Bitcoin
Visa Enables Instant Funding for Coinbase Amid BTC Demand
Visa, a global leader in digital payments, announced a strategic partnership with Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency platforms. The two will streamline instant funding for Coinbase customers in the United States and Europe.
It comes amid growing demand for Bitcoin, highlighting the rising demand for more seamless and accessible trading experiences in the digital asset space.
Coinbase and Visa Direct Partner For Instant Funding
Visa announced the collaboration, saying it would allow Coinbase users to deposit funds into their accounts using eligible debit cards. This helps them swiftly access trading opportunities, especially in a fast-paced market such as crypto. Through Visa’s Direct network, the integration will enable users to transfer money directly to Coinbase in real-time.
Coinbase customers will also be able to purchase crypto directly on Coinbase with a Visa debit card and cash out their Coinbase balance to a bank account via a Visa debit card in real time.
“Providing real-time account funding using Visa Direct and an eligible Visa debit card means that those Coinbase users with an eligible Visa debit card know that they can take advantage of trading opportunities day and night,” Yanilsa Gonzalez-Ore, Head of Visa Direct, North America for Visa, said.
Read more: Coinbase Review 2024: The Best Crypto Exchange for Beginners?
Visa Direct’s reputation for speed and reliability is a key element of this collaboration, which aims to cut traditional fund transfer wait times. For everyday crypto traders, this speed can be crucial in a market where timing affects profitability.
This streamlined approach could accelerate cryptocurrency adoption, enhancing Coinbase’s appeal to both existing and potential users — particularly those previously hesitant due to the complexities of fund transfers.
“The integration with Visa Direct gives our eligible customers real-time access to their funds for trading. By enabling them to move money seamlessly and control their finances, we are delivering the trust, security, and flexibility they expect,” Akash Shah, Senior Director of Product Management at Coinbase, said.
Addressing Growing Demand for Bitcoin
The partnership comes at a time when the demand for crypto, and Bitcoin in particular, is growing. This is seen with rising cryptocurrency investment inflows. As BeInCrypto reported, inflows into digital assets reached $901 million last week, a trend attributed to heightened interest in Bitcoin amid upcoming US elections.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs, which continue to make BTC more accessible to institutional investors, are also driving demand and liquidity in the market. Some financial analysts even speculate that ETFs could push Bitcoin toward new all-time highs.
The addition of Visa Direct also addresses a need for greater synergy between traditional financial (TradFi) services and the blockchain. By collaborating with Coinbase, Visa is taking a bold step toward integrating more digital assets into its offerings. It adds to Visa’s recent interest in tokenizing real-world assets (RWA).
BeInCrypto reported the move, citing an initiative aimed at representing physical assets like real estate or art on the blockchain. Its push towards tokenized RWAs demonstrates a commitment to bridging TradFi and DeFi.
As the crypto market grows, and with heavyweights like BlackRock increasing their Bitcoin investments, Visa’s enhanced reach into the space could set the stage for even broader acceptance and use of blockchain in financial transactions.
Read more: Real World Asset (RWA) Backed Tokens Explained
Despite an enhanced foray into the crypto space, the card payments juggernaut is facing a lawsuit after the US Department of Justice (DOJ) accused Visa of illegal monopoly.
Specifically, the DOJ said Visa is illegally monopolizing the debit card market, which adds to the price of ‘nearly everything.’ Reportedly, over 60% of debit transactions in the US take place on Visa’s debit network.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
Bitcoin’s Put-to-Call Ratio Tops 1.0: Bearish Signs Ahead?
Crypto markets will witness $3.42 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum options contracts expire today. The massive expiration could cause a short-term price impact, particularly as markets wait expectantly for Bitcoin to tag $100,000.
With Bitcoin options valued at $2.86 billion and Ethereum at $561.66 million, traders are bracing for potential volatility.
Unlike Ethereum, Traders Bet On Bitcoin Price Pullback
There has been a significant increase in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) contracts due for expiry today compared to last week. According to Deribit data, 28,905 Bitcoin options contracts will expire on Friday with a put-to-call ratio of 1.09 and a maximum pain point of $86,000.
On the other hand, 164,687 Ethereum contracts are due for expiry today, with a put-to-call ratio of 0.66 and a maximum pain point of $3,050.
Bitcoin’s Put-to-call ratio stands above 1, indicating a generally bearish sentiment despite BTC’s whales and long-term holders fueling its recent growth. In comparison, Ethereum counterparts have a put-to-call ratio of 0.66, reflecting a generally bullish market outlook.
The put-to-call ratio gauges market sentiment. Put options represent bets on price declines, whereas call options point to bets on price increases.
When this ratio is above 1, it suggests a lack of optimism in the market, with more traders betting on price decreases. On the other hand, a put-to-call ratio below 1 suggests optimism in the market, and more traders are betting on price increases.
Bitcoin’s Put-to-Call Ratio, Implications for BTC
As options near expiration, traders are betting on BTC prices dropping and ETH prices rising. According to the Max Pain Theory in options trading, BTC and ETH could each pull toward their maximum pain points (strike prices) of $86,000 and $3,050, respectively. Here, the largest number of contracts — both calls and puts — would expire worthless.
Notably, price pressure for both assets will ease after Deribit settles contracts at 08:00 UTC today. At the time of writing, however, BTC was trading for $98,876, whereas ETH was exchanging hands for $3,389. Meanwhile, in line with put-to-call ratios, analysts at Greeks.live anticipate an extended move north for ETH and say BTC is at the cusp of a correction.
“With about 8% of positions expiring this week, the big rally in Ethereum has led to a significant increase in ETH major term options IV [implied volatility], while BTC major term options IV has remained relatively stable. The market sentiment remains extremely optimistic at this point,” Greeks.live analysts said.
The analysts also note that while Bitcoin risks a correction, the generalized market rally keeps this potential pullback at bay. They ascribe the positive sentiment in the market to significant capital inflows into ETFs (exchange-traded funds), specifically BlackRock’s IBIT options, which started to trade only recently alongside a strongly driven spot bull market.
Nevertheless, with today’s high-volume expiration, traders should anticipate fluctuations in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices that could shape their short-term trends.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
Marathon Digital Raises $1B to Expand Bitcoin Holdings
Marathon Digital Holdings, one of the largest Bitcoin miners, has completed a record $1 billion offering of 0% convertible senior notes due 2030. The net proceeds from the sale were approximately $980 million.
According to the firm’s statement, the net proceeds will be primarily used to buy Bitcoin.
Marathon Digital Holds over $2.5 Billion Worth of Bitcoin
After its last purchase in September, Marathon Digital’s Bitcoin holdings stand at 25,945 BTC. This is currently worth approximately $2.52 billion, as Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $98,000 earlier today.
However, the company’s decision to expand its holdings potentially points to a larger bullish cycle for the token in the long term. According to its press release, Marathon Digital plans to use $199 million of the net proceeds to repurchase existing convertible notes due 2026.
The remainder will be used to acquire additional Bitcoin and for general corporate purposes. Marathon Digital is currently the second largest Bitcoin holder among publicly traded companies.
The notes offer flexibility, with options for conversion into cash, shares of Marathon’s common stock, or a combination of both. Redemption terms include the ability for the company to redeem the notes at full principal value plus accrued interest.
“$1 Billion. 0% interest. MARA has completed the largest convertible notes offering ever amongst BTC miners. The mission, as always: Provide value. Acquire #bitcoin,” the company wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Increasing Bitcoin Acquisition Among Public Firms
Marathon Digital is following an ongoing trend of public companies increasing their Bitcoin holdings in this bull market. Earlier this week, MicroStrategy announced plans to issue $1.75 billion in convertible notes maturing in 2029. The proceeds will be used to fund additional Bitcoin purchases.
On the same day, the company secured $4.6 billion worth of Bitcoin, building on a $2 billion acquisition from the prior week.
Bitcoin’s all-time high and these aggressive purchases propelled MicroStrategy’s stock price by nearly 120% in a single month. The largest Bitcoin holder also entered the list of top 100 public companies in the US.
Meanwhile, Marathon Digital has faced challenges despite its growing Bitcoin reserves. The company reported a $125 million net loss in Q3. This was driven by a $92 million year-over-year increase in operating costs.
However, its operational capacity has strengthened. Earlier this month, its energized hash rate surged by 93%, signaling increased mining efficiency. Marathon Digital also signed an $80 million agreement with the Keynan government to expand its Bitcoin mining capabilities.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
Bitcoin
cbBTC Surges Past $1 Billion as Coinbase Ends WBTC Support
Coinbase, the largest US-based crypto exchange, has announced it will suspend trading for Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on December 19, 2024, at approximately 12 p.m. ET.
