FTX Creditors to Receive 118% of Funds Back in Cash, Estate Reveals

In a recent development, the estate handling the aftermath of the FTX collapse has announced a new plan that could see almost all creditors receiving 118% of their funds back in cash. This revelation comes as a significant relief to many affected by the collapse of the popular crypto exchange.

According to the estate, this new plan aims to provide swift and equitable restitution to creditors, ensuring that they are compensated for their losses as fairly as possible. The decision to offer creditors more than their initial investments reflects the estate’s commitment to prioritizing the interests of those affected by the collapse.

The announcement comes after months of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the fate of FTX creditors’ funds. The collapse of the exchange had left many investors worried about the prospect of losing their investments entirely. However, this new plan offers a glimmer of hope for those seeking to recover their losses.

Under the proposed plan, creditors will have the option to receive their funds in cash, allowing them to access their money quickly and easily. This is expected to provide much-needed relief to individuals and businesses who may have been struggling financially as a result of the collapse.

Additionally, the plan underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the cryptocurrency industry. By providing regular updates and clear communication, the estate has been able to instill confidence in creditors and stakeholders, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the situation in a fair and timely manner.

Overall, the announcement of the new plan represents a positive step forward in the aftermath of the FTX collapse. While challenges may still lie ahead, creditors can take comfort in the fact that efforts are being made to address their concerns and ensure that they receive the restitution they deserve. As the process unfolds, stakeholders will continue to monitor developments closely, hopeful for a favorable outcome.

SOURCE: Nearly All FTX Creditors Will Get 118% of Their Funds Back in Cash, Estate Says in New Plan

Vitalik Buterin’s Proposal Aims to Enhance Ethereum’s Account Abstraction

Ethereum, the pioneering blockchain platform, might soon undergo a significant upgrade, thanks to a proposal put forward by Vitalik Buterin, one of its co-founders. Buterin’s proposal, known as EIP-7702, targets the refinement of “account abstraction” on Ethereum.

Account abstraction is a critical aspect of Ethereum’s architecture, defining how user accounts interact with the blockchain. Buterin’s proposal seeks to improve this interaction by making it more flexible and efficient. With EIP-7702, users could execute transactions and interact with smart contracts using a broader range of cryptographic keys, enhancing security and usability.

The proposed changes could pave the way for more diverse and advanced applications to be built on Ethereum. By enabling greater flexibility in account management, developers could create innovative decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols, non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces, and other decentralized applications (dApps) with enhanced functionality and security.

Buterin’s proposal has garnered attention and sparked discussions within the Ethereum community. Developers, researchers, and enthusiasts are evaluating the potential implications of EIP-7702 and providing feedback to refine the proposal further.

If adopted, EIP-7702 could usher in a new era of innovation and growth for Ethereum. By enhancing account abstraction, Ethereum would become more adaptable to the evolving needs of its users and developers, positioning itself as a leading platform for decentralized applications.

Overall, Buterin’s proposal reflects Ethereum’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. As the blockchain ecosystem evolves, initiatives like EIP-7702 play a vital role in ensuring Ethereum remains at the forefront of blockchain technology, driving progress and empowering users worldwide.

SOURCE: Vitalik Buterin proposes EIP-7702 aiming to refine account abstraction on Ethereum

Grayscale Bitcoin Trust Sees Inflow Again After Months of Outflows

Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has seen an influx of capital for two consecutive days, marking an end to the prolonged four-month period of significant outflows. Prior to this reversal, the crypto asset manager experienced daily withdrawals averaging $218 million over a 78-day streak starting from January 11, cumulatively amounting to over $17.5 billion in outflows from its spot Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF).

This negative trend halted on May 3, with a notable inflow of $63 million into GBTC. This contributed to a net positive inflow of $378.3 million for the overall spot BTC ETF market, following a week of losses. GBTC continued this positive momentum into the following week, adding a further $3.9 million on May 6, totaling $66.9 million in recent inflows.

Despite these inflows, GBTC’s net outflow for the year still stands at a substantial $17.4 billion. However, the broader spot Bitcoin ETF sector in the United States shows a robust balance sheet. Leading the investment influx is BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) with net inflows reaching $15.5 billion. Other significant contributions have come from Fidelity Investments’ Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) at $8.1 billion, Cathie Wood’s ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF at $2.1 billion, and the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF Trust (BITB) at $1.7 billion, bringing the total market inflow to nearly $11.8 billion to date.

