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US Senators Demand SEC Halt Crypto ETP Approvals Due to Disclosure Concerns

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US Senators Demand SEC Halt Crypto ETP Approvals Due to Disclosure Concerns

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is facing
pressure from Democratic senators to halt the approval of new cryptocurrency
exchange-traded products (ETPs), citing concerns over risks to retail
investors.

According to a letter written to the regulator on
March 11, Senators Jack Reed and Laphonza Butler emphasize the dangers posed by
inadequate disclosures by brokers and insufficient liquidity in major
cryptocurrencies.

The senators mentioned: “We write to urge the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take steps to protect investors
following its recent approval of the listing and trading of certain spot
Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs).”

“The SEC’s approvals have provided a green light
for Wall Street to sell volatile cryptocurrency investments to ordinary
Americans through their brokerage and retirement accounts.”

Senators Reed and Butler highlighted findings from a
survey by FINRA revealing that 70% of brokers’ communications with retail
investors violated fair disclosure rules.

Specifically, the legislators expressed alarm over
brokers falsely equating cryptocurrency with cash and providing misleading
explanations of cryptocurrency risks. Such deficiencies raise concerns about
incomplete and deceptive information regarding Bitcoin ETPs.

Risk Factors

The senators argue that labeling spot Bitcoin ETFs as such obscures important characteristics,
potentially misleading retail investors. They stressed the need for investors
to understand the differences between ETPs and traditional funds.

Additionally, Reed and Butler expressed skepticism
about the integrity of cryptocurrencies , particularly highlighting Bitcoin’s
vulnerabilities and susceptibility to fraudulent schemes. They warned of the risks retail investors could face
from ETPs linked to cryptocurrencies, especially those prone to price
manipulation.

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In January, the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs.
This approval happened after years of anticipation and rejections, signaling a
significant shift in how investors can access and engage with cryptocurrencies
on traditional financial platforms.

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs simplifies retail
investors’ access to cryptocurrencies, enabling them to trade crypto through
their brokerage accounts. This eliminates the need for separate crypto exchanges
and mitigates risks associated with direct holdings, such as security breaches
and fraud.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is facing
pressure from Democratic senators to halt the approval of new cryptocurrency
exchange-traded products (ETPs), citing concerns over risks to retail
investors.

According to a letter written to the regulator on
March 11, Senators Jack Reed and Laphonza Butler emphasize the dangers posed by
inadequate disclosures by brokers and insufficient liquidity in major
cryptocurrencies.

The senators mentioned: “We write to urge the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to take steps to protect investors
following its recent approval of the listing and trading of certain spot
Bitcoin exchange-traded products (ETPs).”

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“The SEC’s approvals have provided a green light
for Wall Street to sell volatile cryptocurrency investments to ordinary
Americans through their brokerage and retirement accounts.”

Senators Reed and Butler highlighted findings from a
survey by FINRA revealing that 70% of brokers’ communications with retail
investors violated fair disclosure rules.

Specifically, the legislators expressed alarm over
brokers falsely equating cryptocurrency with cash and providing misleading
explanations of cryptocurrency risks. Such deficiencies raise concerns about
incomplete and deceptive information regarding Bitcoin ETPs.

Advertisement

Risk Factors

The senators argue that labeling spot Bitcoin ETFs as such obscures important characteristics,
potentially misleading retail investors. They stressed the need for investors
to understand the differences between ETPs and traditional funds.

Additionally, Reed and Butler expressed skepticism
about the integrity of cryptocurrencies , particularly highlighting Bitcoin’s
vulnerabilities and susceptibility to fraudulent schemes. They warned of the risks retail investors could face
from ETPs linked to cryptocurrencies, especially those prone to price
manipulation.

In January, the SEC approved 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs.
This approval happened after years of anticipation and rejections, signaling a
significant shift in how investors can access and engage with cryptocurrencies
on traditional financial platforms.

The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs simplifies retail
investors’ access to cryptocurrencies, enabling them to trade crypto through
their brokerage accounts. This eliminates the need for separate crypto exchanges
and mitigates risks associated with direct holdings, such as security breaches
and fraud.

