Shibarium Completes Hard Fork: Enhancing Speed and Stability

Bitcoin Bottoms Out: Arthur Hayes Re-enters Market with Super Shitcoins

Dogecoin Sees Large Whale Transfers Amid Market Uncertainty

Ethereum Sees Surge in Network Expansion Amid Price Decline

Bitcoin Dominance Wavers Amid Altcoin Resurgence

<h3>Cryptoknowmics News Headlines for 3rd March 2020</h3><p>1. Ripple Releases Another 1 Billion XRP Tokens Through Escrow Wallet</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/32WqGIh">http://bit.ly/32WqGIh</a></p><p>2. Huobi Announces The Launch Of Its Public Blockchain Testnet</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly2pixhcl/">http://bit.ly2PIXHCl/</a></p><p>3. UAE Crypto Exchange Bitrump On-boards Raj Chowdhury as Executive Director</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/2IgRwkI">http://bit.ly/2IgRwkI</a></p><p>4. BIS Issues Paper On CBDCs, Tokenised Securities And P2P Payments</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/2wo9eA8">http://bit.ly/2wo9eA8</a></p><p>5. KuCoin Launches Price Protection System For Spot Trading</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/2TF6tCy">http://bit.ly/2TF6tCy</a></p><p>6. Gocrypto Announces Its Onboarding of 1,000 Merchant Locations Globally</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/2uP8L9z">http://bit.ly/2uP8L9z</a></p><p>7. &nbsp;Blockchain Voting App, Voatz Would No Longer Be Used In State's Primaries</p><p><a href="https://bitly.com/2VFq5ZJ">https://bitly.com/2VFq5ZJ</a></p><p>9.US Treasury Sanctions Chinese Officials Over the Lazarus Group Hack</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/2wo8omY">http://bit.ly/2wo8omY</a></p><p>10.National Bank of Fujairah Partners With Ripple Network</p><p><a href="http://bit.ly/38kDIjN">http://bit.ly/38kDIjN</a></p>

US Treasury Sanctions Chinese Officials Over the Lazarus Group Hack

Bitcoin has earned the reputation of being secure and truly decentralized. However, its inability to allow sufficient programmability has led to decentralized finance (DeFi) projects being built on other networks, such as Ethereum. Recent developments, such as the Taproot upgrade and layer 2 scaling solutions, have made it possible to build decentralized applications on the network.

Today, many "built on Bitcoin" DeFi protocols offer users opportunities to earn yields. Read on as we discuss Bitcoin DeFi apps, how to use them to earn yields, and the top three protocols in this space.
<h2>What Are Bitcoin DeFi Apps?</h2>
<b>Bitcoin DeFi apps are innovative applications built on Bitcoin that enable peer-to-peer financial activities on the network. </b>

Using smart contracts, Bitcoin DeFi apps run autonomously, and the transaction history is publicly available for viewing, analyzing, and auditing.

While Bitcoin's scripting language supports limited programmability, layer 2 scaling solutions can host the smart contracts needed to run the Bitcoin DeFi apps. Other blockchain networks, such as Solana and Ethereum, can host DeFi apps, but Bitcoin stands out due to its status as the most stable and secure blockchain that is truly decentralized. Protocols built on the network get to leverage these features.
<h2>How Can You Earn Yield on Bitcoin DeFi Protocols?</h2>
Bitcoin DeFi protocols offer yield-earning opportunities through lending, liquidity pools, and staking.
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Lending: </b>The protocols provide a decentralized platform for peer-to-peer lending where you lend your <a href="https://cryptoknowmics.com/news/investing-in-cryptocurrencies-a-beginners-guide" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cryptocurrency </a>directly to other users. Your yields are dependent on the risk involved.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Liquidity Pools: </b>You earn yields from providing liquidity to a pool through fees and liquidity mining rewards. Most protocols offer rewards in the form of their native token, which has governance features that allow you to participate in the decision-making process.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Staking: </b>You earn yields by locking your digital assets in a smart contract and earning rewards.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Top 3 Bitcoin DeFi Platforms That Allow You to Earn Yield</h2>
Here are some Bitcoin DeFi platforms you can leverage to earn a yield on your bitcoin.
<h3>ALEX</h3>
ALEX is a DeFi protocol built on Stacks that seeks to create a seamless Bitcoin DeFi experience by improving the user experience of navigating through Bitcoin's layer one and layer 2 solutions. The protocol has five key features:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Launchpad: </b>ALEX provides a launchpad where verified projects launch their tokens and distribute them using a lottery-based system.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Orderbook:</b> ALEX offers an off-chain order-matching engine that promises a fast experience. This solution addresses the slow process of swapping assets on existing AMMs.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Cross-chain bridge:</b> The protocol bridges the gap between Bitcoin and other blockchains by using the bridge to wrap assets from other networks and issuing their ALEX versions. A multi-sig wallet secures the original assets.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Bitcoin bridge:</b> The protocol enables Bitcoin to interact with smart contracts by bringing it into its layer 2.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Bitcoin oracle:</b> The protocol's oracle combines on and off-chain information to provide decentralized pricing indices.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Arkadiko</h3>
Built on Stacks, Arkadiko is a DeFi protocol that allows users to use their Stacks and Bitcoin holdings as collateral for loans. The protocol also allows users to repay the loans using the interest their collateralized holdings earn.

