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Crypto Headlines of the Week: ECB Slams Bitcoin, Nigeria Blocks Exchanges

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The European Central Bank (ECB) has once again lashed out at Bitcoin, claiming that the recent approval of spot BTC ETFs changes nothing.

The central bank’s officials said Bitcoin’s fair value is zero, and the latest boom will spark massive collateral damage.

They claimed Bitcoin falls short in generating cash flow or other value-based returns, making it a poor investment.

While the ECB’s skepticism towards Bitcoin is not new, Nigeria is also growing skeptical of digital assets and crypto exchanges.

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In an effort to crack down on currency speculation while the naira tumbles to record lows, Nigeria has ordered telecom companies to restrict consumer access to the websites of companies like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.

Here are this week’s important crypto stories:

ECB Slams Bitcoin Again
The European Central Bank (ECB) has reiterated its position on Bitcoin, stating that the approval of spot ETFs for the cryptocurrency does not change its unsuitability as a means of payment or investment.

“We disagree with both claims and reiterate that the fair value of Bitcoin is still zero,” the central bank wrote.

ETF approval for Bitcoin – the naked emperor’s new clothes (ECB Blog)

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Kraken Files to Dismiss SEC Lawsuit
Crypto exchange Kraken has filed a motion to dismiss a November lawsuit from the Securities and Exchange Commission that accuses the firm of failing to register with the agency and commingling customer funds. The exchange contended that the SEC’s enforcement action came as retaliation for political speech.

Kraken moves to dismiss SEC lawsuit, citing retaliation from ‘a politically compromised agency’ (Fortune)

Nigeria Blocks Major Crypto Exchanges
Authorities in Nigeria have blocked access to some of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges as the government tries to crack down on currency speculation while the naira tumbles to record lows.

On Wednesday, the country’s telecom regulator ordered telecom companies to restrict consumer access to the websites of companies like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.

Nigeria blocks access to crypto exchanges in an effort to curb currency slide (The Financial Times)

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FTX Cleared to Sell Stake in AI Startup
A US judge has ruled that bankrupt crypto exchange FTX may sell its shares in artificial intelligence startup Anthropic.

US Bankruptcy Judge John Dorsey in Wilmington, Delaware, approved FTX’s proposal to sell the shares after FTX reached a compromise in court with a group of FTX customers that had opposed the sale.

Crypto exchange FTX to sell shares in AI startup Anthropic (Reuters)

Jack Dorsey’s Block Gains Big From Bitcoin Bet
Fintech company Block has reported a remeasurement gain of $207 million on its Bitcoin holdings. As of December 31, 2023, Block held approximately 8,038 BTC for investment purposes with a fair value of $340 million.

The Jack Dorsey-owned company made $66 million in gross profit on bitcoin sales last quarter through Cash App, a banking services platform, representing a 90% increase year over year.

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Jack Dorsey’s Block Is Sitting on $207M Gain on Its Bitcoin Bet (CoinDesk)

Reddit Now Holds Bitcoin
Social media platform Reddit has revealed investments in Bitcoin and Ethereum using some of its excess cash reserves. This was included in the SEC filings as part of its preparations for the company’s initial public offering (IPO).

Still, the exact amount invested in these leading cryptocurrencies remains undisclosed.

Reddit says it invested ‘excess cash reserves’ in Bitcoin, ether (Blockworks)

Crypto Super PAC Continues to Raise Funds
Crypto-friendly super PAC Fairshake received $6.8 million in funding last month, including $4.9 million from Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. Fairshake has quickly become one of the most popular super PACs for crypto-friendly donors this election cycle.

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Crypto Super PAC Fairshake Raised $6.8 Million From Winklevoss Twins and VCs in January (Decrypt)

Major ETF Issuers Talk About Crypto in Miami Conference
The discussion on the spot Bitcoin ETFs was the most well-attended panel of the entire Exchange ETF Conference in Miami Beach, Florida, so much so that the staff ran out of the headphones attendees were provided with to listen to the speakers.

Crypto no longer outsider at famed Miami Beach ETF conference (Fox Business)

Retail Investors Were Behind Recent Crypto Rally
Retail investors were likely responsible for the strong crypto market rally in February, JPMorgan said in a recent research report.

The bank said that the anticipation of “the bitcoin halving event, the next major upgrade of the Ethereum network, and the prospect of approval of spot ether ETFs by the SEC in May” attracted retail participation.

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JPMorgan Sees Retail Traders Jump Back Into Crypto Markets in February (Bloomberg)

South Korean Province Collects $4.6M in Crypto Tax
South Korea’s most populated province, Gyeonggi, has collected $4.6 million from crypto tax evaders. Using a new system, the province found 5,910 people who owed more than $2262 each. The $4.6 million collected so far has been from only 2,390 people last year.

South Korean province implements digital system to track tax evaders’ crypto (Cointelegraph)

The Bottom Line
The ECB has reiterated its critical stance on Bitcoin, despite the recent approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, maintaining that Bitcoin’s intrinsic value remains at zero. Meanwhile, Nigeria is taking steps to limit cryptocurrency engagement amid concerns over financial stability.

Source: Techopedia

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Glidelogic Corp. Announces Revolutionary AI-Generated Content Copyright Protection Solution

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Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them

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The financial landscape is rapidly evolving, with the integration of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies becoming more prominent. Among these, Ethereum ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) have emerged as a significant investment vehicle, offering exposure to the Ethereum blockchain’s native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), without requiring direct ownership. However, it’s crucial to understand that Ethereum ETFs are distinct from the blockchain itself and serve different purposes in the investment world.

Understanding Ethereum and ETFs

Ethereum: A decentralized platform that enables the creation and execution of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It operates using its cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), which fuels the network.

ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): A type of investment fund that holds a collection of assets and is traded on stock exchanges. ETFs can include various asset classes, such as stocks, commodities, or bonds.

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Ethereum ETFs: The Intersection of Traditional Finance and Cryptocurrency

An Ethereum ETF provides a way for investors to gain exposure to the price movements of Ether without directly purchasing the cryptocurrency. This is achieved through an ETF structure, where the fund holds assets linked to the value of Ether, and investors can buy shares of the ETF on traditional stock exchanges.

Key Features of Ethereum ETFs:

  1. Indirect Exposure: Investors gain exposure to Ether’s price changes without needing to manage or store the cryptocurrency themselves.
  2. Regulatory Compliance: Unlike the relatively unregulated cryptocurrency market, ETFs operate under the oversight of financial regulators, offering a layer of investor protection.
  3. Accessibility: Ethereum ETFs are available through traditional brokerage platforms, making them accessible to a broader range of investors.

Why Invest in an Ethereum ETF?

  1. Diversification: Including an Ethereum ETF in a portfolio can provide exposure to the cryptocurrency market, potentially enhancing diversification beyond traditional assets.
  2. Convenience and Familiarity: ETFs are a familiar investment product, simplifying the process of investing in cryptocurrencies.
  3. Professional Management: ETF managers handle the investment decisions, including the buying and selling of assets, which can be advantageous for those less familiar with the cryptocurrency space.
  4. Regulatory Oversight: ETFs are subject to regulatory scrutiny, potentially offering more safety and transparency compared to direct cryptocurrency investments.
  5. Potential for Growth: As the cryptocurrency market grows, ETFs linked to assets like Ether may benefit from rising prices.

Key Differences Between Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs

While both are related to the Ethereum blockchain, Ethereum itself and Ethereum ETFs represent different forms of investment:

  • Ethereum (ETH):
    • Direct ownership of the cryptocurrency.
    • Full exposure to Ethereum’s features, including staking and network participation.
    • Traded on cryptocurrency exchanges.
    • Highly volatile and largely unregulated.
  • Ethereum ETF:
    • Indirect exposure through shares representing Ether’s value.
    • Traded on traditional stock exchanges under regulatory oversight.
    • Offers a more stable and familiar investment structure.
    • Typically lower volatility compared to direct cryptocurrency ownership.

Future Considerations for Ethereum ETFs

The approval and launch of Ethereum ETFs mark a significant milestone in bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream finance. They offer a convenient and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to the growing digital assets market. However, they also come with limitations, such as not allowing direct participation in the Ethereum ecosystem’s innovations, like dApps and smart contracts.

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As the market evolves, we may see more sophisticated financial products that better capture the full potential of the Ethereum ecosystem. For now, Ethereum ETFs provide a balanced option for those interested in cryptocurrency exposure within the framework of traditional finance.

In conclusion, while Ethereum ETFs offer a gateway into the world of digital assets, they should be viewed as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, direct investment in the underlying blockchain technologies. Investors should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and the unique attributes of both Ethereum and Ethereum ETFs when making investment decisions.

Source: blockchainmagazine.net

The post Ethereum ETFs Aren’t Blockchain But Is A Revolutionary Tech: Top 6 Amazing Reasons To Invest In Them appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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Nexo Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection with SOC 3 and SOC 2 Compliance

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Nexo, a leading institution in the digital assets industry, has reinforced its commitment to data security by renewing its SOC 2 Type 2 audit and attaining a new SOC 3 Type 2 assessment without any exceptions. This rigorous audit process, conducted by A-LIGN, a respected independent auditor specializing in security compliance, confirms Nexo’s adherence to stringent Trust Service Criteria for Security and Confidentiality.

Key Achievements and Certifications

  1. SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliance:
    • SOC 2 Type 2: This audit evaluates and reports on the effectiveness of an organization’s controls over data security, particularly focusing on the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems and data.
    • SOC 3 Type 2: This public-facing report provides a summary of SOC 2 findings, offering assurance to customers and stakeholders about the robustness of Nexo’s data security practices.
  2. Additional Trust Service Criteria:
    • Nexo expanded the scope of these audits to include Confidentiality, showcasing a deep commitment to protecting user data.
  3. Security Certifications:
    • The company also adheres to the CCSS Level 3 Cryptocurrency Security Standard, and holds ISO 27001, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 certifications, awarded by RINA. These certifications are benchmarks for security management and data privacy.
  4. CSA STAR Level 1 Certification:
    • This certification demonstrates Nexo’s adherence to best practices in cloud security, further solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the digital assets sector.

Impact on Customers and Industry Standards

Nexo’s rigorous approach to data protection and compliance sets a high standard in the digital assets industry. By achieving these certifications, Nexo provides its over 7 million users across more than 200 jurisdictions with confidence in the security of their data. These achievements not only emphasize the company’s dedication to maintaining top-tier security standards but also highlight its proactive stance in fostering trust and transparency in digital asset management.

Nexo’s Broader Mission

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As a premier institution for digital assets, Nexo offers a comprehensive suite of services, including advanced trading solutions, liquidity aggregation, and tax-efficient credit lines backed by digital assets. Since its inception, the company has processed over $130 billion, showcasing its significant impact and reliability in the global market.

In summary, Nexo’s successful completion of SOC 2 and SOC 3 audits, along with its comprehensive suite of certifications, underscores its commitment to the highest standards of data security and operational integrity. This dedication positions Nexo as a leader in the digital assets space, offering unparalleled security and peace of mind to its users.

Source: blockchainreporter.net

The post Nexo Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection with SOC 3 and SOC 2 Compliance appeared first on HIPTHER Alerts.

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