Crypto.com has achieved a significant regulatory milestone, obtaining full approval from the Central Bank of Bahrain to operate as a payment service provider. Through its Bahraini subsidiary, “FORIS GFS BH B.S.C. CLOSED”, the company can now offer e-money and fiat-based payment services across the region. This includes the introduction of its renowned prepaid cards, further expanding its impressive global presence.

Minister of Sustainable Development, H.E. Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, praised Crypto.com’s choice of Bahrain for its investment, highlighting the nation’s commitment to fostering a digital-first economy that prioritizes innovation and ease of doing business. Bahrain’s strategic approach, noted for its robust regulatory framework, aims to cultivate a leading environment for blockchain and fintech advancements.

Eric Anziani, President and COO of Crypto.com, commended Bahrain’s efforts in creating a conducive regulatory environment, balancing consumer protection with the commercial potential. With a track record of pioneering crypto regulation within the Gulf Cooperation Council, Bahrain continues to solidify its position as a prime destination for crypto and fintech innovation.

Source

The Cardano (ADA) ecosystem has experienced significant expansion in its smart contract capabilities throughout 2024. Plutus V2 contracts have particularly soared, jumping from 8,083 scripts on January 1 to 80,437 by September 18, marking an impressive increase of 72,354 contracts. This surge highlights Cardano’s growing influence in the blockchain sector.

Alongside the dynamic growth of Plutus V2, the Plutus V1 scripts have also continued to develop, albeit at a steadier pace. With an increase from 6,296 to 6,711 scripts this year, the persistent relevance of these original versions signifies a robust foundation for the ecosystem’s ongoing evolution.

Furthermore, the launch of Plutus V3 as part of the Chang hard fork and its initial deployment on the SanchoNet testnet underscore a significant enhancement in functionality. By late August, 18 new V3 scripts were active, contributing to a total ecosystem growth of 72,787 new smart contracts in 2024. This development not only reflects Cardano’s technological advancements but also reinforces its position in the forefront of blockchain innovation.

Data

As of September 19, 2024, U.S. Bitcoin ETFs recorded an overall net outflow of 462 BTC, equating to a value decrease of approximately $29.3 million. BlackRock’s IBIT ETF held steady at 557,550 BTC with no inflow or outflow, while Grayscale’s GBTC ETF saw a slight reduction of 9 BTC, leaving it with 221,794 BTC.

ARK Invest’s ARKB ETF experienced the largest outflow, losing 725 BTC, bringing its total holdings to 44,982 BTC. Bitwise’s BITB ETF also declined, shedding 66 BTC to a total of 37,910 BTC. Grayscale’s BTC ETF dropped slightly by 1 BTC, maintaining 33,124 BTC.

In contrast, VanEck’s HODL ETF was the only one to report a notable inflow, gaining 339 BTC and raising its total to 11,369 BTC. Other ETFs, including Fidelity’s FBTC, Valkyrie’s BRRR, and Franklin Templeton’s EZBC, remained unchanged in their Bitcoin holdings. Despite these fluctuations, total Bitcoin held across all ETFs stands at 905,558 BTC.

Disclaimer: Market capitalizations and data can vary in real-time. The information provided here is intended purely for educational purposes and should not, under any circumstances, be construed as financial advice.

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