Once users lock their collateral, they can mint a stablecoin called USDA, pegged 1:1 to the dollar. The protocol has three key features:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Liquidation pool: </b>Users can deposit their USDA in a liquidation pool, earning rewards in the form of DIKO, the protocol's native token. The funds in the pool then earn rewards from staking, which are used to pay off the loan.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Arkadiko Swap: </b>This AMM serves USDA pairs, and users can stake their holdings to earn DIKO rewards.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Redemption: </b>The protocol allows users to redeem their USDA for USD, with the process requiring payment of redemption fees.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Sovryn</h3>
Built on Rootstock, Sovryn is a <a href="https://sovryn.com/all-things-sovryn/bitcoin-layer-2" target="_blank" rel="noopener">layer 2 on Bitcoin</a> that offers users a permissionless smart contract system for Bitcoin borrowing, margin trading, and lending. Rootstock has a native token called RBTC with a 1:1 peg to Bitcoin. Users lock their BTC on Rootstock and get RBTC, which they use to lend, trade, and borrow on Sovryn. The protocol’s key features include:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Decentralized trading: </b>Sovyrn users can trade a range of Bitcoin-based assets on RSK in a decentralized manner.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>DeFi staking;</b> Users can stake SOV tokens to earn staking rewards.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Zero:</b> Using Bitcoin as collateral, users can access zero-interest loans on Sovryn. Once loan processing is complete, borrowers can deposit the funds in a stability pool that earns them rewards.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Cross-chain bridge:</b> Sovryn has a bridge that allows holders of assets from networks such as Ethereum to participate in the platform's yield-earning opportunities.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Bitocracy: </b>Users who have staked their assets on Sovryn participate in the decision-making process regarding the platform's development.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
Bitcoin's security and decentralization appeal to many DeFi projects that wish to offer users the chance to earn yields from their holdings. The Bitcoin DeFi protocols on this list provide varying ways for users to put their digital assets to good use. Ensure you fully understand each project and its associated fees when choosing between them.

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></em>The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

