Category: Cryptocurrency

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Japanese Institutional Crypto Investment Trends

Japan’s largest investment bank, Nomura Holdings (TYO:8604), and its crypto subsidiary, Laser Digital, released findings from a recent survey on Monday. The survey targeted over 500 investment managers in Japan, revealing that 54% plan to allocate funds to crypto assets within the next three years.

Motivations and Barriers for Japanese Institutional Crypto Investment

More than half of the respondents indicated a future interest in digital assets, motivated by recent developments such as the launch of crypto products like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investment trusts, staking, and lending. These factors, along with the increasing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, are seen as significant drivers in the growth and development of cryptocurrencies. 

However, some institutions currently hesitant to invest in crypto assets cited counterparty risks, high volatility, regulatory requirements, and concerns about security as significant barriers to entry.

Positive Sentiment Towards Japanese Institutional Crypto Investment

Additionally, 25% of survey respondents have a positive impression of the asset class, and 62% view cryptos as an opportunity for investment diversification. The survey indicated that when investing in crypto assets, the preferred allocation is 2-5% of assets under management (AUM).

Interest in Web3 and Venture Capital Investments

Respondents also expressed interest in investing in Web3 projects, either directly or through venture capital (VC) funds. This interest reflects a broader trend towards integrating advanced blockchain technologies and decentralized applications into traditional investment strategies.

Japan’s Crypto Policy Developments

Japan is rapidly developing an economic reform bill with notable implications for Japanese institutional crypto investment. Early this year, the government published a legislative proposal allowing venture capital firms and other investment funds to hold digital assets directly. This inclusion of digital assets in the legal framework not only legitimizes their use in institutional investments but also positions Japan as a crypto-friendly jurisdiction globally.

Independent finance news outlet FinanceFeeds released a report in February, highlighting that Japan is a global leader in compliant crypto payments. In March, Japan’s $1.5 trillion pension fund was actively exploring the potential addition of Bitcoin to its investment portfolio.

Stablecoin Regulation in Japan

Japan has also heavily regulated stablecoins, noting that only banks, money transmission services, and trust firms can issue stablecoins. Additionally, all reserves underpinning the value of these tokens must be held in Japanese trusts and invested only in domestic bank accounts, ensuring the highest levels of security and compliance.

This stringent regulation aims to protect investors and maintain the stability of the financial system. Furthermore, these measures help to prevent fraudulent activities and enhance the overall trustworthiness of the cryptocurrency market in Japan, making it a safer environment for both institutional and individual investors.

Conclusion

The findings from Nomura Holdings’ survey indicate a growing interest and potential for significant Japanese institutional crypto investment. With progressive regulatory frameworks and an increasing number of investment managers showing interest in digital assets, Japan is poised to become a key player in the global crypto market. 

As traditional financial institutions recognize the benefits of digital assets, the integration of these assets into investment portfolios is expected to accelerate. This shift not only enhances portfolio diversification but also opens up new avenues for growth and innovation in the financial sector. Japan’s proactive stance on crypto regulation plays a crucial role in fostering a secure and stable environment for digital asset investments. 

By implementing stringent regulations on stablecoins and ensuring that reserves are held in domestic banks, Japan is setting a high standard for other nations to follow. This approach not only protects investors but also enhances the credibility and legitimacy of the crypto market. In summary, the increasing Japanese institutional crypto investment underscores Japan’s potential as a leading player in the global crypto industry. 

As more institutions allocate funds to crypto assets, the Japanese market is likely to see substantial growth, innovation, and diversification in the coming years. This trend not only benefits the institutions themselves but also contributes to the overall advancement and maturity of the global crypto market.

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If you’re optimistic about crypto following Bitcoin’s (BTC-USD) recent surge in popularity, you might be wondering which cryptocurrencies are the best to buy now for potential long-term gains. Which projects might see widespread adoption in the next decade, leading to substantial returns?

