FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s Civil Liability Released In Settlement With Investors

According to a recent Bloomberg report, a group of investors and customers of cryptocurrency exchange FTX have agreed to drop their claims against co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried. 

In exchange, Bankman-Fried has agreed to cooperate with the plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuits against other defendants related to the collapse of FTX.

Sam  Bankman-Fried And Insiders Settle

Per the report, if approved by a judge, this agreement would release Bankman-Fried from civil liability just weeks after being sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud stemming from allegations of stealing billions of dollars from FTX. 

The settlement, filed in federal court in Miami, stipulates that the plaintiffs in the multi-district litigation will resolve all current and future claims against Bankman-Fried.

Other FTX insiders, including former executives Gary Wang, Caroline Ellison, and Nishad Singh, who testified against Bankman-Fried, were also sued by investors. However, they have agreed to settle and have already started providing information to support the plaintiff’s case, as stated in the court filing. 

Notably, this leaves the high-profile celebrities, sports stars, and social media influencers who promoted FTX to investors and customers as the remaining defendants.

As part of the settlement agreement, Bankman-Fried has committed to assisting the plaintiffs’ lawyers in pursuing the remaining FTX endorsers. Additionally, he will provide all nonprivileged documents related to his assets and his investment in artificial intelligence start-up Anthropic. 

Bankman-Fried will also submit an affidavit certifying his net worth as negative and share documents about other defendants involved in the expansive civil litigation.

The list of defendants in the consolidated FTX lawsuits is extensive, with financiers and celebrity endorsers such as Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, and Gisele Bundchen accused of promoting “unregistered securities” and luring investors into a Ponzi scheme

Bankman-Fried’s agreement includes providing any relevant information about venture capital firms that invested in FTX and accountants and lawyers who worked with the exchange.

If successful, the plaintiffs could potentially win substantial amounts in damages. According to court filings, the settlements with the promoters involved in the agreement are estimated to be valued at around $1.3 million.

FTX Scandal Update

Bankman-Fried’s spokesperson, Mark Botnick, stated that his client is determined to make amends. Botnick emphasized that since the collapse of FTX, Bankman-Fried has focused solely on returning the estate’s assets to customers and ensuring they are made whole at current prices. 

Botnick expressed Bankman-Fried’s commitment to continue working with Adam Moskowitz and his team, representing the plaintiffs, to achieve this goal.

In their request for the judge’s approval of the settlement, the plaintiffs’ attorneys acknowledged the uncertainty and litigation risks associated with pursuing Bankman-Fried. They concluded that Bankman-Fried’s cooperation would be “valuable” in the remaining legal proceedings.

Bankman-Fried, who was found guilty at trial late last year and sentenced in late March, is currently in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, before being transferred to the prison where he will serve his term. He intends to appeal both his sentence and conviction.

FTX

Featured image from Reuters, chart from TradingView.com

FTX Co-Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Appeals 25-Year Conviction And Makes Unusual Request

In a dramatic turn of events, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding users.

The judgment was handed down by US District Judge Lewis Kaplan during a hearing in a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom on March 28. 

Bankman-Fried, who had publicly announced plans to appeal the conviction, has now officially filed an objection to the decision.

‘Remorse And Empathy’ For FTX Customers

During the sentencing hearing, US District Judge Lewis Kaplan leveled serious accusations against Bankman-Fried, including perjury and evasiveness during his testimony. The judge expressed disappointment in Bankman-Fried’s lack of regret for the crimes committed. 

In response, Bankman-Fried expressed remorse and empathy for the “thousands of customers” who suffered financial losses. He acknowledged his responsibility as CEO of FTX and expressed desire to repair the damage caused.

Bankman-Fried expressed frustration at the loss of what he had achieved and his limited ability to improve the situation from prison. Despite his efforts, he acknowledged the constraints that limited his ability to do more.

Sam Bankman-Fried Alleges Trial Unfairness

In a post-conviction interview, Bankman-Fried expressed concerns about the fairness of his trial, specifically targeting Sullivan & Cromwell, the law firm representing FTX’s new owners. 

