Category: Cryptocurrency

Crypto.com Sues SEC Over Regulation

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Crypto.com has taken a bold step in its ongoing battle against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by filing a lawsuit challenging the agency’s regulatory stance on cryptocurrencies. The legal action comes in response to a Wells Notice issued to Crypto.com, signaling potential enforcement actions due to alleged securities law violations.

The Wells Notice, which serves as a formal warning, has sparked significant debate in the cryptocurrency industry. Crypto.com argues that the SEC’s approach to regulating digital assets is overly broad and stifles innovation. The company claims that the lack of clear guidelines has left crypto businesses in a state of uncertainty, hindering their ability to operate effectively.

The lawsuit filed by Crypto.com seeks to compel the SEC to provide more precise regulatory frameworks. The company emphasizes the importance of clarity in regulations to foster growth and protect investors. Crypto.com insists that without such clarity, the U.S. risks falling behind in the global race for blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation.

Crypto.com’s legal team is building its case on the premise that cryptocurrencies represent a fundamentally different asset class that requires tailored regulatory treatment. They argue that applying traditional securities laws to digital assets is not only inappropriate but also detrimental to the industry’s growth.

In its defense, the SEC maintains that its regulatory actions are necessary to protect investors from potential fraud and market manipulation. The agency argues that many cryptocurrencies function similarly to securities and should therefore be subject to the same regulatory scrutiny.

This legal confrontation could set a significant precedent for how cryptocurrencies are regulated in the United States. Industry experts are closely monitoring the case, as its outcome could influence future regulatory policies and the broader acceptance of digital currencies.

As Crypto.com continues its legal battle, other crypto companies are expressing solidarity, with some considering similar actions. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between regulatory authorities and the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency market.

Crypto.com, known for its user-friendly platform and innovative financial products, is determined to lead the charge for clearer regulations. The company believes that with the right legal framework, cryptocurrencies can thrive and provide immense value to both individual investors and the global financial system.

This lawsuit marks a pivotal moment for the cryptocurrency industry, as it seeks to balance regulatory compliance with the need for innovation and growth. The outcome of this case could redefine the future of digital assets in the U.S., setting a course for more defined and supportive regulatory environments.

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Ripple Faces SEC Appeal on XRP Status

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The ongoing battle between Ripple and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken another turn as the SEC filed an appeal against the recent court ruling that declared XRP not to be a security. This legal struggle has captured the attention of the crypto industry, as it holds significant implications for the regulatory landscape of digital assets.

Ripple, a prominent blockchain company, has been embroiled in a legal conflict with the SEC since December 2020. The crux of the dispute lies in whether XRP, Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, should be classified as a security. The initial ruling in July 2023 was a major victory for Ripple, as the court determined that XRP does not meet the criteria of a security, thereby exempting it from the stringent regulations that securities must adhere to.

However, the SEC’s decision to appeal this ruling underscores its firm stance on maintaining regulatory control over cryptocurrencies that it believes fall under its jurisdiction. The appeal process is expected to prolong the legal proceedings, causing further uncertainty in the crypto markets.

This case is pivotal for the broader cryptocurrency industry as it could set a precedent for how digital assets are classified and regulated in the United States. A ruling in favor of the SEC could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny over other cryptocurrencies, potentially impacting their market dynamics and prices.

Investors and crypto enthusiasts alike are closely monitoring the situation, aware that the outcome could influence the future of blockchain technology and its adoption across various sectors. The case also highlights the necessity for clear regulatory guidelines to promote innovation while safeguarding investor interests.

As the appeal process unfolds, Ripple remains optimistic. The company continues to argue that XRP functions primarily as a digital currency and not as an investment contract, a key characteristic of securities. Ripple’s legal team is preparing to counter the SEC’s arguments, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement and the need for regulatory frameworks that align with the evolving nature of digital assets.

Moreover, the crypto community is rallying behind Ripple, viewing the SEC’s actions as an overreach that could stifle innovation. Industry leaders are advocating for a balanced approach that fosters growth while ensuring compliance and consumer protection.

While the appeal is unlikely to be resolved quickly, its outcome will have lasting implications. The legal battle between Ripple and the SEC serves as a microcosm of the broader regulatory challenges facing the cryptocurrency industry. As stakeholders await the next developments, the case underscores the urgency for comprehensive regulatory clarity to guide the future of digital finance.

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OpenSea Faces SEC Action Over NFT Sales

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OpenSea, the leading NFT marketplace, has recently received a Wells Notice from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), indicating that the agency may take enforcement action against the company. This notice is generally a precursor to formal charges, giving the recipient a chance to respond before any official action is taken.

