Alex Sipkevich

Expanding on the post by Bitcoin Magazine Michael Saylor's view on the value frontier aligns with #Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis's stance on #Bitcoin, comparing it to the historical acquisitions that defined America's growth. Both see Bitcoin as a critical asset in shaping the next era of economic and technological leadership. These include #Manhattan, the #Louisiana Purchase, #Texas, and #Alaska—each acquisition extended the nation's influence and resources. Similarly, he argues that the next value frontier lies in cyberspace, with Bitcoin representing the opportunity to establish economic dominance within a decentralised digital economy. Just as territorial acquisitions once secured America's strategic advantage, acquiring control over digital assets like Bitcoin could secure the U.S.'s leadership in the evolving global financial landscape. 🔛zChallenges: ⚡️Bitcoin’s Role in a Global Reserve Network According to Saylor Bitcoin can form the backbone of a global financial network underscores its decentralised and finite nature, akin to digital #Gold. However, for Bitcoin to serve this role, global consensus is required, which is difficult given competing national interests and the development of Central Bank Digital Currencies #CBDCs. ⚡️Historical Context The analogy of Bitcoin to U.S. land acquisitions highlights its strategic importance but oversimplifies its role. Unlike physical #Assets, Bitcoin’s value depends on adoption, trust, and network effects, making its trajectory less predictable. ⚡️Regulatory and Geopolitical Challenges Widespread Bitcoin adoption would necessitate regulatory alignment across jurisdictions. The U.S. embracing Bitcoin as a reserve asset could also provoke resistance from nations like #China and #Russia, which have adopted differing #CryptoPolicies. ⚡️ Market Volatility and Investment Risks Bitcoin's history of extreme price swings marked by rapid surges and sharp declines highlights challenges in maintaining stability. This inherent volatility is a critical factor that must be addressed when devising #Investment strategies and planning for the asset's long-term role in #FinancialSystems. ⚡️Technological Evolution and Competition While Bitcoin currently dominates the cryptocurrency space, emerging technologies and innovations in #Blockchain, #DeFi, #RWA could dilute its prominence. The disruption and treats of #AI and #QuantumComputing 6. U.S. Financial Strategy If the U.S. were to prioritise Bitcoin, it would need a clear framework to integrate decentralized technology into centralised financial systems. This includes collaboration with the #FederalReserve, adjustments in #TaxationPolicies, and incentivising institutional adoption. #DigitalAssets #FinancialInnovation #InvestmentStrategy #AssetsManagement #WealthManagement #EconomicLeadership #CyberspaceEconomy #AssetManagement #FutureOfFinance #RealWorldAssets #FinancialTrends #EconomicFrontiers https://lnkd.in/e2EZ7mz4

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DeFi Disaster: Zkasino.oi Takes $33M User Funds to Lido Finance, Investors Cry Rug Pull. The Wild West of DeFi strikes again! Zkasino.oi, a newly launched gambling platform, has left investors fuming after allegedly taking control of $33 million in user funds and staking them on Lido Finance. Red Flags Everywhere: #1 Bridge to Nowhere: ZKasino's "bridge-to-earn" campaign promised high yields. Instead, user ETH vanished into a 404 error. #2 Forced Conversion: Users' deposits were swapped without consent to ZKasino's locked-up token, a classic bait-and-switch tactic. #3 Dubious Claims: ZKasino touted zkSync and EigenDA tech, but evidence suggests a cheap Arbitrum copy with zero privacy features. #4 Questionable Audits: A pre-audit by ChatGPT raises serious red flags, and CertiK's alleged full audit remains unseen. Investors Betrayed: - Telegram Terror: Communication abruptly ceased, with the ZKasino team blaming "hired hitmen" for shutting down their Telegram group. (Unlikely.) - Known Bad Actors: ZKasino's founders have a history of unpaid debts, raising concerns from prominent blockchain detectives like ZachXBT. - Threats & Lies: Investors were threatened with withheld tokens if they questioned the project, while accusations were dismissed as "FUD." Million Dollar Mystery: - Surprise Funding: ZKasino secured $26 million in Series A funding from reputable VCs. However, some are now distancing themselves, claiming they were misled. - Funds in Lido Finance Limbo: The stolen ETH sits staked in Lido, inaccessible to investors and potentially fueling suspicions of a deliberate exit scam. What Now for DeFi? This shocking event underscores the need for: 1. Stronger Due Diligence: Investors must thoroughly vet projects before investing, focusing on team reputation and code audits from credible firms. 2. Regulatory Clarity: Clearer DeFi regulations can help protect investors and foster responsible innovation. This incident serves as a cautionary tale for all involved in the DeFi space. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and protect your crypto assets. 🔔Follow 👉 @Ignacio Ceaglio & share ♻️ with your network for more valuable #Blockchain and #Web3.0 insights📲. #DeFi #RugPull #ZKasino #Lido #Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #Investment #Scams #Regulation #Security https://lnkd.in/gdQJN9HS