The disgraced FTX co-founder accused the law firm of colluding with the prosecution and obstructing his access to key FTX documents shared with the prosecution. Bankman-Fried claimed that this had a detrimental effect on the entire trial, including media coverage and the defense’s ability to present evidence in his favor.

With the official appeal now filed, Bankman-Fried is seeking a different outcome, hoping for a reduced sentence. He emphasized the importance of introducing crucial evidence and presenting key witnesses, which he claims his defense was denied the opportunity to do during the trial.

Currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, Bankman-Fried has been particularly vocal about his desire to remain in the MDC-Brooklyn jail pending the outcome of his appeal. 

As this high-profile case unfolds, the crypto mogul’s quest for a different outcome and the damage caused by FTX’s collapse continue to captivate public attention.

Future actions by the US government in response to this appeal, as well as subsequent legal actions and filings by Bankman-Fried’s legal team, are yet to be determined. 

Sam Bankman-Fried

Presently, the native token of the exchange, FTT, is trading at $1.60. Notably, the token has experienced a noteworthy 4% price increase within the last 24 hours, distinguishing it from the overall trend of sideways price movement or declines observed across the cryptocurrency market.

However, it is important to note that the token has witnessed a decline of 32% over the past month, which has considerably diminished FTT’s year-to-date surge, currently standing at 25%.

Featured image from iStock, chart from TradingView.com 

BREAKING: Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

In a highly anticipated courtroom verdict, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding users. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan delivered the judgment during a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom hearing.

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced

Judge Kaplan sternly criticized the defense’s argument, labeling it as “misleading, logically flawed, and speculative.” As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Kaplan highlighted Bankman-Fried’s obstruction of justice and witness tampering during his defense, which were significant factors considered in the sentencing decision.

Bankman-Fried expressed remorse in a statement, acknowledging that his series of “selfish” decisions as the leader of FTX had led to the exchange’s downfall. He admitted to having “thrown it all away” and expressed regret that continues to haunt him daily.

Prosecutors had initially sought a maximum sentence of 50 years, while Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued for a maximum of 6 years. In November, Bankman-Fried was found guilty on seven criminal counts, and he has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Life Plans Shattered

Late Tuesday, prosecutors submitted documents containing testimonies from victims, shedding light on the impact of Bankman-Fried’s actions. One victim, whose name was redacted, wrote a letter dated March 15, describing the destruction of their entire life and the emotional toll it had taken on their family. 

They emphasized that they had entrusted their funds to FTX as a custodian, not consenting to the risks Bankman-Fried had taken with their money. The victim shared the suffering that had led to depression and even thoughts of suicide.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Bankman-Fried had diverted funds from FTX customers, amounting to as much as $8 billion. These funds were allegedly used to finance a wide range of external interests, including political initiatives, speculative investments, and funding the lifestyles of FTX executives.

Sam Bankman-Fried

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

BREAKING: Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison

In a highly anticipated courtroom verdict, Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of the collapsed cryptocurrency exchange FTX, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for defrauding users. US District Judge Lewis Kaplan delivered the judgment during a Lower Manhattan federal courtroom hearing.

FTX Founder Sam Bankman-Fried Sentenced

Judge Kaplan sternly criticized the defense’s argument, labeling it as “misleading, logically flawed, and speculative.” As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Kaplan highlighted Bankman-Fried’s obstruction of justice and witness tampering during his defense, which were significant factors considered in the sentencing decision.

Bankman-Fried expressed remorse in a statement, acknowledging that his series of “selfish” decisions as the leader of FTX had led to the exchange’s downfall. He admitted to having “thrown it all away” and expressed regret that continues to haunt him daily.

Prosecutors had initially sought a maximum sentence of 50 years, while Bankman-Fried’s legal team argued for a maximum of 6 years. In November, Bankman-Fried was found guilty on seven criminal counts, and he has since been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Life Plans Shattered

Late Tuesday, prosecutors submitted documents containing testimonies from victims, shedding light on the impact of Bankman-Fried’s actions. One victim, whose name was redacted, wrote a letter dated March 15, describing the destruction of their entire life and the emotional toll it had taken on their family. 

They emphasized that they had entrusted their funds to FTX as a custodian, not consenting to the risks Bankman-Fried had taken with their money. The victim shared the suffering that had led to depression and even thoughts of suicide.

