Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Afternoon 9-28-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE ADVANCES STABLECOIN INITIATIVE, ISSUES ANOTHER 350K RLUSD

Ripple mints 350,000 RLUSD to enhance testing on XRP Ledger and Ethereum, aiming for regulatory approval and improved ecosystem integration.

▪️Ripple mints 350,000 RLUSD stablecoins in 24 hours on XRPL and Ethereum.

▪️RLUSD stablecoin undergoes private beta testing for security and efficiency.

▪️XRP Ledger enhancements improve RLUSD's security and efficiency in beta testing.

Ripple has expanded its stablecoin operations by minting an additional 350,000 units of its RLUSD stablecoin within a span of 24 hours. This activity was carried out in two separate transactions, one consisting of 300,000 RLUSD and the other 50,000 RLUSD. The process was monitored by the Ripple stablecoin tracker, a community-driven XRP Ledger account that tracks the issuance and redemption of these stablecoins.

Ripple Sets Pace with Massive 350K RLUSD Stablecoin Mint
According to the Ripple stablecoin tracker, the recent minting marks a significant step in the testing phase for RLUSD. The issuance occurred through two separate transactions, one for 300,000 RLUSD and another for 50,000 RLUSD. This testing phase is crucial for ensuring the RLUSD meets the highest standards of security, efficiency, and reliability before its full-scale launch.

The minting demonstrates Ripple’s commitment to advancing its stablecoin offerings and enhances the liquidity and functionality of the RLUSD. Most recently, the XRP company reported issuing a record 485 RLUSD stablecoins, its largest single batch yet.

The private beta testing of the RLUSD aims to streamline the integration process across different blockchain platforms. This phase is vital for gaining regulatory approvals and for ensuring that the RLUSD can operate across various blockchain environments.

XRPL Upgrades Enhance Stablecoin Efficacy
The recent enhancements in the XRP Ledger are also pivotal to the optimal functioning of the RLUSD. Two major amendments, fixEmptyDID and fixPreviousTxnID, were activated on the XRPL mainnet, improving the ledger’s efficiency.

These updates will boost the stability and reliability of Ripple’s stablecoin operations. Concurrently, these will impact RLUSD’s performance and its integration within the broader ecosystem.

These technical upgrades facilitate a more robust framework for Ripple’s stablecoin initiatives. This will make the infrastructure supporting RLUSD align with the latest blockchain innovations.

In addition, the legal environment surrounding digital currencies remains a significant aspect of Ripple’s operational strategy. Recent developments in the Ripple vs. SEC case have brought to light the challenges faced by blockchain enterprises.

Insights from legal experts suggest that the SEC’s potential appeal against a favorable ruling for Ripple in the XRP lawsuit may have limited success.

XRP price reacted positively to the recent mint of RLUSD, surging to $0.622. The increase reflects a 5.44% gain over the last 24 hours, accompanied by a 60%  rise in trading volume. However, recent CoinGape analysis have hinted at a potential 25% crash on on XRP price if SEC appeals before the October 7 deadline.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinGape

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NEW HOME SALES DECLINE IN AUGUST, YET YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH REMAINS STRONG

▪️U.S. new home sales hit 716,000 in August 2024, exceeding the forecast of 699,000 but marking a 4.7% drop from July's figures.

▪️Year-over-year, new home sales jumped 9.8% compared to August 2023, signaling sustained housing market strength.

▪️August inventory climbed to 467,000 units, representing a 7.8-month supply, hinting at potential downward pressure on prices.

▪️Despite year-over-year gains, rising inventory and slower sales indicate a slightly bearish short-term housing outlook.

New Home Sales Fall in August, But Year-Over-Year Growth Persists
New residential home sales in the U.S. declined in August 2024, coming in below both the previous month’s figures and market expectations. However, despite this monthly dip, year-over-year data reveals a significant rise in activity.

Sales of New Homes Exceed Expectations in August
New single-family home sales in August 2024 came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 716,000 units. This is a 4.7% decrease from the revised July figure of 751,000.

However, it exceeded economists’ forecast of 699,000 units, suggesting demand remains robust despite the monthly drop. Additionally, August 2024 sales showed a significant 9.8% increase compared to August 2023’s 652,000 units, highlighting continued year-over-year growth.

Home Prices Show Mixed Trends
The data also revealed mixed signals in home prices. The median sales price for new homes in August was $420,600. While this figure suggests the majority of home sales were occurring at relatively high price points, the average sales price jumped significantly higher, reaching $492,700. The gap between median and average prices highlights that a portion of the market consists of high-end sales, skewing the average price upward.

Inventory and Supply
At the end of August 2024, there were approximately 467,000 new homes on the market, representing a 7.8-month supply at the current sales pace. This indicates a relatively balanced market in terms of supply and demand, as a six-month supply is generally considered healthy. However, with sales slowing from the prior month, it suggests a potential buildup of inventory that could pressure future pricing if demand doesn’t rebound.

Market Forecast: Slightly Bearish Outlook
Given the month-over-month decline and higher-than-expected inventory levels, the outlook for the new home sales market leans bearish in the short term. The 4.7% drop from July, coupled with the rising inventory, suggests some cooling off in demand, which could impact pricing and sales volume in the coming months. However, the solid year-over-year growth hints that the market’s longer-term trend remains positive.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  FX Empire

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$1,100,000,000,000 POURS INTO US BANKS AMID HIGH INTEREST RATES AS JPMORGAN CHASE, BANK OF AMERICA PAY PITTANCE TO DEPOSITORS: REPORT

US banks have reportedly raked in more than $1 trillion after two and a half years of the Fed’s “higher for longer” interest rate policy.

Data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) shows the high interest rate regime allowed thousands of US banks to reap higher yields on their deposits at the Fed, reports the Financial Times.

And although a number of analysts and market observers thought the banks would pass on a significant portion of the higher interest rates to their customers, that didn’t happen.

In the second quarter of 2024 when the Fed was paying banks 5.5% in interest on deposits, savers were getting an average annual rate of 2.2%, according to regulatory data that includes accounts that do not pay any interest.

At JPMorgan Chase, savers received an annual interest rate of just 1.5% while Bank of America depositors collected 1.7% in interest per year.

With low interest for depositors, banks gained $1.1 trillion in additional revenue, about 66.67% of what the Fed paid in interest during the last two and a half years. Meanwhile, savers received only $600 billion.

When the Fed lowered interest rates this month, some banking giants were quick to further reduce the interest paid to wealthy depositors, with JPMorgan and Citi announcing 50 bps cuts in line with the Fed’s own actions.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  DailyHodl

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ETHENA ANNOUNCES USTB STABLECOIN BACKED BY BLACKROCK'S BUIDL

Reserves for UStb will be invested in BUIDL, which in turn holds U.S. dollars, U.S. Treasury bills, and repurchase agreements.

▪️Ethena has announced a new stablecoin that invests its reserves in Blackrock's real-world asset fund called BUIDL.

▪️The team said UStb can support its synthetic stablecoin USDe during tough market conditions by allowing Ethena’s governance to close USDe hedging positions and reallocate assets to UStb.

Ethena announced today that it's developing a new stablecoin called UStb, which invests its reserves in BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL).

Its the second stablecoin from Ethena, as earlier this year it launched USDe, a synthetic stablecoin that derives its value from the cash-and-carry trade, an arbitrage strategy between an asset and its derivative to maintain its $1 peg.

In a blog post, the team explained that UStb will be a "wholly independent product" with a different risk profile compared to USDe.

The team also wrote that UStb helps USDe manage risk during tough markets by allowing Ethena's governance to reallocate backing assets to UStb when needed.

USDe has brought about some concern from industry stakeholders who say that while the trade is safe, volatility in the markets – which crypto is known for – can quickly cause it to unwind.

In a thread on X, the team addressed some of these concerns, pointing out that while USDe has remained stable despite recent bearish conditions, it can dynamically adjust its backing between basis positions and liquid stable products and may incorporate UStb during periods of weak funding rates if needed.

Ethena said in the post that UStb will be listed on centralized exchanges like Bybit, Bitget, and any future exchanges that Ethena partners with, where USDe is already used as margin collateral.

More details on UStb will be available in the coming weeks, Ethena said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   CoinDesk  

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🌍 JIM SAID WHAT? ROCKS IN HEAD OR FACTS? | Youtube

Jim discusses historical information on our Constitution and rights and how we got to where we are today.  Must hear this information.

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Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team RV Currency Facts

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Morning 9-28-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

HAS ECB CRACKED THE CODE FOR DIGITAL EURO CBDC ADOPTION?

Two economists at the European Central Bank have modelled how to get consumers to adopt a central bank digital currency (CBDC) and the digital euro in particular. 

They distinguish between adoption and usage. While consumers may decide to include a new payment method, they won’t necessarily use it that often.

To create their model, the economists used the 2022 ECB Study on Payment Attitudes of Consumers in the EU (SPACE). Given it was post COVID, it showed changes in payment behaviors such as an increase in usage of mobile payments for person-to-person payments which rose from 3% in 2019 to 10% in 2022.

Unsurprisingly, they found consumers prefer to stick to familiar methods, such as cards and cash. Switching incurs a significant adoption cost, in terms of money, time and effort.

Three steps to make adoption worthwhile
One avenue to make the switching costs worthwhile is to design the CBDC to combine the relative advantages of both cards (usability) and cash (controlling usage and privacy). The model showed this could increase adoption by 80% and usage by 140%.

A second strategy is to communicate these benefits effectively. While this had some benefit, the impact was smaller compared to the design choices.

Thirdly, the economists highlight the importance of surfing network effects. We believe this implies there could be different strategies for different jurisdictions. In some regions P2P payments might be more popular, so this could be the area to push. In other jurisdictions there may be more potential for Point of Sale payments (PoS). For example, the SPACE survey showed usage of mobile payments at PoS at 10% in the Netherlands versus 1% in Slovenia.

They argue that regions more eager to adopt new payment technologies will be more open to CBDC. That makes sense. However, we see a counterargument that if users adopt new payment technologies they could perceive less need for a CBDC.

The economists also highlight the role of legislation in ensuring distribution, such as obliging banks, and requiring merchants to accept the digital euro at PoS.

Other digital euro reports
Meanwhile, in other digital euro news, during August an NEBR paper explored the impact of a potential digital euro on banks, European payment providers and US payment providers.

 It found upbeat press mentions of a digital euro coincided with positive stock price movements for European payment firms and negative ones for American firms. There was no impact on banks.

Another report was published by the Veblen Institute and Positive Money, two organizations that are critical of banks. They highlight that there’s an option for the ECB and national central banks to sidestep private payment providers and go direct to consumers.

We confirm that legally the central banks and governments are also ‘payment service providers’ (PSPs), and it is PSPs that will provide wallet services for the digital euro, per draft legislation.

The IMF recently published a report on CBDCs exploring how to encourage adoption by consumers and merchants.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Ledger Insights

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COULD ROBINHOOD AND REVOLUT FIND STABLECOIN SUCCESS WHERE PAYPAL STUMBLED?

If Robinhood and Revolut do make a run at launching a stablecoin, as reported, can they each avoid the same fate as PayPal's PYUSD?

Fintech heavyweights Robinhood, a U.S. investing app, and Revolut, a crypto-friendly neobank based in London, are considering launching their own stablecoins, unnamed sources told Bloomberg this week.

The giants are eyeing the stablecoin market at a time when Tether (USDT), with its $119 billion market capitalization, accounts for roughly 68% of the $173.5 billion category.

With Europe offering clearer regulatory frameworks, the fintech giants could bring a new wave of competition. However, the question remains: Can they break through Tether's dominance, or will they struggle like other giants before them?

Although neither company has officially confirmed their plans, both companies are considering stablecoin issuance, according to a report on September 26.


Fred Schebesta, founder of Finder.com, sees the potential for Robinhood and Revolut but acknowledged the challenge.

“Revolut and Robinhood definitely have a shot at making a dent in USDT’s dominance, but it's going to take a lot of integration to get there,” he said. “USDT has a deep-rooted presence in the market, and people, for some reason, still place an unusual amount of trust in it.”

He said PayPal's stablecoin demonstrates that “even big players aren’t gaining much traction yet,” but added that Robinhood and Revolut have a chance to try a different approach.

“Their platforms are more integrated with retail investors,” Schebesta said, “and if they can leverage those ecosystems properly, they might find an edge that PayPal hasn't tapped into yet.”

