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Tether Plans to Invest $775 Million into Video-Sharing Platform, Rumble
Tether, the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, USDT, has announced plans to invest a staggering $775 million into Rumble, a fast-growing video-sharing platform. The move signals Tether’s ambition to diversify its portfolio and explore new avenues within the digital ecosystem, merging cryptocurrency innovation with the burgeoning world of online content creation. Why Rumble? Rumble has rapidly gained traction as an alternative to mainstream video platforms like YouTube. Known for its commitment to free speech and minimal content censorship, Rumble has built a loyal user base, particularly among creators seeking transparency and equitable monetization models. Tether’s investment could provide Rumble with the resources to scale its operations, enhance platform features, and attract a broader audience. Paolo Ardoino, Tether’s CTO, commented on the partnership: “Our investment in Rumble aligns with Tether’s vision of empowering decentralized and independent platforms. We believe in fostering innovation and freedom of expression in the digital age, and Rumble stands out as a key player in this space.” A Strategic Diversification for Tether Tether’s decision to invest in a non-crypto venture like Rumble marks a strategic shift towards diversification. While the company has long dominated the stablecoin market with USDT, its leadership is aware of the importance of expanding its influence beyond the financial sector. The investment aligns with Tether’s broader strategy of supporting platforms that advocate for decentralization and individual freedom. By backing Rumble, Tether is poised to integrate cryptocurrency solutions into the video-sharing ecosystem, potentially introducing new monetization methods, such as USDT-based tipping, payments, and subscription services. The Growing Influence of Rumble Rumble’s appeal lies in its transparent approach to revenue-sharing with content creators. Unlike traditional platforms that often receive criticism for opaque algorithms and restrictive policies, Rumble offers creators a fairer and more predictable monetization model. Tether’s financial support is expected to accelerate Rumble’s development of new features and infrastructure, allowing the platform to compete more effectively with tech giants. Additionally, Rumble’s recent partnerships with prominent content creators and media outlets have solidified its position as a rising force in the digital content landscape. With Tether’s backing, the platform could potentially introduce blockchain-based innovations, making it a unique player in the video-sharing market. Potential Industry Implications The collaboration between Tether and Rumble could have significant implications for both the crypto and video-sharing industries. By introducing stablecoin payments to Rumble’s ecosystem, Tether has the opportunity to showcase the practicality of cryptocurrencies in everyday applications. For creators and users, this means faster, borderless transactions without the fees typically associated with traditional payment systems. This partnership could also set a precedent for further collaborations between cryptocurrency firms and content platforms. As digital currencies gain mainstream acceptance, more platforms may look to integrate blockchain solutions to stay competitive and meet user demand for innovative payment options. Challenges and Opportunities While the investment presents exciting opportunities, it is not without challenges. Rumble will need to carefully navigate regulatory landscapes, particularly with the integration of cryptocurrency solutions. Tether’s involvement also comes at a time when stablecoins face increasing scrutiny from regulators worldwide, which could influence the pace and scope of the partnership’s rollout. However, the synergies between Tether’s financial expertise and Rumble’s innovative approach to video sharing could create a robust platform that redefines how digital content is consumed and monetized. Conclusion Tether’s $775 million investment in Rumble represents a bold step toward merging the worlds of cryptocurrency and online content creation. By backing a platform known for its commitment to transparency and innovation, Tether is not only diversifying its portfolio but also reinforcing its mission to empower decentralized ecosystems. As this partnership unfolds, the collaboration has the potential to set new benchmarks in both industries, creating a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative digital landscape.
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MoonPay acquires API stablecoin infrastructure platform Iron
Cryptocurrency payments company MoonPay is expanding its presence in the enterprise stablecoin market with the acquisition of Iron, an API-focused stablecoin infrastructure developer, for an undisclosed amount. According to a March 13 announcement, the acquisition will give MoonPay’s enterprise customers the ability to accept stablecoin payments instantly and at a low cost. Iron’s integration also means companies can manage their stablecoin treasuries in real time and use the funds to acquire yield-bearing assets like US Treasury bonds. Source: MoonPay“With Iron’s technology, we’re putting the power of instant, programmable payments into the hands of enterprises, fintechs, and global merchants,” said Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPay’s CEO.The Iron deal marks MoonPay’s second high-profile acquisition this year. In January, the company acquired Helio, a Solana-based blockchain payment processor, for $175 million. Helio’s existing integrations with Shopify and Discord give MoonPay further inroads into crypto on-ramp services and payment solutions. MoonPay isn’t the only company making inroads into stablecoin payments. As Cointelegraph recently reported, Tether-backed fintech Mansa raised $10 million to further expand its cross-border stablecoin payment infrastructure.Related: Bitcoin may benefit from US stablecoin dominance pushBusiness integrations driving stablecoin adoptionAt more than $230 billion in circulation, stablecoins have become one of blockchain’s most viable use cases. The industry’s success is largely owed to stablecoin integrations by major fintech payment providers, according to Polygon Labs CEO Marc Boiron. In a recent interview with Cointelegraph, Boiron said, “Companies like Stripe and PayPal integrating stablecoins is likely the primary catalyst for their growth.”From regulatory scrutiny to widespread industry adoption, the stablecoin market has grown rapidly since 2020. Source: S&P GlobalBoiron said one of the industry’s most promising developments is yield-bearing stablecoins, which allow holders to earn decentralized finance yield through traditional collateralization. Yield-bearing stablecoin alternatives are on the cusp of a major breakthrough after the US Securities and Exchange Commission approved the first yield-bearing stablecoin security in February. The approval goes hand in hand with regulatory efforts to establish clear stablecoin laws in the United States. Magazine: Bitcoin payments are being undermined by centralized stablecoins
Published: 38 minutes ago
Changpeng Zhao denies reports of a Binance.US deal, defends Trump
Former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao has denied many of the claims in a Wall Street Journal report suggesting that he has been actively seeking a federal pardon from US President Donald Trump.In a March 13 X post following the release of the report, Zhao said he had no discussions regarding a business deal between the Trump family and Binance.US. He further denied claims that he wanted a presidential pardon from Trump, which could potentially allow him to assume an operational or management role at Binance.“No felon would mind a pardon, especially being the only one in US history who was ever sentenced to prison for a single BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] charge,” said CZ. “Feels like the article is motivated as an attack on the President and crypto, and the residual forces of the ‘war on crypto’ from the last administration are still at work.”CZ’s statement on a March 13 Wall Street Journal report. Source: Changpeng ZhaoThis is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.
Published: 1 hour ago
Solana price bottom below $100? Death cross hints at 30% drop
Solana (SOL) price completed a “death cross” on the one-day chart on March 12, as the altcoin consolidated near its long-term support level at $125. This could potentially accelerate the SOL price sell-off in the near term for a drop below $100 for the first time since February 2024. Solana’s 1-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA death cross occurs when a bearish crossover occurs between the 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMAs), with the long-term indicator above the short-term indicator. Last month, the 50-day and 200-day exponential moving averages (EMAs) triggered a death cross on Solana’s one-day chart, after which prices dropped 17%, from $137 to $122. While the SMA and EMA death crosses carry similar implications, the EMA triggers the death cross faster since it responds more quickly to price changes. A double death cross from the SMA and EMA will likely increase the possibility of a correction. Historically, the odds are neutral for Solana. Since its inception, SOL’s price has witnessed a death cross three times (including 2025) when prices have been on a 90-day or higher downtrend. The first death cross in 2022 triggered a 90% collapse, but the FTX’s fiasco escalated its severity. The second death cross occurred in September 2024, but it reversed within a month, leading to the Trump rally. Related: 3 reasons why Ethereum can outperform its rivals after crashing to 17-month lowsYet, the current structure and sentiment mirror the 2022 death cross when we compare market conditions. On both occasions, a new all-time high preceded the downtrend, which led to the death cross.As Cointelegraph reported, Solana’s revenue dropped 93% since January, dropping from $238 million to $32 million. This indicates a current lack of activity on Solana’s network after the end of the memecoin frenzy.Can Solana traders defend $125?Based on its technicals, Solana remains in a tricky spot when comparing previous death cross returns and collective market sentiment. Solana must hold support between $125 and $110 for a bullish reversal. Since March 2024, SOL prices have rebounded six times after testing the support range, closing above $125 on each weekly retest. Solana 1-week chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewA weekly close below $125 will signal market weakness, potentially increasing the likelihood of a drop below $100. The immediate price target after $110 is around $80 for Solana, which is a significant 30% correction. The downtrend target carries confluence with the weekly 0.5 Fibonacci retracement line. Solana bullish divergences on the 1-day and 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewHowever, the bulls will pin their hopes on a bullish divergence between the price and relative strength index (RSI) on the 1-day and 4-hour charts. If Solana manages to avoid another lower low, the divergences will remain valid, which can push prices higher above $125, enabling Solana to avoid a drop below $100 and possibly establish a bottom at $112. Related: Will Bitcoin price reclaim $95K before the end of March?This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 1 hour ago
ETH falling by 20% may trigger $336M in DeFi liquidations — Web3 exec
If the price of Ether (ETH) falls by a further 20%, the price decline could trigger a cascade of up to $336 million in decentralized finance (DeFi) liquidations, according to Kevin Rusher, founder of the real-world asset (RWA) lending platform RAAC.The executive warned that a decline to $1,857 would trigger $136 million in liquidations, and a price drop to $1,780 could potentially trigger an additional $117 million in loan liquidations — making these the next price levels to watch.Rusher added that the worst-case scenario would be a 20% drop in ETH’s price to around the $1,500 price level, which could liquidate $336 million in DeFi loans, sending the markets tumbling. In a written statement shared with Cointelegraph, Rusher said:“The main catalyst of this crisis is a single $130m ETH-backed loan in Sky, formerly Maker, which is on the verge of collapse despite the borrower scrambling to add more collateral. Every cycle, crypto-backed loans suffer from extreme volatility, leading to cascading liquidations that crash the price of assets.”The executive called for integrating RWAs, such as real estate and gold, which feature much stabler values, into the DeFi ecosystem to offset volatility and prevent cascading liquidations due to overleveraging.Total ETH liquidations. Source: CoinGlassRelated: 3 reasons why Ethereum can outperform its rivals after crashing to 17-month lowsETH price crumbles; more pain coming?Ether has dropped to multi-year lows against Bitcoin (BTC), signaling another potential 30% drop against the supply-capped asset, and led to some analysts predicting a potential $1,600 price bottom for ETH.ETH’s price has declined by over 15% in the past seven days and has been trading well below its 200-day exponential moving average (EMA) since February.The relative strength index (RSI) is currently at 31, which is almost in oversold territory, potentially representing a local bottom and could signal an impending price reversal.Current Ethereum price action and analysis. Source: TradingViewEther’s disappointing price action prompted calls from some market analysts to shift into higher-performing altcoins to maximize profit potential.“If still stuck on ETH, it is likely a good time to dump it to buy a higher beta altcoin,” trader Alex Krüger said in a March 12 X post.Magazine: Pectra hard fork explained — Will it get Ethereum back on track?This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 2 hours ago
75% of VASPs registered in the EU will not be able to comply with MiCA