During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Bankman-Fried had diverted funds from FTX customers, amounting to as much as $8 billion. These funds were allegedly used to finance a wide range of external interests, including political initiatives, speculative investments, and funding the lifestyles of FTX executives.

Sam Bankman-Fried

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

FTX And IRS Lock Horns Over $24 Billion Tax Bill, FTT’s Key Support Wavers

In a striking turn of events, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the United States has presented a staggering tax bill of $24 billion against the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX. 

FTX Challenges IRS’s $24 Billion Tax Bill

According to court filings and FTX’s response to the IRS’s claims, several key arguments challenge the basis of the tax bill. Firstly, FTX highlights that its operations spanned three years, never distributing dividends or earnings. 

Secondly, the exchange’s defense attorneys claim that the company incurred substantial losses rather than generating income that could support the IRS’s “exorbitant” tax claim. 

Thirdly, the lawyers argue that FTX is currently in liquidation and is not engaged in any ongoing business activities apart from those required for the liquidation process. 

Finally, the company emphasizes that the recovery sought by the IRS would ultimately come at the expense of FTX’s victims, as the funds would be redirected away from their rightful recipients. 

As the court hearing approaches, FTX asserts that proceeding with a court-supervised estimation process would demonstrate the company’s significant losses during its operational period, rendering the IRS’s claim “baseless.” 

FTX emphasizes that any forced payment would harm the victims of the FTX fraud, many of whom are already grappling with “profound losses.”

FTX’s administrators have managed to recover approximately $7 billion in assets, including $3.4 billion in cryptocurrencies. These figures underscore the complex financial landscape surrounding the IRS’s claim against FTX.

As the courtroom showdown ensues, the case outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of crypto taxation and the recovery prospects of FTX’s creditors. 

FTT’s Bullish Trend Holds Strong

As the cryptocurrency market experiences a significant correction following a bullish surge led by Bitcoin (BTC), FTX’s native token, FTT, has seen a decline of over 5% in the past 24 hours, adding to the company’s legal concerns.

After a three-month accumulation phase that kept FTT trading in a range between $0.9 and $1.2 from September to the beginning of November, the token witnessed an impressive surge in the last month, reaching its highest price of the year at $6.042, a level not seen since November 2022.

FTX

However, the token has retraced to its current price mark of $4.8, with the next support level at $4.45 in case of further downward movement.

On a positive note, FTT is trading above key moving averages, including the 200-day and 50-day MA, which provide support and indicate the potential for further upward price action.

Furthermore, since the beginning of November, FTT has consistently recorded higher highs and higher lows, forming an uptrend pattern. This trend has been observed three times, with the token experiencing an uptrend, followed by a pullback for a support test, and then a continuation to reach new highs.

Assuming this trend continues and the legal developments do not have a significant impact on the price of the token, FTT may be poised for a significant rise in the coming months, given the remarkable uptrend pattern seen on the daily chart.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

Disgraced FTX Co-Founder Placed On Suicide Watch In Prison, Reveals Former Inmate

Sam Bankman-Fried, the co-founder of the FTX crypto exchange, who was recently found guilty of multiple counts of criminal fraud, reportedly faced a harrowing experience while incarcerated. 

According to a former mobster turned federal informant, Gene Borrello, who shared a prison cell with Bankman-Fried, the disgraced crypto executive was placed on suicide watch and endured challenging conditions during his time at Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) while awaiting sentencing next year.

FTX Co-Founder Subjected To Extortion

The details emerged during an interview with crypto blogger Tiffany Fong, where Borrello disclosed the troubling circumstances surrounding Bankman-Fried’s imprisonment. 

The former detainee recounted how Bankman-Fried was subjected to suicide watch, extortion attempts, and even periods of self-neglect, including refusing to eat or shower for several days.

In an attempt to protect Bankman-Fried from potential harassment or extortion, authorities segregated him from gang members within the prison facility. However, despite these precautions, Borrello’s intervention reportedly foiled an extortion plot against the crypto mogul.

