Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Evening 1-16-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

DONALD TRUMP TO DESIGNATE CRYPTOCURRENCY AS A NATIONAL PRIORITY

President-elect Donald Trump plans to make cryptocurrency a “National Priority” policy upon his inauguration, according to a Bloomberg report. The incoming administration also plans on creating a crypto advisory council, giving industry insiders a voice within his administration.

The incoming president has been a strong supporter of the crypto industry since his campaign, and experts in the industry expect that to continue upon his inauguration.

Many experts expect Trump to issue executive orders on the first day of his presidency that may address issues relating to cryptocurrency. 

Among these issues include de-banking and the repeal of a controversial crypto accounting policy requiring banks holding digital assets to count them as liabilities on the bank’s own balance sheet.

Donald Trump Further Prioritizes Cryptocurrency Sector

Trump’s plan to make the crypto sector a “national priority” is the most explicit sign yet that he sees the industry as crucial to the US economy. Still under discussion for inclusion in the executive order is a directive for all government agencies to review policies about digital assets and possibly pause any litigation involving crypto, according to Bloomberg sources.

Another big part of the order may be the establishment of a Bitcoin reserve. Donald Trump is supportive of establishing this reserve with seized Bitcoin to give the country an alternative way to pay off debt. The Bitcoin Policy Institute has already drafted an order to make Bitcoin a strategic reserve asset. It would require $21 billion in investment over one year.

The US government currently holds nearly $20 billion worth of Bitcoin, confiscated as part of various investigations, according to analytics company Arkham. Bitcoin has rallied 44%, to nearly $100,000, since the November election in part on hopes that such a stockpile would be created.

“President Trump will deliver on his promise to encourage American leadership in crypto,” stated Trump transition team spokesperson Brian Hughes. Furthermore, besides Bitcoin, the President-elect is reportedly open to creating an America-first strategic reserve for cryptocurrencies like Solana (SOL) and XRP, according to a report from the New York Post.

The news will likely spur cryptocurrencies like BTC, SOL, XRP, and altcoins to surge further in the coming days. Already, Bitcoin is creeping back up to $100,000, while Solana is etching closer to a new all-time high in the next month.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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TRUMP’S POTENTIAL TREASURY SECRETARY PICK ‘SEES NO REASON’ FOR US CBDC

The president-elect cannot officially nominate anyone until after he is inaugurated on Jan. 20, but the US Senate has been holding hearings to question his potential picks.

Scott Bessent, US President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated pick for the country’s Treasury secretary, faced Senators in a hearing to explain his positions on financial issues.

In a Jan. 16 hearing of the US Senate Committee on Finance, Bessent responded to questions from Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn regarding a US central bank digital currency (CBDC).

The Tennessee lawmaker brought up Chinese officials introducing a digital yuan to foreign attendees at the 2022 Olympics and asked how Bessent could handle a potential digital dollar if officially nominated and confirmed in the Senate.

“I see no reason for the US to have a central bank digital currency,” said Bessent. “In my mind, a central bank digital currency is for countries who have no other investment alternatives. [...] Many of these countries are doing it out of necessity, whereas the US — if you hold US dollars, you can hold a variety of very secure US assets.”

The hearing noted that Bessent’s questioning was based on his “anticipated” nomination by Trump to be the next Treasury secretary, as the president-elect is not scheduled to be inaugurated until Jan. 20.

A former partner at the hedge firm Soros Fund Management and a donor to Trump’s campaign, Bessent reportedly made several statements suggesting he supported the US government’s efforts to promote crypto.

Changing administrations, changing positions on CBDCs?

In 2022, US President Joe Biden issued an executive order directing the Treasury Department to research the development of a potential CBDC. Though the initiative could help with financial inclusion for Americans, many Republican lawmakers have criticized a digital dollar as potentially compromising financial privacy and national security.

As a presidential candidate, Trump promised the crypto industry there would “never be a CBDC” while he was in office.

In May, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives passed the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act largely along party lines. The legislation would prohibit Federal Reserve banks from issuing CBDCs directly or indirectly.

The Senate Banking Committee received the bill from the House in June 2024. It’s unclear if or when the Senate will revisit the legislation following Republicans taking control of the chamber in January.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Afternoon 1-16-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

BRICS: RUSSIA & MYANMAR TO TRADE IN LOCAL CURRENCY, DITCH US DOLLAR

Myanmar’s Foreign Economic Relations Minister, Kan Zaw revealed that they are negotiating a local currency payment system with Russia. “We have been negotiating the kyat-ruble payment system to facilitate the bilateral trade.

However, the central banks of the two countries have been keeping the current series of discussions at a very low profile,” he said. The discussions will only benefit the BRICS bloc and add another feather to its de-dollarization agenda.

“Bilateral trade between the two countries will be increased through constructive dialogues at the national level by exchanging views on the potential of being able to connect with each other based on the needs of the market, resolving the difficulties encountered, and finding collaborative ways,” said Myanmar’s minister. The initiative aligns with the BRICS ideals of reducing the supply of the US dollar for global trade and transactions.

BRICS: Russia & Myanmar Look to End US Dollar Reliance, Promote Local Currency

Myanmar’s Foreign Economic Relations Minister, Kan Zaw revealed that they are negotiating a local currency payment system with Russia. “We have been negotiating the kyat-ruble payment system to facilitate the bilateral trade.

However, the central banks of the two countries have been keeping the current series of discussions at a very low profile,” he said. The discussions will only benefit the BRICS bloc and add another feather to its de-dollarization agenda.

“Bilateral trade between the two countries will be increased through constructive dialogues at the national level by exchanging views on the potential of being able to connect with each other based on the needs of the market, resolving the difficulties encountered, and finding collaborative ways,” said Myanmar’s minister. The initiative aligns with the BRICS ideals of reducing the supply of the US dollar for global trade and transactions.

In addition, BRICS members Russia and Iran will soon sign a defense deal without incorporating the US dollar. Both countries aim to use their local currencies, the rial and ruble, and not the US dollar.

Read here to know more details about the upcoming defense partnership between Russia and Iran. BRICS is advancing the de-dollarization initiative and is threatening the future prospects of the US dollar. Local currencies could take center stage in the next decade and begin to shake the roots of the US dollar.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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RIPPLE CEO CALLS SEC’S APPEAL ‘INSANITY’ AS LEGAL FIGHT INTENSIFIES

Ripple remains resolute as it dismisses SEC's latest appeal as groundless repetition of old arguments.

The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has submitted its opening brief to challenge a court decision favoring Ripple.

In its Jan. 15 filing, the SEC claims that Ripple’s XRP sales to retail buyers should be classified as unregistered securities transactions.

According to the SEC:

“The district court erred both factually and legally in concluding that defendants’ offers and sales of XRP to public buyers who purchased on crypto asset trading platforms—including retail investors—and Ripple’s offers and sales of XRP for which Ripple received non-cash consideration were not offers and sales of investment contracts.”

The financial regulator also argued that Ripple’s activities fostered profit expectations among buyers, satisfying the criteria for an investment contract under the Howey Test.

Considering this, the financial regulator requested that the Appeals Court vacate the lower court’s erroneous ruling.

The SEC’s appeal follows its partial defeat in July 2023 when Judge Analisa Torres ruled that only XRP sales to institutional investors qualified as securities. The court concluded that sales to retail investors did not violate US federal securities laws, prompting the SEC to seek a reversal of this outcome.

The case began in December 2020 and ended with Ripple fined $125 million in August 2024. However, the SEC’s appeal has added further complexities to the ongoing legal battle.

Ripple’s response

Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer, Stuart Alderoty, has dismissed the SEC’s appeal as a repetition of arguments that have already failed in court.

Alderoty emphasized that Ripple remains resilient, viewing the SEC’s actions as an obstacle to broader regulatory clarity. He stated that the company would respond formally to the brief while continuing to focus on growth in a changing regulatory environment.

He added:

“The SEC’s lawsuit is just noise. A new era of pro-innovation regulation is coming, and Ripple is thriving.”

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also echoed this sentiment, saying:

“[The SEC’s brief is] one definition of insanity…. Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Gensler’s SEC really took this to heart.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoSlate

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Thursday Morning 1-16-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

XRP SEC NEWS TODAY: BILL MORGAN EXPOSES SEC’S MISSTEPS IN RIPPLE LAWSUIT

Bill Morgan, a pro-crypto attorney, has strongly criticised the new opening brief submitted in the XRP lawsuit by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. He has even questioned the regulator’s understanding of how the crypto market works.

However, in the last 24 hours, XRP has outperformed almost all the top cryptos, marking an impressive growth of nearly 9.4%. Let’s dive in for more details.

SEC’s New Opening Brief and Bill Morgan’s Criticism

As per the SEC’s opening brief, Ripple violated securities law through its XRP sales. The SEC, through the brief, alleged that Ripple’s representations to investors created an expectation of profits.

Exposing the regulator’s lack of understanding of how the cryptocurrency market functions, Bill Morgan, in an X post, retorted that price rises are often driven by market trends, not issuer promotions.

XRP Whale Movements Amid Legal Developments

Reports say that at least 130 million XRP tokens have been moved by whales during recent legal developments.

Whale activities may influence market sentiment. In the last one hour, the market has dropped by 0.2%.

Today, the market has experienced a drop of 1.5%.

XRP’s Long-Term Potential and ETF Speculation

Despite volatility and legal uncertainties, market sentiments for XRP remain bullish. According to a JP Morgan analyst, there is a high chance for the launch of an XRP ETF soon.

In conclusion, Ripple’s XRP remains a focal point in the crypto market, driven by legal developments and whale activity. As the case progresses, XRP’s future remains bright with long-term growth potential and increasing interest in an XRP ETF.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoPedia

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VANECK FILES SEC APPLICATION FOR DIGITAL ASSET ECOSYSTEM ETF

VanEck filed an application with the SEC for an "Onchain Economy" ETF that would invest 80% of its assets in digital transformation companies, joining a wave of recent digital asset ETF proposals from major financial firms.

