Economics, Gold and Silver, News DINARRECAPS8 Economics, Gold and Silver, News DINARRECAPS8

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Sunday Morning 3-09-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SPURS CREDIT UNIONS' RETURN TO CRYPTOCURRENCY

DALLAS—The Trump Administration is bringing more credit unions back to offering cryptocurrency, says Bank Social, which offers advice to CUs considering stepping into this space.

The return to offering the service by more credit unions follows a sharp decline in cooperatives offering crypto services to members following the collapse of FTX in late 2022 and the sudden departure of NYDIG within the CU industry not long afterward.

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SPURS CREDIT UNIONS' RETURN TO CRYPTOCURRENCY

DALLAS—The Trump Administration is bringing more credit unions back to offering cryptocurrency, says Bank Social, which offers advice to CUs considering stepping into this space.

The return to offering the service by more credit unions follows a sharp decline in cooperatives offering crypto services to members following the collapse of FTX in late 2022 and the sudden departure of NYDIG within the CU industry not long afterward.

Becky Reed, COO of crypto platform Bank Social, said the two primary reasons credit unions are coming back is the Trump Administration’s pro-crypto agenda and its emphasis on deregulation.

“The last six months we have seen interest begin to gain ground in digital assets—not just for investing but for payments, fractional lending and more,” said Reed.

GlobalData banking analyst Harry Swain said FIs could face fewer crypto regulatory hurdles under the Trump Administration.

“As you'll, recall back in 2022 there was quite a bit of interest in cryptocurrency among credit unions, and there were some folks in the credit union space offering a crypto wallets, including us,” Reed said. “And then, FTX happened, and everyone kind of scattered to the wind.

What also left a bad taste in the mouths of credit unions regarding digital currency is crypto platform NYDIG backing out of its agreements with credit unions in late 2023—forcing many members to sell their cryptocurrency—some at a loss—damaging member relationships with CUs that had been working with NYDIG.

Non-Custodial Crypto Wallet

Bank Social offers a non-custodial crypto wallet, where consumers control their digital money, not the crypto platform, owning their currency from day one.

“Credit unions were really starting to see the use cases for crypto. In fact, when I would speak at meetings I would ask people, just like I did in ’22 and ’23, how many people in the room felt like crypto was a scam. In ’22 and ’23, a third to half the room would raise their hands. Now, no one is raising their hand,” Reed said. “People are starting to understand that crypto is not just about speculative investing, but there are real use cases.”

Reed pointed to the momentum that has been building for cryptocurrency, noting that an a16Z study on the state of crypto in 2024 shows that in the second quarter of 2024, dollars in stablecoin transactions exceeded total Visa dollars.

“In the same period, Visa had more transactions. But, the transaction dollars are smaller,” Reed said. “The dollars in crypto transactions are massive.”

Reed said to expect crypto to lead to market disruption this year.

“I believe the theme song for 2025 is going to be payments, and of course cryptocurrency and stablecoins,” Reed said. “With the Trump Administration there's going to be a more bullish approach to crypto adoption, because, as you know, the FDIC has come out and said you don't want to play in this space unless you get our permission.”

Reed pointed out that credit unions have taken a wait-and-see approach, adding that NCUA has said to do what's best for members, making sure the CU is doing its due diligence.

“The message to credit unions is don't be afraid to test, try, pilot,” she said.

Reed asserted that every candidate from the November elections that had a pro-crypto stance was elected.

“That speaks about what is actually happening on the ground,” Reed said. “Here at Bank Social, we already started to see more interest in crypto among credit unions before the election.”

Bullish Prediction

Reed explained that Bank Social had about 25 credit unions in its pipeline when the FTX collapse happened, and only about five moved forward afterward.

“Today, several dozens of credit unions are interested,” Reed said. “We are getting calls from credit unions about once a day. I am being bullish on this prediction, but by the end of ’25 I project we will be working with more than 100 credit unions.”

Reed shared advice for credit unions considering playing in the crypto space.

 

“Credit union leadership, as well as boards, need to have what I call a digital roadmap that includes all things digital,” she said. “Credit unions these days, and all financial institutions, are really interacting with their members in the digital world.”

Reed said CUs must be learning how cryptocurrency fits best into what their members are doing.

“Are their members using it as an investment? Or are they using it as a basis for payments? Can they hold stablecoin deposits? They need to understand the ownership economy of Web3, union boards don't know what Web3 is,” she said. “I think it's important to understand that's the next iteration, the next wave of the Internet.”

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  CU Today

~~~~~~~~~

BRICS: WHY CRYPTO MAY BE CLEAREST PATH THROUGH US TRADE WAR

2025 has come with rising geopolitical tensions that have created no shortage of uncertainty for global markets.

However, with BRICS and the United States set to face reciprocal tariffs, crypto may be the clearest pay through a US-driven trade war. Indeed, the emerging asset class could provide something that both sides want.

US President Donald Trump has maintained his aggressive economic policy stance since returning to the White House. 

Specifically, he has targeted the growing BRICS economic alliance. With his eyes set on securing the end of de-dollarization and the global south seeking alternate trade currencies, they could have a joint solution in digital assets.

BRICS & US Could Use Crypto to Find Way Through Budding Trade War

Donald Trump’s contentious relationship with the BRICS alliance is undeniable. The economic bloc has been on the receiving end of several threats, as the President has promised to levy 150% tariffs on the collective. Specifically, he has targeted the group for its past attempts to de-dollarize global markets.

However, there could be a solution present for both sides. For BRICS, crypto may be the clearest path through a potential US trade war. Indeed, the asset class may provide a simple answer that gets both sides what they want, in the short and long term.

Trump’s main point of issue with BRICS is its efforts to move away from the US dollar. However, his weaponization of it reaffirms the necessity of that action. Moreover, the alliance has recently affirmed its decision to find alternative trade settlement currencies outside of the greenback.

Bitcoin could be an answer worth exploring for both sides. Adoption of the digital currency could ensure that the blocs don’t disregard the US dollar in favor of an alliance-denominated asset. Meanwhile, it is still a de-dollarization shift in its truest sense

Alternatively, the Trump administration has shown an affinity for Bitcoin. With a BTC reserve strategy to be released today, the adoption of the asset class could be beneficial to the United States.

A common ground in promoting the use of Bitcoin on a global scale could be the best answer to curtail any brewing trade war between the US and BRICS.

@ Newshounds News™


Source:  Watcher Guru

~~~~~~~~~

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7 Worst Mistakes Boomers Can Make With Money — and How To Avoid Them

7 Worst Mistakes Boomers Can Make With Money — and How To Avoid Them

Cindy Lamothe    Sun, March 9, 2025   GOBankingRates

Every generation comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. For boomers, there are certain fumbles they can make with money that will significantly hinder their financial situation in retirement.

