The U.S. Federal Reserve has rescinded its restrictive guidance to banks on dealing with cryptocurrencies. The regulator formally withdrew the 2022 guidance, which required banks to provide advance notice of planned or ongoing activities involving cryptoassets. ”The Board is rescinding its 2022 guidance letter establishing an expectation that state member banks provide advance notice of planned or ongoing cryptoasset-related activities,” the announcement from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors said. Any activity related to cryptocurrencies will now be monitored through the Federal Reserve's normal supervisory process. In addition, the Fed is rescinding its 2023 supervisory letter that affected state banks' interactions with stablecoins. Why Were These Guidelines Introduced in the First Place? In the original recommendations, the regulator emphasized that cryptocurrencies may pose risks to the safety and soundness of the financial system, consumer protection, and U.S. financial stability in general. ”Certain types of cryptoassets, such as stablecoins, when widely distributed, may also pose risks to financial stability, including potentially through destabilizing bulk sales and disruptions in payment systems,” the document noted. The Fed also pointed out that cryptocurrencies are often used for money laundering and terrorist financing. Dropping Warnings About Crypto Scams Together with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Fed has withdrawn two 2023 statements regarding banks' interactions with crypto asset sector participants who may be engaged in fraud. ”Inaccurate or misleading statements and disclosures by crypto asset companies [...] can be unfair, deceptive or offensive, contributing to significant harm to retail and institutional investors,” the now withdrawn joint statement read. The New Administration’s First Step The revocations mark the Federal Reserve's first major move on crypto activity under the Trump administration, which has initiated several measures to create a more favorable environment for cryptocurrencies in the U.S. and support innovation. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also revokeda controversial rule that required banks and financial firms holding cryptocurrencies to record them as liabilities on their balance sheets. This happened on January 23 - thus removing a regulatory barrier that had been slowing the adoption of cryptocurrency banking. These changes indicate a significant shift in the way federal regulators view the crypto industry. In fact, banks are now allowed to operate more freely with cryptocurrencies without having to go through additional bureaucratic notification procedures.

2025-04-26 06:40

What the April 30 Conference Could Mean for WLD’s Price Surge Worldcoin (WLD), a project that has sparked both controversy and fascination since its launch, is once again capturing the crypto community’s attention as it approaches a pivotal conference scheduled for April 30, 2025. Hosted by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI and a key figure behind Worldcoin, this event dubbed “At Last” — could be a major catalyst for WLD’s market trajectory. But what exactly does this mean for Worldcoin’s price and future? Let’s dive into the details. Why Worldcoin Remains a Hot Topic in 2025 Worldcoin’s core innovation lies in its attempt to create a global digital identity system tied to biometric data—specifically, iris scans captured by the Orb device. This biometric verification aims to solve the growing problem of fake identities in the age of AI and deepfakes, offering a unique digital passport called World ID. However, the project has faced significant criticism: Centralization concerns due to Orb operators controlling biometric data. Privacy fears around the collection and monetization of sensitive biometric information. The optics of giving away WLD tokens in exchange for iris scans, which some viewed as odd or even exploitative. Despite these issues, Worldcoin’s token, WLD, has attracted renewed interest in 2025, fueled by several key developments. Key Drivers Behind Worldcoin’s 2025 Resurgence Integration with Digital Credentials. Several countries, particularly in Asia and Latin America, are piloting World ID as a digital passport alternative. This real-world adoption signals growing trust and utility for Worldcoin’s identity framework. Synergy with AI and Web3 Trends. OpenAI, co-founded by Sam Altman, is reportedly incorporating Worldcoin’s tech into its digital identity experiments. This strategic alignment with AI and decentralized identity platforms could position Worldcoin as a foundational player in the emerging Web3 ecosystem. Whale Accumulation and Institutional Interest. From January to March 2025, major crypto funds like a16z and Paradigm have been quietly accumulating WLD tokens through OTC deals and third-party wallets. Whale activity is a classic precursor to significant price moves, suggesting insiders anticipate a bullish breakout. The April 30 “At Last.” Conference: What to Expect Rumors are swirling that OpenAI plans to unveil a new social platform utilizing Worldcoin as its native currency. This potential announcement could dramatically increase WLD’s utility and demand, reminiscent of how tokens like AVAX and NEAR surged around their own major conferences in 2022 and 2023. Given Sam Altman’s dual leadership of OpenAI and Worldcoin, the event is widely seen as a strategic moment for both projects to showcase integration, possibly signaling a new phase of adoption and price appreciation for WLD. Current Market Sentiment and Price Outlook Worldcoin’s price has been volatile in early 2025. After peaking above $10 in March 2024, it experienced a sharp decline, trading between $1.00 and $2.50 in recent months. Technical analysis shows: Volume growth and sideways accumulation around $6.20-$6.80 levels in March 2025. A recent breakdown of downtrend resistance, suggesting a potential breakout. Highlights a possible entry point near $6.50 with targets at $9.20 and $11.30 in the near term. Price predictions vary widely: Scenario Price Range by End of 2025 Bearish $1 - $1.25 Neutral/Bullish $1.41 - $3.94 Optimistic (long-term) up to $10+ Weighing the Risks While the outlook is promising, several risks remain that could impact Worldcoin’s trajectory. Regulatory scrutiny is a significant concern, as governments worldwide may impose strict rules on biometric data collection, potentially undermining Worldcoin’s entire model. Privacy regulations and data protection laws could restrict or complicate the use of biometric identifiers, making compliance costly or limiting adoption. Community skepticism also persists. Privacy fears and centralization issues continue to fuel distrust among retail investors, which could dampen enthusiasm and reduce organic growth. The optics of handing out tokens in exchange for biometric data still raise ethical questions that the project must address to win broader acceptance. Tokenomics face challenges. A large portion of WLD tokens remains concentrated in the hands of the founding team and major funds, raising concerns about decentralization and the potential for market manipulation. This concentration could affect price stability and investor confidence if not managed transparently. The Potential Integration with ChatGPT One of the most intriguing possibilities on the horizon for Worldcoin is a potential integration with ChatGPT, OpenAI’s widely used conversational AI. While nothing has been officially confirmed, Worldcoin’s co-founder Alex Blania has openly hinted at the prospect, and the crypto community is abuzz with speculation about what such a collaboration could mean for both platforms. The idea is simple but powerful: by embedding Worldcoin’s digital identity and payment infrastructure into ChatGPT, users could access a seamless Web3 experience. Imagine interacting with ChatGPT and being able to verify your identity through World ID or make crypto payments directly within the chat interface. Integration with a leading AI platform like ChatGPT could dramatically expand the utility and adoption of WLD tokens, positioning Worldcoin at the heart of the emerging AI-Web3 sectors. It would also reinforce Worldcoin’s mission to provide accessible, decentralized identity solutions on a global scale, while giving ChatGPT an edge over competitors by offering native crypto payments and decentralized authentication Conclusion: To Buy or Not to Buy Before the Conference? For traders, the upcoming conference represents a high-risk, high-reward opportunity to capitalize on potential hype-driven price spikes. Watching accumulation zones and whale movements closely is crucial. For long-term investors, Worldcoin’s integration with AI and Web3, combined with growing real-world adoption, makes it a contender in the digital identity sector. However, thorough due diligence on tokenomics and regulatory developments is essential. The April 30 “At Last.” event could mark a turning point — either propelling Worldcoin into a new growth phase or exposing vulnerabilities that stall its progress. Given the significant institutional interest and strategic partnerships, the market’s eyes are firmly fixed on WLD as this date approaches. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Cryptocurrency investments carry risk and should be approached with caution.