The SEC’s investigation focuses on whether certain NFTs (non-fungible tokens) offered by OpenSea should be classified as securities. If they are deemed to be securities, OpenSea could be accused of operating an unregistered securities exchange. This would have significant ramifications for the company and potentially the entire NFT market.

OpenSea’s potential legal troubles come amid increasing scrutiny of the broader crypto and NFT markets. Regulators around the world are grappling with how to classify and regulate these emerging digital assets. The SEC has been particularly active in this area, previously targeting other crypto-based platforms and projects.

Industry experts suggest that the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how NFTs are regulated in the future. If the SEC decides that NFTs are securities, other NFT marketplaces and platforms might also come under regulatory scrutiny. This could lead to increased compliance costs and potentially stifle innovation in the space.

Despite the looming legal challenges, OpenSea remains a dominant player in the NFT market. The platform has facilitated billions of dollars in transactions and attracted millions of users. Its success has also drawn significant investment, with the company valued at over $13 billion in its last funding round.

OpenSea has stated that it intends to cooperate fully with the SEC and is committed to ensuring that its platform complies with all applicable laws and regulations. The company has also emphasized its belief that NFTs represent a new and innovative way for artists and creators to monetize their work, and it hopes to continue supporting this burgeoning ecosystem.

The SEC’s focus on OpenSea highlights the broader regulatory challenges facing the crypto and NFT industries. As these markets continue to evolve, it is likely that regulatory bodies will play an increasingly central role in shaping their development. For now, all eyes are on OpenSea as it navigates this complex legal landscape.

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Bitcoin ETFs Gain Popularity Among Investors

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Bitcoin ETFs have recently seen a surge in popularity, attracting attention from major investors. These financial instruments offer a way to invest in Bitcoin without having to directly purchase and manage the cryptocurrency, which has been known for its volatility and security concerns.

One of the key drivers behind this trend is the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class. This shift in perception has been fueled by endorsements from prominent figures in the financial world. For instance, Morgan Stanley has allowed some of its wealthy clients access to Bitcoin funds, signaling a broader acceptance within the traditional financial sector.

Another significant factor is the regulatory environment. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been more open to approving Bitcoin ETFs, providing a layer of legitimacy and security that individual Bitcoin investments lack. This regulatory support has made Bitcoin ETFs more attractive to institutional investors who require compliance and transparency.

One notable Bitcoin ETF is the one managed by Grayscale, which has seen substantial inflows. Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (OTC:GBTC) offers a way for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin through a traditional investment vehicle. This has lowered the barrier to entry for many who are interested in Bitcoin but are wary of the complexities involved in direct investment.

Investors are also drawn to Bitcoin ETFs due to their potential for high returns. Bitcoin’s price has seen significant increases over the past few years, and many believe that it will continue to rise as adoption grows. ETFs provide a convenient way to capitalize on this potential without having to navigate the intricacies of cryptocurrency exchanges.

However, it’s important to note that Bitcoin ETFs are not without risks. The value of the ETF is closely tied to the price of Bitcoin, which is known for its extreme volatility. Investors should be prepared for significant price swings and should consider their risk tolerance before investing.

In conclusion, the rise of Bitcoin ETFs represents a significant development in the financial markets. As more institutional investors get involved and regulatory frameworks evolve, these investment vehicles are likely to become even more popular. For those looking to gain exposure to Bitcoin, ETFs offer a compelling option that combines the benefits of traditional investment structures with the growth potential of cryptocurrency.

Footnotes:

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Goldman Sachs Invests $400M in Bitcoin ETFs

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Goldman Sachs, one of the leading global investment banks, has made a significant move into the cryptocurrency market. According to a recent filing, the financial giant holds more than $400 million in Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This investment marks a substantial shift in the bank’s strategy, showcasing its growing interest in the digital asset realm.

The filing detailed that Goldman Sachs has invested in several Bitcoin ETFs, which are funds that track the price of Bitcoin and allow investors to gain exposure to the cryptocurrency without directly owning it. These ETFs are becoming increasingly popular among institutional investors who seek to capitalize on the potential growth of Bitcoin while mitigating some of the risks associated with direct ownership.

Goldman Sachs’ foray into Bitcoin ETFs is part of its broader strategy to embrace digital assets. The bank has been gradually expanding its offerings in the cryptocurrency space, including providing Bitcoin futures trading and establishing a cryptocurrency trading desk. This move aligns with the increasing acceptance of cryptocurrencies by mainstream financial institutions and highlights the growing demand for crypto-related investment products.

