Fluidkey has announced it has opened its Optimism-based alpha to more users, allowing them to test their private solutions. Fluidkey seeks to solve the transaction privacy problem in EVM chains by leveraging ENS and stealth addresses, allowing users to use a new self-custodial asset for each payment, and segregating these movements to avoid linkability. Fluidkey […]
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CoinMarketCap has announced the launch of the inaugural CMC Crypto Awards to recognize the accomplishments of networks, people, and technology in the crypto industry.
The awards are scheduled to take place between Feb. 21 and March 6.
The selection of winners will rely on CoinMarketCap data, insights from expert panels, and community votes, with the winners announced on the last day of the event.
CoinMarketCap CEO Rush Luton said:
“Our intention is for the CMC Crypto Awards to become the most recognized annual celebration of Crypto and Web3. Think of it as the ‘Oscars Of Crypto’, an entertaining way to bring the whole industry together and celebrate the people and projects that are driving the industry forward.”
CoinMarketCap plans to award excellence across eight distinct categories within the crypto sphere.
The first award is the coveted title of Crypto of the Year, which aims to recognize groundbreaking innovation and enduring impact on the industry. The nominees are Ripple, Solana, Chainlink, Ethereum, and Toncoin.
In the Crypto Leader of the Year category, CoinMarketCap is looking to honor visionaries who combat fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), propelling technological advancements, adoption, and regulatory progress worldwide.
Nominees include former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, Messari CEO Ryan Selkis, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin, and Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) CEO Julia Leung.
The Meme Coin of the Year category aims to recognize humor and community engagement in the industry, the nominees include Pepe, Milady, Memecoin, Bonk, and Ordinals.
The Most Innovative DeFi award will honor protocols that have contributed uniquely to the evolving landscape. The nominated projects are Uniswap, Unibot, EigenLayer, MakerDAO, and Friend.Tech.
The Most Innovative L1, L2, Cross-Chain Project award will be given to networks that have demonstrated considerable scalability, security, and interoperability advancements. The nominees include Arbitrum, Aptos, Axelar, ZKSync, and Celestia.
CoinMarketCap also wants to acknowledge the significant contributions of social media influencers for enriching the crypto discourse and advancing the community. Nominees include Lookonchain, ZachXBT, CryptosRUs, Wendy O, and The DeFi Edge.
Lastly, the Bridge Builder of the Year category aims to celebrate established brands that have embraced Web3 to enhance customer value.
Nominees for this award include BlackRock for championing a Bitcoin ETF, PayPal for its PYUSD stablecoin, Reddit for gamified avatars simplifying Web3 access, Starbucks for Web3 loyalty programs, and Nike for blending fashion, sport, gaming, and Web3 through strategic partnerships.
Binance has announced a competition through its crypto derivatives arm, Binance Futures, offering participants the chance to win a Tesla Model Y. According to the crypto exchange, the contest will unfold over four weekly challenges spanning from Feb. 18 to Mar. 17, 2024. Binance Futures Unveils Tesla Model Y Challenge and Daily Crypto Rewards Beginning […]
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Ophelia Snyder, co-founder and president of 21Shares, called spot Bitcoin ETFs a success during an interview with Bloomberg on Jan. 30.
21Shares is responsible for a joint spot Bitcoin ETF with Ark Invest, one of several approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Jan. 10.
Snyder commented on those approvals, stating:
“At the end of the day, these flows have been really promising. It’s one of the best ETF launches of all time. We’ve seen north of $600 million in assets come into our product just in the last couple of weeks.”
Snyder added that this trend is “really exciting” because it originates from a diversified base. She suggested that the new products bring advisors into the crypto community and that the trend will shape the ecosystem in the future.
Bloomberg additionally identified inflows across all spot Bitcoin ETFs as $1 billion. When asked whether that number is relatively low given the massive hype leading up to approval, Synder responded that it is “very early.” She said it will take time for ETFs to be added to more platforms and become more available among advisors, noting that the full process takes about three months.
Snyder also commented on pending spot Ethereum ETF applications. On the likelihood that those funds will gain approval in the coming months, she said:
“I think it’s really hard to say at this stage. It’s going to come down to how the arguments that were made in support of a spot Bitcoin product actually translate into Ethereum and what the maturity of that market looks like.”
