Bitcoin News and Finance: What You Need to Know

The enlargement of BRICS will be “near the top of the agenda” at the organization’s summit in August, the Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told media. While recognizing the importance of the topic, Peskov indicated that participants in the meeting will likely discuss some differences on the matter. Expansion-Related Issues to Be Determined During BRICS Summit, Putin’s Spokesman Says With a growing number of nations either applying formally or showing interest in joining the BRICS group of developing economies, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov, highlighted expansion as a key topic for the talks at the bloc’s top level meeting in Johannesburg later this month. Expanding BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) is “near the top of the agenda” and will be discussed at the upcoming BRICS summit, although nuances exist regarding expansion prospects, the Russian official told reporters. “This is a very important topic because we see that inc...

Coinbase, one of the largest U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchanges, is moving to add support for Lightning Network on its trading platform. Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase, confirmed that the exchange was looking into the best ways to achieve this task, reaffirming his support for bitcoin payments. Coinbase Mulls Adding Support for Lightning Network Coinbase, the U.S.-based cryptocurrency exchange, has given an update about the possible integration of Lightning Network operations on its platforms. The Lightning Network is a second-layer scaling protocol for Bitcoin, with the aim of allowing users to benefit from almost real-time transaction times and low fees. Answering a post where former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey criticized him for ignoring Bitcoin and the Lightning Network in the payments arena, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated : We’re looking into how to best add Lightning. It’s non-trivial, but I think worth doing. I’m all for payments taking off in Bitcoin. Furthermore, ...

Russia says that a common BRICS currency is unlikely to be feasible in the near future but the process of de-dollarization of the global economy is inexorably underway. Russian Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov added that many countries, including those that do not face sanctions, are gravitating towards using national currencies in trade settlements. BRICS Currency and De-Dollarization With the BRICS leaders’ summit on the horizon, there is a growing discussion about de-dollarization and the feasibility of a common BRICS currency. The BRICS nations comprise Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The summit will take place from Aug. 22-24 in Johannesburg. Dmitry Peskov, Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation, told reporters on Thursday that experts are discussing the possibility and feasibility of introducing a common currency, Russian state-owned news agency Ria Novosti reported (translated by Google’s AI program). “This is still a discussion process, it i...

New analysis from the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI) reveals that bots on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) likely played a major role in amplifying the value of cryptocurrencies tied to the now-defunct FTX exchange and its sister firm Alameda Research . Social Media Bots Boosted FTX-Listed Coins, Says Report Analyzing over three million posts from 2019 to 2023 mentioning 18 FTX-listed coins, NCRI’s report found bot-like X accounts made up around 20% of online chatter about these cryptocurrencies. The study suggests this inauthentic social media activity effectively forecasted price changes for half of the FTX-associated coins examined. NCRI’s analysis shows FTX promotions on X immediately preceded surges in the coins’ values, with the proportion of inauthentic posts steadily growing over time to around 50% of total chatter. The findings indicate manipulative tactics were used to artificially boost market sentiment after the coins’ FTX listings. The rep...

In an unexpected revelation, Ilya Lichtenstein, 35, confessed to being the original hacker behind the 2016 cyberattack on crypto exchange Bitfinex, a theft that was once worth $4.5 billion. Lichtenstein made the admission while pleading guilty to laundering the stolen bitcoin in a Washington, D.C. federal court, with his wife, Heather Morgan, also pleading guilty to related charges. Groundbreaking Admission: Ilya Lichtenstein Confesses to 2016 Bitfinex Hack Until the court’s admission on Thursday, the person responsible for the hack from Bitfinex was unknown to the public. Though not charged with the hack itself, Lichtenstein faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. His wife, Morgan, an aspiring rapper known as “ Razzlekahn ” could face up to five years. This is the first time the identity of the hacker has been disclosed, with the couple facing significant prison time, as CNBC first reported on the matter. The Department of Ju...

Despite months of increasingly positive economic indicators, a majority of Americans still believe the economy is worsening, according to a new CNN poll. CNN Poll Reveals Majority See Worsening Economy The survey of 1,279 adults found that 51% think the U.S. economy remains in a downturn that is getting worse, even as indicators like job growth, GDP, and inflation suggest stabilization or improvement. The persistent pessimism comes as U.S. president Joe Biden nears the launch of his 2024 reelection campaign against Republican contenders. CNN conducted the poll from July 1 to July 31 using a combination of online surveys and live telephone interviews. The results have a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points. Economic concerns dominated when respondents were asked to name the most important issue facing America today. Nearly half pointed to issues like inflation, poverty, and the overall economy. Dissatisfaction with personal finances also remains high, with 55% s...

Founder of bankrupt crypto exchange FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), has sought to avoid being jailed, denying prosecutors’ accusations of witness tampering that followed an interview he gave for the New York Times. The indicted crypto mogul also argued that revoking his bond would violate his right to free speech. Bankman-Fried Says He Never Tried to Intimidate Witnesses Ahead of Trial Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and former chief executive of failed crypto exchange FTX , claims he has never attempted to intimidate witnesses in his trial set to begin in October. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan in Manhattan, quoted by Reuters and Bloomberg, he insisted there was no reason for him to go to jail as requested by the prosecution. Last week, U.S. prosecutors asked Kaplan to jail SBF after an article published by the New York Times quoted excerpts from a diary written by Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Bankman-Fried’s hedge fund Alameda Research and his former girlfriend....

In a fresh analysis focusing on Bitcoin and its alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, the ‘Big Four’ accounting titan KPMG delves into the digital currency’s promising contributions to this movement. The professional services entity highlights four carbon-reduction techniques adopted by bitcoin mining firms across the entire mining sector. KPMG Report Discusses Bitcoin and ESG Standards KPMG’s analysis describes how bitcoin (BTC) miners, seeking proximity to inexpensive renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, reduce costs. This practice creates additional revenue to support more renewable energy projects in remote areas. The flexible computing load of bitcoin can also assist in balancing electrical grids by cutting demand during peak periods. KPMG researchers detail how bitcoin miners used a demand response system to aid Texas during a winter storm in 2021. The report states: During Winter Storm Uri, which took place in Texas in Februar...

Nasdaq-listed Microstrategy has disclosed that it now holds 152,800 bitcoins, acquired for $4.53 billion. A total of 12,800 bitcoins were acquired in the second quarter. The company also revealed that it plans to buy more bitcoin with proceeds from sales of its common stock of up to $750 million. Microstrategy Boosts Bitcoin Holdings to 152,800 Coins Microstrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR) released its second-quarter financial results on Tuesday. The company revealed that it acquired 12,800 bitcoins during Q2 for $361.4 million, or $28,233 per BTC . As of July 31, it held 152,800 bitcoins, acquired for a total cost of $4.53 billion, or $29,672 per BTC . Michael Saylor, Microstrategy’s founder and executive chairman, tweeted Tuesday: In July, Microstrategy acquired an additional 467 BTC for $14.4 million and now holds 152,800 BTC . Prior to the latest acquisition of 467 BTC , Microstrategy acquired 12,333 bitcoins between April 29 and June 27, as previously reported . Microstrategy is al...

Fitch Ratings has downgraded the United States’ debt rating. Biden officials call the downgrade decision “bizarre and baseless.” Both the White House and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen strongly disagreed with the downgrade decision. Yellen claimed that the change by Fitch Ratings “is arbitrary and based on outdated data.” Fitch Downgrades US Rating Fitch Ratings, one of the three largest credit rating agencies in the U.S., downgraded the United States’ long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating from AAA to AA+ on Tuesday. The rating agency explained : The rating downgrade of the United States reflects the expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years. It also reflects “a high and growing general government debt burden, and the erosion of governance relative to ‘AA’ and ‘AAA’ rated peers over the last two decades that has manifested in repeated debt limit standoffs and last-minute resolutions,” Fitch added. “The repeated debt-limit political standoffs and l...

According to James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas, two analysts specializing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) at Bloomberg, the likelihood of a spot bitcoin ETF debut in the U.S. has surged to 65%. These analysts attribute this increase to “pressure from Blackrock and possibly Democrats,” a force that could compel the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to act. U.S. Spot Bitcoin ETF Odds Rise to 65%, Analysts Cite Blackrock Influence Following a wave of spot bitcoin ETF filings and revisions, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) now finds itself with several applications awaiting review. In the midst of June, Blackrock, the world’s largest asset manager by assets under management (AUM), lodged its spot bitcoin ETF application, with several other contenders quickly falling in line. Fast forward to August 2, 2023, and Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas publicly offered their insights regarding the SEC’s potential approval of a spot bitcoin ETF. “Based...