Opinion by: Slava Demchuk, co-founder and CEO of AMLBotAll virtual asset service providers (VASPs) registered in the EU before 2025 must comply with Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) requirements this year. Not all will be able to do so. The MiCA regulation is, in essence, a good legal framework for the crypto industry, but it also has some disadvantages, especially for crypto startups and small businesses. Looking at the case of Estonia and its implementation of crypto licenses in 2017, it is possible to predict that around 75% of VASPs will need to cease their operations in the EU. What happened in Estonia with crypto licenses? In 2017, Estonia was one of the first EU member states to introduce a crypto licensing process. Getting a crypto license (a VASP registration) was easy and fast. No physical presence, share capital requirement, or proof of having sound Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) systems in place were required. The result? By 2019, Estonia had issued around 2,000 crypto licenses. Starting in 2019, however, Estonia adopted several amendments to the law, incorporating requirements similar to MiCA. As a consequence, the majority of licensed crypto companies were not able to comply with new requirements and lost their licenses. Today, Estonia has only around 45 licensed crypto businesses.Current situation in the EU with VASP registrationSimilar situations will occur in countries with light VASP registration requirements, such as Poland and the Czech Republic. There are around 1,600 VASPs registered in Poland, owing to the easy and fast process of registering in the country before the MiCA implementation. With minimal requirements, one can open a company and receive a VASP registration in these countries within a few weeks. These licensing processes completely changed in 2025 when MiCA entered fully into force. All the registered VASPs must comply with new requirements, which will be the same regardless of their country of incorporation; otherwise, they will be required to cease their business. Recent: 10 stablecoin issuers approved under EU’s MiCA — Tether is left outMost of them will not be able to comply, based on previous experience, such as when 1,900 companies lost their VASP registrations in Estonia. Those license losses occurred as a result of several key factors: Their size: Many registered VASPs were one-to-three-person companies that provided essential exchange in p2p platforms or over-the-counter. They will not have enough resources to comply with strict MiCA requirements.The cost: Acquiring a MiCA license is expensive. It was previously possible to receive VASP registration in Poland or the Czech Republic for 2,000-4,000 euros. The price for a MiCA license is much more than that, typically around 30,000-80,000 euros, depending on the business model and country of incorporation.The requirements: Companies that apply for a MiCA license must prove they have many complex processes in place, including but not limited to AML/KYC, data protection and cyber resilience. Therefore, the company must hire many specialists and build many processes. Based on the number of VASPs registered in Poland, those 1,600 VASPs will need to find 1,600 AML/compliance officers (one per VASP) by July 2025 — when all VASPs in Poland shall comply with MiCA — that have relevant knowledge, expertise and pass the fit-and-proper test. This will be nearly impossible.In addition, MiCA has high share capital requirements ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 euros, depending on the services a company provides. Many currently registered VASPs are startups or small companies whose revenue will not be able to cover all the costs needed to build the processes mentioned above and satisfy the share capital requirements. Where does that leave the small businesses and the startups? They will not be equipped to comply with MiCA.Opinion by: Slava Demchuk, co-founder and CEO of AMLBot.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
Published: 2 hours ago
Bitcoin price drops 2% as falling inflation boosts US trade war fears
Bitcoin (BTC) shrugged off gains at the March 13 Wall Street open as US inflation markers continued to fall.BTC/USD 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewGood news is bad news? Bitcoin follows stocks lowerData from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView showed BTC/USD circling $81,500, down 2.3% on the day.The February print of the Producer Price Index (PPI) came in below median expectations, copying the Consumer Price Index (CPI) results from the day prior.“On an unadjusted basis, the index for final demand advanced 3.2 percent for the 12 months ended in February,” an accompanying press release from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated.“In February, a 0.3-percent increase in prices for final demand goods offset a 0.2-percent decline in the index for final demand services.”US PPI 1-month % change. Source: BLSAlready a double tailwind for crypto and risk assets, cooling inflation also stunted a rebound in US dollar strength, as viewed through the US Dollar Index (DXY).US Dollar Index (DXY) 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewDespite this, both stocks and crypto remained unmoved, leading trading resource The Kobeissi Letter to tie in the ongoing US trade war.“As we have seen, the market has had a very MUTED reaction to inflation data that would've previously sent the S&P 500 SHARPLY higher,” it wrote in part of its latest analysis on X “Why is this the case? This data provides President Trump a reason to keep doing what he is currently doing.”S&P 500 1-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewKobeissi explained that trader war efforts may now intensify given slowing inflation.“This is exactly why markets are not recovering losses following some of the best inflation data in months,” it continued, suggesting traders should “buckle up for more volatility.”A week before the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision, market expectations for financial easing remained similarly lackluster, with the chance of a cut at just 1%, per data from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool. Odds for the Fed’s May meeting were at 28%.Fed target rate probabilities. Source: CME Group“The Fed has already decided: steady course, no cuts this FOMC. Powell made that clear last week,” popular crypto trader Josh Rager told X followers earlier in the week, referencing a recent speech by Fed Chair Jerome Powell. “Rate cuts? More likely in May/June, not March.”BTC price inertia leaves key resistance intactBitcoin price action thus sat between bands of buy and sell liquidity on exchange order books, with the 200-day simple moving average (SMA) in place as resistance.Related: Bitcoin whales hint at $80K ‘market rebound’ as Binance inflows coolFor Keith Alan, co-founder of trading resource Material Indicators, this trendline, which typically functions as support during Bitcoin bull markets, was the nearest important level to reclaim.“Bitcoin faces strong resistance at the 200-Day MA for the 4th consecutive day,” he summarized on X.Referring to Material Indicators’ proprietary trading tools, Alan concluded that such a reclaim was unlikely on the day, notwithstanding surprise catalysts in the form of announcements from the US government.BTC/USD 1-day chart. Source: Keith Alan/XMeanwhile, data from monitoring resource CoinGlass showed key upside resistance clustered immediately below $85,000.BTC liquidation heatmap (screenshot). Source: CoinGlassThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 3 hours ago
Addressable introduces cost per wallet metric for Web3 marketing
Web3 marketing firm Addressable has launched cost per wallet (CPW), a new metric aimed at improving user acquisition tracking for decentralized applications (DApps) and blockchain businesses.The company claims CPW provides a more precise measure of user engagement compared to traditional Web2 marketing, where metrics such as customer acquisition cost (CAC) and cost per click (CPC) are commonly used, by tracking onchain wallet activity instead of ad clicks or website logins.A lower CPA means customer acquisition is more efficient, while a lower CPC indicates that businesses are implementing more cost-effective ad campaigns. Addressable claims that CPW would allow businesses to determine which users are “high-value” and are more likely to get converted into their marketing funnels, helping them optimize their marketing efforts and avoid “bots.” Users with wallets more likely to convert to crypto productsAddressable chief operating officer and co-founder Asaf Nadler told Cointelegraph that their analysis data showed that users with a wallet are more likely to convert to crypto products:“Our analysis reveals a striking insight: users with a crypto wallet installed are 18 times more likely to sign up and seven times more likely to convert to crypto products.”Nadler argued this makes CPW a “more effective” metric than traditional metrics. The executive said metrics like CPC or cost per impression (CPM) often fail to determine who are high-intent users and which ones are simply “low-quality traffic,” users who may not be interested in their products. “For the first time, crypto companies can accurately measure which campaigns drive engaged, high-value users, rather than wasting resources on bots or ‘normies’ who are unlikely to convert,” Nadler told Cointelegraph. In a press release, Addressable said the new Web3-native acquisition metric could help crypto projects track how many users become active participants in decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, wallets or exchanges. Effect of wallet ownership on engagement, logins and conversions Source: AddressableRelated: UAE saw 41% increase in crypto app downloads in 2024 — AppsFlyerMarketing for institutional adoptionWhile CPW primarily targets retail user acquisition, the broader crypto industry is also shifting focus toward institutional adoption.On Jan. 22, Etherealize, a marketing firm backed by the Ethereum Foundation, launched to educate institutions on blockchain and Ether (ETH). Etherealize co-founder Grant Hummer said the company wants to bring “all of Wall Street onto Ethereum rails.” Additional reporting by Ezra Reguerra. Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 3 hours ago
Here’s what happened in crypto today
Today in crypto, Binance reportedly reached out to US President Donald Trump’s family in 2024, offering to strike a business deal as part of a plan to resume Binance.US operations in the country, an Argentine lawyer called for a global arrest warrant against the Libra (LIBRA) token creator, and the US securities regulator is preparing to drop its case against Ripple.Trump family held talks with Binance for stake in crypto exchange — ReportRepresentatives of US President Donald Trump’s family have reportedly held talks with Binance about potentially acquiring a stake in the crypto exchange.Binance reached out to Trump’s family representatives in 2024, offering to strike a business deal as part of a plan to resume Binance.US operations in the country, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 13.Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report mentioned that Binance’s billionaire founder Changpeng Zhao — who served four months in prison in the US — has been pushing for the Trump administration to grant him a pardon.“It is unclear what form the Trump family stake would take if the deal comes together or whether it would be contingent on a pardon,” the report said.According to WSJ, a potential opportunity could be a scenario where Trump takes the stake in Binance or proceeds with the deal through World Liberty Financial, a Trump-backed crypto venture launched in September.Minutes before the WSJ article was published at 1:00 pm UTC, Trump took to Truth Social to slam the publication for allegedly reporting wrong information.“The Globalist Wall Street Journal has no idea what they are doing or saying. They are owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of ‘screwing’ the United States of America,” the president wrote.Source: Donald TrumpArgentine lawyer wants Interpol red notice on LIBRA creator: ReportArgentine lawyer Gregorio Dalbon has asked to have Interpol file a global arrest warrant for Hayden Davis, the co-creator of the LIBRA token that caused a political scandal in the country.Local media reported that Dalbon lodged the request to prosecutor Eduardo Taiano, who is probing President Javier Milei’s involvement with the token.Dalbon claimed there was a risk if Davis remained free as he could have access to vast amounts of money, allowing him to flee the US or go into hiding and alleged “his central role” in Libra “increases the likelihood that he will take steps to evade justice.” Hayden Davis (left) poses with Argentine President Javier Milei. Source: Javier MileiHe asked for Davis’ arrest and for “an Interpol red notice [to] be issued in order to locate and arrest him, with a view to his extradition.”Davis helped make the LIBRA token that Milei shared on social media last month, which rocketed it to a peak value of over $4 billion. The token’s creators held most of the supply and sold, crashing its price and leading to accusations that it was a pump-and-dump scheme.SEC’s enforcement case against Ripple may be wrapping upThe US Securities and Exchange Commission may be preparing to end its enforcement action against Ripple Labs after more than four years.According to a March 12 X post from Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett, the SEC’s case against Ripple was “in the process of wrapping up” after the parties filed an appeal and cross-appeal, respectively, over a $125-million court judgment in August 2024. The civil case against the blockchain firm filed in December 2020 alleged Ripple and certain executives used XRP (XRP) as an unregistered security to raise funds.Ripple chief legal officer Stuart Alderoty told Cointelegraph on March 11 that the SEC civil case was “far more advanced” than many of the others the regulator had dropped following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump and the departure of Chair Gary Gensler. Since January, the SEC has announced it will not pursue enforcement cases against Coinbase, Consensys, Kraken and others.“We do have a judgment, we are on appeal — that presents some additional complexity,” said Alderoty in regard to the case potentially being dropped. “But we remain optimistic that we’ll get to a resolution with the SEC, and if we don’t, we’ll proceed with the appeal.”According to the Ripple CLO, there were several possible outcomes to ending the SEC case if both parties were in agreement that it should wind down.
