Cleanspark CEO Predicts Bitcoin $200K Peak Within 18 Months

Cleanspark CEO Zach Bradford predicts a dramatic rise in bitcoin’s value, forecasting a peak near $200,000 within the next 18 months. His outlook suggests rapid growth followed by stability, driven by bitcoin’s current price behavior and broader market dynamics. He also links the U.S. presidential election to potential price surges, while emphasizing the advantages of bitcoin-only mining and innovative technologies like immersion cooling.
Cleanspark CEO Predicts Bitcoin Surge to $200K Amidst Market Shifts
The CEO of bitcoin mining firm Cleanspark (Nasdaq: CLSK), Zach Bradford, recently shared his bitcoin price prediction in an interview with Bernstein. Noting a potential rapid increase in bitcoin’s value before a prolonged period of stability, he predicted:
Based on my current analysis, I believe we could see bitcoin peak just under $200,000, sometime in the next 18 months. That’ll likely be a peak.
He also pointed to bitcoin’s recent price behavior as a positive indicator for future growth, stating: “One positive sign is that bitcoin’s extended flat period shows that sustained upside may last longer as well. Of course, this is all subject to macro events and other factors.”
Bradford expects the upcoming U.S. presidential election to have a significant impact on bitcoin, noting that the price may surge as soon as January. He opined:
I think we’ll start seeing a meaningful push in bitcoin prices post-election through January, which should result in significant margin expansion for well-placed miners with efficient cost structures.
The Cleanspark CEO emphasized the value of bitcoin-only mining companies, arguing that while some competitors are diversifying into AI, pure-play miners benefit from faster returns due to lower costs and more efficient operations.
What do you think of Cleanspark CEO Zach Bradford’s prediction for bitcoin? Let us know in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Robert Kiyosaki Shares Strange Investment Pitch, Urges Caution Who You Trust for Investing Advice

Rich Dad Poor Dad author Robert Kiyosaki has shared a story involving Iraqi Dinars and an unexpected divine endorsement. In response, the famous author cautioned investors to “be extra careful” about who is giving them investment advice, emphasizing that “even if it is Jesus.”
Kiyosaki’s Take on a Strange Investment Pitch
Robert Kiyosaki, financial educator and author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” warned his followers on social media platform X Monday to be cautious of investment pitches. His book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, co-authored with Sharon Lechter in 1997, has sold over 32 million copies in 51 languages across 109 countries and remained on the New York Times Best Seller List for more than six years.
“When times get weird … the weird turn pro,” the famous author described in his post. “A friend was pitched an investment in Iraqi Dinars. I do not know anything about the investment potential of Iraqi Dinars.” He added:
What was weird was the person pitching the deal. She said: ‘Jesus told me to tell everyone that Iraqi Dinars are safest and the best.’
Kiyosaki responded to the strange encounter with humor. He shared: “Being the wise ass that I am … I jokingly replied: ‘I never said that.'”
He proceeded to caution his followers:
It’s getting weird … so please be extra careful … who is giving you investment advice … even if it is Jesus.
Kiyosaki’s message serves as a reminder to critically evaluate the credibility of investment advice, no matter how unusual the source may seem.
The acclaimed author himself has given various advice, particularly regarding gold, silver, and bitcoin as safeguards against economic instability. He regularly warns that traditional currencies are susceptible to inflation and central bank policies, urging asset diversification into these alternatives. He emphasized that these options can protect wealth during financial crises, predicting a crash of the U.S. dollar and encouraging investors to move away from conventional markets.
What do you think about this peculiar investment story involving divine intervention and Iraqi Dinars? Let us know in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Bitwage CEO: Stablecoins Have Been a Lifesaver for Argentines