 “Boomers often face financial pitfalls that can jeopardize their retirement,” said Stewart Willis, President of Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax.

Below are some of the worst mistakes and how to avoid them.

 

7 Worst Mistakes Boomers Can Make With Money — and How To Avoid Them

Cindy Lamothe    Sun, March 9, 2025   GOBankingRates

Every generation comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. For boomers, there are certain fumbles they can make with money that will significantly hinder their financial situation in retirement.

 “Boomers often face financial pitfalls that can jeopardize their retirement,” said Stewart Willis, President of Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax.

Below are some of the worst mistakes and how to avoid them.

 Putting All Investments Into Cryptocurrency

According to Melanie Musson, finance expert with Insurance Providers, some boomers make the mistake of putting all their investments into cryptocurrency.

“Crypto has had an impressive run. It could grow rapidly, or it could fizzle. It’s risky. High-risk investments have a place in a diversified portfolio, but they’re not where a boomer should allocate all their savings.”

She noted that boomers’ retirement finances don’t have time to bounce back from a major loss.

Instead of putting everything into crypto, she advised investing in a diversified portfolio favoring Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck options.

Racking Up Credit Card Debt

Another financial pitfall is racking up credit card debt.

“Credit card debt is expensive. Interest rates are ridiculously high. If you get into credit card debt, you’ll pay back far more than you borrowed, making your retirement savings disappear more quickly than you anticipated,” said Musson.’

 

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/7-worst-mistakes-boomers-money-110043895.html

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“Tidbits From TNT” Sunday Morning 3-9-2025

TNT:

Tishwash:  Until further notice.. Parliament postpones its session

The Media Department of the Council of Representatives announced today, Saturday, the postponement of the parliamentary session until further notice.

The media department of the House of Representatives stated in a statement received by / Al-Maalouma / that “Parliament postponed its session until further notice due to the lack of a legal quorum.”

It is noteworthy that the State of Law and Al-Sadiqoun parliamentary blocs have announced a boycott of the sessions of the House of Representatives until the Popular Mobilization Law is included in its regulations. 

TNT:

Tishwash:  Until further notice.. Parliament postpones its session

The Media Department of the Council of Representatives announced today, Saturday, the postponement of the parliamentary session until further notice.

The media department of the House of Representatives stated in a statement received by / Al-Maalouma / that “Parliament postponed its session until further notice due to the lack of a legal quorum.”

It is noteworthy that the State of Law and Al-Sadiqoun parliamentary blocs have announced a boycott of the sessions of the House of Representatives until the Popular Mobilization Law is included in its regulations.  link

Tishwash:  Parliamentary Oil Committee reveals urgent solutions for Iranian gas

The Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee revealed, on Sunday, the Iraqi government's intention to import Gulf gas instead of Iranian gas after the recent US sanctions, announcing a project that is being worked on at high speed in Basra, the far south of the country.

The spokesman for the committee, Ali Shaddad, said, "The problem with the Ministry of Electricity is that it has established stations in the Iraqi provinces that depend on gas only, while the stations in Basra are complex and operate on gas, crude oil, and black oil, and this is what contributed to the stability of the electrical system in the province."

He explained that "the Prime Minister personally follows up on the completion of the gas pipeline project from the floating platform in Basra on a daily basis," indicating that "the Ministry of Oil began working on it about thirty days ago and it will be completed at high speed within 120 days."

He added that "the completion rate has exceeded 30% so far," stressing that "the project will contribute to transporting Gulf gas in quantities of up to 200 cubic meters   link

**********

Tishwash:  Regional oil companies seek agreements to resume oil exports.. and America is "interested" in reopening the Ceyhan pipeline

 The global oil company, APIKUR, operating in the Kurdistan Region, seeks to sign clear agreements with Baghdad and Erbil that guarantee the payment of its past and future financial dues in preparation for the resumption of oil exports, as it confirmed that the United States is still very interested in reopening the Iraq-Turkey Ceyhan export pipeline from the Kurdistan Region’s fields.

In an interview with the K24 news website, translated by (Al-Mada), the spokesman for the APIKUR group, Miles Caggins, described the recent meeting in Baghdad as a step forward in discussing the resumption of oil exports from the Kurdistan Region, stressing the need for clear agreements and written guarantees.

Caggins said in a statement to the news website that the meeting allowed the member companies of the APIKUR group to directly convey their conditions to the federal government authorities in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

Among the main issues discussed in the meeting was the selection of an international consultant to evaluate the costs of oil production and export.

The APIKUR group has urged the Iraqi government to define the scope of the consultant’s work, his responsibilities, and the timetable for his activity. The Epicor Group provided the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Kurdistan Regional Government with a list of independent experts specialized in the assessment process.

The report indicated that other meetings are planned to establish agreements through which oil exports can be allowed to resume through the Iraq-Turkey Ceyhan export pipeline, which is a priority emphasized by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The member companies of the APICORP group called for the conclusion of transparent and fair agreements regarding future financial payments, in addition to settling and paying the debts due for invoices amounting to $1 billion.

Caggins, an APICORP spokesman, said: “We need written guarantees and we have proposed solutions,” noting that “APICOR is open to receiving financial payments, whether through the companies selling their allocations of produced oil, or through cash payments through escrow accounts to ensure that the amounts due are paid on time.”

He stressed the need for “financial agreements not to be affected by political aspects and atmospheres.”
While Turkey announced that the Iraq-Turkey Ceyhan pipeline is ready for operation following inspections, the APICORP group stressed the need for agreements between Baghdad and Erbil to allow exports to resume.

The APICORP spokesperson highlighted the strategic importance of oil exports from both the Kurdistan Region and southern Iraq, stressing that a stable energy sector would strengthen the country’s economic and security position.
He also reiterated that APICORP has no oversight role over exports, which are the responsibility of the State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) and the Iraqi Ministry of Oil.

Caggins added that the United States remains very interested in reopening the export pipeline, and that the Trump administration is discussing the matter with the previous administration. Given the important development, and the humanitarian and military assistance that the United States provides to Iraq, APICORP calls on the Iraqi authorities to treat American and other foreign oil companies fairly, especially those operating in the Kurdistan Region.

“The only obstacle to resuming oil exports is the need for clear agreements,” Caggins stressed, noting that “a simple three-page document could solve the problem and allow exports to resume according to standard commercial procedures and practices.”
While negotiations on this matter continue, the Epicor Group expressed its readiness to meet again and reach an agreement that benefits all parties.

Oil exports from the Kurdistan Region’s fields via the Iraq-Turkey-Ceyhan pipeline were halted on March 23, 2023, following a ruling by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris in favor of Baghdad against Turkey for facilitating oil exports between 2014 and 2018 without the approval of the federal government. Turkey must pay Iraq $1.5 billion in outstanding amounts, according to the court ruling, which Turkey refused to implement and closed the pipeline.

