Crypto
Compliance rules: Why I believe stricter regulation will free crypto growth
Public service runs in my family. My antecedents served in the military from the American Revolution up until the Cold War. I followed my father, a United States Secret Service agent, into law enforcement.
So it might seem surprising that a few months ago I gave up leadership of transnational criminal investigations at the Department of Homeland Security to join a private sector organization. Or it would if you weren’t aware that the same organization provides tools that help combat crypto criminality, not just in the United States but all over the world.
My decision comes as jurisdictions from the United States to Australia work toward tighter crypto regulation. This is a watershed moment for the blockchain industry, and despite concerns in some quarters that greater oversight will suffocate innovation, it is one that I believe will revitalize growth—but in a healthier, safer form.
Crypto came onto my radar early. In 2012, I was appointed to run the global Homeland Security Investigations financial crimes portfolio, with operational responsibility for probes in the United States and in more than 60 offices in over 40 countries. I was also involved in policy and represented HSI at multi-jurisdiction forums.
From this vantage point, I had a clear view of how much the decade since has altered the relationship between criminals and virtual currencies.
In early 2013, I went with a group of other experts on financial crime subject matter to brief congressional staffers on international narcotics trafficking. During the briefing, we were asked whether we saw the cartels using cryptocurrency to launder criminal proceeds. One of our members immediately answered, “No. Not a threat.”
Back then, investigators believed cartel financiers would not exploit virtual currency because of its complexity and volatility. Fast-forward to today, where they are regularly using cryptocurrency systems to move their ill-gotten gains.
We are in a technological arms race between criminals and investigators. When my father used to investigate financial crimes, he mostly dealt with straightforward counterfeiting and check fraud. Now, technology is evolving so fast that new avenues for malfeasance—money laundering, terrorist financing, ransomware and other scams—are opening every day.
Scams cost. U.S. consumers reported losing more than $1 billion to crypto con artists from January 2021 to March 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
My 13-plus years overseeing federal investigators and analysts trying to keep abreast of new forms of criminality have shown me that as criminals become more and more technologically sophisticated, law enforcement must adopt advanced tools to keep up.
That’s why I decided to join Merkle Science: to help give investigators, regulators and executives the technology they need to fight financial crime.
Merkle Science uses predictive analytics, machine learning and behavioral modeling to proactively surface risks. It also helps Web3 businesses comply with shifting rules, which is vital when jurisdictions around the world are working toward regulating the virtual asset space.
One Goal, Multiple Approaches
The European Union is leading the pack on clarity and speed. In mid-April, the European Parliament passed Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA), a mammoth piece of legislation that encompasses everything from consumer protections to safeguards against fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing.
MiCA will introduce a single regulatory framework for digital assets across the EU, replacing a hodgepodge of rules in different member states. The aim is to bring clarity and oversight to the digital asset space by regulating the issuance and trading of tokens in a standardized manner.
The U.K. is taking a more pragmatic and phased approach, one that allows for greater innovation and flexibility in the sector. In contrast to the EU’s sweeping legislation, the U.K. plans to focus attention on risks associated with security tokens and certain types of stablecoins. The U.K. is still in the process of consulting the public and the industry on its regulatory framework, but the Financial Conduct Authority and other bodies have sketched out broad outlines.
Hong Kong has also been good at keeping a dialogue going, while the United Arab Emirates has been clear about which bodies will regulate the industry and how.
In the United States, where financial regulation is handled by a patchwork of state and federal regulators, we have seen an enforcement-first approach that has left the industry clamoring for clarity on everything from whether crypto is deemed a commodity or security to specific direction on how to be compliant.
There have been laudable efforts by state regulators such as New York’s Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) to set clear and rigorous standards that address capitalization, cybersecurity protection and anti-money laundering protocols. But many crypto companies are still clamoring for specifics on how they will be policed.
The centralized exchange Coinbase has taken the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to court, demanding explicit guidance. Coinbase has reason to want a window on the rules: In January, it was forced to pay $50 million to the NYDFS for insufficient customer background checks and to commit to investing another $50 million in compliance.
This month, the SEC turned on Coinbase and the world’s largest digital assets exchange, Binance, and sued them for alleged securities law violations, among other accusations. This is the regulator’s most aggressive enforcement action to date, and both companies have vowed to fight back in the courts.
But while the outcry is loudest among bigger players, it is the smaller ones whose survival is most at risk if the low-clarity, high-enforcement climate persists, since they often lack the wherewithal to hire experienced compliance staff or to shoulder the cost of financial penalties.
