Category: NEWS

  • Nasdaq-listed video-sharing platform Rumble invests $17.1M in Bitcoin (BTC)

    Nasdaq-listed video-sharing platform Rumble invests $17.1M in Bitcoin (BTC)

    Nasdaq-listed video-sharing platform Rumble invests $17.1M in Bitcoin (BTC)

    • Rumble bought 188 Bitcoin (BTC) for $17.1M, nearing its $20M goal.
    • Rumble’s CEO sees BTC as an inflation hedge and crypto tie-in.
    • Future Rumble BTC purchases depend on market and cash flow conditions.

    Rumble, a Nasdaq-listed video-sharing platform and cloud services provider trading under the ticker RUM, has purchased $17.1 million worth of Bitcoin (BTC).

    Rumble acquired approximately 188 BTC at an average price of $91,000 per coin, aligning with its previously disclosed plan to diversify its corporate treasury.

    The purchase is part of a broader treasury strategy outlined late last year, when Rumble revealed intentions to allocate up to $20 million of its cash reserves to Bitcoin. With this transaction, the company has nearly reached that cap, spending $17.1 million to bolster its holdings.

    CEO Chris Pavlovski emphasized the strategic value of the move in a press release shared with media houses, noting that Bitcoin serves as a hedge against inflation and remains immune to the dilution that plagues many government-issued currencies.

    For a company positioning itself as a key player in both video content and cloud services, this investment underscores a deliberate push into the crypto ecosystem.

    Rumble’s forays into crypto

    Rumble’s leadership views Bitcoin not just as a financial asset but as a cornerstone of its identity within the crypto community.

    Pavlovski highlighted the company’s excitement about officially holding BTC, suggesting it strengthens Rumble’s appeal as a platform for crypto enthusiasts. This sentiment builds on a $775 Million Strategic Investment from Tether, the leading stablecoin issuer, further solidifying its ties to the cryptocurrency industry.

    The BTC purchase, therefore, is less a standalone decision and more a continuation of Rumble’s evolving relationship with digital assets.

    Rumble’s journey into Bitcoin comes with a clear acknowledgment of the risks involved, as outlined in its forward-looking statements. The company cautioned that its actual results could differ from expectations due to Bitcoin’s price swings, regulatory hurdles, and its ability to sustain growth in a crowded market.

    Additional concerns include cybersecurity threats, reliance on third-party vendors for core services, and the challenge of maintaining advertiser relationships—issues that could complicate its ambitions. Despite these uncertainties, Rumble remains committed to its vision of weaving cryptocurrency into its operational DNA.

    Founded with a mission to counter the dominance of Big Tech by offering an independent infrastructure, Rumble sees its Bitcoin (BTC) investment as a natural extension of its ethos. The company, which also launched Rumble Cloud to diversify its offerings, is betting that embracing decentralized assets like BTC will resonate with its user base and bolster its financial resilience.

    As Pavlovski put it, this is about more than just treasury management—it’s about ingraining crypto into the company’s future.

    Whether this gamble pays off will depend on both Bitcoin’s trajectory and Rumble’s ability to navigate the unpredictable waters of tech and finance.



    Source link

  • Bitcoin drops to $76k after Trump fails to rule out a recession

    Bitcoin drops to $76k after Trump fails to rule out a recession

    Bitcoin dips to $86k

    • Ether dropped 9%, XRP fell 2%, and Dogecoin lost over 8% in 24 hours
    • Investors react to Trump’s comments about a possible recession
    • The US stock market lost more than $1.7 trillion in value

    Crypto prices have fallen across the board, with Bitcoin dropping below $77,000 as investors continued to react to US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the Bitcoin reserve plan.

    Bitcoin’s price at $76,000. Source: CoinMarketCap

    In the early hours of Tuesday, March 11, Bitcoin fell to $76,000, a figure not seen since last September. In a post on X, crypto trader Ali said:

    “If #Bitcoin $BTC holds $80,000, the bull case remains strong. Losing this level, however, could put $69,000 in play as the next key support!”

