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Upcoming economic events 31 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious01:302 pointsChinese Composite PMI (Dec)---------50.401:303 pointsManufacturing PMI (Dec)49.649.401:302 pointsNon-Manufacturing PMI (Dec)50.550.2 Read more about Upcoming economic events 31 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Indonesian Police Bust $1 Million Bitcoin Mining Scam

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Indonesian police have shut down ten Bitcoin mining sites for allegedly stealing electricity worth almost $1 million USD. The North Sumatra Police seized 1,134 Bitcoin mining machines and other equipment from these locations. The Police Chief, Irjen Agung Setya Imam Effendi, accused the operators of illegally manipulating electrical systems to power their extensive mining setup. The estimated loss from this electricity theft across the ten sites is around 14.4 billion Indonesian Rupiahs, equivalent to about $935,666 USD. In a related incident, Yi Xiao, a former high-ranking Chinese official, received a life sentence for his role in a large-scale Bitcoin mining operation. Xiao, formerly the vice chairman of the Jiangxi Provincial Political Consultative Conference Party Group, was found guilty of abusing his power to facilitate a Read more about Indonesian Police Bust $1 Million Bitcoin Mining Scam #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum, #News, #Regul...

Bankman-Fried's Second Trial Unlikely, Says U.S. Prosecutors

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U.S. prosecutors have indicated that a second trial is unlikely for Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of the defunct FTX cryptocurrency exchange. A Reuters report from December 29 notes a general consensus for a swift resolution of the trial. Prosecutors, citing a court document, emphasized the public's strong interest, especially among victims seeking compensation after FTX's November 2022 collapse. They also mentioned the lack of sufficient new evidence for a second trial, as most was already presented in the first. On November 3, Bankman-Fried was convicted on seven fraud charges, including wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering conspiracy, following a jury's four-hour deliberation. Additionally, Bankman-Fried's plea for a delay of four to six weeks in his sentencing hearing was rejected. Judge Lewis Kaplan upheld the Read more about Bankman-Fried's Second Trial Unlikely, Says U.S. Prosecutors #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarke...

VanEck and Other Asset Managers Gear Up for Spot Bitcoin ETFs

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On the final day for submissions, the asset manager revised its S-1 Form with the SEC, opting for cash-only subscriptions, a common choice among those seeking approval for a spot Bitcoin ETF. VanEck's latest update omits the names of authorized participants (APs) for its VanEck Bitcoin Trust, a fund designed to invest in Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market value, at its current market price. Similar to VanEck, other companies, including BlackRock, have modified their prospectuses to comply with the SEC's emphasis on cash-only arrangements. Yet, these amendments have not revealed the APs, who serve as de facto underwriters for these ETFs. APs, typically financial institutions like banks or investment firms, ensure payments and redemptions to cover potential financial losses. Before launching a spot Bitcoin ETF, companies Read more about VanEck and Other Asset Managers Gear Up for Spot Bitcoin ETFs #Bitcoin, #BitcoinETF, #BTCETF, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Crypton...

Polygon and Optimism Lead Market Trends Amid Ethereum's Rise

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Polygon (MATIC) and Optimism (OP), two prominent layer 2 digital currencies, are currently leading the market trends, capitalizing on the increased focus on their underlying platform, Ethereum (ETH). This shift in attention comes as investors anticipate Ethereum to potentially surpass the leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. In the cryptocurrency space, Polygon and Optimism have emerged as significant beneficiaries. Recently, MATIC experienced a modest 1% decrease in its daily value but saw a notable 31% rise over the week, trading at $1.02 at the time of this report. On the other hand, OP stood out as one of the top performers, with an impressive 18% surge in a single day. This spike has resulted in a substantial 70% increase in the value of Optimism holdings over the past week. source Disclaimer:  This blog is for Read more about Polygon and Optimism Lead Market Trends Amid Ethereum's Rise #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News

India Issues Notices to Binance and Other Exchanges for Anti-Money Laundering Non-Compliance

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The Indian Ministry of Finance has issued notices to Binance and eight other offshore exchanges for non-compliance with anti-money laundering policies. These notices, from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), target Binance, KuCoin, Huobi, Kraken, Gate.io, Bittrex, Bitstamp, MEXC Global, and Bitfinex, as mentioned in a circular from December 28. Additionally, the FIU plans to isolate local investors from these platforms and has begun actions to block URLs of Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers not complying with regulations. The FIU's statement highlighted that this action against Binance and the other foreign exchanges is in line with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in India. However, no deadline for the cautioned platforms to respond has been given. The Indian Ministry requires crypto businesses to Read more about India Issues Notices to Binance and Other Exchanges for Anti-Money Laundering Non-Compliance #Binance, #Blockchain, #CentralBankOfIndia, #Cryptocur...

