Tags on this story
algorithmic cash, Blockchain, Covid, Crypto regulation, Digital Forex, FTX collapse, Geidea, Hajj, Saudi Arabian Financial Authority, Stablecoins, Wadzpay
The collapse of Do Kwon’s Terra empire in Might, and Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX in early November 2022, might be remembered as two incidents that put the crypto business on the again foot. It’s now extensively anticipated that regulators world wide will use the 2 incidents to justify the institution of regulatory regimes which are more likely to stifle additional innovation. That however, one Singapore-based blockchain funds firm, Wadzpay, has partnered with Saudi Arabian fintech Geidea to supply monetary options for pilgrims on their solution to Mecca.
Confronted with the inevitable, some gamers within the crypto business assert that harder laws are usually not going to cease cryptos and their underlying know-how — the blockchain. They level to how digital currencies have been instrumental in reducing the price of remitting funds inside and past nationwide borders. Based on this view, the convenience and velocity of shifting funds throughout borders is one other key attribute that makes digital currencies and the blockchain an indispensable a part of fashionable fee programs.
It’s these and different attributes of digital currencies that maintain their enchantment whilst regulators wish to pounce, and a few crypto corporations wish to discover or increase into new markets and niches.
As an example, Wadzpay, a Singapore-based firm that runs an interoperable blockchain-based funds ecosystem, has partnered with Saudi Arabian fintech Geidea to supply a “cutting-edge funds expertise” for pilgrims touring to Mecca. Khaled Moharem, president of Wadzpay for the Center East and North Africa (MENA), defined to Bitcoin.com Information how his firm’s partnership with Geidea allows Hajj pilgrims with e-money wallets to raised handle their bills.
Along with highlighting the impression of the 2 corporations’ funds options, Moharem, a longstanding finance skilled, additionally shared his views on matters starting from the FTX collapse to regulation of the crypto business.
Bitcoin.com Information (BCN): Just lately it was introduced that your group had teamed up with a Saudi Arabia-based fintech, Geidea, to supply future Hajj pilgrims with what was described as a cutting-edge funds expertise for the guests. Are you able to begin by explaining why and the way your fee resolution makes issues simpler for Hajj pilgrims?
Khaled Moharem (KM): Thanks, sure, the partnership is to assist digital funds for the pilgrims. According to the Saudi Imaginative and prescient 2030, the partnership is cast within the backdrop of the Saudi authorities concentrating on to host 30 million Hajj and Umrah pilgrims by 2030.
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca is taken into account the world’s largest gathering, attracting some 2.5 million pilgrims in 2019 (in accordance with Statista) earlier than the Covid-19 pandemic triggered world lockdowns. Based on Mastercard’s newest International Vacation spot Cities Index, Mecca, the holiest metropolis for Muslims, generated roughly US$20 billion in vacationer {dollars} in 2018.
Presently, pilgrims are confronted with excessive charges when making conventional funds or abroad withdrawals or are needing to hold money, which isn’t handy for lengthy pilgrimages. The mix of Wadzpay and Geidea’s options seeks to supply these pilgrims with e-money wallets to allow higher expense administration with funds supported by way of the safety of the blockchain.
Our resolution ensures that pilgrims can load their wallets of their residence nation and are in a position to totally get pleasure from their pilgrimage with out having to fret about coping with fiat. They may save on charges whereas having fun with a seamless fee expertise.
BCN: What prompted you to create an answer that makes use of blockchain?
KM: Our companion, Geidea has a couple of million POS [point-of-sale] terminals all through Saudi Arabia; we see this as a possibility for pilgrims to make funds with none foreign money or community limitations. Blockchain is a safe, distributed ledger that retains a decentralized document of each transaction; the know-how can considerably enhance collaboration and simplify processes. Combining the attain of Geidea and the character of blockchain know-how results in an unbelievable alternative.
The pilgrim market is a necessary a part of the Saudi financial system. This transfer will unlock huge SME enterprise success for retailers throughout the Kingdom and make the fee expertise for the pilgrims sooner, safer and trackable. Via the ability of blockchain, we’re in a position to additionally enhance the service provider’s backside line by way of quick settlement and decrease charges.
BCN: What does Wadzpay’s proposal to make use of blockchain in facilitating funds reveal in regards to the prospects of the know-how within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia?
KM: Saudi Arabia is making an attempt to speed up their digital transformation. The Central Financial institution has seemed to blockchain-based transfers, as has the Saudi Arabian Financial Authority. The functions of blockchain know-how in varied necessary [areas] are limitless: whether or not logistics, oil, training or public companies.
