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Fourth-Largest Swiss Bank Offers Bitcoin

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BeInCrypto’s comprehensive Europe Crypto Roundup covers the latest news and trends shaping the continent’s crypto landscape. With reporters across key markets like Germany, France, and the UK, we provide in-depth insights into evolving regulatory environment, adoption rates, major industry events, and market movements. 

This week’s roundup highlights Zürcher Kantonalbank’s new crypto service, the signing of the world’s first international AI treaty by the UK, EU, and US, along with other key stories.

German Police Issues Warning About New Bitcoin Scam

The Bavarian State Office of Criminal Investigation (LKA Bayern) has issued a warning about a new crypto fraud. Scammers have been leaving plastic bags around Munich with fake Bitcoin account access codes and payment receipts.

The scam involves eye-catching bags left in public areas like streets and park benches. Inside, victims find a receipt labeled “Bitcoin,” claiming to be worth 10,000 euros, along with a paper wallet — a slip of paper containing data for a crypto wallet, including a QR code.

Scanning the QR code redirects victims to a fake website that promises a payout in exchange for a 3% fee. However, the payment doesn’t go through, causing the person to lose money. Victims may attempt the process multiple times, compounding their losses.

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

The LKA Bayern spokesperson warned that victims could unknowingly face legal repercussions. Scanning the QR code alone could be viewed as an attempt to fraudulently obtain someone else’s money, potentially resulting in charges of attempted fraud. Authorities will evaluate each case individually, but they recommend turning the bags in to the police immediately.

Investigators have not yet identified any suspects, and scammers seem to be distributing the paper wallets randomly in high-traffic areas, without a clear pattern. Authorities urge the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious findings to local law enforcement.

Switzerland’s Fourth-Largest Bank Launches New Crypto Service

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB), Switzerland’s fourth-largest bank, has introduced a new service allowing retail customers to buy, sell, and hold Bitcoin and Ethereum. This offering is made possible through a collaboration with Crypto Finance, a digital assets broker owned by Deutsche Börse. Customers can access BTC and ETH via ZKB’s Mobile App, eBanking platform, and other existing channels, the bank announced in a press release on Wednesday.

Switzerland has long been a leader in the digital asset space, with many financial institutions providing cryptocurrency trading services. ZKB is no newcomer to crypto market. In 2021, the bank was involved in issuing the world’s first digital bond on Switzerland’s SIX Digital Exchange (SDX).

“When it comes to cryptocurrencies, Zürcher Kantonalbank takes on the critical function of securely storing the private keys,” said Alexandra Scriba, ZKB’s head of institutional clients and Multinationals. “Customers and third-party banks do not need their own wallet and therefore do not have to worry about storing their own private keys. Zürcher Kantonalbank takes care of both.”

Read more: Crypto vs. Banking: Which Is a Smarter Choice?

This new service also allows other Swiss banks to offer cryptocurrency trading and custody to their clients. Thurgauer Kantonalbank is the first partner bank to adopt the service.

EU, UK, and US Sign World’s First International AI Treaty

The US, EU, and UK signed the world’s first international AI treaty on September 5, aiming to protect human rights and hold AI systems accountable for any harm or discrimination they cause. While the treaty sets important standards, penalties like fines for violations haven’t been introduced yet.

“This Convention is a major step to ensuring that these new technologies can be harnessed without eroding our oldest values, like human rights and the rule of law,” Britain’s justice minister, Shabana Mahmood, said in a statement.

The European Union has already made significant progress in regulating AI with the AI Act, which came into effect in August. This new law will help control the development and use of advanced AI models, especially those with powerful computing capabilities. However, the act has been controversial.

Companies like Meta, which owns Facebook, claim the rules are too strict and are hurting innovation. In fact, Meta has paused the release of some of its latest AI products in Europe due to the complex regulations.

Read more: Top 9 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cryptocurrencies in 2024

Despite these complaints, the EU is pushing ahead, setting a strong example for AI regulation. The AI Act is seen as a major step in ensuring that AI technologies are developed responsibly and safely, especially as more countries look to regulate this rapidly growing field. European leaders believe their approach will become a global benchmark for balancing technological advancement with ethical and legal protections.

French City Rouen Now Offers Bitcoin Payments for Groceries

France is seeing a growing number of businesses accepting cryptocurrency payments, with the latest addition being a supermarket in Rouen.

