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Solana has emerged at the cutting edge of Blockchain innovation

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:22:16 +0000

A smart contract blockchain designed as a foundation for high-performance decentralized applications or dApps, Solana relies on a novel consensus mechanism called “proof-of-history”, which works in concert with a more traditional proof-of-stake model. Through this innovative approach, Solana has shown it can process thousands of transactions per second, giving it a major edge over competing blockchains.

Developers have responded warmly, taking advantage of its instant sub-second block finality and low costs, and Solana already boasts one of the most comprehensive dApp ecosystems of any Ethereum challenger. The Solana ecosystem includes numerous DEX platforms and DeFI protocols (such as HydraSwap and Popsicle Finance), plus numerous wallets (Solflare, Phantom), NFT marketplaces (Solanart, Sollectify), derivatives (Parrot, Mango Markets), and NFT collections (SOLife, Sollamas, SolPunks).

In recent months, Solana’s ecosystem growth has accelerated, and it’s now home to dozens of dApps making waves in areas such as blockchain interoperability, real-world asset tokenization and artificial intelligence. This has contributed to a surge in Solana koers, making it a hot topic in the crypto community. Let’s take a look at some of these exciting new projects.

Boosting Bitcoin Interoperability

In terms of blockchain interoperability, Zeus Network has emerged as a potential game-changer in the evolution of Bitcoin itself. Zeus is working to combine the strengths of Solana, namely its rapid speed and scalability, with the advantages of Bitcoin (security, liquidity and trust) to create a new infrastructure layer for innovative dApp developers.

Developers can utilize Zeus as the foundation of novel dApps that can interoperate between Solana and Bitcoin. It’s creating a world of new possibilities for developers to create high-performance DeFi applications that work natively with Bitcoin. Zeus’s infrastructure provides a way to bring Bitcoin’s liquidity to Solana via its first dApp, called APOLLO.

By effectively merging Bitcoin’s blockchain with Solana, Zeus is paving the way for a new ecosystem of DeFi dApps that provide native support for Bitcoin. Possibilities include native staking for BTC, wrapping BTC with Solana Yield, native BTC-collateralized stablecoins, native and cross-chain NFTs, and native borrowing and lending of BTC on Solana itself.

Powering Tokenized Assets

While Zeus highlights the enormous potential of Solana in terms of interoperability, other projects are taking advantage of its novel capabilities to support “real-world assets”. Thanks to its high throughput, Solana has emerged as one of the best platforms for RWAs, which are tokenized versions of physical assets such as stocks and shares, bonds, commodities such as precious metals or oil, real estate, bottles of fine wine, art and more. Solana’s advantage comes from the Solana Program Library token standard and Metaplex NFT standard, which enable efficient transactions and enhance liquidity.

The RWA protocol Parcl supports the creation of tokenized real estate markets in specific geographic regions across the world, while Homebase DAO is a platform for tokenizing real estate assets to enable fractional ownership.

The private credit platform Credix Finance provides a way for investors to deposit Solana-based stablecoins into liquidity pools or invest in tranches of specific RWA deals. It also facilitates borrowing in USDC, serving fintech companies in emerging markets.

Meanwhile, the price oracle Pyth Network is essential for supporting RWAs with its real-time data feeds that can be updated in milliseconds upon request. This diversity of projects on Solana underscores its enormous potential as an RWA tokenization platform.

Accelerating AI Development

Solana’s high-performance blockchain architecture also makes it ideal for innovative new dApps that aim to decentralize the development of artificial intelligence. For instance, Nosana aims to democratize access to AI computing power. It has built a decentralized grid of GPU instances that AI developers can access for AI inference and training. It provides GPU resources at significantly lower costs compared to traditional cloud platforms such as Google Cloud and AWS, utilizing a peer-to-peer network. With this, individuals who own Nvidia graphics cards can contribute computing power to Nosana’s network by running a node, and rent it to developers who need GPU resources.

Another innovative project is gmAI, which can turbocharge Solana-based dApps with AI functionality, so they can perform advanced tasks such as blockchain analysis, optimize yield-farming processes and identify smart contract vulnerabilities.

Solana nodes can also contribute unused bandwidth to Grass as a way to support the creation of training data for AI application developers. To do so, users simply install Grass’s browser extension, which harvests their unused bandwidth in an anonymous and private way. This bandwidth is then utilized to collect publicly available data from the web, which is transformed into training datasets for AI developers.

Solana Storms Ahead

The above projects provide us with just a small glimpse of the incredible innovation taking place on Solana’s powerful network. Use cases like interoperability, Bitcoin DeFi, tokenized assets and AI are at the cutting edge of the nascent Web3 industry, and it’s clear that Solana is proving to be a fertile ground for these initiatives. In the coming years, we can expect Solana to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the blockchain industry.

Link: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/cryptocurrency-analytics-insight/solana-has-emerged-at-the-cutting-edge-of-blockchain-innovation?utm_source=pocket_saves

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net

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Is Bitcoin the greatest wealth generator of our time?

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 07:03:38 +0000

Bitcoin’s $100K milestone created 14,211 new millionaires and 4 billionaires.
BTC investors become millionaires 22x faster than those in traditional stocks.
Billionaire BTC investors achieved wealth 1,064x quicker than stock investors.

On December 5, 2024, Bitcoin hit $100,000, marking a significant moment in wealth creation. Early investors saw their holdings turn into vast fortunes, with some becoming millionaires and even billionaires in a short time.

A study by NFT Evening highlights Bitcoin’s incredible impact on personal wealth. As BTC crossed the $100,000 mark, it created 14,211 new millionaires in just one day.

Compared to traditional stocks, these returns are achieved much faster. Stock investors often wait decades to see similar gains.

Moreover, Bitcoin’s rise also minted four new billionaires, proving its unique power to build generational wealth.

The Bitcoin Wealth Amassing Formula

As per this study, people who invest in Bitcoin become millionaires approximately 22 times faster than those who invest in stocks.

When investing $4,000 in Bitcoin in 2010, the ultimate value would amount to $1 million in 3,775 days – or approximately 10.3 years.

The same amount redirected to blue-chip stocks would return $45,000 within the same period. This stark contrast further cements Bitcoin as the king in terms of wealth creation.

The probability of becoming a bitcoin billionaire is even more compressed in time. Starting with only $30,500 in early 2011, an individual could become a Bitcoin billionaire by late 2023. This is in just under 13 years.

That makes it 1,064 times faster than conventional stock investors, who even with similar portfolios would be far from achieving $1 million by then.

Bitcoin Outshines Blue-chip Stocks

Bitcoin’s performance has far surpassed even the most celebrated tech giants. From 2010 to 2020, Bitcoin delivered returns 20 times greater than Apple, nine times higher than Nvidia, and four times Tesla’s gains during the same period.

