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What Crash? Cryptocurrencies Roar Back in the Philippines.

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What Crash? Cryptocurrencies Roar Back in the Philippines.

On a recent Tuesday night, about 20 people crowded onto the second floor of Joniel Bon’s new internet café in Quezon City, 10 miles from Manila. Sitting at computers with 34-inch curved monitors, they began playing video games like Heroes of Mavia and Nifty Island, while music by Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 blasted from the speakers.

Playing these games can be a full-time job, and some of Mr. Bon’s customers had settled in for the night with slices of pizza to fuel themselves. Games reward players with cryptocurrency tokens to complete small daily challenges. Often, players convert their tokens into pesos, the country’s currency, earning about double the Philippine minimum wage of $11 a day.

Mr Bon, 40, had dreamed of the buzz of activity in his next business cryptocurrencies have collapsed spectacularly two years ago, dashing his hopes of a thriving gaming collective at the time.

“There was a point where I had to say, ‘I believe in this.’ I had to hope,” said Mr. Bon, a former computer worker. “We survived.”

Mr Bon’s new internet cafe is a sign of how cryptocurrency has begun to thrive again in the Philippines, which has long been a hub of crypto activity. This month, Bitcoin caught up a recordcapping the comeback from the 2022 market crash and bringing with it other digital currencies like Ether. Bitcoin was trading around $67,000 on Monday.

New billboards for cryptocurrency companies have popped up around Manila. People have started harvesting virtual crops from a crypto-farming game called Pixels as a new source of income. Overseas Filipino workers, known as OFWs, are also returning to the country to earn cryptocurrencies as MFWs, or Metaverse Filipino Workers.

According to data from research firm Chainalysis, the value of crypto transactions in the Philippines increased by 70% in November and December compared to September and October, reaching $7.3 billion.

According to the game’s developers, Pixel’s Filipino player base rose to over 830,000 in March from 80,000 in November. About 30% of the world’s gamers who make money from cryptocurrencies are based in the Philippines, they said.

The renewed activity has given some Philippine officials pause. At a cryptocurrency conference in Manila in November, Kelvin Lee, then commissioner at the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission, said the government was grappling with how to regulate the technology as it regained popularity.

Cryptocurrencies have been at the center of fraud and scams in the past. The tokens that crypto-earnings games give out are more volatile than Bitcoin and Ether, meaning the boom could bust again.

“We want a safe space to operate well in,” Mr. Lee said, while acknowledging that a robust crypto industry could help the Philippines, which relies heavily on outsourced customer service and information technology jobs. “How can you operate well if the industry itself, if the space itself, seems unruly, unwieldy, lawless?”

Mr. Lee, who left the commission this month, declined an interview request. Last month, the Philippine central bank he told local media which planned to launch its own digital currency within the next two years.

Cryptocurrencies have become particularly popular in the Philippines during the pandemic lockdown. While more than 40 percent of the country’s population He doesn’t have a bank accountTHE majority of Filipino families have access to the Internet, which has allowed cryptocurrency to spread to rural areas.

At the time of the lockdown, people started playing the video game to earn cryptocurrencies Axie Infinitemade by a Vietnamese company, Sky Mavis. In the game, players battle Pokemon-like characters to earn a cryptocurrency called Smooth Love Potion.

At the height of Axie’s popularity in 2021, Smooth Love Potion was accepted by property owners, gas stations, and some restaurants in the Philippines as an alternative to pesos.

But when cryptocurrencies crashed a year later, thousands of Filipinos lost their savings in Smooth Love Potion. The game’s characters, which some players would trade to sell for thousands of dollars – so valuable that some Filipinos took out loans to buy them – have become useless.

“The game worked well when everyone joined,” said Ian Dela Cruz, 30, a farmer from Pampanga, a province north of Manila, and a former Axie player. “But when everyone tried to get out, that’s when everything stopped.”

Some Filipinos who have successfully made money through Axie have become entrepreneurs, building their own companies and gaming collectives called “guilds.” Now some of these endeavors are taking off.

