Nevada has introduced blockchain technology into its electoral certification process to enhance transparency and security. Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar announced the move, emphasising that blockchain would make altering or counterfeiting certification documents significantly more difficult. The system aims to ensure election integrity, positioning Nevada as a leader in adopting emerging technology for secure elections.
The blockchain system will serve as an immutable ledger to record the certification process, providing a trustworthy and transparent official election record. While details about the implementation remain limited, it’s unclear whether Nevada has developed its blockchain or is relying on existing platforms. Certification by state and national archives is the next step, with Nevada joining states like Alaska and Georgia, which have piloted similar initiatives.
This development follows allegations of election misconduct during the 2020 presidential race. Although the 2023 indictments of six Republican certifiers were later dismissed, the state’s focus on bolstering election integrity highlights its commitment to avoiding future controversies.
As part of the partnership, Binance will also include USDC in its corporate treasury operations, highlighting its growing use in on-chain financial transactions. Circle, in return, will provide the necessary technology, liquidity, and tools to enhance USDC’s infrastructure, supporting its use in a range of financial services.
Both CEOs expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential. Richard Teng of Binance highlighted that it would create new opportunities for users to engage with USDC through more trading pairs and promotions. Jeremy Allaire of Circle emphasised the potential for USDC to become ubiquitous on Binance’s platform, strengthening its position in the global digital asset market.
The partnership comes amid the increasing adoption of stablecoins in the financial world, with more companies exploring their use as a payment method and a bridge into the crypto market. Stablecoins like USDC have become key drivers of crypto adoption, facilitating billions of transactions worldwide.
Microsoft shareholders have voted against a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company’s balance sheet during the firm’s annual meeting on 10 December. The resolution, presented by the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR), suggested that diversifying into Bitcoin could offer significant value to shareholders by tapping into the growing cryptocurrency market.
The NCPPR argued that Bitcoin adoption would not only generate potential profits but also mitigate risks for Microsoft’s investors. The proposal recommended investing between 1% and 5% of the company’s profits into Bitcoin, citing the example of major investors like BlackRock, who offer Bitcoin ETFs. However, the company’s board dismissed the proposal, stating that it was unnecessary and that Microsoft already carefully considered its investments.
Microsoft’s board emphasised that Bitcoin’s volatility made it unsuitable for the company’s treasury, which requires stable and predictable investments. Despite the push from Bitcoin proponents like Michael Saylor, who argued that Bitcoin could add trillions to Microsoft’s market value, shareholders sided with the board’s recommendation, rejecting the resolution. The NCPPR has made a similar proposal to Amazon, which will be discussed at its 2025 meeting.
Kyrgyzstan’s Parliament has approved a draft law to establish the legal framework for the digital som, a central bank digital currency set to modernise the nation’s financial system. Overseen by the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan, the currency will undergo prototype testing in early 2025, with full implementation expected by January 2027.
The digital som will function as legal tender and be issued exclusively by the central bank through a secure, centralised platform. The system promises accessibility through features supporting online and offline transactions, enabling usage even in areas with limited connectivity. However, the feasibility of offline functionality remains a global concern for central banks.
Public discussions on constitutional changes to accommodate the digital currency began in August. Unlike many central bank initiatives, Kyrgyzstan’s model does not rely on blockchain but instead incorporates smart contracts whilst maintaining centralised oversight.
Argentina’s financial regulator has approved the entry of US crypto-related exchange-traded funds (ETFs) into its market, opening new investment opportunities for local traders. Under the CEDEAR programme, regulated by RG No. 1030, Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs are now available for trading after a six-year prohibition under Law No. 27440. This move marks a significant step towards integrating digital assets into Argentina’s capital markets.
The Comisión Nacional de Valores (CNV) has also authorised ETFs tied to gold and the S&P 500 index, alongside Chinese stock market indexes. These offerings are part of broader efforts to diversify investment options and promote access to passive management indices, commodities, and digital assets. CNV President Roberto E. Silva highlighted the innovative nature of these approvals, aiming to attract more investors to the local market.
This development aligns with President Javier Milei’s strategy to counter hyperinflation and stimulate Argentina’s digital economy. With inflation dropping from nearly 300% in April 2024 to below 200%, the introduction of crypto ETFs signals a continued push towards modernising the financial system while embracing digital currency innovation.
Despite cryptocurrency’s volatility, 30% of workers surveyed say they would consider receiving their salaries in digital assets, according to a new study by Clarify Capital. The study, which questioned 800 workers and 200 business owners, revealed that 20% believe crypto will become a regular part of their paychecks within the next five years, with Bitcoin being the most popular choice. A significant 72% of respondents expressed a preference for receiving their wages or bonuses in Bitcoin.
