Crypto

Cryptocurrency won’t go mainstream until US solves its problems, says Chainalysis CEO

Published

8 months ago

May 16, 2024

Cryptocurrency won’t go mainstream until US solves its problems, says Chainalysis CEO

Cryptocurrency may not become a fully mainstream financial instrument until concrete regulations for the highly volatile industry are drawn up and enforced by authorities in the US, the chief executive of blockchain company Chainalysis has said.

While acknowledging that current cryptocurrency frameworks are “actually pretty good and functional”, the $2.33 trillion industry’s other issues need to be addressed, especially when it comes to protecting investors and consumers, Michael Gronager told The National.

The US, the world’s biggest economy that is also considered the most important financial market as the Federal Reserve sets the global tone for interest rates – should take the lead on this, he said.

“In finance, everyone looks towards to the US first trying to figure out what’s going on, and then whether the regulation has already been created in other places first … it’ll be changed to adapt the US framework once it’s figured out,” Mr Gronager said.

“We’ve seen that in the past; we’ll see that again with crypto. So, we are kind of waiting for the US to solve some of these things and that’s where things stand today.”

The US granted the cryptocurrency sector a major victory in January when it finally approved the country’s first spot Bitcoin ETFs, clearing the way for trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the Cboe Global Markets and the Nasdaq Composite, and making Bitcoin more accessible to retail traders.

ETFs “definitely boosted the sentiment of crypto”, Mr Gronager said.

In addition, US authorities have been vigilant in clamping down on the sector, running after irregularities and illicit activity within the ranks.

Their actions have claimed some of the biggest names, including Sam Bankman-Fried, the former chief executive of FTX who was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud, and former Binance chief executive Changpeng Zhao, who in November pled guilty to charges related to money laundering and was handed a four-month prison sentence on April 30.

“The FTX case was so unique; it was less tied to crypto and more tied to a traditional fall because everything happened behind closed doors, and was related to how that company was run by the people behind it,” Mr Gronager said.

“The lesson learned by the industry and regulators is that if it’s a non-regulated business in your jurisdiction and you don’t have any ways to think that your funds would be good, they’re probably not good,” he added, also noting the collapses of Three Arrows and Celsius Network in 2022.

The fates of those companies, coupled with job losses at the time, triggered the so-called cryptocurrency winter, a period in which the sector cooled down, dragging Bitcoin to below its key $20,000 psychological level in June 2022 and wiping out about $2 trillion from the digital asset industry’s market capitalisation.

“Celsius and Three Arrows were the symptoms of a way too hot finance market. And the newest kids in finance were the crypto exchanges and some crypto projects – they were definitely the ones who overleveraged completely,” Mr Gronager said.

“And some of them did it in an illegal way. And that was basically what we saw there. We also saw established venture capital firms over-leveraging their investments and getting in big trouble, but most of them actually survived it.”

For the broader finance industry, Mr Gronager believes there is a “solid and pretty good framework” that tackles money laundering and terrorist financing.

Applied to the cryptocurrency sector, the $4.3 billion settlement between Binance and the US Department of Justice last November is an indication that authorities have taken a stance and this is being taken very seriously.

“We had all the big banks … each getting billion-dollar fines; now you’re seeing the same in the crypto space and that raises the bar, ensures compliance will be high priority, and a good understanding and responsibility of the industry,” Mr Gronager said.

Among the most notable fines imposed on financial institutions for compliance failures are JP Morgan Chase’s $2.6 billion settlement in the aftermath of the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme in 2014 and Credit Suisse’s $5.28 billion payment in 2017 for misconduct on sales of residential mortgage-backed securities.

“There’s now a price on not doing compliance or making mistakes.”

Regulations are key to establishing trust in the cryptocurrency industry, and governments should play an active role in ensuring this, said Mr Gronager, who counts the UAE as among “the top three to five in terms of the global landscape” of finance and cryptocurrency, as well.

He said the Emirates has had “a good way of working with the [crypto] industry, ensuring that there’s adequate regulation”, at par with other global financial centres such as New York, London and Singapore.

The total value of cryptocurrency transactions in the UAE from the first quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024 hit $39.2 billion, data provided by Chainalysis to The National shows.

Institutional investors, those who invest more than $1 million, made up the biggest chunk of UAE transactions with 59 per cent, while professional investors ($10,000 to $1 million) were at 39 per cent and retail investors (up to $10,000) were at 2 per cent, the data showed.

