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Author: Werner

Freelance crypto content editor, strategist and writer since the very top of 2017's bull run.  Based in Cape Town, SA and previously lived in Asia for a decade. I'm a big believer in the good that decentralized network technology and ethical AI can bring to make the world a more fair and transparent place.

SEC vs Coinbase Case Ends: What It Means For US Crypto

Posted on by Werner

Introduction

After years of legal battles and regulatory uncertainty, the SEC finally dropped its lawsuit and crusade against Coinbase in a stunning reversal that shocked both supporters and critics.

This February 2025 decision ends a legal fight that began in June 2023 (and as far back as 2021) when the SEC charged the centralized exchange with operating without proper registration. Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler, the most hated man in the sector, viewed many cryptocurrencies as securities requiring SEC oversight, and was a key player in the fight to stifle innovation in the States, together with the Biden administration’s Operation Choke Point 2.0 campaign.

Under the crypto-friendly Trump administration, the federal securities regulator’s move represents one of the most significant regulatory shifts for digital assets in US history.

Trump favors crypto-specific regulations rather than applying traditional securities laws to digital assets, and on January 23, he created a working group to develop a new regulatory framework.

Why does all of this matter? Chiefly, It signals a major shift in how digital assets will be regulated in the US to the benefit of all crypto firms and could reshape the entire industry for years to come. Also, it clears the way for Coinbase to have a massive 2025 and beyond, which I cover towards the end.

Let’s see how one of the biggest battles in digital asset history finally started and concluded, and what’s next for Coinbase as the re-annointed leading exchange in the now pro-crypto United States.

SEC vs Coinbase: A Brief History of Legal Battles

The SEC and Coinbase have clashed repeatedly over how cryptocurrency should be regulated:

How The Coinbase vs SEC Saga Ended

On February 21, Coinbase announced the SEC agreed to end its case, pending final approval from commissioners. The resolution came under President Trump’s administration, which has taken a different approach to crypto regulation.

During a CNBC interview, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong called the lawsuit “bogus” and confirmed the company would pay no fines.

“This is a huge day for Coinbase and the entire crypto industry,” Armstrong said. “We can finally turn the page and get clear rules in America.”

Coinbase stock jumped on the news but later fell 8% amid broader market declines.

Market Impact

The crypto market responded positively:

  • Bitcoin broke $100,000 for the first time after Trump’s election
  • Coinbase can now operate without the threat of penalties or restrictions
  • Other crypto businesses may reconsider the US market as a viable option

Political Connections

The case resolution has sparked debate. Critics point to the crypto industry’s campaign spending during the 2024 election. Coinbase alone spent $46 million on election influence and donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration.

Robert Weissman of Public Citizen said: “The SEC abandonment of its case against Coinbase proves the crypto industry’s flood of campaign spending has paid off.”

Supporters counter that previous regulations were too restrictive and hindered innovation.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

What Changes Now?

The case dismissal points to several shifts in US crypto regulation, chief among them:

  • New crypto-specific rules instead of applying old securities laws like the controversial and outdated Howey Test
  • Fewer enforcement actions against crypto companies
  • Clearer guidelines from the presidential working group
  • Potential for the US to lure back its homegrown talent and become a stronger crypto innovation hub again

For investors, this means less regulatory risk, and for  consumer advocates, it raises concerns about reduced protections.

Global Context

The US shift comes as other regions define their own approaches:

  • The European Union implemented its Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation
  • Singapore and UAE have established themselves as crypto-friendly jurisdictions
  • The US approach may influence regulatory decisions worldwide

What’s Next For Coinbase in 2025? 

In 2025, Coinbase has been making big moves as it finally enjoys the sanctuary of regulatory clarity. Here are some of its boldest moves: 

  • One of the most notable developments is Coinbase’s planned return to India after securing registration with the country’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). This move allows Coinbase to reintroduce its trading services in this huge market, with plans to start retail services later this year and expand its product offerings. 
  • In the US, Coinbase is set to launch 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures trading, in order to bridge the gap between the continuous nature of crypto markets and traditional fixed trading hours of Monday to Friday, providing traders with more flexibility. 
  • Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced plans to hire 1,000 new employees in the US in 2025, driven by a shift in the US government’s stance on cryptocurrencies. This hiring spree follows a White House crypto summit and reflects a more favorable regulatory environment under the Trump administration.
  • Lastly, Coinbase is accelerating its Base network strategy with ambitious 2025 goals including $100 billion in on-chain assets, 25,000 developers, and 25 million users. The Ethereum layer-2 solution targets 1 billion transactions by October 2025, focusing on transaction efficiency and global liquidity improvements. Base is exploring innovative options like tokenizing Coinbase’s COIN shares for trading on the network, which could streamline transactions and portfolio management. 
  • Coinbase’s partnership with BlackRock remains important for helping institutions invest in cryptocurrencies. This partnership, which started in 2022, allows BlackRock’s clients to buy and store Bitcoin using Coinbase’s systems. Recently, BlackRock has been expanding its crypto services, including a plan for a tokenized private equity fund, with Coinbase providing the necessary infrastructure. This partnership shows how big financial companies are starting to use digital assets.

Looking Forward: What This Means For Crypto

Will this new approach balance innovation and investor protection? The next few months will be critical as the working group develops its framework.

What’s clear is that the crypto industry has gained political influence. As digital assets become more mainstream, finding the right regulatory balance remains essential.

If you invest in crypto, this case dismissal reduces your regulatory risk. Clear rules may attract more institutional investors, potentially bringing more stability to crypto markets.

But stay cautious. Regulatory changes aren’t permanent. Future administrations could take different approaches, and reduced oversight might lead to more market manipulation if proper safeguards aren’t created.

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Ripple Effect: SEC Drops XRP Case In Big Regulatory Win For Crypto

Posted on by Werner

After nearly four and a half years of legal battles, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially dropped its appeal against Ripple Labs and its controversial cryptocurrency XRP. This landmark decision ends one of the most watched legal fights in crypto history and signals a dramatic shift in the regulatory landscape.

XRP prices jumped 11% on the announcement, reflecting market relief at the conclusion of this drawn-out saga that has been years in the making. While it has struggled to capture crypto investors’ hearts to add to its fiercely loyal “XRP Army” over the years due to claims of a lack of centralization and its founders dumping coins on holders, there was broad agreement that Ripple’s fate would set an important precedent for the entire industry and rival chains like Solana, Cardano and Ethereum. 

Ripple certainly expected a favorable outcome, filing a trademark application for crypto custody and wallet services at the end of February. 

SEC vs Ripple: Final Chapter Closes

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse announced at the Digital Asset Summit in New York that the SEC would no longer pursue its appeal against the company. The case, which began in December 2020, centered on whether XRP sales constituted unregistered securities offerings.

Source: X.com

“It’s been almost four years and about three months since the SEC originally sued us, certainly a painful journey in lots of ways,” Garlinghouse said. “I really deeply believed that we were going to be on the right side of the law and on the right side of history.”

Ripple Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty celebrated the news on social media, stating “Ripple is now in the driver’s seat and we’ll evaluate how best to pursue our cross appeal. Regardless, today is a day to celebrate.”

The SEC has declined to comment on the decision.

Why This Victory Matters for Crypto

Coming shortly after Coinbase scored a similar victory against the federal securities regulator, Ripple’s win fundamentally alters the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies in the United States by:

  • Establishing that XRP tokens sold on public exchanges do not qualify as securities
  • Creating precedent that other crypto projects can reference
  • Signaling the SEC’s retreat from aggressive enforcement under the Trump administration

Matt Hougan, Chief Investment Officer at Bitwise Asset Management, explained why this is particularly significant for XRP: 

“The bet you’re making on XRP, it’s a B2B-oriented chain, and they were simply unable to execute on that strategy with the sort of the SEC on top of them.”

