Category: Cryptocurrency

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Babylon’s Mainnet Launch Scheduled for August 22

Bitcoin staking platform Babylon, spearheaded by Stanford University professor David Tse, is set to begin the phased launch of its mainnet this week. The project aims to introduce staking functionality to Bitcoin, a feature traditionally absent from the largest cryptocurrency network. The initial phase of the launch will commence on August 22, allowing BTC holders to lock their tokens on the network.

Funding and Support

Babylon secured $70 million in funding from Paradigm earlier this year, underscoring strong investor confidence. The project is backed by over 200 “finality providers,” including notable entities such as Allnodes, Figment, and Galaxy Digital. These providers will approve transactions and ensure the smooth operation of Babylon’s protocol, akin to the role of validators in proof-of-stake blockchains.

Staking Details and Security Measures

During the first phase, users can stake a total of up to 1,000 BTC ($57.9 million) on the Babylon platform. Staking, which involves locking tokens to support network operations and earn rewards, is a common practice in many blockchains but has not been available for Bitcoin until now. Babylon aims to bridge this gap and enhance Bitcoin’s utility.

Project Leadership and Vision

David Tse, known for his research in information theory and previously associated with UC Berkeley, leads Babylon. His expertise brings a promising perspective to scaling Bitcoin’s capabilities.

Market Impact and Future Prospects

Babylon’s introduction of staking could mark a significant shift in Bitcoin’s functionality, adding new dimensions to its ecosystem and potentially attracting more utility and investment in the network.

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Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market are experiencing significant losses in August, despite a rebound in global stocks and other asset classes. The largest digital asset has fallen approximately 9% this month, underperforming compared to MSCI Inc.’s world share index, which has gained nearly 1%, and a surge in gold prices to record highs. A Bloomberg global bond gauge has increased by nearly 2% over the same period.

Challenges for Bitcoin and Crypto Market

Analysts point to potential sales of Bitcoin seized by the US government as a key challenge for digital assets. The US government is estimated to hold roughly $12 billion worth of crypto, and recent blockchain data shows that $600 million of confiscated Bitcoin was moved to a Coinbase Global Inc. wallet last week, according to Arkham Intelligence. Khushboo Khullar, a venture partner at Lightning Ventures, attributes the current downward pressure on Bitcoin prices to these potential sales, though she anticipates this impact will be temporary.

Market Volatility and Speculative Sentiment

The top 100 digital assets index saw its steepest drop on August 5 since November 2022, aligning with a broader market retreat amid US growth concerns and unwinding yen carry trades. While expectations for the US economy have stabilized, leading to a near-record high in MSCI’s global share index, crypto market sentiment remains weak. Funding rates for Bitcoin perpetual futures on the Binance exchange—often used by speculators—are at their most negative since 2022, reflecting diminished enthusiasm among fast-money traders.

Political and Policy Uncertainties

Bitcoin’s peak of $73,798 in March was driven by expectations of looser US monetary policy and inflows into dedicated US exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, interest in these ETFs has cooled in recent months. Additionally, the ongoing US presidential race, with pro-crypto Republican Donald Trump and Democratic opponent Vice President Kamala Harris, has introduced further uncertainty. Harris has yet to outline her stance on digital assets.

As of Monday afternoon in New York, Bitcoin has dipped 2% to around $58,600, with other major tokens such as Ether and Solana also experiencing declines.

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Bitwise Asset Management, a prominent cryptocurrency ETF provider, has acquired London-based digital asset issuer ETC Group. This acquisition will elevate Bitwise’s assets under management (AUM) to $4.5 billion, according to a company press release. ETC Group, known for its physically-backed Bitcoin fund, contributes approximately $1.1 billion in AUM to the deal.

Strategic Expansion and Global Reach

San Francisco-based Bitwise, which introduced a spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. earlier this year, manages seven ETFs with a total AUM of $2.7 billion. Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley noted that the acquisition will help the company improve its offerings for European investors and expand its global footprint. Horsley emphasized that the acquisition will enable the company to better serve European investors, provide global insights, and expand its product range.