Upcoming economic events 29 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious14:453 pointsChicago PMI (Dec)51.055.818:002 pointsU.S. Baker Hughes Oil Rig Count---------49818:002 pointsU.S. Baker Hughes Total Rig Count---------62020:302 pointsCFTC Crude Oil speculative net positions---------182.7K20:302 pointsCFTC Gold speculative net positions---------201.3K20:302 pointsCFTC Nasdaq 100 speculative net positions---------22.2K20:302 pointsCFTC S&P 500 speculative net positions----------195.4K20:302 pointsCFTC AUD speculative net positions----------50.7K20:302 pointsCFTC JPY speculative net positions----------64.9K20:302 pointsCFTC EUR speculative net positions---------114.6K Read more about Upcoming economic events 29 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Central Bank of Nigeria Lifts Ban on Crypto Services

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The Central Bank of Nigeria recently reversed its ban on local banks and financial institutions from providing services to cryptocurrency companies. This decision, announced last week, overturns a 2021 directive that prohibited these institutions from engaging in cryptocurrency transactions. Although the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had clarified that it did not outright ban crypto trading, the restriction had led users to turn to peer-to-peer trading. This change is likely to boost cryptocurrency adoption in Nigeria, a country rapidly embracing digital assets. The new policy enables crypto exchanges and service providers to open bank accounts, which could further increase adoption. Yellow Card, a leading pan-African exchange, intends to apply for a crypto license in Nigeria, in line with the new regulatory framework introduced in Read more about Central Bank of Nigeria Lifts Ban on Crypto Services #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Nigeria, #Regulations

Worldcoin Expands World ID Services to Singapore

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Worldcoin recently expanded its World ID verification services to Singapore with the Orb hardware device. Worldcoin announced a major expansion of its World ID verification services in a recent tweet. Singapore has been added to the list of countries where people can verify their identities using Orb, the project's unique hardware device. This move comes after the successful launch of World ID 2.0 and the open-sourcing of Worldcoin's iris recognition pipeline in mid-December. The inclusion of Singapore in the World ID verification network marks a wider global trend, with Worldcoin increasingly extending its reach in Asia, Europe, and South America. Tools for Humanity (TFH), a major supporter of the project, has joined startup and tech groups in Singapore, demonstrating the project's commitment to collaboration and Read more about Worldcoin Expands World ID Services to Singapore #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Singapore, #WorldID, #Worldcoin

Upcoming economic events 28 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious13:302 pointsContinuing Jobless Claims1,875K1,865K13:302 pointsGoods Trade Balance (Nov)  -88.40B-89.56B13:303 pointsInitial Jobless Claims210K205K13:302 pointsRetail Inventories Ex Auto (Nov)  ----------0.9%15:003 pointsPending Home Sales (MoM) (Nov)1.0%-1.5%16:003 pointsCrude Oil Inventories-2.600M2.909M16:002 pointsCushing Crude Oil Inventories---------1.686M18:002 points7-Year Note Auction---------4.399% Read more about Upcoming economic events 28 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Cathie Wood's Bullish Forecast for Solana

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Cathie Wood, CEO of Ark Invest, is highly optimistic about Solana's role in decentralized finance (DeFi), especially regarding smart contracts. She foresees both Solana and Ethereum excelling as smart contract platforms. Wood also points out Solana’s advantages over Ethereum in speed and cost-effectiveness. Wood's view is that DeFi is gathering momentum. Despite competition, Solana and Ethereum are both expected to be successful, with developers showing solid support for Solana. Solana (SOL) has risen to become the fourth-largest cryptocurrency, driven by increasing interest from venture capitalists and endorsements from key investors. The recent increase in SOL's value is partly due to significant investments from major players in the market, leading to considerable profits for many Solana investors. SOL's price recently e Read more about Cathie Wood's Bullish Forecast for Solana #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonew...

Changpeng Zhao's Fortune Soars to $37 Billion

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Former CEO of Binance, Changpeng Zhao, could be imprisoned after confessing to criminal charges in the U.S., yet his wealth impressively rose to over $37 billion. This increase is largely attributed to the remarkable recovery of Bitcoin, which jumped more than 160% following a challenging 2022, significantly boosting Zhao's net worth. He now tops the list of cryptocurrency entrepreneurs whose fortunes have surged this year. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index includes prominent figures such as Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong and the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron. Ranking 35th, Zhao is just under a billion dollars behind Tadashi Yanai, CEO of Uniqlo. Zhao's fortune is primarily derived from his substantial share in Binance. Although Binance experienced a minor drop in market share after settling with the U.S. Department of Read more about Changpeng Zhao's Fortune Soars to $37 Billion #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #ChangpengZhao, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonews...

Binance Launches Sleepless AI on Launchpool, Merging Web3 and AI in Gaming

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Binance has recently unveiled its 42nd project on the Launchpool, Sleepless AI. This innovative gaming platform merges web3 and AI technologies to deliver a novel interactive gaming experience. It features AI-driven elements within its gaming environment. The platform's official launch is scheduled for tomorrow. It will enable users to stake BNB, FDUSD, and TUSD, offering them the opportunity to earn AI tokens during a seven-day phase. Trading of AI tokens will commence on Binance from January 4th, with multiple trading pairs like AI/BTC and AI/USDT being available. The total supply of AI tokens is capped at one billion, with 70 million earmarked for Launchpool rewards. This distribution aligns with Binance’s strategy to boost user engagement with the new gaming platform. The standout feature of the platform is its AI i Read more about Binance Launches Sleepless AI on Launchpool, Merging Web3 and AI in Gaming #Blockchain, #BNB, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ne...

