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Following a claim from an individual asserting they had lost 139 bitcoin in a hack, where 83.65 BTC was utilized as a heightened fee to expedite its mining, Antpool has disclosed its readiness to reimburse the mistakenly paid fee. Antpool specified on November 30 that the individual has a deadline of December 10, 2023, to reclaim the fee from the mining pool. Deadline Announced by Antpool for Refunding Massive Bitcoin Transaction Fee in Suspected Hack Case Recently, the cryptocurrency community observed an exceptionally large transaction fee, where 83.65 BTC , valued at over $3 million, was remitted to miners. This transaction, confirmed in block 818,087, was processed by Antpool, today’s most dominant mining pool by hashrate. Following this event, an unidentified user on the social media platform X disclosed that this fee originated from their bitcoin holdings, which were allegedly compromised by hackers. The user also provided a signature, verifying their claim by signing a me...

Dunamu, the operator of the South Korean crypto exchange Upbit, recently said it had realized an operating profit amounting to $79 million in the third quarter of 2023. Virtual asset valuation losses contributed to the 81.6% drop in the operator’s net profit for the period. Operating Profit Down by Nearly 40% In the third quarter (Q3) of 2023, Dunamu, the operator of the South Korean crypto exchange Upbit, reportedly realized an operating profit of just over $79 million (101.8 billion won). According to a Decenter report , Dunamu’s Q3 operating profit is nearly 40% lower than the $130.9 million realized in the corresponding period in 2022. Similarly, Dunamu’s Q3 revenue, which stood at approximately $150 million, is 29% lower than the $211 million realized in the same period last year. Also, the crypto exchange operator’s Q3 net profit of $22.9 million is reportedly 81.6% lower than in the same period last year. As per the report, Dunamu’s net profit for the period is lower due t...

Crypto exchange Binance is not a registered corporation in the Philippines hence its activities in the country are not above board, the Asian country’s securities regulator has said. The regulator warned of a possible jail term for individuals found enabling Binance’s activities in the Philippines. Licensed Overseas Organizations Still Need to Get Local Approval According to the Philippines securities regulator, crypto exchange Binance is not a registered corporation and has been operating without the necessary license or authority. In an advisory issued on Nov. 28, the Asian country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleges that Binance has been “actively employing promotional campaigns” despite not having the requisite license. Explaining why it has warned Filipinos against using Binance, the SEC said it is aware that some online crypto exchange platforms are in possession of licenses issued by overseas institutions. However, the regulator insists brokers and crypto exc...

Animoca Brands is now TON blockchain’s largest validator and will henceforth “provide funding, research, and an analytics platform.” The software company said Animoca’s collaboration with TON further reinforces its commitment to the latter’s ecosystem. The Animoca Brands chairman said the investment in TON underscores his organization’s desire to help onboard the next million Web3 users. TON Scalability Animoca Brands, the Hong Kong-based game software company, is now the largest validator of The Open Network (TON) blockchain and “will provide funding, research, and an analytics platform.” In a statement, Animoca said this new collaboration further reinforces its commitment to the TON ecosystem. As noted in the statement , Animoca initially conducted extensive research before committing to invest in TON’s ecosystem. In one of the two research papers it developed, Animoca said it saw the user-friendly decentralized applications (dapps) on TON and the protocol’s scalability as key el...

On Tuesday, Binance US, the American branch of Binance.com, revealed that Changpeng Zhao (CZ), its former CEO, has relinquished his position as chairman of the board with immediate effect. The announcement emphasized that Binance US is fully functional and operates independently from Binance.com. Changpeng Zhao Steps Down as Binance US Chairman The update from Binance US comes in the wake of a recent agreement between Binance.com and the U.S. Department of Justice. This settlement also involved various U.S. entities, including the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Binance US clarified that it was not involved in last week’s settlements and currently has no pending enforcement issues with the DOJ, FinCEN, OFAC, or CFTC. The company underscored its independence and separate operation from Binance.com. Despite this autonomy, CZ, the ex-chief of Binance, is depart...

In light of recent physical assaults targeting bitcoin owners, Jameson Lopp, co-founder of Casa, revealed a substantial list of such attacks on crypto holders, tracing back to 2014. Lopp’s research points out that the list, documenting over a hundred physical assaults, likely represents just a fraction of the actual incidents, as many go unreported and unnoticed by the public. A Startling Report of Over 100 Physical Assaults on Crypto Owners Recently, at the beginning of November, a report emerged about the abduction of executives from a Binance client, who were coerced into draining their cryptocurrency wallets. Days prior to this incident, a Swedish couple endured a violent ordeal where they were bound, assaulted, and ultimately compelled to relinquish their cryptocurrency assets. Casa’s CTO, Jameson Lopp, who has been tracking physical assaults on bitcoin users, noted that there have been 16 such attacks in 2023. Lopp disseminated the list on the social media outlet X, remark...

