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  • Bitcoin hard drive containing $780m lost forever as UK landfill site is set to close

    Bitcoin hard drive containing $780m lost forever as UK landfill site is set to close

    metaplanet-buys-bitcoin
    • James Howells lost his court battle against Newport City Council in January
    • The judge ruled that there were “no reasonable grounds” for succeeding at a full trial
    • Today, Howells’ Bitcoin would be worth around $780 million

    A UK landfill site where a man lost his hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin is reportedly set to close in the 2025-26 financial year.

    The site, in Newport, Wales, “has been in exploitation since the early 2000s and is coming to the end of its life, therefore the council is working on a planned closure and capping of the site over the next two years,” said a council spokesperson.

    According to the BBC, a solar farm will be built on part of the site after it received planning permission last August.

    Lost battle

    In January, James Howells lost his court battle against Newport City Council to recover his lost hard drive. In 2013, his former partner mistakenly threw it out in a black bin bag.  Judge Keyser KC, the Circuit Commercial Judge for Wales, dismissed Howells’ case. At the time, Keyser stated there were no “reasonable grounds” for succeeding at a full trial.

    Over the last 12 years, Howells tried to engage with Newport City Council to recover his lost hard drive, but was “largely ignored.”

    At the time of his loss, his assets – that he mined in 2009 – were worth around $1.3 million. Today, they would be valued at over $780 million.

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  • BlackRock plans to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Europe

    BlackRock plans to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Europe

    BlackRock plans to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Europe
    • BlackRock is planning to launch a Bitcoin ETP in Switzerland.
    • This move follows the success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin ETF.
    • The Bitcoin ETP could boost crypto adoption with the EU’s MiCA regulations.

    BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest asset manager, is gearing up to launch a Bitcoin Exchange-Traded Product (ETP) in Europe, marking another significant step in the firm’s expansion into the cryptocurrency market. The new ETP product is set to be registered in Switzerland.

    This move follows the resounding success of BlackRock’s $58 billion US Bitcoin ETF. The success of BlackRock’s US Bitcoin ETF, which by early February 2025 had gathered $57.5 billion in net assets, speaks volumes about the investor appetite for such products.

    CEO Larry Fink’s remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos highlighted Bitcoin’s potential as a hedge against currency debasement, suggesting a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies as an alternative store of value.

    This European venture is anticipated to attract both institutional and retail investors looking for exposure to Bitcoin without the complexities of direct cryptocurrency ownership.

    Switzerland is becoming a digital asset innovation in Europe

    The decision to domicile the ETP in Switzerland was strategic, leveraging the country’s reputation as a hub for digital asset innovation, particularly within its “Crypto Valley” in Zug.

    Switzerland’s progressive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies has made it an attractive location for BlackRock to extend its Bitcoin investment offerings beyond North American borders.

    The choice of Switzerland not only aligns with BlackRock’s aim to capitalize on crypto-friendly regulations but also positions the firm to lead in the European market.

    Notably, the plans to launch an ETP in Europe comes at a time when the European Union is navigating its own regulatory path through the Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation, which was established in 2023.

    The MiCA framework aims to ensure consumer protection and market integrity, providing a stable environment for crypto investments.

    Despite the European crypto market capitalizing at $17.3 billion — far less than the US’s $116.4 billion — BlackRock’s move could significantly boost the sector.

    BlackRock’s entry into this market underscores the growing institutional acceptance of cryptocurrencies, a trend that has been further propelled by the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of Bitcoin ETFs in January 2024.

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  • MicroStrategy rebrands to Strategy, remains focused on Bitcoin

    MicroStrategy rebrands to Strategy, remains focused on Bitcoin

    • Strategy unveils a new Bitcoin logo and orange color scheme representing its Bitcoin strategy
    • Saylor is expected to discuss the rebrand during the company’s earnings call on Wednesday evening
    • Strategy currently has 471,107 Bitcoin in reserve worth $45.8 billion

    MicroStrategy, the largest corporate Bitcoin holder, has announced it’s rebranded to Strategy and unveiled a new Bitcoin logo.

    In a post on X, Michael Saylor, co-founder of Strategy, simply said: “new brand, same strategy,” with an image of him in front of the company’s new logo.

