Category: crypto

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade faced a setback on the Sepolia testnet due to a custom deposit contract issue, affecting EL clients and causing transaction disruptions. This delay comes after previous challenges on the Holesky testnet. The mainnet launch timeline for Pectra is now uncertain, impacting Ethereum’s future upgrades.

Phishing-related crypto losses decreased for the third consecutive month in February, with 7,442 victims losing $5.32 million, a 48% decline from January. Major attacks included address poisoning on the Ethereum network and permit-related exploits. Scammers are refining tactics, such as a Telegram-based scheme, to steal funds and access accounts.

The US Treasury Department has sanctioned an Iranian national, Behrouz Parsarad, for managing the Nemesis darknet marketplace. Authorities blacklisted 49 Bitcoin and Monero addresses linked to him. Parsarad profited from Nemesis by charging transaction fees, facilitating over $30 million in drug sales from 2021 to 2024. Despite Nemesis’ shutdown, Parsarad is reportedly planning to launch…

AlphaBitcoin’s perpetual futures experienced record volumes, surpassing fixed-expiry contracts due to increased volatility following a crypto announcement by Trump.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele confirmed that the country will continue acquiring Bitcoin despite the IMF agreement. The country recently acquired more BTC, bringing its total holdings to 6,101 BTC. The IMF requires El Salvador to limit government involvement in BTC activities, including voluntary purchases. Community reactions are divided on the government’s commitment.

Beijing Internet Court ruled in favor of TRON founder Justin Sun in a defamation case against Beijing SINA Internet Information Service Co. Ltd. The court found allegations published by Sina to be false, ordering them to remove content, issue a public apology, and pay damages. This victory may improve Sun’s reputation and strengthen TRON’s credibility.

The IMF has approved a $1.4 billion arrangement for El Salvador under the Extended Fund Facility, following significant policy reforms including restrictions on the Bitcoin project. The agreement aims to stabilize the economy, with the government making Bitcoin acceptance voluntary and ensuring tax payments in U.S. dollars. President Bukele’s future Bitcoin initiatives remain uncertain.

US lawmakers are working on a Congressional Review Act to challenge the IRS broker rules that require DeFi participants to report user data. Republican Senator Ted Cruz is leading the efforts. The rule imposes tax reporting requirements on digital asset entities and classifies DeFi developers as brokers, sparking criticism and concerns about privacy rights. The…

SBI VC Trade in Japan is the first company approved to handle stablecoins like USDC. They announced registration as an Electronic Payment Instruments Business Operator, allowing them to facilitate stablecoin use. The firm plans to introduce USDC-related services on March 12 and expand adoption, aligning with local regulations and enhancing digital asset landscape.

The Bank of Israel has proposed a design for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) called the Digital Shekel (DS), catering to both retail and wholesale users. Despite being in the exploratory phase, the CBDC aims to serve as an alternative to cash and improve financial infrastructure efficiency. This move aligns with global efforts to…