Bitcoin retail investors have been sending large amounts of Bitcoin to Binance in 2025, with data showing that 6,000 BTC, worth about $625 million, was moved in January. This suggests that smaller-scale investors believe the bull market might be coming to an end, at least for the time being.
On the other hand, Bitcoin whales, who are typically seen as the “smart money” in the market and play a significant role in shaping short-term price movements, have largely refrained from selling. In January, whale inflows to Binance amounted to only 1,000 BTC, which is about $104 million, indicating that they are showing restraint in taking profits.
According to CryptoQuant’s contributor Darkfost, this contrast in behavior between retail investors and whales is notable. “We often hear about a contradiction in the behavior of investors categorized as whales and retail,” he wrote in a market update. “This is exactly what is happening now when analyzing data from Binance in the short term.” Retail investors, especially those who typically trade smaller amounts, appear more willing to sell their Bitcoin, while whales are taking a more cautious approach. This dynamic reflects a broader trend where retail traders seem to be reacting to short-term market movements, while whales are more strategic, keeping a long-term view.
This difference in behavior suggests that whales may be better indicators of market trends. Darkfost pointed out that it is often considered a better choice to follow the actions of whales rather than retail investors. The contrasting data supports this theory, with significant retail inflows continuing to Binance while whale activity remains subdued.
Alongside these trends, broader data shows that mainstream interest in Bitcoin may have cooled off. Google Trends data, for example, indicates a “reset” in interest after Bitcoin’s price hit all-time highs in late 2024. Analyst CryptoCon applied the relative strength index (RSI) volatility indicator to Bitcoin’s historical data and observed a decrease in search activity related to Bitcoin. This reflects a decline in hype, with retail investors perhaps feeling that the price surge has already peaked.
The divergence between retail and whale behavior underscores the uncertainty in the market, with smaller investors looking to cash out while larger players remain on the sidelines for now.
The Giga Chad meme has become one of the internet’s most iconic symbols of ultimate masculinity, confidence, and dominance. Originally based on digitally enhanced photos of model Ernest Khalimov, the meme gained widespread recognition as a representation of the “ideal man,” often used in humorous and exaggerated contexts. Over the years, Giga Chad has evolved from a niche joke into a pop culture phenomenon, inspiring viral trends, merchandise, and even its own line of cryptocurrency memecoins.
The Rise of the Giga Chad Meme
The origins of the Giga Chad meme can be traced back to the work of Russian photographer Krista Sudmalis, who created the “Sleek’N’Tears” art project featuring Ernest Khalimov. His chiseled jawline, exaggerated physique, and perfect symmetry led many internet users to believe he was either digitally edited or entirely fictional. While Khalimov is a real person, his hyper-masculine appearance became the subject of countless memes, often depicting him as the pinnacle of male superiority.
The meme quickly took off across social media platforms, especially on Reddit, Twitter, and 4chan, where users embraced Giga Chad as a humorous representation of someone who is effortlessly dominant, highly successful, and immune to self-doubt. It became a staple in “alpha male” vs. “beta male” discussions, with Giga Chad symbolizing the ultimate sigma male—a term used to describe lone wolves who succeed without conforming to traditional social norms.
The Meme’s Influence on Crypto Culture
As cryptocurrency markets expanded to include meme-driven coins, Giga Chad’s legendary status made it a prime candidate for crypto tokenization. The success of memecoins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) proved that internet culture could drive significant financial movements, inspiring a wave of projects based on viral figures like Pepe the Frog, Wojak, and Giga Chad.
By 2023, multiple Giga Chad-themed cryptocurrencies had emerged, promising to capitalize on the meme’s popularity. These tokens marketed themselves as community-driven projects with themes of strength, dominance, and financial independence, mirroring the traits associated with Giga Chad himself.
Notable Giga Chad Memecoins
Several Giga Chad-inspired cryptocurrencies launched, each aiming to carve out a niche in the memecoin market:
- Chad Coin (CHAD) – Marketed as the “alpha male of crypto,” Chad Coin promised to reward holders with exclusive NFT drops featuring Giga Chad imagery and memes. It leveraged influencer marketing and social media hype to drive its early adoption.
- Giga Coin (GIGA) – This token positioned itself as the “ultimate financial flex,” encouraging its community to embrace self-improvement, financial freedom, and meme culture.
- ChadSwap – A decentralized exchange (DEX) built around the Giga Chad meme, offering liquidity pools and staking rewards inspired by masculine self-improvement themes.
