4월, 2025의 게시물 표시

The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned eight cryptocurrency wallet addresses connected to the Russian crypto exchange Garantex and the Yemeni Houthi organization. The sanctions, enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), target addresses identified by blockchain forensic firms like Chainalysis and TRM Labs. Among the sanctioned addresses, two are linked to established crypto platforms while the remaining six are privately held. These wallets have reportedly facilitated nearly $1 billion in transactions tied to sanctioned entities, primarily supporting Houthi activities in Yemen and the Red Sea region. Slava Demchuk, a money laundering expert, stated that the inclusion of these wallets highlights the growing recognition of cryptocurrency's role in financing geopolitical conflicts and terrorism. He noted that this situation demands more adaptive compliance frameworks and increased scrutiny of decentralized platforms. The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a political and military movement in Yemen that has been involved in ongoing conflict, previously launching attacks against vessels in the Red Sea. Recently, U.S. President Joe Biden designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization, citing threats to American personnel and global maritime stability. Garantex, labeled a "crypto laundromat," was sanctioned and shut down in March for allegedly facilitating money laundering. Following these sanctions, Tether froze $27 million in USDt held on the platform and Garantex attempted to rebrand itself under a new name, "Grinex." The platform's founder was arrested in India on U.S. charges related to money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmission business. This development underscores the intersection of cryptocurrency, national security, and regulatory challenges as governments work to counter illicit financing activities linked to geopolitical tensions.

The U.S. Treasury Department has recently sanctioned eight cryptocurrency wallet addresses associated with Russian crypto exchange Garantex and the Yemeni political and military group known as the Houthis. These sanctions were imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) after blockchain forensic firms, including Chainalysis and TRM Labs, identified these wallets as being connected to illicit activities. Among the sanctioned wallets, two are tied to established crypto platforms, while the other six are privately controlled. These addresses are reported to have been involved in facilitating nearly $1 billion in transactions linked to sanctioned entities, predominantly funding Houthi operations in Yemen and the Red Sea region. Slava Demchuk, a specialist in crypto-related money laundering, commented on the implications of these sanctions, emphasizing the recognition of cryptocurrency's involvement in geopolitical conflicts and terrorism financing. He suggested that complia...

Crypto markets experienced a downturn following U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency and the implementation of sweeping tariffs. This move came as part of an ongoing trade war, with the Trump administration imposing a 10% tariff on all countries starting April 5, with some nations facing even higher rates—China at 34%, the European Union at 20%, and Japan at 24%. In his April 2 speech at the White House, Trump stated that the U.S. would charge countries "approximately half of what they are and have been charging us." Following this announcement, the crypto market initially saw a brief surge due to the news of the 10% tariff, but this was short-lived. As the full implications of the tariffs became apparent, the market dipped, with prices declining across the board. Bitcoin, which had reached a session high of $88,500, dropped 2.6% to around $82,876. Ether also saw a significant decline, dropping over 6% from $1,934 to $1,797. The total crypto market cap fell 5.3%, reaching $2.7 trillion. The Crypto Fear & Greed Index indicated an extreme fear sentiment, with a score of 25, reflecting market apprehension. Despite the immediate drop, some recovery was noted, with Bitcoin regaining 0.8% to $83,205 and Ether increasing by 1.2% to $1,810. Analysts have suggested that the surge in trading volume can be attributed to local traders adjusting their positions, but there remains caution as further retaliatory actions from international players could lead to more panic selling. Crypto analyst Rachael Lucas mentioned that the initial surge was a response to uncertainty being alleviated, while the subsequent sell-off was triggered as details emerged. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent advised against retaliatory measures from trading partners, suggesting that stability might be found if countries refrain from adding further tariffs. Market specialist David Hernandez noted that while the tariffs were slightly higher than expected, the announcement provided necessary clarity that could potentially stabilize the market long-term. Moving forward, responses from global economies, especially key players like China and Mexico, will significantly influence market dynamics.

