The Last Fornight In Crypto - April (Part 1)
Solana's Struggle: Delayed Launches Amid Network Congestion
The Solana blockchain faces hurdles as intermittent congestion disrupts its operations, leading to postponed launches for several crypto projects. Amid increasing reports of network congestion and transaction errors, Solana developers aim to resolve these issues by April 15. Projects like Suit Up, DuckCoin, and Surge Finance have held off on launches until technical difficulties are resolved. Anza, a Solana-focused software development shop, has outlined plans to address network congestion issues, attributing them to QUIC implementation problems. Despite Solana co-founder Raj Gokal's reassurance that transaction failures aren't scalability-related, users continue to face delays, with reports of sluggish SOL token transactions on exchanges like Coinbase. As Solana grapples with its success, Fantom network creator Andre Cronje attributes the congestion to the ecosystem's rapid growth, emphasizing technical challenges over consensus mechanism flaws.
Terraform Labs Found Guilty: NY Jury Rules in SEC Fraud Case
In a significant verdict, a New York jury has found Terraform Labs and co-founder Do Kwon guilty of civil fraud charges filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in connection with the Terra ecosystem's collapse in May 2022. The SEC accused Kwon and Terraform Labs of misleading investors about the stability of their "algorithmic" stablecoin, Terra USD (UST), and the capabilities of the Terra blockchain. Despite Kwon's claims of UST's autonomous recovery from de-pegging, its stability relied on continuous trading, including significant institutional activity. The jury's swift decision highlights the severity of the deception. SEC's Gurbir Grewal stressed the losses incurred by investors and the need for regulatory compliance. Laura Meehan revealed Jump Trading's covert operation to rescue UST during a de-pegging, concealed by Kwon and Terraform Labs to maintain the illusion of efficacy. Despite defense attempts to discredit Jump's involvement, the jury remained unconvinced. Terraform Labs expressed disappointment, disputing SEC jurisdiction. Kwon's absence due to his arrest in Montenegro adds intrigue. Facing extradition requests from the U.S. and South Korea, Kwon's fate remains uncertain, leaving Terraform Labs and the crypto community in limbo.
BlackRock Expands AP Network: Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and UBS Join Bitcoin ETF
BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) gains further institutional support as five prominent entities, including Goldman Sachs and Citigroup, join as authorized participants (APs). These additions signify growing confidence in the cryptocurrency market among traditional financial institutions. With nearly $18 billion in assets under management, IBIT's rapid growth underscores the increasing demand for crypto investment vehicles. Notably, Goldman Sachs' involvement contrasts with recent comments from its wealth management chief, highlighting the evolving stance of traditional finance towards cryptocurrency. This move positions IBIT as a significant player in the crypto investment landscape, poised to capitalize on growing investor interest.
Genesis Converts GBTC Shares into Bitcoin: A Crypto Lender's Strategic Move
In a strategic maneuver, bankrupt crypto lender Genesis has finalized the redemption of its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) shares, acquiring 32,041 bitcoins with the proceeds, as revealed in court documents filed recently. This move follows Genesis' earlier approval from a New York bankruptcy court to liquidate approximately 36 million GBTC shares, alongside shares in two Grayscale Ethereum trusts. The estimated value of the Grayscale shares stood at a substantial $1.6 billion, with the current value of the acquired bitcoins soaring close to $2.2 billion at today's prices. Genesis intends to allocate these bitcoins to its Gemini Earn creditors initially, signaling a strategic reshaping of its crypto portfolio.
Bitcoin Halving Countdown: Predictions, Legal Wins, and Market Optimism
With less than two weeks until the Bitcoin 'halving' event, speculation surrounding Bitcoin's price intensifies, with some analysts eyeing the $100,000 mark. The impending halving, set to reduce miner rewards by half, historically triggers significant market movements, sparking debates about its impact on Bitcoin's valuation. Despite recent stability, analysts foresee a potential "buy the rumor, sell the news" scenario, echoing patterns from previous halving events. Meanwhile, Coinbase secures a legal victory, affirming its transaction practices and potentially boosting investor confidence. Ethereum emerges as a top investment choice, dominating the decentralized finance sector, while Genesis makes a strategic move by acquiring $2.1 billion worth of Bitcoin. As anticipation builds and market dynamics evolve, the next few weeks are critical in gauging the halving's impact on Bitcoin's trajectory.
Riding the Hump: Exploring the Hottest Meme Coin Surge on Solana
Cryptocurrency enthusiasts are abuzz with the meteoric rise of "Hump (HUMP)," the latest meme coin sensation on the Solana network. Surging by a staggering 2500% in just 72 hours, Hump's exponential growth has captured the attention of traders and investors globally. Its recent listing on leading platforms like CoinMarketCap and CoinGecko has only fueled further speculation. Built on the Solana network, Hump stands out for its lightning-fast transactions and low fees, addressing common concerns in the crypto market. With rumors circulating about an imminent listing on major cryptocurrency exchanges, the future looks promising for Hump's continued success. However, as with any investment, caution is advised, and thorough research is essential before diving into the world of meme coins.