Crypto Daily Roundup, 23 Nov: Binance Drama Fuels Bitcoin and ETF Boom

Top 5 cryptocurrencies that surged in the past 24 hours.

TOP 5 Gainers Coins

Crypto News Key Highlights:

Grayscale Investments submits a revised spot Bitcoin ETF filing after discussions with the SEC, aiming to convert GBTC. The move follows a judge's request for the SEC to reconsider Grayscale's spot Bitcoin ETF conversion. Changes include shortening the filing and addressing cash orders, emphasizing approval at the sponsor's discretion.

The $4.3 billion settlement between Binance and the U.S., addressing Anti-Money Laundering concerns, is seen by some as a key factor paving the way for the approval of spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Travis Kling, CIO at Ikigai Asset Management, had predicted in June that the SEC would approve spot BTC ETFs only after Binance's market dominance diminished. Others speculate on BlackRock's potential involvement and the timing of the Binance settlement ahead of ETF approvals. Grayscale, Fidelity, and others await SEC approval for their spot Bitcoin funds.

Terraform Labs injects up to $15 million into the Terra (LUNA) ecosystem, targeting increased liquidity for blue-chip assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum on Astroport and Ura, Terra's community DEX. The capital aims to overcome the cold start challenge, fostering growth and enabling developers to build DeFi applications on Terra. The injection coincides with Terra's efforts to regain market position, marked by community-approved upgrades and proposals.

Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson sees Changpeng Zhao's resignation from Binance as a pivotal moment, marking the end of an era characterized by rapid growth and innovation. Hoskinson emphasizes the need for compliance with regulatory standards or a shift towards entirely decentralized systems in response to the changing global financial landscape.

Federal prosecutors oppose Binance's former CEO, Changpeng Zhao (CZ), leaving the U.S. before his February sentencing for violating the Bank Secrecy Act. While Zhao's attorneys argue for family hardship, prosecutors assert minimal ties to the U.S., emphasizing the risk of non-return due to his citizenship in the UAE.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has seized nearly $9 million in Tether (USDT) linked to "pig butchering" crypto scams, targeting victims through romance and confidence schemes. The DOJ, aided by the U.S. Secret Service, traced and seized funds laundered through various crypto addresses. Tether had voluntarily frozen $225 million in USDT as part of the investigation, calling it the largest-ever freeze in history related to pig butchering scams.

Genesis, the bankrupt crypto lender, has launched a legal battle against Gemini, claiming the exchange received $700 million in "unfair preferential transfers" before Genesis declared bankruptcy. The lawsuit alleges these transfers disadvantaged other creditors and seeks their recovery under the Bankruptcy Code. The outcome may have significant implications for both firms and the broader crypto lending sector's regulatory framework.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are generating discussions among crypto enthusiasts. While they offer efficiency and modernization in digital transactions, concerns arise regarding privacy and freedom as governments gain control. CBDCs could be double-edged swords, providing transparency but risking abuse by autocratic regimes. Scalability issues and technological challenges must be addressed for successful implementation. The balance between financial stability and citizen privacy will shape the future of CBDCs.

CEO Dennis Porter of Satoshi Action Fund predicts 2024 as a pivotal year for Bitcoin, citing potential approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs and the halving event in April. The fund aims to advocate for pro-Bitcoin legislation in 10 US states by 2024, positioning the country as a global Bitcoin leader.

Also read - 24 Crypto Update, 22 Nov: Binance DOJ Settlement Spurs BTC ETF Hope