Category: crypto

Polymarket prediction markets for 2025 are open for traders to bet on events, with a focus on sports betting. Traders are most interested in the 2025 NFL Draft and Bitcoin’s price outlook. Geopolitical contracts also show interest in events such as Vladimir Putin exiting the presidency and potential nuclear weapon detonations.

The notorious hacker known as the Blockchain Bandit has resurfaced after years of inactivity, moving 51,000 ETH worth $172 million into a single wallet. The hacker gained notoriety by exploiting weak private keys on Ethereum wallets, siphoning crypto from unsuspecting users. This highlights ongoing security challenges in the crypto ecosystem.

NYDIG, a subsidiary of Stone Ridge, is planning to expand its Bitcoin-backed loan offering through float financing. The company aims to rebut objections to Bitcoin’s utility by generating cash flow and serving as collateral for fiat loans. Integrating float into Bitcoin-backed lending could transform the market and increase BTC’s value.

In 2024, crypto-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) led inflows, with the top eight funds belonging to the sector. BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF, IBIT, had the highest net flows, followed by Fidelity’s spot Bitcoin ETF, FBTC, and BlackRock’s spot Ethereum ETF, ETHA. Analysts predict continued growth for crypto ETFs in the US.

In December, DEXs saw record trading volumes in both spot and derivatives markets, with Solana-based protocols leading the way. Solana dominated spot trading with $112 billion, followed by Binance Smart Chain and Ethereum. On-chain derivatives trading also saw significant growth, with Hyperliquid leading the market. Solana maintained second place in derivatives trading despite a 21%…

Tether has acquired 7,629 BTC worth $705 million, increasing their Bitcoin holdings to 82,983 BTC valued at $7.68 billion. Tether plans to allocate 15% of profits to acquiring more Bitcoin. Regulatory pressure in the EU on USDT may affect Tether’s operations, but compliance concerns may be overstated according to experts. Tether CEO reassures the community…

CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju questions if the US will adopt a Bitcoin standard if global confidence in the dollar declines. He supports the idea but doubts it will happen unless the dollar’s dominance is at risk. Despite interest in Bitcoin as a strategic asset, challenges remain in integrating it into the US financial system.…

MoonPay has received approval to operate under the EU’s MiCA regulation, allowing it to offer services across the EEA. CEO Ivan Soto-Wright sees this as a milestone in solidifying crypto’s role in the global economy. The MiCA framework prioritizes consumer protection and market integrity, creating a foundation for the growing crypto industry.

Helm Capital Group has launched Kowalski Coin, a token tied to the Broadway production “Kowalski” aiming to democratize Broadway investment. The Benefit Block model combines blockchain technology with traditional theater, offering transparency and accessibility to retail investors. This innovative approach could revolutionize arts funding and tokenization of entertainment assets.

: A16z Crypto, the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Treasury Department, DeFi rules, legal challenge, Blockchain Association, DeFi Education Fund, Texas Blockchain Council, DeFi industry, US Treasury, DeFi innovation, Uniswap founder Hayden Adams.