In the filing, it was revealed that the majority of Goldman Sachs’ Bitcoin ETF holdings are concentrated in a few key funds. These include the Purpose Bitcoin ETF, the world’s first Bitcoin ETF launched in Canada, and the Galaxy Bitcoin ETF, which is managed by Galaxy Digital, a financial services firm dedicated to the digital asset and blockchain technology sectors. The Purpose Bitcoin ETF has been particularly popular since its inception, attracting significant inflows from institutional investors.

The investment in Bitcoin ETFs by Goldman Sachs is seen as a bullish signal for the cryptocurrency market. It suggests that the bank views Bitcoin as a viable long-term investment and is confident in the future growth potential of the digital currency. This move could pave the way for other major financial institutions to follow suit and increase their exposure to Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Moreover, Goldman Sachs’ involvement in Bitcoin ETFs could provide a boost to the overall market liquidity and stability. As more institutional investors enter the space, the market could become less volatile and more attractive to a broader range of investors. This increased participation could also lead to further development and innovation within the cryptocurrency industry.

Despite the positive implications, there are still challenges and risks associated with investing in Bitcoin ETFs. Regulatory uncertainty remains a significant hurdle, as governments and financial regulators around the world continue to grapple with how to effectively oversee and regulate the burgeoning cryptocurrency market. Additionally, the inherent volatility of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies poses risks to investors, requiring them to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence.

Nevertheless, Goldman Sachs’ substantial investment in Bitcoin ETFs represents a landmark moment for the cryptocurrency industry. It underscores the growing legitimacy and acceptance of digital assets within the traditional financial sector and signals a shift in how major financial institutions perceive and engage with cryptocurrencies.

As the adoption of Bitcoin ETFs continues to rise, it will be interesting to see how other major banks and financial institutions respond. Will they follow Goldman Sachs’ lead and increase their exposure to Bitcoin and other digital assets? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the cryptocurrency market is evolving rapidly, and the involvement of heavyweight financial players like Goldman Sachs is likely to accelerate its growth and maturation.

Footnotes:

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Grayscale’s New Fund for MakerDAO Token

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Grayscale Investments, a prominent player in the digital currency investment space, has recently launched a new fund dedicated to investing in the MakerDAO token. This move marks a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to provide investors with diversified exposure to the growing decentralized finance (DeFi) sector.

The new fund aims to capitalize on the increasing interest in DeFi applications, which have gained substantial traction in recent years. MakerDAO, known for its stablecoin DAI and decentralized governance model, is at the forefront of this revolution. By launching a fund specifically for MakerDAO, Grayscale is positioning itself to attract investors who are eager to gain exposure to high-potential DeFi projects.

Michael Sonnenshein, CEO of Grayscale, expressed enthusiasm about the new fund, highlighting the importance of offering varied investment options in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. He noted that MakerDAO’s innovative approach to decentralized finance aligns well with Grayscale’s mission to bring more transparency and accessibility to digital asset investments.

The MakerDAO token, MKR, plays a crucial role in the Maker ecosystem. It is used for governance, allowing token holders to vote on critical decisions that affect the protocol. Additionally, MKR is utilized to maintain the stability of DAI, MakerDAO’s decentralized stablecoin, which is pegged to the US dollar. The interplay between MKR and DAI is a unique aspect of MakerDAO, setting it apart from other DeFi projects.

Grayscale’s new fund is expected to draw interest from institutional and retail investors alike. Institutional investors, in particular, have been showing increased interest in the DeFi space, seeking opportunities that offer high returns and diversification benefits. The launch of this fund comes at a time when the DeFi market is experiencing robust growth, with total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols reaching all-time highs.

One of the key factors driving the success of MakerDAO is its strong community and decentralized governance model. Unlike traditional financial institutions, decisions within the MakerDAO ecosystem are made collectively by MKR token holders. This democratic approach ensures that the protocol remains aligned with the interests of its users and adapts to changing market conditions.

In addition to the new fund, Grayscale continues to explore other opportunities in the digital asset space. The company’s portfolio already includes funds for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and several other major cryptocurrencies. By expanding its offerings to include DeFi tokens like MakerDAO, Grayscale is demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead of market trends and providing investors with a comprehensive range of investment options.

For investors interested in the new MakerDAO fund, it is essential to understand the risks involved. As with any investment in digital assets, there are inherent risks, including market volatility, regulatory changes, and technological challenges. However, the potential rewards of investing in a leading DeFi project like MakerDAO may outweigh the risks for many investors.