Crypto markets experienced a significant downturn following U.S. President Donald Trump's declaration of a national emergency and the implementation of sweeping tariffs. This announcement marked the continuation of an ongoing trade war, with the Trump administration imposing a 10% tariff on all countries starting April 5, and some nations facing even steeper rates—China at 34%, the European Union at 20%, and Japan at 24%. In his April 2 speech at the White House, Trump stated that the U.S. would charge countries "approximately half of what they are and have been charging us." Initially, the crypto market reacted positively to the news of the 10% tariff, seeing a brief surge, but as the full implications of the tariffs became apparent, the market began to dip sharply, with prices declining across the board. Bitcoin peaked at $88,500 during the session but fell 2.6% to around $82,876. Ether also faced a notable decline, dropping over 6% from $1,934 to $1,797. The total cr...

Bitcoin has recently achieved a new plateau, reaching local highs of $86,444 on Bitstamp, signaling a notable performance since late March. This uptick comes as the markets prepare for a significant announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump about reciprocal trade tariffs, termed "Liberation Day," which is anticipated to impact various financial assets. Despite a slight downturn in U.S. stock markets, Bitcoin's resilience is evident as it maneuvered back into crucial support areas defined by long-term trend lines, including vital moving averages like the 200-day SMA. Some analysts, including Rekt Capital, have indicated that while Bitcoin is consolidating, particularly between the 21-week and 50-week EMAs, it is on the cusp of a breakout, provided it maintains above certain price thresholds. Looking ahead, analysts remain divided. While some express optimism regarding Bitcoin's potential to break out of an extended downtrend, others, such as trading firm QCP Capital, suggest that the overall trading sentiment in the crypto sphere remains subdued. They caution that without a significant shift in macroeconomic conditions, the possibility of a significant price reversal may be limited. The ongoing reactions to tariff news could potentially see Bitcoin retrace to levels around $76,000, reflecting an 11% dip from current prices, a scenario noted by firms like Swissblock. As the market awaits further developments, the overarching sentiment among traders remains cautious, underscoring the need for careful evaluation and strategy. Investors are advised to approach with caution and conduct thorough research before making any trading decisions, as market dynamics can shift rapidly in response to news and economic events.

Bitcoin has recently reached new local highs of $86,444 on Bitstamp, reflecting a notable performance since late March. This increase coincides with the impending announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding reciprocal trade tariffs, dubbed "Liberation Day," which is expected to impact various financial markets. Despite a slight decline in U.S. stock markets, Bitcoin has shown resilience, reclaiming key support areas defined by long-term trend lines and crucial moving averages like the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). Analysts, including Rekt Capital, suggest that Bitcoin is in a consolidation phase between the 21-week and 50-week exponential moving averages (EMAs) and may be poised for a breakout if it maintains certain price thresholds. However, market sentiment remains mixed. While some analysts are optimistic about Bitcoin's potential to escape an extended downtrend, others, including the trading firm QCP Capital, point to a generally subdued trading ...

In the first quarter of 2025, over $2 billion was lost due to cryptocurrency hacks, with approximately $1.63 billion of that total resulting specifically from access control vulnerabilities. This shocking increase is largely attributed to the hack of the crypto exchange Bybit, which significantly impacted these figures. The information, shared by the cybersecurity firm Hacken, parallels reports from PeckShield, which indicated slightly lower total losses of around $1.6 billion during the same quarter. A report highlighted that a group of North Korean hackers was responsible for the Bybit breach, leveraging control over more than 11,000 cryptocurrency wallets to launder the stolen funds, indicating a growing sophistication in such cyberattacks. The scale of the breaches in just Q1 2025 is remarkable compared to an entire loss of $2.25 billion across all of 2024. Hacken emphasized the critical need for robust security measures that extend beyond just secure code, covering the entire digital infrastructure to prevent exploitations from any weak points. The report also revealed that major players in both centralized and decentralized finance have fallen victim to operational mishaps, highlighting that attacks have exploited familiar vulnerabilities rather than introducing new ones. An alarming trend identified is that operational failures and access control weaknesses have surpassed smart contract vulnerabilities as the primary sources of damage. Alongside these hacks, scams remain prevalent, with phishing scams causing losses of $96.37 million and rug pulls accounting for approximately $300 million. Notably, the professionalization of cybercriminal networks has become a concerning development, where these organizations operate with the efficiency of startups. Overall, the security landscape of cryptocurrency remains dire, with ongoing challenges from both hacking incidents and sophisticated scams putting significant financial assets at risk.

