trading volume of about $526 million, has shown significant market resilience amid the ongoing global trade war. In the daily timeframe, BNB price has been forming a potential reversal pattern since the second inauguration of Trump. Notably, BNB price has established a robust support level above $520, coupled with a bullish divergence of the Relative Strength Index (RSI).
Tariffs on Chinese goods worry many Americans, according to a recent survey. Nearly half of the 3,600 adults questioned in the survey said higher duties on imports from China would hurt the nation and their wallets. 44% of Republicans called the levies good for the country, but 80% of Democrats said they would do harm. “Regardless of what they think about the trade relationship, they’re divided about whether tariffs will be good for the country,” said Christine Huang, the report’s lead author. Seventy-seven percent hold an unfavorable opinion of China, and three‑quarters express little or no confidence in President Xi Jinping’s handling of world affairs. Thirty-three percent label China an enemy, while 42% rank it as the top threat to the United States. At the same time, 73% say Beijing’s global influence is rising. The tariff hikes, announced in early April, pushed duties on electric vehicles, batteries, and solar cells past 100%. This prompted China to announce retaliatory measures that could target American farm goods and tech firms. Americans judge their country as stronger overall. Only 38% describe China as the leading economic power, and just 14% place it ahead of the United States militarily. At the same time, two‑thirds believe tension across the Taiwan Strait matters for U.S. interests, on par with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. The survey’s findings mark the first significant easing of anti‑China sentiment in five years. Negative views peaked in 2024. This softer edge appears on both sides. Republicans remain the most critical but are now less likely to call China more powerful than the United States, while some Democrats increasingly cite Russia as America’s main competitor. Forty-seven percent say commerce favors China, while the remainder deem it balanced or are unsure. Worries about recent tariffs have grown Back in 2021, more Americans said tariffs would leave them untouched; today, many of them are hurt by the increased rates. The survey’s domestic political layer runs through almost every question. 86% of Republicans lack confidence in Xi, compared with 78% of Democrats. 44% of GOP respondents welcome tariffs; barely one in five Democrats agree. The survey interviewed U.S. adults online from March 18 to 24, before Beijing answered Washington’s latest measures. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.1% points. Recently, Trump has been urging nations to propose negotiations . He met with the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House on Thursday, after hosting a Japanese delegation on Wednesday. As the world’s two biggest economies swap tariffs, the American public remains wary of China’s retaliation and Washington’s chosen response. Cryptopolitan Academy: Coming Soon - A New Way to Earn Passive Income with DeFi in 2025. Learn More
Gary Gensler has once again voiced concern over the crypto industry, stating that most digital assets are driven almost entirely by market sentiment rather than solid fundamentals. In a recent appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, the former Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair warned that this makes many altcoins vulnerable to sudden collapse. BTC’s Long-Term Value “If you were interested in [crypto], think about [how] every financial asset sort of trades on a bit of fundamentals and sentiment, but this field is almost 99%, or maybe one might say 100%, sentiment and very little on fundamentals,” Gensler said in the interview . He was quick to warn that most digital assets may not be very useful: “I don’t think we humans will have a fascination with ten or 15,000 memes or sentiment tokens trading over the years,” he said. He, however, added that it was important for individuals to assess their personal risk and examine the underlying fundamentals, noting that tokens driven solely by sentiment often perform poorly and tend to decline. The MIT lecturer also separated BTC from other altcoins, acknowledging that the flagship cryptocurrency might endure because of worldwide interest. “Bitcoin may persist for a very long time because there’s 7 billion people around the globe with real keen interest in it.” Additionally, Gensler likened Bitcoin to gold, noting that although there are numerous metals, public interest generally concentrates on the most precious, gold and silver. Gensler’s Comments on Tariffs and AI Beyond crypto, the 67-year-old weighed in on the U.S.-China tariff landscape. While stating that the United States maintains the deepest and most liquid markets globally, he linked recent financial market volatility to policy uncertainty. Only last week, digital asset investment products experienced record outflows of nearly $800 million as markets grappled with tariff issues. Reflecting on his own negotiations with Chinese officials, he noted that although China did not always follow established rules in the past, bipartisan efforts had led to agreements that the country has largely honored. However, the former SEC official cautioned that the current tariff situation could escalate into a “quagmire,” stressing the need for consistent, respectful, and private diplomacy. He explained that China often disengages when confronted with inconsistent policy messaging. Now back at the MIT Sloan School of Management, Gensler is teaching and researching Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Finance. When asked about the growing use of AI in crypto trading, he described it as “the most transformative technology of our times,” noting its growing impact on finance, investment management, underwriting, and trading. He projected major changes in the next five to twelve years, driven by algorithms with humans still playing a role. However, he noted that AI is not yet fast enough for high-frequency trading applications. The post Former SEC Head Gensler Slams Crypto Fundamentals, Endorses Bitcoin appeared first on CryptoPotato .
Cryptocurrency analysis firm MakroVision has evaluated the latest technical outlook for Solana (SOL). The analysis highlights the recovery trend that SOL has been showing in recent days. The strong reaction, especially after the successful retracement to the 0.665 Fibonacci level (~$105), carries promising signals for investors, according to the analytics firm. Solana managed to break above the technically critical red falling trend line, which is considered the first positive signal. While it is stated that the rise that started at around $96 is of an impulsive nature, the previous lows must be broken for this structure to be permanent. SOL has reached the first serious resistance level in the $135-$138 band. If this level is broken upwards, the price is expected to accelerate to $159. There is a significant liquidity zone at this level. In particular, a break of the previous low peak at $147 could confirm a strong trend reversal. Related News: Here are the Most Popular Cryptocurrency Exchanges in the Last Three Months - Top 10 List What Are The Support Levels For Solana? $126: Previous resistance is now a short-term support. $117 – $118: The 0.618 Fibonacci level stands out as the main reaction point in a possible pullback. As a result of the analysis, MakroVision claimed that the first bullish signals appeared in the technical structure of Solana, but the breakout of the $147 level would confirm a real trend reversal. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Has the Bull Started in Solana (SOL)? Hit April High – Here’s the Level Analytics Company Points to for a Rally