▪️VanEck filed for an “Onchain Economy” ETF with the SEC on January 15, 2025, planning to invest 80% in digital asset ecosystem companies
▪️The fund will focus on software developers, miners, exchanges, infrastructure providers, and payment firms without directly holding cryptocurrencies
▪️Several other major firms including Bitwise, WisdomTree, and Grayscale have recently filed similar ETF applications
▪️The proposed ETF will use fundamental research and market trends to select investments in “Digital Transformation Companies”
▪️The move comes amid speculation about more favorable crypto regulations under the Trump administration

Asset management giant VanEck has submitted an application to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a new exchange-traded fund focused on the digital asset industry. The filing, made on January 15, 2025, proposes the creation of the “Onchain Economy” ETF.

Matthew Sigel, who heads VanEck’s digital assets research division, initially shared news of the filing through social media, though the post was later removed. The ETF represents VanEck’s latest attempt to establish a presence in the expanding digital asset investment landscape.

The proposed fund has outlined clear investment parameters, stating it will direct at least 80% of its assets toward companies operating within the digital asset ecosystem. These investments will target what VanEck terms “Digital Transformation Companies,” encompassing various sectors of the industry.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  Blockonomi  

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MALAYSIA’S PM WANTS TO DEVELOP CRYPTO AND BLOCKCHAIN POLICIES AFTER MEETING WITH CZ AND UAE LEADERS

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, says he wants to explore policies for crypto and blockchain technology after his meeting with Binance co-founder CZ and the Abu Dhabi government.

According to a report by media outlet New Straits Times, Ibrahim returned to Malaysia after a three-day visit to Abu Dhabi with plans to start developing policies related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology so that the nation does not get left behind.

Speaking to reporters, the Prime Minister said he had lengthy conversations with the Abu Dhabi government and the former Binance CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao about crypto and blockchain technology.

“We have talked about digital transformation, data centres and artificial intelligence. We now face demands which require us to think about making significant changes,” said Ibrahim.

He claimed that he has requested government agencies such as the Treasury, the Securities Commission, and the national bank, Bank Negara, to study how Malaysia can keep up with the rapid developments of the crypto industry.

Ibrahim assured that he will draft a paper on the need for crypto and blockchain technology policies to be presented for review and endorsement by the cabinet as soon as possible. He emphasized the importance of regulations for crypto in order to “safeguard the people’s interests and prevent leakages.”

“This innovation is just like AI, which would revamp the financial world. We should not sit idly by and wait and later be forced to do so after others have done it already,” he said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Evening 1-15-25

Good Evening Dinar Recaps,

DAVOS TO WELCOME TRUMP VIRTUALLY AS WORLD LEADERS AWAIT NEW US PRESIDENT'S POLICIES

▪️Trump to join Davos meeting digitally, organisers say
▪️60 heads of state and government due to attend WEF meeting
▪️Ukraine's Zelenskiy to make address, take questions -WEF
▪️Middle East tensions, climate crisis also on the agenda

LONDON, Jan 14 (Reuters) - Donald Trump will mark his return to the global stage with a virtual World Economic Forum appearance in Davos next week, as world leaders await details of the incoming U.S. President's policies and his pledge to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump is due to return to the White House on Jan. 20, with his inauguration for a second term as U.S. President coinciding with the start of the 55th annual WEF meeting of political and business leaders in the Swiss mountain resort.

Brende said Trump, who has twice previously attended Davos, will join "digitally" on Jan. 23, without giving further details. He said it would be a "very special moment" to learn about the new Trump administration's policy priorities.

"There is a lot of interest to decipher and to understand the policies of the new administration, so it will be an interesting week," Brende said.

Topics on the Davos agenda range from mounting global geopolitical and economic uncertainty to trade tensions, climate goals and how AI can help make lives better.

Business leaders have become more optimistic about the economy given Trump's pledges to reduce regulation, potentially cut taxes and ease restrictions on activities including mergers and acquisitions, Rich Lesser, global chair of Boston Consulting Group, told Reuters ahead of the meeting.

Lesser said, however, that underlying optimism is being offset by concerns about tariffs, deportations, a widening budget deficit and the U.S. relationship with China.

MIDDLE EAST

This year's meeting in Davos is taking place against "the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations," Brende said, adding that the forum will have a strong focus on Middle East geopolitics, including high-level diplomatic talks.

Delegates will discuss developments in Syria and the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen alongside other topics.

Participants will include Qatar's Prime Minister, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Syria's foreign minister, the U.N. special envoy on Syria, the Iranian Vice President, Israel's President and the Palestinian Prime Minister.

"There will be hard work at the situation in Syria, the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza ... the potential escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. We were very close to it between Israel and Iran, and I don't think we're out of the woods yet," Brende said.

CLIMATE

The WEF will this week release an analysis looking at companies that account for two-thirds of global market capitalisation, which will show that only about 10% are taking meaningful and tangible action on the climate and nature agenda.

Business and political leaders gathering in Davos from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24 are also due to discuss how to ensure energy remains affordable, secure and green and the challenges preventing acceleration of efforts towards energy transition.

"We’re in a really challenging moment for climate, where countries are asking if other nations are doing their share," said Boston Consulting Group's Lesser.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Reuters

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TIM SCOTT ANNOUNCES BANKING COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR 119TH CONGRESS

In a latest development, Chairman Tim Scott has announced the legislative and oversight priorities for the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs for the 119th Congress. Scott aims to focus on increasing financial inclusion and advancing opportunities for Americans nationwide.

“My goal for this Congress is simple: make America work for Americans. Over the last two years, we’ve led comprehensive solutions to serious challenges Americans face—from addressing our failed federal housing policies to increasing access to capital to bolstering our economic national security—and we can build on this success,” Scott remarked.

Scott expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the Trump administration and committee colleagues in the 119th Congress to reach consensus and develop solutions that enhance financial inclusion and create opportunities nationwide. “The American people gave Congress a mandate – let’s get to work,” Scott added.

Top Priorities For The Banking Committee

Chairman Tim Scott’s priorities for the Banking Committee in the 119th Congress include:

Promoting Financial Inclusion, Affordable Housing: Scott aims to make financial services more accessible, reduce burdensome regulations, and ensure consumers have the tools to make informed decisions. He also plans to address high housing costs by reducing overregulation and advocating for targeted reforms to support families.

The committee will focus on policies that expand capital access for small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, not just in large cities. The committee will work on creating a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and digital assets to encourage innovation and protect consumers.

Scott will prioritize strengthening U.S. national security through sanctions, export controls, and countering threats from adversaries like Iran and China. The committee will also support state-based regulation of insurance and protect consumers, especially in flood-prone areas.

Besides, Scott plans to cut bureaucratic red tape to allow local communities to drive infrastructure projects. The committee will also hold federal agencies accountable for policies that hurt businesses and individuals and ensure transparency in government agencies.

In all, Chairman Scott will focus on creating opportunities for Americans while pushing back against policies that limit economic growth.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinPedia

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XRP Surpasses $3, Predicted to Hit $4 Soon?  |  Watcher Guru

Stellar (XLM) Cryptocurrency Breaks Out: 30% Surge Incoming?  | Watcher Guru 

@ Newshounds News™

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Afternoon 1-15-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

THE SEC PLANS TO MOVE FAST ON CRYPTO POLICY OVERHAUL UPON TRUMP’S INAUGURATION

▪️The SEC is preparing to overhaul crypto policy under a new pro-industry chair, Paul Atkins, replacing Gary Gensler.

▪️Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda plan to clarify which cryptoassets are securities and reduce enforcement actions.

▪️Experts expect Congress and the White House to join the SEC in promoting innovation-friendly regulations.

Under Trump’s administration, the SEC is set to begin an overhaul of its crypto policy as soon as next week. Rumored first steps include reassessing which cryptoassets are securities and cooling off enforcement actions.

Commissioners Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda both worked with incoming Chair Paul Atkins in the past and are actively planning to cooperate again as a pro-crypto majority.

The SEC’s Role in Crypto Policy

According to a report from Reuters, the SEC is ready to hit the ground running with radical changes to crypto policy. Less than a week remains until Donald Trump’s inauguration, and some experts anticipate a new rally.

New rumors of pro-crypto executive orders already juiced Bitcoin’s price, and Congressional industry allies are planning their own moves:

“Under Gensler, the SEC refused to provide clarity to the crypto industry. Moving forward, [we] will work to build a regulatory framework that… will promote consumer choice, education, and protection [and] foster an open-minded environment for new, innovative financial technologies and digital asset products,” claimed Senator Tim Scott.

In other words, the SEC is only one player in a broad coalition of crypto policy reform. To that end, the Commission is preparing for its Chair, Gary Gensler, to resign on Inauguration Day. A pro-industry replacement, Paul Atkins, has already been selected, but some of its sitting Commissioners are already planning their next moves.

Hester Pierce, who has long opposed SEC crypto crackdowns, and fellow pro-crypto Commissioner Mark Uyeda are weighing a few options to influence policy.

The pair both worked closely with Atkins in the past, and sources have claimed they plan to clarify which cryptoassets legally qualify as securities. They have yet to comment on other specific changes.

Trump’s SEC team is here to shake things up in crypto! Hester Peirce and Mark Uyeda are taking a second look at the ongoing cases—some might even get frozen if no fraud’s involved. The big play? Boosting Bitcoin. Pompliano’s already throwing ideas like a national Bitcoin reserve and no capital gains tax on BTC payments,” wrote Mario Nawfal.

Crypto Lawsuits Are Likely to Slow Down

One strong possibility for a policy change is the SEC drastically reducing its crypto crackdowns. In his last days, Gensler has been recalcitrant about maintaining a fight with Ripple, even though his effort could soon fall apart.

After he leaves, the SEC may drop this and “dozens” of other enforcement actions. As BeInCrypto reported earlier, Trump is already expected to sign a pro-crypto executive order on his first day. The order will likely overturn controversial SAB 121, which restricts banks from holding crypto.

Although the courts may not approve of such a cool-down period, there is precedent. Shortly after Trump’s election, the US Attorney for the SDNY signaled that his office would scale back crypto prosecutions.

This district enforces many high-profile finance activities, including the Sam-Bankman Fried case, but it still openly plans to ease off.

