Solana-based DEX Jupiter acquires majority stake in Moonshot
Jupiter, Solana’s third-largest DeFi protocol, acquires a stake in Moonshot, though the deal’s specifics remain undisclosed.
Crypto
Polymarket faces backlash over TikTok ban prediction resolution
Polymarket faces backlash after resolving a TikTok ban prediction market to “Yes,” sparking user outrage over manipulation allegations and questions about its dispute resolution process.
Bitcoin short-term holders 'FOMO-driven entries' sets bullish outlook — Analyst
Bitcoin short-term hodlers increasing their buying during price upswings, along with long-term holders continuing to accumulate regardless, sets a “bullish tone” for the year, according to a crypto analyst.
Trump is ‘forcing everyone to up their game’ — Brian Armstrong
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong says that most of his conversations at the World Economic Forum centered around Trump’s plans for crypto.
State of Crypto: Trump’s Second First Week
Donald Trump is officially the 47th President of the United States, and the U.S. government is going in some different directions from the last administration. You’re reading State of Crypto, a CoinDesk newsletter looking at the intersection of cryptocurrency and government. Click here to sign up for future editions. Executive order The narrative U.S. President … Read more
Nasdaq seeks amendment to BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF for in-kind redemptions
The in-kind redemption model is seen as a more efficient option for the spot Bitcoin ETF and should have been allowed from “the get-go,” says an ETF analyst.
Scammers Are Targeting Ross Ulbricht Supporters With Malware on Telegram
Beware of Telegram groups bearing links.
BlackRock Bitcoin ETF Could Enable In-Kind BTC Redemptions: Nasdaq Filing
Nasdaq filed a proposed rule change Friday that would enable in-kind Bitcoin redemptions for BlackRock’s iShares ETF, rather than cash.
DeFi Network Thorchain Faces $200 Million in Toxic Debt—Here’s What’s Going On
Thorchain community members fear the protocol’s savers and lending programs have imperiled its future.
Solana Horse Racing Game ‘Photo Finish Live’ Teams With BlockBet for Betting
Photo Finish Live is collaborating with betting platform BlockBet, enabling the CROWN token for wagers alongside a simulcast collab.
9 Biggest Games Launching on Ethereum Layer-2 Network Abstract
Abstract’s mainnet launch is quickly approaching with a growing list of games and related projects. Here are some of the highlights.
DePIN needs a more cohesive narrative for mass adoption — Web3 exec
According to data from CoinMarketCap, the decentralized physical infrastructure network sector has a market capitalization of over $27 billion.
Oversight committee Republicans launch debanking investigation
While Democrats are calling for an investigation into Donald Trump’s potential conflicts of interest on crypto, House Republicans said they would explore debanking claims.
It’s Easier Than You Think to Build With AI and Web3
Remember those middle-school writing prompts: Describe your favorite cookie. Your teacher told you to write it as if to an alien, a being who had never encountered a cookie before, which meant touching on each sense – sight, sound, smell, touch, taste. You might not have realized it then, but describing something in a way … Read more
Nasdaq Files for In-Kind Redemptions for BlackRock Spot Bitcoin ETF
Nasdaq has filed a proposed rule change to allow in-kind creation and redemption for the BlackRock iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), according to a Friday filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The process allows large institutional investors, called authorized participants (APs), to buy and redeem shares of the fund directly to bitcoin (BTC). … Read more
Crypto Biz: Trump’s arrival marks a pivotal shift for digital assets
In typically Trump style, the Jan. 20 presidential inauguration was marked by excitement, concern and outright confusion from the crypto faithful.
Elizabeth Warren Takes Aim at Elon Musk’s DOGE: ‘A Venue for Corruption’
Senator Elizabeth Warren has suggested a long list of ways that Elon Musk’s cost-cutting DOGE can save money—though she’s deeply skeptical.
Andreessen Horowitz to close UK office to focus on US crypto efforts
The London building, opened in 2023 while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was in office, will be shuttered in favor of focusing on the venture capital firm’s US operations.
MicroStrategy to Redeem $1 Billion in Debt as Bitcoin Stash Nears $50 Billion
MicroStrategy said that it’s taking measures to manage $1.05 billion in corporate debt accumulated while stockpiling Bitcoin.
TRUMP Token Frenzy Drives Solana Stablecoin Supply to $10B, Record DEX Volumes
Solana (SOL), the layer-1 blockchain designed for high-speed and low-cost transactions, has been at the center of a trading frenzy with Donald Trump’s memecoin driving stablecoin supply on the network to a fresh record-high. The total stablecoin supply on Solana has surged to $10.5 billion, doubling since the start of January, according to data source … Read more
Congressional Republicans in Hot Pursuit of Biden-Era’s Crypto Debanking
An investigation in the U.S. House of Representatives and a hearing in the Senate will examine whether financial regulators during the administration of former President Joe Biden deliberately cut off crypto industry leaders and others from the banking system in an inappropriate use of authority. “Debanking is un-American — every legal business deserves to be … Read more
Ripple seeks deadline for cross-appeal brief in SEC case
Ripple Labs has requested a due date for its cross-appeal brief in its ongoing legal battle against the US SEC.
Congress Begins Investigating Crypto Debanking and Operation Choke Point 2.0
In a letter sent to crypto executives Friday, the chair of the House Oversight Committee announced an inquiry into alleged debanking.
MicroStrategy announces debt buyback amid potential tax on BTC gains
According to data from SaylorTracker, MicroStrategy shares are currently trading at a net asset value (NAV) of 1.86x.
TRUMP, DOGE, BONK ETF approvals likely, but Cathie Wood won’t invest: Finance Redefined
ARK Invest’s Cathie Wood said she won’t buy the Trump token due to its lack of utility, as she remains focused on Bitcoin, Ether and Solana.
Europe Needs Digital Euro, Central Bank Says After Trump Order Barring US CBDC
President Trump took a hardline stance against an American CBDC—but now the European Central Bank is even more eager about a digital euro.
Best of the Week: It’s All Happening!
It was a big week for crypto following the inauguration of Donald Trump to a second term Monday. The White House issued an executive order on digital assets, calling for a friendly approach to crypto across the administration and the creation of a “digital asset stockpile” (which may, or may not be, a Bitcoin Strategic … Read more
Is Donald Trump’s Meme Coin Legal? Limits of Presidential Power and Norms Are Being Tested, Experts Say
Trump’s meme coin may be all fun and games for crypto traders, but legal experts say the unprecedented move could have serious consequences.
Next Stop for DePIN: Taco Bell
The DePIN revolution is coming to a fast food franchise near you. The movement that started with Helium and has spread to numerous categories, including mapping and car data, this year is now spreading to hospitality. The initiative shows how quickly DePINs — or decentralized networks of physical infrastructure — are becoming mainstream. The fast … Read more
ECB member doubles down on digital euro after Trump’s crypto EO: Report
Piero Cipollone reportedly said Donald Trump’s executive order affecting stablecoins could potentially influence people considering abandoning big banks.