<h2>Regulatory Milestone for RLUSD</h2><a href="https://coin360.com/coin/xrp-xrp">Ripple</a>’s RLUSD stablecoin has officially received approval from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS), marking a significant regulatory milestone for the company. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/bgarlinghouse/status/1866571228464460215">broke the news</a> on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing optimism about the imminent listing of the stablecoin on exchanges and partner platforms. The announcement solidifies Ripple’s plans for RLUSD’s market debut after months of rigorous testing and regulatory scrutiny.<figure class="image"><img alt="tweet_1866571228464460215_20241212_013410_via_10015_io_11zon.jpg" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1866571228464460215_20241212_013410_via_10015_io_11zon_01e1ebc875.jpg"></figure>Brad Garlinghouse’s statement follows comments made by Ripple’s CTO, David Schwartz, who recently expressed hope that RLUSD would launch by year’s end during an appearance at The Block’s Emergence conference in Prague. The stablecoin has been in development since April when Ripple first revealed its intentions to launch a token supported by its network. Initial availability is planned for the Ledger and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> blockchains, reflecting the company’s strategy to leverage interoperability and tap into broad liquidity pools.Testing for RLUSD commenced in August, setting the stage for a robust rollout. Ripple announced partnerships with several prominent exchanges in October, including Uphold,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/bitstamp">Bitstamp</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/bitso">Bitso</a>, MoonPay,&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/independent-reserve">Independent Reserve</a>, CoinMENA, and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/exchange/bullish">Bullish</a>. The involvement of these platforms signals strong institutional backing for RLUSD. Additionally, market makers B2C2 and Keyrock will play pivotal roles in ensuring liquidity for the stablecoin, providing crucial support to maintain its value stability in the highly volatile crypto market.The approval from NYDFS marks a critical step in Ripple’s ongoing efforts to position RLUSD as a competitive stablecoin option, particularly in a landscape where regulatory compliance is increasingly scrutinized. With the launch anticipated by year-end, RLUSD could soon emerge as a vital player in the evolving stablecoin sector.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot walking blockchain network with glowing stablecoin token

