Category: Cryptocurrency

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Worldcoin, a project aimed at empowering users, is rolling out a new feature called “Personal Custody,” which eliminates the option for users to store their biometric data. Under this initiative, individuals signing up for a World ID will no longer have their biometric data stored and encrypted by default. Instead, the data will reside on users’ devices, giving them full control over its usage, including the option to delete it if desired.

The introduction of Personal Custody marks a significant step in Worldcoin’s commitment to privacy and transparency. While the project has always emphasized the protection of users’ biometric data during verification, this new approach aims to build further trust among potential users.

Tiago Sada, Head of Product, Engineering, and Design at Tools for Humanity, the primary software contributor to Worldcoin, emphasized the importance of user control over their data. He stated that while data deletion was previously the default option, the implementation of Personal Custody ensures that users have complete autonomy over their data, thus providing them with greater peace of mind.

Worldcoin’s recent move towards Personal Custody comes amid scrutiny from government agencies and regulators. Despite facing challenges, including a temporary ban in Spain and scrutiny over token distribution, Worldcoin remains committed to enhancing user privacy and security.

Before the rollout of Personal Custody, users had the option to either delete their biometric data immediately after verification or allow Worldcoin to encrypt and store it in secure data stores. With the elimination of the Data Custody option, Personal Custody puts data control firmly in the hands of users.

In addition to Personal Custody, Worldcoin is also increasing transparency by making key components of its Orb software publicly available on GitHub. This move aims to bolster transparency and verifiability, aligning with the project’s commitment to openness and accountability.

By prioritizing user empowerment and transparency, Worldcoin continues to advance its mission of providing a secure and inclusive platform for individuals worldwide.

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Gary Gensler, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reiterated his stance on the need for transparency in the crypto markets, suggesting they could benefit from some “disinfectant.”

Speaking at the Columbia Law School conference on Friday, Gensler emphasized the importance of disclosures in financial markets, including those related to climate and cyber risks. He argued that disclosures contribute to more efficient markets and safeguard investors’ interests.

In his prepared remarks, Gensler pointed out that some participants in crypto securities markets seek to evade registration requirements, resulting in a lack of mandatory disclosure. He suggested that introducing more transparency could improve the integrity of the crypto markets.

Gensler has consistently stressed that crypto firms must adhere to the same regulatory standards as traditional financial institutions. Over the past year, the SEC has taken action against platforms like Coinbase and Kraken for allegedly operating without proper registration.

The SEC’s recent focus on disclosures extends beyond crypto, with Gensler highlighting the importance of disclosures related to executive compensation, climate risks, and cyber risks. Earlier this month, the SEC voted to adopt rules requiring companies to disclose climate-related risks.

During a question and answer session, Gensler emphasized the role of both the SEC and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in regulating crypto. He acknowledged that the agencies have different perspectives on whether certain cryptocurrencies, like ether, should be classified as securities or commodities.

While there appears to be some disagreement between the SEC and the CFTC regarding the classification of ether, Gensler and CFTC Chair Behnam maintain regular communication to ensure effective regulation. Behnam has stated that ether is a commodity, while the SEC’s stance on the matter remains less clear.

Behnam has also raised concerns that conflicting classifications could create compliance challenges for market participants. If the SEC were to classify ether as a security, it would potentially conflict with CFTC regulations, impacting registrants who list ether as a futures contract.

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Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy Digital, suggests that the approval of spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in May is now highly doubtful. Recent developments, including SEC subpoenas and a lack of engagement, contribute to this skepticism, Thorn stated in a note on Friday.

Reports indicating that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued subpoenas to crypto firms regarding their ties to the Ethereum Foundation, combined with the SEC’s apparent disinterest in engaging with ETF applicants just two months before the initial deadline, have raised significant doubts about approval in May, according to Thorn.

Fortune’s recent report highlights the SEC’s active legal efforts to classify ether (ETH) as a security, citing subpoenas received by U.S. companies as part of an investigation. Additionally, The Block reported that the Ethereum Foundation received a confidential inquiry from a state authority, leading to the removal of the “warrant canary” from its website.

Thorn, a former Fidelity Investments veteran, speculates that the SEC’s interest in crypto firms’ interactions with the Ethereum Foundation may involve investigating whether Ethereum’s initial coin offering (ICO) in 2014 constituted an unregistered securities offering. He suggests that while the SEC may differentiate between the ICO and the current secondary trading of ETH, any enforcement action against the Ethereum Foundation after almost a decade would be highly irregular.

