Are you curious about the latest in the crypto world? Here’s a rundown of today’s key trends and events affecting Bitcoin prices, blockchain technology, DeFi, NFTs, Web3, and crypto regulations.
Vitalik Buterin says he supports the existence of a Hezbollah betting section on Polymarket.
Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed support for the presence of a Hezbollah betting section on the decentralized predictions platform Polymarket.
The platform hosts markets that allow users to bet on events such as whether Israel will invade Lebanon within specific timeframes, if a ceasefire will occur, and whether the U.S. military will take action in the region this year.
A crypto community member, known as "Legendary," voiced concern on X, stating that the section "turns war into a spectacle for betting, like a football game."
In response, Buterin clarified early Tuesday that while Polymarket may function as a betting site from a trader's perspective, from a viewer’s perspective, it serves as a news source. He added, "I support the existence of these markets," explaining that they offer insight into conflicts by allowing people with real stakes to assign probabilities, which can counteract harmful or inaccurate predictions made by public figures.
Buterin emphasized that the platform isn't about "profiting from negative events" but fostering an environment where predictions carry consequences. He explained that this system helps hold people accountable for fearmongering and complacency without relying on government or corporate censorship.
Grayscale Opens Its Decentralized AI Fund to Selected Investors
Grayscale's decentralized AI fund, which previously was accessible only through private placement, now offers broader access to accredited investors. This fund includes top altcoins such as Near Protocol (NEAR), Bittensor (TAO), Render (RNDR), and Filecoin (FIL), providing targeted exposure to leading AI-powered blockchain projects.
This change allows a wider range of investors to participate in the rapidly expanding convergence of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology.
Grayscale Opens Decentralized AI Fund to Accredited Investors
Grayscale Decentralized AI Fund LLC, previously restricted to private placement, now offers accredited investors access to a diversified portfolio of tokens from top decentralized AI and blockchain projects. Investors can gain exposure to leading AI-powered protocols through securities, avoiding the complexities of directly purchasing, storing, and securing digital assets. Instead, they hold shares that reflect the value of the fund's underlying assets.
Base lead Jesse Pollak to head Coinbase Wallet and join the crypto exchange’s exec team
Jesse Pollak, the development lead behind the Ethereum Layer 2 network Base, which Coinbase incubated, is now taking on an additional role as the head of Coinbase’s web3 product, Coinbase Wallet.
In a post late Monday, Pollak explained that Base and Coinbase Wallet share the same vision—making it easier for users to access blockchain technology and connect with web3 applications across the ecosystem. "I'm thrilled to collaborate more closely with the wallet team while continuing to lead the Base team," he said. "This will allow us to work together more effectively toward our shared goals."
Pollak emphasized that Base will remain committed to its core principles: being inclusive, serving as a bridge rather than an isolated platform, and maintaining a decentralized and open-source approach. Meanwhile, Coinbase Wallet will continue to operate across the entire blockchain economy, with plans to incorporate Base's values further.
Launched in August 2023, Base is an optimistic rollup that processes transactions off the main Ethereum blockchain and periodically posts transaction data on-chain. This design increases transaction speed and reduces costs. Recently, Base surpassed $2 billion in total value locked, making it the second-largest optimistic rollup by deposits after Arbitrum.
Coinbase Wallet, launched initially as Toshi in 2017, is a non-custodial crypto wallet that allows users to manage and store their digital assets independently. While it initially focused on the Ethereum ecosystem, it has since expanded to support multiple blockchain networks, including Bitcoin, Solana, and BNB Chain.
Metaplanet Buys Another 107 Bitcoin, Pushing Stock-BTC Ratio to 20%
Japanese company Metaplanet announced earlier on Tuesday that it had purchased an additional 107 Bitcoin (BTC), valued at $6.9 million based on current prices, with an average purchase price of 9.26 million yen ($64,168) per BTC.
The firm secured a $6.8 million loan in early August to bolster its existing Bitcoin holdings. According to reports, the Tokyo-based company borrowed the funds from its shareholder, British Virgin Islands-based MMXX Ventures, with the total amount allocated for Bitcoin purchases.
In May, Metaplanet adopted Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset and a hedge against Japan's debt burden and the associated yen volatility. The company began acquiring Bitcoin in April, with an initial purchase of 117.7 BTC, valued at $7.19 million.
Metaplanet now holds over 500 BTC, making it the largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder among Asian companies, second only to Hong Kong-based Meitu, according to Bitcoin Treasuries data. The total holdings were accumulated at an average price of 9,373,557 yen per Bitcoin, or $64,931.
Indonesian postal service launches NFT stamps.
Pos Indonesia, the state-owned postal service of Indonesia, has launched its first postage stamps with non-fungible token (NFT) counterparts, blending tradition with modern technology.
In an announcement on its Instagram page, Pos Indonesia introduced its inaugural NFT stamp, featuring the "Cenderawasih," or "bird of paradise." The NFT stamp will come with both a physical version and a digital NFT counterpart, and the collection will also be available as a booklet.
Pos Indonesia stated that these new stamps combine traditional values with blockchain innovation, which could appeal to collectors and technology enthusiasts.
This initiative reflects Indonesia’s growing involvement in the Web3 space. On March 28, Indonesian financial authorities announced plans to launch a regulatory sandbox for crypto assets by early 2025 to curb fraud in the sector.
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