BTC Vs. Blue Chip Stocks Profitability Between 2010-2020: Source| NFT Evening

The disparity becomes even more striking when viewed over the long term: from 2010 to today, Bitcoin’s cumulative returns have exceeded Apple’s by an astounding 76,000 times and Tesla’s by over 9,000 times.

BTC Vs. Blue-Chips Profitability From 2010 until Today: Source|NFT Evening

These numbers are more than eye-catching—they highlight BTC dominance in wealth creation across all asset classes.

NFT Evening’s study utilized Dune Analytics to track Bitcoin wallets exceeding $1 million. By filtering out wallets with initial balances above $100,000, the focus remained on retail investors.

Data from sources such as bitinfocharts.com and TradingView offered a comparative lens against traditional stocks, making the findings robust and precise.

What Bitcoin achieved on December 5 is more than just a record in terms of value – it is the potential of the digital asset.

By transforming small amounts of money into massive ones, this makes Bitcoin perhaps one of the most powerful wealth creating tools of this century.

BTC’s Journey to Surpass $100,000

The history of Bitcoin from its creation in 2009 up to the point when it crossed the $100,000 mark in December 2024 is eventful.

Starting from the price of $ 0.00099 and 10 000 BTC for a pizza, and then rising to more than $1 for a coin in 2011, $10 000 in 2017 to $68 789 in 2021.

Major events like the Mt. Gox collapse, ETF approvals, and China’s crypto bans shaped its trajectory. By 2024, BTC has already cemented its status as a financial powerhouse, with Bitcoin ETFs, adoption, and policy shifts fueling its climb to over $107,000. This showcases its unmatched wealth-generation potential.

Link: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2024/12/19/is-bitcoin-the-greatest-wealth-generator-of-our-time/?utm_source=pocket_saves

Source: https://www.thecoinrepublic.com

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Ethereum faces ‘intense’ competition from other networks: JPMorgan

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 04:35:01 +0000

The blockchain’s native token ether has underperformed bitcoin and other altcoins in recent months, the report noted.

By Will Canny

What to know:

The Ethereum blockchain is faced with intense competition, the report said.
JPMorgan said ether has underperformed due to this competitive pressure, and because it lacks a compelling narrative like bitcoin.
The network’s growth lags that of competitors such as Solana, the bank said.

Ether (ETH) has underperformed other cryptocurrencies in recent months as the Ethereum blockchain has faced “intense” competition from other networks, Wall Street bank JPMorgan (JPM) said in a research report on Wednesday.

The token lacks a compelling narrative like that of its larger peer bitcoin (BTC, the bank said, adding that bitcoin benefits from its perception as a store of value and as digital gold.

Despite upgrades, such as Dencun, activity has shifted from the main Ethereum network to its layer 2’s, which is detrimental to the blockchain’s growth, the report said. The network’s latest upgrade, Pectra, is likely to happen in early April.

“Competitive pressures have led some decentralized applications (dapps) to migrate from Ethereum to other application-specific chains for better performance,” analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote.

Examples include decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap, dYdX and Hyperliquid, the bank said.

Uniswap’s upcoming move to Unichain is important because it is one of Ethereum’s “largest gas consuming protocols,” and its migration could result in a significant loss to the network’s fee pool, the bank noted.

JPMorgan said this trend of dapps moving to other layer 2s or alternative layer 1s could negatively impact Ethereum by lessening activity on the main network, which could result in lower transaction fees and validator revenue.

Layers 2s are separate blockchains built on top of layer 1s, or the base layer, that reduce bottlenecks with scaling and data. In terms of supply, this could make ether inflationary as “fewer transactions imply reduced token burning,” the authors wrote.

The bank noted that Ethereum’s growth is behind that of competitors such as Solana, which saw a surge in activity linked to memecoins.

The Ethereum ecosystem still dominates the stablecoin, decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization spaces in spite of these challenges, the bank said.

The network could see increased institutional demand from tokenization enterprises but “competition from other networks is likely to remain intense in the foreseeable future,” the report added.

Link: https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/02/07/ethereum-faces-intense-competition-from-other-networks-jpmorgan?utm_source=pocket_shared

Source: https://www.coindesk.com

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What could be the next breakthrough Cryptocurrency? Top picks for 2025

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 21:34:09 +0000

The cryptocurrency market is gearing up for an exciting 2025, with groundbreaking projects ready to take center stage. Investors are on the hunt for the next big opportunity, and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint—a mix of powerhouse tokens and ambitious newcomers is sparking serious buzz.

Leading the pack are Ethereum (ETH) and Solana (SOL), two giants paving the way for innovation. But the real game-changer? Lightchain AI, a rising star making waves with its cutting-edge approach and huge growth potential. If you’re looking for exceptional returns, these projects are ones to watch!

Ethereum and Solana- Top Contenders in Smart Contract Space

Ethereum and Solana, the two well-known smart contract platforms are each with unique benefits. Ethereum, founded in 2015 is a leader in smart contracts and boasts a thriving ecosystem of decentralized finance and apps (dApps). In an attempt to increase scalability and energy efficiency, it has moved to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus procedure.

Solana, launched in 2020, differentiates itself with a unique combination of Proof-of-History (PoH) and PoS, enabling high transaction throughput and low fees. Applications that need speed and economy will find Solana appealing because of its architecture which enables it to perform thousands of transactions per second.

While Ethereum provides a more advanced and secure ecosystem, Solana performs better in terms of speed and transaction costs. Developers and investors should consider these factors while choosing a platform for their specific needs.

Lightchain AI- Rising Star with Huge Potential

The blockchain environment is being revolutionized by Lightchain AI’s advanced features. The Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), its core component, enables the seamless integration of AI applications into sectors such as banking, healthcare, and transportation. Put an end to antiquated consensus techniques with Lightchain’s Proof of Intelligence (PoI), which incentivizes nodes to perform actual AI calculations, advancing machine learning and predictive analytics.

Transparency is a core value with the Transparent AI Framework, ensuring every AI-driven decision is fully auditable. Decentralized, AI-powered governance is enabling more informed and community-focused decisions. Because Lightchain AI is scalable and can effortlessly handle high transaction volumes and intricate AI tasks it is the ideal choice for companies of all sizes.

Prioritizing privacy and security following stringent data protection laws, and encouraging international cooperation. Lightchain AI is laying the groundwork for a more intelligent and effective blockchain future with the help of a vibrant community dedicated to continuous innovation

Why Lightchain AI is One to Watch

Ethereum and Solana may dominate today, but Lightchain AI is shaking things up with its innovative approach and explosive early-stage potential. This isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a high-growth opportunity you don’t want to miss.

For investors looking to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing, Lightchain AI combines affordability, cutting-edge innovation, and unmatched scalability. It’s the perfect mix for those ready to ride the wave of the future.

