Thomas Goldstein

Thomas Goldstein is a seasoned crypto journalist, with over eight years of experience. He primarily covers Bitcoin and Ethereum market news, price analysis, and GameFi.

CoinLedger and MetaMask Unite to Streamline Crypto Tax Reporting Ahead of Tax Deadline

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CoinLedger, renowned for its cryptocurrency tax reporting software, has recently partnered with MetaMask, a leading Web3 self-custody wallet provider.

This collaboration, announced on March 18, aims to simplify the tax reporting process for MetaMask users by offering them an efficient way to integrate their transaction histories directly into CoinLedger’s platform with just a click.

This integration signifies a significant advancement in streamlining the tax preparation process for digital asset owners, eliminating the cumbersome task of manually compiling tax reports from various sources.

David Kemmerer, CoinLedger’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted the importance of this partnership to Cointelegraph, stating, “Users can now directly sync their portfolio with CoinLedger and then generate tax forms automatically directly from MetaMask Portfolio.”

He further emphasized the broader implications of this development, noting, “by reducing the friction associated with calculating and reporting taxes, weโ€™re making the cryptocurrency ecosystem more accessible to everyone.”

This initiative is particularly timely, given the approaching April 15 tax deadline for many U.S. taxpayers.

READ MORE: Pepe Price Dips 14% Amidst Broad Crypto Sell-Off, Sponge V2 Bucks Trend with Promising Growth Outlook

The new functionality is a boon for those involved in the trading or ownership of cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, such as nonfungible tokens (NFTs) or Ordinals, as they navigate the complexities of tax reporting in the evolving digital financial landscape.

The discourse around cryptocurrency taxation is varied, with some experts calling for regulatory adjustments to prevent overreach by crypto entities and individual investors, while others question the feasibility of compliance with current tax laws.

In the midst of these discussions, the Biden administration is considering imposing a 30% excise tax on cryptocurrency mining operations, as reported by Cointelegraph.

This proposal targets companies engaged in digital asset mining, irrespective of their operational setup, with a phased tax implementation plan over three years.

According to Pierre Rochard of Riot Platform, this tax would affect all mining operations, including those utilizing renewable energy sources, underlining the extensive impact of the proposed tax measures on the cryptocurrency mining industry.


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Bit Digital Reports 39% Earnings Surge in 2023, Expands into AI Technology and Diversifies Globally

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In 2023, Bit Digital, a prominent Bitcoin mining company listed on the Nasdaq, reported a notable increase in its earnings, with a 39% rise to $44.9 million compared to the previous year.

The firm disclosed that it mined 1,507.3 BTC during the year, marking a 21% increase from 2022, valued at approximately $97 million at the current market rates.

This growth in revenue and mining output was attributed to an enhanced active hash rate, although challenges such as increased network difficulty slightly offset these gains.

By the end of 2023, Bit Digital’s total assets amounted to $189.3 million, with shareholdersโ€™ equity standing at $152.7 million.

Furthermore, the company reported adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) of $12.4 million, alongside an adjusted earnings per share of $0.12.

Over the year, Bit Digital implemented several strategic adjustments to its mining hosting portfolio.

The company expanded its operations, ending the year with six hosting partners across seven sites in three countries.

A significant development was the extension of its activities to Iceland, a move aimed at benefiting from the region’s ample clean energy and favorable government policies.

This expansion underscores Bit Digital’s commitment to geographic diversification and the pursuit of cost-effective, carbon-neutral energy sources.

READ MORE: Massive Shiba Inu Token Transfer Sparks Market Stir, Beta Testing of Shiba Eternity Game Sets Community Abuzz

Amid fluctuating Bitcoin prices, Bit Digital remains focused on navigating the Bitcoin market’s cyclicality, eyeing sustained growth and resilience through all market phases.

The company anticipates that the trajectory of Bitcoin prices by the end of the year could set the stage for record highs in 2024.

Expanding beyond its core mining activities, Bit Digital announced its foray into artificial intelligence technology and digital infrastructure services.

This new venture includes offering rental services for graphics processing units (GPUs), marking a significant stride into digital service provision.

Notably, this diversification has already begun yielding financial benefits, with the company reporting $4 million in earnings from this new business segment in February 2024.

This strategic expansion reflects Bit Digital’s ambition to broaden its revenue streams and reinforce its position in the digital technology sector.


