4h ago • cryptodaily
SEC Gensler attacks Coinbase
With banks on the edge of meltdown and Bitcoin about to embark on its bull market, has Gensler been told to bring Coinbase down, and with it a large proportion of retail investors who are buying crypto?
A broken system
The banking system is broken, and perhaps it has got to the point of no return, even given the massive sums of currency that central banks have used to try and prop the system up.
With the Federal Reserve saying that it will make all depositors whole in the U.S. should any more banks go down, the fractures have been papered over for now.
The public is now aware
What is obvious to the U.S. government though is that the public has been shocked at the weakness of the banking system, and has been made painfully aware of the apparent ease with which large banks can fall in only a matter of days.
It must also be aware that crypto has lost its largest 3 fiat on/off ramps in the form of Silvergate Bank, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature Bank, in just a few days, yet the crypto bull market appears to be starting regardless.
As banks fail, interest in crypto grows
For government and central banks the situation has become untenable. It knows that despite all efforts to keep banks afloat, more could potentially fail over the coming months as the Federal Reserve continues to keep interest rates high.
Institutions have been kept away from investing in Bitcoin in the main, given the extremely tight regulatory environment, but the general public is definitely still interested in crypto, and should crypto assets keep rising, the interest might become a flood.
Damping down ardour for crypto
Therefore, throwing a huge cloud of negativity and uncertainty over Coinbase could bring about a cooling of the public’s crypto investing ardour.
The serving of a Wells Notice on Coinbase by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the first step in a potential enforcement action. It doesn’t always result in an action but just serving it had the effect of toppling the Coinbase share price around 17% since yesterday’s close.
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said of the notice by the SEC that it was like a game of “pickleball” (the fastest growing new sport in the U.S.) whereby referees were from both football and soccer, and “one of them suddenly decides to change a call they made back in April 2021” (no doubt referring to the SEC’s approval of Coinbase going public).
Coinbase published a blog on Wednesday, in which it laid out its complaints against the SEC. In it, Coinbase quoted Federal Bankruptcy Judge Michael Wiles on the ongoing Voyager case. He said:
“Regulators themselves cannot seem to agree as to whether cryptocurrencies are commodities that may be subject to regulation by the CFTC, or whether they are securities […] subject to securities laws, or neither, or even on what criteria should be applied in making the decision. This uncertainty has persisted despite the fact that cryptocurrency exchanges have been around for a number of years.”
The stakes are incredibly high
Coinbase is potentially a very large pawn in an incredibly important chess game, with the future of finance as the prize. On the one side is the government, petrified over losing full control of ‘money’, along with the legacy banks, terrified of falling into obsolescence. On the other side is a dynamic and innovative industry which is gaining ground despite government and bank control of the mainstream media.
Crypto has much to offer the financial system, and the financial system can certainly repurpose itself and gain from what crypto has to offer. Enforcing control has never worked throughout history, and has only ever served to slow the demise of the enforcer. In a changing world where many more countries are scrambling to join the BRICS nations and trade in currencies that are backed by tangible commodities, the U.S. must reinvent itself in order to survive. Crypto could be that path.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
6h ago • cryptodaily
Kraken Suspends ACH Deposits And Withdrawals
Kraken has announced that it will suspend the Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposits and withdrawals as early as 27th March 2023.
ACH Deposits And Withdrawals Suspended
The cryptocurrency exchange also stated while announcing the news that it was looking for a new banking partner following the collapse of its previous banking partner, Silvergate Bank. The exchange stated in an email,
“As of 27th March 2023, Kraken clients will no longer be able to use ACH deposits and withdrawals through Silvergate. We are working to make ACH funding options available through alternative funding providers as soon as possible and will communicate details with clients as soon as we can.”
However, the company stressed that the developments would impact no other services. Additionally, Kraken has stated that it plans to resume ACH deposits and withdrawals as soon as it finds alternative partners.
What Are Automated Clearing House (ACH) Transfers?