The momentum is building, and Lightchain AI is poised to become a breakout star in the crypto world. Don’t just watch from the sidelines—secure your stake in what could be the next major success story. As we move into 2025 and beyond, keep your eyes on the crypto market’s rising stars—it’s full of surprises, opportunities, and game-changing innovations.

Link: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/cryptocurrency-analytics-insight/what-could-be-the-next-breakthrough-cryptocurrency-top-picks-for-2025

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net

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Why your business should accept Crypto payments

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 09:30:49 +0000

In recent years, the digital landscape has experienced a significant transformation, particularly in the realm of financial transactions. Among the most groundbreaking developments is the emergence and adoption of cryptocurrency, a digital or virtual form of currency that uses cryptography for security. This innovation has not only redefined the concept of money but has also opened new avenues for businesses looking to stay ahead in the competitive market.

The aim of this article is to delve into the myriad benefits that cryptocurrencies offer to businesses, particularly focusing on why accepting crypto payments is becoming an indispensable strategy for future-proofing operations. From enhancing transaction efficiency to tapping into new customer bases, the shift towards crypto payments promises to unlock a new dimension of commercial opportunities. As we explore the advantages and practical considerations of integrating cryptocurrency into business models, it becomes evident that the future of financial transactions is digital, and embracing crypto payments is no longer a matter of if, but when.

Understanding Crypto Payments

Cryptocurrency, at its core, is a decentralized digital or virtual currency that employs cryptography for secure financial transactions. Unlike traditional currencies, cryptocurrencies operate on a technology called blockchain, a distributed ledger enforced by a disparate network of computers. This technology not only ensures the integrity and security of transaction data but also eliminates the need for centralized intermediaries, such as banks, thereby streamlining transactions and reducing costs. Since the introduction of Bitcoin in 2009, the first and most well-known cryptocurrency, the crypto market has expanded rapidly, giving rise to thousands of other digital currencies, including Ethereum, Ripple, and Litecoin, among others.

The concept of crypto payments refers to the process of using cryptocurrencies to exchange goods and services. Over the past few years, this form of payment has gained significant traction among both consumers and businesses, driven by its potential to offer more efficient, secure, and cost-effective transaction solutions compared to traditional payment methods. Today, a growing number of businesses across various industries are exploring the integration of crypto payments into their operations, recognizing the strategic benefits it brings in accessing new markets, enhancing customer experience, and fostering innovation.

Benefits of Accepting Crypto Payments

Lower Transaction Fees

One of the most compelling reasons for businesses to adopt cryptocurrency payments is the potential for lower transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods. Credit card companies and online payment platforms typically charge between 2% to 3% per transaction, which can significantly erode profit margins, especially for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In contrast, crypto transactions, by virtue of bypassing traditional banking channels and intermediaries, can reduce transaction costs to a fraction of that, sometimes as low as 1% or even less for certain transactions. This cost-effectiveness can provide businesses with a competitive edge, allowing them to offer better prices to customers or improve their bottom line.

Access to New Customer Segments

Accepting crypto payments opens doors to a growing demographic of tech-savvy and privacy-conscious consumers who prefer using digital currencies for their transactions. This customer base is not only expanding rapidly as the adoption of cryptocurrencies grows but also tends to have a higher disposable income. Catering to the crypto community can thus significantly enhance a business’s market reach and brand loyalty. Moreover, by positioning your business as a crypto-friendly entity, you can tap into a global audience unrestricted by geographical boundaries or currency conversion limitations. This access to a broader, more diverse customer base can be particularly beneficial for niche markets and online businesses looking to expand their presence internationally.

Benefits of Accepting Crypto Payments

Improved Payment Security

Cryptocurrency transactions are secured by blockchain technology, which significantly reduces the risk of fraud and unauthorized transactions. Each transaction is recorded on a public ledger, ensuring transparency while maintaining the anonymity of the parties involved. This level of security is particularly appealing to businesses that are susceptible to chargebacks and fraudulent payments. To accept crypto payments, you need to know how to mitigate the risk of disputes and chargebacks that are common with traditional payment methods. This not only protects the business’s revenue but also reduces the administrative burden associated with managing these issues.

Faster International Transactions

For businesses operating on a global scale, the speed of transactions is crucial. Traditional international transactions can be slow and fraught with fees due to the involvement of multiple intermediaries. Crypto payments, on the other hand, streamline the process by enabling direct transactions between parties, irrespective of their geographical locations. This can significantly reduce the time it takes for funds to be transferred from several days to a matter of minutes or hours, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Moreover, the elimination of exchange rate complications and cross-border fees makes crypto payments an ideal solution for businesses looking to expand their international footprint.

Enhanced Privacy for Customers

Privacy-conscious consumers increasingly seek payment options that protect their identity and financial information. Cryptocurrencies offer a high degree of anonymity, as transactions do not require personal information to be disclosed, unlike traditional credit card or bank transactions. This aspect of crypto payments can attract customers who prioritize privacy and wish to keep their financial transactions discreet. Offering crypto payments can, therefore, be a strong selling point, enhancing customer trust and loyalty by respecting their desire for privacy.

Innovative Brand Image

Adopting crypto payments is not just a financial decision; it’s also a strategic move that positions your business as a forward-thinking and innovative player in your industry. This can significantly enhance your brand’s image, especially among younger, digitally native demographics who value technological advancement and digital inclusivity. Being an early adopter of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies can set you apart from competitors, signaling to your customers and stakeholders that you are committed to embracing future technologies and staying ahead of the curve.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Embracing crypto payments offers businesses a unique opportunity to lower transaction costs, access new markets, enhance transaction security, and project an image of innovation. As the digital economy continues to evolve, integrating crypto payments into your business model is not just a strategic move—it’s a leap towards future-proofing your operations.

Link: https://bigdataanalyticsnews.com/why-your-business-should-accept-crypto-payments/?utm_source=pocket_saves

Source: https://bigdataanalyticsnews.com

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How Trump could change Crypto

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:24:09 +0000

Early Wednesday morning, Donald J. Trump won a second presidential term, completing a stunning political comeback. His victory was also crypto’s.

The industry had championed his candidacy and donated millions to his campaign as well as a host of down-ballot races. Analysts expect a more permissive environment for crypto innovation and regulation as a result.

The election could usher in complete Republican control of the U.S. government, with the White House secured, the Senate flipped and the House likely (though not certain) to remain in the GOP’s hands. After four years of battling the Biden Administration’s, and especially the Securities and Exchange Commission’s, opposition to digital assets, the crypto industry was euphoric at the results.

Here’s what the new political landscape could mean for regulation, assets and major projects, according to CoinDesk analysts and other observers.

