Category: NEWS

  • Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025: Asia’s premier fintech and web3.0 summit returns on March 27

    Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025: Asia’s premier fintech and web3.0 summit returns on March 27

    The highly anticipated Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025 is set to take place on March 27, 2025, at The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, International Commerce Center (ICC). As the largest and most influential Fintech and Web3.0 event in Asia this year, Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025 promises to deliver a remarkable and rewarding summit for the industry.

    This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a record 7,000 delegates expected to attend and 3,000 companies planning to participate.

    Event Details

    • Date: March 27, 2025

    • Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

    • Venue: The Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, International Commerce Center (ICC)

    • Focus Areas: Fintech, Web3.0, Crypto, Forex, Payments, AI, Metaverse, NFTs

    • Registration & Tickets: Free of charge

    • Registration Link: https://www.wikiexpo.com/HongKong/2025/en/index.html?c=Bf34Yo8a

    Why Attend?

    Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025 is poised to surpass all previous benchmarks, with over 7,000 attendees and 3,000 participating companies. This year’s Expo offers:

    • Expanded Scale: A significant increase in attendees and exhibitors, making it the largest event of its kind in Asia.

    • Elite Networking: An unparalleled opportunity to connect with industry leaders, forge new partnerships, and establish lasting connections.

    • Insightful Discussions: Engage with over 50 esteemed speakers sharing groundbreaking perspectives on the future of finance.

    • Innovative Exhibits: Discover cutting-edge technologies and solutions from 80+ exhibitors revolutionizing the financial landscape.

    Past Speakers at Wiki Finance Expo Global:

    • Dominic Williams, Founder & Chief Scientist, DFINITY Foundation

    • Evan Auyang Chi-chun, Group President, Animoca Brands

    • Justin Sun, Founder – TRON, Member – HTX Global Advisory Board

    • Reeve Collins, Co Founder – Tether

    • Jun Du, Founder, SINOHOPE & ABCDE Capital

    • Alvin Hu, Managing Director, Head of Key Account, KuCoin Exchange

    • Kevin Lee, CEO, Gate.HK

    • Mario Nawfal, CEO, IBC Group

    • Julian Tehan, CCO, BitMEX

    • Hasnae Taleb, Managing Partner, Mintiply Capital, The Shewolf of Nasdaq by Nasdaq Stock Market

    • Mayoon Boonyarat, Director Revenue Tax Policy Division, Ministry of Finance of Thailand

    • John Riggins, Partner, BTC Inc

    • John Patrick Mullin, Co-Founder, MANTRA

    • Weronika Marciniak, CEO, Future is meta

    • Emomotimi Agama, Fellow, U.S. SEC & IFC – Milken Institute, Managing Director, Nigeria SEC/NCMI

    • Loretta Joseph, Policy Consultant, The Commonwealth, Chairman, ADFSAC

    • Dr. Florian M Spiegl, Appointed Member, (HK) SFC – FinTech Advisory Group, Founder & CEO, EVIDENT, Lecturer, HKU – Faculty of Business and Economics

    • Brian Norman, CFO – Auros, Co-Chair Web3 & Blockchain committee – FinTech Assoc HK

    • Stratos Pourzitakis, PhD, Head of Digital Policy APAC, HSBC

    • Bugra Celik, Director, Digital Assets | Global Private Banking & Wealth, HSBC

    • Simon Callaghan, CEO, Blockchain Australia

    • Hassan Ahmed, Country Director, Coinbase Singapore

    Join us at Wiki Finance Expo Hong Kong 2025 as we embark on an exhilarating journey to explore and shape the future of fintech. This is your chance to be at the forefront of the industry’s most transformative trends, surrounded by like-minded professionals eager to make a difference. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to connect, recharge, and redefine the future of fintech. Secure your spot now by registering through the event link provided. And don’t forget to spread the word. See you there!

    About Wiki Finance Expo

    Wiki Finance Expo is the world’s leading financial exhibition and fintech conference brand, holding large summits annually in Singapore, Sydney, Dubai, Hong Kong, and Bangkok. The event gathers and connects global high-quality resources for exhibitors and participants, including enterprises, start-ups, project owners, investors, and practitioners in the fields of blockchain, fintech, and forex.

    Source link

  • Avalon Labs evaluating a Bitcoin-backed public debt fund

    Avalon Labs evaluating a Bitcoin-backed public debt fund

    Avalon Labs evaluating a Bitcoin-backed public debt fund

    • Avalon Labs is planning to introduce a Bitcoin-backed public fund under SEC Regulation A.
    • Avalon Labs aims to bridge traditional finance and crypto, expanding Bitcoin’s utility.
    • Avalon’s AVL token has been listed on Bybit, boosting liquidity and community governance.

