Cryptocurrencies

Google to integrate Bitcoin into its ecosystem via Bitcoin wallet

Google is working on a major initiative to simplify Bitcoin usage for billions of users, according to Kyle Song, a Web3 specialist at the company. Speaking at the Hong Kong Bitcoin Tech Carnival on 18 February, he revealed that Google has been exploring ways to integrate Bitcoin into its ecosystem, aiming to lower entry barriers for mainstream users.

The plan includes embedding Bitcoin wallets directly into Google accounts, allowing users to access them as seamlessly as any other Google service. The company is also working on making crypto payments as intuitive as existing Web2 payment methods. Security remains a top priority, with Google looking to deploy Zero-Knowledge Proofs or similar encryption technology to ensure trust between on-chain and off-chain systems.

Although Song’s comments were not an official announcement, the impact of such an integration could be transformative. If Google successfully integrates Bitcoin with Google Pay, crypto adoption could accelerate like never before. Billions of users might suddenly find themselves with an easy and secure way to buy, exchange, and spend Bitcoin.

However, not all ambitious tech projects succeed. Facebook and Telegram both attempted to integrate cryptocurrencies in 2020 but were forced to abandon their plans due to regulatory pressures. The environment in 2025 is different, with Bitcoin ETFs already approved and crypto adoption more widely accepted. If Google follows through, it could mark a new chapter for digital assets, bridging the gap between traditional finance and decentralised money.

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Juventus gains backing from Tether

Tether, the cryptocurrency firm behind one of the world’s leading stablecoins, has invested in Juventus, Italy’s most popular football club. Holding a 5% stake valued at approximately €50 million, Tether revealed it has acquired shares gradually over recent months.

CEO Paolo Ardoino, a Juventus supporter, highlighted the firm’s desire to explore collaborative opportunities while remaining a minority investor.

Tether has expressed its willingness to cooperate with Juventus’ management and owners, aiming to enhance the club’s brand globally. Potential collaboration may include utilising Tether’s payment platform and vast user base of 400 million, particularly in emerging markets.

Ardoino noted that football clubs must adopt forward-looking strategies to connect with fans using innovative technologies.

Juventus, controlled by the Agnelli family through investment company Exor, has faced financial challenges recently, including losses nearing €200 million in the last fiscal year. Exor has denied any plans to sell its majority stake, which currently stands at 64%.

Ardoino emphasised that Tether’s goal is supportive rather than aggressive, focusing on unlocking the club’s untapped potential.

Tether remains a dominant player in the stablecoin market, with over $140 billion tokens in circulation. Despite regulatory concerns about stablecoins’ risks to financial systems, Tether’s profitability exceeded $13 billion in 2024, providing ample resources for strategic investments like its stake in Juventus.

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Multi-million crypto Ponzi scheme exposed by Norwegian investigators

Norwegian prosecutors have charged four individuals for their role in a massive fraud and money laundering operation that deceived thousands of victims worldwide. Authorities say the scheme collected over 900 million kroner ($86–87 million), with more than 700 million kroner laundered through a Norwegian law firm before being transferred to accounts in Asia.

The scam operated as a multi-level marketing structure, with victims recruited to buy “product packages” containing cryptocurrency and company shares. Investors were promised profits from gas fields, mining, and real estate, but investigators say no real investments were made. Instead, new deposits funded payouts to earlier investors, fitting the classic Ponzi scheme model.

Officials revealed that financial professionals, including lawyers and accountants, helped to conceal the money flow, making the fraud harder to detect. Europol has warned that financial crimes like these are a growing global threat, with fraud and money laundering acting as the driving force behind organised crime.

Despite the cross-border nature of the operation, Norwegian authorities stress that those responsible will be prosecuted, no matter where their victims are located. The case highlights the increasing use of professional services to facilitate fraud, a challenge that law enforcement agencies worldwide are struggling to tackle.

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Russia denies digital rouble expiry rumours

The Russian Central Bank has dismissed claims that unused digital rouble coins in inactive wallets will be erased. Officials say the reports, spreading on social media, are false and have no basis in law. Alla Bakina, a senior bank executive, stressed that digital roubles, like cash, belong entirely to the wallet holder, who can spend them whenever they choose.

Concerns have also surfaced that Russian citizens will be forced to use the digital rouble. However, the Central Bank insists that opening a digital rouble wallet will remain voluntary. Officials criticised social media “pseudo-experts” for spreading misinformation and reassured the public that there is no need to submit formal refusals to banks or government offices.

Despite these reassurances, scepticism remains. Some critics argue that while the bank may not impose expiry dates now, digital currencies allow for future spending restrictions. The digital rouble has been in testing since August 2023, with a full rollout expected before the year’s end.

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Nigeria’s new proposal to tax crypto transactions

Nigeria is set to amend its digital asset regulations to introduce taxes on cryptocurrency transactions, a move the government believes could generate significant revenue. A bill currently before the National Assembly aims to provide a legal framework for taxing transactions on regulated exchanges, with expectations for its adoption this quarter.

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is also working on expanding crypto licensing, allowing exchanges to be monitored for tax compliance. The SEC issued its first exchange licence in August 2024 and has since taken steps to regulate unlicensed platforms.

With Nigeria ranked second in global crypto adoption, many citizens have embraced cryptocurrencies, especially stablecoins like Tether and USD Coin, to protect their wealth against the country’s high inflation and depreciating currency. In the last year, Nigeria received $21.8 billion in stablecoin transactions, leading the Sub-Saharan region.

