Crypto.com receives in-principle MiCA licence

  • Crypto.com says the MiCA licence allows the exchange to passport its services across the European Union.
  • The firm joins other crypto companies in securing regulatory approval in the EU, including Circle, Borse Stuttgart Digital, MoonPay and Coinbase.

Crypto.com is set to expand its services and products in the European Union after obtaining the crucial Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) approval.

The exchange announced the key regulatory milestone via a news release on Jan. 17.

Crypto.com eyes EU expansion

Having now secured an in-principle license from MiCA in the EU, Crypto.com is now edging closer to full regulatory approval becoming one of the first crypto service providers to achieve this milestone.

The license allows companies to operate across the European trading bloc consisting of 27 nations. Upon approval, Crypto.com will be able to offer a wide range of crypto services through out the jurisdiction.

European Union under a leadership framework which enhances accountancy and transparency in the industry. Commenting the news, President and chief operating officer of Crypto.com Eric Anziani, said:

“We have always been fully supportive of MiCA and strongly believe it will bring clarity, transparency, and establish a more streamlined sentiment towards the regulation of our industry across the EU, all of which adds to the growing confidence in the crypto sector. “

Companies have been pushing towards attaining a crypto asset service provider license under MiCA since 2023 crypto legislation was passed.

Crypto.com joins several other platforms in securing MiCA licences.

These include Boerse Stuttgart Digital, MoonPay, Circle and Coinbase, some of the crypto companies to successfully secure MiCA approval ahead of the regulatory rollout of MiCA in the EU.  Notably, the comprehensive crypto rules came into full effect on December 30, 2024.

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Here’s why OKB price spiked 20% today

  • OKB token surged more than 20% to hit highs of $61.29 on Jan. 17.
  • The altcoin, native to the OKX exchange, rose as the community reacted to news around Azuki’s Animecoin (ANIME).

OKB registered a price surge 20% higher. The price surge follows OKX adopting OKB as the primary token for mining Animecoin which is their maiden project aimed at revolutionizing the Anime industry.

On Friday Jan 17, the price of OKB, the native token of the OKX ecosystem rose by 20% posting a high of $58.86. This came after the crypto platform chose it as the primary token for mining Animecoin (ANIME), the Azuki backed token.

OKX Jumpstart and ANIME tokens

The OKX Jumpstart staking program  is set to begin mining Animecoin on Jan 20. The OKB users can stake their OKB and BTC tokens to gain Anime tokens.

The program will run from Jan 20 to Jan 23.

While there is no minimum limit for staking for the holders of OKB and BTC tokens, maximum staking limit is set at 600 OKB and 0.3 BTC ($30,000). Staking and unstaking is permissible at any given time.

Of the 10 billion total token reserve, a share will go to the active participants in the OKX Jumpstart event. 50.5% of the total supply will be apportioned to the community. 37.5% of the token will go to the Azuki community who are the very first supporters of Animecoin while Community Cultivation which is held by future AnimeDao will get 13%. The 13% will be used as community incentives and initiatives.

Partner communities will also get 2% share.

The Anime token Listing

The Anime token is set for listing on both the Ethereum and Arbitrum platforms on Jan 23. Sources indicate that the token will stir up great following among the Anime users,its creators and revolutinize the the anime ecosystem to a great deal.

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Online gambling market to hit $161B in 5 years, new data reveals

  • Online gambling is projected to hit $161B by 2030.
  • The growth is expected to be driven by tech, the easing of regulations, and the increasing crypto use in the space.
  • The market must however overcome challenges like cyber threats and addiction risks.

In a groundbreaking revelation from the latest gambling market analysis by Research and Markets, the online gambling sector is on track for significant expansion, with projections indicating a valuation of USD 161.32 billion by 2030. 

This growth trajectory, marked by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.57%, underscores the digital transformation sweeping through the gambling industry, fueled by technological advancements and shifting regulatory landscapes.

Factors driving the online gambling market growth

At the moment the online gambling market is thriving as a result of several converging factors. Foremost among these is the relentless rise in smartphone adoption and global internet penetration. 

With more people gaining access to high-speed internet and mobile devices, the ease of accessing gambling platforms has never been greater. This has democratized gambling, bringing it to the fingertips of millions who previously might not have engaged with traditional gambling establishments.

Another pivotal driver behind this market boom is the gradual liberalization of online gambling regulations. 

Governments in numerous countries are recognizing the revenue potential of legalizing and regulating online gambling, thereby reducing the stigma and legal barriers that once hindered its growth. This regulatory thaw has not only legitimized the industry but also opened up new markets, particularly in regions previously restricted by stringent gambling laws.

The integration of cutting-edge technologies has also played a crucial role. Virtual Reality (VR) is beginning to offer players immersive casino experiences from the comfort of their homes, while the adoption of cryptocurrencies has revolutionized payment methods in the sector. 

The rise of online crypto casino platforms, where players enjoy the anonymity, security, and speed that digital currencies provide. This technological leap has not only attracted a tech-savvy demographic but also those interested in the novelty and efficiency of crypto transactions.

Looking forward, the report highlights significant opportunities in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where internet usage is skyrocketing. Here, the growth potential is vast, as these regions catch up with digital trends. 

Moreover, ongoing advancements in AI and blockchain technology are poised to further personalize user experiences and ensure transaction transparency and security, respectively.

For businesses in the sector, the path forward involves not just keeping up with but anticipating technological trends. 

There’s a strong recommendation for enhancing data privacy measures to build trust among users, alongside innovative marketing strategies that leverage social media to tap into younger demographics. The ability to adapt to regulatory changes and cultural nuances will also be key to maintaining and expanding market share.

