<h2>Semler Scientific Boosts Bitcoin Holdings, Sees BTC as Future Asset</h2>Semler Scientific has increased its&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> holdings to 1,058&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">BTC</a>, investing a total of $71 million, as part of a strategy to maximize stakeholder value. CEO Eric Semler emphasized a "laser-focused" approach in accumulating Bitcoin, particularly after a $2.6 million purchase post-third quarter.&nbsp;This strategy reflects a shift from traditional investments, aligning with a trend among corporations, like MicroStrategy, to view Bitcoin as a valuable asset class. With Bitcoin's recent price surge, Semler aims to leverage its deflationary characteristics to strengthen its financial position while providing stakeholders exposure to potential high-growth opportunities.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>UK Pension Scheme Allocates 3% to Bitcoin Investment</h2>A UK pension scheme has made a groundbreaking 3% allocation to Bitcoin, as reported by the firm&nbsp;<a href="https://cartwrightbenefits.co.uk/news_press_november_2024.html">Cartwright</a>. This decision follows a rigorous training and due diligence process, emphasizing a long-term investment strategy. Steve Robinson, head of investment implementation at Cartwright, noted that this move aims to lessen reliance on employer contributions.&nbsp;Although further details about the specific scheme remain undisclosed, this investment trend aligns with a broader shift among various pension funds globally, including recent cryptocurrency engagements by South Korea's pension service and Michigan's retirement system, signaling increasing institutional adoption of digital assets.<div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Michigan Pension Fund Makes $11 Million Ethereum ETF Investment</h2>The State of Michigan Retirement System has made history as the first U.S. state pension fund to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/762152/000076215224000013/xslForm13F_X02/InformationTable_09_30_24.xml">invest</a> $11 million in&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> ETFs, specifically Grayscale’s Ethereum Trust and Mini Trust. This investment includes around 460,000 shares in each, valued at approximately $10.07 million and $1.12 million, respectively.&nbsp;Notably, Michigan's $10 million investment in Ethereum ETFs surpasses its $7 million stake in Bitcoin ETFs, indicating a strategic shift toward digital assets. This move positions Michigan among the largest holders of Ethereum ETFs, reflecting a growing interest in cryptocurrencies within state pension fund strategies amidst broader market trends.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

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Semler, UK, and Michigan Funds Drive Major Crypto Investments

<h2>Global Dollar Stablecoin’s Ambitious Entrance&nbsp;</h2>Major names in crypto and fintech are making waves with the unveiling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://paxos.com/blog/introducing-global-dollar-network-an-open-network-to-accelerate-and-reward-global-stablecoin-adoption-driven-by-anchorage-digital-bullish-galaxy-digital-kraken-nuvei-paxos-and-robinhood/">Global Dollar Network</a>, a pioneering stablecoin initiative launched on November 1, 2024.&nbsp;Robinhood,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/kraken">Kraken</a>, Paxos, Galaxy Digital, Nuvei,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/bullish">Bullish</a>, and Anchorage Digital are spearheading this move with a core aim: to foster a globally interconnected ecosystem through the introduction of USDG, a stablecoin backed 1:1 by the US dollar and issued by Paxos from Singapore. Unlike its established competitors, USDG boasts a unique economic model designed to reshape the traditional profit structure.<figure class="image"><img src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1853561410615210003_20241105_234426_via_10015_io_11zon_728a2e4343.jpg" alt="tweet_1853561410615210003_20241105_234426_via_10015_io_11zon.jpg"><figcaption>Source: Paxos/ X</figcaption></figure>USDG’s compliance framework aligns seamlessly with the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s stablecoin standards rolled out in August 2023, reflecting the project’s commitment to regulatory alignment and transparency. This compliance stands out as an essential draw, providing stakeholders and users confidence in its stability and adherence to stringent financial norms.&nbsp;The stablecoin's reserves comprise a mix of dollar deposits, U.S. government securities, and other liquid assets, ensuring a robust mechanism for fiat redemption. DBS Bank, the largest in Southeast Asia by assets, is enlisted as the primary partner managing cash and custody services, reinforcing the initiative’s solid financial footing.Arjun Sethi, co-CEO of Kraken, highlighted USDG’s competitive edge, stating that it breaks conventional models by promoting a more equitable and inclusive stablecoin market. This sentiment was echoed by Charles Cascarilla, Paxos’ CEO, who described USDG as a “community token,” crafted with an income-sharing strategy that sets it apart from major players like&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">Tether</a> and Circle.&nbsp;Whereas these firms retain all interest income from reserves, USDG aims to distribute 97% of reserve-generated income back to network participants. This incentive-driven model is a radical shift, creating potential avenues for expanded adoption by organizations prioritizing mutual financial benefits.Operationally, the network has enlisted Robinhood, Galaxy Digital, Kraken, Anchorage Digital, Nuvei, and Bullish as foundational members. Their roles span strategic support, connectivity enhancement, and liquidity provision, underscoring the collaborative nature of the initiative.&nbsp;Anchorage Digital’s participation, with operations across all 50 U.S. states, extends USDG’s reach within U.S. regulatory frameworks. The network, currently launched on&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a>, plans future blockchain expansions, signaling adaptability in a dynamic regulatory and technological landscape.The current stablecoin landscape remains heavily controlled by Tether and Circle, with&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tether-usdt">USDT</a> holding around 69.53% of the total $84 billion stablecoin supply and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/usd-coin-usdc">USDC</a> accounting for a substantial share on Ethereum. USDG’s arrival, with its income-sharing blueprint, could disrupt this duopoly.&nbsp;Its community-centric design is poised to attract institutional and enterprise players seeking greater transparency and shared financial gains. Paxos’ experience with stablecoin products like Pax Dollar (USDP) and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/paypal-usd-pyusd">PayPal USD</a> (<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/paypal-usd-pyusd">PYUSD</a>) further backs the initiative’s reputation for regulatory compliance and stability.This strategic foray underscores a broader trend in the financial industry, where established institutions and crypto firms gravitate towards community-focused models. By integrating transparent, regulation-compliant blockchain solutions, the Global Dollar Network aims to strengthen the bridge between traditional finance and blockchain technology.&nbsp;The invitation-only nature of this network, targeting qualified custodians, fintechs, and exchanges, hints at a controlled and strategic approach to growth, enhancing the value proposition for early participants in an evolving global market.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot distributing glowing tokens on futuristic trading platform