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Bitget Wallet Launches Native Token BWB, Announces $30M Investment and Airdrop Plan Following Rebranding

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Bitget Wallet, previously known as BitKeep, is set to introduce its own native token following a substantial $30 million investment from its namesake exchange, which valued the company at $300 million.

The introduction of the BWB token comes with a generous airdrop plan announced on March 18, aiming to distribute 1 billion BWB tokens.

A notable 5% of these tokens are allocated to users who either hold digital assets in Bitget Wallet or engage in swap transactions within the app.

This airdrop initiative includes a six-week points reward system, with points convertible to BWB tokens in the second quarter post its initial exchange offering.

Moreover, users who benefited from rewards in the BitKeep wallet prior to its rebranding can exchange these for BWB at a 6:10 ratio in Q2.

Alvin Kan, Bitget Wallet’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the value BWB brings to its holders, stating, โ€œItโ€™s important to us that BWB serves as a key to unlocking exclusive benefits for its holders, offering them a voice in community governance, access to ecosystem airdrops, and a dividend in the rewards.โ€

“Following the token announcement, the wallet experienced a temporary service disruption due to an overload, preventing some users from claiming their BWB tokens.

READ MORE: Spot Ether ETFs Have 85% Chance of Being Approved in May

The company reassured users that the issue was being addressed promptly and would be resolved soon.

Bitget Wallet has achieved significant popularity in the Asia-Pacific region, boasting over 19 million users. It supports in-wallet swap functionality for approximately 40 blockchains, positioning itself as a leader in the space.

This strategic move mirrors Trust Wallet’s post-acquisition launch of its native token by Binance in 2018, which has seen remarkable growth, offering a significant return on investment.

In a strategic shift in August 2023, BitKeep underwent a rebranding to Bitget Wallet following a major acquisition deal.

The wallet expanded its services by partnering with several payment platforms, including Banxa, Simplex, Alchemy Pay, MoonPay, and FaTPay, enhancing user accessibility to cryptocurrency purchases via credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay.

This development underscores Bitget Wallet’s commitment to providing comprehensive services and benefits to its users, reinforcing its position within the digital wallet landscape.


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Survey Reveals Trump Leads Among Crypto Voters for 2024 Election, Signaling Shift in Political Dynamics

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A recent survey by Paradigm, a top crypto venture capital firm, has showcased Donald Trump‘s popularity among the crypto community for the 2024 US Presidential Election.

The survey, involving 1,000 registered voters, revealed that 48% of cryptocurrency owners are inclined to vote for Trump, whereas 39% favor current President Joe Biden.

This poll ran concurrently with Bitcoin’s price hike to a record $68,000, reflecting the crypto market’s volatility during the survey period from February 28 to March 4, as noted by Public Opinion Strategies.

Despite Trump’s edge in the crypto sphere, broader poll results align closely with those from traditional polling organizations, showing a general preference of 45% for Trump against Biden’s 42% among all voters.

A notable skepticism towards both major political parties was observed, especially concerning crypto policies, with 49% of respondents distrusting both parties, indicating a significant political skepticism within the crypto community.

The survey further highlights the Republican Party’s and Trump’s specific appeal to crypto enthusiasts, particularly their stance against central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

Trump has promised to prohibit CBDCs if re-elected, resonating with the crypto community’s apprehensions about such currencies’ implications.

This stance, coupled with congressional Republicans’ efforts to oppose a U.S. CBDC, underpins Trump’s favorable polling within the community.

READ MORE: Shiba Inu (SHIB) Price Plummets 13% Amid Market Turbulence, On-Chain Data Reveals Speculative Trading Surge

The significance of crypto owners as an emerging voting bloc was underscored by the survey’s finding that 19% of voters own or use cryptocurrencies, with an additional 16% showing interest.

This demographic shift suggests that crypto owners could play a pivotal role in future elections, potentially swinging closely contested races.

The report indicates a shift from 2020, when crypto voters predominantly supported Biden, to a current preference for Trump.

Additionally, the poll unveils demographic trends in cryptocurrency ownership, with increased participation among people of color and younger individuals.

It reports that 33% of African Americans and 32% of Hispanics are engaged with cryptocurrencies, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

Paradigm’s survey, with a 3.5% margin of error, not only reflects the crypto community’s political leanings but also underscores the growing influence of digital asset owners in the electoral landscape, hinting at the need for policymakers to consider this constituency’s preferences and concerns.


