Global investment firm 21Shares announced its participation in the race to launch a Solana exchange-traded fund (ETF) last Friday by filing a registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the primary regulator overseeing crypto ETFs. This move followed closely after VanEck filed for a Solana ETF, which immediately boosted the market price for SOL.

Huge Potential

If approved by the SEC, the first Solana ETFs in the U.S. would provide mainstream investors with exposure to the fifth most-traded cryptocurrency in the world, which currently holds a market cap exceeding $65 billion, according to CoinGecko. This potential launch builds on the success of bitcoin ETFs, which began trading in January and have already attracted $14.45 billion in investments.

The registration by 21Shares follows the successful introduction of a Solana exchange-traded product in Europe, which remains the largest product offering for the firm. Both 21Shares and competitor VanEck submitted S-1 forms this week, a prerequisite for ETFs to publicly trade in the U.S., signaling heightened institutional interest in funds based on Solana.

The Importance Of ETFs

Andrew Jacobson, VP and Head of Legal at 21Shares, said that the company is enthusiastic about the prospect of a U.S.-based ETF that provides exposure to the Solana ecosystem, before adding that this is a pivotal development for the crypto industry.

Jacobson is not wrong, as ETF approval has vastly benefited the crypto sector in the past and will most likely do it again. The Solana ETF potentially being approved also aligns with the overall goal of 21Shares which is to focus on introducing accessible financial products focused on crypto assets to the market.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump shared the stage in Atlanta for a heated debate that also touched on crypto politics in the United States. At the outset, Biden greeted Trump before diving into a critique of the conservative leader when questioned about inflation.

On the topic of climate change, Biden criticized Trump for environmental ignorance and criticized his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord. Trump defended his stance, arguing it saved the US trillions of dollars.

Back And Forth

Biden argued that Trump encountered significant flaws during his tenure, including problematic relations with Putin and efforts to tackle prescription drug costs and insulin affordability. Trump defended his economic policies, particularly highlighting tax cuts that he claimed spurred economic growth.

Biden directly questioned what the economic legacy for Trump is, stating that he left the Biden administration grappling with an economy in decline. He trivialized the pandemic, suggesting injecting bleach. Responding to what Trump said about Ukraine and Gaza, Biden dismissed his statements as ill-informed, especially concerning NATO. Trump countered by bringing up legal issues involving Hunter Biden, alleging criminal activity.

Ethics And Finance

During the debate, Trump spoke for 23 minutes and 6 seconds, while Biden spoke for approximately 18 minutes and 26 seconds, according to CNN. In a contentious exchange, Biden reminded Trump of ongoing legal issues and financial penalties, questioning his ethical conduct. Trump pledged to secure the release of journalist Evan Gershkovich, currently on trial for espionage in Russia, if elected.

During their debate, Donald Trump emphasized his support for fostering innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, advocating for minimal regulation to promote growth and economic opportunity.

On the other hand, Joe Biden expressed concerns about the risks associated with cryptocurrency, highlighting the need for regulatory measures to protect consumers and ensure financial stability. He suggested exploring ways to harness blockchain technology while addressing its potential pitfalls.

Kadokawa Corporation, the parent company of Elden Ring publisher FromSoftware, recently disclosed a ransomware attack it suffered earlier this month. Ransomware attacks typically involve demands for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, or others in exchange for decrypting files or not publishing sensitive information online.

According to a Kadokawa press release reported by IGN, the attack occurred on June 8th and targeted various servers in Japan, specifically focusing on services associated with Niconico, a video-sharing application owned by Kadokawa. The hack occurred just as FromSoftware released their latest DLC for Elden Ring, titled Shadow Of The Erdtree.

Damage Control

The company is currently working on implementing solutions and workarounds across its operations to restore normalcy to its systems and business activities. Kadokawa noted that all NicoNico family services remain suspended, preventing users when it comes to accessing external services using their NicoNico accounts. Services will gradually resume as they become available.

