Connect with us

Altcoin

UAE Requests Investigation Into Cardi B’s WAP Meme Coin

Published

on


The Securities and Commodities Authority of the United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into alleged securities violations involving the cryptocurrency $WAP, a Solana blockchain-based token heavily promoted by high-profile celebrities like Cardi B.

The probe came in the wake of a formal complaint from a prominent Dubai-based VC firm and local Emirati investors.

It accused market manipulation and fraud concerning the promotion and trading of $WAP.

Cardi B’s Crypto Endorsement Under UAE Investigation

The UAE Securities and Commodities Authority opened an investigation into potential securities law violations involving the Cardi B-endorsed cryptocurrency $WAP.

The crypto wallet address rapper Cardi B shared while shilling WAP tokens that reportedly belonged to a famous crypto scammer.

Cardi B posted to her official X account a promotional message touting WAP.  WAP is a cat-themed meme coin that co-opts the name of the rapper’s hit song. Message included a video of WAP’s mascot – an animated cat – alongside a wallet address. Crypto security analysts have identified the address as a figure tied to prior nefarious activity in the cryptocurrency market. This has raised concerns about the endorsement and potential risk to investors.

The investigation has revolved around charges that the $WAP token was part of a “pump and dump” scheme. According to the SCA, the token was manipulated by promotional activities through key opinion leaders and insiders. They were allegedly paid to pump up the cryptocurrency on different social platforms. These kind of wrongdoings are not new. Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has played a big mind game by launching a fake crypto token called NexFundAI to expose large-scale crypto pump-and-dump scheme.

According to reports, promotional activities included a network of influencers who, in turn, received hefty chunks of the $WAP token for free.

Analytics firm Bubblemaps suggested that, in this case, heavy bundling of supply and strategic sales drove the token’s price up before the insiders offloaded their inventory at the loss of retail investors.

Several social media accounts were reportedly involved in the scheme, according to an investigation that alleged coordination had been in place to influence or manipulate the market valuation of the token.

UAE Probes Crypto Token Promotion: Potential Securities Violations

Specifically, the results of SCA identify that promoters and traders of $WAP have violated various provisions of the UAE and US securities laws related to market manipulation and non-disclosure of financial interest. These violations can result in severe punishment, including heavy fines, a ban on trading, and even criminal charges against the perpetrators if proven.

UAE is, on the other hand, very crypto friendly. Just recently, OKX announced that it officially launched its trading platform in the United Arab Emirates to all retail and institutional investors after acquiring a full operating license.

Cardi B and other influencers’ involvement have made this investigation that much more complex. In the cryptocurrency market, it’s not uncommon for tokens that celebs endorse to rapidly increase in price. This provides room for manipulative practices that may be hard for regulators to uncover in real time.

Furthering the investigation, the SCA has written to X for information relating to accounts promoting $WAP. It is now calling on the cooperation of US regulatory bodies such as the SEC to ensure an in-depth investigation of the allegations.

A Case for Tighter Oversight

The probe into $WAP underlines some persistent areas of concern in cryptocurrency market regulation. Celebrities such as Cardi B and social media influencers often shill tokens. Tokens can easily be hyped up and gather market momentum, which might also make them easy targets for pump-and-dump schemes. Besides hurting individual investors, such schemes reduce public trust in digital assets.

This case thus gives a strong signal for increasing regulatoins regarding the social promotion of cryptocurrencies by  public figures.

It raises questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms about proliferating the product promotion with fraudulent intent. As the SCA and other regulators dig deeper, increased regulation of cryptocurrency markets to protect market integrity may be near.

This case could set a precedent for cases involving the promotion of crypto by celebrities such as Cardi B. It may also trigger increased regulation and more caution from influencers regarding the advocacy of cryptocurrencies.

✓ Share:

Teuta

Teuta is a seasoned writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in macroeconomics, technology, and the cryptocurrency and blockchain industries. Starting her career in 2005 as a lifestyle writer for Cosmopolitan in Croatia, she expanded into covering business and economy for several esteemed publications like Forbes and Bloomberg. Influenced by figures like Don Tapscott and Bruce Dickinson, Teuta embraced the blockchain revolution, believing crypto to be one of humanity’s most crucial inventions. Her fintech involvement began in 2014, focusing on crypto, blockchain, NFTs, and Web3. Known for her excellent teamwork and communication skills, Teuta holds a double MA in Political Science and Law, enjoys punk rock, chablis, and has a passion for shoes.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





Source link

Altcoin

Cardano Price Eyes Massive Pump In May Following Cyclical Patern From 2024

Published

on


Cardano price is repeating a pattern from 2024 that experts say is a signal for a massive pump in the coming weeks. While present figures are largely underwhelming for ADA, investors are brimming with confidence for a strong reversal in the near future.

Cardano Price Can Reach $2.5 In May

According to pseudonymous cryptocurrency analyst Master Kenobi, Cardano price is exhibiting cyclical behavior. In a post on X, Master Kenobi notes that ADA’s consolidation in recent days mirrors its price action from Q3 of 2024.

At the time, Cardano’s price suffered a steep correction in early August and endured a lengthy consolidation period before rallying. Presently, Cardano’s price is consolidating after the deep in early February that sent prices to $0.49.

“ADA is currently in a consolidation phase that resembles its behavior from August-September 2024,” said Master Kenobi. “Since the dip on August 5, it hasn’t recorded a new low – just as it hasn’t now, following the dip on February 3.”

According to Master Kenobi, a lengthy consolidation phase will be the precursor for an impressive rally for Cardano’s price. The analyst theorizes that the incoming rally will send Cardano to impressive levels in May. In the short term, analysts are eyeing ADA to hit $1, citing rising whale activity and positive fundamentals.

“If this pattern holds, May could bring a massive pump, potentially pushing the price toward $2.5,” said Master Kenobi.

ADA Ripples With Bullish Activity

At the moment, Cardano price is trading at $0.6646, a far cry from its all-time high of $3.10. Despite the lull in price action, the ecosystem is brimming with bullish activity for higher valuation.

Investors have their eyes on $10 after ADA outperformed top S&P 500 companies in a strong show of resilience. Futhermore, increased whale activity in the space is signaling an impending rally for ADA as community sentiment reaches an all-time high.

Analysts have opined that an ADA rally to $10 is not a crazy prediction, citing a slew of positive fundamentals for the network. However, pundits are urging investors to brace for multiple corrections in the march to reach a valuation of $10.

✓ Share:

Aliyu Pokima

Aliyu Pokima is a seasoned cryptocurrency and emerging technologies journalist with a knack for covering needle-moving stories in the space. Aliyu delivers breaking news stories, regulatory updates, and insightful analysis with depth and precision. When he’s not poring over charts or following leads, Aliyu enjoys playing the bass guitar, lifting weights and running marathons.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





Source link

Continue Reading

Altcoin

Analyst Reveals Why The XRP Price Can Hit ATH In The Next 90 To 120 Days

Published

on


Crypto analyst Egrag Crypto has again provided a bullish outlook for the XRP price. This time, he alluded to historical trends to explain why the altcoin can hit a new all-time high (ATH) in 90 to 120 days.

Why The XRP Price Can Hit ATH In 90 To 120 Days

In an X post, Egrag Crypto alluded to historical patterns to explain why the XRP price can hit a new ATH in the next 90 to 120 days. He noted that the RSI chart shows important historical patterns and stated that the altcoin usually has two peaks during its bull runs.

ImageImage

The crypto analyst further revealed that in 2021, the second peak occurred after 90 days, while in 2017, it occurred after 120 days. Based on this, Egrag Crypto affirmed that this historical timeframe provides market participants with a potential for a “great opportunity,” hinting at the altcoin hitting a new ATH.

In another post, he raised the possibility of the XRP price reaching a new ATH of $3.9 by May. This came as he identified an Inverse Head and Shoulder pattern, which was forming for the altcoin. The crypto analyst stated that the measured move is $3.7 to $3.9.

For now, an XRP analysis has shown that the altcoin is struggling at $2.15 amid regulatory uncertainty over SEC Chair nominee Paul Atkins. In his update on this Inverse Head and Shoulder pattern, Egrag Crypto remarked that a close above $2.24, the Fib 0.888, is the next minor target. He affirmed that the pattern is still unfolding as anticipated.

Ripple’s Native Token Could Still Drop Below $2

Crypto analyst Dark Defender has predicted that the XRP price could still drop below $2 before the next leg up. In an X post, he stated that Ripple’s native token is in the 4th Wave of the Monthly Elliott Wave structure.

ImageImage

His accompanying chart showed that XRP could drop to as low as $1.88 on this Wave 4 corrective move. Once that is done, the altcoin will witness its next leg up, rallying to as high as $5.8, which would mark a new ATH.