Unlike more crypto-native projects that could continue development despite regulatory uncertainty, XRP’s core business model was effectively frozen during the litigation.

Market Response

The market’s reaction has been swift and decisive:

  • XRP price surged over 10% to over $2.58 following the announcement
  • The token has gained more than 385% since the presidential election
  • XRP is up 18% year-to-date, outperforming many other major cryptocurrencies

These gains reflect not just relief over the case’s conclusion but optimism about Ripple’s ability to now pursue its business strategy without regulatory interference. The price chart moved upward like a rocket taking off, with traders rushing to buy XRP in anticipation of renewed business growth across international markets.

New Era for US Crypto Regulation Continues

This decision doesn’t stand alone. Under President Trump’s administration, the SEC has rapidly reversed course on crypto enforcement:

  • Ended its case against Coinbase
  • Closed investigations into Robinhood’s crypto unit, Uniswap, Gemini, and Consensys
  • Scaled back its dedicated crypto enforcement unit
  • Declared meme coins are not securities
  • Launched a new crypto task force focused on defining the security status of digital assets
  • Paul Atkins, Trump’s nominee for SEC chair, is widely seen as supportive of the crypto industry – a stark contrast to former chair Gary Gensler, who pursued aggressive enforcement actions against crypto companies.

“The entire space, you know, in my view, should be revalued and reconsidered in this new regulatory era. And I’m quite frankly surprised it hasn’t happened yet in the market. I think it will happen,” said Hougan.

What This Means for Investors

For crypto investors, the implications are substantial:

  1. Regulatory clarity: The decision provides a clearer framework for determining which crypto assets might be classified as securities
  2. Reduced risk: Major exchanges that delisted XRP can now reconsider listing the token without fear of SEC action.
  3. Business expansion: Ripple can fully execute its cross-border payments strategy, potentially increasing XRP utility and value.
  4. Broader market effects: Other tokens facing similar questions may benefit from the precedent.

Garlinghouse is already looking ahead: “Ripple has invested over $2 billion in investments and acquisitions across the crypto landscape, and some of those have nothing to do with XRP because if crypto does well, I fundamentally believe Ripple will do well.”

Future Ramifications

The long-term impact of this decision extends beyond Ripple and XRP:

  • For exchanges: U.S. crypto exchanges that delisted XRP can now reconsider without regulatory concerns.
  • For startups: New crypto projects have clearer guidance on token classification and how to avoid securities violations.
  • For international competitiveness: The U.S. may regain ground lost to more crypto-friendly jurisdictions during the previous regulatory regime.
  • For institutional adoption: Clearer rules may encourage more traditional financial institutions to engage with cryptocurrency.

This decision doesn’t mean all regulatory concerns are resolved. Ripple still faces its own appeal of Judge Torres’ ruling that institutional sales of XRP violated securities laws. However, the regulatory landscape has undeniably shifted in a direction favorable to the industry.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Looking Forward

With regulatory headwinds subsiding, Ripple can focus on its core business of facilitating cross-border payments. The company’s technology aims to make international transfers faster and cheaper than traditional banking systems, a market worth trillions annually.

Industry watchers will be monitoring several developments:

  • How quickly Ripple can expand its payment corridors and partnerships
  • Whether major U.S. exchanges will relist XRP
  • How the precedent affects other ongoing or potential SEC cases
  • The impact on XRP adoption and utility in real-world financial systems

As Garlinghouse noted, this marks “the beginning of a new chapter” for both Ripple and the broader crypto industry. The company now has the opportunity to prove its business model in the market without regulatory interference.

For an industry that has been fighting for legitimacy and clear rules, the SEC’s retreat represents a significant victory and potentially the start of a more constructive relationship between crypto innovators and U.S. regulators.

SEC vs. Ripple: A Brief History

The legal battle between the SEC and Ripple began on December 21, 2020, when the regulator filed a lawsuit alleging Ripple and executives Brad Garlinghouse and Chris Larsen conducted an unregistered securities offering by selling XRP. This bombshell announcement caused XRP’s price to plummet and led to mass delistings from major U.S. exchanges.

  • The case quickly centered on a critical question: is XRP a security like stocks or a currency/commodity like Bitcoin? The SEC argued XRP sales constituted investment contracts under the Howey Test, while Ripple maintained XRP was a currency used for international payments.
  • A pivotal moment came with the “Hinman documents” – internal SEC communications regarding a 2018 speech by then-Director William Hinman declaring Ethereum not a security. Ripple fought to access these documents, believing they would reveal inconsistent SEC positions on cryptocurrency classification.
  • In July 2023, Judge Analisa Torres delivered a split decision: XRP sales on public exchanges did not constitute securities transactions, but Ripple’s direct sales to institutional investors violated securities laws. This partial victory for Ripple sent XRP prices soaring and established an important distinction between different types of crypto sales.
  • The SEC appealed the ruling while Ripple was fined $125 million in August 2024. The regulatory environment shifted dramatically after the 2024 election, with the Trump administration taking a pro-crypto stance. In March 2025, the SEC finally surrendered, dropping its appeal and effectively acknowledging XRP’s non-security status when sold on public exchanges. This resolution, after four years of litigation, marks a watershed moment for cryptocurrency regulation in the United States.

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Trump’s Tariff War: How It Impacts Crypto

Posted on by Werner

President Donald Trump’s transition from skeptic to supporter has been a double-edged sword for the cryptocurrency sector. Initially heralded as its savior after his surprising endorsement of Bitcoin in 2024, Trump’s presidency failed to ignite crypto markets in 2025, and his cynical $TRUMP and $MELANIA meme coin cash grabs stripped billions from retail investors.

On one hand, Bitcoin jumped from around $70,000 in early November to a historic high of $109,356 on January 20, 2025, the day of his inauguration. However, his tariff wars have negatively impacted the crypto industry: Bitcoin tumbled nearly 30% from its peak to $76K before recovering above $85K

President Trump has hardened his stance on tariffs, and their impact is still unfolding. It is important for crypto stakeholders to understand how these tariff wars affect the industry going forward.

While the crypto industry cheered Trump’s Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, his tariffs could be the kryptonite to the 2025 Bull Run.

What Are Tariffs?

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods or services. They aim to protect domestic industries by making foreign products more expensive, hence encourage consumers to buy local products.

President Trump says tariffs will protect local jobs, increase revenue, address trade imbalances, and grow the U.S. economy. Critics argue that tariffs lead to higher inflation, disruption of global supply chains, and slow down economic growth.

President Trump’s tariffs have threatened or targeted countries like China, Mexico, Canada, and the EU.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Impact of Trump’s Tariff War on Crypto

Trump’s tariff war has led to global macro uncertainty due to heightened trade tensions, disrupted supply chains, and fears of a global recession. The U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, conceded that tariffs are worth it even if they trigger a recession.

Targeted countries have taken retaliatory measures, driving short-term volatility as investors weigh risks.

Here are the implications of Trump’s tariff war on crypto: 

BTC Price Volatility

Trump’s tariff war has had a direct impact on Bitcoin’s price, causing wild swings. When Trump ignited trade wars in February, the crypto market tanked, with investors losing anywhere between $2 billion to $10 billion in liquidations. 

Bitcoin’s price dipped between 5% and 10% following following tariff announcements and swung in the $92K-$100K range as the market reacted to tariff delays, then crashed to bellow $78k before rebounding after bullish CPI inflation numbers. This highlights how the crypto market has become sensitive to macro policy shifts. With the tariff wars, when will Bitcoin hit $100K again? No one knows right now. 

