CryptoCurrency
NBA star Tristan Thompson Signs for Sportsbet.io
NBA superstar Tristan Thompson is the latest big name to partner with Sportsbet.io, the world’s favorite crypto-first sports betting site, as its newest global ambassador.
Thompson, a Cleveland Cavaliers center and 2016 NBA Championship winner, will bring his star power and passion for cryptocurrency to the Sportsbet.io community for the next two years.
The Canadian basketball legend will be sharing his views on the latest action for Sportsbet.io, where fans will have the opportunity to take part in some exclusive promotions.
Shane Anderson, Director Partnership, Content and Brand, Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added,
“We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”
Matthew D’Emanuele, CEO at Yolo Entertainment, the operator of Sportsbet.io, added:
“We’d like to give a huge Sportsbet.io welcome to Tristan, an elite athlete whose passion for both basketball and cryptocurrency makes him a perfect match for us. We’re thrilled to have him on the team, and we already have some exciting plans in the works. Watch this space.”
Thompson’s crypto credentials are already well established; he’s been a vocal supporter of Bitcoin, and recently celebrated as it reached a new all-time high in price. He will be providing weekly betting tips on a range of sports, including NFL, MLB, European soccer, tennis, golf, UFC and boxing.
The partnership with Thompson marks another exciting new chapter for Sportsbet.io, which has earned a reputation for both its innovative approach to gaming, and its star-studded line-up of ambassadors, including World Cup winning Brazilian footballer Denilson, Kenyan rapper King Kaka and many more.
Sportsbet.io is also an official partner of LALIGA and Newcastle United.
About Sportsbet.io
Founded in 2016 as part of Yolo Group, Sportsbet.io is the leading crypto sportsbook. Sportsbet.io has redefined the online betting space by combining cutting-edge technology, with cryptocurrency expertise and a passion for offering its players with the ultimate fun, fast and fair gaming experience.
Official Regional Partner of LALIGA, Official Betting Partner of English football team, Hull City and a Club Partner of Premier League team Newcastle United, Sportsbet.io provides an expansive range of betting action across all major sports and eSports, offering players more than 1M pre-match events per year and comprehensive in-play content.
As the first crypto sportsbook to introduce a cash out function, Sportsbet.io is recognised as a leader in both online sports betting and within the crypto community.
In December 2023, a lucky Sportsbet.io won the biggest ever online slots jackpot while playing on the site, turning a $50 spin into a prize of more than $42 million.
Sportsbet.io prides itself on its secure and trustworthy betting service, with withdrawal times of less than 90 seconds, among the fastest in the industry.
For more information about Sportsbet.io, please visit https://sportsbet.io..
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
CryptoCurrency
Baden Bower Helps Crypto Firms Adapt to EU MiCA Regulation with Ease
The European Union is introducing new rules for cryptocurrency with the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) law. These regulations became fully effective in December 2024, establishing a unified system for overseeing crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and issuers. Baden Bower, a global PR cryptocurrency agency, works with businesses to help them adjust to these changes smoothly and effectively.
MiCA: A Unified System for Crypto Regulation
The MiCA regulation, introduced in June 2023, replaces the varied national rules in the EU with a single set of guidelines. This system protects consumers, promotes fairness, and improves financial security. It applies to many crypto-related activities, including token issuance, exchanges, wallet services, and trading platforms.
Stablecoin issuers and CASPs must now follow the rules about financial reserves, governance, and operational processes. Token issuers, even those focused on promoting a meme coin, must also meet new standards for transparency, providing investors with detailed and accurate information. These measures aim to create a safer and more reliable environment for the cryptocurrency industry.
The EU is rolling out MiCA in phases. While some parts are already active, the complete set of rules took effect in December 2024, which allowed businesses time to prepare and align their operations.
Getting Ready for MiCA Compliance
Meeting MiCA’s requirements can feel overwhelming for businesses. Many are still beginning their preparations, and few have fully adjusted to the changes. Companies need to take steps now to avoid falling behind.
“MiCA regulation brings both difficulties and opportunities. We help businesses comply and build trust with their customers,” says AJ Ignacio, CEO of Baden Bower.
Companies must obtain authorization to operate in the EU, which involves meeting strict operational and governance requirements. They must also strengthen systems to prevent money laundering, monitor activity more thoroughly, and meet detailed reporting rules. These steps require careful planning, resources, and support.
Businesses that comply with MiCA will gain advantages like increased customer trust, smoother operations, and interest from larger investors. The unified licensing system also makes expanding businesses across EU countries easier.
Baden Bower’s Support for Businesses
Clear communication is essential for companies adapting to MiCA. Baden Bower helps its clients explain how they meet the new standards while strengthening their image in the industry. It provides tailored solutions for firms seeking guidance on how to promote a crypto project while staying compliant.
“Transparent messaging is critical right now,” says Ignacio. “Baden Bower guides our clients through this process and helps them build lasting trust.”
It develops strategies focused on clear messaging, creating trust, and helping businesses stand out as leaders in their field. It also prepares clients to handle potential obstacles with well-planned solutions.
In addition to providing expert guidance, Baden Bower helps its clients secure high-profile media placements that showcase their compliance and thought leadership, increasing their chances of getting featured in influential media outlets.
With a presence on five continents and clients in areas like the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, and France, it offers a broad perspective. This helps businesses effectively manage EU regulations and global requirements.
Opportunities for Growth Through MiCA
As MiCA is fully in place, businesses must align with the regulations to stay ahead. Those who adapt successfully will meet the regulations and strengthen their standing by showing their readiness and reliability.
Baden Bower’s work supports companies through this transition and helps them improve their reputation as trustworthy organizations. With its strong knowledge of the industry and broad reach, Baden Bower assists businesses in making meaningful progress toward meeting these requirements.
Under the new rules, clear and honest communication about compliance efforts will remain crucial for success. With the right guidance, businesses can use this time to grow and strengthen their customer relationships.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.
CryptoCurrency
Crypto whales dominate holdings of Trump family tokens: Chainalysis
Chainalysis said around 94% of the TRUMP and MELANIA tokens are held by around 40 wallets that each hold over $10 million worth.
CryptoCurrency
WLFI buys $9.84M in wBTC, total holdings reach $365M
Trump family-backed WLFI’s recent $9.84 million wBTC purchase raises its total crypto holdings to $365 million.
World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a crypto project tied to the Trump family, has intensified its aggressive push into digital assets.
Over the past three days, the fund has invested a staggering $178.2 million across six tokens, including Ethereum (ETH), Wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC), TRON (TRX), Aave (AAVE), Chainlink (LINK), and Ethena (ENA).
The latest on-chain data shows that on Jan. 22, WLFI spent $9.84 million to purchase 94.94 wBTC, taking advantage of a price drop. This came just a day after the fund poured $2.65 million into 10.81 million TRX.
In total, WLFI has acquired 534.1 wBTC for $56.82 million in the last three days, with the token averaging $106,379 per coin. Despite wBTC prices slightly declining since the purchases, the fund appears undeterred, doubling down on its long-term crypto strategy.
This buying spree builds on WLFI’s initial $120 million investment, announced by Donald Trump Jr. hours after his father’s inauguration on Jan. 20.
That initial allocation included $47 million each for Ethereum and wBTC, with $4.7 million distributed among TRX, AAVE, LINK, and ENA.
As of Jan. 23, the fund’s ongoing acquisitions have brought its total crypto holdings to approximately $365.5 million, cementing its position as a major institutional player in the digital asset space.
Adding further intrigue is WLFI’s relationship with TRON. In November 2024, TRON’s founder, Justin Sun, announced a $30 million investment in WLFI.
Sun tweeted: “The U.S. is becoming the blockchain hub, and Bitcoin owes it to realDonaldTrump! TRON is committed to making America great again and leading innovation.”
CryptoCurrency
Ethereum’s Price Stalls Below $3,500 as Leverage Ratios Climb—What Next?
Ethereum has been consolidating in a tight price range for several months, trading between $3,200 and $3,500. Despite the broader market’s recent upward movement, ETH still struggles to break out of this range.
This stagnation comes after a prolonged decline from its all-time high of $4,800, recorded in late 2021. The cryptocurrency is now down roughly 32% from this peak.
Notably, even the appointment of the new pro-crypto administration and a renewed sense of regulatory clarity have done little to propel Ethereum beyond its current resistance levels.
Amid these market conditions, ShayanBTC, a contributor to CryptoQuant’s QuickTake platform, has highlighted a critical metric that could signal an impending price move for ETH.
Elevated Leverage Ratios In Ethereum And Its Implications
According to Shayan in a recent analysis uploaded on the CryptoQuant QuickTake platform, the Estimated Leverage Ratio of Ethereum—a measure of the average leverage used by futures market participants—has been climbing steadily so far.