New Rules, New Realities
Clarity will come and with it a whole new reality for the global crypto sector.
While some countries may take a tougher approach than others, blockchain companies in highly regulated areas are unlikely to escape by moving offshore. A company that wants to retain a U.S. customer base, for instance, will have to adhere to U.S. regulations wherever it is located.
To remain compliant, companies will need to do a full risk assessment and then stay on top of changes. With tools that are customizable to fit each company’s operating jurisdictions, blockchain analytics providers such as Merkle Science can help identify compliance risks early and identify illicit activity before it takes hold.
But while compliance will cost, it also has the potential to substantially benefit the industry. Indeed, I believe the perception that blockchain was an unregulated Wild West has been a major barrier to crypto growth.
Robust regulations will change all that. Institutional investment will surge because banks and big brands will be more comfortable expanding into a properly regulated space, and their participation will spur mainstream Web3 adoption. Ordinary consumers, meanwhile, are certain to be more willing to dip a toe into crypto if they feel protected.
Indeed, compliant financial systems are safer for everyone, blockchain companies included. By using a risk-based approach, predictive analysis and machine-learning tools to identify and halt criminality, crypto projects can help stem the flow of illicit proceeds and defend the financial system—and therefore themselves—from exploitation.
A compliance-first approach is the key to a healthy and thriving blockchain industry and to getting the best of increasingly sophisticated bad actors who don’t have anyone’s best interests at heart, except their own.
Stephenie Lord Eisert is the senior director of law enforcement and regulatory relationships at Merkle Science, a predictive Web3 risk and intelligence platform.
Crypto
Donald Trump plans to make cryptocurrency a national priority: Report
Donald Trump, who is going to take office as the 47th US President on January 20, is planning to issue an executive order that will elevate cryptocurrency to a national priority in the United States, reported Bloomberg.
The move is expected to signal a policy shift and provide the crypto industry with a more prominent role in shaping government decisions.
According to sources mentioned in the report, the order will designate cryptocurrency as a national imperative, encouraging government agencies to collaborate with the industry. Additionally, it is likely to establish a cryptocurrency advisory council to advocate for the sector’s policy needs.
Bitcoin was trading at $101,021.39, with a market cap of $2 trillion at the time the article was being written.
CRYPTO INDUSTRY’S INFLUENCE
Donald Trump has received considerable support from the cryptocurrency industry, including donations from prominent companies such as Coinbase and Ripple to his inaugural committee. On Friday, just days before the beginning of his second term at the White House, the industry is set to host an “Inaugural Crypto Ball” in Washington, celebrating its ties with the incoming administration.
This initiative would represent a huge shift for the crypto sector, which has faced numerous regulatory challenges under President Joe Biden’s administration. Federal agencies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have launched more than 100 enforcement actions against crypto companies in recent years.
The proposed executive order may include a directive requiring all government agencies to review their policies on digital assets. There is also discussion about pausing ongoing litigation involving cryptocurrency firms, sources told Bloomberg. This could potentially halt legal actions against major players such as Binance Holdings Ltd. and Ripple Labs Inc., a move seen as a top priority by the industry.
CREATION OF NATIONAL BITCOIN STOCKPILE
Another key aspect under consideration is the creation of a national Bitcoin stockpile, the report mentioned.
The US government currently holds nearly $20 billion worth of Bitcoin, confiscated during various investigations, according to analytics firm Arkham. Bitcoin’s price has surged by nearly 50% since the November election, reaching over $100,000, partly due to speculation about the potential stockpile.
The proposed stockpile would formalise the government’s holdings of Bitcoin and reflect a strategic shift in how the US approaches cryptocurrency. Bitcoin has seen remarkable growth in 2024, with its value more than doubling over the year.
Kara Calvert, Vice President for US Policy at Coinbase Global Inc., commented on the importance of Trump’s potential move.
“What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry. What it’s signaling to other countries is be careful, or you won’t keep up,” she told Bloomberg.
Trump has also made bold promises during his campaign, vowing to transform the US into the global capital of cryptocurrency. His administration is expected to issue several executive orders covering various industries within his first few days in office.
Despite facing regulatory hurdles during the Biden administration, the cryptocurrency industry in the US has continued to grow. Prominent financial firms, including BlackRock Inc., have launched spot Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
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Crypto
Crypto NFT Today: The Latest News in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, & NFTs- January Week 2 – Innovation & Tech Today
Welcome to another edition of Crypto NFT Today! The past two weeks have been full of must-know events that will define the future of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and NFTs.
