Bitcoin News and Finance: What You Need to Know

On Monday, the blockchain intelligence firm Elliptic announced the company has raised $60 million in a Series C financing round. Elliptic plans to leverage the capital to expand the team and “accelerate” blockchain research and development (R&D). Elliptic Raises $60 Million to Bolster Expansion There’s been a number of capital investments and finance injections directed at companies within the crypto ecosystem. On October 11, the blockchain surveillance company Elliptic revealed the firm has raised $60 million from strategic investors. Elliptic highlights that Evolution Equity Partners, led the funding alongside a “new investment from Softbank Vision Fund 2.” Softbank Vision Fund 2 is basically owned by Softbank Group Corp., the Japanese multinational conglomerate holding company headquartered in Minato, Tokyo. Elliptic also notes that Albion VC, Digital Currency Group, Wells Fargo Strategic Capital, SBI Group, Octopus Ventures, Signalfire, and Paladin Capital Group added to th...

During the first week of September, the Wormhole Network’s ethereum solana bridge was introduced to the Solana community and the following week, developers released a bi-directional connection for blockchain non-fungible token (NFT) collectibles. On Monday, the Wormhole dev team revealed it has added Binance Smart Chain support to the token and NFT bridge platform. Wormhole Now Connects Solana to Binance Smart Chain The crypto asset solana (SOL) has propelled its way to the top seventh position, in terms of market valuation, among 10,000+ digital assets in existence. Now, year-to-date, SOL has gained 5,987% but during the last 30 days, SOL is down close to 18% on October 11. Much like Ethereum, Solana’s protocol is used for decentralized finance (defi) and there’s a myriad of defi platforms built specifically for the Solana network. 1/ We're excited to announce support for @BinanceChain on the Wormhole network! Starting today, users will be able to seamlessly bridge both to...

The CEO of global investment bank JPMorgan, Jamie Dimon, says bitcoin is “worthless,” questioning whether the supply of bitcoin is actually limited. He also noted that blockchain and stablecoins can be real, emphasizing that governments are going to regulate the industry. Bitcoin Is Worthless and Supply May Not Be Capped, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Suggested JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon reiterated his anti-bitcoin stance Monday at the 2021 Institute of International Finance (IIF) Annual Membership Meeting, which was held virtually. “Blockchain can be real, stablecoins can be real,” Dimon said . “No matter what anyone in the room thinks, nor what any libertarian thinks, nor what anyone thinks about it, government’s going to regulate it.” He opined: I personally think that bitcoin is worthless. But, “I don’t want to be a spokesperson. I don’t care. It makes no difference to me,” he added. Nonetheless, the JPMorgan boss emphasized: “Our clients are adults. They disagree. That’s what ma...

The Bank of England says that crypto assets pose “limited” direct risks to the stability of the country’s financial system. “Cryptoasset and associated markets and services continue to grow and to develop rapidly. Such assets are becoming increasingly integrated into the financial system,” the U.K.’s central bank described. Crypto Poses Limited Risks to UK’s Financial Stability The Bank of England’s Financial Policy Committee (FPC) published the October edition of the “Financial Stability in Focus” report Friday. The Financial Policy Committee has 13 members, six of whom are Bank of England staff, including the governor and four deputy governors. The FPC “identifies, monitors and takes action to remove or reduce systemic risks with a view to protecting and enhancing the resilience of the U.K. financial system,” the central bank described. The committee wrote: Cryptoasset and associated markets and services continue to grow and to develop rapidly. Such assets are becoming increas...

On Monday, FTX US announced the launch of its marketplace for non-fungible token (NFT) assets. FTX explained that the marketplace will feature Solana-based NFTs but support for Ethereum-based NFTs is coming in the near future. FTX US Reveals New Solana NFT Market, Plans to Support Ethereum in the Near Future West Realm Shires Services Inc., the parent company of FTX US , revealed on Monday that the U.S.-based regulated cryptocurrency exchange has launched the FTX NFTs Marketplace . The market will give FTX US users the ability to mint NFTs, as well as transfer the digital collectibles. The announcement published on October 11, indicates that the market will initially host Solana (SOL) minted non-fungible token (NFT) assets. “In the near future,” FTX NFTs plans to implement Ethereum support as well. Brett Harrison, the president of FTX US explained during the announcement that the company has already become “immersed in the NFT ecosystem.” “In learning about so many of these project...

