Category: Cryptocurrency

This post was originally published on this site

Crypto lending is on the rise, with the market experiencing significant growth in 2024. Leading the charge is crypto lending platform Ledn, which has set a new record by processing $1.67 billion in loans as of the third quarter. The crypto lending market is flourishing, driven by increased demand from both retail and institutional investors. Market events such as the Bitcoin halving and the expansion of Ethereum ETFs in Asia have further fueled this demand.

Ledn’s Growth in 2024

Ledn has had an exceptional year, with $1.67 billion in loans processed up to Q3 2024. The loans were split between $258.7 million for individual retail users and $1.41 billion for institutional clients. In Q3 alone, Ledn processed loan transactions amounting to $506 million. The retail sector, in particular, saw explosive growth, with loans increasing by 225% year-over-year. This surge is largely attributed to Ledn’s Celsius refinancing program, the launch of crypto ETFs, and a reduction in market volatility.

Institutional loans accounted for the majority of Ledn’s loan volume, growing to $437.7 million in the third quarter. This increase reflects a broader industry trend, where institutions are seeking digital asset-backed financing as traditional funding avenues become more restrictive due to tight monetary policies.

Ledn’s services include Bitcoin-backed loans, Ether-backed loans, and B2X loans, which allow clients to double their exposure to Bitcoin. The company also prides itself on its third-party proof-of-reserves standard, enhancing transparency and trust in its operations. Since its inception in 2018, Ledn has facilitated over $6.5 billion in loans across both retail and institutional markets.

Bitcoin Halving and Ethereum ETFs Drive Demand

Several market events have contributed to the growth of the crypto lending market, particularly for platforms like Ledn. The Bitcoin halving event, which occurs every four years and reduces the number of new bitcoins generated, has sparked significant interest among investors. Historically, Bitcoin’s price tends to surge following the halving, prompting investors to seek alternative financing options, including Bitcoin-backed loans, to take advantage of the anticipated price appreciation.

Similarly, the rise of Ethereum ETFs, particularly in Asian markets, has driven demand for Ethereum-backed loans. Investors are increasingly using these loans to gain exposure to Ethereum and other digital assets, capitalizing on the growth of crypto ETFs. This trend underscores how traditional financial instruments are blending with the crypto world, offering investors new avenues for participation in the digital asset market.

John Glover, Ledn’s Chief Investment Officer, highlighted this development: “We’ve seen a surge in institutional demand since July, especially as Ethereum ETFs have gained traction. These trends have been critical in driving the growth of our loan volume.”

Institutional Demand Continues to Rise

Institutional investors have been a key driver of the crypto lending market in 2024. As traditional lending options become more expensive and difficult to secure, many institutions are turning to digital asset-backed loans as a viable alternative. The combination of restrictive monetary policies and increased competition for dollar funding has made crypto-backed loans an attractive option for institutions seeking liquidity.

According to Ledn, institutional loans saw significant growth in Q3 2024, with $437.7 million in loan transactions processed during the quarter. This reflects the broader appetite among institutions for digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, both as a store of value and as collateral for loans.

November Elections: A Catalyst for Bitcoin Prices?

Another potential catalyst for the crypto lending market is the upcoming November elections in the United States. Ledn’s Chief Investment Officer, John Glover, pointed to the elections as a possible turning point for Bitcoin prices, which could further drive demand for crypto-backed loans. “There’s a lot of speculation that the November elections could be the next big event to push Bitcoin past its previous peak,” Glover noted. He added that institutional borrowing demand has been closely aligned with overall ETF demand, with a noticeable jump in July.

If Bitcoin prices surge following the elections, the demand for Bitcoin-backed loans is likely to increase even further, providing a significant boost to platforms like Ledn.

The Future of the Crypto Lending Market

As the crypto lending market continues to grow, Ledn’s record-setting performance in 2024 is a testament to the increasing demand for digital asset-backed loans. Both retail and institutional investors are turning to crypto lending as a way to access liquidity, capitalize on market events like the Bitcoin halving, and take advantage of the growing Ethereum ETF market.

With over $1.6 billion in loans processed so far this year, Ledn is positioned to continue leading the crypto lending market. As the year progresses, factors like the November elections and further developments in the digital asset space could push demand even higher, making crypto lending an increasingly integral part of the broader financial ecosystem.

Featured Image: Freepik

Please See Disclaimer

This post was originally published on this site

Bitcoin is once again making headlines as its price approaches $70,000, driven by growing risk-on sentiment across the crypto market. The Bitcoin price surge is not an isolated event; it reflects the increasing demand from both institutional and retail investors, who are positioning themselves for potentially higher returns. This trend has been bolstered by several key factors, including exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows, rising interest in crypto-related equities, and the renewed popularity of memecoins.

Institutional Demand and ETF Inflows

One of the primary drivers behind the Bitcoin price surge is the significant inflow of funds into Bitcoin ETFs. Since the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs earlier this year, these financial instruments have seen cumulative inflows of over $21 billion, according to Farside data. This influx of capital has pushed the net asset value (NAV) of Bitcoin ETFs to a record $66 billion, accounting for nearly 5% of Bitcoin’s total market value.

Institutional investors have played a crucial role in this trend, with asset managers now focusing on wealth advisers and broader investor groups rather than just hedge funds. This shift has made Bitcoin more accessible to a wider range of investors, further fueling its price momentum. According to analysts Min Jung and Rick Maeda from Presto Research, the growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs has been a key factor in pushing the cryptocurrency closer to the $70,000 mark.

Crypto Equities Ride the Bitcoin Price Surge

The bullish momentum in the cryptocurrency market has also spilled over into crypto-related stocks, particularly those involved in Bitcoin mining. Over the past 30 days, stocks like Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT) and Marathon Digital (NASDAQ:MARA) have seen substantial gains, rising by 37% and 21%, respectively. CleanSpark (NASDAQ:CLSK) has also benefited, gaining 43% during the same period.

The rising prices of crypto equities reflect the broader optimism in the market. As Bitcoin’s price continues to climb, these companies are seeing increased profitability, further boosting their stock prices. The Bitcoin price surge has given miners a renewed sense of confidence, as their operations become more lucrative with each price increase.

Retail investors are also jumping into the mix. Trading platforms like Robinhood have reported a 10% increase in active traders compared to the previous quarter, with crypto trading revenue surging by 160% since last year. This resurgence of retail interest suggests that the optimism surrounding Bitcoin and crypto-related stocks is not limited to institutional investors, but is also being driven by everyday traders.

Memecoins Make a Comeback

In addition to Bitcoin and crypto equities, memecoins have made a dramatic resurgence in recent months. These coins, often driven by internet trends and social media hype, have attracted a new wave of retail investors hoping to capitalize on the next big trend. Bernstein analysts have pointed out that the combined value of memecoins has tripled to $66 billion over the last six months, making them one of the fastest-growing categories within the crypto market.

A standout example of this is the GOAT memecoin, rumored to have been created by artificial intelligence (AI). The token’s value soared to over $500 million within just five days, thanks to endorsements from an AI bot on social media. Although the price has since fallen back to $370 million, the rapid rise of the GOAT token highlights the speculative nature of memecoins and the influence of AI-driven trends on the crypto market.

While memecoins can be highly volatile, their recent resurgence underscores the broader risk-on sentiment that is driving the entire crypto market, including the Bitcoin price surge. Retail investors, in particular, are flocking to these assets in the hopes of achieving outsized returns, even as the risks remain high.

Outlook for the Bitcoin Price Surge

As Bitcoin inches closer to the $70,000 mark, the question remains: can this momentum continue? Analysts are cautiously optimistic, pointing to the strong demand from both institutional and retail investors as a key factor in sustaining the rally. However, concerns about market volatility and potential regulatory hurdles still loom.

For now, the Bitcoin price surge seems to be driven by a perfect storm of factors, including ETF inflows, rising crypto equities, and the renewed popularity of speculative assets like memecoins. Whether this rally will lead to new all-time highs or a period of correction remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the market’s appetite for risk is far from waning.

Featured Image:  Freepik © starline

Please See Disclaimer

This post was originally published on this site

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A significant transformation is on the horizon for the digital economy. The cutting-edge cryptocurrency Show Plus Chain^®️ (SHC2.0) is set to launch, providing the driving force for the Show+^®️ ecosystem. Designed to seamlessly bridge digital assets with real-world applications, SHC2.0 is poised to create a storm of change in the cryptocurrency landscape. With its unique utility supporting prize distributions, sponsorships, and a dynamic marketplace, SHC2.0 is ready to lead innovation and redefine interactions within the digital economy.

The rapidly growing online competition platform Show+^®️ is projected to engage a massive user base by 2025, with SHC2.0 at the center of this growth. SHC2.0 empowers users to access exclusive digital experiences, participate in staking, purchase services, and interact with Show+^®️‘s vibrant marketplace. With a focus on real-world utility and global scalability, SHC2.0 is not just another cryptocurrency but a driving force for change.