Borrello further revealed that he prevented the extortionists from coercing Bankman-Fried into sharing a bunk with them, placing the FTX co-founder in a solitary wing. Additionally, Bankman-Fried’s parents reportedly requested his transfer to the solitary unit to ensure his safety.

Drastic Change In Prison?

Describing the physical and emotional toll on Bankman-Fried, Borrello highlighted the crypto executive’s frail appearance, likening it to that of an elderly man. Borrello stated on the matter:

He has the body of an 80-year-old man. He has, like, no shape to him. When he talks to you, he puts his head down; he’s very timid, he talks very nervously. 

Borrello also noted Bankman-Fried’s timid demeanor, with the co-founder displaying signs of nervousness during interactions. 

In one conversation, Borrello confronted Bankman-Fried, stating that he had never been in a physical altercation before and questioned his association with gang members.

As reported by our sister site, Bitcoinist, Bankman-Fried received unique treatment in prison, where he allegedly received special privileges for sharing cryptocurrency-related information with prison guards and fellow inmates.

However, Borrello’s account offers a contrasting perspective, emphasizing the challenges and vulnerabilities the disgraced executive faced behind bars.

As Bankman-Fried’s sentencing approaches, his time in prison, including allegations of bullying and the ultimate impact on his legal proceedings, continues to draw attention. 

The revelations from Borrello’s interview provide a rare glimpse into the world of the disgraced FTX co-founder, and it remains to be seen what other revelations may be made in prison for Bankman-Fried as his sentencing trial looms in 2024.

FTX

At present, the native token of FTX, FTT, is trading at $4.0997, indicating a decrease of 2.8% in the past 24 hours. However, it is noteworthy that the token has experienced a substantial surge of 216% year to date.

Featured image from Shutterstock, a chart from TradingView.com 

Binance Compliance Officer Under Scrutiny For FTX, Gemini, And Sex Trafficker Associations

In a recent investigative report by the media outlet Unlimited Hangout, serious allegations were made against Noah Perlman, the chief compliance officer of Binance. 

The report highlights Perlman’s alleged ties to the collapse of FTX, the troubled Gemini exchange owned by the Winklevoss twins, and even convicted and deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

If the allegations made by the media outlet prove true, and Perlman is investigated by US authorities, Binance could find itself embroiled in another executive scandal following the departure of former CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ).

Associations With Epstein And Alleged Fraud 

Unlimited Hangout alleges that Perlman’s father, Itzhak Perlman, a renowned violinist, had flown on multiple occasions on a plane owned by Jeffrey Epstein. Itzhak Perlman also reportedly accompanied Epstein to Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts, where Epstein later built a lodge for him, which was later described as a “lair to target girls.” 

While Noah Perlman served as a federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice’s Special Coordinator for Crimes against Children, these family connections to Epstein raise questions about his associations.

After leaving the Department of Justice, Perlman joined Gemini, the cryptocurrency exchange owned by the Winklevoss Twins, as the chief compliance officer. Although Perlman had left Gemini months before the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the exchange, he had been allegedly “heavily involved” in Gemini’s Earn program, which became the focus of the alleged $1.1 billion fraud. 

As reported by NewsBTC, the lawsuit alleges that certain individuals knew that the program’s partner, Genesis, was financially unstable and withdrew their funds before its collapse.

Per the report, Perlman held the position of chief operating officer at the time, raising suspicions about his role in the alleged misconduct.

Troubled Bank’s Links To Binance Officer And FTX

Perlman’s involvement with Farmington State Bank, later renamed Moonstone, adds another layer of complexity to the alleged wrongdoing cited by Unlimited Hangout.

According to the report, in 2019, Perlman was listed as a director of FBH Corp., the entity that took over the rural bank. Moonstone Bank later garnered attention when Alameda Research, linked to FTX, acquired an $11.5 million stake. 

Sam Bankman-Fried, the former chief of FTX, also reportedly invested $50 million in the bank. However, Moonstone Bank faced regulatory challenges, with the Federal Reserve initiating an enforcement action against it shortly before the Bank of Eastern Oregon acquired its deposits and assets.

Overall, Perlman is at the center of serious allegations concerning his alleged connections with Jeffrey Epstein, the failed Earn program at Gemini, and Moonstone Bank. 

