🌟 Senator Lummis Backs Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary to Promote Bitcoin Reserve

👩‍💼 U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has expressed strong support for Scott Bessent, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the next Treasury Secretary. Lummis believes that Bessent's appointment could enhance her proposed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve legislation, known as the BITCOIN Act, which aims to establish a federal bitcoin reserve to strengthen the U.S. dollar and address national debt.

💬 Lummis stated on social media,

Scott Bessent will be a champion for digital assets and a crucial ally in passing my Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

She added,

I look forward to working closely with the future Treasury Secretary to restore fiscal responsibility!

📈 The idea of a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve is gaining momentum, with states like Texas and Pennsylvania proposing legislation to create such reserves. Texas's House Bill 1598 aims to establish a bitcoin reserve funded by donations, allowing tax payments in bitcoin. Pennsylvania's proposal would permit its treasury to invest up to 10% of state funds in bitcoin. At the federal level, Trump's advocacy for a national bitcoin reserve has sparked debate among experts about its feasibility and economic implications.

🌐 Supporters highlight Bessent's openness to cryptocurrency innovation. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse remarked,

I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself but… Scott Bessent is the perfect pick by Donald Trump. He will be the most pro-innovation, pro-crypto Treasury Sec we’ve ever seen.

📊 Bessent, founder of Key Square Capital Management and former chief investment officer for George Soros, is recognized for his macroeconomic expertise and advocacy for deficit reduction and regulatory reform. His nomination has been met with optimism by financial markets and business leaders, who anticipate that his leadership could promote cryptocurrency-friendly policies and advance initiatives like Lummis’s bitcoin reserve plan.

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💰 New Accounting Standard Boosts Bitcoin Corporate Treasuries

📈 A recent accounting update is set to benefit companies looking to establish bitcoin (BTC) treasuries. The Accounting Standards Update 2023-08 (ASU 2023-08), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), now allows firms to report both price gains and losses of crypto assets, rather than just losses.

🔄 Previously, companies could only recognize crypto assets at their historical cost, which often led to inaccurate asset valuations due to the volatility of cryptocurrencies. This limitation required companies to calculate complex impairment charges.

💡 The new standard enables companies to report their crypto holdings at fair value and to include price gains as net income. This change makes crypto corporate treasuries more appealing, as only losses were previously accounted for. Michael Saylor, chairman of MicroStrategy, stated,

This upgrade to accounting standards will facilitate the adoption of BTC as a treasury reserve asset by corporations worldwide.

🚫 However, the new standard does not apply to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) or issuer-created tokens. According to Deloitte, wrapped tokens like WBTC are also excluded from this update.

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🏈 USC Linebacker Matai Tagoa’i Chooses Bitcoin for NIL Deal

💰 Matai Tagoa’i, a top college football prospect, has signed a "name, image, and likeness" (NIL) deal with the University of Southern California (USC) and will receive part of his compensation in bitcoin through the Strike app. This move comes after the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) lifted its ban on athletes monetizing their image in 2021, paving the way for lucrative NIL agreements.

“This is a game-changer for me,”

said Tagoa’i.

“By taking part of my NIL earnings in bitcoin, I’m setting myself up for long-term financial growth.”

He also expressed his desire to

“set an example for other young athletes.”

📈 Strike has previously assisted professional athletes in converting their salaries to bitcoin, including Russell Okung, a former Carolina Panthers player who converted $6.5 million of his salary in 2020. Marquel Martin, CEO of 3Point0 Labs and a key figure in Tagoa’i’s deal, emphasized the importance of financial stability for athletes. He stated,

“Too many athletes face financial challenges after their careers, and we believe bitcoin offers a pathway to long-term stability and growth.”

📉 A 2009 Sports Illustrated article highlighted the financial struggles many athletes face post-retirement, noting that 78% of former NFL players experience financial stress and 60% of former NBA players are broke within five years. Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, pointed out the diminishing value of cash due to inflation, stating,

“Inflation is eroding the value of cash, and traditional saving methods simply don’t cut it anymore. Bitcoin is the first asset built to solve this problem and protect against inflation.”

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🌀 Crypto Market Update: A Moment of Calm Amidst Uncertainty

🛑 This past Friday afternoon, the crypto markets seemed to take a breather, with traders on edge as they awaited bitcoin's next move. At that time, BTC was trading between $96,800 and $97,150 per coin, while the overall crypto economy stood at $3.34 trillion, reflecting a 2.7% decrease after a brief recovery.

🐻 Despite recent fluctuations, the crypto market appears to have stabilized for the moment. Bitcoin (BTC) and ethereum (ETH) experienced slight declines of 1.4% and 1.3% respectively, with BTC holding steady at $96,800 to $97,150 and ETH at $3,426 to $3,434. However, several altcoins suffered more significant losses, including Curve DAO (CRV) down 8%, optimism (OP) sliding 6.73%, and both cronos (CRO) and uniswap (UNI) dipping over 6%.

