Connect with us

Crypto

Smaller Investors Creep Back Toward Crypto

Published

on

Smaller Investors Creep Back Toward Crypto

Everyday investors are returning to cryptocurrency, though with less enthusiasm than before.

That’s according to a Sunday (Feb. 18) report by Bloomberg News, which notes that the largest American crypto exchange, Coinbase, saw a 60% year-over-year jump in consumer transaction revenue during its most recent quarter, and a 80% increase from quarter to quarter.

Meanwhile, the report said, Robinhood, which is focused on retail users, saw crypto notional volumes jump by 242% in December from a year ago.

The report argues these are the latest indicators that “mom-and-pop” crypto enthusiasts, who lost billions when the market plummeted in 2022, could be returning to the space in the wake of last month’s launch of U.S. exchange-traded funds investing directly in Bitcoin. 

Bitcoin’s price has more than doubled in the last year, and the thought of it climbing even higher may be making consumers forget how volatile crypto can be, the report said.

Advertisement

“There are signs that the retail audience is starting to get back into the market, but not nearly to the extent of the last bull market yet,” Kyle Doane, a trader at Arca, told Bloomberg. “Even crypto stocks like COIN and miners are exhibiting more volatility than many tokens.”

As PYMNTS wrote last week, Coinbase’s 2023 fiscal year numbers — when put up against its fourth quarter financial results — underscored the difference a year can make in the crypto landscape: The company’s 2023 transaction revenue was $1.5 billion, down 36% year over year, and total trading volume was $468 billion, down 44% from the previous year. 

Consumer trading volume for the full year 2023 was $75 billion, down 55% YoY, and institutional trading volume was $393 billion, down 41% YoY. The key driver of these declines was “multi-year lows in crypto asset volatility,” executives told investors. 

However, “the exchange’s Q4 numbers told a more positive story about the crypto ecosystem,” that report said.

Coinbase’s Q4 consumer transaction revenue came to $493 million, a 79% increase quarter over quarter, while the exchange’s Q4 consumer trading volume was $29 billion, up 164% from the previous. That’s notably better than the U.S. spot market, which rose 90% over the same period, executives noted.

Advertisement

“Most customers on our platform own multiple crypto assets, not just bitcoin,” Coinbase CFO Alesia Haas told investors.

 

Crypto

White House Convenes Crypto Leaders, Banks, Policymakers for Market Structure Talks

Published

on

White House Convenes Crypto Leaders, Banks, Policymakers for Market Structure Talks
Bipartisan momentum is building behind U.S. crypto legislation as the White House intensifies talks with industry, banks, and lawmakers, signaling renewed efforts to break a regulatory stalemate and advance long-awaited market structure rules.
Continue Reading

Crypto

Perry and Jackson police partner to investigate cryptocurrency crimes

Published

on

Perry and Jackson police partner to investigate cryptocurrency crimes
play

Perry and Jackson township police are partnering to investigate crimes related to cryptocurrency. The cooperation has already resulted in the recovery of stolen assets, police say.

Perry Township Police Chief Bryan D. Taylor announced Feb. 10 that as part of the collaboration, Jackson Township police will provide certified cryptocurrency investigative support for cases originating in Perry.

He wrote in a social media post that the partnership allows Perry police to leverage specialized expertise in an evolving area of financial crime, ensuring more thorough investigations and improved outcomes for victims.

Advertisement

“This partnership has already produced positive results,” Taylor wrote. “In a recent case originating in Perry Township, investigative efforts led by Jackson Township Police Department resulted in the successful recovery of cryptocurrency funds, which were returned to the victim. Recovering stolen digital assets is often complex and challenging, making this outcome especially meaningful for the victim and the community.”

He extended appreciation to the Jackson Township Police Department and Jackson Detective Jeffrey Aynes “for their professionalism, technical expertise and dedication throughout the investigation. Their commitment to collaborative law enforcement, and victim-focused outcomes exemplifies the strength of regional partnerships.

“Cryptocurrency crimes present unique challenges that require specialized training and expertise,” he said. “This partnership strengthens our ability to pursue these cases effectively and reinforces our shared commitment to serving and protecting our communities.”

Advertisement

He wrote that the Perry Township Police Department remains committed to adapting to emerging crime trends, using partnerships and pursuing justice for victims of financial crimes.

Continue Reading

Crypto

SoFi Technologies Is Making Significant Moves in the Cryptocurrency Market. If History Repeats, Investors Can See Supercharged Returns. | The Motley Fool

Published

on

SoFi Technologies Is Making Significant Moves in the Cryptocurrency Market. If History Repeats, Investors Can See Supercharged Returns. | The Motley Fool

This innovative fintech enterprise is going full steam ahead in the world of blockchain technology.

When asked what they see as the most innovative industries, investors probably won’t pick financial services. But SoFi Technologies (SOFI +2.30%) is changing that narrative. Its monster growth proves how well it’s resonating with customers.

The fintech stock is making an aggressive push into the cryptocurrency market. If history repeats, shareholders may enjoy supercharged returns.

Image source: Getty Images.

SoFi is putting its foot on the crypto gas pedal

Just in the final six months of 2025, SoFi made some big moves that indicate management’s heightened focus on blockchain technology.

Advertisement

In August, SoFi announced an exciting partnership with Lightspark to offer a new capability. SoFi Pay customers can send fast and cheap cross-border payments to more than 30 countries within the app. These transactions use the Bitcoin Lightning network.

With SoFi Crypto, the business launched crypto trading in November, allowing its members to buy, sell, and hold certain digital assets. This is the first time a nationally chartered, federally insured bank made such a move.

In December, SoFi introduced its fully reserved stablecoin, called SoFiUSD, leaning into one of the hottest trends in the digital asset industry. This initiative “will enable SoFi to serve as a stablecoin infrastructure provider for banks, fintechs, and enterprise platforms,” according to the press release.

“Blockchain is a technology super cycle that will fundamentally change finance, not just in payments, but across every area of money,” Chief Executive Officer Anthony Noto said. He has high hopes.

Looking ahead, crypto-backed lending, institutional trading and custody, and business banking are all focus areas.

Advertisement
SoFi Technologies Stock Quote

Today’s Change

(2.30%) $0.48

Current Price

$21.34

There is long-term upside for investors

Critics can argue that SoFi is getting distracted by an unproven technology. Skeptics might say that the company should focus on core revenue generators. This includes lending and fee-based banking activities. But investors have to let the leadership team do what it thinks is best. After all, SoFi has been impressively successful up to this point.

There is clearly upside for investors if things work out. The crypto market is currently in a downturn. Its market cap of $2.4 trillion is 44% below its peak from October (as of Feb. 9). However, the trailing five-year gain of 104% is still notable.

Assuming the crypto market continues its long-term ascent and is much more valuable in five or 10 years, it puts SoFi in a wonderful position to drive durable growth. Should the digital asset ecosystem continue to grow, it will fuel confidence that the industry is here to stay, supporting the belief that blockchain technology has real use within financial services.

With more adoption of SoFi’s related endeavors, the financials could get a boost, providing a tailwind to the stock price.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending