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Trump orders crackdown on possible foreign tax grabs on U.S. companies
In a memorandum, President Donald Trump said a global tax deal earlier agreed upon has “no force or effect,” in the United States.
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Bitcoin miner Argo Blockchain announced a CEO departure and interim leadership changes.
Argo Blockchain, the British dual-listed Bitcoin (BTC) mining company, has revealed that CEO Thomas Chippas will step down from his role and board position, effective Feb. 28.
CFO Jim MacCallum will step in as interim CEO while the company conducts a search for a permanent successor.
Chippas, who joined Argo in November 2023, led several financial improvements during his tenure. These included the early repayment of the company’s Galaxy loan and strengthening its balance sheet.
Argo’s heavy losses
Despite these initiatives, Argo continues to face significant challenges. According to Finance Magnates, the company reported a $6.3 million net loss in Q3 2024, with revenue falling 28% year over year to $7.5 million.
In December, Argo raised $5.3 million through a share subscription to support strategic initiatives. These included relocating or selling mining equipment from its Helios facility in Texas and maintaining operations in Quebec, Canada.
The company’s latest mining report highlights stagnant production, with 39 Bitcoin mined in December — the same figure as November — marking a five-month low.
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They say journalists never truly clock out. But for Christian, that’s not just a metaphor, it’s a lifestyle. By day, he navigates the ever-shifting tides of the cryptocurrency market, wielding words like a seasoned editor and crafting articles that decipher the jargon for the masses. When the PC goes on hibernate mode, however, his pursuits take a more mechanical (and sometimes philosophical) turn.
Christian’s journey with the written word began long before the age of Bitcoin. In the hallowed halls of academia, he honed his craft as a feature writer for his college paper. This early love for storytelling paved the way for a successful stint as an editor at a data engineering firm, where his first-month essay win funded a months-long supply of doggie and kitty treats – a testament to his dedication to his furry companions (more on that later).
Christian then roamed the world of journalism, working at newspapers in Canada and even South Korea. He finally settled down at a local news giant in his hometown in the Philippines for a decade, becoming a total news junkie. But then, something new caught his eye: cryptocurrency. It was like a treasure hunt mixed with storytelling – right up his alley!
So, he landed a killer gig at NewsBTC, where he’s one of the go-to guys for all things crypto. He breaks down this confusing stuff into bite-sized pieces, making it easy for anyone to understand (he salutes his management team for teaching him this skill).
Think Christian’s all work and no play? Not a chance! When he’s not at his computer, you’ll find him indulging his passion for motorbikes. A true gearhead, Christian loves tinkering with his bike and savoring the joy of the open road on his 320-cc Yamaha R3. Once a speed demon who hit 120mph (a feat he vowed never to repeat), he now prefers leisurely rides along the coast, enjoying the wind in his thinning hair.
Speaking of chill, Christian’s got a crew of furry friends waiting for him at home. Two cats and a dog. He swears cats are way smarter than dogs (sorry, Grizzly), but he adores them all anyway. Apparently, watching his pets just chillin’ helps him analyze and write meticulously formatted articles even better.
Here’s the thing about this guy: He works a lot, but he keeps himself fueled by enough coffee to make it through the day – and some seriously delicious (Filipino) food. He says a delectable meal is the secret ingredient to a killer article. And after a long day of crypto crusading, he unwinds with some rum (mixed with milk) while watching slapstick movies.
Looking ahead, Christian sees a bright future with NewsBTC. He says he sees himself privileged to be part of an awesome organization, sharing his expertise and passion with a community he values, and fellow editors – and bosses – he deeply respects.
So, the next time you tread into the world of cryptocurrency, remember the man behind the words – the crypto crusader, the grease monkey, and the feline philosopher, all rolled into one.
U.S. government contractor Conduent, which provides technology to support services such as child support and food assistance, has confirmed that a recent outage was caused by a cybersecurity incident.
Conduent confirmed the disruption, which left some U.S. residents without access to support payments, to TechCrunch on Tuesday but declined to say whether the outage was related to a compromise of its systems.
In an updated statement sent to TechCrunch on Wednesday, Conduent spokesperson Sean Collins confirmed that the disruption was due to a “due to a cybersecurity incident”, the nature of which was not confirmed.
“This incident was contained and all systems have been restored,” Collins said. “Maintaining system integrity and functionality is as important to us as it is to our clients.”
Collins declined to share any further details about the incident, including whether the company was aware of any data exfiltration.
CryptoCurrency
Investment Firm Kingdom Holding Shuns Potential Crypto Investment Over Limited Utility: Reuters
Kingdom Holding, the investment firm of Saudi Arabian Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal, won’t invest in cryptocurrency in the near future because it has not been adopted as a payment method for goods and services, CEO Talal Ibrahim al-Maiman said, Reuters reported.
The prince, a senior member of the Saudi royal family is known for his Warren Buffett-style value investing approach and, like him, has consistently shunned crypto. The company’s estimated $13.6 billion in assets are held in a diversified portfolio that includes holdings in finance, hospitality, health care, media, technology and real estate companies.