Flurry Finance is announcing an exciting development in the world of DeFi, as the successful launch of the rhoToken marks a next level evolution in yield aggregation! Users are now able to freely earn, trade, and spend deposit tokens while farming without restrictions or lockup periods. The future of yield farming has arrived! The Debut of the rhoToken rhoTokens are pegged to stablecoins on a 1:1 basis and support 3 kinds of stablecoin deposits. Users can now use the Flurry Finance DApp to convert USDT , USDC , and BUSD stablecoins into the corresponding rhoTokens of rhoUSDT , rhoUSDC , and rhoBUSD in order to earn passive income through the Flurry Protocol’s yield aggregator without the usual hassle, complications, and high gas fees associated with lending tokens to different DeFi lending protocols and exchanges directly. To fully explain this momentous occasion, it’s important to know how the rhoToken differs from other yield farming deposit tokens. At its most basic for...

Bitfury, the leading non-Chinese bitcoin mining hardware manufacturer, is reportedly planning to go public in the next 12 months. This would constitute one of the largest listings of a European-based cryptocurrency mining hardware company to date. The company had a valuation of $1 billion dollars after its latest funding round, and is backed by companies like Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy Digital. Bitfury Going Public in European Markets Bitfury, one of the most important cryptocurrency mining hardware manufacturers in Europe, is reportedly planning to go public in European markets. The company, which specializes in providing hardware for mining bitcoin and services associated with this hardware, supposedly contacted Deloitte, one of the big four accounting firms, to assess its readiness for the process of issuing stock in a regulated market, according to an article published by the Telegraph. The company wants to capitalize on the cryptocurrency bull market to see better performance wi...

A U.S. government employee has been arrested on espionage-related charges after he attempted to sell restricted data on the design of nuclear-powered warships to a foreign government. The federal employee asked to be paid in monero cryptocurrency. “I am very aware of the risks of blockchain analysis of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and believe monero gives both of us excellent deniability,” he told an undercover FBI agent. Nuclear Engineer Sells Restricted Data for Monero The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Sunday that an employee of the Department of the Navy, who sold restrictive data for cryptocurrency, has been arrested on espionage-related charges. Jonathan Toebbe, who served as a nuclear engineer, was assigned to the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, also known as Naval Reactors. He held an active national security clearance through the U.S. Department of Defense, giving him access to restricted information. He and his spouse, Diana Toebbe, “sold information...

The price of bitcoin continues to climb higher as the crypto asset has captured over 19% in gains during the last seven days. Bitcoin tapped a daily high on Monday reaching $57,678 per unit, jumping 4.4% in the last 24 hours. Bitcoin Outperforms the Pack as Speculators Assume ETF Approval Is Coming It seems crypto investors are more attracted to bitcoin ( BTC ) in recent times as the crypto asset has been outperforming most of the top digital currencies in the last few days. On Monday, BTC has jumped 4.4% in value and BTC is the 14th-biggest seven-day gainer out of 10,000+ crypto-assets in existence. Much of the price increase has been attributed to the possibility that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will approve a bitcoin exchange-traded fund by the month’s end. While many investors see a bitcoin ETF approval as being positive, others have shared contrasting opinions about the subject in recent times. Bitcoin ( BTC ) has gained 19.3% during the last week an...

On October 6, Pantera Capital published an investor’s note written by Dan Morehead, the company’s CEO. Unlike the myriad of crypto investors who believe that a bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) will send the crypto asset’s value to the moon, Morehead explains it could be a negative event and when it officially launches he said he “might want to take some chips off the table.” Bitcoin Price Bolstered by ETF Speculation, Dan Morehead Discusses a Bitcoin ETF Approval and Possible Negative Effects The price of bitcoin (BTC) is riding much higher than last month as the crypto asset tapped a high on Monday morning (EST) reaching $57,093 per unit. Four days ago, Bitcoin.com News reported on the possibility of a bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) getting approved by the end of the month. It has been said that the probability of an ETF being approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will be high by the end of October and the beginning of November. Because of this highe...

Investing has become mandatory for those who want to secure their financial future. Despite this need, the accessible alternatives for those wanting to put their money to work are few. Akt.io will change this and democratize the world of investing. Why do you need investments? With current accounts offering zero returns and savings accounts offering close to zero returns, investing has become mandatory if you don’t want inflation to chew up your financial future. The problem is that investing is intimidating and associated with a lot of risk for the vast majority of people. Despite the plethora of investment platforms on the market today, investing remains for those who know how to navigate this world with confidence and actually make a profit from the bets they make. And, now you are only speaking about investing in traditional assets, such as stocks. Once you start adding newer asset classes and investments to the mix, such as crypto and crypto staking, the gap between those who...