Pav Hundal, a market analyst at Australian crypto exchange Swyftx, agrees that scale will be crucial.

“Stablecoins are a game of scale, or relative scale if you have a niche offering,” he told Decrypt. “Robinhood and Revolut possess scale in abundance and clearly have some level of conviction that they can leverage their huge global networks to take a slice of Tether’s market.”

The two companies also have one major advantage, he added: Both companies are already regulated in many jurisdictions around the world. “But for now, Tether exists on an entirely different plane of existence to its competitor,” Hundal said.

PayPal isn’t alone in its struggles with PYUSD. Even giants like JPMorgan Chase, Meta (Facebook), and Binance have attempted to conquer the stablecoin world—each meeting their own unique challenges and limitations.

JPM Coin found its place within internal banking but failed to penetrate wider retail or DeFi markets. Meta’s Diem, once heralded as the “future of money,” crumbled under regulatory pressures, never seeing the light of day.

Binance's BUSD has grown, but even it remains a distant competitor to Tether, unable to topple the giant.

Tether’s entrenched position as the crypto exchanges’ primary trading pair sets a high bar for liquidity that new entrants must match. The stablecoin market's deep liquidity pools, network effects, and established trust create high barriers for new entrants.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   Decrypt  

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XRP LEDGER IMPLEMENTS TWO MAJOR UPDATES TO BOOST ECOSYSTEM FUNCTIONALITY

▪️XRP Ledger announces two updates that enhance its functionality.

▪️Ripple’s stablecoin RLUSD may benefit from these new updates.

▪️Continued blockchain advancements support Ripple's ecosystem growth.

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) has announced two significant updates following a recent modification. 

These developments have attracted attention, particularly due to rising expectations surrounding the potential launch of Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD. Consequently, there is curiosity about how these updates will impact the stablecoin’s functionality and the overall ecosystem.

XRP Ledger Executes Two Major Updates
According to an XRPScan report, the XRP Ledger implemented two important updates named “fixEmptyDID” and “fixPreviousTxnID” last Friday. Both updates received support from 31 validators, surpassing the 28/35 threshold.

The first update aims to prevent the creation of empty DID ledger entries that previously occupied unnecessary space. With this change, any transaction attempting to create such entries will result in an error. This endeavor is expected to enhance ledger efficiency without interfering with existing processes.

Will Ripple’s Stablecoin RLUSD Be Affected?
Ripple $0.620272 has begun beta testing its stablecoin on both the XRPL and Ethereum $2,675 networks. Recently, Ripple released two batches of the RLUSD stablecoin, each containing 485 RLUSD. These developments have intensified speculation regarding how the recent updates on XRPL will influence the operation of the stablecoin.

Ripple President Monica Long confirmed that RLUSD would be launched this year if it receives U.S. approval.

Long expressed expectations that the stablecoin would serve broader areas compared to Ripple’s native cryptocurrency, XRP. She also noted that decentralized exchanges (DEX) on the XRPL could benefit from the stablecoin’s efficiency, while XRP would be utilized for smaller cryptocurrency transactions.

These statements suggest that the recent XRPL updates could empower both RLUSD and the XRP ecosystem, offering more functionality and flexibility across multiple applications.

In a period marked by continuous advancements in blockchain technology, such technical updates within the XRP Ledger may contribute to strengthening the Ripple ecosystem and enhancing investor confidence.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTurk

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IS THE US DEBT CLOCK ACCURATE? LET'S PEEK  |  Youtube

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Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Friday Evening 9-27-24

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

GENSLER SUGGESTS BNY MELLON’S CRYPTO CUSTODY MODEL COULD EXPAND BEYOND BITCOIN AND ETHER ETFS

BNY Mellon explores extending regulated crypto custody beyond ETFs.

▪️Gensler suggests BNY Mellon's crypto custody model could apply to various digital assets.

▪️The crypto custody market is growing rapidly, with banks poised to benefit from secure, regulated services.

In comments to Bloomberg today, SEC Chair Gary Gensler discussed BNY Mellon’s crypto custody structure. He suggested that the model used for Bitcoin and Ether ETFs could be applied to other digital assets.

While the current approval applies only to Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, Gensler noted that the custody structure is not limited to specific crypto assets.

“Though the actual consultation related to two crypto assets, the structure itself was not dependent on what the crypto was, it didn’t matter what the crypto was.” said Gensler.  

BNY Mellon now has the flexibility to extend its custody services to other digital assets if it chooses. Gensler emphasized that the “non-objection” is based on the structure itself, not the type of crypto asset, allowing other banks to adopt the same model for crypto custody.

The approval hinges on BNY’s use of individual crypto wallets, ensuring that customer assets are protected and segregated from the bank’s own assets in the event of insolvency. This wallet structure was developed in consultation with the SEC’s Office of Chief Accountant, leading to the agency’s “non-objection” decision.

This approval guarantees that the bank’s approach complies with regulatory requirements, preventing customer assets from being at risk during bankruptcy, a key issue that has plagued crypto platforms like Celsius, FTX, and Voyager.

The crypto custody market, estimated to be worth $300 million and growing by 30% annually, represents a lucrative opportunity for financial institutions.

With non-bank providers typically charging much higher fees for digital asset custody compared to traditional assets, banks like BNY Mellon are well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand by offering more secure and regulated solutions.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoBriefing

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BIG Silver Price and coin news

The Economic Ninja

(9/26/2024)

1. 🚀 Silver surged to a 12-year high in 2022, gaining 37% since January 2023, driven by expectations of Fed rate cuts and increased demand in renewable energy, electronics, and electric vehicles.

2. 💡 The global renewable energy market is projected to grow from $1.14 trillion in 2023 to $5.62 trillion by 2025, with a 17.3% annual growth rate, boosting silver's industrial applications.

3. 🔬 Silver has more patents tied to it than any other metal, used in everyday items like water filters, cell phones, and solar panels, with companies indifferent to price fluctuations due to the small amounts needed in production.

4. 📈 The Federal Reserve's pivot towards easier monetary policy, potential future rate cuts, and China's economic boost efforts have supported silver's price gains.

5. 💼 Silver is considered a tangible, real investment that can be vaulted, contrasting with the stock market's perceived "vaporware" nature, with recommendations to invest in the cheapest possible silver coins.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: The Economic Ninja  

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Evening 9-26-24

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

IRAQ BOOSTS GOLD RESERVES TO OVER 145 TONS

Data from the World Gold Council reveals that Iraq purchased a total of 51.9 tons of gold between 2022 and September of this year.

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraq has significantly increased its gold reserves over the past three years, acquiring approximately 52 tons of the precious metal. The majority of these purchases occurred in 2022, accounting for 65% of the total acquired gold.

Data from the World Gold Council reveals that Iraq purchased a total of 51.9 tons of gold between 2022 and September of this year.

The breakdown shows a significant purchase of 33.9 tons in 2022, followed by 12.3 tons in 2023, and 5.7 tons so far this year. Notably, there were substantial purchases of 3.1 tons in February and 2.6 tons in May of this year.

This strategic accumulation of gold aligns with a global trend among central banks seeking to diversify their reserves and hedge against economic uncertainties.

Gold Prices in Iraq Soar

The increased demand for gold has also driven up its price in Iraq across all carats. Currently, one gram of gold is priced as follows:

- 24 carat gold: 108.652 dinars (equivalent to 83 US dollars – based on the official exchange rate by the Iraqi government.)

- 22 carat gold: 99.598 dinars (equivalent to 76 US dollars – based on the official exchange rate by the Iraqi government.)

- 21 carat gold: 95.071 dinars (equivalent to 72 US dollars – based on the official exchange rate by the Iraqi government.)

- 18 carat gold: 81.489 dinars (equivalent to 62 US dollars – based on the official exchange rate by the Iraqi government.)

Iraq's Global Ranking

According to the World Gold Council's latest data for June, Iraq's gold reserves have now reached 145.7 tons, a notable increase from 142.6 tons in May.

This increase has solidified Iraq's position as a significant holder of gold reserves globally. While the country has dropped one place to 31st in the World Gold Council's ranking of the 100 countries with the largest gold reserves, its holdings represent a substantial 9.8% of its total reserves.

The United States, Germany, and Italy continue to hold the top three positions in terms of gold reserves, while Suriname ranks at the bottom of the list.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Kurdistan24

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US SANCTIONS RUSSIAN CRYPTO PLATFORMS FOR MONEY LAUNDERING TIES

Two crypto exchanges and two individuals have been sanctioned for ties to underground finance.

The United States government has taken action against two Russians and two cryptocurrency exchanges tied to alleged illicit Russian finance. The departments of the Treasury, Justice and State were involved, along with an assortment of overseas law enforcement agencies.

The Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) identified PM2BTC, a Russian cryptocurrency exchange, and Sergey Ivanov, who is associated with that exchange, as being of “primary money laundering concern.” At the same time, Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned Ivanov and another crypto exchange, Cryptex.

Crypto exchanges to the underworld
PM2BTC is alleged to process the proceeds of ransomware attacks and other illicit activities. Half of its activities are linked to illegal operations, according to FinCen.

According to Chainalysis, PM2BTC shares wallet infrastructure with UAPS (Universal Anonymous Payment System), an underground payment processing system.

Cryptex is registered in St. Vincent and the Grenadines but advertises in Russian. According to the Treasury:

“Cryptex is also associated with over $720 million in transactions to services frequently used by Russia-based ransomware actors and cybercriminals, including fraud shops, mixing services, exchanges lacking KYC programs, and OFAC-designated virtual currency exchange Garantex.”

The Treasury Department acknowledged the US Secret Service Cyber Investigative Section, the Netherlands Police and the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service for seizing web domains and infrastructure associated with PM2BTC, Cryptex and Ivanov. Chainalysis said that it and Tether also contributed to the effort.

Links to “carding”
In documents unsealed in the District Court of Eastern Virginia, Ivanov was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud in connection with websites that engage in “carding,” or trading in stolen credit card information.

Timur Shakhmametov was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit and aid and abet bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with the same operations.

The State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Ivanov or Shakhmametov.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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BRICS NEWS: 40% GOLD AND 60% LOCAL—IS THERE ROOM FOR BITCOIN, XRP, AND OTHER CRYPTOS?

 ▪️The BRICS currency, which is reported to be in development, is said to be backed by 40% gold and 60% local currencies.

 ▪️The currency is disclosed to be apolitical and would be outside the “circumference” of the SWIFT payment network.

The much anticipated BRICS currency, which would be the principal driving force at the heart of the de-dollarization strategy, could be on the table at the upcoming summit in October.

According to experts, this kind of development could largely erode a significant portion of the US dollar dominance as several other developing countries show their willingness to join the alliance.

Even before that, details of the expected BRICS currency have started leaking as reports establish that the potential currency could be based on a “basket” of 40% gold reserves and 60% BRICS sovereign nation currencies.

According to the details, the regional currencies that could be involved are the Chinese yuan, Russian ruble, and Indian rupee. Interestingly, this report aligns with the alleged outcome of a recent meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Head of the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).

In our review of a publication by a Russian news platform, it was discovered that shareholders directed the NDB to prioritize the new digital currency to facilitate trade and avoid Russian sanctions.

Some Exclusive Details Around the BRICS Currency
According to the report, Russia is facing limitations as its trade volume among certain members remains one-sided. A typical example is Russia’s possession of excessive rupees received in exchange for energy, such as oil and gas, with India.

In this case, backing the BRICS currency with gold and local currency could provide enough stability and take care of the exchange rate fluctuations. Conversely to the US dollar, the BRICS currency would be apolitical and transactional and operate externally from the SWIFT payment network.

According to reports, the West can only distract this arrangement by sanctioning currencies such as the Chinese RMB and the Indian Rupee. Unfortunately, this could negatively impact the Western economy as the trade between these two countries and the US and EU amounted to around $1.56 trillion last year.

According to experts, an attempt to impose sanctions could cause serious inflation and recession in the West. Meanwhile, the NDB shareholders include Brazil, India, China, and South Africa, and Bangladesh, Egypt, the UAE, and Uruguay have joined them. More than 30 other countries have expressed interest in joining the alliance.

Amid the ongoing developments, enthusiasts have highly recommended Bitcoin, XRP, and other cryptos for consideration for their democratic qualities. Already, countries like El Salvador have declared Bitcoin a legal tender and the process could be keenly studied by the BRICS nations. However, no official announcement on this possibility has ever been made.