Published: 3 hours ago
US-Canada tariff flip-flops have Bitcoin miners on their toes
Bitcoin miners are adapting their business strategies as the continued trade war between the US and Canada makes energy prices and policies all the more uncertain.US President Donald Trump threatened to double his tariffs on steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%, leading the government of the province of Ontario to walk back its own plan to increase the cost of power exports to the US.Ontario Premier Doug Ford had promised to further increase the surcharge or even “shut off the electricity completely,” given further provocation. However, he appears to have softened his stance, at least for now. The trade war may have reached a lull, but some crypto firms are looking ahead at possible policy changes in order to protect their growth. Bitcoin miners expect changes in energy marketsBen Ganon, the CEO of Canadian Bitcoin mining firm Bitfarms, told Bloomberg on March 11 that the recent energy price hikes, had they gone through, were unlikely to affect his firm’s business. Bitfarms’ operations are mostly in Quebec and British Columbia, both of which boast significant hydroelectric capacity in relation to the total provincial energy mix. Ontario, by comparison, is “not as robust of an energy market. And over the last several years, they’ve really taken a big push on cutting back on baseload capacity.”But even though Bitfarms’ energy situation may look solid for the time being, Ganon said that the tariffs “have implications for what policy and regulatory frameworks are going to look like in the future.”He said that his firm wants to see “greater access to electricity markets” as well as fewer regulations on setting up a new business or new power applications. Energy policy has been a contentious area of debate in Canadian politics, with critics accusing the Liberal government — now led by Prime Minister Mark Carney — of harming the Canadian economy with their strategies to lower emissions. Related: What Canada’s new Liberal PM Mark Carney means for cryptoGanon said: “The opportunities that are present in the United States are also present in Canada. And I think that this will all resolve itself and end up in a much more deregulated and smooth and efficient market because for years it’s been tied up in regulatory red tape.”How would a Bitcoin miner benefit from tariffs?Tariffs on goods such as steel, aluminum, and other industrial products — intended to encourage domestic production in the US— also impact Bitcoin miners, with some effects being unexpectedly beneficial.While Ganon noted that miners can’t control the Bitcoin price, they can control their electricity costs. “One of the ways that we can do that is we can look for pockets of energy that are underutilized, that used to power heavy industry, which has been outsourced to other countries over the last 20 or 30 years.”According to Ganon, Bitfarms has operations in Pennsylvania — a “Rust Belt” state heavily affected by the outsourcing of American steel and metals industries. His firm’s assets could soon be in high demand if the US manufacturing industry were to come back from the dead.Ganon said that Bitcoin miners have been investing heavily in energy infrastructure that “used to power aluminum smelters and steel refineries and all the stuff which was outsourced.”“Now Bitcoin miners have these assets. And as the pendulum swings back to America, those assets are now in high demand.”China tariffs squeeze Bitcoin mining hardwareCanadian miners like Bitfarms may be unconcerned for now, but Trump’s tariffs on China have already begun to squeeze American crypto miners, who import hardware from China-based firms like Bitmain.According to Bloomberg, shipments of Bitcoin mining hardware from China to the US were experiencing significant delays as of February 2025. The delays reportedly were the result of the US blacklisting Bitmain’s AI affiliate Xiamen Sophgo Technologies. Heavy customs fees for inspections of Bitmain-affiliated hardware have cost US miners up to $500,000, according to Vishnu Mackenchery, director of global logistics and services at Compass Mining Inc. New tariffs could make new imports of next-gen miners to the US “completely cost-prohibitive,” according to Synteq Digital CEO Taras Kulyk.China-based mining hardware producers like Bitmain could set up operations in other countries to avoid US sanctions. During Trump’s first term, when he imposed a 25% tax duty on a number of consumer electronic goods from China, many mining hardware producers moved to Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to avoid tariffs.Bitmain even announced it would launch a US production line in December 2024 to “provide faster response times and more efficient services to the North American customers.” Bloomberg noted that the firm did not provide the exact location of its US line. Related: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says US should bring BTC onshoreTrump’s economic policies continue to be a mixed bag for the crypto industry. Wild fluctuations in trade policy and last-minute reversals have made the market difficult to predict. Elsewhere, the European Union has promised to impose counter-tariffs on the US, further threatening asset valuations. Bitcoin price chart Sept. 1, 2024 to March 13, 2025. Source: TradingViewMarcin Kazmierczak, co-founder and chief operating officer of blockchain oracle solution firm RedStone, told Cointelegraph this could see Bitcoin sink to $75,000, a level not seen since November 2024. Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express
Published: 4 hours ago
Trump family held talks with Binance for stake in crypto exchange — Report
Representatives of US President Donald Trump’s family have reportedly held talks with Binance about acquiring a stake in the crypto exchange.Binance reached out to Trump’s family representatives in 2024, offering to strike a deal as part of a plan to resume Binance.US operations in the country, The Wall Street Journal reported on March 13.Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report mentioned that Binance’s billionaire founder Changpeng Zhao — who served four months in prison in the US — has been pushing for the Trump administration to grant him a pardon.“It is unclear what form the Trump family stake would take if the deal comes together or whether it would be contingent on a pardon,” the report said.World Liberty Financial among deal optionsAccording to WSJ, a potential opportunity could be a scenario where Trump takes the stake in Binance or proceeds with the deal through World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-backed crypto venture launched in September 2024.Trump has emerged as the first US “crypto president,” launching his Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin days before returning to the White House on Jan. 20. A similar memecoin subsequently came from Trump’s wife, Melania, while Trump’s son, Eric Trump, has been actively pushing for Bitcoin (BTC) and crypto adoption.Cointelegraph approached Binance for a comment regarding the report on the alleged deal but did not receive a response by publication.Additionally, Binance executives anticipated a potential legal resolution in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) civil case against Tron founder Justin Sun, The WSJ reported.Sun, who in November 2024 announced a $30 million investment in Trump’s WLFI, jointly asked a US court to halt his case with the SEC in February 2025.Neither Sun nor any Binance representatives attended the first White House Crypto Summit on March 7, 2025.Trump slams WSJ for “polluted thinking” of the EUMinutes before the WSJ article was published at 1:00 pm UTC, Trump took to Truth Social to slam the publication for allegedly reporting wrong information.“The Globalist Wall Street Journal has no idea what they are doing or saying. They are owned by the polluted thinking of the European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of ‘screwing’ the United States of America,” the president wrote.Source: Donald TrumpWhile Trump was fast to address the WSJ report minutes before its publication, key Trump-linked industry figures — including Elon Musk and David Sacks — did not react to the news on social media.Source: Changpeng ZhaoZhao subsequently took to X to deny the allegations, suggesting that the WSJ article is “motivated as an attack on the president and crypto.”“Fact: I have had no discussions of a Binance.US deal with … well, anyone,” CZ wrote.Related: Donald Trump’s memecoin generated $350M for creators: ReportBinance CEO praises Trump as a catalyst for a “global pro-crypto shift”Meanwhile, Binance CEO Richard Teng did not immediately respond to the report within the first hour of its publication.Instead, Teng took to X on March 13 to highlight his new interview with CNBC, where he praised Trump as a catalyst for a “global pro-crypto shift.” Teng expressed confidence that the crypto industry is widely supporting Trump, stating: “If you ask anybody in the crypto industry, people prefer the current administration compared to the last one.”Still, some apparently have not been happy with all of Trump’s crypto policies, with many advocating for Bitcoin-only US reserves instead of a multi-crypto approach that has been eventually chosen by the administration.House Democrats have also been concerned about the plummeting TRUMP memecoin, proposing legislation to ban the issuance of memecoins by any US public officials.Magazine: Trump’s crypto ventures raise conflict of interest, insider trading questions
Published: 4 hours ago
Web3’s UX problem — and how to fix it, feat. Ponder One
The latest episode of Hashing It Out dives into one of Web3’s most persistent challenges: usability. Host Elisha Owusu Akyaw speaks with Moe El-Shibib and Selim Sezgin, co-founders of Ponder One, about the hurdles preventing mainstream adoption and the technologies that could make blockchain interactions seamless for everyday users.The UX RoadblockWeb3 continues to grow, but usability remains a major barrier. Many users struggle with onboarding, navigating DeFi platforms and managing assets across multiple chains. In the interview, Sezgin highlights that technical innovation has outpaced user experience, making blockchain interactions complex for newcomers.“While technical innovation has been a driving force, usability and accessibility remain pain points… Our whole goal is to simplify Web3 and make it as usable as possible.”To address this, the discussion explores AI-driven solutions that simplify blockchain transactions. AI can automate swaps, bridging and decision-making, reducing the need for technical knowledge. Related: Web3 businesses can outsmart crypto scams before they strike — Here’s howCrosschain functionality is also a key focus, ensuring users can interact seamlessly across blockchains without manually switching networks.Decentralization vs usability in governanceDecentralized governance also plays a significant role in shaping Web3 applications. The Ponder One team emphasizes the importance of community-driven decisions, allowing users to vote on integrations and protocol developments. However, governance structures must balance decentralization with efficiency to remain effective.Looking ahead, the industry is moving toward real-world assets (RWAs), AI-driven applications and enhanced accessibility to DeFi. As innovation progresses, broader adoption will hinge on simplifying blockchain technology for users.This episode touches on key insights into Web3’s current challenges and future developments, highlighting the need for a simplified and more accessible blockchain ecosystem.Listen to the full episode of Hashing It Out on Cointelegraph’s podcast page, Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your podcast platform of choice. And don’t forget to check out Cointelegraph’s full lineup of other shows.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 4 hours ago
US Bitcoin ETFs break outflow streak with $13.3M inflow