2025-04-25 18:15

OpenSea also attracted almost 70% of active NFT wallets, according to NFTScan. This resurgence happened after the launch of OpenSea's revamped OS2 platform, hints at a native SEA token, and the favorable resolution of a past SEC investigation. Meanwhile, Polygon NFTs recently turned a few heads by overtaking Ethereum in weekly sales volume, largely thanks to the success of the Courtyard RWA collection. However, not all projects fared well. RTFKT’s CloneX NFTs faced a major disruption after Cloudflare restricted access to their content, sparking backlash among holders. RTFKT’s leadership has since promised to decentralize CloneX through Arweave. For now, it seems like the broader NFT sector is still under pressure, with several marketplaces, including Bybit and GameStop, shutting down. OpenSea Surges Back to the Top OpenSea reclaimed its position as the leading non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace, despite a broader decline in the overall NFT market. According to NFTScan , OpenSea has commanded more than 40% of the trading volume across NFT platforms in the past 30 days. This allowed it to outpace its closest rival Blur, which holds 23% of the market share. Magic Eden and OKX NFTs trail behind with 7.69% and 5% shares, respectively. NFT marketplace volumes and distribution (Source: NFTScan ) User engagement data also reflects OpenSea's resurgence. Almost 70% of wallets transacting with NFTs in the last month interacted with OpenSea, totaling more than 610,000 wallets. Over a three-month period, this figure surpassed 2.1 million. In stark contrast, Magic Eden, Blur, and OKX NFT together attracted only 103,000 wallets in the past month and a combined 380,000 over the last three months. 30 day wallet distribution (Source: NFTScan ) The platform's renewed dominance happened after certain strategic developments. In late 2024, OpenSea launched its revamped marketplace OS2, after a beta phase that culminated in a public release on Feb. 13, 2025. CEO Devin Finzer hinted that OS2 will “reimagine everything,” and the platform also teased the introduction of its own token , SEA. Additionally, OpenSea broadened its scope to include cryptocurrency trading . On April 19, the marketplace opened Solana token trading to all users, bypassing a planned closed beta phase. This includes support for well known Solana-based meme coins like Bonk and Ai16z. Regulatory clarity also played a role in boosting OpenSea’s position. On Feb. 22, Finzer announced that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) dropped its investigation into the platform, which certainly helped lift the cloud of uncertainty that hovered over the company. OpenSea’s gains come at a time when the broader NFT market is experiencing contraction. According to CryptoSlam , NFT sales volume in Q1 of 2025 dropped to $1.5 billion, which is a 61% year-over-year decline from $4.1 billion in Q1 of 2024. However, interest in NFTs is still somewhat evident. In the past seven days alone, there were more than 359,000 NFT buyers, reflecting a 52% increase from the previous week. The CryptoPunks collection even saw a massive 82% jump in sales over the same period, and accumulated nearly $20 million in sales volume over the last 30 days. (Source: CryptoSlam ) Despite the downturn in overall sales, OpenSea's innovations, expanding user base, and regulatory relief suggest that it is well-positioned to lead the next phase of NFT marketplace growth. Polygon Topped NFT Market Earlier this week, Polygon-based NFTs climbed to the top of the digital collectible market, fueled by a surge in trading activity. According to NFT data tracker CryptoSlam , Polygon NFTs recorded $22.3 million in sales volume for the seven days ending April 22, surpassing Ethereum’s $19.2 million during the same period. Polygon’s weekly volume accounted for about 24% of the total NFT sales, which reached $92.9 million across all networks. Top blockchain by weekly sales volume (Source: CryptoSlam ) The increase in Polygon’s dominance was also reflected in user activity, with more than 39,000 NFT buyers recorded for the week. This was an 81% jump compared to the previous week. Meanwhile, Ethereum maintained its position as the second-largest network by sales volume, followed by Mythos Chain with $14.3 million and Bitcoin-based collections with $14.1 million. The sudden rise in Polygon’s NFT sales was largely driven by the success of a single real-world asset (RWA) NFT collection. RWA tokenization involves minting tangible assets such as art, real estate, or stocks onto a blockchain, enabling broader accessibility and tradability. CryptoSlam data indicated that Courtyard NFTs were the primary catalyst behind Polygon’s breakout performance, and generated $20.7 million in sales. It was also