In summary, Grayscale’s launch of a fund dedicated to the MakerDAO token represents a significant development in the world of digital asset investments. This move not only highlights the growing importance of DeFi but also underscores Grayscale’s role as a pioneer in the industry. As the DeFi market continues to evolve, Grayscale’s new fund is poised to offer investors a unique opportunity to participate in the future of finance.

Footnotes:

Featured Image: Pexels @ worldspectrum

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OpenGradient Raises $8.5M to Decentralize AI Infrastructure and Accelerate Secure, Open-Source AI

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OpenGradient is building the first decentralized platform for AI model hosting, secure inference, and application deployment on-chain

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OpenGradient, a leading decentralized AI infrastructure company, has raised $8.5M in seed funding. With a mission to accelerate open-source AI, OpenGradient democratizes model ownership, streamlines AI deployment, and enables universal access to AI.


A leading decentralized AI infrastructure company

OpenGradient’s end-to-end decentralized platform offers scalable AI compute on-chain, ensuring verifiability and attribution while enhancing security for AI deployment and hosting. Its multi-layer technology stack includes an EVM-compatible blockchain with its innovative heterogeneous AI compute architecture (HACA) and a proprietary library of feature-rich tools to support and scale secure AI workflows on-chain.

OpenGradient empowers developers to build and deploy optimized decentralized applications (dApps) with ease. OpenGradient’s web portal and SDK allow Web2 developers to leverage its AI stack without the complexities of blockchain while enjoying the security and composability benefits of a decentralized infrastructure.

CEO and Co-Founder, Matthew Wang, said,

“Developers today face significant hurdles when developing secure software for custom AI models, often grappling with developing a variety of complex cryptographic or hardware solutions into their stack. OpenGradient revolutionizes this approach, offering near-instantaneous model deployment and secure inference of AI models in mere seconds.”

The $8.5 million seed round included participation from a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (a16z CSX), SV Angel, Coinbase Ventures, SALT Fund, Symbolic Capital, Foresight Ventures, and angel investors, including Balaji Srinivasan (ex-Coinbase CTO), Illia Polosukhin (NEAR Founder), Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon Founder), and more. OpenGradient is also currently participating in the Fall 2024 a16z CSX program in New York City.

Principal at SV Angel, Mike Liu, said,

“OpenGradient is ushering in a new era for decentralized AI by developing infrastructure to support the next generation of intelligent applications. They’ve built a truly disruptive tech stack at the intersection of AI and blockchain, and we’re excited to support such an innovative and talented team.”

The funding will be used to continue building out the decentralized infrastructure, deploying solutions and tools for AI and Web3 developers, and advancing applied ML research to grow the open-source AI ecosystem on blockchain. OpenGradient’s testnet is expected to be available to developers in Q4 2024.

About OpenGradient

OpenGradient is a leading decentralized platform unlocking scalable AI compute on-chain, empowering developers to build secure, intelligent, and optimized decentralized applications. We provide on-chain AI model hosting, permissionless composability, secure inference execution, and seamless access to accelerate open-source AI and foster next-gen applications. Headquartered in New York City, the team comprises global talent with deep expertise in AI/ML, blockchain, crypto, and Web3 ecosystem. Learn more at https://opengradient.ai and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
pr@opengradient.ai 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opengradient-raises-8-5m-to-decentralize-ai-infrastructure-and-accelerate-secure-open-source-ai-302270745.html

SOURCE OpenGradient

Featured Image: Pexels @ Ivan Babydov

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OpenGradient Raises $8.5M to Decentralize AI Infrastructure and Accelerate Secure, Open-Source AI

This post was originally published on this site

OpenGradient is building the first decentralized platform for AI model hosting, secure inference, and application deployment on-chain

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — OpenGradient, a leading decentralized AI infrastructure company, has raised $8.5M in seed funding. With a mission to accelerate open-source AI, OpenGradient democratizes model ownership, streamlines AI deployment, and enables universal access to AI.


A leading decentralized AI infrastructure company

OpenGradient’s end-to-end decentralized platform offers scalable AI compute on-chain, ensuring verifiability and attribution while enhancing security for AI deployment and hosting. Its multi-layer technology stack includes an EVM-compatible blockchain with its innovative heterogeneous AI compute architecture (HACA) and a proprietary library of feature-rich tools to support and scale secure AI workflows on-chain.