Bitcoin to $100K and beyond

Bitcoin is already a beneficiary of yesterday’s election, with prices reaching an all-time-high soon after polls closed. CoinDesk senior analyst James Van Straten expects it to go higher still.

“BTC is still below the [Consumer Price Index] inflation adjusted price which is $77k, so it is still relatively cheap,” Van Straten said. “Google Search traffic for bitcoin on a one-year time frame is also near the lows, which shows we are not near any form of euphoria or greed in the market. As we enter the most bullish period of the year, Q4, we still have two weeks left of the 13-F filings, Nov.14 deadline, to see which institutions have bought the BTC ETFs. In addition, MicroStrategy has announced the biggest at-the-market (ATM) equity offering in capital markets history, which could set the stage for FOMO for other institutions.”

There are caveats, though.

“Trump’s proposed tariffs on China will drive consumer prices higher, bond yields will therefore have to go higher like we are seeing now and interest rates will have to stay elevated and we may even see rate hikes back on the table,” Van Straten cautioned. “This could stunt risk-on assets” – and bitcoin remains in that category.

Good for Tether (USDT), less so for Circle (USDC)

Trump’s victory is also a win for Tether, issuer of the largest stablecoin, USDT, given the company’s relationship with Cantor Fitzgerald. The financial giant manages over $100 billion in U.S. Treasuries for Tether, and Cantor’s CEO, Howard Lutnick, has been a major Trump backer throughout the presidential campaign and is co-chair of the President-Elect’s transition team.

Tether is reportedly under investigation for violations of sanctions and anti-money laundering rules. “While Trump’s election doesn’t necessarily mean the probe will go away, it’s reasonable to expect it won’t be pursued with the same enthusiasm as under the Biden administration,” said CoinDesk markets reporter Tom Carreras.

“Tether will likely be given space to keep growing and cement its lead in the stablecoin space,” Carreras said. With a market capitalization of $120 billion, USDT is over three times larger than its nearest competitor, Circle’s USDC. “Trump’s win means the sky’s the limit as far as Tether is concerned. Consequently, it might be even harder now for Circle to catch up to its rival.”

But it’s not all bad news for Circle, Carreras added. The U.S.-based stablecoin issuer “likely now has a more realistic path towards going public.”

Good for solana (SOL), less so for ether (ETH)

Solana (SOL), the third largest cryptocurrency, would also benefit from the election outcome.

“The SEC is poised for a change of leadership, and it would be surprising for the new chairperson to be as adversarial towards crypto as Gary Gensler has been,” Carreras said. One result is that “financial firms will likely file for spot SOL exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and there’s a decent chance that Solana’s uncertain regulatory status will get resolved, allowing financial institutions to interact with the network in a bigger way.”

A more accommodating SEC also means that “Ethereum is unlikely to remain the only smart contract platform to have a U.S. spot ETF for its token (ETH) or to have regulatory certainty around its status as a commodity,” Carreras added. “In other words, the playing field will likely be leveled, and we can expect competition between Ethereum and Solana to only get fiercer.”

More market breadth

So far this year, the rise of crypto prices has mostly been in BTC and a small number of other popular assets. Out of the 20 assets in the CoinDesk 20 index, only six were in the green as of Nov. 1 (Bitcoin Cash, Render, Near, Bitcoin, Ether, Solana).

Now, following the election, Andy Baehr, managing director at CoinDesk Indices, expects a broader rally.

“This time last year, hopes for bitcoin ETFs drove markets and sentiment higher, with bitcoin in the lead,” Baehr said. “This year, the hope is for better regulatory rails that will lead to broader adoption of a wide variety of digital assets. Fast Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains, and DeFi stand to gain as the market senses better market structure to promote growth opportunities.”

The CoinDesk 20 Index is up 8% in the past 24 hours (as of 11.30 am ET), led by Uniswap, Solana and Avalanche.

DeFi to benefit, led by Uniswap

Prices for decentralized finance assets have been relatively muted this cycle. But that could soon change.

“In his campaign, Trump promised to make the U.S. a leading hub for cryptocurrency, which might translate into more favorable regulations for DeFi,” said Shaurya Malwa, CoinDesk deputy managing editor for data and tokens.

“His campaign has indicated a move toward reducing the regulatory burden on crypto, potentially making it easier for DeFi platforms to operate within the U.S. This could involve clearer guidelines for token offerings, possibly recognizing certain tokens as commodities rather than securities under SEC oversight.

“Traders are already reacting to Trump’s presidency favorably,” Malwa observed. “Uniswap’s UNI is up 15% in the past 24 hours — quelling concerns of an ongoing SEC lawsuit that alleged the protocol’s makers sold securities in the U.S.”

Goodbye Gensler ?

In his acceptance speech, Trump said “I will govern by a simple motto, promises made, promises kept.” If so, that could mean a series of seismic changes for digital assets, per this reckoner from WU Blockchain:

Most SEC chairs step down following the election of a new president. Universally unpopular in crypto following his aggressive enforcement actions against major crypto companies, Gary Gensler is expected to leave by the end of the year, though appointing his successor will take time, according to reporting from CoinDesk’s Jesse Hamilton. However, Gensler’s five-year term doesn’t expire until Jan. 5, 2026, and his immediate ouster is not a foregone conclusion.

“A second term for President Donald Trump doesn’t mark an automatic end to Gensler’s tenure,” Hamilton wrote recently. “If he decided to make a stand, he could finish out his term as a commissioner and maintain a Democratic majority at the agency for as long as it takes for the new president to make appointments and the Senate to confirm them.”

In May, Trump promised to commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, who is serving a life sentence. In January, he announced his opposition to a “digital dollar” (or central bank digital currency), joining a long list of Republican candidates who have made similar statements.

Link: https://www.coindesk.com/business/2024/11/06/how-trump-could-change-crypto/?utm_source=pocket_shared

Source: https://www.coindesk.com

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Trends that are reshaping the financial sector

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 13:54:10 +0000

By Patrick Bucquet

As we enter 2025, financial institutions—from banks to fintechs—must be ready to adapt to changes, particularly when it comes to regulations and technology. The geopolitical landscape remains turbulent, a new administration is preparing to take the helm in the U.S., and regulatory changes related to shifts in governments and governmental strategies will drive wider changes for the industry.

At the same time, advancing artificial intelligence capabilities will create new opportunities, new regulatory challenges, and new compliance requirements. As economic uncertainty continues, banks and fintechs will seek to derive the most value possible from their existing technology investments to grow their business.

Fintechs Will Focus on Value Creation

The fintech space has evolved through several stages, from initially being just one link in the value chain to adding services to compete with banks. However, competing with traditional, established banks proved to be difficult, and we recently saw fintechs pivot back toward solving specific challenges. Based on this pattern, we expect to see fintechs expand their offerings again in the year ahead, but with a sharper focus on value creation and a path to profitability rather than on growth just for the sake of growth.