able to outperform other well-known NFT projects over the week. Polygon’s Courtyard NFTs (Source: OpenSea ) The strong showing by an RWA collection is yet more proof that the narrative of tokenizing real-world assets is beginning to reshape the NFT landscape. CloneX NFTs Return After Cloudflare Blackout While the past few days have been good for some companies and NFTs, the same can certainly not be said for all of them. More than 19,800 CloneX NFTs that were developed by RTFKT Studios briefly disappeared after Cloudflare restricted access to the content for allegedly violating its terms of service. On April 24, users trying to view their CloneX avatars encountered a message from Cloudflare mentioning a terms of service violation. However, RTFKT’s head of tech, Samuel Cardillo, denied that the disruption was due to a missed payment and instead attributed the issue to changes in RTFKT’s existing Cloudflare setup. (Source: X ) NFT content creator Wale Swoosh suggested that the problem may have stemmed from RTFKT using an inadequate Cloudflare plan that is not optimized for high-traffic image hosting. While some of the NFTs started to reappear, the incident sparked a lot of outrage among CloneX holders, including one individual who reportedly spent $1.25 million on a CloneX avatar. In response to the disruption, Cardillo announced plans to decentralize CloneX and Animus collections by partnering with ArDrive and migrating the assets to Arweave’s decentralized storage platform. He explained that after April 30, CloneX holders should not experience any more downtime issues. Cardillo also shared that he is currently managing all aspects of RTFKT operations single-handedly, after Nike’s decision to shutter RTFKT’s operations in January of 2025. Despite Nike’s ambiguous statement at the time claiming RTFKT would evolve into an ”artifact of cultural revolution,” the studio has seen no major developments since. The CloneX outage happened amid the broader struggles in the NFT space, with several marketplaces closing in recent months. DraftKings, GameStop, and crypto exchange Bybit have all shut down their NFT platforms. Bybit specifically pointed to the declining NFT trading volumes as the reason for its decision. Similarly, X2Y2 announced that it will close its marketplace by April 30.

2025-04-25 16:29

In a fresh twist on a familiar scam, the Lazarus Group, a North Korea–linked hacking collective, has been preying on would-be crypto developers via freelancer platforms and GitHub job listings. The activity can be traced back to at least November 2023, when Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, a cybersecurity research company, first wrote about it, dubbing the activity CL-STA-240 Contagious Interview campaign. The latest report on the matter comes from Silent Push . According to the Virginia-based cyber-intelligence firm, Lazarus has set up three shell consulting companies – BlockNovas, Angeloper Agency, and SoftGlide – to lure candidates into downloading malware. Attackers pose as legitimate crypto consultancies, publishing job ads that promise high pay and remote flexibility. Applicants are invited to record a short introduction video. When candidates hit “record,” an innocuous “error” message pops up with a simple copy-and-paste fix, which quietly installs one of three malicious strains – BeaverTail, InvisibleFerret, or OtterCookie – on the victim’s device. Malpedia describes the first of the three as “a JavaScript malware primarily distributed through NPM packages (...) designed for information theft and to load further stages of malware, specifically a multi-stage Python-based backdoor known as InvisibleFerret.” The database doesn’t provide further clarification on the two other strains. The fake companies aim to boost their credibility by showcasing dozens of AI-generated “team member” profiles – some slightly tweaked from real photos – to populate fake LinkedIn and freelancer accounts. Two of the shell firms are legally registered in the US, and, as per SilentPush, they have been actively conducting the scam since 2024. The FBI has already seized the BlockNovas domain, although SoftGlide and Angeloper Agency remain live. Silent Push has identified two developers who fell prey to the scam. The first victim, nicknamed “topninja,” detailed in a post on Dev.to how they were led to compromise their MetaMask Wallet after accepting a new project on Freelancer.com. Topninja also shared the malicious code containing a request to lianxinxiao[.].com – a BeaverTail distributing domain. In March, at least three crypto founders foiled fake Zoom calls aimed at stealing private keys. Cybersecurity experts urge job seekers to verify company credentials, double-check URLs, and think twice before hitting “copy-paste” on unexpected prompts.

