FomoScope - Crypto FOMO Detection & Analysis

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 15:11

BTCFi explained: How Elastos uses Bitcoin’s security to power DeFi - The decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape continues to evolve, and Bitcoin-centric solutions are gaining momentum. BTCFi is an emerging sector that transforms Bitcoin (BTC) from a passive store of value into an actively utilized asset in DeFi. A new report by Cointelegraph Research and Elastos delves into how Bitcoin’s security helps to create trustless, scalable financial ecosystems.Read a full version of the report hereBitcoin’s expanding role in DeFiDeFi has traditionally been dominated by Ethereum, which accounts for over 50% of the sector’s total $175 billion total value locked (TVL). However, Bitcoin’s strong security and liquidity make it an attractive foundation for DeFi innovation.Despite its strengths, Bitcoin’s lack of native smart contract functionality has historically limited its role in decentralized finance. The emergence of Bitcoin-centric DeFi solutions aims to bridge this gap and enable Bitcoin holders to participate in lending, stablecoin issuance and crosschain interoperability without custodial risks.Elastos: Leveraging Bitcoin’s security for decentralized applicationsElastos stands out as one of the leading players in this evolution by incorporating merged mining, a method that allows secondary blockchains to inherit Bitcoin’s security. Because approximately 50% of Bitcoin’s total 800 EH/s hashrate secures Elastos, the platform is positioned as one of the most computationally robust Bitcoin-linked networks. This ensures that financial applications built on Elastos maintain a level of security akin to that of Bitcoin itself.At the core of Elastos’ infrastructure is its Elastic Consensus model, a hybrid mechanism that integrates auxiliary proof-of-work, bonded proof-of-stake, and proof-of-integrity. This multi-layered approach enables Elastos to provide secure, scalable financial services and enhances its appeal for DeFi applications. The Elastos Smart Chain, an Ethereum Virtual Machine-compatible sidechain, facilitates the development of decentralized applications (DApps) to ensure seamless integration with the broader DeFi ecosystem.Read a full version of the report hereBeL2: A breakthrough for BTCFiA major highlight of the report is the BeL2 Arbiter Network, designed to bring trustless Bitcoin transactions into DeFi. BeL2 leverages zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to verify Bitcoin transactions on the Elastos and Ethereum networks without relying on centralized custodians. This mechanism allows Bitcoin to be used in DeFi protocols without synthetic assets or intermediaries and addresses a long-standing challenge in BTCFi.This model has already attracted institutional interest. An initiative led by students and alumni of Harvard University is developing a BTC-backed stablecoin using BeL2. The platform also supports decentralized lending that allows Bitcoin holders to collateralize loans in stablecoins while retaining exposure to BTC’s price appreciation.Elastos’ market position and future potentialElastos’ BTCFi approach competes with established Bitcoin DeFi solutions such as Stacks and Rootstock. Stacks primarily benefits from Bitcoin finality, and Rootstock focuses on EVM compatibility, while Elastos distinguishes itself by combining high security (via merged mining) and crosschain interoperability. This positions Elastos as a formidable player in the BTCFi landscape.However, the report also identifies some challenges, such as regulatory uncertainties, ecosystem awareness and some technical complexities. Despite these hurdles, Elastos’ combination of Bitcoin security, trustless smart contract execution and institutional backing positions it for potential growth in the evolving BTCFi sector.Challenges and opportunities in Bitcoin DeFi adoptionAs the blockchain industry shifts toward crosschain interoperability and decentralized governance, Bitcoin-secured assets are expected to play an important role in reshaping both traditional and decentralized finance.Elastos’ innovations, particularly through BeL2 and its decentralized identity (DID) framework, aim to enhance the security, scalability and institutional adoption of Bitcoin in DeFi. With Bitcoin-secured finance projected to expand significantly, Elastos’ infrastructure provides a robust foundation for the next wave of decentralized financial applications.Read a full version of the report hereThis article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision.This article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.Cointelegraph does not endorse the content of this article nor any product mentioned herein. Readers should do their own research before taking any action related to any product or company mentioned and carry full responsibility for their decisions.

FOMO: 88%

nftgators.com Mar 18, 2025 15:07

Xapo Bank Launches BTC-Backed Loans for Long-Term Bitcoin Holders - The wealth management company is offering its members Bitcoin-backed loans of up to $1 million, according to an announcement on Tuesday. The post Xapo Bank Launches BTC-Backed Loans for Long-Term Bitcoin Holders appeared first on NFTgators .