Synder added that 21Shares is nevertheless optimistic about spot Ethereum ETFs and said that her firm looks forward to engaging with regulators.
Other sources are similarly divided on approval chances. One Polymarket prediction market places 47% odds on a spot Ethereum ETF approval by May 31. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart has predicted 60% odds of a May approval, while a JP Morgan member has predicted 50% odds of a May approval.
Standard Chartered Bank believes a May approval is likely, while TD Cowen believes an approval at any time in 2024 is unlikely.
The post Spot Bitcoin ETFs were among best ETF launches of all time: 21Shares president appeared first on CryptoSlate.
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LayerZero’s V2 introduces an omnichain network of blockchains to enable web3 developers to build universal decentralized applications.
Amid the mass adoption of web3 applications, LayerZero (ZRO), a fast-growing omnichain interoperability protocol, has emerged as a crucial component. Backed by a strong community and group of software engineers, LayerZero has been making waves as a top interoperability network. Moreover, LayerZero supports more than 50 blockchains and has so far facilitated over $50 billion in value transfer across different web3 protocols. The LayerZero protocol is currently valued at over $3 billion following the recent $120 million funding round that attracted top-notch investors like a16z crypto, Sequoia Capital, OKX Ventures, and Circle Ventures among others.
As a result, LayerZero has managed to make strategic hirings to build the necessary infrastructure to onboard more blockchains and web3 protocols.
On Thursday, December 14, LayerZero announced the deployment of the V2 upgrade across more than 40 testnets. Notably, the LayerZero V2 is an omnichain network of blockchains that helps developers of decentralized protocols to build universal applications with fewer hustles.
“All told, with the launch of V2, LayerZero aims to embed itself as a crypto primitive on par with Bitcoin and Ethereum. Bitcoin as the protocol for crypto money, Ethereum as the protocol for crypto finance, and LayerZero as the protocol for crypto internet,” the company noted in the announcement.
The LayerZero V2 upgrade introduces several new features geared towards enhancing the security of Interchain messages among others. One of the notable LayerZero V2 features is the Decentralized Verification Networks (DVNs), which basically replace the V1 oracles. The LayerZero V2 also introduces the adapters that include Axelar and Chainlink’s Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) DVN.
As for Interchain security, the LayerZero permissionless execution replaces the relayer and separates execution from verification by introducing executors. Additionally, the LayerZero V2 upgrade ensures each omnichain application is configured with a security stack that comprises DVNs, executors, and chain conformations among other parameters.
The LayerZero v2 also increases the interchain throughput with enhanced programmability. Moreover, the LayerZero V2 enables web3 developers to build applications that work on all compatible chains including the non-EVM ones by being compatible with V1.
Meanwhile, the mainnet launch of the LayerZero V2 is scheduled to take place in January 2024 with support from DVNs and Executors. Worth noting that Animoca, Blockdaemon, Delegate, Gitcoin, Nethermind, Obol, P2P, StableLab, Switchboard, Tapioca, Polyhedra, LayerZero Labs, and Google Cloud will run the LayerZero DVNs after the mainnet launch.
LayerZero has always been built with the ability to have a native token within the protocol, as can be seen in the immutable code launched on day 1. We’ve heard the community discussion over the last few months and the lack of clear communication around this. We’ll state now in…
— LayerZero Labs (@LayerZero_Labs) December 7, 2023
Having amassed notable on-chain support, LayerZero intends to conduct its highly anticipated airdrop during the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, the LayerZero team announced that it is working on the token distribution mode to ensure proper communication with the community.
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The new NFT collection will give users a chance to own an actual piece of the Trump mugshot suit and tie, and access to dinner at his resort.
Former United States president Donald Trump has unveiled a new non-fungible token (NFT) collection for $99, called the “Mugshot Edition”. The collection references the billionaire businessman’s legal issues, allowing Trump to monetize the problem.
As part of a new sale of “digital trading cards” NFT collection he launched late last year, Trump is selling the Mugshot Edition NFTs along with pieces of a suit he wore when he was arrested in Georgia last year.
