Showing posts with label cryptocurrency. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cryptocurrency. Show all posts

US Senate Approves Paul Atkins as Head of SEC in Trump Era

Updated on April 10 at 1:41 AM UTC: This piece has been revised to add contextual information about Paul Atkins and to amend the voting tally.

The US Senate has ratified President Donald Trump’s appointee, Paul Atkins, as the head of the Securities and Exchange Commission with a 52-44 vote predominantly following party lines.

Atkins’ confirmation On April 9 follows Trump appointing the pro-cryptocurrency ex-Wall Street advisor to head the agency towards the end of last year. Atkins also acted as an SEC commissioner from 2002 to 2008, throughout the period of the global financial crisis.

“A seasoned member of our commission, we anticipate his collaboration with us and our committed staff to achieve our mission in service of the investing public,” stated the agency’s commissioners. wrote In a statement from April 9.

In 2009, Atkins established the financial advisory company Patomak Global Partners, focusing on regulatory adherence and risk control. She also acted as co-chair for the crypto lobbying organization Token Alliance from 2017 until the end of 2024.

Once he takes his oath, Atkins will succeed Mark Uyeda, who has served as the SEC’s interim chairman since January 20th following the departure of ex-chair Gary Gensler. During Gensler’s term, the SEC initiated numerous legal actions and probes against cryptocurrency companies for purported violations of securities regulations.

Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Tim Scott expressed faith that Atkins will keep up the SEC’s crypto-friendly stance that it adopted during the Trump administration.

Atkins will offer clearer regulations for digital assets, enabling American innovation to thrive and guaranteeing our continued competitiveness globally.

During Trump’s tenure, the SEC established a Crypto Task Force To seek input from the industry regarding regulations and halted multiple cryptocurrency-related probes and enforcement initiatives launched under the Gensler-led SEC.

It is anticipated that Atkins will adopt a distinct strategy, informing a Senate confirmation hearing In March, he stated that one of his main priorities at the SEC would be "to establish a solid regulatory framework for digital assets using a logical, comprehensive, and principled method."

Atkins' approval put on hold due to revealed information

The report indicates that Atkins' confirmation was held up because of several financial disclosures He had to file due to his marriage into a billionaire family.

Related: No cryptocurrency project has registered with the SEC and 'made it out alive' — House committee hearing

In 1990, he wed Sarah Humphreys Atkins, whose kin has connections to TAMKO Building Products LLC, a company specializing in residential roofing shingles with revenues surpassing $1.2 billion in 2023, as reported by Forbes. reported In December, the pair has an reported aggregate wealth totaling no less than $327 million.

Certain financial disclosures indicated that Atkins had invested up to $6 million in cryptocurrency assets, encompassing platforms like the crypto custodian Anchorage Digital and the blockchain tokenization firm Securitize, as reported by Fortune. reported last month.

Magazine: The SEC's reversal on cryptocurrency leaves crucial queries unresolved.

Brazilian court authorizes crypto seizure for debt collection — Report

Judges in Brazil now have permission to confiscate cryptocurrency holdings from individuals who owe debts and are delinquent in their payments. This move indicates an increasing acknowledgment that virtual currencies serve as both a means of settlement and a repository for wealth.

According to local media reports The Third Panel of Brazil’s Superior Tribunal de Justiça has unanimously approved a measure allowing judges to issue letters to cryptocurrency exchanges. These letters will notify the exchanges of the intention to freeze an individual's assets in order to compensate their creditors.

The report was validated by the Superior Court of Justice, which posted an announcement on its website.

The unanimous decision was made by the Third Panel after they examined a case presented by a creditor.

“Although they are not legal tender, crypto assets can be used as a form of payment and as a store of value,” a translated version of the Superior Court of Justice’s memo read.

According to current regulations, Brazilian judges have the authority to freeze bank accounts and initiate fund transfers, even without informing the debtor, if they determine that a creditor is entitled to payment.

After the latest ruling, cryptoassets now come under the same jurisdiction.

Minister Ricardo Villas Bôas Cueva, part of the five-member committee, stated during the voting process that cryptocurrencies remain unregulated in Brazil. However, he acknowledged that some proposed bills have categorized these assets as "a digital representation of value."

Related: Brazil’s data watchdog upholds ban on World crypto payments

Even with regulatory ambiguity, Brazil stands as a key center for cryptocurrency.

