Category: crypto

JPMorgan has filed to offer bitcoin-backed structured notes tied to BlackRock’s IBIT ETF, providing institutions with indirect exposure to bitcoin. The product offers leveraged returns and principal protection, with potential returns of up to 16% by December 2026. This move signals increasing institutional interest in cryptocurrency despite market risks.

JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley introduced Bitcoin-linked products, challenging Strategy Inc.’s role as a corporate Bitcoin proxy. Strategy’s stock has been declining since October due to higher margin requirements and scrutiny from peers like Metaplanet. This competition from major banks may impact Strategy’s position as a leader in corporate Bitcoin investment.

Upbit, a crypto exchange, suspended all deposits and withdrawals after a security incident resulted in losses of roughly 54 billion won. The breach involved its Solana hot wallet, with at least 24 tokens affected. Upbit froze some assets, vowed to cover all losses, and is working on recovery efforts and security improvements.

Pi Network has partnered with CiDi Games to develop Pi-integrated games for its user base, aiming to increase daily engagement and on-chain activity. The partnership will expand the utility of the Pi token and establish gaming as a core element of the ecosystem, utilizing Pi Network Ventures’ $100 million investment arm.

SpaceX transferred 1,163 BTC to a new wallet tied to Coinbase Prime, reducing on-chain holdings to 6,095 BTC. Analysts believe it is a custody reshuffle, not a sale. Tesla holds 11,509 BTC. Bitcoin market is rebounding. Transfers seen as reorganization, not liquidation. No statement from SpaceX regarding purpose of transfers.

Tether is ending its operations in Uruguay due to high electricity costs, laying off 30 staff members. The company had planned significant investments in the country but faced challenges with energy prices. Tether has been expanding globally, moving its headquarters to El Salvador and making strategic investments in Brazil and Latin America.

Tether CEO criticized S&P Global Ratings for giving its stablecoin a low stability score due to disclosure gaps and high-risk reserves. S&P rated tether as “5 (weak)” for limited transparency and exposure to risky assets. The CEO defended Tether’s overcapitalization and profitable operation, while most reserves are in safe assets.

Australia has introduced a bill to regulate digital asset platforms by requiring them to obtain licenses from ASIC. The goal is to protect consumers and boost market confidence. The bill would establish licensing thresholds and exempt low-volume platforms while aligning larger players with traditional financial regulations. The government aims to attract domestic and global crypto…

South Korea’s financial sector was targeted by a supply chain attack involving Russian and North Korean hackers using Qilin ransomware to steal 2 TB of sensitive banking data. Bitdefender’s report revealed that the attackers breached third-party vendors to access multiple financial institutions, marking an escalation in supply chain tactics against critical infrastructure.

Cronos is hosting x402 PayTech Hackathon with $42,000 prizes for developers building AI-native payment applications on its upgraded blockchain network. Performance upgrades include lower gas fees and faster block times, positioning Cronos as a base layer for tokenization and AI-driven financial projects. Developers can access workshops and guidance to build practical applications.