In other words, the SEC has many avenues for impacting US crypto policy in short order. Pierce and Uyeda haven’t signaled any other immediate plans besides classifying assets’ security status and reviewing enforcement cases. However, they are closely considering the issue.

Between a friendly SEC, Congress, and President, sweeping changes will be easy to implement.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Be In Crypto

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U.K.’S NEW ECONOMIC SECRETARY EMMA REYNOLDS TO OVERSEE CRYPTO

Emma Reynolds, former parliamentary secretary at the Treasury, has been appointed the new economic secretary.

Reynolds’s appointment follows the resignation of Tulip Siddiq, who stepped down in a letter to the Prime Minister. Siddiq, the member of parliament for Hampstead and Highgate, cited personal reasons for her departure.

The new economic secretary will play a key role in shaping the government’s crypto regulation agenda. In addition to digital assets, Reynolds will oversee the U.K.’s central bank digital currency plans.

Her appointment comes as the U.K. continues to push for greater regulatory compliance in the crypto sector. The government has pursued this approach over the past few years as part of its ambition to become a leading hub for digital assets innovation.

Market watchdogs, such as the Financial Conduct Authority, have adopted a more supportive stance toward the crypto industry in recent months, contrasting with the stricter approach taken by the U.S. under outgoing SEC Chair Gary Gensler.

The landscape has shifted since Donald Trump’s election, and industry players are optimistic about what the new SEC leadership could mean for the crypto ecosystem in the U.S. Trump will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

As crypto.news highlighted, the SEC plans to move away from its “regulation by enforcement” strategy and freeze certain ongoing lawsuits that do not involve fraud.

While it remains to be seen how Reynolds will impact the U.K.’s crypto policies, the general sentiment is that the country aims to remain competitive amid growing global crypto adoption.

In December 2024, the European Union’s Markets in Crypto Assets (MICA) rules came into full effect, with industry players keen on leveraging the clarity MiCA offers to expand across the bloc.

The U.K.’s own legislation on cryptocurrencies and stablecoins is expected to be finalized in early 2025.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crupto News

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H.R.369 - To provide for the elimination of the Department of Education, and for other purposes.

Sponsor:  Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7] (Introduced 01/13/2025)
Committees:  House - Education and Workforce
Latest Action:  House - 01/13/2025 Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. 

As of 01/15/2025 text has not been received for H.R.369 - To provide for the elimination of the Department of Education, and for other purposes.

[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 6 (Monday, January 13, 2025)]

[House]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
By Mr. ROUZER:
H.R. 369.
Congress has the power to enact this legislation pursuant
to the following:
Article I, Section VIII
[Page H112]

• Constitutional Authority and Single Subject Statements

About Constitutional Authority and Single Subject Statements

Pursuant to clause 7(c) of House Rule XII and Section 3(c) of 118th Congress H.Res. 5, Rule XII, to be accepted for introduction by the House Clerk, all bills (H.R.) and joint resolutions (H.J.Res.) must provide a document stating “a statement setting forth the single subject of the bill or joint resolution” and "as specifically as practicable the power or powers granted to Congress in the Constitution to enact the bill or joint resolution."

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Congress

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Wednesday Morning 1-15-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

BRICS NEWS: INDONESIA WANTS RUSSIAN OIL DEAL, IS UNAFRAID OF TRUMP WARNING

With the ongoing geopolitical concerns waging between the global south and the west, the plot has certainly thickened. Indeed, the BRICS expansion nation, Indonesia, has recently stated it wants to buy Russian oil while stating it remains unafraid of Western retaliation or the ongoing tariff warning from US President-elect Donald Trump.

Since Trump emerged victorious in the 2024 presidential election, he has issued a stark threat to the economic alliance specifically. Although focused on de-dollarization, oil bought from Russia would only further its local currency promotion policies. Therefore, it could be subject to the same consequence from the West. The question is, does it matter to nations now joining the group?

Indonesia Eyes Increased BRICS Trade as They Remain Willing to Pay ‘Geopolitical Costs’

For the last two years, the BRICS alliance has been the subject of interest for a number of nations. With the bloc championing economic equality on a global scale, it has sought to challenge the dollar. Now, that pursuit has elicited a harrowing response from the incoming US President. Yet, that has not deterred one of its most recent expansion countries.

The newest BRICS country, Indonesia, is reportedly seeking to buy Russian oil, while also noting they remain undeterred by Trump’s 100% tariff threat. Moreover, they have discussed increased exports to both China and India, with eyes on solidifying its place in the collective.

Indonesia’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahlil Lahadalia, recently said, “An opportunity to acquire oil from Russia emerged after we joined BRICS.” He noted that the opportunity would be one they accept.

“As long as it complies with regulations and presents no issues, why not?” Minster Lahadalia added. His sentiments were similar to Indonesia’s National Economic Council Chair, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

“As long as it benefits the Republic of Indonesia, we are open to discussing it. If this step allows us to purchase oil at US$20 or US$22 cheaper, why not?” he added. This drove some concerns over Western retaliation. Yet Trade Minister Zulkifil Hasan answered those, noting that the country would not operate its trade dealings out of fear.

“Why don’t we want to [buy Russian oil]? We’re afraid? There’s no room for being afraid in trade. How can one conduct trade if one is afraid?” However, international relations and Indonesian politics expert, Ahmad Risky Umar, notes that “there is likely to be geopolitical costs.” Moreover, the country president, Pabowo Subianto, is said to be aware of and prepared to navigate them.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

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ELON MUSK FIRES BACK AT ‘BROKEN’ SEC AMID $150M X LAWSUIT

▪️SEC sued Elon Musk for delaying disclosure of his X share acquisitions in 2022.

▪️Musk criticized the SEC as the community backed him.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has sued Elon Musk. They accuse him of failing to disclose his large Twitter share acquisition on time in early 2022.

The SEC alleges this delay allowed Musk to secure his stake at an artificially reduced price, saving $150 million.

The late disclosure also affected other investors. They missed the chance to sell their shares at potentially higher values, unaware of Musk’s involvement.

Why did the SEC sue Musk?

Under SEC rules, investors surpassing a 5% stake in a public company must report it within ten days—a requirement Musk allegedly exceeded by eleven days.

The SEC alleged stating,

“Because Musk failed to timely disclose his beneficial ownership, he was able to make these purchases from the unsuspecting public at artificially low prices.”

The SEC also added,

“That day, Twitter’s stock price increased more than 27% over its previous day’s closing price.”

For context, the SEC alleges that Tesla CEO Elon Musk began acquiring Twitter shares in early 2022. By March 14th, he had surpassed a 5% ownership threshold.

Between the 24th of March and the 4th of April 2022, Musk reportedly spent over $500 million to buy additional shares, underpaying Twitter investors by more than $150 million.

The regulator claims that Musk’s failure to disclose his ownership on time allowed him to buy shares at artificially low prices. The market was unaware of his significant stake, a material fact that would have influenced stock valuations.

This occurred days before Gensler’s resignation

Interestingly, the timing of the SEC’s lawsuit coincides with significant leadership transitions, as Chair Gary Gensler prepares to step down on 20th January, marking the start of Donald Trump’s presidency.

This period also aligns with Musk’s upcoming role as the head of the newly established “Department of Government Efficiency” (D.O.G.E.), where he will advise the incoming administration on streamlining government operations.

The overlap of these developments adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding legal and political narrative surrounding Musk and his involvement with X(formerly Twitter).

As anticipated, Musk took to X to voice his criticism of the SEC, and stated,

“Totally broken organization. They spend their time on shit like this when there are so many actual crimes that go unpunished.”

Needless to say, the community stood in favor of Musk.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  AMB Crypto

~~~~~~~~~

CONGRESSMAN TOM EMMER APPOINTED AS VICE CHAIR OF DIGITAL ASSETS SUBCOMMITTEE, PROMISES AMERICA WILL GUIDE CRYPTO FUTURE

Emmer is a pro-crypto Congressman who now joins Bryan Steil as part of the subcommittee’s leadership to oversee crypto regulation in the US.

▪️Under Trump's leadership, Emmer will serve as the vice chair of the crypto and AI subcommittee.

▪️Emmer promises to put the country at the forefront of crypto progress and innovation, especially with SEC Chair Gary Gensler gone.

▪️Emmer is crypto-forward, and has contributed to multiple bills, including an anti-surveillance bill passed last year.

Congressman for Minnesota’s 6th District, Tom Emmer, has been appointed as Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. In an X post published earlier today, Emmer expressed eagerness to work with subcommittee Chairman Bryan Steil as they steer the future of crypto and AI.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  CoinSpeaker

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Evening 1-14-25

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SEC FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST ELON MUSK FOR SECURITIES VIOLATION

Musk's lawyer claims the SEC's lawsuit is mere harassment with no substantial case.

▪️The SEC sued Elon Musk for failing to disclose his Twitter share purchases before acquiring the platform.

▪️Musk's lawyer claims the SEC's lawsuit is baseless and suggests no wrongdoing was committed.

The US SEC has initiated a lawsuit against Elon Musk in federal court, alleging he failed to timely disclose his purchase of more than 5% of Twitter (now X) shares before acquiring the social media platform, according to a Jan. 14 filing first shared by DB News.

The complaint, filed in federal court in Washington, DC, claims Musk’s delayed disclosure after accumulating more than 5% ownership allowed him to “underpay by at least $150 million for shares he purchased after his financial beneficial ownership report was due.”

Musk later acquired Twitter for $44 billion and renamed it X.

Alex Spiro, Musk’s lawyer, dismissed the lawsuit, stating it is “an admission” that the SEC cannot bring an “actual case,” because Musk “has done nothing wrong and everyone sees this sham for what it is.”

“As the SEC retreats and leaves office, the SEC’s multi-year campaign of harassment against Mr. Musk culminated in the filing of a single-count ticky tak complaint against Mr. Musk under Section 13(d) for an alleged administrative failure to file a single form – an offense that, even if proven, carries a nominal penalty,” Spiro said in a statement.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoBeiefing

~~~~~~~~~

UAE STEPS UP AS GLOBAL CRYPTO LEADER WHILE TRUMPS WATCH CLOSELY

Why does Eric Trump think UAE holds the answer to America’s crypto struggles?

▪️UAE’s crypto success showcases innovation-driven growth with clear regulations and tax incentives.

▪️Trump administration eyes blockchain and stablecoin integration to lead global digital finance competition.

As the United States braces for a potential cryptocurrency policy shift, with Donald Trump set to assume office on the 20th of January. Now, the spotlight has turned to global leaders in digital finance.

UAE’s crypto vision

Among them, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stands out as a thriving hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain innovation.

Advocates suggest the UAE’s clear regulations and strategic investments offer a compelling blueprint for the incoming U.S. administration.

In fact, by embracing blockchain and establishing robust regulatory frameworks, the UAE has struck a leadership position in an industry where the U.S. has often faltered.

Eric Trump on UAE’s role in crypto

Speaking on the matter, Eric Trump during the Bitcoin [BTC] MENA conference in Abu Dhabi, underscored the UAE’s role as a model for crypto advancement.

He said,

“The UAE has shown how to do this right. By supporting crypto innovation, they’ve created jobs, attracted investment and strengthened their global standing. The U.S. can and should do the same.”

In fact, between July 2023 and June 2024, crypto transactions in the UAE soared to an impressive $34 billion, marking a 42% increase from the prior year, as per Chainalysis’ report.

UAE’s crypto success story

A key factor in this surge was the government’s decision to exempt cryptocurrency transactions from value-added tax. This exemption was applied retroactively to 2018.

This tax relief, designed to “supercharge” the sector, has reinforced the UAE’s position as a global leader in digital finance. It has attracted businesses and investors.

Additionally, there has been a significant focus on stablecoins due to their reliability in volatile cryptocurrency markets. Stablecoins are increasingly utilized for cross-border payments and everyday transactions.

Other developments

Additionally, in a notable development, Tether announced plans to introduce a Dirham-backed stablecoin in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based firms.

Remarking on the same, Eric Trump added,

“Stablecoins are a bridge between traditional and digital financial systems. They offer reliability and liquidity, making them a key tool for financial inclusion and global trade.”

Additionally, the UAE’s progressive integration of blockchain into public services and its balanced regulatory approach has further provided a compelling blueprint for various nations.

What should Trump take away from UAE’s playbook?

As the Trump administration focuses on digital finance, the U.S. faces a critical moment to redefine its role in the global crypto market.

With the sector’s market capitalization soaring to $3.3 trillion in 2024, the stakes have never been higher.

Trump’s decisive actions show a commitment to innovation while safeguarding investors. With fierce international competition, this isn’t just about reviving the crypto landscape—it’s a race to lead the future of digital finance.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  AMB Crypto

~~~~~~~~~

CONGRESSMAN PROPOSES IRS ELIMINATION

On Jan. 9, 2025, congressman Earl Carter proposed a bill replacing the US tax code with a national consumption tax and abolishing the IRS. Earlier this month, the IRS was sued by Blockchain Association over the new reporting rule.

New tax system

The H.R. 25 bill, or The Fair Tax Act of 2025, was introduced by Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter (R–GA). The bill challenges the existing U.S. tax code and the taxation policy status quo and aims to promote freedom, fairness, and economic opportunity. The Fair Tax Act calls to repeal the income, payroll, estate, and gift taxes. Instead, the act proposes enacting the sales tax.

According to the bill, the existing Federal income tax retards the economic growth and international competitiveness of the U.S., discourages small businesses and farms, and downgrades the standard of living of Americans, decreasing the savings and investment rates.

On top of that, the bill indicates the harm of the existing unnecessary administrative and compliance cost pressure on individual and corporate taxpayers. Privacy violations and lack of transparency in taxation are other problems associated with the Federal income tax. According to the Fair Tax Act, the Social Security, Medicare payroll taxes, and self-employment taxes hurdles employment rates.

The alternative proposed in the bill is a broad-based national sales tax on goods and services purchased for final consumption. The act proposes to tax all consumption of goods and services in the U.S. once, preventing double, multiple, and cascading taxation.

According to the bill, it will facilitate savings and investment, improve the standard of living of Americans, help businesses, and undo all other evils associated with the actual tax system. Also, the Fair Tax Act provides notes on how the government should foster the change in the policy.

IRS abolition

One of the most radical changes proposed in the Fair Tax Act is the Internal Revenue Service abolition. The move is meant to get rid of the bureaucratic burdens on individual and business taxpayers.

According to Carter, the tax system introduced in the legislation eliminates the need for the IRS. The taxes should be easy and transparent so that people will not need professional assistance to fill out their taxes.

The bill is supported by a number of Republican congressmen, including Barry Loudermilk, Eric Burlison, John Carter, Scott Perry, John Rutherford, Warren Davidson, Andy Biggs, Dale Strong, Rich McCormick, Andy Harris, and Andrew Clyde.

The latter noted that the act “provides a commonsense solution to eliminate the need for the weaponized IRS, simplify our tax code, and foster economic prosperity”.

Rep. Strong adds that the proposed taxation system will make illegal immigrants pay taxes fairly.

IRS vs the crypto community

The IRS was sued over the new reporting rules introduced by the service the day the rules were introduced, i.e., on Dec. 28, 2024. The complaint is signed by several organizations, including Blockchain Association, Texas Blockchain Council, and DeFi Education Fund.

The new reporting rules impose a threat to the well-being of the DeFi sector as it redefines the broker notion. According to the new rules, DeFi platforms will be considered brokers. They will have to provide the transaction info and proceeds to the IRS until 2027. 

The complaint clears that DeFi platforms are not brokers, and that’s what makes them unique and innovative. As peer-to-peer systems, they don’t depend on brokers or any other intermediaries, so the IRS’ new rules should not apply to them, but they do.

The plaintiffs find the rules unconstitutional and harmful to American development and leadership in the crypto industry. They note that if the rules get into effect, this may impact many leading industry brands to find better jurisdictions instead of working in America.

Considering this, the IRS abolition may be seen as a possibility to end the service’s attacks on the DeFi ecosystems. However, it is not clear yet if the Fair Tax Act of 2025 will be adopted. The history of the act began back in 1999. Will 2025 be a breakthrough year? We’ll see.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Afternoon 1-14-25

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BRICS NEWS:  ANALYSTS PREDICT THE FUTURE OF BRICS CURRENCY

The BRICS alliance is working on the formation of a new currency to challenge the US dollar’s global prospects. The bloc aims to dethrone the US dollar from the world’s reserve currency and usher into a new financial era.

The bold idea is pushed most by members China, Russia, and Iran, as their economies are hampered by the US. The White House pressed sanctions on Russia and Iran and both countries are seeking an alternative currency.

On the other hand, China seeks global domination through BRICS and the launch of a new currency will boost its prospects.

On the contrary, India is against the idea as their leaders have openly supported the US dollar. India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar repeatedly said that they need the US dollar and will not sideline it for trade. The statement highlights the stark differences and ideas among the member nations of the nine-country alliance.

Decoding the Future of BRICS Currency, Analysts Share Their Opinions

Two financial analysts decoded the future of the BRICS currency and shared their opinions about its prospects in the global markets. However, both strategists believe that the contrasting ideas among BRICS members will make the currency a disaster in the forex markets.

“In my mind, there are issues between those countries that make up the BRICS community,” says Michael Diaz, Global Managing Partner of Diaz, Reus & Targ, based in Miami. 

“I don’t believe that they will settle on a unified currency because they all have national security concerns. They could move to digital Bitcoin, but because of the individualized interests of those countries, I don’t see it as a risk to the US dollar,” he said.

Another analyst, Monteiro de Carvalho, a partner at Monteiro & Weiss Trade said that he does not believe BRICS currency can challenge the US dollar. 

“The very cohesion of BRICS ultimately favors a more fragmented international trade profile into competing blocs. Within BRICS, China acts as a globalizing agent, with its initiatives primarily aimed at opening markets for its products and companies. In the global context, this stance contrasts with countries that have adopted more protectionist measures,” he said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

BLACKROCK LAUNCHES CANADIAN BITCOIN ETF WITH DUAL-CURRENCY TRADING OPTIONS

BlackRock has launched its first Canadian Bitcoin ETF, offering dual-currency trading options amid market fluctuations and outflows in the U.S. Bitcoin ETF sector.

▪️BlackRock has launched its iShares Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) on Cboe Canada, offering both CAD and USD trading options and providing Canadian investors easier access to Bitcoin exposure

▪️The fund invests primarily in the U.S. iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF and allows investors to hold Bitcoin exposure in tax-advantaged accounts through traditional brokerage platforms

▪️Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent plans to divest his BlackRock Bitcoin ETF holdings before Trump’s inauguration to comply with Federal ethics guidelines

▪️The U.S. iShares Bitcoin ETF has accumulated $52.7 billion in assets under management, though it recently experienced a record-high outflow of $333 million on January 2, 2025

▪️Bitcoin spot ETFs saw collective outflows of $313.6 million on Monday, with Bitcoin trading around $95,000 at press time

Helen Hayes, Head of iShares Canada at BlackRock, explained the practical benefits of the new fund. “The iShares Fund provides Canadian investors with a convenient and cost-effective way to gain exposure to Bitcoin and helps remove the operational and custody complexities of holding Bitcoin directly,” she said.

@ Newshounds News™

Read More: Blockonomi

~~~~~~~~~

JPMORGAN PROJECTS $3–$8 BILLION INFLOWS FOR POTENTIAL XRP ETF

▪️JPMorgan predicts that spot-based XRP ETF could see inflows of between $3 billion and $8 billion.

▪️Anticipation for XRP ETF approval is rising as multiple applications await the SEC’s verdicts.

▪️Ripple’s increasing usage and payment role make XRP a strong candidate for an ETF product.

JPMorgan, a leading global financial institution, has estimated that a spot-based XRP ETF may see flows of $3 billion and $8 billion. The financial giant based this approximation on the performance of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs that started in the market last year.

Spot ETFs have gained much popularity in the crypto market and represent about 8% of Bitcoin’s total market capitalization, which is now $1.81 trillion. Nonetheless, Ethereum ETFs have comparatively lower penetration at 3%, but the trend is still likely to experience an increase in future inflows.