Founded as Kadokawa Shoten in April 1945, Kadokawa established FromSoftware in Tokyo, Japan, in 1986. Besides Elden Ring, which won GOTY (Game Of The Year) in 2022, FromSoftware is renowned for titles such as Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Dark Souls. Presently, it remains uncertain whether FromSoftware was affected by the incident or whether the hackers are associated with crypto.

Black Suit Claim Responsibility

While the report did not identify the attackers responsible for the breach, a group known as Black Suit has reportedly claimed credit as part of their hacktivism efforts. According to a 2023 Techcrunch report, Black Suit, previously known as Royal, had amassed over $275 million in ransom payments by that time.

According to a statement posted on the open-source ransomware tracking website RansomLook, Black Suit allegedly detailed the information it had obtained, including employee data, contracts, and project code.

The attackers described their infiltration of the Kadokawa network about a month before the ransomware was deployed, navigating complexities within multiple interconnected IT networks. Once inside the control center, they purportedly encrypted the entire network, including systems belonging to Dwango, NicoNico, Kadokawa, and other subsidiaries, while exfiltrating approximately 1.5 terabytes of data.

A crypto wallet under US government control recently transferred approximately 3,940 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $241 million, to Coinbase, as reported by Arkham Intelligence. The wallet currently holds about $13.3 billion worth of Bitcoin. The Bitcoin in this wallet originates via the seizure of assets related to the Silk Road, an infamous dark web marketplace shut down in 2013 for trading illegal drugs, weapons, and other illicit items.

Large-Scale Transfers

Earlier this April, the government reportedly moved 30,175 BTC, roughly worth $2 billion at the time, via the same wallet to Coinbase. The transaction involved a series of transfers, starting with a small test transfer of 0.001 BTC ($65) to a Coinbase Prime deposit address. The main transfer consisted of 1,999 BTC (around $130 million), while the remaining 28,176 BTC was transferred to another government-controlled wallet, likely for planned sale.

These large-scale transactions could potentially impact Bitcoin and its current bearish trend, which has been developing over the past week. Additionally, the trustee of Mt. Gox, the now-defunct exchange, announced plans to commence a $9 billion repayment next month, with victims receiving payouts in Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. This could add selling pressure to the market.

Making Moves

Recently, the German government made some key decisions involving Bitcoin, transferring 400 BTC to Coinbase and Kraken, as well as another 500 BTC to an untagged address. These actions have sparked speculation within the crypto community about the management and sale strategies of the government pertaining to its Bitcoin holdings.

Following the latest transfer, Bitcoin saw a minor decline, dropping to $60,800 before rebounding to around $61,000 according to CoinGecko data. The price of Bitcoin holds significant importance for the broader crypto market as it acts as a benchmark and sentiment gauge. Being the largest and most recognized cryptocurrency, fluctuations in its price often sway investor sentiment and trading decisions across the entire crypto sphere.

The YouTube channel belonging to Seven Network, a major Australian broadcaster, was recently compromised by hackers who replaced its content with videos promoting a fraudulent Elon Musk cryptocurrency scheme. These videos featured a convincing deepfake of Elon Musk, falsely claiming to be giving away cryptocurrency under the guise of Tesla.

Why Elon

At the time of the breach, around 150,000 viewers were tuned into three livestreams showcasing the fake Musk, though it is uncertain how many of these viewers were automated bots artificially inflating viewer numbers. The scam itself is a well-known tactic where victims are promised double their cryptocurrency in return for sending funds to a specified wallet address, a ploy that preys on both greed and the desire for quick financial gains.

Elon Musk has been linked to cryptocurrency for some time now, whether it be through his public statements and actions. He has endorsed cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin on social media, influencing their prices. Tesla also invested in Bitcoin and briefly accepted it as payment for cars, though later discontinued this option citing environmental concerns. Musk has a habit of stirring controversy via his tweets and comments which often spark significant volatility in crypto markets, making him a prominent figure in the crypto space.

The Rise Of Deepfakes

The incident underscores the serious risks associated with both hacking and cryptocurrency. Hacking compromises the integrity and trustworthiness of digital platforms, while cryptocurrency scams exploit the decentralized and often anonymous nature of blockchain transactions. Such scams can lead to significant financial losses for unsuspecting individuals who fall victim to these schemes.