Jonathan Chester, CEO of Bitwage, has detailed how the company has been serving Argentine remote workers who prefer collecting payments from employers abroad in stablecoins. Chester stated that 70% of its customers in the country use stablecoins, reinforcing that these have helped Argentines increase their net salaries up to 50%.
Bitwage CEO Jonathan Chester: 70% of Argentine Customers Collect Salaries in Stablecoins
Another high-profile cryptocurrency company has pointed out the relevance of stablecoins for Argentina. Jonathan Chester, CEO of Bitwage, has highlighted the pivotal role that stablecoins, tokens pegged to the value of the digital dollar, play for Argentine remote workers.
Chester stated that of all the Argentine users who harnessed Bitwage’s services to collect their payments, 70% used stablecoins like USDT or USDC. In addition, volumes in the country have skyrocketed. He revealed that Argentina accounted for $100 million out of the $400 million processed by Bitwage during 2024, with a user growth of 400% during the last four years.
In an interview with Argentine media, Chester explained how Argentines use stablecoins to acquire dollars and protect their salaries in a high-inflation environment. He declared:
In Argentina, stablecoins have been a lifesaver, in some cases increasing net wages by up to 50%, as traditional exchanges can’t keep up with inflation.
Chester acknowledged that Argentines were attracted to remote work due to the opportunities of finding employment with higher remuneration paid in dollars, or in this case, dollar-pegged stablecoins. “Bitwage helps these workers collect their wages from clients in the U.S., EU, or the U.K. by sending them stablecoins directly to any wallet of their choice,” he stressed.
Several reports have confirmed that Argentina has become a stablecoin foothold in Latam. Juan Colombo, CEO of Bitso Argentina, confirmed that the nation led stablecoin purchases in the region last year with 60% of the purchasing volumes. In the same way, a February report by Lemon, a national exchange, disclosed that 80% of all the purchases routed through the exchange in 2023 corresponded to stablecoins.
What do you think about Bitwage and the use of stablecoins in Argentina? Tell us in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Bank of Russia Claims Digital Ruble Issuance Won't Cause Inflation

The Bank of Russia has explained that the launch of the digital ruble, the Russian CBDC, will not affect the state’s mechanisms to control inflation or the amount of money issued. The institution clarified that the new currency does not pose risks to the country’s financial stability, and will not change the functions of the banking system.
Bank of Russia: Digital Ruble Not a Risk for the Country’s Financial Stability
The Bank of Russia recently explained that the digital ruble, Russia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), will not change how the state manages its monetary policy. In a draft outlining the direction of the central bank’s policies for 2025-2027, the bank indicated that it would continue to target inflation with the same tools even after the digital ruble launch.
In the document, the bank stated:
The emergence of a digital form of the national currency will not affect the mechanisms for implementing monetary policy. The Bank of Russia will continue to manage money market rates by conducting operations for providing liquidity to banks and absorbing it.
Russia’s CBDC is a retail currency, meaning that users can make payments using it directly, like with the Chinese digital yuan. This is different from the CBDCs that some countries are researching, which focus on easing the transactions between financial institutions of the money network.
Analysts are worried about the digital ruble and its possible effects on the Russian economy. Nonetheless, the bank assessed that it would not have an inflationary effect and would only increase the demand for cash and funds in bank accounts, but not money issuance.
The bank also declared that the current system with its two-tier structure will be preserved, and credit institutions will remain functioning lenders, offering custody for the people’s savings. These will have to support the digital ruble, giving customers tools to open accounts and make transactions using it.
Finally, the bank reinforced the digital ruble’s advantages, detailing it would offer an alternative to traditional payments and monetary systems. Bank authorities expect a widespread digital ruble adoption by 2025.
What do you think about the Russian digital ruble? Tell us in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

QCP Capital: Middle East Tensions Hit Bitcoin Harder Than Traditional Markets

In its Oct. 2 market analysis, QCP Capital highlights the effect of escalating Middle Eastern conflicts on traditional financial (tradefi) assets and the cryptocurrency market. According to QCP’s researchers, the market response has been muted in tradefi, but risk assets and digital currencies like bitcoin (BTC) faced more substantial losses.
QCP Researchers Analyze Crypto Market Impact of Geopolitical Tensions and Central Bank Policies
QCP Capital‘s latest report underscores the limited reaction of traditional financial markets to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite heightened conflict between Israel and Iran. Traditional assets like the S&P 500 index closed 1% lower, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices rose by 2%.
However, QCP’s analysis indicates that the cryptocurrency market experienced greater volatility, with bitcoin seeing a 4% drop, finding support near the $60,000 mark. Further escalation could push bitcoin prices lower, potentially to $55,000, according to QCP’s projections.
QCP analysts state:
We seem to have found some support at the $60K level, but further escalation could push us much lower, possibly to the $55K level.
In addition to geopolitical factors, QCP’s analysts compared China’s current economic challenges to Japan’s deflationary period in the 1990s. They noted similarities in policy measures, such as rate cuts and quantitative easing programs introduced by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).
The influx of liquidity and fiscal support is expected to positively affect asset prices, which could contribute to a bullish sentiment globally. QCP highlighted that this optimism may spill over into the cryptocurrency market, where risk assets, including digital currencies, could benefit from broader economic trends.
“In his recent Q&A, Powell was supportive of further rate cuts in 2024,” the market update from QCP concludes. “Assets prices are expected to remain supported heading into 2025, as both the largest (the Fed) and 3rd largest (PBOC) central banks in the world have started their cutting cycles in earnest.”
What do you think about QCP’s market update on Wednesday? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

