Crypto News

Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried have met with lawyers and members of president Donald Trump’s administration Trump has already pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht who served 12 years in prison Early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver, who faces a 109-year prison sentence, has also asked Trump to help him The parents of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried are seeking to get their son a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. Stanford law professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried have reportedly met with lawyers and members of Trump’s administration. According to Bloomberg , the pair hopes to receive clemency for their son, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence. Bankman-Fried was sentenced last March after being found guilt of fraud. The platform filed for bankruptcy in 2022. Pardoning Ulbricht The move comes as Trump gave a presidential pardon to Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht in the first week of entering the White House. During his presidential campaign, Trump promised ...

Crypto exchange Coinbase has announced the acquisition of Spindl. The on-chain ads and attribution platform was founded in 2022 by former Facebook ads team member Antonio Garcia-Martinez. Coinbase has acquire Spindl, an on-chain ads and attribution platform. The US-based cryptocurrency exchange announced the acquisition on Jan. 31, noting in a blog post that the deal is crucial to the exchange’s plans to the next one billion users on-chain. Coinbase will use the newly-acquired platform to accelerate onchain ads traction. Bringing 1 billion people onchain starts with backing the builders making it happen Welcome to the @spindl_xyz team, helping builders go viral onchain and find distribution on @coinbase and across the onchain economy pic.twitter.com/57G17p8s6H — Base (@base) January 31, 2025 This will see the exchange support developers who build apps aimed at bringing more users to the blockchain and web3 ecosystem. Spindl will help Coinbase improve “the onchain disco...

Mantra price rose to a new all-time high of $5.87 on Jan. 30. The gains saw Mantra rank as one of the best performers on the day, with open interest spiking 37%. OM has surged since MANTRA inked a $1 billion tokenization deal with the Dubai-based DAMAC Group. Mantra (OM) rose sharply on Thursday to emerge as the biggest gainer among the 100 largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. With an intraday surge of over 40% at one time, the digital asset defied the slow market to hit a new all-time high of $5.87. While the OM price has slightly retreated to $5.59 at the time of writing, Mantra remains one of the best performers in crypto today with +23% in the past 24 hours. Source: CoinMarketCap Only JasmyCoin, which is up more than 25% in the past 24 hours, is outpacing OM among the top 100 coins. Mantra ranks 28th while JASMY is 69th at the moment with a market cap of $1.57 billion. Why is the Mantra price up today? According to data from CoinMarketCap, MANTRA has recorded a 214%...

Securitize and Apollo have teamed up to launch a diversified credit fund. The Apollo Diversified Credit Securitize Fund, ACRED, goes live on Aptos, Avalanche, Ethereum, and Solana blockchains. Tokenization platform Securitize has partnered with $730 billion alternative asset manager Apollo to bring a new tokenized credit fund on-chain. Securitize announced on Jan. 30 that it had collaborated with the NYSE-listed Apollo to launch the Apollo Diversified Credit Securitize Fund on several major blockchains. The fund, ACRED, will offer tokenized access to a diversified credit strategy, with support available on Solana, Ethereum, Aptos, Ink, Avalanche and Polygon networks. BREAKING: APOLLO TOKENIZES $1.2B PRIVATE CREDIT FUND The $730B investment giant just launched ACRED, on-chain access to their Diversified Credit Fund, across 6 chains: Ethereum, Solana, Ink, Aptos, Avalanche, Polygon 11.7% yield in 2024, managed by one of the world's top… pic.twitter.com/1PpIwpyQkV — RWA.x...

Kraken has announced its on-chain staking product is now available to US clients in 37 states. The exchange supports 17 cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot, and Cardano. Regulatory challenges saw the exchange halt the staking feature that it initially launched in 2019. Kraken has re-launched its staking service in the U.S., with the offering including support for 17 different digital assets. The crypto exchange’s new staking product is initially available across 37 US states and 2 territories, according to an announcement . Clients in supported states can now stake any of the several cryptocurrencies Kraken has added to the staking solution, including Ethereum, Solana, Polkadot and Cardano. “Launching this new staking product in the U.S. is an overwhelmingly positive development, not just for Kraken but also for the entire U.S. crypto space,” said Mark Greenberg, Kraken’s global head of consumer. “We are excited to bring back a brand new product enabling U.S...

