Deutsche Bank AG is addressing regulatory challenges that banks face when using public blockchains, such as the risk of unknowingly transacting with criminals or sanctioned groups. According to a Bloomberg report the bank launched its test version of Project Dama 2, an asset servicing pilot, in November. This platform’s layer two system relies on public blockchains to provide a more affordable and efficient transaction. Boon-Hiong Chan, a Deutsche Bank Asia-Pacific innovation lead, said that the bank’s Layer 2 connects to Ethereum, one of the blockchain’s busiest networks. Deutsche Bank sees blockchain as a means to deal with margin pressures in financial services Chan explained that public blockchains such as Ethereum pose risks to regulated banks. The risks include uncertainty regarding who is performing the validation of transactions, the possibility of paying fees to sanctioned entities, and the possibility of unexpected changes to the blockchain. Chan added “Using two chains, a number of these regulatory concerns should be able to be satisfied.” Project Dama 2 is one of several initiatives in Singapore’s Project Guardian, where 24 major financial institutions are looking to tokenize assets via blockchain. Deutsche Bank, among other advocates, sees blockchain as a means to deal with margin pressures in financial services. But there are still questions as to how far banks should go in the crypto world. A Step-By-Step System To Launching Your Web3 Career and Landing High-Paying Crypto Jobs in 90 Days.
FTX and its affiliated debtors have announced that their Chapter 11 reorganization plan will officially take effect on January 3, 2025. This day has also been designated as the initial distribution record date for those holding allowed claims in the plan’s convenience classes. Distribution Details According to a press release , payments for these claims are expected to begin within 60 days of the plan’s effective date. In line with this, recipients must complete know-your-customer (KYC) procedures and fulfill other distribution requirements, including submitting tax forms. This first round of payments will only apply to the convenience classes, with FTX noting that separate records and payment dates for other classes of claims will be announced later. The court-approved reorganization plan, finalized in October 2024, received overwhelming support from creditors, who stand to recover an average of 119% of the value of their claims. Furthermore, under the terms of the initiative, some will receive up to 140% in cash. FTX estimates that total recoveries will range between $14.7 billion and $16.5 billion. These repayments have been made possible through efforts to reclaim assets from various parties, including the U.S. Department of Justice and international regulators. The company’s CEO, John J. Ray III, highlighted that the latest development demonstrated the significant success of the recovery efforts. “For the past two years, our team of professionals have meticulously and efficiently worked to recover billions of dollars to reach this point.” He added that FTX is now in a strong position to begin reimbursing funds to customers and creditors. He also encouraged claim holders to ensure they complete all the necessary steps to avoid delays in receiving their payments. Distribution Agents and FTX Convictions To support the distribution process, the defunct exchange has partnered with two crypto custodians, BitGo and Kraken. The duo will help disburse the funds to both retail and institutional customers as well as other claimants in supported jurisdictions. FTX’s bankruptcy filing in late 2022 was one of the most significant collapses in the crypto industry. It was marked by several high-profile sentences, including the November 2023 conviction of former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy, resulting in a 25-year imprisonment. In May 2024, FTX Digital Markets co-CEO Ryan Salame was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison, while Caroline Ellison, the former head of Alameda Research, received a two-year prison term. Two other executives, Nishad Singh and Gary Wang, avoided prison altogether. The post Here’s When FTX’s Court-Approved Chapter 11 Plan Will Take Effect appeared first on CryptoPotato .