The challenges that could impact growth

While this projected growth is impressive, Research and Markets did identify some potential challenges. 

Cybersecurity remains a paramount concern, with online gambling platforms being prime targets for cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain or to disrupt services. 

However, the growing adoption of cryptocurrency payments by online gambling sites will play an important role in reducing those security risks, since advanced cryptography is a central component of all blockchain-based cryptocurrency solutions. 

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Trump to make crypto a priority with executive order

  • President-elect Donald Trump could sign the executive order on January 20 when he’s sworn in
  • The order may also create a crypto advisory council
  • People familiar with the matter said the order isn’t final and could change before it’s made public

US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly planning to sign an executive order designed to prioritize crypto as his inauguration day approaches.

Citing people familiar with the matter, the order enables industry insiders to work with agency regulators. It could also create a crypto advisory council, reports Bloomberg.

An earlier report from The Washington Post suggests Trump is expected to sign executive orders – on the first day of his presidency – focusing on crypto de-banking and the repeal of crypto accounting policies requiring banks holding digital assets to count them as liabilities.

Trump, who will be inaugurated on January 20, has enjoyed strong support from the crypto industry. During his campaign trail, he promised to make the US the “crypto capital” of the world, and was the recipient of a $2 million Bitcoin donation from Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss and a $1 million Ethereum donation from Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken.

Since winning the US election in November, the crypto market has rallied with Bitcoin hitting a new all-time high of over $108,000.

Trump has also selected several pro-crypto candidates within his incoming administration, including crypto czar David Sacks, Bo Hines as executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, and Paul Atkins as the next US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair.

Earlier this week, Republican commissioners at the SEC indicated they were set to revise the agency’s crypto policies as Trump prepares to enter the White House next week.

Pushing American tech

Despite facing regulatory hurdles, the crypto market has also seen positive growth under President Joe Biden’s administration.

At the beginning of 2024, for instance, the SEC approved the first US spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which have since expanded the market. BlackRock’s IBIT Bitcoin ETF currently accounts for more than 559,000 Bitcoin, valued at $56.2 billion, according to iShares data.

However, with the new incoming administration, Trump is keen to push American technology companies to the front.

Speaking on this, Kara Calvert, vice-president for US policy at Coinbase Global, said: “What I think Donald Trump is going to do is signal that the United States is back and we are ready to lead in this industry. What it’s signalling to other countries is to be careful, or you won’t keep up.”

At the time of publishing, Bitcoin is back within the $100,000 territory, trading at around $102,000.

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NEXT BASKET Announces NEBA Token, Powering its Web3 E-commerce Ecosystem


NEXT BASKET is a software platform for building online stores based on artificial intelligence. Sales are currently taking place on 4 continents.

The company has already released for private sales its NEBA token with a price of $0.04, with a planned public launch price $0.20.

NEXT BASKET, with the help of sales revenue from its NEBA Token, lays the foundation for the world’s first decentralized online stores and marketplace platforms. Decentralization in e-commerce, achieved through blockchain technology, eliminates intermediaries and offers numerous advantages.

Utilities of NEBA Token

NEBA Token is the foundation of the online store loyalty program built on the NEXT BASKET platform that incentivizes customers and merchants. End customers of online stores receive bonuses in NEBA Tokens for every purchase.

Bonuses are added directly to their crypto wallets, and merchants who own online stores must purchase tokens to fund these bonuses. In return, they receive free access to the NEXT BASKET platform, creating a sustainable growth and value model, as well as a steadily increasing NEBA Token price.

What and why?

Where are we now: The current online models in the Web2 universe have already run out of options for their development, despite the advent of AI.
Where do we want to go: The only way to qualitatively change e-commerce is to enter the Web3 environment, leveraging blockchain for decentralized operations.

Why decentralized Web3 e-commerce?

More revenue: Blockchain-enabled decentralization eliminates middlemen, allowing merchants to retain more of the profits.
More secure: Blockchain technology ensures transparency and protection against hacking attacks for both online stores and customer accounts.
Cheaper: Transaction and logistics costs are reduced through blockchain-driven efficiencies.
Faster: Streamlined blockchain processes enable faster delivery and better service.

How is this project different from anything else?

Innovation: The world’s first decentralized Web3 online stores and marketplace platforms.
Real business: NEXT BASKET is a proven and growing business, already established on a global level.
Technological basis: The combination of blockchain and artificial intelligence provides unique advantages for merchants and customers.

Why invest in NEBA Token?

Opportunity for big profit: The price of NEBA Token is expected to reach $3.50 in the first year. You create the future: You participate in building the foundations of Web3 online commerce

How are your interests protected?

Guaranteed rising price: The need for the continuous purchase of tokens by online store owners guarantees the constant increase of the price of NEBA Token on crypto exchanges.
Liquidity provided: About half of the proceeds are dedicated to providing liquidity and maintaining the price of the NEBA Token.

Unique Tokenomics

Tokenomics set up as a balance sheet: See the world’s first Tokenomics made with both token and fiat money revenues and expenses aligned.
Traceability and clarity: The tokenomics clearly show every token and every dollar and their purposes.

Financial part

NEBA Token is issuing 1 billion tokens and plans to acquire $30 million from sales.
The majority of this amount is used for marketing and for the development of the NEXT BASKET ecosystem.

Join the future

NEBA Token is not just a cryptocurrency but part of a real and proven business that is changing e-commerce. Take the opportunity to invest in this project now

The private sale has already started – secure your place in the future of Web3 eCommerce. Visit the company website for more info.

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