‘Thousands’ Flock to World Liberty Financial Whitelist Following Trump’s Announcement

After former President Donald Trump revealed World Liberty Financial’s (WLF) whitelist signup, WLF’s X account shared that “thousands of people have joined” since the announcement. However, the excitement has been dampened by an influx of fake WLFI token scams flooding X.
WLF: ‘Whitelist Is Already a Massive Success’
The crypto community has been haphazardly tracking the gradual rollout of World Liberty Financial (WLF), a decentralized finance (defi) project supported by Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Barron Trump, and Eric Trump. Bitcoin.com News covered WLFI’s tokenomics and also reported on former President Donald Trump opening whitelist signups. To participate in the WLFI sale, users are required to complete a know-your-customer (KYC) process.
On Tuesday, WLF informed the public that a large number of people had jumped on the whitelist. “Our whitelist is already a massive success,” the WLF X account posted. “Thousands of people have joined, and we’re just getting started. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something revolutionary.”
Unfortunately, scams have surfaced, exploiting the World Liberty Financial and WLF names, with fake X accounts and websites falsely claiming that the token’s “distribution has now started.” Meanwhile, the legitimate WLF project still remains mysterious, with only parts of the tokenomics disclosed and the total supply still unknown.
What we do know is that one whitelist is restricted to accredited U.S. investors, while another is available for non-U.S. individuals. WLF assures that regular retail Americans will eventually be able to utilize the defi platform.
“We plan for all Americans to be able to use this platform in the future, giving everyone access to the tools and opportunities that have been restricted for far too long,” the firm’s X account states.
What do you think about World Liberty Financial’s whitelist? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Binance Secures Regulatory License in Kazakhstan for Crypto Trading

Binance Kazakhstan has secured a full Digital Asset Trading Facility (DATF) license from the Astana Financial Services Authority. This approval allows the crypto exchange to operate as a trading platform, broker-dealer, and digital asset custodian. Kazakhstan becomes the first Central Asian country where Binance has regulatory approval, positioning it as a key fintech hub.
Binance Kazakhstan Secures Full Digital Asset Trading License
Crypto exchange Binance announced on Sept. 30 that Binance Kazakhstan has secured a full crypto trading facility license from the country’s financial regulator.
“Binance Kazakhstan has become the first digital-asset platform to obtain a full Digital Asset Trading Facility (DATF) license from the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA),” Binance stated, elaborating:
The license authorizes Binance Kazakhstan to operate a digital assets trading facility, act as a broker-dealer, and provide custody services for digital assets.
The exchange noted that Kazakhstan is now the first country in Central Asia where Binance has received full regulatory approval, reflecting the country’s innovative approach to financial technology. The license followed a detailed review process, including financial audits and ISO certifications. This regulatory achievement is seen as a milestone for both Binance and the Central Asian region. The rigorous review confirmed Binance’s adherence to standards like the AIFC Digital Asset Activities and AML laws.
According to Vishal Sacheendran, Binance’s Head of Regional Markets, Kazakhstan’s “forward-thinking regulatory framework” establishes the nation as a key hub for growth. Vishal Sacheendran expressed excitement, noting that the DATF license would help drive innovation and adoption of digital assets in Central Asia. “Binance Kazakhstan is not only reinforcing its dedication to regulatory compliance but also contributing to the broader development of the crypto ecosystem in Central Asia.”
The crypto exchange added: “For Binance Kazakhstan, obtaining the full DATF license meant undergoing a rigorous and comprehensive review, including an External Financial Audit, ISO certifications, and multiple internal and external audits to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.”
How do you think Binance Kazakhstan’s full DATF license will impact the digital asset market in Central Asia? Let us know in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Crypto Billionaire Flees London Over Offshore Tax Concerns