Top 3 Bitcoin DeFi Apps That Allow You to Earn Yield

All goods and services provided to consumers by companies have a price. For example, if a supermarket sells a bottle of water, the barcode of the product is entered into the cash register, and a price is assigned to it. The same function is performed by crypto invoices in the cryptocurrency environment. The crypto invoice has:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1">An up-to-date price of the value of the product or service.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">The invoice is assigned a wallet address for making payment.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Customers can pay with specified coins or money with a conversion to the desired cryptocurrency.</li>
</ul>
The buyer or customer wants to use services or purchase goods and receives a crypto invoice. Next, the person needs to make payment on the invoice and get what they want. Upon completion of the transaction, the owner of the invoice will receive coins and a notification about the successful transaction. This streamlined process is often facilitated by a <a href="https://nowpayments.io/all-solutions/casinos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">payment solution provider for online casinos</a>, ensuring efficient and secure transactions tailored to the needs of the digital gaming industry.
<h2>The Advantages of Crypto Invoicing for Global Trade</h2>
A crypto invoice is a handy tool for large businesses, especially those that operate internationally. It has several advantages:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1">Invoice is a quick and convenient way to conduct many transactions in a day.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">The invoice provides all the necessary information about the goods or services.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Invoices facilitate good currency control.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">It helps with financial audits and accounting control.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">A crypto invoice is equal to an official document.</li>
</ul>
The crypto invoice is very important for an organization because it speeds up the processing of orders. The necessary related documentation is immediately provided and retained.
<h2>Implementing Crypto Invoicing in Your Business Operations</h2>
The process of implementing a crypto invoice is very similar to connecting a traditional payment system and even simpler. To connect a crypto invoice to a business and utilize it, the user needs to:
<ol>
 	<li aria-level="1">Find a service or service provider that specializes in crypto invoices.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Register on the chosen platform and go through the verification process.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">After authorization, go to the personal cabinet and create a crypto invoice.</li>
</ol>
Everything is done, and your business has moved to the next level! The system is ready to work and conduct transactions. After receiving an order from a client, the user needs to:
<ol>
 	<li aria-level="1">Log in to the personal cabinet of the crypto invoice service.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Select the required invoice and send it to the client.</li>
</ol>
After that, the only thing left to do is to wait for the transaction to be finalized. This will be stated in the notification.
<h2>Smart Contracts and Crypto Invoices: A Perfect Match</h2>
<img class="wp-image-254538 size-full aligncenter" src="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/smart-contracts.png" alt="smart contracts invoice" width="512" height="316" />

<a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/stellar-unveils-smart-contracts-on-mainnet-a-new-chapter-begins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Smart contracts</a> combined with crypto invoices create a wonderful environment for efficient business. It helps to avoid a number of errors, speed up financial transactions, serve a large flow of customers in the shortest possible time, and automate workflows. This combination has the following pros:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1">Smart contracts, in simple words, are the automatic fulfilment of duties. Combined with crypto invoices, it gives accuracy in price, quantity, timing of provided services and payment terms.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">No more mistakes with the wrong address or wrong amounts.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Real-time data updates. If there has been a price change, this will also be corrected in invoices automatically.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">The system checks for complete information and no blank lines.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">There is no need to check every invoice and keep track of unpaid invoices.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">The system monitors and even makes a reminder to the customer in case of need.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1">Minimal manual work, maximum automation.</li>
</ul>
Only the first setup is required for effective operation; furthermore, the system will do everything on its own. Companies that choose this duet can work more efficiently, significantly reduce errors, receive up-to-date information on the status of invoices, and reduce the burden on the employee.
<h2>Navigating the Tax Implications of Crypto Invoicing and Payments</h2>
A business that operates legally is always guided by the law and follows the rules, including tax payments. It doesn't matter if the company uses traditional currency or crypto coins in its financial turnover, if it operates within the country or exists on the international market, taxes must be paid.

Crypto invoices help companies to be open to audit, keep accurate records and be aware of all financial transactions. It also helps in generating the necessary reports that will be submitted to the regulatory authority faster. Such steps help to avoid troubles and risks related to taxes

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></em>The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

Crypto Invoicing: Transforming Business Transactions in the Digital Currency Landscape