Commenting on the impact of these developments, the founder and CEO of Zang Enterprises, Lynette Zang, recently disclosed in a CNF report that the US Dollar’s dominance has reduced to 3% and could dwindle to zero in 2025.

I believe with all my heart and everything that I know that we’ve already begun the transition to hyperinflation. We’re going to see more borrowing, more money printing, and more inflation because they have not killed that beast that they created and continue to create. It’ll become very obvious in 2025.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash  

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SEC CHAIR GENSLER PLUGS CHANGES TO EXCHANGE DEFINITION THAT WORRIES CRYPTO

Gary Gensler reminded a conference on Treasury bonds about a proposed rule change that would impact DeFi, too.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission will continue to pursue changes to the definition of “exchange” and alternative trading systems, Chair Gary Gensler told attendees of the US Treasury Market Conference on Sept. 26.

Gensler was speaking about issues that affect the efficiency and resilience of the US Treasury bond market, but that proposal has been heavily criticized in the digital asset space.

Defining dealers to include more market players
One of the measures the SEC has taken to buttress the Treasury market was a change to the definition of a “dealer” that was meant to clarify the role of market participants such as principal-trading firms, which might use algorithmic and high-frequency trading strategies.

The changes, proposed in 2022, were criticized at the time by pro-crypto politicians for the spillover effect they would have on digital asset trading. Nonetheless, they were adopted in February.

What makes an alternative trader?
The worst may be yet to come, however. Another issue for Treasury bonds that also touched digital assets is the definition of “exchange” and alternative trading systems. A proposal dating to 2022 would extend registration requirements for platforms that served as market makers for government securities.

The wording of that proposal implied other kinds of exchange platforms would be subject to the new rules as well, and potentially raised issues of constitutionality.

When the proposal was revived a year later, a section was added to apply specifically to decentralized finance (DeFi). “This update would close a regulatory gap among platforms,” Gensler said. The changes have not been finalized yet.

Notably, Prometheum and tZero are registered alternative trading systems. They are also the first and so far only firms to receive special purpose broker-dealer status for digital asset securities, which allows them to provide custody of digital asset securities on behalf of retail and institutional clients.

Gensler did not mention cryptocurrency or DeFi in his presentation. He stopped by CNBC the same day to talk about crypto regulation and claimed that the crypto industry is adequately regulated by existing laws.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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 BILLIONAIRES FLOCKING TO DUBAI WHY? #DUBAI  #BILLIONAIRE | Youtube

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Afternoon 9-26-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

 MOROCCO TURNS TO AI, BLOCKCHAIN TO ACHIEVE ‘DIGITAL HUB’ GOAL BY 2030

 The Digital Morocco 2030 was announced on Sept. 25 and launched with a $1.1 billion budget.

Morocco is betting on artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies to transform the country into a global digital hub as part of its ambitious Digital Morocco 2030 strategy.

The initiative was announced on Sept. 25 and launched with a $1.1 billion budget. It aims to integrate advanced technologies to boost public services, drive economic growth, and create 240,000 new jobs in the digital sector by 2030.

In addition to reforming government services, the strategy aims to support the development of new AI-driven startups and blockchain-based platforms, which will play a key role in Morocco’s goal of becoming a major player in the global digital economy.

AI and Blockchain

The strategy places AI and distributed ledger technology (DLT) at the core of public service digitization, streamlining government operations and improving transparency.

A key component, the Unified Administrative Services Portal, will utilize the blockchain to securely manage services such as healthcare, education, and social protection, while AI systems will enhance service delivery by analyzing and processing data in real-time.

Minister of Digital Transition Ghita Mezzour emphasized that the strategy seeks to boost the digital economy while fully embracing digital technologies, including AI and DLT.

The Moroccan government aims to improve its ranking in the United Nations Online Services Index, moving from 100th to 50th place globally.

The Digital Morocco 2030 strategy also targets an increase in digital export revenues to 40 billion dirhams ($4.15 billion) and an overall contribution of 100 billion dirhams ($10.36 billion) to the country’s gross domestic product.

Additionally, the government plans to enhance 5G coverage to 70% of the country’s territory and create 3,000 startups.

Attracting global tech

Morocco seeks to attract global tech companies specializing in AI and blockchain, inviting them to establish operations and contribute to the country’s growing tech ecosystem.

The Moroccan Agency for Digital Development (ADD) will support the digitalization of public administrations and standardize administrative procedures through a unified digital portal.

The Digital Morocco 2030 plan also focuses on fostering innovation within the country by supporting startups that are developing AI and blockchain-based platforms.

The government is creating a supportive legal framework to accelerate the growth of these startups and enable them to expand globally.

 By nurturing a dynamic tech ecosystem, Morocco hopes to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs while positioning itself as a competitive force in the AI and blockchain sectors on the international stage.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto Slate

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NYDFS SUPPORTS FEDERAL CRYPTO REGULATIONS AND MAINTAINS STATE ROLE 

• NYDFS expresses support for federal crypto regulations while ensuring states retain their roles.

• Adrienne Harris emphasizes the importance of both federal and state involvement in regulation.

• Many companies relocate due to regulatory uncertainty, while some choose to remain in the U.S. 

The New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) has expressed no concerns regarding federal cryptocurrency regulations. However, the office also believes that each state will retain its current role in overseeing digital assets.

Balancing Federal and State Authorities

Adrienne Harris, the New York State Financial Services Superintendent, spoke at the Digital Asset Compliance and Market Integrity Summit held in Manhattan on Wednesday. During the event, she defended federal cryptocurrency legislation while addressing the role of the states.

In her address, Harris stated that her office is ready to work with federal authorities, but insisted that states must also play a role to be more effective. She noted that states can move faster in regulating digital assets, which counters the perception that state oversight undermines regulatory standards. Harris remarked:

“Passing bills and drafting regulations is indeed important, but it is still essential for states to have a role.”

Continuing to discuss the role of states in crypto regulation, the Superintendent highlighted that NYDFS possesses one of the strongest digital asset regulatory frameworks globally. Harris expressed optimism that federal cryptocurrency legislation will soon be made public and confirmed that NYDFS has been in discussions with the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

With a team of 60 full-time staff, NYDFS’s crypto division has become one of the largest regulatory bodies for cryptocurrency in the world.

Cryptocurrency Regulations

Congress, the SEC, NYDFS, the Treasury, and the Fed all advocate for a regulated presence of cryptocurrencies in the U.S. 

However, we have seen that tangible steps have not been taken to the desired level for years. 

Cryptocurrency companies in the U.S. are being directed down a straight line with their eyes blindfolded, yet they can neither see nor find a straight line.

Due to the lack of necessary regulatory guidance, many companies have relocated their headquarters to countries like the UAE, Qatar, and Singapore. 

However, giants like Coinbase and Ripple announced their intention to stay and continue fighting in America. If Trump is elected, it could be a significant win for cryptocurrencies, likely leading to tangible crypto laws. However, Harris also promised to focus on regulations in a scenario where she wins the elections.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTurk

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XRPL’S XAMAN WALLET 3.0 LAUNCHES: REVENUE SHARING AND DEVELOPER PERKS UNVEILED 

• Xaman Wallet’s version 3.0 introduces a revenue-sharing program to support developers and enhance the XRPL ecosystem.

• The new update offers a threshold-based model, universal transaction signing, and enhanced accessibility for developers and users.

 The XRPL-based wallet, Xaman Wallet, has released version 3.0, which marks a huge step forward by introducing a monetization model that splits money with dApp developers.

This version includes various enhancements to improve the user experience, including a new xApp page, NFT offer previews, more detailed transaction insights, and more smooth interactions with AMM pools.

Xaman Upgrade: User-Centric Design and Developer Revenue Sharing 

The new design not only provides a cleaner, more user-friendly interface, but it also makes browsing the wallet’s functionalities much simpler.

The most notable feature of this upgrade is the threshold-based paradigm, which allows low-transaction accounts to continue using the wallet for free while high-transaction accounts may need to subscribe to additional features.

This update demonstrates Xaman’s dedication to giving value to its consumers while also guaranteeing that frequent users have access to even more advanced features.

Looking ahead, Xaman has announced intentions to launch a revenue-sharing program for developers of popular tools and xApps within its ecosystem in early 2025.

Although the finer details are still being worked out, Xaman hopes to create an atmosphere in which user contributions not only fuel the platform’s growth but also benefit the community.

This program aims to build a more integrated and thriving community by allowing creators of popular xApps to earn monthly payouts.

For example, a developer who produces a highly engaging xApp will be compensated on a regular basis, encouraging innovation and the creation of useful tools inside the Xaman ecosystem.

By sharing money with developers, Xaman is actively aiming to create a collaborative atmosphere in which all participants profit from each other’s success.

Xaman version 3.0 also includes the Universal Transaction Signing tool. This tool allows developers to connect to any network while enabling a variety of amendments, making it easier to sign transactions and experiment with new transaction kinds.

This innovation is especially useful for developers wishing to experiment with new transaction models because it eliminates the difficulties associated with signing transactions across several networks.

Previously, CNF reported that Xaman Wallet had connected with C14, allowing for smooth fiat-to-crypto transfers and giving users access to the Xahau and XRPL tokens. C14’s integration greatly improves global accessibility by allowing crypto purchases in more than 50 countries. 

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   Crypto News Flash  

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PROOF RIPPLE WORKS WITH THE FED What It Means For XRP HOLDERS  |  Youtube

@ Newshounds News™

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ERIC ADAMS DID SOMETHING BAD...  |  Youtube

NYC Mayor Eric Adams is facing charges and his aides are resigning. by The Economic Ninja

@ Newshounds News™

~~~~~~~~~

BREAKING NEWS: IRAQ'S ECONOMY LATEST UPDATE - MUST WATCH!  |  Youtube

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts  

~~~~~~~~~

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So What About Silver?

So What About Silver? 

Notes From the Field by James Hickman / Simon Black

September 25, 2024  In the 6th century BC, during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon flourished as a center of power, culture, and commerce.

We know this because the Babylonians were exceptional record keepers. And they chiseled everything down onto cuneiform tablets, many of which have survived through today.

Sadly the tablets aren't tabloids. They don't contain any juicy gossip or colorful stories of ancient times.

But they do offer extremely detailed-- though often boring and mundane-- records of everyday economic transactions, legal contracts, and administrative activities.

Just like future historians centuries from now should easily be able to see this evening's closing stock prices for Apple and Tesla, we can also read about daily grain prices in ancient Babylon.

One important tablet from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II highlights the interchangeability of gold and silver in Babylonian commerce. It records a transaction where 5 shekels of silver were considered equivalent to half a shekel of gold.

(The shekel was an ancient unit of weight approximately equal to 8.33 grams.)

This exchange rate implies a silver-to-gold ratio of 10:1.

The formal establishment of fixed exchange rates between gold and silver took a significant leap under Darius the Great in the mid-6th century BC.

Ruling over the vast Achaemenid Empire, Darius borrowed the concept of minting coins from the Lydians and introduced a bimetallic standard. He decreed that one gold "daric" coin was equivalent to 20 silver coins, creating one of the first examples of an official, fixed silver-to-gold ratio.

Over time, the ratio fluctuated due to advancements in mining techniques and changes in supply and demand. And by the era of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BC, the ratio had shifted to 13:1.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, Julius Caesar established a 12:1 ratio.

Even in the early history of the United States, The Coinage Act of 1792 legally defined the US dollar in terms of specific weights of gold and silver—1.604 grams of pure gold or 24.1 grams of pure silver—establishing a ratio of approximately 15:1.

Of course, today, the silver-to-gold ratio is whatever the market decides. Ever since the dollar was removed from the gold standard more than five decades ago, the market ratio between silver and gold has ranged from about 25:1 all the way up to 120:1. Right now it is about 85:1.

Many people have an idea about where this ratio should be. Some people think that it will inevitably fall back to 50:1 which would price silver at around $53 per ounce.

Silver could certainly rise to $53 and far beyond. But not because of some preordained ratio.

Remember, there is no fixed rule or law regulating the silver/gold ratio. There's nothing stopping it from rising to 500:1.

And frankly I think it's likely the ratio could rise much higher from its current 85:1.

Just think about the catalysts that could drive both gold and silver prices much higher.

