Cryptocurrencies Archives | Page 31 of 165

From concept to cornerstone, Ethereum turns ten

Ethereum has officially turned ten, marking a decade since the launch of its mainnet, Frontier, on 30 July 2015. Conceived by Vitalik Buterin in 2013, the platform was designed to surpass Bitcoin’s limitations by enabling smart contracts and decentralised applications.

The project’s early years were defined by significant milestones. A 2014 ICO raised over $18 million, but controversy soon followed. In 2016, a high-profile hack of The DAO led to a hard fork, splitting Ethereum into two chains.

During the 2017 ICO boom, Ethereum became the backbone for thousands of token launches, though the market later crashed under regulatory pressure. ETH’s price plummeted from near $1,450 to under $100.

Ethereum’s evolution has continued at pace. In 2022, the network transitioned to proof-of-stake through The Merge, cutting energy use by over 99%. Recent years brought soaring adoption, with DeFi, NFTs, and institutions cementing Ethereum’s place in crypto infrastructure.

Today, ETH trades near $3,800, with analysts forecasting potential highs of $15,000 within the next five years.

To commemorate its anniversary, the Ethereum Foundation has hosted global events and launched an NFT torch passed between community wallets, highlighting the network’s commitment to decentralisation and innovation.

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White House report outlines bold crypto reform plans

The White House has unveiled a cryptocurrency roadmap to help reshape the US digital asset industry. The report, spanning 160 pages, sets the foundation for realising President Donald Trump’s ambition to make the US a global hub for cryptocurrency innovation.

Compiled by a high-level task force that includes the Treasury and Commerce secretaries and the Attorney General, the document proposes major reforms to existing frameworks. It calls for clearer SEC and CFTC rules, quicker access for innovations, and formal DeFi integration into mainstream finance.

Lawmakers are also urged to modernise anti-money laundering regulations for crypto networks.

Despite being hailed as a landmark move by the crypto community, the report drew criticism for omitting details on Trump’s proposed Bitcoin reserve. Observers view the report as a strong crypto endorsement but say its success hinges on bipartisan support and effective regulation.

Concerns over conflicts of interest have emerged, as Trump and his family are involved in crypto ventures including a memecoin, mining firm, and stablecoin. Ethics groups warn the policy may favour Trump-linked firms, though the White House claims his assets are held in a blind trust.

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XRP community eyes potential surge ahead

Armando Pantoja, from Benzinga’s Crypto Advisory Board, sparked excitement in the XRP community by hinting at a major upcoming move for the token. He suggested that investors holding 1,000 XRP or more are in a strong position to benefit from what lies ahead.

The announcement triggered renewed interest as XRP trades around $3.

Holding 1,000 XRP has become a significant benchmark in the community, with data showing that most wallets contain fewer tokens. With over 6.7 million XRP wallets worldwide, only around 15% hold more than 1,000 tokens.

Experts like Jake Claver of Digital Ascension Group highlight how different holdings can align with financial goals, ranging from modest sums to millions, depending on price movements.

Some community members recommend even larger holdings, reflecting confidence in XRP’s long-term potential. Despite the uncertainty, early accumulation, especially at or above 1,000 XRP, is widely seen as a potentially rewarding strategy should demand surge.

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Google Gemini aids crypto traders with research and strategy

Google Gemini Flash 2.5 is emerging as a helpful AI assistant for crypto traders seeking smarter, data-driven decisions. It simplifies complex project details, compares tokens, and analyses social media sentiment to provide deeper market insights.

While Gemini offers useful summaries and strategy suggestions, it does not predict prices or access live blockchain data, so traders must still verify its output with current sources.

The AI tool also helps in understanding technical analysis patterns. It assists in spotting correlations between assets like Bitcoin and traditional markets, and supports managing portfolio risks through diversification advice.

Gemini can review past trades to highlight lessons and improve timing, making it a valuable companion for both new and experienced traders.

Despite its capabilities, Gemini’s limitations mean it should be used alongside live charting, onchain analytics, and news platforms. Traders should combine AI insights with their own judgement and real-time data to navigate crypto’s fast-moving market.

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Quantum-resistant crypto wallets now possible without address changes

Sui Research revealed a way for blockchain wallets to upgrade for quantum safety without a hard fork or address changes. The approach, based on EdDSA cryptography, allows compatible networks like Solana, Sui and Near to transition securely with minimal disruption.

Cryptographer Kostas Chalkias described the breakthrough as the first backward-compatible path to quantum safety for wallets. The upgrade uses zero-knowledge proofs to verify private key control without exposing data, keeping original public keys and supporting dormant accounts.

