Ethereum announced plans for the "Pectra" network upgrade, scheduled for March 2025. The upgrade includes eight improvements, including EIP-7702 for enhancing wallet performance and EIP-7251 for increasing the maximum validator stake from 32 to 2048 ETH. Testing will take place on the Sepolia and Holesky networks in February. Developers have scaled back the initial plans by splitting the package into two parts.
The cryptocurrency exchange Crypto.com has received preliminary approval for a MiCA license from the Malta Financial Services Authority, bringing it closer to full operation in the European Union.
The exchange is expected to receive the full CASP license soon, allowing it to provide services across the trading bloc of 27 countries.
The CASP license ensures transparency and simplifies the regulation of the crypto sector.
Boerse Stuttgart Digital has received a CASP license from BaFin, allowing it to provide crypto services across the EU under MiCA. The company plans to expand its offerings to financial institutions in Europe. The license strengthens Germany's competitiveness in the crypto market. The legislation was passed on time despite political instability.
Bitcoin mining stocks have had a strong start to the year, according to a report from JPMorgan. Of the 14 companies, 12 have outperformed Bitcoin. The network’s hashrate is up 2% month-to-date and 51% year-over-year. The total market cap of mining stocks has increased 16%, or $4.5 billion. Riot Platforms has risen 32%, while Bitdeer has fallen 4%.
The company Ctrl Wallet, which specializes in multi-chain wallets, is up for sale, reported CEO Emil Duby. The sales process began after two merger and acquisition proposals last year. An auction is underway, with applications accepted until January 28, and the winner will be announced on January 31. Ctrl Wallet has 650,000 users and aims to increase that number to 2 million by the end of the year.
Coinbase adds Bitcoin-backed loans to its product line in the US, using the Morpho platform on its Base network. This simplifies access to loans by integrating Morpho into the Coinbase interface. Loans require significant collateral in Bitcoin, exceeding the loan amount, with a limit of $100,000 in USDC. The new feature supports the development of Coinbase's on-chain economy.
South Korean crypto exchange Upbit may face sanctions for failing to comply with anti-money laundering and customer identification (KYC) requirements. The Financial Information Analysis Institute (FIU) has notified the exchange of possible measures. If the sanctions are confirmed, Upbit may be restricted from accepting new customers for up to six months. The exchange must submit its objections by the 20th.
Komainu, a joint venture of Nomura, Ledger, and Coinshares, has raised $75 million in strategic investments from Blockstream Capital Partners. The deal is financed in Bitcoin. The funds will be used to accelerate growth and integrate Blockstream technologies. By using Liquid Network, Komainu will reduce settlement times. Blockstream executives will join the board of directors of Komainu.
The Boerse Stuttgart exchange, one of the leading exchanges in Germany, has increased its cryptocurrency trading revenue to 25% of its total volume. Trading volume has almost tripled in 2024, reaching record levels. Bitcoin accounts for about 50% of cryptocurrency revenue. The platform has attracted more than a million customers, offering services through the digital exchange and the BISON app.
The CoinDesk 20 Index is up 4.2% to 3,447.59. All 20 assets are trading higher. The top gainers are APT and FIL, up 6.8%. The laggards are XLM (up 1.4%) and DOT (up 2.7%). The CoinDesk 20 Index is a broad index traded on multiple platforms in several regions of the world.
Sigma Capital announced the creation of a $100 million fund for startups in the Web3 sector. The Dubai-based company aims to strengthen the UAE's reputation as a crypto hub. The fund will focus on decentralized finance, tokenization, and blockchain infrastructure. Dubai is competing with Singapore and Hong Kong for the status of a global crypto center by offering clear regulations.
Swiss-Singaporean digital asset bank Sygnum has become the latest crypto unicorn after closing a $58 million funding round. The round was led by Bitcoin-focused venture capital firm Fulgar Ventures. Sygnum plans to use the capital to expand into the European market and establish a regulated presence in Hong Kong, focusing on Bitcoin technology.
The Japanese corporation Sony has announced the launch of the blockchain platform "Soneum", built on the Ethereum blockchain. The project, developed in collaboration with Startale Labs, is designed to support applications in the fields of gaming, finance, and entertainment. By using OP Stack technology, Sony aims to simplify interaction with the blockchain and unite the audiences of web2 and web3.
MoonPay acquired Helio, a Solana-based crypto payment processor, for $175 million. This deal will strengthen MoonPay's position in the crypto trading and infrastructure sector. Helio, founded in 2022, has already processed transactions worth over $1.5 billion. MoonPay, which has over 20 million users, previously partnered with PayPal to expand crypto payment capabilities.
The company Chainalysis acquired the startup Alterya for $150 million to strengthen the fight against fraud in the cryptocurrency sector.
- Chainalysis is known for tracking illegal crypto transactions for financial institutions and governments. - Alterya specializes in preventing transactions from fraudsters. - The integration of the companies' data will enhance the detection of fraudsters. - All teams will work in a new office in Tel Aviv.
- Tether, the company behind the largest stablecoin USDT, is opening its headquarters in El Salvador. - The decision was made after obtaining all necessary licenses in the country. - This step strengthens El Salvador's position as a crypto hub and brings tax benefits to Tether. - El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and is actively attracting crypto firms.
- The Usual protocol has faced criticism after changing the USD0++ token buyback mechanism, causing a selloff in secondary markets. - The price of USD0++ has fallen below 90 cents, while the USUAL governance token has lost up to 17%. - The new "double exit" feature has allowed early buyback of tokens, causing panic among investors. - The total locked value of the protocol has fallen to $1.6 billion.