Gold prices over the past few years have been pushed to all-time highs by central banks. And as I've argued, this is a pretty clear sign that they anticipate moving on from the US dollar as the global reserve currency.

As the US national debt continues to explode higher and the federal government appears increasingly dysfunctional, it's becoming likely that the US dollar's global dominance could come to an end within the next several years.

What does the post-dollar global financial system look like? What will the next reserve currency be? No one knows.

And that's why central banks are buying gold. Because they have $8 TRILLION worth of US dollar reserves that they need to convert into something of value.

Gold, for now, represents that value. So central banks are buying it by the metric ton.

But (with minor exception) central banks do not buy silver. The market is too small, making it extremely difficult to invest billions of dollars all at once.

Silver prices are influenced more by industrial demand... and investor speculation. I'll come back to that.

I've said before that a Kamala victory will likely spell the end for the dollar's reign. This is a person who thinks that inflation is caused by "greed" and whose answer to every problem is more government spending.

The Harris deficits and inflation will likely be the proverbial straw that breaks the dollar's back. And the consequent surge in central bank gold purchases could easily send the silver/gold ratio soaring past 200 or more.

Again, while 200 is far beyond the historical average, there's no reason why it can't be even higher. Historical averages are merely data points, not firm rules.

It's far more important to pay attention to price catalysts. And gold has a major catalyst in central bank purchases.

That doesn’t mean the price of silver won’t rise. In fact, a climbing gold price alone is very like to increase the price of silver, simply because investors will speculate that it will rise.

This becomes somewhat of a self-fulfilling prophecy; investors buy an asset believing that it will rise. That increased demand causes the price to rise, encouraging more investors to buy.

We've seen this type of feverish speculation with plenty of asset classes in the past-- including silver more than a decade ago.

But in the end, if there aren't real demand fundamentals to support the price, the speculative mania always fades.

Bottom line, gold has clear demand from central banks that could send the price to absurd levels. Silver does not share the same catalyst.

Silver prices could absolutely skyrocket. But this would be far more likely due to temporary speculation (and those buyers tend to be finicky and sell quickly) rather than from true long-term industrial or investor demand.

To your freedom,  James Hickman  Co-Founder, Schiff Sovereign LLC

PS-  If you value this type of financial and political analysis, this is just a taste of what you’ll get with Schiff Sovereign: Premium. At just $9/month, it’s packed with incredible insights, including both Plan B strategies and compelling investment research. It’s a highly educational, month-by-month guide that is designed to help you navigate the world from a position of strength, both personally and financially.

https://www.schiffsovereign.com/trends/so-what-about-silver-151499/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Thursday Morning 9-26-24

Good morning Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE VS. SEC: HOW THE COURT RULING SETS THE STAGE FOR RLUSD STABLECOIN LAUNCH!

Ripple’s Big Plans in “Uptober”!
Despite the rumors of SEC’s reappeal on XRP status, Ripple is poised for exciting developments next month. Monica Long, Ripple’s president, shared insights into the company’s plans, including:

▪️the upcoming RLUSD stablecoin launch

▪️enhancements to the XRP Ledger (XRPL)
▪️focus on global expansion.

SEC Case Resolved: A New Dawn for Ripple

The court ruling that XRP is not a security has provided Ripple with the clarity it desperately needed. Long noted that this victory benefits Ripple and sets a precedent for the entire crypto industry. Although the SEC might consider an appeal by October 7, however, Ripple remains optimistic about its strong position.

Ripple’s Imminent Launch to Pump the Network

Ripple is set to launch its RLUSD stablecoin by the end of 2024, pending regulatory approval. Backed by U.S. dollars and short-term Treasury bills, RLUSD aims to facilitate transactions for institutional investors without disrupting XRP’s market share. Given its favorable regulatory climate, Garlinghouse views Japan as an ideal market for RLUSD. The stablecoin is beta testing on the XRPL and Ethereum networks.

Beyond the stablecoin, Ripple plans to enhance the XRP Ledger.

Long hinted at introducing “Hooks” to bring smart contract capabilities, complementing existing features like decentralized exchanges (DEX) and automated market makers (AMM). These upgrades aim to make XRPL even more competitive in the enterprise-grade blockchain space.

According to the notable XRPL validator Vet, Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin launch is nearing. Unusual minting activity, including the recent minting of 5,515 RLUSD tokens on Ethereum, has drawn attention; this raised the total circulating supply to 6,028 tokens and suggests an intensified testing phase. This latest issuance marks the largest since the project began in late August and aims to assess RLUSD’s performance across both the Ethereum and XRPL networks.

Meanwhile, the XRP community is buzzing with speculation about how RLUSD’s debut might affect XRP’s price. Some believe that if RLUSD equals the value of one XRP, it could lead to a significant price increase for XRP, currently valued at $0.5854, well below its previous $1 peak in November 2021.

Global Expansion: Shifting Focus to Asia

While regulatory challenges persist in the U.S., Ripple’s growth is accelerating in Asia, with 40% of its activities now based in the region. Moreover, both Garlinghouse and Long have noted the long-term partnership with Japan’s SBI Group as a crucial driver of XRP adoption, positioning Ripple as a significant player in the future of decentralized finance.

As Ripple embarks on this new chapter, it is set to innovate, expand globally, and redefine the roles of both XRP and the broader blockchain ecosystem.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

Visa Introduces Tokenized Asset Platform for Blockchain-Based Financial Services

Visa has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), a new product designed to help banks issue fiat-backed tokens on the Ethereum blockchain.

This platform aims to digitize and automate the trading of real-world assets, such as commodities and bonds, using smart contracts. VTAP provides financial institutions with the tools and infrastructure needed to tokenize fiat currencies, enhancing transaction speed and security. One of the first banks to use this platform will be Spain’s BBVA, which plans to roll out a live pilot in 2025.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   Bitcoin News

  ~~~~~~~~~

PayPal Expands Crypto Services: US Merchants Can Now Buy, Sell, and Hold Bitcoin

PayPal announced that it is now letting US merchants buy, sell and hold Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies directly from PayPal business accounts.

PayPal announced that it is now letting US merchants buy, sell and hold Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies directly from their PayPal business accounts. The new capabilities, however, will not be available for users in New York, the company said.

As demand for expanded cryptocurrency capabilities is on the rise, PayPal decides to bring up new offerings.

Jose Fernandez da Ponte, Senior Vice President of Blockchain at PayPal, said that since the company rolled out features allowing users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies within their existing PayPal and Venmo accounts, it has the opportunity to observe and analyze user behavior.

PayPal Opens The Door For Crypto Business

The new feature was a result of the insights PayPal has got. It aims to address the growing demand among business owners for cryptocurrency functionalities, according to da Ponte. PayPal expects the feature to help businesses interact with cryptocurrencies with ease.

“Business owners have increasingly expressed a desire for the same cryptocurrency capabilities available to consumers. We’re excited to meet that demand by delivering this new offering, empowering them to engage with digital currencies effortlessly,” da Ponte stated.

Alongside the offering, PayPal also enables businesses to transfer their cryptocurrencies to “third-party eligible wallets.” This allows them to send and get tokens to and from external blockchain addresses like cold storage wallets, which could help enhance security.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  Blockonomi

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Evening 9-25-24

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

BRICS NEWS:

BRICS EXPANDS: 23 COUNTRIES APPLY, 159 NATIONS ADOPT BLOCKCHAIN-BASED PAYMENTS

▪️23 countries have applied to join the BRICS alliance, with 24 more expressing informal interest, totaling 47 nations.

▪️BRICS is promoting de-dollarization, aiming to use local currencies for trade instead of the US dollar, which could impact various US sectors.

According to recent reports, 23 countries have formally submitted their applications to join the BRICS alliance before the 2024 summit, global economic shifts are taking center stage.

The BRICS countries, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have become popular among the new members of emerging markets, mainly from Asia, Africa, and South America, to expand their trade operations using

The growing interest in BRICS reflects a broader movement toward de-dollarization, where nations seek to reduce dependency on the US dollar for international trade.

The alliance has promoted local currency usage as a means of boosting economic independence, with developing countries viewing this initiative as beneficial to their own financial systems. 

In addition to the 23 nations that have officially applied, another 24 countries have expressed informal interest in joining BRICS, bringing the total number of potential members to 47.

This could be a major blow to some of the biggest industries in the United States since the country’s economic dominance has been rooted in the use of the US dollar internationally.

The de-dollarization process, strengthened by BRICS countries, maybe the first step in shifting the current world’s financial system paradigms.

Internal Divisions Emerge Over BRICS Enlargement Process
The next BRICS summit is planned for October 22-24 in the Russian region of Tatarstan, Kazan and will consider the admission of new members as well as other important issues.

However, the existence of the alliance has been marked by internal conflicts on the issue of expansion. While China and Russia have supported the idea of the expansion of the bloc, India has urged the need for a moratorium on the enlargement process for at least five years.

Key discussions at the summit are likely to revolve around trade agreements and the extended use of local currencies for cross-border transactions, a core objective of BRICS’ de-dollarization efforts. 

The expansion debate will be closely watched as the alliance continues to shape its role in the global economic landscape.

BRICS Explores Blockchain-Based International Payment System
Over the past few months, BRICS has increased its activities to develop new financial structures that are designed to weaken the dollar. 

As Crypto News Flash stated earlier, the bloc is now considering the possibility of creating an international payment system that will be based on the blockchain and will involve more than 159 foreign partners. It would prefer transactions in other currencies than the dollar, for example, the ruble or the yuan.

However, there has been a lot of misconception concerning the initiative, and it has been rumored that 159 countries had signed up for the system prior to its launch. However, such claims have been discredited, and there is no evidence to support such a high level of engagement.

BRICS’ pursuit of de-dollarization and alternative financial systems signifies a transformative period in international trade, where local currencies and advanced technologies could redefine economic interactions across borders.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

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DTCC TOKENIZATION PILOT FINDS 'SIGNIFICANT' IMPROVEMENTS TO LIQUIDITY AND COLLATERAL OPTIMIZATION

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation’s latest blockchain pilot found “robust functionality and potential” for tokenizing Treasuries.

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation has announced the results of its U.S. Treasury Collateral Network tokenization pilot, finding “robust functionality and potential” for distributed networks.

Four investors, four banks, two central counterparties and three custodians participated in the experiment, which tested 10 different use cases. The financial privacy-focused Canton Network was tapped for the effort.

“The successful completion of this pilot proves that tokenized assets could be leveraged to optimize collateral,” Kelly Mathieson, chief business development officer at Digital Asset, a firm involved in the pilot, said in a statement.

The pilot was conducted between June and July to test the feasibility of “complex real-world transactions” like cloning and settling a “digital twin” for U.S. Treasuries. It also looked into real-time margin calls, asset recalls and other portfolio management services.

“In hypothetical default scenarios, secured parties seized pledged assets, transferring ownership in atomic transactions, ensuring legal certainty and control,” DTCC wrote in a press release.

Nadine Chakar, longtime blockchain advocate and global head of DTCC Digital Assets, noted in particular that the system “significantly” improved liquidity and collateral optimization.

DTCC has been experimenting with blockchain since at least 2020, when it launched a pilot program called Project Ion looking to test out alternative settlement methods. The firm is responsible for clearing several hundreds of trillions of dollars worth of transactions annually.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

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RIPPLE’S PARTNERS DLOCAL AND SHOPEEPAY EXPAND TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

▪️dLocal expands partnership with ShopeePay, reaching 200 million new e-commerce customers across four Southeast Asian countries.

▪️Ripple’s network strengthens in Asia as dLocal, Tranglo, and Instarem enhance cross-border payment solutions.

The most recent developments from Ripple’s ecosystem show considerable growth for its users and partners in the Southeast Asian e-commerce business. dLocal, a RippleNet-based payment platform since 2017, has announced an expanded relationship with ShopeePay, allowing its merchants to accept payments in four new markets: Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This move significantly expands access to an estimated 200 million additional e-commerce buyers in Asia. The fact that ShopeePay is powered by Tranglo, another Ripple partner, adds to Ripple’s regional prominence.

dLocal Expands with ShopeePay Thailand, Adding Payout Solutions
Furthermore, dLocal does not limit itself to pay-ins. In conjunction with ShopeePay Thailand, the company is expanding its offerings to include merchant payout options. 

This dual functionality considerably improves the seamlessness of payment processing, allowing businesses to receive payments more swiftly while also handling disbursements with greater simplicity.

This cooperation underscores dLocal’s efforts to reestablish its footprint following a period of setbacks, demonstrating renewed growth and a commitment to growing its services in emerging regions.

Previously, CNF reported that Tranglo expanded its services to Brunei, with the goal of providing migrant workers with faster and more secure remittance choices using Ripple’s blockchain technology.

This expansion highlights the growing importance of blockchain in improving cross-border payment solutions, and Tranglo’s efforts to integrate Ripple’s technology demonstrate the potential efficiencies it may bring to financial transactions.

As we previously highlighted, Instarem, another Ripple affiliate, has also made considerable gains in cross-border payment procedures by integrating Apple Pay with their Amaze card.

This integration improves the convenience of contactless payments across borders via mobile devices, demonstrating how Ripple’s network of partners is always growing to provide cutting-edge solutions for a wide range of payment requirements in the digital era.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   Crypto News Flash  

~~~~~~~~~

GOLD RUSH! LETS DIG IN  | Youtube

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Source:  Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts  

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Afternoon 9-25-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

ETHEREUM IS A ‘DICTATORSHIP,’ CLAIMS CARDANO FOUNDER CHARLES HOSKINSON

Hoskinson says the Ethereum network is more like a “dictatorship” where Vitalik Buterin exerts too much influence over the development of the decentralized network.