The addition of ETC Group provides Bitwise with access to a European market where crypto-exchange traded products have been established for some time, contrasting with the U.S. market where spot Bitcoin ETFs only recently received regulatory approval in early 2024.

Industry Trends and Recent Deals

The acquisition aligns with a broader trend of consolidation in the ETF industry. Recent deals include Valkyrie Investments selling its ETF business to CoinShares and Ark Investment Management acquiring Rize ETF Limited. Specific terms of the Bitwise-ETC Group deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition will integrate ETC Group’s range of crypto-focused exchange-traded products under the Bitwise brand.

Since its launch on January 11, the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB) has seen approximately $2 billion in inflows, making it the fourth most popular among the 11 SEC-approved products this year, as reported by U.K. asset manager Farside Investors.

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In a significant shift within the crypto ETFs market, BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) has overtaken Grayscale in assets under management for publicly-listed crypto products. This change, noted by James Butterfill, Head of Research at CoinShares, highlights the growing dominance of traditional financial giants in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency space. The competition between these two titans is reshaping the landscape of crypto ETFs, particularly in the realms of Bitcoin and Ethereum investments.

BlackRock’s Rapid Ascent in Crypto ETFs

BlackRock, known for its extensive range of exchange-traded funds, has swiftly climbed to the top of the crypto ETFs market. Just eight months after the introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs have amassed a staggering $22 billion in AUM. This impressive growth has allowed BlackRock to surpass Grayscale, which now holds $20.7 billion in AUM, including funds for other cryptocurrencies like Solana and Chainlink.

The launch of spot Ethereum ETFs in July played a crucial role in accelerating BlackRock’s rise. Investors have flocked to these new products, drawn by their lower expense ratios and the trusted reputation of BlackRock in the ETF market. In particular, BlackRock’s spot Ethereum ETF saw significant inflows, netting $966 million, while Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust faced persistent outflows, totaling $2.3 billion.

The Competitive Landscape of Crypto ETFs

The competition between BlackRock and Grayscale is most evident in their Bitcoin ETFs. Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust remains a leader with $18.7 billion in AUM, but BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust is closing the gap, now holding $17.2 billion. This narrowing margin underscores the shifting preferences of investors, who are increasingly drawn to the lower fees and robust infrastructure offered by established financial institutions like BlackRock.

Grayscale, which was an early pioneer in the crypto ETFs market, is now facing challenges in maintaining its dominance. The company has invested heavily in advertising, promoting its products in airports and New York City subways. Despite these efforts, the higher expense ratios of Grayscale’s products are becoming a deterrent for cost-conscious investors. For instance, while BlackRock’s Ethereum ETF has an expense ratio of 0.25%, Grayscale’s spot Ethereum ETF comes in much higher at 2.5%. Even with the more competitive 0.15% expense ratio offered by Grayscale’s Ethereum Mini Trust, the company is struggling to keep pace with BlackRock’s rapid growth.

The Future of Crypto ETFs

James Butterfill of CoinShares believes that Grayscale’s ability to reclaim its leading position in the crypto ETFs market will be challenging, particularly as investors gravitate towards cheaper and more established alternatives. “Keeping fees high will deter many investors,” Butterfill noted, emphasizing the importance of competitive pricing in the increasingly crowded crypto ETFs space.

The competition between BlackRock and Grayscale is likely to intensify as more traditional financial institutions enter the crypto market. Companies like Fidelity and Invesco are also making significant strides with their own crypto ETFs, offering investors a growing array of choices. As the market for crypto ETFs continues to expand, the battle for AUM will be determined by factors such as fee structures, product offerings, and the ability to innovate within this fast-moving sector.

Conclusion

The rise of BlackRock in the crypto ETFs market marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of cryptocurrency investments. By surpassing Grayscale in AUM, BlackRock has demonstrated the growing influence of established ETF providers in the crypto space. As the competition between these financial giants heats up, the landscape of crypto ETFs will continue to evolve, offering investors more options and potentially driving down costs. For Grayscale, the challenge now lies in adapting to this new environment and finding ways to retain its once-dominant position in the market.

