Market

BlackRock’s IBIT Launch in Chile, and More

Published

7 months ago

June 29, 2024

Coin2049 Newsletter

BeInCrypto comprehensive Latam Crypto Roundup brings Latin America’s most important news and trends. With reporters in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and more, we cover the latest updates and insights from the region’s crypto scene.

This week’s roundup includes stories about BlackRock’s IBIT launch in Chile, Nubank’s partnership with Lightspark, Bolivia’s cryptocurrency ban revoke, and more.

BlackRock Launches IBIT on Santiago Stock Exchange in Chile

BlackRock has introduced its iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) to the Santiago Stock Exchange in Chile, managed by BCI Corredores de Bolsa. This launch allows Chilean investors to participate in Bitcoin investments at an institutional level.

Chile now follows Brazil in the region, where BlackRock launched the same ETF earlier in March. According to GTD, 74% of Chileans recognize Bitcoin as the leading cryptocurrency in the market. The ETF, which began trading on June 27, benefits from BlackRock’s technological expertise and its management of approximately 1,300 other ETFs.

This launch fills us with pride, as it is in line with the long history of innovation driven by BlackRock in the financial markets. Now, investors in Chile will have an accessible and efficient digital asset to include in their portfolios, backed by the extensive experience in risk management that our iShares ETFs have,” said Silvia Fernández, the Country Head of BlackRock Chile.

IBIT has established itself as the world’s largest Bitcoin ETF, with over $20 billion in assets since it began trading in January 2024. It was also the fastest ETF to reach $10 billion in assets in history.

Bolivia Authorizes Cryptocurrency Use, Revoking Historic Ban

Bolivia has officially lifted its ban on cryptocurrencies, authorizing their use through Electronic Payment Instruments (IEP). Edwin Rojas, the president of the Central Bank of Bolivia, announced this decision, marking a massive shift in the country’s approach to digital commerce.

The reversal of the 2020 Resolution 144, which previously restricted cryptocurrency transactions, involved the Financial Investigations Unit and the Financial System Authority. Despite this change, the Boliviano remains the only legal tender.

The Central Bank stresses that all risks associated with virtual assets are the user’s responsibility. It highlights that these assets are not considered legal money and are not obligatory for payments. The Central Bank is committed to adapting existing regulations and launching educational campaigns.

Official announcement by the Central Bank of Bolivia on the updated regulations. Source: BCB

This initiative aligns with recommendations from the Latin American Financial Action Task Force. They suggested regulating virtual asset services to meet new financial realities and the expanding use of blockchain technologies.

The recent move modernizes Bolivia’s financial system and opens doors to new digital commerce opportunities and financial inclusion, provided that public education manages the transition responsibly.

Santander Brazil Expands Crypto Trading to Retail Customers via Toro Platform

Santander, the multinational banking giant, has recently announced that it will start offering cryptocurrency trading services in Brazil. Starting this week, Santander’s Brazilian investment platform, Toro, will offer its retail customers access to Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Previously, these cryptoassets were available only to the bank’s private clients through ETFs. This move follows similar offerings by other Brazilian banks such as Itaú, Nubank, Inter, and BTG Pactual.

Toro founder and CEO João Resende explains that negotiations begin with offering the two largest digital currencies to selected clients with an appropriate risk profile for the product.

“The product will be aimed at clients with an aggressive risk profile. Gradually, the new service will be rolled out to the broker’s entire base of more than one million active clients.” Resende says Toro is considering offering other digital currencies in addition to tokenized assets. “It’s a first step we are taking,” he noted.

According to a report by Valor Econômico, the success of this initiative in Brazil might lead to its expansion across other Santander branches worldwide. Santander, also participating in the CBDC project known as Drex, recently conducted the first transaction using Anonymous Zether. The solution, developed by Consensys, allows users to conceal transaction amounts and the parties’ identities using cryptographic proofs.

Costa Rican Authorities Unveil Bitcoin Money Laundering Scheme

Costa Rican authorities have dismantled a sophisticated money laundering scheme involving cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin. After a two-and-a-half-year investigation, police arrested 36 individuals on Tuesday. Among them were judges, lawyers, and two Spanish nationals identified as the ringleaders.

Randall Zúñiga, director of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), explained that the gang stole properties from Costa Rican residents. They then legitimized these assets through cryptocurrency purchases. In one instance, the organization moved $13 million in Bitcoin in a single day, highlighting the scale of its operations.

“There is a whole team dedicated to cryptocurrencies. In one day, they made a $13 million transaction in bitcoins. We have identified 25 properties, but over 100 have been stolen. Conversations suggest they have taken over 300 properties, with one valued at $30 million. This constitutes a multi-million dollar fraud,” Zúñiga stated.