“The UAE, in general, is very advanced and sophisticated in [cryptocurrency] use cases and is probably one of the few markets where decentralised finance is more relevant than centralised exchanges, demonstrating that the level of sophistication is pretty high,” Mr Gronager said.

Updated: May 16, 2024, 3:00 AM

Related Topics:Bitcoin cryptocurrency technology

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Crypto

US Rep. Bryan Steil to chair House cryptocurrency subcommittee

Published

5 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

US Rep. Bryan Steil to chair House cryptocurrency subcommittee

A Wisconsin congressman will head the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets, Financial Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

Bryan Steil, a Republican representing the 1st Congressional District in southeast Wisconsin, was appointed to the role Thursday.

His subcommittee’s jurisdiction includes things like mobile banking and non-fungible tokens, or NFTs. It’ll also be the first stop for legislation on cryptocurrency.

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Digital currencies have a murky federal regulatory status. That allowed President Joe Biden’s Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler to go after the crypto industry.

The industry responded by spending over $130 million in 2024’s election cycle through its PAC, Fairshake.

It spent $764,206 to independently help re-elect Steil, according to campaign finance database OpenSecrets.

In a statement, Steil said “technologies like financial apps, digital assets, and machine learning revolutionize our economy,” adding that he looks forward to continuing “to provide the rules of the road to move our economy into the future.”

Steil was appointed to his new role by House Financial Services Chair French Hill, R-Arkansas. Hill’s top campaign contributors include the CEOs of the crypto exchange platform Coinbase and the Charles Schwab Corporation.

One of his legislative priorities has been a bill that would set up clearer, crypto-friendly federal financial regulations, which passed the House with bipartisan support in May. He called Steil “instrumental” in passing that bill, and in overturning an SEC rule requiring crypto exchanges to list their digital assets as liabilities on their balance sheets.

Now, the Janesville native will oversee hearings and votes on new crypto-related legislation.

Crypto

Which Crypto To Buy Right Now? 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins For 2025

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

Which Crypto To Buy Right Now? 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins For 2025

As Ripple’s XRP ongoing legal troubles continue to keep traders on edge, Polkadot (DOT), Ethereum (ETH), Ethena (ENA), and Cardano (ADA) remain steady. Meanwhile, Injective (INJ), Optimism (OP), Uniswap (UNI), and Tron (TRX) show mixed signals in trading activities. In the middle of all this, whispers of a new market disruptor are growing louder—JetBolt (JBOLT), making headlines with its blazing presale and zero-gas technology. With over 250 million JBOLT tokens already sold, JetBolt’s momentum is undeniable.

With everything from groundbreaking ecosystems to cross-chain powerhouses, the question remains: which crypto to buy right now? Would established crypto coins or rising blockchain superstars dominate 2025? Let’s explore why JetBolt, Polkadot, XRP, Ethereum, Ethena, Optimism, Injective, Uniswap, Cardano, and Tron are the 10 best cryptocurrency coins for 2025.

Which Crypto To Buy Right Now? A Quick List

JetBolt (JBOLT): Surging new altcoin empowering gas-free transactions, AI intelligence and staking.
Ethena (ENA): Redefining stablecoins with decentralized innovation.
Optimism (OP): Scaling Ethereum with lightning-fast rollups.
Injective (INJ): Unlocking limitless decentralized trading possibilities.
Uniswap (UNI): Revolutionizing DeFi through seamless token swaps.

A Deep Dive Into the 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins For 2025

JetBolt (JBOLT)

JetBolt (JBOLT) is shaking up the crypto world, skyrocketing its way onto traders’ radar as one of the 10 best cryptocurrency coins for 2025 to buy right now. The buzz? Zero gas fees. JetBolt’s game-changing tech, built on the Skale Network, eliminates gas fees entirely, delivering lightning-fast, gas-free transactions that are already turning heads across the crypto space.

This revolutionary feature could also supercharge creativity. Developers can now launch and create dApps, SocialFi platforms, and blockchain gaming ventures without worrying about skyrocketing gas fees holding back innovation.

But that’s not all—JetBolt goes beyond just being another zero-gas token. With an AI-driven crypto tool delivering the latest crypto news and market data straight to its platform, JetBolt is showcasing how blockchain technology and artificial intelligence can go hand-in-hand to add a new functionality to crypto.

