Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 2-11-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

GRAYSCALE FILES FOR CARDANO ($ADA) SPOT ETF WITH NYSE ARCA

The Feb. 10 SEC filing proposes listing and trading shares of the Grayscale Cardano Trust, making it the first standalone ADA investment product in the U.S.

Grayscale Investments has officially filed for a Cardano ($ADA) exchange-traded fund (ETF) with NYSE Arca, marking a significant step toward institutional adoption of the blockchain’s native asset.

The filing, submitted as a proposed rule change (Form 19b-4) to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 10, seeks approval to list and trade shares of the Grayscale Cardano Trust as a spot ETF.

If approved, this would be Grayscale’s first standalone Cardano investment product and the first spot ADA ETF in the U.S. market.

Institutional Partners and Market Reaction

According to the filing, the Coinbase Custody Trust Company would serve as the custodian for the ETF’s assets, while BNY Mellon Asset Servicing would act as its administrator. The Delaware Trust Company has been named as the trustee.

A Cardano ETF would allow institutional and retail investors to gain regulated exposure to ADA without directly purchasing or storing the cryptocurrency. It would also add credibility to Cardano as an investment asset and open the door for broader adoption in traditional finance.

Grayscale is already a major player in the crypto ETF market, managing products like the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust ETF and Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF. Adding Cardano to its lineup would further diversify its offerings and provide investors with more blockchain-based investment options.

Regulatory Hurdles and Market Landscape

So far, the SEC has only approved spot ETFs for Bitcoin and Ethereum. Other cryptocurrencies, including Solana (SOL) and XRP, have faced delays due to regulatory uncertainty. The SEC previously classified ADA as a security in its 2023 lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, which could pose additional challenges for approval.

Despite these hurdles, interest in crypto ETFs continues to grow. Recent filings for XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, and Litecoin ETFs suggest that more assets could soon enter the regulated investment space.

Cardano Joins the Growing ETF Race

Grayscale’s move follows a wave of crypto ETF applications in recent months:

XRP Spot ETFs:

WisdomTree, Bitwise, 21Shares, and Canary Capital submitted four 19b-4 applications to the SEC.

Bitwise filed an initial spot XRP ETF application in October 2024.

WisdomTree launched the Physical XRP ETP (XRPW) in Europe.

Cardano Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs):

Virtune AB launched a Cardano ETP on Nasdaq Helsinki in February 2025.

Tuttle Capital filed for a 2x leveraged ADA ETF in January 2025.

Worth noting, Grayscale is also working to convert its XRP Trust into an ETF.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  BSC News

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BRICS:  RUSSIA AND INDIA CUT DOLLAR USE: 90% OF DIRECT TRANSACTIONS IN NATIONAL CURRENCIES

Russia and India now conduct nearly 90% of direct transactions in their national currencies, deepening financial ties and accelerating the global shift away from the U.S. dollar.

Moscow and New Delhi Tighten Financial Ties—Is the Dollar Era Ending?

Countries worldwide are increasingly shifting away from reliance on the U.S. dollar in international trade, a process known as dedollarization. Russia and India have strengthened their financial cooperation, with nearly 90% of direct transactions now conducted in their respective national currencies. 

Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov stated in an interview with Tass:

Mutual payments in national currencies are stable. As of today, national currencies account for around 90% of direct payments between Russia and India.

He also noted that discussions are ongoing about the mutual recognition of Russia’s Mir and India’s RuPay payment systems, a step that could further enhance financial integration between the two countries.

Trade between Russia and India has continued to expand, with Indian statistics showing an 8.6% increase in the first 11 months of 2024. “According to Indian statistics, bilateral trade added 8.6% in 11M 2024 and amounted to $64.5 bln,” Alipov said.

He further detailed the contributions from each country, emphasizing: “Russian exports reached $60 bln (up by 7.7%), while supplies of Indian goods rose to $4.5 bln (up by 23.3%).

Russia is one of India’s four biggest trade partners, while in terms of the volume of products supplied it is the second-largest after China.” These figures highlight Russia’s growing importance as a key trading partner for India.

The increasing use of national currencies in trade between Russia and India reflects a broader global shift toward reducing dependence on the dollar amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions. 

As both countries work to integrate their financial systems, the potential recognition of the Mir and Rupay payment networks could simplify trade settlements and further strengthen economic ties between Moscow and New Delhi. With Russia securing its position as India’s second-largest supplier after China, these developments signal deeper financial and trade cooperation between the two nations.

@ Newshound News™

Source:  Bitcoin News

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Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

News, Rumors and Opinions Tuesday AM 2-11-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Tues. 11 Feb. 2025

Compiled Tues. 11 Feb. 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

What We Think We Know as of Tues. 11 Feb. 2025:

Mon. 10 Feb. 2025: Prepare For Phase II Blackout. Financial System Activated: Greatest Transfer of Wealth Have Begun.

Mon. 10 Feb. 2025: Musk Audits 1% of Government, Uncovers Over $100 Billion In Fraud

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Mon. 10 Feb. 2025: WARNING: BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street Are STEALING America! RFK Jr. Exposes the Great Housing Conspiracy – And It’s Worse Than You Think! VIDEO – amg-news.com – American Media Group BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street are gobbling up single-family homes across the country at an alarming rate. They are outbidding hard-working Americans, paying 20-50% over asking price, and snatching up entire neighborhoods before families even have a chance to make an offer. Why? Because they want absolute control. Think about it: If you don’t own a home, you are forced to rent. If you are forced to rent, THEY decide how much you pay. If THEY own the homes, THEY make the rules. And guess what? They’re just getting started. By 2030, these three corporations could own 60% of ALL single-family homes in America.  This is NOT just a housing crisis. This is a war on the American Dream.

Mon. 10 Feb. 2025: President Trump instructed the US Treasury to stop minting new pennies. A one cent penny cost over 2 cents to make.

In Aug. 2025 the U.S. Treasury will (allegedly) send out a computer algorithm to each bank to zero debt balances in a Debt Jubilee. The banks will then (allegedly) zero out all mortgage debt, credit card debt, car debt, etc. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 the Debt Jubilee was legalized(allegedly)  by Trump. Citizens do not have to contact their debtor to ask for the Debt Jubilee. Watch for your new zero balance statement coming out sometime in August. …JFK Awakening on Telegram

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Musk DOGE Audits:

Mon. 10 Feb. 2025 Musk: I just learned that the Social Security data base is not de-duplicated, meaning you can have the same Social Security number many times over. Creating Massive Fraud.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/02/11/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-february-11-2025/

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Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26  [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  FIREFLY: Mr Sammy says we have made it to the finish line.  We just need to cross it now.  FRANK:  I tend to agree with you Mr. Sammy.  I use the example of Neil Armstrong waling down the ladder of the lunar module.  He has one foot on the step of the ladder but the other foot is already touching the surface of the moon...We are simply waiting for the other foot to also touch the surface.  