While praised as one of the most important cryptographic advancements in recent years, the upgrade method does not apply to Bitcoin or Ethereum. These networks use different signature methods, which may need bigger changes to stay secure as quantum tech evolves.

Although quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking blockchain encryption, researchers and developers are racing to prepare. The risk of millions of wallets becoming vulnerable has triggered serious debate in the crypto community.

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India uses AI to catch crypto tax evaders

India’s Income Tax Department is using AI and data tools to identify tax evasion in cryptocurrency transactions. The government collected ₹437 crore in crypto taxes in 2022-2023 using machine learning and digital forensics to spot suspicious activity.

Tax authorities match deducted at source (TDS) data from crypto exchanges to improve compliance. The introduction of the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) also enables automated sharing of tax information, aligning India’s efforts with international tax agreements.

These moves mark a push for greater transparency in India’s digital asset market. Enhanced wallet visibility and automatic data exchange aim to reduce anonymity and curb tax evasion in the crypto space.

India continues to develop regulations focused on consumer protection, cross-border cooperation, and tax compliance, demonstrating a commitment to a more traceable and accountable crypto industry.

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Coinbase users can now pay with Samsung Wallet

Samsung has announced a partnership with Coinbase, enabling Samsung Wallet users to buy and deposit cryptocurrency directly through the Coinbase app. The new feature will be gradually rolled out to select users in the US and Canada, with broader access expected soon.

The integration brings Samsung Pay into Coinbase as a supported payment and deposit method, enhancing convenience for users looking to trade or fund crypto accounts using mobile devices.

The partnership highlights Samsung’s strategy of open collaboration to deliver richer mobile experiences. Coinbase, meanwhile, continues to expand its compliant crypto services to mainstream audiences.

Samsung Wallet combines digital payments, crypto, and identity features in one secure app. It includes multiple layers of protection such as tokenisation, biometric login, and Samsung Knox security.

Sensitive data is safeguarded in a secure on-device element, offering users peace of mind when managing digital assets.

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Bank of Korea launches new crypto oversight unit

The Bank of Korea is forming a virtual asset committee to monitor the country’s growing crypto market and support legislative developments around stablecoins. The new Virtual Asset Team will assist regulators and handle policy matters on digital assets and stablecoins.

As part of this shift, the central bank has renamed its CBDC-related units to reflect a more business-driven approach. The newly titled Digital Currency Team replaces the former Digital Currency Research Team.

Two additional teams, Digital Currency Technology and Digital Currency Infrastructure, will focus on testing platforms and voucher systems using deposit tokens.

Although South Korea’s central bank postponed its CBDC trial in late June due to regulatory uncertainty and concerns from local banks, discussions are expected to resume once legal issues are addressed.

At the same time, the country’s major banks are preparing to issue stablecoins pegged to the Korean won by 2025 or 2026, with support from the Bank of Korea for a bank-led rollout.

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Thailand launches crypto sandbox to boost tourism

Thailand has launched a digital asset sandbox to attract high-spending, tech-savvy tourists by enabling seamless cryptocurrency payments. The initiative lets foreign visitors convert digital assets to Thai baht and spend them using local e-money platforms.

The Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bank of Thailand, and other agencies oversee the regulatory sandbox. It aims to simplify payments from street vendors to luxury retailers, eliminating currency conversion friction and card fees.

Authorities plan to focus on merchant education, compliance, and cybersecurity to support the programme’s success.

The move aligns with Thailand’s broader strategy to become a regional digital finance and blockchain innovation hub. Recent policies include a five-year capital gains tax exemption on crypto sales through local exchanges.

The sandbox could attract fintech firms and blockchain events, signalling Thailand’s ambition to lead in digital asset adoption while maintaining regulatory safeguards.

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Indonesia prepares new crypto tax rules

Indonesia plans to implement fresh tax regulations on cryptocurrency starting August 2025, reclassifying digital assets as financial instruments. The regulatory authority is shifting from Bappebti to the Financial Services Authority, marking a significant overhaul in oversight and licensing.

The upcoming tax increase on crypto transactions aims to boost government revenue, but risks discouraging retail investors due to higher costs. OJK Chair Mahendra Siregar emphasises that the new framework aligns cryptocurrencies with broader financial regulations.

The allowlist of tradable digital assets will nearly double, expanding market opportunities amid the changing landscape.

Fintech startups face challenges adapting to stricter rules and rising operational expenses, potentially disadvantaging them compared to regional competitors like Singapore and Hong Kong.

While retail investors may find initial barriers, more straightforward rules and regulatory sandboxes could foster long-term stability and innovation. Indonesia’s approach will require a careful balance between encouraging growth and ensuring oversight.

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