Reports indicated that the chronic closure of the Ceyhan export pipeline has caused significant losses to both Baghdad and Erbil, as it has halted crude oil exports at a rate of 450,000 barrels per day, a figure that represents 0.5% of global market supplies. link

**************

Tishwash:  Iraq, Finland Discuss Strengthening Economic and Investment Ties

Ambassador Mohammed Hussein Bahr Aluloom, Undersecretary of the Iraqi Foreign Ministry for Bilateral Relations, met in Helsinki with Jarno Syrjälä, Under-Secretary of State for International Trade of Finland, to discuss ways to enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Bahr Aluloom highlighted Iraq's economic progress, emphasizing security stability and an improved business environment, which have made Iraq an attractive destination for foreign investments.

 He cited the United Kingdom's decision to lower travel warnings to Iraq as an example of international confidence in Iraq's progress. The Ambassador also encouraged Finnish companies to invest in strategic projects, particularly the Development Road and the energy sector.

Under-Secretary Syrjälä welcomed Iraq's economic reforms, acknowledging their role in enhancing the investment climate. He expressed Finnish companies' interest in returning to the Iraqi market.

The two sides agreed to develop practical mechanisms to strengthen cooperation, including a delegation of Finnish companies visiting Iraq to explore investment opportunities in renewable energy, electricity, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence. link

Mot:  the ""lost an hour"" Delima!!!

Mot: . darn time change. I had to go around and fix all my clocks.

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What Does Gold Revaluation Mean For The Gold Price? | Peter Grandich

What Does Gold Revaluation Mean For The Gold Price? | Peter Grandich

Liberty and Finance:  3-8-2025

Peter Grandich discusses the volatility in the stock market, attributing it to uncertainty in the economy and signs of a potential downturn.

He emphasizes the bullish outlook for gold and silver, explaining that despite recent price fluctuations, precious metals remain a strong investment due to their fundamental strength.

Grandich also touches on the financial troubles facing the U.S., particularly the unsustainable growth of national debt and the challenges of servicing interest payments.

What Does Gold Revaluation Mean For The Gold Price? | Peter Grandich

Liberty and Finance:  3-8-2025

Peter Grandich discusses the volatility in the stock market, attributing it to uncertainty in the economy and signs of a potential downturn.

He emphasizes the bullish outlook for gold and silver, explaining that despite recent price fluctuations, precious metals remain a strong investment due to their fundamental strength.

Grandich also touches on the financial troubles facing the U.S., particularly the unsustainable growth of national debt and the challenges of servicing interest payments.

He predicts that geopolitical tensions, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, could further drive gold prices higher. Overall, Grandich’s insights suggest a cautious view of the stock market while highlighting precious metals as a safer haven amid economic and political instability.

Grandich didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the precarious financial situation of the United States. He pointed to the unsustainable trajectory of the national debt, highlighting the looming challenges of servicing the ever-increasing interest payments.

This growing debt burden, he argued, is a major vulnerability that could exacerbate any future economic downturn.

Furthermore, Grandich believes that escalating geopolitical tensions will further fuel the demand for gold. He specifically mentioned the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, suggesting that these volatile situations will drive investors towards the perceived safety and stability of gold, ultimately pushing prices higher.

In essence, Peter Grandich’s appearance on Liberty and Finance provided a sobering assessment of the current economic landscape.

 He painted a picture of a stock market fraught with volatility and potential risks, while simultaneously championing gold and silver as a more prudent investment strategy in the face of economic and political turmoil. His insights underscore the importance of cautious financial planning and a diversification strategy that includes precious metals as a hedge against potential losses.

For investors seeking shelter from the storm, Grandich’s analysis suggests that gold and silver offer a beacon of stability in an increasingly uncertain world.

INTERVIEW TIMELINE:

 0:00 Intro

1:30 Stock market volatility

4:00 Gold market

6:13 Stock market outlook

 8:05 Miners

11:17 Geopolitics

 14:50 London gold outflows

 17:40 Gold revaluation

20:46 National debt

23:34 Debt & the Bible

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al7KhMaR1FU

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More News, Rumors and Opinions Saturday PM 3-8-2025

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraq extradites suspects in 'theft of the century' from Kuwait

3/8/2025

The Iraqi Integrity Commission announced on Saturday the extradition of two of the accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, known in the media as the "theft of the century", from the authorities in the State of Kuwait.

The Authority stated in a statement today that it was able to recover the managing director of a private company for general trade and contracting limited and his agent accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, noting that their role in the case was to receive very large sums of money in order to facilitate the procedures for disbursing the stolen deposits.

KTFA:

Clare:  Iraq extradites suspects in 'theft of the century' from Kuwait

3/8/2025

The Iraqi Integrity Commission announced on Saturday the extradition of two of the accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, known in the media as the "theft of the century", from the authorities in the State of Kuwait.

The Authority stated in a statement today that it was able to recover the managing director of a private company for general trade and contracting limited and his agent accused in the case of stealing tax deposits, noting that their role in the case was to receive very large sums of money in order to facilitate the procedures for disbursing the stolen deposits.

The Authority noted its procedures that resulted in the extradition of the accused, which consisted of organizing an extradition file against them and sending it to the Public Prosecution Office, explaining that after follow-up and coordination with the relevant authorities, including the Arab and International Police Directorate at the Ministry of Interior and the efforts of the Iraqi Embassy in the State of Kuwait, an international red notice and search warrant were issued against the accused.

She pointed out that they were arrested in the State of Kuwait, which handed them over to the Republic of Iraq through diplomatic channels.

She pointed out that the judge of the Second Karkh Investigation Court had previously issued an arrest warrant against the accused, based on the provisions of Article (11/444) of the Penal Code, after reviewing the testimony of some of the accused in the case and the witnesses.

At the end of 2024, the Iraqi judiciary issued an in absentia prison sentence for a number of defendants accused of stealing tax deposits, known in the media as the “theft of the century,” including the first defendant, Nour Zuhair, and a former MP.

According to a judicial source, who spoke to Shafaq News Agency, "The Karkh Criminal Court for Combating Corruption settled the cases related to the theft of (tax deposits), and issued sentences of ten years in prison against the accused Nour Zuhair, six years in prison against the accused Raed Juhi, and a number of employees who participated in the crime, and three years in prison against the former member of the House of Representatives, Haitham Al-Jubouri."

In 2022, it was announced that more than 3 trillion Iraqi dinars ($2.5 billion) had been lost from tax deposits, through a coalition of 5 oil companies using fictitious bonds.

Following this, an order was issued to summon officials close to former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, including Finance Minister Ali Allawi, the Director of the Prime Minister’s Office, Raed Juhi, and others.