In related developments, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has postponed its decision on approving or rejecting several pending applications for spot Ether ETFs from firms including BlackRock, Grayscale, and Invesco Galaxy until July. The SEC stated, “The Commission finds that it is appropriate to designate a longer period within which to issue an order approving or disapproving the proposed rule change so that it has sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised therein.” This delay also affects other applicants like Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, Hashdex, and Ark 21Shares, aligning with analyst predictions on the matter.

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Bitcoin Traders Target $100k as Price Rebounds

Bitcoin’s recent price surge, driven by a favorable economic climate, has reignited speculation among options traders about the possibility of the cryptocurrency reaching $100,000 this year. Since Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s recent announcement dismissing further rate hikes, Bitcoin has climbed over 12% to $63,470, as per CoinDesk. The weak U.S. nonfarm payrolls data further bolstered this upward trajectory, validating Powell’s approach and fueling recovery in the cryptocurrency’s value.

Amidst this renewed optimism, there has been a spike in the demand for Bitcoin call options, with traders on Deribit and over-the-counter networks setting their sights on targets above $75,000 and potentially hitting $100,000. “BTC risk reversals have gone positive, and [there has been a] renewed demand for BTC Sep expiry $75,000 and $100,000 calls,” noted QCP Capital. Options trading is reflecting bullish sentiments, with call options—bets on rising prices—outweighing puts.

Further highlighting this trend, Paradigm, an OTC institutional cryptocurrency trading network, reported a noticeable increase in demand for out-of-the-money calls, suggesting anticipation of further price increases. “We noticed the previous March 25 [expiry] $200,000 call buyer closing his position to buy the July 2024 [expiry] $85,000 strike,” Paradigm shared in a statement.

Analysts who see a bullish path ahead also echo support for Bitcoin’s potential rise. “Bitcoin continues to be supported by the U.S. election cycle and ongoing deficit spending,” said 10X Research, suggesting a tactical bullish stance if Bitcoin remains above $62,000. Meanwhile, Swissblock Insights indicated that a weaker dollar, unless countered by the Fed, could further benefit Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

In technical analysis, John Glover of Ledn provided an Elliot wave forecast that sees Bitcoin potentially reaching $92,000. “Although the dip to $56.5k may have completed the correction, I still expect to see a price of $52-55k before Wave 4 completes, then a push to approximately $92k,” Glover predicted.

As the market continues to react to economic indicators and Federal Reserve policies, Bitcoin remains a focal point for traders leveraging options to capitalize on its volatility and potential upside.

SOURCE: Bitcoin Rebound Has Crypto Options Traders Anticipating $100K

South Korea Excludes Digital Currencies from Donation Legislation

South Korea has recently updated its donation legislation, excluding digital currencies, potentially impacting the nation’s charities and fundraising initiatives. According to a report by Kyunghyang Shinmun on May 5, the Ministry of Public Administration revealed that the amended “Donations Act” will continue to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin for donations, even as new permissible donation methods such as department store gift vouchers, stocks, and loyalty points from Korean internet giant Naver are introduced starting in July.

Initially established in 2006, the Donations Act was created when fewer payment options existed, and smartphones were not yet commonplace. The legislation has evolved to include various modern donation methods beyond traditional bank transfers, incorporating automated response systems, postal, and logistics services.

Despite the increasing popularity of digital assets in South Korea, the Ministry has not provided an explanation for their exclusion from donation methods. However, the revised legislation will allow donations in locally issued, KRW-pegged stablecoins and blockchain-issued gift vouchers.

This regulatory decision arrives amidst the growing global adoption of cryptocurrencies for charitable contributions. TheGivingBlock notes that over $2 billion has been donated in cryptocurrency worldwide as of January 2024, a market now inaccessible to South Korean charities.

Additionally, more than half of American charities have begun accepting digital asset donations, showcasing a stark contrast in regulatory approaches across different regions.

This update is part of broader regulatory efforts in South Korea, which include plans to transform its temporary crypto crime investigative unit into a permanent department to address the rising issues of crypto-related crimes and financial fraud.

Simultaneously, Crypto.com, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange, faces challenges entering the South Korean market due to regulatory barriers, further highlighted by recent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) concerns and emergency inspections by South Korean authorities.

SOURCE: South Korea stops short of allowing crypto in updated donation laws

Less Than 10% of Stablecoin Transactions from Real Users

A recent report has shed light on the surprising fact that less than 10% of the transaction volume of stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar, comes from real users engaging in everyday transactions. The findings raise questions about the true nature of stablecoin usage and its implications for the cryptocurrency market.

Stablecoins have gained popularity in recent years due to their perceived stability compared to other cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They are often used as a means of transferring value quickly and efficiently, as well as for trading and investment purposes.

