News

Merit Circle Levels Up Web3 Gaming with Immutable Partnership

Merit Circle DAO has announced a partnership with Immutable to build out its vision for a decentralized ecosystem centered around gaming, collectibles and trading. The partnership will see Immutable provide its scaling solutions to power Merit Circle's upcoming projects.

Sjuul Follings

Merit Circle DAO has partnered with scaling platform Immutable to power their ambitious lineup of upcoming Web3 games and platforms. By tapping into Immutable’s zero-knowledge rollup technology, Merit Circle will be able to deliver high-performance, mainstream-ready experiences that lower the barriers to mainstream adoption of decentralized technologies.

Can Binance Ex-CEO Changpeng Zhao Return to Dubai After Guilty Plea?

This post analyzes the case of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao pleading guilty in the US and whether he will be allowed to return to the UAE before sentencing.

Sjuul Follings

The judge has a difficult decision weighing extradition risks against CZ's cooperation and family circumstances. Both sides will present compelling arguments. Depending on the conditions set, allowing limited travel with strict bail terms appears a fair compromise. The outcome could impact how crypto exchanges cooperate with regulators globally in the future.

Crypto Events For January 2024: Bitcoin ETF Verdict & Coinbase-SEC Battle Set to Define Crypto's Future

An in-depth look at the two major regulatory events happening in January 2024 that could reshape the crypto industry - the decision on the first ever Bitcoin ETF and the final hearing in the legal battle between Coinbase and the SEC.

Sjuul Follings

January 2024 looks set to be a defining period for cryptocurrencies as regulators and industry clash over the rules around digital assets. The outcome of these two landmark events will likely shape the path of regulation and adoption for years to come. It's a critical junction and all eyes will be on how regulators choose to govern this emerging asset class going forward.

Binance Launches $500,000 Airdrop Campaign to Drive Web3 Wallet Adoption and Exchange Liquidity

Binance unveils a major airdrop promotion offering $500,000 in cryptocurrency rewards to encourage usage of its new Web3 wallet and stimulate trading activity on the exchange during the ongoing crypto rally.

Sjuul Follings

With its half-million dollar airdrop promotion, Binance is showing its commitment to fostering the adoption of innovative products that address important industry needs around both user experience and exchange infrastructure. By seamlessly integrating its new wallet, strategically partnering with leading projects, and optimizing the market opportunity, Binance is making a compelling case for why both traders and those simply holding during the bull run should engage more deeply with its platform.

Altcoin Market Gains Momentum Following Bitcoin's Rally

This long-form analysis takes a deeper look at the ongoing rally in altcoin markets and potential investment opportunities as Bitcoin dominance continues to decline.

Sjuul Follings

The altcoin market appears to be hitting its stride as it breaks out of a key technical pattern. Momentum looks strong and several leading altcoins are challenging resistance levels. With Bitcoin continuing to push higher and broader market sentiment remaining solid, the environment looks conducive for the altcoin rally to continue unlocking further upside potential in large and small-cap altcoin projects alike. However, normal volatility should be expected along the way.

BlackRock and Bitwise Revise Applications for Spot Bitcoin ETF

BlackRock and Bitwise have filed revised applications for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the SEC, incorporating clarifications and amendments, signaling progress towards potential approval.

Sjuul Follings

BlackRock and Bitwise have filed updated applications for a spot Bitcoin ETF with the SEC, addressing potential regulatory concerns and making significant amendments. This development, along with expected updates from other applicants, signals progress towards potential approval in the near future.

Korean Won Surpasses US Dollar as Top Fiat Currency for Bitcoin Trading.

The Korean won has become the largest fiat trading pair for Bitcoin, outpacing the US dollar for the first time amid the recent rally in BTC prices.

Sjuul Follings

Through building accessible infrastructure early on and pioneering exchanges paired with progressive regulation, South Korea established itself as the dominant crypto market globally as its currency, the won, surpassed the dollar in BTC trading volumes.

Bitcoin's Impressive Rally: Surpassing $44K and Meta's Market Cap

Bitcoin's recent surge above $44,000 propels it ahead of Meta in market capitalization, positioning it as the 9th most valuable asset globally and edging closer to a $1 trillion market cap.

Sjuul Follings

Bitcoin's recent surge past $44,000 has positioned it as the 9th most valuable asset globally, overtaking Meta in market capitalization. This significant development reflects a shift in the financial asset hierarchy and points toward Bitcoin's potential to achieve a $1 trillion market cap.

DeFi Market Rebounds to $50B as Speculators Hunt for Yield

The total amount of capital locked or staked across all decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols reached $50 billion as the value of underlying assets surged and investors sought to secure a yield on their crypto holdings.

