Happy New Year from the Crypto Frontier!
2023. Gone, but not forgotten. As the dust settles on a year of unexpected twists and turns, bear market dips, and regulatory rumbles, we’re taking a moment to dissect the innovation that pressed on despite the challenges. The confetti has settled, the champagne has faded, and the Luna PR team is already laser-focused on 2024.?
With that in mind, we'll be sharing the must-attend conferences, 2024 trends to look out for, and an exciting event that we are bringing to Dubai. Buckle up, folks, because this year, we're taking your brand story from whisper to ROAR.?
So let's check out our:
Your Monthly News Roundup
The most important headlines and industry updates.?
What’s Next for Binance
Following Binance ’s record-breaking $4.3 billion fine and CZ’s step down as CEO, everyone would be permitted to think that the exchange is in a weak position. However, Binance is poised for an exciting next chapter. The industry giant has resolved regulatory hurdles, paving the way for expansion. Expect enhanced compliance and transparency, building trust for broader adoption. Richard Teng, the new CEO, has impressive experience and the expertise to lead Binance into their new period of growth. Binance's innovative spirit won't fade. - with increased investment in DeFi, NFT infrastructure, and BNB Chain development they have strengthened their technological edge. With a clean slate and renewed focus, Binance is primed for a strong 2024.?
New Rules for US Citizens Receiving Crypto?
A new law mandating detailed reporting of large cryptocurrency transactions to the IRS has sparked controversy. Effective from January 2, 2024, anyone receiving more than $10,000 in crypto must provide details of the transaction to the IRS, including sender details, within 15 days or face potential criminal charges. This rule, embedded within the Infrastructure Investment Act, redefines "cash" to encompass digital assets. Critics like CoinCenter have criticized it as unconstitutional and impractical, especially for miners and anonymous transactions on decentralized exchanges.
Orbit Bridge hack totals December crypto theft to almost $100M
Orbit Bridge, a cross-chain bridge facilitating cryptocurrency transfers between blockchains, suffered a major hack on December 31st, 2023. Hackers siphoned approximately $82 million in various cryptocurrencies and stablecoins across five transactions, over $50 million in stablecoins (Tether, DAI, and USDC), $10 million in wrapped Bitcoin (wBTC), and $21.5 million in Ethereum were illicitly transferred raising concerns about the security of cross-chain bridges. The hack's impact extended beyond the stolen funds. Orbit Chain, closely tied to the Klaytn ecosystem, saw its native token KLAY plummet by 10%. While the full picture of the Orbit Bridge hack is yet to emerge, it serves as a stark reminder of the evolving threats in the crypto landscape and the importance of prioritizing security in innovative blockchain technologies.
FTX's Revised Bankruptcy Plan Sparks Controversy
FTX has submitted a new reorganization plan, after its bankruptcy filing on November 11th, 2022, but it's facing backlash for its method of valuing customer claims. The plan pegs claim values to the November 2022 crypto prices which are ignoring the significant gains since then. This decision raises concerns about loss of potential gains for creditors, ethical discrepancies with FTX's terms of service, which stated that digital assets belonged to customers and not to the exchange, and limited options for creditors forced to accept the plan despite objections. With potential legal challenges looming, the controversy surrounding FTX's valuation freeze is far from over.
Phoenix Reaches $3.3 Billion Value in Abu Dhabi Debut
The cryptocurrency mining hardware retailer, Phoenix Group , had an outstanding debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) with its shares surging by 35% on its first day of trading. The IPO was 33 times oversubscribed, indicating strong investor confidence and the company's market capitalization reached 12.3 billion dhs ($3.3 billion). The stock closed at 2.03 dhs on Tuesday, up from the IPO price of 1.50, having earlier risen as much as 51%. Phoenix Group offers mining through hosting services and a cloud-based service. In addition to being a mining equipment retailer, Phoenix also operates cryptocurrency data centers and recently established M2 , the UAE's first fully regulated digital asset exchange, powered by its native Ethereum-based token, MMX.?
December Conferences
World Metaverse Summit and Awards - Dubai, UAE
World Metaverse Summit & Awards was an exclusive 2-day event held in Dubai this December. This groundbreaking event brought together key players, innovators, exhibitors, start-ups, and investors for a fantastic opportunity to attend thought leadership presentations, interactive sessions, panel discussions, and AR/VR installations.?
We are delighted to announce that we were not only media partners for this visionary event, but that Nikita (Sachdev) Lord was awarded Social Media Personality of the Year! We also had a dedicated space, and it was great to see so many of you there!??
Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit - Abu Dhabi, UAE
The fifth annual Milken Institute Middle East and Africa Summit was held in Abu Dhabi, and focused on ‘Navigating Complexity through Collaboration’. This important event provided?
a platform for government, investors, industry leaders, and academics to discuss critical issues and work towards finding long-lasting solutions.?
Notable tracks to attend included Powering Investments: from Algorithm to Alpha, Borderless: The State of Digital Assets, Infrastructure, and Web3, and Tech Possibilities: Investors, Founders, and Companies.?
Global Blockchain Congress - Dubai, UAE
AgoraGroup hosted the 12th edition of the Global Blockchain Congress in Dubai this December. After a successful launch in London, the event returned to Dubai with the theme: “Will the Next Bull Market Be Different”. We’re proud to have been a media partner of this vital congress as well as Nikita (Sachdev) Lord being a panel moderator on ‘Why Crypto Countries are warming up to the United Arab Emirates’. With panellists Alex Chehade , Feras Al Sadek , Maher Al Kaabi and Valerie Hawley , it was a panel not to be missed. Nikita also hosted a fireside chat with Mohamed Al Blooshi , CEO of DIFC on how Dubai is Shaping the Global Future of Finance Landscape.?