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Flexa, a leading digital payments platform, has unveiled its latest innovation: Flexa Components. This new tool aims to simplify crypto payments for merchants, allowing for direct, fee-free transactions through digital wallets. As the use of cryptocurrencies continues to grow, Flexa is positioning itself at the forefront of this trend, offering businesses an easy way to integrate crypto payments into their existing systems.

A New Era for Crypto Payments

The introduction of Flexa Components marks a significant step forward in the evolution of crypto payments. Flexa’s new tool is designed to streamline the process of accepting digital currencies, making it as simple as traditional payment methods like credit cards or mobile payments. Customers can now use their preferred crypto wallets to pay for purchases by scanning a QR code or tapping a “Pay” button integrated into the merchant’s payment system. This functionality mirrors existing mobile payment options like Google Pay, but with the added benefit of using cryptocurrencies.

Daniel McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Flexa, emphasized the company’s commitment to making digital currencies more accessible. “We believe that embedding, accepting, and using digital currencies should be easier than any other form of payment,” McCabe stated. “Flexa Components helps deliver on that promise.”

Broad Cryptocurrency Support

Flexa Components supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Litecoin, and the stablecoin USDC. This broad compatibility ensures that customers can use the digital currency of their choice, providing flexibility and convenience for both merchants and consumers.

Flexa has already signed up several well-known retailers to use Components, including Chipotle (NYSE:CMG), Mikimoto, Regal Cinemas, and 99 Ranch Market. These partnerships demonstrate the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies in mainstream retail, further solidifying the role of digital currencies in everyday transactions.

Fee-Free Transactions

One of the standout features of Flexa Components is its promise of fee-free transactions. Unlike traditional payment processors that often charge significant fees, Flexa’s solution enables merchants to accept crypto payments without incurring additional costs. This not only benefits merchants by reducing overhead but also encourages more widespread adoption of crypto payments among businesses of all sizes.

By eliminating transaction fees, Flexa Components offers a compelling value proposition for merchants who are looking to attract crypto-savvy customers. This approach could potentially disrupt the payments industry by providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional payment methods.

Bridging New and Legacy Payment Systems

Flexa’s mission with Components is not just to offer a new way to pay but to create a bridge between the emerging world of cryptocurrencies and the established legacy payments infrastructure. “Components reflects our continued commitment to build a better bridge between these incredible new financial technologies and the legacy payments infrastructure,” McCabe explained.

This bridging of technologies is crucial for ensuring that both merchants and consumers can transition smoothly to using digital currencies. By integrating seamlessly with existing payment systems, Flexa Components allows businesses to adopt crypto payments without having to overhaul their entire payment infrastructure.

The Future of Crypto Payments

The launch of Flexa Components comes at a time when interest in cryptocurrencies is surging, and businesses are increasingly exploring how to incorporate digital currencies into their operations. Flexa’s tool offers a practical solution for merchants who want to stay ahead of the curve and meet the growing demand for crypto payments.

As more retailers adopt Flexa Components, the use of cryptocurrencies in everyday transactions is likely to become more common. This could lead to greater mainstream acceptance of digital currencies and potentially drive further innovation in the payments space.

Conclusion

Flexa’s introduction of Components is a significant milestone in the evolution of crypto payments. By offering merchants an easy, fee-free way to accept digital currencies, Flexa is helping to pave the way for the future of payments. With support for a wide range of cryptocurrencies and seamless integration with existing systems, Flexa Components is poised to make crypto payments as commonplace as traditional ones.

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In the ever-evolving world of restaurant technology, Ben Leventhal, a pioneer in foodie culture and tech-driven dining experiences, is leading the charge with his latest venture: Blackbird Labs. Blackbird is revolutionizing restaurant loyalty programs by integrating cryptocurrency into the dining experience, offering a fresh approach to how restaurants reward their most loyal customers. As the app approaches its one-year mark, it’s clear that this innovative platform is making waves in the hospitality industry.

