API
Stands for Application Programming Interface, a software intermediary that helps two separate applications communicate with one another. They define methods of communication between various components.
US Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Sentence for Crypto Shadow Bank Executive
US prosecutors seek a sentence of at least 7 years imprisonment for Reginald Fowler, a former minority owner of the Minnesota Vikings NFL team, over his alleged involvement in shadow banking practices through Crypto Capital Corp, an alleged crypto shadow bank. Fowler is accused of acting as an unlicensed money transmitter and deceiving financial institutions through Global Trading Solutions (GTS), a firm he established under Crypto Capital in 2018. GTS and Crypto Capital are alleged to have processed approximately $750 million in cryptocurrency transactions, providing unlicensed crypto firms with unlawful access to the U.S. banking system.
Cryptocurrency Soars in Q1 2023
CoinGecko's Q1 2023 Crypto Industry Report shows Bitcoin as the best-performing asset, with a gain of 72.4%. DeFi and NFTs have also surged, while stablecoins saw a drop in market cap due to Binance USD shutdown and USDC depeg. The overall market capitalization reached $1.2 trillion at the end of Q1.
Bitget Launches Web3 Fund
Bitget has launched a Web3 Fund to support venture firms and projects globally, with a focus on Asian projects solving real-world problems. Bitget plans to partner with venture capitalists and expand its products and services in 2023.
Twitter disables actions on tweets with Substack links
Twitter users are unable to interact with tweets containing links to Substack pages, receiving error messages that some actions on the tweet have been disabled by Twitter. It is unclear whether this is a bug or an intended feature. The problem arose around the same time that Twitter cut off the ability for Substack users to embed tweets in their posts. This issue comes after recent mysterious changes to Twitter, and the announcement of Substack's "Notes" application, which is seen as competition to Twitter.
Twitter Disables Interactions with Substack Links
Twitter users were unable to interact with tweets containing Substack links on April 7, receiving an error message or encountering issues with registering their interactions. It is unclear whether the issue is a bug or an intended feature. The problem began around the same time as Twitter cutting off the ability for Substack users to embed tweets. This comes as Substack announced a Twitter-like posting application, potentially competing with the social media platform.
Chinese state company launches crypto funds
CPIC Investment Management, a subsidiary of China Pacific Insurance, is launching two crypto funds with Waterdrip Capital, targeting institutional and wealthy private investors. The funds will focus on investments in early-stage blockchain projects and proof-of-stake digital assets.
Ether Surges to Over $1,900 Ahead of Staking Withdrawals
Ether breaks $1,900 for the first time in over seven months, ahead of the Ethereum Shanghai hard fork that will allow stakers to withdraw their ETH. The recent price increase may be driven by expectations of the Federal Reserve easing its quantitative tightening efforts and increased demand for Ether due to more flexible staking options.
Dragonfly Capital Invests $10 Million in Bitget
Dragonfly Capital has invested $10 million in cryptocurrency derivatives exchange Bitget to support its global market and service expansion and corporate social responsibility initiatives for crypto education and adoption. Bitget plans to expand its spot trading, launchpad, and Bitget Earn products. Despite the FTX collapse, cryptocurrency derivatives exchanges have recovered, and central exchanges' open interest has risen to approximately $68.5 billion.
Bank of England halts Silicon Valley Bank UK branch operations
The Bank of England has ordered the Silicon Valley Bank's UK branch to halt its operations as it has limited presence and no critical functions supporting the financial system. The bank will be placed into a Bank Insolvency Procedure, and eligible depositors will be paid out by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to the protected limit of £85,000, with the remaining assets and liabilities being managed by bank liquidators. UK venture capitalists and a nonprofit organization have expressed concern as several startups and investors have significant exposure to the SVB UK, including prominent blockchain VCs who have over $6 billion in assets at the bank.
Investors Rally to Support Silicon Valley Bank Amidst Possible Closure
Over 125 venture capitalists and investors, including Sequoia Capital and General Catalyst, have pledged their support for Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) as the 40-year-old banking institution winds down its operations. The investors signed a statement in an effort to cushion the impact of the bank's possible closure and limit the fallout on tech companies that rely on SVB for funding and banking services.