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Pro-XRP Lawyer John Deaton Challenges Senator Elizabeth Warren, Launches Crypto-Funded Senate Bid

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John Deaton, an advocate for the cryptocurrency XRP, has declared his intention to contest against the long-serving Senator Elizabeth Warren in the upcoming Massachusetts Senate race.

Deaton, who has a significant following in the crypto community on social media, has urged his supporters to contribute to his campaign financially.

On the social media platform X, he informed his 324,100 followers of his $500,000 personal investment in his Senate bid, expressing his belief in his potential to unseat Warren despite her 11-year tenure.

He confidently stated, “I can win, some people mistakenly believe that Elizabeth Warren cannot be beaten in Massachusetts and itโ€™s simply not true.

“I put in $500K of my own money because I know I can win.

“Please help me get to $1 million by March 31. Donate traditionally or through Crypto because freedom is on the line.”

The election, set for September 3, sees Deaton having already funded half of his campaign goal, calling on his followers to help raise the remaining $500,000, through either cash or cryptocurrency donations.

READ MORE: Prosecutors Reveal Sam Bankman-Friedโ€™s Plan to Rehabilitate Image Post-FTX Collapse

“You must believe in yourself, if I could self-fund I would, because freedom is on the line. I need your help. I’m trying to raise $1 million by the end of the quarter,” Deaton emphasized.

Charles Hoskinson, the founder of Cardano, has shown support for Deaton’s campaign, highlighting the need for individuals who are prepared to challenge the status quo, particularly against banks’ influence over lawmaking and their impact on the crypto industry.

Deaton’s candidacy was officially announced on February 20, as reported by Cointelegraph, with a campaign focus on confronting “Washington elites” and criticism of Senator Warren for her lack of achievements for Massachusetts.

Despite Deaton’s strategic avoidance of crypto in his campaign discussions, the underlying tension between him and crypto-skeptical government figures like Warren is evident.

Warren, in December 2023, criticized the close ties between the crypto industry and Washington insiders, implying that some officials might be positioning themselves for future roles in digital asset lobbying while still in public service.


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Reddit Under FTC Investigation Over AI Data Licensing Practices Amid IPO Preparations

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Reddit, the well-known social media platform, is currently under investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) of the United States concerning its practices of licensing data for the training of artificial intelligence (AI).

This probe surfaces as Reddit is on the brink of launching its highly anticipated initial public offering (IPO).

The company disclosed the FTC’s investigation in an updated Form S-1 registration statement to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2024, following a notification from the FTC the previous day.

In the filing, Reddit expressed that the FTC’s inquiry did not come as a surprise, attributing it to the “unique nature” of its technology and business partnerships.

Despite this, Reddit maintains its stance of innocence, asserting it has not participated in any unfair or deceptive trade practices.

This investigation sheds light on the regulatory challenges Reddit faces amidst AI’s increasing integration and acceptance.

While the company is confident in its compliance with laws, it acknowledges the investigation’s potential to be drawn-out and unpredictable.

Reddit stated, “Any regulatory engagement may cause us to incur substantial costs, and it is possible for any regulatory engagement to result in reputational harm or fines, cause us to discontinue or modify our products, services, features, or functionalities, require us to change our policies or practices, divert management and other resources from our business, or otherwise adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.”

READ MORE: Shiba Inu (SHIB) Price Plummets 13% Amid Market Turbulence, On-Chain Data Reveals Speculative Trading Surge

A significant aspect of the situation is Reddit’s $60 million annual deal with Google, established in February, which allows Google access to Reddit’s vast user data for AI training purposes.

This agreement not only enhances the relationship between Reddit and Google but also gives Reddit more visibility on Google’s platforms in exchange for its valuable data.

The use of user data for AI purposes has sparked concerns among privacy advocates and regulatory bodies.

Reddit acknowledges in its filing that its data licensing efforts are in their infancy and could be affected by changing regulations.

Reddit has been proactive in its approach to AI and cryptocurrency, revealing investments in Bitcoin and Ether as part of its financial strategy in preparation for its IPO.

The company also mentioned acquiring Ether and Polygon for virtual transactions on its platform.

As Reddit ventures into AI and cryptocurrency, it aims to leverage the growing market for these technologies.

