Japanese e-commerce platform Mercari has announced its intention to accept Bitcoin as a payment method. This decision expands the payment options on the platform, allowing users to conduct transactions using cryptocurrency.Mercari, known as one of the leading e-commerce platforms in Japan, plans to introduce Bitcoin integration as part of efforts to enhance payment flexibility for its users. This move also reflects a response to the increasing demand and interest in cryptocurrencies among consumers.By allowing payments with Bitcoin, Mercari has the potential to attract consumers who have adopted or invested in crypto. Additionally, this could open up opportunities for users looking to use their Bitcoin for online shopping.It's worth noting that the acceptance of Bitcoin as a payment method in e-commerce is becoming increasingly common worldwide. Several major companies and e-commerce platforms have adopted or are exploring this option in response to the ongoing developments and growing adoption in the crypto ecosystem.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is hopeful for the approval of a Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) this coming Wednesday (10/1).As information, the recent wave of Bitcoin spot ETF filings has drawn attention, especially since BlackRock joined the submissions in June 2023.The latest update on the potential approval of the Bitcoin spot ETF came from FOX Business over the weekend.Meanwhile, Reuters reported that several potential issuers expect the final approval for the S-1 filings related to the Bitcoin spot ETF on Tuesday night (9/1) or Wednesday.The Chance of Bitcoin Spot ETF Rejection Drops to 5%The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which has the authority to approve or reject ETFs in the U.S., is said to be seeking minor changes.Some potential issuers are expected to amend their filings to disclose costs or the identity of market makers for their Bitcoin spot ETF products. This update should be made by 8 a.m. on Monday (8/1) local time.Additionally, some potential issuers view an unusual step, as the SEC is asking them to submit written requests to the regulator to expedite the effective date of the Bitcoin spot ETF. The normal process is for the regulator to discuss the timing more informally with potential issuers.Bloomberg explains that SEC Commissioners, consisting of five people including Gary Gensler (SEC Chairman), are expected to vote on filings related to the Bitcoin spot ETF.Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, mentioned that the launch of the Bitcoin spot ETF product will occur on Thursday (11/1). He stated that the likelihood of the Bitcoin spot ETF approval failure has decreased from 10% to just 5%.11 Potential Issuers Submit Final RevisionsThis recent development follows after 11 potential issuers of the Bitcoin spot ETF revised their 19b-4 filings on Friday (5/1). This strengthens the belief that the SEC may officially approve the presence of the Bitcoin spot ETF this week.The list of potential issuers of the Bitcoin spot ETF who have submitted the final revisions includes Valkyrie, BlackRock, Invesco Galaxy, Bitwise, Grayscale, Hashdex, Ark 21Shares, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, WisdomTree, and VanEck.James Seyffart, an ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, stated that SEC approval of these latest filings is needed. After that, an approved S-1 document is required for the Bitcoin spot ETF to become effective. He estimates that both of these events could happen this week.Interestingly, ETF analysts and the crypto community discuss a rumor that BlackRock has about $2 billion from Bitcoin holders looking to switch to the Bitcoin spot ETF in the first week of launch. If true, such funds would shatter all volume or assets under management (AUM) records on the first day or week for an ETF product.On the other hand, VanEck claimed that they are not tourist investors in Bitcoin and are committed for the long term. That's why they decided to make an initial donation of $10,000 and commit to donating 5% of the profits from their Bitcoin spot ETF to support Bitcoin Core developers for at least the next 10 years.Earlier on January 3, the SEC was reported to have held a series of meetings with the Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). These meetings are seen as a positive sign that the SEC is close to approving several Bitcoin spot ETF filings.

In a recent report from crypto intelligence portal Santiment, it has been revealed that prominent Bitcoin investors, commonly referred to as whales, have accumulated impressive amounts of Bitcoin despite the recent 10% price drop. These whales, who held between 100 and 10,000 BTC, collectively collected an additional 57,578 BTC. This accumulation has created an important bullish divergence that hints at the potential for a strong rebound in the near term.

As Bitcoin experienced a significant 10% price drop since April 9, it is remarkable to note that these influential holders have been adding around 1,000 BTC to their already large wallets every day. This unexpected trend has emerged amidst the ongoing frenzy surrounding altcoins, drawing attention to the contrasting actions of Bitcoin whale accumulation and the falling price of the cryptocurrency itself.