    In an announcement released on February 5, Strategy said the rebrand was a “natural evolution of the company, reflecting its focus and broad appeal.” The stylized “B” in the new logo represents Strategy’s Bitcoin strategy while the orange color highlights “energy, intelligence, and Bitcoin,” according to the press release.

    Strategy’s stock ticket, MSTB, remains the same.

    The rebrand comes ahead of the company’s earnings call on Wednesday evening, during which Saylor is expected to discuss it.

    Bitcoin buying strategy

    Since 2020, Strategy has employed a Bitcoin buying strategy; however, over the past year, it has ramped up its efforts. In November, Saylor announced that the company was raising $21 billion from a stock sale so it could buy more Bitcoin.

    According to data from SaylorTracker, the company currently has 471,107 Bitcoin worth $45.8 billion.

    Claiming that Bitcoin represents digital capital, Saylor urged Microsoft to adopt Bitcoin, stating that “Bitcoin represents the greatest digital transformation of the 21st century.”

    Other companies following in Strategy’s Bitcoin buying footsteps include Metaplanet, which is aiming to increase its Bitcoin holdings to 10,000 in 2025.

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  • Neptune adds 20 BTC to Bitcoin strategy, also buys 1m DOGE

    Neptune adds 20 BTC to Bitcoin strategy, also buys 1m DOGE

    • Canadian blockchain firm Neptune Digital Assets announced it purchased 20 BTC worth almost $2 million.
    • The company also bought Dogecoin, scooping the meme coin on December 27, 2024 at the average price of $0.37 per DOGE.

    Neptune Digital Assets, a Canada-based blockchain firm, has announced it added 20 Bitcoin (BTC) to its holdings.

    The publicly-traded company, whose operations include Bitcoin mining, staking and blockchain nodes, revealed it acquired the 20 BTC as it expanded its Bitcoin strategy between January 26 and Feb. 3, 2025.

    Neptune also buys Dogecoin

    According to a press release, Neptune scooped the BTC at the average price of $99,833 per coin. This means the company spent nearly $2 million to buy more of the flagship digital asset. Neptune’s total BTC holdings rose to 376 BTC with this purchase.

    Neptune is one of over 60 public companies that can issue debt and use the proceeds to buy BTC. The biggest hodler among these is US-listed MicroStrategy.

    Dogecoin is the other cryptocurrency to attract the blockchain firm. Per the announcement on Feb 4, the company acquired 1 million DOGE on December 27, 2024 at the average price of $0.37 per token. Neptune said it bought the meme coin via a “strategic derivative purchase.”

    “As stated in previous news releases, Neptune will be acquiring additional assets, leveraging our enhanced purchasing power through the Sygnum credit line. With a strong focus on BTC, these initial acquisitions show Neptune’s commitment to its growth strategy while meticulously managing leverage risk and debt levels,” Cale Moodie, Neptune’s chief executive officer, said in a statement.

    Both Bitcoin and Dogecoin have experienced sharp volatility in the past few days, with BTC and DOGE plummeting on Monday amid tariffs-driven sell-off across risk assets.

    BTC fell to lows of $92k before bouncing to retest resistance above the psychological $100k level. Currently, the benchmark asset trades just above $99,400.

    Meanwhile, DOGE slumped to below $0.22 and currently hovers near $0.27.

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  • Bitcoin tumbles to $92k as geopolitical headwinds roil markets

    Bitcoin tumbles to $92k as geopolitical headwinds roil markets

    • Bitcoin fell 4.72% over the weekend and another 3.50% during Monday’s Asian session as tensions driven by Trump’s tariffs have investors de-risking their positions
    • Over the weekend, China responded to Trump’s tariffs by indicating interest in imposing tariffs on US goods, while Canada imposed a 25% tariff on CA$155 billion worth of US goods

    Bitcoin tumbled below $100,000 over the weekend, extending losses into today as threats of a possible trade war rock markets worldwide.

    Bitcoin price chart. Source: CoinMarketCap

    While most of Bitcoin’s price decline came this weekend, weakness began when its price failed to swing higher than the $108,000 level two weeks ago (January 20).

    BTC/USD chart. Source: TradingView

    A failure to swing higher can signify insufficient buy pressure to push prices higher. If that is the case, prices will seek the next major liquidity level, which could mean lower prices in the interim, as seen over the last two weeks.

    Scaling down to a lower time frame, Bitcoin’s price continued to break lower below $99,000. This was before retracing to an internal supply zone between the 50.00% and 61.80% Fibonacci levels (the golden zone for retracements) on Thursday, January 30.

    BTC/USD chart. Source: TradingView

    After being rejected by internal supply, the price broke down further on Friday, January 31, and over the weekend to settle at the next major demand level, between $92,000 and $96,000.

    BTC/USD chart. Source: TradingView

    Bitcoin’s price has found some support at $92,000 and is currently up 4.92% from Asian lows of $91,176.

    Wider trade wars stifle markets

    Meanwhile, the wider economic landscape faces uncertainty as a brewing trade war between the US and several of its trade partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China rocks various markets.

    The US tariffs on its largest trade partners, including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, have sparked tensions between nations.

    In response, Canada imposed a 25% tariff on CA$155 billion worth of US goods, Mexico has announced tariffs on US goods, but has not provided details, while China also announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods.

    The result is uncertainty around the expansion of global trade and a de-risking of portfolios, with the crypto market being one of the first on the chopping block.

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  • The Runes marketplace and launchpad Odin.fun will replicate Pump.Fun

    The Runes marketplace and launchpad Odin.fun will replicate Pump.Fun

    The Runes marketplace and launchpad Odin.fun will replicate Pump.Fun
    • fun is set to replicate Pump.fun on Bitcoin.
    • fun aims to offer a 20-second finality for Rune trades.
    • The platform will be decentralized with no central control.

    The highly anticipated Runes marketplace and launchpad dubbed Odin.fun is set to revolutionize the Bitcoin ecosystem by emulating the success of Solana’s Pump.fun.

    Developed by the team behind the Bitcoin ordinals marketplace Bioniq, Odin.fun aims to provide a seamless experience for Bitcoin users interested in Runes, a new token standard on the Bitcoin blockchain.

    Direct integration with Bitcoin Runes

    Odin.fun stands out by directly working with the existing Runes meta-protocol, ensuring there’s no need for additional upgrades or programmability. This approach not only simplifies the user experience but also maintains the integrity of the Bitcoin network.

    Users can engage in buying, selling, creating, and swapping Runes with transactions finalized in just 20 seconds, offering the speed of Solana with the robustness of Bitcoin.

    Moreover, all bonded tokens can be withdrawn directly back to a user’s Bitcoin wallet at any time, with plans to expand support to BRC-20 tokens in the near future.

    The platform’s commitment to decentralization is evident through its use of a threshold signing setup (TSS) for securing Bitcoin and Runes deposits, mirroring the strategies used by other decentralized systems.

    By employing multisig smart contract control, Odin.fun eliminates the need for centralized custodians or control, thus providing a trustless environment for users to trade and interact with Runes.

    Redefining Layer 2 on Bitcoin

    Bob Bodily, co-founder and CEO of Bioniq, describes Odin.fun not as a traditional Layer 2 solution but as an appchain or an L2 in the broader sense of building seamless Bitcoin products.

    This innovative perspective allows Odin.fun to offer functionalities akin to Layer 2 solutions without the complexities often associated with them on Bitcoin. The underlying technology stack, named Valhalla, operates invisibly, supporting all current and future features of Odin.fun.

    Odin.fun’s capabilities are further enhanced through its integration with BLIFE, a platform designed to enrich user experiences across various blockchain applications. This integration means that BLIFE users receive exclusive benefits on Odin.fun, can complete Odin-related quests on the BLIFE platform, and their achievements on Odin.fun contribute to their BLIFE reputation.

    This synergy promises to not only boost user engagement but also foster a more interconnected blockchain ecosystem.

    When is Odin.fun launching?

    Currently, Odin.fun is in an early access beta, requiring an invite code for participation. However, this exclusivity will soon end as the platform prepares for a public launch on Monday, February 3, 2025, making it accessible to everyone interested in exploring the potential of Bitcoin Runes.

    The launch is anticipated to democratize access to the burgeoning Runes market, potentially replicating the meme coin frenzy seen with Pump.fun on the Solana network.

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  • Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents are seeking a presidential pardon from Trump

    Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents are seeking a presidential pardon from Trump

    US federal judge dismisses $100M class action suit against Atomic Wallet
    • Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried have met with lawyers and members of president Donald Trump’s administration
    • Trump has already pardoned Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht who served 12 years in prison
    • Early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver, who faces a 109-year prison sentence, has also asked Trump to help him

    The parents of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried are seeking to get their son a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

    Stanford law professors Joseph Bankman and Barbara Fried have reportedly met with lawyers and members of Trump’s administration. According to Bloomberg, the pair hopes to receive clemency for their son, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence.