According to JPMorgan, an XRP ETF is expected to have a similar market impact as Bitcoin ETFs. Similar levels of success are also expected from Solana-based ETFs. This will also stress the growing interest in diversified cryptocurrency ETFs among institutional and retail investors.

Industry players compete for approval

Increasing adoption and use of XRP in payment solutions add more weight to the crypto’s suitability for an ETF. Currently, there are already some applications for the XRP spot ETF being filed by some industry participants including Bitwise and WisdomTree. The competition has been further intensified especially after the emergence of positive results in Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

As previously reported by Cryptopolitan, Ripple President Monica Long stated an XRP ETF may be launched right behind Bitcoin and Ethereum products. Her remarks are in line with the market sentiment that the prospect of an XRP spot ETF being approved has risen considerably.

Nate Geraci, a well-known expert in the ETF market, also noted that an XRP spot ETF could be approved within the year. This would be a great boost to Ripple and would also provide a lot of credence to the XRP token as a key digital currency in the market.

While XRP has been garnering much attention, BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, has ruled out plans to apply for more altcoin ETFs at this time. The company continues to concentrate on its Bitcoin ETF, which has made it a leading player in the cryptocurrency investment market.

Ripple’s executives have also been making headlines. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, the Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty, and the U.S president-elect, Donald Trump, held a meeting that set speculations on possible friendly policies towards XRP. Even without any details about the meeting, the crypto community has considered this a positive sign.

The further expansion of the Ripple ecosystem has also added more wind to XRP’s sails. The RLUSD, a stablecoin issued on the XRP Ledger, is used to enhance the options of settlements on the XRP Ledger. The adoption of the XRP Ledger is expected to grow due to RLUSD improving cross-border transaction efficiency.

XRP price update

At the time of writing, XRP is trading at $2.47, a decrease of 3.28% in 24 hours.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more: Cryptopolitan

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CRYPTO ADVISORY COUNCIL LED BY 24 CEOS TO COLLABORATE WITH SEC, CFTC, AND TREASURY FOR REGULATORY CLARITY

▪️Crypto council will collaborate with key regulators, including the SEC, CFTC, and Treasury, to enhance regulatory clarity and promote a pro-crypto environment.

▪️The crypto industry will host the ‘Inaugural Crypto Ball’ on January 17 in Washington, DC, organized by BTC Inc and Stand With Crypto.

As per the latest Bloomberg report, President-elect Donald Trump will be appointing a total of 24 CEOs and founders to his crypto advisory council. Trump’s crypto council will provide guidance on digital asset policy and collaborate with Congress to draft cryptocurrency legislation.

Additionally, it also plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, thereby fulfilling the promise of Trump’s election campaign.

 The Crypto Council also plans to work with top government regulators such as US SEC, US CFTC, and Treasury to bring regulatory clarity and promote a pro-crypto environment, per the CNF report.

The Bloomberg report shows that many potential appointees have existing ties to Trump and have met with him in recent months. On the other hand, Trump and key advisors, including the newly appointed crypto czar David Sacks, will be reviewing candidates for the council.

Crypto Executives Meet Trump Before Oath-Taking

Following Donald Trump’s election victory in November 2024, top leaders from the crypto industry have visited his residence at Mar-a-Lago in order to build a good rapport with the President-elect. Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek recently met with Donald Trump to discuss crypto-friendly policies and potential roles within the upcoming administration.

Meanwhile, MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor was seen in discussions with Eric Trump, focusing on Bitcoin’s potential role in the U.S. economy. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has also reportedly held meetings with Trump in recent weeks.

Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire was among the recent ones to meet Donald Trump and also announced a significant donation to the Trump inaugural committee. On Thursday, Circle CEO Jeremy Allaire revealed that the company donated 1 million USDC to Trump’s inaugural committee in an effort to establish goodwill as the new administration forms its advisory council, reported CNF.

Crypto Czar David Sacks Gears for Inaugural Crypto Ball

Last month, in December 2024, Donald Trump appointed Bo Hines to lead the newly established crypto council. Hines will be reporting to David Sacks, with the duo focused on offering a conducive environment for the crypto industry.

Bo will work with David to foster innovation and growth in the digital assets space while ensuring industry leaders have the resources they need to succeed,

The crypto industry is gearing up for a significant event, the ‘Inaugural Crypto Ball,’ set to take place on January 17 in Washington, DC, to celebrate and support the incoming administration. 

Organized by David Bailey’s BTC Inc., advocacy group Stand With Crypto, and other crypto organizations, the black-tie event will be held at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium.

Tickets are priced at $2,500, covering cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and valet service. Additionally, reports suggest that David Bailey is under consideration for a potential position on the administration’s advisory council.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

~~~~~~~~~

ITALY’S LARGEST BANKING GROUP INVESTS DIRECTLY IN CRYPTOS FOR FIRST TIME

“As of Monday, Intesa Sanpaolo owns 11 Bitcoins.”

Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank by assets, purchased 11 Bitcoins on Monday, worth €1 million ($1.02 million).

According to a Wired Italia report, this marks the first time in Italy, a credit institution concluded a direct crypto transaction.

Some employees of the largest Italian bank first flagged the crypto purchase and sale on the imageboard website 4Chan.

“As of today (Monday), Intesa Sanpaolo owns 11 Bitcoins. Thank you all for the teamwork”, said Niccolò Bardoscia, head of digital assets trading & investments at Intesa Sanpaolo in a mail.

However, Bardoscia did not reveal further information on Intesa Sanpaolo’s motivations for choosing BTC or its future crypto strategies. It is unclear whether the move signals the bank’s intent to expand its crypto services.

Last November, Intesa Sanpaolo expanded the remit of its digital assets desk to cover spot trading for crypto. The biggest lender in Italy had previously only traded crypto options, futures, and exchange-traded funds. However, the spot trading isn’t yet up and running.

Milan-based Intesa Sanpaolo has worked with Ripple Custody (formerly Metaco), to facilitate tokenised asset custody.

Intesa’s move mirrors a growing trend among traditional financial institutions exploring cryptos.

Italy’s Crypto Tax Revisions

The bank’s Bitcoin investment came when the country overhauled its crypto taxation laws, particularly focusing on Bitcoin (BTC) capital gains.

In December 2024, Italy’s Senate finalised the tax rates for crypto capital gains, confirming a 26% tax for 2025. Further, the parliament approved a government proposal to increase the withholding tax on Bitcoin profits to 33% in 2026.

In July 2024, Intesa became the sole institutional investor in Italian development bank Cassa Depositi e Prestiti’s digital bond issuance. The move marked a significant step in digital asset adoption in Italy.

Besides, the implementation of the European MiCA Regulation marks a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for crypto service providers across the EU.

The European Union set a Dec. 30 deadline for its member states to implement MiCA, although not all countries have managed to.

In Italy, the MiCA Decree, the Legislative Decree of September 5, 2024, assigns critical responsibilities to the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (Consob) and the Bank of Italy. It designs them as the primary national authorities for overseeing compliance with MiCA’s provisions.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

~~~~~~~~~

CARDANO FOUNDATION UNVEILS ‘VENTURE HUB’ PILOT PROJECT TO FORTIFY BLOCKCHAIN INNOVATION

The Cardano Foundation, an autonomous not-for-profit organization backing the Cardano blockchain, has recently unveiled a pilot project Venture Hub. The new pilot project aims to expedite projects developing on the Cardano blockchain. The company revealed this development on its official X account.

Cardano Foundation Starts Pilot Program ‘Venture Hub’ to Increase Chosen Ventures’ Visibility

The Cardano Foundation mentioned that it leverages the new pilot project Venture Hub to enhance its methodology to back ecosystem endeavors. For this purpose, it offers modified assistance to exclusive and beneficial projects. 

It leverages its comprehensive experience backing projects via more than five hundred Slack and Telegram channels. Subsequently, the platform pursues to expand selected ventures’ visibility and offer valued feedback to advance its programs.

Venture Hub will reportedly include Web 3.0 Ventures, Web 3.0 Innovators, and Web 2.0 Businesses. These 3 categories take into account existing entities utilizing blockchain to increase client services and established blockchain firms endeavoring to grow or migrate to Cardano. In addition to this, the latest ventures introducing scalable solutions on the blockchain of Cardano are also invited. 

The Cardano Foundation will let the selected projects access an exceptional combination of business, visibility, and technical support. This will lead to the projects’ long-term success.

Venture Hub to Deliver Technical Support and Strategic Business Advice to Boost Project Development

Hence, in the case of visibility boost, the program will deliver a wider exposure via an organized Demo Day, marketing, and PR endeavors. Additionally, the projects will also get strategic business advice to attain sustainable growth.

Moreover, the in-house technical professionals will provide personalized guidance to the selected projects. Venture Hub will potentially cater to the respective projects at diverse development points. They range between early-stage ventures and fully established businesses dealing with blockchain solutions.

According to the Cardano Foundation, the participants will benefit from sophisticated technical strategies and boosted business development with ecosystem collaborators. Apart from that, they will also enjoy an enhanced visibility across the Cardano ecosystem.

Furthermore, the platform will also deliver investment readiness via curated opportunities such as VC engagements and Project Catalyst workshops.

The applications are invited between the 13th and 31st of January. Following that, the platform will announce the successful candidates in February while the 12-week program is scheduled to start on the 17th of March.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Blockchain Reporter

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Evening 1-13-25

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FILIPINO BANKS PLAN TO LAUNCH MULTI ISSUER STABLECOIN PHPX ON HEDERA DLT

Later this year several Filipino banks are planning to launch a multi bank peso stablecoin, PHPX, which will initially operate on the Hedera DLT network. The banks include the UnionBank of the Philippines, Rizal Commercial Banking, Cantilan Bank and the Rural Bank of Guinobatan. 

Singapore startup Just Finance is the initiator, but the banks will have a significant role in the governance. Given a key goal is cross border payments, the plans include more than just a stablecoin. There’s a need to exchange stablecoins in different currencies.

UnionBank, or more specifically its fintech spin off UBX, has been involved in blockchain for years including managing a quasi stablecoin network, albeit in a closed loop system.

