Crypto

First Bitcoin and now ETH ETFs: Where is the market headed next?

Published

2 years ago

July 20, 2024

First Bitcoin and now ETH ETFs: Where is the market headed next?

ETH ETF products are expected to start trading this summer, fueling ongoing market optimism. Institutional market data provider Kaiko has released a report, projecting that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin following the launch of spot Ether ETFs. The current conversation centers on whether Ethereum can reach $5,000 by the end of 2024.

This year, spot crypto ETFs have dominated market spaces, attracting billions from investors. The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 11 sparked renewed market optimism, paving the way for Ethereum. The success of Bitcoin products has increased investor interest in Ethereum, driving crypto prices to new highs.

Why is the market bullish about the future of Ethereum?

Just as the current web is the result of countless contributions from a diverse range of programmers, Ethereum is the product of the innovative efforts of thousands of individuals, each bringing unique ideas to the table. These pioneers are working tirelessly on various facets of blockchain technology, decentralized applications, smart contracts, and more. Their collective ingenuity and dedication are what drive Ethereum’s continuous evolution, making it a powerful, decentralized platform that is reshaping industries and paving the way for the future of digital finance and beyond.

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Traditional investors are increasingly drawn to Ethereum because of the smart contract functionality and the numerous decentralized applications (dApps) in its ecosystem. The Ethereum ecosystem hosts over 4,000 dApps and millions of smart contracts. With the growing adoption and utility of Layer 2 solutions within the Ethereum ecosystem, these figures are expected to increase significantly over the next few years.

According to the latest data, the total value locked (TVL) in Ethereum Layer 2 networks has surged to an all-time high of $47 billion, marking a tenfold increase since March this year. This milestone underscores the growing importance of Layer 2 solutions within the Ethereum ecosystem. Arbitrum One leads with a TVL of nearly $19 billion, followed by OP Mainnet and Base, each exceeding $6 billion. Other networks, including Blast, Mantle, Linea, and Starknet, also boast TVLs surpassing $1 billion.

Can Ethereum reach $5,000 by the end of 2024?

The introduction of ETFs is pivotal as they attract institutional investors who bring substantial capital and a long-term investment outlook, thereby contributing to market stability. This influx is expected to significantly accelerate the growth of the asset class.The Bitcoin ETFs have already set a positive narrative in the market, with over $50 billion invested in 10 newly launched Bitcoin ETFs within five months of their introduction.Institutions already invested in Bitcoin ETFs are likely to diversify into these newly approved Ethereum ETFs. If Ethereum ETFs experience similar success, substantial institutional investments combined with bullish speculative trading could drive ETH prices to new all-time highs.

According to media sources, VanEck, a global fund manager, expressed optimism regarding the future potential of Ethereum Layer 2 networks. The firm forecasts that these networks could achieve a valuation exceeding $1 trillion by the year 2030.

Moreover, Ethereum’s upcoming Pectra upgrade, scheduled for Q1 2025, is anticipated to be a significant milestone for the network. This upgrade will further help Ethereum maintain its leadership in dApps and smart contracts, advancing the broader blockchain industry.

Building on the success of the Dencun upgrade, Pectra aims to enhance Ethereum’s efficiency and functionality through various Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), notably EIP-3074. This proposal introduces features such as grouped transactions, allowing users to sign into a transaction only once regardless of its complexity, thereby improving transaction management and wallet usability. Furthermore, Pectra aims to streamline network operations, reduce transaction costs, and simplify complexities. A notable aspect of EIP-3074 is its “social recovery” feature, enabling users to recover access to their crypto wallets without relying on seed phrases.

Ethereum has been on a strong bullish trajectory, currently trading around $4,000. Its current momentum suggests it is well-positioned to sustain and potentially continue its upward rally.

Overall positive signs for the crypto market

With the introduction of Bitcoin and ETH ETFs, the floodgates have opened for more crypto exchange-traded products, including the potential for a Solana-based ETF. This surge in Crypto ETFs marks a shift in perception, transitioning crypto from being perceived solely as a speculative asset to becoming a foundational element of investment portfolios.The increased involvement of financial institutions adds further credibility to crypto assets.

This broader acceptance is expected to drive mainstream adoption and reflects a maturing regulatory environment, which in turn contributes to legitimizing the entire digital asset space.

