Lightspeed Newsletter: Candidate coins BODEN, TREMP slumped during the debate

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I had a whole intro ready to go about Taco Bell, but then news broke that 21Shares filed for a solana spot ETF, so I would be remiss not to touch on that.

From my initial read-through, the filing is very similar to the VanEck spot ETF filing we covered yesterday, and many of the same potential questions are likely to apply.

Check back Monday for that promised Taco Bell intro.

US presidential debate sends candidate coins tumbling

One X poster quipped that last night’s televised US presidential debate was going to be the…

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Leading Private Companies Holding Bitcoin

Private companies are increasingly embracing Bitcoin, with several holding substantial amounts of the cryptocurrency. Mt. Gox, once a major Bitcoin exchange, still holds about 200,000 BTC, valued today at approximately $12.2 billion. Block dot one, engaged in blockchain and cryptocurrencies, possesses 140,000 BTC, which is worth around $8.5 billion. This demonstrates their strong belief in Bitcoin’s long-term potential.

Tether Holdings LTD, known for the USDT stablecoin, has invested in 75,354 BTC, now valued at $4.6 billion, highlighting its significant stake in the crypto market. Xapo Bank and BitMEX, both prominent in crypto exchange and banking, own 38,931 BTC and 36,794 BTC respectively, with their holdings also valued in the billions.

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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JUST IN: SEC Files Lawsuit Against Consensys for Unregistered Securities Activities

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has initiated legal action against Consensys Software Inc., alleging multiple violations of federal securities laws related to its MetaMask services. According to the SEC, since 2016, Consensys has not only failed to register as a broker but also neglected to register the offering and sale of certain securities, impacting investor protections significantly.

As per the complaint, filed in the Eastern District of New York, Consensys has operated as an unregistered broker since October 2020 through its MetaMask Swaps service. Furthermore, starting January 2023, the company reportedly engaged in unregistered securities offerings via its MetaMask Staking service. These actions have allegedly deprived investors of crucial legal safeguards.

The SEC’s lawsuit highlights that through these unregistered activities, Consensys has amassed over $250 million in fees. The Commission seeks to enforce securities laws strictly to ensure compliance and protect investor interests in the rapidly evolving crypto asset market.

Source

JUST IN: 21Shares Submits S-1 for Solana ETF Approval

Asset manager 21Shares has submitted an S-1 registration statement to the SEC for a spot Solana ETF, just a day after VanEck made a similar filing. This move highlights growing interest in Solana as an investment vehicle among major asset managers.

Speculation is rising that more firms may follow suit, especially with crypto proponents suggesting that a potential victory by Donald Trump in the upcoming US elections could support the launch of such products. The flurry of activity around Solana ETFs underscores the increasing acceptance and potential of cryptocurrencies in the financial markets.

SEC filing

LATEST: Australian ETF Remains Active Buyer Through Bitcoin’s Price Dips

As Australia’s premier Bitcoin ETF, the Monochrome Bitcoin ETF (Ticker: IBTC) consistently exhibits robust growth through continuous purchasing of Bitcoin, even during market lows. According to recent data, the ETF has been steadily increasing its holdings, now possessing up to 65 Bitcoins as of the latest reports from late June 2024.

This strategic accumulation aligns with the ETF’s objective to track the price of Bitcoin in Australian dollars, focusing on generating returns that mirror the cryptocurrency’s performance, minus applicable fees and costs. As the ETF’s assets under management (AUM) surged to nearly $6 million AUD by late June, this reflects both investor confidence and the fund’s aggressive acquisition strategy.

The ETF’s approach capitalizes on market dips to enhance holdings, suggesting a long-term bullish outlook on Bitcoin’s value. As it stands, the IBTC ETF not only serves as a significant indicator of cryptocurrency adoption in Australia but also highlights the growing trend of mainstream investment vehicles embracing digital assets.

Supreme Court Decision Overturns Chevron: A Victory for Judicial Authority and Bitcoin

In a landmark decision on June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States, by a 6-3 vote, overruled the longstanding Chevron doctrine, fundamentally reshaping the landscape of administrative law and judicial review. The case, Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, signals a significant shift in the balance of power between the judiciary and administrative agencies. This decision not only reinforces judicial independence but also presents substantial benefits for the Bitcoin industry, echoing the implications of last year’s West Virginia v. EPA decision.

The Case

The Chevron doctrine, established in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984),…

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LATEST: Bolivia Lifts Bitcoin Ban, Banks Now Authorized for Crypto Transactions

Bolivia’s central bank, Banco Central de Bolivia, has repealed its previous ban on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, enabling financial entities to conduct transactions with digital assets. This move, under the new Resolution No. 082/2024, aims to modernize Bolivia’s payment system and align it with broader Latin American crypto regulations.

This regulatory shift marks the end of a ban on crypto use that began in 2014. The central bank’s decision is part of an effort to elevate Bolivia’s struggling economy by embracing the growing digital asset market. While cryptocurrencies can now be traded through approved electronic channels, they are not recognized as legal tender in Bolivia.

Alongside this change, the Banco Central de Bolivia plans to launch an awareness program under its Economic and Financial Education Plan. This initiative will inform the public about the risks associated with cryptocurrencies and promote responsible usage. The new legislation was introduced in collaboration with the Financial Investigations Unit and the Financial System Supervisory Authority.

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