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Why the SEC Issued a Wells Notice to Immutable (IMX)

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Immutable (IMX) is the newest victim in the latest salvo from US regulators targeting cryptocurrency firms. The blockchain gaming platform revealed that it received a Wells notice from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

It adds to the list of Wells Notices issued this year, with the agency’s enforcement regulation still being a contentious issue in the crypto industry.

Immutable Challenges SEC’s Wells Notice

In a statement on Thursday, Immutable accused the SEC of overreach after receiving a Wells Notice. Citing unfair regulation, the blockchain gaming platform described the notice as part of a broader regulatory push that is squeezing the crypto industry. It added that the agency’s actions appear to be part of a “regulation-by-enforcement” strategy targeting crypto companies but offering no clear compliance framework.

“With this action, the SEC is continuing to indiscriminately assert that tokens are securities,” a paragraph in the statement read.

The allegations center on whether its 2021 IMX token listing and sales constitute securities violations. Immutable, however, has contested the SEC’s claims, arguing that the IMX token does not meet the definition of a security.

Read more: What Does It Mean To Receive a Wells Notice From the SEC?

Specifically, Immutable challenged the SEC’s claims that they may involve inaccurate interpretations of statements it made in 2021 regarding the IMX token’s pre-launch pricing. The firm also slammed the SEC for a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Nevertheless, the notice signals potential enforcement action against Immutable.

The SEC reportedly issued a Wells Notice to Immutable following an initial meeting with the company’s legal team — a move the company described as unusual. According to Immutable, such notices typically come after a series of detailed discussions, allowing time for a comprehensive evaluation. Immutable noted that the notice provided “fewer than 20 words of meaningful explanation,” prompting the company to question the SEC’s decision-making process.

“To manufacture a case on a listing that occurred in 2021, with practically no direct communication with the company, is precisely the reason the industry is so skeptical of any attempts from this SEC to argue it is attempting to provide clarity,” Immutable CEO James Ferguson noted.

Immutable criticized the SEC’s allegations as broad and vague, with CEO James Ferguson suggesting that meaningful discussions could have clarified many ambiguities now surrounding the case. Despite these legal hurdles, Immutable reaffirmed its commitment to the blockchain gaming sector and emphasized it will defend its practices vigorously.

“We are prepared to defend the rights of builders, creators, and gamers…we will keep building even in the face of regulatory pressure,” the firm concluded.

IMX Price Performance
IMX Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

In the aftermath of this news, the IMX token is down by a stark 13.29% to trade for $1.18 as of this writing.

Crypto Crackdown Intensifies Ahead of US Elections

Meanwhile, this Wells Notice adds to a growing list of enforcement moves against crypto companies, with the SEC’s increased scrutiny of digital assets prompting a wave of legal defenses across the crypto sector.

Earlier in October, popular exchange Crypto.com launched a lawsuit against the SEC after receiving a similar Wells notice. The company claimed that the SEC was overstepping its regulatory authority by classifying various digital tokens as securities without sufficient basis. Similarly, Uniswap and NFT marketplace OpenSea also recently received Wells Notices.

The trend passes as an attempt to regulate the sector without establishing a formal rulebook. On this account, Blockchain Association, an advocacy group, noted in a recent report that the SEC has filed 104 enforcement actions against crypto entities since the beginning of 2023. Based on the report, these crackdowns saw these companies “waste” approximately $426 million in legal defense fees.

Tracking The SEC’s Anti-Crypto Crusade
Tracking The SEC’s Anti-Crypto Crusade. Source: Blockchain Association

The regulator’s enforcement drive comes at a politically sensitive time, just ahead of the 2024 US presidential election. Some speculate that regulators are tightening their stance on crypto companies as a way to demonstrate heightened scrutiny of digital assets to the public. However, this regulatory push may also heighten industry demands for legislative action to clarify compliance standards for digital assets.

Read more: Crypto Regulation: What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks?

As the SEC’s enforcement actions expand, Immutable’s case could become a touchstone in the broader debate over crypto regulation. For now, the blockchain gaming firm is digging in for a legal fight.

“We’re ready to do our part, join the companies fighting for crypto, and defend digital ownership in gaming,” Immutable co-founder Robbie Ferguson said.

This standoff with the SEC highlights the pressing need for clearer compliance guidelines that balance consumer protection with innovation.

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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Trump’s $500 Billion Stargate Venture Sparks AI Crypto Boom

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AI tokens surged on Wednesday after President Donald Trump unveiled a new joint venture to invest up to $500 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure. 

The partnership involves major players such as OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank and will form a new entity called Stargate.

Market Focuses on AI Coins as Trump’s Stargate Initiative Gains Traction

The Stargate Project will invest $500 billion over the next four years, building new AI infrastructure in the US. The venture will focus on developing crucial data centers and the electricity generation required to power the AI sector.

The announcement has already had a noticeable impact on the broader market, particularly in AI-related cryptocurrencies. Following the news, the market capitalization of AI tokens surged by 9%, reaching $45.83 billion at press time, according to CoinGecko.

In fact, the market cap of AI agent tokens alone rose by 13% to hit $14.9 billion.

AI agent tokens, such as Virtuals Protocol, AIXBT, and AI16Z, saw impressive gains. Virtuals Protocol rose by over 13% in the past 24 hours, while AI16Z experienced a remarkable 36% increase. AIXBT token rose by 27% over the same period.

AI tokens
Price Performance of AI Agent Tokens. Source: CoinGecko

The surge in AI tokens reflects a broader shift in market interest as investors move capital towards more “sentient” tokens.

“Capital is rotating back from static memes to sentient coins,” AI researcher S4mmy commented on Twitter.