Citing forecasts by the International Data Corporation, Reddit pointed out that the global AI market, excluding China and Russia, is expected to reach $1 trillion by 2027, with a 20% compound annual growth rate.


To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to [email protected].

Bybit Announces ‘Deposit Dash’ Promotion Following Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade

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Bybit, a leading crypto exchange, is introducing a new promotion called โ€œDeposit Dashโ€ in celebration of the Ethereum Dencun Upgrade, aiming to improve the blockchain’s scalability and efficiency. This event, which runs from March 13 to March 27, provides an excellent opportunity for both new and seasoned cryptocurrency enthusiasts.

New participants purchasing a minimum of $100 in ETH via various methods will receive a $10 bonus in either mystery Layer-2 tokens or USDT. Moreover, bonuses are up for grabs for those engaging in derivatives or spot trading, or investing in Bybit Savings within the event timeframe.

Adding to the excitement, Bybit’s Deposit Delight campaign, extending until April 7, allows participants to earn up to 305 USDT by registering and completing specific tasks. This initiative welcomes both new users, with a chance to gain up to 305 USDT, and existing ones, who can secure up to 300 USDT in bonuses.

Emily Bao, a Web3 evangelist at Bybit, expressed enthusiasm for the Ethereum Dencun Upgrade celebration through these events, emphasizing the opportunity for users to earn significant bonuses and delve into the potential of Layer-2 tokens.

โ€œWe are thrilled to celebrate the Ethereum Dencun Upgrade by offering our users the chance to earn significant bonuses through our Deposit Dash and Deposit Delight events,โ€ she said.

โ€œThis is a fantastic opportunity for both new and existing users to get involved, maximize their deposits, and explore the potential of Layer-2 tokens.โ€

Bybit’s initiative reflects its commitment to nurturing a thriving and accessible crypto ecosystem, enabling users to engage with the latest blockchain innovations while enjoying substantial rewards.


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Shiba Inu Attracts Whale Investors Amid Price Dip, Net Flows Surge by 602%

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Shiba Inu, the meme-inspired cryptocurrency, has recently witnessed a significant surge in interest from large investors or “whales.”

These major players are often known for their strategy of buying up assets during downturns, and current trends suggest they are actively accumulating SHIB tokens.

Data from IntoTheBlock reveals an astonishing 602% increase in net flows from these large holders, indicating a pronounced buying spree coinciding with a recent drop in SHIB’s price.

Over the last 48 hours, Shiba Inu’s value has fallen, marking its second day of decline amidst a broader downturn in the cryptocurrency market.

This market-wide slump was influenced by a robust inflation report, leading to speculation that the Federal Reserve might delay any cuts to interest rates.

As a result, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies faced downward pressure, with SHIB experiencing a 6.20% decrease to $0.00002722.

This downturn extends its fall from a high of $0.0000327 on March 15, following an earlier peak of $0.000045 on March 5. Since then, SHIB has entered a phase of consolidation, trading within a specific price range.

Analysts point out the critical price range for Shiba Inu to maintain is between $0.000026 and $0.000033.

READ MORE: Trader Misses $1 Million Jackpot by a Day in Frog-Themed Memecoin Frenzy on Solana Network

This range is significant because 4,210 addresses purchased 61.06 trillion SHIB tokens at an average price of $0.00003 within it.

Below this zone, support is considerably thinner, with 9,100 addresses having bought 2.57 trillion tokens between $0.000025 and $0.000026.

The rapid rise of Shiba Inu at the start of March did not allow much time for establishing strong support levels in its current trading range.

The most substantial support for SHIB is found between $0.000008 and $0.000014, a zone where 439,510 addresses acquired 260.48 trillion tokens at an average price of $0.000010.

As the market watches closely, the immediate future for Shiba Inu likely involves continued consolidation or range-bound trading, setting the stage for the next significant price movement.

The actions of large holders and their continued interest in accumulating SHIB during its price dips underscore the dynamic nature of cryptocurrency markets and the strategic maneuvers of significant investors.


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Dubai’s DIFC Unveils Groundbreaking Digital Assets Law, Enhancing Legal Clarity for Global Investors

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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), renowned for being a unique economic hub with over 5,000 inhabitants, has recently unveiled significant legislative advancements.

These include the introduction of a pioneering digital assets law, a comprehensive security law, and modifications to pre-existing legislation.

