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2024 saw crypto markets dramatically mature

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2024 was a landmark year for the cryptocurrency market. It was a year when the market matured, barriers to the institutional investing world came down, and international regulations started to pave the way for digital currencies to enter the mainstream global financial system. 

With a President-elect keen on making the US a global crypto hub, the market experienced significant growth. As crypto adoption rose, more users turned to crypto platforms and ETFs to invest. 2024 was a transformative experience for the crypto market and the blockchain technology that powers it. 

The general public, buoyed by positive sentiment and rising crypto prices, has flocked to DeFi platforms to download their first wallet. Many of those new users have found their way to the highly trusted crypto brand Binance.

It takes a leader to help an industry continue to mature and Binance CEO Richard Teng has taken on that role throughout 2024’s massive growth. Teng commented on his leadership and the future, “we have served in the best interests of our users since day one, leading the industry’s standard and continue building the future of the industry responsibly.”

Binance accounts for approximately 50% of all trading volume globally. This number has only increased from Jan-Nov 2024. During the 2024 US Presidential election week, Binance captured $7.7 billion out of the $20 billion total inflows across all exchanges. Combine that with the leading crypto exchange reaching a new milestone surpassing 200 million users and safeguarding over $130 billion in user assets.

So, these are exciting times for the crypto industry that come off the back of a lot of hard work in 2024. The highlights of the year included: 

Institutional Involvement and Widespread Adoption

In 2024, BlackRock launched its spot Bitcoin ETF IBIT, before bringing options to the table on November 19th 2024, and broke all the records on day one with 354,000 contracts traded and $1.9 billion in notional value. This was a landmark moment for the crypto industry, but it came at the end of a year of institutional investment. 

Pension funds, hedge funds, and sovereign wealth funds have worked hard into crypto this year as they try to take advantage of the growth potential and protect against problems with fiat currency. They follow on the heels of Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Fidelity Investments, who all offer Bitcoin as part of their Wealth Management services.

Institutional investment has curbed market volatility, and this year, Bitcoin emerged as one possible protection against inflation. New clarity with the regulations, improved custody solutions, and advanced risk management frameworks all gave the institutions the confidence to jump into crypto feet first in 2024. 

The Rise and Rise of DeFi

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is changing the world we live in and providing a real alternative to traditional banking. The world’s unbanked poor and privacy-obsessed High Net Worth Individuals alike have discovered the delights of downloading a crypto wallet and sending money with low fees and no questions. 

According to one recent study, the global DeFi market should be worth almost $440 Billion in 2030, up from just over $20 billion in 2023. 

We can now tokenize any asset, from real estate and fine art to cars and stocks, to create more liquidity without the help of a traditional bank. This is opening up new methods of borrowing, saving, lending, and earning interest that put the power in the hands of the people.

Unbanked individuals around the world can have access to basic financial services, including sending and receiving money from friends or families, without huge fees. We are also seeing an ecosystem of liquidity pools and borrowing facilities open up that can change the world of finance. 

Retail Market Integration

In the background, the Web3 technology that underpins the crypto market has found a home with DeFi platforms, as well as retail and e-commerce. Blockchain technology is now the foundation of supply chain management, healthcare providers, and numerous company processes. If the blockchain continues to take over corporate and public life, then the tokenized crypto ecosystem has to go with it. 

Retailers are increasingly relying on the blockchain, with Starbucks using it to trace their coffee from the farm to the cup and Nike tokenizing each pair of sneakers on its Swoosh platform for authenticity and traceability.

In October 2023, Ferrari started accepting crypto payments for its high-end sportscars, joining the likes of Tesla, PayPal, Shopify, and Microsoft. This is a slow process, but crypto has slowly acquired the social proof it requires to break through with mainstream retailers. The blockchain that forms its foundations and is becoming such a mainstream hit was an unexpected bonus. 

