Quantum Computing Poses Critical Threats to Blockchain Security, Warns Expert

Professor Massimiliano Sala, a professor of Mathematics at the University of Trento, warns that quantum computing poses significant threats to blockchain security. He highlights that quantum computers could solve problems foundational to digital signatures, compromising user assets on blockchain platforms. To mitigate these risks, Sala emphasizes the need to transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. He … Read more

Crypto Startup Funding Hits $2.4 Billion in Q1

Crypto startup funding rose to $2.4 billion in the first quarter of 2024, driven by expectations of lower interest rates and the launch of the first U.S. bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), according to Pitchbook data. This funding, spread across 518 deals, marked a 40.3% increase from the previous quarter, even as global venture capital … Read more

Grayscale Leadership Change: Sonnenshein Steps Down — Goldman Sachs’ Peter Mintzberg Appointed New CEO

Crypto asset manager Grayscale Investments has appointed Peter Mintzberg as CEO, effective August 15, 2024. Mintzberg, currently Global Head of Strategy for Asset and Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs, will also join Grayscale’s Board of Directors. He succeeds Michael Sonnenshein, who steps down to pursue other interests. CFO Edward McGee will serve as interim principal … Read more

Coinbase Highlights Key US Regulatory Developments Driving Crypto Prices

The latest Coinbase Weekly Market Commentary, dated May 17, highlights the crucial influence of regulatory developments on U.S. cryptocurrency markets. Coinbase stated: “Macro continues to be a key driver for crypto performance, though we think upcoming major catalysts may be regulatory driven.” Upcoming regulatory events include the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s decisions on spot … Read more

Novogratz Predicts Bitcoin Trading Between $55K-$75K This Quarter

Bitcoin is expected to trade within a narrow range this quarter, according to Michael Novogratz, founder of Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. “Bitcoin, ethereum and everything else, solana will consolidate,” he said last week, adding that it means BTC will probably trade “somewhere between $55,000 and $75,000 until the next set of circumstances, the next set … Read more

UK Shuts Down Crypto Advisory Firm for Misleading Investors and Poor Financial Records

The UK government announced this week that the Insolvency Service has secured a winding-up order against cryptocurrency advisory firm Amey Finance Academy Ltd at the High Court. The company, created by Desmond Amey in 2018, claimed to offer investment advice and financial education. However, complaints emerged that consumers lost money, and the Financial Conduct Authority … Read more

World Bank to Issue CHF Digital Bond Settled Using Swiss Franc Central Bank Digital Currency

The World Bank has announced that it will issue its first CHF digital bond on June 11. This 7-year, CHF 200 million ($219 million) bond is the largest CHF issuance by the World Bank since 2009. It utilizes distributed ledger technology and settles using Swiss Franc wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) from the Swiss … Read more

US Authorities Arrest Chinese Nationals Allegedly Behind Crypto Scam Network

An indictment unsealed in the Central District of California charges two Chinese nationals, Daren Li and Yicheng Zhang, with leading a scheme to launder at least $73 million tied to an international crypto investment scam, often known as “pig butchering.” Li and Zhang allegedly managed a global network that laundered proceeds from fraudulent crypto investments, … Read more

Blackrock Bitcoin ETF Attracts 414 Institutional Holders — Analyst Says IBIT ‘Blows Away Record’

Blackrock’s spot bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Ishares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), has amassed 414 insitutional holders in less than three months, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A senior Bloomberg analyst described this achievement as “mind-boggling” and “highly rare” for new ETFs. Other recently launched ETFs have significantly fewer institutional … Read more

Court Approves Crypto Lender Genesis’ $3 Billion Payout to Customers

Crypto lender Genesis Global obtained court approval Friday to return approximately $3 billion to its customers as part of its bankruptcy liquidation. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane approved Genesis’ Chapter 11 plan, overruling an objection from its equity owner, Digital Currency Group (DCG), which argued that repayments should be based on January 2023 cryptocurrency values. … Read more