Embedded within its own legal framework that draws from English law, the DIFC’s legislative reforms are strategically designed to align with the swift evolution seen in global trade and financial sectors.

These changes aim to offer legal clarity for both investors and users involved with digital assets.

In an official statement, the DIFC underscored the importance of these legislative updates in providing legal certainty in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Jacques Visser, the Chief Legal Officer at the DIFC Authority, highlighted the significance of these reforms by stating, โ€œWe consider this legislation to be groundbreaking as the first legislative enactment to comprehensively set out the legal characteristics of digital assets as a matter of property law.โ€

The newly introduced Digital Assets Law encompasses seven pages, supplemented by appendices, marking a comprehensive approach towards regulating digital assets.

Although the law amending several previous legislations to incorporate digital assets is noted, it wasn’t accessible online at the announcement time.

READ MORE: Bitcoin Dips Below Weekly Lows Amid Market Optimism, Traders Eye Bullish Trends Despite Pullback

Furthermore, the introduction of the Security Law 2024, which supersedes the 2005 law and its 2019 update, reflects a robust framework that integrates Financial Collateral Regulations.

This law is crafted in the spirit of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Lawโ€™s Model Law on Secured Transactions, ensuring alignment with global best practices.

The DIFC has also been proactive in refining its cryptocurrency regulations in 2022 and initiated incentives for AI and Web3 companies in 2023.

Demonstrating remarkable financial health, the DIFC reported a net profit of $203 million in 2023, marking a 45% increase from the prior year, alongside a 34% surge in new registrations.

This growth trajectory is further enriched by the diversification of its ecosystem, including a notable rise in hedge fund operations and an expansion of businesses from Europe and the United States.

While the DIFC’s Digital Assets Law is positioned as an innovative legislative move, it’s important to acknowledge that other jurisdictions, including China, Singapore, and Hong Kong, have also recognized digital assets as property through judicial decisions in the preceding year.


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Vanguard CEO Stands Firm Against Bitcoin ETFs Amid Customer Backlash and Market Volatility

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Tim Buckley, the CEO of The Vanguard Group, remains firmly against the introduction of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), despite facing customer backlash and continuous queries about the company’s potential plans for such offerings.

Buckley’s stance was reinforced in a video released by Vanguard, where he warned against incorporating Bitcoin ETFs into retirement investment portfolios, citing the cryptocurrency’s volatile nature.

He asserted, “We donโ€™t believe it belongs, like a Bitcoin ETF belongs in a long-term portfolio of someone saving for their retirement. Itโ€™s a speculative asset.”

Further questioning Bitcoin’s reliability as a store of value, Buckley highlighted its performance during the 2022 stock market downturn, where Bitcoin’s value plummeted alongside the market.

“When stocks got hammered in the recent crisis, Bitcoin went right with them.

“And so it is speculative.

“Really tough to think about how it belongs in a long-term portfolio,” he explained.

Despite Bitcoin reaching new heights, with a record value of $73,835 after previously peaking at over $69,000, its value experienced a steep decline in 2022, falling to under $16,000 amidst a 21% drop in the S&P 500 during the first half of the year, largely attributed to the United States Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes.

READ MORE: Bitcoin Dips Below Weekly Lows Amid Market Optimism, Traders Eye Bullish Trends Despite Pullback

Buckley made it clear that Vanguard has no intention of shifting its stance on offering spot Bitcoin ETFs to its clientele, stating the firm’s position would only change if the nature of the asset class itself transformed.

This resolution followed closely on the heels of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs on January 10, with Vanguard promptly announcing on January 12, via Cointelegraph, its decision to abstain from offering Bitcoin ETFs or any crypto-related products.

Despite this firm stance, certain Vanguard customers, especially those from the crypto sector, have expressed their discontent.

Notably, Coinbaseโ€™s senior engineering manager, Yuga Cohler, announced his decision to transfer his Roth 401(k) savings from Vanguard to Fidelity, criticizing Vanguard’s “paternalistic blocking of Bitcoin ETFs” as incongruent with his investment philosophy.

Yet, Vanguard maintains a considerable albeit indirect exposure to Bitcoin, holding an 8.24% stake in MicroStrategy, making it the second-largest institutional investor in the company, as reported by Cointelegraph on January 12.


To submit a crypto press release (PR), send an email to [email protected].

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