Even though Brazil doesn’t yet have a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital assets, the nation’s central bank is involved. divvying up The regulatory procedures have been divided into stages, leading to a rapid increase in cryptocurrency adoption nationwide.

According to a report released in October by Chainalysis, Brazil stands as the second-highest country in Latin America regarding "crypto value received," making it a significant indicator of adoption.

earlier this year, the cryptocurrency exchange Binance was given permission to function within the nation following its acquisition of a São Paulo-based investment firm.

A representative from Binance informed Cointelegraph back then that Brazil was advancing "substantial progress" towards regulating the sector and anticipated a complete regulatory structure would be completed "by the middle of this year."

However, not all of Brazil’s proposed regulations have been beneficial for the industry.

In December, the nation's principal banking institution proposed banning stablecoin transactions On self-managed wallets as more residents started utilizing dollar-linked tokens to protect themselves from the depreciation of the Brazilian real.

Industry analysts informed Cointelegraph at the time that implementing such a ban would likely be challenging to execute.

Centralized exchanges may be regulated by governments, yet peer-to-peer transactions and decentralized platforms pose greater challenges for oversight," noted Lucien Bourdon, an analyst at Trezor. "This suggests that such bans might impact just a segment of the overall system.

Related: Brazilian legislator proposes bill for regulating bitcoin-based payrolls

Crypto Tap-to-Pay: The Future of Travel in 2025

Traveling has consistently been thrilling, yet handling finances across various nations was previously quite cumbersome. Switching from Bitcoin to US dollars prior to journeys and subsequently converting those dollars back into local currencies was once both intricate and tedious.

By 2025, cryptocurrency payment systems have revolutionized international financial transactions, simplifying travel budgeting and enhancing convenience for travelers. These systems facilitate instant currency exchanges at competitive market rates.

The Development of Travel Payments

Prior to the widespread adoption of cryptocurrency for travel, tourists frequently managed various payment options —cash in local currency, credit cards charging hefty foreign transaction fees, and prepaid travel cards requiring frequent top-ups. These choices each came with their own issues: cash risked being lost or stolen, card payments sometimes got rejected, and keeping tabs on expenditures denominated in several currencies proved cumbersome.

By 2025, integrated cryptocurrency payment systems have tackled numerous obstacles. Now, travelers can utilize digital wallets linked to major payment networks, enabling direct payments using cryptocurrencies or automatic conversion into local currencies at the time of purchase.

How Today's System Works

The present cryptocurrency travel payment system comprises various interlinked components functioning cohesively:

Most travelers nowadays utilize multifunctional digital wallets designed for multiple currencies. These wallets can hold different types of cryptocurrencies and typically sync with smartphones and smartwatches, facilitating easy contactless transactions through a quick tap.

Currency Rate Security: Contemporary travel cryptocurrency applications allow users to secure advantageous exchange rates for their intended locations prior to leaving home. This aids travelers in planning their budgets precisely, eliminating concerns over unexpected changes in currency values.

Cryptocurrency Payment Systems: Leading cryptocurrency payment networks have expanded worldwide through partnerships, ensuring they are accepted at accommodations like hotels, eateries such as restaurants, travel services including transportation, and various points of interest in most popular tourism spots.

Expense Monitoring: The system automates expenditure tracking by sorting expenses into categories and gives instant feedback on whether travelers are adhering to their set budget plans.

Offline Functionality: Many cryptocurrency payment systems currently provide offline transaction options, enabling basic buying even in regions with restricted online access.

Benefits for Careful Travelers

The transition to cryptocurrency has not led to reckless spending; instead, it has had the contrary effect. These novel systems come equipped with mechanisms that assist travelers in keeping their finances under control.

Expenditure Caps: Individuals have the option to establish daily or weekly expenditure limits aimed at curbing spontaneous buying behaviors outside of their predefined financial plan.

Category budgets enable digital wallet users to assign particular sums for various components of their trip such as lodging, meals, experiences, and keepsakes, complete with notifications when they near these spending caps.

Shared Wallets for Group Expenses: These tools simplify cost-sharing among travel companions like friends or relatives, making joint trips easier by eliminating the previous hassle of uneven financial splits.