Over $1.67 billion exited US spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in March, but investors stopped the bleeding by bringing in $13.3 million on March 12 as the BTC market price inched closer to $85,000.As of March 12, spot Bitcoin ETFs had attracted $35.4 million worth of inflows spread across two days, according to Farside Investors data. On the other hand, spot Ether ETFs recorded inflows on just one occasion, bringing in $14.6 million on March 4.Spot Bitcoin ETF daily flow data. Source: Farside InvestorsBitcoin ETFs break outflow streak with $13.3 million inflowAccording to Sosovalue, the cumulative net inflows of BTC ETFs confirmed the recent $13.3 million inflow on March 12, signaling a pause in Bitcoin’s ETF outflows.The total value of the trades that day for Bitcoin ETFs amounted to $2.01 billion, its lowest daily value since Feb. 20. The inflows were contributed by three BTC funds: BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF (ARKB) and the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust ETF (BTC).Daily flow of investments into spot Bitcoin ETFs. Source: SosovalueOn the Ethereum side, the one day of inflows saw contributions from the Fidelity Ethereum Fund (FETH), Bitwise Ethereum ETF (ETHW), Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETHE) and the Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust (ETH).Spot Ether ETF daily flow data. Source: Farside InvestorsMarket downturn and geopolitical tensions drive ETF outflowsThe broader market downturn and macroeconomic uncertainties have contributed to the ETF outflows, driven by geopolitical tensions, trade wars and bearish investor sentiment.Related: Crypto ETPs see 4th straight week of outflows, totaling $876M — CoinSharesAnalysts say that the lack of concrete implementation or unmet expectations regarding President Donald Trump’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve plan has also exacerbated selling pressure.Despite Bitcoin maintaining levels above $80,000, market watchers warned that the upcoming European Union retaliatory tariffs could introduce greater volatility, further influencing Bitcoin’s price trajectory.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 4 hours ago
Ethereum average gas fees drop 95% one year after the Dencun upgrade
The average Ethereum gas fee has dropped by 95% in the year following the Dencun upgrade, one of Ethereum’s most significant network improvements.On March 13, 2024, Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade was rolled out. The upgrade combined the Cancun upgrade on the execution layer and the Deneb upgrade on the consensus layer. It also introduced nine Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs).The primary goal was to enhance Ethereum’s scalability and reduce transaction costs for layer-2 networks. According to YCharts data, Ethereum’s average gas fee has fallen from 72 gwei in 2024 to just 2.7 gwei as of March 12, 2025.Last year, an average swap cost users $86 in fees, while non-fungible token sales averaged $145 in gas fees. At the time of writing, Etherscan data showed that an average swap would cost $0.39, while an NFT sale would average $0.65. Ethereum average gas fee. Source: YCharts Ether price has dropped 53% since the Dencun UpgradeDespite the sharp drop in gas fees, Ether (ETH) price has declined by 53% since the Dencun upgrade.During the upgrade in March 2024, ETH was trading above $4,070. One year later, as of March 13, 2025, ETH was valued at around $1,891, according to CoinGecko data.Ether's 1-year price chart. Source: CoinGeckoIn a statement sent to Cointelegraph, Dominik Harz, the co-founder of hybrid layer-2 Build on Bitcoin (BOB), said Ethereum has “underperformed” recently:“Monday’s price drop erased all DeFi TVL gains since Trump’s election. Between Solana’s memecoin frenzy and Ethereum’s fractured few months, it’s clear the industry is searching for a new, more sustainable and secure frontier for DeFi.” Related: More than 50% of validators signal to increase ETH gas limitUpcoming Pectra upgrade sees hiccupsOn March 5, Ethereum’s next major upgrade, Pectra, rolled out on its final testnet, Sepolia. However, the team started seeing error messages and empty blocks being mined.Ethereum developer Marius van der Wijden confirmed that a fix was deployed, but an unknown user later triggered the same error, leading to further issues. The development team has since managed to stabilize the testnet and successfully process transactions.Harz said that while these testnet issues are “disrupting the mainnet launch,” they are far from Ethereum’s biggest problems. The executive said that once Pectra goes live, it will double the available data space for layer-2s, reduce costs and increase execution capacity. “While that’s a step in the right direction, the reality is that Ethereum is quickly losing its position as the go-to chain for builders, and Pectra isn’t the fix-all solution to its deeper issues,” Harz said. Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 4 hours ago
Wallet in Telegram to list 50 tokens and launch yield program
Wallet in Telegram, a third-party cryptocurrency wallet Mini App on Telegram, is set to expand its custodial crypto services, adding at least 50 new cryptocurrencies and launching an earn feature for users.The Open Platform (TOP), the largest venture builder in The Open Network (TON) ecosystem, which manages Wallet in Telegram as one of its portfolio businesses, announced the rollout of the next wallet generation on March 13, introducing a wide range of new features.With the rollout, Wallet in Telegram will add at least 50 new crypto assets, including major cryptocurrencies Ether (ETH) and XRP (XRP), as well as memecoins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Pepe (PEPE), a spokesperson for Wallet told Cointelegraph.Source: Wallet in TelegramWallet’s new generation is set to be rolled out within the next two months and will also introduce an “Earn” feature, which will allow users to gain yields on assets including Tether’s USDt (USDT).Initial rollout limited to in-app transactionsInitially, Wallet users will be able to buy, sell and hold non-TON tokens without onchain deposits or withdrawals, meaning altcoin transactions to other wallets and exchanges will not be allowed.“The current stage of the rollout is only available for in-app transactions for non-TON tokens,” Wallet’s spokesperson said, adding that the altcoin option is only available for trading within the custodial wallet. The spokesperson added:“We focus primarily on the TON Ecosystem and maintain a full range of operations for TON-native tokens within the custodial Wallet. At the same time, we see consumer interest in expanding the portfolio with other assets and want to provide them with such an option in trade-only mode.”“The list of tokens is not final yet, as it will be rolling out gradually within the next two months,” the spokesperson said, adding that the first release will feature 50 assets, with a full list now being finalized.Wallet’s Earn: Minimum deposit is 0.1 TONIn addition to expanding Wallet with a large number of altcoins, TOP is working to introduce the new “Trade” section and the “Earn” section.Starting with Toncoin (TON), the first Earn campaign will provide a “flexible yield” on TON deposits, with a minimum deposit amount of 0.1 TON.“The yield is generated from TON staking,” the spokesperson for Wallet said.In addition to Toncoin, Wallet plans to expand the earn offering to more altcoins and stablecoins, including Tether’s USDt (USDT), the announcement stated. Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express
Published: 5 hours ago
Turkey tightens crypto regulations with new rules for exchanges, custodians
Turkey is advancing its cryptocurrency regulations with new rules for crypto asset service providers (CASPs).On March 13, Turkey’s Capital Markets Board (CMB) published two regulatory documents regarding the licensing and operations of CASPs, including crypto exchanges, custodians and wallet service providers.The framework grants the CMB full oversight of crypto platforms, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.An excerpt from the title page of the CASP regulation document by the CMB. Source: Official GazetteIt also sets standards and requirements for establishing and providing crypto asset services in Turkey, covering establishment capital, history of executives, shareholder rules and others.Minimum capital requirements for CASPsUnder the framework, the minimum capital requirement for exchanges is $4.1 million, while custodians are required to have at least $13.7 million, international attorney Burcak Ünsal told Cointelegraph.“Fixed assets, receivables, available for sale financial assets are excluded from the minimum capital requirement,” he noted.Additionally, CASPs will be required to invest in compliance infrastructure and establish dedicated risk management teams to identify and manage a range of risks. The providers must also establish a price monitoring system to alert suspicious trading activity.Turkish CASPs must adhere to stringent reporting requirements, providing the CMB with timely information about their operations.The new framework also further strengthens Turkey’s crypto Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, requiring CASPs to record significant data sets of transaction information, including canceled and unexecuted transactions.An excerpt from CMB’s CASP regulation document (translated by Google). Source: Official GazetteTurkey previously introduced crypto AML regulations in December 2024, requiring users to share identifying information with CASPs for transactions of more than 15,000 Turkish liras ($409).Derivative crypto transactions are prohibitedAccording to Ünsal, the CMB’s framework also prohibits derivative transactions with crypto.On the other hand, exchanges are entitled to launch initial coin offerings provided that they review the relevant smart contracts and ensure listing criteria.“The crypto regulations are mute about how security tokens are defined. However, the issuance of security tokens is not prohibited,” the attorney noted. “Buying goods and services with crypto in Turkiye remains prohibited due to Central Bank regulations,” he added.According to the lawyer, the regulations have different grace periods to enter into force, with most of them entering into force on June 30, 2025, and by the end of the year at the latest.According to the document, Turkey’s new crypto regulations align with global standards and follow regulatory approaches set by Europe’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the US Securities and Exchange Commission.Magazine: How crypto laws are changing across the world in 2025
Published: 6 hours ago
USDC, USDt stablecoins are ‘store of value’ in Latin America — Bitso
Stablecoin adoption in Latin America is increasing as more users turn to Circle’s USDC and Tether’s USDT for financial stability, according to a new report from cryptocurrency exchange Bitso.The USDC (USDC) and USDt (USDT) stablecoins have become a “store of value” in Latin America, accounting for 39% of total purchases on Bitso in 2024, the firm said in its third edition of the Latin America Crypto Landscape report issued on March 12.The report highlighted a significant increase in stablecoin adoption on the platform, with total stablecoin purchases surging 9% from 2023.“In Latin America, challenging macroeconomic conditions, characterized by high inflation and currency devaluations, drove increased cryptocurrency adoption — particularly stablecoins — as a reliable store of value,” Bitso stated in the report.USDC leads the race, Bitcoin followsWhile stablecoin purchases surged, Bitcoin (BTC) saw a notable decline in trading volume on Bitso in 2024, with its share dropping to 22% from 38% in the second half of 2023.According to Bitso, the decline in BTC purchases in Latin America indicates the growing trend of the hodl strategy, which implies buying and holding the cryptocurrency to profit from its long-term value appreciation.The drop in BTC purchases aligned with the bull market of 2024, with Bitcoin rallying past $100,000 for the first time in history in December.Top 10 purchased crypto assets on Bitso by share in 2024. Source: BitsoAs Bitso users held off on Bitcoin purchases in 2024, buying activity switched to stablecoins like USDC and USDT, with the former leading the race at 24%.Related: Brazil fintech unicorn Meliuz adopts Bitcoin treasury strategyUSDT purchases accounted for 15% of total cryptocurrencies acquired on Bitso in 2024.Argentina is the top USDt market with a 50% shareA more detailed analysis of geographical preferences among Latin American countries showed a massive trend for USDT use in Argentina, which is known for its high stablecoin adoption due to inflation rates surpassing 100%.According to the report, Bitso users in Argentina mostly favored purchases of USDT and USDC in 2024, accounting for 50% and 22% of all crypto purchases in the country, respectively.Top 10 purchased crypto assets on Bitso in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico. Source: BitsoOn the other hand, the share of Bitcoin purchases in Argentina accounted for just 8% of crypto purchases last year on Bitso, the lowest share among other analyzed countries.Brazilian and Mexican Bitso users still continued to favor Bitcoin as the most purchased crypto asset last year, with the BTC buying percentages accounting for 22% and 25%, respectively.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 7 hours ago
Will Bitcoin price reclaim $95K before the end of March?