Most of these projects followed the typical memecoin formula—no intrinsic value, heavy reliance on community engagement, and extreme volatility. However, they successfully attracted crypto enthusiasts who enjoyed the humor and speculative potential of meme-driven assets.
The Role of Social Media and Influencers
The success of Giga Chad memecoins was fueled by social media trends, crypto influencers, and Reddit and Twitter communities. Just like how Elon Musk’s tweets could skyrocket Dogecoin’s price, Giga Chad coins thrived on viral marketing. Memes, GIFs, and community-driven engagement helped these coins gain traction in the broader cryptocurrency market.
Crypto investors, especially those active on r/WallStreetBets and r/CryptoCurrency, embraced Giga Chad tokens as part of the growing “degen trading” culture, where speculative bets on low-cap memecoins could yield massive returns.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite their popularity, Giga Chad memecoins faced significant challenges:
- Short-lived hype cycles – Like most memecoins, their value depended on social media engagement. When interest faded, prices plummeted.
- Rug pulls and scams – Many Giga Chad tokens had poorly structured smart contracts, allowing developers to abandon projects and drain liquidity.
- Lack of utility – Unlike more established cryptocurrencies, these tokens rarely offered any real-world use cases beyond speculation and memes.
- Regulatory concerns – The SEC and other financial watchdogs began scrutinizing memecoins, raising concerns about fraud and market manipulation.
The Future of Giga Chad in Crypto
While the initial hype around Giga Chad-themed memecoins has faded, the influence of the meme itself remains strong in both internet culture and crypto markets. The broader memecoin sector continues to evolve, with new projects constantly emerging based on viral trends.
As blockchain technology advances, there is potential for Giga Chad-related projects to evolve beyond simple speculative assets. NFTs, metaverse integrations, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications could provide new avenues for Giga Chad’s presence in the crypto space.
Ultimately, Giga Chad’s impact on cryptocurrency is a testament to how internet culture and financial markets have become deeply intertwined. Whether as a meme or an investment vehicle, the Giga Chad phenomenon is far from over.
Grayscale, one of the largest cryptocurrency asset managers, is expanding its investment offerings with the launch of the Grayscale Bitcoin Miners ETF (MNRS). This new exchange-traded fund (ETF) provides investors exposure to the Bitcoin mining industry, allowing them to benefit from the growth of mining companies without directly investing in Bitcoin (BTC).
The company announced the new investment product on Jan. 30, 2025, stating that MNRS will track the Indxx Bitcoin Miners Index. This index measures the performance of companies that derive most of their revenue from Bitcoin mining, mining-related hardware, software, and associated services.
Unlike Bitcoin spot ETFs, MNRS will not invest directly in Bitcoin or derivatives. Instead, it focuses on firms that play a crucial role in securing and maintaining the Bitcoin network.
Grayscale’s Expanding Role in Bitcoin Investment
Grayscale has long been a dominant player in the Bitcoin investment market, managing billions of dollars in cryptocurrency-related funds. The firm is best known for its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), which was converted into a spot Bitcoin ETF in January 2024 after years of legal battles with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs marked a major milestone for institutional Bitcoin adoption. Grayscale’s GBTC, alongside funds from BlackRock, Fidelity, and Ark Invest, opened up Bitcoin investment to a broader range of traditional investors.
With the launch of MNRS, Grayscale is now targeting the Bitcoin mining sector, which it sees as a key driver of Bitcoin’s long-term growth.
The Role of Bitcoin Miners in the Crypto Ecosystem
According to Grayscale, Bitcoin miners are essential to the network’s security, integrity, and functionality. Mining firms validate transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain, ensuring Bitcoin remains decentralized and secure.
“The work of Bitcoin miners is integral to the existence and continuation of the Bitcoin network,” Grayscale stated in its announcement.
Investing in Bitcoin miners offers an alternative for those who want exposure to Bitcoin’s growth without directly purchasing the asset. Grayscale noted that the performance of mining stocks is historically correlated with Bitcoin’s price movements.
David LaValle, Grayscale’s Global Head of ETFs, highlighted the growth potential of Bitcoin mining firms, stating:
“Bitcoin Miners, the backbone of the network, are well-positioned for significant growth as Bitcoin adoption and usage increases, making MNRS an appealing option for a diverse range of investors.”
The State of Bitcoin Mining Stocks in 2024
While Bitcoin experienced massive gains in 2024, with its price increasing by 113%, publicly listed Bitcoin miners struggled to keep pace.
According to data from the Hashrate Index and Google Finance, many Bitcoin mining stocks closed 2024 in the red, with some firms seeing declines of up to 84%.