    Bankman-Fried was sentenced last March after being found guilt of fraud. The platform filed for bankruptcy in 2022.

    Pardoning Ulbricht

    The move comes as Trump gave a presidential pardon to Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht in the first week of entering the White House.

    During his presidential campaign, Trump promised that he would release Ulbricht – who served 12 years in prison – if he was re-elected as president.

    According to the report, Bankman-Fried previously called his sentence “draconian” despite FTX customers having recovered most of their money. In December, it was reported that the crypto exchange would begin repaying customers in early January.

    Gary Wang, FTX co-founder, avoided a prison sentence in November with judge Lewis Kaplan sentencing him to time served. Nishad Singh, an ex-FTX executive, also avoided a prison sentence.

    However, Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of Alameda Research – the sister company to FTX – received a 24-month prison sentence in September.

    Last Sunday, early Bitcoin investor Roger Ver posted a video message on X calling on Trump to help him avoid a prison sentence of up to 109 years. In his message, Ver wrote: “Mr. President, I am an American, and I need your help. Only you, with your commitment to justice, can save me @realDonaldTrump.”

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  • Bitcoin price prediction 2025 – Will institutional inflow drive growth?

    Bitcoin price prediction 2025 – Will institutional inflow drive growth?

    The cryptocurrency market was bullish in 2024. Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency by market cap, added over 140% to its value last year, outperforming other major assets, including Gold (26%) and S&P 500 (23%). 

    Last year’s rally saw Bitcoin break past the $100k mark for the first time in its history. This article will explore Bitcoin’s price performance so far this year and how far it can go. 

    Bitcoin Hit a New All-time High on Jan. 20

    New year, same Bitcoin. The leading cryptocurrency by market cap continued where it left off in 2024. The Bitcoin price surged to a new all-time high on January 20th after hitting the $109,114 mark. 

    The market has been volatile since then, with BTC slipping below $98k on Monday, January 27th. However, it has since recovered and now trades above $102k per coin. If the bullish momentum resumes, Bitcoin could set a new all-time high in the coming weeks or months. 

    How High Can Bitcoin Go?

    Bitcoin has already set a new all-time high in 2025, but many analysts believe it could go higher in the coming months. The predictions differ, ranging from $150,000 to $250,000.

    However, some macroeconomic factors could determine how high Bitcoin’s price could go in 2025. Here are the factors.

    inflation/ Interest rate

    The inflation and interest rates in the United States usually play a huge role in the Bitcoin price outlook. A low inflation rate will see the Federal Reserve decrease interest rates to stimulate the economy and try to raise inflation levels to their target range. The lower the interest rates, the higher the price of assets like Bitcoin and Gold. 

    The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates twice in 2025, which could be bullish for Bitcoin and other major assets.

    Retail and Institutional Adoption

    2024 saw significant liquidity from institutional investors into Bitcoin and the trend could continue this year. Michael Saylors’ MicroStrategy leads the way and has already spent billions of dollars this year in adding bitcoins to its holdings.

    Thanks to the launch of Bitcoin ETFs last year, more players are also getting into Bitcoin. BlackRock’s ETF, now the fastest-growing in history, has simplified access for institutional investors. The growing participation indicates Bitcoin’s appeal to retail and institutional players. 

    A Possible U.S. Strategic Reserve

    There are talks of a possible digital assets strategic reserve in the United States. Donald Trump’s activeness in the crypto space in recent months has amplified this prediction.

    If the United States launches a digital assets reserve with Bitcoin at the helm, BTC’s price could surpass the $200k average prediction in 2025. 

    Top Analysts Forecasts

    Bitcoin has gone mainstream, so several leading analysts in the global financial markets are focusing on it. Some of these analysts shared their predictions for the Bitcoin price in 2025. 

    Markus Thielen, head of research at Matrixport, is bullish on BTC’s price prediction, setting it at $160,000 before the end of the year. He told CNBC that,

    “This outlook is supported by sustained demand for Bitcoin ETFs, favorable macroeconomic trends, and an expanding global liquidity pool. Bitcoin’s growing base of dip buyers and robust institutional support is expected to mitigate severe corrections.”

