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Global crypto investment firm VanEck has asserted that if the government accumulates a strategic reserve of Bitcoin, it could help offset over $20 trillion in U.S. debt by 2049. In a Thursday report, VanEck detailed its projections, outlining how Bitcoin’s appreciation could significantly impact sovereign debt management. “If the U.S. government follows the Bitcoin Act’s proposed path – accumulating 1 million BTC by 2029, our analysis suggests this reserve could offset around $21 trillion of national debt by 2049. That would amount to 18% of total U.S. debt at that time.” The firm noted. Notably, with U.S. national debt currently at $36.22 trillion, VanEck’s assumptions are based on a 5% annual increase, projecting total debt to reach around $116 trillion by 2049. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 25%, potentially reaching $21 million per BTC. The firm’s latest statement builds on its December report, which predicted that a strategic Bitcoin reserve could help the U.S. reduce its national debt by 35% by 2050. At that time, the firm estimated Bitcoin could reach a price of $42.3 million by 2049, while federal obligations could grow to $119.3 trillion. VanEck has also examined potential Bitcoin acquisitions at the state level. A report earlier this month estimated that state-level Bitcoin Strategic Reserve bills could lead to purchases totaling 242,787 BTC, roughly $23.5 billion, further integrating Bitcoin into public finance. The firm further suggested that pension fund investments could increase this figure. The debate over the U.S. using Bitcoin to offset national debt gained momentum after Senator Cynthia Lummis, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, introduced the Bitcoin Act last July. The bill proposes establishing a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to strengthen the U.S. dollar. Recently, Lummis clarified the act’s intent, stating, “To be clear, the ‘strategic’ purpose of the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve is to explicitly, strategically, pay down government debt hanging over the head of every American. Put future Americans on a better footing, unencumbered by debt that they never supported or benefited from.” That said, as discussions around a Bitcoin reserve gain traction, prominent figures like Michael Saylor have voiced support, projecting its potential impact on the U.S. economy at $81 trillion. Meanwhile, former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao speculated that if a future Trump administration embraced such policies, it could trigger a “race between states in the digital gold market.”

U.S. lawmakers to introduce MEME Act banning officials from profiting off digital assets U.S. House Democrats, led by Rep. Sam Liccardo, plan to introduce the Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement (MEME) Act, prohibiting public officials and their families from issuing, endorsing or profiting from digital assets, according to Cointelegraph. Liccardo criticized Donald and Melania Trump’s memecoin ventures, calling them potential conflicts of interest. The bill, expected to be introduced on Feb. 27, aims to prevent officials from leveraging political power for financial gain

TL;DR The SEC’s February 27 meeting may address Ripple’s XRP, signaling a potential pro-crypto shift under Chairman Mark Uyeda. Unlike recent SEC agreements, the Ripple lawsuit is more complex. Experts predict a settlement, with Judge Torres overseeing compliance with a $125M fine. XRP on the Agenda The lawsuit between Ripple and the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) remains ongoing more than four years. However, multiple developments and events hint that a final resolution could be just around the corner. One example is the regulator’s Sunshine Act meeting scheduled for February 27, which will be closed to the public and will touch upon numerous matters. Some X users noted that Ripple’s native token will also be included in the discussions this time. The analyst using the moniker ALLINCRYPTO outlined that the SEC will particularly focus on Bitwise’s application to introduce a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States. It is worth mentioning that the Commission has already acknowledged the company’s filing, meaning it must officially approve or reject the product’s launch within 240 days. A potential green light would double down on the SEC’s pro-crypto approach since the departure of Gary Gensler. Recall that the former Chairman (who was known for his hostile stance toward the digital asset industry) resigned on January 20 and was succeeded by Mark Uyeda. Under the new leadership, the agency dismissed several lawsuits, including those against Coinbase and Uniswap. In addition, the case versus Binance was paused for 60 days. The XRP Army has raised hopes that the legal battle against their favorite company could be the next to reach its conclusion. Not Like the Rest It is important to note that the Ripple v. SEC lawsuit is different and far more complex than the other cases involving the Commission and crypto entities. One person giving his two cents was the popular US lawyer Jeremy Hogan: “The SEC broke up with Coinbase after a couple of dates. Ripple and the SEC live together and have a baby,” the attorney stated. Hogan believes dismissing the case against Ripple is unlikely, predicting a settlement instead. Eleanor Terrett (a journalist at Fox Business) agreed, saying that Judge Torres has already ordered a $125 million fine on the company for violating certain rules. She added that the magistrate can retain jurisdiction until August 7 “to make sure the terms of the order are met.” Recall that Ripple’s bosses were ready to pay the penalty, but the SEC appealed. The move was expected since the amount represented just a fraction of the $2 billion the watchdog initially requested. The post Is a Major Ripple v. SEC Lawsuit Development Expected This Week? Here’s Why appeared first on CryptoPotato.

The cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing significant turbulence, highlighted by a record-setting outflow from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs (exchange-traded funds). On February 25, 2025, these ETFs collectively witnessed a net outflow of approximately $937.9 million, marking the largest single-day withdrawal since their inception in January 2024. This event also extends a six-day streak of negative flows, during which over $2.4 billion has exited these investment vehicles. Breakdown of Major Outflows Fidelity’s Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust (FBTC) led the exodus, which saw an outflow of $344.7 million. BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) followed closely, with investors pulling out $164.4 million. Other notable outflows included Bitwise’s Bitcoin ETF (BITB) at $88.3 million and Grayscale’s Bitcoin Trust (GBTC) with $66.1 million in redemptions. These substantial withdrawals have raised concerns about the stability and future trajectory of Bitcoin-focused investment products. Market Factors Contributing to the Sell-Off Several macroeconomic and market-specific factors have converged to precipitate this significant sell-off: Macroeconomic Uncertainty: Recent policy announcements, particularly President Trump’s confirmation of impending tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, have heightened fears of escalating inflation and potential economic slowdown. Such uncertainties often prompt investors to retreat from riskier assets, including cryptocurrencies. Profit-Taking by Investors: Bitcoin’s impressive rally over the past year, which saw prices soar to an all-time high of $109,000 in January 2025, has led some investors to lock in profits. Analysts have observed that recent selling pressure predominantly originates from individuals who entered the market during the peak, aiming to capitalize on their gains amidst the current market volatility. Diminished Appeal of Carry Trades: The yield from cash and carry arbitrage strategies, which involve exploiting the price difference between spot and futures markets, has diminished. The annualized premium in CME Bitcoin futures has declined to 4%, making these trades less attractive, especially when compared to the 10-year U.S. Treasury note yielding 4.32%. This shift has prompted institutional investors to reassess their positions in Bitcoin ETFs. Impact on Bitcoin’s Price and Broader Market Sentiment The substantial outflows from Bitcoin ETFs have exerted downward pressure on Bitcoin’s price. As of February 26, 2025, Bitcoin is trading below the $90,000 threshold, a significant drop from its peak earlier in the year. This decline has not only affected individual investors but has also led to a broader reassessment of risk within the cryptocurrency market. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, a metric that gauges market sentiment, has shifted towards “extreme fear,” indicating heightened investor anxiety. Potential Long-Term Implications While the immediate outlook appears challenging, it’s essential to consider the potential long-term implications: Regulatory Developments: The current market volatility may accelerate efforts by regulatory bodies to establish clearer guidelines for cryptocurrency investments, potentially leading to increased institutional adoption once a more stable framework is in place. Market Maturation: Episodes of heightened volatility and significant outflows can serve as catalysts for the maturation of the cryptocurrency market, prompting the development of more robust financial products and risk management strategies. Investor Education: The recent events underscore the importance of investor education regarding the inherent risks and volatility associated with cryptocurrency investments, potentially leading to more informed and resilient market participants. Conclusion on Bitcoin ETFs The record-setting outflows from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs reflect a confluence of macroeconomic uncertainties, strategic profit-taking, and shifts in institutional investment strategies. While the immediate impact has been a notable decline in Bitcoin’s price and increased market trepidation, these events may also pave the way for a more resilient and mature cryptocurrency ecosystem in the long term. As the market continues to evolve, stakeholders must remain vigilant, adaptive, and informed to navigate the complexities of this dynamic financial landscape. Stay tuned to The BIT Journal and keep an eye on Crypto’s updates. FAQs 1. Why did Bitcoin ETFs experience a record $937M outflow? Bitcoin ETFs saw massive outflows due to macroeconomic uncertainty, investors’ profit-taking after Bitcoin’s recent rally, and a decline in the attractiveness of arbitrage strategies. 