DeFi - Crypto News And Market Updates

US Charges Developer Linked to LockBit Ransomware Group, Paid in Crypto

December 21, 2024 Gonzalo

The US DOJ charged Rostislav Panev for creating ransomware tools for LockBit, earning $230K in crypto. Arrested in Israel, he awaits US extradition.

Bitfinex Hacker Speaks Out After Sentencing: Ilya Lichtenstein Takes Full Responsibility

December 19, 2024 Gonzalo

Bitfinex hacker Ilya Lichtenstein speaks out from prison, taking full blame for the 2016 Bitcoin heist and absolving wife Heather Morgan of involvement.

Bitcoin shown as a dominant global asset against a modern cityscape, representing expectations for Bitcoin’s role in the financial system by 2026.

European MP Rejects CBDC, Advocates for Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

December 17, 2024 Gonzalo

European MP Sarah Knafo rejects the digital euro, calling it a “totalitarian temptation,” and advocates for a Bitcoin reserve to safeguard financial freedom.

Illustration representing the European Parliament passing MiCA crypto regulation, featuring EU symbols and digital asset oversight themes.

ESMA Releases Final Policy Guidelines on MiCA, Effective December 30

December 17, 2024 Gonzalo

ESMA unveils final MiCA guidelines, addressing crypto market abuse, investor protection, and operational resilience across the EU. Effective Dec 30, 2024.

Illustration depicting JPMorgan CEO with digital asset visuals, representing traditional finance perspectives on crypto’s future.

Ex-Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley Exec Joins OpenZK Network as Co-Founder

December 15, 2024 Gonzalo

Ex-Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley exec Dave Sandor joins OpenZK Network as co-founder to lead advancements in ZK-Rollup scaling and DeFi solutions.

Illustration depicting American Bitcoin mining industry amid political discourse and U.S. policy narratives.

Coinbase Faces $1B Lawsuit from BiT Global Over Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) Delisting

December 15, 2024 Gonzalo

Coinbase faces a $1B lawsuit by BiT Global over Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC) delisting, alleging anti-competitive practices to favor Coinbase’s cbBTC.

Illustration depicting Ethereum Foundation’s Devcon 8 event in Mumbai and the global developer community.

Societe Generale and Banque de France Complete First CBDC Repo Transaction

December 14, 2024 Gonzalo

Societe Generale completes a CBDC repo transaction with Banque de France on Ethereum, testing blockchain for interbank liquidity and securities settlement.

Illustration depicting Australian crypto exchanges addressing users, with themes of stability, trust, and market reassurance.

Australia Fines Kraken Operator $5M for Regulatory Breaches

December 12, 2024 Gonzalo

Australia fines Kraken’s operator Bit Trade $5M for regulatory breaches, marking ASIC’s first penalty for failing to meet compliance standards.

Japan-themed crypto illustration with national symbols and digital assets, representing regulatory reclassification of crypto as financial products.

Japanese Crypto Exchange Coincheck Makes Nasdaq Debut After $1.3B Merger

December 11, 2024 Gonzalo

Coincheck debuts on Nasdaq after a $1.3B merger with Thunder Bridge Capital, marking a significant milestone in crypto collaboration between Japan and the US.

El Salvador Plans Bitcoin Policy Changes to Secure $1.3B IMF Loan

December 9, 2024 Gonzalo

El Salvador may amend its Bitcoin Law to secure a $1.3B IMF loan. Changes could also unlock $2B from global lenders. Decision expected soon.