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Cryptocurrencies gain traction in Hong Kong schemes

Hong Kong has hinted at the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as proof of wealth for its New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES). While cryptocurrencies are not listed as approved investment assets, a local accountant disclosed that bitcoin and ether were used successfully in two cases to demonstrate applicants’ wealth.

Authorities stated there were no specific restrictions on asset types for applications, leaving the door open for virtual assets.

The investment scheme, relaunched in March 2024, requires applicants to control assets worth at least HK$30 million (£3.9 million) and invest them in approved options to gain residency.

With Hong Kong positioning itself as a global hub for virtual assets, experts see the inclusion of cryptocurrencies in applications as a step toward mainstream acceptance.

Competition with regional rivals like Singapore and Dubai has intensified Hong Kong’s efforts to attract capital. Analysts noted that the scheme excludes mainland Chinese applicants but revealed workarounds, such as securing permanent residency in third countries like Guinea-Bissau.

Data showed that nearly 80% of over 250 recent applicants were from Guinea-Bissau or Vanuatu, highlighting an emerging trend.

Cryptocurrency advocates praised Hong Kong’s openness, seeing it as a critical move in recognising digital assets on par with traditional ones. The development signals a potential shift in how virtual wealth is perceived globally and could boost Hong Kong’s appeal to investors.

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Argentina’s President faces impeachment calls over cryptocurrency scandal

President of Argentina, Javier Milei, is facing impeachment calls from opposition lawmakers after promoting a little-known cryptocurrency that crashed shortly after his endorsement. Late on Friday, Milei posted on X recommending the crypto coin $LIBRA, causing its price to surge to nearly $5 before plummeting below $1 within hours.

Critics accused the president of irresponsibility, with some suggesting the incident could be a “rug pull” scam designed to manipulate investments.

Lawmaker Leandro Santoro, a member of the opposition coalition, called the incident an international embarrassment and announced plans to seek Milei’s impeachment.

Argentina’s fintech chamber acknowledged the possibility of fraudulent activity, adding to concerns about the president’s involvement. Local media reported that Milei’s post remained online for a few hours before being deleted.

Milei later distanced himself from the cryptocurrency, stating he had no connection to it and was unaware of its details before promoting it.

After learning more, he removed the post to avoid further publicity. Despite his explanation, the controversy has intensified political tensions, with opposition figures questioning his judgment and calling for accountability.

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World Network grows in the Philippines amid data fears

World Network has officially launched in the Philippines, bringing its digital identity service, World ID, to one of the world’s most active online communities. Already adopted by over 23 million users globally, World ID allows people to verify their identity securely and anonymously. Initially introduced in Bulacan, the service is now expanding nationwide to help users protect themselves from online fraud, deepfakes, and digital misinformation.

With fraud linked to deepfakes surging by 4,500% in the Philippines over the past year, World ID’s biometric verification aims to set humans apart from AI-driven bots. The platform arrives when nearly all Filipinos use social media, making it a prime market for digital identity solutions. By scanning a person’s iris, World ID offers a safer way for individuals to prove their humanity in an increasingly AI-driven world.

However, the initiative has faced significant backlash due to privacy concerns over biometric data collection. Governments in Kenya, France, Portugal, and several other countries have raised legal challenges, fearing data misuse and lack of transparency. World Network insists it safeguards users’ information through privacy-focused technology, but critics remain sceptical, particularly in regions with weaker data protection laws.

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Argentine President rejects claims over LIBRA meme coin

Argentine President Javier Milei has denied endorsing the LIBRA meme coin, which recently surged in value before collapsing, leaving investors with heavy losses. He stated that he merely shared information about the token and never encouraged people to buy in. According to Milei, only a few Argentine investors were affected, with most traders coming from China and the US. He disputed reports that 44,000 people lost money, insisting the real number was closer to 5,000, primarily experienced traders who understood the risks.

Milei explained that Hayden Davis, one of LIBRA’s backers, had proposed a financial structure to support entrepreneurs struggling to secure funding. Seeing potential in the idea, he simply helped spread awareness. However, after facing political backlash, Milei admitted he must be more cautious about his public statements, acknowledging that he still acts as he did before becoming president and needs to be less accessible.

The controversy has rattled Argentina’s political and financial landscape, with opposition leaders accusing Milei of misleading the public and calling for his removal. The anti-corruption office has launched an investigation, alongside a legal probe led by Federal Judge María Servini. Meanwhile, Argentina’s financial markets took a hit, with the S&P Merval stock index dropping by 5%. Despite Milei’s insistence that he acted in good faith, scrutiny of his administration continues to intensify.

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Tether partners with Guinea to boost blockchain adoption

Tether has signed an agreement with the government of Guinea to support economic growth and digital transformation through blockchain and peer-to-peer technology. The memorandum of understanding focuses on education, innovation, and sustainable technology, with Tether aiming to promote blockchain adoption in both public and private sectors. The partnership may also involve the City of Science and Innovation in Guinea.

Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, stated that the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to helping nations build strong digital economies. He emphasised that blockchain solutions could play a key role in Guinea’s technological development, paving the way for economic progress.

Tether has been actively expanding its global presence through similar partnerships. It recently relocated its headquarters to El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, and has also collaborated with governments and organisations in Switzerland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Georgia. Additionally, the company has launched educational programmes in several countries to encourage broader blockchain adoption.

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