The Evolution of Restaurant Loyalty Programs

Leventhal’s journey in the food and tech industry has been marked by significant milestones. After co-founding Eater and Resy, platforms that changed how people discover and reserve restaurants, he is now focused on transforming restaurant loyalty programs with Blackbird Labs. The app uses cryptocurrency, specifically $FLY tokens, to reward diners who frequent participating restaurants.

Blackbird’s approach is simple yet innovative: diners earn $FLY tokens every time they visit a restaurant that partners with the app. These tokens are more than just points—they represent a new way to engage with restaurants and receive perks such as complimentary dishes, welcome drinks, and access to exclusive reservations. This system not only incentivizes repeat visits but also keeps customers within the restaurant ecosystem, potentially boosting long-term loyalty.

The Power of Blockchain in Loyalty Programs

At the heart of Blackbird’s restaurant loyalty program is blockchain technology. Transactions involving $FLY tokens are recorded on Base, a Layer 2 blockchain developed by Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), designed to reduce transaction costs associated with the Ethereum blockchain. While most diners may not be concerned with the intricacies of blockchain, the technology ensures that their rewards are securely tracked and redeemed.

The use of blockchain also allows restaurants to share customer data and create a universal currency that can be used across multiple venues. This means that diners can earn rewards at one restaurant and spend them at another, fostering a sense of community among participating establishments.

Real-World Impact: Blackbird in Action

One of the early adopters of Blackbird is Temple Bar, a historic venue in NoHo, Manhattan. The bar’s embrace of Blackbird’s technology is subtle yet impactful, with customers “checking in” upon arrival by scanning a device that tracks their visit and spending. This data helps the restaurant personalize the dining experience, offering perks such as the best table or a complimentary drink to high-value customers.

Despite its innovative approach, Blackbird’s adoption has faced challenges. Some restaurant staff are still unfamiliar with the app, and its presence at certain venues may go unnoticed by casual diners. However, among those who use the app, the feedback has been positive. Vance Spencer, co-founder of Framework Ventures, shared that he hasn’t paid for coffee in months thanks to his accumulated $FLY tokens.

The Road to Adoption

For Blackbird to succeed, it must reach a critical mass of both restaurants and diners. As of July, the app had been adopted by 0.6% of New York City’s restaurants, with a 10-fold increase in usage over the past year. Leventhal is confident that once a certain threshold is reached, the app will gain significant traction, becoming a must-have for both diners and restaurants.

Leventhal is also realistic about the appeal of crypto in the dining world. He acknowledges that the blockchain aspect of Blackbird is unlikely to be a major selling point for most diners. Instead, the focus remains on the rewards and the enhanced dining experience that the app offers. “Crypto people are just obsessed with putting the word ‘crypto’ before things,” Leventhal remarked, emphasizing that the end-user experience is what truly matters.

Keeping Value Within the Industry

At its core, Blackbird is more than just a loyalty program—it’s a vision for creating a shared pool of capital that benefits the entire hospitality industry. By keeping $FLY tokens within the restaurant ecosystem, Blackbird encourages customers to spend their rewards on dining rather than on non-restaurant expenses. This approach aims to keep value within the industry, supporting the economic viability of participating restaurants.

Leventhal’s latest venture challenges the traditional notions of competition in the hospitality industry. By fostering a cooperative environment where restaurants support each other through shared loyalty programs, Blackbird is paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected dining ecosystem.

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Bitcoin, the original cryptocurrency, is often regarded as a digital store of value. However, the concept of Bitcoin programmability has taken a significant step forward with the introduction of BitVM2, a new iteration developed by Robin Linus. This advancement promises to bring more complex functionalities to the Bitcoin network, potentially revolutionizing how Bitcoin can be used in decentralized applications without altering its foundational code.