Dogecoin and Litecoin also emerged as other leading choices, with 14% and 16% of surveyed employees respectively favouring these cryptocurrencies for compensation. Interestingly, Gen Z workers — those born between 1997 and 2012 — showed the most enthusiasm, with nearly 40% expressing interest in receiving their pay in crypto. Millennials followed with 32%, while just 23% of Gen X workers shared the same sentiment.
The study also highlighted the growing appeal of crypto within the business lending sphere. Around 25% of business owners indicated they would consider taking a crypto loan to expand their operations, with sectors such as IT, retail, and finance leading this trend. Among those surveyed, 10% of businesses plan to actively pursue crypto loans in 2025, with Gen Z and millennial business owners leading the charge.
The Bank of England is exploring how emerging privacy technologies, such as zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs), could enhance data privacy in a potential digital pound. In its report ‘Enhancing the Privacy of a Digital Pound,’ the bank suggests these technologies may limit data sharing, giving users greater control over their information while maintaining privacy between the central bank and payment intermediaries.
Following its 2023 public consultation, the Bank of England, alongside HM Treasury, assured the public that personal data would remain inaccessible to both the government and the central bank. Collaborating with MIT’s Digital Currency Initiative, the bank continues to research privacy-enhancing technologies while acknowledging the challenges of balancing privacy with regulatory requirements.
The digital pound initiative began in 2020 and has since undergone detailed evaluations. While no decision has been made on launching the currency, the central bank emphasises the need to adapt to declining cash use and advancements in payment technologies.
A new report by Bitcoin exchange River reveals that over 13 nations now hold Bitcoin, with El Salvador standing out as the only country to make direct purchases. President Nayib Bukele’s government has accumulated 5,900 BTC, achieving profits of $333.59 million from an initial $269.74 million investment, fuelled by Bitcoin’s recent surge past $100,000.
The United States leads global holdings with 208,100 BTC, most acquired through enforcement actions. The United Kingdom holds 61,200 BTC, while China has 15,000 BTC. Other nations, such as Bhutan and Norway, rely on mining or wealth funds to gain Bitcoin exposure, avoiding direct purchases due to political risks and lack of secrecy.
El Salvador, which adopted Bitcoin as legal tender in 2021, faces scrutiny from the International Monetary Fund. The country is negotiating a $1.3 billion loan, potentially making Bitcoin adoption voluntary instead of mandatory for businesses. This agreement could secure an additional $2 billion in funding from international institutions if finalised.
Russian State Duma Deputy Anton Tkachev has proposed the creation of a strategic bitcoin reserve for the nation. Tkachev, representing the New People party, submitted the proposal to Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, advocating for bitcoin reserves to complement Russia’s traditional currency reserves.
In the proposal, Tkachev highlighted the risks of relying solely on traditional reserves like the dollar, euro, and yuan, citing their vulnerability to inflation and international sanctions. He argued that bitcoin could be an independent financial buffer to enhance Russia’s economic stability.
This move aligns with a growing trend among nations, including El Salvador, Brazil, and Poland, to adopt Bitcoin reserves. Recent comments from President Vladimir Putin, affirming the legality and inevitability of Bitcoin’s growth in Russia, may bolster support for the initiative.
The National Center for Public Policy Research, a Washington DC-based think tank, has proposed that Amazon consider adopting a Bitcoin corporate treasury strategy. The proposal will be tabled at the company’s April 2025 shareholder meeting, highlighting concerns over inflation risks eroding Amazon’s $88 billion in cash and short-term cash equivalents. According to the proposal, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) underestimates true inflation, with authors suggesting that the actual rate may be twice the reported figure, posing risks to shareholder value.
Bitcoin is presented as a potential hedge against these economic pressures. The think tank points to Bitcoin’s performance as evidence, noting that the cryptocurrency outperformed corporate bonds by 126% over the past year and saw a 1,246% increase over the last five years. They recommend Amazon allocate at least 5% of its assets to Bitcoin to safeguard its financial reserves, drawing on the success of MicroStrategy’s own Bitcoin treasury strategy as a proven example. MicroStrategy’s holdings are currently valued at over $40 billion, putting the company at about $17 billion in profit.
The idea is gaining traction among other companies as well. MARA, formerly Marathon Digital, recently raised $1 billion through a 0% interest convertible note offering to purchase 6,474 Bitcoin for its corporate treasury. Additionally, artificial intelligence firm Genius Group has converted a portion of its treasury into Bitcoin, having acquired 110 BTC at an average price of $90,932 each. These moves suggest that a Bitcoin treasury strategy is becoming an increasingly popular choice for companies looking to strengthen their financial positions amid market uncertainty.