SEC Chairman Gary Gensler has declined to comment on whether the agency considers ETH a security. However, the SEC reportedly views Ethereum’s 2022 “Merge” upgrade as potentially strengthening the argument that ETH is a security due to the network’s transition to proof-of-stake. Despite this, the SEC permitted the launch of several futures-based Ethereum ETFs in 2023, a year after Ethereum transitioned to PoS.

Thorn argues that if the SEC pursues allegations of securities violations against ETH or the Ethereum Foundation, it would tread on uncertain legal ground and potentially impact an industry that has existed for over a decade.

This perspective aligns with market experts’ doubts about the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF by May. Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan has suggested that delaying approval could be advantageous, allowing Wall Street to digest spot bitcoin ETFs before focusing on new ones. He believes that a later approval might attract even more assets.

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Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic, a competitor of OpenAI, seeks to divest shares previously held by the now-defunct crypto exchange FTX. However, reports indicate that Saudi Arabian investors are not being entertained as potential buyers, as per anonymous sources.

Anthropic currently possesses an 8% stake from FTX, valued at over $1 billion. CNBC’s report, relying on undisclosed informants, suggests that Anthropic is in the market for a buyer to acquire the shares previously owned by FTX but has explicitly excluded Saudi investors from consideration.

According to CNBC’s sources, Anthropic’s decision to bypass Saudi investments is grounded in concerns regarding national security. Reportedly, the company’s executives are in the process of assembling a pool of potential backers while excluding Saudi financiers.

Three years ago, FTX acquired shares in Anthropic for $500 million. Now, the 8% stake in the esteemed AI startup has doubled in value. FTX’s liquidation of Anthropic shares is part of its bankruptcy proceedings, with proceeds aimed at compensating clients affected by the exchange’s collapse.

The report indicates that the transaction is progressing and is anticipated to conclude within the next few weeks, as mentioned by undisclosed sources.

Furthermore, Anthropic is contemplating selling FTX’s stake to alternative sovereign wealth funds, notably including the United Arab Emirates-based Mubadala. The latter has exhibited interest in acquiring Anthropic shares, as per the same report.

In December, Anthropic commanded a valuation of $18.4 billion. Subsequently, a judge sanctioned FTX’s proposal to offload its shares in the AI enterprise in February.

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WisdomTree has achieved regulatory clearance from the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) to operate its digital asset business in the state, placing it among a select group of entities approved in one of the United States’ most rigorous crypto regulatory environments.

The Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) issuer obtained a charter to function as a limited-purpose trust company under the New York Banking Law, as announced in a statement on March 22. This charter paves the way for the introduction of its WisdomTree Prime platform in the state.

With this charter, WisdomTree is authorized to engage in fiduciary custody of digital assets, including providing digital wallet services, facilitating stablecoin trading, and managing stablecoin reserves, subject to DFS oversight.

Jonathan Steinberg, WisdomTree’s Founder and CEO, underscored the significance of the license in enabling the firm to offer innovative products while prioritizing customer safeguarding. He emphasized that the New York State Department of Financial Services holds a leading position as a regulator for businesses involved in digital asset activities. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of the well-established trust company charter program, which existed before the emergence of digital assets. This program is founded on rigorous banking regulations, allowing the company to introduce innovative products while ensuring customer protection remains paramount.

New York boasts one of the most stringent crypto regulatory frameworks in the United States, necessitating registration and licensing for crypto-related entities. Over the past year, the state has taken legal action against several crypto platforms, including Gemini and the now-defunct Genesis crypto lender, for breaching local regulations.

WisdomTree Prime Platform

The regulatory approval also sets the stage for the rollout of the WisdomTree Prime platform, which will offer a suite of products within the WisdomTree Prime ecosystem, including the issuance of WisdomTree Gold and Dollar Tokens.

The mobile platform will provide users access to cryptocurrencies, digital gold, and various digital funds, creating an integrated ecosystem for saving, spending, and investing on-chain. Leveraging the firm’s trust charter and fiduciary powers will enhance customer protection, particularly regarding asset storage.

Will Peck, CEO of WisdomTree Digital Trust Company, expressed confidence in the company’s product lineup and responsible growth strategy.

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The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has intensified its examination of Ethereum, inadvertently rallying the cryptocurrency community against it.

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse confidently stated that the SEC would ultimately lose its battle against Ethereum. In a post on March 22 on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Garlinghouse highlighted that the financial watchdog failed in its classification attempt of his company’s XRP token and is likely to face a similar outcome in its efforts to classify ETH as security. He mentioned that the SEC is engaging in disputes with the industry and is experiencing significant losses in court battles. Additionally, they are currently in conflict with other regulators such as the CFTC, and are trailing behind international counterparts.