The Evolution of Bitcoin Programmability

Robin Linus, a well-known Bitcoin developer, has once again captured the attention of the crypto community with his latest innovation, BitVM2. This development builds on his earlier work, BitVM, which introduced a theoretical method for making Bitcoin more programmable. BitVM2 significantly improves upon its predecessor by compressing programs into sub-programs that can be executed within Bitcoin transactions, as detailed in a recently published white paper co-authored by Linus and a team of experts.

The key breakthrough in BitVM2 lies in its enhanced efficiency and flexibility. In the original BitVM, the verification of transactions could require up to 70 on-chain transactions. However, BitVM2 has streamlined this process, reducing the number of transactions needed to just three. This reduction not only makes the system more practical but also more appealing for real-world implementation.

Permissionless Challenging: A New Feature

One of the standout features of BitVM2 is the introduction of “permissionless challenging.” In the original BitVM, only a fixed set of operators could challenge suspicious transactions. BitVM2 democratizes this process by allowing anyone to question a transaction, thereby enhancing the security and transparency of the system.

According to Alexei Zamyatin, one of the co-authors of the BitVM2 white paper and a contributor to the BOB project, this new design offers major improvements. “We now have a full and comprehensive writeup of the BitVM paradigm,” Zamyatin stated in an interview with CoinDesk, highlighting the importance of this development for Bitcoin programmability.

A Major Leap Without Code Changes

One of the most remarkable aspects of BitVM2 is that it does not require any changes to Bitcoin’s underlying code. This is particularly important given Bitcoin’s decentralized governance structure, which makes even minor updates difficult to implement. The ability to enhance Bitcoin’s programmability without altering its core is a significant achievement that sets BitVM2 apart from other proposed innovations.

This approach is crucial because Bitcoin’s governance model is unique compared to other blockchain projects like Ethereum or Solana, where a guiding foundation or lead developer can push for updates. In contrast, Bitcoin operates on a near-total consensus basis, making the implementation of changes much more challenging.

Potential Applications of BitVM2

The initial application of BitVM2 is expected to enable a “rollup,” which is essentially an auxiliary network atop Bitcoin that can handle faster and cheaper transactions while maintaining similar security guarantees. This development could pave the way for more complex decentralized applications to be built on Bitcoin, a concept that has previously been challenging due to the network’s limited programmability.

Additionally, BitVM2 could facilitate the creation of a blockchain “bridge,” enabling secure transfers of Bitcoin to the rollup and back. This functionality is vital for maintaining liquidity and ensuring that users can move their assets seamlessly between different layers of the Bitcoin network.

The Future of Bitcoin Programmability

BitVM2 has the potential to inspire a new wave of innovation within the Bitcoin ecosystem. As of July, there were already at least 83 Bitcoin layer-2 projects in development, many of which could benefit from the enhanced programmability offered by BitVM2. By simplifying the process and reducing the capital required for certain operations, BitVM2 could make Bitcoin a more attractive platform for developers looking to build advanced dApps.

As Bitcoin continues to evolve, the introduction of technologies like BitVM2 highlights the ongoing efforts to expand its capabilities while preserving the core principles that have made it the most secure blockchain in existence. With a market value exceeding $1.2 trillion, Bitcoin’s status as the leading cryptocurrency remains unchallenged, and innovations like BitVM2 will only strengthen its position in the blockchain ecosystem.

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The U.S. government has recently transferred nearly $600 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC), seized from the Silk Road dark web marketplace, to a wallet associated with Coinbase Prime. This transfer involved 10,000 Bitcoin and was reported by Arkham Intelligence.

Market Impact and Speculation

The purpose of this transfer—whether to sell or hold the assets—remains unclear. This move follows a previous transfer of approximately $2 billion in Silk Road Bitcoin in late July. Since then, Bitcoin’s price has seen a dip, trading around $58,461, marking a 3.9% decrease in the past 24 hours.