The decision, revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter), cites a routine review of its listed assets to ensure compliance with listing standards.
Coinbase Sidesteps WBTC Amid cbBTC Boom
The suspension will apply to both Coinbase Exchange and Coinbase Prime. Although trading will cease, WBTC holders will retain full access to their funds and the ability to withdraw them at any time. In preparation for the transition, Coinbase has moved WBTC trading to a limit-only mode, where users can place and cancel limit orders while matches may still occur.
“Coinbase will suspend trading for WBTC (WBTC) on December 19, 2024, at or around 12 pm ET. Your WBTC funds will remain accessible to you, and you will continue to have the ability to withdraw your funds at any time. We have moved our WBTC order books to limit-only mode. Limit orders can be placed and canceled, and matches may occur,” Coinbase detailed.
Coinbase’s move to suspend WBTC comes amid the rapid success of its wrapped Bitcoin token, cbBTC. Recently, cbBTC surpassed a $1 billion market capitalization, reflecting growing adoption and trust within the crypto community. This milestone has further cemented cbBTC’s position as a strong competitor to WBTC in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.
As of this writing, data on Dune shows that cbBTC market capitalization has increased to $1.44 billion. CBTC’s native availability on networks like Solana, Ethereum, and Base has significantly expanded its accessibility, with Arbitrum being the latest addition.
“cbBTC is live on Arbitrum. cbBTC is an ERC-20 token that is backed 1:1 by Bitcoin (BTC) held by Coinbase. It is natively available on Arbitrum and securely accessible to more users across the Ethereum ecosystem,” Coinbase shared on Tuesday.
Additionally, prominent DeFi protocol Aave is targeting cbBTC for its Version 3 (V3) platform, enhancing its utility within the ecosystem. This growing momentum may have played a key role in Coinbase’s decision to phase out WBTC trading.
WBTC Core Team Urge Coinbase to Reconsider
The team behind Wrapped Bitcoin expressed regret and surprise at Coinbase’s decision. In a statement on X, WBTC’s core team emphasized its commitment to compliance, transparency, and decentralization.
“We regret and are surprised by Coinbase’s decision to delist WBTC…We urge Coinbase to reconsider this decision and continue supporting WBTC trading,” the team said.
The statement outlined WBTC’s longstanding reputation for novel mechanisms, regulatory compliance, and decentralized governance. Highlighting its seamless integration with DeFi protocols, WBTC described itself as an essential liquidity solution for Bitcoin users. Urging Coinbase to reconsider, WBTC reaffirmed its readiness to address any concerns or provide additional information to support its case.
Meanwhile, Coinbase’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the crypto community. Some users criticized the exchange, suggesting the decision reflects an inability to handle competition.
“Coinbase can’t handle fair competition?? WBTC superior to cbBTC” said Gally Sama in a post.
Nevertheless, others support the move, citing concerns over WBTC’s custody model, with one user referencing BitGo’s recent adoption of a multi-jurisdictional custody system.
“You put custody in the hands of a fraud. What did you think was gonna happen?” the user expressed.
This critique aligns with growing fears about Justin Sun’s involvement in WBTC’s custody processes, as BeInCrypto reported recently. Some users have acted preemptively to avoid potential risks, with one commenter sharing their reservations.
“When Sun got on the multisig for WBTC, I sent all my WBTC on OP to Coinbase and exchanged for true BTC that I withdrew to my hardware wallet… You gave me confirmation just now that I made the right move,” they wrote.
The decision to suspend WBTC trading could mark a pivotal moment in the competition between wrapped Bitcoin solutions. While cbBTC’s integration across multiple blockchain networks has gained momentum, skepticism surrounding WBTC’s custody model and leadership has intensified.
Justin Sun has voiced criticism of Coinbase’s cbBTC strategy, labeling it a setback for Bitcoin’s broader adoption. As the debate continues, the industry watches closely to see whether Coinbase’s cbBTC will solidify its dominance or if WBTC can regain its position as a leading wrapped Bitcoin solution. Regardless, the shifting dynamics reflect the importance of transparency, governance, and community trust in shaping the future of DeFi.
Disclaimer
In adherence to the Trust Project guidelines, BeInCrypto is committed to unbiased, transparent reporting. This news article aims to provide accurate, timely information. However, readers are advised to verify facts independently and consult with a professional before making any decisions based on this content. Please note that our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.
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