However, the report suggests that the majority of stablecoin transactions are not driven by genuine economic activity but rather by trading and speculation within the cryptocurrency ecosystem. This revelation challenges the narrative that stablecoins are primarily used for everyday transactions and highlights the speculative nature of the cryptocurrency market.

The implications of this revelation are significant. If stablecoins are predominantly used for speculative trading rather than real-world transactions, it could raise concerns about the stability and sustainability of the cryptocurrency market. Moreover, it could affect the perception of stablecoins as a reliable medium of exchange and store of value.

Additionally, the report raises questions about the transparency and regulation of stablecoin issuers. With a large portion of stablecoin transactions driven by trading activity, there may be risks associated with market manipulation and lack of oversight, potentially exposing users to financial harm.

In response to the findings, industry stakeholders may need to reevaluate their approach to stablecoin usage and regulation. Regulators may consider implementing stricter oversight measures to ensure the integrity and stability of the stablecoin market, while users may need to exercise caution when engaging in transactions involving stablecoins.

Overall, the report highlights the need for greater transparency and scrutiny in the stablecoin market to address concerns about its true nature and impact on the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem. As the cryptocurrency market continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of stablecoin usage will be crucial for shaping its future direction.

SOURCE: Less Than 10% of Stablecoin Transaction Volume Coming from Real Users

FriendTech’s Native Token Plummets After Airdrop

In a surprising turn of events, FriendTech’s native token took a nosedive, plummeting from $169 to $2.5 shortly after its airdrop. The sharp decline sent shockwaves through the crypto community and raised questions about the token’s viability and market reception.

FriendTech, a promising new player in the cryptocurrency space, had generated significant buzz leading up to the launch of its native token. However, the dismal performance in the immediate aftermath of its debut caught many investors off guard.

The sudden drop in value has prompted speculation about the factors contributing to the token’s poor performance. Some analysts point to market volatility and uncertainty surrounding the broader crypto landscape as potential explanations for the decline. Others suggest that issues related to the token’s utility, liquidity, or underlying technology may have played a role.

Despite the setback, FriendTech remains optimistic about the future prospects of its native token. In a statement addressing the market reaction, company representatives reaffirmed their commitment to delivering value to token holders and building a robust ecosystem around their platform.

The sharp decline in the token’s value serves as a cautionary tale for investors, highlighting the inherent risks associated with investing in new and unproven projects. It underscores the importance of conducting thorough due diligence and exercising prudence when entering the crypto market.

Furthermore, the incident underscores the need for transparency and accountability within the crypto industry. As the market continues to evolve and mature, investors are increasingly demanding greater transparency from projects and teams behind new tokens.

Moving forward, FriendTech and its native token will face the challenge of rebuilding investor confidence and regaining lost ground. The company’s ability to address concerns, communicate effectively with its community, and deliver on its promises will be critical in determining the token’s long-term success.

In conclusion, the dramatic decline in FriendTech’s native token following its debut highlights the unpredictable nature of the crypto market and the importance of diligence and caution when investing in new projects. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, incidents like these serve as valuable learning experiences for investors and industry participants alike.

SOURCE: Friend.Tech’s Native Token Tanks to $2.5 After Debut

Chinese Startups Surpasses $1 Billion Valuations, Competes With OpenAI in AI Race

In a significant stride within the generative artificial intelligence (AI) sector, four Chinese startups have each achieved unicorn status, crossing the $1 billion valuation mark. This development escalates the competition against industry leader OpenAI, as these firms aim to capitalize on the absence of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in China.

The startups—Zhipu AI, Moonshot AI, MiniMax, and 01.ai—have garnered substantial local investment support. With OpenAI currently leading with a recent valuation boost to over $80 billion as of February 17, these Chinese counterparts are swiftly expanding their teams to innovate and develop comparable AI products.

Despite OpenAI’s dominance, its ChatGPT is not available in China, presenting a unique market opportunity for local startups. According to IT Juzi, 262 AI startups in China aim to offer ChatGPT alternatives to the Chinese audience. Among the frontrunners, Zhipu AI has emerged prominently with a workforce of 800 and a recent valuation of $2.5 billion following a funding round in March. Major regional players including Alibaba Cloud, Tencent, and Xiaomi significantly back the firm.

Similarly, Moonshot AI, also valued at $2.5 billion, targets educational and professional sectors with its AI chatbot, Kimi, which assists in text summarization and has attracted over 12 million visits in March alone.