With cryptocurrencies jumping ahead of Trump’s inauguration, an inflation report for Bitcoin bringing encouragement, and more, there’s lots of essential news you should know about. So, let’s dive in and see what’s happening!
Cryptocurrencies Jump Ahead of Trump’s Inauguration
Cryptocurrencies surged on Thursday as investors shifted their focus to smaller, higher-risk coins ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.
XRP and litecoin were among the top performers, rising 13% and 22%, respectively, according to Coin Metrics. The CoinDesk 20 index, a broad crypto market indicator, gained nearly 5%. Meanwhile, bitcoin increased by less than 1%, hovering near $100,000 after a two-day rally of around 7% earlier this week. Ether dropped nearly 3% on Thursday.
Bitcoin’s Encouraging Inflation Report Releases
Bitcoin continued its rebound on Wednesday, hovering around $100,000 after another positive inflation report boosted investor risk appetite. The price of the leading cryptocurrency was up more than 3%, reaching $99,493.26, marking a 7% gain over the past two days, according to Coin Metrics. It peaked at $100,715.13 during late afternoon trading.
The CoinDesk 20 index, which tracks the broader cryptocurrency market, rose by 7%.Shares of Coinbase climbed 7%, while Bitcoin-related stocks MicroStrategy and Mara Holdings saw gains of 5% and 4%, respectively.
Litecoin May Receive ETF Soon
With U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration a few days away and new leadership set to take over at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), other cryptocurrencies beyond bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) may soon be approved for their own spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Litecoin (LTC) is expected to be the first to receive approval, according to Eric Balchunas and James Seyffart, ETF analysts at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Canary Funds just filed an amended S-1 for their litecoin ETF application. While there are no guarantees, this could signal SEC engagement on the filing,” Seyffart shared on X.
Expert Predicts Dogecoin Surge
The crypto market often follows a cyclical pattern, with past price movements helping analysts predict future trends. Analyst Martinez applied this strategy in his commentary on Thursday, suggesting that Dogecoin could see another significant rise starting next week.
Martinez pointed out that Dogecoin experienced a major uptrend in the week of January 25, 2021, following a 56% drop from its December high. To provide context, the meme token fell from $0.0143 in December 2021 to a low of $0.0067, before rebounding sharply and closing January with a 700% increase.
Crypto
While ADA Faces Hurdles, These Are The 7 Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now Under $5
As the cryptocurrency market continues its turbulent path, several well-known crypto projects, like Cardano (ADA), are having trouble keeping up. Although ADA’s decentralized capabilities and advanced blockchain technology are admirable, its recent performance has left investors looking for better crypto investment opportunities with strong growth prospects that don’t break the bank. Smart investors searching for the next big breakout are taking notice of the under-$5 cryptocurrencies that are making waves in this market.
LuckHunter (LHUNT) has stood out among these appealing contenders. LuckHunter is a pioneer in the combination of blockchain technology with metaverse gaming, providing a unique experience that combines entertainment and decentralized technology. At its heart is an immersive gaming platform that transforms user interaction with virtual worlds while utilizing blockchain’s advantages for security and transparency.
Both beginners and experienced investors find these sub-$5 cryptocurrencies, like LuckHunter, to be interesting because of their attractive blend of affordability and innovation. Cryptocurrencies like LuckHunter demonstrate that innovation need not be expensive as the market develops. In an ever-growing digital economy, exploring these innovative projects might reveal unrealized prospects, regardless of your experience with cryptocurrencies. So, let us explore the best cryptocurrencies to buy now under $5.
Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now Under $5
After a steep drop that pushed the price below the $0.9550 support level, Cardano (ADA) is beginning to show signs of recovery. Selling pressure caused the digital asset, which had been trading above $1.00, to drop temporarily to $0.8769.
Similar decreasing tendencies observed in the Bitcoin and Ethereum markets preceded the latest price shift, which started when ADA was unable to sustain stability above the $1.00 level. When the price fell below a number of important support levels, such as $0.9550 and $0.9500, the slide quickened.
In the middle of this, investors are actively looking for the finest cryptocurrencies to purchase for less than $5. With LuckHunter as our top pick, we’ll talk about a few additional cryptocurrency contenders that are worth checking out right now for huge profits!
- LuckHunter (LHUNT)
- Rexas Finance (RWA)
- Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
- Toshi (TOSHI)
- Filecoin (FIL)
Are you ready to know about these seven best cryptocurrency to buy now that may hold a better promise than ADA? Then, explore their potential with us!