This underperformance was exacerbated by a broader market downturn in late January 2025, partially triggered by DeepSeek’s AI breakthrough, which shook traditional tech and investment sectors.
Bitcoin ETFs and Their Impact on the Crypto Market
The launch of Bitcoin ETFs in early 2024 was a landmark event, ushering in a new era of institutional investment in the crypto market.
Before ETFs, investors had limited options to gain regulated exposure to Bitcoin, relying on trusts like GBTC or investing directly in BTC through exchanges. However, the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs by the SEC allowed large financial institutions to integrate Bitcoin into traditional portfolios.
The impact of Bitcoin ETFs has been significant:
- Institutional demand surged, driving Bitcoin’s price above $100,000 for the first time.
- Grayscale’s GBTC experienced massive outflows initially, as investors rotated into lower-fee ETFs from BlackRock and Fidelity.
- Bitcoin mining stocks saw mixed reactions, as some investors opted for direct Bitcoin exposure instead of mining equities.
Grayscale’s Position in the ETF Market
Despite intense competition from BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC), Grayscale remains a major player in the Bitcoin ETF space.
However, GBTC’s high fees led to outflows, prompting Grayscale to diversify its product offerings. By introducing MNRS, the company is catering to investors who believe in Bitcoin mining’s long-term potential.
The Future of Bitcoin Mining and ETF Growth
Bitcoin mining is set to undergo a major shift in 2024 and 2025, largely due to the Bitcoin halving that occurred in April 2024.
The Bitcoin halving, which happens approximately every four years, reduces mining rewards by 50%—from 6.25 BTC per block to 3.125 BTC. Historically, halvings have driven Bitcoin’s price higher due to the reduction in new supply, benefiting miners in the long term.
However, the short-term impact of the 2024 halving led to increased pressure on mining firms, forcing them to:
- Invest in more efficient mining equipment to remain profitable.
- Secure additional capital to cover operational costs.
- Navigate regulatory challenges, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
With Grayscale’s MNRS ETF, investors now have a way to gain exposure to Bitcoin mining companies without the risks associated with direct Bitcoin ownership.
Final Thoughts
Grayscale’s Bitcoin Miners ETF marks another significant step in the evolution of crypto-based investment products. As institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to grow—fueled by spot ETFs, the 2024 halving, and increasing mainstream adoption—products like MNRS provide investors with alternative ways to capitalize on the Bitcoin ecosystem.
While Bitcoin mining stocks have struggled in 2024, the long-term outlook remains positive, especially as halving effects and institutional adoption drive demand higher.
Grayscale’s continued innovation in the ETF space ensures that it remains a key player in the cryptocurrency investment landscape, helping bridge the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset world.
Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, has announced a bold hiring policy: it will not recruit any graduates or interns from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as long as the university continues its association with Gary Gensler, the former Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Tyler Winklevoss, Gemini’s co-founder and CEO, made the declaration in a Jan. 30 post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“As long as MIT has any association with Gary Gensler, Gemini will not hire any graduates from this school.”
This move is part of Gemini’s ongoing feud with the SEC, which escalated following a series of enforcement actions under Gensler’s leadership.
Gemini’s Legal Battle with the SEC
Gemini has had a contentious history with the SEC, particularly over its Gemini Earn program, which was accused of offering unregistered securities in partnership with the now-bankrupt Genesis Global Capital. In March 2024, Gemini settled SEC charges by paying a $21 million fine.
Gensler, who served as SEC chair under the Biden administration, oversaw some of the most aggressive enforcement actions against crypto firms in the agency’s history. He stepped down on Jan. 20, 2025, following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, and returned to MIT as a professor, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in finance, fintech, and regulatory policy.
Crypto Industry Reactions to Gemini’s MIT Boycott
The decision to boycott MIT graduates received mixed reactions from the crypto industry. Some strongly supported Winklevoss’ stance, arguing that MIT’s affiliation with Gensler makes the university complicit in his anti-crypto policies.
Bitcoin advocate Erik Voorhees echoed Winklevoss’ sentiments, saying:
“Every crypto company should boycott MIT grads until Gary is fired.”
This is not the first time the crypto industry has targeted institutions connected to former SEC officials. In December 2024, Coinbase stopped working with the law firm Milbank after it hired former SEC enforcement director Gurbir Grewal. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong criticized firms that employ regulators who have actively worked against crypto:
“We will avoid working with law firms that hire people who tried to unlawfully kill the industry while failing to clarify the rules.”
However, not everyone in the industry agreed with Gemini’s hiring freeze.
Axelar Network’s Sergey Gorbunov disagreed with the decision, saying:
“I don’t see a reason to punish students over the crypto industry’s beef with Gensler.”