BTC

FOMO: 85%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 15:00

Eliminating archaic payments systems with stablecoins - Opinion by: Simon McLoughlin, CEO at Uphold2021 witnessed a fintech investment boom, with startups raising approximately $229 billion globally. Higher interest rates and tighter economic circumstances have since tempered that exuberance, but funds continue to pile into the sector. Indeed, the global fintech sector is expected to see a rebound in investment activity throughout 2025.Why are investors continuing to bet big on this sector? The answer is simple. The current international finance system is in urgent need of modernization. Built for a pre-internet age, it relies on outdated processes, chains of intermediaries and a patchwork of non-standard regulations. An aging and expensive systemTake SWIFT as a case in point. Founded in 1973, SWIFT remains the backbone of cross-border payments. SWIFT is nothing more than a messaging system that enables banks to communicate around transactions. It was never designed to manage funds or process transactions. As a result, a “make do and mend” approach has grown around international payments, characterized by a proliferation of intermediaries and local payment rails.This antiquated, fragmented system creates significant friction in cross-border transactions, leading to delays, high costs and limited choice for individuals and businesses outside major economic blocs. Fees for international payments currently average 1.5% for businesses and all the way up to 6.3% for remittances. Payments can take up to several days to reach recipients.This system hinders global commerce and exacerbates financial exclusion, particularly in the global south, where volatile local currencies and limited access to traditional banking services are common.Many of these friction points could be resolved by stablecoins, making transferring money across borders as easy as sending an email. Indeed, the blockchain-based currency has the potential to revolutionize global finance. Democratizing access to fiat currenciesFor people in countries with volatile economies or unstable governments, stablecoins offer a safe haven for savings. Stablecoins pegged 1:1 to a fiat currency such as the US dollar provide consumers in these regions with a way to escape their national financial system with a trustworthy and transparent alternative that protects them from inflation and currency devaluation. This is particularly important in the global south, where economic instability can erode the value of hard-earned income and savings. According to UBS, consumers in developing countries are also attracted to stablecoins due to the lower risk of government interference with the currency. The wealth management firm believes stablecoins are increasingly seen as “digital dollars” and used for everything from savings to transactions to remittances in these regions. Empowering small businesses and freelancersStablecoins can significantly reduce the costs and complexities associated with international payments, enabling small businesses and freelancers to participate in the global marketplace on a more level playing field. This opens up new opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic growth in developing countries.Recent: Dubai recognizes USDC, EURC as first stablecoins under token regimeIn our current payment system, physical money does not cross borders — only information does. A payroll company looking to pay a freelancer in a third country cannot do so directly and must use systems like Stripe, which uses virtual bank accounts to get around the problem.With stablecoins, payroll companies can pay in any currency to any currency, using crypto on- and off-ramps to facilitate the payment. The business pays in dollars, for example, which is on-ramped to Tether’s USDt (USDT) and sent to the freelancer’s digital wallet, where they can either keep it or off-ramp it to their local currency. Stablecoins will prove to be, and are, a vital tool in helping businesses access global talent and fill their skills gaps. Facilitating financial inclusionThrough offering an alternative to traditional banking systems, stablecoins also provide financial services to the unbanked and underbanked populations. This can be particularly transformative in regions with limited access to traditional financial infrastructure or in countries like Argentina, where there is low confidence in the national monetary system. According to the Bank for International Settlements, stablecoins can enable a wide range of payments and provide a gateway to other financial services, replicating the role of transaction accounts as a stepping stone to broader financial inclusion. Given their ability to provide access to financial services anywhere with an internet connection, stablecoins are seeing explosive growth in emerging markets. Use cases are expanding rapidly across Africa, Latin America, and parts of developing Asia, where they are being used to hedge against inflation, for remittances and cross-border payments, and as a simpler alternative to US dollar banking. This growth trajectory can be expected to continue in the years ahead. A shot in the arm for global businessStablecoins are rapidly rising in popularity and already total more than $233 billion in market capitalization, while transaction volumes in 2024 reached $15.6 trillion, surpassing those of Visa. In an increasingly uncertain world, they offer a stable, low-cost and rapid means of transferring money across borders, helping to increase financial inclusion and smooth access to global talent for employers. Stablecoins are a digital-first financial tool for a digital-first world and are ideally suited to replacing the current archaic international payments system. Opinion by: Simon McLoughlin, CEO at UpholdThis article is for general information purposes and is not intended to be and should not be taken as legal or investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed here are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph.