Real-Time Currency Conversion View: During transactions, travelers can view both the cryptocurrency amount and its corresponding value in their local currency, enhancing understanding of their expenditures.

Security Improvements

The cryptocurrency travel systems of 2025 have tackled earlier security issues via multiple advancements:

Biometric Authentication: Transactions demand either a fingerprint or facial scan, which makes unauthorized payments extremely unlikely, even if your device gets misplaced or taken.

Many cryptocurrency travel platforms now offer transaction insurance to protect against fraud or technical issues, ensuring tranquility for travelers.

Emergency Backup Access: Designated contacts can assist in regaining fund accessibility if primary devices are misplaced, preventing travelers from being left resourceless when out of their home country.

Selective Data Disclosure: The privacy functions enable travelers to manage which details merchants obtain during exchanges, thereby decreasing exposure of sensitive information.

Practical Usage Examples

The straightforward nature of contemporary cryptocurrency transactions for travel expenses becomes evident in daily situations:

Upon reaching a new location, travelers now have no need to seek out currency exchange booths or ATMs. Transport services from the airport can be easily covered with just a tap of your wristwatch or smartphone.

Street markets and small vendors that previously accepted only local currency now frequently show QR codes for cryptocurrency transactions, simplifying impromptu buying experiences.

Dividing a restaurant check among traveling buddies occurs seamlessly via group wallet functions, where everyone’s contribution is computed and withdrawn immediately.

Hotel deposits are managed using temporary holds instead of immediate charges, which makes the funds that were once unavailable until check-out now accessible.

Challenges and Considerations

Even with notable advancements, cryptocurrency-based travel payments still come with various concerns: 1. Volatility of crypto values can affect transaction outcomes. 2. Regulatory uncertainties pose potential risks for both travelers and merchants. 3. Widespread acceptance remains limited compared to traditional payment methods. These factors mean that while progress has been made, challenges persist in integrating cryptocurrencies fully into travel payments.

Although some far-off places still exhibit restricted adoption, this discrepancy keeps shrinking as worldwide infrastructure develops further.

For new users, there is an initial learning period; however, simpler user interfaces have significantly eased the first steps compared to earlier years.

While battery reliance continues to be an issue, power banks and fast-charging options have turned into typical travel essentials.

A Balanced Perspective

Although cryptocurrency has made travel payments easier, it hasn't altered the significance of prudent expenditure. This tech offers improved resources for making well-informed choices and adhering to planned budgets.

In 2025, for travelers, the main benefit isn't about having extra money to spend; instead, it's about being free from financial worries and bureaucratic hurdles that used to complicate global expeditions.

By eliminating these obstacles, integrating cryptocurrency payments enables individuals to concentrate on what truly counts — exploring new destinations, immersing themselves in different cultures, and making meaningful connections without constantly fretting over financial logistics.

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).

Bitcoin Giant Bets $332M on Short Squeeze: See When It Could Get Liquidated

In a risky maneuver, a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC The whale has taken a short position worth $332 million, which could be subject to forced liquidation should Bitcoin's price rise to $85,000.

What Happened : A Bitcoin whale has opened a $332 million short position at an entry price of $84,040, as revealed by data from analytics platform Lookonchain. The position was leveraged 40 times, indicating that the trader borrowed 40 times the initial capital.

As of this writing, Bitcoin is priced at $83,945, marking a 2.3% decline compared to last week according to information provided by CoinGecko. Should Bitcoin reach the $85,000 level, it might trigger the forced sale of a large trader's significant holdings.

The trader, who once earned an impressive $16.39 million in just one month using the decentralized perpetual trading platform Hyperliquid, now faces a challenging predicament.

Also Read: Cryptocurrency Analyst Foresees 195% Bitcoin Uptick, Asserts Bull Market Isn’t Concluded Yet

Some observers anticipate an inevitable liquidation due to the high-risk nature of the 40x leverage, which could obliterate the entire position with a mere 2.5% price move.

In the last 24 hours, according to CoinGlass data, cryptocurrencies valued at $94 million have been liquidated, with shorts accounting for the bulk of this amount at approximately $49 million.

The biggest individual liquidation occurred on Binance ($582,130 involving the BTC/USDT trading pair), representing 38.79% of all liquidations.

Why It Matters This large bet against cryptocurrencies exemplifies the inherent risks and rewards associated with such trades. The trader's prior successes on the Hyperliquid platform indicate the possibility of considerable profits; however, the present danger of being forced into early closure due to margin shortages showcases the potential for major financial setbacks.

This occurrence vividly illustrates the unpredictability intrinsic to the cryptocurrency market, along with the possible repercussions for those traders involved in high-leverage trades.

Read Next

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Trump's Bitcoin Hoard: A 'Digital Fort Knox'

The establishment of a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" in the U.S. serves as additional evidence of President Donald Trump’s backing for the crypto industry.

Earlier this month, Trump signed an executive order to create the reserve, which White House cryptocurrency czar David Sacks compared to "a digital Fort Knox." He drew parallels to storing gold bullion at the U.S. military installation.

Countries around the globe keep gold in their reserves because this precious metal is considered a sanctuary asset, shielding them from economic turmoil like soaring inflation.

On Friday, the price of gold exceeded $3,000 per ounce for the first time, driven up by an unstable economic forecast due to Trump's tariffs.

Gold reserves may also assist in stabilizing a nation's currency, whereas bullion serves as security for loans and exchanges.

What would the U.S. Bitcoin reserves function like?

The project will be financed with approximately 200,000 bitcoins, which have an estimated value of roughly $17 billion altogether. These coins were confiscated in the U.S. through various civil and criminal proceedings.

The reservation will be virtually protected for an unspecified period.

Extra bitcoins can be included in the reserve provided that this move remains "budget-neutral," hence not burdening the taxpayers.

Announcement fails to impress

Initially, the price of Bitcoin dropped following Trump’s signing of the executive order; however, it has since stabilized.

Experts have attributed the insufficient backing to not promptly purchasing additional Bitcoin.

Dessislava Aubert, an analyst at crypto data provider Kaiko, told AFP that "legally" the US government must return bitcoin to all victims identified as suffering from a hack.

As per Aubert, "a significant portion" of the bitcoins possessed by the United States -- believed to be approximately 198,000 coins -- would need to be handed back to the individuals affected by a hacking incident at the cryptocurrency exchange Bitfinex in 2016.

Sectors observers are likewise anticipating whether additional digital tokens might join the reserves, as this possibility was highlighted in the executive order.

Trump has said that bitcoin's nearest rival, ether, along with three other tokens -- XRP, Solana and Cardano -- could be added.

What is the reason for copying the gold reserves?

Critics of the US bitcoin reserve argue that, unlike gold, cryptocurrencies are considered high-risk investments and lack inherent worth.

Nevertheless, Sacks thinks that by holding onto bitcoins for an extended period, the government could safeguard itself against the significant short-term fluctuations of the cryptocurrency.

Meanwhile, Stephane Ifrah, an investment director at crypto platform Coinhouse, said that bitcoin, like gold, can profit from its rarity thanks to a limited 21 million tokens.

A benefit of the Bitcoin reserves lies in their transparency, as the number of tokens can always be tracked — which contrasts with the undisclosed quantity of gold stored in Fort Knox.

Moreover, with the bitcoin reserve, "we're handling a scarce asset that aligns better with the modern era," Ifrah stated to AFP.

Molly White, a well-known detractor of cryptocurrencies, argues that the actual purpose of the reserve is "to stimulate interest within the crypto sector," potentially leading to financial gains for investors.

Some have accused Trump of facing a potential conflict of interest after he pledged before his election to turn the United States into the "bitcoin and cryptocurrency capital of the world."

According to The Financial Times, Trump generated $350 million by introducing a meme coin named $TRUMP in conjunction with his presidential inauguration.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump family considered potentially obtaining a share in the Binance platform; however, this was refuted by the cryptocurrency exchange’s founder.

Other country plans

Brazil is mulling over the establishment of a cryptocurrency reserve, a concept that was recently dismissed by the Swiss central bank.

Governments across the globe are engaging in activities related to cryptocurrencies, particularly through the sale of digital assets confiscated during legal proceedings. For instance, this occurred in Germany where they auctioned off 50,000 bitcoins that were seized previously.

El Salvador adopted Bitcoin as an official currency but reversed this decision this year due to low adoption rates among its residents.

The Kingdom of Bhutan possesses approximately $900 million in Bitcoin, which constitutes around 30 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.