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South Korea tightens crypto seizure rules after several mishaps

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South Korea tightens crypto seizure rules after several mishaps

South Korea’s National Police Agency has introduced new guidelines for handling seized cryptocurrencies after multiple security lapses.

Summary

  • South Korea’s National Police Agency has drafted new guidelines to standardize how seized cryptocurrencies are stored and managed, including provisions for privacy-focused assets.
  • The move follows a series of security lapses, including lost Bitcoin linked to custody failures.

The KNPA has drafted a directive outlining compliance requirements across multiple stages of crypto seizure, storage, and management, local media outlet Asiae reported on Tuesday.

As part of the measures, law enforcement would have to follow standardized procedures for managing wallet addresses, private keys, and software wallets, including specific provisions for handling privacy-focused assets that cannot be easily stored in hardware wallets.

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“In the past, seized assets were stored in warehouses. Now we must manage wallet addresses and private keys,” a police spokesperson said in an accompanying statement.

Last month, South Korea’s finance minister Koo said the government, alongside the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service, would conduct a full inspection of digital assets held by public institutions and review how they are managed under enforcement processes.

Comments from the minister followed back-to-back security incidents that exposed weaknesses in custody practices across agencies.

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In one case, Bitcoin seized in 2021 was lost after authorities relied on a third-party custodian without maintaining control over private keys, with the issue only coming to light following an internal probe.

Police arrested two suspects related to the theft of Bitcoin from wallets linked to seized assets, further underscoring gaps in internal controls.

A separate incident led to the Gwangju District Prosecutors’ Office losing roughly 70 billion won, about $48 million, in seized Bitcoin due to a phishing attack that exposed login credentials and enabled unauthorized transfers from a state-controlled wallet.

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Ethereum Derivatives and Technicals Align as Bullish Signals Stack Up Across the Market

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Ethereum Derivatives and Technicals Align as Bullish Signals Stack Up Across the Market

TLDR:

  • Ethereum’s derivatives market saw Bybit record a rise of around 2.51 million ETH, pointing to active liquidity redistribution across platforms.
  • Ethereum’s SuperTrend indicator flipped from Sell to Buy for the first time since September, previously triggering gains of 52% and 174%.
  • ETFs accumulated roughly 83,000 ETH worth approximately $193 million over three weeks, adding real institutional demand pressure.
  • Ethereum reclaimed $2,200 as support after 39 days below it, with traders now watching $2,400 and $2,600 as the next key levels.

Ethereum is drawing renewed attention as derivatives market data points to a structural shift in trader behavior. Open interest figures across major exchanges show clear signs of liquidity redistribution rather than outright capital outflows.

Technical indicators are flipping bullish for the first time in months. ETF demand over recent weeks adds another layer of confidence to the trend currently taking shape.

Open Interest Data Points to Liquidity Redistribution

Ethereum’s derivatives market is showing a notable divergence across trading platforms. The ETH Open Interest 30D Change indicator reveals clear shifts in the structure of open positions.

Source: Cryptoquant

Binance recorded an increase of approximately 11,400 ETH, indicating continued liquidity inflows. This points to ongoing activity despite recent market fluctuations.

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Bybit also posted a notable rise of around 2.51 million ETH. This further supports the idea of redistribution rather than a wholesale exit from positions.

Bitfinex, however, saw a decrease of roughly 35,700 ETH, while Kraken dropped by around 4,300 ETH. Gate.io also recorded limited movement compared to other major platforms.

These figures reflect weaker activity or reduced risk appetite on certain exchanges. Still, the contrast between platforms does not point to a market breakdown.

Rather, it suggests a state of caution and repositioning ahead of stronger moves. Traders closing positions on some platforms are opening new ones elsewhere.

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Sustained liquidity inflows into the derivatives market support the stability of Ethereum’s uptrend. Elevated or rising open interest signals trader confidence and a willingness to hold positions.

This pattern reinforces the persistence of bullish momentum rather than pointing to a temporary move. The data overall leans toward continued upward pressure on price.