It remains to be the bitcoin season as seen on the CMC altcoin season index. Amid the heightened market volatility, bulls continue to ride on the optimism of a bull run in 2025 with analysts predicting that the crypto major will rally to $200,000. However, savvy investors are increasingly looking for cheaper opportunities with AI meme coins being particularly popular. Notably, AI cryptos have gained traction in recent months; bolstering the sector’s value to almost $5 million.  At the center of this revolution is iDEGEN ; a one of a kind social experiment leveraging on fresh innovations while allowing everyday investors to get a piece of the proverbial pie. Indeed, its popularity and growth potential is largely founded on its unique take on “by the community, for the community”.  Investors’ optimism set to bolster bitcoin price to new highs Slightly over a week ago, BTC/USD hit a fresh all-time high before the one-week corrective pullback that saw it drop to $97,853.12. I...

Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF (MNRS) launched on the New York Stock Exchange on Jan. 30, 2025. The ETF provides exposure to global Bitcoin mining companies, including Marathon Holdings, Riot Platforms and Core Scientific. Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF is passively managed and offers ” targeted, pure-play” exposure. Grayscale has launched a new exchange-traded fund dubbed The Bitcoin Mining ETF (MNRS). Per details in a press release on Jan. 30, the ETF is live on the New York Stock Exchange Arca and provides investment exposure to Bitcoin mining companies. MNRS will track the Indxx Bitcoin Miners Index and will not offer direct exposure to the BTC price. “Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF offers investors targeted, pure-play exposure to Bitcoin Miners and the Bitcoin Mining Industry. MNRS delivers this in the form of an exchange-traded fund that is passively managed, rules-based, and tracking an index designed to adapt as the Bitcoin Mining industry evolves,” the company wrote on the ...

The reform passed with 55 votes, with only two against El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 In December, El Salvador announced it was changing its Bitcoin law to secure a $1.3bn loan from the IMF El Salvador’s Congress has approved a bill to change its Bitcoin law to comply with a deal it struck with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On January 29, Reuters reported that the bill was approved minutes after President Nayib Bukele sent it. The reform passed with 55 votes, with only two against. Under El Salvador’s Bitcoin law, it required businesses to accept Bitcoin if they were able to do so. Ruling party lawmaker Elisa Rosales said it was required to ensure Bitcoin’s “permanence as legal tender” while facilitating its “practical implementation.” Legal tender El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. At the time, it was reported that all businesses must accept Bitcoin. The move soon attracte...

Dogecoin was once an undervalued altcoin, trading around $0.0002, before making the 2021 millionaire surge to an all-time high of $0.74. It’s 2021 and a similar opportunity could be here as a Dogecoin whale with a $100m portfolio handpicks WallitIQ (WLTQ) , a high-ceiling AI altcoin, for a meteoric surge from its current presale price of $0.0420 . This Dogecoin whale highlights that the $0.0420 price at which WallitIQ (WLTQ) is currently selling its presale is very undervalued as the AI-based ecosystem is at the forefront of automated DeFi wallet deliveries in the crypto space. Hence, Dogecoin whales and other institutional investors are moving fast to join the presale before the generational offer is closed. Dogecoin Was A Generational Gem At $0.0002 For Whales The Dogecoin altcoin was previously very undervalued as it traded around the $0.0002 level in the 2015 crypto market cycle. However, insider experts saw the high-ceiling potential for the Dogecoin price and predicted a m...

Dogecoin has gained 5.22% over the past 30 days , but a recent 8.53% decline in the past two weeks and reliance on hype-based growth have led many investors to question its long-term viability. Amid market optimism fueled by President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance, a top Dogecoin holder is seeking utility-driven assets to diversify and strengthen their portfolio.  Among the standout alternatives, an AI-powered altcoin is emerging as a promising investment opportunity. Harnessing advanced AI technology, a low presale price of $0.10, and a host of innovative benefits, experts predict this altcoin could see its value skyrocket to $1 post-listing.  However, the Dogecoin holder remarked that only a select few would invest in this AI-driven altcoin due to its focus on utility over hype. Let’s find out if that’s correct.  Dogecoin Drops Gains Amid Market Rally The lack of inherent value makes memecoins like Dogecoin highly volatile and speculative, a feature that appeals...