Teresa Pia, 27, a former Axie player, left her job as a preschool teacher in 2021 to run a cryptocurrency gaming guild called Real Deal, which has 54,000 members on the social media platform Discord. Ms. Pia said she saw her Discord channel “as a new classroom” in which she taught members, many of them Filipino women working abroad, to trade and invest in cryptocurrencies. With the recovery of cryptocurrencies, many of these women are now earning enough money to return home to their families, she said.

“The amount of money they receive may seem small, but when you convert it into pesos, it’s big for them,” Ms. Pia said.

Dela Cruz has stayed in the cryptocurrency industry as a video game streamer on Twitch, the Amazon-owned streaming platform. He is now the captain of one of the biggest e-sports teams in the Philippines. In Pampanga, many farmers have started playing Pixel and are harvesting virtual crops to earn cryptocurrency as a side income, he said.

Luke Barwikowski, the game’s American founder, said Filipino farmers gave him advice on how to make the pixels more realistic.

“We have users who literally give us their growing schedules or their watering routines,” he said.

Even by crypto standards, the industry in the Philippines is rife with opportunists. Filipino phishing scams are rampant in online crypto communities on platforms like Discord and X, as is “pig slaughter,” in which scammers target victims with deceptive texts and Facebook messages. During Axie’s heyday, some guild leaders exploited vulnerable players, taking up to half of their earnings as membership fees, former players said.

Mr. Bon said that in addition to providing his guild members with computers and resources, he views his job as that of a protector. “This is family,” he said.

While cryptocurrencies have been a boon to many Filipinos, some said they would be okay with moving on to other opportunities if the industry failed again. Mr Dela Cruz said he dreamed of running multiple farms with his brothers and not having to rely on cryptocurrencies for his income.

“The fresh air, the sounds of the chickens,” she said. “You don’t find that online.”

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We are the editorial team of Digital Finance News, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on Digital Finance News, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Harvard Alumni, Tech Moguls, and Best-Selling Authors Drive Nearly $600 Million in Pre-Order Sales

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Harvard Alumni, Tech Moguls, and Best-Selling Authors Drive Nearly $600 Million in Pre-Order Sales

BlockDAG Network’s history is one of innovation, perseverance, and a vision to push the boundaries of blockchain technology. With Harvard alumni, tech moguls, and best-selling authors at the helm, BlockDAG is rewriting the rules of the cryptocurrency game.

CEO Antony Turner, inspired by the successes and shortcomings of Bitcoin and Ethereum, says, “BlockDAG leverages existing technology to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.” This powerhouse team has led a staggering 1,600% price increase in 20 pre-sale rounds, raising over $63.9 million. The secret? Unparalleled expertise and a bold vision for the future of blockchain.

Let’s dive into BlockDAG’s success story and find out what the future holds for this cryptocurrency.

The Origin: Why BlockDAG Was Created

In a recent interview, BlockDAG CEO Antony Turner perfectly summed up why the market needs BlockDAG’s ongoing revolution. He said:

“The creation of BlockDAG was inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum, their successes and their shortcomings.

If you look at almost any new technology, it is very rare that the first movers remain at the forefront forever. Later incumbents have a huge advantage in entering a market where the need has been established and the technology is no longer cutting edge.

BlockDAG has done just that: our innovation is incorporating existing technology to provide a better solution, allowing us to push the boundaries of speed, security, and decentralization.”

The Present: How Far Has BlockDAG Come?

BlockDAG’s presale is setting new benchmarks in the cryptocurrency investment landscape. With a stunning 1600% price increase over 20 presale lots, it has already raised over $63.9 million in capital, having sold over 12.43 billion BDAG coins.

This impressive performance underscores the overwhelming confidence of investors in BlockDAG’s vision and leadership. The presale attracted over 20,000 individual investors, with the BlockDAG community growing exponentially by the hour.

These monumental milestones have been achieved thanks to the unparalleled skills, experience and expertise of BlockDAG’s management team:

Antony Turner – Chief Executive Officer

Antony Turner, CEO of BlockDAG, has over 20 years of experience in the Fintech, EdTech, Travel and Crypto industries. He has held senior roles at SPIRIT Blockchain Capital and co-founded Axona-Analytics and SwissOne. Antony excels in financial modeling, business management and scaling growth companies, with expertise in trading, software, IoT, blockchain and cryptocurrency.

Director of Communications

Youssef Khaoulaj, CSO of BlockDAG, is a Smart Contract Auditor, Metaverse Expert, and Red Team Hacker. He ensures system security and disaster preparedness, and advises senior management on security issues.

advisory Committee

Steven Clarke-Martin, a technologist and consultant, excels in enterprise technology, startups, and blockchain, with a focus on DAOs and smart contracts. Maurice Herlihy, a Harvard and MIT graduate, is an award-winning computer scientist at Brown University, with experience in distributed computing and consulting roles, most notably at Algorand.

The Future: Becoming the Cryptocurrency with the Highest Market Cap in the World

Given its impressive track record and a team of geniuses working tirelessly behind the scenes, BlockDAG is quickly approaching the $600 million pre-sale milestone. This crypto powerhouse will soon enter the top 30 cryptocurrencies by market cap.

Currently trading at $0.017 per coin, BlockDAG is expected to hit $1 million in the coming months, with the potential to hit $30 per coin by 2030. Early investors have already enjoyed a 1600% ROI by batch 21, fueling a huge amount of excitement around BlockDAG’s presale. The platform is seeing significant whale buying, and demand is so high that batch 21 is almost sold out. The upcoming batch is expected to drive prices even higher.

Invest in BlockDAG Pre-Sale Now:

Pre-sale: https://purchase.blockdag.network

Website: https://blockdag.network

Telegram: https://t.me/blockDAGnetwork

Discord: Italian: https://discord.gg/Q7BxghMVyu

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How Karak’s Latest Tech Integration Could Make Data Breaches Obsolete

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how-karaks-latest-tech-integration-could-make-data-breaches-obsolete
  • Space and Time uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure secure and tamper-proof data processing for smart contracts and enterprises.
  • The integration facilitates faster development and deployment of Distributed Secure Services (DSS) on the Karak platform.

Karak, a platform known for its strong security capabilities, is enhancing its Distributed Secure Services (DSS) by integrating Space and Time as a zero-knowledge (ZK) coprocessor. This move is intended to strengthen trustless operations across its network, especially in slashing and rewards mechanisms.

Space and Time is a verifiable processing layer that uses zero-knowledge proofs to ensure that computations on decentralized data warehouses are secure and untampered with. This system enables smart contracts, large language models (LLMs), and enterprises to process data without integrity concerns.

The integration with Karak will enable the platform to use Proof of SQL, a new ZK-proof approach developed by Space and Time, to confirm that SQL query results are accurate and have not been tampered with.

One of the key features of this integration is the enhancement of DSS on Karak. DSS are decentralized services that use re-staked assets to secure the various operations they provide, from simple utilities to complex marketplaces. The addition of Space and Time technology enables faster development and deployment of these services, especially by simplifying slashing logic, which is critical to maintaining security and trust in decentralized networks.

Karak Chain

Additionally, Space and Time is developing its own DSS for blockchain data indexing. This service will allow community members to easily participate in the network by running indexing nodes. This is especially beneficial for applications that require high security and decentralization, such as decentralized data indexing.

The integration architecture follows a detailed and secure flow. When a Karak slashing contract needs to verify a SQL query, it calls the Space and Time relayer contract with the required SQL statement. This contract then emits an event with the query details, which is detected by operators in the Space and Time network.

These operators, responsible for indexing and monitoring DSS activities, validate the event and route the work to a verification operator who runs the query and generates the necessary ZK proof.

The result, along with a cryptographic commitment on the queried data, is sent to the relayer contract, which verifies and returns the data to the Karak cutter contract. This end-to-end process ensures that the data used in decision-making, such as determining penalties within the DSS, is accurate and reliable.

Karak’s mission is to provide universal security, but it also extends the capabilities of Space and Time to support multiple DSSs with their data indexing needs. As these technologies evolve, they are set to redefine the secure, decentralized computing landscape, making it more accessible and efficient for developers and enterprises alike. This integration represents a significant step towards a more secure and verifiable digital infrastructure in the blockchain space.