    Avalon Labs has decided to explore the uncharted territory of Bitcoin-backed lending products by leveraging SEC’s Regulation A framework.

    Barely a day after Avalon Labs announced the listing of its native token, AVL, on Bybit’s Spot trading platform, the company has announced it is considering launching a Bitcoin-backed public fund under the SEC Regulation A.

    The timing of this announcement coincides with a period of economic uncertainty, with rising inflation and evolving Federal Reserve policies influencing investor sentiment.

    By providing a structured entry point into Bitcoin investment for retail investors, Avalon might just lower the entry barriers for traditional investors, thereby expanding Bitcoin’s utility and acceptance.

    Expanding Bitcoin’s reach into traditional finance

    Avalon Labs’ move is seen as an attempt to open the door for massive adoption of Bitcoin-backed products, making them accessible not just to crypto enthusiasts but also to traditional investors. The initiative aims to position Bitcoin (BTC) not just as a store of value but as a dynamic financial instrument capable of generating yield through DeFi opportunities.

    By using Regulation A, often dubbed a “mini-IPO,” Avalon Labs seeks to bypass the complexities of a full SEC registration while ensuring compliance and transparency. This approach, commonly utilized by real estate investment trusts (REITs) and private funds, could provide a structured investment vehicle for retail investors, thus bridging the gap between traditional finance and the burgeoning crypto market.

    Avalon’s native token AVL debuted on Bybit on February 12

    Parallel to this financial exploration, Avalon Labs has also solidified its token ecosystem with the listing of AVL on Bybit. This move not only enhances liquidity but also introduces the token to a broader audience.

    AVL serves as the governance token, enabling community-driven decision-making, while USDa, the Bitcoin-backed stablecoin, offers a stable, bank-independent currency for on-chain transactions.

    The integration of AVL into Bybit’s platform, coupled with the potential launch of a public debt fund, underscores Avalon Labs’ strategic approach to expanding its footprint in the DeFi and traditional finance sectors.



    Source link

  • Crypto recorded $1.3B in investment product inflows this past week

    Crypto recorded $1.3B in investment product inflows this past week

    Bitcoin (BTC) price breaks above $62K as crypto market awakens after Fed rate cut
    • Crypto investment products registered $1.3 billion in inflows last week
    • Ethereum outpaced Bitcoin with $793 million compared to $407 million

    Digital asset investment products notched $1.3 billion in inflows in the past week.

    It’s the fifth consecutive week of positive net flows for crypto exchange-traded products despite recent price declines. According to latest weekly flows report from digital asset manager CoinShares, the scenario outlines strong interest in buying amid market weakness.

    Ethereum outpaces Bitcoin in weekly net inflows

    Per a Coinshares report on February 10, the net inflows is almost double from the $747.4 million recorded the week before. The increase comes despite US President Donald Trump’s tariff impositions that saw prices dip amid investor reaction.

    Bitcoin and Ethereum dominated the inflows. However, the latter outpaced the former this week, registering $793 million inflows compared to Bitcoin’s $407 million.

    Overall, Bitcoin ETPs represent 7.1% of total market capitalization, making digital asset investment products the largest holder compared to other investments.

    “Digital asset investment products saw inflows for the 5th consecutive week totalling US$1.3bn. Bitcoin’s BTC saw inflows of US$407m, with ETPs globally now representing 7.1% of the current market capitalisation. It was Ethereum who stole the show this week, with the price falling recently close to US$2,100 leading to significant buying-on-weakness, with inflows of US$793m,” CoinShares posted on X.

    Investors see decline as a buying opportunity particularly after the rise in investment interest followed Ethereum’s price dip.

    In the meantime, XRP and Solana secured third and fourth positions respectively with $21 million and $11million. Meanwhile, $1 billion in overall net inflows by the US was the highest regionally, followed by Germany, Switzerland, and Canada with $61 million, $54 million, and $37 million, respectively.

    Bitcoin’s price has struggled with downside pressure below $100k in recent weeks. ETH has also experienced a tough month or so, with prices helmed below $3,000 and hitting lows of $2,100 at one time.

    Source link

  • UK man looks to buy landfill site amid search for $784m lost Bitcoin

    UK man looks to buy landfill site amid search for $784m lost Bitcoin

    Bild von Bitcoins vor einem Mond
    • James Howells claims to have lost a hard drive with 8,000 BTC at a landfill site in 2013.
    • The man now wants to buy the landfill site as the search for the lost BTC worth over $784 million continues.

    James Howells, the man who has been in search of his lost bitcoin worth over $784 million since 2013 is seeking to buy a landfill.

    Howell claims to have mistakenly discarded a hard drive that contained 8,000 BTC and is seeking to buy the landfill site where he lost it in an attempt to recover his fortune.

