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Worldcoin Expands to Guatemala and More

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Latin America (LATAM) continues to assert its growing importance in the global crypto ecosystem. In Colombia, Nexo has joined the Fintech Association, marking a significant step in its regional expansion. Meanwhile, Worldcoin is extending its World ID verification service to Guatemala, addressing digital identity issues in a world increasingly dominated by bots.

This article explores these developments and more, including crypto adoption surges in Bolivia and Brazil’s advancement in developing its central bank digital currency (CBDC).

Bolivia’s Crypto Transactions Surge Following Ban Lift

Bolivia has seen a rapid rise in cryptocurrency activity since its central bank lifted the long-standing ban on digital assets in June 2024. The Central Bank of Bolivia (BCB) reported 100% growth in crypto transactions over just three months. Between July and August, the average crypto trading volume in Bolivia soared to $15.6 million, doubling from the $7.6 million recorded in the first half of the year.

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

Stablecoins have emerged as the preferred choice for many Bolivians, offering an alternative for e-commerce and international transactions. BCB President Edwin Rojas highlighted the significance of this shift.

“The use of virtual assets is a favorable step towards modernization and economic integration with the world to strengthen international commercial and financial activities. Since the regulation came into force, the population has an alternative mechanism to process transfers to and from abroad and electronic commerce payments, among other activities,” Rojas stated.

Despite these gains, Deputy Mariela Baldivieso, a proponent of cryptocurrency, stresses that more work is needed. Bolivia still faces challenges, particularly in the areas of financial literacy and regulatory infrastructure. Baldivieso believes that with stronger education initiatives and clearer regulations, Bolivia could become a hub for crypto innovation in the future.

Worldcoin Expands Digital ID Services in Guatemala

Worldcoin continues its expansion in Latin America by launching its World ID verification service in Guatemala. As of September 25, Guatemalan users can use Worldcoin’s orb technology to verify their identity as humans, countering the growing concern over online bots. With a quick download of the World App and an appointment at one of the orb locations, users can ensure their online interactions are genuine.

In a recent survey, 83% of Guatemalans expressed concerns about distinguishing between human-generated and bot-generated content online. The launch of World ID is seen as a solution to this issue, providing increased security and transparency in digital interactions.

Worldcoin's Survey in Guatemala.
Worldcoin’s Survey in Guatemala. Source: Worldcoin

Worldcoin’s expansion into Guatemala follows its previous launches in Ecuador and Mexico, where the technology has already gained traction. However, as Worldcoin grows in Latin America, it has sparked privacy debates in countries like Argentina, where concerns over biometric data protection have prompted regulatory discussions.

Nexo Eyes Growth in Colombia with Fintech Association Membership

On September 26, crypto lending platform Nexo officially joined the Colombia Fintech Association. This partnership enables Nexo to integrate into Colombia’s financial environment and offer digital asset solutions. Joining the association also enables Nexo to further engage with the local fintech community and explore synergies within the sector.

In a statement shared with BeInCrypto, Elitsa Taskova, Nexo’s Chief Product Officer, stated that the partnership with the Colombia Fintech Association reflects Nexo’s commitment to providing advanced digital asset solutions. 

“Colombia presents a unique opportunity: with an astounding 92.1% of the population already having access to crypto-related services, the country is making a notable leap towards digital finance. […] We’re not just entering a market; we’re empowering millions of Colombians with accessible digital asset tools and shaping the future of finance in Latin America,” Taskova said.

These solutions meet the country’s growing demand for stablecoins and secure cross-border transactions. Over the past year, Nexo has observed a 73% rise in local clients using its crypto-yield products. Colombia’s interest in cryptocurrencies, particularly stablecoins, has been driven by remittances and a growing need for digital financial services.

Paraguay Develops World’s First National Blockchain to Push Sovereignty

Paraguay is making waves with the development of Legaledger, the world’s first third-generation blockchain network with national sovereignty. The Paraguayan Blockchain Chamber drives this initiative, aiming to provide secure blockchain-based solutions for the public and private sectors. These solutions encompass financial, civil, and military transactions.

Ricardo Prieto, the director of the Blockchain Chamber, explained that Legaledger is built on Hyperledger technology. It is designed to offer legal certainty in blockchain transactions, addressing concerns over security and fraud.

“Our blockchain network model is fractal. […] It can be implemented in a company, conglomerate, state, and country, with the same schematic design, and all would remain interoperable for the purposes of what we call sequencing, publication of the procedure or transaction, including international operations,” Prieto explained.

Through its sovereign blockchain model, Legaledger aims to position Paraguay as a global leader in blockchain governance and innovation. The organization plans to expand its solutions internationally by 2026.