Similarly, Arkham’s UK legal head, Preston Byrne, commented:
“Not hiring law firms who employ SEC enforcers is one thing. Not hiring MIT graduates seems like overkill.”
Blockchain advocate Jiasun Li, a professor at George Mason University, suggested a different approach:
“A better strategy may have been to boycott any student who enrolls in Gensler’s class.”
Despite the backlash, Winklevoss remains firm in his stance, asserting that any company or university hiring Gensler is betraying the crypto industry. In a Nov. 16 X post, he stated:
“No amount of apology can undo the damage he has done to our industry and our country.”
Why the Crypto Industry Clashes with the SEC
The SEC, under Gensler’s leadership, pursued aggressive legal action against numerous crypto firms, enforcing regulations without providing clear guidelines for the industry. Some of the most high-profile SEC cases included:
- Ripple (XRP): The SEC sued Ripple Labs in 2020, alleging that XRP was sold as an unregistered security.
- Kraken: The exchange settled with the SEC in 2023 for $30 million over staking services.
- Coinbase: Faced legal action for allegedly operating as an unregistered securities exchange.
Crypto executives have long accused the SEC of stifling innovation and pushing the industry offshore with unclear and hostile regulations.
How Bitcoin and the 2024 Halving Fit into the Picture
One of the biggest catalysts for crypto adoption and regulation battles is Bitcoin’s role in the financial system. The 2024 Bitcoin halving, which occurred in April 2024, reduced Bitcoin’s mining rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC per block.
Historically, Bitcoin halvings have triggered major bull runs, attracting increased investment from institutional players, hedge funds, and state governments. The 2024 halving was no exception, with Bitcoin surging past $100,000, intensifying debates about crypto regulations and government oversight.
As Bitcoin continues to gain mainstream and institutional adoption, regulatory agencies like the SEC face mounting pressure to establish clear and fair crypto policies. The SEC’s crackdown under Gensler has only deepened industry resentment, leading to actions like Gemini’s MIT boycott.
The Future of Crypto Regulation in the U.S.
With Gensler no longer at the SEC, the regulatory landscape may shift under the Trump administration. The new SEC leadership could take a more crypto-friendly approach, focusing on clear regulations rather than aggressive enforcement actions.
In the meantime, crypto firms are doubling down on self-regulation, pushing for state-level Bitcoin reserves, and fighting back against what they view as unfair treatment from regulators.
Gemini’s boycott of MIT graduates is a reflection of deeper industry frustration, signaling that crypto companies are willing to take radical steps to push back against what they perceive as regulatory overreach. Whether this strategy will pressure MIT to sever ties with Gensler remains to be seen.
However, one thing is clear: the battle between crypto firms and regulators is far from over. With Bitcoin’s role in global finance growing and the 2024 halving driving renewed institutional interest, the crypto industry is more determined than ever to fight for fair treatment and regulatory clarity.
Illinois has become the latest U.S. state to push forward legislation aimed at establishing a Bitcoin strategic reserve, signaling growing institutional interest in Bitcoin as a financial savings technology. House Bill 1844 (HB1844), introduced by Illinois State Representative John Cabello, proposes the creation of a state Bitcoin reserve, making Illinois one of the first states to explore Bitcoin as a treasury asset.
Illinois’ Bitcoin Reserve Bill: Key Details
HB1844 outlines the establishment of a special fund within the state treasury designated for holding Bitcoin as a financial asset. According to the bill, the state treasurer must retain all Bitcoin for at least five years before any transactions can take place.
The filing explicitly states:
“Provides that the State Treasurer shall hold all Bitcoin deposited into the Fund for a duration of at least 5 years from the date that the Bitcoin enters the State’s custody.”
Following this five-year period, Illinois’ treasury would have the authority to sell, transfer, appropriate, or convert Bitcoin into another cryptocurrency or financial asset.
On January 29, HB1844 was referred to the Rules Committee, where final regulatory details will be established before the bill moves forward for full legislative approval.
State-by-State Adoption of Bitcoin Reserves
Illinois’ move follows a similar legislative effort in Arizona, where the state senate advanced a Bitcoin reserve bill allowing public funds and pension programs to invest in Bitcoin.
Mouloukou Sanoh, co-founder and CEO of decentralized payment network MANSA, described Illinois’ Bitcoin Act as a “step in the right direction” for Bitcoin adoption across the U.S. He noted:
“The decision to accept Bitcoin as a reserve asset is a bold step toward integrating cryptocurrency into traditional finance, positioning the state as a leader in blockchain innovation.”