The operation involved around 500 OIJ agents and conducted 47 raids nationwide. Lawyers, notaries, public officials, and five traffic officers were arrested. They face charges of registration fraud, ideological falsehood, and money laundering.

This case in Costa Rica mirrors a similar incident in Venezuela. The Scientific, Criminal, and Criminalistic Investigations Corps (CICPC) captured a criminal operating an illicit cryptocurrency exchange in Chacao, Miranda.

The detainee, Gabriel Bello, enticed victims with offers of currency exchange and cryptocurrencies at affordable prices. He then failed to deliver the promised returns. Bello, who was wanted for continuous swindling and other crimes, is now in the custody of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Colombia’s Usiacurí Municipality Adopts Bitcoin

The small Colombian town of Usiacurí, home to over 10,000 residents, has embraced cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, USDT, and Tron for tourist transactions. This initiative mirrors El Salvador’s 2021 adoption of Bitcoin and aligns with Colombia’s high rate of Bitcoin utilization. President Gustavo Petro has even explored cryptocurrencies as potential solutions for governmental issues.

This adoption is part of the “Distrito Crypto” project, a collaboration between Usiacurí’s municipality, Universidad de la Costa (CUC), Certika, and Corporación CienTech, exclusive to Usiacurí in the Atlántico department. The program aims to facilitate cryptocurrency transactions for foreign tourists across local hotels, shops, and restaurants.

“The participation of the Universidad de la Costa was fundamental throughout the process, since through its teachers and researchers have been strengthening the research line of blockchain and its applications, as is this tool that allowed us to turn Usiacurí into the first municipality with Cryptocurrency District, generating more sales in its tourism and hotel sector,” explained CienTech.

Read more: Who Owns the Most Bitcoin in 2024?

Further enhancing Colombia’s appeal to crypto investors, the recent introduction of Worldcoin’s World ID verifications in Bogotá and Medellín positions the nation as a hub for digital identity solutions. This system serves as a “digital passport of humanity,” designed to verify unique individual identities securely, meeting growing demands for digital services verification.

Nubank Partners with Lightspark to Integrate Lightning Network in Brazil

Nubank has partnered with Lightspark to deploy the Bitcoin Lightning Network on its Brazilian platform. This alliance will explore potential synergies and development opportunities, with more specific details to be announced later.

Lightspark will provide Nubank with an enterprise-grade gateway to the Lightning Network, facilitating reliable, near real-time transactions for Bitcoin and fiat currencies at reduced costs.

“The partnership with Lightspark, which has developed an excellent technical solution for Bitcoin’s Lightning network, is another step in Nubank’s mission to provide the best solutions for our customers and strengthen our long-term relationship with them. The future integration of Lightning underscores Nubank’s ongoing mission to deliver more efficient services faster and at lower costs through blockchain technology,” stated Thomaz Fortes, CEO of Nubank Crypto.

The collaboration will allow Nubank’s teams to enhance the end-to-end customer experience by focusing on product innovation without the burden of managing a large-scale Lightning deployment. This integration represents a significant advancement in the adoption and efficiency of digital financial transactions, promising a faster, more affordable, and secure service for Nubank’s customers. It’s a significant milestone for the Lightning Network, expected to greatly increase its overall network utilization.

Argentina and Venezuela Face Hyper AI Platform Controversy

The Hyper AI platform, renowned for integrating advanced technologies like AI and blockchain into a metaverse, has recently suspended user withdrawals, alleging a system update. This action has alarmed its investors in Venezuela and caused uncertainty in Argentina. The platform is now accused of operating like a Ponzi scheme, leading many users to organize a protest to file formal complaints with the public prosecutor’s office in Venezuela.

Social media and cryptocurrency forums are buzzing with reactions as users in Venezuela express their frustration over the lack of transparency, accusing Hyper AI of employing common Ponzi scheme tactics. Approximately 20,000 users in Los Teques, El Jarillo, and La Colonia Tovar are reportedly affected. On Wednesday, June 26, a group will officially approach the Superior Prosecutor’s Office of Miranda to denounce the platform.

“I entered in the month of February, I started with the minimum investment of 50 dollars. For a while I recovered something, but for example my son borrowed money, he entered with $5,000 and of course he lost all of that. I know many people who sold houses, cars, who were excited because this platform was supposed to last until next year”, Carlos Chavez told the local Venezuelan media Diario Avance.

Read more: 15 Most Common Crypto Scams To Look Out For

The controversy is not confined to Venezuela; it has also touched Argentina. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction and are seeking answers to the ongoing crisis.

“My experience was awful, I entered through my nephew who was also scammed. I invested almost 900 dollars and I could not withdraw anything and it was horrible to know that they played with us like that”, Gabriela Romando told Argentinean media El Diario del Sur.