However, it is important to note that these allegations have not been substantiated by any investigations or official connections made by US authorities or other global agencies. 

The claims and allegations put forth by media news outlets require further response from Binance’s executives and investigation by relevant authorities.

There has been no official statement from Perlman regarding these allegations. It remains to be seen how the exchange and Perlman himself will address these claims and provide clarity on the matter.

Binance

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

From Crypto To Catch: Disgraced FTX Founder Turns To Trading Fish In Prison

According to a report by Business Insider, Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF), co-founder and former CEO of FTX, has adapted to the economic system of New York’s Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), where he is currently awaiting sentencing on multiple felony counts. 

The disgraced crypto-billionaire has reportedly been bartering, using food as currency in exchange for various services within the prison.

Former FTX CEO SBF Trades Fish For Services

Per the report, mackerel, a fish commonly referred to as “macks” among inmates, emerged as the currency of choice in federal prisons after cigarettes were banned. The fish’s popularity stems from its stability and value within the prison economy. 

Formerly incarcerated individuals like attorney Larry Levin have accepted mackerel as payment from fellow prisoners, using it to acquire services such as beard trims and shoe shines. 

The demand for mackerel became so significant that suppliers, including Global Source Marketing, witnessed increased sales, according to Business Insider.

In a prison environment where inmates lack access to traditional or digital currency, products with steady value, such as certain food items and stamps, serve as substitutes for money. 

Mackerel and other stable commodities like tuna become a means of exchange, with their value pegged to the dollar. This economic logic allows inmates to engage in various transactions while maintaining a semblance of a barter system.

The use of fish as a medium of exchange in federal prisons has been widespread since 2004, following the cigarette ban. 

Sam Bankman-Fried faces sentencing on March 28, 2024, for charges that include wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, with a potential prison term of up to 110 years. Additionally, SBF is set to stand trial for separate counts related to political bribery.

 FTT Surges with Impressive Gains

FTT, the native token of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange, has seen a remarkable surge in value in recent weeks. With substantial gains across various timeframes and an impressive market capitalization of 1.5 billion, FTT has cemented its position among the top 50 tokens in the crypto market. 

Over the past 24 hours, FTT has experienced a significant increase of 21%, showcasing the token’s upward momentum. This short-term surge is complemented by a strong performance over the past week, with a notable rise of 26%. 

FTX

However, the real standout lies in FTT’s gains over the past 14 and 30 days. Within the last two weeks, FTT has skyrocketed by an impressive 100%, while the 30-day timeframe has seen an astounding surge of 315%. 

These gains highlight the growing demand and investor interest in FTT as rumors of a possible reboot of the exchange circulate within the crypto community.

Featured image from Bloomberg, chart from TradingView.com 

FTX Ramps Up Restitution Efforts, Subpoenas AI Firm CAIS Over $6.5M Investment

Bankrupt crypto exchange FTX, led by newly appointed CEO John Ray III, has embarked on an intensive legal campaign to regain control and recover assets in its pursuit of financial restitution. 

As founder Sam Bankman-Fried awaits possible conviction and faces a staggering 114 years in prison if found guilty, FTX’s asset recovery plan continues under Ray’s leadership. 

FTX Bankruptcy Battle Escalates

In a recent filing with the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, FTX issued a subpoena to the artificial intelligence (AI) firm Center for AI Safety (CAIS), demanding accounting records and information regarding payments, agreements, and contracts related to the $6.5 million investment.

The motion, filed on behalf of the debtors who sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on November 11 and November 14, 2022, states that the Debtors are operating their businesses and managing their properties as debtors-in-possession under the Bankruptcy Code. 

It also highlights the appointment of an Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors by the US Trustee. FTX’s investigations have revealed that CAIS received transfers totaling at least $6.5 million in debtors’ funds between May and September 2022. 

As part of their ongoing efforts to understand the debtors’ financial landscape, transactions, and estate, FTX has requested CAIS to produce relevant documents and information related to payments, agreements, communications, and other pertinent details.