Militia Man  Article: "Iraq advances one place in the global reserve"  Iraq has massive amounts of reserves in comparison to what she truly needs in foreign currencies...You add the foreign reserves with her gold. For some reason they just found a few more tons of gold because they went from about 152 tons...to about 162 tons.  They found enough chump-change to go buy 10 tons of gold!  I think that's pretty funny because everybody's like, where do you get all that money?!  All their new non-oil revenues and the profits they're making.  They're making a surplus...And you wonder why gold is at $2880.  That's a big jump...All-time extreme highs.

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BRICS SHOCKS the US With the Addition of 23 Countries and Introduction of 0% Tariff Among Nations...

The New Citizen:  2-10-2025

The USA is in shock as 23 more countries join the BRICS nations and also with the introduction of 0% tariff among its members.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9NWFlE0UL8

5 Amazing Gold & Silver Charts, "The Best Is Yet To Come" - Mike Maloney & Alan Hibbard

2-11-2025

Join Mike Maloney and Alan Hibbard and discover five eye-opening charts that reveal how gold has outpaced the S&P 500, why currency printing far exceeds CPI inflation, and what soaring government debt means for the economy.

You’ll also see the surprising relationship between housing costs and gold. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or exploring gold and silver for the first time, these charts will give you crucial insights into where the markets might be headed next.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U87pwUtVHW4

“Tidbits From TNT” Tuesday Morning 2-11-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  MP calls for enacting oil and gas law to solve salary crisis

Member of the Parliamentary Oil, Gas and Wealth Committee Nazim Al-Shabli called on the federal government today, Tuesday, to expedite sending the draft oil and gas law.  

Al-Shabli told / Al-Maalouma / agency, “The legislation of the oil and gas law is sufficient to solve the crisis of salaries of the region’s employees, indicating that the law contributes greatly to stopping oil smuggling as well as addressing the salary crisis.”

He added that "the salary crisis is ongoing until now and there is hope and a beginning to solve it after the legislation of the oil and gas law within the Council of Representatives," noting that "the region continues to smuggle oil."

He stressed "the need to expedite sending the oil and gas law to solve the giant problems between Baghdad and Erbil."  link

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Tishwash:  Government advisor: Financial concerns unfounded

The Prime Minister's advisor for financial affairs, Mazhar Muhammad Salih, confirmed that the financial concerns raised from time to time about the economic situation in Iraq are "baseless."

Saleh told {Al-Furat News} that "Iraqi diplomacy is one of the most successful in protecting the country's supreme interests, according to the government program's adoptions and national constants, whether with the United States or others."
He added, "There is a high degree of consistency in managing the country's financial affairs in a stable manner within the framework of the general economic policy, which is a positive thing that is always indicated by the ability and flexibility to confront economic challenges with high rationality during the past years."

Saleh pointed out that "the country enjoys good financial flows from oil revenues and others, supported by efficient foreign reserves and promising economic activity in the real sector and partnership with the private sector witnessed by the country, especially in the sectors of renewable energy construction, fossil oil, electricity, gas, infrastructure, reconstruction and housing in an unprecedented manner."

Despite the statements of government officials reassuring the financial situation in Iraq, there are some concerns that are raised from time to time due to fluctuations in oil prices.

The Iraqi economy depends heavily on oil exports, which makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices. Any drop in oil prices could significantly impact government revenues and lead to a budget deficit.
While there are some financial concerns, the economic situation in Iraq appears stable at the moment, thanks to good oil revenues and foreign reserves at the Central Bank of Iraq. link

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Tishwash:  PM's Advisor: Government has taken steps to revive manufacturing industry

The financial advisor to the Prime Minister, Mazhar Mohammed Salih, confirmed that the government has taken steps to revive the manufacturing industry.

Salih told the official agency: "The revival of the manufacturing industry in Iraq is a strategic issue with multiple dimensions, the first of which is that the industrial operator, whether small, medium or large, is one of the most important activities responsible for employing 60% of the workforce."

He pointed out that "eliminating sustainable unemployment requires economic diversification, and the basics of diversification start with the industrial construction of Iraq. Secondly, the partnership with the private sector is an ideal solution for reviving the industrial sector itself, whether this partnership is in providing financing and government support or a partnership in ownership or capital.

This requires a balance between the public interest and private interests, while ensuring the existence of a transparent regulatory environment with high governance that encourages effective cooperation in an integrated social market between the two parties," noting that "the partnership in management and ownership between the public and private sectors leads to stimulating innovation and technological development and encouraging research and development, in addition to investing in advanced manufacturing technology such as automation, artificial intelligence and 3D printing."

He stressed that "the financing partnership represents the provision of financial support to small and medium enterprises operating in the field of manufacturing to create an optimal operating lever," explaining that "the national development plan indicates efforts to rebuild the foundations of the manufacturing industry through real partnerships with the private sector, where the state contributes to guaranteeing sovereign financing for manufacturing industries by 85%, while the private industrial project bears 15% of the financing."

He continued that "this financing strategy is devoted to financing industrial projects at five levels, foremost of which are projects whose products are related to construction and housing or contribute to development road works, then pharmaceutical industries, petrochemical industries, and others," noting that "the government's economic philosophy, in accordance with the government program, is based on the partnership between the state and the market with broad social security, and this is what makes it work according to the social market theory, which is a departure from economic liberalism and its risks."

He explained that “Riyada Bank was established with the support of the state to provide small and medium-sized loans to young people, and this was preceded by the Prime Minister’s Riyada Initiative, which paved the way for this by providing thousands of loans to youth sectors and stimulating their innovations,” explaining that “this will lead to encouraging the country’s regulatory and investment environment and adopting policies that encourage competition, improve the business environment, and reduce bureaucratic regulations that may hinder the industrialization process and its rapid advancement.”   link

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Tishwash: Regional demonstrations: The political class lives in isolation from the suffering of the street

The wave of anger escalated in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq with the continuation of the crisis of delayed payment of salaries, which pushed thousands of employees and teachers into the streets, in protests that did not subside despite the cold weather and snowfall.

In Sulaymaniyah, where the sit-ins are concentrated, a number of protesters decided to go on a hunger strike, stressing that they will not back down until their demands are met.

A political source from Erbil said that the current crisis is not a recent one, but rather the result of political and financial accumulations between Baghdad and Erbil, as these scenes are repeated every few months without radical solutions.

He added that the partial solutions proposed after each crisis do not guarantee the stability of the financial situation of the region's employees, which increases the state of frustration and popular resentment.

While the regional government is trying to reassure employees, security forces in Erbil continue to prevent the protests from spreading to it, as they refused to receive demonstrators coming from Sulaymaniyah. Local sources said that dozens of those who tried to organize gatherings in Erbil were subjected to security harassment, which increased tensions between the two cities.

“We don’t want slogans, we want our salaries,” tweeted a Kurdish activist on the X platform. “We don’t care about the conflict between Erbil and Baghdad, we want our children’s livelihood, which has become hostage to political differences.” In another Facebook post, a citizen from Sulaymaniyah wrote: “If we were demonstrators in any other country, we would be a global trend, but we are Kurds, so no one cares.”