Cardano’s Voltaire-era governance overhaul prevents it from becoming a “dictatorship” like Ethereum and sidesteps the “anarchy” of Bitcoin, its founder Charles Hoskinson said.

Speaking to Cointelegraph at Token2049 in Singapore, Hoskinson attacked Ethereum’s governance model, claiming it relies too heavily on its co-founder Vitalik Buterin for direction.

Hoskinson said that blockchains can elect to keep the protocol forever simple, like Bitcoin, or “pick a king” to run things. However, Cardano’s new governance model solves the “governance trilemma” of “efficiency, effectiveness and integrity” by using delegated representatives and a members-based organization called Intersect to distill complex governance topics down for a vote.  

“If you have those three things, then you have a fair shot of avoiding the anarchy of Bitcoin or the dictatorship of Ethereum, and you actually have something that can move forward with one voice, but it’s still decentralized at the end of the day because it represents everybody.”

Pressed to explain his controversial remark comparing Ethereum to a dictatorship, Hoskinson stated that Ethereum’s “entire vision” starts and ends with the 30-year-old Buterin.

Hoskinson at Token2049 in Singapore. Source: Cointelegraph

“Everybody looks to him for the roadmap. Everybody looks to him for inspiration, and he’s also the only person who has enough power to rally people,” he said. “If you were to remove him from the equation right now, what’s the next hard fork going to look like, and how quickly can they actually get there?” he asked.

Hoskinson said Buterin was primarily responsible for altering the Ethereum roadmap away from sharding-based optimization of the base chain and toward rollups and layer-2 networks for scalability.

In recent months, the Ethereum roadmap has been heavily criticized for empowering “extractive L2s” as fee revenue and activity on the L1 dropped.

“Where does this idea of embracing layer 2s or rollups come from? Was it some random Ethereum engineer — or was it Vitalik Buterin writing a blog post about it, talking about it, and advocating for it?”

Although Hoskinson believes Ethereum is heavily influenced by Buterin’s vision, Buterin does not wield unilateral power in the decentralized network.

The blockchain uses a mix of offchain and onchain governance, including the Ethereum Foundation and community and stakeholder input into Ethereum Improvement Protocols, with critical decisions taken at core developer meetings. Contentious decisions can result in a hard fork, as happened with The DAO hack rollback that resulted in Ethereum Classic.

Hoskinson was one of eight original co-founders of Ethereum and CEO of the Ethereum Foundation, but his for-profit vision for the protocol clashed with Buterin’s and the young creator fired him from the project at a meeting in Switzerland in 2014.

While Hoskinson conceded that he had played a broadly similar role in shaping Cardano since 201, he said the network’s new governance model is designed to ensure that “Charles, alive or dead, doesn’t matter. There’s still going to be innovation on a daily basis.”

Cardano’s Chang hard fork in early September turned its Cardano (ADA) asset into a governance token, enabling holders to elect representatives and vote on development proposals and on funding for community projects. The founding entities that have guided the project so far — the Cardano Foundation, Input Output Global and Emurgo — can no longer trigger forks and upgrades.

Hoskinson said the interplay between the members-based organization of researchers and engineers — dubbed Intersect — and the delegate representatives is a much more “collaborative model” that functions with or without an active founder.

“They can talk to each other, vote, and come up with and use a blockchain-based government to ratify a roadmap on a regular basis,” said Hoskinson.

Cardano is still working on finalizing a constitution that will likely set hard limits on some core issues, such as supply and how governance works.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

IRELAND TO STREAMLINE LICENSING PROCESS FOR CRYPTO BUSINESSES

Ireland's Central Bank is enhancing its authorization process for crypto companies as the European Union prepares to implement the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation. Deputy Governor Derville Rowland announced this development during a speech at AFME's 8th Annual European Compliance and Legal Conference on September 23, 2024.

The authorization process, which crypto businesses must complete to operate legally in Ireland, involves regulatory approval of a company's financial stability, risk management systems, and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. 

Rowland stated, "We have been working to continually improve our authorisation process," adding, "Better risk assessment, better communication and better supervisory outcomes have been the output of that work."

This move comes as part of Ireland's preparation for MiCAR, a EU-wide regulatory framework for crypto-assets. MiCAR aims to establish consistent rules across EU member states for crypto-asset issuers and service providers. "We are working closely with our EU Peers and the ESAs to ensure the necessary coordination and consistency across Europe," Rowland said.

Rowland highlighted the significant potential of blockchain technologies: "We can see the many areas where the blockchain has significant potential to bring about positive change, even transformation, in how we do things. Whether this be tokenisation of investment products or improvements in post-trade infrastructure and interoperability, there are important positive stories to tell."

The Central Bank aims to strike a balance between innovation and risk management. "It is important that these benefits can be realised, whilst also ensuring that the risks are well understood and managed." Rowland also noted the key role of regulation: "Regulation plays a crucial role in the safe, and therefore enduring, adoption of innovation into the system."

Concerns Over Implementation And Compliance
While this move aims to simplify procedures, some industry representatives express concerns about potential challenges during implementation. "Talking about regulations in this industry is good, as governments are getting ready for mass-adoption.

The problem is, how will these regulations hinder development, and most importantly, deployment," says Daniel Logvin, CEO at LedgerByte. "Compliance is a very tough thing to achieve, especially when lots already have systems that work," Logvin adds.

"It provides increased regulatory clarity, which will help support institutional trust, investor confidence and consumer protection," notes Susana Esteban, Managing Director at FTI Consulting. However, she cautions that "It adds more compliance responsibilities (and potentially costs) for crypto companies and traditional financial entities working with digital assets."

Ireland's Potential As A Crypto Hub
According to an October 2023 article by Ben Strack in Blockworks, Ireland's appeal to crypto companies has been growing for years. The Irish government launched an "Innovation Hub" in 2018, facilitating engagement between fintech firms and the Central Bank of Ireland.

Coinbase opened its Dublin office in late 2018, while Gemini became the first Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) in Ireland in July 2022. MoonPay gained VASP status in August 2023, and Kraken received E-Money Institution authorization in September 2023.

"We welcome regulatory clarity and continued improvement and enhancements by regulators to adapt regulations to both protect users and markets but also balancing out the need to continue to foster innovation and growth," says Gracy Chen, the CEO of Bitget. 

Certainly Ireland is always high on the list for innovative companies to be based there as a global financial centre, its membership and access to the European Union as well as its favourable business environment including its deep talent pool. This certainly helps to encourage crypto-companies to consider Ireland more seriously as a base."

"If Ireland pairs this with tax incentives or a business-friendly environment, it could become a hub for crypto firms, but this legislation is EU wide and it may have some competition for business," suggests Richard Lofthouse the Head of Risk and Data Science at InFlux Technologies.

Balancing Regulation With Innovation In EU
MiCAR regulates previously uncovered crypto-asset activities in the EU, including their issuance, custody, administration, and trading on platforms and exchanges. 

"This could position the EU as a leader in crypto regulation, but being a leader in rules doesn't always translate to success in the market. It's important for the EU to find a balance between strong regulation and allowing room for innovation to stay competitive globally," Logvin states.

Esteban concludes, "Regulatory certainty can be a competitive advantage. MiCAR provides regulatory guidelines, which could make EU-based crypto businesses more attractive to institutional investors and partners, boosting their global credibility."

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Forbes

~~~~~~~~~

GENSLER IGNORED DIGITAL ASSETS IN CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY BEFORE 4 HOUR GRILLING ON CRYPTO

Gensler defends SEC's stance on crypto amid congressional criticism over lack of clear regulations.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler faced criticism during yesterday’s congressional hearing over the agency’s approach to regulating cryptocurrencies despite omitting any mention of digital assets in his written testimony. 

Lawmakers and SEC commissioners questioned the effectiveness and clarity of current strategies, highlighting concerns about “regulation by enforcement” and the absence of explicit guidelines.

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Patrick McHenry noted that the House had passed the FIT 21 Act to establish clear rules and robust consumer protections in the digital asset ecosystem. “More than two-thirds of the House, including 71 Democrats, rejected Chair Gensler’s approach to digital assets by supporting clarity and consumer protection,” McHenry stated during the hearing.

The FIT 21 Act’s definition of decentralization was a point of contention. Some lawmakers questioned whether setting a 20% ownership threshold and allowing anonymous self-hosted wallets could hinder enforcement efforts and regulatory oversight.

Commissioner Hester Peirce criticized the SEC’s reliance on enforcement actions without providing clear regulatory guidance. “It’s a very bad approach to trying to regulate an industry if you’re trying to protect investors,” Peirce said. She emphasized that this method is inefficient, leaving market participants uncertain about the SEC’s authority and compliance boundaries.

Commissioner Mark Uyeda echoed the need for the SEC to articulate how existing securities laws apply to digital assets. “The Commission, for instance, could have articulated, specifically in the context of crypto and digital assets, how you apply this test,” Uyeda remarked, referring to the Howey Test used to determine whether an asset qualifies as a security.

Despite these criticisms, Gensler maintained that current laws regarding digital assets are sufficient and explicit. Gensler asserted,

“Regardless of where somebody stores their ledger if they tokenize a security—an equity, a bond, or an investment contract—it’s important to make sure that the investors and the investing public have the disclosures they need.”

He argued that tokenization does not alter the fundamental economics of an asset being a security.

Concerns were also raised about the influence of celebrity promotions and potential “pump and dump” schemes in the crypto space. Representative Bill Foster questioned whether the SEC has adequate authority to address issues where influencers promote investments without disclosing compensation. 

“I’ve heard concerns from industry participants about influencers, bloggers, celebrities, and others that use their celebrity status to promote investments without disclosing that they are, in fact, being paid to do so,” Foster said.

Gensler responded by saying,

“I would say I think the laws are strong. I mean, it’s always gaps in resources and we get, uh, on, on average a year 40 to 50,000 tips, complaints, and referrals. That’s, uh, What, 4, 000 a month or so.

And, uh, we, we have to prioritize those tips and complaints and referrals.”

The divide between the SEC’s current regulatory approach to crypto and the desire for more precise guidelines became evident throughout the hearing. 

While some commissioners believe that statutory definitions from Congress are necessary, others argue that the SEC could utilize its existing authority more effectively to provide clarity for the crypto industry.

The SEC’s written and oral testimony centered on topics like cybersecurity incidents, conflicts of interest in securitization markets, and enhancements to public reporting and data transparency.

However, the agency’s omission of any direct references to cryptocurrencies in its testimony highlights the tension between its priorities and the concerns of lawmakers and industry participants seeking regulatory clarity in the rapidly evolving digital asset landscape.

The call for clear rules of the road and robust consumer protections remains a pressing issue, with stakeholders advocating for a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding investor interests.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   CryptoSlate

  ~~~~~~~~~

HOW PARAGUAY IS REDEFINING BLOCKCHAIN SOVEREIGNTY WITH LEGALEDGER – NO MORE GAS FEES!

▪️Paraguay launches Blockchain Chamber, promoting sovereign blockchain innovation for government, finance, commerce, civil, and military applications.