    Bitcoin has risen slightly and is back up around $81,600 at the time of publishing, according to CoinMarketCap. Ether, on the other hand, was down over 9% in 24 hours to $1,920, XRP had fallen more than 2%, at $2.13, and Dogecoin was down over 8.81% to $0.1607.

    The market reacts

    News of the continued market sell-off comes as investors react to Trump’s trade tariffs, the announcement of the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and the possibility of a recession.

    Following Trump’s remarks, the US stock market lost more than $1.7 trillion in value yesterday. Elon Musk’s Tesla saw its shares drop by at least 15% to $222, losing over half its value from its December peak at $479.86. In a post on X, Musk said: “it will be fine long-term.”

    Market conditions haven’t been helped by Trump’s trade tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico. Last month, it was confirmed that Trump was imposing a 25% trade tariff on Canada and Mexico; however, this has been delayed until April 2. China had a 20% tariff levied against it.

    BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes took to X to ask people to be “patient.”

    “$BTC likely bottoms around $70k. 36% correction from $110k ATH, v normal for a bull market,” adding:

    “Traders will try to buy the dip, if you are more risk averse wait for the central banks to ease then deploy more capital. You might not catch the bottom but you also won’t have to mentally suffer through a long period of sideways and potential unrealised losses.”



    Source link

  • Michael Saylor’s Strategy to raise up to $21b to buy more Bitcoin

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy to raise up to $21b to buy more Bitcoin

    • Strategy is the world’s largest corporate holder of Bitcoin
    • Fresh purchases with the new capital will push the company’s total BTC holdings beyond 500,000 BTC.
    • Michael Saylor recently attended the White House Crypto Summit.

    Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, has announced plans to raise additional capital for general corporate operations, including the purchase of more Bitcoin (BTC).

    In the announcement on Mar. 10, Strategy said it had plans to issue and sell shares of up to $21 billion in its at-the-market (ATM) program.

    The offer will be for its 8.00% Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock (STRK), with proceeds expected to fund the company’s general corporate purposes. Most of this will go into more Bitcoin purchases as Strategy continues to accumulate BTC. Strategy will also utilize raised funds for working capital.

    Strategy’s holdings just under 500k BTC

    Michael Saylor’s artificial intelligence and business intelligence company – now the world’s largest corporate BTC company- first added BTC as a treasury asset in 2020. Since then, its been a prolific buyer of the benchmark digital asset.

    With its last purchase in February 2025, Strategy pushed its haul to 499,096 BTC.

    This is where it currently stands, with total holdings just below the landmark 500,000 bitcoin. So far, the company has spent $33.1 billion to buy Bitcoin. Per details, the company’s average purchase price was $66,357 per bitcoin.

    News that Saylor was looking to buy more BTC slightly buoyed bulls during early trading on Mar. 10. Per market data, the top cryptocurrency’s price hovered around $83,252 at the time of writing.

    While price was down 1.4% in the past 24 hours, the slight gains had seen BTC rebound from lows of $80,120. BTC nonetheless continues to struggle despite last week’s executive order on a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and the first-ever White House crypto summit.

    Source link

  • BBVA gets nod to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services in Spain

    BBVA gets nod to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services in Spain

    BBVA gets nod to offer Bitcoin and Ethereum trading services in Spain

    • BBVA customers in Spain will soon be able to trade Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).
    • The bank will roll out the crypto trading services in phases.
    • First, the bank will allow a select group of customers to test the services before expanding it to retail customers.

    Spain’s Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), the country’s second-largest bank, has received regulatory approval from the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV) to offer Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) trading services.

    Following the approval by the securities regulator, BBVA announced that its clients will soon be able to buy, sell, and manage BTC and ETH directly through its mobile banking app, a move that underscores the growing convergence of legacy banking and digital assets.

    This development positions BBVA as a trailblazer among European banks, capitalizing on the increasing demand for crypto-related services. With Bitcoin (BTC) trading at approximately $82,808 and Ethereum (ETH) at $2,118, the bank aims to tap into a market that has seen explosive growth and institutional interest.