Redefining Digital Assets: The Bold Future of SHC2.0

The launch of SHC2.0 represents a critical milestone in the digital finance landscape, distinguished by its commitment to addressing real-world challenges. While many tokens promise utility, SHC2.0 is dedicated to making these promises a reality by directly connecting digital economy solutions to tangible value. By facilitating prize distribution for competitions and securing sponsorship contracts, as well as fostering vibrant interactions, SHC2.0’s multifaceted utility serves as a true catalyst for change.

This is not just about holding digital assets; it’s about unlocking experiences that span both virtual and real worlds. SHC2.0 is designed to extend beyond the Show+^®️ platform, integrating seamlessly across various industries. From entertainment and esports to live events, SHC2.0 is prepared to play a crucial role in the transaction-based future.

Ensuring Strong Price Stability Through Strategic Supply and Demand Control

SHC2.0 plans to regulate its initial supply to create organic demand. This approach aims to deliver stable and sustained growth for all investors, encouraging positive market reactions. As the market responds to the launch of SHC2.0, the price will be adjusted gradually, ensuring a trustworthy environment for investors. This strategy will be aligned with market characteristics and investor needs.

The Market Potential of SHC2.0

Imagine a marketplace where users can purchase, trade, and unlock exclusive experiences in both digital and real-world environments. This is the Show+^®️ marketplace, with SHC2.0 at its core. It’s not just a trading platform; it’s a lively community where users can connect with their favorite creators, participate in competitions, and discover unique services. By facilitating digital content purchases, special event participation, and communication with other members, SHC2.0 will continually foster a dynamic ecosystem that thrives and evolves.

SHC2.0 is not only set to support the Show+^®️ platform but also has the potential to integrate with other digital ecosystems, creating a truly interconnected digital economy. From the world of entertainment to esports and beyond, SHC2.0 is positioned to be a game-changer that rewrites the rules.

The Future of SHC2.0: The Beginning of a Revolution

As the official launch of SHC2.0 approaches, its future looks exceptionally bright. With a focus on real-world utility and global scalability, coupled with strategic supply and demand control, SHC2.0 is set to become one of the most influential cryptocurrencies in today’s market. The integration of this token within the Show+^®️ ecosystem ensures that both users and investors will benefit from ongoing innovation, expanded partnerships, and unprecedented growth opportunities.

For those ready to participate in the next big revolution in cryptocurrency, SHC2.0 stands prepared to deliver results. As its user base grows to a massive scale and the ecosystem continues to expand, SHC2.0 will leave an indelible mark on the global digital economy.

Get ready to experience the future of digital finance. The launch of Show Plus Chain^®️ (SHC2.0) is imminent, and the world of digital assets is about to change forever.

For more information on Show Plus Chain^®️ (SHC2.0) and the upcoming launch, visit our website https://www.showplus-chain.io 

Photo: https://megastockalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/SHC2_0.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/show-plus-chain-shc2-0-preparing-to-revolutionize-the-digital-economy-302280466.html

Featured Image: depositphotos @ Syda_Productions

Disclaimer

This post was originally published on this site

Enables Real-Time Trading of Traditional Assets During Historic Event-Driven Market Volatility and Adoption of Prediction Markets

LONDON, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ostium Labs today announced the public mainnet launch of its onchain trading platform, offering traders unprecedented access to global macro markets during a period of global event-driven volatility, marked by speculation around the U.S. Presidential election. Ostium enables perpetuals trading on traditional market currencies, commodities, and indices in real time, markets uniquely affected by events like interest rate changes and geopolitical outcomes.

The trading platform meets the needs of a market grappling with an uncertain U.S. Presidential election, the prospect of escalation in the Middle East, and shifting monetary policies. These dynamics have led to dramatic price movements and dislocations in commodities and currencies, offering unique opportunities for traders chasing volatility. Gold, generally seen as a “flight-to-safety” asset, has skyrocketed past all-time highs as domestic political and economic uncertainty has increased dramatically over the last months. Ostium is the only platform to offer real-time trading across diverse assets including Gold, Copper, and Oil to any user with a crypto wallet.

“Our thesis has long been that this new, more volatile macro paradigm will open up unprecedented opportunities for event-driven trading,” said Kaledora Kiernan-Linn, co-founder and CEO of Ostium Labs. “The success of prediction markets as a forum for traders to express their views on world events is only the tip of the iceberg. Event-driven trading will expand beyond betting on event outcomes to betting on the movements of the most liquid markets in the world – the forex, commodities and global index markets – using event probabilities as critical trading signals.”