This week, Carrefour Express in Rouen made headlines by becoming one of the first supermarkets in France to accept Bitcoin. Customers can pay using the Swiss app Bridge Wallet, similar to Revolut, which facilitates crypto transactions. The system utilizes the Lightning Network to minimize transaction fees, making it fast and cost-effective.

Rouen isn’t alone in embracing crypto payments. While this may be a first for the city, several hundred establishments across France now accept cryptocurrencies. Major hubs like Paris, Nantes, and Lyon lead the way. In Lyon, initiatives like the Comptoir Brunet restaurant and Bitcoin Lyon broker are actively promoting crypto adoption.

Read more: The Best Bitcoin Lightning Network Wallets In 2024

With these developments, crypto payments are becoming more accessible across the country, bringing France closer to a future where digital currencies play a larger role in everyday transactions.

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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VanEck Sets Stage for BNB ETF with Official Trust Filing

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Global investment management firm VanEck has officially registered a statutory trust in Delaware for Binance’s BNB (BNB) exchange-traded fund (ETF). 

This move marks the first attempt to launch a spot BNB ETF in the United States. It could potentially open new avenues for institutional and retail investors to gain exposure to the asset through a regulated investment vehicle.

VanEck Moves Forward with BNB ETF 

The trust was registered on March 31 under the name “VanEck BNB ETF” with filing number 10148820. It was recorded on Delaware’s official state website.

VanEck BNB ETF Filing
VanEck BNB ETF Filing. Source: State of Delaware Official Website

The proposed BNB ETF would track the price of BNB. It is the native cryptocurrency of the BNB Chain ecosystem, developed by the cryptocurrency exchange Binance.

As per the latest data, BNB ranks as the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalization at $87.1 billion. Despite its significant market position, both BNB’s price and the broader cryptocurrency market have faced some challenges recently.

Over the past month, the altcoin’s value has declined 2.2%. At the time of writing, BNB was trading at $598. This represented a 1.7% dip in the last 24 hours, according to data from BeInCrypto. 

BNB Price Performance
BNB Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

While the trust filing hasn’t yet led to a price uptick, the community remains optimistic about the prospects of BNB, especially with this new development.

“Send BNB to the moon now,” an analyst posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The filing comes just weeks after VanEck made a similar move for Avalanche (AVAX). On March 10, VanEck registered a trust for an AVAX-focused ETF. 

This was quickly followed by the filing of an S-1 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Given this precedent, a similar S-1 filing for a BNB ETF could follow soon.

“A big step toward bringing BNB to US institutional investors!” another analyst wrote.

Meanwhile, the industry has seen an influx of crypto fund applications at the SEC following the election of a pro-crypto administration. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 71% of ETF investors are bullish on crypto and plan to increase their allocations to cryptocurrency ETFs in the next 12 months. 

“Three-quarters of allocators expect to increase their investment in cryptocurrency-focused ETFs over the next 12 months, with demand highest in Asia (80%), and the US (76%), in contrast to Europe (59%),” the survey revealed.

This growing interest in crypto ETFs could drive further demand for assets like BNB, making the VanEck BNB ETF a potentially significant product in the market.

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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XRP Recovery Stalls—Are Bears Still In Control?

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XRP price started a fresh decline from the $2.20 zone. The price is now consolidating and might face hurdles near the $2.120 level.

  • XRP price started a fresh decline after it failed to clear the $2.20 resistance zone.
  • The price is now trading below $2.150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There is a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2.120 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
  • The pair might extend losses if it fails to clear the $2.20 resistance zone.

XRP Price Faces Rejection

XRP price failed to continue higher above the $2.20 resistance zone and reacted to the downside, like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The price declined below the $2.150 and $2.120 levels.

The bears were able to push the price below the 50% Fib retracement level of the recovery wave from the $2.023 swing low to the $2.199 high. There is also a connecting bearish trend line forming with resistance at $2.120 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair.

The price is now trading below $2.150 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. However, the bulls are now active near the $2.10 support level. They are protecting the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the recovery wave from the $2.023 swing low to the $2.199 high.

XRP Price

On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $2.120 level and the trend line zone. The first major resistance is near the $2.150 level. The next resistance is $2.20. A clear move above the $2.20 resistance might send the price toward the $2.240 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $2.2650 resistance or even $2.2880 in the near term. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be $2.320.

Another Decline?

If XRP fails to clear the $2.150 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $2.10 level. The next major support is near the $2.0650 level.

If there is a downside break and a close below the $2.0650 level, the price might continue to decline toward the $2.020 support. The next major support sits near the $2.00 zone.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone.

Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level.

Major Support Levels – $2.10 and $2.050.

Major Resistance Levels – $2.120 and $2.20.



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Experts Raise Red Flags Over Finances

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Circle’s initial public offering (IPO) filing has raised concerns among industry experts, who are sounding alarms over the company’s financial health, distribution costs, and valuation. 

While the move marks a significant step toward mainstream financial integration, experts’ skepticism casts doubt on the company’s long-term prospects.

Analysts Highlight Red Flags With Circle IPO

On April 1, BeInCrypto reported that Circle had filed for an IPO. The company plans to list its Class A common stock on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under “CRCL.”

Circle’s IPO filing reveals revenue of $1.67 billion in 2024, a notable increase from previous years. However, a closer examination of the company’s financials has uncovered some challenges.

Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, noted that revenue increased 16% year over year. Yet, at the same time, the company reported a 29% decrease in EBITDA year over year, indicating a decline in operational profitability. Additionally, net income fell by 42%, reflecting a significant drop in overall profitability.

Circle Financial Data
Circle Financial Data. Source: X/MatthewSigel

Sigel pointed out four factors contributing to the decline in these financial metrics. He explained that the company’s rapid expansion and new service integrations negatively impacted net income. 

Furthermore, the discontinuation of services like Circle Yield reduced other revenue streams. This, in turn, exacerbated the decline in profitability. 

“Costs related to restructuring, legal settlements, and acquisition-related expenses also played a role in the decline in EBITDA and net income, despite overall revenue growth,” Sigel added.

Importantly, he focused on Circle’s increased distribution and transaction costs. Sigel revealed that the cost rose due to higher fees paid to partners like Coinbase and Binance.

A related post by Farside Investors on X (formerly Twitter) shed further light on these expenses.

“In 2024, the company spent over $1 billion on “distribution and transaction costs,” probably much higher than Tether as a % of revenue,” the post read.

This prompts speculation that Circle may be overspending to maintain its market share in the competitive stablecoin sector. The company’s historical performance further fuels skepticism.

Farside Investors added that in 2022, Circle recorded a staggering $720 million loss. Notably, the year was marked by significant turmoil in the crypto industry, including the high-profile collapses of FTX and Three Arrows Capital (3AC). 

This suggests that Circle may be vulnerable to market shocks. Thus, it calls into question the company’s risk management capabilities—especially in the inherently volatile crypto market.

“The gross creation and redemption numbers are a lot higher than we would have thought for USDC. Gross creations in a year are many multiples higher than the outstanding balance,” Farside Investors remarked.

In addition, analyst Omar expressed doubts about Circle’s $5 billion valuation. 

“Nothing to love in the Circle IPO filing and no idea how it prices at $5 billion,” he questioned.

He drew attention to several concerns, including the company’s gross margins being severely impacted by high distribution costs. The analyst also pointed out that the deregulation of the US market is poised to disrupt Circle’s position. 

Additionally, Omar stressed that Circle spends over $250 million annually on compensation and another $140 million on general and administrative costs, raising questions about its financial efficiency. He also noted that interest rates—core income drivers for Circle—will likely decline, presenting additional challenges.

“32x ’24 earnings for a business that just lost its mini-monopoly and facing several headwinds is expensive when growth structurally challenged,” Omar said.

Analysis of Circle's Finances Ahead of IPO
Analysis of Circle’s Valuation Ahead of IPO. Source: X/Omar

Ultimately, the analyst concluded that the IPO filing was a desperate attempt to secure liquidity before facing serious market difficulties.

Meanwhile, Wyatt Lonergan, General Partner at VanEck, shared his predictions for Circle’s IPO, outlining four potential scenarios. In the base case, he forecasted that Circle would capitalize on the stablecoin narrative and secure key partnerships to drive growth. 

In a bear case, Lonergan speculated that poor market conditions might lead to a Coinbase buyout.

“Circle IPOs, the market continues to tank, Circle stock goes with it. Poor business fundamentals cited. Coinbase swoops in to buy at a discount to the IPO price. USDC is all theirs at long last. Coinbase acquires Circle for something close to the IPO price, and they never go public,” Lonergan claimed.

Lastly, he outlined a probable scenario where Ripple bids up Circle’s valuation to a staggering $15 to $20 billion and acquires the company.

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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