2025-04-25 14:34

As institutional interest in digital assets continues to grow, major players in the crypto ecosystem are rolling out new tools designed to meet the needs of professional investors. Binance has introduced a fund management solution for portfolio managers, while Securitize and Mantle have launched a diversified index fund designed to generate onchain yield — signaling a broader shift toward more sophisticated investment infrastructure in the digital asset space. Binance Launches Fund Accounts to Simplify Crypto Asset Management for Institutions Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has unveiled a powerful new tool designed to bridge the gap between traditional finance and digital assets. Announced on April 24, the platform's new Fund Accounts offering introduces an institutional -grade solution for portfolio managers, marking a notable step in the ongoing convergence of TradFi and crypto. The launch of Fund Accounts signals Binance’s commitment to meeting the growing demand from professional investors for sophisticated asset management tools. As institutional interest in crypto continues to swell, driven by the rise of Bitcoin ETFs, real-world asset tokenization, and increasingly robust on-chain financial products, platforms like Binance are rapidly evolving to cater to this new wave of users. Simplifying Asset Consolidation with Fund Accounts Fund Accounts are a standard feature in the traditional finance world, particularly among asset managers and brokerage firms. Binance’s iteration allows portfolio managers to consolidate externally-raised investor funds into one or more omnibus accounts, a model that is designed to reduce operational inefficiencies while optimizing trading execution. According to Binance, these accounts allow trades to be executed on behalf of multiple clients from a centralized structure, minimizing fragmentation and improving oversight. While the exchange did not provide in-depth operational details, such accounts typically rely on a single custodian to manage and settle trades, allowing managers to operate more efficiently within regulatory boundaries. However, access to this new product isn’t open to everyone. Only eligible fund managers can participate, and they must contact their Binance VIP representative for onboarding. These managers, along with their investors, must also pass strict Know Your Customer (KYC) and Know Your Business (KYB) checks and must be licensed or legally exempted in their jurisdictions. The Fund Accounts rollout is the latest in a series of updates aimed at expanding Binance’s institutional client base. In December 2024, the exchange revamped its VIP program, lowering thresholds for high-volume traders and adding incentives for private clients and firms. The VIP program is structured to support sophisticated investors with features such as lower fees, exclusive services, and priority access to new tools — now including Fund Accounts. The exchange's renewed focus on institutional infrastructure is timely. Data from CoinMarketCap shows Binance remains the leader in daily crypto trading volumes, but its dominance is being increasingly challenged by competitors offering institutional-focused products. Top crypto spot exchanges as of April 24 based on daily trading volume (Source: CoinMarketCap ) In parallel to Binance’s developments, the broader crypto industry is also witnessing an uptick in TradFi-style infrastructure and investor involvement. The Institutionalization of Crypto Accelerates The introduction of Fund Accounts is more than just a new product — it’s part of a broader narrative. After years of cautious observation, institutional investors are becoming key drivers of crypto market activity. Mantle’s mETH yields 3.78% (Source: DeFILlama ) From BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF to the tokenization of government bonds and real estate on blockchain networks, traditional finance is moving past the experimentation phase and embedding itself in Web3 architecture. Yield-bearing DeFi products, stablecoin settlements, and programmable asset management platforms are now competing with legacy financial services, creating a new financial paradigm that blends the best of both worlds. Other players are also taking note. On the same day as Binance’s announcement, onchain trading platform Theo revealed it had secured $20 million in funding to expand its infrastructure to retail users. The round attracted prominent investors from Jane Street, JPMorgan, and Citadel — names synonymous with high-frequency trading and institutional finance. Theo’s strategy is aimed at providing institutional-grade tooling for everyday traders, suggesting that the lines between institutional and retail crypto services are becoming increasingly blurred. Securitize and Mantle Launch MI4 Fund, Aiming to Be the ‘S&P 500 of Crypto’ In related news, tokenization leader Securitize has teamed up with decentralized finance (DeFi) protocol Mantle to launch a cutting-edge index fund that aims to offer diversified exposure to top digital assets while generating attractive onchain yields. The new product, called the Mantle Index Four (MI4) Fund, was announced on April 24 and is being hailed as a major leap in the fusion of traditional fund structures and next-generation blockchain-based yield mechanisms. A Crypto Index Fund for the Institutional Age Structured similarly to a traditional index fund that tracks a basket of stocks like the S&P 500, the MI4 Fund offers investors diversified exposure to the crypto market’s biggest players. The fund includes allocations to Bitcoin (BTC), Ether (ETH), and Solana (SOL), as well as stablecoins pegged to the US dollar, according to the official press release from Securitize. What sets the MI4 Fund apart is its integration of liquid staking tokens, including Mantle’s mETH, Bybit’s bbSOL, and Ethena’s USDe. These assets allow the fund to tap into native yield-generating mechanisms on blockchain networks — a feature unavailable in traditional finance. By combining these innovative DeFi tools with the structure and risk-management standards expected by institutional investors, the MI4 Fund aims to become what Timothy Chen, Mantle’s Global Head of Strategy, describes as the “S&P 500 of crypto.” The fund’s innovative structure appeals to a growing class of investors looking to hedge macroeconomic risks while capitalizing on the income-generating potential of onchain assets. For instance, Mantle’s flagship staking token, mETH, currently delivers a 3.78% annual percentage yield (APR), according to DefiLlama. Combined with bbSOL and USDe, the MI4 Fund layers yield-bearing instruments on top of a market cap-weighted portfolio of leading crypto assets — a hybrid that marries the safety of diversification with the profitability of staking and synthetic yield. These enhancements are particularly attractive in today’s macro environment, where inflation concerns, fiat currency devaluation, and traditional bond market volatility are pushing both retail and institutional investors toward crypto as an alternative store of value. The partnership between Securitize and Mantle comes at a time of explosive growth in the tokenized asset sector. Securitize currently holds a commanding 71% market share in the institutional tokenization market, according to RWA.xyz , and has become the go-to platform for converting real-world assets (RWAs) into blockchain-based investment products. The Future of Institutional Crypto Investing The debut of the MI4 Fund is part of a broader trend: the normalization of crypto within traditional finance. By offering a turnkey solution that combines DeFi-native yield generation with a familiar portfolio format, Securitize and Mantle are effectively demystifying blockchain for institutional asset managers. Moreover, the fund signals a deeper shift in the evolving identity of crypto — no longer just a speculative play or a hedge against fiat currency devaluation, but a fully integrated component of modern portfolio management. As tokenized funds continue to attract billions in inflows and staking yields become more accessible to regulated entities, the financial sector is inching closer to a future where blockchain-based assets are foundational, not fringe. The MI4 Fund may not yet be the S&P 500 of crypto — but with its powerful blend of diversification, yield, and regulatory alignment, it might just be the blueprint.

2025-04-25 13:00

Ark Invest’s projections are based on growing institutional adoption, Bitcoin’s finite supply, and its expanding role as a safe haven in emerging markets. The firm also increased its base and bear case projections to $1.2 million and $500,000 respectively. The firm's report was released amid a record exodus of Bitcoin from crypto exchanges, which signals that there is a shift toward long-term holding. Publicly traded companies have aggressively accumulated Bitcoin, and contributed a lot to this trend. Outside the US, Asian firms like Japan’s Metaplanet and Hong Kong’s HK Asia Holdings are also building substantial reserves. Meanwhile, the town of Fornelli in Italy recently announced on Facebook that it will honor Bitcoin's creator with a public monument. Fornelli holds the unique distinction of having the highest density of Bitcoin adoption in the world. Bitcoin Could Outgrow Gold and Rival Global Economies ARK Invest, the leading asset manager, recently raised its long-term Bitcoin price forecasts, and projected a bullish case of $2.4 million per BTC by the end of 2030. The firm’s research was released on April 24, and outlines an updated model built on Bitcoin’s total addressable market, projected adoption rates, and its fixed supply trajectory. Bitcoin price projections (Source: ARK Invest ) The bullish scenario sees Bitcoin achieving a 6.5% penetration of the $200 trillion financial market, excluding gold. This alone could drive massive capital inflows, according to ARK analyst David Puell, who believes that institutional investment is the strongest growth driver in their model. In addition to the bull case, ARK adjusted its base and bear case predictions to $1.2 million and $500,000 respectively, up from $710,000 and $300,000 earlier this year . Bitcoin’s role as “digital gold” is another pillar of ARK’s projections, and the firm estimates that Bitcoin could capture up to 60% of gold’s $18 trillion market cap. The third major driver, accounting for 13.5% of the bull case projection, is Bitcoin’s adoption as a safe haven in emerging markets. Bitcoin is increasingly viewed as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation. Bitcoin potential use cases (Source: ARK Invest ) Other contributing factors include nation-state and corporate adoption of Bitcoin for treasury reserves, as well as the growth of Bitcoin-based financial services. If Bitcoin were to hit ARK’s bullish projection, it would command a market cap of $49.2 trillion based on an estimated circulating supply of 20.5 million coins by 2030. That valuation would surpass the combined GDP of the United States and China and place Bitcoin ahead of gold as the largest asset class globally. Even in the more conservative scenarios, Bitcoin will need to keep up extraordinary growth rates. The $500,000 bear case implies a 32% annual growth rate, while the $1.2 million base case will require a 53% annual increase. These levels are very rarely seen for trillion-dollar assets. These projections were made after Bitcoin showed some renewed strength in 2025, and rebounded from a low of $75,160 to trade near $94,000. This momentum was boosted by renewed investor confidence and the Trump administration’s Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. BTC’s price action over the past week (Source: CoinMarketCap ) Bitcoin Leaving Exchanges at Record Rates Supporting BTC’s current momentum is the fact that Bitcoin reserves on crypto exchanges fell to their lowest level since November of 2018, driven largely by accelerating accumulation from publicly traded companies. According to a recent report from Fidelity Digital Assets, the amount of Bitcoin held on exchanges declined to approximately 2.6 million BTC. This sharp decrease means that more than 425,000 BTC was moved off exchanges since November. It could also mean that there is a growing preference for long-term holding over active trading among investors. Most of the buying activity has been attributed to public companies , which acquired close to 350,000 BTC during this period. Fidelity pointed out that this trend is expected to gain even more momentum in the near future. The firm’s digital asset subsidiary, which launched in 2018, said that the shift of Bitcoin from exchanges into corporate treasuries is a key signal of maturing institutional adoption. As the issuer of one of the first spot Bitcoin ETFs approved in the US, Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund, the firm plays a central role in the growing infrastructure supporting institutional Bitcoin exposure. (Source: X ) The largest buyer by far has been Strategy, the business intelligence firm-turned-Bitcoin holding company founded by Michael Saylor. Since November, Strategy purchased 285,980 BTC. This is 81% of all Bitcoin acquired by publicly listed companies over that timeframe. More recently, the company shared that it added another 6,556 BTC to its holdings. Outside the United States, public firms in Asia are also embracing Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. Japan’s Metaplanet now holds 5,000 BTC and plans to double that figure by year’s end, according to CEO Simon Gerovich . In Hong Kong, HK Asia Holdings is looking to raise over $8 million to potentially expand its own Bitcoin reserves. The rapid drawdown of exchange-held Bitcoin, paired with increasing corporate accumulation, proves that there is a major shift in investor behavior. With institutions treating Bitcoin as a strategic reserve and safe-haven asset, the supply available for trading continues to shrink, which could have far-reaching implications for the market’s long-term price dynamics. Italian Town Dedicates Statue to Satoshi It is not just companies that are embracing Bitcoin. The small Italian municipality of Fornelli, located in the Molise region, is set to unveil a monument honoring Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin. In an announcement that was posted to Facebook on April 23, the local government revealed that the artwork, created by artist Mattia Pannoni, will be officially presented on May 1 in the town’s central Piazza Umberto I. The monument is being financed by the municipality itself. (Source: Facebook ) Fornelli Mayor Giovanni Tedeschi believes it is important to support forward-thinking ideas, particularly those championed by the younger generation. According to the local administration, Fornelli holds the unique distinction of having the highest density of Bitcoin adoption in the world, despite its modest population of just 1,800 residents. The decision to honor Nakamoto was made after a trend seen in other regions that have embraced cryptocurrency to varying degrees, like El Salvador’s Bitcoin Beach and the crypto-friendly Swiss city of Zug. Though the true identity of Nakamoto is still very much a mystery, artists have long attempted to portray the enigmatic figure through faceless sculptures and symbolic depictions. Statue of Satoshi Nakamoto, creator of Bitcoin, unveiled in Lugano In keeping with that tradition, the new monument in Fornelli is expected to reflect Nakamoto’s anonymity, a hallmark of previous artistic tributes in the crypto world.