Sjuul Follings

Increased appetite for risk-free yields amid a volatile crypto market has pushed capital back into decentralized finance, with Total Value Locked surpassing $50 billion for the first time since June 2023. Further growth will depend on protocol innovations and macroeconomic conditions going forward.

Fewer Russians Now Trading Crypto – Central Bank Says Trading Volume Has Declined

The Central Bank of Russia has revealed that the number of Russian citizens trading cryptocurrency has decreased, with data showing a fall in visits to major crypto exchange websites and trading volumes.

Sjuul Follings

The Central Bank report provides insights into how international sanctions as well as bearish market cycles are reshaping the contours of cryptocurrency use within Russia's borders. Ongoing monitoring of crypto risks will remain important as the country adapts to navigate sanctions and decentralized finance.

Blockstream CEO Adam Back Predicts $700k Bitcoin Within 2 Years

Blockstream CEO Adam Back says Bitcoin's market cap could flip gold within 2 years, bringing its price to $700k. Here's his analysis on Bitcoin becoming the new digital gold.

Sjuul Follings

Adam Back makes a very bullish case for Bitcoin reaching $700k based on historical supply and demand factors. While this may seem unrealistic today, cryptocurrency is still a young asset class undergoing massive adoption growth. If Bitcoin does cement its status as digital gold in the coming years, reaching over $100k does not seem out of the question according to analysts. Only time will tell if Back's $700k prediction comes true.

Crypto.com Receives Key UK Regulatory Nod to Advance E-Money Services

Crypto exchange Crypto.com has received approval from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority to operate as an Electronic Money Institution, unlocking its ability to offer regulated e-money and payment products to consumers in the sizable British market.

Sjuul Follings

Gaining an EMI license in the UK underscores Crypto.com's commitment to comply with local rules as it progresses global expansion. The approval allows it to leverage the growing electronic money sector and better serve the cryptocurrency needs of UK consumers through regulated e-money offerings. It demonstrates continued progress in responsible innovation and mainstream adoption of digital assets.

Bitcoin surges past $41,000 as broader crypto market rallies.

Bitcoin price has risen nearly 10% over the past week, surpassing $41,000 for the first time since May 2022 amid positive market sentiment.

Sjuul Follings

The latest Bitcoin and crypto market rally signals investors' growing confidence after a punishing bear market. Macroeconomic and regulatory headwinds still exist, so sustainability of upbeat sentiment remains uncertain. But for now, the technical and on-chain metrics coupled with improving industry vibes point to further price appreciation potential in the near term. Of course, investors must manage risks prudently in this still volatile sector.

Bitcoin ETF Approval Dates in January 2023: What Investors Can Expect

A look at the upcoming Bitcoin ETF decision dates from the SEC in January and what outcome is most likely based on recent regulatory developments.

Sjuul Follings

2023 could mark a watershed year if US regulators finally embrace spot bitcoin ETFs. Continued progress in January would send bullish signals for greater mainstream crypto adoption and investment. However, investors still await definitive rulings from the SEC.

Bitcoin's Top of Funnel is Becoming Less Noisy with the Rise of ETFs, Suggests Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten

A deeper exploration of Swan Bitcoin CEO Cory Klippsten's perspective on how Bitcoin ETFs may simplify newcomers' initial exposure to cryptocurrency by reducing noisy marketing and complexity at the top of the funnel.

Sjuul Follings

As Bitcoin ETFs continue launching and their value rises, cryptocurrency investing may finally go mainstream. By optimizing the onboarding process, ETFs could light the path toward extending crypto's reach much further. Only time will tell if this widespread adoption unfolds as anticipated.

Bitcoin Eyes $40,000 as Crypto Market Cap Hits $1.5 Trillion

As the total cryptocurrency market cap surpasses $1.5 trillion, will Bitcoin reach $40,000 next? This article analyzes price trends and predictions.

Sjuul Follings

While no one can predict the Bitcoin price with certainty, the market seems primed for an assault on $40,000 in the coming weeks or months. Positive signals like rising institutional participation and increasing geopolitical acceptance counter lingering macro risks. For now, bulls have control - but volatility remains high and profit-taking could lead to short-term dips. Investors await the next big price catalyst as Bitcoin matures into a more mainstream market.

IRS Files Massive $24 Billion Tax Claim Against Collapsed Crypto Exchange FTX

The IRS has filed tax claims totaling $24 billion against Sam Bankman-Fried's collapsed FTX exchange, in a devastating blow that FTX is pushing back against in bankruptcy court.

