Sahil Poudel, Author at Bitmala

Litecoin’s Pump: ETF Hype and Whales Are Sending It Soaring

Litecoin is making moves, and investors are paying attention. In just over two weeks (Feb 2–19), its market cap jumped 46%, fueled by excitement over a potential Litecoin ETF and heavy whale buying.

A Litecoin ETF would let people invest in LTC like they do stocks—no wallets, no private keys—just simple buying and selling. Recently, CoinShares applied to list a Litecoin ETF on Nasdaq, and now the SEC is reviewing it. Crypto analysts say there’s a 90% chance it gets approved by late of current year as U.S. regulators warm up to crypto.

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But it’s not just ETF speculation—Litecoin’s network is booming. Daily transaction volume has skyrocketed 243% since August, hitting $9.6 billion. More people are actually using Litecoin rather than just holding it.

And then there are the whales. In just two weeks, big investors scooped up $500 million worth of LTC, a clear sign they believe in its long-term value.

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Right now, LTC is holding around $138, with $120 as strong support. If momentum keeps up, we could see $225 soon. But if it dips under $80, the hype train might slow down.

Coinbase CEO Warns: “You Can End Up in Jail” Over Memecoins

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong is throwing up some major 🚨🚨 over memecoins, warning that shady moves like insider trading could land people behind bars. With memecoins pumping and dumping left and right—especially the ones hyped by Trump and Argentina’s President Javier Milei—Armstrong is telling the crypto community to chill and think twice before diving in.

In a tweet, Armstrong made it clear: memecoins might be fun, but they’re not a free pass for sketchy behavior. He called out insider trading in the space, saying that just because Dogecoin made it big doesn’t mean everyone can get away with rug pulls and backdoor deals.

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“Memecoins are just the beginning,” Armstrong tweeted. “Everything is going on-chain—posts, videos, art, stablecoins, contracts—you name it.” But he made it clear that Coinbase has no problem listing memecoins as long as they’re legal and people actually want to trade them. Still, the exchange won’t just list anything—if a token is a scam, it’s getting booted. If it’s just low-quality? That’s up to the community to decide.

But here’s where things get real serious—Armstrong straight-up warned that insider trading on memecoins can send people to prison. He said every bull run has people trying to get rich quick, and a lot of them end up learning the hard way.

His final advice? “Don’t break the law. And don’t chase quick money. The real bag comes from actually building something valuable.”

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Solana on the Edge: Can SOL Hold or Drop to $125?

Solana (SOL) is struggling, and investors are getting nervous. Having shot past way beyond $250 in the past, SOL is now fighting to stay above $170. If it fails to hold the crucial support levels, experts are warning it could fall down to as low as $125.

At the moment, SOL is hovering around $172 after briefly slipping to $169.19, down nearly 5% in the past 24 hours. The biggest concern? A flood of new tokens hitting the market. FTX’s bankruptcy proceedings will soon unlock 11.2 million SOL (worth $9.7 million), adding selling pressure at a time when demand is weak. On top of that, another $1.6 billion in SOL is set to unlock in March, making things even riskier.

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From a technical standpoint, SOL is still stuck in a downward trend. If the $160 support level holds, a bounce back to $180–$185 is possible.But if it does collapse, the subsequent lower point could be $150 or even lower, with the most bearish pushing it down to $125.

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Fueling the speculation, recent examples of scams such as $LIBRA and $TRUMP rug pulls have tested investor faith. For the moment, all are waiting to determine whether or not buyers will panic in and support SOL—or if a worse crash is in the cards.

Kraken Looks to Buy Deribit While Facing U.S. Regulatory Pressure

Summary: Kraken, a leading crypto exchange, is in talks to acquire Deribit, the leading options exchange, as much as US regulators like the FBI and SEC put increasing pressure.

Kraken is negotiating a purchase of Deribit, a largest crypto options trading venue, for a deal whose breakdown news was denied by sources insisting that talks continue. Worth anywhere between $4 billion and $5 billion, Deribit is worth trying for, with some of the potential buyers being Coinbase. Deribit CEO said they had received several proposals but had yet to make any decision.

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If Kraken is successful in the transaction, it would be strengthening its presence in crypto derivatives, a fast-growing business. That is occurring at a time, however, when the exchange is under increasing pressure from U.S. regulators. Kraken received almost 7,000 data requests from authorities around the globe a year before—over half were from the U.S. The SEC, which has already sued Kraken for allegedly operating an unregistered exchange, asked for 37% of them.Other companies, including the OFAC and the CFTC, have also requested clients.

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Despite issues of regulation, Kraken continues to expand. The exchange earned $1.5 billion in revenue for 2024, representing a 128% increase from last year. If Deribit acquisition occurs, it can give Kraken a solid grip in the world of cryptocurrency, shaping its destiny even while being embroiled in lawsuits.