(The author Sumit Gupta is Co-founder, CoinDCX. Views are own)

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times)

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Crypto

Debate Brews Over Crypto Kiosks As Lawmakers Consider Potential Ban

Published

11 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Debate Brews Over Crypto Kiosks As Lawmakers Consider Potential Ban

Lawmakers Consider Crypto ATM Ban as Scam Losses Rise — Including in Central Minnesota

Minnesota lawmakers are considering banning cryptocurrency kiosks as scam losses continue to rise across the state—including in Central Minnesota.

There are currently about 350 crypto kiosks operating statewide, located in places like gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. These machines allow users to deposit cash and convert it into cryptocurrency, which can then be sent electronically.

Law enforcement officials say scammers are increasingly directing victims to use these kiosks because once the money is sent, it is extremely difficult—if not impossible—to recover.

Police say scams often begin with a phone call, text, or online message. In many cases, scammers pose as government officials, tech support workers, or even romantic partners. Victims are eventually told to withdraw cash and deposit it into a crypto kiosk to “protect” their money or resolve a supposed emergency.

Central Minnesota has seen similar cases. Because St. Cloud serves as a regional hub for shopping and services, crypto kiosks are available locally, giving scammers access points to target area residents.

Some say kiosks also serve legitimate users

Despite the concerns, crypto kiosks do offer legitimate benefits. They allow people to purchase cryptocurrency quickly using cash, without needing a traditional bank account, credit card, or online exchange. Supporters say this can make cryptocurrency more accessible, especially for people who prefer cash transactions or have limited access to banking services.

Crypto kiosks can also be used to send money quickly, including international transfers, without relying on traditional wire services. Some users view them as a convenient way to invest in cryptocurrency or move money electronically without going through a bank.

Companies that operate the machines say the vast majority of transactions are legitimate and that kiosks include warnings about scams. They argue the focus should be on stopping scammers, not banning the machines entirely.

Lawmakers weighing next steps

Supporters of the proposed ban say removing the kiosks could help prevent fraud and protect vulnerable residents, particularly older adults. Law enforcement officials told lawmakers that crypto kiosk scams have resulted in significant financial losses statewide.

Minnesota passed regulations in 2024 requiring some safeguards, including limits on deposits for new users and refund requirements in certain fraud cases. But officials say scammers have continued to adapt.

The bill remains under consideration at the Capitol.

In the meantime, authorities urge Central Minnesota residents to be cautious. Officials emphasize that legitimate government agencies, law enforcement, and businesses will never ask someone to deposit cash into a cryptocurrency kiosk.

As cryptocurrency becomes more common, lawmakers are now weighing whether the risks to consumers outweigh the convenience and accessibility these machines provide.

10 (More) Hilariously Bad Google Reviews of Central MN Landmarks

Crypto

Cryptocurrency Investment Fraud: Bizman loses Rs 2.6 cr to crypto, investment fraud | Hyderabad News – The Times of India

Published

23 hours ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Hyderabad: A 69-year-old businessman from Somajiguda lost 2.65 crore allegedly in a cryptocurrency and stock investment fraud. Based on his complaint, Hyderabad Cyber Crime police have registered a case.The complainant was first contacted by a fraudster posing as Ramya Krishnan on Aug 30, 2025 through Facebook. She persuaded the victim to invest in a cryptocurrency and stock trading platform, Polyus Finance PFP Gold, hosted at the domain pfpgoldfx.vip, promising high returns to finance his proposed resort and apparel ventures.Fraudsters provided the victim a contact number for daily communication and sent screenshots showing notional profits credited in his wallet in USDT cryptocurrency. To build trust, the fraudster even allowed the victim a token withdrawal of 4,300 on Sept 12, 2025.Encouraged, the victim transferred over 2.65 crore in 10 transactions between Sept 10 and Dec 39, 2025 to various current accounts provided by the accused.When he attempted to withdraw his ‘earnings’, the accused demanded an additional 15% conversion commission. After he refused, the website became inaccessible and calls to the fraudsters went unanswered.Realising that he was duped, the victim filed an online report on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) before approaching the Cyber Crime police on Feb 25.Based on his complaint, a case was registered under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act and Sections 111(2)(b) (Organised crime), 318(4) (Cheating), 319(2) (Cheating by personation), 336(3) (Forgery for purpose of cheating), 338 (Forgery of valuable security, will, etc.) and 340(2) (Using as genuine a forged document or electronic record) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on Wednesday. Police were analysing financial transactions to identify and arrest the accused.