According to the Mugshot Edition website, the photo is significant because it’s the first-ever mugshot of a US president. The website also advertises Trump’s physical stance in the photo, describing his “furrowed brow” and a “determined gaze which says he’ll never surrender”. The text adds:
“This card is not just a keepsake; it’s a piece of history and a testament to resilience. It stands as a symbol of President Trump’s unwavering commitment and his enduring dedication to the American Dream.”
The website also states that MEARS, one of the largest sports memorabilia authenticators, has authenticated the Mugshot Suit. MEARS says the suit is “The Most Historically Significant Artifact in United States History”.
Buyers who purchase 47 Trump Mugshot digital trading cards ($4,653) in a single transaction will get a physical card and a piece of the actual suit Trump wore in the photo. In addition, the buyer will join several others for dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s luxury resort club in Palm Beach, Florida. The specification on 47 cards is likely a nod to Trump becoming the 47th president of the US if elected into office next year.
People who buy 100 NFTs will get a one-of-one digital trading card and two VIP dinner tickets. These people, in addition to a card with an actual piece of the suit, will get a second card with a piece of the suit and tie. Notably, 25 of the 225 “Suit and Tie Cards” will be autographed by Trump. However, the bonus offer for people who buy 100 digital trading cards will only be available to 200 people.
The website only specifies a venue but makes no point about date or timing. However, attendees will receive at least 30 days notice to plan a trip to Palm Beach. The site also notes that the sale is not political and has nothing to do with Trump’s campaign.
In December last year, Trump launched NFT Trading Cards, featuring the former president in fantasy poses and consumes. There were 45,000 cards minted on the Polygon network and selling for $99. The collection sold out in less than 24 hours and netted over $4 million.
In April, a second series comprising 47,000 cards at the same price also sold out in 24 hours. The series featured varying levels of rarity and recorded sales of about $4.65 million. Like the Mugshot Edition, those with 47 cards won dinner with Trump, while purchasing 100 NFTs got buyers dinner and a unique collectible.
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Former United States President Donald Trump is launching a third nonfungible token (NFT) drop, dubbed “MugShot,” centered around the theme of his ongoing criminal indictments.
According to the Dec. 12 announcement, the trading cards are purchasable via either credit card or Wrapped Ether (wETH) and are not transferrable until Dec. 31, 2024. Users must provide Know Your Customer (KYC) information to purchase the NFTs, even if they pay with crypto. In explaining the rationale behind the collection, the collection‘s website reads:
“On Thursday, August 24, 2023, President Trump was formally arrested in Fulton County, Georgia. This is a moment in history – it’s the first-ever mugshot of a United States President. In the photo, Trump has a furrowed brow with a determined gaze which says he’ll never surrender.”
Priced at $99 each, users who purchase 47 or more digital trading cards can receive “a piece of the president’s ACTUAL suit from his famous mugshot & dinner at Mar-a-Lago with the President.” This is Trump’s third NFT drop following previous successes. Melania Trump, former first lady of the United States and wife of Donald Trump, has also previously launched an NFT collection.
The 45th U.S. president is currently seeking a non-consecutive second term in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. Starting this year, Trump has been indicted by both state and federal authorities on allegations of business fraud and efforts to overturn the 2020 U.S. presidential election, totaling 91 felony charges.
However, the U.S. Constitution has no clauses automatically disqualifying suspects or convicted criminals from running for federal office. The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which bars convicted insurrectionists from holding public office, requires congressional action to be enforced.
Watch This Video: Don’t Miss Out! pic.twitter.com/vunSPlEY6Z
— CollectTrumpCards (@CollectTrump) December 12, 2023
Related: Donald Trump NFT prices spike following release of mugshot in Georgia criminal case
Stablecoin issuing company Tether has announced a new security policy aimed at protecting the crypto ecosystem from bad actors. In addition, the USDT issuer is looking to enhance its cooperation and relationship with law enforcement agencies.
In a blog post on December 9, Tether stated it would be introducing a voluntary wallet-freezing initiative designed to counter the transactions associated with Sanctioned Persons on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.
According to Tether, the company currently has a wallet-freezing policy, but it is only applicable to wallets on its platform. Moving forward, the stablecoin issuer now offers its sanctions control on the secondary market, as it aims to improve its collaboration with governmental agencies in ensuring the safe use of stablecoins.
Interestingly, Tether’s latest policy is in direct opposition to its stance in 2022 when it stated it would not willingly restrict sanctioned Tornado cash addresses, barring a direct order from security agencies. With its announcement, the stablecoin issuer has now begun implementation of its new policy and ordered a wallet-freeze of all 41 wallets associated with persons and companies on the OFAC-SDN list.
Commenting on this development, Pablo Ardonio has expressed much excitement towards user safety and forming stronger ties with regulators worldwide.
He said:
This strategic decision aligns with our unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our global ecosystem and expanding our close working relationship with global law enforcement and regulators. By executing voluntary wallet address freezing of new additions to the SDN List and freezing previously added addresses, we will be able to further strengthen the positive usage of stablecoin technology and promote a safer stablecoin ecosystem for all users.
Meanwhile, some crypto enthusiasts have welcomed this development as they believe it could exert some positive effect on stablecoin adoption in terms of regulations and general usage.
Breaking: @Tether_to public statement to comply with regulators demand to have freezable wallets for security. This is bullish meaning @Tether_to and the US government are working together, this will bring in the US Stable Coin Act and global adoption.#Tether#USDT… pic.twitter.com/E0eCC1skxf
— MartyParty (@martypartymusic) December 9, 2023
In other news, the Tether Treasury transferred $60 million worth of USDT to a “mysterious fund/institution” on December 8.
This development was revealed by blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain, which also stated that Tether had transferred a total of $1.76 billion USDT to this fund/institution since October 20, which has been further dispersed to other exchanges.
Being the issuer of the world’s largest stablecoin, large-scale transactions of this size are bound to draw attention to Tether due to its importance in the crypto ecosystem.
At the time of writing, USDT maintains its spectacular performance in 2023, having attained a $90 billion market cap value. This value represents over 70% dominance in the stablecoin market.
Total crypto market cap valued at $1.592 trillion on the daily chart | Source: TOTAL chart on Tradingview.com
Featured image from CNBC, chart from Tradingview
Hardware cryptocurrency wallet firm Trezor is continuing its efforts to promote Bitcoin (BTC) education globally by launching a new educational initiative in Africa.
The Trezor Academy was launched at the Trezor-backed Africa Bitcoin Conference in Ghana’s capital of Accra on Dec. 4, the firm announced to Cointelegraph.
The academy is an educational program focused on spreading Bitcoin knowledge in Africa. Previously launched as a pilot in 2023, it aims to provide in-person meetups led by local Bitcoin experts and enable a platform for local individuals to learn about the cryptocurrency’s potential.
According to Trezor’s blog, the Trezor Academy pilot has been active in Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya. Throughout 2024, the company plans to set up academies in more than ten new African countries and educate hundreds more local educators to spread knowledge about Bitcoin.
“Bitcoin adoption is perhaps more relevant in Africa than on any other continent,” Trezor CEO Matej Zak said, adding that its properties provide several benefits related to local initiatives such as payment schemes, microfinancing and savings.
As part of Trezor’s education program in Africa, the firm also funds Bitcoineta, a Bitcoin-themed car dedicated to spreading Bitcoin awareness in the West African region, particularly Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Bitcoineta was launched in 2018 by nonprofits Bitcoin Argentina and Bitcoin Americana, with the campaign’s name referring to the combination of “Bitcoin” and “camioneta,” the Spanish word for minivan.
Related: South African regulator may license 36 crypto companies in December
According to Trezor, the Bitcoineta campaign is being launched with Bitcoin Cowries, a Ghanian Bitcoin education initiative. As part of the campaign, a Bitcoineta-branded Land Rover will tour the Economic Community of West African States, taking the Bitcoin message to rural communities and schools across the region.
According to the announcement, the African Bitcoineta road trip started on Dec. 1. Trezor said the vehicle’s progress will be shared via Bitcoineta’s X (formerly Twitter) account and documented through video blogs and other media channels.
Trezor noted that the Trezor Academy has been made possible by the support of the Bitcoin community, including 21 euros from each sale of Trezor’s limited edition, Bitcoin-only version of its Trezor Safe 3 hardware wallet, launched in October.
Magazine: Bitcoin ETF race has a new player, Binance ends support for BUSD, and more: Hodler’s Digest: Nov. 26 – Dec. 2