    The man filed a lawsuit in a bid to have the Newport Council dig up the landfill to try and find the lost bitcoin.  In over 10 years Newport Council has made no attempts to try to recover the discarded bitcoin.

    The quest for lost BTC

    James Howells reported that his fiance discarded the hard drive containing cryptocurrency estimated to have a market value of $784 million in the landfill site in 2013. In an attempt to get his crypto assets back, Howells wants to buy the landfill site.

    BBC recently reported that Howells has approached various investors with a bid to potentially buy the whole landfill site.

    Since 2013, Howells claims that Newport city council have disregarded his plea to be allowed to search for his fortune. The city council has announced plans to have the landfill site converted to a solar farm. They have since acquired planning permission to establish a solar power firm on the site.

    Howells had filed a lawsuit against the council seeking legal grounds to hunt for the accidentally discarded bitcoin. In January, a high court judge made a ruling dismissing the case that required Newport council to forcefully allow Howells to search for his bitcoin.

    During the hearing, Howells noted that Newport council claimed that granting him a search warrant would have detrimental effects on the people around Newport. Plans to close the landfill were also underway, and that would be soon.

    After failed attempts to have the council retrieve the hard drive worth millions for him, Howells offered to buy the whole landfill.

    “I have discussed this option recently with investment partners and it is very much on the table,” he said, according to the BBC.



    Source link

  • Strategy spends $742m on BTC as Bitcoin Pepe presale commences tomorrow

    Strategy spends $742m on BTC as Bitcoin Pepe presale commences tomorrow

    Strategy buys over 7k bitcoins
    • Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has resumed its Bitcoin acquisitions with $742 million
    • The Bitcoin Pepe presale kicks off in 18 hours, with the project focusing on uniting all memes on a single blockchain

    Strategy purchases 7,633 BTC for $742m

    Michael Saylor’s Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy) has resumed its weekly Bitcoin acquisition after spending over $400 million. On Monday, the company announced that it purchased another 7,633 BTC for approximately $742.4 million at an average price of $97,255 per Bitcoin.

    This latest acquisition follows the sale of 516,413 shares of Strategy’s class A common stock ($179 million) and 7,300,000 shares of its 8.00% Series A Perpetual Strike Preferred Stock ($563.4 million). Strategy now holds 478,740 BTC, worth over $46 billion.

    What is Bitcoin Pepe?

    Bitcoin is the world’s leading cryptocurrency by market cap, while Pepe is one of the most popular memecoins in the crypto ecosystem. However, Bitcoin Pepe is a unique project that is set to offer users utility within the Bitcoin ecosystem.

    Bitcoin Pepe is a layer-2 network building on the Bitcoin blockchain. It is a meme-specialized layer-2 solution built on top of Bitcoin, bringing Solana-style scalability to the Bitcoin network.

    Bitcoin Pepe aims to become ground zero for all memecoin trading and move all this economic activity to the BTC ecosystem. 

    In their whitepaper, the team said Bitcoin Pepe unlocks DeFi and meme trading on top of BTC. They described it as the perfect fusion between BTC’s security and the unstoppable force of memecoins.

    The project also prides itself on being the first-ever meme initial coin offering (ICO) on the Bitcoin blockchain. With this, BTC Maxis will be able to trade memes, and combining high levels of trust (BTC) with high levels of performance (SOL) will lead to high levels of retail mass adoption.

    What does Bitcoin Pepe offer to the Bitcoin ecosystem?

    Bitcoin is currently the oldest blockchain and home to exciting projects like Ordinals. However, Bitcoin Pepe plans to open up the blockchain further by allowing the launch of memecoins and other narratives on the network. 

    The project intends to usher in memes on BTC, turning crypto’s oldest chain into a home base for the crazy high-octane meme experience. The team believes the BTC bridge will unlock $2 trillion in dormant BTC capital and make it available for memecoin trading.

    As a layer-2 network, Bitcoin Pepe will provide the infrastructure for all memes to migrate to BTC, ensuring security and liquidity to investors and users. 

    Bitcoin Pepe presale to commence on February 11

    Bitcoin Pepe is launching a presale to allow investors to purchase its native tokens before listing on exchanges. $BPEP will power the Bitcoin Pepe layer-2 network and several other activities within the ecosystem.

    The presale launches in 17 hours, and users can purchase the tokens using a wide range of accepted payment options, including cryptocurrencies, debit, and credit cards. Solana’s SOL currently trades at $202 per coin. However, it was sold for $0.22 during its presale in 2020, an indication of how early investors benefit from partaking in presales.

    As a layer-2 network on the Bitcoin network, Bitcoin Pepe offers users security and liquidity. Furthermore, it is leveraging the recent growth of memecoins to launch as one while working to introduce more memecoins to the Bitcoin ecosystem. 