“Ostium is perfectly positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for macro event-driven trading,” said Marc Bhargava, Managing Director at General Catalyst. “By enabling one-click trades on traditional assets with only a wallet, Ostium is democratizing access to global markets in a way we haven’t seen before. This isn’t just another crypto play – it’s a gateway for traders to efficiently capitalize on macro news across traditional financial markets, all with the speed and accessibility of decentralized finance.”

Ostium’s novel approach has already captured traders’ attention during its private Mainnet phase since August:

• Ostium’s FX and commodities perpetuals volumes surged 550% during the week following China’s new Quantitative Easing policy announcement and rising Middle Eastern tensions (9/27-10/3)
• Open Interest on Ostium’s WTI Crude Oil perpetuals hit caps 6x in the 10 days following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel and ensuing fears of a retaliatory strike on Iranian oil fields
• Ostium’s Real World Asset (RWA) volumes have outpaced crypto volumes 4x in recent weeks of macroeconomic instability, and 8x on days with heightened macroeconomic instability

“The next evolution of event-based trading isn’t about predicting outcomes in isolation, but understanding and capitalizing on how these events influence the world’s largest and most liquid markets,” Kiernan-Linn added. “We’re building a new trading experience where anyone can trade any strategy on any asset––all with just a wallet.”

Ostium leverages a unique design: a non-custodial, onchain perpetual futures market that disintermediates the centralized liquidity and exposure management characteristic of legacy FX/CFD brokers through the introduction of dynamic funding fees, allowing users to gain exposure to commodities, index and forex markets without the exchange managing the book. This innovative architecture positions Ostium to radically democratize access to macro-driven markets and compete against legacy, centralized FX/CFD brokers for the 80 million and growing monthly-active userbase, and the $50 trillion traditional asset retail trading market.

“A lesser known fact is that perpetuals are in fact quite similar to instruments that have been offered by FX brokers for years – cash-settled, non-expiring, synthetic primitives closely tracking the price of an underlying asset, enabling easy both long and short exposure – traded by over 50 million monthly active forex traders globally,” said Marco Antonio Ribeiro, co-founder and CTO of Ostium Labs. “However, onchain perpetuals are a fundamentally better instrument due to the introduction of funding rates, which incentivize market balance, and the ability to trade self-custodially, improving the adversarial market structure between platform and user. We strongly believe the retail FX trading market will be disrupted in the next 5 years and that it will be done by perps.”

Ostium’s shared liquidity model, unique fee architecture, and custom RWA price oracle facilitate perpetual creation on any asset with a liquid underlying off- or on-chain spot market. This flexible architecture enables rapid listing expansion across asset classes.

With its mainnet launch, Ostium aims to fill a critical gap for narrative-driven trading in the prosumer market. The platform’s ability to offer one-click, large-scale trades on macro events positions it as a leader in an underserved category. As global markets face increasing tumult, Ostium provides a novel platform to navigate and capitalize on these dynamic conditions, setting a new standard for accessible and flexible trading in an event-driven age.

For more information about Ostium and to start trading, visit www.ostium.io.

About Ostium:

Ostium is building Real World Asset perpetuals trading infrastructure to enable the ‘perpification’ of non-digital assets. The protocol leverages an in-house Real World Asset oracle network and pool-based on-chain liquidity engine to facilitate onchain exposure to traditional market assets. With founders and team members previously from Harvard, Bridgewater, and BlackRock, Ostium is backed by leading investors including LocalGlobe, General Catalyst, Susquehanna (SIG), and Alliance DAO.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2533994/Draft_12.mp4
Logo – https://megastockalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Ostium_Logo.jpg
Photo – https://megastockalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Updated_Trade_Form_24_10_16.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ostium-launches-novel-macro-trading-platform-amidst-growth-in-global-events-based-trading-302280187.html

Featured Image: depositphotos @ kongvector

Disclaimer

This post was originally published on this site

Grexie Signchain enables developers to sign off-chain data into smart contracts, with self-hosted or secure vault signer wallet management.

MANCHESTER, England, Oct. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Grexie Limited proudly announces the launch of its innovative smart contract solution, Signchain, on November 1st, 2024. Designed specifically for developers, Signchain introduces a powerful way to bring off-chain data on-chain through user-paid gas fees and secure signing of data into smart contract methods using its extendable smart contract, Signable.

In the growing landscape of blockchain technology, securely managing off-chain data and integrating it into on-chain smart contracts has posed significant challenges for developers. Signchain eliminates these hurdles by offering a robust, gas-efficient system for signing and authenticating data in real-time.