▪️Legaledger, built on Hyperledger and Besu, eliminates transaction gas fees for military and legal operations under law 6.822/21.

Paraguay has taken a significant step in the blockchain arena by establishing the Paraguayan Blockchain Chamber, aimed at fostering financial innovation on a sovereign blockchain.

The chamber’s spokesperson and director, Ricardo Prieto, discussed the initiative’s main focus: developing blockchain solutions for both public and private sectors, including government, finance, commerce, civil, and military ecosystems.

The project, named Legaledger, is built on the Hyperledger and Besu platforms, marking it as the world’s first third-generation blockchain network with national sovereignty. It uniquely features an exemption from gas fees for transactions involving military and legal security, in accordance with Paraguayan digital law 6.822/21.

Prieto highlighted Legaledger’s innovative fractal architecture design, which is the first to employ a dual blockchain mechanism (Hyperledger Fabric + Besu) and has the capability for regional and global replication.

“The Blockchain Network has an innovative fractal architecture design, the first with a double blockchain mechanism (Hyperledger Fabric + Besu) and regional and global replication capacity, thus achieving frictionless interoperability between all countries,” the director explained.

This design facilitates seamless interoperability across countries. He referenced a recent report from the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) on the risks and uncertainties associated with Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), emphasizing the challenge banks face in conducting due diligence and supervision due to reliance on third-party blockchains. The BIS report suggests operating with sovereign blockchain networks to provide legal security within a country.

In 2021, Paraguay enacted Law No. 6.822/21 concerning trust services for electronic transactions, electronic documents, and transferable electronic documents – referred to as the Second Floor Digital Law.

“With the Law, we began to design Legaledger (powered by Hyperledger Foundation + HSM), the first Blockchain Network with national sovereignty, without gas payments, with legal security and with the ability to be replicated in any country in the world with perfect interoperability. Frictions between all participating countries.”

With this law, Paraguay began designing Legaledger, powered by the Hyperledger Foundation and HSM, creating the first blockchain network with national sovereignty that does not require gas payments, offers legal security, and can replicate in any country with perfect interoperability.

“The idea of creating a third-generation blockchain network arises from the need to offer legal security to procedures and transactions carried out on blockchain, something that is practically impossible in global blockchain networks”.

Another benefit of this initiative is the digitization of governmental, civil, and military judicial procedures, and the tokenization of financial assets and real-world assets (RWA), all with absolute legal security. This effectively eliminates identity theft and fraud risks, such as rug pulls, according to Prieto.

Challenges have since the project’s inception in 2021, particularly in tokenizing real estate assets. Discussions with legal advisors revealed potential fraud risks in the approach, highlighting the distinction between possession and ownership.

The public registry, which involves notaries and others to secure transactions on paper, ensures legal security for property ownership, which is not guaranteed by public blockchain tokens alone.

Legaledger is designed to be fractal and can be implemented across companies, conglomerates, states, and countries, maintaining interoperability for what is called sequencing, publishing procedures, or transactions, including international operations.

“No country in the world has the digital law that Paraguay has (Law 6.822/21), however, in many countries apartments and other physical assets were being tokenized that did not actually connect real rights with the tokens created on public blockchains, as we know this is very easy.

Each country has its Public Property Registry Agency, in which notaries and others participate, to control the operation that is carried out on paper, to provide legal security regarding the ownership of the object in question.”

To perfect tokenization with legal security, a unique digital law is necessary to allow digitalization of rights over tangible and intangible assets on a sovereign Blockchain network. 

The resulting tokens must be managed and safeguarded within the network and can be bought, sold, or transferred digitally to anyone or any institution worldwide with legal certainty and without repudiation.

Ultimately, countries implementing a sovereign blockchain network with legal security will become an international digital jurisdiction, meaning the country will achieve a high level of procedure digitalization and asset tokenization within a legal framework and application scope without repudiation, concluded the spokesperson for the Paraguayan Blockchain Chamber.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

~~~~~~~~~

GCR - RV BREAKDOWN |  Youtube

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts 

  ~~~~~~~~~

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Weaponized Dollar Pushing States to Gold and Sound Money

Weaponized Dollar Pushing States to Gold

Kitco News:  9-24-2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and currency, the sound money movement is gaining ground across the United States. Recent conversations about this movement have been invigorated by an enlightening interview between Jeremy Szafron, Anchor at Kitco News, and J.P. Cortez, the Executive Director of the Sound Money Defense League.

This discussion shed light on key legislative victories and the broader implications of an economic shift that champions sound money as a means to secure financial stability for individuals and businesses alike.

One of the most impressive achievements highlighted in the interview is the removal of sales taxes on gold and silver in an astounding 45 states. This critical legislative victory reflects a growing recognition of the role precious metals can play in a sound monetary system.

By alleviating the tax burden on gold and silver transactions, lawmakers are incentivizing citizen engagement with these assets. This not only acknowledges their historical role as money but also empowers individuals with tools to protect their wealth from inflation and economic uncertainty.

The Sound Money Defense League has been at the forefront of these legislative efforts, advocating for laws that support the use of gold and silver as viable alternatives to fiat currencies. Cortez emphasized that reducing the tax burden on precious metals is essential for fostering a broader acceptance of sound money principles, thereby encouraging individuals to consider gold and silver as part of their financial portfolios.

Amidst growing global economic instability, the interview also touched upon the increasingly common trend of de-dollarization. As countries around the world seek ways to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar, there is an evident pivot towards alternative currencies, including gold.

This shift signals a fundamental transformation in the financial landscape, as nations explore the limits of fiat currencies and the potential stability offered by sound money.

Cortez rightly pointed out that gold has traditionally served as a hedge against the volatility of fiat currencies. In a world where inflation, fiscal policy missteps, and geopolitical tensions abound, the stability of gold becomes more appealing as individuals and countries alike search for safer investments. The growing recognition of gold’s relevance—both as a long-term investment and as a mechanism for financial resilience—is something Cortez emphasized throughout his discussion with Szafron.

As our economies become increasingly intertwined with technology and digital currencies, the necessity for a stable and dependable monetary system remains paramount. Gold’s status as a tangible asset, which has endured for thousands of years, provides a unique comfort in uncertain times. Whether individuals are investing to protect their savings or nations are re-evaluating their currency strategies, gold is emerging as a pivotal player in the evolving financial narrative.

Cortez’s insights serve as a reminder of the inherent value in diversifying one’s portfolio to include sound money options, especially amid turmoil in traditional financial markets. His belief that a robust sound money framework can lead to a more prosperous economy aligns with the growing awareness of the benefits that gold and silver can provide over ill-defined fiat currencies.

As Jeremy Szafron and J.P. Cortez discussed in their interview, the sound money movement is not just a niche interest anymore; it has grown into a significant movement with far-reaching implications.

The recent legislative victories regarding the sales tax exemptions for gold and silver reflect a shift towards recognizing the importance of sound money principles in everyday financial practices. With the world increasingly embracing de-dollarization and searching for safer investments, the role of gold as a hedge against fiat currency fluctuations has never been clearer.

As this movement continues to gain momentum in the U.S., it holds the potential to reshape the financial landscape in ways we are only beginning to understand. With organizations like the Sound Money Defense League leading the charge, the future of sound money looks not only promising but necessary for a more stable economic environment.

https://youtu.be/iDQS5dyco_8

https://dinarchronicles.com/2024/09/24/kitco-news-weaponized-dollar-pushing-states-to-gold/

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economics Updates Wednesday Morning 9-25-24

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

SEC Chair Gary Gensler grilled over crypto regulation, handling of DEBT Box case in heated congressional hearing

▪️Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer got into a heated exchange with SEC Chair Gary Gensler during Tuesday’s hearing.

▪️Some lawmakers have criticized the SEC’s approach to regulating crypto over the years and say rules are not clear for the industry. Others say the SEC is doing its job by protecting investors.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler took the heat from both sides of the aisle during a congressional hearing over his handling of regulating the crypto industry.

In an intense exchange during a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, where all five SEC commissioners were testifying, Republican Majority Whip Tom Emmer asked the SEC chair about its case involving crypto startup DEBT Box.

A federal judge in Utah criticized the SEC's handling of the case and said the agency acted in bad faith. The agency was ultimately ordered in March to pay sanctions, including attorney's fees and costs. The same judge also criticized what he characterized as the SEC's misleading statements, with the agency admitting it had fallen short of expectations.

"Does the fact that we're talking about this today even slightly embarrass you?" the Minnesota Republican asked.

"The matters in that case were not well handled," Gensler responded.

Some lawmakers have criticized the SEC's approach to regulating crypto over the years and say rules are not clear for the industry. Others, including top Democrat Maxine Waters say the SEC is doing its job by protecting investors and "ensuring our capital markets remain the envy of the world."

Tuesday's hearing also comes as elections are just around the corner where crypto has become a hotly contested issue. 

Crypto firms have so far spent $119 million in 2024, with almost all of the funds going into super political action committees, specifically the Fairshake PAC, according to a report last month from consumer advocacy group Public Citizen.

Emmer, who has been critical of the SEC chair, also asked Gensler about Vice President Kamala Harris' comments over the weekend about crypto. Harris said she would "encourage innovative technologies like AI and digital assets while protecting consumers and investors. We will create a safe business environment with consistent and transparent rules of the road," according to Bloomberg.

"Is this your approach too sir, or do you think she's rebuking you because she doesn't think you've done a good enough job establishing these clear rules over the last three years of her administration?" Emmer asked.

Gensler said laws are in place, but that Congress can change them.

Take me out to the ball game
Democrat Ritchie Torres also peppered Gensler with questions about how the agency defines securities, using a New York Yankees ticket as an example. The crypto-friendly lawmaker asked Gensler if selling a Yankees ticket to him would be a security and later pointed out that the ticket would give him "access to a Yankees game."

Torres' line of questioning comes after the SEC has charged multiple entities with unregistered securities offerings, including Stoner Cats 2 LLC for conducting an unregistered offering of NFTs that brought in $8 million from investors.

"From the standpoint of federal securities laws, is there a legal difference between buying a Yankee ticket that offers you the experience of a Yankee game and buying an NFT that offers you the experience of an animated web series?" Torres asked.

Gensler said it's about how something is offered and sold and if people are "looking to a common enterprise anticipating profits," citing the Howey Test. The test is based on a 1946 U.S. Supreme Court case frequently cited by the SEC, to determine if an asset qualifies as an investment contract and, therefore, a security.

"The expectation or promise that an object could appreciate in value or that an object could be sold at a profit in the secondary market, that expectation or profit could be retrospectively attributed to just about any collectible or any consumer good or any piece of art or any piece of music," Torres said.

Gensler said it's about how something is offered and sold and if people are "looking to a common enterprise anticipating profits," citing the Howey Test. The test is based on a 1946 U.S. Supreme Court case frequently cited by the SEC, to determine if an asset qualifies as an investment contract and, therefore, a security.

"The expectation or promise that an object could appreciate in value or that an object could be sold at a profit in the secondary market, that expectation or profit could be retrospectively attributed to just about any collectible or any consumer good or any piece of art or any piece of music," Torres said.