Apex Fusion Kicks Off PRIME Chain and AP3X Token with Big Plans for Blockchain

Summary: Apex Fusion has officially launched its blockchain platform, the PRIME Chain and AP3X token. The project, which is dedicated to marrying Bitcoin security with Ethereum programmability, is endeavoring to construct a more scalable and efficient blockchain network. AP3X token holders can now stake and get rewards as more than 130 stake pool operators lock up the network. The token will be listed on LBANK this year. Apex Fusion also plans to launch NEXUS and VECTOR, two Layer 2 solutions, and a cross-chain bridge to increase blockchain connectivity.

Apex Fusion has officially entered the blockchain sector with the launch of its PRIME Chain and AP3X token.The PRIME Chain is the underlying network of the ecosystem, taking Bitcoin’s security model and Ethereum’s smart contract features and combining them to develop a more scalable, user-centric network.

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The project has already onboarded over 130 stake pool operators, enabling the possibility of having adequate decentralization and security.AP3X token holders can stake their tokens and receive rewards along with contributing to the stabilization of the network.

Apex Fusion also reaffirmed that AP3X will be listed on LBANK on February 20, 2025, giving early adopters a chance to acquire an estimated 10% annual yield.

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In the future, the team plans to roll out NEXUS, a Layer 2 smart contract platform, as well as VECTOR, with lower-cost, faster transactions. The Reactor Bridge, a cross-chain bridge that allows seamless transfer of assets across blockchain networks, is in development.

New MacOS Malware Can Steal Crypto Wallets and Personal Data, Microsoft Warns

Summary: Microsoft managed to discover a new variant of XCSSET malware that specifically targets Apple MacOS and this poses a very serious threat to the users of cryptocurrency and data privacy. Originally discovered 5 years ago, the malware has been refreshed with new tricks such as modifying Bitcoin addresses in web browsers and hijacking sensitive files.

A new wave of malware is targeting MacOS users, and this time, it’s after their crypto wallets. Microsoft has identified an updated variant of the XCSSET malware, which has been around since 2020 and is known for stealing Telegram data, recording screens, and accessing Apple Notes.

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The latest version comes with even more dangerous features. According to Microsoft, hackers can now alter Bitcoin addresses displayed in browsers, tricking users into sending funds to fraudulent accounts. It also has better disguise methods, improved ways to stay hidden on infected devices, and new ways to spread.

But Microsoft continues to assert this malware isn’t yet widespread and cautions people to be vigilant. The greatest way thus far is not to download any program which might lead to malware being installed on your gadget and to download any program solely from the authentic Mac App Store.

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Cyber experts recognize that cyber attacks are always evolving, and one has to stay current. Enabling Mac’s built-in security features and executing a tried-and-tested antivirus software like Microsoft Defender can assist in safeguarding digital assets.

Cardano’s Price Skyrockets 126% in Q4 as DeFi Booms

Summary: Cardano (ADA) had an impressive fourth quarter in 2024, surging 126% in price and pushing its market cap to $30.3 billion. The network also saw a major boost in transaction fees, daily trading volume, and DeFi activity. As decentralized finance platforms expanded, total value locked (TVL) climbed, and Cardano moved up the rankings to become the ninth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap. The rally coincided with the U.S. election, which helped drive overall market enthusiasm.

Cardano (ADA) had one of its best quarters in recent history, with its price jumping by an astonishing 126% in the last three months of 2024. The surge brought ADA’s market cap to $30.3 billion, pushing it from the 11th to the 9th largest cryptocurrency by circulating market cap.

This price appreciation was happening during a broader trend of the larger market, and this was largely fueled by expectations around the U.S. election. Enhanced market sentiment as well as investor involvement played a huge role towards ADA’s strength.

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Cardano’s utilization of the network also increased sharply, according to a report by Messari. Fees per transaction increased 254% quarter-on-quarter to $1.8 million, 95% above the equivalent quarter of 2023. Though traffic was greater, the network still succeeded in keeping average fees per transaction even, dropping just 2% to 0.34 ADA per transaction.

The number of active users also grew, with daily volumes rising by 65% to 71,500 transactions and active addresses increasing by 58% to 42,900. Meanwhile, the average USD transaction fee climbed 80% to $0.23, reflecting the rise in ADA’s price.

The Cardano decentralized ecosystem has showcased a strong and very strong growth, which involves its value locked protocal increasing 13% which is a quarter over quarter to $231.6M. Liquid Finance was at the forefront, increasing by 141% to $113.6 million, with Minswap following closely in line with strong growth of 69% to $98.9 million. Smaller platforms such as Splash Protocol and Aada also revealed their presence, reflecting large quarter-over-quarter growths of 253% and 105%, respectively.

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Decentralized exchanges (DEXs) on Cardano had a good time as well. Their quarterly volume increased by 271%, to $8.9 million. Minswap led the market, having over 200,000 traders and accumulating a volume of $3.1 billion. WingRiders and SundaeSwap contributed to overall DEX growth, up 40% year-on-year.