Christian Angermayer, a billionaire crypto investor, has reportedly moved from London to Switzerland as the UK considers tightening tax policies on offshore wealth. Angermayer’s relocation signals the potential departure of other wealthy individuals fearing future tax hikes on non-domiciled tax arrangements.
Crypto Investor Angermayer Leaves London Over Tax Concerns
Billionaire crypto investor Christian Angermayer has reportedly left London for Switzerland amid concerns over potential tax increases on offshore wealth. The German-born businessman departed ahead of the anticipated crackdown on non-domiciled tax arrangements. These tax rules allow foreign nationals living in the UK to avoid paying taxes on overseas income unless brought into the country.
Angermayer, who had lived in London for the past decade, moved to Lugano, Switzerland, earlier this month. He reportedly declined other relocation options, including New York and Dubai. According to Bloomberg, Angermayer did not pay taxes on foreign income for up to 15 years. The investor remarked:
Every non-dom I know has left or is about to leave.
“Non-dom” describes a UK resident whose permanent home, or domicile, for tax purposes is outside the UK.
A central policy push could generate £3.2 billion in revenue, but government officials are reportedly uncertain, fearing wealthy residents will follow Angermayer’s example and leave the UK.
Despite these concerns, the opposition party plans to address tax loopholes and aim for an initial £1 billion in revenue in the first year. The Conservatives had already considered scaling back non-dom tax breaks while in office, but the current proposals are seen as more aggressive. The Office for Budget Responsibility will assess any cost estimates before the next fiscal plan is finalized. A Treasury spokesperson clarified that the changes are not official yet, stating:
These reports are speculation, not government policy.
Do you think billionaire crypto investor Christian Angermayer’s departure signals a broader exodus of wealthy individuals from the UK due to tax concerns? Let us know in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

China's Former Vice Minister of Finance Calls for Research on Crypto as US Policy Pivots

Zhu Guangyao, China’s former vice minister of Finance, has called on the country to continue researching crypto as the US changes its attitude towards the asset class. During the 2024 Tsinghua PBOC Chief Economist Forum, Guangyao stated that crypto should be studied “because it is a crucial aspect of the development of the digital economy.”
China’s Former Finance Vice Minister: China Should Study Crypto Development
China should be studying the development of crypto in international markets, even with all the negative effects surrounding it. This is the recommendation that Zhu Guangyao, a former Finance vice minister, made during a speech at the 2024 Tsinghua PBOC Chief Economist Forum.
Guangyao, who served in the position from May 2010 to June 2018, believes that cryptocurrencies are a main element in the development of digital economies, and as such, must be examined.
On the issue, he stated:
It does have negative effects, and we must fully recognize its risks and harm to the capital market, but we must study the latest international changes and policy adjustments because it is a crucial aspect to the development of the digital economy.
An institutional push has powered the U.S.’s newfound interest in crypto and its consideration of the asset class. Guangyao explained that before, the U.S. had a negative stance on crypto, believing it had a “huge destructive power” as a tool for money laundering and terrorism financing purposes in international markets.
However, now with the approval of several exchange-traded funds (EFTs) for bitcoin and ether, the country’s policy has shifted, and crypto has become more generalized. Guangyao also mentioned that former President and Republican Candidate Donald Trump included crypto as a key element in his campaign, explaining that the U.S. should embrace it to avoid being replaced by China.
While cryptocurrency trading and mining have been banned in China, they faced a resurgence as stocks and real estate investments slumped before the government announced the recent stimulus to reactivate the country’s economy.
What do you think about Zhu Guangyao’s opinion of crypto? Tell us in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Binance Founder CZ Reflects on Release — Plans to Focus on Blockchain, AI, Biotech

Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) has shared a personal update, reflecting on his recent experiences and future aspirations. He emphasized his intention to focus on various projects related to education, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and biotechnology. Zhao expressed confidence that future opportunities will exceed those of the past.

CZ Shares Vision Following Prison Release
Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of crypto exchange Binance, shared a personal update on social media platform X on Sunday, after being released from U.S. custody on Friday. He offered insight into his ongoing efforts and what he envisions for the future.
Zhao emphasized several areas of interest, such as investments in education and blockchain technologies. He remarked:
Giggle Academy has been going well, and will be a big part of my life for the next few years. Will continue to invest in blockchain/decentralized technologies, AI, and biotech. I am a long term investor who care about impact, not returns.
Additionally, CZ expressed a desire to deepen his philanthropic work, sharing: “I will also dedicate more time and funding to charity (and education). I have some rough ideas.”
Reflecting on his incarceration, he noted: “The food taste so good … And what a luxury to be able to have more than one piece of fruit per day!” He added: “Let me chill for a bit. Then figure out the next steps. There are always more opportunities in the future than there were in the past.” He also thanked his supporters, stating: “It meant a lot to me, and kept me strong in the darkest moments.”
The former Binance CEO offered an update on his upcoming book, which he revealed is nearing completion. He shared:
Still working on my book. About 2/3 done, I think. Writing a book is a lot more work than I anticipated, but will see this one through.
He concluded by acknowledging that Binance continues to thrive without his daily input, describing it as “every founder’s dream,” and urged followers to stay tuned for further developments.
What are your thoughts on Binance founder CZ’s reflections and his future plans in areas like education, blockchain, AI, and biotech? Share your views in the comments section. #Write2Earn

