Bullet Wealth’s Scott Marek gave me the chance to project what a digital ecosystem will do to the idea of wealth. I am saying that when you digitise a deposit account, it ceases to function as a store of value and becomes a token for transient transactions, as happened in Silicon Valley Bank. Ditto a digitised mortgage account will enable the mortgage owner to flip his asset at will, instead of waiting months for the paperwork to be completed.
We also discussed the banking industry’s slow and clumsy adoption of blockchain and the necessity for open APIs for long-term relevance. Here are other key lessons from our conversation:
● Previous banking approaches that centralised these processes have been disrupted by individuals’ increased control over their data and relationships.
● Digital wallets transform traditional bank accounts that pay interest in functional accounts to help navigate the internet.
● I believe banks will become stablecoin issuers as regulators encourage them to tokenise their deposit base.
The digitising of banking creates the unintended consequence of making the traditional bank customer become increasingly familiar with cryptocurrencies and decentralised finance. Instead of weaning users away from cryptocurrencies, regulators will lead them right into this space.
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The FSB’s Global Crypto Oversight and AI’s Financial Impact in 2024 marks a pivotal moment for the financial industry. As cryptocurrencies continue to penetrate global markets, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) has recognized the urgent need for comprehensive regulation and oversight. With the objective of safeguarding financial stability and protecting consumers, the FSB aims to create robust frameworks that address the unique risks posed by the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Simultaneously, as artificial intelligence (AI) gains prominence in the finance sector, its potential financial impact in 2024 cannot be understated. AI-driven algorithms and automation have the power to revolutionize various aspects of the industry, from customer service to risk management. However, there are also concerns about potential ethical implications and job displacement. Therefore, the FSB recognizes the importance of striking a balance between embracing the transformative potential of AI and implementing appropriate safeguards to ensure a fair and sustainable financial ecosystem in the years to come.
A recent discovery has unveiled a significant flaw in Bitcoin ATMs, potentially granting hackers the dreaded “total control” over these cryptocurrency dispensers. Researchers have identified a vulnerability that would have enabled attackers to manipulate the machine’s software, eventually granting them access to the entire system. This shocking Bitcon ATM Hack: Total Control Vulnerability left the machines susceptible to unlimited withdrawals, allowing perpetrators to drain the cryptocurrency reserves and potentially wreak havoc on users’ digital assets. The revelation underscores the importance of continuously fortifying security measures surrounding digital transactions, especially within the rapidly expanding realm of cryptocurrencies.
In a captivating turn of events, the 9GAG CEO has made waves in the world of digital art by acquiring a Stephen Chow non-fungible token (NFT) at an astonishing 3,155% premium to its floor price. With a magnetic pull towards unique and valuable assets, the 9GAG CEO Snaps Up Stephen Chow NFT, showcasing the fervor surrounding the digital art market. This groundbreaking purchase highlights the ever-growing prominence of NFTs and their potential to redefine the art industry. As NFTs continue to captivate both artists and collectors alike, this acquisition solidifies the 9GAG CEO’s position as an influential figure in the realm of digital art. 9GAG CEO Snaps Up Stephen Chow NFT with 3,155% Premium.
US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, has emphasized the urgent need for a federal regulator to supervise stablecoins. In a recent statement, Yellen expressed concerns about the potential risks stablecoins might pose to financial stability and the overall economy. She urged the implementation of a regulatory framework that ensures adequate safeguards, transparency, and consumer protection. With the rapid growth of stablecoins, Yellen stressed the importance of addressing potential vulnerabilities and enhancing oversight to mitigate any potential harm they could cause. The US Treasury Secretary’s call for a federal regulator for stablecoins highlights the need for comprehensive guidelines and regulation in this rapidly evolving sector. US Treasury Secretary Urges Federal Regulator for Stablecoins.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is actively seeking public comments on the proposed Bitwise and Grayscale Bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF) options. With the growing interest in cryptocurrencies, the SEC is keen on gathering feedback from investors and industry experts before making any regulatory decisions. In a recent announcement, titled “SEC Seeks Comments on Bitcoin ETF Options,” the regulatory body highlights the importance of public opinion in informing their verdict on these much-anticipated ETF proposals. This move highlights the SEC’s commitment to ensure a transparent and inclusive process while evaluating the potential risks and benefits associated with these cryptocurrency investment products.
In a shocking revelation, the LayerZero CEO has alleged that Kyle Davies, former executive of 3AC, had made a desperate plea for full treasury allocation merely days before 3AC’s disastrous downfall. The CEO claimed that this request by Davies, if fulfilled, could have been the fatal blow that ultimately resulted in the company’s collapse. With this claim, the CEO unequivocally alleges that Davies’ actions played a pivotal role in 3AC’s demise, painting a devastating picture of how a simple request for treasury allocation could have led to an entire company’s downfall. CEO alleges Davies’ request for treasury allocation led to 3AC’s downfall.