Economic sources reported that the financial crisis in the region is not only a result of the delay in transferring funds from Baghdad, but also due to the lack of transparency regarding local revenues, especially from border crossings and oil revenues, the numbers of which remain vague despite the demands of the federal parliament to disclose them.

A social researcher believes that the current crisis goes beyond the economic dimension, as it represents a crisis of confidence between the Kurdish citizen and his government, as many feel that the political class lives in isolation from the suffering of the street. He added that the continued security suppression of the demonstrations may lead to a greater escalation, and perhaps to the emergence of new protest movements that are not subject to traditional political leadership.

“Every month we live with the same anxiety: When will we get our salaries? Will the high prices be enough? We don’t even have the luxury of planning for the future,” said Farid Othman, a government employee from Sulaymaniyah. “The regional government justifies, Baghdad evades, and we pay the price. How long will the citizen remain the victim?” said Shireen Abdullah, a resident.

Analysis of the situation indicates that the crisis is likely to worsen, especially if a clear mechanism is not found to ensure salary stability away from political conflicts. link

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Mot: . the 7 dwarves of Valentines!!!

Mot: Yeppers -- A ""Love Poem"" frum ole ""Earl"" 

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Evening 2-10-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

REP. WATERS PROPOSES STABLECOIN RULES, FEDERAL OVERSIGHT

Both House Republicans and Democrats have introduced proposals to regulate U.S. stablecoins, signaling that the sector is a legislative priority under President Donald Trump.

Maxine Waters, the ranking Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, published a proposal for stablecoin oversight through federal watchdogs such as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Federal Reserve, according to Punchbowl News.

Waters’ discussion draft also outlines regulatory frameworks for state regulators. Back in 2022, Rep. Waters criticized a Republican-led House Committee bill, calling it “deeply problematic” due to concerns over allowing state regulators to approve stablecoins without Federal Reserve oversight.

 At the time, she argued before former Committee Chair Patrick McHenry that this approach could introduce unforeseen risks.

Rep. Waters’ proposal means that both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have now introduced stablecoin regulations since President Trump took office.

Last week, Rep. French Hill, the new Republican Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, submitted a draft bill for stablecoin regulation, co-sponsored by Rep. Bryan Steil. The bill would grant the OCC authority to approve and supervise payment stablecoin issuers.

Specifically, the OCC can license and oversee nonbank stablecoin operators with federal permits. The rules could allow firms like Ripple to enter the $220 billion market.

Rep. Hill’s bill contrasts with Rep. Waters’ proposal, as it assigns stablecoin oversight to the OCC rather than the Federal Reserve, which Waters had advocated. Waters previously stated that House lawmakers needed a “grand bargain on stablecoins” to move forward with regulation.

In the Senate, GOP Senator Bill Hagerty also introduced the “Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins” Act. Policymakers also unveiled a bi-cameral working group focused on passing crypto regulation at a press conference hosted by White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

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BRICS: NEW NATION REJECTS DE-DOLLARIZATION AMID TRUMP TARIFFS

The last several weeks have seen geopolitical tensions growing. With both sides reaching a fever pitch, the BRICS has seen yet another nation reject de-dollarization amid the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. Indeed, the president is set to introduce new 25% import taxes Monday as his aggressive economic policy continues.

The move has propelled the US dollar upward, as it seems to reinforce faith in the greenback. However, its potential impact on the United States and the world economy remains to be seen.

 All that is certain is that the country is setting the planet on course for a trade war that is wide in its scope and impact.

BRICS Sees Yet Another Country Reject De-Dollarization as Trump Tariffs Take Effect

En route to his campaign victory in November, Trump had championed the importance of the US dollar. Indeed, he noted that the greenback losing its status as the world’s currency would be akin to the nation losing a war. 

This has driven his economic policy, as he looks to defend the nation’s currency against lessened international usage and thwart potential expansion of the idea.

To this point, it appears the aggressive stance is working. Indeed, a new BRICS nation has spoken out rejecting de-dollarization as Trump’s tariff plan begins to take effect. It joins nations like India in reassuring that the bloc’s operations are not directly tied to harming the US dollar.

Specifically, Indonesia’s chief economist, Josua Parde, recently confirmed it has no interest in targeting the greenback. Alternatively, its BRICS participation is merely tied to its own economic growth. Indeed, Pardede notes that the distinction between the two is of the utmost importance to the nation.

“We are entering BRICS not to support the de-dollarization of China and Russia but rather to expand trading partners,” Pardede said. “This de-dollarization that we are encouraging is to provide an option for the business world not to always depend on the dollar,” they added.

It will be interesting to observe how Trump responds. With his targeting of Mexico and Canada, things may have changed. Indeed, it appears that his economic policy may be less tied to the US dollar’s status than originally perceived. However, he could redirect his approach to BRICS. Instead, targeting nations actively seeking to decrease the value of the dollar in the coming weeks.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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PRO: NORTH CAROLINA’S STRATEGIC BITCOIN RESERVE BILL A ‘BIG DEAL’

Introduced by Rep. Destin Hall, Speaker of the NC House of Representatives, the bill would allow state lawmakers to invest up to 10% of the state’s funds into exchange-traded products tied to digital assets with a market capitalization exceeding $750 billion.

It also authorizes Bitcoin investments for state-managed funds, including teachers’ and state employees’ pensions, insurance funds, and veterans’ home trust funds.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  Crypto News

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Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

Economist’s “News and Views” Monday 2-10-2025

Is GOLD The ONLY Thing That Will SURVIVE The Global Debt CRISIS? - Matthew Piepenburg

In this latest interview, Matthew Piepenburg discusses how the global debt crisis, particularly U.S. sovereign debt, is driving both inflation and gold prices higher, while explaining how BRICS nations are gradually moving away from dollar dependence.

He argues that while the U.S. won't lose its reserve currency status immediately, the combination of debt, currency debasement, and BRICS nations' increasing oil trades outside the dollar system will continue to strengthen gold's position as a long-term store of value.

0:00 Introduction

 0:28 Risk that trade wars become military wars

2:06 How will gold respond in this environment?

5:26 BRICs and de-dollarization

 8:53 Outlook for gold in 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZssvNfz8rc

Is Bitcoin REALLY The NEW GOLD?

