Editor's Choice
Backpack acquires FTX EU, gaining access to the MiFID II license from CySEC to offer regulated cryptocurrency derivatives in the EU and promises to return funds to affected FTX EU clients 💼
Backpack, a cryptocurrency exchange founded by former FTX executives, has acquired the European arm of FTX, FTX EU. This grants the company access to the MiFID II license from CySEC, enabling the offering of regulated cryptocurrency derivatives, including perpetual futures, within the EU. In the coming months, the integration of traditional payment systems such as SEPA and bank transfers will be implemented for user convenience. Additionally, Backpack will focus on returning funds to FTX EU clients who were affected by the platform's bankruptcy and restoring trust in the cryptocurrency market.
Gemini has agreed to pay $5 million to settle CFTC charges of providing false information and potential price manipulation during the launch of the Bitcoin futures contract in 2017 💸
Gemini, managed by the Winklevoss twins, has agreed to pay $5 million to settle charges from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The charges relate to false information provided during the attempt to launch the first regulated U.S. Bitcoin futures contract. The CFTC claims that between July and December 2017, Gemini misled regulators, which could have led to price manipulation of the cryptocurrency used as a benchmark for derivative financial instruments.
Indonesia officially joined BRICS in 2025, becoming the tenth full member of the bloc, which represents 46 percent of the world's population and 35 percent of global GDP 📊
Indonesia became the tenth full member of the BRICS bloc, officially joining on January 1, 2025. Brazil, which is chairing the bloc this year, welcomed this step, emphasizing that Indonesia actively supports the reform of global institutions and deepening South-South cooperation. After Indonesia's accession, BRICS represents 46 percent of the world's population and 35 percent of global GDP. Earlier, in 2024, the bloc expanded with the addition of Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.
The cryptocurrency owner lost over $520,000 by transferring 22,415 LINK to a fake cross-chain bridge, becoming a victim of scammers who targeted Telegram group users 💸
The cryptocurrency owner lost over $520,000 after signing a fraudulent transaction on a fake cross-chain bridge. The incident occurred on January 4, when the victim transferred 22,415 LINK to the counterfeit platform. The scammers targeted participants in Telegram groups looking for quick ways to transfer funds between networks. Scam Sniffer advises users to be cautious of suspicious links, check URLs, and avoid communication with people who show excessive persistence, as this may be a scammer's tactic.
Tether has announced the transfer of $1 billion USDT to the Tron blockchain to enhance liquidity and optimize the use of the stablecoin across multiple networks 🔗
Garanti BBVA is launching the cryptocurrency trading platform Garanti BBVA Kripto, allowing the bank's clients to legally buy and sell Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies in Turkey 📈
Hedera Hashgraph ($HBAR) integrates into the SpaceX satellite launch with post-quantum cryptography for IoT communications, ensuring global security and decentralized communication 🚀
Strive Asset has applied to the SEC to create a Bitcoin Bond ETF to invest in convertible bonds of companies buying bitcoins, such as MicroStrategy 💼
Jeju Island in South Korea will launch NFT cards for tourists in 2025, offering discounts, subsidies, and privileges with integration into the Tamna Jeon cryptocurrency to support the region's economy 🏝️
A bill has been proposed in Switzerland requiring the Swiss National Bank to hold part of its reserves in Bitcoin and gold, the initiative calls for the collection of 100,000 signatures ✍️
WPME Technology (WadzPay) has obtained a license from the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulator (VARA) for broker-dealer services for virtual assets with mandatory localization requirements 💼
In 2024, MARA rented out 7,377 BTC, increased its reserves to 44,893 BTC, and achieved a hash rate of 53.2 EH/s, providing additional income to cover operational expenses 💰
South Korea is considering launching crypto-exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which could substantially alter the country's financial situation and affect global cryptocurrency markets 🌍
South Korea is considering launching a crypto-ETF, which could significantly change its financial markets. Inspired by the success of crypto-ETFs in the USA, the country's authorities are eager to revitalize the market despite existing regulatory barriers. In other countries, such as Canada and the EU, successful models of such funds have already been implemented. However, crypto-ETFs come with risks, such as cryptocurrency volatility and uncertainty in legislation. If South Korea takes this step, it will impact global financial markets.
A South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-Yeol over the martial law he attempted to impose in December, accusing him of a coup and ignoring subpoenas from investigators ⚖️
On December 31, 2024, a South Korean court issued an arrest warrant for ousted President Yoon Suk-Yeol in connection with his decision to impose martial law in December. This is the first case in the country's history where a sitting president faces arrest. Yoon is accused of organizing a coup, but his lawyers consider the warrant illegal. The arrest warrant was issued after Yoon failed to appear for questioning by investigators. This decision deepens the political crisis in South Korea, which has sparked protests from the president's supporters.
Russia attempted to expand BRICS by inviting Saudi Arabia and Turkey, but both countries rejected the offer, fearing consequences for their relations with the USA and strategic independence ❌
Russia attempted to expand BRICS by inviting Saudi Arabia and Turkey to strengthen the bloc's influence on the international stage and counter pressure from Western countries. However, both countries rejected the offer. Saudi Arabia feared worsening relations with the USA, while Turkey preferred to maintain strategic independence and avoid rigid alliances. This rejection highlighted the challenges Russia faces in expanding BRICS, where the diverse interests of potential members complicate the formation of a unified and strong coalition.
Facebook may face an increase in the number of accounts created by artificial intelligence, which will function like regular profiles with biographies and photos, generating content using AI 🤖
Meta plans that in the coming years, a large number of profiles created by artificial intelligence will appear on Facebook. These accounts will function like regular ones, with biographies, photos, and the ability to generate content using AI. The company is also developing new tools for creating videos with text, which will open new possibilities for content creators. However, experts are concerned about the potential spread of false information through such profiles, which could impact the quality of content on the platform.
Best news of the last 10 days
In Chechnya, illegal cryptocurrency mining will be equated with terrorism, and violators will be punished for power outages in districts and cities, said Adam Delimkhanov ⚡
The Superchain Eco X account was hacked: a phishing link "Optimism x Base Airdrop" was posted, added to the Scam Sniffer blacklist, the tweet deleted, no official statement from the Superchain Eco team ⚠️
The Blockchain Bandit hacker transferred 51,000 ethers to a new multi-signature wallet after two years of inactivity: the funds were stolen by guessing weak private keys from 2016 to 2018 🔑
Tether increases bitcoin reserves by 7,629 BTC, reaching 82,983 BTC, and continues the strategy of allocating 15 percent of profits to bitcoin purchases, despite criticism of MiCA 📈
MoonPay has obtained a MiCA license to operate in the Netherlands 🇳🇱, which allows the company to provide fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange services across Europe 🌍
MoonPay has obtained a MiCA license to operate in the Netherlands, which allows the company to provide fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat exchange services across Europe. The license was granted after the company met local regulatory requirements. MoonPay is already registered in several EU countries, including the UK and Ireland. The company is also actively developing partnerships with Ripple, BitPay, and Element Wallet, and is considering acquiring the Helio Pay platform.
An energy company in the Irkutsk region was fined 330,000 rubles for illegally renting land for cryptocurrency mining, which caused problems with the region’s power supply ⚡
In the Irkutsk region, an energy company was fined 330,000 rubles for illegally renting land for a cryptocurrency mining farm that was supposed to be used for public utilities. This case highlights the issue of illegal mining in Siberia, where cheap electricity and a cold climate attract crypto miners. The growing demand for energy resources is causing instability in the power grids, which forces authorities to introduce temporary bans on mining in some regions.
Vietnamese police thwarted a cryptocurrency scam worth $1.17 million, saving 300 potential victims and exposing the fake cryptocurrency QFS that promised unreal returns 🚨
Vietnamese police thwarted a cryptocurrency scam worth $1.17 million, saving 300 potential victims. The company Million Smiles deceived around 100 businesses and 400 people by offering a fictitious cryptocurrency QFS with promises of unreal returns and financial benefits, such as collateral-free and interest-free loans. The scammers planned to hold meetings with clients and collect money for investment. The police conducted a search, seized documents, and found that the QFS token had no legal recognition in Vietnam.
Hong Kong and Germany are considering adding Bitcoin to their strategic reserves, aiming not to fall behind the United States in the development of cryptocurrency assets to strengthen financial security 📊
Hong Kong and Germany have begun considering the creation of a strategic reserve of Bitcoin, following the example of the United States. In Hong Kong, it was proposed to add Bitcoin to the Exchange Fund, which is expected to strengthen the city’s financial security amid global changes in the cryptocurrency economy. Germany, in turn, has proposed that the European Central Bank and the Bundesbank consider Bitcoin as part of their reserves, in response to the progressive cryptocurrency policy of the new American government. Similar initiatives are being discussed in Russia in response to international sanctions.