**Crypto Industry Scores Legal Win Against SEC's Broker-Dealer Rule**

A U.S. District Judge has struck down the SEC's controversial broker-dealer rule, which aimed to redefine "broker" to include liquidity providers and market makers with over $50 million in capital. Judge Reed O'Connor ruled the SEC overstepped its authority.

Crypto advocates, like Marisa Tashman Coppel from the Blockchain Association, hailed the decision as a significant victory. However, the SEC may appeal in the 5th Circuit Court. Critics argued the rule imposed unrealistic regulations on decentralized networks, sparking backlash from industry leaders and SEC commissioners.

Mastercard and JPMorgan have teamed up to enhance cross-border business payments. By integrating Mastercard's Multi-Token Network (MTN) with JPMorgan's Kinexys Digital Payments, mutual clients can now settle transactions more efficiently through a single API. This collaboration aims to reduce time zone issues and boost transparency and speed.

Kinexys, originally launched as Onyx in 2020, has grown significantly, handling $2 billion in daily transactions. Recently rebranded, Kinexys plans to integrate with JPMorgan FX Services for onchain forex settlements. Mastercard's MTN, tested since June 2023, continues to explore new digital asset innovations.

**CFPB Finalizes Rules for Digital Payment Platforms, Excludes Crypto**

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has finalized its rules for "Larger Participant" criteria, focusing on digital payment platforms like Apple Pay and Venmo. These rules apply only to transactions in US dollars, excluding crypto assets such as Bitcoin and stablecoins.

The decision follows pushback from crypto advocates and lawmakers, who argued that including digital assets could harm the crypto ecosystem. Initially, the CFPB aimed to extend oversight to crypto wallets, but industry resistance led to the exclusion of crypto transactions from the final rule.

Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. have hit a milestone, surpassing $100 billion in net assets for the first time, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Since the launch of spot BTC ETFs in January, investor interest has surged, especially after the crypto-friendly President-elect Donald Trump won the election on Nov. 5. BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) leads with $30 billion in net inflows, followed by Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund with over $11 billion. As BTC ETFs near gold ETFs in assets, Bitcoin's price has climbed to over $96,000, marking a 120% increase in 2024.

**Blockchain Firm Informal Systems Unveils Peer-to-Peer Clearing System**

Informal Systems, led by Cosmos co-founder Ethan Buchman, is launching Cycles, a peer-to-peer clearing system aimed at revolutionizing debt settlement without intermediaries like banks. This blockchain-based platform promises to clear debts efficiently through "atomic multilateral settlement," potentially reducing reliance on traditional clearinghouses. Set for a 2025 release, Cycles could transform liquidity management for individuals and businesses, offering features like auto-repayment loans and stablecoin lending. The challenge lies in integrating real-world accounting systems.

**News Flash: SuiHub Global Accelerator Program Launches**

Startups on the Sui blockchain have a new opportunity with the launch of the SuiHub Global Accelerator Program. This initiative, backed by the Sui Foundation and partners, offers up to $200,000 in funding, plus technical and marketing support for pre-token projects. Over a 12-week period, participants will receive mentorship and resources, with funding tied to development milestones.

SuiHub, a collaboration with Dubai's Ghaf Group, aims to foster a vibrant ecosystem in the MENA region. Partners include Brinc and CoinList, providing business development and token launch guidance. Applications close on December 20.

MicroStrategy's bold Bitcoin strategy is turning heads. The company plans to raise $42 billion over three years to fund its Bitcoin acquisitions, sparking debate about the sustainability of its approach. Their "21/21 Plan" involves raising capital through equity sales and convertible bonds, recently securing $4.6 billion from shares and $2.6 billion from bonds. These bonds offer no interest but potential stock conversion profits, tying returns to Bitcoin's volatile market. While MicroStrategy's strategy offers leveraged Bitcoin exposure, it also heightens risk, especially if Bitcoin's price crashes.

Bitcoin's recent price surge is tempting long-term holders (LTHs) to cash in, with Glassnode data showing a significant uptick in BTC sales from these investors. LTHs, who typically hold Bitcoin for over 155 days, have shifted to net sellers, marking the largest 30-day reduction since April. Crypto analyst Miles Deutscher warns that strong institutional buying, particularly through U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs, is crucial to counteract this selling pressure. Despite record ETF inflows, the market faces potential sell-side pressure as Bitcoin holders sit on substantial unrealized profits.

**Crypto Arbitrage: A Low-Risk Trading Strategy**

Crypto arbitrage trading offers a unique way to profit from price discrepancies of the same cryptocurrency across different exchanges. This strategy involves buying crypto at a lower price on one exchange and selling it at a higher price on another, capitalizing on the spread.

Why does it work? Unlike traditional stock markets, crypto markets are decentralized and operate 24/7, causing price variations due to liquidity and local demand differences.

While arbitrage is generally low-risk, traders must consider market volatility, hidden fees, and exchange reliability. Automated trading bots can enhance efficiency by quickly analyzing price data and executing trades.

There are three main strategies: simple arbitrage (between exchanges), triangular arbitrage (within a single exchange), and cross-border arbitrage (across international platforms). Each offers unique opportunities based on market conditions and regional pricing variations.

Mara Holdings has successfully issued $1 billion in zero-coupon convertible senior notes, set to mature in 2030. The company plans to use the bulk of the proceeds for Bitcoin acquisitions, echoing MicroStrategy's strategy. About $199 million will address existing debt, while the rest supports strategic investments and operational growth. The notes, offered to institutional investors, have a conversion price significantly above Mara's current stock value. Despite a 9% stock dip following a Q3 earnings miss, Mara's revenue rose 34.5% year-over-year. CEO Fred Thiel anticipates a boost in Bitcoin mining under a Trump administration.