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👟 STEPN launched on December 1st 2021 with 99,999 NFT trainers. Each cost 1.3 SOL (Sol was trading at $228 dollars that day). In March 2022, they launched their governance token, GMT. The following month GMT was worth $4 and Stepn had a $3 billion market cap. If I’m reading the charts correctly, at one point 24-hour trading surpassed $4 billion. Someone sold a Stepn NFT for 58 Sol. Pretty darn extraordinary. Move-to-earn was a thing. You probably remember it. Of course there were many imitators to the Stepn throne. You could sleep, eat, meditate and (insert verb here)… to earn. The Stepn concept - if not the tech - was simple: you won GST (Green Satoshi Tokens, not GMT) based on how far you ran, jumped, hopped, swam, crawled. I'll be honest, I stopped paying attention at that point. But here’s the thing. Where most died, Stepn survived. Yes, It took a hit. The floor price is 0.01 Sol. GMT is trading at $0.2. But the market cap is still half a billion. A community has stuck with them. Or a new one joined. Stepn has matured. It's a lifestyle app. A social platform. Where people want to get healthy (and wealthy?) Strava meets couch-to-5k meets friend.tech. Last week it announced a partnership with Adidas. And I'm curious to know more. Which is great news, because Stepn CEO Shiti Rastogi Manghani will be speaking to Jeremy Gilbertson and me on Thinking On Paper Podcast & Book Club this Thursday. 16.00 GMT. Link in comments. #web3 #nfts #health  

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𝗡𝗲𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁 ^𝟮: 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 (𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱) Here is part 2 of a quick scope of the key blockchain infrastructure. 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐬: ʙᴀꜱɪᴄ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Where you hold your assets, both cryptocurrency and NFTs. ◦ Hot Wallets: Connected to the internet, allowing quick access to funds for transactions. They are convenient but more vulnerable to hacking. ◦ Cold Wallets: Offline storage options like hardware wallets or paper wallets, offering enhanced security for storing large amounts of cryptocurrency. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠/𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞: ʙᴀꜱɪᴄ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: The computers that power the blockchain. ◦ Specialized hardware used for mining (in PoW) or validating transactions (in PoS), including ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits) and GPUs (Graphics Processing Units). 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐃𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐬): ʙᴀꜱɪᴄ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Programs running on the blockchain. A key difference between Web2 and Web3 is control. In Web2 applications can be changed, in Web3 DApps can be written so they can’t. ◦ Applications that run on blockchain networks, leveraging smart contracts to provide services like finance (DeFi), gaming, and supply chain management without central intermediaries. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: ʙᴀꜱɪᴄ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: "Things" working together. In blockchain, this can refer to various elements such as blockchains, decentralized applications (DApps), or video games collaborating or interacting with each other. ◦ Protocols and tools designed to enable different blockchains to communicate and interact with each other, facilitating cross-chain transactions and data exchange. Examples include Polkadot and Cosmos. ◦ Tools and platforms enabling different applications or video games to talk to each other like One Earth Rising’s Ownable Game Assets, or OGAs. 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬: ʙᴀꜱɪᴄ ᴇxᴘʟᴀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴ: Access points that allow information from the real world to enter the blockchain. ◦ Services that provide external data to smart contracts, enabling them to interact with real-world information. Oracles are crucial for the functionality of many DApps. To read part 1: bit.ly/3LjeAje Photo credit DALL-E

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You’ve heard of currency wars? Meet the stablecoin wars. The EU has understands the threat stables pose to the Euro and European banks so they want to force you to use them. Tether not playing that game. Circle will. This is just going to get more intense as more liquidity moves into stables and blockchain.

