Crypto Twister: Bank's Big Bet, NFT Rides, and Legal Clashes! ???????

Welcome to this week's Crypto Weekly Digest! ?

Wind of change in the crypto sphere!? Or shall we say - a day like any other??

If you have been observing our Crypto Digest long enough, you know that each week, we serve our followers an explosive cocktail of news from the ever-evolving crypto and blockchain galaxy. This week's one's full of twists and turns. ??

From the corridors of traditional banking to the frontiers of Web3, join us as we navigate through the highs and lows, the launches and lawsuits, and everything in between, shaping the future of finance and beyond. ????

Ready, steady, go!

Digital Finance Evolution: Deutsche Bank Dives into Crypto ETPs with Zodia Custody! ??

German banking might not be known as the most change-embracing, but it may soon change because of stellar moves as such! 德意志银行 's asset management arm, DWS, has unleashed its first-ever crypto Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) featuring Bitcoin and Ethereum under the Xtracker brand. ?? This shift was possible through a cosmic alignment with Zodia Custody , backed by financial giants like 渣打银行 and Northern Trust , positioning itself as one of the guardians of these digital treasures. ?????

Zodia Custody isn't just stopping there; they've also locked in a partnership with ETC Group, bringing even more firepower to the crypto ETP galaxy. ??? With giants like Coinbase and 美国道富银行 in the mix, the message is clear: the future of finance is here, and it's secure, sophisticated, and ready for liftoff. ??

Mazda Zooms into the NFT World with Astar’s Yoki Origins! ??????

Mazda Motor Corporation , the car giant, is steering into the digital age with a flashy turn, partnering with Astar Network for the launch of Yoki Origins. ??? Watch it drive straight into the NFT pool with the iconic MX-5 MIATA taking center stage!?

Through this collaboration, Mazda is revving up Web3 storytelling, launching an NFT collection that marries the automotive world with digital artistry. The collection features the MX-5 MIATA in various artistic renditions, including special editions for the NA/ND models and pieces that pay homage to Japanese seasons and locales. ??????

With these characteristics, the collection is also a beacon for other Japanese companies to join the Web3 wave, expanding the digital ecosystem with rich cultural experiences. ?????

The campaign, launching on April 5th, is setting an example of how Web3 can merge traditional culture with futuristic tech, and let's hope others will follow! ????

GalaChain & Staynex: Pioneering the New Era of Crypto-Jetsetting! ?????

In a move that's sparking joy across the blockchain universe, GalaChain has joined forces with Staynex , setting the stage for a travel revolution. ????Following a dazzling showcase at the GALAthon event, this new partnership is on course to inject blockchain magic into your travel plans.

Imagine booking your next holiday with blockchain-powered ease, unlocking unique perks, and paying your way with crypto. ????? GalaChain & Staynex collaboration aims to offer a buffet of blockchain benefits, from transparent transactions to tailor-made travel experiences that treat you like the VIP you are.

As we buckle up for this journey, the message is clear: technology like blockchain can redirect the future of travel, taking us places smarter, safer, and with a suitcase full of perks. ???? Get ready to pack your digital wallet alongside your sunscreen because the trip of the future is about to take off! ????

Telegram’s Game-Changer: Creators to Cash in on Channel Ads! ??

Telegram Messenger is rolling out a treasure chest for its creators, unveiling a groundbreaking revenue-sharing scheme that's set to shake the social media realm. ???? Public channel owners with a dashing number of 1,000 subscribers or more can now bag a whopping 50% of the ad revenue generated on their channels. Talk about making a bank while you post!

Alongside this financial fiesta, Telegram is launching a shiny new ad format purchasable with Toncoin, adding a sprinkle of crypto magic to the mix. ??? This innovative move not only opens the door for creators to boost their earnings but also introduces an exciting way for users to promote their bots and channels with just a few Toncoins in their pocket.

Creators, mark your calendars! The payout parade is set to kick off in the coming weeks on Fragment. And for those who fancy, collector usernames, Telegram ads gain reinvestment options, or even premium lotteries are just a few taps away. ???? With these changes, Telegram is redefining the creator economy, one ad at a time. ????

Bitkub's Big Bang: Thailand's Crypto Titan Gears Up for 2025 IPO! ??????

In a move that's stirring winds in the crypto sphere, Bitkub , Thailand's largest cryptocurrency exchange, is setting its sights on an explosive 2025 IPO. ???

As competition heats up from giants like Binance and KASIKORNBANK , Bitkub isn't merely sitting pretty. They're planning to bulk up their crew with 1,000 new roles by 2025, gearing up for a major league debut on the Thai Stock Exchange (SET). ??

CEO Jirayut Srupsrisopa is harnessing the winds to navigate Bitkub towards this financial frontier, aiming to elevate its stature and treasure chest.

The timing seems as perfect as a Thai sunset for Bitkub's market splash,? with the number of active crypto traders in Thailand leaping to 238,000 this March. This IPO could be a game-changer for crypto in Thailand and beyond, so let's keep an eye on it! ??♂???

Tether Levels Up Security with SOC 2 Audit Triumph! ??????

Tether.io , the heavyweight champ of the crypto stablecoin arena, just aced the System Organization Control (SOC) 2 Type 1 Audit, flexing its security muscles for the world to see. ????

Conducted by the prestigious American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), this audit is a gold standard for security compliance, ensuring that companies like Tether are built like a digital Fort Knox. ??

Covering the critical 'trust service principles' of security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy, it scrutinizes everything from firewalls and intrusion detection to data encryption, making sure Tether's defenses are as tight as a drum. ?????

In bolstering their commitment to security, Tether has also significantly expanded their Bitcoin reserves, purchasing 8,888 BTC and pushing their holdings to a staggering 75,000 BTC, marking their status as the seventh-largest Bitcoin holder globally.?

CEO Paolo Ardoino hailed this as a major win for customer trust, promising that Tether's treasure trove of data and assets is guarded by top-tier security protocols.

But Tether isn't stopping there—they're vowing to undergo this rigorous test annually, setting their sights on the SOC 2 Type 2 Certificate next. With their commitment to transparency and cutting-edge security, Tether is not just talking the talk; they're walking the walk, leading the charge towards a safer crypto future. ??

Deribit Sets Sail to Dubai: A New Chapter in Crypto's Desert Oasis! ???

Deribit is packing its bags! This kingpin of cryptocurrency options exchanges will relocate to UAE's capital following a green light from Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) for a conditional Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) license. ????

This strategic pivot marks Deribit's ambitious dive into the Middle East's burgeoning digital asset space, heating up the buzz around their further plans. With the new license tucked under its belt, Deribit's set to turbocharge its services for both spot and derivatives trading, eyeing a dazzling debut once it crosses the t's and dots the i's of VARA’s requirements. ?????

And with Luuk Strijers, a seasoned veteran in the finance arena, taking the helm as CEO, along with a duo of Non-Executive Directors joining the fray, Deribit's gearing up for an epic saga of innovation and expansion in the crypto cosmos.

But that's not all - once Deribit's engines are fully fired up in Dubai, it promises to cater to the sophisticated tastes of institutional and qualified investors, all while keeping its retail clientele in the loop from its Panama broker affiliate. ???? Dubai's forward-thinking regulatory vision and Deribit's relentless drive to stay at the forefront of the digital asset revolution make fertile ground for innovation, so watch this desert oasis bloom! ??

Goldman Sachs Says "No Thanks" to Crypto Craze! ????

高盛 , the titan of traditional finance, is standing its ground in the bustling crypto arena, with a firm "not interested" sign flashing. Despite crypto's recent roller-coaster of a rally, the bank's top brass, led by Chief Investment Officer Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani, remains unshaken in their belief that cryptocurrencies are not worth their digital weight in gold. ?????

In stark contrast to some of their TradFi counterparts who are diving headfirst into the crypto pool, Goldman Sachs and its clients are comfortably lounging on the sidelines, skepticism in tow.

Mossavar-Rahmani, a long-standing crypto skeptic, reinforces the bank's stance, arguing that without a concrete way to value these digital assets, it's impossible to justify them as an investment class. ??♀??? She's also thrown shade at the crypto world's "democratization of finance" mantra, pointing out that, ironically, only a few key players end up calling the shots.

While financial juggernauts like J.P. Morgan Chase and Citigroup dip their toes into blockchain and tokenization, Goldman Sachs is content to keep its distance, watching from afar as the crypto landscape evolves. It seems, for now, Goldman is betting on a different future, one where crypto doesn't quite fit into their golden equation. ????

Bitfarms' $240 Million Power Play: Amping Up for the Bitcoin Halving! ????

What a shot of cash! Bitfarms is plugging in a whopping $240 million to supercharge its Bitcoin mining operations. As the Bitcoin halving event of 2024 looms on the horizon, this investment is all about staying ahead of the game, aiming to triple its hash rate post-halving. ???? The plan? To roll in 88,000 high-efficiency mining machines that will keep the coins flowing and the profits glowing. And they're already far toward their goal, having already scooped up an impressive array of Bitmain's latest and greatest miners.?

Their eye-popping goal of cranking their operating capacity up by 83% to 440 megawatts puts them on track to become a heavyweight in the global mining scene. ????Meanwhile, the stash in their treasury, combining cold hard cash and a neat stack of 806 BTC, puts them in a formidable position to weather the halving storm and emerge more profitable than ever.

While Bitfarms gears up for a future where their hash rate soars to 21 EH/s, they're not just playing for the next block reward cut. They're investing in a vision where efficiency and scale catapult them to the top of the Bitcoin mining leaderboard, all while keeping an eye on the ever-evolving landscape of crypto profitability. ????

Ripple Dives Into Stablecoin Seas & ?? PayPal Expands PYUSD's Global Reach! ??

Ripple is surfing the stablecoin wave with a splash, launching its very own U.S. dollar-pegged token, aiming to cement itself among the titans like Tether and USDC. This Ripple stablecoin vows to be as solid as a rock, backed 100% by U.S. dollar deposits and short-term government Treasuries, all while touting transparency with public audits. ???

Meanwhile, PayPal is not sitting on the sidelines either, as it turbocharges its PYUSD stablecoin for cross-border marvels. ???? U.S. users (Hawaii sitting this one out) can now zap money to over 160 countries via PayPal’s Xoom, converting those PYUSD to USD with no crypto sale fee.?

While Ripple aims to ride the wave of transparency and trust, PayPal's broadening its horizon, ensuring PYUSD users can easily sprinkle a bit of their digital dollar magic worldwide. ???? One thing is for sure: whether for stabilizing the crypto seas or smoothing out cross-border payments, the tide is turning towards practical, user-focused crypto solutions.

Investment Giants in a Bitcoin ETF Showdown! ??

In the high-stakes world of finance, 摩根士丹利 and 瑞银集团 are neck and neck in a race that could make crypto history. According to the buzz from crypto insider Andrew AP Abacus, both banking behemoths are gearing up to roll out Bitcoin ETFs on their platforms next week. ???? Amid the spotlight on the recent launch of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the U.S., the tension is palpable as each aims to be the first wirehouse to welcome the much-anticipated financial product.

Andrew's insights, coupled with commentary from Bloomberg's ETF expert Eric Balchunas, suggest a thrilling "compliance game of chicken" where both banks are poised at the starting line, awaiting the signal to dash. ???? Meanwhile, UBS has hinted at a window between April 8 and 12 for their big reveal, setting the stage for a potential photo finish with Morgan Stanley, which is also rumored to be on the verge of approval.

As the finance world watches with bated breath, this race not only highlights the burgeoning interest in cryptocurrency from traditional banking institutions but also hints at the growing legitimacy and appeal of Bitcoin ETFs among mainstream investors. Whoever crosses the finish line first, one thing's clear: the investment landscape is gearing up for a seismic shift. ????

China and Hong Kong's Bold Strides into Blockchain and Tokenization! ??

In an ambitious leap into the future, China has unveiled a massive blockchain project aimed at bolstering the Belt and Road Initiative. Led by the Conflux Network , this project seeks to construct a public blockchain infrastructure that doesn't play ball with cryptocurrencies or tokens, sticking strictly to blockchain's myriad other potentials. ??? This move underscores China's intent to harness blockchain's power for cross-national cooperation and innovation, minus the crypto buzz.

Simultaneously in Hong Kong, 广发证券 is breaking new ground by rolling out the first tokenized Commercial Paper, making waves under local laws, and leveraging Ethereum's blockchain. ???? Hong Kong is embracing Web 3.0 and the tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA), paving the way for investments that promise to liquefy traditional markets and redefine the financial landscape. The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission's nod towards opening security token issuance and RWA investment to retail investors signals a seismic shift in the city's financial fabric.

Together, China's blockchain infrastructure ambitions and Hong Kong's pioneering tokenization initiatives represent a potent blend of innovation and pragmatism. While steering clear of the volatile crypto sector, these efforts aim to inject liquidity into traditional markets, illustrating a keen eye toward the digital economy's pulse. ????

Merkle Manufactory Hits the Big Time with a Billion-Dollar Shine! ??