Investing in crypto is quite different from investing in stocks. The first American stock exchange began in 1792, while Bitcoin became publicly available only in 2009. Therefore, the concept of cryptocurrency investment remains unclear to many people. Are you investing in Bitcoin because you believe it will become future legal tender, or are you simply looking to grow your money?

Regardless of your motivation, the best cryptos to buy and hold for the next decade are the most legitimate ones—those that have already shown signs of adoption and integration into financial systems.

Bitcoin (BTC-USD)

Bitcoin is the most likely cryptocurrency to endure into the future. It has been around the longest, essentially started the industry, boasts the highest trading volume and market cap, and is the most widely accepted as tender globally. Some governments, like El Salvador, have even experimented with integrating it into their currency systems. Additionally, Bitcoin’s success has inspired an entire industry of Bitcoin mining companies, which operate computer farms to decrypt algorithms and further the coin’s circulation.

Investing in Bitcoin is different from investing in stocks. It’s not about a company’s future value but rather the adoption of a highly technical technology. Timing the market with Bitcoin is unlikely to be successful. Instead, view the money invested as a long-term gamble and aim to buy when Bitcoin’s price is well below its all-time high—not like right now.

Ethereum (ETH-USD)

If Bitcoin seems too expensive, Ethereum (ETH-USD) is a more moderately priced investment option. Dubbed the “world’s largest altcoin,” Ethereum aims to offer a more ecosystem-based alternative to Bitcoin.

Long-term investors in ETH believe in the prospects of blockchain technology. ETH’s value proposition is not as an alternative to fiat currency but as an open-source blockchain. Developers seeking to advance blockchain technology earn ETH coins, which can increase in value over time.

ETH is also a major player in decentralized finance, aiming to bypass traditional banking and facilitate large-scale transactions directly between individuals via a blockchain. If you’re bullish on blockchains and decentralized finance, ETH could be a solid investment to hold for the next decade.

Binance (BNB-USD)

Binance (BNB-USD) is tied directly to the performance of the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world. Investing in Binance for the next decade means believing in its value as an intermediary currency and having confidence in the longevity of the Binance exchange.

As the Binance exchange grows in popularity, the use and trading frequency of BNB could increase, boosting its value and purchasing power. For investors, this means either using BNB to store valuable cash or trading it efficiently for other cryptos on the Binance platform.

Ultimately, BNB’s high market cap is due to the general popularity and trust Binance has earned within the crypto community.

These three cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Binance—represent some of the best long-term investment options in the crypto space, with the potential for significant growth over the next decade.

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In the volatile world of cryptocurrency, investor confidence is often gauged by the willingness to hold assets through market fluctuations. Recently, Ethereum has seen a strong vote of confidence from its community, marked by a record number of long-term holders. These HODLers are crucial to Ethereum’s future.

Long-Term Holders on the Rise

According to Glassnode data, a significant portion of Ethereum is held for periods ranging from one to three years. This indicates that much of the Ethereum acquired during the 2021-2022 period is still being held. This trend is further supported by the decrease in the proportion of crypto held for less than six months, while the share held for more than seven years has increased. This reflects the stability and faith in Ethereum’s fundamental value and its potential for future growth.

The Ethereum HODL Waves chart illustrates the distribution of Ethereum held over various periods, revealing changing trends in investor behavior. The recent surge in long-term holders suggests strong conviction in Ethereum’s long-term value, with many investors choosing to hold their assets rather than sell during market fluctuations.

The Influence of Long-Term Holders

Long-term Ethereum holders play a crucial role in stabilizing and growing the cryptocurrency. By holding their assets, they reduce volatility and create a sense of confidence that attracts new investors. Their long-term vision also encourages the development of innovative projects on the Ethereum blockchain, fostering a richer and more diverse ecosystem.

This HODLing strategy can positively influence Ethereum’s future, positioning it as a leading digital currency with increased global adoption and usage. However, it is important to note that cryptocurrencies remain high-risk investments, and market conditions can change rapidly.