We consider that there are blockchain use circumstances which have a direct impression on the P&L [profit and loss] and might resolve many current enterprise alternatives within the Kingdom.
BCN: The crypto business has largely had a foul yr — the Terra/Luna and extra not too long ago FTX crash — and a few consider this impacts adoption momentum. Others consider the worst is but to return and that except the business is tightly regulated, extra customers will fall sufferer to crypto fraudsters. Do you agree that the business has not but seen the worst?
KM: We’re very a lot pro-regulation. Rules set clear tips upon which to function and assist restrict fraud.
BCN: Do you agree that extra stringent laws will make crypto a lot safer for customers?
KM: All industries want “dangerous sheep” on prime of regulation, it’s important to have the training to keep away from falling sufferer to numerous schemes. Regulation must be mixed with training (similar to on the earth of fiat currencies, it’s necessary to remember and never put your funds in danger).
BCN: In your view, how can the business recuperate from the damaging impression of each Terra’s and now FTX’s collapse?
KM: The yr actually had some destructive occasions (in addition to many optimistic developments). As an organization, we make sure that we keep away from a few of the dangers that will prevail on this sector. For instance, we make the most of asset-backed stablecoins, versus algorithmic cash which Terra/Luna was.
Equally, to cut back the chance, we make sure that buyer funds are held with insured custodians moderately than on exchanges. This ensures safety and accountability.
On the finish of the day, blockchain is a know-how whereas crypto is only one utility of it. Whereas pricing may very well be impacted by unstable digital currencies, we consider this transformative know-how and its large makes use of will prevail. We all the time deal with the tech, not the hypothesis.
What are your ideas about this interview? Tell us what you suppose within the feedback part beneath.
Picture Credit: Shutterstock, Pixabay, Wiki Commons, SAMAREEN / Shutterstock.com
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely. It’s not a direct provide or solicitation of a proposal to purchase or promote, or a advice or endorsement of any merchandise, companies, or corporations. Bitcoin.com doesn’t present funding, tax, authorized, or accounting recommendation. Neither the corporate nor the creator is accountable, straight or not directly, for any injury or loss prompted or alleged to be attributable to or in reference to using or reliance on any content material, items or companies talked about on this article.
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase said Tuesday (Jan. 14) that it is investigating a problem with delayed sends of Ripple (XRP) on its platform.
“We are aware that some users may be experiencing delayed sends for Ripple (XRP),” Coinbase said in an incident report on its status page. “Buys, Sells and Fiat withdrawals/deposits are not affected. We are investigating this issue and will provide an update shortly.”
In an earlier, separate report on its status page, Coinbase said some users experienced delayed sends and receives for Stellar (XLM) on Friday (Jan. 10). That incident was resolved within 90 minutes.
On Thursday (Jan. 9), some users experienced latency or degraded performance with buys, sells, sends, Coinbase Onramp and Advanced Trade. That issue was resolved within two hours, according to the page.
In other, separate news about the company, it was reported Thursday (Jan. 9) that Coinbase told customers that it may have to share data demanded by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
The regulator sent a subpoena to the firm that seeks information about Coinbase customers’ interactions with prediction market firm Polymarket, and Coinbase emailed some customers saying it may have to share that data with the CFTC.
“When we receive requests for information from a government, each request is carefully reviewed by a team of trained experts using established procedures to determine its legal sufficiency,” a Coinbase spokesperson told CoinDesk.
On Dec. 9, cryptocurrency payments solution firm Triple-A announced an integration with Coinbase that it said it designed to let Coinbase users make payments to select merchants in the Triple-A network.
“Triple-A’s integration with Coinbase Commerce will empower merchants to offer a Coinbase-specific payment option, enhancing the convenience for Coinbase users and allowing Coinbase to connect with a wider network of merchants, to drive the broader adoption of cryptocurrency payments,” the company said in a press release.
Coinbase upgraded its Coinbase One subscription program and launched a new tier called Coinbase One Premium on Dec. 4, saying that with these new offerings, “Coinbase One now truly benefits all types of traders.”
Coinbase One membership has reached 600,000 across 42 countries, the company added.
An update from Axiom Capital Advisors, Inc. ( (TSE:WHIP) ) is now available.
Credissential Inc. announced a new Cryptocurrency Acquisition Policy aimed at enhancing shareholder value by purchasing digital assets like XRP and XLM. This move aligns with the company’s cryptocurrency initiatives and allows investors exposure to the growing digital asset market. The policy is also seen as a strategy to navigate inflationary pressures while diversifying the company’s treasury holdings, indicating a proactive approach to adapting to market trends and delivering long-term shareholder value.
More about Axiom Capital Advisors, Inc.