Debtors Seek Answers

According to the motion filed on October 25, despite the debtors’ attempts to engage in a cooperative dialogue and resolve the matter amicably, CAIS has rejected voluntary requests for accounting and failed to respond to formal correspondence. The filing reads: 

The Debtors have attempted to engage in a cooperative meet and confer process to obtain information from the CAIS voluntarily. The Debtors have so far been unsuccessful. On a phone call on August 22, 2023, counsel for CAIS expressed unwillingness to make its records related to the transfers available to the Debtors. In emails between October 2-6, 2023, Debtors requested information concerning the amount of Debtor funds CAIS has spent, the amount of Debtor funds it has retained, and its financial condition. CAIS declined to provide that information. 

The motion concludes by stating that notice of this action has been provided to relevant parties, including the US Trustee, the Committee’s counsel, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Internal Revenue Service, the US Department of Justice, the US Attorney for the District of Delaware, and CAIS itself.

FTX

FTX’s native token, FTT, is trading at $1.22, marking a return to the $1 level for the first time since November 2022. Although it has experienced a decline of over 5% in the past 24 hours, the token has exhibited noteworthy gains over the past seven days, amounting to a 17% upward trend. 

The token’s value has diminished by more than 95% when considering the one-year timeframe.

Featured image from Shutterstock, chart from TradingView.com 

BREAKING: Did Solana Miss A Golden Opportunity To Collaborate With PayPal’s PYUSD Stablecoin?

Reports indicate that PayPal’s stablecoin, PYUSD, was originally intended to be launched in collaboration with FTX on the Solana blockchain in 2022. 

However, unforeseen circumstances led to a sudden suspension of these plans. The collaboration between PayPal and FTX for the initial issuance of PYUSD on Solana was unexpectedly put on hold.

According to Colin Wu, the delay was primarily attributed to FTX’s unfortunate crash, which introduced uncertainty and prompted both parties to reevaluate their strategies. 

 Solana Failure To Secure Partnership With PayPal

Regulatory challenges arose due to the classification of main public chain tokens as securities by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), complicating the expansion of PYUSD to other Layer 1 (L1) blockchains. 

As a result, PayPal has now chosen to issue its stablecoin through the Paxos Trust Company, marking a significant shift in their original collaboration plans.

PayPal, renowned as a leading online payment platform, had diligently prepared to launch their stablecoin, PYUSD, with the assistance of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The collaboration aimed to leverage the speed and scalability of the Solana blockchain, renowned for its throughput and low transaction fees.

This partnership sought to unlock new possibilities for PayPal within the rapidly expanding realm of digital assets. Unfortunately, the collaborative efforts between PayPal and FTX were abruptly interrupted when FTX experienced a significant crash. 

This unforeseen event forced both parties to suspend their work on PYUSD issuance through the Solana blockchain. The crash created an atmosphere of uncertainty and caution, compelling PayPal and FTX to reassess their plans and explore alternative approaches. Moving forward, PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin will now be issued by the Paxos Trust Company. 

Initially available to eligible US customers, this digital asset enables seamless transfers within the PayPal platform and compatible external wallets. Additionally, users can utilize PYUSD for purchases and exchange it for other prominent cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and more.

The unexpected delay in PayPal’s collaboration with FTX on the Solana blockchain highlights the challenges and uncertainties that can arise within the evolving crypto landscape. 

Overall, FTX’s crash and regulatory obstacles prompted PayPal to reconsider their strategy, leading to a shift in their issuance partnership to the Paxos Trust Company. 

As PayPal’s PYUSD stablecoin enters the market under this revised approach, it remains to be seen how this change in strategy will impact the stablecoin’s adoption and growth trajectory.

Solana

Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView.com

Bitcoin Exchange Outflows Reach Highest Value Since FTX Crash, Bullish?

On-chain data shows Bitcoin exchanges have registered the most significant outflows since the collapse of the crypto exchange FTX back in November.

Related Reading: Bitcoin Investors Turn Greedy For First Time Since March 2022

Bitcoin Exchange Netflow Shows Deep Negative Values

As an analyst in a CryptoQuant post pointed out, around 7,000 coins have left the exchange in this latest spike. The relevant indicator here is the “all exchanges netflow,” which measures the net amount of Bitcoin exiting or entering into the wallets of all centralized exchanges. The metric’s value is calculated by taking the difference between the inflows (the coins going in) and the outflows (the coins moving out).