FOMO: 90%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 15:00

Swyftx acquires New Zealand’s Easy Crypto, citing Trump tailwind - Australian crypto broker Swyftx is set to acquire New Zealand crypto exchange Easy Crypto, with one of the CEOs nodding at positive crypto policy changes in the United States. Swyftx CEO Jason Titman said in a March 19 statement that they see “Trump’s policy messaging around crypto as a tailwind” for this deal. He told Cointelegraph that Swyftx’s deal with Easy Crypto was underway before Trump was elected, but now we are on “the cusp of sensible regulation in the US” that will bring liquidity and put pressure on other governments to legislate.“Everyone is so focused on tariffs that they’re skipping the argument that good things are on the horizon for crypto,” Titman said.“The environment for dealmaking is about to improve exponentially, and there is no question that money will move. This deal may be the first, but it won’t be the last.”Following Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, some changes in the crypto industry have included several pro-crypto executives in top regulatory roles and a shift in crypto stance by the country’s securities regulator.Titman says the crypto industry has endured a lean few years for mergers and acquisitions activity, partly because crypto CEOs were unwilling to “take the regulatory risk” they saw during the Biden administration.“This hesitation has extended to other markets where regulators have sat on the fence and shown a lack of commitment to introducing clear legislation that supports blockchain and digital assets,” he said.“We expect dealmaking to increase over the next few quarters and then stay elevated after that. Political administrations come and go, but rules tend to have a longer shelf life and that gives businesses the certainty they need to invest.”Swyftx and Easy Crypto will continue to operate as separate platforms following the March 31 acquisition while the teams plan for their integration.Related: Australian regulator’s ‘blitz’ hits crypto exchanges, money remittersThe new business will have a combined workforce of just under 200 employees and operate out of Brisbane, Australia, according to Swyftx and Easy Crypto.Janine Grainger, co-founder and CEO of Easy Crypto, told Cointelegraph that the acquisition is a “natural fit” and would create a new oceanic heavyweight to rival crypto incumbents.“The crypto market has changed rapidly in the last four years. As the market has matured, there has been a trend of the market consolidating and strong regional and global players emerging,” she said.An August 2024 Swyftx survey estimates there are 3.9 million Australians who own crypto out of a population of 26 million. Meanwhile, research by Web3 consumer research firm Protocol Theory, in partnership with Easy Crypto, estimates almost 50% of New Zealand’s 5.2 million population are either current crypto investors or are considering investing in the future.An estimated 3.9 million Australians currently own cryptocurrency, compared to 4.5 million in 2023. Source: SwyftxIn comparison, the US Fed estimates roughly 18 million people in America own or use crypto.Grainger says there “is increasing interest in leveraging our industry” to help drive economic growth amid strong support for the industry in New Zealand. “There is strong support for crypto locally — close to 50% of New Zealanders own, have owned or are considering future investment into crypto,” she said.“The region is undergoing increasing levels of regulation, which will help to drive trust, much like other regions.” Magazine: CryCrypto fans are obsessed with longevity and biohacking: Here’s why

FOMO: 88%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 13:45

Coinbase stock may rally to $310 on Trump-led crypto policies - Coinbase exchanges stock price has received an optimistic price prediction from a Bernstein analyst, citing improving crypto regulatory clarity in the worlds largest economy.Gautam Chhugani, an analyst at global asset management firm Bernstein, initiated coverage of Nasdaq-listed Coinbase...