Regulatory Frameworks: Chaos to Clarity

Fragmented regulations that change from country to country are terrible for the crypto industry, and 2024 was the year it finally got its house in order. The Financial Stability Board, International Monetary Fund, and World Economic Forum helped guide disparate countries towards one set of standard practices for crypto taxation, Anti Money Laundering compliance, and consumer protection. A simple foundation of regulations that works across borders could work wonders for the industry. We’re not there yet, but we are getting closer. 

Technological Advancements Driving Maturity

It isn’t just the political landscape that had to change to give the crypto market a shot at mass adoption. Real technical issues with the early blockchain systems kept them as a niche interest rather than an everyday occurrence. 

Blockchain congestion, slow transactions, high energy consumption, and scalability were all real issues. Ethereum 2.0 and Layer 2 solutions mean that Ethereum, the most ubiquitous blockchain by far when it comes to dApps and Web3 technology, is now much more scalable, with lower fees and less blockchain congestion. Solana and alternative blockchains like BNB Smart Chain also offer alternative solutions, with blockchain bridges seamlessly connecting the networks.

AI integration has already changed the world of trading, analytics, risk management, and supply chain management. Artificial Intelligence has unlocked another level of performance from Web3 technology and automated complex processes that can streamline almost any company. 

Conclusion

These factors have all combined to create a market that is ready, willing, and waiting for mass adoption. Institutional adoption, regulatory clarity, cultural acceptance, and technical improvements have all helped the cryptocurrency industry go from a sideshow to a central player in 2024. We have not seen anything yet, and next year could be the biggest yet. 



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Ethereum Rollback Debate Intensifies After Bybit Hack

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The crypto community is divided over calls for an Ethereum blockchain rollback following a massive security breach at Bybit.

On February 21, the exchange lost nearly $1.5 billion in ETH to hackers, sparking discussions about whether Ethereum should intervene to recover the stolen funds.

What is a Blockchain Rollback?

A blockchain rollback, also known as a reorganization, involves reversing confirmed transactions to restore the network to an earlier state.

This process usually happens after a major security breach or exploit. Validators must reach a consensus to discard the affected blocks, effectively erasing the malicious transactions.

Despite its potential benefits, a rollback remains a controversial and rarely used measure due to its impact on a blockchain’s trust and decentralization.

Blockchains operate on the principle of immutability, meaning transactions are expected to be final once confirmed. So, rolling back transactions challenges this principle, raising concerns about the security and reliability of the network.

Crypto Leaders Clash Over Ethereum Rollback Proposal

BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes has been vocal in advocating for a rollback to solve the ByBit hack. He pointed to the 2016 DAO hack, where Ethereum underwent a hard fork to recover stolen funds, as precedent.

Hayes argued that since Ethereum previously compromised on immutability, another intervention should not be off the table.

“My own view as a mega ETH bag holder is ETH stopped being money in 2016 after the DAO hack hardfork. If the community wanted to do it again, I would support it because we already voted no on immutability in 2016,” Hayes said.

JAN3 CEO Samson Mow also supported the rollback, stating it could prevent North Korea from using the stolen funds to fund its nuclear weapons program.

However, not everyone agrees. Pseudonymous crypto trader Borovik strongly opposed the idea, arguing that a rollback would jeopardize Ethereum’s credibility and neutrality.

Bitcoin advocate Jimmy Song also dismissed the possibility, stating that the Bybit hack cannot be compared to the 2016 DAO exploit. Song emphasized that the DAO hack allowed for a 30-day intervention, whereas the Bybit attack is already finalized, making a rollback impractical.

“I know people are expecting the Ethereum Foundation to roll back the chain, but I suspect it’s already too much of a mess to do it cleanly,” Song added.

Meanwhile, Ethereum supporter Adriano Feria introduced an alternative perspective. He argued that Bybit could have avoided this situation by using a Layer 2 (L2) solution with conditional reversible transactions.

According to Feria, blockchain technology needs some form of reversibility to ensure real-world adoption.

“Whether through social recovery or another pre-determined, immutable, and transparent decision-making process, real-world mass adoption will not work without reversible transactions. Without this capability, transactional activity will inevitably gravitate toward TradFi systems that already provide it,” Feria stated.