Furthermore, the use of deepfake technology to impersonate well-known figures like Elon Musk not only deceives viewers but also raises concerns about the potential misuse of AI in spreading misinformation and fraudulent activities. As digital platforms continue to evolve, ensuring robust security measures and heightened vigilance against such threats becomes increasingly crucial to safeguarding both users and the integrity of online content.

The Twitter account belonging to heavy metal band Metallica was reportedly compromised late Tuesday, used to promote a Solana (SOL) meme coin. This incident follows a trend where celebrities are targeted for pump-and-dump schemes, falsely presented as legitimate ventures.

The Context

The tweets, which included a Twitter Spaces audio call and replies to users, were swiftly deleted within 90 minutes. Despite this, the promoted METAL token experienced over $10 million in trading volume before plummeting in value.

The perpetrators falsely claimed collaboration with Ticketmaster and MoonPay, suggesting token holders could receive discounts on tickets and merchandise. This comes shortly after similar scams involving rapper 50 Cent and wrestler Hulk Hogan earlier this month.

Another Scam

Following widespread skepticism on Crypto Twitter, MoonPay President Keith Grossman clarified that METAL was not supported on their platform, cautioning against the scam. MoonPay later tweeted a warning using a reference to Metallica and their music, stating those promoting the METAL token are the Master of Scams, an obvious reference to the song Master of Puppets.

The compromised Metallica account subsequently blocked MoonPay. During its brief surge, the METAL token saw significant trading activity with over 30,000 transactions, peaking at $0.003, but has since crashed to under $0.00007, with a market cap of just $65,000.

Immutable, a prominent Ethereum-based gaming platform, revealed a strategic alliance on Tuesday with Marblex, the blockchain gaming arm of Netmarble, a major player in the South Korean gaming industry.

An Important Transition

The collaboration aims to transition the Marblex ecosystem and flagship games to the Immutable zkEVM on Ethereum (ETH). This migration involves renowned titles such as Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, A3: Still Alive, and Meta World: My City, and the move will also reportedly leverage scaling technology provided by Polygon (MATIC).

Immutable Co-Founder and President, Robbie Ferguson, emphasized the significance of this partnership, particularly noting a truly vibrant ecosystem for Web3 gaming in South Korea alongside the pioneering role of Marblex and Netmarble in the region.

Enhancing The Partnership

To further support the growth of the partnership, an Ecosystem Boost Program has been established. This initiative will allocate up to $20 million to assist developers in bringing new titles to the Marblex platform integrated with Immutable. The program aims to foster innovation and attract a diverse range of gaming experiences to the ecosystem.

Overall, this collaboration not only marks a significant technological advancement in blockchain gaming but also underscores the strategic importance of leveraging Ethereum and its scalability solutions to enhance the reach and performance of Marblex and its various gaming offerings.

Mark Cuban, previously the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a notable investor on Shark Tank, has garnered attention by suddenly selling numerous NFTs via his extensive collection. Recent data indicates that over the last two days, transactions via the markcuban.eth address have involved 14 NFTs. While many of these sales featured less renowned collections, Mark has nevertheless sparked interest and speculation within the NFT community.

A Significant Transaction

Cuban sold his Pudgy Penguins NFT 6329 for 9.065 Ethereum (ETH), valued at nearly $30,000 at the time. Additionally, he attempted to sell a Dallas Mavericks-themed NFT in the Proof of Culture series for 15 ETH (approximately $50,194) through one of his OpenSea wallets.

According to OpenSea records, this wallet, associated with Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks, holds approximately 1,600 items. Despite these recent sales, his portfolio still encompasses a substantial array of NFTs valued at over 1,900 ETH, or about $6.2 million. The recent NFT sales also coincide with a notable decrease in the floor price of Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs, which fell below 10 ETH last week. This backdrop has led to speculation about the timing and motivations behind his sales.