Such significant transactions often attract investor attention and spark speculation about their potential impact on the market. The U.S. Marshals Service recently awarded Coinbase Prime a contract to manage and dispose of large-cap cryptocurrency assets, suggesting that the government may be relocating these assets for custody purposes rather than immediate sale.

Historical Context and Future Proposals

The Silk Road marketplace, which was shut down in 2014, was known for facilitating illegal transactions using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Over the years, U.S. authorities have sold portions of the seized Bitcoin from this marketplace.

In related news, U.S. Presidential hopeful and Republican candidate Donald Trump has proposed creating a “strategic Bitcoin reserve” if elected. Trump has stated plans to retain all Bitcoin currently owned by the U.S. government, emphasizing his commitment to leveraging the cryptocurrency for strategic purposes.

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In a significant move towards establishing a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has pledged to pass “sensible and long-lasting” crypto regulation by the end of 2024. This assurance came during a virtual town hall organized by the “Crypto for Harris” advocacy group, where Schumer discussed the future of cryptocurrency with billionaire entrepreneur and crypto advocate Mark Cuban.

Schumer’s Commitment to Crypto Regulation

The virtual town hall provided a platform for Schumer to voice his strong support for the burgeoning cryptocurrency industry. “Crypto is here to stay, no matter what,” Schumer stated emphatically, acknowledging the growing adoption of digital currencies across the United States. He noted that approximately 20% of Americans currently use cryptocurrencies, a number expected to increase as the technology becomes more widespread and accessible.

Schumer’s commitment to passing crypto regulation is seen as a crucial step in providing the industry with the legal clarity it needs to continue its growth and innovation. “My goal is to get something passed out of the Senate and into law by the end of the year,” Schumer declared, signaling a sense of urgency in establishing a regulatory framework that balances innovation with investor protection.

The Importance of Sensible and Long-Lasting Regulation

During his discussion with Cuban, Schumer emphasized the importance of crafting regulation that promotes the growth of the cryptocurrency industry while also implementing “common sense guardrails.” This approach aims to foster innovation while protecting consumers and the broader financial system from potential risks associated with the rapidly evolving crypto market.

“With the right regulation, we can provide a foundation that will help crypto reach its full potential,” Schumer said, highlighting the need for a stable and predictable regulatory environment. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition among policymakers that clear and well-considered regulations are essential for the long-term success of cryptocurrencies in the United States.

Political Context and Implications

Schumer’s remarks come at a time of increased political focus on cryptocurrency regulation, particularly within the Democratic Party. The town hall was part of a broader effort by Democratic-leaning cryptocurrency advocates to build support for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign and to counterbalance former President Donald Trump’s ongoing outreach to the crypto community.

Although Harris did not attend the event, the strong Democratic presence, including Rep. Wiley Nickel and Sen. Debbie Stabenow, underscored the party’s growing interest in and support for the cryptocurrency industry. Schumer’s active participation and his commitment to passing crypto regulation by year-end signal that the Democratic leadership is taking the issue seriously.

It’s also worth noting that Schumer was among the Democrats who broke party ranks earlier this year to oppose a controversial anti-crypto rule proposed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. This action, along with his recent statements, suggests that Schumer and other key Democrats are increasingly aligning with the crypto industry’s push for favorable and clear regulations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Crypto Regulation

As 2024 progresses, the crypto industry will be closely watching the Senate’s actions regarding cryptocurrency regulation. Schumer’s commitment to passing a “sensible and long-lasting” regulatory framework by the end of the year sets the stage for significant developments in the space. The potential passage of comprehensive crypto legislation could provide the industry with the stability it needs to thrive and continue innovating.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and crypto enthusiasts, Schumer’s pledge represents a critical moment in the evolution of the U.S. crypto market. As the year-end deadline approaches, the industry will be keenly focused on how these regulations take shape and what they will mean for the future of digital assets in America.

In conclusion, the assurance secured by Mark Cuban from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer marks a pivotal step toward the establishment of a robust regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. With Schumer’s commitment to enacting meaningful regulation by year-end, the path is set for the U.S. to become a leader in the global crypto industry.

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