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Cryptocurrency Payments: Should CFOs Consider This Ferrari-Approved Trend?

Digital Finance News Staff

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Cryptocurrency Payments: Should CFOs Consider This Ferrari-Approved Trend?

Iconic Italian luxury carmaker Ferrari has announced the expansion of its cryptocurrency payment system to its European dealer network.

The move, which follows a successful launch in North America less than a year ago, raises a crucial question for CFOs across industries: Is it time to consider accepting cryptocurrency as a form of payment for your business?

Ferrari’s move isn’t an isolated one. It’s part of a broader trend of companies embracing digital assets. As of 2024, we’re seeing a growing number of companies, from tech giants to traditional retailers, accepting cryptocurrencies.

This change is determined by several factors:

  • Growing mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies
  • Growing demand from tech-savvy and affluent consumers
  • Potential for faster and cheaper international transactions
  • Desire to project an innovative brand image

Ferrari’s approach is particularly noteworthy. They have partnered with BitPay, a leading cryptocurrency payment processor, to allow customers to purchase vehicles using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDC. This satisfies their tech-savvy and affluent customer base, many of whom have large digital asset holdings.

Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments illustrates several key opportunities for companies considering this move. First, it opens the door to new customer segments. By accepting cryptocurrency, Ferrari is targeting a younger, tech-savvy demographic—people who have embraced digital assets and see them as a legitimate form of value exchange. This strategy allows the company to connect with a new generation of affluent customers who may prefer to conduct high-value transactions in cryptocurrency.

Second, cryptocurrency adoption increases global reach. International payments, which can be complex and time-consuming with traditional methods, become significantly easier with cryptocurrency transactions. This can be especially beneficial for businesses that operate in multiple countries or deal with international customers, as it potentially reduces friction in cross-border transactions.

Third, accepting cryptocurrency positions a company as innovative and forward-thinking. In today’s fast-paced business environment, being seen as an early adopter of emerging technologies can significantly boost a brand’s image. Ferrari’s move sends a clear message that they are at the forefront of financial innovation, which can appeal to customers who value cutting-edge approaches.

Finally, there is the potential for cost savings. Traditional payment methods, especially for international transactions, often incur substantial fees. Cryptocurrency transactions, on the other hand, can offer lower transaction costs. For high-value purchases, such as luxury cars, these savings could be significant for both the business and the customer.

While the opportunities are enticing, accepting cryptocurrency payments also presents significant challenges that businesses must address. The most notable of these is volatility. Cryptocurrency values ​​can fluctuate dramatically, sometimes within hours, posing potential risk to businesses that accept them as payment. Ferrari addressed this challenge by implementing a system that instantly converts cryptocurrency received into traditional fiat currencies, effectively mitigating the risk of value fluctuations.

Regulatory uncertainty is another major concern. The legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies is still evolving in many jurisdictions around the world. This lack of clear and consistent regulations can create compliance challenges for companies, especially those operating internationally. Companies must remain vigilant and adaptable as new laws and regulations emerge, which can be a resource-intensive process.

Implementation costs are also a significant obstacle. Integrating cryptocurrency payment systems often requires substantial investment in new technology infrastructure and extensive staff training. This can be especially challenging for small businesses or those with limited IT resources. The costs are not just financial; a significant investment of time is also required to ensure smooth implementation and operation.

Finally, security concerns loom large in the world of cryptocurrency transactions. While blockchain technology offers some security benefits, cryptocurrency transactions still require robust cybersecurity measures to protect against fraud, hacks, and other malicious activity. Businesses must invest in robust security protocols and stay up-to-date on the latest threats and protections, adding another layer of complexity and potential costs to accepting cryptocurrency payments.