2025-04-25 11:51

The meetings will focus on tokenized securities and digital asset custody. This signals that the regulator is adopting a much more collaborative posture, especially after the agency dropped several high-profile lawsuits against crypto firms. However, many of these firms are tied to Trump’s political network. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve recently rescinded restrictive 2022 and 2023 guidance, easing the path for banks to engage in crypto and stablecoin activities. These rollbacks align with President Trump’s push for pro-crypto innovation. Thanks to the easing regulations and attitudes towards crypto, New Hampshire advanced House Bill 302. This bill will allow the treasury to invest 10% of funds in Bitcoin, alongside other crypto-friendly bills. Overall, the United States is in the middle of a big regulatory shift in its approach to cryptocurrencies, which is evident in developments from the SEC, Federal Reserve, and individual states. SEC Crypto Task Force Expands Industry Talks The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto task force, which is now under the leadership of Commissioner Hester Peirce, maintained momentum in its engagement with the digital asset industry and continued to reassess regulation after the departure of former chair Gary Gensler. On April 24, the task force held a private meeting with representatives from Ondo Finance and legal experts from Davis Polk and Wardwell to deliberate on the issuance and sale of wrapped, tokenized versions of publicly traded US securities. Ondo Finance contributed $1 million to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund, and reportedly wanted to address registration and compliance questions related to tokenized securities. The representatives from the company also floated the possibility of establishing a regulatory sandbox for innovation in the sector. The meeting is part of the very noticeable shift in the SEC’s tone as the agency enters a new phase under Paul Atkins. He was appointed by Trump and was sworn in as SEC Chair on April 21. While Atkins has yet to implement his formal crypto agenda, the agency is reaching out to key industry players. On April 25, the task force will hold a roundtable to discuss digital asset custody, featuring input from major firms including Kraken, Anchorage Digital Bank, and WisdomTree. This discussion will happen amid the heightened institutional interest in crypto custody services after the landmark approvals of crypto exchange-traded funds earlier in 2024. Roundtable timeline (Source: SEC ) Despite the growing cooperation between the SEC and the crypto industry, there are still some questions about the agency’s future enforcement direction. Although the SEC affirmed its commitment to pursuing fraud-related cases, it recently dropped its lawsuit against Hex founder Richard Heart on the same day Atkins assumed office. Moreover, the SEC signaled that it will cease investigations or legal action against several prominent crypto firms, including Ripple, Coinbase, and Kraken. Interestingly, all of these companies have links to donations or executive support for Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign or inauguration events. These developments suggest that the agency may be recalibrating its stance toward digital asset regulation, and could potentially usher in a much more collaborative approach with the industry. Federal Reserve Pulls Back Crypto Restrictions The US Federal Reserve also recently took a big step toward easing restrictions on banks engaging with cryptocurrencies and stablecoins by withdrawing previous guidance that discouraged such activities. In a statement that was released on April 24, the Board of Governors announced it is rescinding its 2022 supervisory letter, which required state member banks to notify the Fed in advance of any crypto-related plans or operations. Going forward, the central bank stated that all crypto activities will be evaluated through its standard supervisory process. (Source: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ) The Federal Reserve also withdrew its 2023 guidance that imposed limitations on how state banks could interact with stablecoin ecosystems. Initially, this guidance pointed out various concerns, including the potential for crypto assets to affect financial stability, compromise consumer protection, and introduce systemic risks through mechanisms like destabilizing bank runs or payment system disruptions. It also flagged the use of cryptocurrencies in illicit activities like money laundering and terrorist financing. In a broader regulatory rollback, the Fed, alongside the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, retracted two statements from 2023 that warned banks about working with crypto firms potentially engaged in fraudulent behavior. These earlier joint advisories criticized misleading disclosures from crypto companies, and explained that such practices could cause serious harm to both retail and institutional investors. This move was one of the Federal Reserve’s first major crypto-related actions since President Donald Trump’s return to office and aligns with the broader administrative strategy to position the United States as a global leader in financial innovation. It also follows the Securities and Exchange Commission’s revocation in January of a rule that required banks to treat held crypto assets as liabilities on their balance sheets. This accounting standard was seen as a major barrier to institutional adoption of digital assets. New Hampshire Advances Crypto Investment Bill Thanks to the easing regulations, many US states are making a lot of progress with their own crypto bills. A bill that will allow New Hampshire to invest a portion of its state funds in digital assets and precious metals recently advanced to a full Senate vote after receiving approval from a second committee on April 23 in a 4-1 vote. (Source: General Court of New Hampshire ) The bill is known as House Bill 302, and the legislation was first introduced in January and passed the New Hampshire House earlier this month by a narrow margin of 192–179. If passed by the Senate and signed by the governor, the bill will authorize the state treasury to allocate up to 10% of its general funds into cryptocurrencies with market capitalizations exceeding $500 billion. Currently, this is a category limited only to Bitcoin. The proposal started a debate among lawmakers. Democratic Representative Terry Spahris is very much opposed to the bill, and argued that the bill is redundant and potentially risky. Spahris also suggested that the state treasurer already possesses the necessary authority to manage investments without additional legislation. In contrast, Republican Representative Jordan Ulery expressed support, and stated that the bill could provide a massive return on investment for the state. Beyond HB 302, New Hampshire is also advancing two other blockchain-related bills . HB 639 focuses on dispute resolution and regulatory clarity for blockchain technologies, while HB 310 addresses real-world asset tokenization and stablecoin integration. The state’s legislative momentum mirrors broader crypto trends, with Arizona taking an even more aggressive stance by exploring the creation of a dedicated strategic Bitcoin reserve, potentially making it the first US state to do so.