The behavior of long-term Ethereum holders indicates a strong belief in the crypto’s potential. Their strategy suggests Ethereum is maturing as an investment asset, with promising prospects for future growth.

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has concluded its investigation into Ethereum 2.0, according to a late Tuesday announcement by cryptocurrency firm ConsenSys on social media platform X. ConsenSys had previously filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction against the SEC’s regulation of the Ethereum blockchain.

ConsenSys founder Joseph Lubin hailed the SEC’s decision as “a significant victory” for Ethereum. “While we welcome this development, it’s not enough. We must remain vigilant and continue advocating for clear and fair regulations that enable innovation to flourish,” Lubin, who also co-founded the cryptocurrency Ether, stated on X.

Despite the SEC’s decision, ConsenSys plans to continue its lawsuit to seek a court ruling that the SEC lacks legal authority to regulate the user-controlled software interfaces built on Ethereum or the Ethereum blockchain itself.

An SEC spokesperson declined to comment on the existence or nonexistence of a possible investigation.

Last month, the SEC approved applications from Nasdaq, CBOE, and NYSE to list spot Ether ETFs, a surprising win for the cryptocurrency industry, which had anticipated rejections.

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Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA) has integrated its multi-chain layer-2 network, Anduro, with the decentralized exchange network Portal to Bitcoin. This integration aims to enhance the utility of the Bitcoin network by enabling atomic swaps, which allow for peer-to-peer transactions of cryptocurrencies across different blockchains.

Marathon, a publicly-traded bitcoin miner, began incubating Anduro in February, describing it as “a platform built on the Bitcoin network that allows for the creation of multiple sidechains.” The integration with the San Francisco-based fintech provider and subsequent renaming to Portal to Bitcoin was announced in an email shared with CoinDesk on Wednesday.

Previously known as Portal, the company raised $34 million in a seed round in March. It leverages the Bitcoin layer-2 network Lightning to facilitate atomic swaps, enabling users to convert assets like Ethereum (ETH) into Bitcoin (BTC).

This development brings greater utility to Bitcoin, a feature common among Ethereum-based assets and other blockchains but relatively new to Bitcoin. Anduro’s integration with Portal to Bitcoin may also offer new revenue streams for miners. By using merge-mining, participating miners can earn Bitcoin-denominated revenue from transactions on these sidechains while continuing to mine Bitcoin on the base layer.

“Integrating Portal to Bitcoin enhances the utility of Bitcoin and presents new opportunities for revenue generation for miners,” said a Marathon spokesperson.

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Hashdex has submitted a proposal to the Securities and Exchange Commission to create an exchange-traded fund that would include both Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). The proposed ETF, named Hashdex Nasdaq Crypto Index US ETF, aims to offer investors exposure to the two leading cryptocurrencies, reflecting their distribution in the Nasdaq Crypto Index.

The ETF would be composed of approximately 70.54% Bitcoin and 29.46% Ethereum, adhering to a market-cap-weighted strategy that mirrors the broader cryptocurrency market as represented by the Nasdaq Crypto Index.

This initiative marks a significant advancement in integrating digital assets into conventional financial instruments, potentially broadening the accessibility of cryptocurrencies to a wider range of investors. The fund will be backed by custodians Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) Custody Trust Company and BitGo Trust Company and will maintain cash reserves.

While initially focusing on Bitcoin and Ethereum, the ETF may consider including additional digital assets in the future, pending SEC approval. This proposal arrives during a favorable regulatory climate, following the SEC’s approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs and the anticipated introduction of Ethereum ETFs in the U.S. market.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler recently indicated to a Senate committee that Ethereum ETFs might begin trading by this summer.

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Jump Crypto has added $10 million to a U.S. political action committee focused on promoting pro-crypto candidates in Congress. This brings the total contributions from Jump, a Chicago-based investment firm, to $15 million, and raises the PAC’s total funds to nearly $169 million as of Wednesday, according to spokesman Josh Vlasto.

