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The corporation has no plans to create an office in India as chief marketing officer. OKX and Neo, a blockchain platform, have collaborated to host an APAC Hackathon in India. Crypto exchange OKX, aims to join the Indian market and hire locals to help grow the scope of Web3 apps. OKX’s chief marketing officer, Haider Rafique, has said that the business intends to “exponentially ” expand the availability of its wallet services by engaging with the Indian developer community. He went on to explain that just 5% of India’s Web3 users (about 200,000 people) are now using OKX Wallet. According to the most recent statistics from CMC, OKX is the sixth biggest cryptocurrency exchange globally in terms of volume. Additionally, it lacks a central office in any one location, instead preferring to operate out of regional centers like Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, and the Bahamas. Community-based Strategy According to Rafique, the corporation has no plans to create an office in India and would instead rely on Indian nationals to head up operations there. The appropriate method to break into the regional market, he said, may be made clear by adopting a community-based strategy. OKX and Neo, a blockchain platform, have collaborated to host an APAC Hackathon in Bengaluru, India. According to Rafique, this is a trial run to check certain hypotheses. Moreover, get insight into the local culture, and help out the regional Web3 ecosystem. However, there are no centralized laws in place, therefore trading and using cryptocurrencies in India is done at the risk of the investor. There is no outright prohibition on them, but one also can’t use them for banking purposes. Moreover, cryptocurrency is subject to a 30% tax in the nation. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Binance Burns 796 Million LUNC Tokens in 13th Burn Batch
 
The Sui Network, known for its fast-paced growth and community support, is on the verge of a notable event. On September 3rd, a massive amount of SUI tokens, worth roughly $18.7 million, will be unlocked. Given its nature and the significant sum involved, this move could have some implications for the altcoin’s market dynamics in the coming days. A Rewarding Gesture For The Early Birds? The details surrounding this unlocking event have been transparently shared with the public. According to Token Unlocks, a crypto monitoring platform, this release will encompass 35.6 million SUI tokens. This quantity represents roughly 5% of the current circulating supply and interestingly, a predominant portion of these tokens could be earmarked for the network’s early supporters. With this event, chances are that some of the scheduled unlocked tokens could likely be used to reward SUI’s Active Contributors and Early Supporters (ACES) program. As instituted by the SUI developer, Mysten Labs, earlier this year, the ACES program was crafted as a gesture of gratitude. It aimed to acknowledge and reward those SUI discord members whose contributions were pivotal before the altcoin’s mainnet launch. Moreover, alongside this unlocking, data from Token Unlocks suggest that SUI also intends to set aside a portion of the unlocked tokens for staking incentives. What To Expect From SUI? With such a significant amount set to unlock, the temptation to sell might arise for some early supporters, especially if a portion is rewarded to Active Contributors and Early Supporters. This could potentially lead to a sell-off. Historically, massive token unlocks have sometimes resulted in short-term price depressions, given the increased market supply. Furthermore, the network, which has seen rapid expansion, has also recorded a user base jump from 3 million to 5 million users in a mere 14 days and then further to 6 million active accounts within another three days. With an addition of approximately 1 million active accounts weekly over recent weeks, such growth rates might cushion any potential bearish impacts. Meanwhile, ranking 89th among larger crypto by market cap, SUI has seen a notable plunge of nearly 10% in the past 7 days. And even in the past 24 hours, the bloodbath continues as the asset records a 1.3% decline with a market price of $0.49 at the time of writing. Featured image from Unsplash, Chart from TradingView
 
After overcoming initial setbacks, Shibarium, an Ethereum (ETH) layer-2 (L2) network backed by Shiba Inu (SHIB) tokens, has experienced a remarkable surge in metrics. With over 820,000 new wallet addresses and more than 90,000 daily transactions, Shibarium has demonstrated its appeal to users seeking faster, cheaper, and more private off-chain transactions while leveraging the security of the underlying Ethereum blockchain. Shibarium Emerges Strong Shibarium operates as a layer-2 network built on the Ethereum blockchain, aiming to enable faster, more cost-effective, and privacy-focused off-chain transactions while leveraging Ethereum’s security features. The recent increase in Shibarium’s metrics carries significant implications for the Shiba Inu project and its native token, SHIB. Furthermore, the growing number of wallet addresses and daily transactions within the network indicates an expanding user base and increased interest in the SHIB token. On the same note, the rapid growth of Shibarium’s user base demonstrates its potential to enhance scalability and drive wider adoption of the Shiba Inu project. By addressing Ethereum’s scalability limitations through its layer-2 solution, Shibarium aims to improve the user experience by enabling faster and more cost-efficient transactions. Shibarium scan plays a crucial role in monitoring the network’s progress. The platform’s data reveals surpassing 820,000 new wallet addresses, indicating the growing community embracing Shibarium’s benefits. As Shibarium’s metrics continue to show positive trends, it bodes well for the future of the Shiba Inu ecosystem and the SHIB token. The network’s ability to provide faster, cost-effective, and private transactions will likely attract more users, driving adoption and strengthening the ecosystem. Looking ahead, Shibarium is expected to play a pivotal role in supporting the growth and scalability of the Shiba Inu project. The recent surge in Shibarium’s metrics, with over 820,000 wallet addresses and over 90,000 daily transactions, marks a significant milestone for the Shiba Inu ecosystem. As a layer-2 network built on Ethereum, Shibarium focuses on enhancing transaction speed, reducing costs, and prioritizing privacy. This achievement is significant for the Shiba Inu project and the SHIB token, demonstrating the network’s potential for scalability, broader adoption, and continued growth. With Shibarium’s infrastructure in place, the Shiba Inu ecosystem is well-positioned to thrive in the evolving landscape of decentralized finance. Shiba Inu Faces Market Headwinds Despite recent developments, the Shiba Inu ecosystem faces some challenges, particularly its native token, SHIB, which has been affected by the overall market trend. SHIB is trading at $0.00000783, reflecting a 2% decline over the past 24 hours. More notably, the token remains significantly below its year-to-date price, experiencing a decline of over 34%. Of particular concern for SHIB bulls is the key support level at $0.00000762, which has been instrumental in sustaining the token’s price since July and has allowed occasional surges to $0.00001134. However, should the market recover and resume its bullish trend, SHIB may encounter a noteworthy obstacle in the form of its 50-day Moving Average (represented by the brown line in the chart). This Moving Average could substantially challenge the token’s upward trajectory. Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView.com
 
SBF declared a 7.6 percent investment in Robinhood half a year before the insolvency filing. Robinhood stock rose by 2% in pre-market trade, trading at $11.10. Robinhood has reportedly reached a deal with the US Marshals Service to buy back shares. As a result, the firm plans to repurchase $605.7 million worth of shares from Sam Bankman-Fried’s (SBF) Emergent Fidelity Technologies. Following the bankruptcy filings of SBF’s FTX and Emergent last year, the equities in issue fell under the scrutiny of the US government. The market seems to have responded well to this news, as Robinhood stock rose by 2% in pre-market trade, trading at $11.10. Coordinating Closely With Authorities SBF declared a 7.6 percent investment in Robinhood half a year before the insolvency filing in November. But he stressed that he had no plans to take over the trading platform. In addition to the insolvency, SBF faces legal disputes after being accused of fraud in connection with the collapse of the FTX exchange last year. Given the ambiguity surrounding the confiscated shares, Robinhood’s CFO Jason Warnick stressed the need of obtaining them “free and clear of any claims.” The corporation also expects to coordinate closely with the U.S. DOJ as it works through this complex matter. It was also announced in February that Robinhood will be repurchasing shares from Emergent Fidelity Technologies. Robinhood’s stock price has risen since the company said it will repurchase shares. But the business is having trouble as retail investors who were formerly quite active on Robinhood’s platform now seem wary due to the uncertain market. Highlighted Crypto News Today: Shiba Inu Burns a Staggering 5 Billion Tokens, What’s Ahead?
 
Georgetown, Cayman Islands, September 1st, 2023, Chainwire Kava Chain, a decentralized Cosmos-Ethereum interoperable Layer 1 blockchain, is now available on Fireblocks, an enterprise platform to manage digital asset operations and build innovative businesses on the blockchain. The integration will enable safe and secure access for Fireblocks customers to the expanding Cosmos DeFi ecosystem via the Kava Chain. “With the integration of Kava Chain onto the Fireblocks Network, we’re excited to bring Kava’s innovative suite of DeFi app protocols and Cosmos DeFi access to our customers,” said Idan Ofrat, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Fireblocks. “In the past year, we have seen growing institutional interest in DeFi. Fireblocks’ defense-in-depth security and customizable Transaction Authorization Policy (TAP) allow our customers to safely explore and innovate in the DeFi arena without compromising their compliance and security requirements. We look forward to unlocking more opportunities for our customers in the future.” Kava Chain has been steadily building and growing through the bear market. However, without a robust connection to an MPC (multi-party computation) custody technology provider, top-tier crypto institutions have not been able to engage with the dApps on-chain. The Fireblocks integration enables over 1,800 leading digital asset and crypto institutions to now custody KAVA tokens and access Kava-native assets, including Cosmos-native USDt — selected by Tether to be issued exclusively on Kava Chain. This integration not only enhances institutional access to Kava but also allows Fireblocks customers to: Engage in DeFi opportunities on platforms within the Kava ecosystem, such as Curve, Kinetix, and Hover. Participate in market-making using Cosmos-native USDt on major exchanges. Explore new USDt DeFi opportunities on prominent Cosmos appchains. “Kava Chain’s role in arbitrage market making is becoming increasingly significant. With the Fireblocks integration, centralized exchanges (CEXs) and major market makers have a more capital-efficient option for cross-chain arbitrage,” said Scott Stuart, Co-founder of Kava Chain. “Instead of incurring high gas fees on Ethereum, they can now utilize Kava to transfer USDt between ecosystems efficiently. We’re excited about the future and the value this integration brings to our community!” For more updates, follow Kava Chain and Fireblocks on X (fka Twitter). About Kava Kava Chain (is a secure, lightning-fast Layer-1 blockchain that combines the developer power of Ethereum with the speed and interoperability of Cosmos in a single, scalable network. Committed to fostering innovation and growth, Kava Chain is a trusted choice for developers and users worldwide. Contact Marketing Manager Guillermo Kava [email protected]
 
The trend in the total supply of the stablecoins may have hinted in advance that the Bitcoin rally wouldn’t last too long. Bitcoin Stablecoins Supply Hasn’t Moved Much Recently An analyst in a CryptoQuant Quicktake post explained that the latest news has been unable to make the stablecoins supply budge. The “stablecoins supply” here refers to the total circulating supply of all stablecoins in the sector. Generally, investors use stables to escape the volatility associated with most coins in the rest of the cryptocurrency sector. Thus, whenever this metric rises, new tokens of the stablecoins are being minted because there is a demand for converting to them from the other assets or fresh demand is coming into the market. Such investors who seek safety in these fiat-tied tokens usually do so because they don’t want to exit the cryptocurrency sector completely; they only require a temporary place to station their capital. When these holders eventually find that the prices are right to jump back into the volatile coins like Bitcoin, they swap their stablecoins into them, thus putting buying pressure on their prices. Now, here is a chart that shows the trend in the stablecoins supply over the past year: In the graph, the quant has marked a specific correlation between the Bitcoin spot price and the stablecoin supply. It would appear that all the major increases in the former during the past year have come following rises in the latter metric. There are three instances of this trend in this period: the first formed before the January rally, the second before the March rebound, and the third before the June surge. From the chart, it’s apparent that the price increase in the asset wasn’t caused by the increases in the supply of the stables but rather the decline in them that followed afterward. The increases in the supply of the stablecoins likely occurred because of fresh capital injections. When this new capital was deployed into Bitcoin and the others (when the indicator declined), the assets obtained the fuel for their rallies. With the most recent rally in the asset instigated by the news of Grayscale’s victory against the US SEC, there was no such pattern in the supply of these fiat-tied assets. This may have been one of the early signs that the rally wasn’t backed by constructive market growth, as the stablecoins supply has only been moving sideways. The Bitcoin retrace below the $26,000 level may have only been a natural consequence of this weak structure. BTC Price Bitcoin had earlier fully retraced the gains of the Grayscale rally, but it would appear that the decline isn’t over just yet, as the asset has now gone below the $26,000 level it had been at before the surge.
 
The recent decline in Bitcoin (BTC) has raised concerns among market participants as the largest cryptocurrency struggles to maintain its upward momentum. With the loss of key moving averages and the $27,000 level, BTC’s sharp decline has been exacerbated by negative market sentiment and delays in the approval of spot Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Adding to the bearish outlook is the analysis of on-chain data, which suggests a lack of strong support below the $25,400 mark. Renowned crypto analyst Ali Martinez has emphasized this concern, highlighting the potential for a swift correction down to $23,340. However, the volatile nature of the Bitcoin market means that the outcome remains uncertain. Bitcoin Faces Extended Downtrend Ali Martinez’s recent post on X (formerly Twitter) has shed light on the on-chain data analysis for Bitcoin. Martinez points out that BTC is currently lacking robust support below the $25,400 level. This observation is based on BTC’s UTxO Realized Price Age Distribution, which provides insights into different cohorts’ holding behavior by overlaying a range of realized prices along with age bands. The analysis indicates a vulnerability in BTC’s price structure, suggesting that a break below the $25,400 threshold could trigger a swift correction downward to $23,340. Moreover, the negative sentiment in the market, coupled with regulatory delays in the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs by the SEC, has added to the bearish outlook for Bitcoin. Many market participants had anticipated that the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs would act as a catalyst for a potential recovery in the near term. However, the prolonged delay in their approval has dampened investor sentiment and increased uncertainty surrounding the cryptocurrency’s future price trajectory. The lack of a favorable regulatory framework has further contributed to the extended downtrend and heightened market volatility. This said, if Bitcoin breaks below the critical support level at $25,400, as suggested by the on-chain data analysis, it could lead to a rapid correction down to $23,340. Such a significant decline would heighten concerns among investors and potentially trigger further selling pressure. Healthy BTC Correction? Adding to the analysis of the Bitcoin market, crypto analyst Egrag Crypto provides a broader context by highlighting the likelihood of the CME (Chicago Mercantile Exchange) gap closure and the significance of the $23,000 level as strong support. According to Egrag Crypto, even if BTC retraces to this point, it should be seen as a natural correction within the framework of an ongoing bull market. Egrag Crypto suggests that the CME gap closure is a phenomenon where the price of Bitcoin fills the price gap created between the closing and opening prices of the CME futures market over the weekend. In this case, the gap exists around the $23,300 level, which indicates a potential area of strong support. This observation aligns with the notion that Bitcoin tends to fill these gaps over time. While a retracement to $23,300 may cause concern among investors, Egrag Crypto emphasizes that it should be viewed as a healthy correction within the broader context of a bull market. Corrections are a normal part of any market cycle, and Bitcoin has historically experienced periods of consolidation and retracement before continuing its upward trajectory. Currently, Bitcoin is trading at $25,990, representing a 4% decline within the 24-hour period and a substantial 11% drop over the past 30 days. Despite these recent losses, the flagship cryptocurrency has successfully maintained its year-to-date gains, boasting a remarkable profit of over 29% since September 2022. Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView.com
 
Following its partial victory over the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ripple seems to be turning its attention toward avoiding a repeat of such a lawsuit, as evidenced by its most recent job posting. Ripple Wants Compliance Talent Ripple is seemingly looking to improve its compliance with sanctions and regulatory developments through a more proactive approach. To this end, the payments processor is actively hiring talent to fill a role advertised as “Web3 Specialist, Global KYC & Due Diligence.” The job which carries an $85,000-$106,000 pay range is advertised to “be heavily focused on carrying out due diligence to mitigate regulatory, reputational and sanctions risks associated with Ripple’s institutional clients, counterparties and corporate partners to ensure compliance with Anti-Money Laundering (“AML”), Counter-Terrorist Financing, Economic Sanctions regulations such as the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”) and USA PATRIOT Act.” In light of these developments, Monica Long of Ripple in the US recently articulated the company’s strategy, saying, “We are very excited about this because we now have clarity on how Ripple will conduct its business in the future. And we are resuming operations in the US market.” This statement signifies Ripple’s intention to continue its operations in the United States. The recruitment also points to Ripple’s efforts to mitigate regulatory violations following its 3-year-long battle with the SEC. A Global Hiring Shift Reflects Ripple’s Ambitious Expansion Ripple has been one of the leading crypto firms that has continued to hire talent at a time when layoffs are the order of the day in the industry. GlobalData, a data analytics firm, reports that Ripple has increased its job postings by 26.9% during January-April 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. While the hiring trend in the US has declined slightly, Ripple has significantly ramped up job postings in Canada, Poland, India, and other countries. Sherla Sriprada, Business Fundamentals Analyst at GlobalData, noted at the time, “Ripple’s decision to primarily hire employees from outside the US reflects a strategic move towards global expansion, accessing international talent while also overcoming regulatory challenges in the US by diversifying its presence in other markets.” This means that despite its commitment to remaining in the US market, Ripple is actively going after talents in other jurisdictions. This points to a strategy of worldwide expansion instead of focusing on a single market. However, despite Ripple’s growth, its native XRP token has continued to struggle in the market. Coinmarketcap data shows that the altcoin is down 4.15% in the last day to trade at $0.5038 at the time of writing.
 
The debate surrounding the Bitcoin network’s energy consumption has been intense and mostly tilted in favor of BTC detractors. These individuals and entities have used the Cambridge Bitcoin Electricity Consumption Index (CBECI) to make an argument against the cryptocurrency. However, Cambridge has updated its CBECI to reflect new data, potentially flipping the discourse around Bitcoin’s sustainability. This report previously compared BTC’s energy consumption to some major European nations, but the revised models provide a deeper insight. Bitcoin Mining Data Evolves, Models Should Follow In an article called “Bitcoin Electricity Consumption: An Improved Assessment,” the institution provided the motivations behind the update. In addition, Cambridge acknowledged the difficulties in creating a methodology and getting the data due to BTC’s decentralized network. Moreover, the institution received expert feedback and evaluated energy consumption as just one of many items to create an accurate index. Cambridge has been working on this issue since July 2019 and launching other tools besides the CBECI to help track Bitcoin’s energy consumption, hashrate distribution, and greenhouse (GHG) emissions. The revised model uses data from BTC mining hardware manufacturers, governments, and other sources. This data affected estimations by looking into the distribution of newer mining equipment and the different energy sources leveraged by this nascent industry. The institution clarified: The chart below shows the new model’s discrepancies with the 2019 CBECI. In particular, the model differed from the 2021 model, when the Bitcoin price rallied, and mining profitability was high. Energy consumption at that time stood at 89 Terawatt per hour (TWh), according to the revised CBECI model. The old model showed a much higher figure at 104 TWh. The report stated: A Look Into The Future Cambridge expressed its desire to continue informing the public about Bitcoin’s energy consumption. However, the institution called the process “elusive” and committed to only providing approximated numbers on the nascent BTC mining sector. The report acknowledged the advantages of using Bitcoin mining to offset carbon emissions via different methods and its impact on noise disturbances, water use, and thermal pollution. This report is one of the many that have emerged over the past three months. Major consultancy company KPMG highlighted the benefits of using the cryptocurrency to push energy demand into its next era and generally attempted to tear down the myths surrounding the industry. KPMG and Cambridge’s efforts have been celebrated across the crypto industry. Daniel Batten, an investors in transparent and sustainable energy, stated: Cover image from Unsplash, chart from Tradingview, and Cambridge
 
Bitcoin has plunged towards the $26,000 level as on-chain data shows the Bitcoin mines have been participating in a selloff. Bitcoin Miner To Exchange Flow Has Spiked During The Past Day As pointed out by an analyst in a CryptoQuant post, the miners have been showing signs of selling recently. The relevant indicator here is the “miner to exchange flow,” which keeps track of the total amount of Bitcoin that miners are depositing to exchanges. Generally, these chain validators only make such transactions when they intend to sell, so the indicator’s value observing a spike can be a sign of a selloff. The below chart shows the trend in the 7-day moving average (MA) BTC miner to exchange flow over the past couple of weeks: As displayed in the graph, the 7-day MA Bitcoin miner to exchange flow has seen a huge spike during the past day. The quant has also highlighted the previous instances of high values of the indicator that occurred in the past two weeks. It would appear that the BTC price has generally registered a drawdown whenever the miners make large deposits to these platforms. With the latest spike in the metric, too, the cryptocurrency has taken a plunge, as its price has now returned back to the $26,000 level, completely erasing the recovery that the Grayscale rally had brought. It’s never a certainty that the deposits that these holders are making are indeed for selling, but given the timing of the price drawdown, it would appear likely that the miners were looking to sell after all. In the chart, the analyst has also attached the data for a few more metrics. First, there are the “miner inflow” and “miner outflow” indicators, which, as their name suggests, measure the amount of Bitcoin that the miners are transferring into and out of their wallets, respectively. From the graph, it’s visible that the BTC miner outflow spiked during the crash, which makes sense as the miners had made some transfers from their wallets toward exchanges. The miner inflow, however, had also registered high values at the same time, meaning that fresh coins had entered back into the wallets of these chain validators. This would suggest that some of the miners may have used the opportunity of the crash to expand their holdings. The “miner reserve,” the other metric of interest here, measures the total amount of Bitcoin that this cohort is carrying in its wallets right now and this indicator’s data would confirm that the holdings of the miners have actually gone up during the price drop. So, while some Bitcoin miners may have contributed to the selling pressure, others have more than made up for it by accumulating more of the cryptocurrency. BTC Price As mentioned before, Bitcoin has now seen a complete retrace of the returns from the latest rally, bringing the asset back to the $26,000 level it had previously been consolidating at.
 
5.7 billion SHIB tokens burned, reducing supply and sparking interest. Token withdrawals now live in Shibarium, resolving issues from botched launch. The distinctive meme coin, Shiba Inu, known for its consistent updates and developments, marked a significant milestone last month with the launch of its mainnet blockchain, Shibarium. Adding to it , In its special month August, Shiba Inu burned a staggering 5,715,986,938 SHIB tokens. It is currently valued at $45,532. This impressive burn took place through 763 transactions, showcasing the commitment to reducing token supply. Adding to it, One of the recent developments of Shiba Inu is the activation of token withdrawals from the Shibarium bridge. Weeks following the much-anticipated launch that suffered from software bugs, which resulted in millions of dollars temporarily trapped on the network. Users can now access their tokens and utilize them as intended Also the ecosystem displayed resilience as some 600,000 wallets engaged in over 700,000 transactions on the Shibarium network within just a week after resolving the initial hiccups. Data from blockchain explorers reveals that nearly 100,000 transactions occurred on August 31. With a peak activity of 132,000 transactions on August 25. As of the latest update, Shibarium users can seamlessly swap tokens, engage in lending and borrowing activities. And stake tokens to earn rewards, adding utility to the ecosystem. Whale Movements And SHIB Price Reflections In a notable twist, an unknown SHIB whale made a significant move by transferring nearly $38 million worth of tokens in an unusual transaction early Friday. Transactional data reveals that the whale first moved $160,000 in SHIB. And subsequently transferred $37.4 million in SHIB to a new wallet on the Ethereum blockchain. Finally, Amid these developments, SHIB continues to face bearish pressure, currently priced at $0.00000796, reflecting a 3% decline. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) stands at 41, indicating that the token is approaching oversold conditions.
 
New York, US, September 1st, 2023, Chainwire In a significant stride towards revolutionizing data privacy and verification, zkPass, the innovative privacy-preserving protocol for private data verification, announces that its Pre-alpha Testnet is open for public testing. A Glimpse into the Future: zkPass Pre-alpha Testnet The zkPass Pre-alpha Testnet presents a transformative approach to private data verification. Built on the bedrock of Multi-Party Computation (MPC), Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), and Three-party Transport Layer Security (3P-TLS), zkPass introduces TransGate—a gateway empowering users to selectively and privately validate their data from any HTTPS website. This encompasses diverse data types, including legal identity, financial records, healthcare information, social interactions, work history, education, and skill certifications. zkPass achieves these verifications securely and privately, obviating the necessity to reveal or upload sensitive personal data to third parties. The Power of Scalability zkPass can be readily incorporated into multiple application scenarios, including composable decentralized identity passes, DeFi lending protocols based on off-chain credit, privacy-ensured healthcare data marketplaces, and dating apps featuring verifiable zkSBTs, etc. Wherever there is a need for trust and privacy, zkPass can provide a solution. By employing cryptographic technologies like MPC, ZKP, and others, zkPass enables users to validate their private data through the verification of their HTTPS-based web session—eliminating the need for file uploads or the exposure of sensitive details. For example, through zkPass, Alice can prove: Based on her server response to the Steam/GOG website, she has purchased 10+ games with 100+ hours of gameplay and is not required to disclose any other private information about her account to a third party. Based on her server response with the Harvard Alumni website, she has a Bachelor’s degree and is an alumnus of Harvard University, but does not disclose any of her other superfluous personal data. Based on her server response with the Porsche website, she owns a Porsche, but does not disclose her frame number, purchase order, or other private data. Based on her server response with the bank’s website, she owns assets greater than $100K, but does not disclose any of her specific account assets, transfer records, or other private data. zkPass can be applied in various scenarios to enhance user experience, trust, and privacy: The Metaverse/GameFi program is looking for gaming ambassadors to participate in a test and offer a reward, and they can easily verify that Alice is their target user. Alice can seamlessly access the Alumni DAO via her zkPass zkSBT while ensuring privacy and trustworthiness. Alice leveraged her RWA ZKPs to establish a reputation for high ratings, which allowed her to access a DeFi lending platform and secure lower mortgage and borrowing rates, ultimately boosting her capital efficiency. By redesigning the TLS protocol to Three-party TLS, zkPass makes it seamless for any HTTPS-based website to be used as a trusted data source for provenance of zero-knowledge metadata without having to authorize any APIs. Open Invitation to Shape the Future zkPass launched its Pre-alpha Testnet in July, receiving an overwhelming response with over 200,000 waitlist signups. Currently, tens of thousands of whitelisted users have already generated more than 100,000 zero-knowledge proofs, each representing their respective private data, identity, or ownership. User feedback holds immense importance as it helps refine and enhance their solution. The public release of the Pre-alpha Testnet extends a warm invitation to technology enthusiasts, privacy advocates, and individuals who deeply value secure data practices. This invitation aims to shape the future landscape of data privacy alongside zkPass collectively. Participating in the Pre-alpha Testnet not only grants users early access to an advanced solution but also empowers them to actively contribute towards its improvement. This collaborative effort is a key driver in tailoring zkPass into a privacy-focused protocol that empowers users in an increasingly data-centric world. How to Get Involved Getting involved in zkPass’s Pre-alpha Testnet is simple: Users can Install the TransGate Extension from Google Chrome Web Store. Interested users join pre.zkpass.org to be a part of the Pre-alpha Testnet and experience firsthand the power of private data validation. More tutorial details can be found on the doc wiki and engage with the zkPass community. Users are invited share their insights, and become an integral part of shaping this groundbreaking technology. About ZkPass zkPass is an advanced privacy-preserving protocol for private data verification. It allows users to securely and selectively validate their data from any HTTPS website, making it highly versatile for various applications, including banking and DeFi lending protocols. zkPass is the ideal solution whenever trust and privacy are essential. Contact Mason Bennett [email protected]
 
As Binance Coin (BNB) grapples with a turbulent market, its recent struggles have highlighted a decline in network activity, fueling a lack of buying pressure. The latest roadblock at the formidable $225 resistance level has compounded the altcoin’s long-term bearish bias, casting a shadow over its prospects in the crypto landscape. Taking a closer look at BNB’s recent performance, the altcoin faced a flurry of selling pressure in mid-August, a critical moment that saw the key support level of $225 transform into a major resistance. This shift firmly established bearish dominance on the higher timeframes, shaking investor confidence in BNB’s ability to rally. However, not all hope was lost as bulls rallied from the nearby support level just above $205, providing a glimmer of optimism amidst the prevailing bearish sentiment. BNB’s Price and On-Chain Metrics BNB’s price, currently hovering at $213 according to CoinGecko, reflects the ongoing volatility. Over the past 24 hours, BNB has witnessed a 4.5% decline, while its seven-day performance shows a modest gain of 0.4%. The Relative Strength Index (RSI), after a recent surge that took it above the neutral 50, experienced a sharp drop from the 60-mark, signaling unstable demand and wavering investor sentiment. Examining BNB’s on-chain metrics, we find interesting developments among market speculators. Coinalyze data reveals that the futures market reacted strongly to the short-term pump on August 29, with a sharp drop in Open Interest (OI). This indicates that traders may be growing cautious as they navigate the unpredictable waters of the BNB market. Prospects for the Future Looking ahead, the fate of BNB appears to hinge on the weekly time frame and the closing price of its charts. If the week concludes with a strong closure above the $230 mark, buyers may seize the initiative. This potential resurgence could pave the way for a further climb towards the $240 zone, offering a glimmer of hope for BNB enthusiasts. However, a separate report highlights that such a scenario remains relevant only until mid-September, and the market’s mood can shift rapidly. BNB faces significant challenges as it grapples with declining network activity and a persistent lack of buying pressure. The recent rejection at the $225 resistance level has cemented a bearish bias on the higher timeframes, leaving investors to closely monitor BNB’s price movements and on-chain metrics for signs of a potential turnaround. Amidst this uncertainty, market participants must remain vigilant and adaptable, as the cryptocurrency landscape is known for its rapid fluctuations and ever-changing dynamics. (This site’s content should not be construed as investment advice. Investing involves risk. When you invest, your capital is subject to risk). Featured image from Telegaon
 
Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), the founder of the defunct FTX exchange, is set to face trial in October, barring any postponement. Amid the fracas, the former exchange CEO has maintained that he isn’t guilty of all these charges leveled against him and will be reportedly bringing expert witnesses to prove his innocence. Sam Bankman-Fried Defense To Call Seven Expert Witnesses According to a Bloomberg report, Sam Bankman-Fried is employing the services of seven different expert witnesses to help bolster his case. These expert witnesses may form part of SBF’s defense, and if so, they will be allegedly paid $1,200 an hour to testify in favor of FTX’s former CEO. This means that SBF’s defense could be spending up to $8,400 an hour for these expert witnesses, a staggering figure given that high-profile trials like these can drag out for a long time. This list of expert witnesses released so far includes Lawrence Akka, Thomas Bishop, Brian Kim, Joseph Pimbley, Bradley Smith, Peter Vinella, and Andrew Di Wu. Expert witnesses are persons with specialized knowledge in a particular field. They are usually called upon in court proceedings to break down complex or technical issues that the Judge and the jury may not be conversant with. According to the defendant’s notice, SBF’s expert witnesses will give evidence of various issues, including campaign finance laws, the finances of FTX and its sister company, Alameda Research, and the crypto exchange’s software infrastructure. However, it is surprising that SBF is calling an expert witness to give background information on the US campaign finance laws, considering that the prosecution had dropped the charge of him violating campaign finance rules. The charge was dropped because it didn’t form part of the US government’s extradition agreement with the Bahamas government, and thus had no legs to stand on. But it seems defending himself against such allegations is important to the FTX founder given he is preparing a defense for it. DOJ Objects To SBF’s Expert Witnesses In reply to SBF’s notice of his expert witnesses, the government has filed a motion to exclude the testimony of these witnesses. The prosecutors argue that these experts and their accompanying disclosures suffer from an “array of deficiencies” that necessitate their exclusion. For one, their opinions have no basis as required by the Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure. According to the prosecutors, their opinions, among other things, are “irrelevant, unfairly prejudicial, and confusing to the jury.” They further argue that these experts will offer legal conclusions that “invade” the power of the court and the jury, so the court should exercise its “gatekeeping authority” and preclude their testimonies.” The Prosecutor’s motion contains extensive arguments on why each of these expert witnesses’ opinions should be excluded. They stated that Professor Smith’s testimony is “irrelevant, confusing, and a waste of time” since SBF’s trial doesn’t include a charge stemming from the defendant’s “illegal campaign finance scheme.” Meanwhile, they argue that Mr. Vinella’s testimony should be excluded on the grounds of qualifications, relevancy, and admissibility. If rejected, they have the court to grant them a Daubert hearing to evaluate his “qualifications, methodology, and the relevance and reliability of his proposed testimony. Mr. Vinella seems to be SBF’s primary expert witness as he is set to opine on various topics, including FTX’s operations and how the company took “commercially reasonable steps” to protect customers’ funds despite the lack of regulatory clarity in the US. SBF currently faces seven counts of financial fraud, including wire fraud on FTX and Alameda customers, securities fraud, and money laundering.
 
After a short-lived rally above $28,000 this week following Grayscale’s landmark court case victory against the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the conversion of GBTC into a spot ETF, the price of BTC has once again settled around the $26,000 mark. This comes after yesterdays’ SEC’s decision to postpone all Bitcoin spot ETF decisions for 45 days. Renowned crypto analyst, Rekt Capital, has weighed in on the situation with a series of tweets that provide insight into Bitcoin’s potential trajectory for the upcoming month. As the analyst remarks, Bitcoin has registered a bearish monthly candle close for the month of August due to yesterdays’ price plunge. Bitcoin Price Prediction For September 2023 In a series of tweets, Rekt Capital explained, “BTC closed below ~$27,150, confirming it as lost support. It’s possible BTC could rebound into ~$27,150, maybe even upside wick beyond it this September. But that would likely be a relief rally to confirm ~$27,150 as new resistance before dropping into the $23,000 region. Historically, September has not been particularly kind to Bitcoin, with the month recording the least number of positive-returning months at just two, and currently being on a 6-year negative-returning streak. Rekt Capital delves deeper into this trend, stating, “A frequently recurring downside amount for BTC in the month September is -7%. If BTC were to drop -7% from current price levels this month, price would retrace to ~$24,000.” However, according to the analysis by the analyst, the next major monthly level is sitting at ~$23,400. This suggests that price maybe does not stop at -7% if BTC can’t gain new momentum. Instead, BTC could potentially downside wick -10% in total to reach that next major monthly level. The analyst further elaborated on the historical performance of Bitcoin in September, noting, “September – positive or negative month? Typically, we tend to see a negative month for BTC in September. However, for the most part BTC sees single-digit drawdown in Septembers. 8 out of 10 of the past Septembers have experienced downside. Only 2 months saw small, single-digit gains in the month of September (+2% in 2015 and +6% in 2016).” Worst Case Scenario Drawing parallels with previous years, Rekt Capital highlighted that the most recurring drawdown in September has been a -7% dip, as observed in 2017, 2020, and 2021. However, he also pointed out that Bitcoin only saw double-digit retracement in 2019 (-13%) and in 2014 (-19%). The latter, being a bear market year, might not be the best comparison for 2023, which is shaping up to be a bottoming out year, akin to 2019 or 2015. Addressing the looming question of another potential crash in September, the analyst opined, “In 2019 BTC saw a -13% retrace but we also need to keep in mind that BTC just saw one of its worst-ever August drawdowns at -16%. It’s unlikely that Bitcoin would experience severe back-to-back drawdown both in August and now in September as well.” Concluding his analysis, Rekt Capital shared his personal forecast, “I think a drawdown of around -7% to -10% September could reasonably occur from current levels. This would see price drop to ~$24,000 – $23,000.” Remarkably, there is unlikely to be a Bitcoin spot ETF decision in September, which may be the biggest catalyst for the market at the moment. The next deadlines for filings by Bitwise, BlackRock, Fidelity and the others is October 16 and 17. Only an action by the SEC after the lost lawsuit against Grayscale could provide a surprise event. However, there are currently no deadlines or statements from the SEC if and when they will carry out the ruling. At press time, BTC traded at $26,104.
 
London, United Kingdom, September 1st, 2023, Chainwire Veloce, the world’s leading digital racing media network, will be launching its Utility and Governance token, VEXT, on September 4th, 2023. VEXT will be launching exclusively on ByBit a top three global crypto exchange. Veloce has collaborated with Polygon Labs, an international software development company building Ethereum scaling architecture which facilitates swift, cost-effective, and secure transactions across the Polygon protocols. Veloce Media Group CEO, Rupert Svendsen-Cook, will be on stage at Korea Blockchain Week alongside Mike Blank, COO at Polygon Labs to talk about the VEXT integration with Polygon (September 4th). Veloce’s token, VEXT, empowers holders to become part of the Veloce ecosystem which will have substantial influence over decentralised assets within the Veloce Media Group, encompassing its multiple gaming and real-world teams, creators, leagues, and content. With the launch phase already offering multiple features and a roadmap introducing game-changing utility, Veloce will harness all of its resources to build a truly future-facing sports and media group on the Blockchain. VEXT’s launch brings an evolving user experience with voting and proposal features, 6 gamified staking pools, integrated games and will evolve the platform to offer product and merchandise privileges, token holder event access, with interoperability across all features. For more information: Website | Telegram Group | Telegram Channel | Twitter | Discord | Instagram | YouTube | CoinMarketCap | CoinGecko | ByBit About Veloce Media Group Founded in 2018, Veloce is a multi-pillared gaming and sports media group operating across some of the most innovative, fast-growing, and future-focused sectors in the UK. Headquartered in London, the Veloce brand comprises the industry-leading gaming and racing platform, Veloce Esports, and race-winning outfit, Veloce Racing, currently competing in the renowned Extreme E championship. As the world’s largest digital racing media network, Veloce has so far attracted over 35 million subscribers and nearly one billion monthly views with a focus on esports, gaming, purpose-driven motorsport, and Web3. Veloce is partnered with a number of high-profile teams from across the globe, running multiple gaming and esports team operations, including Mercedes AMG, Ferrari, McLaren, and Yas Heat. Well-established JV sub-brands, including Lando Norris’ gaming and lifestyle brand Quadrant, make up another key aspect of Veloce’s vast global network. To learn more, please visit: https://www.velocemediagroup.com/ Contact Chief Executive Officer Rupert Svendsen-Cook Veloce Media Group [email protected]
 
Bitwise has unexpectedly withdrawn its application for the Bitcoin and Ethereum Market Cap ETF. Bitwise’s withdrawal timing raises concern, as its recent call for SEC approval of ETFs. Bitwise, a prominent provider of cryptocurrency investment solutions, has officially withdrawn its application for the Bitcoin and Ethereum Market Cap Strategy and Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). The decision has left investors and industry observers puzzled, as it comes one day after Bitwise’s Chief Investment Officer, Matt Hougan, publicly vouched for the approval of ETFs in an interview with Bloomberg. Bitwise submitted its withdrawal request to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 3rd, 2023. The now-abandoned ETF had a unique approach. Intending to allocate funds into either Bitcoin futures contracts or Ethereum futures contracts based on the relative market capitalization of these two leading cryptocurrencies. Bitwise had even forged a partnership with ProShares to create a similar ETF during the same period. What Exactly Happened? This development comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market has been experiencing bullish sentiments following Grayscale’s victory in its battle with the SEC. Grayscale, a cryptocurrency asset management firm, successfully converted its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust into an SEC-reporting company. Bitwise’s decision to withdraw its ETF application has left many wondering about the reasons behind this sudden change in strategy. The company has not publicly disclosed the specific reason. But the official filing stated, “The Trust no longer intends to seek effectiveness of the Fund, and no securities of the Fund were sold, or will be sold, pursuant to the above-mentioned Post-Effective Amendment to the Trust’s Registration Statement.” In a broader context, this move by Bitwise adds to the uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency-related ETFs in the United States. Further, the SEC has recently postponed its decision on a range of spot Bitcoin ETF applications filed by various entities. Including BlackRock, WisdomTree, Invesco Galaxy, Wise Origin, VanEck, Bitwise, and Valkyrie Digital Assets. These decisions, originally expected sooner, are now slated for evaluation in October, as confirmed by agency filings.
 
The Chinese court news stated that cryptocurrencies are considered legal property. China has an unstable relationship with cryptocurrencies. The crypto market has experienced significant growth and massive development over the years. Every country around the world has started adopting and creating a crypto-friendly environment for people. On the other hand, Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, disclosed that in China, cryptocurrencies are protected by law and are regarded as legal property. On September 1, Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, tweeted that the Chinese court news stated that cryptocurrencies considered legal property and protected. China is one of the countries that have banned cryptocurrencies around the world. The news from Justin Sun has caught the attention of the crypto community around the world. China is Returning to the Crypto Sector After banning cryptocurrency exchanges in 2017, China had an unstable relationship with virtual currencies and began tightening regulations in the middle of 2021. Moreover, the Bank of China issued a statement saying that users of cryptocurrencies will considered criminals. The recent tweet from Justin Sun sent shockwaves through the crypto community. Tron founder Justin Sun has already stated that China is planning to return to the crypto sector. On January 30, 2023, Justin Sun tweeted that China’s new tax on cryptocurrency transactions was a signal that the government was once again interested in the cryptocurrency sector. China has taken a major step by returning to the crypto sector. The tweet from Justin Sun confirms that the country is back in crypto by considering its legal property. The news sparks a debate among the crypto community. The return of China to the crypto sector expected to boost the market.
TORONTO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Tokens.com Corp. (NEO Exchange Canada: COIN)(Frankfurt Stock Exchange: 76M) (OTCQB US: SMURF) (“Tokens.com” or the “Company”), a publicly-traded company that invests in web3 assets and builds web3 businesses, today announces that its board of directors (the “Board”) has approved a change of the Company’s auditor. The Company’s former auditor, Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP (the “Former Auditor” or “RCGT“), was not reappointed by the Board, effective as of August 3, 2023. The Board and the audit committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee“) have appointed Davidson & Company LLP (the “Successor Auditor” or “Davidson“) as the successor auditor of the Company, effective as of August 3, 2023. “Tokens.com is grateful for the services provided by RCGT for the past two years,” said Andrew Kiguel, CEO. “The Company is looking forward to a smooth transition with the Davidson team and planning for a successful FY2023 audit term.” There were no disagreements or unresolved issues with the Former Auditor on any matter of the audit scope or procedures, accounting principles or policies, or financial statement disclosure. There have been no “reportable events” (as defined in National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations) between the Company and the Former Auditor. The Former Auditor did not provide a modified opinion in their auditor’s report for the financial statements of the Company fiscal years ended September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. A Notice of Change of Auditor (the “Notice“), together with the response letters from the Former Auditor and Successor Auditor have been reviewed by the Audit Committee and the Board and have been filed on www.sedar.com. About Tokens.com Tokens.com Corp is a publicly traded company that invests in web3 assets and builds web3 businesses. The Company focuses on three operating segments: i) crypto staking, ii) the metaverse and, iii) play-to-earn crypto gaming. Tokens.com owns digital assets and operating businesses within each of these categories. Staking operations occur within Tokens.com. Metaverse operations occur within a subsidiary called Metaverse Group. Metaverse Group wholly-owns a subsidiary called cocoNFT, a platform that allows Instagram users to mint and sell NFTs easily. Additionally, Metaverse Group is a strategic investor in Metaverse Architects, a leading 3D modeling and game development studio. Web3 gaming operations occur within a subsidiary called Hulk Labs. All our businesses are tied together by the utilization of blockchain technology and are linked to high-growth macro trends within web3. Through sharing resources and infrastructure across these business segments, Tokens.com is able to efficiently incubate these businesses from inception to revenue. Visit Tokens.com to learn more. Keep up-to-date on Tokens.com developments and join our online communities on Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. Forward looking statements are frequently identified by such words as “may”, “will”, “plan”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend” and similar words referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of cryptocurrencies, as described in more detail in our securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and we caution against placing undue reliance thereon. We assume no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. Contacts Tokens.com Corp. Andrew Kiguel, CEO Telephone: +1-647-578-7490 Email: [email protected] Jennifer Karkula, Head of Communications Email: [email protected] Media Contact: Ali Clarke – Talk Shop Media Email: [email protected]
 
The Bitcoin price has been experiencing a series of price fluctuations for two years now. The cryptocurrency has been on a bullish threshold multiple times but has failed to hold a bullish momentum for long. Nevertheless, a Bloomberg analyst has predicted an unfeigned bull run for BTC, but the potential uptrend comes with certain factors and conditions. Investors Prepare For Possible Bitcoin Bull Run The slow growth of Bitcoin price has left investors and crypto enthusiasts hoping for a potential bull run since its crash in 2022, which saw the cryptocurrency dropping from $46,000 to below $20,000. The morale of the crypto space has been uplifted, however, following a forecast made by Senior Macro Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, Mike McGlone, who proposes a potential bull run for Bitcoin. In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the senior analyst implies that if the Bitcoin price rises above the $30,000 mark, investors should expect a significant bull run similar to the uptrend recorded in 2020 when Bitcoin was at its all-time high. McGlone explained that Bitcoin’s $30,000 is analogous to its $12,000 price mark in 2020, just before its surge. To put this in perspective, in 2020, while Bitcoin price was as low as $12,000, the cryptocurrency recorded one of the highest surges in its history, and McGlone has equated that price jump to the bullish momentum he foresees for Bitcoin if it crosses the $30,000 price threshold. “Bitcoin $30,000 May Be New $12,000, With Fed-Tightening Overhang,” McGlone said in the X post. He also added that Bitcoin’s price may see substantial growth if regulatory burdens are addressed and spot Bitcoin ETFs are eventually approved. “The inevitable approval of Bitcoin ETFs in the US is moving closer, but the elephant in the room for all risk assets remains. The Fed is still tightening despite the tilt toward economic contraction,” the analyst said. Factors Hindering Bullish Momentum For The Bitcoin Price As the crypto space keeps an eye out for more confirmation of a favorable price reversal for Bitcoin, several factors could impede Bitcoin’s expected growth trajectory. Industry experts have highlighted that the increased adoption of the Bitcoin ETF following Grayscale’s victory against the SEC could have a significant impact on the price of Bitcoin. However, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously rejected applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs by prominent financial service firms and crypto exchanges in the industry. The SEC has also delayed applications for Bitcoin ETF from renowned firms like Blackrock, and WisdomTree even after Judges from the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in the US were not in favor of the SEC’s rejection of Grayscale’s Bitcoin ETF. Furthermore, the SEC has also been aggressively suing many crypto exchanges, including Binance and Coinbase. This lack of a proper regulatory framework has affected the prices of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, so crypto investors are hesitant to invest in an exchange facing multiple lawsuits and potential legal repercussions. Bitcoin’s transaction volume has also taken a hit, plunging to 3-year lows. The transaction volume declined by a staggering 90% previously cutting short a potential rally and positioning the cryptocurrency at a bearish mark. Additionally, Bitcoin mining which was once a lucrative crypto venture has also seen a significant decline for participants. However, while the factors hindering a Bitcoin price growth spurt are considerable, investors’ hopes still remain strong as they prepare for a price spike.
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