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Crypto Goes Mainstream With 38,000 Machines Worldwide

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The world of cryptocurrency is witnessing a boom in accessibility, with Bitcoin ATMs leading the charge. From a meager 10,000 in October 2020, the number of these cash-to-crypto converters has ballooned to over 38,000 globally. This surge isn’t just a fad; experts predict continued growth fueled by a perfect storm of convenience, profitability, and strategic expansion.

Beyond The Bank Branch: Stepping Into Crypto With Cash

For many, traditional financial institutions remain a barrier to entry in the crypto world. Bitcoin ATMs bridge this gap by allowing users to buy cryptocurrency with cash, eliminating the need for bank accounts or navigating complex online exchanges. This fosters financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked population and those who prefer the familiarity of physical cash.

Source: Coin ATM Radar

The benefits extend beyond accessibility. Bitcoin ATM transactions often offer a layer of privacy compared to online exchanges, where users might need to provide extensive personal information. Additionally, some users value the immediate nature of the transaction – cash goes in, cryptocurrency goes straight to their digital wallet. This eliminates the waiting period associated with bank transfers commonly used on online exchanges.

A Lucrative Market With Room To Grow

The growth of Bitcoin ATMs isn’t solely driven by user demand. Operators are finding these machines to be a lucrative business proposition. Transaction fees charged on top of the spot price of Bitcoin provide a healthy profit margin.

With the crypto market experiencing a bullish year in 2024, the potential for even greater returns is enticing for entrepreneurs venturing into this space. As of the most recent count, there were 38,279 deployed Bitcoin ATMs worldwide, according to statistics available on Coin ATM Radar.

Bitcoin market cap currently at $1.23 trillion. Chart: TradingView.com

As the cryptocurrency market has recovered over the past 11 months, about 6,000 new crypto ATMs have been installed; these are made by 43 different companies and are available in 72 countries.

Bitcoin remains the leading digital asset used in crypto ATM transactions, followed by Bitcoin Cash and Ether, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency. While over 80% of crypto ATMs are currently installed in the US, a growing market is emerging in countries like Canada, El Salvador, Germany, Hong Kong, and Spain.

Governments Greenlight Crypto Growth

Furthermore, regulatory environments in many countries are becoming increasingly crypto-friendly. Governments are recognizing the potential of digital assets and are implementing frameworks that support the responsible growth of the industry. This regulatory clarity fosters trust and encourages further investment in Bitcoin ATMs, expanding their reach and solidifying their role in the financial landscape.

Challenges And The Road Ahead

Despite the optimistic outlook, the Bitcoin ATM industry isn’t without its hurdles. Some operators lack the necessary experience or financial backing to navigate the complexities of this nascent market. This can lead to security vulnerabilities and ultimately hinder user confidence. Additionally, regulatory uncertainties persist in certain regions, creating a wait-and-see approach for potential investors.

Industry leaders are actively addressing these challenges. Educational initiatives are being rolled out to inform users about the benefits and risks associated with cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, robust customer support systems are being established to ensure a smooth user experience. Building trust and fostering a sense of security will be paramount in encouraging wider adoption of Bitcoin ATMs.

Featured image from Bybit Learn, chart from TradingView



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Bitcoin Bull Saylor Hints at Expanding MicroStrategy’s Holdings

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Michael Saylor, co-founder of MicroStrategy, has hinted at the possibility of additional Bitcoin purchases.

In a November 24 post on X (formerly Twitter), Saylor teased the company’s plans following its successful $3 billion fundraising round on November 22.

MicroStrategy’s $3 Billion Raise Could Fuel New Bitcoin Purchases

The Bitcoin bull mentioned that MicroStrategy’s portfolio tracker, SaylorTracker, “needs more green dots.” These markers symbolize the company’s each Bitcoin acquisition, fueling speculation about another significant purchase.

Saylor’s recent hints echo his previous two Sunday posts, which preceded announcements of large-scale Bitcoin acquisitions. During this period, MicroStrategy added approximately 80,000 BTC to its holdings, worth over $6 billion at the time.

MicroStrategy Bitcoin Holdings
MicroStrategy Bitcoin Holdings. Source: SaylorTracker

Meanwhile, the recent $3 billion funding — raised through the issuance of convertible debt — could be instrumental in financing these new acquisitions. The convertible notes, sold privately to institutional investors under US securities laws, will mature on December 1, 2029. These notes carry a 55% premium and an implied strike price of $672 per share of MicroStrategy’s Class A common stock.

Market observers noted that this fundraiser aligns with MicroStrategy’s ambitious “21/21” initiative, which aims to raise $42 billion over three years through a mix of equity and fixed-income instruments.

The company remains the largest Bitcoin-holding public entity, with 331,200 BTC valued at over $32.7 billion. According to Saylor, MicroStrategy’s treasury operations have delivered a year-to-date Bitcoin yield of 41.8%, generating a net benefit of around 79,130 BTC, or roughly 246 BTC daily, without the operational costs associated with mining.

Additionally, this strategy has also bolstered MicroStrategy’s stock performance. MSTR shares have surged over 515% since the start of the year, making it one of the most actively traded stocks in the US.

Saylor emphasized that MicroStrategy’s operations are driven by its Bitcoin holdings, which are optimized through strategic financial tools like ATM offerings, enabling the company to reduce risk and volatility while enhancing shareholder value.

“MicroStrategy is powered by its Bitcoin treasury operations. We sell volatility through our ATM offerings, strip BTC risk, volatility, and performance from our fixed-income securities, and transfer that performance to our MSTR equity holders,” he stated.