A Mixed Bag

Cuban, a prominent supporter of NFTs since the 2021 surge, has heavily invested in NFT projects and platforms such as CryptoSlam and Mintable. In late 2023, he expressed optimism about NFTs, advising collectors to buy based on passion rather than speculation. Drawing parallels with early struggles faced by now-successful tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft, he highlighted the potential of the NFT market.

Still, the broader NFT market has experienced a downturn, with CryptoSlam reporting a 48.52% decrease in NFT sales volume over the past 30 days, amounting to $485 million. There are some who believe that Cuban may simply be responding to these market conditions as an investor or as part of a strategic adjustment within his larger portfolio.

Ahead of the upcoming General Election, findings indicate that over one-third of young adults in the United Kingdom view crypto as a significant electoral concern. The survey, conducted by Zumo in collaboration with Focaldata, shows that 34% of individuals aged 18-24 and 25-34 believe UK politicians should prioritize the growth of the crypto industry.

The research, encompassing more than 3,000 UK adults, reveals widespread support for positioning the UK as a hub for digital assets, particularly among younger demographics (18-34 years old). Furthermore, 38% of 18-24 year-olds have invested in crypto directly, with 39% considering it a viable source of long-term financial benefit. Many young adults (40% of 18-24 year-olds and 37% of 25-34 year-olds) also have close contacts involved in cryptocurrency investments.

Lingering Concerns

Despite the aforementioned enthusiasm, concerns persist among some young adults (32% in both age groups) about the future regulatory landscape for cryptocurrencies in the UK. Nick Jones, CEO of Zumo, emphasized that as crypto gains mainstream acceptance, young adults across the nation want it to become a higher priority on the political agenda.

Looking ahead, Jones urged governmental collaboration with industry stakeholders to establish a regulatory framework conducive to the growth of the digital assets sector and its potential as an economic driver for the UK.

The caution expressed by some young adults aligns with recent moves by UK financial regulators, including the establishment of a sandbox for digital securities trading. This initiative aims to support technological advancements while providing a controlled environment for experimentation with real customers.

A Global Issue

The approval of the first crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for trading on the London Stock Exchange reflects a growing sentiment by the UK to enhance its standing in the global digital asset market.

Interestingly, similar dynamics are unfolding in the United States ahead of the 2024 elections. Recent surveys indicate growing investor interest in Bitcoin amid geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, with significant implications for US electoral dynamics. Former President Donald Trump has adopted a favorable stance on crypto which is in stark contrast to the Biden administration and their stringent regulatory approach.

Solana (SOL) has launched ZK compression, an innovative feature designed to significantly reduce costs and enhance scalability for developers. Developed in collaboration with Light Protocol and Helius Lab, this tool allows developers to compress on-chain state data, thereby minimizing expenses associated with token and account creation on the Solana network.

Massive Scale Improvements

On June 21st, Light Protocol partnered with Helius Labs to introduce ZK compression on Solana, aiming to make application development more scalable by compressing on-chain data. This approach stores state roots on-chain while keeping other data on the Solana ledger, leveraging zero-knowledge proofs to ensure data integrity and retrieval through supported RPC providers.

Helius CEO Mert Mumtaz highlighted the scalability improvements, stating that the team achieves 10,000x scale improvements by compressing on-chain state. Austin Federa, the Head of Strategy for Solana, emphasized the cost-saving benefits for on-chain account storage, enabling broader creation of on-chain products.

Mixed Reactions

Despite the advantages, some in the crypto community, like Adam Cochran and Ryan Berckmans, argue that ZK compression resembles a layer-2 (L2) network in functionality. Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko acknowledged similarities to L2 solutions but noted differences in governance and security models.

Despite debates about its categorization, the introduction of ZK compression represents a significant advancement for Solana, promising improved scalability and reduced operational costs. This innovation underscores the overall commitment by Solana toward advancing blockchain technology and addressing industry challenges, potentially fostering broader adoption and innovation within its ecosystem.