2025-04-25 09:03

Bitcoin’s supply on cryptocurrency exchanges has dropped to levels not seen in over six years, with data pointing to a sharp rise in institutional and public company accumulation. At the same time, market observers — including Prince Filip Karađorđević of Serbia — are noting signs of potential price suppression that could be delaying Bitcoin’s next major rally. Bitcoin Exchange Reserves Hit Six-Year Low as Corporate Accumulation Surges Post-Election The supply of Bitcoin on cryptocurrency exchanges has plummeted to its lowest level in over six years, according to Fidelity Digital Assets, a sign that long-term holders — especially publicly traded companies — are rapidly accumulating the digital asset. In a post on X, Fidelity revealed that Bitcoin reserves held on exchanges have fallen to approximately 2.6 million BTC — a level not seen since November 2018. More than 425,000 BTC have been withdrawn from exchanges since the start of November, signaling a major supply squeeze that could have implications for price discovery and long-term valuation. “We have seen Bitcoin supply on exchanges dropping due to public company purchases — something we anticipate accelerating in the near future,” Fidelity said. The exodus of coins from centralized platforms is often interpreted as a bullish signal, implying that holders are securing their Bitcoin in cold storage rather than keeping it readily available for sale. This behavior is typically associated with long-term conviction rather than short-term speculation. Strategy Leads the Corporate Bitcoin Charge Fidelity's analysis shows that publicly listed companies have acquired nearly 350,000 BTC over the same period, representing a massive shift in corporate treasury strategies. Dominating this accumulation is Strategy, the business intelligence and software firm co-founded by Bitcoin evangelist Michael Saylor, which has evolved into a de facto Bitcoin investment vehicle. A snapshot of some of Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases over the past six months (Source: Strategy ) Since November, Strategy has acquired 285,980 BTC — a staggering 81% of the total public company purchases during this time frame. The company disclosed its most recent acquisition of 6,556 BTC on April 21, underscoring its aggressive pace and sustained bullish outlook on Bitcoin. Saylor, who stepped down as CEO in 2022 to focus on Bitcoin strategy, has repeatedly stated that the company views Bitcoin as ”digital gold” and a superior treasury reserve asset in an environment of rising fiscal instability and fiat debasement. The corporate accumulation trend is not limited to the United States. Asian companies are also jumping on board, using Bitcoin to diversify reserves and hedge against macroeconomic uncertainty. Japan’s Metaplanet has emerged as a regional leader in Bitcoin adoption, with the firm now holding 5,000 BTC. CEO Simon Gerovich has publicly declared his ambition to double that figure by the end of the year, signaling long-term confidence in the asset’s future. Hong Kong-listed HK Asia Holdings has taken a similar route, announcing plans to raise approximately $8.35 million — a portion of which may be used to bolster its Bitcoin reserves. The move is part of growing momentum among Asia-Pacific firms to incorporate digital assets into their corporate strategies, particularly as inflationary concerns and dollar dominance remain key risk factors in global finance. Institutional Support Grows Post-ETF Approval The decline in exchange reserves and rise in corporate purchases come on the heels of the US Securities and Exchange Commission's historic approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in January. Fidelity itself launched the Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund as part of this cohort — a development that has played a crucial role in accelerating institutional acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. Fidelity Digital Assets, the crypto-focused arm of the $5.8 trillion asset manager Fidelity Investments, has long championed the institutionalization of Bitcoin . Established in 2018, Fidelity Digital was among the earliest Wall Street firms to explore crypto custody and trading solutions for professional investors. With more corporate balance sheets being restructured to include Bitcoin and major financial firms offering regulated exposure through ETFs, Bitcoin’s transformation from fringe technology to institutional-grade asset is now well underway. As Bitcoin exchange reserves dwindle and supply tightens, market observers are closely watching how these dynamics will affect the next leg of Bitcoin's price action. With over 350,000 BTC now in corporate hands — and