CRYPTOCURRENCY
Crypto News
The definition of a cryptocurrency is a digital asset containing cryptographic protocols that make transactions secure and immutable. Cryptocurrencies are built on top of distributed ledger technology, blockchain — which allows it to be decentralized and immune to government control and interference. Transactions involving cryptocurrencies involve public and private keys, enabling minimal processing fees, allowing users to be able to make transfers without traditional third-party institutions.
The definition of a cryptocurrency is a digital asset containing cryptographic protocols that make transactions secure and immutable. Cryptocurrencies are built on top of distributed ledger technology, blockchain — which allows it to be decentralized and immune to government control and interference. Transactions involving cryptocurrencies involve public and private keys, enabling minimal processing fees, allowing users to be able to make transfers without traditional third-party institutions.
Japan's Web3 Project Team Releases White Paper to Boost Crypto Industry
Japan's Web3 Project Team, a part of the country's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, has released a white paper with recommendations for expanding the country's cryptocurrency industry. The paper suggests modifications to tax regulations, establishing accounting standards, and creating a DAO law, among other proposals.
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.
Swiss Retail Bank to Offer Cryptocurrency Services
PostFinance has partnered with Sygnum to offer customers cryptocurrency trading and storage services, including Bitcoin and Ether.
Nigerian Crypto Community Affected by Paxful Shutdown
The closure of Paxful, a peer-to-peer cryptocurrency marketplace, has left the Nigerian crypto community searching for alternatives. Nigeria, ranked eighth in crypto adoption, was significantly impacted by Paxful's pioneering use of peer-to-peer technology. Members of the community expressed concern over the future of crypto marketplaces and the fate of their funds.
MicroStrategy Acquires Additional 1,045 Bitcoin
Business intelligence firm MicroStrategy acquires 1,045 Bitcoin for $29.3 million, bringing its total holdings to 140,000 BTC worth over $12.6 billion. The company continues to invest in Bitcoin as a reserve asset.
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.
BTG Pactual Launches Stablecoin Backed by USD
Brazilian investment bank BTG Pactual has launched its own stablecoin, BTG Dol, which is pegged to the value of the US dollar on a 1:1 ratio. The stablecoin will allow customers to "dollarize" a portion of their equity and will facilitate interaction between traditional finance and the digital economy.
Japan's FSA Warns Binance and Others for Operating Without Registration
Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) has warned several foreign cryptocurrency exchanges, including Binance, of conducting business in the country without proper registration, violating the nation's fund settlement laws. The FSA has been cracking down on unregistered crypto exchanges since 2020, and this warning signifies that the cryptocurrency industry in Japan and other nations is facing greater regulatory scrutiny.
Bittrex to Shut Down U.S. Platform
Bittrex will close its U.S. platform on April 30, citing the current regulatory and economic environment. Customer funds are safe and available for withdrawal. The shutdown will not affect Bittrex Global, which will remain open for trading.
US Crypto Crackdown Could Push Industry to Hong Kong
Paris-based Kaiko's CEO, Ambre Soubiran, has suggested that the recent US crackdown on cryptocurrency regulation could lead to a shift in the industry's center of gravity towards Hong Kong, which has been more favorable towards crypto. The Hong Kong government has been rolling out progressive regulation to support crypto and fintech firms in 2023, with over 80 virtual asset-related firms expressing interest in setting up shop there.