Travala integrates hotel inventory with Skyscanner and offers
cryptocurrency payments
Travala, a crypto-native booking platform, is now available on
Skyscanner, allowing users to book over 2.2 million hotels in 230
countries using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and its AVA token
(COIN:AVAUSD). This integration marks Travala as the first
crypto-native platform on Skyscanner, competing with giants like
Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) and Booking.com (NASDAQ:BKNG). The
partnership aims to increase cryptocurrency adoption by offering
direct payments in digital assets and rewards like up to 10% back
in Bitcoin. Travala, originally on the Neo blockchain, migrated to
BNB Chain and offers Web3 travel incentives for users.
Siemens issues $331 million digital bond on private blockchain
Siemens (TG:SIE) launched a $331 million (€300 million) digital
bond, its second on the blockchain, as part of the European Central
Bank’s initiative to test private blockchains for bond settlements.
Using the SWIAT blockchain and the Bundesbank’s Trigger Solution,
the issuance involved major German banks and highlighted blockchain
efficiency. The transaction settled in minutes, a significant
improvement over the previous issuance on the Polygon
blockchain.
Bitcoin faces volatility amid interest rate cut expectations
Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) experienced a brief recovery on the
morning of September 5 but dropped 2.8% throughout the day, trading
at $56,343 at the time of writing. U.S. economic data suggests a
potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with payroll
and job openings falling below expectations.
In August, the U.S. private sector hired 99,000 workers, below
the forecast of 140,000 and the revised July figure of 111,000.
This marks the weakest growth since January 2021, with sectors like
professional services and manufacturing losing jobs.
“The U.S. private employment change, reported by ADP this
morning, came in much lower than expected. This data acts as a
“preview” for the payroll report to be released tomorrow. The
preview spooked the market today, as a similarly disappointing
payroll report tomorrow would drastically increase the risk of
recession,” commented Fernando Pereira, an analyst at Bitget.
Meanwhile, the S&P 500 dropped by 0.4%.
Traders await employment data on September 6 for further Bitcoin
direction. The 50-week moving average stands at $53,355, and a
significant rate cut could boost BTC’s price.
On September 4, Bitcoin ETFs faced continued outflows of $37.2
million, with Grayscale’s ETF (AMEX:GBTC) losing $34.2 million.
Bitwise’s ETF (AMEX:BITB) was an exception, gaining $9.5 million.
Ethereum ETFs also saw significant outflows of $37.5 million, with
Grayscale’s ETF (AMEX:ETHE) registering the largest individual
outflow of $40.6 million. Total Ethereum ETF outflows reached
$562.3 million.
Coinbase’s Bitcoin custody and centralization concerns
Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) currently holds 2,275,123 BTC,
representing about 10.83% of the total Bitcoin supply
(COIN:BTCUSD). Centralized exchanges like Coinbase hold over 1.1
million BTC, particularly through Coinbase Retail. ETFs and ETPs
manage more than 808,000 BTC. Coinbase Prime Custody safeguards
137,947 BTC. Corporations such as MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR),
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), and SpaceX collectively own over 99,000 BTC,
while miners hold approximately 17,609 BTC. This raises concerns
about centralization, as a single entity controls a significant
portion of assets, potentially undermining Bitcoin’s decentralized
principles.
Robinhood pays $3.9 million fine after California investigation
Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD) agreed to pay $3.9 million to
settle a California state investigation into improper practices
between 2018 and 2022. During that period, the company blocked
digital asset withdrawals and failed to fully disclose trade
information. The settlement requires users to withdraw assets and
be informed of security-related holds. Robinhood also faces an SEC
investigation for potential securities law violations.
Mastercard launches Bitcoin debit card in euros with Mercury
partnership
Mastercard (NYSE:MA) partnered with Mercury to launch a
euro-denominated debit card, allowing users to spend Bitcoin
(COIN:BTCUSD) and cryptocurrencies directly from non-custodial
wallets. Available to European holders, the card can be used at any
of Mastercard’s 100 million+ global merchants without
intermediaries. The card includes issuance, maintenance, and
transaction fees but gives users full control over their digital
assets.