⚠️ Just a week prior, the Crypto Fear and Greed Index (CFGI) indicated "extreme greed". Now, while still in the "greed" zone, it has shifted to a more cautious score of 74 out of 100. Global market trading volume is approximately $345.23 billion, showing a 17.93% increase over the past day. Bitcoin maintains a 57.3% dominance in the market, with ethereum holding 12.3% of the $3.34 trillion crypto economy.

📉 Social media is buzzing with the term "crypto dump," as some users predict further price declines. However, others are optimistic about a potential BTC rebound based on historical patterns. One observer noted,

the rebound pump could be UNBELIEVABLE for altcoins

, while a few optimists see bullish signals emerging.

⚖️ The current state of the crypto market highlights its unpredictable nature during bull markets, reminiscent of patterns seen in 2021 and 2017. Traders are caught between cautious optimism and lingering apprehension. While some look to historical trends for reassurance, others recognize the possibility of unforeseen challenges ahead. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether this pause is a turning point or a precursor to further volatility.

🔍 As emotions run high and speculation intensifies, market sentiment plays a significant role alongside data. This moment underscores the delicate balance between resilience and fragility within the crypto ecosystem. Regardless of whether future movements lead to recovery or deeper corrections, one thing is certain: the crypto space is never quiet for long, keeping traders alert and investors intrigued.

🎄 El Salvador's Bitcoin Strategy: A Festive Acquisition

💰 El Salvador, the smallest country in Central America, continues to increase its Bitcoin reserves, recently adding another coin on Christmas Day. This brings its total to 5,997.77 BTC, valued at approximately $595 million.

🤝 Recently, El Salvador struck a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which urged the country to reduce its Bitcoin activities. However, Stacy Herbert, director of El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office, reassured the public via social media that

BTC purchases would proceed at an accelerated pace.

Coincidentally, on the same day Herbert made her statement, El Salvador acquired an additional 12 BTC. The following day, they added one more Bitcoin, followed by another 12 on December 21. Since then, they have been acquiring 1 BTC daily.

📈 El Salvador is one of the few countries, alongside Bhutan, that strategically uses a BTC reserve. Bhutan has been mining BTC since 2019, with its reserve contributing about one-third of its GDP. While Bhutan holds a significant amount of 11,688 BTC valued at $1.16 billion, other countries possess larger BTC reserves often obtained through criminal seizures. For instance, the U.S. government holds 198,109 BTC worth $19.68 billion, and the U.K. has about 61,245 BTC valued at just over $6 billion.

🌍 El Salvador’s commitment to digital assets signifies a departure from traditional financial practices, setting a precedent for other nations. Analysts view these actions as either strategic defiance or visionary foresight, suggesting a future where countries leverage not just currency but also their digital assets. As we approach 2025, the world will be watching closely to see whether caution or ambition prevails in El Salvador's Bitcoin journey.

🇯🇵 Japan's Bitcoin Reserve Discussions: Early Stages and Caution

🗣️ The Japanese government has stated that discussions about potentially making bitcoin (BTC) a reserve asset are still in their early stages. This makes it challenging for them to take a definitive stance on the matter. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru's administration also admitted that it lacks a comprehensive understanding of the developments occurring in the U.S. and other nations that are considering adding BTC to their reserves.

👨‍⚖️ This statement came in response to a query from Japanese Senator Hamada Satoshi. He sought clarification on BTC's status as a reserve asset and argued that Japan should not lag behind other countries exploring the possibility of including this leading cryptocurrency in their official reserves.

I believe that Japan should follow the example of the United States and other countries and consider converting part of its foreign exchange reserves into cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin

the lawmaker stated.

⚖️ The Japanese government clarified that crypto assets are not subject to foreign exchange regulations under the country's legal framework for special account operations. However, it emphasized that current foreign exchange reserves are aimed at stabilizing foreign currency-denominated assets and bond markets, prioritizing safety and liquidity in their management.

📰 According to a report by Coinpost, the Ishiba-led government remains cautious about incorporating cryptocurrencies into Japan's national reserves. This cautious approach contrasts with developments in the United States, where President-elect Trump and Republican lawmakers are advocating for a strategic bitcoin reserve. However, U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell has expressed opposition to BTC reserves, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding this issue.

📈 Will Bitcoin Price Bounce Back Stronger In The New Year After Recent Dip? 🤔

A recent Matrixport report hints at a potential Bitcoin price breakout during the New Year, citing historical trends. Can BTC bounce back stronger in 2025?