    Notably, BBVA’s decision reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions adapting to the evolving preferences of tech-savvy customers, many of whom view cryptocurrencies as both an investment opportunity and a hedge against economic uncertainty.

    A phased rollout approach

    BBVA will roll out its crypto trading in phases. Initially, the service will be available to a select group of users, allowing the bank to test and refine its platform before a wider rollout.

    Afterwards, the lender will gradually expand access to all private banking customers across Spain.

    This cautious yet deliberate strategy highlights BBVA’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and secure experience for its clients, leveraging its own cryptographic key custody platform to maintain full control over digital asset holdings without relying on third-party providers.

    The bank’s proprietary custody solution is a key differentiator. By keeping customer assets in-house, BBVA aims to enhance security and trust—crucial factors in a sector often plagued by concerns over hacks and mismanagement. This move also aligns with the bank’s long-standing emphasis on technological innovation, positioning it as a leader in the digital transformation of finance.

    Building on the rising crypto adoption trends

    BBVA’s crypto journey is not a sudden leap but a calculated expansion of efforts that began years ago. In June 2021, the bank launched Bitcoin custody and trading services for private banking clients in Switzerland, where regulatory clarity provided an early foothold.

    Since then, BBVA’s Swiss branch has broadened its offerings to include ETH and the USDC stablecoin after partnering with Ripple’s Metaco, catering to a sophisticated clientele comfortable with digital assets.

    More recently, in January 2025, BBVA’s Turkish subsidiary, Garanti BBVA Kripto, introduced crypto trading services to the public, further solidifying the bank’s global footprint in this space.

    The approval in Spain builds on these successes, adapting lessons learned from Switzerland and Turkey to meet the unique needs of the Spanish market.

    With each step, BBVA is demonstrating a strategic vision to integrate cryptocurrencies into its core offerings, aligning with shifting regulatory and consumer landscapes.

    Notably, the timing of BBVA’s Spanish rollout coincides with the full implementation of the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which took effect at the end of 2024. MiCA establishes a harmonized framework for crypto services across the EU, providing banks and firms with the legal clarity needed to operate confidently.

    Under this regulation, companies have until July 2026 to achieve full compliance during an 18-month transitional phase, giving BBVA ample time to refine its operations.

    Source link

  • Utah lawmakers approve amended Bitcoin bill

    Utah lawmakers approve amended Bitcoin bill

    Utah lawmakers approve amended Bitcoin bill

    • The state of Utah has passed its Bitcoin bill but has dropped the Bitcoin reserve plan.
    • The approved bill protects mining, staking, and self-custody rights.
    • The bill now awaits Governor Cox’s signature, after which it will become effective starting May 2025.

    On March 7, 2025, Utah lawmakers took a significant step toward integrating cryptocurrency into the state’s legal framework by passing HB230, the “Blockchain and Digital Innovation Amendments” bill.

    However, the legislation, approved by the Senate in a 19-7-3 vote, no longer includes its original groundbreaking provision to establish a state Bitcoin reserve. Instead, it focuses on fostering a supportive environment for blockchain technology and protecting residents’ rights to engage with digital assets.

    The bill now awaits the signature of Governor Spencer Cox, who has not yet indicated his stance. If signed into law, it will take effect on May 7, 2025, making Utah a progressive player in the US cryptocurrency landscape, even without the reserve clause that once promised to make it a pioneer.

    The Bitcoin reserve contention

    Initially introduced by Representative Jordan Teuscher and sponsored in the Senate by Senator Kirk A. Cullimore, HB230 aimed to position Utah as the first US state to hold Bitcoin in its treasury.

    The original proposal allowed the state treasurer to invest up to 10% of certain public funds in Bitcoin (BTC), a move that could have involved millions from accounts like the General Fund and Budget Stabilization Fund. This clause survived earlier votes, raising hopes among crypto advocates.