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched a 30-day program aimed at expediting the registration process for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs). This initiative is designed to bolster compliance and stability within the rapidly expanding Nigerian crypto market.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian SEC revised its Rules on Digital Assets, which included a significant increase in VASP registration fees to 150 million Naira ($100,806). While this fee hike raised concerns about reduced business participation, it was intended to promote financial stability among VASPs.

A Turbulent History

On June 21st, the SEC introduced the Accelerated Regulatory Incubation Program (ARIP), providing a streamlined pathway for Nigerian VASPs to swiftly fulfill all regulatory obligations and ensure full compliance. VASPs are required to complete registration through the SEC ePortal within this 30-day period to avoid potential prosecution.

This initiative coincides with the appointment of Emomotimi Agama as the new director-general of the SEC in April. Agama, known for his supportive stance on cryptocurrencies, has encountered resistance by stakeholders in the Nigerian crypto industry. In May, he initiated efforts against the use of the Nigerian Naira on crypto exchanges, attributing its devaluation partly to this practice, resulting in the Naira being delisted in major exchanges like KuCoin and Binance.

Striking A Balance

In December 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria lifted a two-year ban on banks maintaining accounts for VASPs, opting for a regulatory approach instead of an outright prohibition. However, microfinance banks are still restricted when it comes to facilitating crypto transactions. The increased registration fees and the ARIP underscore a strict local regulatory approach toward crypto trading and usage.

Nigeria has emerged as a burgeoning crypto hub, with approximately 22 million individuals (10.3% of the population) actively engaged in crypto ownership. The recent measures by the SEC aim to foster a more stable and secure environment for crypto activities. These regulatory adjustments are part of a broader effort by the Nigerian authorities to strike a balance between innovation and security in the crypto sector. By tightening regulations and raising fees, the SEC aims to eliminate unqualified participants and fortify market integrity, crucial for building consumer trust and fostering industry growth.

Infrared Finance secured an undisclosed amount of funding via Binance Labs on June 24th. Infrared stands as the leading application in the realm of the Proof of Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanisms.

SoSo Value raised $4.15M in seed funding led by HongShan (ex-Sequoia China) on June 23rd. SoSo Value is a one-stop financial research platform tailored for all kinds of cryptocurrency investors.

Verida successfully secured $5.00M in seed funding, supported by Gatelabs, as announced on June 22nd. Verida is the self-sovereign private data DePIN designed for Web3 and serves as a fully mobile ZK wallet for identity, data, and crypto related needs.

Decent.land received $3.00M in undisclosed funding by LD Capital on June 21st. Decent.land is a set of Web3 social protocols for identity, DAO governance, and social networking.

Gudchain secured $5.00M in undisclosed funding by Mechanism Capital on June 20th. Gudchain is a platform specifically designed to promote blockchain technology in gaming. Currently, Gudchain serves as a comprehensive solution for game developers, allowing them to launch frictionless Web3 games to a broad audience.

Farworld Labs raised $1.75M on June 20th, with support by Variant. Built on Farcaster, Farcade is a platform and suite of tools designed for developers to create crypto-native games that integrate with on-chain social interactions. It enables users to play games directly within their existing social environments.

Bring acquired $1.10M in undisclosed funding on June 20th, with support by StarkWare. Bring offers cashback rewards on purchases across a variety of categories, including fashion, electronics, health and beauty, and travel services, via a network of 450 retailers.

Zeek Network secured $3.00M in seed funding via Everest Ventures Group (EVG) on June 20th. Zeek is a decentralized collaboration economy that incentivizes reputation through innovative social bounty mechanics. Individual behaviors and engagements build a reputation layer known which can be monetized and used to measure credibility, reliability, and influence.

Saltwater Games received an undisclosed amount in seed funding by Animoca Brands on June 20th. Saltwater Games is a dynamic online platform that offers an extensive collection of engaging games and interactive experiences.

Particle Network closed a Series A round of $15.00M led by The Spartan Group on June 20th. Particle Network is a Web3 infrastructure project, with a keen focus on developing an Intent-Centric Modular Access Layer for Web3. The platform aims to revolutionize the industry by shifting to consumer friendly markets.