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    There’s No Second Best to Bitcoin (BTC), Reveals Michael Saylor

    It is a message that feels familiar but still has weight. Saylor’s conviction is crystal clear. He is convinced that Bitcoin is one of a kind, and nothing can challenge it. Other cryptocurrencies might have their moment or get a lot of attention, but for Saylor, they do not measure up to Bitcoin’s role as a digital powerhouse.The timing of his comments is pretty interesting. The crypto market is buzzing at the moment, with assets like XRP doing really well after a 16% surge in a single day. This always gets people talking about Bitcoin’s competitors.But Saylor’s view seems to be more long term, not getting caught up in short-term trends and speculation.Of course, there is always that question of it being compared to gold. Bitcoin, often called “digital gold,” makes some people think it will eventually be better than precious metal as a store of value.Some analysts, like Bloomberg’s Mike McGlone, look at the bigger picture, talking about Bitcoin’s relationship with the gold ratio or the potential impact of monetary policy. But Saylor does not really get into all that. He says that Bitcoin does not need comparison because it stands alone.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    Coins.xyz Launches in Brazil, Offers Game-Changing Solution for Foreign Businesses

    Entering Brazil’s vibrant financial ecosystem has long been a challenge for foreign companies, burdened by complex tax policies and regulatory requirements. Coins.xyz Brazil eliminates these barriers with its innovative crypto banking solution, enabling businesses to seamlessly tap into the market without the need for local incorporation.Businesses leveraging Coins.xyz Brazil can seamlessly process fiat deposits and withdrawals using PIX, Brazil’s leading instant payment platform. They can stabilize finances by hedging BRL balances with USD stablecoins and efficiently manage liquidity and currency conversion. The platform also provides over-the-counter (OTC) trading with no additional fees. Its scalable API and robust infrastructure further streamline the management of fiat and stablecoin liquidityThe complexities of setting up a local entity often deter global businesses from entering Brazil, but Coins.xyz Brazil provides an accessible, cost-effective alternative. By removing these obstacles, Coins.xyz empowers companies to focus on growth and operations. “At Coins.xyz, we’re committed to empowering businesses with financial solutions that combine the best of fiat and crypto. Through this service, we’re opening doors to Brazil’s dynamic market, helping businesses expand effortlessly and providing them with the innovative services and the infrastructure they need to get started in the market,” said Wei Zhou, Founder and CEO of Coins.xyz.Payment aggregators, e-commerce platforms, gaming companies, and streaming services can gain substantial benefits from this solution. These industries depend on smooth cross-border financial operations. Coins.xyz’s platform provides the tools needed to streamline payments, manage liquidity, and stay competitive in a dynamic market.With a team of experienced leaders in the cryptocurrency industry, including Founder and CEO Wei Zhou, who was instrumental in Binance’s hyper-growth, and Guilherme Bissoli, former head of fiat at Binance, leading the Brazil operations, Coins.xyz brings unmatched expertise and commitment to facilitating market entry.Coins.xyz is not just simplifying access to Brazil’s market; it’s redefining how global businesses operate in emerging economies. Discover how Coins.xyz Brazil can accelerate your market entry and position your business for success.For more information, visit Coins.xyz Brazil’s website at https://www.coins.xyz/pt-br/. More

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    EarnOS raises $5 Million to reinvent brand-user interactions online

    Embracing Web3, EarnOS delivers global engagements where “everyone wins.”Harnessing instant global stablecoin payments, decentralized knowledge graphs, and AI-powered semantic analysis, EarnOS has made it possible for brands to reach the right people and for users to discover more of what they love while getting rewarded — no noise, no friction.Rather than serving up intrusive ads, EarnOS offers instant stablecoin rewards to people who complete engaging campaigns. They can spend these rewards in the real world through the EarnOS Debit Card. User privacy is at the core of EarnOS, enabled by zkTLS technology and a decentralized knowledge graph that shares only what matters with brands, keeping personal data safe.While preserving privacy, EarnOS uses AI-powered semantic analysis and inference that learns from each user’s own digital footprint, allowing brands to deliver experiences that feel more relevant and less like random promotions. This approach optimizes spend for advertisers while delighting consumers with products and services they actually need. Web3 technologies enable new ways for brands to interact with audiences, fostering discovery and creating authentic connections.With $5 million in funding, EarnOS, built on the XION blockchain, will expand its 320,000+ user base, and campaign functionality, enable self-service, and cultivate deeper brand partnerships globally. Brands and users are invited to join a future built on trust, value, and privacy—where everyone wins.EarnOS is a decentralized consumer discovery and engagement platform that redefines advertising through verifiable, privacy-preserving targeting. Leveraging zkTLS technology, stablecoins, and decentralized infrastructure, EarnOS enables brands to launch campaigns that connect with real, verified users while empowering users to own and monetize their engagement.About EV3Founded in 2022, EV3 (Escape Velocity Crypto) is a crypto-native firm investing in the intersection of crypto and real-world industries like telecommunications, advertising, and logistics. Led by two institutionally-trained investors who previously worked at Ribbit Capital, Apollo Global, and Goldman Sachs, EV3 believes that open infrastructure networks built on public blockchains will unlock the next $100T global economic value.Technology PartnersXION Layer1 Blockchain & Abstraction ProtocolMysten Labs (Sui) Layer1 Blockchain and Settlement ProtocolOpacity Network zkTLS TechnologiesWorld Verified IdentificationTurnkey Non-Custodial WalletsBridge Stablecoin Minting, Management & Card IssuanceCircle Stablecoin ManagementNotifi Notification ManagementImmersv Debit Card IssuanceMocaverse Ecosystem PartnerContactEarnOSpress@earnos.ioThis article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    CryptoQuant Revises 2025 Bitcoin (BTC) Price Target to $249,000

    The platform shared its minimum, average and upper targets for the coin. Notably, the price of BTC topped $100,000 again recently as optimism returns to the ecosystem.On a more optimistic note, Moreno said Bitcoin could also add $2.08 trillion, with a multiplier factor of four. If this scenario plays out, the analyst projected that the Bitcoin price could soar to $197,000 before the end of the year.The analyst also projected a $249,000 price target, drawing on a multiplier factor of six that could take its market cap to $4.969 trillion. The analyst highlighted three unique factors to help BTC achieve these growth targets.First is the emergence of a pro-crypto administration in the U.S. Second, he pointed at the potential interest rate reductions and favorable macroeconomic climate. Lastly, he highlighted 2024 as the final year in Bitcoin’s four-year cycle, historically associated with major price increases.Other digital currencies like Litecoin (LTC) have pared off previous price losses, anchoring new bullish trends on Bitcoin correlation and internal ecosystem fundamentals. If Bitcoin prices soar as high as CryptoQuant forecast, altcoins might also be the biggest beneficiaries.This article was originally published on U.Today More

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    XRP Gains Momentum Toward $5 Amid SEC Appeal Challenges, BYDFi Stays Investor Favorite

    Recently, despite the pressure due to the appeal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, XRP has shown strength, with market sentiment reaching new highs. Multiple positive factors have driven XRP’s price to soar, and analysts are optimistic about its prospects, predicting a potential breakthrough of the $5 milestone. In this regard, BYDFi has consistently retained its position as the go-to trading platform for XRP investors, thanks to its robust user base and superior trading matching system.SEC’s Appeal Fails to Shake Ripple’s ConfidenceOn January 15, 2025, the SEC formally filed an appeal with the Second Circuit Court to overturn Judge Analisa Torres’ July 2023 ruling. The SEC argues that Ripple’s sale of XRP to retail investors qualifies as an unregistered securities offering. Using the Howey Test, the SEC claims Ripple’s promotional activities created profit expectations, thus constituting an investment contract.Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty responded:XRP’s Technical and Sentiment Synergy Drives a Bullish OutlookDespite the SEC’s appeal, XRP’s market performance has remained unshaken, exhibiting a strong bullish trend. As of now, XRP is priced at $3.2657, marking a 7-year high. Its 24-hour trading volume has surged to nearly $25 billion, with a total market capitalization of $187.485 billion, surpassing USDT and ranking third globally among cryptocurrencies.Technical analysis indicates that XRP has broken past key resistance levels, with bulls firmly in control. In a favorable macroeconomic environment, XRP is expected to challenge the $5 target in the near term.Global Search Trends and Whale Activity Boost XRP ConfidenceXRP’s global search popularity has surpassed Bitcoin on Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), reflecting heightened market interest. This suggests investors may be shifting capital from Bitcoin to XRP, further fueling optimism.Data from analytics firm Santiment shows a continuous increase in whale interest in XRP. Since November 12, addresses holding 1 to 10 million XRP have added 1.4 billion tokens, worth over $3.8 billion. Even during price consolidations following early 2024 highs, whales maintained their accumulation behavior signaling that XRP’s appeal to institutional and large-scale investors is steadily increasing.XRP’s strong performance is not only attributed to positive legal developments but also its expanding ecosystem. The potential approval of an XRP spot ETF is a core driver of market optimism. According to a JPMorgan report, an approved ETF could attract $4 billion to $8 billion in net new assets.BYDFi Exchange: The Top Platform for XRP InvestorsAs XRP continues its upward trajectory, BYDFi stands out as the preferred platform for investors, thanks to its cutting-edge technology and strong user foundation.”In the fast-evolving global crypto market, we remain committed to user-centric innovation. With low fees, high liquidity, innovative trading features, adherence to global compliance standards, and multi-layered security measures, BYDFi provides a world-class trading experience, helping users seize market opportunities.”Currently, BYDFi is offering a special welcome bonus of up to 8,100 USDT for new users. Visit the official BYDFi website or download the app for more details.About BYDFiFounded in 2020, BYDFi is ranked among Forbes’ top 10 global crypto exchanges and trusted by over 1,000,000 of users worldwide. The platform supports over 600 cryptocurrencies for spot trading and offers perpetual contracts with leverage ranging from 1x to 200x, meeting diverse user needs. Strategic partnerships with leading payment providers like Banxa, Transak, and Mercuryo simplify the crypto purchasing process, ensuring low-cost transactions.This article was originally published on Chainwire More

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    Unicoin founder discusses crypto’s future under Trump and new SEC leadership

    Once labeled as the Wild West of finance, the crypto market is now on the verge of mainstream acceptance, driven by a radical change in regulatory and institutional attitudes. In a recent conversation with Investing.com, Alex Konanykhin, founder of Unicoin, a U.S.-registered, asset-backed cryptocurrency shared his insights on how this new approach could shape the industry for years to come.The United States has historically had a contentious relationship with cryptocurrency, with the SEC often leading a “war on crypto.” “Many crypto companies were forced to leave the United States and become expats in crypto-friendly jurisdictions, like Crypto Valley in Switzerland or working out of the United Arab Emirates,” Konanykhin said.However, this narrative is about to shift dramatically. Within the next week, anti-crypto leadership at the SEC will step down, paving the way for a pro-crypto majority in the commission. This regulatory pivot is expected to invite a wave of institutional investment and stimulate mass adoption.Konanykhin said that fear of SEC scrutiny has kept institutional players on the sidelines. Now, as barriers are lifted, he predicts a flood of institutional and government funds into the crypto market. This transformation could make cryptocurrency a key part of both individual and corporate financial systems, further driving its integration into everyday life.Accessibility is one of the most promising aspects of the new crypto era. Currently, digital money is evolving to become as simple and intuitive as paying with a smartwatch, Konanykhin said. Payment systems will undergo a transformation as a result of this shift from niche to necessity. Market valuation has already reached $3.4 trillion due to early adopters, but the focus is now on enabling everybody to participate.“Now, they’re talking about mass adoption, where it’s not about excitement, but about efficiencies and convenience,” Konaykhin explained.“Digital money is shifting to blockchain technology, to crypto, because it’s more efficient and more secure type of digital money than initial single ledger technology used by banks,” he added.   Nevertheless, Konanykhin also discussed the limitations of Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that launched the whole trend. Its lack of scalability—processing only seven transactions per second—and inefficiency in energy consumption make Bitcoin unsuitable for everyday use. “It’s very inefficient, because it consumes more energy than Finland or Ukraine,” he pointed out, adding that its transaction costs, averaging $8, make it impractical for routine payments. Recognizing these challenges, Konanykhin launched Unicoin as a superior alternative.Launched as a response to Bitcoin’s inefficiencies, Unicoin aims to provide a scalable, energy-efficient, and regulated cryptocurrency. Konanykhin said that Unicoin is uniquely positioned as a U.S.-registered, U.S.-audited, and U.S.-regulated cryptocurrency, aligning with President-elect Trump’s vision of making America the “Crypto Capital of the Planet.””We launched Unicoin to provide a new superior version of Bitcoin,” Konanykhin explained. It’s designed to meet the demands of modern users while adhering to U.S. regulations.This asset-backed model ensures stability in a volatile market, making it a compelling choice for both seasoned investors and newcomers. “We are now waiting for the new SEC commission to take over so we could become the first publicly traded cryptocurrency company in the United States, also listing Unicoin on crypto exchanges around the world,” Konanykhin added.For those intimidated by the complexity of cryptocurrency, Konanykhin offered practical advice. He recommended starting with well-established, regulated platforms like Coinbase (NASDAQ:COIN) or cryptocurrencies like Unicoin. “I would recommend avoiding allowed but unproven companies, because crypto industry still has its share of companies which are not going to survive long-term,” he said.As the market moves toward mass adoption, Konanykhin believes now is an excellent time to explore the space cautiously but confidently.Cryptocurrency is not just a trend but a leap forward in financial evolution. Konanykhin illustrated how transactions that once required physical assets and extensive logistical coordination can now be executed with a few keystrokes. This shift promises to revolutionize global finance by enabling faster, cheaper, and more secure transactions.He recounted a visit to Credit Suisse’s gold storage facilities in Zurich, reflecting on the immense cost and effort required to secure and transport physical wealth.In contrast, Bitcoin and other digital currencies eliminate such inefficiencies, allowing for seamless, large-scale transactions with minimal overhead. This benefits not only individuals but also businesses and entire industries by streamlining operations and fostering innovation.As the new administration’s pro-crypto stance takes hold, the future of digital currencies looks brighter than ever. Konanykhin expressed optimism about the introduction of a national crypto stockpile and legislative support for the U.S.-based, audited cryptocurrencies like Unicoin. He believes these measures will boost trust and credibility in the industry, helping it transition from early, asset-less experiments to robust, regulated financial instruments.”15 years is a long time in internet technologies,” Konanykhin remarked, flagging the need for innovation to keep pace with growing demand.  More

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    Nomura-backed cryptocurrency custodian Komainu raises $75M in Bitcoin from Blockstream

    This funding, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will be utilized to propel Komainu’s worldwide growth and to incorporate technologies devised by Blockstream Corp. for collateral management and tokenization.The investment will be made in Bitcoin, and Komainu has plans to create a Bitcoin treasury to handle the funds, as revealed in a statement on Thursday. This move is in line with the growing acceptance of Bitcoin by governments and institutions, spurred on by President-elect Donald Trump’s commitment to establish a national reserve of the original cryptocurrency.Blockstream is the only contributor in this fundraising round, according to Komainu. However, the company has not excluded the possibility of accepting additional investment in this round.Blockstream’s CEO Adam Back, director PeterPaul Pardi, and advisor Nicolas Brand will join Komainu’s board of directors. Blockstream, based in Montreal, was one of the first Bitcoin infrastructure companies. It was established in 2014 by Back, who has been suggested by some industry insiders as possibly being Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin. Back has dismissed this speculation.This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C. More

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    Bitcoin price today: rises for 3rd straight day to $99.5k after soft US inflation

    Bitcoin rose 2.5% to $99,478.4 by 01:12 ET (06:12 GMT). The token has rebounded sharply this week, rising to a session high of $100,499.8 on Wednesday, but gave away some of the gains later in the day.In the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, Bitcoin has experienced a significant surge, recently reaching a record high of $108,244. This upward trajectory is largely attributed to the anticipation of crypto-friendly policies under the incoming administration. Trump’s campaign promises, including the potential creation of a strategic national Bitcoin reserve and the appointment of cryptocurrency advocates to key regulatory positions, have bolstered investor confidence in the digital asset.The appointment of Paul Atkins, a known crypto advocate, as the prospective chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is particularly noteworthy. Atkins is expected to implement a more accommodating regulatory framework for digital assets, contrasting with the stringent policies of his predecessor.Republican officials at SEC are expected to start revising the agency’s cryptocurrency policies, possibly as soon as next week when Trump assumes office, Reuters reported on Wednesday citing sources familiar with the matter.Several cryptocurrency analysts maintain a bullish outlook on Bitcoin’s price trajectory, forecasting significant growth this year.Crypto price today: most altcoins jump after soft US inflationIn the broader cryptocurrency market, most altcoins jumped much more than Bitcoin, reflecting an increased risk-on sentiment. This comes after Wednesday’s U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data, which showed that inflation in dec grew largely in line with expectations, while core CPI was softer than expected.A softer inflation report led to a wider upbeat mood, allaying liquidity concerns.World no.2 crypto Ether jumped 4.4% to $3,3371.25.World no.3 crypto XRP climbed 7.2% to $3.0616.Solana jumped 7.1%, and Polygon rose 4.7%, while Cardano climbed 3.1%. Among meme tokens, Dogecoin gained 4.4%. More