OpenGradient empowers developers to build and deploy optimized decentralized applications (dApps) with ease. OpenGradient’s web portal and SDK allow Web2 developers to leverage its AI stack without the complexities of blockchain while enjoying the security and composability benefits of a decentralized infrastructure.

CEO and Co-Founder, Matthew Wang, said,

“Developers today face significant hurdles when developing secure software for custom AI models, often grappling with developing a variety of complex cryptographic or hardware solutions into their stack. OpenGradient revolutionizes this approach, offering near-instantaneous model deployment and secure inference of AI models in mere seconds.”

The $8.5 million seed round included participation from a16z Crypto Startup Accelerator (a16z CSX), SV Angel, Coinbase Ventures, SALT Fund, Symbolic Capital, Foresight Ventures, and angel investors, including Balaji Srinivasan (ex-Coinbase CTO), Illia Polosukhin (NEAR Founder), Sandeep Nailwal (Polygon Founder), and more. OpenGradient is also currently participating in the Fall 2024 a16z CSX program in New York City.

Principal at SV Angel, Mike Liu, said,

“OpenGradient is ushering in a new era for decentralized AI by developing infrastructure to support the next generation of intelligent applications. They’ve built a truly disruptive tech stack at the intersection of AI and blockchain, and we’re excited to support such an innovative and talented team.”

The funding will be used to continue building out the decentralized infrastructure, deploying solutions and tools for AI and Web3 developers, and advancing applied ML research to grow the open-source AI ecosystem on blockchain. OpenGradient’s testnet is expected to be available to developers in Q4 2024.

About OpenGradient

OpenGradient is a leading decentralized platform unlocking scalable AI compute on-chain, empowering developers to build secure, intelligent, and optimized decentralized applications. We provide on-chain AI model hosting, permissionless composability, secure inference execution, and seamless access to accelerate open-source AI and foster next-gen applications. Headquartered in New York City, the team comprises global talent with deep expertise in AI/ML, blockchain, crypto, and Web3 ecosystem. Learn more at https://opengradient.ai and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

Media Contact
pr@opengradient.ai 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opengradient-raises-8-5m-to-decentralize-ai-infrastructure-and-accelerate-secure-open-source-ai-302270745.html

SOURCE OpenGradient

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Artprice by Artmarket’s 2024 Contemporary Art Market Report, coinciding with Frieze London and Art Basel Paris, thoroughly explores a market that has grown 1,800% since 2000, confirming that art is a safe haven in times of major crises

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PARIS, Oct. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In this 29th Annual Report, Artprice by Artmarket presents and analyzes a denser-than-ever Contemporary and Ultra-Contemporary Art Market (see methodology at the end of the press release) with the opening of Frieze London this Wednesday, October 9, followed by Art Basel Paris on Friday, October 18, 2024.

Autumn is a busy period for the Contemporary Art Market, which is why Artprice publishes its essential Contemporary Art Market Annual Report in October. Among the key features of the report are of course the overall results from art auctions around the world and the AI data collected and processed by our proprietary AI, Intuitive Artmarket®. It also contains an identification of the main trends, a presentation of the top-selling artists with our famous Top 10, Top 100 and Top 500 rankings, a focus on a selection of hot Contemporary artists, breakdowns of the key art auction stats country by country, by different artistic mediums, and by different art movements, and, a focus on Ultra-Contemporary artists (under 40) highlighted the growing markets for works by women artists, for digital art and for NFTs.

Artprice’s Report on the Contemporary Art Market 2024 is available free of charge in French and English here:

Artprice's 2024 Contemporary Art Market Report cover, featuring the digital work “Auntieverse Spa Menu 201” by Niceaunties

According to thierry Ehrmann, Founder of Artprice and President of Artmarket.com: the Contemporary Art Market is no longer what it was in 2000. It has undergone profound structural change and has posted turnover growth of +1800% with works by many more Contemporary artists selling at auction (33,072 over the period 2023/24 versus 5,400 artists in 2000), and many more works being sold (132,380 today versus 12,000 in 2000). At the same time, it has expanded geographically, with 61 countries today having active art auction markets versus 39 in 2000. The Internet has of course accelerated the fluidification of ‘remote’ transactions, and today the Contemporary art market has established itself as the most dynamic and profitable segment of the entire 21st century art market.

A infinite field of possibilities for under $5,000

This past year set a new record for the volume of auction transactions involving Contemporary art works: more than 132,000 artworks changed hands. This growth has been driven by several factors including the globalization of demand and the digital online sales. At the heart of this dynamic is the segment of ‘affordable’ works, whose value remained under $5,000. It is here that supply and transactions have grown the fastest, posting a 6% growth in just one year.

