Bitcoin Falls from the Shadows: Privacy Coins Now Dominate Dark Web Transactions

Bitcoin was once considered the dominant currency in illicit transactions. However, it is now being replaced by privacy-focused cryptocurrencies like Monero (XMR), Zcash (ZEC), Dash, and stablecoins.

The primary reason for Bitcoin’s decline in illegal activities is its transparency.

Reasons for the Shift from Bitcoin to Privacy Coins

Bitcoin (BTC) once dominated illicit activities on the Dark Web, such as Nucleus Marketplace or Brian’s Club. The report from TRM Labs indicated that Bitcoin accounted for 97% of the total cryptocurrency volume associated with illegal activities in 2016.

However, by 2022, this figure had dropped sharply to just 19%, indicating a significant shift toward other cryptocurrencies. 

According to the TRM Labs’ report, illegal cryptocurrency activities involving Bitcoin will drop to just 12% by 2024. Tron (TRX) holds the top position with 58%. In another report from Chainalysis, stablecoins now account for the majority of total illicit transaction volume at 63%. The use of Bitcoin in illegal activities also recorded a significant decline.

Stablecoins gained 63% of illicit trading activity by 2024. Source: Chainalysis
Stablecoins gained 63% of illicit trading activity by 2024. Source: Chainalysis

White House Market, one of the largest Dark Web marketplaces, stopped accepting Bitcoin and exclusively used Monero (XMR) for transactions in 2020. 

“The Bitcoin workaround was supposed to be there just to help with transition to XMR and as we are concerned, it’s done, therefore we are now Monero only, just as planned,” stated White House Market.

Elliptic researchers uncovered $11 billion in illicit trades using USDT on Cambodia’s Huione Guarantee marketplace in July 2024. Japanese law enforcement tracked Monero, marking the country’s first arrest linked to Monero transaction analysis.

The decision was driven by Bitcoin’s limitations, particularly its blockchain transparency. This move reflected a strategic shift in Dark Web markets and highlighted the rise of privacy coins like Monero, which are designed to provide enhanced anonymity.

The Popularity of Privacy Coins on the Dark Web

The decline of Bitcoin in illegal activities is not coincidental but rather stems from its inherent limitations. First and foremost, Bitcoin’s blockchain is a public ledger. When combined with additional data such as IP addresses or exchange records, every transaction can be tracked.

This transparency has enabled law enforcement agencies like the FBI to use blockchain analytics tools from Chainalysis and Elliptic to dismantle major Dark Web markets. Examples include the Silk Road shutdown in 2013, AlphaBay in 2017, Hydra in 2022, and Incognito Market in 2024.

Additionally, Bitcoin faces technical challenges, including high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. In contrast, privacy coins like Monero, Zcash, and Dash leverage advanced technologies to ensure high levels of anonymity, making transaction tracking extremely difficult. The Research from ScienceDirect suggests that privacy coins are closely linked to Dark Web traffic, further increasing their popularity in illicit markets.

The Two Sides of the Shift to Privacy Coins

On the positive side, Bitcoin’s declining role in illegal activities may improve its reputation as a legitimate financial tool. This could lead to wider acceptance and attract more users and investors.

However, the shift from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins has made it more challenging for law enforcement agencies to track and prevent illegal transactions. Despite advanced blockchain analytics tools that can detect transaction trails through mixers and tumblers, dealing with Monero and other privacy coins remains a significant challenge.

Global regulators are increasingly scrutinizing privacy coins and stablecoins. Some countries have outright banned privacy coins, while stablecoins are subjected to stricter oversight.

The transition from Bitcoin to privacy coins and stablecoins on the Dark Web is a clear trend, driven by the growing demand for anonymity and efficiency in illicit transactions. While Bitcoin still plays a role in certain crypto-related crimes, its transparency makes it less attractive to the Dark Web.

Meanwhile, Monero, Zcash, Dash, and stablecoins have become the preferred choices due to their enhanced security and privacy. This trend poses significant challenges for law enforcement agencies while driving advancements in blockchain analytics tools. 

However, it also raises concerns about using cryptocurrencies in illegal activities, necessitating a balance between technological innovation and regulatory oversight to ensure transparency and security in the digital financial ecosystem.