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$100K Bitcoin Is Only The Beginning, VanEck Targets $180K

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Recent gains in Bitcoin are owed in part to changes in the political environment, particularly in the US. Incoming US President Donald Trump is backing cryptocurrencies, sparking renewed market optimism among investors.

From reforms in regulatory structures to a proposal for a national Bitcoin reserve, the policies he enforces provide Bitcoin an exceptional outlet for growth in an increasingly open and friendly new landscape. These changes places the US in a strategic position as the world’s leader in crypto innovation while giving a fertile ground for Bitcoin to continue growing.

BTCUSD is currently trading at $97,377. Chart: TradingView

Crypto On The Rise

These possible changes have been well taken by market participants, who have seen the highest market dominance of BTC at 59%. A bill being worked out may permit state-chartered banks to mint stablecoins without seeking prior approval from the Federal Reserve, putting the US in a very commanding position in the race to dominate financial innovation. Furthermore, proposals to deregulate the energy industry may favor crypto mining, which will place the US in a better position in the global race for blockchain.

Historic Rally: BTC Approaching $100K

Bitcoin is trading at nearly $99,850 and is on the verge of the long-awaited $100,000 milestone. Similar to other bull runs, including the one witnessed after the elections in 2020, when the price of Bitcoin nearly doubled in a matter of a few months, some believe institutional interest coupled with friendly economic conditions and increased on-chain activity are the drivers of this phenomenal appreciation of the price of Bitcoin.

Source: VanEck

According to VanEck’s latest report, Bitcoin still is in its early stages of the rally, and there is minimal technical resistance in its way. With investor enthusiasm building, growing calls for the alpha coin to be adopted as a strategic reserve, and with a supportive US government, this rally appears well-positioned to continue. Experts are optimistic that Bitcoin is going to push forward and hit new highs.

The Future Of Bitcoin: Cautious Optimism

Analysts, while acknowledging that momentum is strong, point out that the market may run too hot, and early signs in the development are a rise in funding rates and increased unrealized profits. However, even from this stage, long-term prospects appear bright given strong institutional demand, solid on-chain metrics, and supportive regulatory changes, according to the forecast of $180,000 by VanEck for Bitcoin in the current cycle.

While historical data may indicate the crypto asset’s growth is decelerating as the markets mature, the cryptocurrency still shows hopeful prospects in the near term. So far, this rally displays the confidence of investors and has incrementally acquired recognition regarding Bitcoin’s role in a changed financial sector.

Featured image from CNBC, chart from TradingView





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Bitcoin Whales Remain Determined, $3.96 Billion Worth Of BTC Gobbled Up In 96 Hours

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All eyes are on Bitcoin, especially as many traders continue to anticipate a break above the $100,000 mark. This anticipation has cascaded into a spike in activity, especially among Bitcoin whales. Interestingly, Bitcoin whales are making bold statements amidst the anticipation, with on-chain data pointing to an accumulation of over 40,000 BTC in just 96 hours among this holder cohort.

This interesting accumulation coincides with the Bitcoin price reaching a peak of $99,645 in the last 24 hours, adding further momentum to the narrative of a possible historic price milestone.

Examining The Holding Patterns Of Bitcoin Whales

Bitcoin’s recent price dynamics have put the spotlight on Bitcoin whales. Ali Martinez, a well-known cryptocurrency analyst, drew attention to the remarkable activity of Bitcoin whales on social media platform X.

While highlighting Santiment data, Martinez revealed that Bitcoin whales have bought over 40,000 BTC worth approximately $3.96 billion in the past 96 hours. Notably, the Bitcoin whales referred to in this metric by Santiment consist of addresses holding between 100 and 1,000 BTC. 

Image From X: Ali Martinez

 

This aggressive accumulation comes at a critical juncture for Bitcoin, with prices flirting near the much-anticipated $100,000 mark. Such whale activity typically reduces the available supply of Bitcoin on the open market, which is expected to keep pushing up the Bitcoin price.

Despite the increase in whale accumulation, on-chain data from Glassnode suggests that long-term holders have upped their profit-taking in tandem. Particularly, over 128,000 BTC has been sold by long-term holders since early October.

However, this long-term holder profit taking has so far been offset by the demand from US Spot Bitcoin ETFs. These ETFs have acted as a counterbalance, absorbing nearly 90% of the Bitcoin sold by long-term holders.

Image From X: Glassnode

 

A possible explanation is that long-term holders are exiting their self-custody of Bitcoin and are instead diverting their holdings into Spot Bitcoin ETFs in order to benefit from their regulatory clarity. According to data from SoSoValue, Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the US witnessed consecutive days of inflows throughout last week to bring the total inflow to $3.38 billion, which is the largest weekly inflow since their launch in January 2024. 

Bitcoin is currently trading at $97,493. Chart: TradingView

What’s Next For Bitcoin Price?

Looking ahead, the Bitcoin price is definitely on its way to break above $100,000 in the next few days. However, it remains to be seen what happens after that. Crypto analyst Tony Severino has speculated that the Bitcoin price peak could double within a timeframe of two weeks to two months following the break above $100,000.This prediction is based off of the Bitcoin price performance after it first broke above the $10,000 price level in 2017. 

On the other hand, veteran analyst Peter Brandt suggests there could be some sort of selling pressure among bulls once the Bitcoin price breaks above $100,000. 

“What I had in mind here is the possibility that bulls will sell their BTC sub $100,00 thinking they will buy a correction that does not come, then turn bearish if Bitcoin goes to $120,000 believing price must come down,” he said.

Nevertheless, the current crypto market landscape is set in place for a continued Bitcoin price increase in the next few weeks and months.

Featured image from DALL-E, chart from TradingView



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