This rise as reported by Shayan reflects an increased willingness among traders to take on risk, even as Ethereum’s price remains stuck in consolidation. With leverage at elevated levels, the stage may be set for a significant price swing, though its direction remains uncertain. Shayan noted:
The impending breakout from this range, driven by the high-leverage environment, is expected to trigger a significant and impulsive price move.
Shayan elaborated that as more traders take on higher leverage, the market becomes more susceptible to sharp price movements. This is because if these leveraged positions are liquidated—either through a short or long squeeze—it could trigger a sudden and significant price adjustment.
The ongoing consolidation around $3,200–$3,500 has heightened interest in what lies ahead for Ethereum. The CryptoQuant analyst wrote:
Given the prevailing market sentiment, a bullish breakout appears more probable. However, traders should monitor the leverage ratio closely, as any abrupt change could lead to unexpected volatility and liquidations.
ETH Market Performance
At the time of writing, ETH trades at $3,282, declining by 0.1% in the past 24 hours. Interestingly, despite this lackluster performance from ETH, the asset’s daily trading volume in the past week has been quite positive.
Last Wednesday, ETH’s trading volume sat below $20 billion, however as of today, Ethereum’s daily trading volume hovers above $24 billion. This is quite an opposite trend especially when compared to ETH’s market performance over the same period.
According to Javon Marks, a renowned crypto analyst on X, Ethereum appears to be on the verge of a significant rally to $12,000 due to a similar performance to the Fib Level as it did in a previous bull cycle.
ETH (Ethereum), with a similar performance to the 1.618 Fib Level as it did this past bull cycle, could be set for a near +240% increase from here to the $11,865.6 levels!
A 5 Figure ETH may be on the way and in-development now and this can help many Altcoins into major runs . pic.twitter.com/eJT1Fu986b
— JAVONMARKS (@JavonTM1) December 29, 2024
Featured image created with DALL-E, Chart from TradingView
CryptoCurrency
Donald Trump’s 2025 Inauguration: A New Reality
The election of Donald Trump promises a new era for digital assets characterized by greater regulatory certainty and a surge in market activity. The question now is whether this shift is sustainable, or a temporary reaction to the political climate.
According to CCData’s latest Exchange Review report, aggregated spot and derivatives volumes, the most common measure evaluated for market participation, recorded a new yearly high in 2024, greatly exceeding the previous record set in 2021 ($75 trillion vs $64 trillion). With the election driving market activity and speculation, November and December were both record-breaking months for volumes, with $10.51 trillion and $11.31 trillion in monthly volumes, respectively. For context, the 2024 average (the biggest year on record) was roughly $6.4 trillion.
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Concurrently, stablecoins reached a total market cap of $210.1 billion, its highest ever point, on inauguration day, according to DeFiLlama. This reflects a YTD increase of 3.3% thus far, on the back of improved liquidity conditions across both centralized and decentralized exchanges, supporting the influx of fresh volumes seen in the last few months.
Assets “made in the USA” have been doing particularly well. These have been an outlier since the election, where a permissive regulatory environment, and the promise of more favourable conditions for US-based assets, have generated significant investor interest and speculation. Coins such as XRP, SOL, XLM and ALGO, which have a strong U.S.- affiliation, have seen outsized returns. Per CCData, the basket associated with these coins is up over 360%, outpacing the market by a sizeable margin. This marks an about-turn from the previous administration’s regulatory clampdown, which kept these under scrutiny for many years as they were ultimately deemed securities by the SEC.
Whether this unprecedented growth continues will depend heavily on the new Trump administration’s execution of its promises on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, incentives for domestic bitcoin mining, and other issues. The broader market may also benefit as we enter into the expansionary phase of the bitcoin four-year historical cycle, which tends to see explosive growth in the final year.
It will be interesting to see whether this new administration will impact the market cycles to which the cryptocurrency sector has grown accustomed, or whether it will mark a significant departure from historical trends.
CryptoCurrency
Why Analysts Think Solana (SOL) Could See Big Correction But Remittix (RMX) To Skyrocket
Solana (SOL) has entered 2025 on a strong note, posting gains on both a monthly and weekly basis. However, Solana (SOL) remains criticized for its ecosystem rate of inflation and network outages that have plagued the platform. Meanwhile, Remittix is amassing popularity among investors for its pragmatic approach to solving issues in the cross-border payment space. Packing plenty of utility for investors, businesses and individuals, this project is poised to disrupt the PayFi space in 2025. So what are the key features that are drawing so many to Remittix and how will Solana fare over the next quarter?