AI is helping fintechs add capabilities by leveraging data and driving operational efficiencies, with several companies already taking the leap and implementing these technologies. For example, one shop-now-pay-later service provider recently implemented AI capabilities that better assist shoppers. Instead of spending hours searching for and comparing items, consumers can now chat with an AI assistant about what they’re searching for and receive research-backed recommendations, resulting in quicker and easier shopping experiences.

In 2025, fintechs will apply generative AI capabilities to support innovations in payments, especially blockchain and digital currency payments. There’s also room for fintechs to use AI to create personal financial advisory tools that can help individuals optimize their day-to-day spending decisions to reach their longer-term financial goals, as well as corporate use cases related to blockchain transactions—all with an eye toward meeting investors’ expectations for profitability.

AI and Automation Will Enable More Value-Creation

Expect banks as well as fintechs to explore more ways to use AI for efficiency and to support growth in the year ahead. For example, AI customer service agents can augment rather than replace employees by quickly handling rote inquiries and tasks, so customer service representatives can focus on more complex or higher value activities.

In fact, one global wealth report found that 49% of wealth management firms were already using AI for some applications in 2024. Generative AI can help these organizations analyze customer data to deliver “superior client experiences” like highly personalized interactions with high-net-worth clients. Internally, AI can also allow banks to update their IT infrastructure, which tends to lag behind other industries, by taking over basic coding tasks to free up team members for other projects.

Any FI using AI must develop policies to address employee training, data security, and compliance. The issues of bias and privacy in training datasets and AI-generated results have already prompted regulatory advisories from federal agencies in the U.S. and legislation in the EU. FIs will also need to address AI-related sustainability issues like climate impacts, because AI computing requires more data centers that need more energy and water to function.

Wealth Management Services and Family Offices Will Grow

Fee-for-service wealth management and family office services are poised for growth in 2025. That’s due to an increase in the number of wealthy individuals—and more wealth in their holdings. Globally, high net worth individuals’ wealth increased by an average of 4.7% this year, with ultra-high net worth individuals (those with more than $30 million in investments) seeing the largest gains.

Managing complex asset mixes and a variety of risks requires a comprehensive set of specialized services for these wealthy clients. 78% of ultra wealthy individuals surveyed for the report “consider value-added services essential to wealth management firm relationships.” Firms that can offer one-stop guidance on a variety of investment and wealth options—as well as family office services dedicated to managing specific families’ holdings—can earn and cultivate valuable long-term customer relationships.

ESG Strategies Will Adapt to New Conditions

The importance and visibility of corporate ESG (environment, sustainability, and governance) strategies already differ between the US and the EU. With an incoming US administration that’s less supportive of ESG initiatives, US-based financial institutions will need to prepare for changes in priorities that challenge their ability to please all stakeholders and remain globally competitive in these areas of investment.

For example, if federal policies and financial incentives shift back toward fossil fuel extraction and away from renewables, will banks follow that lead? Or will they remain committed to their existing ESG investments (on track to be worth $50 trillion by 2030) to meet the expectations of their clients, investors and customers? Potentially thorny dilemmas like this have raised the likelihood that we’ll see a rise in so-called “greenhushing” in the year ahead, as US FIs try to avoid calling attention to ESG investments on which shareholders expect returns, but which also might draw criticism from other quarters.

The financial sector will be a dynamic space in 2025, as organizations focus on technology and strategy adaptations to maximize value creation, improve customer offerings and services, and balance the sometimes-competing needs of stakeholders in an era of changing oversight and regulations. Banks, wealth management firms, and fintechs that plan their AI, ESG, and customer service strategies to be responsive to changing conditions will be in the best position to create real value in the year ahead.

Link: http://www.paymentsjournal.com/regulation-and-technology-trends-that-are-reshaping-the-financial-sector/

Source: http://www.paymentsjournal.com

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Fraud remains a threat to financial institutions

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:28:08 +0000

By Wesley Grant

There have been stunning breakthroughs in the payments space over the past few years, and many businesses and financial institutions have devoted significant time and resources to researching and adopting new payment methods. Although paper checks might seem outdated, over half of Americans wrote a check last year, and many organizations still rely on them.

Though fraud is a constant focus for businesses, many fraud teams have shifted their attention to emerging payment methods. As Jennifer Pitt, Senior Fraud and Security Analyst at Javelin Strategy & Research, found in her latest report, The Pervasiveness of Check Fraud: Banks are Paying the Price, check fraud is an increasingly rampant threat that financial institutions must address.

Comfort Level

Older adults tend to write more checks each month than younger people, in part because it’s a payment method they have grown comfortable with over the years. Some consumers also send checks as gifts because of the personalization aspect, allowing them to write a personal message to the recipient.

“Many Americans are also still under the mistaken impression that checks are more secure than peer-to-peer platforms, ACH transfers, and digital payments,” Pitt said. “The Javelin report found that most Americans believe those methods are either as secure as or less secure than checks.”

Credit cards were the only payment method that most Americans believed was more secure than checks. That is likely because credit cards have been around for longer and older adults tend to rely on tried-and-true payment methods like credit cards, checks, and wire transfers.

In Search of Checks

Credit cards and wire transfers have fraud risks of their own, but criminals have developed increasingly effective ways to commit check fraud. Although consumers are writing fewer checks, the amounts written have been increasing. In addition, many small businesses issue checks to pay bills or even payroll.

Some utility companies still require payment by check, and federal and local governments will often mail stimulus or treasury checks.

“Over the past few years, there have been more headlines about mail theft,” Pitt said. “Organized street gangs and criminal syndicates have moved away from drugs and other activities because those crimes are often prosecuted harder and there are stiffer penalties. Fraud, and particularly check fraud, carries minimal penalties at the moment.”

Often, criminals will rob mail carriers to steal an arrow key, a master key that opens every mailbox. Once criminals have the key, they will access mailboxes and steal any mail that has personally identifiable information. They are especially in search of checks, because those are easily counterfeited.

One way to counterfeit a check is through check washing, a method that has been around for over a decade. Criminals use normal household chemicals to wash the ink from the check and are left with a valid check that still has all its security measures intact. Bad actors will then change the amount and the payee, but sometimes they will leave the original signature intact.

Check cooking is a relatively new method whereby criminals scan a check into a computer and utilize software to change the check’s information, after which the check is reprinted.

“It’s also possible to manufacture checks from scratch using data from a stolen check,” Pitt said. “At the moment, it is harder to manufacture a convincing check, so check washing and check cooking are the more prevalent forms of check fraud.”

The Big Picture

Though most financial institutions have strong fraud and security measures, checks have fallen by the wayside in many instances. Only 22% of the companies that Javelin surveyed use check fraud detection solutions, which doesn’t align with how rampant check fraud has become.