Technical Indicators and ETF Demand Reinforce the Uptrend

Ethereum recently triggered a key technical signal that traders have been watching closely. Analyst Ali Charts noted that the SuperTrend indicator flipped from Sell to Buy for the first time since September.

In the previous two instances, price surged by 52% and 174% respectively. This kind of reversal signal tends to attract both technical and momentum-driven traders.

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A critical part of the breakout involves reclaiming a key price level. Ethereum managed to hold above $2,200 after spending 39 days trading below it. This reclaim marks a clear structural shift in price action. The next levels to watch are $2,400 and $2,600.

ETF demand has also played a measurable role in reinforcing the current move. Over the past three weeks, ETFs accumulated approximately 83,000 ETH, worth around $193 million.

This level of institutional buying adds real demand pressure to the market. It also reduces the likelihood of a sharp reversal in the near term.

As Ethereum continues building on these technical and structural developments, traders are watching for follow-through.

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The combination of rising open interest, a trend reversal signal, and ETF-driven demand creates a layered bullish case.

Whether price can sustain gains above current levels will be key. The coming weeks will test the strength of this recovery.

The post Ethereum Derivatives and Technicals Align as Bullish Signals Stack Up Across the Market appeared first on Blockonomi.

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Bitcoin miner Cango offloads 4,451 BTC to slash debt and fund AI pivot: Cango

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Bitcoin miner Cango offloads 4,451 BTC to slash debt and fund AI pivot: Cango

Cango sold approximately $305 million in bitcoin holdings in February to repay debt and finance an artificial intelligence infrastructure transformation.

Bitcoin miner Cango (NYSE: CANG) has sold 4,451 bitcoin to reduce financial leverage and fund an AI makeover, the company announced. The February sale generated approximately $305 million, with proceeds used to partially repay a bitcoin-collateralized loan and strengthen the company’s balance sheet.

The strategic divestment reflects Cango’s pivot toward AI-driven operations alongside its core mining business. The move signals the company’s effort to reduce debt obligations while repositioning itself in an increasingly competitive landscape where AI infrastructure has become a focal point for technology-focused enterprises.

Sources: PR Newswire | Yahoo Finance

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This article was generated automatically by The Defiant’s AI news system from publicly available sources.

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Most Crypto Assets Won’t Be Securities Under Federal Law

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Crypto Breaking News

In one of its first actions since signing a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) unveiled a formal interpretation of how non-security crypto assets fall under federal securities laws. The agency framed the move as an essential bridge as Congress debates market-structure legislation that would codify regulatory oversight for digital assets. The interpretation aims to craft a coherent taxonomy for digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities, while clarifying when a non-security crypto asset may or may not be considered an investment contract. The timeline places the SEC’s action at a moment of heightened scrutiny of the crypto sector, as federal agencies seek clearer lines amid ongoing legislative debates.

Key takeaways

  • The SEC’s interpretation seeks to separate most crypto assets from traditional securities, with only traditional securities that are tokenized remaining subject to securities laws under this framework.
  • A formal “token taxonomy” would categorize assets into digital commodities, digital collectibles, digital tools, stablecoins, and digital securities, aiming to reduce ambiguity about jurisdiction and treatment.
  • Regulatory coverage would extend to common crypto activity concepts, including airdrops, protocol mining, protocol staking, and the wrapping of a non-security asset.
  • The move is framed as a step to provide clear regulatory lines while lawmakers craft market-structure legislation that could expand the SEC’s and CFTC’s oversight over crypto markets.
  • The shift follows leadership changes in the SEC enforcement division, with critics arguing the agency’s posture has evolved beyond traditional investor protection toward broader market facilitation for large financial players.

Market context: The interpretation arrives as the U.S. Senate negotiates terms for a digital asset market-structure bill, a process that regulators say would clarify jurisdiction between the SEC and the CFTC and shape how market infrastructure operates in practice.

Why it matters

The SEC’s bid to articulate a taxonomy and boundary lines for crypto assets matters for issuers, exchanges, developers, and investors. By attempting to delineate when a token is a security versus a non-security, the agency aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty that has long clouded token launches, staking protocols, and cross-border activity. The emphasis on a taxonomy that includes digital commodities and stablecoins signals a broader view of what crypto can be within existing securities law, potentially influencing how projects structure token sales, airdrops, and governance mechanisms.