The Polish central bank, the National Bank of Poland (NBP), is reportedly planning to raise its gold reserves by 100 tons in 2022. According to bank governor Adam Glapinski, the objective of this decision is to prepare Poland for “the most unfavourable circumstances.” Gold’s Safe Haven Status In his remarks during an interview with the Gazeta Wroclawska newspaper, Glapinski explained why the NBP has chosen to increase its gold holdings. He said: Why does the central bank own gold? Because gold will retain its value even when someone cuts off the power to the global financial system. Glapinski adds that while the central bank is not assuming this will happen, it is still required to be prepared for such a scenario. The report also quotes the governor explaining why gold’s reputation (as an asset that increases in value during times of increased risk and financial and political crises) is such an important attribute for the NBP. Gold as Hedge Against Dollar Fluctuations Finall...

Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, announced yesterday he will start using surplus funds from the country’s bitcoin trust. Part of the $4 million excedent will be invested in a vet hospital that will offer different services for the pets of Salvadoran citizens. Bukele explained this is possible due to the bitcoin price increase in the last few days. Nayib Bukele Proposes Construction of Vet Hospital Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, announced yesterday the construction of a veterinary clinic with funds coming from the country’s recently created bitcoin trust. According to his statements, $4 million can be withdrawn from Fidebitcoin, the national bitcoin trust, due to the latest price increase BTC has experienced. Bukele explained on Twitter: With the same amount of dollars and bitcoin in the trust, the trust is now worth more as the bitcoin went up in value. So now, FIDEBITCOIN has a ‘surplus’ of $4 million. Therefore, the state company Chivo can dispose of 4 million d...

Travelers will be able to purchase airline tickets in Venezuela using cryptocurrencies in the near future. According to statements made by Freddy Borges, Director of the Maiquetía International Airport, the institution would be working to include cryptocurrencies such as dash, bitcoin, and the national petro as supported currencies in the airport’s payment system. Airport to Receive Crypto as Payment In Venezuela The adoption of cryptocurrency as a way of paying for airline tickets in Venezuela might be near. According to statements made by Freddy Borges, who is the director of the Maiquetía International Airport, the institution is working to adapt its payment system to receive some cryptocurrencies as payment for airline tickets and other services offered in the airport. In this sense, Borges stated: “We will activate a button for cryptocurrency payments in the airport platforms and commercial activities, in coordination with Sunacrip.” Among the mentioned cryptocurrencies th...

Mining hardware manufacturer Bitmain will no longer ship its products to mainland China. The move is in response to local regulations, the company explained. The announcement follows a prolonged crackdown on crypto mining operations in the country and a recently reiterated wide ban on activities related to cryptocurrencies. Bitmain Stops Mining Rig Deliveries to Mainland China Referring to its commitment to abide by law and regulations in the jurisdictions where its entities operate, mining equipment producer Bitmain announced it terminates deliveries to the People’s Republic of China. In a statement published on Sunday, Bitmain said: From October 11, 2021, Antminer will stop shipping to mainland China. The company noted that “for customers in mainland China who have purchased long-term products, our staff will contact them to provide alternative solutions.” It did not share further details about the arrangements. Bitmain emphasized that the decision for the Chinese market does...

New Bybit users can get up to $600 in welcome rewards upon completing simple tasks and hitting trading milestones after signing up. The rewards include an exclusive $50 coupon when a new user makes a first time deposit of at least 0.05 BTC or equivalent within 48 hours of joining the cryptocurrency exchange. If they miss the 48-hour mark, they will still be rewarded with a $20 coupon for making a deposit. In addition, new users who follow any of Bybit’s social media accounts within 14 days of joining Bybit will be rewarded with a $5 coupon immediately, which can be used to offset trading fees. For every trading milestone reached, be it big or small, new users will be able to stack bonus rewards. Those who successfully refer a friend to Bybit will also receive a $20 bonus (their referee will also receive a $20 bonus). These users will be guaranteed additional rewards each time their friend hits a trading volume milestone, including a chance to win a $500 bonus. Here are more reas...

55 days from now will be the hundred-year anniversary of when the American industrialist and business magnate Henry Ford talked about a unique “energy currency” that could “stop wars.” The well known founder of the Ford Motor Company suggested that a currency could be backed by energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh) in a similar fashion to the way energy is leveraged to mine bitcoin. New York Tribune, December 4, 1921: ‘Ford Would Replace Gold With Energy Currency and Stop Wars’ Close to 100 years ago on December 4, 1921, Henry Ford discussed an idea he conceived in the New York Tribune . The title of the published article was called “Ford Would Replace Gold With Energy Currency and Stop Wars.” Ford is well known for developing the assembly line technique and creating one of the first mass-produced American-built automobiles. Ford’s energy currency concept describes a digital currency much like Satoshi Nakamoto’s Bitcoin and one that is also scarce. Not only would Ford’s energy currency ...