    However, during the third and final Senate reading, lawmakers stripped the reserve provision from the bill. Senator Cullimore acknowledged the change on the Senate floor, citing concerns over Utah being an early adopter of such a bold financial policy.

    The House later concurred with the amendment in a 52-19-4 vote, reflecting a cautious retreat from the state-managed Bitcoin investment idea.

    Approved bill protects Utah crypto holders

    Despite removing the reserve clause, HB230 retains significant provisions that bolster Utah’s blockchain ecosystem.

    The approved legislation ensures residents can self-custody their digital assets without state interference, a key win for individual freedom in the crypto space. It also safeguards the right to mine Bitcoin, operate blockchain nodes, and participate in staking—activities central to the decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies.

    These measures aim to empower Utahns and attract blockchain innovators to the state. By clarifying legal terms related to digital assets and prohibiting restrictive regulations, the bill lays a foundation for growth in this emerging sector.

    Supporters argue that the bill balances innovation with safety, positioning Utah as a potential hub for crypto-related businesses.

    25 out of 31 Bitcoin reserve bills remain active in the US

    Utah’s legislative journey mirrors a nationwide push toward Bitcoin integration. While the state stepped back from its reserve ambitions, Arizona and Texas are advancing similar bills, having passed Senate committee votes.

    According to Bitcoin Laws data, 25 of 31 introduced Bitcoin reserve bills across the US remain active, with states like Illinois and New Hampshire also in the race.

    On the federal level, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 7, 2025, creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve using seized assets. This move, paired with plans for budget-neutral acquisitions, underscores a growing acceptance of Bitcoin (BTC) at both the state and national levels.

    Utah’s amended bill, while less ambitious, aligns with this trend by prioritizing citizen participation over direct state investment.

    Source link

  • Bitcoin Pepe raises $4M as Trump-linked memecoin rakes in $350M for creators

    Bitcoin Pepe raises $4M as Trump-linked memecoin rakes in $350M for creators

    Bitcoin Pepe raises $4M as Trump-linked memecoin rakes in $350M for creators

    • Bitcoin Pepe aims for Meme Layer-2 on Bitcoin with PEP-20.
    • TRUMP memecoin earned $350M for its creators, with 80% owned by Trump affiliates.
    • Regulatory push grows as memecoins spark profit and manipulation concerns.

    The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with the rise of memecoins tied to high-profile figures and innovative concepts. Among the currently trending memecoins are Official Trump (TRUMP), themed after President Donald Trump, and Bitcoin Pepe (BPEP), which brings memecoins to Bitcoin blockchain.

    Bitcoin Pepe has raised over $4 million in its ongoing presale, the “World’s Only Bitcoin Meme ICO,” while a Financial Times report shows that the Official Trump (TRUMP) memecoin, has reportedly generated a staggering $350 million for its creators.

    Bitcoin Pepe seeks to build a meme empire on Bitcoin

    Amid the memecoin frenzy, Bitcoin Pepe is carving its own niche, raising $4,029,822 in its ongoing presale. Dubbed a “Solana on Bitcoin,” this project aims to create a Meme Layer-2 for Bitcoin, boasting instant transactions and ultra-low fees via its PEP-20 token standard.

    Currently in its sixth presale stage out of thirty presale stages, the Bitcoin Pepe (BPEP) token is its going for $0.0268 and it is set to rise to $0.0281 in the next phase.

    Post-presale Bitcoin Pepe’s vision is ambitious: enabling memecoin creation on Bitcoin, which it calls “the only chain that will live forever.” Its whitepaper, roadmap, and team details are accessible on its site, alongside a SolidProof audit for credibility.

    Bitcoin Pepe’s appeal lies in its simplicity and promise. The project’s branding—replete with giveaways and a “Watch Bitcoin Pepe’s Birth” video—taps into meme culture while leveraging Bitcoin’s enduring reputation, setting it apart from flash-in-the-pan tokens.

    As Trump’s memecoin saga unfolds with regulatory clouds looming, Bitcoin Pepe offers a grassroots counterpoint.