The framing also acknowledges a practical reality: investment contracts can evolve or terminate as projects mature, and the SEC is signaling that not all crypto assets should be treated as securities for their entire lifecycle. The emphasis on a coherent taxonomy is intended to help market participants assess regulatory jurisdiction with greater clarity, especially for novel mechanisms that fall outside traditional securities paradigms. This is a shift from a posture that some participants perceived as sweeping, toward a more granular approach that aligns regulatory focus with the economic function of a given asset.

At the same time, the announcement intersects with political dynamics shaping crypto policy. By stressing that most crypto assets are not securities under the proposed interpretation, the SEC appears to push back against the notion of universal securities regulation for digital assets while reaffirming that certain traditional securities, when tokenized, remain within the securities framework. The agency underscored that this interpretive stance is meant to complement, not replace, ongoing legislative efforts in Congress to codify market oversight. As a practical matter, market participants will be watching how this interpretive framework interacts with future rulemaking and enforcement decisions, particularly around complex products and protocols that blend finance with decentralized technology.

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The SEC’s remarks and the accompanying notice also emphasize the ongoing dialogue about jurisdiction between the SEC and the CFTC. The agency has repeatedly framed the issue as one of clarity—where one agency’s remit ends and another’s begins—so that firms can navigate compliance without duplicative or conflicting requirements. The message is that regulatory lines should be predictable, even as innovation continues to press the boundaries of traditional financial law.

A notable backdrop to these developments is the leadership shakeup within the SEC’s enforcement division. Earlier in the week, the agency confirmed the resignation of enforcement division director Margaret Ryan, with principal deputy director Sam Waldon stepping in as acting enforcement director. Critics have argued that the agency’s enforcement posture has shifted in ways that some view as less like a traditional regulator and more like a facilitator for the interests of large financial players. These debates, while focused on tone and strategy, matter because enforcement priorities often determine how quickly and aggressively new interpretations are tested in markets and courts.

Within the SEC’s leadership lineup, Chair Paul Atkins and fellow Republican commissioners Mark Uyeda and Hester Peirce stood as the agency’s remaining bipartisan balance on a five-member board. As of the week of reporting, President Donald Trump had not filled the remaining seats, leaving the commission with limited confirmation support to chart a longer-term direction. The agency’s contemporaneous messaging—emphasizing investor protection while drawing sharper lines on regulatory jurisdiction—reflects a broader tension at the heart of U.S. crypto policy: how to sustain innovation without compromising market integrity or consumer protection.

For readers tracing the practical implications, the SEC’s Monday to Tuesday communications included explicit references to the agency’s stance and linked materials. The agency’s official statements and supporting remarks frame the interpretation as both a clarifying exercise and a bridge to anticipated legislative action. The emphasis on clear lines—while acknowledging that meaningful investment contracts can end—suggests a regulatory philosophy aimed at balancing orderly markets with space for experimentation in a rapidly evolving asset class.

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In practical terms, the SEC’s move could influence how projects design token incentives, airdrops, and liquidity mechanisms, as well as how exchanges categorize listed assets and how custodians implement enforcement-compliant custody and settlement workflows. The agency’s interpretation is designed to provide a reference point for market participants seeking to understand where the line lies between innovation and traditional securities regulation, especially as the crypto market continues to mature and attract institutional interest. For stakeholders who monitor regulatory developments closely, the emphasis on taxonomy and jurisdiction is a reminder that clarity—however gradual—can matter as much as a formal rulemaking in shaping market behavior.

Additional context comes from the SEC’s own communications channel and the remarks captured during the DC Blockchain Summit, which reinforce the message that the agency remains focused on articulating a principled, enforceable framework that acknowledges both the realities of crypto markets and the need for congressional leadership to codify oversight structures. The address and related materials can be reviewed through the SEC’s official releases and linked statements to assess how the interpretation may evolve as market participants begin to interpret and implement the guidance in real-world scenarios.