On October 24, 2022, Nour Zuhair was arrested, as he heads the board of directors of one of the companies involved in the case, and was later released on bail, after Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the recovery of 5% of the amount, in exchange for Nour Zuhair’s pledge to hand over all the stolen amounts within days.

The Anti-Corruption Court set August 14, 2024 as the date for Nour Zuhair’s trial, but the trial was postponed several times due to the defendant’s absence.   LINK

************

Clare:  Al-Alaq: We will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector

3/8/2025  Baghdad

The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, announced on Saturday that banks are close to being converted into smart platforms using artificial intelligence, noting that Iraq will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector.

Al-Alaq said in a statement reported by the official news agency, and reviewed by "Al-Eqtisad News", that "despite the great strides that have been made to activate electronic payment methods, which are a fundamental step in the digital transformation, we will soon put this stage behind us, because even the current electronic payment methods and tools are being changed and developed very quickly."

He pointed out that "soon we will notice a big difference in the tasks and functions of banks, and we will see many banks changing the nature of their work, and there will be a digital financial identity for every citizen through which he can conduct many operations in his accounts or check his balances or even invest inside and outside Iraq," stressing that "banks will soon turn into smart platforms that organize financial operations and benefit from technologies and artificial intelligence."

He added that "this great work is accompanied by the work of the Central Bank, like other central banks, in thinking about having a digital currency under the supervision of the Central Bank. We are not talking about encrypted currencies that are outside the framework of central banks, but rather about a digital currency issued by the Central Bank, and this is a major work being done in the Central Bank in coordination with international and Arab organizations and specialized bodies, and directly with the Arab Monetary Fund."

He continued: "We believe that this trend will be the one that will be imposed in the near future, and this represents solutions to major economic, financial and social problems, and will also establish a strict framework for monitoring funds and limiting corruption, money laundering and financing terrorism, because all financial movements will be within a strict and transparent system that can monitor all financial operations, and at the same time facilitates its holders to conduct extensive operations even in other countries of the world."

He added: "We expect that young people will benefit, through the tools and human resources that we have, from these tools. Indeed, we are following that many young people are investing through these portfolios and tools in various fields outside Iraq, but some need to be careful and cautious because there is a lot of fraud that occurs, and we are working to prevent citizens from falling victim to any fraud."  LINK

************

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

Frank26  Question: "What do you mean by 'Budget tables'Budget table is where the exchange rate is at that will fund the budget...They're being kept quiet, very private right now because it protects the new exchange rate from the evil that has always stolen.

MarkZ   [via PDK]   In Iraq: “Parliamentarian: Budget tables have not reached the finance committee so far”  We are all wondering why? There is one very obvious answer to this question. It may have a rate change in it. I am hearing from contacts in Iraq-they continue to delay until they are allowed to release …because there will be rates in there. I hope it is accurate and it makes a lot of sense.

In 90 days, this idea will outweigh silver, and the Iraqi Dinar

Economic Ninja:  3-8-2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=by-7Padcvp8

CBI Makes Two Announcements: Gold | Digital Currency

Edu Matrix:  3-8-2025

In this compelling video, we dive into the Central Bank of Iraq's astonishing 45.1% increase in gold reserves in Q4 2024, a surge that could have worked wonders for your investments! Discover how investing in gold—even as little as $10 a month—can shield you from economic uncertainties.

We’ll also explore the implications of the recent trends in Iraq's banking system and digital payment advancements. Is now the time to invest in gold?

What insights can we draw from the Netflix movie "Leave the World Behind"?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbdVQTBL_y0

 

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Saturday Afternoon  3-8-25

Central Bank Governor: We Will Witness A Comprehensive Digital Transformation In The Financial Sector

Economy | 03/08/2025   Mawazine News – Baghdad   The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, announced today, Saturday, that banks will soon be transformed into smart platforms using artificial intelligence, noting that Iraq will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector.

Al-Alaq said: "Despite the great strides that have been made to activate electronic payment methods, which are an essential step in digital transformation, we will soon put this stage behind us, because even the current electronic payment methods and tools are being changed and developed very quickly."

Central Bank Governor: We Will Witness A Comprehensive Digital Transformation In The Financial Sector

Economy | 03/08/2025   Mawazine News – Baghdad   The Governor of the Central Bank, Ali Al-Alaq, announced today, Saturday, that banks will soon be transformed into smart platforms using artificial intelligence, noting that Iraq will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector.

Al-Alaq said: "Despite the great strides that have been made to activate electronic payment methods, which are an essential step in digital transformation, we will soon put this stage behind us, because even the current electronic payment methods and tools are being changed and developed very quickly."

He pointed out that "soon we will notice a big difference in the tasks and functions of banks, and we will see many banks changing the nature of their work, and there will be a digital financial identity for every citizen through which they can conduct many operations in their accounts or check their balances or even invest inside and outside Iraq," stressing that "banks will soon transform into smart platforms that organize financial operations and benefit from technologies and artificial intelligence."

He added, "This great work is accompanied by the work of the Central Bank, like other central banks, in thinking about having a digital currency under the supervision of the Central Bank. We are not talking about cryptocurrencies that are outside the framework of central banks, but about a digital currency issued by the Central Bank.

This is a great work being done at the Central Bank in coordination with international and Arab organizations and specialized bodies, and directly with the Arab Monetary Fund."

He continued, "We believe that this trend is what will be in the near future and will impose itself. This represents solutions to major economic, financial and social problems, and will also establish a strict framework for monitoring funds and limiting corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing, because all financial movements will be within a strict and transparent system that can monitor all financial operations, and at the same time facilitate its holders to conduct extensive operations even in other countries of the world."

He added: "We expect that young people will benefit from these tools, through the tools and human resources that we have. Indeed, we are following that many young people are investing through these portfolios and tools in various fields outside Iraq, but some need to be careful and cautious because there is a lot of fraud that is happening, and we are working to prevent the citizen from falling victim to any fraud."   https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=260044

Central Bank: Comprehensive Digital Transformation In The Financial Sector Is Coming Soon

Buratha News Agency1492025-03-08   The Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Ali Al-Alaq, stated today, Saturday, that Iraqi banks are close to transforming into smart platforms using artificial intelligence, noting that Iraq will witness a comprehensive digital transformation in the financial sector. Al-Alaq confirmed, in a statement to the official agency, that "Iraq has made great strides in activating electronic payment methods, which is an essential step in digital transformation," noting that this stage will be overcome soon, as current electronic payment tools and methods are witnessing very rapid development.

Al-Alaq explained that in the near future, a big difference will be observed in the tasks of banks, as the nature of their work will change radically, stressing that banks will transform into smart platforms that organize financial operations using modern technologies and artificial intelligence.

He also added that every citizen will have a digital financial identity that will enable him to carry out many financial transactions easily, such as viewing balances or making investments inside and outside Iraq.

He stressed that the Central Bank is working on developing a digital currency under its supervision, noting that this currency will be different from cryptocurrencies that are not subject to the supervision of central banks.

He explained that this digital currency will be part of the Central Bank's efforts to combat corruption, money laundering and terrorist financing, as it will provide a tight and transparent financial system that helps monitor all financial operations.

Al-Alaq also stressed that this approach will provide solutions to major economic, financial and social problems, and will also allow digital currency holders to conduct extensive financial transactions, even outside Iraq.

He added that Iraqi youth will greatly benefit from these modern financial tools, noting that many of them invest through these portfolios and tools in various fields outside Iraq.

At the same time, he warned that fraud may occur, explaining that the Central Bank is working to protect citizens from these risks.   https://burathanews.com/arabic/economic/457291

Al-Hakim And Al-Khazaali Stress The Necessity Of Approving Important Laws

Saturday 08 March 2025 19:32 | Politics Number of readings: 64  Baghdad / NINA / The head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar al-Hakim, and the Secretary-General of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq Movement, Qais Khazali, stressed today, Saturday, the necessity of enacting important laws that contribute to providing services to the citizen and reforming his economic reality.

The media office of the head of the National Wisdom Movement stated in a statement that "al-Hakim received al-Khazali, and the two parties exchanged congratulations on the advent of the holy month of Ramadan, while discussing developments in the political scene in Iraq and the region."

According to the statement, al-Hakim reiterated the importance of preserving the stability achieved in the country at the political, security and social levels, as well as Iraq preserving its regional and international role, stressing "rejecting the tense discourse," stressing that "what was achieved was through the sacrifices of all Iraqis and from all components."

Al-Hakim stressed "the role played by the Coordination Framework in the political scene, as it is part of the State Administration Coalition."

The two parties stressed, according to the statement, "the necessity of enacting important laws that contribute to providing services to the citizen and reforming his economic reality." / End https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1190747

Iraq ranks second in the Arab world in exporting oil to America

Saturday 08 March 2025 09:51 | Economic Number of readings: 181   Baghdad / NINA / The US Census Bureau announced today that the total value of Iraqi oil exports to the United States during January 2025 amounted to more than $ 400 million, according to its monthly report.

The report stated that Iraq exported 5.62 million barrels of oil to America during the same month, at a value of $ 442 million, noting that Iraq ranked second among Arab countries exporting oil to the United States after Saudi Arabia, while Libya came in third place, Kuwait fourth, while the UAE was in fifth place with exports of one million barrels. / https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1190645

Fluctuations In Dollar Exchange Rates With The Closing Of The Stock Exchange In Iraqi Markets

 08/03/2025  Mawazine News – Economy  The US dollar exchange rates witnessed a rise in the markets of the capital Baghdad today, Saturday, while they stabilized in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, with the closure of the main stock exchange in the country.

The dollar prices rose with the closing of the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges to record 148,400 dinars per 100 dollars, while the prices were 148,350 dinars per 100 dollars this morning.

As for the selling prices in exchange shops in the local markets in Baghdad, they stabilized, as the selling price reached 149,500 dinars per 100 dollars, while the purchase price reached 147,500 dinars per 100 dollars.

In Erbil, the dollar recorded stability, as the selling price in exchange shops reached 148,000 dinars per 100 dollars, while the purchase price reached 147,800 dinars per 100 dollars. https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=260047

Basra Crude Closes With Heavy Losses


Saturday 08 March 2025 | Economic Number of readings: 104  Baghdad / NINA / Basra heavy and medium crude oil recorded significant losses during the past week.

Basra heavy crude closed in its last session, yesterday, Friday, with a slight decrease of one cent to reach $76.78, and recorded a weekly loss of $4.67, equivalent to 6.45%.

Basra medium crude also closed in its last session with a decrease of one cent to reach $70.83, and recorded a weekly loss of $4.37, equivalent to 5.81%.

Brent and American crudes recorded a weekly loss of more than 5%, with Brent crude closing at $70.36 and American crude closing at $64.4. / https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1190624

 

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

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Advice, Economics, sovereign man DINARRECAPS8 Advice, Economics, sovereign man DINARRECAPS8

The Controlled Demolition of the US Dollar’s Reserve Status

The Controlled Demolition of the US Dollar’s Reserve Status [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black) March 5, 2025

Even during the darkest moments of the Biden administration—the shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan, 9% inflation, bureaucrats hell-bent on destroying the economy—I still said America’s problems were fixable.

But I didn’t see any hope in the previous administration or a prospective Kamala administration to fix things and only expected them to grow worse.

The Controlled Demolition of the US Dollar’s Reserve Status [Podcast]

Notes From the Field By James Hickman (Simon Black) March 5, 2025

Even during the darkest moments of the Biden administration—the shameful withdrawal from Afghanistan, 9% inflation, bureaucrats hell-bent on destroying the economy—I still said America’s problems were fixable.

But I didn’t see any hope in the previous administration or a prospective Kamala administration to fix things and only expected them to grow worse.

We’re now a month and a half into a new administration, and it’s fair to say some things are going very well.  There are others that, depending on your view, are not.

One big concern I have is that no one is interested in reforming Social Security—a massive entitlement program whose own trustees say will run out of money over the next several years. This is a gargantuan financial crisis in the making, a ticking time bomb that no one wants to touch.

Depending on your priorities, foreign relations are also on the list of concerns.

If you're more isolationist, you might think that the unwinding of relationships and alliances is no big deal—that the world needs America more than America needs the world.

But there are consequences to that...

$28 trillion of US government debt is coming due over the next four years, and a lot of that is owned by foreign governments and central banks.

The Treasury Department needs these players to go along and reinvest—not only in America but specifically in US government bonds.

And if relationships are too fractured, they might not be willing to do that.

That could create an enormous fiscal crisis that would most likely result in a lot of inflation.

It also puts into question the US dollar’s status as the global reserve currency, which it has enjoyed for more than 80 years.

The reality, however, is that while the short-term consequences of losing reserve status could be profound, in the long term, reserve currency status is not a requirement for economic prosperity.

There are plenty of countries around the world—Taiwan, Singapore, Switzerland, etc.—that are prosperous nations and do not have the global reserve currency.

In some respects, reserve status is a huge benefit, but also a bit of a handcuff.

In today’s podcast episode, we explore what we call the “controlled demolition” of America’s reserve status—a way for America to potentially remain powerful yet lose that reserve status.

That could be the outcome over the next four years.

And today, we discuss the paths and consequences of that scenario.

Spoiler Alert: It’s probably good for gold, and possibly crypto too.

Click here to listen in to today’s episode.

(For the audio-only version, check out our online post here.)