Solana (SOL) Posts Strong Gains In January
Solana (SOL) had a slow 2024, causing impatience among many holders, though it has caught a second wind in the first few weeks of January. Solana’s net gain now stands at 61% over the last month with most of that increase over just the last week. Solana’s market cap has stormed back past $100 billion now settling on $124.51 billion. Though it’s not clear how much further Solana (SOL) could go. Despite its successes, some critics of Solana (SOL) are still skeptical of its growth, believing it may face corrective price action in the near future.
A New Era for Cross-Border Payments
Via the powerful Remittix (RTX) platform, users can convert over 40 cryptocurrencies into fiat currencies and transfer funds directly to global bank accounts. Unlike traditional systems laden with hidden fees and unpredictability, Remittix operates with a flat rate pricing model, ensuring that recipients receive exactly what is sent. This straightforward approach and the cost effective structure make Remittix an appealing option for both personal and business use.
Crypto Payment Adoption for Businesses
Remittix also offers powerful tools for businesses to embrace cryptocurrency as a viable payment option. The Remittix Pay API is an impressive piece of technology, enabling companies to accept crypto payments from their customers while settling transactions in fiat and transferring the funds to their desired bank account. This solution is particularly ideal for individuals and businesses who are aware of the potential of the cryptocurrency market and customer base, but who do not feel comfortable navigating its complexities.
User Privacy
Another key feature of Remittix (RTX) is its focus on user privacy. Transactions processed through Remittix arrive as conventional bank transfers, completely hiding their cryptocurrency origins. This approach offers both individuals and businesses greater confidence in adopting blockchain solutions without attracting unwanted attention. This is particularly helpful in industries where crypto payments may carry some stigma.
Remittix Presale Surpasses $4 Million Raised
Currently in its presale phase, Remittix (RTX) is demonstrating potential having already raised over $4 million and maintaining its strong momentum. Tokens are available for $0.0228 and analysts expect an explosive 800% price surge for the token by the time the presale ends and a potential 5,000% spike post launch.
With its practical approach to real world issues, Remittix (RTX) is positioning itself as a major player in the prosperous global cross-border payments market. For those who want to be a part of the next big thing in DeFi, this is not a project to sleep on.
Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:
Website: https://remittix.io/
Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored press release 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
North Dakota bill seeks to cap crypto ATM transactions to tackle fraud
North Dakota’s lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed to combat crypto ATM transactions after 103 state residents reported $6.5 million in losses to crypto scams in 2023.
CryptoCurrency
No official confirmation on SOL and XRP futures despite CME leak
After a leaked page detailed Solana and XRP futures on CME, a spokesperson confirmed that it was an early mock-up and no official plans have been finalized yet.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange, a global leader in derivatives trading, may be gearing up to introduce futures contracts for Solana (SOL) and Ripple (XRP) as early as Feb. 10, according to a leaked page from their beta website. While the page was quickly removed, it detailed key specifications for the contracts.
However, Fox Business journalist Eleanor Terrett reported that a CME spokesperson described the beta website as a draft environment used for mock-ups, which was mistakenly made public.
“No official decisions have yet been made about launching futures contracts for either token,” the spokesperson clarified.
James Seyffart, a Bloomberg ETF analyst, commented on the leak, stating, “Honestly, it makes sense and is largely to be expected if true.”
According to the leaked details, the futures contracts for both Solana and XRP would be available in standard and micro sizes.
Solana’s standard contracts would feature a 500 SOL lot size, with micro contracts reduced to 25 SOL. Similarly, XRP’s standard futures contracts would involve 50,000 XRP per lot, with micro contracts sized at 2,500 XRP.
All contracts are expected to settle in U.S. dollars, making them convenient for institutional players wary of dealing with direct crypto settlements.
The reelection of Donald Trump and the resignation of former SEC Chair Gary Gensler have led to renewed optimism among investors, with firms racing to bring products like Solana and XRP ETFs to market.
ProShares, for example, submitted a Solana futures ETF application on Jan. 17, while WisdomTree filed for an XRP ETF in December 2024. Other firms, including Bitwise, 21Shares, and Canary Capital, are also vying to introduce various ETFs.
Seyffart noted that the availability of Solana futures on CME could address questions about whether the current Solana futures market—dominated by Coinbase—has the necessary liquidity for such products. “I’m not sure if the Coinbase SOL futures are large and liquid enough,” Seyffart remarked in an earlier tweet.
CryptoCurrency
XRP Price Pauses Rally: Healthy Pullback or Reversal Ahead?