In 2018 it set up a token-based automated clearing house (ACH) to enable payments for rural and community banks that were not members of the national retail payment system (NRPS) to funnel them via UnionBank.

That system uses a permissioned version of Ethereum and the more-or-less invisible backend token is PHX, not to be confused with PHPX the planned new stablecoin.

While the ACH has served its purpose, it’s time to take the next step. “We need to create something that is publicly exchangeable, so that we can support use cases outside of our own closed loop ecosystem,” said John Januszczak, UBX CEO, during an interview with Ledger Insights. He also wants to support stablecoins beyond that created by UBX.

Hence, when David Inderias and Mikko Perez from Just Finance approached UBX with the concept for PHPX, Mr Januszczak was open to it.

While it’s not the only use case, cross border payments are top of the list, particularly for remittances.

Filipino stablecoin remittances

Inbound remittances from people working abroad are a critical source of funds in the Philippines. According to the World Bank, the country is the fourth largest recipient of remittances which totaled $40 billion in 2024, representing around 10% of the country’s GDP.

Some of the stablecoin goals are basic. “The speed of payments has not kept up with the speed of commerce,” said Mr Januszczak. “As the operator of a payments network, it’s not about the technology, it’s about that fundamental problem.”

He noted that the people doing the work abroad have limited control over how their hard earned cash is spent. They often send the money to someone in the Philippines who looks after the bills.

“We want Filipinos that are earning money in the US (or elsewhere) to be able to pay their kids’ school tuition directly from the United States (and) for that payment to be affected in real time,” said Mr Januszczak. 

“We want to open up the opportunity for people to contribute to insurance policies and wealth products from overseas. So not just vanilla, pedestrian remittances, but remittances that give back that control.”

For the banks involved, the stablecoins will often be abstracted in the backend, so the customer simply chooses to send $500 rather than being aware of the stablecoin details. The $500 is exchanged for PHPX or another stablecoin in the background. From there it can be deposited into a bank account, a G Cash wallet or for cash pickup at an over the counter location. Hence, banks will provide seamless on and off-ramping.

Ultimately, consumers could have direct access to PHPX, but that would be subject to regulator approval.

Stablecoins and FX

To enable cross border payments, part of the plan is to create a multi currency stablecoin exchange. Given cross border payments will involve swaps of foreign currency stablecoins in USD, SGD or JPY with PHPX, that requires liquidity providers who can earn a yield. It also will have to be regulatory compliant. 

At launch it’s likely the banks or those implementing use cases will take on that role. But in a decentralized environment, that could open up over time, involving qualified investors as liquidity providers in the Philippines.

A safe PHPX stablecoin design

Turning to the stablecoin, Mr Inderias from Just Finance emphasized quality and compliance.

With a multi issuer token, the big question is what happens if a bank goes bust? Most of the stablecoin reserves will be held in segregated bank trust accounts which will hold government bonds, with a small cash balance for short term settlement. The trust accounts are ring-fenced rather than part of the general liability of the bank. Hence, if a bank fails, the stablecoin is bankrupt remote (provided the money hasn’t disappeared because of fraud). Given that Just Finance doesn’t hold the cash, the stablecoin should also be safe if it ran into trouble.

As a bank stablecoin, another challenge is compliance with Basel Committee crypto-asset rules. If stablecoins are classed with other cryptocurrencies (Group 2) that could get expensive for banks to hold them. In the latest Basel iteration, to qualify as a Group 1b (low risk) stablecoin the DLT network has to be permissioned, which is the reason for choosing the Hedera DLT as the initial network.

Another requirement to satisfy the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is for any coins the system interacts with to comply with the EU’s MiCAR regulations or regional equivalents.

Meanwhile, a key advantage of stablecoins over bank payments, is they don’t require interbank settlement. In the Philippines, the main National Retail Payment System (NRPS) limits payments to around $1,000 to manage risks. That’s because while the banks credit recipients almost immediately, the interbank settlement is not real time.

By contrast, the existing closed looped clearing house operated by UBX has been using blockchain for years, minting and burning tokens which are backed by reserves. Hence, it has already seen the benefits of stablecoin-style payments, where clearing and settlement don’t involve separate steps.

Getting to launch

The central bank is going to have the last say about when the solution goes live, with the earliest launch date between May and July this year.

Mr Inderias emphasized that the goal of PHPX isn’t purely for remittances. He also envisages larger cross border payments for trade and the potential domestic use of the stablecoin at point of sale (POS). But before that can even be considered, the first step is getting bank applications live.

“If and when we go to retail, we’ll do that in a measured way under the purview of the regulator,” he said.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Ledger Insights

~~~~~~~~~

US BANKS CAN HOLD BITCOIN AND CRYPTO UNDER INCOMING TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER: REPORT

President-elect Trump will issue an executive order effectively allowing banks and financial institutions to hold Bitcoin (BTC) and crypto assets on behalf of their clients, according to a new report.

The incoming order will reverse a regulatory guideline that has shaped how financial institutions account for and custody digital assets, reports the Washington Post

“…Trump is expected to issue executive orders on the first day of his presidency that may address issues including “de-banking” and the repeal of a controversial crypto accounting policy requiring banks holding digital assets to count them as liabilities on the bank’s own balance sheet, according to a person involved with the conversations.”

The expected executive order is designed to reverse SAB 121, an SEC guideline that requires certain financial entities to list even the crypto assets they hold on behalf of customers as liabilities.

Crypto proponents say the guideline blocks financial institutions’ ability to enter the digital asset arena.

A bill aiming to eliminate SAB 121 recently passed both the House and the Senate, but President Biden vetoed the bill.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  DailyHodl

~~~~~~~~~

COINBASE SCORES ANOTHER WIN AGAINST 'ARBITRARY AND CAPRICIOUS' SEC ORDER

A panel of Third Circuit federal judges ruled the SEC must explain its lack of crypto rulemaking—but stopped short of ordering the agency to create such regulations.

A panel of federal appeals court judges in Philadelphia dealt another blow to the SEC’s crypto regime on Monday, emerging as the latest prominent court to question how the federal agency has navigated its regulation of digital assets.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit ruled today in favor of Coinbase, which sued the SEC last year over the agency’s refusal to explicitly lay out its crypto policy. Instead of putting forth crypto-specific rules, the SEC has instead sporadically sued crypto firms over the last six-odd years in a pattern that has been disparagingly dubbed “regulation by enforcement.”

Today a three-judge panel, comprised of two Democrats and one Republican, ruled that the SEC’s dismissive response to Coinbase’s request for crypto-specific rulemaking was unacceptable.

“Because we believe the SEC’s order was conclusory and insufficiently reasoned, and thus arbitrary and capricious, we grant Coinbase’s petition in part and remand to the SEC for a more complete explanation,” today’s order reads.

The judges added that they declined, however, to force the SEC to create crypto-specific rules, as Coinbase had requested.

According to Judge Thomas Ambro, a Clinton-era Democrat who wrote Monday’s opinion, previous case law established that an agency like the SEC could only be forced to create rules against its will if an extreme delay in creating those rules “endangered human lives”—a requirement clearly not met by crypto-related regulations.

So the SEC doesn’t have to issue new crypto rules now, but it must explain to Coinbase in much greater detail why it has, thus far, refused to do so.

“Rather than force the agency to make a rule, we order it to explain its decision not to,” Judge Stephanos Bibas, a Republican appointed to the court by Donald Trump, wrote Monday in a concurring opinion. “Indeed, a rule may not prove necessary to solve the problems here; the agency could just state its position on crypto assets unequivocally.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Decrypt

~~~~~~~~~

CARDANO & RIPPLE TO PARTNER? ADA EYES RLUSD INTEGRATION

A cooperation that would see two of the industry’s most prominent networks team up, both Cardano (ADA) and Ripple are reportedly discussing a partnership that would include the latter’s recently launched Ripple USD (RLUSD) stablecoin. Indeed, the discussions were confirmed in a recent post to X (Foermly Twitter) by Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson.

The asset has had a rather slow start to the year despite immense promise. However, that is widely expected to turn around. Moreover, with both ADA and XRP projected to make headway in the coming months, a partnership could ensure their prices skyrocket together.

Charles Hoskinson Confirms Talk to Bring Cardano and Ripple Together

2025 may be set to be a big year for Cardano and Ripple, as both companies look to build off of a momentous final two months to last year. Moreover, the two sides are reportedly engaged in talks, according to the former’s founder. The discussion centers around the promising Ripple stablecoin debut that would bring about an RLUSD integration.

Charles Hoskinson went as far as to confirm that discussion was taking place. However, he did not elaborate on what exactly was discussed between both sides. Yet, if it comes to fruition, it would be a game-changer for ADA, the native token on the Cardano network.

The cryptocurrency has certainly struggled since the start of the year. Over the last seven days, ADA has fallen more than 16%, according to CoinMarketCap. Moreover, the asset’s 13% drop in the last 30 days has it trading under the $1 mark. However, the token is not expected to remain this year, as it is projected to have a monumental year ahead.

According to cryptocurrency price prediction platform CoinCodex, Cardano will retake the $1 mark in January and then some. Indeed, analysts project the token to end January with a high price of $1.8, providing a potential ROI of more than 101%.

That isn’t all, as the asset is expected to build off of that success. Specifically, the platform projects ADA to reach the $2 mark in February, reaching heights of $2.50, with a 174% potential jump, by the end of the year’s second month.

With $3.9 yearly highs projected, Ripple and RLUSD stablecoin integration would help the network reach these marks. Moreover, they could help them exceed them, rewriting the potential it had entering the year.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Afternoon 1-13-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

RIPPLE XRP AND BANK OF AMERICA: BIG CLAIMS, FEWER ANSWERS

▪️Ripple XRP integration at Bank of America sparks debate, with claims remaining unverified.

▪️Bank of America files 83 patents tied to Ripple blockchain, fueling XRP adoption speculation.

▪️XRP price rises 3.39% amid rumors of BoA’s blockchain use, with $2.89 as key resistance level.

Recent claims about Bank of America (BoA) using Ripple’s XRP for internal transactions have sparked heated debate within the financial and cryptocurrency sectors. While the bank’s potential use of XRP could signal a major shift in digital payments, these assertions remain unconfirmed, marking caution necessary.

Unverified Claims and Historical Context

David Stryzewski, CEO of Sound Planning Group, made headlines during a FOX Business interview on January 6, 2025, by stating that BoA has integrated XRP for all its internal transactions. He also revealed that BoA has filed 83 patents related to Ripple’s blockchain technology, demonstrating a considerable investment in the infrastructure that supports digital payments.

However, despite this bold claim, Bank of America has not issued an official confirmation. Historical records show that BoA has been exploring blockchain solutions for years. For example, in 2017, the bank filed a patent for a real-time settlement system that referenced a “ripple” distributed ledger without explicitly naming XRP. This action suggests an ongoing interest in decentralized technology but raises questions about its current adoption practices.

Technical Analysis and Market Sentiment

Market reactions reflect the news, with XRP trading at $2.41, a 3.39% daily increase. Analysts have identified a critical resistance level at $2.89 and support near $2.00, creating key zones for traders to monitor. Bullish sentiment has surged due to the potential for broader institutional adoption, but skeptics urge caution because of the lack of official statements.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

If Stryzewski’s claims are accurate, this development could set a precedent for cryptocurrency adoption in traditional banking systems. RippleNet, where BoA is a governance member, shows the growing collaboration between financial institutions and blockchain solutions. Still, the absence of verifiable evidence highlights the importance of relying on official updates for a clear understanding.

Meanwhile, the XRP community remains optimistic, driven by Ripple’s recent achievements, such as the launch of the RLUSD stablecoin. This milestone, along with XRP’s increasing adoption, underscores the asset’s growing role in global finance.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coin Edition