After the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a lawsuit against Richard Heart and his companies Hex, Pulsechain and Pulsex, the crypto asset hex (HEX) has been in a free fall. Two-week statistics show HEX has lost 41.7% against the U.S. dollar and 35.8% over the past seven days. Uniswap Delists HEX Following SEC Lawsuit; HEX Loses Over 40% In the past two weeks, HEX has shed more than 40% against the greenback, and on Aug. 2, 2023, the price is down around 2%. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, filed a lawsuit against the creator of the Hex blockchain, Richard Schueler, also known as Richard Heart, and his companies Pulsechain and Pulsex. The SEC complaint accuses Heart of offering and selling unregistered crypto tokens and defrauding investors by misappropriating funds. Two days after the SEC complaint was filed, the largest decentralized exchange, or dex, by trade volume, Uniswap, delisted HEX from the dex interface. According to metrics, there’s a c...

Binance, which is preparing to launch its new Japanese platform in August, will offer users the opportunity to trade 34 coins, local crypto media reported. Besides major cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether, Binance’s own token will also be among the listed digital assets. Binance to Restore Crypto Trading in Japan With More Coins Than Major Competitors Binance Japan, a subsidiary of the world’s largest crypto exchange by daily trading volume, will launch with 34 listed tokens, according to the Japanese crypto news outlet Coinpost. On Aug. 1, the company shared details about the services it plans to provide later this month. The initial offerings will include bitcoin ( BTC ), ether ( ETH ), and bitcoin cash ( BCH ), as well as XRP . Binance’s token Build and Build ( BNB ), formerly Binance Coin, will be listed for the first time in Japan, the report pointed out. The number of promised cryptocurrencies exceeds those traded on the platform’s major domestic competitors such as ...

Genesis Digital Assets (GDA), one of the world’s largest bitcoin mining companies, has opened three new data centers in the western region of South Carolina. The facilities represent GDA’s continued expansion in the United States, where its data centers now account for over 2% of Bitcoin’s total hashrate. Genesis Digital Assets Reveals 3 New South Carolina-Based Mining Facilities According to GDA , the first facility opened near Anderson in February and has a capacity of 18 megawatts (MW). Two more data centers launched in March between Union and Lockhart, adding 15 MW. By opening the sites, GDA disclosed it created about 150 local jobs and contracted 95% of the construction work to South Carolinians. “I am extremely proud of the entire GDA team for opening these new facilities in only a few months,” said Ankit Joshi, the head of North America for GDA. “We were impressed to see how these local communities welcomed us so warmly as an opportunity for their economy.” The company’s an...

A senior U.S. district judge has rejected the approach taken in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) v. Ripple ruling regarding XRP . “The court declines to draw a distinction between these coins based on their manner of sale,” explained the district judge presiding over the SEC v. Terraform Labs case. Judge Rakoff Rejects Approach in Ripple Case Over XRP Judge Jed S. Rakoff, a senior district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY), has disagreed with the approach taken by District Judge Analisa Torres in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) v. Ripple case concerning XRP . Judge Rakoff’s disagreement arose as part of the case filed by the SEC against Terraform Labs and its co-founder Do Kwon. The securities regulator has asked the judge not to follow Judge Torres’s reasoning in the Ripple case, stating that the ruling was “ wrongly decided .” The SEC also indicated that it plans to appeal the Ripple decision. In ...

Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki says the U.S. economy is not strong and America is broke. Noting that the stock market is going up because President Joe Biden raised the debt ceiling, he emphasized that he still prefers gold, silver, and bitcoin. Robert Kiyosaki’s Latest Economic Warnings The author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki, is back with more warnings about the U.S. economy. Rich Dad Poor Dad is a 1997 book co-authored by Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter. It has been on the New York Times Best Seller List for over six years. More than 32 million copies of the book have been sold in over 51 languages across more than 109 countries. Kiyosaki slammed the Wall Street Journal in a tweet on Sunday for claiming that the U.S. economy is strong. He explained that the stock market is up because President Joe Biden signed into law the agreement to raise the debt ceiling . Emphasizing that “America is broke,” he emphasized that he still prefers gold, silver, and bitcoin. On ...