The rise of cryptocurrencies has brought about a seismic shift in the financial landscape. These digital assets have sparked a revolution, profoundly altering traditional investment approaches and heralding a new era in financial management. A crucial catalyst for this transformation has been the advent of an <a href="https://www.longshipinvest.com/products/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AI-powered crypto portfolio</a>, an innovative development that has democratized access to the crypto market. This advancement removes the need for continual manual oversight, enabling individuals to participate in the cryptocurrency market regardless of their tech-savviness or prior trading experience.
<h2>Demystifying AI-Powered Cryptocurrency Trading</h2>
AI-powered <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/navigating-the-seas-of-cryptocurrency-trading/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cryptocurrency trading</a> tools, often dubbed as 'crypto robo-advisors', have transformed how investors engage with the crypto market. Leveraging complex algorithms, these tools make informed and efficient investment decisions. Supported by advanced technologies like data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, these algorithms can scrutinize market trends, forecast potential shifts, and execute trades accordingly. They offer constant monitoring of all digital assets, keeping investors abreast of their portfolio performance.
<h3>The Multidimensional Advantages of AI-Powered Cryptocurrency Trading Services</h3>
AI-powered cryptocurrency trading services offer a multitude of benefits catering to a diverse range of investor needs. A notable benefit is the emotional cushion they provide. By automating the trading process, these services reduce the impact of emotions like fear and greed, which often lead to hasty decisions and potential losses. Moreover, these services assure round-the-clock market monitoring, capturing trading opportunities that may surface outside conventional business hours. They also deliver comprehensive data analysis, offering insights that would be nearly impossible to manually gather. This level of accessibility and convenience has made these services increasingly favored among both novice and seasoned investors.
<h3>Navigating the Complexities of AI-Powered Cryptocurrency Trading</h3>
Despite its many advantages, AI-powered cryptocurrency trading comes with its own set of challenges. The complexity of the algorithms and the transparency of service providers can occasionally pose hurdles for investors. Selecting a trustworthy cryptocurrency trading bot from the myriad options necessitates meticulous research and a solid understanding of the platform's capabilities. Additionally, strict compliance with security protocols is crucial to safeguard investor assets and uphold confidence in the system.
<h3>Capitalizing on the Lucrative Prospects in the Digital Asset Landscape</h3>
The rapid adoption of digital assets has uncovered numerous lucrative opportunities for those contemplating AI-powered cryptocurrency trading. The substantial growth potential of cryptocurrencies, combined with the efficiency and accessibility of robo-platforms, establishes an ideal environment for portfolio diversification and the incorporation of fintech advancements.
<h3>Redefining the Future of Wealth Management through AI</h3>
The integration of AI into cryptocurrency trading signifies a significant shift in wealth management. This shift is more than just a financial decision; it's a chance to be at the vanguard of a revolution in personal economic empowerment. As we continue to embrace digital currencies and automated trading tools, we're witnessing the dawn of a new era in wealth management, where traditional barriers are being dismantled and financial inclusivity is becoming the norm.

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></em>The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

The Evolution of Cryptocurrency Trading

The crypto market is going absolutely nuts right now. 2024 has been the best year yet for cryptocurrencies and it’s only getting started. Bitcoin hitting over $73,000 is something no one could have predicted in their wildest dreams. Then we got our first <a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/eric-balchunas-foresees-expansion-of-bitcoin-etf-market/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bitcoin ETF</a> that drew billions of dollars into the space already.

We have seen such market growth a few years back, and if there’s anything we’ve learned over the years, it’s that the blockchain industry needs practical, utility-based projects to achieve lasting impact and widespread adoption.