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Gold and Silver, Economics Dinar Recaps 20 Gold and Silver, Economics Dinar Recaps 20

The U.S. Needs a Real Gold Audit: Jan Nieuwenhuijs

The U.S. Needs a Real Gold Audit: Jan Nieuwenhuijs

Palisades Gold Radio:  3-7-2025

Tom welcomes back Jan Nieuwenhuijs to explore the dynamics of the global gold market and its implications for global monetary systems.

Key topics include the movement of gold from London to Comex, driven by concerns over tariffs and geopolitical shifts. Jan explains that this flow reflects both physical arbitrage and strategic reshuffling of gold reserves, with banks moving gold into the U.S. for potential future use or resale in Asia.

The discussion also delves into the lack of transparency around U.S. gold audits, particularly at Fort Knox.

The U.S. Needs a Real Gold Audit: Jan Nieuwenhuijs

Palisades Gold Radio:  3-7-2025

Tom welcomes back Jan Nieuwenhuijs to explore the dynamics of the global gold market and its implications for global monetary systems.

Key topics include the movement of gold from London to Comex, driven by concerns over tariffs and geopolitical shifts. Jan explains that this flow reflects both physical arbitrage and strategic reshuffling of gold reserves, with banks moving gold into the U.S. for potential future use or resale in Asia.

The discussion also delves into the lack of transparency around U.S. gold audits, particularly at Fort Knox.

 Jan highlights issues with the auditing process, noting that compartments have been reopened multiple times without proper justification, raising questions about the integrity of the audits.

 He argues for an independent audit to ensure accountability and reassurance regarding the nation's gold holdings. Another significant point is the valuation of U.S. gold reserves at $42 per ounce, a relic from the Bretton Woods era aimed at demonetizing gold.

Jan suggests that revaluing gold could unlock substantial funds but warns this would be inflationary.

 He also touches on the role of gold in China's financial strategy, noting that while official reports understate their purchases, they are actively accumulating gold to diversify away from the dollar.

Lastly, Jan concludes with the importance of tracking central bank gold buying and developments in alternative payment systems like the BRICS mBridge, which could challenge the dollar's dominance.

 Time Stamp References:

0:00 - Introduction

0:54 - Tariffs & LBMA Flows

5:30 - Gold Demand & Lease Rates

 9:01 - Import Code Changes

10:30 - U.S. Gold Reserve Audits

20:14 - Time Req'd to Audit

21:37 - Encumbrance Concerns

24:35 - $42 U.S. Gold Valuation

26:36 - U.S. Dollar Vs. Gold

29:09 - Revaluing & Funding

32:10 - Sovereign Wealth Fund?

33:25 - Uncertainties & Credit

 37:50 - Deleveraging & Dollar

41:00 - Eastern Perspective

44:32 - China's Gold Holdings

46:30 - Gold & Dollar Flight

49:49 - Concluding Thoughts

 51:30 - Wrap Up

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG_B-BIJcN8

 

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Economics, Gold and Silver Dinar Recaps 20 Economics, Gold and Silver Dinar Recaps 20

Is the Gold Gone? Did the U.S. Treasury Lease it? This Would Break the System

Is the Gold Gone? Did the U.S. Treasury Lease it? This Would Break the System

Daniela Cambone:  3-7-2025

Gold never settles. You just roll it over and roll it over,” says Jim Rickards, New York Times best-selling author.

He tells Daniela Cambone that there isn’t enough physical gold to accommodate the paper gold transactions, which can be leased to numerous parties in a chain called “sales of unallocated gold.”

“I own it on paper, but there's no physical gold behind the contract,” he explains.

Is the Gold Gone? Did the U.S. Treasury Lease it? This Would Break the System

Daniela Cambone:  3-7-2025

Gold never settles. You just roll it over and roll it over,” says Jim Rickards, New York Times best-selling author.

He tells Daniela Cambone that there isn’t enough physical gold to accommodate the paper gold transactions, which can be leased to numerous parties in a chain called “sales of unallocated gold.”

“I own it on paper, but there's no physical gold behind the contract,” he explains.

However, he warns that if there were ever a run on the paper market, it would “break the market,” resulting in gold “quadruple almost overnight.”

His primary concern revolves around the disparity between the vast amounts of paper gold traded and the limited supply of physical gold to back it up. He describes a system of “sales of unallocated gold,” where the same physical gold is leased to numerous parties, creating a chain of ownership that exists only on paper.

The core of the problem lies in the leverage inherent in the paper gold market. Institutions can sell gold they don’t possess, creating a synthetic supply that far exceeds the reality. This artificial supply keeps the price artificially suppressed. However, if trust erodes and investors lose confidence in the system’s ability to deliver physical gold, the scramble to secure actual bullion will trigger a price surge unlike anything we’ve seen before.

Rickards’ warning serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with solely relying on paper gold investments. While he doesn’t explicitly advocate for any specific action in this article, his overall message emphasizes the importance of understanding the intricacies of the gold market and taking steps to protect one’s wealth.

The interview with Daniela Cambone provides deeper insights into potential strategies for mitigating the risks highlighted by Rickards. He suggests considering the benefits of holding physical gold, stored securely and accessible in times of market turmoil.

Jim Rickards’ cautionary tale underscores the potential fragility of the paper gold market. The discrepancy between paper claims and physical gold reserves poses a significant risk, and a rush for physical delivery could trigger a dramatic price spike.

While predicting the exact timing is impossible, understanding the dynamics of the market and taking appropriate measures to safeguard your gold holdings could prove crucial in navigating the turbulent times ahead.

The full interview on ITM Trading provides valuable information for those seeking to understand and protect their investments in the face of potential market instability.

00:00 Tariffs

3:45 Fentanyl issue

7:07 Gold

12:43 Gold run

19:33 Gold buyers

24:23 Zelensky/Trump clash

28:29 World War III

31:13 Gold trajectory

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

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Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Saturday AM  3-8-25

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Saturday AM  3-8-25

Central Bank: Enhancing Financial Inclusion Through Three Main Pillars
 
Economy   Yesterday, 18:16  Baghdad - WAA - Wissam Al-Mulla  The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed, today, Friday, its   continued work to enhance financial inclusion through three main pillars, while indicating the launch of  initiatives to enhance financial awareness and increase the integration of individuals into the banking sector.
 
The Director of the Financial Inclusion Department at the Central Bank, Hussein Abdul Amir, said in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Central Bank seeks to achieve financial inclusion by increasing those involved in the banking sector through three main pillars, including  ease  of accessuse, and cost," indicating that  "the Financial Inclusion Department will support any project that is consistent with these three pillars."