Florida Governor and U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis has promised to end Joe Biden’s war on bitcoin and cryptocurrency if he is elected president of the United States. In addition, he stressed that on his first day as president, “CBDC goes into the trash can. We’re not going to allow it.” Ron DeSantis’ Promises on Bitcoin, Crypto, Central Bank Digital Currency Florida Governor and U.S. presidential candidate Ron DeSantis made several promises regarding bitcoin and cryptocurrency during his speech Monday at a campaign rally in New Hampshire. “We are going to let Americans invest in things like bitcoin and cryptocurrency. No one’s forcing you to do it. If you want to do it you can do it,” DeSantis emphasized, adding: Biden’s war on bitcoin and cryptocurrency will come to an end when I become president. DeSantis also reiterated his promise to stop the Fed from launching a central bank digital currency (CBDC). “We also will reject the Federal Reserve’s attempt to impose a...

Tether, the company behind the USDT stablecoin, has published an attestation revealing the company’s financials during Q2 2023. The document, prepared by BDO, a network of accounting and consulting services, found Tether has increased its reserves by $850 million during this period, with its overall excess reserves reaching $3.3 billion. Tether Attestation Reveals Excess Reserves Reached $3.3 Billion in Q2 Tether, the company that issues the USDT stablecoin, the largest of its kind in the cryptocurrency market, has released an attestation of its financial standings, revealing the composition of its reserves as of June 30. The document , prepared by BDO, an international network of accounting and consulting firms, determined that the company increased its reserves by $850 million in Q2. The document also found that Tether’s excess reserves, defined as the “company’s own profits – not distributed to shareholders and which the company has decided to keep on top of the 100% reserves ...

Bavaria’s State Office for Data Protection Supervision (DPS) has initiated an inquiry into the Worldcoin project and its data collection techniques, as disclosed in a Reuters report on Monday. This comes shortly after similar investigations by Kenya’s Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) and France’s National Commission for Informatics and Liberty (CNIL), who also announced probes into the Worldcoin project for like-minded apprehensions. Three International Jurisdictions Investigate Worldcoin’s Data Collection Methods Various jurisdictions’ data regulators are diligently examining Worldcoin, a digital currency venture that utilizes iris-scanning biometric technology. The project’s native cryptocurrency, worldcoin (WLD), premiered last week. According to Openai CEO Sam Altman, a co-founder of Worldcoin, individuals signed up at a significant pace of every eight seconds on July 26, 2023. Nonetheless, by week’s end, France’s oversight agency, the National Commission on I...

Iran has ramped up its efforts to become a member of the BRICS group ahead of the economic bloc’s summit. The Iranian deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy revealed that Iran is actively pursuing opportunities to strengthen its economic ties with BRICS members, noting that it has already established strong relationships with China, Russia, and India. Iran Sees No Obstacles to Join BRICS Mehdi Safari, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for economic diplomacy, said in an interview on Saturday that Iran’s membership in the BRICS economic group has faced no obstacles, Tasmin News Agency reported. Noting that Iran has officially requested to join the BRICS bloc , Safari detailed: We are making efforts so that the members of the economic group, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, will accept Iran’s membership. The Iranian foreign minister and the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) recently attended BRICS meetings. Safari further di...

The U.S. House Financial Services Committee has passed four crypto bills. “Congress is asserting its authority to design a regulatory framework, rather than allowing overzealous federal agencies to fill the gap with enforcement actions,” said the CEO of Blockchain Association. US House Committee Advances 4 Crypto Bills The U.S. House Financial Services Committee passed four digital asset bills last week. Following the passing of the bills, Kristin Smith, CEO of Blockchain Association, tweeted Friday: “This is a result of a coordinated effort to educate + support crypto’s Congressional champions.” The executive continued: This week was a milestone for the American crypto industry, and for the promise of real progress on the path toward a workable regulatory framework in the U.S. The four bills are the Financial Innovation and Technology (FIT) for the 21st Century Act, the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, the Clarity for Payment Stablecoins Act, and the Keep Your Coins Act. T...

U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) and former U.S. Representative Ron Paul agree that America does not have a free market. Referencing RFK Jr. stating that America has “a crony corporatist system,” Paul stressed: “He’s right!” RFK Jr. and Ron Paul on Free Market Former U.S. Representative Ron Paul has expressed his agreement with U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), who recently said that America does not have a free market. Kennedy is a son of former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Paul, an American author, physician, and retired politician, served as a U.S. representative and made three attempts to become the president of the United States. In 2015, he founded the Ron Paul Liberty Report, a platform dedicated to offering insightful opinions and analysis on contemporary issues affecting our lives and finances. Paul tweeted Saturday: “RFK Jr. recently pointed ou...