- LuckHunter (LHUNT)
By fusing casino experiences with a metaverse environment, LuckHunter (LHUNT) seeks to provide blockchain fans with a gaming environment. LHUNT distinguishes itself in a market where cryptocurrency-based games are becoming more popular by providing a setting where users can place bets on virtual experiences. From in-game purchases to staking activities, the network revolves around its cryptocurrency for a variety of transactions.
Visit the LuckHunter metaverse casino >>
Platform and Metaverse Focus
Fundamentally, LuckHunter offers a metaverse setting similar to a casino. Through virtual reality (VR) or conventional online interfaces, users can “enter” a virtual world where they can investigate interactive slot machines, card games, and other betting ideas. LHUNT prioritizes both entertainment and blockchain value in its ecosystem, whereas many other metaverse initiatives find it difficult to integrate the two. LuckHunter seeks to appeal to a wide range of players by combining interactive tables, digital collections, and the opportunity to win prizes.
Benefits for Token Holders
Staking programs, extra multipliers, or early access to new platform features could prove advantageous to LHUNT holders. The ability to interact with a casino setting from anywhere and the newness of the metaverse have drawn an increasing number of users. Investors predict that the token could rise in value if the user base grows and if real-time gaming becomes popular.
Plans for the Future
As a pioneer in the cryptocurrency and gaming industries, LuckHunter is creating waves. Since there aren’t many tokens left, early investors are seizing the opportunity to participate. The initiative has swiftly raised an incredible $1 million thanks to this feeling of exclusivity, demonstrating people’s faith and enthusiasm for its possibilities.
With its innovative and engaging approach to virtual world gambling, LuckHunter is the first metaverse casino gaming project available online. LuckHunter is at the forefront of the rapidly expanding global interest in metaverse gaming. Combining blockchain technology with entertaining, engaging gaming produces an unusual experience that appeals to investors and players alike.
LuckHunter is a noteworthy project to keep an eye on because of its scarce token supply and quick growth. It is an exciting prospect for everyone interested in the future of online entertainment because of its distinct approach to gaming and the growing popularity of metaverse experiences.
- Rexas Finance (RWA)
Rexas Finance transforms real-world asset tokenization (RWA) by streamlining ownership and transactions. Its platform includes user-friendly tools that let businesses and individuals create, manage, and trade asset-backed tokens with ease. This innovative approach democratises asset ownership, making it accessible to everyone, wherever.
Since its founding on September 8, 2024, Rexas Finance has demonstrated remarkable growth. The initial presale stage, which cost $0.03, sold out in less than three days, demonstrating strong investor confidence. The price of the RXS token, which is currently in its eleventh round of presale, is $0.175, representing a 483% growth in just four months. The effort has raised $35,927,359 without venture capital assistance by selling 395,385,647 tokens, demonstrating the enthusiasm of investors in general.
The anticipated early 2025 launch of RXS coins on major exchanges holds the real promise. According to analysts, the listing would raise liquidity and publicity, causing the price to rise to $10 in five months. A $50 investment would become $5,000 for investors who enter at the current price of $0.175, representing an incredible 10,000% gain. Rexas Finance’s commitment to innovation and ability to close significant gaps in the market make it a compelling substitute for exponential earnings.
3. Shiba Inu (SHIB)
Shiba Inu, one of the most recognizable meme currencies, has solidified its place and attracted attention due to its potential for quick gains. With a market capitalization of $14.2 billion and a trading volume of over $550 million, SHIB has grown 6.83% during the last day to trade at $0.000024. The popularity of cryptocurrencies like SHIB usually increases when Bitcoin gets closer to $100,000.
Meme currencies have historically increased in response to hopeful developments in Bitcoin and SHIB’s vibrant community and affordable price appeal to both individual and institutional investors. One of the main factors driving SHIB’s growth has been whale accumulation, in which large investors have increased their holdings. This trend demonstrates confidence in SHIB’s capacity to raise prices.
Shiba Inu is bound for a huge rise when combined with the optimism in the market as a whole brought on by Bitcoin’s rise. SHIB may see a 100x jump in the current market cycle, according to experts, who attribute this to rising retail interest and whale activity. A $50 investment at today’s price might yield a whopping $5,000 if SHIB hits $0.0024 during the next five months, providing speculative investors with a high-reward option.