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Robinhood, Kraken, and Paxos Unveil Global Dollar Stablecoin Network

<h2>Renewable Energy Powers Telekom’s Mining Ambitions</h2>Deutsche Telekom, Europe’s largest telecommunications provider, is making headlines with its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/test-bitcoin-mining-infrastructure-for-surplus-energy-1082684">strategic entry</a> into&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> mining. This initiative, branded “Digital Monetary Photosynthesis,” signals a significant step towards integrating renewable energy with cutting-edge blockchain technology.&nbsp;Announced on November 11, the pilot project will be established in Backnang, Germany, on the premises of Riva, a manufacturer specializing in metal and glass facades. The operations will be managed by Metis Solutions, while Deutsche Telekom’s subsidiary MMS will oversee the mining rigs. Financial institution Bankhaus Metzler is also on board, tasked with conducting test runs and data analysis.The timing of this project is noteworthy, arriving just a week after the 16th anniversary of Bitcoin’s white paper. Deutsche Telekom’s move highlights an increasing mainstream adoption of the pioneering blockchain network, underscoring its evolving utility beyond traditional economic roles.&nbsp;The mining venture seeks to leverage surplus energy from renewable sources—energy that would otherwise go unused—to power its operations. This sustainable approach aligns with the global push towards greener practices and offers an innovative solution to harness energy fluctuations inherent in renewable power.Oliver Nyderle, who leads digital trust and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/web3-companies-projects">Web3</a> infrastructure at Telekom MMS, emphasized the potential of Bitcoin mining to play a regulatory role in Germany’s energy grid. Citing the challenges posed by variable energy sources such as wind turbines, Nyderle stated that surplus power could be efficiently converted into digital assets through Bitcoin mining, a concept the company dubs “digital monetary photosynthesis.”&nbsp;This project, conducted in partnership with Bankhaus Metzler and RIVA Engineering GmbH, is set to explore how Bitcoin miners could contribute to stabilizing the power grid.While Deutsche Telekom first outlined its intentions in June, this latest announcement sheds light on its broader ambitions. Beyond the current mining project, Bankhaus Metzler hinted at potential ventures into financial services related to digital assets, though further details remain undisclosed.&nbsp;Insights from outside Germany further bolster the multifaceted benefits of such projects. In Finland, for instance, Marathon Digital Holdings, the world’s largest Bitcoin mining firm, has implemented a novel application of mining byproduct. Its two-megawatt facility in the Satakunta region, launched in June 2024, has been repurposing excess heat to warm a town of over 11,000 residents.&nbsp;This “district heating” method, which centralizes the heating of water and circulates it through a network of underground pipes, demonstrates the potential of&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/learn/crypto-mining-still-profitable">Bitcoin mining</a> to contribute to energy sustainability and community welfare.Deutsche Telekom’s pilot project thus not only reinforces the potential of blockchain technology in the energy sector but also sets a precedent for sustainable energy practices. Such a blend of renewable energy, data analysis, and digital finance could redefine the economic and environmental landscape, positioning Bitcoin mining as a tool for more than just financial gain.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

