The XRP Whales Continue Hoarding amid Optimistic Sentiment in the Market

Active shark and whale addresses with 1 million to 10 million XRP have formed a hoarding pattern, suggesting a healthy long-term trend. The price of XRP rebounded from long-term bearish trendline resistance while trading volumes rose considerably, indicating an imminent bullish trend.

Over the last week, Ripple (XRP) outperformed all the top 100 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization by over 67%.

Following a long-lasting consolidation, XRP seems to have gained momentum as it rebounds from previous battered price action. A possible final verdict and closure of the case between the SEC and Ripple is a reason behind that sudden increase in price.

Some Liquidation Elements Drive the Price of XRP Higher

The Court has granted the terms of motions to seal the requests preventing evidence amid rumors of a settlement between Ripple and the SEC. The deadline to close any of those motions is December 9th, while that for opposing any of them is December 22nd.

Brad Garlinghouse, the CEO of Ripple, recently said the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had lost its way. His remarks paved the way further to raise expectations about the market.

Besides the external news heavily influencing investor sentiment, some on-chain technical data and indicators indicate an optimistic outlook for XRP.

The XRP Whales and Sharks Come Back into Action

XRP is trading at around USD 0.4907 and has accumulated a 12.9% gain over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 6.62 billion, its market capitalization is about USD 24.34 billion, according to CoinGecko.

According to Santiment, active shark and whale addresses with 1 million to 10 million XRP have formed a hoarding pattern since late 2020.

Those active whales and sharks adding to their balances represent a healthy long-term trend for XRP, giving the price additional momentum.

The XRP/BTC price ratio reached a one-year high of 0.000025 BTC, breaking the long-term bearish trend preceding the report.

The Trend in the Price of XRP Changes to the Upside

Technical analysis indicates that the price of XRP rebounded from long-term bearish trendline resistance. Meanwhile, trading volumes and open interest in futures contracts rose considerably.

The daily relative strength index (RSI) recorded overbought values, indicating high buying pressure as the bulls dominated. Since the weekly RSI metric broke out of its descending resistance line, long-term signals also seemed bullish.

Within only 24 hours, open interest in the futures and perpetual markets rose by 65.43%. Meanwhile, there was a liquidation of USD 14.1 million worth of short XRP following the bullish price action.

The price of XRP may soon retest the USD 0.39 support in a saturated market if a short-term pullback occurs.

Investors should research ADA or any other crypto assets before buying it to know its all-time high, behavior, and possible future price. That will help them find the most convenient investment opportunity to minimize the risk of losing money.

By Alexander Salazar

A New Law Aims to Prevent Crimes Related to Money Laundering, Fraud and Cryptocurrencies in the UK

The UK authorities have seized more crypto assets amid increased regulation and shut down cryptocurrency companies, which must report sanction violations and block accounts. The new law covers much more as the EU has worked on the cryptocurrency regulation longer to focus more on consumer protection.

The UK government recently introduced a new bill to prevent money laundering and fraud while covering cryptocurrency-related aspects. The new draft law will focus on removing dirty money from the economy to combat fraud activity and money laundering.

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill aims to seize and recover cryptocurrencies used to launder the proceeds of fraud, drugs, and cybercrime. The draft law changes how to set up a company in the UK. For example, those registering a business will have to verify their identity.

Another change is that Companies House will have more powers to control the creation of companies. It will cross-check data with public and private partners while reporting suspicious activity to competent agencies.

The bill will allow law enforcement to seize, freeze and recover crypto assets in case of criminal activities. Over the years, the UK authorities have confiscated more crypto assets amid increased regulation in the territory.

The UK Authorities Plan to Control the Crypto Market

The UK government has paid further attention to cryptocurrency-related illicit activities. It has also sought to ensure that companies comply with the law strictly. Therefore, it has taken many measures against companies in the crypto space.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently warned consumers that the cryptocurrency exchange FTX had not registered with it. In that sense, the regulatory agency told users to be careful, pointing out has issued similar notices before.