In the first quarter of 2025, the cryptocurrency industry faced staggering losses exceeding $2 billion due to hacks, with access control vulnerabilities accounting for around $1.63 billion of that total. This significant figure is largely the result of the high-profile hack of the Bybit crypto exchange, as reported by the cybersecurity firm Hacken, which shared its findings with Cointelegraph. Comparative data from PeckShield indicated that losses were slightly lower, estimated at about $1.6 billion for the same period. The breach at Bybit was linked to a group of North Korean hackers who reportedly control over 11,000 cryptocurrency wallets, using them to launder stolen funds. This incident highlights an alarming increase in the sophistication and scale of cyberattacks within the cryptocurrency sector. To put these losses into perspective, the total loss for the entire year of 2024 was $2.25 billion—showing how dramatically risks have escalated in just a single quarter of 2025. Hack...

The text serves as an informative overview of decentralization in blockchain networks, focusing particularly on the concept of the Nakamoto coefficient. Below is a summary of the key points addressed in the content: ### Measuring Decentralization in Blockchain **Decentralization Fundamentals:** - **Definition:** Decentralization involves distributing control and decision-making across a network rather than concentrating power within a single entity. - **Benefits:** - **Security:** Reduces vulnerabilities by eliminating central points of failure, making it harder for attackers to compromise the network. - **Transparency:** Transactions are recorded on a public ledger, fostering trust and preventing data manipulation. - **Fault Tolerance:** The network remains operational even if some nodes fail, thanks to data distribution. ### The Nakamoto Coefficient **Definition:** - The Nakamoto coefficient quantifies the decentralization of a blockchain by identifying the minimum number of independent entities that must collude to disrupt the network. **Origin:** - Introduced in 2017 by Balaji Srinivasan (former CTO of Coinbase) and named after Bitcoin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. **Interpretation:** - A higher coefficient indicates greater decentralization and security. For example, a Nakamoto coefficient of 1 indicates high centralization, while a coefficient of 10 suggests a more decentralized structure where at least 10 entities would need to collude to exert control. ### Calculating the Nakamoto Coefficient **Steps:** 1. **Identify Key Entities:** Determine participants like mining pools, validators, or node operators. 2. **Assess Control:** Evaluate each entity's power over network resources, considering aspects like hashrate distribution in proof-of-work systems or stake distribution in proof-of-stake systems. 3. **Determine the 51% Threshold:** Rank entities by influence and sum their controls until exceeding 51%; the number of entities involved indicates the Nakamoto coefficient. **Example:** - A blockchain has mining pools with the following hashrate distribution: A (25%), B (20%), C (15%), D (10%), Others (30%). The first three pools (A, B, and C) reach a sum of 60%, making the Nakamoto coefficient 3. ### Limitations of the Nakamoto Coefficient 1. **Static Snapshot:** It provides a momentary view of decentralization, which may not reflect ongoing changes within the network. 2. **Subsystem Focus:** It often ignores other critical factors like software diversity and geographical distribution, which also contribute to decentralization. 3. **Consensus Variations:** Different consensus mechanisms may require tailored measurement approaches. 4. **External Influences:** Regulatory and market changes can impact network decentralization, which the coefficient may not fully account for. ### Conclusion The Nakamoto coefficient is a useful tool for assessing decentralization in blockchain networks but should be used in conjunction with other metrics for a comprehensive understanding of a network's decentralization and security.