By the end of next year, at least five countries will have accepted bitcoin as legal tender, the CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Bitmex has predicted. He cited three key reasons why he arrived at this conclusion. “Developing countries will jump into crypto in 2022,” he said. More Countries Will Adopt Bitcoin as Legal Tender The CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Bitmex, Alex Hoeptner, has predicted that developing countries will lead the way in bitcoin adoption. He detailed last week: My prediction is that by the end of next year, we’ll have at least five countries that accept bitcoin as legal tender. All of them will be developing countries. Here’s why I think developing countries will jump into crypto in 2022. The CEO offered three main factors driving the adoption of bitcoin in developing countries and why he came up with this prediction. The first is remittances. Remittances made up 23% of El Salvador’s GDP in 2020, Hoeptner described. Citing data from the World Bank, he added t...

Hedge fund manager Michael Burry, famed for forecasting the 2008 financial crisis, thinks the dogecoin rival shiba inu token (SHIB) is “pointless,” criticizing its supply. The cryptocurrency skyrocketed 230% over the past week. Michael Burry Shares His View on Shiba Inu Token Famous investor and founder of private investment firm Scion Asset Management, Michael Burry, commented on the shiba inu token (SHIB) Saturday after the dogecoin rival cryptocurrency surged 230% over the past week. Burry is best known for being the first investor to foresee and profit from the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis that occurred between 2007 and 2010. He is profiled in “The Big Short,” a book by Michael Lewis about the mortgage crisis, which was made into a movie starring Christian Bale. The Big Short investor shared Coinbase’s description of the shiba inu token on Twitter Saturday, which states: “Shiba inu (SHIB) is a token that aspires to be an Ethereum-based alternative to dogecoin (DOGE), the po...

A commissioner with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says that true decentralized projects pose a challenge to crypto regulation. Noting that “decentralized finance carries within itself inherently some ability to self regulate,” the commissioner said, “we need to take that into account as we design a regulatory system.” SEC Commissioner Peirce Discusses Crypto Regulation and Decentralized Finance SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce talked about cryptocurrency regulation in an interview with Yahoo Finance, published last week. Peirce is also known in the crypto community as “crypto mom” for her knowledge and support of the crypto space. She was asked about whether the SEC has any trouble catching up with developments in the crypto space and protocols which are advancing and changing very quickly on a daily basis. “There is certainly difficulty on the part of a regulator to stay on top of developments in defi [decentralized finance] and crypto more generally,” Peirce ad...

PRESS RELEASE. HONG KONG – 10th October 2021 – Refinable , a leading decentralized NFT marketplace, is taking a step forward in realizing advanced use cases for NFT applications. In a keystone partnership with high-end jewelry maker NALAS , and the support of Sotheby’s , Refinable will be the first marketplace to provide item authentication with NFTs for the high-value jewelry piece known as “ Shining Stars ”. Valued at upwards of $300,000 HKD, “Shining Stars” is studded with over 200 diamonds to reconstruct the star-filled nights seen throughout Vincent Van Gogh’s artwork. Online review and bidding of the auction of “Shining Star” will start in Sotheby’s “ Magnificent Jewels: Part II ” from 5 October until 28 October. The successful bidder will receive a proof of purchase and proof of authenticity in the form of a digital NFT from Dias Group Limited. Leveraging the Ethereum blockchain, all associated information about the sale will be stored publicly and be available for anyone ...

As bitcoin’s value has increased, the global hashrate has been steadily climbing higher week after week. On Sunday, the hashrate dedicated to the Bitcoin network is hovering just above the 155 exahash (EH/s) handle and bitcoin’s price has made a great number of mining rigs more profitable. Older generation mining rigs like Bitmain’s Antminer S9 series with hashrate speeds around 11 TH/s or higher are also profiting. Bitcoin Hashrate Climbs, Mining Rigs Gather Higher Profits Six days ago, Bitcoin’s overall hashpower was around 130 exahash per second (EH/s) and today it’s up 19.23% at 155 EH/s. Bitcoin ( BTC ) markets have been doing well this week up 15.9% during the last seven days. On Sunday, a single BTC is exchanging hands for just above the $55K zone and there’s $35.2 billion in global trade volume. The higher price per BTC has made it so mining rigs are more profitable than they once were a few weeks ago in September. Using today’s BTC difficulty and electrical costs of ar...