Charles Hoskinson, co-founder of Input Output Global (IOHK) and the Cardano blockchain initiative, recently expressed his frustration in a video over the U.S. regulator’s decision to categorize the cryptocurrency cardano as a security. He’s perplexed and critical about the exemption of bitcoin from being tagged as a security, mocking the situation as a “pathetic joke” and pointing out the apparent free pass granted to “Team Orange.” Hoskinson Shows Frustration Over ‘Team Orange’ Getting a Pass In a video clip shared by Altcoin Daily on a social media platform referred to as X, Charles Hoskinson passionately discussed his views on cardano’s ( ADA ) classification as a security, contrasting it with bitcoin ( BTC ) and others in the crypto space. He questions the logic, highlighting what he perceives as inconsistencies and unfair treatment in the regulatory approach. Hoskinson, in the video, questions the absence of expectation of profit among fervent bitcoin supporters, known as the...

The Singapore-based payment gateway Alchemy Pay has been granted the money services license by the U.S. state of Iowa. Both this license and the money transmitter license obtained from Arkansas nearly two months earlier underline Alchemy’s “dedication to compliance.” Alchemy Now in the Same League as Established Payment Providers Alchemy Pay, a crypto on-ramp and payment gateway, recently said it has been granted the money services license by the U.S. state of Iowa’s banking division. In a statement, the Singapore-based payment gateway said it secured the Iowa license just a few months after obtaining the money transmitter license (MTL) in the state of Arkansas. According to the gateway’s Nov. 23 statement , obtaining both licenses puts Alchemy in the same league with key players in the U.S. crypto market such as Coinbase, X (formerly Twitter), and Moonpay. Robert McCracken, the ecosystem lead at Alchemy, said the license acquisitions demonstrate his firm’s desire to remain complia...

The crypto industry can stop the so-called Cantillon Effect from occurring by establishing large enough “Bitcoin only” companies that will sit on the negotiating table with the U.S. Federal Reserve and major financial institutions, Swan Bitcoin’s Terrance Yang has said. According to Yang, the U.S. Department of Justice’s settlement with Binance has increased the likelihood of such an institution joining the negotiation table. The Cantillon Effect Terrance Yang, the managing director (MD) of the bitcoin exchange platform Swan Bitcoin, has defended the proposal to create enough “Bitcoin-only” companies saying this is the only way the crypto industry will be fairly represented at the negotiating table. According to Yang, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)’s recent settlement with Binance has increased the chances of such an institution joining the negotiation table. As was recently explained by Swan Bitcoin co-founder and CTO Yan Pritzker, the crypto industry needs to fight back ag...

PRESS RELEASE. The Earn Network, a decentralized platform at the forefront of yield generation in the DeFi sector, is thrilled to announce the public sale of its $EARN token that started on November 24, 2023, for a limited time of a few days. This pivotal event, highlighting Earn Network’s dedication to reshaping the landscape of decentralized finance, will be followed by the listing of the $EARN token on major cryptocurrency exchanges, further expanding its accessibility and impact on the market. About the Earn Network The Earn Network stands as the end-game dApp for all crypto investments, offering a wide array of yield-generation and yield-optimizing opportunities, including DeFi Staking, NFT Staking and Restaking. Its user-friendly interface is designed to democratize access to decentralized solutions, catering to both seasoned investors and newcomers in the DeFi space. This approach positions the Earn Network as a major player in simplifying and enhancing the crypto investmen...

Sergei Glazyev, minister of integration and macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), has noted the advancements the adoption of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) could ostensibly bring to the trading dynamics of the region. According to Glazyev, the launch of several digital currencies will allow countries to settle trades outside of the U.S. dollar as early as next year, leading to the rise of a new reserve currency. Eurasian Economic Union Hopes to Move to CBDC Settlements The Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) expects that the rise of several central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) will pave the way for the issuance of a new reserve currency different from the U.S. dollar. Sergei Glazyev, minister of integration and macroeconomics of the Eurasian Economic Union, talked about the future benefits these digital, blockchain-based technologies might bring to the trading processes between countries of the EEU and even BRICS countries. In statements given to Sputnik on Tu...

