Starknet Foundation Launches Seed Grants Program, BlockFi Partners with Coinbase, and Top Crypto News – DeFi & NFTs
The past week has been an exhilarating one, filled with numerous cryptocurrency industry developments and more. Contrary to appearances, there’s a wealth of topics worth exploring since our previous update.
Let’s begin by sharing the most significant cryptocurrency developments and explore their potential impact on the market in the coming days.
Top Crypto News
Last week, some significant developments emerged in the crypto sphere, centered around Binance. This includes the progression of a long-standing lawsuit that may soon reach its conclusion. Additionally, there was an unexpected shift in Nigeria’s stance towards cryptocurrencies.
The SEC Filed the Final Response in Ripple Case
Summary
After a prolonged legal battle lasting four years, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could soon deliver its definitive verdict regarding Ripple.
Details
As a researcher following the developments between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), I’m excited to share that we’ve reached a pivotal moment in their legal dispute. The SEC has recently submitted its final reply during the remedies stage of the lawsuit.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) questions Ripple’s stance on XRP‘s legal classification and specifically takes issue with Ripple’s assertion that it didn’t act negligently. Additionally, the SEC emphasizes the potential ambiguity regarding XRP’s legal position.
Although Ripple has strived to adhere to regulatory requirements since the commencement of the XRP lawsuit in 2020, the SEC continues to harbor apprehensions regarding potential future infringements. Their stance is that past actions do not necessarily ensure future adherence.
The ongoing legal dispute between Ripple and the SEC remains unresolved, with Ripple’s top lawyer voicing criticisms of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s methods and expressing confidence in reaching a settlement. Simultaneously, Ripple is gearing up to launch XRPL enterprise solutions in Japan through a new partnership, while experts predict a final judgment on the case around September.
Source: Cointelegraph
Binance Got Revoked in 6 US States
Summary
As a crypto investor, I’ve been closely following the developments with Binance.US and their regulatory issues. Recently, Oregon became the sixth state to revoke their license due to my investment platform allegedly violating Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws. The CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, has admitted guilt to these charges as well.
Details
Oregon is the latest state to take regulatory action against Binance.US, joining five others in revoking, suspending, or declining to renew the company’s operating license due to concerns arising from the past legal issues involving its previous CEO, Changpeng Zhao.
As a crypto investor, I’ve been closely following the developments surrounding the guilty plea of Zhao to felony AML (Anti-Money Laundering) charges. The ripple effects of this news have resulted in heightened scrutiny and regulatory actions against the cryptocurrency exchange involved. It’s crucial for us, as investors, to stay informed about these matters and adjust our investment strategies accordingly.
The Oregon Financial Regulation Authority rescinded Binance.US’s license on April 30, asserting that Zhao’s criminal offenses were grave enough to warrant this action. Consequently, Binance.US is prohibited from facilitating money transfers or dealing in fiat or cryptocurrencies within Oregon.
As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that Florida was the trailblazer among several states to revoke Binance.US’s license in November, not long after Zhao’s plea. Following suit were Alaska, North Carolina, Maine, and most recently, Connecticut on April 24.
Source: Cointelegraph
Nigeria May Ban Peer-to-Peer Crypto Trading in Naira
Summary
As a crypto investor, I’ve noticed that Nigeria is taking a firmer stance on cryptocurrency regulations. They are proposing a ban on peer-to-peer (P2P) trading using the naira due to growing concerns over currency manipulation and financial instability.
Details
Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to regulate the cryptocurrency market with a proposed prohibition aimed at P2P trading using the Nigerian naira, according to Bloomberg’s May 7 report. This action by the Nigerian government forms part of a more extensive plan to limit the adverse impacts of cryptocurrency transactions on the country’s currency, as claimed by officials who believe these trades are exacerbating the naira’s depreciation.
The head of Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama, revealed recently that fresh regulations aimed at crypto exchanges, digital asset custodians, and related market players are imminently to be unveiled.
Last year, Nigeria ended a three-year restriction on cryptocurrency dealings. Yet, the Central Bank of Nigeria has underlined the importance of regulating virtual asset service providers to mitigate potential risks.
Source: PYMNTS
Top Crypto News – ETFs
Starting from January 2024, ETFs have been a hot topic for me as an investor due to their approval by the SEC. Recently, my attention has been drawn to two specific developments: the new ETF offerings in Hong Kong and the ongoing application process for a Grayscale Ethereum ETF here in the US.
Hong Kong ETFs Struggle to Gain Traction
Summary
As a crypto investor following the market trends closely, I’ve noticed an intriguing development regarding Hong Kong’s bitcoin ETFs. ChinaAMC, one of the providers, initiated the first outflows for these ETFs since their launch on April 30.
Details
On Monday, Hong Kong’s newly introduced Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) experienced their first day of net withdrawals. All withdrawals were made from China Asset Management’s (ChinaAMC) ETF, despite a promising beginning for these funds.
As a researcher studying the performance of Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, I’ve observed some intriguing trends since their debuts. On April 30, these three ETFs – ChinaAMC, Harvest, and Bosera-HashKey – attracted a substantial inflow of 3,910 BTC collectively on their opening day. However, my recent analysis indicates that ChinaAMC’s ETF has experienced a decrease of 75.36 BTC as of May 6. In contrast, the Harvest and Bosera-HashKey ETFs have not reported any new BTC inflows during this period.
Source: The Block
Grayscale Withdrew Its Ethereum ETF Application
Summary
The NYSE Arca, intending to host Grayscale’s Ethereum ETF application, unexpectedly withdrew it prior to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rendering a final decision on comparable ETF proposals.
