Kategorie: Crypto Markets

Daily headlines and news about crypto markets.

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Elixir, Securitize launch DeFi vaults for BlackRock’s BUIDL

  • Elixir and Securitize have partnered to unlock $1 billion in tokenized real-world assets (RWA) to DeFi.
  • The platforms have launched DeFi vaults for BlackRock’s BUIDL fund, with Elixir’s decentralized dollar deUSD core to the project.

Elixir, the network powering the decentralized yield-bearing synthetic dollar deUSD, has teamed up with BlackRock’s tokenization partner Securitize to launch a liquid staking token for tokenized securities.

The partnership seeks to bring billions of dollars in gated capital to the decentralized finance market, Elixir said in an announcement on Nov. 19.

Elixir, Securitize launch DeFi vaults for BUIDL

According to the platform, users will leverage deUSD to access Blackrock’s tokenized fund BUIDL and other RWA assets for DeFi across the market. deUSD will be the primary currency of the “deUSD RWA Institutional Program.”

In a comment, Elixir founder & chief executive officer Philip Forte said:

“Elixir is excited to partner with Securitize to bring this 0 to 1 innovation to DeFi. The Elixir Network is a purpose-built stack powering exchange orderbooks and deUSD (“Decentralized US Dollar”). For the first time ever, holders of tokenized real-world assets can natively use their assets onchain in DeFi, accessing unified liquidity via deUSD.”

The collaboration seeks to use deUSD to unlock yield-opportunities for the over $1 billion real world assets that Securitize has issued across DeFi. The offering is via the sToken and the new ERC-4626 vault technology in partnership with Elixir’s “deUSD RWA Institutional Program.”

“With the launch of this innovative sToken functionality, Securitize is enabling a new frontier in DeFi by making it possible to leverage any Real World Asset token issued using the DS Protocol,” Securitize co-founder & chief executive officer Carlos Domingo said in a statement.

“This functionality not only provides liquidity options but also bridges the gap between traditional assets and the digital asset economy, offering investors more ways to manage and optimize their portfolios,” he added.

The RWA onchain market is currently valued at over $13 billion, while tokenized US Treasuries account for over $2.4 billion. On Nov. 19, Bitfinex Securites announced the launch of the first tokenized US T-bill in El Salvador.

The post Elixir, Securitize launch DeFi vaults for BlackRock’s BUIDL appeared first on CoinJournal.

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Injective offers users the ability to create their own AI agents with new SDK

  • Injective’s iAgent SDK enables on-chain AI agents using natural language commands.
  • Users can automate payments, trades, and market analysis with tailored AI agents.
  • iAgent combines AI and blockchain, simplifying tasks for both experts and novices.

Injective, a prominent blockchain protocol for finance, has unveiled a groundbreaking software development kit (SDK) called iAgent.

This innovative toolkit empowers users to build on-chain AI agents capable of automating blockchain tasks through natural language commands, heralding a new era of AI-driven blockchain interactions.

Announced at the Injective Summit 2024, iAgent integrates seamlessly with large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

The SDK simplifies complex blockchain operations by allowing users to perform tasks like instant payments, order placement across decentralized exchanges, wallet balance checks, and predictive trend analysis—all through conversational commands in everyday English.

The flexibility of iAgent allows users to create multiple agents tailored for specific purposes. For instance, one agent can monitor market data in real-time, while another can handle automated trade execution. The system ensures transparency by tracking transactions with details such as hash codes and block heights, making it both user-friendly and secure.

Injective has positioned iAgent as a key solution for combining artificial intelligence with on-chain infrastructure, aiming to redefine the possibilities of AI in the financial sector. The toolkit also enables AI agents to interact with APIs, databases, and applications, further enhancing automation capabilities.

The launch aligns with a growing trend in the crypto industry where AI agents are becoming increasingly popular. Venture capital funds like ai16z and projects such as Virtuals Protocol are championing this narrative, pushing for the integration of AI agents capable of autonomous decision-making in blockchain ecosystems.

Injective’s innovation comes amid bullish market predictions for 2025, with factors like pro-crypto sentiment under Donald Trump’s presidency expected to drive the adoption of AI-powered blockchain solutions.

With features such as natural language processing, real-time market analysis, and predictive analytics, iAgent offers a comprehensive solution for both developers and non-technical users.

By automating and simplifying blockchain interactions, Injective is paving the way for AI-enabled finance, solidifying its position as a leader in the decentralized finance (DeFi) space.

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Coinbase will delist Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) next month

  • Coinbase will delist WBTC on December 19, 2024, due to unmet listing criteria.
  • WBTC will be moved to limit-only mode, with withdrawals still accessible.
  • Coinbase’s cbBTC, launched in September, has been gaining market share in wrapped Bitcoin.

Coinbase, one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, has announced it will delist Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) from its platforms on December 19, 2024.

The decision will affect all Coinbase services, including Coinbase.com, Coinbase Exchange, and Coinbase Prime, and comes amid ongoing assessments of the exchange’s listing standards.

As part of the transition, WBTC order books have been switched to limit-only mode. This allows users to place, cancel, and match limit orders but restricts other trading functionalities.

Despite the suspension of trading, Coinbase assured users that WBTC holdings would remain accessible, and withdrawals could be made at any time.

WBTC doesn’t meet Coinbase listing criteria

In its statement, Coinbase noted that the move was a result of its latest review, which suggested Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) no longer meets its listing criteria.