In the last week, bitcoin experienced a modest increase of 2.7% against the U.S. dollar, while ethereum saw a rise of 6.5%. Concurrently, a range of other cryptocurrencies registered significant double-digit advances, notably the non-fungible token (NFT) marketplace Blur’s token BLUR, which soared by a significant 72% this past week. 17 Crypto Assets Record Double-Digit Growth As of Sunday, November 26, 2023, the total market capitalization of the cryptocurrency sector stands at $1.43 trillion. This week, 17 distinct digital currencies achieved double-digit growth, with BLUR at the forefront with a 72% surge. Trailing BLUR, apecoin (APE) escalated by 26.3%, and klaytn (KLAY) observed a comparable ascent of 26%. Further, mina protocol (MINA) climbed by 24.1%, while illuvium (ILV) rose 22.9% over the week, as per the data from coingecko.com. Pursuing ILV, cryptocurrencies such as uniswap (UNI), sui (SUI), and bittensor (TAO) also experienced notable increases, ranging from 16% to 19...

On November 25, 2023, the Bitcoin network marked its sixth consecutive difficulty rise, reaching a new peak at block 818,496. The difficulty soared by 5.07%, setting a record high of 67.96 trillion, a level that will persist until the next adjustment on December 9, 2023. Bitcoin’s Difficulty Jumps 5% and Over 23% Higher During the Past 2 Months The latest increase in Bitcoin’s difficulty, a 5.07% uptick , occurred on the evening of November 25 at block 818,496. This marks the sixth rise in difficulty since September 19, 2023, at block 808,416. Over the past 68 days, the cumulative increase stands at 23.27%. Despite this considerable rise over the two-month period, the network’s hashrate hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, with miners consistently setting new records in this domain. For example, at 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time on November 25, the hashrate’s seven-day moving average hit an unprecedented peak , reaching 507 exahash per second (EH/s). Despite the recent adjustment in di...

Bitcoin.com News reported this week that leading crypto exchange Binance will settle with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for $4.3 billion, related to breaching anti-money laundering and sanctions regulations. The well-known face of the exchange, and former CEO, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, has stepped down as part of the plea deal. In other news, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again named crypto assets which it views as securities. This and more just below, in the latest Bitcoin.com News Week in Review. DOJ Announces $4.3 Billion Settlement With Binance; CZ to Step Down as Part of Plea Deal The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has revealed a landmark settlement involving Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume. Under the agreement, Binance will pay $4.3 billion to settle with the law enforcement authority. This significant development was disclosed during a DOJ press briefing on cryptocurrency enforcement, which too...

Nigerian law enforcement recently arrested a politician who is accused of laundering digital funds that were stolen from Patricia Technologies in May. CEO Hanu Fejiro praised the politician’s arrest and said the recovered funds will “go a long way to soothe Patricia users.” The Politician’s Involvement in a Complex Crime The Nigerian police have arrested a politician who is accused of seeking to launder digital assets that were stolen from the crypto exchange platform Patricia Technologies earlier this year. According to the police, Wilfred Bonse had fraudulently transferred more than $60,000 from the $750,000 in stolen funds to his bank account. As reported by Bitcoin.com News in May, Patricia lost digital assets worth more than $2 million after hackers breached its platform. The theft left the crypto platform with a financial hole which forced Patricia to seek funds to refund affected users. In his remarks after announcing the politician’s arrest, Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the ...

The price of the BRC20 token ordi (ORDI) slid more than 10% this week against the U.S. dollar after recording substantial gains over the three weeks prior. Despite the recent downturn, ORDI has risen over 300% during the last 30 days and it’s a touch over 25% away from surpassing its all-time price high. ORDI Retreats 10% After 300% Monthly Gain, Sees Significant Trading Activity With Turkish Lira At the end of the first week of November, ordi (ORDI) the BRC20 token built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain skyrocketed in value after Binance announced it would list the coin. This week, however, ORDI has dropped 10% in value over the past seven days and during the last 24 hours, it’s down 2.2%. ORDI’s market valuation on November 25, 2023, is just under a half billion at $446 million. This places ORDI in the 115th-ranked position among more than 10,000 crypto assets listed across 935 exchanges. Over the past day, ORDI has recorded $99 million in global trades, and interestingly, st...