Automated Clearing House (ACH) is a dedicated electronic network for financial transactions carried out in the United States. Deposits via ACH are available to users via Plaid, while ACH withdrawals are also available. Additionally, users can also make online banking purchases using the “Buy Crypto Widget” on the Kraken app and website. In its help section, Kraken stated that ACH transfers sent to the exchange using funding options apart from Plaid would be returned to users after five business days. Additionally, the exchange stated that it has little control of this process as it is mainly automated and up to the bank when it returns the funds to your account.
Kraken To Continue Banking Foray
Despite facing numerous challenges apart from the shuttering of Silvergate Bank, Kraken is set to continue its foray into banking. After paying a fine of $30 million and settling with the Securities and Exchange Commission, stopping its staking operations, the exchange is set to create its own banking institution. Called Kraken Bank, the crypto bank is the first to be awarded a US state banking charter. Additionally, it will be based on the Wyoming SPDI (Special Purpose Depository Institution) Framework.
The crypto bank was slated for launch last year before being delayed for several reasons. However, Kraken has since confirmed that it is progressing with the launch. In a recent podcast, Marco Santori, Kraken’s Chief Legal Officer, revealed the details around the launch. Santori also discussed the implications of increased regulatory scrutiny of crypto firms in the United States.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
21h ago • cryptodaily
Ripple’s XRP Rockets 20% Overnight
XRP, Ripple XRPLedger’s native token, saw a substantial overnight run attempting to hit its bullish target of $0.50 but ultimately fell short, reaching a high of $0.49.
XRP broke away from the general crypto market, recording massive gains and reaching its highest levels since November 2022. XRP, the native token of cross-border payment settlement firm Ripple’s XRPLedger, witnessed an incredible surge on Tuesday, breaking into a solo rally which yielded overnight gains of over 20%.
XRP Rides the Wave of Fed Hikes and Banking Failures
In response to the voluntary liquidation of Silvergate Bank and Silicon Valley Bank’s (SVB) collapse, crypto investors have become bullish on Bitcoin and altcoins. As one of the most prominent altcoins by market cap, XRP’s price surged on the back of the recent U.S. banking crisis and the anticipation of an interest rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve. The Fed’s consequent decision to inject liquidity into the economy and protect banks from collapse has been the catalyst to drive investors toward decentralization and cryptocurrencies.
XRP is currently trading at $0.44, representing gains of over 20% in the past 24 hours and 16% on the weekly chart.
Bullish Sentiment Surrounding SEC Case
XRP has also responded to recent developments in its case involving the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Analysts claim that investors have become more confident in the case’s outcome after a Letter Notice of Supplemental Authority was filed by the defendants in the case.
Attorney James Filian revealed in a tweet on March 20 that the defendants in the case sought to support their fair notice defense by referencing a separate legal case where Judge Michael Wiles of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York rejected the SEC’s argument, ruling that it was too vague.
The SEC objected to Binance.US’s bid to acquire Voyager Digital’s assets which included an asset known as VGX. The agency claimed that Voyager was an unregistered securities exchange and VGX has “aspects of a security”, to which it gave no further explanation.
Judge Wiles stated in his ruling:
I reject the contention that the Court, and the Debtors, somehow were supposed to figure out for themselves just what ‘aspects’ of the VGX token might be considered to be aspects of a ‘security,’ or just what particular activities of Binance.US allegedly could raise registration issues, and then somehow to offer evidence and legal argument on those points.
Ripple has continually asserted that the lack of clear guidance from the SEC regarding securities laws for digital assets has caused great confusion and uncertainty in the market and made it increasingly difficult for participants to understand how to comply with regulations.
A lot hinges on the outcome of the lawsuit, which is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the entire crypto asset industry, which has been stuck in confusion amid the lack of regulatory clarity.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has also managed to settle investor’s concerns after it was revealed that Ripple Labs had “some exposure” to SVB. Garlinghouse assured investors that the company “remains in a strong financial position despite its exposure to the failed bank.”
Obviously a lot is still unknown about what happens with SVB, and as is the case with many others, we hope to have more details soon – but rest assured, Ripple remains in a strong financial position.
— Brad Garlinghouse (@bgarlinghouse) March 12, 2023
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
1 day ago • cryptodaily
NFT Collection Metacraft Season Pass 2022 Price, Stats, and Review
What is an Metacraft Season Pass 2022?