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🚀 Big news for Ukraine! Bybit has launched crypto cards allowing direct payments in stores using cryptocurrency. Daily limit: $5000 (expandable to $25,000). A bold step towards crypto integration! 🪙💳 👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/epCKzGdD #CryptoNews #BybitCard #Ukraine #CryptoIntegration #VIRGROUP

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WTF 😳 is DePin and why is it one of the biggest trends in blockchain technology right now? Depin is the smart contract utility everyone was screaming for back in 2021/22. Depin stands for decentralised physical infrastructure and allows everyday people to contribute to a network by providing resources via a device that facilitates a service. According to the Messari report, in January 2024 there were only 650 Depin projects which makes this vertical super early. Despite its infancy, Depin Market cap currently stands at $23.4B and could reach $3 trillion by 2028. The popularity is driven by each projects user base, which creates a global ecosystem of nodes who are dedicated to reach consensus and rewarded in crypto service for providing a seemless service. If you want to learn more about web3, makes sure you follow the #WTFCrypto blog on YouTube and medium. Interested in investing in Depin? 🤙 HMU to get your exclusive invite to the next web3 demo day. #venturecapital #vc #depin #emergingtech #seedcapital #RWA #founder #web3founder #techfounder #blockchain #smartcomtracts #web3demoday #ai #angelinvestor #angelinvesting #cryptonews #cryptocurrencynews #bitcoin

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Andre Cronje’s New DeFi Primitives 🧠 Andre Cronje, founder of Sonic (formerly Fantom), has introduced groundbreaking DeFi primitive: the on-chain credit score, which could redefine the future of DeFi. > In TradFi, the introduction of credit scores enabled the development of products like personal and payday loans, unlocking an $11T market. > Cronje with Blockchain Bureau, analyzed over 500M wallets and 15M recorded loans across public blockchains. > They've developed a simple, fully private scoring mechanism for any address, requiring no KYC or personal data. Cronje also teases 4 unreleased DeFi primitives: Protection markets LevX Fx*swap On-chain Bureau On-chain credit scores unlock the potential for products similar to personal loans, payday loans, adjustable-rate mortgages, and car leasing to exist in DeFi. Moreover, it’s a $11T market. DeFi is one PMF that the space has. Andre’s return would hopefully incinte a new wave of DeFi experimentation. #defi #credit #crypto

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🌟 Andre Cronje's Fantom Sonic Upgrade—Revolutionizing DeFi 🚀 This week, we're shining a spotlight on Andre Cronje and the exciting developments happening with Fantom's Sonic upgrade. 🎉 🔹 Who is Andre Cronje? Andre Cronje is a renowned developer in the DeFi space, known for his groundbreaking contributions to projects like Yearn Finance. His innovative approach has significantly shaped the blockchain industry. 🔹 What's Happening with Fantom's Sonic Upgrade? Fantom is launching the Sonic upgrade, set to revolutionize its EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine). This upgrade aims to enhance transaction speeds, reduce fees, and improve overall scalability. 🌐 💡 Why Should You Care? - Massive Performance Boost: Sonic will increase Fantom's throughput, making it one of the fastest networks available. - Developer-Friendly: With features like a 90% gas rebate for protocols, it's an attractive platform for developers to build on. - Community Growth: Enhanced capabilities mean more innovative projects and opportunities in the ecosystem. 🔗 Learn More and Get Involved: - Follow Andre Cronje on Twitter: @AndreCronjeTech - Official Fantom Website: https://fantom.foundation/ 📣 Join Our Community to Stay Updated: Be part of our growing community to get exclusive insights, market analysis, and actionable trading tips on projects like Fantom and more! 👉 Click here to join us: https://lnkd.in/dFKp3E8k Let's support innovators like Andre and explore the future of DeFi together! 🚀 #DeFi #Fantom #AndreCronje #Crypto #Blockchain

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Here are the top 10 Bitcoin projects to look out for in 2024: ✅ Lightning Network (LN): → As of 2024, over 80 million LN channels are open. ✅ Liquid Network: → Estimates high TPS ranging from 50-70. ✅ Stacks (STX): → Its Market Cal exceeds $1 billion. ✅ RSK Infrastructure Network: → Over 150 full nodes globally distributed. ✅ Open Dime: → Over 1 million OpenDime devices sold worldwide. ✅ Sphinx Chat (XSP): → Has seen a rise in popularity among privacy-conscious individuals. → It indicates a decentralized infrastructure. ✅ Hodl Hodl (Hold): → User base data is not publicly disclosed. ✅ BTC Pay Server: → Its adoption is growing among merchants seeking self-custody & lower fees. ✅ Casa (CASA): → They boast a loyal user base who value their security features. ✅ BRD (BRD): → Supports a variety of cryptos beyond BTC. What are yours? mention them below.