In concrete terms, this price bracket accounted for 108,000 transactions (each acquired for under $5,000) representing 82% of the total number Contemporary art sales during the year. This affordable segment, often appealing to first-time buyers and discerning collectors alike, has experienced a remarkable and triply significant acceleration over the last decade.

The success of this market segment has been largely supported by emblematic figures of Contemporary art like Takashi Murakami, Damien Hirst and Jeff Koons as well as by world-renowned Street artists like Keith Haring, Banksy, Mr. Brainwash, KAWS, Shepard Fairey and Invader. Their editions, whether limited or produced in larger quantities, fuel this thriving segment.

I. CONTEMPORARY ART (artists born after 1945): Key figures 2023/24

–  $1.89 billion totaled over 12 months (July 1, 2023June 30, 2024)
–  Contemporary art represented 17% of the total global auction turnover from Fine Art and NFTs ($11.3 billion)
–  The 8th best performance in the history of the Contemporary art market
–  Down 18% compared with the previous year ($2.3 billion), due to a further contraction in the number of transactions above the million-dollar threshold 
–  Turnover has multiplied by 18 since 2000/01 ($103 million hammered)

Evolution of the number of Contemporary artworks sold at auction by price range https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2024/10/image2-artprice-contemporary-works-sold-at-auction-by-price-range.png 

Evolution of the number of Contemporary artworks sold at auction by price range

Denser transactions

–  New record of 132,380 lots sold over 12 months (+4%)
–  The number of transactions has multiplied by 10.5 since 2000/01 (12,500 lots sold)
–  Transactions above the million-dollar threshold dropped 23%
–  The unsold rate rose to 35.6%
–  The record price for a Contemporary work this past year was $46.5 million (Basquiat)
–  The average price of the lots sold was $14,300

Structure of the Contemporary Art market

14 Contemporary artworks fetched over $10 million.
224 fetched over $1 million.
57% (75,395 lots) of Contemporary artworks sold for under $1,000.
Paintings accounted for 73% of global Contemporary art auction turnover with sculptures accounting for 10% and drawings for 9%.
Auction turnover from prints (4%) was higher than from photography (3%).

Contemporary artists

33,072 Contemporary artists had at least one auction sale in 2023/24
10 artists accounted for 29% of Contemporary art sales turnover

Soft Power of the Contemporary art market

1st –  the USA with $779 million in Contemporary art auction turnover.
2nd –  China with $511 million.
3rd –  the UK with $279 million.
4th –  France with $63 million.
5th –  Germany with $34 million.
Sotheby’s was the leading global vendor of Contemporary art generating $524 million (28% of total Contemporary art turnover).
Christie’s hammered $486 million (26%) and Phillips hammered $253 million (13%).
China Guardian was the leading Chinese auction operator with $57 million (3%).
Van Ham was the leading European auction operator with $9 million (0.5%)

Top 10 Contemporary artists by auction turnover 
(1is July 2023June 30, 2024)


Artist

Nationality

Sales proceeds

Lots sold

Best result

1

Jean-Michel BASQUIAT (1960-1988)

USA

$240,029,370

112

$46,479,000

2

Yoshitomo NARA (b. 1959)

Japan

$70,611,210

402

$12,257,420

3

George CONDO (b. 1957)

USA

$47,432,510

127

$3,652,800

4

Keith HARING (1958-1990)

USA

$36,179,150

731

$4,470,000

5

Julie MEHRETU (b. 1970)

Ethiopia

$35,987,550

26

$10,737,500

6

LIU Ye (b. 1964)

China

$31,124,020

21

$7,972,260

7

Damien HIRST (b. 1965)

UK

$26,603,330

857

$1,810,930

8

Richard PRINCE (b. 1949)

USA

$23,007,320

124

$2,712,000

9

SALVO (1947-2015)

Italy

$21,140,840

248

$1,115,020

10

BANKSY (b. 1974)

UK

$20,097,870

711

$4,699,550

©Artprice.com

II. ULTRA-CONTEMPORARY ART (artists under 40):

$148 million from Ultra-Contemporary Art sold at auction worldwide in 2023/24.
7th best year in the history of the Ultra-Contemporary art market.
In 24 years, sales revenue has multiplied 6.8 times (from $21.9 million in 2000/01).
Ultra-Contemporary art represented 8% of the Contemporary art market ($1.89 billion).
Ultra-Contemporary Art represented 1.3% of the total Fine Art and NFT market ($11.3 billion).
8,830 Ultra-Contemporary works sold in 2023/24.
The unsold rate was 36%, the same as for Contemporary art.