Robot walking blockchain network with glowing stablecoin token_11zon.webp

Ripple Stablecoin RLUSD Gains Green Light from NYDFS

<h2>Google's Willow Chip Sparks Security Concerns</h2>Google’s unveiling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/sundarpichai/status/1866167429367468422">Willow quantum computing chip</a> has sent shockwaves through the cryptocurrency world, igniting debates over the resilience of cryptographic systems.&nbsp;Announced by Sundar Pichai on December 9, 2024, the chip boasts 105 qubits, low-error-rate gates, and advanced connectivity algorithms. Its most astonishing achievement? Completing a computational task in less than five minutes—a feat that would take a traditional supercomputer over 10 septillion years, an unfathomable number compared to the universe’s 13.8 billion-year age. Pichai heralded the breakthrough as pivotal for applications ranging from drug discovery to energy innovation. However, the implications for cryptographic security loom large.Crypto experts warn that Willow’s capabilities could disrupt modern encryption standards. Adam Cochran, a prominent venture capitalist, stated that the timeline for adopting post-quantum encryption has dramatically shortened, leaving less than a decade to safeguard systems. He emphasized the urgency of proactive measures, noting, “With one breakthrough we’ve seen a 20-year drop in how long&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> and other cryptocurrencies have to start taking post-quantum encryption seriously.”&nbsp;<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">People miss the point. On traditional quantum infra Shors requires millions of qubits because of error rate. Quantum error rate means you need replication for accuracy. But Google’s Willow chip has a weird property, the more qubits it supports, the lower the error rate got.… <a href="https://t.co/7BrKIco4n6">https://t.co/7BrKIco4n6</a>— Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth) (@adamscochran) <a href="https://twitter.com/adamscochran/status/1866314726030143606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Emin Gün Sirer of Ava Labs reassured that Bitcoin remains secure for now but flagged vulnerabilities in legacy systems, particularly the Pay-to-Public-Key (P2PK) format. Sirer proposed freezing or sunsetting old transactions to mitigate potential risks.<div class="raw-html-embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">While recent developments in quantum computing are amazing, they pose no threat to the security of cryptocurrencies, at least not yet! Let me explain why. Quantum computing will make it easier to perform certain operations, like factoring numbers, while others, such as inverting…— egs9000 (@el33th4xor) <a href="https://twitter.com/el33th4xor/status/1866235573503230357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 9, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div><div class="page-break" style="page-break-after:always;">&nbsp;</div><h2>Crypto Markets Reel from Quantum Fears</h2>The announcement of Willow unleashed chaos in the cryptocurrency markets, with traders liquidating over $1.6 billion in positions within 24 hours. According to CoinGlass, more than 521,000 traders faced losses, including $1.41 billion in long positions. The largest&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/understanding-liquidation-crypto-trading-guide">liquidation</a> occurred on&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/binance">Binance</a>, where a single&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ethereum-eth">Ethereum</a> trade resulted in a $19.69 million loss. Altcoins bore the brunt of the panic, with $506 million wiped out from low-cap tokens, while Ethereum and Bitcoin saw liquidations of $230.94 million and $174.69 million, respectively.Panic selling, fueled by widespread fear, uncertainty, and doubt (<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/fear-uncertainty-doubt">FUD</a>), created what some analysts deemed an exaggerated reaction. Charles Edwards&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/caprioleio/status/1866355221670302170">highlighted</a> the importance of immediate action, stating, “Whether it’s 3, 5, 10, 15 years away isn’t the point. The point is action needs to be taken TODAY.”&nbsp;Others took a more optimistic view. Market analyst Income Sharks&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/IncomeSharks/status/1866237765123461288">described</a> the sell-off as a buying opportunity for&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/altcoin">altcoins</a>, while economist Alex Krüger&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/krugermacro/status/1866342614150385672">dismissed</a> the event as a typical “leverage flush-out” in an overheated market, emphasizing its limited macroeconomic impact.As the industry digests the implications of Willow’s breakthrough, developers are urged to prioritize quantum-resistant encryption technologies. Emin Gün Sirer called for urgent measures to protect early Bitcoin holdings, while Dave Diamond framed Google’s advancement as a “gift to the crypto industry,” allowing time to prepare for the quantum era. Beyond cryptocurrency, the ripple effects extend to financial institutions and global banking, underscoring the need for enhanced cryptographic resilience across all sectors reliant on encryption.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot showcasing a glowing quantum chip in a serene desert

Robot showcasing a glowing quantum chip in a serene desert_11zon.webp

Quantum Computing Advances Shake Crypto Security and Markets

<h2>Bitcoin's Rising Role in the Global Economy</h2><a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a> took center stage at the Bitcoin MENA 2024 conference, as Eric Trump and&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/review/binance">Binance</a> CEO Changpeng “CZ” Zhao outlined bold predictions and strategic insights into the cryptocurrency’s future. With a vision for Bitcoin as the cornerstone of a global financial revolution, their comments underscored the growing importance of digital assets in shaping economies and redefining financial systems.Eric Trump’s speech&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2024/12/eric-trump-sees-bitcoin-reaching-1m-per-btc-predicts-it-will-deliver-a-global-financial-revolution/">electrified</a> the audience with a forecast that Bitcoin’s price would surpass $1 million per coin. He described it as not just a speculative asset but a solution to systemic inefficiencies in the traditional financial world. By highlighting Bitcoin's decentralized nature and finite supply of 21 million coins, Trump framed it as a hedge against inflation, political instability, and even natural disasters. “Bitcoin eliminates the need for tens of thousands of bankers pushing paperwork for exorbitant fees,” he asserted, emphasizing the disruptive potential of blockchain-powered systems.&nbsp;Trump also took aim at the Biden administration, accusing it of waging a regulatory “war” on cryptocurrencies, referencing SEC lawsuits and fallout from&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/ftx-token-ftt">FTX</a>’s collapse as key examples. In contrast, he promised that under Donald Trump’s leadership, digital assets would be shielded from overregulation, noting that past policies had contributed to Bitcoin reaching $100,000 and adding $1 trillion to its market value. “America is going to lead the way in the digital revolution,” Trump declared, positioning the United States as a potential leader in blockchain innovation.Changpeng Zhao, speaking on the same stage, brought a global perspective to the discussion. While acknowledging that achieving universal Bitcoin adoption could take multiple generations, Zhao highlighted a noticeable shift in how governments perceive the cryptocurrency. Many countries, once resistant to Bitcoin, are now reconsidering its potential due to its borderless, decentralized technology.&nbsp;He&nbsp;<a href="https://cryptodnes.bg/en/china-could-embrace-bitcoin-reserves-says-former-binance-ceo-cz/">speculated</a> that China might be positioning itself to adopt Bitcoin reserves strategically, potentially using Hong Kong as a sandbox for crypto policies. If China moves in this direction, Zhao suggested it would likely accumulate Bitcoin discreetly before making its policy intentions public. He also urged governments to prioritize clear regulatory frameworks and move away from enforcement-driven approaches, arguing that such clarity would enhance Bitcoin’s integration into economies and bolster its adoption.The conference also explored broader implications of Bitcoin’s rise. Zhao’s remarks on risk management resonated with attendees as he warned against over-leveraging investments in volatile markets. “As #bitcoin makes successive new all-time highs, apply proper risk management... Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” Zhao advised, pointing to Bitcoin’s unpredictable price swings.&nbsp;His comments came as global interest in Bitcoin’s potential role as a national reserve asset intensified, with critics cautioning that such moves could disproportionately benefit early adopters by inflating prices. Nevertheless, the growing recognition of Bitcoin as a disruptive force in global finance was a recurring theme, with discussions emphasizing how its blockchain technology offers unmatched speed, transparency, and cost efficiency compared to traditional financial systems.Bitcoin’s trajectory remains intertwined with supportive policies and visionary leadership. Both Trump and Zhao agreed that governments and institutions embracing Bitcoin now would likely secure a competitive edge in the digital financial revolution. Their perspectives underscored the transformative potential of Bitcoin—not just as a financial instrument, but as a foundation for future economic systems.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot planting Bitcoin flag on pastel blockchain terrain