Nvidia CEO’s Revolutionary Solution: Disrupting Crypto with AI De-Hallucination The issue of AI-generated deepfake images and videos has plagued the crypto world, raising concerns about security and trust. However, Nvidia CEO’s recent proposal for an AI de-hallucination solution could potentially revolutionize the industry. By leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies, Nvidia aims to tackle the problem head-on and restore faith in the authenticity of digital assets. While this solution holds tremendous potential, its effectiveness remains untested. If successful, it could disrupt the crypto landscape by providing a simple yet powerful means to combat AI hallucination.
The rapid rise of cryptocurrency trading has led to an expanding market in India, but the future for foreign crypto exchanges in the country remains uncertain. While the Indian government has not explicitly banned cryptocurrency, it has expressed concerns over their potential use in illegal activities and has taken steps to regulate the industry. This has created a challenging environment for foreign exchanges looking to operate in India, as the government has imposed strict regulations and increased reporting requirements. With ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal status of cryptocurrencies in India, foreign exchanges face an uncertain future as they navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Uncertain Future for Foreign Crypto Exchanges in India.
Bitcoin Consolidation Paves Way for SOL, AVAX, RNDR, and SUI: As the cryptocurrency market witnesses a period of range consolidation, Bitcoin’s stability is opening up opportunities for newer digital assets. Solana (SOL), Avalanche (AVAX), Render Token (RNDR), and Suite (SUI) are emerging as strong contenders, benefitting from the calmness of the flagship cryptocurrency. Bitcoin’s price stability ignites confidence in investors, driving them towards alternative coins that have substantial potential for growth. The range consolidation of Bitcoin paints a promising picture for SOL, AVAX, RNDR, and SUI, positioning them to flourish in the ever-evolving landscape of digital currencies.
Gensler Addresses US Lawmakers on SEC’s False Bitcoin ETF Tweet. In an effort to clarify the recent false tweet from the SEC regarding a spot Bitcoin ETF, Gary Gensler, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission, addressed US lawmakers on the matter. Gensler expressed his concerns and apologized for the misinformation spread by the agency’s official Twitter account. He emphasized the need for accurate and reliable communication, particularly within the fast-paced cryptocurrency industry. Gensler affirmed his commitment to ensuring investor protection and maintaining market integrity while fostering innovation. This incident underscores the importance of responsible regulatory oversight in an evolving digital landscape, as Gensler strives to enhance transparency and build investor confidence in the cryptocurrency market.
Weekend Wrap: Fed vs. Mashinsky, Crypto Karaoke Hack and Beyond. Last weekend witnessed intense battles and unexpected twists across the financial and digital realms. The Federal Reserve found itself entangled in a heated confrontation against Celsius Network’s CEO, Alex Mashinsky, as they fought to dismiss his allegations of unfair competition. Simultaneously, the cryptocurrency world was in for a shocking surprise when a famous karaoke platform became the target of a widespread hacking incident, compromising user data. Moreover, the weekend was rife with unforeseen events, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and intrigue. As we reflect upon these unprecedented occurrences, we realize that the landscape of finance and technology is ever-evolving, constantly challenging the status quo.
In a recent statement, an executive from the European Central Bank (ECB) asserted that the forthcoming Digital Euro would offer a level of privacy superior to that of private digital payment systems. Emphasizing the enhanced privacy features, the ECB executive boldly proclaimed, “Digital Euro: Enhanced Privacy Surpasses Private Systems, Claims ECB Exec“. With growing concerns over data security, the ECB aims to provide individuals with a more confidential and protected digital payment option. By prioritizing privacy, the ECB hopes to instill confidence among users, while setting a standard for other private systems to aspire to.
Bitcoin Weekly Update: Open Interest Reflects $69K BTC Price. As the cryptocurrency market continues to captivate investors worldwide, open interest has emerged as an important indicator of Bitcoin’s price potential. This week, open interest in Bitcoin futures contracts surged, reaching unprecedented levels and reflecting a staggering $69,000 BTC price. This surge indicates a growing enthusiasm and confidence in Bitcoin’s future, as more traders are eagerly joining the market. As the Bitcoin market evolves and sophisticated investors enter the scene, closely monitoring open interest has become essential for anticipating possible shifts in BTC price. With open interest echoing the $69,000 milestone, it seems that Bitcoin’s upward trajectory is far from over. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of Bitcoin!
Uniswap Founder Alerts Community on ENS Wallet Impersonation Scam: In a recent warning to the Uniswap community, the founder of the popular decentralized exchange platform, Uniswap, has sounded the alarm regarding an ongoing impersonation scam targeting users of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS) wallet. With the rise in popularity and usage of ENS wallets, scammers have been seizing the opportunity to deceive unsuspecting users and gain access to their funds. The founder emphasized the importance of being cautious and vigilant when interacting with ENS wallets, urging users to verify the authenticity of any communication or transaction before taking any action. This warning serves as a reminder for users to remain vigilant in the face of evolving scam techniques in the decentralized finance space.
Starknet Resolves STRK Token Airdrop Issues for Immutable X and ETH Pool Stakers Starknet, the cutting-edge layer-2 scaling solution developed by Immutable, has successfully addressed the long-standing concerns surrounding the STRK token airdrop for both Immutable X and ETH pool stakers. With remarkable efficiency, Starknet has rectified the complexities and glitches that previously hindered the distribution process, ensuring that all eligible participants receive their rightful share of STRK tokens. This significant breakthrough not only demonstrates Starknet’s unrivaled capacity in resolving intricate technical challenges but also showcases its commitment to fostering a seamless and inclusive ecosystem for all stakeholders involved in the revolutionary Immutable X and ETH pool.
Philippines Considers Non-Blockchain CBDC in Near Future. The Philippines, known for its progressive approach to financial technology, is seemingly shifting gears from the blockchain trend as it considers introducing a non-blockchain Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) within the next two years. This development could potentially revolutionize the country’s financial landscape and stimulate economic growth. Despite the popularity surrounding blockchain technology in recent years, the Philippine government believes that a non-blockchain CBDC could offer greater security, efficiency, and scalability. By opting for this alternative route, the country aims to position itself at the forefront of digital transformation, promising a novel era in the Philippine monetary system. The move is eagerly anticipated by market participants who are excited to witness the potential advantages this non-blockchain CBDC may bring, further cementing the Philippines’ reputation as a pioneer in financial innovation.
Bitfinex, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has recently made a significant move by expanding its services to El Salvador, marking its entry into the Central American market. With El Salvador adopting Bitcoin as legal tender, Bitfinex’s strategic move aligns perfectly with the country’s progressive financial landscape. However, the exchange’s ambitions don’t stop there, as Bitfinex aims for further expansion in the United States. By capitalizing on the growing interest in cryptocurrencies and the recent surge in digital asset adoption, Bitfinex believes it can tap into the vast potential within the US market. Bitfinex’s decision to expand into El Salvador and its subsequent pursuit of US growth highlight its commitment to becoming a global leader in the rapidly evolving world of digital finance. “Bitfinex Expands to El Salvador, Aims for US Expansion” indeed encapsulates the exchange’s bold steps towards achieving its ambitious goals.
GBTC’s $5B Flight Triggers Global Outflows: CoinShares. CoinShares, the digital asset management firm, revealed that the massive $5 billion outflow from Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) has had a ripple effect worldwide, causing a significant decline in crypto investment. As investors hurriedly exited GBTC, it triggered a palpable shift in market sentiment, leading to outflows in other regions as well. CoinShares suggested that this mass exodus from GBTC could be attributed to investors seeking alternative avenues with lower fees and more direct exposure to Bitcoin, potentially sparked by the emergence of new BTC offerings such as Canadian ETFs. This event serves as a reminder of how interconnected the cryptocurrency market is, with a single event in one region capable of reverberating across the globe.
In a move to strengthen investor protection and maintain market stability, the South Korean regulator has announced plans to expel ‘unfit’ crypto exchanges from the market starting this year. With the exponential growth of the cryptocurrency industry, concerns over security and fraudulent practices have become prominent. The government’s decision reflects their commitment to creating a safe and reliable environment for cryptocurrency trading. By enforcing stricter regulations and removing unreliable platforms, the South Korean regulator aims to weed out exchanges that fail to meet the necessary standards and uphold the integrity of the market. S. Korean Regulator to Expel ‘Unfit’ Crypto Exchanges – a bold step towards promoting transparency and building investor trust in the cryptocurrency sector.
Challenging SEC: U.S. Lawmakers and Crypto Asset Regulation U.S. lawmakers have recently taken a firm stance, challenging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding its regulation of crypto assets. The lawmakers argue that the current framework implemented by the SEC is outdated and fails to provide sufficient guidance for this rapidly evolving industry. With the exponential growth and widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies, lawmakers believe it is imperative to establish clearer regulations that protect investors while fostering innovation and maintaining the United States’ competitive edge in the global market. As both sides engage in a heated debate, the outcome of this clash between lawmakers and the SEC will undoubtedly shape the future of crypto asset regulation in the United States.