Babylon’s Mainnet Launch Scheduled for August 22 Bitcoin staking platform Babylon, spearheaded by Stanford University professor David Tse, is set to begin the phased launch of its mainnet this week. The project aims to introduce staking functionality to Bitcoin, a feature traditionally absent from the largest cryptocurrency network. The initial phase of the launch will…
Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market are experiencing significant losses in August, despite a rebound in global stocks and other asset classes. The largest digital asset has fallen approximately 9% this month, underperforming compared to MSCI Inc.’s world share index, which has gained nearly 1%, and a surge in gold prices to record highs. A…
Bitwise Asset Management, a prominent cryptocurrency ETF provider, has acquired London-based digital asset issuer ETC Group. This acquisition will elevate Bitwise’s assets under management (AUM) to $4.5 billion, according to a company press release. ETC Group, known for its physically-backed Bitcoin fund, contributes approximately $1.1 billion in AUM to the deal. Strategic Expansion and Global…
In a significant shift within the crypto ETFs market, BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) has overtaken Grayscale in assets under management for publicly-listed crypto products. This change, noted by James Butterfill, Head of Research at CoinShares, highlights the growing dominance of traditional financial giants in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space. The competition between these two titans is reshaping…
Flexa, a leading digital payments platform, has unveiled its latest innovation: Flexa Components. This new tool aims to simplify crypto payments for merchants, allowing for direct, fee-free transactions through digital wallets. As the use of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, Flexa is positioning itself at the forefront of this trend, offering businesses an easy way to…
In the ever-evolving world of restaurant technology, Ben Leventhal, a pioneer in foodie culture and tech-driven dining experiences, is leading the charge with his latest venture: Blackbird Labs. Blackbird is revolutionizing restaurant loyalty programs by integrating cryptocurrency into the dining experience, offering a fresh approach to how restaurants reward their most loyal customers. As the…
Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is often regarded as a digital store of value. However, the concept of Bitcoin programmability has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of BitVM2, a new iteration developed by Robin Linus. This advancement promises to bring more complex functionalities to the Bitcoin network, potentially revolutionizing how Bitcoin can be…
As the 2024 election draws nearer, a new group of cryptocurrency advocates, including billionaire Mark Cuban and Wall Street financier Anthony Scaramucci, is calling for a significant shift in the Democratic Party’s stance on digital assets. The group, known as Crypto4Harris, is pushing Vice President Kamala Harris to reset the party’s crypto policy, highlighting the…
The U.S. government has recently transferred nearly $600 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC), seized from the Silk Road dark web marketplace, to a wallet associated with Coinbase Prime. This transfer involved 10,000 Bitcoin and was reported by Arkham Intelligence. Market Impact and Speculation The purpose of this transfer—whether to sell or hold the assets—remains unclear.…
In a significant move towards establishing a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to pass “sensible and long-lasting” crypto regulation by the end of 2024. This assurance came during a virtual town hall organized by the “Crypto for Harris” advocacy group, where Schumer discussed the future of cryptocurrency with…