US License Expiration Imperils Russia-China Trade in Chinese Yuan

A U.S. license allowing transactions with key players in Russia’s financial system expires on Oct. 12. This could make it harder and more expensive for Russian businesses to trade with China in yuan. The yuan is currently the most traded foreign currency in Russia after Western sanctions and Russia’s de-dollarization efforts. Chinese banks are wary of violating U.S. sanctions and the Russian central bank is hesitant to provide more yuan liquidity.
Importers fear a yuan shortage or Chinese banks refusing Russian payments altogether.
Expiry of the license could halt yuan conversion and open positions on the Moscow Exchange. This would further complicate Russia-China trade, which already faces delays and higher costs.#Write2Earn

Trump Opens KYC Whitelist for New World Liberty Financial Crypto Project

On Monday, former President Donald Trump announced that the whitelist for World Liberty Financial (WLF) is now open to eligible individuals. Addressing his 91 million followers on X, he called it their “chance to be part of this historic moment.”
Trump’s Latest Crypto Venture World Liberty Financial Whitelist Goes Live
The know-your-customer (KYC) process for the Trump family decentralized finance (defi) project has kicked off, according to the WLF website, worldlibertyfinancial.com. This follows details released in mid-Sept. about the Trump defi project, which will feature a coin called the WLFI token, with 63% of it offered to the public under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation D rules.
On Sept. 30, Trump reached out to his X followers, explaining that WLF whitelisting had begun. “I promised to Make America Great Again, this time with crypto,” Trump said. “[World Liberty Financial] is planning to help make America the crypto capital of the world! The whitelist for eligible persons is officially open – this is your chance to be part of this historic moment.”

Visitors to the website are prompted to choose if they reside inside or outside the U.S., and then they are directed to begin the KYC process. Users are asked to connect their Web3 wallet, which serves as their KYC identifier for verification. The site explains, “We’ll use it to check if you’ve completed the KYC process, whether it’s pending review, or if any action is required.”
Additional information about WLF is available only to individuals who complete the KYC process. Currently, Trump is in a tight race with 2024 Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, as shown by nationwide polls and prediction markets. Trump mentioned that his newfound interest in crypto began when he launched his non-fungible token (NFT) project, surprised by how many purchases were made using crypto.
Over the past year, Trump has pursued numerous merchandising ventures. Alongside Trump NFTs, he has rolled out the Trump ‘Victory’ Tourbillon watch, ‘Never Surrender High-Tops’ sneakers, Trump Bitcoin sneakers, Trump first edition silver coins, Trump-themed bibles, and even a Trump-branded cologne dubbed ‘Victory47.’
What do you think about Donald Trump’s crypto project and upcoming coin? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Bitcoin Price in South Korea Sees Largest Discount Since October 2023

According to recent data, the premium for bitcoin in South Korea briefly turned into a discount last week, a rarity since October 2023. While the premium quickly bounced back, it’s still hovering just below 1%.
Bitcoin Sees Steep Discount in South Korea, Premium Quickly Rebounds but Stays Below 1%
On Sept. 23, bitcoin (BTC) in South Korea was trading at a discount, its largest since October 2023, according to figures from cryptoquant.com (CQ). Specifically, the price was 0.55% below the global average. By Sept. 25, CQ reported that the discount had widened to 1.15%. But by the next day, the premium was back, with BTC trading 0.57% higher than the worldwide average.

Just two days ago, on Sept. 28, South Korea’s bitcoin exchange rate had aligned with the global average. South Korea often experiences a premium on bitcoin due to high demand, strict capital controls, and a more limited cryptocurrency supply. For instance, Upbit, the country’s top exchange by trade volume, offers far fewer coins than many global competitors.
While Binance boasts 425 coins and Bybit offers 662, Upbit lists just 215, and Bithumb carries 299. As of 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, the South Korean premium stood at 0.60% on Upbit. Earlier this year, the premium hit significantly higher marks—on March 15, 2024, the day after BTC soared to $73,737, CQ recorded a premium of 10.88%.
Bitcoin is kicking off the week on a rough note, slipping 4% against the U.S. dollar over the past 24 hours. This Monday dip drags its weekly return down to a slight loss of 0.5%. On the evening of Sept. 29, BTC was hovering around $66,000, but by Monday’s trading sessions, the top crypto had been fighting to stay above the $63,000 mark as of 2:45 p.m. EDT.
What are your thoughts on last week’s bitcoin discount in South Korea? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Cantor Fitzgerald CEO: Bitcoin Is a Commodity, Should Be Treated Like Gold and Oil

Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, says bitcoin is a commodity. “When you truly understand bitcoin, it’s hard to see it any other way,” he said, adding that the crypto “should be treated like gold and like oil.” While stating that other digital assets may vary, he firmly maintained that BTC is a commodity.
Howard Lutnick Sees Bitcoin as a Commodity
Howard Lutnick, CEO of global financial services firm Cantor Fitzgerald, shared his view on bitcoin Friday in a post on social media platform X. Referencing his interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox Business, he wrote:
Yesterday, I told Maria Bartiromo that bitcoin is a commodity. When you truly understand bitcoin, it’s hard to see it any other way.
In the interview, Maria Bartiromo asked Lutnick about his views on regulations governing commodities versus equities. The Cantor Fitzgerald CEO asserted that over the course of the next two decades, commodities and equities are likely to converge. “Eventually commodities and equities will kind of merge over a long period of time — over, maybe, 20 years,” he described.
The Cantor Fitzgerald executive then commented on crypto regulations, stating that regulators are unsure how to regulate the sector. “They don’t even know how to do crypto and digital at all. They have no idea. They still don’t understand how important it is to actually get it right,” he stressed, emphasizing:
They have no idea bitcoin is a commodity. It should be treated like gold and like oil, it’s just a commodity.
“Other digital currencies — different. Other digital assets — different. But bitcoin is a commodity. But why can’t they understand it? It just doesn’t make sense to me,” he opined.
Lutnick, a bitcoin advocate, wrote on X in July: “I am a fan of bitcoin. Cantor Fitzgerald is a fan of bitcoin, and our investment bank is a rockstar in the digital asset space. We are just getting started.” Earlier this month, he stated: “Over the last five years, bitcoin has been an outsider to the tradfi community, and it’s only now dipping its toe into global finance. Cantor will help tradfi bring bitcoin all the way in. Tradfi wants new asset classes, and BTC is here to stay.”
What do you think about Howard Lutnick’s perspective on bitcoin being a commodity? Let us know in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

61 New Bitcoin Addresses Holding 1,000 to 10,000 BTC Emerge in 2024

Recent data reveals that bitcoin wallets holding between 0.1 and 1 BTC have grown by an impressive 9,563 since the year began. Meanwhile, the number of crab wallets containing 1 to 10 BTC has shrunk by 7,783. Bitcoin dolphins, sharks, and whales, those with between 100 to 10,000 BTC, made a noticeable splash, with 101 new addresses surfacing since early January.
Address Shifts and Global Bitcoin Adoption
As of Sept. 29, 2024, according to bitinfocharts.com, a total of 21.83 million bitcoin addresses hold more than $100 worth of BTC. This marks a jump of 2 million addresses since the first week of January. Back then, 8.9 million addresses held over $1,000 in bitcoin, but that number has swelled by 1.63 million to reach 10.53 million today. For those tracking the bitcoin rich list, addresses holding more than $10,000 in BTC rose by 781,250, climbing from 2.72 million to 3.5 million.
Bitcoin dolphins (100 to 500 BTC), sharks (500 to 1,000 BTC), and whales (1,000 to 10,000 BTC) have welcomed 101 new addresses into their ranks. Of these, 40 fresh wallets now hold between 100 and 1,000 BTC, with those wallets valued between $6.56 million and $65.6 million. At present, 13,960 addresses fall into this range. Additionally, 61 new addresses have appeared since January, each holding between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC, or between $65.6 million and $656 million in value.
Right now, less than 2,000 addresses (1,975 to be exact) boast between 1,000 and 10,000 BTC. As for the largest bitcoin holders, there were 107 addresses controlling between 10,000 and 250,000 BTC at the start of the year, but that number has dipped slightly to 103. On Sunday, Mohamad Hassan Fahs, better known as Sani and the founder of timechainIndex.com, shared an interesting update on X regarding individual investors now holding around 11.6 million BTC.
He pointed out that the latest data shows there are 54,411,314 bitcoin addresses with a combined balance of 19.76 million BTC. Of these, 12,423,601 addresses each contain more than 1 million satoshis, accounting for almost 19.71 million BTC. According to Sani, timechainIndex.com data also highlights that about 155,000 addresses are tied to non-individual entities like exchanges, corporations, and governments, collectively holding approximately 8.1 million BTC.
His data suggests that the remaining 12.27 million addresses, assuming most are likely held by individual investors, collectively manage about 11.6 million BTC. Sani noted that if we assume each address represents a single person, it implies that around 0.15% of the world’s population holds a notable amount of bitcoin. “This highlights how early we are in the broader adoption of bitcoin, with current levels still falling short of many expectations,” he remarked.
The timechainIndex.com founder added:
Despite increasing awareness and institutional interest, only a small fraction of the global population currently holds a meaningful amount of bitcoin, showing that widespread adoption is still in its early stages.
What do you think about the address shifts in 2024 and the timechainIndex.com founder’s metrics? Share your thoughts and opinions about this subject in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Ghana Launches Gold Coin Priced in Local Currency