Metacraft Season Pass 2022 are a non-fungible tokens collection built on the Ethereum network launched in 22 January, 2022. 9,995 items of the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection can now be viewed at OpenSea.
How many owners does the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection have?
The total number of owners has reached 5645 within 422 days since its release.
NFT Collection Metacraft Season Pass 2022 Price and Sales
The market capitalization of Metacraft Season Pass 2022 NFT collection is 0 ETH. Since created the Metacraft Season Pass 2022, 10,391 collections sales were made at an average price of 0.10 ETH (~$176.12 at the time of writing). This created a total volume in 1,053.995 ETH. The floor price of Metacraft Season Pass 2022 is 0.001 and the 30-day trading volume is kept at 0.78 ETH. The payment tokens of the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection are ETH, DAI, WETH, USDC.
Why are some NFTs expensive and others not?
NFTs are very new to the blockchain ecosystem and are still in their infancy. It is an emerging market meaning there is no historical data or precedence that can assist in determining the value of an NFT. NFT projects that started at the beginning of the market boom have garnered legitimacy purely because they had a first-mover advantage. These “established” NFT projects have also had the opportunity to improve and learn from the issues that have plagued the NFT market and have, in such a way, made themselves more valuable. When the NFT boom took flight, many people realized profits beyond their wildest dreams, creating a space for opportunists to take advantage of the market growth. While some NFTs can be considered digital art, created by an artist who recognizes the value NFTs can add to the creative space, others have been made purely out of greed and a need to exploit the immense market growth. NFT projects that stem from greed and exploitation often have no value and are ultimately garbage.
Is the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 Collection Over or Underpriced?
It is difficult to determine whether NFTs from the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection is overpriced or underpriced. Making such an assessment will become clearer when the market for NFTs and metaverses develops more actively. The price is also influenced by how the Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection is developed and promoted by its creators and community.
Metacraft Season Pass 2022 NFT Collection Examples
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Metacraft Season Pass 2022 fees
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Metacraft Season Pass 2022 editors list
The approved editor's accounts of Metacraft Season Pass 2022 collection are 0xbc915e937f50fab52338c67e874a27c0bcfbc367.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
2 days ago • zycrypto
‘Cryptos Should Stay Away From Volatile and Unstable Traditional Banking,’ Charles Hoskinson Says
Cryptocurrencies were dealt a huge blow last week when major banks key to the sector, Silvergate, Silicon Valley Bank, and Signature, collapsed abruptly, destabilizing the on-off ramp services for most digital asset companies. Following the events that caused the fall of the lenders, industry experts are urging the digital asset community to look beyond the […]
2 days ago • cryptodaily
Flagstar to Take Over Signature Bank's Deposits
Signature Bank is again in the news a week after the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) shut down the bank in order to prevent a domino effect from Silicon Valley Bank's implosion last March 9.
The NYDFS initially shut down the bank as part of a preventive measure in order to protect depositors and ensure that customers get their deposits back. The next step was the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announcement yesterday March 19 that Signature Bank's deposits and loans will be taken over by Michigan-based Flagstar Bank. The agreement will see $38.4 billion worth of deposits and $12.9 billion in loans taken over by Flagstar.
This seems to be part of a bigger plan to combat the banking crisis that seems to be looming over the United States and prevent its further escalation. It might be recalled that a recent economic analysis on the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse said that as much as 186 banks in the US are at risk of insolvency. The Federal Reserve then announced a swap line network with the central banks of Japan, England, Canada, Switzerland, as well as the European Central Bank. How this all might unfold is still up for speculation. SVB's collapse caused a ripple effect in the crypto industry, while in the traditional financial sector, this effect was most notable in Switzerland, with the impact felt on Credit Suisse.
As for whether cryptocurrency deposits will be affected, the FDIC has clarified that the deal does not include Signature's digital asset deposits. Previously, the agency has also stated that the decision for Signature's closure was not in any way related to cryptocurrency. But it should be noted that Signature, as well as SVB and Silvergate were among the top banks providing services to the crypto sector. Whatever the FDIC's motives are for Signature's closure and whether it will eventually include crypto deposits or not, the whole debacle just might point to a more optimistic view of cryptocurrency as an alternative to the traditional banking system, helmed as it is by the United States.