The unpredictability of trade wars makes it difficult for investors to plan by gauging future price movements, contributing to increased volatility. 

Consumption Slowdown

Tariffs lead to higher costs for businesses and consumers as they disrupt global trade channels. This has several trickle-down effects in crypto.

The economic strain can force investors and businesses to tighten the purse when it comes to crypto. Businesses may delay their involvement in buying Bitcoin or altcoins until the dust has settled. Tariffs also dampen retail investors’ sentiment, pushing them to remain sidelined until the trade wars have calmed down. 

Overall, tariffs suck liquidity out of the crypto market and reduce the buying pressure.

Inflation and Fed Policy

President Trump’s tariff war has also raised concerns about inflation, as trade barriers push up the costs of imported goods. 

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell says U.S. inflation won’t slow down this year due to Trump’s tariffs. This is a concern for crypto investors, as Powell claims these tariffs could delay the central bank’s progress toward reaching the 2% annual inflation target before it can lower interest rates. The Fed held the benchmark rates steady in March as it is reluctant to take a policy shift.

Trump has acknowledged that Americans will feel “some pain” due to his tariff war. With rising inflation, investors will likely steer clear of risky assets such as Bitcoin and possibly flee to safe-haven assets such as gold, which rose to an all-time high of $3,052 per ounce on March 19.

Market Risks

Tariff-induced fears have led to increased selling pressure as investors may be less willing to hold crypto assets. However, Bitcoin could regain its appeal as a long-term inflation hedge if the market stabilizes.

Why is Trump Engaging in Tariff Wars?

Donald Trump’s tariff wars stem from a mix of economic, political, and ideological motivations, though his administration has presented conflicting rationales.

Protectionism

He claims tariffs will boost domestic manufacturing by penalizing foreign competitors. Trump also wants to minimize US reliance on imports and generate revenue to offset federal debt. 

Additionally, he argues that other nations levy higher tariffs on the U.S., and his trade war is meant to level the playing field. He also uses tariffs as retaliatory measures.

For example, President Trump threatened to double the tariffs on steel and aluminum when Canada hiked the costs of energy exports to the U.S. Canada, the largest exporter of steel to the U.S., reversed its plan.

Credit: BBC

For Bitcoin miners, access to cheap electricity is a must. Additionally, miners are feeling the squeeze as they import most of their hardware from China. They are also facing delays.

However, the companies that make Bitcoin mining equipment can set up shop in other countries to avoid tariffs and delays. 

Trump Wants to Force the Fed’s Hand

Observers speculate that Trump uses tariff-induced inflation and economic slowdown to pressure the Fed into rate cuts. The Fed Chair has already said the tariffs are driving up inflation, leading to heightened recession fears.

Trump argues that the rate cuts would offset the economic strains and is betting that the slowed growth will force the Fed to lower rates.

Credit: TruthSocial

Will Bitcoin Become Tax-Exempt?

Trump wants the revenue generated from higher tariffs on imported goods to fund tax cuts. While this plan may face opposition, tariffs may be used to cover tax cuts. It could benefit Bitcoin holders as cryptocurrencies will be subject to lower taxation, with the chances of being tax-exempt a bit far off, but still possible.

Wrapping Up

President Trump’s tariff wars are impacting the crypto industry as much as the entirety of the financial markets. Analysts speculate that Trump is using tariffs to force the Fed to cut rates. Conversely, the Federal Reserve is blaming Trump for increasing inflation, but signs are that it will start quantitative easing (QE) soon. 

Until the smoke begins to clear, it is certain that tariff wars will continue to impact Bitcoin and the crypto industry negatively. However, Trump’s impact on crypto extends beyond tariffs and with a mandate to boost the US sector to lead the world, he likely has a long-term plan in place to build the market up again.

Let us know your thoughts! Sign up for a Mindplex account now, join our Telegram, or follow us on Twitter. 

Not Safe: Why North Korea’s Bybit Hack Made Crypto History

Posted on by Werner

Introduction 

At the end of February the cryptocurrency world heard news that would cement itself in crypto infamy and send prices into. Notable cryptocurrency exchange Bybit suffered a catastrophic security breach, losing a staggering $1.46 billion in Ethereum and related tokens. 

This was more than just another hack among the hundreds since 2014, including the Mt. Gox and Binance hacks. This was in fact the LARGEST exchange hack in cryptocurrency history, which takes some doing. And to make it worse, it was most likely done by a North Korean hacking group, according to FBI investigations, which is terrible news for the entire sector due to the far-reaching repercussions it brings from regulations about money-laundering and sanctions. 

Here’s what happened, and how. 

The Anatomy of a Billion-Dollar Heist

On February 21, 2025, security analyst ZackXBT raised the alarm he spotted unusual transactions flowing from Bybit’s multisignature wallet. The hackers moved through Bybit’s security systems like water flowing through a cracked dam, with precision that suggested months of planning.

Ben Zhou, Bybit’s co-founder and CEO, confirmed the breach shortly after detection. According to Zhou, it first appeared to be a routine transfer from the exchange’s Ethereum cold wallet to a hot wallet—a standard procedure to keep the hot and cold wallet balances within certain thresholds—but turned out to be a sophisticated attack. The transaction looked legitimate on the surface, but contained malicious code that altered the smart contract logic.

Bybit Hack Timeline

“We know the cause is definitely around the Safe cold wallet,” Zhou stated. “Whether it’s a problem with our laptops or on Safe’s side, we don’t know.” Safe, a decentralized custody protocol offering smart contract wallets for managing digital assets, temporarily suspended its smart wallet functionalities following the incident.

North Korean Fingerprints (Again)

Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis provided a detailed breakdown of the attack, tracing it to North Korea’s notorious Lazarus Group—a state-sponsored hacking collective active since at least 2009 and reportedly connected to the DPRK’s military intelligence.

The attack followed what Chainalysis described as a “common playbook” used by North Korean hackers. First, a phishing campaign targeting Bybit’s cold wallet signers gave attackers access to the exchange’s user interface. 

This access allowed them to replace a multi-signature wallet implementation contract with a malicious version, enabling unauthorized fund transfers.

After gaining control, the hackers intercepted a routine transfer, redirecting approximately 401,000 ETH ($1.46 billion) to their addresses. The stolen funds were then split across multiple intermediary wallets to obscure the transaction trail—a standard tactic in the digital heist playbook.

Market Meltdown

The effects of the breach were felt immediately across cryptocurrency markets. Bitcoin plunged to $87k—a 7% drop—in 24 hours and its lowest level since November 2024, and in the aftermath it fell below $80,000. Other major cryptocurrencies followed suit, with Ethereum suffering particularly heavy losses given its direct involvement in the hack.

Bybit customers rushed to withdraw funds, creating unprecedented pressure on the exchange. Within 48 hours, Bybit processed $6.1 billion in withdrawal requests—nearly 100 times normal volume. The total value of customer assets held by the exchange dropped precipitously, from $16.9 billion to $10.8 billion.

Bybit’s Response

In what is now an industry standard procedure in line with the Binance ‘Funds are SAFU’ playbook created after its hack a few years back, Bybit weathered the storm quite well. Within three days, Zhou announced that the exchange had “fully closed the ETH gap” and restored a 1:1 reserve on client assets—an extraordinary feat given the scale of the theft.

According to blockchain analytics firm Lookonchain, Bybit received 446,870 Ether worth approximately $1.23 billion (88% of the stolen amount) through loans, whale deposits, and purchases. 

The exchange bought 157,660 Ether ($437.8 million) from crypto investment firms Galaxy Digital, FalconX, and Wintermute through OTC transactions, and another $304 million of Ether from centralized and decentralized exchanges.