Structure of the Ultra-Contemporary art market

The average price of an Ultra-Contemporary work was $16,800.
Painting represented 85% of the turnover from Ultra-Contemporary art.
Drawing was the 2nd largest medium in this segment: $8.9 million (6%).
NFTs accounted for (4%) and sculpture generated (3%).
Hong Kong hammered 20% of the U-C segment’s turnover, and Mainland China generated 9%.
The UK hammered 19% of the Ultra-Contemporary art market ($28 million),   

Diversity of the Ultra-Contemporary art market

3,122 artists under 40 had at least one auction in 2023/24.
7 women appeared in the Top 10 Ultra-Contemporary artists by auction turnover.
Jadé Fadojutimi (1993) dominated her generation with 22 lots fetching $14 million.
Matthew Wong (1984-2019) generated the highest bid: $4.2 million for Night 1 (2018) at Christie’s New York on November 7, 2023.

NFTs by Ultra-Contemporary artists

Ultra-Contemporary NFTs generated $5.6 million.
NFTs represented 4% of the Ultra-Contemporary art market
The top-selling NFT in 2023/24 was Tony Tafuro’s (1989): OMB Red Eye/Blue Eye/Green Eye/Orange Eye (2024) which fetched $441,000 at Christie’s in New York on April 16, 2023.

Top 10 artists under 40 by auction turnover 
(July 1, 2023June 30, 2024)


Artist

Sales proceeds

Lots sold

Unsold

Best result

1

Jadé FADOJUTIMI (b. 1993)

$14,031,602

22

7

$1,985,170

2

Lucy BULL (b. 1990)

$9,437,970

14

5

$1,814,500

3

Matthew WONG (1984-2019)

$8,326,350

10

1

$4,164,000

4

Avery SINGER (b. 1987)

$6,184,060

7

1

$3,206,000

5

Loie HOLLOWELL (b. 1983)

$4,277,220

17

13

$1,134,000

6

CHEN Fei (b. 1983)

$4,224,885

14

0

$1,211,780

7

Issy WOOD (b. 1993)

$3,242,220

16

3

$511,490

8

Christina QUARLES (b. 1985)

$3,234,520

11

2

$762,000

9

Ewa JUSZKIEWICZ (b. 1984)

$3,217,720

24

5

$882,090

10

Mohammed SAMI (b. 1984)

$2,996,810

10

0

$952,500

©Artprice.com

Return to pre-Covid levels, under the two billion dollar threshold

With a total of 1.888 billion dollars, the Contemporary art market returned to pre-pandemic levels, but was still above the average of the five years preceding the Covid crisis by $200 million.

In twenty years, the economic value of Contemporary Art has exploded, going from 169 million to 1.888 billion dollars, and the segment has become a key part of the global art  market, now representing 18% of its total value, compared with just 3% at the start of the 21st century.

This remarkable growth has not been limited to the soaring prices of emblematic artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yoshitomo Nara or Jenny Saville. It has also been driven by a healthy densification of the market, with Contemporary works now representing 18% of the global Fine Art market.

Record volume of transactions

The number of Contemporary works sold at auction has more than doubled in ten years, thanks largely to the massive digitalization of art sales since the Covid crisis. This transformation has significantly expanded the market, with a spectacular +72% increase in transactions compared to the pre-Covid period. This growth has taken the total to a new record of over 132,000 transactions in twelve months. Generations X (44-59 year olds) and Y(24-43 year olds), who are increasingly bidding online via their smartphones, are key drivers of this dynamic.

Art, a safe haven in major crises

In conclusion, unlike the current economy, which has been impacted by the geopolitical and financial context, the art market is displaying relatively robust health, with records being hammered regularly in different countries and for works from all the artistic periods  during recent sales sessions. There have been no cancellations of classic and/or prestige cataloged sales for 2024 and 2025, which are the main indicators of the art market’s health.

The major auction houses and investors know very well that the art market is a safe haven. Uncertainty on the stock markets brings new funds and investments into the art market.

Artprice, for 25 years, has methodically analyzed the main crises of the 21st century facing the Art Market – the Nasdaq crash of 2000,  the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the Afghan war in 2001, the Iraq war in 2003, the subprime and CDS crisis in 2007, the negative rates period starting 2011, the Covid crisis in 2020, the Russia/Ukraine war, the sharp rise in interest rates and energy prices, the attacks of October 7 in Israel in 2023, the Near and Middle East conflict – the art market was significantly less impacted than the economy and financial markets.