2. How has the outflow affected Bitcoin’s price? The significant withdrawal from Bitcoin ETFs has contributed to downward pressure on BTC’s price, pushing it below $90,000 and increasing market volatility. 3. Should investors be worried about the Bitcoin ETF outflows? While short-term sentiment is bearish, outflows are part of normal market cycles. Long-term investors should assess macroeconomic trends and regulatory developments before making decisions. 4. What does this mean for the future of Bitcoin ETFs? Despite the current downturn, Bitcoin ETFs remain a key investment vehicle for institutional adoption. Regulatory clarity and improved market stability could help them recover. Glossary of Key Terms Bitcoin ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund) – A financial product that allows investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly owning it, traded on traditional stock exchanges. Outflows – The movement of capital out of an investment fund, indicating investors are withdrawing their money. Profit-Taking – The act of selling assets to lock in gains after a price increase. Macroeconomic Uncertainty – Economic instability caused by factors like inflation, trade policies, or geopolitical events. Carry Trade Arbitrage – A trading strategy that exploits price differences between spot and futures markets to generate profit. Crypto Fear and Greed Index – A metric that measures investor sentiment in the cryptocurrency market, ranging from extreme fear (bearish) to extreme greed (bullish). Sources cryptobriefing.com investopedia.com coindesk.com

According to Senator Dick Durbin, crypto ATMs are increasingly being used in fraudulent schemes, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Durbin introduced the “Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act” to address this issue on February 25, 2025. The proposed legislation aims to regulate these machines by enforcing spending limits and refund policies to protect consumers. Key Developments New rules limiting purchases to $2,000 within 24 hours will restrict user-led financial losses. People wishing to withdraw $10,000 must wait more than two weeks before making their transactions. A direct communication system becomes mandatory for all users who perform transactions exceeding $500. These users also maintain the right to a full refund when they report their complaint within thirty days. According to FTC data, Durbin showed that losses due to fraudulent crypto ATMs reached $114 million in 2023. His main argument was that these scams specifically target older people because they produce severe monetary losses. According to this legislation, customers obtaining cryptocurrency transactions through crypto ATMs will automatically receive a reimbursement for their transaction fees. The proposed legislation aims to introduce national guidelines for regulating the unregulated sector of crypto ATMs to stop fraud activities. Durbin pointed out that the United States currently has more than 30,000 cryptocurrency ATMs, although several lack proper monitoring. Under the bill’s framework, precautionary measures for preventing scams and measures for accountability will be established. Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act and Its Provisions New legislation will create limitations for crypto ATM operations, aiming to prevent fraudulent activity. New account holders can only execute $2000 worth of transactions in their first 24 hours of use to prevent fast action-based money transfers. The procedure targets dubious payment coercion schemes, during which victims are pushed to transfer large amounts of money right away. The system requires users who want to withdraw over $10,000 to wait two weeks before execution to provide additional consideration time. This measure allows victims to obtain additional waiting time to spot fraudulent activity. All transaction amounts above $500 need direct communication with the sender, through which the system verifies both their authenticity and their real purpose. Customers will benefit from mandatory fee refunds when purchasing cryptocurrencies through these machines. A complete reimbursement becomes available to victims who file reports about their fraudulent transactions with law enforcement during their first thirty days. These safeguards collectively work to reduce financial risks associated with crypto ATMs. The Growing Threat of Crypto ATM Fraud Cryptocurrency ATM scam cases have increased because attackers employ coercive methods to trick their targets. Criminals impose manipulations that induce users to execute fund transfers, as reported by the FTC. Many victims, including elderly persons, fall prey to scammers who effectively deceive them into sending money under the pretense of helping law enforcement or family members. The increasing accessibility of crypto ATMs has made it easier for scammers to execute fraudulent transactions. Due to their hidden operational