Echoing Garlinghouse’s sentiments, Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty suggested that the US Congress should halt funding for this “insanity.”

SEC’s Investigation of Ethereum

Recent reports revealed that the SEC, led by Gary Gensler, is investigating entities associated with Ethereum, such as the Ethereum Foundation, in an attempt to classify ETH as a security. This move sparked significant backlash from both the crypto community and US legislators, who expressed concerns about the SEC’s aggressive stance toward the burgeoning industry.

Paul Grewal, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, highlighted numerous instances where the SEC and its representatives have referred to Ethereum as a commodity. He pointed to statements from former high-ranking SEC official William Hinman, as well as congressional hearings and testimony from Gensler before his tenure as SEC chair, which indicated that the digital asset was not considered a security. Additionally, Grewal noted instances where SEC lawyers attempted to draw comparisons between ETH and BTC.

Community Sentiments and Ripple’s Support

Notably, Ripple executives’ endorsement of Ethereum comes as unexpected, given the historical friction between the XRP community and ETH. For years, XRP supporters have alleged that Ethereum received preferential treatment from the SEC due to its non-classification as a security by former SEC official Hinman, arguing that this contributed to Ethereum’s widespread adoption and subsequent development.

Moreover, past negative remarks about XRP from Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin further fueled animosity between the two projects.

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Frax Finance has taken a step forward in reinstating its protocol fee switch by presenting a new proposal on Thursday.

The proposal outlines the reintroduction of the protocol fee switch, with 50% of the yield directed towards veFXS and the remaining 50% utilized to purchase other Frax assets for pairing in the FXS Liquidity Engine (FLE), according to the proposal put forth by Frax Finance on Thursday. The implementation of FLE aims to bolster Frax’s balance sheet while significantly enhancing liquidity for FXS and paired Frax assets.

Furthermore, the proposal elaborates on a new tokenomics system designed to fully collateralize the decentralized stablecoin FRAX, along with suggesting enhancements to yield structures. Concerning the non-liquid staking reward veFXS, the proposal states, “veFXS stakers will receive total protocol fees upon the passage of this proposal, added to the veFXS yield distributor on the Ethereum mainnet and subsequently to the veFXS yield distributor contract on Fraxtal.”

Frax Finance had initially proposed activating the protocol fee switch on February 26, reversing an earlier decision to suspend rewards, as reported by The Block previously. Sam Kazemian, the protocol’s founder, remarked at the time that Frax felt “it is the right time to turn on the huge switch. It will be a ton of revenue.”

Frax Finance is responsible for developing and overseeing the FRAX USD-pegged decentralized stablecoin, the protocol’s native token FXS, and the veFXS token distributed to users upon staking FXS. As of 5:32 p.m. on March 21, FXS was trading at $7.48, showing a 1.13% increase over the past 24 hours, according to The Block’s FXS price page.

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In a quick turn of events, Bitcoin dipped below the $65,000 mark, despite major stock indices reaching record highs driven by expectations of rate cuts.

The correction in Bitcoin’s price over the past day resulted in significant liquidation of long positions on centralized exchanges.

Despite major stock indices hitting record highs, with the Dow gaining about 0.7% and the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite adding roughly 0.3% and 0.2% respectively on Thursday, Bitcoin witnessed a downturn, slipping below the $64,000 mark during Friday’s trading session.

This dip in Bitcoin’s price comes amidst positive macroeconomic sentiment fueled by signals of rate cuts from the U.S. Federal Reserve and a surprise rate cut by the Swiss National Bank.

The surprise reduction in Switzerland’s key interest rate to 1.5%, following a decrease in Swiss inflation to 1.2% in February, marked the first such action by one of the world’s major central banks since the onset of efforts to counter post-pandemic price surges.

As of 8:46 a.m. Eastern Time, Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market capitalization, witnessed a decline of more than 4% over the previous 24 hours, with its value resting at $63,990. This decrease reflects ongoing market volatility and liquidations.

Market Volatility and Liquidations

The correction in Bitcoin’s price over the past day triggered significant liquidation of long positions on centralized exchanges, with over $54 million in Bitcoin positions being liquidated, the majority of which—over $40 million—were long positions, as per CoinGlass data.

The second-largest cryptocurrency, Ether, also experienced a 3.4% downturn in the past day, trading at $3,417 at 8:46 a.m. ET. SOL, the native coin of the Solana network, saw a sharper decline of over 8% during the same period, according to The Block’s Prices Page.