The current period of major geopolitical unrest and the fear of a global economic crisis has clearly not got the better of the art market.

Methodology

This Report analyzes all public auctions of Fine Art (i.e. painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, print, video, installation, tapestry and NFTs, but excluding antiques, anonymous cultural goods and furniture). It covers the global auction results recorded by Artprice by Artmarket.com for works by artists born after 1945 (Contemporary Art), with a focus on artists aged under 40 (Ultra-contemporary Art), between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

All prices indicated in this Report refer to public auction results including buyers’ fees. All “$” symbols refer to the US dollar.

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Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information (the original documentary archives, codex manuscripts, annotated books and auction catalogs acquired over the years) in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 853,000 artists.

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Samsung Pay Expands Crypto Payments with Alchemy Pay Partnership

This post was originally published on this site

Samsung Pay has expanded its crypto payments capabilities by partnering with Alchemy Pay, allowing users to transact with cryptocurrency at millions of merchants globally. This new partnership enables over 500,000 users of Alchemy Pay’s virtual cards to link their cards with Samsung Pay for seamless crypto payments both online and in-store. With Samsung Pay available in 24 countries across regions like Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America, this integration broadens access to crypto payments for a growing number of users worldwide.

A Major Step for Crypto Payments

The collaboration between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay marks a significant development in the growing adoption of crypto payments. Samsung Pay users can now leverage their digital assets for everyday transactions, from purchasing items online to shopping at physical stores. According to Alchemy Pay’s announcement on October 7, this integration is designed to be user-friendly, enabling cardholders to link their virtual cards to Samsung Pay by following a few simple steps within the app.

This partnership represents Samsung Pay’s second venture into the crypto space. The company first made waves in May 2020 when it collaborated with Swipe to enable the use of Visa Debit cards for crypto payments. With the addition of Alchemy Pay, Samsung Pay is strengthening its presence in the cryptocurrency payment sector, bringing digital currencies closer to mainstream adoption.

Alchemy Pay’s Expanding Ecosystem

While this integration with Samsung Pay is a notable advancement, Alchemy Pay has been making strides of its own. Earlier this year, the crypto payment processor expanded its reach by incorporating Google Pay into its virtual card service. It also integrated Apple Pay support for fiat-to-crypto purchases in January 2023. These moves are part of Alchemy Pay’s ongoing strategy to bridge the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional payment platforms, offering users more flexibility in how they manage and spend their digital assets.

With Samsung Pay now on board, Alchemy Pay’s virtual cardholders can use their crypto for payments across millions of global merchants, including popular platforms like Amazon, Netflix, eBay, and Apple Store. As Alchemy Pay continues to innovate and expand its services, it is becoming a crucial player in the drive to make crypto payments more accessible to everyday consumers.

The Growing Demand for Crypto Payments

Recent data highlights the increasing interest in using cryptocurrency for payments. According to an EY-Parthenon survey, 29% of crypto retail investors now use digital assets for payments, a 6% increase from 2022. The most popular use cases include online shopping, with 57% of respondents using crypto for e-commerce transactions, and paying friends and family, which 49% of respondents cited.

Interestingly, accredited investors show a greater appetite for crypto payments compared to non-accredited investors. Between August 2023 and July 2024, 69% of accredited investors used digital assets for payments, while only 28% of non-accredited investors did so. These figures demonstrate that while crypto payments are gaining traction, there is still significant room for growth, especially among non-accredited investors.

What’s Next for Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay?

As Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay deepen their partnership, both companies have ambitious plans for the future. Alchemy Pay is working to integrate additional digital payment platforms and expand compatibility with major card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These developments will further streamline the process for users to make crypto payments with their virtual cards, making digital assets more versatile and practical for everyday use.

Looking ahead, this partnership positions Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay at the forefront of the crypto payments revolution, creating more opportunities for users to engage with cryptocurrency in their daily lives. With both companies actively expanding their services, the adoption of cryptocurrency for retail and online payments is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Conclusion

The partnership between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay is a pivotal moment in the evolution of crypto payments, making it easier for consumers to use digital assets for a wide range of transactions. As more companies integrate cryptocurrency into their payment systems, the future of payments is becoming increasingly digital, bringing cryptocurrencies closer to mainstream adoption. For users looking to seamlessly incorporate their crypto holdings into everyday purchases, the collaboration between Samsung Pay and Alchemy Pay is a step in the right direction.

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