1. Iran Shifts Stance on Digital Currencies, Focuses on Regulation Over Restrictions
According to Bitcoin.com, Iran’s Economic Affairs and Finance Minister Abdolnaser Hemmati announced a shift in the country’s approach to digital currencies—from restrictive measures to regulatory frameworks. Hemmati emphasized the government’s plan to mitigate economic risks while harnessing the benefits of digital assets, particularly in youth employment, economic growth, and countering sanctions. The Central Bank of Iran will oversee digital asset management.
2. Argentina’s Securities Regulator Greenlights Crypto ETF Investments
Argentina’s National Securities Commission (CNV) has approved foreign investment products linked to crypto ETFs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and gold-backed options. CNV President Roberto Silva stated this move aligns Argentina with global financial markets.
3. US Think Tank Proposes Bitcoin Treasury Strategy for Amazon
The National Center for Public Policy Research urged Amazon to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury reserve to hedge against inflation. The proposal highlights Bitcoin’s 131% year-over-year growth and outperformance of corporate bonds by 126%.
4. Greeks.live: Crypto Markets Show Independence from Macro Trends
Analyst Adam noted Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 and Ethereum $4,000, driven by strong ETF inflows and altcoin rallies. Short-term implied volatility (IV) has declined, while long-term IV remains stable.
5. Australia Targets Non-Compliant Crypto ATMs in Crackdown
AUSTRAC formed a task force to curb money laundering via crypto ATMs, urging public reports of suspicious activity. Australia ranks third globally with ~1,200 crypto ATMs.
6. US States Explore Bitcoin Reserves Amid Federal Momentum
States like Florida and Pennsylvania are drafting bills to allocate state funds to Bitcoin. Michigan and Wisconsin opted for Bitcoin ETFs, with Wisconsin holding $220M in Grayscale and BlackRock shares.
7. Shanghai Court Warns of NFT-Related Financial Crimes
The Shanghai No. 2 Intermediate Court reported 11% of financial crimes involved virtual currencies, often promoted via social media.
8. Bitwise Strategist: Zero Crypto Capital Gains Tax Attracts Investment
Jeff Park highlighted countries offering 0% crypto taxes as hubs for capital influx, akin to Switzerland or Singapore.
9. Chinese Court Rules Virtual Currency Theft as Property Crime
The People’s Court Daily affirmed virtual currencies’ property status, classifying theft as a criminal offense.
10. BlackRock: Bitcoin as a Diversification Tool
BlackRock’s 2025 Outlook cited Bitcoin’s low correlation with traditional assets, positioning it as a hedge akin to gold.
11. US Bitcoin ETFs Surpass Satoshi’s Holdings
Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas noted US ETFs now hold over 1.1M BTC—more than any entity, including Satoshi.
12. Ex-NY Fed Chair Criticizes Bitcoin Reserves
Bill Dudley argued government Bitcoin holdings lack public benefit, citing volatility and inflationary risks.
13. Xinhua: Bitcoin Surge Reflects US Policy Uncertainty
Xinhua tied Bitcoin’s 40% post-election rally to regulatory debates, warning of investor risks amid rising crypto scams ($5.6B in 2023).
FAQs
Q: How does Iran regulate digital currencies?
A: Iran focuses on central bank oversight to balance economic risks and opportunities, like employment growth.
Q: What’s driving Bitcoin ETF growth?
A: Institutional demand and hedging against inflation, with US ETFs holding 1.1M BTC.
Q: Are crypto ATMs safe?
A: Australia’s AUSTRAC is cracking down on non-compliant ATMs to prevent money laundering.
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