The Lazarus Bounty

Perhaps most notably, Bybit launched LazarusBounty.com—allocating $140 million to reward those who successfully track and freeze the stolen funds. The platform integrates security data from leading blockchain analytics firms like Chainalysis and Arkham, employs expert investigators, and offers a merit-based reward system for people who help track and freeze stolen assets.

“Join us on war against Lazarus,” Zhou declared on Twitter, announcing the “industry’s first bounty site that shows aggregated full transparency on the sanctioned Lazarus money laundering activities.”

The collaborative security efforts have already yielded results, with Chainalysis reporting that approximately $40 million of the stolen funds have been frozen. However, most of the loot remains dormant across multiple addresses—a strategy used by North Korean hackers to wait out the heightened scrutiny that follows such high-profile breaches.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Broader Implications for Crypto Security

The Bybit breach again exposes the fact that despite the industry’s rhetoric about decentralization, many exchanges are still centralized points of failure with substantial honeypots for attackers, no matter how sophisticated their security is. 

It remains to be seen whether this hack leads to meaningful changes in how exchanges secure customer funds. Two things are certain: in the world of cryptocurrency, security can never be taken for granted, and the largest players make the most attractive targets.

Safe’s temporary shutdown of smart wallet functionalities after the hack demonstrates the interconnected nature of crypto infrastructure—when one major component gets compromised, the effects cascade throughout the ecosystem. 

This interdependence raises serious questions about how exchanges secure user assets, and what precautions they take against sophisticated state-sponsored attacks. And how censorship-resistant are we in crypto really when digital assets can just be frozen? 

Also, it strengthens the case for investors to either self-custody their assets or (more centralization!) use a crypto ETF like Blackrock’s which is federally insured to a point. 

As Chainalysis noted, “Exchanges will need to articulate to their regulators and users how they ensure that user funds are protected.”

Lastly, after years in the wilderness, crypto is finally popular with regulators and mainstream investors alike. Anyone that’s been in crypto for over two years will know the hard gains and sacrifices that have been made to get here, from Mt. Gox to Bitfinex to FTX’s meltdowns. 

While Bitcoin in its early days were wrongly accused of solely being a tool for criminals to move their money around, hacks are undeniably bad for everyone. It’s clear-cut crime, and when it gets to state-sponsored crime from a blacklisted nation, the entire space is skating on thin ice in the long term, no matter what Donald Trump and Larry Fink say about it during a bull run. 

For average crypto users, the lesson is clear: the security of centralized exchanges, no matter how robust, is never infallible. Those with significant holdings would be wise to remember the crypto mantra: Not your keys, not your coins.

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Trump’s ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and US Digital Asset Stockpile’ Plan Underwhelms

Posted on by Werner

In early March, the USA’s president, Donald Trump, signed an executive order to create a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile. This aims to position the USA as a global leader in crypto. 

While some in the crypto industry cheered this development as a victory, and President Trump also emphasized how this was another election promise that he fulfilled, it was a nothing-burger for traders who were expecting fireworks and massive gains.

Last Friday though, Trump and crypto figureheads like crypto czar David Sacks, Bitcoin whale Michael Saylor (MicroStrategy), Brian Armstrong (Circle), Brad Garlinghouse (Ripple) and others came together to discuss the next steps to build a government stockpile of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana.

The summit provided a few positive takeaways for the USA’s long term HODLing of crypto – Bitcoin in particular – but fell short of the groundbreaking announcement that the crypto masses demanded after having a bad few weeks. Markets slid down again soon afterwards, as talk of trade wars escalated. 

Let’s take a look at the brief history of Trump’s crypto reserves and what they entail. 

The Social Media Post that Started it All

President Trump set the ball rolling on March 2 when he took to Truth Social, a Twitter competitor owned by Trump Media and Technology Group, to announce that a U.S. crypto reserve will consist of XRP, Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Ethereum (ETH), and Bitcoin. Sadly for traders, the announcement failed to kickstart an altcoin season.

Credit: Truth Social

The initial excitement quickly gave way to fierce criticism as crypto leaders argued that Bitcoin is the only digital asset worthy of a spot in the Strategic Reserve, and argued that the government is over-reaching by picking winners and losers. After calling Bitcoin a scam against the dollar in 2021, President Trump is now all in on crypto.

Others noted the strategic reserve gives the industry positive legitimacy. As this development unfolds, it’s time to understand what a strategic reserve is and why it matters.

What is a Strategic Reserve?

The concept of a strategic reserve in the USA dates back to the Gold Reserve Act of 1933, which aimed to hold critical resources to buffer against economic shocks like supply disruptions or price volatility. 

These reserves are carefully guarded and can only be released when the government needs them. 

Throughout the 20th century, the USA continued creating other strategic reserves to protect against shortages, such as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 1975 after the Arab oil embargo. These reserves are intended to stabilize essential assets for national defense or economic security. However, neutrals are wondering what makes BTC essential enough to warrant such a move.

Executive Order on Bitcoin Strategic Reserve

The executive order signed by President Trump on March 6 creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The naming suggests that Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that will be treated as a reserve asset. 

Here are the key components of the executive order:

U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile

There is a difference between a reserve and stockpile. A reserve is one-way traffic: you can only deposit but not take out. On the other hand, a stockpile is flexible, with active buying and selling.

The executive order creates a Bitcoin reserve and a digital asset stockpile that includes digital assets other than Bitcoin owned by the Department of Treasury – seizures from criminal activities. The government will not acquire additional assets beyond those seized by the state, and the Secretary of Treasury may determine the strategies for maintaining the stockpile.

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

The executive order says that only Bitcoin will be treated as a reserve asset. At this stage, it appears that the government will not be actively buying or selling Bitcoin but rather capitalizing the reserve with Bitcoin owned by the Department of Treasury. These bitcoins were acquired through criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings.

This is a big win for ‘Bitcoin Maxis’ who believe that BTC is the ‘one true cryptocurrency’ and the rest is just noise with a sell-by date.

The United States will not sell Bitcoin deposited into the Reserve, as it will be regarded as a store of value. Critics argued that Bitcoin is too volatile to be included in the Strategic Reserve.

The Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce are authorized to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin at no extra costs to taxpayers.

What Needs to be Done First?

There could be a long way to go before the Bitcoin Reserve and Digital Asset Stockpile executive order goes into full effect. U.S. agencies must first fully account for their digital asset holdings to the Secretary of the Treasury and the President’s Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The U.S. crypto czar David Sacks says the holdings have not yet been audited. Arkham Intelligence says the United States holds 198.1K Bitcoin, worth over $17 billion.

Secondly, the Treasury and Commerce Departments will need to find strategies to acquire additional BTC without spending taxpayers’ money.

There is another hurdle to jump through. The Congress may need to pass a bill to appropriate funds for the Bitcoin Reserve. This means the Trump administration needs to have the Congress on its side to cross over the line. 

Potential Benefits

Whatever happens in the future, the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is a major boost for the industry. The crypto industry is moving from the fringes of the financial world to being seen as a store of value by policymakers. 

Bitcoin has long been called ‘digital gold’, and its proponents claim it can hedge against inflation and economic instability. Importantly, it could become a long-term investment in the Strategic Reserve.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Wrapping Up

It’s still uncertain if the Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and altcoin stockpile will fully materialize, but the wheels are in motion. President Trump’s early teaser on TruthSocial hinted at Bitcoin’s strong support from industry leaders while other assets play a supporting role.

These are early days, but the legitimacy of the industry is strengthening as crypto regulation becomes more favorable. And when you dig deeper, one thing becomes clear: Bitcoin is here to stay. How much it will be worth is a whole other question. 

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Tether Made $13 Billion in 2024 – is that good or bad for crypto?

Posted on by Werner

Introduction

Tether Holdings Limited, the powerhouse behind the world’s largest stablecoin Tether (USDT), made over $13 billion in profits in 2024. This crazy figure shows Tether’s growing influence in the broader financial sector, which is set to see growing stablecoin adoption under the Trump administration’s new crypto-focused task group.

It also gets more interesting. With a lean team of just over 100 employees, Tether’s profits trump those of major Wall Street giants that have thousands of staff. And Wall Street is noticing.

Tether generates tangible revenue from its real-world impact, setting it apart from crypto projects which rely on speculation, hype, and memes. As a result, we’ve seen more and more new entrants to the stablecoin market, such as PayPal (PYUSD), Ripple USD (RLUSD) and the controversial Ethena USD (USDe), an algorithmic stablecoin. What does this mean for the future of stablecoins and crypto?

Top 10 Stablecoins according to CoinMarketCap

Tether’s Bumper 2024 Financial Performance

These numbers on Tether’s 2024 profits come from a fourth-quarter and year-end attestation reviewed by the independent accounting firm BDO. Tether doesn’t publicize its financial documents – and this has been a source of controversy for years, with people questioning the existence of reserve funds.

The BDO report claimed the company’s net profit exceeded $13 billion: an all-time high. This puts Tether among the most profitable financial entities in the world. To compare, TradFi giant Goldman Sachs reported $14.3 billion in net income for the same period.

The profit was driven by several key factors, including significant returns from U.S. Treasury holdings and repurchase agreements. Unrealized gains from its gold and Bitcoin investments are also included. 

Tether’s equity rose to over $20 billion, reflecting its financial health and strategic investments in various sectors such as renewable energy, Bitcoin mining, AI, telecom, and education.

Credit: Tether

Record U.S. Treasury Holdings

Tether’s exposure to U.S. Treasuries reached a record high of $113 billion, making it one of the largest holders of U.S. government securities globally – ironic when you view US regulators’ largely anti-Tether stance in favor of its nearest competitor and homegrown stablecoin Circle (USDC). 

Growing Reserve Buffer

Tether’s excess reserve buffer surpassed $7 billion for the first time, the report claims. This marks a 36% increase over the past year.

Fears that Tether carries systemic risk that could bring down the whole cryptocurrency industry have been around since its earliest days, especially after it was accused of creating fake volume during the 2017 bull run and its devastating hack in 2018. 

Increased USDT Circulation

Tether’s market cap has grown to $142 billion (28 February 2025), up from less than $100 billion a year earlier. It is the most widely used stablecoin, although a separate report claims that less than 10% of stablecoin transactions involve real users.

Credit: CoinMarketCap

Implications for Stablecoins and Crypto

Tether’s impressive financial performance will not go unnoticed in the financial world. It will have effects on the stablecoin market and the broader crypto landscape. 

Stablecoin Dominance

Tether’s latest financial report reäffirms its position as the leading stablecoin issuer. USDT leads the stablecoin pack by a long margin. 

In the crypto market, stablecoins are at the center of many DeFi protocols, because they facilitate lending, borrowing, yield farming, and activities like that. Beyond the crypto space, stablecoins offer a cheap and fast form of payment. 

The adoption of stablecoins is rising in inflation-hit countries, particularly in Latin America, because they act as a hedge against inflation and currency volatility. The recent Tether report casts the stablecoin in a good light and adds credibility. This could help attract more users and strengthen its position in the stablecoin market.

Regulators Not Impressed

Tether continues to face scrutiny from regulators despite its financial success. Its reliance on quarterly attestations by BDO has drawn criticism from regulators and crypto observers who are calling for full audits in the name of transparency.

Several exchanges such as Kraken are delisting Tether. Some exchanges have been planning to delist it in the EEA (European Economic Area) since the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) went live. This regulation states that only licensed operators can issue stablecoins in the EU. National governments are releasing their crypto guidelines, which might also affect Tether’s use.

Global Influence

Tether’s global influence is growing. The company is moving to El Salvador after it received a license there as a digital asset provider. El Salvador legalized Bitcoin as a legal tender (at the top of the 2021 cycle) but had to scale back on its BTC policies to secure loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Wrapping Up

A profit of more than $14 billion with a lean team will get traditional finance firms wishing they could pull off the same. Tether has outclassed many companies by a long stretch. However, questions about its transparency are still on the table, and it will take a lot to soothe regulators.
On a positive note, its global influence is growing, and the crypto industry is the big winner if its profitability draws in new competitors with clean track records and good reputations. For investors, using new stablecoins across new ecosystems and chains could help you get substantial interest or help you qualify for airdrops down the line. So while they’re boring by design, stables could be the new crypto cash cow if you use them correctly across the DeFi landscape.

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Ten Real-World Asset Projects to Watch in 2025

Posted on by Werner

Ethereum: The Foundation Layer
Chainlink: The RWA Data Backbone
Ondo: The Institutional Bridge
Mantra: The Compliance-First Network
Plume: The Rising Star
Goldfinch: The Global Lender
Sky (formerly MakerDAO): The RWA Pioneer
Artrade: The Art Market Innovator
Ethena: Pioneering Synthetic Dollar Stablecoins
OriginTrail: Providing RWA Data Transparently

Intro

Turning real-world assets (RWA) like stocks, bonds, fiat money, debt, and property into tokens on the blockchain marks a significant shift in how traditional assets are managed and traded. 

Major players like BlackRock are actively pushing RWA tokenization forward, with estimates suggesting the RWA market could reach $500 billion in 2025, a 13× from its current $38 billion market cap. This growth is driven by increasing institutional adoption and regulatory clarity, particularly following key appointments in U.S. regulatory bodies.

Let’s take a look at some of the brightest projects out there and the utility they bring. 

Ethereum: The Foundation Layer

Ethereum remains the dominant force in RWA tokenization, hosting 86% of all tokenized real-world assets. Major institutions consistently choose Ethereum for their RWA launches, trusting its security, established regulatory status (now that it has an approved ETF) and the specialized ERC-3643 token standard designed for easily tokenizing regulated assets.

The upcoming Petra upgrade promises improved scalability for the base layer, while the growing layer-2 ecosystem reduces costs and increases transaction speed, making Ethereum increasingly practical for RWA trading.

Chainlink has established itself as RWA infrastructure. Its decentralized oracle network connects smart contracts with real-world data, making it a good fit for asset tokenization. 

The platform’s reliability in providing accurate data feeds allow it to verify asset values and automate crucial processes like rental income distribution and property management.

K33 Research recently labeled Chainlink as the safest bet in the RWA narrative, confirming its solid foundation to help build the new ecosystem. The LINK token, used for oracle services and node operator incentives, stands to benefit from increased RWA adoption.

Pros:

  • Industry standard for RWA data feeds
  • Strong track record of reliability
  • Growing institutional adoption

Cons:

  • Token value tied to network usage
  • Complex tokenomics
  • High competition in oracle space

Ondo: The Institutional Bridge

Ondo aims to lead the way in creating tokenized traditional assets. Its transparent operations and regulatory compliance have attracted significant institutional interest. The company’s recent launch of Ondo Global Markets (GM) represents a major step forward in making RWA investing more accessible through tokenized stocks, bonds, and ETFs.

The platform works closely with traditional finance giants, holding approximately 38% of BlackRock’s BUIDL fund. Institutional backing like that, combined with its purpose-built layer-1 blockchain for RWAs, positions Ondo as a promising player in bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology.