Lynette Zang:  2-9-2025

In this video Lynette breaks down the key differences and similarities between the two so you can make educated decisions, that benefit you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXlXyYR8LDY

A "Gold Run" May Have Begun at the Bank of England

Heresy Financial:  2-10-2025

TIMECODES

 00:00 Surging Gold & Market Stress

 00:24 Bank of England Bullion Discount

00:50 Spot Price Gap & Delivery Delays

 01:12 $5 Discount & Bank Run Concerns

 01:33 Confiscation History & Gold Repatriation

01:57 Poland’s Example: Moving Gold Home

 02:18 Delays & Fractional Reserve Suspicions

 02:42 Storing Gold Privately

03:00 BofE Issues vs. Wider Market

03:19 Global Demand & Lease Rate Jumps

 03:43 Gold’s 40% Price Surge

04:12 Parallels to 2020’s Rapid Run

04:33 Gold as Stability & Inflation Hedge

05:00 Big Money Positioning for Uncertainty

 05:39 Silver Markets & SLV Borrowing Fees

06:01 Shorting Difficulty & Physical Metal

06:22 Tariff Premium & BofE Explanation

06:50 Fractional Reserve Gold Exposures

 07:15 Gold’s Purchasing Power Over Time

07:38 Outpacing Tech-Driven Deflation

07:54 Gold as Savings & Asset Reserve

08:22 Get It Before You Need It

08:39 Affiliate Links & Closing Remarks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdpf34TyVI0

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Afternoon 2-10-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

GOLD REACHES ALL-TIME HIGH AS BITCOIN STRUGGLES FOR MOMENTUM AMID MARKET UNCERTAINTY

▪️Gold has surged to a new all-time high, outperforming bitcoin year-to-date, as central banks continued aggressive purchases.

▪️Meanwhile, bitcoin’s price increase of around 5% since the beginning of the year has been marked by volatility, with markets reacting to Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and broader macroeconomic risks.

Gold reached a fresh all-time high of $2,902 per ounce as of Monday, marking a 17.5% increase since the start of the year.

Gold’s bullish trajectory has been fueled by ongoing central bank purchases, concerns over global trade policies, and investor demand for safe-haven assets, according to a report from the World Gold Council. Its data shows global gold reserves increased by 694 tons in the first ten months of 2024, continuing the record accumulation trend from previous years. 

The report said central banks are expected to remain net buyers of gold in 2025, citing de-dollarization efforts and geopolitical risks as key drivers.

Among the largest gold buyers in 2024 were Poland, India, Turkey and China, with net purchases of 89.5 tons, 72.6 tons, 74.8 tons, and 44.2 tons respectively. Western sanctions on Russia’s central bank reserves in 2022 have been cited as a turning point, reinforcing gold’s role as a geopolitical hedge.

The World Gold Council report found that 69% of central banks expect to continue accumulating gold, while 83% of those in industrialized nations cite it as a hedge against inflation and financial instability.

Trump’s tariffs and market impact

Markets remain uncertain after President Donald Trump announced on Sunday a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, renewing fears of a global trade war. Steel and aluminum stocks surged in premarket trading in New York, with U.S. Steel and Nucor rising 8% and Cleveland-Cliffs gaining 9%. Alcoa also saw a 4% increase.

With Mexico and Canada among the top three U.S. suppliers, the tariffs cast doubt on last week’s temporary delay and could reignite trade tensions. Although stock futures showed optimism on Monday, QCP Capital sees a feedback loop emerging.

"President Trump, highly sensitive to market reactions, is facing a market increasingly calling his bluff. This could embolden him further, adding another layer of volatility," said QCP Capital.

While bitcoin is often discussed as a hedge against monetary and geopolitical uncertainty, its correlation with risk assets has remained elevated, making it susceptible to shifts in market sentiment, according to a Bitwise report on Monday. In contrast, gold’s traditional role as a safe haven has strengthened its appeal amid growing concerns over inflation and trade disruptions.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

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CFTC ANNOUNCES CRYPTO FRAUD ACTION AFTER ENFORCEMENT PRIORITIES SHIFT

Acting CFTC Chair Caroline Pham announced on Feb. 4 that the commission would essentially end its practice of regulation by enforcement.

The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced a consent order charging a New York resident with fraud in one of the agency’s first crypto-related enforcement actions under acting Chair Caroline Pham.

In a Feb. 10 notice, the CFTC said US authorities had charged Rashawn Russell with engaging in a digital assets trading scheme from 2020 to 2022, in which he solicited investors to contribute cryptocurrency to a fraudulent fund.

 According to the complaint, Russell misappropriated roughly $1.5 million through the scheme, which had him plead guilty to wire fraud in the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

“Russell guaranteed no loss to investors, and in some instances, guaranteed a minimum twenty-five percent return,” said the CFTC complaint filed on Jan. 16. “In reality, Russell intentionally and/or recklessly made false or misleading statements to solicit and retain investors.”

The enforcement case was one of the agency’s first actions since acting Chair Pham announced on Feb. 4 that the CFTC would be restructuring its Division of Enforcement’s priorities to focus on fraud.

 The commission said it planned to divide responsibilities for enforcement cases into two task forces focused on retail fraud and “complex fraud and manipulation.”

Crypto enforcement cases going into 2025?

Members at the CFTC elected Pham as acting chair on Jan. 20 amid the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, whom many expect will nominate a commissioner to fill former Chair Rostin Behnam’s seat. Behnam stepped down as chair on Jan. 20 but remained at the CFTC until Feb. 7, leaving the commission one seat shy of a full panel.

During the 2024 fiscal year under Behnam, the CFTC reported more than $17 billion in monetary relief, stemming mainly from the agency’s actions against crypto exchange FTX. 

Pham’s announcement regarding the commission’s shift in priorities suggested that the CFTC would focus less on regulating by enforcement for crypto firms handling digital assets considered commodities.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission — the country’s other significant financial regulator overseeing digital assets — announced in January that it would form a crypto task force to develop a regulatory framework.

Trump appointed SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda as acting chair following the departure of Gary Gensler until the US Senate can consider the nomination of former commissioner Paul Atkins.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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RIPPLE'S FIRST FORAY INTO PORTUGAL: PARTNERS WITH UNICÂMBIO USING BLOCKCHAIN FOR INSTANT CROSS-BORDER PAYMENTS

Ripple has expanded its European presence by partnering with Unicâmbio, a leading currency exchange provider in Portugal, to facilitate instant cross-border payments between Portugal and Brazil

This collaboration marks Ripple's first foray into the Portuguese market, leveraging Ripple Payments to enable Unicâmbio's corporate clients to transfer funds quickly and efficiently between the two countries.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  The Defiant

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HONG KONG SCIENTISTS BUILT A LICKABLE DEVICE THAT LETS YOU TASTE THINGS IN VR

The 15-gram "lollipop" uses food-grade chemicals and electrical currents to simulate nine different flavors, bringing a sense of taste to VR and AR environments.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  Decrypt

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Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

Newshound's Podcast Link

Newshound's News Telegram Room Link

Q & A Classroom Link  

Follow the Roadmap

Follow the Timeline 

Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Website

Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

Thank you Dinar Recaps

“Bits and Pieces” in Dinarland Monday 2-10-2025

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

Restored Republic via a GCR: Update as of Mon. 10 Feb. 2025

Compiled Mon. 10 Feb. 2025 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Judy Note: The privately owned Federal Reserve which has had control of US Taxpayer monies since 1918 and has funneled all those trillions of dollars to the UK Crown, Vatican and private Central Banks across the World before charging us interest to use our own monies (running up the National Debt), has never had a full disclosure of their monetary decisions, nor has the Fed been fully audited – ever. That is, until along came Trump and Musk.