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Deutsche Telekom Embarks on Bitcoin Mining Initiative

<h2>Crypto Community Sparks Listing Fee Debate</h2>A fresh wave of debate has swept through the crypto industry, focusing on the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/learn/exchanges-listing-fees-an-overview">listing fees</a> charged by major centralized exchanges (CEXs) like&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/coinbase">Coinbase</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/binance">Binance</a>. The controversy took root after venture capitalists and crypto industry leaders reported steep demands for token supply contributions.&nbsp;Notably, Moonrock Capital’s CEO reportedly&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/sjdedic/status/1852049944380932142">claimed</a> Binance sought 15% of a project’s total token supply, potentially valued at as much as $100 million, as the price for listing, sparking concerns about affordability for many projects and potential market repercussions.<figure class="image"><img alt="tweet-1852049944380932142_11zon.jpg" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1852049944380932142_11zon_7af366ea46.jpg"><figcaption>Source: X</figcaption></figure>Coinbase found itself under particular scrutiny. CEO Brian Armstrong has consistently&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1852768096056139922">emphasized</a> that Coinbase does not charge any fees for listing assets, presenting its process as transparent and open to all applicants.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img alt="0192f6ac-899b-7bdc-8b1a-d15f30ba4ef9.webp" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/0192f6ac_899b_7bdc_8b1a_d15f30ba4ef9_65094450b0.webp"><figcaption>Source: X</figcaption></figure>However, these assertions were challenged by Andre Cronje, co-founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/fantom-ftm">Fantom</a>, who&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AndreCronjeTech/status/1853035845999018291">alleged</a> that Coinbase demanded between $30 million and $300 million in listing fees for the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/fantom-ftm">FTM</a> token at different points, with a recent fee reaching $60 million.&nbsp;He also claimed he possesses evidence of&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/AndreCronjeTech/status/1853069886378873293">numerous cost requests</a> from multiple CoinBase employees over the years, arguing these fees equate to costs associated with being listed, despite the exchange's terminology distinction. This revelation contradicted Armstrong’s public statements and intensified industry skepticism.&nbsp;<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:85.53%;"><img alt="tweet_1853316713628246458_20241104_191256_via_10015_io.webp" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1853316713628246458_20241104_191256_via_10015_io_d1517b7bb1.webp"><figcaption>Source: X</figcaption></figure>Justin Sun, founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tron-trx">Tron</a>, further supported Cronje’s claims, stating that Coinbase had requested 500 million&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tron-trx">TRX</a> tokens—equating to roughly $80 million—alongside an additional $250 million in&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">BTC</a> for performance assurances tied to the listing.Binance, on the other hand, responded promptly to the allegations. Yi He, the exchange’s co-founder and chief customer service officer, reiterated that since 2018, Binance’s listing fees have been transparent, with all proceeds donated to charity. She highlighted that project teams are encouraged to propose their own donation amounts without any mandatory minimum, dismissing rumors of compulsory token percentages.&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FUD?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FUD</a> If a project does not pass the screening process, it cannot be listed on Binance regardless of the amount of money or tokens involved. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DYOR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DYOR</a> Binance has listed projects in the token distribution column, please analyze the percentage to know if there is a so-called 20%.… <a href="https://t.co/LYt3GU7PMT">https://t.co/LYt3GU7PMT</a>— Yi He (@heyibinance) <a href="https://twitter.com/heyibinance/status/1853103272715796668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Cronje’s personal experience supported this stance; he confirmed that Binance did not charge any fees for Fantom’s listing. Adding further credibility, Justin Sun noted that Binance had never requested a fee for&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/tron-trx">TRON</a>’s listing.The heightened attention to CEX listing practices triggered broader market discussions. Analysts warned that opaque procedures could disrupt projects’ market entry strategies, contrasting Coinbase’s reported steep demands with Binance’s charity-driven approach.&nbsp;The controversy has&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/sjdedic/status/1852049944380932142">pushed more eyes</a> toward decentralized exchanges (DEXs), where transparent fee structures are a core appeal. This shift was underscored by a surge in&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/Decentralized-Crypto-Exchange-dex">DEX</a> trading volumes in 2024, surpassing $250 billion in both March and June, indicating a significant change in trader preferences.Industry analysts and influential voices have flagged transparency as a persistent issue. The criticism hints at a deeper problem within the crypto space: a potential trust deficit tied to how CEXs handle listings. Some experts believe that ongoing concerns over fairness and costs might encourage projects to increasingly favor DEXs. Michaël van de Poppe, a noted market analyst,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1852078606929006702">projected</a> that projects could soon opt for DEXs over traditional CEXs, seeking clearer and more predictable conditions.<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:85.56%;"><img alt="tweet_1852078606929006702_20241104_192150_via_10015_io.webp" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1852078606929006702_20241104_192150_via_10015_io_4451ae5e7c.webp"><figcaption>Source: X</figcaption></figure>Market data supports these shifting sentiments. Despite Binance holding a commanding&nbsp;<a href="https://cointelegraph.com/news/binance-crypto-com-lose-ground-dex-rise">39.5% share</a> of the global spot crypto trading volume as of late 2024, and Coinbase positioned as the sixth-largest with a 6.1% share, CEXs reported noticeable drops in trading volumes. September 2024 saw a 23% decline for Binance, mirrored by 20-30% drops at exchanges including Coinbase,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/okx">OKX</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/kraken">Kraken</a>.&nbsp;Analysts attributed these declines to geopolitical tensions and the booming growth of DEX trading, reinforcing that the debate around transparency and listing fees could catalyze an industry-wide pivot towards decentralized solutions.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