Many financial institutions have made investments into artificial-intelligence-powered fraud detection tools because AI excels at sifting through data and identifying patterns. AI can be just as potent in detecting check fraud, such as in instances when check signatures are different or a check’s amount does not match historical data.

The technology to combat check fraud exists, but organizations must invest in it. Another key component of a check fraud prevention program is education. It is critical for banks and credit unions to educate their customers on the risks of using checks and the benefits of digital payments.

“What typically happens with fraud professionals is we shift all our resources to the hot topic of the moment, and we can lose sight of the big picture,” Pitt said. “However, the criminals have not lost focus, and they will shift to any avenue that is open. It’s important for banks and credit unions to inform their customers of the risks checks pose. No one should be putting checks in the mail right now.”

Link: http://www.paymentsjournal.com/amid-payments-innovations-check-fraud-remains-a-threat-to-financial-institutions/

Source: http://www.paymentsjournal.com

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Best Crypto for passive income: 3 top Meme Coins to buy now

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:21:02 +0000

Meme coins have become one of the most exciting trends in the cryptocurrency world, skyrocketing in value almost overnight. What started as a joke has now evolved into a powerful force, attracting both seasoned investors and newcomers. These coins, often driven by community engagement and viral trends, have the potential to generate life-changing profits. Some meme coins have made history with their meteoric rises, and with each passing year, more projects are entering the scene, hoping to replicate that success.

In 2025, several meme coins have emerged as strong contenders, each with their unique twist. Among these, Arctic Pablo Coin (APC) stands out, with its innovative approach and deflationary mechanics, making it one of the best crypto for passive income this year.

While meme coins like ANDY and Degen are also worth mentioning, it’s Arctic Pablo Coin that truly captures the imagination. The unique theme behind Arctic Pablo Coin revolves around uncovering hidden mysteries and traveling to new locations with every presale phase. This innovative concept offers a fresh perspective in the world of meme coins, which are typically known for their lightheartedness and social media-driven success.

Arctic Pablo Coin’s approach goes beyond just being a fun community coin—it presents an opportunity for investors to engage in a storyline that connects directly to the token’s value and future growth. With the added bonus of its deflationary burn mechanism and exciting presale journey, Arctic Pablo Coin is shaping up to be one of the best crypto for passive income in 2025.

1. Arctic Pablo Coin: A Unique Theme and Strategy

Arctic Pablo Coin ($APC) is more than just another meme coin—it’s an adventure. The project’s theme revolves around the idea of exploring the earth’s hidden secrets, blending the excitement of discovery with the financial potential of cryptocurrency. Each presale phase is tied to a unique location, giving investors a sense of involvement in the journey, as if they are exploring with the coin. This narrative element adds an exciting layer of engagement and excitement that differentiates Arctic Pablo Coin from other meme coins. It’s not just about tokens; it’s about an immersive experience where each location in the presale tells part of a larger story about uncovering the mysteries of the earth.

The innovative strategy behind Arctic Pablo Coin doesn’t end with its theme. One of the key features of this coin is its deflationary mechanism, which ensures that scarcity is built into the project. Every week, unsold tokens during the presale are burned, reducing the total supply of tokens in circulation. This not only helps to boost the value of the remaining tokens but also creates a sense of exclusivity for investors. The token burn process is executed on the Binance Smart Chain (BSC), ensuring transparency and security in every transaction. This approach aims to drive the coin’s value upwards over time, providing a solid foundation for long-term growth and establishing Arctic Pablo Coin as one of the best crypto for passive income opportunities available today.

Unmatched Presale Opportunity: Unique Approach and High ROI Potential

Arctic Pablo Coin’s presale is unlike any other, offering a unique approach that revolves around locations rather than stages. This dynamic system keeps the excitement high and creates a sense of adventure for those who participate early on. Each presale phase is based on a new location, giving the community a fresh experience with each milestone. The presale is currently at its Frostburg location, with over $900,000 already raised and a launch price set at $0.008. The coin’s current price is just $0.000054, making it an incredibly attractive opportunity for early investors. With the presale still in progress, Arctic Pablo Coin is offering a chance to purchase tokens at a fraction of the future launch price.

What sets Arctic Pablo Coin apart is the staggering ROI potential. Investors who buy in early could see an impressive 14,725.93% return on investment from the 9th presale stage to the launch price. This exceptional ROI potential makes Arctic Pablo Coin one of the best crypto for passive income for those looking to capitalize on early-stage investments. As the coin travels through its presale locations, the community is in for an exciting ride, with each new location offering new opportunities to profit. The combination of a unique presale structure, a compelling narrative, and incredible ROI potential makes Arctic Pablo Coin a project that should not be missed by anyone looking to make a strong passive income from cryptocurrency.

2. ANDY: A Meme Coin on the Rise

ANDY is one of the meme coins that has captured the attention of the crypto community. What sets ANDY apart is its ability to engage with its community through interactive events and regular token burns. This meme coin has a strong online presence and has generated significant buzz, thanks in part to its community-driven approach. Investors are drawn to ANDY’s playful nature, but its real appeal lies in its tokenomics, which are designed to create scarcity and value. The coin has already achieved notable milestones and continues to grow in popularity, making it an interesting project for meme coin enthusiasts. Why ANDY made it to this list: Its consistent community engagement and focus on reducing supply make it a solid contender in the meme coin space.

One of the reasons ANDY stands out is the coin’s focus on sustainability within the meme coin ecosystem. While many meme coins burn tokens sporadically, ANDY has made it a point to regularly burn tokens, helping to increase scarcity and boost the value of the remaining coins. This creates a sense of exclusivity and demand, which is key to long-term success in the volatile meme coin market. Despite its playful and lighthearted nature, ANDY is grounded in sound tokenomics, which has allowed it to continue growing in value and attracting new investors. With its active community and regular token burns, ANDY is definitely a meme coin to watch. Why ANDY made it to this list: The coin’s active community and token-burning strategy set it apart from other meme coins in terms of long-term value.

3. Degen: The High-Risk, High-Reward Coin

Degen is a meme coin known for its volatility and high-risk, high-reward nature. Investors who are looking for rapid price movements and the potential for explosive returns are drawn to Degen. The coin has seen massive price surges, often driven by viral events or influencer endorsements. However, with high reward comes high risk, and Degen’s unpredictable nature makes it more suited for investors who are comfortable with a bit of chaos. Despite the volatility, Degen has cultivated a dedicated following, making it an interesting project to track for anyone seeking high-stakes opportunities. Why Degen made it to this list: Its volatility and potential for huge returns make it an intriguing choice for risk-tolerant investors.