Bitcoin’s price was up 3% after constant drawdowns since the end of January. The top cryptocurrency managed to rebound above $80,000 after a brief decline below the range on March 11. Bitcoin weekly chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewAfter the US core Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in lower than expected at 3.1% on March 12, Bitcoin's market structure now sees the possibility of a quick bullish turnaround. Bitcoin liquidity clusters at $84K-$85KAfter Bitcoin's (BTC) price tumbled on March 9, it rebounded to test the overhead resistance zone between $84,000 and $85,000 three times, spurring traders to aggressively build short positions in this range.The liquidation heatmap data suggested that more than $300 million in short positions were piled in this price region, which would be liquidated if the price moved above the $85,000 resistance. Bitcoin 1-week liquidation heatmap. Source: CoinGlassWith a lack of downside liquidity below $77,000, the probability of BTC moving toward upside liquidity increased. Moreover, triggering liquidations above $85,000 could fuel further bullish momentum, allowing Bitcoin to form a higher high and turn this level into new support. A CME Bitcoin futures gap from the previous weekend also remained unfilled between $85,000 and $86,000. With a 100% record of six gaps filled in the past four months, this setup further increased the chances of flipping the overhead resistance into support at $85,000. Bitcoin 4-hour chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingViewIf this happens, the next major resistance lies at $90,000, which could liquidate over $1.6 billion in short positions for a retest of the $95,000 resistance level above, i.e., a 12% jump from the current price. Related: Bitcoin must secure weekly close above $89K to confirm bottom has passedBitcoin analyst Mark Cullen underlined a similar outlook for Bitcoin but warned that the price continues to move “correctively,” implying further sideways movement before a short squeeze. On the contrary, Valeria, a crypto analyst and funded trader, said that BTC was showing signs of distribution near the $85,000 range, which is short-term bearish. The trader highlighted that the BTC price might thread lower below $80,000 before a bullish breakout occurs.Coinbase, Binance diverge on orderbook trendsSpot traders on Binance have been aggressively selling over the past few days, according to data from Aggr.trade, with selling pressure peaking during the local lows at $76,650. Conversely, Coinbase spot buyers placed bids here, leading to BTC’s rebound above $80,000. Binance, Coinbase orderbooks. Source: Aggr.tradeOn March 12, a similar discrepancy was observed, with Binance spot traders selling near the $85,000 resistance, as Coinbase traders defended the price at $81,000 during the early US trading session, avoiding further downside. Related: Crypto trading volume slumps, signaling market exhaustion: AnalysisWhile Coinbase has led BTC’s rally in the past, an opposing stance between the two leading exchanges might slow BTC’s momentum to move swiftly through the resistance levels. Thus, for Bitcoin to reclaim higher highs at $85,000, $90,000 and $95,000 over the next couple of weeks, spot trading activity between the two major exchanges may need more collective direction.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 7 hours ago
Bybit CEO on ‘brutal’ $4M Hyperliquid loss: Lower leverage as positions grow
Bybit CEO Ben Zhou commented on a recent $4 million loss suffered by decentralized exchange (DEX) Hyperliquid due to an Ether whale’s high-leverage trade, noting that centralized exchanges (CEXs) face similar challenges.On March 12, a crypto investor walked away with $1.8 million and forced the Hyperliquidity Pool (HLP) to bear a $4 million loss after a trade that used leverage on the Hyperliquid decentralized exchange (DEX). The trader used about 50x leverage to turn $10 million into a $270 million Ether (ETH) long position. However, the trader couldn’t exit without tanking their own position. Instead, they withdrew collateral, offloading assets without triggering a self-inflicted price drop, leaving Hyperliquid to cover the losses.Smart contract auditor Three Sigma said the trade was a “brutal game of liquidity mechanics,” not a bug or an exploit. Hyperliquid also clarified that this was not a protocol exploit or a hack. Source: HyperliquidHyperliquid lowers leverage trading for BTC and ETHIn response to the trade, Hyperliquid lowered its Bitcoin (BTC) leverage to 40x and its ETH leverage allowance to 25x. This increases the maintenance margin requirements for larger positions on the DEX. “This will provide a better buffer for backstop liquidations of larger positions,” Hyperliquid stated. In an X post, the Bybit CEO commented on the trade, saying that CEXs are also subjected to the same situation. Zhou said their liquidation engine takes over whale positions when they get liquidated. While lowering the leverage may be an effective solution, Zhou said this could be bad for business: “I see that HP has already lowered their overall leverage; that’s one way to do it and probably the most effective one, however, this will hurt business as users would want higher leverage.”Zhou suggested a more dynamic risk limit mechanism that reduces the overall leverage as the position grows. The executive said that in a centralized platform, the whale would go down to a leverage of 1.5x with the huge amount of open positions. Despite this, the executive recognized that users could still use multiple accounts to achieve the same results.The Bybit CEO added that even the lowered leverage capabilities could still be “abused” unless the DEX implements risk management measures such as surveillance and monitoring to spot “market manipulators” on the same level as a CEX. Related: Crypto trader gets sandwich attacked in stablecoin swap, loses $215KHyperliquid sees $166 million net outflowFollowing the liquidation event of the ETH whale and the losses the HLP Vault suffered, the protocol experienced a massive outflow of its assets under management. Dune Analytics data shows that Hyperliquid had a net outflow of $166 million on March 12, the same day as the trade. Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 8 hours ago
Europeans show little interest in digital euro, ECB study reveals
European consumers have shown minimal interest in adopting a central bank digital currency (CBDC), raising concerns for the European Central Bank (ECB) as it prepares for a potential rollout of the digital euro.An ECB working paper on “Consumer attitudes towards a central bank digital currency,” which surveyed about 19,000 respondents across 11 euro-area countries, highlighted significant communication challenges that are discouraging European households from adopting the digital euro. When asked to hypothetically allocate 10,000 euros (roughly $10,800) across various assets, Europeans allocated only a small portion to the digital euro, having little impact on traditional liquid assets like cash, current accounts or savings accounts.Reasons for not adopting a digital euro for retail payments. Source: European Central BankAccording to the March 12 ECB working paper, Europeans have a strong preference for existing payment methods and see no real benefit in a new type of payment system amid myriads of offline and online alternatives:“This finding also suggests that convincing some users of the value added of a CBDC might pose a challenge for policymakers, and more research will certainly be needed in this area.”The study suggested that while a digital euro could be introduced with minimal disruption to financial stability, its adoption faces significant hurdles due to consumer habits. Additionally, it stressed the importance of targeted communication to address persistent consumer reluctance toward a digital euro.Post-treatment attention checks conducted on European respondents. Source: ECBThe ECB paper found that European consumers were receptive to video-based education and training and concluded that educating the masses with CBDC-related video information could help with the widespread adoption of the digital euro:“We find evidence that consumers who are shown a short video providing concise and clear communication about the key features of the digital euro are substantially more likely to update their beliefs about this new form of payment, which, in turn, increases their immediate likelihood of adopting it compared to an untreated control group.”Related: European lawmakers silent on US Bitcoin reserve amid digital euro pushThe study’s release comes as US lawmakers intensify their opposition to CBDCs. Speaking at the House Financial Services Committee hearing on March 11, Representative Tom Emmer said Congress should “prioritize pro-stablecoin legislation alongside anti-CBDC legislation.”Emmer speaks during the House Financial Services Committee Hearing on CBDCs. Source: emmer.house.govEmmer said, “CBDC technology is inherently un-American” and unelected officials should not be allowed to issue it. Emmer also reintroduced the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which would prevent future US administrations from launching CBDCs.Meanwhile, Deutsche Börse CEO Stephan Leithner recently called for the establishment of a permanent digital euro, among other reforms, to strengthen the region’s financial autonomy.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 8 hours ago
3 reasons why Ethereum can outperform its rivals after crashing to 17-month lows
Ether (ETH) fell 13% between March 8 and March 11 as investors moved to short-term fixed-income and cash positions, seeking safety amid a global tariff war and rising fears of an economic downturn. ETH price needs 29% gains to reclaim $2.5KMarket concerns escalated after the United States responded to Canada’s electricity surcharge with retaliatory measures.S&P 500 futures (left, magenta) vs. Ether/USD (blue). Source: TradingView/CointelegraphTypically, traders tend to overreact, increasing the likelihood that Ether will rebound faster than other assets once market sentiment improves. While some argue that risk assets are driven by inflation and economic growth data, others believe gains depend on stimulus measures and monetary expansion.Regardless of the catalyst for the next bull run, Ether price must climb 29% from its current $1,940 level to reclaim $2,500. This move will likely require increased demand from leveraged buyers, whose activity is now at its lowest point in five months.ETH 2-month futures annualized premium. Source: Laevitas.ch/CointelegraphTraders want higher prices to compensate for longer settlement periods, making a 5% to 10% annualized premium (basis rate) expected in neutral markets. When rates fall below this range—such as the current 4.5%—it signals weak bullish conviction.Excessive optimism played a role in Ether’s recent correction, as $235 million in leveraged long positions were liquidated between March 10 and March 11.The panic selling drove ETH to a low of $1,744, its lowest level since October 2023. However, several indicators suggest a potential recovery, as ETH derivatives and onchain metrics show resilience.Ethereum L2 network growsEther is trading 60% below its $4,868 all-time high from November 2021. This decline is largely due to increased competition in the smart contract sector and waning demand for applications such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), gaming, collectibles, metaverse projects, social networks, and Web3 infrastructure.However, this perspective overlooks a key factor. In late 2021, the average transaction fee exceeded $50, while activity on Ethereum’s layer-2 ecosystem was 97% lower than it is today. For context, a token swap on Ethereum’s base layer cost $1.70 on March 11 despite the number of daily average operations per second growing, highlighting notable progress in network efficiency.Ethereum layer-2 daily average operations per second. Source: L2beatEven if bots generate 80% of layer-2 transactions, the remaining 20% of activity on Base, Arbitrum, Optimism, ZKsync, and Blast is still roughly three times higher than Ethereum’s base layer. However, critics have a valid argument: despite the surge in network activity, validators are earning significantly less compared to late 2021.Ethereum regains DEX top-spot, TVL grows Ethereum has reinforced its position as the second-most popular option for institutional investors in traditional finance, supported by $8.9 billion in spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Meanwhile, competitors such as Solana still await regulatory approval for similar ETF products. Even if they gain approval, they cannot match the first-mover advantage of the Grayscale Ethereum Trust, which began public trading on over-the-counter markets in June 2019.Moreover, Ethereum smart contract deposits, measured by total value locked (TVL), reached their highest level since July 2022 in ETH terms on March 11, marking a 10% increase over the past two weeks.Related: The strategic crypto reserve will fuel ecosystem growthEthereum network TVL, ETH. Source: DefiLlamaAt 24 million ETH, Ethereum’s TVL has been driven by the growth of liquid staking, lending, yield farming, and real-world asset tokenization. The network recently reclaimed its leading position in decentralized exchange volumes, reaching $20.5 billion over seven days and surpassing Solana’s $13.9 billion, according to DefiLlama data.This provided a bullish outlook for ETH’s price, driven by layer-2 transactions nearing all-time highs, reclaiming of the top spot in DEX volume, and rising TVL deposits. Ultimately, Ether’s trend reversal remains highly dependent on macroeconomic improvements, but once stabilized, ETH is well-positioned to regain $2,500 as a key support level in the coming weeks.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.
