Connect with us

Market

Gensler’s Exit, Bitfinex Hack, Bitcoin in the US

Published

on



The crypto market recorded several important developments this week, from regulatory advancements to significant legal rulings. Taken together, the highlights display how the global cryptocurrency ecosystem continues to advance.

The following is a roundup of crucial developments that happened this week but will continue shaping the sector.

Gary Gensler’s to Resign as SEC Chair

Gary Gensler, Chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), announced his resignation effective January 2025. The crypto industry had long anticipated his departure, which marks the end of a controversial tenure characterized by a strict approach to digital asset regulation.

“On January 20, 2025, I will be stepping down as SEC Chair,” he shared.

Gensler’s tenure saw multiple enforcement actions against crypto companies, leading to heightened scrutiny of projects like XRP, Solana, Cardano, and others. Against this backdrop, news of his imminent resignation had a notable impact on the cryptocurrency market. XRP, a token at the center of the SEC’s lawsuit against Ripple, and Solana (SOL) experienced significant rallies.

The rallies came as the crypto industry now anticipates a leadership change that could introduce clearer frameworks for digital assets. Gensler’s departure coincides with ongoing calls for balanced regulation, offering hope for less adversarial interactions between regulators and the crypto community.

US Eyes Crypto-Czar Role

The Trump administration is reportedly considering appointing a “crypto-czar” to shape and lead the nation’s approach to digital assets. Chris Giancarlo, the former chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), is among those under discussion for the role.

Other considerations include Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who drew significant support from Cardano’s Charles Hoskinson. Similarly, Brian Brooks, former BinanceUS and Coinbase executive, is also on the list of considerations.

Beyond the crypto-czar role, Trump’s social media and technology company is also in talks to purchase crypto exchange Bakkt. The general sentiment is that purchasing Bakkt could bring Trump fresh skin in the game.

Russia’s Crypto Policy Shake-Up

As BeInCrypto reported, Russia has revised its crypto taxation bill, introducing measures to regulate and tax crypto transactions more effectively. The country has also banned crypto mining in occupied Ukrainian territories, citing security concerns.

“Starting Dec 2024, Russia’s Energy Ministry is clamping down on mining rigs in energy-stressed zones like Irkutsk, Chechnya, and DPR. The takeaway’s clear: energy ≠ infinite, and miners might need to get stealthy or pivot,” Mario Nawfal wrote on X (formerly Twitter). 

These developments reflect Russia’s dual approach of harnessing crypto’s economic potential while maintaining stringent control over its use. Analysts warn that these policies could stifle innovation while ensuring compliance with state interests.

Bitfinex Hack Case: Couple Sentenced

BeInCrypto also reported on the US legal system’s sentencing of Heather Morgan, the wife of Ilya Lichtenstein, to prison for the infamous 2016 Bitfinex hack. This sentencing came shortly after Lichtenstein’s sentencing to five years in prison.

Morgan and her husband attempted to launder the loot through various means, including buying gold and NFTs. Of note, Lichtenstein’s sentence was far below his potential 20-year maximum, as he also cooperated significantly with the authorities.

These sentences reflect the ongoing efforts to bring crypto-related crimes to justice. It also highlights the importance of strong security and regulatory oversight in the industry. Notwithstanding, the 2016 Bitfinex attack remains one of the largest cryptocurrency thefts in history.

OCC Approves Bitcoin ETF Options Trading

This week, the Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) also approved Bitcoin ETF (exchange-traded funds) options trading. This decision marked a significant regulatory milestone in the US financial markets. This approval enhances market liquidity, providing institutional and retail investors with greater flexibility to hedge risks.

The move is expected to catalyze broader acceptance of Bitcoin ETFs, potentially driving increased trading volumes and market participation. Analysts believe this approval could pave the way for further advancements in Bitcoin-related financial products.

Author of “Softwar” Enters Presidential Race

To add to this list of interesting things that happened in the crypto market this week, Jason Lowery, the author of Softwar, is eyeing a position in the White House. His bid centered on Bitcoin adoption and national security. Lowery advocates for Bitcoin as a strategic asset, reflecting its potential to fortify the US against global economic uncertainties.

His interest reflects the growing intersection of politics and crypto as policymakers recognize Bitcoin’s strategic implications beyond its financial utility.

“I recommend Maj Jason Lowery for presidential advisor on the Advancement of Bitcoin as a National Strategic Asset,” one user on X pushed.

Grayscale’s Bitcoin Covered Call ETF

Further, Grayscale updated its Bitcoin Covered Call ETF, enhancing its utility for investors seeking income generation strategies. The ETF employs options strategies to provide returns, offering a unique way for investors to capitalize on Bitcoin’s volatility.

This product demonstrates the continued innovation in crypto financial instruments, catering to diverse investor needs amidst a fast-paced market.

“Grayscale wasting no time after BTC ETF options approval. They’ve filed an updated prospectus for their Bitcoin Covered Call ETF (no ticker yet). The fund will offer exposure to GBTC and BTC while writing and/or buying options contracts on Bitcoin ETPs for income,” James Seyffart remarked.