Pros:

  • Strong institutional partnerships
  • Regulatory compliant framework
  • Growing asset selection

Cons:

  • Limited token utility currently
  • Dependent on regulatory clarity
  • Regional restrictions

Mantra: The Compliance-First Network

Mantra distinguishes itself through a unique approach to RWA tokenization: it embeds compliance directly into its protocol. It is a Cosmos-based blockchain with built-in KYC/AML (Know Your Customer/Anti-Money Laundering) capabilities and transaction monitoring, making it particularly attractive for institutional users looking for regulatory-compliant solutions.

Recent partnerships, including a significant deal to tokenize over $1 billion in real estate with DEAC, demonstrate growing market confidence. The platform’s focus on Middle Eastern and Asian markets has helped establish strong regional presence.

Pros:

  • Built-in compliance features
  • Strong regional partnerships
  • High performance infrastructure

Cons:

  • Geographic limitations
  • Early stage development
  • Complex regulatory landscape

Plume: The Rising Star

Plume is a modular, secure, and scalable blockchain infrastructure that facilitates tokenizing and managing RWAs optimally. It has quickly captured market attention in the RWAfi space, amassing 18 million addresses and $4 billion in available assets. 

Following a successful $20 million funding round, the platform has integrated with major players including Paxos and LayerZero, setting the stage for rapid expansion in 2025.

The platform’s token price has shot up, suggesting strong market confidence in its approach to RWA tokenization. This momentum positions Plume as a potential market leader in the coming year.

Goldfinch: The Global Lender

Goldfinch operates as an Ethereum-based lending platform, currently managing nearly $100 million in active loans to businesses worldwide. Backed by prominent venture firms including Andreessen Horowitz and Coinbase Ventures, the platform bridges the gap between crypto liquidity and real-world lending.

The GFI token, though smaller in market cap than other RWA project tokens, is exhibiting growth potential as the platform expands its lending operations.

Sky (formerly MakerDAO): The RWA Pioneer

Sky’s transformation from MakerDAO represents a strategic shift toward RWA integration. Its rebranded USDS stablecoin uses real-world assets including Treasury bonds and mortgage loans as collateral, generating stable yields and connecting traditional finance with DeFi infrastructure.

The platform’s innovative ‘smart burn’ engine applies deflationary pressure on the SKY token as protocol fees increase, offering a unique value proposition for token holders. This mechanism becomes particularly significant as RWA adoption grows.

Artrade: The Art Market Innovator

Built on Solana‘s high-speed blockchain, Artrade targets the fine art market with its tokenization platform. This focused approach has helped the project carve out a unique position in the RWA space, offering investors exposure to a traditionally exclusive market.

The platform’s recent growth suggests increasing market interest in specialized RWA solutions, particularly in premium asset classes like fine art.

Ethena: Pioneering Synthetic Dollar Stablecoins

Stablecoins represent the earliest form of Real-World Assets in the crypto space, with a market cap reaching $180 billion. Ethena (USDe) introduces an innovative approach as a non-custodial stablecoin backed by ETH and stETH. 

Custodial stablecoins like USDC and USDT are backed by government securities, but Ethena instead uses ‘delta hedging’ – a sophisticated trading strategy where the protocol opens equivalent short derivatives positions in ETH for every USDe unit, offsetting potential price volatility.

However, experts have raised concerns about Ethena’s sustainability, particularly regarding its high-yield offerings during bear markets, and the regulatory implications of its complex derivatives operations.

OriginTrail: Providing RWA Data Transparently

OriginTrail tackles the challenges of data transparency and verification through its decentralized knowledge graph (DKG) platform. The system enables the tokenization and traceability of real-world assets, while addressing critical issues like data silos and inefficient information-exchange.

The platform has three key components: 

  • the DKG for secure data connection and verification
  • a multi-chain blockchain infrastructure for transaction security
  • the TRAC token for network operations and governance.

This ensures that data remain both accessible and tamper-proof, providing a crucial bridge between traditional asset management and blockchain technology.

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Final Thoughts

2025 will be the year when the RWA sector matures, and these ten projects should be seen as just some of the early ones in the sector. They represent different approaches to bringing real-world assets on-chain. Success will likely depend on the ability to maintain regulatory compliance while delivering efficient, scalable solutions for asset tokenization. 

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Here’s which crypto ETFs we’re likely to see in 2025

Posted on by Werner

What are the Chances of New Crypto ETF Approvals in 2025?
What are the Chances of a Litecoin ETF in 2025?
Cardano (ADA): ETF Hopes High For 2025 After Grayscale Filing
XRP ETF? The SEC Needs to Untangle a Mess
Prospects of a Solana ETF Approval in 2025
Wrapping Up

In 2024, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) moved to approve spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Now everyone is wondering which cryptocurrency is next in line to receive approval. The front runners are Solana, Litecoin, and XRP – with Dogecoin chasing the pack.

While these digital asset ETFs still have ground, they are in the home stretch. What comes next?

What are the Chances of New Crypto ETF Approvals in 2025?

Regulatory and political changes have increased the chances of ETF approvals in 2025. It is a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if.’

Let’s look at the factors that could get these ETFs approved or rejected. Firstly, the government of the USA has adopted a more pro-crypto stance, particularly following the departure of Gary Gensler from the SEC. The current U.S. administration has shown willingness to bet on crypto, a complete departure from the hostility of Gensler.

His departure has been followed by the appointment of David Sacks as President Donald Trump’s crypto czar. Sacks emphasized that the current administration is committed to supporting the reasonable growth and use of cryptocurrencies. Does this support include the approval of crypto ETFs such as Solana, XRP, or Litecoin?

If analysts are to be believed, there is a 90% chance that a Litecoin ETF will be approved. Dogecoin, Solana and XRP are next, at 75%, 70%, and 65% probability respectively.

Additionally, major firms like Grayscale and Bitwise have made ETF applications, adding to the momentum and suggesting that the SEC may soon be more open to approving a range of cryptocurrency investment products.

What are the Chances of a Litecoin ETF in 2025?

Bloomberg ETF analysts James Seyffart and Eric Balchunas claim that Litecoin has a 90% chance of ETF approval in the USA

There are several reasons for this optimism: the SEC recently acknowledged Litecoin’s regulatory filings, and will likely classify it as a commodity, which will help the approval process for a Litecoin ETF.

Investor interest in digital assets has surged, particularly following the successful launches of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, which have attracted significant inflows. 

The SEC is expected to make decisions on various crypto ETFs between Oct 2 and Oct 18, 2025. Mark your calendar. That’s when we’ll know if the pundits were right and Litecoin is the first ushered into the winners’ circle.

Cardano (ADA): ETF Hopes High For 2025 After Grayscale Filing

On Feb 11 2025, NYSE Arca filed with the SEC to list and trade shares of a spot Cardano ETF on behalf of Grayscale. The proposed Grayscale Cardano Trust would be the firm’s first standalone Cardano investment product and is huge news for ADA investors. This is more good news for Cardano after Charles Hoskinson took a senior advisory role in Donald Trump’s crypto regulation team earlier this year. 

Coinbase Custody Trust Company would serve as custodian of the Cardano spot ETF, while BNY Mellon Asset Servicing would act as administrator. The filing states that this would be the first such product based on ADA and would enhance market competition. 

Grayscale have also moved to convert its Solana trust into a spot ETF, and to launch an XRP ETF, amid a broader wave of crypto ETF applications from various asset managers.

XRP ETF? The SEC Needs to Untangle a Mess

The legal battle between the SEC and Ripple, the company behind XRP, is well documented and still far from over. The crypto market is hopeful that the case may conclude in XRP’s favor thanks to a crypto-friendly administration.