    Official Trump (TRUMP) has raked in millions

    The TRUMP memecoin, launched just days before Donald Trump’s White House return on January 20, 2025, has become a financial juggernaut.

    According to the Financial Times report dated March 7, entities behind the token—tied to The Trump Organization’s CIC Digital and Fight Fight Fight LLC—earned at least $314 million from token sales and $36 million in fees on the Solana blockchain. Together, these groups hold 80% of the 1 billion minted TRUMP tokens, though Trump’s personal profit remains undisclosed.

    The project kicked off with 200 million tokens released initially, with the remaining 800 million slated for distribution over three years. Early sales saw 100 million tokens offloaded for under $1.05 each, but prices soared to a peak of $75 by January 19.

    However, the launch of Melania Trump’s MELANIA memecoin triggered an 82% price drop, prompting Trump-linked accounts to spend $1 million stabilizing the market by buying tokens at $33.20.

    Analysts suggest that market manipulation may be at play. The Financial Times tracked $291 million in USDC reinvested into liquidity pools to prop up TRUMP’s value, alongside 14.7 million tokens sent to exchanges like Binance and Coinbase.

    Despite the crash, the 831 million tokens still held by Trump affiliates carry a notional value of $10.8 billion, underscoring the memecoin’s outsized impact.

    The phenomenon has sparked regulatory scrutiny with Representative Sam Liccardo proposing banning officials from such ventures, while New York Assembly member Clyde Vanel introduced a bill on March 5 to penalize memecoin rug pulls.

    Yet, with the SEC deeming memecoins outside securities laws, oversight remains murky, leaving investors vulnerable amid the hype of 700 copycat tokens.

    Source link

  • Crypto prices fall despite Trump’s Bitcoin reserve plan

    Crypto prices fall despite Trump’s Bitcoin reserve plan

    Bitcoin dips to $86k

    • Bitcoin was trading at around $88,000, dropping 1.50% in the last 24 hours
    • Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano have also seen prices dip following news of the Digital Asset Stockpile
    • TD Cowan analysts consider it a “compromise” and that the reserve is a positive move from the White House

    Crypto prices remained unchanged on Friday after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

    Data from CoinMarketCap shows Bitcoin is trading around the $88,000 mark, dropping over 1.50% in the last 24 hours.

    Bitcoin price chart. Source: CoinMarketCap

    Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano have also remained relatively flat following the news. Solana saw the biggest drop, 5% over 24 hours, and is currently trading at $142. Earlier this month, Trump revealed that these would be the coins included in the crypto reserve.

    Notably, these coins weren’t mentioned in Trump’s executive order detailing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a Digital Asset Stockpile, which he signed on March 6.

    A “compromise”

    In a post on X, White House artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto czar David Sacks said:

    “The Reserve will be capitalized with Bitcoin owned by the federal government that was forfeited as part of criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. This means it will not cost taxpayers a dime.”

    Sacks also indicated that the executive order authorized the Secretaries of Treasury and Commerce “to develop budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin, provided that those strategies have no incremental costs on American taxpayers.”

    In response, Michael Saylor, chair and CEO of Strategy, said: “I have a few budget-neutral strategies for acquiring additional Bitcoin.”

    With the news of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve not pushing prices higher, TD Cowen analysts said they considered this a positive move from the White House, adding:

    “We view this as a compromise. The government is not spending taxpayer dollars to acquire new digital assets. It is simply not selling the ones that it seizes.”



    Source link

  • Trump’s crypto czar says lack of Bitcoin “long-term strategy” has cost taxpayers billions

    Trump’s crypto czar says lack of Bitcoin “long-term strategy” has cost taxpayers billions

    • Over the past 10 years, the federal government has sold around 195,000 Bitcoin for $366 million
    • Today, that figure would be worth over $17 billion
    • Sacks said the lack of a “long-term strategy” has cost American taxpayers

    White House artificial intelligence (AI) and crypto czar David Sacks has criticized the US federal government’s lack of “long-term strategy” with the sale of confiscated Bitcoin.