HodlX Guest Post Submit Your Post 2024 will be recognized as the year when crypto and blockchain finally mainstreamed their legitimacy. While the crypto industry is no stranger to adversity, this year has seen a surge of optimism regarding its potential. With the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, the global cryptocurrency market has surpassed a valuation of $3 trillion for the first time in over three years. This resurgence is driven by a demand for Bitcoin and other digital assets, coinciding with the new administration’s policies and market sentiment. With the clouds starting to part, regulatory clarity and infrastructural progress have emerged as two key factors driving the industry’s successes and hard-earned legitimacy. This shift has fueled a steady influx of VC (venture capital) investments over the course of 2024, signaling the market is both maturing and preparing for a major breakout. So, how can startups take advantage of 2025’s fresh possibilities to garner VC attention? The answer lies in reflecting on the past year. Gains of 2024 This year welcomed a new level of maturity for the crypto sector, with some of the most successful projects prioritizing security, compliance and building trust with investors and the broader Web 3.0 community. Just two weeks into the year, the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs supercharged market confidence, attracting institutional and retail investors. But why? The move legitimized Bitcoin in the eyes of skeptics, fueling interest in crypto to the general public and driving gradual price gains. By making Bitcoin more accessible through traditional financial markets, the approval opened the gates for larger institutional investments , which had previously been cautious about direct exposure to the crypto market. And now, Trump’s re-election has produced a market surge, with Bitcoin prices reaching a historic high, surging over 129% in 2024. While the specifics of Trump’s crypto policy remain uncertain, he is widely anticipated to be a strong ally to the industry, fueling optimism for what lies ahead. One of the most welcomed developments over the last 12 months has been the convergence between crypto and AI . While it was always clear that these two transformative technologies would eventually intersect, few could have predicted the speed and scale at which they merged – a nd the surface of what’s possible is only just being scratched. While there is no crystal ball to predict exactly what’s coming next year, startups can use 2024 as a compass, pinpointing which trends will be on VCs radar. Solving scalability through infrastructure For startups looking to scale successfully, one of the most critical areas to address is the infrastructure sector, particularly in the ongoing development and scaling of Ethereum’s ecosystem. As Ethereum continues to grow rapidly, scalability remains a major barrier, making it a key focus for VCs looking to invest in solutions that can handle high-volume transactions efficiently. Layer-two solutions are becoming increasingly essential in addressing the challenges facing Ethereum , and VCs are keen to support startups in developing the infrastructure needed to enhance the network’s efficiency, security and accessibility. Pioneering privacy solutions with AI and blockchain In 2025, AI and blockchain are set to significantly advance data privacy, addressing concerns highlighted by copyright lawsuits involving several high-profile companies . Innovations such as FHE (fully homomorphic encryption) and federated learning are set to pave the way for privacy-preserving AI training. Startups combining AI and blockchain to safeguard privacy while creating value for users are positioned to attract investor attention. In particular, solutions that allow individuals to maintain control over their data and be compensated for its use could disrupt traditional data-sharing models, creating new business opportunities. Beyond privacy, there are clear challenges in AI that Web 3.0 could help address, including improving accessibility and democratization, creating pathways for monetization and ownership and fostering incentives for open contributions. While the future remains uncertain, the growth of consumer adoption and institutional investment is likely to strengthen the foundations of the crypto industry and drive sustainable progress. In the coming year, we expect VCs to deepen their commitments, focusing on building long-term value while supporting talented founders whose solutions will drive the next wave of innovation. The rise of PayFi While DeFi has made steady progress, its full integration into traditional financial systems is still unfolding. Interest in DeFi is on the rise, and in 2025, the focus will shift towards PayFi (payment finance). First introduced last July, PayFi leverages blockchain as a settlement layer, using Web 3.0 payments and DeFi protocols to create more transparent, cost-effective and efficient financial transactions. For VCs, investing in PayFi startups presents an opportunity to be involved in the next wave of financial innovation, which is set to reshape the relationship between crypto and TradFi (traditional finance). Increasing focus on real-world assets for investment opportunities Tokenized RWAs (real-world assets) are quickly becoming a popular investment. By 2030, the market for tokenized RWAs is projected to reach $16 trillion , as companies are looking to bring more traditional asset classes onto blockchain platforms. ANZ, one of Australia’s top four banks, recently partnered with Singapore’s Project Guardian to explore tokenizing RWAs, which is an example of an institution looking to expand access to a wider range of asset classes. VCs should look out for projects innovating in this space, as tokenized RWAs allow even those with limited capital to participate in substantial ventures, opening opportunities for financial growth and stability, Bringing stablecoins and TradFi together As blockchain continues to align with TradFi, the stablecoin market will be a pivotal sector to watch. VCs should be keenly interested in the growing stablecoin market, particularly as major players recently announced new initiatives that will allow banks to issue stablecoins and other fiat-backed tokens internationally. Stablecoins, alongside payments and yield protocols, are expected to play a central role in the continued Web 3.0 expansion by providing stable, scalable and interoperable solutions for DeFi applications. They help to ensure seamless value transfer, which has the potential to help foster greater adoption across markets globally. As new projects enter the DeFi playing field, VCs will continue to intensify their investments, prioritizing the creation of long-term value and continue backing founders whose solutions are set to fuel and lead the next wave of progress in the blockchain and Web 3.0 ecosystem. James Wo is the founder and CEO of DFG . He is a seasoned entrepreneur and crypto space investor, establishing DFG in 2015. He currently manages a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in assets. With a track record as an early investor, James has supported companies such as Circle, Ledger, Coinlist, Render Network and ZetaChain. Check Latest Headlines on HodlX Follow Us on Twitter Facebook Telegram Check out the Latest Industry Announcements Disclaimer: Opinions expressed at The Daily Hodl are not investment advice. Investors should do their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency or digital assets. Please be advised that your transfers and trades are at your own risk, and any loses you may incur are your responsibility. The Daily Hodl does not recommend the buying or selling of any cryptocurrencies or digital assets, nor is The Daily Hodl an investment advisor. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing. Generated Image: Midjourney The post A Web 3.0 VC’s Guide to Surviving and Thriving in 2025 appeared first on The Daily Hodl .
The post Crenshaw Denied Renomination as SEC Chair, XRP Supporters Celebrate appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News Great news for the crypto industry: SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw will not be renominated. According to Fox Business’ Eleanor Terrett, a Senate aide confirmed that the Senate Banking Committee’s scheduled vote on her nomination has been canceled. Crenshaw, who was known for her anti-crypto stance, even opposed the approval of the Bitcoin spot ETF, issuing a dissent. This victory is seen as a step forward for the crypto community, with many expecting a pro-crypto shift in the SEC under new leadership. Crypto advocates flooded the Senate with 107,000 emails opposing Crenshaw’s renomination, showing the strength of the industry’s voice. Additionally, Senator Cynthia Lummis predicts that 2025 will be a major year for Bitcoin and digital assets, with David Sacks serving as the crypto czar. Crenshaw, appointed to the SEC in 2020 under the Trump administration and later renominated by President Biden, has been a strong ally of SEC Chair Gary Gensler. She is considered even more anti-crypto than Gensler, especially due to her opposition to key crypto policies. With Crenshaw not being renominated as SEC Chair, it significantly boosts the likelihood that the SEC will not continue its pursuit of Ripple Labs. This also opens the door for President Trump to appoint someone new, potentially more favorable to the crypto space. Why Didn’t The Crypto Market React? When an X user remarked that one would have expected this news to affect the market, attorney Fred Rispoli responded, saying, “These kinds of moves are fairly esoteric, and only the most dialed-in crypto folks are following it. It will probably take 1-2 days to percolate in a wider fashion.”
Bitcoin has continued its upward trajectory as recent market trends highlight a shift in investor behaviour. According to data shared by CryptoQuant analyst Avocado Onchain, spot market demand has emerged as a significant driving force behind Bitcoin’s ongoing price increases. This trend indicates growing buying pressure from long-term investors, as speculative activity in the futures market appears to be cooling. Related Reading: Bitcoin’s Next Big Move? Key Metric Reveals When to Cash In Profits Bitcoin Spot Market Demand Gains Strength The analyst’s observations provide insights into Bitcoin’s ongoing bull cycle, which began in the first half of 2023. According to Avocado, initially, the futures market led the charge in pushing Bitcoin’s price upward, signalling a speculative phase fuelled by short-term traders. However, this momentum was interrupted earlier this year when both the futures and spot markets experienced reduced trading activity starting in March. Since October, market activity has returned, with trading volumes rising across both futures and spot markets, providing fresh support for Bitcoin’s rally. In his analysis, Avocado Onchain noted a key trend: while futures market activity has recently declined, demand in the spot market has been steadily increasing. Spot market activity refers to the actual purchase of Bitcoin on exchanges for immediate delivery, typically driven by investors with a long-term perspective. This stands in contrast to futures markets, where traders speculate on price movements using contracts that do not require immediate ownership of the asset. Spot Market Demand Takes the Lead as Bitcoin Continues Its Upward Momentum “While futures market activity has declined, spot market demand continues to increase. This suggests that speculative excess in the futures market is cooling, while buying pressure in the spot market is… pic.twitter.com/M4o4TsG02V — CryptoQuant.com (@cryptoquant_com) December 17, 2024 What This Means For BTC The analyst suggests that this shift indicates speculative excess in the futures market may be stabilizing. Historically, overheated futures markets have led to volatility, often triggering liquidations. However, the cooling of futures market activity, coupled with rising spot market demand, reflects a more sustainable form of buying pressure that can underpin Bitcoin’s long-term growth. The CryptoQuant analyst noted: Looking ahead, the futures market is likely to undergo cycles of overheating and liquidations, which will contribute to Bitcoin’s price growth. This price movement will, in turn, encourage further capital inflows into the spot market. Additionally, Avocado Onchain pointed to the 30-day exponential moving average (EMA) of Bitcoin’s funding rate, which shows “no signs of late-cycle overheating.” Related Reading: Bitcoin To Hit $180,000 If These Cycle Top Indicators Are Absent, Says VanEck’s Sigel The funding rate measures the cost of holding futures contracts and is often used as an indicator of market sentiment. Avocado mentioned that as BTC funding rate remains balanced, it suggests that BTC’s price movements are not being driven solely by leveraged positions, reducing the risk of sudden price reversals. Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView
Law enforcement’s swift action seized $900,000 in bitcoin from a Nigerian fraud scheme, and its soaring value may fully reimburse victims of a $1 million scam. Bitcoin Boom: Law Enforcement’s Quick Move Recovers Millions for Scam Victims The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington announced on Monday that bitcoin seized during a
Scammers have devised a new phishing tactic targeting Ledger users, warning of a fake data breach to solicit sensitive seed phrases. In a twist of digital deception, fraudulent emails claiming
The post Cynthia Lummis Pushes For Strategic Bitcoin Reserve appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News The U.S. government, under President-elect Donald Trump, is seriously looking at the idea of creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve . With Bitcoin hitting record highs, important figures like Senator Cynthia Lummis and Dennis Porter are pushing hard to make it happen. The plan is to make Bitcoin a part of U.S. fiscal policy. This could help strengthen the U.S. dollar and even improve national security. It’s a bold idea that could completely reshape how America handles money. Cynthia Lummis and Her Vision for Bitcoin Cynthia Lummis, the Wyoming Senator, has been a Bitcoin supporter for a long time. She sees Bitcoin not just as a cryptocurrency, but as something that could help secure America’s financial future. She’s backing a proposal to turn part of the U.S. gold reserves into Bitcoin. Lummis argues this would save the government billions and give the dollar a much-needed boost. Source : X.com But she’s not in this alone. David Sacks, a venture capitalist who’s been named the “ Crypto Czar ,” is working alongside her to push for a new law that would make Bitcoin a key part of the U.S. reserves. This partnership is all about making sure the economy stays strong, even as we head into a more digital age. Dennis Porter and the Executive Order Dennis Porter, the CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, shared the first page of an Executive order via an X post. This EO could pave the way for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This will allow the U.S Treasury to manage BTC as a reserve asset along with the dollar and gold. MASSIVE BREAKING: I can confirm that my team has finalized a model EXECUTIVE ORDER for the president of the United States to establish a ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve’ pic.twitter.com/rz3issLf2H — Dennis Porter (@Dennis_Porter_) December 17, 2024 The executive order also proposes taking around 200,000 Bitcoin—seized in criminal cases and worth about $20 billion—and using them as part of this reserve. Instead of selling these assets at auction, they would be put to work for national financial stability. To ensure transparency, the Treasury would oversee Bitcoin with robust security and conduct regular audits. What’s Next for Bitcoin in U.S. Reserves? If the plan goes ahead, the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve could have a major impact on the U.S. economy. It might help cut down the national debt, protect the country from inflation. It can even make the dollar more competitive on the global stage. Beyond that, it could give the U.S. a stronger negotiating position against economic powers like China and Russia. While the proposal sounds promising, it’s clear that challenges remain. From legal hurdles to market volatility, the next steps will be crucial in determining whether this ambitious plan becomes a reality.
Scammers are spoofing the support email for hardware wallet maker Ledger, prompting users to share their seed phrases under the pretense of checking for a compromise.