Turning it up a notch, JetBolt’s easy-to-earn staking mechanism turns ordinary staking into an electrifying experience. With its sleek, user-friendly Web3 wallet, joining is as effortless as a few clicks. And the twist: staking isn’t just about locking in tokens—it’s about active participation. Engage within the ecosystem and stakers earn even more rewards.

Meanwhile, JetBolt’s presale numbers don’t lie. Over 250 million JBOLT tokens have already been scooped up, with whales diving in to secure their piece of this zero-gas action. In addition, JetBolt’s Alpha Boxes, an exclusive presale perk that boosts batch token purchases by up to 25%, have been flying off the shelves, creating a frenzy that shows no signs of slowing down.

In a world where high gas fees and slow transactions plague most blockchains, JetBolt delivers something truly revolutionary. With every cutting-edge feature thoughtfully designed to resonate with modern and future crypto users, JetBolt quietly sets the bar higher for what blockchain networks can deliver—blending innovation and ease of use into a whole new crypto experience.

Polkadot (DOT)

Polkadot (DOT) has dropped over 5% in the past week to $6.71 amid $1.23 million in long liquidations. Despite the dip, its advanced parachain technology and expanding ecosystem position Polkadot as a key player in 2025’s multichain future, with crypto analysts targeting $20 soon.

Ripple (XRP)

Ripple’s (XRP) price holds at $2.34 with a $134.48 billion market cap. Crypto analysts anticipate a $3 breakout, driven by Ripple’s renewed U.S. expansion amid regulatory optimism under Trump. Its focus on blockchain-based CBDC solutions positions XRP as a key player for 2025.

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum (ETH) trades at $3,319.97 following a 10% drop after the Foundation’s 100 ETH sale. Key support stands at $3,061, with resistance at $3,500. Despite short-term bearish momentum, Ethereum’s dominance in DeFi, staking, and upcoming Danksharding upgrade makes it a top contender for 2025.

Ethena (ENA)

Ethena (ENA) faces bearish momentum, trading at $0.9295 with a $2.81 billion market cap. The Death Cross and oversold RSI signal risks, though possible rebounds could push Ethena toward $1.01.

Meanwhile, Trump’s World Liberty Financial putting in millions in Ethena has fueled bullish sentiment, signaling growing institutional interest. This strategic move could boost ENA’s credibility and adoption, providing holders possible stability and long-term value.

X posts by Panos highlight Trump’s World Liberty Financial purchasing millions of dollars in Ethena (ENA)

In addition, its unique stablecoin protocol expansion strengthens Ethena’s DeFi appeal, further establishing it as one of the top picks for 2025.

Optimism (OP)

Optimism (OP) trades at $1.79 with a $2.41 billion market cap. Despite recent bearish sentiment, its Bedrock upgrade, reducing transaction costs by 40%, positions Optimism as a key Ethereum Layer 2 solution. Crypto analysts eye $2.20 resistance and possible $3.00 targets for OP.

Injective (INJ)

Injective (INJ) is now priced at $21.18 with key support at $22 and resistance near $26. A breakout from its descending channel hints at possible bullish trajectories. Injective’s unique focus on decentralized derivatives trading and cross-chain liquidity positions it among 2025’s top cryptocurrencies.

Uniswap (UNI)

Uniswap (UNI) struggles with a 0.33% daily dip, trading at $12.99 with a $7.8 billion market cap. Despite bearish trends, its innovative decentralized exchange model and Layer 2 scaling solutions could drive renewed interest, positioning UNI as a top 2025 contender.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano (ADA) now trades at $0.9286 with a $32.67 billion market cap. Crypto analysts predict a price range of $1.50 to $2.50 in 2025, depending on key support levels and market sentiment. Cardano’s Hydra upgrade pledges scalability, boosting adoption across decentralized applications.

Tron (TRX)

Tron (TRX) is holding just a little above key support at $0.245, currently pinned at $0.2463. A possible breakout above $0.2700 could push TRX’s prices toward $0.40. Recent partnerships and its ISO 20022 integration further position Tron as a top blockchain for institutional adoption.

What is the best crypto to buy right now in 2025?