 @ Newshounds News™

Source:  The Block

~~~~~~~~~

BNY nears crypto custody for ETFs after SEC softens SAB 121 stance

Bank of New York Mellon will not be held to SEC accounting practices for client crypto custody after a review.

The Bank of New York Mellon (BNY) is moving toward providing custody services for its exchange-traded fund (ETF) clients’ Bitcoin and Ether after the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gave it a pass on observing controversial crypto accounting guidelines.

The SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant conducted a review earlier this year and concluded that the bank did not need to adhere to the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121, Bloomberg reported.

SAB 121 requires companies safeguarding client crypto assets to list them as liabilities in their accounting. It has been a thorn in the side of the US crypto industry since its introduction in April 2022.

The SEC loosens its grip
Other financial institutions may receive the same break, the SEC hinted. A spokesman told Bloomberg:

“Certain broker dealers and custody banks have sufficiently demonstrated to SEC staff that their fact patterns are different from those described in SAB 121.”

“As long as their customers receive the same protection for the safeguarding of crypto assets as they do in custody arrangements, their balance sheet treatment is also the same as custody arrangements,” the agency continued.

BNY would need the authorization of other regulators in addition to the SEC before it could begin offering custody services. It told Bloomberg:

“BNY has engaged, and will continue to engage, its banking regulators to offer custody services to crypto ETP clients at scale.” Source: Financial Services GOP

 SAB 121 is a source of endless controversy.  

The inconvenient SAB 121 caught the world unprepared. Coinbase’s Q1 2022 financial report led to false speculation that the company was unsound after it incorporated the new accounting.

In June 2022, politicians joined the fray for the first of many times by writing to SEC Chair Gary Gensler complaining of “regulation disguised as staff guidance.”

The Government Accountability Office examined the guidance at the urging of pro-crypto Senator Cynthia. In October 2023, it determined that SAB 121 was subject to the Congressional Review Act, which requires agency rules to be submitted to Congress with a procedure for disapproval.

A coalition of the Bank Policy Institute, American Bankers Association, Financial Services Forum and Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association sent a letter to Gensler in February asking that traditional assets recorded on blockchain be exempted from the requirements of SAB 121.

Despite the pressure, the SEC held tight to the guidance, and legislation was passed to overturn the guidance in May. US President Joe Biden vetoed the legislation the following month.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

Gensler grilled as most ‘destructive’ SEC chair during congressional hearing

SEC Chair Gary Gensler faced criticism from lawmakers and agency members during a House Financial Services Committee hearing over his handling of crypto regulation in the United States.

United States Congressman Tom Emmer slammed SEC Chair Gary Gensler during a congressional hearing, calling him the most “destructive” and “lawless” Chair in the regulator’s 90-year history.

“You’ve made up the term crypto asset security. This term is nowhere to be found in statute, you made it up [and] you never provided any interpretive guidance on how crypto asset security might be defined within the walls of your SEC,” Emmer told Gensler before a House Financial Services Committee hearing on Sept. 24.

Emmer said the term had served as the entire basis for Gensler’s “enforcement crusade” against the crypto industry for the last three years. This was up until last week when SEC lawyers retracted the term in a court footnote.

“Your inconsistencies on this issue have set this country back. We could not have had a more historically destructive or lawless chairman of the SEC.”

Emmer also grilled Gensler over his agencies’ handling of the Debt Box case — a case where the SEC sued a crypto startup for an alleged $50 million fraud scheme. The case against Debt Box was dismissed on May 28, and the SEC was ordered to pay $1.8 million in fees.

Emmer said the SEC attorneys crafted a series of lies in the Debt Box case to “effectuate the commands” of Gensler’s “anti-crypto rhetoric” and regulation-by-enforcement agenda.

“The matters in that case were not well handled,” Gensler said in response to Emmer’s questioning.

SEC ‘should have admitted long ago’ that crypto tokens aren’t securities: Peirce

Gensler also faced heat from within his own ranks, with SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce saying the SEC’s move to retract the term crypto asset security in court last week should have happened “a long time ago.”

“[By] tucking into a footnote, we admit that now actually the token itself is not a security. That's something that we should have admitted long ago,” the pro-crypto SEC commissioner explained.

“We’ve fallen on our duty as a regulator not to be precise,” Peirce said.

When asked whether crypto tokens need a statutory definition to ascertain how they apply to securities laws, Peirce responded: “It’s always helpful to have Congress weigh in, but there certainly are some guidelines we could provide in this area that we have chosen not to provide.”

“But a statutory definition would help well I always welcome the input of Congress.”

Gensler confirms SAB 121 rule will stay in place

Despite calls from 42 US politicians to rescind the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 121 rule, Gensler said it will remain in effect.

“No, it’s a good accounting bulletin,” Gensler said in response to a question from House Rep. Wiley Nickel about whether the SEC would rescind the rule.

The SAB 121 rule mandates SEC-reporting entities that custody crypto to record those holdings as liabilities on their balance sheets. A SAB 121 repeal bill received bipartisan support in Congress before being vetoed by President Joe Biden in June.

Gensler claims it will help public companies understand the risks associated with holding crypto, pointing to FTX, Terraform Labs and other crypto bankruptcies.

Nickel didn’t bite, claiming that SAB 121 actually makes the digital asset ecosystem “less safe.”

Nickel recently claimed that SAB 121 would prevent US banks from custodying crypto exchange-traded products at scale, creating a “concentration risk” by handing more control over to non-bank entities.

With the rule now in place, Nickel slammed the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant for recently exempting Bank of New York Mellon from the balance sheet reporting requirement — arguing that it will lead to “different rules for different folks.”

But Gensler disagreed: “It’s actually the same rules for different folks.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

  ~~~~~~~~~

AHEAD OF TODAY’S CONGRESSIONAL HEARING ON SEC OVERSIGHT, REPUBLICANS URGED GENSLER TO REPEAL  |  Youtube

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts 

  ~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Evening 9-24-24

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

PRO-CRYPTO SENATE CANDIDATE JOHN DEATON SET TO DEBATE ELIZABETH WARREN IN OCTOBER

▪️John Deaton, a pro-crypto lawyer and Senate candidate, will debate Senator Elizabeth Warren on October 15.

▪️The debate will address key issues, though it remains unclear if cryptocurrency will be a topic of discussion.

▪️Deaton already criticized Sen. Warren for shifting from holding bankers accountable to supporting their interests.

Pro-crypto lawyer John Deaton, the Republican nominee for the Massachusetts Senate, confirmed his participation in a debate with Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren on October 15.

This marks the first debate between the two, providing a platform to discuss issues affecting voters.

Deaton Accuses Senator Warren of Big Bank Favoritism
In a post on social media platform X (Twitter), Deaton criticized the Democratic Senator for her shift from holding bankers accountable to supporting their interests. He noted that despite her earlier calls for prison sentences for bankers involved in the 2008 financial crisis, she later backed bank bailouts.

Deaton labeled Warren the country’s top lobbyist for big banks, urging voters to focus on politicians’ actions rather than words. He suggested Warren’s actions contradicted her previous promises.

“[Warren] decried how banking executives deserved prison time for causing the Great Financial Crisis – yet she supported the bailouts. Twelve years ago she promised she would go to Washington to hold those bankers accountable. A decade later, those same bankers write her bills,” Deaton stated.

Notably, Deaton has challenged Warren to five single-issue debates. He proposed topics such as immigration, the economy, income inequality, women’s reproductive rights, and foreign policy. Although Warren’s campaign confirmed two October debates, it’s unclear if cryptocurrency will be discussed.

Deaton’s Senate run stems from Warren’s consistent opposition to cryptocurrencies. Over the years, she has become a prominent figure in the Senate’s anti-crypto stance, even advocating for the formation of an “anti-crypto army” to limit the industry’s influence.

Deaton, a vocal supporter of Ripple and other crypto firms facing legal battles with the SEC, has gained backing from key figures in the crypto industry. His supporters include Gemini co-founders Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, as well as the Commonwealth Unity Fund PAC.