XRP price struggled to continue higher above the $3.30 level. The price is now correcting gains and might find bids near the $3.00 level.
- XRP price started a downside correction from the $3.30 zone.
- The price is now trading below $3.20 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
- There was a break below a connecting bullish trend line with support at $3.1450 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair (data source from Kraken).
- The pair might start a fresh increase if it stays above the $3.00 support.
XRP Price Dips Again
XRP price managed to start a fresh increase from the $3.120 support zone, but upsides were limited compared to Bitcoin. The price was able to surpass the $3.250 level before the bears appeared.
A high was formed at $3.285 and the price recently started a downside correction. There was a move below the $3.20 support. The price dipped below the 50% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $3.012 swing low to the $3.285 high.
Besides, there was a break below a connecting bullish trend line with support at $3.1450 on the hourly chart of the XRP/USD pair. The price is now trading below $3.20 and the 100-hourly Simple Moving Average.
It is now holding the 61.8% Fib retracement level of the upward move from the $3.012 swing low to the $3.285 high. On the upside, the price might face resistance near the $3.150 level. The first major resistance is near the $3.20 level.
The next resistance is $3.250. A clear move above the $3.250 resistance might send the price toward the $3.30 resistance. Any more gains might send the price toward the $3.4250 resistance or even $3.450 in the near term. The next major hurdle for the bulls might be $3.50.
More Losses?
If XRP fails to clear the $3.20 resistance zone, it could start another decline. Initial support on the downside is near the $3.120 level. The next major support is near the $3.00 level.
If there is a downside break and a close below the $3.00 level, the price might continue to decline toward the $2.880 support. The next major support sits near the $2.750 zone.
Technical Indicators
Hourly MACD – The MACD for XRP/USD is now gaining pace in the bearish zone.
Hourly RSI (Relative Strength Index) – The RSI for XRP/USD is now below the 50 level.
Major Support Levels – $3.120 and $3.00.
Major Resistance Levels – $3.20 and $3.250.
CryptoCurrency
Coinbase Asks U.S. Appeals Court to Say On-Platform Crypto Trades Aren’t Securities
Coinbase has petitioned a U.S. appeals court to rule on whether or not the crypto trading activity on its platform should be subject to securities laws.
In a Tuesday court filing, lawyers for Coinbase urged the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to hear its case, arguing that it “presents the single best opportunity to decide the fundamental legal question of how to treat the secondary trading of digital assets.”
“This case cries out for the Court’s immediate attention,” lawyers for Coinbase wrote in their petition. “Whether secondary-market trading of digital assets falls within the federal securities laws is a question of immense importance to the crypto industry, consumers, financial institutions, and lower courts in need of guidance. This case presents an ideal vehicle to address that question and provide clear rules for this multi-trillion-dollar industry.”
Coinbase argued that crypto trading on its platform should not actually trigger federal securities laws because secondary crypto transactions don’t meet all the prongs of the Howey test, the long-standing legal framework used to decide what qualifies as an “investment contract.” Because buyers and sellers on Coinbase’s platform are matched in a blind bid-ask system and are therefore anonymous to each other, there can be no common enterprise between them, the filing said.
The exchange’s petition comes two weeks after the Southern District of New York (SDNY) issued a rare stay in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) case against Coinbase, allowing Coinbase time to appeal to a higher court for clarity.
The SEC sued Coinbase in June 2023 for allegedly acting as an unregistered securities exchange, broker and clearing agency. When Coinbase attempted to get the suit dismissed, the district court judge overseeing the case denied its motion, finding that the SEC had made a “plausible” argument that the exchange was violating federal securities laws. On Jan. 7, however, the judge punted the question to a higher court, writing “conflicting decisions on important legal issues necessitate the Second Circuit’s guidance.”
The SEC’s case against Coinbase will be put on pause while the exchange seeks answers from the Second Circuit.
The same day Coinbase’s petition was filed, the SEC – now under the leadership of Republican Acting Chair Mark Uyeda – announced the formation of a crypto task force spearheaded by crypto-friendly Commissioner Hester Peirce. The move signals a shift away from the agency’s “regulation by enforcement” approach to crypto under former Chairman Gary Gensler.
“To date, the SEC has relied primarily on enforcement actions to regulate crypto retroactively and reactively, often adopting untested legal interpretations along the way,” the SEC said in a statement. “Clarity regarding who must register and practical solutions for those seeking to register, have been elusive. The result has been confusion about what is legal, which creates an environment hostile to innovation and conducive to fraud. The SEC can do better.”
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