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• Jul 31, 11:40 AM Cryptoslate

  Physical attacks on crypto holders raise security concerns

  Recent incidents of kidnappings and home invasions targeting crypto holders highlight the growing need for enhanced physical security in the crypto space. Cases in Thailand, Hong Kong, and the US involve violent crimes aimed at forcing victims to transfer crypto assets. Experts advise crypto holders to improve security practices, including using multi-signature wallets and limiting disclosure of holdings. The rise in physical threats emphasizes the importance of considering both digital and physical security measures for Bitcoin and crypto owners.

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• Jul 31, 10:01 AM The Block

  Grayscale launches Bitcoin Mini Trust on NYSE Arca after SEC approval

  Grayscale's Bitcoin mini trust began trading under the ticker "BTC" on NYSE Arca today. The SEC approved the product last week, aiming to offer low-cost Bitcoin exposure. This launch coincides with increased crypto attention due to potential Federal Reserve rate cuts and US dollar weakness discussions. The mini trust is a spin-off of GBTC, with shares distributed to existing GBTC shareholders.

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• Jul 31, 1:01 AM Cointelegraph

  Starknet-based ZKX protocol shuts down, ZKX token crashes 95%

  Starknet-based ZKX protocol, a social derivatives trading platform, has closed operations. Founder Eduard Jubany Tur cited minimal user engagement, decreased trading volumes, and insufficient revenue as reasons for the shutdown. The protocol delisted all markets, closed positions, and returned funds to users' trading accounts. This closure comes shortly after ZKX raised $7.6 million in funding. The protocol's native ZKX token has seen a significant price drop, reflecting broader DeFi sector challenges.

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• Jul 30, 6:00 PM Cryptoslate

  Goldman Sachs CEO acknowledges Bitcoin's potential as store of value

  Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon stated Bitcoin could serve as a store of value like gold, despite viewing it as speculative. He praised blockchain technology's potential to digitize finance. Goldman Sachs plans three tokenization projects this year, showcasing its commitment to digital assets. The CEO's comments come amid debates on Bitcoin as a reserve asset, with figures like Michael Saylor and Senator Cynthia Lummis advocating for its role in addressing US national debt. Crypto has become a key political issue, with both major US parties showing increased support for the sector.

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• Jul 30, 5:09 PM The Block

  Circle's private stock valued at $5.25 billion on secondary market

  Circle's private stock is trading at $5-5.25 billion on the secondary market. The USDC issuer filed for an IPO in January, aiming to go public in 2024. Circle previously attempted to go public via SPAC at a $9 billion valuation. USDC holds 21% of the total stablecoin supply with a $33.6 billion market cap. The company allows limited trading of shares, likely by early investors and employees.

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• Jul 30, 4:08 PM Crypto Briefing

  SEC charges BitClout founder with fraud and securities violations

  The SEC has charged BitClout founder Nader Al-Naji with a fraudulent crypto scheme involving $257 million in unregistered token sales. Al-Naji allegedly misused $7 million of investor funds for personal expenses. The SEC claims he falsely portrayed BitClout as decentralized to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Al-Naji, known as "Diamondhands," faces both SEC charges and criminal charges from the US Attorney's Office. The case highlights ongoing regulatory efforts in the crypto space.

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• Jul 29, 4:57 PM Crypto Briefing

  US government transfers $2 billion in Bitcoin seized from Silk Road

  The US government moved 29,800 Bitcoin worth over $2 billion from its wallet containing seized Silk Road funds to unknown addresses. This transfer caused a 1.2% dip in Bitcoin's price, which now sits at $66,890.12. The government's wallet still holds over $12 billion in Bitcoin. This follows a recent sale of Bitcoin by German authorities that impacted the market. The reason for this latest transfer remains unclear, leaving investors uncertain about potential sales or fund reallocation.

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• Jul 29, 2:17 PM Coindesk

  Polymarket whales favor Trump as election betting surges past $400M

  Polymarket betting on the 2024 US presidential election has surpassed $400M, with whales favoring Trump despite Harris' gains. Traders are skeptical about China unbanning Bitcoin in 2024, giving it only a 13% chance. Coinbase's Q2 trading volume is expected to halve, with bettors forecasting $164.8B, down from $312B last quarter. The crypto community views Harris as potentially unfavorable for the digital asset industry, while Democrats seek ways to align with crypto.

