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US Senate Passes Crypto Bill Allowing Banks to Hold Bitcoin

The United States Senate has passed a crypto bill that permits banks to hold Bitcoin and other digital assets. Despite concerns raised by Senator Elizabeth Warren and other critics about the potential risks associated with allowing banks to engage with cryptocurrencies, the bill garnered enough support to pass through the Senate.

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The United States Senate has passed a crypto bill that permits banks to hold Bitcoin and other digital assets. Despite concerns raised by Senator Elizabeth Warren and other critics about the potential risks associated with allowing banks to engage with cryptocurrencies, the bill garnered enough support to pass through the Senate.

The passage of the bill marks a major milestone in the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies and represents a significant victory for proponents of digital assets. By allowing banks to custody and transact in cryptocurrencies, the bill aims to provide greater regulatory clarity and support for financial institutions seeking to enter the rapidly growing crypto market.

The decision to pass the bill comes amidst increasing interest from traditional financial institutions in offering crypto-related services to their clients. With the growing popularity of Bitcoin and other digital currencies, banks are increasingly recognizing the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market dynamics.

Despite initial concerns raised by Senator Warren and other lawmakers about the potential risks of allowing banks to hold Bitcoin, proponents of the bill argued that it would provide much-needed regulatory clarity and oversight for the crypto industry. By subjecting banks to strict regulatory requirements and oversight, the bill seeks to mitigate potential risks associated with crypto custody and ensure the safety and security of customer funds.

The passage of the bill is expected to have far-reaching implications for the cryptocurrency industry, paving the way for increased institutional adoption and investment in digital assets. With banks now permitted to hold Bitcoin, investors may gain greater confidence in the legitimacy and stability of the crypto market, leading to increased participation and liquidity.

However, some critics remain skeptical about the implications of allowing banks to hold Bitcoin, expressing concerns about potential market manipulation and systemic risks. Despite these concerns, supporters of the bill argue that increased regulatory oversight and transparency will help mitigate these risks and foster a more secure and resilient financial system.

In summary, the passage of the crypto bill allowing banks to hold Bitcoin represents a significant step forward in the integration of digital assets into the traditional financial system. While concerns remain about the potential risks and implications of this decision, the bill’s supporters believe that it will ultimately contribute to the long-term growth and stability of the cryptocurrency industry.

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Binance tightens South African compliance rules for crypto transfers

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Binance is tightening compliance measures for crypto transactions in South Africa, announcing it will fully implement the country’s Travel Rule requirements beginning January 2025. The move aligns with regulations set by South Africa’s Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and reflects the exchange’s broader efforts to meet global anti-money laundering standards.

Under the new rules, Binance will require South African users to include verified personal information—such as names, addresses, and account details—when sending or receiving crypto between platforms. These changes are designed to increase transparency and traceability of digital asset transfers, making it harder for illicit actors to exploit decentralized networks.

Binance emphasized that users must complete know-your-customer (KYC) verification before transferring crypto to or from external wallets. Transfers to non-compliant platforms may be restricted or flagged, while internal transfers within Binance or to Travel Rule-compliant entities will remain unaffected.

The announcement follows South Africa’s decision in 2023 to designate crypto as a financial product, placing digital asset providers under the supervision of the FIC. The country has since taken steps to integrate crypto into its formal regulatory structure, including licensing requirements and mandatory reporting obligations.

With enforcement beginning in 2025, Binance urged users to familiarize themselves with the new procedures to avoid disruptions. The exchange also plans to provide additional guidance and tools to help users remain compliant as the deadline approaches.

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Ethereum bounces back as market dominance recovers from all-time low

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Ethereum has staged a notable recovery after recently experiencing its lowest market dominance since its early days. The turnaround comes as ETH surged nearly 4% in the past 24 hours, climbing back above the $3,100 mark and narrowing its underperformance gap relative to Bitcoin.

For much of 2024, Ethereum has trailed behind Bitcoin and a growing wave of altcoins, with its market share dropping below 15% — levels not seen since 2015. The slump was driven by investor focus on Bitcoin ETF momentum, lackluster institutional interest in ETH, and rising competition from layer-1 and layer-2 networks offering faster and cheaper alternatives.

Despite these challenges, Ethereum’s fundamentals remain strong. Data shows a healthy uptick in active addresses, transaction volumes, and total value locked in DeFi protocols built on Ethereum. Additionally, hopes remain high for the approval of a spot Ethereum ETF in the U.S., with analysts suggesting a potential turnaround in institutional flows if approved.

Traders are now watching whether this rebound signals a sustained trend reversal or just a temporary relief rally. With key upgrades and ecosystem developments still in the pipeline, Ethereum’s ability to regain dominance may hinge on reigniting both investor confidence and broader developer activity.

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SEC says it won’t re-file fraud case against Hex’s Richard Heart

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The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed it will not pursue a retrial in its fraud case against HEX founder Richard Heart, effectively bringing an end to one of the agency’s high-profile crypto enforcement actions.

The decision follows a recent court ruling that dismissed several key allegations against Heart, including claims that he misled investors and violated securities laws through the promotion and sale of HEX, PulseChain, and PulseX tokens. While the SEC initially signaled it would consider further legal options, it has now opted to forgo additional litigation.

Heart, a controversial figure in the crypto world, had long denied the SEC’s accusations, framing the lawsuit as an overreach by regulators. The agency had alleged that Heart raised over $1 billion from investors while misrepresenting how funds would be used and failing to register the offerings.

With the SEC stepping back, the dismissal marks a rare instance in which the regulator has chosen not to continue a crypto-related fraud case, potentially signaling a reassessment of its approach amid growing legal pushback and mounting scrutiny over its enforcement tactics.

Although the case is now closed, legal analysts suggest the outcome could influence future regulatory efforts and may embolden other crypto founders facing similar challenges. Heart, meanwhile, has positioned the development as a vindication, reaffirming his stance that HEX and related projects were never in violation of U.S. securities laws.

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