Over the last few months, the authorities have shut down cryptocurrency companies, which must report sanction violations and block accounts.

The European Union Focuses on Tightening Regulations on Cryptocurrencies

The European Union (EU) has also worked hard to create a comprehensive framework to regulate the crypto market. Its MiCA law, closer to its adoption, emphasizes consumer protection and stablecoin regulation, besides covering NFTs to some extent.

Since the EU has worked on the cryptocurrency regulation bill longer, it covers much more. The region has also focused more on consumer protection, not just the crypto space.

The increasing relevance of cryptocurrencies in the economic system is evident in the decisions taken by many governments worldwide. For example, the UK authorities view those assets as a factor that contributes to illicit activities such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

However, many serious studies have determined that criminals prefer fiat currencies like the US dollar and the euro. In other words, the percentage of physical money they have used is above that of crypto assets.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin is trading at around USD 19.0967 and has accumulated a 0.6% loss over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 34.13 billion, its market capitalization is about USD 365.29 billion, according to CoinGecko.

By Alexander Salazar

Nayib Bukele Criticizes the United Nations While Talking about Bitcoin Adoption in El Salvador

Bukele said El Salvador had experienced a growing tourist influx over the last year, attributing it to his policies concerning Bitcoin. He commented the UN had not emerged to divide, destroy or subdue but to help people work together and build a better community.

The cryptocurrency community always feels attracted to the speech of Nayib Bukele due to his growing popularity. Therefore, various media outlets replicated his recent words before the United Nations (UN), the most relevant forum for Latin American countries.

It is important to remember there have been disagreements between the government of Nayib Bukele and the above international organization.

The Salvadoran president started his speech by saying he brought greetings from the land of volcanoes, surfing, Bitcoin, and Freedom.

Bukele focused his initial words on what he considers the most notorious advances for El Salvador. He highlighted that the Central American nation has gone from being one of the most dangerous to becoming one of the safest.

The president also mentioned the growing tourist influx that El Salvador has experienced over the last year. He has attributed that increase to the policies adopted by his government concerning Bitcoin.

He pointed out that he stood before the UN three years ago to say their format was obsolete. He also said that he no longer believed in it as it has proven outdated.

Bukele Says El Salvador Is the Country of Bitcoin

The crypto and international communities have felt attracted to adopting Bitcoin as a legal tender in El Salvador. It was the first country to accept that cryptocurrency and legalize its use, adopting policies to promote its acceptance among citizens.

In addition, he created a 2,300 BTC reserve for the Central American country. However, his detractors criticize him as it now represents less than 50% of the investment.

International economic organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have commented against the policies of El Salvador. Therefore, the speech of Bukele encompasses the interference of other larger countries in this area.

After referring to that assembly as useless, he said that the UN had not emerged to divide, destroy, or subdue. He highlighted that it should help people relate to work together, build a better community, and seek solutions to problems.

Bukele Talks about Whether Bitcoin Has Failed in El Salvador

The Salvadoran population has undoubtedly not welcomed the adoption of Bitcoin as expected. According to some media outlets, the remittances received by citizens through the Chivo Wallet are less than 2%.

El Salvador now faces a difficult economic situation, as it does not receive international financing while the rating of its sovereign bonds is dropping. Among the economic policies that Nayib Bukele will promote include offers to repurchase part of the public debt.

The public debt of El Salvador, which it must pay between 2023 and 2025, is around USD 1.6 billion. Meanwhile, the Salvadoran Minister of Finance clarified that they only had USD 550 million to repurchase the debt.

Amid that situation and the low prices in the crypto market, El Salvador must respond to considerable economic challenges. However, the Salvadoran president stands firm with his decision to adopt the pioneering cryptocurrency.

By Alexander Salazar

Fred Schebesta Believes that Rushing Token Mapping Might Hurt the Crypto Market

Schebesta explained that rushing the token mapping exercise might cause crypto companies to pull back, stressing that this is the time to take it slow. Meanwhile, the Treasurer of Australia said the government wanted to control the largely unregulated cryptocurrency industry and embrace new and innovative technologies.