counting — the available float for retail and smaller institutional investors continues to shrink. Should the current trend continue, Bitcoin’s scarcity-driven valuation thesis could gain even more traction, particularly in a macroeconomic environment increasingly characterized by currency debasement, geopolitical volatility, and demand for non-sovereign stores of value. Bitcoin’s “Omega Candle” Theory Gains Traction Amid Market Suppression Concerns and ETF Momentum Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s current price momentum may be deceptively subdued as it prepares for what some in the crypto community are calling an “omega candle” event — a potential parabolic rally that could redefine the digital asset’s value proposition. According to Prince Filip Karađorđević, the hereditary prince of Serbia and Yugoslavia, deliberate price suppression by powerful actors may be holding Bitcoin back in the short term — but not for long. In an April 24 interview with the crypto-focused outlet Simply Bitcoin, Prince Filip expressed his belief that Bitcoin’s price trajectory is being influenced by unseen hands in the market. “People are able to control the market to some extent,” he said. “Maybe that’s what acted on the 2021 market that suppressed its price from jumping high up. We could get that again in 2025, but there will be one point where [Bitcoin’s price] will run away.” The prince remains firmly bullish, emphasizing that Bitcoin is a fundamentally deflationary asset whose value is “always going to rise over time.” Filip’s comments reference the concept of the “omega candle,” a theory first popularized by Bitcoin advocate and Jan3 CEO Samson Mow. Speaking in November 2024, Mow suggested that once Bitcoin surpasses the long-anticipated $100,000 milestone, its price action could enter a new, hyper-volatile regime. “You’ll start to go up by $10,000 a day or drop by $10,000 a day,” Mow said. “And this is the God candle. After that, we’ll start to see omega candles, which are $100,000 increments daily.” While the prediction is dramatic, it resonates with the growing sentiment that Bitcoin could experience a major breakout as structural factors like institutional adoption, monetary policy shifts, and geopolitical instability push investors toward hard assets. Institutional Accumulation Fuels Uptrend Bitcoin’s fundamentals are strengthening, even if short-term price action appears restrained. Over the past week, Bitcoin recovered more than 9%, boosted by inflows into US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). According to data from Farside Investors, over $2.2 billion worth of BTC was scooped up by ETFs in just the three days leading up to April 23. Bitcoin ETF inflows (Source: Farside Investors ) Bitfinex analysts believe this trend is in line with Bitcoin’s growing resilience compared to equities and fiat currencies. “Bitcoin is rallying due to a combination of macro relief, strong ETF inflows, and growing expectations that the Fed will maintain policy flexibility amid softening economic data,” the exchange noted. These ETFs — approved in early 2024 — have significantly bolstered Bitcoin’s credibility among institutional investors, positioning it as both a hedge and a growth asset in an increasingly volatile economic environment. Despite the bullish undercurrents, macroeconomic uncertainty could still weigh on near-term Bitcoin performance. JPMorgan has placed the odds of a US recession in 2025 at 60%, citing US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policy as a major risk. The 145% tariffs on Chinese imports, introduced earlier this month, are seen as a potential drag on global economic growth and a source of inflationary pressure that could complicate monetary policy. Still, this uncertainty could paradoxically drive more investors to seek refuge in Bitcoin. As trust in traditional financial systems erodes — a trend noted by both Mow and Filip — Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and capped supply offer an increasingly attractive alternative. Awaiting the Breakout For now, Bitcoin appears to be consolidating just below its all-time high levels, hovering around $93,000. Market participants are watching closely to see whether the current cycle will mirror 2021 — when Bitcoin’s price briefly surged before being pulled back — or if the so-called “omega candle” will finally be ignited. The convergence of institutional inflows, macroeconomic pressures, and increasing geopolitical uncertainty suggests that a breakout may be less a question of “if” and more of “when.” If the predictions hold true, the crypto market could be on the verge of witnessing the most explosive price action in Bitcoin’s history.

2025-04-25 08:30