A recent study from the University of Cambridge has revealed that the Ethereum blockchain’s greenhouse gas emissions, prior to its major software upgrade in 2022, were comparable to the yearly emissions of Honduras. High Energy Consumption of Blockchains Blockchains, the foundational technology behind cryptocurrencies, are known for their significant energy consumption due to coin production...
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Brazil Imposes 15% Tax on Cryptocurrency Transactions on Offshore Exchanges
The Brazil Senate has recently passed legislation that will require Brazilian residents to pay up to a 15% tax on income generated from cryptocurrencies held on offshore exchanges. This new taxation rule is set to take effect from January 1, 2024. Details of the New Tax Rule The law, which applies to crypto users with...
Bitfinex’s Tokenized Bond Offering Sees Limited Success
Bitfinex Securities’ first tokenized bond, ALT2611, has raised only $1.5 million against its $10 million target two weeks post-launch. This development indicates a tepid response to what was initially touted as a significant innovation in capital raising. About the ALT2611 Tokenized Bond Launched on November 15, the ALT2611 Tokenized Bond is a digital representation of...
Cryptocurrency Scam Costs Hongkongers HK$120 Million: Late Warning Criticized
Over 130 residents of Hong Kong have fallen prey to a cryptocurrency scam involving the Hounax platform, with total losses amounting to approximately HK$120 million (US$15.4 million). Victims and lawmakers have criticized the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for issuing a late warning, as many had already invested in the platform. Details of the Scam...
Crypto Platforms Linked to Justin Sun Hit by $115 Million Hack
Two cryptocurrency platforms associated with digital entrepreneur Justin Sun have reportedly fallen victim to a major hacking incident, resulting in the theft of an estimated $115 million. The affected entities include the HTX digital currency exchange, formerly known as Huobi, and the blockchain bridge Heco Chain. Details of the Security Breach HTX has confirmed that...
Binance Agrees to $4 Billion Settlement; CEO Changpeng Zhao to Plead Guilty
Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has agreed to a plea deal involving over $4 billion with the U.S. government. This settlement concludes a protracted criminal investigation, with CEO Changpeng Zhao pleading guilty to several charges. Details of the Plea Agreement In the settlement reached with federal prosecutors, Changpeng Zhao will plead guilty to violating...
Uranium3o8: A New Uranium-Linked Token Enters the Crypto Market
In an innovative move, the blockchain industry has introduced a new uranium-linked token, Uranium3o8 (U), which began trading on Uniswap. This token aims to revolutionize the way uranium, a crucial metal for nuclear energy production, is traded. Bridging Uranium and Blockchain Madison Metals Inc., a Canadian public uranium exploration and development firm, backs the U...
$9 Million in Illicit Cryptocurrency Seized in Silicon Valley Cyber Scam Crackdown
Federal authorities have seized $9 million in cryptocurrency from a Silicon Valley-based cyber scam organization. This group reportedly defrauded over 70 individuals using romance and cryptocurrency confidence schemes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Tracing and Seizing Illegal Crypto Funds The Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service’s...
New Zealand’s Simple Crypto Launches NZ Dollar-Backed Stablecoin
Simple Crypto, a leading cryptocurrency retailer based in Auckland, New Zealand, is introducing its first stablecoin, NZDD, backed one-to-one by the New Zealand dollar. This move marks a significant development in bridging traditional finance with the digital age. NZDD: A Stablecoin for Seamless Transactions The NZDD coin is designed to provide a stable and efficient...
Crypto Landscape Post-Sam Bankman-Fried: Insights and Future Directions
The crypto world has been shaken by the recent verdict against Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of the now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange. Found guilty on all charges, including fraud and money laundering, his case has prompted a reevaluation within the crypto community. Marketplace’s Matt Levin talked to Laura Shin, a crypto journalist and podcast host, about the...