Key Takeaways The memecoin craze has created an altcoin liquidity crisis. Experts call memecoins a double-edged sword: On one hand, it brings new users; on the other, it diverts liquidity from actual use case assets. The Trump memecoin launch was a prime example of this. The memecoin craze in this bull cycle can be understood, because the total number of crypto tokens is touching 11 million on Coinmarketcap. Most of this comes from the daily creation of thousands of new meme tokens. While the...

Key Takeaways Kraken relaunches its on-chain staking services nearly two years after settling with the SEC. In February 2023, Kraken settled with the SEC, paying a $30 million fine and halting its staking services for U.S. customers. The return of staking services signals a potential easing of crypto regulations. Crypto exchange Kraken has officially relaunched its on-chain staking services, nearly two years after it was forced to shut down following a settlement with the U.S. Securities and...

Key Takeaways The final phase of MiCA took effect on Dec. 30, introducing stricter licensing and compliance rules for crypto firms. Stablecoin issuers face the biggest challenges, with new operational and capital requirements likely reshaping the market. High compliance costs may stifle smaller players and drive established firms to seek alternative markets. As of Dec. 30, the European Union officially implemented the final phase of the Markets in Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulation, marking a...

The crypto community has rallied behind the developers of former crypto mixing service Tornado Cash, who have been charged with money laundering, sanctions violations and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business — with one already having been convicted and sentenced to jail. Following the arrests of Tornado Cash co-founder Roman Storm and developer Alexey Pertsev, the crypto community came together to establish JusticeDAO, an advocacy group that aims to raise money for the arrested...