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🚀 Crypto Conundrum: Aussie Treasurer Advocates for Balance in Cryptocurrency Regulation

🎯 Chalmers Champions Crypto as a Tool for Financial Modernization
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted cryptocurrency’s potential to modernize the nation’s financial system, emphasizing the importance of balanced regulation. He acknowledged concerns about its misuse by criminals but emphasized avoiding overregulation that could stifle innovation. Donald Trump’s re-election has reportedly triggered a broader reevaluation of cryptocurrency’s global role.

📉 Divergent Views from Key Officials
Chalmers’ optimistic stance contrasts with that of Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock, who dismissed cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) as unsuitable for Australia’s economy or payment systems. Bullock asserted that digital currencies lack the stability and usability of traditional money.

Other officials share Bullock’s skepticism. ASIC Chair Joe Longo criticized BTC using the “greater fool theory”, while Future Fund CEO Raphael Arendt expressed doubts about holding BTC as a strategic reserve, calling it an asset without clear value or control.

🛡 Chalmers Calls for Balanced Consumer Protections
To address these criticisms, Chalmers proposed appropriate safeguards for consumers without stifling innovation. He stated:
“We need to make sure there are appropriate protections and guard-rails, but we need to make sure we don’t overdo that and stomp on part of the industry which, I think, will be important in the industry.”

🏛 Recognizing Crypto’s Legitimacy
Chalmers noted that Australian authorities are beginning to recognize the growing legitimacy and importance of cryptocurrency. He urged policymakers to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of the technology, warning against overemphasizing risks without acknowledging its transformative potential.

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🪙 Bitcoin's 16th Anniversary: A Reflection on Value and Trust

💭 As we celebrate Bitcoin's 16th anniversary, it's essential to recognize its unique position compared to fiat currencies. Bitcoin attempts to anchor value in cryptography, mathematics, and energy, rather than relying on the arbitrary decrees of governments.

📉 In its early years, the Bitcoin network faced skepticism, but it has now emerged as a significant player in the financial world. This shift is partly due to the decline of fiat currencies, which derive their value from government authority rather than intrinsic worth.

Fiat currency cannot be trusted because it represents the triumph of arbitrary power over rational value.

⚖️ Fiat currency is an artificial construct that can be devalued by governments at will. This system fosters irresponsibility in governments and dependency in citizens. Trusting such a system is akin to gambling with one's hard-earned wealth. In contrast, Bitcoin represents a rebellion against the moral and economic decay of fiat systems.

🔗 While not without flaws, Bitcoin aligns more closely with individual liberty and objective value than coercive currencies. Its value, like gold's, derives from its utility as recognized by rational individuals. Characteristics such as censorship resistance and scarcity enhance its value. However, Bitcoin's utility is digital, making it uniquely suited for our technological age.

⚙️ Proponents of Bitcoin argue that its value is rooted in its objective properties as a medium of exchange and store of value. Its limited supply is ensured through a cryptographic protocol, mirroring gold's scarcity. Additionally, its divisibility and portability make it convenient for a globalized digital economy.

🔄 However, Bitcoin still faces challenges, particularly in onchain scaling. While it has proven to be a secure store of wealth, its potential as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system remains unfulfilled. Addressing this issue will require thoughtful innovation within the protocol to support a global economy without sacrificing decentralization.

💡 Many Bitcoin enthusiasts believe that improving onchain functionality is crucial for enabling fast, affordable transactions worldwide. Despite recent institutional interest and endorsements from figures like Donald Trump, meeting this critical need is essential for Bitcoin to realize its foundational purpose and solidify its role in the evolution of money.

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🚀 Bitcoin Price Set to Break $100K As US Dollar Weakens Ahead of US NFP 🇺🇸

Will Bitcoin price break $100K as US dollar weakens? Find out how the Nonfarm Payrolls on January 10 affect BTC and crypto markets.

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🌍 Bhutan's GMC Adopts Bitcoin and Other Digital Assets in City's Strategic Reserves

🏦 Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) Incorporates BTC, ETH, and BNB into Strategic Reserves

Bhutan's Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC), a special administrative region, has announced the formal inclusion of Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Binance Coin (BNB) as part of its strategic reserves.

🌐 Pioneering Digital Asset Integration
- First-of-Its-Kind Initiative: GMC becomes one of the first jurisdictions to incorporate digital assets into its official strategic reserves.
- Enhanced Resilience: This decision builds on the region's existing bitcoin mining activities, bolstering its economic framework.
- Asset Selection: GMC prioritizes digital assets with high market capitalizations and liquidity, ensuring seamless trading with minimal market impact.