~~~~~~~~~

XRP LEDGER UPGRADE: IMPORTANT CHANGES YOU MUST KNOW

The XRP Ledger (XRPL) is currently in the process of a major technology update, with several amendments already announced for voting.

The XRP development team revealed that about 80% of the XRPL servers have been successfully updated, and older version servers are expected to be automatically disconnected once this update is complete. This update will bring a number of important changes that have the potential to impact various aspects of XRP and XRPL usage as a whole.

Update to XRP Ledger v2.3.0

XRP Ledger v2.3.0 brings several important amendments aimed at improving network efficiency and functionality. Some of the key changes included in this update include:

▪️XLS-70: Credentials
This amendment allows you to provide credentials to the ledger and use them to automatically approve incoming payments.

▪️XLS-33: Multi-Purpose Token
This change presents a new, more optimal version of the token, especially for institutions operating in the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) sector. This aims to support the broader adoption of fungible tokens in DeFi.

▪️XLS-37: AMM Clawback
This amendment allows the use of tokens with a clawback feature in Automated Market Maker (AMM) systems, providing more flexibility in the management of revocable tokens.

▪️XLS-52: NFTokenMintOffer
With this amendment, you can make sales offers for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT), opening up more opportunities in the ever-growing NFT market.

▪️Bug Fixes and Efficiency Improvements
In addition to the major amendments, this update also includes a number of technical improvements, such as fixing a bug that resulted in missing links in the NFT directory and improvements to the AMM transaction process that can improve overall system performance.

XRPL Server Update Progress

As part of this update, the development team also announced that around 80% of the XRPL servers have been successfully updated. This marks a major step in ensuring the XRPL network remains relevant and efficient.

Servers using versions 2.2.x and older are expected to automatically disconnect once the update is complete, forcing most users to upgrade to stay connected to the network.

Implications of the Update to the XRP Network

In addition to technical updates, recent data shows a significant increase in activity on the XRP network. According to data from CryptoQuant released in November 2024, XRP's Network Value to Transactions (NVT) ratio saw a spike, indicating increased activity on the network.

 Further analysis from CryptoQuant also showed significant changes in transaction types on XRPL, especially in “OfferCreate” transactions, reflecting increased trading activity on the network.

In January 2024, payment transactions accounted for 88% of all transactions on the ledger, while “OfferCreate” transactions accounted for 12%. However, in November 2024, both types of transactions will experience equal adoption with a contribution of 50% each. This shows that the adoption of new features, including decentralized trading (DEX), is starting to gain popularity among XRPL users.

XRP Outlook Post Update

In December 2024, crypto analyst Paul Barron revealed that the XRPL network was on the verge of a major breakthrough. According to him, the update that is being carried out has the potential to trigger a significant spike in the price of XRP.

Even though the price of XRP is currently hovering around $2.3 after experiencing a 4.4% decline in the last seven days, optimism for the future of the XRP network remains high, especially with increased activity and ongoing updates.

Thus, the XRPL v2.3.0 update not only brings significant technical changes, but also opens up new opportunities for adoption and further development in the XRP ecosystem, both for individuals, institutions, and developers in the DeFi and NFT sectors.

As the server upgrade nears completion, the XRP network is expected to become stronger and more competitive in the ever-evolving blockchain world.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  BitTime

~~~~~~~~~

LEDGER INSIGHTS - 13 JAN – TOKENIZATION, DIGITAL ASSETS NEWS

TOKENIZATION AND DIGITAL ASSETS: POLICY & LEGAL

FDIC Vice Chair acknowledges crypto debanking, outlines policy plan. He’s a candidate to become chair.
Ledger Insights  

United States Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) interpretive rule proposes to include stablecoins, crypto in Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) as digital payments. This would give consumer protections such as the right to dispute errors or fraudulent transactions. Comments should be submitted by the end of March.  
CFPB-EFTA Document

OECD explores impediments to tokenization adoption.
Ledger Insights

New Springer legal book including digital assets
Governance and Control of Data and Digital Economy in the European Single Market: Legal Framework for New Digital Assets, Identities and Data Spaces
OPEN ACCESS DIGITAL LINK 

Indonesian commodities regulator transfers digital asset responsibilities:
the Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (Bappebti) transferred its digital assets duties including crypto and derivatives to the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia (BI).

OJK takes on most of the responsibilities with the central bank supervising derivatives where the underlying assets relate to money markets or foreign exchange.  KK Advocates 

Kenya’s Treasury publishes a draft set of digital asset rules and requests feedback.
Draft Document 

European Central Bank’s Bindseil and others explore tokenization terminology.  Tokenization Terminology 

TOKENIZATION & DIGITAL ASSETS: PROJECTS, PARTNERSHIPS

NUS, Northern Trust and UOB partner to tokenize green bond data. Part of Project Guardian. Ledger Insights 

Ownera, which provides a blockchain interoperability router FinP2P, partners with Layer 1 blockchain Kadena.  LINK 

Germany’s Bundesbank advertises for (more) DLT technical roles. Good news for wholesale DLT settlement solutions?  LINK 

Blockchain Security Standards Council issues first two standards. Its members include Anchorage Digital, Coinbase, Fireblocks, OpenZeppelin, Ribbit Capital. One of the standards is on asset integration – such as tokens.  LINK

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Ledger Insights 

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Monday Morning 1-13-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

SEN. TED CRUZ: FIGHTING REGULATORY OVERREACH, CHAMPIONING BITCOIN

In an interview with Cointelegraph, US Senator Ted Cruz discusses Bitcoin’s role in driving small business growth, its potential as a hedge against inflation and why Texas is becoming a top crypto hub.

In an exclusive interview with Cointelegraph, US Senator Ted Cruz shared his vision for Bitcoin, the broader crypto industry and the future of his home state of Texas.

As a self-proclaimed Bitcoin miner, Cruz emphasized the potential of BTC to empower small businesses, drive innovation, and serve as a hedge against inflation.

Despite his optimism for the future of BTC and crypto mining, Cruz warned against hasty government regulations, stressing the need for Congress to better understand before overreaching with regulatory actions.

“Very few Members of Congress understand cryptocurrency, so I am urging my colleagues to proceed slowly and carefully with any regulations governing cryptocurrency,” he said.

Bitcoin’s impact on small businesses

Cruz said he is “bullish on Bitcoin,” praising its capacity to provide privacy, autonomy and independence from government control.

“Most congressional Democrats are deeply skeptical of Bitcoin,” he said. “They don’t like that it creates individual freedom, privacy, autonomy and independence from the government.”

With the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, Cruz predicted that “Republicans will unleash small businesses and cryptocurrency like never before.”

“I’m proud to lead the fight to defend cryptocurrency from overreaching government regulation. I introduced legislation to prohibit the development of a central bank digital currency and to clarify that the Federal Reserve has no authority to do so unilaterally.”

Texas as an oasis for Bitcoin

Cruz described Texas as “an oasis for Bitcoin” due to its abundant, low-cost energy and business-friendly environment. He said the state’s “frontier mentality” and low taxes have made it a magnet for Bitcoin mining firms and crypto enthusiasts.

“Cryptocurrency mining requires dependable, low-cost energy, and if Texas is known for anything, it is abundant low-cost energy,” Cruz said. “I am thrilled to see so many jobs coming to Texas, and we need to make sure that trend continues and accelerates,” he added.

Recent developments, such as Hive Digital relocating its headquarters to Texas and Marathon Digital acquiring a wind farm in the state, underscore Cruz’s sentiment.

Cruz told Cointelegraph that, to his knowledge, he is the only member of the Senate who is a BTC miner and has “three miners hashing in West Texas right now.”

“I have a weekly buy order to take advantage of dollar-cost averaging,” he said. “I’ve been investing for several years, over which time Bitcoin’s value has roughly tripled.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CoinTelegraph

