ZEN INVESTING
Zen Investing is a unique approach to mastering the art of the stock market by combining timeless Zen philosophy with practical investment strategies. This series introduces readers to profound insights, actionable techniques, and a structured framework for navigating financial markets with clarity and discipline. Whether you're a beginner seeking guidance or an experienced trader exploring new perspectives, Zen Investing offers a fresh path to achieving financial success through mindfulness, wisdom, and strategy.
US Officials Consider Expanding Deposit Insurance Coverage
US officials are discussing the possibility of expanding deposit insurance beyond the current cap of $250,000 to cover all bank deposits, according to Bloomberg. However, sources have said that such a move is not necessary at the moment, as recent steps taken by financial regulators are likely to be sufficient. This potential strategy is being considered in case the current situation worsens.
Mid-Size Banks Ask for Deposit Insurance Extension
The Mid-Size Bank Coalition of America (MBCA) has requested that the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) extend insurance on all deposits for the next two years, which would immediately halt the outflow of deposits from smaller banks and stabilize the banking industry, according to a Bloomberg report. The MBCA proposed that the banks themselves fund the insurance program by raising the deposit-insurance assessment on lenders who opt to participate in the increased coverage, and the failure to provide this could result in up to 300 banks going under.
US Banking Crisis Fuels Regulation Debate
The recent fall of major banks in the US has reignited discussions about the most effective ways to safeguard the economy. Economist Peter Schiff argues that increasing banking regulations could contribute to a worsening economic crisis, while a group of economists warns that nearly 190 US banks are at risk of depositor-driven collapse due to monetary policies.
Uniswap Officially Live on BNB Chain
Uniswap goes live on BNB Chain following a governance proposal, aiming for user growth, lower fees, and new market access.
Okcoin Halts U.S. Dollar Deposits After Signature Bank Shutdown
Okcoin has paused its U.S. dollar wire and ACH deposits due to the regulatory intervention in Signature Bank, Okcoin’s primary partner for customer transactions in dollars. The suspension extends to over-the-counter services, credit card transactions, and trading USD-crypto trading pairs. However, all corporate and customer funds are safe, and USD withdrawal is not affected. The processing pace will be subject to bank operation. All crypto deposit and withdrawal functions remain intact, including those of U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins.
Ackman Urges US Government to Guarantee SVB Deposits
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has warned the US government that failing to guarantee all deposits held by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) within 48 hours could result in the destruction of several financial institutions. Ackman argued that a "giant sucking sound" would be heard from the withdrawal of substantially all uninsured deposits from all banks, which would lead to a drain on liquidity from community, regional, and other banks.
Circle Unable to Withdraw $3.3 Billion from SVB, Causing USDC Sell-Off
Circle, the issuer of USD Coin (USDC), was unable to withdraw $3.3 billion of its $40 billion reserves from Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), leading to a sell-off that caused the stablecoin's value to drop below its $1 peg. Circle initiated a wire transfer to remove the funds from SVB as the FDIC-insured bank was about to shut operations, but the transfer was not wholly processed, leaving $3.3 billion of USDC reserves with SVB. Dante Disparte, Circle's chief strategy officer, warned that SVB's failure could have broader implications for the US economy.
Biden's Budget Proposal Includes Crackdown on Crypto Wash Sales and Doubling of Capital Gains Tax for Certain Investors
U.S. President Joe Biden's fiscal 2024 budget plan proposes a crackdown on crypto wash sales and a doubling of the capital gains tax for certain investors, which could raise $24 billion. The proposed changes to crypto tax treatment aim to reduce the deficit by nearly $3 trillion over the next decade. The budget proposal seeks to eliminate the tax-loss harvesting strategy used by crypto traders, which allows them to sell assets at a loss for tax purposes before immediately repurchasing them. The proposal also aims to raise the capital gains tax rate for investors making at least $1 million to 39.6%.
Bybit suspends USD bank transfers amid service outages
Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit has temporarily suspended USD deposits via bank transfers due to "service outages from a partner." Users can still withdraw funds through wire transfers until March 10, but are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to avoid potential disruptions. Bybit has exposure to the bankrupt crypto lender Genesis Global Trading and claims all client funds are safe and secure.
Vader Shuts Down Stablecoin USDV
The Vader protocol was an algorithmic stablecoin network that was intended to be comparable to the Terra network, however it ultimately failed. In order to ensure that $1 is always equivalent to 1 USDV, it was intended to promote arbitrages. The next half a year was spent by the Vader team scouring the internet for information on how to improve the app's security. Instead, the authors of the app have built a redemption gateway so that users may access the remainder of the app's treasure.