“We support Mr. Buffet’s theory that you don’t buy with, don’t invest in, so as we cannot buy any goods with cryptocurrencies, therefore we are currently not looking into investing in them,” Al-Maiman said on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, according to Reuters.
Rumors on social media have for long suggested that the Saudi royal family would invest in cryptocurrencies, and the recently improved U.S. regulatory outlook given President Donald Trump’s pro-crypto stance was seen as a catalyst for that investment.
Al-Waleed’s public comments on bitcoin reflect the company’s crypto concerns. In 2017, the Saudi prince said he believes the cryptocurrency is “just going to implode one day.”
Martin-dm | E+ | Getty Images
Good help is hard to find. Family offices, the private investment firms of the ultra-wealthy, are increasingly willing to pay extra for it.
The talent war between family offices and Wall Street has driven up salaries not only for top investment roles but also for administrative staff. While compensation depends on the size and scope of the family office, executive assistants now often command base salaries exceeding $140,000, according to three recruiters who spoke to CNBC. This is well above the industry average of $81,500 for a senior executive assistant post, per staffing firm Robert Half.
There are about 8,000 single-family offices worldwide with nearly 3,200 in North America, according to a survey by Deloitte Private. Family office administration roles can come with sweeping responsibilities well beyond typical duties like compiling expense reports and managing correspondence. Mandates to organize travel for the entire family or coordinate household staff at multiple personal residences, for example, are frequently fair game.
“You will have to do anything for this person, and you don’t know what that will be,” said Jonathan Hova, recruiter and senior vice president at Career Group. “If a pipe bursts in Southampton in January, that’s where you’re going.”
The median base salary for executive assistants at family offices is $100,048, according to a survey of 436 family offices and family investment firms by Botoff Consulting.
And, the larger the family office, the more executive assistants can expect to be paid. At family offices with at least $2.5 billion in assets under management, that median pay is about 35% higher, the survey found.
That’s before annual bonuses, which typically range from 10% to 20% of the base salary, according to Botoff.
The top 10% of administrative assistants at family offices regardless of size make $188,800 with a 20% bonus, according to the survey. Among the largest family offices, which are more likely to use long-term incentive plans, the top 10% of assistants can see all-in compensation of up to $240,000.
“Certainly for some families there is going to be some sticker shock,” said Trish Botoff, founder and managing principal of Botoff Consulting. “But I think they also find that when they can control services that are being provided, how it’s being done, who it’s being done by, they’re much happier with the results they get.”
Executive assistants to family offices are often required to travel with the executives they support, both on personal and professional trips.
Recruiter Dawn Faktor Pincus is looking to hire an executive assistant who will travel with the family office principal at least once a month, including on holidays. She estimated the total compensation for the role would top $200,000 between a $170,000 base salary, travel pay and sign-on and yearly bonuses.
The travel and time commitment are just part of why the role pays so much, said Faktor Pincus, a senior recruiter at Howard-Sloan Search. These ultra-rich employers are often picky, desiring candidates with top-tier or Ivy League degrees or previous experience working with high-net-worth individuals, which comes at a premium, she said. For one family office desiring an executive assistant with a creative background, she placed a graduate of a prestigious university who was an aspiring novelist.
“It’s a small pool,” Faktor Pincus said.
Most of these family offices desire at least five years of related experience with some requiring at least eight to 10 due to the complexity of the role, according to recruiter Fira Yagyaev of Larson Maddox.
“They are really in the weeds of what the family experiences day to day so it is probably one of the most crucial hires,” said Yagyaev, head of wealth management, trust and family office services at the recruiting agency.
At the same time, these accomplished assistants are expected to take on any task, big or small, without complaint. Hova said executive assistants can expect at least 10% of their work to verge on personal assistant duties.
“It is always a service role,” he said.
Plus, the work comes with thorny personalities, said Faktor Pincus.
“A lot of times the ultra-high-net-worth individuals could be difficult,” she said. “People don’t become as successful as they are by being so nice and sweet.”
Melania Trump’s introduction of a meme coin has sparked conversations about the broader cryptocurrency market, drawing attention to innovative projects such as Lightchain AI. Amid the growing interest in meme coins, Lightchain AI is establishing itself as a leader in blockchain innovation, seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence with decentralized technology.
Currently in its presale phase at $0.005625 per token, Lightchain AI has already raised $12.3 million, reflecting strong investor confidence. With its emphasis on sustainable growth, the project stands out as a promising player in the rapidly evolving crypto space.
Melania Trump’s Meme Coin Launch Ignites Buzz in Crypto World
On January 19, 2025, Melania Trump a First Lady shown the $MELANIA meme coin after Donald Trump’s earlier start of the $TRUMP coin. The $MELANIA token came out at $12.03 with a market worth of $1.9 bil͏lion.
This effort is part of a wider movement of well-known people getting into the crypto space, showing how more folks are accepting digital money. But, the ups and downs seen in both $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins shows the risky side of meme coins, pointing out that it’s smart to invest carefully and look at the market closely.