When the indicator has a positive value, the inflows overwhelm the outflows, and a net number of coins are deposited to exchanges. As one of the main reasons investors deposit to exchanges is for selling purposes, this trend can have bearish implications for the price of the crypto.

On the other hand, negative values imply that a net amount of supply is currently being pulled off these platforms. Generally, holders withdraw their coins from exchanges to hold onto them for extended periods in personal wallets. Thus, such metric values can signal that investors are accumulating at the moment, which may have a bullish impact on the price.

Now, here is a chart that shows the trend in the Bitcoin all exchange’s netflow over the last few months:

Bitcoin Exchange Netflow

As shown in the above graph, the Bitcoin exchange netflow recorded a deep negative spike during the past day. This outflow amounted to around 7,000 BTC, leaving the wallets of these platforms the largest value the metric has seen since the FTX crash back in November of last year.

From the chart, it’s apparent that the aftermath of FTX’s collapse saw some substantial outflow values. The reason behind that is that a known exchange like FTX going belly up instilled fear among investors and made them more aware of the risks of keeping their coins in centralized platforms.

Naturally, these holders fled exchanges in masses (causing the netflow to plunge into red values) so that they could store their Bitcoin in offsite wallets, the keys they own.

Interestingly, the latest negative netflow spike was recorded while Bitcoin has been observing a sharp rally. Usually, inflows are more commonly seen in periods like now, as investors rush to take some profits.

Thus, instead of making these large outflows, investors are showing signs that they are bullish on Bitcoin in the long term and feel that the current rally has more to offer still.

That would be only if these investors made the withdrawals with accumulation in mind. In the scenario that they transferred out these coins for selling through over-the-counter (OTC) deals instead, Bitcoin could instead feel a bearish impulse.

BTC Price

At the time of writing, Bitcoin is trading around $23,100, up 8% in the last week.

Bitcoin Price Chart

Solana Price Surge Attracts Investors, What’s Driving It?

Solana’s price has achieved an unexpected week-long rally, causing it to significantly outperform almost all other cryptocurrencies. As the price of the centralized smart contract token stabilizes, investors are showing interest in how high it can go.

In the first week of 2023, the price of Solana (SOL) soared in value, going from $9.7 to $17.50. As a result, trade volume in SOL has increased, and Wallet Investor predicts that SOL will hit new highs in 2023.

The current Solana price, as reported by CoinMarketCap, is $15.87. The value has decreased by 0.50% over the past 24 hours. There are currently 370,184,196 SOL in circulation, which gives it a market cap of $5,915,802,434 and a position in the top 12 of CoinMarketCap’s rankings.

SOL Dominates The Market

In the weeks following the FTX crash, the price of SOL had taken numerous beatings, eventually falling to single-digit values for the first time in two years. However, Solana beat the market by coming back from the dead and seeing a price hike again. 

With daily volume near its average of $6 million, the price of SOL has settled at the new rally’s top boundaries. This indication is bullish, as buying and selling have not yet grown in a bearish direction. As a result of these considerations, the next bullish goal is the $20 level, as it touched $17.50, representing a 30% increase from the current price.

The historical correlation between an overbought RSI and buyer exhaustion has led many traditional investors to view an overbought RSI as a probable sell signal. So, to get the RSI back below 69, the price of SOL may go through a correction or a sideways consolidation phase.

Messari Outlines Solana’s Growth Factors

A recent tweet from Vitalik Buterin and the enthusiasm in the protocol’s meme coin Bonk (BONK) are just two of the many variables that have contributed to the rise of SOL, according to crypto analytics service Messari. And when more individuals buy than sell, the value of digital currency increases.

Despite its rising transaction volume, SOL’s declining gas fees were cited by Messari’s senior analyst Tom Dunleavy as one of the two most likely fundamentals fueling the coin’s continuous growth.

According to the update released by Messari, the protocol no longer appears to be facing the outages it had been experiencing.

The price of Solana’s native coin dropped last year due to a couple of factors, including multiple network disruptions and the harsh crypto winter. The downtime was bad enough to get Cardano’s founder, the outspoken Charles Hoskinson, to criticize the protocol publicly.