The significant fundraising effort by Fairshake and its affiliated PACs has positioned the crypto industry with one of the most influential campaign-finance operations for the 2024 elections. These super PACs have been heavily investing in primary campaigns, helping their preferred candidates advance toward likely general-election victories in November.

“The crypto and blockchain communities have united to form a sustainable bipartisan coalition and an effective long-term operation,” Vlasto stated. “We will continue to support candidates committed to responsible regulation that drives innovation, creates jobs, and maintains America’s global leadership.”

A spokeswoman for Jump Crypto declined to comment on the donation. This substantial contribution follows recent matching $25-million donations from major crypto firms Coinbase Inc. (NASDAQ:COIN), Ripple, and Andreessen Horowitz.

As of the May 31 Federal Election Commission filing, Fairshake and its related PACs—Defend American Jobs and Protect Progress—held $109 million. With less than five months until the final voting, Vlasto confirmed the PACs do not plan to support presidential candidates, instead focusing on proven congressional incumbents and crypto-friendly candidates.

Recent votes in Congress have provided clearer indicators of lawmakers’ stances on crypto. In May, the House passed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act, the first comprehensive crypto oversight legislation to clear either chamber. Its future in the Senate remains uncertain, but the vote revealed which House members support crypto regulations.

Additionally, both chambers voted to overturn the Securities and Exchange Commission’s crypto account policy, Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 12. Although President Joe Biden vetoed this effort, it showed 11 Senate Democrats joining Republicans against the SEC policy and the White House’s stance.

These votes demonstrated unexpected support from Democrats and are being used to evaluate lawmakers. Stand With Crypto, an advocacy group started by Coinbase, uses a grading system to rate politicians. For example, Sen. Mark Warner received a “D” grade for his no vote on the SAB 121 resolution, while Sen. Chuck Grassley earned a “B” grade for supporting it.

“Recent votes have helped us educate our advocates on politicians’ positions on crypto,” said Sabrina Siddiqui, a spokesman for Stand With Crypto. She noted that the group reached over a million online members earlier than expected due to strong interest in these key votes.

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Crypto investment firm Pantera Capital aims to raise $1 billion for a new fund dedicated to revitalizing the crypto industry. Cosmo Jiang, Pantera Capital’s portfolio manager, revealed that over $200 million of this fund is allocated for investments in artificial intelligence projects.

In a recent interview with DL News, Jiang expressed his belief that AI will become integral to every crypto company, likening it to the necessity of a website for modern businesses. “Investing in AI firms will soon be as standard as investing in companies with websites,” Jiang stated.

Pantera Capital is therefore on the lookout for projects that leverage AI to enhance blockchain technology and vice versa.

Pantera Capital, which counts major companies like Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN), Circle, and Bitstamp in its portfolio, plans to significantly increase its investment in AI-related blockchain projects with the new fund. Jiang noted that their previous fund allocated around 15% to 20% of its capital to such projects, and expects the new fund to allocate even more.

If this trend continues, Pantera Capital could potentially invest over $200 million in AI-adjacent crypto projects over the next decade. Although Jiang did not confirm an exact figure, he acknowledged it as a reasonable estimate.

The fusion of AI and blockchain technologies has captured significant interest, with predictions suggesting it could contribute about $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Investors have already funneled over $98.8 million into this sector since the start of 2024. The market value of AI tokens has reached $26 billion, and Bitcoin miners are exploring ways to supply processing power for training AI tools used by Silicon Valley giants.

Pantera Capital is not the only entity recognizing the potential of AI and blockchain convergence. Hedge fund manager Brevan Howard is also actively exploring opportunities in this space.

In a related development, three major AI blockchain firms—SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Protocol—are planning to merge their crypto tokens to create a decentralized AI platform. The proposed ASI token is expected to have a fully diluted value of approximately $7.5 billion. While the merger plans require community approval, an official announcement could come as early as Wednesday. The merged entity, the Superintelligence Collective, will guide their collaborative efforts while allowing the companies to maintain their individual operations.