These projects offer solutions that improve people’s lives. Not just ones that could net you a hundred times your investment like Dogecoin did for many people this week. Taking the next step into tomorrow, here are three projects fueled with utility that could take center stage in 2024.
<h2>1) Filecoin ($FIL)</h2>
Traditional cloud storage models rely on centralized servers owned by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. <a href="https://filecoin.io/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Filecoin</a> takes these models and flips them upside down, creating a decentralized peer-to-peer storage network that promises increased security and lower costs by eliminating the middleman.
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Users: </b>Pay FIL tokens to securely store their files on the network, selecting from a competitive marketplace of storage providers.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Storage Providers:</b> Earn FIL by offering reliable storage space and proving their commitment to maintaining file integrity over time.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Filecoin is a Must-Watch Utility Project</h3>
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Real-world use case: </b>The amount of data being created every day is exponential, so naturally we need new solutions for storing it all more efficiently.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Resilience &amp; Censorship Resistance:</b> With traditional cloud models prone to single points of failure (being hacked or taken offline), decentralization makes Filecoin much harder to censor or manipulate.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Economic Empowerment: </b>Anyone with unused hard drive space can become a storage provider on Filecoin and get paid in FIL tokens.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Market-Driven Pricing</b>: Competitive and transparent markets can lead to lower costs for consumers as the technology matures.</li>
</ul>
FIL, the native token of the Filecoin network, powers all transactions, serves as a reward for storage providers, and grants users governance rights in the system's evolution. As the need for reliable and affordable data storage continues to skyrocket, Filecoin stands as a pioneering solution with the potential to transform the digital landscape.
<h2>2 ) Diamante (DIAM)</h2>
<a href="https://diamcircle.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Diamante</a> is a blockchain &amp; AI ecosystem that’s rooted in reality, with practical applications across many sectors, including finance, trade, metaverse, gaming, payments and more. The DIAM token that fuels this network is an important part of the ecosystem, and it can also be used as a stand-alone asset that has lots of utility. Here are some of Diamante’s offerings:
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>PayCircle: </b>A super app  to conduct seamless transactions and make payments in Fiat, and trade cryptocurrencies, and accounting solutions—powered by the Diamante Net blockchain.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>CreditCircle: </b>Lets users secure a line of credit against their cryptocurrencies without having to sell them.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>DiamCircle: </b>A platform to build decentralized apps and digital asset management exchange solutions on its foundational network, Diamante Net.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>DIAM Wallet: </b>A wallet for managing DIAM tokens, participating in governance, and carrying out transactions securely.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Diamante Net: </b>The a layer 1, hybrid blockchain network behind all of Diamante’s products. It offers speed and scalability, while also allowing public and private elements to coexist depending on user needs.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>MudraCircle: </b>Provides central banks and regulators with comprehensive CBDC solutions around the world.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>MetaCircle: </b>Helps users create, launch, and manage products or experiences in the Metaverse (a virtual universe).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Diamante is a Must-Watch Utility Project</h3>
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Real-World Focus</b>: Diamante solves actual problems in finance, banking, and asset management (and even the Metaverse).</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Security &amp; Efficiency: </b>Built-in redundancy systems ensure smooth operation between different chains, and multi-layer authentication keeps everything safe.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Flexible Coin: </b>DIAM lets users access the Diamante ecosystem and utilize dApps, such as PayCircle, to conduct transactions or unlock credit lines through dApps like CreditCircle.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Social and Sustainability Impact: </b>Diamante aims to make finance more inclusive, and it’ll even use a portion of its transaction fees to fund green initiatives or social programs.</li>
</ul>
Diamante represents an ambitious endeavor to build a blockchain ecosystem with a strong focus on utility. With Diamante's network and applications expanding, DIAM is poised to make a big impact on the future of AI-curated rewards &amp; cashback.
<h2>3) Green Bitcoin ($GBTC)</h2>
<a href="https://greenbitcoin.xyz/en" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Green Bitcoin</a> has completely torn up the rulebook when it comes to how cryptocurrencies are supposed to work, and the result is fascinating. “Gamified Green Staking” gives users a chance to win big, and there are even opportunities for a token bonus. All you have to do is take part in an engaging prediction challenge that tests your market insight based on Bitcoin's price action.
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Gamified Staking:</b> Users stake GBTC tokens and predict what Bitcoin will do. If you’re accurate in your predictions, you could earn significant rewards.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Passive Staking:</b> It is for people who don’t want to get too involved. Green Bitcoin offers passive staking and has some impressive yields of up to 127% annually.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Why Green Bitcoin is a Must-Watch Utility Project</h3>
<ul>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Innovative Earning Model</b>: The prediction-based gamification element puts it in a class of its own when it comes to earning money within the crypto community.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Accessibility: </b>When you combine market analysis with just a pinch of intuition, anyone can play this game. It evens out the field so everyone has a chance at winning.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Flexibility: </b>Both active predictors and passive investors can find something they love about Green Bitcoin. There are rewarding mechanisms scattered throughout the ecosystem for all user types.</li>
 	<li aria-level="1"><b>Community Engagement: </b>Ongoing contests and potential for big rewards make this cryptocurrency platform particularly lively, as well as active among users.</li>
</ul>
With all of these unique features, it’s hard not to keep an eye on Green Bitcoin. As the platform continues to grow, there may be no limit on how high GBTC can go when it comes to changing how people interact with cryptocurrency.
<h2>The Future Belongs to Utility</h2>
It’s impossible to predict which projects will succeed and which will crash and burn in such an unpredictable space like cryptocurrency. However, there are three projects that stand out from the rest right now: Filecoin, DIAM, and Green Bitcoin. They might not become the next Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin, but for sure, they all offer solutions to real-world problems when it comes to data storage, transparency in transactions, easy trading, customized reward programs, and market predictions.

So who knows? Maybe one of these projects could go on to change the world.

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></em>The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.