Credissential Inc. is a vertically integrated AI software development company focusing on advancing financial technology solutions. The company is committed to developing innovative products such as Antenna, a payment platform enhanced with AI and quantum encryption technologies, and DealerFlow, an AI-driven dealer management system designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
YTD Price Performance: -6.45%
Average Trading Volume: 298,973
Technical Sentiment Consensus Rating: Buy
Current Market Cap: C$6.17M
Find detailed analytics on WHIP stock on TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.
Bitcoin’s
price (BTC) is making significant gains on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, adding
over $2,000 to its value. However, Monday saw the market shaken, with the price
briefly dropping to a two-month low below the critical $90,000 psychological
level.
In this
article, I review what triggered the sudden drop, why the Bitcoin price is
going up today, and how to interpret the bullish pin bar above the 50-day
exponential moving average—a potentially strong buy signal.
On Tuesday,
Bitcoin is trading above $97,000 on Binance, marking its highest value in a
week. The cryptocurrency is currently up 2.7%, with altcoins following suit.
Ethereum (ETH) has gained 4.9% over the past 24 hours, reaching
$3,200, while XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has
risen 7% to $2.56.
As shown in
the chart below, Bitcoin’s price remains in a consolidation phase that has been
in place since November, with the lower boundary near $92,000 and the upper
limit at its previous high of $98,000.
However,
Monday painted a less optimistic picture as
Bitcoin briefly dipped to just $89,398, causing significant panic and
confusion among retail investors.
The
temporary panic was also evident in the derivatives market: within four days,
investors pulled $1.6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs),
marking one of the longest selling streaks in recent times.
Over the
past 24 hours, both bulls and bears have incurred losses. Approximately $500
million in leveraged positions were liquidated across the market, with nearly
equal distribution between long and short positions. Bitcoin accounted for over
20% of this activity, with $44 million liquidated from long positions and $72
million from shorts.
Analysts
attribute the recent decline in Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market
to two primary factors: so-called “Trump Trade” and monetary policy.
The
cryptocurrency market’s downturn is primarily driven by shifting expectations
about Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate policies. Strong economic indicators
have led investors to anticipate a longer period of higher interest rates. The
robust U.S. job market, with 256,000 new nonfarm payrolls and a 4.1%
unemployment rate, has particularly influenced this outlook.
According
to the CME’s FedWatch tool, the probability of a rate cut at the next meeting,
scheduled for January 29, is just 2.7%. The market is currently pricing in a
stronger likelihood (around 40%) of a cut to the 4.00–4.25% range in the second
half of the year. Earlier expectations were for a more aggressive path of rate
cuts, which was expected to fuel risk assets such as cryptocurrencies and
stocks.
Moreover, the
initial euphoria surrounding Trump’s pro-crypto stance has given way to more
cautious market sentiment. While Trump’s upcoming presidency promised to make
the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” investors are now
focusing on immediate economic realities rather than future policy promises.
The
cryptocurrency decline isn’t occurring in isolation. The selloff in Treasury
markets has created a ripple effect across various asset classes, affecting
both crypto and traditional markets. This broader market reaction demonstrates
Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with conventional risk assets.
The
candlestick I want to highlight in the technical analysis of Bitcoin ‘s price
chart may seem modest and even barely noticeable. However, in my view, it
carries significant strength and buying potential. This is a bullish pin bar
(or doji candle) with an almost invisible body and a very long lower wick,
indicating that bears were in control but had to concede to bulls by the
session’s close.
What
does the chart show?
While
Bitcoin remains in consolidation, this reaction suggests, from a purely
technical standpoint, the potential for a move towards $103,000 (the 2025
highs) and ultimately $108,000, the all-time high (ATH) to date.
Support |
Resistance |
$90,000 – psychological round |
$100,000 – psychological round |
$92,000 – local lows tested in |
$103,000 – highs from 2025 |
50 EMA – currently at $94,482 |
$108,000 – current ATH |
Breaking
above the current all-time high is a necessary condition for considering
ambitious forecasts for 2025 and beyond. Some of these projections are
truly bold.
Late last
year, I explored the question, “Will
Bitcoin hit $1 million?” According to Jeff Park, Head of Alpha
Strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, this could be possible if the U.S.
government were to adopt a Bitcoin reserve strategy. However, he currently
assigns only a 10% probability to this scenario.
Arthur
Hayes, the Founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has frequently
mentioned such ambitious levels as $1 million. Last week, he appeared as a guest on
Tom Bilyeu’s show, where he discussed the current state of the
cryptocurrency market during a nearly two-hour interview. Hayes suggested that
Bitcoin is gradually heading toward seven-figure valuations and could
potentially reach them within the next five years.
