Bitcoin

Coinbase Urges U.S. Ethics Office to Lift Crypto Ban on SEC Staff

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

April 28, 2025 — In a strong push for regulatory reform, Coinbase is calling on the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) to end a rule that bans SEC employees from owning or trading cryptocurrencies. The current rule, known as Legal Advisory 22-04, was introduced back in July 2022. It bars SEC staff from buying, selling, or using crypto assets, including stablecoins. The justification? Crypto isn’t officially considered a “publicly traded security,” meaning it doesn’t qualify for the same exemptions that stocks do. However, Coinbase believes this restriction is doing more harm than good. In newly public letters dated April 25, 2025, the crypto exchange argued that without first-hand experience with digital assets, SEC staff are at a disadvantage when it comes to creating fair and effective crypto regulations. “If regulators can’t use the technology, how can they regulate it properly?” a Coinbase representative pointed out. A Major Roadblock for the SEC’s Crypto Task Force Coinbase didn’t stop there. The company also raised concerns directly with the new SEC Chair and agency commissioners. They warned that the crypto ownership ban is a major obstacle for the SEC’s newly formed Crypto Task Force, which has just 90 days to help the White House craft a comprehensive crypto regulatory plan. The irony? The team responsible for shaping the future of crypto regulations isn’t even allowed to personally interact with the technology. To help fix this, Coinbase suggested a simple solution: issue targeted waivers for staff working on crypto-related issues. This would allow them to engage with blockchain systems without violating ethics rules—similar to exceptions made in other financial advisory areas. The Bigger Picture This move by Coinbase highlights a growing tension in Washington over how to regulate crypto effectively. As digital assets become more mainstream, ensuring regulators truly understand the space they’re overseeing is becoming a hot topic. Whether or not the OGE will lift the ban remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Coinbase is putting serious pressure on regulators to rethink outdated rules—and fast.

Bitcoin Holds Strong at $94,500 as Crypto Market Finds Its Footing

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The crypto market is showing signs of stability after months of turbulence, with Bitcoin (BTC) holding firm around the $94,500 mark — a level last seen during February’s consolidation phase. After a sharp correction earlier this year, Bitcoin’s recovery is now helping the broader crypto market maintain momentum. Crypto Market Stabilizes Around $2.97 Trillion Total crypto market capitalization has been hovering near $2.97 trillion since last week. Bitcoin is now comfortably trading above both its 50-day and 200-day moving averages — a strong bullish signal that suggests buyers are regaining control. However, sentiment remains cautious, with traders keeping wide stop-losses as they tread carefully through a neutral market mood. Bitcoin Shines, Ethereum Faces Key Resistance While Bitcoin has shown impressive strength, Ethereum (ETH) is facing a tougher battle. ETH has been struggling for nearly a week to break through its 50-day moving average near $1,800. Historically, Ethereum has often gained momentum when pushing above this technical level. For now, ETH remains stuck inside a descending channel that’s been in place since late December. Bullish Bets Grow as Bitcoin Options Heat Up Adding fuel to the bullish narrative, QCP Capital reports that Bitcoin call options — particularly those targeting a $95,000 price by the end of April and May — are dominating the options market. This indicates that investor appetite for higher prices remains strong despite overall market caution. Macroeconomic Winds Turn Favorable In a move welcomed by markets, former President Donald Trump softened his stance last week, expressing support for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and pledging to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports. This shift in rhetoric helped boost investor confidence across traditional and crypto markets alike. Bitcoin Price Forecasts: Is $2.4 Million Possible? Looking further ahead, ARK Invest has released an eye-catching forecast for Bitcoin’s future price. Their models suggest BTC could soar to $500,000 in a bearish case, reach $1.2 million in a base case, and potentially hit a staggering $2.4 million by 2030 if institutional and sovereign wealth fund adoption continues to grow. These projections are based on total addressable market (TAM) estimates and Bitcoin’s issuance trends. Stablecoins Set for Explosive Growth Meanwhile, Citigroup predicts that stablecoins could become a dominant force in the financial sector by the end of the decade. They expect stablecoin market capitalization to grow to $1.6 trillion in a base case, and possibly up to $3.7 trillion in a more bullish scenario by 2030. Major Boost: US Federal Reserve Eases Crypto Banking Rules In a landmark move for the industry, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it will no longer require banks to seek prior approval before engaging with digital assets. This regulatory shift could pave the way for deeper crypto integration within the traditional banking system, boosting long-term growth prospects for the sector. Bitcoin’s recovery to $94,500 is a strong signal that the crypto market is finding its balance again. With bullish momentum building, favorable macroeconomic signals, and long-term forecasts painting a bright future, 2025 could very well be a pivotal year for both Bitcoin and the wider blockchain ecosystem.

Crypto PR During Market Slowdowns: Why Going Silent Could Hurt Your Brand

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

When the crypto market cools down, it’s tempting for projects to hit pause on their marketing and PR efforts. After all, when prices fall and hype fades, is anyone really paying attention? The answer is a strong yes — and smart projects know it. Rather than going quiet, crypto companies that stay active during slow periods often build stronger brands and earn valuable attention that’s harder to get when the market is booming. Why Bear Markets Are a Hidden Gift for Crypto PR In bull markets, newsrooms are flooded with non-stop announcements, token launches, and price rallies. It’s tough to stand out when everyone is shouting. But when the market turns cold, the noise dies down — and that’s when real stories start to shine. Journalists have more time to cover innovation, development updates, funding news, and thoughtful commentary. In short: It’s easier to get noticed when others are staying silent. Small Wins Matter More When the Hype Is Gone In a hot market, even a $10 million raise can get buried. But during a downturn, even a $1–5 million funding round can attract headlines. Take the example of Lyzi, a crypto payments company. They recently raised a modest seed round and grabbed attention because there was less competition for media space. In a bull market, they might have been ignored. This shows that every milestone feels bigger when the market isn’t flooded with constant good news. Your Voice Is Louder When Fewer People Are Talking Another major opportunity during slow periods? Becoming a trusted expert. Media outlets still need industry insights. If you can offer valuable opinions, technical knowledge, or future predictions while others stay silent, you’ll build credibility that lasts long after the next bull run begins. This isn’t just about short-term exposure — it’s about setting yourself up as a leader for the future. Smart PR Is About Strategy, Not Noise Of course, not every piece of news deserves a press release. Timing, tone, and relevance are key. During bear markets, your PR should: Also, use this time to strengthen your digital presence. Make sure positive articles, interviews, and expert quotes about your project are easy to find online. They’ll help build trust with users, investors, and partners when it matters most. Bottom Line: Don’t Wait for the Bull Market to Tell Your Story Crypto winters don’t last forever. Teams that invest in PR during tough times are often the ones leading the narrative when the next cycle starts. If you wait until the market heats up again to build your brand, you’ll already be a few steps behind. The smartest move? Stay visible, stay relevant, and keep telling your story — even when things are quiet.

Crypto Market Rally 2025: Altcoins and Bitcoin Keep Climbing, Analyst Says It’s Just the Beginning

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago05 mins

The crypto market is heating up fast in 2025, and according to leading analyst Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL), the rally we’re seeing right now has real staying power. In a fresh update shared on April 26, 2025, van de Poppe dismissed fears that the current surge in crypto prices is just another fake rally. Instead, he believes this time it’s different — and the momentum could last much longer than many expect. Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) led the charge early in the day: Altcoins also showed impressive strength: Trading volumes are exploding too. Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange, reported an 18% jump in trading activity, with $22.4 billion worth of crypto changing hands in just 24 hours. This rise in trading volume signals strong investor confidence, suggesting that the rally could have more room to run. Why Altcoins and AI Tokens Are Grabbing Attention Interestingly, the rally isn’t limited to just the big names. AI-related cryptocurrencies are getting a lot of buzz. Projects that combine blockchain with artificial intelligence are seeing massive investor interest. One standout is Render Token (RNDR), which focuses on decentralized GPU computing. RNDR’s price spiked 7.3% to $8.15. Another AI project, Fetch.ai (FET), gained 6.5% to reach $1.38. The connection between AI tokens and Bitcoin is getting stronger too. Data shows that when Bitcoin rises, AI tokens often move even faster — offering exciting opportunities for investors looking beyond traditional coins. Strong Market Signals: What Traders Should Know From a technical perspective, the crypto market looks healthy: Altcoins like Solana are flashing even stronger bullish signals. SOL just completed a “golden cross”, a powerful technical pattern that often leads to major rallies. Adding to the optimism, on-chain data shows growing confidence: What’s Next for Crypto Investors? The 2025 crypto market rally is picking up serious steam, and the signs are pointing to more growth ahead. Traders looking to make the most of this rally should keep an eye on high-volume cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, SOL, ADA, and promising AI tokens like RNDR and FET. With strong fundamentals, rising volumes, and bullish technical patterns, the current rally could be just the start of a bigger breakout across the crypto space. In short: Crypto markets are alive and kicking — and if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to dive in, now might be your chance.

AI Crypto Tokens Catch Fire After Influencer Hype — FET and AGIX Lead the Rally

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

The crypto market saw a big boost in AI-related tokens after a tweet from popular trader @AltcoinGordon. On April 25, he posted, “Strong AI projects will run the hardest,” and that was enough to spark a wave of excitement across the trading community. Almost immediately after the tweet, two major AI tokens — Fetch.ai (FET) and SingularityNET (AGIX) — started moving fast. By 11:00 AM UTC, FET had jumped over 8% to hit $2.45, and AGIX climbed nearly 7% to reach $1.12. Trading volumes also exploded, with FET seeing a 42% increase and AGIX rising by 35% within just 24 hours. What’s behind the surge? Beyond the hype, there are strong signals from the blockchain itself. Traders are now watching closely for the next move. Based on technical charts, FET could soon test resistance around $2.60, while AGIX is aiming for $1.20. Both tokens are seeing healthy trading patterns and strong buyer interest. Even more interesting, these AI tokens are starting to move in sync with bigger players like Ethereum and Bitcoin — which could mean even bigger opportunities for traders who follow macro trends. Bottom line? AI + crypto is getting hotter, and AltcoinGordon’s tweet may have been the spark. With real trading activity and rising community interest, these tokens are worth keeping an eye on — whether you’re a day trader or thinking long-term.

XRP and Cardano Could Be Gearing Up for a Short-Term Rally — But Bulls Should Stay Cautious

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

The crypto market has been getting a little bit of its mojo back this week. Thanks to calmer talk out of Washington — including President Trump toning down his attacks on the Fed and easing up on China trade tensions — investor sentiment is no longer stuck in “extreme fear.” According to the latest Fear and Greed Index, the mood has shifted to neutral. That’s given tokens like XRP and Cardano (ADA) a chance to breathe — and even bounce — but analysts say we might still be stuck in a bear market rally. So, what’s next? XRP Eyes $2.50 — But Bears Aren’t Done Yet XRP recently broke above a key trend line, reaching around $2.30, its highest point in nearly a month. Not bad — but here’s the catch: it’s still sitting below the $2.40 point of control, a major resistance level where trading volume has historically been high. Until XRP clears that, it’s hard to say the bulls are fully in charge. Even with some wins — like the SEC dropping its lawsuit against Ripple and its stablecoin RLUSD gaining momentum — the token’s gains have been modest. While other top coins posted double-digit jumps last week, XRP’s price has barely moved, hinting at weaker demand. If momentum picks up, XRP could aim for $2.70 in the short term. But if sellers show up again, $2.00 becomes a key support level to watch. Cardano Bounces — But Resistance Is Lurking Cardano (ADA) has climbed off its recent low of $0.510, helped by strong volume and a break above the 21-day moving average. But now it’s facing tough resistance — both at its current point of control, and at a trendline that used to be support but has now flipped to resistance. This kind of move is common in bear markets. Prices rise, only to run into past support zones that turn into roadblocks. If ADA can break through, it could head toward $0.750. But if it gets rejected again, another drop back to $0.510 could happen fast. Bottom Line XRP and Cardano are showing signs of life, but this could still be a bear market trap. Bulls need to clear a few big hurdles before calling this a true breakout. For now, the market is cautiously optimistic — but still very sensitive to any macro shifts. If you’re trading either token, it might be smart to watch those resistance levels closely. Sometimes the hardest part isn’t getting a rally — it’s knowing when it’s real.

Smart Money Is Quietly Backing Codename:Pepe — Here’s Why It Could Be the Next Big Crypto AI Play

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

As the crypto world keeps evolving, a new kind of project is starting to grab serious attention — and not just from everyday traders. Big investors, often called “smart money,” are quietly piling into crypto projects that combine artificial intelligence (AI) with blockchain. One name that’s quickly climbing the radar? Codename:Pepe (AGNT). Why AI + Memecoin Is Catching Fire AI-powered crypto projects had a huge year in 2024, delivering jaw-dropping returns — up to 3,000% according to CoinGecko. And now, 2025 is shaping up to be even bigger, with a major shift in how investors are thinking. Instead of chasing old names like Ethereum or Solana, many are moving early into fresh AI-focused ecosystems with real technology under the hood. This shift isn’t just hype. Big moves are happening behind the scenes: These moves show a clear trend: real money is flowing into AI-based crypto platforms that do more than just look good on paper. Codename:Pepe: A Meme With Muscle At first glance, Codename:Pepe might look like just another memecoin. But it’s actually building something much bigger — an AI-driven trading platform that scans platforms like Twitter and Telegram to spot trending tokens before they take off. On top of that, Codename:Pepe plans to offer: The community is growing fast, and the presale is already more than 64% complete, currently in stage 18 out of 28. The current token price is $0.020833, with each stage pushing the price slightly higher. The goal? A $1 listing price. Why Now Might Be the Right Time While other parts of the crypto market are cooling down, Codename:Pepe is heating up — and institutions are watching closely. It has real features, real use cases, and a roadmap that actually makes sense. So if you’ve been waiting for a memecoin with more than just hype — one backed by smart tech and even smarter investors — Codename:Pepe might just be it.

INIT Crypto Heats Up: Price Nears $1 After Explosive Launch

Casey3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

Initia (INIT) just made a grand entrance into the crypto world—and investors are loving it. The token has jumped 36% in just 24 hours, now trading close to $0.90. But what really turned heads? Trading volume exploded more than 45,000%, showing huge interest from both retail and pro traders. This sudden rush is being fueled by major listings, including the latest one on Gate.io, which now offers both spot and perpetual markets for INIT. INIT launched yesterday after a 6-day farming phase on Binance Launchpool, where users could stake coins like USDC, BNB, or FDUSD to earn INIT rewards. Just 3% of the total supply was up for grabs through this event. Another 5% is being given away to early users and testers through a limited-time airdrop that ends today at 23:59 UTC. It’s not just hype—some traders are already seeing big gains. One investor, tracked by Lookonchain, entered a leveraged trade at $0.638 and is now sitting on over $630,000 in unrealized profit. Behind the scenes, Initia isn’t your average blockchain. It combines a core Layer 1 network (built using Cosmos SDK) with a system of customizable Layer 2 chains called Interwoven Rollups. This setup allows developers to build their own app-specific chains while staying connected to the main network. It even supports Move smart contracts—something you rarely see outside of networks like Aptos and Sui. But what really makes Initia stand out is its unique “Enshrined Liquidity” model. Normally, crypto holders have to choose between staking their tokens to support the network or using them in liquidity pools to earn trading fees. Initia changes that. It lets users stake their LP tokens—meaning you can help secure the network, earn staking rewards, and collect trading fees at the same time. The INIT token itself is used for gas fees across the network and powers trading across its liquidity pools. It’s still early days, but if this momentum continues, Initia might become a major player in the multi-chain space.

Bitcoin Isn’t Following the Old Rules Anymore — 2025 Is Telling a New Story

Casey4 weeks ago4 weeks ago07 mins

In 2025, Bitcoin seems to be playing a different game. The usual cycles that traders used to count on? They’re no longer the main driver. Instead, it looks like Bitcoin is responding to bigger forces: shaky global economies, political pressure, and a world that’s becoming more unpredictable by the day. Global Growth Is Slowing Down Fast Across the board, economies are struggling. The U.S. has been leading a dramatic shift in global trade policy, with President Trump pushing through a wave of new tariffs. According to Goldman Sachs, U.S. tariff rates could spike by 16 percentage points this year — a big jump that’s already causing ripple effects. Goldman now expects U.S. growth to slow to just 0.5% in 2025. Unemployment is projected to rise to 4.7%, and inflation is likely to stay high at 3.5%. That’s a tough mix — especially for central banks trying to balance growth and inflation at the same time. The Fed is expected to cut interest rates three times this year, not because things are going great, but to prevent a deeper slowdown. Other countries are feeling the heat too: Japan’s economy is cooling, Europe is scaling back expectations, and China might even see deflation (falling prices) as global demand drops. As economist Paul Krugman put it, “It’s not just about what changes — it’s the uncertainty that makes everything more fragile.” Markets Are Feeling the Pressure The impact of all this is hitting the markets. U.S. stocks recently had a rough day: It wasn’t one big event — it was a combination of things: trade tension, inflation worries, and rising political drama. Trump recently lashed out at Fed Chair Jerome Powell, calling him a “major loser” and even suggesting he should be fired. Behind the scenes, the White House is reportedly exploring ways to push Powell out before his term ends — a move that could shake investor confidence even more. Meanwhile, the dollar has weakened, dropping to its lowest level in three years. Normally that would help U.S. exports, but in this context, it seems to reflect a deeper lack of trust in the direction of U.S. policy. Bond yields are rising too, which usually signals inflation fears. Gold, on the other hand, has hit a new all-time high, passing $3,500 before settling slightly lower. Bitcoin Is Doing Its Own Thing While stocks wobble and gold shines, Bitcoin is quietly climbing. Since trade tensions flared up in early April, the total crypto market cap has jumped about 15%, reaching $2.77 trillion. Bitcoin alone has pushed past $90,000, with spot ETFs showing strong inflows. Just on April 21, over $380 million flowed into Bitcoin ETFs — the biggest daily jump in months. But not all crypto is riding the same wave. Ethereum is heading in the opposite direction. Investors have pulled nearly $910 million from Ether-based ETFs in recent weeks, and ETH’s value compared to Bitcoin has dropped to its lowest point in over four years. Right now, Ethereum is trading around $1,700. So what’s behind Bitcoin’s strength? It’s becoming more clear that Bitcoin isn’t just a “risk asset” anymore. In a world of economic instability, investors are starting to treat it more like digital gold — a hedge against everything else going wrong. A Bigger Shift May Be Starting Some analysts believe this isn’t just a short-term reaction — it could be the start of a more lasting trend. Raoul Pal, a well-known macro investor, says that if the U.S. dollar continues to weaken gradually (not crash, just slide), it could unlock a wave of investment into assets like Bitcoin. At the same time, higher bond yields and slower growth are putting pressure on governments to act. That could mean more rate cuts, more liquidity in markets, and more investor interest in Bitcoin as a store of value. There are early signs this shift is already happening. On-chain data shows wallet activity is picking up — a sign that long-term holders and institutions are quietly accumulating again, similar to what we saw during big turning points in previous years. If growth continues to slow and policy becomes even more unpredictable, Bitcoin may gain more attention as a serious alternative — not just from crypto believers, but from mainstream investors looking for safety in a world that no longer makes much sense.

Solana to Cut Off “Validators in Name Only” to Push for True Decentralization

Casey4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

The Solana Foundation is taking bold steps to make its network more decentralized — and it’s saying goodbye to validators that aren’t pulling their own weight. In a major update announced by Ben Hawkins, head of Solana’s staking ecosystem, the Foundation will begin removing support for so-called “validators in name only.” These are validators that rely almost entirely on the Foundation’s stake, without attracting much stake from the broader community. Here’s how it’ll work: for every new validator added to the program, the Foundation will remove three that haven’t gathered at least 1,000 SOL from external stakers, provided they’ve had 18 months to prove themselves. Why the shakeup? The move comes as Solana faces growing concerns about centralization. Running a validation node on Solana is expensive — reportedly between $45,000 and $68,000 per year just in server costs. That makes it tough for smaller players to compete without help from the Foundation. But that support also creates a centralization risk: too many validators depending on one entity. This new policy is about shifting power outward — rewarding those who can grow their own staker base and contribute to a stronger, more distributed network. What’s at stake (literally)? Solana is known for its strong staking participation. Around 65% of all SOL tokens are currently staked — far higher than Ethereum’s 28% or BNB’s 21%. And with staking yields hovering around 5.84%, according to Coinbase, the rewards can be attractive — though they fluctuate with SOL’s price. Still, the Foundation wants to make sure those rewards are going to validators that are actually building and supporting the community — not just sitting idle with Foundation handouts. In the long run, this shift could make the network more resilient and decentralized, while encouraging new validators to step up and earn their spot.

Jack Mallers Named CEO of New Bitcoin Powerhouse, Twenty One Capital

Casey4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Jack Mallers, the energetic founder of Bitcoin payments app Strike, is stepping into a major new role: CEO of a brand-new Bitcoin-focused company called Twenty One Capital. Backed by big players like Tether and Japan’s SoftBank Group, Twenty One is kicking things off with a bold mission—grow Bitcoin ownership and build financial tools entirely around the world’s largest cryptocurrency. The firm is launching with more than 42,000 BTC under management, making it one of the biggest Bitcoin plays in the traditional finance space. “We’re not trying to beat the market—we’re trying to build a new one,” said Mallers. “This company is for Bitcoiners, by Bitcoiners.” The company has partnered with Cantor Equity Partners, a SPAC affiliated with Cantor Fitzgerald, to go public and offer shares tied directly to Bitcoin’s performance. The idea is to offer investors a new kind of exposure—where the focus is stacking sats, not short-term gains. Mallers is no stranger to shaking up finance. His company Strike has been a leader in Bitcoin payments, helping individuals and businesses use the Lightning Network for fast, cheap BTC transactions. He’s also been an advocate for companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, and he famously predicted Bitcoin could hit $1 million in the long run. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino said, “With Jack leading Twenty One, we’re doubling down on Bitcoin’s future. This isn’t about speculation—it’s about building value and using BTC as it was meant to be used: as a store of value and a financial foundation.” Twenty One’s plans don’t stop at managing BTC—they also want to launch Bitcoin-native lending products, capital market instruments, and even invest in Bitcoin-aligned media and content. In short, Twenty One isn’t just another crypto startup—it’s aiming to become the company for long-term Bitcoin believers. And with Jack Mallers at the wheel, they might just pull it off.

Oregon Sues Coinbase — XRP and 30+ Tokens Called “Securities” Again

Casey4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

Just when it seemed like XRP had caught a legal break, it’s back under scrutiny—this time in a new lawsuit from the state of Oregon. On April 22, Oregon’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Coinbase, accusing the exchange of offering and trading unregistered securities. The filing lists over 30 crypto assets, including big names like XRP, Cardano, Solana, Aave, and Uniswap. This move reignites the long-running debate over whether certain cryptocurrencies should be treated as securities under U.S. law. That’s especially surprising in XRP’s case, since Ripple—the company behind XRP—recently settled with the SEC after a lengthy legal battle over the same issue. Justin Slaughter, VP of regulatory affairs at Paradigm, shared a key section of the lawsuit on X (formerly Twitter), showing that Oregon claims Coinbase allowed trading of these assets “as investment contracts,” which makes them securities under the law. That would mean Coinbase should have registered them with state regulators—something the lawsuit says it failed to do. Coinbase’s chief legal officer, Paul Grewal, didn’t hold back. He called the case a “copycat lawsuit,” saying it could seriously slow down progress on national crypto legislation. He also warned that actions like this from individual states could create more confusion just as Congress is finally making strides toward clearer rules for the industry. While the SEC dropped its own case against Coinbase earlier this year, this fresh legal fight shows that crypto regulation in the U.S. is still very much in flux—and that old questions around XRP and other tokens are far from settled.