Take careful note of the Congress people who oppose an audit of the privately owned Federal Reserve, or who oppose any of Musk’s DOGE audits of Federal Programs that are funded by US Taxpayer monies.

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Sun. 9 Feb. 2025 Official Announcement from Christian B. Wallace, on Telegram

“Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come. For years, many have speculated, doubted, and waited. Today, I stand before you with absolute certainty—NESARA & GESARA are closer than ever.

As a licensed financial professional with over 20 years in financial engineering, I have worked behind the scenes, witnessing the slow but undeniable progress of this global financial shift. The final mechanisms are being put in place, and the long-awaited reset is no longer a distant promise—it is an imminent reality.

The corrupt systems that have enslaved economies for centuries are being dismantled. A new financial structure, backed by real assets, is ready to emerge. Debt relief, wealth redistribution and the release of suppressed technologies are no longer theories—they are part of the blueprint for the future.

I urge you to prepare. What comes next will reshape everything we know about wealth, freedom, and prosperity. The world is about to change. The wait is almost over.” …Christian B. Wallace, Tier 4B

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Sun. 9 Feb. 2025: BREAKING: THE ELITE ARE FALLING! FINANCIAL MELTDOWN IS HERE! …on Telegram

For everyone saying, “Nothing’s happening,” open your eyes! This isn’t a drill. The global financial system is crumbling, and the ones you thought were untouchable—BlackRock, celebrities—they’re ALL falling. This is not a market correction; it’s total destruction.

The elites are in full panic mode. Their mansions? Fire sales. BlackRock filing for bankruptcy? YES, it’s real. Their house of cards is collapsing, and there’s no bailout big enough to save them.

The Bank Implosion: Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse, First Republic—gone. And it’s just the beginning. This isn’t bad luck; this is justice. The elite built their empire on lies, and it’s finally coming apart.

BlackRock Falls: BlackRock, the “Godzilla” of finance, controlled trillions in assets. Now? Bankrupt. Their empire of manipulation is no more. Executive Orders delivered the fatal blow, and they couldn’t survive without their corrupt channels.

The Global Reset Is Here: We’re witnessing the biggest financial shift in history. The elites are losing trillions, their power is evaporating, and the world is waking up. This is more than a collapse—it’s the END of their reign

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2025/02/10/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-update-as-of-february-10-2025/

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Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Mnt Goat   Article:  "ECONOMIST: WASHINGTON’S POLICIES TOWARDS IRAQ PREVENTED THE REVIVAL OF ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES"   Will Trump change this Obama/Biden era foreign policies towards Iraq? This is the only way and I mean ONLY way we will see the RV in short order. ...The fact that Trump is a businessman before being a politician gives him the advantage to see the great potential for American investment in Iraq...

Militia Man  Article: "Minister of Finance receives a delegation from the German corporation for international cooperation."  Interesting...so are they going to be doing this 1310 business forever?  I don't think so.  Quote: "In the presence of sectoral bodies from the Central Bank of Iraq, Federal Integrity commission, Financial Supervision Bureau and the
General Authority for Customs and Taxes at the ministry's headquarters..."  These guys are focused 100% on Iraq getting into the International world.

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BREAKING: Gold & Silver Prices Set to SKYROCKET! Is the Central Bank COLLAPSE Imminent?

Wall Street Bullion:  2-9-2025

Are gold & silver prices about to shock the world? Is the central bank collapse imminent? Ron Paul joins us to discuss gold & silver prices that are set to soar! LIKE THE VIDEO IF YOU WANT GOOD LUCK STACKING SILVER & GOLD!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xb7iFt0iS8

SUPERBOWL: Bread & Circus Edition | Mike Maloney

2-9-2025

In this revealing discussion, Max Keiser and Mike Maloney draw parallels between ancient Rome’s “bread and circuses” and today’s culture of constant distraction and instant gratification.

 From cheap sugar and drugs to easy credit and mass entertainment, our society is locked in a cycle of consumption that masks the mounting social and economic strains.

Discover how excessive government taxation and mind-numbing bureaucracy mirror Rome’s final days, and learn why entrepreneurs and small business owners often bear the brunt of this overreach.

Don’t miss this eye-opening look at how the Super Bowl and other spectacles keep us complacent—and what it could mean for the future of our economic freedom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIHK8-jgOQs

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 2-10-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TOP ECONOMIC EVENTS TO WATCH NEXT WEEK: US CPI & PPI REPORT, POWELL’S TESTIMONY MIGHT SET CRYPTO MARKET’S TREND

▪️Crypto markets brace for key economic events, including CPI, PPI data, and Jerome Powell’s testimony, which could impact price trends.

▪️Fed interest rate outlook and U.S. tariff updates may influence investor sentiment, with inflation reports playing a crucial role next week.

Next week is important for the crypto market because a few major events are happening. These include the release of the CPI and PPI data, speeches from important Federal Reserve officials, and testimony from Jerome Powell, which could all influence the direction of the crypto market in the coming week.

Jobs Report and Tariff Concerns Shake Markets Before Inflation Data

After the January jobs report came out on February 7, the dollar and bond yields increased, but stock and crypto prices dropped. These market changes were influenced by more than just the jobs report.

 It concluded a week filled with strong economic data and growing concerns about upcoming U.S. tariffs. The January 2024 jobs report was a key highlight of last week, but other economic data also came in strong and exceeded expectations.

At its latest meeting, the Federal Reserve kept its main interest rate steady at 4.25%-4.50%, stressing that they need to see continuous improvement in inflation before thinking about reducing rates.

Several Fed officials also mentioned that prices pushed up by tariffs might lead to keeping their policies stricter for a longer period than what the markets anticipate.

CPI Report on 12 February

U.S. inflation figures and remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will play a crucial role in deciding the direction of U.S. interest rates. Additionally, any new updates on tariffs from the Trump administration will be closely watched.

With the first central bank decisions of 2025 behind us, this week might be quieter. However, there’s still significant news for investors, as the crucial CPI report from the United States is coming up.

In December, the main CPI rate slightly increased to 2.9% year-over-year, while the core rate decreased to 3.2%. According to predictions from the Cleveland Fed’s Inflation Nowcasting model, the main CPI rate is expected to have dropped to 2.85% in January, and the core rate to have slightly decreased to 3.13%.

On February 11, key figures from the Federal Reserve, including Hammack, Williams, and Powell, along with the Bank of England’s Mann and Bailey, will deliver speeches.

The next day, February 12, will feature talks from the Fed’s Bostic and Powell, as well as the ECB’s Nagel and the BoE’s Greene, potentially impacting financial markets with their insights on monetary policy.

Attention will also turn to inflation numbers from China, economic statistics from Japan, and data on the U.K.’s gross domestic product.

Jerome Powell’s Testimony to Take Place

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell probably won’t share much new information this week during his twice-a-year report to Congress, but his appearance could still affect the markets.

Powell will testify in the House of Representatives on Wednesday and then in the Senate on Thursday, discussing the Fed’s view on the economy.

Deutsche Bank analysts said,

“He will likely stick to the January FOMC script but the market always seems to get something new out of these appearances, which include a lot of congressional Q&A.”