While no specific reasons were disclosed, the announcement emphasizes Coinbase’s commitment to maintaining regulatory compliance and providing high-quality assets for trading.

Notably, the delisting comes just months after Coinbase launched its own wrapped Bitcoin token, Coinbase Wrapped Bitcoin (cbBTC).

Introduced in September 2024, cbBTC is an ERC-20 token fully backed 1:1 by Bitcoin held in Coinbase’s custody. It offers integration with decentralized applications (dApps) across networks like Ethereum, Base, and Solana.

CbBTC has quickly gained traction, reaching a market capitalization of $1.3 billion and a circulating supply of over 15,000 tokens. The majority of cbBTC tokens—82%—are on Coinbase’s Base network, with the rest distributed across Ethereum and Solana.

The rising popularity of cbBTC positions it as a strong competitor to WBTC in the DeFi ecosystem.

Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) team surprised by the move

In response the WBTC team has expressed surprise and disappointment over Coinbase’s decision to delist the asset, reaffirming their dedication to compliance, transparency, and decentralization.

In a statement, they emphasized the robust governance, secure custody processes, and regulatory adherence of their product, positioning WBTC as the most decentralized wrapped BTC solution available.

The WBTC team urged Coinbase to reconsider its decision, offering to provide additional information or clarification to resolve any concerns.

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Gemini officially launches its platform in France following its DASP registration

  • Gemini launches in France after securing DASP registration in January.
  • The launched platform supports 70+ assets, euro deposits, and institutional trading tools.
  • France’s crypto growth and MiCA regulations drive Gemini’s European expansion.

Gemini, the renowned cryptocurrency exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has officially entered the French market, marking a significant milestone in its European expansion.

This move comes nearly a year after the company secured a Digital Asset Service Provider (DASP) registration from France’s regulatory authority, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), in January 2024.

French Retail and institutional investors can now use Gemini

The launch enables French users to deposit, trade, and store over 70 digital assets on both web and mobile platforms. Local payment options, including debit cards, bank transfers, and Apple Pay, are supported for deposits in euros and British pounds, making the platform more accessible to the French audience.

Advanced traders can access more than 80 trading pairs through Gemini’s robust investment platform, which also offers various API integrations for seamless trading.

Institutional investors are not left out, as Gemini’s over-the-counter (OTC) desk and eOTC trading system provide a secure avenue for executing large transactions with deep liquidity.

Gillian Lynch, Gemini’s CEO for the United Kingdom and Europe, highlighted the company’s commitment to localization by ensuring the platform is fully translated and optimized for French users.

The rise of crypto adoption in France

France has emerged as a strategic market for Gemini, thanks to its increasing cryptocurrency adoption and a favourable regulatory environment shaped by the DASP regime and the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA).

According to Gemini’s 2024 Global State of Crypto report, trust in cryptocurrency is higher in France than in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Over the past two years, France has experienced a 2% increase in crypto adoption, making it the fastest-growing crypto economy in the region.

Gemini views this as an opportunity to further establish its presence in Europe. Lynch expressed optimism about expanding the platform’s services and improving accessibility for French customers.

With its pro-crypto stance and regulatory clarity, France is poised to play a pivotal role in Gemini’s vision for a robust European crypto market.

This strategic launch underscores Gemini’s commitment to delivering secure and innovative crypto solutions in a growing and trusted market.

The post Gemini officially launches its platform in France following its DASP registration appeared first on CoinJournal.

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NYT: Trump reconsiders pro-crypto choices for Treasury Secretary, slows down his selection process

  • Trump is now considering Kevin Warsh and Marc Rowan for the US Treasury Secretary position
  • Howard Lutnick is reportedly frustrating Trump by spending too much time with him to get himself appointed
  • A person familiar with the situation between Lutnick and Scott Bessent as a “knife fight”

President-elect Donald Trump is allegedly reconsidering his options for US Treasury Secretary, pivoting away from pro-crypto choices.

Trump is now considering former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh and Wall Street billionaire Marc Rowan, according to a report from the The New York Times. Trump is expected to invite the two to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida residence, this week following internal conflict over the role.

Trump had been expected to pick either pro-crypto candidates Howard Lutnick, the CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald or Scott Bessent, the founder of Key Square Capital Management, an investment firm, and a former money manager for George Soros.

Up until yesterday morning, Polymarket, a prediction market platform, had put Bessent at an 87% chance of getting the job. However, he’s now down to 16% with Warsh taking the lead at 44%.

US Treasury Secretary ratings on Polymarket. Source: Polymarket

Getting frustrated

According to the New York Times, Trump has expressed frustration with Lutnick, claiming he’s been hanging around the president-elect too much to get himself appointed. A person familiar with the matter described the situation between Lutnick and Bessent as a “knife fight” with Lutnick as the “primary aggressor.”

Despite this, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, and an influential figure in Trump’s inner circle, took to X to endorse Lutnick, adding that “Bessent is a business-as-usual choice.”

“Business-as-usual is driving America bankrupt, so we need change one way or another,” Musk said. He added that Lutnick will “actually enact change.”

As a result of Trump’s second thoughts, he’s slowed down the selection process even though Bessent is still under consideration. Both Lutnick and Bessent are considerably more pro-crypto compared to Warsh and Rowan.

In an essay for the American Enterprise Institute, Warsh advocated for an American central bank digital currency (CBDC) despite concerns over consumer privacy. Rowan, on the other hand, said in a March interview he didn’t see the “value of an alternative currency” when discussing crypto.

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