    In a post on X, Sacks wrote:

    “Over the past decade, the federal government sold approximately 195,000 Bitcoin for proceeds of $366 million. If the government had held the Bitcoin, it would be worth over $17 billion today. That’s how much it has cost American taxpayers not to have a long-term strategy.”

    Michael Saylor, Strategy’s chairman, responded: “You do not sell your Bitcoin.” Since 2020, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has been actively purchasing Bitcoin. It currently holds 499,096 Bitcoin, valued at $44.72 billion.

    Crypto Summit

    The comment from Sacks comes as the White House gets ready to host its first Crypto Summit.

    So far, 20 crypto leaders have been invited to the event, which will take place on March 7. According to Sacks, they decided to keep the numbers down to have a “meaningful conversation” regarding crypto policies.

    An earlier report suggests that US President Donald Trump will unveil his plans for a Bitcoin reserve strategy during the roundtable. In an interview, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said:

    “A Bitcoin strategic reserve is something the President’s interested in. He spoke about it all during the campaign trail, and I think you’re going to see it executed on Friday.”

    Some of those attending include Vlad Tenev, co-founder and CEO of Robinhood; Arjun Sethi, CEO of Kraken; Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase; Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of Gemini; and Michael Saylor, executive chair of Strategy.

    Members of the Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets will also be in attendance.

    “Crypto czar”

    In December, Trump announced that Sacks would be the lead policy advisor on artificial intelligence and crypto, dubbing him the “White House AI and Crypto Czar.”

    Trump wrote that Sacks will take up the role which are “two areas critical to the future of American competitiveness,” adding, among other things, that “he will work on a legal framework so the crypto industry has the clarity it has been asking for, and can thrive in the US.”

    As part of his role, Trump added that Sacks will focus on making America a “global leader” in these areas, something Trump promised during his election campaign in August.



    Source link

  • Bitcoin staking platform Solv Protocol partners with Ethereum L2 Soneium

    Bitcoin staking platform Solv Protocol partners with Ethereum L2 Soneium

    Bitcoin staking platform Solv Protocol partners with Ethereum L2 Soneium

    • Solv Protocol has partnered with Soneium for BTC staking on Ethereum L2.
    • Following the partnership, SolvBTC holders can stake, earn rewards, and use advanced yield strategies.
    • Soneium’s $45M TVL and 47M transactions boost DeFi growth with Solv.

    The world of decentralized finance continues to evolve, and a new partnership between Solv Protocol and Soneium is pushing the boundaries of what Bitcoin can achieve. Announced on March 6, 2025, this collaboration brings Bitcoin staking to Soneium, an Ethereum layer 2 blockchain supported by Japan’s Sony Group.

    By integrating these two platforms, users can now explore fresh opportunities to earn rewards and tap into cross-chain liquidity, blending Bitcoin’s stability with Ethereum’s expansive DeFi ecosystem.

    Solv Protocol, a platform dedicated to Bitcoin staking, is at the heart of this development. It allows users to deposit Bitcoin and receive SolvBTC, a token pegged 1:1 to Bitcoin’s value.

    Through this partnership, SolvBTC holders can stake their assets on Soneium, opening the door to passive income while maintaining Bitcoin’s core value proposition. This move reflects a growing trend among investors seeking ways to make their Bitcoin work harder beyond simply holding or trading it.

    Enhancing Bitcoin’s DeFi potential

    A standout feature of this collaboration is the introduction of SolvBTC Liquid Staking Tokens, or SolvBTC.LSTs. These tokens enable advanced yield strategies, giving Bitcoin users greater flexibility and scalability in their investments.

    With this setup, staking becomes more than just a way to earn rewards—it transforms into a tool for unlocking sophisticated financial opportunities across multiple blockchains. The partnership leverages Solv’s innovative Staking Abstraction Layer, a system designed to simplify the staking process across various networks.

    This abstraction layer is a game-changer for Bitcoin holders. It lowers the technical barriers that often keep users from participating in DeFi, making it easier to engage with decentralized applications.