Economists believe he will echo a common theme from recent Federal Reserve meetings: there is currently no hurry to lower the key fed funds interest rate.

US PPI Report

If the US releases strong producer price index (PPI) or retail sales figures, it could boost the dollar by making investors think that interest rate cuts might be delayed. Although markets have been doing well lately, any unexpectedly high inflation could make investors feel less bullish.

Additionally, if industrial production numbers are strong, it could increase the prices of oil and metals. However, if retail sales are weak, it could reduce demand for commodities driven by consumer spending and could also negatively impact the dollar. As a result, we might see a bullish comeback in the crypto market.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

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BRICS CURRENCY PLAN IS OFFICIALLY NO MORE: WILL TRUMP LIFT TARIFFS

The ongoing tensions between the United States and the BRICS alliance have reached a fever pitch. With the world concerned about a burgeoning trade war, both sides seem no closer to any sort of resolution. However, a recent statement confirmed that the BRICS currency plan is officially no ore, but will US President Donald Trump lift his proposed tariffs?

During his campaign for re-election, Trump originally warned tariffs to dissuade the nation from embracing de-dollarization. He targeted the BRICS bloc specifically because they had so blatantly embraced the native currency settlement of their trade. Yet, with them confirming they are no longer a threat to the world’s currency, will Trump relent?

BRICS Currency Plan Confirmed to be Done, but Will Trump No Longer Target Alliance?

Donald Trump once said that the US dollar ceasing to be the world’s global reserve currency would be akin to the nation losing a war. That is what first placed the BRICS alliance in his crosshairs. For years, the nation has sought to implement its very own currency. Although never announced, the rumor had been present for much of 2024.

That caused the current US President to threaten significant tariffs on these nations. Specifically, he targeted those who would not commit to ensuring the status of the greenback. However, BRICS has officially confirmed its currency plan is no more, but will a Trump tariff also be rejected?

Dimitry Peskov, a Russian spokesperson, recently confirmed that “the BRICS are not discussing the creation of a common currency.” Indeed, the statement looked to put to rest the popular rumor. Alternatively, Peskov confirmed that the bloc was simply focused on joint investment and economic cooperation.

The question is, how will Trump respond? He is already planning reciprocal tariffs to match those imposed by other countries. 

Additionally, China has already responded to its 25% tariff with a 10% import tax on the US. With these nations already deeply embedded in an ongoing trade war, it is difficult to imagine Donald Trump would end the policy before it truly was implemented.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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“Tidbits From TNT” Monday Morning 2-10-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Parliamentary Finance: No new appointments in the 2025 budget

The Parliamentary Finance Committee confirmed, on Sunday, February 9, 2025, that there are no appointments in the federal budget for the current year. 

Committee member Mustafa Al-Karawi said in a statement followed by Al-Jabal, "According to the latest amendments, there is no fundamental change in the budget law, and no new appointments have been included, but it is possible for the government to move within the budget schedules to reactivate some of the previous specializations and texts."

He stated that "the amendments sent by the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers were limited to Article (12) related to the cost of extracting oil in the Kurdistan Region," indicating that "the amended article is supposed to enter into force soon, which will allow the start of exporting oil from the region's wells through the SOMO company."

The Ministerial Council for the Economy recommended a few days ago to stop listing new investment projects except for necessary ones.

The Council sent its recommendation to the Council of Ministers regarding new investment projects to stop listing these projects except for the necessary ones, with the approval of the Council of Ministers and the endorsement of the Ministry of Planning and Finance to provide financial allocation before entering into any financial obligations  link

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Tishwash: The dollar stabilizes in the parallel market.. Is the price madness over?

The US dollar exchange rate is witnessing remarkable stability in the parallel market in Iraq at the present time, after a period of fluctuations and rising prices.

This stability is mainly attributed to the decrease in demand for the dollar for import purposes.
Economic expert Salah Nouri told {Euphrates News} that: “The stability of the dollar exchange rate in the parallel market is due to the decrease in demand for imports by traders who import goods from neighboring countries, as a result of anticipation of the outcome of the US decisions regarding sanctions.”

Nouri stressed that “the decrease in the dollar exchange rate has a positive impact on citizens’ purchasing power, but to varying degrees depending on the type of goods, such as basic food items other than medicines.”

Is the price madness over?

This stability indicates the possibility of an end to the “price madness” that the dollar market witnessed in the previous period; however, the economic expert believes that this stability is dependent on the decisions of the United States of America regarding sanctions, which means that the market may witness other fluctuations in the future.

Its impact on citizens

The decline in the dollar exchange rate has a positive impact on citizens’ purchasing power, as they can buy more goods and services with the same amount of Iraqi dinars. However, this impact varies depending on the type of goods, as citizens benefit more from the decline in the prices of basic food items other than medicines.  link

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Tishwash:  Saeed Tavakli: Iraq signs new gas export contract with Iran

 The CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company, Saeed Tavakoli, confirmed today, Saturday, "The export of gas to Iraq is currently ongoing, and we have recently signed a long-term contract with Iraq."

Tavakoli told the Iranian Mehr News Agency regarding US President Donald Trump's decision last Wednesday to cancel the exemption granted to Iraq to import electricity and gas from Iran as part of new sanctions against Tehran, "The decision represents an escalation of US pressure on Iran, as it pressures Iraq to reduce its dependence on Iranian energy."

Saeed Tavakoli stressed, "The export of gas to Iraq is currently underway, and since we have recently extended a good contract for exporting gas, it is likely that the cancellation of the exemption granted to Iraq to import electricity and gas from Iran was for another form of gas import."

The Iranian official continued, "Fortunately, the Iranian-Iraqi contract is in place, but the volume of exports increases and decreases according to the contractual terms."

Regarding gas imports and swaps, Tavakoli also said, "We do not import gas, but gas imports and swaps, such as electricity, are carried out from Armenia."

The CEO of the National Gas Company also stated regarding the drop in temperatures and the state of gas supply: "Currently, the network conditions are stable, and in the current situation, 72 percent of the gas produced is consumed in the domestic sector, and thanks to the cooperation of citizens, the gas supply network will remain stable in the coming days."

Iranian officials said last year that Iraq owed Iran $11 billion in debt due to the gas it purchased, and the payment of this debt was postponed by Iraq to the extent that Iran was forced, in response, to reduce gas exports due to the heavy debt.  link

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Mot: You Can Spoil Her With Something Expensive This Year

Mot ... AAaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!!!! 

News, Rumors and Opinions Monday AM 2-10-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraq advances one place in global gold reserves

2/9/2025  Baghdad

The World Gold Council announced today, Sunday, that Iraq has advanced one place in the ranking of countries that hold the most gold in the world.

According to the latest table published by the Council in February, which was reviewed by Al-Eqtisad News, Iraq ranked 28th out of 100 countries included in the table, after it was ranked 31st globally, to become fourth in the Arab world after Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Algeria.

According to the table, Iraq increased its gold holdings to 162.7 tons, representing 12.7% of its total other reserves.