But until that happens, Bloomberg ETF analyst James Seyffart believes the SEC needs to untangle the mess it created, and show a viable path to the approval of an XRP ETF.

The only silver lining is that the SEC’s case against Ripple was initiated by a Gensler-led agency, and the tables have turned now that crypto-friendly authorities are setting the tune. 

Ripple’s Chief Legal Officer Stuart Alderoty said that the next head of the agency could drop the case. Is he stretching a bit too far?

One way or the other, the mess created by the agency will have to be untangled. For now, the SEC has acknowledged three XRP ETF filings in one day, signaling that it may just be a matter of time.

Prospects of a Solana ETF Approval in 2025

Solana is in a tricky situation. Major investment firms such as Grayscale, VanEck, 21Shares, and Bitwise have submitted ETF applications, reflecting strong institutional interest in Solana as a viable investment vehicle.

Like other ETF applications, the SEC has formally acknowledged these applications: a small but important step. 

However, analysts have noted that Solana may have to wait until 2026 to get a spot ETF approval in the USA, citing ongoing lawsuits that classify Solana as a security. All in all, the odds are not looking good for Solana, with predictions platform Polymarket predicting a 39% chance of an approval before 31 July 2025.

On the bright side, JP Morgan claims that the approval of a spot Solana ETF could attract between $3 billion and $6 billion in assets within its first year. 

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Wrapping Up

Any crypto ETFs approved in 2025 will augur well for asset prices. ETF approvals may not kickstart a full-blown altcoin season, however, any new money into altcoins are a good thing for the whole sector.

Realistically, Litecoin is probably going to be the first to be approved for a spot ETF: it is reputable and in good standing with regulators. XRP and Solana are down the pecking orders but that should not rule them out. And there’s always Dogecoin.

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Not Like Us: Have Shady Political Memecoins Killed The Crypto Bull Run?

Posted on by Werner

Introduction

The rise of tainted politically-themed meme coins in 2025 was a weird chapter in the cryptocurrency story. It mercifully might have come to an end last week, as the $LIBRA token, initially backed by Argentinian president Javier Milei, crashed by 90% after reaching a market cap of $4.5 billion. For many in crypto, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back, just like 2022’s FTX collapse.

Since then the autopsy around its demise revealed that there are some shady foxes in the crypto hen house (aka known in crypto as the cabal) bleeding the space dry as they ‘snipe’ (buy before anyone else) new tokens early in order to maximise their profits and dump their coins on incoming retail buyers. 

In Kendrick Lamar’s words, “They’re not like us”. 

Here is the Libra mastermind Hayden Davis talking about “max extracting” (or selling the top) on another project prior. 

Davis later admitted to being involved with other crashes such as the $MELANIA meme coin. 

It’s clear now that the game is rigged, and this situation is raising questions about the ethical implications and regulatory frameworks surrounding meme coins, especially when they involve high-profile politicians and celebrities. 

The U.S. government announced a new Cyber and Emerging Technology Unit (CETU) agency – so maybe help is on the way for retail investors. This may well one day result in prosecutions similar to the fallout of the 2017 ICO craze, and 2021 token promotions by Floyd Mayweather and other celebrities.

For now, let’s look at the scandals and lessons of PolitiFi meme coin launches that have halted crypto in its tracks in 2025 and fooled investors for “billions and billions of dollars” thus far. 

The Political Memecoin Wall of Shame

1. $TRUMP Coin

Launched just days before Donald Trump‘s inauguration in January 2025, the $TRUMP coin quickly gained attention, surging to a peak of $75 before crashing to around $19 shortly thereafter. 

Critics raised concerns about the token’s structure, as a significant portion was controlled by entities affiliated with the Trump Organization, leading to accusations of potential market manipulation and conflicts of interest. 

The token’s rapid rise & fall exemplified the volatility and speculation inherent in meme coins, and crashed all crypto markets as a result, extracting a lot of value from the space. 

2. $MELANIA Coin

Following the launch of $TRUMP, Melania Trump introduced her own meme coin, $MELANIA. It experienced a staggering increase in value, then quickly lost nearly 80% of its value. The coin’s connection to Melania Trump drew significant media attention, but it also raised ethical questions regarding the use of celebrity endorsements in potentially fraudulent schemes. 

Hayden Davis of $LIBRA recently admitted to being part of the launch, and it’s come to light that several influencers and other insiders were given the contract address by Meteora before the launch, allowing them to snipe tokens for cheap. It has resulted in CEO Ben Chow stepping down this week. As a result, Solana’s price took a big dump this week. Shame! Shame! 

3. $LIBRA Coin

In Argentina, President Javier Milei briefly promoted $LIBRA as part of his economic strategy. Initially celebrated as a bold move to boost the economy, it quickly devolved into controversy when insiders such as Kelsier Ventures executed a ‘rug pull’, leading to an 80% drop in value shortly after its launch. Almost $100 million was pilfered by insiders during the launch.

This incident caused financial losses for investors, and the political outrage against Milei’s administration may yet see him impeached.

Argentina’s Memecoin Disaster Is Worse Than You Think. You can watch the whole debacle here:

4. Barron Trump Coin

An unofficial meme token named after Barron Trump briefly captured attention with a market capitalization reaching $460 million before crashing by 95%. This incident demonstrated how easily scammers could exploit high-profile names to create fraudulent tokens that misled investors.

5. $CAR Crash

In February 2025, the Central African Republic (CAR) launched its official meme coin, $CAR, as an experiment to unite people, support national development, and uniquely place CAR on the world stage. (If you see the word “experiment” in crypto, stay away!)

CAR’s embrace of crypto innovation isn’t new; in 2022, it became the second country after El Salvador to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. Despite holding reserves of gold and diamonds, CAR struggles with economic instability. The government hoped to capitalize on the meme coin trend to draw international attention and investment. 

The value of $CAR soon experienced a dramatic decline, dropping as much as 90% on some exchanges. Next, the Twitter account dedicated to $CAR updates was suspended, raising concerns. Additionally, there were reports that the President’s announcement video showed signs of being a fake video, casting doubts on the whole project.

Despite these issues, President Touadéra remained optimistic, suggesting that $CAR could fund national development projects, such as renovating educational institutions. I wouldn’t hold my breath, or my tokens. 

6. $JAILSTOOL: The Alleged Dave Portnoy “Rug Pull”

In 2025, Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports, faced accusations of a ‘rug pull’ involving a meme coin called $JAILSTOOL. Portnoy mocked investors online for being fools, but ironically days later he had to be bailed out by $5 million by Hayden Davis (as an important social media influencer) after he lost it in the Libra launch. 

Ethical Concerns and Market Manipulation

Critics argue that using political figures for financial gain blurs the lines between legitimate investment opportunities and exploitative schemes designed primarily for profit at the expense of unsuspecting investors. In Trump’s hands-off regulatory approach to crypto, this becomes more important than ever.

The ease with which these tokens can be launched – with minimal regulatory oversight – creates an environment ripe for fraud and manipulation, especially when all these retail buyers don’t understand much about token issuance. It’s time for change. 

Credit: Tesfu Assefa

Can We Fix Meme Coins Through Regulation? 

To address the fallout from exploitative meme coin trends and protect investors, comprehensive regulatory frameworks are necessary. Here are some potential fixes recommended by experts:

  1. Enhanced Transparency Requirements

Regulatory bodies should mandate clear disclosure of tokenomics (i.e. the economic model behind a cryptocurrency) including information about token distribution, ownership concentration, and potential risks associated with investment.

  1. Investor Education Initiatives

Governments should implement educational programs aimed at informing potential investors about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and how to identify red flags in speculative investments.