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Illegal Cryptocurrency Mixers Targeted: Operators Charged with Money Laundering – Regtechtimes

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Illegal Cryptocurrency Mixers Targeted: Operators Charged with Money Laundering – Regtechtimes

A federal grand jury in Georgia recently indicted three Russian nationals for their involvement in running illegal cryptocurrency mixer services that helped criminals launder money. The indictment, announced on January 7, 2025, involves Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, and Anton Vyachslavovich Tarasov. These individuals are accused of operating two online services called Blender.io and Sinbad.io, which helped criminals hide the source of their illegal funds.

A cryptocurrency mixer is a tool used to mix cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, making it harder for authorities to trace the origin of digital money. These services are attractive to criminals involved in activities such as ransomware attacks and fraud, as they allow them to send funds anonymously.

Ostapenko and Oleynik were arrested in December 2024, while Tarasov is still on the run. The three men face serious charges related to money laundering and operating unlicensed financial businesses. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison for laundering money and up to five years for running an unlicensed business. The indictment follows the earlier shutdown of the Sinbad.io service after it was seized by law enforcement in 2023.

The Role of Blender.io and Sinbad.io

Blender.io and Sinbad.io were both cryptocurrency mixers, meaning they offered a way to send digital money anonymously. For a fee, these services allowed criminals to send their funds without revealing where the money came from. This feature made these mixers attractive to those who wanted to hide stolen funds or profits from illegal activities, such as ransomware attacks, fraud, and even theft of virtual currencies.

Extradited for Fraud: Do Kwon Faces Justice After $40B Crypto Crash

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Blender.io operated from 2018 to 2022 and was known for its promise of anonymity. It advertised a “No Logs Policy,” meaning it claimed to have no records of transactions. The site also reassured users that no personal details were needed to use the service. This allowed criminals to send and receive Bitcoin without leaving a trace of their identity.

After Blender.io was shut down in 2022, the defendants launched Sinbad.io, which offered similar services. This service continued until law enforcement authorities took it down in November 2023, marking a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime. The shutdowns of both services were the result of coordinated efforts by authorities from several countries, including the U.S., the Netherlands, Finland, and Australia.

Both Blender.io and Sinbad.io were not only used by ordinary criminals but were also linked to state-sponsored hacking groups. For instance, Blender.io was used by North Korean hackers to launder funds stolen through cyberattacks. Similarly, Sinbad.io had connections to cybercriminals who targeted businesses and individuals. These cryptocurrency mixers served as a vital tool in helping these criminals profit from their illegal activities, making it harder for authorities to trace the stolen money back to its original source.

Crypto-currency Scam Wipes Out $425,000 from Ohio Man’s Retirement Fund

International Cooperation in Combating Cybercrime

The investigation into Blender.io and Sinbad.io showcases the power of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime. The indictment was made possible by the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies from different countries, including the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the Netherlands’ Financial Intelligence Service, and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation. Their collaboration helped track down the operators of these illegal services and ultimately led to their takedown.

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In addition to the U.S. authorities, international agencies like the Australian Federal Police and Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation played key roles in the investigation. Their contributions were essential in identifying the people responsible for running these cryptocurrency mixers and disrupting their illegal activities.

The importance of international cooperation cannot be overstated. Cybercrime often crosses national borders, and without the efforts of multiple countries working together, it would be much harder to stop these crimes. The arrests of Ostapenko and Oleynik, along with the ongoing search for Tarasov, send a strong message to cybercriminals around the world: law enforcement agencies are committed to identifying and holding accountable those who operate illicit financial networks.

This case highlights how dangerous these cryptocurrency mixers can be in enabling serious criminal activities. By breaking down these networks, authorities are making it harder for criminals to profit from their wrongdoing, while also protecting public safety and national security.

To read the original order please visit DOJ website

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US Rep. Bryan Steil to chair House cryptocurrency subcommittee

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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.”

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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.

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

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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

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

A Deep Dive Into the 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins For 2025

  1. 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.

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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.

Which Crypto To Buy Right Now? 10 Best Cryptocurrency Coins For 2025
  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

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  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

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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.

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