“It’s the bull market. When the music is playing you gotta $DANCE.” ~ Arthur Hayes x Tom Bilyeu#crypto #dance #memecoin #solana #bullrun pic.twitter.com/g9MdkEtIZe
— DANCE MEMECOIN 🤩 (@dancememecoin) January 7, 2025
“Bitcoin
has already survived for 15 years. This makes investors start to believe that
it can last for decades to come.” – Hayes commented. “BTC will be here for
the next 15, 20, 100 years. I think it will be a store of value. I can use it
to pay for things I need, so I’m going to take 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10% of my
retirement income or savings and start buying that asset now.”
Other
experts, including VanEck analysts, predict more down to earth numbers. Month
ago, they
forecasted that Bitcoin price could reach $180,000 in 2025.
JUST IN: $118 billion VanEck predicts $180,000 #Bitcoin and the U.S. will embrace a Strategic BTC Reserve in 2025 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s7lnNgkyhn
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) December 13, 2024
Bitcoin’s
price is rising due to a strong bullish pin bar forming above critical support
levels, signaling strong buying activity. Market sentiment improved as Bitcoin
rebounded from a two-month low of $89,398 to trade above $97,000. This movement
reflects consolidation within the $92,000–$98,000 range, supported by technical
indicators and broader market optimism.
Bitcoin’s
price is expected to rise further based on technical analysis. If it breaks
through key resistance at $103,000, it could test the all-time high of
$108,000. Long-term projections remain optimistic, with some experts predicting
significant gains by 2025, assuming market conditions remain favorable.
Bitcoin’s
value stems from its status as a decentralized digital asset with limited
supply, serving as a hedge against inflation and a potential store of value.
Its increasing adoption, network security, and potential as a global reserve
asset contribute to its high valuation.
Bitcoin’s
recent decline was driven by market reactions to expectations of prolonged
higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Strong U.S. economic data
reduced the likelihood of rate cuts, pressuring risk assets like
cryptocurrencies. Additionally, shifting sentiment around pro-crypto policies
under the upcoming U.S. administration added to market uncertainty.
Bitcoin’s
2025 price predictions vary widely. Analysts forecast potential highs ranging
from $180,000 (VanEck) to over $1 million (Arthur Hayes), depending on adoption
trends, macroeconomic conditions, and regulatory developments. A more
conservative estimate places Bitcoin at $180,000, reflecting steady growth
without speculative excess.
Bitcoin’s
price (BTC) is making significant gains on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, adding
over $2,000 to its value. However, Monday saw the market shaken, with the price
briefly dropping to a two-month low below the critical $90,000 psychological
level.
In this
article, I review what triggered the sudden drop, why the Bitcoin price is
going up today, and how to interpret the bullish pin bar above the 50-day
exponential moving average—a potentially strong buy signal.
On Tuesday,
Bitcoin is trading above $97,000 on Binance, marking its highest value in a
week. The cryptocurrency is currently up 2.7%, with altcoins following suit.
Ethereum (ETH) has gained 4.9% over the past 24 hours, reaching
$3,200, while XRP, the third-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, has
risen 7% to $2.56.
As shown in
the chart below, Bitcoin’s price remains in a consolidation phase that has been
in place since November, with the lower boundary near $92,000 and the upper
limit at its previous high of $98,000.
However,
Monday painted a less optimistic picture as
Bitcoin briefly dipped to just $89,398, causing significant panic and
confusion among retail investors.
The
temporary panic was also evident in the derivatives market: within four days,
investors pulled $1.6 billion from cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs),
marking one of the longest selling streaks in recent times.
Over the
past 24 hours, both bulls and bears have incurred losses. Approximately $500
million in leveraged positions were liquidated across the market, with nearly
equal distribution between long and short positions. Bitcoin accounted for over
20% of this activity, with $44 million liquidated from long positions and $72
million from shorts.
Analysts
attribute the recent decline in Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market
to two primary factors: so-called “Trump Trade” and monetary policy.
The
cryptocurrency market’s downturn is primarily driven by shifting expectations
about Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate policies. Strong economic indicators
have led investors to anticipate a longer period of higher interest rates. The
robust U.S. job market, with 256,000 new nonfarm payrolls and a 4.1%
unemployment rate, has particularly influenced this outlook.
According
to the CME’s FedWatch tool, the probability of a rate cut at the next meeting,
scheduled for January 29, is just 2.7%. The market is currently pricing in a
stronger likelihood (around 40%) of a cut to the 4.00–4.25% range in the second
half of the year. Earlier expectations were for a more aggressive path of rate
cuts, which was expected to fuel risk assets such as cryptocurrencies and
stocks.