Unicorns exist, and they are multiplying!?? Merkle Manufactory, the brains behind the decentralized social-media darling Farcaster, is about to seal the deal on a funding round that catapults it into the unicorn club with a whopping $1 billion valuation. ???? Spearheaded by Paradigm, a heavyweight in the crypto investment arena, this move marks a seismic shift in the social media landscape, signaling big investor confidence in decentralized platforms.

Founded by alumni of Coinbase Global Inc , Merkle's journey to unicorn status underscores the growing allure of blockchain-powered social networks among investors and tech visionaries alike. With this hefty infusion of cash and Paradigm steering the ship, Merkle's set to take the Farcaster network to uncharted territories, where tweets meet blockchain and social media gets a privacy-centric makeover. ????

Game On in Web3: Bitkraft, Galaxy Digital, & a16z Fuel the Future of Gaming & Crypto! ????

In a digital gold rush, BITKRAFT Ventures is stepping up its game with an astronomical $275 million fund aimed at boosting early-stage gaming projects, pushing its total assets to a jaw-dropping $1 billion. This move shines a spotlight on the burgeoning interest in Web3 and blockchain games, with a keen eye on the Asian market, signaling a bullish outlook on the gaming industry's evolution. ?????

Meanwhile, Galaxy Digital, steered by crypto visionary Mike Novogratz, is joining the venture capital frenzy with its own $100 million fund dedicated to nurturing early-stage crypto startups. This venture fund, part of a broader trend of resurgent interest in crypto, underscores the optimism in the digital assets space fueled by a crypto market rally led by Bitcoin's impressive gains. ????

Not to be outdone, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is placing its bets on the future of gaming with a $75 million fund through its SPEEDRUN program for Web3 gaming startups. This strategic injection of capital and mentorship into the gaming ecosystem aligns with a16z's vision of blending technology and gaming, highlighting the sector's potential for innovation and disruption. ????

As the trio of Bitkraft, Galaxy Digital, and a16z turbocharges the engines of innovation in gaming and crypto, the stage is set for an epic saga of digital transformation. With venture capitals pouring into Web3 gaming and crypto startups, the future looks bright for gamers and crypto enthusiasts alike, promising a new era of immersive, blockchain-powered digital experiences. ????

Code Glitch Traps $24M in Lido's SOL Stash: A Sticky Web3 Wobble ?? ???

In a twist fit for a digital drama, Lido's foray into Solana Foundation staking has hit a snag, leaving a cool $24 million SOL locked away thanks to a pesky code bug. Despite Lido bidding adieu to its Solana protocol and yanking the web interface that allowed for smooth token exchanges, over 31,000 wallets find themselves in a crypto-limbo, clutching onto their stSOL tokens with no clear escape route. ????

As if being ghosted by the web interface wasn't spooky enough, a newfound glitch in the smart contract's logic is adding insult to injury, effectively barring any attempts to withdraw the frozen funds. This double blow has left many in the Lido community more than a little miffed, especially those not versed in the arcane arts of direct code interaction. ??♂???

While Lido's silent treatment leaves many questions unanswered, the saga underscores the tricky tightrope walk that navigating the Web3 world is, blending technical hitches with tales of community woes. As stSOL holders hover in uncertainty, the story is a stark reminder of the challenges lurking in the digital deep, waiting to ensnare the unwary. ??

Google Cracks Down on Crypto Scammers in App Store Showdown ????

谷歌 's legal eagles have swooped down on two Chinese nationals, hurling accusations of a crafty crypto con that fleeced over 100,000 global users via sneaky apps on the Google Play store. Picture this: an elaborate scheme spinning since 2019, involving duplicitous cryptocurrency investment apps that promised the digital gold rush but delivered digital dust. ???♂???

The plot thickens with tales of false identities, fabricated app descriptions, and the illusion of booming balances, only for users to hit a brick wall when trying to withdraw their so-called earnings. These digital desperados allegedly didn't stop at app trickery; they wooed victims through text messages, social media charm offensives, and even fake flirts to get their apps downloaded. ????

Google, not one to take this digital drama lying down, is now gunning for damages north of $75,000 and a court-ordered Google ghosting for the accused. It's a bold move meant to send a message far and wide: Google's Play store is no playground for crypto crooks. ?????

As we wrap up another edition of Crypto Weekly Digest, we hope you've enjoyed this expedition through the buzzing world of cryptocurrency and blockchain.?

Stay tuned, stay informed, and above all, stay curious. The digital age is filled with gusts of change, and together, we'll be poised for whatever breeze blows next in this virtual ocean. Until next time, keep navigating the digital seas!