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Saturday AM  3-8-25

Central Bank: Enhancing Financial Inclusion Through Three Main Pillars
 
Economy   Yesterday, 18:16  Baghdad - WAA - Wissam Al-Mulla  The Central Bank of Iraq confirmed, today, Friday, its   continued work to enhance financial inclusion through three main pillars, while indicating the launch of  initiatives to enhance financial awareness and increase the integration of individuals into the banking sector.
 
The Director of the Financial Inclusion Department at the Central Bank, Hussein Abdul Amir, said in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Central Bank seeks to achieve financial inclusion by increasing those involved in the banking sector through three main pillars, including  ease  of accessuse, and cost," indicating that  "the Financial Inclusion Department will support any project that is consistent with these three pillars."

He pointed out that "the Central Bank has launched many initiatives and activities at the level of all Iraqi governorates, the aim of which is to increase    awareness,   knowledge and   financial capacity 
of individuals, whether individuals or companies," noting that
 
"efforts are being made to  
     accelerate the integration of individuals or the public with the financial sector and
     obtain great benefit for both parties, whether individuals or financial institutions."

He added that "the integration of individuals and financial institutions achieves great value in terms of providing

 liquidity to financial institutions in addition to providing
 lending means to the public, as well as
 developing projects, thus  achieving a significant increase in economic growth in Iraq." 
  
https://www.ina.iq/229516--.html

Parliamentary Oil Committee Rules Out Passing Oil And Gas Law During Current Session

energy  Economy News – Baghdad  The Parliamentary Oil and Gas Committee confirmed today, Friday, that there are disagreements over the management of resources, which led to the obstruction of passing the Oil and Gas Law, while it ruled out passing it in the current electoral cycle.

"The oil and gas law has been a demand since 2007, but attempts to legislate it have failed due to political differences and lack of agreement with the Kurdistan Region," said Bassem Naghmish Al-Gharibawi, a member of the parliamentary oil and gas committee, in an interview with the Iraqi News Agency, followed by "Al-Eqtisad News."

He explained that "the law was part of the current ministerial program, and it was supposed to be legislated during this parliamentary session, as committees were formed since 2023 to discuss it, and two drafts were presented: the first from the federal government and the second from the region, and joint committees were formed to hold meetings between the two parties."

He pointed out that "most of the technical issues were agreed upon, but the differences focused on administrative aspects, powers, and representation of the region and governorates in the Federal Oil Council, in addition to how to manage and distribute resources, as well as previous and current rights."

He explained that "the parliamentary oil committee has made intensive efforts with the leaders of the political blocs to clarify the importance of enacting the law, as it regulates the oil wealth that fully funds the state, and contributes to resolving the disputes between the federal government and the region, which contributes to achieving political and economic stability."

He added that "the most prominent point of disagreement between Baghdad and Erbil is related to oil resources and the region's commitment to the decisions issued by the Federal Court and the International Court," noting that "this law is one of the laws that complement the constitution."

Despite all the attempts, Al-Gharibawi stressed that "the committees that were formed were unable to reach a political consensus, which makes passing the law during this electoral cycle an unexpected matter."   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53206

Oil Prices Set For Biggest Weekly Loss In Months

energy  Economy News – Baghdad  Oil prices were little changed in early trading on Friday, but were set for their biggest weekly decline since October, as uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy raised concerns about demand growth at a time when major producers are preparing to boost output.

Brent crude futures rose 13 cents, or 0.19 percent, to $69.59 a barrel by 0217 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 8 cents, or 0.08 percent, to $66.44 a barrel.

However, Brent crude is down 4.9 percent so far this week and is on track for its biggest weekly decline since October 14.

West Texas Intermediate crude is also heading for a 4.8 percent decline, also its biggest weekly drop since that period, according to Reuters.

Markets, including oil, have been volatile due to the volatile trade policy in the United States, the world's largest oil consumer.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday suspended 25 percent tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico until April 2, while tariffs on steel and aluminum will go into effect on March 12 as scheduled.

The amended order does not include all Canadian energy products, which are subject to a separate 10 percent tax.

Tariffs themselves are a drag on economic growth and hence on oil demand growth. Policy uncertainty slows investment decisions, which also weighs on the economy.

Brent prices fell on Wednesday to their lowest levels since December 2021 after US crude inventories rose and following a decision by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, in the OPEC+ alliance, to increase production quotas.

The alliance said it had decided to go ahead with a planned production increase in April, adding 138,000 barrels per day to the market.   https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=53200

Oil Prices Rise Slightly After 4 Sessions Of Decline

Thursday 06 March 2025 11:24 | Economic Number of readings: 140  Baghdad / NINA / Oil prices recorded a slight rise today, Thursday, after falling during the past four sessions.

Brent crude futures rose 42 cents, or 0.61 percent, to $69.72 a barrel, and US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 40 cents, or 0.6 percent, to $66.71 a barrel.

Brent crude fell 6.5 percent in the previous four sessions to reach its lowest levels since December 2021 on Wednesday, while West Texas Intermediate crude fell 5.8 percent during the same period to its lowest levels since May 2023. / End  https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1190275

New Decline In Basra Oil Prices

Friday 07 March 2025 13:58 | Economic Number of readings: 168  Baghdad / NINA / The prices of Basra Heavy and Medium crude oil recorded a new decline during morning trading in the global market.

Basra Medium crude oil recorded $ 70.84 per barrel, while Heavy crude recorded $ 67.79 per barrel, with a change rate of -0.86 for both, for May 2025 delivery.

The data also showed a decrease in global crude prices, as British Brent crude recorded $ 69.57, while US West Texas Intermediate crude recorded $ 66.42 per barrel, with a change rate of -0.11, respectively. / End   https://ninanews.com/Website/News/Details?key=1190488

 

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

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Economics, Gold and Silver, News DINARRECAPS8 Economics, Gold and Silver, News DINARRECAPS8

Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Saturday Morning 3-08-25

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

THE EMERGENCE OF LAYER-TWO SOLUTIONS – HOW THEY’RE TRANSFORMING BLOCKCHAIN SCALABILITY AND USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF CRYPTO INNOVATION

In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, scalability has been one of the most significant challenges.

As blockchain networks like Ethereum (ETH) continue to see exponential growth, layer-two solutions are emerging as a vital component in addressing issues of network congestion and high transaction fees.

Good Morning Dinar Recaps,

THE EMERGENCE OF LAYER-TWO SOLUTIONS – HOW THEY’RE TRANSFORMING BLOCKCHAIN SCALABILITY AND USHERING IN A NEW ERA OF CRYPTO INNOVATION

In the ever-evolving world of blockchain technology, scalability has been one of the most significant challenges.

As blockchain networks like Ethereum (ETH) continue to see exponential growth, layer-two solutions are emerging as a vital component in addressing issues of network congestion and high transaction fees.