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Czech Central Bank Governor Weighs Bitcoin for Reserve Strategy Aleš Michl, governor of the Czech National Bank, has sparked conversations about the future of central bank reserves by considering Bitcoin as part of the country’s diversification strategy. While the bank currently focuses on increasing gold holdings to 5% of its total assets by 2028, Michl has hinted at the possibility of adding Bitcoin to the mix in the future. In a recent interview, Michl acknowledged Bitcoin’s growing appeal, citing its impressive 131% yearly returns in 2024, compared to gold’s 30%. However, the decision would require approval from the bank's seven-member board, and for now, the bank is not planning any immediate investments in crypto assets. 💡 Why Bitcoin? Bitcoin’s performance and its potential as a “safe” reserve asset have caught the attention of governments and institutions worldwide. Experts like blockchain advocate Anndy Lian suggest that Bitcoin could redefine global financial strategies if adopted as a reserve asset, pushing for more decentralized and digital approaches to economic stability. That said, Bitcoin’s price volatility remains a key concern, posing risks to national reserves. 🇺🇸 The Bitcoin Act: A U.S. Parallel The Czech Republic isn’t alone in considering Bitcoin’s potential. In the U.S., Senator Cynthia Lummis’s proposed Bitcoin Act aims to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, with bipartisan support fueling optimism. The bill has gained momentum following President-elect Donald Trump’s victory and a Republican Senate majority. States like Texas and Pennsylvania are already pushing similar proposals, and if the Bitcoin Act passes, some industry leaders predict Bitcoin could surpass $1 million in value, fundamentally altering the global financial landscape. 🌐 As governments worldwide explore Bitcoin as part of their reserve strategies, is this the beginning of a new era where crypto stands alongside traditional assets like gold? Let us know your thoughts! #Bitcoin #CryptoAdoption #CentralBank #Fintech #DigitalAssets #Blockchain #Cryptocurrency #Gold #DeFi #BitcoinAct #CryptoRegulation #GlobalFinance #CryptoNews #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #FinancialStrategy

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The amazing part is that, it's not just about $btc here. It's about the system, which is Cryptocurrencies. A big thank you to Satoshi. #holarex #Russia #sstvi #stockmarketcrash #AliAminGandapur #Prabhas #jungkook #niftycrash #nfts #Bitcoin #Crypto #CryptoNews

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🌍 Russia Proposes Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset Russian State Duma Deputy Anton Tkachev has suggested creating a national Bitcoin reserve as a means to diversify financial assets and reduce reliance on traditional currencies. With Bitcoin recently surpassing $100,000, the proposal emphasizes its potential as both a store of value and a tool for international trade amidst geopolitical challenges. This initiative aligns with a broader trend of countries exploring digital assets to strengthen economic independence and adapt to evolving global financial systems. https://lnkd.in/eWpvG3ug #Russia #Bitcoin #DigitalAssets #EconomicPolicy #CryptoAdoption #FutureOfFinance

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Binance, the world's largest crypto exchange, whose Lithuanian subsidiary, Bifinity, was established in May 2020 and recognized as one of Lithuania’s largest taxpayers in 2022 (€41.5M in taxes paid 💰), is rumored to be eyeing a relocation to neighboring Latvia. 🇱🇹➡️🇱🇻 According to an article by Gatis Madžiņš and Guntars Gūte in Dienas bizness (link in comments), the global crypto giant has started the licensing process at the Bank of Latvia, signaling a potential shift of operations. This decision might be tied to the uncertainty around securing a MiCA license in Lithuania. One of MiCA’s primary goals is to establish a harmonized regulatory framework 🛠️, creating consistent requirements across all EU member states and reducing the incentives for businesses to shop around for more favourable jurisdictions. Yet, it seems that jurisdiction hopping for licensing is still very much a reality within the EU. 🌍 #MiCA #EU #Crypto AMLYZE

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The first blockchain game on PS5 - Play Off The Grid is taking off! What's even better? It has Little #Kyiv location <3 The closed playtest saw ~400k transactions from 30k players past weekend 💪 good job Avalanche All in all, this is a product that can become a real gateway for the masses into blockchain gaming Want your own game developed on blockchain? We at Dexola have done it before - hit me up! #PlayOffTheGrid #AvalancheAvalanche

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