While Sanoh believes Illinois’ initiative could encourage other states to follow suit, he emphasized that a nationwide approval of Bitcoin reserves would take time, depending on regulatory clarity and market conditions.
“For now, a state-by-state approach seems probable, allowing for experimentation and risk management before any broader consensus is reached.”
Meanwhile, Texas is also positioning itself as a Bitcoin-friendly state. On January 29, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick revealed that establishing a Bitcoin reserve is among the state’s top 2025 legislative priorities.
Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset
Bitcoin has increasingly been viewed as a digital store of value and hedge against inflation, making it an attractive asset for state treasuries looking to diversify their reserves. Unlike traditional assets like gold or fiat currencies, Bitcoin is decentralized, finite in supply (capped at 21 million coins), and resistant to inflationary pressures.
The idea of governments holding Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset is gaining traction worldwide. Recently, Czech National Bank Governor Aleš Michl proposed a $7 billion Bitcoin reserve plan, further highlighting institutional interest in the cryptocurrency.
The Role of the 2024 Bitcoin Halving
One of the key factors influencing the decision to establish Bitcoin reserves is the upcoming 2024 Bitcoin halving—a programmed event that reduces Bitcoin’s mining rewards by 50% every four years. The halving is designed to increase Bitcoin’s scarcity, historically leading to significant price appreciation in the months and years following the event.
Bitcoin’s previous halvings in 2012, 2016, and 2020 have all led to massive bull runs, attracting institutional investors and corporations looking to capitalize on its long-term growth potential. If history repeats itself, Bitcoin’s price could significantly increase post-halving, making it an even more attractive asset for state treasuries.
Why States Are Considering Bitcoin Reserves
There are several key reasons why U.S. states are exploring Bitcoin as a treasury asset:
- Inflation Hedge – With rising concerns over fiat currency devaluation, Bitcoin offers a decentralized alternative immune to monetary policy changes.
- Scarcity and Growth Potential – With only 21 million BTC ever to exist, Bitcoin’s limited supply makes it an attractive long-term investment.
- Geopolitical and Financial Stability – Bitcoin can serve as a sovereign reserve asset, reducing dependence on traditional banking systems and fiat reserves.
- State-Level Experimentation – As federal cryptocurrency regulations remain unclear, states like Illinois, Texas, and Arizona are leading the way in exploring Bitcoin integration into government finance.
Bitcoin Reserves: A Political and Economic Trend
Bitcoin’s integration into government finance is not just a financial decision—it’s becoming a political statement. Former President Donald Trump has previously hinted at the idea of creating a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, aligning with the growing trend of states adopting pro-Bitcoin policies.
With increasing institutional interest, more public officials and lawmakers are warming up to Bitcoin’s role in government treasuries, setting the stage for broader adoption across the U.S.
Conclusion
Illinois’ Bitcoin reserve bill is a bold step toward mainstream cryptocurrency adoption in state finances. As more states introduce similar legislation, the concept of Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset is becoming more viable.
With the 2024 Bitcoin halving approaching, Bitcoin’s long-term value proposition is gaining traction among state governments, institutions, and policymakers. While regulatory uncertainties remain, Illinois’ move underscores a growing trend of U.S. states integrating Bitcoin into traditional finance, potentially reshaping government reserves for the future.
US Senator Elizabeth Warren has raised concerns over Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Commerce Secretary, due to his firm’s deep ties with stablecoin issuer Tether. In a letter dated Jan. 27, Warren criticized Lutnick’s involvement with Tether, calling it a “known facilitator of criminal activity” and labeling it the “outlaws’ favorite cryptocurrency.”
Lutnick is the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, a financial services firm that holds a 5% stake in Tether and serves as the asset manager for its reserves. While Lutnick has pledged to divest from Cantor Fitzgerald, Warren argues that this does not eliminate the ethical concerns surrounding his personal ties to Tether and its affiliates. As the top Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, Warren questions whether he can prioritize “the interests of the American people” over personal financial gains if confirmed as Commerce Secretary.
If Lutnick secures confirmation on Jan. 29, Warren warns that he will have “extraordinary access” to Trump and other high-ranking officials responsible for shaping crypto regulations. She suggests that his position could allow him to influence policies affecting Tether and the broader cryptocurrency industry.
Warren has requested that Lutnick provide detailed answers to 13 questions by Feb. 10, covering topics such as his current financial stake in Tether and any discussions he has had with Trump administration officials regarding the company. She also inquired whether Cantor Fitzgerald conducted due diligence to ensure Tether’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, and international sanctions laws.