Upcoming economic events 27 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious18:002 points5-Year Note Auction---------4.420%21:302 pointsAPI Weekly Crude Oil Stock---------0.939M23:502 pointsIndustrial Production (MoM) (Nov)  -1.6%1.3% Read more about Upcoming economic events 27 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

ZA Bank Sets Sights on Crypto Trading Services

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The Chinese virtual bank ZA Bank has announced its intention to introduce cryptocurrency trading services for retail customers using fiat currencies. ZA Bank's CEO, Ronald Iu, in an interview with the Hong Kong Economic Journal, disclosed the bank's future plans to launch crypto trading through its mobile app, ZA Bank App, though no specific timeline was provided. Iu highlighted ZA Bank's commitment to web3, noting its existing services to over 80 crypto firms, including OKX's Hong Kong branch. The bank, which also partners with local licensed virtual asset trading platforms HashKey and OSL, has seen significant growth since its founding in 2020. One in ten adults in Hong Kong now possesses a ZA Card, and as of June's end, the bank's customer deposits exceeded 10 billion yuan (about $1.4 billion), a 17% increase from the end of Read more about ZA Bank Sets Sights on Crypto Trading Services #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #HongKong, #News, #Regu...

Upcoming economic events 26 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious00:002 pointsBoJ Core CPI (YoY)---------3.0%09:002 pointsS&P/CS HPI Composite - 20 n.s.a. (MoM) (Oct)---------0.2%09:002 pointsS&P/CS HPI Composite - 20 n.s.a. (YoY) (Oct)5.0%3.9%13:002 points2-Year Note Auction---------4.887% Read more about Upcoming economic events 26 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Japan Approves Tax Reform on Cryptocurrencies

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The Japanese government has greenlit a revision in its fiscal 2024 tax reform plan regarding the taxation of companies owning cryptocurrencies issued by third parties. Local reports note that this change will relieve these companies from the end-of-year mark-to-market valuation tax. Previously, such corporations had to declare gains or losses based on the fluctuation in market and book values at the fiscal year's close. With the new reform, assets intended for long-term holding won't be subject to this valuation, shifting the tax burden to profits made from selling digital currencies and tokens. This move aims to harmonize corporate and individual investor tax treatments. Prompted by proposals from the Liberal Democratic Party and allies, and influenced by the Japan Crypto Asset Business Association's advocacy, the amendment seeks Read more about Japan Approves Tax Reform on Cryptocurrencies #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Japan, #JapaneseGovernment, #New...

SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Criticizes $1.7 Million Fine on BarnBridge DAO

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Hester Peirce, a commissioner at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), strongly criticized her colleagues for levying a $1.7 million fine on the decentralized finance protocol BarnBridge DAO. The protocol, along with its co-founders Tyler Ward and Troy Murray, consented to settle allegations of selling structured crypto asset securities called SMART Yield bonds. The company agreed to return almost $1.5 million earned from these sales. Additionally, Ward and Murray were each required to pay $125,000 in civil penalties, as announced by the SEC. Gurbir Grewal, an SEC director, stated, "The utilization of blockchain technology for unregistered offering and sale of structured finance products to retail investors is a violation of securities laws." He emphasized that this case is a crucial reminder that securities laws Read more about SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce Criticizes $1.7 Million Fine on BarnBridge DAO #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #HesterP...

XRP Trading Volume Hits Six-Year Low

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Investors and analysts have been alerted by a noticeable decrease in XRP's daily trading volume. This past Thursday, the volume dropped to its lowest point in six years, sparking interest and concern among cryptocurrency enthusiasts. Bill Morgan, a well-known lawyer and supporter of XRP, commented on social media about this worrying trend, first brought to light by WrathKahneman. WrathKahneman noted that on December 21, XRP's trading volume was around 1.9 billion, significantly lower than the 2.4 billion seen in 2022 and far below the 19.3 billion in 2020. This significant drop has led to discussions about what it means for the market behavior and confidence of investors in XRP. However, it's crucial to understand that XRP is not the only cryptocurrency facing this issue. A prominent cryptocurrency expert, Mr. Huber, has Read more about XRP Trading Volume Hits Six-Year Low #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Regulations

Litecoin Network Celebrates 200 Million Transactions Milestone

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On December 22, the Litecoin network achieved a significant milestone by processing its 200 millionth transaction, indicating rapid growth with over 10 million transactions handled. A day prior to this achievement, Litecoin (LTC) reported a remarkable performance in a post dated December 21. As a cryptocurrency designed for fast, secure, and cost-efficient transactions, Litecoin observed more active addresses than the combined total of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in the preceding 24 hours. This included an extraordinary count of 1.4 million on-chain transactions in a single day. In line with these developments, IntoTheBlock, a market intelligence platform, reported a resurgence in Litecoin's activity. Since early December, Litecoin's daily active addresses have been consistently exceeding those of Ethereum. As of the latest Read more about Litecoin Network Celebrates 200 Million Transactions Milestone #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Litecoin, #LitecoinNe...