However, there is some skepticism regarding AI-related crypto tokens. A recent research report by leading crypto exchange Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) suggested that the surge in the AI token market might be driven more by hype than by genuine utility. The report indicated that the value of many AI tokens could be overstated due to the prevailing focus on the AI industry and that these tokens might lack sustainable demand-side drivers in the near to medium term.

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Long-term bitcoin holders and miners have been significant sellers in the past two weeks, with little sign of renewed demand, according to on-chain analysis firm CryptoQuant in a report shared with CoinDesk.

CryptoQuant’s data shows that whales—large holders of bitcoin—sold over $1.2 billion worth of BTC recently, likely through brokers rather than on the open market.

“Traders are not increasing their Bitcoin holdings, and large holders’ (whales) demand growth is still lacking strength,” analysts noted. “Stablecoin liquidity has continued to slow, growing at its slowest pace since November 2023.”

These traders have been reducing their holdings since BTC prices peaked over $70,000 in late May, as indicated by declining UTXO age bands tracked by CryptoQuant.

Unspent Transaction Outputs are created in every Bitcoin transaction and are used by traders to analyze buying and selling patterns. A decrease in UTXO age usually signals increased Bitcoin activity and selling, while an increase suggests more holding.

Market observers suggest that miners are shifting focus to the booming artificial intelligence sector, leading to the sale of their bitcoin rewards. Both the AI and cryptocurrency sectors rely heavily on powerful computing chips.

“One of the biggest trends since Bitcoin halving this year is that miners are increasingly moving towards the AI business,” shared Lucy Hu, senior analyst at Metalpha, a crypto fund, in a Telegram message. “The reduction in mining rewards has pushed miners to explore other revenue streams. With AI firms needing energy-intensive data centers, Bitcoin miners are boosting revenue through sales to AI companies.”

Since June 5, BTC prices have dropped from $71,000 to just over $65,000 as of Wednesday, influenced by a strong dollar, a shift away from riskier assets, and growth in traditional stock indices. Additionally, U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds tracking Bitcoin recorded net outflows of over $600 million last week, marking their worst performance since late April.

Some traders have warned that BTC could fall to as low as $60,000 without new growth catalysts.

Currently, BTC is down 0.6% in the past 24 hours, according to CoinDesk data. Meanwhile, the CoinDesk 20, an index of the largest tokens, is up 1.2%.

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Bullish bets on Dogecoin futures suffered significantly on Monday, with liquidations totaling $60 million as the meme token’s price dropped over 10% before a brief recovery. This decline occurred alongside a sell-off in major tokens, including Bitcoin, during Asian trading hours. The CoinDesk 20 Index, which tracks the broader crypto market, fell by 3.4% in the past 24 hours.

Bitcoin long positions lost $47 million, while Ether bullish bets were the hardest hit, losing $76 million. In total, crypto long positions saw liquidations exceeding $440 million due to profit-taking and a strengthening dollar, according to traders on Tuesday.

“The meme coin market has generally pulled back this month as Bitcoin prices come under pressure,” stated Lucy Hu, a senior analyst at Metalpha. “The expectation of a rate cut by the Fed has led investors to shift from risky assets to safer ones, impacting DOGE as one of the largest meme coins in the market.”

Data from Coinanlyze reveals that nearly all DOGE liquidation activity over the past 24 hours came from long positions, with only about $600,000 worth of short positions being liquidated. These figures represent the highest for DOGE futures since May 2021, with over $44 million of the liquidations occurring on Huobi, a crypto exchange favored by Asia-based traders.

Open interest, or the total number of unsettled futures bets, dropped 16% to $600 million. Additionally, a long-short ratio tracking DOGE futures indicated a bearish sentiment, standing at 0.94, suggesting traders are positioning for further declines.

Liquidation occurs when an exchange forcefully closes a trader’s leveraged position due to partial or total loss of the trader’s initial margin. This happens when a trader cannot meet the margin requirements for a leveraged position, meaning they lack sufficient funds to keep the trade open.

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