    With the right level of adoption, $BPEP could become one of the best performers in the crypto market in the medium to long term.



    Source link

  • Weekly price analysis: crypto prices reel from risk off sentiments

    Weekly price analysis: crypto prices reel from risk off sentiments

    • The crypto market trended lower last week as US tariffs rocked the market, causing investors to flee to safe-haven assets like Gold
    • Crypto prices, which recovered slightly on Monday and Tuesday, continued trending downward as uncertainty looms
    • Meanwhile, spot ETF inflows remained positive despite some days of outflows

    Bitcoin

    Bitcoin’s price trended lower over the last week following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Investors fled to safe-haven assets like gold while risky assets, like crypto, trended lower.

    However, the tariffs are a catalyst for faster price declines as price action shows that Bitcoin was already on a decline in its substructure after failing to swing higher than the $108,000 level three weeks ago.

    BTC/USD chart by TradingView

    BTC made two consecutive lower lows on the substructure over the last two weeks and traded into the daily demand zone early last week, logging a weekly low of $91,176.94.

    After buying from the demand zone, the price rose to an internal supply zone at $102,000, validated by the 50% Fibonacci level, and sold off that zone to end the week at $96,475.03.

    BTC/USD chart by TradingView

    On the CME, where Bitcoin Futures are traded the most, open interest fell last week as traders closed contracts due to uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariffs.

    Meanwhile, spot BTC ETFs logged a positive week as net flows printed $208.30 million despite two days of major outflows.

    Price Outlook

    Provided the price remains above the demand zone on the daily timeframe, then Bitcoin’s overall structure should remain bullish despite price declines on the substructure.

    However, a daily close below the demand zone, i.e., below the $90,000 level, may trigger a sell-off to support levels around $84,000 or lower.

     

    BTC trades at $97,624.73 as of publishing.

    Ethereum

    After failing to break above March 2024 highs, Ethereum’s price has been on a downtrend on its substructure since mid-December 2024.

    On the 4-hour time frame, the price logged consecutive lower lows with the most recent low of $2,148.00 reached early last week. Price has improved since then, closing last week at $2,632.16.

    Open interest on Binance, where Ethereum Futures are traded the most, shows a decline in the number of open contracts, which could be another catalyst for price declines.

    Meanwhile, spot ETH ETFs logged positive inflows on all days last week, aside from Friday when it logged no inflows (or outflows), totalling $420.20Mn for the week.

    Price Outlook

    The next probable zone for ETH’s price to fall is a major support zone around $2,200. With Trump planning to impose a 25% tariff on steel and Aluminum as well as a fresh round of retaliatory tariffs against trade partners, more uncertainty could push ETH’s price there soon.

    ETH trades at $2,640.05 as of publishing.

    Source link

  • BTC briefly touches $94k amid sentiment-driven dip

    BTC briefly touches $94k amid sentiment-driven dip

    • BTC fell below $95k as sellers intensified pressure.
    • As well as the sentiment, key events to watch out for this week include tariffs news, Fed chair Jerome Powells testimony and CPI data release.

    Bitcoin (BTC) has witnessed notable downside pressure since recoiling from the all-time high reached in 2024 amid Trump’s victory in the US election.

    The benchmark crypto asset has broken to year-to-date highs with bulls largely unfazed. However, the past few days have seen BTC struggle below the psychological $100k level.

    BTC chart by CoinMarketCap

    On Feb. 10, the price of BTC flipped negative to briefly touch lows of $94.7k. While it has bounced to above $97k at the time of writing, analysts at QCP Capital say the market is cautious.

    What next for Bitcoin, altcoins

    Notably, the dip that pushed Bitcoin price to lows of $94,745 appears to be more of sentiment-driven than a reflection of a fundamental shift in broader markets’ risk appetite. QCP analysts opine that volatility will remain skewed toward puts for the next couple months.

    Among key things to watch out for is also Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell’s testimony and the upcoming consumer price index data. Trump’s latest tariff move involving a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum could also fuel further uncertainty.

    “A feedback loop is emerging—Trump watches the markets, and the markets test his resolve. Will this embolden him further or force a pivot?” the analysts noted, pointing to the issue of tariffs and the market reaction.

    Despite the potential impact of a short term outlook, whales are strengthening to suggest long term confidence in Bitcoin performance.

    According to crypto analyst and YouTuber ‘CryptoJack’, 14,000 BTC have moved on-chain to suggest whales may be making moves amid an expected bull market.

    Bitcoin traded near $98k as of 11:30 am CET, with bulls likely to target $100k if positive vibes surge.



    Source link

  • 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.

    Source link

  • 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.

    Source link

  • 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.



    Source link