Crypto

Terror groups receive $1.7b. from Iran through Binance | The Jerusalem Post

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Terror groups receive .7b. from Iran through Binance | The Jerusalem Post

Iranians were able to access more than 1,500 Binance accounts last year, and $1.7 billion was transferred from two of them to terrorist proxies, The New York Times reported Monday.

That was a potential violation of global sanctions, the report said, citing company records and documents collected by internal investigators.

The cryptocurrency exchange site reportedly fired or suspended at least four employees cited in the internal investigation. The company blamed “violations of company protocol” relating to its clients’ data, the Times reported.

The report came days after The Jerusalem Post spoke with experts from blockchain intelligence platform NOMINIS.io about how the Iranian regime was evading Western sanctions through cryptocurrencies.

The regime maintains a steady income using cryptocurrency through oil sales to Russia and China, NOMINIS CEO Snir Levi said at the time.

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty to failing to implement a program to prevent money laundering, arrives for his sentencing in federal district court in Seattle, Washington. (credit: REUTERS/Deborah Bloom)

Regarding the latest scandal, he told the Post this week: “The latest allegations about Binance come months after the lawsuit by the victims’ families of October 7 – the ongoing Balva [versus] Binance case.

The majority of the allegations can be easily confirmed by on-chain data. There are thousands of cases where money has been sent and received to and from wallets that have clear connections to Iran.”

Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is being sued by the families of American victims and hostages of the October 7 massacre. He has been accused of knowingly enabling Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to transfer more than $1b. through its platform, including more than $50 million after the October 7 massacre.

Zhao pleaded guilty to anti-money-laundering violations in connection with Binance in 2023. US President Donald Trump pardoned him last October.

“They say what he did was not even a crime,” Trump told reporters last October. “It wasn’t a crime. That he was persecuted by the Biden administration, and so I gave him a pardon at the request of a lot of very good people.”

Binance representative Rachel Conlan said the accounts linked to the $1.7b. in Iranian transactions have been removed and the relevant authorities were informed.

“Any suggestion that Binance knowingly allowed sanctionable activity to continue unchecked is incorrect and defamatory,” she said, despite Zhao’s earlier admission of anti-money-laundering violations.

More than half a dozen compliance officials have left Binance, including a sanctions manager and the leader of the enterprise compliance team, over the past few months, the Times reported.

“No investigator was dismissed for raising compliance concerns or for reporting potential sanctions issues,” Conlan said in a statement to The Guardian.

Democrat senator opens inquiry into cryptocurrency company

While Conlan insisted there was no wrongdoing, US Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) opened an inquiry into Binance on Tuesday, seeking records of the company’s dealings in Hong Kong , where funds have previously been transferred in a network against sanctions.

“Binance appears to have ignored warnings and recommendations to prevent Iranian money-laundering schemes on its cryptocurrency exchange,” Blumenthal wrote in a letter to Binance co-chief executive Richard Teng.

“According to documents obtained by the Times and the Journal, Binance was even warned that Hexa Whale was financing terrorist organizations such as the Yemeni Houthis, and internal investigators found cryptocurrency transfers to wallets associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and payments to crew members of Russia’s sanctions-evading shadow fleet of oil tankers,” he wrote.

“Instead of actually preventing illicit use, Binance has sought to evade accountability and influence the White House through lobbying and a financial partnership with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), the cryptocurrency firm owned by the sons of President Trump and his special envoy Steve Witkoff… This influence campaign has worked: In May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that it was dismissing a lawsuit against Binance for lying to regulators and mishandling funds, followed in October by the stunning Presidential pardon of founder Changpeng Zhao.”

“The scale of the newly revealed illicit transfers – uncaught until nearly $2 billion flowed to sanctioned entities – and the unexplained firing of internal investigators call into question Binance’s compliance with American sanctions and banking laws, and its 2023 agreement to resolve the previous federal investigation,” Blumenthal wrote.