Notably, the broader policy dialogue continues to place a premium on practical clarity. The agency’s emphasis on a non-universal securities regime—while maintaining robust oversight of tokenized securities—reflects a nuanced stance on where crypto assets fit within the U.S. financial regulatory mosaic. For practitioners, this means staying abreast of new interpretive guidance, monitoring enforcement signals, and aligning token economics with the evolving taxonomy to reduce compliance risk and to improve transparency for users and investors alike.

Links to primary materials accompany the announcement, including the SEC’s formal notice and the remarks offered at the DC Blockchain Summit, which together illustrate how the agency intends to operationalize the taxonomy and jurisdiction framework in a way that supports informed participation in a rapidly changing market. As the sector continues to negotiate settlement with regulators and legislative bodies, the emphasis on regulatory clarity remains a central variable shaping liquidity, risk appetite, and innovation within the crypto ecosystem. For readers seeking to verify specifics, the linked materials provide direct access to the SEC’s official documents and the associated commentary from senior agency leadership.

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Source: SEC press release.

Source: Atkins remarks.

Source: SEC on X.

Risk & affiliate notice: Crypto assets are volatile and capital is at risk. This article may contain affiliate links. Read full disclosure

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SOL Bottomed, Now A Rare Pattern Predicts Huge Rally

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Cryptocurrencies, Adoption, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Solana

A recurring bottom signal for Solana’s SOL (SOL) token has flashed on its weekly chart. The pattern was first seen in 2023 when SOL went on a 1,604%, rally, then again in 2025 when the altcoin gained 142%. 

Currently, SOL futures and spot market data point to a slow pickup in market activity, with the price approaching a key weekly level that may reinforce the bullish bias.

Crypto analyst WebTrend has highlighted that the pattern on the weekly chart is marked by consecutive candles with long lower wicks. This structure often signals that selling pressure is being absorbed as the buyers consistently step in at lower levels.

Cryptocurrencies, Adoption, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Solana
SOL/USD weekly chart. Source: X

“We are currently confirming a macro bottom setup with the same signal that successfully called the 2 most meaningful bottoms in the last 3 years.”

Crypto trader Bluntz noted that Solana may have completed an accumulation phase following a strong breakout on the daily chart. The move aligns with an ascending triangle breakout where higher daily lows meet a flat resistance level. The price is now holding above $93.50, a key level that previously acted as resistance.

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Based on the pattern, the next upside target sits near $120, a level that served as support for much of 2024 and 2025. If reclaimed, it may act as a strong base for further upside, with $145 emerging as the next potential level if momentum continues.

Cryptocurrencies, Adoption, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Solana
SOL one-day chart. Source: Cointelegraph/TradingView

Related: Altseason is dead, expect shorter cycles and ‘violent’ rotations: Crypto exec

Market activity shows early recovery signs 

While the price structure looks constructive, the derivatives data suggest the recovery is still developing.

SOL’s open interest has remained below $2.3 billion since the Feb. 6 price bottom, indicating that traders are not aggressively increasing leverage yet. This points to a cautious environment rather than what may be a longer-duration rally.

On the spot side, the cumulative volume delta (CVD), which tracks net buying and selling, has stabilized over the past month, showing that selling pressure has eased.

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Cryptocurrencies, Adoption, Markets, Cryptocurrency Exchange, Derivatives, Price Analysis, Futures, Market Analysis, Altcoin Watch, Solana
SOL price, aggregated spot volume, open interest, futures volume, and funding. Source: Velo.data

In the futures markets, the CVD has improved to -$2.8 billion from -$3.5 billion since Feb. 24, reflecting a $700 million reduction in selling. This suggests that while the bearish pressure is fading, a strong buy demand has not emerged yet.

The aggregated funding rate has also remained neutral, meaning neither bullish nor bearish positions are dominant.

Overall, the data points to a spot-driven recovery. The $120 level remains a key zone to watch, acting as an important threshold for both trader positioning and market sentiment.

Related: XRP holders hit a record 7.7M: Will price break through $1.60 next?