The situation that all Hyper AI users are going through has exacerbated the distrust in investments related to emerging technologies in the region. This saga is reminiscent of other recent financial collapses of digital platforms such as FTX, BTR, Solesbot, and CowCoin.

As the Latam crypto scene grows, these stories highlight the region’s increasing influence in the global market. From BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF launch in Chile to Brazilian Nubank’s partnership with Lightspark, Latin America is positioning itself as a key player in the tech world. Stay tuned for more updates and insights in next week’s roundup.

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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Why These Altcoins Are Trending Today — January 22

Published

30 minutes ago

January 22, 2025

Coin2049 Newsletter

With Donald Trump assuming office as the US President, the crypto market has experienced heightened volatility. While some altcoins have surged, others have faced significant crashes, and many are gaining attention due to recent developments.

BeInCrypto has analyzed three altcoins that have been trending over the past 24 hours and explored what might lie ahead for them in the coming days.

United States Donald Trump (TRUMP)

TRUMP has captured significant attention this week as the official cryptocurrency token of US President Donald Trump. Since its launch, the token has gained immense traction and is now ranked 24th among the top 100 cryptocurrencies, marking a swift rise in prominence within the market.

The token recently hit an all-time high (ATH) of $79 and is currently trading at $41. If TRUMP can secure $45 as a support level, it may resume its upward momentum and make another attempt at its ATH, signaling strong bullish sentiment among investors.

TRUMP Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, profit-taking could pressure the token, preventing it from surpassing $45. A drop below this critical level could lead to a decline under $34, potentially invalidating the bullish outlook. In a worst-case scenario, TRUMP might fall to $26, reflecting a significant shift in market sentiment.

World (WLD)

World (WLD) captured investor attention following the announcement of Sam Altman’s OpenAI collaboration with Oracle and SoftBank. Together, they plan to invest $500 billion in US AI infrastructure under the Stargate Project, supported by President Trump. This strategic move has bolstered confidence in WLD, positioning it as a trending altcoin.

WLD’s price surged by 12% in the past 24 hours, driven by the positive sentiment surrounding this partnership. This rally could enable the altcoin to reclaim its 4-month-old uptrend line as support. If achieved, WLD might target $2.55 in the coming days, reinforcing its bullish momentum.

However, if WLD fails to breach the $2.17 resistance, it risks losing traction and falling back to $2.00 or lower. A further decline to $1.74 could completely invalidate the bullish outlook, signaling a potential shift in market sentiment against the cryptocurrency.

Bonk (BONK)

BONK has surged into the spotlight following the inauguration of the US Department of Government Efficiency (D.O.G.E.), which spurred renewed interest in dog-themed meme coins. This development has elevated BONK’s status in the crypto market, drawing significant attention from both retail and institutional investors seeking speculative opportunities.

The token recorded an 8% increase, trading at $0.00003236 and eyeing $0.00003151 as a critical support level. Securing this floor would strengthen the meme coin’s recovery prospects, potentially attracting more bullish momentum.

BONK Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, failure to hold the $0.00003151 support could lead to a decline toward $0.00002748. This drop would only invalidate the bullish outlook and also signal a broader loss of confidence in the token’s recovery potential.

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 Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers have been updated.

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Market

Ethereum Price Can Reach $3,500 On The Back Of These Factors

Published

2 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Coin2049 Newsletter

Ethereum, the second-largest cryptocurrency, recently failed to breach $3,524, triggering a sharp price drop. Since then, recovery efforts have remained weak as volatility persists.

However, the current conditions suggest Ethereum may be preparing for a comeback as the market stabilizes.

Ethereum Has Room For Recovery

Ethereum’s Network Value to Transaction (NVT) Ratio is experiencing a decline, recently hitting a monthly low. A low NVT indicates that transaction activity is balanced with network value, reflecting reduced volatility. This creates an environment conducive to price recovery, something Ethereum urgently needs to regain its footing.

With the NVT ratio signaling healthy network activity, Ethereum is positioned to stabilize in the short term. Declining volatility often fosters investor confidence, making it more likely for the cryptocurrency to see renewed buying interest. As speculative activity wanes, Ethereum has an opportunity to chart a path toward meaningful recovery.

Ethereum’s realized profits recently dropped to a six-week low, pointing to a significant reduction in selling pressure from investors. This trend highlights the market’s shifting sentiment, with fewer participants looking to offload their holdings. Such conditions could provide Ethereum with the breathing room required to capitalize on broader bullish cues.

The lack of an uptick in realized profits suggests that the selling lull may persist, allowing Ethereum to focus on building upward momentum. With investors holding onto their coins, market conditions are primed for a gradual recovery, provided external factors remain favorable.

Ethereum Realized Profits. Source: Glassnode

ETH Price Prediction: Breaking The Barrier

Ethereum is currently trading near $3,300, just below the critical resistance level of $3,327. Flipping this into support is essential for ETH to initiate a rally toward $3,524, representing a 6% increase from current levels. This move would mark a partial recovery from recent losses.