Brazil’s CBDC Initiative DREX Enters Second Phase of Development

The Central Bank of Brazil is making progress with its CBDC project—DREX. The institution recently entered the second phase of its DREX pilot program. This phase focuses on 13 strategic projects that will test the viability of smart contract-based financial services.

“We will also test the use of assets not regulated by the Central Bank. To this end, we are working together with the Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM). Other regulators have also shown interest in testing operations with assets under their jurisdiction in order to expand the usability of the platform,” Fabio Araújo, Coordinator of the Drex Initiative and Consultant of the Department of Banking Operations and Payment System of Brazil’s Central Bank, elaborated.

The projects cover various sectors, including international trade financing, real estate transactions, and credit collateralized in public securities. Major financial players such as Bradesco, Itaú, and Santander are part of the consortium leading the development of DREX, which focuses on privacy and regulatory compliance.

Read more: What Is Fiat Currency? How Does It Differ From Cryptocurrency?

Brazil’s push toward a CBDC is part of its broader strategy to modernize its financial infrastructure. The country plans to roll out more advanced digital solutions by mid-2025.

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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US Senators Question Trump’s Involvement in USD1 Stablecoin

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A coalition of US Senators is raising serious concerns about a potential conflict of interest involving President Donald Trump and an upcoming stablecoin project called USD1.

The digital asset, backed by World Liberty Financial (WLF), has drawn scrutiny due to Trump’s reported ties to the company behind it.

Warren-Led Group Flags Risks of Presidential Involvement in USD1 Approval

On March 28, a group of lawmakers led by Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter to the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC).

They asked both agencies to clarify how they plan to uphold regulatory integrity regarding the impending USD1 stablecoin.

The request comes as Congress considers the GENIUS Act, a bill that would grant the Fed and OCC broad authority over stablecoin regulation.

“The President of the United States could sign legislation that would facilitate his own product launch and then retain authority to regulate his own financial company,” they noted.

The Senators warned that allowing a sitting president to profit from a digital currency regulated by federal agencies under his influence poses a major threat to financial stability. They argue that such a situation is without precedent and could erode public trust in the regulatory process.

“The launch of a stablecoin directly tied to a sitting President who stands to benefit financially from the stablecoin’s success presents unprecedented risks to our financial system,” They argued.

The letter outlines scenarios where Trump could directly or indirectly influence decisions involving USD1.

For instance, the President could interfere with the OCC’s evaluation of the stablecoin’s application or discourage enforcement actions against WLF.

They also suggested that Trump could pressure the Federal Reserve to provide emergency financial support for USD1 during market volatility—support that may not extend to competing stablecoins.

“[Trump] could also attempt to direct the Fed to establish a master account at the central bank for WLF. He could intervene to deny such assistance to USD1’s competitors,” the lawmakers stressed.

In addition, the Senators noted that the GENIUS Act contains no conflict-of-interest provisions that would prevent Trump from using his office to benefit financially from the stablecoin’s success.

This absence of guardrails, they say, opens the door to regulatory favoritism and economic manipulation.

Considering this, the lawmakers demanded clarification on how the Fed and OCC would handle key issues. These include the approval process for USD1, the potential creation of liquidity support during crises, and WLF’s oversight of potentially unsafe business practices.

The agencies must submit their responses by April 11, 2025. The letter was signed by Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, Chris Van Hollen, Jack Reed, and Cory Booker.

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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Ethereum Drops As Two Whales Face $235 Million Liquidation Risk

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Ethereum (ETH) is under pressure once again, dropping around 3% in the last 24 hours and falling below the $1,800 level. This decline is putting several large leveraged positions at risk, including two massive whale vaults on Maker that collectively hold over $235 million worth of ETH.

With on-chain indicators flashing warning signs and technical levels being tested, the stakes are rising for both bulls and bears. As ETH hovers near critical support, the coming days could prove pivotal for its short-term price trajectory.

Ethereum Whales Could Get Liquidated

Ethereum has dropped around 3% in the past 24 hours, slipping below the $1,900 mark once again. This decline is putting pressure on large leveraged positions within the DeFi ecosystem.

According to on-chain data from Lookonchain, two major whale vaults on Maker—one of the leading decentralized lending protocols—are now approaching critical levels.

Whale data on DeBank.
First Whale data on DeBank. Source: Lookonchain on X.

Together, these vaults hold 125,603 ETH, valued at approximately $235 million. With ETH’s price nearing their liquidation thresholds, both vaults are at risk of being forcibly closed if the downward trend continues.

In Maker’s system, users can deposit ETH into vaults as collateral to borrow the DAI stablecoin. To avoid liquidation, the collateral must stay above a certain health ratio—essentially a safety buffer.

Whale data on DeBank.
Second Whale data on DeBank. Source: Lookonchain on X.