characteristics, the machines enable fraudsters to transfer criminal money without regulation. Disguised by digital anonymity, cybercriminals find ways to trick people while taking large, fast payments. According to regulators, the prevention of crypto ATM fraud needs to be a top priority for protecting consumer funds. The proposed legislation places needed boundaries on digital payments yet intends to preserve their operational accessibility. The proposal intends to reduce illegal actions by restricting excessive cash withdrawals and verifying protocols. Technological Solutions for Detecting Fraud Current regulatory bodies and industry specialists use modern technological solutions to recognize fraudulent activities across real-time operations. Advanced evaluation systems based on blockchain technology enable authorities to detect abnormal transaction patterns, which helps them detect fraudulent activities. Such tools deliver vital information, which helps police agencies conduct investigations of fraud instances. Machine learning algorithms analyze transaction history and identify high-risk transfers. Financial institutions and crypto ATM providers should implement these technologies to reinforce their fraud prevention methods. Real-time monitoring systems can detect scams as they happen to prevent permanent fund loss. Enhanced identity verification measures will further strengthen security at crypto ATMs. Biometric security measures with multiple verification checkpoints will increase the challenge of unauthorized financial activities. The enhancements support the bill’s objective to safeguard customers from financial mistreatment. The Role of Public Awareness in Preventing Scams The effectiveness of crypto ATM scams decreases when the public receives proper education. Most digital asset transaction victims fall prey to scams because they lack an adequate understanding of digital asset transactions. Campaigns that raise public awareness enable people to spot typical scam methods, thereby protecting them from falling prey. Regulatory authorities and advocacy groups stress the importance of offering specific educational programs for defenseless demographic groups. Workshops alongside informational platforms can deliver practical information about scams, including identification and reporting. Educating consumers about financial choices will make them capable of making good economic decisions. Preventing crypto-related fraud demands the training that law enforcement needs to address this distinctive threat. Law enforcement officers who work with digital currency transactions are in short supply because most lack the necessary training about this volatile financial system. Enhancing police training nationwide will lead to better fraud prevention strategies and response capabilities. Conclusion The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act proposes essential safeguards to regulate crypto ATM operations and reduce fraudulent transactions. By enforcing spending limits, refund policies, and verification protocols, the bill aims to enhance consumer protection. While regulatory measures are necessary, public awareness and technological advancements will also significantly prevent scams. FAQs What is the purpose of the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act? The bill aims to regulate crypto ATMs by implementing spending limits, refund policies, and verification requirements to prevent fraud. How does the bill protect consumers from scams? It enforces spending caps, mandates direct communication for large transactions, and provides refund options for victims reporting fraud. Why are seniors often targeted in crypto ATM scams? Scammers exploit seniors’ unfamiliarity with cryptocurrency and use intimidation tactics to pressure them into making fraudulent transactions. What role does technology play in preventing fraud at crypto ATMs? Blockchain analytics, machine learning, and identity verification help detect suspicious transactions and enhance security measures. How can consumers protect themselves from crypto ATM fraud? Individuals should verify transaction requests, avoid urgent payment demands, and immediately report suspected scams to law enforcement. Glossary Crypto ATM– A crypto ATM, also known as a Bitcoin ATM (BTM), is a machine that allows users to buy and sell cryptocurrencies using cash or debit cards. Fraudulent Transactions – Unauthorized or deceptive financial activities that result in financial losses for victims. Blockchain Analytics – A tool that tracks and monitors cryptocurrency transactions for suspicious activity. Identity Verification – Confirming a user’s identity to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions. Consumer Protection – Regulations designed to safeguard individuals from deceptive or unfair financial practices. Reference: X NBC News Decrypt Federal Trade Commission (FTC)