@ Newshounds News™
Source:  BienCrypto

~~~~~~~~~

IOTA Ecosystem Spotlight: The Community Behind Blockchain Innovation

▪️The IOTA ecosystem thrives due to its dynamic community and innovative developer contributions, pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology with groundbreaking projects.

▪️IOTA’s Tangle network relies on nodes and validators for security and stability, while the community extends beyond technology to make significant social impacts.

The IOTA ecosystem has enjoyed major success due to the contributions of the vibrant and dynamic participants. Furthermore, IOTA’s innovative developer community has been driving IOTA’s future by pushing the boundaries of new developments in blockchain technology.

IOTA’s developer community has been working on a few groundbreaking projects shaping the next generation of IOTA tech while boosting the network’s position as a leader in the blockchain space.

▪️IOTA Community Spotlights and Projects @iota

▪️The Power Behind A Successful Blockchain: A Thriving Community.

▪️The secret sauce to every successful blockchain is its vibrant community.

🧵 Let’s dive into IOTA’s dynamic world and the game-changers making waves in the ecosystem. pic.twitter.com/8KbAu7ubBh

▪️— Whiz DeFi (@WhizDefi) September 19, 2024

Another key component of the IOTA ecosystem is its community-driven events, such as meetups and hackathons, that thrive upon new innovations and ideas. 

These gatherings provide a platform for education and collaboration while empowering participants to build new connections and share knowledge.  Besides, they also play a critical role in nurturing the IOTA community while offering opportunities to newcomers and seasoned developers to contribute to the ecosystem’s growth.

As reported by Crypto News Flash, the Tangle community Treasury has introduced “mini-grants” for events to help IOTA-related projects by providing funding for networking and outreach activities.

IOTA Nodes and Validators And Overall Social Impact
As we know, nodes and validators form the backbone of IOTA Tangle while playing a crucial role in ensuring the network’s security, decentralization, and stability.

These nodes and validators are basically individuals and organizations that maintain the integrity of Tangle while keeping the network secure and operational, per the CNF report.

Beyond its technological advancements, IOTA’s community is also making a significant social impact. Many members leverage the platform for philanthropy, sustainability, and other social good initiatives, showcasing the potential of blockchain to drive meaningful change.

By integrating technology with purpose, IOTA is proving that blockchain can be a force for positive societal transformation.

Furthermore, IOTA has been making strong inroads in the European Union and working along with the European Commission for several blockchain-based solutions under the European Blockchain Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP) program, per the CNF report.

The European Blockchain Sandbox initiative, supported by the European Commission, aims to oversee the development of a pan-European framework for regulatory discussions, as recently detailed by CNF. IOTA’s selected solution is an advanced user authentication system designed to address the challenge of secure and reliable identity verification within the Web3 ecosystem.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

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DOJ FILES ANTITRUST LAWSUIT AGAINST VISA

Visa accused of monopolistic practices, allegedly stifling competition and raising costs for consumers and merchants.

Key Takeaways
▪️Visa controls over 60% of U.S. debit transactions, with the DOJ accusing it of using its dominance to stifle competition and raise fees.

▪️The DOJ accuses Visa of using restrictive agreements to maintain market  dominance.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Visa, alleging that Visa has unlawfully monopolized the debit network market. Visa is accused of using its dominance to suppress competition, inflate fees, and thwart innovation.

“Visa has unlawfully amassed the power to extract fees far beyond what it could charge in a competitive market,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

According to the DOJ, Visa, which processes over 60% of debit transactions in the US, has engaged in exclusionary practices that prevent smaller competitors and innovative financial technologies from gaining traction in the debit market.

The DOJ’s lawsuit highlights Visa’s stronghold over the debit market, where it charges $7 billion annually in fees for processing transactions. Visa allegedly leverages its scale and central role in the debit ecosystem to impose restrictive agreements on merchants and banks, penalizing those who use competing debit networks and locking out competition.

“Anticompetitive conduct by corporations like Visa leaves the American people and our entire economy worse off,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer.

Visa has allegedly maintained its monopoly by targeting both smaller debit networks and potential technology entrants. The DOJ claims Visa discouraged competition by coercing banks and merchants into agreements committing large transaction volumes to Visa.

The lawsuit also points to Visa’s strategy of “cooperating” with would-be competitors, particularly in the tech industry, to prevent them from offering disruptive alternatives.

The DOJ claims Visa saw tech companies and fintech startups as an “existential threat” and neutralized them by paying them to partner with Visa instead of competing.

“Visa fears competition and innovation, and instead chooses unlawful cooperation and monopolization,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the DOJ’s Antitrust Division.

The lawsuit against Visa is the latest in a series of antitrust enforcement actions taken by the DOJ to protect competitive markets. In 2020, the DOJ successfully blocked Visa from acquiring Plaid, a fintech company that was developing innovative debit payment technologies.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:   Crypto Briefing  

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JUST IN: HEZBOLLAH ASKS IRAN TO ATTACK ISRAEL.   BRICS Post Link

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Source:  BRICS

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UNDERSTANDING ANTI MONEY LAUNDERING RISK AML  | Youtube

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Source: Seeds of Wisdom Team Currency Facts 

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Afternoon 9-24-24

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

BRICS NEWS:

BLOCKCHAIN-BASED BRICS’ INTRA-BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM ABOUT TO BE LAUNCHED

Imagine a world where the financial dominance of the U.S. dollar is challenged not by a single nation, but by a coalition of emerging economies. This is the potential future with the launch of a blockchain-based BRICS payment system — a move that could reshape global trade, financial markets, and even geopolitics.

 But what would this system look like? And what are the broader implications for both BRICS nations and the rest of the world?

The Vision of a BRICS Payment System
The BRICS nations — Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — represent nearly 41% of the global population and around 25% of the global GDP. 

Their growing economic influence has made them seek alternatives to the U.S.-led financial order, which is deeply tied to the dominance of the U.S. dollar.

The idea behind a BRICS payment system is to reduce reliance on the dollar in global trade and financial transactions. Traditionally, the U.S. dollar has been the cornerstone of international trade, but this dependence comes with risks, including vulnerability to economic sanctions and exchange rate fluctuations. 

A blockchain-based payment system offers an alternative — one that is decentralized, secure, and potentially more efficient.

Why Blockchain?
Blockchain technology is the backbone of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, but its potential goes far beyond digital currencies. 

At its core, blockchain offers decentralization, transparency, and security. Transactions are recorded on a distributed ledger that is virtually tamper-proof, reducing the need for intermediaries like banks and lowering transaction costs.

For BRICS, adopting a blockchain-based payment system could revolutionize how they trade, offering several advantages over the current SWIFT system, which is heavily controlled by Western financial institutions.

In addition to being a tool for bypassing sanctions (especially relevant for countries like Russia), blockchain would allow BRICS nations to settle transactions quickly and securely, minimizing the dependency on U.S. financial institutions.

The End of Dollar Dominance?
One of the most profound impacts of a BRICS blockchain-based payment system would be its challenge to the dominance of the U.S. dollar. Today, the dollar serves as the world’s reserve currency, meaning that countries use it as the primary medium for international trade and hold it in reserves. This dominance allows the U.S. to wield enormous influence over global finance.

However, the emergence of an alternative global payment system — especially one that includes major economies like China and India — could weaken this grip. BRICS countries would be able to trade among themselves in their own currencies or via a new BRICS cryptocurrency, reducing their exposure to dollar volatility and circumventing the need for dollar reserves.

While dethroning the dollar won’t happen overnight, a successful BRICS payment system would certainly pave the way for a multipolar currency system, with the dollar, euro, yuan, and a BRICS token all vying for dominance.

This shift could result in reduced demand for the dollar, leading to currency depreciation and potentially higher interest rates in the U.S. as the country faces difficulties financing its deficits.

The Geopolitical Stakes
A BRICS payment system wouldn’t just alter the financial landscape — it would also have significant geopolitical implications. For years, the U.S. and its allies have used the global financial system, particularly access to SWIFT, as a tool for enforcing economic sanctions. 

Countries like Russia and Iran have been cut off from the global financial system for political reasons, which has led to economic hardship and increased tension.

With a blockchain-based payment system, BRICS nations would be far less vulnerable to these types of financial measures. They could trade freely without fear of being shut out of the global banking system, thus diminishing the effectiveness of Western sanctions.

This could embolden BRICS members to pursue more aggressive foreign policies, knowing that their financial systems are insulated from Western pressure.

Challenges to Launching the BRICS Payment System
Of course, launching a blockchain-based BRICS payment system is easier said than done. One of the biggest challenges will be technological infrastructure.

While blockchain is a proven technology, creating a scalable, secure, and interoperable system that can handle the transaction volume of global trade is no small feat.

Interoperability is particularly important. The system would need to work seamlessly with existing payment systems, such as SWIFT and other national systems, to ensure that it is widely adopted. Moreover, there are significant regulatory challenges. Each BRICS country has its own financial regulations, and aligning these to support a unified payment system would require extensive collaboration.

Another challenge is trust and governance. Who would control this new system? While blockchain is decentralized by nature, the question of governance still looms large. Would China, as the largest economy in BRICS, dominate the system? How would decisions be made? These are issues that the BRICS nations would need to resolve before a launch.

Economic Benefits for BRICS Members
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits for BRICS members are immense. A successful payment system would strengthen economic ties between these nations, allowing them to trade more freely and efficiently. This could lead to reduced transaction costs, increased investment, and faster economic growth.

Moreover, a BRICS payment system would give these countries greater control over their monetary policies. Currently, many emerging economies face difficulties when the dollar strengthens, as their debts become more expensive to service. By moving away from the dollar, BRICS nations could reduce their exposure to currency fluctuations and gain more control over their economic destinies.

Impacts on the Global Economy
For the rest of the world, the launch of a BRICS payment system would represent a significant shift in the global financial order. 

Emerging markets that have close ties with BRICS nations, such as those in Africa and Latin America, could benefit from easier access to trade and investment. However, developed nations, particularly the U.S., might see their economic influence wane.

In the short term, we could see increased volatility in global currency markets as countries adjust to the new system. The U.S. dollar may lose some of its luster as a safe-haven currency, while currencies like the yuan could gain prominence. This could lead to higher borrowing costs for the U.S. government and businesses as global demand for dollars decreases.

A Game-Changer in Global Finance?
The launch of a blockchain-based BRICS payment system could be one of the most significant developments in global finance in recent history.

By reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar and bypassing traditional financial systems, BRICS nations could gain more control over their economic futures and reshape the global financial landscape.

 While challenges remain, the potential for a more decentralized, multipolar world economy is becoming increasingly likely. 

Whether this will lead to greater stability or new geopolitical tensions remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the future of global finance is changing, and BRICS is leading the charge.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Medium

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JUST IN: 🇹🇷🇮🇱 Turkish President Erdogan says "just as Hitler was stopped 70 years ago, Netanyahu and his murderous netBricwork must be stopped by an alliance of humanity."

BRICS Post Link

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Source:  BRICS

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JUST IN: 🇧🇾 Belarus President Lukashenko orders military generals to "prepare for war."

BRICS Post Link

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Source:   BRICS

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HOW DEMOCRATS HAVE SHIFTED ON CRYPTO

While Democrats are yet to outline much crypto policy, the Democratic National Convention showed a significant change in tone, say Justin Slaughter and Sheila Warren.

There’s nothing quite like a political convention. The pageantry of patriotic songs and speeches. The cavalcade of speeches by party leaders. And, of course, the thousands of balloons dropping like snow on the newly nominated presidential candidate.

Yet, for crypto, August’s Democratic National Convention was an especially auspicious one. Despite the open hostility of parts of the Biden Administration, crypto was for the first time a welcomed participant. It makes sense: crypto owners now comprise about 20 percent of all registered Democratic voters, according to a Paradigm poll of Democratic voters a few days before the convention.

There is severe electoral risk if some of these Democrats deflect to the Republican ticket in a race that could be won in the margins.

Considering that the Republicans have openly and aggressively courted crypto, crypto’s coming out at the DNC signaled that the industry was, finally, beginning to have a truly bipartisan hue. Those on the ground in Chicago got to see this blossoming of Democratic interest first hand.

While most of the crypto-focused conversations were offstage, there was a hint of crypto’s growing importance in the main convention hall too. Young pro-crypto members of Congress and candidates for Congress like Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D.-TX) and congressional candidate Shomari Figures of Alabama both received significant speaking slots.

 Some crypto companies also hosted policymakers for discussions off the convention floor, as other companies and organizations have done for decades. Vice President Harris herself stressed the importance of building an “Opportunity Economy” in her keynote, with a special grace note praising the role of Founders in making America prosperous.

This was just the proverbial tip of the political iceberg, though. It’s easy to forget when you’re watching convention programming during primetime, but political conventions are much more than a few hours of short speeches and slick videos. Conventions are, at base, about letting members of a political party agglomerate in one physical space every few years, both for socialization and for strategizing.

As part of this communal process, the week was filled with panels, meetings, and even press interviews, all of which are designed to help the party build consensus on its policy views, goals, and even beliefs. These are the interstitial material that truly comprises our decentralized political parties. And it’s here that crypto really got to make its voice heard.

Over the week, there were panels on the basics of how crypto works and how Democrats can work to rectify the party’s strained relationship with crypto.

There were discussions about the importance of maintaining the hegemony of the dollar and the role of stablecoins. And there were frequent coffee and water cooler discussions with dozens of policymakers about how they can appeal to crypto owners.

During chats that week with a host of different policymakers and opinion leaders, we were most struck not by the statements of crypto supportive policymakers, but the skeptics. 

Even some ardent crypto skeptics said the current enforcement-only approach at the SEC wasn’t working, and that there was a need for legislation. As two people who have been calling for reasonable legislation for years, this was music to our ears.

The other part that was especially notable was just how normal it was. Policymakers were curious about crypto, both how it worked and its involvement in this year’s elections.

But this curiosity was not hedged with the upturned nose that accompanied some discussions about crypto in DC even last year. Instead, we were seen as just another young and novel industry, one that policymakers were trying to grok.

The Harris campaign underscored this banal normality when it made news of its “support” for crypto’s growth in a press interview with the campaign’s policy director, Brian Nelson. Despite some anxiety about Nelson’s view of crypto given his recent role as Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Nelson announced on the third day of the DNC that a Harris Administration would “support” the growth of crypto in America. 

The statement was remarkable given how much a political war has been waged on crypto, and unremarkable for how basic it was. Why wouldn’t an American president want an industry to stay headquartered in America?

The Harris campaign has since released its platform, which has emphasis on entrepreneurs, small businesses, and American innovators. While crypto and other technologies are not mentioned by name, the rhetoric and tone used in the platform differs significantly from that of the Biden administration.

Since the DNC, both of us have continued to meet with policymakers and candidates from across the political spectrum, and what is remarkable is how similar most conversations are, whether with Democrats or Republicans down the ballot.

Policymakers are tired of (and in some cases, shocked by) the SEC’s approach under Chair Gensler. They want to preseerve and promote American national security and economic interests. And, by and large, they are deeply concerned about inadvertently ceding technological advantages to other jurisdictions, as happened with semiconductors.

More than anything else, an overarching feeling of simple acceptance for crypto pervaded Chicago. There are still many miles to go for the Democrats to actually find workable solutions for how they want to regulate crypto, but the first step to building something is to commit to doing it.

We were pleased to see Vice President Harris acknowledge recently that digital assets technologies need to be encouraged; while we may not have a schematic for how Democrats will execute a reset with crypto, both the DNC and recent Crypto4Harris event showed that Democrats across the ticket no longer question as a default whether crypto has a right to exist. That’s progress worth celebrating with a balloon drop.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinDesk

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XRP NEWS: RIPPLE’S 1,700 BANK DEALS COULD SEND PRICES SOARING – HERE’S WHY!

XRP is pivotal as bulls fiercely defend the critical $0.5785 support, setting the stage for a potential breakout. With the price consolidating and eyeing key resistance levels at $0.5920 and $0.600, the question is: will bulls take over and drive XRP higher, or is another decline looming? This battle for control could define XRP’s next big move, with significant upside potential if key levels are breached.

Analyst Take on XRP Price
Crypto analyst known as CryptoTank shared a detailed thread on the essential factors that will push XRP’s price in the future, focusing on its utility for settling large-scale transactions between financial institutions.

According to CryptoTank, to understand XRP’s price, it’s critical to distinguish between market capitalization and utility. The value of utility assets like XRP is calculated by the value and volume transacted on the ledger, divided by the circulating supply. This differs from conventional market cap metrics and means that XRP’s price is inherently linked to its usage by institutions, not by retail investors.

Deep Liquidity Is Key for Banks
CryptoTank highlights that banks using XRP for settlements must have deep liquidity. Institutions such as Bank of America, SBI, JP Morgan, and Swift settle a staggering $25–30 trillion daily. 

Even if only 10% of these transactions are conducted using XRP, that’s about $3 trillion on the ledger, requiring an even larger liquidity pool—likely double the transaction amount—to avoid potential failures.

The need for such deep liquidity stems from banks’ inability to afford transaction failures. A failed transaction can lead to costly delays and complications. 

Therefore, liquidity pools must be robust enough to ensure smooth settlements, and this demand will be crucial in driving XRP’s utility and, consequently, its price.

Ripple’s Expanding Network
Ripple’s influence isn’t just limited to a few banks; the company has over 1,700 undisclosed agreements (NDAs), potentially amplifying XRP’s demand and liquidity needs.

CryptoTank emphasizes that the numbers given are just examples of a few key players, and when the full scope of these institutions is considered, the liquidity requirements—and hence XRP’s value—could be even more massive.

One of the major standout points is that retail investors have little to no influence on XRP’s price. The price won’t rise based on retail buying pressure because retail activity pales compared to the daily settlement needs of massive institutions.

Likewise, chart analysis, which many traders rely on, is ineffective for predicting XRP’s price movements because it cannot account for the utility and liquidity requirements that will ultimately determine the token’s value.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

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