Synthetix introduces SNAXchain in Optimism Superchain ecosystem
DeFi protocol Synthetix (COIN:SNXUSD) is launching its SNAXchain
within the Optimism Superchain infrastructure. SNAXchain will act
as a neutral hub for governance decisions as Synthetix expands into
other Layer 2 solutions and chains. Developed with Conduit and
Wormhole, SNAXchain aims to enhance interoperability and user
growth. The integration with Optimism Superchain is expected to
reduce transaction costs and support Synthetix’s new governance
phase.
Injective launches tokenized index for BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund
The Injective blockchain has introduced a tokenized index for
BlackRock’s USD Institutional Digital Liquidity (BUIDL) Fund. This
new index allows traders to access the fund through on-chain
financial instruments, tracking fund supply rather than price to
increase transparency and democratize access to tokenized
assets.
Chainlink price recovers after Sonic Labs integration
Chainlink (COIN:LINKUSD) has fallen 10% over the week but
recently regained the $10 mark after confirming the integration of
the Cross-Chain Interoperability Protocol (CCIP) with Sonic Labs.
Despite the price boost, the token may face stagnation due to a
rising Mean Dollar Investment Age (MDIA), indicating increased
dormancy of tokens, which could hinder short-term price growth.
Zest Protocol launches BTCz token with Binance Labs support
Zest Protocol, backed by Tim Draper, and Binance Labs have
launched the BTCz token, aimed at allowing Bitcoin holders to earn
staking yields via the Babylon Protocol. BTCz promises improved
capital efficiency and higher security compared to other BTC
derivatives, though the exact yield percentage has not been
disclosed. BTCz joins a growing group of Bitcoin DeFi
innovations.
Bybit launches bbSOL liquid staking token on Solana
Crypto exchange Bybit has launched bbSOL, a liquid staking token
on the Solana blockchain, allowing users to earn staking rewards
while maintaining liquidity. The exchange partnered with Sanctum,
Kamino Finance, Orca, and Solayer for this initiative. bbSOL aims
to offer broad and flexible financial opportunities for token
holders and liquidity providers, potentially following the success
of liquid staking on Ethereum, which now exceeds $39 billion in
total value locked (TVL).
BCB Group receives acquisition proposal while seeking funding
BCB Group, a payment processor connecting cryptocurrencies to
the banking system, received an acquisition proposal during its
search for a Series B funding round, according to CoinDesk. UK
crypto merger and acquisition activity has been increasing, with
recent deals involving Elwood Technologies and Zodia Markets. BCB
is not formally for sale and raised $60 million in its Series A in
January 2022.
Japanese megabanks use blockchain for instant international
transactions
Japan’s three largest banks, Mitsubishi UFJ (NYSE:MUFG), Mizuho
(NYSE:MFG), and Sumitomo Mitsui (NYSE:SMFG), are testing blockchain
for fast international transactions via the SWIFT network, using
stablecoins backed by fiat currencies. The new system aims to
reduce transaction times from days to seconds without significant
investment in new banking infrastructure. Initially focused on
corporate transactions, consumer use may expand in the future,
highlighting the growing integration of blockchain into traditional
finance.
FCA rejects 87% of UK crypto registration applications
The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) approved only 4 of 35
cryptocurrency firm applications between 2022 and 2023, with 87%
rejected or withdrawn. Among the approved firms are BNXA, Komainu,
and a PayPal UK unit. Since 2020, 44 firms have registered under
anti-money laundering regulations, though many face long wait times
and criticism of the process. New legislation is still pending.
Blockstream opens new investment round for hashrate-backed
tokenized note
Blockstream Mining is launching its third investment round for a
hashrate-backed tokenized note. This note allows investors to
receive a portion of Bitcoin generated by the company over the next
four years. Priced at $31,000 per unit, the round aims to raise $10
million. The note offers low-cost access to Bitcoin mining,
distinguishing itself with its 48-month period, unlike shorter
mining contracts on the market.
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