💬 Industry Insights
Sarah Song, Head of Business Development at BNB Chain, commented:
> "The inclusion of BNB in Bhutan’s strategic reserve validates blockchain’s macroeconomic potential and underscores growing institutional confidence in digital assets."

📜 Legal Framework for Digital Assets
- GMC Law No. 1 of 2024: Passed in December 2024, this legislation provides a regulatory foundation for financial services involving digital assets.
- Ecosystem Expansion: Aims to enhance the local digital asset ecosystem and attract businesses specializing in blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

🔍 Significance for Blockchain Adoption
The integration of BTC, ETH, and BNB highlights Bhutan's forward-thinking approach to economic strategy. By incorporating blockchain technology, GMC sets a precedent for other regions exploring digital assets as part of their financial reserves.

🚀 Looking Ahead: This initiative positions GMC as a trailblazer in leveraging digital assets for long-term economic stability and innovation.

📈 Institutional Investment Trends in Bitcoin Mining Stocks: A 2024 Overview

📊 Investor sentiment towards Bitcoin mining stocks is shifting, with institutions increasingly favoring hybrid miners involved in high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI) deals. Notable increases in institutional ownership were observed for $CORZ, $WULF, $IREN, and $HUT.

📅 This analysis, originally published on January 9, 2025, by Cindy Feng on Bitcoinminingstock, examines institutional holdings as a gauge of market confidence. Large organizations managing over $100 million in assets are required to disclose their equity holdings quarterly through SEC filings. This provides insight into their investment strategies and market sentiment.

📈 In 2024, there was a significant uptick in institutional interest in Bitcoin mining stocks, indicating the industry's growing acceptance in mainstream investment portfolios. MARA Holdings (MARA) led the sector with 678 institutional owners and $5.21 billion in institutional value, followed by Riot Platforms (RIOT) and CleanSpark (CLSK).

🔄 Core Scientific (CORZ) experienced the largest increase in institutional ownership, adding 188 new owners and $115 million. TeraWulf (WULF) also showed growth, while Irish Energy (IREN) and Hut 8 (HUT) demonstrated different trends in their increases.

🤖 These miners share a common strategy of pivoting towards AI and HPC initiatives, which has attracted institutional interest due to the promise of stable revenue streams and higher gross margins.

However, Bit Digital (BTBT) diverges from this pattern,

despite leading in AI/HPC revenue. Its smaller hash rate and market cap may explain the lower institutional interest.

📉 TeraWulf did not report HPC/AI revenue as of Q3 2024, but its long-term lease agreement with Core42 is expected to generate approximately $3.11 billion once fully executed.

🏆 Larger miners remain the preferred choice for institutions due to their established reputations and higher trading liquidity. Companies with significant institutional ownership include MARA, RIOT, CLSK, CORZ, WULF, and others. In contrast, smaller miners with market caps under $100 million typically have fewer than 50 institutional owners.

🌱 The growing institutional interest in Bitcoin mining stocks reflects a maturing market. While larger miners dominate, the increasing traction of smaller players suggests a broadening interest that could reshape the competitive landscape. As Bitcoin mining solidifies its role in the cryptocurrency ecosystem, institutional investors are likely to deepen their participation, further validating the industry's long-term potential.

💰 Scott Bessent's Bitcoin ETF Stake: Implications for U.S. Economic Policy

🧐 Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury secretary, has revealed a personal investment of between $250,001 and $500,000 in Blackrock’s bitcoin exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Ishares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT). This disclosure, part of Bessent’s confirmation process, highlights the growing integration of cryptocurrencies into traditional investment portfolios.

⚖️ If confirmed, Bessent has pledged to divest assets that could create potential conflicts of interest, including his stake in the bitcoin ETF and other holdings related to his hedge fund, Key Square Group. His portfolio, valued at a minimum of $521 million, also includes U.S. Treasury bills, Invesco funds, and currency-related investments.

⏳ The divestiture process is a federal requirement for nominees in high-ranking positions to avoid financial conflicts of interest. However, some of Bessent’s investments will take longer to divest due to withdrawal restrictions, with certain holdings not fully liquidated until September.

📊 As Treasury secretary, Bessent would oversee crucial areas of economic policy, including cryptocurrency regulation and monetary policy. His portfolio also features non-financial assets such as real estate in the Bahamas valued at over $5 million and a collection of art and antiques worth at least $1 million. Federal rules allow nominees to reinvest proceeds from divested assets into approved instruments, like Treasury bills or mutual funds, to defer capital gains taxes.

🗣 Bessent’s confirmation hearing is anticipated to scrutinize both his financial interests and his perspectives on digital assets and economic policy.

👀 Why is Bitcoin Price Down Today❓

Uncover why Bitcoin price today is down nearly 4% and also what experts are expecting from BTC in the next two weeks of January 2025.

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