Published: 9 hours ago
How to buy Bitcoin with a credit card
Key takeawaysBuying Bitcoin with a credit card offers nearly instant transactions and convenience, but it costs you higher fees and potential blocked transactions from card providers.Centralized exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken are the easiest reputable platforms on which to buy Bitcoin with credit cards.To protect yourself during transactions, only use trusted exchanges and use security protocols like 2FA.Credit card purchases can offer some extra protection against fraud compared to other payment methods, but purchase limits can be more restrictiveLooking for the quickest and easiest way to purchase Bitcoin? Buying Bitcoin with a credit card is almost instant on many platforms. Before you start your digital shopping spree, you should take a few minutes to learn how to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit card in the most efficient way. However, if you’re not careful, you could end up damaging your credit score and even getting scammed out of your investments. Below, you will find a step-by-step process for purchasing Bitcoin on a reputable exchange, plus learn how to protect yourself from unnecessary financial distress along the way. Why use a credit card for Bitcoin purchases?Buying Bitcoin via a credit card is almost instant on major exchanges. It can be performed easily on a mobile device or web, allowing buyers and traders to quickly take advantage of market moves.Often, the cryptocurrency exchanges that accept credit cards are regulated and will use high levels of encryption. These exchanges will require Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks for security and compliance. Purchasing Bitcoin with a credit card is a beginner-friendly option for new cryptocurrency investors already familiar with using their credit cards for online transactions. There may be some protection from the credit card company if something goes awry.Will buying Bitcoin with a credit card affect my credit score?Every purchasing decision you make with your credit card will have an effect on your credit score, either positive or negative. Crypto is likely to do more harm than good to a credit score. Here’s why:Particularly with large Bitcoin purchases, it will increase your credit utilization ratio. Banks don’t reflect kindly to high credit utilization above 50% of a credit limit.Traditional banks and card issuers classify crypto purchases as cash advances and risky transactions. Payment history still remains the key factor in your credit score. Credit issuers may well frown upon regular Bitcoin purchases.Did you know? Over 85% of retailers across the world accept credit cards, while only 25% of online retailers accept crypto payments. Credit cards are still more widely accepted; however, crypto acceptance is growing quickly. Where to buy Bitcoin (BTC) with a credit cardYou could buy Bitcoin with credit cards on centralized crypto exchanges (CEXs). Well-known global platforms like Coinbase, Kraken and Binance all enable their users to buy Bitcoin with a credit card. Adding to this, you can use instant buy features to purchase Bitcoin with a credit card without depositing fiat currency into your account first. However, the regional availability for CEXs varies from platform to platform. This is usually dependent on local regulations and compliance. So, before picking a platform, you should check if it operates in your location and with your card issuer.What if a credit card transaction is declined?Many traditional banks actively block crypto-related transactions, which means you might find your credit card declined when attempting to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. This is often due to the bank’s policy against facilitating cryptocurrency transactions. However, there is good news: Modern fintech banking alternatives, such as digital banks and crypto-friendly payment platforms, are increasingly supportive of cryptocurrency purchases, offering a smoother transaction experience.Aside from bank restrictions, other reasons for declined crypto transactions can include fraud prevention measures, where the transaction is flagged as suspicious. Additionally, exceeding your credit card’s spending limit or encountering issues with your card’s authorization settings can also lead to a declined transaction.Is there a limit to how much Bitcoin can be bought with a credit card?The purchase limit for Bitcoin varies for each individual and is influenced by two main factors. First, the spending limit on your credit card, which is determined by your bank or card issuer. Second, the crypto exchange you’re using will impose its own purchase limits. For first-time buyers, these limits can be relatively low — often just a few hundred dollars. However, depending on the exchange and your account history, these limits can typically be increased to $5,000 or more per week if needed.You should also be aware of the credit card Bitcoin purchase fees that can include: Exchange fees: Typically 3%–5% for credit card purchases (this is higher than other methods, which can be as low as 0.1%).Card issuer fees: Some treat crypto purchases as cash advances.Foreign transaction fees: It may apply to fiat foreign currency transactions. Did you know? 8%–10% of the adult global population is thought to own cryptocurrency of some form in 2025. A huge jump from 1%–2% in 2018, highlighting the increasing adoption rate.How to buy Bitcoin on CEXs with a credit cardBuying Bitcoin with a credit card is one of the quickest and easiest ways to make a purchase. Once you have a verified exchange account, you can make the transaction almost instantly. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to buy Bitcoin with a Visa or Mastercard on Coinbase. Steps on other exchanges may vary, but the process is generally very similar. Step 1: Create a verified accountFollow the user-friendly sign-up process. Ensure to activate 2-factor authentication (2FA) to double-lock your account. During the sign-up process, you’ll need to verify your identity. Crypto regulations in many countries require exchanges to comply with KYC and AML regulations. To pass these checks, you must upload a valid government ID (passport, driving license or any other acceptable ID card).Step 2: Link your credit cardOnce your account is accessible, use the right-hand side panel to add your payment method. This will give you the option to link a credit card. Add your card details and click “Add Card.” Step 3: Buy BitcoinUsing the right-hand side panel instant buy feature, select Bitcoin and the amount you’d like to purchase. The exchange buy limit will also be shown next to your credit card payment method. This is usually limited to 10,000 British pounds daily on Coinbase. When ready, click “Buy Now.” Confirm the purchase on your banking app. Once approved, the Bitcoin will be added to your exchange account and fiat debited from your credit card. How to protect yourself from fraud when buying Bitcoin with a credit cardThe irreversible nature of Bitcoin means security and fraud prevention should be at the top of your list. It is your responsibility to protect your financial information and crypto from being compromised. To stay safe when buying Bitcoin, you should:Only use a reputable and regulated exchange with a strong security record.Use core security features, including unique passwords and 2FA.Watch out for phishing attempts. Double-check URLs, and don’t click email links or unsolicited messages.Consider moving Bitcoin into a self-custody hardware wallet to protect against exchange hacks and fraud. Is it safe to buy BTC with a credit card?It is generally considered that buying Bitcoin with a credit card is one of the safest methods. This is because it helps to protect your wider financial information, such as direct access to bank accounts. You can also benefit from fraud prevention and spending limits that credit card companies offer. So, if your card details or accounts fall into the wrong hands, you will have higher levels of protection. Plus, there is even some recourse to reverse payments and have fraudulent payments struck off. While it does offer added protection and convenience, purchases will come at a higher cost. Credit card companies typically charge higher fees for crypto transactions, and you may face restrictions on the size of Bitcoin purchases. Many exchanges impose lower purchase limits for credit card transactions, especially for first-time buyers, which could make it less appealing for larger investments. Despite these drawbacks, the extra protection and ease of use make it a convenient option for those new to the crypto space.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 9 hours ago
Bitcoin must secure weekly close above $89K to confirm bottom has passed
Bitcoin must close the week above $89,000 to signal an end to the short-term downtrend, says a crypto analyst.“The only way for Bitcoin to confirm that the bottom is actually in would be to close a weekly back above $89K,” crypto analyst Matthew Hyland said in a video posted to X on March 13. Without $89,000 close, Bitcoin may head toward $69,000Bitcoin (BTC) last traded at $89,000 on March 7, a level Hyland considers crucial since it was the support area where Bitcoin ultimately ended up “breaking down below.” After falling below $89,000, it dropped to $78,523 on March 11 before stabilizing in the low $80,000s.With Bitcoin currently trading at $83,406, a move above $89,000 would liquidate approximately $1.60 billion in short positions, as per CoinGlass data.Bitcoin is down 15.42% over the past month. Source: CoinMarketCapIf Bitcoin fails to close above it, Hyland warned the asset’s price could drop to between $74,000 to $69,000, a level Bitcoin hasn’t seen since November.“It probably is likely at this point that going into the coming weeks or the coming months, Bitcoin will likely test this lower range at some point of support,” he said.“If we do get a weekly close above this area, I think the low is in for Bitcoin, and we are not going down to this area,” he said. Hyland said that it typically leads to further upside when Bitcoin breaks above a resistance level.Bitcoin demand in the US has declinedHowever, demand for Bitcoin in the US has been declining recently due to macroeconomic factors.Bitcoin’s demand fell by 103,000 BTC last week compared to the previous week, “marking its fastest pace of contraction since July 2024,” according to CryptoQuant. Related: Bitcoin high-entry buyers are driving sell pressure, price may ‘floor’ at $70KCryptoQuant said the recent decline in Bitcoin’s demand in the US was due to uncertainty around US inflation rates and US President Donald Trump’s imposed tariffs on Feb. 1. On March 7, Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell reiterated that he was in no hurry to adjust interest rates.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s whyThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 11 hours ago
Ethereum 'falling knife' warning: Is another 30% crash versus Bitcoin coming?