In a recent episode of Hashing It Out, host Elisha Owusu Akyaw chats with Blake Capozza, co-founder of Moso, about the fusion of Web3 and traditional commerce. Moso offers a unique twist by providing cryptocurrency as cash-back for online shopping, appealing to both crypto enthusiasts and traditional shoppers with attractive rewards. The discussion highlights how platforms like Moso help businesses offer crypto incentives without fully diving into blockchain, easing regulatory concerns. By simplifying user experiences, these innovations aim to make Web3 more accessible and relevant in everyday life. Listen to the episode on Cointelegraph’s podcast platforms.

Bitcoin has smashed through the $98,000 mark for the first time, fueled by speculation that President-elect Donald Trump may create a White House role focused on cryptocurrency policy. This surge pushed the crypto market cap to $3.17 trillion. Analysts are buzzing with predictions: Bernstein Research sees Bitcoin hitting $200,000 by 2025, driven by institutional interest and regulatory changes. However, caution remains as Bitcoin's current rally could peak at $100,000 before a potential correction. Historical patterns suggest a possible dip to $60,000, setting the stage for a rebound by 2025.

**Bitcoin Bill Gains Momentum in the US**

A Bitcoin-related bill is gaining traction in the US, potentially boosting the cryptocurrency's value. The Bitcoin Act, led by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, proposes a strategic Bitcoin reserve, marking the US as the first nation to adopt it as a "savings technology." This initiative is gaining bipartisan support, especially after Donald Trump's 2024 election win, which promises more crypto-friendly policies.

Experts suggest this could push Bitcoin's value over $1 million, with current prices nearing $100,000. The bill could also attract institutional investors, aligning with Trump's vision for US crypto leadership.

Galaxy Digital's latest report predicts a significant shift in Bitcoin's landscape by 2030, with $47 billion in Bitcoin liquidity potentially moving into Bitcoin layer-2 (L2) networks. The report highlights a booming Bitcoin L2 ecosystem, with a sevenfold increase in projects and $447 million in venture capital investments so far in 2024. Notably, 44% of all VC capital for layer-2s in Q2 2024 was directed towards Bitcoin L2s, marking a 159% rise from Q1. As Bitcoin L2s mature, Galaxy anticipates continued VC interest, driven by emerging opportunities like Bitcoin Ordinals and BRC-20 tokens.

**Chill Guy Meme Sparks Legal Drama in Crypto World**

The artist behind the viral "Just a Chill Guy" meme, known as PhillipBankss, is considering legal action against memecoins using his art without permission. The CHILLGUY token, launched on Solana, hit a $580 million market cap but now sits at $400 million. PhillipBankss, who recently copyrighted the character, plans to target unauthorized merchandise and crypto ventures. While some community members doubt the feasibility of legal action against decentralized tokens, others suggest the artist capitalize on the trend through NFTs. The debate continues on how artists can protect their work in the crypto space.

MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, has seen its stock soar by 94% this year, fueled by Bitcoin's rally past $97,000. With 331,200 BTC on its balance sheet, valued at around $32 billion, the company enjoys $15.51 billion in unrealized gains. Only Nvidia outperformed MicroStrategy among major tech stocks, with a 180% rise. However, the firm's heavy reliance on Bitcoin poses risks, as market volatility could impact its valuation. As Bitcoin nears $100,000, analysts warn of potential profit-taking. MicroStrategy's market cap recently surpassed $100 billion, edging closer to Intel's.

Sui, a decentralized layer-1 blockchain, faced a major hiccup on Nov. 21, halting block production for over an hour. The last block was recorded at 9:15 am UTC, with no new blocks since, as per SuiVision data. This downtime has sparked reactions, especially given Sui's ambitions to rival Solana. Crypto YouTuber Ajay Kashyap highlighted the irony, noting Sui's "Solana Killer" claims. The outage affected Sui's native cryptocurrency, which dropped nearly 11%. Exchanges like Upbit have paused SUI transactions, and the Sui Foundation has yet to comment on the issue.

Bitcoin is making headlines as it approaches the $100,000 mark, driven by a sudden liquidity squeeze. The cryptocurrency saw a nearly 3% increase, bringing it within $3,000 of this historic milestone. Traders are eyeing the $100K level, with some suggesting that large sellers might step in to capitalize on the demand. New ask liquidity above $100,000 is seen as a positive sign, indicating market readiness for this price. However, experts caution that a retest of support around $90,000 could be beneficial to confirm market strength. Bitcoin's rapid 38% rise in three weeks has surprised many, sparking discussions about potential future gains.

Stablecoin inflows to crypto exchanges have hit a record high, surpassing $9.7 billion in just 30 days, indicating a surge in investor interest. This influx could potentially drive Bitcoin to the $100,000 mark by the end of November, traditionally a strong month for Bitcoin returns. Stablecoins serve as a key bridge from fiat to crypto, and their increased presence suggests heightened buying pressure. Meanwhile, Bitcoin ETFs in the US have also seen significant inflows, further supporting Bitcoin's price momentum. Analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's upward trajectory.

**News Flash: North Korean Hackers Behind Upbit Crypto Heist**

South Korean authorities have officially identified North Korean hacker groups Lazarus and Andariel as the culprits behind the 2019 Upbit cryptocurrency hack. The breach resulted in the theft of 342,000 Ether, valued at $50 million at the time. With Ether's recent price surge, the stolen amount now exceeds $1 billion.

This marks the first confirmation of North Korean involvement in a crypto hack by South Korean investigators. Despite confirming the perpetrators, details of the hacking methods remain undisclosed to prevent copycat crimes. Meanwhile, Upbit faces scrutiny for potential KYC violations, risking hefty fines and business license issues.