Strategic Considerations for CFOs

If you’re thinking of following in Ferrari’s footsteps, here are the key factors to consider:

  1. Risk Assessment: Carefully evaluate potential risks to your business, including financial, regulatory, and reputational risks.
  2. Market Analysis: Evaluate whether your customer base is significantly interested in using cryptocurrencies for payments.
  3. Technology Infrastructure: Determine the costs and complexities of implementing a cryptographic payment system that integrates with existing financial processes.
  4. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that cryptocurrency acceptance is in line with local regulations in all markets you operate in. Ferrari’s gradual rollout demonstrates the importance of this consideration.
  5. Financial Impact: Analyze how accepting cryptocurrency could impact your cash flow, accounting practices, and financial reporting.
  6. Partnership Evaluation: Consider partnering with established crypto payment processors to reduce risk and simplify implementation.
  7. Employee Training: Plan comprehensive training to ensure your team is equipped to handle cryptocurrency transactions and answer customer questions.

While Ferrari’s adoption of cryptocurrency payments is exciting, it’s important to consider this trend carefully.

A CFO’s decision to adopt cryptocurrency as a means of payment should be based on a thorough analysis of your company’s specific needs, risk tolerance, and strategic goals. Cryptocurrency payments may not be right for every business, but for some, they could provide a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Remember that the landscape is rapidly evolving. Stay informed about regulatory changes, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. Whether you decide to accelerate your crypto engines now or wait in the pit, keeping this payment option on your radar is critical to navigating the future of business transactions.

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Bitcoin Tumbles as Crypto Market Selloff Mirrors Tech Stocks’ Plunge

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Bitcoin Tumbles as Crypto Market Sell-Off Mirrors Tech Stock Slide

The world’s largest cryptocurrency, Bitcoin (BTC), suffered a significant price decline on Wednesday, falling below $65,000. The decline coincides with a broader market sell-off that has hit technology stocks hard.

Cryptocurrency Liquidations Hit Hard

CoinGlass data reveals a surge in long liquidations in the cryptocurrency market over the past 24 hours. These liquidations, totaling $220.7 million, represent forced selling of positions that had bet on price increases. Bitcoin itself accounted for $14.8 million in long liquidations.

Ethereum leads the decline

Ethereal (ETH), the second-largest cryptocurrency, has seen a steeper decline than Bitcoin, falling nearly 8% to trade around $3,177. This decline mirrors Bitcoin’s price action, suggesting a broader market correction.

Cryptocurrency market crash mirrors tech sector crash

The cryptocurrency market decline appears to be linked to the significant losses seen in the U.S. stock market on Wednesday. Stock market listing The index, heavily weighted toward technology stocks, posted its sharpest decline since October 2022, falling 3.65%.

Analysts cite multiple factors

Several factors may have contributed to the cryptocurrency market crash:

  • Tech earnings are underwhelming: Earnings reports from tech giants like Alphabet are disappointing (Google(the parent company of), on Tuesday, triggered a sell-off in technology stocks with higher-than-expected capital expenditures that could have repercussions on the cryptocurrency market.
  • Changing Political Landscape: The potential impact of the upcoming US elections and changes in Washington’s policy stance towards cryptocurrencies could influence investor sentiment.
  • Ethereal ETF Hopes on the line: While bullish sentiment around a potential U.S. Ethereum ETF initially boosted the market, delays or rejections could dampen enthusiasm.

Analysts’ opinions differ

Despite the short-term losses, some analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin’s long-term prospects. Singapore-based cryptocurrency trading firm QCP Capital believes Bitcoin could follow a similar trajectory to its post-ETF launch all-time high, with Ethereum potentially converging with its previous highs on sustained institutional interest.

Rich Dad Poor Dad Author’s Prediction

Robert Kiyosaki, author of the best-selling Rich Dad Poor Dad, predicts a potential surge in the price of Bitcoin if Donald Trump is re-elected as US president. He predicts a surge to $105,000 per coin by August 2025, fueled by a weaker dollar that is set to boost US exports.

BTC/USD Technical Outlook

Bitcoin price is currently trading below key support levels, including the $65,500 level and the 100 hourly moving average. A break below the $64,000 level could lead to further declines towards the $63,200 support zone. However, a recovery above the $65,500 level could trigger another increase in the coming sessions.



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