Spiko has introduced tokenized T-Bills on Arbitrum. iDEGEN presale has raised over $18.6M with 21K+ holders. As the iDEGEN presale gathers steam, the iDEGEN AI is learning from community interaction on X. In a groundbreaking move, Spiko, a French fintech company, has introduced tokenized US and EU Treasury Bill Money Market Funds to the Arbitrum One blockchain, marking a significant step towards integrating traditional finance with decentralized finance (DeFi) . Notably, the launch of Spiko’s Tokenized T-Bills coincides with the iDEGEN project raising an impressive $18.624 million in its presale , showcasing the growing interest in AI-driven, community-engaged crypto projects. Together, these developments reflect a dynamic shift in the financial landscape, where real-world assets (RWAs) and community-driven AI projects are gaining traction. Spiko’s tokenized T-Bills bridge traditional finance with DeFi Spiko’s initiative to deploy its tokenized Money Market Funds on Arbitrum ...

Donald Trump-backed crypto project uses dip to buy ETH. Arkham data shows World Liberty Financial bought $10 million of Ethereum’s ETH as prices plummeted. World Liberty Financial, the crypto project backed by U.S President Donald Trump, has scooped another $10 million worth of Ethereum (ETH). The World Liberty wallet has in recent weeks aggressively purchased various tokens, and on Jan. 27, added ETH worth $10 million. Trump-backed World Liberty buys ETH Per market intelligence and security platform Arkham, the Trump family crypto project acquired the 3,247 ETH via crypto platform Cow Protocol. The purchase, including the recent $47 million in ETH bought on Trump’s inauguration day, brings the total Ethereum holdings World Liberty Financial has amassed to 59,265 ETH. Arkham data shows te value of these tokens currently stand at around $185 million at the time of writing. DONALD TRUMP’S PROJECT WORLD LIBERTY FI JUST BOUGHT ETH pic.twitter.com/uggBxVJL3H — Arkham (@arkham) ...

Acting US CFTC Chair Caroline Pham has said that the commission will host roundtables on several issues including digital assets. The acting chair aims for clear crypto market rules. Pham’s move comes as the Senate prepares to vote on a bill clarifying the roles of the CFTC and the SEC concerning digital assets regulations. In a significant move to address the burgeoning complexities of prediction markets and digital assets, the Acting Chair of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Caroline Pham, has announced plans for a series of public roundtable discussions. This initiative, outlined in a notice dated January 27 , aims to delve into market issues, with a particular focus on digital assets, conflicts of interest, and prediction markets. The announcement follows shortly after Pham’s appointment as acting chair, a position she took up after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. Her tenure as a CFTC commissioner since April 2022 has seen her advocating for...

Ripple revealed on Jan. 27 that it recently secured Money Transmitter Licenses in New York and Texas. The cypto company behind XRP has over 50 MTLs and holds the BitLicense from New York. Ripple has announced that the company recently secured key money transmitter licenses in the United States. In an update on Monday, Jan. 27, Ripple said it had received Money Transmitter Licenses (MTLs) in New York and Texas. This brings the total number of MTLs the crypto company has secured to more than 50, it noted. Ripple gets NY, Texas licenses Importantly, the latest two US states where Ripple has notched the approvals make up two of the locations where it has registered massive growth in payments adoption. This includes across both major banks and crypto businesses. The MTLs will allow Ripple to expand its services and products in New York and Texas. XRP creator Ripple plans to integrate its stablecoin RLUSD into these payment services. “We’re continuing to see more interest from fin...

OKX said it was a “major milestone” to receive the full MiCA license Crypto.com received an in-principle earlier this month The EU rolled out its MiCA regulations on December 20, 2024 Crypto exchanges Crypto.com and OKX are the latest platforms to receive full licenses under the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation. Both exchanges announced the news in separate posts published on January 27, 2025. In a blog post , Erald Ghoos, Europe CEO of OKX , said securing the MiCA license was a “major milestone for OKX, a win for crypto in Europe, and a testament to the growth and mass adoption of the industry at scale.” Ghoos continued by saying the platform can provide its crypto products and services to more than 400 million people across Europe through its crypto hub in Malta. “In the coming days, OKX will begin passporting its MiCA license from its Malta hub to all 30 EEA member states,” Ghoos said. Passporting is part of the MiCA regulation that enables licensed and regi...

ECB is pushing for a digital euro amid the rise of stablecoins. President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order on US dollar-backed stablecoins. The digital euro is a strategic move to streamline intra-Eurozone transactions. In a momentous move towards digitalization, the European Central Bank (ECB) has reiterated its commitment to introducing a digital euro, spurred in part by a recent executive order by the newly inaugurated United States President Donald Trump about stablecoins . The ECB’s push reflects a broader strategy to adapt to the evolving landscape of digital finance while maintaining control over the monetary system within Europe. ECB is countering recent executive order by Trump on stablecoins The ECB’s motivation for a digital euro stems from the need to keep up with the rapid shift towards digital payments, ensuring that the euro remains relevant in an increasingly cashless society. According to Reuters , ECB board member Piero Cipollone highlighted th...