SEC Acknowledges Missteps in DEBT Box Lawsuit

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SEC Enforcement Director Gurbir Grewal acknowledged that federal lawyers did not meet expected standards in their lawsuit against cryptocurrency startup Digital Licensing. This admission followed criticism from a Utah court. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) admitted to making false statements in its enforcement action against blockchain company DEBT Box, accusing it of defrauding investors of nearly $50 million. During a July 28, 2023 hearing, an SEC lawyer unknowingly made an incorrect statement, which was not rectified even after the error was discovered. In response to Judge Robert J. Shelby's order, the SEC filed a 27-page document addressing its misleading claims in seeking a restraining order against DEBT Box. The company offered node licenses for mining revenue without requiring actual mining setups, but Read more about SEC Acknowledges Missteps in DEBT Box Lawsuit #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #SEC

Fideum Group and Mastercard: Pioneering Digital Asset Integration

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The Fideum Group, a fintech company, announced its collaboration with Mastercard, a leader in traditional payment systems. This partnership aims to integrate digital assets into common financial activities. Anastasija Plotnikova, CEO of Fideum, in an interview with CryptoSlate, discussed the impact of the company's achievement as the top winner of the Mastercard Lighthouse FINITIV 2023 Fall Program. This victory is significant for Fideum, as it aligns the old principles of the traditional financial world with the innovative aspects of the cryptocurrency industry, ensuring compliance with regulations. Plotnikova emphasized that winning the Mastercard Lighthouse FINITIV Program not only confirms the validity of their concept but also acts as a strong endorsement for their product development strategy. The Lighthouse FINITIV program, Read more about Fideum Group and Mastercard: Pioneering Digital Asset Integration #Adoption, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoda...

Argentina Greenlights Bitcoin in Legal Contracts

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The Argentinian government has sanctioned the use of Bitcoin for legal contracts. This move follows the election of President Javier Milei, a known proponent of cryptocurrencies. Diana Modino, the Minister of Foreign Relations and International Commerce, declared that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are now recognized as legitimate currencies for contractual purposes in Argentina. Modino highlighted the adaptability of Argentine contracts, noting they can be pegged to various value measures, including traditional ones like beef weight or milk volume. She pointed to a pre-existing law to support this decision. Though Modino didn't specify future cryptocurrency policies, this recognition of Bitcoin is in line with President Milei's overall financial strategy. This is significant in the context of Argentina's struggles with Read more about Argentina Greenlights Bitcoin in Legal Contracts #Argentina, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulat...

Coinbase and Circle Expand European Operations Following French Regulatory Approval

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Coinbase and Circle have both expanded their operations in Europe after receiving regulatory approval from France's Financial Markets Authority (AMF). Coinbase, a cryptocurrency exchange, obtained a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license from the AMF, aiming to establish itself in European markets beyond the U.S. The AMF's license allows Coinbase to operate as a digital asset exchange, offering services such as cryptocurrency trading, crypto-to-fiat trading pairs, and crypto custodial services. This was reported by CNBC on December 21 and confirmed by a spokesperson from the company. Simultaneously, Circle, the entity behind the USD Coin (USDC), announced its conditional registration with the AMF. Its CEO, Jeremy Allaire, expressed the company's ambition to secure a full Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) license from Read more about Coinbase and Circle Expand European Operations Following French Regulatory Approval #Circle, #Coinbase, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomark...

Upcoming economic events 22 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious13:303 pointsBuilding Permits1.460M1.498M13:302 pointsBuilding Permits (MoM)-2.5%1.8%13:303 pointsCore Durable Goods Orders (MoM) (Nov)0.2%0.0%13:303 pointsCore PCE Price Index (YoY) (Nov)3.4%3.5%13:303 pointsCore PCE Price Index (MoM) (Nov)0.2%0.2%13:302 pointsDurable Goods Orders (MoM) (Nov)1.7%-5.4%13:302 pointsPCE Price index (YoY) (Nov)2.8%3.0%13:302 pointsPCE price index (MoM) (Nov)0.0%0.0%13:302 pointsPersonal Spending (MoM) (Nov)0.2%0.2%15:002 pointsMichigan 1-Year Inflation Expectations (Dec)3.1%4.5%15:002 pointsMichigan 5-Year Inflation Expectations (Dec)2.8%3.2%15:002 pointsMichigan Consumer Expectations (Dec)66.456.815:002 pointsMichigan Consumer Sentiment (Dec)69.461.315:002 pointsNew Home Sales (MoM) (Nov)----------5.6%15:003 pointsNew Home Sales (Nov)695K679K18:002 Read more about Upcoming economic events 22 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Ripple CTO Forecasts : Top 5 Predictions for 2024

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David Schwartz, the Chief Technology Officer at Ripple, has shared five exciting predictions for the future of blockchain technology in 2024, with a particular focus on the XRP Ledger. Firstly, Schwartz envisions a unique blend of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain revolutionizing cybersecurity and financial services by 2024. He predicts AI will enable precise market analyses and support automated trading. He also emphasizes the significance of AI chatbots, especially on the XRP Ledger, in streamlining development and fostering global innovation, thereby enhancing financial accessibility. Secondly, Schwartz foresees a major shift towards tokenizing real-world assets. He believes this will predominantly influence the blockchain economy in sectors like real estate and commodities. He expects that tokenizing these assets on Read more about Ripple CTO Forecasts : Top 5 Predictions for 2024 #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum, #News, #...