Ethereum’s native token, Ether (ETH), has dropped to its multi-year lows against Bitcoin (BTC), prompting analysts to predict further declines in the coming weeks.Falling knife warning furthers sell-off risks On March 13, ETH/BTC—a pair that tracks Ether’s strength against Bitcoin—dropped by over 1.50% to reach $0.022, its lowest level since May 2020.ETH’s descent is part of its multi-year downtrend that started when it established a record high of $0.156 in June 2017. Since then, it has plunged by more than 85%, underscoring Ether’s growing weakness against Bitcoin.Meanwhile, on the two-week ETH/BTC chart, the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator used to measure whether an asset is overbought or oversold, has fallen to a record low of 23.32.ETH/BTC two-week price chart. Source: TradingViewTypically, when RSI drops below 30, it signals oversold conditions, potentially leading to a price rebound. However, in Ethereum’s case, RSI has continued to plunge even lower even two months after becoming oversold, suggesting that ETH’s downtrend is still accelerating rather than stabilizing.Crypto analyst Alessandro Ottaviani has described the situation as a “falling knife” scenario—a term used to describe an asset that is experiencing a rapid and steep decline, often discouraging buyers from stepping in too soon. A falling knife implies that attempting to catch the asset at a perceived low could lead to further losses if the downtrend persists.For Ethereum to signal a potential reversal, traders will be watching for RSI stabilization and reclaim of key resistance levels. That ideally begins with a rebound from the 0.022 BTC level, which had limited ETH/BTC’s downside attempts in December 2020, leading to a 300% rally.ETH/BTC weekly price chart. Source: TradingViewShould a rebound happen, the ETH/BTC pair can rally toward its 0.382 Fibonacci retracement line at around 0.038 BTC, aligning with the 50-week exponential moving average (50-week EMA; the red wave).Until then, the technical outlook suggests that ETH/BTC could remain trapped in its falling knife trajectory, with the next potential downside targets at historical support levels inside the 0.020-0.016 BTC range.ETH/BTC two-week price chart. Source: TradingViewThe lowest point of this range is approximately 30% below the current price levels.ETH/BTC fundamentals support a bearish outlookEther’s prospects of declining further against Bitcoin are rooted in factors beyond technical analysis. For instance, Ethereum currently faces strong competition from rival layer-1 blockchains, namely Solana (SOL). Related: 'The worst thing that happened to Ethereum' — Bitcoin up 160% since the MergeVanEck noted that Solana’s decentralized exchange volume has surpassed Ethereum’s even during a steep dropoff in memecoin trading activity. Meanwhile, Solana’s volume has risen consistently in recent months, which coincides with a decline in Ethereum’s volumes.Solana vs. Ethereum DEX volumes. Source: VanEckFurthermore, the launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs has fundamentally altered the traditional crypto market cycle that used to benefit Ethereum and other altcoins.Historically, after Bitcoin surged post-halving, capital rotated into altcoins, triggering an “altseason” where ETH and other assets outperformed BTC. However, the $129 billion inflows into Bitcoin ETFs in 2024 have disrupted this cycle, draining liquidity from the broader altcoin market—including Ethereum.Bitcoin Dominance Index weekly price chart. Source: TradingViewAnother factor is Ethereum-specific selling pressure. The recent Bybit hack reportedly led to substantial ETH liquidations, with some of that value laundered via decentralized platforms like Thorchain. This absorbed sell-off may still be rippling through the market, depressing ETH’s relative value.This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 11 hours ago
Crypto founders report deluge of North Korean fake Zoom hacking attempts
At least three crypto founders have reported foiling an attempt from alleged North Korean hackers to steal sensitive data through fake Zoom calls over the past few days. Nick Bax, a member of the white hat hacker group the Security Alliance, said in a March 11 X post the method used by North Korean scammers had seen millions of dollars stolen from suspecting victims. Generally, the scammers will contact a target with a meeting offer or partnership, but once the call starts, they send a message feigning audio issues while a stock video of a bored venture capitalist is on the screen; they then send a link to a new call, according to Bax. Having audio issues on your Zoom call? That's not a VC, it's North Korean hackers. Fortunately, this founder realized what was going on.The call starts with a few "VCs" on the call. They send messages in the chat saying they can't hear your audio, or suggesting there's an… pic.twitter.com/ZnW8Mtof4F— Nick Bax.eth (@bax1337) March 11, 2025“It’s a fake link and instructs the target to install a patch to fix their audio/video,” Bax said. “They exploit human psychology, you think you’re meeting with important VCs and rush to fix the audio, causing you to be less careful than you usually are. Once you install the patch, you’re rekt.” The post prompted several crypto founders to detail their experiences with the scam.Giulio Xiloyannis, co-founder of the blockchain gaming Mon Protocol, said scammers tried to dupe him and the head of marketing with a meeting about a partnership opportunity. However, he was alerted to the ruse when, at the last minute, he was prompted to use a Zoom link that “pretends to not be able to read your audio to make you install malware.”“The moment I saw a Gumicryptos partner speaking and a Superstate one I realized something was off,” he said. Source: Giulio XiloyannisDavid Zhang, co-founder of US venture-backed stablecoin Stably, was also targeted. He said the scammers used his Google Meet link but then made up an excuse about an internal meeting, asking him to join that meeting instead.“The site acted like a normal Zoom call. I took the call on my tablet though, so not sure what the behavior would’ve been on desktop,” Zhang said. “It probably tried to determine the OS before prompting the user to do something, but it just wasn’t built for mobile Oses.” Source: David ZhangMelbin Thomas, founder of Devdock AI, a decentralized AI platform for Web3 projects, said he was also hit with the scam and was unsure if his tech was still at risk. “The same thing happened to me. But I didn’t give my password while the installation was happening,” he said. “Disconnected my laptop and I reset to factory settings. But transferred my files to a hard drive. I have not connected the hard drive back to my laptop. Is it still infected?” Related: Fake Zoom malware steals crypto while it’s ‘stuck’ loading, user warnsThis comes after the US, Japan and South Korea on Jan. 14 issued a joint warning against the growing threat presented by cryptocurrency hackers associated with North Korean hackers. Groups such as the Lazarus Group are prime suspects in some of the biggest cyber thefts in Web3, including the Bybit $1.4 billion hack and the $600 million Ronin network hack.The Lazarus Group has been moving crypto assets using mixers following a string of high-profile hacks, according to blockchain security firm CertiK, which detected a deposit of 400 Ether (ETH) worth around $750,000 to the Tornado Cash mixing service. Magazine: Lazarus Group’s favorite exploit revealed — Crypto hacks analysis
Published: 11 hours ago
Lazarus Group sends 400 ETH to Tornado Cash, deploys new malware
North Korean-affiliated hacking collective the Lazarus Group has been moving crypto assets using mixers following a string of high-profile hacks. On March 13, blockchain security firm CertiK alerted its X followers that it had detected a deposit of 400 ETH (ETH) worth around $750,000 to the Tornado Cash mixing service. “The fund traces to the Lazarus group’s activity on the Bitcoin network,” it noted. The North Korean hacking group was responsible for the massive Bybit exchange hack that resulted in the theft of $1.4 billion worth of crypto assets on Feb. 21. It has also been linked to the $29 million Phemex exchange hack in January and has been laundering assets ever since. Lazarus Group crypto asset movements. Source: Certik Lazarus has also been linked to some of the most notorious crypto hacking incidents, including the $600 million Ronin network hack in 2022.North Korean hackers stole over $1.3 billion worth of crypto assets in 47 incidents in 2024, more than doubling thefts in 2023, according to Chainalysis data.New Lazarus malware detectedAccording to researchers at cybersecurity firm Socket, Lazarus Group has deployed six new malicious packages to infiltrate developer environments, steal credentials, extract cryptocurrency data and install backdoors. It has targeted the Node Package Manager (NPM) ecosystem, which is a large collection of JavaScript packages and libraries.Researchers discovered malware called “BeaverTail” embedded in packages that mimic legitimate libraries using typosquatting tactics or methods used to deceive developers. “Across these packages, Lazarus uses names that closely mimic legitimate and widely trusted libraries,” they added. Related: Inside the Lazarus Group money laundering strategyThe malware also targets cryptocurrency wallets, specifically Solana and Exodus wallets, the added. Code snippet showing Solana wallet attacks. Source: SocketThe attack targets files in Google Chrome, Brave and Firefox browsers, as well as keychain data on macOS, specifically targeting developers who might unknowingly install the malicious packages.The researchers noted that attributing this attack definitively to Lazarus remains challenging; however, “the tactics, techniques, and procedures observed in this npm attack closely align with Lazarus’s known operations.” Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express
Published: 11 hours ago
Argentine lawyer requests Interpol red notice for LIBRA creator: Report
Argentine lawyer Gregorio Dalbon has reportedly asked for a global arrest warrant to be issued for Hayden Davis, the co-creator of the LIBRA token that caused a political scandal in the country.Dalbon submitted a request to prosecutor Eduardo Taiano and judge María Servini, who are probing President Javier Milei’s involvement in the memecoin, seeking for an Interpol Red Notice to be issued for Davis, local outlets Página 12 and Perfil reported on March 11.Dalbon said in the filing that there was a “procedural risk” if Davis remained free as he could have access to vast amounts of money that would allow him to either flee the US or go into hiding.“His central role in the creation and promotion of the $LIBRA cryptocurrency, coupled with the international impact of the case, increases the likelihood that he will take steps to evade justice,” the document reportedly stated.Dalbon, who represented former Argentine president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner in her corruption case, asked for Davis’ arrest and for “an Interpol red notice [to] be issued in order to locate and arrest him, with a view to his extradition.”Interpol is the biggest international police organization and can issue Red Notices that request law enforcement agencies around the world to locate and provisionally arrest someone.LIBRA is a token that Milei shared across his social media accounts just minutes after its creation on Feb. 14, which catapulted it to a peak value of over $4 billion. The token’s creators held most of the supply and quickly sold their holdings, which caused the token’s price to crash, with many claiming the token was a pump-and-dump scheme.Hayden Davis (left) poses with Argentine President Javier Milei. Source: Javier MileiDays later, various lawyers reportedly filed fraud charges against Milei in an Argentine criminal court for promoting the token, while other lawyers reported the president for financial crimes to local authorities and to the US Justice Department.Related: Memecoins are likely dead for now, but they’ll be back: CoinGecko Milei has claimed he didn’t “promote” the LIBRA token and insisted he just “spread the word” about it. In a lengthy interview days after LIBRA’s collapse with YouTuber Stephen Findeisen, better known as “Coffeezilla,” Davis defended the token as a failure rather than a scam.Davis and his firm, Kelsier Ventures, were the biggest winners from the LIBRA token launch. He claimed to Findeisen that he netted around $100 million but said he didn’t own the tokens and wouldn’t be selling them.It was later reported that he sent a text message bragging about being able to pay Milei’s sister, Karina Milei, to have the president share the memecoin’s details on X. Davis later said he had no record of this on his phone and denied making payments to the Mileis.Magazine: Influencers shilling memecoin scams face severe legal consequences
Published: 11 hours ago
Ripple secures Dubai license to offer crypto payments in UAE
