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• Sep 26, 2:04 PM Beincrypto

  Eigenlayer and restaking protocols gain prominence in defi space

  Restaking protocols like EigenLayer are gaining traction in the DeFi space, offering higher yields but introducing potential systemic risks. LRTs saw a 4,900% growth in TVL, surpassing $15 billion in 2024. While restaking maximizes returns, it also increases complexity and vulnerability. Experts warn of smart contract risks, liquidity challenges, and regulatory uncertainties. EigenLayer's dominance raises concerns about Ethereum's security. The long-term effects of yield optimization strategies remain uncertain, with potential for unforeseen issues in volatile markets.

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• Sep 25, 7:42 PM Crypto Briefing

  PayPal enables US business accounts to buy, hold, and sell crypto

  PayPal now allows US merchants to buy, hold, and sell crypto directly from business accounts. This expansion covers about 36 million merchant accounts as of 2023. The move includes on-chain sending and receiving of tokens to third-party wallets. PayPal aims to increase crypto utility and accessibility for merchants, building on its crypto features introduced in 2020. The company launched PayPal USD (PYUSD) stablecoin in 2023, recently expanding to Solana blockchain and integrating with Xoom for fee-free international transfers.

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• Sep 25, 12:30 PM The Block

  Binance introduces pre-market spot trading with actual tokens

  Binance launched a pre-market spot trading service, allowing users to trade actual tokens before official launches. This distinguishes Binance from competitors like Bybit and Coinbase International, which use derivatives or futures contracts for pre-market trading. The service combines Binance Spot and Launchpool, with selected Launchpool tokens available for immediate trading. Pre-market trading is subject to restrictions and unavailable in certain regions, including the US and Canada.

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• Sep 25, 12:30 PM Cointelegraph

  SEC delays decision on Ethereum ETF options until November

  The SEC has postponed its decision on Ethereum ETF options to November, mirroring its cautious approach with Bitcoin ETFs. Polymarket betting odds show 85% expect Ethereum won't reach a new all-time high by 2025. ETH price has consolidated between $2,600 and $2,700, with potential profit-taking expected. The largest altcoin has a $316 billion market cap and $15.7 billion in 24-hour trading volume.

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• Sep 25, 12:00 PM Blockworks

  Visa creates platform to help banks test tokenized assets and smart contracts

  Visa launched a new platform to assist banks in issuing and testing fiat-backed tokens. The Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP) sandbox allows financial institutions to explore tokenization use cases, including real-time money movement, inter-bank transfers, and interaction with tokenized real-world assets. BBVA is already testing the platform, aiming for an Ethereum-based pilot in 2025. Visa aims to establish global standards for tokenization and smart contracts to enhance interoperability between institutions in the growing on-chain capital markets.

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• Sep 24, 10:28 PM Bitcoin Sistemi

  Sky halts plan to phase out WBTC as collateral after BitGo CEO meeting

  Sky, formerly MakerDAO, is reconsidering its plan to phase out Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) as collateral after a meeting with BitGo CEO Mike Belshe. Concerns over WBTC custody were addressed, with Belshe explaining that Justin Sun wouldn't have unilateral control. BA Labs, Sky's advisor, now feels more comfortable with WBTC operations and key management. The decision comes amid growing competition in the Wrapped Bitcoin market, with alternatives like dlcBTC, tBTC, and Coinbase's cbBTC gaining traction.

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• Sep 24, 2:00 PM Blockworks

  D8X launches leveraged Polymarket prediction markets for US election and more

  D8X, an onchain perpetual futures platform, launched five leveraged orderbook markets based on Polymarket data. The markets include predictions on the US election, DNC VP nominee, Super Bowl winner, and highest grossing movie of 2024. D8X aims to build "incorruptible financial machines" that can be used by anyone, including traditional financial institutions. The goal is to expand the underlying social dynamics of prediction markets and offer a decentralized white-label solution. Several other crypto protocols have also recently launched or plan to launch leveraged prediction markets.