ARK Adjusts Portfolio: Sells Coinbase and Robinhood Shares

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In the wake of rising stock prices for Coinbase and Robinhood, Cathie Wood's ARK has tactically sold shares to adjust the balance in its investment portfolios. ARK has persisted in its trend of offloading Coinbase shares, parting with 34,261 COIN, valued at around $5.5 million, distributed between its Innovation ETF and Next Generation Internet ETF. This move aligns with the recent performance of Coinbase's stock, which has reached new annual highs. The stock traded at $161.16, showing a daily rise of 5%, an impressive 66% increase over the past month, and a significant 342% growth since the start of the year. Nevertheless, the stock's current value is still about 53% lower than its highest point in November 2021. This sale is part of ARK's ongoing strategy to maintain balanced fund weights. Just last week, the firm sold Coinbase Read more about ARK Adjusts Portfolio: Sells Coinbase and Robinhood Shares #ARK, #Coinbase, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, ...

Tether Blocks Six Ethereum and One TRON Wallets

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Tether recently restricted access to six new Ethereum network wallets, likely due to connections with the Russian Finiko ponzi scheme. ChainArgos, a blockchain analytics company, suggests these wallets may have conducted dubious transactions with addresses linked to Finiko, though no other notable suspect activities were detected from these wallets. Finiko, a pyramid scheme that originated in Russia in 2018, caused losses of approximately $95 million to its victims. Last year, the scheme's leader, Edvard Sabirov, was apprehended by Interpol in the UAE, but other key participants remain at large. Additionally, Tether blocked a wallet on the TRON network, but no suspicious activities were linked to it. This wallet's only major transaction was a transfer of $7,000 USDT from Bitfinex. Tether has been vigilantly tracking wallets Read more about Tether Blocks Six Ethereum and One TRON Wallets #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regulations, #Tether

Upcoming economic events 21 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious13:302 pointsContinuing Jobless Claims---------1,876K13:303 pointsGDP (QoQ) (Q3)5.2%2.1%13:302 pointsGDP Price Index (QoQ) (Q3)3.5%1.7%13:303 pointsInitial Jobless Claims218K202K13:303 pointsPhiladelphia Fed Manufacturing Index (Dec)-3.0-5.913:302 pointsPhilly Fed Employment (Dec)---------0.815:002 pointsUS Leading Index (MoM) (Nov)-0.4%-0.8%16:002 pointsECB's Lane Speaks  ------------------18:002 points5-Year TIPS Auction---------2.440%21:302 pointsFed's Balance Sheet---------7,740B23:302 pointsNational Core CPI (YoY) (Nov)2.5%2.9%23:502 pointsMonetary Policy Meeting Minutes  ------------------ Read more about Upcoming economic events 21 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Japan's Push for Digital Yen: A New Era in Finance

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A government-appointed group in Japan has strongly advised the immediate creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), often referred to as a digital yen. This panel, consisting of university professors, industry specialists, and researchers from leading think tanks, was established by Japan's Ministry of Finance. Their investigation focused on the potential benefits, demand, and associated challenges and risks of introducing a digital yen in Japan's economy. The group's primary recommendation is for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to swiftly issue the digital yen and designate it as legal tender. They suggest that this CBDC should coexist with traditional cash, enhancing rather than replacing it. Despite Japan's status as the third-largest global economy, the country remains heavily reliant on cash. This reliance presents a unique Read more about Japan's Push for Digital Yen: A New Era in Finance #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomar...

SEC's 24 Meetings Hint at Potential Bitcoin ETF Approval

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The cryptocurrency community is buzzing with excitement and anticipation following reports that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has engaged in 24 meetings with potential candidates for a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). This surge of interest stems from the possibility that these discussions could lead to the highly anticipated approval of a Bitcoin ETF in the United States. An ETF is an investment fund that is traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks. A Bitcoin ETF would provide investors a way to invest in Bitcoin's price fluctuations without the need to directly own the cryptocurrency. Such a financial instrument is regarded as a crucial step in integrating Bitcoin into the conventional investment sphere, offering a regulated and possibly less risky way for both institutional and individual investors to Read more about SEC's 24 Meetings Hint at Potential Bitcoin ETF Approval #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonews...

Judge Halts Ownership Changes in Genesis Under DCG

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In a notable legal update, a judge has ruled that the Digital Currency Group (DCG) cannot make any changes in ownership within its subsidiary, Genesis, until DCG successfully exits bankruptcy. This decision is designed to protect Genesis, which is part of DCG's tax consolidated group, and offers specific advantages to the cryptocurrency lender during its bankruptcy. These protective measures will stay in place either until a Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan is effectively implemented or if the bankruptcy shifts to a Chapter 7 case, which would mean the liquidation of the business. Since late November, Genesis has been advocating for DCG to retain more than 80% ownership. This is crucial for preserving the value of its parent company’s interest in the federal net operating loss (NOL) carryforwards within the DCG Group. NOL carryforwards Read more about Judge Halts Ownership Changes in Genesis Under DCG #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #DCG, #Genesis, #GenesisGlobal, #New...

Hashkey Capital Singapore Acquires Central Bank License to Bridge Traditional and Digital Finance

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Hashkey Capital's subsidiary in Singapore has successfully obtained a central bank license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This Capital Markets Services (CMS) license allows Hashkey Capital Singapore to provide fund-management services in the country. CEO Deng Chao is excited about contributing to the local blockchain ecosystem, underlining the firm's dedication to creating a harmonious blend of traditional and digital finance. This milestone aligns Hashkey Capital with other key figures in the cryptocurrency industry, like DigiFT and SBI Digital Markets, who have also recently acquired CMS licenses. Hashkey Capital is set on becoming a key player in merging traditional and digital financial systems, a goal underscored in its recent announcement. Importantly, the company was granted an in-principle license in November Read more about Hashkey Capital Singapore Acquires Central Bank License to Bridge Traditional and Digital Finance #CentralBank, #Cryptocurrency, #Crypto...

Upcoming economic events 20 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious01:152 pointsPBoC Loan Prime Rate3.45%3.45%13:302 pointsCurrent Account (Q3)-197.0B-212.1B14:002 pointsECB's Lane Speaks  ------------------15:003 pointsCB Consumer Confidence (Dec)103.8102.015:003 pointsExisting Home Sales (Nov)3.78M3.79M15:002 pointsExisting Home Sales (MoM) (Nov)----------4.1%15:303 pointsCrude Oil Inventories----------4.259M15:302 pointsCushing Crude Oil Inventories---------1.228M18:002 points20-Year Bond Auction---------4.780% Read more about Upcoming economic events 20 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

BlackRock Unveils IBIT: A New ETF for Bitcoin Investors

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BlackRock recently updated its application for a spot bitcoin ETF, naming it IBIT in a revised S-1 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday. This filing also introduced new details about the fund's creation and redemption process, a key discussion point in recent meetings with SEC officials. The document states, "The Trust will continuously issue and redeem Baskets, primarily in cash transactions. However, if regulatory approval is obtained, these may also be conducted in bitcoin." In a similar move, both Ark 21Shares and WisdomTree submitted their updated S-1 filings to the SEC on Monday for their respective spot bitcoin ETFs. While the SEC has not approved any such funds yet, the anticipation of a potential approval has led to a surge in market optimism. source Disclaimer:  This blog is for Read more about BlackRock Unveils IBIT: A New ETF for Bitcoin Investors #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstod...

U.K. Launches Digital Securities Sandbox Under New Regulation

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As of January 8th, the U.K. has launched a new regulation, empowering the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Bank of England to supervise a special digital securities sandbox. This initiative is designed for the testing of tokenized securities and distributed ledger technology in a controlled environment. The sandbox enables companies to trial new financial technologies while under regulatory oversight. This Digital Securities Sandbox (DSS) is not limited to tokenized securities but also explores the use of distributed ledger technology in digitizing conventional securities. This step is in response to the growing trend among global financial institutions towards asset tokenization. U.K. regulators are proactively adapting to this changing landscape, ensuring they understand and can regulate it effectively. Participants in Read more about U.K. Launches Digital Securities Sandbox Under New Regulation #BankOfEngland, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #News, #Regula...

Binance Sets Industry Benchmark with Successful Completion of Rigorous SOC 2 Type II Audit

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Binance has recently passed the SOC 2 Type II compliance audit, setting a high standard for security in the industry. An independent audit by A-LIGN rigorously examined Binance's security measures, with a specific focus on system protection and data security. This successful audit underlines the effectiveness and solid design of Binance's security protocols in daily operations. Jimmy Su, Binance's Chief Security Officer, stated, "We have invested considerably in proving that cryptocurrency platforms can adhere to, or even exceed, the stringent criteria of traditionally regulated sectors." In addition, Binance has achieved the ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications in four regions: France, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Turkey, recognizing its outstanding management of information security and privacy. This follows Read more about Binance Sets Industry Benchmark with Successful Completion of Rigorous SOC 2 Type II Audit #Audit, #Binance, #Cryptomarket, #Cry...

Upcoming economic events 19 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious00:302 pointsRBA Meeting Minutes  ------------------02:302 pointsBoJ Monetary Policy Statement  ------------------03:002 pointsBoJ Interest Rate Decision-0.10%-0.10%06:302 pointsBoJ Press Conference  ------------------09:002 pointsECB's Elderson Speaks  ------------------09:002 pointsECB's Enria Speaks  ------------------10:002 pointsCore CPI (YoY) (Nov)3.6%4.2%10:002 pointsCPI (MoM) (Nov)-0.5%0.1%10:003 pointsCPI (YoY) (Nov)2.4%2.9%13:302 pointsBuilding Permits (MoM) (Nov)  ---------1.8%13:303 pointsBuilding Permits (Nov)  1.470M1.498M13:302 pointsHousing Starts (MoM) (Nov)---------1.9%13:302 pointsHousing Starts (Nov)1.360M1.372M16:302 pointsAtlanta Fed GDPNow (Q4)  2.6%2.6%21:002 pointsTIC Net Long-Term Transactions (Oct)45.8B-1.7B21:302 pointsAPI Weekly Crude Oil Stock---------- Read more about Upcoming economic events 19 December 2023 #ECONOMICEV...

Ark Invest Offloads $59 Million in Coinbase Shares in a Week

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Last week, Ark Invest continued to sell off its Coinbase holdings, offloading shares worth $59 million. This included a sale of 18,962 Coinbase shares, totaling $2.8 million, on Friday alone, as per their latest trade filing. Cathie Wood's firm reduced its holdings in several ETFs: 12,142 shares ($1.8 million) from the Innovation ETF, 2,278 shares ($337,000) from the Next Generation Internet ETF, and 4,542 shares ($672,000) from the Fintech Innovation ETF. This sale adds to the previous disposals of $42.6 million on Wednesday, $11.5 million on Tuesday, and $1.9 million on Monday, totaling $58.8 million in Coinbase shares sold last week. This move is part of Ark's ongoing fund rebalancing, coinciding with a significant increase in Coinbase's stock value over the past month. The previous week, Ark also sold $100 million in Coinbase Read more about Ark Invest Offloads $59 Million in Coinbase Shares in a Week #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Crypt...

Crypto Paradox: SHIB Price Falls, Transactions Rise

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In a surprising development, the cryptocurrency Shiba Inu (SHIB) has seen an extraordinary increase in large-scale transactions, totaling an impressive $110.53 million over the last 24 hours. This information, provided by the on-chain analytics platform IntoTheBlock, indicates a remarkable 275% rise from previous figures, amounting to an enormous 7.22 trillion SHIB tokens. Interestingly, this significant uptick in activity occurs amidst a notable downturn in SHIB's market price, which fell by over 11%, dropping from $0.00001195 to $0.00001 within a single day. Despite the broader market slump, there were 186 substantial transactions, each exceeding $100,000, cumulatively accounting for 10.72 trillion SHIB. Contradicting what one might expect in such a scenario, the Large Holders Inflow data shows that major investors in the Read more about Crypto Paradox: SHIB Price Falls, Transactions Rise #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum

Patrick Riley of Reaper Financial Foresees Ripple (XRP) Surpassing $22 in Next Bull Market

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Patrick Riley, the founder of Reaper Financial, has expressed optimism about the future of Ripple (XRP), predicting it could set a new record high. In a discussion with market analyst Zach Rector, Riley suggested that XRP might exceed $22 in the forthcoming bull market. He elaborated on various initiatives his Reaper team has developed using the XRP ledger, which he believes will significantly contribute to XRP's bullish momentum. Riley also highlighted the impact of incorporating Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) side chains into the Ripple network, anticipating this will significantly enhance its growth. Transitioning from Ethereum to XRP, Riley criticized Ethereum for being slow and costly, likening it to a "dying horse limping along." He anticipates that many projects will switch to XRP, which offers a quicker and more Read more about Patrick Riley of Reaper Financial Foresees Ripple (XRP) Surpassing $22 in Next Bull Market #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoda...

Upcoming economic events 18 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious13:302 pointsECB's Schnabel Speaks  ------------------15:002 pointsECB's Lane Speaks------------------ Read more about Upcoming economic events 18 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Tether Intensifies Fight Against Illicit Crypto Activities, Collaborates with US Law Enforcement

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Tether is reaffirming its dedication to working with U.S. law enforcement and regulatory bodies to combat illegal activities. The company, known for issuing the stablecoin Tether, is intensifying its efforts to curb unlawful crypto transactions. This includes sharing recent communications with the U.S. House Financial Services Committee and the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. In its initial communication, Tether highlighted its focus on know-your-customer (KYC) protocols and adherence to regulations, noting the establishment of a dedicated Compliance Department equipped with a robust KYC/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) program. The company also mentioned that its KYC procedures have been reviewed by the IRS for FinCEN compliance. Furthermore, Tether disclosed its use of Chainalysis's reactor tool to Read more about Tether Intensifies Fight Against Illicit Crypto Activities, Collaborates with US Law Enforcement #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #...

Upcoming economic events 17 December 2023

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Time(GMT+0/UTC+0)StateImportanceEventForecastPrevious21:002 pointsWestpac Consumer Sentiment (Q4)---------80.2 Read more about Upcoming economic events 17 December 2023 #ECONOMICEVENTS, #Forecast, #UPCOMINGEVENTS

Investment Evolution: Bitcoin and Gold's Diverging Paths

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Gold, traditionally seen as a stable investment, has seen a modest 14% increase recently. However, Bitcoin's remarkable growth this year stands as a testament to its increasing acceptance and appeal among investors looking for higher gains. This contrast between Bitcoin and gold's performance underlines the changing world of investment choices. Bitcoin's rise reflects not only its growing mainstream recognition but also the escalating interest in digital currencies as legitimate investments, an intriguing development given the typically volatile nature of cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin's 144% increase in value marks a notable achievement for the cryptocurrency, solidifying its position as a significant force in the finance sector. This rise indicates the rising trust of both individual and institutional investors in the potential of Read more about Investment Evolution: Bitcoin and Gold's Diverging Paths #Adoption, #Altcoin, #Bitcoin, #Blockchain, #Cryptomarket, #Crypton...

Three Major Companies Dominate the ETF Sphere: Implications for Bitcoin ETFs

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The American ETF market, valued at approximately $8 trillion, largely relies on three key firms. A vital part of this market, the authorized participants (APs) - a specific kind of broker-dealer - have remained limited in number, even with the market's rapid expansion. These APs are essential for ensuring liquidity and the smooth operation of North American ETFs. Bloomberg's examination of over 3,400 fund filings reveals that the majority of ETF flows in the U.S. are dominated by three entities: Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, and JPMorgan. These three APs manage more than 90% of capital movements in many funds. Intriguingly, numerous ETFs depend solely on one AP for liquidity, as indicated by the latest comprehensive quarterly data. For potential Bitcoin ETFs in 2024, this situation poses certain risks. Relying on a few APs Read more about Three Major Companies Dominate the ETF Sphere: Implications for Bitcoin ETFs #BitcoinETF, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cry...

China Mobile Hong Kong Launches LinkNFT

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China Mobile Hong Kong, a prominent mobile communication brand in Hong Kong, is set to introduce its very own NFT marketplace, known as LinkNFT. This marks the first NFT marketplace operated by a telecommunications company in Hong Kong. This launch coincides with the success of their comprehensive smart living mobile application, MyLink, which has garnered an impressive user base of over seven million. LinkNFT will provide NFT minting services for businesses, streamlining the creation, trading, and circulation of digital assets across various contexts, including SocialFi, DeFi, and GameFi. To ensure seamless web3 interoperability, it will utilize a combination of cross-chain standards: the web3 Center cross-chain service protocol, cross-chain adapter, and cross-chain smart contract. Hong Kong residents will be able to conveniently Read more about China Mobile Hong Kong Launches LinkNFT #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #HongKong, #Marketplace, #News, #NFT

The Rise of Gaudi3: Intel's New Frontier in AI Chip Technology

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Intel Corporation recently unveiled the Gaudi3, a new AI-focused computer chip, marking a decisive step in challenging industry giants Nvidia and AMD. This announcement led to a 1% boost in Intel's stock value, highlighting its impact on the dynamic field of AI processing. The Gaudi3 is set to rival Nvidia’s H100, a popular choice for businesses creating AI-specific chip farms. Meanwhile, AMD's upcoming MI300X, due next year, is anticipated to heat up the competition in this growing market. Nvidia’s impressive stock increase of over 230%, along with Intel’s 68% rise during the AI expansion period, emphasize the critical role these firms have in developing high-demand AI solutions. source Read more about The Rise of Gaudi3: Intel's New Frontier in AI Chip Technology #Adoption, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cryptonewstoday, #Ethereum, #Regulations

SEC Chair Gensler Hints at Possible Shift in Bitcoin ETF Approval

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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler has suggested a potential shift in the agency's approach to Bitcoin ETFs. During an interview with CNBC, Gensler disclosed that the SEC is reevaluating "between eight and a dozen applications" for Bitcoin ETFs based on the spot market, influenced by recent court rulings in the District of Columbia. Historically, the SEC has been cautious about approving such proposals, citing various concerns. However, Gensler hinted at a change in stance, attributing it to input from the judiciary. While he didn't directly mention the Grayscale case, the context implies a connection. Earlier this year, Grayscale emerged victorious in a legal battle against the SEC, leading to a reconsideration of its application to convert its Bitcoin trust into an ETF. The SEC did not challenge this Read more about SEC Chair Gensler Hints at Possible Shift in Bitcoin ETF Approval #BitcoinETF, #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarket, #Cry...

Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Takes Legal Action Against Google Over Deceptive Crypto Ads

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Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister, Micheál Martin, has taken legal action against Google to compel them to reveal the individuals responsible for deceptive cryptocurrency advertisements. Martin, who leads the Fianna Fáil party, claimed that these ads, which appeared on reputable websites, falsely associated him with a cryptocurrency scam through fabricated news articles. Legal proceedings were initiated against Google Ireland Ltd and its parent company, Google LLC, as Martin sought to uncover the creators of these misleading ads. Martin's legal team informed the High Court of a resolution, leading Google to agree, without objection, to several court orders in favor of Martin. These orders require Google to furnish Martin with detailed information concerning the disputed advertisements. This information includes the names, email a Read more about Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Takes Legal Action Against Google Over Deceptive Crypto Ads #Blockchain, #Cryptocurrency, #Cryptomarke...