This debate raises a fundamental question for Ethereum: should it prioritize immutability or intervene in extreme cases?

While some see a rollback as a necessary response to an unprecedented loss, others fear it could undermine the core principles of decentralization. Ethereum’s next steps will likely shape its long-term credibility and trust within the crypto space.

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 ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Berachain (BERA) Falls 15% After Recent Rally Surge

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Berachain (BERA) is down almost 15% in the last 24 hours, with its market cap now at $778 million, although its price remains up nearly 20% over the past seven days. This sharp pullback comes after a strong rally between February 18 and February 20, when BERA reached levels above $8.5.

BERA’s Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped from overbought levels, signaling a loss of bullish momentum, while its Directional Movement Index (DMI) shows growing bearish pressure. As BERA navigates this correction phase, it faces key support at $6.1, with potential resistance levels at $8.5, $9.1, and $10 if bullish momentum returns.

BERA RSI Is Dropping Steadily After Touching Overbought Levels

Berachain Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 50.6, down sharply from 86.7 just two days ago when its price surged above $8.5. RSI is a momentum oscillator that measures the speed and change of price movements, ranging from 0 to 100.

It is commonly used to identify overbought or oversold conditions, with values above 70 indicating overbought levels and below 30 suggesting oversold territory.

The steep decline in BERA’s RSI reflects a significant loss of bullish momentum after reaching overbought levels above 86, where a correction was likely.

BERA RSI.
BERA RSI. Source: TradingView.

With RSI now at 50.6, BERA is in a neutral zone, suggesting that buying and selling pressures are relatively balanced.

This could indicate a period of consolidation as the market digests recent gains. If RSI continues to decline below 50, it could signal increasing bearish momentum. This could lead to a further price drop for BERA.

Conversely, if RSI stabilizes and begins to rise, it could suggest renewed buying interest and a potential recovery in Berachain price.

BERA DMI Chart Shows Buyers Are Losing Control

Berachain Directional Movement Index (DMI) chart shows its Average Directional Index (ADX) currently at 50.5, after peaking at 60.2 yesterday, up from just 13.3 five days ago. ADX is an indicator used to measure the strength of a trend, regardless of its direction, ranging from 0 to 100.

Values above 25 typically indicate a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest a weak or sideways market. The sharp rise in ADX reflects a significant increase in trend strength, confirming that BERA has been experiencing strong directional movement recently.

BERA DMI.
BERA CMF. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, BERA’s +DI is at 24.4, down from 48.4 two days ago, indicating weakening bullish momentum. Meanwhile, -DI has risen to 15.1 from 4.9, suggesting growing bearish pressure.

This shift signals that the bullish trend that drove prices higher is losing steam, and selling interest is beginning to increase.

If -DI continues to rise above +DI, it could indicate a bearish crossover, signaling a potential reversal or deeper correction in BERA’s price. However, if +DI stabilizes and moves upward again, it could suggest a continuation of the uptrend, albeit with reduced momentum.

Will Berachain Fall Below $6 Soon?

Berachain surged 53% between February 18 and February 20, pushing its price above $8.5 after the coin struggled following its airdrop. However, after this sharp rally, BERA entered a correction phase and is currently down almost 15% in the last 24 hours.

This pullback suggests profit-taking and a shift in market sentiment as buyers hesitate to push prices higher. If the downtrend continues, BERA could soon test the support at $6.1, and a break below this level could lead to a further decline towards $5.48, reflecting increased selling pressure.

BERA Price Analysis.
BERA Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

On the other hand, if Berachain can regain its bullish momentum from a few days ago, it could rise above $8.5 again, potentially testing the next resistance levels at $9.1 or even $10.

To confirm this bullish scenario, Berachain would need to see renewed buying interest and strong upward momentum. If buyers can defend key support levels and push the price above resistance zones, it could indicate the continuation of the uptrend.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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Bitcoin Could Rebound to $100,000 Soon Despite Bearish Pressure

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Bitcoin (BTC) has been trading below $100,000 since February 5, facing continued resistance despite attempts at recovery. Recent indicators suggest that sellers have gained control, with BTC’s Directional Movement Index (DMI) showing increased bearish pressure.