Degen is an example of a meme coin that thrives on market speculation and hype. Its price is often driven by social media buzz, celebrity endorsements, and viral trends, which makes it unpredictable but also highly profitable in the right conditions. This makes Degen a prime candidate for those looking to capitalize on quick, high-risk gains. While it may not have the long-term stability of other coins, the potential for rapid short-term growth makes Degen an interesting option for speculative investors. Why Degen made it to this list: Its ability to capitalize on social media trends and its potential for quick profits make it a standout in the high-risk meme coin category.

Conclusion: The Best Crypto for Passive Income in 2025

Based on the latest research, the best crypto for passive income are Arctic Pablo Coin, ANDY, and Degen. However, Arctic Pablo Coin emerges as the most exciting opportunity for investors seeking long-term, sustainable growth. With its unique narrative, innovative token burn mechanism, and incredible ROI potential, Arctic Pablo Coin offers unparalleled value for those looking to make passive income from cryptocurrency. For anyone serious about entering the meme coin space in 2025, Arctic Pablo Coin is the standout choice, offering both adventure and profit. Don’t miss out—invest now and be part of the next big thing in crypto!

Link: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/cryptocurrency-analytics-insight/best-crypto-for-passive-income-3-top-meme-coins-to-buy-now-for-maximum-returns?utm_source=pocket_saves

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net

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Forget Bitcoin and Ethereum- These Altcoins could lead the next bull run

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 13:33:47 +0000

Bitcoin and Ethereum are at the forefront of mainstream adoption, which has seen shrewd investors looking toward altcoins having the capabilities to fuel the next significant bull run. One such project is Lightchain AI, which is now offering its exclusive Presale for the early movers. By uniquely integrating AI technology with unique blockchain solutions, Lightchain AI is reshaping the crypto frontier.

Its major features include the Proof of Intelligence (PoI) consensus mechanism and the Artificial Intelligence Virtual Machine (AIVM), which ensure unequaled scalability and efficiency. In addition to these technical innovations, Lightchain AI permits fresh and, indeed, quite impressive, real-world applications that position it as the frontrunner for further explosive growth heading into the next wave of cryptocurrencies.Don’t miss your chance to get in early!

The Future of Cryptocurrencies

As͏ Bitcoin and Ethereum grow, digital money has caught the eye and mind of buyers all over the world. But, as these well-known coins keep on leading the market, lots of folks are searching for other online cash that give special perks and chances for rise.

One big part in finding out the chance of win for a cryptocurrency is its base tech. While Bitcoin and Ethereum both use blockchain as their ground, new altcoins are going past limits with cool leaps like AI mixation.

This progress not just makes the pace and usefulness of trades better but also allows fresh ways to use coins beyond only being a place for wealth or way of swapping. As more fields take on block chain tech, other coins with smart traits like AI mix are set to see big rise

4 Top Altcoins to Consider for the Next Bull Run

Now we come to the important question- which altcoins should you consider for potential gains in the next crypto bull run? Here are four top contenders that have caught the attention of investors and experts:

Lightchain AI (LC)

Lightchain AI is a blockchain platform integrating artificial intelligence to enhance scalability, privacy, and decentralization. Its Proof of Intelligence consensus mechanism and AI Virtual Machine aim to revolutionize decentralized applications. With a focus on equitable and sustainable growth, Lightchain AI is poised to transform how decentralized applications operate, making it a compelling choice for developers and investors alike.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts on blockchains with real-world data sources. This technology has proven crucial in enabling various DeFi (Decentralized Finance) applications, making it an in-demand coin with significant potential for growth.

Polkadot (DOT)

Developed by one of Ethereum’s co-founders, Polkadot aims to build a more interconnected and interoperable blockchain ecosystem. Its unique sharding solution allows for parallel processing of transactions, ensuring scalability and efficiency. With a growing community and partnerships, Polkadot is another altcoin to watch.

Cardano (ADA)

Cardano is a third-generation blockchain platform that focuses on sustainability, interoperability, and scalability. Its unique proof-of-stake consensus algorithm allows for more energy-efficient mining and faster transaction processing. With a strong development team and plans for real-world use cases in education, agriculture, and healthcare, Cardano has promising potential for growth.

Why Lightchain AI Stands Out

Lightchain AI distinguishes itself in the crowded crypto space with its strategic tokenomics and well-structured roadmap. The project has allocated 40% of its tokens for presale, aiming to build robust community engagement and foundation right from the start. Additionally, 28.5% is reserved for staking rewards to incentivize participation and contribute to network security, while 15% supports liquidity, enhancing market stability. The remaining tokens are distributed among marketing (5%), team (5%), and a strategic reserve (6.5%), ensuring sustained development and agility in response to market demands.

The roadmap underscores its ambition, with milestones clearly set for progressive development phases. Starting with the prototype phase, followed by a testnet and mainnet launch, each phase is aimed at refining the technology and expanding its ecosystem. This meticulous planning showcases Lightchain AI’s commitment to creating a sustainable and scalable blockchain platform, which sets it apart as a leader in integrating blockchain with real-world applications. Others are sure to follow in its footsteps.

With its groundbreaking technology, strategic tokenomics, and ambitious roadmap, Lightchain AI stands out as a top choice for investors looking to join the next crypto revolution.

Link: https://www.analyticsinsight.net/cryptocurrency-analytics-insight/forget-bitcoin-and-ethereum-these-altcoins-could-lead-the-next-bull-run

Source: https://www.analyticsinsight.net

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Fintech news - Fintech News. Online news ✅ by @dTechValley

Solana has emerged at the cutting edge of Blockchain innovation

Boosting Bitcoin Interoperability

Powering Tokenized Assets

Accelerating AI Development

Solana Storms Ahead

Is Bitcoin the greatest wealth generator of our time?

Bitcoin’s $100K milestone created 14,211 new millionaires and 4 billionaires.

BTC investors become millionaires 22x faster than those in traditional stocks.

Billionaire BTC investors achieved wealth 1,064x quicker than stock investors.

On December 5, 2024, Bitcoin hit $100,000, marking a significant moment in wealth creation. Early investors saw their holdings turn into vast fortunes, with some becoming millionaires and even billionaires in a short time.

A study by NFT Evening highlights Bitcoin’s incredible impact on personal wealth. As BTC crossed the $100,000 mark, it created 14,211 new millionaires in just one day.

Compared to traditional stocks, these returns are achieved much faster. Stock investors often wait decades to see similar gains.

Moreover, Bitcoin’s rise also minted four new billionaires, proving its unique power to build generational wealth.

The Bitcoin Wealth Amassing Formula

As per this study, people who invest in Bitcoin become millionaires approximately 22 times faster than those who invest in stocks.

When investing $4,000 in Bitcoin in 2010, the ultimate value would amount to $1 million in 3,775 days – or approximately 10.3 years.

