➡️OCC Grants Banks The Authority to Store Crypto➡️
OCC drafted Interpretive Letter 1183 to confirm that crypto-asset custody, various stable coins, and participation in independent node verification networks such as distributed ledgers are permissible for national banks and federal savings associations.
🔸Protecting digital assets is an important task when dealing with cryptocurrency. 🔸The mandatory security tips used to secure digital assets from potential fraudsters include: 🔐Wallet Security 🔐Exchange and Trading Security 🔐Transaction Safety 🔐Back up and Recovery 1️⃣ WALLET SECURITY 🔸Use hardware wallets; Long-term digital assets need to be stored in a hardware wallet such as Ledger and Trezor instead of using online and software-based wallets. 🔸However, it is highly recommended to use secure software wallets such as Exodus, Trust Wallet, and MetaMask. 🔸Users are encouraged to keep private keys offline to prevent an unauthorized access and keys should not be stored in emails, cloud storage, and notes. 2️⃣ EXCHANGE AND TRADING SECURITY 🔸Never keep funds on exchange; Users should keep funds on exchange only when trading and withdraw to a secure wallet when not in use. 🔸Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA); A good example is using Google Authenticator or Authy when accessing wallets and exchange accounts. 3️⃣ TRANSACTION SAFETY 🔸Verify wallet addresses before sending funds by double-checking addresses because spyware and malware can alter copied addresses. 🔸Use secure emails for crypto accounts and monitor suspicious activities. 4️⃣ BACKUP AND RECOVERY 🔸Write down seed phrases and store them offline in a waterproof and fireproof location. 🔸Saving phrases online is not recommended betof potential cyber attacks.
#TexasBTCReserveBill Texas is advancing legislation to establish a Bitcoin reserve, aiming to diversify its financial assets and position itself as a leader in cryptocurrency adoption. On March 6, 2025, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 21 (SB-21) with a 25-5 vote. Introduced by Senator Charles Schwertner, SB-21 proposes the creation of the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, allowing the state comptroller to invest in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The bill outlines a framework for the reserve's administration, granting the comptroller authority to acquire, sell, and manage cryptocurrency holdings. An advisory committee, including cryptocurrency investment experts, would provide guidance on asset management strategies and risk mitigation. The reserve's holdings would be subject to strict security measures, such as using cold storage to prevent unauthorized access. A biennial report detailing the reserve's status would be submitted to the Texas Legislature and made available to the public. Supporters argue that establishing a Bitcoin reserve could serve as a hedge against inflation and economic volatility, potentially yielding long-term financial gains for the state. However, critics express concerns about Bitcoin's price volatility and the potential risks associated with government involvement in digital assets. Some view the initiative as a form of cronyism that could lead to taxpayer-funded bailouts of the volatile cryptocurrency market. Texas joins other states, such as Arizona and Utah, in exploring the establishment of Bitcoin reserves. At the federal level, President Donald Trump has proposed a nationwide crypto reserve initiative, reflecting a growing interest in integrating cryptocurrencies into government financial strategies. As of March 7, 2025, SB-21 awaits consideration in the Texas House of Representatives. If enacted, Texas would become one of the first U.S. states to establish a government-backed Bitcoin reserve, potentially setting a precedent for others considering similar measures.
⚓ CRYPTO STOCKPILE: US President wants investors to stockpile crypto in a strategic reserve⚓
President Trump plans to establish a reliable and strategic cryptocurrency reserve that has initiated a major debate around digital assets. Trump's administration has been far more friendly to cryptocurrency than previous presidents. The choose tokens include Bitcoin, Ether, ada, XRP, and Solana.
However, the article will provide a rundown of the plan, the pushback, and how it works. The US President claims that the reserve would has a potential of turning America into the “Crypto Capital of the World.” The idea is that the Federal Government would hold a certain amount of tokens similar to the gold stored at Fort Knox.
Similarly, investors seem to support Trump's Reserve Plan but the coins surged immediately after the announcement. Some believe that crypto is different to assets countries normally stockpile. The commonly stockpiled assets include: China's pork reserve, Canada's mapple syrup reserve, and the US petroleum reserve. Trump visions the reserve to serve as a hedge against inflation because the coins maintain their values better than the dollar. The president suggests that the reserve can help America dominate the global crypto market and be a global leader in financial innovations such as blockchain. Moreover, the president called it “nothing short of a financial revolution.”
The wipe out resulted in sinking of the crypto market cap that sunk 12% with $1B in liquidation as President Trump's Reserve Plan loss momentum.
However, 10X Research warned the market overreacted and the rally was considered as a profit taking opportunity with legislations surrounding the crypto reserve still months away.
🔓TOTAL CRYPTO MARKET PLUNGE 12.3% TO $2.9t🔓
1. $BTC 🔻9.8% ➡️ $83,694
2. $ETH 🔻 14.8% ➡️ $2,083 3. $XRP 🔻17.7% ➡️ $2.30 Solana and Cardano suffered stepper losses with each declining more than 20%. Skepticism grows over President Trump's Crypto Reserve as approval timeline remains unclear. However, industry voices cast doubt on Trump's plan calling it risky and misguided.
🛑 BREAKING BYBIT THEFT $ETH BYBIT exists as the prominent cryptocurrency exchange However, the exchange experienced a significant security breach on February 21, 2025 that resulted in the loss of approximately $1.5 billion worth of ether (ETH).
The security breach constitutes as the largest cryptocurrency heist, thus the dire need to address such matters. Moreover, the exchange is currently collaborating with industry experts to trace the stollen assets. The experts have launched a recovery bounty program, offering up to 10% of the recovered amount to individuals who assist in retrieving the stolen crypto.
The post aims to look at how the exploit occurred by focusing on the attackers’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and their consistency with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK); and how experts collaborating with Bybit and law enforcement to help recover funds.
The security breach highlights a common playbook used by the DPRK: orchestrating social engineering attacks and employing intricate laundering methods in an attempt to move stolen funds undetected. Similarly, the incident shows the need for investors to collaborate across the crypto ecosystem is paramount in combating these threats.
Blockchain sounds complex and remains a mystery comprising of technical jargons used by investors and traders to store information. The technology plays a significant role in today's technological environment that is growing at an a significant rate.
Regardless of its growing influence in technology supply chain, and finance, statistics indicate that most individuals continue to struggle with understanding Blockchain and its significance. However , the good news is that one does not have to be an expert to understand the basics. At its core, Blockchain constitutes a new approach to record and store information on the internet.
What is Blockchain?
The term Blockchain is central to what marketing matters in cryptocurrency and helps people understand how it works. Moreover, the proof identifies as the first step in fostering trust and accessibility
PROPERTIES 🔓 Decentralized 🔓 Shared Digital Ledger 🔓 Records and stores transaction in a secure platform 🔓 No single person controls the Blockchain records 🔓 Transparent and Tamper-proof 🔓 Immutable: Once a transaction is recorded, it cannot be altered or changed. The unique feature helps to prevent fraud and manipulation.
$BTC $BTC Bitcoin (BTC) is trading at approximately $88,963, reflecting a modest increase of 0.47% from the previous close.
Recently, Bitcoin's price has experienced a notable decline, dropping over 20% from its January peak of $110,000. This downturn is attributed to several factors:
Security Concerns: A significant $1.5 billion hack of the Bybit exchange, primarily involving Ethereum, has raised apprehensions about the security of cryptocurrency platforms.
The Guardian
Regulatory Uncertainty: Despite initial optimism surrounding President Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance, including proposals for a national Bitcoin reserve and favorable regulatory adjustments, the lack of concrete policy implementations has led to market instability.
MarketWatch
Market Sentiment: The collapse of meme coins, notably the Libra coin associated with Argentine President Javier Milei, has undermined investor confidence, contributing to the broader market sell-off.
Business Insider
Analysts present a mixed outlook for Bitcoin's trajectory. Some, like Anthony Scaramucci, predict that Bitcoin could reach $200,000 by the end of 2025, citing increased institutional adoption and potential U.S. reserves for the cryptocurrency.
MarketWatch
Conversely, others caution that without clear regulatory frameworks and improved security measures, Bitcoin may face further declines, potentially testing support levels around $70,000.
MarketWatch
In summary, while Bitcoin's recent dip reflects current market challenges, its future performance will heavily depend on regulatory developments, security enhancements, and shifts in investor sentiment within the cryptocurrency landscape.