Although Warren is not part of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee—the body overseeing Lutnick’s confirmation hearing—her concerns highlight growing scrutiny over Tether’s role in the financial system.
Tether’s Role in Crypto and Controversy Surrounding USDT
Tether (USDT) is the world’s largest stablecoin, with a market capitalization exceeding $90 billion. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins like USDT are pegged to the US dollar, providing a digital alternative to fiat currency for traders, investors, and businesses.
USDT plays a crucial role in the crypto ecosystem by facilitating liquidity, enabling cross-border transactions, and serving as a preferred trading pair on major exchanges. However, it has also been accused of being a tool for illicit financial activities.
Critics, including Warren, argue that Tether has been used for money laundering, sanctions evasion, and financing illicit operations, such as North Korea’s nuclear program. Due to its limited transparency regarding its reserves and regulatory compliance, Tether has faced regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and abroad.
Despite these concerns, Tether has taken steps to collaborate with law enforcement agencies. On Jan. 27, the company worked with blockchain firms Tron and TRM Labs to assist Spanish authorities in freezing $26.4 million in crypto linked to a pan-European money laundering operation. In September 2023, Tether also helped the FBI recover $6 million from crypto scammers targeting U.S. citizens by freezing illicit wallets.
Warren’s Broader Push for Crypto Regulations
Warren, a long-time crypto skeptic, has consistently pushed for stricter regulations on digital assets. She has frequently warned about the potential risks posed by cryptocurrencies, including their use in illicit finance, consumer fraud, and economic destabilization.
In 2022 and 2023, Warren introduced the Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Act, which aims to bring the crypto industry under existing AML and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) frameworks. The legislation would require exchanges, wallet providers, and miners to implement strict KYC procedures and financial reporting standards.
However, the bill has faced strong opposition from the crypto industry and policymakers who argue that it could stifle innovation and drive digital asset businesses overseas. The Chamber of Digital Commerce, along with 80 former military and national security officials, criticized the bill, warning that it could have unintended consequences that might hinder law enforcement efforts.
The Future of Stablecoins in U.S. Financial Policy
Stablecoins have become a critical component of the global financial system, with institutions and governments closely monitoring their impact. In the U.S., regulators have debated whether stablecoin issuers should be subject to stricter oversight, including requirements to hold fully audited reserves and register as banks.
Tether, despite facing legal challenges and controversy, remains the dominant stablecoin in the market. While its collaboration with law enforcement suggests an effort to address regulatory concerns, critics like Warren argue that it remains a major risk to financial stability and national security.
As the debate over stablecoins intensifies, Lutnick’s nomination could become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about cryptocurrency regulation. If confirmed, his role in shaping U.S. economic policy could have significant implications for the future of stablecoins, Tether, and the entire digital asset industry.
COTI, the fastest and most lightweight Web3 privacy layer, is excited to introduce PriveX, the first intent-based Perpetual Decentralized Exchange (Perp-DEX) on its network. PriveX leverages advanced AI Agent capabilities and intent-based technology, offering traders unprecedented control over their strategies in a secure, decentralized environment. This marks a significant shift from traditional DeFi to DeFAI.
PriveX integrates with Symm.io for top-tier infrastructure and IntentX for a user-friendly frontend, allowing it to access liquidity from major Centralized Exchanges (CEXs) like Binance. This hybrid model ensures traders benefit from both the security of decentralized trading and the deep liquidity of centralized markets.
A key innovation of PriveX is its AI-powered trading system. Users can create and train AI trading agents on custom data sets to execute complex strategies automatically. These AI Agents continuously monitor market conditions, optimize trades, and even promote themselves on social media. Each agent is equipped with its own vault, enabling users to allocate funds to top-performing strategies while maintaining full control over their investments.
Currently live on the Base network, PriveX will soon migrate to COTI’s Mainnet, introducing enhanced privacy features designed to revolutionize proprietary trading in DeFAI. Traders will be able to execute sophisticated strategies while ensuring data security and confidentiality.
To encourage early adoption, PriveX has launched a points-based rewards system, allowing users to earn points through trading activity. These points can be redeemed for $PRVX tokens and exclusive platform rewards.
As a COTI-incubated project, PriveX embodies COTI’s vision of a secure and comprehensive Web3 infrastructure. With its launch, PriveX is pioneering a new era of decentralized trading, offering an efficient, privacy-focused, and AI-enhanced trading experience.