    By bridging Bitcoin (BTC) to Soneium, Solv Protocol is effectively extending the cryptocurrency’s utility, allowing it to play a more active role in the fast-growing world of decentralized finance.

    Notably, the timing of this partnership couldn’t be better. As Bitcoin staking gains popularity, more investors are looking for ways to generate passive income from their holdings. Solv Protocol and Soneium are meeting this demand head-on, offering a solution that’s both accessible and forward-thinking.

    While specifics about future plans remain under wraps, both teams have hinted at additional innovations to come, signaling that this is just the beginning of Bitcoin’s deeper integration into DeFi.

    Soneium’s rising star in DeFi

    Soneium, launched in August 2024 by Sony Block Solutions Labs and web3 firm Startale, has quickly made a name for itself. Built as a high-performance Ethereum layer 2 solution, it’s designed to power creative and efficient decentralized applications.

    As of March 6, 2025, the network boasts a total value locked of $63.16 million across 19 dApps, according to DefiLlama data. Its rapid growth is evident in the 47 million transactions processed and the 4 million active addresses it has attracted in just a few months.

    The platform hosts some of the most dynamic DeFi projects in the space, including decentralized exchanges like Kyo Finance, Velodrome, and Sonex.

    Soneium’s infrastructure is tailored to handle the demands of modern DeFi, offering speed and scalability that complement Solv Protocol’s ambitions. Together, they’re creating an environment where Bitcoin users can seamlessly integrate with cutting-edge financial tools.

    Source link

  • El Salvador’s president says the country “won’t stop” buying Bitcoin

    El Salvador’s president says the country “won’t stop” buying Bitcoin

    • Nayib Bukele’s comments come days after the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) new request as part of its $1.4 billion loan deal
    • The new request asks that there is “no voluntary accumulation of Bitcoin by the public sector”
    • It also asks that there is a “ceiling of 0” on government Bitcoin purchases

    El Salvador’s president has dismissed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) new request, stating that the country “won’t stop” buying Bitcoin.

    In a post on X, Nayib Bukele said:

    ““This all stops in April.” “This all stops in June.” “This all stops in December.” No, it’s not stopping. If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most “bitcoiners” abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future.”

    His remarks come days after the IMF issued a new request to El Salvador as part of its $1.4 billion loan deal with the IMF.

    Michael Saylor, Strategy’s CEO, responded by saying: “Bitcoin adoption is unstoppable.”

    El Salvador currently holds 6,101.18 Bitcoin at a value of over $527 million.

    Additional requests

    The new rules as set out in the IMF’s Country Reports 2025, state that there will be “no voluntary accumulation of Bitcoin by the public sector,” adding:

    “Voluntary accumulation of bitcoins includes purchase and mining of Bitcoins and excludes the accumulation of Bitcoins resulting from forfeiture, seizure, apprehension, custody or other form of property or possession by the government arising from law enforcement measures adopted in accordance with Salvadoran law.”

    Additionally, there is a “ceiling of 0” on government Bitcoin purchases.

    Approved bill

    The latest development follows the January approval by El Salvador of a bill to change its Bitcoin law to comply with the IMF’s loan deal.

    Under the plans, El Salvador changed a legal requirement that businesses accept Bitcoin as payment to make it optional instead. The government would also reduce the budget deficit by 3.5% of GDP over three years through spending cuts and tax rises while boosting reserves from $11 billion to $15 billion.

    El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. Then, it was reported that all businesses must accept Bitcoin. Consequently, the move attracted the attention of the IMF.

    Following El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin in 2021, the IMF sent a statement in November 2021 “recommend[ing] narrowing the scope of the Bitcoin law” while “strengthening the regulation and supervision of the new payment system.”

    This was again called for in January 2022, when the IMF advised El Salvador to reconsider making Bitcoin the country’s legal tender. The IMF recently recommended that El Salvador limit the public’s exposure to Bitcoin.



    Source link