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• Sep 24, 1:30 AM TechCrunch

  OpenAI's newsroom account hacked to promote fake crypto token

  OpenAI's press account on X was compromised by crypto scammers promoting a fake $OPENAI token. The hackers posted about a non-existent blockchain token, linking to a phishing site mimicking OpenAI's official website. This incident follows similar hacks of OpenAI executives' accounts in recent months. Crypto scams on high-profile X accounts have been increasing, with Americans losing $5.6 billion to such schemes in 2023, a 45% rise from 2022.

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• Sep 23, 2:18 PM Cointelegraph

  Chinese mining pools still control 55% of Bitcoin hashrate despite ban

  Chinese Bitcoin mining pools operate 55% of the network, while US pools manage 40%, despite China's 2021 crypto ban. US pools cater to institutional miners, while Chinese pools support smaller Asian miners. China plans to amend AML regulations in 2025 to cover crypto transactions. Bitcoin miner revenue hit an 11-month low in August at $827.56 million, down 10.5% from July. The network mined 13,843 BTC in August, slightly less than July's 14,725 BTC.

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• Sep 23, 2:05 PM Coindesk

  Caroline Ellison likely to avoid prison time according to polymarket traders

  Polymarket traders bet Caroline Ellison won't serve prison time, giving a 46% chance of release. Qualcomm's potential Intel takeover faces skepticism, with only a 13% chance of success by October 31. At Token2049, dYdX and Wintermute announced plans to enter the prediction market space, with dYdX launching perpetual futures and Wintermute introducing OutcomeMarket for US election tokens.

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• Sep 23, 1:06 PM Cointelegraph

  BlackRock demands 12-hour Bitcoin withdrawals from Coinbase for ETF

  BlackRock filed an amendment for its Bitcoin ETF, requiring Coinbase to process withdrawals within 12 hours. This follows investor concerns about Coinbase's onchain settlement practices for ETFs. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong clarified that all ETF transactions are settled onchain. The amendment aims to address transparency issues in Bitcoin ETF custody. Despite ETF inflows, Bitcoin prices have stagnated, prompting speculation about market dynamics. BlackRock's IBIT remains the largest Bitcoin ETF with over $22.5 billion in holdings.

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• Sep 22, 4:30 PM Beincrypto

  Tether USDT nears $120 billion market cap

  Tether's USDT stablecoin is nearing a $120 billion market cap, reinforcing its dominance in the crypto market. USDT has minted $35 billion in the past year, dwarfing competitors like USDC. Tether holds over $97 billion in US Treasuries, ranking 18th globally. With 350 million users worldwide, USDT sees widespread adoption in emerging markets for savings and transactions. Despite criticism over its business model and reserves, Tether continues to expand into new sectors and invest in AI and Bitcoin mining.

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• Sep 20, 3:30 PM BNB Chain

  BNB Chain integrates with Telegram to boost web3 accessibility

  BNB Chain's integration with Telegram aims to onboard the next billion users into web3. The partnership introduces Telegram Mini Apps, allowing seamless BNB management through bot wallets like CodexField and UXUY. Developers can leverage Privy's SDK for easy Telegram login integration, streamlining user onboarding. The move simplifies crypto interactions within a familiar platform, potentially accelerating web3 adoption by lowering entry barriers for new users.

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• Sep 20, 2:00 PM Cryptoslate

  Cardano founder warns Trump's DeFi venture may trigger political backlash

  Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Cardano and Ethereum, expressed concerns about Trump and Harris' crypto policies. He views Trump as more pro-crypto but warns his DeFi platform could politicize the industry. Hoskinson stressed the need for regulatory clarity in the US crypto sector, noting global adoption will continue regardless. He estimates embracing decentralized tech could add $5-10 trillion to the US economy over a decade. Hoskinson highlighted progressive crypto regulations in Singapore, the Middle East, and Europe as examples for the US.

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• Sep 20, 2:00 PM Cointelegraph

  Crypto adoption hindered by technical complexity and lack of understanding

  Surveys show that 30-43% of respondents avoid crypto due to lack of understanding. Complex terminology, hardware issues, and storage concerns create barriers to entry. Industry experts emphasize the need for simplified education and user-friendly platforms to boost adoption. The launch of Bitcoin ETFs has increased crypto use, offering easier access for investors. Regulatory clarity is also crucial for wider acceptance. Experts suggest focusing on engaging, interactive learning experiences to make crypto more accessible to the general public.

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