While cryptocurrencies have a variety of benefits, they do suffer from a couple of major problems. The first is that cryptocurrency is unregulated, although some people see this as a benefit. This means that you don’t get the same protections you would if you used a debit/credit card online. The second, and perhaps the most important one, is that you can’t take back a cryptocurrency transaction. Once it is sent, it is sent. This means that you need to be double-sure that your crypto funds are heading to the right place.
On this page, we’ll give you an overview of how to safely spend cryptocurrency online. Do bear in mind that we cannot cover absolutely everything that you need to know. A lot of using crypto online will rely on you using common sense. However, we’re confident that the tips we share here will go a long way towards helping you spend money online in a much safer manner.
Know where you’re buying from
95% of all crypto safety issues can be eliminated by making sure that you only use reputable platforms to spend your crypto, which is currently at an all time high. For example, if you’re planning to gamble using crypto online, which a lotof people do, then you should use a website like www.johnslots.com/en/casino/new-casinos where you can find legitimate crypto casinos. This means places that won’t scam you. Since a common scam online involves fake online casinos begging for crypto, this will help.
Outside of the gambling industry, we are sure there are other websites that you can use to track down legit platforms that accept crypto. If you don’t trust a platform, don’t spend your crypto there. A bit of research will go a long way.
The same applies to crypto wallets — although, hardware wallets are always the best option. Do your research to make sure that you’re using a trustworthy crypto wallet, since your crypto will be stored there, you don’t want anything to go wrong.
Make sure you’re sending crypto to the right place
This shouldn’t pose too many issues if you’re using reputable crypto shopping platforms, since their checkout will make sure that you are always sending your money to the right place. So, you don’t need to worry about that too much.
However, if you’re given a crypto wallet address to send cash to, always make sure that you are typing or copying the correct address and sending the money to the right account. Make sure you’re sending the right amount of cryptocurrency to the account too.
One of the biggest issues people have with cryptocurrency is the fact that once you’ve sent a payment, you cannot retrieve it. Now, there is a chance that the person on the other end of the line will be kind enough to send it back. However, crypto is completely anonymous. If you send crypto to the wrong account, then your money is gone.
This is another reason why you should only be using reputable platforms. It drastically lowers the chance of something going wrong with the transaction.
Don’t use public Wi-Fi when spending cryptocurrency
This is dangerous. People snoop on public Wi-Fi and, if you’re sending personal information, there is a good chance that it will be stolen. This applies to all public Wi-Fi. Never send any sort of financial transaction or personal information anywhere that isn’t your own home. This means avoiding the library, local coffee shop and city public Wi-Fi when making financial transactions.
Don’t enter your seed words for a cryptocurrency
You would think that this is pretty much a given, but a lot of people don’t seem to realise that you cannot, under any circumstances, share your seed words with anyone. If someone asks for them, say no. Your seed words are the key to your crypto wallet. If someone has your seed words, they are likely to steal your crypto.
Use a VPN
You can never be too safe when buying something online. This is why it is recommended that you subscribe to a good VPN if you’re making regular transactions. A VPN will help to secure the transaction a little bit better as everything sent over your internet connection will be better encrypted. This provides you with a lot more protection.
Use two-factor authentication
All your crypto wallets, and accounts you use to make payments from, should be secured with two-factor authentication. This requires that you enter a code from your phone, email or app to access your account. This will reduce the risk of you getting hacked, which can lead to a loss of your cryptocurrency. A lot of people who have shopped at dodgy places online have fallen victim to this type of scam.
Check the browser address
This applies whether you are paying using cryptocurrency, or some other payment method. Always look at the web browser address. If it does not start with https://, then the connection is not secure, and you should not be sending any payment information over that connection. Thankfully, most modern browsers should now let you know if you’re using an unsecured connection, which will provide you with more protection.
Final thoughts
If you follow these tips and use common sense, then sending cryptocurrency online will be a whole lot safer for you. While new scams are popping up all the time, these steps should reduce the risk dramatically. Remember, if you do fall victim to issues online, then make sure that you deal with the problem quickly. The faster you deal with it, the easier you’ll find it is to fix it.
Crypto exchange Crypto.com has announced plans to delist Tether’s USDT and nine other cryptocurrencies in response to the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation. This decision aligns with new requirements set by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), pushing crypto asset service providers (CASPs) to restrict non-MiCA-compliant stablecoins.
A spokesperson from Crypto.com confirmed on Jan. 29 that the exchange will suspend purchases of USDT and the affected tokens starting Jan. 31. While deposits will be disabled, withdrawals will remain available until the end of Q1 2025. The full delisting of these tokens is scheduled for March 31.
“Users holding these tokens will have until the end of Q1, 31st of March, to convert them to MiCA-compliant assets, otherwise they will be automatically converted to a compliant stablecoin or asset of corresponding market value,” the Crypto.com representative stated.