Robot planting Bitcoin flag on pastel blockchain terrain_11zon.webp

Eric Trump and CZ Spotlight Bitcoin's Revolutionary Potential

<h2>December’s Record-Breaking&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/glossary/accumulation">Accumulation</a> Bolsters Crypto Holdings</h2>MicroStrategy has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://assets.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb564490bc5201f31/blt81002dc8fb7c8644/6756dfe8d8a11dc3c8ba968b/form-8-k_12-09-2024.pdf">revealing</a> a staggering $2.1 billion purchase of 21,550&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">BTC</a> during the first week of December 2024. The company paid an average of $98,783 per coin, capitalizing on Bitcoin’s recent surge to all-time highs above $100,000.&nbsp;This acquisition propels the firm’s total holdings to 423,650 BTC, acquired at an aggregate cost of $25.6 billion, averaging $60,324 per Bitcoin. With Bitcoin's current market value exceeding $42 billion, MicroStrategy now boasts an unrealized profit exceeding $17 billion—solidifying its position as one of the largest institutional holders of the cryptocurrency.<figure class="image"><img alt="tweet_1866106687699964016_20241210_020344_via_10015_io_11zon.jpg" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/tweet_1866106687699964016_20241210_020344_via_10015_io_11zon_2693513411.jpg"><figcaption>Source: Michael Saylor/ X</figcaption></figure>Since November 11, 2024, MicroStrategy has been buying Bitcoin weekly, adding 171,430 BTC to its treasury at a cost of $15.6 billion. Executive Chairman Michael Saylor reiterated his commitment to this strategy, emphasizing his willingness to buy Bitcoin even if prices reach $1 million per coin. Saylor continues to champion Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and a superior store of value compared to gold, framing it as a cornerstone of the company’s long-term financial vision.The firm’s Bitcoin acquisition journey began in August 2020, with an initial $250 million investment to purchase 20,000 BTC. Since then, MicroStrategy has&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/news/bitcoin-treasury-expansion-2024">leveraged</a> debt financing and convertible notes to fund its buying spree, gradually transforming into a “Bitcoin Treasury” model. This bold pivot has proven fruitful; MicroStrategy’s stock price has surged by more than 2,500% since its first Bitcoin purchase, outperforming most U.S. public companies. Investors increasingly view the company as a proxy for Bitcoin, using its shares to gain indirect exposure to the cryptocurrency.Bitcoin’s climb to unprecedented highs has bolstered MicroStrategy’s confidence. Between November 11 and December 8, Bitcoin’s price rose nearly 22%, climbing from below $81,000 to its current value. This rally has also boosted the company’s quarterly Bitcoin yield to 43.2% and its year-to-date yield to 68.7%, reflecting robust returns amid the bull market. However, the company’s strategy remains tied to Bitcoin’s performance, leaving investors vulnerable to the asset’s inherent volatility.<figure class="image"><img alt="chart.png" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/chart_fe133b05e8.png"></figure>Saylor has consistently highlighted Bitcoin’s transformative potential, forecasting that its price could hit $13 million per coin by 2045. He has also advocated for its adoption as a U.S. strategic reserve asset, proposing that such a move could significantly enhance the country’s economic positioning. Despite these optimistic projections, critics caution that MicroStrategy’s heavy reliance on Bitcoin exposes the firm to significant risks, particularly during market downturns.As MicroStrategy cements its position as a Bitcoin juggernaut, its bold strategy continues to inspire both awe and skepticism. With total spending on Bitcoin since 2020 reaching $25.6 billion, the company’s fortunes remain intricately linked to the trajectory of the world’s leading cryptocurrency.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Faceless robot plants Bitcoin seeds_11zon.webp