Sjuul Follings

The IRS tax actions against collapsed crypto exchange FTX introduce a new complication threatening its recovery attempts. How FTX's legal challenge proceeds against the $24 billion tax assertion will be closely watched as a test case with broad implications for regulatory cooperation dynamics going forward.

KuCoin Partners with TON Foundation to Support Ecosystem Growth with $20K Initial Grant

KuCoin Ventures will provide $20,000 in initial grants to The Open Network (TON) blockchain platform to support ecosystem expansion including payments and gaming projects.

Sjuul Follings

The initial $20K grant from KuCoin Ventures will help fuel five emerging TON-based projects and spread awareness of the platform's capabilities. It also lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between the two organizations going forward.

Celsius Network's Move to Bitcoin Mining Deemed Risky by Judge, Creditors Skeptical

Celsius Network's plan to pivot from lending to Bitcoin mining faces obstacles as a US judge suggests creditors may reject the change and demand a new vote.

Sjuul Follings

While Bitcoin mining could address some of Celsius' regulatory issues, transitioning a major business in bankruptcy comes with substantial hurdles to clear. The road ahead remains long and bumpy. Further updates on creditor votes and regulatory responses will be needed to see if Celsius' mining pivot has a clear path forward or if alternatives are explored.

SEC Engages in Meetings with Grayscale and BlackRock to Discuss Bitcoin ETFs

Learn about the recent meetings held by the SEC with Grayscale and BlackRock to discuss the potential approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Stay informed about the regulatory progress and its potential impact on the cryptocurrency market.

Sjuul Follings

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has engaged in meetings with industry leaders Grayscale and BlackRock to discuss Bitcoin ETFs. Explore the regulatory developments, potential benefits, and risks associated with these investment vehicles. Stay updated on the latest news and the potential impact on the price of Bitcoin.

SEC Chair Gensler Keeps Investors Guessing on Spot Bitcoin ETFs

SEC Chair Gensler's stance on spot Bitcoin ETFS remains undisclosed, leaving the crypto industry in suspense. Learn about the implications for the industry and the significance of regulatory decisions.

Sjuul Follings

SEC Chair Gary Gensler's silence on spot Bitcoin ETFs has left the industry uncertain. While recognizing Bitcoin as a commodity, he remains cautious about the risks. Asset managers eagerly await SEC approval, but the prolonged waiting period has created uncertainty. Gensler's support for CFTC authority and regulatory compliance shows commitment to investor protection. The crypto industry eagerly awaits clarity or the SEC's stance

Forbes Highlights Emerging Crypto Leaders in Latest 30 Under 30' List

Forbes has included several leaders from the blockchain and crypto industry in its recent '30 Under 30' Finance lineup, highlighting young innovators transforming digital assets.

Sjuul Follings

The inclusion of prominent crypto entrepreneurs on Forbes' prestigious list exemplifies how the industry is attracting top young minds. It also demonstrates how digital assets and distributed ledger technologies have become profoundly impactful in modern finance. With growing representation, more groundbreaking developments can be expected from the next generation of blockchain innovators.

FTX Receives Court Approval to Sell $744 Million In Grayscale Trust Assets

Bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX has been granted permission by a US bankruptcy court to liquidate its multi-million dollar stakes in Grayscale cryptocurrency investment trusts.

Sjuul Follings

The bankruptcy court's approval for FTX to begin selling its Grayscale trust assets is an essential step as the collapsed exchange works to recover value and address obligations resulting from its demise. How the sales are executed will influence both the company's restructuring prospects and short-term crypto market dynamics.

Soccer Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo Sued for Promoting Binance Crypto Exchange

Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit for his promotion of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, which allegedly sold unregistered securities.

Sjuul Follings

Cristiano Ronaldo is facing legal action over his highly successful promotion of Binance, based on claims the exchange sold unregistered securities to investors without proper registration or disclosures. As one of the most followed people globally, Ronaldo's endorsement is argued to have significantly boosted Binance user activity and trading volumes. It remains to be seen how the class action lawsuit against the soccer star will play out.

SEC Requests Comments on Franklin Templeton and Hashdex Bitcoin ETF Applications

The SEC has opened a public comment period on the spot Bitcoin ETF applications from Franklin Templeton and Hashdex as it weighs approval amid market manipulation concerns.

Sjuul Follings

The SEC is following standard procedures by opening up a public comment period as it thoroughly reviews the Bitcoin ETF applications. The comment period will provide an opportunity for the crypto industry and investors to formally voice their perspectives to argue why a spot bitcoin ETF would not be susceptible to manipulation. A final decision is still pending.