January Conferences
MetavSummit - Dubai, UAE
The Metavsummit ( DoubleMorgan Summits ) is a must-attend web3 event bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and startups to connect in the realm of cutting-edge technologies like blockchain, the Metaverse, and AI. Held in Dubai, the summit attracts attendees from across the world thanks to its proven track record of success in the region. This is the first event of 2024 that we are media partners for and we can’t wait! Nikita (Sachdev) Lord will also return to the stage, we look forward to seeing you there to kick off the 2024 season!
iFX EXPO - Dubai, UAE
? iFX EXPO returns, it is the premier gathering for FinTech and the financial services world. For over a decade, they have hosted one of the industry's most exciting events, bridging connections between online trading, financial platforms, and global leaders. The 2024 event promises even more. Dive into insightful talks from expert speakers, learn from the pioneers shaping the future of finance, and network with visionary executives from top companies. Over two days, there are invaluable insights, lasting partnerships created, and new avenues to discover and grow your business. We’re excited to be media partners at this essential event as well as Nikita Sachdev taking to the stage for a campfire session.?
领英推荐
Client Spotlight?
RAK DAO and ADGM Courts to Transform Web3 in the UAE?
We’re proud to share some amazing client news with a landmark partnership. RAK Digital Assets Oasis , a digital asset haven based in Ras Al Khaimah, and ADGM Courts, who are known for their legal tech innovation have joined forces to revolutionize web3 in the UAE. Sharing a combined vision for a digital future, they will collaborate on cutting-edge web3 courts, accessible legal frameworks, and educational initiatives. This MoU paves the way for a thriving digital ecosystem in the UAE, empowering businesses and fostering legal clarity for web3 ventures.
Essential Luna Updates
A Look to 2024 with our CEO, Nikita Sachdev?
2024 isn't just a fresh year on the calendar. It's the year web3 sheds its beta skin and bursts onto the world stage. Bitcoin becomes not if, but when it cracks mainstream adoption after being the best-performing asset of 2023. And crypto, once a fringe murmur, now sits on the edge of potential to revolutionize everything from finance to art.
This year, expect Luna PR to delve deeper than ever. We'll unpack the intricacies of DAOs, DeFi, and the metaverse as we explore the ethical quandaries and regulatory landscapes shaping web3. And, as always we'll celebrate the visionaries building a future where ownership is democratized, value is borderless, and possibilities are endless.
This year, let's rewrite the rules.
Mark Your Calendars: The Crypto Polo Cup Returns!
Our exciting event news is………… The Crypto Polo Cup will be returning this year.?
Get ready to witness a thrilling polo tournament, as the highly anticipated Crypto Polo Cup returns to Dubai on April 20, 2024. Following its roaring success in 2022, this exciting event promises to raise the bar even higher, offering an unforgettable spectacle for polo enthusiasts and crypto connoisseurs alike.
Dubai's pristine polo fields will be filled with the energy of world-class polo teams vying for the coveted championship trophy. Each team, sponsored by prominent industry titans, will bring their unique A-game to the field, showcasing both athletic prowess and strategic horsemanship. But the Crypto Polo Cup isn't just about traditional polo – it's about innovation and pushing boundaries.
Get ready to experience the future of polo – the future is galloping towards Dubai!
To express interest in sponsorship opportunities, please email [email protected].?
For more information visit https://www.cryptopolocup.com/?
2024 PR Trends
2024 promises a PR landscape buzzing with exciting trends and challenges. Here are four key themes that you should know:
1. Cutting Through the Noise: Information overload threatens to drown out even the most newsworthy stories. We’ll be focusing on data-driven strategies, hyper-targeted pitches, and creative content like short-form videos to break through the digital clutter.
2. AI Takes Center Stage: Robots won't replace us PR pros! But AI content creation tools will become valuable partners. They'll support research and analyze data, freeing up our time for strategic thinking and relationship building.
3. The Human Touch Thrives: Authenticity and empathy will matter more than ever. Consumers crave genuine connections with brands. Expect campaigns that celebrate vulnerability, address social issues, and prioritize meaningful interactions over polished perfection.
4. Beyond Social Media: While platforms like TikTok and Instagram remain crucial, PR will diversify its focus. Look for a resurgence of traditional media partnerships, targeted influencer collaborations, and community-building initiatives in unexpected spaces.
These trends highlight the continued evolution of PR from publicity generation to strategic narrative building. In 2024, success will hinge on understanding audience needs, harnessing data and technology, and delivering authentic, impactful stories that resonate deeply.
AI in Football: Transforming the Beautiful Game
Our newest series ‘Think Differ3nt’ gives space for the Luna PR teams to share their expertise and thought leadership on key topics in our industry. For our second article, Sebastien Marque , Head of Social Media at Luna PR, shares his thoughts on AI in Football: Transforming the Beautiful Game.?
Sebastian, with a keen passion for football and deep knowledge of artificial intelligence and its role in the game, shares his insights on how AI is enhancing the sport for both players and fans alike.?
“Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized player scouting, becoming indispensable for clubs seeking the next generation of talent. AI algorithms analyze vast datasets, assessing player performance metrics, strengths, weaknesses, and potential. This allows scouts to make informed decisions, identifying players aligning with the team's goals. Programs like Eyeball, a global camera network, enable AI to scout players worldwide, uncovering hidden gems much more efficiently. Thanks to programs like Eyeball it is possible that your team’s future young star was discovered without a single scout going to see him play live!”
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Brand Partnership Specialist @ Station Entertainment | Agile Project Management, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt | Scrum Master | Project Leadership | Web3 | I translate project needs into actionable strategies.
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