While nothing in crypto is ever guaranteed, JetBolt (JBOLT) stands out as one of the top choices for the best cryptocurrency coins to buy right now. With its zero-gas technology, crypto-earning staking model, and AI-powered functionality, JetBolt is leading the way in redefining user-friendly blockchain experiences. JetBolt’s ongoing presale success—with whales already snapping up over 250 million JBOLT tokens—also signals growing excitement around its ecosystem.

What are the 10 best cryptocurrency coins for 2025?

Based on recent price movements and market insights, here are the top 10 best cryptocurrency coins for 2025:

Ethereum (ETH)
Cardano (ADA)
JetBolt (JBOLT)
Tron (TRX)
Polkadot (DOT)
Ripple (XRP)
Uniswap (UNI)
Injective (INJ)
Optimism (OP)
Ethena (ENA)

This list of the best cryptocurrencies to buy right now for 2025 include coins with strong ecosystems, utility, and continued development.

In Summary: 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins to Watch for 2025

Major crypto names like Ethereum (ETH), Ripple’s XRP, Cardano (ADA), and Polkadot (DOT) remain dominant, but breaking news highlights JetBolt’s (JBOLT) presale success and groundbreaking innovations as whale activity surges. Meanwhile, Ethena (ENA), Optimism (OP), Injective (INJ), Uniswap (UNI), and Tron (TRX) also make the list with key developments and strong ecosystems driving interest. Whether through staking rewards, blockchain scalability, or decentralized applications, these cryptocurrency coins deliver unique propositions worth following closely in the coming months.

Explore JetBolt’s game-changing technology and seize the presale excitement by visiting:

JetBolt’s Official Website: https://jetbolt.io/

JetBolt on X: https://x.com/jetboltofficial

Please note that this write-up is not financial advice. Remember that all cryptocurrencies are volatile. Always do your research and consult experts before navigating the unpredictable world of digital assets. No future performance is ever guaranteed, so always exercise caution.

Crypto

U.S. Senate to Launch Cryptocurrency Subcommittee, Lummis Tapped as Chair

Published

24 hours ago

January 10, 2025

Press Room

U.S. Senate to Launch Cryptocurrency Subcommittee, Lummis Tapped as Chair

The U.S. Senate Banking Committee, under the leadership of Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), is poised to establish a dedicated cryptocurrency subcommittee to advance discussions on digital asset regulation and industry oversight, according to a report by Fox News.

The formation of this subcommittee, modeled after a similar House panel created in 2023, marks a pivotal step toward a more structured approach to crypto legislation at the federal level.

A Senate aide told Fox News that Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis, a staunch advocate for cryptocurrency, is the tentative choice to chair this groundbreaking panel. The selection of Lummis, pending a committee vote next Thursday, signals a shift in the Senate’s approach to digital assets. Alongside her nomination, the subcommittee members, representing both Republican and Democratic sides, will also be finalized through the same voting process.

Lummis, known for her vocal support of Bitcoin, has described the asset as “freedom money” and has advocated for its potential to hedge against inflation and enhance financial independence.

She previously proposed a plan for the US to acquire a significant stake in the total Bitcoin supply through a 1-million-unit purchase program over a set period. “Establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve to bolster the U.S. dollar with a digital hard asset will secure our nation’s standing as the global financial leader for decades to come,” Lummis said at the time.

Her leadership could steer the subcommittee toward developing a more balanced regulatory framework, fostering innovation while ensuring market integrity.

Senator Tim Scott first hinted at the possibility of forming a crypto-focused subcommittee during the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium last August. “Wouldn’t it be kind of cool if we had a subcommittee on the Banking Committee… so that we bring more light to the conversation, more hearings on the industry, so that we get things done faster?” Scott remarked, highlighting his vision for streamlined legislative action.

This move comes as Scott replaces outgoing Chair Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who maintained a more critical stance on cryptocurrency. Brown frequently called for stricter oversight, citing concerns about crypto’s role in enabling illicit activities and circumventing sanctions. The change in leadership, coupled with the creation of a dedicated subcommittee, could lead to a friendlier regulatory environment for digital assets under the new administration.

Notably, the subcommittee will include other crypto-friendly lawmakers such as Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and newly elected Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), both vocal supporters of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Moreno, who defeated Brown in the November elections, has vowed to champion crypto-friendly policies in the Senate.

Crypto Regulators Depart Amid Policy Shifts

With the departures of key figures, the regulatory landscape for digital assets faces its most dramatic upheaval in years, just as a pro-crypto administration prepares to take office.