  1. Licensing for Token Creators

Require developers of new cryptocurrencies to obtain licenses: this can help ensure that only responsible entities enter the market, while providing a mechanism for accountability.

  1. Collaboration with Blockchain Analytics Firms

Regulatory agencies should partner with blockchain analytics firms to monitor transactions and identify suspicious activity related to newly launched tokens.

  1. Global Regulatory Coöperation

Given the borderless nature of cryptocurrencies, international coöperation among regulatory bodies is essential to create uniform standards that prevent exploitation across jurisdictions.

Conclusion

As seen with tokens like $TRUMP, $MELANIA, and $LIBRA, speculation driven by celebrity endorsements can lead to devastating financial consequences for everyday investors. To mitigate these risks, robust regulatory frameworks must be established that prioritize transparency, accountability, and investor protection, and these must be enforced. 

Luckily, the blockchain is immutable and every single transaction there forever. So if you’re a meme coin scammer or rugpuller, know that maybe one day, CETU is gonna GETU.

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Argentina’s $4 billion Libra Token Scam: Another Presidential Crypto Rug-Pull

Posted on by Werner

Introduction

Just weeks after the American President Donald Trump’s controversial $TRUMP and associated $MELANIA meme coin launches, which surged at first and then nosedived in value, last week saw another president endorse a cryptocurrency which climb to the heavens in value only to crash down to earth, taking billions of user funds with it. 

Like a house of cards collapsing, the Libra token’s dramatic rise and fall has sent shockwaves through both Argentina‘s political landscape and the broader cryptocurrency market. 

In just 11 hours, what began as a seemingly promising cryptocurrency endorsed by Argentine President Javier Milei turned into one of the most devastating rug-pulls in recent crypto history, wiping out $4 billion in market value. 

It was supposed to be a shining example of crypto’s real world usefulness, forming part of the Viva La Libertad Project supporting Argentina’s economy. But it soon turned out to be just another cashout by greedy insiders. 

Are the new patrons of crypto doing more bad than good for the space with their involvement? Right now, the answer would appear to be ‘yes’. 

The Rise and Fall of Libra

On February 14, President Milei shared a post on Twitter promoting the Libra (LIBRA) token, describing it as a private initiative to boost Argentina’s economy. With the pro-crypto president’s endorsement, the token’s market capitalization skyrocketed to $4.56 billion. However, within hours of its debut on decentralized exchanges, insider wallets began systematically draining the project’s liquidity. This soon sent the charts on a red line straight down. The token’s value plummeted by 94%, leaving countless investors with substantial losses. 

One particularly unfortunate wallet holder reportedly lost $5.17 million in the chaos, although they were suspiciously credited $5 million USDC later in what reeked of insider trading. 

According to blockchain intelligence firm Lookonchain, at least eight wallets connected to the Libra team extracted approximately $107 million, split between 57.6 million USDC and 249,671 Solana tokens. 

Anatomy of the Libra Rug Pull

The Libra token was presented as a stimulus to Argentina’s economy by funding small businesses and startups, which fitted Milei’s economic plans. The team behind the Libra launch was Kelsier Ventures, spearheaded by Hayden Mark Davis, who was advising President Milei on the benefits of Web3 and blockchain technology. 

Davis has since come out to blame Milei for the dump after the latter removed his endorsement. Davis also claimed in a rambling social media post that he would inject $100 million back into the project after recouping funds from parties involved. 

Credit: X

Blockchain analysis reveals a carefully orchestrated exit strategy. The project’s tokenomics were designed for maximum exploitation: 82% of the supply was unlocked from the start, allowing insiders to sell immediately. 

The team began withdrawing liquidity just three hours after the token’s launch, using multiple wallets to obscure their actions.

Credit: Kobeissireport

In a bizarre twist, one large trader who lost $5.17 million received a private compensation of $5 million in USDC, suggesting possible coördination with the project team. This pattern of selective compensation has raised questions about market manipulation and insider trading.

Political Fallout – Milei Takes Fire

For President Milei, who built his campaign on fighting corruption, the Libra disaster has created a serious political crisis. Argentine lawyers have filed criminal fraud charges against him, claiming his endorsement misled investors. 

In response, Milei deleted his endorsement and blamed political opponents, calling them “filthy rats.” His office has requested an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Office to examine whether any government officials engaged in wrongdoing. The president claims he “was not aware of the details of the project” and withdrew his support after learning more.

The opposition is now pushing for impeachment proceedings, calling the incident a “national embarrassment.”

Impact on Argentina’s Economy

The Libra fiasco comes at a particularly sensitive time for Argentina’s economy. Inflation hit 211% immediately after Milei took office, and the country responded with aggressive economic reforms. This scandal could further undermine confidence in the government’s financial policies. International investors, already cautious about Argentina’s market reforms, may view this incident as a red flag.

Local cryptocurrency exchanges report a sharp decline in trading volume as retail investors retreat from the market. This cooling effect could slow the adoption of blockchain technology in Argentina’s financial sector, where several legitimate projects were making headway in areas like cross-border payments and digital banking. This Bankless video covers them in detail:

Connections To $MELANIA and others

On-chain analysts have uncovered troubling links between Libra and other recent cryptocurrency projects, including the recent MELANIA and ENRON tokens. These connections suggest a coördinated effort among serial scammers targeting celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies.

Adding to the controversy, Jupiter Exchange revealed that Libra’s launch was an “open secret in memecoin circles” for about two weeks before the incident. They learned about it from Kelsier Ventures but claim no involvement in the subsequent rug-pull.

Market Impact and Regulatory Implications

The Libra collapse has exacerbated an ongoing liquidity crisis in the altcoin market. Much like previous memecoin launches, Libra absorbed significant capital from other cryptocurrencies without bringing fresh money into the ecosystem. When insiders cashed out, they triggered a liquidity drain that affected the broader altcoin sector.

This incident follows a concerning pattern of celebrity-endorsed memecoins facing similar fates. The TRUMP and MELANIA tokens, launched in January 2025, have also seen dramatic losses, with TRUMP down 76% and MELANIA down 90% from their all-time highs. 

Despite initial market caps reaching billions, these tokens often follow a predictable pattern of pump-and-dump schemes. And they’re absolutely bleeding the life out of crypto markets. 

The Future of Celebrity Crypto Endorsements

The Libra disaster could mark a turning point in how public figures approach cryptocurrency endorsements. Legal experts suggest this case might lead to stricter regulations around ‘celebrity’ crypto promotions, similar to existing securities laws. Social media platforms are already discussing enhanced verification requirements for cryptocurrency-related posts by political figures.

Some cryptocurrency exchanges have begun implementing “celebrity token” warning systems, flagging new tokens that rely heavily on endorsements rather than technical merit. These measures aim to protect retail investors from future pump-and-dump schemes.

Conclusion

The Libra disaster will likely have lasting consequences for cryptocurrency regulation and celebrity endorsements in Argentina and beyond. The criminal investigation into President Milei’s involvement could set precedents for how political figures approach cryptocurrency promotions.

For the crypto market, this incident highlights persistent vulnerabilities in decentralized finance. The ease with which insiders can manipulate token launches and drain liquidity poses serious challenges for the industry’s credibility. Basic safeguards are ignored in the rush for quick profits – things like locked liquidity periods and transparent tokenomics. Also, it’s a terrible look for Solana, whose meme coin and AI agent booms first surged and then hurt the entire crypto sector by wiping out retail wallets. 
The crypto gods give and the crypto gods take away. This week we should see repayments from FTX, previously the high water mark for crypto crime, make its way to crypto-strapped investors. The lesson is never trust anyone but yourself. Will we learn? Probably not.

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