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Allegations Shake Up Coinbase, Binance Listing Fees Narrative

<h2>UBS Ventures Deeper Into Blockchain</h2>UBS, the world’s largest private bank, has taken a notable leap into blockchain technology by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ubs.com/global/en/media/display-page-ndp/en-20241101-first-tokenized-investment-fund.html">launching</a> the "UBS USD Money Market Investment Fund Token" (uMINT) on the&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> network.&nbsp;The financial giant did not specify the exact composition of the fund but highlighted that it would grant investors exposure to "high-quality money market instruments based on a conservative, risk-managed framework." This launch underscores a growing trend among major financial institutions embracing blockchain for its transparency and efficiency.Thomas Kaegi, co-head of UBS’s Asian operations, noted an increasing appetite for tokenized assets across various asset classes.&nbsp;The launch follows a year after UBS’s pilot test of this tokenized fund. In October 2023, the bank conducted a controlled pilot through its proprietary tokenization platform, UBS Tokenize, executing activities like fund subscriptions and redemptions using Ethereum-based smart contracts.The use of Ethereum, the largest blockchain for real-world asset tokenization, places UBS at the forefront of financial innovation. According to RWA.xyz, over $3 billion in assets are tokenized on Ethereum, with the broader tokenized asset market valued at approximately $3.9 billion. U.S. Treasury Debt represents the largest portion of this on-chain asset class.&nbsp;The sector has seen growth of nearly 4% in the last month, showcasing a solid upward trend. Notable products in this sphere include BlackRock’s BUIDL, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/market-capitalization">market cap</a> exceeding $523 million, and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/news/franklin-templeton-base-fobxx">Franklin Templeton’s FOBXX</a> On-Chain U.S. Government Money Fund, which holds around $410 million in value.Prominent figures in the crypto space have voiced their thoughts on UBS’s move. The crypto show Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable stated, “This move is like putting&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">ETH</a> right into the heart of traditional finance.”&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img alt="tweet-1852494536502591491 (1)_11zon.jpg" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1852494536502591491_1_11zon_211545ac9a.jpg"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://x.com/RoundtableSpace/status/1852494536502591491">Mario Nawfal’s Roundtable</a>/ X</figcaption></figure>The show further suggested that with major banks joining the trend, widespread adoption of tokenized assets could be on the horizon.&nbsp;Echoing this sentiment, crypto analyst Tony Edward commented that missing out on exposure to Ethereum might result in lost opportunities for potential gains.<figure class="image"><img alt="tweet-1852439648422818256_11zon.jpg" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1852439648422818256_11zon_1b02b53a7c.jpg"><figcaption>Source: <a href="https://x.com/ThinkingCrypto1/status/1852439648422818256">Tony Edward</a>/ X</figcaption></figure>UBS emphasized that token holders would benefit from the bank's institutional-grade cash management solutions, integrating its robust risk management and access to premium money market instruments.&nbsp;For more expert analysis on the future of this space and its potential, visit<a href="https://coin360.com/learn/how-asset-tokenization-unlocks-trillions-by-2030">&nbsp;</a>our detailed blog post on&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/learn/how-asset-tokenization-unlocks-trillions-by-2030">asset tokenization</a>.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot walking through digital corridor with glowing tokens

Semler, UK, and Michigan Funds Drive Major Crypto Investments

Semler Scientific Boosts Bitcoin Holdings, Sees BTC as Future Asset

UK Pension Scheme Allocates 3% to Bitcoin Investment

Michigan Pension Fund Makes $11 Million Ethereum ETF Investment

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