MicroStrategy Doubles Down on Bitcoin with $2.1 Billion Purchase

<h2>Proposal Highlights Performance Metrics and Inflation Risks</h2>A bold&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/TimKotzman/status/1865832907597807992">proposal</a> from shareholders, backed by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), has urged Amazon to allocate at least 5% of its treasury assets to&nbsp;<a href="https://coin360.com/coin/bitcoin-btc">Bitcoin</a>. The initiative, scheduled for review at the company’s April 2025 shareholder meeting, aims to hedge against inflation and diversify financial holdings. Proponents argue Bitcoin's performance metrics, inflation resistance, and adoption by leading corporations make it an essential addition to Amazon’s strategy.Bitcoin’s outperformance of traditional asset classes like corporate bonds forms the cornerstone of the proposal. Over the past year, Bitcoin’s value surged by 131%, surpassing corporate bonds by 126%. In the last five years, its price skyrocketed by 1,246%, cementing its reputation as a hedge against economic instability.&nbsp;The proposal criticized reliance on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), suggesting the true inflation rate may be double the reported figure of 4.95%, threatening Amazon’s $88 billion in cash and short-term equivalents. Shareholders warned that these reserves face “significant erosion due to currency debasement.”<figure class="image"><img alt="The shareholder proposal to Amazon.webp" src="https://prod-coin360-cms.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/The_shareholder_proposal_to_Amazon_ef32f64ef9.webp"><figcaption>The proposal. Sources: Tim Kotzman, Dennis Porter</figcaption></figure>Drawing comparisons with successful corporate Bitcoin strategies, the proposal cited MicroStrategy’s example, which achieved a 537% stock performance gain since adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset. MicroStrategy, now holding over $40 billion in Bitcoin, has reportedly profited by $17 billion.&nbsp;Tesla and other firms, including Marathon Digital Holdings and Genius Group, were highlighted as additional adopters benefiting from strategic Bitcoin allocations. Marathon secured $1 billion through a convertible note offering for Bitcoin investments, while Genius Group converted its treasury assets to Bitcoin at an average price of $90,932 per coin.Institutional support further strengthens the case for Bitcoin’s inclusion in Amazon’s treasury strategy. BlackRock and Fidelity, Amazon’s second and fourth largest institutional shareholders, already offer Bitcoin ETFs, signaling growing acceptance of digital assets. The proposal also noted the U.S. government’s exploration of a Bitcoin strategic reserve by 2025 as a critical step toward mainstream adoption.Amazon’s response remains uncertain, but the board of directors will review the proposal to decide on its inclusion in the April 2025 proxy statement. The outcome will hinge on the support of institutional shareholders such as Vanguard Group, State Street, and JPMorgan. Advocates caution that avoiding Bitcoin investments could expose Amazon to shareholder litigation, given the potential financial gains at stake.&nbsp;While Amazon has historically explored blockchain technology for supply chain optimization, the company’s stance on Bitcoin remains unclear as the debate heats up.This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.

Robot reaches for glowing Bitcoin in pastel green sky

Ripple Stablecoin RLUSD Gains Green Light from NYDFS

Regulatory Milestone for RLUSD

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