China Recognizes Crypto as Property

A landmark legal ruling also passed among top crypto news this week. As it happened, a Chinese court recognized cryptocurrency as legal property.  The determination granted protections to crypto holders, with the decision coming amid China’s stringent crypto regulations. It offers a glimmer of hope for crypto enthusiasts in the region.

This ruling could influence future regulatory approaches, balancing state control with individual rights in the digital economy.

Paul Tudor Jones Doubles Down on Bitcoin

Additionally, hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones reaffirmed his commitment to Bitcoin this week. Jones revealed a continued stake in Bitcoin, citing the asset’s resilience amid economic uncertainty. The endorsement highlights Bitcoin’s enduring appeal among institutional investors, reinforcing its status as “digital gold” in turbulent financial landscapes.

“Billionaire hedge fund manager Paul Tudor Jones: All roads lead to inflation … I’m long gold, I’m long Bitcoin, I’m long commodities,” Michael Burry said, citing Jones.

His firm, Tudor Investment Corporation, also significantly increased its Bitcoin reserves, emphasizing its role as a hedge against inflation and geopolitical risks.

Poland’s Bitcoin Reserve Proposal

Beyond Paul Tudor Jones, another show of support for Bitcoin this week came from Polish lawmaker Sławomir Mentzen. The Presidential aspirant vowed to establish a Bitcoin reserve if elected, signaling a potential crypto-friendly policy shift in Poland.

“Poland should create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. If I become the President of Poland, our country will become a cryptocurrency haven, with very friendly regulations, low taxes, and a supportive approach from banks and regulators,” Mentzen shared.

His vision includes embracing Bitcoin as a hedge against economic instability and fostering blockchain innovation to strengthen the national economy. His proposal resonates with growing trends among nations exploring Bitcoin adoption to safeguard financial sovereignty.

Mentzen’s promise reflects a rising sentiment across Europe toward leveraging crypto for economic resilience. If realized, this policy could position Poland among a handful of nations integrating Bitcoin into their fiscal strategies. It would also signal a pivotal shift in European crypto policy frameworks.

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.



Source link

Market

3 Meme Coins to Watch For The Last Week of February 2025

Published

on


DOGEai, TST, and BROCCOLI are three meme coins drawing attention for the last week of February. DOGEai, launched on Solana, is up 110% in the past seven days, positioning itself as a leading AI meme coin.

TST remains one of the most popular meme coins on the BNB chain despite a recent correction. At the same time, BROCCOLI, inspired by Binance co-founder CZ’s dog, has also seen significant volatility.

DOGEai (DOGEAI)

DOGEai is an artificial intelligence coin launched on Solana. Its market cap is now $32 million, up 82% in the last seven days. This rise has positioned DOGEai as one of the most talked-about AI meme coins in recent days.

DOGEAI Price Analysis.
DOGEAI Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

DOGEai leverages multiple narratives, including Dogecoin’s popularity, the growing interest in DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), and the broader AI cryptos trend. It defines itself as “an autonomous AI agent here to uncover waste and inefficiencies in government spending and policy decisions,” offering bill summaries and insights into government expenditures.

If the current uptrend continues, DOGEai could test the resistance at $0.048, with potential targets at $0.059 and $0.069. However, if a downtrend emerges, DOGEai has support at $0.030, and if that level is lost, it could drop to $0.018 or even $0.0092.

Test (TST)

TST has emerged as one of the most popular meme coins on the BNB chain, benefiting from the chain’s growing volume, which recently even surpassed Solana.

In the days following its launch, TST reached a market cap close to $500 million, then entered a strong correction phase. Its market cap has since dropped to $78 million.

TST Price Analysis.
TST Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

If the BNB narrative gains strength again, TST could benefit as one of its most popular meme coins and may test the resistance at $0.10. A breakout above this level could push TST to $0.20 or even $0.25 if buying pressure intensifies.

However, if TST fails to regain strong upward momentum, it could test the support at $0.0719 and potentially drop to its lowest levels since February 9.

CZ’S Dog (BROCCOLI)

BROCCOLI was launched a few weeks ago after Binance co-founder CZ revealed his dog’s name, sparking a flood of BROCCOLI tokens on the market.

The largest of these tokens quickly surged to a $249 million market cap in its early days but has since dropped to $52 million.

Like TST, BROCCOLI benefited from the recent rise of the BNB ecosystem but has since entered a strong correction phase. It is down 40% in the last seven days.

BROCCOLI Price Analysis.
BROCCOLI Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

If the downtrend continues, BROCCOLI could test support near $0.04, and a break below this level could push it to its lowest price since launch.

However, if the BNB ecosystem and meme coins regain traction, BROCCOLI could benefit, especially given the popularity of dog-related meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu. In this bullish scenario, BROCCOLI could rise to test the resistance at $0.113.

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.



Source link

Continue Reading

Market

Ethereum Rollback Debate Intensifies After Bybit Hack

Published

on



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.



Source link

Continue Reading

Market

Berachain (BERA) Falls 15% After Recent Rally Surge

Published

on


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.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 coin2049.io