Editor's Choice
WonderFi President Dean Skurka kidnapped in Toronto, ransom was $1 million; incident occurred amid record Bitcoin growth to $75,000 US 📈
Dean Skurka, President and CEO of the cryptocurrency-focused company WonderFi, was kidnapped in downtown Toronto on Wednesday. Police received a report of the abduction shortly before 6:00 PM, and the victim was forced into a car with a ransom demand. Skurka was found unharmed in Centennial Park in Etobicoke after a ransom of $1 million was paid.Security expert Jameson Lopp noted that this abduction marks the 171st case of physical violence used to steal cryptocurrency. He added that rising Bitcoin prices attract criminals, as cryptocurrency is easy to transport and seize. The incident occurred on the same day WonderFi published its third-quarter financial results, which showed a 153% increase compared to last year.
Pundi X integrates Alchemy Pay into a decentralized payment platform to simplify the conversion between fiat and cryptocurrencies, with a launch planned for Q1 2025 🚀
Pundi X, a company specializing in blockchain technologies, has announced the integration of Alchemy Pay into its new decentralized payment platform, which will launch in the first quarter of 2025. This integration will allow merchants using Pundi X's self-sovereign payment system to leverage Alchemy Pay's services for converting fiat to digital assets and vice versa.With this collaboration, Alchemy Pay will simplify the conversion process, enabling businesses to access seamless transactions with cryptocurrencies while maintaining the decentralized features of XPOS. To utilize this functionality, merchants will need to register with Alchemy Pay, providing them access to a wide network for fiat-to-cryptocurrency conversion.
Chainbase announced a partnership with Google Gemini to integrate analytics and improve access to blockchain data using natural language 💻
Chainbase announced a partnership with Google Gemini on November 7 to integrate analytics capabilities into the Chainbase Manuscript platform. Now users can perform complex natural language queries, simplifying data access and speeding up analysis.The Google Gemini model will enhance the processing of structured datasets, making them more understandable. Users will be able to quickly extract and visualize data, improving the platform's intuitiveness.The partnership continues Chainbase's collaboration with Google Cloud, providing access to over 300 multi-network datasets, fostering the adoption of high-quality data in Web3. Chainbase Manuscript, utilizing Google Gemini, will become a key tool for the efficient implementation of blockchain applications.
Google Cloud has become the primary validator of the Cronos blockchain, strengthening network security and promoting the development of decentralized applications in partnership with Cronos Labs. 🌐
Google Cloud has become the primary validator of the Cronos blockchain, highlighting the interest of major tech companies in cryptocurrencies. This collaboration with Cronos Labs aims to foster innovation and attract developers.According to Rishi Ramchandani from Google Cloud, this partnership will provide developers with the necessary resources to create decentralized applications using the secure infrastructure and analytics tools of Google Cloud.As the primary validator, Google Cloud will work with 32 validators in the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) Cronos protocol, enhancing the security of the network. Other validators include Crypto.com, Blockdaemon, and Ubisoft.
Sats Terminal has entered the first cohort of the BitcoinFi Accelerator, combining the features of a decentralized exchange, cross-network swaps, and staking for effective management of Bitcoin assets 💰
The Ethereum Foundation launches the first short-term Pectra testnet "Mekong" with improvements to user experience, changes in rates, and new deposit and withdrawal mechanisms through EIP-7702, EIP-7251, and EIP-6110/EIP-7002 🚀
Israel has signed an agreement with Boeing to acquire 25 F-15 fighters for $5.2 billion, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft. Deliveries will begin in 2031 ✈️
Ubs successfully tested the blockchain payment system ubs digital cash for international transactions in US dollars, Swiss francs, euros, and Chinese yuan 💱💼
U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis announced the "Bitcoin Act," aiming to accumulate 1 million BTC for a strategic reserve and strengthen the dollar 💰📈
Arkham Intelligence launches the Arkham Exchange platform for perpetual contract trading, offering rewards and a 10% points boost for VIP users. 💰📈
Tether transferred over $2 billion in USDT to Ethereum amid rumors of a U.S. investigation into money laundering 🕵️♂️ — including $1 billion from Tron, $600 million from Avalanche, $300 million from NEAR, $75 million from Celo, and $60 million from EOS 💰
JPMorgan announces the launch of instant settlements between dollars and euros on the Kinexys blockchain platform using JPM Coin, expecting to add operations with pounds sterling after receiving regulatory approvals 💱
WazirX plans to resume trading after a cyber attack of 230 million dollars; the implementation of a settlement scheme in Singapore will ensure compensation for users 💰
WazirX plans to resume trading after a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of nearly $230 million. To do this, the company is implementing a settlement scheme in Singapore that will ensure liquidity and the recovery of user funds. WazirX will issue liquid assets worth $284 million and provide recovery tokens after the scheme is approved.Zettai Pte Ltd, the parent company of WazirX, is also launching a decentralized exchange for recoveries. The court in Singapore granted WazirX a four-month moratorium for debt restructuring; however, users can only recover 55-57% of their funds. Several government agencies continue to investigate the hacking incident.
Easyrewardz and Loyyal are joining forces in a strategic partnership to enhance the loyalty system in India: the implementation of the Xpand Point platform will ensure points conversion for millions of customers in banks and insurance companies 💳
Easyrewardz, a provider of cloud-based CRM and loyalty platforms, has partnered with Loyyal, a pioneer in blockchain solutions for loyalty programs in the UAE. This collaboration will enhance the loyalty system by providing new opportunities for points conversion.The partnership will implement Loyyal's Xpand Point platform in the banking and insurance sectors of India, integrating it with Easyrewardz's loyalty management system. Bank customers will be able to use their points across various categories both within India and internationally.Loyyal's CEO, Ashish Kumar Singh, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, while Easyrewardz's CEO, Soumya Chatterjee, noted that this will deepen their presence in the BFSI sector and open up new opportunities in the GCC region, creating personalized loyalty programs for businesses.
HashKey Global announces the listing of the HashKey Platform Token (HSK) to expand the Web3 ecosystem; deposits open on November 7, and spot trading of HSK/USDT begins on November 26 🌐
HashKey Global, a licensed digital asset exchange, has announced the initial listing of the HashKey Platform Token (HSK). This token will be a key element of the HashKey ecosystem and will facilitate mass adoption in the global Web3 community. HSK deposits will open on November 7, and spot trading of HSK/USDT will begin on November 26.HSK will be used across all HashKey businesses, including licensed exchanges, investments, asset management, tokenization, and infrastructure services. Additionally, HSK serves as the native and gas token of HashKey Chain, a second-level public chain, supporting the long-term growth of the ecosystem.Founded in 2018, HashKey Group provides regulatory-compliant Web3 infrastructure in Asia, bridging traditional finance and cryptocurrencies. HSK will integrate and develop the ecosystem, creating value for users worldwide.
Bybit presents CryptoLens AI: an innovative tool for token analysis that evaluates social activity, team, liquidity, and security to assist investors in making quick decisions in the crypto market 🔍
Bybit, the second largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world, introduces CryptoLens AI—a new tool to simplify token analysis. It offers users deep analytics to help make decisions in the fast-paced cryptocurrency market.CryptoLens AI analyzes large volumes of data and assigns a rating based on six factors: social activity, team and funding, blockchain activity, trading activity on Bybit, liquidity, and token security.CryptoLens AI is available for free to registered Bybit users, allowing for easy token analysis.
Best news of the last 10 days
Tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft are intensifying competition with bitcoin miners for access to electricity, which could lead to a reduction in the USA's share in the global hashrate to less than 20% by 2030 ⚡
Donald Trump becomes the 47th president of the United States, becoming the first convicted criminal to hold the office and the oldest president in history at the age of 78, defeating Kamala Harris in the election and securing 277 electoral votes 🗳️
Strike launches a Bitcoin and Lightning Network payment app in the UK: opportunities for buying, selling, and transferring Bitcoin to users in 100 countries 🌍
Coinbase has launched an engineering center in Singapore to develop the local developer ecosystem and strengthen Singapore's position as a key hub for blockchain innovations in the Asia-Pacific region 🏗️
VanEck launches the VanEck Pyth ETN on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris for investors to participate in the growth of the PYTH cryptocurrency 💹🚀 - a fully collateralized product with total management expenses of 1.5% and the risk of high volatility
VanEck launches the VanEck Pyth ETN on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Paris, allowing investors to participate in the growth of the PYTH cryptocurrency without purchasing it. The Pyth network is a decentralized oracle that enables smart contracts to interact with real-world data, providing market price information and other data necessary for decentralized finance.The ETN reflects the performance of the MarketVector Pyth Network VWAP Close Index and is fully collateralized. Assets are stored in cold storage with security provided by Bank Frick. Investors can trade this product on regulated stock markets, with total management expenses of 1.5%. It is recommended to consider the risk of high volatility.
China will issue $2 billion in U.S. dollar bonds in Saudi Arabia starting November 11, 2024: strengthening economic cooperation and investment ties between China and Saudi Arabia 🌍
China plans to issue U.S. dollar bonds in Saudi Arabia starting from November 11, 2024, marking the first issuance in foreign currency since 2021. The Chinese Ministry of Finance announced the sale of up to $2 billion in bonds in Riyadh.This decision is linked to the strengthening of relations between China and Saudi Arabia, which are actively developing economic cooperation by aligning their initiatives, such as the Belt and Road and Vision 2030.In 2023, bilateral trade between the countries reached $97 billion, and Chinese investments in Saudi Arabia rose to $16.8 billion. Both countries are also exploring joint projects in renewable energy and technology.
Elizabeth Warren surpassed John Dighton, garnering nearly 75% of the votes in the Senate election from Massachusetts, securing her third term in the U.S. Congress 🗳️
Elizabeth Warren won the Senate election from Massachusetts, receiving nearly 75% of the votes and defeating Republican John Dighton. This is Warren's third term in the Senate, and she has held the position since 2013.According to the Associated Press, Warren received 74% of about 145,000 counted votes. Dighton, a well-known cryptocurrency lawyer, received significant support from the crypto industry, including $2 million from the co-founders of Gemini and Ripple.This victory confirms the Democrats' 11-year control over both Senate seats from Massachusetts.
Metaplanet Inc. entered the CoinShares Blockchain Global Equity Index: the first debut inclusion for a Japanese investment company with an accumulation of 1,108 BTC and a strategy to increase shareholder value 💹
Japanese investment company Metaplanet Inc. has entered the CoinShares Blockchain Global Equity Index (BLOCK Index), which tracks leading companies in the blockchain and cryptocurrency sectors. This marks Metaplanet's first inclusion in such an index, which will help strengthen its position on the international stage and attract investors.The company claims that inclusion in the index will enhance shareholder value through bitcoin accumulation, reaffirming its status as a leading digital company in Japan.The BLOCK Index is managed by CoinShares and includes 45 global leaders, such as MicroStrategy and Coinbase. Metaplanet's shares have changed slightly and are trading at 1,583 JPY (approximately 10.42 USD). This year, the company acquired 1,108 BTC for around 69 million dollars and implemented the "BTC Yield" metric to assess the impact of its bitcoin assets on stock value.