Key Features of Signchain:

1. Seamless Off-Chain to On-Chain Data Integration
Signchain enables developers to securely bring off-chain data on-chain by signing it directly into smart contract methods through user-paid gas fees. This integration ensures that data authenticity is preserved, and its entry into the blockchain remains tamper-proof, streamlining processes for industries relying on real-world data verification. Signchain also supports integration with Google Sheets, AWS, and Firebase, making it easy to pull data from popular off-chain data sources.

2. Extendable Smart Contract – Signable
The core of Signchain’s technology is its extendable smart contract, Signable, which allows developers to customize and build upon existing smart contracts. With Signable, developers can easily implement contract signatures for any data type, offering flexibility across industries from finance to logistics and beyond.

3. Signer Wallet Management
Signchain offers comprehensive signer wallet management as part of its service, empowering developers to manage and authenticate signers effectively. Wallets can either be self-hosted using Signchain’s Docker container for those who prefer their own infrastructure, or they can leverage Signchain’s network of secure vaults for maximum security.

4. Self-Hosted or Managed Service
For developers who want full control of their infrastructure, Signchain provides a self-hosted option via Docker containers, allowing them to deploy the platform on their own servers. Alternatively, developers can opt to use Signchain’s secure vault network, offering a hassle-free solution with enterprise-grade security and wallet management.

5. User-Paid Gas Fees
By integrating a user-paid gas fee model, Signchain allows users to cover the costs of signing and authenticating their data, ensuring the signing process is efficient and doesn’t overburden developers with additional expenses. This makes Signchain an ideal solution for dApps and platforms handling high transaction volumes.

6. Google Sheets, AWS, Firebase Integration with Serverless Model
Signchain supports integration with Google Sheets, AWS, and Firebase in a serverless model, powered by a hosted Sign In With Ethereum (SIWE) implementation provided by Signchain’s API. Developers can simply connect their Google Sheets and configure the contract parameters associated with each column. Signchain will automatically look up the user’s wallet address in the spreadsheet, sign the transaction data, and execute it in the blockchain along with any user-supplied parameters. This creates an easy, efficient way to manage data inputs from off-chain sources without heavy infrastructure setup.

Revolutionizing Smart Contract Workflows

With Signchain, developers now have the tools to handle the complexities of integrating off-chain data into smart contracts. The extendable nature of Signable offers flexibility, allowing developers to cater to various use cases, whether it’s automating financial transactions, supply chain data, or verifying legal agreements.

Tim Behrsin, CEO of Grexie Limited, said, “Signchain is more than just a signing solution—it’s a platform that empowers developers to securely integrate off-chain data into their smart contracts with minimal effort. The flexibility of Signable and our focus on signer wallet management offers developers control and security at every stage of the process.”

Why Signchain Matters

Signchain addresses critical challenges faced by developers, particularly those dealing with off-chain data. By signing data into smart contracts and enabling user-paid gas fees, the platform significantly reduces friction in managing secure, scalable smart contracts. Whether developers need to manage high volumes of data transactions or create bespoke smart contracts, Signchain offers a scalable and secure solution.

In industries like DeFi, real estate, and supply chain management, data integrity and security are paramount. Signchain’s secure vault network and customizable signing workflows allow businesses to handle sensitive information with confidence.

Launch Event and Future Developments

The official launch of Signchain will take place on November 1st, 2024, alongside a virtual event. The event will showcase live demonstrations of Signable, with detailed walkthroughs of the Docker-based self-hosted solution and signer wallet management features. Attendees will also get an exclusive preview of future enhancements, including multi-signature workflows and advanced blockchain network integrations.

About Signchain

Signchain is a cutting-edge platform developed by Grexie Limited, based in Manchester, Cheshire, United Kingdom. Signchain simplifies smart contract development by offering a secure, scalable, and customizable solution for signing and authenticating off-chain data on-chain. Developers can either self-host the solution using Signchain’s Docker container or rely on the network’s secure vault infrastructure. With an emphasis on security, flexibility, and developer experience, Signchain is set to transform how smart contracts handle off-chain data.

For more information, visit signchain.net.

Logo – https://megastockalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Signchain_Logo.jpg
Photo – https://megastockalert.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Signchain_flow.jpg
PDF – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2533539/Signchain_Whitepaper.pdf

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/grexie-signchain-launches-on-november-1st-2024-enabling-smart-contract-developers-to-bring-off-chain-data-on-chain-with-seamless-gas-paid-signing-302279674.html

SOURCE Grexie Limited

Featured Image: Unplash @ fabioha

Disclaimer