Update March 13, 9:22 am UTC: This article has been updated to add comments from a Ripple spokesperson.Blockchain payment provider Ripple received full regulatory approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to offer cross-border crypto payment services in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The company announced on March 13 that it had secured its DFSA license, allowing it to operate in the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), a UAE free-economic zone with its own tax policies and regulatory framework.The announcement came almost six months after the company announced its receipt of an in-principle approval of the DFSA license. On Oct. 1, 2024, Ripple revealed that it was working to become licensed by the DFSA as it aimed to roll out its digital asset infrastructure in the UAE. Enabling blockchain-based global payments for UAE businessesWith this license, Ripple can now provide its global blockchain-based payment solutions to businesses across the UAE. The company said this allows it to cater to financial institutions looking for partners to help them use digital assets in real-world applications. In a news release sent to Cointelegraph, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said the UAE is “well-placed” to benefit from tech and crypto innovation, thanks to its early leadership and supportive environment:“We are entering an unprecedented period of growth for the crypto industry, driven by greater regulatory clarity around the world and increasing institutional adoption.”Ripple also reported that it had seen increased demand across the Middle East for cross-border payments. The company said the demand was not limited to crypto-native firms but also came from traditional financial institutions. In a statement, a Ripple spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the company is also working to understand stablecoin requirements to comply with upcoming regulations in the UAE. The spokesperson said the firm monitors the Central Bank of the UAE’s (CBUAE) moves to regulate stablecoins. “This is something we’re monitoring closely, and we are working with the CBUAE to understand the requirements and timelines for when this regulation comes into effect,” the spokesperson said.They added that Ripple is making it a priority to ensure the worldwide availability of RLUSD. The stablecoin is available in the UAE through a crypto exchange called CoinMENA.Related: UAE to introduce legal framework for DAOsRipple becomes the first crypto payment provider in the DIFCWith DFSA approval, Ripple has become the first blockchain-enabled payments provider to operate within DIFC’s free zone, according to DIFC CEO Arif Amiri.”We are thrilled that Ripple is deepening their commitment to Dubai by securing a DFSA license that makes them the first blockchain-enabled payments provider in DIFC,” he said.The license allows Ripple to tap into opportunities in the UAE and the broader MENA region, he added.Magazine: The Sandbox’s Sebastien Borget cringes at the word ‘influencer’: X Hall of Flame
Published: 12 hours ago
Nebraska governor signs bill to regulate crypto ATMs, citing growing fraud
The governor of Nebraska, Jim Pillen, has signed legislation to protect against cryptocurrency fraud as crypto ATM crime skyrockets in the United States.“Cryptocurrency is an important, emerging industry, and we’ve been working hard to build Nebraska into a cryptocurrency leader,” said Governor Pillen on March 12 following the signing of the bill. “An important part of these efforts is to make sure that we have guardrails to prevent criminals from taking advantage of Nebraskans,” he added. The bipartisan legislation establishes the “Controllable Electronic Record Fraud Prevention Act,” which is designed to help combat fraud and protect users of crypto kiosks and ATMs.Source: Jim PillenAccording to the Federal Trade Commission, victims have lost over $65 million to crypto ATM fraud in the first half of 2024. “Fraud losses at BTMs (Bitcoin ATMs) are skyrocketing, increasing nearly tenfold from 2020 to 2023,” the commission reported in September. The bill, LB 609, was introduced on Jan. 22 by Senator Eliot Bostar. It stipulates that crypto ATM and kiosk operators must be licensed under Nebraska’s Money Transmitters Act and registered and approved by the Department of Banking and Finance. Operators must provide quarterly reports on kiosk locations, names and transaction data.It also implements transaction limits of $2,000 per day for new users and $5,000 per day for existing customers, and fees cannot exceed 18% of the transaction value. New customers who report fraud within 90 days can receive a full refund, including fees, while existing customers can be refunded for the fees associated with fraudulent transactions.Kiosk operators must also display fraud warnings and appoint a compliance officer to enforce fraud prevention measures, it states. The US crypto ATM network shrunk by more than 1,200 machines earlier this month after Illinois Senator Dick Durbin introduced similar legislation. Related: Nebraska bill seeks fair play for crypto mining, ownership “Nebraska is open for business in the cryptocurrency space,” commented state Department of Banking director Kelly Lammers, who added, “those that target our citizens … using crypto ATMs as part of their transfer method, we will soon have a team that will be watching even more closely.”While being supportive of crypto, Nebraska has yet to join the 21 US states that have proposed legislation to establish strategic crypto reserves, according to the Bitcoin Reserve Monitor. Magazine: Mystery celeb memecoin scam factory, HK firm dumps Bitcoin: Asia Express
Published: 13 hours ago
Hardware wallet Ledger helps competitor Trezor resolve security vulnerability
Hardware wallet provider Trezor has patched up a security flaw in two of its latest models after competitor firm Ledger’s open-source research arm discovered a vulnerability in their microcontrollers. Ledger Donjon acknowledged Trezor has made several security advancements of late but found cryptographic operations could still be performed on the microcontroller of Trezor’s Safe 3 and 5 models, which could make them “vulnerable to more advanced attacks.”Fortunately, Trezor has since addressed the vulnerabilities found, Ledger’s chief technology officer Charles Guillemet said in a March 12 X post.“We believe that making the ecosystem more secure helps everyone, and is critical as we push towards broader adoption of crypto and digital assets,” Guillemet added.Source: Charles GuillemetTrezor had already implemented “Secure Elements” — chips designed to protect the user's PIN code and cryptographic secrets — as some of Trezor’s devices could be tampered with by modifying the software running on it, potentially allowing threat actors to steal user funds.The Secure Elements feature “effectively thwarts any inexpensive hardware attack, in particular voltage glitching,” Ledger said in a March 12 post.“[This] gives users confidence that their funds are safe even if their device gets misplaced or stolen.”However, Ledger found another potential attack vector stemmed from the microcontroller, the other main part of Trezor’s two-chip design for its Safe 3 and 5 models.Trezor implemented a firmware integrity check to detect modified software, but Ledger was able to demonstrate that an attacker could still bypass this security check.This issue has since been resolved by Trezor — though neither Ledger nor Trezor have explained how. Cointelegraph reached out to Trezor but didn’t receive an immediate response.Trezor’s microcontroller in the Trezor Safe 3 model. Source: LedgerTrezor confirmed on X that user funds remain safe and that no action is required.Related: ‘Dark Skippy’ method can steal Bitcoin hardware wallet keysHowever, when asked whether Trezor was able to patch this issue via firmware, the hardware wallet provider responded: “Unfortunately not.”“In cybersecurity, the golden rule is simple: nothing is fully unbreakable. That’s why we have already implemented a multi-layer defense against supply chain attacks and always advise our users to purchase from official sources.”Ledger isn’t immune to security vulnerabilities either.In December 2023, a hacker committed a security breach into Ledger’s connector library and stole $484,000 worth of crypto assets.Another threat actor who breached Ledger’s systems published the mailing addresses of around 270,000 Ledger customers in June 2020.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why
Published: 13 hours ago
ETH/BTC hits 5-year low as trader suggests rotation into stronger alts
Ethereum's value against Bitcoin has hit its lowest level since mid-2020, with a crypto trader suggesting that it might be time to shift into higher-performing altcoins.“If still stuck on ETH, it is likely a good time to dump it to buy a higher beta altcoin,” economist and crypto trader Alex Kruger said in a March 12 X post.ETH/BTC ratio is an altcoin season indicator“If the market goes down, you’ll likely lose equally in both cases, but if it goes up, you’ll likely outperform significantly and can then swap into BTC,” Kruger opined.The ETH/BTC ratio — which shows Ether’s relative strength compared to Bitcoin — is sitting at 0.02281, its lowest level in nearly five years, according to TradingView data. Bitcoin Dominance is 0.02281 at the time of publication. Source: TradingViewBoth the leading cryptocurrencies by market cap are trading below key psychological price levels. Bitcoin is trading at $83,667 — having remained below the $100,000 level since Feb. 5 — while Ether (ETH) is at $1,907, floating below $2,000 since March 10.Meanwhile, the Crypto Fear & Greed Index, which measures overall market sentiment, read a “Fear” score of 45, up 11 points from yesterday’s score.The Crypto Fear & Greed Index is reading a “Fear” score of 45. Source: alternative.meMany in the crypto industry see the ETH/BTC ratio “bottoming out” as a sign that altcoin season could kick off. On Feb. 14, Into The Cryptoverse founder Benjamin Cowen said on X to get an altcoin season, “ETH/BTC needs to bottom and start trending higher.”Bitcoin season could dominateHowever, other indicators suggest that altcoin season may not come so soon, and Bitcoin (BTC) may continue to hold market share in the near term.CoinMarketCap’s Altcoin Season Index — which bases the performance of the top 100 altcoins relative to Bitcoin over the past 90 days — reads a score of 13 out of 100, leaning more toward Bitcoin season.Related: Crypto whale liquidated for $308M in leveraged Ether tradePseudonymous crypto trader and Pear Protocol adviser Hansolar said in a March 13 X post that it will be Bitcoin season “all year round.”The trader said altcoin season was only 16 days last year and happened when Bitcoin’s Dominance dropped from 61% on Nov. 20 to 55% on Dec. 5 before rebounding to 59% by Dec. 21.At the time of publication, Bitcoin dominance stands at 62.15%, according to TradingView.When Ether hit its all-time high of $4,800 in November 2021, Bitcoin's dominance was approximately 42%.Magazine: Crypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s whyThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.
Published: 13 hours ago
Twitter User Claims TradingView Has Ignored a Fibonacci Retracement Bug for 5 Years
Update: the CTO of TradingView told Cointelegraph in comments that the reports of a bug were inaccurate, and the Twitter user partially withdrew his earlier claims that the tool was broken. Popular chart analysis service TradingView reportedly contains a bug in the Fibonacci retracement technical analysis tool, according to a tweet by self-proclaimed certified Elliott wave analyst Cryptoteddybear published on June 13. The Elliott wave principle is a type of technical analysis for predicting prices in financial markets by looking at recurring patterns. In a video that he uploaded to YouTube, the analyst explains that the tool does linear calculations when in logarithmic charts, which he notes is a significant issue for Elliot wave traders. The official Twitter account of the company behind the charting service answered his tweet, announcing that the issue is being investigated, to which Cryptoteddybear answered: “Thank you @tradingview for finally taking this issue seriously.” The first reports of the bug, posted over five years ago (in November 2014) on consumer community platform getsatisfaction, have been reportedly ignored by the company. Another report submitted on the same platform, dated June 3, 2017, has seen the official TradingView account answer in the thread: “Hi, you are right, we have a planned task to fix this. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.” However, the problem apparently has not yet been solved. Cryptoteddybear claims that a company representative told him that he asked the technicians to increase the priority given to solving the bug. As Cointelegraph recently reported, TradingView is one of the platforms that added the “CIX100” index — an AI-powered index for the 100 strongest-performing cryptocurrencies and tokens. At the beginning of the current month, cryptocurrency analytics company Coin Metrics announced that it has acquired digital asset index firm Bletchley Indexes and plans to launch crypto smart beta indexes. As of press time, TradingView has not responded to a request for comment.
Published: 6 years ago