The text provides a comprehensive overview of the concept of decentralization in blockchain networks, particularly focusing on the Nakamoto coefficient. Here’s a summary of the key points discussed: ### Measuring Decentralization in Blockchain **Decentralization Fundamentals:** - **Definition:** Decentralization is the process of distributing control and decision-making across a network rather than having a single authority managing everything. - **Benefits of Decentralization:** - **Security:** It minimizes vulnerabilities by removing central points of failure, complicating efforts for attackers to compromise the network. - **Transparency:** All transactions are logged on a public ledger, which enhances trust and prevents data manipulation. - **Fault Tolerance:** The system can continue to operate even if some nodes fail due to the distributed nature of the data. ### The Nakamoto Coefficient **Definition:** - The Nakamoto coefficient measures the decentralization of a blockc...

American Bitcoin Corp., a crypto mining venture backed by the Trump family, is reportedly planning to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO), according to a Bloomberg report from April 1. The move follows Hut 8, a publicly traded Bitcoin (BTC) company, acquiring a majority stake in American Bitcoin (previously known as American Data Centers), which includes founders Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Post-acquisition, Hut 8 transferred its Bitcoin mining equipment to the newly formed entity, which is not yet publicly traded. While American Bitcoin will primarily focus on crypto mining, Hut 8 aims to concentrate on data center infrastructure, including high-performance computing. Hut 8's CEO, Asher Genoot, highlighted the vision of positioning the two companies as "sister publicly traded companies" that together create a vertically integrated entity with strong economic prospects. Additionally, American Bitcoin is collaborating with Bitmain, a Chinese supplier of Bitcoin mining hardware, which has faced scrutiny following U.S. sanctions against its AI affiliate. In the broader context of the Bitcoin market, miners are diversifying into alternatives like AI data-center hosting, particularly after the significant revenue impacts resulting from the Bitcoin network's recent halving event in April 2024. This halving reduced the mining reward, compelling miners to seek new revenue streams as cryptocurrency prices have been declining, leading to increased pressure on the mining sector.

American Bitcoin Corp., a cryptocurrency mining venture supported by the Trump family, is reportedly looking to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). This development comes on the heels of Hut 8, a publicly traded Bitcoin mining company, acquiring a majority stake in American Bitcoin, which was previously known as American Data Centers. Notable figures behind American Bitcoin include Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump. Following the acquisition, Hut 8 transferred its Bitcoin mining equipment to this new entity, which has yet to go public. American Bitcoin is set to concentrate primarily on crypto mining, while Hut 8 plans to focus on data center infrastructure, including high-performance computing. Asher Genoot, CEO of Hut 8, expressed a vision of aligning the two companies as "sister publicly traded companies" that together form a vertically integrated organization with promising economic potential. Moreover, American Bitcoin is partnering with Bitmain, a Chin...

Japan-based Metaplanet has recently made headlines by expanding its Bitcoin holdings with a purchase of 696 BTC, valued at approximately 10.2 billion yen ($67 million). This acquisition, announced on April 1 via a post on X, has brought Metaplanet's total Bitcoin stash to 4,046 BTC, which is estimated to be over $341 million. ### Stock Split and Investor Accessibility This move comes shortly after Metaplanet issued 2 billion Japanese yen ($13.3 million) in bonds to acquire more Bitcoin. Additionally, the company completed a 10-to-1 reverse stock split on March 28, which was intended to lower the price per share and improve liquidity. Metaplanet noted in a prior filing that the surge in its stock price had created a barrier to entry for retail investors, with shares exceeding 500,000 yen. Metaplanet, often referred to as "Asia's MicroStrategy," has ambitious plans to accumulate 21,000 BTC by 2026 to lead Bitcoin adoption in Japan. With its current holdings, the company ranks as the ninth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally, according to Bitbo data. ### Institutional Buying Trend The timing of Metaplanet's purchase reflects a broader trend of institutional dip buying in the cryptocurrency market. Michael Saylor’s firm, Strategy, also made headlines by buying 22,048 BTC for $1.92 billion. Saylor indicated that the firm now holds over 528,000 Bitcoin, acquired at an average price of $67,458 per BTC. Despite global market uncertainties, including looming tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump, institutions like Metaplanet and Strategy appear to be confident in Bitcoin's long-term potential, showcasing continued demand in the face of potential volatility. ### Conclusion As the cryptocurrency market navigates through various challenges, Metaplanet's strategic moves reflect an ongoing commitment to increasing its Bitcoin portfolio while simultaneously improving accessibility for investors through stock adjustments. This positions Metaplanet as a key player in the evolving landscape of Bitcoin investment in Asia.