The analyst added that Fartcoin and AIXBT are sustaining their “mindshare dominance,” but face declining market caps after a heated run. Commenting on Virtuals Protocol, he said it continues to solidify its position as a backbone of the Agentic infrastructure.

Moreover, analyst CyrilXBT said he believes “AI will create generational wealth in 2025.”

“People said Bitcoin was a joke. People said AI agents are a gimmick. Guess what else they’ll say? ‘Why didn’t I listen when generational wealth was staring me in the face?,” CyrilXBT commented.

The shift towards AI is particularly interesting, given the trend of investments a few days back. Capital was flowing into Donald Trump-related tokens, such as TRUMP and MELANIA, which have seen significant volatility

However, BeInCrypto reported that smart money traders are now focusing on AI tokens after the hype around TRUMP faded. According to data from Nansen, a substantial amount of VIRTUAL, FARTCOIN, and AIXBT tokens are held by smart money.

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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Will an Upside Break Spark a Surge?

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Este artículo también está disponible en español.

Ethereum price is struggling below the $3,500 resistance while Bitcoin gains. ETH is consolidating above $3,150 and might aim for an upside break.

  • Ethereum failed to gain pace for a close above $3,400 and $3,450.
  • The price is trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
  • There is a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD (data feed via Kraken).
  • The pair could start another increase if it clears the $3,400 resistance level.

Ethereum Price Aims Key Upside Break

Ethereum price started a decent upward move from the $3,200 level but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. ETH cleared the $3,250 resistance to move into a short-term bullish zone.

The bulls were able to push the price above the $3,300 resistance zone. Besides, there was a clear move above the 50% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low. However, the bears are still active below $3,400.

Ethereum price is now trading above $3,300 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average. On the upside, the price seems to be facing hurdles near the $3,350 level or the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the downward move from the $3,445 swing high to the $3,203 low.

There is also a key contracting triangle forming with resistance at $3,355 on the hourly chart of ETH/USD. The first major resistance is near the $3,400 level. The main resistance is now forming near $3,445.

Ethereum Price
Source: ETHUSD on TradingView.com

A clear move above the $3,445 resistance might send the price toward the $3,550 resistance. An upside break above the $3,550 resistance might call for more gains in the coming sessions. In the stated case, Ether could rise toward the $3,650 resistance zone or even $3,720 in the near term.

Another Decline In ETH?

If Ethereum fails to clear the $3,400 resistance, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3,300 level. The first major support sits near the $3,250.

A clear move below the $3,250 support might push the price toward the $3,200 support. Any more losses might send the price toward the $3,120 support level in the near term. The next key support sits at $3,050.

Technical Indicators

Hourly MACDThe MACD for ETH/USD is losing momentum in the bullish zone.

Hourly RSIThe RSI for ETH/USD is now above the 50 zone.

Major Support Level – $3,200

Major Resistance Level – $3,400



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What Fueled Its New High

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Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, has once again captured the spotlight after rallying to a new all-time high of $109,699. 

With the $110,000 milestone in sight, Bitcoin’s recent price action is being closely monitored by investors. A combination of sustained market conditions and renewed institutional interest has positioned the crypto king for potentially historic gains. 

Bitcoin Investors Are Bullish

Market sentiment has shown a significant shift in recent weeks, particularly through the lens of Coin Days Destroyed (CDD). Late 2024 saw a period of elevated CDD, signaling heavy activity among Bitcoin long-term holders (LTHs) cashing out during the rally. 

However, January has brought a notable cooldown in CDD, indicating reduced selling pressure from these key investors. This trend suggests that most profit-taking among LTHs is complete, paving the way for a more stable price trajectory.

Low CDD is often interpreted as a positive sign for Bitcoin’s recovery. It reflects conviction among long-term investors, who are holding onto their coins rather than selling into the market. Such investor behavior typically builds confidence and supports upward price momentum, providing a favorable backdrop for Bitcoin’s push to $110,000 and beyond.

Bitcoin MVRV Ratio
Bitcoin MVRV Ratio. Source: Glassnode

Bitcoin’s macro momentum has also gained strength, supported by the accumulation activity of smaller investors, often referred to as “Shrimps” and “Crabs.” These holders, who possess less than 10 BTC, collectively added over 25,600 BTC worth approximately $2.71 billion. This surge in accumulation is proof of growing confidence among retail investors.

The Shrimp-to-Crab balance spike indicates a broad base of support for Bitcoin’s price. This demographic’s increasing participation reflects long-term bullish sentiment. Their buying activity often stabilizes the market, acting as a cushion during corrections and amplifying price rallies during bullish phases.

Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance
Bitcoin Shrimp To Crab Balance. Source: Glassnode

BTC Price Prediction: Onto New High

Bitcoin’s recent all-time high of $109,699 was fueled by strong market fundamentals and strong investor sentiment. If momentum continues, the cryptocurrency could breach the $110,000 mark, cementing its position as a high-performing asset in 2025. This milestone would likely attract additional buying interest, reinforcing Bitcoin’s bullish outlook.

To secure its ascent, Bitcoin must establish $105,000 as a strong support level. Currently trading around $105,562, the crypto king appears well-positioned to achieve this. A successful defense of this support zone could propel Bitcoin to new highs, unlocking further upside potential.

Bitcoin Price Analysis
Bitcoin Price Analysis. Source: TradingView

However, failure to maintain $105,000 as support could lead to a retracement toward $100,000. Such a decline would negate Bitcoin’s recent gains and dampen short-term bullish sentiment, raising the risk of prolonged consolidation before a renewed rally.

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.



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