How Lightchain AI Stands Out Amid Meme Coin Trends
Amid the rise of meme coin trends, Lightchain AI stands out with its robust technological foundation and focus on scalability and real-world utility. While many projects struggle with technical risks, such as scalability and resource limitations, Lightchain AI employs advanced solutions like sharding and Layer 2 integrations to handle high workloads efficiently. This ensures the network remains responsive even under significant demand.
Interoperability further strengthens its position by enabling seamless data exchange with other blockchain networks, fostering broader adoption and collaboration.
To address risks, Lightchain AI integrates mitigation strategies like dynamic resource allocation, cryptographic security, and a transparent governance model. These proactive measures solidify Lightchain AI as a reliable and scalable alternative, distinguishing it from short-lived meme coin projects.
Lightchain AI’s Growing Momentum Captures Investor Interest
Lightchain AI is making waves, capturing the spotlight of investors and institutions worldwide. With its revolutionary technology and commitment to sustainable growth, it’s earning praise from industry experts and winning the trust of its growing community.
The buzz doesn’t stop there—Lightchain AI is paving the way for real-world innovation. Its latest partnership with a top AI firm highlights the exciting possibilities of combining decentralized tech with artificial intelligence.
This groundbreaking collaboration sets the stage for game-changing advancements, marking a huge leap forward for both industries. Stay tuned—big things are happening!
https://lightchain.ai/lightchain-whitepaper.pdf
https://t.me/LightchainProtocol
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored article and is for informational purposes only. It does not reflect the views of Crypto Daily, nor is it intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, or financial advice.
Cryptocurrency adoption by merchants is reshaping global commerce, driving financial inclusivity and enabling a borderless future.
Sage Group, the FTSE-100 software provider, is braced for an investor backlash after proposing big increases to new executives’ potential pay packages.
Retirees need £36,915 per year for a comfortable retirement in 2025, leaving a substantial £25,413 gap compared to the state pension, new research has revealed.
Findings from Shepherds Friendly highlight the significant shortfall facing pensioners who rely solely on state support.
Despite the clear disparity between retirement needs and state provision, a “surprising” number of people have not considered how much they need annually for retirement, according to the research.
Shepherds Friendly warns that while the state pension provides a financial safety net, it falls far short of what most people need for an enjoyable retirement. Housing costs represent the largest expense for retirees, with mortgage repayments and additional housing costs averaging £7,600 per year.
Fuel and power bills follow as the second-highest expenditure at £3,600 annually. Transport costs account for £3,392 per year, while food and drink expenses amount to £3,530.
Beyond essential spending, retirees typically allocate £3,238 annually for recreation and cultural activities. Dining out and hotel stays make up a smaller portion of retirement spending, with an average of £1,667 per year dedicated to restaurants and accommodation.
Do you have a money story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing money@gbnews.uk.
Britons could face a pension savings shortfall, experts warn
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A comfortable retirement in 2025 would require an annual income of nearly £50,000, according to the research. Those seeking a moderate retirement lifestyle would need approximately £31,848 each year.
Derence Lee, chief financial officer at Shepherds Friendly, noted that many people find it “easy” to postpone thinking about their later years.
He added that the rising cost of living makes saving for the future particularly challenging for some individuals. The research indicates that relying solely on the state pension to cover retirement costs would be “extremely challenging,” with savers urged to begin saving earlier to boost their investments.
The full UK state pension currently stands at £11,502 per year, equivalent to approximately £221 weekly. This basic level of support falls significantly below the amount needed for retirement, according to Shepherds Friendly.
Pensioners are worried about their retirement
GETTY
The financial services provider emphasises that while the state pension serves as a safety net, it is insufficient for most people’s retirement aspirations. Furthermore, the research highlights a concerning trend where many individuals, despite recognising the pension gap, have not taken adequate steps to address it.
This remains true even for those already contributing to private or workplace pensions. The findings suggest that proactive financial planning beyond state pension provisions is essential for securing a comfortable retirement.
Notably, the average retiree faces £38,000 in remaining mortgage debt by age 65, the research shows. For those on a five-year mortgage term, this translates to annual payments of around £7,600 when retiring at 65.
These mortgage commitments represent a significant portion of retirement expenses, potentially straining already limited pension resources. The findings emphasise the importance of factoring housing costs into retirement planning, as mortgage payments often continue well into retirement years.
This mortgage burden adds another layer of financial pressure beyond everyday living expenses for retirees. Borrowers have been saddled with hiked interest rates following recent actions from the Bank of England.
The data suggests that prospective retirees should carefully consider their housing situation when planning for retirement, as mortgage costs could consume a substantial portion of their annual income.
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Those approaching retirement, or who have retired, have struggled with mortgage payments
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Chris Rudden, the head of Investment Consultants at Moneyfarm, emphasises the importance of early pension planning.
He said: “For a lot of people, your pension may be the last thing on your mind. However, it is best to stay on top of this so you can reap the rewards later in life.”
Rudden stresses that starting pension contributions early is crucial, noting that “making small contributions now is a lot easier than playing catch up”.
He points to the issue of lost pensions, with research showing the average Briton believes they have around £13,000 spread across three forgotten pension plans.
“Why not use the new year to track some of these down,” Rudden suggests, highlighting how workplace changes can lead to misplaced pension investments.
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