Japan-based Metaplanet has recently made headlines by expanding its Bitcoin holdings with a purchase of 696 BTC, valued at approximately 10.2 billion yen ($67 million). This acquisition, announced on April 1 via a post on X, has brought Metaplanet's total Bitcoin stash to 4,046 BTC, which is estimated to be over $341 million. ### Stock Split and Investor Accessibility This move comes shortly after Metaplanet issued 2 billion Japanese yen ($13.3 million) in bonds to acquire more Bitcoin. Additionally, the company completed a 10-to-1 reverse stock split on March 28, which was intended to lower the price per share and improve liquidity. Metaplanet noted in a prior filing that the surge in its stock price had created a barrier to entry for retail investors, with shares exceeding 500,000 yen. Metaplanet, often referred to as "Asia's MicroStrategy," has ambitious plans to accumulate 21,000 BTC by 2026 to lead Bitcoin adoption in Japan. With its current holdings, the comp...

Binance has stopped spot trading pairs with Tether's USDt (USDT) in the European Economic Area (EEA) to adhere to the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This follows a plan announced in early March 2025, which required exchanges to delist non-MiCA-compliant tokens by the end of the first quarter of that year. Users can still hold and trade USDt through perpetual contracts on Binance, even though spot trading has been discontinued. Notably, Binance is not alone in this decision; other exchanges like Kraken have also delisted USDT trading pairs in the EEA. Kraken restricted USDT to sell-only mode on March 24, preventing users there from purchasing the affected tokens. In addition to USDt, Binance has also delisted other non-MiCA-compliant tokens including Dai, TrueUSD, and Pax Dollar, among others. Kraken's delisting affected five tokens, including its own proprietary currency, PayPal USD (PYUSD). Despite these delistings, both Binance and Kraken maintain that custody services for non-MiCA-compliant tokens can still be offered, as clarified by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), which stated that such custody does not violate the new European crypto laws. This guidance aims to alleviate confusion surrounding MiCA regulations and their implications for crypto service providers.

Binance has ceased spot trading pairs with Tether's USDt (USDT) in the European Economic Area (EEA) to comply with the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This decision aligns with a plan that was announced in early March 2025, mandating exchanges to eliminate non-MiCA-compliant tokens by the end of the first quarter of that year. Although spot trading has been halted, users can still hold and trade USDt through perpetual contracts on the Binance platform. Binance is not the only exchange taking this step; Kraken has also delisted USDT trading pairs in the EEA. Kraken transitioned USDT to sell-only mode on March 24, preventing users within the EEA from purchasing the affected tokens. In addition to USDt, Binance has delisted several other non-MiCA-compliant tokens, including Dai, TrueUSD, and Pax Dollar. Kraken's delisting strategy involved five tokens, among which is its proprietary cryptocurrency, PayPal USD (PYUSD). Despite the delistings, both Binance and Kraken ...

Vanuatu has enacted significant regulations for digital assets, introducing a robust licensing framework for cryptocurrency companies operating in the island nation. The new legislation, known as the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, was approved by the local parliament on March 26 and empowers the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) to enforce stringent compliance with international standards related to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). Regulatory consultant Loretta Joseph emphasized the strict nature of the laws, detailing potential penalties for non-compliance, which include fines of up to 250 million vatu (approximately $2 million) and prison sentences of up to 30 years. Joseph noted the importance of these regulations in preventing fraud similar to the infamous FTX collapse. The law establishes a licensing and reporting framework for various sectors including crypto exchanges, non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, and initial coin offerings (ICOs), while also allowing banks to provide crypto services. The VFSC is also authorized to create a regulatory sandbox that enables select companies to test their services for a year under monitored conditions. Joseph highlighted the necessity of having specific legislation to address the unique challenges posed by virtual assets, especially for a small jurisdiction like Vanuatu that might attract unscrupulous entities looking for regulatory leniency. This legislative move positions Vanuatu as a leader in the Pacific region concerning cryptocurrency regulation. Overall, the VFSC sees this development as a crucial step toward enhancing financial inclusion and fostering responsible innovation in the digital asset space.