Dark Defender assured that Wave 4 will end soon and that XRP will continue to reach its targets. The crypto analyst recently affirmed that the altcoin is the “one” and explained why it would dominate Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Crypto analyst CasiTrades also suggested that XRP could further decline before its next leg to the upside. She noted that after the drop to $2.27, the altcoin showed no bullish RSI divergence, which signaled that the drop wasn’t quite done yet.

ImageImage

She added that the coin is now likely heading down to test the 0.618 golden retracement at $2.17, or possibly the golden pocket at $2.15 for a final low before “lift-off.” However, CasiTrades also mentioned that RSI is starting to build the bullish divergence and that the selling pressure is exhausting.

✓ Share:

Boluwatife Adeyemi

Boluwatife Adeyemi is a well-experienced crypto news writer and editor who has covered topics that cut across several topics and niches. Boluwatife has a knack for simplifying the most technical concepts and making it easy for crypto newbies to understand. Away from writing, He is an avid basketball lover, a traveler and a part-time degen.

Disclaimer: The presented content may include the personal opinion of the author and is subject to market condition. Do your market research before investing in cryptocurrencies. The author or the publication does not hold any responsibility for your personal financial loss.





Source link

Continue Reading

Altcoin

Gemini Crypto Exchange Announces Rewards For XRP Users, Here’s How To Get In

Published

on


Trusted Editorial content, reviewed by leading industry experts and seasoned editors. Ad Disclosure

Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, is promoting its previously launched XRP cashback program, which offers crypto rewards to users. This initiative allows eligible participants to earn rewards on their XRP transactions. Here’s a look at the program details and the steps required to join. 

Gemini Founder Unveils XRP Cashback Rewards

On March 27, Tyler Winklevoss reminded the XRP community and Ripple army on X (formerly Twitter) that they can earn rewards in the token whenever they use the Gemini Credit Card for purchases. The Gemini credit card, launched in partnership with Mastercard in 2021, allows users to choose cryptocurrencies from Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and over 50 other digital assets for cashback.

Since adding XRP to its long portfolio of crypto cashback offerings in August 2023, Gemini has continued to support the third-largest cryptocurrency as an option for crypto enthusiasts. The Credit Card reward information announced by Winklevoss was well received by the XRP community.

He explained that the Gemini Credit Card allows users to earn crypto back each time they spend fiat. He clarified that this feature is only available to residents in the United States (US) currently. The Gemini founder also revealed that he has been using the Credit Card for years and has had a great experience accumulating significant crypto rewards from the cashback program.

Gemini’s Credit Card offers tiered cashback rates depending on the purchase categories. A 4% XRP cashback is offered on gas and EV charging, with up to $200 monthly. A 1% XRP cashback is available for fuel and EV charging after exceeding the monthly limit. Finally, a 3%, 2%, and 1% XRP cashback is provided for dining, groceries, and other purchases, respectively. 

As XRP continues to push for widespread adoption, this Gemini cashback reward program strengthens its utility and encourages greater usability and investments. 

XRP is currently trading at $2.13. Chart: TradingView

Notably, Gemini isn’t the only crypto exchange embracing XRP in its rewards programs. Platforms like WhiteBIT and Bit2Me have also introduced similar programs. By offering an XRP cashback, Gemini and other crypto exchanges can make crypto more accessible, encourage faster adoption, and reinforce XRP’s role as a digital payment solution

How To Participate In Gemini’s XRP Cashback

Gemini has specified that users interested in earning XRP rewards from Gemini’s cashback program must first qualify for the exchange’s Credit Card, which depends on their credit score. Approved applicants must secure their cards by June 30, 2025, to participate in the promotional offer. 

The crypto exchange also stated that new cardholders could earn up to $200 in XRP cashback if they spend at least $3,000 within the first 90 days. Once earned, the XRP reward will be automatically deposited into their trading accounts on Gemini, enabling users to hold, trade, or sell whenever they wish. The Credit Card also comes with no extra annual, exchange, or foreign transaction fees, allowing crypto users to grow their portfolios continually. 

Featured image from SCMP, chart from TradingView

Editorial Process for bitcoinist is centered on delivering thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content. We uphold strict sourcing standards, and each page undergoes diligent review by our team of top technology experts and seasoned editors. This process ensures the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 coin2049.io