Ghana’s central bank launched a gold coin to boost domestic savings and manage liquidity. The coins are available in October and priced based on the London Bullion Market Association auction price. Despite efforts to strengthen the cedi, Ghana’s currency continues to depreciate against the U.S. dollar.
Gold Coins Priced in Local Currency
Ghana has launched a gold coin to encourage domestic savings and assist with managing money market liquidity. The coin, refined to 99.99% purity, is issued and guaranteed by the Bank of Ghana (BOG). The gold coins will reportedly come in one, half, and quarter ounces.
According to a Bloomberg report, the coins will become available in the first two weeks of October. Residents interested in purchasing the coins will be able to do so using Ghanaian cedi. BOG governor Ernest Addison said the coins are priced based on the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) auction price.
“The Ghana gold coin enables the Bank of Ghana to mop up excess liquidity in the banking sector and will supplement the bank’s bills for liquidity management. It gives those resident in Ghana an additional avenue to invest to reap the benefits of the Bank of Ghana’s domestic gold purchase program,” Addison said.
Cedi Weakens Against Dollar
Launching the gold coin is the latest action by the Ghanaian central bank to boost demand for the cedi. As previously reported by Bitcoin.com News in late 2022, Ghana also took steps to bolster the Ghanaian cedi when it launched the “gold for oil scheme.” Under that arrangement, the BOG required large gold producers to sell the gold to it at a 20% discount.
As noted in the Bloomberg report, the Ghanaian central bank has acquired 65.4 tons of gold valued at $5 billion since it launched the oil for gold scheme. However, despite taking these steps, the Ghanaian currency has continued to slide against the U.S. dollar. In June, the cedi’s exchange rate to the dollar plunged to its lowest at the time following reports that Ghana’s cocoa production would miss the initial projected output by around half.
At the time of writing (14.00 hours EST, Sept 30, 2024), the cedi was trading at around 15.77 to the U.S. dollar, a new low for the currency.
What are your thoughts on this story? Share your opinion in the comments section below. #Write2Earn

Digital Asset Platforms Lose a Record $2.1B in 2024, Mostly Due to Hacks

A Cyvers report reveals that centralized and decentralized digital asset platforms suffered $2.114 billion in losses in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing 2023’s total. Hacks and breaches account for the majority of these losses, emphasizing the need for enhanced security measures.
Centralized Exchange Hacks Surge Nearly 1,000%
Cybersecurity Cyvers’ analysis shows that losses suffered by centralized and decentralized digital asset platforms in the first nine months of 2024 reached $2.114 billion, an all-time high. This surpasses the 2023 total of $1.69 billion. High-profile breaches and hacks, as highlighted in a recent Cyvers report, account for most of these losses, emphasizing the need for stronger security protocols.
Centralized exchanges (CEX), which previously had a smaller share of losses, saw a 984% year-over-year increase in hacks. The report identified five high-profile hacks and breaches in the second quarter alone.
“In Q2 2024, centralized exchanges experienced a notable surge in hacks, culminating in a total loss of approximately $401 million across five significant incidents. The most prominent of these was the DMM Bitcoin exchange breach, which resulted in a staggering $305 million loss, marking it as one of the year’s largest CEX breaches. Additionally, Btcturk, a Turkish exchange, was hit hard with a $55 million loss,” the report states.
Meanwhile, decentralized finance (defi) platforms experienced a 25% reduction in losses during Q2 2024 compared to Q2 2023. However, they still lost $171.3 million across 62 incidents in Q2 2024, primarily on Ethereum and BNB Chain.
Of the 131 incidents recorded in the first three quarters of 2024, Cyvers found 79 were smart contract exploits, and the rest were access control violations. The report concludes that the increasing number of incidents and losses highlights the need for proactive security measures and regulatory oversight to mitigate future risks and build a secure, resilient Web3 ecosystem.
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Malicious Crypto-Stealing App Exposed on Google Play