Missed the Early Bitcoin Train? These Projects Could Be Your Next Big Win

The finical environment is on song with the recently approved Bitcoin Exchange- Traded Fund (<a href="https://www.cryptoknowmics.com/news/bitcoin-gold-rush-spot-etfs-drive-decade-long-institutional-frenzy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ETF</a>) which marks a new milestone in bridging the gap between traditional finance and cryptocurrencies. This approval provides a big step for Bitcoin and paves the way forward to investors. Analyzing the consequences of this event, one cannot but think about what effect it makes on price oscillations for Bitcoin in both short-term and long-term perspective. In the midst of this dynamic situation, Blockforia stands as a key point that serves as an accessible on-ramp for Bitcoin transactions.
<h2>Instant Feedbacks to Bitcoin’s Price</h2>
The approval of the Bitcoin ETF is expected to have an immediate positive impact on Bit coins’ market value. This decision makes Bitcoin more legitimate in the view of traditional investors and introduces a new wave of confidence into the world’s cryptocurrency market. This will lead to an increased demand in the short run, which is likely to be reflected by price hikes of Bitcoin.
<h2>Long-term Price Trajectory</h2>
Over the longer-term, absorption of Bitcoin into everyday financial instruments such as ETFs would mean value appreciation less prone to fluctuations. The approval of ETF should not be viewed as nothing but short term price spikes, it is a sign that the market dynamics are maturing and institutions regaining trust in bitcoin.
<h2>Blockforia: Facilitating Seamless Bitcoin Transactions</h2>
In this dynamic environment, Blockforia comes in handy. Being an easy to use tool that enables the safety purchase and sale of Bitcoin via debit cards, Blockforia is best suited for both expert cryptocurrency users as well as novice traders. Through simplification of the process, Blockforia will be a significant player in making Bitcoin reach the masses.
<h2>Broader Impact on the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem</h2>
The Bitcoin ETF approval is not just a financial achievement; it serves as the drum that will revolutionize cryptocurrencies’ acceptance and integration into everyday life. It is an affirmation of the technology and its ability to redefine how we perceive money in terms of thought process as well as interaction.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The approval of the Bitcoin ETF is considered to be a turning point in the history of cryptocurrency, marking a new stage – its legitimacy and prospects for development. With the market adapting to this monumental change, platforms such as <a href="https://www.blockforia.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blockforia</a> will play a key role in introduction of cryptocurrency wave II. The outlook of Bitcoin after ETF approval is optimistic, and the future looks promising for investors &amp; enthusiasts.

<em><strong>Disclaimer:</strong></em>The views and opinions expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, investment, or other advice. Investing in or trading crypto assets comes with a risk of financial loss.



Bitcoin ETF Greenlit: What's Next in Crypto?

At present, all the attention is focused on the possible approval of the first spot Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. The Securities and Exchange Commission has never permitted a spot Bitcoin exchange-traded product for listing and trading without regard to the countless applications from asset managers, yet many are convinced that approval is imminent. Ethereum's Layer-2 networks have gone unnoticed, with the spotlight solely on Bitcoin. The Total Value Locked (TVL) across all platforms has peaked second to none, hitting a record $21.16 billion on January 3. Arbitrum, which is currently shaping the future of Ethereum, has the largest market share across Layer-2 chains.

<a href="https://www.binance.com/en/price/ethereum">According to Binance</a>, TVL is a metric used to establish the U.S. dollar value of the Ethereum locked or staked via DeFi platforms or decentralized applications. The TVL is a vital sign in analyzing Layer-2 blockchains, which extend Ethereum and enhance its security. Commonly referred to as Ethereum Rollups, Layer-2 protocols use the Ethereum blockchain for network and security infrastructure yet are more flexible when it comes to scaling transaction processing and the overall throughput of the network. In the last year, Layer-2 TVL has soared 333% from approximately $4,8 billion in January 2023.
<h2>Ethereum Has the Highest TVL In the DeFi Sector, Leading Since Its Inception</h2>
Investors can ascertain the popularity and activity of a decentralized platform or application by looking at TVL. It doesn't come as a surprise to find out that Ethereum has the highest TVL in the DeFi space, having the highest market share across all blockchains. Ethereum accommodates the most significant decentralized financial projects, to say nothing of the fact that it was the first blockchain to support smart contracts. The community comprises hundreds of thousands of developers, technologists, designers, etc., who've been pivotal in establishing its leading position at TVL. At its core, Ethereum embodies the principles of collaboration, openness, and decentralization.