    Alex Thorn, head of research at crypto-focused asset manager Galaxy Digital, is also bullish, predicting BTC’s price to hit $185k in 2025. He said,

    “A combination of institutional, corporate, and nation-state adoption will propel Bitcoin to new heights in 2025. Throughout its existence, Bitcoin has appreciated faster than all other asset classes, particularly the S&P 500 and gold, and that trend will continue in 2025. Bitcoin will also reach 20% of Gold’s market cap.”

    Finally, Geoffrey Kendrick of Standard Chartered expects institutional flows into Bitcoin to continue, predicting Bitcoin’s price could hit $200,000 in 2025. He stated that,

    “Even a small allocation of the USD 40tn in US retirement funds would significantly boost BTC prices. We would turn even more bullish if BTC saw more rapid uptake by US retirement funds, global sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), or a potential US strategic reserve fund.”

    Bitcoin has already hit a new all-time high in 2025. Do you see it going higher or do you predict a market correction in the coming months?

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  • El Salvador approves new bill to comply with IMF deal

    El Salvador approves new bill to comply with IMF deal

    • The reform passed with 55 votes, with only two against
    • El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021
    • In December, El Salvador announced it was changing its Bitcoin law to secure a $1.3bn loan from the IMF

    El Salvador’s Congress has approved a bill to change its Bitcoin law to comply with a deal it struck with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    On January 29, Reuters reported that the bill was approved minutes after President Nayib Bukele sent it.

    The reform passed with 55 votes, with only two against. Under El Salvador’s Bitcoin law, it required businesses to accept Bitcoin if they were able to do so. Ruling party lawmaker Elisa Rosales said it was required to ensure Bitcoin’s “permanence as legal tender” while facilitating its “practical implementation.”

    Legal tender

    El Salvador became the first country to accept Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021. At the time, it was reported that all businesses must accept Bitcoin. The move soon 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 its decision to make Bitcoin the country’s legal tender. More recently, the IMF recommended that El Salvador limit the public’s exposure to Bitcoin.

    New deal

    In December, El Salvador changed its Bitcoin plans to secure a $1.3 billion loan from the IMF.

    Under the plans, El Salvador would change a legal requirement making businesses accept Bitcoin as payment, making 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.

    The deal is also expected to unlock a further $1 billion in lending from the World Bank and $1 billion from the Inter-American Development Bank over the next few years.

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  • Czech National Bank governor wants to invest in Bitcoin

    Czech National Bank governor wants to invest in Bitcoin

    • If the plan is approved, the CNB could hold up to five percent of its €140 billion reserves in Bitcoin
    • Michl believes the Bitcoin trend will continue even without the Trump administration
    • The governor said he’s open to Bitcoin ending up becoming worthless

    The governor of the Czech National Bank has said that he’ll present a plan to the board to invest in Bitcoin as a way for the bank to expand its reserves.

    In an interview with the Financial Times, governor Aleơ Michl, who is expected to present the plan on Thursday, said: “For the diversification of our assets, Bitcoin seems good.”

    If the board approves the plan, the bank could hold up to five percent of its €140 billion ($146 billion) reserves in Bitcoin.

    Trump impact

    Michl also pointed to US President Donald Trump’s impact on the crypto market. Last week, Trump signed an executive order for a crypto working group to provide regulatory clarity on crypto. It’s also expected to look into a national Bitcoin stockpile.

    Despite believing that the Trump administration could “create some bubble for Bitcoin,” Michl added that the Bitcoin trend “would be an increase without those guys as well, because it’s an alternative [investment] for more people.”

    Since being re-elected to the White House, Trump has appointed several pro-crypto candidates to top positions. Paul Atkins is expected to become the chair of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a position previously held by Gary Gensler.

    Wider investor interest

    Michl pointed to the increased investor interest, thanks to the introduction of US spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) last January.

    Yet, while the governor is presenting a plan to the board, he said that he was open to Bitcoin becoming worthless.

    “It’s possible to have a big range of outcomes, that Bitcoin will have a value of zero or an absolutely fantastic value . . . but in our history we have also had some stocks like Enron or the payment company Wirecard, so we have some experience with bad investments, so, yes, I’m ready [for a possible Bitcoin collapse].”

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