Details
As a researcher, I’ve come across the news that Grayscale Investments has retracted its proposal for an Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) intended for listing on NYSE Arca. This action follows closely before the anticipated SEC ruling in May, during which the regulatory body is expected to make final decisions on various ETF applications, including those from VanEck and ARK Investments/21 Shares.
In spite of the obstacle encountered in the ETH ETF, Grayscale persists in its initiatives within the cryptocurrency ETF realm. Notably, it intends to convert its Grayscale Ethereum Trust into a retail spot Ether ETF.
Source: Reuters
Top Crypto News – Technology
Technology never stops progressing, and last week, the spotlight was on Starknet and BlockFi.
Starknet Foundation Launched a $5 Million Grant Program
Summary
The Starknet Foundation initiated a grant scheme worth $5 million, intended for the development of innovative projects on their Ethereum-compatible layer-2 scaling platform.
Details
The Starknet Foundation introduced a new funding scheme called Seed Grants Program on May 8, 2024, allocating $5 million in USDC for budding projects on their platform. This program aims to aid over 200 potential teams by offering each a grant of $25,000.
This endeavor specifically focuses on projects that have progressed to the minimum viable product (MVP) phase or have demonstrated a concept through proof, with a preference for those planning to debut on Starknet. Starknet is an Ethereum layer-2 platform that employs sophisticated zero-knowledge rollup technology to boost scalability.
The main objective of the Seed Grants Program is to help remove financial obstacles for new teams looking to get involved in blockchain project development.
Source: Yahoo Finance
BlockFi Partnered with Coinbase Crypto Exchange
Summary
“Partnership formed between BlockFi and Coinbase for disbursement of funds, which may include funds potentially derived from the closure of FTX with its related recoveries.”
Details
BlockFi, a crypto lender currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings, has revealed plans to shut down its web platform by May 2024’s end. The company intends to work closely with Coinbase as its main partner for distributing services moving forward. This move is designed to enable users of BlockFi Interest Account (BIA), Retail Loans, and Private Clients to access their funds during the bankruptcy proceedings.
To get your cryptocurrency funds, it’s necessary to have an active and verified Coinbase account before certain upcoming deadlines. If you can’t meet this requirement or establish a Coinbase account, you will receive cash payments instead.
Source: CryptoSlate
Top Crypto News – DeFi
Revolut Launched a Crypto Exchange for UK Users
Every week, the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) industry unveils fresh developments. Notably last week, Revolut and a prominent Colombian bank spearheaded two captivating announcements within this sector.
Summary
Revolut has launched Revolut X, a new crypto trading platform for UK retail customers.
Details
Revolut, a prominent fintech firm and neobank, broadens its cryptocurrency services with the introduction of Revolut X – a user-friendly crypto trading platform specifically designed for UK retail consumers.
Starting on May 8, 2024, Revolut X has been made available to the public, enabling users to trade over a hundred cryptocurrencies. Notable among these are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Ripple (XRP). The platform aims to expand its offerings by adding more cryptocurrencies in the near future.
As a researcher studying cryptocurrency trading platforms, I would describe it this way: This platform is specifically engineered to offer simple and economical entry into the crypto market. By charging zero fees for makers and merely 0.09% for takers, we aim to draw in a large and diverse user base by significantly undercutting conventional exchange fees.
Source: Yahoo Finance
A Colombian Bank Launched a Crypto Exchange and a Peso Stablecoin
Summary
I. Bancolombia, a prominent Colombian banking institution, has entered the cryptocurrency market by establishing its own exchange and introducing a stablecoin pegged to the Colombian peso. II. The move aims to position Bancolumbia competitively against dominant players like Binance in the crypto industry.
Details
As a researcher studying the latest developments in the financial sector, I’m excited to share that Bancolombia, Colombia’s leading bank, has taken a major stride into the cryptocurrency realm by launching its own crypto exchange named Wenia. Additionally, they have introduced a new stablecoin, COPW, which is pegged to the Colombian peso. This innovative move will enable Bancolombia to cater to the growing demand for digital assets while maintaining the stability of the national currency.
After almost a decade of intensive research and careful strategizing, this advancement marks the pinnacle of our efforts to incorporate digital assets and blockchain technology into our business solutions.
The freshly debuted Wenia platform aims to attract around 60,000 users to its community in its inaugural year, making it a notable rival to well-established cryptocurrency exchanges within its regulatory domain.
Source: Cointelegraph
Top Crypto News – NFTs
As an analyst, I never imagined that Donald Trump would delve into the world of cryptocurrencies and organize an event related to it. Yet, here I am, preparing to analyze and discuss the intricacies of his newly unveiled concept, with a focus on understanding how the event unfolded.
Donald Trump Organized an NFT Event
Summary
At his Florida residence, Donald Trump held a gathering themed around Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and publicly endorsed the crypto industry. This stance marks a shift from his earlier cautious views.
Details
At his Florida mansion, Donald Trump played host to an NFT-centric gathering, generating excitement among non-fungible token aficionados with some noteworthy interactions. Notable occurrences included Trump claiming responsibility for revitalizing the NFT market, a declaration met with approval from the guests.
At the event, he was associated with his participation in numerous NFT collections, including his personal “Mugshot” series that he endorsed. Additionally, he voiced a more optimistic viewpoint regarding the cryptocurrency market and pledged efforts to create a more favorable regulatory landscape for crypto businesses within the United States. This stance differs from his previous declarations.
Source: Cointelegraph
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2024-05-14 15:22