The Council pointed out that "the United States of America tops the list of the largest gold holders in the world, as it owns 8,133 thousand tons, followed by Germany with 3,351 thousand tons, then Italy with 2,452 thousand tons, while Trinidad and Tobago came at the bottom of the list with 1.9 thousand tons."

The World Gold Council, headquartered in the United Kingdom, has extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the factors influencing market changes, and its members include the world's largest and most advanced gold mining companies.  LINK

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Clare:  Members of Congress demand that the US government stop military aid to Iraq

2/9/2025   Baghdad /

The National Network revealed in a report published today, Saturday, the existence of what it described as a "campaign" launched by a number of US Congress members to urge the White House to "reconsider" its current relations with the Iraqi government, most notably security and economic cooperation.

The network said, according to what was published by some media outlets, that members of Congress led by Representative Joe Wilson are now launching a pressure campaign on the US government with several demands, the first of which is to stop the military and security assistance provided by US forces to Iraq, and intelligence cooperation, and the last of which is "imposing sanctions" on the Iraqi economy.

The campaign launched by the members of the Republican Party also demanded that armed factions and some Iraqi parties be placed on the "terrorist list" and that their political and military work inside Iraq be prevented by imposing pressure on the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Yesterday, American media published a letter signed by some representatives, sent by US Representative Joe Wilson to Secretary of State Mark Rubio, in which he asked him to impose sanctions on Iraq and stop the work of some armed factions in the country.  LINK

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Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26   [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  FIREFLY:  TIR is the new cross border payments system.  Sammy says we are launching this new system by using this transfer for International and then he says...this can't be at 1310 because it's going it's going international, saying it will be historic first international cross-border payments using this.  We are really close.  There's no way we can make the payment at 1310.  FRANK:  Yes it's a joke when you think about it all being done at 1310.  I agree.  We are as close as your breath is to your lungs...

Mnt Goat  Article:  “NATO INVITES IRAQ TO PARTICIPATE IN BRUSSELS GATHERING, PRAISES GOVERNMENT EFFORTS”.   NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte extended an official invitation to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to participate in the NATO gathering that will be held soon in Brussels, and to deliver a speech on behalf of Iraq during the meeting.  What will Al-Sudani say?

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Scott Bessent: "We're Going To Monetize The Asset Side Of The US Balance Sheet"

Arcadia Economics:  2-9-2025

Some shocking comments coming out of the Trump administration, especially if you're a gold and silver investor.

And just wait until you hear what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent just said about the administration's plans to 'monetize the asset side of the US balance sheet.'

You're going to want to see this one!

Could this be the “Gold Standard”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zBT3rDZKZk

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 2-9-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

THE LESSONS LEARNED AT "OPERATION CHOKEPOINT 2.0" CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS

The new majority party cast the former administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows, yet surprising agreements were found.

The deep political divisions in the United States were apparent once again during the recent Congressional hearings on Operation Chokepoint 2.0, the alleged top-down initiative by former US President Joe Biden’s administration to “de-bank” crypto firms.

For much of Thursday afternoon (Feb. 6), it seemed that members of the Republican and Democratic parties were inhabiting different universes. 

Had Biden administration regulators really pressured US financial institutions to deny bank accounts to cryptocurrency firms in 2023, as Republicans asserted? Or was this whole construct of Chokepoint 2.0 “a fake program,” one never initiated by the Biden administration, as Democratic Representative Al Green stated?

Interestingly, at the end of the two-hour hearing, titled “Operation Choke Point 2.0: The Biden administration’s Efforts to Put Crypto in the Crosshairs,” the two political parties actually seemed to be in agreement on steps to be taken to prevent future regulatory ‘overreach’ — even while arguing about past practices.

For the most part, though, the Republicans cast the former Biden administration’s bank regulators as bullies operating in the shadows.

Bitter back-and-forth at Operation Chokepoint hearing

Paul Grewal, chief legal officer at Coinbase, testified that the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) “bludgeoned the banks” with an onslaught of examinations and questions “until the banks relented under the pressure.” Regulators forced banks to deny stablecoin issuers bank accounts for their reserves, for instance.

There was some drama, too, when Republican Rep. Ann Wagner questioned Fred Thiel, CEO of MARA Holdings, a leading Bitcoin mining firm, about events in 2023 when several large US banks failed:

“Mr. Thiel, has your bank ever stated whether their prudential regulators told them that they should refrain from providing services to digital asset firms?”

“We banked with Signature Bank and when the FDIC shut them down [in March 2023] and Flagstar took over the accounts, none of the crypto accounts were allowed to be part of those assets acquired,” answered Thiel, continuing:

“We were forced to immediately seek accounts with other banks. We were able to open an account with another bank, deposited $70 million after going through the approval processes, and six days later, we were told we have to shut down the accounts because our bank no longer will bank crypto companies.”

Wagner: “So the answer is yes.”

Elsewhere, Meuser asserted that the former administration’s regulators “resorted to vague interpretive regulatory letters, threatening banks with negative examination scores and fines if they continue their partnership with digital asset companies.”

Not surprisingly, the minority party resisted these characterizations. Ranking minority party member Green asked if anyone “had read a document from someone in the Biden administration or some regulator saying that there was a Chokepoint 2.0 operation.”

No one raised their hand.

“So this is a made-up statement. Somebody concluded that this was something that sells.”

Democratic Representative Nikema Williams said the matter under discussion, Choke Point 2.0, isn’t a serious issue — unlike, say, the continuing racial wealth gap or “Elon Musk dismantling our federal government.” 

Williams questioned why the subcommittee was even meeting to discuss the crypto policy of former president Biden when “he isn’t in power anymore.”

Meuser asked another witness, Austin Campbell, adjunct professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business, for some details on just how “Operation Chokepoint operated in the past” (e.g., Chokepoint 1.0, invented by the Obama administration, supposedly), given he was a former bank risk manager. How exactly did regulators pressure banks into severing ties with legally operating businesses?

Campbell answered that when communicating with regulators, “you are getting fundamentally several layers of guidance,” both written and verbal.

On the verbal level, regulators might say: “Well, we have reputational concerns about you banking crypto clients…. We’re still not sure. Maybe we’ll answer you on that. Maybe we won’t, but we still find it risky.”

“You understand that to mean no,” explained Campbell.

“Rhetorical red meat” or genuine overreach?

Cointelegraph queried several outside sources in the wake of the hearings, including Dru Stevenson, professor of law at South Texas College of Law Houston. Was debanking the crypto industry a serious problem in the US, or is it just something dreamed up by the crypto industry?

“The invocation of ‘Chokepoint’ is pure political theater, rhetorical red meat for the GOP base,” Stevenson answered.

The reality is that all rules and regulations, even the most wholesome and helpful, involve some tradeoffs, such as compliance checks and a little bit of overdeterrence at the margins, which may have happened in the last administration, he said.

Stephen Gannon, a partner at law firm Davis Wright Tremaine, disagreed. The “evidence is now overwhelming” that regulators overreached in the previous administration.