Breaking through the $3,524 resistance is crucial for Ethereum’s recovery. Achieving this would erase the recent downturn and also position the altcoin for further gains, potentially targeting $3,711. Such a move would underscore Ethereum’s resilience and align with the broader market’s bullish sentiment.

Ethereum Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, failing to establish $3,327 as a support level could stall Ethereum’s recovery. This scenario would leave the cryptocurrency vulnerable to a retracement toward $3,200, undermining recent progress and potentially delaying its path to $3,500.

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Justin Sun, Vitalik Buterin Speak Amid Ethereum Reform Debate

Published

3 hours ago

January 22, 2025

Coin2049 Newsletter

TRON founder Justin Sun has offered a hypothetical plan for Ethereum and the Ethereum Foundation (EF) under his leadership. His remarks come amid controversy over EF’s leadership transformation.

In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin outlined the reforms’ goals and progress. He highlighted improvements in technical expertise, ecosystem engagement, and operational efficiency.

Justin Sun Outlines Blueprint for Ethereum Leadership

The TRON executive shared ambitious remarks on how he would lead the Ethereum Foundation if given the opportunity. Sun’s vision, shared on X, outlined a four-point plan to radically restructure EF operations, optimize Ethereum’s economic model, and drive the price of ETH to $10,000.

“If EF and Ethereum were under my leadership, ETH would hit $10,000,” Sun claimed.

Sun proposed an immediate halt to ETH sales for three years to stabilize supply and boost market confidence. He suggested covering EF’s operational costs through DeFi protocols like Aave, staking yields, and stablecoin borrowing, aligning with Ethereum’s deflationary goals.

A key component of his plan involves imposing significant taxes on Layer 2 (L2) solutions, aiming to generate $5 billion annually. The collected taxes would go toward exclusively repurchasing and burning ETH, further enhancing its scarcity and value.

Sun also called for a drastic downsizing of EF staff, retaining only top performers and offering them significant salary increases. This merit-based approach, he argued, would streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Finally, Sun emphasized adjusting node rewards and increasing fee burns to reinforce Ethereum’s deflationary narrative. He proposed redirecting all resources toward Ethereum’s core L1 development, focusing on scalability, security, and adoption. Justin Sun’s plan sparked a mixed response, with some applauding the bold vision.

“These are all very practical suggestions. Please pay attention to them and refer to them, Vitalik Buterin,” core developer 0xSea.eth posed.

Meanwhile, others challenged Sun to focus on TRON and explore bringing decentralized finance (DeFi) to its ecosystem.

“Maybe start with how to make DeFi great on TRON – you should ask your exec team (and yourself), “Why is DeFi nonexistent on TRON despite it being the chain with the most stable coins on it?” If you answer this, maybe TRON can beat eth one day,” ZIGChain co-founder Abdul Rafay Gadit remarked.

Vitalik Buterin Defends Leadership Amid Criticism

Sun’s proposed solution aligns with Vitalik Buterin’s recent post discussing ongoing changes over the past year, some of which have already been implemented. Buterin emphasized goals such as strengthening the EF’s technical leadership and improving collaboration with ecosystem participants. He also addressed concerns, rejecting the notion that the EF might adopt centralized or politically motivated roles.

“…these things aren’t what EF does and this isn’t going to change. People seeking a different vision are welcome to start their orgs,” Buterin articulated.

Aya Miyaguchi, an EF executive, confirmed the ongoing efforts, expressing excitement about forthcoming announcements. She noted that the reforms aim to solidify Ethereum’s position as a global neutral platform while embracing decentralized and privacy-preserving technologies.

The announcement has stirred controversy within the crypto community. Critics argue that the current leadership has failed to manage Ethereum effectively.

“Respectfully, just let new blood take over. You guys can’t even make a simple Twitter account work—how can you be trusted to lead the second biggest blockchain,” Wazz posed.

Another user, Coinmamba, suggested that pressuring Miyaguchi to resign could result in Ethereum reaching new all-time high. Buterin strongly condemned these comments, defending Miyaguchi and calling out the toxicity of such social media rhetoric.

“No. This is not how this game works,” Buterin retorted. “The person deciding the new EF leadership team is me. If you ‘keep the pressure on,’ then you are creating an environment that is actively toxic to top talent. YOU ARE MAKING MY JOB HARDER,” the Ethereum co-founder lamented.

Buterin also refuted specific claims against Miyaguchi, pointing out inaccuracies in translations and misinterpretations of her statements. He reiterated the need for a “proper board” within EF to enhance governance.

ETH price Performance — ETH Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

Ethereum’s ETH token was trading at $3,305 as of this writing, representing a modest 0.2% surge since Wednesday’s session opened.

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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