However, the Ichimoku Cloud points to a potential reversal if Bitcoin can break above key resistance zones. If bullish momentum returns, BTC could test the $97,756 resistance and possibly retake the $100,000 level, with $102,668 as the next target.

BTC DMI Shows that Sellers Gained Control In the Last 24 Hours

Bitcoin’s Directional Movement Index (DMI) shows its Average Directional Index (ADX) currently at 21.2, after briefly touching 22.9, rising from 15.5 two days ago.

ADX measures the strength of a trend without indicating its direction, ranging from 0 to 100. Typically, values above 25 indicate a strong trend, while values below 20 suggest a weak or ranging market.

With ADX hovering around 21.2, Bitcoin’s trend is relatively weak, signaling a potential transition period.

This suggests that the previous uptrend momentum is losing steam, possibly leading to a reversal or the beginning of a downtrend.

BTC DMI.
BTC DMI. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s +DI is at 15.5, down from 23.3 just one day ago, indicating a decline in bullish momentum, while -DI has climbed to 21.9 from 9.2, reflecting growing bearish pressure.

This crossover, where -DI has moved above +DI, indicates that sellers are gaining control over the market, potentially signaling a shift from an uptrend to a downtrend.

If -DI continues to rise and +DI remains weak, Bitcoin could see increased selling pressure and a potential price decline. However, if +DI stabilizes and rebounds, Bitcoin might consolidate before choosing a more definitive directional move.

Bitcoin Ichimoku Cloud Paints A Bearish Picture, But It Could Change Soon

The Ichimoku Cloud chart for Bitcoin shows a mixed outlook with early signs of potential recovery. The blue Tenkan-sen line is currently above the red Kijun-sen line.

This crossover suggests that buying pressure is trying to recover, which could support a potential upward move.

However, Bitcoin’s price is still below the Kumo cloud, signaling that the overall trend remains bearish and that resistance is strong above the current levels.

BTC Ichimoku Cloud.
BTC Ichimoku Cloud. Source: TradingView.

The Kumo cloud ahead is thin and slightly shifting upwards, suggesting that the bearish momentum might be weakening. If Bitcoin can break above the cloud, it would signal a potential trend reversal, especially if the Tenkan-sen continues to lead above the Kijun-sen.

Conversely, if Bitcoin fails to break above the cloud and the Tenkan-sen drops below the Kijun-sen again, it would confirm a continuation of the bearish trend.

For now, Bitcoin faces a crucial resistance zone, and the next move will depend on whether it can clear the cloud or get rejected downward.e

Bitcoin Could Return to $100,000 Very Soon

Bitcoin was on the verge of forming a new golden cross yesterday before the Bybit hack triggered a sharp price drop from $98,000 to roughly $95,000 within four hours.

Its Exponential Moving Average (EMA) lines are still bearish, with short-term EMAs positioned below long-term ones, indicating ongoing downward momentum.

This bearish setup suggests that selling pressure remains dominant. If sellers continue to control the market, Bitcoin could retest the support at $94,818, which was maintained during yesterday’s decline.

If this support breaks, Bitcoin could drop further to $93,415, and a continued downtrend could push it as low as $91,300.

BTC Price Analysis.
BTC Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

However, if Bitcoin price manages to recover from this drop, there are signs that the downtrend may not be as strong as it seems.

Both the ADX and Ichimoku Cloud indicate weakening bearish momentum, suggesting that a reversal is possible. In this case, Bitcoin could test the resistance at $97,756, and if this level is broken, it could rise to $100,000.

Should the uptrend gain more momentum, Bitcoin could continue climbing to test $102,668, marking its highest levels since early February.

Disclaimer

In line with the Trust Project guidelines, this price analysis article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. BeInCrypto is committed to accurate, unbiased reporting, but market conditions are subject to change without notice. Always conduct your own research and consult with a professional before making any financial decisions. Please note that our Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.



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