An app on Google Play was discovered stealing cryptocurrency from users, employing advanced social engineering and trusted protocols. Check Point Research exposed the app after it had siphoned $70,000, deceiving over 150 victims. The attackers used the Walletconnect protocol to appear legitimate, manipulating Google search rankings and avoiding detection through encryption and obfuscation techniques.
Malicious App on Google Play Steals Cryptocurrency Using Walletconnect Protocol
Cybersecurity firm Check Point Research (CPR) shared on Thursday that it has “uncovered a malicious app on Google Play designed to steal cryptocurrency marking the first time a drainer has targeted mobile device users exclusively. ”
The app, which remained active for nearly five months, exploited the trusted Walletconnect protocol and tricked users through fake branding and social engineering tactics. The cybersecurity firm detailed that before the app was removed from Google Play:
It managed to victimize over 150 users, resulting in losses exceeding $70,000.
The attackers used the Walletconnect name to appear legitimate, achieving over 10,000 downloads by manipulating search rankings and using fake reviews. According to CPR, “Advanced social engineering” played a crucial role in deceiving users into downloading the app and connecting their cryptocurrency wallets. Once users interacted with the app, it prompted them to sign malicious transactions, allowing attackers to drain their digital assets silently.
The report mentioned, “Not all of the users who downloaded the drainer were affected,” adding:
Some didn’t complete the wallet connection, others recognized suspicious activity and secured their assets, and some may not have met the malware’s specific targeting criteria.
Further analysis by CPR revealed that the app avoided detection using sophisticated obfuscation techniques and anti-analysis methods, even bypassing Google Play’s security checks. The attackers used advanced redirection and encryption tactics to mask their true intentions. The app relied heavily on external malicious scripts, complicating detection and allowing attackers to remain hidden. CPR emphasized, “This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cybercriminal tactics,” especially in decentralized finance, where users often rely on third-party protocols to manage digital assets.
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Latam Insights: Argentina and El Salvador Fight Against the International Agenda

Welcome to Latam Insights, a compendium of Latin America’s most relevant crypto and economic news from the past week. In this issue, Argentina rejects the UN’s Pact for the Future, President Nayib Bukele warns about the impending arrival of a dark age, and cryptocurrency imports reach record levels in Brazil.
Argentina Rejects UN Pact for the Future as Milei Breaks With International Agenda
Argentina has parted ways with the United Nations Pact of the Future, commonly called the 2045 Agenda. The resolution, which was approved by 193 countries by the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday, includes 56 different actions engineered to face the “greatest challenges of our time,” including social media censorship, artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, climate change, and the strengthening of global governance structures.
Foreign Minister Diana Mondino argued that earlier governments had proposed Argentina’s adhesion to this pact and that many points now clashed with the country’s new determination. However, Mondino stressed that they had proposed changes to the document that were not considered. She stated:
Nevertheless, we proposed constructive actions that were not always taken into account, and that led to us deciding to dissociate ourselves from the pact.
Mondino also declared that Argentina would continue to work towards solving the new Humanity’s challenges, but reinforced the need to have “wings” for peaceful growth.
Bukele Highlights El Salvador’s Rebirth, Warns About Coming ‘New Dark Age’ at United Nations
President Nayib Bukele issued a warning about the path that the Western world is taking, highlighting that El Salvador could become a shelter for the upcoming “new dark age.” Before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on Tuesday, Bukele highlighted the achievements of El Salvador in several aspects, including its gang battles, personal security, and tourism, contrasting it with the regression of the same conditions in the world, including social media censorship.
Bukele stated that now Salvadorans could be free in their streets, while in cities of the so-called free world, these have been taken by drugs, homelessness, and petty crime. Bukele also charged against countries that have censored their citizens on social media and even arrested them for their posts.
In this regard, he stated that due to the problems that El Salvador has already faced, he has been able to discern certain signs that point to an actual decadence of the world and an upcoming dark age.
Cryptocurrency Purchases Soar in Brazil: $12.37 Billion Spent YTD
The demand for cryptocurrency in Brazil has greatly increased, and platforms have also purchased more crypto to offer their users. The Central Bank of Brazil has recently released data that indicated that cryptocurrency purchases, considered imports by the government, have soared during 2024, reaching $12.37 billion from January to August.
This number has already beaten the imports registered during 2023, which reached $12.30. The figures dwarf the $7.42 billion registered for the same period in 2023, signaling an acceleration of customer demand for crypto in the country.
Valor Economico clarified that this report included both cryptocurrencies with an issuer, such as stablecoins, and without an issuer, such as bitcoin. Fernando Rocha, head of statistics at the central bank, explained that these numbers corresponded to the demand of trading companies and exchanges seeking to satisfy the demand of their customers.
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