The same amount redirected to blue-chip stocks would return $45,000 within the same period. This stark contrast further cements Bitcoin as the king in terms of wealth creation.

The probability of becoming a bitcoin billionaire is even more compressed in time. Starting with only $30,500 in early 2011, an individual could become a Bitcoin billionaire by late 2023. This is in just under 13 years.

That makes it 1,064 times faster than conventional stock investors, who even with similar portfolios would be far from achieving $1 million by then.

Bitcoin Outshines Blue-chip Stocks

Bitcoin’s performance has far surpassed even the most celebrated tech giants. From 2010 to 2020, Bitcoin delivered returns 20 times greater than Apple, nine times higher than Nvidia, and four times Tesla’s gains during the same period.

BTC Vs. Blue Chip Stocks Profitability Between 2010-2020: Source| NFT Evening

The disparity becomes even more striking when viewed over the long term: from 2010 to today, Bitcoin’s cumulative returns have exceeded Apple’s by an astounding 76,000 times and Tesla’s by over 9,000 times.

BTC Vs. Blue-Chips Profitability From 2010 until Today: Source|NFT Evening

These numbers are more than eye-catching—they highlight BTC dominance in wealth creation across all asset classes.

NFT Evening’s study utilized Dune Analytics to track Bitcoin wallets exceeding $1 million. By filtering out wallets with initial balances above $100,000, the focus remained on retail investors.

Data from sources such as bitinfocharts.com and TradingView offered a comparative lens against traditional stocks, making the findings robust and precise.

What Bitcoin achieved on December 5 is more than just a record in terms of value – it is the potential of the digital asset.

By transforming small amounts of money into massive ones, this makes Bitcoin perhaps one of the most powerful wealth creating tools of this century.

BTC’s Journey to Surpass $100,000

The history of Bitcoin from its creation in 2009 up to the point when it crossed the $100,000 mark in December 2024 is eventful.

Starting from the price of $ 0.00099 and 10 000 BTC for a pizza, and then rising to more than $1 for a coin in 2011, $10 000 in 2017 to $68 789 in 2021.

Ethereum faces ‘intense’ competition from other networks: JPMorgan

The blockchain’s native token ether has underperformed bitcoin and other altcoins in recent months, the report noted.

What to know:

The Ethereum blockchain is faced with intense competition, the report said.

JPMorgan said ether has underperformed due to this competitive pressure, and because it lacks a compelling narrative like bitcoin.

The network’s growth lags that of competitors such as Solana, the bank said.

Ether (ETH) has underperformed other cryptocurrencies in recent months as the Ethereum blockchain has faced “intense” competition from other networks, Wall Street bank JPMorgan (JPM) said in a research report on Wednesday.

The token lacks a compelling narrative like that of its larger peer bitcoin (BTC, the bank said, adding that bitcoin benefits from its perception as a store of value and as digital gold.

Despite upgrades, such as Dencun, activity has shifted from the main Ethereum network to its layer 2’s, which is detrimental to the blockchain’s growth, the report said. The network’s latest upgrade, Pectra, is likely to happen in early April.

“Competitive pressures have led some decentralized applications (dapps) to migrate from Ethereum to other application-specific chains for better performance,” analysts led by Nikolaos Panigirtzoglou wrote.

Examples include decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap, dYdX and Hyperliquid, the bank said.

Uniswap’s upcoming move to Unichain is important because it is one of Ethereum’s “largest gas consuming protocols,” and its migration could result in a significant loss to the network’s fee pool, the bank noted.

JPMorgan said this trend of dapps moving to other layer 2s or alternative layer 1s could negatively impact Ethereum by lessening activity on the main network, which could result in lower transaction fees and validator revenue.

Layers 2s are separate blockchains built on top of layer 1s, or the base layer, that reduce bottlenecks with scaling and data. In terms of supply, this could make ether inflationary as “fewer transactions imply reduced token burning,” the authors wrote.

The bank noted that Ethereum’s growth is behind that of competitors such as Solana, which saw a surge in activity linked to memecoins.

The Ethereum ecosystem still dominates the stablecoin, decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization spaces in spite of these challenges, the bank said.

The network could see increased institutional demand from tokenization enterprises but “competition from other networks is likely to remain intense in the foreseeable future,” the report added.

What could be the next breakthrough Cryptocurrency? Top picks for 2025

The cryptocurrency market is gearing up for an exciting 2025, with groundbreaking projects ready to take center stage. Investors are on the hunt for the next big opportunity, and this year’s lineup doesn’t disappoint—a mix of powerhouse tokens and ambitious newcomers is sparking serious buzz.

Ethereum and Solana- Top Contenders in Smart Contract Space

While Ethereum provides a more advanced and secure ecosystem, Solana performs better in terms of speed and transaction costs. Developers and investors should consider these factors while choosing a platform for their specific needs.

Lightchain AI- Rising Star with Huge Potential

Prioritizing privacy and security following stringent data protection laws, and encouraging international cooperation. Lightchain AI is laying the groundwork for a more intelligent and effective blockchain future with the help of a vibrant community dedicated to continuous innovation

Why Lightchain AI is One to Watch

Ethereum and Solana may dominate today, but Lightchain AI is shaking things up with its innovative approach and explosive early-stage potential. This isn’t just another crypto project—it’s a high-growth opportunity you don’t want to miss.

For investors looking to get in on the ground floor of the next big thing, Lightchain AI combines affordability, cutting-edge innovation, and unmatched scalability. It’s the perfect mix for those ready to ride the wave of the future.

Why your business should accept Crypto payments

Understanding Crypto Payments

Benefits of Accepting Crypto Payments

Lower Transaction Fees

Access to New Customer Segments

Benefits of Accepting Crypto Payments

Improved Payment Security

Faster International Transactions

Enhanced Privacy for Customers

Innovative Brand Image

Conclusion and Future Outlook

How Trump could change Crypto

Bitcoin to $100K and beyond

Bitcoin is already a beneficiary of yesterday’s election, with prices reaching an all-time-high soon after polls closed. CoinDesk senior analyst James Van Straten expects it to go higher still.

Good for Tether (USDT), less so for Circle (USDC)

But it’s not all bad news for Circle, Carreras added. The U.S.-based stablecoin issuer “likely now has a more realistic path towards going public.”

Good for solana (SOL), less so for ether (ETH)

Solana (SOL), the third largest cryptocurrency, would also benefit from the election outcome.

More market breadth

So far this year, the rise of crypto prices has mostly been in BTC and a small number of other popular assets. Out of the 20 assets in the CoinDesk 20 index, only six were in the green as of Nov. 1 (Bitcoin Cash, Render, Near, Bitcoin, Ether, Solana).

The CoinDesk 20 Index is up 8% in the past 24 hours (as of 11.30 am ET), led by Uniswap, Solana and Avalanche.