Fred Schebesta recently referred to the prioritization of token mapping by the Australian government as excellent. However, the businessman and cryptocurrency investor warned that it might be detrimental to the economy if they rush it.

Jim Chalmers had previously stated the Treasury would prioritize token mapping work to show how to regulate cryptocurrencies and related services.

Schebesta commented that Australia already has a promising cryptocurrency industry but needs to align with other leading markets and their regulations. He also highlighted that token mapping has unclear complexities and that things are changing.

The Australian businessman and investor co-founded the Australian comparison site Finder and the fund Hive Empire Capital.

The cryptocurrency investor explained that rushing the token mapping exercise might cause crypto companies to set back, mainly if the approach differs much from other countries. He stressed that this is not the time to hurry but to take it slow and do a deeper analysis.

The Australian Treasurer Says Token Mapping Shows How to Regulate Cryptocurrencies

The Australian Labor government announced the new token mapping three months after it came into power. That way, it broke a long silence on how it would approach cryptocurrency regulation in the territory.

Meanwhile, Chalmers, the Treasurer of Australia, said the government wanted to control the largely unregulated cryptocurrency industry. He said they had to work to find a balance to embrace new and innovative technologies.

Although many representatives in the industry applauded the announcement, some were upset because the country was still behind regarding regulations.

Liam Hennessy Thinks Australia Remains Behind regarding Cryptocurrency Regulations

Liam Hennessy, an Australian lawyer and a partner at the firm Gadens, said Australia had led cryptocurrency developments. However, he fears the country is slowly falling behind the UK and the US regarding the crypto sector and financial services.

According to Hennessy, token mapping should not be the primary focus of regulators, although it is crucial. He explained that it should be secondary to creating licensing tax rules and regulations to help companies compete globally.

The lawyer is concerned that Australia might fall into the trap of thinking a little attention from the government will solve problems. He also believes the token mapping exercise is evident to some extent.

Schebesta said he spoke at a Senate hearing in 2021, highlighting that Australia would have a considerable influx of new business. He argued it is a safe, stable and highly regulated place to build a business, adding that many jobs would emerge within the next three years.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin is trading at around USD 19.0967 and has accumulated a 0.6% loss over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 34.13 billion, its market capitalization is about USD 365.29 billion, according to CoinGecko.

By Alexander Salazar

Amid Ongoing Economic Crisis, People Turn to Cryptocurrencies due to the Collapse of Lebanese Banks

While the Lebanese pound has depreciated by over 90%, the government has restricted the amount of money people can withdraw. The chaotic economic situation has caused many people to turn to Bitcoin as no third party or government can block it.

The number of bank robberies in Lebanon by armed people who demand access to their frozen savings is rising.

Lebanese banks have limited foreign exchange withdrawals since 2019, freezing the savings of millions of people. Around 80% of the population has come into poverty as the economy of the Eastern Mediterranean country continues collapsing.

Over the last few days, several middle-class Lebanese citizens conducted robberies using real and toy weapons.

According to local media, the restrictions on how much money customers can withdraw caused a person to rob a bank with a hunting rifle.

In another case, a woman broke into a bank with a toy gun, demanding USD 13,000 of her frozen savings. While people surrounded the entrance, she shouted at employees to release that amount of cash.

According to the Associated Press, a man armed with a gun kept ten (10) bank employees as hostages. He also threatened to burn himself with gasoline unless he could withdraw his money to pay the medical bills for his father.

Meanwhile, demonstrators gathered outside the bank to support the man, saying they wanted the government of the banks to fall.

Somewhere else in the country, a person entered a bank, demanding the release of his trapped savings. According to Reuters, a security source said the police caught him after stealing USD 30,000 of his money.

There is an Ongoing Economic Crises in Lebanon

The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon that started in 2019 has made robberies increasingly common. The Lebanese pound (LBP), the local fiat currency, has lost its value by over 90%. Meanwhile, the government has restricted the amount of money people can withdraw from their accounts.

According to the World Bank, Lebanon is undergoing one of the worst economic crises, with almost all citizens have come into misery.

The above are only examples of the growing number of bank attacks in Lebanon by people desperate to recover their savings. The economic crisis worsens, leading many citizens to use force to access their money.

People Turn to Cryptocurrencies due to the Collapse of Lebanese Banks

The chaotic situation in Lebanon has caused many people to turn to decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) for help. One reason is that no third party or government can block access to those assets.

Some Lebanese citizens have lost 100% of their savings because banks have blocked their deposits. Therefore, many view Bitcoin as a lifeline amid the ongoing economic crisis in the Eastern Mediterranean nation.

Meanwhile, Bitcoin is trading at around USD 19.0967 and has accumulated a 0.6% loss over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 34.13 billion, its market capitalization is about USD 365.29 billion, according to CoinGecko.

By Alexander Salazar

Flasko May Outperform Dogecoin and Polkadot before the End of 2022

The availability of many cryptocurrencies has led investors to flock to well-known projects like Dogecoin and Polkadot. However, the NFT project Flasko seems to be the only one capable of surpassing them by the end of 2022.

In contrast to other markets, cryptocurrencies see most funds coming in despite the crypto winter. While adoption and curiosity seem to grow in this niche, interest in making money also draws attention.

All over the world, investors are seeking a project that generates 10X profit or more. Since many coins are available, people have flocked to known projects like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Polkadot (DOT).

Although Dogecoin and Polkadot are proven and popular crypto assets, no one knows if they could rise significantly. Only the project Flasko (FLSK) seems poised to outperform them by the end of 2022.

Upgrades Do Not Benefit the Former King of Dog Memes

In 2021, DOGE was the dark horse of crypto assets, reaching an all-time high of 76 US cents. However, the hype for the Shiba Inu-inspired meme token dropped in May of that year.

The trend in the price of Dogecoin has hovered around USD 0.059, representing a 90% drop from the peak. According to analysts, this loss in value is due to various factors.

As with other meme coins, the price of DOGE usually moves according to media attention rather than new infrastructural developments. There is also a significant reduction in the number of holders as many whales have sold their holdings.

Although the value of Dogecoin could increase further in the coming months, a significant momentum seems unlikely.

DOGE is trading at around USD 0.059258 and has accumulated a 4.7% gain over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 320.75 million, its market capitalization is about USD 7.86 billion, according to CoinGecko.

DOT Does Not Serve Well as a VC Dump

Polkadot follows Dogecoin in the ranking of cryptocurrencies by market capitalization. The price of this interoperability pioneer rose by almost 2,500% in a year, reaching a maximum of USD 55 in November 2021.

However, DOT is down by almost 90% and is trading at USD 6.35. The fundamentals of the crypto asset are not responsible for the fall since the overall crypto market has gained momentum.

Despite its investment value, Polkadot is not very easy to understand due to the complexity of its purpose. In addition, the several existing interoperable currencies mean high competition, while DOT may eventually catch up.

DOT is trading at around USD 6.39 and has accumulated a 0.3% gain over the last 24 hours. While its daily trading volume is above USD 353.34 million, its market capitalization is about USD 7.37 billion, according to CoinGecko.

FLSK is a Crypto Project with Much Potential

Flasko is the first project of its kind to couple NFTs with the USD 13.4 trillion premium beverage investment sector. Over the last five years, the whiskey, wine and champagne industries have sprung up in unprecedented ways.

FLSK brings luxury drinks to the crypto space after having passed the audit with Solid Proof. In addition, the creators of the crypto asset have committed to maintaining its liquidity for 33 years.

Early investors in FLSK may profit from this alternative investment. The price of the token is still below 5 US cents. However, experts expect it to hit USD 1.60 by late 2022.

By Alexander Salazar