In this post, we’ll dive into the latest developments in layer-two technology, its impact on blockchain scalability and how it’s paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future for DeFi (decentralized finance) and beyond.

Understanding layer-two solutions

Blockchain networks like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum have often been criticized for their limited transaction throughput and scalability.

Layer-two solutions aim to solve this problem by providing a secondary framework that operates on top of the main blockchain (layer one), allowing for faster, cheaper and more scalable transactions.

There are different types of layer-two solutions, including the following.

State channels – These allow two parties to transact off-chain and only settle the final state on the blockchain, reducing congestion.
Rollups – Rollups bundle multiple transactions into one, significantly improving transaction speed and lowering fees.
Plasma and optimistic rollups – Plasma offers a framework for building scalable applications, while optimistic rollups enable faster execution by assuming transactions are valid until proven otherwise.

Layer-two in action – Ethereum’s road to scalability

Ethereum – one of the most popular blockchain networks – has been at the forefront of layer-two innovation.

The Ethereum network has struggled with high gas fees and slow transaction times due to its PoW (proof-of-work) consensus mechanism.

However, Ethereum 2.0 and the integration of layer-two solutions, such as Optimism (OP) and Arbitrum (ARB), have shown tremendous promise in scaling Ethereum without compromising security.

These layer-two solutions are helping to reduce Ethereum’s gas fees by processing transactions off-chain and only committing essential data to the Ethereum mainnet, making Ethereum more accessible to users across the globe.

In fact, as Ethereum embraces a hybrid model of layer-one and layer-two, it’s enabling DApps (decentralized applications) to run more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Recent updates – Layer-two adoption in the real world

Polygon’s expanding ecosystem – Polygon (MATIC), one of the most notable layer-two platforms on Ethereum, has recently seen explosive growth. With major projects like Aave (AAVE), Decentraland (MANA) and even Starbucks utilizing Polygon to enhance scalability and reduce fees, it’s clear that layer-two solutions are becoming an integral part of the DeFi and non-fungible token (NFT) ecosystem.

Arbitrum’s airdrop and rise in popularity – Arbitrum’s recent airdrop was one of the most highly anticipated events in the crypto space. This optimistic rollup solution has gained substantial traction for its low-cost transactions and high throughput, making it a go-to choice for developers and users in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Solana’s layer-two integration – While Solana (SOL) is a layer-one blockchain known for its high-speed and low-cost transactions, it has also been exploring layer-two solutions to enhance its ecosystem further. With the introduction of layer-two protocols like zk-Rollups, Solana is continuing its push to become a global blockchain platform.

Why layer-two is the key to unlocking crypto’s potential

Layer-two solutions are set to play a critical role in driving the mass adoption of blockchain technology.

By reducing transaction costs, improving transaction speed and minimizing network congestion, layer-two platforms are making DeFi, gaming and NFTs more accessible to the broader population.

In addition to scalability, layer-two solutions offer enhanced privacy and security.

As blockchain adoption grows, and more people enter the world of DeFi and crypto, layer-two will continue to bridge the gap between traditional financial systems and the decentralized world, ensuring that blockchain technology can scale for years to come.

The road ahead – A fully scalable blockchain ecosystem


As blockchain technology continues to evolve, it’s clear that layer-two solutions are not just a temporary fix but a long-term solution for scalability.

The next phase of blockchain innovation will involve further integration of layer-two solutions across multiple blockchain ecosystems, leading to faster, cheaper and more efficient DApps.

In the coming years, we can expect even more innovative layer-two protocols to emerge, offering a range of functionalities from secure cross-chain interoperability to privacy-preserving technologies.

These developments will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of DeFi, NFTs and beyond.

Conclusion

Layer-two solutions are a game changer for the blockchain industry. As Ethereum, Polygon and other layer-one blockchains integrate these technologies, we’re seeing real-world applications for DeFi, NFTs and DApps thrive.

By tackling scalability and reducing transaction costs, layer-two is helping bring blockchain into the mainstream.

For investors, developers and blockchain enthusiasts, keeping an eye on layer-two’s development is crucial to understanding where the future of crypto and blockchain innovation is headed.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  DailyHodl

~~~~~~~~~

U.S. BANKS CAN NOW OFFER CRYPTO SERVICES WITHOUT OCC APPROVAL

The OCC now allows federally regulated banks to engage in crypto activities (custody, stablecoins, nodes) without prior approval.

▪This reverses previous stricter guidance and removes regulatory warnings against bank involvement in crypto.

▪The move, coinciding with a White House crypto summit and Trump's executive order, signals a shift towards less restrictive crypto regulation.

For years, U.S. banks wanting to engage with cryptocurrency faced regulatory roadblocks. But that’s changing. In a major shift, the regulator overseeing national banks has now made it clear: federally regulated banks can offer crypto services without needing prior approval.

This decision could open the doors for more banks to enter the crypto space, making digital assets more accessible than ever. But what led to this policy change?

Let’s break it down.

Crypto Custody and Stablecoins Get the Greenlight

The OCC clarified in a new interpretive letter that national banks and federal savings associations are allowed to offer crypto custody services, manage stablecoin activities, and even operate blockchain nodes.

The OCC expects banks to have the same strong risk management controls in place to support novel bank activities as they do for traditional ones,” said Acting Comptroller of the Currency Rodney E. Hood.

This move is expected to ease pressure on banks involved in crypto, ensuring that these activities are treated consistently, regardless of the technology used.

OCC Reverses Biden-Era Crypto Restrictions

Alongside this decision, the OCC withdrew previous guidance from President Joe Biden’s administration that had imposed extra steps for banks wanting to engage in crypto. Earlier rules required banks to notify regulators, explain their risk management plans, and obtain approval before offering crypto services.

The OCC also revoked past warnings from U.S. regulators that had discouraged banks from dealing with crypto. A 2023 statement did not ban crypto activities outright but cautioned that the sector is highly volatile and would face strict oversight.

While the crypto industry welcomed the OCC’s new stance, some remain cautious. Custodia Bank CEO Caitlin Long tweeted on March 7 that “Operation Chokepoint 2.0 isn’t over” until the U.S. Federal Reserve and the FDIC also lift their anti-crypto policies.

It’s the Crypto Era Now

The announcement came on the same day as a major development from the White House. President Donald Trump signed an executive order creating a strategic reserve for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

At the White House Crypto Summit, Trump declared he was “ending Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” accusing the program of unfairly pressuring banks to cut off crypto businesses and block transfers to exchangesHe claimed the crackdown was politically motivated and was being lifted for votes rather than the right reasons.

With the OCC easing restrictions and the White House showing support for crypto, U.S. regulations on digital assets are shifting. However, with the Federal Reserve and FDIC still maintaining their policies, the fight over crypto banking is far from over.

@ Newshounds News™

Source:  Coinpedia

~~~~~~~~~

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