Youngest Ever Bitcoin Core Contributor Gets Bitcoin Scholarship

Chaincode Labs, a privately funded Bitcoin research and development centre based in New York City, has awarded its inaugural Bitcoin Scholarship to 17-year-old Ishaana Misra, the youngest contributor to Bitcoin Core in the technology’s 15-year history.

Misra was selected from 232 applicants globally for the scholarship, covering one year’s academic expenses. She can renew it annually to potentially fund her entire undergraduate education.

“This scholarship exists to encourage young people to consider a career in Bitcoin open source development,” said Adam Jonas, CEO of Chaincode Labs. “In order to do that, they need experience. This seemed like the right kind of incentive where we are…

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LATEST: Bitwise Introduces New Solana Staking ETP Across European Markets

Bitwise has unveiled its new Solana Staking ETP (BSOL) on Xetra, setting a new standard in the crypto market with its advanced staking mechanism. Designed to provide institutional-grade returns, BSOL leverages Solana’s superior transaction capabilities and scalability, affirming Bitwise’s leadership in the burgeoning sector of digital assets.

Solana’s technology supports up to 65,000 transactions per second, establishing it as a leading blockchain for both developers and retail applications. With its debut in 2020, Solana has quickly ascended the ranks of global cryptocurrencies, bolstered by its robust economy and extensive developer engagement. BSOL, linked to the Compass Solana Total Return Monthly Index, offers European investors unparalleled transparency and high staking rewards at a competitive cost.

Hunter Horsley, CEO of Bitwise, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their innovative product lineup, highlighting Solana’s potential in the crypto landscape. Following significant growth and a strategic acquisition, Bitwise continues to enhance its European portfolio with pioneering crypto investment solutions, including the highly anticipated BSOL.

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LATEST: Ohio Legislator Introduces Bill to Establish State-Backed Bitcoin Reserve

Ohio State Representative Derek Merrin has unveiled a groundbreaking bill to establish a state-backed bitcoin reserve, aiming to protect public funds against the devaluation of the US dollar. The Ohio Bitcoin Reserve Act, or HB 703, proposes the creation of a designated fund within the state treasury and authorizes investments in bitcoin. Merrin, in his announcement, emphasized bitcoin’s potential to bolster Ohio’s financial security and innovation in digital assets.

Amid rising enthusiasm for cryptocurrency, Merrin also expressed confidence that the incoming Trump administration will spearhead a national bitcoin initiative, echoing a similar sentiment by Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis who advocates for significant U.S. bitcoin acquisitions. His statement underscores a growing trend among states like Texas and Pennsylvania, which are also exploring the creation of bitcoin reserves.

This initiative comes as bitcoin’s value has surged by 155% over the past year, now trading at a remarkable $104,680. The move by Ohio not only highlights its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge financial technologies but also positions the state as a leader in the national movement towards cryptocurrency adoption.

China May Be On the Verge of Ending Its Bitcoin Ban

Look, I think it’s only a matter of time before China pulls a complete 180 on its Bitcoin ban. Yes, they outlawed trading and mining back in 2021, but honestly, a lot has changed since then — especially this year. Bitcoin’s momentum globally has been insane.

We’ve seen US President-Elect Donald Trump calling to stockpile Bitcoin; Bitcoin ETFs get approved, Fed Chair Jerome Powell calling Bitcoin “digital gold,” Larry Fink flipping pro-Bitcoin, and even…

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Bitwise launches solana staking ETP in Europe as US applications linger

This is a segment from the Lightspeed newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.

Crypto asset manager Bitwise has launched a solana staking ETP in Europe with the ticker BSOL, Lightspeed has learned exclusively. Solana staking firm Marinade will be Bitwise’s staking provider.

The move comes less than a month after Bitwise signaled its plans to list a solana ETF in the US by registering a statutory trust in Delaware. Bitwise’s decision to build out its SOL staking infrastructure could also give it the capacity to offer staking rewards for its US spot SOL ETF. Current US applications all have staking rewards stripped out due to securities law concerns, but some are…

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Senate Banking Committee cancels confirmation vote for SEC’s Caroline Crenshaw

This is a segment from the Forward Guidance newsletter. To read full editions, subscribe.

The Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday decided to abandon its effort to re-confirm SEC Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw. 

The news, somewhat ironically, was leaked while Sen. Tim Scott, the Republican gunning to lead the Banking Committee next session, was wrapping up his remarks at the Blockchain Association event. 

Crenshaw’s confirmation vote, initially scheduled for last week, was postponed after Senate Republicans successfully blocked it.

“Having fought ‘train Crenshaw’ for the last several months… to have a resounding victory of not having her go forward last week,…

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