He cited numerous factors, including Senate Banking Committee testimony this past week from Nathan McCauley regarding a Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) internal document brought forward at the hearing by Sen. Lummis. Also, the FDIC “pause” documents recently released and statements from Acting FDIC Chair Travis Hill acknowledging such pressures existed.

In addition, there was the aforesaid testimony before the House Financial Services subcommittee, “particularly that of Fred Thiel,” as well as “my own personal experience with crypto clients who have been de-banked,” continued Gannon. Add to that “information compiled by Marc Andreessen and Nic Carter.”

Steven Kelly, associate director of research at the Yale Program on Financial Stability at the Yale School of Management, highlighted problems associated with reputational risk, a particular concern expressed during the subcommittee hearing. Kelly told Cointelegraph:

“Supervisors’ ability to press banks on their ‘reputation risk’ is a black box authority that can give way to something like an Operation Chokepoint.”

Still, Kelly was doubtful there was any premeditated, secret plan to de-bank the crypto industry. The fact that “the accusation has only been focused on the crypto industry thus far is telling and less suggestive of a chokepoint operation.

There are clearly real prudential concerns with crypto, which were borne out in the collapses of the 2022 crypto winter and the subsequent runs on Silvergate Bank and Signature Bank.”

Both parties find points of agreement

One surprise regarding the hearings: there were actually some points of agreement among the majority and minority members and their witnesses. Campbell, the former bank risk manager, whose testimony was generally well received by the majority party, highlighted some reforms the subcommittee might consider moving forward, and these seemed to meet broad approval:

“A simple one is that all banking guidance should be written. Do not allow verbal guidance. Do not allow hearsay and subjective statements. Write it down.”

“Secondly, that guidance should be made public on some trailing basis. Once you have a paper trail of what the regulators are doing, we will be having many less of these hearings.”

“When banks refuse people services, they should have to tell them why. And those statements should be written complete and transparent.”

“They should abolish management and reputational risk as components of the rating of banks. Those are subjective, rife for abuse, and can be used for really any ends that a banking regulator would like to wedge into an otherwise relatively objective framework.”

It wouldn’t hurt either if bank agency decisions were subject to outside oversight. Added Campbell:

“I’m a professor. I wouldn’t let any of my students grade their own homework. You should not be letting the banking regulators grade their own work here either.”  

Shayna Oleszek, director of banking policy at Better Markets, and a witness called by the minority party, agreed with many of Campbell’s recommendations.

Green, too, seemed to be seeking consensus in his closing remarks.

“Wouldn’t everyone agree that we need better crypto guardrails? If you agree, raise your hands.” All the witnesses raised their hands.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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BRICS: IRAN CALLS FOR A ‘UNIFIED CURRENCY’ TO CHALLENGE THE US DOLLAR

The new BRICS member Iran is calling for a ‘unified currency’ to challenge the US dollar’s global reserve currency status.

The Islamic Republic is pulling several options to dim the prospects of the US dollar’s hegemony. Iran is reeling under sanctions from the US and is desperate to find a viable option to lift its economy. The desperation comes after several countries ended conducting business with Iran that stalled its economy leading to a lackluster GDP.

After China and Russia, Iran is now spearheading the de-dollarization agenda as a way to take on the US dollar.  The move could make the US dollar lose out in the supply and demand mechanism in the currency markets. It could lead to hyperinflation if the US fails to make other countries use the dollar for trade.

BRICS: Iran Wants a ‘Unified Currency’ To Pull the US Dollar Down

BRICS member Iran revealed that they are open to the formation of a new ‘unified currency’ as an alternative payment option to the US dollar. The Islamic Republic revealed that if BRICS come to a consensus about the formation, they will wholeheartedly support the initiative.

“If BRICS member countries come to a consensus to use a single and unified currency, we are all for it. We will proceed from national interests,” said the Iranian government’s spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani.

However, BRICS might not launch a ‘unified currency’ as Trump would impose 100% tariffs if they ditch the US dollar.

In addition, not every BRICS member has cordial relations with Iran except for China and Russia. This puts the ‘unified currency’ initiative under question as it does not fit their national agendas. The idea could most likely be stalled in the upcoming summit as other countries might not come to a consensus.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts Youtube and Rumble

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Q & A Classroom Link  

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Subscribe to Seeds of Wisdom Team™ Newsletter

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Don Durrett: Gold's Delivery Dilemma - A Price Hike Catalyst?

Don Durrett: Gold's Delivery Dilemma - A Price Hike Catalyst?

Palisades Gold radio:  2-9-2025

Tom welcomes back Don Durrett, author, investor, and founder of Goldstockdata.com, to discuss the current state of gold, silver, and the broader economic developments.

During their conversation, Don notes that gold reached an all-time high, with spot prices near $2863 and futures above $2900. Silver is trading around $32.26, while the HUI (Hard Rock Miners' Index) stood at 328.

The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) reported delivery delays of four to eight weeks, indicating potential shortages. Lease rates have spiked to five percent, a significant increase from the usual one percent or less.

Don suggested this could be due to LBMA supply issues. Don emphasized silver's role as a proxy for gold, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. He warned of potential shortages in silver, driven by competing demands from investors and industrial fabricators.

 This could lead to dramatic price increases if a fear trade begins. Despite strong stock market performance, Don expressed concerns about an impending "rug pull," where the market could crash due to economic factors like inflation, high interest rates, and tariff policies.

He highlighted issues such as consumer discretionary spending constraints, commercial real estate overhangs, and rising bankruptcies in small businesses. The Fed's inability to cut rates due to inflation concerns was discussed, along with potential implications for the economy.

 Don speculated that the Fed might resort to quantitative easing (QE) in response to a market crash, though he questioned their ability to manage regional bank crises.

Time Stamp References:

0:00 – Introduction

 1:11 - Gold at New Highs

2:58 - LBMA Delivery Issues

10:00 - Thoughts on Silver

 16:42 - Institutional Buyers

19:16 - Equity Mkt. Concerns

23:20 - Tariffs China/Europe?

 27:17 - Fed & Inflation

33:09 - Tariffs on Bonds?

 35:52 - Equity Valuations

37:10 - Banks & Retail

 40:02 - Employment & Hires

 42:05 - Coming Rug Pull

44:50 - A.I. & Tech

48:00 - Fed's Reactions

51:48 - Cheap Miners?

53:46 - Traders Market

55:24 - Miner Pyramid

59:05 - Royalty Companies?

1:05:36 - Physical First

1:07:34 - Wrap Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vPP9S2q9l4

Allowing Gold & Silver as Legal Tender and Prohibiting Debanking (Andrew Sorrell)

Allowing Gold & Silver as Legal Tender and Prohibiting Debanking (Andrew Sorrell)

Eagle forum of Alabama:  2-5-2025

Andrew Sorrell –State auditor of Alabama talks about making gold and silver legal tender and tax free in Alabama

A history of fiat money and a bill to stop “debanking” of businesses because banks don’t like their politics or occupation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hq5rlbrejcU