Agustin Carstens, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), has discussed tokenization’s significance in modernizing the current siloed financial system. Carstens stated that only through tokenization can the world move to a more interconnected and programmable financial system, where several central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) will be transacted seamlessly. BIS Head Agustin Carstens Talks Tokenization as Origin of an International Unified Ledger Agustin Carstens, general manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), referred to the significance of tokenization as a key tech for building an interconnected financial system using central bank digital currency (CBDC). In a keynote speech at the CBDC & Future Monetary System Seminar in Seoul, Carstens explained how tokenization would allow the modernization of the current siloed financial system. He stated : Tokenization is a means of recording money and assets in a digital form on a programm...

Bored Gen DMCC, the issuer of islamic coin, has cooperated fully with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority’s ongoing investigation into the token’s issuance and distribution. Bored Gen, however, still needs to “secure appropriate approvals” before it undertakes to distribute the islamic coin (ISLM) in the Dubai market. BG Undertook Remedial Measures The United Arab Emirates (UAE) digital assets regulator, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), recently revealed that Bored Gen DMCC (BG) — the issuer of islamic coin — had cooperated fully during its investigation into the issuance, marketing and distribution of the token. It added that BG had “undertaken remedial measures, including the implementation of adequate public disclosures for improved market assurance.” However, in its Nov. 16 enforcement notice , the regulator said it had determined that the issues which are the subject of its ongoing investigation constituted “technical non-compliance.” The notice went on to s...

A U.S. filmmaker reportedly made a profit of more than $20 million from a bet on the cryptocurrency dogecoin. Netflix accuses the filmmaker of using funds meant for the production of a TV series to place risky bets on a biotech company, the S&P 500, and dogecoin. Rinsch Lost $5.9 Million in a Matter of Weeks Carl Erik Rinsch, a U.S. filmmaker who reportedly earned a profit of more than $20 million from a dogecoin bet, is being sued by Netflix for allegedly breaching the terms of a contract. The lawsuit accuses Rinsch of misappropriating millions of dollars that were intended to fund the production of a science-fiction television series. Before betting on the meme coin, Rinsch is also accused of using the production funds — approximately $11 million — to place risky bets on Gilead Sciences’ stock. At the time, the biotech firm had begun testing a Covid-19 vaccine and Rinsch reportedly wagered that Gilead Sciences’ stock would soar if the drug proved to be effective in suppressin...

In a decision by the Podgorica High Court, ex-Terraform Labs chief executive Do Hyeong Kwon (Do Kwon) is set to be extradited following his four-month incarceration in Montenegro for fabricating travel papers. The extradition bids originate from both the United States and South Korea, with the final determination of Kwon’s destination resting in the hands of the court’s Justice Minister. Judge Will Decide on Do Kwon’s Extradition The notorious Do Kwon is poised for extradition upon completing his sentence in Montenegro, though his ultimate destination remains uncertain. A recent press release reveals that South Korea seeks Kwon for engaging in fraudulent and unfair trading activities. Additionally, the U.S. also desires his extradition for similar infractions, including securities fraud and market manipulation. According to the press release, Kwon agreed to be extradited to South Korea. However, the court noted that due to multiple extradition requests, the Podgorica High Court mu...

The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation has outlined the most frequently reported complaints related to cryptocurrency. Emphasizing “a rising trend in crypto-related complaints,” the regulator advised: “Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.” Top Crypto Complaints The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) has revealed some of “the most common crypto-related complaints” received by its Consumer Services Office (CSO). The regulator stated: A third-quarter 2023 CSO report indicated a rising trend in crypto-related complaints. A common scenario involves consumers being tricked into transferring their crypto assets from legitimate crypto exchanges to fraudulent platforms or wallets. According to the complaints, consumers believe the legitimate platforms should have done more to prevent fraudulent activity from occurring...

What’s the main reason behind cryptocurrencies’ success? One word – decentralization. Bitcoin offers what global banks can’t. Every major bank you know or are a client of is centralized and, thus, controlled by a central authority. This means you can freely own and control your funds, but your bank account is reliant on banking intermediaries. With Bitcoin, this isn’t the case. Without intermediaries and by utilizing blockchain technology, transaction fees are reduced significantly, and you can transfer your funds without geographic restrictions. However, it doesn’t mean you can buy Bitcoin anonymously without effort. You still have to provide personal details due to financial regulations, even in the crypto world. Not to mention the fact you can connect a person’s identity with their Bitcoin address. Does it mean there’s no way of buying Bitcoin anonymously? Let’s find out! What are KYC and AML? Answering the above question: Yes, there is a way to buy Bitcoin without an ID. Even s...