The relationship between banking regulation and crypto firms has been a subject of contention for some time now. Fiduciary policies have often been at odds with the decentralization and freedom that cryptocurrencies promise. While many crypto firms have sought to distance themselves from traditional banks, others have increasingly embraced banking services, leading to accusations of a "sellout" within the crypto community.
Historically, there has been an antagonistic relationship between crypto and banks, dating back to the inception of Bitcoin. Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, inscribed a message on the genesis block, referencing the UK Chancellor's bailout for banks: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks."
This message itself underscores the distrust of centralized financial institutions and the need for a decentralized alternative. As more crypto firms partner with banks or even become part of the banking system themselves, there is a growing concern that the original vision of cryptocurrencies is being compromised. By aligning with banks, these firms risk undermining the very principles that made cryptocurrencies attractive in the first place: decentralization, financial autonomy, and resistance to censorship.
On the other hand, proponents of these partnerships argue that the integration of crypto services into the traditional financial sector is necessary for mass adoption and mainstream acceptance. They maintain that a balance can be struck between the regulatory demands of banking authorities and the unique features of cryptocurrencies.Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Opinions stated herein are solely of the author's, and hence do not represent or reflect CryptoDaily's position on the matter. The author has no stakes in any of the digital assets and securities mentioned, and does not have any significant hold of own any cryptocurrency or token discussed.
3 days ago • cryptodaily
Bitcoin sails on upwards unperturbed by bank collapses
After losing 3 bank providers for the crypto industry in quick succession, Bitcoin has continued to move up in price regardless.
Where is the crypto price plunge?
It might have been thought that to all intents and purposes crypto would have plumbed the depths in price, given that the sector lost its 3 biggest fiat on/off ramps in the space of just several days.
When the FDIC took over and shuttered Signature bank, the government, its regulators, and the banking industry, must have breathed a massive sigh of relief while thinking that at least this drastic action will have put paid to the crypto sector, at least for the time being.
However, nothing of the kind appears to have happened as yet. Bitcoin is still serenely climbing higher, having got to $28,200 at time of going to press, and is seemingly ready to take on the next resistance at around $28,700.
Gold, a barometer of the failing banking system
Stock markets have opened this morning and Gold has just crossed the $2,000 level. The all-time-high at around $2,077 is surely ready to be broken. One obvious reason for this is that Gold is real money, and not a fiat paper currency that loses its value over time.
Gold also has no counterparty risk, and just like Bitcoin, it doesn’t need any middlemen to be able to fulfil a contract. It is not the liability of anyone or any entity, and no matter what happens economically, it will hold its value, just like it’s been doing for millenia.
Bitcoin is Gold, and some …
Bitcoin has the same attributes as Gold, with the addition that it is far more scarce. It is digital, so it can be sent to anyone worldwide in a very short time, and the fees for doing so are very small.
It is perfectly portable, and a holder will have access to it no matter where in the world they might go. It crosses national borders without any government, their agencies, or banks being able to stop it.
Priceless and difficult to obtain
These attributes are so valuable as to be almost priceless to the individual who wants to protect themselves from the appalling excesses of the fiat-backed monetary system.
Only the direct intervention of central banks has managed to prop up the banking system for now. Trillions of dollars in value have been promised or given to failing banks, further robbing ordinary people of their purchasing power.
How much longer the system can continue to endure is anyone’s guess, but fail it will. Bitcoin, Gold, and Silver are the only sound monies. Obtaining them is going to become ever more difficult.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
5 days ago • cryptodaily
Banking Crisis Shows Risks of Crypto: RBI Governor
Shaktikanta Das, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has said the “ongoing U.S. banking crisis” clearly shows the risks crypto poses to the financial system.
The head of the RBI, Shaktikanta Das, has said that the current banking crisis in the United States clearly shows the risks that cryptocurrencies pose to the financial system. Das’ statement echoes the controversial comments he made in December, arguing that should crypto be left to grow, it might cause the next financial crisis.
Das commented on the current banking turmoil in the U.S. at the 17th K P Hormis Commemorative Lecture on Friday, where he said:
The ongoing U.S. banking crisis drives home the importance of robust regulators, sustainable growth and clearly shows the risks of private cryptocurrencies to the financial system.
The Governor’s comments obviously refer to the collapse of several crypto-friendly banks in the U.S. over the past weeks. On Sunday, New York State financial regulators announced that it had shut down Signature Bank. Signature has several clients in the crypto space.
The collapse of Signature comes amid the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank (SBV), which was closed down by regulators just days prior. Earlier in the month, the crypto-focused bank, Silvergate, shut down operations after struggling to stay afloat in the aftermath of FTX.
Indian Economy Remains Resilient
Das further highlighted the need for prudent asset-liability management, regular stress tests, and building up capital buffers. He claims that India’s overall external debt is under control.
At the height of the pandemic, we kept on highlighting the need to build up adequate capital. I am happy to say that almost all the Indian banks took the message and kept additional capital.
The Governor’s speech primarily focused on India’s G20 presidency and advocated for a more concerted effort by the Group of 20 to assist those nations that face external debt due to the U.S.’s strengthening currency. He reassured the Indian government that the country has a stable financial system and has passed the inflation peak. He added that as India controls its external debt, the rising dollar does not threaten the country.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
5 days ago • cryptodaily
Coinbase Plans To Set Up Crypto Trading Platform Outside The US
According to a Bloomberg report, Coinbase is exploring the option of setting up a crypto trading platform outside the United States of America as part of an aggressive expansion campaign.
As of now, there is no clarity on where the new entity will be based.
A New Crypto Trading Platform
According to the report, Coinbase has already discussed setting up a platform based outside the US, where it has its current headquarters, with some of its institutional clients, market makers, and investment firms. However, there is no clarity about the nature of Coinbase’s overseas operations or where it would be based. Coinbase, apart from its headquarters in the United States, has a strong presence in Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Switzerland, and the Netherlands.
Along with the authorization to operate in the United States, Coinbase holds licenses to operate in Italy, Germany, Ireland, and the Netherlands, along with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The exchange is also in the middle of procuring additional registrations and licenses in other major markets to comply with local regulations.
Move To Drive Growth?
There is considerable speculation about why Coinbase is looking to international markets. Some believe that the exchange is moving and expanding internationally to keep pace with its rivals, some of whom have gained considerable traction in international markets. Coinbase is currently the largest cryptocurrency exchange in the United States but is facing strong competition from the likes of Binance in the global markets.
Earlier this month, Coinbase announced that it had updated its retail platform in Singapore as a result of a strategic partnership with Standard Chartered bank. The partnership with the bank would allow Coinbase customers to move funds to and from their accounts via local banks. As a result of the partnership, Coinbase customers based in Singapore can cash in or cash out of their exchange accounts using local bank transfers for free, allowing customers to gain more control and flexibility over their assets. Before the partnership, Coinbase customers were forced to use debit or credit cards to transact with the exchange.
The CEO of Coinbase Singapore, and its regional director, Hassan Ahmed, stated,
“Southeast Asia is a crypto-forward region with a lot of demand for holding and using crypto in markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia, as well as a hotbed of innovation for trends like Web3 gaming such as Vietnam”.
Or Is Regulatory Scrutiny The Reason?
However, there is also speculation that the move was forced on Coinbase as regulatory authorities in the US looked to clamp down on the crypto firms for their perceived role in the ongoing banking crisis. Recently, three major banks in the United States, Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate Bank, and Signature Bank, failed, leaving a huge impact on depositors.
In recent months, regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), have come down hard on crypto firms for staking services offered in the US. Coinbase also faces banking troubles after it emerged that around $240 million in corporate cash balances are stuck with Signature Bank. Despite the clampdown, Coinbase, in a communication with users, stated that its staking program would continue.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
7 days ago • coindesk
Silvergate Was Not Cut Off From Loans, FHLB Says
The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, the bank that supplied $4.3 billion to Silvergate late last year, did not force Silvergate to repay the advances which have been rumored to be the reason why the crypto-friendly bank had to go into voluntary liquidation, it said.