BitMEX Co-Founder Proposes Bitcoin-Backed Stablecoin
Arthur Hayes, the co-founder and former CEO of BitMEX, has proposed creating a new stablecoin called the Satoshi Nakamoto Dollar (NUSD) or NakaDollar. Unlike major reserve-backed U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins, the proposed NakaDollar would be pegged to the sum of $1 worth of Bitcoin and one inverse perpetual swap of BTC against USD, without relying on any USD reserves. The stablecoin's peg to the U.S. dollar would be maintained via mathematical transactions between the new decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) authorized participants and derivatives exchanges.
Federal Judge Refuses to Consolidate Class-Action Lawsuits Against FTX Exchange
A federal judge has denied a request to consolidate five proposed class-action lawsuits against the bankrupt crypto exchange FTX. The plaintiffs, including Julie Papadakis, Michael Elliott Jessup, Stephen Pierce, Elliott Lam, and Russell Hawkins, accuse former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried and other executives of misappropriating assets. While all the plaintiffs are pursuing Bankman-Fried, the cases also involve various other defendants, including outside auditors and exchange promoters. The judge pointed out that not all defendants had the opportunity to respond yet, and there's no need to consolidate before hearing their side.
Mt. Gox Creditors Given Extra Month to Register Claims, Distribution Deadline Delayed
The registration deadline for Mt. Gox creditors has been pushed back by another month, allowing creditors to file claims until April 6. The distribution of assets to creditors will now start from Oct. 31 instead of Sept. 30. Mt. Gox creditors have been waiting for years to get compensated for losses incurred because of the exchange hack in 2014. The extension in the deadline means that creditors will have another month to decide whether to take a lower amount now or wait another nine years to get the full amount.
US Crypto Holders Trust Banks and Exchanges for Custody
A recent survey by Paxos revealed that a majority of US crypto holders still trust banks, exchanges, and mobile payment apps for custody of their assets. Despite high-profile collapses and poor risk management practices, crypto owners continue to trust intermediaries for holding crypto assets. The survey also found an increasing desire among consumers to purchase Bitcoin and other digital assets from traditional banks, presenting a significant untapped opportunity for banks to expand their offerings.
South Koreans transacted $4.3 billion through illegal crypto exchanges
In 2022, South Koreans transacted $4.3 billion through illegal crypto exchanges, comprising almost 70% of all illicit money traffic captured by officers. The transactions aimed to purchase foreign virtual assets to sell in the country later due to the South Korean regulatory regime isolating the local market.
Binance Adds 11 Tokens to PoR Report
Binance cryptocurrency exchange has included 11 more tokens in its proof-of-reserves report, taking the total number of assets in its system to 24, valued at over $63 billion.
Bybit suspends USD bank transfers amid service outages
Dubai-based crypto exchange Bybit has temporarily suspended USD deposits via bank transfers due to "service outages from a partner." Users can still withdraw funds through wire transfers until March 10, but are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to avoid potential disruptions. Bybit has exposure to the bankrupt crypto lender Genesis Global Trading and claims all client funds are safe and secure.
Binance CEO Responds to Forbes Article on Fund Shuffling
Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao responded to a Forbes article that focused on the movement of funds by the cryptocurrency exchange. The article drew parallels between Binance and the now-defunct FTX and discussed the failed Voyager bid by Binance.US, as well as the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s planned legal action against Paxos Trust Company, the issuer of the Binance-branded stablecoin, Binance USD (BUSD). Binance transferred $1.8 billion in stablecoin collateral to hedge funds such as Tron, Amber Group and Alameda Research between August and December 2022. Binance says it still supports BUSD and is now looking into non-USD stablecoins.
bitFlyer Co-Founder Seeks to Reinstate as CEO
Yuzo Kano, co-founder of cryptocurrency exchange bitFlyer, plans to reintroduce himself as CEO at a shareholders meeting next month. Kano wants to revitalize the company by introducing stablecoins, token-issuance operations, and an IPO, while also opening up the company's blockchain. He claims bitFlyer has become stagnant since his resignation in 2019, and aims to put Japan back on the map in the world of cryptocurrency.
Indonesia's State-Backed Crypto Exchange: An Analysis
Indonesia's state-backed crypto exchange aims to promote transparency, accountability, and investor protection. It is expected to boost crypto adoption.