~~~~~~~~~

INCOMING TREASURY TO SELL BITCOIN ETF HOLDINGS

According to a recent report by Bloomberg, hedge fund manager Scott Bessent, who was recently nominated to be the new Treasury secretary, will divest his Bitcoin ETF holdings. The billionaire American investor owns no more than $500,000 worth of shares of BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). Overall, Bessent has listed more than $500 billion worth of assets.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  U Today

~~~~~~~~~

RIPPLE CTO REVEALS COMPANY'S MEDIA STRATEGY ON XRP

Ripple CTO David Schwartz breaks silence on crypto company's approach to misinformation regarding XRP

Ripple's CTO David Schwartz recently shared some thoughts on the company's media strategy during its three-year legal battle with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

The case ended with Ripple getting a partial victory, after they argued that XRP, the cryptocurrency associated with Ripple, should not be classed as a security. The court concluded that XRP is not a security, but the crypto company was fined for selling coins to institutional clients. 

This clarified the asset's status, which has big implications for both the San Francisco-based company and the wider crypto market.

Schwartz talked about the challenges Ripple faced in dealing with false information about XRP during the lawsuit. He admitted that the company couldn't do much to directly challenge the false stories about the cryptocurrency because of legal and strategic limits.

Instead, they relied on their community, also known as the "XRP Army," to spread the right message. But this meant that misinformation and speculation spread, which was not ideal.

Schwartz said that Ripple tried not to amplify unverified claims or people spreading misinformation on purpose, but he admitted that this approach might have had the opposite effect. He said that if they dealt with inaccuracies, they might accidentally give them more credibility or visibility, which would make it harder for Ripple to respond to the media.

Schwartz also talked about how Ripple tries to tell the difference between helpful contributions and baseless claims in the XRP community. While the company recognized the importance of fostering a positive narrative, it maintained caution in engaging with content or individuals that might harm its reputation or mislead the public. #XRP #XRP News #Ripple News

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  U Today

~~~~~~~~~

MASTERCARD INTRODUCES CRYPTO CREDENTIAL FOR SEAMLESS P2P TRANSACTIONS IN UAE, KAZAKHSTAN

▪️Mastercard has launched Crypto Credential in the UAE and Kazakhstan to simplify crypto transactions.

▪️The solution ensures secure transactions by verifying both the sender’s and recipient’s wallet compatibility.

Mastercard has launched its Crypto Credential solution, which will make it easier for people in the UAE and Kazakhstan to use cryptocurrencies. This launch enables the users to send and receive digital assets through easily memorable names instead of complicated blockchain addresses, making it easier to incorporate crypto.

Crypto Credential is one of Mastercard’s efforts to strengthen the security of digital asset transactions. Through cooperation with regulated exchanges like CoinMENA in the UAE, Fuze in Dubai, and ATAIX Eurasia in Kazakhstan, the solution is designed to enable the verification of transactions and ensure that both transacting parties have met certain verification standards. It also checks that the recipient’s wallet can accept the transferred asset.

It ensures that crypto users have a certain degree of confidence in the service, which checks the transaction details, including Travel Rule data and metadata sharing. Mastercard believes simplicity is key in crypto transactions to help boost trust among consumers and businesses.

“We are excited to see Mastercard embracing blockchain technology,” said Talal Tabba, CEO of CoinMENA. “Innovations like Crypto Credential are key to making digital assets more user-friendly, especially for those transitioning from traditional finance.”

How Mastercard Crypto Credential Works

The adoption of Crypto Credentials begins with the user’s validation in accordance with the Mastercard guidelines. After successful validation, users are given a unique alias that can be utilized on any supported exchange for transferring and receiving cryptocurrencies.

When a transfer is initiated, the system verifies if the recipient’s alias is active and if the wallet of the recipient supports the given digital asset. If not, the sender is informed, and the transaction is stopped to avoid the loss of the funds. This mechanism ensures security and ease of use since users are shielded from mistakes and deceit.

Initially, the pilot phase will cover only peer-to-peer transactions. Nevertheless, Mastercard plans to use Crypto Credentials in several services in the future. Some of the possible applications are Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), ticketing, and other new payment applications based on the market’s needs and legal frameworks.

A Broader Expansion Across Regions

Mastercard Crypto Credential is not only available in the UAE and Kazakhstan. It is part of a greater implementation strategy for the company’s commercialization plans in markets across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. This expansion enables the user to transfer digital assets not only within these regions but also across blockchains and types of assets.

The new initiative has garnered support from industry leaders. Arutyun Poghosyan, CEO of ATAIX Eurasia, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are incredibly excited to implement Mastercard’s Crypto Credential technology. This partnership strengthens our position in the crypto space.”

In addition to the Crypto Credential, Mastercard has also collaborated with JPMorgan to create innovative B2B cross-border payment flows. CNF has earlier covered that the partnership links Mastercard’s MTN and JPMorgan’s Kinexys Digital Payments and is beneficial for businesses, according to CNF. 

This partnership leverages a single API to streamline foreign transactions, and minimize the time that is usually lost in crossing borders and other barriers that have hitherto slowed down global trade.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Crypto News Flash

~~~~~~~~~

XRP BULLS IN ACTION? KOREAN EXCHANGE SEES STUNNING OUTFLOWS

Popular cryptocurrency XRP eyes mysterious $60 million whale activity on Korea's biggest exchange

A big XRP transfer from Upbit, South Korea's biggest crypto exchange, is causing some buzz about what it might mean for the popular cryptocurrency. Whale Alert tracked the withdrawal of 24 million XRP, worth about $60.63 million, from Upbit's wallet "rDxJNb" to an address that had not been recognized before, "r9n1JL."

 It is common for such a movement to be made between the big players in the cryptocurrency game, like Ripple or major exchanges like Binance, so it's possible this wallet could even belong to Upbit itself. But this is just guesswork, and we are still not sure who owns the address.

While it is tempting to think this is a sign that whales are building up their holdings, it's best not to jump to any conclusions just yet. Have to do some more digging and keep a close eye on things to see what is really going on.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  U Today

~~~~~~~~~

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Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Afternoon 1-12-25

Good Afternoon Dinar Recaps,

KENYA PREPARES TO LEGALIZE CRYPTOCURRENCIES: REPORT

Kenya's Treasury Secretary unveils plans to legalize cryptocurrencies, introducing regulations to harness blockchain potential while tackling money laundering and fraud risks.

Kenya is set to introduce legislation to legalize cryptocurrencies, marking a policy shift, according to a local report quoting Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.

Speaking on Friday, Mbadi outlined the government’s plans to create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, an industry that has operated in the shadows despite an official ban.

“Kenya’s financial sector is a beacon of innovation and growth in Africa,” Mbadi stated. “The emergence and growth of Virtual Assets and Virtual Asset Service Providers have given rise to innovations in the local and international financial system with dynamic opportunities and challenges.”

While recognizing the risks associated with cryptocurrencies, such as money laundering, terrorism financing, and fraud, Mbadi emphasized that a legal framework would allow Kenya see the benefits of the crypto market while mitigating its dangers.

“The Government of Kenya is committed to creating the necessary legal and regulatory framework in order to leverage opportunities presented by VAs and VASPs while managing the resultant risks,” he added.

IMF Urges Kenya to Establish Clear Crypto Regulations

The proposed policy seeks to establish a fair and competitive crypto market and improve financial literacy across the country.

This initiative aligns with recent calls from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which urged Kenya to develop regulations to address consumer protection and financial crime concerns related to cryptocurrencies.

In a technical assistance report released on January 8, the IMF outlined shortcomings in Kenya’s current regulatory approach to crypto assets.

Outdated frameworks have struggled to address the rise in crypto-related scams and illicit activities, leaving consumers vulnerable to financial risks.

With Kenya joining the growing list of African nations embracing cryptocurrency, this regulatory shift could position the country as a regional hub for blockchain innovation while addressing systemic risks.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CryptoNews

~~~~~~~~~

SINGAPORE LABELS POLYMARKET ILLEGAL GAMBLING, RESTRICTS SITE ACCESS

▪️Singapore blocks Polymarket, citing unlicensed gambling.

▪️Polymarket faces a ban in France and CFTC subpoena in the US.

Singapore has officially blocked Polymarket, a crypto-based betting platform, citing its unlicensed status in the country.

Warning Notice

Visitors to the site are greeted with a warning from the Gambling Regulatory Authority, labelling it an illegal gambling operation.

The notice warns that gambling on unlicensed platforms may result in fines, jail time, or both.

The block falls under the Gambling Control Act 2022, which mandates that all gambling operators targeting Singaporean residents obtain proper licensing.

Singapore currently restricts online gambling to state-approved operators like Singapore Pools, the country’s sole licensed provider.

Polymarket, known for hosting high-stakes prediction markets on events like the US presidential election, is also encountering resistance in Europe.

In France, the country’s gambling regulator, ANJ, blocked access to the platform in November.

According to The Big Whale, a French crypto news outlet, the ANJ considers Polymarket a form of illegal betting.

A source close to the regulator claimed, “This is not legal in France,” as officials examine its compliance with local gambling laws.

Meanwhile, in the United States, the platform is under fire from the CFTC, which has proposed stricter rules on prediction markets.

On Thursday it was revealed that Coinbase notified customers it received a subpoena from the CFTC seeking account information tied to Polymarket.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  DL News

~~~~~~~~~

'LIVE FREE OR DIE': NEW HAMPSHIRE THE LATEST STATE TO CONSIDER BITCOIN RESERVE BILL

New Hampshire Rep. Keith Ammon proposed a bill to enable a Bitcoin treasury reserve, which he framed as a matter of state sovereignty.

New Hampshire Rep. Keith Ammon (R) proposed a bill Friday that would enable the state’s Treasury to invest a portion of public funds into digital assets and precious metals.

Not only would the move insulate the Granite State from the threat of runaway inflation, but it would also dovetail with some of New Hampshire’s cultural values, Ammon told Decrypt.

“The ethos in New Hampshire is ‘Live Free or Die’—leave me alone, and don’t burden me with too many regulations,” he said. “We’re tied to the U.S. dollar, whether we like it or not, but this would allow us to have the state invest a small portion into this uncorrelated, new asset class.”

 Newshounds News™

Read more:  Decrypt

~~~~~~~~~

RIPPLE AND MOONPAY PLEDGE $50,000 IN RLUSD TO LAFD FOUNDATION FOR CALIFORNIA WILDFIRE RELIEF

▪️Wildfires in California have reportedly destroyed about 12,000 structures leading to over 11 fatalities, with containment still a challenge.

▪️Ripple and MoonPay donated $50,000 worth of RLUSD to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, supporting first responders amid the crisis.

@ Newshounds News™

Read more:  Crypto News Flash

~~~~~~~~~

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