Moreover, the
initial euphoria surrounding Trump’s pro-crypto stance has given way to more
cautious market sentiment. While Trump’s upcoming presidency promised to make
the U.S. the “crypto capital of the world,” investors are now
focusing on immediate economic realities rather than future policy promises.
The
cryptocurrency decline isn’t occurring in isolation. The selloff in Treasury
markets has created a ripple effect across various asset classes, affecting
both crypto and traditional markets. This broader market reaction demonstrates
Bitcoin’s increasing correlation with conventional risk assets.
The
candlestick I want to highlight in the technical analysis of Bitcoin ‘s price
chart may seem modest and even barely noticeable. However, in my view, it
carries significant strength and buying potential. This is a bullish pin bar
(or doji candle) with an almost invisible body and a very long lower wick,
indicating that bears were in control but had to concede to bulls by the
session’s close.
What
does the chart show?
While
Bitcoin remains in consolidation, this reaction suggests, from a purely
technical standpoint, the potential for a move towards $103,000 (the 2025
highs) and ultimately $108,000, the all-time high (ATH) to date.
Support |
Resistance |
$90,000 – psychological round |
$100,000 – psychological round |
$92,000 – local lows tested in |
$103,000 – highs from 2025 |
50 EMA – currently at $94,482 |
$108,000 – current ATH |
Breaking
above the current all-time high is a necessary condition for considering
ambitious forecasts for 2025 and beyond. Some of these projections are
truly bold.
Late last
year, I explored the question, “Will
Bitcoin hit $1 million?” According to Jeff Park, Head of Alpha
Strategies at Bitwise Asset Management, this could be possible if the U.S.
government were to adopt a Bitcoin reserve strategy. However, he currently
assigns only a 10% probability to this scenario.
Arthur
Hayes, the Founder of the cryptocurrency exchange BitMEX, has frequently
mentioned such ambitious levels as $1 million. Last week, he appeared as a guest on
Tom Bilyeu’s show, where he discussed the current state of the
cryptocurrency market during a nearly two-hour interview. Hayes suggested that
Bitcoin is gradually heading toward seven-figure valuations and could
potentially reach them within the next five years.
“It’s the bull market. When the music is playing you gotta $DANCE.” ~ Arthur Hayes x Tom Bilyeu#crypto #dance #memecoin #solana #bullrun pic.twitter.com/g9MdkEtIZe
— DANCE MEMECOIN 🤩 (@dancememecoin) January 7, 2025
“Bitcoin
has already survived for 15 years. This makes investors start to believe that
it can last for decades to come.” – Hayes commented. “BTC will be here for
the next 15, 20, 100 years. I think it will be a store of value. I can use it
to pay for things I need, so I’m going to take 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10% of my
retirement income or savings and start buying that asset now.”
Other
experts, including VanEck analysts, predict more down to earth numbers. Month
ago, they
forecasted that Bitcoin price could reach $180,000 in 2025.
JUST IN: $118 billion VanEck predicts $180,000 #Bitcoin and the U.S. will embrace a Strategic BTC Reserve in 2025 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/s7lnNgkyhn
— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) December 13, 2024
Bitcoin’s
price is rising due to a strong bullish pin bar forming above critical support
levels, signaling strong buying activity. Market sentiment improved as Bitcoin
rebounded from a two-month low of $89,398 to trade above $97,000. This movement
reflects consolidation within the $92,000–$98,000 range, supported by technical
indicators and broader market optimism.
Bitcoin’s
price is expected to rise further based on technical analysis. If it breaks
through key resistance at $103,000, it could test the all-time high of
$108,000. Long-term projections remain optimistic, with some experts predicting
significant gains by 2025, assuming market conditions remain favorable.
Bitcoin’s
value stems from its status as a decentralized digital asset with limited
supply, serving as a hedge against inflation and a potential store of value.
Its increasing adoption, network security, and potential as a global reserve
asset contribute to its high valuation.
Bitcoin’s
recent decline was driven by market reactions to expectations of prolonged
higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve. Strong U.S. economic data
reduced the likelihood of rate cuts, pressuring risk assets like
cryptocurrencies. Additionally, shifting sentiment around pro-crypto policies
under the upcoming U.S. administration added to market uncertainty.
Bitcoin’s
2025 price predictions vary widely. Analysts forecast potential highs ranging
from $180,000 (VanEck) to over $1 million (Arthur Hayes), depending on adoption
trends, macroeconomic conditions, and regulatory developments. A more
conservative estimate places Bitcoin at $180,000, reflecting steady growth
without speculative excess.
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