In DeFi, TVL indicates trust in a network, but attention must be paid to the fact that it's not the only factor with regard to determining health. It's also important to take into account the number of wallets, that is, the number of unique addresses or users actively participating in the network. More wallets denote widespread acceptance and a large user base, but it doesn't offer any clue about how much money is working in different DeFi protocols. More often than not, it's a good idea to take a close look at both metrics to gain a better understanding of a blockchain's health and performance.
<h3>The Number of Transactions on Arbitrum Is Consistently Growing, Taking A 28.7 Market Share</h3>
Arbitrum is a leading Layer-2 technology that empowers Ethereum, enabling the blockchain to scale by exchanging messages between smart contracts on the mainnet and the second layer chain. It's designed to increase throughput, lower transaction costs, and achieve compatibility with Ethereum while upholding its security standards. An all-time record for TVL was recently set for the Arbitrum platform, which reached roughly $10 billion in TVL. Arbitrum managed to surpass the Ethereum mainnet, quite rare for a Layer-2 protocol; its TVL spike translates into the fact that Ethereum is attracting a substantial inflow of investor funds. Arbitrum isn't without its challenges, having suffered a few outages, the last one in December 2023.
<h3>In The Second Place, It's The Optimism Protocol That Keeps on Rising</h3>
Optimism is a promising response to scalability challenges like high gas fees, processing transactions as call data on the mainnet. Its TVL has amounted to $6.34 billion, steadily increasing since October 2023, which indicates strong underlying demand. OP, Optimism's native token, has succeeded in <a href="http://www.quora.com/What-books-courses-would-you-recommend-for-beginners-to-understand-investing-and-financials" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">drawing the attention of investors</a>, reaching a high of $4.20 in December last year. Ethereum functions naturally on the network, just like OP, meaning that it's treated like a built-in token, not an ERC-20 token. According to AMBCrypto, Optimism's 24-hour active addresses increased to 15,700, so there's a reason to believe that enthusiasm around Optimism won't end anytime soon.
<h2>Even With the Surge in Layer-2 TVL, Ethereum Prices Continue to Be Sluggish</h2>
The TVL in Ethereum's Layer-2 protocols is the highest it's ever been on account of explosive growth from networks such as Arbitrum or Optimism. Nevertheless, Ethereum prices haven't moved too much, with the blockchain burning more than half of the coins issued since the Merge. The network is deflationary to some extent, as the circulating supply decreases as new tokens are actively burnt, yet prices remain stagnant. At the time of writing, Ethereum is trading at $2,242.52, which represents a 0.12% increase in the last 24 hours with a circulating supply of 120.19 million. If the price goes up, most likely, users will move to Ethereum and its scaling solutions.

In the previous year, Ethereum has made remarkable progress, even if it didn't radiate like some other altcoins, notably Solana and Avalanche. Self-custody wallets, whales, that is, are siting on millions of unrealized profits, and this could bring to bear massive selling pressure on the world's second-largest cryptocurrency. If the SEC approves a spot Bitcoin ETF, it could prompt an increase in cryptocurrency exposure among traditional investors, therefore leading to a surge in Ethereum prices. There's a high and positive correlation between Ethereum and Bitcoin, so the amount of risk can be diversified within the same portfolio. A delay in the SEC's decision could result in short-term bearish pressure as the market struggles to adjust.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
The growth in TVL marks a considerable stride in the evolution of Layer-2 protocols, indicating the growing importance and adoption of solutions to enhance the scalability and efficiency of blockchain networks. Arbitrum's momentum is palpable, but let's not forget about Optimism. The rest of the Layer-2 platforms are relatively modest, of which mention can be made of Metis Andromeda and Base, each with $750 million TVL. Ethereum has failed to get past the $2,430 mark, even if predictions remain mostly bullish. That said, Ethereum remains the dominant blockchain for DeFi, NFTs, and the broader Web3 ecosystem. Several blockchains have been gaining traction, such as Cardano and Solana, signaling a possible change in market dynamics.