Digital Shekel Challenge: Bank of Israel Engages 14 Teams for Digital Currency Innovation

The Bank of Israel has initiated the “Digital Shekel Challenge” to explore the potential of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) system inspired by the BIS Innovation Hub’s “Project Rosalind.” Fourteen teams from various sectors have been selected to propose innovative use cases. The challenge aims to integrate digital shekel with other payment systems and … Read more

Bitso Integrates Lightspark for Bitcoin Lightning Network

Bitso, a leading Latin American cryptocurrency platform, has announced its partnership with Lightspark to incorporate the Bitcoin Lightning Network into its services. This integration aims to enhance the speed and affordability of bitcoin transactions for Bitso’s users. Bitso Adds Lightning Support via Lightspark The integration of Lightspark Connect will allow Bitso‘s 8 million retail customers … Read more

Coinbase Challenges SEC’s Rulemaking Process, Argues for Clear Regulations on Digital Assets

Coinbase, Inc. has escalated its dispute with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) by filing a reply brief in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing the necessity of clear rulemaking for the digital asset industry. The case underscores the ongoing tensions between regulators and the digital asset sector over compliance and operational standards. Coinbase … Read more

Mastercard Launches Crypto Credential Service for Simplified Cross-Border Transactions

Financial giant Mastercard has initiated its first real-world application of the Crypto Credential system, a system aimed at facilitating easier and more secure peer-to-peer (P2P) cryptocurrency transactions. The service, which allows users to transfer cryptocurrencies using simple aliases, has gone live across several exchanges in Europe and Latin America. Mastercard Launches Crypto Credential, Aiming for … Read more

Bitcoin Network Overwhelmed by 390,000 Unconfirmed Transactions and Surging Fees

In just under two weeks, the number of unconfirmed transactions on the Bitcoin network has skyrocketed from 134,000 to over 390,000, causing a bottleneck in the mempool. This surge in unconfirmed transactions has resulted in a staggering 343% increase in transaction fees, which have risen from $1.99 per transaction on April 26 to a current … Read more

Microstrategy’s Bitcoin Holdings Reach 140,000 BTC After Acquiring 1,045 More Bitcoins

Nine days after publicly listed company Microstrategy purchased 6,455 bitcoins, the firm’s CEO, Michael Saylor, announced the purchase of an additional 1,045 bitcoins. The business intelligence (BI) company now holds a total of 140,000 bitcoins, worth $3.97 billion. Microstrategy Buys Another Batch of Bitcoins Microstrategy has begun acquiring bitcoin (BTC) again, after purchasing 6,455 bitcoins … Read more