List of Tokens Affected by Crypto.com’s Delisting
In addition to USDT, the following nine cryptocurrencies will be removed from Crypto.com in Europe:
- Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC)
- Dai (DAI)
- Pax Dollar (PAX)
- Pax Gold (PAXG)
- PayPal USD (PYUSD)
- Crypto.com Staked ETH (CDCETH)
- Crypto.com Staked SOL (CDCSOL)
- Liquid CRO (LCRO)
- XSGD (XSGD)
The decision follows a Jan. 28 email notice sent to Crypto.com users, highlighting that the exchange is enforcing compliance with MiCA, which took full effect on Dec. 30, 2024.
Impact of MiCA on Stablecoins and Crypto Exchanges
MiCA is the European Union’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, designed to standardize the treatment of cryptocurrencies across EU member states. It introduces licensing requirements for exchanges and strict compliance rules for stablecoins.
One of MiCA’s primary objectives is to regulate stablecoins issued within the EU and prevent risks associated with unregulated digital assets. To remain compliant, stablecoin issuers must hold fully-backed reserves, register within the EU, and meet stringent transparency requirements.
This regulation has forced crypto firms to reassess their listings, with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) advising CASPs to eliminate non-compliant stablecoins by March 31, 2025.
Juan Ignacio Ibañez, a member of the Technical Committee of the MiCA Crypto Alliance, emphasized ESMA’s stance, stating, “No trace of USDT should remain, not even in ‘sell-only’ mode,” reinforcing the EU’s push toward full MiCA compliance.
USDT Delistings in the EU: A Growing Trend
The removal of USDT from major exchanges in Europe has been an ongoing development since the introduction of MiCA. In October 2024, Coinbase was the first major exchange to announce that USDT was non-compliant with MiCA, leading to its delisting in December 2025. Coinbase allowed its European customers to convert USDT into MiCA-approved stablecoins, including Circle’s USDC.
Despite MiCA enforcement, several exchanges continued offering USDT in Europe. However, as regulatory pressure increased, more CASPs, including Crypto.com, have taken steps toward compliance. Crypto.com has also been actively working to obtain its MiCA license in Malta, where several crypto firms are seeking approval under the new framework.
Tether’s Market Position and the Rise of MiCA-Compliant Stablecoins
USDT remains the largest stablecoin globally, with a market capitalization of $139 billion as of Jan. 29, 2025, according to CoinGecko. However, its future in the European market remains uncertain due to MiCA restrictions.
In contrast, USDC—Tether’s biggest competitor—received regulatory approval under MiCA in July 2024. With a market cap of $52 billion, USDC is gaining traction as a fully compliant alternative for EU users.
Tether has previously faced scrutiny over its reserve transparency and regulatory compliance, which contributed to its exclusion from MiCA. The EU’s strict stance on stablecoin issuers is likely to shift liquidity toward MiCA-approved options like USDC, potentially reshaping the stablecoin market within the region.
Crypto.com’s Role in the European Crypto Market
Crypto.com is one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, providing trading services, staking options, and crypto-backed financial products. Headquartered in Singapore, the platform has expanded aggressively in the European market, making regulatory compliance a key priority.
The exchange has been actively adapting to MiCA regulations, ensuring that its services align with EU legal requirements. The delisting of USDT and other non-compliant tokens reflects Crypto.com’s strategy to secure its regulatory standing and maintain operations in one of the world’s most tightly regulated crypto markets.
What This Means for European Crypto Users
For European traders and investors, the removal of USDT presents both challenges and opportunities. Those relying on USDT for trading pairs and liquidity may need to transition to MiCA-compliant alternatives like USDC.
With a growing number of exchanges following Crypto.com’s lead, users should expect further restrictions on non-compliant stablecoins across the EU. The regulatory shift could enhance consumer protection and financial stability in the crypto space but may also limit the options available to investors.
As the MiCA framework continues shaping the European crypto industry, exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and traders must adapt to the new regulatory landscape. Crypto.com’s decision to delist USDT is a clear indicator of how compliance is becoming a top priority for platforms operating in the EU.
As 2025 gets underway, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are discovering the power of Bitcoin (BTC) as a vital tool for growth and long-term security.
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What Makes Bitcoin A Strategic Asset?
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Looking Toward The Future
Despite its rough start, Bitcoin has grown to become one of the most crucial aspects of the modern digital economy. Not only are large-scale institutions rapidly adopting it, but entire countries like the United States and El Salvador are also getting in on the action.
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