SOL

FOMO: 85%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 13:45

Coinbase stock may rally to $310 on Trump-led crypto policies - Coinbase exchange’s stock price has received an optimistic price prediction from a Bernstein analyst, citing improving crypto regulatory clarity in the world’s largest economy.Gautam Chhugani, an analyst at global asset management firm Bernstein, initiated coverage of Nasdaq-listed Coinbase (COIN) stock with an outperform rating and a price target of over $310.The analyst expects improving mainstream cryptocurrency adoption, driven by US President Donald Trump’s administration, which intends to make crypto policy a national priority and make the US a global hub for blockchain innovation, according to a Bernstein research note seen by Tipranks. If Coinbase shares manage to rise to $310, it would mean an over 64% rally from the current $188 mark, Google Finance data shows.COIN/USD, all-time chart. Source: Google FinanceThe bullish price prediction comes over a week after Trump hosted the first White House Crypto Summit on March 7, shortly before he signed an executive order that outlined a plan to create a Bitcoin reserve using cryptocurrency forfeited in government criminal cases, Cointelegraph reported.Related: Bitcoin beats global assets post-Trump election, despite BTC correctionCoinbase stock may surge on improving crypto regulatory clarity in the USCoinbase is set to benefit from crypto’s “ascendancy to the US financial mainstream” amid improving regulations, mainly due to the firm offering a one-stop platform for numerous crypto activities, wrote the research note, adding:“COIN is described as a crypto exchange, but it is actually what a universal Bank would look like in the world of blockchain-based financial services.”“COIN offers an exchange, broker/dealer, institutional prime desk, stablecoin banking, crypto payments, custodian bank, software and blockchain ecosystem services, all combined into a full stack ‘Amazon’ of crypto financial services,” added the report.Related: FDIC resists transparency on Operation Chokepoint 2.0 — Coinbase CLOCrypto regulation is heading in a positive direction, with some analysts seeing the US Bitcoin reserve plan as the first “real step” for Bitcoin’s integration into the global financial system.“The US has taken its first real step toward integrating Bitcoin into the fabric of global finance, acknowledging its role as a foundational asset for a more stable and sound monetary system,” Joe Burnett, head of market research at Unchained, told Cointelegraph.While Trump has previously highlighted his intentions to bolster crypto innovation in the US, issuing regulatory frameworks takes time and setting the “right regulatory tone” will be crucial for the administration, according to Anastasija Plotnikova, co-founder and CEO of Fideum — a regulatory and blockchain infrastructure firm focused on institutions.Magazine: Bitcoin’s odds of June highs, SOL’s $485M outflows, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 2 – 8

FOMO: 85%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 13:15

Michael Saylors Strategy plans to offer 5M shares to buy more Bitcoin - Business intelligence firm and Bitcoin investor Strategy plans to offer 5 million shares of the companys Series A Perpetual Strife Preferred Stock and use the proceeds to purchase more Bitcoin. In an announcement, the company said it intends to use the proceeds for general purposes. This...

BTC

FOMO: 85%

u.today Mar 18, 2025 13:13

Shiba Inu to Rise 50%? This 549 Trillion SHIB Test Holds Key - This marks 50% increase from current price levels

SHIB

FOMO: 85%

cointelegraph.com Mar 18, 2025 13:00

Xapo Bank launches Bitcoin-backed USD loans targeting hodlers - Xapo Bank, a global cryptocurrency-friendly bank headquartered in Gibraltar, is betting on crypto lending revival by launching Bitcoin-backed US dollar loans.Qualifying Xapo Bank clients can now access Bitcoin (BTC) loans of up to $1 million, the firm said in an announcement shared with Cointelegraph on March 18.The new lending product is designed for long-term Bitcoin hodlers who want to access cash while keeping their BTC, Xapo Bank CEO Seamus Rocca told Cointelegraph.“Unlike traditional assets, Bitcoin is an ideal form of collateral — it is borderless, highly liquid, available 24/7, and easily divisible, making it uniquely suited for lending,” Rocca said.No collateral re-usageA key distinction of Xapo’s Bitcoin loan product is that the bank does not rehypothecate the loan collateral by users, meaning that its lending mechanism does not involve the re-usage of BTC assets by clients.Instead, the Bitcoin collateral is stored in Xapo’s BTC vault using institutional multiparty computation (MPC) custody.Working of a crypto lending platform.Eligible Xapo clients can choose repayment schedules of 30, 90, 180 or 365 days, with no penalties for early repayment, the firm said.Who is eligible?Xapo’s new Bitcoin lending offering will be available to pre-approved members based on several criteria.The key criteria for eligibility are the amount of Bitcoin holdings and the period of holdings, as Xapo specifically targets long-term BTC holders with a long-term investment strategy.According to the bank, the offering will be available to global investors in regions like Europe and Asia, excluding residents of the United States.The list of jurisdictions supported by Xapo Bank. Source: Xapo BankXapo Bank is regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission under the Financial Services Act 2019. In 2024, the bank successfully passported its banking license in the United Kingdom, granting its Xapo Bank App full access to the country.While Xapo’s lending is offered across the European Union, crypto lending is not covered by local regulations like the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework.A revival following numerous collapsesXapo Bank’s new BTC loan launch comes a few years after the crypto lending industry suffered a major crisis in 2022.The crisis came amid the historic Terra crash and a subsequent bear market that triggered the collapses of major lending providers like Celsius and BlockFi.“The collapse of Celsius, BlockFi, and other centralized lenders significantly eroded trust in the crypto lending space,” Xapo Bank CEO told Cointelegraph.An example of the Bitcoin lending process on the Xapo Bank App. Source: Xapo Bank“Borrowers today exercise greater caution, prioritizing platforms with a proven track record in Bitcoin custody and those that offer secure, transparent solutions — especially ones that do not engage in rehypothecation,” Rocca said, adding:“At the same time, demand for Bitcoin-backed loans is on the rise, particularly among high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors who seek liquidity without selling their Bitcoin holdings.”In addition to removing asset rehypothecation and MPC security, Xapo offers risk management tools and proactive protection to prevent automatic liquidations.Related: Bitwise makes first institutional DeFi allocation“In the event of a Bitcoin price drop, customers receive instant notifications, allowing them to either top up their collateral or make partial repayments to maintain their loan status,” Rocca noted.Xapo is not the only firm that has been working to introduce lending products in 2025. In early March, Bitcoin developer Blockstream secured a multibillion-dollar investment to launch three new institutional funds, with two of them offering BTC lending.Magazine: ETH may bottom at $1.6K, SEC delays multiple crypto ETFs, and more: Hodler’s Digest, March 9 – 15

FOMO: 90%

feeds2.benzinga.com Mar 18, 2025 12:43

Michael Saylor\s MSTR Provides Bitcoin Exposure To Bondholders With Its \Novel Strategy:\ Tom Lee Says It\s Helping \Bond Managers Outperform\ The Market - Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy, has helped bond managers to outperform since the company has issued 0% convertible bonds. According to this analyst, MSTRs novel strategy has the potential for great upside in the future.read more

FOMO: 85%

@BTC_Archive Mar 18, 2025 12:18

JUST IN: Michael Saylors STRATEGY to sell 5 million preferred shares to buy more Bitcoin.

BTC

FOMO: 90%

news.bitcoin.com Mar 18, 2025 12:36

Metaplanet Acquires Additional 150 Bitcoin, Total Holdings Reach 3,200 - Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company Metaplanet Inc. has announced the acquisition of an additional 150 BTC as part of its ongoing Bitcoin Treasury operations, bringing its total bitcoin holdings to 3,200. The latest purchase was made at an average price of approximately $83,706 (12,526,226 yen) per bitcoin, totaling approximately $12.53 million (1.879 billion yen). The company […]

FOMO: 90%

beincrypto.com Mar 18, 2025 11:00

PancakeSwap (CAKE) Soars 21% as Inflows Hit Monthly High, Surpassing $3 Million - PancakeSwaps CAKE token is the markets top performer today, surging 21% in the past 24 hours. At press time, the altcoin trades at $2.56. This rally comes as CAKE records its highest daily spot inflow in a month amid strong demand and renewed investor interest in the token. CAKE Rockets...

ETH

FOMO: 85%

coinpedia.org Mar 18, 2025 11:33

Mubarak Meme Coin Skyrockets 200% in 48 Hours: Is This Rally Sustainable? - The post Mubarak Meme Coin Skyrockets 200% in 48 Hours: Is This Rally Sustainable? appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News MUBARAK coin has taken the crypto market by storm, skyrocketing 200% in just 48 hours. The tokens price jumped to $0.206, with its market value touching $200 million. The...

FOMO: 85%

altcoinbuzz.io Mar 18, 2025 11:24

Bitcoin Leads the Charge Amid Post-Election Market Dip - Yet, amidst the turbulence, Bitcoin has proven to be the standout performer, still outpacing every other asset class. According to recent data from Bloomberg and NYDIG, Bitcoin has delivered a staggering 19.4% return since the election, even with a dip from its peak of 53.7%. Crypto Outshines...

BTC

FOMO: 85%