NewsRoom Articles - Page 11 of 174

ThursdayFeb 13, 2025 10:00 am

BTC Demand Soars in Japan on Trump’s Crypto-Friendly Stance

The impact of President Donald Trump’s pro-cryptocurrency stance has triggered a surge in Bitcoin interest in Japan, leading one hotel operator to shift gears and reap substantial gains. Metaplanet Inc. has seen its stock skyrocket nearly 4,800% over the past year, making it the top-performing stock in Japan and one of the highest-gaining equities worldwide, according to Bloomberg data. The firm is among several companies attempting to follow in the footsteps of Michael Saylor’s firm, previously known as MicroStrategy Inc. Based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, the company has become a major Bitcoin investment vehicle, holding over $45 billion worth of…

TuesdayFeb 11, 2025 10:00 am

Why Trump-Linked WLF is Amassing Crypto

World Liberty Financial (WLF) has been making waves with its recent aggressive investments in cryptocurrency. In December, the company acquired over 4,000 AAVE tokens. Then, on Jan. 20, it made another major move, purchasing over $90 million worth of wrapped Ether and Bitcoin. Just last Thursday, the company spent upwards of $400,000 on digital assets issued by Ondo, a leading provider of U.S. tokenized Treasury bonds. Chase Herro, a co-founder of WLF, stressed that the investments were more than just speculative wagers during a Manhattan conference organized by Ondo. Herro also announced plans for a strategic reserve. “We’ve pooled a…

FridayFeb 07, 2025 10:00 am

MAGA Supporters Grumble Against Trump’s Meme Coin

Just days before he was set to take office as the next U.S. president, Donald Trump made a surprising announcement: he was launching a meme coin named after himself. His wife, Melania Trump, soon followed suit with her version. The move caught many in the cryptocurrency industry off guard, leading to immediate criticism. Ethics specialists also raised concerns about the implications of such a venture. While Trump’s core supporters did not react with the same level of outcry, there was still notable discontent. Some within the MAGA movement, particularly those who are also involved in the crypto space, felt uneasy…

ThursdayFeb 06, 2025 10:00 am

Kraken Obtains European MiFID License to Deal in Crypto Derivatives

Kraken has expanded its market share in Europe by obtaining a license under the EU’s MiFID. The announcement, made via the company’s blog on February 3, follows Kraken’s recent acquisition of a Cyprus-based investment firm that had secured authorization from the Cyprus SEC. The regulatory approval enables the exchange to offer fully compliant crypto derivatives to experienced investors in select European regions. Kraken’s Pro and Exchange division’s co-general manager, Shannon Kurtas, highlighted the exchange’s commitment to growing its services internationally, with Europe continuing to be a key focus. She underlined Kraken’s dedication to establishing a safe and regulated trading environment…

TuesdayFeb 04, 2025 10:00 am

French Investigators Start Probing Binance for Alleged Fraud

French officials have started a formal judicial investigation into Binance over tax fraud, money laundering, and other financial offenses allegations. The Paris prosecutor’s office, specifically its financial and economic crimes division (JUNALCO), revealed that the inquiry includes suspected money laundering linked to drug trafficking. The investigators are scrutinizing transactions and operations between 2019 and 2024 not only in France but across the European Union. Responding to the probe, a Binance spokesperson issued a statement via email rejecting all claims and emphasizing that the case dates back several years. This investigation comes in the wake of significant legal troubles for Binance…

FridayJan 31, 2025 10:00 am

SEC Revokes Divisive Rule That Kept Major Banks Away from Crypto

After persistent efforts by the cryptocurrency sector, the SEC has officially revoked an accounting directive that had previously required banks to show digital assets as liabilities on their financial statements. The directive had been a significant obstacle for major Wall Street financial institutions considering crypto investments. The repeal aligns with a series of policy changes introduced under the Trump administration, aimed at making it easier for financial companies in the U.S. to engage with decentralized digital currencies. The directive—SAB 121—was established in 2022 and placed stringent capital requirements on crypto assets. These regulations heightened both financial and compliance burdens associated…

ThursdayJan 30, 2025 10:00 am

Why the SEC’s Partial Win Against Kraken is Causing a Stir in the Crypto Industry

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has won a partial victory in its lawsuit against Kraken. While California federal judge William Orrick dismissed some of Kraken’s primary arguments, the ruling has sparked discussions about its potential impact on other crypto exchanges facing similar legal scrutiny. One of Kraken’s central arguments relied on the “key questions doctrine,” which holds that federal agencies like the SEC shouldn’t assume authority over significant matters unless specifically authorized by Congress. Kraken argued that the SEC lacked the legal grounds to regulate the cryptocurrency market in the way it had. However, the judge rejected this…

TuesdayJan 28, 2025 10:00 am

Morgan Stanley Pledges to Work with Regulators on Safe Cryptocurrency Solutions

Ted Pick, the CEO of Morgan Stanley, said on Thursday during the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, that the bank is gearing up to work with U.S. regulators to investigate prospects in the crypto space. Addressing the challenges faced by traditional financial institutions in the rapidly evolving crypto space, Pick remarked, “For us, the question is whether a financial institution with as much regulation as ours can effectively operate in this area.” Pick stressed the significance of following regulations as the bank evaluates its strategy for the nascent cryptocurrency sector. Pick elaborated on Morgan Stanley’s strategy, emphasizing the…

FridayJan 24, 2025 10:00 am

Trump Intends to Use First Days in Office to Issue Pro-Crypto Orders

President Donald Trump plans to leverage his executive authority to ease the regulatory challenges faced by crypto businesses and encourage wider adoption of digital assets during his first days of administration, according to three sources familiar with the matter. Trump, who garnered support from cryptocurrency enthusiasts during his campaign by pledging to be a “crypto-friendly president,” is anticipated to sign an executive order to establish a cryptocurrency advisory council, according to two of the three sources, who requested anonymity. Last Thursday, Bloomberg News reported that Trump intends to create a cryptocurrency council through an executive order. The council, which could…

ThursdayJan 23, 2025 10:00 am

Experts Concerned About Conflicts of Interest as Melania Trump Unveils Meme Coin

Melania Trump has launched her own meme coin, mirroring her husband Donald Trump’s actions. This move has sparked discussions about potential conflicts of interest, especially as the incoming administration prepares to relax regulations surrounding digital assets. Trump’s decision to unveil a digital token, $Trump, just before his inauguration raised concerns among ethics experts. The value of $Trump skyrocketed, tripling to over $70 shortly after its launch, giving it a market capitalization of more than $14 billion. However, Melania’s competing token, $Melania, soon diverted some investor attention, affecting $Trump’s gains. Cryptos have rallied since Trump’s election win, reflecting his pro-deregulation stance.…