4. Dogecoin (DOGE)
Dogecoin, which started off as a meme coin, continues to be significant in the cryptocurrency space. DOGE, which has a market valuation of $55.4 billion and a trading volume of $3.9 billion, has increased in value by 11.83% in the past day, trading at $0.3777. In the past, DOGE has prospered amid Bitcoin booms. Both new and seasoned investors are drawn to it because of its strong community support and cultural significance.
It serves as a gateway asset for those new to the cryptocurrency industry due to its cheap cost and visibility. Elon Musk, a long-time supporter of Dogecoin, continues to have a significant influence on the fluctuations in the cryptocurrency’s value. The DOGE community is now again feeling hopeful as a result of recent developments involving Musk, such as his endorsement of government efficiency concepts. Although not directly related to Dogecoin, Musk’s affinity for the token occasionally encourages speculative buying.
Given DOGE’s historical association with news pertaining to Musk and broader market conditions, analysts predict that the token may rise to $4.00 during the next five months. This offers investors who purchase at $0.3777 the possibility of a tenfold profit. Users might have $5,000 if they invest $50.
5. Pudgy Penguins (PENGU)
Initially, Pudgy Penguins (PENGU) was an NFT collection with adorable figures inspired by penguins. After that, the brand expanded by adding a token for community involvement. The colorful design appeals to dealers and collectors who value cartoon-style projects. Pudgy Penguins’ meme-based content has generated a lot of excitement on Twitter, which has helped PENGU attract a constant flow of attention.
Pudgy Penguins thrives on social media presence, just like a lot of other tokens that are driven by memes. In order to draw in new members, active community members organize events and produce fanart and memes. The initiative has grown from a specialized NFT series to a well-known brand in the cryptocurrency community because of this natural involvement. The PENGU token facilitates a number of activities, including online meetings and goods purchases.
Although PENGU’s primary identity is based on meme culture, certain experts believe it may grow. Adding games, events, or loyalty benefits to its environment might help PENGU maintain and perhaps increase its value. Early adopters are hopeful that a larger market may result from the adorable penguin NFTs’ popular appeal.
The general state of the community will determine PENGU’s destiny. The price of meme tokens might rise quickly, but it can also fall sharply. Continuous interaction, brand extensions, or outside collaborations are essential to Pudgy Penguins’ success. In a bull market, these tokens can grow swiftly, but traders need to be aware that they can also rapidly retrace.
6. Toshi (TOSHI)
Toshi is another token that seeks to combine useful functions with playful branding. Its name honors Satoshi Nakamoto, the enigmatic creator of Bitcoin. This reference is meant to add some flair to Bitcoin, even if TOSHI is not directly associated with it.
The TOSHI project intends to develop a suite of user-experience-focused apps. Offering a wallet or tool where TOSHI holders receive benefits or lower costs is one concept. Another idea would be to create limited-edition NFTs under the TOSHI brand, which would allow supporters to show off their devotion. The development team of TOSHI must release new applications and maintain community updates in order for the platform to grow.
TOSHI’s branding and the potential for an expanding ecosystem have attracted early traders. According to some, TOSHI has a hybrid identity since it is a combination of a meme and a utility coin. A larger population could be drawn in by this dual feature. That being said, TOSHI must continue to be genuine and provide useful releases rather than simply promotional tricks.
7. Filecoin (FIL)
In the digital era, decentralized storage solutions are essential, and Filecoin fills that demand. The software establishes a market where users can either purchase storage space using FIL tokens or rent out their extra storage capacity. The new approach of cloud storage uses blockchain technology to guarantee data security and availability while challenging conventional centralized systems.
The FIL token is used as an incentive for storage providers and a way to pay for storage services. By contributing storage space or staking FIL tokens, investors can contribute to the network’s development. Because of the platform’s distinctive business strategy, consumers enjoy low pricing and enhanced data protection, while storage providers are encouraged to continue offering dependable services.
Filecoin’s decentralized storage solution has grown in value due to the exponential expansion of digital data. FIL is a desirable investment for those who believe in the future of decentralized infrastructure because of its integration with Web3 apps and partnerships with significant digital businesses, which position the project for future growth.
Conclusion: Best Cryptocurrency To Buy Now
The inventiveness and promise of under-$5 cryptocurrencies are drawing attention in a sector where well-known brands like ADA are having difficulties. Projects like LuckHunter, which combine blockchain technology and metaverse gaming, are prime examples of the fascinating prospects in this field.
These coins provide an accessible starting point for investors looking for growth since they are both innovative and reasonably priced. Investigating such cutting-edge initiatives might open up incredible opportunities for individuals who are ready to take the risk as the cryptocurrency environment changes.
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