With the rapid evolution and increasing adoption of cryptocurrencies, the need for regulatory clarity has become paramount. U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis said her efforts to push for a positive regulatory framework are still ongoing.

Senator Lummis earned praise from the crypto community on Twitter as he shared his commitment to developing a regulatory framework that will facilitate the ownership and trading of digital assets in the United States. His tweet served as a reminder of the anticipated bill that was supposed to be released in April.

Is it too late to invest in Bitcoin (BTC)? Or is it still worth buying cryptocurrency? The Winklevoss twins believe that Bitcoin remains one of the best investments of the decade.

According to the Winklevoss twins' predictions, Bitcoin will surpass $500,000. But what is their reasoning behind these predictions?

The Winklevoss Twins Have Been Investing in Bitcoin for 11 years

According to their own statements, Tyler Winklevoss and Cameron Winklevoss accidentally discovered Bitcoin in 2012 while on summer vacation in Ibiza.

Dan Sunghan – Director of the Financial Crimes Investigation Bureau at the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Service – claimed that former crypto mogul Do Kwon had moved nearly $30 million in digital currency to an unknown wallet shortly after his arrest in Montenegro.

The 31-year-old South Korean has faced huge criticism and was blamed for having a hand in last year's massive LUNA/USD collapse that triggered investors' multi-billion losses. He allegedly spent several months on the run before being detained by Montenegrin authorities in March this year. He will likely be extradited to the US or South Korea and tried there. Kwon's Suspicious Crypto Transactions

Bitcoin price consolidates above $26,000 Support. BTC may start another decline if it remains below $27,400 for a long time.

Bitcoin is struggling to gain speed to move above the $27,400 resistance.

The price is trading near $26,500 and the 100 hourly Simple Moving Average.

There was a break above a descending area with resistance near $26,420 on the hourly chart of the BTC/USD pair (data feed from Binance).

The pair could fall again if there is a move below the $26,000 Support zone.

Bitcoin is leaving the United States during the 2022 bear market, new research shows.

In a tweet on June 8, on-chain analytics firm Glassnode revealed some surprising conclusions about who is now using Bitcoin.

BTC supply moves to Asia

The past year has seen some seismic shifts in where Bitcoin is stored and traded.

In its latest analysis of BTC supply, Glassnode measured its migration around the world specifically, away from the US and towards Asia.

Polkadot, an innovative multi-chain platform, has witnessed a tremendous surge in its key metrics following the launch of several ambitious projects. With the ecosystem bustling with activity and growing adoption, DOT performance metrics have soared to new heights.

Amidst this flurry of activity and positive indicators, the cryptocurrency market remains notoriously volatile. Cryptocurrencies have experienced significant price changes, currently influenced by regulatory developments led by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

According to the latest data from Glassnode, an on-chain analytics company, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, have driven the most capital inflows in the crypto market. Recent market events have triggered a significant trail of inflows for Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Data shows that Bitcoin has contributed the highest capital flow in the crypto market. The graph below reveals that the thirty-day net change in net inflows for Bitcoin is estimated to be around $4.47 billion and for Ethereum, the average could be as high as $3.5 billion. Contrary to these two cryptocurrencies, the metric value for stablecoins is negative. source: Glassnode

Ridwan Kamil, Governor of West Java Province, showed his partiality towards the digital asset Bitcoin (BTC). According to him, the technology carried by Bitcoin can help people who have been classified as unbankable, aka not having access to banking institutions.

That innovative outlook emerged during the Bitcoin 2023 event in Miami. In a panel with Samson Mow, who is the architect of the Bitcoin Bond (Bitcoin bonds) in El Salvador, Ridwan Kamil explained that Bitcoin technology can help people to get cheap and fast access to finance.

“Bitcoin is a solution for the unbankable. Around 40% of Indonesian people fall into this category and only by using the Bitcoin ecosystem, can they speed up transactions, generate lower fees and also transfer across borders more quickly," he explained.

The figure who is predicted to run for election in the 2024 election reveals that Bitcoin technology can also accelerate financial inclusion, as well as democratize the financial system.

However, it must be admitted, it takes time to prepare regulations that are truly capable of facilitating this. The balance between regulation, investor protection, risk management, and government control must be strong.

In his explanation, Ridwan took as an example the case of Uber's ride-hailing technology. At that time, the government needed about 4 years to be able to regulate this new technology. Therefore, according to him, something similar may happen to Bitcoin. Moreover, Indonesia is one of the countries with the fastest BTC adoption rate in the world.