CFA Report Pegs US Crypto Fraud Losses at $80.7B

Major moves in metals like gold, copper, palladium, and silver have caught my attention, leading me to study fractals and predict a long-term bull market for precious metals. Silver, in particular, is expected to be the fast horse when FOMO strikes among retail investors.

The crypto market experienced nearly half a billion dollars in liquidations on Thursday, with Ethereum leading at over $180 million. Despite Aster's green week, most top cryptocurrencies are in the red, with Solana and IP blockchain Story facing significant losses.

Naver Corporation is discussing a potential share swap with Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, to make it a subsidiary of Naver Financial. The companies are exploring collaborations in stablecoins and unlisted stock trading, with plans to re-disclose details once finalized.

A consortium of nine major European banks, including ING and UniCredit, is launching a euro-denominated stablecoin regulated under the Markets in Crypto Assets regime. The stablecoin aims to provide efficient cross-border payments and improve supply chain management, with plans to be issued in the second half of 2026.

Ohio State Board of Deposit approved a vendor to process crypto payments, including Bitcoin, for state fees and services. The approval follows months of work initiated by Ohio Secretary of State and Treasurer to integrate crypto payments into public finance.

FalconX, based in San Mateo, California, has introduced forward rate agreements linked to Ethereum staking yields, creating a new type of rate-based derivatives in the digital asset market. The contracts are based on the Treehouse Ethereum Staking Rate (TESR), part of Treehouse's framework for crypto-native benchmarks.

Australia has proposed legislation to regulate digital asset platforms, aiming to enhance consumer protections and industry clarity. The draft introduces new categories under the Corporations Act, requiring operators to obtain a financial services license and adhere to specific standards.

GSR has filed for an ETF based on cryptocurrency treasuries, with plans for four other funds focused on Ethereum and staking. The ETF will invest in firms holding cryptocurrencies in their treasuries, targeting companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges and potentially including private investments in public equity.

The Maryland Department of Transportation experienced a cybersecurity incident where sensitive data was stolen and is now being auctioned for 30 Bitcoin, or $3.4 million, by the hacking collective Rhysida Ransomware. The department confirmed data loss and advised users to update passwords and enable two-factor authentication to mitigate potential effects.

AML Software, based in Illinois, has filed a lawsuit against Athena Bitcoin for allegedly attempting to steal its source code and engaging in copyright infringement and trade secret misappropriation. The complaint also names Jordan Mirch as a defendant, accusing him of being the driving force behind the scheme.