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• Jul 29, 2:00 PM Crypto Briefing

  21Shares partners with Chainlink to boost Ethereum ETF transparency

  21Shares US LLC is integrating Chainlink's Proof of Reserve system to enhance transparency for its Core Ethereum ETF (CETH). This allows real-time tracking of ETH reserves, ensuring accurate performance tracking. The move follows 21Shares' spot Ethereum ETF launch and previous integration for their Bitcoin ETF. The partnership aims to build investor trust and bridge traditional and decentralized finance. CETH has attracted $7.5 million in net inflows since trading began last week.

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• Jul 28, 9:33 PM Cointelegraph

  Compound Finance proposals spark governance attack allegations

  Compound Finance faces community discord over recent governance proposals. The Golden Boys voting bloc passed proposal 289, requesting 499,000 COMP (about $24.1 million) for their goldCOMP treasury. Critics allege this is a governance attack, citing concerns over fund control and voting rights delegation. Proposal 290 aims to transfer the Timelock Admin as a precautionary measure. The situation highlights the challenges of decentralized governance in crypto protocols.

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• Jul 28, 2:30 PM Beincrypto

  Hong kong legislator to explore adding Bitcoin to financial reserves

  Hong Kong legislator Johnny Ng plans to explore adding Bitcoin to the city's financial reserves. This follows Trump's announcement of a US strategic Bitcoin reserve. Ng sees Bitcoin as "digital gold" and aims to discuss its feasibility with stakeholders. He also emphasized Hong Kong's need to accelerate Web3 ecosystem development and attract global talent. This aligns with Hong Kong's efforts to establish itself as a crypto hub, contrasting with China's crypto crackdown.

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• Jul 27, 4:10 PM Cointelegraph

  Cantor Fitzgerald launches $2 billion Bitcoin lending program

  Cantor Fitzgerald's CEO Howard Lutnick announced a $2 billion Bitcoin financing business at Bitcoin 2024. The program will offer leverage to Bitcoin owners, marking a significant move by a major financial services firm into the crypto lending space. This initiative could potentially signal bullish sentiment for other financial institutions and the broader crypto market.

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• Jul 27, 3:00 PM Coindesk

  Democratic lawmakers push for crypto-friendly party platform

  Over a dozen US House Democrats and congressional candidates are advocating for a pro-crypto stance within their party. They've sent a letter requesting a forward-looking approach to digital assets, supportive language in the official platform, a crypto-friendly VP candidate, and replacing SEC Chair Gary Gensler with a pro-crypto chief. Key supporters include Reps. Josh Gottheimer, Ro Khanna, Wiley Nichel, and Ritchie Torres. This move signals growing crypto support within the Democratic party.

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• Jul 26, 5:31 PM Cointelegraph

  Marathon digital adds $100 million in Bitcoin to holdings

  Marathon Digital Holdings, the world's largest Bitcoin miner, added $100 million in Bitcoin to its holdings, bringing its total to over 20,000 Bitcoin. The firm's CEO announced they will now "go full HODL" and keep Bitcoin as their strategic treasury reserve asset. This move comes as Bitcoin approaches $70,000, with analysts noting accumulation trends but cautioning about potential near-term sell pressure from Ether ETF launches.

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• Jul 26, 3:37 PM Crypto Briefing

  Michigan pension fund invests $6.6 million in Bitcoin through ARK 21Shares ETF

  The State of Michigan Retirement System has invested $6.6 million in Bitcoin via the ARK 21Shares spot BTC ETF. This investment represents 0.004% of the pension fund's $143.9 billion assets under management. The move follows similar actions by other US pension funds, including Wisconsin's $99 million Bitcoin investment through BlackRock's IBIT ETF. Jersey City is also considering Bitcoin ETF investments. Despite Michigan's official website warning about crypto risks, institutional Bitcoin exposure is likely to increase as more 13-F forms are filed with the SEC.

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