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Metaplanet Expands Bitcoin Ambitions with Eric Trump’s Appointment to Advisory Board

Japanese Corporation Metaplanet has announced the appointment of Eric Trump, son of US President Donald Trump, as the inaugural member of its newly established Strategic Board of Advisors. 

The announcement made on March 21 highlights Metaplanet’s strategic intent to strengthen its influence within the global Bitcoin economy.

Eric Trump Joins Metaplanet to Strengthen Bitcoin Strategy

According to the official statement, Eric Trump’s appointment aims to leverage his vast experience in real estate, finance, brand development, and strategic business growth. Beyond his business credentials, Eric Trump has positioned himself as a key advocate for digital assets and blockchain innovation

He also serves as a Web3 ambassador for World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Trump-backed decentralized finance (DeFi) project focused on advancing financial freedom through decentralized technologies.

“His business acumen, love of the Bitcoin community and global hospitality perspective will be invaluable in accelerating Metaplanet’s vision of becoming one of the world’s leading Bitcoin Treasury Companies,” said Metaplanet CEO Simon Gerovich.

Alongside Eric Trump, Metaplanet’s Strategic Board of Advisors will include other renowned industry leaders and financial experts. These individuals will remain committed to advancing the company’s Bitcoin mission and fostering financial innovation in the digital asset sector.

The appointment comes as Metaplanet intensifies its Bitcoin investment strategy. On March 18, the company announced the issuance of 2 billion yen ($13.4 million) in zero-coupon ordinary bonds. The proceeds will be dedicated to acquiring more Bitcoin. 

This aligns with Metaplanet’s ambitious roadmap. The company aims to amass 10,000 Bitcoins by the end of this year and 21,000 BTC by the close of 2026.

According to the latest data from Bitcoin Treasuries, Metaplanet currently holds 3,200 BTC, acquired at an average cost of $83,107 per coin. While this has resulted in a modest 1.8% profit, the firm remains vulnerable to Bitcoin price fluctuations

The company faced potential losses multiple times in March 2025, when Bitcoin’s price fell below its acquisition cost. In fact, last week, Bitcoin dipped as low as $76,555—its lowest price since November 2024—putting downward pressure on Metaplanet’s portfolio. Nonetheless, the market has seen a slight recovery since.

Bitcoin Price Performance
Bitcoin Price Performance. Source: BeInCrypto

At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $84,414. According to BeInCrypto data, this reflected a 1.54% decline over the past 24 hours. This offers a narrow margin of safety for Metaplanet’s holdings but underlines the ongoing volatility of the cryptocurrency market.

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Over $2 Billion Bitcoin and Ethereum Options Expire After FOMC and Digital Asset Summit

After the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) minutes and the digital asset summit on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively, approximately $2.09 billion in Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) options expire today.

The expiration may influence market conditions, with investors monitoring potential shifts.

Over $2 Billion in Options Expiry Today

According to Deribit, $1.826 billion in Bitcoin options expire today. The maximum pain point of these contracts stands at $85,000.

Expiring Bitcoin Options
Expiring Bitcoin Options. Source: Deribit

These options include 21,596 contracts, slightly fewer than last week’s 35,176. Despite recent volatility, the put-to-call ratio of 0.83 indicates a general bullish sentiment.

Ethereum has $264.46 million in options expiring, involving 133,447 contracts. This figure is also lower than the previous week’s 223,395 contracts. The maximum pain point for these options is $2,000, and the put-to-call ratio is 0.62.

Expiring Ethereum Options
Expiring Ethereum Options. Source: Deribit

As the options contracts near expiration at 8:00 UTC today, Bitcoin and Ethereum prices are expected to approach their respective maximum pain points. According to BeInCrypto data, BTC traded for $84,414, whereas ETH exchanged hands for $1,977.

This suggests a modest upside for Bitcoin and Ethereum towards the $85,000 and $2,000 strike prices, respectively. This surge is plausible given smart money’s Strategy in options trading, pushing prices toward the “max pain” level. Here, the highest number of contracts, both calls and puts, expire worthless.

“Will we see a volatility squeeze or a slow unwind?” Deribit posed in a post on X (Twitter).

Based on Bitcoin and Ethereum’s put-to-call ratios, both below 1, call options (purchases) have a higher prevalence than put options (sales).

Market Sentiment Ahead of Today’s Options Expiry

Analysts from crypto options trading tool Greeks.live provided insights on the current market sentiment, highlighting a divided trader community. On the one hand, some expect a price drop after the FOMC meeting, as policymakers rejected further interest rate cuts, effectively disappointing the crypto market.

On the other hand, some anticipate a temporary rise before choppy conditions. With this, the analysts note the range between $83,000 and $85,000 as the area of interest, with expected volatility around President Trump-related developments and potential MicroStrategy (now Strategy) purchases.

“Expect chop and drift lower before heading higher again on Monday, despite the current pump not being viewed as sustainable,” Greeks.live analysts observed.

Elsewhere, BeInCrypto reported that Bitget exchange CEO Gracy Chen is confident BTC will hold above the $73,000 to $78,000 range, paving the way for a potential rally to $200,000. She attaches her optimism to the US strategic Bitcoin reserve’s potential to drive institutional legitimacy and long-term price stability.

Even as Bitget’s Chen remains optimistic, traders and investors should brace for short-term volatility. Historically, options expirations tend to cause temporary price movements. However, the market usually stabilizes shortly after.

This calls for vigilance and analysis of technical indicators and market sentiment to manage potential volatility effectively.

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Bitcoin Price Eyes $90K rally as Blackrock-led ETFs Buy $512M BTC 3-Days before US Fed Decision

Bitcoin Price Targets $300,000 As CME Data Indicates Easing Selling Pressure

Bitcoin price surged by 4% on Wednesday, hitting a 10-day peak . This rally follows three consecutive days of substantial Bitcoin ETF inflows, totaling $512 million. As BTC flirts with the critical $90,000 resistance level, investors are closely watching the impact of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision on global markets.

Bitcoin (BTC) Price Hits 10-Day Peak on Fed Rate Decision

Bitcoin (BTC) surged by 4% on Wednesday, reaching a 10-day high of $85,900 as the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to pause interest rate hikes aligned with investor expectations.

Bitcoin price analysis | BTCUSD | March 19, 2025
Bitcoin price analysis | BTCUSD | March 19, 2025

This bullish momentum follows three consecutive days of strong institutional inflows into Bitcoin ETFs, totalling $512 million. With BTC price facing critical resistance at $90,000, market participants are watching closely to see whether institutional demand and macroeconomic conditions will trigger more gains in the coming trading sessions.

ETF Inflows Surged $512M ahead of Fed Rate Decision 

Since their introduction, Bitcoin ETFs have become a key gauge of institutional sentiment in the cryptocurrency market. After 3-week selling spree, Bitcoin ETFs have recored positive inflows over the past three trading days, according to SosoValue data

Bitcoin ETF Flows, March 19 | Source: SosoValue
Bitcoin ETF Flows, March 19 | Source: SosoValue

On Tuesday alone, Bitcoin ETFs saw $209 million in inflows, marking one of the strongest demand periods in weeks. The funds have accumulated over $512 million in Bitcoin purchases, underscoring strong demand from corporate and institutional investors.

Historically, such sustained inflows have often preceded significant price breakouts, suggesting that institutional investors swung bullish BTC’s short-term price prospects as markets priced in a 99% chance of a rate pause at the start of the week.

BTC Faces Key Resistance at $90,000 Amid Short Squeeze Pressure

Despite its recent gains, Bitcoin price is showing more upside potential. According to the latest derivatives data from Coinglass, over $290 million worth of BTC short positions were  closed near the $85,000 level.

Short traders, who profit when prices decline, are making last-ditch efforts to defend their positions and avoid a wave of forced liquidations.

Bitcoin (BTC) Liquidation Map 
Bitcoin (BTC) Liquidation Map

However, liquidation heatmaps suggest that BTC short liquidations at the $85,000 level may have weaken ed neighboring resistance zones. If Bitcoin sustains momentum and breaks above $90,000, it could trigger a cascading effect, forcing more short sellers to cover their positions and further driving up the price.

US Fed Rate Pause Boosts Risk Asset Appetite

The Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain interest rates at current levels has provided additional support for Bitcoin’s rally. A pause in rate hikes signals a more accommodative stance toward financial markets, which typically benefits risk assets such as cryptocurrencies.

US Fed Holds Funds Rate at 4.5% | Source: TradingEconomics
US Fed Holds Funds Rate at 4.5% | Source: TradingEconomics

Lower interest rates make traditional savings and fixed-income investments less attractive, prompting investors to seek higher returns in alternative assets like Bitcoin. If institutional investors interpret the Fed’s stance as a green light for continued Bitcoin accumulation, ETF inflows could remain strong, further reinforcing the bullish outlook.

Bitcoin Price Outlook: Path to $90K and Beyond?

With ETF inflows surging and macroeconomic conditions remaining favorable, Bitcoin price forecast signals appears well-positioned for a continued uptrend. However, to sustain its bullish momentum, BTC must overcome key resistance levels:

  • $90,000 – A major psychological level that could trigger a new wave of buying or profit-taking.
  • $92,500 – The next upside target if BTC breaks through $90K.
Bitcoin price forecast | BTCUSD
Bitcoin price forecast | BTCUSD

On the downside, strong support levels include:

  • $85,000 – A key level where short liquidations have already been triggered.
  • $82,500 – A potential retest zone if BTC faces rejection at $90,000.

The ongoing BTC price surge is fuelled by strong institutional demand and a favorable macroeconomic backdrop. With $512 million in ETF inflows and short sellers under pressure, BTC’s path to $90,000 looks increasingly viable. However, breaking through this critical resistance will be key in determining whether Bitcoin can extend its rally toward new all-time highs.

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President Trump To Address Crypto Summit Amid Bitcoin Reserve Strategy: Report

President Trump To Address Crypto Summit Amid Bitcoin Reserve Strategy

President Donald Trump will address Blockworks’ Digital Asset Summit (DAS) in New York City on March 20. This marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has spoken at a Bitcoin and cryptocurrency conference. His participation underscores the growing role of digital assets in financial policy and government strategy.

The event follows his executive order establishing the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, positioning BTC as a key asset in the country’s financial framework.

Donald Trump Speech at DAS and Its Context

Donald Trump’s presence at the Digital Asset Summit comes amid increasing government interest in Bitcoin and digital currencies. His administration has taken steps to integrate Bitcoin into national reserves, emphasizing its role in the country’s long-term financial strategy. 

The U.S. president previously addressed a Bitcoin conference in Nashville during his campaign. Now, the pro-crypto President will speak at a crypto conference for the first time.

Discussions at the event will focus on Bitcoin’s adoption among institutions, regulatory developments, and the future of crypto markets. Trump’s speech will touch on the next steps in his administration’s Bitcoin strategy.

This development comes just a few hours after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse revealed that XRP is expected to be part of the US Digital Asset Stockpile. He cited President Trump’s previous mention of the asset on Truth Social.

The U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Initiative

Earlier this month, President Trump signed an executive order establishing the U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, marking a new phase in the country’s approach to digital assets. The initiative aims to accumulate Bitcoin as a national reserve asset, drawing comparisons to traditional gold reserves. 

Bo Hines, Executive Director on Digital Assets for the Trump administration, stated that the government’s Bitcoin acquisition strategy is budget-neutral. He emphasized that this approach ensures it does not affect other financial priorities.

Hines has emphasized that Bitcoin accumulation is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the nation’s financial resilience. Lawmakers have already proposed measures to expand the reserve, with Senator Cynthia Lummis and Congressman Nick Begich suggesting a plan to acquire 1 million BTC over the next five years. The proposal is currently under review, with legislative discussions expected to continue in the coming months.

More so, the Executive Director of the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets revealed plans for stablecoin legislation to be finalized within two months. Bo Hines expects Senator Bill Hagerty’s GENIUS Act to be enacted, with President Trump potentially signing it into law.

Industry Leaders and Lawmakers at DAS

The summit will feature key figures in the cryptocurrency and financial sectors, in addition to Trump’s address. Michael Saylor, a Bitcoin advocate, will deliver a keynote speech and participate in a discussion with BTC historian Pete Rizzo. 

The event will also host Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart, who will moderate a panel featuring BlackRock’s Head of Digital Assets, Robbie Mitchnick, and Nasdaq’s Head of U.S. Equities & Exchange-Traded Products, Giang Bui.

President Trump’s participation in the Digital Asset Summit is changing how people view digital assets.

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UNI Price Jumps 10% As Uniswap’s Fee Switch Plan Moves Forward With $165.5 Million Funding

UNI Price Jumps 10% As Uniswap’s Fee Switch Plan Moves Forward With $165.5 Million Funding

Uniswap’s governance decision to approve $165.5 million in funding has sparked a surge in UNI token price, which has jumped by over 10% in the last 24 hours. The live price of UNI now stands at $7.01, with a trading volume of approximately $292 million.

The price increase reflects growing optimism among investors as the long-discussed “fee switch” initiative moves closer to activation. Additionally, the open interest in UNI derivatives has seen a significant rise, marking a 17.69% increase, reaching $196.96 million.

Uniswap Foundation Secures Funding for Ecosystem Growth

The Uniswap community has voted in favor of two governance proposals that allocate $165.5 million in funding. This capital will help support the growth of the Uniswap ecosystem following the launch of Uniswap v4 and the Unichain Layer 2 network.

Of this amount, $95.4 million will be directed towards the Uniswap Foundation’s grants budget, and $45 million will be set aside for liquidity incentives. The remaining $25.1 million will go towards operational costs for the next two years.

The Uniswap Foundation is an independent non-profit organization responsible for overseeing the growth of the protocol. The decision to allocate substantial funds to ecosystem development is aimed at increasing the network’s scalability and creating new opportunities for growth. The foundation’s long-term goal is to transition Uniswap from a decentralized exchange into a platform that can also cater to developers and bring significant value to the Uniswap community.

Liquidity Incentives to Support Uniswap v4 and Unichain Growth

Part of the funding will be used to establish liquidity incentives for the newly launched Uniswap v4 and Unichain platforms. Gauntlet, a Web3 risk management protocol, will manage these incentives to draw in new users and maintain growth across both networks.

The proposal also includes developer-focused campaigns designed to sustain ecosystem expansion and encourage further participation from the broader community.

Uniswap v4, launched in mid-January 2025, introduced the concept of “hooks” or contracts that allow developers to customize interactions within pools, swaps, and fees. The launch of Unichain, built on the Optimism tech stack, further enhances Uniswap’s scalability by providing a Layer 2 network that can support more transactions at lower fees.

Fee Switch Moves Closer to Reality, Potentially Reshaping Revenue Distribution

One of the most significant aspects of the governance decision is the advancement of the long-awaited “fee switch.” This would direct a portion of protocol fees, currently earned by liquidity providers, towards UNI token holders. This change has been eagerly awaited by the community, as earlier proposals to activate the fee switch were unsuccessful.

The Uniswap Foundation has stated that it will now proceed with the necessary legal steps to activate this switch.

Subsequently, the Uniswap fee switch would enable UNI token holders to earn protocol revenue, which has been a major topic of discussion within the community. Over $1 billion in annualized fees have been generated by the Uniswap protocol, and this shift would allow token holders to capture a portion of that revenue. The activation of the fee switch represents a significant step in Uniswap’s ongoing efforts to align the interests of its governance members with the protocol’s long-term success.

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Analyst Reveal XRP Price Path To $5 as Ripple Vs SEC Lawsuit Ends

Analyst Reveal XRP Price Path To $5 as Ripple Vs SEC Lawsuit Ends

XRP price has exhibited a breakout above a descending trendline that has been in effect for the long-term indicating the possibility of another bullish run. Experts believe this is capable of thrusting up prices, with estimates pointing up to $5 target. This uptrend has escalated due to the recent ending of the Ripple vs SEC case that has had a massive impact on the XRP price.

XRP Price Signals Bullish Momentum Amid Ripple vs. SEC Lawsuit Resolution

After the news of the Ripple lawsuit conclusion, Analyst Dark Defender was quick to comment on how the Ripple token was affected. The crossing above the long-term descending trend is revealing the bulls’ forecasts. A strong green candlestick confirmed the breakout, signaling substantial buying pressure.

With this movement, Fibonacci retracement levels suggest strong support for further gains. Analysts anticipate XRP price will move past $3.40 and $3.78 before reaching the $5 target. The momentum shift follows a prolonged consolidation phase, aligning with the conclusion of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit, which has been ongoing for over five years.

XRP price
Source: X

Market analysts have outlined an Elliott Wave structure projecting a continued XRP price increase. According to this analysis, the asset is in an impulsive wave pattern, which suggests further gains. The breakout from the trendline supports the projection of a strong bullish phase.

The conclusion of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit has eliminated a significant barrier that previously restrained XRP’s potential growth.

Concerns Over Whale Accumulation and Leverage 

While the bullish outlook remains strong, analyst Ali Martinez pointed out concerns regarding the nature of the Ripple token rally. Data from Santiment suggests that large whale investors did not contribute to the price increase. The absence of substantial whale accumulation raises questions about the rally’s sustainability.

Further analysis indicates that open interest in XRP futures increased by $200 million, signaling a surge driven by leverage rather than organic buying. When leverage dominates price movements, the market may experience heightened volatility, leading to potential corrections.

XRP price
Source: X

Ripple Price Prediction 

The breakout above key resistance levels has sparked renewed interest in XRP price movements. Analysts remain optimistic about a potential climb toward $5, supported by technical indicators and the resolution of the Ripple vs. SEC lawsuit.

More so, a recent CoinGape report highlighted that the top altcoin might rally to $20 if the US SEC approves the pending 18 XRP ETF applications. This aligns with Amonyx’s prediction that institutional inflows from these ETFs could drive a parabolic surge in XRP’s price.

At the timing of writing this report, the altcoin was trading at $2.51, reflecting a 9% increase in the past 24 hours. Additionally, XRP’s 24-hour trading volume surged by 178.83%, reaching $9.74 billion, indicating heightened market activity.

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Kraken Closes In On $1.5 Billion Deal To Acquire NinjaTrader

Kraken Closes In On $1.5 Billion Deal To Acquire NinjaTrader

Kraken is reportedly putting the final touches to an audacious move to purchase futures trading giant NinjaTrader. The exchange is tying up loose ends in what could be one of the largest acquisitions by a cryptocurrency service provider.

Kraken Inches Toward Mega Deal To Buy NinjaTrader

According to a WallStreetJournal (WSJ) report, Kraken is in the final third of an ambitious plan to purchase NinjaTrader. According to the post, the deal is worth $1.5 billion and will see NinjaTrader become a subsidiary of the US-based cryptocurrency exchange.

Barring any eventualities, insiders say Kraken will announce the completion of the deal before the end of the week. While details are sparse, the move signals Kraken’s interest in dabbling in derivatives and crypto futures.

Kraken is seeking to expand its offerings but the exchange remains wary of regulatory challenges that could bedevil the plans. The US SEC just shuttered its Kraken case that sought to view the firm as a stock exchange.

To sidestep the regulatory hurdles, the purchase will allow the exchange to lean on NinjaTrader’s Futures Commission Merchant (FCM) license to offer its derivatives offering.

Kraken has the funds to see the deal through given impressive financial metrics for the exchange. The US-based crypto exchange racked in over $1.5 billion in revenue, doubling its profits over the last year.

Both Parties Have An Eye On Expansion

Apart from sidestepping potential regulatory hurdles, purchasing NinjaTrader will introduce Kraken to a new demographic. Launched in 2003, NinjaTrader has racked up over 1.8 million retail investors with the deal offering several perks for the futures trading company.

The move will see Kraken support NinjaTrader’s bid to enter the UK and Australian markets. Kraken’s EMI approval from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) may smoothen NinjaTrader’s entry into the UK.

The top crypto exchange has previously secured a MiFID license to offer crypto derivatives to EU-based traders. In line with its expansionist goals, the exchange reintroduced cryptocurrency staking service for US customers.

 

 

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Trump to Speak at First-Ever Crypto Summit as Market Shows Signs of Recovery

Trump's WLFI Buys $10M in Ethereum Despite Losses - Here's Why

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Donald Trump will speak at the Digital Asset Summit (DAS) in New York on March 20, notably, this will be the first time a sitting U.S. president has ever joined a crypto conference.

Just recently, Donald Trump hosted the inaugural White House Crypto Summit. While the crypto community wasn’t thrilled with the outcomes, the event delivered key updates on the US Bitcoin Reserve and shed light on the government’s current approach to crypto regulation.

Could Be A Pre-recorded Message

The announcement comes after Bo Hines, Executive Director of the White House’s Council of Advisers on Digital Assets, spoke at DAS this week, hinting at plans to stockpile Bitcoin for a new strategic reserve. “It’s high time that our president started accumulating assets for the American people, which is what President Trump is doing rather than taking it away,” Hines told the crowd on Tuesday.

Some reports suggest that Trump’s appearance at the event may not be live, with some sources hinting at a pre-recorded message instead. Regardless, this still marks a historic moment as the U.S. president is set to formally address a crypto conference.

Key Discussions

At the event, discussions will center on Bitcoin’s adoption by institutions, regulatory updates, and the future of the crypto market. Trump is expected to outline his administration’s next steps on Bitcoin.

FOX business journalist Eleanor Terrett also shared that multiple sources at the DAS Conference have clarified that President Trump is planning to livestream into the event either today or tomorrow to address the audience. 

https://twitter.com/EleanorTerrett/status/1902445688245321981

Top Lawmakers To Feature

The summit will bring together top lawmakers like Representatives Ro Khanna and Tom Emmer, along with industry giants like MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor and Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse. Michael Saylor will give a keynote speech and join a discussion with BTC historian Pete Rizzo. Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart will moderate a panel with key players, including Robbie Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, and Giang Bui, Head of U.S. Equities & Exchange-Traded Products at Nasdaq.

Ripple-SEC Lawsuit Ends

In a remarkable update, Garlinghouse revealed today that the SEC has dropped its appeal in the XRP lawsuit, marking a major victory for Ripple and the crypto industry.

The crypto market has been showing signs of recovery this week, following a period of volatility. Besides, the Federal Reserve announced today that it won’t be making any immediate rate cuts. However, the central bank has plans for two rate cuts later this year, which could influence financial markets, including crypto.

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Donald Trump will speak at the Digital Asset Summit (DAS) in New York on March 20, notably, this will be the first time a sitting U.S. president has ever joined a crypto conference. Just recently, Donald Trump hosted the inaugural White House Crypto Summit. While the crypto community wasn’t thrilled with the outcomes, the event …

Is the Ripple Lawsuit Entirely Over? CEO Discusses Pending Cross Appeal

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After nearly four years of intense legal battles, the long-standing case between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple has finally come to an end. The SEC, which initially filed the lawsuit in December 2020, claiming Ripple’s cryptocurrency XRP was an unregistered security, has now dropped the appeal.

Garlinghouse Reflects on the Long Fight 

In an interview with Bloomberg, CEO Brad Garlinghouse said “This has been a long battle. “But now, there is a lot more certainty for Ripple, and frankly, for me personally, because the SEC had sued me.” 

He revealed that the SEC has officially abandoned its appeal in the case, which had been ongoing since the lawsuit was filed in December 2020. Ripple scored a key victory in the summer of 2023 when Judge Torres ruled that XRP, the cryptocurrency at the center of the case, is not a security. This ruling marked a pivotal moment in the case.

The SEC’s Appeal is Dropped 

Despite the SEC’s withdrawal from its appeal, Garlinghouse clarified that the case is not entirely over. A cross-appeal is still pending, but the dynamics have shifted. “We go from being the defendant to the plaintiff,” he explained. “Now, we’re in the driver’s seat, deciding how we want to proceed.”

Ripple’s Legal Victory and the Industry’s Future

For Ripple, the outcome of this case is crucial not just for the company itself but for the broader crypto industry. Garlinghouse noted that Ripple had spent over $150 million defending the case, a legal expense not only aimed at protecting the company but also supporting the entire cryptocurrency sector. “It was important for the whole industry,” he said. 

Judge’s Ruling and Ripple’s Strategy 

Garlinghouse also commented on the broader implications of the case’s resolution, especially in terms of the legal status of XRP. “The SEC’s decision to drop its appeal is a significant moment,” he stated. “It’s clear now that the SEC likely regrets bringing the case in the first place, especially given the judge’s ruling.” However, some elements of the case are still unresolved, such as the $125 million civil penalty Ripple was ordered to pay. This fine is currently held in escrow, pending the final resolution of the case.

The $125 Million Fine and What’s Next 

Ripple has expressed interest in potentially reclaiming the $125 million fine, given that no investors were harmed in the process. “There was no investor harm, no investors lost money,” Garlinghouse remarked, suggesting that the penalty may be reconsidered as the case nears its conclusion.

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After nearly four years of intense legal battles, the long-standing case between the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Ripple has finally come to an end. The SEC, which initially filed the lawsuit in December 2020, claiming Ripple’s cryptocurrency XRP was an unregistered security, has now dropped the appeal. Garlinghouse Reflects on the Long …