When that buffer gets too low, the protocol automatically sells off the collateral to cover the debt. In this case, the health ratio of the whale positions has fallen to just 1.07, dangerously close to the minimum threshold.

One vault faces liquidation at an ETH price of $1,805, and the other at $1,787. If ETH continues to dip, these vaults could trigger significant sell pressure, potentially accelerating the downward move.

Indicators Suggest The Downtrend Could Continue

Ethereum’s recent price drop has pushed its Relative Strength Index (RSI) back into oversold territory, currently sitting at 24.37. Just three days ago, the RSI was at 58.92, indicating how quickly sentiment has shifted.

The RSI is a momentum indicator that measures the speed and change of price movements, with readings below 30 typically signaling that an asset is oversold.

ETH RSI.
ETH RSI. Source: TradingView.

While this suggests that Ethereum may be due for a short-term bounce or relief rally, historical data shows that RSI can remain oversold for extended periods—or even drop further—if bearish momentum stays strong.

Ethereum’s Directional Movement Index (DMI), which signals a strong downtrend, adds to the bearish outlook. The Average Directional Index (ADX), which measures the strength of a trend, surged to 38.6 from 23.47 just a day ago, indicating growing momentum behind the current move.

ETH DMI.
ETH DMI. Source: TradingView.

Meanwhile, the +DI (positive directional indicator) has fallen to 10.6, while the -DI (negative directional indicator) has spiked to 40.23, showing that sellers are firmly in control.

This combination—rising ADX, high -DI, and falling +DI—typically suggests an intensifying bearish trend, meaning Ethereum’s price could remain under pressure in the near term despite already being technically oversold.

Will Ethereum Fall Below $1,800 Soon?

If Ethereum’s downtrend continues, the next key level to watch is the support at $1,823. A break below this level could quickly push the price down toward $1,759—a move that would trigger the liquidation of two major whale vaults on Maker, which are already hovering near their thresholds.

These potential liquidations could amplify sell pressure, making it even harder for Ethereum price to stabilize in the short term. Given the current bearish momentum and weak technical indicators, this scenario remains a real risk if bulls fail to step in.

ETH Price Analysis. Source: TradingView.

However, if sentiment shifts and the trend reverses, Ethereum could regain ground and test the resistance level at $1,938.

Breaking above that could open the path toward $2,104, a level that has previously acted as both resistance and support. Should buying momentum strengthen further, ETH might continue climbing toward $2,320 and potentially even $2,546.

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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Dark Web Criminals Are Selling Binance and Gemini User Data

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More than 100,000 users of popular crypto exchanges Binance and Gemini may be at risk after a trove of sensitive information appeared for sale on the dark web.

The leaked data reportedly includes full names, email addresses, phone numbers, and location details—raising alarms over growing cyber threats in the crypto sector.

Dark Web Actors Are Targeting Crypto Users

On March 27, a dark web user operating under the alias AKM69 listed a large database allegedly tied to Gemini, one of the largest crypto trading platforms in the US.

According to Dark Web Informer, the dataset mainly includes information about users from the United States, with a few entries from Singapore and the United Kingdom. The attacker claims the data could be used for marketing, fraud, or crypto recovery scams.

“The database for sale reportedly includes 100,000 records, each containing full names, emails, phone numbers, and location data of individuals from the United States and a few entries from Singapore and the UK,” the report stated.

It is unclear whether the leak resulted from a direct breach of Gemini’s systems or from other vulnerabilities, such as compromised user accounts or phishing campaigns.

Meanwhile, this incident followed another alarming listing on March 26.

According to the report, a separate dark web actor, kiki88888, allegedly offered a trove of Binance user data for sale. The database is said to hold over 132,000 entries, including the exchange users’ login information.

Threat Actor Selling Binance Users' Data.
Threat Actor Selling Binance Users’ Data. Source: X/Dark Web Informer

The Dark Web Informer suggests phishing attacks likely caused the breach rather than a compromise of the exchange’s systems.

“Some of you really need to stop clicking random stuff,” the Informer stated.

Binance and Gemini have yet to publicly comment on these incidents. However, phishing remains one of the most effective methods cybercriminals use to exploit crypto holders.

Scammers often impersonate official accounts or place misleading ads that redirect users to fake websites. Coinbase users are also being extensively targeted through phishing campaigns.

As BeInCrypto reported earlier, in March, Coinbase users lost over $46 million to social engineering scams.

Blockchain security firm Scam Sniffer revealed that phishing-related losses exceeded $15 million in the first two months of the year. This figure highlights the growing scale of the threat.

Given the rising threats, crypto users should stay vigilant and avoid unfamiliar links. They should also protect their accounts with two-factor authentication and hardware wallets whenever possible.

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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