MiniMax, another notable player valued likewise at $2.5 billion, caters to the gaming community with its anime-themed AI characters that engage users interactively.

On the other hand, 01.ai, though trailing with a $1.2 billion valuation, is making headway with its open-source models tailored for the Chinese market, including its productivity-focused chatbot, Wanzhi.

These companies are strategically positioned to exploit the growing demand for AI technologies in China, driven by robust support from heavyweight investors such as Alibaba, Tencent, and Xiaomi.

Source: The rise of the Chinese AI unicorns doing battle with OpenAI

Roger Ver’s Arrest on Tax Evasion Charges Sparks Controversy Within Crypto Community

The recent arrest of Roger Ver, an early Bitcoin investor and Bitcoin Cash advocate, on tax evasion charges in the United States has ignited a range of reactions across the cryptocurrency community. Ver, who renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2014 and became a Japanese citizen, was detained in Spain on April 30. The charges against him include mail fraud, tax evasion, and filing false tax returns, with allegations of evading $48 million in taxes from his 2017 cryptocurrency sales.

The crypto community is deeply divided over the arrest. While a few, like long-term Bitcoin supporter Dan Held, approve of the arrest claiming Ver has been detrimental to Bitcoin, many veterans are decrying the U.S. Department of Justice’s approach. They argue that the charges are unjust, given Ver’s non-U.S. citizen status during the period of the alleged crimes.

Social media platforms, particularly crypto-focused accounts, have been vocal about the situation. Pledditor, a notable account on platform X, suggested that Ver’s legal troubles might be linked to his involvement with companies like Binance, Genesis, and 3AC, which have faced their investigations.

Paul Sztorc, founder and CEO of LayerTwo Labs, defended Ver on Twitter, stating that Ver had complied with all legal tax obligations in both the U.S. and Japan, questioning the fairness of the arrest years after his tax compliance. Kim Dotcom, another crypto veteran, echoed this sentiment, describing the indictment as a “witch hunt” against Ver for his political views and support for figures like Julian Assange.

Jane Adams, a U.S. House Candidate and Bitcoin supporter for 2024, argued that Ver’s arrest represents a broader assault on dissent, pointing to his advocacy against U.S. policies and his support for press freedom as potential reasons for the government’s targeting.

Amid these controversies, the crypto community is also concerned about broader implications, as DavidShares highlighted on X. He noted that the Biden administration appears to be intensifying efforts against the cryptocurrency sector with upcoming elections, suggesting a possible trend of increased regulatory actions.

SOURCE: Crypto veterans call out DOJ for targeting Roger Ver a decade after he left US

How CZ’s Reputation Led to a 4-Month Prison Sentence

Changpeng Zhao, often known as CZ, the CEO of Binance, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges globally, has recently been in the spotlight due to a 4-month prison sentence. The sentence is related to CZ’s reputation as a “good guy” in the crypto industry and his efforts to maintain transparency and compliance within Binance.

The case highlights the challenges prominent figures face in the crypto space when navigating legal and regulatory issues. Despite CZ’s efforts to uphold Binance’s reputation as a trustworthy and compliant exchange, he has found himself entangled in legal proceedings that have resulted in a prison sentence.

The incident underscores the importance of maintaining ethical standards and adhering to regulatory requirements in the cryptocurrency industry. While CZ has been widely regarded as a visionary leader in the crypto space, the recent turn of events serves as a reminder of the legal risks associated with operating in this rapidly evolving sector.

The news has sparked discussions within the crypto community about the implications of CZ’s prison sentence for Binance and the broader cryptocurrency market. Some industry observers have raised concerns about the impact on Binance’s reputation and its ability to attract and retain users in the face of increased regulatory scrutiny.

Despite the challenges, CZ remains optimistic about the future of Binance and the cryptocurrency industry as a whole. In a recent statement, he reaffirmed Binance’s commitment to compliance and transparency and expressed confidence in the resilience of the crypto market.

As the crypto industry continues to mature, incidents like CZ’s prison sentence serve as important lessons for both industry participants and regulators. Crypto companies need to prioritize regulatory compliance and ethical conduct to ensure the long-term viability and legitimacy of the industry.

In conclusion, CZ’s 4-month prison sentence underscores the complexities and challenges faced by prominent figures in the crypto industry. While the incident may have short-term implications for Binance and CZ’s reputation, it also highlights the importance of upholding ethical standards and regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency space. As the industry continues to evolve, maintaining transparency and integrity will be crucial for its continued growth and success.

SOURCE: How Changpeng Zhao’s ‘Good Guy’ Reputation Secured a 4-Month Prison Sentence