Vanuatu has taken a significant step in regulating the digital asset sector by enacting the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act on March 26. This legislation empowers the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC) to impose rigorous compliance with international standards regarding anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF). The regulatory framework is touted as "very stringent," with penalties for violations potentially reaching up to 250 million vatu (approximately $2 million) and prison terms of up to 30 years. Regulatory consultant Loretta Joseph highlighted the need for such strict regulations to prevent fraud similar to the notorious FTX collapse. The new law establishes a clear licensing and reporting structure for a range of digital asset services, including cryptocurrency exchanges, non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, and initial coin offerings (ICOs). Notably, banks are now permitted to offer crypto services under the new regulations. T...

Bitcoin experienced a significant price drop, falling below its ascending channel pattern, reaching $81,222 on March 31. Despite this decline, the top cryptocurrency is projected to have its worst quarterly return since 2018. However, a group of whale entities holding between 1,000 to 10,000 BTC is showing signs of accumulation, reminiscent of patterns observed during the 2020 bull run. On-chain analyst Mignolet noted that these market-leading whales are resilient to volatility and are accumulating BTC even amidst bearish sentiment from retail investors. During the current market phase, whale accumulation has occurred three times, typically during periods of negative sentiment, suggesting that these whales are positioning for a future recovery. Mignolet observed that, although BTC prices have fallen, there aren’t any signs indicating that these whales are selling off their holdings. As the week began, Bitcoin attempted to close a CME futures gap that emerged over the weekend. This gap represents the disparity between the closing price of BTC futures on Friday and the opening price on Sunday evening. The price action suggests a bullish outlook as Bitcoin aims to reclaim the crucial $84,000 level, which is needed to sustain bullish momentum. Achieving this level could lead BTC towards the supply zone between $86,700 and $88,700. Conversely, if BTC remains below $84,000, it could face further corrections, potentially testing lower support areas between $78,200 and $76,560. Upcoming US economic events, such as job openings data, new tariffs, and employment statistics, may also influence Bitcoin's price this week. *Note: This article does not provide investment advice. Always conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.*

Bitcoin experienced a notable price drop, falling below its ascending channel pattern and reaching $81,222 on March 31. Despite this decline, the cryptocurrency is on track for its worst quarterly return since 2018. However, a group of whale entities holding between 1,000 to 10,000 BTC are demonstrating signs of accumulation, reminiscent of bullish patterns observed during the 2020 bull run. On-chain analyst Mignolet noted that these market-leading whales are resilient to volatility and continue to accumulate BTC despite bearish sentiment from retail investors. During the current market phase, whale accumulation has been noted three times, typically coinciding with periods of negative sentiment, indicating that these whales may be positioning themselves for a future market recovery. Mignolet indicated that, although BTC prices have fallen, there are no signs suggesting that these whales are offloading their holdings. As the week began, Bitcoin attempted to close a CME futures gap tha...

Non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace X2Y2 announced its shutdown after three years of operation, effective April 30. The team has decided to pivot toward developing an artificial intelligence project. This transition reflects their belief in AI as a significant transformative force in the industry: > “It’s a pivot. Over the last 12 months, we’ve been diving deep into AI—hands down the biggest paradigm shift we’ll see in our lifetimes—and how it can transform crypto. We’re building something new.” According to data from Token Terminal, X2Y2 recorded a trading volume of $53.6 million over the past year, placing it fourth in the NFT marketplace rankings behind Blur, OpenSea, and Immutable. While this figure pales in comparison to market leader Blur's $3 billion, it still underscores the marketplace's position in the competitive landscape. Charu Sethi, president at Unique Network, emphasized that X2Y2's decision does not reflect a downturn in the NFT market. Instead, she believes that NFTs are transitioning into a new era focused on their utility in gaming, artificial intelligence, fan engagement, and content authentication: > “The speculative phase focused on collectibles and trading is over, but NFTs are now entering their next growth era.” Sethi pointed to initiatives like Mythical Games, which is integrating NFTs into gaming, and a DappRadar report highlighting that the blockchain gaming sector reached 7.4 million daily active wallets in 2024. She urged NFT platforms to shift their focus from reliance on marketplace network effects to building real-world applications and communities that promote consistent engagement. Alexander Salnikov, co-founder of Rarible, echoed these sentiments, asserting that the current market slump is part of a broader cycle. He believes the future of NFTs lies in projects with strong applications across sectors such as gaming and brand engagement: > “NFTs remain one of the most powerful primitives in crypto, and the next wave will be led by projects that focus on strong use cases.” While specific details about X2Y2's new AI-focused project were sparse, they hinted at creating a platform that enables users to earn profits throughout various market conditions, suggesting a decentralized approach to AI-powered trading: > “This isn’t just another project; it’s our shot at creating real, long-term value in crypto for the broader community we’re proud to serve.” Despite a dip in AI-related tokens earlier this year, the rise of AI-driven crypto initiatives shows signs of a potential revival, following a pattern similar to that of earlier ICO projects. The NFT market is at a turning point, with a growing emphasis on utility and real-world applications, signaling a significant shift in how NFTs will be leveraged moving forward.

The NFT marketplace X2Y2 has announced its shutdown after three years, with the closure set for April 30. The team plans to transition toward a new project focused on artificial intelligence (AI), which they believe will be a transformative force in the industry. They state, “It’s a pivot. Over the last 12 months, we’ve been diving deep into AI—hands down the biggest paradigm shift we’ll see in our lifetimes—and how it can transform crypto. We’re building something new.” Over the past year, Token Terminal data indicates that X2Y2 achieved a trading volume of $53.6 million, positioning it fourth among NFT marketplaces behind Blur, OpenSea, and Immutable. While this volume is significantly lower than Blur's $3 billion, it still highlights X2Y2’s competitive standing. Charu Sethi, president of Unique Network, emphasized that X2Y2's closure does not signify a decline in the NFT market. Instead, she described it as a shift toward a new era for NFTs, emphasizing their utility in ga...

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is reportedly planning to amend its laws to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products by as early as 2026. According to Nikkei, the FSA intends to submit a bill to parliament next year to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act following discussions among internal study groups. Under these changes, cryptocurrencies would likely fall under insider trading regulations similar to those applicable to stocks, aiming to prevent trades based on non-public information. However, cryptocurrencies are expected to be categorized separately from traditional securities like stocks and bonds. If the bill is approved, companies offering cryptocurrencies would be required to register with the FSA. However, the details of enforcement against international firms and the specific cryptocurrencies that will be regulated remain uncertain. The legislation will also need clear guidelines on distinguishing between widely traded assets such as Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) and more speculative tokens like memecoins. This move aligns with Japan's recent pro-crypto regulatory trends, including granting licenses for stablecoin operations. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is also working to reduce the capital gains tax on cryptocurrencies and recognize digital assets as a unique asset class. Additionally, there are considerations to lift a ban on crypto-based ETFs to align with policies in other regions, such as Hong Kong.

Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA) is reportedly preparing to amend its laws to classify cryptocurrencies as financial products by as early as 2026, according to a report by Nikkei. The FSA plans to submit a bill to parliament next year aimed at revising the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, following discussions within internal study groups. If enacted, this change would subject cryptocurrencies to insider trading regulations similar to those governing stocks, which prohibit trades based on non-public information. However, cryptocurrencies are expected to be classified separately from conventional securities like stocks and bonds. If the bill passes, businesses that offer cryptocurrencies will need to register with the FSA. However, how these laws will be enforced on international companies and which specific cryptocurrencies will come under regulation remains uncertain. The framework will also need to clarify how to differentiate between widely traded cryptocurrencie...