Cryptocurrencies remain subject to heightened market volatility as the hype surrounding President Trump’s return to office eases. Even so, greed remains the main emotion controlling the market as investors remain optimistic of a crypto-friendly environment under Trump’s administration. As the bullish sentiment offers support to most cryptos, Ethereum is under pressure from the criticism and leadership issues rocking the Ethereum Foundation. On the other hand, iDEGEN is thriving as it widens its horizon through the video content embedded in its latest V3 upgrade. Beyond its popularity, savvy investors are buying into its potential as a leader in the AI meme coin space. Ethereum price remains range-bound as its leadership fights negative sentiment ETH price chart by TradingView Ethereum price remains under pressure even as the fear of missing out (FOMO) sustains the broader crypto market. Notably, leadership issues within the Ethereum Foundation have alarmed some investors; leadi...

iDEGEN may just be getting started as presale surpasses $18 million. Virtuals Protocol has announced expansion to Solana. As AI agents explode, is iDEGEN set to take over? AI agent project iDEGEN continued to attract attention as its presale accelerated past $18 million. The project’s token sale is gathering pace as enthusiasm across the crypto industry rockets, with positive developments in the US fueling bullish projections. It’s this outlook that Virtuals Protocol, the AI agent platform on Base, has tapped into to target growth on the Solana blockchain. On Jan. 25, the Virtuals Protocol team announced their expansion to Solana, unveiling a strategic SOL reserve initiative. AI agents rise: Take note of iDEGEN With the US traction for TikTok facing some bumpy ride in recent weeks, its RedNote that’s gaining. The next three months will be crucial for TikTok in the US. But iDEGEN, no stranger to controversy with its brush with violations on X, is getting massive numbers on Re...

The US House Oversight Committee has announced its investigating cases of debanking of crypto companies. Uniswap, Coinbase, Kraken, a16z and Blockchain Association are among crypto companies and entities to receive a letter asking for information on the alleged debanking. The Senate Banking Committee is also set to hold a hearing on debanking in early February. The U.S. House Oversight Committee is probing the issue of alleged debanking of crypto companies and individuals. On Jan. 24, the committee sent a letter addressed to several crypto executives asking them to share information on the debanking claims. Apart from crypto companies, US First Lady Melania Trump also highlighted the issue. Investigations are part of the new focus on crypto regulation following a largely negative four years under President Joe Biden’s government. 🚨 BREAKING 🚨 Chairman James Comer Investigates Apparent Politically Motivated Debanking of Thirty Tech Founders, First Lady Melania Trump Chairm...

Shiba Inu, driven by community enthusiasm and viral trends, showcased the power of decentralized online communities. SHIB has been a major player in the meme crypto sector for years, standing out as a strong rival to Dogecoin. However, cracks are beginning to show in Shiba Inu’s dominance as analysts predict challenges. In fact, while SHIB faces uncertainty, the most bullish price predictions for WallitIQ (WLTQ) are predicting that this new coin could grow by up to 25,000% by Q2 2025.  Shiba Inu’s Meme Reign Threatened By Emerging Trends In recent market projections, analysts say Shiba Inu’s supremacy in the meme coin space could be at risk as the crypto market shifts its focus toward tokens driven by real-world utility and innovation. SHIB’s rise showed the power of decentralized online communities and showcased the potential for meme tokens to capture significant market attention. Shiba Inu burst onto the crypto scene with its vibrant community and ambitious roadmap. SHIB’...

KTON, Launching February 2025, Poised to Unleash 18X Growth in TON’s Liquid Staking Market   KTON , an institutional-grade liquid staking protocol incubated by TONX , the leading TON-focused venture studio backed by top VC firms from the Asia-Pacific region, is gearing up for its V1 launch in February 2025. TONX, which recently unveiled a $5M accelerator program to foster innovation within the TON and Telegram ecosystem, is behind TONX API , the leading developer platform trusted by Blum, Catizen, Google Cloud, and over 20 leading projects . TONX is also the force behind Tonkey , a multisig solution managing $400M in assets and adopted by the TON Foundation. KTON is set to enter the United States and global markets, bringing its enterprise-grade liquid staking solution to institutional and retail users.  Telegram recently announced it will exclusively support The Open Network (TON) for its blockchain ecosystem. KTON is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this grow...