Cardano’s stablecoin sector saw notable changes, with the total market cap rising 66% over the quarter. The network’s most widely used stablecoins, iUSD and DJED, grew by 20% and 41%, respectively, while MyUSD rose 17%. However, USDM was the only stablecoin that declined, dropping by 5%.

Cardano’s rapid expansion in DeFi and increased adoption in trading activity indicate a growing confidence in the network’s capabilities. With strong performance in the last quarter of 2024, ADA has positioned itself as a major player in the crypto space, setting the stage for further advancements in the coming year.

N1’s Big Leap: New Blockchain Gains Major Investor Support Before Mainnet

Summary: N1, Founders Fund-backed high-performance Layer 1 blockchain, is ready to launch mainnet with solid investor backing from the likes of Multicoin Capital and Arthur Hayes. Designed for decentralized applications (dapps), N1 removes computing and speed limits and supports multiple programming languages, all simplifying development. With its NTS smart contract platform and N1 Studios initiative, the project seeks to drive blockchain technology forward, offering developers the tools and resources required to create the next generation of on-chain applications. N1, a new Layer 1 blockchain, is making waves ahead of its mainnet release, with large investors doubling down on their bet. Founders Fund, Multicoin Capital, and Arthur Hayes are just a few of the most notable supporters who believe in N1’s vision of revolutionizing how blockchain development occurs.

The project belongs to the same team that made 01, which they shut down in order to create something new.Their new focus is on unlimited, high-speed computing for decentralized applications (dapps) to remove the hurdles that have restrained blockchain innovation.

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N1, unlike other platforms for smart contracts, supports more than one programming language, starting with TypeScript and followed by Python and others. This enables developers to develop dapps as seamlessly as they can create regular software without needing to grapple with difficult blockchain programming.

N1’s unique architecture separates settlement and execution layers, improving security and efficiency. Each app gets its own dedicated space, allowing it to scale without being constrained by network-wide bottlenecks.

To further boost adoption, the team launched NTS—the first-ever TypeScript-based smart contract platform—now available to select early developers. These testers are already building groundbreaking apps that weren’t possible before.

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But N1 isn’t stopping at just creating a platform—it’s actively shaping its ecosystem. Through N1 Studios, the project is funding and mentoring developers to create powerful on-chain applications. Instead of waiting for adoption to happen naturally, N1 is taking the lead in driving the next era of blockchain innovation.

Binance Brings Back USD Deposits and Withdrawals After 18 Months

Almost a year and a half afterwards, Binance.US eventually reopened USD deposits and withdrawals, a big step up for the exchange.

In a recent blog post update, Binance.US stated that customers will once more be able to deposit and withdraw USD through bank transfers (ACH). The feature will be available to all worthy customers within the next several days. To go along with this, the website is also returning fee-less ACH transactions, crypto staking, OTC trading, and a feature which enables customers to turn small cryptocurrency balances into usable cash.

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Interim CEO Norman Reed called the move a major milestone. “We are thrilled to restore fiat rails as we gain momentum in the new year,” he said, adding that this moment is one of the most unexpected comebacks for Binance.US since its struggles two years ago.

The exchange halted USD transactions in June last year after the SEC sued Binance and its founder, Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, accusing them of breaking securities laws and mishandling billions in customer funds. By October, Binance.US had stopped accepting USD entirely.

And then in November, the company resolved with U.S. regulators in a record-breaking $4.3 billion agreement, one of the largest in history. Under the agreement, Binance committed to adhering to regulatory requirements.

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Today, with regulations evolving and maybe a shift of government policy later this year, Binance.US is restarting full fiat services, possibly a turning point for crypto in the United States.

ED Seizes ₹1,646 Crore in Crypto from Ahmedabad Man Tied to BitConnect Scam

Summary: Indian officials have confiscated ₹1,646 crore ($197 million) of cryptocurrency from an Ahmedabad resident connected to the BitConnect Ponzi scheme. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) also seized cash, a luxury sports utility vehicle, and digital devices as part of its ongoing investigation.

India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted one of its biggest crypto seizures, freezing ₹1,646 crore ($197 million) in digital assets in relation to the BitConnect scam. Besides crypto, authorities also froze ₹13.50 lakh in cash, an SUV, and various digital devices in their raid in Ahmedabad.

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BitConnect, a well-known international Ponzi scheme established by Satish Kumbhani, attracted investors with a guarantee of 40% returns every month through a so-called “volatility software trading bot.” Investors sent in Bitcoin (BTC), which was exchanged for BitConnect’s own token BCC. The Ponzi scheme also used multi-level marketing (MLM) strategies, in which users were compensated for recruiting new investors.

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After operating between 2016 and 2018, BitConnect fell apart after regulators stepped in, causing investors across the globe to lose billions. The ED has been probing the case since 2018, earlier seizing ₹489 crore worth of assets. Officials have also confirmed foreign involvement, and Kumbhani is still under US federal investigation.