Cryptocurrency prices are moving again, and Bitcoin and ZIGnaly are leading with promising updates. Bitcoin remains the face of stability in crypto, while ZIGnaly continues to attract users with its powerful trading tools. But the hottest name buzzing through the crypto streets is Qubetics ($TICS) , where analysts are predicting monumental returns after its mainnet launch. Qubetics is offering a fresh approach by addressing real-life blockchain problems that its competitors simply couldn’t solve. With its presale stages closing quickly every week, the project has investors scrambling to secure tokens before the next price hike. Let’s dive into why Qubetics, Bitcoin, and ZIGnaly are the best coins to invest in this month . Qubetics Promises Life-Changing Returns with Revolutionary Solutions Qubetics is the rising star that everyone’s talking about. Its presale has already raised over $6.9 million across 13 stages, selling over 350 million $TICS tokens . The token price currently sits at $0.0342, but analysts are projecting massive returns for early investors, with the price expected to reach $0.25 by the presale’s end, delivering a 630.19% ROI. Post-launch predictions are even more impressive, with $1 translating to a 2820.78% ROI and $5 promising an astonishing 14,503.91% ROI. To put it into perspective: An investment of $550,000 in $TICS at its current presale price could grow into $240,414,515 if the token reaches $15 post-launch. These numbers aren’t just ambitious—they’re realistic, given the project’s massive potential. One of Qubetics’ standout offerings is the QubeQode IDE . This intuitive development platform makes building blockchain applications simple for businesses and individuals alike. Small Businesses: Take a local retail shop wanting to accept digital payments. With QubeQode’s drag-and-drop tools, the shop owner can create a smart contract in minutes for tokenized loyalty rewards—no coding required. Developers: For tech enthusiasts, QubeQode’s form-based configuration speeds up dApp development, allowing creators to launch secure, scalable applications faster. Enterprises: Large companies can leverage pre-built components for token management and user authentication to streamline their internal processes while ensuring data security. With every presale stage ending at midnight each Sunday, Qubetics increases the token price by 10%, creating urgency for investors. If you want more details about this groundbreaking project, watch this video . Bitcoin Continues to Dominate the Market Bitcoin needs no introduction. Over the past week, Bitcoin’s trading volume and market cap have shown consistent growth, signalling rising interest among institutional investors. According to CoinDesk’s latest report, Bitcoin’s trading volumes soared by 18% as the crypto broke through its previous resistance levels. Analysts point out that the renewed focus on Bitcoin ETFs and institutional adoption is fuelling this momentum. For example, BlackRock recently hinted at accelerating its plans for Bitcoin ETF approval, which could bring billions of fresh investments into the asset. Additionally, El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy has seen a new surge in returns, highlighting the coin’s long-term value. On-chain data also shows that whales are accumulating Bitcoin again, suggesting bullish sentiment heading into the next halving cycle. For those keeping their eyes on stable investments, Bitcoin remains an anchor in the volatile market. Its growing adoption as digital gold and institutional backing makes it an essential part of a strong crypto portfolio. ZIGnaly Boosts Traders’ Earnings with Strategic Updates ZIGnaly is making strides in helping retail and pro traders level up their crypto earnings. This copy trading platform recently reported a 25% increase in user base after rolling out its latest AI-powered trading bots. The platform allows investors to mirror the trades of top-performing traders, which has gained massive traction among beginners looking to automate their crypto strategies. Earlier this week, ZIGnaly announced an upgrade to its profit-sharing model, reducing platform fees and increasing trader payouts by 12%. This move aims to attract more expert traders to the platform, creating win-win opportunities for both sides. Moreover, ZIGnaly’s native token saw a notable uptick after its integration with leading blockchains like Binance Smart Chain (BSC) and Ethereum. This opens doors for smoother liquidity and faster transaction speeds—critical features that ZIGnaly needed to stay competitive. For investors seeking reliable utility-driven platforms, ZIGnaly remains one of the best coins to invest in this month. Conclusion: Why These Are the Best Coins to Invest in This Month Qubetics, Bitcoin, and ZIGnaly each bring something valuable to the table for crypto investors. Bitcoin continues to deliver unmatched stability, solidifying its role as the cornerstone of every portfolio. ZIGnaly’s innovative platform upgrades make it a strong contender for traders seeking automated, profitable solutions. Qubetics, however, stands out with its groundbreaking QubeQode IDE and unmatched ROI potential. With analysts predicting an incredible rise to $15 post-mainnet launch and its presale price increasing weekly, Qubetics is setting new standards in the crypto space. Each of these projects offers opportunities tailored to different investor goals, whether it’s stability, trading growth, or explosive returns. Those looking for the next big thing in Web3 should act quickly to secure their $TICS tokens before the next price hike. For More Information: Qubetics: https://qubetics.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/qubetics Twitter: https://twitter.com/qubetics The post Best Coins to Invest in This Month: Qubetics’ $15 Forecast Turns Investors Heads as Bitcoin and ZIGnaly Lead Strategic Gains appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .