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Australian cryptocurrency exchange Swyftx is introducing an “Earn and Learn” educational platform to reward users for completing courses that cover various crypto scams. The platform aims to equip the public with crypto knowledge, particularly related to scams, as the industry awaits full regulation. The courses will help users identify scams, understand the crypto market, and reduce their susceptibility to fraudulent schemes.

Combatting Crypto Scams

Swyftx’s educational platform will cover a range of scams, including fraudulent tokens, pig butchering schemes, social media cons, and pump-and-dump schemes. It will also provide users with a checklist to assess the utility of tokens, considering factors like the project’s team, tokenomics, financials, VC backing, and project goals.

Matthews said that the demand for more education has been largely driven by the high level of grassroots crypto adoption in Australia, adding:

“The demand for quality educational resources is close to exponential at the moment. The next market cycle will be driven by knowledge, not hype and people are now far more aware of the risks around token scams or failures in the wake of Terra/Luna.”

Growing Demand for Crypto Education

Swyftx identified a significant increase in demand for crypto education during bear markets. The platform plans to reward users with Bitcoin for completing courses. The first 4,000 people who complete the fundamental analysis course will receive $3.20 in Bitcoin, with up to $64.30 in total rewards available per participant over the next year. Swyftx anticipates up to 80,000 Australians will participate.

“This includes areas like the background of their founding teams, the strength of their tokenomics, any weaknesses in the project, the strength and profile of their VC backing, the financials and tokenomics, and understanding the project’s goals and relevance.”

Educational Initiatives in the Crypto Industry

Swyftx joins other cryptocurrency exchanges like Coinbase and Binance in launching educational platforms with crypto incentives. These initiatives aim to educate users about cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the risks associated with the crypto market while promoting safe and informed investment decisions.

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Arthur Hayes, co-founder of BitMEX, believes that Bitcoin has been in a bull market for the past six months. However, he suggests that the broader market has yet to fully respond to this trend, but it will do so within the next six to 12 months.

The Catalyst: Federal Reserve’s Intervention

According to Hayes, Bitcoin’s bull run commenced on March 10, coinciding with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s takeover of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). Just two days before SVB’s takeover, Silvergate Bank had gone into liquidation, and on March 12, New York regulators forced Signature Bank to close.

Hayes speaking at Korea Blockchain Week in Seoul. Source: Andrew Fenton/Coinbrit

In response to these developments and to prevent further collapses in the banking system, the Federal Reserve introduced the Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP). This program offered banking loans of up to one year in exchange for “qualifying assets” as collateral.

Bitcoin as a Hedge

Hayes views the Fed’s actions as effectively backstopping the entire banking system by creating more money. This, in turn, prompted market participants to consider fixed-supply assets like Bitcoin as a hedge.

Despite Bitcoin’s price increase of approximately 26% since March, Hayes believes the broader market has yet to fully react to this bull trend. He anticipates that this response will occur within the next six to 12 months.

Bitcoin’s Resilience

Hayes asserts that even if central banks like the Fed continue to raise interest rates for economic tightening or resort to further money printing, Bitcoin will continue to perform well. He believes that the cryptocurrency industry is well-positioned to thrive in both scenarios.

In essence, Hayes suggests that the Fed’s actions and Bitcoin’s performance have shifted the market’s focus away from the value of fiat currencies, emphasizing the growing interest in fixed-supply assets like Bitcoin as a result.

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According to the latest CoinShares Digital Asset Fund Flows Weekly Report, digital asset investment products experienced a cooling trend, with minor outflows totaling $11.2 million. This extends the seven-week period of negative sentiment, resulting in a cumulative outflow of $342 million. However, Bitcoin witnessed inflows during this time.

Bitcoin saw inflows of $3.8 million, while short Bitcoin products continued to experience outflows for the 19th consecutive week, totaling $3.3 million. The assets under management (AuM) for short Bitcoin products have declined by 48% from this year’s peak.

Throughout the year, digital asset investment products have maintained a net inflow position of $165 million. However, investor flows have been subject to significant fluctuations, largely influenced by expectations and concerns surrounding digital asset regulations.

The past week exemplified this rollercoaster ride, with initial high expectations for the approval of a spot ETF in the United States, followed by disappointment when it was announced that other spot ETF applications would face delays. Despite this turbulent sentiment, trading volumes remained remarkably high, reaching $2.8 billion for the week, which is 90% above the year-to-date average.

On the other hand, altcoins experienced outflows, with notable losses in Polygon and Ethereum, amounting to $8.6 million and $3.2 million, respectively. However, Solana continued to attract investor interest, with inflows for the ninth consecutive week totaling $0.7 million. Among altcoins, Solana has received the most inflows this year, amounting to $26 million.

Blockchain equities also faced outflows for the fourth consecutive week, totaling $25 million. As the digital asset landscape remains dynamic and influenced by regulatory developments, investors continue to navigate a challenging and volatile market.

These findings highlight the ever-changing nature of the cryptocurrency market, where investor sentiment is highly susceptible to regulatory changes. Despite recent outflows and concerns, the crypto market continues to witness significant trading activity, demonstrating its resilience and potential for further expansion.

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The enthusiasm for spot Bitcoin ETFs waned after Bitcoin retraced the entire 19% rally that followed BlackRock’s initial ETF filing, settling back around $26,000. An attempt to reclaim the $28,000 support also failed as investors anticipated ETF approval following Grayscale Bitcoin Trust’s (GBTC) positive news.

Cryptocurrency investors’ morale waned as the S&P 500 neared its all-time high, and gold remained distant from its peak. This environment has left Bitcoin investors less optimistic than anticipated, especially with the upcoming 2024 halving.

Regulatory Challenges

Some analysts attribute Bitcoin’s lackluster performance to ongoing regulatory actions against major exchanges like Binance and Coinbase. Reports also suggest that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) may indict Binance, adding to market uncertainties.

While some believe the potential gains from a spot ETF approval outweigh regulatory actions against exchanges, this analysis may not fully consider the current state of U.S. inflation, which has decreased from 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.2% in July 2023. Additionally, the U.S. Federal Reserve has reduced its total assets, draining liquidity from markets, potentially affecting Bitcoin’s inflation protection narrative.

Bearish Bitcoin Derivatives

Bitcoin monthly futures’ premium over spot markets has dwindled to 3.5%, the lowest since mid-June. This suggests reduced demand from leverage buyers using derivative contracts. Options markets also show signs of bearish sentiment, with protective put options trading at a 9% premium compared to call options.

Bitcoin derivatives data indicates that bearish momentum is gaining strength, particularly due to potential ETF approval delays until 2024, driven by SEC concerns about unregulated offshore exchanges and stablecoins. Regulatory uncertainties favor bearish sentiment, making a retracement to $22,000 the most likely scenario, given the recent struggle to sustain positive price momentum despite spot Bitcoin ETF prospects.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo, the renowned soccer legend, recently underwent a lie detector test where he disclosed his involvement in the world of nonfungible tokens (NFTs) and hinted at plans for future NFT collections.

The lie detector test coincided with the launch of Ronaldo’s second NFT collection, developed in partnership with the cryptocurrency exchange Binance. This collection, released in July, celebrated Ronaldo’s achievement as the highest goal scorer in the sport. During the test, Ronaldo faced a series of soccer-related yes-or-no questions, including inquiries such as “Will Portugal win the World Cup?” and “Will you still be playing at your highest level in your 40s?”

Ronaldo’s NFT Ownership Confirmed

When asked if he currently owns any NFTs, Ronaldo responded with a confident “yes.” The lie detector test results supported his claim, confirming the truth of his statement. Similarly, when queried about his future plans to release more NFTs, the test validated his intentions.

Ronaldo initiated his NFT journey by partnering with Binance in 2022. This collaboration aims to introduce Web3 technology to soccer fans worldwide through a series of NFT campaigns. Ronaldo’s NFT releases offer fans exclusive opportunities to engage with the soccer superstar, further bridging the gap between the athlete and his global fanbase.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho’s Crypto Involvement

In contrast to Ronaldo’s positive NFT endeavors, Brazilian soccer star Ronaldinho Gaúcho found himself embroiled in a crypto fraud investigation in Brazil. Local media reported on August 27 that Ronaldinho failed to appear before Congress regarding an investigation into a pyramid scheme allegedly linked to one of his companies.

Ronaldinho eventually appeared before a committee inquiry on August 31, vehemently denying any involvement in the scheme, which promised a daily 2% return on cryptocurrency investments. A lawsuit seeking $61 million in damages was filed against the company, with Ronaldinho disavowing any partnership with it. He asserted that the company had used his images without authorization and claimed that he, too, had fallen victim to the fraudulent scheme.

 

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ETF

Several major financial institutions, including BlackRock, Fidelity, and VanEck, have joined the race to list the first spot-traded Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. While the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously approved a Bitcoin-linked Futures ETF in October 2021, the current focus is on spot Bitcoin ETFs.

BlackRock’s Entry and Ripple Effect

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager with over $8 trillion in assets under management, filed for a spot Bitcoin ETF on June 15. This move prompted other institutions to refile their spot Bitcoin ETF applications. The SEC formally accepted BlackRock’s application for review on July 15.

Key Bitcoin ETF Applicants

This New York-based asset manager initially filed for a spot Bitcoin ETF in December 2021 but faced rejection in 2022. Following BlackRock’s entry, WisdomTree refiled its application on July 19. Despite facing SEC rejection earlier, asset management firm Valkyrie refiled its spot Bitcoin ETF application on June 21. ARK filed an application for its ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF in June 2021, aiming to launch it on the Chicago Board Options Exchange (Cboe) BZX Exchange upon approval.

A pioneer in Bitcoin ETF applications, VanEck filed a new application in July 2023, following prior attempts in 2018 and 2020. Fidelity Investments reapplied for its Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust on July 19, 2023, with Fidelity Digital Assets as the BTC custodian. Invesco and Galaxy Digital jointly filed for a physically backed Bitcoin ETF in September 2021 and refiled their application in July.

Increased Approval Chances

Grayscale’s recent legal victory and the surge in renewed applications have led Bloomberg analysts to raise their expected approval chances for a spot Bitcoin ETF from 65% to 75%.The SEC has delayed its decision on all seven applicants, with expectations that a decision may not be reached until early 2024. The first significant indicator of the SEC’s stance is expected on January 10, particularly regarding the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF.

 

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Australia’s proposed legislation for regulating digital assets, introduced by Senator Andrew Bragg in March 2023, has encountered several delays in the Senate’s review process. The Senate Committee on Economics Legislation has now provided feedback on the bill, suggesting amendments.

Minor Changes Recommended

In their report on the “Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023,” the Senate committee recommended several minor amendments to the legislation. Notably, they proposed removing the term “nonfungible tokens (NFTs)” from the definition of regulated digital assets. Additionally, they suggested excluding specific asset-based tokens like the Gold and Silver Standard and the BetaCarbon Token from the definition of stablecoins. The committee also recommended extending the transition period from three to nine months.

Tax Treatment of Digital Assets to be Reviewed

The Senate report urged the Board of Taxation to conduct a comprehensive review of the tax treatment of digital assets and transactions within Australia. The goal is to introduce legislation addressing this matter in early 2024.

Furthermore, the report emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations made by the Council of Financial Regulators concerning potential policy responses to debanking in Australia. This issue has arisen due to some banks cutting off services to cryptocurrency firms, which could have unintended consequences such as pushing the industry into unregulated spaces.

Senator Bragg’s Efforts

Senator Andrew Bragg introduced the “Digital Assets (Market Regulation) Bill 2023” earlier this year, with the aim of safeguarding consumers and promoting investor confidence in the cryptocurrency space. The bill proposes regulatory measures related to stablecoins, exchange licensing, and custody requirements.

The Senate Committee’s latest report came after several delays in the review process. Originally expected by August 2, the committee sought extensions to the reporting date, with deadlines extended to August 16, August 25, and ultimately September 4.

 

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OKX

OKX, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, is on the cusp of obtaining a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license in Hong Kong. The exchange anticipates final approval for this license by March 2024, marking a significant development in the crypto landscape of the region.

Active Engagement with Banks

Li Zhikai, the Global Chief Commercial Officer of OKX, disclosed that the exchange is actively engaged in dialogue with local banks. Their discussions center on the issuance of the VASP license and the subsequent commencement of crypto trading operations. In preparation, OKX has initiated necessary technological integration.

Hong Kong made a decisive move towards embracing cryptocurrencies in 2023 when it introduced a licensing framework for crypto exchanges to offer services to retail customers. This regulatory shift garnered substantial interest, with over 80 crypto firms initially expressing intent to establish a presence in Hong Kong. However, only a select few, including HashKey and OSL, succeeded in securing the requisite licenses for retail crypto trading.

HashKey Leads the Way

HashKey, having obtained approval, commenced retail crypto trading services for Hong Kong users on August 28. The regulatory authority has initially limited trading to Bitcoin and Ethereum, a precautionary measure to mitigate risks associated with newer crypto tokens. Furthermore, investors are subject to a 30% cap, allowing them to invest a maximum of one-third of their net income.

While HashKey and OSL have made headway, other exchanges like Huobi and Gate.io have submitted applications for retail crypto trading services and await regulatory approval. Notably, Gate.io’s executive highlighted that the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission imposes stringent requirements on virtual asset service providers. These requirements encompass mandatory insurance and compensation arrangements designed to safeguard client interests. Additionally, crypto exchanges must ensure that 98% of their assets are stored securely in cold wallets.

 

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According to a recent report, online brokerage Robinhood has announced a share repurchase agreement with the United States Marshal Service. The company intends to buy back stock worth $605.7 million from Emergent Fidelity Technologies, owned by Sam Bankman-Fried. These stocks were under the US government’s control after FTX and Emergent filed for bankruptcy protection last year. The market has responded positively to this news, with Robinhood shares rising by 2% in pre-market trading.

Robinhood’s Chief Financial Officer, Jason Warnick, emphasized the importance of acquiring the shares “free and clear of any claims” due to the complexities surrounding them. The company plans to work closely with the US Department of Justice to navigate this intricate situation. The decision to repurchase shares from Emergent Fidelity Technologies was disclosed earlier in February and was approved by the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, showcasing Robinhood’s proactive approach.

While the share repurchase announcement has led to gains in Robinhood’s stock, the company faces challenges as retail investors, who were once active on the platform, remain hesitant due to volatile market conditions. Despite these obstacles, Robinhood reported revenue of $380 million for the quarter ending December 31, demonstrating resilience.

The deal with the US government marks a significant milestone for Robinhood in the broader financial and legal landscape. The upcoming months will provide more insights into how these developments will impact the company’s trajectory and the retail trading sphere.

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As September began, Bitcoin’s price dipped below $26,000, erasing any remnants of the “Grayscale hype” that had briefly boosted the cryptocurrency. The market witnessed further declines following the Wall Street opening on September 1st, continuing the losses from the August monthly close.

August Losses and Lack of Optimism

August proved challenging for Bitcoin, as it lost 11.2% of its value, leaving little room for optimism among market observers for a September rebound. Traders and analysts were skeptical about Bitcoin’s prospects in the near term.

In a YouTube update, trader and analyst Rekt Capital pointed out that Bitcoin’s price failed to sustain the gains generated by the “Grayscale hype.” He noted that selling pressure was strong, and the weekly Relative Strength Index (RSI) was approaching a crucial rising trendline. Additionally, previously supportive Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) were now turning into resistance.

Potential Targets for Further Decline

Rekt Capital outlined potential price targets for Bitcoin’s further decline, with $23,000 being a favored level among traders. Historical data from on-chain monitoring resource CoinGlass suggested that losses of “between 7% and 13%” in September could be expected based on past norms. However, he also mentioned the possibility of a relief rally that could reach as high as $27,200, a level that previously acted as support.

U.S. Dollar Strength Compounds Bitcoin’s Woes

Bitcoin’s performance was further impacted by the strengthening U.S. dollar, which marked its second consecutive day of gains. The U.S. dollar index (DXY) was above 104 at the time of reporting, signaling a continued uptrend that began in mid-July. Market participants remained divided on the extent to which DXY strength influenced Bitcoin’s price, as the inverse correlation between the two assets had been challenged repeatedly over the past year.

The cryptocurrency market faces a challenging start to September, with Bitcoin encountering resistance and a lack of bullish sentiment. As traders monitor key technical indicators like the RSI and EMAs, the crypto community awaits signs of a potential recovery or further downside in the coming weeks.

 

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