Lithuania Fines Crypto Firm $10M for Russian Sanctions Violations

The Lithuanian Financial Crime Investigation Service (FNTT) has fined the crypto firm Payeer nearly 9.3 million euros ($10 million) for international sanctions violations and anti-money laundering (AML) breaches. Specifically, Payeer was fined 8.23 million euros for facilitating transactions in Russian rubles through its platform, involving sanctioned Russian banks and clients. Additionally, a 1.06 million euro … Read more

Los Angeles Sparks Extend Partnership With Crypto.com Arena Until 2029

The Los Angeles Sparks, one of the most successful teams in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), have signed a five-year extension with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) to continue playing at Crypto.com Arena until 2029. This agreement extends a long-standing partnership between the Sparks and the downtown Los Angeles venue, where the team has played … Read more

Israel’s Digital Shekel Plans Hinge on ECB’s Digital Currency Move

The Bank of Israel (BOI) is exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC), a digital shekel, to modernize Israel’s payment system and drive innovation. However, BOI Deputy Governor Andrew Abir stated that the BOI is waiting for a major central bank, likely the European Central Bank (ECB), to introduce a digital currency before proceeding. This … Read more

Fed Chair Powell Reaffirms Stance on Custody Assets Amid SEC Crypto Rule Controversy

On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testified before the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, where Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) questioned him about the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121. This bulletin mandates that banks include digital assets held in custody on their balance sheets, significantly raising the cost of providing digital asset custody services. … Read more

Trump to Address Bitcoin 2024 Conference in Nashville

According to a report from Bitcoin Magazine, Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States and a 2024 presidential candidate, will be speaking at Bitcoin 2024 in Nashville. This announcement follows Trump’s recent support for bitcoin (BTC) and the Republican party’s inclusion of the cryptocurrency in their platform. The party has committed to safeguarding … Read more

Fed Chair Powell Reveals No Contact With Biden in 2 Years Amid Economic Challenges

Amid swirling speculation in Washington D.C. about whether President Joe Biden will seek reelection in 2024 and questions about who really governs the nation, Fed Chair Jerome Powell disclosed that he hasn’t spoken with the U.S. President for over two years. “When any President calls you, you come and you meet, but that hasn’t happened … Read more

Up Network Unveils ‘Up Mobile’: A Web3 Smartphone Built on Facebook’s Move

Up Network has unveiled ‘Up Mobile,’ a smartphone that integrates artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. The device is built on Facebook’s Move programming language and aims to enhance user security and privacy. The blockchain technology is provided by Movement Labs, and the device includes EVM and Movevm. Co-Founder Roy Liu, known for integrating TRON into … Read more

Standard Chartered’s Zodia Markets in Talks to Acquire Alan Howard-Backed Crypto Firm

Standard Chartered’s crypto subsidiary, Zodia Markets, is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Elwood Capital Management, a digital-asset business backed by billionaire hedge fund manager Alan Howard. The acquisition, expected to be completed this month, will provide Zodia Markets with licenses as a virtual asset service provider and investment business in Jersey. This move aligns … Read more

Soccer Stars Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho Promote Water Meme Coin

Lionel Messi, the Argentine soccer player who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, and Ronaldinho, the former Brazilian soccer star, have promoted WATER, a Solana-based meme coin, to their almost 600 million followers on Instagram. The project, advertised as a “charity token,” argues its objective is “to use the power of meme community to … Read more

Judge Denies Bail for Bitcoin Rodney, Citing Flight Risk and Fraud Severity

Rodney Burton, known as “Bitcoin Rodney,” will remain in detention awaiting trial on charges of masterminding a multi-billion-dollar cryptocurrency fraud. Arrested in January at Miami International Airport, Burton faces accusations of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business and the actual operation of such a business. U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett denied Burton’s bail request … Read more