The overall cryptocurrency market witnessed over $134 million in liquidated long positions in the last 24 hours, contributing to a total of $192 million in liquidations across various centralized exchanges, according to data.

Declining Bitcoin Exchange Reserves

Bitcoin exchange reserves have reached a multi-week low, indicating a trend of investors withdrawing their coins for long-term holding.

Data from CryptoQuant shows an outflow of over 44,600 bitcoins in the past month, resulting in exchange reserves hitting a multi-week low of just over 2 million bitcoins.

This outflow from exchanges to cold storage has been a consistent trend since the beginning of the year, possibly influenced by the increase in Bitcoin’s price and inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs.

Over the last 24 hours, the GM 30 Index, which tracks the performance of the top 30 cryptocurrencies, has dipped by 3.98% to reach 141.78.

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Tech giant Google has seamlessly integrated Ethereum Name Service (ENS) data into its search results using information sourced from Etherscan. CryptoSlate confirmed this integration through various ENS addresses, including Vitalik.eth, belonging to Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum.

The displayed results provide comprehensive details such as the Ethereum balance and the timestamp of the last transaction, all retrieved from the Ethereum block explorer Etherscan. ENS serves as a naming system for the Ethereum blockchain, facilitating human-readable names for diverse resources, including crypto wallets.

The news of this integration was first shared by Brantly Millegan, a former core member of the ENS team, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

Google’s Embrace of Crypto

This integration underscores Google’s increasing involvement with crypto and blockchain technology. Previously, the tech giant allowed users to directly check Ethereum address balances via its search engine. Furthermore, Google displayed animated pandas in sync to initiate a countdown to the Ethereum Merge event in 2022.

Last year, Google revised its crypto advertising policy to include “Cryptocurrency Coin Trusts,” enabling investors to trade shares in trusts holding digital assets. As a result, Bitcoin ETF products from prominent asset managers like BlackRock now feature in search results for queries such as “Bitcoin ETF.”

ENS Token’s Upward Movement

The news of Google’s feature on social media has helped the ENS token reverse its recent downward trend, experiencing a gain of approximately 6% in the last 24 hours, trading at $21.56 as of press time, according to CryptoSlate’s data.

In recent months, the ENS project has achieved significant milestones, including full decentralization and a pivotal partnership with GoDaddy, a domain registrar.

Jeff Lau, a developer with ENS, highlighted that these developments aim to “humanize web3.” He emphasized ENS’s role as a naming system for crypto addresses, evolving to encompass various functions within the web3 ecosystem, including serving as farcaster IDs, crypto payment addresses, and DAO contract identifiers.

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Bitcoin has experienced a decline of over 10% from its recent all-time high, reflecting a decrease in interest for newly established spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Strategists at JPMorgan Chase and Co. have cautioned that this pullback could continue.

The group of 10 spot Bitcoin ETFs is currently witnessing its largest weekly outflow since its introduction on January 11. Concurrently, Bitcoin, the world’s largest cryptocurrency, is on track for one of its most challenging weeks of the year following a 6% downturn. On Friday, the token was down 2.7% to $63,675.

JPMorgan strategists reiterated their view that Bitcoin appears overbought, reiterating a prediction made in February for further declines leading up to April’s eagerly awaited halving event, which will reduce the supply of newly minted Bitcoin from miners.

The continuous interest seen in CME Bitcoin futures, along with the diminishing flows in ETFs, stands as notable bearish signs for Bitcoin’s price, as highlighted by strategists headed by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou in a note issued on Thursday.

The slowdown in net inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs challenges the perception of a continuous one-way net inflow, particularly as the halving event approaches. This trend of profit-taking is expected to persist, especially considering the overbought positioning backdrop, despite the recent correction.

Last month, JPMorgan forecasted a decline in Bitcoin’s price towards $42,000 post-April as the euphoria induced by the halving event subsides.

From Monday through Thursday, a net $836 million was withdrawn from the ETFs, reflecting outflows from the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and a decrease in subscriptions for competing offerings from BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments.

While the ETF category has seen net inflows of $11.3 billion to date, marking one of the most successful debuts for an ETF category, the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, which transitioned into an ETF, has experienced $13.6 billion in outflows.

Despite Bitcoin reaching a record high of almost $73,798 on March 14, retail traders’ enthusiasm may be waning, according to Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets. Aslam expressed concerns about the rally’s strength post-all-time high and emphasized the significance of the upcoming halving event in maintaining momentum. However, failure to sustain this momentum could lead to a significant retracement, potentially dropping below $50,000.

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